PRESIDENT’S SOAPBOX
As I write this qrz.com has over 24,000 views and 550 comments on the
FCC proposal to charge fees for various amateur radio license
applications. Not surprisingly, the vast majority of opinions are
opposed to the idea, but there are quite a few that are neutral, and
some that support it. Many of the latter group seem to think that the
money will be used to support enforcement of the amateur rules. In
fact, the money will be used to offset the cost of FCC’s general
operations, and not just the processing of amateur license applications.
Comments on the proposal are being accepted now. Instructions on how
to comment can be found at www.arrl.org. It has been suggested that I
submit a PARS position paper on the matter. I won’t do that for two
reasons. First, it is highly unlikely that all members of the club
would have the same opinion, and therefore any position paper would not
be representative of the views of the membership. Second, a position
paper is a single comment, whether the club has 5, or 50, or 500
members. It is far more effective for as many individuals as possible
to submit comments, giving the reviewers a more accurate sense of the
tide of opinion on the subject. So I encourage all PARS members to take
a few minutes to submit a comment and have their views heard. …_._ de
WM3X, Bill Michne, 252-249-1175, drmichne73@gmail.com.
SOLAR NUMBERS TODAY
NOAA reported that solar activity was very low during the 24 hours
ending yesterday at 5 pm local. There are no sunspot regions on the Sun
facing Earth this morning. On Sunday the observed Solar Flux Index (SFI)
at Penticton was 70. The index is predicted to register 70 today,
Tuesday and Wednesday. The SFI 90 day trailing average is also 70.
The Earth’s geomagnetic field was quiet yesterday. It is expected to be
quiet today, Tuesday and Wednesday. The estimated Kp-index of 1 reported
at 5 a.m. local this morning indicates we are currently experiencing
quiet conditions.
We can expect fair daytime and good nighttime operating conditions on 80
and 40 meters but plan on poor conditions on the higher HF bands. The
VHF bands are quiet.
For an explanation of numbers used in our PARSgram, see the excellent
article written by Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA at
http://arrl.org/the-sun-the-earth-the-ionosphere.
HAM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE, TRADE, OR WANTED
For listing in the PARSgram send me your amateur radio related items
that you have for sale, trade, or wanted. PLEASE let me know when you
have have sold your item or your listing is no longer needed. Listings
will EXPIRE AFTER 90 DAYS unless I hear otherwise.–Jim.
** FOR SALE**
Cushcraft R-6000 vertical antenna for 6, 10, 12, 15, 17, and 20 meters.
Rated for 1500 watts, and no redials required. This is a pre-MFJ
version. Current HRO retail is $439.95 plus tax and shipping. My price
$150.00. Local pickup only. A portion of the proceeds will go to PARS.
Bill Michne, WM3X, 252-249-1175. (20200810)
PARS CALENDAR:
* Sep 26, PARS MONTHLY MEETING, Saturday, 9am, Virtual Meeting via
Radio on the Oriental Repeater (147.21 MHz, std offset, 151.4 Hz tone).
For more info, contact Bill Michne, WM3X, 252-249-1175 or
drmichne73@gmail.com.
* Oct 31, PARS MONTHLY MEETING, Saturday, 9am, Virtual Meeting via
Radio on the Oriental Repeater (147.21 MHz, std offset, 151.4 Hz tone)
or at Brantleys Restaurant, Oriental. For more info, contact Bill
Michne, WM3X, 252-249-1175 or drmichne73@gmail.com.
LOCAL NETS OF INTEREST TO PARS MEMBERS:
* Tuesdays, Newport Weather Service SKYWARN Practice Net, 9:00 pm
local, Oriental (147.210+ (PL151.4)) and all other local repeaters. This
net for severe weather warning and reporting is continously monitored
upon activation.
* Wednesdays, Pamlico Emergency Net Practice and Rag Chew/ARES, 7:30
pm, Oriental Repeater, 147.210 + (PL151.4).
* Thursdays, “DownEast/Pamlico Six Meter Net”, 8 pm local, 50.200 MHz,
USB. A non-directed open net to promote operation on the ‘Magic Band’.
(For more nets see www.arrl.org/arrl-net-directory-search )
PARS WEB SITE: https://www.n4prs.org/
Our web Master is Paul Jodoin, K4MMB, 561-308-3456, PARSwebman@gmail.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.
COVID-19 TESTING AVAILABLE IN PAMLICO COUNTY
As of Sunday afternoon, our County had tallied 207 COVID-19 cases, 99 of
those were in the Pamlico Correctional Institute. Most of the 207 have
recovered, but there have been two deaths. Some of us have thought we
ought to get tested for the virus. Click on the URL below for
information on who should get tested and when, the types of testing
available, and where you can get tested in Pamlico County.
https://mailchi.mp/c03cb807c373/covid-19-testing-in-pamlico-county?e=adb5dfd6c4
73 and stay safe, Jim AI4WL
——
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