Monthly Section News Summaries
Monthly Summary for October 2009
Section Leadership: K1EIC SM; ASMs: K1STM, KD1YV, W1FXQ; OOC K1DFS; PIC
KA1TCH; SEC N1CLV; ASEC N1FNE, K1BRF, AF1HS, K1VSC; SGL K1MK; STM K1HEJ; TC
N1KHB.
This Fall unfortunately has been one during which I have received difficult
news from friends so it was refreshing for me today to find some really good
news in my inbox. If you look at the FD results in QST, you will notice the
Greater Norwalk ARC placed number one in Connecticut!
Paul Danzer N1II, a member of GNARC will be receiving the cover plaque for his
article A Simple Transformer to Measure Your Antenna Current in September QST
which I plan to present to him at their January meeting.
TC Joe N1KHB reports that he had excellent response from his article An Ideal
Plastic for Amateur Radio Projects in October QST and I’ve just learned that
another will be published soon on the Web on the subject of metrics so watch
for it! Remember, if you have technical questions or need a referral, you
can write to Joe n1khb@arrl.net.
The Greater Bridgeport ARC brought in approximately 12 hams through their
class. CARA and the Danbury EOC recently licensed 17 ops and is now
finishing up a General class. DEC Jonathan is currently running a Technician
class and there are others throughout the Section which I will be happy to
report about as I learn the details. Some new ops like Polly KB1TGI, wife of
OES AB1CR got licensed from the ARRL on line course. Congratulations to you
all. Many thanks to every instructor and class coordinator in the Section
who is taking the time to organize, instruct and always learn. I’m sure
most of you know by now that teaching is very special to me. So all you
teachers, keep on doing your work to further influence people about the
traditions of Amateur radio. Don’t forget to tell them, too, about ARRL and
the Field Organization—we have a fine team in CT.
As we approach Thanksgiving, I’m thinking about how thankful I am to have
dedicated volunteers like those of you who teach and coordinate classes and
organize activities of all kinds—clubs, contests, public service, work in the
Amateur auxiliary, technical and internet projects and many many more. I’m
also thankful for your support of me and the Section cabinet and also your
thoughtful criticism which helps to make us build better teams and enhances
the effective use of our personal resources and skill sets.
And speaking of skill sets, EC KO1F coordinated a “digital boot camp” with two
great instructors: Bill KW1B and ADEC Harlan, W1QH. The “camp”, attended by
approximately 15 ops, was organized to prepare for the Simulated Emergency
Test. Those who attended learned about the operation of a number of digital
modes and were instructed in the use of relevant software. We really need
more workshops like this throughout the Section. It is my view that we have
a real shortage of what I call eclectic operators. Clearly, every single
person who does public service wants to be as useful as he or she can be.
That usefulness to the public and to the overall effort is very much enhanced
by versatility. Obviously, we all prefer some modes over others; we are,
after all, individuals and this is good. But let’s give something new a try.
How about resolving to step slightly out of our comfort zones and try
something new in Amateur Radio during 2010! We have lots of expertise in
the Section—all you need to do is ask! Have fun—enjoy learning!
Here’s something else new: The Greater Norwalk ARC has installed a D-STAR
repeater up on 441.600 (+ shift) with only minor issues that are being worked
out. The club is thankful to many benefactors and to all who participated in
this project, especially Curt W1FSM who worked diligently on the
installation. Thanks to all! The repeater is open to anyone with a D-STAR
radio—enjoy!
The club learned about D-Star at their November meeting with a presentation
and demo given by Jess ND1L assisted by Steve , NA1SV and Curt W1FMS.
At their October meeting, DEC Allan, NN1H gave a great overview of ARES, how
the local group fits into the Section structure and the service priorities
within Region 1.
SEC Wayne, N1CLV, his leadership team, STM Larry K1HEJ, his NMs and I warmly
thank each of you for your time and energy in this years Simulated Emergency
Test. Wayne is anxious to hear from the DECs and ECs about how your effort
handling the aftermath of “ice storm Izzy” proceeded. Right away, we need
all ECs to get your reports to your DEC; NMs give reports to the STM K1HEJ.
All DECs and the STM need to get reports to Mike K1DM who is, again this
year, coordinating the final report to the SEC and to Headquarters. It would
be great if you can get your reports in to DECs and the STM by the end of
Thanksgiving weekend and DEcs to report by December 1. Let’s really try this
year to get this done in a timely manner. Write about your experiences to
your DEC and to the SEC. Let’s hear from you.
ASM Anne, K1STM, has asked to be relieved of her duties as net manager for CN,
the Section CW net because of her commitments in her brailling business.
Dan, WA1GGN has stepped forward to lead CN which meets nightly on 3.533 at
1900 local. Give CN a try. CW traffic handling is alive and well in the
region and in the Eastern area. Traffic goes in and out of the first region
nightly on CW with impeccable procedure and skill. Now the Section net is a
training opportunity for you so come join us if you are so inclined. You
will be warmly welcomed.
The Connecticut Phone net is now meeting at 1700 hours local 3.973 Monday
through Saturday and 1000 hours on Sunday 3.965. The time change during the
week was done to ameliorate communications during the winter difficult
conditions. We’re all enjoying the new schedule. Do join us when you can!
Page last modified: 11:01 PM, 03 Oct 2009 ET
Page author: k1eic@arrl.org
Copyright © 2009, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
