The Illuminator

March Meeting

The next regular meeting of the Carbon Amateur Radio Club will be on Thursday, March 17, at 7:30 p.m. at the Emergency Operations Center in Nesquehoning.

See you at the meeting!

Dues Due!

Yes, it’s that time again! Time to send in your membership dues for calendar year 2005!

If you haven’t already done so, please take the time to fill out the form on the penultimate page of this newsletter and send it, with your dues, to the Carbon Amateur Radio Club, P. O. Box 622, Lehighton, PA 18235, or bring your completed membership form and dues to any CARC meeting.

Note that, if you don’t send in your dues by April 1, you will be dropped from the newsletter mailing list. You don’t want that to happen, do you?

Carbon Amateur Radio Club Regular Meeting Minutes

February 17, 2005

Meeting was called to order at 19:41 hours. In attendance were:

KB3LDF, N3TVV, KB3IDV, N3AT, W3EFI, KB3KLJ, KB3GPM, KB3FSU, KO3M, N3CR, KB3BYT, WA3IEM, WB3W, N3VAE, and N3WFJ.

Motion was made to accept the January 20th meeting minutes as previously published. Motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.

Treasurer's Report

Previous Balance	$852.22
Receipts (dues)	$55.00
Sub-total	$907.22
Disbursements (newsletters)	$5.92
Final Total	$901.30

The treasurer's report was read by Brian, KB3KLJ. Motion was made to accept the report as read, seconded and carried unanimously.

Old Business

Magnetic Signs

Bob, WB3W, showed samples of magnetic signs that he was able to produce using a color printer and generally available magnetic material. The members responded favorably to the appearance of the signs. Anne, KO3M, also provided an additional quote for magnetic signs which was similar to the previous quote we had. With a cost of ~ $1.50 each for the signs produced by Bob, WB3W, it was decided that we would produce the signs ourselves.

Bylaw Changes

Brian, KB3KLJ, reported that there were no new updates from the BoD on the review of the by-laws for clarifications.

SKYWARN

Brian, KB3KLJ, gave a reminder that SKYWARN training and certification is scheduled for 4/9 at 10AM at Pennforest II, and that directions to the location are on the website.

EMCOMM Course

Bob, WB3W briefly recapped the EMCOMM course being planned for the very near future:

· For the hybrid course, must be an ARRL member to receive the certification.

· Internet access is required to do the course (in order to take the quizzes and final exam).

· Everyone to do the course online.

· Bob, WB3W, will get some course manuals shortly.

Repeater

Bob, WB3W, reported that Goody, K3NG, is continuing to work on the backup power for the repeater. It will take a little time yet to complete the project.

Tent

Brian, KB3KLJ, indicated that we need to check on the tent in the EOC garage to ensure that we're looking at the right thing, and that if possible, he will store it at his QTH for the club.

Club Library

Rob, KB3BYT, reported that club library idea and web listing capability is not yet completed.

New Business

Dues

Brian, KB3KLJ, reminded the members that club dues of $15 are due by April 1st.

Program Ideas

Rob, KB3BYT, asked the members for additional program ideas.

Currently on the list, but unscheduled are:

· A program for test equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, etc.).

· A program for direct conversion transceivers as a build and test activity.

· A program on QSLing.

Lamar, N3AT, mentioned a board for understanding and experimenting with electronics shown in a recent QST article. Would be good to get these together and use to teach more electronics. Lamar indicated that the cost for the parts was ~$100. Rob, KB3BYT, shared that buying the parts in bulk would have a potential for significant savings. We'll check on the parts count and work up a cost for doing a bulk order.

Motion to adjourn meeting made at 20:02; seconded and carried unanimously.

The meeting was followed by a very informative and interesting presentation on SKYWARN by Bill, N3VAE.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Brian, KB3KLJ.

Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of 2005 Introduced

(From the ARRL Letter)

At the urging of the ARRL, Rep Michael Bilirakis (R-FL) has introduced The Amateur Radio Spectrum Act of 2005 into the US House of Representatives. The bill, designated HR 691, has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee where Bilirakis serves as vice chairman. Like previous versions of the proposal, the current measure would require the FCC to provide "equivalent replacement spectrum" to Amateur Radio if the FCC reallocates primary amateur frequencies, reduces any secondary amateur allocations, or makes additional allocations within such bands that would substantially reduce their utility to amateurs. ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, expressed his appreciation to Bilirakis this week.

"As president of the American Radio League and on behalf of the more than 670,000 federally licensed Amateur Radio operators throughout the country, I would like to thank you for once again sponsoring the 'Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act,'" Haynie told the Florida Republican. "As you know, this legislation is vital for ensuring that the Amateur Radio Service, the only 100-percent fail safe emergency communication capability, remains a viable public safety option."

HR 691 references Amateur Radio's role in providing "voluntary, noncommercial radio service, particularly emergency communications," and it points out that hams have "consistently and reliably" provided communication support in the event of emergencies and disasters including tornadoes and hurricanes, chemical spills, forest fires and rail accidents. As the measure notes, FCC actions already have led to the loss of at least 107 MHz of spectrum to radio amateurs.

Rep Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) has signed on as the bill's first co-sponsor. Bartlett chairs the Projection Forces Subcommittee of the Armed Services Committee. One of three scientists in the 109th Congress, Bartlett also is a senior member of the House Science Committee.

Efforts now will focus on attracting additional cosponsors for the legislation. The League is encouraging members to urge their congressional representatives to sign aboard HR 691. A sample letter is available on the ARRL Web site http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/hr-691-sample-letter.html. More than 100 lawmakers agreed to cosponsor similar legislation in the 108th Congress, where it was designated HR 713. Work is proceeding to have identical legislation introduced in the US Senate.

The text of HR 691 is available on the Government Printing Office Web site http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=109_cong_bills&do cid=f:h691ih.txt.pdf.

For general guidance on the best methods of contacting your members of Congress, see "Communicating with Congress," by Derek Riker, KB3JLF, on the ARRL Web site http://www.arrl.org/news/bandthreat/0304046.pdf.

ARRL Propagation Forecast Bulletin

Propagation Forecast Bulletin 9 ARLP009

From Tad Cook, K7RA

Seattle, WA March 4, 2005

To all radio amateurs

This week saw a quiet sun, which will be a frequent observation over the next few years. The average daily sunspot number was down nearly 31 points to 14.9, and average daily solar flux was off 21 points to 76.3. Planetary geomagnetic activity was down just slightly, and mid latitude activity was just about the same as the previous week.

Unsettled to active geomagnetic conditions were expected over last weekend (February 26-27) due to a strong solar wind, but the only day with even slightly unsettled conditions was Monday, the last day of February, and any activity was brief. All week the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) pointed north, which shielded the earth from any solar wind. The sun was blank most of the week, with only small sunspot 739 transiting across the visible solar disk.

Check http://www.spaceweather.com/glossary/imf.html for a review of the IMF and how it can affect geomagnetic stability. Also check a site I haven't seen before, http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/glossary/IMF.html&edu=high. This was submitted by Jon Jones, N0JK.

Over the next week expect a rising sunspot count and solar flux, with flux values peaking above 100 around March 11-14. March 6-9 could see some unsettled to active geomagnetic conditions based on activity during the previous solar rotation.

This weekend is the ARRL International DX SSB Contest. Don't expect great conditions like when the sunspot cycle was higher, but at least we are moving toward the spring equinox and the geomagnetic conditions should be quiet.

Last week's bulletin stimulated a couple of questions about resources for understanding sporadic-E propagation. Go to the URL for the ARRL TIS propagation page mentioned a couple of paragraphs down, and check out the two-part "Sporadic-E - A Mystery Solved?" articles in PDF files. You will need an ARRL membership to log in to the web site to read this. There are other articles on other propagation topics on the same page that are available for anyone to read.

If you would like to comment or have a tip, email the author at, [email protected].

For more information concerning propagation and an explanation of the numbers used in this bulletin see the ARRL Technical Information Service propagation page at, http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html.

Sunspot numbers for February 24 through March 2 were 17, 15, 27, 12, 11, 11 and 11 with a mean of 14.9. 10.7 cm flux was 80.3, 78.2, 76.6, 75.8, 75, 73.7 and 74.6, with a mean of 76.3. Estimated planetary A indices were 5, 9, 9, 8, 12, 11 and 12 with a mean of 9.4. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 4, 9, 9, 6, 8, 10 and 8, with a mean of 6.6.

ARRL DX Bulletin

DX Bulletin 9 ARLD009

From ARRL Headquarters

Newington CT March 3, 2005

To all radio amateurs

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by EC8AUA, the OPDX Bulletin, The Daily DX, 425DXnews, DXNL, WA7BNM and Contest Corral from QST. Thanks to all.

MAURITIUS, 3B8. Giovanni, IZ2DPX and Simon, IZ7ATN will be QRV as 3B8/homecalls from March 7 to 14. Activity will be on 40 to 10 meters, including 17 and 12 meters. QSSL 3B8/IZ2DPX to home call an QSL 3B8/IZ7ATN via IZ0CKJ.

SAMOA, 5W. Udo, DL9HCU is QRV as 5W1VE for a few weeks. He can usually be found on 20 or 15 meters CW after 0600z. QSL to home call.

GUYANA, 8R. Craig, AH8DX will be QRV as 8R1/AH8DX in the ARRL DX SSB contest. QSL to home call.

NAURU, C2. Dick, DJ2EH is QRV as C21DL until March 8 and is active on 160 to 10 meters using CW and SSB. QSL to home call.

BAHAMAS, C6. Bob, K0NR will be QRV as K0NR/C6A from Abaco Island, IOTA NA-080, from March 6 to 12. He will be active on 40 to 10 meters using SSB and PSK31. He will also try to be active on satellite AO-51 and other FM LEO satellites. He will also try Packet through the ISS. QSL to home call.

ANTARCTICA. The Bellingshausen team will be QRV as CE9/R1ANF from the Chilean Ardley Refuge on Ardley Island as CE9/R1ANF from March 7 to 20. This will be the first amateur radio operation under Chilean administration. QSL via RK1PWA.

CUBA, CO. Members of the FRC will be QRV as T49C in the ARRL DX SSB contest. QSL via K8SIX.

CANARY ISLANDS, EA8. Look for a group of amateurs to be QRV as EA8URL in the ARRL DX SSB contest as a Multi/2 entry. Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters. QSL via operators' instructions.

CROZET ISLAND, FT5W. Jena-Paul, FT5WJ is usually QRV on 20 meters from 1400 to 1700z. QSL via F5BU.

FRENCH GUYANA, FY. Look for a large group of amateurs to be QRV as TO7C from Royale, Salut Island, IOTA SA-020, beginning around March 7. Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters, including the newer bands, using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31/63. QSL via F9IE.

JERSEY, GJ. Pete, K8PT and Craig, K3PLV will be QRV as MJ/homecalls from the Channel Islands from March 9 to 16. Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and some PSK31. QSL to home calls.

DJIBOUTI, J2. Yves, F5PRU is QRV as J20FH until mid April. QSL to home call.

BULGARIA, LZ. Special event station LZ800AB is QRV until April 30 in commemoration of the 800th anniversary of the Battle of Adrianople. QSL via LZ1PJ.

DENMARK, OZ. Klaus, DJ4JI will be QRV as OZ/DJ4JI from Bornholm Island, IOTA EU-030, from March 5 to 10 . Activity will be on 80, 40 and 20 meters using SSB. QSL to home call.

POLAND, SP. Members of the Radio Club of Ziebice are QRV as SP140JL until March 31 in celebration of the 140th birthday commemoration for Joseph Langer. QSL via SP6KYU.

ICELAND, TF. Sigurdur, TF3CW will be QRV in the ARRL DX SSB contest as a Single-Op/Single-Band 20 meter entry. QSL via LX1NO.

GABON, TR. F4BQO is QRV as TR8FC until July 2006. QSL via F8BUZ.

BELIZE, V3. Members of the North East Wisconsin DX Association will be QRV as V31TR in the ARRL DX SSB contest. They are active as V31GR, V31NZ and V31TR before and after the contest on all bands and modes. QSL contest call via W9DXA. QSL other calls via W9MDP, NZ9Z and W8JWN, respectively.

MACQUARIE ISLAND, VK0. Dave, VK0MT has been QRV on 15 meters around 2240z and 17 meters around 0100 to 0200z. He has also been active using PSK31 on 40 meters in his spare time. QSL via JE1LET.

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS, VP5. Glenn, W0GJ will be QRV as VP5H in the ARRL DX SSB contest. QSL to home call.

LAOS, XW. Eugene, RU3DX is QRV as XW8KPL/RU3DX from Vientiane until March 8. QSL to home call.

INDONESIA, YB. Members of the Mediterraneo DX Club will be QRV as YB7M from Moresses Island, a new IOTA, in the Laut Kecil Islands group, from March 9 to 14. QSL via YB9BU.

NIUE, ZK2. Murray, VE7HA is QRV as ZK2HA until April 7. QSL to home call.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO. The ARRL International DX SSB Contest, Wake-Up! QRP CW Sprint, Open Ukraine RTTY Championship, The DARC 10-Meter Digital Contest and the Spartan CW Sprint will certainly keep contesters busy this weekend. Please see March QST, page 92 and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest websites for details.

The Golden Days of DXing

By Paul Dunphy, VE1DX

We took a walk down to the village last week and we ran across several of the Local QRPers sitting on a park bench talking about a number of things, but mostly DX. Some of these QRPers had been around the track a few times, but we had learned long ago that the true understanding of DX is not always measured by years on the air. Since DX was a topic that always caught our attention, we decided to see what going on. "What's new?" we asked, sitting down.

One of the more elderly QRPers replied, "We were just talking about the Golden Days of DXing, about those days when things were better than they are today. When DXers stood tall, and were the top echelon of ham radio. When you could be proud to call yourself a DXer. Not like today. DXing is a lost art. And we all agree on that, but there seems to be a bit of a problem on just when the Golden Days of DXing were."

We weren't sure that DXing had become a lost art, so we asked for clarification. Two or three of the QRPers started to answer at once so we held up our hand "Take a turn each", we said, "and let's start with the most senior one." The QRPer who had started the conversation jumped up, beaming with pride, "I was first licensed in 1947 when I was just 15," he began, "and I'm sure that the Golden Days of DXing were back then. We built our own rigs, and we didn't have any 2-meter spotting repeaters or anything like that. We found the DX on CW or AM and the DX was real DX, not the stuff that's kicking around today. Once SSB came around, DX was gone!" He looked around at the group and it was clear he was ready to defend his position. No one said anything so we nodded to the next QRPer.

"Well, I started out in the early 60's and did most of my serious DXing in the 60's and 70's. And that was when DX was DX. When Danny and Gus and Don were activating the new ones. We had a simplex frequency on 2 meters where we all met and exchanged DX information. And we never bothered with AM, either!" he said, glaring at the first QRPer, "No sir, we used CW and SSB. And sometimes we would even call the locals on the landline or give them a one-ringer to let them know when something rare showed up. We all understood the true meaning of DX IS!"

Somehow we doubted that any of the group understood this, but we simply nodded to the third QRPer. He was ready to make his pitch. "Those old guys can't see beyond their D-104s and straight keys!" he started in. "I've been on the air for 12 years now, and the Golden Days of DXing have just ended. I worked the Big Guns, like Martti. The Golden Days of DXing are winding down and will be gone by the end of the year! When us real DXers operated, we all used solid state transmitters, DX spotting repeaters and Packet Clusters. We logged all our contacts with our computers and we worked DX on 30, 17 and 12 meters too! These guys don't even have WARC band antennas and they say they've seen the Golden Days of DXing! How can you say you've done it all when you haven't worked a rare one on 17-meter RTTY that popped up on the Packet cluster?" And he sat down, just as sure that he was right as the other two.

Things were quiet for about 30 seconds as the QRPers looked at us, waiting for a decision. Son of a Gun! Should you think we were going to offer and opinion on this one, think again. For has often been said, once a can of worms has been opened, you'll need a bigger can to get them all back in. Then the silence ended with "What do you think?" and "When were the Golden Days of DXing?" and "Tell us who is right!" So we did the only thing we could do. We hauled the group of them up the hill to see the Old Timer.

He was sitting in front of his rig, tuning 15 meters for the polar opening to Asia. He looked up and motioned for everyone to sit down. After a few minutes he looked over and asked what was new. This brought forward the same arguments as we had heard down in the park, complete with arm waving and pounding of fists as points were made and territories staked out. The Old Timer looked at the QRPers for a moment and then asked, "You all seem convinced that you are right, but what makes you think the Golden Days of DXing are over?"

On this there was agreement. And to get two QRPers to agree on anything was rare . . . to have three agree was never heard of before. "The Internet and the new HF regulations are destroying DX!" they yelled in unison. We were impressed. The Old Timer took a deep breath, glanced at us with that "Why did you bring these QRPers here?" look and replied. "None of you understand the true meaning of DX IS! Didn't

Albert always say that all things were relative, although some more so? He spelled it all out in his Special Theory of DX. But none of you can understand it, can you? Did it ever occur to you that the Golden Days of DXing are right now? And that no matter what the Internet, the ARRL, the FCC, the RSGB or any other technical or political group does or says will change this! The Great Days of DXing are here. The signs are everywhere! And the Golden Days of DXing are the Great Days of DXing!"

The QRPers glanced back and forth at each other with confused and puzzled looks. Then, they all got up and slowly made their way out the door. We could hear them muttering as they made their way down the hill and it was clear they did not believe or understand what had been said. And we even had lingering doubts. So we asked the Old Timer, "All this talk about the Internet and no-code lowering the standard and destroying DX . . . do you think the QRPers have a point?" The Old Timer looked up from his rig, stared us right in the eye and simply said: "No."

And with that he turned back toward his rig and began tuning 15 again. It was clear this was all he was going to say. So we made our way down the hill and toward the library. For while we were sure we understood the true meaning of DX IS!, we felt it wouldn't hurt to read Albert's book on the Special Theory of DX once again. These are trying times in this world of DX. When the new HF licensing regulations are announced, like the Hero of Mafeking Lord Baden-Powell so often advised, we wanted to "Be prepared!"

Helpful Hints

People whose surname is Toblerone should always take along an empty “Toblerone” chocolate box when attending interviews for office jobs. This would save your potential employer the expense of having to make a nameplate for your desk, and therefore increase your chances of getting a job.

Shallow Thoughts

If the funeral procession is at night, do people drive with their lights off?

March 2005