GENERAL CLASS LICENSE UPGRADE COURSE–
CHANGE IN LOCATION AND TIME
PARS’ amateur radio General Class upgrade course is scheduled for Monday
evenings beginning January 5 and ending March 2 with the exam to be held at
Pamlico Community College, 5049 Highway 306 South, Grantsboro, NC 28529.
THIS IS A CHANGE IN LOCATION. We will be using Room 412 in the Brinson
Building, the middle building of the complex. The classes will run
6:30-8:30 PM. You do not need a Technician Class license to take the
course, but you must pass the Technician Class exam before you can take the
General Class exam. [You may do both at the same exam session.] The course
fee is $30.00, which includes the textbook, the ARRL General Class License
Manual, 7th edition. If you choose to obtain the textbook on your own, the
course fee is waived. The exam fee is $15.00. YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THIS
COURSE BY DECEMBER 19 to allow sufficient time for textbook delivery during
this busy time of the year. To register, contact Bill Michne by phone
(252-249-1175) or email (billmichne@embarqmail.com). DO NOT DELAY IF YOU
WISH TO TAKE THIS COURSE.
NEW QUEST FOR OLD STUFF (Repeated from last week’s PARSgram)
From Bill Michne, WM3X–
New Quest for Old Stuff: My last request for old Morse code equipment
donations was very productive, and I and the Morse code students thank all
those who came up with learning aids. Now I’m on a new quest. I’m interested
in building functioning replicas of communications equipment as used on
ships and aircraft during the 1930’s and 1940’s. The goal is to measure
equipment performance using modern lab equipment and software in order to
support or debunk historical claims that certain transmissions that were
heard could or could not be real. My first goal is to replicate as nearly as
possible the transmitter and antenna system on the Lockheed Electra flown
into history by Amelia Earhart in 1937. Much has been written about her
radio equipment and antennas, but I have seen very little, if anything,
about the actual performance of what she was using. Schematic diagrams of
the transmitter are available, as are the dimensions of the transmitting
antenna, so all I need are the parts. Specifically, I’m looking for crystals
in the 3 and 6 MHz range (her transmitting frequencies were 3105 and 6210
kcs. I can use 80 and 40 meter crystals to keep me in the amateur bands for
on air testing. I’d also like a crystal at 6050 kcs, whose third harmonic
would put me in the 17 meter phone band). Other stuff like tubes, tube
sockets, fixed value transmitting capacitors, coil stock, etc., just about
anything that was used in that era. For this project, I am willing to pay
for the stuff (in 1930’s dollars…hi). Bill Michne, WM3X, 252-249-1175, or
billmichne@embarqmail.com.
SOLAR NUMBERS TODAY
NOAA reported that solar activity was low during the 24 hours ending
Sunday afternoon at 4 pm local. The largest recent solar event was a C2
flare observed this morning at 0039Z. There are currently 4 numbered
sunspot regions on the disk. The sunspot count this morning is 58, a big
drop from the 153 reported by NOAA last Monday. The Solar Flux Index is 132
and down from the 177 in last week’s PARSgram. It is expected to rise a few
to 145 on Wednesday. This not far from our 90 day trailing average of 152.
According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, solar activity should
continue to be low with a 35% chance for M-class flares each day through
Wednesday.
The Earth’s geomagnetic field activity reached minor storm levels during
the 24 hour period ending yesterday afternoon. The geomagnetic field
is expected to reach minor storm levels again today, climb to active levels
on Tuesday and become quiet on Wednesday. The K-index was reported by NOAA
to be a quiet 2 at 0700 local this morning, however a stream of fast-moving
solar wind is buffeting Earth’s magnetic field. Geomagnetic storms around
the polar regions reaching the G1 level are likely.
If you are interested in current band conditions within the US you might
want to check out a new experimental propagation indicator for amateur radio
operators, THE REALTIME BAND CONDITIONS WEB SITE
<http://www.bandconditions.com>: As reported in the [DX] Ohio/Penn DX
Bulletin #1192, “the purpose of this experimental Web site is to provide
24-7-365 actual (REALTIME) band condition information to CW QRPp, QRPe and
CW/SSB for Contesters interested in increasing their scores. It can also be
of benefit to other Radio Amateurs to determine band conditions for Nets and
casual QSO’s. This information is NOT based on any software predictions or
any kind of satellite based readings. It is based on a new Ionospheric
sounding method called “HF Ionospheric Interferometry” which operates very
similarly to the PolSAR system used by NASA.”
THIS WEEK’S DX CHALLENGE
CHAGOS ISLAND, VQ9. Bob, N7XR is QRV as VQ9XR until December 19.
Activity is on all HF bands using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via N7XR.
QSO CORNER
This is the place to post contacts with DXpeditions, Special Event
Stations, or special QSO’s you would like to share.
No reports from the County but the latest on the K1N DXpedition (Extracted
from the K1N NAVASSA ISLAND DXPEDITION press release dated Dec
4.) is of interest:
The KP1-5 Project and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
have been working together on preparations for our joint 14 day visit to
Navassa Island NWR. Although the actual dates may still vary, it now
appears we will begin transport to the Island during the last week of
January 2015.
Our container of equipment and supplies will depart late in December
enroute to our helicopter staging area. All of our equipment is being
assembled, tested and packed.
We have visited and contracted with the largest helicopter operations
group in the Caribbean to transfer personnel and equipment to the island.
[Note–this is the only feasible way to do this due to storms, lack of shore
landing areas, and environmental concerns–ed.]
Consequently, and as one might expect, the costs of this DXpedition are
quite high. The team has contributed approximately half of the total cost.
Foundations such as NCDXF and INDEXA have been very generous, as have a
number of DX Clubs and individuals, and for this generosity, we are deeply
grateful!
Many older hams need a mode or band fill from Navassa, but an entire
generation has grown up without Navassa being on the air. Hence, it has
risen to the #1 Most Wanted on the ClubLog list. If you need Navassa for an
all-time new one (ATNO), or for a particular band or mode, we could use your
financial help. If you plan to help support the DXpedition, we ask that you
do so now, not later.
We have an excellent team of fifteen operators who will be manning
eight stations 24 hours/day, dedicated to giving out as many contacts as
possible over the two week period.
Your generous financial gift will help insure a most successful
DXpedition for all!
Please visit <www.navassadx.com> for details.
OTHER ACTIVITY ON THE RADIO:
This info is extracted from the ARRL Letter, from the WA7BNM Contest
Calendar, the ARRL Contest Update or the ARRL Contest Corral. You can
receive the Letter weekly via email as a member of ARRL :
* December 12 — NS Weekly Sprint (CW)
* December 13 — UBA Winter Contest (SSB, CW, digital)
* December 13-14 — 28 MHz SWL Contest
* December 13-14 — ARRL 10 Meter Contest (SSB, CW)
* December 14 — Holiday Spirits Homebrew Sprint (CW)
* December 15 — Run For the Bacon (CW)
See the ARRL Contest Branch page <http://www.arrl.org/contests/>, the
ARRL Contest Update http://www.arrl.org/The-ARRL-Contest-Update/ and the
WA7BNM Contest Calendar <http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html>
for more info. Looking for a Special Event station? Be sure to check out the
ARRL Special Event Station Web page<http://www.arrl.org/special-events>. For
a LIST OF STATE QSO PARTIES, see
http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/stateparties.html. (State QSO parties
and the W1AW Centennial Stations are a great way to get those last states on
your Worked All States (WAS) Award list.)
SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS. W1AW Centennial Stations W1AW/1 in Maine
and W1AW/9 in Illinois are QRV until 2359z on December 9. In
addition, W1AW/7 in Montana and W1AW/9 in Indiana will be QRV
starting at 0000z on December 10. They will be active until 2359z
on December 16.
(Courtesy of the ARRL DX Bulletin)
HAM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE, TRADE, OR WANTED
——————–
* FOR SALE — NEW DC POWER SUPPLY —- Astron RS-35A 13.8 vdc 35 amp
according to specs. It has never been out of the box, although bought a few
years ago. Located in Greenville, but can be delivered free to Oriental.
Bargain priced at $120 … no offers, please.. No guarantees, but I would
be willing to witness buyers first use to make sure we are both happy.
Contact Don Corley, WA4DX , at 252-916-7085. (20141208)
* FOR SALE — WIRE ANTENNA — “Radioworks” Carolina Windom 40 — Specs
and installation requirements can be found on the Radioworks site. Total
length is 66 feet. This antenna is 4+ years old but was only in the air 1
year. Requires a tuner (or an older radio with real tuning knobs). Although
wire is weathered, the balun and matching unit are like new, and all
connections were kept sealed where required. Retails new for about
$140……..yours for $40 CASH, … no offers please. Picture available
on request. Located in Greenville, with free delivery to Oriental.
Contact Don Corley, WA4DX , at 252-916-7085. (20141208)
* FOR SALE–DRAKE R-8A communications receiver in like-new condition; no
cosmetic flaws, all knobs and meters intact, nesting spiders chased out.
Asking price $500. Comparable to those on Ebay advertised at $695.
SOLD HLA 300 Plus solid state HF linear amplifier
Contact Jamie King KJ4JK at (252) 514-7497or kj4jk@arrl.net (20141006)
* FOR SALE– Remaining items from Jim Reynolds’ (W4YLO)
station. Jim Reynolds W4YLO is in a care center with late stages of
Parkinson’s disease. His wife would like to sell his shop tools and
equipment and gain back the garage. If you have any interest in these items
please call me, Ed Valentine, and set up a visit time to view them.
– Sorenson Power regulating transformer. 1000VA – About 60 lbs.
– Radial Arm Saw 14 inch blade. Delta. Extra Blades
– Icom IC-CP1 mobile charger $5. Use with IC2A/AT/E Transceiver
– 6 mtr cavity transmitter. $15
– Dentron Super Tuner ( Rated very good tuner in QRZ) $125
– MFJ 261 Dummy Load. 15 watts, 100 watts Peak. New $42 Sell for $20.
– B&K Scope 30Mhz with 4 Tektronix Probes.. Make offer.
– Logic probe for TTL & Cmos $5
Jim Reynolds equipment is clean and tested. Nonsmoking house.
– Icom 756 Pro 2 Transceiver w PS $1300
– Icom IC 7600 transceiver purchased new 3 years ago, little used, $2800
– Icom PW-1 KW amp. $3650
– Icom SP21 speaker $75
All manuals & cables & original boxes.
– Icom Receiver IC-R70 with service manual. 100 Kc. to 30 Mhz. Like new.
$295
– Icom AH4 Antenna Tuner $190 + 50+ft of control cable & RG8X
– Xantrex True Charge Dual 20 Amps. with remote battery monitor $175
– Xantrex 1500 watt Inverter. $125
– Steel work Table on wheels with compartments. 3ft. w x 5ft. long x 4ft. h
& heavy.
– HP Photosmart Scanner Printer HP8450 with Software & Cables, $20
– HP Scanner HP3570 with Software & Cables, $15
Contact Ed Valentine W2YPM at 252 637-3161 or
w2ypm@earthlink.net for information and pricing.
(20140602//20141124)
——————–
(Send me your amateur radio related items for sale, trade, or wanted for
listing in the PARSgram. PLEASE let me know if your listing is no longer
needed. ITEMS listed will EXPIRE AFTER 90 DAYS unless I hear
otherwise.–Jim).
UPCOMING HAMFESTS:
* February 7, 2015: Richmond Frostfest, Richmond Raceway Complex,
Richmond, VA, http://www.frostfest.com
* April 4, 2015: 43rd Annual RARSfest/North Carolina State Convention,
Raleigh Amateur Radio Society, State Fairgrounds,
Raleigh, NC, http://www.rars.org/rarsfest
PARS CALENDAR:
* Dec 27, PARS Christmas Breakfast & Gift Exchange, Saturday, 9 am,
Brantley’s Village Restaurant, Oriental. Bill Olah, KR4LO, 249-0287 or
w_olah@yahoo.com.
* Jan 5 – Mar 2, PARS General Class License Preparation Course, Monday
evenings,6:30-8:30 PM, Room 412 in the Brinson Building,Pamlico Community
College, 5049 Highway 306 South, Grantsboro. TO REGISTER FOR THE COURSE
contact Bill Michne, WM3X, at 252-249-1175 or by email at
billmichne@embarqmail.com. DON’T WAIT to register, materials need to be
ordered!
* Jan 31, PARS Monthly Meeting, Saturday, 9 am, Brantley’s Village
Restaurant, Oriental. Bill Olah, KR4LO, 249-0287 or w_olah@yahoo.com.
* Mar 2, 2015, Amateur Radio License Exam Session, Technician, General, and
Extra, Monday evening, time TBA. Room 412 in the Brinson Building, Pamlico
Community College, 5049 Highway 306 South, Grantsboro. For more information,
and TO REGISTER FOR THE EXAM, contact Bill Michne, WM3X, at 252-249-1175 or
by email at billmichne@embarqmail.com.
PARS NETS:
* Mondays, Pete’s “Swamp Talk” roundtable, around 8:15 pm local,
28.463 MHz plus or minus, USB. An informal forum originally established
to assist our new Hams, this freq. is in the 10M voice segment open to
technician licensees and above. Radio topics/questions/issues welcomed.
* Wednesdays, Pamlico Emergency Net Practice and Rag Chew, 7:30 pm,
Oriental Repeater, 147.210 + (PL151.4).
PARS WEB SITE:
https://www.n4prs.org/
Web Master is Larry Wall, KK4SEO, wallmailbox@yahoo.com.
PARSgram ITEMS
We are always looking for items of interest to PARS members to put in
the PARSgram. If you run across a timely item or think of something you
believe would interest our folks, please send it to me. Thanks.
73, Jim AI4WL