ARRL NC Section Newsletter
November, 2015
Posted Dec 3, 2015
Happy holidays from Karl W4CHX, your ARRL NC Section Manager!
HR 1301 AMATEUR RADIO PARITY ACT OF 2015 (UPDATE) - As of November
30th, HR 1301 has 114 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). For further information, see
S 1685 AMATEUR RADIO PARITY ACT OF 2015 (UPDATE #1) - In June, S 1685 Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015 was introduced in the US Senate. The wording in S 1685 and HR 1301 are identical. Senator Roger F. Wicker (R-MS) introduced S 1685 into the US Senate. As of November 30th, 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). (from the ARRL website)
S 1685 AMATEUR RADIO PARITY ACT OF 2015 PASSES SENATE COMMITTEE (UPDATE
#2) - On November 18th, the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation endorsed S 1685 Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015.
This action means that the Bill is successfully out of committee for a
vote on the floor of the full US Senate. It is not known when the full
Senate vote will take place. For further information, see
AMATEUR RADIO PARITY ACT OF 2015 PAGE ON ARRL WEBSITE (REMINDER) - A
combined web page has been setup by the ARRL to provide information
related to HR 1301 and S 1685. ARRL members are urged to contact their
Members of Congress in the US House of Representatives and the US Senate
and ask them to sign on to the Bills as a co-sponsor. For further
information, see
SKYWARN RECOGNITION DAY 2015 (12/5) - The following report was
received from Virginia Enzor, NC4VA: "SKYWARN Recognition Day 2015
officially takes place on Saturday, December 5th from 0000 - 2400
UTC. Over 100 National Weather Service (NWS) offices across the
nation, including the Raleigh NWS, are expected to participate in this
annual event. SKYWARN Recognition Day was developed in 1999 by the NWS
and the ARRL to celebrate the contributions that SKYWARN radio
operators/spotters make to the NWS. During a 24-hour period, SKYWARN
operators visit NWS offices and contact other radio operators across
the world. Central Carolina SKYWARN, operating under the call sign
WX4NC, will join in the fun on Friday night (December 4th) from 7:00 PM
EST to midnight and on Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST, 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 (10, 15, 20, 40 and 80 meters SSB). Radio
operators will exchange names, call signs, locations, signal reports,
and a 1- or 2-word weather report. New this year is a special event
certificate from the Raleigh NWS and Central Carolina SKYWARN!
Instructions for obtaining a 2015 SKYWARN Recognition Day Special Event
Certificate from WX4NC can be found by going to
The following report was received from Janice Hopkins, KJ4JPE: "[Here is some information on] Newport SKYWARN'S program. We will be operating on December 5th from 07:00 through 19:00 [EST] at NWS Newport. They are located at 533 Roberts Rd, in Newport, just off Hwy 70. Several of the clubs will be setting up their own radios for the contest during the day. On 2 meter IRLP, we will use the K4GRW repeater with 4903 IRLP. We will be under WX4MHX for all contesting. Chief Warning Meteorologist John Cole will be running any programs, which will include Basic Spotter training. Mr. Cole, along with Hal Austin meteorologist and Ham (NC4HA), will be giving tours of the building and answering all questions including their new Doppler Radar. 73, Janice KJ4JPE [an ARRL-trained Public Information Officer]"
The following report was received from Chris Gay, N1CRG: "The NWS
office in Greer, SC will recognize their SKYWARN Spotter networks in
upstate SC and the western Piedmont of NC by operating a special event
station for SKYWARN Recognition Day. They will operate with the call
sign, W4G, and plan to be operating on HF (80m through 10m) as well as
2m and 70cm. No set frequency at this time. They will also utilize
the K9OH repeater 145.470 located on Caesars Head Mtn, which also has
Echolink (K9OH-R). They plan to operate on Saturday, December 5th,
starting at 7:00 AM local until later that afternoon, schedules
permitting. Details on the event can be found at
Thanks to Virginia Enzor, NC4VA, Janice Hopkins, KJ4JPE, and Chris Gay, N1CRG for providing these reports! And, thanks to all participants in SKYWARN for their service to their communities!
WX4NHC WILL BE ON THE AIR FOR SKYWARN RECOGNITION DAY (12/5) - The
National Hurricane Center amateur radio station, WX4NHC, will be on the
air during SKYWARN Recognition Day, Saturday, December 5. For further
information, see
SPECIAL EVENT STATION, W1Q, WILL MARK QST CENTENNIAL (12/1-15) - The
special event station, W1Q, will be operating from December 1st to the
15th to honor the 100th anniversary of QST. For further information,
see
REVAMPED FCC WEBSITE EXPECT TO DEBUT ON DECEMBER 10 (12/10) - For
further information, see
ARRL INVITES NOMINATIONS FOR 2015 INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN AWARD
(DEADLINE, 12/31) - Nominations are now being accepted for the 2015
ARRL International Humanitarian Award. The ARRL established the annual
prize to recognize amateur radio operators who have used ham radio to
provide extraordinary service to others in times of crisis or disaster.
The deadline for submitting nominations is December 31, 2015. For
further information, see
THE 2016 ARRL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM IS NOW OPEN (DEADLINE,
1/31) - The ARRL Foundation is currently accepting applications from
eligible radio amateurs pursuing higher education. In 2016, more than
80 scholarships will be awarded with amounts ranging from $500 to
$5,000. One applicant will be selected for the prestigious William R.
Goldfarb Memorial Scholarship, which is presented to a high school
senior pursuing a degree in business, computers, medical, nursing,
engineering, or science. The application window will close at 11:59 PM
EST, January 31, 2016. Transcripts must be received by Thursday,
February 18, 2016. For further information, see
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
ARRL NATIONAL PARKS ON THE AIR 2016 - In 2016, amateur radio will
help the National Park Service (NPS) celebrate its 100th anniversary by
activating NPS units, promoting the NPS, and demonstrating amateur radio
to the public via National Parks On The Air 2016 (NPOTA). 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
FALL 2015 ISSUE OF RADIO WAVES NOW AVAILABLE - The Fall 2015 issue of
the Radio Waves is now available. Articles in this issue include: Using
sensors to explore terraforming; STEM school and academy ARC builds
repeater; Community college's DIY spirit shines for ARISS contact;
Amateur radio club helps Boy Scouts earn radio merit badge; Education
and Technology Program news; Getting new Hams on the air: the evolution
of a licensing class; Ham radio instruction for people with
disabilities; Amateur Extra question pool being revised for 2016;
Licensing statistics; and, Upcoming events, opportunities, and
deadlines. To read the current issue, or to access archive issues, see
WORLD RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE APPROVES GLOBAL 60 METER
ALLOCATION! - The frequencies, 5351.5 to 5366.5 kHz, with a power
limit of 15W EIRP, were approved for allocation on a secondary basis to
the Amateur Service at the 2015 World Radiocommunications Conference in
Geneva. The new band will not be available until the FCC adopts the
Acts of the Conference and sets up operating rules. For now, the "5
channel plan" on 60 meters will be observed. For further
information, see
PUTTING CONTESTING TO WORK FOR YOUR PUBLIC SERVICE TEAM - For
information on the value of contesting for Hams involved in public
service, see
UPCOMING DXPEDITIONS -
Early January 2016: Antipodes Island (ZL9A), see
MARTTI LAINE, OH2BH, ARTICLE ON WORKING DX PILEUPS NOW AVAILABLE - An
article on working DX pileups written by renowned DXer and DXpeditioner,
Martti Laine, OH2BH, is now available. For further information, see
LICENSING CLASSES -
Gastonia (NC): Technician licensing class, February 13, 2016, sponsored
by Greater Gaston Radio Society, contact Tony Jones, KK4TRL by phone at
(704) 827-2138 or by email at
MEDIA HITS AND REPORTS - The following media hits and reports are
included in this month's newsletter:
On the Brunswick Shores Amateur Radio Club and the severe weather in
October 2015, see
On medical preparedness and communications at the PPD Beach2Battleship
Triathlon, see
The following email about the upcoming NC QSO Party was received from
Marty Young, W4MY: "..... [the] NC QSO Party is now looking for 2016
award sponsors. Cost is $50 and we are looking into going back to the
wood plaque in the shape of the NC state outline. The sponsor's name
and/or affiliation are recognized on the plaque and on the NCQP
website. Those interested should contact me by email, w4my at reagan
dot com. 73 Marty / W4MY." The NC QSO Party, sponsored by Raleigh
Amateur Radio Society, will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2016, from
1000 EST to 2000 EST. For further information, see
The following press release was received from Jim Johnson, KI4TAT:
"Moore County Amateur Radio Society (MOCARS) Simulated Emergency
Training (SET). Every year as part of our recertification training for
Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) participation, members get
together to upgrade our skills and capabilities. In early October, we
visited the North Carolina Emergency Operations Center, Raleigh NC to
gain familiarity with the NC state plans and objectives including
communications protocol, techniques and equipment requirements, an
excellent session. Subsequently in early November, teams of members
inspected each of the Moore County designated shelters to confirm radio
communications connectivity and standby power availability in case of
disaster response. MOCARS is a group of local amateur radio
enthusiasts that volunteer for a wide spectrum of community activities
including the Carthage Buggy Fest, Moore County Fair, Uwharrie Ultra
and 100 mile Marathons and the Aberdeen Sardine Festival. Members
provide their own equipment and have capability to operate
free-standing. MOCARS meetings are held the third Thursdays of each
month (except December) at 7:00pm at the Moore County Health
Department, 705 Pinehurst Ave., Carthage NC. Everyone with an interest
in amateur radio is welcome to attend, you do not need to be licensed,
only interested. The club also offers licensing study classes and
examinations on odd months, the third Saturday of odd months, also at
the Health Department at 9:00 AM. 2 meter nets are Wednesday and
Sunday evenings at 8:00 PM on 147.240 MHz plus offset and 91.5 Hz tone.
A Sandhills 6 meter net is held every Monday evening at 8:00 PM on
50.200 MHz USB. For additional information, check the club website,
The following email was received from Ralph Wallio, W0RPK, which has
been edited slightly: "Radio Ham's PhD thesis on NVIS. [Message
begins with a website link,
Conference Paper: [poster] The Importance of Circular Polarization for
Diversity Reception and MIMO in NVIS Propagation
Also see -- Thoughts on NVIS circular polarization -- by PA3ECT via
My experiment with weak signal reception with polarization diversity
may be of interest, see
The following email (edited) was received from Hutch Hutchison, NK0S: "Azalea Coast ARC participation Barnes & Noble's Mini Makers Fair 7 Nov 2015. Good Evening! Representatives of the ACARC who participated: H.C. "Hutch" Hutchison, NK0S; Steve Wilder, AJ4JJ; George Morse, KM4DSI; and, Jean-Paul Louis, AC9GH. Items on display included: KX3, homebrew 160M preamplifier, TV "rabbit ear" antenna modified for use on 2m and 440 MHz, DXCC certificate/information sheet, WAS certificate/information sheet, WAZ certificate/information sheet, information sheets outline what is ham radio and how to obtain a license, QSL cards, ACARC brochures, CW Demonstration, and ARRL Video. ..... Hutch, NK0S (OA4/NK0S, HL9HP, YS9HH, HP1XHH)"
In response to an email inquiry from Bill Morine, N2COP regarding the number of visitors, this email (edited) from Hutch NK0S was received: "Didn't really keep count. Store was not well populated at that time of the evening. Had a long conversation with the manager ..... and next year we could garner a longer, primetime slot if we had some hands-on things. Going to discuss ..... what they did at the Williamsburg (VA) store. Their group was there at least two hours. Great potential to put amateur radio in the public eye. ARRL might want to consider highlighting the event next year to all members/clubs. Hutch, NK0S (OA4/NK0S, HL9HP, YS9HH, HP1XHH)." Subsequently, an email communication from Sean Kutzko, KX9X, ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager, commented that this event happened too quickly to generate national support, but next year, this will be emphasized in the ARRL outreach to Maker Faire. Thanks to all Hams from the Azalea Coast Amateur Radio Society for participating in the Barnes and Noble Mini Maker Faire in the Wilmington area; and, to Hutch Hutchison, NK0S, for providing this report!
The following report was received from Michael Callam, KD4MC: "With
generous help from John Creel - WB3GXW, owner of the Wash_DC Echolink
conference server and Ronnie Casey - K4JDR, Trustee of the Raleigh NC
IRLP Reflector, the Johnston Amateur Radio Society will begin the East
Coast Amateur Radio Emergency Information Net on Wednesday December 9th
at 7 PM Eastern time. The net will be held on the second Wednesday of
every month. Stations can connect to the net from the *Wash_DC*
Echolink conference server, node# 6154 or the Raleigh NC IRLP Reflector
9210. Each month we will call upon an amateur radio operator interested
in emergency service from different areas to tell what their team is
doing to assist their specific location with amateur radio
communications during an emergency or disaster. More information on
the East Coast Amateur Radio Emergency Information Net or suggestions
for future nets may be obtained by contacting either Michael Callam,
KD4MC at
A special thanks to the following Ham volunteers: Bob Kiehlmeier
WA3IRG, Charlie Watson KK4NJD, Dave Santacapita KK4DVS, Frank Divinie
KO4FD, Jeff Conerly WB4GQO, Jeff Holmes NC4JF, Kirk Binning KD5OSN,
Lucas Coleman KK4FVC, Mack Coleman KK4IRV, Max Gregor KM4HFM, Nick
Zedlar KK4FYL, Stan Harts KK4WCW, Stephen Russ NI4SR, and Sue Conerly
WA4SAZ. All proceeds from the Hampstead Kiwanis Turkey Trot benefit
Hampstead area youth with enhancements/improvements to playgrounds,
ball fields, and fitness stations. Please follow the link below to our
website ..... to enjoy a few pictures of our Ham Volunteers:
NTS SECTION TRAFFIC REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2015 - QNI (total check-ins): 1,931; Total messages passed: 383. Station Activity Reports (SARs), total number: W4DNA 150, WK4WC 146, K4IWW 140, KC4PGN 121, W4EAT 43, W4TTO 43, WB4ZIQ 43, AK4RJ 42, KE4AHC 37, KW4EMG 16. Public Service Honor Roll (PSHR), total number: KW4EMG 241, WB4ZIQ 175, WK4WC 165, W4DNA 155, K4IWW 130, W4TTO 100, KM4HXX 98, AK4RJ 90, KK4LGM 89. Thanks to all stations for participating in NC Section traffic activities; and, to Dave Roy, W4DNA, Section Traffic Manager, for providing this information!
NET CONTROL STATIONS NEEDED FOR TARHEEL EMERGENCY NET - The Tar Heel
Emergency Net (THEN) is the North Carolina ARES net on the HF bands.
It is on the air every evening at 7:30 PM local time on 3.923 MHz. The
purposes of the THEN are to provide emergency communications, provide
training in net operations, serve as a forum for discussion, and
promote fellowship among radio amateurs. Presently, additional Net
Control Stations are needed. If you are involved in ARES - NC
AUXCOMM activities, would like to participate in net operations, and
would like to meet and interact with colleagues on the air, please
consider becoming a Net Control Station for the THEN. For further
information, see
SILENT KEYS - With deep regret, the passing of the following amateur radio operators is reported: John Franklin Anderson, KQ4UO (SK) of Winston-Salem; Jerry Wayne Horton, KE4QBG (SK) of Selma; Donald Edward Johansson, WA4UPN (SK) of Tobaccoville; and, Harold Leon Winter, Jr, WX6I (SK) of Waxhaw. 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 in the NC Section
are listed for the period November 30, 2015 to January 31, 2016.
Special Event Station listings in the NC Section newsletter are based
on what appears on the ARRL website, see
UPCOMING HAMFESTS AND CONVENTIONS -
January 9, 2016: Winston-Salem FirstFest, Forsyth Amateur Radio Club,
Winston-Salem, NC, see
The Western Branch Fall Meeting was held on Saturday, October 31st in Morganton. The event was organized by Paul Robinette, KD4OZI, Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator (Western Branch) and Michelle Suddreth, KD4YTU; and, attended by 44 individuals. The topics and presenters included: Introduction and selected topics by Paul Robinette, KD4OZI; Status of ARES, NC AUXCOMM, and related matters by Tom Brown, N4TAB; Comments on the NC Section by Karl Bowman, W4CHX; DMR in NC by Marv Hoffman, WA4NC; the NC Communications Unit by Frank Pleshe, N3FRP; and, the ARRL National Traffic System by Hal London, WB4ZIQ. Following the meeting, there was an informal gathering of the attendees at a local restaurant. As always, it was good to see friends and colleagues in western NC. Thanks to everyone for their participation at the Western Branch Fall Meeting!
The 27th Annual JARSfest 2015, sponsored by the Johnston Amateur Radio Society, was held on Sunday, November 15th in Benson. I enjoyed going to JARSfest! The weather was beautiful, the flea market and indoor vendors had many items for sale, there were many attendees, and the food was excellent! Even though most of my time was spent at the ARRL table, Bill N2COP, Roanoke Division Vice Director and I had a great time interacting with everyone. Thanks to the Johnston Amateur Radio Society for putting on another, outstanding JARSfest!
Congratulations to the Red Foxes, and team member, Ro Maddox K4HRM, for
winning 2 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals at the NC Senior Games
State Finals Basketball Tournament at East Carolina University in
Greenville! For further information, see the Lenoir Amateur Radio Club
newsletter, page 7, at
Finally, I am pleased to announce that there are 2 new ARRL-affiliated amateur radio clubs in the NC Section: the West Stanly Middle School Radio Club of Locust; and, the North Carolina Radio Group of Cherryville. Congratulations!
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