nov09.html

***** MINUTES of the Valley Radio Club Meeting November 6, 2009 *****
***** VRC CLUB CORNER *****
***** VALLEY RADIO CLUB ACTIVITIES CALENDAR *****

***** FROM THE ARRL *****
Oregon Section Club News - November 2009
Idaho School Incorporates ARISS into Curriculum
US Call Signs Not Issued by the FCC
Norwegian Amateurs Receive New Privileges
NCVEC to Release New Technician Question Pool in January
FCC Looks to Revise, Clarify Vanity Call Sign Rules
New Antennas Installed on ISS
Solar Update
W1AW 2009-2010 Operating Schedule

*****    VRC DX   *****

(Please email your news, articles, buy&sell, etc for the newsletter to ke7gbo@arrl.net)

Updated Em Comm Files

There was a minor revision to the Lane County ARES Emergency Plan and a complete rewrite of the Packet Chart. The Packet Chart was done by Max KD7GES, and many thanks for his doing that.

The new E Plan and the new Packet Chart are on the LCSARO website for download, and should be on the Valley Radio Club website shortly.

73, Mark N7MQ

Mark Perrin N7MQ     n7mq@comcast.net
Lane Emergency Coordinator    ARES/RACES

Airmail Class Report

On November 14, there was a packet class on using Airmail for Emergency Communication applications. There were two presenters, three tutors and 15 students. Three were from counties other than Lane; the others were local Em Comm volunteers. The class ran from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and covered a wide range of topics, from installing Airmail, to Telnet set up, to VHF Packet set, how to create and post messages, sending messages over the internet by Telnet connections into the Winlink 2000 system, sending messages over the internet by posting them to RMS Packet stations, digipeating through other stations and packet Nodes, and an introduction to peer to peer messaging.

The class was well received by the attendees, and the class will be held again early next year. There are also plans for an additional Airmail class on more advanced topics. Those interested should stay tuned for future announcements on the next Airmail classes.

73, Mark N7MQ

Mark Perrin N7MQ     n7mq@comcast.net
Lane Emergency Coordinator    ARES/RACES

The Box

Back a decade ago when I lived in Eugene I often used a Bend repeater we called "The Box". Does anyone know if it still goes by that name and if it does what VHF frequency is it on? What mountain top are we talking about?

I'd like to include it in a search and rescue tale I'm weaving.

Thanks and 73 de Scott/n7net     n7net@yahoo.com
McKinney, Texas

Great Fireball

A remarkable midnight fireball that "turned night into day" over parts of the western United States last night was not a Leonid. Infrasound measurements suggest a sporadic asteroid not associated with the Leonid debris stream. The space rock exploded in the atmosphere with an energy equivalent to 0.5 - 1 kilotons of TNT. Approximately 6 hours later, observers in Utah and Colorado witnessed a twisting iridescent-blue cloud in the dawn sky. Debris from the fireball should have dissipated by that time, but the cloud remains unexplained; we cannot yet rule out a connection to the fireball event. Stay tuned for further analysis.

I'm in need of at least one receiver for a railroad related hobby project. Receive frequency is 952.09375, no transmit capability is required.

If you have an old Maxtrac with a blown transmitter laying around, that can receive that frequency, I could put it to good use.

Other radios that I know will work, although they are much less common, are the GE MDS-1000u, MDS-2310A and MDS-9600. Basically anything that can receive that band and that can put out Baseband Audio via a discriminator tap (which we can add to most radios if they don't already have one).

I'm currently using an old scanner but would like to put in a dedicated receiver that will do a better job. There are a few other folks in the state that could use receivers also, so if you have some to sell or donate, please let me know. A lot of us seem to be hams also....must be that radio thing....

You can learn more about ATCS at this website: http://www.atcsmon.com/

Thanks!

73......Ron Cluster......AC7TK rcluster@comcast.net

Wanted: 2m Antenna

I'm looking for a Ringo Ranger or an outside ground plane type antenna for 2 meters.

73,

Tom KE7GBO ke7gbo@arrl.net

Looking For New Valley Voice Newsletter Volunteer Editor

I am looking for someone to take over editing this Newsletter. I've enjoyed producing the Valley Voice for the Club since October 2006 but between the economy (I'm self-employed in video/DVD production and duplication) and my commitments as a ten-year member of the board of directors of two local nonprofit groups, it's a time crunch. I've just gotten my General license and I'd like some time to explore the world on new frequencies.

All you need is a basic text editing program on your computer, email access, and you're on to the fun of bringing the Club's members and prospective members news and updates like the ones you see in this edition.

It's a great project for a retired ham or a new member with a few computer skills. Please call or email me anytime.

73,

VALLEY RADIO CLUB
November 6, 2009

MINUTES

I. President Riley, W7RIL, called the meeting to order at 1907 hours.

   The attendance sheet was circulated. Members in attendance introduced themselves by name and call. Hard copies of recent newsletter were offered. Membership applications were offered.

       The meeting was carried live via streaming video. Forty-one members attended in person, and three checked in on-line.

II. Current Business

       A. Tom, KE7GBO, has resumed editing the newsletter, as Jeff, KE7OUR, has had work overload. Thanks, Jeff, for your efforts. Tom is looking for a volunteer to replace him as newsletter editor.

        B. John at K7JU @ arrl.net maintains the Club roster. His hard drive crashed and he in is the process of replacing data entered during Nov, Dec 08 and Jan, Feb 09. Members who joined during that period should check the roster to make sure their information is correct. On-going, updated information (new address/phone/email/call sign, etc) should be sent to John, K7JU.

      C. Matt, W7ARD, absent, so no Tech Class report

        D. The next DX SIG group meeting will be November 18, 2009 (a week early to accommodate Thanksgiving) at Countryside Pizza, 645 River Road, Eugene, 6:00 - 8:30 pm.. Contact Ron, WJ7R, for program information.

        E. Mindy, K7MCB, and Tonya, KE7PGS, were absent, but Riley, W7RIL, informed the group that they are working on a jacket order. Look at the catalog at the officers' table at every VRC meeting, or go to Image Sense, 1800 Prairie Rd, Eugene, to check out styles and sizes, BUT PLACE YOUR ORDER through Mindy and Tonya for club credit.

F. Mark, N7MQ, made the following report:
There are changes in the frequencies used for the ER plan for Lane County. Go to LSARO or VRC websites for new frequency chart.

        There will be an EmCom I class in February 2010. Contact Mark if you are interested in taking the class.

        There will also be an EmCom II class, TBA.
      The Internet Packet class scheduled for November 14, 2009 is full, with a waiting list. Another class will be scheduled in February 2010.

       The October SET on Saturday, October 17, 2009, was successfully conducted. Lane County's activity ranked first in the state. We had 36 hams putting in 144 volunteer hours. There were 13 sites activated, both VHS and simplex. Hams sent and received 135 simplex tactical messages and 192 digital tactical messages.

        G. President Riley, W7RIL, reported on Swap-tober Fest.

I. Club members voted to have another Raffle, and it was agreed that the new Raffle would be for a $500 gift certificate. As there is over $1,000 at present in the Raffle Fund, the Club decided to begin the Raffle immediately at the break. Raffle tickets are $5.00 each.

J. Mike, W7CN, announced that there will be a Search and Rescue (SAR) class starting February 1 through April 11, 2010. There is a $20.00 fee for the class which is refundable if you complete the class.

     K. Thanks were expressed to John, K7JU, for setting up the antenna at the Wildish Sand & Gravel site where the Boy Scouts recently held the biggest Council ever hosted by the BSA. There were 1400 scouts and leaders.

L. Nancy, KF7BAZ, reported that she had recently visited India and while there, met a ham from Australia who was eager to contact hams in the US. See Nancy for the Aussie's call.
III. Program

Dale, W7LK, and Mike, KC7ZFP, made a power point presentation on the VRC website, billed as a "quick tour of the website" showing members how to navigate around the site and take advantage of all it has to offer. Dale credited Mike with the creative graphics. The two have been working steadily on the site for about 10 months.

IV. Routine Business

     A. There were no minutes from the October 2, 2009 meeting as secretary Sylvia, KE7SLT, was absent.

      B. Treasurer Al, K3DUW, reported as follows:

        C. Trustees Report. Larry, WJ7S, was absent. Riley, W7RIL,reported that the shack is in good condition and clean.
      D. VE Report. The test session on October 7, 2009 produced 4 Technicians, 1 General and 2 Extras. The next test session is November 11, 2009.

E. Al, K3DUW, conducted new membership readings:

        First Reading for:      Perry McGill, Technician, KF7EFP

Doffy Carter, Technician, KE7ZLP

The meeting was adjourned at 2032 hours.

Respectfully submitted,

Sylvia, KE7SLT
Secretary

***** VRC CLUB CORNER *****

ARRL MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS: The Club can receive money when you renew your ARRL membership. VRC gets $15 or each new ARRL membership for members of ARRL affiliated clubs and $2 for each ARRL membership renewal. For the details contact VRC Treasurer, Al K3DUW.

CLUB BADGES: You too can get a name badge with the VRC logo. And when ordering that, get one of the great Club patches as well. Check with Prez Riley at the next meeting and get the details on how to order yours - show and wear the club badge and the club patch.

CLUB HATS: Club hats with names and call signs are good to have and wear at the various public service events where club members provide radio support. To get the hats, go to "J & S Embroidery" and ask about "ham radio hats". They are custom made and available for about $13.00. J & S Embroidery is located at 1406 Carter Lane in Springfield. The phone number is: 741-1394.

***** VALLEY RADIO CLUB ACTIVITIES CALENDAR *****

6 Meter SIG: Informal net held at 7:30 p. m. local time Tuesdays on 50.125 USB, run by Larry and Marv. For more, contact Larry WJ7S [wj7s@yahoo.com] or Marv W7AE [marv.w7ae@gmail.com].

VE Sessions: second Wednesday each month at Red Cross bldg - contact Riley W7RIL for info and registration. His number is 345-2407, or w7ril@arrl.net.

Em Comm Testing: contact Riley W7RIL well in advance of the regular VE sessions and he will arrange for Em Comm testing on ARRL Em Comm certification categories.

DX and Contest Sig: now meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month [except November and December to adjust for holidays] at Countryside Pizza & Grill, 645 River Road. The meetings will start at 6 p.m. to order any snacks or food, and then there is a program with a video, followed by discussions of current DX and contesting matters.

Em Comm Classes: For the next emergency communication classes, based upon Em Comm I or Em Comm II certification by ARRL please contact Mark N7MQ at n7mq@arrl.net.

Packet Information Group (P.I.G.): Meetings are generally on the 3rd Saturdays of the month from 7:00 to 9:00pm at the Red Cross building located at 862 Bethel Drive, in Eugene. If you have any questions, please send them to KC7QAG@aol.com. See you all there! KC7QAG / Elmer McClellan

Valley Voice newsletter articles/announcements/etc.: Please email your info to Tom Cleveland KE7GBO at ke7gbo@arrl.net. The newsletter is usually sent out the weekend before the monthly meeting and all material received in time will be included.

***** FROM THE ARRL ****

Oregon Section Club News - November 2009

The Oregon Coast Amateur Radio Group (OCRG) has a new weather site on Megler Mountain (1170 Feet AMSL) near Astoria. The web address to see this is: www.ocrg.org/telementery_feed/ocrgwx.html

Another new addition is a beach front weather station on the beach at Pacific City. The station is 35 feet about sea level on the the sand dunes with no obstructions . 100% of the funding for this came from ham radio operators.

OCRG now has 13 weather and APRS sites in three counties with another in the planning stage. The web cams at Mt. Hebo, Lincoln City, and Cape Meares can be seen at www.ocrg.org/camerapages/cameras.html

The Tillamook Emergency Amateur Radio Service (TEARS) radio club meeting will be on Thursday November 12 at 7 PM at the 911 Center, 2311 3rd St in Tillamook. Tyree Wilde, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, will be the guest speaker. There will also be volunteer weather spotter training by NOAA at the Netarts Fire Station on Tuesday November 17, 7PM to 8:30 PM for more information go to www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/skytraining.php

The Southern Oregon Amateur Radio Club (SOARC) will have one more VE exam in 2009 on Nov 20, 6:30 PM at the Fruitdale Grange on the Rogue River Highway.

If your club has information to share with the Oregon Section, please send the information to me at: n7pat@arrl.net.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

73,
Pat Roberson, N7PAT
Assistant Oregon Section Manager, Administrative
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ARRL Oregon Section
Section Manager: Bonnie M. Altus, AB7ZQ
ab7zq@arrl.org
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Idaho School Incorporates ARISS into Curriculum

Three students at Garfield Elementary School in Boise, Idaho play "Where's the Remote?" in preparation for a QSO with the International Space Station.

With more than 500 Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contacts conducted, thousands of students have experienced intriguing science and technology lessons -- plus the thrill of speaking with an astronaut who was on the International Space Station (ISS). According to ARRL ARISS Program Manager Rosalie White, K1STO, each school uses the ARISS events in different ways. >From school to school, ARISS volunteers see a great range in the types of activities around the event, including integrating the activities into each grade level's curriculum. The lesson in common to all schools includes discussions on what Amateur Radio is, what ARISS is and how the worldwide ARISS Team works together. Click <http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/11/05/11185/?nc=1>here to read about how one elementary school in Idaho integrated Amateur Radio, space -- and more -- into their curriculum.

US Call Signs Not Issued by the FCC

The Amateur Radio station at Gitmo. [Photo courtesy of Chuck Harding, N8CH/KG4NW]

If you're an American ham, chances are that your call sign was issued by the Federal Communications Commission. A "no brainer," right? Well, if you're an American ham who happens to be stationed at Guantanamo Bay or at one of the US bases in the Antarctic, your call sign is not issued by the FCC -- it's issued by the base commander. Guantanamo Bay (or Gitmo as it's commonly called) uses the KG4 prefix, followed by a two-letter suffix; this block is reserved exclusively for American hams at Gitmo. As for Antarctica, the Antarctic Treaty, signed on December 1, 1959 (and entered into force on June 23, 1961), established the legal framework for the management of Antarctica, including allocation of amateur call signs; the National Science Foundation received their block on July 1, 1959. US military hams in Japan and Korea are also issued special call signs:

KA2AA-KA9ZZ -- reserved for US Army-authorized amateur stations in Japan.
<http://antarcticsun.usap.gov/features/contentHandler.cfm?id=1701>KC4AAA-KC4AAF -- reserved for the National Science Foundation's use at the South Pole.

KC4USA-KC4USZ -- reserved for US Navy-authorized amateur stations at their Antarctic bases.
<http://members.visi.net/%7Everb/index.html>KG4AA-KG4ZZ -- reserved for US Navy-authorized amateur stations at Guantanamo Bay).

KL9KAA -- KL9KHZ -- reserved for assignment to US personnel stationed in Korea.
The 40 call signs having the first two letters AF, KF, NF or WF and the letters "EMA" following a numeral are available to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The FCC once issued call signs to hams who lived in the Caroline Islands and the Marshall Islands. Even though these entities -- former United Nations Trust Territories -- now have their own sovereignty (and DXCC prefixes), the FCC will not issue call signs in the following blocks:

KC6AA-KC6ZZ -- KC6 was two DXCC entities: The Eastern Caroline Islands and the Western Caroline Islands. The Eastern Carolines became the Federated States of Micronesia (V6) and the Western Carolines became the Republic of Palau (T8).

KX6AA-KX6ZZ -- the former Marshall Islands, now the Republic of the Marshall Islands (V73).

You can find out more on the FCC's Web site. Now you know!
<http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=call_signs_3&id=amateur&page=1#2&ref=>

Norwegian Amateurs Receive New Privileges

On November 6, radio amateurs in Norway were <http://www.lovdata.no/ltavd1/filer/sf-20091105-1340.html>granted privileges on three new bands, as well as primary status on the extended 40 meter band and a frequency extension on 12 meters. According to IARU Vice President Ole Garpestad, LA2RR, Norwegian amateurs received new secondary user privileges on 60 meters (5.260-5.410 MHz), the 600 meter band (493-510 kHz) and in five blocks in the 4 meter (70 MHz) band. Amateur Radio operators in Norway will also enjoy upgraded privileges on 40 meters, moving from secondary to primary users between 7.100-7.200 MHz and 1000 W output. They have also received a new secondary allocation from 24.740-24.890 MHz in the 12 meter band, expanding upon Norway's existing primary allocation of 24.890-24.990 MHz. Garpestad said that "minor adjustments" were also made in the SHF (3-30 GHz) and EHF (30-300 GHz) portions of the band. "Congratulations to our Norwegian colleagues," said ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Sumner, K1ZZ. "The new domestic allocations in Norway are consistent with the present and future spectrum requirements for the Amateur Service as determined by the IARU Administrative Council. We hope that other administrations will consider taking similar steps."

NCVEC to Release New Technician Question Pool in January

The Question Pool Committee (QPC) of the National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC) is due to release the new Technician class (Element 2) question pool to the 14 VECs on December 1, 2009; it will be released to the public in January 2010. Each question pool for the three Amateur Radio license classes -- Technician, General and Amateur Extra -- is reviewed on a four-year rotation. This new Technician class pool will become effective on July 1, 2010. Read more <http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/11/19/11203/?nc=1>here.

According to the FCC, almost 80,000 licensees have replaced their sequentially issued Amateur Radio call signs with a vanity call sign since the program began in 1996. When the program began, the Commission established what they called "the broad outlines" of the vanity call sign system, concluding that call signs generally should not be available for reassignment for two years following the death of a licensee, or expiration or termination of the license for that call sign. In doing so, the Commission made exceptions for former holders of the call sign, close relatives of a deceased former holder and club stations of which a deceased former holder was a member.

The Commission did not, however, specify all of the procedures governing the vanity call sign system, but indicated that the procedures "would be set out in the Public Notices announcing 'starting gates' for the groups receiving initial priority and that the procedures would be adjusted from gate to gate as experience dictated." The procedures announced in the Public Notices announcing the gates are still in effect, but they are not set forth in the Commission's Rules. The NPRM states that the FCC "now believe[s] that certain provisions should be codified in our rules, and others added, so that the vanity call sign system will be fair, equitable and transparent to all amateur service licensees. The Commission also decided in the Vanity Report and Order [issued in 1996] to resume issuing new club station licenses. We believe that certain rule changes to the club station licensing rules may be appropriate."

The comment period for WT Docket No. 09-209 will extend for 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register. Historically, items appear in the Federal Register approximately 7-10 days after they appear on the FCC Web site. Reply comments can be made up to 75 days after publication in the Federal Register. Read more <http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/11/25/11220/?nc=1>here.

New Antennas Installed on ISS

On Saturday, November 21, astronauts Mike Foreman and Randy Bresnik completed the second EVA (extra-vehicular activity) -- NASA's term for a spacewalk -- of their mission. While on the 6 hour, 8 minute EVA, Foreman installed the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (<http://www.rac.ca/ariss/oindex.htm>ARISS) antennas for 2 meters and 70 cm on the Columbus module. NASA ISS Ham Radio Project Engineer Kenneth Ransom, N5VHO, told the ARRL that this new antenna -- along with another VHF antenna -- was developed by ARISS in cooperation with the European Space Agency (<http://www.esa.int/esaCP/index.html>ESA) to support an experiment involving the maritime Automatic Identification System (<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_Identification_System>AIS). "Both antennas were installed on the Earth-facing starboard edge of the Columbus module," he explained. "The AIS antenna is forward and the ARISS antenna is aft. The ARISS team is planning to migrate some stowed Amateur Radio gear to take advantage of the new antenna." Frequencies available for transmission to and from Columbus will be 2 meters, 70 centimeters and 13 cm. To start, two radios for 2 meters and 70 cm that don't see much use on the ISS will be moved and installed in Columbus . The space shuttle Discovery is expected to return to Earth on Friday, November 27 and will bring Nicole Stott, KE5GJN, back from her stay on the ISS.

SOLAR UPDATE

Tad "<http://englishhistory.net/keats/poetry/woman.htmlhttp:/englishhistory.net/keats/poetry/woman.html>That its mild light creates to heal again" Cook, K7RA, reports: This edition of the Solar Update will be brief. Since ARRL Headquarters is closed on Thanksgiving Day and the day after, I hope to have another bulletin out Monday morning to catch up with the sunspot, solar flux and geomagnetic data information. In <http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/11/20/11208/?nc=1>last Friday's Solar Update, we reported sunspot numbers for November 12-18 as 11, 0, 0, 11, 12, 0 and 29. Since then, from November 19-24, they were 30, 31, 14, 13, 0 and 0 -- definitely nice conditions for the ARRL SSB Sweepstakes last weekend. This weekend, November 28-29, is the CQ Worldwide CW DX Contest. Although recent activity seems a good trend, we have no indications when sunspots will return. Look for more information in the Solar Update, available on the ARRL Web site on Monday, November 30. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the <http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html>ARRL Technical Information Service Propagation page. This week's "Tad Cookism" brought to you by John Keats' <http://englishhistory.net/keats/poetry/woman.html>Woman! When I Behold Thee Flippant, Vain...