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ARRL NC Section Newsletter

November 2016

Greetings from Karl W4CHX, your ARRL NC Section Manager!

ARRL CALLS ON MEMBERS TO PRESS FOR US SENATE PASSAGE OF AMATEUR RADIO PARITY ACT – The ARRL is once again calling on its members to urge their US Senators to support the Amateur Radio Parity Act (HR 1301) when it comes up in the Senate during the “lame duck” session of Congress that adjourns in mid-December. The House of Representatives approved the Bill in September, but if the Senate does not follow suit, the Bill will die, and the entire process will have to be repeated. ARRL Hudson Division Director Mike Lisenco, N2YBB, who chairs the ARRL Board’s Legislative Advocacy Committee and has been heavily involved in efforts to move HR 1301 forward, said today, “The clock is ticking! We begin the e-mail campaign once again, as the US Senate returns to work this week after a month-long hiatus,” Lisenco said. “We were just beginning to build momentum in the Senate following the unanimous passage of the Parity Act in the House when Congress shut down for the 4 weeks prior to Election Day.”

The task is simple: Go to our Rally Congress page, enter your ZIP code, fill in your name and address, press enter, and e-mails will go directly to your Senators. Members may do this, even if they have already contacted their US Senators for support.

“We have to remind our legislators that we are still here and that we need the Amateur Radio Parity Act to become law,” Lisenco stressed. “We must to do this now as we have, at most, only 4 weeks left in the session to get the Bill passed this year. Otherwise, we will have to begin the entire process in 2017 with a new 115th Congress.” There are no guarantees, Lisenco said, and we are subject to the political bickering that goes on daily between the parties, despite the fact that the Bill is truly a bipartisan effort. “In order to have a chance at overcoming political obstacles that have little or nothing to do with the legislation, we need our voices to be heard,” he said. “And we need that input today!” September’s victory in the US House was the culmination of many years of effort on ARRL’s part to gain legislation that would enable radio amateurs living in deed-restricted communities to erect efficient outdoor antennas that support Amateur Radio communication. The measure calls on the FCC to amend its Part 97 rules “to prohibit the application to amateur stations of certain private land-use restrictions, and for other purposes.” While similar bills in past years gained some traction on Capitol Hill, it was not until the overwhelming grassroots support from the Amateur Radio community for HR 1301, and ARRL’s relentless and strident efforts on Capitol Hill that this Bill made it this far.

As the amended Bill provides, “Community associations should fairly administer private land-use regulations in the interest of their communities, while nevertheless permitting the installation and maintenance of effective outdoor Amateur Radio antennas. There exist antenna designs and installations that can be consistent with the aesthetics and physical characteristics of land and structures in community associations while accommodating communications in the Amateur Radio services.” For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-calls-on-members-to-press-for-us-senate-passage-of-amateur-radio-parity-act (source: ARRL website)

SKYWARN RECOGNITION DAY ON-THE-AIR EVENT IS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 (12/3) – The annual SKYWARN Recognition Day on-the-air activity will take place Saturday, December 3, from 0000 until 2400 UTC. In NC, the event will start Friday evening, December 2, at 7:00 PM EST. SKYWARN Recognition Day was developed in 1999 by the National Weather Service (NWS) and the ARRL to honor the contributions that SKYWARN volunteers make to the NWS mission – the protection of life and property during threatening weather. During the SKYWARN Special Event, Hams will operate from several NWS offices. W1AW will take part in the event. The object of the event is for all participating Amateur Radio stations to exchange contact information with as many NWS stations as possible on 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6, and 2 meters plus 70 cm. Contacts via repeaters are permitted. Stations will exchange call signs, signal reports, locations, and a one or two-word description of the weather at their respective locations, eg, sunny, rainy, partly cloudy, or windy. NWS stations will use various modes, including SSB, FM, AM, RTTY, CW, and PSK31. While using digital modes, special event stations will append "NWS" to their call signs, eg, N0A/NWS. Event certificates will be available following SKYWARN Recognition Day. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/skywarn-recognition-day-on-the-air-event-is-saturday-december-3 (source: ARRL website)

The following information was received from Virginia Enzor, NC4VA: “SKYWARN Recognition Day. Weather Spotters get ready! SKYWARN Recognition Day 2016 officially takes place Saturday, December 3, from 0000-2400 UTC. … Central Carolina SKYWARN and the Raleigh National Weather Service, operating under the call sign WX4NC, will join in the fun on Friday night (December 2) from 7-11 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, making contacts on the WB4TQD 146.88 repeater, the K4ITL 147.105 repeater, the K4ITL 147.135 repeater, the Carolina 440 UHF Link System, IRLP, Echolink (WX3H and WX4NC), and HF (20, 40 & 80 meters SSB). To find the specific HF frequencies, look for us on http://dxsummit.fi/#/ or ask a SKYWARN operator on the 146.880 repeater. Radio operators will exchange names, call signs, locations, signal reports, and a 1 or 2-word weather report. There will be a special event certificate from the Raleigh National Weather/Central Carolina SKYWARN. Instructions for obtaining a 2016 SKYWARN Recognition Day Special Event Certificate from WX4NC can be found by going to www.weather.gov/raleigh/skywarn on December 3, 2016. Additional information may be found at www.centralcarolinaskywarn.net. Hope to get you in the log! Virginia Enzor NC4VA …” Thanks to Virginia Enzor, NC4VA, Emergency Coordinator (Central Carolina SKYWARN), for providing this information! And, thanks to Janice Hopkins, KJ4JPE, an ARRL-trained Public Information Officer, and Bill Morine, N2COP, ARRL Roanoke Division Vice Director, for sending earlier notices on SKYWARN Recognition Day! (sources: NC4VA, KJ4JPE, N2COP)

REMINDER! ARRL INVITES NOMINATIONS FOR 2016 INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN AWARD (DEADLINE, 12/31) – Nominations are open for the 2016 ARRL International Humanitarian Award. The Award is conferred upon an individual radio amateur or Amateur Radio group that has demonstrated devotion to human welfare, peace, and international understanding through Amateur Radio. The League established this annual Award to recognize Amateur Radio operators who have used ham radio to provide extraordinary service to others in times of crisis or disaster. All nominations and supporting materials for the 2016 Award must be submitted in writing in English to the ARRL by December 31, 2016. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-invites-nominations-for-2016-international-humanitarian-award (source: ARRL website)

REMINDER! ARRL FOUNDATION INVITES SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS FOR 2017-18 ACADEMIC YEAR (DEADLINE, 1/31/17) – 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)

ARRL SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR SIX AWARDS (DEADLINES, 3/15/17 to 4/30/17) – 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)

FORUM EXPLAINING HOW HAM RADIO CLUBS CAN OBTAIN TAX-EXEMPT STATUS NOW AVAILABLE – A video of the presentation by Certified Public Accountant Lynn Baxter, W0LTB, at the New England Amateur Radio Festival in October is now available online. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/forum-explaining-how-ham-radio-clubs-can-obtain-tax-exempt-status-now-available (source: ARRL website)

WORK CONTINUES TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AMATEUR AUXILIARY, FCC – Work continues to promote the visibility of Amateur Radio enforcement within the FCC, the ARRL Executive Committee was told during its meeting on October 22 in Rosemont, IL. ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, reported that meetings have been held with the FCC concerning more effective FCC use of the volunteer resources of the Amateur Auxiliary (Official Observers) program, the current FCC-ARRL Amateur Auxiliary Agreement, and the development of a new Memorandum of Understanding that better incorporates the Amateur Auxiliary program – especially in light of the FCC’s recent closing of field offices and reduction of Spectrum Enforcement Division staff. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/work-continues-to-strengthen-relationship-between-amateur-auxiliary-fcc (source: ARRL website)

FCC SPECIAL COUNSEL LAURA SMITH SAYS AMATEUR ENFORCEMENT WILL BE AGGRESSIVE – FCC Special Counsel Laura Smith told a standing-room-only audience at the ARRL Pacific Division Convention (Pacificon) in October that, despite FCC cutbacks, Amateur Radio enforcement will not be compromised. For further information, including a link to her presentation, see http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-special-counsel-laura-smith-says-amateur-enforcement-will-be-aggressive (source: ARRL website)

JOTA 2016 SHOWS PARTICIPATION WAS UP – The Boy Scouts of America has released the final report on the 2016 Jamboree on the Air (JOTA), and the news is good. Participation was up from 2015 despite what the report called “terrible propagation.” For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/jota-2016-report-shows-participation-was-up (sources: JOTA Coordinator Jim Wilson K5ND, ARRL website)

DECEMBER YOUNGSTERS ON THE AIR EVENT SET – The annual Youngsters on the Air (YOTA) event takes place during the entire month of December, with YOTA stations attempting to contact many other young radio amateurs around the world. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/december-youngsters-on-the-air-event-set (source: ARRL website)

FINAL REMINDER! 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, latest news, and other items, see http://www.arrl.org/NPOTA (source: ARRL website)

LICENSE CLASSES –

Kenansville (NC): Technician license class, December 2-4, 2016, sponsored by Duplin Emergency Communications Alliance, contact Joan Korman, KC2WCX by phone at (910) 665-1426 or by email at jekormanslp 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.

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 personal satellite technology, CubeSats, and AMSAT, see http://phys.org/news/2016-05-future-personal-satellite-technology-ready.html (source: Google search)

The following report was received from Stan White, KI4NC: “Turkey Trot 2016. All, The Hampstead Hams were well represented once again this year at the Hampstead Kiwanis Park Turkey Trot. I spoke with the Race Director following the event. She asked that I pass along her sincere appreciation to all the Hams who help make this event such a huge success year after year. She is much more relaxed than in past years because of our presence along the course. Not only are we providing communications support, but we are providing an additional layer of safety for the participants and other volunteers. A special THANK YOU to all our Ham Volunteers: Bob WA3IRG, Frank KO4FD, John KM4QZV, Jeff WB4GQO, Sue WA4SAZ, Russ KM4DVD, Joey KI4DUK, Randy KA4SQN, Bobby N4NPH, Jamie KK4IFH, Mack KK4IRV, David KM4WEE, Dave KK4DVS, Doug N9CWX, and Jeff NC4JF. In total, 16 Hams contributed 48 hours of public service; a $912 value! Thank YOU for your public service spirit and contributions of time and equipment to provide communications and safety with the Hampstead Hams during the 9th Annual Hampstead Kiwanis Park Turkey Trot! Pictures have been posted on the club website. Link is below. Thank you Jeff WB4GQO and Sue WA4SAZ for providing event pictures. http://hampsteadhams.com/turkey-trot-2016/ 73 Stan KI4NC.” Thanks to Stan White, KI4NC, President, Hampstead Hams, for providing this report! (source: KI4NC)

NTS SECTION TRAFFIC REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2016 –

QNI (total check-ins): 1,433; Total messages passed: 611.

Station Activity Reports (SARs), total number: WB4ZIQ 294, W2EAG 240, WC9CW 214, KC4PGN 212, W4DNA 208, KW4EMG 187, AA3N (formerly AK4RJ) 156, KB4RGC 134, KF4OCU 88, K4IWW 81, W4EAT 70, KJ4JPE 60, W4TTO 56, WK4WC 46, W3HL 27, KW4PD 13, KE4AHC 0.

Public Service Honor Roll (PSHR), total number: KJ4JPE 250, KW4EMG 240, WC9CW 235, KW4PD 183, WB4ZIQ 180, W4DNA 145, KI4UDZ 141, K4IWW 130, KB4RGC 125, AA3N (formerly AK4RJ) 120, W2EAG 110, W4TTO 110, WK4WC 108, KF4OCU 77.

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: Drax Robert Felton, KB3X (SK) of China Grove; Marvin Stanley Heller, ex-KD4OLW (SK) of Raleigh; Terry Lynn Nyhagen, N9JXM (SK) of Clyde; Charles M. (“Charlie”) Vaughan, K4UWH (SK) of Hampstead; and, Vernon Nelson ("Pat") Whetzel, Sr, WA4CLT (SK) of Raleigh. 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 – No Special Event Stations are listed through February 28, 2017. 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!

UPCOMING HAMFESTS AND CONVENTIONS –

January 14, 2017: Winston-Salem FirstFest, Forsyth Amateur Radio Club, Winston-Salem, NC, http://www.w4nc.com/ws_classic_hamfest_2016.htm

March 10-11, 2017: Charlotte Hamfest, Mecklenburg Amateur Radio Society, Concord, NC, https://charlottehamfest.org/

April 15, 2017: Catawba Valley Hamfest, McDowell Amateur Radio Association, Morganton, NC, http://cvhamfest.com

April 15, 2017: 45th Annual RARSFest/ARRL Roanoke Division Convention, Raleigh Amateur Radio Society, Raleigh, NC, http://www.rars.org/rarsfest/

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

July 8, 2017: Firecracker Hamfest, Rowan Amateur Radio Society, Salisbury, NC, http://www.rowanars.org/firecracker-hamfest/

July 15, 2017: Mid-Summer SWAPFEST, Cary Amateur Radio Club, Cary, NC, http://www.qsl.net/n4nc/

September 1-3, 2017: 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* – As the end-of-year approaches, I am reminded that – after almost 2 years of hard work by the Ham community, the ARRL and its leaders, and its Congressional co-sponsors – HR 1301 Amateur Radio Parity Act has been passed by the US House of Representatives, sent to the US Senate, and is waiting to be voted upon. Passage of the Bill seems so close! But, there is little time remaining in session to get this done, since the 114th Congress is scheduled to adjourn on December 16th. Your help is still needed! If you have not sent letters to Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis, please use the Rally Congress tool to contact your Senators and request their support of HR 1301 by voting favorably for the Bill. Here is the website for the Rally Congress tool: https://arrl.rallycongress.net/ctas/urge-senate-to-support-amateur-radio-parity-act Thanks for everything you have done to support HR 1301 Amateur Radio Parity Act!

In closing, I am grateful for the friendship and hospitality extended to me while participating in or attending: the University of Scouting, BSA Occoneechee Council, in Fuquay-Varina (11/5); the monthly meeting of the South Wake Amateur Radio Club, in Fuquay-Varina (11/7); and, JARSfest, sponsored by Johnston County Amateur Radio Society, in Benson (11/20). It was great to see everyone!

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 holidays and 73, Karl Bowman, W4CHX, ARRL North Carolina Section Manager, (919) 669-6068 (cell)