A place for recent snippets or newsworthy notes from or about our members and the hobby in general.

What’s Happening You Ask?

It’s your website.  We are only as good as the info from our reporters. That’s right, that means you out there in the antenna field.  So send us stuff.  New, old, slightly worn, logged or even waterlogged, whatever.  Share it with everyone.

SILENT AUCTION AUGUST 3, 2024

Results Coming Soon

 

Celebrating Our Nations Birth and a Very Big little Town

Fourth of July is always a huge affair all over this magnificent country.  The same holds true in our little outpost on the Neuse River which we call home, Oriental, NC.  Historically Oriental is also home for the PARS club with our breakfast meetings, numerous activities, our repeater hub and many PARS members too.  Little Oriental has pretty much an annual celebration marking the the middle of summer named the Croaker Fest.  It is a locally created extravaganza that includes music, exhibitions, arts, crafts, bounce house, rock climbing, hula hoop contests, funnel cakes and corn dogs.  The great zigurat of parades is the event we feel is paramount to the three day event.  The featured parade presents a cavalcade of stars, dignitaries, luminaries, floats, bands and lesser know entities for the entire area to enjoy.  Amongst the entries are many PARS members lighting up N4PRS repeater.  Representing many local organizations these members stay in contact using VHF whilst PARSticipating in the parade.  As well member Hams who can’t come to town for illness etc. can make contact with the participants too.  Though our club has been well represented and visible in previous events there was something different this time around.  Our PARS website was introduced by the unofficial radio mascot Craig Croaker. Craig resplendent with assorted antennae, a RDF loop and Two Meter Tail rode his PARS tractor and spread the word about our great radio club.  The radiating fish from the lab of a local mad scientist and radio enthusiast.  Reportedly created when the bands were down with nothing else to do.  Croaker Fest feedback was outstanding with the parade a stand out success with well over 100 participants.  There were radios chirping everywhere and even a HF demonstration later on in the show.  Total fun for all.   Let’s face it how can you go wrong with fire engines, music, corn dogs and ice creme cones.  Oh yah and working some HF in a mobile at the waterfront too!   From numerous sources, here to follow, some of the results.  Come out and see us next year.

 

 

 

 

While Everyone Else is Mowing the Lawn

We were recently informed of a temporary halt in operation of our beloved and steadfast N4ONC repeater.  Problem?  Batteries dead.  Cause?  Too much talking.  What is one to do?  Call the Volt Busters that’s what!  Dispatch those magnificent men in their driving machines.  The dynamic duo of KR4LO and K4ONC, better known as Bill-Mike Photon Collection Company, rushed, after breakfast, to the site.  Assessed situation, ordered and installed additional solar panels to the existing all solar powered repeater.  Everything back to normal and you may now yak as long as you wish, don’t forget to ident, on the Big Sound in Oriental.   As always we must thank Bill Olah and Mike Marsh for their selfless efforts in order to help maintain a repeater that all here can be proud of and freely use.

Photo courtesy of Bill Olah KR4LO

PARS Club Members Learn Some Shocking Details

No puns intended however at a recent Saturday meeting our members were treated to an excellent demonstration of current CPR techniques and devices.  Oriental’s very own Eric Kindle, Fire Station #19 Fire chief and Pamlico Rescue veteran Para Medic, gave attendants a concise but detailed presentation.  Everyone learned of the current practices and guidelines for assisting a non responsive victim.  This included the proper use of the AED devices found at many public locations, restaurants and gathering places.  Eric’s years of experience and obvious dedication to public service was reflected in this exceptionally informative and easily understood talk.  We believe that all in attendance left far more confident with their ability to assist and use of the equipment.  More so though we learned the proper procedure needed when confronted with an emergency assistance situation.  It can happen to anyone anywhere. The PARS Club can’t thank Chief Kindle enough for his easily digested and valuable, possibly lifesaving, education.  We here at N4PRS.org highly recommend that everyone possible experience this sort of primer.  All of us should by exposed to it.  Should anyone have a potential group gathering and would like to partake in their own demonstration please contact PARSwebman@gmail.com.   Chief Kindle is open to discuss further demonstrations as his busy schedule allows.

Well he’s done it again!

Our very own K4JJW, “Grand Master Speedy” Dick Goodwin, has distinguished himself amongst his peers again.  Yes he swept the 13 Colony’s contest with all completed contacts necessary.  A few of our gang did.  Bravo to all.  BUT apparently he joins possibly one other operator (worldwide) to sweep them in ALL bands and All modes!  We honestly don’t have a clue how XYL Mrs. Goodwin gets him to find time for house chores.  However we nevertheless are very pleased and most proud to have Dick as part of our PARS organization.   Well done and congratulations K4JJW.

Here Bruce K4ONC presents Dick K4JJW with a specially prepared certificate from the 13 Colony’s Organization.   Thus creating need for yet another $12 frame and possibly a new wall.

News Flash

PARS Club and Website Heard at 2023 CrokerFest

PARS members and our award-winning website were heard and represented at the this years 2023 CrokerFest parade and festival.  The Arapahoe repeater was fired up with PARS activity during this mega event in Oriental.  WA4GSI, AI4WL and K4HPS were among the parade PARSticipants on the air.  A fabulous turnout and fun for all.  In addition The N4PRS.org “Transmitting Tractor”, piloted by Uncle Sam (purportedly Rudy Hertz website contributor) was seen dieseling along the parade route.  Literally showing the original PARS flag and displaying our website banner the 2 meter equipped “OH DEERE” farm tractor was it’s usual big hit with the spectators.  We actually saw a slight increase in web hits after this.  Après parade the website gang set up for some GOTA demonstration activity along the Oriental waterfront working HF.  Thanks to everyone who came out to support our humble efforts and hope all of you had as much fun as we did.

Snaps from contributing photogs Jim AI4WL and Rudolph Rudy “Eagle Eye” Hertz.

The Return of Find “Electro Fox”

Many Clubs dive right into a Field Day, however when you live in the weather challenged Pamlico area one must try three times to pull off a Fox Hunt.  Try as we might, weather postponed the clubs’ second 2023 hunt until a third attempt landed on Field Day and luckily with perfect conditions.  Led again by our own Hunt Master Dick Goodwin, K4JJW, “The Duce” event went without a hitch with 18 road warriors tearing up the local county highways and byways.  Super equipped SUVs to moms’ wagon,  high tech store-bought rigs to homebrew antennas and gear the PARS gang were in hot pursuit.  Some other stories will be told but we will let some photos tell the reportable story.

Oriental Fire Station 19 hosted our fox finder PARSticipants again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This rig would appear to be the Top Gun of the event, and it proved to be.  Lor W3QA, Matt WU2V and Michael KN4KCW brought the gun to the knife fight.  Fastest time of 20 minutes for the kill, however the trio graciously stepped out of the running in order to allow the less advanced equipment users a chance.  Great guys and Hams. Thanks so much.

Many thanks to contributing photographers Jim AI4WL, Bruce K4ONC, Charlie WA4GSI and staff photographer Rudolph “Rudy” Hertz.

Members in The News

While some of us where lounging round or mowing the lawn, a couple of our PARS fellows were sharing time in the public service department.  Our stringer, Bruce K4ONC, sends in this report from the field.

 

We were recently in attendance at the 2023 Wings Over Wayne Air Show held at the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro.  This is the largest air show in North Carolina and we were lucky enough to be part of the goings on.  I’ve brought some pictures along to help explain.   

This year the Navy’s Blue Angles were the featured attraction.Though friday was almost a complete wash out v due to the rain, Saturday was delayed one hour due to the low ceiling but then everything went as planned and Sunday was delayed a couple hours.   It was the first time that Lor and I slept on stretchers for two nights, inside the Currituck Fire and EMS Ambulance Bus.  May I mention that SMAT is State Medical Assistants Team.

We and our equipment were stationed in one of two large hangers, inside and out.  The SMAT Mobile Hospital was set up inside the hanger and the Comms Truck was just outside.  While on site, May 19th thru 21st, the Comms Team set up and maintained the wi-fi network, issued both Viper and UHF radios to some team members (SMAT Medical, AF Medical and Wayne EMS) and monitored our three working frequencies and the Air Boss frequencies. We also assisted other teams as needed.  Overall, it was a very interesting experience and wonderful to have been a part of it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A great weekend for everyone involved as you can see.  Have you been doing something extra while away from the Club activities?  Send us the details at PARSwebman@gmail.com , as Bruce did here, and we will find a place on the website for you too.  Over and Out

 

What ever happened with that Fox Hunt thing?

Long waited Fox Hunt Successful

As many of you might have heard, the long anticipated 2meter Fox Hunt went off right on schedule Saturday 3 December 2022.  A truly great showing by all interested parties with great prizes and a Bonus Lunch.  Heck the Bonus Lunch alone is enough to draw a decent PARSticipation gathering.  Many of the details are covered in the PARSgram from 5 December.  However here are a few jottings from our reporters in the field concerning the event.

Following a pre-event instructional meeting, ‘with 8×10 colored photographs with circles and arrows on the back of each one’ presented by Dick K4JJW, three sets of teams and individuals set off from the Oriental Fire Station #19.   Armed with a plethora of simple to sophisticated equipment in search of that Cwazzy Wittl Fwoxy off they flew across our fruited plain in search of radiating Le Fox.  Back at Mission Control with county and local law enforcement on station, reports flowed in from the populous as to traffic hold ups, playground disruptions, livestock disturbances and new access roads being cut in from private vehicles all around the county.  It had to be our gang.

Meanwhile out in the hinterlands Mr Frequency Fox, Bill KR4LO, was carefully camouflaged, (read, in plain sight in a big pickup truck alongside a State Road) waiting for discovery.  He was able to watch several of the ardent hunter’s pass his location once, then twice, well a few times and still not locate him.  Even when pointing an antenna directly at him did was he still undetected for a while.  Reports of contestants racing each other running towards Foxy to get their cards validated first came in.  An image of the 60’s film “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” comes to mind in from our post.

Equipment used in this operation was everything from the most advanced high tech non military grade SAR gear, Porcupine antennae, NSA style vans, to stuff simply akin to cans and string (Ham Cans of course) out the window in Moms 30-year-old coupe.   In the end it would appear that the simpler the better, old school ‘point and drive a little’ gear, worked the best.  In between arguments, sips of coffee, map fiddling and asking for directions apparently was the most effective measure.

Meanwhile back at “Houston” master control, preparations for a grand welcome were made with Mr. Mike K4NLC, heading up the mondo grill with plenty of burgers and pups and Rudy Hertz working an impromptu HF Special Event station from the “Ham in the Can” Jeep out back.   Plenty of contacts made on 20 Meters announcing our little hunt, our excellent Fire Department and Our PARS club with it’s great members to the outside world.

While we do not have a group photo of all involved, please enjoy some little hints of the goings on.  Thank you to everyone involved for your PARSticipation, guidance and leadership for making this all happen.  Rumor has it that you liked it so much that plans are in the works to do it again in the spring.  Hope to see you all there.

 

Why have Store-bought when you can DIY

Hail, hail the gangs (almost) all here.  The long awaited constucto de Fox-o-Find-o antenna party held at the KR4LO Radio Ranch convened 19 November 2022.  All reports declare it a grand success.  Our stringers have reported in as to the doings.

(Excerpted from PARS gram) Bill Olah, KR4LO, hosted Fox Hunt Antenna builders and their helpers at his big shop out by the Red Hill Landing airstrip Saturday morning.  Fox Hunt Coordinator and Chief Instructor Dick Goodwin, K4JJW, was extremely well prepared with pre-packaged kits of materials and all the necessary tools to make the build a rounding success.  Kathryn Hitchcock, KO4SVO, led the other 7 or so builders in finishing and testing their fox-finding rigs by early afternoon.  A few others gathered the pieces they needed to finish theirs on their own.  Bill, Dick, and Wayne, KO4OJC and a couple of others guided, assisted and advised.  It turned out to be quite the learning experience, especially since the days of Heathkit building are long gone.

Photos courtesy of Jim AI4WL

News From our Stringer Bruce K4ONC

Jim Hartmeyer, AI4WL and I drove to the Maysville Hamfest this beautiful October 9th morning. Upon arrival we contacted Bill Olah, KR4LO, selling his antenna launchers and other radio items. A little later we ran into Bill Morine, N2COP, Asst. Director of the Roanoke Division, who had driven up from Wilmington. Some of the other Hams we ran into were John Keating, KB1KW, Swansboro; Buck Buckowski, AA4SN, New Bern; Dick Goodwin, K4JJW, New Bern; Seighman, KN4CKL, Washington and Don Smith, KJ4RB, Pink Hill. The pics include KR4LO and views of the vendors. All in all, it was a beautiful morning for a drive to Maysville and check out all the “radio stuff” for sale. OK, I did purchase two Motorola speakers, 75’ of RG8x coax and an antenna base receiver hitch tube. Jim and I are waiting to receive emails from the organizers advising that we each won an Anytone HT or mobile radio in the drawing. Stay Tuned!

Ham Radio at 2022 Oriental Antique Car Show

October 8 brought an outstanding turnout for the antique car show in our Oriental QTH town.   80 plus cars, trucks and things with wheels shown to a plenty big crowd too.  As usual someone from our club was able to show the PARS flag and work a little HF to display our capabilities and enjoyment of the hobby.   Noise low, propagation high great day for all.

Not Just about Radio Stuff Don’t You Know

Recently our PARS troop sponsored a wonderfully informative Hurricane Forum featuring NOAA meteorologist Eric Hayden from the Newport, NC weather office.   The Town of Oriental hosted the event at the town hall.   Very well attended by over 40 residents as well as an additional 40 folks attending online.  Outstanding results with everyone involved most appreciative of the compelling information and data received.  Well done PARS gang.  Special thanks to K4ONC Bruce Perkins for pulling it all together.

PHOTO CREDIT: Dee and Hiram Lupton

Excellent PARSticipation in recent ORIENTAL CROKER FEST

What was a revisitation of the traditional Croker Fest, after the pandemic cancellations, turned out a fabulous crowd and showing.  Many of our PARS members were able to show the flag as it were and enter along in the wonderful Croker Fest parade.  An amazing operation stitched together for such a small town.  Not certain of the actual number of parade participants but lots of our gang were rolling on and off the sidelines.  The lucky ones in the procession kept in touch and lit up the N4ONC repeater for the duration.  Heard, seen and viewing were our members from all walks of life.  Public service, charitable organizations, civic volunteers to just plain ol hams on the air for this village extravaganza.  Our Radioheads can be found everywhere.  All great fun and a pleasure to receive so many recognitions from other hams and YL’s too.  Our roving reporters Jim AI4WL and Bruce K4ONC were kind enough to brave the fluky weather to supply us with some great pics.   We thank everyone who made to show.

Just about in the lead, Charlie WA4GSI tows Oriental’s world-famous Dragon and drummers on tandem trailers.  Quite the feat while heard on N4ONC repeater.  Truly Dragon the Wagon!

Rumor has it that one may gain 100 extra ARRL points for just receiving a wave from this guy!

Now here we have “Minnesott Mike” K4HPS checking in with location reports on his “Cooligan” ride with Icermatic transmission.  The bear is there for a GOTA chance.  Anyone who says we are not an advanced radio crowd just is not with it.

Our very own, Chief Gary NC3Z, is at the helm of the Hortonville fire apparatus.  He also kept us in touch with the parade goings on via the N4ONC repeater while wheeling this monster around.

And then there was a showing from our Agriculture Portable /P unit attempting to drum up interest in this very website.  Results may be forthcoming.  We may be throwing used semi conductors to the kids next year for added effect. A huge thanks to all those that read and support our website.  Spread the word.  Tell your friends.  It benefits the entire Amateur community.

By the way there is some history behind the yellow flag carried on the tractor tail.  Handed down from the previous generations this is the original Pamlico Ham’s Flag.  Thank you to Jamie KJ4KJ.

From the also seen at Croker Fest Department

As an adjunct to the Croker fest parade and subsequent activities, the PARS stealth reporter found an unofficial portable “Special Event” station along the Mighty Neuse River.   The intended purpose was to help advance interest in Amateur Radio, the club and our little shire of Oriental all at the same time.  Not exactly certain how successful the venture was but it was reportedly lots of fun and dozens of contacts were made that day.  So, it ain’t half bad!

Trying to get the word out on the street and on the air.  2Meters and 6 – 80.  Many contacts made before the really bad weather shut it down.  A few Hams visited for a chin wag along with a couple of young folks showing some interest too.   Many POTA contacts in addition to 13 Colonies hits and even the Ambrose Lightship at the Seaport Museum in NYC.

Here lies the /P operator and the riverside QTH.  The 1960 Willys “CQ”J-5 Universal better known as “Lil Shaky” is base for a Yaesu FT-897 with Scorpion SA-680 screwdriver antenna and Ameritron antenna controller.  All off battery power.  Excellent contacts made on 20 Meters that day.  It was all great fun even when soaked with rain.  Special thanks to Jim AI4WL who, though soaked too by a passing shower, got these photos for the N4PRS.ORG Web Page.

Note: Obviously Lil Shakey refers to the vehicle and operator.

One man’s quest for the KEY of CW life

Dick Goodwin, K4JJW, recently presented wonderfully documented displayed notes and photos from his CW morse code key collection.  As usual his knowledge and dedicated efforts into our hobby were reflected in his program.  Outstanding as usual.  However specifically this time his research on a particular unit he titled his “Pandemic Project” was the star of the show.

Like many of us Dick expanded his home-based activities during the recent plague to radio tasks old and new.  Deciding on morse key restorations, Dick became particularly interested in the history of a certain recently acquired 1921 Vibroplex “Bug”.

Through months of diligent research, online and through the mail, Dick found a fascinating story behind this particular key.

For most of the unit’s life Beth Rosenberg (and her husband Ray) shared the Ohio call W8NCJ and the Vibroplex Standard “Bug”.

Beth was a keen high speed 35 WPM CW operator who led the way for women amateurs in the late 1930’s and early ’40’s. Interestingly, she was not licensed but operated as a “guest” until her husband Ray passed in the early 1990’s. Only then did she get her own call…

The 100 year old key passed through several more hands before Dick’s beautiful restoration.  Hopefully we can post before and after pics of the Bug soon however in the meantime here are some photos of the presentation by our esteemed colleague.

What the heck is that?

Our PARS stealth spy has recently seen the following Bucket of Bolts roaming around Oriental.  Additionaly seen working 6 – 80 meters from folk’s backyards.   Purportedly a 1960 Willys CJ-5  outfitted with a Yaesu 897 through a Scorpion screwdriver antenna and Ameritron controller.   All mounted on a custom built laydown antenna bracket.  PARS club stickers were seen on the vehicle and local oddball K4MMB observed driving it.   Acquaintances have assured us that K4MMB, who is severely ADD,  will not be operating the rolling rig while driving.  Anyone that knows him will tell you that riding the school bus and chewing gum have never been strong points.   Looking forward to seeing and hearing this motorized disaster on Field DAY or POTA.

THIS MONTHS WHATZIT

Ok radio heads came across this NOS Antenna Specialist whip antenna base with a screw on extra coil.  No markings.  Any ideas?  Let us know what you think at PARSwebman@gmail.com.  Correct answers may enter you in a pool for a free subscription to the N4PRS.org website.

Breaking News

Repeater Speeder, Photovoltaic Charger Enlarger, Chiller Thriller, Power Tower Hour Report

One of our stringer reporters brought this story to our desk recently.  While many of us where twiddling our thumbs some of our lot have been busy at tweaking and improving our local repeater that we use freely.  The website staff congratulates, and thanks all involved.   Here is the report as received.

 

On Saturday 02/12, a group of us arrived at the Kershaw Road repeater site to make some upgrades to our 2 meter repeater N4ONC, and to Bill’s 70 cm repeater KR4LO. The group included Bill Olah, KR4LO; Mike Marsh, K4NLC; Lor Kutchins, W3QA; Jim Hartmeyer, AI4WL; and myself, K4ONC.

The work included replacing the single solar panel on the roof of the shack with two (2) 100 watt panels, replacing the single battery with two (2) 12.8V 100AH LIFePO4 deep cycle batteries and a new Epever 30A MPPT controller. The batteries and controller were placed on KR4LO’s custom made cabinet.

We also placed inside the shack, for a future install, a used window a/c unit that was donated by Charlie Overcash, WA4GSI.

All in all it was a very productive and enjoyable three hours with good friends.

Bruce Perkins – K4ONC
N4ONC Trustee
Oriental Repeater Group

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Recently we received a note from a member.  Although not being as active as he should be there was some time in between illness and winter to put together a 6 Meter horizontal dipole in order to play on the magic band.  He needed horizontal radiation in order PARSticipate in the Thursday night net on 50.20Hz.  Not many details yet on this project but it was taken from volumes of data online.  Fellow Ham Ernest PA3HCM supplied very good information.

Not the best photos but it was very cold on test day.  Lying flat on the upside-down picnic table freezing rain included.  There is a gap between the dipoles ends under the PVC tubing.  Expecting a bit of tube trimming there to achieve better resonance.  Intended for attic mounting but it’s certainly adequate for outdoor mounting.

This is all you will need to PARSticipate in the Thursday night Downeast net from Pink Hill, NC.  About the size of a large pepperoni pizza box.  Most everything needed from the harware store. Good fun!

PARSticipation at the First Annual FLOUNDER FEST

Some of our lot were recently spotted at the Oriental Flounder Fest Parade.  A last minute replacement for the cancelled Croaker Fest festivities normally held about the same time period, this afterthought parade turned out to be a surprisingly well attended event.   Many of our PARS members were spotted along the route and true to form some were in the parade as well.  All in all it was a successful jaunt around the town with many waves and thumbs up from the crowds.  An added plus was the activity on our local repeater N4SLH by many operators around the county and in the parade.   For all involved it was great radio fun and a pleasure to show off a little bit of the Amateur Radio capabilities.

Finally.  Resurrected from the mud in Maribell, the tractor we mean, K4MMB was seen touting this very same website to one and all while working the contacts on our local repeater.  Many were shouting from the crowd “HAM RADIO YEAH” along with thumbs ups and many waves and applause.  We can only surmise that the lyrics to a recent country song actually were “My 2 meter rig make me sexy”!

Many, many thanks to all those who inspired, helped or participated in this summers event including our roving demographer/photographer Jim AI4WL and Mr. Barky.  Rumors’ have it that next years event may be visited by Rust Labs “Checkpoint Charlie” all band mobile rig.  We’ll see.

Another new stick sighting by our snoop

Our diligent PARS Stealth spymaster has found some new equipment hopefully destined for radiation in our bands or a new pirate short wave station is forth coming instead.  Any guesses?  As always correct answers will be entered into the 2025 drawing for the coveted PARS Brass Magnet.

 

 

PARS Stealth Detective Spies Another QTA

We’ve spotted another possible Ham site in our snooping around the county.  Who’s might this be? Any correct answers will be entered in the annual Sky Hook and Brass Magnet drawing.

 NEWS OF NC4CES

 We will be posting emails and hopefully some photos from Lor Kutchins – W3QA and Matt McMahon -WU2V and our own Jim AI4WL and Bruce K4ONC

Well It sounds as if the intrepid Eastern Express pico balloon is to be heard from no longer.  However what an incredible journey.  Successfully circumnavigated the globe one full transit and was beginning on a second circuit when last heard from somewhere over Iran.   What great fun it was to follow this journey via amateur radio.  I trust it won’t be the last flight from our W3QA Lor Kutchens and WU2V Matt McMahon.  We hope to bring you any further news on flights right here.  Many thanks to K4ONC Bruce Perkins ground crew for sending along some pictures for us.

Oh oh.  I  too noticed the short day and last transmission reporting

adequate sunlight… and wondered. Crossing my fingers for tomorrow but

heck, the Express traveled for 20 days  and many many miles. No tears.  Jim

 

On 5/2/2021 11:35 AM, Loring Kutchins wrote:

> Today, over central Iran, radio reports show a loss of altitude and spotty reception reports for NC4ES-2 Eastern Express. We slowed down and entered an area of low pressure, with scattered thunderstorms below. Cloud tops were in the 9000 Meter height, and we may have been caught. Balloon fatigue? Perhaps some atmospheric electrical activity accounts for the erratic reception reports also. We may be down. We’ll be watching to see if we recover tomorrow. This may be it for NC4ES-2.

 

> The second lap took us over some new countries. Egypt and the great pyramids, and Saudi Arabia are added to our list of fly-overs.

> If we’re down, it’s happening in a historic area. Bill Brown, WB6ELK, a bastion of balloon knowledge and the ‘Godfather of picoballooning’, pointed out to me this morning that we may have come down next to a historic site in Iran. Operation Eagle Claw (Desert One) aborted rescue of Iran hostages during Jimmy Carter’s era. Interesting:

Here is an additional link to real time data http://lu7aa.org/wspr.asp?other=NC4ES

 

Day 13 coming to a close. We have made good progress since Hawaii with >100 winds at FL390. We are currently sitting about 100 miles away from a small island off the Baja. All telemetry is looking good… downrange weather looks good. Latest forecast has it flying almost directly over where it left the ground two weeks ago. Looks like 36 hours or so and we will have circumvented the globe. We have an updated patch with the countries flown over and honorable mentions.

Gary (NC3Z) in Pamlico County is already receiving the beacon.

 

 

Then we start again… see where the winds take us…

 

 

Day 12 AM- sunrise in the Pacific. We have taken our time near Hawaii and enjoyed the view from above. We are about 450nm ENE of Hawaii and processing East. The current 48 hour plot is enclosed. We are holding altitude and weather looks good downrange. We are being heard well. It will be bitter sweet to hear the payload on our home station knowing it’s been around the world. Keep your stations tuned in over the coming days!

 

We should hold the “circumnavigation” title soon. We will have an updated logo with the countries traveled over soon. Almost there!

I did not see her reported on NHK-Japan while she was over Kyoto last night (this morning our time). I’ve got her now approaching Wake Island.  Keep going!  Was there long ago on a broken C-130. Apparently not much to see there anymore. I’m listening for her to appear live but it will probably be tomorrow afternoon. This has been quite the adventure.  Thanks Matt and Lor!

Jim AI4WL

 

 

 

21 April 2021

  Wow! Last reported before sunset and nap time, Matt and Lor’s

PicoBalloon NC4ES-2 was 6 miles south of Seoul and on her way to Japan.

24 hours earlier she was over Burma. Her little 20 milliwatt signal was

reported by  KH6KR, the Kula Radio Club station on Maui at 0710Z, the

first US station to pick her up on her return path.  Great going for a

fragile little package!

 

 

On 4/21/2021 6:15 PM, McMahon, Matthew wrote:

Day 9/10 AM update: The sun has just risen with 30deg on the panels. The HAB has exited Japan overnight and is underway across the Pacific. Stations are receiving it from India to Hawaii. Altitude is good at 42,650 and weather looks good downrange. Looks like we may slow, but should pass over the HI Islands and continue towards CONUS. We should cross the International Date line today.

 

Aloha!

Good morning!

We only had (3) reports for the last run. It was all from the same STA in Russia. It looks like there is minimal ground WSPR receiving stations from India to Japan. The APRS is showing the actual WSPR data (we have a script forwarding the data).

She is asleep currently and should awaken maybe about 02:00-03:00 est. Should be in good wind >80. Expected to be near Japan tomorrow/ tomorrow night. Hoping she will be heard well by then. Lots of ears in VK also.

Looks like she will turn NE and head up to the Bearing Sea before coming to CONUS.

We had a level 4 radio emission from the Sun yesterday evening. That didn’t help the HF conditions on the sun side.

Keeping fingers crossed!

Will report back when she wakes up

v/r

 

sabah alkhyr! (Good morning again) in Arabic

Day 7 flight update AM-

It was a slow go through the Persian Gulf. We literally followed the Iran coastline overnight at a slow 20-30mph. We should be crossing over Iran and accelerating rapidly (120+) towards China. It’s already the afternoon there. We have avoided all SAM missile sites and have not been approached by any AWACS. We thankfully included one flare on board for this very area. Jk

You will notice the Hysplit trajectory has the altitude dropping near China. This is due to the height above ground and is crossing the mountains. Some of them are 21,000ft! We even have a chance to fly right over Mt Everest. Still holding 42,650ft and weather is looking good downrange. Receiving stations are starting to get limited.

All systems green and telemetry is nominal!

The effort is a joint project by Lor Kutchins, W3QA and Matt McMahon,

WU2V. Below is some background and technical details: his two reports on

the first balloon that apparently lost pressure just off the Outer Banks.

On Apr 7, 2021, at 7:37 PM, Loring Kutchins<lor.kutchins@gmail.com>  wrote:

 

Hi Friends,

This afternoon around 3PM EDT Matt McMahon, WU2V and I successfully launched our first of a series of ‘picoballoon’ projects carrying a lightweight solar-powered long-range WSPR beacon. So far, everything is going to plan. The balloon ascended at about 1.3M/second or a bit slower, and about three hours after launch has just reached it’s float altitude range of 43-45,000 feet. We are aiming for the jet stream, and a quick trip around the world (or more!).

The balloon is an SBS-13 superpressure balloon. Superpressure technology is designed to ascend to a ‘float’ altitude and regulate itself to stay at nearly that same altitude, give or take some highs and low pressure areas. (Google ‘superpressure balloon’ to see how they work!) We are aiming to float just above commercial jet traffic at 43-45,000 feet, where we can take best advantage of the eastward-flowing jet streams. We selected the launch date and weather to give us the best chance of catching a good ride. So far, it looks promising. The APRS.FI track image attached gives you a look at where we are now. You can track the balloon and its path here https://aprs.fi/#!mt=roadmap&z=11&call=a%2FNC4ES-2&timerange=21600&tail=3600

The WSPR radio is powered by two solar cells that charge two supercapacitors to provide about 4.3-4.5V to the transmitter. With only a few milliwatts into a vertical dipole wire antenna, our signals are copied by stations up to 15,000KM (9320 miles) away. The map below shows WSPRNet stations copying our balloon just moments ago as it reached almost 43000’.

Keep a watch for us and cheer us on! The balloon transmits only when it’s in sunlight. By wake-up time tomorrow, we expect to be riding the jetstream somewhere above the mid-Atlantic. We’ll be watching the winds aloft and weather below all the way around.

73,

Lor Kutchins, W3QA

Matt McMahon, WU2V

 

On April 8, 2021, at 9:17 AM, Loring Kutchins<lor.kutchins@gmail.com>  wrote:

Well, NC4ES-1 Balloon, Eastern Express #1 is a ‘bust’, so to speak. After a textbook ascent to it’s float altitude and giving it’s last report at 6:22 PM and almost 43,000′ a few miles past the outer banks, the payload properly went to sleep for it’s overnight ride. It disappeared somewhere over the Atlantic sometime before sunrise. Bermuda Triangle?

Anyway, NC4ES #2 is in staging for launch Monday morning, April 12th. The forecast is fine and the prospects look good. We will be launching this one earlier in the day so that ascent will complete and allow a half-day’s accumulation of transmissions at float altitude before sunset. We’d really like to know if the balloon burst at float because of our gassing regimen, or if something else went wrong, We may never know, but this is the stuff of this endeavor.

73,

Lor W3QA

Welcome to Our New Upgrades

While many of us have been siting in front of the fireplace or other evening endeavors WM3X and his selfless VE’s have been diligently teaching, testing and examining.  As you will note in the following photos he has achieved great success and opened up the world of Amateur Radio to some more local folks.   Thank you to Bill and his assistants from all of our club mates and hams everywhere.

 

Big Congratulations to all three new General Class operators, Steve Silveria-KO4EDA, Paul Manganaro-KO4MHM and Joe Lupton-N4IBX.  Great job fellows!

 

Here are the new Generals along with VE’s Bruce Perkins-K4ONC, Bill Olah-KR4LO and Gary Mitchelson-NZ3Z.

Here is the fellow behind it all Bill Michne-WM3X

Also a big thank you to the Florence-Hortonville Fire Department for the use of the facilities and our roving correspondent Bruce Perkins K4ONC for the story and photos.

More From Greenville and our AUXCOM Representatives

We have just learned that our own K4ONC Bruce Perkins and W3QA Lor Kutchins  are continuing their service at Greenville, NC and the Covid cisis on a regular basis.  Excellent job fellows!!!!!  Here is a report sent in by K4ONC about what is happening out there.

Attached are some pics taken today at the COMU office (the ticket office) at the Greenville Convention Center. We have banks of HT radios that we check out and in throughout the day. We also monitor four (4) separate frequencies that are used by the civilian staff, National Guard and law enforcement officers assigned to this incident.
It is busy in the mornings and late afternoon, and very slow in between. We also monitor the weather for rain, wind and thunder/lightening. We monitor a lightening detector when appropriate. Keeping the staff that work outside and the general public safe, is a high priority. The HT radios are provided by various agencies including Pitt County EM, Eastern Healthcare Preparedness Coalition (EHPC) and NC Highway Patrol.

Lor Kutchins, W3QA and I each work about two days a week. The other days are covered by amateur radio operators from Havelock, Farmville and Kinston.

Lor set up a low power FM (LPFM) radio transmitter that broadcasts a Vidant Health informational message to all that drive by the convention center regarding the procedure to obtain a COVID 19 vaccination. (The laptop and transmitter can be seen on the rack just behind my left shoulder). The vaccination center is generally open seven (7) days a week from 0800 to 1700 Mon thru Sat. and 1200 to 1600 on Sundays. Appointments are required and can be obtained by logging onto Vidanthealth.com/vaccinate.

If you haven’t already, Get Your DOSE of HOPE and Stay Safe!

Bruce Perkins – K4ONC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have a new digital portal!

Have you heard about our new YouTube website?  n4prs.radio   In it’s infancy however it is up and running due to the diligence of our member Steve KO4EDA, Silviera.  Our resident Zoom host, educator and digital diplomat, Steve has brought us into the 21st century of web access seamlessly.   We are most thankful for his assistance and willingness to help us along in the cyber world.  So you now have a new venue for any club or ham related videos to send us for the YouTube page.   Lets see what you have!!

Members behind the scenes

AUXCOMM SUPPORT TO COVID RELIEF

This reporter has learned recently that Lor Kutchins,W3QA, and Bruce Perkins, K4ONC spent a day or so assisting with the COVID-19 relief effort in Greenville.  Both of our members were assigned to the Communications Unit issuing radios to many of the staff workers under the ICS plan.  This well organized vaccination effort was held at the Greenville Convention Center and Lor continued on for an additional day as well.  Our hats are off to both of these fellows.  Well done and thank you from all of us here at N4PRS.org.

 

Club Member K4JJW Does It Again!!

Here is an example of what can be accomplished while waiting for the end of the plague.  Dick Goodwin, K4JJW, has been steadfast in the search of that “Last One” and has been rewarded with a wonderful result.  We are most certainly exceptionably pleased to bring you this short account.  Congratulations Dick.  You have given us all some goals to aspire to in Amateur Radio.  Keep up the great work.   Here in Dick’s own words:

“…after many years of being stuck just one country short of the 331 DXCC entities need to reach the ARRL Honor Roll I finally confirmed my last country, JD1 Minami Torishima. Its in the northwest Pacific, just a one square mile uninhabited atoll about 1200 miles east of Tokyo.  I got lucky and was able to work a Japanese ham on 40m CW who was there on temporary duty to maintain a automated weather station.  There are 340 countries (entities) on the DXCC list and the remaining nine have not had any ham radio activity in years.  So at the present time they are out of reach for DXCC credit.  ARRL offers a very nice award plaque and here’s a mug shot of me and mine…”

 

Here is another snippet from our member Dick K4JJW

I’m passing along this information based on my experiences with fellow CW operator and PARS member Buck Buckowski, AA4SN…and with his permission.  Buck lives in the Quail Ridge subdivision and does a beautiful job of designing and building home brew CW paddles for automatic keyers and semi-automatic “bug” keys.  To my knowledge they are not for sale but Buck takes real pride in his designs and workmanship and he has a clever knack for using simple and easily available parts and materials.  All of his designs use magnets instead of conventional springs to produce tension and they all have very smooth operation.  It’s rare to find commercial “bug” keys that employ magnetic tension and Buck’s designs are unique, especially the right angle model. I’ve had the pleasure of using all of his keys and have also talked to Buck many times over the air when he’s been using each of them.  They work great. He is also generating lot’s of interest from national and international members of the CW “Bug Users Group”.  Club members can learn more at Buck’s AA4SN www.qrz.com page.

Photo, L to R:   Rare, right angle magnetic “bug”, conventional bug (but magnetic), single lever magnetic keyer paddle, portable/QRP handheld paddle (non-magnetic)

 

New sighting’s from our undercover antenna snooper.

Recently our undercover reporter visited the QTH of KR4LO.  Though we expect to add a more thorough inspection with photos later here are examples of some of Bill’s installation details.  Paramount of course, as should be for everyone, GROUNDING GROUNDING GROUNDING.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also seen this week near Oriental is a new installation of a longwire antenna skillfully disguised as a flag pole. For the neighbors.  About 12 feet tall, this fold down pipe pole is the anchor end for 147 feet of 14 gauge wire for a general coverage SDR antenna. Antenna is approx. 9 feet off the ground as it runs to the QTH.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIRST ANNUAL PARS MONTHLY MEETING VIA ZOOM

For those of you who were in attendance of our first ZOOM meeting we believe you will all agree it went very well.  Turns out it’s easier than crimping a PL-259.    It allowed for lots of chat and discussion without the time constraints of the repeater.  Plus it also allowed many of us who live far away to join in and even included a show and tell of some of our Radio Terriers.  A win win for everyone and I certainly hope many more will be able to join in with us using this new means.  Find the simple “Members Only” instructions for signing on in your PARSgram.   Until of course there is a return to the breakfast buffet at Brantley’s Restaurant.  Many thanks to our very own Bruce, K4ONC, for sending us the screen shot.

PARS STEALTHMAN SPIES ANOTHER ONE

Stealthman has sent this cloudscraper photo.  Who do you think this one belongs to?  Correct answers will be awarded the coveted K4MMB brass magnet award to be presented when the propagation gets better.  If you have any photos of gear, shack yes even Radio Terriers please send them along.  We can always use contributions.

 

 

Remind you of anyone?

PARS Stealthman captures another mystery antenna raising

During a recent surveillance our antenna spy encountered furious activity in a local garage.  Post man deliveries, welder’s sparks flying, airwrenches whining and a fair amount of expletives were radiating from this undisclosed location.  With local ham buddy and YL assistance a new birthing was further witnessed, right down to the wire at 1400 local time on Field Day, of a multiband vertical GAP Titan antenna.  With home brew crank up and mast arraignment the stick went up with ease.  Forthcoming reports from the on air Field Day operation were outstanding without having to tweak a thing.

Your dutiful Stealthman Spy has most recently discovered that this is the new outdoor antenna of K4MMB.  Good luck to K4MMB and keep your fingers out of the circuitry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are a couple of pics of the antenna raising crew at WM3X on Friday. We didn’t get any pics of the actual process as there weren’t any free hands to operate the camera! Thanks to Bruce, K4ONC; Jim, AI4WL; the lovely and talented XYL Beth, N2JBR; and non-ham Gary. Beth turned down the photo op in favor of getting the crew some much needed and well deserved refreshment.

 

 

Recently our PARS stealth mobile unit spied this antenna in the county.  It looks rather sophisticated, though I can’t say much about the shack.   I wonder who’s this must be?  Well we will put it out here for all you folks to peruse.  Let us know via email if you have any ideas what HAMeiester this is.   As always you can find us at Parswebman@gmail.com

We can always use contributions from our members.  Shack pics with or without operator, dogs preferred, can be put right here for everyone to see.  Awards, kit bashing projects whatever you have.  Don’t be shy.  We need fresh meat during our weird times.

Who knows maybe the stealth unit could find your antenna some day too.  If the PARS velocipede is seen buzzing through your neighborhood you could be next.

By the way, I have been entrusted (as an unofficial curator pro tempore of the Musee de PARS) with certain artifacts from our club and members past and present.  The pennant or Burgee you see on the bike is the original Pamlico Amateur Radio Club flag when the first gang of yachting folks came together. Oh yes.  If you do see this bicycle underway, please, please give it a wide berth.  The operator is definitely distracted whilst making mobile contacts and looking for antennas and remembering how to ride one of these things.

 

 

Messaggio Ricevuto e Benvenuti abordo Luc I1YRL

A new friend of PARS from Buck AA4SN

Hello Paul and Jim
I wish to submit two photos for the web site and / or PARSgram. (please see attached)
On 1/16/2020 I had a 20M CW contact with Luc I1YRL. He is a great radio operator and he has excelled in many other interests as well (see QRZ). We had a good QSO and we agreed to exchange something via postal service from our respective countries. He sent me plaquettes with my call sign, Italian coins and an Italian flag with both of our call signs on it. In turn I sent U.S. coins, an NFL calendar and two new hats, one of which had the PARS logo. Attached are two photos of Luc’s ham shack showing the PARS hat in Italy. In an email, Luc gave me permission to submit these photos to the PARS website. My thanks to Luc and to all operators in the PARS group.
Luc said, “Best of luck to all members of the PARS club.”
73 Buck AA4SN

 

Thank you Buck for sending this along so all our PARS friends can see what you have been up to.

 

 

ARRL DX Challenge Award

While some of us have been otherwise entertained, our very own K4JJW Dick Goodwin has been very busy on the air. I’ll quote a couple of folks on this achievement. From Jim AI4WL – “Dick, K4JJW showed and talked about his recently awarded ARRL DXCC Challenge plaque recognizing confirming “2500 countries” (250 entities X 10 bands). This is most remarkable since it has been done in less than 17 years from Fairfield Harbor using wire antennas!”  and from Bill WM3X – “Big Congratulations! goes out to Dick, K4JJW, on achieving the 2500 band entities level for the ARRL’s DX Challenge Award. He has truly entered rarified territory among the world’s DXer’s. Consider that this achievement is the equivalent of working and confirming 250 current DXCC entities on each of ten bands (160, 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15,12, 10, and 6
meters). And he did it in less than 20 years. _…_ “.  From the rest of us here at PARS and webpage gang a hearty Well Done and biggest applauds from your friends.  Very well deserved indeed.

Also seen at the same breakfast meeting:

 

 

 

 

What are you missing without WINLINK

Recently after our monthly breakfast meetng at Brantley’s in Oriental we were presented with a brief but concise explaination of WINLINK and what it offers.  The presenter was our very own member and friend Lor Kutchins W3QA.

Now then Mr. Loring “Lor” Kutchins  was first licensed as a novice in 1965.  He retired from a career in analytical instrumentation and digital data handling, as a software author, and as a serial entrepreneur of successful computer- and laboratory-oriented startups.  So before and after retirement, while I have been watching the grass grow, Lor has served in multiple ARRL EPA Section field appointments.  Mr. Retired is also currently President of the Amateur Radio Safety Foundation, Inc., a Member of the Winlink Development Team, Member of the Board of several holding companies, community organizations and nonprofits and he’s a Volunteer licensing Examiner too.  It is our extreme luck to have him on board with us and probably no one is more qualified to explain and help us train for Winlink participation.

Winlink is an extremely useful tool and almost any of us Hams can have access to it.  You can see more information about “how to” at https://www.n4prs.org/parsgram-2020-01-27/  .

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks again to Lor W3QA.

 

Remember Summertime

 

Christmas 2019 Club Meeting and Secret Hamta presents

Other than Field Day or a Hamfest flea market our club members usually swarm to the Christmas breakfast to celebrate the season and of course get their chit for a goodie under the tree.  This year was no different as you may note for the pictures.  After a standard meeting with all sorts of interesting presentations and info the picking and shaking of boxes and bags began.  This years tree was appropriate I thought as it resembled some sort of FM antenna I believe I saw modeled in an old QST.  I not sure if this did not come from one of WM3X’s experimental antenna lab.   Those unable to attend this year were missed.   None the less a good time was had by all. Happy New Year from the PARS gang and hope to see or hear from you all this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The N4PRS FLYING WALLENDAS antenna team in action near Oriental.

Attached are some pics of three old “Hams”, Bill Michne WM3X, Jim Hartmeyer AI4WL and yours truly Bruce, K4ONC, removing a wire antenna at Priscilla Wormell’s house, N4TNP, on December 12th. As you can see, I had the toughest job, that of memorializing the event!
Bruce, K4ONC

 

 

Here are the pics from a Saturday class at the Florence-Whortonsville FD, instructed by Gary Mitchelson, NC3Z. Twenty folks attended the class, with 9 of them PARS members, not counting the instructor. After the classroom instruction, we set up the SHARES “drop kit” radio, with generator power, in one of the bays and operated Winlink.
Bruce

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019 NC Disaster Communications School held at the Charlotte Police and Fire Training Academy.

From Bruce Perkins K4ONC VP PARS

Three PARS members, Bruce Perkins – K4ONC, Lor Kutchens – W3QA and Mike Marsh – N4NLC, returned home on Saturday, August 3rd from attending the 2019 AuxComm course in Charlotte. This three (3) day course was one of several presented at the 2019 NC Disaster Communications School held at the Charlotte Police and Fire Training Academy. Bruce, Lor and Mike joined approximately 130 other participants from through out North Carolina and South Carolina to increase their skills in many aspects of Emergency Communications. The AuxComm class that the three attended, along with 24 other amateur radio operators, was only one class of several being held simultaneously through out the week. The week culminated on Friday the 2nd with all classes working together in joint field exercises from multiple communications trailers on the training field. The different classes/courses included: AUXCOMM (Auxiliary Communications); COML (Communication Leaders); COMT (Communication Technicians); INTD (Tactical Dispatching) and ITSL (IT Specialists). The school was sponsored by NC Emergency Management, NC Department of Public Safety, FEMA, NC AuxComm Society, Charlotte Fire Department and several other others.

Overall, it was a very worthwhile event for all participants, gaining valuable knowledge in our specific disciplines. Lor, Mike and myself feel very fortunate to have attended this training and thank our own resident COML, Gary Mitchelson – NC3Z, for supporting our attendance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos by Bruce “Shutter Man” Perkins- K4ONC

PARS Members speak to Non Profit Organization 

Pamlico Community College held the third annual Non-Profit Celebration at the Delamar Center on May 23 2019.  More than 150 non-profit officials met that day to celebrate the great work they all have done during the year.

Among the representatives and speakers was our very own Mike Marsh K4NLC who gave a brief intro into the PARS group but especially to the ARES organization and what they do for our county and the country.   Mike is the newly appointed head of our ARES and charging full force to get the word out about the service and training too.

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday Raffles

Until the inventory is depleted you, yes you PARS member or guest, have a shot at a free raffle prize after our regular Saturday meeting.  All sorts of secret mystery boxes from the overly abundant warehouses of Msrs King and Michne can be luckily yours for FREE.  That is of course if you can make it to our monthly breakfast meetings at Brantley’s.  Turnout has been very good but I know there are a lot of faces I have not seen.  So get back on frequency and join us on the last Saturday of each month, except June when we replace that with Field Day weekend exercises.  Field day by the way is just around the corner and even more reason to show yourself and bring friends or relatives to PARSticipate in our club functions.

 

 

 

 

On a recent recent wandering through the village of Oriental this reporter spied an ardent angler casting through the trees.  Thought it a bit odd until we found…..

….our very own WA4GSI old schooling a tag line for his Carolina Windom.

 

 

 

SOME OF OUR MEMBERS at SATURDAY BREAKFAST   you should be there!!!!!

 

 

 

 

Just a reminder if you have any photos of club members or ham related interest please send them to PARSwebman@gmail.com

For More of What’s Happening see Page 2 here https://www.n4prs.org/whats-happening/whats-hap