[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] ARC SHORTS JULY 2021 - Alexandria Radio Club
Rick Bunn
n4asx at cox.net
Tue Jul 6 09:02:13 EDT 2021
ARC-SHORTS
JULY 2021
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.
: DMR IS UP AND RUNNING 442.4125 +5Mhz Color Code 1.
PLEASE USE OUR REPEATERS.
Next Meeting
Our next ZOOM meeting will be Friday JULY 9th at 7PM. A ZOOM meeting invite
will be sent out soon. The program will be an update on AREDN presented by
Joe Porcelli (KT3I)
Last Meeting
ARC Monthly Meeting Notes June 12, 2020
Craig E. Church (N4GOR) passed away June 11, 2020 COVID-19 the Alexandria
Radio Club acknowledged his passing with a moment of silence at our monthly
meeting.
Don KI4D, provided us with an overview of Field Day 2020:
* Work as many stations as possible
* Develop your skills to meet the challenges to meet emergency
preparedness
* Learn to operate in abnormal situations
* Acquaint the general public with the capabilities of Amateur Radio
Field Day under COVID-19 Conditions
Don KI4D convinced ARRL upper echelons to grant a waiver for Field Day 2020
because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The waiver made it possible for ARC to
operate as a "club" during Field Day, with some differences from the past.
The waiver has two important provisions: 1.) allowing QSO points for class
"D" to class "D" station contacts and 2.) summing of individual scores into
an aggregate "club" score. Field Day rules defines a class "D" station as a
home station on commercial power.
* No public event involved
* No Band Captains
* Recommended Classes of Operation (B, C, or E)
* Recommended Bonus Points
* Identification of Club Operators
* Collect "Club" logged contacts for Consolidation
* Field Day QSOs should be conducted using individual ham call signs
with logs provided to N8IK or ARRL https://field-day.arrl.org/fdentry.php
Field Day Class Rules:
* Class B - Battery
* Class C - Mobile
* Class D - Home Station using commercial power
* Class E - Home Station using Emergency Power
Field Day Logging Software:
The following logging software is known to offer support for Field Day, and
can be used for logging field day contacts.
* FDLog
* N3FJP
* N1MM+
* SkookumLogger (Mac OS)
The following Committee Reports were provided:
* ARES/RACES - N4ASX
* Membership - KW4UT
* History Project - KI4D
* Repeaters - KA4GFY/K4GOR
* AREDN Project - N8IK
* Trailer - KA4GFY
* Webmaster - K4AXQ/N8IK
Old Business
Trailer Upgrade
Presidents Corner
Presidents Corner
It was a delight to experience Field Day 2021 again with the absence of
Field Day last year. The last-minute change from a virtual Field Day to an
in-person Field Day did not lessen the enjoyment. Thanks to Ian for quickly
organizing and conducting a superb Field Day 2021 for our club members. It
was good to see some of our newest club members step into action during
Field Day. Todd Taylor and Jason Palmer proved that digital modes have a
strong future in our Field Day operations of the future. A highlight of
Field Day was a visit by the City of Alexandria Fire Chief, Chief Corey
Smedley. Photos taken at ARC Field Day 2021 have been uploaded to the
following link: <https://photos.app.goo.gl/dqDCU64AUTftN5iQ8>
https://photos.app.goo.gl/dqDCU64AUTftN5iQ8.
Regular club meeting events are still subject COVID-19 restrictions at our
normal meeting location, the City of Alexandria Police Headquarters
building. Until we are notified those restrictions are lifted and that we
may resume our regular meetings, we will continue with virtual club meetings
using Zoom.
The June 11 monthly featured the Field Day 2021 briefing by Ian Keith, Field
Day Chair. The briefing can be viewed at:
<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sUdm0I4jDD8rJ5E_90nZRfxCRZdSGqzZ/view?usp=
sharing>
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sUdm0I4jDD8rJ5E_90nZRfxCRZdSGqzZ/view?usp=s
haring. The briefing began with a discussions of club concerns about
COVID-19, the safety of attendees, and safety precautions developed by club
leadership for Field Day. Field Day safety precautions were:
Fully vaccinated attendees can remove masks, but masks are preferred, if
not social distancing
* Partially or unvaccinated attendees are strongly encouraged to wear
masks with social distancing as a health precaution for everyone
* Those who are ill should not attend
* No food or beverages will be provided by the club, except for
bottled water
* Hand sanitizer and Lysol wipes will be provided by the club
* Field Day 2021 safety officer duties will include a focus on health
safety precautions
* Make sure to sign in -- beyond ARRL attendance reporting, the
sign-in roster will be used in case there is a COVID-19 problem
On June 2, Alexandria Radio Club launched its first Tech Talk series with a
Tech Talk #1. The talk featured a discussion of "Repeaters, how they work
and much more" given by Tim (KT4MV). Tim's presentation on amateur radio
repeaters included: Basic concepts, Locations, Equipment, Repeater
controllers, Duplexers, PL tones, Voting systems and remote receivers,
Remote links, Antennas and lightning protection, and Coordination. Thanks to
Tim (KT4MV) for a great presentation. Tech Talk #1 has been posted for your
viewing on
<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rLwPKatBFGty-_ppiY0Uw3skt8seDZqM/view?usp=
sharing>
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rLwPKatBFGty-_ppiY0Uw3skt8seDZqM/view?usp=s
haring. Tech Talk topics are based on a club survey conducted this past
spring. However, all sessions are open to all hams. These talks will be
conducted monthly during the coming months. The purpose of these sessions is
to provide an opportunity for in-depth conversations, including Q&A, on a
variety of ham radio topics. This follows up on ideas from club members
desiring to build on their knowledge of ham radio. It is also hoped that
these sessions will build on club mentoring efforts for our newest hams and
will serve to promote their continuing interest in club activities. Finally,
it is hoped that these sessions will lead to more interest in operator
license upgrades enabled by increased knowledge of ham radio. A list of
coming Tech Talk topics is enclosed at the end of this email.
This month, we are again delighted and fortunate to have several new club
members. New club members joining since last month are Brian Cavanaugh
(KOQQZ), Darrin Leleux Jason (KO3SFQ) and Dan Beckler (K9DGB). Please
welcome all of them
Most ARES Safety vests were delivered during Field Day weekend for those who
attended. The remaining vests are being held pending delivery. As
announced during the June club meeting delivery of polo shirts with club
logos have been delayed due to a lack of availability from the shirt vendor.
Club members decided to wait 30 days for availability after June 29th.
ARC recorded Zoom meetings with featured presentations are located at
<https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MG9VUqKOWeoWEWt0oBwychbzh4qILqbI?us
p=sharing>
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MG9VUqKOWeoWEWt0oBwychbzh4qILqbI?usp
=sharing.
The list of upcoming club activities and presentations planned for 2021 is
listed below. The Club also welcomes any ideas from club members for
programs and activities in 2021. Please send your ideas to
<mailto:president at w4hfh.org> president at w4hfh.org.
Scheduled Activities and Presentations for 2021 updated as of June 1, 2020
. January 8th - ZOOM MEETING, Pentagon Radio Club MARS
Operations by Gary Sessums (KC5QCN), 2021 Plans & Programs, Voting Meeting
. February 6th - (CANCELLED) FROSTFEST, Richmond, VA
. February 12th - ZOOM MEETING, VA QSO Party, Gordon Miller
(NQ4K)
. February 15th - (CANCELLED) George Washington Day Parade
Participation
. March (Date) - License Classes begin, Ends May (Date)
. March 6th - (CANCELLED) St Patrick's Day Parade
. March 12th - ZOOM MEETING, How to Learn and Have Fun with
Morse Code by Long Island CW Club, Howard (WB2UZE) and Jim (W6JIM)
. March 20-21th - VA QSO Party Weekend
. April 7th - ZOOM MEETING, FIELD DAY 2021 planning committee
kickoff
. April 9th - ZOOM MEETING, West Mountain Radio, Mark Siegesmund
(W9WMR)
. April 24th (VIRTUAL) WINTERFEST, Annandale, VA
. May 14th - ZOOM MEETING, Antenna Tuners: When do you need one,
and how do they work? Barry Feierman (K3EUI)
. May 21-23rd - (CANCELLED) HAMVENTION, Dayton,
. June 11th - ZOOM MEETING, FIELD DAY 2020 final briefing
. June 26-27th - FIELD DAY 2021 Weekend
YOU ARE HERE!!!
. July 9th - ZOOM MEETING, AREDN, Joe Porcelli (KT3I)
. August 1st - Berryville HAMFEST, Berryville, VA
. August 13th - ZOOM MEETING, ARC ARES, Rick Bunn (N4ASX)
. September 10th - ZOOM MEETING, TBA
. October 8th - ZOOM MEETING, DX Engineering, Tim Duffy (K3LR)
. October 31st - MARINE CORPS MARATHON
. November 12th - MEMBERSHIP MEETING, Elections
. December 10th - MEETING, Christmas party
Proposed Tech Roundtable Topics for 2021 (Panel of experienced club members
and others discussing their experiences with Q&A.)
1. Ham Activities for New Technician Class Hams
2. Handy talkies (HT) options, what kind, how much? Pros and
Cons
3. Building a Go-kit for ARES
4. QRP (Reduced transmit power out)
5. Portable ops (rigs, batteries, antennas, etc.)
6. Mobile installations
7. Starter Base Station Options
8. Stealthy Antennas for city dwellers
9. QSL Cards
10. Getting Started with ECHOLINK
11. Getting Started with Amateur Radio Satellite Communications
12. Parks on the Air for Beginners
13. Working with Repeaters
14. Using NVIS
15. Working with Digital modes
16. Radio Scanners for Beginners
17. Packet Radio
18. Raspberry Pi Applications
19. Virtual Ham Shack Tour
20. Ham Shack Hotline
21. Installation and Logging with N3FJP
22. Matching Antennas to Feedlines
23. Propagation and Sunspot Cycle 25
24. "Time" for new amateur radio operators
Please get vaccinated and stay safe with masks and social distancing.
73 Don, KI4D
Richard Morani XL
Rich Adamy XXL
Pamela Larson M
William Wilson XXL
Steven Carr XXL
Alex Carr L
From: Don (KI4D) < <mailto:don.ki4d at gmail.com> don.ki4d at gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 5, 2021 2:35 PM
To: 'WALKERL at mindspring.com' < <mailto:WALKERL at mindspring.com>
WALKERL at mindspring.com>; 'sully at beachheadii.com' <
<mailto:sully at beachheadii.com> sully at beachheadii.com>;
'bonanno.mark at gmail.com' < <mailto:bonanno.mark at gmail.com>
bonanno.mark at gmail.com>; 'jackparker at w4jj.com' <
<mailto:jackparker at w4jj.com> jackparker at w4jj.com>; 'N4ASX at cox.net' <
<mailto:N4ASX at cox.net> N4ASX at cox.net>; 'ryan.stinebiser at gmail.com' <
<mailto:ryan.stinebiser at gmail.com> ryan.stinebiser at gmail.com>;
'comms at gallagher.us.com' < <mailto:comms at gallagher.us.com>
comms at gallagher.us.com>; 'richard.kw4uj at gmail.com' <
<mailto:richard.kw4uj at gmail.com> richard.kw4uj at gmail.com>; 'ka4gfy at arrl.net'
< <mailto:ka4gfy at arrl.net> ka4gfy at arrl.net>; 'pamela.larson at gmail.com' <
<mailto:pamela.larson at gmail.com> pamela.larson at gmail.com>;
'wilson5406 at cox.net' < <mailto:wilson5406 at cox.net> wilson5406 at cox.net>
Subject: Safety Vest Sizing
In reviewing and finalizing the vest order, I am wondering if consideration
was given to winter wear of these vests as well as summer wear. Since coats
are apt to be worn during the George Washington Day Parade event and other
winter events, would one size larger than a normal shirt size be needed in
such cases. I spoke with a DX Engineering rep and he did not know whether
the vests run as sized, larger or smaller. His only idea was to buy two
vests as some of his outdoor construction contractor friends do. If you
would like to reconsider and revise your ordered vest size, please send me a
note. See vest orders below. I will order the vests tomorrow.
73
Don
Safety Vest Orders
Larry D Walker XXL
Chris Sullivan KJ4QEG XXXL
Mark Bonanno XL
Jack W Parker Jr XL
Rick Bunn XXXL
Ryan Stinebiser M
Sean Gallagher XXL
Mark Bonanno XXL
Richard Morani XL
Rich Adamy XL
Pamela Larson M
William Wilson XXL
ARES
A while back I mentioned that there is very little training for ARES
volunteers, but a commitment to learn the basics and be available for
practice drills, public service events and, of course, when we have an
emergency.
I checked my FEMA transcript a while back and thought I have credit for the
core classes IS0100, IS0200, IS0700 and IS0800. All have to do with the
organization of Incident command. In the last 10 years these classes have
been enlarged to have much more content based on FEMA's lessons learned.
I still recommend that all volunteers take the MINIMUM of IS0100 and IS0200.
These are required to work in either an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) or
at a Red Cross Shelter.
Each one will take a few hours of your time but well worth it to see how we
as ARES volunteers fit into the organizational structure.
Now for the quiz:" Under what organizational block would ARES fit in and how
might we aid in the communications structure of a major event? You can send
you your response with a copy of your IS0100 certificate.
Field Day was a success! Why am I bring it up in ARES context? Because it
is a very real event to prepare for a major emergency. There are several
scenarios where we may have to set up in a field with HF radio. Wide spread
weather disasters (I'm in Cape Coral, FL ) Not as common in Northern VA,
but good for us to practice. You may not always be in a zone where weather
is benign. Working HF on the receiving end is as important as those in a
disaster zone.
Turn out was a bit thin, but many new members did come out to operate.
It's important to remember that when those who want to restrict our antennas
or take our RF spectrum attack us, our support of emergency services and
public service events is a big tool for us in keeping the commercial
frequency raiders at bey. I have heard many hams use that as a reason to
protect our need for putting up antennas and for keeping our frequencies,
but these same hams when pressed are happy to tell me that they don't have
the time, training or desire to join ARES. So, these hams are willing to
let other pay the bill
At the last meeting we talked about some work done on the trailer. On
Field Day we found that the floor is rotting, so that will be our next
effort.
The trailer now has the following equipment installed
Radio Shack 2096 scanner (we need to get something a little newer)
Alinco DR-235 - 220MHz FM
Alinco DR-06T with built in TNC (6 meter FM/Packet and APRS)
Kenwood TM D-710A x 2 (2/m/70cm FM / Packet and APRS)
ICOM IC-706MKIIG with LDG Tuner HF to 70cm all mode (worked well on Field
Day)
ICOM ID-1 1.2GHz D-Star and FM
ICOM IC-2820 - 2m/70cm D-Star/FM
The Generac Generator which was overhauled did not want to work on Field
Day, but he club's Honda was magnificent.
Work will continue on the trailer whether or not it is used on the Marine
Corps Marathon.
MARINE CORPS MARATHON
This event is kind of short notice. The event needs about 135 operators and
all most operators need is a dual band HF and batteries. If you can
volunteer, go to MCMHAM.ORG and MARINEMARATHON.COM and sign up under HAM
VOLUNTEER. This needs to be done soon due to security requirements. There
are many repeaters along the course so if you have a good antenna and about
8 hours' worth of batteries you'll have what you need. You will get more
info if you volunteer.
ELMER'S INPUTS
I have been asked to prepare a tech talk on Go Kits. A few short items that
come to mind.
1 - What is a GO KIT? - It is a collection of needed equipment that you can
assemble quickly when you need to leave your home QTH /station and go
portable.
2 - What should be in your GO KIT? - Depends on what you need to accomplish
and how long you need to be portable.
A - If you are going out for a few hours to support the
Washington's Birthday parade or going to a hamfest. Then all you need is
your HT, spare batteries, maybe a better then 'rubber duck' antenna.
B - If you are going out for something like the Marine Corps
Marathon, the Tour de Cure bike runs, or something where you will be out on
a trail or racecourse for most of a day, still VHF/UHF, your kit may need to
include a better battery source to last all day, you may want either an
amplifier for your HT or a mobile radio. You may also need a mobile antenna
or a j-pole you can hang on a pole or in a tree.
C - Summits on the Air, Parks on the Air, Field Day - Then you
expand your go kit to cover HF. More power, larger antennas.
Another important aspect of go kits is the NON-RADIO side. Table, chair,
shelter of some kind if needed. If you are supporting something like the
Marine Corps Marathon, get an idea of whether you need to carry your gear in
or if you can have your vehicle nearby. Even those this is a VHF/UHF
operation you still want to be sure your prepared.
Just a few high points.
73 Rick
N4ASX
Hamfests -
The spread of COVID-19 (AKA Corona Virus) has put a major damper on hamfests
for 2020 and early 2021. However, with people getting vaccinated, there are
more hamfests showing up on the calendar. Let's hope this continues.
The Shenandoah Valley ARC has confirmed on their website that the Berryville
hamfest will be happening on August 1, 2021. Gates open at 6 AM, breakfast
starts at 7 AM and the famous barbecue lunch starts at 11 AM. SVARC does
ask you please wear a mask. Here is the link for the hamfest:
<https://svarc.us/hamfest/> https://svarc.us/hamfest/
The Tidewater Hamfest (a.k.a. VA Beach) is returning this year on September
11 and 12. It will be held in a new location at The Ambassador Club in
Portsmouth. The address is 364 Peninsula Avenue in Portsmouth. Here is the
link: <http://virginiabeachhamfest.com/>
http://virginiabeachhamfest.com/
Training -
With our last class in the books, time to start planning for the next one.
Our next class is scheduled to start in early October and end in early
December. If you know of someone who has always wanted to become a ham
radio operator, send them our way.
We have been hearing some of them on the air. Be sure to welcome them to
ham radio.
Contests -
* July 10 and 11 - IARU HF World Championship. Exchange is RST and
ITU Zone number. We are in ITU zone 8.
* July 17 and 18 - North American QSO Party, RTTY. Exchange is name
and state.
* July 17 and 18 - CQ Worldwide VHF Contest. 6 and 2 meters.
Exchange is 4-character grid square.
* July 31 and August 1 - Missouri QSO Party. Exchange is RST and
state.
* August 7 and 8 - ARRL 222 MHz and Up Distance Contest. All bands
above 222 MHz. Exchange is 6-character grid square.
* August 7 and 8 - North American QSO Party - CW. Exchange is name
and state.
* August 14 - Kentucky State Parks ion the Air. Exchange is state.
* August 14 and 15 - Maryland/DC QSO Party. Exchange is entry class
and state. Most of us operating from home will be a "standard" station.
* August 21 and 22 - North American QSO Party - SSB. Exchange is
name and state.
very Sunday evening at 8 PM local time, the K1USN Radio Club sponsors the
"Slow Speed "Contest." The exchange is similar to a QSO. See the rules
here: <http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html> http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html.
Every Tuesday at 0000 (8 PM EDT Monday for us) is the Worldwide Sideband
Activity Contest. Exchange is RS and age group (OM, YL, Youth YL or Youth).
Here are the rules: <https://wwsac.com/rules.html>
https://wwsac.com/rules.html
Don't forget, be sure to send in your log within 7 days after the contest
ends for all ARRL sponsored contests. ARRL now uses a web application for
contest log submissions. Here is the link:
<http://contest-log-submission.arrl.org/>
http://contest-log-submission.arrl.org/ Be sure to convert your file to
Cabrillo format before submitting. Most logging programs support the
Cabrillo format.
REMEMBER to support the CLUB'S score for contests by providing Ian, N8IK
your info (Name, Call sign and Grid Square location) and submit your scores
for the contests you play in. If the contest asks for a club affiliation,
the Alexandria Radio Club is on the list of contest clubs. Contesting is
one way we show that we are using our frequency allocations.
Contests may not be your thing, but contests are a great way to show outside
interests we do use our valuable spectrum. By showing we use our spectrum,
other services will have a hard time proving that we don't use our spectrum
and it's up for re-allocation to someone else.
Contests can also be a great way to become introduced to HF communications.
While it can be intense, pick the contest and jump in. Most contests have a
limited exchange so it is usually easy to get what the other station needs.
State QSO parties are a great introduction to contesting. Most are low-key
and the exchange is limited.
Speaking of state QSO parties, there is now a state QSO party challenge.
You can start accumulating multipliers by submitting a log in any state or
provincial QSO party to 3830scores.com QSOParty Groups.io.forum and State
QSOParty.com.
Repeaters -
The club repeaters are all up and running. The DSTAR repeaters are seeing a
lot of activity. We have been linking the 70 cm repeater to Reflector 001C,
the world-wide reflector and the 23 cm repeater to Reflector 030C, another
busy reflector. If you want to link to another reflector, be sure to unlink
the repeater first and then link to the reflector of your choice. All we
ask is you unlink the reflector you were listening on when you are finished
listening.
The DMR side is working normally with access to the DMR servers. If you use
the DMRVA codeplugs, they have updated codeplugs on their website with some
of the new DMR repeaters. The codeplugs include more than just the DMRVA
system repeaters. Their website is <http://www.dmrva.org/>
http://www.dmrva.org/
DMRVA has announced on their website they will be partnering with the
Hospital Emergency Amateur Radio Service (HEARS). HEARS operates linked
repeaters primarily located in Southwest Virginia, North and South Carolina.
New talkgroups will be added to the DMRVA system and at least one talkgroup
will be deleted. We will have the details as soon as we see them.
In case you missed it, N8IK sent out a "Handy Intro Guide to DMR." It does
a great job explaining some of the terms you hear about DMR.
We have resumed (semi-regularly) the follow-on net on one of the other
repeaters after the Thursday net on the 2-meter analog repeater.
Ian, N8IK, has started a Wednesday night DSTAR net on the 145.380 MHz
repeater at 8 PM. We have linked the repeater to Reflector 62B so members
and former members outside the local area can join in. Some time ago, I
asked the folks who maintain the lists of DSTAR reflectors to create a
Virginia perma-link reflector. Many other states have them. Be sure to put
Reflector 62B in your DSTAR programming.
As always, ham it up and get on the air.
73, Rich, KA4GFY
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