November Meeting

The next regular meeting of the Carbon Amateur Radio Club will be on Thursday, November 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Emergency Operations Center in Nesquehoning. Our program for the evening will be a presentation by Bob, WB3W, on EchoLink.

In addition, there will be a vote on three proposed changes to the club by-laws, so it is very important that as many voting club members attend as possible.

See you at the meeting!

Proposed Changes to CARC By-Laws

ARTICLE X – REPEATERS

The club repeater(s) shall be maintained by two elected positions called the Repeater Trustee and Associate Repeater Trustee. Each shall serve for two year terms with the Repeater Trustee being elected in even years and the Associate Repeater Trustee elected in odd years. The Repeater Trustee must have at least a Technician Class license and have sufficient skills to maintain the Club repeater(s) and its accessories, maintain relationships with County officials and frequency coordination bodies, and educate club members on proper usage and technical issues. The Associate Repeater Trustee must have at least a Technician License and be able to provide technical and logistical assistance to the Repeater Trustee. Both the Repeater Trustee and Associate Repeater Trustee will maintain repeater site keys and access information, and repeater documentation. One set of documentation will also be provided to the Board of Directors for safekeeping. The Repeater Trustees may recruit and provide site access to Club members as deemed necessary to support repeater maintenance.

ARTICLE XI – EMCOMM COORDINATOR

The club shall have an Emcomm Coordinator position to coordinate Club emergency communications activities and act as a liaison to various served agencies. This elected position shall have a one year term and shall have a requirement of a Technician or higher license class.

ARTICLE II – GOVERNING BODIES:

Section 6 – Members must have attended at least two meetings or sponsored club events in the previous “administrative year” (defined as August to July inclusive) in order to hold an Officer, Director, Repeater Trustee, Associate Repeater Trustee, or Emergency Coordinator position, or be elected to such a position. Checking into four weekly club nets on the repeater can count as attendance for one event.

Carbon Amateur Radio Club Regular Meeting Minutes

October 21, 2004

President Anthony “Goody” Good, K3NG, called the regular monthly meeting to order at 8:05 PM on Thursday, October 21, 2004 at the Emergency Operations Center in Nesquehoning. 11 people were in attendance.

Goody, K3NG, indicated that John, W3MF's, treasurer's report was not available presently, and asked if anyone else may have received the report from John, W3MF; there were none.

Brian, KB3KLJ, read the September 16, 2004 meeting minutes. Motion made, seconded, and approved to accept the meeting minutes as read pending minor typographical corrections to be made by Brian, KB3KLJ.

Old Business:

Club Repeater

Goody, K3NG, informed the club that he and Bob, WB3W, were given a tour of the repeater site by John, K3CT, and that we have all keys and documentation for the repeater. At this time, Goody, K3NG, and Bob, WB3W, have keys and copies of the documentation. Also, Bob, WB3W, has a repeater controller.

Goody, K3NG, reported that the repeater site is in good shape, and is fenced and locked.

Goody, K3NG, stated that the generator is not currently working (it had seized-up last year and has not been repaired).

A brief discussion on battery power for the repeater ensued; no specific decisions or direction were taken at this time.

Goody, K3NG, stated that the repeated has not had much maintenance done, but that the club has everything necessary to maintain it. He also noted that the controller was using an Intel micro-controller that we had limited ability to support, but he and Rob, KB3BYT, noted that there are plenty of PIC based controllers available and this could be easily replaced if it became necessary.

Bylaw Changes

Goody, K3NG, informed the club that letters have gone out covering the proposed bylaw changes, and that these changes would be voted on at the November 18th meeting.

Goody, K3NG, said that a 2/3 majority of voting members was required to pass the changes, and voiced concern about be able to have enough members present for the vote at this time of the year.

Anne, KO3M, suggested using absentee ballots. Goody, K3NG, said that there was nothing in the bylaws covering this and was concerned if that was in the spirit of the current bylaws or not.

Goody, K3NG, said that perhaps ballots could be mailed out.

Rob, KB3BYT, suggested using a web site voting mechanism or email.

Goody, K3NG, said the issue would be taken up by the board of directors on how to facilitate the vote.

ADA Walk Comms

Rob, KB3BYT, reported that the ADA Walk was a success.

PAQSO Party

Goody, K3NG, reported that the PAQSO party was a success.

Goody, K3NG, reported that Kent, WA3IEM, submitted receipts for reimbursement of $108.56 for food, and that this would be submitted to John, W3MF.

2m Rig Mic Repairs

Goody, K3NG, has repaired the mic for the 2m rig with the parts provided by Bob, K3PH.

Multimeter Donation

Goody, K3NG, reported that we has placed the multimeter donated by Bob, K3PH, in the radio room.

Magnetic Club Signs

Goody, K3NG, briefly reviewed the current situation on the magnetic signs and costs presented last month by Eric, N3TVV. We have 10 people signed up, and that 12 signs and overlays would cost $46 per pair.

Kent, WA3IEM, asked if there were any other quotes that could be obtained. The members generally agreed that we should seek other quotes, as well as exploring the possibility of getting a better quote from the current source.

Additional options will be discussed at a later time.

New Business:

Net Control

Brian, KB3KLJ, brought up ideas for handling the Net Control duties for the weekly net. Ideas were a schedule and rotation for Net Control duties, and designating a backup Net Control Station for each net session.

Anne, KO3M, said she would be willing to perform Net Control duties. Brian, KB3KLJ, indicated the same.

A brief discussion around the room took place on the Net Control scripts.

Rob, KB3BYT, suggested posting the scripts on the web site (without the repeater codes). The members voiced agreement with this, and Goody, K3NG, will provide the scripts to Rob, KB3BYT, to put the scripts up on the web site.

Kent, WA3IEM, indicated he would be willing to perform Net Control duties, but mentioned the time as a problem for him because of his work schedule. He suggested possibly moving the time to an 8 or 8:30 PM start. Goody, K3NG indicated that this was too early for him.

There was further short discussion around the room regarding the time.

Anne, KO3M, said to leave the time at 9 PM; there was consensus with the membership on this.

Goody, K3NG, will email the preamble to the club members.

Darryl, N2DIY, indicated that there was a schedule already, and that he has the 4th Wednesday of each month.

Lamar, N3AT, made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded and accepted.

The meeting ended at 8:40 PM.

Treasurer’s Report

By John, W3MF

As of November 4, 2004 E-mail:

Previous Balance (From September Meeting)	835.90
Receipts*	20.00
Subtotal	855.90
Disbursements (newsletter)	5.92
Final Total	849.58

FCC BPL Report and Order Stresses Interference Avoidance, Resolution

(From the ARRL Letter)

The FCC this week released the full BPL Report and Order (R&O) in ET Docket 04-37 that it adopted just two weeks ago. While extolling the purported benefits of broadband over power line technology, the 81-page document also declares the FCC's intention to protect licensed services from harmful interference.

"We recognize that some radio operations in the bands being used for Access BPL, such as those of Amateur Radio licensees, may occur at distances sufficiently close to power lines as to make harmful interference a possibility," the FCC conceded in its R&O. "We believe that those situations can be addressed through interference avoidance techniques by the Access BPL provider such as frequency band selection, notching, or judicious device placement."

Notches would have to be at least 20 dB below applicable Part 15 limits on HF, 10 dB below on VHF. The FCC called the ability to alter a system's operation to notch out transmissions on specific frequencies where interference is occurring "a necessary feature for resolving interference without disrupting service to BPL subscribers."

In line with remarks made at the October 14 open meeting where the FCC adopted the R&O — then still in draft form — the FCC declined to reduce the Part 15 radiated emission limit for BPL systems. It maintained that emissions from BPL systems are very localized and at low enough levels to generally preclude harmful interference.

The FCC said it had no evidence before it that BPL operation would significantly contribute to generally raising background noise levels. At the same time, it seemed to put some of the onus on Amateur Radio licensees to take steps to avoid power-line interference — and, by inference, BPL interference — in advance.

"In addition, because power lines inherently can radiate significant noise emissions as noted by NTIA and ARRL, good engineering practice is to locate sensitive receiver antennas as far as practicable from power lines," the FCC said.

In a footnote, the FCC took pains to advise ARRL that in cases where its members experience RF noise, "such noise can often be avoided by carefully locating their antennas; in many instances an antenna relocation of only a relatively short distance can resolve noise interference."

BPL operators would be required to avoid certain bands, such as those used for life and safety communications by aeronautical mobile or US Coast Guard stations. The FCC R&O makes clear, however, that similar rules will not apply to the Amateur Service.

"We similarly do not find that Amateur Radio frequencies warrant the special protection afforded frequencies reserved for international aeronautical and maritime safety operations," the Commission said. "While we recognize that amateurs may on occasion assist in providing emergency communications," the FCC added. It described typical amateur operations as "routine communications and hobby activities."

Although some cases of harmful interference may be possible from BPL emissions at levels up to Part 15 limits, the FCC said, "we agree with NTIA [National Telecommunications and Information Administration] that the benefits of Access BPL service warrant acceptance of a small and manageable degree of interference risk." The Commission reiterated in the R&O its belief that BPL's public benefits "are sufficiently important and significant so as to outweigh the limited potential for increased harmful interference that may arise."

Among other specific provisions, the FCC's new rules mandate certification of BPL equipment instead of the less-stringent verification, a public BPL database — something the BPL industry did not want — and mechanisms to deal swiftly with interference complaints. BPL systems will have to incorporate the ability to modify operation and performance "to mitigate or avoid potential harmful interference" and to deactivate problematic units, the R&O says.

Further, the new rules spell out the locations of "small geographic exclusion zones" as well as excluded bands or frequencies — concessions made primarily at the insistence of the NTIA, which administers radio spectrum for federal government users — and "coordination areas" where BPL operators must "precoordinate" spectrum use. The rules also detail techniques to measure BPL emissions from system equipment and power lines.

The FCC said it expects "good faith" on both sides in the event of interference complaints. While the Commission said it expects BPL operators to take every interference complaint seriously and to diagnose the possible cause of interference quickly, it also suggested that complainants have responsibilities.

"At the same time, we expect the complainant to have first taken reasonable steps to confirm that interference, rather than a receiver system malfunction, is occurring and, to the extent practicable, to determine that the interference source is located outside the complainant's premises," the Commission said.

Shutting down a BPL system in response to a valid interference complaint "would be a last resort when all other efforts to satisfactorily reduce interference have failed," the FCC said.

League officials are studying the R&O and considering possible responses. The ARRL Executive Committee (EC) already has authorized filing a Petition for Reconsideration. The EC also authorized ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, to "prepare to pursue other available remedies as to procedural and substantive defects" in the BPL proceeding.

For more information on BPL, visit the "Broadband Over Power Line (BPL) and Amateur Radio" page http://www.arrl.org on the ARRL Web site.

ARRL Disappointed with Administration over BPL Report and Order

(From the ARRL Letter)

The ARRL has expressed its disappointment with the Bush administration's failure "to prevent radio spectrum pollution by BPL systems." In a November 1 letter to Secretary of Commerce Donald L. Evans copied to President George W. Bush, ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, recalled Evans' assurances on the administration's behalf earlier this year "that we are responsible and sensitive to valuable incumbent [radiocommunication] systems." Haynie told Evans the FCC's BPL Report and Order (R&O) in ET Docket 04-37 — adopted October 14 and released two weeks later — suggests otherwise.

"Despite excellent work conducted by the technical staff of your National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to document the extensive harmful interference that will occur if BPL systems are deployed at the radiated emission limits presently permitted by the FCC rules," Haynie said, "it appears that the NTIA concurred in the FCC's decision not to tighten those limits."

The FCC maintains that BPL emissions are localized and at low enough levels to preclude harmful interference in the first place, and it has left the door open to possibly upping the limit in the future.

Haynie pointed out that both international treaty and US law entitle licensed radiocommunication services to protection from harmful interference that unlicensed systems like BPL might generate. "Despite this," he continued, "the FCC has shifted the burden for initiating interference mitigation from the BPL system operator to the radio licensee." The NTIA's September 13 submission to the FCC shows that at FCC Part 15 limits, the probability of harmful interference is essentially 100 percent within 200 to 400 meters (approximately 660 to 1300 feet) of a power line carrying BPL signals — depending on the operating frequency.

"Amateur Radio stations are typically located in residential areas, nearly always well within such distances," Haynie noted. "The FCC's Report and Order provides no assurance that when interference occurs — as it unquestionably will — it will be promptly eliminated."

As part of the Commerce Department, the NTIA not only administers radio spectrum allocated to federal government users but advises the White House on telecommunications policy. On June 24, President Bush extolled BPL during a speech on technological innovation even while acknowledging interference concerns.

Haynie said the League will continue efforts to improve the R&O. Calling the HF spectrum "a unique and priceless resource," the ARRL president expressed regret that the administration "is willing to squander such a unique natural resource in order to provide a short-range broadband connection that can easily be provided by several other non-polluting means."

ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, echoed Haynie's concerns. The FCC R&O, he said, "shifts the burden to licensed operators to react to interference rather than adopting rules to prevent interference from occurring." The R&O advises locating "sensitive receiver antennas" as far as practically possible from power lines. Additionally, the FCC admonished ARRL that in cases where its members experience RF noise, "such noise can often be avoided by carefully locating their antennas."

Reacted Sumner: "If a BPL system operator wants to meet its obligation by picking up all of the costs of relocating a licensee's antenna, it's free to make the offer."

If interference occurs, the new Part 15 rules will require BPL system operators to employ "interference avoidance techniques" such as "frequency band selection, notching, or judicious device placement." Notches would have to be at least 20 dB — slightly more than 3 S units — below applicable Part 15 limits on HF and at least 10 dB below Part 15 limits on VHF — not much protection for weaker signals common in HF work.

"We might be more optimistic if there had, to date, been a single instance when the FCC had ordered a BPL system to terminate operation for causing harmful interference," Sumner said. "The Commission continues to be in denial, despite hundreds of pages of documentation of ongoing interference."

Sumner said the ARRL was gratified that the FCC R&O recognized that BPL devices have significantly greater interference potential than other Part 15 devices and that the Commission will require certification of BPL systems rather than the less-stringent verification. Additionally, Sumner said, the League was pleased that the FCC-mandated public BPL system database will require systems to be listed several weeks ahead of actual implementation so that amateurs and others have advance notice.

ARRL officials continue to mull possible formal responses to the R&O. The ARRL Executive Committee already has okayed the filing of a Petition for Reconsideration. It further authorized ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, to "prepare to pursue other available remedies as to procedural and substantive defects" in the BPL proceeding.

For more information on BPL, visit the Broadband Over Power Line (BPL) and Amateur Radio Web page http://www.arrl.org/bpl.

Permanent ISS Ham Station, Human Crews Share Fourth Anniversary

(From the ARRL Letter)

Four years ago this week, the Expedition 1 crew arrived aboard the International Space Station, home of the first permanent Amateur Radio station in space. Just weeks earlier, the FCC granted the station's distinctive NA1SS call sign. By the time William Shepherd, KD5GSL, Sergei Krikalev, U5MIR, and Yuri Gidzenko arrived on November 2, 2000, the Phase 1 or "initial station" Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) gear was already on board for the crew to install. Crew increments comprised of US astronauts and Russian cosmonauts have rotated duty tours continuously ever since, and ham radio has played a role in each crew's routine.

"Every challenge for the International Space Station crews, flight control teams and management adds to the knowledge base we need to develop longer spaceflight missions to places like the moon and Mars," said International Space Station Program Manager Bill Gerstenmaier. "The work we're doing on station is directly connected to future exploration missions." ARISS International currently is mulling Amateur Radio's role in NASA's "Moon, Mars and Beyond" initiative.

With NASA's shuttle fleet now grounded, crew increments have shrunk to two people, while duty tours have stretched from four to six months. Despite fewer hands on deck, NASA says the two-person crews sometimes have been able to do more with less — often improvising.

The Expedition 10 crew of Commander Leroy Chiao, KE5BRW, and ISS Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov, arrived at the ISS just last month — aboard a Russian Soyuz vehicle, just as the Expedition 1 crew did, although other crews traveled via the shuttle. Over the years, in addition to visiting space shuttle crews, there have even been a couple of paying "space tourists" and other short-term visitors who took advantage of the ARISS gear onboard. More recently, Russian Space Forces Test Cosmonaut Yuri Shargin — who arrived with the Expedition 10 crew — completed two ARISS contacts with school groups in Europe.

The Expedition 10 crew is not expected to begin its own series of school group contacts until the week of November 15 at the earliest. Unscheduled ham radio activity by crew members typically is suspended during crew changeover periods. As of November 4, the NA1SS FM voice repeater remained off and the ARISS Phase 2 equipment was back in packet mode under the RS0ISS call sign.

This week marked a first when Chiao cast his vote in the November 2 presidential election while orbiting 230 miles above Earth. A law the Texas State Legislature passed in 1997 allows astronauts to vote electronically from space. Chiao submitted his electronic ballot to his county clerk's office via e-mail.

Some statistics: Since the Expedition 1 crew carried out the first successful ARISS school group contact — with Luther Burbank Elementary School near Chicago on December 21, 2000 — ISS crews have racked up 150 similar Amateur Radio contacts. Approximately two-thirds of them have been direct, 2-meter QSOs, while the rest were carried out via "telebridge" stations, where two-way audio was teleconferenced to the school via an Earth station convenient to QSO NA1SS directly.

The crew holding the record for the most ARISS school group contacts was Expedition 3. Commander Frank Culbertson, KD5OPQ, answered questions via ham radio posed by students at 22 different schools. Culbertson also activated NA1SS during the 2001 Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) scouting event.

NASA recently announced that after an extensive review, it's planning its return-to-flight shuttle mission, STS-114, for a launch window that opens next May. ARISS International Chairman Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, says PCSat 2 — an externally mounted ham radio payload — is expected to fly on that shuttle flight, which also will mark the return of three-person ISS crews. "We will also be able to better negotiate the delivery of our computer, which is essential for the SSTV system," Bauer added. — some information from NASA

ARRL DX Bulletin

DX Bulletin 44 ARLD044

From ARRL Headquarters

Newington CT November 4, 2004

To all radio amateurs

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

RODRIGUES ISLAND, 3B9. Robert, 3B9FR has been QRV using SSTV on 10 meters around 1345z and 20 meters after 1630z. QSL direct.

MAURITANIA, 5T. Nicolas, 5T5SN has been QRV on 12 meters using CW between 1230 and 1300z. QSL via IZ1BZV.

PAKISTAN, AP. Ijaz, AP2IA has been QRV using RTTY on 10 meters before 1200z and on 12 meters after 1200z. QSL direct.

CHINA, BY. David, BA4DW is QRV as BA4DW/4 from Changdao, IOTA AS-146, until November 8. QSL to home call.

TAJIKISTAN, EY. Jacques, F5LYF and Jean Louis, F5NHJ are QRV as EY/F5NHJ until March 2005. Activity is on all HF bands and 6 meters, using mainly CW. QSL via F5NHJ.

PHILIPPINES, DU. Jon, DU9/N0NM has been QRV on 160 meters around 1100z. QSL via W4DR.

MAYOTTE, FH. Gerard, F6BEG is QRV as FH/F6BEG until November 12. Activity is on 20, 15 and 10 meters using CW and SSB, generally from 0400 to 1200z. QSL to home call.

NEW CALEDONIA, FK. Masayoshi, JF1UIO is QRV as FK/homecall from Loyalty Island, IOTA OC-033, until November 8. Activity is on 40 to 10 meters using CW and SSB. QSL to home call.

JAPAN, JA. JA5BEX/5 and JE5HXJ/5 plan to be QRV from Odesima Island, IOTA AS-076, on November 6 and 7. QSL via bureau.

SVALBARD, JW. Erik, LA2VOA is QRV as JW2VOA from Bear Island, IOTA EU-027, until November 25. Activity is on 80 to 10 meters using mostly SSB. QSL to home call.

PUERTO RICO, KP4. Rich, KE3Q will be QRV as WP3R in the ARRL CW Sweepstakes. QSL to home call.

LITHUANIA, LY. Ben, OZ5AAH is QRV as LY/OZ5IPA until November 8. He will participate in the IPARC Contest. QSL to home call.

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS. Lunkes, PT2HF and Stuckert, PT2GTI will be QRV as ZX0ECF and ZX0GTI, respectively, from the "Estacao Commandante Ferraz" station, IOTA AN-010, on King George Island, from November 11 to 19. Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY, SSTV and PSK31. Weather permitting, they may also try to be active from Elephant Island on November 7 and 8. QSL both calls via PT2GTI.

PALAU, T8. Aki is QRV as T88QQ and has been active on 30 meters between 1215 and 1530z. QSL via JA1KAJ.

ANGUILLA, VP2E. Bill, W5SJ will be QRV as VP2EJ from November 5 to 11. Activity will be on 80 to 6 meters, using mostly CW. He will place an emphasis on 6 meters. QSL via W5FO.

SOUTH ORKNEY ISLANDS. Mike, GM0HCQ is QRV as VP8SIG in his spare time from Signy Base, IOTA AN-008. QSL to home call.

AFGHANISTAN, YA. Rene, DL2JRM is active as YA7X until November 17. Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via DL1JJI.

DXers are Different

By Paul Dunphy, VE1DX

There are advantages to living on a hillside. We had often wondered if fate had a part in this when we had picked this particular QTH many years ago. Beaming east, we had a clear shot at Europe, and any DX that raised its head out of the trenches was usually in the log within minutes. We soon learned, however, that the DX that exists in the Pacific, far out in those distant lands over the western horizon, had better be coming in long path. For try as we might, beaming into solid rock has its disadvantages. There is balance in nature.

We also found that living on a hillside provided two different perspectives on DX knowledge and advice. We learned to anticipate the Old Timer making his way down the hill from time to time, often stopping in to discuss many things, but mostly DX. And, even more often, we found that the local QRPers made their way up the hill, seeking answers to DX questions or offering suggestions on how things might be improved. Again, we had to reflect on the balance nature had provided in this area. Just the other day, we were thinking about this when one of the locals came up the hill to talk of DX and DXers.

"Maybe you can tell me something,” he said, after finding himself a comfortable chair on the veranda. "When I first started DXing, things were different that today. I realize that things change and that technology is far different today than it was even five years ago. But there is a fundamental change in DXers. All they do now is fight on the Internet and on the packet systems. It seems to me that DXers spend more time sending rude E-mail and playing 'one-upmanship' than anything else. Why is this?"

We though about what the QRPer had asked and we were at a bit of a loss as to where to begin. We were beaming west on this one . . . for on the surface the QRPer seemed to have a point. Just as we were about to give it a shot, we saw the Old Timer making his way down the hill. As usual, he stopped and drew up a chair. In hindsight, he may have wished he had kept on going. The QRPer turned his attention to the Old Timer and repeated the question. We heaved an inward sigh of relief. The relief pitcher was on the mound! The Old Timer thought for a moment and then replied, "Why is this? You really don't know?" The QRPer shrugged and said slowly, "No, not really. I don't know. When I first got on the air, things were a lot different, that's all I know. I want to know what has changed. What made the DXers change so radically?"

The Old Timer took a deep breath. It was clear that the answer was obvious to him and he couldn't see why the QRPer was even asking the question. "Do you remember Bill, W7PHO?" he began. The QRPer nodded enthusiastically. "I sure do! He may have run a DX net, but he ran a tight ship. A real DXer." The Old Timer continued, "Then you remember Lloyd and Iris Colvin, too, right? And Don Wallace, W6AM? And how about

Dick, W0MLY? Remember when they all were active on the bands?"

"Yes, of course I do,” the QRPer replied, "and they all were great DXers. That's my point. What has changed?" We were starting to see the Old Timer's point, but it was clear the QRPer wasn't even getting a glimmer. The Old Timer continued on: "Do you remember Gus, W4BPD?" The QRPer shook his head, "No, but I read all about him and I heard the stories of the times when he activated all the rare ones. He was a true blue DXer, just like the others you mentioned. All this has changed. Why?" The Old Timer simply wasn't getting anywhere, but he continued on anyhow, "OK, how about Dick Spenceley, KV4AA, and Stew Perry, W1BB who carried the word for 160 DX for so many years. And the great DXers who are still active, like Wayne, N7NG . . . remember when he was on from Clipperton? How about OH2BH? Martti's been everywhere, and some places twice. And the DX Bulletins. Do you remember Harvey McCoy of the Long Island DX Bulletin, Bob Winn of QRZ DX and Hugh Cassidy of the West Coast DX Bulletin? And what about Chod Harris, VP2ML and The DX Bulletin? And do you recall that time the three of us went to Dayton and we met Bob and Ellen White? What about Ron, ZL1AMO? Did you ever work Reinhard, DL1UF and Baulder, DJ6SI? Did you know that Kan, JA1BK is a member of the DX Hall of fame? And how many times have you heard Al Hix, W8AH, blast his way through the pileups?"

"Yes, yes! I remember all that. And every one you mentioned was, or still is, a true blue DXer! Every last one of them. Why I even recall some of the guys at the club talking about a fellow name Don Miller who was a great DXer in the early days. . . but they said nobody could explain or understand him." The Old Timer held up his hand and stopped the QRPer. "He was a special case and some day I'll tell you about Don. But right now you have to concentrate on those we've already discussed. There are many more, but these are enough to make the point. Now do you understand?"

"Understand what?" the QRPer replied, "I understand all these hams were, or still are, great DXers. Some went on DXpeditions, some worked everything that moved, and some did both. But I don't understand why all the DXers stopped this and have taken up fighting on the Internet. That was my question and, while you've brought back a lot of great DX memories, you haven't answered my question. Why have all the DXers changed?"

The Old Timer was not to be deterred. "But I have answered your question, son. These ones you say are fighting and arguing on the Internet and packet. Do you remember their calls? What are their DX totals? How many DXpeditions have they been on?"

The QRPer sat back and stared at the two of us like he had just been clubbed between his beady little eyes. It took a few moments for it to sink in. "I don't remember their calls", he said slowly, "I don't think I've ever heard any of them on the air, either." He shook his head slowly as realization set in. "They aren't very active, are they?" The Old Timer looked right back at him and replied, "No, not at all. They don't have the time. They are not DXers. DXers work DX! DXers tune the bands. DXers go on DXpeditions. And DXers use the Internet and packet systems to exchange DX information. And that is why they are different. Subscribing to a DX Reflector does not make you a DXer! No more than subscribing to a DX Bulletin made hams DXers in the Early Days."

The QRPer was starting to understand. "You're right!" he chimed in, "absolutely right. Why didn't I see it before? DXers haven't changed at all! Not one bit. I was mixing up DXers and non-DXers."

The Old Timer looked at him for a minute or so and then gave the final pitch, "The road to understanding is often slow and not always straight. But this afternoon you've made a leap forward. DXers are an unusual bunch,” he continued on, "and true blue DXers are the top echelon of amateur radio. They are the ones who establish friendships that bring so many together from around the world. And they do this even though most will never meet face to face, but nevertheless they are close. They don't argue and fight on packet or the Internet or anywhere else. Those that do are not DXers! They may claim to be, but they are not, and they never will be. You are a DXer, son! Stand tall and be proud. Understand this but don't try to extend this understanding to one of these argumentative types who is not a DXer. It is a waste of time and energy. Let them fight it out on packet and on the Internet. You are different. Absolutely. Always remember that and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!" And with that he stood up, looked at us for few seconds and then made his way down the hill and over to the DX club meeting.

Son of a Gun! It was hard to find fault with the Old Timer's thinking. Most DXers, when they stop and think about it, can find instances where because they were a DXer and DXing was a way of life that they did things, or refrained from doing things, not often done by non-DX types. We had known this Inevitable Truth but had never thought it applied to the situation the QRPer had described. When the Old Timer speaks, it is like the fireworks over the Potomac on the 4th of July! DX IS!

Helpful Hints

Never attempt to fasten your shoelaces in a revolving door.

Shallow Thoughts

If a stealth bomber crashes in a forest, will it make a sound?

November 2004

ARRL Disappointed with Administration over BPL Report and Order

Permanent ISS Ham Station, Human Crews Share Fourth Anniversary

ARRL DX Bulletin

DXers are Different