PRESIDENT’S SOAPBOX
The following is the text of a comment I submitted to the FCC on the
topic of license application fees. It is solely my opinion and is NOT
intended to represent the views of the PARS membership. I encourage all
PARS members to submit a comment. Just go to www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings,
click on “Express Comment,” fill out the form, and submit.
The proposed imposition of service fees for a variety of amateur radio
license applications will ultimately result in a reduction of the number
of licensed radio amateurs in the US. Such a reduction is not in the
best interests of the country. Wireless technology has permeated
virtually every aspect of our lives, and is expected to advance in
complexity and grow in scope. Going forward our country will require a
corresponding increase in the number of skilled technologists to design,
build, and maintain these systems. Historically, many of our best and
brightest scientists and engineers got started along their career paths
with amateur radio. While not the only source of trained technical
professionals, licensed amateurs are an important one. Sadly, many of
our young potential licensees are from economically disadvantaged
backgrounds, and may feel that the proposed cost of admission and
advancement in the amateur ranks is more than they are willing or able
to pay. Thus, the imposition of these fees will prove to be a barrier
to the growth we need to achieve.
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 3 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. We did see some activity on 6M for the ARRL VHF
Contest Sunday morning, mostly FT8 and CW, some SSB.
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.
WHAT’S REAL AND WHAT ISN’T ABOUT COVID-19: HOW DO WE KNOW?
The County COVID-19 Task Force tells how to know what’s a signal and
what’s noise in a recent email at:
https://mailchi.mp/a605a98cd955/how-do-i-know-what-to-believe-about-covid-19?e=adb5dfd6c4
As of Sunday evening, according to Pamlico County Emergency Management
our County had tallied 244 COVID-19 cases, 95 of those were in the
Pamlico Correctional Institute. Most of the 244 have recovered, but
there have been two deaths.
73 and please stay safe, Jim AI4WL
——
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