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 Previous: Amateur Radio Volunteers Supporting Olympics |  Next: The K7VVV Solar Update |
Feb 13, 2002
(In alphabetical order: )
 Jim Hirschman, K4TVC, with his 2001 ARRL International Humanitarian Award plaque.[ARRL Photo] |
2001 ARRL International
Humanitarian Award presented: In a ceremony on Sunday, February 3, at the ARRL Southeastern Division
Convention and Tropical Hamboree in Miami, ARRL Southeastern Division Director
Frank Butler, W4RH, and Vice Director Sandy Donahue, W4RU, presented the 2001
ARRL International Humanitarian Award to Jim Hirschman, K4TCV. At its January
meeting, the ARRL Board of Directors unanimously agreed to name Hirschman the
2001 award recipient. The award was made "in recognition of a lifetime of
medicine and public service communications that has touched so many lives and
put our Service in such a positive light," the Board said. The award is
dedicated to those amateurs who, through Amateur Radio, are devoted to
promoting the welfare of mankind. A Miami resident, Hirschman, who's been
involved in public service communications for several decades, is the titular
"fleet surgeon" of the Waterway Net on 40 meters and known by many simply as
"Doctor Jim." He is a member of the Miami-Dade Amateur Radio Public Service
Corps and a volunteer operator at the National Hurricane Center's W4EHW.
Antenna Modeling course registration is now closed: Thanks to tremendous interest in the Antenna Modeling course (EC-004), all available seats for the first classes have been filled. More than 100 people signed up the first day! As we add mentors to the list for this course, we will be able to offer more classes in the months ahead. If you were among the fortunate students able to register, please be patient. We will prepare class rosters and issue access codes in a few days. We appreciate your support, interest and participation in this and all ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Courses. To learn more, visit the ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Web site and the CCE links found there, or contact ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Coordinator Dan Miller, K3UFG, cce@arrl.org.
Array Solutions named exclusive OptiBeam Antennas North American distributor: Array Solutions of Sunnyvale, Texas, now is the exclusive distributor of OptiBeam Antennas in the North American market, which includes Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. OptiBeam manufactures the "OB" series of high-performance, full-sized trapless Yagis now being exported to the US. "Their antennas are superbly built, something you don't see these days with most multi-band antennas," said Array Solutions President Jay Terleski, WX0B. OptiBeam President Thomas Schmenger said his firm has 25 year experience in the antenna and tower market. He expressed confidence that Array Solutions would not only sell OptiBeam's product but provide solid customer service. For more information contact Array Solutions, 972-203 2008, or visit the Array Solutions Web site.
 (L-R) Carstensen, Holmberg and White at ARRL Headquarters. |
ARRL and NARTE officials agree on areas of cooperation: ARRL Chief Operating Officer Mark Wilson, K1RO, and Field and Educational Services Manger Rosalie White, K1STO, met February 7 with officials of the National Association of Radio and Telecommunications Engineers (NARTE). Representing NARTE were Executive Director Russell Carstensen and Operations Director Laura Holmberg. ARRL and NARTE have a memorandum of understanding, and the meeting considered ways the two organizations could work more closely together under that agreement. NARTE offers an accredited certification program to qualified engineers and technicians in telecommunications, electromagnetic compatibility and electrostatic discharge. It also serves as a commercial operator license examination manager. NARTE has agreed to publicize ARRL's Certification and Continuing Education courses to its members, while the ARRL will publicize NARTE's commercial operator license examination opportunities. Other areas of possible cooperation will be considered.--Rosalie White, K1STO
Body of amateur lost in World Trade Center collapse located: The body of Robert D. "Bob" Cirri Sr, KA2OTD, was among several found February 9 in the ruins of the World Trade Center. The remains of Cirri, 39--a Port Authority Police Department lieutenant--and five other PAPD members were located in what had been the lobby of One World Trade Center--the second tower to collapse September 11. Nearby, recovery crews also found the body of a woman strapped into a rescue chair. An ARRL member, Cirri, of Nutley New Jersey, had served as ARES District Emergency Coordinator for Hudson County. "The thoughts of the Cirri Memorial Radio Club are with his family," said club president Rich Krajewski, WB2CRD. The club, headquartered in Jersey City, was renamed last year to honor Cirri's sacrifice. Cirri had helped to organize the club.
 (L-R) Cliff Fraser, KE4HIY, Volusia County Emergency Coordinator Joette Barnett, KG4HPN, Northern Florida SM Rudy Hubbard, WA4PUP, and John Schmidt, AF4PU. [Bob Crawford, KE4RFH, Photo] |
Florida amateurs recognized for role in President's ham radio appearance: ARRL Northern Florida Section Manager Rudy Hubbard, WA4PUP, has awarded plaques to the amateurs involved in arranging for President George W. Bush to speak via ham radio January 31. Recognized for their contributions were Cliff Fraser, KE4HIY; Volusia County Emergency Coordinator Joette Barnett, KG4HPN; and John Schmidt, AF4PU, who operated the station over which Bush spoke. The plaques commend the three for providing or assisting in providing the station. Bush addressed members of the Northern Florida Amateur Radio Emergency Service Net (NFAN) on 75 meters while he was in Florida to spotlight five volunteer groups--including the Volusia County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)--for their value to the new Office of Homeland Security. "I want to thank all the volunteers who help make sure that Florida is prepared for any kind of emergency," the president said in part.
Frankford Radio Club marks 75th anniversary with award: Frankford Radio Club is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2002. To mark the occasion, the FRC is making available an award to anyone who contacts 75 or more FRC members this year during contests. No QSLs are required, and the award also is available to SWLs. For more information, visit the FRC Web site, which includes a roster of active FRC members for downloading. The award is free to DX stations/SWLs and requires an SASE for US stations. During the 2002 Pennsylvania QSO Party (October 12-13), contacts with the club's W3FRC are worth 200 bonus points. A limited-edition of the classic FRC QSL card will be used to confirm QSOs for this operation. For more information, contact award coordinator John Lindmeier, K3ZV.
Good news and bad news regarding FCC's archived amateur licensing records: The ARRL has obtained some updated information regarding which amateur licensing records the FCC has and does not have. Such records can be valuable to prove prior exam element credit. The FCC has no archive license records before 1966. Some older data that apparently had been committed to microfilm or microfiche are no longer usable or accessible. Records from 1966 to 1975 are on microfiche, and the FCC can review these by call sign only. Records of licenses expiring from 1975 to 1994 are on microfiche, and the FCC can review these by call sign or by licensee name. Records of licenses expiring from 1994 to the present are all electronic and available. The Callbook began including license class in its listings starting with the fall 1968 edition, and Callbook listings may be accepted for prior examination element credit in accordance with FCC rules (eg, anyone who once held a Novice ticket can get credit for Element 1--Morse code). Those needing proof of license class between 1966 and the fall of 1968 but don't know the call sign may wish to contact the FCC's records contractor, QUALEX , which charges a fee for searches. Contact QUALEX at 202-863-2893; e-mail qualexint@aol.com, or by mail to FCC Reference Information Center, The Portals 2, 445 12th St SW, Room CY-A257, Washington DC 20554. Otherwise, applicants may be able to obtain a free FCC-issued verification letter for license data between fall 1968 and the present, if they don't have access to a Callbook of the relevant era. Contact FCC, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 1270 Fairfield Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325.
Los Angeles police jammer busted for unlicensed operation, parole violation: Jack Gerritson, who was very briefly KG6IRO, has been arrested again--this time for unlicensed operation and parole violations. Last November 14, the FCC set aside its November 8 grant of KG6IRO to Gerritson, after the Commission learned of Gerritson's state conviction in 2000 for interfering with Los Angeles Police Department radio transmissions. Gerritson was on parole after serving one year of a five-year term. The FCC said Gerritson continued operating and causing deliberate interference to numerous Amateur radio repeaters in the Los Angeles area. On January 29, Los Angeles FCC agents participated in the pre-dawn arrest of Gerritson, in response to complaints of death threats allegedly made by Gerritson on 2 meters. The FCC said a no-bail search and arrest warrant was served on Gerritson for violating the terms of his parole, which prohibited him from possessing radio transmitting equipment. At the time of arrest, the FCC said, Gerritson had more than 20 radios--eight of them capable of operating on the amateur, marine, Land Mobile and Public Safety bands. He had a marine radio hidden in a closet with batteries connected to it, and a length of antenna line running outside his residence, the FCC said.
 Wisconsin SM Don Michalski, W9IXG (left) and 101-year-old Mike Anuta, W8HKY. |
Many happy returns to W8HKY, age 101! ARRL member Mike Anuta, W8HKY, of Marinette, Wisconsin, remains active on VHF and UHF at the age of 101 and regularly participates in club nets. Anuta, who's quite possibly the League's oldest member, celebrated his 101st birthday February 4. The ARRL sent special greetings to Anuta when he attained centenarian status in 2001. He was first licensed as WN8HKY in 1952 during the early days of the Novice program. ARRL Wisconsin Section Manager Don Michalski, W9IXG, said he visited W8HKY at the Marinette-Menominee Amateur Radio Club annual charter banquet. "He wanted to pass along his gratitude to the club for their efforts in bringing area youngsters into the hobby," Michalski said. "He said, 'It is a hobby that is good for young people where they can enjoy interacting with other people and not get into trouble.' He's an inspiration to everyone!"
 K0DAN's 10-element log periodic antenna (a Tennadyne T10) with a one-inch coating of ice. "Amazingly, after the thaw, the antenna sprang back to normal shape without any permanent damage," he reports. "Unfortunately, 60 or 70 trees on the property didn't fare as well." [Dan Turkisher, K0DAN, Photo] |
Missiouri ham puts emergency power project on the fast track after ice storm: The ice storm that hit the Midwest January 30 left several hundred thousand people without power for days in the Kansas City area. Dan Turkisher, K0DAN, of Raymore--about 20 miles southeast of Kansas City--reports he was without heat, electricity, lights, and hot water for four days. "Never underestimate the value of goose down sleeping bags!" he said. "Luckily, Y2K and post-September 11 preparations had us fairly well stocked on candles, batteries, canned food, and propane." But, Turkisher said, a large generator and solar capability would have made the living much easier. "Such emergency-power projects now have a higher priority here!" he said.
New
listserver established for Web resource discussions: ARRL Field and Educational Services will offer to a select group of field
volunteers a listserver for discussions about how ARRL's Field Organization can
be better served by ARRL Web resources. As this is a pilot project to discover
core Web issues of importance to field volunteers, all ideas are welcome but
may not necessarily result in creative application or implementation. If you are interested in participating, e-mail Mary Lau,
N1VH a short statement noting any topics that especially interest you and
describe your Web development experience, if any.
New satellites get OSCAR numbers: AMSAT-NA's Bill Tynan, W3XO, has announced OSCAR designations for two new amateur satellites. PCsat will be known as NAV-OSCAR-44 (NO-44). PCsat is a 1200-baud APRS digipeater designed for use by amateurs using hand-held transceivers or mobiles. The spacecraft known as Sapphire has been designated NAV-OSCAR-45 (NO-45). Sapphire has 1200-baud AX.25 telemetry and a voice replay on 437.1 MHz. PCsat is a project of the Small Satellite Program within the US Naval Academy's Department of Aerospace Engineering, and Sapphire is a joint effort involving the Naval Academy's Small Satellite Program, Stanford University and Washington University at St. Louis. Both were launched October 1, 2001, from Alaska.
 Penobscot County EC Al Cormier, K1ONY, checks out the Yaesu FT-100 from the basement operating position at Red Cross Headquarters in Bangor, Maine. The Red Cross is located in a converted residence. |
Pine State ARES group takes a giant step toward preparedness: Penobscot County (Maine) Emergency Coordinator Al Cormier, K1ONY, reports his ARES team has accomplished its first goal on its list of projects. Thanks to the generosity of the Bangor Hydro Electric Company, two utility poles were set up at the local Red Cross Chapter. Club members Zeke Leighton, N1KVJ; Carroll Spencer, N1OJD; Andy Brown, N1WTQ; and Gary Daigle, KB1GBD, erected two antennas--an all-band dipole and a long wire. Once the antennas were up, the group unpacked radio gear that had been acquired by the chapter through a grant from the national Red Cross but that had been sitting idle for more than a year because of a lack of expertise within the chapter. A Yaesu FT-100 transceiver was connected to the dipole, and N1OJD, checked it out by raising stations in Arkansas and Pennsylvania. A commercial transceiver in the director's office was connected to the long wire via an auto-tuner. Cormier took over as Penobscot County EC a few months ago. His ARES team now has 11 volunteers.--Al Cormier, K1ONY
QCWA honors K4FW: The Quarter Century Wireless Association has honored Al Kahn, K4FW, of Cassopolis, Michigan, on his 80th anniversary as an Amateur Radio licensee. Kahn, who turns 96 in July, was president of Electro-Voice and, after retirement, went on to co-found Ten-Tec. He's also a member of the ARRL, the First-Class CW Operators Club and the A-1 Operator Club. The Quarter Century Wireless Association was organized to promote friendship and cooperation among Amateur Radio operators licensed at least 25 years ago. QCWA boasts nearly 200 active chapters and more than 10,000 active members from Australia to Zimbabwe.--submitted by Dan Caesar, NI9Y
Radio Amateurs of Canada 2002 convention set: Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) will hold its second national convention July 26-28, 2002, in Vernon, British Columbia. The North Okanagan Radio Amateur Club of Vernon and the Orchard City Amateur Radio Club of Kelowna are hosts. For more information, visit the official RAC 2002 convention Web site.
Shannon Lucid selected as NASA chief scientist: NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe has selected space veteran and NASA astronaut Shannon Lucid as the agency's next chief scientist. During her stay on the Russian Mir space station, Lucid became familiar to the amateur community after the Russians approved her use of the Mir onboard ham station and the R0MIR call sign. The only woman to be awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, Lucid currently supports space shuttle and International Space Station missions as spacecraft communicator. Lucid will be responsible for ensuring the scientific merit of the agency's programs. She replaces Kathie Olsen, whom President Bush plans to nominate as associate administrator for science in the Office of Science and Technology Policy. An astronaut since 1979 and a veteran of five shuttle missions, Lucid was among the first six women selected to become astronauts, and she currently holds the US single-mission flight endurance record as a result of her 1996 tour of duty aboard Mir.
 The cover of the current issue of the SERA Repeater Journal features Wayne Williams, K4MOB (left), and current editor Gary Pearce, KN4AQ. |
Wayne C. Williams, K4MOB, SK: Wayne Williams, K4MOB, of Colfax, North Carolina, died February 12 after an extended illness. He was 65. An ARRL member, Williams served from 1977 to 2000 as editor of the Southeastern Repeater Association's SERA Repeater Journal. As the proprietor of Williams Radio, Williams was a familiar presence on the hamfest and convention circuit in the southeastern US. Current Repeater Journal Editor Gary Pearce, KN4AQ, hailed Williams as a "driving force in SERA," the frequency-coordination body for eight southeastern states. During his tenure as editor, Williams transformed the Repeater Journal from a newsletter to its current color-cover magazine format. "Through SERA, the Repeater Journal, and Williams Radio, a small business he operated at home and at hamfests, Wayne touched the lives of thousands of hams in the Southeast," Pearce said. "We'll miss him." Williams' survivors include his wife, Gerry, KB4SEL, and two sons, Chris, W4CAW, and Wayne Jr (a third son, Gary, died in 2000). Visitation will be February 13, 7-9 PM, at Hayworth-Miller-Cain Funeral Home, Kernersville, North Carolina. The funeral will be February 14, 11 AM, at the Hayworth-Miller-Cain chapel, with a graveside service to follow in Danville, Virginia.--submitted by Gary Pearce, KN4AQ
Winter Olympics special event stations on the air: The West Desert Amateur Radio Club is sponsoring special event station W7U to commemorate the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. W7U will remain on the air until February 24. Look for W7U on or around 3.768, 14.250, 21.300 and 28.400 MHz. QSL to W7EO, PO Box 98, Grantsville, UT 84029. Ray Friess, WA7ITZ, in Salt Lake City has been operating special event station WA7ITZ/W19OG to commemorate the 19th Winter Olympic Games. WA7ITZ/W19OG is operating on 160 through 10 meters near the lower edge of the General phone bands. Some CW operation is possible. QSL to WA7ITZ, 1801 Jennifer Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84116. An SASE would be appreciated.
WRTC
2002 announces complete list of referees: The WRTC 2002 Organizing Committee has endorsed its full list of on-site
referees, as proposed by Roger Western, G3SXW, and Olli Rissanen, OH0XX/OA4DMR,
who are responsible for on-site referee management. The referees were selected
from among more than 100 applications. Selected as official referees for WRTC
2002 were (in alphabetical order by call sign): 4Z4KX, AH3C, DL6LAU, F6BEE,
G0MTN, G4BUO, HA6ND, I4UFH, K1VR, K3NA, K6AW, K6KR, K7BV, K8NZ, K9JF, K9ZO,
KC1F, KM3T, KT3Y, N2AA, N4GN, N7BG, N7NG, OH1EB, OH1JD, OH1MA, OH2BR, OH2JA,
OH3BU, OH4XX, OH5BM, OH5NQ, OH6DO, OH6LNI, OH6RX, OH6OS, OH7BX, OH7JR, OH7MA,
PY5EG, RZ3AA, S50R, SM3CER, SM3DMP, SM3EVR, T97M, TG9AJR, W6OAT, W6UM, and
WX0B. The committee said it appointed 16 referees from the host country of
Finland to overcome any difficulties that host families may have communicating
with the competitors in English--a third language in Finland. WRTC 2002 will take place in Finland from
July 9-16, 2002. The on-air competition
will be held in conjunction with the International Amateur Radio Union
(IARU) HF World Championship. During WRTC
2002, 50 two-person teams representing top operators from more than 30
countries will vie for gold, silver and bronze medals in both on and
off-the-air events. More information is available on the WRTC 2002 Web site--WRTC
2002 Organizing Committee
| Previous: Amateur Radio Volunteers Supporting Olympics | Next: The K7VVV Solar Update |
