N6ENV Repeater Group Newsletter SEPTEMBER 1997 TRUSTEE'S CORNER THE WIND, THE RAIN AND THE REPEATER! Can you believe that the repeater you have enjoyed using spent two years of it's new life on Oat in an outside, leaky, spider infested cabinet... basically open to all the elements. During the summer... it sweltered and in winter it leaked. When lightning rolled into the Valley, oh yes it strikes Oat several times a year, it took out THREE controllers! Bill Thomas KN6OC can tell you that he saw very little of the Southwest ARRL Convention on the Queen Mary since he spent most of it on Oat replacing those things! Now we enjoy two floor to ceiling racks basking inside of an air-conditioned building. All the equipment is protected by Polyphasor lightening equipment and power flows from a redundant set of huge power supplies. If the power should go off in an emergency, Mike, K6YPB has created a good size battery box outside with monster batteries supplying enough power to run the repeaters for a week! The automatic change over even seamlessly switches over during a brown out. The machine cycles down to half power for the duration and then back to full power after the utility supply resumes. As you walk outside of this "playland for repeaters" you are reminded of the power of the 1994 earthquake as you peer down a road that has plummeted 100 yards down the hill... just 75 feet from our front door! But as you look up to the northern sky, you see our large commercial antennas poised atop a gigantic monolith of tempered stainless steel. Those white sticks tickle the sky proclaiming the tallest system on Oat! Remember the Boy Scout's Motto? "Be prepared" and our response is right in tune "we are prepared!" You should feel proud because we all have worked hard to earn this most difficult "merit badge!" And we aren't done yet! Forrest Oden N6ENV THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE The N6ENV Repeater Group repeater system is currently undergoing change. By the time you get this newsletter some of those changes will have been implemented. Other changes are planned for the near future. The goal is to create the number one open repeater system in Southern California. On July 14, 1997 work was started at the Oat Mountain repeater site. All the radio equipment was transferred to new vertical racks. The first step to what can only be referred to as a massive battery back-up system completed. When the back-up battery system is completed, the system should remain on the air for several days in the event of a major main power loss. On August 4, 1997, Forrest and I went up the Oat Mountain repeater site and completed the battery back up system. Forrest had built a battery change over charging system that was absolutely flawless. As strange as it may sound, it was exciting to pull the plug on the AC power and have the repeater seamlessly convert to the battery back up power and remain on the air. We also replaced the auto-patch computer board with a new updated version. After a few final checks and adjustments, we closed the site up and returned to the flat lands. We were both very proud of this latest accomplishment in the long list of improvements and upgrades planned. The next step will be to add remote voting receiver. Basically, the voting receiver will sample the input signal for two different sites and pass the best signal to the repeater system. The grand master, Forrest can explain this concept better. Some of the future plans and ideas include a possible repeater site on Santiago, remote base capabilities, CTCSS tone paging, an on demand QST style information system for Amateur Radio Newsline or other amateur community service announcements and special events. These are indeed exciting times. More and more the ENV repeater users are engaging in conversations regarding the system and what it offers, but better yet, new ideas on how to make it better. We encourage and welcome all ideas, so please don't be shy, this is a group and it is a group effort. Visitors are also welcome during the scheduled work parties. So listen to the weekly nets for dates and times. Some of the other changes deal with how we operate as a club. Many members have mentioned the lack of small informal gatherings. We will be trying to set up quarterly meetings at central locations to make it easy for all to attend. This will give all interest persons an opportunity to discuss future events, upgrades to the system or just to meet some of the voices in person. As Bob, K6PIU has done in the past, we would like to setup a few pizza (?????) parties also. These make for some great eats, drink and story telling. They have generally been a great family style get together. We plan to add some new features to the newsletters. We encourage long or short articles from our members on just about any topic that might be of interest to other members. Write about a great vacation spot, a funny story or a technical article. How about an editorial some of the current issues facing amateur radio. Dare I even bring up the CW issue. No matter what your position, voice or in this case print it. This could be good practice. I once wrote a quick article for 73 Magazine and was paid $300 for the effort. And as anyone reading this can attest to, you need not be that great at it. We will also try to include a list of events and activities to better allow members to plan. Have you checked the N6ENV web page lately? Dave, WB6WKB has invested many, many hours creating and maintaining this truly awesome web site. To find the N6ENV web page, just direct a search engine to search "N6ENV". It features links to useful amateur radio related site, current club sponsored events, list of member's e-mail addresses, access to past club newsletters and the list just goes on. Mike K6YPB [The web page is "http://www.instanet.com/~scratchi/n6env.html". Give it a visit and save a bookmark to it!] TO CREATE CHANGE, IT WILL TAKE MORE THAN JUST CHANGE All these changes are expensive. So to raise funds, the N6ENV Repeater Group will be hosting a membership drive. Currently our ambitions greatly outweigh our available funds. If each current member were to recruit one new full auto-patch member, that situation would be reversed. We would be able to purchase the new voting receivers and linking transmitter. At the end of the membership drive, there will be a drawing and we will be giving away prizes to six members. The total combine value of these prizes total over $600. This in no small chunk of change for an open repeater system. The two grand prizes are a new Yaesu HT and a new RF power amplifier. The membership will change from the current single style Auto-Patch membership to a two-tier membership, to reflect the diversity of our users. The first will be the Full Auto-Patch Membership and system access. The second will be called the N6ENV Supporter Membership. The Supporter Membership will include complete system access except for use of the auto-patch. During the membership drive, the one time sign up fee is being waived also. By the time you get this newsletter, I am sure you have heard the changes that have occurred on our Sunday night nets. We wanted to find some way to show or thanks to the entire Southern California Amateur Radio community, not just members of our fine system, for listening and checking in over the years. . For five weeks, beginning Sunday August 10, 1997 at 8 PM, for all those who check in on our nets, you will be eligible for a drawing for a new AC/DC Portable AM/FM/TV/ Weather multi-band radio. Just check in then at the end of the net listen to claim your gift. The only condition is that the winner acknowledges over the air. If nothing is heard, we will draw again. That's it, period. Again, this is open to any licensed amateur. CONTEST DETAILS AND RULES WEEKLY NET DRAWINGS PRIZE- AC/DC PORTABLE AM/FM TV/ WEATHER MULTI BAND RADIO August 10, 1997 to September 7, 1997 As indicated above, simply check in on the Sunday night nets, listen to the drawing. If your name is called, check back in and claim your prize. If after one minute, nothing is heard, another name will be drawn. Only one prize can be claimed per person for the duration of the weekly net contest. All decisions by the net control operator are final. MEMBERSHIP DRIVE - FULL AUTO-PATCH MEMBERSHIP GRAND PRIZE- CHOICE OF ONE OF THE FOLLOWING HAND HELD TRANSCIEVERS 1- YAESU FT-50R DUAL BAND 2 METER 440 HT 2- YAESU FT-33R 220 MHz HT 3- YAESU VX-1 DUAL BAND MINI 2 METER 440 HT FT-50R VX-1R FIRST PRIZE - INDIGLOW WRIST WATCH SECOND PRIZE- POCKET SIZE MULTI-METER August 10, 1997 to November 2, 1997 Qualifications for eligibility will be based on new paid auto-patch membership. Each new paid member will receive one ticket for the drawing. In addition, current members who refer a new paid auto-patch membership will also receive one ticket for the drawing. The drawing will consist of one grand prize, one first prize and one second prize. Only one prize per person. The drawing will be held at a date to be announced, some time between November 9, 1997 and November 30, 1997. The location will be announced during that same period. We are trying to find a location and a date for a Holiday Party. The drawing will be held at the Holiday Party. If we are unable find a date or location, then a drawing will be held during a regular weekly net between the same dates. The winner will not be required to be present to claim any of the three prizes. However, we would greatly appreciate the winner to be present for the presentation. MEMBERSHIP DRIVE- N6ENV SUPPORTER MEMBERSHIP GRAND PRIZE- CHOICE OF ONE OF THE FOLLOWING RF AMPLIFIERS 1- MAHA 2 METER 440 DOCKING BOOSTER FOR DESKTOP USE. 2- MAHA 2 METER 440 AMPLIFIER FOR MOBILE APPLICATIONS Docking Amp for Mobile Booster applications FIRST PRIZE- AC/DC PORTABLE AM/FM TV/ WEATHER MULTI BAND RADIO SECOND PRIZE- POCKET SIZE MULTI-METER Qualifications for eligibility will be based on new paid supporter membership. Each new paid member will receive one ticket for the drawing. In addition, current members who refer a new paid supporter membership will also receive one ticket for the drawing. The drawing will consist of one grand prize, one first prize and one second prize. Only one prize per person. The drawing will be held at a date to be announced, some time between November 9, 1997 and November 30, 1997. The location will be announced during that same period. We are trying to find a location and a date for a Holiday Party. The drawing will be held at the Holiday Party. If we are unable find a date or location, then a drawing will be held during a regular weekly net between the same dates. The winner will not be required to be present to claim any of the three prizes. However, we would greatly appreciate the winner to be present for the presentation. New membership applications are included in this newsletter. If you are referring a new member, be sure to print your name, address, call sign and telephone number on the new member's application form. Failure to do so will cause the referring person to be disqualified from contest eligibility. The referring person will be sent one drawing ticket by return mail. There will be NO write in referral information after the application is received. When a new member receives the new members kit, one drawing ticket will be included. If the drawing ticket is missing, it is the responsibility of the new member to contact an N6ENV officer immediately. No replacement tickets will be issued after seven days from the mailing date. In the event of a lost ticket, the member shall contact an N6ENV officer for replacement. No replacement of lost tickets will be given after November 8, 1997 at 12:00 mid-night. The person who lost the ticket shall provide the serial number that was imprinted on the ticket. It is advisable to put the your ticket in a safe location and write the ticket serial number on a separate piece of paper. Field Day 1997, ENV Style Well the N6ENV Group Field Day camping trip has just ended. I want to thank all those who participated in making this a truly fun filled event. A special thanks to Ed, KE6BNL and Lori KE6KLH for helping me plan and set up the operating station. I met a number of the N6ENV regulars for the first time and even managed to miss a few who came up. Sorry Judy, did not know you were there until after you had left. I think I counted 20 or 21 people plus a good number of kids, this was really a family affair. So all in all it was a great turn out. Even the grand master himself, Mr. N6ENV made an appearance. After a late start on Friday, Ed and I arrived and set up the station. I had built a pneumatic tower to raise all the VHF/UHF antennas. I have to say it was a sight to see. Many of the other campers made it a point to wonder by looking skyward shaking their heads trying to figure out what we were doing. The brave ventured a few questions. After some joking, we explained the concept of Field Day. Most left with a stiff neck and still wondering- why? I think the best question came from an old wartime CW radio operator. He drove up as we were assembling and attaching the antennas to the various masts. He asked, "wouldn't it be easier to just get a satellite dish?" Ed and I kinda looked at each other laughed. You see, two years ago I built a 37-foot steel tower for a Field Day. On the top of that tower I mounted a 6-foot solid aluminum satellite dish. It was definitely not easier. But we did make the cover photo of the October 95 issue of 73 AMATEUR RADIO magazine. Even the editor could not believe what I did. The most asked question asked was if we would be able to get the big fight or "bite" as it turned out. Next were Ed and his son Jim. They were seen throwing coils of wire over trees and trailers setting up the long wire antenna for the HF operations. After some tuning up, Ed made several contacts for the first time since being licensed, on 160 meters. That evening, all Ed could talk about was his new prize, the 160-meter band. So without any problems, we were on the air Friday night ready for the quest ahead of us. Saturday morning came and an emergency unscheduled meeting was called. Seems none of us knew what type of station we were going to be running. Yep, this was surely the sign of a really dedicated radio operation. We all picked up three small stones each, shook them in our left hands like a pair of dice, then tossed them into the fire pit. Bob, KD6KEZ was the designated reader. After much deliberation he raise his hands to the heavens. Bob was in a trance. He began to chant "2 ALF ALAX" , "2 ALF ALAX". "2 ALF ALAX". As the rest of us watched with amazement and fear. Bob lowered his arms turned to us and said, "what does the old NBC sitcom ALF and A LAXaxative have to do with Field Day.?" Concerned for his safety, we checked the contents of his Big Gulp cup. He insisted the Spiritual Field Day Gods revealed to him "2 ALF ALAX". Forrest, N6ENV, seeing the heavens open up just as he drove up, came over to our circle of worship asking what kind of points did we get for that contact. Bob explained his vision to Forrest. Forrest began to laugh, then said, "Bob, could they have been saying 2 ALFA LAX?" Bob, scratching his chin replied "you know, you're probably right". And so it was. We had our identifier, but still no name. Next came the finger pointing. Who's call sign should we embarrass nation wide. This was decided in a matter of mili-seconds, as we all pointed to Mr. Bill, KN6OC. Now we were a real ARRL qualified field day station. By now the contest had started and it was a foot race to get to our operating position. We dragged to fist two unlucky soles and chained them to the chairs. What a team. Mr. Bob and Mr. Bill worked the airwaves at break neck speed. It was not long after they had the first ten contacts that a well-deserved break was due. We broke camp and headed for the water for some swimming and inner tubing behind my boat. With Forrest as navigator, we set sail, (well hit the gas) with the first of the many victims, of the feared boat driver. While towing Forrest's son I remember turning to Forrest and asking how "resilient" his son was. He gave the wrong answer. The poor kid could have been heard on the East Coast screaming for mercy as I whipped him from side to side. One of the kids, he could not have been much more that 6 or 7 was the son of Tommy, WQ6F. At first all he could say was no, never would he get into the tube. But after seeing the others riding, he soon succumbed to my threats. I have never seen such a fearless kid. He was riding the tube like a pro. Finally it was Mr. Bills turn. Do any of you remember the old Disney cartoon where Goofy is learning to ski and that memorable Goofy yell??? Well I think Bill did the voice for that sound track. The day on the water was over and it was back to the campsite and the BIG BBQ dinner. It was pretty much of a potluck dinner with everyone bringing some type of food. We all enjoyed BBQ chicken, special hot dogs, BBQ corn on the cob, beans, salad, rolls, cake and Armine's , KE6IRC, home made pies. We all eat like we were attending a feast with King Henry. All that was seen was elbows and food being stuffed into our faces. Mr. Bill has the current record for most hot dogs eaten at one sitting. When he was done we counted his fingers to be sure he had not mistaken one as a hot dog. Saturday night was a little more radio ops and sitting around the campfires visiting and roasting marshmallows. Late that night, Bill, Bob and Tommy worked a great many more contacts, staying up until almost 2 am. Sunday morning broke with a beautiful sunrise, although none of us was up to see it. Mr. Bill and his air mattress deflating skills provided the morning's entertainment. You see, he was so proud of a power driven inflater/deflater and he was determined to use it to suck every last bit of air out of his mattresses. This is one of those times you had to be there to get the full appreciation of the moment. In short, the mattress plug was about 3/4" in diameter. Bill determined to use his power device, pulled the plug then went to find a 12-vdc-power source. Upon his return, not more than two minutes later, the mattress was about half deflated. Not wanting to be out smarted, he shoved the power deflaters 1/4" diameter adapter into the larger 3/4" hole and threw the main power switch. Tim the "Tool Man Taylor" would have been proud of our Mr. Bill. He was not gonna let the laws of physics beat him and his machine. After another round of inner tubing on the lake, we all broke camp and headed home. It was the end of an all too short weekend. All joking aside, I want to thank everyone for their effort and participation. Those of you who could not make it, you missed out big time. The Field Day event was a great success. I do not have a clue as to how many points we managed to make, but we all had fun playing. I have heard some talk about doing another camping trip. I would even be willing do just a one day trip for those who can't get away for a full weekend. The only way we can plan these get togethers is by hearing from all of you and what you want to do. Whether it is an out door trip or a pizza party, we can not do it if you do not participate. Once again, THANKS TO ALL. 73 Mike, K6YPB N6ENV REPEATER GROUP MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION 1997 CONTEST VERSION August 10, 1997 to November 2, 1997 Please complete the requested information below. Sign and return this form along with your payment and a copy of your license to the address listed at the end of this form. Once payment is received, you will receive a complete package on the use of the N6ENV Repeater System. Thank you for your support. Date: _______________ Type of membership requested: ____ Autopatch. _____ Supporting Member. Call Sign:_____________ Name: ( Last, First, Middle Initial ) List family members in your household below and include their call signs and copies of licenses: Home Address: Mailing Address: ( If Different ) Home phone:_______________ Work phone: ______________ E-mail Address:___________________________________________ If you have any expertise from which you feel the N6ENV Repeater Group could benefit, would you be willing to use these capabilities for the system? YES____ NO_____ I want to contribute to the system in the following way: ________________________________________________________________________ Other Hobbies: ___________________________________________________________ If this membership application is the result of a referral, include the name, call sign, address and telephone number of the current member referring. ________________________________________________________________________ Membership dues: AUTOPATCH - $100.00 annually or $30.00 quarterly $50.00 one time setup fee The setup fee will be waived if annual membership dues are paid in full during the contest enrollment period. You can have up to 5 (Five) autodial slots. Please list your phone numbers below: 1) _____________________ Who:_________________________ 2) _____________________ Who:________________________ 3) _____________________ Who:_______________________ 4) _____________________ Who:______________________ 5) _____________________ Who:______________________ SUPPORTING MEMBERSHIP - $50.00 annually Includes use of DVR, Linking of repeaters etc, ( Except Autopatch ) I agree to abide by all FCC regulations and other laws as they pertain to Amateur radio. I will not use the autopatch as a means of avoiding toll calls on regular phone service. _______________________________________ _________________ SIGNATURE DATE Please make check payable to "N6ENV Repeater Group". Mail to: N6ENV Repeater Group P.O. Box 70 Agoura Hills, CA 91376 (818) 884-8030 Thank you for your interest in the N6ENV Repeater Group. If you have any questions or concerns please call Judy WD6FWZ at (818) 884-8030 or Bill KN6OC at (805) 290-9990. CLUB USE ONLY /wst 08/05/97 WELCOME TO THE N6ENV REPEATER GROUP Welcome to the N6ENV Repeater Group. Our mission statement is simple. Provide the best open repeater system in the Southern California area. The key is "open". We are dedicated to maintaining a network of friendly, family style amateur radio communications. Our system has under gone many changes, with continuous advanced technical upgrades and expansion. Our Oat Mountain repeater site is located on the highest peak in the Santa Susana Mountain range, well above all others. In the event of a major power failure, we have a massive battery back up system that will keep our Oat Mt. site operating in excess of five days. The area of solid coverage is growing at a rapid rate. We will soon be adding new repeater sites to the east and the north, as well as installing voting receivers to fill in the shaded areas. With linking, our area of coverage will be significant. Your supporting membership in the N6ENV Repeater Group will benefit all users. All membership fees and donations are put back into the system and are used to purchase new equipment and add new features. Many users feel membership is a personal pride investment in local amateur communications. Your full auto-patch membership will give you unlimited calling privileges in almost all of the Southern California Area Codes: 818, 805, 213, 310, 562, 714, 909 and 619, on either repeater. In addition to access to the local calling areas, auto-patch users can have a out of the area long distance number put into an auto-dial slot. This was originally designed as an "out of state" emergency contact number in the event of a major disaster, like the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. However, we do not restrict use to only emergency situations. As a condition to membership, the member will be responsible for toll charges resulting from any long distance call. One paid auto-patch membership covers all licensed amateurs in the same household. We DO NOT charge additional fees for added family member. Each membership has five auto-dial slots, which can be used for any emergency or frequently called number. The Digital Voice Recorder, (DVR) permits members to leave or retrieve voice mail. This is a fantastic way to stay in contact with family and other members. Simply leave a voice message letting a family member know you will be late or to pick up a quart of milk on the way home from work. Have you ever wondered how your signal sounded over the air? Are you one of the many hams who enjoys tinkering with antenna designs or home brewing your own gear? Have been told to find your "hot spot". Using the DVR to monitor your input signal can be an invaluable source of information. Activating the audio playback mode will permit you to listen to a playback of you input signal. While walking around and transmitting, you will be able to find those elusive "hotspots". Just a few of the other features of the DVR system are linking the 440 and the 220 repeaters, monitoring one band from the other and waking the system up during the sleep hours. The N6ENV Repeater Group quarterly newsletter will keep you up to date with the latest happenings. Get some of the behind the scene information and amusement that just seems to happen at our get togethers. A new feature will be on going simple technical projects for the beginner and the experience alike. The newsletter is "your" letter. We welcome articles from all members on just about any topic. So don't be scared to put the pen to paper. We also participate in several social events during the year. The biggest event if Field Day. It's more of an excuse to get out and enjoy the out of doors rather than the traditional Field Day exercise. Our last Field Day was held at Lake Piru, where we enjoyed camping, fishing, boating and water skiing, topped off by a group BBQ. Have you ever sat on the edge of a actually race course and watch as race cars zip on by? We are a regular support team for the Rim of the World off road rally race. We assist race officials with checkpoints and course monitoring using our radio operation skills, all the while enjoying the race in front row seat. Other events include local pizza parties and BBQ's or any other reason to come together. (end of file)