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ARRL NC Section Newsletter September, 2015

Posted Oct 16, 2015

Greetings from Karl W4CHX, your ARRL NC Section Manager!

HR 1301 AMATEUR RADIO PARITY ACT OF 2015 (UPDATE) – As of September 28th, HR 1301 has 99 co-sponsors, including 4 Representatives from North Carolina: David Price (D-NC-4); Walter Jones, Jr (R-NC-3); Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10); and, David Rouzer (R-NC-7).

S 1685 AMATEUR RADIO PARITY ACT OF 2015 (UPDATE) – In June, it was announced that S 1685 Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015 had been 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 September 28th, there is only 1 co-sponsor, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), who is the original co-sponsor of the Bill. For comments by Senator Wicker on the benefits of S 1685, see http://www.arrl.org/news/senate-sponsor-of-amateur-radio-parity-act-of-2015-said-bill-promotes-regulatory-transparency-equali

AMATEUR RADIO PARITY ACT OF 2015 PAGE ON ARRL WEBSITE (REMINDER) – A combined web page has been setup by the ARRL to accommodate activities related to HR 1301 and S 1685, and to provide a central location for information on these identical Bills. ARRL members are urged to contact their Members of Congress in the House of Representatives and the Senate and ask them to sign on to the Bills as a co-sponsor. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-website-has-new-amateur-radio-parity-act-of-2015-page and http://www.arrl.org/amateur-radio-parity-act

OPPONENTS’ REPRESENTATIONS OF PARITY ACT’S PURPOSE “JUST NOT TRUE,” ARRL PRESIDENT SAYS – ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN, has taken strong exception to certain claims being made by community association organizations about HR 1301 and S 1685 Amateur Radio Parity Acts of 2015. In an interview with Ham Radio Now host Gary Pearce, KN4AQ, during the ARRL Roanoke Division Convention in Shelby (9/5-6), President Craigie stressed that passage of the legislation is critical to ensuring the future of Amateur Radio. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/opponents-representations-of-parity-act-s-purpose-just-not-true-arrl-president-says and http://arvideonews.com/hrn/HRN_Episode_0217.html

JAMBOREE ON THE AIR 2015 STATION REGISTRATION IS OPEN – Worldwide station registration is open for the 2015 Boy Scouts Jamboree On The Air / Jamboree On The Internet (JOTA/JOTI), which will take place over the weekend of October 16-18, 2015. JOTA is focused on encouraging Scout-to-Scout contacts across borders, and it is the largest Scouting event in the world. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/jamboree-on-the-air-2015-station-registration-is-open If you, or your club, are planning on participating in JOTA, please send information on your plans so that it can be included in an email communication to the NC Section, which will be distributed on or about October 14th. Thanks!

ARISS PROPOSAL WINDOW OPEN SEPTEMBER 1 – NOVEMBER 1, 2015 – The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is accepting proposals until November 1, 2015 from US schools and educational organizations wanting to host an amateur radio contact with an International Space Station crew member during the period July – December 2016. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/amateur-radio-on-the-international-space-station

NAVY – MARINE CORPS MARS CEASES OPERATION AT 302359Z SEP 2015 – After more than 52 years, the Navy – Marine Corps MARS will cease operations at 2359Z on September 30, 2015. According to its Communications Instructions NTP (8) D, “the Navy – Marine Corps Military Auxiliary Radio System (NAVMARCORMARS) is a program conducted by the Department of the Navy in which licensed US amateur radio stations and operators voluntarily participate and contribute to the mission of providing auxiliary communications on a local, national, or international basis as an adjunct to normal naval communications” (from http://www.navymars.org/ntp8/CHAP01.pdf, accessed on September 28, 2015). As reported earlier this year, the US Department of Defense decided to phase out the NAVMARCORMARS program and move its operational mission to other MARS service branches by the end of September. In addition to its Navy mission, NAVMARCORMARS provides support to the US Coast Guard, FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, and local emergency management agencies (from http://www.arrl.org/news/us-navy-marine-corps-mars-program-to-end, accessed on September 28, 2015). For further information on the Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS), see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Auxiliary_Radio_System (copy and paste this link into your web browser, if needed). On behalf of all Hams, I would like to thank NAVMARCORMARS, particularly those members in the State of NC, for their dedicated service to our Country; to the Navy and Marine Corps and their personnel and families; and, to their communities. And, best wishes are extended to all NAVMARCORMARS members as they pursue their future endeavors! Finally, thanks to Frank Pleshe, N3FRP / NNN0LBJ NC / NNN0GBL NC – State MARS Director, for his assistance with this article!

TX3X CHESTERFIELD ISLANDS DXPEDITION (10/1-12) – On September 28th, members of the TX3X Chesterfield Islands DXpedition left Noumea, New Caledonia on the sailing expedition vessel, Evohe, bound for the Chesterfield Islands. Following arrival and setup, the team expects to begin operations on October 2nd and continue until October 12th. One of the goals of the TX3X DXpedition is to offer an ATNO (“all time new one”) to as many Hams as possible. For further information, see http://www.tx3x.com/

WESTERN BRANCH ARES-AUXCOMM FALL MEETING (10/31) – Coming soon! On Saturday, October 31st, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, the NC Western Branch ARES-AUXCOMM Fall Meeting will be held at the WPCC Foothills Higher Education Center, 2128 S Sterling St, Morganton, NC 28655. For further information, see http://www.qsl.net/kd4ozi/DEC/DECWB.htm Thanks to Paul Robinette, KD4OZI, Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator (Western Branch), for providing this information!

BARNES AND NOBLE MINI MAKER FAIRES (11/6-8) – Barnes and Noble Booksellers Inc has announced that it will be holding Mini Maker Faires at all of its retail locations during the weekend of November 6-8, 2015. This is a great opportunity for all Hams – clubs and individuals – to meet with attendees and introduce them to amateur radio. For further information, see http://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/announcing-the-barnes-noble-mini-maker-faire-november-6-8-2015/ Thanks to Allen Pitts, W1AGP, ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager; and, Bill Morine, N2COP, Roanoke Division Vice Director, for providing this information!

SOUTH SANDWICH/SOUTH GEORGIA DXPEDITION DATES ANNOUNCED – The Intrepid DX Group has announced its itinerary and operating schedule for the upcoming South Sandwich (VP8SGI) and South Georgia (VP8STI) DXpedition, which will occur in January, 2016. Both of these DX entities are on the ClubLog Most Wanted DXCC list; the South Sandwich Islands are #3 and South Georgia is #8. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/south-sandwich-south-georgia-dxpedition-dates-announced Thanks to the Intrepid DX Group, and the ARRL website for providing this information!

CAROLINA DX ASSOCIATION FORMS CAROLINA DX FOUNDATION – The Carolina DX Association (CDXA) has announced the formation of the Carolina DX Foundation as an IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide financial support to DXpeditions, specifically those conducting scientific research, exploration of HF propagation, and education of the public. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/carolina-dx-association-forms-carolina-dx-foundation and http://www.cdxa.org/ Thanks to The Daily DX via Cliff Wagoner, W3ZL, Secretary-Treasurer, Carolina DX Association; and, the ARRL website for providing this information!

ARRL VEC REMINDS LICENSE APPLICANTS: THE FCC IS NOW PAPERLESS! – The ARRL VEC reminds amateur radio license applicants that the FCC no longer routinely prints or mails license documents. This was done to streamline procedures and save money. However, there are still ways that licensed Hams can obtain an official license document from the FCC. For further information, see http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-vec-reminds-license-applicants-the-fcc-is-now-paperless

LICENSING CLASSES – Kinston (NC): Technician licensing class, October 1 to November 19, 2015, sponsored by Kinston Amateur Radio Society, contact Ron Knapp, W9EF by phone at (252) 559-2070 or by email at rknapp19@suddenlink.net for further information. Raleigh (NC): Amateur Extra licensing class, October 3 to November 14, 2015, sponsored by Raleigh Amateur Radio Society, contact Murray Merner, K4MHM by phone at (919) 803-7973 or by email at k4mhm@arrl.net for further information. Skyland (NC): General licensing class, November 9 to December 3, 2015, sponsored by The Road Show Amateur Radio Club, contact William Van Nuys, N4OOC by phone at (828) 243-0888 or by email at n4ooc@aol.com for further information. To find upcoming classes, go to www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-class Please note that a licensing 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 licensing class. Thanks!

MEDIA HITS AND REPORTS – The following media hits and reports are included in this month’s newsletter: On veteran ham radio operator George Poteat, NC0G (video), see http://www.shelbystar.com/videos/ID:4318506694001/Video:Veteran%20Ham%20Radio%20Operator

On Edgar Cashwell, KA4GYX and his full life in Saxapahaw, see http://www.thetimesnews.com/article/20150802/NEWS/150809908

On Dr. Ernest E. Rossi, KY8U (SK), see http://www.newsobserver.com/news/article30599130.html

On Milton William Rice, Jr, KC4YOT (SK), see http://www.gastongazette.com/article/20150828/NEWS/150828792

On Dr. William Fred ("Mac") McClure, AD4GX (SK), see http://www.newsobserver.com/news/article32857671.html

On the Russian side of the International Space Station, including comments on amateur radio satellites, see http://www.airspacemag.com/space/rare-look-russian-side-space-station-180956244/?no-ist

On the Shelby Hamfest, see http://www.shelbystar.com/article/20150906/NEWS/150909257/15689/LIFESTYLE

On flea market photos from the Shelby Hamfest by Thomas Witherspoon, K4SWL, see http://swling.com/blog/2015/09/a-photo-tour-of-the-2015-shelby-hamfest/ Thanks to Thomas Witherspoon, K4SWL, for posting these photos on his website; and, to Ralph Wallio, W0RPK of Greenville, for providing this website link!

On the 2015 National Hollerin’ Contest, see http://clintonnc.com/news/3394/holler-of-a-good-time

On the 2015 National Hollerin’ Contest, see http://clintonnc.com/features/community/3436/jackson-takes-home-hollerins-top-prize

On the Voice of America shortwave transmission station in eastern NC, see http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/sep/19/rural-nc-tract-is-last-shortwave-site-for-us-broad/?page=all Thanks to Jack Cureton, K4LRH and Charles Comerford, KK4HOK of the Mecklenburg Amateur Radio Society, for providing this media hit!

On Edward T. Brady, W4ETB, see http://www.fayobserver.com/news/local/cape-fear-profile-ed-brady-has-passion-for-law-and/article_62e29d4a-0ee8-53e4-9fc7-8d94a913511e.html

On the use of “textspeak” in the age of the telegraph, see https://theconversation.com/lol-in-the-age-of-the-telegraph-42578 (copy and paste this link into your web browser, if needed). tnx es 73 w0rpk de w4chx

During followup communications with Ralph W0RPK on the report above, this email was received: “….. I used the ARRL publication search facility to find an early CW abbreviation list that included HI (QST, June 1920, p44) and forwarded it to article author Lauren Collister [see article above]. I found a Morse Code abbreviation list for railroad telegraphy that included HI, but as an abbreviation for HIGH, see http://www.morsetelegraphclub.org/library/files/html/dodge/dodge.htm#abbreviations The abbreviation HI may therefore have been invented by early Hams. TNX es 73 de Ralph W0RPK.” Thanks to Ralph Wallio, W0RPK of Greenville, for providing these interesting reports!

The following report was received from Dudley Hale, W4WNC: “Eleven Haywood County ARC members, plus 6 Hams from surrounding counties, took part in the 6th Annual Blue Ridge Breakaway bike ride organized by the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce. There were 4 routes: 105 miles, 75 miles, 40 miles, and 25 miles. Philip Jenkins N4HF was Net Control and Cecil Yount KM4DOP was liaison between event organizers and Net Control using 70cm simplex. The organizers were monitoring the routes on a 55" TV, which showed them where motorcycle (SAGS) carrying APRS trackers were sweeping the routes. There were twelve Hams stationed at nine rest areas and intersections: Harold Lhoest W4HML; Adam Caudill WX4WNC; Bill Laney KF4GUW; Zach Thompson KM4BLG; Oliver Piercy KK4UZP; Michael Meeham N3TYA; David Bennett KK4HFR; Tony Knight KK4FFE; Steve Emery N4SET; John Eroh N4SME; Tony Jones KJ4CRO; and, Jim McCoy KS4DE. The MotoSAGS stopped at every rest stop to receive instructions from Ham Operators. Price Berryhill W4CPB rode his bicycle on the 25-mile route as a sweeper, and carried an HT and APRS tracker. He returned to Net Control to assist with the event. Paul Yeager W4SKI ensured all APRS trackers were properly installed and uninstalled on the motorcycles, and relieved Net Control when necessary. We used a 2m repeater with two backups and a 2m simplex frequency. We deployed 4 digipeaters, and 4 iGATE's to ensure full APRS coverage. When 60 riders on the Blue Ridge Parkway were drenched by a late afternoon rain storm and a temperature drop to 53 degrees, the emergency evacuation plan was activated. We had been monitoring the weather, had 5 Hams positioned along the Parkway, and were able to transport over 30 riders back to the finish line. The Amateur volunteers amassed 1,383 miles, 190 hours, and used $25,430.00 worth of radio equipment in preparation and during the event.” Thanks to all Hams providing communications support to this event; and, to Dudley Hale, W4WNC of Waynesville, for providing this report!

The following report was received from Vern Dyer, W5VM and Marv Hoffman, WA4NC: “Congratulations to these Hams who passed their tests at the [Watauga Amateur Radio Club] WARC VE Exam conducted in Boone on August 31st. Several of these folks also attended the WARC six-week long Technician Class. Joe Jackson KM4NCN, new General (passed both tests in one session); Donald Jamison KM4EAS, upgraded to General; and, new Technicians: JJ Jackson KM4NCL; Daniel Clemmer KM4NCI, Patricia Glen KM4NCJ, Marvin Gragg KM4NCK, Jessica Horney KM4NCM, Michael Maguire KM4NCO, and William Bauldry KM4NCP. 73’s, Vern Dyer W5VM.” Congratulations to these new Hams; and, thanks to Vern Dyer, W5VM of Boone and Marv Hoffman, WA4NC, President, Watauga Amateur Radio Club, for providing this information!

The following report was received from Janice Hopkins, KJ4JPE: “The Onslow Amateur Radio Club / Onslow Amateur Radio Emergency Service provided the communications between Race Officials and the racers to keep everyone safe during the Third Annual Jacksonville NC USO Boots on the Run. Emergency Coordinator Jeff Thigpen [WM4YD] lead his members in running a very successful operation. The race took place on September 12, 2015. The race was done to recognize military, fire, police, and medical personnel. The goal of the USO is to lift the spirits of America's troops and their families.” Thanks to all members of the Onslow ARC and Onslow ARES for providing communications support to this event; and, to Janice Hopkins, KJ4JPE, an ARRL-trained Public Information Officer, for providing this report!

The following report on the 2015 NC Mountain State Fair was received from Phil Jenkins, N4HF: “Year THREE of N4F – NC Mountain State Fair – has been put to bed! Thanks to all who worked – and supported – N4F, the special event station of the 10-day NC Mountain State Fair, this year. The propagation gods were not smiling on us, especially the latter half of the week and the last weekend, but we still racked up approximately 1,000 QSOs via CW, SSB, PSK-31, 2m, and FM satellite. More important, though, was our exposure of ham radio to the general public. Quite a few visitors had always wanted to be Hams. There were an amazing number of visitors who had had a relative who used to be a Ham. The Road Show ARC has about 17 prospective students registered for an upcoming Technician class, and Blue Ridge ARC has 10 judging from the level of interest from the Fair visitors.

Extra special thanks go to Elecraft and Icom for loaning us (respectively) a K3S/100 and a KX3 (with amplifier), and an IC7100 and an IC7600 for the Special Event Station and visitors’ tent station. We’d like to really thank our newest supporters, Lenoir ARC and Mayland ARC. A club who REALLY came through for the Fair this year were the members of Blue Ridge ARC; kudos to them! We also had support from a few members of NCDXCC, Thermal Belt ARC, Haywood County ARC, and other individuals, even from Spartanburg, SC and Atlanta, GA. There also in spirit was Cleveland County ARS. While ole man Murphy was alive and well at the Fair (particularly in attempting to get video streaming over the internet), we still made contacts, we still learned a lot, and we still had fun! Now, get a little rest before the planning for NEXT year’s Fair starts….. So start making YOUR plans to attend (and help our efforts) NOW!” Thanks to all the clubs, club members, and individual Hams for their hard work on N4F, the special event station at the 2015 NC Mountain State Fair; and, to Phil Jenkins, N4HF, an ARRL-trained Public Information Officer, for providing this report!

The following report was received from Janice Hopkins, KJ4JPE: “Pamlico Amateur Radio Society [of Oriental] NC recently donated a Technician Manual to each of the libraries in the area, Pamlico Public Library and Pamlico County Community College.” Thanks to Pamlico Amateur Radio Society for making these donations; and, to Greg Wadsworth, KM4DZM of Aurora and Janice Hopkins, KJ4JPE, an ARRL-trained Public Information Officer, for providing this report!

NTS SECTION TRAFFIC REPORT FOR AUGUST 2015 – QNI (total check-ins): 1,762; Total messages passed: 466. Station Activity Reports (SARs), total number: K4IWW 336, KC4PGN 125, AK4RJ 117, WB4ZIQ 104, W2EAG 92, W4DNA 68, W4TTO 62, KE4AHC 35, KW4EMG 34, KJ4JPE 21. Public Service Honor Roll (PSHR), total number: KW4EMG 214, WB4ZIQ 160, W4DNA 150, K4IWW 130, KJ4JPE 126, W2EAG 110, KM4HXX 109, AK4RJ 100, W4TTO 100, KK4LGM 94. 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: James Robert ("Jim") Harp, WD4CEY (SK) of Southern Pines; Dr. William Fred ("Mac") McClure, AD4GX (SK) of Raleigh; and, Percy Lee McIver, WB4TOK (SK) of Clayton. 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 – October 3: Commemoration of The Battle of Kings Mountain, 1230Z-2030Z, NA4CC, Shelby, NC. Cleveland County Amateur Radio Service. 14.283. QSL. CCARS, PO Box 864, Shelby, NC 28151. For QSL card, please send your card with report and a stamped and addressed envelope. http://ccarsnc.org/ October 17: USCG Auxiliary 76th Anniversary, 1400Z-2200Z, K4C, Merritt, NC. Oriental, NC Auxiliary Flotilla 054-20-03. 7.270. QSL. Wayne G. Mulligan, 57 Mercer Dr, Merritt, NC 28556. http://orientalaux.com 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 – October 3: 62nd Annual Rock Hill (SC) Hamfest, York County Amateur Radio Society, Rock Hill, SC, see http://www.rockhillhamfest.com October 11: Maysville Hamfest, Maysville Hamfest Association, Maysville, NC, contact Byron Highland, K4BMH by phone at (252) 347-1498 or by email at bhighland at nc dot rr dot com for further information. October 31: 19th Annual Grand Strand ARC “Beachfest 2015”, Grand Strand Amateur Radio Club, Conway, SC, see http://www.w4gs.org November 15: JARSFest 2015, Johnston Amateur Radio Society, Benson, NC see http://www.jars.net It is not too early to apply for ARRL-affiliation of your club’s 2015 hamfest! For more information, see http://www.arrl.org/arrl-sanctioned-events QUA* – This was a very busy month for me! On Labor Day weekend, I attended the Shelby Hamfest (9/5-6). It was great to return to the Shelby Hamfest – the weather was mild and we had many visitors to the ARRL booth! I would like to thank the Shelby Hamfest team for their assistance with arrangements for the ARRL Booth and forum presentations. Congratulations on a job well done! The following weekend, I visited my son and his family in Suffolk, VA, which included a short visit to the Virginia Beach Hamfest (9/12). I regret not being able to visit the N4F Special Event Station at the 2015 NC Mountain State Fair due to other travel commitments. Based on their report (see above), they had a very successful event!

On Thursday, September 17th, I traveled to the ARRL Headquarters in Newington, CT to attend the Section Managers’ Workshop, which was held from Friday through Sunday (9/18-20). The Workshop was very informative. I learned more about ARRL programs and resources that could benefit individual Hams, clubs, and their communities. Topics discussed included: updates on media and public relations; emergency preparedness; education services; sales and marketing, including ARRL publications; the ARRL Lab; regulatory information; the Official Observer program; ARRL-affiliated clubs and radiosport; and, the ARRL Field Organization. Please contact me, if you would like more information. On Saturday afternoon, I was in the Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Station – W1AW and listening “over the shoulder” of another Section Manager when he made contact with the N4F Special Event Station! Unfortunately, when my turn came to operate W1AW, it was not possible to re-acquire N4F on that frequency.

At the end of last week, I drove to Pigeon Forge, TN to attend the W4DXCC DX and Contest Convention 2015. On Friday (9/25), the Ham Radio Bootcamp was held. The presentations were focused on the needs of new Hams, but there was plenty of important information for more experienced Hams. The presentation on QSLing was very interesting. On Saturday (9/26), the presentation topics included: working the bands from Europe; contesting; contest automation; radio frequency interference; and, recent DXpeditions, ie, VK9MT Mellish Reef, VU4KV Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and K1N Navassa Island. I want to congratulate the organizers and presenters for their hard work, which assured the success of the Convention. Many Hams and clubs from NC, eg, NC DX and Contesting Club and the Carolina DX Association, contributed to the success of the meeting, as well. Any Ham interested in DX and contesting is encouraged to attend next year’s W4DXCC DX and Contesting Convention 2016.

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. Finally, thanks for everything you are doing for amateur radio and your community! 73, Karl Bowman, W4CHX, ARRL North Carolina Section Manager, (919) 669-6068 (cell)