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D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. January 3, 1999 (.338)
by Ken Harris WA8LLM (304) 679-3470 (HOME) or 428-9980 (WORK)
WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS, P.O. BOX 3328, PARKERSBURG, WV 26103
D.A.R.E.N. News, are articles and information about the Digital Amateur Radio
"Emergency" Network of WV, which operates on 145.69 Mhz. Anyone having any
information about DAREN or Amateur Radio in general, and would like to share
it with others, may send it to WA8LLM @ PKBGWV on 145.69 Mhz. Outside of the
DAREN system, on the regular Nation Wide BBS System, it may be sent to WA8LLM
@ WA8OMR.WV.USA.NA. D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV is posted on several High Memory
DAREN PBBS', and on the regular BBS system @ ALLWV. A State Wide DAREN NET is
operated every Saturday from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. NET Announcements, showing
the MAIN NCS, ALTERNATE NCS, NODEs accessible to both, and the previous week's
check-ins, are posted by Thursday on most of the Main county DAREN PBBS'.
We made it through another year and there's snow on the ground. On Friday
when the weather service said we would be getting a severe winter storm on
Saturday, I begin to think of what might happen when and if gets here. The
first thing every Amateur Radio Operator needs to think about is his own home
and family and what could happen. What happens if the power goes off. Have
you got a generator to provide the needed power to keep your home liveable?
How about chains for your vehicle in case you have to go somewhere to get food
supplies? Sit down and think of what could happen and then you should be able
to be free to provide communications to other agencies and organizations that
need the help without having to worry about problems at home.
Ted W8KVK posted the following message on a PBBS on 145.09 Mhz in Parkersburg:
MSG#896 12/28/98 14:26:55 FROM W8KVK TO ALL
SUBJECT: RACES Equip Funding
Federal 'State & Local Assistance' (SLA) funds are again expected to be
available this fiscal year to fund equipment purchases for bona fide RACES
organizations. RACES 'radio base stations' and 'packet radio terminal
equipment' are SPECIFICALLY mentioned as eligible for funding. Grants require
50% local matching funds. Application info is available through your County
EMA/DSA office, or via packet mail request at W8KVK v JCO or ATHENS on 145.09
mHz. For Ohio Counties, the submission deadline is February 13, 1999.
Federal Funding was, in part, how some of the DAREN station were able to be
installed in counties when the funding was last available. If you would like
to get a DAREN station installed in your county, you should talk to your
County Emergency Services Director and see if Federal Funding is, or will be
available. For about three years when DAREN first got started, the State
Office of Emergency Services made communications the highest priority for
Federal Revenue Funding, and DAREN was the highest priority in communications.
If your county Emergency Services has a RACES organization you should check
into this. One thing I have learned is don't be afraid to ask if there is
funding available, you might just be surprised.
I have received a short list of Volunteer Examination (VE) test schedules for
1999. As soon as I get enough to put together a list I will start posting it
on the high memory PBBS' under the title "EXAM". Send me the dates, times,
contact person and telephone numbers so we can get the list posted. I know
that most of the Hamfests have testing, I need them too.
There were 101 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. Lynn AI8I who
has been checking in since November 8, 1992 has now completed 250 check-ins,
Georgia N3TGL who has been checking in since April 22, 1995 has completed 150
check-ins, Cal N8RNY who has been checking into the net since June 29, 1996
has completed 100 check-ins, and Larry who has been checking into the net
since September 13, 1997 has completed 50 check-ins each. All of these
station will be receiving there certificates. Bob KB8QKY and Frank WA8LFZ
need only one more check-in each to make 100 check-ins.
73 Ken WA8LLM
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D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. January 10, 1999 (.339)
Now that Winter has officially made it, and the snow keeps coming and coming,
it's time to remind everyone that this is one of the times of the year the
DAREN system could come in handy. Heavy snow, freezing rain, and ice have a
tendency to disrupt power and telephone communications by breaking power lines
and telephone cables. There are several NODEs on the DAREN system, and they
allow access to most of the state and emergency dispatch centers. If at any
time the Governor of the State declares a State of Emergency, either for the
whole state or just an area or county, the weekly State Wide DAREN Net won't
be in operation. We don't want to take a chance of interfering with emergency
traffic that may have to be passed. If at any time an area does have an
emergency and the operators need more space in the PBBSs they are using,
please feel free to delete the DAREN Net Announcements or any News or other
non-emergency messages if necessary.
One thing about being on a hilltop, you can see a lot of NODEs in the state.
Over the last week or so I've been watching an " station going
through one of the DAREN NODEs, connecting to a Nationwide Buy, Sale, Trade,
Etc. type BBS in Pennsylvania. The SYSOPs of DAREN NODEs need to keep an eye
on their NODEs and discourage that type of use.
With all of the talk about the Y2K problem coming up at the end of the year
everyone is checking everything that is computer controlled or has a
microprocessor in it. Phil K8MHR has done some tests on the Kantronics KPC-3
TNC and says that it is Year 2000 compatible. The biggest problem that most
computers will have is not recognizing the year "00". Most computer will only
recognize the years after "84", which is when most computer for home and small
business use started growing. A lot of people are worried that the world will
come to an end if their computer is not Y2K compatible, but what did we do
before computers. The human factor will just have to come back into play.
Everyone knows there's a problem that may happen at the end of the year, so if
your utility bills are much higher then they should be, I'm sure the utility
companies will work with you the get them straightened out, the world won't
come to an end.
David KB4LCI, who is the EC for Pocahontas County and NWS CO-OP told me what
they do with the PBBSs in his area. They post activities, bad weather, band
openings, etc., all of which are Amateur Radio Related. They use the NODEs in
that area for Keyboard-to-Keyboard communications when direct contact in not
available, which is most of the time.
There were 99 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. I forgot to put
Larry's call, W8UB, in the News when he made 50 check-ins last week, sorry
about that Larry. Bob KB8QKY, who's been checking into the net since November
16, 1996, and Frank WA8LFZ, who's been checking in since November 13, 1993
have both reached their 100 check-ins and will be receiving their
certificates. There was one new check-in to the net this week, and I want to
welcome Mike KC8COJ to the DAREN system.
73 Ken WA8LLM
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D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. January 17, 1999 (.340)
I received a telephone call this week from Mac W8XF who is the new Section
Emergency Coordinator (SEC) for the Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) in
West Virginia. Mac has asked me to be an Assistant SEC, and said he would
like to see a DAREN NODE in every county in the state. Mac who is also the
coordinator for the state Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) would like
to have an APRS Digipeater that would cover the entire length of each of the
Interstates in West Virginia which include I-64, I-77, and I-79. Anyone
wishing to help with these projects can contact Mac W8XF @ CHASWV for APRS or
me WA8LLM @ PKBGWV for DAREN. By making each of these system grow will allow
better coverage of both emergency communications and vehicle location systems
in West Virginia. Mac would also like to get an active Emergency Coordinator
(EC) for each county in the state.
Lynn AI8I ask me how the Kantronics KPC-3 TNC would act at the end of the year
when it goes over to the year 2000. I set up a TNC with the command of DA
991231235900, which is for the date and time of December 31, 1999 at 23:59:00,
and waited for it to change. One minute later when I ask for the date, using
the command of "DA" the date was 01/01/00. The TNC didn't care anything about
the "00"", it just went right on counting. The only change we'll run into,
and we'll just have to get used to, is seeing such low dates like "00" "01",
and "02". After a few years of seeing such dates, it will be like seeing the
dates "96" "97", and "98". The only major problem, which isn't that big a
deal, is when a TNC is first turned on, the date and time will be 01/01/00
00:00:01. For the year 2000 it will be hard to distinguish when a message has
been left on a PBBS. If the date command, on the TNC, was not set when the
NODE/PBBS was put in service, you won't know, for sure, when a message was
posted. There are a few NODE/PBBSs on the DAREN system that have not had the
dates set at the present time. So some of them have dates that look like the
year 2000 has already arrived you can't tell how long a message has been on
the PBBS. So if you're the SYSOP of a DAREN NODE/PBBS, or any other system,
you might want to set the date and time on the station.
Phil K8MHR gave me a report on the Putnam County NODE/PBBS PUTNWV/HURCWV. It
was off the air for a short time this week. The PUTNWV/HURCWV is co-located
with the NODE "HURC" which operates on 145.05 Mhz, and both stations were off
the air. It seems the battery that was used for backup power went bad and
burnt up the 35 amp power supply. Both stations are back on the air with
another power supply, but the backup battery needs to be replaced.
There were 93 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. There was one
new callsign that checked into the net and that was W8WWF. I have a feeling
that it may be a vanity call. As soon as I find out who it is I'll update the
net records. If it's a vanity call and it's a first time check-in I want to
welcome them to the DAREN system. Thanks to all of those who check into the
net each week.
73 Ken WA8LLM
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D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. January 24, 1999 (.341)
Last week I mentioned that Mac W8XF was trying to get more activity in ARES,
well this week I got a letter and some ARRL forms from him so he can get his
records up to date. I talked to Charlie WB8NSL, the EC in Ritchie County, and
he too got a letter from Mac. With several changes and turnovers in Amateur
Radio, now might be the time to set down and get reorganized. It will take me
awhile to get my paper work back to Mac since I too need to get the Amateurs in
Wood County registered again, and hope to pick up some new ones. When your DEC
or EC asks if you're interested in joining the ARES group, sign up and try to
get involved. Get involved in training in Emergency Communications, SKYWARN,
APRS, DAREN, Traffic Handling, Net Control Stations, Public Safety, and Public
Service. It may come in handy some day, and you'll be glad you did.
Juddie KC8CON sent me a message awhile back and told me that even though the
PARC Packet Net that he operates every Thursday evening on 145.09 Mhz is small,
he feels it's still worth it. I feel the same way that Juddie does about
running a DAREN Packet Net. There might not be much traffic handled on Packet
on a regular basis, but when the time comes, those who check into the Packet
nets every week will feel comfortable about sending their messages by Packet.
Last Winter when Juddie was without power for about a week, he was still able
to communicate using nothing but a portable laptop computer and low power
radio. He was able to use voice communications, but that was limited by the
range of the repeaters he was working through. On Packet as long as you can
get to any of the NODEs on a system, you can connect to almost any place.
Bob W3RUA brought to my attention a problem and that he is running into, and
that is the DELETING of messages that are sent as BULLETINs. Only the SYSOP,
or at least the callsign of the NODE or PBBS, who may not even be on Packet,
the originator of the BULLETINs, or someone who has the SYSOP password can
DELETE the BULLETINs. Be sure that if you post a message that uses the "SB"
instead of "ST", that you go back and DELETE your BULLETINs after you are
finished with them.
There were 93 check-ins again this week to the State Wide DAREN Net. The one
new callsign last week wasn't a new one after all. Cal N8RNY changed his call
to W8WWF. There were two calls this week that I don't know who to give credit
to. The calls are "NOCALL" and "HEAD". If you forgot to check your callsign
before checking into the net, and it is one of the above, or you don't see your
call on the net announcement this coming week that will be posted by Thursday,
send me a message so that I can get you check-in records corrected.
73 Ken WA8LLM
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D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. January 31, 1999 (.342)
Juddie KC8CON says the Fayette County ARES group are still trying get to the
911 Center to relocate the FAYEES NODE antenna on their tower. They should be
able to raise the antenna 15 or 20 feet with adding new coax. The Fayette
County ARES is working with their County Commission in hopes of purchasing
additional radio equipment for the radio room. They would like to purchase a 2
Meter voice station, a power supply, feed line and antenna, a Yaesu FT-8040 or
Icom 707 STATION, INCLUDING A POWER SUPPLY, FEED LINE AND ANTENNA, A YAESU FT-
840 OR ICOM 707, and a B&W Folded Dipole Antenna. The County Commission has
set aside the money for the equipment, but there is still a problem on what
kind of equipment the commission wants to purchase. Juddie also says the 21st
annual Fayetteville Hamfest will be held on February 28th, 1999. The Hamfest
will start at 9:00 am. One of the door prizes will be a Dual Band Mobile.
They haven't come up with the rest of the prizes yet. I'm planning on going to
the Hamfest myself, it's been a couple of years since I have been there.
Juddie also upgraded to Advanced Class License last week, Congratulations
Juddie.
The last time I talked to Mac W8XF the Section Emergency Coordinator for West
Virginia we talked about his radio club applying for IRS 501c3 Tax Exempt
status. He already has an organization that's willing to donate to his club if
and when they get the exemption. I don't know how many Amateur Radio Clubs
have 501c3 in West Virginia, but there's a lot of help from money donating,
charitable organizations by having a tax exempt status. There are a few items
that you have to have and do before and after you have your status letter, but
they are easy. The one good thing about having tax exempt status is the IRS
Tax Return at the end of the year. "IF" your club, group, or organization
normally has less than $25,000 dollars a year income, all you have to do is
address the tax form, sign it, and send it in. In 1996, our group, Wood County
Emergency Communications Inc. applied for IRS 501c3 and got it within six
months. You don't need a lawyer to help you apply for the status, just get the
necessary forms and start in.
I got a telephone call from Don KB8WHW last night and he wanted to let me know
about the Hamfest at Hagerstown, MD on May 2, 1999. He will be mailing me a
flyer so I can have all the information.
The Jackson County Amateur Radio Club will also be holding their Hamfest in
Ripley, WV on May 2, 1999. I don't have my flyer in front of me right now, but
I think they will be having ARRL VE Testing at the Hamfest.
There were at least 85 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. There
was a small computer glitch just a little after 9:26 pm last night and I may
have lost a couple check-ins. If you checked into the net after 9:26 pm and
you don't see your call on the list when the Net Announcement is posted by
Thursday February 4th let me know so I can correct your check-in records.
Julie KB8SYE needs only one more check-in to make 100. Dave KB8OHW needs only
one more check-in to make 99.
73 Ken WA8LLM
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D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. February 7, 1999 (.343)
Juddie KC8CON says he's getting ready to apply for the Tax Exempt status 501c3
for the Mountain Packet Association. After I looked over the paper work that I
did when we applied, I found that it took less than six months from the time we
applied, till we had the Tax Exempt Letter in hand. Juddie says the Mountain
Packet Association, Inc. had their first meeting of 1999 on January 29th. They
picked up a another new member in the club, bringing their membership to 11.
The club got it's affiliation with the ARRL back last fall. They also have
their own webpage. The address is: http://members.spree.com/mtnpacket. He
says the club is small, but he's heard they are known by several packetteers.
At the meeting they discussed some goals for 1999. One of the first goals was
to switch out the TNC's of MTNWEB (which is a KPC-3 with a 100k mailbox) with
the MTNPAC TNC (which is a KPC-2 with only a 7k mailbox). The feeling was
mutual that the MTNPAC node is a node specifically for the club and should have
the larger mailbox so bulletins and club info can be posted there. The second
goal is to put up a switching node, like N8JXO-2, to go from 145.09 Mhz to
145.01 Mhz. They have heard there are packetteers who would like to get on
145.09 Mhz down his direction, but only operate on 145.01 Mhz. Sometime in the
very near future they should have a switching node located where MTNNIC is now.
A third goal that was put out for discussion was an APRS Digipeater in Nicholas
County. He says that after his experience with APRS back in the Spring of
1997, the tracking of the Kanawha Valley Balloon launch, he discovered that
there were no APRS Digipeaters in his area of the State. Last but not least,
they are discussing the placing of a full service BBS in Fayette or Nicholas
Counties. Juddie says that he wants to contact the ARES EC in Clay Roy
Turman KC8QQ about getting a DAREN Node in Clay County. Juddie sent me a list
of NODE/PBBS stations that are sponsored by the Mountain Packet Association.
Most of the stations are not owned by the organization, but are donated for
their use. The Mountain Packet Network operates on 145.09 Mhz.
NODE=MTNPAC/PBBS=MTNMSG, NODE=MTNNIC/PBBS=RICHWV,
NODE=MTNWEB/PBBS=WEBSTR, NODE=SUGRDG/PBBS=SGMAIL,
NODE=GOBNOB/PBBS=GBMAIL, and NODE/DIGI=EAGLE with no
PBBS. (continued next week)
There were 95 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. I must have been
asleep last week when I wrote the DAREN News. I said that Julie KB8SYE needed
only one more check-in to make 100, when it should have said 200, and Dave
KB8OHW needed only one more check-in to make 99, when it should have said 100.
I also corrected the records of three out of the four stations that told me
they had checked into the net, which has a small computer glitch on January
30th, but weren't on the list. One of the stations was already on the list.
Julie KB8SYE who has been checking into the net since January 21, 1995 made her
200th check-in this week. Dave KB8OHW who has been checking into the net since
February 4, 1995 has checked in 100 times. Both of these will be receiving
their certificates shortly.
73 Ken WA8LLM
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D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. February 14, 1999 (.344)
The DAREN News is a little late this week. I've been in bed for the last four
days with some kind of Flu that I never want again.
Juddie KC8CON also told me in the message last week that sometime after the
Fayetteville Hamfest the Plateau club will be moving it's repeaters to a 280
foot tower that Cellular One has just erected approximately 150 feet from their
fire tower site. Cellular One approached him last year about acquiring a site
on Gauley Mountain to put a tower up and said that they would allow them to put
their antennas and equipment at their site if they could help get the Company a
presence on the mountain. Things finally have come together, the tower is up
and operational and all that is needed is to get the hardline and the standoffs
and start moving.
I got a flyer from Tina KB8ZQM and Don KB8WHW about the Hamfest at Hagerstown,
Maryland. The Hamfest will be held on Sunday May 2, 1999 from 8:00 am to 3:00
pm. The location will be at the Hagerstown Community College Athletic and
Recreation Building. The talk-in frequency is 147.090 (plus) repeater.
You may start seeing some activity coming from Virginia. Max W8XF says that
Dave KB4LCI is still working with the members of the Virginia Digital Emergency
Network (VDEN) and will be making some tests linking the DAREN system to the
VDEN system. The test will be for the use of ARES traffic only. Dave has been
working with VDEN people for some time and has given me some valuable
information.
Ken KB8QPW reported 93 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. Delmas
KB8SCJ and Peggy KB8SEJ who have both been checking into the net since January
14, 1995 have both reached their 200 check-in mark. Bobbie KB8TBF who's been
checking into the net since July 30, 1994 has checked in 150 times. All of
these stations will be receiving their certificates. And the other Delmas
N8JYS needs only one more check-in to make 200. I want to welcome a newcomer
to the DAREN system and that is Randy KC8KHW.
73 Ken WA8LLM
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D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. February 21, 1999 (.345)
I've been making extra copies of the "History of DAREN" and "DAREN News
Special" in preparing for the Fayetteville Hamfest. I should also have copies
of the "DAREN Path Map" with me. I may bring along a couple of demonstrations
such as how to connect four TNCs to one radio and how the "Floating System" for
battery/power supply combinations work. I've missed the last couple Hamfests,
but Juddie KC8CON has got me interested in making it this year.
I got a message from David KB4LCI and he let know the Pocahontas County NODE of
POCAEC and PBBS of FROSWV were in operation. I knew he was going to put them
on, but I didn't know when. There is a path between them and the Pendleton
County NODE PENDWV. I will try some other paths to see how they are and then
update the DAREN Path Map before I take it to Fayetteville.
Not much news this week. We were lucky up this way since we didn't get the big
snow storm they thought would hit. I guess the Beckley area got most of it,
but nothing like the one last year. I hear we are supposed to get another snow
storm this coming week. There's one thing for sure, since the Groundhog didn't
see his shadow we only had six more weeks of winter left. On the other hand if
he had seen his shadow we would have still had six more weeks if winter left.
Either way it's time to start thinking of the Spring and Summer projects that
need to be done, antenna work, tower site work, and Fieldday. If you have any
activities, Drills, Exercises, Hamfests, VE Testing session, etc. let me know
so we can get the word out.
There were 95 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. Delmas N8JYS who
has been checking into the net since January 14, 1995 has completed his 200th
check-in and will be receiving his certificate. Anna KC8JLK and Ray AA8TH need
only one more check-in each for them to receive their certificate for 50 check-
ins.
73 Ken WA8LLM
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D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. February 28, 1999 (.346)
The news is a little late getting out this week since I went to the Hamfest at
Fayetteville, West Virginia. While there I met a lot of those who use the
DAREN system and check into the weekly net. I got to meet Juddie KC8CON who
had the table ready for our demonstration of different Packet stations and
arrangements. One of the setups was how to connect four Packet Stations to one
radio. Another demonstration was a way to connect to Packet Stations operating
on different frequencies and have them cross over from one frequency to the
other. This is the arrangement that Juddie and the Mountain Packet Association
is wanting so they can put together the stations tooss over from 145.09 Mhz
to 145.01 Mhz and visa versa. After building a mock up of the cross over
system and looking at how four Terminal Node Controllers (TNC) can be hooked up
to one radio, the idea came on how to tie four different cross over frequencies
together allowing the switching from one frequency to anyone of three other
frequencies. Later this summer we may look at doing that. Another
demonstration that was held was by Mac W8XF on how the Automatic Packet
Reporting System (APRS) works.
Lynn AI8I said he's noticed the problem with the Greenbrier County NODE/PBBS of
GREEWV/LSBGWV getting worse. For the past few weeks I have been having trouble
posting the DAREN News and the Net Announcements on it. Lynn says he will try
to keep the News and Net Announcements posted if I'm not able to do it until
the intermod of the stations gets cleared up.
For those of you who don't have enough to worry about, and are the proud owners
of the Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 100 laptop computers, I want to let you know
they ARE NOT Y2K compatible. If you set the date on one of these little
machines to the date of 12/31/1999 you will see they will turn over to the date
of 01/01/1900 after midnight. I've tried different ways to get it to read the
year 2000, but with no luck. I own several of these computers and to this date
the only thing I use them for is portable Packet, and the built-in date has NO
effect on it's operation. These little computers are great for Packet and if
you have the opportunity to pick one up because it's owner needs it to be Y2K
compatible, go for it.
While at the Hamfest Mac W8XF passed on some information about someone who took
her Novice/Technician tests on Saturday and passed them on the first try. From
what I understand it took her husband a couple of tries to get his license. I
was told the girl is Tamara Gordon, XYL of David KB4LCI. This wasn't my idea
David, but I just had to do it, Hi Hi.
There were 95 check-ins again this week's to the State Wide DAREN Net. Anna
KC8JLK who has been checking into the net since March 14, 1998 has completed
her 50 check-in and will be receiving her certificate. I want to welcome one
new station that checked into the net this week and that is Benjamin KC4ASF.
73 Ken WA8LLM
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D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. March 7, 1999 (.347)
Oops... I got a message from Juddie KC8CON that indicates that he is getting
older. After trying to connect into the PARC Net on 145.09 Mhz Thursday March
4th I left him a message asking what had happened to the net. He forgot what
day it was (first sign of old age and I can't remember what the others are).
Don't let one little mistake keep you from trying to connect into a net,
whether it be Voice, Packet, or CW. Sometimes there are circumstances that
causes things to happen, or not happen. He told me the PARC Net got a late
start February 25th because a special club meeting took place that night.
While at the Hamfest last weekend Juddie ask me to think about putting together
a Path Map for the NODEs on 145.09 Mhz like the DAREN Path Map. I think I'll
give it a try, but I'm going to need some help. While trying to connect to the
PARC Net Thursday evening I saw several stations also trying to connect in. I
started jotting down the NODEs that I could see. If I'm going to do a map for
145.09 Mhz, I might as well look at doing one for 145.01 Mhz, and maybe other
frequencies if the information is available. Send me a message on the NODEs,
PBBSs, and callsigns of stations that you can hit, or that you use on 145.09
and 145.01 Mhz, and others if you want, which ones can hit each other, so that
I can get the maps put together. If I get enough information together I'll try
to get the maps done by the Charleston Hamfest which will be March 21, 1999.
Send me any information that you have, even if you think that someone may have
already sent it in.
I got a telephone call the other day about one of the biggest supporter of the
DAREN system and who encouraged me to start the weekly State Wide DAREN Net.
That supporter is George K8QEW. I knew George was having medical problems, but
I didn't know what kind. I heard there was a message on the MARS networks
about George, but I don't have a copy of the message. If someone has a copy of
that message would you send it to me so that I can pass it on?
There were only 80 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. I don't know
how I missed it last week, but John W8DRO only needed one more check-in to make
200. Well this week John, who's been checking into the net since October 31,
1992 made his 200th check-in. Ken KB8QPW needs only one more check-in to make
250, and Vivian KA8VAH needs only one more check-in to make 200. I don't know
what happened to the net this week, for it to make such a drop. I looked at
the different paths that stations which normally check in would be coming from
and didn't see anything in common. Maybe there was just something good on
television last night. If you ever have trouble getting into a NODE which you
usually use and it seems to be down, try other NODEs, and let me know that you
had a problem. That's what the net is for, to be sure the DAREN system is up
and running if and when we need it.
73 Ken WA8LLM
===============================================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. March 14, 1999 (.348)
A couple of weeks ago a new station, KC4ASF, checked into the State Wide DAREN
Net. Ben is a coordinator of the VDEN system in Virginia. He's been working
with David KB4LCI in connecting the VDEN system to the DAREN system. From a
message that I got from David, it looks like there's a net which operates on
the VDEN system on Saturday nights at 7:00 pm. David sent me the following
information on how to check in, you might want to try it next week. The first
thing to do is get connected to KF4LGV-1 from either PENDWV or MINEWV. From
there you use the following procedure: type "C0 K4VDN-2", (that's C zero) then
"T" . This puts you in "TALK" mode so that you can QSO with the NCS. I'm not
sure how long the VDEN Net runs on Saturday. I got connected into the station,
but I didn't get any Connect TEXT or anything that indicated that I got checked
in. I wasn't able to check into the net until about almost 8:00 pm, the net
may have already been over by then. I'll give it another try next week.
I received a message from Phil K8MHR about the condition of George K8QEW. Phil
has been keeping in touch with George. It seems that George was originally
diagnosed with Osteoperosis, but as it turns out he is suffering from Lew
Gehrigs Disease. He's no longer able to get on the air since he can't go up
and down the stairs to his radio equipment. George has lost the use of his
Right Arm, his voice is giving out, and he is on oxygen at night. If you would
like to send a get well card to George, to let him know you are thinking about
him, I'm sure he would appreciate it. His address is George Puzzuole K8QEW,
3616 Morgan Drive, Weirton, WV 26062.
Jim WA8HPD who is the Volunteer Coordinator for the State Office of Emergency
Services is putting together a list of Control Operators of the Voice Repeaters
which can be linked with the 146.64 Mhz Repeater in Charleston. The 146.64
repeater is the one which the National Weather Services holds it's SKYWARN Nets
during severe weather. If you are the Control Operator for a repeater that is
able to link with the 146.64 repeater you can give the information to Jim
Steele by telephone (304) 558-5380 or leave me a message and I'll get it to
him. The information that he needs is the location of your repeater, the
frequency, your name, and any telephone numbers where you can be reached.
There were 90 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. Ken KB8QPW who's
been checking into the net since January 1, 1994, has completed 250 check-ins.
Vivian KA8VAH who's been checking in since December 4, 1993 has completed 200
check-ins. Carl AA8TH who's been checking in since August 30, 1997 has now
completed 50 check-ins. They will all be receiving their certificates. Dave
KB4LCI who's been instrumental in linking the DAREN of WV system to the VDEN
(Virginia Digital Emergency Network) system needs only one more check-in to
make 150. Bill KB8TJA needs only one more check-in to make 100. There were
two new stations that checked into the net this week and they were KB8QTH and
KC8LXE. I have a feeling the KB8QTH call may be wrong, if so I need to know so
that I can correct my records.
===============================================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. March 21, 1999 (.349)
For the next three weeks I'll be having information about the DAREN to VDEN
(Virginia Digital Emergency Network) link that David KB4LCI has put together.
DAREN to VDEN: Part 1 of 3 by KB4LCI
First of all, I would like to Thank all those who helped me out with this
venture. West Virginia S.E.C., Mac W8XF, Virginia S.E.C., Frank K4EC, George
K8QEW, Olie WD8V, Ben KC4ASF, Jim KF4LGV, Ken WA8LLM, and many others.
PURPOSE:
Several years ago, I decided to explore the packet paths which DAREN
operates on; 145.690, to where it might be possible to have a link or path into
Virginia, to where we could help each other out in times of emergencies and
disasters. With the DAREN well established, I tried various paths along our
state line. And with the assistance of the above amateurs, both long and short
paths have been made and checked out. Without the LINDND node in Virginia, re-
configured to our frequency, the short path would not be possible. The work
between both States SEC's have made this possible. This link is there in order
for amateurs to pass traffic between West Virginia and Virginia. I will say,
that there are packet BBS'es there. If this link is abused by the use of the
buy/sell/trade, etc., on the BBS'es, we WILL LOOSE THIS LINK! That is the
understanding....use it, but don't abuse it. I would suggest checking the ARES
and WX listing. And also, do a: LT , for List Traffic. This path is
monitored from both sides, including myself. So, if there is traffic, help
needed, or something to be checked, I will be glad to assist you. Same for
those on the Virginia side.
Juddie KC8CON the Mountain Packet Association is still working on the switching
NODE that will allow them to cross over from 145.09 Mhz to 145.01 Mhz. They
are planning to put an APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) DIGI in
Nicholas County. The Plateau Amateur Radio Club has decided to leave the
KC8CON-5 APRS DIGI on Gauley Mountain, since it has proven to be a benefit to
the guys in Kanawha County. They are seeing stations in Virginia they normally
can't see.
Since the Fayetteville Hamfest I've been putting together a NODE/DIGI/PBBS Path
map for those stations which operate on 145.09 Mhz. The maps are as complete
as they can be until I get additional information to update them.
Next week the Net Control Station for the State Wide DAREN Net will be Juddie
KC8CON. So remember to look over your NODE paths and find the best way to get
to him. I'm not for sure what NODEs he can hit the best, but I'll find out
before I post the Net Announcement on Wednesday.
There were 93 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. David KB4LCI
who's been checking into the net since June 3, 1993, has completed 150 check-
ins. Roger KB8TQH and William KB8TJA, who have been check into the net since
March 30, 1996, have both completed 100 check-ins. They will all be receiving
their certificates. Cathy KC8DJJ needs only one more check-in to make 150.
Last week I didn't have the name to put with the new station, KC8LXE, that
checked in, but I now have it. The call belongs to Tamara Gordon, wife of Dave
KB4LCI. There were three new stations that checked into the net this week. I
want to welcome W8VYP, KC8LYS, and KC8LEG to the DAREN system
===============================================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. March 28, 1999 (.350)
DAREN to VDEN: Part 2 of 3 by KB4LCI
The "How-To's": *** Short Paths ***
The link or path, LINDND/LINDBB, is accessed from both PENDWV and MINEWV
nodes. LINDND is the node and LINDBB is the BBS. To access, connect to either
PENDWV or MINEWV.
Then, connect to: KF4LGV-7 It will give you the usual link-made message
and that's all. Please note, VDEN does not have or use connect text, this
saves time, I guess. It will give you an indication that you have made the
link, but nothing else.
Once connected to KF4LGV-7, you can do a "jh" to see the ports and heard
listing. To connect to the BBS from the node type "BBS".
LINDxx is running MSYS for both the BBS and nodes. You can let MSYS try to
choose the port to use, or you can force it with a "Cx callsign"
where "x" is the port number.
From LINDND, you can now connect to most places in Virginia. Our interest is
VAEOC, in Richmond and VDEN, which is the nodes on VDEN.
For those of you who use the W2INO BBS which operates on 145.01 Mhz and use it
as your "HOME" BBS, you need to know that Gene has upgraded to an Extra Class
licence and changed his call. Gene's new call is N8GP. He is hoping to have
the callsigns on all of his NODEs and BBSs changed today which may effect the
way you get your mail. If you run into a problem getting connected to any of
his stations with the new call, try the old call of W2INO. He should have
every thing changed in a couple of days.
Last week at the Charleston Hamfest while talking to John N8RIG I found out
about a path that I didn't realize was there. Since the Wyoming County NODE of
WYOMWV has been gone for over a year I've been having a hard time getting
into the lower part of the state. John me there is a very good path from
the Kanawha County NODE of KANAWV to the Mercer County NODE of MERCWV. I guess
I need to practice what I preach and try different paths some times. The
purpose of the holding the weekly State Wide DAREN Net is to find which paths
are usable so that in a time of need you'll know what paths are available and
the best.
How many operators didn't read the DAREN Net Announcement this week before they
tried to connect to the Net Control Station this week. Remember, the Net
Control "WILL NOT" always be at the same location each week. From time to time
other DAREN operators want to be the Net Control Station and you need to find
another path to get to them. To find out who the NCS is for the net each week,
be sure to read the Net Announcement each week.
Even though it was a little hard getting to the NCS this week, Juddie KC8CON
reported 62 check-ins to the State Wide DAREN Net. Cathy KC8DJJ who's been
checking into the net since April 27, 1999 has completed 150 check-ins. Dot
KC8HAI, Cathy's mom, needs only one more check-in to make 100. I want to
welcome a new station, W8EMX, to the DAREN system.
===============================================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. April 4, 1999 (.351)
DAREN to VDEN: Part 3 of 3 by KB4LCI
The "How-To's": *** VDEN NET ***
The link or path, LINDND/LINDBB, is accessed from both PENDWV and MINEWV
nodes.
VDEN, like DAREN, has a Saturday night packet net. VDEN's net is at 7pm,
local time and is spear-headed by Ben, KC4ASF. The net usually lasts about 1
hour or less depending on how many check ins there are.
At 7pm or 6:55pm, connect to KF4LGV-7 via either PENDWV or MINEWV.
From KF4LGV-7, connect to NVAHUB, which is available from port 0. To
connect to NVAHUB, do: C0 K4VDN-2 or C0 NVAHUB .
Remember, there is no connect text....it will just say "link made".
Once connected to K4VDN-2 (NVAHUB), do a "T" for "talk" mode. This is how to
communicate to the NCS.
You will notice a lot of traffic back and forth, this is normal. If for some
reason, you notice that it stopped, send a "K". If the link has dropped, you
will be disconnected, if not, it will show other traffic.
If you are disconnected, re-connect again. Reason for this is too many
collisions of packets. Bear with it... the NCS will greet you and as soon as
all checked it, NCS will ask you for comments.
When you are done, do a "/ex" This gets you out of the talk mode and then
you can do the usual "B" to log off.
I finally got to check into the VDEN Net last night and made a few comments.
The net is a round table type net where you can see everyone's else's comments.
I wasn't for sure what to do first when connecting in, but I guess when you
first connect in it's best to put your name and where you're from so that
everyone knows who's on. I got connected to the net a little late and didn't
get all of the comments, but maybe I'll do better next week.
For those of you who use the 145.09 to 145.01 Mhz cross-over "N8JXO-2", in
Pleasants County, it should be back in service. The station has been very
intermittent for the past year, but we think it has been repaired. The
standing wave on both stations was very high, causing the 145.09 Mhz station to
shut down when it was transmitting. Ken KB8QPW and I went to the tower site
yesterday and worked both antennas over. The 145.01 Mhz transmitter is putting
out 30 watts with one watt reflected and 145.09 Mhz is putting out 35 watts
with about one watt reflected. Also since Friday evening there's been a
station in the Parkersburg area that has been putting out a steady stream of
data and had the frequency tied up. The signal keeps getting weaker as time
goes on and may be gone by the time you read this news. I know, why don't we
try to find where it is comeing from?, well... Dave WD8CYV has already located
the source and left a note on the door of the house, just waiting for the
people to come home, and get it shut down.
There were 88 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. My wife Dot
KC8HAI who's been checking into the net since May 3, 1997 got her 100th check-
in and will be getting her certificate. Bob N8HGL needs only one more check-in
to make 200. I want to welcome a first time check-in David N4DAW to the DAREN
system.
===============================================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. April 11, 1999 (.352)
I didn't find a message last week until I had already posted the DAREN News.
I'm sorry to announce the passing of George Puzzuole K8QEW. George passed away
Saturday Morning April 3, 1999 at his home in Weirton, West Virginia. George
was a big supporter of the DAREN System and talked me into starting the Weekly
State Wide DAREN Net. George started checking into the net on October 31, 1992
when the first net was held, and his last check-in was January 16, 1999.
George was the West Virginia ARRL Section Emergency Coordinator for over 20
years and a friend of many Amateur Radio Operators in and around West Virginia.
George was also a life time member with over 40 years of service to the MARS
program. George will be missed by many, many people.
Now that we are a week into Day Light Saving Time, have you set the time on
your TNCs on your own station plus the NODEs and PBBSs that you have on the
hilltops. This is one time of the year that I get to "reboot" the TNC and give
it a new start. After I go in the back door of the TNC and set the time, I
give the TNC a "RESET". This is a soft boot and seems to clean out any little
problems that build up from time to time.
With the coming of summer, come all of the activities such as Special Event
Stations, Field Day, and Amateur Radio demonstrations. If any one wants to be
the Net Control Station for the State Wide DAREN Net at any of these type
activities let me know and I'll mark it on the calendar. Give me a little
information on the activity and which NODEs you will be able to be connected
from.
There are a couple of Hamfests coming up in the near future. They are the
Athens County Hamfest, Athens, Ohio, Sunday April 25, 1999 from 8:00 am to 2:00
pm, and the Jackson County Hamfest, Ripley, West Virginia, Sunday May 2, 1999
from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
There were 84 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. Bob N8HGL who's
been checking into the net since October 9, 1993 has reached to 200 mark and
will be receiving his certificate. Anna KC8JWW and Mike KC8JWR need only one
more check-in each to make 50. I want to welcome a couple of first time check-
ins to the net and they are KC8INF and KC8LJS.
===============================================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. April 18, 1999 (.353)
In the last few weeks I've been posting the DAREN News at some of the Low
Memory PBBSs. I'm doing this so that operators in those areas don't have to go
half way across the state to get the DAREN News. This may also help getting to
those who don't get to read the News. Each time I post a new one, I delete the
one that I posted the week before, that way it doesn't take up all of the space
on the smaller PBBSs. If at any time the space is needed for posting traffic
or other messages, feel free to delete the News to make room.
Bill KB8HEK who is an Assistant Communications Officer for NAVY MARS in West
Virginia told me there will be a communications exercise during the last part
of the month. He says there will be about four different simulated disasters
during the drill. He just wanted to let everyone know ahead of time so they
won't get excited. NAVY MARS may be passing some of the traffic over the DAREN
system as well as other Packet systems.
I've noticed in the past couple of weeks that I'm no longer able to get into
one DAREN PBBSs. I don't know if it is band conditions or the station is just
not in operation. I can't seem to find a path to get to the Berkeley County
NODE/PBBS of BERKWV/MRTNWV. I'll try to get hold of the SYSOP Mark WB8ZLQ, and
see if he might know what has happened to it.
The Athens, Ohio Hamfest will be next Sunday, April 25. I may be a little late
getting the DAREN News out since I will be going to it.
There were 88 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. Anna KC8JWW and
Mike KC8JWR, who have been checking into the net since May 9, 1998, has made
their 50th check-in and will be receiving their certificates. Gladys KC8GIZ
and Rose KC8EUR need only one more check-in each to make 100. Bill KC8GGK
needs only one more check-in to make 50. I want to welcome Jerry KC8HUP to the
DAREN system, Jerry is a first time check-in to the State Wide DAREN Net.
73 Ken WA8LLM
===============================================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. April 25, 1999 (.354)
Bill KB8HEK gave me some more information about the NAVY MARS Drill that will
be happening at the end of the month. He says the drill will from April 26
through April 29, 1999. The drill will consist of four different disasters.
The disasters will be: (1) Flooding, (2) Heavy Rain and Snow, (3) Chemical
Barge broke loose due to high water, and (4) Flooding of a coal mine with
collapse.
Modes of handling traffic will be HF-SSB, HF-SCD, VHF Packet, and DAREN.
Each of the MARS Stations are requested to send as many messages as possible.
Bad band conditions on Two Meters may have been the problem last night during
the State Wide DAREN Net. I saw several stations having to try several times
during the net. I had a telephone call during the net from John K8ZPR saying
that he and his son Joe N8DSN were unable to get into the net. He was able to
connect to WOODWV, but was unable to connect to "NET" which should be a
very good path. Joe was unable to connect to his regular NODE of PUTNWV.
These kind of conditions will happen a lot during the change of seasons and
should be expected. One of the reasons the net is held is to find out what
paths are available.
Stations that have checked into the State Wide DAREN Net, and don't see their
call listed on the following week's Net Announcement should contact me in some
way to let me know so that I can correct your records.
Remember the Jackson County Hamfest will be held next Sunday May 2, 1999.
Talk-in frequency will be 146.67 Mhz.
There were 85 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. Gladys KC8GIZ
who's been checking into the net since March 15, 1997 and Rose KB8EUR who's
been checking into the net since September 21, 1996 have each checked into the
net 100 times. Bill KC8GGK who's been checking into the net since March 14,
1998 has made his 50th check-in. All of the operators will be receiving their
certificates. Rich KA8UEU needs only one more check-in to make 250. John
KB8QJM needs only one more check-in to make 150. Bob KB8RNE needs only one
more check-in to make 100.
73 Ken WA8LLM
===============================================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. May 2, 1999 (.355)
Juddie KC8CON told me that he also has seen that Two Meters has been unstable
for the last few days. This was before everyone was having trouble getting
into last week's State Wide DAREN Net. He said that even the APRS system was
having trouble. Stations in the West were showing up on the APRS screens.
Juddie passed his Extra Theory on April 17th. He may try his code in May or
July, or wait to see if the FCC makes an announcement on the restructuring of
Amateur licensing. He's been appointed as the ARRL District Emergency
Coordinator (DEC) for WV Zone 7. He's also been appointed ARRL Official Relay
Station Official Emergency Station. He wants to remind all Emergency
Coordinators to get their reports into Mac W8XF and that they should also try
to check into the West Virginia HF ARES/RACES Nets on 3865 Khz. He says that
they are still working on the switching NODE and the APRS Digipeater, but
there's just not enough hours in the day or days in the week, I know how that
feels.
It looks like the Berkeley County NODE/PBBS BERKWV/MRTNWV is either back on the
air or the band has changed to where the path is back in operation. Either way
I'm glad I'm able to connect back to it.
If anyone has comments about how the NAVY MARS drill, which was held last week,
went give me your comments.
There were 90 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. Rich KA8UEU who's
been checking into the net since 10/2/93 has completed 250 check-ins, John
KB8QJM who's been checking into the net since 3/2/96 has completed 150 check-
ins, and Bob KB8RNE who's been checking into the net since 2/11/95 has
completed 100 check-ins. All of these stations will soon be receiving their
certificates. Bill KB8NWU and Jim K8AUS need only one more check-in each to
make 150. There were two new stations that checked into the net and I want to
welcome them to the DAREN system, they are: KC8MHO and K8KHW. I want to
welcome back WD8DNC who first checked into the net 8/21/93 and hasn't been
heard since. Two stations have changed their calls to vanity calls. They are:
Jim who's first call was KC8AUS and changed to KI8EC, and now changed to K8AUS,
and Delmas who changed his call from KB8SCJ to AB8EA.
73 Ken WA8LLM
===============================================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. May 9, 1999 (.356)
For all of the mothers out there I want to wish you a Happy Mother's Day and
hope that the OM lets you operate his radio today.
This past week the band really seemed to have been down. I was having a hard
time posting the DAREN Net Announcement in the Northern Panhandle. Things
seemed to have settled down after the Lightening and Rain storms went through
this area. The storms didn't seem to be too bad, but did make the Two Meter
Band seem a little more stable. I didn't see as many "RETRIED OUT" messages on
the net last night.
One of the "NEW" calls that was on the net last week, K8KHW, wasn't a new call
after all. It was Randy who's old call was KC8KHW. I'm seeing a lot of calls
being changed, just by dropping the second letter. Tim who's old call was
WA8CRW is now W8CRW, and Cecil who's old call was WA8DAV is now W8DAV to name
just a couple more.
The Net Control Station next week will be my daughter Cathy KC8DJJ since I will
be at the Dayton Hamfest. The NODES will be the same since she will be using
the same station. Also the DAREN News may be a little late getting out next
Sunday to. With the Dayton Hamfest coming next weekend and Field Day the last
weekend of June, now might be the time to look for those items that you will
want to be using on Field Day. If you can't find it at Dayton, It's not to be
found.
There were 95 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. Bill KB8NWU who's
been checking into the net since March 11, 1995 and Jim K8AUS who's been
checking into the net (under the calls of KC8AUS and KI8EC) since February 24,
1996 have both completed 150 check-ins each and will be getting certificates.
Gene N8ER needs only one more check-in to make 300. John K8ZPR and Jim W8GUL
needs only one more check-in each to make 250. Al N8UBG and Buford KB8QLG need
only one more check-in each make 150, and Bonnie KC8JVG needs only one more
check-in to make 50. I want to welcome back John KF8WX who hasn't checked into
the net since January 11, 1997.
73 Ken WA8LLM
===============================================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. May 16, 1999 (.357)
I heard several comments at the Dayton Hamfest yesterday that said the Hamfest
was down some from last year. The two days I was there the weather was perfect
and I was able see most of the booths on the inside. After going to Dayton for
over 25 years I decided to try something different. I took along a two wheel
hand cart and four plastic mike crates strapped to it. That may have been a
mistake, because I filled the thing up about three and a half times. The big
advantage was I didn't have to make as many trips back to the vehicle and lose
all of the time that I could be looking in the Flea Market.
David KB4LCI says he has moved the Pocahontas County NODE/PBBS POCAEC/FROSWV to
another location. On Saturday May 8th the station was moved to the tower site
where the 8 Rivers Amateur Radio Club has their 145.110 Mhz repeater. At the
present time the antenna is too close to the tower leg and a guy wire is in the
way. The station isn't receiving or transmitting very well from the south, but
he's planning on correcting the problem in the next few weekends. Also the
station is only operating the at 5 watts until he can correct the problem.
I seem to be having a lot of trouble getting into the Northern Panhandle up
toward Hancock, Ohio, and Marshall Counties. I was unable to post the DAREN
Net Announcements this week up that way. I may have missed a couple other
PBBSs that didn't get the announcement due to not being able to get to them. I
don't know if it is band conditions or if it's just the leaves on the trees.
It's possible that all of the DAREN NODEs and other station need to have their
antennas and transmission lines looked at and checked out, since most of the
stations have been on operation for over five years.
Cathy KC8DJJ reported 75 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. I
figured it might be down a little since I saw several regular DAREN operators
at the Dayton Hamfest. I figured two days was plenty and I ran out of money so
I thought I'd better come home. Gene N8ER who's been checking into the net
since May 1, 1993 has arrived at 300 check-ins. Jim W8GUL has been checking
into the net since February 20, 1993 has checked in 250 times. John K8ZPR has
been checking in since April 30, 1994 has reached 250 check-ins. Al N8UBG has
been checking into the net since November 14, 1992 has finally reached 150
check-ins, and Bufford KB8QLG who's been checking in since July 8, 1995 has
made it to 150 check-ins. Bonnie KC8JVG who's only been at it on a regular
basis since April 18, 1998 has checked in 50 times. All of these stations will
be receiving their DAREN certificates. I want to welcome Douglas KC8AID, who
was a first time check-in on the net, to the DAREN system.
73 Ken WA8LLM
===============================================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. May 23, 1999 (.358)
David KB4LCI says the Pocahontas County NODE/PBBS POCAWV/FROSWV won't be
staying at it's present location. Due to technical problems and the close
proximity of other antennas and interference he will be moving the station to
another location, for the time being that will be at his house. If anyone
knows of a tower in Pocahontas County that would be available let David know.
Our group provided communications for a disaster drill this past week. Most of
the communications between the Camden Clark Hospital EOC and the field was
handled by Packet Radio. The drill was held by Camden Clark's Chemical
Response team and GE Plastic's Chemical Response team. The drill ran from
about nine o'clock in the morning until two o'clock in the afternoon. All
Packet traffic that was passed was through the ARES/Data system finder using
the DAREN system. Any time that you have a drill be sure to use Packet for at
least part of the traffic handling, this will keep you familiar with the DAREN
system. Several things were learned from the drill and will be added or
corrected for the next time. Every drill is a learning experience and will
help you provide better communications the next time and be more ready when the
real thing happens.
Don't forget that Field Day is coming up at the end of June. As in the past
the State Wide DAREN net will start operating at 2:00 pm on Saturday June 26
and will shut down at 2:00 pm on Sunday June 27. This will give you plenty of
time to get checked into the net and to operate other stations during Field
Day. Since the Field Days Rules prohibit the use of NODEs to make contacts,
the only way to make a contact will be from station-to-station. Also as in the
past, the DAREN system can be used to make Packet contacts. Beacons can also
be used to let other stations know that you are on the air. This is one of the
times that Beacons can be used on the DAREN system.
Not much else to report this week. If you have something to pass along to
others who read the DAREN News, drop me a message and we'll get the word out.
There were 89 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. No one needs only
one check-in this week to be eligible for a certificate. We had a new callsign
show up on the net which may be a new vanity call sign. The new call was
K8NNK. If it's a new operator, I want to welcome them to the DAREN system, if
not I will update their check-in records when I find out who it is.
73 Ken WA8LLM
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D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. May 30, 1999 (.359)
News is really slim this week. I only received one message this week and that
was from Jim K8AUS. Jim told me that his wife would be checking into the
State Wide DAREN Net this week with a new call. Phillis now has a new vanity
call of K8JPS, her old call was KC8MHO. Remember that if you upgrade your
license, or get a new call in some way, let me know about it. The check-ins to
the State Wide DAREN Net are carried over from one callsign to another.
Since this is Memorial Day weekend, and the last holiday before Field Day, now
might be the time to get those antennas out of storage and checked out. When
was the last time that you started the generator? How about the tent, is it
still water proof?, remember, it always rains on Field Day. The easy way to
find out if you're ready for Field Day, or a real emergency is to do a set-up
of the station and see how much stuff you still need to get ready. Don't try
to make Field Day a "one man" show, talk to the others who are going to be
operating with you to see if they are ready to go, see what bands they are
planning to operate and if they have their rigs and antennas ready to go.
There were 82 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. Quentin N8RCG
needs only one check-in to be eligible for the certificate of 100 check-ins.
We had a new callsign show up on the net this week and that was Robert KA3JWA.
I want to welcome him to the DAREN system.
73 Ken WA8LLM
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D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. June 6, 1999 (.360)
When was the last time you saved your important files and programs? Juddie
KC8CON wishes he had backed up his files. He lost all of his files when his
computer crashed, and I'm assuming that means the records of the check-ins for
the PARC Packet Net that he operates every Thursday between 7:00 and 10:00 pm
on 145.09 Mhz. Juddie sounds like he's as busy as me with the activities that
he gets involved with like being the President of the Plateau Amateur Radio
Association, getting things finalized for Field Day, getting VE team put
together and getting a Technician Class setup at the Fayette County Vo-Tech
this fall, starting in September. This will be a class to get your Technician
license. He'll give more details later. He's also planning a Special Event
Station for October on Bridge Day commemorating the Plateau Amateur Radio
Association's 20th Anniversary and Bridge Day. The Plateau club is looking at
possibly relocating the Fayetteville Hamfest to a larger facility. The general
consensus is that the hamfest can not grow unless they have a larger facility.
The past three years that he's been involved with the Hamfest, the biggest
complaint is that it is too crowded. He said that this year has seen a lot of
new things being introduced to the club. They have already appointed several
committees. They have an ongoing Field Day committee, Hamfest committee,
Repeater committee, and an Educational committee. Just this month he has
submitted to the ARRL Section Manager, a person to be the clubs' Public
Information Officer. Just in the past few months he has been appointed three
ARRL appointments. He's now the Zone 7 DEC for the WVARES, Official Relay
Station and Official Emergency Station. Along with being Net Manager for the
club he is staying pretty busy. He enjoys it, with no complaints. This month
they had Judy Epperly, Executive Director of the Fayette County Chapter of the
American Red Cross come and speak to the club. Out of the 18 attending they
had 7 sign up as volunteers and to take Red Cross classes. He says the
Mountain Packet Association is still around. The MTNPAC NODE, operating on
145.09 Mhz, took a lightning hit on May 18th and was put out of commission. He
has no idea as to when it will be back up. Mountain Packet Association, in
conjunction with Mac, W8XF has secured a 4000 foot plus site in Nicholas County
for an APRS DIGI Node. One of the Mountain Packet members is planning on
putting up an APRS Digi in Braxton County near Flatwoods on what is known as
Gobblers Knob. Mountain Packet Association hasn't had a meeting since January,
since most of the officers have been real busy. As soon as a meeting is
scheduled Juddie will post it on most of the PBBS's. They are still working on
the switching node that will allow a cross over from 145.09 Mhz to 145.01 Mhz.
He say everything has been made, just finding time to get it installed. The
Plateau Amateur Radio Association is hoping sometime in the very near future to
get the PARC node back on the air. He says everything is finalized for the
move of the 146.79 Mhz repeater from the Fire Tower to the new CellularOne site
which is approximately 150 feet away from the Fire Tower. The antenna will go
up approximately 150 to 180 feet from its present location of 75 feet. The
Fire Tower will also become a digital station for both APRS and Packet.
There were 87 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. Quentin N8RCG
who's been checking into the net since September 16, 1995, has now completed
100 check-ins, and will be receiving his certificate. Ray KA8GOH needs only
one more check-in to complete 250 check-ins.
===============================================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. June 13, 1999 (.361)
A lightning storm went through the Parkersburg area on Monday and done a little
damage to the tower site which houses the Ritchie County DAREN NODE and PBBS of
RITCWV/HRVLWV. The storm also did damage to the Wood County Emergency
Communications repeater which operates on 147.255 Mhz. The lightning cleaned
out the RF Power Amplifier module and the driver transistor of the Alinco DR-
1200. Spare parts were available to have the NODE back in operation within a
couple of days. The 147.255 Mhz repeater wasn't as lucky. The repeater has
the ability to have seven remote receivers and a local receiver. Four of the
UHF Link Receivers are now inoperative which makes some of the remote receivers
inoperative. The controller also got a spike and had to be reset. The
repeater was back on the air the same evening, but has some intermittent noise
that we will have to live with for awhile.
I didn't get to do it last week, but I want to thank Juddie KC8CON for the
activity reports that is going on in his area of the state. Does anyone have
activity they would like to report on? How about special event stations or
other activities that uses Amateur Radio? Just this weekend we have used
Amateur Radio to provide safety communications for a 10K Road Race and a Down
Hill Mountain bike race yesterday, and an 8, 16, and 24 mile Cross County
Mountain Bike race today, (that's why the DAREN News is a little late getting
out). With the onset of the Internet, Cellular Telephones, and other
sophisticated Public Safety communications equipment we have to keep Amateur
Radio in the public's eye so they will know that it still exists and is ready
to help when needed when these systems fail or just overloaded. Are you still
training on how to set your equipment up in an emergency, or training on how to
handle messages "IF" you are called upon? Just operating and checking into
nets is a form of training. Providing Safety Communications at Road Runs,
Walks, Regattas and other outside activities are a form of training and give
you a good chance to test out your equipment and communications skills.
Field Day is only a couple of weeks away, are you ready yet?
Summer must officially be here, there were only 74 check-ins to this week's
State Wide DAREN Net. Ray N8TWV needs only one more check-in to make 50. I
want to welcome a newcomer to the DAREN system and that is KC8MXQ
Ken WA8LLM
===============================================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. June 20, 1999 (.362)
Field Day is next weekend and a time to have fun and learn a little about
emergency communications. Just be safe while setting up your towers antennas,
and stations. Here's a few tips to make it a safe weekend: Make sure your
towers and antennas aren't around any power lines. Don't climb any towers that
are not properly guyed. Since a lot of Field Day sites are out in the boon
docks, watch out for uneven ground so you don't twist your ankle, of fall over
hills. Watch out for ticks, since there are medical reports about a new string
of disease that is being transmitted by them. Since it's Field Day weekend
there is almost always a lightning storm involved so make sure that you
stations and antennas are grounded and not to being operated if there is
lightning. Bring plenty of food and drinks just in case the weather gets real
hot.
Also the State Wide DAREN Net will be running from 2:00 pm on Saturday to 2:00
pm on Sunday on Field Day weekend. This will allow the operators plenty of
time to take a break from the other radios and get checked into the net. This
year there will be more that one back-up station monitoring the net to make
sure to get all of those who get checked in, just in case the main recording
station does go down.
Since the Field Day rules prohibit the use of NODEs and DIGIs when making
Packet Radio contacts, those contacts will be a little harder getting. The
DAREN system is a fairly quiet frequency and BEACONs are normally discouraged
from being used, but this is one of those times when BEACONs are not
discouraged. You should BEACON your station as often as you think is necessary
to get other stations to see you, but be sure to watch for emergency traffic
that may happen to be passed.
There were 78 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. I need to make a
correction to the new check-in from last week. I put the call of KC8MXQ in the
News last week when it should have been KC8MQX. Ray KA8GOH who's been checking
into the DAREN Net since December 25, 1993 has completed 250 check-ins. And
Ray N8TWV who's been checking into the net since October 28, 1995 has completed
50 check-ins. Both of these stations will be receiving their certificates.
A new supply of certificates have made it back from the printers and should be
sent out this week. Those who are expecting a certificate and haven't got it,
should get it this week. If you've been waiting on a certificate and haven't
got it send me a message and let me know.
==============================================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV. June 27, 1999 (.363)
There's not much news this week, things seem to be a little slow. The News is
a little late getting out since I had to get everything at the Field Day site
cleaned up and put away, then get the DAREN Net check-ins recorded so that I
could give a report on them.
Field Day is over for another year and I'm glad. This was one of the best
Field Days that I've ever operated in. The weather was hot, but we didn't get
the dreaded thunder and lightning storms that we usually get on Field Day.
Field Day is the ideal time to test out those "Theories" that everyone talks
about. Also don't assume that things will work just because you think they
should. A good example is the computer Uninterrupted Power Supply that we use
in our mobile communications vehicle. Out of three generators that we had at
the Field Day site, only one of them was stable enough for the UPS to operate
properly. It's a good thing that we were able to come up with a solution on
making it work at Field Day as opposed to getting to a disaster drill or actual
emergency and not having it work.
If you had any unusual happenings at your Field Day activities send them to me
so we can pass them on to others.
There were 97 check-ins to this week's 24 hour State Wide DAREN Net. Carol
KC8JYA needs only one more check-in to make 50 check-ins. There were several
new stations that made it into the net. On Field Day each year there are
always new stations that check into the net. They are probably being
introduced by some of the regular stations that check in, trying to get them
interested into Packet radio. Some of which my may start seeing on a regular
basis. The new check-in were: KG4CTL, KC8LOE, K8WBS, KF4YGL, and N8SNZ. I
want to welcome all of the new check-ins to the DAREN system and invite them
to come back each week to the net and handle their traffic over the DAREN
system.
Ken WA8LLM
=============================================================================== Ken WA8LLM