My Thoughts

by

Jill, N3QZR

It's the first Thursday of the month, and I'm sitting in the monthly meeting of the D.L.A.R.C. Amateur Radio Club. The President is conducting the meeting as the sign in sheet for being present at the meeting, along with several event sign-up sheets are passed around the room. The Secretary and Treasurer's reports are approved by the attending membership. Maybe a new member or two are also approved by the membership. Now we get an update about how the repeaters are working, and that the classes will be starting up shortly or that they are progressing nicely with how many people attending them.

 

I guess I can take a nap now, the president is having the different chair-persons talk about the event sign up sheets that went around, and what good things these organizations do for their causes. First up is to tell us about, the NIS Walk and or the MS 150 Bike Tour. I don't care that the MS Society raises money from these walks and bike tours to help the families and persons who have MS. Nobody in my family has had MS so let the families help themselves. Besides I know there is a football, baseball, basketball, etc. game to watch on TV that day and if I'm not home my wife will forget to tape it for me. Next up the Red Cross River Run. BIG DEAL. They also help families in need. Why should I care, I don't live near the river, so I'm never going to lose my house to a flood. My house is all stone and will never burn down. I have no family who lives where tornadoes or hurricanes could destroy their home and or their lives. So lets get on with the next boring event so that I can get to meeting B. Now on to the Derriere in the Delaware. My children are grown and I don't know any young children worth benefiting. I could go on but I think you get my point. Now let me tell you why you should help!! MS can attack any family; you do not need to have a Family history to get MS. The Red Cross helped me find my husband (Glenn, N3ULW) who was out doing field training in the Air Force when his Grandfather passed away. So the Red Cross helps in many ways not just floods, fires, or Mother Natures Temper tantrums.

 

Besides even though your house is stone there is still plenty of wood inside that, burns and will leave your home unlivable if heaven forbid you should have the misfortune of ever having a fire. Well, your family may go to Warren Hospital, but what if Easton Hospital was the nearest hospital to you and it's a matter of life or death that you or a family member gets medical treatment ASAP. Last is the DID. You may not know any young children but I can tell you first hand the joys these young children receive from the organization.  Kiwanis, who puts on the DID. The Christmas Party, that they put on for the VERY special children who receive services in 13 school districts in Northampton, Monroe and Pike counties from Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 is .just wonderful. Words can not explain the joy on these children's faces as Ronald McDonald comes into the room and performs magic, and the songs that this group sings with these children, but the best time is when Santa comes. Can you remember the joy you saw on your own children's face when they saw Santa, or even the joy you yourself as a child felt seeing Santa. For some of these children this day is the only day they will see Santa this year as their families do not have the money to take them to sit on Santa's lap at the mall. Sadly, VERY sadly for one or two this is the last time they will ever see Santa again, because their health is so bad they will pass away before the next Christmas.

 

These events are VERY important to someone. Hopefully, you and everyone in your family will NEVER need the help that you could receive from any of these groups. But please do not turn a deaf ear, and sleep when the chairpersons for these events talk. I'm not saying you should volunteer for every event that D.L.A.R.C. provides radio communication for, but please think about it and try to help with at least one a year! You may find that you enjoy it. That you like how good you feel knowing that you helped to make the event as safe as possible, or that a scared lost child came up and you used your radio to get help or you called net control because a bike rider / runner /walker etc. came up to you with leg cramps or heat exhaustion.

 

We as Hams are not working the event to help them raise money, but are there to help make the event as safe as possible by sending messages to net control of participant locations, of injuries along the route, of lost participants, etc. The message passing that we do during these events is excellent  practice for us as we need to be ready if the unthinkable ever happened  here like the Oklahoma City and New York City bombings, and the Hurricanes Hugo, Mitch, Diane (in1955) or even little Floyd this past Fall.

 

THAT'S WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME!!!

de, Jill N3ZSR

 

W30K Corral Newsletter

Clarence Snyder, W3PYF, editor

 

 

 

 

The Future of Amateur Radio

by John Rodgers, N3MSE

 

As I tune around the bands in the evening, I invariably will find a conversation with people talking about the good old days of amateur radio. The days before incentive licensing and restructuring. I have also read remarks from officials of the FCC stating that we need to experiment and make greater use of the frequencies that we have allocated to us. As was stated we need to walk the walk.

 

These two conflicting ideas made me think that, like it or not we cannot go back and change the things that have happened in the hobby. The past is gone and is nothing more than memories and a foundation for amateur radio today. What we do have, however is a golden opportunity to mold the future of the amateur radio service. The future is the youth of today. We must find ways to interest young people and make amateur radio enticing to young people.

 

Many will say the internet has taken people away from the hobby. Well, the internet can be a way to promote the hobby as well. The Boring Amateur Radio Club proved this. This group of young people formed a club online and met there for over a year before anyone ever met. It is also a great way to disseminate information about amateur radio.

 

One of the wonderful things is that today's youth are very deep into  computers. As such we must show them ways that they can combine the two and have even more fun.

 

On October 21 and 22, we had the opportunity to introduce many young people to the many adventures associated with this fine service and hobby. That weekend is the annual scouting Jamboree on the Air (JOTA).

 

Contact your local scout district and offer to set up a station to allow the scouts of your community to contact scouts in other parts of the country and the world. Contact a scout troop in your neighborhood and offer to open up your shack for this event.

 

Whether it be boy scouts or cub scouts, girl scouts or brownies: this is the chance to share your enthusiasm and demonstrate what has been so rewarding to you. A complete information package is available at http://www.arrl. org/ead/jota.html or by calling the Education and Field Services department at the ARRL.

 

Demonstrate not only voice and CW modes, but also show the ways the computer can interface into the radio. Slow scan TV and PSK31 are just some of the modes of operation. Talk about the opportunity to experiment with the radio and computer. Donate some time on that weekend to interest young people to the hobby. Continue to work with them long after as a mentor and elmer.

 

Volunteer your services to help with those wanting to get the radio merit badge. Whatever we can do to promote and encourage young people today to enter into amateur radio will insure that we also will be able to enjoy the service tomorrow and for many tomorrows to come.

 

 

 

Public Service: Use it or Lose it

By

David C. Goldberg, N3ZQN

 

Does your club or organization sponsor public service events?

 

Here's what one club is doing to encourage more public service participation by their members!

 

The FCC justifies the grant of amateur radio access to various frequencies under the premises that they will be used primarily for public service and secondarily for the expansion of the hobby and science of amateur radio. After all, isn't this the justification many of us use when we spend the big bucks for that state of the art (or in some cases the unit that compliments my antique collection) gee whiz bang radio equipment So here it is, the opportunity to actually justify the investment (or rationalize it).

 

In the past the Public Service Chair-person would get a request for assistance. He or she would then report at the next meeting that volunteers were needed. Members would then let the Chairperson know that they would like to help. Although this tactic has worked in the past it is, shall we say, informal. Additionally only the folks in attendance that evening were aware of the opportunity. Although the club has met with success doing it this way, I think it's time we formalize/systematize the way we manage public service. (Hey, what do you expect from a guy that makes his living consulting on accounting soft-ware).

 

So here is the first pass at the (drum roll) Baltimore Amateur Radio Club Public Service and Emergency Volunteer System. (BARCPSEVS Why not? Everybody else uses acronyms). If you want to be notified whenever a public service event is being considered or in the event of an emergency, please submit the following information.

 

Full Name

Call Sign

Your e-mail address

Your Phone Number (in-case of an

emergency situation)

Your mailing address

 

Please submit this information via e-mail to:

d.goldberg@prodigy .net.

If e-mail is unavailable, please send your information to:

David Goldberg N3ZQN

312 High Knob Lane

Reisterstown, MD. 21136

 

Understand that submitting this information is not a commitment on your part. All you are telling us is that you want to be kept up-to-date on all the opportunities that are coming up. If you give us your e-mail address it will be used as the primary means of advising you. If you don't have e-mail, make sure you give us your mailing address so we can keep you updated. If we have your phone number we will call to advise you of an emergency situation. These updates are for your consideration (no pressure, no begging, no arm twisting) if you can help, great. If not, maybe the next time or the time after that.

 

What types of events do we cover? We may provide radio communications for a charitable event such as the March of Dimes Walkathon, The Race for the Cure, Cycle Across Maryland, or a Marathon. We may be asked to help provide security for a hamfest or to participate in communications for a sailing regatta or a parade. Any and all of those events that the FCC approves for Amateur Radio assistance will be available for your consideration.

 

If enough members volunteer we will make an official commitment to the requesting organization and advise you by e-mail, mail, phone or, hey, how about Baltimore Amateur Radio Club Public Service and Emergency Volunteer Sys-tem NET (BARCPSEVS-Net)

 

That's right folks, a new net will start on the second and last Thursday of each month at 9:00 PM on 146.67 mHz. Another good reason to use your radio. We will keep you advised of all the upcoming events and discuss various public service and emergency topics. The first net will be held on December 14, 2000 at 9:00 P.M. Pretty neat. But it gets even better. I'm going to arrange for Baltimore Amateur Radio Club Public Service and Emergency Volunteer System Jacket to be designed (including built-in pocket protector) that members can purchase (what? you thought it would be free?). These jackets will look great and help you proudly proclaim your role as a working ham. They will only be sold to those individuals who have submitted the information for the volunteer mailing list.

 

But wait, there's more. The first time you participate in an event you will receive:

(a) Baltimore Amateur Radio Club Public Service and Emergency Volunteer System Patch. Something nifty that lets the world know that you have actively participated in public service events, that you are an active contributor to the community and a really swell person. These patches will coordinate with the jackets and be easy to apply (cause I can't sew). So all you need to do is let us know that you want to be advised of upcoming events and you qualify to purchase a jacket. Actually participate in an event and you will receive a great looking patch for your jacket. So sign up let us know who you are and we'll keep you up to date on the great chances for you to use your talents and equipment. So that's it, let us know who you are.

 

(b) Wait I almost forgot. There's more: Baltimore Amateur Radio Clubs Public Service and Emergency Volunteer System Event Participation Stripes. Each time you participate in a public service event you will receive a stripe, and I again, because I can't sew, it will be easy to apply to your jacket. So instead of being viewed as an individual that just helped once, you will be able to proudly proclaim your service to fellow members and members of the community.

 

So now you have a way to show your stripes (sorry about that, I, couldn't resist). Think of this as a type of QSL card you can wear.

 

In conclusion (bet you thought this would never end), you get to add your name to a mailing list (like you aren't on 10,000 already) and earn the right to buy and wear a  BARC Public Service Jacket. Actually participate and you get a patch that lets everyone know you gave at the club. Keep participating and you can earn your stripes and proudly display your status as a really swell person.

 

Sign up now before the rush.

 

by David C. Goldberg N3ZQN

Chairman Public Services

Baltimore Amateur Radio Club

 

 

 

 

 

GRUMMAN AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

MINUTES OF GENERAL MEETING  1/17/01

By Gordon, KB2UB

 

Meeting was opened at the U/L facility in Melville at 6:30 PM. The Treasurer and Secretary were absent. Notes are by KB2UB. President Pat Masterson, KE2LJ asked for the traditional roll call around the room. Marty NN2C announced there would be a videotape of a DXpedition following the business meeting.

TREASURER'S REPORT –

The Financial Report as discussed at the recent Board meeting was summarized. The treasury appears to be in good shape.


REPEATER REPORT –

Gordon, KB2UB

KB2UB reported there is still a plan to install a controller in the Hauppauge repeater, pending the team's agreement on a date.

NET REPORT –

Zack, WB2PUE

Zac WB2PUE reported on the Sunday 40m net. Pat reported on the Thursday 2m net, which he ran the previous week.

 

VE REPORT –

Bob, W2ILP

Bob, W2ILP reported the VE session produced one applicant who advanced to General Class. Four VEs were present.



 

HOUSE REPORT

Pat reported on the state of the Northrop Grumman complex. We are still working to secure a place for our trailer and Bethpage repeater when Plant 5 is closed this year.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Marty NN2C announced that Ham Radio University would be held in Babylon on Sunday Jan 21. This event is a day of seminars on numerous ham topics. Admission will be 2 dollars and there will not be a ham flea market as it is considered a purely educational event. 500 are expected (and so is a snowstorm). The business meeting was adjourned at 7:10 PM.

 

PROGRAM

A video tape of the VK9RS IOTA expedition to an island off the coast of Australia was shown.

 

 

 

EDITORIAL

A comment on flying  from the ARNS Bulletin. KA2FEA

 

Flight Delays

There is the story of a passenger on Britain's Imperial Airways, a company which pioneered air travel between England and Australia in the mid-1930's.

"If you have time to spare, go by air" was the popular, expression of the day.

Airliners were both slow and incapable of flying long distances.

One of the very first flights took off from Croydon Airport near London and flew to northern France where it was delayed extensively due to bad weather. When it arrived in the south of France, one of the engines had failed and it was necessary to wait for another engine to be shipped by sea from England.

There were further delays along the route in Rome, Cairo, the Middle East, etc. until finally the flight progressed as far as Singapore. At this point a lady passenger asked the manager in Singapore if he thought the flight would arrive in Australia in the next few weeks            because she was expecting a baby shortly.

"My dear lady," he replied, "you should never have commenced your trip in that condition." She replied, "I didn't."