DeFOREST AMATEUR RADIO CLUB - K8GE

                 P.O. Box 73 - West Union, OH 45693-0073

                  SERVING SOUTH CENTRAL OHIO SINCE 1974


                               JUNE  1998
                         http://www.qsl.net/k8ge


                           PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

       FIELD DAY
       ---------
       Plans are underway for this year's field day weekend and the
       DeForest Amateur Radio club is no exception!  Our field day
       committee has laid the groundwork, and now we have an exciting
       weekend of fun ahead of us.  I hope you will all have an
       opportunity to participate as we test our readiness skills under
       less than perfect conditions.  The object of field day is to work
       (contact) as many stations as possible on any or all amateur
       bands (excluding the 30, 17, and 12 - meter bands).  It is a
       challenge  and gives us a chance to develop our skills as
       communicators.

       As always, we begin field day with our annual breakfast at
       McDonald's about 8:00 am and begin set up afterwards.  We  begin
       operating at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 27th and stop operating on
       Sunday, June 28th at 2:00 PM.

       There will be a carry-in picnic on Saturday evening at 6:00 PM.
       Hope that you are able to come by and join in the fun!


       VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
       -----------------
       The West Union Lion's Club has asked for volunteers to assist
       with communications during the July 4th parade.   We will meet in
       front of the American Legion Post by the Wayside Inn at 8:30 am.

       Also, on July 11th, there will be a 5 mile run and 3 mile fun
       walk sponsored by the Marine Corps League .  We have been asked
       to assist with communications along the route as we did last
       year.  We will meet at the corner of the West Union Elementary
       school across from Lafferty's Funeral Home at 7:30 am.

       Any one that can help is asked to contact N8HIA, Barb:  544-2585
       or N8YWX, Kim:  544-3763.

       It's all Balderdash to me!!
       ---------------------------
       If you haven't yet had the chance to check in to the Wednesday
       night Balderdash net on the 147.00 machine at 8:00, here's a
       little sample of what you have been missing!  See how good you
       are at guessing the correct definition for the following words .
       You will find the answers elsewhere in this newsletter.

       puzzolana
       ---------
       1.  special cement
       2.  theme park in France that specializes in all kinds of
           puzzles, rides, games, etc.
       3.  someone who has an affliction to collecting old rare puzzles
       4.  Italian pasta made of barley flour

       tombar
       ------
       1.  Mississippi mud fish
       2.  sand bar connecting an island to the mainland
       3.  special missile warhead developed for use with the tomahawk
           missile.  It had a special delayed trigger feature that, when
           the tip of the warhead hit, it transmitted data back to a
           central data base indicating precisely the location it
           landed.
       4.  alloy used to make synthetic gold

       truckle
       -------
       1.  the rail on a ferry boat that keeps vehicles stable when the
           ferry is underway
       2.  to give in, to surrender
       3.  strap on set of driving harness going from the but to the
           trussel
       4.  grooved wheel on a pulley

       guddle
       ------
       1.  type of scaffolding used to work on large ships in dry dock
       2.  metal pin or shaft at the end of an axle on which a wheel
           turns; the socket of a hinge
       3.  small European fresh water fish often used as bait
       4.  to catch fish barehanded

       So, how'd you do?  Look for the answers later in this newsletter
       and don't forget to tune in and join the fun on Wednesday nights
       at 8:00 !
                                             73, N8YWX
                                                       Kim

                 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

                       Minutes of June 9th meeting
                       by Jerry Paquette - WB8IOW

       Kim opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00 PM.
       Kim told members about (NL7FK) Roy's sinus operation and was
       passing around a get well card to be signed. Kim said Roy would
       be unavailable to host the Balderdash net for the rest of the
       month. Kim asked for host volunteers and the following schedule
       was planned: June 10 - N8YWX, June 17 - AA8IQ, June 24 - KC8HFV.

       Kim said (WB8IOW) Jerry was taking minutes tonight since (KB8QNT)
       Debbie was unavailable for the meeting. Jerry was asked to read
       the minutes of the last meeting, as provided by KB8QNT. There
       were a couple minor corrections to the minutes.

       TREASURERS REPORT
       -----------------
       (KE8FK) Ed gave the following figures: Balance last month
       1948.10, Inflows 58.06, Outflows 583.13, leaving a balance of
       1423.03. While visiting the Dayton Hamfest,  Ed purchased the
       dual band transceiver for the club raffle in October, during the
       GRANT A.R.C. picnic. The radio, a Kenwood "COOL-BLUE" cost
       $ 465.64.

       Additionally, Ed and (N8HIA) Barbara purchased a plastic box for
       the new club canopy. Ed also made a small payment to Wohlers
       Insurance for additional equipment. (Ed will add the canopy to
       the club inventory, for insurance purposes).

       DUAL BAND TRANSCEIVER RAFFLE
       ----------------------------
       The DeForest A.R.C. will raffle the transceiver in October.
       (KF8RC) Lucius made a motion to send 12 tickets to all club
       members, maximum of 24 per family. The tickets are to be $1 each
       or 6 tickets for $5.  A letter should accompany the tickets to
       ask the members to sell (or buy) the tickets. The letter should
       ask the members to return any unsold tickets.

       Linda Larter seconded the motion. Motion passed. Lucius asked
       that Jerry take charge of ticket distribution. Jerry said he
       would help but felt it might be the secretary's job. During the
       discussion that followed, it was pointed out that since the money
       was to be turned over to the treasurer, it should be coordinated
       by Ed. Jerry will provide mail labels to Ed for the mailing.

       (KC8HFV) George motioned that the club purchase 1500 tickets
       recognizing many will not be sold but that all members should get
       a chance to sell (or buy) the same number tickets. Motion
       seconded by (KC8JZH) Steve. Motioned passed.

       FIELD DAY REPORT
       ----------------
       Kim asked (KA8EKC) Richard for a Field Day report. Richard asked
       how many have their antennas ready. KE8FK and KC8HFV responded
       that they have theirs ready. Kim asked Richard to confirm the
       6:00 PM eating time for the covered dish picnic on June 27th, at
       the Field Day site. Kim mentioned the annual tradition (last
       several years) of meeting at the West Union McDonald's for
       breakfast at 8:30. Following that participants would go to
       the Field Day site to start setting up for the big event.

       Richard asked Jerry if he had necessary forms for reporting the
       results.  Jerry said he did have the necessary paperwork. Richard
       asked Kim to copy the W1AW message and Kim agreed to do so.

       EC REPORT
       ---------
       (N8HIA) Barbara, Adams County Emergency Coordinator, was asked to
       give her report. Barbara reminded all who run weather nets to get
       reports to Jerry (Director of S.C. Ohio Severe Weather Net) and
       Jerry would forward to Barbara. She would then tabulate the
       reports and send a report to the District Emergency Coordinator
       and a copy to ARRL.

       Barbara also explained that she collects the totals of all nets
       and public service functions (such as the 4th of July parade and
       the U.S. Marines 5 mile run) so that she can tally the results.

       The information is then forwarded to the D.E.C. and then to the
       Section Emergency Coordinator (WD8MPV) Larry Solak.  The end
       result of the information is used to help save AMATEUR RADIO
       frequencies by proving to Congress the value of services provided
       to the public.

       (KF8RC) Lucius and (N8SND) Bill each added some insight to the
       potential frequency loss. Kim suggested members follow up by
       contacting their elected officials in Washington. Jerry said that
       he and Kim would be meeting with U.S. Representative Rob Portman,
       in Washington, sometime this summer.

       GMCARA
       ------
       The Greater Mason County Amateur Radio Association will host
       their picnic June 13 at the Blue Licks Battlefield State Park.
       DeForest A.R.C. members are encouraged to attend. Eating begins
       sometime around 1:00 PM or after.

       The GMCARA club will host the June picnic, and the Grant club
       will hold it's raffle. The DeForest club will host it's picnic in
       August and GMCARA will hold it's raffle. October will see the
       Grant picnic and DeForest will hold it's raffle. This is the
       first year the three clubs have combined their efforts for the
       three picnics.

       INSURANCE CLAIM
       ---------------
       Jerry reported the insurance company has again denied the claim
       for the stolen packet equipment. Although we followed all
       requests Wohlers asked for, the parent company said too long a
       period elapsed from the last known person to have the equipment
       and the police report. The claim was filed within a few days of
       the police report and Wohlers indicated, at first, they saw no
       problems with the claim. Jerry spent many hours writing letters
       and talking with Wohlers and the parent insurance company. After
       the original denial, Jerry appealed the denial twice, in writing
       and verbally. The insurance company has stated they will not pay
       anything.

       Now, Jerry suggested dropping the attempt to recover any money
       from them. Jerry asked if anyone had a problem with that. No one
       voiced a concern.

       Kim thanked Jerry for all his work trying to settle the claim.

       INVENTORY CONTROL
       -----------------
       Kim thanked (KA8EKC) Richard and (AB8AM) Mike (members of the
       Assets Management Committee) for the club inventory lists.
       Richard will add the new canopy to the list. Richard will store
       the canopy at his house.

       SPLIT THE POT
       -------------
       Ed has the split-the-pot tickets for the end of meeting drawing.


                           Refreshment break.


       Self introductions followed since it was felt some present might
       not know all present. (There was a very good turn-out for the
       meeting.)

       JULY 4th PARADE
       ---------------
       The West Lions Club contacted Kim to see if the club hams would
       possibly help with the parade this year. Several volunteers will
       be needed. Kim said the club would have a float in the parade
       again this year.  Volunteers were asked to come to the home of
       N8YWX & WB8IOW July 3rd, for a "hot-dog" cook-out and to help
       decorate the float.

       MARINE 5 MILE RUN
       -----------------
       The Marines have asked the club to help with the 5 mile run on
       July 11.  Hams need to assemble before 7:30 AM. The Marines plan
       to have a balloon Humvee on display.

       RED BUD FESTIVAL
       ----------------
       (KC8JXD) Glenna asked if we ever thought about participating in
       the Red Bud festival. She suggested setting up a booth to show
       the public how HAM RADIO works. Kim said she would contact
       KB8QNT, a member of the Chamber of Commerce. (The C.O.C. puts on
       the Redbud Festival.) Someone also mentioned the Lewis Mountain
       festival.

       TNX TO W8ZFO
       ------------
       Kim thanked (W8ZFO) Dick for all his publicity in the newspapers
       concerning the DeForest A.R.C.

       ARRL MEMBERSHIP
       ---------------
       Kim explained the benefits of an ARRL membership. A new club
       member asked to join the ARRL, another recently joined.  (KE8FK)
       Ed, our club treasurer, takes care of new and renewal ARRL
       memberships. See him for details.

       HR 3572
       -------
       Kim spoke about the "Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of
       1998".  WB8IOW has provided several area clubs with pre-addressed
       post cards to their appropriate US Representative.

       (N8SND) Bill spoke about how the US MILITARY has primary
       privileges in the 70 cm band and that they have just spent a lot
       of money on their communications systems.

       ARES ID's
       ---------
       In the near future WB8IOW will take pictures of club members
       wishing to have new ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) ID's.
       It was discussed that the club is an ARES club, and always has
       been since it was formed in 1974. Jerry asked for permission to
       buy the laminate for the ID's, (maximum of $20) Motion made by
       KF8RC and seconded by KC8JXD.

       RACES
       -----
       Kim asked KF8RC about the RACES program and ID's. Lucius said as
       far as he knew, he was RACES officer. He does not want a net
       since he feels no more than five people or so would check-in.
       KF8RC and KA8EKC will check to see if the pictures and RACES
       registration forms are still on file at the EOC (Emergency
       Operations Center ).  In any case, if the RACES ID's are made up,
       they will have to remain at the EOC when not in use.

       CLUB ID's
       ---------
       KF8RC asked if we could have picture ID's for the club. He asked
       WB8IOW what the cost would be. Jerry said the charge would be $2
       for photo ID's. Jerry will work on a new ID and submit it at a
       future meeting, probably in August. Lucius suggested club members
       would likely pay the $2.

       HAPPY FATHERS DAY
       -----------------
       Kim wished all fathers a happy FATHERS DAY.

       SPLIT-THE-POT
       -------------
       Rachel drew the winning ticket for the split the pot but when Kim
       looked at the winning ticket (WB8IOW's) she called for another
       ticket. That time KF8RC won the proceeds, $9.50. With his
       winnings, Lucius purchased a new repeater directory, and will
       donate it for a drawing to be held at the July 14th club meeting.
       (note: to make it up to Jerry, Kim gave him a $20 bill.)

       NEXT MEETING
       ------------
       JULY 14, 1998 - West Union - 7:00 PM

                 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
                    Balderdash  Answers   1, 4, 2, 4
                 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

                         HAPPY  50th ANNIVERSARY
       June 13th Earl Paquette (WA8YIQ) and Helen Paquette (KC8HGA)
       celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.  Family and friends
       gathered in Beavercreek for the celebration. Earl & Helen are the
       parents of WB8IOW and are long time members of the DeForest
       A.R.C.
                 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

                       DeFOREST A.R.C. BIRTHDATES
                            & SPECIAL EVENTS

       07-01   KB8QOZ       Stephanie Groves
       07-01   WA8YIQ       Earl Paquette
       07-03   KB8YEX       James R. Harmon
       07-04                July 4th Parade - West Union
       07-09   KB8VLF       JD Rosselot
       07-11                5 mile Marines Run
       07-12   KB8VBH       Deanna Rosselot
       07-14   7:00 PM      DeForest meeting
       07-16   KB8QMV       Karen L. Groves
       07-18   9:30 AM      Portsmouth test session
       07-21   AA8VV        Heber Clark
       07-23   KA8EKC       Richard Newbauer
       07-23   KD4LJN       Noel Kennedy
       07-25   WA8VWW       Richard D. Manley
       07-27   KA8WLH       Ray Buda
       07-29   KC8HTW       Rachel L. Miller
       07-31   KC8CXO       Ray Music
       08-01   KD4LJM       Sandy Drake
       08-02                Jeff Barr
       08-05   KB8VXC       Jr. McDaniel
       08-08   9:30 AM      Mason County test session
       08-08   KB8QNS       Ethel M. King

                 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

                           NEW VANITY FEE SET
       The vanity call sign application fee will drop to $13 effective
       September 14, 1998. That's the word from the FCC's Terry Johnson
       in the Office of Managing Director. The new fee will be for the
       ten-year term, payable at the time of application for a new,
       renewed, or reinstated license. The current vanity call sign
       application fee is $50.

       Earlier this year, the FCC had proposed dropping the fee to
       $12.90.  The actual fee was "rounded up," Johnson said.

       The FCC says it has no plans to refund the difference between the
       current fee and the new fee for applicants who submit
       applications before the new fee schedule goes into effect in
       September.

       The FCC released its revised schedule of regulatory fees for all
       services for fiscal year 1998 this week, and it's soon expected
       to be available on the FCC's Web site. The Commission is required
       to collect almost $163 million during FY 1998.

       The FCC calculated the new fee based on an expected 10,000
       applicants during FY 1998.

       Thanks "The ARRL Letter"

       The ARRL Letter is published by the American Radio Relay League,
       225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111; tel 860-594-0200;
       fax 860-594-0259.

                 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

                                  LiTZ

       LiTZ (Long Tone Zero) circuit boards available for DeForest
       A.R.C. members. Boards are for HAM use only. Contact WB8IOW,
       Jerry Paquette.  Cost: about $25. This board designed by WB8IOW.
       You add relay, case, & power supply.

                 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

       1.F  Reporting Emergencies via Auto-Patch

       If the repeater is occupied, wait for termination of the current
       transmission then come on promptly with the words, "BREAK
       BREAK FOR EMERGENCY PHONE PATCH."  Normally one of the parties
       will indicate they are standing-by for you.  If you don't have
       phone patch capability, ask for a station who can access 9-1-1
       for you, by dialing 8 9 1 1.  It is best that you talk directly
       with the emergency service operator rather than relaying through
       a third person.

       Give your CALL SIGN followed by the words "EMERGENCY PHONE
       PATCH."

       The DeForest A.R.C. repeater will allow you to dial 9-1-1 by
       transmitting the digits 8 9 1 1. To use 9-1-1, transmit 8 9 1 1,
       then drop carrier. If for any reason you are unable to get
       through via the phone patch, seek assistance from a base station
       with telephone access. Ask them to call 9-1-1 and relay the
       information.

       Don't talk until the emergency operator answers. When the
       operator responds, identify yourself as an amateur radio operator
       calling from your portable or car radio.  Pause for a few
       seconds.  If the operator seems unfamiliar with such calls advise
       them that only one of you can talk at a time.  Make your
       transmissions brief.  Most operators will be aware of this
       constraint.  Briefly describe the situation (including any known
       injuries) as well as the precise location.  You will be connected
       with the appropriate agency based on the information you give.
       Follow this procedure even though you may be certain which agency
       will handle the incident.

       When you are connected to the appropriate emergency agency,
       identify yourself again and briefly and calmly describe the
       situation, location, and other important information.

       Give the PRECISE LOCATION:  For example:  "1/4 mile west of State
       Route 247, on State Highway  32, westbound."  Or, "Northbound
       Route 41, 1/2 mile north of Dunkinsville."  Give the location
       first in  case communications should be disrupted.

       Give ESSENTIAL DETAILS.  Don't tell the operator how to handle
       the situation.  Dispatchers are trained to provide the correct
       response and they have the necessary knowledge of available
       resources.

       If asked for ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (e.g., more detailed
       description, your name, telephone number, etc.) provide it to
       the best of your ability even if you don't understand the
       necessity for it.  It may be required to determine the optimum
       response or even to provide assurance that the call is "genuine."

       NOTE:   911 EMERGENCY SERVICE IS ACCESSED BY DIALING 8-9-1-1

       NOTE:   TO REACH THE DeFOREST AMATEUR RADIO CLUB, IN AN
               EMERGENCY, REFER TO SECTION 2.H (p.31) IN THIS DOCUMENT


       An operator unfamiliar with amateur repeaters may think you are
       calling from a CB unit or a commercial mobile phone.  Explain
       that you are calling via an amateur radio repeater.  Give your
       name and a telephone number where you can be reached later. The
       9-1-1 operator can see the number displayed from any incoming
       call; since this number would be the telephone line to the
       repeater, it might well be in an area far from your reporting
       location.  This may cause confusion, and perhaps delay in
       responding to the emergency.  Do all you can to reduce the
       confusion.

       Always use GOOD JUDGEMENT when making these calls.  Keep COOL,
       speak CLEARLY, provide ACCURATE INFORMATION, and be COURTEOUS.

                         Providing Descriptions

        LOCATION OF INCIDENT ( Be as precise as possible)
        Street Name or Route Number
        House or Block Number
        Cross Streets, Intersections, Mile Markers, Landmarks
        Side of Road (i.e., Northbound, Westbound, Going from - to)


        VEHICLES (use acronym: "CYMBAL")
        Color   (If two-tone say color over color)
        Year    (1992 or '92 Ford)
        Make    (Ford, Jeep, Honda, etc.)
        Body    (Style - 2 door, Sedan, Convertible, Wagon, etc.)
        And
        License  (State and Number.  Colors if state unknown)
        ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
        Noticeable damage
        Direction of travel
        Occupants (refer to number of PERSONS and description)
        Placard information, such as 1203 (on vehicles transporting
        certain chemicals)
        (see section 1.H, on page 9 of this document)

        PERSONS  (In this order.  Omit unknown items)
        Race
        Sex
        Age
        Height
        Weight
        Hair
        Eyes
        Complexion
        Other Physical Traits (Scars, Tatoos, etc.)
        Clothing
 
               * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

                                 1998 Officers
                            President - N8YWX - Kim
                        Vice president - WD8LSN - Larry
                          Secretary - KB8QNT - Debbie
                            Treasurer - KE8FK - Ed

               * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

               PLEASE REVIEW OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS ADS, BELOW

               * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

                                 PRATHER'S IGA

                                   FOODLINER
                               107 Walnut Street
                               West Union, Ohio

                            544-2643  or  544-5488

                             Chase Prather - Owner
                             Jay Prather - Manager
                             Russ Grooms - Manager

               * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

                                  McDONALD'S

                                 FAMILY OWNED
                                 AND OPERATED
                                   BREAKFAST
                                LUNCH - DINNER

                                  WEST UNION
                                    RIPLEY
                                    PEEBLES

               * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

                                Blake Pharmacy

                                  Radio Shack

                             "On the town square,
                              in West Union, Oh"

                                (937) 544-2451

                           For special pricing, tell
                            Joey Traylor, you're a
                                 member of the
                          DeForest Amateur Radio Club
                           & give him your callsign.

               * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

                             C&D ELECTRONICS, Inc
                              Radio Shack  Dealer
                                1565 US HWY 68
                                 MAYSVILLE, KY

                                (606) 759-5027

                                      or
                           toll free (888) 759-5027


                                    MANAGER
                                    KC4UXD
                                CHUCK DOUGHMAN

                          "Experience the Difference"

                  "You've Got Questions - We've Got Answers"


                                 HAM DISCOUNT

               * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

                               BRADFORD & GUSTIN

                               INSURANCE  AGENCY

                                202 N. Pleasant
                                West Union, OH

                                (937) 544-2397

                             Jack Bradford - Agent
                                    KA8URK

                              HOME - AUTO - FARM
                                BUSINESS - LIFE
                                  RISK - HAIL
                            LIFE & HOSPITALIZATION

               * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

                                SOUTHERN HILLS
                                   EYE CARE

                             DR. HOWARD L. COVERT
                           125 S. MANCHESTER STREET
                                WEST UNION, OH
                                (937) 544-3325

                               Licensed Optician
                                  Kim - N8YWX

               * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

                              CUSTOM ELECTRONICS
                                  PEEBLES, OH
                                 937 587-5122

                          OWNED AND OPERATED BY W8ZFO

                            SALES AND INSTALLATION
                                      OF
                        DISH NETWORK SATELLITE SYSTEMS

               * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

                                COMPUTER CORNER
                             dba: K&P ELECTRONICS

                              LAMINATING SERVICE
                  3 mil, 7 mil, and 10 mil laminate available

              FCC LICENSES (10 mil. $3 for both) WINDSHIELD SIGNS
                               -usually $2 each
         CLUB ID BADGES - usually $1 each, including lapel clip AWARD
                        CERTIFICATES - usually $2 each

                          PHOTO ID - call for prices
                       (no passports or passport photos)

                              CALL (937) 544-3763

               * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


                       EDITOR E-MAIL: paquette@ieee.org