Issue: October 2013 Since Upcoming Events: President s Message by Scott - W4IYS

Transcription

1 The Official Publication of The Western Carolina Amateur Radio Society, Inc Issue: October 2013 Since 1977 Upcoming Events: Friday Morning Meet up 10 Biltmore Square Mall BCARES Meeting - EOC Oct 17-7 PM JOTA October 19 & 20 Shut-in Trail Race November 2 AB Tech Nov 7-7:30 PM WCARS Officers Election Nov 7 Meeting Information: Next Meeting: Nov 7 Meetings are at AB-Tech in the Sycamore Building Room 201 at 7:30 PM Should Buncombe County schools close due to inclement weather our meeting will be canceled. In this issue of Smoketest. WCARS Officers and BC-ARES Pg 2 Buncombe County ARES Pg 2 Net Information Pg 2 Meeting Minutes Pg 3 Net Control Stations Needed Pg 3 Regional Hamfests Pg 3 VEC Exam Schedule Pg 4 JOTA Pg 5 Looking for. Pg 5 WCARS Prayer List Pg 6 Pictures from the Marathon Pg 6 President s Message by Scott - W4IYS Having received no comment back from my last in smoke test we will proceed like everyone is ok with where we are so be it. However I still don't understand why anyone would go to the time and trouble to get a license and then never get on the air. Or want to help with Skywarn, ARES or one of the many e- comm groups out there. If the lack of equipment is the problem, then let me say we have a lot of 2m base stations and some HF equipment that can be borrowed for as long as needed to get you started. And many club members to help. At any rate please let me know how we can help you use your license. All of our contact numbers are in this Smoke Test. Please call especially you. Elections in Nov and we still need someone to take over Smoke test any/ all the officers would love to have an assistant. Think about it IT'S our Club Thanks for a really good year Lets go for another one, see you in NOV Scott - President Shut-in Trail Run Pg 9 From the Editor Pg 9 Space Weather Pg 10 Local / Regional Nets Pg 11 Local / Regional Repeater List Pg 12 Page 1

2 WCARS Officers President Scott McCabe - W4IYS esmccabe@charter.net Vice President Norman Harrill - N4NH nharrill@bellsouth.net Secretary, Awards Chairman & Public Information Bob Dockery - WD4CNZ Ph: wd4cnz@charter.net Treasurer Steve Emory - N4SET n4set@arrl.net Executive Committee: Randy Harris - KI4VLW rtsp71@aol.com Dean Blair - K2JB k2jb@bellsouth.net Linda Harris - KJ4CRL rtsp71@aol.com Trustee - W4MOE Norman Harrill - N4NH Quartermaster & Webmaster Lee Johnson - KB4QDQ leejohnsonster@gmail.com Hamfest Chairman Jeff Weller - KJ4TEI weller_j@bellsouth.net WCARS - BCARES Liaison Ginny Todd - KK4BRE virginiaatodd@students.abtech.edu BCARES Thanks to all who participated and made the Asheville Citizens-Times Marathon such a great success, Job Well Done. Especially the Planning Department (Paul - KK4BRD). We had a great time and learned a lot. Experience that will come in handy in the future. Next meeting Oct. 17, 2013 Thursday 7:00 P.M. at the EOC Building. Lots of info will be gone over, Skywarn, Shut-in Trail Run, FEMA Courses, information on Net Control. See you there. Tony - KJ4CRO Net Information PL 91.5: WCARS Information Net 9:00 PM - Club information, announcements and informal comments BC-ARES Net 9:00 PM - Emergency communications practice and training, formal net followed by informal comments Simplex Net Monday & Wednesday night following the nets Informal net to map communications in Buncombe County without the use of a repeater. Smoketest Editor Paul Tilley - KK4BRD kk4brd@gmail.com ARES-EC, Buncombe County Tony Jones - KJ4CRO tbjones12@bellsouth.net Page 2

3 What you missed Meeting Minutes Oct 3, 2013 Prepared by Bob - WD4CNZ The October 3, 2013, meeting of the Western Carolina Amateur Radio Society (WCARS) was called to order at 1932hrs by Scott McCabe W4IYS, Club President. He welcomed everyone and invited all to join in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. He then asked each attendee to introduce themselves by name, QTH, and call. Tickets for the drawing were sold just prior to the meeting (1/2 of the proceeds serve as a door prize and 1/2 going into the Club treasury at a cost of $1.00 each. A sign-in sheet was passed around to record attendance. Scott announced the frequency of with a 91.5 tone to be used to link the region and encouraged everyone to use it. Scott asked everyone to contact him about any reasons why club membership is declining--please refer to the last issue of SMOKETEST for his specific questions. He encouraged any comments and asked that his address be used: esmccabe@charter.net. The Treasurer's Report was given by Steve N4SET. The report was approved as read. Tony KJ4CRO thanked all for the support for the Marathon event. The Viper-Pro system failed at the onset of the event and amateur radio filled in the gap...ham RA- DIO SAVES THE DAY! Net Controllers Needed The WCARS Information Net that is called every Monday night at 9 PM has three openings for those interested in getting some Net Control experience or wishing to help out. The Second (during the winter), Fourth and occasional Fifth Monday of every month currently does not have anyone able to fill the Net Control duty. This is a good net to start off in to get Net Control experience. A script is available on the WCARS.org website, to assist you in calling the net. Over all this net is easy to call, it is laid back with only a minimal amount of protocol that is followed. If you are able to assist the club please let Scott know and you will be added to the Net Control rotation. BCARES is also looking for Net Controllers to assist in the Wednesday night net at 9 PM. If you are interested in participating in ARES and would like to help out with some net control duties contact Tony. Regional Hamfests Greeneville Hamfest (use to be the Gray) When: October 19, 2013 Where: Greene County Fairgrounds 123 Fair Grounds Road Greeneville, TN Greene- (Located just off 11E Bypass in ville) Talk-in: PL PL none Page 3

4 What you missed Meeting Minutes Nominations for officers for 2014 are needed by the November Meeting. Please send any nominations to Scott via and feel free to offer yourself as a nominee for any office. The Christmas Party is set tentatively for December. at the Candler Masonic Lodge. Everyone is encouraged to share fellowship at this event. Harry KC4EZN reminded the group about JOTA (Jamboree On The Air) for Scouts coming up on October 19 and needs volunteers to set up October 18 and operate on the 19th. The event begins about 0900 and runs to approximately 1700 (or until band conditions deteriorate). He asked everyone to monitor the weekly Monday night net to learn about more Scouting events being planned and get updates. The SHUT-IN RACE is set for November 2. The event runs from the Arboretum to the Pisgah Trail Head. Contact Steve N4SET for more information <N4SET@arrl.net> is best way. Scott mentioned that Dan Henderson has ongoing health problems and asked all to keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Scott commented about his assignment on the Marathon Bus during the event and complimented the lady driver who managed all the "maneuvers" in tight places without accident or injury. Randy Harris KI4VLW demonstrated the new safety vests which are offered for sale at $12 each with a supply for the Club to be stored for future use as needed. Contact Randy <rtsp71@aol.com>. WCARS / VEC Exam Schedule Asheville - AB-TECH, Rm 134, Elm Bldg 9:00 AM on the THIRD SATURDAY of: January, April, July and October VE Team Leader: Bob Helton - KS4FX Phone: :00 PM on the THIRD SUNDAY of: February, May, August and November VE Team Leader: Steve Lankford - AG4BY Phone: Burnsville - Yancey County Library Contact: VE Team Leader: David McCarty - W4TDM Phone: Marion Contact: VE Team Leader: Harriet Fullbright - K4ICU Phone: Rutherfordton - Isothermal College Contact: VE Team Leader: Bruce Tessineer - AD4OJ Phone: Waynesville Contact: VE Team Leader: Al Sanders - WD4A Phone: Weaverville - Reems Creek FD 9:00 AM on the First Saturday of: April, July, October and December VE Team Leader: Harley Bullman - AJ4PI Phone: For other locations contact: Norman Harrill N4NH@arrl.net / Page 4

5 What you missed Meeting Minutes Steve N4SET volunteered to serve as Club Treasurer again next year if no one wants the job. Nominations are open for this office. Scott W4IYS volunteered to serve again as Club President next year if no one else is nominated. He stated that he has served in this capacity for 11 years and would welcome any other nominations. Norman Harrill N4NH volunteered to serve as Club Vice President again if no one else is nominated. Norman apologized to the group that the speaker scheduled for the meeting did not show up (reasons unknown). Nominations are needed for the annual Cash Gregg W4DPF Award (locally known as the "Ham Of The Year" award to a club member for their outstanding contribution of time and service). To fill in the time because of lack of the speaker's presentation, members were asked to share their club and radio experiences. Norman N4NH shared how he got interested in ham radio, radio experiences, and contributions--particularly in Scouting. Wendell Cisco K4WWC shared an experience on his way to and in Yellowstone National Park a few years ago. Harry KC4EZN shared experiences about his first contact. Jack WD4IJT shared his first experience with amateurs on phone and CW. What you missed Meeting Minutes An update was presented about the Special Event Station N4F set up during the Marathon which made over 1000 contacts on the air. The station included a display on ham radio plus greeting visitors with explanations about ham radio service. The drawing was made and awarded. Judy Justice won the door prize and chose a Club mug as her prize. There being no further business before the group, the meeting was adjourned at 2105 with refreshments and fellowship following SUBMITTED BY BOB DOCKERY WD4CNZ, WCARS CLUB SECRETARY JOTA WCARS will set up a station at the Daniel Boone Council Service Center, 333 West Haywood St, Asheville, NC. Setup will be Friday October 18, starting at 1:00 PM. Operating time will be 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday October 19. For more information, contact Harry Frick, KC4EZN at hcfrick@aol.com. Looking for. Member, KJ4KFA, Yale Mooers looking for used 6 Watt Base Transceiver. Call at or , ymooers@aol.com Page 5

6 WCARS Prayer List Keith Galyean Doris Galyean Donnie Grindstaff Roger Grindstaff Norman Harrill Linda Harris Carl Smith Reid Todd Jack Graffing Norma Graffing Tommy Queen Connie Duncan Gerald Morgan Walt Lewis Lynn Weller Hilland (Borden) & Evelyn Sabaiston Dan Henderson David Brown Carolina Mountain Area Skywarn - WX4CMA at the Asheville Citizen-Times Marathon Weather station equipment on loan from Paul - KK4BRD to WX4CMA for use at the Asheville Citizen-Times Marathon Photo by Asheville Citizen-Times Marathon Organizers Page 6

7 Craven Street Photo by Paul - K4PAF Craven Street Photo by Paul - K4PAF Start / Finish Line Photo by Paul - KK4BRD Page 7

8 Start / Finish Line Photo by Paul - KK4BRD Net Control at Operations (Tony - KJ4CRO) Photo by Paul - KK4BRD

9 Shut-in Trail Run Anyone interested in participating in the Shut-in Trail Run ARES event this year should contact Steve - N4SET by n4set@arrl.net or Paul by kk4brd@gmail.com. If the parkway has closures it could result in operators driving considerable distance to reach their check point. Also another thing to keep in mind is that if the Government shut-down continues on to the day of the race there is a possibility that the race maybe cancelled, even though the permits have already been issued. Aside from that if the race happens dress for four seasons, because it could be freezing in the morning and hot by the end of the race. From the Editor The marathon was a success from an ARES POV, there were a few minor issues but other than that it went well. If you read Scott s message you will have seen him asking for volunteers to take over the Smoke Test. I ve informed Scott that I will not be able to continue another year due to work obligations as well as other commitments made to ARES and Skywarn. Hopefully someone will take over so that the newsletter can continue after I ve reached the end of this year. Anyone who is interested should contact Scott or me so I can work with you to adjust the template to a program that you have. Or you can start fresh with your own design. Comments, suggestions, help wanted, items for sale or articles you would like to see in Smoketest? If so send your comments, suggestions, requests for help / items for sale, and articles to Paul at kk4brd@gmail.com 73s, Paul - KK4BRD Page 9

10 Solar Weather NOAA Solar Forecasts Updated at: 2013 Oct 8 Flare 0-24 hr hr Class M 10% 10% Class X 01% 01% Geomagnetic Storms Mid-latitudes 0-24 hr hr Active 10% 20% Minor 01% 05% Severe 01% 01% High-latitudes 0-24 hr hr Active 15% 15% Minor 15% 30% Severe 10% 30% Sunspot Number: 76 Spotless Days Current Stretch: 0 days 2013 total: 0 days (0%) 2012 total: 0 days (0%) 2011 total: 2 days (<1%) 2010 total: 51 days (14%) 2009 total: 260 days (71%) Since 2004: 821 days Typical Solar Min: 486 days Interplanetary Magnetic Field B total : 33.4 nt The Radio Sun 10.7 cm flux: 112 sfu B Z : 4.7 nt north HF Conditions Day Night 80 m - 40 m Poor Poor 30 m - 20 m Poor Poor 17 m - 15 m Fair Fair 12 m - 10 m Poor Poor VHF Conditions Day Night Aurora m EsEU Band Closed 4 m EsEU Band Closed 2 m EsEU Band Closed 2 m EsNA EME Deg Band Closed Fair Page 10

11 Local / Regional Nets HF/VHF/UHF Net Information NET NAME Freq offset / PL Day Local time Notes Saturday 9-PM Many check-ins-wide area coverage Blue Ridge Traffic Nightly 9-PM ARES/Skywarn in bad weather BRARC Sunday 9-PM Buncombe Cty Emerg. Mgt Wednesday 9-PM Directed net, ARES/RACES Carolinas Net - Early Daily 7-PM CW Traffic Carolinas Net - Late Daily 10-PM CW WPM Traffic Carolinas Net - Slow Daily 8-PM Slow CW - 8 to 10 WPM Traffic Franklin, NC - Winesprings Bald / Daily 9-PM Good Morning M-W-F 9-AM Informal, Everyone welcome Haywood County Roundtable Monday 8-PM Informal, Everyone welcome K4UUQ Morning Daily 7-AM Ragchew Madison Cty-AmRadComTeam Tuesday 9-PM Madison County Emergency Comm Mount Mitchell Monday 8-PM Informal, Everyone welcome Mount Mitchell Ragchew Monday 9-PM Directed, Everyone welcome Mount Mitchell Sunrise Net Thursday 9-AM Informal - Everyone welcome Mount Pisgah Sunday 9-PM Informal, Everyone welcome NC Evening Traffic Daily 6:30-PM SSB NC Morning Traffic Daily 7:45-AM SSB Oasis Shrine Radio Corp Sunday 9-PM SATERN Daily 3-PM Salvation Army Team-Emergency Tarheel Emergency Net Daily 7:30-PM Directed, NC Emerg. Mgt - Traffic Volunteer Friday 9-PM Info, News and Swap WCARS Information Monday 9-PM Informal, Everyone welcome??? WB4PLA on Spivey Mtn.??? W4YK Friday 9-PM??? Traders Net Tuesday 9-PM Skywarn As Needed SC Hearts / NC Hears / SW VA Net Daily 8-PM NC Hears Daily 9:30 PM K4MFD Greenville Located on Bald Mtn. N. of Asheville K4MFD Greenville - 6 Meter Located on Bald Mtn. N. of Asheville Linked to N2GE & KI4DNY fulltime Page 11

12 Local / Regional Repeater List Frequency / offset / PL Location Notes Mt. Mitchell Simplex National Calling Frequency WCARS Hendersonville IRLP Greenville, SC Hendersonville Hendersonville Greenville, SC Waynesville Spartanburg Greenville, TN Greenville, TN Greenville, TN Mt. Pisgah Shelby Brevard Tryon Tryon Anderson, SC Franklin Connected to Pickens, SC Mt. Mitchell Hendersonville Brevard Waynesville IRLP Mt. Spivey Asheville Hendersonville Hendersonville Mt. Mitchell Mt. Pisgah Shelby Shelby Marshall Madison County Mt. Mitchell Hendersonville Greenville, SC Page 12