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News last updated: Fri, June 19, 2009 at 9:34 AM ET
Hams in Paradise
First "Bill Morris Memorial Scholarship" Awarded
Just a year after his passing, a scholarship in memory of Bill Morris, NP2JC, has been awarded to Malik Stevens, one of Morris's former students at Julius Sprauve elementary school in Cruz Bay. Stevens plans to attend Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
According to Morris' wife, Lee, NP2NI, Morris -- who volunteered as a math instructor -- had told her about a student with real potential in math. It was particularly touching when an independent selection committee chose Stevens to receive the scholarship; he was the student Morris had spoken of. "Malik shared with me that he and his brother Marcus -- also taught by Bill -- and several other students formed a team and entered the Math Counts contest," said Lee. "He proudly told me, 'We won, and the reason we won was because Bill taught us our math.'"
Morris worked with many students during his years of volunteer work, including some who were disciplinary challenges. "But Bill loved those kids; he never gave up on them," Lee said. "Bill was so pleased when he would walk or drive through town and hear a little voice shout, 'Hi Mr. Morris!' The kids gave him a hard time, according to the instructor Bill worked with, but during the few times he wasn't there, they all said, "Where's Mr. Morris? They loved him too."
Chuck Riviere, NP2MQ, who helped establish the scholarship fund, lives just an hour away from Georgetown U.; he hopes to visit Malik to check on his progress.
To date, $10,000 has been raised to fund the scholarship program; the hope is to fund a portion of Malik's education during each of his years in college. For more information, including where to send donations, please go to: http://www.billmorrisscholarshipfund.org/scholars.htm
BVI Hams Play Key Role in International Tsunami Exercise
The North Atlantic Tsunami Exercise (known as LANTEX) was held on the morning of April 2, 2009 -- and members of the British Virgin Islands Amateur Radio League played an important role. The exercise was a joint simulation conducted with disaster response agencies from the United States, Canada and throughout the Caribbean. The scenario involved a pseudo-earthquake measuring 8.6 in magnitude off the northern coast of Puerto Rico, triggering a destructive tsunami that impacted the Virgin Islands.
On Tortola, the Department of Disaster Management, headed by Sharleen DaBreo, was in charge of the BVI's participation and included activation of the local National Emergency Broadcast System (NEBS) and the DDM emergency radio system.
In the event of a true emergency such as a tsunami, NEBS would relay messages over local radio and TV stations airwaves. The DDM emergency radio system is largely overseen by local hams and provides critical communications during emergencies including hurricanes. Collingston George, VP2VQ, Jasen Penn, VP2VJ, and Kazim Prescott, VP2V/9Y4KAP, were active for the simulation exercise using the emergency radio system. For more information about this event and the BVI DDM: http://www.bviddm.com
St. Croix Repeater Up and Running
The St. Croix 147.25 repeater is operational with its new controller installed. According to John Ellis, NP2B, ARRL Virgin Islands Section Manager, currently, no tone is needed to access the repeater and, Ellis says, it possibly won't be required. Prior to the new controller being installed, the repeater did have problems with random keying up. He believes this was related to the old carrier-operated switch circuitry. Since that has been replaced as a function of the new controller, the problem seems to have been eliminated.
While the new controller is working great, Ellis says the antenna is in very bad shape, and a new one is on order. He's already lined up help from friends -- including use of an extra tall extension ladder -- to assist with installation when the antenna arrives; that should happen in about a week. While the antenna is not on a tower, it is mounted to a bracket on the side of the building. Ellis says the whole project should take about 15 minutes.
St. John Rescue Receives Top USVI Honor
St. John Rescue, a volunteer emergency response group that includes many members of the St. John Amateur Radio Club, was recently awarded Best Emergency Assistance Company in the Virgin Islands by the Virgin Island Daily News. According to George Cline, KP2G, who oversees communications for St. John Rescue, "We've received awards in the past, but this is the first time we've been named best in the entire USVI." He credits Rescue's three-repeater VHF communications system with playing a significant role in rapid responses. St. John Rescue provides emergency medical service in support of local fire, police and EMT services; a key goal is to lessen response time in more-remote parts of the island and provide an extra level of response in emergency situations. Great job, team!!
On the emergency response front, the USVI is in the process of getting a new 911 system that includes all of the islands. St. Croix is just going online; St. Thomas and St. John will follow. The new system upgrades the outdated current system on several fronts: operators are trained 911 professionals; 911 oversight has been moved from the police department to the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency. The overall goal is to provide a reliable, direct link to police, fire and rescue services throughout the USVI.
Lunch with a View -- Tuesdays with the St. Thomas Group
If you have a chance, stop by the St. Thomas club's Tuesday, noon-time ham luncheon and ask to see the club's visitor scrapbook. Hams from all over make their way to the weekly gathering in French Town at Hook, Line and Sinker; many leave their contact info including business cards. (On one of my visits, a couple from Canada -- both hams -- stopped in; they were on a cruise and made it a point to connect with local hams). The group first started meeting on Tuesdays more than 20 years ago, met at about a half dozen restaurants along the way, but has been at Hook, Line and Sinker for well over a decade. The get-together is home base for the original Virgin Islands Amateur Radio Club, founded by a handful of local hams included DXing pioneer Bob Denniston, VP2VI (silent key) of Tortola, BVI who also served as ARRL president.
St. Thomas Club Secretary/Treasurer Deborah Thomas, NP2DJ, got the idea for a luncheon guest book in 2005 and did what any resourceful islander does -- she bought one at K-Mart. "We always had guests, never kept track of them, and thought a guest book would be a nice way to make them welcome," said Thomas. "We've had visitors from England, Russia, Portugal, Germany, from all over the states and Puerto Rico; many of them enjoy looking at the book to see if anyone they know has stopped by, and where other visitors are from." Recently, a couple from Georgia stopped in for lunch to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. Talk about dedication to amateur radio!
The restaurant -- on the water in historic French Town -- has a spectacular view of the harbor and nearby cays (and is just steps away from a very unique looking McDonald's fast-food restaurant). On most Tuesdays, you can find a lively group of hams; club members take time from their busy (and not so busy) day to lunch with local ham friends and greet visitors. If you're in St. Thomas, the lunch starts at noon, and all are welcome. Just ask for the back room.
St. Croix Hams Gear up for Annual Triathlon
There are still a few open places along the route for the May 3, 2009 St. Croix International Triathlon. According to John Ellis, NP2B, members of the amateur radio club will once again provide communications support and links along the route to help ensure safety for participants and spectators. The event draws participants from around the world. If you are interested in helping out the local club, please contact Ellis at 340 773-9643.
St. John Hams Provide Support for 8 Tuff Miles
A group of seven local hams, including one from St. Thomas, provided communications support for the recent 8 Tuff Miles race -- from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay. The traditionally taxing race -- up several very large hills, and in tropical heat and humidity, saw more than 800 participants this year. Dave Willems, NP2KU, from the St. Thomas club took the early ferry over with racers to man his position just outside of town -- where the race tends to bottleneck; special thanks to him for making the trip. All in all, St. John club members provided excellent coverage and support for the event. Way to go!!
Dx'ers "Soon Come" to Paradise
Members of the Wireless Association of South Hills -- a Western Pennsylvania- based ham radio club (and the former club of Paul Jordan, NP2JF) will spend the last weekend of May on St. John contesting in the CQ Worldwide Prefix Contest for CW. The group is making its third trip to St. John and the DX-friendly villa, Plumeria, owned by Jordan and XYL Alyce. Jordan and five visiting hams -- Bill Hill, W3WH; Jack Layton, W9UK; Ron Notarius, W3WN; Carl Schroeder, K9CS; and Larry Comden, K3VX -- will be using their Virgin Island club call sign NP2SH (for South Hills of Pittsburgh). Layton and Notarius are first time visitors to St. John; the team will send down additional transceivers and antennas for the contest, and plan to use hard-sided plastic golf-club carriers to safely ship the items. Jordan says, feel free to stop by and say hello while the group is here. You can check out the club website at http://www.n3sh.org Best of luck in the contest!
Exam Information
Are you thinking about upgrading your license, or know someone who is preparing to take their first licensing exam? To find out about upcoming exam dates, please contact the following individuals:
St. Croix -- Al Rymsha, NP2V, at 340 773-4725.
St. John -- Exams are usually held twice yearly, in the spring and fall. Please contact Mal Preston, NP2L, at 340 693-8782
St. Thomas -- Exams can be arranged, as needed, to coincide with the Tuesday Ham luncheon at Hook, Line & Sinker in Frenchtown. Just call ahead. Those interested in scheduling an exam should call Deborah Thomas, NP2DJ at 340-344-9427.
ARRL Calendar 2009
June
13 - 14 ARRL June VHF QSO Party 20 Kids Day 22 Amateur Radio Week Begins 27 - 28 ARRL Field Day
VI Club Meetings
The St. Croix Club meets on the first Saturday of the month at the Deep End Bar at Tamarind Reef Hotel at Green Cay Marina. The group gathers around noon for lunch; an informal meeting begins around 12:30 pm. Contact John Ellis, NP2B, 340-773-9643; np2b@arrl.org (Annual dues are $1 per year.)
St. John Ham (and Eggs) Breakfast -- 9 am, first Sat. of each month; alternates between Cruz Bay and Coral Bay; BYOB (Buy your own breakfast). Contact Paul Jordan, NP2JF, President, St. John Amateur Radio Club, 340 776-6568 reeladventuresstjohn@yahoo.com or George Cline, KP2G 340 693-5137; KP2G@surfcoralbay.com (Annual dues are $5 per year.)
The St. Thomas Club meets every Tuesday at the Hook, Line & Sinker restaurant in Frenchtown, just west of the Seaplane base and the Veterans Drive Post Office. 12 noon to 1 pm. The Club meets in the back room. (Annual dues are $10.00 per year.)
The British Virgin Islands Amateur Radio League meets the fourth Monday of each month at 5 pm at the office of the DDM in Road Town. Anyone with an interest in Amateur Radio is welcome. For more information, contact league secretary Jasen Penn, VP2VJ, at pinniepenn@yahoo.com or call 284-468-4200.
Local Ham Nets
Virgin Islands Weather Net
St. John Repeater (146.63 (-) offset, 100Hz PL); 6:40 am each morning; hams provide local weather conditions. Get to know your fellow hams (and know that your rig is working!)
Local HF Communication
7.250 Caribbean Maritime Mobile Network (During non-emergency operation, the net begins at 7 a.m. AST taking maritime and non-maritime check-ins.
7.086 Also used as part of the Caribbean Maritime Mobile Network.
Local Repeaters
St. Croix Repeater 147.250 (+) offset. No tone required.
St. John Repeater 146.63 (-) offset, 100Hz PL
St. Thomas Repeater 146.81 (-) offset, 100Hz PL
Virgin Islands Amateur Radio contact list:
Section Manager
John J. Ellis, NP2B P.O. Box 24492 Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00824 340-773-9643 np2b@arrl.org
Assistant Section Manager
Malcolm M Preston, NP2L PO Box 1318 Cruz Bay, VI 00831-1318 (340) 340 693-8782 np2l@arrl.net
Alvin F Rymsha, NP2V 96 Judiths Fancy Est # 4018 Christiansted, VI 00820-4407 (340) 773-4725 alvinr26@gmail.com
Deborah M Thomas, NP2DJ PO Box 9280 St Thomas, VI 00801-2280 (340) 344-9427 np2dj@arrl.net
For more information: www.atthehelm.com
Hams in Paradise is compiled by P. Benton, np2mz@arrl.net Please e-mail any Ham-related info you would like included in the next e-letter.
--------------------------------------------
Greetings to all, and thanks to Phyllis for the updated section news!
Welcome to the Virgin Islands page on the ARRL website. Please take time to visit the Virgin islands amateur radio website too, at www.atthehelm.com.
Jeanette NP2C continues to work on the VI section website, look for it at www.atthehelm.com.
The St. Croix Club now has it's station complete and working properly. It is located at Southgate Baptist Church, across from Green Cay Marina where the Club has it's meetings. The rig is a Kenwood TS-140S and an MFJ tuner. An Icom IC-25A serves as the 2M rig. The antenna system on HF consists of a Cushcraft A3S at 30 feet (yup, it's on a tower!!!) and atop that is a Hustler G6 antenna.
A lot of people donated equipment to this project including Dave NP2I, Steve K2OMP, Larry N4FD, Manny NP2KW, the Pina Colada Contest group and even John NP2B.
Now we need to put some hours on it!
The St. Thomas repeater (146.81 MHz) is up and running, actually it has been up and running for some time! It is a brand new repeater. Much of the credit goes to Bernie, NP2W, who basically put it together. It has been upgraded to 60 watts out and it has a controller with a lot of nifty features. You can dial the numbers "929"and it will give you the correct time and date. You can also dial "878", unkey the repeater and it will come up and say "ready". You then have 4 seconds to start talking. When you stop transmitting, it will automatically play your last transmission back to you so you can see how well you are getting into the machine. It works very well, try it!
The St. John and St. Thomas repeaters now require a 100Hz PL (CTCSS) tone. The St. Croix repeater currently does not require the use of a PL tone. Convention here in the VI is that if a repeater goes down, go simplex on the output frequency. That is the frequency everybody will be listening on anyway and when the repeater comes back up, you will know it and can go back to usual duplex repeater operation.
Mal NP2L has taken over the VE licensing operations for St. John while Debra NP2DJ has taken over the VE operations for St. Thomas. Al NP2V runs them on St. Croix. Mal can be reached at np2l@arrl.net while Debra can be reached at 340-344-9427. Al can be reached at 340-773-4725. The St. Thomas exam sessions coincide with the Tuesday luncheons at Hook Line and Sinker in Frenchtown. Thank you folks, for picking up the ball and running with it.
The St. John Amateur Radio Club conducts exams for the St. John group, the V.I. Amateur Radio Club conducts them for St. Thomas and the St. Croix ARC does likewise on St. Croix. Exams are generally given on an "as needed" basis, contact the coordinator for your island to schedule a test.
For all exams, applicants must bring the following.
1. Legal photo ID.
2. Social Security number or taxpayer ID (TIN) number if you are a US citizen or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence or US employment. (If possible, non US residents should contact the FCC at (202) 414-1250 or email them at ulscomm@fcc.gov to obtain an Alternate TIN (ATIN) prior to the exam).
3. If upgrading please bring the original and one copy of a) your valid US amateur license and b)completion certificate (CSCE) to claim element credit.
4. Required fee of $14.00.
Also, if you have an FRN number, please use that instead of your social security number on your form 605. If you don't, the FCC will reject your application. Go to the ARRL website (www.arrl.org) for further information.
Please contact Malcolm Preston, NP2L, at (340) 693-8782, if you have any questions on the St. John test sessions, Richard Ashley NP2RA at (340) 642-6316 on St. Thomas for those sessions or Al Rymsha, NP2V at (340) 773-4725 for the same on St. Croix."
Also, please welcome back Phyllis Benton, NP2MZ, our new Public Information Coordinator. She is taking care of distributing news to the various media concerning amateur radio activities in the Territory and the one who puts the first part of this newsletter together.
Section website www.atthehelm.com
e-mail your news to Phyllis (NP2MZ@arrl.net or myself at NP2B@arrl.org
np2b@arrl.org or john.np2b@gmail.com
73, John, NP2B
Responsibility for content of all posted material above rests
exclusively with the item author. ARRL staff assumes no responsibility
for errors, omissions, and accuracy of items appearing on this page. All
questions and comments should be directed to the item author.
