News last updated: Sat, 7 Feb 2012

Welcome to the San Joaquin Valley Section.

Section Manager (SM) Dan Pruitt AE6SX

Assistant Section Managers (ASM) John Lee K6YK and Bob Hervatine N2NS

Affiliated Club Coordinator (ACC) Charles McConnell W6DPD

Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) Edward Hanna KF6FIR

Official Observer Coordinator (OOC) Victor Magana N1VM,

Section Traffic Manager (STM) Fred Silveira K6RAU,

Public Information Coordinator (PIC) Craig Carter K6QI

Technical Coordinator (TC) Dave Smith W6TE.

The San Joaquin Valley Section includes 12 counties in the central valley of California, Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Calaveras, San Joaquin, and Mono.

Thanks for visiting this page.

When your affiliated club elects officers for the next year, be sure to update your club’s information on the affiliated club area of the ARRL web page. If your club fails to update the information for 2 years, your club will be placed in the inactive file. ARRL HQ and the Director use this information on these reports to send information to your club. If the information is not up to date, your club will miss out.  Please notify your Section Manager of your club's election results, ae6sx@arrl.org and the Affiliated Club Coordinator, w6dpd@arrl.org.

 

As space allows I will enjoy relaying any events or occurrences that illustrates Amateur Radio as a hobby and public asset. It need not be a newsletter, if you think it important, it probably should be here.

 You should also send your newsletter to the Affiliated Club Coordinator (w6dpd@arrl.org) and the Director (w6rgg@arrl.org) vice director (k6jat@arrl.org) and to ARRL HQ (clubs@arrl.org).

   

 Mark your Calendars: 2012 Southwestern Division Convention February 17 – 18 2012. Look for more information at www.yumahamfest.org.  Santa Clara Valley Section Convention (RADIOFEST) 3 March 2012, will be held in Del Rey Oaks, CA. See www.radiofest.org/  The M2INC Annual Open House is set for March 17, 2012. Check m2inc.com for information. The International DX Convention is April 20-22, 2012 at Visalia. Check www.dxconvention.org for information.  The Turlock ARC Spring Auction is tentatively set for April 21, 2012, location to be determined. Check www.w6bxn.org for updates.  EMCOMMWEST 2012 will be May 4-6, 2012, at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno NV. Check www.emcommwest.org for information. The QCWA National Convention is September 24 to 27, 2012, in Reno. Check www.qcwa.org for information. The ARRL National Convention and ARRL EXPO will be held at Pacificon in Santa Clara in October of 2012.

 

Need to take an Amateur exam? Are you having an exam? Check the ARRL web page, www.arrl.org/arrlvec/examsearch.phtml for exam information. You can also search for Amateur Radio Classes in your area and register your exam.  Instructors can also register classes there.

 Card Checking in the Section: You can get cards checked for awards within the section. W6XK, K6ZZ, and W6DPD can check your cards for DXCC in accordance with the rules for field checking. DXCC card checkers may now check cards dated from Nov. 15, 1945, but no 160-meter cards or cards for deleted entities. DXCC card checkers may, at their discretion, check cards for WAS, WAC, and VUCC. W6DPD and K6ZZ can check cards for the CQ Awards, WAZ, DX, Field, and Prefixes.  The card checkers may also check applications for the IARU Region 2 Award.  ARRL Special Service Clubs may appoint a HF awards manager for WAS and a VHF Awards Manager for VUCC.

 San Joaquin Valley Nets:

The Noontime net meets on 7.268.5 MHz. This net handles a lot of messages.

Daytime Region 6 Traffic Net meets daily at 3:30 pacific time on or near 7.275 MHZ. This one is probable not in operation at this time.

The California Traffic Net meets daily on 3.906 MHZ and 6:00 PM local time.

The San Joaquin Net meets Monday thru Saturday, except holidays, at 6:00 PM on 3.918 MHz.

The Golden Bear Amateur Radio Net meets nightly at 7:00 PM local time on 3.975 MHZ.

Northern California Net (NCN), the Section Traffic Net, meets nightly on 3.533 MHZ at 7 PM Pacific Time.

The Mission Trail Net meets nightly on 3.856 MHZ at 8:00 PM local time.

Northern California Net 2 (NCN2) The slow speed training session of NCN, meets nightly on 3.533 MHZ at 9 PM Pacific Time. Handling traffic on CW is a good way to improve your CW skills.

The Young Ham Net every Saturday 2:00 PM local time 145.230 –0.6 PL 100 or Echolink KR6DD-R 271122 or N6WN-R 477737

The San Joaquin Net meets Monday thru Saturday at 6 PM Pacific time on 3.918 MHZ. The net does not meet on Sundays or holidays.

  

The K6RAU (our Traffic Manager) Morse Code Instruction Course is available at www.pdarrl.org/K6RAU or www.pdarrl.org/k6rau.

No need to know a "dit" from a "dah", simply with paper and pencil, and following the instructions.

 

 

Elmering: Guy W6MSU's Elmer talk group is at W6SF@yahoogroups.com

 

 

 ********** NEWS **********

 

 

>> SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY SECTION Report for the month of January 2012: SM Dan Pruitt, AE6SX- ASMs K6YK and N2NS, ACC W6DPD, SEC KF6FIR, OOC N1VM, STM K6RAU, PIC K6QI, TC W6TE.

 

Hello;

I was looking for inspiration this month and found it, right in the table of contents of QST. There is a lot going on in Amateur Radio! I am reminded that radio technology is obvious however there are quite a few technologies that we endorse in order to advance our hobby.

 

We all know about OSCAR, but have you contemplated the systems that have been created just to be able to track, assemble and deploy and use a satellite? We need computers, software, antennas not to mention the equipment and expertise.

 

If that isn't enough, we also are continuously improving our portable and mobile operations to make them faster, more efficient and effective with less set-up and breakdown time.

 

Power generation for emergencies and contesting away from the base QTH keeps us advancing the art, both in generation and conservation.

 

Speaking of conservation, going green is mainstream! Since recycling, construction and longevity has always been included in Ham radio, we are right in the grove.

 

What parts do you do? Who is aware that “We do that...”? What do you consider as your part?

 

I think the best way to improve Amateur Radio and insure it will be here for those that come after us is to flaunt it. Something that you are doing, in Amateur Radio, will be recognized by the public. You should be prepared to explain it to someone you know.

 

-

73; Dan AE6SX

NEWS:

• Be a Star! Deadline for Second Annual ARRL Video Contest is February 29

• 02/02/2012 | 2012 Field Day Packet Now Available. There are no rules changes for 2012.

• Effective March 5, 2012 FCC approved replacing 5368 kHz with 5358.5 kHz. The power limit will then be ERP of less than 100 watts PEP. Emissions will include CW and digital (Pactor III and PSK31 only).

• Take a Virtual Tour of W1AW on February 12 http://www.awecast.tv/channels/arrl/

• The freak snowstorm in late October wreaked havoc on the ARRL HQ antenna farm. Both W1AW and W1HQ antennas were affected. Joe Carcia, W1AW Station Manager, explained. “For 40 meters, I homebrewed a ‘fat dipole,’ and for 80 meters, I strung a simple dipole off the north tower.” Until proper repairs are completed, these “fixes” will enable normal Bulletin and visitor operations.

• A WRC-12 formulation that has been agreed upon by most administrations calls for a worldwide secondary allocation to the Amateur Service at 472-479 kHz, with a power limit of 1 W EIRP.

• Top SJV scores in the 2011 ARRL CW Sweepstakes were 1st WC6H, 2nd K6SV, and 3rd NZ6Q.

• AA6K completed 5BDXCC

• W6TLM has WAS.

• W6XK contacted over 250 Countries and Zones in 2011.

 

Contests:

 

• + QRP Fox Hunt 0200Z-0330Z, Feb 10

• + CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest 0000Z, Feb 11 to 2400Z, Feb 12

• + SARL Field Day Contest 1000Z, Feb 11 to 1000Z, Feb 12

• + Asia-Pacific Spring Sprint, CW 1100Z-1300Z, Feb 11

• + Louisiana QSO Party 1500Z, Feb 11 to 0300Z, Feb 12

• + New Hampshire QSO Party 1600Z, Feb 11 to 0400Z, Feb 12 and 1200Z-2200Z, Feb 12

• + FISTS Winter Sprint 1700Z-2100Z, Feb 11

• + North American Sprint, SSB 0000Z-0400Z, Feb 12

• + ARRL School Club Roundup 1300Z, Feb 13 to 2400Z, Feb 17

• + ARRL Inter. DX Contest, CW 0000Z, Feb 18 to 2400Z, Feb 19

• + AWA Amplitude Mod QSO Party 2300Z, Feb 18 to 2300Z, Feb 19

• + Run for the Bacon QRP Contest 0200Z-0400Z, Feb 20

• + CQ 160-Meter Contest, SSB 2200Z, Feb 24 to 2159Z, Feb 26

• + REF Contest, SSB 0600Z, Feb 25 to 1800Z, Feb 26

• + UBA DX Contest, CW 1300Z, Feb 25 to 1300Z, Feb 26

• + Mississippi QSO Party 1500Z, Feb 25 to 0300Z, Feb 26

• + North American Q-P, RTTY 1800Z, Feb 25 to 0600Z, Feb 26

• + North Carolina QSO Party 1700Z, Feb 26 to 0300Z, Feb 27

 

• March 2012

• + ARRL Inter. DX Contest, SSB 0000Z, Mar 3 to 2400Z, Mar 4

• + DARC 10-Meter Digital Contest 1100Z-1700Z, Mar 4

• + AGCW YL-CW Party 1900Z-2100Z, Mar 6

• + AWA John Rollins Memorial DX Contest 2300Z, Mar 7 to 2300Z, Mar 8 and 2300Z, Mar 10 to 2300Z, Mar 11

 

ARACC ++ Officers for 2012 Pres - Kim KF6ZSW, VP – Randy K6VAU,Sec - Dan KI6FLR and Treas. - Gene W7POR. Plans for Field Day are in the works for Shaver Lake. www.aracc.org

Central CA DX Club ++ 2012 officers are: Pres - Frank W6BBS, 1st VP - Bob N2NS, 2nd VP - Stephen N6HK, Sec/Treas. - Chuck W6DPD. .www.ccdxc.org

CLOVIS ARP ++ New officers 2012-2013, Pres Rob AE6GE, VP Steve N6JXL, Treas. Lou KD6WAW, Sec Patrick K6BRW. First T-hunt won by Mike KG6MSV. It was held in Madera County this time. www.k6arp.org/

FRESNO ARC ++ Chuck W6DPD of CCDX club has a great explanation of the ARRL Diamond DXCC Challenge. Gabriel N6OSB has a “Wish I had done that,” story of operating CQP with Rem-K6BBQ. As fellow West Coast Polar Bear QRP Club members, they operated near Goat Mtn in Colusa Co. as N6Q. www.w6to.com/

Porterville ARA ++ Pres Eddie KE6BK, VP Mark WA7KBY, Sec/Treas. Edd K6LSB, Sgt at Arms Alan N6QOG. The Pres email: blackknight2103@sbcglobal.net

SIERRA ARC ++ Officers for 2012: Pres - Harry KI6PSZ, 1^st VP - Linda KF6CMW, 2nd VP - Mike WA6ARA, Sec - Bill WA6QYR and Treas. - Julie KI6YRA. Thank you for the link to the 73 magazine archive: www.archive.org/details/73-magazine. The 2 narratives on the Fire Mtn.50 mile Horseback ride (by Lorilyn KG6LEW and Ed KI6PSP) were eye openers. www.qsl.net/wa6ybn/

SEQUOIA ARG ++ February meeting will be demonstrating how a service monitor is used to check out your gear. Bring your HT’s and mobile rigs to have them checked out for audio output levels, receiver sensitivity, power output and frequency accuracy. John W6IBL will perform the evaluations and provide the equipment. This is an excellent service for a club. www.n6krv.org

STANISLAUS ARC ++ Officers for 2012: Pres - Rick KF6TEZ, VP -
Linda W6MUT, Sec - Davona KF6TSY and Treas. – Bob KC6TV. Very comprehensive EmComm training schedule is listed in the newsletter. www.saraclub.net

STOCKTON Delta ++ The February meeting is scheduled at the Police 911 Center. I'm sure this will fit into their ambitious schedule of public service for 2012. Good job and good luck to the officers of 2012. Pres - John NZ6Q, VP - Charlie WB6NVB, Treas. - Peter KD6CPA and Sec - Eric W6INP. www.w6sf.org

TURLOCK ARC ++ Pres - Darren, K6RDJ reminds us of EmCommWest May 4 – 6. The ARC OVER had a nice piece on Jeopardy and Ham Radio. Also The Spring Auction is tentatively scheduled for 21 Feb however the location is still to be determined. www.w6bxn.org

 

The following Amateurs became Silent Keys since the last report: William KE6YCZ, Ed KB6JQK, John W6KAS, and Chuck KG6ZYN. They will be missed.

Traffic for January 2012:

ORS: WS6P 191, W6DPD 0, K6RAU 2, W6SX 22 Total 215

PSHR:WS6P 130, W6SX 45, K6RAU 37 Total 212

 

CTN (Calif Traffic Net): [Jan] 31 sessions; 189 msgs; 1371 ckins

(KI6OBE net manager / W7FQQ NTS liaison)

 

 

>> SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY SECTION Report for the month of December 2011: SM Dan Pruitt, AE6SX- ASMs K6YK and N2NS, ACC W6DPD, SEC KF6FIR, OOC N1VM, STM K6RAU, PIC K6QI, TC W6TE.

 

 

Happy New Year!

 

As I transition from 2011 to 2012 I'm sure we all reflect on our accomplishments and missed opportunities of 2011. Then with great conviction we exhibit our future resolve through a massive inhalation. This is the process of the time old “New Year's resolution”. Acknowledge of deficiencies and strive to improve.

 

This year I became aware that in reality, this process is a continuing one. The past does not just go away. The new does not always completely solve or improve. It is usually a combination of the knowledge of previous experience that forces us to improve or progress. All the while it is the comfort of the well learned and practiced skills that we can rely.

 

Ham Radio has always cultivated “Do It Yourself” attributes and is what became commercial “wireless” in every way. Someone uses computers, microscopes, telescopes and rockets everyday in Ham Radio. Others use weather balloons to video from high altitudes or set speed records. Clubs get together to listen to space-craft leaving our solar system and others fly model aircraft.

 

What do you want to do? DIY, get a kit, design your own rig or improvement, create a system for EmComm or just volunteer. Check out the DIY information at www.arrl.org/DIY .

 

-

73; Dan AE6SX

 

NEWS:

• Very informative ”Do It Yourself” Amateur Radio information at www.arrl.org/wedothat-radio-org .

• AM radio on 600 Meters operating through 1 March 2012 at 472.5 Khz as WF9XIH. Regular transmissions at 0200 hrs UTC, although 500 watts PEP from the East Coast might be a stretch.

• Amateur Radio Balloon flight sets distance and speed records.

• New Rules for 60 Meters will not be in effect until 30 days following the Report & Order being published in the Federal register.

   

Contests:

 

• + NAQCC-EU Monthly Sprint1800Z-2000Z, Jan 9

• + Hunting Lions in the Air 0000Z, Jan 14 to 2400Z, Jan 15

• + WW PMC Contest1200Z, Jan 14 to 1200Z, Jan 15

• + N. American QSO Party, CW 1800Z, Jan 14 to 0600Z, Jan 15

• + NRAU-Baltic Contest, CW0630Z-0830Z, Jan 15

• + NRAU-Baltic Contest, SSB0900Z-1100Z, Jan 15

• + AWA Linc Cundall Memorial CW Contest2300Z, Jan 18 to 2300Z, Jan 19 and 2300Z, Jan 21 to 2300Z, Jan 22

• + NAQCC Straight Key/Bug Sprint0130Z-0330Z, Jan 19

• + LZ Open Contest0000Z-0400Z, Jan 21

• + Hungarian DX Contest1200Z, Jan 21 to 1159Z, Jan 22

• + ARRL Jan VHF Sweepstakes1900Z, Jan 21 to 0359Z, Jan 23

• + SKCC Sprint0000Z-0200Z, Jan 25

• + NAQCC Straight Key/Bug Sprint0130Z-0330Z, Jan 27

• + CQ 160-Meter Contest, CW2200Z, Jan 27 to 2200Z, Jan 29

• + BARTG RTTY Sprint1200Z, Jan 28 to 1200Z, Jan 29

• + UBA DX Contest, SSB1300Z, Jan 28 to 1300Z, Jan 29

• + SPAR Winter Field Day1700Z, Jan 28 to 1700Z, Jan 29

  February 2012

• + YL-ISSB QSO Party, CW0000Z, Feb 4 to 2359Z, Feb 5

• + Vermont QSO Party0000Z, Feb 4 to 2400Z, Feb 5

• + 10-10 Int. Winter Ctst, SSB0001Z, Feb 4 to 2359Z, Feb 5

• + Black Sea Cup International1200Z, Feb 4 to 1159Z, Feb 5

• + EPC WW DX Contest1200Z, Feb 4 to 1200Z, Feb 5

• + Minnesota QSO Party1400Z-2400Z, Feb 4 + AGCW Straight Key Party1600Z-1900Z, Feb 4

• + Delaware QSO Party1700Z, Feb 4 to 0100Z, Feb 6

• + Mexico RTTY International Contest1800Z, Feb 4 to 1759Z, Feb 5

 

 

Clovis ARP ++ Pres. Rob AE6GE thanks Tom N6MQG, Mike KC0LBY, and Mark K6ORJ, for raising the 220MHz Antenna to 130 feet. The Jan Newsletter has the new T-Hunt schedule. www.k6arp.org/

 

FRESNO ARC ++ The officers for 2012 are: Pres. Stu WB6VRJ, VP Gabriel N6OSB, Sec. Jim W6NIF, and Trea. Ron N6MTS.www.w6to.com/

 

Kern Co.CVARC ++ The officers for 2012: Pres. Nat WT6V, 1^st VP – Larry KF6JOQ, 2^nd VP – Jim KJ6AHN, Sec – Frank, KD6UQZ and

Trea – Ed, KF4YDM. www.w6lie.org/

 

SIERRA ARC ++ The board for 2012 are: Pres. – Harry KI6PSZ, Sec. – Bill WA6QYR, Trea – Julie KI6YRA, 1ST VP – Linda KF6CMW and 2nd VP – Mike WA6ARA. Check out the “New Ham Guide” at www.qsl.net/wa6ybn/New_Ham_Guide.pdf. Hal,N6HAL, has been instrumental to this project. The club survey shows some interesting trends. www.qsl.net/wa6ybn/

 

SEQUOIA ARG ++ The officers for 2012: Pres. - Mike KA6IYS, VP

Chuck KI6GOG, Sec. - Marty KC6RIZ and Trea. - Jane KA6CZS. Worthy of note are the “23 Adult Truths” and Hints and Kinks article regarding a PC board jig. n6krv.org

 

STOCKTON Delta ++ The officers for 2012: Pres. – John NZ6Q, VP – Charlie WB6NVB, Trea. – Peter KD6CPA and Sec – Eric W6INP. www.w6sf.org

 

TURLOCK ARC ++ The officers for 2012: Pres. Darren K6RDJ, VP -

Ron KJ6FNL, Trea. - Mike KG6VFL and Sec - Phyllis N6KAK. “When Big Toys Break...” is an article on antenna repair. Te native date set by Grady, K6IXA, for the Spring Auction. It will be the last weekend in April (28^th). www.w6bxn.org

 

The following Amateurs became Silent Keys since the last report: “Tad" KD6HDQ. He will be missed.

 

Traffic for December 2011:

 

ORS: WS6P 73, W6DPD 2, W6SX 10 Total 85

PSHR:WS6P 145, W6SX 34 Total 179

 

CTN (Calif Traffic Net):

[Dec] 31 sessions; 250 msgs; 1306 ckins

ki6obe net manager / w7fqq NTS liaison

 

>> SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY SECTION Report for the month of November 2011: SM Dan Pruitt, AE6SX- ASMs K6YK and N2NS, ACC W6DPD, SEC KF6FIR, OOC N1VM, STM K6RAU, PIC K6QI, TC W6TE.

 

Hello and Merry Christmas!

 

It is always a source of pride to be able to show our hobby to the public. We are all pretty good at servicing Public Service and Charity events. However it is just as important to present us to the general public. You know what they say about first impressions, they stick with for some long periods of time. It is good to be perceived in the right context. We should keep a fresh vision for the public to recognize and understand what and who we are. For this reason we should develop media contacts and take every opportunity to be seen by the public.

 

It was with great pleasure that we welcomed the Fox News network to interview some hams in our Section. A reporter in the Fresno Area was directed to some various venues that displayed some of the facets of Amateur Radio. The result was that an excellent example of 'Ham Radio-days-are-back-ham-radio-licenses-at-all-time-high'. Go to the link http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/11/17/radio-days-are-back-ham-radio-licenses-at-all-time-high/ to watch the video.

 

-

73; Dan AE6SX

 

NEWS:

• Top Scores in the 2011 ARRL UHF Contest were 1st WA6ZTY, 2nd AA6I, and 3rd WB6BET. WA6ZTY was also first in the Pacific Division.

• AMSAT reports A0-51's end

• Beginning Friday, December 2, at 1600 UTC, the FASTRAC-1 satellite (FO-69) will be open for use as a packet radio digipeater. FASTRAC-1 receives at 145.825 MHz and transmits at 437.345 MHz.

• Ten meters -- in case you haven’t heard, it’s alive in a big way!

• A Ham's Night Before Christmas Video http://youtu.be/c_9REVC4dtc

Contests:

 

• + ARRL 10-Meter Contest 0000Z, Dec 10 to 2400Z, Dec 11

• + International Naval Contest 1600Z, Dec 10 to 1559Z, Dec 11

• + CQC Great Colorado Snowshoe Run 2100Z-2259Z, Dec 11

• + Russian 160-Meter Contest 2100Z-2300Z, Dec 16

• + RAC Winter Contest 0000Z-2359Z, Dec 17

• + Lighthouse Christmas Lights QSO Party 0001Z, Dec 17 to 2359Z, Jan 1

• + ARRL Rookie Roundup, CW 1800Z-2359Z, Dec 18

 

January 2012

• + AGCW Happy New Year Contest 0900Z-1200Z, Jan 1

• + PODXS 070 Club PSKFest 0000Z-2400Z, Jan 7

• + Original QRP Contest 1500Z, Jan 7 to 1500Z, Jan 8

• + ARRL RTTY Roundup 1800Z, Jan 7 to 2400Z, Jan 8

• + Midwinter Contest 1000Z-1400Z, Jan 8

 

Clovis ARP ++ If you haven't seen this, go to http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/11/17/radio-days-are-back-ham-radio-licenses-at-all-time-high/. This interview shows Amateur Radio in a very good light. Thank you Rob AE6GE, Ron N6MTS and especially John W6JWK who took their time to enlighten the public about Ham radio. www.k6arp.org/

 

FRESNO ARC ++ Pictures of the gear offered during the November Swap Meet. Charles W6DPD has information in his DX column about postal rates and general DX advice. Skip's editor exhibits pictures of his current antenna project with the help of Ken WA6OIB. Mike W6YDE tells of his Mt. Pinos QRP homebrew Contest. www.w6to.com/

 

Kern Co CVARC ++ New 2012 Officers Pres: Nathan, WT6V; 1st VP: Larry, KF6JOQ; 2nd VP: Jim, KJ6AHN; Sec: Frank, KD6UQZ; Treas: Ed, KF4YDM. The Western Kern ARES led by Dave, W7FYD, assumed the “Road and Weather Net” responsibilities. This is a great public service for traveling Amateurs during the holidays. www.w6lie.org/

 

San Joaquin Valley ARS ++ New 2012 officers - Pres: Jim, W6DIA; VP: Shane, KE6JZ; Sec: Carole, W6TTF; Treas: Glen, AF6CY. www.sjvars.com

 

SIERRA ARC ++ The Sierra Amateur Radio Club (SARC) "New Ham Guide" is given to all individuals who obtain their first Amateur Radio license at a SARC sponsored VE exam, and at www.qsl.net/wa6ybn/New_Ham_Guide.pdf. www.qsl.net/wa6ybn/

 

SEQUOIA ARG ++ New 2012 officers: Pres: Mike KA6IYS; VP: Chuck KI6GOG; Sec: Marty KC6RIZ; Treas: Jane KA6CZS. Sequoia has a new website at n6krv.org. The article, “Memories”, will take some of us back in time. www.sarg-krv.org

 

STOCKTON Delta ++ New 2012 Officers are Pres: John, NZ6Q; VP: Charlie, WB6NVB; Treas: Peter, KD6CPA; Sec: Eric, W6INP. Fine examples of public service described in the “Turkey Day Run”. Very nice recognition of the 17 new member hams! www.w6sf.org

 

TURLOCK ARC ++ Larry, K6IY describes detecting AM radio with the Gillette Blue Blade. Auction pictures are described in this month’s newsletter, even one of me! www.w6bxn.org

 

The following Amateurs became Silent Keys since the last report: Rod WB6QDN and Joe N6ATR. They will be missed.

 

Traffic for November 2011:

 

ORS: WS6P 192, W6SX 10, W6DPD 2 Total 204

PSHR: WS6P 115, W6SX 33, Total 148

 

CTN (Calif Traffic Net): [Nov] 30 sessions; 290 msgs; 1196 ckins

(ki6obe net manager / w7fqq NTS liaison)

NNNNN

 

>> SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY SECTION Report for the month of October 2011: SM Dan Pruitt, AE6SX- ASMs K6YK and N2NS, ACC W6DPD, SEC KF6FIR, OOC N1VM, STM K6RAU, PIC K6QI, TC W6TE.

 

Very Exciting Month –

 

October is an event filled Month. It follows on the heels of “Disaster Preparedness Month” and starts with the annual ARRL SET (Simulated Emergency Test) Exercise. In addition there are contests, Auctions, regular meetings and here in California we have our division convention 'Pacificon'.

 

We also have other local and national events. I would like to recognize those who actually do the planning, organizing and agonizing in order to present these forums. The idea is to interface Amateur Radio with the public and Ham communities. Whether it be a large or small venue, the effort expended can be the same. It is the few that shoulder most of the day to day details for these bright, entertaining and educational growth spurts in our lives.

 

Now my eloquence here is not mere rhetoric but a call to anyone that would like to, or don't know how to participate in the enhancement our hobby. We all have our favorite slices of Ham Radio and I challenge each of you who have asked the questions and gotten answers, to pass it on! Do a program on what it is you like. Help someone else with a skill that they need that you have. This is how we spread the wealth. The results are there, if you look at Hamfests, Club meetings, special events, contests, classes, conventions and even Dayton.

 

Now what? Start with a Calendar. Plan ahead. Ham Classes, programs, exhibitions and conventions all need to be announced. The word has to be gotten out so as to have the best outcome. Use ARRL features, the WWW and local media. Start now for your forum at the National Convention, October, in Santa Clara, at Pacificon 2012, or Next Month's Club meeting! Questions, then ask someone you trust, some one at ARRL, ask your Club and of course ask me.

-

73; Dan AE6SX

 

 

NEWS:

• On October 23, a California group launched a balloon that reached 136,545 feet above ground level, a new altitude record. Look here: http://www.californianearspaceproject.com/photos.K6RPT-10.html.

• President Barack Obama has nominated two new FCC Commissioners: Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Varadaraj Pai. Rosenworcel has been nominated to replace retiring Commissioner Michael Copps.

• According to ARRL WD2XSH Coordinator Fritz Raab, W1FR, stations operating in the band from 495-510 kHz were to call CQ on 500 kHz and then QSY to complete the QSO on 3 November. Stations operating in the band from 461-478 kHz will call CQ on 474.5 kHz and then QSY. Other stations may operate beacons with special messages in the bands from 508-510 kHz and 476-478 kHz. For more information on 600 Meter experiments see: www.500kc.com

• ECAC Submits Interim Report; ARES® and the National Traffic System (NTS) exist as the League’s implementation of the basic principle stated in Part 97.1(a). See more detail at http://www.arrl.org/news/ares-nts-study-ecac-submits-interim-report

 

Contests:

 

• + RSGB 80m Club Sprint, SSB 2000Z-2130Z, Nov 9

• + WAE DX Contest, RTTY 0000Z, Nov 12 to 2359Z, Nov 13

• + 10-10 Int. Fall Contest, Digital 0001Z, Nov 12 to 2359Z, Nov 13

• + JIDX Phone Contest 0700Z, Nov 12 to 1300Z, Nov 13

• + Kentucky QSO Party 1400Z, Nov 12 to 0200Z, Nov 13

• + SKCC Weekend Sprint 0000Z-2400Z, Nov 13

• + NAQCC-EU Monthly Sprint 1800Z-2000Z, Nov 14

• + NAQCC Straight Key/Bug Sprint 0130Z-0330Z, Nov 17

• + YO International PSK31 Contest 1600Z-2200Z, Nov 18

• + SARL Field Day Contest 1000Z, Nov 19 to 1000Z, Nov 20

• + ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, SSB 2100Z, Nov 19 to 0300Z, Nov 21

• + RSGB 2nd 1.8 MHz Contest, CW 2100Z, Nov 19 to 0100Z, Nov 20

• + Homebrew and Oldtime Equipment Party 1300-1500Z, Nov 20 (40m) and 1500-1700Z, Nov 20 (80m)

• + Run for the Bacon QRP Contest 0200Z-0400Z, Nov 21

• + SKCC Sprint 0000Z-0200Z, Nov 23

• + CQ Worldwide DX Contest, CW 0000Z, Nov 26 to 2400Z, Nov 27

• + SARL Digital Contest 1300Z-1600Z, Nov 27

 

December 2011

• + ARRL 160-Meter Contest 2200Z, Dec 2 to 1600Z, Dec 4

 

 

Clovis ARP ++ October sported a presentation on the All-Star Linking system. November 5's T-hunt was in Madera for the first time. www.k6arp.org/

 

FRESNO ARC ++ New to the FARC board of Directors, Mark N6IB, for 2012. Great article from Jim WS6X on how to negotiate the family finances and have enough for radios! Some local contest reports from CQWW were posted. Christmas Dinner is set for 9 December. www.w6to.com/

 

Kern Co. CVARC ++ The club Christmas party is set for

Saturday, Dec. 03, 2011 at the Senior Center room at the East

Bakersfield Veteran's Hall. Dave W7FYV, the West Kern ARES EC has posted an excellent report. The Club responsibility for the Road and Service Net over the Holidays as been passed to the ARES Group. www.w6lie.org/

 

Los Banos ARC ++ Perfect sentiments are expressed in the “Frequency”for Thanksgiving and Veterans Day. www.aa6lb.org

 

Mountain ARC ++ Joe KI6IQY posts an great piece on what to do when someone calls for help, out loud or on the radio. Some good information on what details to document. End fed antennas are discussed in the newsletter also. www.w6bw.org/

 

SIERRA ARC ++ Great Job with JOTA. It is always a warm feeling to see kids and a soldering iron, hi hi. www.qsl.net/wa6ybn/

 

STOCKTON Delta ++ Photos and hams working contests and public events. There is a nice piece on operating the CQP from Remington Hill and another piece about operating the CQP from the wheat-field. www.w6sf.org

 

TURLOCK ARC ++ The TARC Field Day Plaque was presented to Dinnie, N6TLW, at the last TARC General Meeting. Ken K6IDK has an inspirational autobiography posted. Nice Pacificon Pictures with well known Valley people such as Grady K6IXA, Fred K6RAU and others. www.w6bxn.org

 

The following Amateurs became Silent Keys since the last report: Jack W6WXZ, 'Smitty' WB6EYC, Keith N6WXI, and Ed KC6LPL. They will be missed.

Traffic for October 2011:

 

ORS: WS6P 123, W6DPD 0, W6SX 5, Total 128

PSHR:WS6P 160, W6SX 27 Total 187

 

CTN (Calif Traffic Net): [Oct] 31 sessions; 466 msgs; 1284 ckins

(ki6obe net manager / w7fqq nts liaison)

 

 

 

 

>> SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY SECTION Report for the month of September 2011: SM Dan Pruitt, AE6SX- ASMs K6YK and N2NS, ACC W6DPD, SEC KF6FIR, OOC N1VM, STM K6RAU, PIC K6QI, TC W6TE.

 

CQ CQ DX!

 

Even here on the Left Coast! Conditions have obviously improved. 10 Meters has been going long on a regular basis, with 15 and 12 Meters keeping up. It is exciting again to just spin the dial, not knowing what will pop up.

 

The contests add to the throng. The QSO Parties are more intense. There are contests for every mode and style. The Cal QSO Party was on at the same time as the Oceana. The RTTY and CW sprints are very strong. Now the CQWW Phone and 10 Meter contests are in October.

 

Still I hear about old fashioned 20 minute QSOs. They are as much fun just listening, as making the contact. Friendly conversations worldwide. Real "Ham Radio", handshakes over the air.

 

It will be great to hear about your favorite contacts. Send me a couple of lines about your latest special contact. We are all here to enjoy the hobby and trading stories is part of the hobby.

 

Good Luck!

 

-

73; Dan AE6SX

 

2011 ARRL International DX Contest (CW)

1 N2NS 536,568

2 K6AAB 181,608

3 N6EE 169,635

4 WC6H 168,576

5 K6YK 126,501

 

2011 ARRL International DX Contest (Phone)

1 WC6H (NU6S, op) 1,885,290

2 KA6BIM 580,608

3 AA6K 217,728

4 K6HP 116,367

5 K6YK 77,250

 

2011 RTTY Roundup :

1 NN6NN (W6XK, op) 103,840

2 N6EE 60,987

3 W6SX 40,602

4 K6XJ 24,016

5 KE6SHL 22,880

Contests:

 

+ Scandinavian Activity Contest, SSB 1200Z, Oct 8 to 1200Z, Oct 9

+ Arizona QSO Party 1600Z, Oct 8 to 0600Z, Oct 9 and
1400Z-2359Z, Oct 9

+ Pennsylvania QSO Party 1600Z, Oct 8 to 0500Z, Oct 9 and
1300Z-2200Z, Oct 9

+ 10-10 Int. 10-10 Day Sprint 0001Z-2359Z, Oct 10

+ CQ SA SSB Contest 0000Z, Oct 15 to 2400Z, Oct 16

+ JARTS WW RTTY Contest 0000Z, Oct 15 to 2400Z, Oct 16

+ 10-10 Int. Fall Contest, CW 0001Z, Oct 15 to 2359Z, Oct 16

+ QRP ARCI Fall QSO Party 1200Z, Oct 15 to 2400Z, Oct 16

+ New York QSO Party 1400Z, Oct 15 to 0200Z, Oct 16

+ Iowa QSO Party 1400Z-2300Z, Oct 15

+ Worked All Germany Contest 1500Z, Oct 15 to 1459Z, Oct 16

+ PODXS 070 Club 160m Great Pumpkin Sprint 2000 local, Oct 15 to 0200 local, Oct 16

+ Asia-Pacific Fall Sprint, CW 0000Z-0200Z, Oct 16

+ Illinois QSO Party 1700Z, Oct 16 to 0100Z, Oct 17

+ ARRL School Club Roundup 1300Z, Oct 17 to 2400Z, Oct 22

+ ARRL EME Contest 0000Z, Oct 22 to 2359Z, Oct 23

+ Microwave Fall Sprint 0600 local - 1300 local, Oct 22

+ W/VE Islands QSO Party 1600Z, Oct 22 to 2359Z, Oct 23

+ CQ Worldwide DX SSB 0000Z, Oct 29 to 2400Z, Oct 30

+ 50 MHz Fall Sprint2300Z, Oct 29 to 0300Z, Oct 30

 

November 2011

+ Ukrainian DX Contest 1200Z, Nov 5 to 1200Z, Nov 6

+ DARC 10-Meter Digital Contest 1100Z-1700Z, Nov 6

+ ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, CW 2100Z, Nov 5 to 0300Z, Nov 7

 

 

 

Clovis ARP ++ Rob AE6GE is heading up the communication support for the “Off The Front” charity bicycle ride. Enlisting the help of the local Emcomm groups, ARES, RACES and SATERN, there are many improvements for the 2^nd Annual event. www.k6arp.org/

 

FRESNO ARC ++ SKIP editor John, K6MI proclaims, “... the propagation is picking up. The openings on 10 meters haven’t been this good for seven years. We are transitioning out of Summer HF propagation to the more favorable Fall conditions.” Discussions on the contests and DX were the topic all through the newsletter. The annual SWAP is November 11. www.w6to.com/

 

Kern CCV ARC ++ The W6LIE annual Club Picnic, Swap Meet, Nominations and club meeting was held 24 September. www.w6lie.org

 

Los Banos ARC ++ The SWAP completed and pictures are posted in the “Frequency”. Now the AA6LB club is looking forward to Halloween. www.aa6lb.org

 

Mountain ARC ++ The W6BW crew have been busy with a number of events around Oakhurst. Joe KI6IQY describes the “Heritage Day” Parade. The Mountain guys are starting some T-Hunts and Satellite operations with HTs. www.w6bw.org/

 

SIERRA ARC ++ The September meeting included Harry, AG6FZ demonstrating a snap together radio as a possible project for JOTA. Bill Burns, WA6QYR, showed a blinky light kit also for JOTA. JOTA (Jamboree On The Air) is October 15-16 this year. www.qsl.net/wa6ybn/

 

STOCKTON Delta ++ The “Flysheet” has a picture of Paul N6KZW, Paul K6RRR and John K2JPR taking a break at the Kingdon Drags. Plans were discussed to operate the CQP from the “Wheat field”.

www.w6sf.org

 

TURLOCK ARC ++ The club has been busy! The pictorial on “911 and Prepare” is very interesting. Also they are being very ambitious, moving repeaters and installing antennas and all under the watchful eye of Grady K6IXA. Don't forget the Swap/auction on 22 October. www.w6bxn.org

 

The following Amateur became a Silent Key since the last report: Virginia, WB6BZZ. She will be missed.

 

Need to take an Amateur exam? Are you having an exam? Check the ARRL web page, www.arrl.org/arrlvec/examsearch.phtml for exam information. You can also search for Amateur Radio Classes in your area and register your exam. Instructors can also register classes there.

 

Card Checking in the Section: You can get cards checked for awards within the section. W6XK, K6ZZ, and W6DPD can check your cards for DXCC in accordance with the rules for field checking. DXCC card checkers may now check cards dated from Nov. 15, 1945, but no 160-meter cards or cards for deleted entities. DXCC card checkers may, at their discretion, check cards for WAS, WAC, and VUCC. W6DPD and K6ZZ can check cards for the CQ Awards, WAZ, DX, Field, and Prefixes. The card checkers may also check applications for the IARU Region 2 Award. ARRL Special Service Clubs may appoint a HF awards manager for WAS and a VHF Awards Manager for VUCC.

 

The Noontime net meets on 7.268.5 MHz. This net handles a lot of messages.

Daytime Region 6 Traffic Net meets daily at 3:30 pacific time on or near 7.275 MHZ. This one is probable not in operation at this time.

The California Traffic Net meets daily on 3.906 MHZ and 6:00 PM local time.

The Golden Bear Amateur Radio Net meets nightly at 7:00 PM local time on 3.975 MHZ.

Northern California Net (NCN), the Section Traffic Net, meets nightly on 3.533 MHZ at 7 PM Pacific Time.

The Mission Trail Net meets nightly on 3.856 MHZ at 8:00 PM local time.

Northern California Net 2 (NCN2) The slow speed training session of NCN, meets nightly on 3.533 MHZ at 9 PM Pacific Time. Handling traffic on CW is a good way to improve your CW skills.

The Young Ham Net every Saturday 2:00 PM local time 145.230 –0.6 PL 100 or Echolink KR6DD-R 271122 or N6WN-R 477737

 

Traffic for September 2011:

ORS: WS6P 76, W6DPD 0, W6SX 7 Total 83

PSHR:WS6P 120, W6SX 29 Total 149

CTN (Calif Traffic Net): [Sept] 30 sessions; 245 msgs; 1122 ckins

 

 

 

 

 

 

>>  SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY SECTION Report for the month of August 2011: SM Dan Pruitt, AE6SX- ASMs K6YK and N2NS, ACC W6DPD, SEC KF6FIR, OOC N1VM, STM K6RAU, PIC K6QI, TC W6TE.

-Hello All;

Vacation days are done.  Now it is Labor Day!  Time for school, back to work and Department of Homeland Security's “National Preparedness Month”. 

9 Eleven remembrances on it's 10 year anniversary are all around.  A whole list of Special Event Stations will be on the air.  There is more for us to do.  Hurricane Irene was just in the headlines.  This is the first of the season and we have not yet rallied from Tornadoes in the Midwest, record heat in the southwest causing wide spread fires, elsewhere there are floods and major storms.  This is here at home, or nearby.

Now what can you do? 

What is ARRL doing? 

Well, you are Amateur Radio to the public.  Put on your Sunday best and help with the Red Cross, Salvation Army or your Local EmComm groups and participate in exhibitions and demonstrations for and with these organizations or Government Agencies.  Help remind them we are here.

Take advantage of the education and training provided by ARRL and FEMA.  Enroll in the updated ARRL Basic Emergency communications course online (EC-001).  Take the Free FEMA courses online.  Join the fun with your local group and train!  Get out in the sun, supply support for Parades, Marathons and Bicycle rides.  Use and test all the tools you can, and be ready.

73; Dan AE6SX

NEWS:
Joe Walsh, (Famous Rock Star) and the AM radio group, talk about ham radio and show off their shacks.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vyjXClQnLs&feature=youtube_gdata_player

AA6K placed 2nd in the 6th call area in the single operator low power category in 2010 CQ WWDX Phone Contest.
Top SJV Scores in the 2011 ARRL Phone DX Contest were 1st WC6H (NU6S op), 2nd KA6BIM, and 3rd AA6K.
Stockton native Chas KG6ZWZ, a midshipman at the USN Academy in Annapolis, MD, spent some 24 hours out of 48 at a command center working many radios interconnecting with ARES, RACES, US Coast Guard, and the Amateur Radio Hurricane net during Irene.
Stanislaus County has a website for their 9/11 and preparedness activities at www.911prepare.org.
National Wildlife Refuge Week is set for October 8 to 16 for Amateur Radio.  For rules and information go to www.nwrweek-radio.info
Special Event Stations Mark Tenth Anniversary of 9/11
Vanity Call Sign Fee to Go Up in September $0.90.
General Class Q&A Now Available for Kindle

Contests:

FISTS Get Your Feet Wet Weekend 0000Z, Sep 9 to 2400Z, Sep 11
 Arkansas QSO Party1300Z, Sep 10 to 0100Z, Sep 11
 Ohio State Parks on the Air1600Z-2400Z, Sep 10
 ARRL September VHF QSO Party1800Z, Sep 10 to 0300Z, Sep 12 
 SKCC Weekend Sprint0000Z-2400Z, Sep 11
 Swiss HTC QRP Sprint1300Z-1900Z, Sep 11 
 RSGB 80m Club Sprint, SSB1900Z-2030Z, Sep 14
 Connecticut QSO Party0000Z-2359Z, Sep 17
 CIS DX QPSK63 Contest1200Z, Sep 17 to 1200Z, Sep 18
 South Carolina QSO Party1300Z, Sep 17 to 2100Z, Sep 18
 Washington State Salmon Run1600Z, Sep 17 to 0700Z, Sep 18 and 1600Z-2400Z, Sep 18
 North American Sprint, SSB0000Z-0400Z, Sep 18
 Run for the Bacon QRP Contest0100Z-0300Z, Sep 19
 ARRL EME Contest0000Z, Sep 24 to 2359Z, Sep 25
 CQ WW DX Contest, RTTY0000Z, Sep 24 to 2400Z, Sep 25
 Texas QSO Party 1400Z, Sep 24 to 0200Z, Sep 25 and
  1400Z-2000Z, Sep 25
 QRP Homebrewer Sprint0000Z-0400Z, Sep 26
 222 MHz Fall Sprint1900 local - 2300 local, Sep 27
October 2011
 TARA PSK Rumble Contest0000Z-2400Z, Oct 1
 EPC Russia DX Contest0400Z, Oct 1 to 0359Z, Oct 2
 California QSO Party1600Z, Oct 1 to 2200Z, Oct 2
 German Telegraphy Contest0700Z-0959Z, Oct 3
 YLRL DX/NA YL Anniversary Contest1400Z, Oct 7 to 0200Z, Oct 9

Clovis ARP    The Clovis Amateur Radio Pioneers is sponsoring a Swap Meet in Clovis, CA on Saturday September 24, 2011 from 8 am to 11 am at the New Hope Community Church in Clovis, CA.    Their T-Hunt schedule is 27 September at 7 PM.  For more info  ae6ge@k6arp.org www.k6arp.org/

FRESNO ARC  FARC Picnic Sept. 17,4 P.M. at WA6OIB, Ken's QTH.  Great story of hams helping hams from WA6FFJ Joe, not to mention the acquisition of a tower, with history!  www.w6to.com/

Kern County Central Valley ARC   El Presidente Joe K6JLL reviewed Daryl, W6DGP,”Grab-n-Go Kit” program, complete with cost estimates.  Also in the newsletter was the Clubs offer of a complete HF station to loan, for “New to HF” hams.  www.w6lie.org

Los Banos ARC   In September's Frequency, see what Mike, AD6AA, found at a Swap Meet!  September 10th is the Club's Swap Night. www.aa6lb.org

Mountain ARC   Joe KI6IQY posted some best practices on emergency communications.  Good advice for the Oakhurst Heritage Days Parade and the Off the Front Century Bicycle Ride as they team up with Rob AE6GE's Clovis Pioneers.   www.w6bw.org/

SIERRA ARC  Harry, now AG6FZ, building Retro 75 AM, with half a dozen of the Club's Hams, is ready to fire it up as the Club plans for the JOTA and “Flash Field Day” events. www.qsl.net/wa6ybn/

SEQUOIA ARG  The N6KRV-5:BRKNRG packet digi is now up and running at Breckenridge Mountain. It is on 145.050 and is running AX25 protocol and TheNet X-1J4 node software.  www.sarg-krv.org

STANISLAUS ARC Stanislaus County OES is offering NIMS/SEMS/ICS COURSES during Oct, Nov, & Dec 2011. For information, contact Ed KF6FIR ed@kf6fir.net.  LaGrange Modesto Kiwanis’ Youth Camp, Boy Scouts, pictures and Field Day all went very nicely.  www.saraclub.net

STOCKTON Delta   John KD6FVA installed the voter on the Sutter-Gould medical building with Steve K6SCA.  It looks like the “Wheat Field” will be operational for the Cal QSO Party.  www.w6sf.org

TURLOCK ARC   The “Arc-Over” newsletter is sporting a new masthead.  The September program is about Abdul Jabbar
Marafie, 9K2DZ, who became the ONLY news source out of Kuwait after the Iraqi occupation.  9K2DZ received the ARRL Humanitarian Award for his efforts.  www.w6bxn.org 

The following Amateurs became Silent Keys since the last report: Dean KG6QR.  He will be missed.

Traffic for August 2011:
ORS: WS6P 67, W6DPD 0, W6SX 9,  Total 76
PSHR: WS6P 157, W6SX 32, Total 189

CTN (California Traffic Net):
[Aug] 31 sessions; 340 msgs; 1262 ckins
KI6OBE net manager / W7FQQ nts liaison