ARRL NC Section Newsletter
Posted May 30, 2015
Greetings to all Hams across North Carolina from Karl W4CHX, your ARRL NC Section Manager!
HR 1301 AMATEUR RADIO PARITY ACT OF 2015 (Update) - The Amateur Radio
Parity Act of 2015 - known as HR 1301 - was introduced in the US House of
Representatives on March 4th. The Bill would require the FCC to amend its Part 97
Amateur Service rules to apply the three-part test of the PRB-1 federal pre-emption
policy to include homeowners' association regulations and deed restrictions, often
referred to as "covenants, conditions, and restrictions" or CC&Rs. HR 1301 was
introduced by Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL). As of May 28th, HR 1301 has 57
co-sponsors, including Representative David Price (D-NC-4). ARRL members are urged
to contact their US House members and ask them to sign on to the bill as a co-sponsor.
For further information, see
ARRL FIELD DAY 2015 (June 27-28) - ARRL Field Day 2015 will occur on June 27th
and 28th. It is the most popular on-the-air event held annually in the US and Canada.
On Field Day weekend, more than 35,000 Hams gather with their clubs, groups, or
friends to operate from remote locations. For many individual Hams and amateur radio
clubs in our Section, planning has begun and they are looking forward to the
educational, operating, and public relations opportunities that are key parts of Field Day.
For further information on ARRL Field Day 2015, see
Please note that all stations are eligible for certain bonus points, depending on their
entry class. Groups can obtain bonus points via message origination to the Section
Manager or Section Emergency Coordinator (Rule 7.3.5). This message does not count
toward the total of 10 messages needed for the message-handling bonus (Rule 7.3.6).
In addition, bonus points are available for copying the special Field Day bulletin
transmitted by W1AW (Rule 7.3.9). For further information on bonus points, see the
ARRL Field Day 2015 Rules at
As this newsletter was being prepared, an email was received from David Crawford, KF4VXJ, with suggestions on copying the W1AW Field Day Bulletin: "In regards to the W1AW Field Day Bulletin transmissions, the first suggestion is copying the Monday- Friday night CW or Digital transmissions on 80 or 40 meters, with 20 meters as a possible, but not primary, band. Frequencies are 3.5815, 7.0475, and 14.0475 MHz for CW; and, 3.5975, 7.095, and 14.095 MHz for Digital. If you have interference or noise errors when copying the digital bulletin, don't panic. PSK-31 and MFSK-16 have shown to give better copy under "less than ideal" conditions compared to RTTY. The 9:45 PM EST Phone transmissions have been "iffy" recently. If someone wants to copy Phone, then I would suggest trying 7.290 MHz first, and use a recorder or recorder software. The signal strength tends to be a bit lower than 3.990 MHz, but there's usually less noise. On the Saturday and Sunday morning transmissions, I'm just not sure right now. I'd try 40 meters and above for the 10:00 AM EST and 11:00 AM EST transmissions. There is a call at the first of the broadcasts, so you'll have a little time to check a few frequencies. Please remember, this is just a forecast. Conditions sometimes can be better than this." Thanks to David Crawford, KF4VXJ of the Raleigh Amateur Radio Society, for providing this report!
DOD, US ARMY MARS, US AIR FORCE MARS COMMUNICATIONS EXERCISE (JUNE 4-5) - On May 8th, the following email communication from James R. Hamilton, K4QDF (AAA4RD), Director, US Army MARS Region 4, was forwarded by Dr. Jim Boehner, N2ZZ, ARRL Roanoke Division Director, for inclusion in this Newsletter: "On 4 and 5 June, the Department of Defense (DOD) Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) will participate in a Department of Defense HF contingency communications exercise. MARS members are encouraged to use this opportunity to discuss communications interoperability plans with their state and local ARES emergency coordinators, Emergency Management/RACES coordinators and local amateur radio clubs. The goal for MARS-Amateur Radio inter-operability is to establish two-way communications with as many US counties using local VHF/UHF simplex channels, repeaters, or NVIS HF communications. Only one amateur radio contact per county is needed. The contact must be person to person and cannot rely on any communications using internet linked repeaters, internet connectivity systems or store and forward email/messaging systems. MARS operators from all three military services will use their amateur call sign on amateur radio frequencies to establish contact with amateur radio operators from each county. The information exchange requested between MARS and the amateur radio operator is simply the Amateur's call sign, County name, and State. This communications exercise is sponsored by the DOD to provide MARS operators the opportunity to develop and train interoperability procedures with their state, local, and regional amateur radio colleagues. The exercise also demonstrates the capability of MARS operators working with amateur radio operators to reach those counties where no MARS operators are residing. Region 4 US Army and US Air Force MARS are participating in the DOD Communications Exercise 15-2 as a Joint Service MARS endeavor. On receipt of a tasking message through HQ MARS channels from DOD, Region 4's JS MARS Operations Group will issue instructions to MARS members throughout the states of KY, TN, MS, AL, GA, NC, SC, FL, and Puerto Rico. This will begin the task of making contact with as many counties as possible in these respective states. MARS members will check into organized amateur radio nets and seek assistance with this endeavor. My request for assistance in this endeavor is forwarded to you in hopes that the ARES and other amateur radio networks in your Division might be informed in advance of this effort. I might add that this MARS task is applicable to all other MARS Regions covering the United States. A copy of the information provided herein has been sent to ARRL Headquarters by Mr. Paul English, US Army MARS Program Manager, for sharing through ARES channels. Mr. Bruce Nebergall, the Region 4 US Air Force MARS Director and I respectfully ask your cooperation and assistance in passing this most important information to your ARES coordinators and the ARRL amateur radio community." For more information, please contact James R. Hamilton, K4QDF (AAA4RD), Director, US Army MARS Region 4, email: aat4rd at bellsouth dot net, telephone: 352-489-6062. Thanks to James R. Hamilton, K4QDF (AAA4RD) and Dr. Jim Boehner, N2ZZ, for providing this information!
US NAVY-MARINE CORPS MARS PROGRAM TO END - On May 13th and 14th, it was
announced that the US Department of Defense is phasing out the US Navy-Marine
Corps Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) program. The MARS operational mission
will transition to the other MARS service branches by the end of September. For further
information, see
ARRL RECOGNIZING AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE TO SCOUTING AWARD
WINNERS WITH CERTIFICATE - On May 14th, it was announced that the ARRL now
awards its "Amateur Radio Service to Scouting Award" certificate to recognize active
Scouting leaders who make significant contributions to providing Scouts with a
memorable and valuable Amateur Radio experience. For further information, see
UPDATED AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICE (ARES) MANUAL NOW
ONLINE - The latest edition (March 2015) of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service(r)
(ARES) Manual now is online. This edition includes various ICS forms for ARES use,
clarifies the role of the RACES, contains an improved chapter on ARES training, and
includes all current ARRL memoranda of understanding/agreement. ARES consists of
amateur radio licensees who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and
equipment for communication duty in the public service, when disaster strikes. Every
licensed amateur, regardless of ARRL membership, is eligible to apply for ARES
membership. For further information, see
ARRL TO CHANGE ADMINISTRATOR FOR INSURANCE PLANS - On May 26th, the
ARRL will be changing the program administrator for its sponsored Equipment and Club
Liability insurance plans. At that time, all program administration including policy
application, issuance and claims administration will be handled by Risk Strategies, a
privately held, national insurance brokerage firm. The ARRL programs will be
administered from their offices in Chicago. This move is being made based on
numerous comments from ARRL members about the former administrator, Hays Affinity
Group of Minneapolis. The transaction, unlike previous changes, will involve a transfer
of the total program business from Hays Affinity to Risk Strategies. Participants in the
programs will retain their current insurance policies and the details of the coverage and
the cost of coverage will remain unchanged, as will the insurance company, Hanover
Insurance Company. An email communication will be sent to all current participants in
the programs describing the program changes. For further information, see
FCC ELIMINATES AMATEUR RADIO VANITY CALL SIGN REGULATORY FEE - On
May 22nd, it was announced that the FCC is eliminating the regulatory fee to apply for
an amateur radio vanity call sign; however, this will not take effect until the required
congressional notice has been given. For further information, see
ARRL JUNE VHF CONTEST (6/13-15) - On May 27th, the ARRL website reminded
Hams that the ARRL June VHF Contest will be held on June 13-15. The June VHF
Contest occurs at the start of the summer sporadic E season, and intense openings on 6
meters and even 2 meters are possible. Several entry categories are available,
including portable, rover, and FM-only. In January 2015, the ARRL Board approved rule
modifications for the General Rules For ARRL Contests Above 50 MHz, and these
changes become effective with the 2015 June VHF Contest. Assistance is now allowed
for all entry categories. For further information, see
ARRL STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS 2015 (Reminder) - At the January 2015
Board meeting, the ARRL Board of Directors approved a process to create a new
ARRL Strategic Plan. The last strategic plan was created in 2009. President Kay
Craigie, N3KN, tasked ARRL 2nd Vice President Jim Fenstermaker, K9JF, to chair the
Working Group. Their charge is to look forward to define where the ARRL should focus
its energy to insure that future programs and services meet a changing environment and
maintain the current positive aspects of the League's member base. For further
information on the ARRL Strategic Planning Process 2015, including how to provide your
comments to the Working Group, see
LICENSING CLASSES -
Raleigh (NC): Technician licensing class, July 11 to August 1, 2015, sponsored by
Raleigh Amateur Radio Society, contact Murray Merner, K4MHM by phone at (919) 803-
7973 or by email at
MEDIA HITS AND REPORTS - The following media hits and reports are included in this
month's newsletter:
On the 18th Annual Catawba Valley Hamfest, see
On balloons, science, and amateur radio, see
On a tribute to 20 Veterans that died during 2014 and 2015, which included C. Weldon
Fields, Sr, W4AJT (SK), see
The following edited report was received from Dudley Hale, W4WNC: "Another
successful event was completed by the Haywood County Amateur Radio Club. The
"Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon" was held in Waynesville, NC, on Saturday,
May 2, 2015. A foggy 39-degree start time at 0730 EDT turned into a sunny 70-degree
finish at 1200 EDT. Net Control was at the finish line and 5 club members were
positioned around the 13.1-mile course providing timely updates to race officials. Two
club members rode their bicycles, with HTs, and shepherded the last two participants
across the finish line. We interfaced with State, Town, and County law enforcement in
planning and during the event. Net Control was Tony Knight, KK4FFE assisted by Doug
Knight, KM4FHO. The bicycles were ridden by Cecil Yount, KM4DOP and Price
Berryhill, W4CPB. The rest of the crew on the course were Adam Caudill, WX4WNC;
Paul Yeager, W4SKI; Bill Laney, KF4GUW; Betty Laney, KF4RVT; and, Harold Lhoest,
W4HML. We used a 2m repeater and a simplex frequency for communications. Also,
70cm simplex was used between Control and myself to keep race officials informed.
Total cost of service was $11,691.00 and 89 hours provided by members in planning
and actual race time. I submitted FSD-157 to ARRL." Please note that the Haywood
County Amateur Radio Club has accounted for their donation of communication services
to their community by completing FSD 157: Public Service Activity Report on the ARRL
website. For further information, see
On May 5th, an email was received from Dave Langley, W4YDY, which read in part: " .....
The Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club, Greenville, NC, May 2015 issue of Ham Chatter is
on-line. ...... The Ham Chatter editor, W4YDY, is retiring after this issue, May 2015. It
will mark the end of the 18th year. There have been many rewards, mostly meeting with
many new friends and contributing to the club activities....." Congratulations to Dave
Langley, W4YDY, Ham Chatter Editor, Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club (Greenville), on
completing and delivering the latest edition of Ham Chatter - the last in a dedicated 18
year-long run of publishing an informative, timely, and well-designed newsletter for the
Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club! To view the May 2015 edition of Ham Chatter, see
NTS SECTION TRAFFIC REPORT FOR APRIL 2015 - QNI (total check-ins): 2,257; Total messages passed: 610. Station Activity Reports (SARs), total number: K4IWW 314, W2EAG 192, AK4RJ 137, KC4PGN 111, WB4ZIQ 94, K4JHB 92, WK4WC 81, KF4OCU 79, W4DNA 78, W4TTO 64, KW4EMG 47, KE4AHC 34, KJ4JPE 20, W4EAT 18. Public Service Honor Roll (PSHR), total number: KW4EMG 210, WB4ZIQ 170, W4DNA 150, WK4WC 150, KJ4JPE 140, K4IWW 130, AK4RJ 110, W2EAG 110, W4TTO 105, N2RTF 86, K4JHB 80, KF4OCU 80. 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: Menola Sandford ("Nola") Alderman, KD4OLZ (SK) of Raleigh; Charles Weldon Fields, Sr, W4AJT (SK) of Greensboro; Jack Edward Foster, N6UYB (SK) of Franklinton; and, Theodore F. ("Ted") Goldthorpe, Jr, W4VHF (SK) of Nashville, TN. 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 -
June 6: USN "Badin Bomber" Crash, 1400Z-1800Z, NC4MC, Troy, NC. Montgomery
Amateur Radio Society. 14.250 USB; 7.250 LSB; 14.030 CW. Certificate. Don Grady,
KG4ZRH, 120 Woodline Dr, Troy, NC 27371. 71st anniversary of the crash of the USN
"Badin Bomber" into Badin Lake, Badin, NC on June 08, 1944.
June 27-28: Field Day, 1212Z-1212Z, N4T, Lake Lure, NC. Isothermal Amateur Radio
Club. 14.800 14.700 7.275 7.080. Certificate. Bob Bischoff, 180 Persimmon Rdg,
Rutherfordton, NC 28139.
July 15-17: Royal Rangers 2015 Camp-o-Rama, 1500Z-2200Z, K4R, Browns Summit,
NC. Royal Rangers. 28.450 21.250 14.250 7.150. QSL. Steven R. Allen, 5691 Howell
Dr, Dublin, VA 24084. Royal Rangers is a boys Ministry of the International Pentecostal
Holiness Church and the Assembly of God Church.
UPCOMING HAMFESTS -
June 13: Winston-Salem Hamfest, Forsyth Amateur Radio Club, Winston-Salem, NC,
see
From Tuesday, May 12th through Thursday, May 14th, I attended the Auxiliary
Communications (AUXCOMM) Training Course, in Beavercreek, OH. The course was
very informative, thought-provoking, and it helped consolidate principles that I had
learned from the online courses ICS-100, -200, -700, and -800; and, the 5 day-long
course series, ICS-300 and -400. Amateur radio operators interested in emergency
communication are encouraged to attend an AUXCOMM Training Course. For further
information, see
Last weekend (5/23), I attended the 41st Annual DurHamFest in Bahama, which is located about 10 miles north of Durham. The Durham FM Association sponsors DurHamFest and similar to previous events, they put on a very friendly hamfest. Congratulations!
Regarding ARRL Field Day 2015: this year, I am planning on visiting club Field Day sites primarily in eastern NC. My plans have not been finalized, but will likely include visiting Field Day sites on Friday (6/26) while driving eastward, staying overnight on the coast, and continuing with site visits on Saturday (6/27) and Sunday (6/28). Please let me know about your club's Field Day plans for this year, particularly your setup schedule and operating times.
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 ____."