The Airwaves October 2005 SIERRA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB An ARRL Special Services Club -- RACES -- ARES -- P.O. Box 1442, Ridgecrest, California 93556-1442

BOARD	President	Bill Burns	WA6QYR	375-8566
	First VP	Paula Herr	N6VGW	375-5324
OF	Second VP	Gene Brewer	KI6LO	446-1315
	Secretary	Tom Ingram	WB6EPD	375-7950
OFFICERS	Treasurer	Pam Evans	KC6UUS	375-4240

SARC Owned and Maintained Repeaters

Randsburg WA6YBN 145.34 MHz (-600 kHz), PL 100.0 Hz, Wide Area Coverage, Emerg. Pwr. Ridgecrest WA6YBN 146.64 MHz (-600 kHz), Translator, No Squelch Tail, Emergency Power Ridgecrest WA6YBN 147.00 MHz (+600 kHz), PL 107.2 Hz, Autopatch, linked to 145.34 Ridgecrest YBNBBS:WA6YBN, 145.050 MHz, Bulletin Board, 1200 Baud Ridgecrest #YBNSW:WA6YBN-4, 223.580 MHz, Node, 1200 Baud Ridgecrest #YBNSW:WA6YBN-4, 439.025 MHz, Node, 9600 Baud

SARC Committees

Technical Assistance: Greg, WA7IRW 446-4383	Public Relations: Paula, N6VGW 375-5324
Program: Gene, KI6LO 446-1315	Airways Editor: Mike, WA6ARA 275-5324
RF Interference: Bill, WA6QYR 375-8566	Emergency and Public Service: Jerry, KK6PA 446-2228

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THE AIRWAVES CALENDAR

Every Monday Night ARRL Audio News 1910 (7:10 p.m.) on 146.64 MHz SARC Net - Visitors Welcomed! 1930 hrs (730pm) WA6YBN Translator 146.64 MHz (-) Oct 12 SARC Board Meeting Heritage Inn Conference Room 700pm Oct 12 SARC General Meeting Heritage Inn Conference Room 730pm Program: Portable 2 meter antennas Gene, KI6LO Oct 15 Jamboree-On-The-Air will be happening at Pearson Park on October 15 from 9 to 3 pm. SARC will demonstrating Amateur Radio to the scouts. Contact Bill WA6QYR 375-8566

AMATEUR RADIO LICENSE EXAMS Second Sat, Even months Oct 08 Volunteer License Exam Sessions Kern County Library Ridgecrest Branch 131 East Las Flores Ave. Meeting Room Pre-register by 05 October. All must sign in at 9 am. Code test 11 am Contact Elvy N0LV 760-384-3589 E-mail Dates for the rest of the year are: 08 Oct and 10 Dec

Wow, seems like we just got the end of summer stuff done and here it is October already! SARC had a nice visit from our ARRL Section Manager Charles McConnell last meeting. The Kiwanis Walkathon communications lead by Greg, WA7IRW went smooth with a number of new folks manning spots. The use of APRS to track walkers helped in some places. We need to up the power out put of the transmitter to get around some of the buildings the walk covers. There has been some more discussion on getting a few more units to cover other events should we be asked to help out following searchers or people in a local event. Jerry, KK6PA and others had a RACES table in the United Way Family Fun Fair at Jackson Pack, same place that the Walk was going on. They had an HF radio so folks could listen to Katrina message traffic, showing how amateurs help out in emergencies.

The bike ride event set for October first went off without us for communications because some one thought we were too expensive, when we are really free to the user. OH well, others in the bike club know the difference and maybe next time they will ask for us to help. We have the Jamboree-On-The-Air event coming up in Pearson Pack on October 15th where we are a service to provide communications to young Scouts wishing to participate. The tower trailer will be brought over to provide a bigger antenna than on a car so we can hopefully get the youth to talk with other youth around the nation and world if HF propagation is better than it has been for a few months now. We could use a few others to come help in the communications and guidance area.

Hopefully everyone has had the chance to pick up extra gear out of the Jeff Eaton items. If not check that September issue of Air Waves to see the list of stuff. Some of the parts and pieces were at last meeting and maybe more will show up in October. Some of it is planned to go on "Ebay" if we don't have locals wishing to pick it up. So jump in there and call Gene, Bill or Elvy to see what is still left up for grabs. If you haven't sent in you check for items purchased, please get it to Pam.

Another thing that happens in October is a number of amateur conventions about the state. Pacificon will be the weekend of 15 October in San Ramon. Microwave Update 2005 will be in LA sponsored by the San Bernardino Microwave Society and the Western States Weak Signal Society 27 to 30 October. So check in to some of these and see what other amateurs are doing.

73's Bill

The September 14, 2005 board meeting was called to order at 1859 hrs. Those present: Pres. Bill Burns (WA6QYR), 2nd Vice Pres. Gene Brewer (KI6LO), Treas. Pam Evans (KC6UUS), Airwaves editor Mike Herr (WA6ARA) and Secy. Tom Ingram (WB6EPD. There will be a Fox Hunt this weekend. The Scout show planned for September 10th was canceled due to the lack of people. The Kiwanis Walk-a-thon will be t September 24th. The Kernville bike ride is scheduled for October 1st. The Jamboree-On-The-Air will cost $75 for the Park usage this year. A motion was made a seconded to reimburse Bill for the Park Fee. Badges have gone up again this year. The club needs to change the membership application to $10.00 for badges. Pam will check for local badge prices. The RACES table at the United Way activity in the Park on September 24th needs more support. Mike is working on the 146.640 translator upgrade. The meeting was adjourned at 1915 hrs.

Minutes of the General Meeting
By Secretary Tom Ingram (WB6EPD)

The 14 September 2005 meeting was called to order by the President, Bill Burns (WA6QYR) at 1930 hrs at the Heritage Inn. The Sign-in sheet was started around.

Announcements:

1.. 50/50 tickets were available.
2.. The Treasurers Report is in the newsletter.
3.. There were 2 visitors, Steven Burns and Phil Burum (KI6AKG).
4.. There were a number of donations from the sale of donated HAM/electronic equipment.
5.. There are two upcoming Amateur Radio Conventions.
6.. Badges have gone up to $10.00 each. Pam will look for a better price.
7.. The Scout show demo scheduled for 10 September was canceled due to the lack of people.
8.. There will be a Fox Hunt this Saturday.
9.. The Kiwanis Walk-a-thon will be this Saturday (September 24th).
Greg Roush (WA7IRW) provided some information on the event.
10.. The Kernville Bicycle ride is scheduled for October 1st.
11.. The Jamboree-On-The-Air will be at Pearson Park on October 15th.
The Fee to use the Park is now $75.00 for a half-day.
A Boy Scout Troop from Bakersfield may attend the Jamboree this year.
12.. SARC members are encouraged to join the DX Club for the Field Day event.
The location will either be at the Senior Citizens Building Park or at the Inyokern Park.
13.. Bill purchased a vinyl sign to be displaced at SARC functions.
14.. Lloyd Brubaker (WA6KZV) talked about the United Way fair at the Park on September 24th.
Many changes are occurring as a result of the problems at New Orleans.
Plans are to have a RACES table with a HF station.
15.. Mike Herr (WA6ARA) gave a status on the 146.640 translator update.
Plans include a 440 link for control and repeater health.
16.. Charles McConnell (W6DPD), the ARRL Section Manager, provided an ARRL Amateur Handbook
and an Antenna Book for the 50/50 drawing.
Charles also presented one of the visitors an ARRL book.
17.. There were some freebees (donations were accepted) from a Silent Key estate. 
18.. Jerry Brooks (KK6PA) talked about batteries
19.. Greg Roush provided some information about inter-mod filters that reduce Pager interference.
20.. Gene Brewer (KI6LO) has a source for Fiberglass rods and tubes for Quad antennas.
Most are 8 feet so it takes extra shipping. A group order would reduce shipping cost. 
21.. Bill presented Charles McConnell with an oversized check for $500 for
the Spectrum Defense Fund after the program.
22.. Pam Evans (KC6UUS) provided cookies.

ARRL San Joaquin Valley Section Manager Charles McConnell, W6DPD accepting a $500 check for the ARRL Spectrum Defense Fund from the SARC board. Shown is left to right is Paula N6VGW 1st VP, Gene KI6LO 2nd VP, Bill WA6QYR Prez and Charles McConnell, W6DPD.

Draft Account	$   421.25
Share Account	$ 5,044.89
BALANCE:	$ 5,466.14

Scout Jamboree On The Air
Jamboree-On-The-Air will be happening at Pearson Park on October 15 from 9am to 3 pm. SARC will be demonstrating Amateur Radio to the scouts. Contact Bill WA6QYR 375-8566

September 5    	-  10
September 12	-  15
September 19 	-  16

...Mike Herr WA6ARA

Jerry, KK6PA

Gene and Greg also tried the APRS capability again by placing a transmitter in the resupply truck and a unit carried by the official last walker. The RACES portable cross-band repeater radio was configured as a TNC and connected to a laptop computer running APRS software. The operators at the park were able to monitor the location of the re-supply truck over the entire route and demonstrate the tracking capability to United Way visitors at the RACES table at the park. Unfortunately, the APRS unit with the last walker suffered several problems: the connectors jiggled loose with the walking motion, and the battery in the hand-held radio died by the second checkpoint. So, the lesson-learned is that we need to harden this type of equipment a lot more before we use it on a horse ride.

The breeze was the likely cause for a relatively low turn-out by Ridgecrest citizens for the walk. John and Lorilyn counted about 315 walkers going through the fourth checkpoint. Only one minor injury was reported, and the child decided after a few minutes of attention, that he'd peddle the remaining 3/8 of a mile to the park. A police presence could have been used to caution an older driver who was apparently following a walker and pulling into the curb a bit too close for some walkers.

For the first time, the United Way set up a Family Fun Fair to coincide with the Kiwanis Walk-a-thon. Unfortunately, the location of the UW agency booths was right in the middle of path that the returning walkers would have taken to get their completion prizes from the Kiwanis, so the Grande Finale of the walk was diluted. All the people milling around made identifying returning walkers difficult. In addition, trying to monitor the APRS and respond to the walk traffic, while the RACES booth was being set up and an antenna dangled between a couple of trees, was distracting. So, if the UW Fair happens again next year, we'll try to separate our walk operator at the park a lot further from the confusion. 73 Greg, WA7IRW

With the events of the last few weeks fresh in our minds, we all should take a few minutes and look around at our home, offices and communities and see what we need to do to either establish or improve an existing emergency preparedness plan. Although Ridgecrest is highly unlikely to experience anything on the scale of Hurricanes Katrina or Rita, we still have plenty to prepare for. Need I remind you that the San Andreas Fault is only a short distance from the IWV? The Garlock Fault, claimed as the second largest fault in California, is only 15 miles south of us. Either of these fault could be the origin of the 'BIG ONE' seismologists keep referring to.

According to statistics and our local history, one of our greatest local threats is earthquakes and their associated damage; fires (broken gas lines and downed power lines), possible loss of services (water, electrical, phones, etc) and evacuation routes. Add to this the possibility of flooding to the Indian Wells Valley (how many remember the Flood of August 1984), the threat of possible terrorist attacks to the base (who knows - never say never) or a nuclear-biological-chemical threat to LA and surrounding SOCAL areas (we could get fallout from such) and you can see that we have our share of possible scenarios to choose from.

FACT: The safety of your family and yourself is the first priority in any threatening situation. This cannot be emphasized strongly enough.

Do you and your family know what to do in case of a serious emergency? Do you have supplies enough for all the family members - don't forget 'Rover' and 'Ms. Kitty'. Has anyone had first aid and/or CPR training? Preparedness experts recommend each person have a bag or backpack containing a first aid kit, water and non-spoilable foods for 3-4 days minimum, flashlight with fresh batteries, a broadcast band receiver with fresh batteries and other assorted items. These recommended lists can be found on the Internet or from organizations such as the Red Cross or local police or sheriff's departments.

So, imagine for a moment, you've prepared your survival kits. Your family has discussed the things to do in case of a disaster. The big 'event' happens - earthquake, flood, terrorist attack, etc. You respond by ensuring that you and yours are safe.

Now what do you do?

Sit back and wait until help arrives? Help out the best way you can? As an amateur radio operator, you could join other operators in assisting local authorities and served agencies to provide communications into and out of the valley? Have you had any training in emergency communications procedures? Do you have your own emergency comms kit ready to go? Do you know who to report to for assignments? Are you a member of the Radio Amateur Communication Emergency Service (RACES)?

Now is the time to not only get your survival gear in place for you and your family but to take a look at your radio gear to. Does all your radio gear require AC mains to operate? Take a look at the lessons being learned in New Orleans. With the power out, the backups only last a finite period of time and then NOTHING! Have you ever looked up in the sky around Ridgecrest in the daytime - almost ANY day? What do you see? An unlimited source of energy, which for a small investment of a solar panel charging system, could be converted into useable AC/DC power for emergency communication equipment, not to mention numerous household uses. Do you have a fresh stock of proper batteries for broadcast radios, flashlights, 2M HT, etc. Remember, that whiz-bang 2M HT is going to be a really attractive paperweight when the rechargeable battery dies and there is no AC to plug the charger into. Do you have any HF gear and is it portable? What about the power source? Antennas?

None of this is meant to be the harbinger of doom but lack of preparedness is a major contributor to lack of survival in many extreme situations. Although Ridgecrest may never see anything remotely approaching the Gulf Coast string of disasters, anything you can do now will ease the suffering of your family and fellow citizens of the IWV in any case.

I would suggest that if you haven't had any training in emergency communications, look into the ARRL's EMCOMM training courses. Level 1 is easy to understand, informative and will enable you to be not only a better emergency communicator but maybe improve your day-to-day communications too.

Check into RACES and the ARRL's Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). You could make a difference.

If you would like more information on the East Kern County RACES / ARES, contact the author or Mr. Jerry Brooks, KK6PA, East Kern County Emergency Coordinator, kk6pa@hotmail.com

QST de W1AW

ARRL Bulletin 23  ARLB023
From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington CT  September 26, 2005
To all radio amateurs 

New York Congressman Steve Israel has reintroduced legislation that could make it easier for radio amateurs living in communities with deed covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) to erect suitable antennas. Arkansas Congressman Mike Ross, WD5DVR, signed aboard as an original cosponsor of the ''Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Consistency Act'' (HR 3876).

ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, has encouraged League members to write their elected representative and ask that they cosponsor and support the bill, especially given two hurricane emergencies in short order.

''Amateur Radio is certainly a part of this nation's communications infrastructure,'' Haynie said. ''What we're asking for is just a fair shake so we can put up antennas and help our fellow citizens.'' While the League has ramped up its efforts to educate members of Congress about Amateur Radio, Haynie said lawmakers respond best to individual members.

The one-sentence measure is identical to the text of the CC&R bill that has been introduced in the last two sessions of Congress. It would put private land-use regulations, such as homeowners' association rules, on the same legal plane as state or local zoning regulations under the FCC's PRB-1 limited federal preemption. PRB-1 now applies only to states and municipalities.

HR 3876 has been assigned to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Information about the bill and a sample letter to use when contacting your representative are available on the ARRL Web site, www.arrl.org/govrelations/hr3876/.

In his public announcement September 19, Israel said that ''often unsung'' Amateur Radio volunteers were instrumental in helping residents in the hardest hit areas in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, including saving stranded flood victims in Louisiana and Mississippi.

''State and local governments, as well as disaster relief agencies, could not possibly afford to replace the services that radio amateurs dependably provide for free,'' said a statement from Israel's office. ''However, the hundreds of thousands of Amateur Radio licensees face burdensome regulations that make it extremely difficult to provide their public services.''

FOR SALE!

SARC members, Here is an updated list of equipment and parts that was donated to the club for sale/use/disposal from Jeff Eaton K6IDP via Elvy Hopkins. Most of the equipment is older gear but is still useable. Some of it has been checked out, some not. If the equipment has been checked over, the status of it is listed. If not, it will say not tested. Here is a chance for you to get some really nice gear for next to nothing. Listening experimenters?

All dollar prices are based on eBay and Internet listings for last month or two. If you are interested, take a look and if you like it, buy it or make a counter offer if you feel it is too high. Remember it all goes to the SARC.

Things at Bill Burns' 375-8566
Green case with some sort of 3-axis G recorder (12v motor), Make Offer
Home made cw keyer in nice box (key tube type rigs.), Make Offer
12 inch Jensen speaker P12-rx, Make Offer
1940-50s Military audio oscillator 100 Hz to 32 kHz (big box) SG15A/PCM, Make Offer
1940-50s frequency meter with frequency list up to 10 GHz (big box) TS-186 UP, Make Offer
Many boxes of electronic parts (50's-80s), Make Offer

Antennas at Elvy's 384-3589
Larson 2 mtr mobile antenna, NLA-MM magnetic mount + NLA-150 tunable whip, Make Offer
Butternut RMK-II roof mount kit for HF6V thru HF9V multi-band vertical Antennas,
  New, in original box, Make Offer
Hy-Gain Penetrator CB or 10M 5/8 wave vertical antenna, Missing minor hardware
  (nuts, bolts and clamps), Make Offer
US Army box of misc. guy wires & special hardware, Obviously for some specific purpose,
  Make Offer
Butternut  HF-3B or HF-4B, 2 element, small sized, HF antenna
   Seems to be complete and usable, Partially disassembled, Make Offer
Set of Hy-Gain 5BDQ-S traps, Make a 95" HF longwire(?), Make Offer
4 ea. Mobile vertical whips & J-Pole materials. 
  Misc whips and materials good for J-pole construction, Make Offer
Small lot of misc. antenna parts, tubing and construction materials,
  Includes good start on 5 element 2mtr portable Yagi, Make Offer
US Army collapsible, adjustable UHF ground plane antenna, Needs new coax, Make Offer

Equipment at Gene Brewer's 446-1315
Yaesu FT-101-EE HF transceiver with manual all in original box.
   Tunes up on all bands, 65W out on 80-15, 50W out on 10M. clean,
   could use an alignment, possibly new finals (2x6JC6) $200
Hallicrafters SX-71 general coverage / HAM band receiver with original manual,
   AM Broadcast works but dial needs calibration, rest of the bands
   make noise but need alignment - CW tone control modified with
   knob missing, power supply wiring modified for homebrew 100kc
   calibrator (included). Probably will need alignment and tubes
   checked/replaced? $75
Hallicrafter R-46 speaker 500 ohm for SX-71 $20
Gonset Commnicator III 2 mtr AM tranceiver, 2 FT-43 crystals and power cord.
   I downloaded schematic and manual. Found 2 cables disconnected internally to XMITTER 
   not tested electrically $45
Gonset 6 & 2 mtr converter, Clean with NO burned components.
  Suspect it should work but no manual or schematic - no info - No
  Model number on unit - not sure how or if it works with Communicator
  III unit or if working at all, Make Offer
Drake 2 C HF Hamband receiver with original manual (80, 40, 20, 15, 10),
   100kc calibrator loud on 80M but barely heard on 40M, not at all on 20, 15 or 10M 
   suspect needs alignment $100
Military O'scope, No AC pilot light on power up - no schematic or manual 
  manual with unit is a primer on using oscopes, not specific to this unit, Make Offer
MFJ 564 CW Paddle, Chrome (Bencher BY-1 clone) Works, looks new $30
Military surplus 60W/15W wattmeter/52ohm dummy load, Measures 57ohm and compared to Bird 43
  at 40w on 14.200Mhz, surplus meter shows 54 watts.
   Can be aligned in back of meter housing, $45
Heathkit 1M-11 VTVM with leads Works but needs cleaning / tubes checked $20
MFJ HF Wattmeter with Cross Needles 20/200/2000W, Works,
   accurate to <1% of Bird 43 wattmeter comparison $35
Henry Radio 2M amplifier Spec'ed at 1 to 5W in, 30 out. Measured 40W out with 2W in.
   5W was overdriving so this would be a good amp for a small HT., $35
General Electric (antique) clamp-on AC volt/current meter, Measures AC/DC voltage/current
  Good condition with leather case, Make offer
TS-352U VOM 5kVDC/10AMP, Uses flat BA-31 battery. Can be fudged. Good condition, Make offer.
Old (1943) military desk mike with telephone type mouthpiece, Make Offer

Updated Sat Oct 8 19:13:15 PDT 2005