Posted: June 15, 2017

 

ARRL NC Section Newsletter

May 2017

 

Greetings from Karl W4CHX, your ARRL NC Section Manager!

 

REMINDER!  ARRL FIELD DAY SITE LOCATOR IS LIVE FOR 2017, PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS AVAILABLE (6/24-25) – ARRL Field Day is June 24-25.  The Field Day site locator is now up and running, and, to date, around 400 sites already are in the database.  To find a Field Day site near you, type in your town and state in the “Location or Call Sign” box at the upper left.  Listings also are available by state or Canadian province. To add a site, visit the Add Field Day Station page.  The 2017 Field Day public service announcements (PSAs) for event publicity are now available in audio or video formats.  For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-field-day-site-locator-is-live-for-2017-public-service-announcements-available  (source: ARRL website)

 

FIFTH ANNUAL EXPERIMENTAL MF/LF OUTREACH AND DEMONSTRATION SET FOR FIELD DAY WEEKEND (6/24-25) – Again this year, several radio amateurs who also hold FCC Part 5 Experimental licenses for 630 and 2,200 meters will transmit Field Day greetings throughout Field Day weekend, June 24-25.  For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/fifth-annual-experimental-mf-lf-outreach-and-demonstration-set-for-field-day-weekend  (source: ARRL website)

 

SPACECRAFT PROBE TO LISTEN FOR ARRL FIELD DAY SIGNALS (6/24-25) – The Enhanced Polar Outflow Probe (e-POP) onboard the Canadian CAScade Smallsat and Ionospheric Polar Explorer (CASSIOPE) satellite will again support Amateur Radio citizen science by listening for signals during ARRL Field Day, June 24-25.  For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/spacecraft-probe-to-listen-for-arrl-field-day-signals  (source: ARRL website)

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCOUTS DURING ARRL FIELD DAY (6/24-25) – The following information (edited) was received from Dave Price, K4KDP:  “Visiting an ARRL Field Day event is an excellent opportunity for Boy Scouts to complete all or parts of the Radio Merit Badge.  Mr. Jim Wilson, K5ND is the Boy Scout national contact for amateur radio.  Mr. Jim has an excellent website, https://www.k2bsa.net/radio-merit-badge-2/, that includes a lot of helpful information on working with the Boy Scouts and amateur radio.  The website has the following link, http://sback.org/RadioMB/201720Merit20Workbook.pdf, that has the Radio Merit requirements when visiting an Amateur Radio station.  …  You may find it helpful to have a copy of the requirements at your Field Day event in the event some Boy Scouts visit.  The Scout may also be interested in completing requirement 7a of the Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge, ie, participating with a Scouting unit or community agency in a real or practice emergency service project.  If so, from a safe distance, show the Scout your emergency power supply then let them participate in a QSO explaining the radio/antenna and that you are transmitting without commercial power.  Scouting is a good way to introduce our hobby to future amateur radio operators.  Ask their Scout Leader to verify completion of any requirements so the Scout can receive proper credit.  The Girl Scouts have an excellent Radio and Wireless Technology Patch that they can earn.  More information is available at http://www.arrl.org/amateur-radio-and-scouting.  Finally, always ensure you have two adults present when working with the Scouts per Scouting policy.  Thank you for sharing our hobby with future radio operators.”  Thanks to Dave Price, K4KDP, ARRL NC Section Youth Coordinator – Scouting, for providing this information!  (source: K4KDP)

 

REMINDER!  REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR USA ARDF CHAMPIONSHIPS (7/31 to 8/6) – Registration is now under way for the 2017 USA and International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 2 championships of Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF), which will take place August 3-6 near Harrison, Ohio, northwest of Cincinnati near the Indiana state line.  Three optional training days are planned for Monday through Wednesday, July 31-August 2 near Harrison, just prior to the championships.  If you have never experienced a full ARDF course, this is your chance to do so in a friendly environment.  Your only opponent will be the clock.  For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/registration-now-open-for-usa-ardf-championships  (source: ARRL website)

 

W4DXCC DX AND CONTEST CONVENTION REGISTRATION NOW OPEN (9/22-23) – Registration now is open for the 2017 W4DXCC DX and Contest Convention, the Southeast’s largest and most popular DX and contesting event, September 22-23, at the MainStay Suites in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  The convention will feature presenters speaking on DX and contesting, equipment manufacturers – on hand to demonstrate new products and answer questions face to face, and a banquet. This year’s event will continue the Ham Radio Bootcamp to mentor newcomers and experienced hams alike on station and antenna construction, operating, digital modes, DXing, and contesting.  The convention website has full details. – Thanks to Dave Anderson, K4SV.  For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/w4dxcc-dx-and-contest-convention-registration-now-open  (source: K4SV, ARRL website)

 

2017 ARRL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS ANNOUNCED – The ARRL Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2017 scholarship awards. There were 88 awards this year, totaling $120,650.  The following individuals from North Carolina received scholarships: Garner Fleming, KK4CLY of Mebane and Zachary M. Thompson, KM4BLG of Asheville were awarded The ARRL Foundation General Fund Scholarship, $2,000 each; and, Jonathan Z. Kayne, KM4CFT of Candler was awarded The Bill Salerno, W2ONV, and Ann Salerno Memorial Scholarship, $1,000.  Congratulations to these deserving amateur radio operators!  For further information, including the full list of scholarship recipients, see http://www.arrl.org/news/2017-arrl-foundation-scholarship-awards-announced  (source: ARRL website)

 

“FREQUENCY,” “LAST MAN STANDING’ TV SHOWS QRT – For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/frequency-last-man-standing-tv-shows-qrt  (source: ARRL website)

 

MIDWAY AND KURE ISLANDS REINSTATED AS DXCC ENTITIES – For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/midway-and-kure-islands-reinstated-as-dxcc-entities  (source: ARRL website)

 

UPDATED ARRL “US AMATEUR RADIO BANDS” CHARTS NOW AVAILABLE – ARRL has revised and updated its “US Amateur Radio Bands” charts, and these now are available for download. These are PDF documents, available in color or grayscale presentations.  The revised charts reflect the new 630- and 2,200-meter bands, but also emphasize that these bands are not yet available for Amateur Radio use.  The effective date of the recent FCC Report and Order granting these allocations has not yet been determined, and until the start date has been set, it is not legal under an Amateur Radio license to transmit on either band.  For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/updated-arrl-us-amateur-radio-bands-charts-now-available  (source: ARRL website)

 

QB-50 CONSTELLATION SATELLITES DEPLOYED FROM ISS – More than 2 dozen QB50 constellation CubeSats have been deployed from the International Space Station (ISS), including three carrying Amateur Radio transponders. Built by student groups from 23 countries, the string-of-pearls QB50 constellation aims to study the lower thermosphere 200-380 kilometers above Earth.  For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/qb-50-constellation-satellites-deployed-from-iss  (source: ARRL website)

 

FCC AND OSHA RELEASE COMMUNICATIONS TOWER BEST PRACTICES GUIDE – The FCC and OSHA have announced the release of a free publication, Communications Tower Best Practices Guide.  While aimed more at those who tend commercial communication towers, the guide offers guidance applicable to the Amateur Radio community and contractors working on Amateur Radio antenna support structures.  For futher information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-and-osha-release-communications-tower-best-practices-guide  (source: ARRL website)

 

BUILDOUT OF NATIONWIDE FIRST RESPONDER BROADBAND NETWORK COULD DRIVE ARES CHANGES – The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) – a nationwide wireless broadband network for first responders – could change the complexion of how the Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) functions to support communication for responders during disasters and emergencies.  As an independent authority within the US Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA), FirstNet’s mission is to build out, deploy, and operate an interoperable nationwide broadband network dedicated to first responders.  For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/buildout-of-nationwide-first-responder-broadband-network-could-drive-ares-changes  (sources: KI1U, N4RH, ARRL website)

 

OUR SUN’S 11-YEAR MAGNETIC CYCLE DESTINED TO DISAPPEAR – The Sun’s 11-year magnetic cycle appears to be ending, but that won’t happen anytime soon.  For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/our-sun-s-11-year-magnetic-cycle-destined-to-disappear (source: ARRL website)

 

HAMVENTION IMPROVEMENTS ALREADY IN THE WORKS FOR 2018! – Even before Hamvention® 2017 had wound down at its new Xenia, Ohio, location, plans were on the drawing board to enhance next year’s show.  For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/hamvention-improvements-already-in-the-works-for-2018  (source: ARRL website)

 

CHINA LAUNCHES SATELLITES CARRYING AMATEUR RADIO TRANSPONDERS – China's CAMSAT has announced that two Amateur Radio payloads piggybacked on the optical remote-sensing microsatellites OVS-1A and OVS-1B were launched on June 15 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.  For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/china-launches-satellites-carrying-amateur-radio-transponders  (sources: Alan Kung BA1DU/CAMSAT, ARRL website)

 

FEDERAL REGISTER PUBLISHES NEW MF/LF RULES, BUT OPERATION IS NOT YET LEGAL – The FCC Report and Order (R&O) spelling out operational rules to allow secondary Amateur Radio access to 630 meters and 2,200 meters now has appeared in the Federal Register, but radio amateurs still may not access the new bands.  For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/federal-register-publishes-new-mf-lf-rules-but-operation-is-not-yet-legal  (source: ARRL website)

 

HAMVENTION REPORTS SECOND-LARGEST ATTENDANCE EVER FOR 2017 SHOW – The tally is in, and Hamvention® 2017, at its new venue in Xenia, Ohio, attracted 29,296 attendees, official spokesperson Mike Kalter, W8CI, told ARRL. That is the second-largest reported attendance in the history of the event.  For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/hamvention-reports-second-largest-attendance-ever-for-2017-show  (source: ARRL website)

 

LICENSE CLASSES –

Gastonia (NC): Technician license class, June 17, 2017, sponsored by Greater Gaston Amateur Radio Society, contact Tony Jones, N4ATJ by phone at (704) 827-2138 or by email at N4ATJ at bellsouth dot net for further information.

Gastonia (NC): General license class, June 17, 2017, sponsored by Greater Gaston Amateur Radio Society, contact Tony Jones, N4ATJ by phone at (704) 827-2138 or by email at N4ATJ at bellsouth dot net for further information.

Boone (NC): Technician license class, July 15-23, 2017, sponsored by Watauga Amateur Radio Club, contact Marvin Hoffman WA4NC by phone at (828) 355-9766 or by email at mkhoffman2006 at yahoo dot com for further information.

Raleigh (NC): General license class, July 15-August 5, 2017, sponsored by Raleigh Amateur Radio Society, contact Carl Davis by email at w8wz at aol dot com for further information.

To find upcoming classes, go to www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-class  Please note that a license class sponsored by your club or organization will not be listed on the ARRL website unless you register your class.  ARRL Registered Instructors may list upcoming classes on the ARRL website.  For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/License-instructor-registration  Also, please let me know if your club is sponsoring a license class.  Thanks!  (source: ARRL website) 

 

MEDIA HITS AND REPORTS – The following media hits and reports are included in this month’s newsletter:

On George Poteat, NC0G and amateur radio, see http://www.gastongazette.com/entertainment/20170512/club-profile-george-poteat-amateur-radio-society  (source: Google search)

 

On the Lenoir Amateur Radio Club and Field Day, see http://caldwelljournal.com/amateur-radio-holds-public-demo-of-emergency-communications-june-24-25/  (source: ARRL website)

 

On the Watauga Amateur Radio Club and Field Day, see https://www.hcpress.com/email-announcements/todays-email-announcements-452.html  (source: Google search)

 

The following report (edited) was received from Dave Price, K4KDP:  “Boy Scout Radio Merit Badge earned by 41 Scouts.  …  On May 13^th, a morning and afternoon Radio Merit badge class were held at Wayne Community College in Goldsboro.  Forty-one Boy Scouts completed and earned their Radio Merit badge.  Support for the class included Ray KD4FV, Pete WA5T, Bob WD4FIX, and Jordan KC9PXM.  An emergency medical technician, who was also a Boy Scout, explained emergency radio.  Hams in Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Florida provided remote communications on the amateur radio bands.  Some of the new additions to the Radio Merit badge seemed interesting to the Scouts.  Wi-Fi radio, directional antennas, and fox hunting were some that the topics the Scouts enjoy talking about.  For a break, we would walk out to my truck to show them the Icom 706 hidden near the seat and the remote radio head at the bottom of the dash.  At one point, nine scouts crowded into the truck to watch the display and then all yelled “HEY” to one of their radio contacts.  The class was a lot of fun to teach and the Scouts were thankful for opportunity to learn about radio.”  Thanks to all Hams that contributed to this outstanding educational event for Scouts; and, thanks to Dave Price, K4KDP, ARRL NC Section Youth Coordinator – Scouting, for providing this report!  (source: K4KDP)

 

The following report (edited) was received from Janice Hopkins, KJ4JPE:  “…  John [Hopkins, KJ4EJH] and I attended the monthly Crystal Coast Disaster Coalition meeting on May 3, 2017. This is a group that reaches Carteret, Jones, Craven and Pamlico Counties, as well as MCAS Cherry Point.  You can see with the May 2017 Minutes that Ham Radio was represented again.  [The minutes could not be included in this report]  Six hams attended the meeting.  Members of CCDC were invited to any or all of the local Field Day locations.  …”  Thanks to all Hams attending the Crystal Coast Disaster Coalition meeting; and, thanks to Janice Hopkins, KJ4JPE, an ARRL-trained Public Information Officer, for providing this report!  (source: KJ4JPE)

 

The following report (edited) was received from Janice Hopkins, KJ4JPE:  “Pamlico Amateur Radio Society held Technician course for 15 members of Pamlico High School AP Physics class and their teacher.  …  For the last several months, Bill Michne WM3X worked with 15 members of Kara Walton's AP Physics class.  They all passed their Technician license, along with Kara KN4DET.  He also stimulated their minds with tracking the satellites and making several contacts.  The students were given 2 meter HT’s and made contacts from the school site with club members on two different repeaters.  I enjoyed being among their first contacts along with Jim AI4WL, Mike K4NLC, and Bill KR4LO.  We all had a great time!  Thanks go out to Kara Walton KN4DET teacher/new technician for her photos.  [The outstanding photos could not be included in this report].”  Congratulations to the new Hams; thanks to all Hams that contributed to the success of this great educational initiative; and, thanks to Janice Hopkins, KJ4JPE, an ARRL-trained Public Information Officer, for providing this report!  (source: KJ4JPE)

 

The following report (edited) from Allan Pellnat, KX2H was forwarded by Bill Morine, N2COP:  “Thanks to the 7 members and 5 guests for 571 QSOs in two days aboard BB55.  This past weekend, in case you were unaware, was the annual Museum Ships Weekend special event on our amateur bands.  Our club [Azalea Coast Amateur Radio Club] has made a regular effort to put the Showboat [USS North Carolina BB-55] on the air using her modified original Navy callsign of NIBK as Amateur Radio Station NI4BK.  After a traditional breakfast at the K&W on Oleander Dr, seven of your fellow Wilmington hams plus one guest from Raleigh proceeded to the ship and operated mostly SSB and some CW on the 40 and 20 meter bands, on both Saturday and Sunday.  We were joined by four more visiting guest OPs, including a mother and son combination who enjoyed their first-ever HF operation.  I checked the logs that were submitted to LOTW yesterday and confirmed that we did a total of 571 Qs.  Here are the participants: Linwood Todd NT4F, Norman Clemmons KI4YSY, Larry Nutt N4NXX, Rick Thornton K1IZ, Jeff Wingfield KI4JDE, Jack Jacobs WD4OID, Allan Pellnat KX2H, Carl Davis W8NZ – Guest, Jerry Hudson N2PSA – Guest, Keith Abbey KM4NBO – Guest, Kathleen Abbey KM4CSF – Guest, and Sterling Hudson N4WKG – Guest.  Please give each and every one of these fine OPs a pat on the back at our next regular monthly meeting on June 20th.  Typed on a full sized QWERTY keyboard and sent via Land Line DSL connection: Allan Pellnat KX2H.”  Thanks to all participants that contributed to the success of this special event station; and, thanks to Allan Pellnat, KX2H and Bill Morine, N2COP, ARRL Roanoke Division Vice Director, for providing this report!  (sources: KX2H, N2COP)

 

NTS SECTION TRAFFIC REPORT FOR APRIL 2017 –

QNI (total check-ins): 1,736; Total messages passed: 617.

Station Activity Reports (SARs), total number: K4IWW 248, KW4EMG 234, WB4ZIQ 204, WC9CW 185, KB4RGC 182, KC4PGN 171, AA3N 116, W4DNA 101, WK4WC 99, W4EAT 72, KJ4JPE 48, W4EDN 38, W4TTO 33, KE4AHC 32, W3HL 21, KN4AAG 6.

Public Service Honor Roll (PSHR), total number: KW4EMG 405, WB4ZIQ 170, WC9CW 170, W4DNA 160, KJ4JPE 150, K4IWW 130, KB4RGC 130, WK4WC 120, W4TTO 98, AA3N 95, KE4AHC 92.

Thanks to all stations for participating in NC Section traffic activities; and, to Dave Roy, W4DNA, Section Traffic Manager, for providing this information!  (source: W4DNA)

 

SILENT KEYS – With deep regret, the passing of the following amateur radio operators is reported: James Colon ("Jim") Ashworth, W4ANH (SK) of McAdenville; Daniel Harry Baumgarten, W4MGZ (SK) of Wilmington; Jeffrey Nash Davies, KI4HQR (SK) of Leland; James Robert ("Jim") Miller, K4SQR (SK) of Charlotte; and, John Sims (“Jack”) Townsend, W4RIZ (SK) of Wilson.  Please note: it is not possible to post information about an amateur radio operator that has become a Silent Key without confirmation via a copy of an obituary or death certificate.

 

SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS –

August 3-6: 20th Anniversary Catawba Valley Hamfest, 2300Z-2100Z, W4R, Morganton, NC. Catawba Valley Hamfest Association. 28.400 14.250 7.200 3.840. QSL. Tom Land, 4515 Diamond St, Hudson, NC 28638. Some CW in the Novice/Tech portions of each band. Possibly some digital and SSTV too. May operate on VHF frequencies also, CW and Voice. www.cvhamfest.com

Special Event Station listings in the NC Section newsletter are based on what appears on the ARRL website, see http://www.arrl.org/special-event-stations  Please consider listing your Special Event Station at least 60 days before the event, see http://www.arrl.org/special-events-application  Also, please let me know if your club is sponsoring a Special Event Station.  Thanks!  (source: ARRL website)

 

UPCOMING HAMFESTS AND CONVENTIONS –

July 8: Firecracker Hamfest, Rowan Amateur Radio Society, Salisbury, NC, http://www.rowanars.org/firecracker-hamfest/

July 15: Mid-Summer SWAPFEST, Cary Amateur Radio Club, Cary, NC, http://www.qsl.net/n4nc/

July 29: WCARS Hamfest 2017, Western Carolina Amateur Radio Society, Waynesville, NC, http://wcars.org/

August 5: 20th Annual Catawba Valley Hamfest, McDowell Amateur Radio Association, Morganton, NC, http://www.cvhamfest.com

August 12: 19^th Annual Cape Fear Amateur Radio Society Swapfest, Cape Fear Amateur Radio Society, Fayetteville, NC, http://www.cfarsnc.org

September 1-3: 61^st Annual Shelby Hamfest/ARRL North Carolina State Convention, Shelby Amateur Radio Club, Shelby, NC, http://www.shelbyhamfest.org

It is not too early to apply for ARRL-affiliation of your club’s upcoming hamfest!  For more information, see http://www.arrl.org/arrl-sanctioned-events (source: ARRL website)

 

QUA* – Please accept my apology for the delay in sending out this Newsletter.  Please note that the June 2017 edition of the NC Section Newsletter will be distributed after July 4, 2017. 

 

On Saturday, May 13^th, I woke up early, drove to the coast, and attended the Saturday morning meeting of the Hampstead Hams.  I always enjoy interacting with this club – they are friendly, motivated, and full of energy!

 

On Wednesday, May 17^th, I drove to Dayton, OH to attend Contest University (5/18) and Hamvention (5/19-21).   Contest University was excellent and informative, as always.  I enjoyed working in the ARRL booth during Hamvention.  It was great to see so many colleagues from NC during Hamvention.  On Saturday, I spent time with Rob K8RAF and Lloyd WB8YKH from Grand Rapids, MI.  We were classmates in high school many years ago.  More recently, we have been getting together at Hamvention, which has been a lot of fun! 

 

The new venue for Hamvention – the Greene County Fairgrounds in Xenia – is going to work well for future events.  Many features of past Hamventions were present, including the great selection of vendors, the flea market, and the crowds.  Rain conspired to make the flea market muddy and hampered some car movement in the on-site parking lot.  Traffic congestion was a feature of the first day, but seemed to be solved on Days 2 and 3.  Otherwise, everything was great, just a bit different.  I am looking forward to future Hamventions in Xenia.  BTW, if you have not attended Hamvention, please put that event on your “bucket list” – it’s pretty special!

 

On Saturday, May 27^th, I attended DurHamFest, which was sponsored by the Durham FM Association.  Although this is the second year at their new location, it was my first visit to this site.  The new venue is great!  As always, I enjoy DurHamFest.  Thanks to the Durham FM Association for making me feel welcome!

 

This year, I will be visiting ARRL Field Day sites sponsored by clubs in western NC.  I am looking forward to seeing everyone and looking at the beautiful scenery.  I am not so sure, however, that I am looking forward to the long drive!  Although I have not finalized my itinerary, I am planning on arriving in the Winston-Salem area bright and early Saturday morning and traveling westward thereafter.  I do not know if I will be able to travel as far west as Cherokee County, because there are other clubs in western NC that I did not visit in 2014 and I would like to “fit them in” this year.  If only I could be in two places at once!

 

Please don’t forget to incorporate a safety plan for your participants and visitors during the Field Day activities.  Please remember that safety plans need to focus on the Field Day site, as well as any safety concerns associated with driving to and from the site, especially during the late evening and early morning hours. 

 

In closing, here is a comment about listing Field Day sites, which I received from Bill Morine, N2COP:  “…  Dr. Jim [Boehner, N2ZZ, Roanoke Division Director] and I would appreciate if you could please encourage … clubs to list their FD locations on the ARRL website at http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator.  From our experience, the listings are most helpful for inactive or new Hams looking for Elmering or getting involved in Ham Radio again.  …”  Thanks to Bill Morine, N2COP, ARRL Roanoke Division Vice Director, for providing this reminder! 

 

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or want to provide input on our Section.  I can be reached via email at w4chx@arrl.org or via cell phone.  As always, thank you for sending your emails, photos, and club newsletters – they keep me informed about your activities and programs!  Thanks for everything you are doing for amateur radio and your community.  73, Karl Bowman, W4CHX, ARRL North Carolina Section Manager, (919) 669-6068 (cell)

 

*QUA is an international Q signal (prosign) meaning, “Have you news of _____?”  In the absence of a question mark, QUA means, “I have news of ____.”