From drumor at optonline.net  Thu Nov  1 17:02:21 2012
From: drumor at optonline.net (drew Moore)
Date: Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:02:21 -0400
Subject: [RVRC] FCC proposes No-Retest for expired licenses
Message-ID: <008e01cdb874$2fca32f0$8f5e98d0$@optonline.net>



 

Breaking news

 

http://cqnewsroom.blogspot.com/2012/10/fcc-proposes-no-retest-licenses-for.h
tml 

 

73

Drew

W2OU

 

 


From drumor at optonline.net  Sat Nov  3 10:41:12 2012
From: drumor at optonline.net (ELDRED MOORE)
Date: Sat, 03 Nov 2012 10:41:12 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [RVRC] Forwarded message from John Pugh -W3JP
Message-ID: <233066d1.4ed79.13ac6b7e906.Webtop.22@optonline.net>

From: "John Pugh" <madgieandjohn at gmail.com>
To: dsrc at lists.epiphanydesign.net,"MERCER ARES" 
<mercer-ares-epiphanydesign.net at lists.epiphanydesign.net>,RVRC at mailman.qth.net,w2zq-membership at googlegroups.com
Date:Sat Nov 03 08:53:13 EDT 2012
Subject: Re: Generator

I haven't had a chance until now to thank everyone who responded, either 
by phone or email.  I got lots of good ideas but there were just no 
generators to be found anywhere.  In the end we survived without one 
until yesterday at 9pm.  While being cold and dark was inconvenient, it 
wasn't terrible.  We had hot showers due to a gas-fired water heater and 
one room that was more comfortable with a fireplace.  LED flashlights 
are amazing, they will light an entire room if you stand them on end! 
We didn't lose anything in the freezer because we stocked it with 
zip-loc bags of water that froze in advance of the power outage and with 
minimal opening kept the food frozen for 4 days.

Radio-wise, battery power kept me active on the Skywarn and ARES nets 
throughout the event and, even though my dipole came partially down from 
the wind, I was able to check in to the NJPN on 75 meters with low power 
battery operation.  A successful test of amateur radio capability!

73, John WJ3P

From drumor at optonline.net  Sat Nov  3 10:45:16 2012
From: drumor at optonline.net (ELDRED MOORE)
Date: Sat, 03 Nov 2012 10:45:16 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [RVRC] FW: Gas Station Locator
Message-ID: <78e522f9.4ed87.13ac6bba404.Webtop.22@optonline.net>




From: "Falcioni, Guy"



 
http://blog.entchev.com/2012/11/01/map-of-operational-new-jersey-gas-stations-after-hurricane-sandy----november-1-2012.aspx 
<http://blog.entchev.com/2012/11/01/map-of-operational-new-jersey-gas-stations-after-hurricane-sandy----november-1-2012.aspx> 
<http://blog.entchev.com/2012/11/01/map-of-operational-new-jersey-gas-stations-after-hurricane-sandy----november-1-2012.aspx>
 
<http://blog.entchev.com/2012/11/01/map-of-operational-new-jersey-gas-stations-after-hurricane-sandy----november-1-2012.aspx>
 
<http://blog.entchev.com/2012/11/01/map-of-operational-new-jersey-gas-stations-after-hurricane-sandy----november-1-2012.aspx>
Guy Falcioni 
<http://blog.entchev.com/2012/11/01/map-of-operational-new-jersey-gas-stations-after-hurricane-sandy----november-1-2012.aspx>
STERIS  Isomedix Services 
<http://blog.entchev.com/2012/11/01/map-of-operational-new-jersey-gas-stations-after-hurricane-sandy----november-1-2012.aspx>

From drumor at optonline.net  Sat Nov  3 17:38:30 2012
From: drumor at optonline.net (drew Moore)
Date: Sat, 03 Nov 2012 17:38:30 -0400
Subject: [RVRC] Gasoline Rationing to start in NNJ
Message-ID: <00b801cdba0b$9180b3f0$b4821bd0$@optonline.net>



 
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nnjares/message/1060;_ylc=X3oDMTJxbGphanZzBF9
TAzk3MzU5NzE1BGdycElkAzIwNTA1NzYEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MDYzMTA4BG1zZ0lkAzEwNjAEc2V
jA2Rtc2cEc2xrA3Ztc2cEc3RpbWUDMTM1MTkzNTc2NA--> Gasoline Rationing to start
in NNJ Tweet from NNJ ARES (@nnjARES) 


Fri Nov 2, 2012 5:33 pm (PDT) . Posted by: 


 
<mailto:KC2GLG at arrl.net?subject=Re%3A%20Gasoline%20Rationing%20to%20start%20
in%20NNJ%20Tweet%20from%20NNJ%20ARES%20%28%40nnjARES%29> "George Sabbi"
gs3622 


Be advised that NNJ ARES (@nnjARES) tweeted at 8:14 PM on Fri, Nov 02, 2012:

Breaking News (@BreakingNews) tweeted at 8:10 PM NJ Gov. Christie orders
gasoline rationed in 12 counties - @njdotcom http://t.co/dWErGIqm

This applies in all 12 ARRL NNJ Section Counties and sets up an Odd/Even day
(date of month) schedule based on the last character on the passenger
vehicle's license plate. Non numeric last characters are considered as odd
numbers/days

More info at:
http://mobile.nj.com/advnj/pm_31091/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=96fobgp5
--
George Sabbi
Mobile Email
Email: george at sabbi-us.com <mailto:george%40sabbi-us.com>  

 


From drumor at optonline.net  Sun Nov  4 11:44:55 2012
From: drumor at optonline.net (drew Moore)
Date: Sun, 04 Nov 2012 11:44:55 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Cross Post QCWA: Alternative Energy Requirements
Message-ID: <000001cdbaab$b8c40340$2a4c09c0$@optonline.net>



DREW,

I RECEIVED THIS FROM MY QCWA DISTRIBUTION AND MAY BE OF SOME VALUE TO
MEMBERS OF BOTH ETSNJ & RVRC

 

MARVIN, K2VHW

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: "Jeffrey D Angus" <jdangus at att.net

To: <qcwa at mailman.qth.net

 

 

I have an Empire 15 KW generator set. It is powered by a

Wisconsin VF-4D 25 HP gasoline engine.

 

Roughly it will consume $400 of regular gasoline running

8 hours a day for a month, compared to $120 from TXU

for the utility power.

 

That's also roughly 23 five gallon cans of gasoline.

 

The Honda EX4500S will consume about 1/3 of that over the

same time period.

 

$130 worth of fuel and about eight cans of gasoline.

 

There are two things to consider in sizing alternate energy:

1. Peak Demand

I.e., the HVAC, one or both at the same time along with any

other "have to have" loads.

2. Long Term Totals

i.e. Refrigerator, Freezer, security system and communications.

 

Generator sizing is based mostly on peak demand. So you

minimize that by running high power loads sequentially. For

example, AFTER the air conditioning has cooled off the house,

The you plug the refrigerator and freezer back in to cool off.

Then switch to the kitchen stuff, microwave, dishwasher etc.

Then finally lighting and entertainment for the night. ;-)

 

Solar, and wind, power on the other hand is limited by the

size of both the collection and storage capability.

 

As a conservative example, the HVAC. That's going to be

about 15 amps at 240 volts. 3600 watts and probably

closer to 4500 to handle the starting surge currents.

But the total is 7.2 KWH for running one then the other

for an hour apiece to cool down the house. If you only

have 10 KWH of storage, well, you've just used that up.

And if you've only got 5 KWH of collection, you get to

pick which end of the house gets cooled off.

 

The other thing to consider if "full time loads" that will

add up. Such as the phone switch, network routers, and

the security cameras and alarm system. While they may

only total up to 500 watts, the "over time" requirement

is 12 KWH for a 24 hour period.

 

If you figure 8 hours of collection time, that translates to

almost  (12 + 7.2)/8 or 2.5 KW collection capability and

20 KW storage capability.

 

This doesn't include anything else like the refrigerator,

freezer, lighting, computers, printers and all the chargers

to keep all the portable stuff running.

 

Additionally, you'll have to consider things like the washer

and drier, garage door opener and any other things like

the microwave and toaster ovens.

 

Also, you have to consider the inverter power capability.

Even if you have 20 KWH of storage, you will need at least

a 10-15 KW inverter to run the HVAC stuff for two hours.

 

Lastly, a final consideration is what happens on cloudy or

overcast days when the collection ability is reduced?

 

The good news is that if the utility company has given you

a "smart" meter, you should be able to get a "usage" chart

from them showing not only your total usage but your

peak usage per day as well. That will make the calculations

a lot easier to figure out.

 

The other question is "Do I want enough power to run the

house completely?" or "Do I want to just reduce my cost

at the end of the month?"

 

In my case, due to extremely limited funding, I would have

to go with "Do it yourself" system cobbled together on an

"as I can acquire the pieces" basis and rely on the generator

for peak loads, such as the HVAC system. And just hope

for a reduction in my monthly bills.

 

Hope this bit of insight helps with deciding what you want

or need for alternative energy.

 

Jeff

wa6fwi-1.0

 

 


From drumor at optonline.net  Sun Nov  4 11:44:55 2012
From: drumor at optonline.net (drew Moore)
Date: Sun, 04 Nov 2012 11:44:55 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Cross Post QCWA: Alternative Energy Requirements
Message-ID: <000701cdbaab$b95a01b0$2c0e0510$@optonline.net>



 

DREW,

I RECEIVED THIS FROM MY QCWA DISTRIBUTION AND MAY BE OF SOME VALUE TO
MEMBERS OF BOTH ETSNJ & RVRC

 

MARVIN, K2VHW

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: "Jeffrey D Angus" <jdangus at att.net

To: <qcwa at mailman.qth.net

 

 

I have an Empire 15 KW generator set. It is powered by a

Wisconsin VF-4D 25 HP gasoline engine.

 

Roughly it will consume $400 of regular gasoline running

8 hours a day for a month, compared to $120 from TXU

for the utility power.

 

That's also roughly 23 five gallon cans of gasoline.

 

The Honda EX4500S will consume about 1/3 of that over the

same time period.

 

$130 worth of fuel and about eight cans of gasoline.

 

There are two things to consider in sizing alternate energy:

1. Peak Demand

I.e., the HVAC, one or both at the same time along with any

other "have to have" loads.

2. Long Term Totals

i.e. Refrigerator, Freezer, security system and communications.

 

Generator sizing is based mostly on peak demand. So you

minimize that by running high power loads sequentially. For

example, AFTER the air conditioning has cooled off the house,

The you plug the refrigerator and freezer back in to cool off.

Then switch to the kitchen stuff, microwave, dishwasher etc.

Then finally lighting and entertainment for the night. ;-)

 

Solar, and wind, power on the other hand is limited by the

size of both the collection and storage capability.

 

As a conservative example, the HVAC. That's going to be

about 15 amps at 240 volts. 3600 watts and probably

closer to 4500 to handle the starting surge currents.

But the total is 7.2 KWH for running one then the other

for an hour apiece to cool down the house. If you only

have 10 KWH of storage, well, you've just used that up.

And if you've only got 5 KWH of collection, you get to

pick which end of the house gets cooled off.

 

The other thing to consider if "full time loads" that will

add up. Such as the phone switch, network routers, and

the security cameras and alarm system. While they may

only total up to 500 watts, the "over time" requirement

is 12 KWH for a 24 hour period.

 

If you figure 8 hours of collection time, that translates to

almost  (12 + 7.2)/8 or 2.5 KW collection capability and

20 KW storage capability.

 

This doesn't include anything else like the refrigerator,

freezer, lighting, computers, printers and all the chargers

to keep all the portable stuff running.

 

Additionally, you'll have to consider things like the washer

and drier, garage door opener and any other things like

the microwave and toaster ovens.

 

Also, you have to consider the inverter power capability.

Even if you have 20 KWH of storage, you will need at least

a 10-15 KW inverter to run the HVAC stuff for two hours.

 

Lastly, a final consideration is what happens on cloudy or

overcast days when the collection ability is reduced?

 

The good news is that if the utility company has given you

a "smart" meter, you should be able to get a "usage" chart

from them showing not only your total usage but your

peak usage per day as well. That will make the calculations

a lot easier to figure out.

 

The other question is "Do I want enough power to run the

house completely?" or "Do I want to just reduce my cost

at the end of the month?"

 

In my case, due to extremely limited funding, I would have

to go with "Do it yourself" system cobbled together on an

"as I can acquire the pieces" basis and rely on the generator

for peak loads, such as the HVAC system. And just hope

for a reduction in my monthly bills.

 

Hope this bit of insight helps with deciding what you want

or need for alternative energy.

 

Jeff

wa6fwi-1.0

 

 


From drumor at optonline.net  Sun Nov  4 11:44:55 2012
From: drumor at optonline.net (drew Moore)
Date: Sun, 04 Nov 2012 11:44:55 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] QCWA Cross Post:  Alternative energy requirements.
Message-ID: <001301cdbaab$ba6704e0$2f350ea0$@optonline.net>



Subject: Fw: [QCWA] Alternative energy requirements.

DREW,
I RECEIVED THIS FROM MY QCWA DISTRIBUTION AND MAY BE OF SOME VALUE TO
MEMBERS OF BOTH ETSNJ & RVRC

MARVIN
K2VHW


----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeffrey D Angus" <jdangus at att.net
Subject: [QCWA] Alternative energy requirements.


I have an Empire 15 KW generator set. It is powered by a
 Wisconsin VF-4D 25 HP gasoline engine.

 Roughly it will consume $400 of regular gasoline running
 8 hours a day for a month, compared to $120 from TXU
 for the utility power.

 That's also roughly 23 five gallon cans of gasoline.

 The Honda EX4500S will consume about 1/3 of that over the
 same time period.

 $130 worth of fuel and about eight cans of gasoline.

 There are two things to consider in sizing alternate energy:
 1. Peak Demand
 I.e., the HVAC, one or both at the same time along with any
 other "have to have" loads.
 2. Long Term Totals
 i.e. Refrigerator, Freezer, security system and communications.

 Generator sizing is based mostly on peak demand. So you
 minimize that by running high power loads sequentially. For
 example, AFTER the air conditioning has cooled off the house,
 The you plug the refrigerator and freezer back in to cool off.
 Then switch to the kitchen stuff, microwave, dishwasher etc.
 Then finally lighting and entertainment for the night. ;-)

 Solar, and wind, power on the other hand is limited by the
 size of both the collection and storage capability.

 As a conservative example, the HVAC. That's going to be
 about 15 amps at 240 volts. 3600 watts and probably
 closer to 4500 to handle the starting surge currents.
 But the total is 7.2 KWH for running one then the other
 for an hour apiece to cool down the house. If you only
 have 10 KWH of storage, well, you've just used that up.
 And if you've only got 5 KWH of collection, you get to
 pick which end of the house gets cooled off.

 The other thing to consider if "full time loads" that will
 add up. Such as the phone switch, network routers, and
 the security cameras and alarm system. While they may
 only total up to 500 watts, the "over time" requirement
 is 12 KWH for a 24 hour period.

 If you figure 8 hours of collection time, that translates to
 almost  (12 + 7.2)/8 or 2.5 KW collection capability and
 20 KW storage capability.

 This doesn't include anything else like the refrigerator,
 freezer, lighting, computers, printers and all the chargers
 to keep all the portable stuff running.

 Additionally, you'll have to consider things like the washer
 and drier, garage door opener and any other things like
 the microwave and toaster ovens.

 Also, you have to consider the inverter power capability.
 Even if you have 20 KWH of storage, you will need at least
 a 10-15 KW inverter to run the HVAC stuff for two hours.

 Lastly, a final consideration is what happens on cloudy or
 overcast days when the collection ability is reduced?

 The good news is that if the utility company has given you
 a "smart" meter, you should be able to get a "usage" chart
 from them showing not only your total usage but your
 peak usage per day as well. That will make the calculations
 a lot easier to figure out.

 The other question is "Do I want enough power to run the
 house completely?" or "Do I want to just reduce my cost
 at the end of the month?"

 In my case, due to extremely limited funding, I would have
 to go with "Do it yourself" system cobbled together on an
 "as I can acquire the pieces" basis and rely on the generator
 for peak loads, such as the HVAC system. And just hope
 for a reduction in my monthly bills.

 Hope this bit of insight helps with deciding what you want
 or need for alternative energy.

 Jeff
 wa6fwi-1.0



From drumor at optonline.net  Sun Nov  4 11:52:45 2012
From: drumor at optonline.net (drew Moore)
Date: Sun, 04 Nov 2012 11:52:45 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Sorry for duplicates
Message-ID: <002901cdbaac$d063b8f0$712b2ad0$@optonline.net>



Sorry for the duplicate emails. My email hiccupped.

 

Drew, W2OU


From drumor at optonline.net  Mon Nov  5 17:10:00 2012
From: drumor at optonline.net (drew Moore)
Date: Mon, 05 Nov 2012 17:10:00 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] FW: Hudson Division Luncheon
In-Reply-To: <20121104005104.C2DEA2039E@bmail.arrl.org>
References: <20121104005104.C2DEA2039E@bmail.arrl.org>
Message-ID: <000601cdbba2$4c664800$e532d800$@optonline.net>



-----Original Message-----
From: ARRL Members Only Web site [mailto:memberlist at www.arrl.org] 
Sent: Saturday, November 03, 2012 8:51 PM
To: drumor at optonline.net
Subject: Hudson Division Luncheon

Greetings Hudson Division Members and friends,

I hope you all are doing well. Both Vice Director Hudzik and I have no power in our homes, but we are grateful that we have not sustained any major damage.

I certainly hope and pray that you all are well, and have power or at least are safe and warm.

We have decided to postpone next Sunday's Hudson Division Luncheon (11/11/12). We have been in communication with Biago's Restaurant and they are going to work with us to come up with another date in the future for this Luncheon.

I am sure you all are aware that NNJ Section - all 12 Counties have gas rationing using the ODD/EVEN system from back in the 70's, beginning today.  Gas lines are still long in this immediate area and unfortunately it's not a safe time for folks to be out. Police presence at the gas stations is evident no matter where you go here in Bergen County. Both Bill and I do not think it would be safe for anyone to travel into this area at this time. We certainly hope you understand that your safety is our main concern and given the weather and conditions we have here and the impending weather for the week, we feel everyone should stay close to home.

Please pass this word along to anyone you know who might have been planning to attend the Luncheon.

We will let you know when a new date is selected. PLEASE NOTE:  The Hudson Division Website has NOT been updated to show postponement of the Luncheon.  WE have no INTERNET here at this time, but will update the website as soon as we can.

Everyone please stay safe and warm, and continue to keep all those who are affected by this storm in your thoughts and prayers. 

For our volunteers out there - GOD BLESS YOU!  And thank you!

73 - Joyce KA2ANF and Bill W2UDT
The Hudson Division Team

--------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Hudson Division
Director: Joyce A Birmingham, KA2ANF
ka2anf at arrl.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------

To unsubscribe from messages, go to:
http://p1k.arrl.org/oo/8b4a40e7c4eda86ee8ac3bef95ea2959


From drumor at optonline.net  Tue Nov  6 18:20:47 2012
From: drumor at optonline.net (drew Moore)
Date: Tue, 06 Nov 2012 18:20:47 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Repeater site update
Message-ID: <009f01cdbc75$5a9608b0$0fc21a10$@optonline.net>



I spoke with Susan today and there's still a power outage on the hill. A
number of trees are down to her West and east directions. A couple of her
trees fell on her neighbors home and she has been helping to clean up the
damage with help from other neighbors and a contractor. She has a generator
which she powers up a couple of hours in the morning and the evenings to
keep her perishable items from spoiling. The generator also powers the
repeater so during that time it is up and available.

 

Usually she starts the generator at 9am and runs it for approximately 3
hours. She again runs it at 5pm for a few hours. If you want to make contact
with other operators try at the top of the hour during those times. She
hears the repeater being kerchunked during those hours. The cable and
internet services are out so linking of repeaters is not possible.

 

73

Drew


From marvbrons at verizon.net  Tue Nov  6 12:44:12 2012
From: marvbrons at verizon.net (marvin bronstein)
Date: Tue, 06 Nov 2012 12:44:12 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Generators available
Message-ID: <7A5726485BE7485FA4E4C1447E60425F@marvbronsPC>

If anyone needs or wants to purchase a generator,  there is a place down the street from me with generators for sale and/or rental....

GAMKA
983 NEW DURHAM ROAD
EDISON,NJ

GAMKA is a construction equipment supplier and rents, repairs, sells all manner of construction equipment including large generators and small portable generators for sale (3000 W & up).  They currently have a stack of generators out front of their building with a sign indicating they have generators....

Marv, k2vhw

From jcash at joecash.com  Tue Nov  6 20:53:30 2012
From: jcash at joecash.com (Joseph F. Cash, Jr. )
Date: Tue, 6 Nov 2012 20:53:30 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Repeater site update
In-Reply-To: <009f01cdbc75$5a9608b0$0fc21a10$@optonline.net>
References: <009f01cdbc75$5a9608b0$0fc21a10$@optonline.net>
Message-ID: <F637B555-E65D-46E9-9334-F9A5F2C07B9E@joecash.com>

ETS 2M is up 24/7 - please make use of it!

Let us know if we can be of assistance. 

73,

Joe
W2OZO
ETS of NJ

Joseph F. Cash, Jr. 
Keller Williams -
         Cornerstone Realty
908-704-1222 - wireless
908-359-0893 - office
jcash at joecash.com
www.joecash.com

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 6, 2012, at 6:20 PM, drew Moore <drumor at optonline.net> wrote:

> 
> 
> I spoke with Susan today and there's still a power outage on the hill. A
> number of trees are down to her West and east directions. A couple of her
> trees fell on her neighbors home and she has been helping to clean up the
> damage with help from other neighbors and a contractor. She has a generator
> which she powers up a couple of hours in the morning and the evenings to
> keep her perishable items from spoiling. The generator also powers the
> repeater so during that time it is up and available.
> 
> 
> 
> Usually she starts the generator at 9am and runs it for approximately 3
> hours. She again runs it at 5pm for a few hours. If you want to make contact
> with other operators try at the top of the hour during those times. She
> hears the repeater being kerchunked during those hours. The cable and
> internet services are out so linking of repeaters is not possible.
> 
> 
> 
> 73
> 
> Drew
> 
> ______________________________________________________________
> RVRC mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/rvrc
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:RVRC at mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

From marvbrons at verizon.net  Wed Nov  7 10:54:25 2012
From: marvbrons at verizon.net (marvin bronstein)
Date: Wed, 07 Nov 2012 10:54:25 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Media comms monitoring
Message-ID: <8C3B10B004E649C6A61A1C5F9D81D78E@marvbronsPC>

For all those who might like to listen - in on our NY area radio and TV broadcasters.....


The 'press' allocations for land-mobile has two "bands"..............450 ~ 451 MHz and 455 ~ 456 MHz

they use this for program "foldback" and production 'cues'.....(IFB =  interrupted fold back) or (IFB = Interrupted Feed-Back)

Here are a few local users you might find interesting to listen when something serious is happening........

450.0875 = WCBS 880 A.M. radio (all news)

450.2875 = WCBS-tv CH (2)

450.3875 = WNBC-tv CH (4)

450.5125 =????

450.750 = ?????

455.050 = WABC CH 7

455.1125 = FOX CH (5)

455.2125 = ????? (narrow-band modulation)

Marv
k2vhw at verizon.net

From drumor at optonline.net  Wed Nov  7 18:44:02 2012
From: drumor at optonline.net (drew Moore)
Date: Wed, 07 Nov 2012 18:44:02 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Ham Radio Auction
Message-ID: <002001cdbd41$c441e870$4cc5b950$@optonline.net>

 

 

HAM RADIO AUCTION

 

Friday after Thanksgiving

November 23, 2012.

Doors open at 5:30pm for sellers. 6:00pm for Buyers

Proceedings start at 7:00pm promptly.   What to expect: Lots of laughter and
good deals.

What to bring: Anything Amateur Radio related. Cash to buy a few items.

SPECIAL AUCTION ANNOUNCEMENT

KJI ELECTRONICS

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD AMATEUR RADIO STORE

(394 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ 07006)

IS COMING TO THE 

FAIR LAWN RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICE AUCTION

(Formally The Fair Lawn Amateur Radio Club)

Refreshments will be available.

Telephone 201-791-3841 and leave your name, number and a short message

E-Mail: w2npt at arrl.net or fairlawnres at yahoo.com . We will get back to you
ASAP.

Talk in 145.470-  PL 107.2

Location: Fair Lawn Senior Center, 

Located at 11-05 Gardiner Road, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410

For maps and directions go to www.flres.net <http://www.flres.net/>  

Click on AUCTION on LEFT side bar

 


From w2ou at optonline.net  Fri Nov  9 08:47:26 2012
From: w2ou at optonline.net (E.Drew Moore)
Date: Fri, 09 Nov 2012 08:47:26 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Home Improvement Contractor Scam Alert
Message-ID: <002601cdbe80$c1abde50$45039af0$@optonline.net>



Be aware of the proliferation of contractor scams.

 

http://tinyurl.com/ahghlxs 

 

73

Drew

W2OU


From drumor at optonline.net  Sat Nov 10 16:10:36 2012
From: drumor at optonline.net (drew Moore)
Date: Sat, 10 Nov 2012 16:10:36 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Repeater shed
Message-ID: <004b01cdbf87$d48f8c80$7daea580$@optonline.net>



Someone must be looking out for us because a tree fell close to the new
shed. It brushed the shed to show how close we came to losing our recent
investment. A little stain will easily fix the scratched area. If it had
gone the other way there would have been a nice size hole in the garage
roof.

 

73

Drew


From marvbrons at verizon.net  Sun Nov 11 10:54:50 2012
From: marvbrons at verizon.net (Marvin Bronstein)
Date: Sun, 11 Nov 2012 10:54:50 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Fw: PSE&G Alert: Hurricane Sandy Update
Message-ID: <1FFDCD1E901C48A0858B16CCBEB40B22@marvbronsPC>


If you know neighbors or friends without power, tell them to notify PSE  & G or JCP & L    of the problem because localized outages may not be pinpointed in the company's database.

...............................


An Important Message for our Customers
Hurricane Sandy brought unprecedented damage to New Jersey. We know that our customers have experienced storm-related hardships, and our hearts go out to each of you dealing with the aftermath. We are doing everything possible to ensure that every customer has power restored. 

It is important that we know if your power is out because some remaining outages result from more localized issues not corrected after a larger outage was restored. If you remain without power, please call 1.800.436.7734. If our automated system indicates that an outage in your area has been restored, proceed by entering a No Power order. If the system indicates we have your order, there is no need to report a new one. We continue to work around the clock until every customer is restored. 

We thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging time.

This email was sent by PSE&G - 80 Park Plaza, Newark, NJ 07102


From drumor at optonline.net  Wed Nov 14 16:21:30 2012
From: drumor at optonline.net (drew Moore)
Date: Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:21:30 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Repeater Status
Message-ID: <005901cdc2ae$0400c5f0$0c0251d0$@optonline.net>



Members,

 

Craig has reported that the 2m repeater has been taken off the air. The 2m
antenna is out of position on the tower as a result of Hurricane Sandy. The
power is significantly reduced. The 2m repeater will be out of service until
the antenna can be examined more closely and to protect  the equipment
chain. An assessment will be done and members will be notified when the
repeater is again operational.

 

For the interim Joe Cash president of ETSNJ continues to extend the use of
their 146.94 repeater to W2QW members.

 

73,

Drew

W2OU


From drumor at optonline.net  Wed Nov 14 16:22:23 2012
From: drumor at optonline.net (drew Moore)
Date: Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:22:23 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Health and Welfare
Message-ID: <005d01cdc2ae$2341df30$69c59d90$@optonline.net>



Susan, KB2SFH, father passed away. Susan has asked that the RVRC not spend
money from the treasury for flowers or such but instead Susan requests that
any "donations" be made to RVRC, in her name, as support of the club's
activities.

73

Marv, k2vhw

 


From drumor at optonline.net  Sat Nov 17 08:10:28 2012
From: drumor at optonline.net (drew Moore)
Date: Sat, 17 Nov 2012 08:10:28 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] November RFTB Sunday Night
Message-ID: <002801cdc4c4$ea45ced0$bed16c70$@optonline.net>

 

  

Sunday night is the Novermber 2012 edition of the Run For The Bacon. That
friendly lil' ol' QRP Sprint sponsored by your friends at the Flying Pigs
QRP Amateur Radio Club International. Join us for a spell to have some fun
and to say "Hi" to friends, old and new.

The time is the same as always:

East coast - 9:00 to 11:00 PM local time
Midwest - 8:00 to 10:00 PM local time
Rockies - 7:00 to 9:00 PM local time
West coast - 6:00 to 8:00 PM local time

The rules are at:

http://fpqrp.org/pigrun/

And to all Flying Pig members, this is a great opportunity to work a bunch
of your fellow piggies and then enter your contacts into the WAP log.

And hey, Happy Thanksgiving this coming Thursday!

73 de Larry W2LJ
FP# 612
QRP ARCI# 4488

__._,_.___


From njradioman at aol.com  Sat Nov 17 13:12:23 2012
From: njradioman at aol.com (Marty)
Date: Sat, 17 Nov 2012 13:12:23 -0500 (EST)
Subject: [RVRC] Tube tester
Message-ID: <8CF9306398E796F-1DE4-20BC3@webmail-d068.sysops.aol.com>


Does anyone have a tube tester I can borrow or use to test some tubes.

It would be greatly appreciated.

Marty

From drumor at optonline.net  Sat Nov 17 14:08:57 2012
From: drumor at optonline.net (drew Moore)
Date: Sat, 17 Nov 2012 14:08:57 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] ARRL Membership worth it?
Message-ID: <001601cdc4f6$feec9990$fcc5ccb0$@optonline.net>



 
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HamRadioHelpGroup/message/79812;_ylc=X3oDMTJz
cGk0MWliBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE1BGdycElkAzExMzQ3NTk1BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA2MzEwOARtc2dJ
ZAM3OTgxMgRzZWMDZG1zZwRzbGsDdm1zZwRzdGltZQMxMzUzMTI0Njkx> Re: ARRL
Membership?  Worth it? 


Fri Nov 16, 2012 12:55 pm (PST) . Posted by: 


 
<mailto:cwgeek at kb6nu.com?subject=Re%3A%20ARRL%20Membership%3F%20%20Worth%20i
t%3F> "Dan Romanchik KB6NU" danromanchik 


Unless you're planning to set up your own lobbying organization to protect
our interests and frequencies, you want to join the ARRL. For a list of
other services, go to http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Member_services.pdf. If
you ask me, access to the online archive of QSTs, is worth the price of
admission.

73!

Dan KB6NU




From drumor at optonline.net  Sat Nov 17 18:28:48 2012
From: drumor at optonline.net (drew Moore)
Date: Sat, 17 Nov 2012 18:28:48 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email
Message-ID: <001901cdc51b$50d297e0$f277c7a0$@optonline.net>



Members,

 

Below is an email  Bob Grear, KA2OEE, President of W2CRA- The Cherryville
Repeater Association sent out to members of the club. This could be any of
the local clubs in NNJ.

 

At our last RVRC meeting we couldn't even make a quorum so no official
business could be conducted. The dwindling numbers of members attending
meetings has been going on for some time now so it isn't just HS Sandy. We
have a number of issues being addressed and we need the input of all the
club members to get through theses economically difficult times. Keeping the
repeater(s) on the air can be expensive. We are in the process of submitting
a claim for the damages we have incurred in the recent storm to our
insurance carrier. In any event we are going to incur some unexpected
expenditures and we'll find a way to raise the funds.

 

Once we raise the funds we have to be careful of how we restore our network.
We should address contingencies and we need people thinking out of the box.
Some realities we experienced is that when we have destructive storms and we
are in a JCP&L coverage area there's no telling how the duration of the
outage. Our current backup system was ineffective since we experience
outages well beyond the 8 hour of emergency power. The Asterisk network's
dependency on internet services and power. Perhaps we should look at a
fallback solution where everything can be switched to RF power employing a
generator and a rechargeable battery option. Rich, KB2LLM has some great
contingency ideas he wants to institute for ETSNJ. 

 

We need a way to attract new members and keep them interested. The 2 guest
that were at the meeting were looking for class instruction and help in
understanding how to use their VHF.UHF and HF equipment. Many members
offered help and John AB2XH offered to meet with one of the guest and help
him understand the Q&A of the study guide, great. There's a lot of
experience in the group. Because we have no current training classes I
referred the guest to W2CRA's group via K2PA.

 

I know many are concerned as to what the dues will look like for 2013
especially since they will be due by January1, 2013. There's talk about an
assessment. N2VM suggest we set the dues rate at a higher amount for 2013
and revert to the $36 amount in 2014 (e.g. at $72 for 2013 and $36 January
1, 2014).That way we'll know what potential incoming amounts to expect.
Knowing that it forces us to determine exactly what we need for operating
budget and what we have avail for capital expense for 2013. Any additional
needs will have to come from fund raising activities. I think we should
charge new members $20 for 2013 with proration. That's a start in so many
different ways.

 

Anyhow here's Bob's letter below Please take the time to read it and
recognize that's it's not unlike what we are fast approaching.

 

73

Drew

W2OU

 

 

Dear CRA members:
?
Over the last couple of week, I have been exchanging e-mails with some of
our members regarding the state of CRA, the .375 machine, the web page, and
our dwindling membership turnout.? This has touched a nerve with me, as I
have been a member of CRA since 1981, and I am frankly both distressed, and
angry about our current situation!
?
Folks, this club has been around a long time, and I am proud to be a member
and officer of a club with a great history of community service and amateur
radio spirit.? I am NOT proud of where we stand right now.? Our repeater
needs work, our web site needs to be revised and updated, we direly need
someone to publicize the club in traditional ways, and we need to recruit
new members!? The Executive Board has discussed each of these topics
repeatedly over the last two or three years, and we are not making
progress!? 
?
Executive Board members have been taking on increasing responsibility for
running the club's routine activities including the hamfest, the community
service events, the awards/holiday dinner, and even the education and
testing we sponsor.? The entire two member Technical Committee is made up
only of Executive Board members.? We have no standing committees at all and
when I or Michael before me have asked for volunteers for committees or work
parties to assist the technical committee, we have rarely had anyone raise a
hand to offer assistance.? It is as if the members attending the meetings
are totally deaf!? What will it take to get the members to step forward and
take part in the necessary functions of the club?
?
The few non-board members who turn out for club meetings don't seem at all
motivated to volunteer to make CRA grow and prosper!? Yes, we need to
recruit new members, but  the existing members need to get involved in the
process!? Yes, we need to fix the repeater "once and for all", but to do
that, the existing members need to get involved to make it happen!? How much
longer are YOU, the members, going to expect someone else to step forward
and do it?? CRA cannot exist much longer if YOU, the members, don't take on
the tasks of doing the club's work!!
?
I know all of us are not as young as we used to be, but I am not asking you
to put up towers at Field day, or for that matter do a whole lot that
involves physical labor!? All of us had to have enough of a technical
understanding to pass our license exams!? Most of us know how to turn a
screwdriver or take a voltage reading with a meter.? People, you don't need
to be an engineer with an advanced degree to help with the repeater
repairs!? You don't need to have a degree in public relations to contact the
news outlets to announce club events!? Any one of us can do that.
?
Where do you stand in all this?? I want to hear from you!? E-mail me!? Call
my home phone (908) 231-0746.? Talk to me on the air!? 
?
We are at a critical point in CRA's history.? Let's all step up and fix what
is broken.? Put aside your differences with personalities and volunteer for
the greater good of the club!? Let me hear from you!
?
Sincerely,
?
Bob Grear, KA2OEE
President, Cherryville Repeater Association II





From kc2vrj at gmail.com  Sun Nov 18 15:39:27 2012
From: kc2vrj at gmail.com (Paul Nannery)
Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2012 15:39:27 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email
In-Reply-To: <005001cdc538$a4210400$ec630c00$@optonline.net>
References: <001901cdc51b$50d297e0$f277c7a0$@optonline.net>
	<CAJ+g-fE=KVyNvkKq3gxGb481Xpny80BGrEVg7seTRffm=cLZTA@mail.gmail.com>
	<005001cdc538$a4210400$ec630c00$@optonline.net>
Message-ID: <CAJ+g-fGEptiHqzRpv6sSFrBa2Vs=TNtKHm_KwEipomvaQRdMTQ@mail.gmail.com>

Drew and members,

most if not all of the email from cvra are things our true and tech
committee have been saying for a few years.  Drew the issue with back
up power. We do not need internet up for the repeaters to be on the
air. That is for off site linking as for power the report submitted
last year covered a genarator with auto start and switch  over but we
have yet to agree on a way to raise funds. To even keep the system on
the air. We need more regular members we need more help from all
members to keep the club going. To all that don't know we are in for a
rough road if we don't address our issues that most of the club wants
to ignore. Its the time of the year we could do a coin toss but we
would need members to help with his if we were to try it just an idea.
Just one more thing our system relays on 12volt power we just reduce
the city power so it is possible for some to go  with their car and
jumper cables to charge the backup system. if anyone is willing to do
this the system would stay up longer  both my self and Craig are very
busy during storms and the days after so some one willing to help wit
this would would be a help




Paul
 Kc2vrj

On Sat, Nov 17, 2012 at 9:58 PM, drew Moore <drumor at optonline.net> wrote:
> Paul,
>
>
>
> I?m just opening the door for people to start thinking of ways to accomplish
> our objectives. That?s why I?m asking for them to think out of the box. A
> coin toss works well for Fire Companies and first responders by tossing to
> help Amateur Radio may not get the same response. However, it?s a good idea.
> To attract new members the club has to be able to offer the applicant
> something. Money is so tight these days people don?t spend as freely as they
> did in the past. Expenses at every turn is rising but salaries are not
> budging, so everyone is financially strapped.
>
>
>
> If they ask the members about features of the repeaters very few members
> know anything about the new configuration because it?s not present6ed to
> them in a way they can grasp the materials. If you ask them about asterisk
> most will shake their heads. K2ETS?s technical committee puts educational
> material on their website so members can easily find information about the
> new technology. See http://k2ets.com/asterisk.html to get an idea of what I
> mean.
>
>
>
> Even with a generator we need a UPS to hold the default configurations in
> the computer when a power source is applied. In the past we were able to get
> members to donate UPS units. At most we may have had to buy a deep discharge
> battery. A depleted battery was often the cause of the UPS seeming to fail.
> The circuitry was often beefy enough to survive.
>
>
>
> Many members of the club for the last 20-30 years have responded to
> accomplish work on the repeater and at the site. When the tower was bent
> like a pretzel they got it all up and running. The members were of course
> were younger and we could always find someone to climb the tower and install
> antennas and hardline. There have been hundreds of work parties before your
> time. Now many old timers don?t come because they haven?t a clue what the
> environment is like today and no one is explaining the changes. However,
> they?ll come out again when help is needed and enough notice is given. There
> are 4 people on the temporary technical committee and the only one that has
> been working at the site is Craig. WA2AM is very technical and no one has
> contacted him or attempted to involve him. Pete is not so technical but as
> Bob said in his letter to W2CRA you don?t have to be an engineer or rocket
> scientist to help out. Your job keeps you on the road to PA and you spend
> considerable time on the road. Others have to be nurtured because you just
> don?t have the time anymore and getting your repeater working the way you
> want it is using up whatever spare time you do have.
>
>
>
> 73,
>
> Drew
>
> p.s. you really should turn your spell checker on  you cell.
>
>
>
> From: Paul Nannery [mailto:kc2vrj at gmail.com]
> Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2012 8:38 PM
> To: drew Moore
> Subject: Re: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email
>
>
>
> Justine more thing our system relays on 12volt power we just reduce the city
> power so it is possible for some or to go chafe the system with their car
> and jumper cables. If we assigns one willing both my self and Craig are very
> busy during storms and the days after so some one willing to help wit this
> would would be a help
>
> On Nov 17, 2012 6:29 PM, "drew Moore" <drumor at optonline.net> wrote:
>
>
>
> Members,
>
>
>
> Below is an email  Bob Grear, KA2OEE, President of W2CRA- The Cherryville
> Repeater Association sent out to members of the club. This could be any of
> the local clubs in NNJ.
>
>
>
> At our last RVRC meeting we couldn't even make a quorum so no official
> business could be conducted. The dwindling numbers of members attending
> meetings has been going on for some time now so it isn't just HS Sandy. We
> have a number of issues being addressed and we need the input of all the
> club members to get through theses economically difficult times. Keeping the
> repeater(s) on the air can be expensive. We are in the process of submitting
> a claim for the damages we have incurred in the recent storm to our
> insurance carrier. In any event we are going to incur some unexpected
> expenditures and we'll find a way to raise the funds.
>
>
>
> Once we raise the funds we have to be careful of how we restore our network.
> We should address contingencies and we need people thinking out of the box.
> Some realities we experienced is that when we have destructive storms and we
> are in a JCP&L coverage area there's no telling how the duration of the
> outage. Our current backup system was ineffective since we experience
> outages well beyond the 8 hour of emergency power. The Asterisk network's
> dependency on internet services and power. Perhaps we should look at a
> fallback solution where everything can be switched to RF power employing a
> generator and a rechargeable battery option. Rich, KB2LLM has some great
> contingency ideas he wants to institute for ETSNJ.
>
>
>
> We need a way to attract new members and keep them interested. The 2 guest
> that were at the meeting were looking for class instruction and help in
> understanding how to use their VHF.UHF and HF equipment. Many members
> offered help and John AB2XH offered to meet with one of the guest and help
> him understand the Q&A of the study guide, great. There's a lot of
> experience in the group. Because we have no current training classes I
> referred the guest to W2CRA's group via K2PA.
>
>
>
> I know many are concerned as to what the dues will look like for 2013
> especially since they will be due by January1, 2013. There's talk about an
> assessment. N2VM suggest we set the dues rate at a higher amount for 2013
> and revert to the $36 amount in 2014 (e.g. at $72 for 2013 and $36 January
> 1, 2014).That way we'll know what potential incoming amounts to expect.
> Knowing that it forces us to determine exactly what we need for operating
> budget and what we have avail for capital expense for 2013. Any additional
> needs will have to come from fund raising activities. I think we should
> charge new members $20 for 2013 with proration. That's a start in so many
> different ways.
>
>
>
> Anyhow here's Bob's letter below Please take the time to read it and
> recognize that's it's not unlike what we are fast approaching.
>
>
>
> 73
>
> Drew
>
> W2OU
>
>
>
>
>
> Dear CRA members:
> ?
> Over the last couple of week, I have been exchanging e-mails with some of
> our members regarding the state of CRA, the .375 machine, the web page, and
> our dwindling membership turnout.? This has touched a nerve with me, as I
> have been a member of CRA since 1981, and I am frankly both distressed, and
> angry about our current situation!
> ?
> Folks, this club has been around a long time, and I am proud to be a member
> and officer of a club with a great history of community service and amateur
> radio spirit.? I am NOT proud of where we stand right now.? Our repeater
> needs work, our web site needs to be revised and updated, we direly need
> someone to publicize the club in traditional ways, and we need to recruit
> new members!? The Executive Board has discussed each of these topics
> repeatedly over the last two or three years, and we are not making
> progress!?
> ?
> Executive Board members have been taking on increasing responsibility for
> running the club's routine activities including the hamfest, the community
> service events, the awards/holiday dinner, and even the education and
> testing we sponsor.? The entire two member Technical Committee is made up
> only of Executive Board members.? We have no standing committees at all and
> when I or Michael before me have asked for volunteers for committees or work
> parties to assist the technical committee, we have rarely had anyone raise a
> hand to offer assistance.? It is as if the members attending the meetings
> are totally deaf!? What will it take to get the members to step forward and
> take part in the necessary functions of the club?
> ?
> The few non-board members who turn out for club meetings don't seem at all
> motivated to volunteer to make CRA grow and prosper!? Yes, we need to
> recruit new members, but  the existing members need to get involved in the
> process!? Yes, we need to fix the repeater "once and for all", but to do
> that, the existing members need to get involved to make it happen!? How much
> longer are YOU, the members, going to expect someone else to step forward
> and do it?? CRA cannot exist much longer if YOU, the members, don't take on
> the tasks of doing the club's work!!
> ?
> I know all of us are not as young as we used to be, but I am not asking you
> to put up towers at Field day, or for that matter do a whole lot that
> involves physical labor!? All of us had to have enough of a technical
> understanding to pass our license exams!? Most of us know how to turn a
> screwdriver or take a voltage reading with a meter.? People, you don't need
> to be an engineer with an advanced degree to help with the repeater
> repairs!? You don't need to have a degree in public relations to contact the
> news outlets to announce club events!? Any one of us can do that.
> ?
> Where do you stand in all this?? I want to hear from you!? E-mail me!? Call
> my home phone (908) 231-0746.? Talk to me on the air!?
> ?
> We are at a critical point in CRA's history.? Let's all step up and fix what
> is broken.? Put aside your differences with personalities and volunteer for
> the greater good of the club!? Let me hear from you!
> ?
> Sincerely,
> ?
> Bob Grear, KA2OEE
> President, Cherryville Repeater Association II
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> RVRC mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/rvrc
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:RVRC at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

From radiomf at comcast.net  Sun Nov 18 16:43:07 2012
From: radiomf at comcast.net (Martin Friedman)
Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2012 16:43:07 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email
In-Reply-To: <CAJ+g-fGEptiHqzRpv6sSFrBa2Vs=TNtKHm_KwEipomvaQRdMTQ@mail.gmail.com>
References: <001901cdc51b$50d297e0$f277c7a0$@optonline.net>	<CAJ+g-fE=KVyNvkKq3gxGb481Xpny80BGrEVg7seTRffm=cLZTA@mail.gmail.com>	<005001cdc538$a4210400$ec630c00$@optonline.net>
	<CAJ+g-fGEptiHqzRpv6sSFrBa2Vs=TNtKHm_KwEipomvaQRdMTQ@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <000801cdc5d5$b2e63670$18b2a350$@comcast.net>

Oh, THAT kind of coin toss! Not sure about the legality of that. I just passed one that the volunteer fire company had for Hurricane Sandi relief. I think the finances of a long term backup power system are just too overwhelming for our treasury.  The 12 volt computers bigger batteries  and such have done nothing to give us any measurable increase in reliability. Activity on the machines had reached a very low point prior to the storm.  
Marty WB2BEW

-----Original Message-----
From: rvrc-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:rvrc-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Paul Nannery
Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2012 3:39 PM
To: RVRC mailpost
Subject: Re: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email

Drew and members,

most if not all of the email from cvra are things our true and tech committee have been saying for a few years.  Drew the issue with back up power. We do not need internet up for the repeaters to be on the air. That is for off site linking as for power the report submitted last year covered a genarator with auto start and switch  over but we have yet to agree on a way to raise funds. To even keep the system on the air. We need more regular members we need more help from all members to keep the club going. To all that don't know we are in for a rough road if we don't address our issues that most of the club wants to ignore. Its the time of the year we could do a coin toss but we would need members to help with his if we were to try it just an idea.
Just one more thing our system relays on 12volt power we just reduce the city power so it is possible for some to go  with their car and jumper cables to charge the backup system. if anyone is willing to do this the system would stay up longer  both my self and Craig are very busy during storms and the days after so some one willing to help wit this would would be a help




Paul
 Kc2vrj

On Sat, Nov 17, 2012 at 9:58 PM, drew Moore <drumor at optonline.net> wrote:
> Paul,
>
>
>
> I?m just opening the door for people to start thinking of ways to 
> accomplish our objectives. That?s why I?m asking for them to think out 
> of the box. A coin toss works well for Fire Companies and first 
> responders by tossing to help Amateur Radio may not get the same response. However, it?s a good idea.
> To attract new members the club has to be able to offer the applicant 
> something. Money is so tight these days people don?t spend as freely 
> as they did in the past. Expenses at every turn is rising but salaries 
> are not budging, so everyone is financially strapped.
>
>
>
> If they ask the members about features of the repeaters very few 
> members know anything about the new configuration because it?s not 
> present6ed to them in a way they can grasp the materials. If you ask 
> them about asterisk most will shake their heads. K2ETS?s technical 
> committee puts educational material on their website so members can 
> easily find information about the new technology. See 
> http://k2ets.com/asterisk.html to get an idea of what I mean.
>
>
>
> Even with a generator we need a UPS to hold the default configurations 
> in the computer when a power source is applied. In the past we were 
> able to get members to donate UPS units. At most we may have had to 
> buy a deep discharge battery. A depleted battery was often the cause of the UPS seeming to fail.
> The circuitry was often beefy enough to survive.
>
>
>
> Many members of the club for the last 20-30 years have responded to 
> accomplish work on the repeater and at the site. When the tower was 
> bent like a pretzel they got it all up and running. The members were 
> of course were younger and we could always find someone to climb the 
> tower and install antennas and hardline. There have been hundreds of 
> work parties before your time. Now many old timers don?t come because 
> they haven?t a clue what the environment is like today and no one is 
> explaining the changes. However, they?ll come out again when help is 
> needed and enough notice is given. There are 4 people on the temporary 
> technical committee and the only one that has been working at the site 
> is Craig. WA2AM is very technical and no one has contacted him or 
> attempted to involve him. Pete is not so technical but as Bob said in 
> his letter to W2CRA you don?t have to be an engineer or rocket 
> scientist to help out. Your job keeps you on the road to PA and you 
> spend considerable time on the road. Others have to be nurtured 
> because you just don?t have the time anymore and getting your repeater working the way you want it is using up whatever spare time you do have.
>
>
>
> 73,
>
> Drew
>
> p.s. you really should turn your spell checker on  you cell.
>
>
>
> From: Paul Nannery [mailto:kc2vrj at gmail.com]
> Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2012 8:38 PM
> To: drew Moore
> Subject: Re: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email
>
>
>
> Justine more thing our system relays on 12volt power we just reduce 
> the city power so it is possible for some or to go chafe the system 
> with their car and jumper cables. If we assigns one willing both my 
> self and Craig are very busy during storms and the days after so some 
> one willing to help wit this would would be a help
>
> On Nov 17, 2012 6:29 PM, "drew Moore" <drumor at optonline.net> wrote:
>
>
>
> Members,
>
>
>
> Below is an email  Bob Grear, KA2OEE, President of W2CRA- The 
> Cherryville Repeater Association sent out to members of the club. This 
> could be any of the local clubs in NNJ.
>
>
>
> At our last RVRC meeting we couldn't even make a quorum so no official 
> business could be conducted. The dwindling numbers of members 
> attending meetings has been going on for some time now so it isn't 
> just HS Sandy. We have a number of issues being addressed and we need 
> the input of all the club members to get through theses economically 
> difficult times. Keeping the
> repeater(s) on the air can be expensive. We are in the process of 
> submitting a claim for the damages we have incurred in the recent 
> storm to our insurance carrier. In any event we are going to incur 
> some unexpected expenditures and we'll find a way to raise the funds.
>
>
>
> Once we raise the funds we have to be careful of how we restore our network.
> We should address contingencies and we need people thinking out of the box.
> Some realities we experienced is that when we have destructive storms 
> and we are in a JCP&L coverage area there's no telling how the 
> duration of the outage. Our current backup system was ineffective 
> since we experience outages well beyond the 8 hour of emergency power. 
> The Asterisk network's dependency on internet services and power. 
> Perhaps we should look at a fallback solution where everything can be 
> switched to RF power employing a generator and a rechargeable battery 
> option. Rich, KB2LLM has some great contingency ideas he wants to institute for ETSNJ.
>
>
>
> We need a way to attract new members and keep them interested. The 2 
> guest that were at the meeting were looking for class instruction and 
> help in understanding how to use their VHF.UHF and HF equipment. Many 
> members offered help and John AB2XH offered to meet with one of the 
> guest and help him understand the Q&A of the study guide, great. 
> There's a lot of experience in the group. Because we have no current 
> training classes I referred the guest to W2CRA's group via K2PA.
>
>
>
> I know many are concerned as to what the dues will look like for 2013 
> especially since they will be due by January1, 2013. There's talk 
> about an assessment. N2VM suggest we set the dues rate at a higher 
> amount for 2013 and revert to the $36 amount in 2014 (e.g. at $72 for 
> 2013 and $36 January 1, 2014).That way we'll know what potential incoming amounts to expect.
> Knowing that it forces us to determine exactly what we need for 
> operating budget and what we have avail for capital expense for 2013. 
> Any additional needs will have to come from fund raising activities. I 
> think we should charge new members $20 for 2013 with proration. That's 
> a start in so many different ways.
>
>
>
> Anyhow here's Bob's letter below Please take the time to read it and 
> recognize that's it's not unlike what we are fast approaching.
>
>
>
> 73
>
> Drew
>
> W2OU
>
>
>
>
>
> Dear CRA members:
> ?
> Over the last couple of week, I have been exchanging e-mails with some 
> of our members regarding the state of CRA, the .375 machine, the web 
> page, and our dwindling membership turnout.? This has touched a nerve 
> with me, as I have been a member of CRA since 1981, and I am frankly 
> both distressed, and angry about our current situation!
> ?
> Folks, this club has been around a long time, and I am proud to be a 
> member and officer of a club with a great history of community service 
> and amateur radio spirit.? I am NOT proud of where we stand right 
> now.? Our repeater needs work, our web site needs to be revised and 
> updated, we direly need someone to publicize the club in traditional 
> ways, and we need to recruit new members!? The Executive Board has 
> discussed each of these topics repeatedly over the last two or three 
> years, and we are not making progress!?
> ?
> Executive Board members have been taking on increasing responsibility 
> for running the club's routine activities including the hamfest, the 
> community service events, the awards/holiday dinner, and even the 
> education and testing we sponsor.? The entire two member Technical 
> Committee is made up only of Executive Board members.? We have no 
> standing committees at all and when I or Michael before me have asked 
> for volunteers for committees or work parties to assist the technical 
> committee, we have rarely had anyone raise a hand to offer 
> assistance.? It is as if the members attending the meetings are 
> totally deaf!? What will it take to get the members to step forward and take part in the necessary functions of the club?
> ?
> The few non-board members who turn out for club meetings don't seem at 
> all motivated to volunteer to make CRA grow and prosper!? Yes, we need 
> to recruit new members, but  the existing members need to get involved 
> in the process!? Yes, we need to fix the repeater "once and for all", 
> but to do that, the existing members need to get involved to make it 
> happen!? How much longer are YOU, the members, going to expect someone 
> else to step forward and do it?? CRA cannot exist much longer if YOU, 
> the members, don't take on the tasks of doing the club's work!!
> ?
> I know all of us are not as young as we used to be, but I am not 
> asking you to put up towers at Field day, or for that matter do a 
> whole lot that involves physical labor!? All of us had to have enough 
> of a technical understanding to pass our license exams!? Most of us 
> know how to turn a screwdriver or take a voltage reading with a 
> meter.? People, you don't need to be an engineer with an advanced 
> degree to help with the repeater repairs!? You don't need to have a 
> degree in public relations to contact the news outlets to announce club events!? Any one of us can do that.
> ?
> Where do you stand in all this?? I want to hear from you!? E-mail me!? 
> Call my home phone (908) 231-0746.? Talk to me on the air!?
> ?
> We are at a critical point in CRA's history.? Let's all step up and 
> fix what is broken.? Put aside your differences with personalities and 
> volunteer for the greater good of the club!? Let me hear from you!
> ?
> Sincerely,
> ?
> Bob Grear, KA2OEE
> President, Cherryville Repeater Association II
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> RVRC mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/rvrc
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:RVRC at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email 
> list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
______________________________________________________________
RVRC mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/rvrc
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:RVRC at mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html


From jose_lugo at comcast.net  Sun Nov 18 17:30:08 2012
From: jose_lugo at comcast.net (jose_lugo at comcast.net)
Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2012 22:30:08 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email
In-Reply-To: <000801cdc5d5$b2e63670$18b2a350$@comcast.net>
Message-ID: <270231909.332128.1353277808450.JavaMail.root@sz0085a.westchester.pa.mail.comcast.net>



Hi ya'll : 

? 

Looking for solutions to the problems the club is facing? I think we have to start thinking out of the box - sorry for the clich? . I know I have not been very active, as I would like to be,?attending the meetings, due my work-related commitments; however,let me offer a couple of ideas. 

? 

1. Start requesting donations from those members that can spare some funds. Yes, I know things are not that good for some at present. I think this idea was discussed in the last meeting I attended. I'm willing to make a personal donation. Perhaps, some other members might be willing to do the same, even if it?is a $5.00 donation. 

? 

2. Our club is privileged with some very knowledgeable members, why not use the repeater to educate those who might be interested in learning about radio - members and non-members, including CW. By the way this might be ?a good source to recruit new members, who knows? 

? 

3. The members as a whole need to be friendlier , especially when they are rag chewing in the repeater. Many times I've heard people calling and there has been no answer. A minute later?I've hear-ed members talking about different topics. 

? 

There might be some other things we can do. 



73 

Jos?, KO2J 

? 



? 

----- Original Message -----




From: "Martin Friedman" < radiomf @comcast.net> 
To: "Paul Nannery " <kc2vrj@ gmail .com>, " RVRC mailpost " < RVRC @mailman. qth .net> 
Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2012 4:43:07 PM 
Subject: Re: [ RVRC ] Please take the time to read this email 

Oh, THAT kind of coin toss! Not sure about the legality of that. I just passed one that the volunteer fire company had for Hurricane Sandi relief. I think the finances of a long term backup power system are just too overwhelming for our treasury. ?The 12 volt computers bigger batteries ?and such have done nothing to give us any measurable increase in reliability. Activity on the machines had reached a very low point prior to the storm. ? 
Marty WB2BEW 

-----Original Message----- 
From: rvrc -bounces at mailman. qth .net [ mailto : rvrc -bounces at mailman. qth .net] On Behalf Of Paul Nannery 
Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2012 3:39 PM 
To: RVRC mailpost 
Subject: Re: [ RVRC ] Please take the time to read this email 

Drew and members, 

most if not all of the email from cvra are things our true and tech committee have been saying for a few years. ?Drew the issue with back up power. We do not need internet up for the repeaters to be on the air. That is for off site linking as for power the report submitted last year covered a genarator with auto start and switch ?over but we have yet to agree on a way to raise funds. To even keep the system on the air. We need more regular members we need more help from all members to keep the club going. To all that don't know we are in for a rough road if we don't address our issues that most of the club wants to ignore. Its the time of the year we could do a coin toss but we would need members to help with his if we were to try it just an idea. 
Just one more thing our system relays on 12volt power we just reduce the city power so it is possible for some to go ?with their car and jumper cables to charge the backup system. if anyone is willing to do this the system would stay up longer ?both my self and Craig are very busy during storms and the days after so some one willing to help wit this would would be a help 




Paul 
?Kc2vrj 

On Sat, Nov 17, 2012 at 9:58 PM, drew Moore < drumor @ optonline .net> wrote: 
> Paul, 
> 
> 
> 
> I?m just opening the door for people to start thinking of ways to 
> accomplish our objectives. That?s why I?m asking for them to think out 
> of the box. A coin toss works well for Fire Companies and first 
> responders by tossing to help Amateur Radio may not get the same response. However, it?s a good idea. 
> To attract new members the club has to be able to offer the applicant 
> something. Money is so tight these days people don?t spend as freely 
> as they did in the past. Expenses at every turn is rising but salaries 
> are not budging, so everyone is financially strapped. 
> 
> 
> 
> If they ask the members about features of the repeaters very few 
> members know anything about the new configuration because it?s not 
> present6ed to them in a way they can grasp the materials. If you ask 
> them about asterisk most will shake their heads. K2ETS?s technical 
> committee puts educational material on their website so members can 
> easily find information about the new technology. See 
> http ://k2ets.com/asterisk. html to get an idea of what I mean. 
> 
> 
> 
> Even with a generator we need a UPS to hold the default configurations 
> in the computer when a power source is applied. In the past we were 
> able to get members to donate UPS units. At most we may have had to 
> buy a deep discharge battery. A depleted battery was often the cause of the UPS seeming to fail. 
> The circuitry was often beefy enough to survive. 
> 
> 
> 
> Many members of the club for the last 20-30 years have responded to 
> accomplish work on the repeater and at the site. When the tower was 
> bent like a pretzel they got it all up and running. The members were 
> of course were younger and we could always find someone to climb the 
> tower and install antennas and hardline . There have been hundreds of 
> work parties before your time. Now many old timers don?t come because 
> they haven?t a clue what the environment is like today and no one is 
> explaining the changes. However, they?ll come out again when help is 
> needed and enough notice is given. There are 4 people on the temporary 
> technical committee and the only one that has been working at the site 
> is Craig. WA2AM is very technical and no one has contacted him or 
> attempted to involve him. Pete is not so technical but as Bob said in 
> his letter to W2CRA you don?t have to be an engineer or rocket 
> scientist to help out. Your job keeps you on the road to PA and you 
> spend considerable time on the road. Others have to be nurtured 
> because you just don?t have the time anymore and getting your repeater working the way you want it is using up whatever spare time you do have. 
> 
> 
> 
> 73, 
> 
> Drew 
> 
> p.s. you really should turn your spell checker on ?you cell. 
> 
> 
> 
> From: Paul Nannery [ mailto :kc2vrj@ gmail .com] 
> Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2012 8:38 PM 
> To: drew Moore 
> Subject: Re: [ RVRC ] Please take the time to read this email 
> 
> 
> 
> Justine more thing our system relays on 12volt power we just reduce 
> the city power so it is possible for some or to go chafe the system 
> with their car and jumper cables. If we assigns one willing both my 
> self and Craig are very busy during storms and the days after so some 
> one willing to help wit this would would be a help 
> 
> On Nov 17, 2012 6:29 PM, "drew Moore" < drumor @ optonline .net> wrote: 
> 
> 
> 
> Members, 
> 
> 
> 
> Below is an email ?Bob Grear , KA2OEE, President of W2CRA- The 
> Cherryville Repeater Association sent out to members of the club. This 
> could be any of the local clubs in NNJ . 
> 
> 
> 
> At our last RVRC meeting we couldn't even make a quorum so no official 
> business could be conducted. The dwindling numbers of members 
> attending meetings has been going on for some time now so it isn't 
> just HS Sandy. We have a number of issues being addressed and we need 
> the input of all the club members to get through theses economically 
> difficult times. Keeping the 
> repeater(s) on the air can be expensive. We are in the process of 
> submitting a claim for the damages we have incurred in the recent 
> storm to our insurance carrier. In any event we are going to incur 
> some unexpected expenditures and we'll find a way to raise the funds. 
> 
> 
> 
> Once we raise the funds we have to be careful of how we restore our network. 
> We should address contingencies and we need people thinking out of the box. 
> Some realities we experienced is that when we have destructive storms 
> and we are in a JCP &L coverage area there's no telling how the 
> duration of the outage. Our current backup system was ineffective 
> since we experience outages well beyond the 8 hour of emergency power. 
> The Asterisk network's dependency on internet services and power. 
> Perhaps we should look at a fallback solution where everything can be 
> switched to RF power employing a generator and a rechargeable battery 
> option. Rich, KB2LLM has some great contingency ideas he wants to institute for ETSNJ . 
> 
> 
> 
> We need a way to attract new members and keep them interested. The 2 
> guest that were at the meeting were looking for class instruction and 
> help in understanding how to use their VHF.UHF and HF equipment. Many 
> members offered help and John AB2XH offered to meet with one of the 
> guest and help him understand the Q&A of the study guide, great. 
> There's a lot of experience in the group. Because we have no current 
> training classes I referred the guest to W2CRA's group via K2PA. 
> 
> 
> 
> I know many are concerned as to what the dues will look like for 2013 
> especially since they will be due by January1, 2013. There's talk 
> about an assessment. N2VM suggest we set the dues rate at a higher 
> amount for 2013 and revert to the $36 amount in 2014 (e.g. at $72 for 
> 2013 and $36 January 1, 2014).That way we'll know what potential incoming amounts to expect. 
> Knowing that it forces us to determine exactly what we need for 
> operating budget and what we have avail for capital expense for 2013. 
> Any additional needs will have to come from fund raising activities. I 
> think we should charge new members $20 for 2013 with proration . That's 
> a start in so many different ways. 
> 
> 
> 
> Anyhow here's Bob's letter below Please take the time to read it and 
> recognize that's it's not unlike what we are fast approaching. 
> 
> 
> 
> 73 
> 
> Drew 
> 
> W2OU 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Dear CRA members: 
> ? 
> Over the last couple of week, I have been exchanging e-mails with some 
> of our members regarding the state of CRA , the .375 machine, the web 
> page, and our dwindling membership turnout.? This has touched a nerve 
> with me, as I have been a member of CRA since 1981, and I am frankly 
> both distressed, and angry about our current situation! 
> ? 
> Folks, this club has been around a long time, and I am proud to be a 
> member and officer of a club with a great history of community service 
> and amateur radio spirit.? I am NOT proud of where we stand right 
> now.? Our repeater needs work, our web site needs to be revised and 
> updated, we direly need someone to publicize the club in traditional 
> ways, and we need to recruit new members!? The Executive Board has 
> discussed each of these topics repeatedly over the last two or three 
> years, and we are not making progress!? 
> ? 
> Executive Board members have been taking on increasing responsibility 
> for running the club's routine activities including the hamfest , the 
> community service events, the awards/holiday dinner, and even the 
> education and testing we sponsor.? The entire two member Technical 
> Committee is made up only of Executive Board members.? We have no 
> standing committees at all and when I or Michael before me have asked 
> for volunteers for committees or work parties to assist the technical 
> committee, we have rarely had anyone raise a hand to offer 
> assistance.? It is as if the members attending the meetings are 
> totally deaf!? What will it take to get the members to step forward and take part in the necessary functions of the club? 
> ? 
> The few non-board members who turn out for club meetings don't seem at 
> all motivated to volunteer to make CRA grow and prosper!? Yes, we need 
> to recruit new members, but ?the existing members need to get involved 
> in the process!? Yes, we need to fix the repeater "once and for all", 
> but to do that, the existing members need to get involved to make it 
> happen!? How much longer are YOU, the members, going to expect someone 
> else to step forward and do it?? CRA cannot exist much longer if YOU, 
> the members, don't take on the tasks of doing the club's work!! 
> ? 
> I know all of us are not as young as we used to be, but I am not 
> asking you to put up towers at Field day, or for that matter do a 
> whole lot that involves physical labor!? All of us had to have enough 
> of a technical understanding to pass our license exams!? Most of us 
> know how to turn a screwdriver or take a voltage reading with a 
> meter.? People, you don't need to be an engineer with an advanced 
> degree to help with the repeater repairs!? You don't need to have a 
> degree in public relations to contact the news outlets to announce club events!? Any one of us can do that. 
> ? 
> Where do you stand in all this?? I want to hear from you!? E-mail me!? 
> Call my home phone (908) 231-0746.? Talk to me on the air!? 
> ? 
> We are at a critical point in CRA's history.? Let's all step up and 
> fix what is broken.? Put aside your differences with personalities and 
> volunteer for the greater good of the club!? Let me hear from you! 
> ? 
> Sincerely, 
> ? 
> Bob Grear , KA2OEE 
> President, Cherryville Repeater Association II 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ______________________________________________________________ 
> RVRC mailing list 
> Home: http ://mailman. qth .net/mailman/ listinfo / rvrc 
> Help: http ://mailman. qth .net/ mmfaq . htm 
> Post: mailto : RVRC @mailman. qth .net 
> 
> This list hosted by: http :// www . qsl .net Please help support this email 
> list: http :// www . qsl .net/donate. html 
______________________________________________________________ 
RVRC mailing list 
Home: http ://mailman. qth .net/mailman/ listinfo / rvrc 
Help: http ://mailman. qth .net/ mmfaq . htm 
Post: mailto : RVRC @mailman. qth .net 

This list hosted by: http :// www . qsl .net 
Please help support this email list: http :// www . qsl .net/donate. html 

______________________________________________________________ 
RVRC mailing list 
Home: http ://mailman. qth .net/mailman/ listinfo / rvrc 
Help: http ://mailman. qth .net/ mmfaq . htm 
Post: mailto : RVRC @mailman. qth .net 

This list hosted by: http :// www . qsl .net 
Please help support this email list: http :// www . qsl .net/donate. html

From drumor at optonline.net  Sun Nov 18 17:43:56 2012
From: drumor at optonline.net (drew Moore)
Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2012 17:43:56 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] FW:  Please take the time to read this email
In-Reply-To: <CAJ+g-fGEptiHqzRpv6sSFrBa2Vs=TNtKHm_KwEipomvaQRdMTQ@mail.gmail.com>
References: <001901cdc51b$50d297e0$f277c7a0$@optonline.net>
	<CAJ+g-fE=KVyNvkKq3gxGb481Xpny80BGrEVg7seTRffm=cLZTA@mail.gmail.com>
	<005001cdc538$a4210400$ec630c00$@optonline.net>
	<CAJ+g-fGEptiHqzRpv6sSFrBa2Vs=TNtKHm_KwEipomvaQRdMTQ@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <00c401cdc5de$31bb1c10$95315430$@optonline.net>

OK Paul, fine business. It's extremely possible that an increase in dues or the implementation of an assessment may result in a loss of members. There is as Marvin would put it "there is a Malaise, or lack of interest throughout amateur radio clubs" these days. I've noticed it worsening over the last 10-15 years. It usually is the result of clubs not having interesting programs where the members share information, have guest speakers and are visible to the community. Attending cookie cutter meetings dampens the interest of many sane members. It's going to be a struggle to get basic operations restored let alone any enhancements.

73
Drew 

-----Original Message-----
From: rvrc-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:rvrc-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Paul Nannery
Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2012 3:39 PM
To: RVRC mailpost
Subject: Re: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email

Drew and members,

most if not all of the email from cvra are things our true and tech committee have been saying for a few years.  Drew the issue with back up power. We do not need internet up for the repeaters to be on the air. That is for off site linking as for power the report submitted last year covered a genarator with auto start and switch  over but we have yet to agree on a way to raise funds. To even keep the system on the air. We need more regular members we need more help from all members to keep the club going. To all that don't know we are in for a rough road if we don't address our issues that most of the club wants to ignore. Its the time of the year we could do a coin toss but we would need members to help with his if we were to try it just an idea.
Just one more thing our system relays on 12volt power we just reduce the city power so it is possible for some to go  with their car and jumper cables to charge the backup system. if anyone is willing to do this the system would stay up longer  both my self and Craig are very busy during storms and the days after so some one willing to help wit this would would be a help




Paul
 Kc2vrj

On Sat, Nov 17, 2012 at 9:58 PM, drew Moore <drumor at optonline.net wrote:
Paul,

I?m just opening the door for people to start thinking of ways to 
accomplish our objectives. That?s why I?m asking for them to think out 
of the box. A coin toss works well for Fire Companies and first 
responders by tossing to help Amateur Radio may not get the same response. However, it?s a good idea.
To attract new members the club has to be able to offer the applicant 
something. Money is so tight these days people don?t spend as freely 
as they did in the past. Expenses at every turn is rising but salaries 
are not budging, so everyone is financially strapped.

If they ask the members about features of the repeaters very few 
members know anything about the new configuration because it?s not 
presented to them in a way they can grasp the materials. If you ask 
them about asterisk most will shake their heads. K2ETS?s technical 
committee puts educational material on their website so members can 
easily find information about the new technology. See 
http://k2ets.com/asterisk.html  to get an idea of what I mean.

Even with a generator we need a UPS to hold the default configurations 
in the computer when a power source is applied. In the past we were 
able to get members to donate UPS units. At most we may have had to 
buy a deep discharge battery. A depleted battery was often the cause of the UPS seeming to fail.
The circuitry was often beefy enough to survive.

Many members of the club for the last 20-30 years have responded to 
accomplish work on the repeater and at the site. When the tower was 
bent like a pretzel they got it all up and running. The members were 
of course were younger and we could always find someone to climb the 
tower and install antennas and hardline. There have been hundreds of 
work parties before your time. Now many old timers don?t come because 
they haven?t a clue what the environment is like today and no one is 
explaining the changes. However, they?ll come out again when help is 
needed and enough notice is given. There are 4 people on the temporary 
technical committee and the only one that has been working at the site 
is Craig. WA2AM is very technical and no one has contacted him or 
attempted to involve him. Pete is not so technical but as Bob said in 
his letter to W2CRA you don?t have to be an engineer or rocket 
scientist to help out. Your job keeps you on the road to PA and you 
spend considerable time on the road. Others have to be nurtured 
because you just don?t have the time anymore and getting your repeater working the way you want it is using up whatever spare time you do have.


73,

Drew

p.s. you really should turn your spell checker on  you cell.



From: Paul Nannery [mailto:kc2vrj at gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2012 8:38 PM
To: drew Moore
Subject: Re: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email



Justine more thing our system relays on 12volt power we just reduce 
the city power so it is possible for some or to go chafe the system 
with their car and jumper cables. If we assigns one willing both my 
self and Craig are very busy during storms and the days after so some 
one willing to help wit this would would be a help

On Nov 17, 2012 6:29 PM, "drew Moore" <drumor at optonline.net wrote:



Members,



Below is an email  Bob Grear, KA2OEE, President of W2CRA- The 
Cherryville Repeater Association sent out to members of the club. This 
could be any of the local clubs in NNJ.



At our last RVRC meeting we couldn't even make a quorum so no official 
business could be conducted. The dwindling numbers of members 
attending meetings has been going on for some time now so it isn't 
just HS Sandy. We have a number of issues being addressed and we need 
the input of all the club members to get through theses economically 
difficult times. Keeping the
repeater(s) on the air can be expensive. We are in the process of 
submitting a claim for the damages we have incurred in the recent 
storm to our insurance carrier. In any event we are going to incur 
some unexpected expenditures and we'll find a way to raise the funds.



Once we raise the funds we have to be careful of how we restore our network.
We should address contingencies and we need people thinking out of the box.
Some realities we experienced is that when we have destructive storms 
and we are in a JCP&L coverage area there's no telling how the 
duration of the outage. Our current backup system was ineffective 
since we experience outages well beyond the 8 hour of emergency power. 
The Asterisk network's dependency on internet services and power. 
Perhaps we should look at a fallback solution where everything can be 
switched to RF power employing a generator and a rechargeable battery 
option. Rich, KB2LLM has some great contingency ideas he wants to institute for ETSNJ.



We need a way to attract new members and keep them interested. The 2 
guest that were at the meeting were looking for class instruction and 
help in understanding how to use their VHF.UHF and HF equipment. Many 
members offered help and John AB2XH offered to meet with one of the 
guest and help him understand the Q&A of the study guide, great. 
There's a lot of experience in the group. Because we have no current 
training classes I referred the guest to W2CRA's group via K2PA.



I know many are concerned as to what the dues will look like for 2013 
especially since they will be due by January1, 2013. There's talk 
about an assessment. N2VM suggest we set the dues rate at a higher 
amount for 2013 and revert to the $36 amount in 2014 (e.g. at $72 for 
2013 and $36 January 1, 2014).That way we'll know what potential incoming amounts to expect.
Knowing that it forces us to determine exactly what we need for 
operating budget and what we have avail for capital expense for 2013. 
Any additional needs will have to come from fund raising activities. I 
think we should charge new members $20 for 2013 with proration. That's 
a start in so many different ways.



Anyhow here's Bob's letter below Please take the time to read it and 
recognize that's it's not unlike what we are fast approaching.



73

Drew

W2OU





Dear CRA members:
?
Over the last couple of week, I have been exchanging e-mails with some 
of our members regarding the state of CRA, the .375 machine, the web 
page, and our dwindling membership turnout.? This has touched a nerve 
with me, as I have been a member of CRA since 1981, and I am frankly 
both distressed, and angry about our current situation!
?
Folks, this club has been around a long time, and I am proud to be a 
member and officer of a club with a great history of community service 
and amateur radio spirit.? I am NOT proud of where we stand right 
now.? Our repeater needs work, our web site needs to be revised and 
updated, we direly need someone to publicize the club in traditional 
ways, and we need to recruit new members!? The Executive Board has 
discussed each of these topics repeatedly over the last two or three 
years, and we are not making progress!?
?
Executive Board members have been taking on increasing responsibility 
for running the club's routine activities including the hamfest, the 
community service events, the awards/holiday dinner, and even the 
education and testing we sponsor.? The entire two member Technical 
Committee is made up only of Executive Board members.? We have no 
standing committees at all and when I or Michael before me have asked 
for volunteers for committees or work parties to assist the technical 
committee, we have rarely had anyone raise a hand to offer 
assistance.? It is as if the members attending the meetings are 
totally deaf!? What will it take to get the members to step forward and take part in the necessary functions of the club?
?
The few non-board members who turn out for club meetings don't seem at 
all motivated to volunteer to make CRA grow and prosper!? Yes, we need 
to recruit new members, but  the existing members need to get involved 
in the process!? Yes, we need to fix the repeater "once and for all", 
but to do that, the existing members need to get involved to make it 
happen!? How much longer are YOU, the members, going to expect someone 
else to step forward and do it?? CRA cannot exist much longer if YOU, 
the members, don't take on the tasks of doing the club's work!!
?
I know all of us are not as young as we used to be, but I am not 
asking you to put up towers at Field day, or for that matter do a 
whole lot that involves physical labor!? All of us had to have enough 
of a technical understanding to pass our license exams!? Most of us 
know how to turn a screwdriver or take a voltage reading with a 
meter.? People, you don't need to be an engineer with an advanced 
degree to help with the repeater repairs!? You don't need to have a 
degree in public relations to contact the news outlets to announce club events!? Any one of us can do that.
?
Where do you stand in all this?? I want to hear from you!? E-mail me!? 
Call my home phone (908) 231-0746.? Talk to me on the air!?
?
We are at a critical point in CRA's history.? Let's all step up and 
fix what is broken.? Put aside your differences with personalities and 
volunteer for the greater good of the club!? Let me hear from you!
?
Sincerely,
?
Bob Grear, KA2OEE
President, Cherryville Repeater Association II





______________________________________________________________
RVRC mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/rvrc
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:RVRC at mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email 
list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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RVRC mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/rvrc
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:RVRC at mailman.qth.net

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Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html


From overthetop52 at yahoo.com  Sun Nov 18 18:25:40 2012
From: overthetop52 at yahoo.com (Pete Fierro)
Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2012 15:25:40 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email
In-Reply-To: <000801cdc5d5$b2e63670$18b2a350$@comcast.net>
References: <001901cdc51b$50d297e0$f277c7a0$@optonline.net>
	<CAJ+g-fE=KVyNvkKq3gxGb481Xpny80BGrEVg7seTRffm=cLZTA@mail.gmail.com>
	<005001cdc538$a4210400$ec630c00$@optonline.net>
	<CAJ+g-fGEptiHqzRpv6sSFrBa2Vs=TNtKHm_KwEipomvaQRdMTQ@mail.gmail.com>
	<000801cdc5d5$b2e63670$18b2a350$@comcast.net>
Message-ID: <1353281140.74208.YahooMailNeo@web161906.mail.bf1.yahoo.com>

? Guys
?? Listen...I saw something on the turnpike in the bus.There is huge Verizon cell tower by exit 9 on the pike.When hurricane Sandy hit,I noticed 3 backup generators going keeping the cell tower operating.I thought that was really cool.
???? Getting a backup generator for the repeaters might not be such a bad idea&keep it stored up there at the site when needed.I have a feeling we are not thru with the winter yet&the Almighty will still throw curve balls at us&a backup power system would be good.Batteries last for a bit&no way to recharge in the event of no power..Never been to the site granted,but a pickup truck could haul it up there no problem.Fuel would be needed in storage obviously.I have a 5000 watt generator I got for about $600.00 just before Irene hit.They are not in the thousands of dollars.

???? These are tough economic times we are facing no doubt&is unprecedented.If this club is to survive(or any club for that matter)its up to the membership must pull together to make it work.Otherwise it will implode. I don't know what happened before I came on the scene but this is a challenge&all of us are smart&can do something.I realize we have other responsibilities in life&for me its immense.But we could make the time&leave the attitudes behind!

????? No one is an island.One guy cant do it all.Its not fair.We love the hobby&if we didn't,all of us would be doing something else.We can learn from other clubs how they do things.Lets learn from the other guys!! Push till it gives.Trials can either make or break us.
????? Attracting new members?I was ridiculed by someone that I suggest that some of us march in the memorial day parade back in the May meeting.Do folks know that we are in town? How about a few publications in a local town website or paper?Word of mouth?We could think of ways of making ham radio attractive.
????? This is a different age we are living in&folks are communicating in ways that were not possible when we were young ones.We are in competition.BUT if we can make ham radio in our communities attractive,then we could have a larger membership draw.
???? Its my hope we can pull something off.All of us know the deal.Lets make it work guys.this is a hobby that we all love&enjoy..73 Pete


________________________________
 From: Martin Friedman <radiomf at comcast.net>
To: 'Paul Nannery' <kc2vrj at gmail.com>; 'RVRC mailpost' <RVRC at mailman.qth.net> 
Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2012 4:43 PM
Subject: Re: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email
 
Oh, THAT kind of coin toss! Not sure about the legality of that. I just passed one that the volunteer fire company had for Hurricane Sandi relief. I think the finances of a long term backup power system are just too overwhelming for our treasury.? The 12 volt computers bigger batteries? and such have done nothing to give us any measurable increase in reliability. Activity on the machines had reached a very low point prior to the storm.? 
Marty WB2BEW

-----Original Message-----
From: rvrc-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:rvrc-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Paul Nannery
Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2012 3:39 PM
To: RVRC mailpost
Subject: Re: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email

Drew and members,

most if not all of the email from cvra are things our true and tech committee have been saying for a few years.? Drew the issue with back up power. We do not need internet up for the repeaters to be on the air. That is for off site linking as for power the report submitted last year covered a genarator with auto start and switch? over but we have yet to agree on a way to raise funds. To even keep the system on the air. We need more regular members we need more help from all members to keep the club going. To all that don't know we are in for a rough road if we don't address our issues that most of the club wants to ignore. Its the time of the year we could do a coin toss but we would need members to help with his if we were to try it just an idea.
Just one more thing our system relays on 12volt power we just reduce the city power so it is possible for some to go? with their car and jumper cables to charge the backup system. if anyone is willing to do this the system would stay up longer? both my self and Craig are very busy during storms and the days after so some one willing to help wit this would would be a help




Paul
Kc2vrj

On Sat, Nov 17, 2012 at 9:58 PM, drew Moore <drumor at optonline.net> wrote:
> Paul,
>
>
>
> I?m just opening the door for people to start thinking of ways to 
> accomplish our objectives. That?s why I?m asking for them to think out 
> of the box. A coin toss works well for Fire Companies and first 
> responders by tossing to help Amateur Radio may not get the same response. However, it?s a good idea.
> To attract new members the club has to be able to offer the applicant 
> something. Money is so tight these days people don?t spend as freely 
> as they did in the past. Expenses at every turn is rising but salaries 
> are not budging, so everyone is financially strapped.
>
>
>
> If they ask the members about features of the repeaters very few 
> members know anything about the new configuration because it?s not 
> present6ed to them in a way they can grasp the materials. If you ask 
> them about asterisk most will shake their heads. K2ETS?s technical 
> committee puts educational material on their website so members can 
> easily find information about the new technology. See 
> http://k2ets.com/asterisk.html to get an idea of what I mean.
>
>
>
> Even with a generator we need a UPS to hold the default configurations 
> in the computer when a power source is applied. In the past we were 
> able to get members to donate UPS units. At most we may have had to 
> buy a deep discharge battery. A depleted battery was often the cause of the UPS seeming to fail.
> The circuitry was often beefy enough to survive.
>
>
>
> Many members of the club for the last 20-30 years have responded to 
> accomplish work on the repeater and at the site. When the tower was 
> bent like a pretzel they got it all up and running. The members were 
> of course were younger and we could always find someone to climb the 
> tower and install antennas and hardline. There have been hundreds of 
> work parties before your time. Now many old timers don?t come because 
> they haven?t a clue what the environment is like today and no one is 
> explaining the changes. However, they?ll come out again when help is 
> needed and enough notice is given. There are 4 people on the temporary 
> technical committee and the only one that has been working at the site 
> is Craig. WA2AM is very technical and no one has contacted him or 
> attempted to involve him. Pete is not so technical but as Bob said in 
> his letter to W2CRA you don?t have to be an engineer or rocket 
> scientist to help out. Your job keeps you on the road to PA and you 
> spend considerable time on the road. Others have to be nurtured 
> because you just don?t have the time anymore and getting your repeater working the way you want it is using up whatever spare time you do have.
>
>
>
> 73,
>
> Drew
>
> p.s. you really should turn your spell checker on? you cell.
>
>
>
> From: Paul Nannery [mailto:kc2vrj at gmail.com]
> Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2012 8:38 PM
> To: drew Moore
> Subject: Re: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email
>
>
>
> Justine more thing our system relays on 12volt power we just reduce 
> the city power so it is possible for some or to go chafe the system 
> with their car and jumper cables. If we assigns one willing both my 
> self and Craig are very busy during storms and the days after so some 
> one willing to help wit this would would be a help
>
> On Nov 17, 2012 6:29 PM, "drew Moore" <drumor at optonline.net> wrote:
>
>
>
> Members,
>
>
>
> Below is an email? Bob Grear, KA2OEE, President of W2CRA- The 
> Cherryville Repeater Association sent out to members of the club. This 
> could be any of the local clubs in NNJ.
>
>
>
> At our last RVRC meeting we couldn't even make a quorum so no official 
> business could be conducted. The dwindling numbers of members 
> attending meetings has been going on for some time now so it isn't 
> just HS Sandy. We have a number of issues being addressed and we need 
> the input of all the club members to get through theses economically 
> difficult times. Keeping the
> repeater(s) on the air can be expensive. We are in the process of 
> submitting a claim for the damages we have incurred in the recent 
> storm to our insurance carrier. In any event we are going to incur 
> some unexpected expenditures and we'll find a way to raise the funds.
>
>
>
> Once we raise the funds we have to be careful of how we restore our network.
> We should address contingencies and we need people thinking out of the box.
> Some realities we experienced is that when we have destructive storms 
> and we are in a JCP&L coverage area there's no telling how the 
> duration of the outage. Our current backup system was ineffective 
> since we experience outages well beyond the 8 hour of emergency power. 
> The Asterisk network's dependency on internet services and power. 
> Perhaps we should look at a fallback solution where everything can be 
> switched to RF power employing a generator and a rechargeable battery 
> option. Rich, KB2LLM has some great contingency ideas he wants to institute for ETSNJ.
>
>
>
> We need a way to attract new members and keep them interested. The 2 
> guest that were at the meeting were looking for class instruction and 
> help in understanding how to use their VHF.UHF and HF equipment. Many 
> members offered help and John AB2XH offered to meet with one of the 
> guest and help him understand the Q&A of the study guide, great. 
> There's a lot of experience in the group. Because we have no current 
> training classes I referred the guest to W2CRA's group via K2PA.
>
>
>
> I know many are concerned as to what the dues will look like for 2013 
> especially since they will be due by January1, 2013. There's talk 
> about an assessment. N2VM suggest we set the dues rate at a higher 
> amount for 2013 and revert to the $36 amount in 2014 (e.g. at $72 for 
> 2013 and $36 January 1, 2014).That way we'll know what potential incoming amounts to expect.
> Knowing that it forces us to determine exactly what we need for 
> operating budget and what we have avail for capital expense for 2013. 
> Any additional needs will have to come from fund raising activities. I 
> think we should charge new members $20 for 2013 with proration. That's 
> a start in so many different ways.
>
>
>
> Anyhow here's Bob's letter below Please take the time to read it and 
> recognize that's it's not unlike what we are fast approaching.
>
>
>
> 73
>
> Drew
>
> W2OU
>
>
>
>
>
> Dear CRA members:
> ?
> Over the last couple of week, I have been exchanging e-mails with some 
> of our members regarding the state of CRA, the .375 machine, the web 
> page, and our dwindling membership turnout.? This has touched a nerve 
> with me, as I have been a member of CRA since 1981, and I am frankly 
> both distressed, and angry about our current situation!
> ?
> Folks, this club has been around a long time, and I am proud to be a 
> member and officer of a club with a great history of community service 
> and amateur radio spirit.? I am NOT proud of where we stand right 
> now.? Our repeater needs work, our web site needs to be revised and 
> updated, we direly need someone to publicize the club in traditional 
> ways, and we need to recruit new members!? The Executive Board has 
> discussed each of these topics repeatedly over the last two or three 
> years, and we are not making progress!?
> ?
> Executive Board members have been taking on increasing responsibility 
> for running the club's routine activities including the hamfest, the 
> community service events, the awards/holiday dinner, and even the 
> education and testing we sponsor.? The entire two member Technical 
> Committee is made up only of Executive Board members.? We have no 
> standing committees at all and when I or Michael before me have asked 
> for volunteers for committees or work parties to assist the technical 
> committee, we have rarely had anyone raise a hand to offer 
> assistance.? It is as if the members attending the meetings are 
> totally deaf!? What will it take to get the members to step forward and take part in the necessary functions of the club?
> ?
> The few non-board members who turn out for club meetings don't seem at 
> all motivated to volunteer to make CRA grow and prosper!? Yes, we need 
> to recruit new members, but? the existing members need to get involved 
> in the process!? Yes, we need to fix the repeater "once and for all", 
> but to do that, the existing members need to get involved to make it 
> happen!? How much longer are YOU, the members, going to expect someone 
> else to step forward and do it?? CRA cannot exist much longer if YOU, 
> the members, don't take on the tasks of doing the club's work!!
> ?
> I know all of us are not as young as we used to be, but I am not 
> asking you to put up towers at Field day, or for that matter do a 
> whole lot that involves physical labor!? All of us had to have enough 
> of a technical understanding to pass our license exams!? Most of us 
> know how to turn a screwdriver or take a voltage reading with a 
> meter.? People, you don't need to be an engineer with an advanced 
> degree to help with the repeater repairs!? You don't need to have a 
> degree in public relations to contact the news outlets to announce club events!? Any one of us can do that.
> ?
> Where do you stand in all this?? I want to hear from you!? E-mail me!? 
> Call my home phone (908) 231-0746.? Talk to me on the air!?
> ?
> We are at a critical point in CRA's history.? Let's all step up and 
> fix what is broken.? Put aside your differences with personalities and 
> volunteer for the greater good of the club!? Let me hear from you!
> ?
> Sincerely,
> ?
> Bob Grear, KA2OEE
> President, Cherryville Repeater Association II
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> RVRC mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/rvrc
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:RVRC at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email 
> list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
______________________________________________________________
RVRC mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/rvrc
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:RVRC at mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

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Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/rvrc
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:RVRC at mailman.qth.net

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Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

From radiomf at comcast.net  Sun Nov 18 18:44:01 2012
From: radiomf at comcast.net (Martin Friedman)
Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2012 18:44:01 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email
In-Reply-To: <1353281140.74208.YahooMailNeo@web161906.mail.bf1.yahoo.com>
References: <001901cdc51b$50d297e0$f277c7a0$@optonline.net>
	<CAJ+g-fE=KVyNvkKq3gxGb481Xpny80BGrEVg7seTRffm=cLZTA@mail.gmail.com>
	<005001cdc538$a4210400$ec630c00$@optonline.net>
	<CAJ+g-fGEptiHqzRpv6sSFrBa2Vs=TNtKHm_KwEipomvaQRdMTQ@mail.gmail.com>
	<000801cdc5d5$b2e63670$18b2a350$@comcast.net>
	<1353281140.74208.YahooMailNeo@web161906.mail.bf1.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <000301cdc5e6$96906d90$c3b148b0$@comcast.net>

Pete:

The Lund?s do have a backup generator. Sue and Kenny use it during extended outages. QW was on the air with it intermittently during the power outage. Sue tried to have it available at the top of each hour.  With all that was going on around the state almost no one was using it. 

73, Marty

From: Pete Fierro [mailto:overthetop52 at yahoo.com] 
Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2012 6:26 PM
To: Martin Friedman; 'Paul Nannery'; 'RVRC mailpost'
Subject: Re: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email

 

  Guys

   Listen...I saw something on the turnpike in the bus.There is huge Verizon cell tower by exit 9 on the pike.When hurricane Sandy hit,I noticed 3 backup generators going keeping the cell tower operating.I thought that was really cool.

     Getting a backup generator for the repeaters might not be such a bad idea&keep it stored up there at the site when needed.I have a feeling we are not thru with the winter yet&the Almighty will still throw curve balls at us&a backup power system would be good.Batteries last for a bit&no way to recharge in the event of no power..Never been to the site granted,but a pickup truck could haul it up there no problem.Fuel would be needed in storage obviously.I have a 5000 watt generator I got for about $600.00 just before Irene hit.They are not in the thousands of dollars.

     These are tough economic times we are facing no doubt&is unprecedented.If this club is to survive(or any club for that matter)its up to the membership must pull together to make it work.Otherwise it will implode. I don't know what happened before I came on the scene but this is a challenge&all of us are smart&can do something.I realize we have other responsibilities in life&for me its immense.But we could make the time&leave the attitudes behind!

      No one is an island.One guy cant do it all.Its not fair.We love the hobby&if we didn't,all of us would be doing something else.We can learn from other clubs how they do things.Lets learn from the other guys!! Push till it gives.Trials can either make or break us.

      Attracting new members?I was ridiculed by someone that I suggest that some of us march in the memorial day parade back in the May meeting.Do folks know that we are in town? How about a few publications in a local town website or paper?Word of mouth?We could think of ways of making ham radio attractive.

      This is a different age we are living in&folks are communicating in ways that were not possible when we were young ones.We are in competition.BUT if we can make ham radio in our communities attractive,then we could have a larger membership draw.

     Its my hope we can pull something off.All of us know the deal.Lets make it work guys.this is a hobby that we all love&enjoy..73 Pete

  _____  

From: Martin Friedman <radiomf at comcast.net>
To: 'Paul Nannery' <kc2vrj at gmail.com>; 'RVRC mailpost' <RVRC at mailman.qth.net> 
Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2012 4:43 PM
Subject: Re: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email


Oh, THAT kind of coin toss! Not sure about the legality of that. I just passed one that the volunteer fire company had for Hurricane Sandi relief. I think the finances of a long term backup power system are just too overwhelming for our treasury.  The 12 volt computers bigger batteries  and such have done nothing to give us any measurable increase in reliability. Activity on the machines had reached a very low point prior to the storm.  
Marty WB2BEW

-----Original Message-----
From: rvrc-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:rvrc-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Paul Nannery
Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2012 3:39 PM
To: RVRC mailpost
Subject: Re: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email

Drew and members,

most if not all of the email from cvra are things our true and tech committee have been saying for a few years.  Drew the issue with back up power. We do not need internet up for the repeaters to be on the air. That is for off site linking as for power the report submitted last year covered a genarator with auto start and switch  over but we have yet to agree on a way to raise funds. To even keep the system on the air. We need more regular members we need more help from all members to keep the club going. To all that don't know we are in for a rough road if we don't address our issues that most of the club wants to ignore. Its the time of the year we could do a coin toss but we would need members to help with his if we were to try it just an idea.
Just one more thing our system relays on 12volt power we just reduce the city power so it is possible for some to go  with their car and jumper cables to charge the backup system. if anyone is willing to do this the system would stay up longer  both my self and Craig are very busy during storms and the days after so some one willing to help wit this would would be a help




Paul
Kc2vrj

On Sat, Nov 17, 2012 at 9:58 PM, drew Moore <drumor at optonline.net> wrote:
> Paul,
>
>
>
> I?m just opening the door for people to start thinking of ways to 
> accomplish our objectives. That?s why I?m asking for them to think out 
> of the box. A coin toss works well for Fire Companies and first 
> responders by tossing to help Amateur Radio may not get the same response. However, it?s a good idea.
> To attract new members the club has to be able to offer the applicant 
> something. Money is so tight these days people don?t spend as freely 
> as they did in the past. Expenses at every turn is rising but salaries 
> are not budging, so everyone is financially strapped.
>
>
>
> If they ask the members about features of the repeaters very few 
> members know anything about the new configuration because it?s not 
> present6ed to them in a way they can grasp the materials. If you ask 
> them about asterisk most will shake their heads. K2ETS?s technical 
> committee puts educational material on their website so members can 
> easily find information about the new technology. See 
> http://k2ets.com/asterisk.html to get an idea of what I mean.
>
>
>
> Even with a generator we need a UPS to hold the default configurations 
> in the computer when a power source is applied. In the past we were 
> able to get members to donate UPS units. At most we may have had to 
> buy a deep discharge battery. A depleted battery was often the cause of the UPS seeming to fail.
> The circuitry was often beefy enough to survive.
>
>
>
> Many members of the club for the last 20-30 years have responded to 
> accomplish work on the repeater and at the site. When the tower was 
> bent like a pretzel they got it all up and running. The members were 
> of course were younger and we could always find someone to climb the 
> tower and install antennas and hardline. There have been hundreds of 
> work parties before your time. Now many old timers don?t come because 
> they haven?t a clue what the environment is like today and no one is 
> explaining the changes. However, they?ll come out again when help is 
> needed and enough notice is given. There are 4 people on the temporary 
> technical committee and the only one that has been working at the site 
> is Craig. WA2AM is very technical and no one has contacted him or 
> attempted to involve him. Pete is not so technical but as Bob said in 
> his letter to W2CRA you don?t have to be an engineer or rocket 
> scientist to help out. Your job keeps you on the road to PA and you 
> spend considerable time on the road. Others have to be nurtured 
> because you just don?t have the time anymore and getting your repeater working the way you want it is using up whatever spare time you do have.
>
>
>
> 73,
>
> Drew
>
> p.s. you really should turn your spell checker on  you cell.
>
>
>
> From: Paul Nannery [mailto:kc2vrj at gmail.com]
> Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2012 8:38 PM
> To: drew Moore
> Subject: Re: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email
>
>
>
> Justine more thing our system relays on 12volt power we just reduce 
> the city power so it is possible for some or to go chafe the system 
> with their car and jumper cables. If we assigns one willing both my 
> self and Craig are very busy during storms and the days after so some 
> one willing to help wit this would would be a help
>
> On Nov 17, 2012 6:29 PM, "drew Moore" <drumor at optonline.net> wrote:
>
>
>
> Members,
>
>
>
> Below is an email  Bob Grear, KA2OEE, President of W2CRA- The 
> Cherryville Repeater Association sent out to members of the club. This 
> could be any of the local clubs in NNJ.
>
>
>
> At our last RVRC meeting we couldn't even make a quorum so no official 
> business could be conducted. The dwindling numbers of members 
> attending meetings has been going on for some time now so it isn't 
> just HS Sandy. We have a number of issues being addressed and we need 
> the input of all the club members to get through theses economically 
> difficult times. Keeping the
> repeater(s) on the air can be expensive. We are in the process of 
> submitting a claim for the damages we have incurred in the recent 
> storm to our insurance carrier. In any event we are going to incur 
> some unexpected expenditures and we'll find a way to raise the funds.
>
>
>
> Once we raise the funds we have to be careful of how we restore our network.
> We should address contingencies and we need people thinking out of the box.
> Some realities we experienced is that when we have destructive storms 
> and we are in a JCP&L coverage area there's no telling how the 
> duration of the outage. Our current backup system was ineffective 
> since we experience outages well beyond the 8 hour of emergency power. 
> The Asterisk network's dependency on internet services and power. 
> Perhaps we should look at a fallback solution where everything can be 
> switched to RF power employing a generator and a rechargeable battery 
> option. Rich, KB2LLM has some great contingency ideas he wants to institute for ETSNJ.
>
>
>
> We need a way to attract new members and keep them interested. The 2 
> guest that were at the meeting were looking for class instruction and 
> help in understanding how to use their VHF.UHF and HF equipment. Many 
> members offered help and John AB2XH offered to meet with one of the 
> guest and help him understand the Q&A of the study guide, great. 
> There's a lot of experience in the group. Because we have no current 
> training classes I referred the guest to W2CRA's group via K2PA.
>
>
>
> I know many are concerned as to what the dues will look like for 2013 
> especially since they will be due by January1, 2013. There's talk 
> about an assessment. N2VM suggest we set the dues rate at a higher 
> amount for 2013 and revert to the $36 amount in 2014 (e.g. at $72 for 
> 2013 and $36 January 1, 2014).That way we'll know what potential incoming amounts to expect.
> Knowing that it forces us to determine exactly what we need for 
> operating budget and what we have avail for capital expense for 2013. 
> Any additional needs will have to come from fund raising activities. I 
> think we should charge new members $20 for 2013 with proration. That's 
> a start in so many different ways.
>
>
>
> Anyhow here's Bob's letter below Please take the time to read it and 
> recognize that's it's not unlike what we are fast approaching.
>
>
>
> 73
>
> Drew
>
> W2OU
>
>
>
>
>
> Dear CRA members:
> ?
> Over the last couple of week, I have been exchanging e-mails with some 
> of our members regarding the state of CRA, the .375 machine, the web 
> page, and our dwindling membership turnout.? This has touched a nerve 
> with me, as I have been a member of CRA since 1981, and I am frankly 
> both distressed, and angry about our current situation!
> ?
> Folks, this club has been around a long time, and I am proud to be a 
> member and officer of a club with a great history of community service 
> and amateur radio spirit.? I am NOT proud of where we stand right 
> now.? Our repeater needs work, our web site needs to be revised and 
> updated, we direly need someone to publicize the club in traditional 
> ways, and we need to recruit new members!? The Executive Board has 
> discussed each of these topics repeatedly over the last two or three 
> years, and we are not making progress!?
> ?
> Executive Board members have been taking on increasing responsibility 
> for running the club's routine activities including the hamfest, the 
> community service events, the awards/holiday dinner, and even the 
> education and testing we sponsor.? The entire two member Technical 
> Committee is made up only of Executive Board members.? We have no 
> standing committees at all and when I or Michael before me have asked 
> for volunteers for committees or work parties to assist the technical 
> committee, we have rarely had anyone raise a hand to offer 
> assistance.? It is as if the members attending the meetings are 
> totally deaf!? What will it take to get the members to step forward and take part in the necessary functions of the club?
> ?
> The few non-board members who turn out for club meetings don't seem at 
> all motivated to volunteer to make CRA grow and prosper!? Yes, we need 
> to recruit new members, but  the existing members need to get involved 
> in the process!? Yes, we need to fix the repeater "once and for all", 
> but to do that, the existing members need to get involved to make it 
> happen!? How much longer are YOU, the members, going to expect someone 
> else to step forward and do it?? CRA cannot exist much longer if YOU, 
> the members, don't take on the tasks of doing the club's work!!
> ?
> I know all of us are not as young as we used to be, but I am not 
> asking you to put up towers at Field day, or for that matter do a 
> whole lot that involves physical labor!? All of us had to have enough 
> of a technical understanding to pass our license exams!? Most of us 
> know how to turn a screwdriver or take a voltage reading with a 
> meter.? People, you don't need to be an engineer with an advanced 
> degree to help with the repeater repairs!? You don't need to have a 
> degree in public relations to contact the news outlets to announce club events!? Any one of us can do that.
> ?
> Where do you stand in all this?? I want to hear from you!? E-mail me!? 
> Call my home phone (908) 231-0746.? Talk to me on the air!?
> ?
> We are at a critical point in CRA's history.? Let's all step up and 
> fix what is broken.? Put aside your differences with personalities and 
> volunteer for the greater good of the club!? Let me hear from you!
> ?
> Sincerely,
> ?
> Bob Grear, KA2OEE
> President, Cherryville Repeater Association II
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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From gjurrens at gmail.com  Mon Nov 19 09:04:08 2012
From: gjurrens at gmail.com (Gerry Jurrens)
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2012 09:04:08 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Fwd: [Dsrc] David Sarnoff Radio Club Meeting - Tue 20 Nov
	2012
References: <50A93AE4.1040808@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <0694A0D7-6612-4C07-97D4-87791A8E0F13@gmail.com>

All are welcome Tuesday night. No dues, no red tape! 73

GJ
Sent from my iPhone4
Pls 4give typos & brevity


Begin forwarded message:

> From: John DeGood <jdegood at gmail.com>
> Date: November 18, 2012, 2:45:40 PM EST
> To: Radio Club <dsrc at lists.epiphanydesign.net>
> Cc: n2ltq at arrl.net, kc2zjw at arrl.net, w2ob at arrl.net, N2EI <tjarey at gmail.com>, n2csa at arrl.net, w3tom at arrl.org, w2gss at arrl.org, n2oo at arrl.net, n3llr at arrl.org
> Subject: [Dsrc] David Sarnoff Radio Club Meeting - Tue 20 Nov 2012
> Reply-To: john at degood.org
> 
>                  DAVID SARNOFF RADIO CLUB
>                   NOVEMBER 2012 MEETING
> 
>      Sandy Aftermath: What Happened and What We Learned
> 
> * Tuesday, November 20, 2012, 7:30 PM
> 
> * American Red Cross, 707 Alexander Road, Suite 101,
>  Princeton, NJ 08540. See http://n2re.org/ for map and directions.
> 
> This month we will be reviewing the local amateur radio involvement
> with recent storms. We will have ARES Emergency Coordinator and
> RACES Officer for Mercer County Kip Burnett KB2EGI and also Mercer
> County Skywarn Coordinator John Pugh WJ3P to talk to us about the
> ARES/RACES, County, State, and Skywarn activity related to the storm.
> 
> Members are encouraged to bring their own anecdotes as well as
> Emergency Preparedness and Go Kit lists to compare notes and discuss
> what additions and changes should be made.
> 
> We would also like to help out with the Red Cross NJ effort. Toward
> that end, donations (by cheque or cash) can be brought to the
> meeting and we will make sure they are properly received.
> 
> All are invited to join in an informal pre-meeting dinner at the Super
> Star East Buffet, 311 Nassau Park Blvd, Princeton, NJ 08540
> (same location as our annual holiday party) at 6:15 PM.
> 
> MEETING SPEAKERS
> Every one of our members has interesting skills and knowledge worth
> sharing with others. Please contact Rebecca KA3IAX, John NU3E, or
> Dennis KC2IMI with your ideas.
> 
> UPCOMING AREA HAMFESTS (from http://www.qsl.net/w2vtm/hamfest.html &
> http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/)
> * Fri 23 Nov - Ham Radio Auction, Fair Lawn, NJ
>  http://flres.net/
> * Sat 1 Dec - Hamfest/Flea Market/Craft Fair, Bergenfield, NJ
>  https://sites.google.com/site/boyscouttroop139bergenfield/
> 
> UPCOMING DSRC EVENTS AND MEETINGS
> * Sat 1 Dec - Annual Holiday Party, Super Star East Buffet, 2:00 PM
> 
> DSRC WWW HOME PAGE - http://n2re.org/
> 
> DSRC REPEATER - N2RE, 146.46 output, 147.46 input (+1 MHz offset),
> 131.8 PL
> 
> DSRC 2 METER FM NET - First Tuesday of each month, 9 PM, DSRC repeater
> 
> DSRC 80 METER PSK31 NET - Second Tuesday of each month, 8:30 PM, BPSK,
> 3580.5 kHz ?
> 
> ARES/RACES - Members are encouraged to register themselves with Mercer
> County ARES/RACES. To do so, just send an e-mail to the Mercer County
> EC, Kip Burnett at kb2egi at arrl.net for more information.
> 
> Two local emergency stations are supported by DSRC. N2ARC is the
> callsign at the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey, the lead
> American Red Cross chapter in the event of a statewide emergency. W2MER
> is the callsign at the Mercer County Emergency Operations Center,
> located at the Dempster Fire Service Training School.
> 
> "Open houses" are held the last Monday of each month (except December
> and May) at 7:15 PM at both the American Red Cross, 707 Alexander Rd
> (2 blocks east of Rt 1, use rear entrance) and at the Mercer County EOC
> located on Lawrence Station Road. Lawrence Station Road is a right turn
> off of Quakerbridge Road about one half mile south of Quakerbridge Mall.
> Just follow the signs to the fire school. The Mercer County EOC is in
> the basement.
> 
> MEMBERSHIP - Club membership is open to anyone with an interest in
> amateur radio. There are no dues. To become a member, simply attend a
> club meeting and fill-out a membership application. If you would like
> to receive club announcements via e-mail, please send your name,
> callsign, and email address to mailto:nu3e at arrl.net.
> _______________________________________________
> Dsrc mailing list - David Sarnoff Radio Club -
> Dsrc at lists.epiphanydesign.net
> http://lists.epiphanydesign.net/listinfo.cgi/dsrc-epiphanydesign.net

From drumor at optonline.net  Mon Nov 19 18:42:06 2012
From: drumor at optonline.net (drew Moore)
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2012 18:42:06 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Whoa..before this gets out of hand.
Message-ID: <000901cdc6af$7c540530$74fc0f90$@optonline.net>



Members,

 

Regarding my initial email sparked by sharing the situation with the
Cherryville Club (W2CRA) I'd like to clarify my reason for sending it out. I
don't want to start a barrage of emails but to spark some club thinking out
of the box to improve our approach to a problem many ham radio clubs are
experiencing due to declining membership and club participation. This
problem has been in the making for at least a decade. The clubs that address
the problem will be the clubs that remain active. It's not all about having
the best repeater on the air. Experience has clearly shown the best approach
is not to throw money at the problem. The end result is we rapidly exhaust
our funds and never have any reserve monies available.

 

We don't need a generator for obvious reasons that have already been stated.
A contractor's grade generator is not the best choice for sensitive computer
and radio equipment. Installation of the transfer switch is an additional
expense and the daily supply and storage is manually intensive. In our
repeater's area with servicing by JCP&L or even PSE&G we can expect to have
extended periods of outages. The current 8 hour battery backup in light of
that is also  a now realized bad investment. These are expensive features we
can't afford at this time.

 

I don't see us marching in Parades or participating in Coin toss activities
to raise funds. Additional I don't see us doing any public service work with
the intent to raise funds. However, fund raising is what we need to focus on
immediately to restore our repeater(s) to full operations. At meetings
several months ago members ;loaned/donated money to the club and WA2AM gave
a detail accounting of the donations in his reports. We need to raise funds
WITHIN the ham community much as we have done through our yearly hamfest.
The Bergenfield Amateur club funds their Troop 139 Flea market twice a year,
BARA runs a spring hamfest and a fall auction, OMARC runs a Spring and Fall
hamfest. When we held our meetings in Bridgewater and on First Avenue in
Raritan. RVRC ran a fall Auction and all these activities help to boost our
operating and repair project needs. Additionally the club was more active,
better publicized as a result of these types of events.

 

I think we should get the 2m system operational by putting up the temporary
antenna while we trouble shoot the problem with the new antenna. If we have
to replace it we'll do it by working with our insurance company. Our
responsibility is to do due diligence in determine where the fault is with
the antenna through a physical exam of the antenna and VSWR test. The
problem may be elsewhere. Already we are talking about buying a new antenna,
a tower climb and other activities that are already potentially approaching
$2,000. Last time I looked Daddy Warbuck wasn't a member of our club.

 

So, let's save the email chatter for the club meeting, attend the club
meeting if you can and we can hash it out there.

 

73,

Drew

W2OU


From jcash at joecash.com  Tue Nov 20 08:01:19 2012
From: jcash at joecash.com (Joseph F. Cash, Jr.)
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2012 08:01:19 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email
In-Reply-To: <001901cdc51b$50d297e0$f277c7a0$@optonline.net>
References: <001901cdc51b$50d297e0$f277c7a0$@optonline.net>
Message-ID: <016701cdc71f$22e0e4d0$68a2ae70$@joecash.com>

 As president of ETS of NJ - I fully understand this issue. I have seen club
"participation" on the decline since I joined the club in 2006. I agree that
this is a problematic issue and one that we need to address.

Perhaps there are things that multiple clubs can do together to foster more
participation?

I'd be happy to meet with anyone who would like to discuss this further.
Because of the holiday and work - this is not a good week, but I will have
time between Thanksgiving and New Year's. I can be reached anytime at
908-704-1222 or jcash at joecash.com .

I hope that everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

73,

Joe
W2OZO

Joseph F. Cash, Jr.
Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty - Belle Mead
908-704-1222 - wireless
908-359-0893 - office
908-566-0778 - e-fax
www.joecash.com
jcash at joecash.com

-----Original Message-----
From: rvrc-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:rvrc-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On
Behalf Of drew Moore
Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2012 6:29 PM
To: RVRC
Cc: KA2OEE at arrl.net
Subject: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email



Members,

 

Below is an email  Bob Grear, KA2OEE, President of W2CRA- The Cherryville
Repeater Association sent out to members of the club. This could be any of
the local clubs in NNJ.

 

At our last RVRC meeting we couldn't even make a quorum so no official
business could be conducted. The dwindling numbers of members attending
meetings has been going on for some time now so it isn't just HS Sandy. We
have a number of issues being addressed and we need the input of all the
club members to get through theses economically difficult times. Keeping the
repeater(s) on the air can be expensive. We are in the process of submitting
a claim for the damages we have incurred in the recent storm to our
insurance carrier. In any event we are going to incur some unexpected
expenditures and we'll find a way to raise the funds.

 

Once we raise the funds we have to be careful of how we restore our network.
We should address contingencies and we need people thinking out of the box.
Some realities we experienced is that when we have destructive storms and we
are in a JCP&L coverage area there's no telling how the duration of the
outage. Our current backup system was ineffective since we experience
outages well beyond the 8 hour of emergency power. The Asterisk network's
dependency on internet services and power. Perhaps we should look at a
fallback solution where everything can be switched to RF power employing a
generator and a rechargeable battery option. Rich, KB2LLM has some great
contingency ideas he wants to institute for ETSNJ. 

 

We need a way to attract new members and keep them interested. The 2 guest
that were at the meeting were looking for class instruction and help in
understanding how to use their VHF.UHF and HF equipment. Many members
offered help and John AB2XH offered to meet with one of the guest and help
him understand the Q&A of the study guide, great. There's a lot of
experience in the group. Because we have no current training classes I
referred the guest to W2CRA's group via K2PA.

 

I know many are concerned as to what the dues will look like for 2013
especially since they will be due by January1, 2013. There's talk about an
assessment. N2VM suggest we set the dues rate at a higher amount for 2013
and revert to the $36 amount in 2014 (e.g. at $72 for 2013 and $36 January
1, 2014).That way we'll know what potential incoming amounts to expect.
Knowing that it forces us to determine exactly what we need for operating
budget and what we have avail for capital expense for 2013. Any additional
needs will have to come from fund raising activities. I think we should
charge new members $20 for 2013 with proration. That's a start in so many
different ways.

 

Anyhow here's Bob's letter below Please take the time to read it and
recognize that's it's not unlike what we are fast approaching.

 

73

Drew

W2OU

 

 

Dear CRA members:
?
Over the last couple of week, I have been exchanging e-mails with some of
our members regarding the state of CRA, the .375 machine, the web page, and
our dwindling membership turnout.? This has touched a nerve with me, as I
have been a member of CRA since 1981, and I am frankly both distressed, and
angry about our current situation!
?
Folks, this club has been around a long time, and I am proud to be a member
and officer of a club with a great history of community service and amateur
radio spirit.? I am NOT proud of where we stand right now.? Our repeater
needs work, our web site needs to be revised and updated, we direly need
someone to publicize the club in traditional ways, and we need to recruit
new members!? The Executive Board has discussed each of these topics
repeatedly over the last two or three years, and we are not making
progress!? 
?
Executive Board members have been taking on increasing responsibility for
running the club's routine activities including the hamfest, the community
service events, the awards/holiday dinner, and even the education and
testing we sponsor.? The entire two member Technical Committee is made up
only of Executive Board members.? We have no standing committees at all and
when I or Michael before me have asked for volunteers for committees or work
parties to assist the technical committee, we have rarely had anyone raise a
hand to offer assistance.? It is as if the members attending the meetings
are totally deaf!? What will it take to get the members to step forward and
take part in the necessary functions of the club?
?
The few non-board members who turn out for club meetings don't seem at all
motivated to volunteer to make CRA grow and prosper!? Yes, we need to
recruit new members, but  the existing members need to get involved in the
process!? Yes, we need to fix the repeater "once and for all", but to do
that, the existing members need to get involved to make it happen!? How much
longer are YOU, the members, going to expect someone else to step forward
and do it?? CRA cannot exist much longer if YOU, the members, don't take on
the tasks of doing the club's work!!
?
I know all of us are not as young as we used to be, but I am not asking you
to put up towers at Field day, or for that matter do a whole lot that
involves physical labor!? All of us had to have enough of a technical
understanding to pass our license exams!? Most of us know how to turn a
screwdriver or take a voltage reading with a meter.? People, you don't need
to be an engineer with an advanced degree to help with the repeater
repairs!? You don't need to have a degree in public relations to contact the
news outlets to announce club events!? Any one of us can do that.
?
Where do you stand in all this?? I want to hear from you!? E-mail me!? Call
my home phone (908) 231-0746.? Talk to me on the air!? 
?
We are at a critical point in CRA's history.? Let's all step up and fix what
is broken.? Put aside your differences with personalities and volunteer for
the greater good of the club!? Let me hear from you!
?
Sincerely,
?
Bob Grear, KA2OEE
President, Cherryville Repeater Association II






From santadad at gmail.com  Tue Nov 20 13:43:24 2012
From: santadad at gmail.com (Michael Rothberg)
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2012 13:43:24 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email
In-Reply-To: <016701cdc71f$22e0e4d0$68a2ae70$@joecash.com>
References: <001901cdc51b$50d297e0$f277c7a0$@optonline.net>
	<016701cdc71f$22e0e4d0$68a2ae70$@joecash.com>
Message-ID: <CAMYSM+6QFa_JMq6PGkzNHL71ETTxrqjzwXEFw6KtKXU-n=80oQ@mail.gmail.com>

Hi all,

I am for the most part a silent observer/listener to this conversation.
 While I understand most of the points being made, I fail to see one major
issue addressed.

First, I am an inactive, associate member.  I joined the club primarily so
I could pay dues so that I wouldn't feel like I was a free-loader when
talking to people on the club's repeaters.  That said, there remains that
major issue - the 800 pound gorilla in the room.  While amateur radio was
always a unique tool to allow people to communicate with one another over
networks of repeaters without incurring long distance telephone charges,
the maturation of cellular technology and the competitive pricing for
"minutes" has rendered our hobby somewhat obsolete --- at least in the
normal communications mode.  Even as a volunteer adjunct to emergency
services, there really isn't that much need for us.  I hate to say it, but
we are a bunch of old geezers who cling to the technology of our youth,
while cell phones, smartphones, tablets and laptops all communicate at 4G
and with WIFI and "air cards" at much greater Internet speeds, leaving us
in the dust.  Our communication circles using these technologies are far
greater than we could ever hope to achieve within our very small radio
communities.

Having said all this, I truly believe that if we want to rejuvenate amateur
radio, we first have to identify the requirements. Why do we want to do
this?  Again, if it is for these small circles of friends, we will never
expand our horizons to the larger populations in the internet
communications world.

Define a good reason/requirement for us, then build a solution, and people
will come.  We can bang our heads against the wall hoping to entice new
members, but without answering this basic question, we are just going to
end up with a major headache.

Sorry!  I don't mean to throw cold water on the discussion, but I am trying
to apply rational systems engineering discipline to the problem.  That does
not mean I have the answer.

Michael Rothberg K2MLR



On Tue, Nov 20, 2012 at 8:01 AM, Joseph F. Cash, Jr. <jcash at joecash.com>wrote:

>  As president of ETS of NJ - I fully understand this issue. I have seen
> club
> "participation" on the decline since I joined the club in 2006. I agree
> that
> this is a problematic issue and one that we need to address.
>
> Perhaps there are things that multiple clubs can do together to foster more
> participation?
>
> I'd be happy to meet with anyone who would like to discuss this further.
> Because of the holiday and work - this is not a good week, but I will have
> time between Thanksgiving and New Year's. I can be reached anytime at
> 908-704-1222 or jcash at joecash.com .
>
> I hope that everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
>
> 73,
>
> Joe
> W2OZO
>
> Joseph F. Cash, Jr.
> Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty - Belle Mead
> 908-704-1222 - wireless
> 908-359-0893 - office
> 908-566-0778 - e-fax
> www.joecash.com
> jcash at joecash.com
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: rvrc-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:rvrc-bounces at mailman.qth.net]
> On
> Behalf Of drew Moore
> Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2012 6:29 PM
> To: RVRC
> Cc: KA2OEE at arrl.net
> Subject: [RVRC] Please take the time to read this email
>
>
>
> Members,
>
>
>
> Below is an email  Bob Grear, KA2OEE, President of W2CRA- The Cherryville
> Repeater Association sent out to members of the club. This could be any of
> the local clubs in NNJ.
>
>
>
> At our last RVRC meeting we couldn't even make a quorum so no official
> business could be conducted. The dwindling numbers of members attending
> meetings has been going on for some time now so it isn't just HS Sandy. We
> have a number of issues being addressed and we need the input of all the
> club members to get through theses economically difficult times. Keeping
> the
> repeater(s) on the air can be expensive. We are in the process of
> submitting
> a claim for the damages we have incurred in the recent storm to our
> insurance carrier. In any event we are going to incur some unexpected
> expenditures and we'll find a way to raise the funds.
>
>
>
> Once we raise the funds we have to be careful of how we restore our
> network.
> We should address contingencies and we need people thinking out of the box.
> Some realities we experienced is that when we have destructive storms and
> we
> are in a JCP&L coverage area there's no telling how the duration of the
> outage. Our current backup system was ineffective since we experience
> outages well beyond the 8 hour of emergency power. The Asterisk network's
> dependency on internet services and power. Perhaps we should look at a
> fallback solution where everything can be switched to RF power employing a
> generator and a rechargeable battery option. Rich, KB2LLM has some great
> contingency ideas he wants to institute for ETSNJ.
>
>
>
> We need a way to attract new members and keep them interested. The 2 guest
> that were at the meeting were looking for class instruction and help in
> understanding how to use their VHF.UHF and HF equipment. Many members
> offered help and John AB2XH offered to meet with one of the guest and help
> him understand the Q&A of the study guide, great. There's a lot of
> experience in the group. Because we have no current training classes I
> referred the guest to W2CRA's group via K2PA.
>
>
>
> I know many are concerned as to what the dues will look like for 2013
> especially since they will be due by January1, 2013. There's talk about an
> assessment. N2VM suggest we set the dues rate at a higher amount for 2013
> and revert to the $36 amount in 2014 (e.g. at $72 for 2013 and $36 January
> 1, 2014).That way we'll know what potential incoming amounts to expect.
> Knowing that it forces us to determine exactly what we need for operating
> budget and what we have avail for capital expense for 2013. Any additional
> needs will have to come from fund raising activities. I think we should
> charge new members $20 for 2013 with proration. That's a start in so many
> different ways.
>
>
>
> Anyhow here's Bob's letter below Please take the time to read it and
> recognize that's it's not unlike what we are fast approaching.
>
>
>
> 73
>
> Drew
>
> W2OU
>
>
>
>
>
> Dear CRA members:
> ?
> Over the last couple of week, I have been exchanging e-mails with some of
> our members regarding the state of CRA, the .375 machine, the web page, and
> our dwindling membership turnout.? This has touched a nerve with me, as I
> have been a member of CRA since 1981, and I am frankly both distressed, and
> angry about our current situation!
> ?
> Folks, this club has been around a long time, and I am proud to be a member
> and officer of a club with a great history of community service and amateur
> radio spirit.? I am NOT proud of where we stand right now.? Our repeater
> needs work, our web site needs to be revised and updated, we direly need
> someone to publicize the club in traditional ways, and we need to recruit
> new members!? The Executive Board has discussed each of these topics
> repeatedly over the last two or three years, and we are not making
> progress!?
> ?
> Executive Board members have been taking on increasing responsibility for
> running the club's routine activities including the hamfest, the community
> service events, the awards/holiday dinner, and even the education and
> testing we sponsor.? The entire two member Technical Committee is made up
> only of Executive Board members.? We have no standing committees at all and
> when I or Michael before me have asked for volunteers for committees or
> work
> parties to assist the technical committee, we have rarely had anyone raise
> a
> hand to offer assistance.? It is as if the members attending the meetings
> are totally deaf!? What will it take to get the members to step forward and
> take part in the necessary functions of the club?
> ?
> The few non-board members who turn out for club meetings don't seem at all
> motivated to volunteer to make CRA grow and prosper!? Yes, we need to
> recruit new members, but  the existing members need to get involved in the
> process!? Yes, we need to fix the repeater "once and for all", but to do
> that, the existing members need to get involved to make it happen!? How
> much
> longer are YOU, the members, going to expect someone else to step forward
> and do it?? CRA cannot exist much longer if YOU, the members, don't take on
> the tasks of doing the club's work!!
> ?
> I know all of us are not as young as we used to be, but I am not asking you
> to put up towers at Field day, or for that matter do a whole lot that
> involves physical labor!? All of us had to have enough of a technical
> understanding to pass our license exams!? Most of us know how to turn a
> screwdriver or take a voltage reading with a meter.? People, you don't need
> to be an engineer with an advanced degree to help with the repeater
> repairs!? You don't need to have a degree in public relations to contact
> the
> news outlets to announce club events!? Any one of us can do that.
> ?
> Where do you stand in all this?? I want to hear from you!? E-mail me!? Call
> my home phone (908) 231-0746.? Talk to me on the air!?
> ?
> We are at a critical point in CRA's history.? Let's all step up and fix
> what
> is broken.? Put aside your differences with personalities and volunteer for
> the greater good of the club!? Let me hear from you!
> ?
> Sincerely,
> ?
> Bob Grear, KA2OEE
> President, Cherryville Repeater Association II
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> RVRC mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/rvrc
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:RVRC at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>



-- 
Michael Rothberg K2MLR
Cell: 908-208-0414
santadad at gmail.com

Remember the 11th of September!

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.
Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote."
Benjamin Franklin, 1759

From marvbrons at verizon.net  Wed Nov 21 01:07:21 2012
From: marvbrons at verizon.net (marvin bronstein)
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2012 01:07:21 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Rebuttal
Message-ID: <ECBDFF7593D7462AA2024FA7D21DF1C5@marvbronsPC>

I have been licensed since 1956. In that time I have seen the variations of amateur radio interest from ebb to peak as we see this hobby now.  I refuse to accept that we are all a "bunch of old geezers" (although I admit I'm 70+ now) there is still a vibrant interest and a genuine need for ham radio activity.  True, the technology has brought us the likes of 4G digital communications and granted there's public telecommunications of great capabilities but time and time again it has been shown the value of 'ham radio'.  When the sophisticated technologies go awry and fail during peak demands such as extreme weather or other natural disasters ham radio has always been available and becomes an invaluable tool to assist in providing essential communications.  
We must keep in mind that there is a wide, wide world of technology available to hams beyond the simple 'repeater'.  There are also many activities for ham radio licensees to be involved in interesting and educational activities.  
Insofar as emergency communications, hams that have taken a bonafide interest in such activity have taken up some of the modern technologies available to ham radio operating and along with the more common modes have been positively essential to recovery from disasters.
It has been keenly identified that due to the very nature of ham radio being 'non-centralized', system failures the likes of which we have witnessed during hurricane Katrina, tornadoes in our plains and even 911 (to a lesser degree even the latest hurricane Sandy) has proven the value of ham radio.
But there's much more than 'emcomm' activity, we have HF (3 ~ 30MHz) and VHF (30 ~ 300 MHz), UHF (300 ~ 2 GHz) and microwave (above 2 GHz). that's a lot of spectrum and a lot of activities unique to each "band"!  We have contesting, DXing, EME, satellite, digital communications, experimenting, constructing, educating and socializing to be involved.  We even find 'inventing' and developing new technologies to fall among ham radio activity.  

The limits are only that within each of us.  When we limit ourselves to the premise that we're "old geezers" and "obsolete" we are automatically casting a negative shroud that easily dims the interest of new-comers and those yet to become licensed.  
But we DO need to identify the areas of interest and expand upon them.  Activities are the antidote and we need to develop activities that will generate the interest.  After all, all of us who worked to obtain licenses have shown that we HAVE the INTEREST; let's put that interest to work.

73
Marv,
k2vhw


Hi all,

I am for the most part a silent observer/listener to this conversation.
While I understand most of the points being made, I fail to see one major
issue addressed.

First, I am an inactive, associate member. I joined the club primarily so
I could pay dues so that I wouldn't feel like I was a free-loader when
talking to people on the club's repeaters. That said, there remains that
major issue - the 800 pound gorilla in the room. While amateur radio was
always a unique tool to allow people to communicate with one another over
networks of repeaters without incurring long distance telephone charges,
the maturation of cellular technology and the competitive pricing for
"minutes" has rendered our hobby somewhat obsolete --- at least in the
normal communications mode. Even as a volunteer adjunct to emergency
services, there really isn't that much need for us. I hate to say it, but
we are a bunch of old geezers who cling to the technology of our youth,
while cell phones, smartphones, tablets and laptops all communicate at 4G
and with WIFI and "air cards" at much greater Internet speeds, leaving us
in the dust. Our communication circles using these technologies are far
greater than we could ever hope to achieve within our very small radio
communities.

Having said all this, I truly believe that if we want to rejuvenate amateur
radio, we first have to identify the requirements. Why do we want to do
this? Again, if it is for these small circles of friends, we will never
expand our horizons to the larger populations in the internet
communications world.

Define a good reason/requirement for us, then build a solution, and people
will come. We can bang our heads against the wall hoping to entice new
members, but without answering this basic question, we are just going to
end up with a major headache.

Sorry! I don't mean to throw cold water on the discussion, but I am trying
to apply rational systems engineering discipline to the problem. That does
not mean I have the answer.

Michael Rothberg K2MLR

From marvbrons at verizon.net  Wed Nov 21 23:23:27 2012
From: marvbrons at verizon.net (marvin bronstein)
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2012 23:23:27 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] FCC to give top-band to amateurs exclusively
Message-ID: <FC600D7955474A6AA041A99421DB062C@marvbronsPC>


From bogus@does.not.exist.com  Wed Nov 21 12:16:47 2012
From: bogus@does.not.exist.com ()
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2012 17:16:47 -0000
Subject: No subject
Message-ID: <mailman.3.1353558200.2917.rvrc@mailman.qth.net>

Allocation Changes to 160 Meter Band

The FCC is proposing to change the Amateur Radio Service allocation to =
the 160 meter band (1800-2000 kHz), reallocating the 1900-2000 kHz =
segment to the Amateur Radio Service on a primary basis. In the NPRM, =
the FCC noted that =93the ARRL has identified the 160 meter band and the =
amateur HF bands as =91[b]y far, the heaviest-used [Amateur Service] =
allocations.=92=94

Read all about it;

http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-seeks-to-assign-entire-amateur-portion-of-16=
0-meter-band-to-primary-status-to-amateur-radio-serv

From overthetop52 at yahoo.com  Thu Nov 22 07:25:37 2012
From: overthetop52 at yahoo.com (Pete Fierro)
Date: Thu, 22 Nov 2012 04:25:37 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [RVRC] Happy Thanksgiving
Message-ID: <1353587137.64205.YahooMailNeo@web161901.mail.bf1.yahoo.com>

????? Hello everyone
????? Happy Thanksgiving to all.I'm worried about E.T.......The Extra Turkey!!!..73..Pete KD2ARB

From overthetop52 at yahoo.com  Sat Nov 24 21:49:28 2012
From: overthetop52 at yahoo.com (Pete Fierro)
Date: Sat, 24 Nov 2012 18:49:28 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [RVRC] Welcome to 75 Meters!!
In-Reply-To: <1352686780.44637.YahooMailNeo@web161904.mail.bf1.yahoo.com>
References: <1352686780.44637.YahooMailNeo@web161904.mail.bf1.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <1353811768.25673.YahooMailNeo@web161903.mail.bf1.yahoo.com>

Greetings
???? Dem boys like their sauce on 75 meters!!..73 Pete



 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ5ob9B9yD4

From gjurrens at gmail.com  Sun Nov 25 10:18:38 2012
From: gjurrens at gmail.com (Gerry Jurrens)
Date: Sun, 25 Nov 2012 10:18:38 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Happy Birthday Mary Ann Ryan-Erdek
Message-ID: <0CAD2F51-353A-4549-BCDA-0AA739FB9CE2@gmail.com>

ARL FORTY SIX MARY ANN KC2TQJ X HAVE A GREAT YEAR X 73 ES 88

GJ
Sent from my iPhone4
Pls 4give typos & brevity


From gjurrens at gmail.com  Sun Nov 25 17:37:55 2012
From: gjurrens at gmail.com (Gerry Jurrens)
Date: Sun, 25 Nov 2012 17:37:55 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Happy Birthday John WJ3P
References: <0CAD2F51-353A-4549-BCDA-0AA739FB9CE2@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <D20969AB-977F-4E60-AD33-4169144A8718@gmail.com>

ARL FORTY SIX JOHN WJ3P X HAVE A GREAT YEAR X 73

GJ
Sent from my iPhone4
Pls 4give typos & brevity

From jepugh at gmail.com  Mon Nov 26 08:17:21 2012
From: jepugh at gmail.com (John Pugh)
Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2012 08:17:21 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] Happy Birthday John WJ3P
In-Reply-To: <D20969AB-977F-4E60-AD33-4169144A8718@gmail.com>
References: <0CAD2F51-353A-4549-BCDA-0AA739FB9CE2@gmail.com>
	<D20969AB-977F-4E60-AD33-4169144A8718@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <8231B27E-A1BF-4844-AFEA-BBEBD05A9B18@gmail.com>

Thanks!  Got lots of greetings via Facebook and a nice evening with our family.

73, John
---
John Pugh
Hopewell, NJ



On Nov 25, 2012, at 5:37 PM, Gerry Jurrens wrote:

> ARL FORTY SIX JOHN WJ3P X HAVE A GREAT YEAR X 73
> 
> GJ
> Sent from my iPhone4
> Pls 4give typos & brevity
> ______________________________________________________________
> RVRC mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/rvrc
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:RVRC at mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html


From overthetop52 at yahoo.com  Mon Nov 26 19:40:57 2012
From: overthetop52 at yahoo.com (Pete Fierro)
Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2012 16:40:57 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [RVRC] Bears in the Sourlands!
In-Reply-To: <0613BBF1-2B31-48B3-86E4-D6CB65FAB442@abc.com>
References: <0613BBF1-2B31-48B3-86E4-D6CB65FAB442@abc.com>
Message-ID: <1353976857.11308.YahooMailNeo@web161903.mail.bf1.yahoo.com>

?????? Guys
???? Howard Price KA2QPJ is President of the BEARS repeater network in New York (Broadcast Employees Amateur Radio Society) has informed me that a new repeater is in town here.It will soon be linked to the BEARS repeater network in the not too distant future.Particulars are below...73..Pete KD2ARB


----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "Price, Howard B." <Howard.B.Price at abc.com>
To: "overthetop52 at yahoo.com" <overthetop52 at yahoo.com> 
Sent: Monday, November 26, 2012 10:33 AM
Subject: Testing N2BEI/RPT in Somerset Co
 ? 
Pete

446.900 (-), PL 127.3....from 190' ft tower atop Sourland Mt in Hillsborough, NJ.

Not yet linked to W2ABC but will be via 902 MHz link when testing is done.

Rptr puts out about 17 watts at antenna.

Let us know how it works for you.

Joe/N2BEI will be listening.

Tnx de KA2QPJ

Sent from my iPhone 4S

From drumor at optonline.net  Thu Nov 29 22:14:53 2012
From: drumor at optonline.net (drew Moore)
Date: Thu, 29 Nov 2012 22:14:53 -0500
Subject: [RVRC] RVRC Holiday Party
Message-ID: <01af01cdcea8$de46ec70$9ad4c550$@optonline.net>



Members,

 

Earlier today I sent out a notice about our Holiday Party. In the event you
are unable to download the attachment sent with that email to make your
entr?e selection I have posted it on the website. Please view the RVRC
website at www.w2qw.org and click on the link in the What's new section for
the menu information.

 

Please let Vito know of your intent to attend so he can determine the
headcount. Unfortunately the notice has gone out late this year and we all
know how fast time flies. This is always a fun event and the cost is
reasonable.

 

73

Drew

W2OU


