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ARRL NC Section Newsletter

December 2016

Greetings from Karl W4CHX, your ARRL NC Section Manager!

ARRL VOWS CONTINUED PURSUIT OF THE AMATEUR RADIO PARITY ACT IN THE 115TH CONGRESS – HR 1301 Amateur Radio Parity Act died an unbefitting death as the 114th Congress of the United States drew to a close in early December. After having passed the House of Representatives on a unanimous vote, the bill stalled in the Senate due to the intervention of only one member, Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL). For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-vows-continued-pursuit-of-the-amateur-radio-parity-act-in-the-115th-congress (source: ARRL website)

WINTER FIELD DAY IS JUST AHEAD (1/28-29) – Winter Field Day, sponsored by the Winter Field Day Association, will take place over the January 28-29 weekend. The purpose of Winter Field Day is to encourage emergency operating preparedness in the winter; however, it is also an opportunity to get out of the house and enjoy the great outdoors. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/winter-field-day-is-just-ahead (source: ARRL website)

FINAL REMINDER! ARRL FOUNDATION INVITES SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS FOR 2017-18 ACADEMIC YEAR (DEADLINE, 1/31) – The ARRL Foundation is accepting scholarship applications from eligible radio amateurs planning to pursue post-secondary education during the 2017-18 academic year. Completed applications must be received by January 31, 2017. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-foundation-invites-scholarship-applications-for-2017-18-academic-year (source: ARRL website)

NORTH CAROLINA QSO PARTY (2/26) – The North Carolina QSO Party, sponsored by the Raleigh Amateur Radio Society, will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2017, from 1000 EST to 2000 EST. For further information, see http://www.rars.org/ncqsoparty/ (source: RARS website)

REMINDER! ARRL SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR SIX AWARDS (DEADLINES, 3/15 to 4/30) – The ARRL is inviting nominations for awards that recognize educational, technological, and service pursuits in Amateur Radio: the ARRL Herb S. Brier Instructor of the Year Award, the ARRL Microwave Development Award, the ARRL Technical Service Award, the ARRL Technical Innovation Award, and the Knight Distinguished Service Award. In addition, nominations are being accepted for the Hiram Percy Maxim Award, the League’s premier award honoring a young licensee. The nomination deadlines are between March 15 and April 30, 2017. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-seeks-nominations-for-six-awards (source: ARRL website)

NATIONAL PARKS ON THE AIR CONTACT TALLY TOPS 1 MILLION! – As of December 21st, participants in the ARRL’s National Parks on the Air (NPOTA) program completed more than 1 million contacts! The NPOTA event ended on December 31st at 2359 UTC. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/national-parks-on-the-air-contact-tally-tops-1-million (source: ARRL website)

LOGBOOK OF THE WORLD TO NO LONGER ACCEPT CONTACTS SIGNED BY TQSL VERSIONS EARLIER THAN 2.0 – A reminder: As of 1400 UTC on January 16, ARRL Logbook of The World (LoTW) will no longer accept contacts that have been digitally signed by versions of TQSL earlier than version 2.0. Users of earlier versions are encouraged to upgrade as soon as possible, as older TQSL versions contain uncorrected defects and display inaccurate error messages. The current versions of TQSL for Windows, OS X, and Linux are available online, https://lotw.arrl.org/lotw-help/installation/ This action does not affect data already uploaded to LoTW; all QSOs remain in the LoTW database in perpetuity – Thanks to Norm Fusaro, W3IZ. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/logbook-of-the-world-to-no-longer-accept-contacts-signed-by-tqsl-versions-earlier-than-2-0-1 (sources: W3IZ, ARRL website)

RADIO CLUB OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES NEW “WIRELESS WOMEN” SECTION ON WEBSITE – In an effort to encourage more participation of women and girls in the wireless industry, the Radio Club of America (RCA) has created a new “Wireless Women” section on its website, designed to assist women considering careers in wireless and encouraging them to get involved in technology. Information includes resources such as “Notable Women in Wireless,” “RCA’s Vivian Carr Award,” and “Professional Wireless Organizations for Women,” as well as web resources for females of all ages interested in wireless. There’s also a list of universities that have an engineering focus and significant female enrollment. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/radio-club-of-america-announces-new-wireless-women-section-on-website (source: ARRL website)

630 METERS BECOMING A MAINSTREAM AMATEUR BAND, EXPERIMENT COORDINATOR SAYS – The coordinator of the ARRL’s WD2XSH 600-Meter Experimental Group – Fritz Raab, W1FR – said in his latest quarterly report that 630 meters is becoming quite active, with both Amateur Radio and Part 5 Experimental stations taking advantage of the band, which is still not available in the US. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/630-meters-becoming-a-mainstream-amateur-band-experiment-coordinator-says (source: ARRL website)

BOY SCOUTS’ RADIO MERIT BADGE REQUIREMENTS TO INCLUDE AMATEUR RADIO DIRECTION FINDING OPTION – The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) have updated the requirements for the Radio Merit Badge for 2017. A new option for the Radio Merit Badge is Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF). For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/boy-scouts-radio-merit-badge-requirements-to-include-amateur-radio-direction-finding-option (source: ARRL website)

LICENSE CLASSES –

Granite Falls (NC): Technician licensing class, January 13-27, 2017, sponsored by Foothills Community Workshop, contact Michelle Suddreth, KD4YTU by phone at (828) 754-5002; or, Samantha Royster, NC CERT Program Manager, by phone at (919) 825-2288 or by email at samantha dot royster at ncdps dot gov for further information (note: this license class is not listed on the ARRL website).

Boone (NC): Technician license class, January 21-29, 2017, sponsored by Watauga Amateur Radio Club, contact Marv Hoffman, WA4NC by phone at (828) 355-9766 or by email at mkhoffman2006 at yahoo dot com for further information.

Gastonia (NC): Technician license class, February 4, 2017, sponsored by Greater Gaston Amateur Radio Society, contact Tony Jones, N4ATJ by phone at (704) 827-2138 or by email at N4ATJ at bellsouth dot net for further information.

Gastonia (NC): General license class, February 4, 2017, sponsored by Greater Gaston Amateur Radio Society, contact Tony Jones, N4ATJ by phone at (704) 827-2138 or by email at N4ATJ at bellsouth dot net for further information.

Asheville (NC): Technician license class, February 14 to March 23, 2017, sponsored by Western Carolina Amateur Radio Society, contact Norman Harrill, N4NH by phone at (828) 253-1192 or by email at N4NH at arrl 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: NC CERT, ARRL website)

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

On the comic strip character, The Phantom, and amateur radio, see http://www.arrl.org/news/amateur-radio-keeps-phantom-in-touch-with-the-outside-world-from-the-skull-cave (source: Google search)

On George Lee Clifton, WD4DVS (SK) of Lexington (obituary), see http://www.the-dispatch.com/news/20170103/former-city-council-member-dies (source: Google search)

On snowfall totals in NC on January 7, 2017 and amateur radio, see http://wncn.com/2017/01/07/snowfall-totals-across-north-carolina-for-jan-7/ (source: Google search)

The following report was received from Steven Burke, KI4FAQ: “New Ham Radio Operators. Please join me in welcoming 6 new Technician Class hams to our area. They successfully completed their exams last Saturday morning at our MARS VE Session. Their names and calls are: Art Trevino KM4ZKU, Alan Meeker KM4ZLD, Andrew Rowley KM4ZKV, James Smith KM4ZKZ, Jim Scalia KM4ZKW, and Rebecca Novae KM4ZKX. Please encourage them to participate in our nets and other activities. Also, I want to thank our VE and non-VE members who helped conduct the exams. I couldn't have done it without David Keever K8IP, Bill Turner W4WNT, Steve Nosko W4SJN, Paul Jones K4VCF, Stu Alpert N1STU, Ron McCoy N5IQ, Matt Young KK4HNU, Susan Nosko N4PSN, and Mitch Barbato KX4MB. Thanks to all! Steven Burke KI4FAQ, MARS-WCARS VEC Liaison.” Congratulations to all of the new Hams; thanks to the VE team and their assistants for their service; and, thanks to Steven Burke, KI4FAQ, for providing this report! (source: KI4FAQ)

The following report on Scouting and Amateur Radio was received from Dave Price, K4KDP: “In 2016, the NC Section recorded an increase in the number of registered JOTA (Boy Scout Jamboree On The Air) stations. We were asked to support a station in Murphy and in Wilmington, along with over 25 additional stations to provide JOTA stations from the mountains to the coast. JOTA is a great time for radio operators to arrange for at least one Boy Scout Troop to be there, along with a registered Radio Merit Badge Counselor. With a little planning, the JOTA event can be set up so that Scouts can complete their Radio Merit Badge requirements, including: explain five Q signals; describe a base station, mobile station, and handheld radio; safety; and, being part of a 10 minute-long radio conversation. We can help Scouts complete these requirements easily, and make it far more interesting than just reading about it in a book. The required Eagle Scout Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge has a requirement for taking part in an emergency service project, either a real one or a practice drill, with a Scouting unit or a community agency. Field Day 2017 would be a good time for a Scout to complete this requirement. In the winter and early spring, Scouts usually plan an event called “Merit Badge College” where multiple merit badge classes are held on the same day, usually a Saturday morning or afternoon class. Here are a few helpful websites: http://www.scouting.org/jota/radio_merit_badge.aspx and http://www.arrl.org/amateur-radio-and-scouting … In April, the Scouts will hold an event called “Order of the Arrow Conclave” near Mt. Airy; we have been asked to demonstrate Amateur Radio for a few hours during this event. Please remember that Boy Scouts require two or more adults at all events. Thanks for your support of Girl, Cub, and Boy Scouts. Make a new friend when a young person holds the mic and talks on your radio! 73, K. Dave Price, K4KDP.” Thanks to Dave Price, K4KDP, ARRL NC Section Youth Coordinator – Scouting, for providing this report! (source: K4KDP)

The following report was received from Jim Atkins, W4UX: “Samuel F. B. Morse event at the Reynolda House in Winston-Salem. … I want to bring you up to date on an event here in Winston-Salem that the Forsyth Amateur Radio Club is participating in during the period February through April, 2017. For more information on the actual event please see http://www.reynoldahouse.org/exhibitions/detail/samuel-fb-morses-gallery-of-the-louvre-and-the-art-of-invention The club will be actively involved in demonstrating the art of Amateur Radio and Morse Code during the event. Here is a preliminary schedule of our involvement: 2/16/17 Media Day. We will have a presentation set up along with possibly having the text vs CW challenge similar to the Jay Leno version about 10 years ago. 2/17/17, Opening Day. We plan on manning a special event station to demonstrate CW operation. … 4/29/17 Community Day. Special event station in the gazebo during the Community Day event. This also is a pretty big deal in that there will be several other community participants. We may be asked to provide both CW and Phone operation. Also, we may have a display of antique keys and have a demonstration of a CW decoder that will display the received transmissions. We are hoping to document our involvement for a possible QST article. … 73, Jim W4UX.” Thanks to Jim Atkins, W4UX, Forsyth Amateur Radio Club, providing this report! (source: W4UX)

The following report was received from James Johnson, KI4TAT: “MOCARS [Moore County Amateur Radio Society] 2016 Annual Report. … 2016 was another excellent year for MOCARS with 38 active members. Highlights for the year included participation in a community event nearly every month starting with Winter Field Day-January, Uwharrie Mountain Run-February, Southern Pines Spring Fest-April, Carthage Buggy Festival-May, ARRL Field Day and Baden Bomber-June, Moore County Fair-September, Boy Scouts/JOTA-October, Simulated Emergency Test-November, and Holiday Luncheon-December. In addition, our club stayed busy with monthly membership meetings, bi-monthly VE testing, an upgrade of our 2m repeater, NC4ML, and formation of 6m and a Digital Group. The club website is www.mocars.org for more information.” Thanks to the MOCAR members for their public service; and, to James Johnson, KI4TAT, an ARRL-trained Public Information Officer for providing this report! (source: KI4TAT)

NTS SECTION TRAFFIC REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2016 –

QNI (total check-ins): 1,276; Total messages passed: 370.

Station Activity Reports (SARs), total number: KC4PGN 180, K4IWW 171, WC9CW 163, W2EAG 153, WB4ZIQ 129, WK4WC 95, KW4EMG 93, AA3N (formerly AK4RJ) 77, W4DNA 77, KB4RGC 61, W4TTO 48, KW4PD 42, KF4OCU 33, KJ4JPE 33, W4EAT 29, W3HL 13, KI4UDZ 2, KE4AHC 0.

Public Service Honor Roll (PSHR), total number: KW4EMG 230, WC9CW 185, WK4WC 155, WB4ZIQ 145, W4DNA 140, KJ4JPE 133, K4IWW 130, KB4RGC 125, KW4PD 125, W2EAG 110, KI4UDZ 101, W4TTO 100, AA3N (formerly AK4RJ) 90, KF4OCU 40.

Thanks to all stations for participating in NC Section traffic activities; 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: George Lee Clifton, WD4DVS (SK) of Lexington; and, Flavius Lee ("FL") Warford, Jr, WW4FL (SK) of Thomasville. Notification has been received that another individual has recently become a Silent Key; however, it is not possible to post information about that amateur radio operator without confirmation via a copy of an obituary or death certificate.

SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS –

February 16-17: Samuel F.B. Morse Exhibition, 1500Z-2000Z, N4M, Winston Salem, NC. Forsyth Amateur Radio Club of Winston-Salem, NC. 21.044 14.044 10.120 7.044. QSL. Forsyth Amateur Radio Club, P.O. Box 11361, Winston Salem, NC 27116. The Forsyth Amateur Radio Club of Winston-Salem, NC, will sponsor Special Event Station, N4M, in celebration of the opening of the Reynolda House Museum of American Art’s Exhibition – Samuel F.B. Morse’s “Gallery of the Louvre” and the Art of Invention. The station will operate from 1500 to 2000 UTC on both February 16 and 17, 2017. This CW station will operate on 7044, 10120, 14044 and 21044 kHz. http://www.reynoldahouse.org/exhibitions/detail/samuel-fb-morses-gallery-of-the-louvre-and-the-art-of-invention and www.w4nc.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 –

January 14: Winston-Salem FirstFest, Forsyth Amateur Radio Club, Winston-Salem, NC, http://www.w4nc.com/ws_classic_hamfest_2016.htm

March 10-11: Charlotte Hamfest, Mecklenburg Amateur Radio Society, Concord, NC, https://charlottehamfest.org/

April 15: Catawba Valley Hamfest, McDowell Amateur Radio Association, Morganton, NC, http://cvhamfest.com (note: this hamfest is not currently listed on the ARRL website)

April 15: 45th Annual RARSFest/ARRL Roanoke Division Convention, Raleigh Amateur Radio Society, Raleigh, NC, http://www.rars.org/rarsfest/

April 28-29: 2017 SVHFS Conference, Southeastern VHF Society, Charlotte, NC, http://svhfs.org

July 8: Firecracker Hamfest, Rowan Amateur Radio Society, Salisbury, NC, http://www.rowanars.org/firecracker-hamfest/

July 15: Mid-Summer SWAPFEST, Cary Amateur Radio Club, Cary, NC, http://www.qsl.net/n4nc/

August 12: 19th Annual Cape Fear Amateur Radio Society Swapfest, Cape Fear Amateur Radio Society, Fayetteville, NC, http://www.cfarsnc.org

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

It is not too early to apply for ARRL-affiliation of your club’s 2017 hamfest! For more information, see http://www.arrl.org/arrl-sanctioned-events (source: ARRL website)

QUA* – It is very unfortunate that – after almost 2 years of hard work by the Ham community, the ARRL and its leaders, and the Congressional co-sponsors – HR 1301, The Amateur Radio Parity Act, was not passed. It seemed so close… But, we will begin the process again. And, we will need your assistance again. Stay tuned!

On a brighter note, December was a very busy month for me! On Friday evening, December 2nd, I participated in SKYWARN Recognition Day 2016 by visiting the operating location of Central Carolina SKYWARN and the Raleigh National Weather Service on the NC State University campus. It was very interesting to tour the NWS and learn about some of the weather forecast models. I enjoyed interacting everyone and getting on the air, using the call sign, WX4NC. The next day, I drove to Lexington to attend the holiday luncheon of Piedmont Chapter 126, Quarter Century Wireless Association; and then, I drove to Mooresville to attend the Carolina DX Association Holiday Party that evening. During the banquet, SC Section Manager Marc Tarplee, N4UFP and myself presented an inscribed crystal globe to the Carolina DX Association in recognition of their 35th anniversary. Thereafter, I drove back to Raleigh. It was a long day, but I enjoyed visiting with the QCWA and CDXA members! During the rest of the month, I spent time with family members and friends. It is hoped that you had happy holidays, too!

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! I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming hamfest or club meeting. Thanks for everything you are doing for amateur radio and your community. Happy New Year and 73! Karl Bowman, W4CHX, ARRL North Carolina Section Manager, (919) 669-6068 (cell)