PAMLICO AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY (PARS) Sep 24, 2016 MEETING NOTES
* Thirty-one PARS members and guests attended the breakfast meeting chaired by Mike Marsh, K4NLC, at Brantleys’ Village Restaurant.
* Wally Wallace, KK4ASP presented the treasurer’s report.
* Mike Hurm, K4HPS, our Pamlico County ARES EC, corrected last month’s report for August–there were 5 Pamlico Emergency Nets in August instead of 4 for 9.91 man-hours.
* In the VHF report, I reported that although the 6 Meter band has been very quiet for “DX” recently, net activity continues. Stations were heard this morning on the NC 6M Net (0800 Saturdays on 50.200 MHz) and there are several other very active nets in the Southeast. Although the DownEast 6M Net went dark about a year ago, Pete, AG7C, and I and occasionally others still hold the fort, Thursdays at 8:pm local on 50.200 MHz USB. Most new transceivers can operate on 6 Meters and with a minimal horizontal antenna (even a 9.75 ft dipole) good quality local communications can be expected. Come join us and perhaps we can breathe new life into the old net.
* Bill, WM3X, advised George and Joanne Hurley, (N2UCH and KG4MVQ) have been cleaning house and via Bill have donated a lot of equipment to PARS. Bill is checking the equipment and will list the unsold items here in the PARSgram with money received going to the club treasury. [See For Sale section below]
* Mike Marsh advised we are still looking for folks to stand for election in October, particularly for the office of President. Both Randy Davis, K4WRD and Gail (Wally) Wallace KK4ASP, incumbent VP and Treasurer respectively, plan to stand for re-election at the October meeting. [A full complement of officers is needed for PARS to maintain affiliation with the ARRL–ed.]
* The Scout’s Jamboree On The Air is scheduled for the weekend of October 14-16 according to Randy. Jamboree On The Air provides the opportunity for millions of Scouts around the world to meet on the air via Amateur Radio. With the Pamlico County operation at Camp Sea Gull on Saturday, plans include a 2M/70CM focus as well as a HF presence out on the Neuse River. Volunteers are needed to work with the youngsters. Contact Randy or Bill Olah if you can help for a couple of hours.
SOLAR NUMBERS TODAY
NOAA reported solar activity was low during the 24 hours ending yesterday at 5 pm local. The most recent significant activity was a B5 flare at 0635Z this morning. There is but one sunspot region on the disk facing Earth this morning. It is in decline and offers no indication of significant activity. The sunspot number (SSN) is 18, well down from the 43 we saw last Monday. The Solar Flux Index (SFI) is 85, about the same as the 83, 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 slight chance for C-class flares today through Wednesday. The NOAA forecast has the SFI at 85 for the next three days. The 90 day trailing average is 86.
The Earth’s geomagnetic field reached minor storm (G1) levels Sunday. The field is forecast to be unsettled and reach minor storm levels today, quiet to active Tuesday and then be unsettled reaching major storm levels on Wednesday. A large coronal hole facing Earth has opened generating a broad solar wind stream. The stormy conditions will be mostly at the higher latitudes producing auroras. The Kp-index was reported to be a quiet 3 at 5 a.m. local this morning.
Expect only fair conditions on 30 and 20 Meters, poor on the higher bands. Poor day and fair nighttime conditions are expected on 80 and 40. The VHF bands have been quiet. Significant E layer skip and TEP, although possible, is not expected until the Winter season.
THIS WEEK’S DX CHALLENGE
NORFOLK ISLAND, VK9N. Operators Geoff, ZL3GA, Mark, ZL3AB, Don, ZL3DMC, Paul, ZL4TT and Phil, ZL3PAH from the Quake Contesters will be QRV as VK9NZ from September 25 to October 8 with three stations on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via ZL3PAH, ClubLog OQRS, LoTW.
QSO CORNER
This is the place to post contacts with DXpeditions, Special Event Stations, or special QSO’s you would like to share.
Several members reported logging our DX challenge, Comoros Island D66D last week, mostly on CW. QRM was reported to be heavy. The DXpedition is scheduled to close on Sep 30.
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
* 01/0800-02/0800Z Oct 1.8-28 MHz Oceania DX Contest Ph
* 01/1600-02/2200Z Oct 1.8-28 California QSO Party CW Ph
* 02/0700-02/1900Z Oct 14-28 RSGB International DX Contest CW Ph
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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* (NEW) DONATED EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
Here are two pieces of equipment in excellent condition, fully tested, and completely functional. First is an MFJ Versa Tuner II, model 949B. This antenna tuner is rated at 300 watts maximum, has two coax outputs that are switchable and can be bypassed, and an internal dummy load. It also has balanced line or single wire output. The meter (single needle) reads forward and reflected power in two ranges, 0-30 and 0-300 watts, and SWR. Second is an MFJ Artificial Ground, Model 931. This unit is used for stations that can’t get a good RF ground, such as when the station is not on a ground floor, or when working portable at a camp ground or park. It is rated at 300 watts maximum. User manuals for both units are available for download in pdf format. Prices: tuner, $60.00, artificial ground, $50.00. These are less than half the cost of comparable new units from DX Engineering. Special deal: buy both units for $100 (they are often used together). All proceeds go to PARS. Contact Bill Michne, WM3X, 252-249-1175 or billmichne@embarqmail.com.
* FOR SALE
SGC antenna tuner. This is the SG 235 with Smart Lock. This tuner is attached at the foot of the antenna. It is rated for 500 Watts. It can be used on Marine, Auto and land applications. Totally weather sealed. New from HRO this unit and Smart Lock are just under $1200 from HRO. Get the best for $400.
Also for sale is a MFJ 994B. This is the automatic tuner. New from HRO it is $235. Sale price is $100.
Both are up and running at my ham shack and can be seen in operation–Charlie Overcash, WA4GSI, 252-249-1257 (20160912)
* “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, PRICE REDUCED–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 $1795, 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)
(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:
* Oct 15, Jamboree On The Air, Saturday, Times TBD, Camp Sea Gull, Arapahoe, Randy Davis W4WRD, 249-1680 or randyd@centurylink.net
* Oct 29, PARS Monthly Meeting, Saturday, 9 am, Brantley’s Village Restaurant, Oriental, Bill Olah, KR4LO, 249-0287 or w_olah@yahoo.com.
* Nov 26, 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.