The EARS WA4IWLetter

JANUARY 2000

A belated "Happy New Year" to all whom I've not seen or talked to since the much-anticipated 01 January 2000 rolled around. We all seem to have survived the "Y2K Crisis", even though I understand it cost the taxpayers over $300 for every man, woman and child in the USA--just to be "safe". We can only speculate what those with a bunker mentality will do with all the supplies they stockpiled. Probably screw up inventory control at the supermarkets and hardware stores for some months to come. The best profiteers are those who promoted "millennium" tours, for they can repeat that scenario again when the Twentieth Century actually closes 01 January 2001.

Well, the Federal Candy Company did give us a New Year's present when the long-awaited amateur license structure was announced 30 December. Pertinent highlights are on page 7 for your information. I've heard very little in the way of comments on the new regulations but, by and large, what I've heard has been positive. Even Morse buffs such as JR, K9HUY, and Dick Dean, N4RD, are not raving and ranting "CW Forever", as they recognize the fact that use of Morse is just one of many, many modes available to today's amateurs. Dick claims there are already Extra Class hams sending unintelligible Morse! Whether the new exam for an entry-level Technician license will entice young blood into the fraternity remains to be seen.

I guess with his Novice class privileges, Walter Cronkite, KB2GSD, has given up on trying to work DXCC (100 countries). When he recently received the Norman Cousins Global Governance Award, old Walt stated,"we must strengthen the United Nations as a first step toward world government", and that "we Americans will have to yield up some of our sovereignty". Yep, just one government, i.e., one country for the world, no DXCC! Get real, Walt!

Two women lost their $130 million lawsuit against AT&T and Maryland, claiming that the high costs of collect phone calls from an inmate in the Jessup, MD prison was unconstitutional. Sorry gals!

I read where Hanoi Jane is leaving Ted Turner to "embrace evangelical Christianity". Can this be repentance for her despicable actions against our country during the Vietnam War? Not to be outdone, Vietnam vet Algore claims he authored the earned Income Tax Credit--which became law a year before Algore was elected to Congress. Is this guy real?

73 de Jack, W4JS

The next EARS meeting will be held 21 January at the Englewood United Methodist Church, 700 East Dearborn St. Officers' meeting will be held in the church library at 6 pm. The business meeting will start at 7:30 pm in Room 400. This will be our Annual Meeting for the election of officers for 2000, submission of the Treasurer's Annual report, presentation of the President's Report on the State of the Society, filing of reports of committees, and the transaction of such other business as is usual. And, how about dessert at Denny's afterwards!

(NOTE: Dave Armbrust, AE4MR, West Central Florida Section Manager will discuss both the new WCF Section and the new license restructuring at our 18 February meeting. Plan ahead--don't miss it!)

The EARS Hand of Fellowship goes out to extend our sympathy to the following members who have lost loved ones in recent weeks:

o George Kelce, K0DGF, on the passing of his wife, Norma Lee, on 14 December.

o Alice Anderson, KE4TVS, and Ken Anderson, W4JQT, on the death of Alice's mother.

o Vic Emmelkamp, KF4VHX, on the death of his father-in-law.

The EARS weekly net meets on the WB0GUX repeater (146.700) at 7:30 pm every Friday except the third Friday, which is our meeting night. VOLUNTEERS ARE SORELY NEEDED FOR NET CONTROL! Contact Don Spencer, WA4IWL, Net Manager, if you can help. Recent net activity follows:

Date NCS Check-Ins

10 Dec KA4JKY George 17

24 Dec (Christmas Eve - No Net)

31 Dec WA4IWL Don 6

07 Jan WA4IWL Don 10

President Jack Sproat, W4JS, opened the meeting at 7:30 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. Guest Martin Zippe, AF4ID, was introduced and welcomed to the meeting. There were no new members to introduce, and no upgrades to report. Jack noted that Blaine Bennett, W4BNS, and Jeanna Bennett, KB4TVI, who were guests last month are now new members, although not present this evening.

Jim Halliday, NX2II, made a motion to forego reading of the minutes of last month's meeting and rely on the minutes as published in the December newsletter. Seconded by Free, W1NPR, and carried.

Jerry Meckenberg, K2JWE, gave the Treasurer's report. JR House, K9HUY, made a motion to accept the report. Seconded by Don Spencer, WA4IWL, and carried. The report was filed with the Secretary.

There was no correspondence last month.

Forty-one badges have been ordered, and are expected to be received by the January meeting.

We are still looking for a liaison person who is a member of the Charlotte County Club.

SUNSHINE - Jack, W4JS, gave the Sunshine report: Alice Anderson's (KE4TVS) mother passed away, and Vic Emmelkamp's (KF4VHX) father-in-law passed away in December.

REPEATER - Bruce, K2OY, reported on the status of the 2-meter (146.865) repeater installation. Building access has been a problem. Frank, W4VV, added that our phone numbers have been programmed into the autopatch. Gabe Meckenberg, K2GQU, asked about repeater instructions and information. Jack advised they will be in the newsletter.

TESTING - No testing is scheduled for tomorrow.

DX - Bruce, K2OY, gave the DX report. Bruce talked about the solar flux numbers, the A and K indices, and the propagation forecasts. He also announced that Chod Harris, WB2CHO/VP2ML, the CQ DX editor, had passed away.

HAMFEST - Frank, W4VV, gave the hamfest report. The date of our hamfest is March 11, 2000 at the Tringali Community Center. Frank asked for help to distribute flyers at the Sarasota and Ft. Myers hamfests

NOMINATIONS - Jerry Meckenberg, K2JWE, reported the following:

President Jack Sproat W4JS

Vice President Keith Herve WL7CKY

Secretary Vic Emmelkamp KF4VHX

Treasurer Al Parmentier KF4JIL

Trustees J.R. House K9HUY

Frank Maren W4VV

Don Spencer WA4IWL

Next month's meeting will be our Annual Meeting. Nominations will be accepted from the floor and elections held. No other program will be planned.

At 8:07 pm, Jim Halliday, NX2II, made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Don Dold, KD9SJ, and carried. There were 26 members and 1 guest present at the meeting.

PROGRAM - Brian McNeal presented a program on Metro Crime Prevention in Florida.

Ken Anderson, W4JQT

Secretary

The EARS VE Team offers ARRL VEC license exams at 9:30 am the 3rd Saturday of each month at the Chamber of Commerce building, 601 South Indiana Avenue, Englewood. Two-day advance reservation is required--no walk-ins.

Candidates must bring:

(1) Original license and a copy of that license.

(2) Original CSCE's and a copy of each CSCE.

(3) FCC Licensee ID No. or Social Security card.

(4) Two forms of identification.

(5) A check in the amount of $6.65 payable to "ARRL VEC", or cash in the above amount.

For further information and reservation, contact Jack Sproat, W4JS, at 475-1929

FOR SALE - From estate of N3DCK; all mint condition, with manuals:

o Ameritron AL84 600-watt HF Amp $325

o ICOM IC-2AT-E w/battery/charger/

ICOM speaker-mike $ 95

o MFJ 901 Antenna Tuner $ 20

o HF-102 SWR Meter $ 10

o Drake Low Pass Filter $ 20

o 12-v/7-amp DC Power Supply $ 25

o Cushcraft 2-meter Ringo Ranger

w/coax $ 35

Call Bob Retter, KD4SOJ, at 493-8523

The Snowbird Net meets daily at 10 am and at 7:00 pm on 7.230. Join in and tell those up North what they're missing, or just stop by to get reacquainted

The basis and purpose for the existence of amateur radio is stated as an existing reservoir of trained operators, technicians and electronic experts available for public service in times of emergencies to provide or assist with communications. Radio amateurs also help to advance the state of the art and enhance international good will. While it is understood that the amateurs are a national resource of trained operators and technicians, little has been said about the training and education.

Education and training is basic to amateur radio. It would be nice if it was included in the FCC rules as one of the reasons for the existence of the service. When you consider all the schools operated by radio clubs throughout the country, there is no question but what the amateur radio service is educational. In fact, perhaps our greatest public service is education, with the other stated reasons being second and third, etc.

Young people with technical instincts and curiosity are naturally attracted to amateur radio. Where there are clubs or individuals to help them get started, they are exposed to all the benefits of technical study and discussion, examinations, technical vocabularies, and association with individuals active in many of the professional disciplines. Thus many young people are oriented toward careers in science, engineering, and electronic industries through an initial interest in amateur radio.

Being able to operate equipment on the air and communicate with others around the world provides the "hands-on" training that converts theory into reality and gives one the confidence that can only come from "doing-it". Research and study required on various projects provides additional training and education. The various classes of licenses and operating privileges provide the incentives to advance through more study and education. Thus education is really the foundation of the amateur radio service.

By the time amateurs have earned the General Class license, they have done a lot of study and reading, memorized formulas and circuits, brushed up on math, learned the Morse code, and operated some pretty complicated equipment. Most amateurs know a lot more than they realize.

When amateurs get involved in training others, whether it be Novice or upgrade, the study and preparation required adds more education. In fact, it's when you start teaching others that your own understanding really comes into focus.

Getting around to the real purpose of this editorial, I encourage all who read this to be an "ELMER". Seek out someone you can help. Many need a little encouragement or a helping hand but they are too embarrassed or afraid to ask. All of us have had lots of help along the way. Give some back by helping others. You will feel good about it and learn something new every time you do. Get involved in training programs. You will be surprised at how much you learn and you will be helping others at the same time.

(The above was written by Ken Anderson, W4JQT, and originally published in the December 1989 Leading Edge, the journal of the Engineering and Operational Support Group of the Vienna Wireless Society, Vienna, VA. Ken's words are still apropos--there might be a future ham next door, if you just ask.)

Despite much ballyhoo when implemented in mid-August, the vast majority of American hams have not bothered to register under the Universal Licensing System and obtain an identification number. As of mid-November, only 3 percent of the hams have registered! Is there rebellion amongst the ranks, frustration with "the system" or a bit of both?

Many people object to giving out their Social Security Number, especially when such cards state "For Social Security Purposes--Not For Identification", and how many have faith in a government agency's assurance to "keep confidential" such information.

On-line ULS filing requires special PC configuration for modem access to reach a special FCC 800 number; additionally there is only one usable web browser that can be used to access the ULS.

Paper filing is a disaster! The filer will receive no acknowledgement, but must call the FCC's "Technical Support" number (202-414-1250) to determine their new ID number. While it will be given them, they will be informed that it's useless as they don't have the required password!

(From "Vast majority of Hams not ULS-ready", January 2000 Worldradio and Fall/Winter 1999/2000 VE Team Newsbrief)

The following are gleaned from "The 1999 Amateur Radio Year in Review", 01 January 2000 W5YI Report.

JANUARY - Reply comments closed on the FCC's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to restructure the Amateur radio Service. The ARRL voted to come up with a new name that would more accurately characterize the organization.

FEBRUARY - Ham radio's highest ranking and best known operator, Jordan's King Hussein bin Talal, JY1, died of cancer 07 February at age 63.

MARCH - On 24 March the FCC announced that the fee for "Vanity" callsigns would be $14.

APRIL - On 23 April the FCC announced that, as part of the new Universal Licensing System (ULS), amateurs would have to register their Social Security Numbers with the FCC.

MAY - Recognizing the CEPT Amateur (European) and IARP (ITU Region 2), licensing of foreign amateur operation without any permit is now authorized in the USA as long as a reciprocal agreement is in effect.

JUNE - Canada proposes to deregulate their ham radio by eliminating the station license, with the Amateur Radio Operator Certificate being modified to show the assigned callsign, and eliminating the $24 annual renewal fee.

JULY - The VECs issued a new NCVEC Form 605 that is to be used by the VE teams in place of the discontinued Form 610. When the STS-93 space shuttle returned 27 July, it marked the last of a series of 25 SAREX (Shuttle Amateur Radio EXperiments).

AUGUST - On 16 August the FCC converted the old Amateur Service database of licensees into the new Universal Licensing System format.

SEPTEMBER - The FCC amended the Part 97 rules to permit hams to use any method of Spread Spectrum coding.

OCTOBER - After numerous delays, the International Phase 3D amateur communications satellite was accepted for launch as a secondary "standby" payload aboard an upcoming Arianespace launch from French Guiana. Hopefully it will go up during 2000.

NOVEMBER - The FCC reallocated 75 mc of spectrum to Intelligent Transportation Systems on 21 October and another 200 mc of prime spectrum to new wireless technologies on 18 November; ham bands in question are the 5-cm, 13-cm and 1-1/4-meter bands.

DECEMBER - On 30 December the FCC announces its long-awaited restructured licensing. Effective 15 April there will be only 3 license classes and only one code speed--5-wpm.

15-16 Jan Sarasota ARA Hamfest, Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd (Fruitville Rd, Exit 39 off I-75), Sarasota. TI: 146.91 Info: Eddie (941)954-1869

22 Jan Hernando County ARA Hamfest/ Computer Show, Hernando Co. Fairgrounds, US 41 2 miles S of SR-50, Brooksville. TI: 146.715 Info: John, WB4NOD (727) 856-2568

29 Jan DeSota ARC Hamfest, DeSota County Fairgrounds, US 17 1/2-mile S of SR-70, Arcadia. TI: 147.075 Info: Doug, KN4YT (941)494-5070

05-06 Feb Dade Radio Club "Tropical Hamboree", Dade County Fair & Exposition Center, 10901 SW 24th St, Miami. TI: 146.76, 147.00, 147.925 Info: Evelyn, W4WYR, (305)642-1648

11-13 Feb Orlando ARC "Hamcation", Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Dr (SR-50) 3 miles W of I-4, Orlando. TI: 146.76 Info: Ken, KD4JQR (407)291-2465

(From January 2000 QST)

Did you realize that between 28.1247 and 28.298 there are 159 beacons available to assist you determine the Stateside and international propagation characteristics of 10 meters? From W8FKL (28.208) in Venice, FL to VP8ADE (28.285) in the Antarctica and VR2B (28.200) in Hong Kong, they're chirping away for your benefit.

The complete listing is in the 2000 Callbook CD ROM. An interesting feature highlights the Northern California DX Foundation's International Beacon Network. If your computer clock is set accurately, go to Beacon Schedules where a matrix of the NCDXF beacons (on 14.100, 18.110, 21.150, 24.930 and 28.200) and the locations of these 18 beacons is displayed. Select the frequency of interest, and the station currently broadcasting its 10-second signal will be highlighted. In unison with the computer clock, the next station will be highlighted sequentially. By monitoring and observing the highlighted stations, you will quickly see where the propagation is favorable.

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." (Benjamin Franklin)

From January 2000 Worldradio, January 2000 CQ and January 2000 QST.

Celebrating the new West Central Florida ARRL Section, a "WCF First Contact" certificate will be awarded stations working the nine counties of the new section from 15-24 January. Freqs are 7.271, 14.031, 14.271 and 28.371. Stations within Charlotte, DeSota, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties are eligible to hand out QSO credits for this certificate. Send log info to Dave Armbrust, 1641 Baywinds Lane, Sarasota, FL 34231.

A special event station will be operating from the Sarasota Hamfest on 15 January. If you would like to assist on behalf of EARS in operating (phone or cw), contact Ron Wetgen, WD4AHZ (e-mail to wd4ahz@arrl.net), who is coordinating this event. This is the first multi-club event including all Sarasota Co. clubs.

Charlotte County will be participating with special callsign W4C 18 January. Charlotte Co. hams can use that callsign from their home station, however, authorization, coordination and scheduling must first be obtained from Dave Hanson, KB0EVM. If you're willing to help out, call Dave at 766-9258.

In the Phone weekend of the CQWW DX 'test last October, Bruce, K2OY, had 584 QSOs, a total of 107 zones and 283 countries on all bands for a score of 626,340. He actually worked 115 different countries for DXCC on that weekend! In the CW weekend of that contest, Bruce had 205 QSOs, a total of 70 zones and 132 countries on all bands for a score of 109,080.

During the ARRL Sweepstakes, 20-22 November, with 311 QSOs, Bruce managed to work all 79 USA and Canadian sections for a score of 49,138. During the ARRL 160-Meter Contest, which is CW only, Bruce had 111 QSOs in 47 USA/Canadian sections and 4 countries, with the best DX being CN and KH6.

K2OY was in the ARRL 10-Meter Contest 11-12 December, bagging 271 Q's on phone and 101 Q's on CW, for a total score of 140,954.

JR, K9HUY, was quite active in the ARRL 10-Meter Contest 11-12 December. Operating 26 of the permitted 36 hours, JR snagged 466 Phone and 40 CW QSOs with 148 multipliers for a score of 162,208.

Updated 09 January 2000, based on 10 January 2000 QRZ DX and 07 January 2000 The 59(9) DX Report.

Notes: NO = No opening forecast. ??? = Callsign not yet known. Long path bearings and opening times (if any) are underlined.

Solar Flux assumed at 165 and F-Index at 2 for all forecasts.

Cycle 23 is expected to peak during the summer of 2000, with a maximum sunspot count of 115 to 125. The HF bands should exhibit even better propagation during 2000 than was witnessed during 1999.

December's Solar Flux averaged 169.8, and the A-index was < 10 for 21 days during December, with 10 meters being open world-wide on many days.

The general propagation conditions expected during 2000 ("Propagation" by George Jacobs, W3ASK, January 2000 CQ) follow:

10 meters: Expect an increased number of DX openings for longer periods of time during the daylight hours, especially during the equinox and winter months. DX openings should be possible during the summer months to many areas of the world, sometimes lasting well into the early evening hours. A great year for 10 meters.

12 meters: Should behave as 10 meters, but open somewhat more frequently to more areas and remain open an hour or two longer.

15 meters: This will likely be the optimum DX band during 2000 for worldwide openings during daylight hours of all seasons. During the summer the band will remain open well into the evening hours.

17 meters: Should behave as 15 meters, but open more often and remain open for DX an hour or two longer.

20 meters: Excellent conditions are expected during daylight hours throughout the year. DX conditions peak for a few hours after local sunrise and again during the sunset period.

30, 40, 80 and 160 meters: Due to the high sunspot activity, signals will be weaker and noisier on these nighttime DX bands. World-wide DX on 30 and 40 from about two hours before sunset to about two hours after sunrise. DX on 80 and 160 should peak during the hours of darkness during the equinox and winter months.

Probable best DX days for remainder of month: 23-26 January should be "Above Normal"; 16-17, 20-21 January should be "High Normal".

Solar activity is expected to peak during January with some good 6-meter DX activity. Conditions should peak towards Europe and Africa an hour or two before noon and towards Central and South America and the Caribbean from an hour or two before, to about an hour or two after, noon. Trans-continental openings should be possible beginning at about noon. Chances are best on the days shown above for High and Above Normal.

Not many trans-equatorial openings should be possible during January, however, some infrequent openings may occur to countries wells south of the equator. Check for TE openings on 6 meters between 7-10 pm local time.

(From "Propagation" by George Jacobs, W3ASK, January, 2000 CQ)

Throughout 2000, the Vatican station HV4NAC will be using the special callsign HV0A. QSL via IK0FVC.

The Hong Kong Amateur Radio DX Assn. will sign VR2K until 31 January on all HF bands. QSL via VR2XRW.

Moldovian stations are using the ER2000 prefix through 20 January.

Graham, 5X1GS, is QRV from Kampala as time permits. QSL via WB2YQH.

Chesterfield Island, a possilbe NEW ONE will come on 15 March. Stay Tuned!!

He was getting old and paunchy, and his hair was falling fast, And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he had fought in, and the deeds that he had done. In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes every one.

And 'tho sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke, All his buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer, for ol' Bob has passed away, And the world's a little poorer, for a Soldier died today.

He won't be mourned by many, just his children and his wife. For he lived an ordinary, very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family, quietly going on his way; And the world won't note his passing; 'tho a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state, While thousands note their passing, and proclaim they were great;

Papers tell of their life stories, from the time that they were young, But the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land, Some jerk who breaks his promise, and cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow, who in times of war and strife, Goes off to serve his country, and offers up his life?

The politician's stipend and the style in which he lives, Are somewhat disproportionate, to the service that he gives.

While the ordinary soldier, Who offered up his all, Is paid off with a medal and, perhaps a pension small.

It's so easy to forget them, for it is so long ago, That our Bob's and Jim's and Johnny's went to battle, but we know

It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys, Who won for us the freedom that our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand, Would you really want some cop-out, with his ever waffling stand?

Or would you want a Soldier, who has sworn to defend, His home, his kin, and Country, and would fight until the end?

He was just a common Soldier, and his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us, we may need his likes again.

For when countries are in conflict, then we find the Soldier's part, Is to clean up all the troubles, that the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor, while he's here to hear the praise, Then at least let's give him homage, at the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline, in the paper that might say: "OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, For a Soldier died today"

(Thanks to Don DiBello, KF4WJW, for passing along this very thoughtful offering--"lest we forget".)

On 30 December 1999 the FCC issued its Report and Order in the 1998 Biennial Regulatory Review of Part 97, i.e., restructuring of the Amateur Service. The new regulations become effective 15 April 2000.

The present six license classes will be replaced with three classes: Technician (no code required, 35-question written exam), General (5 wpm code and a 35-question written exam) and Amateur Extra (5 wpm code and a 50-question written exam).

No new Novice, Tech+ or Advanced licenses will be issued under the new system, however, current holders of these licenses will retain their present operating privileges and can renew these licenses indefinitely.

Starting 15 April, anyone holding a Technician license issued prior to 21 March 1987 (when the written exam for Tech and General were identical) can upgrade to General class by providing documentary proof to a VEC, paying the processing fee and completing Form FCC 605. A Novice or Tech+ holding CSCE credits up through Element 3B, dated on or after 17 April 1999, will qualify for General on 15 April 2000. Between now and 15 April, Advanced licensees may take the existing 40-question Element 4B, and qualify for Amateur Extra when the new rules take effect, as opposed to waiting and taking the 50-question exam after that date.

The new rules make it easier for someone to attain an entry level license and to upgrade in the future.

(From 30 December 1999 ARRL Special Bulletin, made available by Ken Anderson, W4JQT)

The Foundation for Amateur Radio will be awarding 73 scholarships for the 2000-2001 academic year. Licensed amateurs may compete for these awards if they plan to pursue a full-time course of studies beyond high school, or are enrolled or accepted for enrollment at an accredited university, college or technical school. Scholarships range from $500 to $2500. Application forms are available from: FAR Scholarships, P.O. Box 831, Riverdale, MD 20738.

(From 01 January 2000 W5YI Report)