The November SOARC meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 28th at the Fruitdale Grange at 7 p.m. Board meeting is at 6 p.m.

At our November meeting we will have an opportunity to check out our FM transceivers. Bob Billington will have his 2-way radio test set and will be able to measure frequency, FM deviation, receiver sensitivity, and power output up to 1 GHz. The radio needs to have a coax fitting and power supply. So bring your radios to the meeting on November 28th.

While waiting to have your radio checked out, there will be some home-built equipment to view. If you have something to show, please bring it to the meeting & it may inspire others to do some building!

Our holiday party will also be held at the Fruitdale Grange on Friday, December 22nd. In 2007 we will go back to the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Fruitdale Grange.

On Saturday, Nov. 11 some members of the technical committee made a trip up to the repeater to service it before winter sets in. I had Galen Kelm and Bob Billington with me. It was a rainy weekend and the higher hills around my house were capped with snow.

Normally I can see the repeater from my house. But the low clouds obscured the repeater site. I figured we just might see some snow up there. I was right, we hit snow on the ground at 3600 feet. By the time we reached the repeater at just under 4500 feet there was between one and two inches of snow on the ground.

The batteries are in good shape. The voltage from each battery was almost identical. The individual cells were checked with a hydrometer and found to show at least 3/4 charged and well balanced. All four batteries together took less than a quart of water after the long hot summer. Galen measured the voltage produced by the solar cells at over 13 volts despite an overcast sky and nearly one quarter of the cells being covered by snow. Galen also replaced a broken battery jumper.

Bob brought his service monitor which we powered with Galen's generator. The repeater output was measured at 20 watts. The receiver sensitivity was measured at about .17 microvolts, but the squelch had been set at around .25 microvolts. We lowered the squelch setting to match the receiver sensitivity so it should hear better now.

While we were doing these measurements the clouds thickened and the snow began to come down in earnest. We buttoned everything up and headed home.

My thanks to Galen and Bob for their help. I have turned over all of the technical committee materials to them.

73, Michael Kelley

Bonnie Altus, AB7ZQ, our Oregon ARRL Section Manager has appointed regional Assistant Section Managers (ASM) to provide a communications link from the rural areas and the Section Leadership, which is largely centered in the general Salem/Portland area. She has appointed me as ASM for Southwestern Oregon - Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, and West Lane Counties. Many of us, myself included, feel somewhat disenfranchised, and questions regarding club affiliation, discounts on training materials, VE examinations, and more go unanswered. As ASM, I am told that I can get the answers, bring in speakers where wanted, and get problems with paperwork at ARRL Headquarters straightened out.

I know many of you in different capacities, but just to try to get the word out, I am sending this to everyone I can think of in the area. If I have you on two lists, you may get it twice. Sorry. Please forward it to anyone that you feel might be able to use this information.

If there is anything I can help with regarding ARRL, if you would like me to come to a club meeting, etc. please let me know.

Some of you have told me how much you hate the ARRL, over coffee. Maybe we should do it again and I'll take notes. I know one club that is not affiliated with the ARRL and is proud of it. We might be able to improve things if I could get the reasons back to our Section Manager.

Finally, I can use all the help I can get. I am no smarter or knowledgeable than I was yesterday, before my appointment. For example, Ron, W7VU sent the Oregon Section Yahoo group web page out. Thanks Ron. Bonnie set this up in another effort to communicate, but most of us didn't know about it, or couldn't find it. It is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/arrloregon/

I'm looking forward to hearing from you with the hope that together we can make Ham radio a little more enjoyable.

73 Dan Bissell, W7WVF
53516 Forest Road
Bandon, OR 97411
541-347-4580
dbissell@harborside.com

Reprinted from the ARRL Letter, Nov 17, 2006

A little over a month after the Federal Communications Commission released the Report and Order (R&O) in the so-called "Omnibus" Amateur Radio proceeding, WT Docket 04-140 (FCC 06-149) to the public, a revised version appeared November 15 in the Federal Register

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-19189.pdf .

The changes in the R&O will take effect Friday, December 15, at 12:01 AM EST, 30 days after its publication.

As expected, the Report & Order clarified two items that had raised some concerns when it was first released last month: That the 80/75 meter band split applies to all three IARU Regions, and that FCC licensees in Region 2, which includes North America, can continue to use RTTY/data emissions in the 7.075-7.100 MHz band.

Still to be resolved are three controversial aspects of the Proceeding:

• Expansion of the 75 meter phone band all the way down to 3600 kHz (thus reducing the privileges of General, Advanced and Amateur Extra class licensees, who had RTTY/data privileges in the 80 meter band, and CW privileges of General and Advanced class licensees)
• The elimination of J2D emissions, data sent by modulating an SSB transmitter, of more than 500 Hz bandwidth. This will make PACTOR III at full capability illegal. Other digital modes effectively rendered illegal below 30 MHz include Olivia and MT63 (when operated at bandwidths greater than 500 Hz), 1200-baud packet, Q15X25 and Clover 2000.
• The elimination of access to the automatic control RTTY/data subband at 3620-3635 kHz.

The ARRL Board is discussing the possibility of a petition to reconsider several items in the R&O.

ARRL Regulatory Information Specialist Dan Henderson, N1ND, commented: "The release of the R&O in the Federal Register has started the countdown clock. We are all looking forward to being able to use the refarmed frequencies starting on December 15. We are still anxiously awaiting the release of the Report and Order for 05-235, the Morse Code Proceeding. We are hopeful that the Commission will be able to move on that petition and address the outstanding issues in the Omnibus R&O soon."

For more information, see the band chart
http://www2.arrl.org/announce/regulatory/wt04-140/Hambands3_color.pdf
and the Frequently Asked Questions on WT Docket No. 04-140
http://www2.arrl.org/announce/regulatory/wt04-140/faq.html.
Both have been updated to reflect the R&O as it was published in the Federal Register.

Jim W7PUP

You can list your "for sale or trade" or "wanted" items in the newsletter. Send info to: W7PUP@arrl.net

SOARC Repeaters, K7LIX with autopatch on 146.640(-) and on 147.300(+)

SOARC ARES/NTS Net: Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m. on 147.300(+) repeater.

ORCA Swapnet - Wednesday evenings at 8 p.m. on the ORCA system.

2006 Complete ARRL/SOARC Licensing Exams:

The last session will be held in the new SOARC meeting facility - the Fruitdale Grange, 1440 Parkdale Dr & US 99, Grants Pass OR.

Test Session Dec. 9, 2006 @ 6:30 p.m. (VE's assemble at 6:00 PM.)

As everyone can see we will serve up quarterly sessions once again. And as in the old days, they are on Fridays except of the last one, which is a Saturday due to room scheduling convenience.

Remember to visit the www.arrl.org website to get the latest information about testing, requirements, new changes that are coming down the pike. The website for Grants Pass exam schedules is http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/examsearch.phtml. If you will notice the right hand side contains lots of hyperlinks covering most of the questions about exam sessions. A copy of this completed schedule has been sent to the VEC and should appear at this site very soon.

73, Bill (WX7U), VE and Liaison.

- ARRL 160 meter contest Dec. 1 2200Z to Dec. 3 1600Z

- ARRL 10 meter contest Dec. 9 0000Z to Dec. 10 2400Z

- Russian 160 meter contest Dec. 15 2100Z to 2300Z

- International Naval Contest Dec. 16 1600Z to Dec.17 1559Z

- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest Dec. 18 0100Z to 0300Z

- Stew Perry Topband (160M) Challenge Dec. 30 1500Z to Dec. 31 1500Z

- ARRL RTTY Roundup Jan. 6 1800Z to Jan. 7 2400Z

- Kids Day Contest Jan.7 1800Z to 2400Z

- North American QSO Party CW Jan. 13 1800Z to Jan. 14 0600Z

- Bulgarian Open Contest Jan. 20 0400Z to 1200Z

- Hungarian DX Contest Jan. 20 1200Z to Jan. 21 1200Z

- North American QSO Party SSB Jan. 20 1800Z to Jan.21 0600Z

- ARRL Januaray VHF Sweepstakes Jan. 20 1900Z to Jan. 22 0400Z

- CQ 160 Meter Contest CW Jan.27 0000Z to Jan.28 2459Z

For additional information on any of these events contact Elmer W6IGK

Instant solar flare alerts are available from SpaceWeather by phone at http://spaceweatherphone.com , allowing you to catch solar eruptions in the act.

Jim AD1C provides a program called "PASS" that analyzes your log for band-to-band passing. Browse to www.k1ea.com/utilities and look for "pass.exe". (Thanks, Jim AD1C)

Bob K0RC came across this tutorial when researching tower grounding. It contains a lot of useful information and diagrams of typical grounding systems used in Communication Tower and Power Substation installations: www.leminstruments.com/grounding_tutorial/html .

For information about feeding quads, Dan N5AR recommends LB Cebik W4RNL's book "Cubical Quad Notes", Vol. 1. Go to www.antennaex.com . It has an entire chapter titled "Separately Feeding Multi-Band Quads." He goes into great detail about the various feed systems, unused stubs shorted vs unshorted, and much more. The effect on gain, f/b, and feed point impedance is covered. A second volume covers advanced Quad designs considering the effect of conductor diameter, 3 and 4 element designs, and OWA types.

If you are rebuilding tube radios and amplifiers, the old fashioned aluminum electrolytic capacitors are still available, with 105 degree C rating, in much smaller packages than they used to be. For example, the CDE 381LX471M450A052 is a 470 uF @ 450 VDC, in a 35 x 50 mm package, and is $8.58 each in small quantities, less than $8 for 10 or more from both Mouser Electronics www.mouserelectronics.com and Newark Electronics www.newark.com . You can also shop on the various auction and ham sites for the occasional bargain. (Thanks, John K5PRO)

A miniature camera tripod makes a nice stand for portable verticals. Target sells one, as do many discount retailers, for $15 or less. With the legs retracted it makes a nice stable base for a Hamstick when placed on a picnic table or even on the ground. As for attaching the Hamstick to the tripod, you can build a feedpoint insulator like that described for the PAC-12 antenna at www.njqrp.org/pac-12 from parts available at Home Depot and Radio Shack. (Thanks, Jim KK6MC)

PC boards for the W1TRC Ultrasonic Power Line Arc Detector featured in the April 2006 issue of QST (and voted best article!) are now shipping from FAR Circuits, www.farcircuits.net , for $5.00 each, plus postage. Copies of the latest builder's notes are available on the ARRL and FAR Circuits' Web site, as well as www.n0ss.net . (Thanks, Tom N0SS)

Jim KR1S recommends the W7IUV preamp http://w7iuv.com as "the deal of the century." He has built them using 2N3725As and 2N5109s and has cascaded a 5109 driving a 3725A to use as a bench preamp. 2N3725As are noisier than 2N5109s but cheap on eBay.

That's it for November. Elmer W6IGK

Last week while doing a web search for a stand alone computer program for CW practice I found a rather unique little freeware program written by Gabriel Ravat (F7DQM). Some features that set this little program apart from others I have reviewed are:

1. Tone adjustment of the code sent to you,
2. Random generation of five character groups,
3. Selection of a text file created by you to be used in practice,
4. Common abbreviations used in CW,
5. Q signals used internationally and
6. Variable adjustment of Noise and QSB generation to mimic on the air receiving.

This program can be downloaded at:

http://rivat.chez-alice.fr/soft/cwplayer/cwplayer.zip

This year is already proving to be a low noise year on the low bands with the absence of sunspots. Time to dust off that old key and do some "Top Band DXing."

Burton Griffin, WB6CYK

Recently I checked out a gas generator as advertised by a Grants Pass Auto Parts Store. This is not an endorsement, but I wonder if this is a good value. It might be of interest to RV'ers as well as hams. It probably could supply backup power for a well pump if the power fails. I would welcome any comments, pro and con.

Here are the specifications from Schuck's website:

The C46540 Portable Generator produces 3500 watts of electrical power. This full-featured generator is a cost effective solution for convenient portable power or emergency situations. It is recommended for residential and recreational use and includes a recreational vehicle style 120 volt receptacle for an easy connection. It is not recommended for commercial applications. The generator switches from 120 to 240 Volt AC and includes a 12 Volt DC power receptacle and cable.

The modern overhead valve air-cooled engine combined with a large capacity fuel tank and automatic low oil shut-off provide dependable, care-free electrical power.

The generator provides up to 14.5 amps of load capability at 240 V and up to 29 A at 120 volts.

• Running watts: 3500; surge watts: 4000.
• AC voltage 120/240 V
• DC voltage 12 V (for battery charging)
• 60 Hz AC, single phase
• 120/240 volt AC twistlock outlet
• 30 amp RV 120 V outlet
• 20 amp 120 volt AC duplex outlet
• 10 amp DC outlet; Voltmeter
• Circuit breaker protection
• Engine: 6.5 HP OHV Champion engine, EPA & CARB certified; Low oil shut off
• 4 gal fuel tank with built-in fuel gauge
• Heavy duty steel frame
• Running hours: 12 hours @ 50% load
• Noise level 68 dB at 7 meters
• USDA Forest Service approved spark arrester
• 12 volt DC battery charging cable.
• Made in China. $299 (on sale) at Schuck's Auto Parts.

Jim Woods, W7PUP

Officers:

President: Dennis Recla, WA5KTC, Tel. 955-1704
Email: recla@magick.net

Vice President: Richard J. Huttenga, KD7WIA,Tel. 955-2901
email: huttenga@terragon.com

Secretary: Jim Woods, W7PUP, Tel. 956-5287
Email: w7pup@arrl.net

Treasurer: John Stubbe, K7VSU, Tel. 479-3718
Email: baldeagle@atiinternet.com

Board of Directors:

Michael Kelley, N6ZOC, Tel. 597-2155
E-mail: mkelley@cavenet.com

Elmer Seutter, W6IGK, Tel. 955-5240
E-mail: seutter@earthlink.net

Burton Griffin, WB6CYK, Tel. 479-7888
E-mail: br_griffin@yahoo.com

Galen Kelm, KE7LM, Tel. 582-2267
E-mail: ke7lm@charter.net

Revised Band Charts

Reprinted from the ARRL Letter, 11-17-06

The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) should help you understand the "nuts and bolts" of FCC WT-Docket Co. 04-140 - the so-called "Omnibus" rule changes affecting the Amateur Radio Service.

Q. The R&O was released by the FCC on October 10, 2006. When does it become effective?

A. The new rules become effective December 15, 2006 at 12:01 AM EST.

Q. I don't see anything about the Morse code testing requirement in the R&O.

A. The elimination of the Morse Code requirement was never part of Docket 04-140. It is part of Docket 05-235, which is still pending from the FCC. So at this time there is no change in licensing requirements for General and Extra classes - 5 WPM is still required.

License Privileges

Q. What changes to operating privileges are granted in 04-140?

A. On 80 meters the top end of the CW/RTTY/Digital band now will be at 3600 kHz. Phone will now begin at 3600 kHz for Amateur Extras; at 3700 kHz for Advanced; and At 3800 kHz for Generals. On 40 meters the top end of the CW/RTTY/Digital band now will be at 7125 kHz. Phone will begin at 7125 kHz for Extras and Advanced, and at 7175 for Generals. There are no changes on 20 Meters. On 15 meters the only change was to move the bottom of the General Class phone band to 21275 KHz. The bottom of the phone band for Extra will remain at 21200 KHz and 21225 kHz for Advanced. On 10 meters Novices and Technicians with CW credit will now be able to use CW/RTTY/Digital from 28000 kHz to 28300 kHz in addition to the unchanged voice privileges from 28300 kHz to 28500 kHz.

In addition, for Novices and Technicians with CW credit, there are now privileges for CW use only on the same frequencies as General and Advanced licensees on 80, 40, and 15 meters: 3525 kHz to 3600 kHz; 7025 kHz to 7125 kHz; and 21025 kHz to 21200 kHz. Amateur Extra licensees have full CW privileges on all bands. Auxiliary Stations

Q. Will I be able to utilize an auxiliary station on 2-meters for such things as Kenwood's "Sky Command" system?

A. Auxiliary stations will be allowed above 144.5 MHz on the 2-meter band, except 145.8-146.0 MHz.

Spread Spectrum

Q. I am interested in the spread spectrum technology. Did anything change for me?

A. Yes. Spread spectrum transmissions are now allowed on the 222 MHz to 225 MHz frequencies on the 1.25-meter band.

Q. What about spread spectrum on 6-meters and 2-meters?

A. The FCC did not authorize the use of spread spectrum technology on these two bands.

Miscellaneous

Q. I see changes regarding retransmission of signals from the ISS. Couldn't we already do that?

A. The previous rule referred specifically to communications with the space shuttle. The rule is now re-worded to include other manned spacecraft, including the ISS, the shuttle and future manned spacecraft.

Q. What do the changes in applying for a vanity call sign mean?

A. In the past, amateurs tried to increase their "odds" of getting a specific vanity call sign in the lottery by submitting multiple applications for the same call sign on the same day. The rule change allows only one vanity call sign application per amateur per day, thereby making the lottery for call signs a more fair process.

Q. What is the change about "willing" my call sign to my club after I pass on?

A. The rules change now allows an amateur to designate their call sign to be "willed" to a club after his/her passing. In the past the club had to have the permission of the immediate family of the deceased. The change now allows the licensee to have the chance to designate a call sign during their lifetime as an in memoriam option for a club. The club of course is not required to accept the call, but may claim the call sign if desired with a vanity call sign application. If it is unclaimed by the club during the two year waiting period, then the call becomes available as a regular vanity issue other applicants.

Q. What are the changes that affect emergency communications?

A. The only changes apply to those amateurs operating in Alaska or in surrounding waters. The changes allow them to use any frequency during an emergency for which they can be a control operator. Previously these operators did have some restrictions.

Q. What were the changes eliminating certain restrictions on equipment manufacturers?

A. Simply put, the guidelines on external RF amplifiers were clarified. They must still be granted a certification under Part 2 equipment authorization standards and may not be easily modifiable to non-amateur service use. They can not exhibit the ability to amplify in the 26 - 28 MHz frequency range. The FCC also decided not to include a definition of kits as they apply to RF amplifiers.

Q. What changes affect the VE-testing program?

A. There are several.

• First the FCC no longer requires VECs to make public announcements in advance of test sessions. However, the individual VECs may continue to do so as a condition of coordinating an exam session if they so choose.
• Second, proof of an expired General, Advanced or Extra class license may be used for Element 1 examination credit (5 WPM) when presented at a VE test session.
• Finally, the FCC has removed the requirement that a VEC forward applications to the Commission within a ten-day time period. However VECs may still require VE teams to submit exam session materials back to the VEC within a specified period of time as a condition for coordinating the session.

Q. Where can I find the full text of the Report and Order?

A. It is available on the FCC website in Word Doc, PDF and TXT formats. The links are:
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-06-149A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-06-149A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-06-149A1.txt

Q. When will the ARRL update the band charts and its publications?

A. Staff is already at work on incorporating these various changes into its publications. Once the effective date is know we will be making the new files, etc available.

Q. How will the 04-140 changes affect things like band plans and established CW NTS nets on 80 meters?

A. The ARRL is already looking at how these changes will impact the band plans and existing operations on the redistributed frequencies. Look to the ARRL Web for announcements on any proposals and changes.

Q. The R&O listed several items on its cover sheet that do not appear to be included in the report. This included things like limitations bulletins, temporary licensing, color-coded licenses and two classes of information bulletins. Why aren't these items not included in the R&O?

A. Any petition that was dismissed in the NPRM for 04-140 are not part of the R&O, as their dismissal in the NPRM ended FCC consideration of that item. You can find the complete NPRM for WT Docket No. 04-140 at:
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-79A1.pdf

Q. I am employed as an emergency responder. (I am a nurse in a local hospital.) (I am a police officer.) Can I use my amateur radio privileges during an emergency even thought I am "on the clock" with my job?

A. Though not included as a new rule as part of 07.113, the R&O does offer the following guidance on this topic: "We conclude that a rule change is not necessary, however, because Section 97.113 does not prohibit amateur radio operators who are emergency personnel engaged in disaster relief from using the amateur service bands while in a paid duty status. These individuals are not receiving compensation for transmitting amateur service communications; rather, they are receiving compensation for services related to their disaster relief duties and in their capacities as emergency personnel."

Q. What are the changes to RACES?

A. Specific RACES frequency bands and segments are deleted from the rules. In a RACES activation the ability to designate specific frequencies is already provided to the Director, OSTP.

Q. I notice that there were some apparent problems in the R&O, such as its effect on the location of automated digital operation on 75 Meters and some the maximum allowable signal width of digital signals. What's happening on these?

A. The ARRL Board is discussing the possibility of a petition to reconsider several of these items and will make a decision on this soon. However this does not affect the effective date of the changes outlined in the R&O. Amateurs will need to operate under the changed rules starting December 15 until those issues are addressed by the Commission.