ARRL Sacramento Valley Section News—May 2013                                      

The big event this month is Field Day, June 22 and 23, at many places around the country and the world. It is important to point out to non-ham visitors that we would not need a mountain top to set emergency communications in a real disaster scenario. Sometimes this factor is lost in all the excitement of Ham Radio's most popular event. http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Field-Day/2013/2013%20Rules.pdf

If you are new to ham radio or not sure about Field Day, use the Field Day locator service on the ARRL web site: http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator This will allow you to choose which operation you want to visit....or several operations if you have time. I may be able to visit you at one or more of these sites.

Always there are those of us who cannot commit enough time for a full weekend of Field Day. This year, as in other years, there are alternative activities just in case you find yourself without a Field Day site of your own. Read on.

There will be an emergency preparedness seminar on June 1st from 9 am to noon, located at the LDS Church at 2745 Eastern Avenue, which is between El Camino and Marconi Ave.  Several subjects will be covered - including canning, first aid, food storage and emergency communications.  Emcomm will be emphasized by holding separate classes during the seminar.  The public is welcome to attend. For further questions, contact Dennis Bartholomew, AF6TR at dennis7400@sbcglobal.net.

Dennis is also the producer of the J-Pole Adapter – http://jpoleadapter.webs.com and author of “The Emergency Response Communications Handbook” available at - http://www.amazon.com  Enter the name of the book and it will come up as the first selection, which is available in hard copy and Kindle.

Dennis reports on the March EMCOMM seminar: “On Saturday, March 2nd, an Emergency Communications meeting was held for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  About 145 attended.  Some traveled from Reno, San Jose and other places from northern California.  This meeting is held annually in Sacramento for LDS hams who are interested in being prepared in the event of an emergency.  They are asked by their church leaders to take an assignment as an emergency communications specialist for their congregation (called a ward).  This provides the ward leadership to be in contact with other wards and the outside world, if needed, by using ham radio or other practical means of communication.

A general meeting was held, which allowed several to speak to those who attended.  We heard from Kelley Shelley, KS6Z, our SEC, and John Staples, KI6ZWW, EC Sacramento, who both spoke on the benefits of membership in ARES.  We also heard from church leadership on the spiritual side of being prepared for emergencies. After the general meeting, several classes were held, which lasted about an hour each, but were taught at least 3 times, so all attending could attend all of the classes.  Jonathan Taylor, WQ6F, spoke on how to get started in ham radio with the appropriate equipment and how to gradually accumulate the proper hardware to be an effective communicator.  Will Waters, N7IPY, spoke on digital communications, utilizing CW, RTTY, PSK31, MT63, Packet, D-STAR and Winlink 2000, along with the proper integration of hardware with software. Richard Wheeler, AI6RW, provided kits of an HF multi-band inverted V wire antenna, which he sold for $5 each.  Those purchasing the kits were able to solder them together on the spot and get a thorough lesson on how to finish the project at home. There were several static displays outside, along with a well assembled comm trailer that was shown by Fred and Bonnie Sellstrom, W7KOZ and KC6PSZ. All those who attended left with a better understanding of what ham radio is and how it is utilized not only within the LDS Church, but within the community.”

In the Yuba Sutter area, Eleanor, KI6CSO, reports on activities in May:

A combination of Amateur Radio Operators from Colusa County Sheriff's Reserve Unit, Yuba-Sutter ARES Group and Yuba-Sutter Amateur Radio Club assisted with the annual 3F Century Bike ride put on by the Colusa Lions club. The ride starts and ends at the Eglin Middle School.  Bill, WA6OHP organized the communications as well as handling SAG duties with KJ6VCG Chris, KV7ZYZ Stan, and KJ6QEA  Steven.  The SAG's assisted with several bike tire problems, one serious injury and brought in riders that did not want to continue because of the extremely windy conditions.  Doing an excellent job of assisting with the set up and take down of the rest stops as well as providing needed communications were K6PBM Patrick, KI6ZYY Lonnie, KG6FCT Lou and K6TAZ Steve.  Operating  the Control Unit radios was Eleanor, KI6CSO.  The ride consisted of four routes ranging from 17 miles to 100 miles and lasted from 7:00AM to 6:00PM.  The number of riders in this years event more than doubled last years event. 

 

Richard, WO6P, our Emergency Coordinator in Shasta and Tehama Counties, reports on activity there:

“The month of May for the Shasta/Tehama ARES group was very busy. In addition to a state wide drill, we participated in three public service events. The first event was the “Shasta Wheelman Bike Run” on the 5^th. This year, the bike run was returned to the foothills East of Redding. Several hundred bike riders were involved on four different courses. We provided 11 operators for this event. The event was headed up by Phil Graham, W6SEH.

The next event was the (Golden Guardian 2013 Exercise) on the 15^th. This was a state wide event. The Shasta/Tehama  ARES was invited to provide support to the American Red Cross and Tehama County Health. The exercise ran for about 5 hours. Participants were; Tehama County Health, St. Elizabeth Hospital, Corning Medical Associates, Rolling Hills Casino where the Red Cross shelter was located, Tehama County Sheriff and Redding Red Cross. In addition, Glenn County Health, Yuba City Red Cross and Siskiyou County OES made contact with us. The challenge for our group was to pass great amounts of messages, mostly by VHF with digital modes being pressed into service. During the exercise approximately 85 messages, both operational operator to operator and ICS 213 type messages were sent and received. Net Control, John Benka, KF6JG, Tehama County Health, did a marvelous job at the helm along with K6LJC, Dick; KI6OMU, Gary; KJ6C, Carl; KQ6CS, Steve; KB6KY, Bill; KJ6WIU, Dan; KI6WAN, Tom; AF6P, Al; KK6JOE, Joe; N6HDC, Larry; KG6SYM, Marion.

 On the 18^th, we had two events to cover. They were the Redding Rodeo Parade and the Lions Anderson Bike Ride. The Redding Rodeo Parade was headed up by KQ6CS, Steve. We provided communications from  the  staging area to the end of the parade. Several stations were set up along the route providing necessary information to and from the judges stand. Others in the group were set up for the Anderson Bike Ride, this event was headed up by W6MAC, Mac. Eight operators provided support for this event. The course for the bike ride took the riders into the foothills and some of the  high country east of Anderson. There was four different courses for the riders to navigate. This was a fun event, and we all got fed at lunch and at the end of the run.”

Kelley, KS6Z, our Section Emergency Coordinator, checks in with the following report: “I participated in the Oregon ARES Spring SET on April 27th along with Modoc EC Jim Linden N7JIL.  “I participated in the CalEMA Golden Guardian exercise on May 15th with many other Section EC's in the North State.  “I am assisting the Emergency Response Communications (ERC) group as they support the Lassen County Shareholders, who represent Lassen county agencies and groups, in their emergency preparedness efforts.  One such effort is a shortened Field Day demonstration on June 22nd from 10AM to 2PM in the parking lot at the LDS Church at 905 Richmond Road Susanville to promote Amateur Radio in the community effort of emergency preparedness. 

“At the public request we are planning another VE Testing on October 19th, to allow study time, since we will not be offering a class this time.  Lassen Public Health is encouraging our participation by making volunteers Disaster Service Workers under state guidelines and issuing ID cards. 

I am now an Official Relay Station for CalEMA on the Monday 2000 hrs. and Wednesday 1000 hrs. nets.

“My thanks to all who support Emergency Preparedness efforts, especially Emergency Communications, in our Section.  I feel this is the founding purpose of Amateur Radio as demonstrated by FEMA Director Craig Fugate, who received his license last year.

“Our little 5.7 earthquake up here recently reminded us that the potential for emergencies do exist and we need to be prepared.” Kelley Shelley  KS6Z.

 

Jon, K1NV, in Loyalton, our Sierra County EC quips: “Nothing exciting to report for May in Sierra County.   The Greenville earthquake didn't affect us in the Sierra Valley to any extent.  I was working at my bench out in the garage when it occurred.  The garage door rattled and I felt a couple of seconds of movement underfoot as the dogs started barking in the house.  Others here reported similar occurrences.
“My 30 meter MEPT beacon transmitter continues to crank out its mighty 200 milliwatts to the long wire and I have been copied in NV, FL, BC, AK, ZL2, and most recently, in CO and NM.   The QRSS mode is still in use with CW FSK  (9-second dots and 18-second dashes).
“The six meter band is starting to show some life  in the northern latitudes with seasonal "sporadic-E" propagation in spite of increased solar activity.   Tune for CW beacons between 50.060 MHz. and 50.080 MHz. and monitor 50.125 MHz. for SSB activity.   June through early July seems to be the best time for outstanding activity on the band.
“I drove down to southern Nevada to attend my old radio club's May meeting and barbeque.  There was a good turnout for both events and I still hope we can get something going up here in the Loyalton area.”

 

Roger, K6OU, passed along his appreciation for the turnout supporting Tour de Lincoln: “Here are some words of thanks to the Hams, (not just WPARC members but also some from Yuba City and ARES), that participated in supporting the Tour de Lincoln.

 “Many thanks to all the Hams who volunteered to support the Tour de Lincoln.  We did a very professional job in supporting the 700 plus bicycle riders on the four courses.

 

“Communications with Net Control was excellent thanks to all who upgraded to either mobile radios or added amplifiers to HT's this year.  The event provides us with an opportunity to test our skills and gear in a way that makes us a viable emergency communications resource. 

 “More importantly, supporting the Tour de Lincoln gave us the opportunity to use our skills and represent Amateur Radio in the highest tradition of service to our community.  Every time I talked with the Event director or staff they expressed recognition and sincere appreciation for the valued service we Hams and Ham Radio brings to the event.  Perhaps the most telling comment I heard was in the morning at the rider registration area.  I was asking a group of riders which of the 4 courses they were riding and telling them we would have 14 SAG wagons and 8 Rest Stop Hams supporting their ride.  Their comment to me was: "The Tour de Lincoln is one of the best supported events in the Sacramento area, we come back to this ride every year". 

It can't be said any better - thanks again!”

73,  Roger K6OU

 

Yolo County ARES supported the Cache Creek Ridge Ride. Yolo County ARES provided radio support for the Cache Creek Ridge Ride held on May 11, 2013. The ride is located at the junction of hwy 16 and Hwy 20 West of Williams. The event is in its 5th year and is one of the top 3 equestrian ride events in the US. The event is a sanctioned ride and draws upwards of 150 entries.

This year we had operators from 4 different clubs pulled together to cover the event. YARS from Davis, Berryessa Amateur Radio "Klub" and Yolo ARES operators were there. There was one operator there from a club in Ukiah. The event consists of 4 different rides. There is a 50 mile endurance ride, a 25
mile endurance ride, and a 25 and 15 mile Ride and Tie rides. The Ride and Tie is an event where one person rides the horse from the start point to a pre-marked spot and ties the horse up there and then takes off running up the trail. The second person runs from the start point to where the horse is tied up and rides it up to the next location, and they continue to swap out to the end of the race.
Our day started off a bit rough in that one of our operators slipped and fell on the rocks while crossing a creek and broke his arm. He received a temporary patch up by one of the Vets that was working the event and then drove himself home to go to the hospital for x-rays to confirm the brokenarm.
During the event one rider was bucked from her horse and sustained a compound fracture just above the ankle. She was assisted by one of the back country volunteers and taken to the Cal-fire station at Hwy 20 where she were transported by helicopter to get medical attention. Those two incidents
aside, the day was very good.
Our day started early, we left Woodland at 0400 and returned home by 2130. A long day but very rewarding in that the experience gained in operational procedures was Great.
This is a terrific learning experience and anyone that is interested in radio communications should consider doing these types of events. There are many things that have to be dealt with over the course of the day from a radio stand point and all too often you encounter equipment issues that have to be corrected to keep you in a position to operate. This is a great training experience for both radio procedures and improving radio operator skills.
The ride management team and organizers of this event put on a fantastic meal for all the volunteers at the end of the day and they held their awards meeting for all the entries in the rides. We held a follow up tail board meeting with them to cover the day and set some initial plans for next years ride.” There is a nice photo essay along with this article at:

http://www.yoloares.org/news/2013/cachecreek/

Thanks to Ken, K6KWS, and Greg, KG6SJT, our Yolo County EC.

 

On May 15th Modoc County ARES participated in the "Golden Guardian 2013" Drill.  Glenn County ARES/ACT conducted this  earthquake exercise  with CAL-EMA. We set up our ARES trailer at the Canby Family Practice Clinic in rural Modoc County. We copied 4 pieces  of written traffic from KG6KUO and did radio checks on  HF and VHF with several stations in the region while on emergency power.

 Picture attached is Jim/N7JIL taking written traffic in the Modoc ARES trailer. Photo and news item provided by our EC in Modoc County, Jim, N7JIL.

 From Sierra Foothills ARC, WF6J, Carl, and Dennis-WU6X, we get an excellent report on their recent activities. “Saturday May 4, 2013 … 600+ bicyclists arrived at HP Roseville campus (oh-dark-thirty) for the Roseville Tour de Cure fund raiser for diabetes. It was a perfect day for a ride, and for the 19 volunteer radio operators that gave up most of the day to provide communications for 3 rest stops, 6 SAG wagons (pickups on loan) and a rotating bicycle SAG.

“Net Control (WU6X and N6FWD) setup at the south end of the HP Roseville campus, next to the Command Center tent. We monitored 2 repeaters and 1 simplex frequency continuously with an Alinco DR635 listening to one repeater and the simplex channel (dual VFO), and a second DR635 cross-band UHF to the W6EK 2m repeater to give Net Control “legs” when we needed to move around. A Yaesu FT-857D worked W6EK direct. Yes, you can’t have too many radios!

“There were three loops to keep track of … a 31-mile, 62-mile and whopping 100-mile route up through the foothills, with challenging roads like Baxter Grade. It got very busy for about two hours when one bicyclist went through a fence, another hit a car, and a third went into diabetic shock.

 

“This was a time when Net Control was soooo pleased to have people on the other end of the radio that knew exactly what to do. Thanks to Bob-K6UDA these emergencies were handled without issues. In fact, everyone that participated proved that just because we are called “amateurs”, doesn’t mean that we don’t know how to handle communications in a very professional manner.

 

“My thanks to everyone who made this event successful. And, special thanks to George-KG6LSB who organized the route coverage and assignments, and to Al-NI2U who put together the bike SAG assignments and a very thorough instruction sheet for volunteers.

 

“I can tell you from having worked a few of these in my 40 years of amateur radio … you can’t skimp on organization on a big event like this; everyone knew exactly where to go and what to do. This cut the non-traffic questions coming into Net Control to almost zero. This is important, folks, because if you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to be the center of a pileup on a DXpedition, but instead of “giving” a simple signal report, having to “answer” sometimes difficult questions for which you don’t have immediate knowledge, over and over again … welcome to Net Control.

 

“All in a day’s work, as they say … and, I know we all left with a sense of having accomplished something special once again, on behalf of the Sierra Foothills Amateur Radio Club, and for ham radio in general.

 

“I know George and Al will join me in a sincere thank you to all the non-biking volunteers:

Assistant Net Control: Justin-N6FWD; Rest Stop#1: Chuck-AE6LR & George-KG6PFG; Rest Stop #2: Bob-K6UDA, Justin-K6UVK & Carl-WF6J; Rest Stop #3: Roger-K6OU; SAG-1: Richard-WA6RWS & Les-KG6NME; SAG-2: Richard-KI6UOV; SAG-3: Birton-N6UG; SAG-4: David-KJ6NNW; SAG-5: Robert-W6RBL; SAG-6: Larry-KJ6WOL & Bob-N6EMS.”

 

“Sierra Foothills Amateur Radio Club, Auburn, CA - Everyone is looking forward to Field Day at our Nyack location.  See the ARRL FD locator or our website for a map. Exit I80 at Nyack and we are across from the Shell Station!  More info on w6ek.org

 

“Dave, NO6NO is the FD Chairperson this year. He's been busy with the committees making sure all bases are covered and we are ready. Running 4 HF stations, plus VHF/UHF and Satellite we expect to make lots of contacts.  Everyone is welcome as we have a Prepper Food and Gear display, plus our GOTA station right up front with our FD Signage. 

 

“Our new meeting location at the Auburn City Hall has been working out well to support our growing membership.  VE Testing every First Saturday, monthly has been doing well turning out new Hams and upgrades each session.

 

“Software Defined Radio seems to be taking off everywhere and also with our members. The July Meeting will feature a presentation by Carol Milazzo KP4MD - President of River City Arcs on SDR technology.  Many SFARC club members will bring along their SDR configurations to place on display.

 

“Here's wishing a great (warm) Field Day to all clubs. Look for W6EK all over the bands. Hope everyone has a lot of fun.”

 

“North Hills Radio Club had their 40th Annual Sacramento Hamfest on Sunday, May 19th, 2013 at The Natomas High School. This is always the "Big One" in the valley and this year was no exception. There were record sellers and buyers. The 9 dozen donuts went in a flash (well there were some law enforcement folks there too  hi). First hot dog was sold at 8:27am! Now that's a good sign of a successful swap.

 

“11 NHRC club members and officers put this on, then cleaned up afterwards.  The location has nice shade trees, bathrooms, and of course food & drink tables.  The drawing was very popular. Each year 1,000 tickets are sold. Winners received a Power supply, Antenna, Dual band HT and several ARRL publications.

 

“Visitors came from the south, Reno and all over northern California. Club President, Doug, N6NFF said: "This is beyond a doubt the best hamfest year after year". NHRC hopes to see everyone again in May 2014.” News item and photos at the bottom of the Section News page courtesy of Carl, WF6J, and Doug, N6NFF, President of the North Hills Radio Club.

Carl, WF6J, is the photographer, and if you attended the swap meet, you may see yourself in one or more of Carl's photos.

 

John, K6BRG, needs a few good hams for the Livestrong bicycle ride:

“On 23 June, the Livestrong Ride for Cancer Victims is coming back to Davis. This ride has occurred in Austin, Philadelphia, and Davis for the last couple of years. Ham volunteers are needed to support the ride.  Operators may use their own cars/trucks/bikes/horsecarts as sags, or may operate as a passenger in one of the Livestrong SAGS.  The ride starts and finishes at the Bicycle Hall of Fame in Davis, where net control will also be located.  Approximately 1000 to 1500 riders are expected, and there are several ride options of different lengths.  The ride starts at approximately 7 am, and last year wrapped up before 4 pm.  The organizers have strict rules for riders who are not meeting the pace, but they make sure that everybody finishes.
“You can find information about the ride at their website:
http://www.livestrong.org/Take-Action/Team-LIVESTRONG-Events/Ride/Team-LIVESTRONG-Challenge-Davis
“Radio requirements are simple - we will be using one repeater on 2 meters, since the ride will be confined to the Valley.  This worked well last year. 
“The riders come from all over the country, and are a very enthusiastic group - many of them are cancer survivors.  If you'd like to help out, please contact John K6JRB at jrberg@ucdavis.edu or k6jrb.davis@gmail.com; questions are welcome, as well.”

 

From John, KI6DWP, our Section Public Information Coordinator, and the Amador County ARC: “The Amador County ARC is gearing up for Field Day. That's not news, but the difficulty finding a site this year is. Our previous site has been taken by a group of contesters and we have selected and de-selected several sites for various reasons. It makes it more difficult when the sites with best performance are the least likely to attract the public and advertise the value of ham radio. In any event, we hope to hear a lot of stations from within the Section come the days of the event. After many attempts, we have secured a good relationship with the local hospital and an agreement to participate with them during their next hospital drill. One problem had been the configuration of the antenna and recently a couple of members raised the hospital antenna, checked cables, and verified the operability of the radio. They can now talk effectively during their next hospital net. Our Emergency Coordinator has been working diligently to revitalize our former ACS program into an active ARES program and also develop a closer link with the County and the Sheriff regarding being a communication resource. One member built a prototype "self powered Go Box" and several members are replicating that approach so that we have emergency powered portable capabilities.”

 

Jim, W7XZ, checks in with this news from the Oroville Amateur Radio Society, OARS:

“The May meeting of Oroville Amateur Radio Society (http://w6af.org) took
place on the 10th, with the program devoted to antennas for 2 meters.  The
following morning, the annual Feather Fiesta Days Parade was held, with OARS
members providing communications support.
“The OARS monthly breakfast was held at Cassidy's on the 25th with 23 in
attendance, good numbers despite the holiday weekend.
“The June meeting of OARS will take place on Friday, 14 June, 7 pm at St. Paul's Parish Hall.  Field Day, to be held once again at the EAA site on the west side of Oroville Airport, is expected to be the main topic.  A cookout at the site is in the works for this year's event.”

 

Steve, K6TAZ, our EC for Yuba and Sutter Counties contributed to this report for Yuba Sutter ARES.

“May has been a busy month. On may 11th Steve k6taz (Yuba Sutter EC) and Paul n6xvl worked communications at a rest stop for the Tour-De-Cure bike ride in Lincoln. There were approximately 660 riders, 3 courses and they all stopped at our location. Other than a few flat tires and minor scratches there were no major incidents. We look forward to working this event next year.

“On May 15th The Golden Guardian Statewide Drill, Steve k6taz (Yuba Sutter EC) and Eleanor ki6cso (AEC) met up with Daryl ac6pj at the local Red Cross office. Daryl activated the w6wgq station. We made contacts with other ARES groups and Red Cross locations. Steve tried to run the packet station and found that it was in need of a new computer. The Red Cross has loaned me a laptop computer that I am in the process of programming and hope to have the packet up and running soon.

'On May 30th Steve k6taz programmed the Kenwood dual band radio installed in the Sutter County Sheriff’s Communications Vehicle. They are now programmed to the same frequencies and channel numbers as the radios we have set up at our local hospitals. During my test transmissions I noticed that it appeared that there may be a problem with the antenna. I broke out the MFJ analyzer and after confirming my suspicions’ I found that the center wire to the PL 259 was short and not soldered.” Bill Corey, N6VPI, with Sutter Buttes Communications oversees and maintains the radio configuration in the Sutter County Sheriff's van. He soldered the end, gave it another sweep with the meter and voila we now have communications.

 

So, you haven't decided about Field Day, and you think there must be more to do? Right!

Western States Endurance Run and Tevis Cup (Western States Trail Ride).

 

Both are 100 mile events from Lake Tahoe to Auburn, CA. (Endurance Capital of the World). WSER is also known as “The Other Field Day” since 6 out of 7 years it falls on the same weekend as Field Day. We do have more fun!!!

WSER: June 22-23, 2013 and TEVIS: July 20-21, 2013

We’re always looking for Radio Op’s to help. If interested? Please checkout our Web Site at:

 www.wstrail.org

 If you’re still interested, fill out the Volunteer Sign up Form and submit it. If you have a problem with the Web Site? Than use the radio or call me.

 Ralph Lucas, W6RWL

P.O. Box 1083, Foresthill, CA 95631-1083

408-640-0963 cell; 530-367-3026 home

w6rwl@arrl.net , www.wstrail.org

146.625, -, PL 151.4

 

This month the W6SFM sponsored a public relations booth at the Rancho Cordova "Kids day in the park" event. This is an annual event held in order to give kids a demonstration of different hobbies and other ideas to keep them out of trouble and away from drugs. 
The SFM ARC set up a live on-air station as well as multiple code practice stations where Ham radio and Morse Code were introduced to kids and the general public.  At this and other events the PR booth is set up for the W6SFM to encourage kids to take an active part in learning about CW. To do this the children and their parents are asked to write their names down and then copy the corresponding Morse characters next to the letters. After a brief lesson on operating a key, everyone is given a chance to sit down in front of a straight key and pound out their names in code. The club has found a very positive response to this, and has given away many of the ARRL  brochures relating to each of the participants' specific interests. Some enjoy the DIY information and others the emergency communications information. 
More events are planned for this summer. If anyone is interested in joining us as a visitor or new member, please use the "contact us" link on the clubs home page or email mike atn6mql@w6sfm.com. 
Also, this month the Samuel F Morse amateur radio club is proud to announce its official induction as an ARRL affiliated club.
Once again this year the W6SFM will proudly display our Field Day event in a very public location. For more information on joining us as a guest operator or prospective member, please find our FD location using the ARRL FD locator tool at   http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator or feel free to find that and more information on the club website. We encourage those with families to bring their youngsters for a view and on-air experience with Morse code. No license is required. 
The W6SFM SFM ARC welcomes all new perspective members. Members are not required to know or use Morse code, but should have an interest in it.  Please visit our club website  athttp://www.w6sfm.com for more information on us and how to join.  
Each first Thursday of the month the SFM ARC holds its in-person club meetings. Everyone is invited to attend. For those with HF capabilities, W6SFM can be found on-air at our NEW time of7:30 PM local on 7.110 MHz. Code speeds are kept at about 13 WPM, however we take no issue slowing down for those who operate slower. For those without HF we offer a LIVE stream audio retransmission as well as text decode of our net meetings on the W6SFM web site. Please feel free to participate. 73,
Mike Aretsky, N6MQL.

 

The Yolo Amateur Radio Society again participated in this year’s 44^th annual Davis Double Century bike ride on Saturday 18 May by serving as the go-between for the Davis Bike Club and the many other area radio clubs, individual operators, and repeater operators that crewed positions in net control, rest stops, airborne, SAG vehicles, and provided the generous use of various mountain top repeaters. YARS provided almost all of the equipment used at the new net control located on the 2^nd floor of the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame in Davis. This equipment consisted of computerized logging, APRS tracking  of support vehicles, and a console radio system as well as the radios and  antenna systems.

 

"This year Yolo Amateur Radio Society,  YARS, as a part of the support for the more than 500 riders, made a major addition to net control by putting together a new console radio system capable of controlling 6 radios at two net control operator positions. This system is much lighter than the old four radio system and much appreciated by the load in and load out crew. Since the 200 mile ride route makes a large clockwise loop from Davis to Clear Lake and back, using four main repeaters and a few other channels for tactical and backup, having a console system greatly simplifies the net control task of knowing what channel to use when someone calls in.  Of course, given the new site and new equipment amateurs had to do some improvising early in the day but in relatively short order communications became good for the whole route using the ground based system with the airborne in reserve for voice communications and as an APRS digipeater. The ride was blessed this year with good weather and thankfully, for the first time in recent memory, no emergency room trips over the course of its 0515 hrs. to 0100 hrs. running time. As a consequence the majority of traffic was routine in nature.                                                                                                

"YARS Secretary Dave Nishikawa KC6YFG serving as DBC’s Double Century SAG & Radio Coordinator reports that approximately 45 amateur radio operators and 9 non-licensed volunteers turned out for SAG and radio. Approximate breakdowns are as follows: 7 net control operators, 23 operators crewing 9 rest stops and lunch, 3 ride-along SAG operators, 14 radio SAG operators, 5 NORDO (NO RaDiO) SAGs, 1 motorcycle patrol operator, and 2 airborne operators doing solo shifts. As always, the numbers don’t always add up since some operators do double and triple duty at other positions." News item thanks to Dave, KC6YFG.

 

 Elk Grove-Florin ARC that was founded in November of 2011.  Club field day will be at Fletcher Farms Community Center, just south of Florin Road on Fletcher Farms Road. News item courtesy of Carl, WF6J.

The Yuba Sutter ARC hamfest in Linda at the American Legion Post in Linda on June 1rst was a great success. Over 100 came to buy, sell, visit, and have breakfast in the Legion dining room. The temperatures were warm but we all enjoyed the visits.

"Douglas County Amateur Radio Team (DCART) members held  their weekly Monday night nets and their monthly meeting at Fire Station 6. We reviewed message forms again.  June holds a number of area events that DCART and other hams will be supporting. The Alta Alpina Challenge bicycle event is June 29th in Alpine County. This one is much like the July Death Ride. Since the event hams cover the field, DCART will support them by providing coverage at the 911 Dispatch ham station to field any emergency calls that do not make it into the normal 911 system."

Sheila, ka7ajq, ARES Alpine County Emergency Coordinator

 

We hear from an old friend in our neck of the woods. "My name is Manna. Call sign KA6ETB. I'm a Tech up in Marysville CA, since around 2003. I'm also a licensed Barber since 2012.  I retired around 2006 and stayed home for a while to see what that felt like and then pursued my passion for cutting hair and signed up for Barber College. Keepin' busy. I think about upgrading to General but... in time.

 

 

Our May 7th meeting featured two excellent presentations - our own Brent Bradley KJ6PEH, Chief Engineer of KSPX TV Channel 29 showed us the technology inside his modern digital television broadcast facility, and Ed Siegner WA6QYO reviewed the application of analog meters to measure the DC power our stations use.   ARES members, mark your calendars for the ARES Emergency Communication Exercise with the City of Roseville on Tuesday June 11 from 0700 to 1400 local time on the W6SAR repeater on 146.64 MHz.  Contact John Staples ki6zww@hotmail.com for information.   The River City ARCS offers complimentary membership for the balance of the current calendar year to first time hams newly licensed through the Carmichael Elks, Sierra Foothills ARC and Folsom Volunteer Examiner sessions.  Visit http://www.n6na.org/membership for more information.   The access entrance to our June 22-23 Field Day site at Dry Creek Ranch, Rio Linda, has been changed due to another concurrent activity.  Please enter the site through the gate and dirt road that will be clearly marked on the south side of Q Street between 16th and 18th Streets, NOT through the Dry Creek Road entrance.  Our Field Day talk-in will be on the 145.25 MHz N6NA repeater.  We welcome and need volunteers to help set up, operate and take down.  The club will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, condiments and soft drinks.  For the potluck, we ask attendees with callsign suffixes starting in A-L to bring a dessert and M-Z to bring a green, pasta or fruit salad.  For more information please contact Jason Lager KF6QXX, visit http://www.n6na.org/fieldday and attend our June 4 general meeting.   Join us this coming Tuesday, June 4, 7:30 pm at the Sacramento County Corp. Yard at 5026 Don Julio Blvd for our Field Day planning meeting and a showing of Gary Pearce KN4AQ's documentary "The Last BIG Field Day." Great company, programs and refreshments.  See you there!   73, Dr. Carol Milazzo, KP4MD/6 President, River City ARCS http://www.n6na.org

 KP4MD/6 also sent along this link to a great still photo essay of the YSARC HAMFEST:

https://picasaweb.google.com/114457533000757442881/2013YubaSutterARCHamfest?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Michael, K6BUK, is a faithful contributor to Section News. We have his report from Western Placer ARC. "The HamCram session this past weekend was a great success with 13 people earning a new license with one person taking and passing the Tech and General exams.  Here is the entire update from Dennis KI6HHA:

"On Saturday June 1 our Radio Club sponsored a HAM Cram class at the Sutter Roseville Medical Center.  The class was taught by Dennis Ki6HHA. Of the 27 people who pre-registered, 14 attended the class.  13 of the students took the Technician test following the class and  11 students passed.  One student did not finish the class or take the test because he had to go to work.  Special thanks to John KJ6CVB who facilitated reservation of the conference room where the class was held at Sutter and to Jim W6JMF who provided administrative support and assistance during the class with computer set up and helping students obtain their FRN number.  Both Jim and John volunteered all day with Dennis. Many thanks also to Herman KD6BQH, Jerry N6JKH and Pete KD6RB who were members  of the VE Team that administered the test along with Jim, John and Dennis.  In addition to the 13 students from the class who took the test, there were four walk in candidates who also took the test, two of whom earned their license. Congratulations to Cameron Haar, son of Jerry, who was one of the candidates that earned his Technician Class License.  Great job Cameron!  One of the thirteen candidates who earned their Technician license also took and passed the General Class License Test.  Dennis will be notifying all the new licensees of their new call sign as soon as it is posted on the FCC data base which hopefully will be by the end of this week and also inviting each of them  to attend our next club meeting on June 18^th. Update from K6BUK: from the Western Placer Amateur Radio Club:

Congratulations to the 12 new amateur operators who passed the Tech exam after the HamCram class last week.  They have received their call signs and are ready to get on the air.  We hope you will attend the June WPARC club meeting on June 18th and stop by our Field Day location on June 22.  At Field Day there will be plenty of opportunities for new licensees to try their hand at some nationwide communications.  The new licensees are:

Arlyn Baggott    KK6EYC
Gary Bridges    KK6EXV
Joseph Bridges    KK6EYD
Joe Graham    KK6EYE
Robert Hirakis    KK6EXW
George Miller    KK6EXT
Bill Montalvo    KK6EXX
John O'Connor    KK6EYB
Steven Shumway    KK6EYA
Artem Sitaruk    KK6EXY
Caprice Inchalik    KK6EXU
Cameron Haar    KK6EXZ

"The next club sponsored Test session will be held on September 7^th at the WPARC  Ham Fest so if you know of anyone who wants to upgrade their license or earn a Technician license, have them contact Dennis KI6hha@aol.com our VE Team Leader for more information.

"Many thanks to the WPARC members who made this class a success and a big congratulations to all the new hams!

"Also last Saturday the YSARC held a HamFest.  They had a good turnout and the weather was nice.  They offered a full breakfast for $5.00 and sold out.  They were expecting 30 people for breakfast and wound up with so many they were running out of plates.  I attended the event to sell the SK estate gear and I was swamped.  All but 4 items sold.  If you are interested in an Ameritron 572B linear amp, a Techtronics scope, a Kenwood TS-811A 430 MHz transceiver, or a KLM 140 watt 2 meter linear amp, send me an email.  A real big thank you to Roger K6OU who was an immense help in transporting and selling the equipment.  The results wouldn't have been anywhere near as successful without his help!

"At our May meeting we heard about the latest Field Day plans from Roger K6OU.  The planning for this year's event is well underway with site improvements and temporary antenna methods designed and ready for deployment.  In addition, we have the club's copy of N3FJP logging software set up for WiFi connections for easier logging and NO duplicates!"

 

Thank you to all our wonderful contributors, who made this month's Section News so informative.