[GVARC] July Newsletter
Tony
[email protected]
Mon, 21 Jul 2003 18:37:26 -0700
************************* Garlic Valley ******************************
Volume 18 Jul 2003
******************* Amateur Radio Club Newsletter ********************
GVARC OFFICERS
President Frank Fahrlander, N7FF
Vice President Ed Vines, KG6WU
Secretary Mark Deger, KG6IFQ
Treasurer Tony Armendariz, AD6ID
Newsletter Editor Tony Armendariz, AD6ID
WEBster Claud Furnare, NA6W
Web Site http://www.qsl.net/gvarc
FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE:
NEXT CLUB MEETING
GVARC AT FIELD DAY
GVARC MEMBERSHIP
CA PROTECTING AMATEUR RADIO
HAMS SUPPORT IN ARIZONA FIRE
40-METER BAND - BREAKTHROUGH
CODE TESTING SOON GONE?
NEW ZEALAND AMATEUR RADIO HISTORY
CONTESTS AUG 2003
COMING EVENTS
***GARLIC FESTIVAL THIS COMING WEEKEND
--------------------------------------
Time slot assignments s-mail arrived today (for me).
***NEXT CLUB MEETING - Saturday, 26-Jul-03
--------------------
GVARC usually meets on the LAST Saturday of each month, at the
Sunrise Restaurant in Gilroy on Monterey Avenue (near the car dealers in
front of Motel 6). From the North or South, take the Monterey St. exit
from highway 101 (south end of Gilroy) and head north. We trickle in
about 8 a.m. and eat at 8:30ish. The South County ARES net is held
each Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. on W6GGF/R (147.825 -.600, no PL 100Hz).
***GVARC AT FIELD DAY
---------------------
FIELD DAY 2002 June (27), 28, 29 Fremont Peak, Doe Flat Campground
This year's GVARC participation in Field Day was a success and set new
records for us when looking back over the last seven years. Despite the
poor conditions this year, we had more QSOs and a better score that any
of the preceding years where I have been able to dig up the results.
There wasn't just one band or one operator that can account for the good
results this year. It was clearly a team effort. We managed to do well
on all of a limited number of bands and modes that were open. In the
past we have had more CW QSOs.
CW contributed to 75% of our score with 484 QSOs spread over 3 bands. 40
with 246, 20 with 226 and 15 with 12. It's 2x multiplier helps rack up
points fast.
Phone contributed a very respectable 334 QSOs over 6 bands. 40 led the
pack with 146 followed by 80 with 67. 2 had a great count of 47 which is
about as we have ever done over the past 7 years. 20 had 35, 15 had 28
and 6 had 11.
We had indications that we weren't being heard that well on 20 meter
phone. Our guess is that most folks were using beams on 20. 20 is one
band where you have to be strong to maintain a channel for a run station
or get through in a pileup.
One thing that helped this year is that we had a good group of active
operators. Our nine operators also included two folks who were new to HF
operation, contesting and Field Day. It is always fun to have new folks
participate.
A big improvement this year was the elimination of interference among
adjacent HF stations. One test showed that the filters we used this year
literally eliminated ALL traces of interference in one case.
As we look back on our accomplishments this year it is good to think how
we might do even better next year. We started an effort to create a
really comprehensive checklist and we also have some thoughts on antenna
improvements we might make. If you have any ideas along that line
please send them to N7FF or KA6AUR.
73, frank 4A scv!
=20
...And if I were operating from a house in Idaho during Field Day, my
exchange would be:
AD6ID 1D ID Hi, Hi
***GVARC MEMBERSHIP
-------------------
Dues for all members become payable each January. The annual cost is
only $20 per person and $10 for each family member in the same
household. Membership dues helps such things as the W6GGF/R repeater,
this newsletter, emergency readiness, etc. Membership, not required for
general use of the repeater, adds autopatch and autodial privileges.
GVARC is a non-profit organization per IRS section 501(c)(4) - we
don't make any money, do service for the community, but are not a
charity.
To join or for more information, please contact the treasurer:
Tony Armendariz, AD6ID
11950 New Avenue
Gilroy, CA 95020
408-683-2025 home
Internet: [email protected]
***CA PROTECTING AMATEUR RADIO
------------------------------
Amateur Radio Licensees Play Integral Role in Public Safety Network
California's Governor Davis signed legislation today that would ensure
that amateur radio stations' communication will not be obstructed by any
city or county ordinance. Due to the wide number of volunteers who
utilize their amateur radio licenses during times of natural disasters
or emergency situations, maintaining amateur radio stations' ability to
broadcast is an important resource to security and rescue aid.
"Licensed amateur radio operators give thousands of hours of volunteer
service to the state and local governments," Gov. Davis said. "They are
an important part of our public safety network."
AB 1228 by Assembly member Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga) mandates that
city or county ordinances that regulate amateur radio station antenna do
not obstruct the communication abilities of the station. It also allows
the antenna structures of the radio stations to be constructed to
effectively maintain their broadcast services; therefore, preserving the
integrity of the radio communication system.
There are nearly 5,000 volunteers in the state of California who hold
amateur radio licenses. These volunteers play a crucial role in events
of natural disaster or emergency situations when telephone systems are
inoperable by utilizing their broadcast ability. By providing a reliable
communication system during an emergency situation, such as a terrorist
attack, amateur radio stations provide an invaluable service to the
state of California.
-- ARRL
!!!Thanks to all of you who wrote to Sacramento urging the Gov to sign
the bill. Also, recall how hard Jim Maxwell, W6CF/SK, had worked to make
this happen - Tnx, Jim, dit, dit!
***HAMS SUPPORT IN ARIZONA FIRE
-------------------------------
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and Radio Amateur Emergency
Service (RACES) volunteers have been providing communications support
during the Kinishba Fire in the White Mountains of Arizona. Some 1000
fire fighters are battling the Kinishba Fire, now reported at some
20,100 acres and approximately 20 percent contained.
Navajo County Emergency Coordinator Cris McBride, KB7QXQ, says Navajo
County DEC and RACES Officer Dave Epley, N9CZV, is heading the Amateur
Radio response, which includes two people per shift at three locations:
A Red Cross evacuation Center in Snowflake, the Navajo County emergency
operations Center in Holbrook and the Whiteriver Red Cross
communications center. McBride credits Epley with working into the early
hours of July 17 to set up repeater links so Red Cross personnel in
Snowflake could communicate with their colleagues in Whiteriver.
"Until that time, the Red Cross workers could not communicate
effectively, as their cell phones would not work with the cell phone
company's system out of Whiteriver," McBride said. Some 5000 Whiteriver
residents were evacuated to safe zones on the outskirts of the fire
area, but fire officials now have lifted the evacuation order and
allowed them to return. The fire remains some two miles from a point
that would trigger further evacuations, however.
Lightning ignited the fire on July 13. Arizona Governor Janet
Napolitano has declared a state of emergency in Gila and Navajo
counties.
-- ARRL
***40-METER BAND - BREAKTHROUGH
-------------------------------
ARLB045 7 MHz realignment compromise makes radio history
In an 11th-hour compromise, delegates to World Radiocommunication
Conference 2003 (WRC-03) agreed to move broadcasters out of 7100 to 7200
kHz in Regions 1 and 3 to make room for the Amateur Service. The
expanded worldwide allocation at 40 meters goes into effect on March 29,
2009. Amateurs in the US and the rest of Region 2 will continue to enjoy
the 7000 to 7300 kHz band they now have, but with greatly reduced
broadcasting interference.
The compromise marked the first time in the history of internationally
coordinated radio spectrum allocation that an HF broadcasting band was
shifted to accommodate the needs of another service. The compromise cuts
in half the incompatibility between amateur and broadcasting use of the
7 MHz band and doubles the 40-meter spectrum available to amateurs in
Regions 1 and 3.
While the result falls short of the IARU's goal of a 300-kHz worldwide
exclusive band for amateurs, the cooperation of broadcasters, opposing
delegates and many others was required to make a positive step for ham
radio. Spectrum between 4 and 10 MHz is on the agenda for WRC-07, but
further changes to 7000-7200 kHz will not be considered.
The conference also dropped the international Morse code requirement,
leaving individual countries to decide if they want to retain a code
proficiency requirement, and adopted a number of improvements to the
other international regulations for the amateur service. The delegates
also agreed to allowed a secondary allocation for satellite borne
synthetic aperture radars at 70 cm and made amateur call sign assignment
more flexible.
-- ARRL
=20
***CODE TESTING SOON GONE?
--------------------------
Whatever else happens at World Radiocommunication Conference 2003
(WRC-03), there's no mystery about the delegates' direction regarding
the Morse code requirement. Morse code proficiency will disappear as a
treaty obligation for high-frequency access when the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU)-sponsored gathering under way in Geneva
concludes early next month.
"One matter on which there appears to be no disagreement is the Morse
requirement," said International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Secretary
(and ARRL CEO) David Sumner, K1ZZ, in a report on the second week of
activity at WRC-03. "It is clear that the outcome will be to leave it to
administrations' discretion whether or not to have a Morse receiving and
sending requirement. No administration participating in the sub-working
group spoke in favor of retaining the Morse code treaty requirement."
Sumner reports that the wording to modify Article 25.5 of the
international Radio Regulations on June 24 cleared Working Group 4C,
which is dealing with this and other proposals relating to Article 25.
It says, "Administrations shall determine whether or not a person
seeking a license to operate an amateur station shall prove the ability
to send and receive texts in Morse code signals."
-- ARRL
***NEW ZEALAND AMATEUR RADIO HISTORY
------------------------------------
My but they're busy down under!
1983
World Communications Year, ZM prefix used.
Tom Clarkson ZL2AZ received MBE in Birthday Honours List for services to
Amateur Radio.
New Frequency Allocation List gives extended band at 1.8 MHz, new bands
above 47 GHz,
Grade II and Novice CW or Phone Bands at 28 MHz.
CW identification by RTTY operators no longer a regulatory requirement.
Band-plans and emissions now for the Amateur Service to regulate.
Packet radio used in New Zealand by ZL1AOX, ZL1WN and ZL1UFK.
World record 28 MHz packet radio contact between Ian Ashley ZL1AOX and
Tom Clark W3IWI.
First New Zealand to Chatham Islands contacts on 144 MHz band by ZL4OY/C
and ZL3AR.
First ZL-ZL E-M-E contacts between Graham Alderson ZL3AAD and John
Shorland ZL2AQE, on the 432 MHz and 1296 MHz bands.
World record 1296 MHz E-M-E contact between Graham Alderson ZL3AAD and
Jan Ottens PA? SSB.
First 610 MHz contact by ZL2AQF and ZL2ARW on December 3, between Mt.
Kaukau and Kakanui.
1984
Review of Amateur Service by NZ Post Office.
Morse transmission authorized for Grade III operators.
QSL Bureau now a free service to NZART members, non-members continue to
pay 10 cents a card.
Chatham, Kermadec, and Auckland/Campbell Islands became ZL7, ZL8, and
ZL9 respectively.
First operation from the top of Mt. Cook, by Robin McNeil ZL3TIG using
two-metre handheld.
1985
18.068 MHz band made available.
Karl Meinzer DJ4ZC guest speaker at Conference in Christchurch.
Sixth IARU Region III Association Conference, at Auckland, with visits
by IARU President and ITU General-Secretary.
IARU Administrative Council meets in Auckland.
Bob Knowles ZL1BAD appointed IARU International Intruder Watch
Coordinator.
First ZL and New Caledonia contact on 144 MHz, by ZL2TPY and FK8EM.
Ian Ashley ZL1AOX command station for OSCAR 10 and later OSCAR 13.
1986
NZART Diamond Jubilee, 60th year.
Annual Conference at New Plymouth opened by Governor-General Sir Paul
Reeves.
NZART Official Broadcast simulcasted by ZL2BHF on 3900 kHz and on
Amateur TV for the first time.
Amendment to Radio Regulations established General, Limited, and Novice
Licence grades.
Power measurement changed to mean/PEP output power rating.
Logbook not now obligatory but recommended.
Licence fee increased to $25.00 plus GST.
First six-metre packet radio contact with VK, by ZL2BKC and VK2YME.
1987
Amateurs allowed to choose any vacant call sign.
Examination became all multi-choice questions.
New Zealand Post Office replaced by the New Zealand Radio Frequency
Service as New Zealand Administration.
Licence Fee made $35 plus GST.
24.89 to 24.99 MHz band available.
610-620 MHz band extended to 622 MHz.
National repeater system Wellington-Auckland opened, later extended to
Christchurch.
Official broadcast networked on 3900 kHz and VHF repeaters.
JOTA provisions for Scout and Guide Camp stations during World Jamboree.
Three-person Tribunal appointed to investigate the size of NZART
Council, ZL2SJ as Convenor.
World record 2304 MHz E-M-E contact between John Shorland ZL2AQE and Tom
Clark W3IWI.
Guy Kendall ZL2BIV first amateur to communicate from hang-glider.
A ZL amateur attends IARU Administrative Council meeting for first time
(Netherlands, Fred Johnson ZL2AMJ).
Tom Clarkson ZL2AZ receives Roy Stevens Memorial Trophy.
1988
New Radio Regulations.
14-year age limit for Amateur Licence abolished.
Amateurs allowed to handle third-party messages within New Zealand.
Non-amateurs allowed to speak on air.
W6SAI guest speaker at conference.
80m Novice band extended to 3.625 MHz.
NZART team attends Seventh IARU Region III Association Conference,
Seoul.
World record 50 MHz E-M-E contact between Graham Jonas ZL2BGJ and Ray
Rector WA4NJP.
1989
ZM prefix permitted for XIV Commonwealth Games and for New Zealand's
150th Year
Celebrations, the Sesqui-Centennial Year, 1990.
Dan Wilkinson ZL2AB received QSM in Birthday Honours List for services
to Amateur Radio.
NZART makes written and verbal submissions to a Parliamentary Select
Committee for the first time (Radiocommunications Bill).
1990
NZART Examination Division established and runs amateur radio written
examinations for first time.
New arrangements and special conditions announced for access to the
bands 50-51 MHz and 53-54 MHz.
Novice Grade operators granted access to the 144-148 MHz band.
The band 610-622 MHz realigned to 614-622 MHz.
Access by New Zealand radio amateurs to the band at 2.3 GHz restricted
to 2.396 to 2.45 GHz.
Access to all HF bands made immediate on gaining a General Grade
licence.
Access permitted to the 165-190 kHz and 922-927 MHz bands by New Zealand
radio amateurs subject to special conditions.
-- http://www.nzart.org.nz
***CONTESTS AUG 2003
---------------------
------- (From-to) -------- -------------------------------------------
DATE WEEKDAY - TIME UTC CONTEST NAME - MODE
----- ------------------- -------------------------------------------
2 Sat 0000 - 2400 TARA Grid Dip - PSK/RTTY
2- 3 Sat 0001 - Sun 2400 10-10 Int. Summer QSO Party - Phone
2 Sat 0700 - 0800 AM-test - AM
2 Sat 0700 - 1000 NSA F=F6rsamlingstest Summer - SSB
2 Sat 1000 - 2159 European HF Championship - CW/SSB
2- 3 Sat 1800 - Sun 0600 North American QSO Party - CW
3 Sun 0700 - 1000 NSA F=F6rsamlingstest Summer - CW
9-10 Sat 0000 - Sun 2359 Worked All Europe DX-Contest - CW
9-10 Sat 1600 - Sun 0400 Maryland-DC QSO Party (1) - CW/Phone
10 Sun 1600 - 2359 Maryland-DC QSO Party (2) - CW/Phone
16 Sat 0000 - 0800 SARTG WW RTTY Contest (1) - RTTY
16 Sat 1000 - 2200 RDA Contest - CW/SSB
16-17 Sat 1200 - Sun 1200 Keymen=92s Club of Japan (KCJ) Contest - CW
16-17 Sat 1200 - Sun 1200 *?* SEANET Contest - All
16 Sat 1600 - 2400 SARTG WW RTTY Contest (2) - RTTY
16-17 Sat 1800 - Sun 0600 North American QSO Party - SSB
16-17 Sat 2000 - Sun 0700 *?* New Jersey QSO Party (1) - CW/SSB
17 Sun 0700 - 1100 SSA Portabeltest H=F6stomg. - CW
17 Sun 0800 - 1600 SARTG WW RTTY Contest (3) - RTTY
17-18 Sun 1300 - Mon 0200 *?* New Jersey QSO Party (2) - CW/SSB
17 Sun 1400 - 1500 SSA M=E5nadstest nr 8 - SSB
17 Sun 1515 - 1615 SSA M=E5nadstest nr 8 - CW
23-24 Sat 1200 - Sun 1200 TOEC WW GRID Contest - CW
23-24 Sat 1600 - Sun 0400 Ohio QSO Party - CW/SSB
24 Sun 1800 - 2359 CQC Summer QSO Party - CW/SSB
30-31 Sat 0700 - Sun 2200 *?* Hawaii QSO Party - All
30-31 Sat 1200 - Sun 1159 SCC RTTY Championship - RTTY
30-31 Sat 1200 - Sun 1200 YO DX HF Contest - CW/SSB
30-31 Sat 1600 - Sun 2200 *?* South Dakota QSO Party - CW/Phone
-- Jan-Eric Rehn - [email protected]
http://www.sk3bg.se/contest/text/c2003May.txt
***COMING EVENTS
----------------
- Livermore Swap Meet - 1st Sunday of each month at Las Positas
College in Livermore, 7:00 AM to noon, all year. Talk in 147.045 from
the west, 145.35 from the east. Contact Noel Anklam, KC6QZK, (510)
447-3857 eves.
- Foothill Flea Market - 2nd Saturday of each month from March to
October at Foothill College, Los Altos Hills. FARS NET on 145.23
repeater Thursday nights at 8 PM.
***GVARC EMAIL LIST SUMMARY
---------------------------
[email protected] is the official list of GVARC members with
e-mail addresses. This is a closed list; Joining GVARC gets you on the
list. Anyone on the list can send to the list; no one else can.
[email protected] is a list of those interested in gvarc.
Anyone can join (with confirmation message) and any member may
unsubscribe freely. Members of the gvarc_cc list can send to the list.
No one else can send to the list. List administrators, Tony, AD6ID,
and Frank, N7FF. The list's web site is http://www.qth.net.
______________________________________
To leave GVARC list, Contact Tony Armendariz, [email protected]. If you're
a GVARC member with email, you must be on the list.