PAMLICO AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY (PARS) Aug 27, 2016 MEETING NOTES
* Twenty-six PARS members and guests attended the breakfast meeting chaired by VP Randy Davis, K4WRD, at Brantleys’ Village Restaurant.
* Wally Wallace, KK4ASP presented the treasurer’s report. She also advised that she will provide a member roster by return email upon request. Contact her at wallyandwill@gmail.com.
* Mike Hurm, K4HPS, our Pamlico County ARES EC, reported there were 4 Pamlico Emergency Nets in August for 6.66 man-hours. Regarding Public Service activity, Bob Melle, AJ4XS, solicited assistance for the big “Bike MS” ride, 10-11 September, that starts and ends in New Bern. Help from “locals” would be welcomed at rest stops and as SAGS in Pamlico County. Contact Bruce at N8UTY@ARRL.net. Carl Baxley, KJ4CFG, circulated a card that he delivered to his 40 neighbors offering amateur radio help if they lost phone and net service during an emergency.
* In the VHF report, I related that the 6 Meter band has been mostly quiet although a nice opening on Friday morning allowed those in the Southeast to log St. Paul Island, CY9C.
* Bill, WM3X, reported on our team participation in the North American QSO Party. [See the recap below.]
* Awards/Licenses–It was reported that Howard Cheetham took and passed both his Tech and General Exams at the New Bern VE Session, August 20. Bill Michne, WM3X, took second in the NA QRP CW Club (NAQCC) August Sprint, Straight Key category, for the W4 call area.
* Reportedly, our Public Relations Officer can not be reached. Greg, if you read this, please give Randy Davis (249-1680) or Bill Olah (249-0287) a call.
* Randy explained President Bill Olah’s absence was due to his need to be with his wife Katie who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with them both.
* Randy put out an early call for candidates to be officers in 2017 and as presenters/speakers at club meetings. Bill does not plan to be available as a club officer next year. Randy will be available as a candidate for VP but not President due to travel plans. Wally will stand for re-election as Treasurer. Randy noted that, after all the recent lightning hits, antenna grounds and grounding will be a topic for discussion at the September meeting.
TROPICAL DEPRESSION 8
TD 8 is forecast to become a minimal tropical storm off of our coast tonight. A coastal counties event, the NWS Newport this morning expects it to bring intermittent heavy rainfall and winds from squalls on Tuesday and Wednesday primarily from Cape Lookout to Oregon Inlet. Elsewhere across eastern North Carolina, little or no impact is anticipated. For the latest information on this TD/TS, TD 9 and Hurricane Gaston, see the NHC Website: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
[Thanks to Janice, KJ4JPE for this heads-up.]
PARS NAQP RECAP
By Bill Michne, WM3X:
The North American QSO Party (NAQP) is a short and easy contest. You are allowed to operate only 10 of the 12 hours of the event, with a maximum power output of 100 watts. Work North American stations only, and exchange name and state. Team competition is encouraged. For the SSB contest on August 20 PARS put together three small teams. The objective was to pair up inexperienced operators with experienced operators. The experienced ops would help the newbies get their stations and antennas operational, and get them on the air. They would learn more about their equipment and how to operate in a high QRM environment. Contest scores were not important for this exercise, although scores can be helpful for guiding plans for station improvements. The teams consisted of Bill, WM3X, with Eric, KG4ISY (total score, 642 points; Jim, AI4WL, with Tom, KI4NSP and Eric, N1LGD (total score 6,269 points; and Glen, N4LV, with Brian, K4LTE (12,556 points). OK, Glen and Brian are both experienced, so there are plenty of opportunities for more newbies to get involved in upcoming events. There are many such simple contests throughout the year that can be used in this way. [For more on Team Contesting and how you can get involved, contact Bill at 252-249-1175 or at billmichne@embarqmail.com.]
THE DX CODE OF CONDUCT
After what we heard while trying to log St. Paul Island, it’s time again for a reminder on the good operator’s Code. Please help spread the word…
I will listen, and listen, and then listen again before calling. [This is the only way to hear if the DX station is working split and where he is listening for us.]
I will only call if I can copy the DX station properly. (Those that can’t are just adding to the noise level and wasting everyone else’s time.)
I will not trust the DX cluster and will be sure of the DX station’s call sign before calling. [It’s amazing how many yahoos connect with the DX station and then ask for its call sign!]
I will not interfere with the DX station nor anyone calling and will never tune up on the DX frequency or in the QSX slot.
I will wait for the DX station to end a contact before I call. [This problem seems to be getting worse. Calling before the stations clear just adds to the confusion.]
I will always send my full call sign. [Many DX stations no longer answer to only a suffix.]
I will call and then listen for a reasonable interval. I will not call continuously. [Another worsening problem. Rude hams just keep sending their call over and over and over. And some of them yell!]
I will not transmit when the DX operator calls another call sign, not mine.
I will not transmit when the DX operator queries a call sign not like mine.
I will not transmit when the DX station requests geographic areas other than mine. [It seems this relates to the problem of not listening.]
When the DX operator calls me, I will not repeat my call sign unless I think he has copied it incorrectly.
I will be thankful if and when I do make a contact.
I will respect my fellow hams and conduct myself so as to earn their respect.
[For more on the Code, go to www.dx-code.org. There is also guidance for DXpeditions and DXstations. That information offers clues for us on how best to get through to those DXstations.]
SOLAR NUMBERS TODAY
NOAA reported solar activity was very low during the 24 hours ending yesterday at 5 pm local. The most recent significant activity was a C1 flare at 0347Z this morning. There are 4 sunspot regions on the disk facing Earth this morning and only one of those with significant activity. The sunspot number (SSN) is 64, back up from the 11 we saw last Monday. The Solar Flux Index (SFI) is 85, up from the 77 recorded at Penticton Sunday noon a week ago. According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, solar activity is expected to be very low for the next three days with a very slight chance for a C-class flare each day. The NOAA forecast has the SFI at 85 for today and 82 on Tuesday and Wednesday. The 90 day trailing average is down one more to 84.
The Earth’s geomagnetic field was quiet over the weekend. The field is forecast to vary between quiet and minor storm levels due to solar winds today and tomorrow and then be quiet to unsettled on Wednesday. The Kp-index was reported to be an extremely quiet 0 at 5 a.m. local this morning.
Expect fair conditions on 30 and 20 Meters, poor on the higher bands. Fair day and good nighttime conditions are expected on 80 and 40. Not much change from last week.
THIS WEEK’S DX CHALLENGE
PITCAIRN ISLAND, VP6. Nob, JF2MBF and Ken, JA2FJP are QRV as VP6J until September 3. Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via JF2MBF.
QSO CORNER
This is the place to post contacts with DXpeditions, Special Event Stations, or special QSO’s you would like to share.
Hearing CY9C at 20 over in Whortonsville on 6 Meters last Friday was nice… Jim
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
* 03/1300-03/1600Z Sep 7 MHz Band AGCW Straight Key Party CW
* 03/1300-04/0400Z Sep 1.8-UHF Colorado QSO Party CW Ph Dig
* 03/1300-04/1259Z Sep 1.8-28 IARU Region 1 Field Day, SSB Ph
* 04/1800-05/0300Z Sep 1.8-UHF Tennessee QSO Party CW Ph
* 05/2300-06/0300Z Sep 1.8-50 MI QRP Labor Day CW Sprint 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 are a great way to get those last states for your Worked All States (WAS) Award.)
HAM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE, TRADE, OR WANTED
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* “HAM” HOME FOR SALE
A unique Pamlico County property adapted for amateur radio use by former PARS member Tom Davis, N1ZY, (SK) is now available for $230,000. On 9.54 acres, the 3BR, 2BA, 1800-1999 sq. ft home with garage was built in 2006 and recently upgraded throughout. The third bedroom is currently configured as an open study but can be reconfigured by the seller with an acceptable offer. On the property is a 20’x20′ “flex” building originally designed and built for use as a stand alone “ham shack”. It is complete with heat pump and 220/240V. service. There are two concrete pads which originally supported Rohn towers. For more information go to
http://www.flexmls.com/link.html?17zicfisjvxb,7,1 or dial 1-866-200-6443 Ext. 213 for recorded information. (20160822)
* FOR SALE–Yaesu FT- DX3000
A perfect “10”. Only used lightly by a little old lady on Sunday. I am upgrading and would love to see you have this rig. I hate to part with it but I just purchased a FTDX5000. This is just not the basic rig that others are selling—here is what you get, Like new radio, optional 300 hz cw filter, optional DVS 6 Voice unit, FH-2 touch pad, Hand mic, SP-2000 external speaker w/filters, Nifty Mini-Manual, box and radio manual. I have well over $2200.00 invested. I’ll let it go for $1995.00, you pay shipping for 2 boxes. Local pickup possible in NC. CONUS only. NO TRADES. PayPal, cash, check (units shipped when check clears). Pictures on request. DON’T MISS THIS ONE!
Sam, KD2T, davebacon137@embarqmail.com or call 252-617-0359 (20160822)
* FOR SALE–Hy-Gain AV-680 Patriot-Plus HF Vertical Antenna, covers
6,10,12,15,17,20,30,40 and 80 meters. Requires no ground radials, comes
with it’s own counterpoise. About 2 years old, this was my temporary
antenna during my move, I now am putting up more dedicated antennas.
I built a simple mounting system that allows me to raise and lower by
myself if ever needed. It will remain operational here if you are
interested in seeing it’s performance.
I am open to offers, trades, etc.
Gary Mitchelson, NC3Z/4, 252-745-0655 or nc3z@arrl.net (20160620)
* FOR SALE–
The following equipment is being sold because I no longer have the time to
use it or the space to store it. Unless otherwise noted, all units are
fully functional at or above their manufacturer specifications.
Cosmetically they are 9+ out of 10, showing only signs of routine use.
Asking prices are based on the average of recent completed transactions for
the same or similar units on eBay, or are approximately one half of the
original price, and are believed to represent the current market value.
Pictures are available on request. Shipping if necessary is not included.
Local pickup is preferred. All sales are final. Contact Bill Michne at
252-249-1175 or billmichne@embarqmail.com. (20160509/20160822)
Yaesu FT-897 HF/VHF/UHF all mode transceiver. Maximum power outputs are:
160-6 meter, 100 W; 2 meters, 50 W; 70 cm, 25 W. Includes the FC-30
automatic antenna tuner, YF-122C narrow filter for CW/digital modes, and
MMB-80 mounting bracket. Does not include the internal batteries for
portable operation as I never purchased them. $700.00.
Ten Tec Titan 425 legal limit linear amplifier. This unit consists of a
lightweight desktop RF deck containing the two 3CX800A7 ceramic tubes and a
separate remote power supply with hypersil transformer. The RF deck can be
switched between HV ranges, the higher one for full legal limit output, and
the lower one for high duty cycle modes such as RTTY. The unit features an
overdrive limit circuit to protect the tubes, and a rapid switching circuit
for preventing “hot switching” during QSK and VOX operation. $1200.00.
Kenwood TS-830S ham band transceiver. Includes the matching SP-230 speaker,
the VFO-230 digital VFO, and the MC-50 microphone. The unit has a full
complement of Fox Tango filters for both CW/RTTY and SSB operation
installed. These filters have very steep skirts to provide exquisite
selectivity. This is a hybrid radio, mostly solid state, but with tubes in
the driver and final amplifier stages. The sale includes two sets of
replacement tubes. I recently had the radio professionally restored to full
original specifications. $800.00.
Kenwood TS-940S solid state 160-10 meters transceiver and general coverage
receiver. This radio does not transmit, and has limited receive function.
If the transmit function can be reestablished it is probably worth
repairing. Otherwise it is good for parts. $75.00.
(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 REGIONAL HAMFESTS:
A complete list can be found on your PARS Website, www.n4prs.org
PARS CALENDAR:
* Sep 24, PARS Monthly Meeting, Saturday, 9 am, Brantley’s Village Restaurant, Oriental, Bill Olah, KR4LO, 249-0287 or w_olah@yahoo.com.
* Oct 29, PARS Monthly Meeting, Saturday, 9 am, Brantley’s Village Restaurant, Oriental, Bill Olah, KR4LO, 249-0287 or w_olah@yahoo.com.
PARS NETS:
* Mondays, Pete’s “Swamp Talk” roundtable, around 8:15 pm local, 28.463 MHz plus or minus, USB. This is an informal forum originally established to assist our new Hams. The frequency is in the 10M voice segment open to technician licensees and above. Radio related 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/
* Chief Editor and Administrator is Greg Wadsworth KM4DZM, 252-322-1033 or gwadsworth1@ yahoo.com
* 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