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ARRL NC Section Newsletter

August 2017

Greetings from Karl W4CHX, your ARRL NC Section Manager!

REMINDER! AMATEUR RADIO PARITY ACT IS INTRODUCED IN US SENATE – The Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2017 was introduced in the US Senate on July 12, marking another step forward for this landmark legislation. Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) are the Senate sponsors. The measure will, for the first time, guarantee all radio amateurs living in deed-restricted communities governed by a homeowner's association (HOA) or subject to any private land use regulations, the right to erect and maintain effective outdoor antennas at their homes. The Senate bill, S. 1534, is identical to H.R. 555, which passed the US House of Representatives in January. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/amateur-radio-parity-act-is-introduced-in-us-senate (source: ARRL website)

REMINDER! ARRL PRESIDENT ISSUES CALL FOR MEMBERS TO REACH OUT TO THEIR SENATORS TO SUPPORT S1534 – ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, is calling on League members to urge their US Senators to support the Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2017, S. 1534. ARRL has opened a RallyCongress page to simplify the task. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-president-issues-call-for-members-to-reach-out-to-their-senators-to-support-s-1534 (source: ARRL website)

ARRL POSTS AMATEUR RADIO PARITY ACT FAQs – The Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2017 is now in the US Senate (S 1534). ARRL has developed and posted a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs), “The Amateur Radio Parity Act: Setting the Record Straight,” to explain and to clarify what the passage of the legislation would accomplish – as well as what it would not. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-posts-amateur-radio-parity-act-faqs (source: ARRL website)

REMINDER! 61st ANNUAL SHELBY HAMFEST/ARRL NC STATE CONVENTION (9/1-3) – The 61st Annual Shelby Hamfest/ARRL NC State Convention, sponsored by the Shelby Amateur Radio Club – W4NYR, will be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 1st to the 3rd, at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds, 1751 East Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150. On Friday, the hours of operation are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On Saturday and Sunday, the gates open at 7:00 AM. The inside Dealer Buildings will be open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturday, and 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Sunday. Talk-In: 146.880 MHz (-), no tone, W4NYR Repeater. Forum presentations include the “Roanoke Division/NC Section combined meeting” by Dr. Jim Boehner, N2ZZ and Karl Bowman, W4CHX; “The second century – engaging the next generation of amateurs” and “6087 days in… where do we stand?” by Dan Henderson, N1ND, ARRL Headquarters; “QRP – work the world with less than 5 watts” by Bill Minikiewicz, W4FSV; the “Charlotte regional ham radio round table”, a meeting for officers and representatives of area ham radio clubs and societies; “Piedmont Spotter Group net” by Rick McClure, KE4TEP and Greg Huffman, W4GCH; a presentation by Doug Allen, K4LY; “AMSAT – overview of satellite basics” by Barry Baines, WD4ASW and John Kludt, K4SQC; and, “FirstNet to link first responders’ by Marsha Withrow. For further information on the Shelby Hamfest, including VE testing, see http://www.shelbyhamfest.org/ (source: Shelby Hamfest website)

REMINDER! W4DXCC DX AND CONTEST CONVENTION REGISTRATION NOW OPEN (9/22-23) – For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/w4dxcc-dx-and-contest-convention-registration-now-open (source: K4SV, ARRL website)

REMINDER! BOY SCOUTS’ JAMBOREE ON THE AIR ANNOUNCES THEME FOR 60TH ANNUAL EVENT (10/20-22) – “60 Years Connecting Scouts” is the theme for the Boy Scouts’ 2017 Jamboree on the Air (JOTA), set for October 20-22. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/boy-scouts-jamboree-on-the-air-announces-theme-for-60th-annual-event (source: ARRL website)

TONY B. JONES, KJ4CRO RECEIVES 2017 KB4C – MIRIAM SMITH MEMORIAL AWARD – The recipient of the KB4C – Miriam Smith Memorial Award for 2017 is Tony B. Jones, KJ4CRO of Buncombe County. The award was presented to Tony KJ4CRO at the WCARS Hamfest in Waynesville on July 29, 2017. The KB4C – Miriam Smith Memorial Award, a Roanoke Division Award, honors an amateur radio operator within the 16 western counties of North Carolina who is active in their commitment to emergency and public service communications through the ARES/RACES programs. 

Here is the N4AA Carl Smith acknowledgement to KJ4CRO Tony Jones: “2017 KB4C – Miriam Smith Memorial Award, Tony B. Jones, KJ4CRO, Buncombe County. Licensed as KJ4CRO on March 13, 2008, Tony has been active in many aspects of amateur radio in WNC. Tony has maintained his membership with WCARS, and the Buncombe County ARES Group. He has progressed through a range of extra-curricular ARES activities, beginning with membership as a volunteer with Buncombe County ARES. Tony has served as AEC, EC, and now ADEC for Area 14. As a member of Buncombe County ARES, and the greater Area 14, Tony has distinguished himself as someone who is most dependable and reliable at all times. On April 19, 2011, he upgraded to General Class Operator status, providing the means to utilize a broader range of amateur radio spectrum. Tony has expanded his training and experience level to that required for inclusion in the North Carolina Auxiliary Emergency Communications (AUXCOMM) group. He continuously volunteers his time, energy and resources to numerous endeavors, working in virtually every capacity possible, from fixed station operator, SAG radio operator for bicycle or running events, actual deployment for event net control assignments, and Net Control Operator for Emergency Radio Training Nets in WNC. Tony has been tireless in his efforts, always presenting himself as a quiet, competent professional when handling ARES matters, whether within the group, or with event officials, participants, and other volunteers. Tony’s participation in WCARS club and ARES activities is always with knowledge, preparation, and prompt action.”

For further information on the KB4C Miriam Smith Memorial Award, see http://arrl-roanoke.com/awards.htm Congratulations to Tony B. Jones, KJ4CRO on receiving the 2017 KB4C – Miriam Smith Memorial Award! (sources: N4SET, N2ZZ, W4CHX)

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DX CLUB LAUNCHNG INITIATIVE TO GET NEWCOMERS ON HF BANDS – The Northern California DX Club (NCDXC) has announced an initiative aimed at getting more new Technician and General class radio amateurs active on HF. The NCDXC Elmering Project will launch in mid-September. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/northern-california-dx-club-launching-initiative-to-get-newcomers-on-hf-bands (source: ARRL website)

ARRL BOARD EXPLORES ENTRY-LEVEL LICENSE OPTIONS, WAYS TO FACE FUTURE CHALLENGES – Meeting July 21-22 in Farmington, CT, the ARRL Board of Directors took steps to chart a firmer future for Amateur Radio by enhancing the value of the entry-level license and by providing ongoing support for new licensees. The Board also conferred several annual awards, including the prestigious Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Award, the League’s top honor for a young radio amateur. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-board-explores-entry-level-license-options-ways-to-face-future-challenges (source: ARRL website)

FT8 MODE IS LATEST BRIGHT SHINY OBJECT IN AMATEUR RADIO DIGITAL WORLD – It’s still in beta testing, but FT8 – the latest digital bauble to capture the imagination of the Amateur Radio community – has been luring away many of those already using the popular JT65 “weak-signal” mode. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/ft8-mode-is-latest-bright-shiny-object-in-amateur-radio-digital-world (source: ARRL website)

ARRL RELEASES NEW HAM RADIO PROMOTIONAL POSTERS – The ARRL has made available for download a series of six posters that promote Amateur Radio to the general public. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-releases-new-ham-radio-promotional-posters (source: ARRL webstie)

RADIO CLUB OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES 2017 AWARD WINNERS AND FELLOWS – The Radio Club of America (RCA) has recognized several individuals as award recipients and RCA Fellows for 2017. The list includes several radio amateurs. Michael Kalter, W8CI of Xenia, OH received the Barry Goldwater Amateur Radio Award for unique contributions to the field of amateur radio, specifically for being instrumental in the relocation of Hamvention. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/radio-club-of-america-announces-2017-award-winners-and-fellows (source: ARRL website)

HARA ARENA – HAMVENTION’S FORMER HOME – TO BE AUCTIONED BY IRS – For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/hara-arena-hamvention-s-former-home-to-be-auctioned-by-irs (source: ARRL website)

NCDXF ANNOUNCES $100,000 CONTRIBUTION TO THE 3Y0Z BOUVET ISLAND DXPEDITION – The Northern California DX Foundation (NCDXF) has announced a contribution of $100,000 to the 3Y0Z Bouvet Island DXpedition planned for January 2018. Bouvet is #2 on the ClubLog Most Wanted DXCC List. The contribution is the largest in the history of the NCDXF. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/ncdxf-announces-100-000-contribution-to-the-3y0z-bouvet-island-dxpedition (sources: ARRL website, NCDXF, The Daily DX)

ARRL ANNOUNCES COLVIN AWARD GRANT TO BOUVET ISLAND 3Y0Z DXPEDITION – The ARRL has granted a Colvin Award to help support the upcoming 3Y0Z DXpedition to Bouvet Island, the second most-wanted DXCC entity. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-announces-colvin-award-grant-to-bouvet-island-3y0z-dxpedition and https://www.bouvetdx.org/ (sources: ARRL and Bouvet Island DXpedition 3Y0Z websites)

PIRATES ON THE AIR! – QST “How’s DX?” and The Daily DX Editor Bernie McClenny, W3UR, said that someone in southern Europe has been pirating several call signs on CW. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/pirates-on-the-air (source: ARRL website)

ARRL RADIOSPORT DEPARTMENT DEBUTS NEW HONOR ROLL, TOP OF HONOR ROLL PLAQUES – The ARRL Radiosport department has unveiled two newly designed plaques for the coveted DXCC Honor Roll and Top of Honor Roll awards. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-radiosport-department-debuts-new-honor-roll-top-of-honor-roll-plaques (source: ARRL website)

ARRL AUDIO NEWS ANNOUNCES NEW EXTRA EDITION SERVICE – ARRL Audio News is proud to announce the debut of our Extra Edition service. Extra Editions are longer, uninterrupted audio segments devoted to particular topics. They will be posted on the ARRL Audio News web page. Just go to the page and then scroll down to Audio News Extra Edition. The Extra Edition will also be distributed on iTunes and Stitcher as part of the ARRL Audio News podcast channel. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-audio-news-announces-new-extra-edition-service (source: ARRL website)

CANADA PROPOSES IMPLEMENTING A 60-METER BAND WHILE RETAINING DISCRETE CHANNELS – An Industry Canada (IC) regulatory consultation (proceeding) aimed at implementing the changes from the 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15) could lead to the allocation of a 60-meter band in Canada in addition to the five discrete channels that are congruent with those in the US. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/canada-proposes-implementing-a-60-meter-band-while-retaining-discrete-channels (source: ARRL website)

SOLAR ECLIPSE QSO PARTY A HIT, SCIENCE CONCLUSIONS AWAIT ADDITIONAL ANALYSIS – The 2017 Solar Eclipse QSO Party (SEQP) is history, and, while logs are still coming in, the preliminary participation numbers look good, according to Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, of HamSCI. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/solar-eclipse-qso-party-a-hit-science-conclusions-await-additional-analysis (source: ARRL website)

TOP-LEVEL DOMAIN NAME “.radio” NOW AVAILABLE – The top-level domain (TLD) name “.radio” is now available to the radio industry and Amateur Radio enthusiasts, and is reserved for individuals and companies with active interest in the radio sector. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/top-level-domain-name-radio-now-available (source: ARRL website)

ARISS CROSS-BAND REPEATER NOT AVAILABLE FOR GENERAL COMMUNICATION – The cross-band FM voice repeater aboard the International Space Station has not officially been activated for general amateur use, although some stations have reported successful contacts. The system is being used in an effort to detect telemetry from three recently deployed CubeSats. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/ariss-cross-band-repeater-not-available-for-general-communication (sources: ARRL website, ARISS and AMSAT News Service)

LICENSE CLASSES –

Raleigh (NC): Technician license class, September 16 to October 14, 2017, sponsored by Raleigh Amateur Radio Society, contact Carl Davis W8WZ by phone at (773) 949-5243 or by email at w8wz at aol dot com for further information. 

Goldsboro (NC): Technician license class, September 19 to November 07, 2017, sponsored by Wayne County Amateur Radio Association, contact Peter Wene WA5T by phone at (919) 440-2937 or by email at pete at wene dot net for further information.

To find upcoming classes, go to www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-class Please note that a license class sponsored by your club or organization will not be listed on the ARRL website unless you register your class. ARRL Registered Instructors may list upcoming classes on the ARRL website. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/License-instructor-registration Also, please let me know if your club is sponsoring a license class. Thanks! (source: ARRL website) 

(F) MEDIA HITS AND REPORTS – The following media hits and reports are included in this month’s newsletter:

On ARES, Gaston County Amateur Radio Society, and Field Day, see http://www.gastongazette.com/entertainment/20170620/8-questions-and-answers-about-field-day (source: Google search)

On the Forsyth Amateur Radio Club and Field Day, see http://www.journalnow.com/news/local/ham-radio-operators-of-all-ages-participate-in-amateur-radio/article_8f721eaa-7060-5655-b803-d13a6bb0334d.html (source: Google search)

On the Onslow Amateur Radio Club and Field Day, see http://www.jdnews.com/news/20170702/ham-radio-operators-dial-up-fun-for-annual-field-day-competition Thanks to Janice Hopkins, KJ4JPE, an ARRL-trained Public Information Officer, for providing this information! (source: KJ4JPE, Google search) 

On Allan Brown, W4EAB winning fourth place (single op, in-state, mixed, high power) in NC QSO Party, see http://www.yourdailyjournal.com/news/74524/richmond-county-ham-radio-operator-places-4th-in-state-contest (source: Google search)

On Oscar Norris, W4OXH receiving lifetime recognition from Greater Gaston Amateur Radio Society, see http://www.gastongazette.com/news/20170725/longtime-ham-radio-operator-gets-lifetime-recognition (source: ARRL website)

On the solar eclipse and preparedness for traffic and emergencies in western NC, see http://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2017/08/19/world-cwith-thousands-solar-eclipse-watchers-flooding-area-local-officials-brace-unprecedented-crowd/572169001/ (source: Google search)

On the solar eclipse at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI), see http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article168367197.html (source: Google search)

On studying the solar eclipse at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (video), see http://wlos.com/news/local/nasa-scientists-watch-eclipse-at-pari (source: Google search)

The following report (edited) on Field Day was received from Dave Price, K4KDP: “Field Day proved to be a great time to visit multiple ARRL Field Day locations in eastern North Carolina. I was able to meet with BARC (Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club) during their Field Day setup. They had a nice banner that caught my attention with “Talk Around The World” printed in large letters. OBRA (Outer Banks Repeater Association) had a nice location and setup at the town park. I was able to see one of their newer Hams make their first DX contact then watched as the joy of DX kept them busy and making more contacts. The cool ocean breeze made for comfortable temperatures. Next, I visited with The Albemarle Amateur Radio Society at Northeast High School. They had a very nice radio setup in an enclosed trailer with solar panels on the top. The bleachers provided a good location for antenna support ropes and a shelter when the storms arrived. The Pamlico Amateur Radio Club Field Day event was located east of Washington in a rural area with a lot of trees. There were several types of antennas in the trees, but the rain arrived limiting the ability to see the full setup. Very heavy rains and road flooding cancelled my plans to visit more sites that evening. On Sunday morning, WCARA (Wayne County Amateur Radio Association) was easy to notice with the very large red banner next to a busy road. The club had a pileup waiting for QSOs at three stations. WCARA always have CW operators that enjoy working with the group. Then, I visited with JARS (Johnston Amateur Radio Society) operating near Dunn, NC. As always, they made me feel very welcome and showed me some of the equipment along with one very busy station. South Wake Amateur Radio Club, set up near Fuquay-Varina, had multiple radios lined up with opportunities for visitors to try different bands. The set up allowed them to easily make changes between radios and antennas, if needed. Last was RARS (Raleigh Amateur Radio Society) where I was able to meet with several radio operators I have worked with before. Their exhibit had several very busy stations and a lot of participants. Each group made me feel very welcome and I appreciated the ability to visit with each of them. I left each group a small package of Boy Scout Radio [Merit Badge] requirements, JOTA information, and some other Boy Scout-related material. …” Thanks to Dave Price, K4KDP, ARRL NC Section Youth Coordinator – Scouting, for providing this report! (source: K4KDP)

The following report (edited) on the Boy Scout National Jamboree was received from Dave Price, K4KDP: “K2BSA had a very nice, active amateur radio exhibit at the Boy Scout National Jamboree in Mount Hope, WV. I had the pleasure of touring the exhibit and again meeting with the man behind K2BSA, Mr. Jim Wilson K5ND. Kelsey Seymour K3LSY, Gary Wilson K2GW, and Demetrious Pulas K4BSA were welcoming the Scouts and volunteers, and then leading them to multiple radio operators at their stations. Classes were being held after the tour for Scouts to complete their Radio Merit Badge requirements. Several Scouts already had their amateur radio license and were able to complete the remaining steps to also earn their Radio Merit Badge. The tents and antennas are put in place just days before the Jamboree and all radio/antenna gear must be removed the day after the Jamboree ends. Great work from the K2BSA team! …” Thanks to Dave Price, K4KDP, ARRL NC Section Youth Coordinator – Scouting, for providing this report! (source: K4KDP)

A newspaper article from the Hickory Daily Record (8/27) detailing the community service activities of the Lenoir Amateur Radio Club was received from Ro Maddox, K4HRM. The article was very informative. Unfortunately, an electronic version of the article is not available at this time. Thanks to Ro Maddox, K4HRM, for providing this information! (source: K4HRM) 

NTS SECTION TRAFFIC REPORT FOR JULY 2017 –

QNI (total check-ins): 1,764; Total messages passed: 571.

Activity Reports (SARs), total number: WC9CW 283, KB4RGC 220, W2EAG 202, K4IWW 188, KW4EMG 156, KC4PGN 127, AA3N 126, W4DNA 66, KF4OCU 61, KJ4JPE 53, WK4WC 44, W4EAT 41, W4TTO 36, KE4AHC 35, KN4AAG 22, W3HL 20, W4EDN 13, KI4UDZ 5, W4CC 5.

Public Service Honor Roll (PSHR), total number: KW4EMG 355, WK4WC 180, WC9CW 175, KI4UDZ 160, W4DNA 160, K4IWW 130, KB4RGC 130, KJ4JPE 115, W2EAG 110, W4TTO 106, KE4AHC 100, AA3N 95, KJ4OCU 80.

Thanks to all stations for participating in NC Section traffic activities during May 2017; and, to Dave Roy, W4DNA, Section Traffic Manager, for providing this information! (source: W4DNA)

SILENT KEYS – With deep regret, the passing of the following amateur radio operators is reported: Roger James Burt N4ZC (SK) of Mount Holly; Thomas Ronald LaMothe, Sr, K4DWF (SK) of Murphy; and, David Lee White, K4LKN (SK) of Clayton. Please note: it is not possible to post information about an amateur radio operator that has become a Silent Key without confirmation via a copy of an obituary or death certificate.

SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS –

October 14: Make A Wish, Trailblaze Challenge, 1100Z-2200Z, WA4TRS, Fairview, NC. The Road Show Amateur Radio Club. 28.365 14.270 7.275. Certificate. The Road Show ARC, 57 Echo Lake Dr, Fairview, NC 28730. wa4trs@gmail.com

Special Event Station listings in the NC Section newsletter are based on what appears on the ARRL website, see http://www.arrl.org/special-event-stations Please consider listing your Special Event Station at least 60 days before the event, see http://www.arrl.org/special-events-application Also, please let me know if your club is sponsoring a Special Event Station. Thanks! (source: ARRL website)

UPCOMING HAMFESTS AND CONVENTIONS –

September 1-3: 61st Annual Shelby Hamfest/ARRL North Carolina State Convention, Shelby Amateur Radio Club, Shelby, NC, http://www.shelbyhamfest.org

November 19: JARSFest 2017, Johnson Amateur Radio Society, Benson, NC, http://www.jars.net

March 31, 2018: RARSfest/ARRL North Carolina State Convention, Raleigh Amateur Radio Society, Raleigh, NC, http://www.rars.org/hamfest/

July 21, 2018: Mid-Summer Swapfest, Cary Amateur Radio Club, Cary, NC, http://www.qsl.net/n4nc/

It is not too early to apply for ARRL-affiliation of your club’s upcoming hamfest! For more information, see http://www.arrl.org/arrl-sanctioned-events (source: ARRL website)

QUA* – Please keep everyone that has been affected adversely by Hurricane Harvey, including the individuals responding to the needs of the victims and their communities, in your thoughts and prayers.

Reminder! Your assistance is needed with S 1534 The Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2017. Please take the time to contact your US Senators and request their support by voting favorably for this Bill. A link to the RallyCongress page is provided to make it easy for you to generate letters to your US Senators, see https://arrl.rallycongress.net/ctas/urge-us-senate-to-support-amateur-radio-parity-act Thanks!

At the end of July, I took an 8-day long trip, which included visits to two hamfests in western NC and to family in western Michigan. On Saturday (7/29), I got up early (real early!) and drove to Waynesville to attend the WCARS Hamfest 2017. It was nice to see friends and colleagues in western North Carolina again! During the hamfest, I attended the awards presentation for Tony B. Jones, KJ4CRO, recipient of the KB4C – Miriam Smith Memorial Award for 2017. Again, congratulations to Tony KJ4CRO for service to his community! I left the hamfest and drove to western Michigan to visit my father, sister, and her family for the next five days. On Friday (8/4), I left Michigan and drove to Morganton. The next morning, I attended the 20th Annual Catawba Valley Hamfest. Once again, it was great to see everyone at the hamfest! Later, I drove home to Raleigh. 

I saw the solar eclipse on Monday, August 21st, still have my eyesight, and was relieved to learn that few problems were encountered considering the number of people that traveled to view the eclipse! I would like to thank the amateur radio operators in western NC that worked with local public safety personnel to provide assistance, if needed. Great job!

Among the many safety tips that Tom Brown, N4TAB, NC Section Emergency Coordinator and I sent to the NC Section via email prior to the solar eclipse, there is one that Hams should still take advantage of – the ReadyNC mobile app for their iPhone or Android phone. The app provides real-time information on traffic and weather conditions, river levels, evacuations, and power outages. For further information on downloading this mobile app, see https://readync.org/EN/DOWNLOADAPP.html

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or want to provide input on our Section. I can be reached via email at w4chx@arrl.org or via cell phone. As always, thank you for sending your emails, photos, and club newsletters – they keep me informed about your activities and programs! Thanks for everything you are doing for amateur radio and your community. 73, Karl Bowman, W4CHX, ARRL North Carolina Section Manager, (919) 669-6068 (cell)