K6MEP Keyer – The Journal of the Ventura County Amateur ... 2015 11... · K6MEP Keyer – The...

K6MEP Keyer – The Journal of the Ventura County Amateur Radio Club

K6MEP Keyer November [email protected] / www.qsl.net/k6mep of 24 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ventura-County-Amateur-Radio-Club/218258118205441https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/K6MEP/info



The KEYER is published monthly by K6MEP, the Ventura County Amateur Radio Club, Inc. as a means of providing club members the minutes from K6MEP’s monthly general membership meetings, the monthly board of directors meetings, a calendar of events and articles of interest on amateur radio.

Layout and logos are the property of The Ventura County Amateur Radio Club, K6MEP. The stories printed in this journal remain the property of the writers, without whom we would not have a publication. Permission to reprint articles should be obtained from the authors. Articles from the ARRL are reproduced with permission.

Material submitted for inclusion is encouraged. Submit material on IBM(tm) PC diskettes, USB sticks, or by e-mail to [email protected]. MS Word, WordPerfect or ASCII is preferred. Send all submissions directly to the club mailing address atK6MEP, PO Box 2103 Oxnard, CA 93034-2103 or deliver to the editor at any time mutually convenient.

K6MEP holds general membership meetings at 7:30 p.m on the 2nd Friday of each month at The Ventura Port Authority building, 1603 Anchors Way Ventura 93001

Dues are $20 per year.

Message from the President

Greetings Members:

We are holding November elections, as we do every year. There is one position open for Board Member at Large. There are three nominations thus far, and more nominations will be called for during the meeting. Then nominations will be closed and the election will be held. Your dues must be paid for 2015 and 2016 in order to vote in the election. Board Member duties and responsibilities are as outlined in the Bylaws on the K6MEP web site, http://www.qsl.net/k6mep

All Club members are representatives of the Club and of Amateur Radio in general. All VCARC Directors, i.e., Board Members are, in addition, called upon by the President as ambassadors and ombudsmen of the Club to conduct business for the Board, to form liaisons with other radio clubs, with prospective members and presenters, and other duties as assigned. Directors are expected to attend nearly all meetings. Exemplary behavior, acceptable appearance, and accountability are expected of Directors at all Club functions and while conducting Club business operations. These are high standards, and the Club must expect adherence. High caliber leadership is a hallmark of successful organizations.

(cont pg 12)

Secretary’s Column and Meeting MinutesVentura County Amateur Radio Club Inc. Club Meeting Meeting Date : Oct 9 2015 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES MEETING ADDRESS : Ventura Port District Building 1603

Anchors Way, Ventura ATTENDANCE : Listed on Roll Check-In Sheet CALL TO ORDER Established quorum (25% of Voting Members = 6 ) ANNOUNCEMENTS MEETING MINUTES Open meeting with Pledge of Allegiance Introductions. Call for approval of minutes. Motion to approve the

minutes: 8 Hands to approve . SECRETARY REPORT Insurance paid, membership dues

are now due. 28 members active. FINANCIAL REVIEW New Treasurer John Gartman AG6GL

reports on account balances. OLD BUSINESS Review of the club picnic event. Stewart Stone KG6BOV

reports on the activities. NEW BUSINESS Officer Election nomination Open Board seat : 3 self-

nominations by Steve Hudson, Steve Noll and Lloyd Oleson.

(cont pg 17)

Ventura County Amateur Radio Club 2015 Officers and ChairsPresident Joe Krigbaum K6NE (805) 642-2337 Vice-President John Castorina WB6AZP Secretary Rob Byl KD6UDA Treasurer John Gartman AG6GL Board Member Stewart Stone KG6BOV (805) 488-7388 Board Member Rod Austin KA6GSU (805) 983-7141 Board Member (open) Photographer Stewart Stone KG6BOV (805) 488-7388 Facilities Mgr. Joe Krigbaum K6NE (805) 642-2337 Refreshments ARRL Liaison Chris Dimond KJ6QOP Editor/ Publisher Stewart Stone KG6BOV (805) 488-7388 Prize Chairman VACANT - An Opportunity to serve your club PR chairman Dana Wentling KG6WXE Awards Mgr. VACANT - An Opportunity to serve your club Programs Chair Stewart Stone KG6BOV (805) 488-7388 Webmaster Joe Krigbaum K6NE (805) 642-2337 New Members Bob Brodie KJ6AAE QSL Manager (open) License trustee Joe Krigbaum K6NE (805) 642-2337 Historian VACANT - An Opportunity to serve your club Elmer Coordinator VACANT - An Opportunity to serve your club

The Inside StoryMessage from the President………….…………….…….…..………2 Meeting Notes………………………….……………….…...…………2 Contests & Spec Events…………….…………………..……........…3 Gear Available…………………….……………………………...…4 -6 Thoughts about what to do with the money we have -- WA6EJO..6 Trivia…………………..……………………….………...…..…………7 Upcoming FCC Exam Sessions…….……………..…….............8 - 9 Upcoming HamFests ……….……..……………...………..…..……10 Net Script……………..…………..………….……….……..….….…11 K6MEP Calendar……………………..……..…...…….…...……..…11 Volunteer Training Classes…………..……..…..…...…........12 & 13 ARES & Frequency information……..………………….…..………14 ARRL Public Service Classes……..……….……………………….15 Area Nets…………….……..…………………….……..….……..….16 Meeting Local Maps ……………………………..…….….…………18 ARRL Reiterates Call to Allocate 630 M, OK Rules for 2200 M....19 Amateur Radio Parity Act Has 100 Proponents in House….……20 ARRL Asks FCC to Clarify Mods to Non-Ham Gear for HamUse.20 IOTA Foundation to Manage RSGB’s Islands on the Air Prog…..21 IARU Council Stresses Antenna Systems for Hams ……………..22 “ARRL National Parks on the Air” SE to Mark NPS Centennial…23 Use of 146.52 MHz FM Simplex Cleared for ARRL Contests…...24 2015 Field Day Results……………………………..……………….24



Selected November Contests & Special EventsThe following contests and special events caught your editor’s eye. This is by no means a complete listing. Please see QST or the ARRL website (www.arrl.org) for any details and QSL information.

---------------------------------------------------------- 11/07/2015 | Camp Van Dorn World War II Museum 10th

Anniversary Nov 7, 1400Z-2200Z, W5CCW, Liberty, MS. Amateur Radio Club Of Amite County. QSL. www.w5ccw.net

11/07/2015 | Millfield Ohio Mine Disaster 85th Anniversary Remembrance Nov 14-Nov 15, 1600Z-0300Z, KC8AAV, Millfield, OH. Sunday Creek Amateur Radio Federation. QSL. This is to honor and remember the 82 coal miners that lost there lives in Ohio's worst ever mining disaster on November 5th 1930 in Millfield Ohio. [email protected]

11/07/2015 | Stone Mountain Hamfest Youth Lounge Nov 7, 1400Z-1900Z, W4Y, Lawrenceville, GA. Mill Springs Academy Radio Club. QSL. www.qrz.com/db/w4msa

11/07/2015 | USS Cobia WWII Submarine celebrating Vets Day and Commemorating the 52 Subs and Crew Members Lost in WWII Nov 7-Nov 8, 1400Z-2100Z, NB9QV, Manitowoc, WI. USS Cobia Amateur Radio Club. QSL. W6BSF. SASE #10 for QSL www.qrz.com/db/nb9qv

11/07/2015 | Veterans Day Nov 7-Nov 8, 1522Z-1522Z, K8V, Iron Mountain, MI. Mich-A-Con Amateur Radio Club. Certificate & QSL. From the Upper Peninsula Veterans Memorial www.qsl.net/ka1ddb

11/10/2015 | 40th Anniversary Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald Nov 10-Nov 23, 0000Z-2359Z, W8F, Detroit, MI. Livonia Amateur Radio Club. Certificate. For certificate, send business sized SASE. www.livoniaarc.com

11/11/2015 | The American Legion takes to the airwaves with a salute to veterans Nov 11, 1400Z-2130Z, K9TAL, Indianapolis, IN. The American Legion Amateur Radio Club. Certificate. The American Legion Amateur Radio Club. www.legion.org/hamradio

11/11/2015 | Veterans Day Special Event Nov 11, 1500Z-2200Z, W5KID, Baton Rouge, LA. Baton Rouge Amateur Radio Club. QSL. USS KiddAmateur Radio Club, www.qrz.com/db/w5kid

11/14/2015 | Celebrating 100 Years of QST Magazine Nov 14, 1600Z-2000Z, WE7GV, Green Valley, AZ. Green Valley Amateur Radio Club. Certificate & QSL. Green Valley Amateur Radio Club. gvarc.us

11/14/2015 | Elizabeth Cady Stanton - 200th Birthday Event Nov 14-Nov 15, 1300Z-2300Z, K2JJI, Johnstown, NY. TRYON Amateur Radio Club. Certificate. TRYON Amateur Radio Club. Frequencies are subject to QRM, we will also other HF bands TBD. Updates and Certificate will be at www.k2jji.org during the event. www.k2jji.org

11/14/2015 | NARCfest 2015 Nov 14, 1400Z-2000Z, K0NXA, Nixa, MO. Nixa Amateur Radio Club. Certificate. Nixa Amateur Radio Club is celebrating the inauguration of its new communications trailer during its annual hamfest. Certificate with trailer pics available; send QSO details and S.A.S.E. to WA0JZK. www.nixahams.net

11/14/2015 | Oklahoma State Hood Special Event Nov 14, 1500Z-2000Z, K5EOK, Edmond, OK. Edmond Amateur Radio Society. Certificate. Edmond Amateur Radio Society. k5eok.org

11/14/2015 | Veterans Day and USMC Birthday Special Event Nov 14, 1700Z-2359Z, NI6IW, San Diego, CA. USS Midway (CV-41) Museum Ship . QSL. USS Midway Museum Ship Radio Room.

11/15/2015 | Genesis of Ann Arbor 40th Anniversary Nov 15-Nov 16, 0900Z-1600Z, N8G, Ann Arbor, MI. ARROW Communications Association. Certificate. [email protected]

11/17/2015 | NRA's 144th Birthday Party Nov 17, 1500Z-2359Z, K7NRA, Paulden, AZ. Yavapai Amateur Radio Club. Certificate. YARC. www.w7yrc.org/nrabirthday

11/20/2015 | HMHS Britannic Nov 20-Nov 25, 0000Z-2359Z, KC9HYY/WSL3, Muskego, WI. KC9HYY. QSL. HMHS Britannic 2015. Remembering the 99th Anniversary of the tragic loss of the HMHS Britannic. SSB and PSK31 with possibility of CW. Please send QSL's before December 15, 2015. www.qrz.com/db/kc9hyy

11/21/2015 | W6OI and VE9TEN and DL0X Special Event Nov 21-Nov 22, 0001Z-2359Z, W6OI, Burlington, WI. Ten-Ten Organization. All modes 10 meters. QSL. N9AC. Ten-Ten International club stations W6OI, VE9TEN, and DL0X will be in operation from all US call areas, in Canada, and Germany to keep ten meters active, to promote 10-10 Organization, and to have fun making contacts. This is the 12th year of the event. Special event QSL cards available on request. Contact Jerry, N9AC, for any further information. www.ten-ten.org

11/21/2015 | W6SFM Bug Roundup Event Nov 21-Nov 22, 1500Z-1459Z, W6SFM, Carmichael, CA. Samuel F. Morse Amateur Radio Club. QSL. W6SFM. W6SFM – The Samuel F. Morse Amateur Radio Club, a Sacramento, California based CW enthusiast club wanted a special time to bring bug operators together on the air. In the same spirit as ARRL's Straight Key Night, participants are encouraged to make simple, conversational, “chewing-the-fat” QSOs using their bug type key. This is an opportunity to exercise, share and exhibit your personalized fist. This is NOT a contest. Call "CQ BR" so folks know you are a Bug Roundup Participant. www.w6sfm.com



D-STAR Radios For SaleRusty Hemenway <[email protected]>

ICOM ID 5100 New 675.00 BT plug in card / Microphone New 115.00 / Software 63.00

VHF/UHF, D-Star and FM, Large control head. Good D-Star coverage in most of VC (inhabited areas)

BT Headset ? Will talk with ICOM Software for Android Cell phones (Exchange

pictures etc) via BT Selling for $500.00

ICOM ID-51 Plus Anniversary Edition (Color Red). New 823.00 Fast Charger New 74.00 / 2 Batteries New 143.00 Ea / Dry Cell

battery holder ? / Speaker Mic 74.00 This is a much improved version of the original ID51 Asking $600.00

Contact Rusty K1GGS 805-426-6357 (home)

N6JLW (SK) Ham Gear to SellHello All,

Mac was a new ham radio operator in 2012, so this gear is in brand new condition. He was a non-smoker. There is some CB (11 meter) items on the list. You may contact me to ask questions about the gear, but his wife (Joyce) is selling all his gear and will price them on the phone or in person with you. Joyce’s phone number is 805 377-8340 and email [email protected] Please do not lowball her. She has all the receipts and knows how much most items were paid for. You may call Joyce and setup an appointment to inspect the gear prior to purchasing. Cash or check to purchase. If you pay with a check the items will be held for 10 days til the check clears. Please forward this to other hams.

73 Tom [email protected]

Available Gear

N6JLW (SK) Ham Gear to Sell

REPEATER MOTOROLA GM 300 MOBILE RADIO -2 EA W/MIC Motorola HLN3333B Repeater Interface Communications Kit JIESAI SGQ-450 D UHF 6 Cavity Duplexer for Motorola Radio Repeater A160 ASTRON SL-15R

BAOFENG PORTABLE TWO-WAY RADIO EXTRA LONG BATTERY OPTION - BL-5L - COMPLETE - IN BOX - BAOFENG BF-888S PORTABLETWO-WAY RADIO 400-470MHz - COMPLETE - IN BOX - WITH MANUALS BAOFENG UV-5R -- UVF/UHF -- ULTRA-COMPACT DUAL-BANK TRANSCEIVER WITH WIDE BAND COVERAGE-

COMPLETE - IN BOX - WITH MANUALS COBRA 18 WX ST ii 40 CHANNEL MOBILE RADIO -- WITH MANUAL KENWOOD TH-F6A - 144/220/440/MHz FM TRIBANDER KENWOOD TH-F6S EXTRA BATTERY

Icom IC-756 Pro III and Heil PR-781 Mic and stand for sale $2,200

Contact Dan Dicke KE6NYT

[email protected]



KENWOOD EMS 42K SMART BATTERY CHARGER FOR PB-42L & PB-42SL L-ION BATTERY PACKS - COMPLETE - IN BOX - WITH MANUALS

MOTOROLA GM 300 MOBILE RADIO - WITH MIC STANDARD C168A VHF HANDY TRANSCEIVER WITH MANUAL AMERITRON AL-811 HF POWER LINEAR AMPLIFIER 600 WATTS, 3X 811A - COMPLETE - IN BOX - WITH MANUALS-

WITH CABLES TEXAS STAR DX 225 AMP ASTRON SS-18 POWER SUPPLY- COMPLETE - IN BOX - WITH MANUALS ASTRON SS-18 POWER SUPPLY- COMPLETE - IN BOX - WITH MANUALS MFJ VHF/UHF WATMETER MODEL MFJ-862 -- WITH MANUAL MICRONTA SWR/POWER METER -- IN BOX WITH MANUAL SIMPSON VOLT OHM MILLIAMMETER 260 SERIES 6P MANUAL YAESU YS-500 140-526 MHZ WAT SWR METER- COMPLETE - WITH MANUALS REALISTIC SCANNER - PRO 2023 - UHF HI-LO-AIR -- 2O CHANNEL DIRECT ENTRY PROGRAMMABLE REALISTIC PRO 38 10 CHANNEL DIRECT ENTRY PROGRAMABLE SCANNER -- WITH MANUAL MICROPHONES

ALINCO DESKTOP MICROPHONE EMS-14 - COMPLETE - IN BOX - WITH MANUALS JDI JD-DMI DESK MIKE KENWOOD SMC-33 WATERPROOF MICROPHONE - IN BOX - COMPLETE - WITH MANUAL ASTATIC AST878DM OMNI DIRECTION CERAMIC DESK MIC - COMPLETE - IN BOX - WITH MANUAL KENWOOD SMC-34 SPEAKER MICROPHONE- COMPLETE - IN BOX - WITH MANUALS STERLING AUDIO ST51 FET CONDENSER MICROPHONE - COMPLETE - IN BOX - NO MANUAL - WITH SHOCK

MOUNT TUBE MP STUDIO TUBE MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER - COMPLETE - IN BOX - WITH MANUAL COBRA WITH AJUSTABLE POWER COBRA CA-73 - 2 EACH

BAOFENG VARIOUS UNKNOWN MIDLAND ESTENSION SPEAKER MODEL 21-406 - IMPEDENCE MAXIMUM INPUT POWER 20W - COMPLETE - IN BOX MIDLAND SPEAKER MODEL 21-404C - COMPLETE - IN BOX SONIC BLUE - SPEAKER - HT2030 SATELLITE IMPEDANCE 8 OHMS SONIC BLUE - SPEAKER - HT2030 SATELLITE IMPEDANCE 8 OHMS RADIO SHACK SPEAKER 21-549B COMET DUPLEXER CF-530 - NEW - E ACH KENWOOD PG-5F EXTENSION CABLE KIT -- MISSING PARTS -IN BOX - HAS MANUAL PROGRAMMING CABLES

MOTOROLA CM200, CM300 PM400 GM140 GM160 GM300 GM338

PROGRAMING CABLE -- BAOFENG USB FOR RADIO TALKIE UV-5R/666S/777S/888S

PROGRAMING CABLE -- BF-888, TH-F6, UV5R PROGRAMING CABLE – DR-235 PROGRAMING CABLE - GM-300 PROGRAMING CABLE – KENWOOD TM-D740A,

TMV71A, PG-5G, TMD710E, TMV71E ALINCO DR-235 PROGRAMING C AND CABLE (APK-

235)

KENWOOD TH-F6/F7 PROGRAMING CD AND CABLE (KRS-65)

KENWOOD TMV-71 PROGRAMING CD AND CABLE (KRS-V71)

COMPUTER DISKS USB COMPORT DRIVERS MOTOROLA CPS R19.01.00 XTS 2500 DRIVE & UTILITY CD TEKONSHA BAOFENG BF-888 PROGRAMING CD (RPS-888) DRIVER CH341 BAOFENG UV-5R PROGRAMMING CD (BAO-5R) KENWOOD KPG-25D

ON THE AIR WITH GORDON WEST CUSHCRAFT R8 6, 10,12,15,17,20,30,40 METERS

ANTENNA ROHN 25G 40 FOOT SELF SUPPORTING TOWER R-

25SS040 CENTERFIRE DELUXE DISCONE BASE ANTENNA --

WITH MANUAL TRAM MODEL 1450 UHF ANTENNA TRAM MODEL 1494 J POLE ANTENNA WITH INSTRUCTIONS

COMET SBB5 COMET SBB15 COMET HP32 FHN COMET SBB7 ED FONG DUAL BANK J-POLE UHF VHF 2 EACH DIAMOND K600M SERIES TRUCK MOUNT 2 EA -- TELESCOPING FEATHER LIGHTWEIGHT WHIPS -

CLOSE 13 OPEN 66 -- $6 EA 2 EA -- TELESCOPING STANDARD WHIPS - CLOSE 13



OPEN 66 -- $12 EA ANTENNA MOUNT W/CABLE DIAMOND ANTENNA SRH320A - 2M/1-1/4/70CM FOR

RECEIVING & TRANSMITTING &

120/150/300/450/800/900MHZ BANDS RECEIVING ANTENNA FOR HANDHELD TRANSCEIVERS

DIAMOND ANTENNA SRH519 - 144/430 MHZ

MOTOROLA HKN9557A - MINI-UHF ANTENNA ADAPTOR GIN-POLE ASSEMBLY - NO POLE FALL SAFE EXTREME CLIMBING HARNESS - FS160 2XL

FULL BODY HARNESS REBAR ASSEMBLY BODY BELTS

SHOCK ABSORBING LANYARDS ANCHOR - LIFE LINES - ROPE GRABS HELMET

COPPER GROUNDING POLES WITH GROUND ROD CLAMP - 8 FT -- 3EA GALVANIZED CONDUIT POLES

1 EA -- 5 FT X 1 1/4 IN 1 EA -- 6 1/2 FT X 1/1/4 IN 1 EA -- 10 FT X 1/14 IN

2 EA -- 3 1/2 FT X 1 1/2 IN 1 EA -- 3 FT X 1 1/2 IN

COAX WIRE ELKENS RG-8U - 98 FT AND 8 FT - $1.10 PER FOOT BELDEN 8219 RG-58A/U - 87 FT -- 1.OO PER FOOT 14400 RG8X - 72 FT --- .42 PER FOOT TIMES MICROWAVE LMR -240 -- 84FT------ 1.20 / FT

TIMES MICROWAVE LMR - 400 - 79 FT, 34 FT, 16 FT -- .99 PER FOOT

RG-62U -20 FT -- .80 FT

GALVANIZED STEEL CABLE -- $12.87 30 FEET SOLDERING IRON STAND SLIP MAGNIFIGING LENS GLASS BOXES - PICK WHAT YOU WANT TELEPHONE WIRES, CABLES AND CONNECTORS VARIOUS SIZE OF ELECTRICAL WIRE ELECTRIC SURGE BREAKERS AND STERIO CABLES TOOLS, HARDWARE (U BOLTS, BRACKETS, CONNECTORS ETC)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Some thoughts about raffles and what to do with all the money we have left :)

Raffles... The Simi club has a raffle every meeting. Most meetings it's pretty sucky (personal opinion), but the people seem to really

enjoy it and a few buy a lot of tickets. Prizes include a carton or two of Whoppers (yeah seriously, malted milk balls, seems to be a local tradition), packs of

Harbor Freight batteries, screwdriver sets, flashlights, etc. Occasionally there will be a grand prize of a Baofeng HT, or the like, and something bigger once a year like an antenna

analyzer or a mobile FM transceiver. Also, they have a membership drawing every month for a cash prize that accumulates by $10 each time there is no winner present.

Dues are $12/year ($18 family). I don't know what's in their treasury. I strongly suspect that the raffle ticket sales more than finance the raffles.

Expenses include P.O. box rental and insurance. They appear to not be tax exempt. Meeting attendance is in the order of 25 with no program, 35 when there is a program. They almost always have a

program. Meetings are extremely well run. No club business. They don't dwell on any topic for more that a few minutes. They have a Pledge of Allegiance, member introductions, announcements of special events, then the program with the speaker being introduced by the pres, the program, the speaker is presented with a framed personalized Certificate of Appreciation, a break with two or three quarts of juices & two or three packages of cookies (another club expense), then the raffle drawings. Every speaker is treated to dinner at a restaurant before the meeting.

Their annual Christmas parties are at a member's home. They have a nice web newsletter. Board meetings are at a member's home. They occasionally have had a construction

project. It's all interesting considering their dues are only $12. Might be an issue of scale? The membership size is enough to finance all of this.

I have to think that their raffle is actually a money-maker when you consider PO box rental, insurance, paying for speaker's dinners, food at the meetings, cost of the raffle prizes, and the low dues.



Question is, is our club large enough for a raffle to be self-sustaining?

Better prize examples: Chinese HT $28, DMM $6, transistor/component tester $22. All are current Amazon prices.

Uses of Money...One idea - sponsor a special award at the Ventura County Science Fair. A number of organizations do this. Awards range from $50 to $500.

Typical sponsors: American Petroleum Institute, for projects related to the energy industry. California Association of Professional Scientists, for projects with good scientific methodology. Conejo Valley Audubon Society, for projects on environmental sciences. IEEE Buenaventura Section for computer science projects. When I was in the game I won small savings bonds from the

local IEEE group, Edison, B of A, NCEL, etc.

Nearly 1000 students take part. There's about 275 volunteer judges. Yeah, it's that huge! I've been a judge a couple times. Your fellow judges are scientists and engineers, it's quite humbling. Prize awards are fairly low cost and it's just once a year around April held at the Fairgrounds.

We're supposed to be "operated exclusively for educational purposes..." according to the Articles of Incorporation. Is there something educational we can fund? I took electronics at my high school (Buena) but see no evidence that any local schools have an electronics class any more so I don't know if there's any support opportunities there. Maybe something in Boy Scouts? Boys & Girls Clubs?

Club loaner equipment: Antenna Analyzer, MFJ Noise & Interference Canceller - items that one would want to try before deciding to buy one?

Should we set a target amount to maintain in the treasury like a couple thousand, and whittle it down to that amount?

73, Steve WA6EJO

-------------------------------

Trivia for November 2015

1. On what holiday does the ARRL’s Straight Key Night occur? -- New Year’s Eve

2. Which two metals were used to make the first battery? -- Volta used zinc and copper

3. From what country was the first European to make a two-way contact with US hams? -- France -- the station was owned by Leon Deloy, 8AB

4. Why do you smell a vintage radio? -- To see if anything has burned up! The scent of toasted transformer is particularly troublesome.

de Dana [email protected]

-------------------------------------------



Upcoming FCC Exam SessionsON EXAM DAY BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: 1. A legal photo ID (driver's license, passport). 2. When no photo ID is available, two forms of identification must be presented:

a. non-photo ID/driver's license (some states still have them) b. birth certificate (must have the appropriate seal) c. social security card d. library card e. utility bill, bank statement or other business correspondence that specifically names the person; or a postmarked

envelope addressed to the person at his or her current mailing address as it appears on the Form 605. 3. Students may bring any of the above items and/or a school ID, minor's work permit, report card, or a legal guardian may

present a photo ID. 4. Bring your Social Security Number (SSN) or your FCC issued Federal Registration Number (FRN). VEC's are required by

FCC to submit either your SSN or your FRN number with your license application form. If you prefer not to give your SSN, then you may use your FCC issued FRN, if you have one. For instructions on how to register your SSN with the FCC and receive a FRN, visit the FCC's FAQ page and the FCC's registration instructions page.

5. If applicable, bring the original and a photocopy of your current Amateur Radio license and any Certificates of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) you may hold from previous exam sessions. The photocopy(s) will not be returned.

6. Two number two pencils with erasers and a pen. 7. A calculator with the memory erased and formulas cleared is allowed. You may not bring any written notes or calculations

into the exam session. Slide rules and logarithmic tables are acceptable, as long as they're free of notes and formulas. Cell phone must be silenced or turned off during the exam session. The phones' calculator function may not be used.

8. Bring a check, a money order or cash to cover the exam session fee(s). Check the ARRL VEC's current exam fee.

License Preparation and Sample Test Sites

http://aa9pw.com/radio/

http://hamexam.org/

http://twit.tv/show/ham-nation -- Weekly Webcast

http://www.AmateurLogic.tv -- Weekly Webcast

http://www.eham.net/exams/

http://www.Facebook.com/HamStudy

http://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com -- cost / on-line subscription

http://www.hamstudy.org (ICOM sponsored site)requires free registration

http://www.qrz.com/ht/ -- requires free registration

http://www.radioexam.org/

Upcoming FCC Exam Sessions 11/01/2015 Time: 7:30 AM (No walk-ins) Sponsor:

Calabasas/LH Sheriff's Station VEC: Greater LA VECContact: Norman M. Goodkin (818) 222-7893 Email:[email protected] Location: Lost Hills Sheriff's Station (Assembly Room) 27050 Agoura Rd Agoura Hills CA 91301-5332

11/07/2015 10:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed) Test 1st Saturday Every Month Sponsor: AA6WC/Ali Hassan VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: Ali Hassan (323) 758-0565 Email: [email protected] Location: VE's Residence 6043 3rd Avenue Los Angeles CA 90043-2618

11/07/2015 Time: 10:30 AM (Walk-ins allowed) Sponsor: ARES LAX VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: James W. Laage (818) 368-8710 Call before 6PM Email: [email protected] Location: Valley Presbeterian Hospital Health Education Center 15107 Vanowen St

Van Nuys CA 91405-454211/07/2015 Time: 11:30 AM (Walk-ins allowed) Sponsor:

City of LA Aux Comm srv Date: Nov 07 2015 VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: Theodore T. Fukushima (213) 309-8086 Email: [email protected] Location: Bel Air Ridge-Club House 2760 Claray Dr Los Angeles CA 90077-2018

11/14/2015 Time: 7:00 AM (No walk-ins) Sponsor: PAPA VEC: Greater LA VEC Contact: Norman M. Goodkin (818) 403-5123 Email: [email protected]: Coffee Co. 8751 La Tijera Blvd Los Angeles CA 90045-3906

11/14/2015 Time: 8:30 AM (No walk-ins) Sponsor: Santa Barbara ARC VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: Darryl Widman (805) 969-2326 Email: [email protected]: County Health Care Services 300 N San



Antonio Road Santa Barbara CA 93110-1370 Southwest corner of bldg

11/14/2015 Time: 11:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed) Sponsor: ARES LAX VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: James R. Stoker (310) 775-5613 Email: [email protected]: Huntington Hospital 100 W Colorado Blvd Pasadena CA 91105-3010 Wingate Bldg East conf. Room; Check in Booth E parking Lot www.arrllax.org(ed. Note – Huntington Hospital is 100 W CALIFORNIA )

11/21/2015 Time: 8:00 AM (No walk-ins) Sponsor: Santa Clarita ARC VEC: Greater LA VEC Contact: Ronald B. Klein (661) 259-0948 Email: [email protected]: Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center 22900 Market St Santa Clarita CA 91321-3608

11/21/2015 10:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed) Sponsor: Palos Verdes ARC, K6PV VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: David D. Scholler (310) 373-8166 Email: [email protected] Location: Hesse Park Community Center 29301 Hawthorne Blvd Rancho Palos Verdes CA 90275

11/28/2015 Time: 10:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed) Sponsor: Crescent Bay VE Grp/W6TRW ARC VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: Scott V. Swanson (310) 459-0337 Email: [email protected] Location: Northrup/Grumman 1 Space Park Blvd Redondo Beach CA 90278-1001

12/02/2015 Time: 7:30 PM (Walk-ins allowed) Sponsor: Baldwin Hills ARC VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: Edward L. Walker (323) 394-1818 www.barc.us Email: [email protected] Location: Round Table Pizza 4330 Redondo Beach Blvd Torrance CA 90504-1031

12/05/2015 Time: 8:00 AM (No walk-ins) Sponsor: SMRA Emergency Repeater Network VEC: ARRL/VECContact: George W. Kreider (805) 754-2677 Email: [email protected] Location: Betty Plotkin Center, American Red Cross 834 / 836 Calle Plano, Camarillo, Ca 93012; 34d 11m 55.21s N / 119d 00m 28.30s W ; Directions: From US 101, exit Pleasant Valley / Santa Rosa Road, southbound on Pleasant Valley turning left at Pancho Rd. approx. 3/4 mile on Pancho Rd. Left on Pancho at Calle Bolero; Red Cross is 1/4 mile directly ahead.

12/05/2015 10:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed) Test 1st Saturday Every Month Sponsor: AA6WC/Ali Hassan VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: Ali Hassan (323) 758-0565 Email: [email protected] Location: VE's Residence 6043 3rd Avenue Los Angeles CA 90043-2618

12/05/2015 Time: 10:30 AM (Walk-ins allowed) Sponsor: ARES LAX VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: James W. Laage (818) 368-8710 Call before 6PM Email: [email protected] Location: Valley Presbeterian Hospital Health Education Center 15107 Vanowen St Van Nuys CA 91405-4542

12/12/2015 Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed) Sponsor: South Bay ARC VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: Joseph M. Lanphen (310) 328-0817 Email: [email protected] for details Location: Torrance

Memorial Med Center 3330 Lomita Blvd Rm A, 2nd Flr, West Tower Torrance CA 90505-5002

12/12/2015 Time: 11:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed) Sponsor: ARES LAX VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: James R. Stoker (310) 775-5613 Email: [email protected]: Huntington Hospital 100 W Colorado Blvd Pasadena CA 91105-3010 Wingate Bldg East conf. Room; Check in Booth E parking Lot www.arrllax.org(ed. Note – Huntington Hospital is 100 W CALIFORNIA )

12/13/2015 Time: 8:30 AM (Walk-ins allowed) Sponsor: Conejo Valley ARC VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: Jeffrey M. Reinhardt (818) 706-3853 Email: [email protected] Location: Ventura County Sheriff's E County Station, Community Room 2101 E Olsen Rd Thousand Oaks CA 91360-6861 Betw 23 Hwy & Reagan Library

12/19/2015 Time: 8:30 AM (Walk-ins allowed) Sponsor: Downey ARC VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: Steve J. Grudzinski (951) 674-4699 Email: [email protected] Location: Fire Station #1 12222 Paramount Blvd (1/2 Mile N Of Imperial Hwy) Downey CA 90242-3537

12/19/2015 Time: 12:00 PM (Walk-ins allowed) Sponsor: Pine Mountain ARC VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: Irene M. Smith-Quick (661) 242-1345 Email: [email protected] Location: Frazier Park Library 3732 Park Dr

12/26/2015 Time: 10:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed) Sponsor: Crescent Bay VE Grp/W6TRW ARC VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: Scott V. Swanson (310) 459-0337 Email: [email protected] Location: Northrup/Grumman 1 Space Park Blvd Redondo Beach CA 90278-1001 *LAST EXAM AT THIS LOCATION!*

01/09/2016 Time: 7:00 AM (No walk-ins) Sponsor: PAPA VEC: Greater LA VEC Contact: Norman M. Goodkin (818) 403-5123 Email: [email protected]: Coffee Co. 8751 La Tijera Blvd Los Angeles CA 90045-3906

01/17/2016 Time: 2:30 PM (No walk-ins) Sponsor: Calabasas/LH Sheriff's Station VEC: Greater LA VECContact: Norman M. Goodkin (818) 222-7893 Email: [email protected] Location: Lost Hills Sheriff's Station (Assembly Room) 27050 Agoura Rd Agoura Hills CA 91301-5332

01/24/2016 Time: 7:30 AM (No walk-ins) Sponsor: Calabasas/LH Sheriff's Station VEC: Greater LA VECContact: Norman M. Goodkin (818) 222-7893 Email: [email protected] Location: Lost Hills Sheriff's Station (Assembly Room) 27050 Agoura Rd Agoura Hills CA 91301-5332

01/31/2016 Time: 7:30 AM (No walk-ins) Sponsor: Calabasas/LH Sheriff's Station VEC: Greater LA VECContact: Norman M. Goodkin (818) 222-7893 Email: [email protected] Location: Lost Hills Sheriff's Station (Assembly Room) 27050 Agoura Rd Agoura Hills CA 91301-5332



Upcoming HamFests & Conventions

Cochise Swapfest & CW Communications ExerciseStart Date: 11/07/2015 End Date: 11/07/2015 Location: Green Acres 2756 South Moson Road Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

Website: http://www.k7rdg.org Sponsor: Cochise Amateur Radio Association Type: ARRL Hamfest Talk-In: 146.76- (PL 162.2) Public Contact: Lee Ilse , KD7OED PO Box 1855 Sierra Vista, AZ 85636 Phone: 520-236-1237 Email:[email protected]

Oro Valley ARC HamfestStart Date: 11/07/2015 End Date: 11/07/2015 Location: Marana Middle School 11279 West Grier Road Marana, AZ

85653 Website: http://orovalleyarchamfest.com Sponsor: Oro Valley Amateur Radio Club Type: ARRL Hamfest Talk-In: 146.620-, 444.100+, 147.32+, 440.400+ (all PL 156.7) Public Contact: Steve Wood , W1SR 21 East Speedway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85705 Phone: 520-906-1204 Email: [email protected]

HarkfestStart Date: 11/14/2015 End Date: 11/14/2015 Location: North Ranch Escapees RV Park 30625 South Highway 89

Congress, AZ 85332 Website: http://harkaz.org Sponsor: Hassayampa Amateur Radio Klub Type: ARRL Hamfest Talk-In: 146.58 Simplex Public Contact: Doug Jarmuth , NØDAJ 30901 South Meandering Lane PO Box 1036 Congress, AZ 85332 Phone: 928-231-2616 Email: [email protected]

Superstition SuperFest 2015Start Date: 12/05/2015 End Date: 12/05/2015 Location: Mesa Community College 1833 West Southern Avenue Mesa,

AZ 85201 Website: http://www.superstitionsuperfest.org/ Sponsor: Superstition Amateur Radio Club Type: ARRL Hamfest Talk-In: 147.120+ (PL 162.2) & 449.600- (PL 100.0) Public Contact: JD Smaylis , KF7VOX Superstition Amateur Radio Club PO Box 21522 Mesa, AZ 85277 Phone: 480-455-9923 Email: [email protected]

Thunderbird Hamfest 2016Start Date: 01/09/2016 End Date: 01/09/2016 Location: Northwest Community Church 16615 North 43rd Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85001 Website: http://www.w7tbc.org Sponsor: Thunderbird Amateur Radio Club Type: ARRL Hamfest Talk-In: 446.150 -5MHz (PL 100) or 146.700 -600KHz (PL 162.2) Public Contact: Walter Reinert , N7GDP PO Box 83615 Phoenix, AZ 85071 Phone: 602-938-8219 Email: [email protected]

Quartzfest 2016Start Date: 01/17/2016 End Date: 01/23/2016 Location: Roadrunner Short-term BLM Land

US Highway 95 and 53rd Street North Quartzsite, AZ 85346 Website: http://QuartzFest.org Sponsor: QuartzFest Planning Committee Type: ARRL Convention Talk-In: 146.55 Simplex Public Contact: Dave Anderson , K1AN 14050 West Van Buren Street, #404 Goodyear, AZ 85338 Phone: 602-616-8338 Email: [email protected]

Southwestern Division Convention (Yuma Hamfest)Start Date: 02/19/2016 End Date: 02/20/2016 Location: Yuma County Fairgrounds 2520 East 32nd Street Yuma, AZ

85364 Website: http://www.yumahamfest.org/ Sponsor: Yuma Amateur Radio Hamfest Organization Type: ARRL Convention Talk-In: 146.840 (PL 88.5) Public Contact: Roger Hunt , K7MEX 13156 East 51st Lane Yuma, AZ 85367 Phone: 928-305-1034 Email: [email protected]



K6MEP Net Script“Is this frequency in use, or is there any emergency or priority

traffic?” “Hearing none , the following is a Q-S-T.” “This is ____, net control station for the Ventura County Amateur

Radio Club Net.” “This is a directed, open net for all radio amateurs, sponsored by

K6MEP, the Ventura County Amateur Radio Club. This net begins each Monday evening at Eight Thirty P-M local time, first on Two—Eight—Decimal—Four—Zero—Zero megahertz, and then will Q-S-Y to One—Four—Six—Decimal—Nine—Seven—Zero megahertz. This is linked to Four Four Eight Decimal Eight Zero Zero Megahertz. All amateurs are welcome to check in. A roundtable will follow roll call. A ragchew session may follow the formal net.”

“K6MEP, the Ventura County Amateur Radio Club, meets at Seven Thirty P-M on the Second Friday of each month at the Ventura County Port Authority 1603 Anchors Way Ventura, CA 93001.”

“The next meeting date is___________” (From the newsletter calendar section).

“A roll-call of club members will be followed by a request for late, missed and visitor check-ins.”

(Roll Call) ******** “Any late, missed, or visitor check-ins? Please call K6MEP”

(Roundtable) ******** “Any last comments?”Ten Meter Closing: — “Control is now transferred to One—

Four—Six Decimal—Nine—Seven—Zero megahertz. All net members are invited to Q-S-Y. This is _____.”

Two Meter Closing: — “Good evening to you all, this net is closed at ___________. (Time) We would like to thank WB6YQN and K6JLW for the use of their repeaters for our net”

“73, This is ______.” ****************************************************************

K6MEP CALENDAR November 2015 7: Red Cross Ride for the Red Bike Ride – ARES Suport;

contact Stewart KG6BOV [email protected] ; 7: Oxnard High School Band Contest – ARES Suport; contact

Stewart KG6BOV [email protected] , Hovan KI6BQL [email protected] or Quent KF6FQN [email protected]

11: Veterans’ Day – Remember their Sacrifice 13: Regular Monthly Club Meeting at 7:30pm. K6MEP Board

meeting precedes the club meeting at 7:00pm Election Night for Board Members

26: Thanksgiving December 2015 5: NWS Skywarn Recognition – ARES Support; contact Marc

K6MB [email protected]: DecemberFest Dinner Meeting – Location TBD 12: Camarillo Christmas Parade – ARES Support; contact Ted

KI6PTX [email protected]: Santa to the Sea Half-Marathon -- – ARES Suport; contact

Stewart KG6BOV [email protected] ; 31: ARRL Straight Key Night and New Year’s Eve January 2016 1: New Year’s Day 2016 8: Regular Monthly Club Meeting at 7:30pm. K6MEP Board

meeting precedes the club meeting at 7:00pm 30: Bandit 50K Run – ARES Support; contact Steve KE6WEZ

[email protected]



Emergency and Volunteer TrainingSome excellent emergency and volunteer training is

available through the American Red Cross of Ventura County, FEMA and the American Radio Relay League.

Red Cross CoursesThe following is a list of locally available Red Cross

courses and a current schedule of classes over the next two months. Enroll by calling the Red Cross Chapter House at 805-987-1514 Ext 320 leaving your name, course code and telephone number. If you are interested in a class not currently scheduled call to be placed on a waiting list for the next scheduled date.

Note: The classes Fulfilling Our Mission and Introduction to Disaster Services are required for all Red Cross classes if you are not currently registered as a Red Cross Volunteer.

For training class registration, call: 805-987-1514 Ext 320. Course schedule and descriptions:

http://www.arcventura.org/DSCourseDescriptions.html

http://www.arcventura.org/contact_us.html

COLLABORATING TO ENSURE EFFECTIVE SERVICE DELIVERY(ARC3089-4)

COMMUNITY SERVICES OVERVIEW (ARC 3068-1) DISASTER ASSESSMENT (ARC 3067-1) DISASTER HEALTH SERVICES: OVERVIEW (3076-1F) DISASTER HEALTH SERVICES SIMULATION (ARC 3076-

2F) DISASTER MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES (ARC 3077-1F) DISASTER MENTAL HEALTH: AN OVERVIEW (ARC

3077-2) DISASTER WELFARE INQ.:CONNECTING YOUR

COMMUNITY(ARC 3085-1) DISASTER WELFARE INQUIRY SIMULATION (ARC 3085-

2) EMERGENCY OPS CENTER/INCIDENT COMMAND

LIAISON (ARC 3089-5) ERVs: READY, SET, ROLL (ARC 3068-4) FAMILY SERVICES: PROVIDING EMERGENCY

ASSISTANCE (ARC 3072-1) FINANCIAL STATISTICAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

(ARC 3078-2) HUMAN RESOURCES IN DISASTER (ARC 3087-3F) LOGISTICS: AN OVERVIEW (ARC 3087-1) LOGISTICS SIMULATION (ARC 3071-2) MANAGING TOTAL DIVERSITY MASS CASUALTY DISASTER (ARC 3079 1F) PUBLIC AFFAIRS IN DISASTER 1 (ARC 3080 1F) SAFE FOOD HANDLING WORKSHOP SHELTER OPERATIONS (ARC 3068-11) SHELTER SIMULATIONS (ARC 3068-12) WORKING WITH TOTAL DIVERSITY

Scheduled Red Cross ClassesFor training class registration, call: 805-987-1514 Ext 320. Please try to register for classes a week before the class is being offeredFor class info call 805-987-1514 Ext 320

Prez Sez (cont fm pg 2)

A K6MEP DecemberFest dinner location has not yet been selected. One suggestion already heard was for the private room at Yolanda's Restaurant in Ventura, if available. Other suggestions can be made at the meeting, and then we will decide.

The Awards project will be further discussed by Steve Noll. We may decide to proceed with a Science Fair Award, depending on several factors. More details may be provided by Steve.

As always, bring your ideas, notions, and aspirations to the Friday 11/13 meeting. See you all there!

Joe Krigbaum K6NE President, VCARC



The following free FEMA Independent Study Courses are recommended. There are several other FEMA courses available; see the other courses at http://training.fema.gov/is

IS-005.a An Introduction to Hazardous Materials - (10/31/2013) IS-010.a Animals in Disasters: Awareness and Preparedness -

(10/31/2013) IS-011.a Animals in Disasters: Community Planning - (8/13/2010) IS-015.b Special Events Contingency Planning for Public Safety

Agencies - (10/31/2013) IS-022 Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness

- (10/31/2013) IS-029 Public Information Officer Awareness - (10/31/2013) IS-035.15 FEMA Safety Orientation 2015 - (1/2/2015) IS-036 Multihazard Planning for Childcare - (10/31/2013) IS-055.a Household Hazardous Materials – A Guide for Citizens -

(10/31/2013) IS-075 Military Resources in Emergency Management - (2/25/2011) IS-100.b Introduction to Incident Command System, ICS-100 -

(10/31/2013) IS-111.a Livestock in Disasters - (10/31/2013) IS-120.a An Introduction to Exercises - (1/23/2008) IS-144 Telecommunicators Emergency Response Taskforce (TERT)

Basic Course - (10/31/2013) IS-200.b ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents -

(10/31/2013) IS-230.d Fundamentals of Emergency Management - (12/16/2013) IS-240.b Leadership and Influence - (6/16/2014) IS-242.b Effective Communication - (3/31/2014) IS-244.b Developing and Managing Volunteers - (3/29/2013) IS-271.a Anticipating Hazardous Weather & Community Risk, 2nd

Edition - (10/31/2013) IS-288.a The Role of Voluntary Organizations in Emergency

Management - (2/12/2015) IS-315 CERT Supplemental Training: The Incident Command

System - (8/13/2013) IS-317 Introduction to Community Emergency Response Teams -

(6/26/2014) IS-325 Earthquake Basics: Science, Risk, and Mitigation -

(10/31/2013) IS-326 Community Tsunami Preparedness - (10/31/2013) IS-328 Plan Review for Local Mitigation Plans - (10/31/2013) IS-340 Hazardous Materials Prevention - (10/31/2013)

IS-366 Planning for the Needs of Children in Disasters - (10/31/2013)

IS-368 Including People With Disabilities & Others With Access & Functional Needs in Disaster Operations - (2/20/2014)

IS-393.a Introduction to Hazard Mitigation - (10/31/2013) IS-394.a Protecting Your Home or Small Business From Disaster -

(10/31/2013) IS-405 Overview of Mass Care/Emergency Assistance - (12/10/2013) IS-454 Fundamentals of Risk Management - (10/31/2013) IS-524 Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planner's Workshop -

(4/14/2014) IS-546.a Continuity of Operations Awareness Course - (10/31/2013) IS-547.a Introduction to Continuity of Operations - (10/31/2013) IS-559 Local Damage Assessment - (10/31/2013) IS-700.a National Incident Management System (NIMS) An

Introduction - (10/31/2013) IS-775 EOC Management and Operations - (8/6/2008) IS-800.b National Response Framework, An Introduction -

(10/31/2013) IS-909 Community Preparedness: Implementing Simple Activities

for Everyone - (10/31/2013) IS-910.a Emergency Management Preparedness Fundamentals -

(10/19/2012)

---------------------------------------

The ARRL offers several on-line courses. The courses listed here are recommended for those involved in disaster and emergency service. See these and other courses at the ARRL web site.

Introduction to Emergency Communication EC-001 HF Digital Communications EC-005 PR-101: ARRL Public Relations (EC-015) Public Service and Emergency Communications

Management for Radio Amateurs- EC-016

There are some costs with the ARRL courses but discounts and occasional scholarships are available to ARRL members. See www.ARRL.org for details and enrollment.



-----------------------------------------------------------------------------ARES-ACS Frequency Updates

The Tuesday night Ventura County ARES/ACS Net is held on the SMRA ERN South Mt Repeater. Local nets are 7:00 to 7:30 PM; County Net starts at 7:30 on SMRA South Mt / K6ERN 146.385 Mhz (+) PL 127.3 (linked to 224.100 Mhz (-) / PL 127.3 and 447.320 Mhz (-) / PL 100.0).

Good Frequencies to have pre-programmed into your radios...

Area 1 Simi Valley – K6ERN 146.805 Mhz (-) PL 100.0 Area 2 Conejo Valley, T. Oaks, Newbury Park – N6JMI 147.885

Mhz (-) PL127.3 BOZOArea 3 Camarillo, Somis,– K6ERN 147.915 Mhz (-) PL 127.3Area 4 Oxnard, Port Hueneme, NBVC – WB6YQN 146.970

Mhz (-) PL 127.3Area 5 Ojai Valley – N6FL 145.400 Mhz (-) PL 114.8

Area 6 Ventura City – N6VUY 147.975 Mhz (-) PL 127.3Area 7 Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru – WA6ZSN 146.385

Mhz (+) PL 127.3Area 8 Moorpark, Santa Rosa Valley – K6ERN 145.460 Mhz (-

) PL 127.3County-Wide – WA6ZSN 146.385 Mhz (+) PL 127.3ACS Portable – VCACS/p 144.930/147.585 Mhz PL 127.3

Other Good Area Frequencies ...

W6GRG 146.940 Mhz (-) PL 127.3 Simi DSW Repeater WA6FGK 146.640 Mhz (-) PL 127.3 Simi Valley WD6EBY 145.240 MHz (-) PL 127.3 Chatsworth Pk N6EVC 146.850 Mhz (-) PL 94.8 Rasnow K0AKS 147.150 Mhz(-) PL127.3 TOaks WD6EBY 145.200 Mhz(-) PL127.3 Sulphur Mt WD6EBY 147.060 MHz (-) PL127.3 Laguna Peak (Temp Inact) K6ERN 146.880 Mhz (-) PL 127.3 SMRA Red Mt. K6ERN 147.765 Mhz (-) PL 127.3 Olivas Park / SMRA K6TZ 146.790 Mhz (-)PL131.8 SBARC

W6YJO 145.180 Mhz (-) PL 131.8 Sta Ynez WB6OBB 147.000 Mhz (+) PL 131.8 Sta Barbara AA6DP 147.090 Mhz (+) No PL Catalina KB6C 147.735 Mhz (-) PL 100.0 Oat Mt / MMRA LA DCS K6CPT DCS 145.300 Mhz (-) PL100.0 LA DCS K6CPT DCS 147.270 Mhz (-) PL100.0 LA DCS K6DCS DCS22 147.225 Mhz (+) PL 94.8 N6FDR 145.260 Mhz (-) PL 100.0 Malibu W6AAX 147.180 Mhz (+) PL 186.2 Verdugo Peak WA6PPS 147.300 Mhz (-) PL 110.9 L.A.City ACS

Due to assignment and coordination of several D-Star Repeaters, TASMA, the southern California Two meter amateur frequency coordination body, has had to re-align several frequencies. Among these changes are the channelization (15 KHz spacing) of the 145.5 - 145.6 simplex allocation and reassignment of several frequencies from simplex to other uses.

None of the local Ventura County repeaters are directly affected; however several previous simplex frequencies are now in use either as repeater inputs or outputs. New County ARES Packet frequency is 145.050 Mhz;

Ventura County ARES-ACS simplex frequencies have been re-assigned as follows:

Area 1 Simi Valley – 145.510 Mhz (S) Area 2 Conejo Valley, T.O., Newbury Pk – 146.445 Mhz (S) Area 3 Camarillo, Somis – 146.550Mhz (S) Area 4 Oxnard, Port Hueneme, NBVC – 146.595Mhz (S) Area 5 Ojai Valley – 145.555Mhz (S)

Area 6 Ventura City – 147.510Mhz (S) Area 7 Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru – 145.540 Mhz (S) Area 8 Moorpark – 146.535Mhz (S) County ARES Simplex – 145.615 Mhz (S) National Simplex – 146.520Mhz(S)

__________________________________________________________________________

Ventura County ARES / ACS Emergency Coordinators

ACS RO/ARES DEC: Rob Hansen, W6RH, Email: [email protected] ACS RO/Deputy DEC: Rick Tate, KQ6NO Email: [email protected]

Area 1 Simi Valley EC: Steve King, KE6WEZ Email: [email protected] 2 TO, Conejo Valley EC: Zack Cohen, N6PK , Email: [email protected] 3 Camarillo, Somis EC: Ted Lansing KI6PTX Email: [email protected] 4 Oxnard, Hueneme, Mugu EC: Stewart Stone, KG6BOV Email: [email protected] 5 Ojai EC: Wayne Francis, W6OEU Email: [email protected] 6 City of Ventura AEC: Grant Mohr, KG6SFW, E-mail [email protected] 7 Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru AEC: Stuart Fox, K6MQA, email: [email protected] 8 Moorpark, Santa Rosa Valley EC: Marc Handley KM6B, Email: [email protected]



ARRL offers online training for hams who want to participate in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service.

The time for training is before a disaster...not during one.

The former Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) series of three training courses has been reconfigured into two courses: An introductory course and a course for leaders and managers.

Introduction to Emergency Communication (#EC-001)

Revised in 2011, this is an update of the former Level 1 course. It is designed to provide basic knowledge and tools for hams who want to serve as a Public Service volunteer. It provides an opportunity for non-hams who rely on communications in emergency situations to learn about Amateur Radio and its unique role in emergencies.

The course is offered online using the Moodle learning platform. The Introduction to Emergency Communicationcourse has six sections with 29 lesson topics and a 35 question final assessment. Participants should plan on completing the course in approximately 45 hours over a nine week period. This is a mentored course, in which you may work according to your own schedule. Cost is $50 for ARRL members and $85 for non-members.

For start dates, registration deadlines and more visit www.arrl.org/online-course-catalog

Public Service and Emergency Communications Management for Radio Amateurs (#EC-016)

Launched in 2010, this course is designed for Amateur Radio operators who will be in leadership and managerial roles, organizing other volunteers to support public service activities and communications emergencies. Participants will learn how radio amateurs prepare to support local community events and, when working in coordination with governmental and emergency response organizations, how to deploy their services. This is a self-study course. For more information and to register visit www.arrl.org/online-course-catalog.

PR-101: ARRL Public Relations (EC-015)

This is a basic training course for PIOs and anyone interacting with the media and promoting Amateur Radio.

This course is designed to give hams a quick overview in public relations activities. It uses the skills of experts in various aspects of public relations to provide volunteer Public Information Officers with the basic skills and expectations that a PIO needs to know to be effective in their home region. PR-101 covers everything from the basic news release to Web sites and video work.

This course is available--free! – on-line, or can be purchased in CD format from the ARRL store. --------------------------------------------------

The new Ventura County ACS Trailer at SkyWarn Operations, NWS Oxnard, 7 Dec 2014



Local Area Radio Nets

Weekly Nets Monday

Cuckoo Net 146.790 Mhz (-) / 131.8 Hz PL every weekday morning from 7:00 AM to about 8:20 AM

California Rescue ARES Net 7.25 Mhz MTWThF 8:30 AM

K6MEP / VCARC Club Net -- 8:30 PM 28.400 Mhz USB / 146.970 Mhz (-) / 127.3 PL (WB6YQN repeater) linked to K6JLW 448.800 Mhz (-) PL 131.8

Santa Barbara South County ARES net 7:30 p.m. on 146.79 Mhz (-) PL 131.8.

LA Section ARES Net - HF Every Monday following the VHF/UHF net (~2130 hrs) 1st, 3rd and 4th Monday - 75 meters 3.995 MHz (± 45 kHz) / 2nd Monday - 10 meters 28.495 MHz

LA DCS-22 Net -- 1930 Hrs. - K6DCS - 147.225 MHz (+)then on 7.235± MHz LSB

Southern California ACS NET MONDAY AT 2000 HOURS LOCAL TIME ON 3992, 3960 KHz LSB

California Emergency Services Net (CESN) Monday at - 2000 hours local 3960, 3992, or 1987 KHz LSB* (* Note - 3992 is primary until further notice due to excessive noise floor on 3960 *) (Mutual Aid Regions 1 through 6)

Tuesday Cuckoo Net 146.790 Mhz (-) / 131.8 Hz PL every weekday

morning from 7:00 AM to about 8:20 AM


Ventura County ARES-ACS 6 Meter Net -- between 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM K6SMR 52.980 Mhz (-) PL 82.5 SMRA Red Mt

Ventura County ARES-ACS HF Net -- between 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM 40M on 7.230 Mhz LSB +/- ; 80M on 3.820 Mz LSB +/-

Ventura County ARES/ACS Nets between 7:00 and 8:00 PM, the Ventura County Amateur Radio Emergency Service / Auxiliary Communications Service holds their local and County-wide nets. Local Nets are by area and normally run from 7:00 to 7:30 PM. The County-wide Net starts at 7:30 PM and normally finishes by 8:00 PM 146.385 (+) / 127.3 PL

West SB ARES HF Net ( 1st Tuesday, Monthly) 3822 Khz LSB 2030 / 8:30 PM

2000 6-Meter Roundtable - 50.125 Mhz USB First Tuesday of each month.

2030 ATV Net 146.790 Mhz (-) / 131.8 Hz PL K6TZ repeater

Wednesday Cuckoo Net 146.790 Mhz (-) / 131.8 Hz PL every weekday



Channel Islands 10-10 Net 28.340Mhz USB 10:00 AM / 6:00 PM

Southern California ACS NET 1000 Hours, 40 Meter Net 7230 KHz

SMRA Tech Net 146.880 Mhz (-) / 127.3 PL (SMRA Red Mt) 8:00 PM

SBARC Swap Net 146.790 Mhz (-) / 131.8 Hz PL K6TZ 2000

California Emergency Services Net (CESN) Wednesday at 1000 hours local - 7230 KHz LSB* (Mutual Aid Regions 1 through 6) * Note that 7230 KHz is the daytime calling and coordination frequency: 3960, 3992, or 1987 KHz are the nighttime frequencies for the same purpose.

Thursday Cuckoo Net 146.790 Mhz (-) / 131.8 Hz PL every weekday



So Cal 6 meter net, 51.940 Mhz – pl 82.5. 1900-2000 local Thursdays.

Southern Calif 6M SSB Technical Roundtable NetThursday night at 8:00 PM on 50.2 MHz USB SSB

SBARC / K6TZ Technical Mentoring Net -- Thursday nights 8:00-9:00 PM 146.790 Mhz (-) / 131.8 Hz PL and 224.08 Mhz (-) 131.8 PL (linled)

Friday Cuckoo Net 146.790 Mhz (-) / 131.8 Hz PL every weekday



Saturday Quad Squad Net 1300 / 1:00 PM 21.365 Mhz USB

Military Radio Collector Net 1830 / 6:30PM 3985 Kc +/- AM

Sunday Newbie Net 7:00-7:30 pm Sundays; Bozo Repeater 147.885

Mhz (-) / PL127.3



-------------------------------------------------------- Secretary’s Column and Meeting Minutes (cont fm pg 2)

All existing officers are running for re-election James Fortney K6IYK introduces himself as candidate for ARRL Santa Barbara Section Manager. Ballots have

been sent to ARRL members and he is visiting to meet and discuss his platform. Steve Noll is introduced to discuss some ideas he has for putting the club funds to use in the community for

education and promotion of ham radio. One suggestion is partnering with the new Ventura Maker Space to have basic equipment on loan. Or provide training for license or radio operation.

Discussion about ways to participate in local Science Fair, by training, lectures, etc.

Motion by Dave Palmer, seconded by Stewart is to plan a design of a certificate or award, but first we need to know how certificates or awards are presented by the Science Fair, so the action will be tabled until that information is gathered . Discussion, and vote was to approve.

GENERAL MEMBSHIP MEETING Stewart to have presentation on ARES / ACS organization and capabilities.

COMMENTS Notes Roll Call: 11 Total attendance : 17 Guests: 6

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING MINUTES MEETING ADDRESS : Ventura Port District meeting room 1603 Anchors Way, Ventura CALL TO ORDER Outside, meeting room not accessible. MEETING MINUTES VP John WB6AZP calls brief meeting, no issues raised – Treasurer / Secretary No actions from secretary, treasurer. No further board issues, meeting adjourned.

FINANCIAL REVIEW Treasurer's report in general meeting.

OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS COMMENTS ADJOURN Board meeting adjourned and proceed to General meeting.

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ARRL Reiterates Call for FCC to Allocate 630 Meters, Okay Rules for 2200 Meters

10/01/2015 The ARRL has again urged the FCC to go forward with a proposed new

Amateur Radio allocation at 472-479 kHz (630 meters) and to establish service rules for Amateur Radio operation at 135.7-137.8 kHz (2200 meters). The League reiterated its August 31 arguments in favor of flexible FCC Part 97 regulations it its September 30 reply comments to the FCC’s April Report and Order, Order, and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (R&O/NPRM) in ET Docket 15-99. That R&O/NPRM raised several questions regarding how Amateur Radio might coexist with PLC systems used to control the power grid. Targeting comments filed by the Utilities Telecom Council (UTC), the ARRL called on the Commission to ignore UTC’s call not to allocate 630 meters to Amateur Radio. It asked the FCC to implement a notification procedure for amateur stations within 1 kilometer (0.62 miles) of a transmission line carrying PLC and where the PLC system is operating on frequencies within or which overlap the 2200 or 630 meter bands.

“The comments of UTC, without the benefit of any technical component or argument, oppose the allocation of the 630 meter band to the Amateur Service, and suggest overly and unnecessarily conservative regulation of Amateur operation in the 2200 meter band,” the ARRL told the FCC. “Whatever protection criteria are ultimately deemed to be necessary with respect to the 2200 meter band, those criteria would be applicable and sufficient as well with respect to the 630-meter band,” the ARRL said. “There is no technical justification offered by UTC for withholding the 630 meter allocation.”

The ARRL also urged the FCC to reject what it called “UTC’s inchoate proposal” to elevate the unlicensed status of PLCs operating between 9 and 490 kHz, purportedly to protect them from interference “caused by amateur operations,” while not making any accommodations to address PLC interference to Amateur Radio operations. “UTC cannot have it both ways: It cannot enjoy the benefits of unlicensed operation under Part 15 of the Commission’s rules as a carrier-current, unintentional emitter and at the same time claim the protection afforded an allocated, licensed radio service,” the ARRL argued.

While the UTC has offered to work with the FCC, the ARRL characterized the UTC’s comments as “distinctly unhelpful” in terms of providing information regarding the prevalence and location of PLCs that need protection, the interference potential from Amateur Radio operation and notification requirements, and just how much protection the PLCs actually need. “They are not responsive at all to the plethora of questions asked by the Commission in the Notice,” the ARRL continued, “and those points that UTC makes are unsubstantiated.”

The ARRL said that PLCs are not nearly as prevalent in the 630 band as the UTC has suggested, and that, in any case, such systems already operate as unlicensed Part 15 services that must not cause interference to licensed services and must accept interference from them. The League has indicated that any rules applicable to 2200 meters should also suffice for 630 meters. Nonetheless, the League said, it’s willing to work with utilities in setting up a notification procedure to address the unlikely possibility that Amateur Radio operations in the two bands might interfere with critical PLC systems.

“In order to implement this, UTC should be called upon to provide to ARRL or to the general public a list of transmission lines carrying PLC which make use of either of the two subject bands, thus to facilitate notification,” the ARRL reply comments said. “This would have the double benefit of encouraging a complete PLC database while permitting accurate determinations of which transmission lines are carrying PLC which have any potential at all of adverse interaction with amateur stations.” Once notification is made, though, the burden should shift to the utility to establish that there would be harmful interference, the ARRL said.

“The likelihood of an amateur station conducting operations in the 2200 or 630 meter bands from a fixed station located less than 1 kilometer from a PLC-carrying transmission line upstream from a distribution substation is exceptionally low,” the ARRL asserted. “Many transmission power lines do not carry PLC at all. Most PLC systems do not use the very small amateur allocations at 2200 or 630 meters.”

The League concluded by calling on the FCC to allocate 630 meters to Amateur Radio, as proposed in the Notice, reject UTC’s proposal to elevate the status of PLCs, and implement a notification procedure for amateur stations within 1 kilometer of a transmission line carrying PLC in or near the two bands, and to make the LF and MF allocation changes in Part 2 and the Part 97 service rule changes, “as proposed by ARRL and not otherwise.”



Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015 Now Has 100 Proponents in the US House

10/01/2015 The Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015 — H.R. 1301 and S. 1685 — now has the

support of 100 members of the US House of Representatives. Two additional cosponsors signed onto H.R. 1301 on September 24, raising the number of cosponsors to 99. Those members plus the House bill’s sponsor, US Rep Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), total 100 proponents, and the number is expected to continue growing.

One of the newcomers agreeing to cosponsor H.R. 1301 was the congressman who represents the Connecticut House district that includes ARRL Headquarters — Rep John Larson (D-CT). The other new cosponsor was Rep Kristi L. Noem (R-SD)

The Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015 would direct the FCC to extend its rules relating to reasonable accommodation of Amateur Service communications to private land use restrictions. Kinzinger introduced H.R. 1301 in March, with 12 original cosponsors from both sides of the aisle. Sen Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced S. 1685 in June, with Sen Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) as the original cosponsor.

Recently the League took steps to address objections and concerns raised by representatives of community associations about the legislation. “Clarity on Amateur Radio Parity,” makes it clear that the bill would not create new federal policy with respect to outdoor amateur antennas. As it points out, the FCC already recognizes a strong federal interest in effective Amateur Radio communication from residences and has adopted a limited preemption of state and local regulation of Amateur Radio antennas. The Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015 would extend the limited preemption to private land-use restrictions.

H.R. 1301 has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Rep Greg Walden, W7EQI (R-OR), chairs that panel’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee, which will consider the measure. S 1685 has been referred to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee’s subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, chaired by Sen Wicker, the bill’s sponsor.

The ARRL continues to encourage members to write their US House and Senate members urging their cosponsorship of the legislation. Visit the Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015 page for information on how you can get involved.

ARRL Asks FCC to Clarify that Hams May Modify Non-Amateur Gear for Amateur Use

10/13/2015 The ARRL has asked the FCC to make clear that Amateur Radio licensees may modify non-

amateur equipment for use on Amateur Radio frequencies. Some hams have expressed concerns that recently proposed rules would inhibit post-sale modification of Wi-Fi equipment, now sometimes altered for use on Amateur Radio frequencies. The ARRL made its point in commentsfiled on October 8 on a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) in ET Docket 15-170 and RM-11673. The proceeding mostly addresses proposed amendments to FCC rules regarding authorization of RF equipment.

“The Commission should clarify…that the ability of licensed radio amateurs to modify and adapt non-amateur equipment for use in the Amateur Service is beneficial, is permitted, and is not restricted by any rule of general applicability adopted in this proceeding,” the League said in its comments. The ARRL said proposed rules requiring manufacturers to include security features to prevent network devices from being modified were “problematic,” to the extent that they would preclude hams from adapting network equipment for ham radio applications.

“The Amateur Radio Service has a very long tradition of modification and adaptation of commercial communications equipment,” the ARRL’s comments pointed out. Amateur licensees should be permitted to modify any previously authorized equipment for use under Amateur Service rules, the League asserted. The proceeding attracted many comments regarding this aspect of the proceeding, although the proposed rules differ only slightly from the current rules.

The ARRL also urged the FCC not to apply any limitations proposed for Software



Defined Radios to SDRs intended for use exclusively in the Amateur Radio Service, “as has been the policy for the past 10 years.”

Equipment AuthorizationThe League also has called on the Commission not to combine the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and Verification

equipment authorization procedures into a single, self-approval program. The League said the proposal could lead to abuse by unscrupulous importers and manufacturers of unintentional emitters. Under the proposed rules, the FCC would do away with its DoC authorization program by combining it with equipment Verification to form a so-called “Suppliers Declaration of Conformity” category of equipment authorization. Testing in an accredited laboratory would not be required, nor would database registration or third-party review. The ARRL expressed concerns that the new regime would encourage and facilitate the introduction into the US of “non-compliant unintentional emitters” and offer no oversight.

The ARRL’s comments said, “the only opportunity to preclude widespread sale and deployment of non-compliant RF devices, including unintentional emitters, is via the equipment authorization process.” The League said hams and AM broadcasters have been victims of interference from such unintentional emitters as RF lighting ballasts “that routinely exceed the Commission’s conducted emission limits.” The ARRL said the solution is “not to loosen but to tighten the procedural controls over the testing and affirmative confirmations of compliance” to ensure greater compliance in conducted limits and other technical parameters that determine how much such devices contribute to ambient noise levels.

The League said some RF devices, such as RF “grow lights,” now subject to the more informal Verification process should be subject to Certification, owing to their substantial interference potential. The ARRL noted that it has received and investigated “numerous reports of interference” from devices subject only to Verification. “A number of interfering devices, when tested by the ARRL Laboratory, have been found to exceed the FCC limits, sometimes by an alarming amount,” the League said.

Improved Labeling for Part 15 and Part 18 DevicesThe ARRL also said there is “an urgent need” for improved labeling requirements for certain Part 15 and Part 18

devices. “Necessitating change, notably, is the fact that there are many industrial Part 18 devices sold that are neither intended nor designed for use in residential environments, but because there is no external labeling…the end user consumer is left without guidance,” the ARRL said, noting that, in most cases, equipment retailers are not providing any either.

In July, the ARRL complained to the FCC about the marketing practices of various “big box” retailers, where non-consumer-rated lighting ballasts have been mixed in with consumer ballasts and other consumer products on display with no explanatory signage. Ballasts intended for industrial applications have higher permitted conducted emission limits in the Amateur Radio HF spectrum. The League called on the FCC to include a definition in Part 18 for the term “consumer RF lighting device,” to provide a way to differentiate consumer devices from those intended for industrial or commercial environments.

The League also said the FCC should consider reducing its Part 15 limits for lighting devices to correspond with the Part 18 lighting device limits between 3 and 30 MHz to reduce the RFI potential of LED bulbs now being widely marketed, “before they become an aggregate problem.” LED lamps operate under Part 15 rules.

The ARRL said the FCC should adopt the League’s new equipment-labeling proposals with respect to certain Part 15 and Part 18 equipment “in order to stop the flood of such devices intended for commercial or industrial areas only into residential areas.”

IOTA Foundation to Manage RSGB’s Islands on the Air Program

10/12/2015 A new entity — the IOTA Foundation — will assume management of the Radio

Society of Great Britain (RSGB) Islands on the Air (IOTA) Program. Last year the RSGB Board identified a number of challenges facing the program, including the need to provide an online system to track and manage the submission of island credits — similar to the ARRL’s Logbook of The World (LoTW). Since then, a small group of IOTA enthusiasts has been working with the RSGB to ensure that the IOTA program continues to grow and in its role of fostering Amateur Radio DXing and contest activity. The Iota Foundation is the fruition of that work.



“It will be run by IOTA enthusiasts and will manage the IOTA program in partnership with the [RSGB], the RSGB said in a news release. “One major task for the new organization will be to develop a new online credit system that is due to be completed in 2017. “

The team of Roger Balister, G3KMA; Bob Barden, MD0CCE; Cezar Trifu, VE3LYC, and Johan Willemsen, PA3EXX, will implement the IT changes and form the IOTA Foundation with representation from radio amateurs in the UK and around the world.

“I am delighted with the news announced by the RSGB about the future of IOTA — that, following the initial statement of intent last year, terms of agreement have been fleshed out for the program to be run by a new body in partnership with the RSGB,” Balister said on October 12. He said the team hopes the new entity will become a charitable foundation with the name Islands on the Air Foundation (IOTAF), a separate legal body. “I have to thank the RSGB Board for acknowledging that the future sustainability of IOTA is of paramount importance to thousands of amateurs worldwide and that this must be the overriding consideration.”

Balister said the change was necessary as IOTA has grown from a “niche program” to one that is mainstream and “second only to DXCC as the international driver of activity on our bands.” He said the changes to the program’s management would take place over several months, but IOTA would remain a part of RSGB. He anticipated the online confirmation program to launch in the spring of 2017. (Balister's complete statement is available on the RSGB IOTA website.)

The IOTA Program is an Amateur Radio HF/VHF band activity administered by the RSGB. Established in 1964 it promotes radio contacts with stations located on islands around the world to encourage greater use of the amateur bands. Over the 50+ years of its history, the program has grown to 2500 active island chasers and approximately 15,000 casual participants. -- Thanks to RSGB and The Daily DX

IARU Administrative Council Stresses Importance of Antenna Systems for Amateur Radio

10/12/2015 The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Administrative Council (AC) has adopted a

resolution calling on IARU member societies to encourage governments to recognize the importance of the Amateur Radio Service and of Amateur Radio antennas. The AC met for its 38th meeting on October 9 and 10 in Bali, Indonesia, in conjunction with the IARU Region 3 Conference there.

The antenna resolution also called on member societies “to advocate for planning and development regulations that properly recognize the importance of an Amateur Radio antenna and do not place undue restrictions on the erection of antennas.” It also urged member societies to discourage the imposition of any fees related to ham antennas, “particularly in view of the non-pecuniary nature of Amateur Radio and its popularity in the student and senior communities.”

The AC completed its preparations to represent Amateur Radio at World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (WRC-15), which will take place during November in Geneva. The AC reviewed IARU positions and strategies for each WRC-15 agenda item that may affect ham radio. These included proposals for a secondary amateur allocation near 5.3 MHz. The Council also looked ahead to agenda items for the next WRC, which is anticipated for 2019. These would include an amateur allocation at 50 MHz in Region 1 (Europe and Africa) and “global harmonization” of the 1800-2000 kHz allocation. “It is anticipated that a significant effort by IARU will be needed in preparation for WRC-19 to defend the amateur allocations between 137 and 960 MHz, in light of the pressure for spectrum for small, non-amateur satellites,” the AC said in a statement. “Close coordination of regional efforts will be required.”

In a related vein, the growing demand for the coordination of satellites in Amateur Radio allocations led the Council to revise the terms of reference for the IARU Satellite Adviser and to agree in principle to new guidelines for satellite coordination. The Council has appointed a Deputy Satellite Adviser to help handle the workload.

The AC also agreed that “a more proactive approach” to international standards bodies is needed in order to achieve the IARU’s objective of reducing “spectrum pollution from unwanted radio frequency emissions.”

IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH/G4HUA, updated the Council on the actions of the Board of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) “Smart Sustainable Development Model.” The IARU is a founding member. The Board’s recently released final report contains numerous references to Amateur Radio and the role it plays in emergency communication.



In a departure from its practice of recent years, the Council adopted a continuing theme for World Amateur Radio Day each April — “Celebrating Amateur Radio’s Contribution to Society.” The Council could adopt a special theme in any given year, if appropriate.

In other actions, the IARU Administrative Council:

Will draft possible revisions to the IARU Constitution and Bylaws to introduce “some degree of flexibility in dealing with ‘second societies.’”

Received the International Beacon Project report, which included some thoughts on how the beacon system might be combined with other means of assessing propagation in real time. The AC will consider the implications of recent technological advances.

Formulated and agreed to a plan to collect consistent Amateur Radio licensing data from member societies.

Discussed the environmental impact and burden on the international QSL Bureau system of unsolicited and unwanted QSL cards and plans to revisit the issue at a future meeting.

The IARU Administrative Council will hold a “virtual meeting” in early 2016. The next in-person meeting will take place in Chile in October 2016, in conjunction with the IARU Region 2 Conference.

“ARRL National Parks on the Air” Event to Mark National Park Service Centennial

10/15/2015 In 2016, the National Park Service (NPS) will celebrate its 100th anniversary, and

radio amateurs will be able to help mark the occasion with the ARRL National Parks on the Air (NPOTA) event. The fun begins at 0000 UTC on January 1, 2016.

“As ARRL just celebrated our own Centennial, and Amateur Radio is often enjoyed in the great outdoors, it seemed fitting to devise a program to help NPS celebrate their own 100th birthday,” said ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X. As he explained, NPOTA will run throughout 2016, with activity promoted and encouraged from each of the more than 430 official NPS administrative units and affiliated areas across the US. This includes all 59 National Parks as well as National Battlefields, Historic Sites, Memorials, Preserves, Reserves, Rivers, Seashores, National Scenic Trails, and other units.

The program will have two participation tracks — Chasers and Activators. Chasers will simply attempt to make contact with operators in as many of the NPS units as possible. Activators will attempt to activate as many of the units as possible. NPOTA participants may serve in both roles. Chaser and Activator totals will be tracked via an online Leader Board based on LoTW data, just as was done during the Centennial QSO Party. (Access the NPOTA Leader Board directly at http://npota.arrl.org.)

Modeled after the Mixed DXCC award, only one contact with any given NPS unit will be required, and no tally will be kept of NPS units based on bands or modes. NPOTA will be administered entirely through Logbook of The World (LoTW). No paper logs or QSLs will be accepted for NPOTA credit. Each NPS unit will be added to LoTW as a “location.”

Three award certificates will be available: Chaser Award and Activator Award certificates will be available to any radio amateur who has at least one confirmed contact with an NPS unit or who activates at least one unit, respectively. A station’s total number of confirmed or activated units will be printed on the certificate. The National Parks Honor Roll certificate will be available for any station that confirms contact with at least 75 percent of the 59 National Parks activatedin 2016.

An Activator can earn additional recognition as a “Five-Star Activator.” While the Centennial QSO Party was an internal event for radio amateurs, National Parks on the Air is designed to be a public promotion of Amateur Radio’s capabilities. Various public relations bonuses and activities will be available to Activators, similar to the PR bonus points available to ARRL Field Day stations.

The success of the event and of the awards program rests on radio amateurs’ willingness to operate from NPS units. “Portable operators, this event is for you!” Kutzko said. “Start thinking about how you would incorporate Amateur Radio

into your visit to an NPS unit. Whether you’re camping in Yosemite, driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway, or set up in a



corner of Andersonville Prison, you will definitely draw a pileup. As long as you are on the property of the NPS unit, you will qualify as being in the unit.”

Kutzko notes that depending on the size of a given operation, participants may need to secure a special-use permit. “This may take some time,” he said. “It’s possible the answer will be ‘no.’ Be mindful of the size and sensitivity of the NPS unit you want to activate, and be realistic about your plans.” NPOTA Activators will need to follow all NPS rules in whatever unit they activate.

In general, the more portable and compact your station is, and the more creative and adaptable your plans are, the greater your chances of success. While there is no formal partnership between NPS and ARRL for this event, the League has been in discussions with the NPS over the past year, and it is aware that increased Amateur Radio activity in their parks is likely during 2016.

“It is your responsibility to be on your best behavior and not interfere with other visitors at NPS units,” Kutzko advised. “Remember, every time you visit an NPS unit for this awards program, your conduct will not only impact the reputation of Amateur Radio throughout the NPS system, but will also directly impact the success of the next amateur who tries to activate that unit. Be nice, be courteous, and be flexible. Demonstrate Amateur Radio in the best light possible.”

The NPOTA will use the official list of NPS Administrative Units and Affiliated Areas as defined and maintained by NPS. Complete details on the National Parks on the Air event are available on the ARRL website.

Use of 146.52 MHz FM Simplex Frequency Cleared for ARRL Contests

10/21/2015 The ARRL Programs and Services Committee earlier this year unanimously adopted a recommendation from its VHF

and Above Revitalization Committee to remove the rule prohibiting the use of 146.52 MHz simplex for making contest contacts.That change will go into effect starting on January 1.

The VHF and Above Revitalization Committee had concluded that the restriction was no longer necessary. The committee felt that permitting the use of 146.52 MHz would allow new/curious contesters possessing only FM-mode radios to stumble upon more contacts, increasing their chances of being drawn further into VHF+ contesting — the primary aim of the Revitalization Committee.

Advance notification of the rule change now has been communicated to the full Board, and the change becomes effective in 2016, starting with the ARRL January VHF Contest.

The change also will be incorporated into the ARRL Field Day rules This change eliminates Rule 1.8 in the “General Rules for ARRL Contests Above 50 MHz,” with subsequent Rule 1 sections renumbered accordingly. — Thanks to Dan Henderson, N1ND, Regulatory Information Manager/Acting Contest Manager

2015 Field Day Results -- 8A Nationwide

# Call Score Category QSOs PowerMult GOTA Call Section Participants Club 1 KK5W 17,638 8A 4,638 2 K5DX STX 86 BVARC / TDXS / ECHO ARC 2 W4IY 17,526 8A 4,916 2 W4AD VA 37 Woodbridge Wireless 3 W4GR 11,854 8A 3,581 2 AB4CQ GA 88 Gwinnett ARS / Gwinnett ARES 4 W4CUL 10,618 8A 2,525 2 K4CG VA 55 Culpeper ARA 5 N1FD 7,210 8A 1,815 2 KB1HYL NH 35 Nashua Area RC 6 W8QLY 6,690 8A 1,810 2 KD8NZF OH 58 Mahoning Valley ARA 7 W2MMD 6,480 8A 1,606 2 SNJ 23 Gloucester Cty ARC 8 K8BMI 2,924 8A 685 2 MI 24 Barry ARA 9 W8ZHO 2,654 8A 395 2 MI 35 10 K6MEP 2,398 8A 351 2 SB 1311 W7PRA 2,344 8A 462 2 OR 20 Peak RA 12 K3QAC 2,244 8A 319 2 K3LMR MDC 16 Queen Anne's ARC

At least they got the Callsign in. Forgot our name though. – ed.

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