SACRAMENTO VALLEY SECTION WEB RESOURCES
Section News: www.arrlsacvalley.org
Section Nets: http://sites.google.com/site/arrlsacvalley/nets
Sacramento Valley ARES: www.sacvalleyares.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ARRLSacramentoValley
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ARRL_SV
Thanks to Greg Kruckewitt KG6SJT for maintaining our Section ARES web page and assisting with our Facebook page and Twitter feed.
Thanks to Les Cobb W6TEE for maintaining the Section Net list.
ARRL Affiliated Club web resources are now listed on this web page
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Amateur Radio at Sacramento Girl Scouts STEAM Expo
Amateur Radio Exhibit at May 13 Girl Scouts STEAM Expo in Sacramento
The May 13, 2017 Sacramento Girl Scouts STEAM Expo celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics was held from 2-6 PM at the Girl Scouts Heart of Central California Center, 6601 Elvas Ave, Sacramento, CA.
Over 200 Girl Scouts of all ages attended the event. W6SFM Samuel F. Morse ARC President Michael Aretsky, N6MQL, North Hills RCPresident Kaayla Jaret, KA6YLA, River City ARCS Member James Chin, KK6FON, ARRL SV Section Youth Coordinator Dr. Duane Wyatt, WAØMJD, ARRL SV Asst. Section Manager Roger Cain, KI6FYF and ARRL SV Section Manager Carol Milazzo, KP4MD assisted at our ARRL booth.
The Morse Code practice stations were very popular with the scouts, where they completed a look-up worksheet and learned how to use a telegraph key to send their names in Morse Code. Scouts also experienced the excitement of their first on the air contacts over our on-site amateur radio station. For the adult leaders and parents we provided literature about amateur radio, the ARRL and the Young Ladies' Radio League, the ARRL Girl Scouts Radio and Wireless Technology Patch program, and how to contact their area amateur radio clubs for assistance.
Your local Girl Scout Council will appreciate your contacting them to participate in their STEM activity fairs. Set up a booth with an operating amateur radio station. Download and display the flyer, checklist and the full curriculum for the Girl Scouts Radio & Wireless Patch from the ARRL page http://www.arrl.org/girl-scouts-radio-patch. The patch program details all sorts of fun and easy tasks and activities within the ability of young and school age girls. The authors of the curriculum did all the work for us!
Updates on AB-1222 Amendment Bill to Distracted Driving Law
Update on the CA Hands Free Law - AB 1785/CVC 23123.5, posted May 22, 2017
We have been fielding a number of inquires on if Amateur Radio (2-way radio) is exempt from the updated "hands-free" law that went into effect on January 1st of this year. The language of the legislation is "all inclusive" and tends to, by default, wrap 2-way radio use into the prohibition.
Amateur licensees in the Pacific and South West Divisions of ARRL have been working on this issue. The original bill's sponsor has been contacted a number of times. The CHP command has also been contacted. As a result, the CHP has issued a memo to its officers advising that "a radio installed and mounted in a vehicle with a wired hand microphone is not considered a wireless communications device........and therefore is not subject to enforcement under this section." That memo was issued on March 28, 2017.
More recently, the sponsoring assemblyman entered into the Assembly Journal a letter establishing the legislative intent of the law. Essentially, the letter states that common 2-way, wired radio use was not intended to be addressed by the newer hands-free law. This letter was published in the Assembly Journal on April 27, 2017.
Please note: Use of an HT would still be a violation. The radio must be mounted and the microphone be corded to the radio.
I have packaged the CHP memo and the letter to the Assembly Journal in one document. Click this link to download. Please pass it on. Amateurs should carry copies of these documents in their vehicles to present to law enforcement officials in case they are stopped. It may, or may not, prevent them from receiving a citation.
Please remember that not all law enforcement officers will be aware of these documents, and may not follow them. Amateurs may still be cited.
I would like to hear if any Amateur is actually cited under CVC 23123.5 for using Amateur Radio.
We can all thank the past SW Div Vice Director Marty Woll N6VI, Jim Aspinwall NO1PC, Norm Lucas WB6RVR, and others behind the scenes for their valiant effort to move this clarification forward. The effort is not over, as equally ambiguous language is being promoted in the revision to the law moving through the legislature now.
Please remind everyone that they must still not use their radios in a manner that detracts from their safe operation of their vehicle. Drivers can still be cited under the very broad "distracted driving" code section.
Thanks! 73, Bill Hillendahl KH6GJV, ARRL San Francisco Section Manager
Update by Jim Aspinwall, NO1PC, posted May 16, 2017
Jim Aspinwall, NO1PC, of the movement to amend the California Hands-Free Driving Law, has put out a call onhttp://www.no1pc.org/handsfree/index.html with instructions for radio amateurs and registered voters to contact their State senators now regarding the new amendment bill AB-1222 now under consideration as it will not adequately protect mobile radio operation.
I wish to thank Jim Aspinwall, NO1PC, Norm Lucas, WB6RVR, Glen Pitts K6KJQ and Mike Morris WA6ILQ for their diligent advocacy and work with the office of Assemblymember Bill Quirk, the California Assembly and the California Highway Patrol, and for the rank and file ARRL membership and radio amateurs throughout California who have signed on to support this effort to correct the ambiguous language in the existing law.
The effort continues with some concerns over the language in the bill that will proceed to the California Senate.
For those who wish to keep updated on the status and contribute to the effort, I recommend Jim Aspinwall's detailed overview of the concerns and progress of the effort on his Hands-Free Information Site.
-Carol Milazzo, KP4MD
California Radio Amateurs Move to Amend Distracted Driving Law AB-1785
posted March 21, 2017
In the last two months since its posting, San Jose area radio amateur Jim Aspinwall, NO1PC's online grass roots petition to amend the ambiguous language in California's AB-1785 Distracted Driving Law has gathered over a thousand signatures in its support.
In a news story aired recently on KOVR-TV CBS13 Sacramento, Norm Lucas, WB6RVR, explained that the Distracted Driving Law was designed to curb smartphone texting while driving which has been identified as a safety hazard. However, the ambiguous language in the law has also unintentionally rendered all commercial and amateur radio two-way mobile operation illegal in California. The original author of AB-1785, California Assemblyman Bill Quirk (Assembly District 20) has confirmed that the law was not intended to ban amateur radio mobile operation and has recently introduced AB 1222, the purpose of which is to amend this law. Negotiations are underway and continuing between all of the stakeholders regarding appropriate language to modify this law.
Ham Radio Now: California Distracted Driving Law
In
Ham Radio Now Episode 311, Gary Pearce KN4AQ and David Goldenberg WØDHG interview Norm Lucas and Jim Aspinwall for an in depth look at the drafting of the California AB-1785 Distracted Driving Law and how it came to negatively impact on commercial and amateur mobile two-way radio operation in California. They also describe
the growing community effort to bring this problem to public attention and to lobby the California legislature for an amendment to this problematic law.
AB1785 on Amateur Radio Roundtable
Tom Medlin, W5KUB, also interviewed Jim Aspinwall about the effort to amend AB1785 on the March 21 episode of the W5KUB.com
Amateur Radio Roundtable podcast.
ARRL Weighs In on New California ‘Driving While Wireless’ Statute
from arrl.org March 14, 2017
ARRL is recommending that Amateur Radio be specifically excluded from a California statute prohibiting the use of “wireless communication devices” while driving. ARRL Southwestern Division Vice Director Marty Woll, N6VI, is taking point on the effort to revise the statute, known by its legislative bill number AB 1785. It was signed into law last September, and it took effect on January 1, amending §23123.5 of the state’s Vehicle Code.
“ARRL has received a huge volume of inquiries and complaints about this statute in particular, since its enactment,” ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, wrote in a letter to Woll to provide guidance in amending the California statute. “I would urge that you present this letter at any meetings you have with California State legislators on this topic, thus to bring the issues contained herein to their attention.”
Read the full story here
Update from Bob Wortman, WB6VYH, Section Technical Coordinator
Updated April 29, 2017
Spring is upon us and maybe the weather will change too.
I will be at the Reno swap for all of you that need QSL cards checked. Be sure to check the rules and contact me before the event.
We will also headed North this summer a few times and maybe a trip to Kings NP. So if you’re in that area and need cards check just let me know.
I also will be at Pacificon 2017 for the weekend and I’m sure that NCDXC will be there too. Stop by the table.
73 and good DX, Bob Wortman, WB6VYH
ARRL Pacific Division DXCC Awards Manager, Sacramento Valley Section Technical Coordinator, WAS Award Manager, VUCC Awards Manager
From Duane Wyatt, WAØMJD
Posted April 29, 2017
Call for Equipment Donations for Kid's "Radio Library"
Duane Wyatt, WAØMJD, is starting a Radio Library for local elementary school students who attend school workshops sponsored by the A Touch of Understanding disability inclusion and acceptance organization. This Radio Library will allow students parents to check out radios and accessories instead of books. The students parents return the amateur radio items to the library if the student loses interest in amateur radio or purchases his own equipment.
Duane is seeking amateur radio equipment donations to start this program. If interested please contact Duane at duanewyatt(at)hotmail.com
Duane Wyatt, WAØMJD,
duanewyatt(at)hotmail.com
From Norm Lucas, WB6RVR,
Section Official Observer Coordinator
Posted January 11, 2016
Do you have what it takes to be an ARRL "Official Observer?"
Update October 12, 2016 - The ARRL and the FCC are currently working together to update and to make changes to the Official Observer/Amateur Auxiliary program. Because of these expected upcoming updates and changes, ARRL has placed a temporary hold on applications for new Official Observers and Official Observer Coordinators at this time. Read more here.
The Official Observer (OO) program has been sponsored by the ARRL for more than 85 years to help Amateur Radio operators assist each other to operate their stations in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.
Official Observer appointees have assisted thousands of Amateur Radio operators to maintain their transmitting equipment and comply with operating procedures and regulations. The object of the OO program is to notify amateurs of operating and technical irregularities before they come to the attention of the FCC and to recognize good operating practices.
The OO program serves as the first line of "eyes and ears" for the FCC. It is the backbone of the Amateur Auxiliary. OOs are certified in the Auxiliary by passing a mandatory written examination.
Update on FCC Deliberate Interference Case
Posted April 4, 2017
Recent filings related to a long-standing FCC case regarding deliberate interference on 3908 kHz is posted on the FCC website athttps://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/filings?proceedings_name=08-20&sort=date_disseminated,DESC.
Additional information related to this matter is posted on the ARRL News http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-levies-25-000-fine-on-california-radio-amateur-for-deliberate-interference.
Pot grow lights interfere with Ham Radio
Submitted by Rene Smythe, WB6PSY, Posted March 4, 2017
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/c1b607bfbbab459ba9e21d4c282996e4/growing-problem-pot-lights-give-ham-radio-operators-buzz
I have experienced this interference for the past few years. I found the interference by swinging my 10m Yagi monobander around until the noise became over S9. I then went outside to see where the beam was physically pointed and discovered a garage where indoor pot is being grown. The lights are on a time cycle so the interference comes and goes. 40º degrees in either direction takes the noise out.
Now that marijuana is being legalized in more states, more hams are going to experience this noise.
WB6PSY
ARRL and the FCC have a cooperative agreement in radio frequency interference matters. You may submit complaints together with your supporting documentation to ARRL EMC Engineer Mike Gruber W1MG who then files the report with the FCC Gettysburg office. More infomation is posted under the "From the Section Manager" notes in the November 2016 Section News - Carol KP4MD
Keep Our Digital Transmissions Legal on 60 Meters
Posted January 29, 2017
Our decreasing solar activity and residential antenna restrictions have attracted increasing numbers of radio amateurs to operate CW and weak signal digital modes on our lower HF frequencies including 60 meters. The five frequency channels that US amateur radio operators share on a secondary basis with US federal government users on 60 meters (5 MHz) pose unique requirements for CW and digital operators. As explained on http://www.arrl.org/60m-channel-allocation, US radio amateur emissions on our 60m channels must be precisely centered in the center frequency of each assigned channel, that is, 5332.0, 5348.0, 5358.5, 5373.0 or 5405.0 kHz. Thus, for example, a CW signal on channel 3 (USB Dial frequency 5357.0 kHz) must be precisely on 5358.5 kHz. The same ARRL page explains that all digital emissions must also be centered in the channel center.
This may appear unreasonable to radio amateurs because a 2.8 kHz channel can accommodate many digital and CW transmissions simultaneously, and requiring multiple stations to operate on the same exact frequency would result in mutual interference. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)* explains this requirement in https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/7021871884.pdf which states: "Allowing multiple emissions within the necessary bandwidth of the widest authorized modes (2.8 kHz) increases the possibility of harmful interference from secondary amateur stations to primary federal stations, and would make it more difficult for a federal station to identify an interfering amateur station. In addition, NTIA is concerned about the aggregate equivalent isotropically radiated power from multiple amateur stations transmitting within a single 2.8 kHz channel. Accordingly, NTIA requests that 47 C.F.R. Section 97.303(h) continue to require that amateur stations transmit only on the five center frequencies allocated to the amateur service." (See http://www.arrl.org/what-the-fcc-rules-say-97-303-h)
JT65
This screenshot photo shows JT65 signals received on 60m Channel 3 (5357 kHz USB dial frequency) from 0300-0309 UTC on January 29, 2017. In the photo, the 5357 kHz dial frequency is at 0 Hz on the left side of the waterfall and the 5358.5 kHz channel center is at the 1500 Hz mark. Decodes of several US radio amateurs are seen transmitting JT65 emissions simultaneously on various frequencies throughout the channel 3 frequency range 5357-5360 kHz. This is the familiar appearance of a JT65 waterfall display on all other amateur radio bands; however, it does not meet the NTIA requirement that each US radio amateur transmission be centered on the 1500 Hz mark (the 5358.5 kHz channel center frequency).
Richard Saunders, K6RBS, has posted the program settings for proper 60m JT65 operation here.
WSPR
The link
http://wsprnet.org/olddb?band=60&sort=callsign&reverse=on&unique=on lists recent WSPR mode emissions on 60 meters. One can scroll down that list and see how many A, K, N and W call signs have been transmitting WSPR mode outside the authorized 60 meter center channel frequencies. Many US WSPR transmissions are now being observed on the WSPR software default 60m frequency of 5288 kHz, a completely unauthorized frequency for US radio amateurs.
Each licensee has the final responsibility for the lawful operation of his or her station. Unfortunately, the increasing automation in our radios has apparently accustomed some to falsely assume that the radio will correct for operator carelessness and ignorance of regulations. Our cooperation with NTIA requirements is essential for our continued access to the 60m channels and for possible future access to the new ITU worldwide 60 meter allocation at 5351.5 to 5366.5 kHz. (See http://www.arrl.org/news/view/arrl-asks-fcc-to-allocate-new-5-mhz-band-retain-channels-and-current-power-limit and http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-invites-comments-on-arrl-petition-to-allocate-new-5-mhz-band). Please be aware of these requirements if you intend to or currently operate CW or digital modes on our shared 60m allocations. The Amateur Auxiliary is documenting this matter and hopes to raise its awareness in the wider amateur radio community.
-Carol Milazzo, KP4MD
*The NTIA is the federal authority that coordinates radio spectrum use for the US military and federal government while the FCC serves in this capacity for civilian radio spectrum users.
June 10 - Sacramento County ARES Training
Posted May 30, 2017
The next Sacramento County ARES training and meeting is scheduled for Saturday June 10, 2017 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at theSacramento Sheriff's Central Division, 7000 65th Street, Sacramento, CA 95823.
Vince Cracchiolo KI6NHP is the Sacramento County EC.
For more information, visit the Sacramento County ARES web site at www.saccountyares.org
Placer County ARES Exercise
Posted May 31, 2017
Placer County ARES Exercise
On May 13 th Placer County ARES held an exercise, the exercise was a simulated HazMat spill in a shopping center in Auburn CA. There were 11 hams involved, they staffed the scene, Sutter Auburn Hospital, Sutter Roseville Hospital, and a net control station in the Auburn Veterans Hall. The exercise made use of the HICS 213 (the hospital version of the ICS 213) and was designed to give the new members training on message passing and general net procedures. As the exercise progress the new members gained comfort and confidence in these areas.
Carl N6CKV - Placer County EC
Photos pending
Club and Member News - Under Construction
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Our April meeting had a nice turnout. Two members spoke about projects during our ‘Show and Tell’ period and I continue to encourage others to contribute. What are you working on; what discoveries have you made? Any technical topic that has an interest to our hobby is welcome. Let me know, before the meeting, so I can get you on my list and set some time aside.
We voted in a new club member: Bill Toft, AK6WT. Welcome aboard, Bill!
Jay gave us an intriguing video on a DX expedition to Scarborough Reef. This is a location not for the ‘faint of heart’! The operators were literally attached to the top of rocks in the middle of the South China Sea, between the Philippines and mainland China.
The meeting this month needs to change location, since the church will not be available to us for our regular Thursday meeting night. As I write this, it appears that the consensus will be to hold the meeting at the Cal Fire Station at Mt. Danaher, in Camino. I will be unable to a3end, since I will be on a road trip. Listen for updates on the weekly net and web site.
It looks like we’re finally going to be able to enjoy some Spring weather! We measured 76.4 inches of rain at my QTH, since last October, which is quite a new record!
73, Michael, K6MLE Newsletter
April was a busy month for the club. We assisted two bicycle clubs with communication for their rides in the country side. The first was the ride in and around Amador County which featured 1,500 riders on a 30 mile or 60 mile ride. The event went smoothly and any incidents where assistance was required was handled efficiently through the use of a radio operator riding with their club's "assistance vehicles". The second ride was two weeks later and covered several courses ranging from 30 to 120 miles in both Amador and El Dorado counties. This is a ride with some serious terrain but the event went well. Then there was a situation with a woman missing from her home in mountain terrain which involved a large number of personnel including a National Guard helicopter. The club ARES component was put on alert and provided support to that operation. The club meetings feature interesting presentations and a licensing class is planned for June for both Technician and General. 73, John Stettler, ACARC PIO
Update from River City ARCS
Posted April 29, 2017
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Hi everyone - I hope April's meeting went well with "Winter Field Day". I had a great time in Bordeaux, France. The trip was on UniWorld's river boat, The "MS River Royale". Unfortunately, I couldn't fit all of you in my suitcase, so I asked Paul McIntyre to give you my apologies. Touring the Bordeaux country side, I did look for anything that looked like an amateur radio antenna but didn't see one, unless it was disguised as a grape vine and there were millions and millions of those. My only disappointment was not seeing the insides of the WWII German U-Boat sub pen - (see image)
Anyway, back to the present. Field Day is 2 months away. The thought of operating only on batteries and solar systems for maximum points, has motivated me to give a presentation on "solar for hams" at the May meeting. I started building an off-grid solar system back in 2003, mainly motivated by the Enron fiasco 20 years earlier, where I was without of power for a week. My beginning off-grid system was small, but adequate to run a transceiver and supporting instruments as long as I had sun during the day to recharge the batteries if they were used. The current system has more storage power and panels to keep the batteries charged even with a few days without sun and supply power for things that require power 24/7. Hope you can make it to the meeting and find the presentation useful. Until then.
Photo caption: April 30 River City ARCS Fox Hunt Participants: Les Cobb, W6TEE, Tom Cutter, W6BS, James Chin, KK6FON and Dana Roper N6DTR
73, Ed, WA6QYO Newsletter
Update from Yuba-Sutter ARC
Posted May 31, 2017
GENERAL MEETING
The next general meeting will be held June 6th at the Caltrans Building in Marysville. Final planning for field day and discussion of an antenna building help at KF6VFP and KI6CSN’s QTH will take place. Come to the meeting, help plan, and volunteer to help out.
“The Prez Says”
Looks like I missed my deadline again. Oops! Sorry Curtis. Well, since I haven't written a “Prez Says” in a couple of months it's time to put one out, whether or not it gets into the Valley Ham News. There's lots of activity going on and much to be involved in.
First and foremost are our plans for Field Day. With Mark (KA6FFM) leading the charge and Pete (W6HKB) Visali's generosity we have a venue for Field Day. Pete has graciously offered us the use of his land in Dobbins. Although unsure at first of where we might POSSIBLY be able to set up, we actually ended up with several different venues to choose from; Pete's place, Sycamore Ranch, Chris (KM6JIA) and Katie (KM6JIB) Atkinson's place in Brown's Valley, Bob (W6BOB) Olsen's place south of Yuba City and the Live Oak Elementary School yard. This list will be a good starting point when planning for next year. Cindy (KK6OIO) and Manna (KA6ETB) are putting together a great barbecue and have been working hard to get food and supply donations from local retailers. Joe (N9BD) and Kevin (K1KMC) have spent a fair amount of time in the last couple of weeks fixing and improving the club antenna trailer, specifically replacing the wood decking and painting.. There's more work to be done and Joe has planned a trailer work day for June 4th at Kevin's (K1KMC) house in Yuba City. Check the club website for details. I don't have specifics but I also know that there are plans being formulated to provide generators, extension cords, chairs, tables, EZ-Up shades, logging laptops, etc. So I think we're well on our way to a successful Field Day. It probably won't be perfect as many of us have no prior experience but I'm very much looking forward to it and I think we'll all have a good time. In that sense I think it will be a big success. June's club meeting will be dedicated solely to discussion of Field Day so come prepared with your ideas.
Close on the heels of Field Day will be our Antenna Workshop being hosted by Curtis (KF6VFP) in Loma Rica. Curtis is providing space and will have some supplies available for purchase. There will be some tools and test equipment available; torches, tubing cutters, antenna analyzers, Ideally participants will have researched beforehand what kind of antenna they would like to try building and will pre-purchase the supplies they'll need to build the antenna whether it be copper tubing, wire, PVC pipe, etc.. I anticipate many would like to try building copper and twin lead J-Poles to use with their 2 meter rigs, The supplies for a copper J-Pole should cost you less than $10 and can be purchased readily from Lowe's, Home Depot, Ace Hardware and others. I am going to try building another copper pipe based antenna for 2 meters similar to a J-Pole called a Slim Jim. I'd like to see how its performance differs from a standard J-Pole. Mike (KK6ISQ) has offered an old TV antenna as a source of parts for someone who feels adventurous. Old hardware is a great source of building supplies so look around your shed, garage, closets, yard, etc. And spend some time on the internet checking out antenna ideas. Or talk to your fellow hams, most of them probably have a favorite design to suggest that won' be too difficult to assemble. I'll send out some plans that I've found that would make a good project for the day.
The re-establishment of the Sutter High School Amateur Radio Club got off to a good start with Gary Mason presenting the idea to a small group of students and some school staff last week. I attended so that the students could see that there was offer of local support outside of the school itself. We have discussed it at the last club and board meetings and I am proud to see the positive response of our membership to this effort. There are several club members already stepping forward in the spirit of ham radio with offers of support and equipment to help this program be successful. We'll need to have further discussions as to just what our relationship will be with the Sutter High School club but think whatever it turns out to be it will be a positive experience for both parties. Thanks Gary (KE6VUR) for bringing this to our attention.
It looks like the July club meeting, re-scheduled till the 11th due to the holiday, will be an antenna themed meeting due to the upcoming Antenna Workshop. My idea is to have members bring antennas they have built as examples and idea generators for those who want to assemble something on the 15th . I think we could have a real varied collection that would interest all of us. I also think it would be helpful to all to provide copies of the plans for your particular display, we could all walk away with a stack of possible future projects.
Anyone up for a field trip to HRO (Ham Radio Outlet)? I've never been but don't particularly want to make that drive to Oakland myself. I think it would be great fun to carpool down there. We'd have a great social time together and get to buy some supplies that aren't readily available up here. Give it some thought.
Till next time, 73's, Chris/KK6VZD
EDITORS COMMENTS
✓YSARC’s new web page is: www.ysarc.net - click on the upper right-hand icon on the homepage to join the club’s Facebook page. Past issue’s of the VHN are available on our new website.
✓Send your ham related articles and pictures to share in your VHN. Pictures of ham shacks, antenna projects, antenna parties, etc. are appreciated KI6CSN@arrl.net orKF6FVP@arrl.net
Newsletter
June 2017 - Sierra Foothills Amateur Radio Club Report
Field Day - Al, NI2U has most of the plan together for Field Day 2017. T shirts are ordered and now equipment inventory and master layout of Antennas are in progress. Location (see ARRL FD Locater page) I80 East to Exit 156 at Nyack, CA. WE will have a GOTA station, so all the newcomers and other hams can come operate! Look for W6EK on all bands!
VE Exams - Every First Saturday each Month, the VE team is at Ralley's Granite Bay doing testing. It is 8am and you can walk in.7 candidates. 7 earned a new or upgraded license. We have 4 new Technicians 1 new Generals and 1 Grandfather General and 1 new Extra.
Club Picnic - as if there wasn't enough going on, the W6EK CLub Picnic will be August.
Club Library - Club Secretary, Bruce K6BAA has over 55 book titles that members can "sign out" for their use at home. The project is going well and club members are enjoying the use of the publications.
Club Event Support - George, KG6LSB coordinated the last 4 events including the Tour de Cure for the American Diabetes Association. Next events on the way Western States 100 and Tevis Cup.
New Webmaster - Herb, KM6JBI is now the webmaster, Thanks go out to Birtion, N6UG for taking the job over from Carl, WF6J.
73, Carl, WF6J, ARRL PIO Newsletter
April and May have been good months for the EGFARC. We were treated to an excellent presentation at our April meeting on batteries by Steve Hartzel (w6obo). The changes in battery construction and capability over the last few years are overwhelming.
May is proving to be another one for the record. On May 10th we had a booth at the 60th annual Elk Grove Western Festival. Six of our members staffed a booth in the Park
It was cool at 8:00 am when we started setting up our radio stations in Space 110 amid hundreds of other displays. The legs on the pop-up overlapped our two neighbors—a hat vendor on one side and a pest control vendor on the other. Our sign was a little too large for us to put out front. But, it all worked out!
We had a 2m, a packet and a HF station set up. There was lots of chatter on HF.
We met some nice folks and had a chance to promote our club. One ham who has been checking into our net told us he had a membership application on his desk and will attend our meeting Saturday night. Another Ham from the bay area intending to re-locate to Elk Grove had lots of questions about EGFARC and ARES.
Photo caption: L/R. Cindy (kk6buy), Joel (ai6dg), Dave (wb6ylk), Mike (km6gmn)
Cindy (KK6BUY), Mike (KM6GMN), Joel AI6DG), Dave (WB6YLK), Chris (KG6JFO) and Paul (N6DRY) had a great time talking with the crowd and best of all getting to know each other on a more personal level! Thanks for your help!
TOM PRESTON (kq6eo) will be the speaker at our monthly meeting on May 13th . Tom will talk about MESH SYSTEMS. We look forward to learning more about the emerging mode. Our meetings are held the 2nd Saturday of each month at the Sacramento Sheriff’s Central Division Community room located at 7000 65th Street, Sacramento, CA. 95823. The time is 7:00 pm. EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
Then, on June 10th some of our folks will be staffing a booth at the Galt Health and Safety Faire. Last year, we are told, there were over 1,000 kids at this event. Hopefully, we can interest some of them in Amateur Radio. Later that evening (at our monthly) meeting, ROD SORENSON (wa6nav) will be our speaker. Rod and his brother built an airplane (not a kit) and flew it to Australia. He will have a slide presentation showing the construction of the plane and talk about the Ham Radio Contacts they made during the flight.
73, Paul (n6dry)
Update from Oroville ARS
Posted May 31, 2017
The monthly meeting of OARS (http://w6af.org) will take place Friday, 9 June, May 2017, 7 pm, at St. Paul’s Parish Hall, 1430 Pine Street in Oroville. The doors will open at 6 pm for a social hour prior to the meeting. Hope all can attend.
The OARS Monthly Breakfast will take place this Saturday, May 27. 2017, 9 am, at The Waffle Shop, 2107 Feather River Blvd (across the street from Applebee’s) in Oroville. Hope to see everyone there. 73, Jim, W7XZ
73, Jim, W7XZ
Our meeting this month is Wednesday, June 14th. You can choose Lunch or Breakfast. (Denny's serves breakfast all day.) Breakfast (or lunch) starts at eleven and the meeting will start at Noon.
Meeting as usual at: Denny's Restaurant, 7900 College Town Drive, Sacramento. Phone (916) 383-7071, Located at the southwest corner of Howe Ave. and College Town Drive one block North of Highway 50.
Please plan on attending.
Update from North Hills RC
Posted May 8, 2017
The next meeting for The North Hills Radio Club will take place on Tuesday evening, May 16, 2017.
This month's meeting will include a presentation by Bob Wortman WB6VYH.
Join us at our May meeting of the North Hills Radio Club, where Bob will discuss QSL cards as well as the various electronic means of QSLing including Logbook of the World.
Bob is an official "card checker". So if you have any card which need verified, bring them. Perhaps he will be willing to check them for you.
Club meetings are always held on the third Tuesday of every month, at the former (SMUD) building located at 5026 Don Julio Blvd, at the northeast corner of Don Julio and Elkhorn Blvds. The board meeting begins at 6:00 P.M., followed by the general membership meeting at 7:30 P.M.
See you there! From Doug Emerson, Vice-President, North Hills Radio Club. Amateur call sign N6NFF
NORTH HILLS RADIO CLUB’s 42nd ANNUAL HAMFEST SUNDAY MAY 21, 2017 From 700am-1200pm At the Carmichael Elks Lodge #2103, 5631 Cypress Ave, Carmichael, CA. 95608. PRIZES will be announced each hour. Grand Prize is a Yaesu FT-60R Hand Held. Other prizes Astron power supply & Wouxun 2M/440 HT.
Directions: Interstate 80 to Madison then Right on Manzanita then RIGHT on Cypress we’re 2 blocks on the right. K6IS Repeater Talk in: 145.190Mhz – 162.2Hz or 224.400Mhz – 162.2Hz
Download Hamfest Flyer
APRIL MEETING NOTES
There were 26 attendees by unofficial count at the April meeting, including 2 new members to the club.
CLUB TABLE AT COUNTY FAIR
As a direct example of the value of working the table at the fair, President Larry Latta, K6LRL, related how meeing John Gick WA6TNC at the club's fair booth convinced him to become a ham when he moved to Grass Valley.
So sitting there watching people walk by giving you funny looks as they try to decide whether you're talking with aliens has value. It's not the number of people who walk by that matters, but how we present ourselves as a fun and lively group to the few people who do take a minute to stop and say hi.
PHIL KEAST DIARY DONATED TO CLUB
Cal, AI6C, told us that Jim W6LG has donated the diary of Phil Keast 6DD(SK) to the club. Cal will scan it and post a PDF online, then is investigating donating the book itself to the Nevada County Library as a local historical artifact that they can preserve for all in the area who are interested.
Some initial scans are already up on the front page of the club website (ncarc.org). Included in the diary are Phil's contact logs from the 1920s
73, Walt, N6HNS Newsletter
The CORRECT date for our JUNE meeting will be THURSDAY JUNE 1st. Please be sure to update your calendars.
MAY REPORT:
The W6SFM Samuel F Morse Radio Club May meeting was called to order by club President Mike, N6MQL with 10 members and 2 guest in attendance.
In an effort to keep all of the clubs members and guests who were either unavailable or out of state / city closely involved, The SFM ARC now provides a LIVE FEED via our on-line LiveStream video services. Due to LiveStream’s new system, a ‘link’ must be created and posted to our webpage before each broadcast can be viewed on the W6SFM Live Feed webpage. During this month’s meeting that link was NOT created. This resulted in our broadcast not being viewable on our website’s “Live-Feed” page. However, those who “follow” W6SFM on LiveStream.com were sent a notice when we began our broadcast. Followers were then directed to the W6SFM’s LiveStream.com webpage where they were able to view the meeting LIVE. In the future, if you do not follow the W6SFM on LiveStream.com, and you believe there is a LIVE broadcast happening, but are unable to view it through our Live Feed Page, we ask that you go to livestream.com and simply search for “W6SFM”. You will then be able to find any live broadcasts currently taking place.
W6SFM showed a strong presence at the annual Kids Day in the park held at Hagan Park in Rancho Cordova with 8 members in attendance. Like years past W6SFM had a good turnout of Kids, their parents and the general public. Although booth turnout was a bit lower than past years, we did have about 60 kids and adults sit down at the table with our volunteer W6SFM members to receive a brief history lesson on Samuel F Morse, how telegraph was used in the past and how amateurs use it in the present. Once again, this year, we saw returning kids who made an active effort to seek out the SFM ARC both looking to try their hand at Morse Code. It has become clear that W6SFM holds an interest at this event among the 150 plus other booths in the park.
Member Norm, WB6RVR presented to us the latest amendment (AB1222) to the California "Hands-Free Public Safety Law" (ab1785). Other club business and ARRL news and information was discussed at the meeting along with the current band conditions based on our own personal on-air experiences.
For this month's presentation, W6SFM Vs’ Pres. John, WB6UBK presented to the group a topical presentation on Grounding and the safety required during installations.
Our next SFM ARC in-person meeting will be held at its normal time and location June 1st (followed by our July 6th meeting). The SFM ARC in-person meeting will be held in the Howard Crowley room upstairs at the Carmichael Presbyterian Church. More information including a Google Map is available on the homepage of our website.
At our June meeting, we will be discussing ARRL’s annual Field Day event. We will also have a presentation on the use of a Hot Air rework station used to solder and remove SMD devices on PCBs. As always, we will have our Tech (show and tell) portion where members and visitors are asked to share their Ham Radio related items they find of interest. Feel free to visit our In-Person meeting with items that you purchased or were given that you would like to share with the group. Visitors are always welcome to join us.
Each Tuesday of the week 8:00 PM on 3.545 MHz the SFM ARC enjoys getting on the air with CW for our weekly Nets. You do NOT need to be a member of the SFM ARC to check into our nets and we encourage you to invite a friend to join us as well. Although our nets usually run around 13 wpm code, we are all happy to accommodate those that are slower and need us to oblige. If you are unable to copy Morse Code or need some code practice please feel free to visit our on-line LIVE streaming broadcast of both the Audio and a CW to Text decoding of the meeting. The “LIVE FEED” link can be found on our home page of our website.
Do you know someone in need of a Ham Club to call home? Perhaps someone that wants to learn Morse Code, are interested in CW or already know and use it, the SFM ARC would love to be their new Club home. Our in-person meetings are held each 1st Thursday of the month at 7 PM. Please use the rear parking lot and entry for best access to the meeting. A map and directions can also be found on our website. We hope to see you at our next meeting!
Chris AI6U
Newsletter
Our Next Club Meetings are May 16, 2017. 5:30 – Board Meeting. 7:00 – Members Meeting. Woodcreek Oaks Golf Club, 5880 Woodcreek Oaks Blvd., Roseville, California
Scheduled Speaker and Topic: Carl First N6CKV will introduce us to Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). There is much more to ARES than a couple of hams driving around with radios in their cars! Join us to find out more!
Club Meeting Location: WPARC conducts board and member meetings on third Tuesdays of each month. Members and guests with business to bring before the board are welcome to attend board meetings. Join us at Legends at Woodcreek Oaks Golf Club, 5880 Woodcreek Oaks Blvd., Roseville.
WPARC News
Tour de Lincoln - May 6
Roger K6OU is seeking volunteer Hams for Tour de Lincoln on May 6. Clear your calendar now and plan to help out at this annual event working as a SAG wagon on the course or operating from a fixed rest stop location. Many hands make for light work and shorter shifts. Sign up at a club meeting or directly with Roger K6OU by email or telephone (916.768.7532).
On Deck: Field Day 2017 - Jun 24+25
Excitement is building for Field Day again this year. A crew will head up to Gary WA6IKE's QTH high atop the foothills overlooking Lincoln and the valley to staff the radios again this year. (See last year pictures below) Would you like to join us? Come to our June meeting as we discuss final preparations, just in time for the big weekend.
WPARC 2017 Hamfest - Sep 16
WPARC 2017 Hamfest will be Saturday, Sep 16. Start setting your ham radio treasures aside for their next owners, and plan to attend this annual event. Be thinking about volunteering a few hours to make this year another success!
Tour de Rocklin - Sep 30
Bill KJ6YCO brings word that the Tour de Rocklin returns this year on Saturday, Sep 30. This is another premier cycling event in our area and WPARC will be there to support it. Save the date to provide support at net control, as SAG in your vehicle, or at a check point along the route.
WPARC on Facebook and Twitter
Check us out on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter (@k6pac)
The Prez' Says
QST de KA6GND
A special thank you to Dorothy Post, Evelyn Weir – K6QXC, Kathy Favor – K6FAV and Dale Anderson – KK6EVX for organizing the ham participants in this year’s Wildflower Bike Ride – your work on this is greatly appreciated!
Greetings to all! This month we have one of the most fun meetings of our year - the annual GEARS Auction. At our meeting on Friday May 19th our meeting will pretty much just be the fun-filled auction. Start going through your ham-related goodies that you can part with, as it just may be that something that someone else will treasure. Bring it to the meeting and if you need to, put a minimum bid amount on it. All GEARS asks is that at least 10% of the selling price go to GEARS, as this auction is a big fundraiser for our club. Some choose to donate the entire selling price to the club – your choice. There will be at least 2 estate sales of hams that have become silent keys (passed away) and their families have donated their ham gear and accessories to GEARS. Bring your cash and/or checkbooks to the auction, there just may be one or more items that you just cannot live without in your station!
Another biggie for the year is next month – the annual ARRL Field Day. It will be held Saturday and Sunday, June 24th & 25th, location yet to be decided. This is an opportunity for us to set up stations out in the “field” under less than optimal conditions and have a great time making contacts on different bands and modes, honing our skills and meeting new friends. Mark your calendar and get in touch with Michael Favor, N6FAV if you would like to help in some way.
Hope to see you and talk with you soon, Larry Marcum, KA6GND, GEARS Club President, ka6gnd@gmail.com, 530-345-5399 Newsletter
Don Righello, W6PJJ Bicycle Mobile
posted May 30, 2017
This is the latest configuration of my HF to 144 MHz Bicycle Mobile including the new addition of the Little-Tar-heel Motorized HF to 54 MHz antenna. I plan to do some field testing comparisons between this antenna and the former Hustler Mobile Antenna with Resonator. My on-the-air observations have been that the Hustler outperforms the Motorized Antenna but, I will not know for certain until I do some range field testing. I have never been a fan of linear antennas combining series inductance, those coils tend to absorb large amounts of RF if not balanced with sufficient amounts of capacity and even then, the efficiency is poor compared to a 1/2-Wave Resonate Radiator.
The term “Power Management” is highly emphasized when operating a system such as this on a bicycle, fairly large amounts of power are necessary contrary to the QRP ideology thus… the need for numerous batteries. Several up front for the powered speaker and GPS, a 12v 5a for the Antenna Motor located in the bag behind the seat and a LIFEPO4 13v 10a for the radio also located in the bag with a power monitoring system. Weight considerations must be taken into account in order to balance the load across the entire bicycle frame and the added weight in the rear, burns off rubber on the rear tire like mad.
Six countries and 12 states have been worked from this platform mostly on the High Freq. Bands between 21 and 28 MHz. In addition, I have operated PSK on a number of occasions, using the Iambic Paddles and the Software in the KX3 to generate the PSK characters. It works but is not very practical. And, for a touch-typer like me……Nothing like a full sized keyboard and LCD Screen in my shack. I sometimes park next to a picnic table in a remote park, place the KX3 on the table with the Key-paddles and operate CW, that makes for a good QRP DX combination.
The Elecraft Family of receivers are probably the best specification receivers on the market. As for RF power, if you operate this radio with a good Base Station Antenna System… the results will be fair but, without a big antenna, mobile or portable operations will be more successful if you operate CW and will be more fun as well.
73, Don W6PJJ
Manzanar Ham, Saburo Sasaki, KC8RFA
Submitted by Les Cobb, W6TEE, posted May 31, 2017
Some of you have been on Ham campouts to Boulder Creek at Lone Pine on 395 the last 20+ years with the Mt Vaca Radio Club and later for the Whitney Classic bike ride. One of the interesting nearby places to visit is Manzanar, one of several locations where West Coast Japanese-Americans were retained during WWII. We just returned from a week-long non-Ham Carmichael RV club trip to Boulder Creek which included a tour of Manzanar led by a former Manzanar resident and his wife, who have been docents there every May for 13 years. To cut to the punch line, they are both Hams, which I didn't discover until that night.
Saburo Sasaki was the youngest of 3 sons when their family was moved from their farm in Pacoima. His wife Anna lived in Ohio and was apparently not subject to this. He and I were both in the 2nd grade in 1942-43 but he is slightly older. His discussion and answers were all about life at Manzanar, no politics. His tours every May include a lot of school kids. When he and his family left Manzanar, they moved to Cleveland Ohio since the Pacoima farms had homes built there for Locheed-Burbank workers. He became a Mechanical Engineer and worked for General Motors. His wife Anna was a mathematician in the Space Program.
If you haven't been to Manzanar in the last couple of years, they have constructed replicas of the barracks and mess halls which add a lot to your experience.
Just as the tour ended, we discovered that they were camping near us at Boulder Creek in their RoadTrek motorhome, which they drove from Michigan. They showed up at our camp hosts sites that evening and we all had a longer visit. Anna made a remark to me that caused me to realize that they were Hams so we exchanged data. Saburo's call is KC8RFA, Anna's is KC8REZ. Although not active, they want to put a rig in the motorhome and asked questions about this. I told them to buy Japanese!
Les, W6TEE
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June 2017 News
A Section-wide net is scheduled for Thursday, June 15. The net will commence after the Yuba-Sutter ARES net closes about 7:30 pm Pacific Time on the WD6AXM 146.085 MHz FM repeater, immediately followed by an HF net on 5330.5 kHz USB (alternate 3880 kHz LSB if no propagation). We will issue an Official Bulletin reminder prior to the net.
