The EARS WA4IWLetter

NOVEMBER 2000

First 11 November was called "Armistice Day" to honor those who served in WW I, but some years ago it became "Veterans Day" to honor all who served in our nation's military. As most of our EARS members were in uniform, we can well relate to the following example of how those who served are being "honored" by a hostile administration.

"Harry Perkins, a 77-year-old charter member of (American Legion) Post 38 and a World War II Navy man, wonders whether anybody will fire a salute over his own grave," reported A. D. Hopkins in the Las Vegas Journal-Review on August 13. Perkins is part of the Overton, Nev., Legion Post, which supplies honor guards to fire volleys of blanks over the graves of departed comrades as part of military funerals. Back in 1946, the Army gave Post 38 surplus, bolt-action U.S. M1917 Enfield rifles (WW I-vintage) that it has used for that purpose ever since.

The problem is--54 years later--the Post has only four of the original 10 rifles, and the Army isn't happy with the way they're stored. The Overton Post has no clubhouse, so individual members store the rifles in their homes. That's not good enough for the Army, which wrote in an April letter: "Please be advised that storing government issued weapons in a private residence is unauthorized....The enclosed rifle package contains a check-list of the current requirements and proper documents for you to complete the retention of these weapons."

The Army wants them stored in a National Guard arms room, police station, or "in a clubhouse with metal doors, hardened steel bars or specified equivalents over the windows, and either a burglar alarm or security patrol." Also required are pictures of the gun cabinet and of the building, a map to where the guns are stored and yearly proof the rifles are blank-adapted. As Hopkins pointed out in his story, the Overton Post has "always met in private homes and has no clubhouse, much less a fortified one."

Magnanimously, the Army has backed off on the blank-adapter requirement--only after having the whole bolt-action concept explained to one of its representatives by the Journal-Review reporter--but not on the rest. If that's not bad enough, the Army wants Post 38 to have background checks run to make sure honor guard members with more than 80-year-old bolt-actions aren't in violation of the Lautenberg Amendment. One veteran from another post, John Hudrlik, told the Journal-Review, "They must think old veterans the most dangerous people in America. Because they've already shown themselves willing to take up arms against an unreasonable government."

This is a heck of a way to reward those who only want to do the right thing for their comrades who put all on the line for their nation and its Constitution.

(From "Random Shots", The American Rifleman, November/December 2000)

Meanwhile, Chinese Communist General Yu Yongbo, a member of Beijing's Central Military Commission, took some time out from his administration-sanctioned visits to U.S. military bases and spent an afternoon at Disney World. Do our veterans ever wonder, "Was it worth it?" I sure do!

73 de Jack, W4JS

Reserve 17 November for the next EARS meeting 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 7:30PM in Room 400, Friendship Hall. The program will be the brand-new video "FO0AAA - Clipperton Island 2000". See scenes of past DXpeditions and learn Clipperton's chilling history of shipwrecks, murder and piracy. It's more than a DXpedition!

Glen Martin Engineering, Inc. has been providing communications towers and accessories since 1981. Their most famous product is undoubtedly the "Hazer Tram System" that allows users to work on antennas at ground level rather than risking tower climbing.

The company is now offering a sales promotion that provides a discount to the purchaser and a donation to the purchaser's radio club. Between now and 04 February 2001, any EARS member purchasing merchandise from Glen Martin will receive a 5% discount off the regular price. For every $1000 worth of Glen Martin products purchased by EARS members, the club will receive a donation of $25.

Glen Martin catalogs will be available for review at the November and December meetings. If you're interested in any GM products, you might consider this offer.

President Jack Sproat-W4JS called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. Dan Kerrigan-KC4CFT (Port Charlotte) and Vin Therieau-KG4IAV (North Port) were welcomed as new members and Russ Loss-KL7FSA and his wife and Helen Robideau were recognized as guests. A total of 33 persons were present who introduced themselves by call sign and QTH.

As there were no additions or deletions to last month's meeting minutes, Bruce Robideau-K2OY made a motion to accept them as published. The motion was seconded by Bob Carstens-KG4IAW and passed.

Substituting for Treasurer Howard White-KD4MMY, Ken Anderson-W4JQT reported we have $4540.07 in the club bank account. Howard will provide an official report upon return. George Shreve-KA4JKY made a motion to accept the Treasurer's Report; seconded by Don Spencer-WA4IWL. The motion passed unanimously.

Jack recognized and thanked all EARS members who participated in the October 14 Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk.

Jack also reminded all members of the exhibit of ham radio memorabilia on display at the Englewood Charlotte Library and advised that it was well worth their time to stop by and see this well-done exhibit.

SUNSHINE - Gene Fowler-KA1GCU reported everyone is healthy again.

TESTING - There will be a session tomorrow.

EOC - Frank Maren-W4VV reminded all that RACES drills are held the last Thursday of the month at the San Casa Charlotte County Administration building, starting at 9 a.m..

The 146.865 MHz K8ONV repeater in Grove City is fully operational. The autopatch, speed dial, NOAA weather and time functions. are all working. To access the weather, bring up the repeater and enter 55011. Upon completion of the weather message, enter 55010 to turn it off. To access the time enter 400. If you experience any problems, contact Bruce-K2OY.

DX - Bruce-K2OY commented on 6-meter propagation conditions, info from the DX Summit Internet site, and updated us on his application to be a DXCC Field Checker.

Local Government Liaison - Jerry Meckenberg-K2JWE has received a letter dated September 20, 2000 from the Charlotte County Planning and Zoning Division, clarifying Communication Tower Ordinance 98-53, in which the county staff concurs that amateur radio antennas and towers are exempt from Section 3-9-62.1 of the Charlotte County Land Development Code. The Secretary will keep this letter on file in case any of our members have tower problems in the future.

OLD BUSINESS - The annual Christmas Dinner will be held December 11 at the Hills Gold and Country Club in Rotonda. The cash bar will open at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Cost will be $12 per person. Reservations must be made by November 25.

Since the actual cost of the meal is $16 per person, George-KA4JKY moved that EARS subsidize the cost of the meal by $4 per plate. Second by Jim Halliday-NX2II and passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS - The Charlotte County Police Academy program is scheduled to start up again in January 2001. Frank-W4VV circulated a pamphlet explaining the program along with the schedule and registration form. All EARS members are encouraged to attend as the course is very interesting and has been highly recommended by our members who have taken it. This program ties in nicely with the Charlotte County RACES program in which many are involved.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m..

PROGRAM - The video "1935 Tour of ARRL Headquarters" was shown.

Vic Emmelkamp, KF4VHX

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) Photo 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

At the 16 September session, Karen Cary-KC4UHW of Sarasota passed Element 3 to upgrade from Tech + to General Class.

At the 21 October session, Bill Atz of Venice passed Element 1 and Element 2 and earned a new Technician Class license. Bill hadn't studied much for the General but came very close to passing Element 3.

Most of the Birds are now flocking South, but some remain in the frozen northern climes. The Snowbird Net meets daily at 10 a.m. on 14.278, and at 7:00 p.m. on 7.230. Stop by and say "Hi" wherever you may be.

11 Nov Port St. Lucie ARA Hamfest, St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 295 N. Prima Vista Blvd., Exit 63C off I-95. TI: 146.955, Info: Roy, KT4PA (561)340-4319

02 Dec Okeechobee ARC Hamfest, Okeechobee Elks Club, SR 70, 3 mi. east of town. TI: 147.195, Info: Al, AD4RZ (813)467-0516

2-3 Dec West Central Florida Section Convention, Manatee Convention Center, US 301 at Haben Blvd, 3 mi west of I-75 from Exit 43 TI: 146.730, Info: Fred, N3BUL (813)671-9556

09 Dec Lake City ARC Hamfest, Florida Sports Hall of Fame, Exit 82 off I-75, west to US 90. TI: 145.490

12/13 Dec Ft. Myers ARC Hamfest, Shady Oaks Community Center, 3280 Marion St, off SR 80. TI: 146.880, Info: Earl, K4FQU (941)332-1503

(September 2000 CyberSKIP Digest; November 2000 QST)

In late September the FCC's Riley Hollingsworth sent a Warning Notice to Friendly Tree Services of Orange, NJ, after local hams monitored business-related QSOs between a base station and at least four trucks on 144.085 MHz. Riley Hollingsworth inquired about transmissions on 144.085. The hams made a connection with the tree service after overhearing directions to a particular street address given over the air. The hams drove to the address and spotted one of the company's trucks and a worker at the site.

Closer to home, another Warning Notice went out in late September to Inland Materials, Inc., of Casselberry, FL citing information that the company was transmitting on 438.537 without a license. Reports from hams indicated one channel of the company's business radio system transmits on an amateur frequency--either by error or design.

Such unlicensed operation could result in a fine up to $10,000 and jeopardize any FCC license the companies already hold.

Out in Las Vegas, the FCC is continuing to investigate allegations that the Citipage Plus paging system has ben causing harmful interference to the N7OK repeater on 147.09 MHz.

Up in The Old Dominion, the FCC is inquiring about allegations that the AT&T Wireless PCS system's KNLF245 in Newport News, VA is causing harmful interference to the KA4VXR in Hampton.

(From The ARRL Letter Vol. 19, No. 39)

The Charlotte/DeSota Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association held its first Englewood Alzheimer's Memory Walk 14 October. Charlotte County Clerk of Courts, Barbara Scott, overall chairman for the recent Memory Walk in Port Charlotte and the Englewood walk counted some 200 walkers who raised $16,000 by their efforts. The 1.2-mile walk followed McCall Rd. from Bay Harbor Ford east to Drury Lane.

Communications support for the walkers was provided by these EARS members: George Graham-W1PZE, Vic Emmelkamp-KF4VHX, Jim O'Rourke-N1KKE, Bill Stevens-W1AMU, Ken Blackshaw-W1NQT, JR House-K9HUY, George Shreve-KA4JKY, and Frank Maren-W4VV. Al Wilde-W8JZZ and his wife walked in the event. In addition, Charlotte County RACES operators Dave Hanson-KB0EVM and Aldo DiSalvo-KC4NUX operated the Charlotte County Emergency Communications Van. A tip of the sombrero and a big "Well Done" to all!!

Vic Emmelkamp-KF4VHX spearheaded the preparation of a very attractive exhibit of ham radio memorabilia at the Englewood-Charlotte Library at the Tringalli Center on the north service road of SR 776, McCall Road, just west of Sunnybrook.

Contributors to this exhibit were Ken Anderson-W4JQT, Bill Stevens-W1AMU, Frank Maren-W4VV, Dave Hanson-KB0BVM and Al Wilde-W8JZZ.

If you haven't stopped by to see it, please do as it's worth the trip. The exhibit will be on display until 15 November.

EARS holds an informal roundtable session, open to anyone, on the WB0GUX Repeater, 146.700(-) every Friday except meeting nights at 7:30pm. Stop by to say "hi" and update those on board as to what's new and/or exciting in your life.

Jose Chavez, KE4ZUD, of Homestead has been issued a final warning (before license revocation) stating he had been monitored in the Advanced and extra Class portions of the 40-meter band even though his license was downgraded from Extra to General Class privileges 30 November 1999.

Over in Deerfield William Agosto, N2YAG, has been asked to respond within 20 days to charges of causing interference by crossbanding a 147.225 repeater to the Delray Beach Police radio system's Channel 2. (From 01 November 2000 W5YI Report)

One must keep in mind that there is an important difference between an "all-band" antenna and an "all-frequency" antenna.

The popular G5RV antenna (usually described as an "all-band" antenna) is a single wire antenna cut to 3/2 wavelength for 20 meters, using the antenna length formula for a long-wire antenna (even though it isn't really a long wire at 20 meters). That makes its length a bit over 100 feet from end to end, and it is center-fed with open wire line whose impedance can vary from 75 to 450 ohms, or anything in between.

On 20 meters, fed through a balun so that balanced output can be derived from the transmitter, the antenna works quite well with a VSWR of less than 1.2 to 1.0. In order to use the G5RV on the other amateur bands, however, a good hefty transmatch is required. That is because the reactance required to match the G5RV at frequencies other than 20 meters varies from around 90 ohms to 4000 ohms, and it may be capacitive--which will be the case when the wire is too long for the desired frequency--but more likely it will be inductive, in cases where the wire is too short for the desired frequency.

Most of the built-in "auto-tuners" in the new solid-state transceivers are barely adequate for the great variances in reactance that the G5RV requires for efficient operation and, due to their small physical size, they normally have a high Q factor as well. A high Q means that harmonics are well suppressed, but the tuning required for resonance becomes very sharp, when a broader or lower Q would likely serve to make for an easier match. Finally, the built-in auto-tuner will not normally handle VSWR above 5.0 to 1.0, which seriously limits its ability to tune frequencies that vary more than a few hundred KHz from resonance.

What does this all mean? It means that the G5RV antenna is a dandy performer as an all-band antenna, given the absolute requirement for a good transmatch at the transmitter. But, the G5RV is by no means an "all frequency" antenna.

If an "all frequency" single wire antenna is desired, then it becomes to note the requirements:

1. The antenna must have an efficient feedline system, which requires low-loss twin-lead fed so that the currents in each leg are balanced in order for the feedline loss to remain low, even up to VSWR readings of 20 to 1. The feedline must be clear of any other nearby conductors.

2. The antenna and feedline represent a conjugate impedance load which will vary between 35 and 4000 ohms, depending upon the length of the wire, its height above ground, the conductive environment nearby, etc. Therefore, a high quality transmatch, physically large enough to present a broad Q factor at its output terminals and able to withstand potentially high circulating currents within its components, will be required. All- frequency operation of an antenna comes at a price: a rugged transmatch!

Almost any conductor at least 1/8th wavelength long can be made to radiate RF currents, if its conjugate impedance can be matched. That, assuming a low-loss transmission line, is the secret to turning your lawnmower, chain-link fence, rain gutter, aluminum extension ladder, your steel flag pole, or even your G5RV into an all-frequency antenna.

(From Alan Pickering, KJ9N, WCF Technical Specialist, Feedlines/Antennas)

Mobile operators should be aware of Florida Statute 316.304, which prohibits the wearing of headsets while operating a motor vehicle; specifically:

316.304--

(1) No person shall operate a vehicle while wearing a headset, headphone, or other listening device, other than a hearing aid or instrument for the improvement of defective human hearing.

(2) This section does not apply to:

(a) Any law enforcement officer equipped with any communication device necessary in performing his or her assigned duties or to any emergency vehicle operator equipped with any ear protection device..

(b) Any applicant for a license to operate a motorcycle while taking the examination required by s.322.12(5).

(c) Any person operating a motorcycle who is using a headset that is installed in a helmet and worn so as to prevent the speakers from making direct contact with the user's ears so that the user can hear surrounding sounds.

(d) Any person using a headset in conjunction with a cellular telephone that only provides sound through one ear and allows surrounding sounds to be hear with the other ear.

(3) The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall promulgate, by administrative rule, standards and specifications for headset equipment the use of which is permitted by this section. The department shall inspect and review all such devices submitted to it and shall publish a list by name and type of approved equipment.

(From WCF Section Manager Dave Armbrust, AE4MR, 03 November 2000)

"In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises" - Psalm 10:2

From November 2000 Worldradio and November 2000 QST.

Human society is built around the concept of competition, be it in business and industry, sports and personal drive to be successful in one's career. And, yes, there is competition on the ham bands in the form of breaking DX pileups to formal weekend contests. When the hams were given the "wasteland" 200 meters and down, certain time periods were set aside to attempt transatlantic QSOs, with these time periods evolving into the ARRL DX Contest. Now contests of all nature can be found just about any weekend.

How does one start contesting? First off, have some understanding of what contest will be on, what modes will be used and what the exchange will be. That info is given in the monthly charts as shown above. You don't charge after some contest station and then not know what exchange to give him! Complete rules for most contests are given in QST, should you work enough stations to merit submitting an entry.

You don't have to have a "big gun" station to be competitive. Some contests, such as the CQ WPX, have separate low power entry categories. If your antenna(s) perform best on one band, you can enter in the single band category.

Learn the propagation characteristics of the different bands by doing some SWLing during various daytime and nighttime hours. That will give you a better idea of when the different bands offer the most activity.

Don't be afraid to try contesting. It's a good way to sharpen your skills and see how your station performs.

(From "Beginner's Corner", Peter O'Dell, WB2D, November CQ)

Both of EARS contesting aficionados JR House, K9HUY, and Bruce Robideau, K2OY, were active in the Phone Weekend of the CQ Worldwide DX Contest 28-29 October. This is unquestionably the most popular DX contest in the world.

Working Single Band on 10 meters, JR racked up 541 QSOs in 29 CQ Zones and 112 countries. How 'bout dat; 10-Meter DXCC in one weekend!!

In an all-band effort, Bruce worked:

Band QSOs Zones Countries

160 13 4 6

80 40 12 28

40 56 14 35

20 147 18 59

15 163 22 62

10 155 27 66

Totals 574 96 256

Bruce comments that for this event next year he would like a couple of people who want to learn contesting to come over to his station and he will run in the multi-operator/single transmitter class. Let Bruce know if you're interested.

The Japan International SSB DX Contest in early November offers a good chance for even marginal stations to work into Japan. Some of those JA's run BIG antennas, so you can be heard!

The CW weekend of the CQ Wide World DX Contest will fill the bands with plenty of dits and dahs. The DX repeat their calls often so eve QRS ops can copy.

Updated 03 November 2000, based on 06 November 2000 QRZ DX, 03 November 2000 The 59(9) DX Report and 425 DX News #495

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

Solar Flux assumed at 170 and K-Index at 2 for all forecasts.

The Solar Flux averaged 167.7 during October, with the Boulder A-index < 10 for 16 days. The 12-month smoothed sunspot number for July was 113, centered on January 2000. The highest daily sunspot value occurred on 19 July, when the count reached 246. A smoothed solar flux value of 179 is forecast for November.

Forecast for remainder of November: 24 should be Above Normal; 22 should be High Normal. (From "Propagation", George Jacobs, W3ASK, October 2000 CQ)

Band-by-band propagation characteristics follow:

10/12/15/17 Meters: These are good "daytime" bands that like sunshine and sunspots, but not solar flares. All are good bands for working DX stations rather than stations within 300 miles.

10 and 12 Meters usually open to DX areas east of your QTH soon after sunrise, shift to north-south paths around noontime, and to western areas in the late afternoon.

15 and 17 Meters are similar, except they open a couple hours earlier and close a couple hours later. Both 15 and 17 can act like 20 meters at times and offer surprise DX openings in unexpected directions.

20 Meters is the heartbeat of both HF activities and big-time DXing. Typically, 20 is open into both Stateside areas over 300 miles distant and to DX areas somewhere in the world. The prime time for 20 meters is around sunrise and sunset.

40/80/160 Meters are generally good nighttime bands and the seasons with cooler seasons. The 40-meter band is open to DX areas when darkness is midway of a path, i.e., sunrise at the eastern terminus and sunset at the western terminus. 80 and 160 open an hour or so after 40 and close an hour or so earlier. (From "World of Ideas", Dave Ingram, K4TWJ, October 2000 CQ)

The famous callsign K7UGA, formerly held by the late US Senator and 1964 Presidential candidate Barry Goldwater, has been re-issued to his club, the Central Arizona DX Association, effective 24 October. (ARRL News Release via Jim Reisert, AD1C, 26 October 2000)

After battling rough seas, gale force winds and heavy rain, the Kingman Reef DXpedition fired up at 0320 GMT 22 October and were found on all the bands through 1800 GMT 31 October. You can check out their web site at <http: //www.qsl.net/krpdxg > for photos and info. (From QRZ DX, 30 October 2000)

On the local DX front, K9HUY, K2OY and W4JS all managed to work them on multiple bands.

After a decade of inactivity, Conway Reef, 3D2, has suddenly become a Mecca for DXpeditions, with no less than two--and possibly three--different groups planning to invade this Fijian possession in early 2001. In the 1999 DX Magazine Most Wanted Survey, Conway Reef was ranked #21 World-wide, #15 in Europe and #36 in the USA. Here's the poop from group:

05 - 15 February, under the direction of YT1AD, a group of Yugoslav and Macedonian operators will run 3 stations continuously. They already have license in hand, but are holding off announcing their callsign.

05 - 24 April, SM7PKK and five European ops will fire up four stations, running 24 hours a day. each station will have its own generator and amplifier; antennas will be Force 12.

(From 23 October QRZ DX and 20 October The 59(9) DXReport)