[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] Alexandria Radio Club Meeting Notice - March 9th 2012

[Rick Bunn]

ARC-SHORTS

APRIL, 2012

 

Club Repeaters: 147.315 (PL 107.2), 444.6 (PL107.2), 224.82 (PL107.2), 53.13
(PL107.2), 927.6 (-25Mhz, PL107.2), and 1282.600 (PL 107.2), DSTAR
145.38Mhz, 442.060, and 1284.600 

 

NEXT CLUB MEETING

 

Our next meeting is FRIDAY, APRIL 13th at Alexandria City's new Emergency
Operations Center at 3600 Wheeler Ave.  We will meet in the Community Room
on the first floor. Parking is the public lot right in front of the
building.  DO NOT PARK ON THE STREET!!!  At 7:00 there should be plenty of
spaces.  

Our program will be our own KT4MV who is known for his invaluable work on
our repeaters, but Tim is also an expert in avionics and will present a
program on that subject at our next meeting

 

MARCH MEETING - Minutes KJ4FUU

 

Minutes from 03/09/2012

Treasurer's Report: Total: 8009.72 Share: 4808, Trailer 573, Checking: 202,
Education: 2425 

Committee Reports:

                Training: Rich KA4GFY reports that classes start 03/20,
currently about 12 techs and 5 generals

                         estimated to be there.

                ARES:  Hospital situation is unsettled, this affects our
antenna labelling project.

                DSTAR: Upgrades installed, reflector 12C will broadcast
"Last Man Standing".

            Repeaters: No changes.

            Webmaster: Page updated, menu rearranged, Articles of
Incorporation on the web,

                              need photos for the web store.

 

Upcoming Events:

                VA QSO Party 03/17 - 03/18 (new operating hours)

                Timoneum Hamfest 03/31 (one day only)

                Dayton -- Room available, Rich is looking for drivers

 

Old Business: Winterfest was a success.

 

New Business:

                Bull Run Run upcoming, need 6M FM, Fairfax group wants to
use digital, but most will be voice.

                Don points out that parking is tight, so the trailer would
have to be there on Friday.

 

                Jack K5OTZ is investigating having a special event station
(maybe at Fort Ward) to commemorate             the 150th anniversary of the
Civil War.

                Ian N8IK says that a hole drilling/NMO mount installation
demo will be coming up in the near future. Ian is also asking for
alternatives to Mango Mikes, if anyone is so inclined. Paradisio will be
checked out.

                Field Day: Rick N4ASX is looking for a food chairman. Band
captains so far: Jack K5OTZ - 20,           Jay KV3W - 15, Rich KA4GFY - 75.

 

Net Controls:

                03/15/2012: Ian N8IK

                03/22/2012: Rich KA4GFY

            03/29/2012: Rick N4ASX

            04/05/2012: Tom KJ4FUU

            04/12/2012: Don KI4D

 

Program: HAARP program presented by Steve Floyd (Jesse Ventura is all worked
up about nothing).  Editors note: Many of our members stated that Steve
provided the best program so far this year.  If you have an idea for a
program or a topic you would like to hear more about tell N4ASX and he will
try to arrange it.

 

Mitch AJ4YZ won 50/50 after a redraw (original winner had left already,
apparently).

 

Next meeting: 04/13/2012, at 3600 Wheeler Ave. 

 

Adjourned.

 

 

President's Corner

 

The Alexandria Radio Club, using the club call sign of W4HFH,  participated
in the 2012 Virginia QSO Party by having a group of its members take a trip
to Orange county to set up a series of stations at a location near

Barboursville, VA.   One couldn't have asked for a more beautiful weekend to

have a QSO party, as we were located pretty much in the middle of the
Virginia countryside on 28 acres that was in full flower with dogwoods, red
bud, and weeping cherry trees bursting forth with beautiful colors.  Randy,
KI4MWQ, Sandee, KI4QNG, Harry, N4CWP, and Marshall, KI4MWP worked Friday
afternoon and Saturday morning  in setting up antennas  for use on 80/40m

NVIS,  10/20m,  long wire, and 2/440 FM.   Our radio equipment was all

Icom--a 756 Pro, 746 Pro, IC-9100, an IC-706 and an IC-2820.  We also used

an older IC-290A 2 meter rig for SSB.   This year's Virginia QSO Party had a

change in the operating hours--10 am to 10 pm Saturday and 8 am to 8 pm

Sunday-- so there was a flurry of activity early  Saturday morning in making
sure all the antennas and radios were setup properly.  And then, at 10:00
am, the contacts started to come in, first on 40 m, then a few on 80, then

20 m and finally some mobiles on 2 and 440.  Several "big guns" stations
came in very easily, such as the Fauquier and Stafford clubs, and then there
was the added thrill on Saturday afternoon in making contact with K4NVA for
the bonus of 500 points.   But just as challenging was teasing out some of
the fainter stations, such as Bristol, Va or Grayson county, located down in
the southwestern part of the Commonwealth.  Contacts were made on a steady
basis throughout the afternoon, with 40 meters coming in fairly steadily As
dusk began to approach, 80 meters began to pick up, and remained pretty
strong right up until the cut-off of 10:00 pm.  In the meantime, both 20
meters and the 2m/70cm contacts were steady throughout Saturday afternoon,
with most of the 2m/70cm contacts being mobile units.   We attempted to work
some 2 meter SSB, but could not find any takers--maybe next year.  

The next day, it was a bit of a different story.   Forty meters essentially
remained shut until late in the afternoon, and just a few 80 meter contacts
came in, mainly in the early morning hours after 8:00 am.   Twenty meters
was also pretty dormant throughout the day.  We did a nice job of picking up
a fair number of 2m/70cm mobile units during Sunday morning and early
afternoon.   Around 3:00 pm or so, forty seemed to come back to life, but
with a lot of noise--you could generally make out the "big guns" stations,
but really had to work at hearing and exchanging info with the "little
pistols".     We were also able to get both counties on the eastern
shore--Accomack and Northampton--and with Bristol and Grayson, we had made
contacts the breadth of the Commonwealth from east to west.   Conditions
generally remained marginal right up until the end of the contest at 8:00
pm.  

A preliminary analysis of the results indicated that W4HFH made contact with
a total of 83 counties and independent cities in Virginia, 31 states and
provinces, and 19 DX entries resulting in an overall score of 95,278.   This
compares to a total of 90 counties and independent cities, 41 states and
provinces, and 22 DX entries in our 2011 effort, which resulted in a score
of 92,147.   So, even though we had 7 fewer counties/cities, 10 fewer
states/provinces and three fewer DX entries, will still achieved a higher
score in 2012 than in 2011.   Why?   Because in 2011, we had only 25 mobile
contacts, but in 2012 we had 97 mobile contacts, which made a big difference
in the overall final score.   Given the change in operating hours and the
poor band conditions on Sunday, we feel we did a pretty decent job this year
in achieving the scoring level that we did. 

Our team has now done this type of "mini-expedition" twice, and each time we
have gained some new insights into operating away from one's home.   A lot
of planning needs to be done to make sure one has all the proper equipment
and tools available in case the need arises, for whatever reason.   It has
been a lot of fun doing the planning, setting up, making the contacts, and
taking down,  and the Virginia countryside has been beautiful in both
instances.   We have also been very fortunate in that the weather was
great,which made the setup and takedown much easier to do.    Many thanks
need to go to both Randy, KI4MWQ and Sandee, KI4QNG, for their hard work in
finding a good site, working on the setup,  and providing the appropriate
niceties that make these mini-expeditions fun and enjoyable.   And Harry,
N4CWP, has been great with all the experience, toolsets, and equipment he
has been able to provide the group with during the past two outings.  We
have posted some pictures of the outing on the club's website, ww.w4hfh.org,
and hopefully this will give others in the club some ideas on what can be
done on a "mini" expedition.  We all had a great time this year, and we look
forward to having others join in in next year's effort for the 2013 Virginia
QSO Party!

73

  Marshall

 

SKYWARN

 

In Alexandria, ARES, is a tool seldom used.  ARES is there and ready to
support the public through our served agencies when there is a need.  We can
consider ourselves lucky that we don't have tornado's hurricanes,  massive
forrest fires,  earthquakes etc.  But, it is important that we keep our
selves ready in that rare event that we are needed.

Weather plays a big part in disasters.  To better support localities the
National Weather Service and NOAA have set up the SKYWARN system.  SKYWARN
provides training for weather spotters and these spotters provide the NWS
with "ground truth" on the current weather in an area.  In our area SKYWARN
uses the 147.300 repeater when SKYWARN is activated. 

One does not need to be an amateur radio operator to participate and can
call in or e-mail their reports to the Sterling office of the NWS.  Amateur
radio operators have an advantage in that we can establish a net and pass
SKYWARN reports rapidly.

To participate, all must take a short course in Basic weather spotting.  The
basic class is offered around our area between September and May.  If you're
interested, you can check out the SKYWARN page on the Sterling, VA NOAA /
NWS weather site.

Before you jump in, there are a few items of to keep in mind.  During a
weather event, NWS wants details such as rain fall per hour, cloud cover,
wind speed, temperature, dew point etc.  Many of us do not have a weather
station and would have a hard time getting the numbers, but you can still be
valuable by reporting weather phenomena.  The two hour three hour class
covers the details.  

Many of us in the club took the Skywarn basic class and a few other more
advanced classes when they were taught at the NWS offices at Dullas airport,
but that was over 10 years ago.

Mr. Joe Henderson, our liaison with the city EMS, sent us an e-mail asking
if we were involved with Skywarn and recommend we read some of the articles
on the internet extolling the support provided by amateur radio operators on
the skywarn nets in Texas during the recent tornado events.  Your EC told
him that we were involved but many of us had not taken the training in a
long time.  This also brings to mind that many of our newer members may not
have heard of Skywarn.

If you're interested, start by monitoring 147.3 when there is a hazardous
weather warning.  Many of us have weather radios and when our area announces
a severe weather event the Skywarn net is usually activated.  Give it a
listen.  While the net would like to get inputs from those who are
registered / trained spotters, you can check in and get an idea of how it
works and decide if you would like to participate.

 

73 Rick

N4ASX 

 

ARES 

 

What's in your GO KIT?  It's spring time and this is the time when there are
a lot of public service events.  Some of us only have a handheld or one
radio and many of us don't run out and DO ARES or public service events, but
it's always a good idea to have your gear where you can get it if you have
to jump out to support an event or if we have an event that requires our
help 

As ARES EC, I try to participate not only in Alexandria events, drills and
public service events, but if time permits, I try to volunteer for a few
other events during the year because they are fun way to practice the radio
art.

My CORE go kit is a plastic tool box with my handheld radios,  extra
antennas, antenna adapters, spare battery packs,  speaker microphones and 12
volt adapters.  In addition I have computer interface cables for packet and
APRS operations.

These Go Kits are fine for a short duration event or hamfest, but if the
event is an all day event,  I have an excel spreadsheet that lists all of my
extra items. Events like the Marine Corps Marathon or the Bull Run Run will
require mobile radios.  With the use of mobile radios,  I now need to
consider coax, antennas,  antenna mounts/masts, but wait there's MORE!  How
about what you need to be comfortable?  I have a list of items like
chair(s), a folding table,  a tarp or tent.  If your out all day away from
food and water, it is also a good idea to bring that type of stuff with you.

 

The Bull Run Run requires use of 6 meter FM and may require a form of
digital comms.  For this I have a laptop (not a new one, but one that will
make a good terminal) with that I need interface cables and maybe a
rigblaster or other interface.  Some of us have vehicles that have most of
this equipment installed.  Good way to go, but don't try to run all day on
your vehicle battery unless you have jumper cables.  I have a surplus
110Amphour AGM battery and a Honda 2KW generator.  You don't NEED all this
stuff, but if you have it, and decide to use it,  have that check list.  

Think: What do I need to perform my task? What do I need to keep me
operational for the duration of the event?  

With my go kit list, I also include a TO DO LIST.  1 - Go through the list
and check off what I'm going to take with me.  2 - Find it and get it packed
up a day or so prior to the event.  3 - Are the batteries charged?  Do I
have all the needed cables, connectors etc. Will I need a sun shade for the
computer? Do I need an A/C inverter for the computer?  Will I have A/C power
available? If we are playing D-Star, what do I need? 

I watched a program the other night talking about the Prepers?  They
repeatedly talked about hoping for the best but expecting the worst.  Think
Murphy's Law when you pick you gear.  Murphy's Law says: "An item will fail
at the worst possible time with the worst possible consequence's " O'Tool's
corollary to Murphy's Law is: "Murphy was an optimist!"

 

73 Rick

N4ASX 

 

CLASSES by Rich KA4GFY

 

The latest licensing class started on March 20 with 10 students and over the
next two weeks, we added two more.  This is the largest license class we
have seen a quite a few years.  Perhaps the interest in "do it yourself" has
spawned interest in ham radio, or maybe the inclusion of ham radio on ABC's
"Last Man Standing" with Tim Allen has sparked some interest.  In either
case, its great to know there is interest in becoming a ham radio operator.


In case you didn't see it, Fox News did a story on their web site sometime
last fall that the ham radio population in the US reached an all-time high,
with over 700,000 licensed hams in the US.  Since that time, the number has
continued to grow.  So, let's make sure ham radio continues to thrive by
everybody doing their part to give a little PR to ham radio when somebody
asks about the big antenna on your vehicle.  

Rich, KA4GFY

 

DAYTON- ALMOST TIME TO GO!

Last chance to sign on for this year's trip to the Dayton  Hamvention - 

I have two rooms left with four spaces left for this year's Dayton
Hamvention.  If you never gone and want to go, please let me know no later
than the meeting on Friday.  I will be ordering tickets this week.

Rich, KA4GFY

 

Future Programs

 

April - Tim -KT4MV -Aviation Communications (Confirmed)

May  - ARRL News - Dennis Bodson W4PWF (Confirmed)

June  - Field Day

July - D-Star 201  - KI4MWP (beyond the local repeater)

August -  ARES/AMSAT/Other??Sept -MCM - Howard, WD5DBC or Tom, N4ZPT
(tentative)

Oct - AMRAD (tentative)

Nov - Elections

Dec - Party

 

Up Coming Events

 

CLUB Christmas Dinner

Not too early to mark your calendar for this annual event!  This year we
will have the holiday party on our regular meeting night December 14th
(second Friday).  We have two choices of locations, primarily due to no room
charge which is always an issue in this area, and both restaurants are
available on 12/14.  First choice is Mango Mike's
http://www.mangomikes.com/mangos-alexandria.html on Duke Street which we've
been to for a couple of years.  Price range is $25-30.  The other choice is
Paradiso Restaurant http://www.paradisoristorante.com  on Franconia Road.
Price range is $30-35.  At both places beer and wine are available for
extra.  

 

Field Day - JUNE 23/24

 

Field Day is a national event!  The idea is to test our ability to
communicate to as many places as we can to prove that we can communicate in
time of any emergency.   No permanent antennas, no commercial power (except
for lights and logging computers).  We work on the pre WARC 79 bands
(160/80-75,40,20,15,10 meters and UP).  The club has lots of field day
antennas,  members and the club have sufficient generators.

 

What members should do is PARTICIPATE.  Join a team or come out and ask to
operate.  If you work with a band team, then no one has to supply all of the
station equipment.

 

This is a great learning experience and great fun for all of the members.
Field Day is a "more the merrier event"  If you can spare all weekend fine,
but if you have only a few hours try to come out and operate.  The club has
a lot of gear and we have several antennas made up that are good for this
year.

 

Due to family commitment, Rick, N4ASX cannot continue as Field Day chairman
this year.  He will continue to support planning and help team captains with
putting teams and gear together.

We have the Armistead Booth Park reserved and that worked well for us two
years ago. 

 

73 Rick/N4ASX

 

Social Events

Monday Night Half Price Burgers - There is a group that gets together at
Shooter McGee's (Duke and Paxton Streets) on Monday evenings at 6:15 30 PM.
A good burger and soft drink runs about $9.0050.