Posted Mar 2, 2016
February, 2016
Greetings from Karl W4CHX, your ARRL NC Section Manager!
HR 1301 AMATEUR RADIO PARITY ACT OF 2015 (UPDATE) - HR 1301 continues to
gain co-sponsors! As of February 29th, HR 1301 has 123 co-sponsors, including 5
Representatives from North Carolina: David Price (D-NC-4); Walter Jones, Jr (R-NC-3);
Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10); David Rouzer (R-NC-7); and, Renee Elmers (R-NC-2).
Source:
S 1685 AMATEUR RADIO PARITY ACT OF 2015 (UPDATE) - In June 2015, S 1685
Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015 was introduced in the US Senate by Senator Roger F.
Wicker (R-MS). The wording in S 1685 and HR 1301 are identical. As of January 27th,
there are 3 co-sponsors: Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), the original co-sponsor of
the Bill; Senator Al Franken (D-MN); and, Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS). Source:
ARRL CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER HAROLD KRAMER, WJ1B, RETIRES AFTER
11 YEARS AT HEADQUARTERS - The ARRL Headquarters staff bid farewell and
happy retirement to Chief Operating Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B, on February 26th.
For further information on his retirement party and accomplishments, see
DAVID RITTER, ND4MR RECEIVES 2015 ROANOKE DIVISION ARRL SERVICE
AWARD - The following communication was received from Dr. Jim Boehner, N2ZZ:
"The Roanoke Division ARRL Service Award was instituted in 1968 by then Roanoke
Division Director Vic Clark, W4KFC. Vic intended the award to be recognition for a long
history of significant and consistent contributions to Amateur Radio. The amateur
selected would have, over the years, dedicated much of his or her time to Amateur
Radio and the ARRL. Nominations for the award were solicited in late 2015. The
selection committee is comprised of past award recipients, and the administration of the
award is done by the Roanoke Division Director. Out of a field of five very worthy
candidates, one clearly received the majority of the votes. Congratulations to our 2015
Roanoke Division ARRL Service Award winner: David Ritter ND4MR of North
Wilkesboro, NC. The award presentation is currently planned at the 2016 Charlotte
Hamfest on Saturday, March 12, 2016 during the ARRL forum:
2016 CHARLOTTE HAMFEST, CONCORD, NC (3/11-12) - The Charlotte Hamfest will
be held on Friday, March 11th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM, and on Saturday, March 12th from
8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, in Concord, NC. The location for the event is the Cabarrus Arena
and Events Center, 4551 Old Airport Road, 4571 Hwy 49 North, Concord, NC 28025. In
addition to the commercial vendor exhibits and flea market, the 2016 Charlotte Hamfest
will have raffle prizes, GoBox Contest, Bingo, and VE testing by WCARS. The forum
sessions will include presentations on emergency communications; weather spotting;
ARRL updates and presentation of the 2015 Roanoke Division ARRL Service Award to
David Ritter, ND4MR; digital voice progress; the recent DXpedition to K5P Palmyra Atoll;
and, the NC and SC QSO Parties. The 2016 Charlotte Hamfest is sponsored by the
Mecklenburg Amateur Radio Society Inc - W4BFB of Charlotte, NC. For further
information, see
REMINDER, AGAIN! ARRL INVITING NOMINATIONS FOR SIX AWARDS
(DEADLINES, MARCH - APRIL, 2016) - The ARRL is inviting nominations for six (6)
awards honoring excellence in amateur radio. The awards include: 1) the Hiram Percy
Maxim Award, which honors a young amateur radio operator; 2) the ARRL Herb S. Brier
Instructor of the Year Award; 3) the ARRL Microwave Development Award; 4) the ARRL
Technical Service Award; 5) the ARRL Technical Innovation Award; and, the Knight
Distinguished Service Award. For further information on these awards and others, the
nomination procedures, and deadlines, see
REMINDER! FOUNDATION FOR AMATEUR RADIO INVITES SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATIONS (DEADLINE, 4/15) - The Foundation for Amateur Radio Inc invites
applications for the 2016-2017 academic year for the 46 scholarships it administers.
The deadline for applications is April 15th; however, the applications can be edited until
May 7th. For further information, see
VHF SUPER CONFERENCE, STERLING, VA (4/14-17) - The following information was
received from Mickie Clement, W1MKY: "Hello VHF-UHF-Microwave Weak Signal
Enthusiasts: The First Ever, VHF SUPER Conference will be held at the Holiday Inn
Washington-Dulles International Airport, Sterling, VA, April 14-17, 2016. If there ever
was One VHF Conference to go to - This Is IT! The Southeastern VHF Society
(SVHFS), North East Weak Signal Group (NEWS) and Mt. Airy VHF Radio Club (Pack
Rats) have come together to sponsor this VHF "Super Conference". It is being hosted
by the Grid Pirates Contest Group (K8GP) and Directive Systems and Engineering. For
further information and to register for the conference go to
ARRL TEACHERS INSTITUTE ON WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY ANNOUNCES 2016
SCHEDULE (DEADLINE, 5/1) - May 1, 2016 is the application deadline for educators
seeking admission to the summer sessions of the ARRL Teachers Institute on Wireless
Technology, which are being offered by the ARRL Education & Technology Program
(ETP). This year, three sessions will be conducted: two introductory sessions and one
advanced session. The Introduction to Wireless Technology course will be presented in
Rocklin, CA on June 20th to 24th; and again, at ARRL Headquarters in Newington, CT on
July 25th to 29th. The advanced Remote Sensing and Data Gathering course will be
offered July 18th to 21st, at the Dayton Amateur Radio Association in Dayton, Ohio. The
introductory course is a prerequisite for the advanced course. The ARRL Teachers
Institute is an expenses-paid, professional development opportunity for teachers in a
school, college, or professional educational organization who want to acquire training
and resources to explore wireless technology in the classroom and incorporate
mathematics and science with engineering and technology. Currently, the ARRL
Education & Technology Program has provided resources, including amateur radio
equipment and training, to more than 650 teachers and 570 schools. The ARRL
Teachers Institute is funded by individual, corporate, and institutional donations. For
further information, see
ARRL 2016 FIELD DAY PACKET IS NOW AVAILABLE, NEW BONUS POINT
CATEGORIES - ARRL Field Day will be held June 25-26, 2016. The 2016 ARRL Field
Day packet (.pdf) is now available for download. This year, there are two new bonus
point categories, social media and safety officer. For further information, see
ARRL BOARD ADOPTS NEW STRATEGIC PLAN - The ARRL Board of Directors has
adopted an updated Strategic Plan, which defines the ARRL vision and direction for the
next 5 years. For further information, see
ARRL SIGNS NEW MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE AMERICAN
RED CROSS - The ARRL and the American Red Cross signed a new Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) in January, which will cover the next 5 years. The MoU details
how ARES volunteers will interact with the American Red Cross when they are
requested to assist the American Red Cross in disaster or emergency response. For
further information, see
ARISS OPENS WINDOW TO INVITE SCHOOL AND GROUP PROPOSALS FOR ISS
HAM RADIO CONTACTS (DEADLINE, 4/15) - The Amateur Radio on the International
Space Station (ARISS) program is seeking proposals from schools, formal or informal
educational institutions, and organizations to host an amateur radio contact next year
with an ISS crew member. The deadline for applications is April 15th. ARISS anticipates
that contacts would take place between January 1st and June 30th of 2017. For further
information, see
RETIRING CEO DAVID SUMNER, K1ZZ, "PASSIONATE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO"
- Retiring ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Sumner, K1ZZ, was the keynote speaker
at the Orlando HamCation banquet on Saturday, February 13, 2016. During his speech,
Dave K1ZZ talked about the role of amateur radio in his life and was optimistic that
amateur radio will be important to future generations, as well. For further information,
see
NEW AMATEUR EXTRA QUESTION POOL PUTS GREATER EMPHASIS ON
DIGITAL, SDRs, PROPOGATION - The new Amateur Extra class license examination
question pool, effective from July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2020, is now available at the
National Conference of Volunteer Coordinators (NCVEC) website. For further
information, see
ARTICLE PROFILES FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN RADIO AMATEUR, RUFUS
TURNER, W3LF - Hackaday, the computer hardware/software/DIY blog, has profiled
Rufus Turner W3LF, a very interesting person and the first African-American radio
amateur in US history. For further information, see
"HAM RADIO NOW" HOSTING 2015 ARRL/TAPR DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS - Full-length video of all major presentations at the
2015 ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference is now online, courtesy of "Ham
Radio Now." For further information, see
FCC INVITES COMMENTS ON ARRL PETITION THAT SEEKS 80/75 METER
ADJUSTMENTS - The FCC has placed the ARRL Petition for Rule Making RM 11759
on public notice and is soliciting comments from interested parties on what the ARRL
has called "minimal but necessary changes" to 80 and 75 meters. For further
information, see
FCC SEEKS COMMENTS ON PETITION TO GRANT LIFETIME AMATEUR RADIO
LICENSES - The FCC is seeking comments on Petition for Rule Making RM 11760,
which requests that the FCC grant lifetime amateur radio licenses. For further
information, see
US AMATEUR RADIO NUMBERS CONTINUE TO SOAR - For further information, see
ARRL NATIONAL PARKS ON THE AIR 2016 - For information on rules, answers to
frequently asked questions, activator tips, NPOTA documents, answers to basic
questions from NPS employees, the Leaderboard, list of NPOTA units, merchandise,
NPOTA on social media, and latest news, see
LICENSE CLASSES -
Gastonia (NC): Technician license class, April 2, 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): Amateur Extra license class, April 16 to June 11, 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
MEDIA HITS AND REPORTS - The following media hits and reports are included in this month's newsletter:
On the partnership between IEEE and American Red Cross to provide natural disaster
assistance, see
On a high-altitude balloon launch by Duke University students, see
The following information (edited) was received from Jim Johnson, KI4TAT: "For those of you who subscribe to The Pilot, Saturday edition, in the 1/31/2016 insert, "A Guide to the Sandhills", page 112 has a reference to MOCARS. Jim Johnson-pio." Since the newspaper is available online, but not the insert, Jim KI4TAT sent me a copy for review. In the Guide, information is provided on the Moore County Amateur Radio Society, including its involvement in community activities, licensing courses and examinations; meeting times and location; two meter nets, and contact information. Thanks to Jim Johnson, KI4TAT, an ARRL-trained Public Information Officer, for providing this media hit!
The following report was received from Steven Burke, KI4FAQ: "Successful VE Session on Saturday! On Saturday [1/30] we had 6 applicants who all passed their Technician exams. I'll let you know the new callsigns once they are posted. We had great VE participation! Stu Alpart, N1STU, Paul Jones, K4VCF, Dave Wentzel, KD4ITI, David Keever, K8IP, Diane Laval, KF5JJW, Jerry Malin, N2HV, David Leonard, AE4AT and Rodney Moore, W2ROD helped me in every way. THANKS! The next VE Session will be part of the Charlotte HamFest on March 12th, and the next MARS VE Session will be Saturday, April 16th. Steven KI4FAQ, MARS VEC Liaison." The next day the following email was received: "New Hams. John KM4QQA, David KM4QQB, Evan KM4QQC, Michael KM4QQD, John KM4QQE, John KM4QQF. Please welcome them! Steven KI4FAQ, MARS VEC Liaison." Congratulations to the new licensees; thanks to the VE team for their participation in testing; and, thanks to Steven Burke, KI4FAQ of the Mecklenburg Amateur Radio Society, for providing this information!
On February 5th, the following information was received from Ralph Wallio, W0RPK:
"Subject: Where to go during a communications shutdown. Emergency Management
article by Ken Reid, KG4USN, ARRL ARES EC of Atlanta, GA
(https://www.qrz.com/db/KG4USN).
The following report was received from Jerry O. Jones, KF4ASE: "13 Feb AREA 4
meeting/training. All, Another great gathering today! Thanks to everyone that was able
to attend. Here is a quick recap: We heard from each county that was present and a lot
of exciting events are going on within our area. We discussed most every county is
planning to activate for the 2016 NC QSO party and Field Day this year. Jeff WM4YD
demonstrated to everyone how to locate, download and install the required files for
FLDigi,
The following report was received from Dave Price, K4KDP: "..... Cub Scout Cage Bullard is in the QST magazine March issue on page 20. He worked very hard in earning his Morse Code interpreter Strip and is seen receiving the strip during JOTA 2015. ..... K. Dave Price, K4KDP, Boy Scout Troop 258 Chaplain, Torhunta District Committee Member, Trustee, Tuscarora Radio Club, KT4BSA." Thanks to Dave Price, K4KDP for providing this report!
The following report was received from Stan White, KI4NC: "NPOTA recap. All, On
behalf of Pender ARES and the Hampstead Hams, thank YOU for making our first
NPOTA activation a huge success! Unofficially, we made 273 contacts over the
weekend; including 38 states, Belgium, Canada, and Mexico! We will get to work on
logging contacts in LOTW and preparing QSL cards. A very special thank you to the
following who spent time with us at Moores Creek National Battlefield: KA4SQN -
Randy, KC4RB - Ron, KD5OSM - Clayann, KD5OSN - Kirk, KE4SAJ - Troy, KF4ASE
- Jerry, KI4DUK - Joey, KI4QLC - Carrie, KK4IRV - Mack, KK4FVC - Lucas, KK4PWA
- Wayne, KK4WCW - Stan, KK4ZKP - Andy, KK4ZKQ - Scott, KM4CXP - Ron,
KM4DNR - Tricia, KM4QZV - John, KO4FD - Frank, KQ4TG - Jake, N1KFC - Mark,
N2COP - Bill, N4COW - Charlie, N4JPG - John, N4NPH - Bobby, NC4JF - Jeff, NK0S
- Hutch, W4TRM - Tom, WA3IRG - Bob, WA4SAZ - Sue, and WB4GQO - Jeff. And
"thank you" to the others who joined us on the air from their home stations! For those
who were unable to attend, we missed you. However, don't worry, we will be activating
Moores Creek several more times this year. In addition, the Azalea Coast ARC will also
be activating from Moores Creek, and maybe as soon as April. We hope everyone will
get a chance to join in the fun. Stay tuned..... A few pictures from the event are now on
the website. See them here:
NTS SECTION TRAFFIC REPORT FOR JANUARY 2016 - QNI (total check-ins): 2,060; Total messages passed: 567. Station Activity Reports (SARs), total number: KC4PGN 229, WK4WC 145, W4DNA 107, WB4ZIQ 90, WC9CW (formerly KM4HSO) 66, AK4RJ 58, KJ4JPE 54, W4TTO 51, KE4AHC 37, KW4EMG 27, W4EAT 13. Public Service Honor Roll (PSHR), total number: W4DNA 165, WK4WC 160, WB4ZIQ 140, K4IWW 130, KK4LGM 118, AK4RJ 105, KJ4JPE 105, KM4HXX 100, W4TTO 100, WC9CW (formerly KM4HSO) 100. 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: Harold Alvin Bouton, Jr, N4QT (SK) of Charlotte; and, Jack A. Ritter, W0UCE (SK) of Youngsville. 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 -
March 12-13: Battle of Guilford Courthouse - 235th Anniversary, 1300Z-1900Z, N4G,
Greensboro, NC. Greensboro Amateur Radio Association. 21.325 14.325 7.235. QSL.
N4G Special Event Station, GARA, PO Box 7054, Greensboro, NC 27417. DSTAR
REF054C. This event is NPOTA activation (MP-04). Request SASE for QSL.
UPCOMING HAMFESTS AND CONVENTIONS -
March 11-12: Charlotte Hamfest, Mecklenburg Amateur Radio Society, Concord, NC,
On behalf of the participants in the Tar Heel Emergency Net, I would like to welcome Cy Rowe, K1CY of Gastonia, as the new Net Control Station for Saturday night. Thanks for volunteering your time and operating skill, Cy!
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
*QUA is an international Q signal (prosign) meaning, "Have you news of _____?" In the absence of a question mark, QUA means, "I have news of ____."