NC Section News - November 2014
Posted Dec 3, 2014
Greetings to all Hams across North Carolina from Karl W4CHX, your ARRL NC Section Manager!
HR 4969 AMATEUR RADIO PARITY ACT OF 2014 AND THE ARRL GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN - As we enter the holiday season, the grassroots campaign in support of HR 4969 Amateur Radio Parity Act continues. There are 2 parts to the grassroots campaign: letter-writing by individual ARRL members; and, small group meetings with Members of Congress or their staff, at or through their district offices. The goal of the grassroots campaign is to gain co-sponsors for the Bill.
As of December 2nd, there are sixty-six (66) co-sponsors for HR 4969,
including 4 Representatives from our State: Representatives Mike
McIntyre (D-NC-7); Walter B. Jones, Jr. (R-NC-3); David Price (D-NC-4);
and, Howard Coble (R-NC-6). For information on the co-sponsors for HR
4969 Amateur Radio Parity Act, see
SKYWARN RECOGNITION DAY 2014 (12/6) - SKYWARN Recognition Day 2014
will be held on Saturday, December 6th, from 0000-2400 UTC. For
overview information on this event, see
Virginia Enzor, NC4VA, Emergency Coordinator, Central Carolina SKYWARN provided the following report: "SKYWARN Recognition Day 2014 officially takes place Saturday, December 6th from 0000-2400 UTC. Over 100 National Weather Services offices across the nation, including the Raleigh National Weather Service, are expected to participate in this annual event. SKYWARN Recognition Day was developed in 1999 by the National Weather Service and the American Radio Relay League to celebrate the contributions that SKYWARN radio operators/spotters make to the National Weather Service. 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 5th) from 7:00-9:00 PM and Saturday (December 6th) from 9:00 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 (node 9219), Echolink (WX3H and WX4NC), and HF (10, 15, 20, 40 and 80 meters SSB). Ask a SKYWARN operator on the 146.88 repeater for our frequencies. Radio operators will exchange names, call signs, locations, signal reports, and a 1- or 2-word weather report. A QSL card will be available for this event. Stations logging a contact with WX4NC may send a SASE envelope to the following address to receive a QSL card: National Weather Service, Raleigh Forecast Office, 1005 Capability Drive, Suite 300, Centennial Campus, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606. Hope to get you in the log!" Thanks to Steve Ewald, WV1X, ARRL Field Organization Team Supervisor; Janice Hopkins, KJ4JPE, an ARRL-trained Public Information Officer; Virginia Enzor, NC4VA, Emergency Coordinator, Central Carolina SKYWARN; and, Susan L. Jones, WA4AKB, Official Bulletin Station and Dave Langley, W4YDY for providing information and reports!
2014 ROANOKE DIVISION ARRL SERVICE AWARD DEADLINE (12/15) -
Nominations are being accepted for the 2014 Roanoke Division ARRL
Service Award. The Award was instituted in 1968 by then Roanoke
Division Director Vic Clark, W4KFC (SK). Vic W4KFC 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/her time to amateur radio and the
ARRL. Nominations and resumes are encouraged and accepted from the
ARRL members in the Roanoke Division. Winners of the Roanoke Division
ARRL Service Award become members of the selection committee and vote
on subsequent nominees. An individual may receive the Award only once.
The Award is administered by the Roanoke Division Director. Please
contact Dr. James Boehner, N2ZZ, Roanoke Division Vice Director at
ARISS APPLICATION DEADLINE (12/15) - The Amateur Radio on the
International Space Station (ARISS) program has announced that the
application window is open for proposals from formal and informal
educational institutions and organizations to host an Amateur Radio
contact with an ISS crew member. The deadline for proposals is December
15th. For further information and related links, see
ARRL INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN AWARD NOMINATION DEADLINE (12/31) -
The nomination period is open for the ARRL International Humanitarian
Award for 2014. For further information on this award, see
DECEMBER IS YOUNGSTERS ON THE AIR (YOTA) MONTH - During December,
special event stations around the world will take part in the first,
worldwide Youngsters on the Air (YOTA) activity. Stations using
YOTA-suffix call signs will be active from all three IARU regions.
IARU Region 1 Youth Working Group Chair Lisa Leenders, PA2LS, said YOTA
Month is an opportunity to give individuals aged 25 and younger a chance
to make contact via Amateur Radio in all available modes. For further
information, see
CSRA (GA-SC) D-STAR UNIVERSITY, AIKEN, SC (1/17) - Recently, an email was received from Dr. James Boehner, N2ZZ, Roanoke Division Vice Director, about a D-STAR workshop, which will be held in his hometown of Aiken, SC on January 17, 2015. Jim N2ZZ commented that a number of "heavy hitters" in the world of D-STAR would be participating in the event. In addition, he noted that Aiken, SC is a beautiful city, with ample lodging and restaurants near the event. It is located about 20 miles northeast of Augusta, GA, and very close to I-20.
Here is an edited description of the workshop, which was provided by Kent Hufford, KQ4KK of Graniteville, SC: The Aiken SC D-STAR Club will hold a one-day CSRA D-STAR University on January 17, 2015 at University of South Carolina, Aiken campus, in Aiken, SC. It will start at 12 noon and run until 5 PM EST. This one-day D-STAR workshop will provide information and training on all levels of D-STAR, the Digital Smart Technology for Amateur Radio. Classes will be organized to allow participants, from new users to repeater system administrators, to gain knowledge about D-STAR's digital voice and data technology. The goals and objectives are to present D-STAR definitions, equipment, DVAPs, Dongles, linking, D-Rats, and comprehensive training for programming the radios. There will also be presentations and demonstrations on advancements in D-STAR high-speed data communications and other emergency communications techniques using D-STAR equipment. There will be time for "hands on" instruction on how to program D-STAR radios without a computer. And, come early and D-STAR experts will be available to program your D-STAR radio. The classes will be taught by experienced instructors from the Georgia D-STAR group and DSTARinfo.com, who have presented dozens of seminars and training across the country. John Davis WB4QDX, Ed Woodrick WA4YIH, Robin Cutshaw AA4RC who developed the DVDongle and DVAP, and others will present high speed data and other advancements in communication using D-STAR systems. The target audience for this session includes those new to DSTAR, emergency management personnel, hospital administrators, and more advanced D-STAR users. No matter what your D-STAR experience, there will be a wealth of information provided so that the beginner can go home and put his/her equipment on the air, and the more advanced operator can explore the new data transfer methods which will have emergency management applications. Topics of interest to beginning D-STAR users include D-STAR basics; D-STAR user registration process; getting started with your D-STAR radio; programming your D-STAR radio; using DR mode for easy D-STAR operation; updating your memories; and, linking to repeaters and reflectors. More experienced users will enjoy using the DV Dongle and DV Access Point (DVAP); making and using a Hotspot with a Raspberry Pi; D-STAR nets and reflectors; using D-STAR data capabilities including D-RATS and the ICOM ANDROID free application; where to find D-STAR Resources; history and competitive analysis between D-STAR, DMR, FUSION, and P25; and, operating D-STAR voice on the HF bands.
The cost for the D-STAR University is free and light refreshments will
be served. Individuals may register for this course by sending an
email to
NAVASSA ISLAND DXPEDITION 2015 (K1N) APPROVED FOR JANUARY, 2015 - The
Navassa Island DXpedition 2015 (K1N) has been approved by the US Fish
and Wildlife Service. A team of 15 operators, including Lou Dietrich,
N2TU of Mooresville, will activate Navassa Island (K1N) for 2 weeks
beginning in late January, 2015. This is great news for DXers
worldwide since Navassa Island is the #1 "most wanted" DXCC entity.
For further information, see
FILING FOR 501(c)(3) STATUS - During a recent visit to the
Mecklenburg Amateur Radio Society, I attending their business meeting
where the process of filing for 501(c)(3) tax status for their club was
discussed. MARS member Tim Slay, N4IB, Assistant Section Manager and
Affiliated Club Coordinator commented to Paul Jones, K4VCF, an
ARRL-trained Public Information Officer, that the information might be
of interest to other clubs. Soon thereafter, Paul K4VCF sent me an
email with information for distribution to the NC Section. Here is his
report: "I suspect most people are not aware that in July 2014, the
IRS streamlined the procedure for organizations, such as amateur radio
clubs, to qualify under 501(c)(3). The new form is 1023-EZ
LICENSING CLASSES -
Presently, there are no (new) licensing classes in the NC Section
listed on the ARRL website for the period extending from December 1,
2014 to March 31, 2015. To find upcoming classes, go to
MEDIA HITS AND REPORTS - The following media hits and reports are
included in this month's newsletter:
On amateur radio and the Field Day activities of the Cabarrus County
Amateur Radio Society, see
On the 2014 World Radiosport Team Championship in Westborough, MA, see
On a homemade radio station (historical article), see
On the amateur radio exhibit and special event station, N4F, at the NC
Mountain State Fair in September, 2014, see
On the value of amateur radio in emergency and disaster situations
(from California), see
On JOTA and the Carteret County Amateur Radio Society, see
On the restoration of the Old Elise Depot and the Moore County Amateur
Radio Society, see
On a presentation made by Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, former FCC
Special Counsel for Enforcement, to the Forsyth Amateur Radio Club that
the FCC is still active in amateur radio enforcement, see
The complete talk by Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH appears as Episode 174
of the online amateur radio television series HamRadioNow, produced by
Gary Pierce, KN4AQ, see
On the presentation by Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH on amateur
enforcement, see
On the interview with Bill McDowell, K4CIA, first winner of the NC QSO
Party during its inaugural year (1970), see
Notification was received that ARES Henderson County conducted a Simulated Emergency Test (SET) on November 1, 2014. Thanks to John Quinn, N9JZX, Emergency Coordinator (Henderson County); and, Paul Robinette, KD4OZ, Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator (Western Branch), for providing this report!
The following report was received from Larry Ford, K4AEC, Emergency Coordinator (Clay County): "Results of "Mini-SET" (test of Simplex Net on 146.490 MHz) following last week's Net: Following stations checked-in on the Simplex Net, all "Loud & Clear:" KK4EKN Mike SE Clay County; KK4AMM Blairsville, GA; W4FED Dave Blairsville, GA; N4AOW Cleveland, TN; KK4JTH Mike Brasstown; KK4JQV George Brasstown; KK4JQU Lois Brasstown; W8JHD Bob Brasstown; W4SDJ Jim Murphy; K4SMW Jim Young Harris, GA. Overall, a very good test of our ability to hold a Net on Simplex in case of an emergency. Future "Mini-SETs" will include net operations, both Simplex and repeater, on emergency power supplies (i.e., batteries, generator, mobile, etc., not on AC commercial "Mains" Power)" Thanks to Larry Ford, K4AEC, Emergency Coordinator (Clay County), for providing this report!
The following report was received from Bill Morine, N2COP regarding an upcoming STEM conference at UNC-Wilmington: " Ham Radio will be one of 36 presentations to 150 teachers at the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) conference at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) on January 9th. NC Asst. Section Manager Bill Morine, N2COP, and Dr. Karen Wetherill, WA4CR, will showcase applications of Ham Radio in the classroom, such as ARISS Space Station contacts, the semi-annual School Club Roundup, science fair projects, and Do-It-Yourself kits. Karen is the former Dean of the Watson School of Education at UNCW, and an avid DXer. She and her husband Bill, N2WG, have taught many Technician licensing classes to youth over the past 15 years." Thanks to Bill Morine, N2COP, Assistant Section Manager, for providing this report!
NTS SECTION TRAFFIC REPORT FOR OCTOBER, 2014 - QNI (total check-ins): 2,792; Total messages passed: 491. Station Activity Reports (SARs), total number: K4IWW 310, W2EAG 167, WB4ZIQ 107, W4DNA 99, AK4RJ 85, KC4PGN 70, KF4OCU 67, WK4WC 64, W4TTO 44, KJ4JPE 36, KW4EMG 36, KE4AHC 35, N2RTF 22. Public Service Honor Roll (PSHR), total number: KW4EMG 251, W4DNA 170, WK4WC 160, WB4ZIQ 140, KJ4JPE 136, K4IWW 130, W2EAG 110, AK4RJ 100, W4TTO 100, KF4OCU 90, N2RTF 87. 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 - No report of a Silent Key was received during the month of November. 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 -
December 6: SKYWARN Recognition Day 2014, 0000Z-2400Z, see
UPCOMING HAMFESTS -
January 10, 2015: FirstFest, Forsyth Amateur Radio Club, Winston-Salem,
NC, see
On Saturday, November 1st, Charles Good, KM4AMT and Murray Merner, K4MHM of the Raleigh Amateur Radio Society, invited me to go with them to the 2014 University of Scouting at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh. The University of Scouting, sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America Occoneechee Council, provides leadership training for adults involved with Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturing, Varsity, and Sea Scout programs. A display table was set up with amateur radio equipment, banners, brochures, and books, including licensing manuals. During discussions with the adult leaders, we answered questions about amateur radio; talked about how amateur radio fits into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education; and, offered assistance with scouting events and programs, eg, JOTA, merit badge counseling, etc. We were encouraged by our experiences at the University of Scouting and look forward to future interactions with the Boy Scouts of America Occoneechee Council. Thanks to Charles Good, KM4AMT, RARS Public Information Officer and Murray Merner, RARS President-Elect, for their efforts on this initiative!
I enjoyed attending JARSEST on Sunday, November 16th. The weather may not have been perfect, but everything else was great! I would like to thank the Johnston Amateur Radio Society members for their hospitality and congratulate them for putting on another successful hamfest!
In closing, 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