Charlie was born in 1918 in Duplin County North Carolina near Wallace. His father was an installer and ran the office for the telephone company (the operator lived in their house for a while) and was sheriff for a while. They moved to Wilmington around 1935. He served in the Second World War in the Navy from 1944 to 1946 as a Seaman First Class as an Armed Guard responsible for providing security for ships. He served in the South Pacific. He returned home from Manila on the USS United States to New Your City and was discharged in Norfolk, VA.

He got interested in Amateur Radio via Citizens Band. He got his CB license in the mid fifties with Warren Coleman (now WA4TRC) in Portsmouth, VA and built his first rig.

He came to Greenville for the first time in 1956 after working for Dupont for four years. He started a heating and air conditioning company as Knowles Appliance Repair. He passed his novice license in 1959 with the help of Charlie Wells, Bob Knapp and Heber Adams and received the call KN4NBH. He returned to the Portsmouth area for about a year where he got his Technician license and focused mostly on six meters.

He went to work for Pan American Airlines in 1960. At that time Pan Am was responsible for the space tracking stations. Charlie’s territory was from Cape Kennedy to Trinidad. This was during the Glenn and Shepard era. His job was roving mechanic and he worked on everything from kitchen equipment to medical equipment. At one time he was stationed in Grand Turk Island in the Bahamas with the call sign VP5CK (he actually lived in the radio room). He was one of five licensed hams on the island, but only three of them were active and he had a pile up every time he got on the air - every one wanted a "VP". He flew quite a bit and since the plane did not have a radioman, he was able to work the ham bands from the sky! He left Pan Am after four years.

In 1964 he returned to Greenville and once again got into refrigeration and air conditioning under the name JC Refrigeration Service and worked under contract with Weyerhaeuser in New Bern until his retirement in 1981 at the age of 62. Until about a year ago he had been doing "small jobs" - he is not very active now.

About the mid sixties he and other hams met in a construction hut at WNCT for the first meeting of BARC. He served as secretary/treasurer for a couple of years.

His current equipment consists of: Kenwood 680 for six to 80 meters; a Kenwood 530 which is being repaired; a Kenwood 7600 2 meter mobile; an Icom 2 meter hand held. He has a 40/75 meter inverted Vee but it creates some problems since it activates his touch lamp in the living room. He also has a tower with a five element six meter beam but the elements are bent. His activities include Carolina Emergency Net and the Virginia Phone Net. He also is experimenting with the internet and gets on paltalk.com where he talks to hams too. He currently has a General Class license.

In 1995 he had his first heart operation then bypass surgery May 10 this year. He has experienced some difficulties driving and so hasn’t driven in the last two or three weeks.

Charlie has been married to Elizabeth for 56 years. They have a daughter and son and three grand children. A granddaughter died at the age of 15 this past Labor Day after being sick for about 11 months. They are still getting over that loss.

Committee Chairs: Gary Gasperini, KU4NQ, (Special Events and Health and Welfare); Simon Jaworski, KQ2V (VE Group); Mike Langley, WD4MTT (Equipment Committee and Health and Welfare); Walt (and Jean) Verdick (Publicity); Tom Parsons, W4TEP (Field Day); Patrick Sutton, KD4NNA, (Field Day); Juanita Humbles, KE4JWK (Fund Raising) and Cliff Kendall, N3LEX, (VE liaison) have done a great job.

We’ve purchased a canopy, partnered in a agreement with the Pitt County Memorial Hospital to get an equipment trailer and become a Special Services Club. We weathered Floyd last year and this year improved our Field Day score and participated in Strong Angel and SET. We initiated a fund raiser and continued our New Ham Class. The International Festival special event station increased its contacts and our assistance at the TEDI Bear Walk was successful. Our membership has remained stable although we did raise the dues to $20.00 per year, but we did start an graduated dues schedule to encourage joining throughout the year. A major effort was made to get a piece of VOA Site C. Our treasury has remained stable. We adopted an Absentee Ballot change to our constitution to allow those who couldn’t attend the election to vote. We have continued to have a variety of meeting programs including a combined meeting with the Kinston club to learn about HDTV. We have continued our VE testing bimonthly even through restructuring confusion.

Dave Langley W4YDY, has continued to provide us with a first rate newsletter in the Ham Chatter and it has been a prime force in this Club. He has made our web site something to be proud of.

You can see it has taken a lot of people a lot of time to make what BARC is. Thank you all!

A couple of projects I proposed that didn’t make it include: Hams for Habitat (for Humanity), Historian (although Gary Gasperini has been volunteered by many of his friends), Adopt-a-Street and Pitt County Ham Identification. We are still looking for another meeting location and need to update the brochure

Our new Board with President Wayne, WD4JPQ; 1st Vice President David, KV4NC; 2nd Vice President Bill, WA4SLC; Secretary Bonnie, KG4CZVW; Treasurer Dave KG4CZV; Trustee Mike KD4MTT and myself as Past President will carry on the traditions and progress of BARC. Thank you for stepping forward.

Our Christmas Party is on our regular meeting date, but an hour earlier. Come, bring your food and enjoy the fellowship of BARC. We will recognize those who have worked so hard and install our new Board. Hope to see you there.

By now, you have probably heard of the tragedy that has befallen James Eubanks, KD4JOV. And his family. Our thoughts and hearts go to out to James and Stephanie at this time of loss. We wish James a speedy recovery from his injuries.

Ham radio, pass it on.

Congratulations to the new BARC officers for 2001. They will be the first BARC officers in the 21st Century and I’m sure that the club will continue to grow and prosper as it has in the past. Thanks to the past officers for doing an outstanding job for the past two years to the end of the 20th Century.

The latest BARC ham class just finished up on December 30 and the four students took exams for the Technician license. They all did outstanding and passed the exams so they are now waiting for their new call signs at I am writing this and all look forward to getting on the air. Three of them joined BARC at the end of the session and the other is moving. We looked forward to their participation in club activities.

An automobile accident in Ash County near Jefferson, NC on November 17, 2000, injured James Eubanks, KD4JOV, and caused the loss of his wife, Bonnie. James suffered head lacerations and a broken leg and was airlifted to Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. He is now recuperating at home.

A memorial service was held for Bonnie on November 28 at Wilkerson Funeral Chapel in Greenville. Bonnie, a Beaufort native, was a graduate of Beaufort High School. She attended East Carolina University and worked at Pitt Family Physicians in Ayden and Med Center 1 in Greenville. She was a member of Core Creek Methodist Church in Beaufort.

Surviving are James, her daughter, Stephanie J. Eubanks of Greenville and her father, Everett Merrell of WiIliamston.

The original Amateur’s Code was written by Paul M Segal, W9EEA in 1928. Every other month one of the six items will be covered. The Code is a good guide for good Amateur Radio practice and for other aspects of our life. This is the sixth and last code.

PATRIOTIC....station and skill always ready for service to country and community.

Patriotism is a sense of duty and obligation usually to where one resides engendering a response to a call for need. Often there is some public display of being patriotic. Our transmitting privileges are granted by the Federal Communications Commission and provide a unique opportunity to serve our country and community.

During World Wars I and II, even while our transmitting privileges were put on hold, many Amateur Radio Operators were put to good use in the armed services serving as radio men on the land and sea. Many have served in the military in other roles and other wars. Amateur Radio continues to support our armed services by participating in the Military Amateur Radio Service (MARS) and otherwise providing communication between those in the service and their families.

At times of emergency and disaster we use our skills, equipment and organizations to assist and support response efforts. Amateur Radio Emergence Service (ARES) and Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) are organized specifically to be there when it counts. Many hams participate in Skywarn. The ARRL’s annual Simulated Emergency Test (SET) is one way we continue to be ready for emergencies. Field Day is another preparation exercise and part of that is raising the American flag on a tower or mast. Many of us proudly have our call signs on our vehicles and many times it’s our license plate. Not only does it identify us as hams, it serves as a notice that we are willing to help.

While ham radio is fun, it is functional. Our role in serving our country and community is invaluable and often behind the scenes. Our country and community need us. While I don’t know for sure, I think it is safe to say that there is not a public emergency in this country without Amateur Radio participation. There may be some complaints about our antennas or interference, but all that goes out the window when we’re there to help save lives and ease misery. Our licenses don’t obligate us, but our commitment to Amateur Radio and caring for people motivate us to play a part as good citizens.

Members of BARC are reminded that January is the time for the annual dues. The dues schedule is as follows:

Regular member $20.00
17 years and younger (new hams) $5.00
18 years and older (new hams) $10.00
Associate members $5.00
Family members $2.00
Honorary members pay nothing!

November 30 was the last class of this year’s New Ham Course. Four students completed the course: Charles "Chuck" Bland, Joseph "Joe" McGovern, Joseph "Jerry" McGovern II, and Robert "Bob" Waddell. The class took the Technician test at the publicly announced VE session that night. Three of the students only missed one question each while one had a perfect exam. Needless to say it was a good class. Chuck, Joe and Bob all joined BARC that night too (Jerry is moving out of the area).

They provided feedback on the course which is helpful. The course has been 12 classes and covers 3 months of Thursdays. They were generally receptive to the idea of less days over a few Saturdays. Also the hands-on presentations usually got better marks and those which didn’t read from the book did better too. They had positive comments about the Morse code portion of the course.

Thanks to our instructors this year: Ken Graf, N8FF; Bob Fainter, KV4RF; Bill Dawson, WA4SLC; John McCoy, K4KBB; Bernie Nobles, WA4MOK; Dave Langley, W4YDY; David LeMoine, KV4CN; and Patrick Sutton, KD4NNA.

Murray Merner, K4MHM,
Course Coordinator

The 2000 BARC Class for new hams was completed on November 30 and BARC VEs administered exams to the four graduates. All passed with flying colors and are now waiting for their Technician Amateur Radio license.

The graduates were Joseph McGovern, Joseph McGovern II, Charles Bland, all of Greenville and Robert Waddell of Winterville. Joseph McGovern, Charles Bland and Robert Waddell all joined BARC and we are looking forward to their participation in the club. The Brightleaf Amateur Radio congratulates them for their fine work. They already plan to come back to future VE sessions to upgrade.

The International Space Station crew of US astronaut and ISS Expedition 1 Commander William "Shep" Shepherd, KD5GSL, and Russian cosmonauts Sergei Krikalev, U5MIR, and Yuri Gidzenko checked out the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station initial station ham gear last weekend.

"With the successful execution of engineering test communications passes, the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station project has passed a significant milestone," said ARISS team member Will Marchant, KC6ROL.

Two initial Amateur Radio test passes were conducted via R3K at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City near Moscow, with Russian ARISS delegate Sergej Samburov, RV3DR, at the controls. AMSAT Russia President Eugene Labutin, RA3APR, and Vladimir Zagainov, UA3DKR, also were on hand for the commissioning pass.

Shepherd reports that all equipment aboard the ISS appears to be operating well, although he and the other crew members have complained about the noisy air conditioner. The crew spent its first week installing an oxygen generator, a carbon-dioxide removal unit and other life-support systems.

Things got busier when a Russian cargo ship filled with food, parts, trash bags and another air conditioner arrived November 17. The crew must unload the rocket, stow the gear, then fill the rocket with trash to jettison before the shuttle Endeavour lifts off at the end of the month with a new set of solar panels for the ISS.

The crew is not getting Thanksgiving off, and crew members did not request turkey and the trimmings be sent into space.

Students at the Burbank School in Burbank, Illinois, were tentatively scheduled to have the first Amateur Radio contact with the Expedition 1 crew next month. Another 18 schools are under consideration for ARISS school contacts.

Tentative operating frequencies are: Worldwide downlink for voice and packet, 145.80 MHz; worldwide packet uplink, 145.99 MHz; Region 1 (Europe/Africa) voice uplink: 145.20 MHz; Region 2 and 3 voice uplink, 144.49 MHz. Crew members may use their personal call signs or one of the "club station" call signs issued for ISS use--NA1SS, RZ3DZR, or DL0ISS. The Keplerian elements bulletin from ARRL now includes data for the ISS.

The FCC has written a Wisconsin electric utility as a result of complaints of suspected power line interference filed by two Iowa amateurs. The FCC intervened after Alliant Energy of Madison indicated that it already considered itself to be in compliance with applicable state and federal laws. The FCC explained the utility's obligations under its Part 15 rules and gave the company 30 days to look into the situation and report back to the complainants.

The FCC's intervention October 27 stemmed from harmful interference complaints filed by James L. Spencer, W0SR, and Frederick M. Spinner, W0FMS, both of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The ARRL also has been in touch with Alliant Energy on behalf of the two ARRL members in an effort to resolve the matter.

In response to an inquiry from ARRL Lab Supervisor Ed Hare, W1RFI, Steven Baker, Alliant's general manager for customer operations, said his company "cannot financially justify making major system changes or investments to address problems, which are understood to be incidental radiators with no harmful interference as per FCC requirements." Baker said several of the RFI problems in Spencer's area were traced to "fish tank heaters, doorbell transformers and other devices" not under the utility's control.

"The nature of the RFI in Mr. Spencer's case is intermittent and at frequencies which have no effect on the public general broadcast frequencies," Baker said.

Spencer told the ARRL that he's been working for several years to resolve power line noise problems and has logged dozens of contacts with the utility. While he reported getting good customer service early on, he says the level of service has declined lately. Spinner, who contacted the utility more recently, said he's received no indication that Alliant intends to correct his problem and, in fact, suggested that he might have to live with it.

The ARRL has offered to assist all parties in reaching a satisfactory resolution. The FCC also suggested that Alliant contact the ARRL for additional guidance on dealing with RFI involving amateurs.

The FCC Consumer Information Bureau's Sharon Bowers told Alliant that even interference to a limited range of frequencies constitutes harmful interference to a licensed service. The FCC pointed out that the utility must not cause harmful interference to licensed services, and, if it does, should locate and correct problems within a reasonable time. The Commission requested that Alliant advise the complainants within 30 days of the steps it is taking to correct the reported interference problems.

Last year, the FCC intervened in the wake of longstanding RFI complaints from several West Coast amateurs who claimed they were receiving harmful interference from Pacific Gas and Electric power lines or equipment.

The ARRL Technical Information Service offers more information at http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/rfi-elec.html.

ESSEX, IA: The FCC on November 16, 2000, wrote Technician Plus licensee Jacob T. Johnson, KC0FPN, regarding a Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination--or CSCE--that the licensee is said to have presented at an ARRL VEC test session on April 16 in Prescott, Arizona. FCC Special Counsel for Amateur Radio Enforcement Riley Hollingsworth enclosed a copy of the CSCE on which the date may have been altered. "It appears that the document you submitted at the Prescott session was altered to reflect a date that was within 365 days of that session in order to permit it to retain its one year validity," Hollingsworth said. The FCC says that someone apparently altered the CSCE in question by changing the number "13" to "18," thereby extending the CSCE's validity to cover the April 16 session. Among other things, the FCC wants to know if Johnson had signed and dated the document and had written over the date. The FCC also enclosed a Form 610 and asked if Johnson had signed and dated it and which day or days he had appeared at a VE session and submitted the CSCE.

GILA BEND, AZ: The FCC on October 26, 2000, wrote Mickey R. Stephen, citing information before the Commission alleging that Stephen may have operated mobile radio transmitting equipment on 2 meters in the Garden City, Kansas, area using an Amateur Radio call sign. "Our records do not show that you have a license in that radio service," FCC Special Counsel for Amateur Radio Enforcement Riley Hollingsworth said. Hollingsworth cautioned that such operation could lead to revocation proceedings and a possible fine and lead to seizure of transmitting equipment. Hollingsworth invited Stephen to contact him to discuss the matter.

JACKSONVILLE, FL: The FCC on November 13, 2000, wrote Technician licensee William J Allen Sr, N4XUX, setting aside the October 12, 2000, grant of a General license, KG4JYI, to Allen, and returning his application to pending status. "This is because your claim of Technician credit held before March 21, 1987, is not valid," FCC Special Counsel for Amateur Radio Enforcement Riley Hollingsworth wrote. Pre-March 21, 1987, Technicians are entitled to an automatic upgrade to General class. Hollingsworth said a previous General class license grant to Allen already was set aside and dismissed after the licensee was notified earlier this year that his claim of credit was invalid. "In spite of this, you appeared for a test in Georgia and again claimed Technician credit prior to March 21, 1987," he wrote. Hollingsworth called Allen's most recent General class application "an abuse of the Commission's process" and said it would be dismissed. Hollingsworth said that if Allen tries again to claim prior Technician credit, the FCC will take enforcement action against his license. Hollingsworth said Allen is entitled to Technician privileges and that the FCC database would be revised to reflect that class.

ROSEVILLE, CA: The FCC on November 14, 2000, sent a Warning Notice to Union Pacific Railroad, citing monitoring information to indicate that the railroad had operated in simplex mode on 147.555 MHz in the Roseville area. FCC Special Counsel for Amateur Radio Enforcement Riley Hollingsworth noted that the frequency in question was assigned to the Amateur Service. He noted that such operation was in violation of federal law and that such continued operation could result in a fine. He requested that the railroad to contact him within 10 days to discuss the matter.

TRUMANN, AR: The FCC on October 26, 20000, wrote Technician licensee Alfred A. Moody, KC5UPE, citing information before the Commission alleging that the licensee or someone using his call sign may have operated on 75 meters, a band not authorized for operation by Technician licensees. FCC Special Counsel for Amateur Radio Enforcement Riley Hollingsworth cautioned the licensee that such operation could lead to revocation proceedings and a possible fine and could jeopardize future attempts to upgrade. Hollingsworth invited the licensee to contact him to discuss the matter.

Legislation has been signed that permits the enforcement of certain FCC Citizens Band regulations by state and local governments. Amateur Radio operators are exempt from the provisions of the law, now PL 106-521.

Congressional lawmakers saw the measure as a way to give a voice to those experiencing radio frequency interference resulting from illegal CB radio operation. The FCC will not yield its authority to regulate Citizens Band or other radio services, however.

In short, the measure authorizes states and localities to enact laws that prohibit the use of unauthorized CB equipment--consistent with FCC regulations. This would include the use of high-power linear amplifiers or equipment that was not FCC-certificated.

FCC-licensed stations in any radio service--including the Amateur Service--are excluded from such state or local enforcement, and state or local laws enacted under this legislation must identify this exemption.

The bill--HR.2346 is the House version; it was S.2767 in the Senate--actually is the old Senate "Feingold bill" from several sessions ago. The bill's sponsor, Rep Vernon Ehlers of Michigan says local hams asked him to support the bill because of the bad rap they were getting from illegal CBers using high-power linear amplifiers that resulted in TV and telephone interference while the CBers involved hid behind federal preemption.

As did Feingold before him, Ehlers asked the ARRL to review his measure to ensure that it would not unintentionally harm Amateur Radio.

Present: Wayne, WD4JPQ, Murray, K4MHM, Bob, KV4RF, Dave, W4YDY, Jim, KF4VHH, and Lily, KV4AW.

Special Events-Take a good look at the Boy Scout Radio Merit Badge. This is an easy one to get. Suggested that the new board identify mentors for this badge and offer the service to all scout units in county.
Health & Welfare-Solicit club members to help James Eubanks, KD4JOV, over the long term.
Instructors-Last class is Thursday. Dave LeMoine will give them a talk on PSK and Wayne on repeaters between 6:30 and 7:30. Test will begin at 7:30. Jim suggested the class be told to wait till ARRL asks them to join the organization as they might get an introductory rate or some other perk.
Programs-The Christmas Party is set for December 12 at 6:30 in the St. Peter’s library. Murray will get some poinsettias and Bob and Bonnie will bring guitars for a sing-along.
Publicity-Walt Verdick will have the Christmas party in the newspaper.
Trailer-floor plans are being examined.

Motion: A motion will be set before the members at the January meeting to give St. Peter’s a gift for allowing us to use their facility. Bob and Jim will do this.

New QSL cards are still needed.

No 50/50 at the party.

No New Business.

Next Board meeting will be January 2, 2001.

Minutes of the November 14, 2000 Meeting

Minutes of the last meeting (9/12/00) were approved.

Treasurer’s Report---With regard to the budget, we are doing well this year in all categories.

Murray, K4MHM, reminded all of the Benson Hamfest on Sunday, Nov. 19.

JOTA-Tom, W4TEP, reported it was fairly successful. The equipment ran all day on one Red Cross battery and at the end of the day it didn’t need to be charged. The generator was not used because it needed a new spark plug, which has been replaced. Next years’ Fall Camporee may coincide with JOTA. The Scouts talked mainly to England, Canada and the U.S. Nothing further on the Radio Merit Badge.

Ham Class-There are 4 people still in it. The last class will also include the exam for licensing. The Board has discussed shortening the class to all day on a couple of weekends.

Programs-Jim, KF4VHH , reminded us of the Christmas Party on December 12 at 6:30PM at St. Peter’s. The club will provide drinks, ice, paper plates, forks. Members are asked to bring their usual assortment of goodies.

VE session-The next VE session will be the class test on Nov. 30. The next regular session is Dec. 15.

Equipment-The trailer is here and so is the permanent license.

SET-held on Nov. 4,5. Jim, KF4VHH, thanked Murray, K4MHM, Doug, K4ROK, Ken ,N8FF and Dave LeMoine, KB4CN, for helping. The emergency simulated was a forest fire and the assistance was to the volunteer fire departments on the Outer Banks. Doug, K4ROK, noted that the Tar Heel Emergency Net ran from 9AM Saturday to 8:30PM Sunday. The training was very useful. Bernie, WA4MOK, said that Eastern Branch EOC was at their location in the Global Transpark and made good contacts. He thanked Wayne, WD4JPQ, Bill,, and Ron Knapp (Kinston).

Field Day-Results are in the latest QST.

Old Business-Lily, KV4AW, will check on insuring contents (equipment) of trailer.

Awards Managers-2 volunteers, but no paperwork from ARRL. Murray, K4MHM, is working on it.

Antenna status-Paul, KS4YF, said we have a CL33 in exchange for our TA-33 Jr. and we will maintain this status.

Glen Martin Engineering has sent a bunch of brochures on their products (towers).

Program

Election of New Officers: Elected were Wayne Ross, WD4JPQ, President; Dave LeMoine, KB4CN, 1st VP; Bill Dawson, WA4SLC, 2nd VP, Bonnie Pulver, KG4CZW, Secretary; Dave Pulver, KG4CZV, Treasurer; and Mike Langley, KD4MTT, Trustee. Congratulations to the new officers.

Nominations for Awards were also made and the awards will be given out at the December meeting.

Dave LeMoine presented a nice program on PSK31, complete with handouts. Check the BARC website for more information.

Pitt County ARES NCS

Mondays at 9 PM on W4GDF repeater. 147.09 MHz.

VHF

• BARC Net, Mondays, 2000 on 147.09 MHz, W4GDF Repeater.

• Pitt County Emergency Communications Net, Mondays, 2100 on 147.09 MHz. (131.8 Hz Tone)

• Kinston Amateur Radio Society Net, 1,3,4 Tuesdays, 2000 hrs. on 145.47 MHz., W4OIX repeater in Kinston.

• Eastern North Carolina Traffic Net, Every night, 2030 on 146.685 MHz.

• New Bern Amateur Radio Club/Eastern NC 220 Association for the WD4JMS & WA4DAN Net, Monday, 2000 on 146.61 and 224.84 MHz

• Wilson Amateur Radio Club Net, Monday 2030 on 146.76 MHz.

• Piedmont Coastal Traffic Net, Nightly 2030 on 146.88 MHz.

• Newport WFO SKYWARN Net, Wednesday, 2100 on 145.21 MHz

• Coastal Emergency Linking Net, Wednesday, 2100 ET on Williamston 145.410 & 444.250, Columbia 146.835 & 443.300, Rocky Mount 147.120, Ahoskie 146.910, Franklin, VA 147.300, Farmville 145.270, (Buxton 145.150 Coming Soon)

• Beaufort County Emergency Communications Net, Thursday 2000 on 147.345 MHz. Preceded by Newsmen at 1930.

HF

• Tar Heel Emergency Communications Net on 3923 kHz Nightly 1930.

NTS CW Nets

Regular Meeting - 2nd Tuesday @ 7:30 PM
Board Meeting - Last Tuesday @ 7:00 PM