HAMS IN PARADISE – SPRING 2013
 

CURRENT HAPPENINGS 

Welcome to Spring!

Winter have mostly subsided and the trades are shifting to more of a southeasterly direction.  The comforter is only occasionally needed to sleep comfortably.  Cisterns (for those who have them) are probably nearing their annual lows as rain has been sparse at best.  To quote a down-islander on a morning net, “It rained exactly 100 drops here today.”  Several DXpeditions to far-away places have taken advantage of good winter low band propagation.  Mesh networks continue spreading their “RF tenacles” acorss the Territory.  Yes, Spring is slowly springing in the USVI.

Oh yes, lest I mention that Spring is also a time to inspect & update your survival kits.  Many in these parts are superstitious about the “H” word, but face it, hurricanes can, and do, happen here.  Check those batteries in the flashlights to be sure they’re good.  Make sure your medical supplies & food stuffs are up to date.  Take a look at your plan (you DO have one don’t you???) and update it if needed.  Most of you have been through this exercise before, so don’t procrastinate.  The life you save may be your own!!

SPECIAL EVENTS

Preparations are well underway for two major club operating events. 

70.3 IronMan – This annual event has nearly 1,000 triathletes competing in a “half-tri”.  The STXARC has provided race communications for this event for many years.  Some three dozen local amateurs cover the entire island from strategic locations, and even go mobile in the “sag wagons”.  If you’re interested in helping out with this fun event, please contact Wess Tester, K2AHU (k2ahu@earthlink.net).

Field Day - Sufficient interest exists this year to participate in this annual field opration.  The St. Croix club will be operating from Altoona Lagoon, Schooner’s Bay, St. Croix.  We will be housed in the VITEMA (Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency) 31-foot command van, complete with a 50 foot pneumatic mast.  Our seashore location should provide a great signal into the States!  All local and visiting hams are welcome to join us for camaradie, even if you aren’t interested in operating.  Invitations will be mailed shortly extended to all licensed VI hams (and visitors), with STX hams receiving a post card announcing the event.  Contact Bob, WP2XX (bobnq3x@gmail.com) for questions or additional details. 

ARRL PUERTO RICO STATE CONVENTION

The ARRL’s “state” convention in Hatillo, Puerto Rico was a smashing success by all counts. Over 1,100 attendees enjoyed the event.  While a bit far for Virgin Islanders to attend, this is the closest hamfest / convention as there are none in the USVI due to the small number of resident hams.  Additional information at http://www.arrlpr.org 

REPEATER UPDATES

147.25 MHz – Mt. Welcome – “Ole Faithful” (afka NP2B/r) continues to limp along with some hearing loss on the receive side.  We may try and get up to install a pre-amp, or elevate the antenna position, prior to the triathlon.  With regards to the replacement repeater, thanks to KP2CX and NP2X, the repeater controller is now working 100% with the Tait repeater kindly donated by Peter, KP2US.  Only need to align the receiver & tune the duplexer cavities. 

147.11 MHz – West St. Croix – The repeater is on the air in a testing capacity.  Similar to the 147.25 MHz machine, we need the spectrum analyzer to properly align the duplexers.  KP2CX & crew expect to get back on this project imminently.
Other Repeater Stuff – Peter, KP2US, also donated a Tait Series II repeater.  It has some quirks, but it is hoped they can be ironed out and we will have a backup repeater and/or a portable repeater which can be used in emergency communicatinos scenarios.

146.81 MHz – St. Thomas – The broken .81 GE repeater was removed from service by tom, KP2E and taken to the repeater hospital in Ohio.  In the meantime, Peter, KP2US, obtained a Tait series II replacement and has it on-line from the same QTH.  Unfortunately the internal controller requires that the CW IDer identify each 10 minutes.  this means many won't leave their rigs on this frequency overnight, hi hi.  

MESH NETWORK STATUS

St. Croix – The first wave of mesh nodes has been deployed in STX.  Nodes are currently linking the following locationsl:  KP2JS, NP2AG, NP2X and the EOC.  An intra-island link to STT is also functioning with descent reliability.  (47+ miles with 50 mW!)  The intra-island link proves it can be done.  A pair of 2 watt PAs on both sides of the link will improve reliability.  Additional links are coming which will form a network to provide coverage to our served agencies.  Current meshers include K2AHU, KP2JS, NP2AG Michael (son of NP2AG), NP2X and WP2E. 

St. John – Another few nodes have been expertly flashed by KP2US and are destined for STJ.  The goal is to link STJ East with STJ West via a couple of mesh hops.  The challenging terrain on STJ means this will take creativity.  Current meshers include: KP2G, NP2L, and NP2OW. 

St. Thomas – NP2X expresses his thanks to the STJ club for a warm reception!  Fred gave a presentation on mesh networks and learned about club plans to link the east & west sides of St. John, using mesh.  The first round of VITEMA (emergency management) locations have been identified for mesh deployment.  The mesh node dish at the .81 repeater site has been re-oriented to St. Croix and provides a fairly reliable link to “The Big Island”.  STT video images have been copied in St. Croix, and 2xIRC sessions have been held. The goal of linking PR & the BVI into our system is still on the horizon.  Current meshers include: KP2E, KP2T, KP2US, KV4BW, NP2Q, WP2W & WP2Y.


CONTESTING FROM THE VI   

The New Year  contesting season is here.  Why not fire up  the rig and try one of these ‘tests’?

* March 30^th & 31^st – WPX Prefix Contest – SSB - www.cqwpx.com
* April 27^th & 28^th – Florida QSO Party – CW & SSB – www.floridacontestgroup.org
* May 11^th & 12^th – CQ-M International DX Contest – Russia cotnest
* May 25^th & 26^th – WPX Prefix Contest – CW - www.cqwpx.com
* June 22^nd & 23^rd – ARRL Field Day – Altoona Lagoon, STX -www.arrl.org/field-day

For an extensive lists of contests, visit www.arrl.org/contest-calendar or www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/contestcal.html 


LOCAL CLUB MEETINGS   

St. Croix – The St. Croix Amateur Radio 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.  Meeting dates are occasionally moved to accommodate special events and holidays. The club invites resident hams and visitors alike to join. Contact Fred Kleber, K9VV (NP2X) – k9vv@arrl.org (Annual dues are $5 per year.) 

St. John – the St. John Amateur Radio Club meets at 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 Tel: 340-693-5137; KP2George@gmail.com (Annual dues are $5 per year.)

St. Thomas - 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 club invites resident hams and visitors to join. Think about stopping in to Hook, Line and Sinker one of these Tuesdays!

BVI - The British Virgin Islands Amateur Radio League is not having regularly scheduled meetings at the present time.  For more information, contact league secretary Jasen Penn, VP2VJ, at pinniepenn@yahoo.com or call 284-468-4200.   


LICENSE EXAM INFORMATION   

Are you thinking about upgrading your license, or know someone who is preparing to take his or her first licensing exam?  Maybe an existing ham that wants to upgrade their license? Exams are generally given on an "as needed" basis. Contact the coordinator for your island to schedule a test.

St. Croix - Standing exam times are one hour before the monthly club meeting mentioned elsewhere in this bulletin, however this must be arranged in advance with Al Rymsha, NP2V, at 340-718-4725 - alvinr26@gmail.com 

St. John - Exams are usually held twice yearly, in the spring and fall. Please contact Mal Preston, NP2L, at 340-693-8782 or np2l@arrl.net 

St. Thomas - To take an exam, or find out about becoming a Volunteer Examiner, contact Peter Sinkowski, KP2US, at HamTestingVI@yahoo.com 340-513-8708 (or at KP2US@yahoo.com) The St. Thomas exam sessions usually coincide with the Tuesday luncheons at Hook Line and Sinker in Frenchtown. 

For all exams, applicants must bring the following.

* Government issued photo ID. (Driver’s license, military ID, passport, etc.) 
* 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). 
* If upgrading please bring the original and either your valid US amateur license OR completion certificate (CSCE) to claim element credit. 
* Required fee of $15.00.   (The prevailing rate may have changed, check on-line)Also, if you have an FRN (FCC Registration Number), please use that instead of your social security number on your form 605. If you don't, the FCC will reject your application. To obtain your FRN number, go to the following link & enter your callsign, if any:  http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchLicense.jsp   Of course, if you don’t have an FRN, then of course use your SSN. 


LOCAL HAM NETS

Virgin Islands Weather Net – Meets daily on the KP2SJ St. John Repeater (146.63 (-) offset, 100Hz PL); 10:40 GMT (6:40 am local) each morning; hams provide local weather conditions. Get to know your fellow hams (and know that your rig is working!) Many local boaters also congregate here. 

St. Croix ARES Net – Meets weekly on the NP2B/r St. Croix repeater.  (147.25 (+) offset, 100Hz PL; future); 23:00 GMT (7:00pm local) every Monday evening. The intent of the net is to ensure storm readiness and to pass information of local interest to local hams. Visitors are encouraged to join. The repeater has handheld coverage from certain points on St. Thomas & St. John.  The Friendly Net – The Friendly Net meets daily from 12:00 GMT (8:00 am local) on 7.188 MHz. Net control is generally KP2T, KV4BT or KV4BW. Additional information may be obtained at http://www.friendly7188net.net/ 

Caribbean Maritime Mobile Net - Meets daily, except Sundays, 11:00 GMT (7:00 am local) on 7.250 MHz.  Caribbean weather forecasts, emergency traffic, en-route position reports.  Net control is KP2G. Cocktail & Weather Net – Activated when severe weather threatens. Meets daily at 20:00 GMT (4:00 pm local) on 7.086 MHz    Net control is KP2G. An expanded list of Caribbean HF nets may be found at http://www.friendly7188net.net/admin/carib_nets.php 

The Friendly Net  - Meets daily at 10:00z on 7.188 MHz.  There are three sessions:  1)  Ragchew, 2) early bird, and 3) the regular session.  The Frriendly Net has grown to become the largest 40-meter net in the Caribbean region.  Additional information available at http://www.friendly7188net.net

Caribbean Maritime Mobile Net - The Caribbean's foremost amateur radio emergency and weather net.  Meets daily at 10:30z and 22:30a on 3.815 MHz.  For more information, please see http://www.cewn.net

LOCAL REPEATERS

* St. Croix – NP2VI - 147.250 MHz (+) offset; no tone now. 100 Hz tone in the future 
* St. Croix – NP2VI - 147.11 MHz (+) offset; 100 Hz PL
* St. John - KP2SJ - 146.63 MHz (-) offset; 100 Hz PL 
* St. John - NP2OW - 146.91 MHz (-) offset; 100 Hz PL 
* St. Thomas – KP2O - 146.81 MHz (-) offset; 100 Hz PL – IRLP node # 8784  - Dial 929 for time and date. Dial 878, unkey and wait for “Ready” command. Talk 4 seconds & stop transmitting. Repeater will echo 4 sec recording. Great tool to see how well you’re making the machine!
* St. Thomas – NP2GO / NP2GS – 146.95 MHz (-) offset; 67 Hz PL
* St. Thomas – KP2T (former NP2IA)  – 146.97 MHz (-) offset 
* St. Thomas – NP2Q – 146.47 MHz; no offset; IRLP node #7851 
* St. Thomas – NP2GO – 447.45 MHz 
* British Virgin Islands - VP2R - 146.73 MHz (-) offset; no tone required 
* Puerto Rico Listing - http://kp4boricua.org/pr/coordinaciones-de-repetidores-prvi/ 
* Other Caribbean - http://www.friendly7188net.net/documents/repeater67.php   


LOCAL BEACONS

NP2SH/B “Freakin’ Beacon”  28.275 MHz, Custodian: Paul Jordan – NP2JF, St John

INCOMING QSL BUREAU 

The U.S. Virgin Islands ARRL section incoming QSL bureau is managed by Fred and Lisa Kleber, K9VV (NP2X) and W4LIS. QSL bureaus from other countries (including the U.S.) send VI in-bound QSLs to the bureau PO Box. The cards are then distributed to the bureau subscribers who have funds and/or envelopes on-file with the bureau. The postal address for the incoming QSL bureau   

ARRL QSL Bureau
P.O. Box 25782
Christiansted, VI 00824.   

Further information on the operation of the bureau can be found on the ARRL website.  http://www.arrl.org/incoming-qsl-service. Although the Incoming Bureau system operates under the guidance of ARRL, you are not required to be an ARRL member to use it.   The V.I. QSL Bureau does sell envelope and postage credits. In fact, the V.I. QSL sorters prefer that you send credits (read cash) rather than SASEs since they are easier to keep track of, postage rate changes are much less of a hassle, and we can use exactly the postage which is needed for your shipment. If you send credits, a check payable to Fred Kleber is fine; send cash at your own risk. The funds are credited to your account which is then charged the current envelope cost and face value for postage used.  The amount you send depends on the quantity of cards you expect to receive, but most folks send $10 or $20.  

We periodically pick up mail from the post office. When you have a sufficient quantity of cards to warrant a mailing (usually 5 or 6 minimum), the cards are mailed to you. A statement of funds in your account is also included so you can monitor your credits with the bureau. Note that stations that operate portable from the VI should have their cards sent via their home bureau. (E.g. W1AW/KP2 or WP2/K1ZZ should go to the W1 and K1 bureaus respectively.) 


OPERATING SUGGESTIONS FOR VISITING HAMS   

If you are contemplating HF operation here, consider the following:   Most hotels are eager to please their guests, but before you come down and start stringing wires all over the place, make arrangements with the hotel management.  They may be able to put you in a room that is more ideally suited for your operation.  Many folks enjoy operating VHF from the cruise ships which regularly visit the islands. Our repeaters provide good coverage far from shore, especially if you’re on a high deck of the ship.  Put out a call and perhaps one of us will be listening and be happy to answer any questions you may have about the USVI.  

Please don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a reply.  It’s not that we are trying to be rude, it’s just that there are not many hams here on our small islands.   

For HF, one should remember that much of the islands are rock.  You might think that in this idyllic environment, surrounded with salt water, that a good ground would be easy to come by. Wrong assumption!  The new half wave verticals seem to be popular and of course nothing beats a dipole fed through a tuner's balanced output, with ladder line.  

If you hold a US amateur license, the U.S. Virgin Islands is a territory of the United States, so no reciprocal permits are necessary.  It never hurts, however, to register your gear with U.S. Customs before you leave the states.  In this way, you have proof that you brought the equipment OUT of the U.S. and eliminate any problems should a customs official question whether you bought your equipment in the states or abroad. (It's a good idea to do that with anything like cameras, computers, etc.) Oh yes, we’re also allowed to use 7.075 – 7.100 MHz on 40m SSB.  


ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION   

Director:
Greg Sarratt, W4OZK 230 Latigo Loop,  Huntsville, AL 35806, Tel: 256-337-3636, w4ozk@arrl.org

Vice Director:
James Milsap, WB4NWS, 5127 Bramblewood Dr, Acworth, GA 30102,WB4NSW@comcast.net  

VI Section Manager
Fred Kleber, K9VV (NP2X), PO Box 24275, Christiansted, VI 00824-0275,k9vv@arrl.org

Assistant Section Manager
Malcolm M Preston, NP2L PO Box 1318, Cruz Bay, VI 00831-1318 – Tel: 340-693-8782, np2l@arrl.net

Public Information Coordinator
Wess Tester, K2AHU, - Tel: 340-513-9107, k2ahu@earthlink.net 

Volunteer Exam Coordinators

 *  St. Croix - Alvin F Rymsha, NP2V, 96 Judith’s Fancy Estate # 4018 Christiansted, VI 00820-4407  Tel: 340-718-4725, alvinr26@gmail.com
*  St. John - Mal Preston, NP2L, at 340-693-8782 or np2l@arrl.net 
*  St. Thomas- Peter Sinkowski, KP2US, at 340-513-8708 orKP2US@yahoo.com

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Hams in Paradise is compiled by Wess Tester, K2AHU,k2ahu@earthlink.net Please e-mail him with any ham-related info you would like included in the next e-letter.    

Very 73

Wess, K2AHU, Editor

Fred, K9VV / NP2X, Section Manager