[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] Alexandria Radio Club - ARC SHORTS February 2022
n4asx at cox.net
n4asx at cox.net
Sat Feb 5 14:56:22 EST 2022
ARC-SHORTS
February 2022
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 meeting will AGAIN be virtual (Zoom). A notice with the link will
be sent out soon. This months program is our annual brief on the Virginia
QSO Party by Gordon, NQ4K, This is one of the best contests of the year.
Points / multipliers are given for each of the counties and incorporated
cities in Virginia, so you don't need to be able to work DX to make points.
The club sponsors two award plaques. In addition, EVERYONE who submits a
log for the contest will get a nice certificate and most get something like.
"First Low Power Alexandria Station" There are so many categories that even
if you operate for just a few hours your likely to get some award. The
contest is NOT limited to HF, but you can operate VHF/UHF as well.
The 2022 Virginia QSO Party will be held during the weekend of 19-20 March
2021.
Saturday, 19 March, 1400 UTC - Sunday, 20 March, 0400 UTC and
Sunday, 20 March, 1200 UTC - 2400 UTC.
<https://www.qsl.net/sterling/VA_QSO_Party/2022_VQP/2022_VQP_Main.html>
https://www.qsl.net/sterling/VA_QSO_Party/2022_VQP/2022_VQP_Main.html
Look forward to hearing Gordon tells us what's changed this year.
Last Meeting (minutes)
Date: January 14, 2022
Time: 1900 hours
Location: Zoom - Virtual
Presentations
* Topic: Propagation/Solar Cycle 25
* Presenter: Carl K9LA, Ft Wayne IN
Reports
Treasurer: Don KI4D
* Current Balance = $10,300.98
Membership: Jack W4JL
* 83 paid; 9 Lifetime; Total of 92 members
Repeaters: Ian N8IK/Rich KA4GFY/Rick N4ASX
* Digital side - 70 cm DMR is fine; if you ever wonder about whether
your signal is getting out on through the gateway or not, you can always do
an echo test.
* DSTAR net at 8pm on Wednesdays
* Analog side - all up and running
* Would like to replace 23cm repeater; currently 2 mobiles slapped
together with a controller in between
* AREDN Project - no new developments; firmware updated in March/April
Education/Training: Rich KA4GFY
* Wants to do another class - Tech and General - remotely via Zoom
* Tuesdays, March 1 - May 3
* Suggested to do class for free; students purchase their own books
* Email Rich if interested in General class
Trailer: Rich KA4GFY
* DMR Radio is being programmed for the trailer with a tri-band
antenna
* Need to mount an HF antenna on the side
* Need to replace old scanner
Net Control
* 20 Jan: N8IK
* 27 Jan: KA4GFY
* 03 Feb: N4ASK
* 10 Feb: KI4D
Old Business - None
New Business
* Ian N8IK - Field Day Site is scheduled for renovation; may not be
available end of June
* Need to look at alternative sites
* Rich KW4UJ - looking at possible future in-person meeting at the
firehouse
Announcements
* Send 2022 Dues to PO Box 30721, Alexandria VA 22310-8721 or pay
online via PayPal
* Hamvention coming up in Dayton OH, 3rd Weekend in May at Green
County Fairgrounds
* Rich KA4GFY has 4 rooms reserved; suggest making reservations now
Attendance (29)
Name
Call Sign
Position
Cameron
AL6A
Sean
K4KBK
Vice President
Carl
K9LA
Guest Presenter
Rich
KA4GFY
Training Coordinator
Bjorn
KC3AOO
Darrin
KC3SFP
Mike
KC4IRL
Gary
KC7TNU
Jack
KE7VOU
Erik
KI4BXU
Don
KI4D
Treasurer
Wilson
KM4KLK
Carol
KN4LLL
Secretary
Corey
KN4YZY
Ryan
KO4EBY
Todd
KO4IJH
Richard
KW4UJ
President
Jim
N2ZZ
ARRL Director
Rick
N4ASX
ARES Coordinator
Ted
N4JOG
Ian
N8IK
Director
Jack
W2JWP
Dennis
W5DAG
Ted
W9TCE
Jason
WA6MPR
Bob
WB0VGD
Bryan
WD4ADF
Brandon
Harry
DMR INFO
Ian, N8IK sent this to the list, but good enough to share here.
<http://guide.k4usd.org/> http://guide.k4usd.org/
Presidents Corner
It is February and the COVID-19 numbers are finally starting to decline
which is good news for ham radio as it will allow us all to start getting
together at Hamfests, community events and in person meetings. This is
evident by seeing two local Hamfests being schedules VWS Winterfest on March
27, Ole Virginia Hams Manassas Hamfest in June and the George Washington
Birthday Parade in Alexandria on February 21. We will need your support for
the George Washington Birthday Parade on the 21st please send an email to
Rick N4ASX if you are available to assist. As far as in person meetings we
have not received notice from the city that our usual meeting room is again
available, however I am working on an alternate location for a March Hybrid
meeting outside the city. We will continue virtual meetings via Zoom until
we again can meet at the Alexandria Police station community room.
Thanks to the members who have already paid their dues for 2022. Those of
you that usually renew you club membership in January this is a reminder.
For the rest of us who pay in other months please be pro-active in renewing
your membership as it will add additional 12 months of membership from you
last dues payment. Membership dues is $25.00 per year, please see the
website for more details. The easiest and quickest way to pay dues is via
PayPal on the W4HFH website at <https://w4hfh.org/join>
https://w4hfh.org/join, or you may mail a check or money order to Alexandria
Radio Club Inc., P.O. Box 30721, Alexandria, VA 22310.
We will be continuing the Tech Talks program started last year with many
interesting programs to follow. Thanks to Don KI4D we have some interesting
programs lined up for our meetings this month will be the VA QSO Party with
Gorgon Miller (NQ4K). Below is the list of activities and presentations
currently scheduled for 2022.
Scheduled Activities and Presentations for 2022, as of January 1
* January 12 - MEETING ZOOM MEETING, Solar cycle 25, Carl
Luetzelschwab (K9LA)
* February 5 - (CANCELLED) FROSTFEST, Richmond, VA
YOU ARE HERE!!
* February 11 - MEETING ZOOM PRESENTATION, VA QSO Party, Gordon Miller
( NQ4K)
* February 21 - George Washington Day Parade Participation
* March 1 - License Classes begin, End May 3
* March 5 - St Patrick's Day Parade Participation
* March 11 - MEETING ZOOM PRESENTATION, Attic Loading Coil Antenna,
John Portune (W6NBC)
* March 19-20 - VA QSO Party Weekend
* March 27 WINTERFEST, Annandale, VA
* April 8 - MEETING ZOOM PRESENTATION, End Fed Antennas for Portable,
Emergency & Stealth Installations, Bob Brehm (AK6R) Palomar Engineers
* May 13 - MEETING ZOOM PRESENTATION, RTTY Contesting, MEETING, Randy
Foltz (K7TQ)
* May 20-22 - HAMVENTION, Dayton, OH
* June 4 - Old Virginia Hams Manassas Hamfest
* June 10 - MEETING PRESENTATION, FIELD DAY 2022 final briefing
* June 25-26 - FIELD DAY 2022 Weekend
* July 8 - MEETING, TBD
* August 7 - Berryville HAMFEST, Berryville, VA
* August 12 - MEETING, TBD
* September 9 - MEETING, MMC Briefng, Howard Cunningham, (WD5DBC)
* October 14 - MEETING, TBD
* October 30 - MARINE CORPS MARATHON
* November 11 - MEMBERSHIP MEETING, Elections
* December 9 - MEETING, Christmas party
This month's meeting is scheduled for Friday February 11 @ 7 PM hope to see
you there.
73,
Richard KW4UJ
ICOM ID-52A Review
This is a short review of the Icom ID-52A (American version). The ID-52E is
a European version.
Form. The front of the ID-52A resembles its predecessor, the ID-51. In
fact much of the navigation is similar between the two models. The color
screen is larger (2.3'' display) and is kinder on old eyes. The user may
select black on white or white on black screen displays. The radio is
easier to view outdoors than the ID-51 due to it's translative technology.
The radio is thicker and longer than the ID-51A, but is easily held in the
hand. It was great to see that most accessories for the ID-51 will fit the
ID-52A, including the spare batteries. The belt clip attaches to the
battery easily without having to screw the clip to the radio. There are
several battery packs available from Icom that range in capacity from 4
hours to 12 hours average usage.
In my opinion, one of the best features is the USB port which allows
programming and updating the receiver and an additional way to charge the
radio while connected to a PC or other USB power source.
The Micro SD card slot is also very useful, but if your fingers are as large
as mine removing the SD card from the radio can be frustrating. Using the
SD card, you can Import and Export Csv files to and from the radio. QSO's
may be recorded onto the SD card, which may also be used for pictures,
repeater frequency files and GPS log data. Icom provides a database of
world-wide repeaters that can be paired with the GPS to quickly find
repeaters nearest to the user.
An extra cost Icom VS-3 Bluetooth headset may be used with the radio to
enable hands-free operation.
2. Functions. The ID-52A features wider frequency coverage than the
ID-51A. VHF/UHF and FM Broadcast receiver 144-148, 440-450 MHz Air Band
receive-only coverage from 225 to 374.995 MHz has also been added. Audio
output has been increased to 750 mWatts
The radio has two receivers: A and B. The dual watch function may be used
to monitor the VHF/UHF, UHF/UHF, or VHF/UHF bands simultaneously. (AM/AM
dual watch is not possible). Alternatively, a single watch capability makes
the radio simpler to use.
A built-in GPS receiver is included. The GPS receiver can find the nearest
repeaters listed in order of distance from the user. The GPS function may
also be used to send location, distance, and direction information to
others.
Many new D-Star features have been added. a.) The ability to send and
receive pictures, b.) The ability to listen to two D-Star conversations at
the same time (A and B Channels) , and c.) A terminal mode/access point mode
allows one to use the internet for repeater access when located too far from
the repeater for physical access. This mode uses a PC or Cell Phone for
internet access. The radio may be operated wirelessly through an Android
device using the RS-MS1A Remote Control software (Google Play) that lets one
change operating frequencies, send texts, etc. Note: If one looks at
internet reviews of this Bluetooth capability you can see that many people
are having problems using it. Careful attention to the setup instruction in
the Icom Advanced User Manual is advised.
A color waterfall display (actually a band scope - not an SDR) shows signals
that are active as frequencies are scrolled through by the operator.
One of the more significant departures from the ID-51 involves the use of
groups to store repeater information. Each of the 99 groups can contain 99
entries. So one may rapidly select the closest geographic set of repeaters
by location if traveling around. (The ID-51 had 1,000 channels not
organized by group).
The radio I purchased was from HRO in Woodbridge. Price was $649.95.
Delivery required two months from order placement. The radio is not one of
the cheaper handheld radios available, but it does work very well and has
lots of capability.
This radio might be challenging for a new Ham to operate, but more
experienced operators should find it easy to use. It is not a radio to use
once or twice a year. The navigation (button pressing) can be complicated
with menus and submenus and interdependent buttons for some functions. It is
quite easy to forget how to get to the function you are trying to access if
you have not used the radio in a while.
73 Larry, K4LDW
ARES
ACTIVITIES (Hamfests, Contests, Training, Repeaters) by Rich (KA4GFY)
Hamfests -
The spread of COVID-19 (AKA Corona Virus) has put a major damper on hamfests
for 2020 and much of 2021. However, with people getting vaccinated, there
are more hamfests showing up on the calendar. Let's hope this continues.
As of early February, two of the bigger hamfests of the year have announced
they will be live this coming year. Both the Orlando Hamcation in February
and Dayton Hamvention are planning on live events in 2022. Let's hope
nothing changes.
Other hamfests in the not too far away category appear to be live this year.
The Charlotte Hamfest is scheduled for March 11 and 12. The Raleigh, NC
RARSFest on April 16 and the Delmarva Amateur Radio and Electronics Expo on
April 23. Closer in, the Olde Virginia Hams hamfest returns to the
Manassas Park Community Center on June 4.
On the local hamfest front, the Vienna Wireless Society's Winterfest is
March 27 at the Annandale Campus of Northern Virginia Community College.
It's also the Virginia Section ARRL convention. The Alexandria Radio Club
has 3 tables reserved so you can sell your excess equipment to make room for
new equipment. Not sure why you would do that, you can never have too many
radios.
Speaking of Hamvention, I have 4 rooms reserved from May 18 through May 22.
We travel out on Wednesday so we can take in one of the museums in the area
on Thursday, such as the US Air Force Museum, the Packard Museum, or the
Mound Museum. At least 1 room is spoken for. If you would like to go, let
me know by April 15 so I can order tickets. If you have never been, its
worth the trip to go at least once. I suspect the crowd will be large this
year because Hamvention was cancelled in 2020 and 2021.
Training -
Our next licensing class will begin on Tuesday, March 1 and ending May 3,
2022. We plan on teaching both Technician and General material. Like the
previous classes, it will be online via Zoom. Unlike our last classes,
students will have to bring their own Ham Radio License Manual or General
Class License Manual. Distributing the books in the COVID environment can
be a challenge. The exam will be either in person at a location to be
determined or online. If you know someone who wants to get their license
or are a Technician who wants to upgrade, contact me at
<mailto:ka4gfy at arrl.net> ka4gfy at arrl.net in the next couple of weeks to
register.
Contests -
* February 12 and 13 - CQ WPX RTTY Contest. Exchange is RST and
serial number.
* February 14 thru 18 - ARRL Scholl Club Roundup. Exchange is class
(I/C/S). Most of us will be "I" for operating from home.
* February 19 and 20 - ARRL International DX Contest, CW. Exchange
is RST and state.
* February 26 and 27 - South Carolina QSO Party. Exchange is RST
and state.
* February 27 - North Carolina QSO Party. Exchange is state.
* March 5 and 6 - ARRL International DX Contest, SSB. Exchange is
RST and state.
* March 12 and 13 - Oklahoma QSO Party. Exchange is RST and state.
* March 12 and 13 - Idaho QSO Party. Exchange is RST and state.
* March 12 and 13 - North American Sprint, RTTY. Exchange is other
station's call, your call, serial number, name, and state.
* March 13 and 14 - Wisconsin QSO Party - Exchange is state.
* March 19 and 20 - Virginia QSO Party. Exchange is serial number
and county. Be sure to indicate Alexandria Radio when you send in your
score.
Every 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 2 meter repeater to Reflector
062C for Virginia and Maryland communications, and the 70cm Reflector 030C,
for long-range communications and the 23cm voice repeater to Reflector 025B,
the Northern Virginia local 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 are
new to DMR, DMRVA has codeplugs for some of the more common DMR radios on
their website. Their website is <http://www.dmrva.org/>
http://www.dmrva.org/ DMRVA
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
ARES / Public Service Events - GEORGE WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY PARADE February
21, 2022
On February 21st we have the Alexandria City George Washington's Birthday
Parade. The club has supported this event for many years, and we need
between 10 and 15 volunteers to work the parade.
We meet at 10AM at the Fire Training Center at the end of Fayette Street
just off US 1, At that time, given the participants, I will make
assignments, pass out whatever paperwork we have and help Rich, KA4GFY with
getting the trailer hooked up. The trailer will locate at the around the
start / finish area which is also where the parade marshals will gather. We
will need to be down in the parade area by 11 AM because the police close
the roads around the parade route at that time. We hope to set up an AREDN
relay between the trailer (start / finish) and the reviewing stand. Some
operators will work with the parade marshals to gather any changes to the
order of march (adds, drops, and moves). The local Civil Air Patrol
Squadron has volunteered as well and will be working either as marshals or
with the marshals. We had some problems with that in the past, but I have
taken care of that. We will need to get the changes to the trailer by 12:30
PM and that gives us time to edit the files and send it via AREDN to the
reviewing stand. As the late Joe Shumard use to say "At 1PM - It's a
parade". I would like to have two APRS equipped operators, one at the start
and one at the end of the parade.
If you have not volunteered yet, please consider it. This is a very public
event for the city, and they do appreciate our support. If you have
questions or want to volunteer my E-Mail is <mailto:N4ASX at cox.net>
N4ASX at cox.net
CITY RADIOS
Some years ago, the city purchased 10 ICOM ID-51A handheld D-Star/FM dual
band radios. Initially these were for CERT, but the city did not know of the
need for an amateur radio license to operate these radios. They were signed
over to Alexandria ARES. I have 7 of these radios and I'm happy to loan
them out on a hand receipt for those who do not have D-Star or an HT. Let
me know if you need one. The following rules apply: 1 - Be an ARES
Volunteer, 2 - Check into one net a month and 3 - Once a year, the radio
needs to be turned in and reissued. To work on D-Star you need to register
with D-Star and the radio needs to be programmed with your call sign. I can
do that in a few minutes. If you would like the loan of one of these
radios, send me an E-Mail at <mailto:N4ASX at cox.net> N4ASX at cox.net
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