ARRL NC Section Newsletter
June, 2016
Greetings from Karl W4CHX, your ARRL NC Section Manager!
ARRL, Community Associations Institute Find Common Ground on Parity Act Language (6/7, ARRL) - ARRL and the Community Associations Institute (CAI) - the national association of homeowners associations (HOAs) - have reached consensus on provisions of the Amateur Radio Parity Act, H.R. 1301. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-community-associations-institute-find-common-ground-on-parity-act-language (source: ARRL)
AMATEUR RADIO PARITY ACT SET FOR HOUSE ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE MARKUP (6/23, ARRL) - The Amateur Radio Parity Act (HR 1301) is among five bills that the US House Energy and Commerce Committee has scheduled for "full committee" markup in July. For further information, including the text of the complete substitute amendment agreed upon by ARRL and the Community Associations Institute (CAI), see http://www.arrl.org/news/amateur-radio-parity-act-set-for-house-energy-and-commerce-committee-markup (source: ARRL website)
ARRL Foundation Announces 2016 Scholarship Recipients - The ARRL Foundation has announced the 2016 recipients of the scholarships it administers. Awards totaling $115,650 went to 78 young radio amateur scholars this year. The Goldfarb Memorial Scholarship was not awarded this year. The Outdoor Hams Scholarship ($1,000) was awarded to Alexander M. Lozada, KK4THC of Summerfield. Congratulations to all scholarship recipients! For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-foundation-announces-2016-scholarship-recipients (source: ARRL website)
Colorado Creates Auxiliary Emergency Communications Unit - A new Colorado law has created an Auxiliary Emergency Communications (AuxComm) Unit within the state's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/colorado-creates-auxiliary-emergency-communications-unit (source: ARRL website)
Bouvet Island Activation Planned - Three proven and experienced DXpedition leaders and a large team of operators have announced plans to activate Bouvet Island (Bouvetøya), the #2 most-wanted DXCC entity in late 2017 or early 2018. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/bouvet-island-activation-planned (source: ARRL website)
Polish DXer 3Z9DX Reported Ready to Return to North Korea on a Moment's Notice - Following a surprise "demonstration" operation from North Korea last December, Dom Grzyb, 3Z9DX of Poland, is waiting for the call that will allow him to return to the #1 most-wanted DXCC entity for another brief activation. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/polish-dxer-3z9dx-reported-ready-to-return-to-north-korea-on-a-moment-s-notice (source: ARRL website)
ARRL Now Offering New "Radio and Wireless Technology" Patch Program for Girl Scouts - The ARRL is offering a new Girl Scouts "Radio and Wireless Technology" patch program that provides opportunities for participants to learn about wireless technology, including Amateur Radio. The program encourages Girl Scouts to pursue activities where they will acquire knowledge, skills, and interest in STEM subjects and careers. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-now-offering-new-radio-and-wireless-technology-patch-program-for-girl-scouts (source: ARRL website)
ARRL Programs and Services Committee Expresses Appreciation, Support of NTS - The ARRL Programs and Services Committee will submit a motion to the ARRL Board of Directors expressing appreciation for the work and volunteer membership of the National Traffic System (NTS™). The motion thanked NTS members, congratulated them for outstanding service, and assured them of an ongoing ARRL public service communication role. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-programs-and-services-committee-expresses-appreciation-support-of-nts (source: ARRL website)
ARRL Executive Committee Removes NTS Eastern Area Chair, Eastern Pennsylvania Section Manager - The Executive Committee of the ARRL Board of Directors has relieved ARRL Eastern Pennsylvania Section Manager Joe Ames, W3JY, of his appointments in the ARRL Field Organization, including his position as Chairman of the ARRL National Traffic System™ (NTS™) Eastern Area. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-executive-committee-removes-nts-eastern-area-chair-eastern-pennsylvania-section-manager (source: ARRL website)
ARRL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES COMMITTEE APPOINTS BUD HIPPISLEY, W2RU, AS NTS EASTERN AREA CHAIR - The ARRL Programs and Services Committee (PSC) has appointed George W. ("Bud") Hippisley, W2RU, as the new Eastern Area Chair for the ARRL National Traffic System™ (NTS™) for a 2-year term, effective immediately. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-programs-and-services-committee-appoints-bud-hippisley-w2ru-as-nts-eastern-area-chair (source: ARRL website)
"WARNING" NOTICES TO ARRL E-MAIL USERS ARE BOGUS - For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/warning-notices-to-arrl-e-mail-users-are-bogus (source: ARRL website)
REMINDER! NET MANAGER AND NET CONTROL OPERATORS NEEDED FOR TAR HEEL EMERGENCY NET - The Tar Heel Emergency Net (THEN) is looking for a Net Manager and additional Net Control Stations. The THEN is the ARES HF net in the NC Section and it has been operating since 1947. The net meets nightly at 7:30 PM EST on 3.923 MHz. All individuals with ARES appointments - Assistant Emergency Coordinators, Emergency Coordinators, and District Emergency Coordinators - should consider participating as the Net Manager or as a Net Control Station for THEN. For further information, see https://www.ncarrl.org/nets/THEN/index.html or contact Karl Bowman, W4CHX, ARRL NC Section Manager, at w4chx at arrl dot com. Thanks! (source: NC ARRL website)
ARRL NATIONAL PARKS ON THE AIR 2016 - For information on rules, answers to frequently asked questions, activator tips and NPS documents, NPOTA documents, answers to basic questions from NPS employees, the Leaderboard, list of NPOTA units, merchandise, NPOTA on social media, and latest news, see http://www.arrl.org/NPOTA (source: ARRL website)
LICENSE CLASSES -
Gastonia (NC) : Technician license class, August 6, 2016, sponsored by Greater Gaston Amateur Radio Society and VE Team, 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, August 6, 2016, sponsored by Greater Gaston Amateur Radio Society and VE Team, contact Tony Jones, N4ATJ by phone at (704) 827-2138 or by email at n4atj at bellsouth dot net for further information.
Raleigh (NC) : Technician license class, August 6 to September 10, 2016, sponsored by Raleigh Amateur Radio Society, contact Murray Merner, K4MHM by phone at (919) 803-7973 or by email at k4mhm at arrl dot net for further information.
Raleigh (NC) : General license class, October 1 to October 22, 2016, sponsored by Raleigh Amateur Radio Society, contact Murray Merner, K4MHM by phone at (919) 803-7973 or by email at k4mhm 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: ARRL website)
MEDIA HITS AND REPORTS - The following media hits and reports are included in this month's newsletter:
On Hampstead Hams and Field Day, see https://issuu.com/post-voice/docs/post6.9.16/16 (page 3B), cut and paste this link into your browser. Thanks to Stan White, KI4NC, President, Hampstead Hams for providing this media hit!
On Hampstead Hams and Field Day, see http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20160609/ENTERTAINMENT/160609649/1020/news0103?p=all&tc=pgall and http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20160616/ENTERTAINMENT/160619747/0/search?p=all&tc=pgall Thanks to Stan White, KI4NC, President, Hampstead, for providing these media hits! (additional source: ARRL website)
On amateur radio and the Lewisville 25th anniversary celebration, see http://www.journalnow.com/journal_west/news/lewisville-readies-celebrations-for--year-anniversary/article_c14d7417-6b1c-5835-96b4-652a67584f5b.html (source: ARRL website)
On the Winston-Salem Classic Hamfest, see http://www.journalnow.com/relishnow/goseedo/go-see-do-friday-june/article_964bcf4a-cf96-5b1e-b5a4-f89750d0bd70.html (source: Google search)
On amateur radio providing assistance during communication outage on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, see http://islandfreepress.org/2016Archives/06.12.2016-SixHourCommunicationOutageHitsHatterasIsland.html (source: ARRL website)
On the Lenoir Amateur Radio Club and Field Day, see http://caldwelljournal.com/lenoir-amateur-radio-club-field-day-2016-set-local-hams-to-demonstrate-emergency-communications/ (source: Google search)
On the Raleigh Amateur Radio Society and Field Day, see http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/community/cary-news/cn-community/article85030547.html (source: Google search)
On amateur radio being there and thriving, see http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/06/when-everything-else-fails-amateur-radio-will-still-be-there-and-thriving/ Thanks to Ralph Wallio, W0RPK of Greenville, for providing this media hit!
On the Rockingham County Amateur Radio Club and Field Day, see http://www.greensboro.com/zzstyling/calendar/rockingham-plan-your-week-june--july/article_bc95f233-8939-53c0-abdc-be60a63dbc42.html and http://www.greensboro.com/zzstyling/calendar/rockingham-plan-your-week-june/article_df888e28-5ef7-51de-9833-df0eae2d20d2.html (source: Google search)
On the Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club and Field Day, see http://www.reflector.com/News/2016/06/24/Amateur-Radio-Field-Day-exercise-to-be-held-this-weekend.html Thanks to Dave Langley, W4YDY, Second Vice President, Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club, for providing this information!
On the Stanly County Amateur Radio Club and Field Day, see http://www.thesnaponline.com/news/local_news/ham-radio-operators-will-conduct-field-day-at-morrow-mtn/article_35f12610-3a12-11e6-8bbe-47e3c513b79f.html (source: Google search)
On the Shelby Amateur Radio Club and Field Day (photos), see http://www.shelbystar.com/photogallery/NC/20160625/NEWS/625009998/PH/1?start=2
(source: Google search)
On the Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club and Field Day, see http://www.reflector.com/News/2016/06/27/Radio-amateurs-serve-as-boots-on-the-ground.html This article appeared on the front page of The Daily Reflector, Greenville, NC (print edition). Thanks to Dave Langley, W4YDY, Second Vice President, Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club, for providing this information!
On the internet broadcast from Brightleaf Amateur Radio club via w5kub.com, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzrPWanX_Pw&feature=youtu.be According to Dave W4YDY, "Peter Van Houten, KG4WEZ, set this up with K5KUB. You can see our operation and setup. … Over 5 hour video. BARC starting at 2:11:50 and going to 2:23:30. Less than 12 minutes. It was live on the Internet around 6 PM." Thanks to Dave W4YDY, Second Vice President, Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club, for providing this information!
On the photos taken by Brian Hudson, KM4KIS during Field Day with the Lenoir Amateur Radio Club, see https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0ByTId1dqmd3xTVFERmhiUlg1QzQ&usp=sharing According to Ro K4HRM, "[Here] is a link for the photos that Brian Hudson KM4KIS shot at Field Day. You should be able to view and download. Thanks Brian for sharing your great pictures. … Ro K4HRM" Thanks to Brian Hudson, KM4KIS for providing these outstanding pictures; and, to Ro Maddox, K4HRM, Treasurer, Lenoir Amateur Radio Club, for providing this information!
On Bob Kiehlmeier, WA3IRG, the ARRL, and Field Day with the Hampstead Hams, see https://issuu.com/post-voice/docs/post6.30.16 (pages 4A, 7A), cut and paste this link into your browser. Thanks to Stan White, President, Hampstead Hams, for providing this media hit!
The following report was received from Marv Hoffman, WA4NC: "Congratulations go out to KM4UPS Abby Hastings, KM4UPT Daniel Blakely, KM4UPU Andy Grimes, KM4UPV Bailey Winecoff, and KM4UPW Jake Barnes, members of the ASU Solar Vehicle Team who tested on 6-9-2016, whose licenses were issued on June 17. They join KM4SWT James Furr, KM4SWU David "Duvey" Rudow, and KM4SWV Thomas Ward who tested on March 31 and received their licenses effective April 1, 2016. Way to go!!! We will be rooting for you during the Solar Vehicle Challenge. Marv." Congratulations to these new Hams; and, thanks to Marv Hoffman, WA4NC, President, Watauga Amateur Radio Club, for providing this report!
The following report was received from Janice Hopkins: "… Attached please find Carteret County Amateur Radio's Field Day 2016 announcement in the Carteret County News Times. …" A copy of the newspaper article was attached to her email message. Thanks to Janice Hopkins, KJ4JPE, an ARRL-trained Public Information Officer, for providing this information!
The following report (edited) was received from Stan White, KI4NC: "Bikes, blueberries, and ham radio. All, 596 cyclists participated in the 8th Annual Tour de Blueberry yesterday and 15 Hams provided communications support for cyclists, event organizers, and support staff. Temps were in the low 80s, which was a welcome sight for those who volunteered last year when temps were in the mid 90s with heat indices north of 100 degrees! Cyclist participation was up from 500 last year to 596 this year. Ham volunteers were also up this year from 11 to 15. In addition to 15 Hams, 2 others helped the cause along side us. I have submitted an FSD-157 form to ARRL to document our public service hours for this event. This is something we all can be very proud of. At this year's Tour de Blueberry, Pender ARES and Hampstead Hams, contributed 103.25 public service hours, with an estimated value of $1,961.75. This number does not even include the cost of equipment used to provide this service. I salute YOU for your public service spirit and volunteerism. Well done! A special THANK YOU to those who volunteered: Bob WA3IRG, Frank KO4FD, Stan KK4WCW, Cory, Joey KI4DUK, John KM4QZV, Ron KC4RB, Steve KM4UIB, Dorene, Nick KK4FYL, Kirk KD5OSN, Troy KE4SAJ, Carrie KI4QLC, Lucas KK4FVC, Mack KK4IRV, and Sue WA4SAZ. … Several folks stopped by our station to inquire about ham radio, how to become a licensed operator, etc. It was a pleasure to share information with those community members and promote the positive impact amateur radio has in and around Pender County. … We also had one [Ham] cyclist stop by and introduce himself… He asked what frequency we were on. He considered monitoring communications on his HT while pedaling through 67 miles of beautiful, rural Pender County. Pretty cool! … Ham ingenuity and creativity were on full display at the Tour de Blueberry! Some examples were: antennas made out of 300 ohm twin lead, homebrew J-pole antennas, mag mounts on pizza pans and sign posts, ground planes, PVC and speaker tripods, go-kits, batteries, solar panels, and the like. All of this is proof positive that Hams can set-up a station and get on the air in very short notice; ready to serve at a moment's notice. Great job! Event photos will be posted soon on our website and Facebook page. Again, THANK YOU ALL for another fun-filled day playing radio while helping others! 73 Stan KI4NC." Thanks to all the volunteers for providing service to their community; and, to Stan White, KI4NC, President, Hampstead Hams, for providing this report!
The following information on Maker Faire events in North Carolina was received from Ralph Wallio, W0RPK: "… Usinghttp://makerfaire.com/map/, I see events in Greensboro, 24Sep16,http://greensboromakerfaire.com/, and Charlotte, 08Oct16, http://cltmakerfaire.org/. …" Thanks to Ralph Wallio, W0RPK of Greensville, for providing this information!
The following report was received from Tim Tapio, K4SHF: "The Hoke County Commissioners adopted the resolution of this week being Amateur Radio Week in Hoke County this evening. Thanks to all that supported me in this effort. 73, Tim." Congratulations on this resolution; and, thanks to Tim Tapio, K4SHF, Emergency Coordinator (Hoke County), for providing this report!
The following report (edited) was received from Tim Tapio, K4SHF: "Hoke County hosted their First Annual Amateur Radio Field Day over the weekend at the Raeford-Hoke Museum. The weather conditions were ideal but radio propagation was rather poor due to being at the bottom of the sunspot cycle. Operators were Tim Marshall (KM4JIZ), Randy Cox (KB5WX) and Tim Tapio (K4SHF). Donnie Smith (AD4TL), Jayson Loveday (KM4SZR) and Cliff Overby (N4LJY) also contributed their skills. There were over 20 visitors to the event, including two Boy Scouts. … They both were able to operate over 2 meter (ham talk for 146 MHz) to each other. Simple antennas (one was a 250 foot piece of house wire…) and generator power were the rules of the day. There were not a lot of contacts made but the group was able to demonstrate how communications could be supported under emergency conditions. The group wishes to thank the trustees of the Raeford-Hoke Museum for allowing us to use the museum grounds and hope to make it an annual event. The next event in the plans is to support the Jamboree On The Air event for Boy Scouts on the third full weekend of October." Thanks to Tim Tapio, K4SHF, Emergency Coordinator (Hoke County), for providing this report!
The following report was received from Stan White, KI4NC: "Field Day Fun. All, Field Day 2016 has come and gone. We had a little rain. We had a little lightning. We had little sleep. But, we all had ALOT OF FUN! To some Field Day is a contest. To some Field Day is a SET (simulated emergency test). To some Field Day is a time to demonstrate what Ham Radio is all about and how Ham Radio Operators can provide a public service in times of need. Regardless of what Field Day means to you, we can all agree, Field Day is FUN! In the true spirit of Field Day, we were presented with some "less-than-ideal operating conditions" when park officials scheduled a baseball tournament next to our Field Day location. Our antenna set-up would be comprised, noise would be a factor, and other liabilities were inevitable. So, doing what Hams do, we quickly adapted to the "conditions" for the best possible outcome. A short move to the South end of Kiwanis Park provided acreage and stadium lights for long wire antennas! Field Day just wouldn't be Field Day without thunderstorms! This year was no exception as rain and thunderstorms moved across the area on 2 occasions leading to some down time from operating. With experience and fully stocked Go-Bags, we were able to secure and protect radio equipment and all other peripherals. Participation numbers were excellent again this year! THANK YOU ALL! 39 participants and/or visitors were part of our Field Day! Thanks to each of you for your individual contributions to make Field Day such a huge success! Pictures have been uploaded to the club website. Please see them here: http://hampsteadhams.com/field-day-2016/ Again, THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL YOU DO!!! 73 Stan KI4NC." Thanks to Stan White, KI4NC, President, Hampstead Hams for providing this report!
The following report was received from David Houser, WA9OTP: "… A brief photo journal of our NPOTA/Field Day. We got 3 new hams on the air. http://www.kk4mar.org/2016_NPOTA.html …" Thanks to David Houser, WA9OTP, President, Mayland Amateur Radio Club, for providing this report and link to Field Day photos!
(6/30) The following report (edited) was received from Dave Price, K4KDP: "… ARRL North Carolina Section Youth Coordinator - Scouting, Field Day Report. Field Day 2016 proved to be a great opportunity to meet fellow hams and make new friends. The Wayne County Amateur Radio Association (WCARA) had over 20 Hams on site. Several Boy Scouts attended and one group contacted me earlier and was able to complete the Radio Merit Badge. Thanks to WCARA for their long history of kindly working with the Boy Scouts, holding Amateur Radio classes, testing session, and fun Field Day setups. WCARA website link: http://www.k4cyp.com/ . The Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club (BARC) had some very interesting setups. Albert WA7FXB showed me how a visually challenged person could operate a Ham Radio, record their contacts and what equipment worked best. BARC is also known for their work with the Boy Scouts and I was able to meet one of the Boy Scout families that visited the event. They also have a very nice newsletter that I look forward to reading. BARC website link: http://www.w4amc.com/ . Kinston Amateur Radio Society (KARS) set up in uptown Kinston just a few feet from the sidewalk, which matches their friendly attitude to those interested in amateur radio. KARS is a small club with a big presence by offering test sessions, a yearly Hamfest, and support for new Hams. KARS website link: http://w4oix.org/ . At Newport, I met the Carteret County Amateur Radio Society (CCARS). This group of Hams was busy working the bands but had people that greeted visitors like myself. It was a busy setup with several stations operating. They not only had the radios going, but the grill was full of burgers and hot dogs, and yes, they had extras for the visitors. CCARS website link: http://www.w4ymi.com/ . In Swansboro, I met the Onslow Amateur Radio Club (Onslow ARC). They had a lot of family support, including younger future Hams at their exhibit. Onslow ARC had antennas everywhere and even had a used rescue vehicle converted for emergency communications. To see more, and find out the "name" of the emergency vehicle contact Onslow ARC, website link: http://www.onslowarc.org/ . In Hampstead, I met the Hampstead Hams. I arrived around 11:00 PM and found the club running multiple stations. They quickly adjusted to another area of the park after a ball tournament took up the antenna locations. Hampstead Hams used a good idea to get antennas very high in the air. Visit their website, or contact them, to find out more. Hampstead Hams website link: http://hampsteadhams.com/ My last visit was to Wilmington's Ogden Park where several clubs work together for the New Hanover Preparation Group. I arrived around midnight and they were still going strong. They also had the largest amateur radio antenna I had ever seen. Well almost, the antenna disappeared into the darkness. There are several clubs that come together for events, some of their website links are:http://www.ac4rc.org/ , http://nc4nh.org/ , http://www.n4ilm.org/site/ . I met a lot of nice people and learned some new ideas for my future Boy Scout radio setups. Thanks for supporting amateur radio and the Boy Scouts radio events. Now back to preparing for Boy Scout Jamboree On The Air (JOTA). This year, the Girls Scout have a patch that they can work toward earning by visiting a JOTA exhibit. ARRL link for the Girl Scout Radio and Wireless Technology patch: http://www.arrl.org/girl-scouts-radio-patch . 73 de K4KDP." Thanks to Dave Price, K4KDP, ARRL NC Section Youth Coordinator - Scouting for taking time to visit these club Field Day sites in eastern NC; and, for providing this report!
NTS SECTION TRAFFIC REPORT FOR MAY, 2016 -
QNI (total check-ins): 1,812; Total messages passed: 520.
Station Activity Reports (SARs), total number: K4IWW 267, WK4WC 185, KC4PGN 176, WC9CW 143, WB4ZIQ 129, W4DNA 104, AK4RJ 103, W4TTO 83, KB4RGC 71, KW4PD 46, KJ4JPE 31, KW4EMG 22, W4EAT 22, W3HL 13, KE4AHC 0, W2EAG 0.
Public Service Honor Roll (PSHR), total number: WC9CW 190, KW4EMG 182, KJ4JPE 181, W4DNA 175, WK4WC 165, KW4PD 160, WB4ZIQ 150, K4IWW 130, W4TTO 125, KK4LGM 116, AK4RJ 105, KB4RGC 105, KI4UDZ 92, KM4HXX 81. Thanks to all stations for participating in NC Section traffic activities; and, to Dave Roy, W4DNA, Section Traffic Manager, for providing this information!
SILENT KEYS - With deep regret, the passing of the following amateur radio operators is reported: Jerry Willis ("Jerry") Henderson, W1JER (SK) of Charlotte; and, Stephen Francis ("Steve") Horne II, KB5B (SK) of Greenville. 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 -
July 16 : Candor NC Peach Festival, 1400Z-1800Z, NC4MC, Candor, NC. Montgomery Amateur Radio Society (MARS). 14.250 USB 14.030 CW 7.250 7.030. Certificate. Don Grady, KG4ZRH, 120 Woodline Dr, Troy, NC 27371. Annual Peach Festival and Parade.
July 16 : Operation Red Sleigh, 1000Z-2010Z, K4NWJ, Asheboro, NC. Guilford ARES - AUXCOMM. 14.265 3.950 7.232. QSL. W4S/Operation Red Sleigh, 5186 Farlowe Davis Dr, Sophia, NC 27350. http://www.operationredsleigh.com/
September 1-4 : 60th Annual Shelby Hamfest Special Event, 1600Z-2200Z, W4NYR, Shelby, NC. Shelby Amateur Radio Club. All HF bands, SSB and CW. QSL. SARC, PO Box 2206, Shelby, NC 28151. Times will vary daily. www.shelbyhamfest.org
September 10 : 48th Annual National Hollerin' Contest Spiveys' Corner, 1500Z-2200Z, KK4NC, Dunn, NC. Sampson County Amateur Radio Service. 14.264 14.242 7.264 7.242. Certificate. Cliff Ireland (KK4NC), 170 Pinecroft Dr, Dunn, NC 28334. www.nationalhollerincontest.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 -
July 9 : 31st Annual Firecracker Hamfest, Rowan Amateur Radio Society, Salisbury, NC, http://www.rowanars.org/firecracker-hamfest
July 16 : Mid-Summer SWAPFEST, Cary Amateur Radio Club, Cary, NC, http://www.qsl.net/n4nc
July 30 : WCARS Hamfest, Western Carolina Amateur Radio Society, Waynesville, NC, http://wcars.org
August 13 : 18th Annual Cape Fear ARS Swapfest, Cape Fear Amateur Radio Society, Fayetteville, NC, http://www.cfarsnc.org/
September 2-4 : 60th Annual Shelby Hamfest/ARRL NC State Convention, Shelby Amateur Radio Club, Shelby, NC, http://shelbyhamfest.org
September 24 : FreeGate 2016, Qorvo Amateur Radio Club, Greensboro, NC, http://kd4rf.org/
April 17, 2017 : 45th Annual RARSfest/ARRL Roanoke Division Convention, Raleigh Amateur Radio Society, Raleigh, NC, http://www.rars.org/rarsfest/ It is not too early to apply for ARRL-affiliation of your club's 2016 hamfest! For more information, see http://www.arrl.org/arrl-sanctioned-events (source: ARRL website)
QUA* - The most recent news regarding HR 1301 Amateur Radio Parity Act continues to be encouraging. As mentioned last month, there are still more hurdles. Please remember: if the Bills are voted upon, your assistance will be needed, specifically to contact your Member(s) of Congress and request their favorable vote on the House (HR 1301) or Senate (S 1685) versions of the Amateur Radio Parity Act.
Between June 10th and 20th, I visited family in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Upon my return, I prepared for Field Day visits and made a presentation to the Cary Amateur Radio Club (6/23). It was great to visit with the CARC club members! I am looking forward to attending their Swapfest, and others, in July.
During ARRL Field Day 2016, I visited 12 club sites and 1 home station in central North Carolina. On Friday (6/24), my wife, Gale K4GGB, and I visited the Field Day site for the Raleigh Amateur Radio Society - W4DW (Apex) and the home station of Wayne Starnes, W4UV (Cary). On Saturday, I drove to Cleveland County and visited (in order) the following club sites on my return trip home: Shelby Amateur Radio Club - KM4C (Shelby); Gaston County ARES/Gaston County Amateur Radio Society/Gastonia Area Amateur Radio Club - N4GAS (Gastonia); Mecklenburg Amateur Radio Society - W4BFB (Mint Hill); Stanly County Amateur Radio Club - K4OGB (Morrow Mountain State Park); Cabarrus County Amateur Radio Society - K4WC (Concord); Rowan Amateur Radio Society - N4UH (Mt Ulla); Forsyth Amateur Radio Club - W4NC (Winston-Salem); High Point Amateur Radio Club - W4UA (Jamestown); and, Greensboro Amateur Radio Association - W4GSO (Greensboro). I arrived home (north Raleigh) around 1:20 AM Sunday morning. Whew! After a few hours of sleep, I visited the Field Day sites for the Durham FM Association/Orange County Radio Amateurs - W4EZ (Hillsborough) and the Moore County Amateur Radio Society - NC4ML (Pinehurst). According to the odometer on my car, I drove more than 800 miles during my Field Day visits! As always, it was great to see everyone during Field Day and learn about the unique approach each club had taken for setup and operations. Of course, the food was outstanding! Please accept my apology if I did not visit your Field Day site. Finally, thanks to all clubs that sent a Section Manager's message via NTS - your communications were appreciated greatly!
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. 73, Karl Bowman, W4CHX, ARRL North Carolina Section Manager, (919) 669-6068 (cell)