DeFOREST
AMATEUR RADIO CLUB - K8GE
P.O. Box 73 - West Union, OH 45693-0073
SERVING SOUTH CENTRAL OHIO SINCE 1974
SEPTEMBER 1998
EDITOR: WB8IOW - Jerry S. Paquette
http://www.qsl.net/k8ge
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CHILI COOKOFF OCTOBER 13
BRING YOUR PREPARED CHILI TO MEETING ROOM
BY 6:15 PM, IF POSSIBLE.
JUDGING (& SAMPLING) BEGINS AT 6:30
FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT BRING CHILI,
JOIN US AT 6:30 PM FOR THE MEAL!
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
The first real rain I have seen in several weeks took place on the
way to the GCARA Communications Expo 98. Those in the flea market
area outside had to cover their goods with each downburst, but I
didn't hear too many complaints about the wet weather.
With drought-like conditions here in Southern Ohio plaguing the end
of our summer and destroying crops, you'd think it would take some
doing to act out this year's SET (Simulated Emergency Test) drill on
October 3. Not so for Adams County Hams, as we recall all too well
the devastation caused by the March 1997 flooding.
Though we were fortunate in that most normal modes of communication
remained intact, we did see a severe overloading of the phone system
and many of you recall the National Guard's problems with their cell
phones and radio equipment. That is where we were able to be of
assistance as communicators.
In addition to the tactical types of communications we do locally,
it is important that we establish links with the outside so that if
communication as we know it becomes inoperable, information can
still be exchanged between our county and surrounding counties,
state EMA or other outlets as needed. That is what we will be
focusing on during this year's drill.
We need everyone to send a formal message (traffic) to someone
either inside the state or outside the state. Your message can be of
a personal nature or a message simply stating "Test Message I am
working an emergency drill in Adams County on amateur radio." During
this drill, your message should include the handling instructions
HXB 24 indicating that if it is not delivered with 24 hours, the
message is to be canceled. Of course, you should include the time.
The drill will begin at 10:00 am and end at 12:00 noon, October 3rd
on our primary frequency of 147.00. We hope that many of you will
have the opportunity to check in to this very important emergency
drill and be ready to send and receive traffic. It is good practice
and something we should all know how to do. We'll be making
announcements on our Thursday night nets and if you have any
questions, as always, feel free to call or catch me on the air. If
you need message handling forms and/or instruction, let Barb, N8HIA
(544-2585) or me (544-3763) know.
THANK YOU!
'73 Kim N8YWX
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Minutes of September meeting were not available
for the newsletter at press time, September 24.
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OLE!! IT'S A CHILI COOKOFF!
The heat will be on during the next meeting of the DeForest Amateur
Radio Club as everyone brings their best pot of Chili to both enjoy
and compete in the annual Chili Cookoff! It just gets better every
year as we get to sample some of the best chili this side of the Rio
Grande. Anyone can enter, but be prepared because everyone asks for
the recipe! If you like to share, you might write it down and make
copies. In fact, we like to publish the winning recipes in the
newsletter if the cooks don't mind. Judges this year will be the
three amigos: W8ZFO, Dick; KC8HFV, George; and AB8AM, Mike. We have
already had one prize donated for one of the top three winners,
so... bring on the Chili!
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PICNIC OCTOBER 10, 12:00 PM,
EAT AT 1:00 PM
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JOTA
The DeForest ARC will again be participating in Jamboree on the Air
(JOTA) as we set up at the Lorenz Farm on Saturday, October 17th.
This annual event is a wonderful opportunity to introduce the hobby
we love to our young people and future hams. Each year, more than
40,000 Scouts get together on the air and make their first contact.
This year, the Girl Scout Council has asked for our help and we will
be set up between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to demonstrate this wonderful
hobby! Those who can help out for part of the day or all day will be
appreciated. I know we had some volunteers at the last monthly
meeting and we can always use more! We anticipate setting up at
least two HF stations and working 2 meters as well. We plan to
operate on the suggested JOTA frequencies of 3.740/3.940 on 80
meters, 7.290 on 40 meters and 14.290 on 20 meters.
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NO CODE TECHNICIAN CLASSES
& 5 WPM MORSE CODE CLASSES
Ohio Valley Vocational School
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
following dates:
10-15, 10-20, 10-22, 10-27, 10-29,
11-03, 11-05, 11-12, 11-17, 11-19
(no class on 11-10 since
that is a meeting night.
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SMILE
From: Harley Maines NF8G
Smiling is infectious, : ) : ) : )
you catch it like the flu, : ) : ) : )
: ) : ) : ) : )
When someone smiled at : ) : ) : )
me today, I started smiling too. : ) : )
: ) : ) : ) : ) : )
I passed around : ) : ) : )
the corner, and someone saw my grin - : ) : )
: ) : ) : ) : )
When he smiled I : ) : ) : ) : )
realized, I'd passed it on to him . : ) : )
: ) : ) : ) : ) : )
I thought about : ) : ) : )
that smile, then I realized its worth, : ) : )
: ) : ) : ) : )
A single smile, just like : ) : ) : )
mine, could travel round the earth. : ) : )
: ) : ) : ) : ) : )
So, if you feel a smile : ) : ) : )
begin, don't leave it undetected - : ) : )
: ) : ) : ) : ) : )
Let's start an epidemic : ) : ) : )
quick and get the world infected ! : ) : )
: ) : ) : ) : ) : )
~ author unknown
: ) : ) : ) : ) : )
Keep the smile going! Pass this on to a friend,
someone that needs a smile!!!
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OHIO
HAM OF THE YEAR
(excerpted from OHIO SECTION JOURNAL,
FALL 1998 - Editor. Ron Griffin, N8AEH)
David L. Kersten, N8AUH is about to complete a record-setting four
terms as Ohio's Section Manager. Former SM John Haungs, W8STX,
presented Dave the award at the September 12 Ohio Section Meeting,
in Columbus, Ohio.
"Throughout my terms, I have been blessed with the tremendous
cooperation and assistance of my cabinet officer," said Dave on
accepting the award, "and I've always appreciated the friendliness
and cooperation of all hams throughout the Section."
Dave's term ends September 30. Starting October 1, the new Section
Manager will be Joe Phillips K8QOE. Joe's address is 2800 Jupiter
Drive, Fairfield, OH 45014. E-mail:jphillips@phs.princeton.k12.oh.us
One of Dave's last duties was to announce (on the OSSBN 4:15 net,
Sept. 21) the passing of N2NS, Paul Krugh.
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Simulated Emergency Test
by N2NS, Paul Krugh
editors note: In the recent past, N2NS has provided me, WB8IOW,
with many e-mail letters about ham radio. Some were copies of e-mail
sent to other hams, and a few were intended for use in our
newsletter. Paul was a recipient of our newsletter and recently two
pieces used in our newsletter were provided by N2NS. Paul passed
away September 20, 1998 following a massive heart attack while on
vacation. It is with the greatest respect of Paul that this article,
and one more, in the future, describing OHVOAD, will be presented in
this newsletter.
"Jerry, FYI--- this is my letter to Marwood Hallet I spoke of in
Columbus. Feel free to use in whole or excerpt for your club
newsletter. Thanks, 73, Paul, N2NS"
From: Paul Krugh, N2NS, ARRL
To: Marwood Hallet, OHVOAD
This year, the ARRL annual nationwide Simulated Emergency Test (SET)
will be held on the weekend of October 3 and 4. During this test,
we will have statewide and local nets activated to handle simulated
emergency communications traffic.
During Saturday, October 3, station W8SGT at OHEMA will be manned by
the Central Ohio Amateur Radio Emergency Service (COARES) and will
be aided by the Central Ohio Traffic Net (COTN) of the ARRL National
Traffic System (NTS). This is to handle incoming test traffic to
OHEMA EOC.
The Ohio Single Sideband Net, a section net of the ARRL National
Traffic System, along with other statewide nets, will be activated
and used to handle simulated emergency, priority and welfare traffic
into, out of and throughout Ohio.
The Ohio Single Sideband Net will operate on its daily frequency of
3.9725 MHz (80 meters). Aside from this test, this net operates 365
days a year at 10:30 AM, 4:15 PM and 6:45 PM.
We invite OHVOAD agencies to participate by formulating test
messages to be handled by our operators, stations and nets. More on
this later.
Regards.
73, Paul, N2NS
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DeFOREST A.R.C.
BIRTHDAYS & SPECIAL EVENTS
10-02 KB8VBJ Sheila Starcher
10-04 WB8UJM Al Norris
10-05 KB8AMX Eldon O'Cull
10-10 PICNIC - LAKE WAYNOKA
12:00 PM, eat at 1:00 PM
10-13 > > 6:30 PM < < DeForest meeting -
CHILI CONTEST
10-25 N8SND Bill Mangus
10-26 WD8LSN Larry Cobb
10-27 KB8QNR Norma Jean Boone
10-29 KC8HYZ Darlene Call
10-29 AB8AM Mike Bailey
10-31 9:30 AM Mason County test session
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DeFOREST A.R.C. HAMS
PARTICIPATE IN HOSPITAL DRILL
September 23rd thirteen members of the DeForest A.R.C. participated
in the Adams County Hospital drill.
Those involved were: Assistant Emergency Coordinator, Kim Paquette
N8YWX, Jerry Paquette WB8IOW, Bill Mangus N8SND, and Karen Groves
KB8QMV, all communicators, and all representing the Adams County
EMA, tailing key hospital staff. All four were also drill
evaluators. The frequency used was 146.52 MHz.
Vondon Applegate KJ8I represented the Adams County EMA and was a
drill evaluator.
The West Union Fire Chief, Jack Bradford KA8URK, and firemen George
Larter KC8HFV, Steve Downey KC8JZH, Jeff Phelps KC8HFZ , Shannon
Potts (no call), all members of the DeForest A.R.C. and the West
Union Fire Department.
(The following are ACH Staff.)
Dr. Bruce Ashley, KC8BWJ, Emergency Department Medical Director and
Adams County Hospital Emergency Preparedness Disaster Chairman.
Saundra Stevens KC8FCG, Emergency Department Manager and Safety
Officer.
Elbert Nehus, KC8FCH, Plant Maintenance Manager
The drill was a fire in the West wing of the hospital which resulted
eventually in a complete evacuation of staged patients. (Actual
patients were not included in the drill.) About thirty-one teenagers
helped as patients, dressed in hospital gowns.
The drill started at 5:30 PM and was over, including the post drill
evaluation, by 8:20 PM.
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copied from
"The ARRL Letter"
September 18, 1998
The ARRL Answer Man -- WA1PIX: The newest member of the ARRL
Laboratory staff is Technical Information Service (TIS) Coordinator
George Beloin, WA1PIX. A native of Bridgeport, Connecticut, Beloin
says he cut his electronic incisors at an early age. When the other
kids were learning to ride bicycles, he was teaching himself how to
solder.
A ham since 1971, he holds an Extra class ticket. He's worked in
electronics as a troubleshooting tech, engineering aide, and other
positions. Besides ham radio, he enjoys astronomy, music, and
skiing. "I see my position here as a chance to help people
understand what I do about electronics -- or at least help us both
to learn together," he said. If you've got a tough ham radio or
electronics problem or question, give George Beloin a call at 860-
594-0214; e-mail gbeloin@arrl.org (he prefers questions via e-mail)
or write Technical Information Service, ARRL, 225 Main St,
Newington, CT 06111.
For members and nonmembers alike,
The ARRL Letter also is available
free of charge from the ARRL Web page,
http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/.
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LAST CHANCE CLUB PICNIC
The Grant ARC of Brown County cordially invites the members of the
DeForest ARC to a picnic on October 10th at beautiful Lake Waynoka.
What a great opportunity to visit with friends we talk to over
the air. The first two picnics hosted by Greater Mason County and
then DeForest were very enjoyable and we look forward to another
great day of friendships made and others renewed!
Talk in frequency will be on the 146.730 repeater. Plan to arrive
around noon or so and the picnic lunch will begin at 1:00.
This beautiful weather we have been having can't last forever,
so this may be our last chance for a wonderful outdoor event like
a picnic!
For information, feel free to check into the Grant ARC net on
Sunday evenings at 9:00 PM. In fact, September NCS is N8YWX,
so hop on and say howdy! As guests, we have not been asked to
bring a covered dish. However, if there is a special something
you just can't wait to try....well, we won't turn you away!
Hope to see you there!
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DeForest A.R.C. Chili-fest
Bring your chili to the meeting,
October 13, by 6:15 PM
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SAMPLE TRAFFIC TO ADAMS COUNTY EC - N8HIA
Number: 1 (1 if first message, 2 if 2nd, etc.)
Precedence: Routine
Handling Instructions: HXB24
Station of Origin: K8GE (your callsign OR that of HAM who
originates message)
Check: 14 (there are 14 words below, in text)
Place of Origin: West Union Ohio (not necessarily location
of station of origin)
Time filed: 1830 (example represents 6:30 PM and is
optional)
Date filed: October 3 (spell out month, do not add
the year)
Address of recipent: Barbara Lock N8HIA
(most cases include complete address AND
phone number)
Text: Test message I am working
an emergency drill in Adams
County on Amateur Radio
Signature: your name and callsign
(not counted as words in text)
Every formal radiogram message originated and handled should
contain the following component parts in the order given
I. Preamble
a. Number
(begin with 1 each month or year)
b. Precedence (R, W, P or EMERGENCY)
c. Handling Instructions (optional, see text)
d. Station of Origin (first amateur handler)
e. Check (number of words/groups in text only)
f. Place of Origin
(not necessarily location of station of origin.)
g. Time Filed (optional with originating station)
h. Date (must agree with date of time filed)
II. Address
As complete as possible, include zip code and telephone number.
III. Text
Limit to 25 words or less, if possible.
IV. Signature
Use prowords instead of prosigns, but it is not necessary to
name each part of the message as you send it. For example,
the above message would be sent on phone as follows:
"Number one routine HX Bravo 24 K8GE
(use your own callsign, not K8GE) fourteen West Union Ohio
one eight three zero october three Barbara Lock amateur
call N8HIA Break
Test message I am working an emergency drill in Adams County on
Amateur Radio Break (your name goes here) End of Message Over."
"End of Message" is followed by "More" if there is another
message to follow, "No More" if it is the only or last message.
Speak clearly (or pause frequently) so that the receiving
station can get fills. Spell phonetically all difficult or
unusual words--do not spell out common words.
Do not use cw abbreviations or Q-signals in phone traffic
handling.
Precedences
The precedence will follow the message number. For example,
On phone, "Two Zero Seven, Routine (or Emergency)."
Emergency--Any message having life and death urgency to any
person or group of persons, which is transmitted by
Amateur Radio in the absence of regular commercial facilities.
This includes official messages of welfare agencies during
emergencies requesting supplies, materials or instructions
vital to relief of stricken populance in emergency areas.
During normal times, it will be very rare.
On cw, RTTY and other digital modes this designation will
always be spelled out. When in doubt, do not use it.
Priority--Important messags having a specific time limit.
Official messages not covered in the Emergency category.
Press dispatches and other emergency-related traffic not
of the utmost urgency. Notifications of death or injury in
a disaster area, pe rsonal or official.
Welfare--A message that is either a) an inquiry as to the
health and welfare of an individual in the disaster area
b) an advisory or reply from the disaster area that
indicates all is well should carry this precedence,
which is abbreviated W on cw. These messages are handled
after Emergency and Priority traffic but before Routine.
Routine--Most traffic normal times will bear this designation.
In disaster situations, traffic labeled Routine (R on cw)
should be handled last, or not at all when circuits are busy
with Emergency, Priority or Welfare traffic.
Handling Instructions (Optional)
HXA--(Followed by number) Collect landline delivery
authorized by addressee within....miles.
(If no number, authorization is unlimited.)
HXB--(Followed by number) Cancel message if not delivered
within....hours of filing time; service originating station.
HXC--Report date and time of delivery (TOD) to
originating station.
HXD--Report to originating station the identity of station
from which received, plus date and time. Report identity
of station to which relayed, plus date and time, or if
delivered report date, time and method of delivery.
HXE--Delivering station get reply from addresses,
originate message back.
HXF--(Followed by number) Hold delivery until....(date).
HXG--Delivery by mail or landline toll call not required.
If toll or other expense involved, cancel message and
service originating station.
For further information on traffic handling, consult the
Public Service Communications Manual or the ARRL
Operating Manual, both published by ARRL.
Presented by the
DeForest
Amateur Radio Club, K8GE
September 1998.