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ANDERSONRADIOCLUB.COM
SEPTEMBER 2015 1
SEPTEMBER
Membership Meeting Agenda September 24 2015
October Hamfest
Nominating Committee for 2016 Officers
Anderson City Christmas Parade
Ham Operator of the Year
Christmas Party
Veteran’s Day Parade
SC QSO Party Training at
August Membership Meeting
From Columbia, Dave Edmonds ( WN4AFP) , Tom Francis (W1TEF), and Kevan Nason (N4XL) explained
the SCQP concepts, scoring, logging and the rules for the September 19 SC QSO Party Contest. Cover
story on page 3.
UPCOMING MEETING
OCTOBER 22 2015 PROGRAM
SPEAKER
LES SHATTUCK (K4NK)
Long-distance VHF/UHF Communications
Discussion of methods and techniques using weather
patterns and atmospheric propagation for long-
distance communications on 6 meters, 2 meters, and
70 centimeters. Handouts will be supplied for easy
content retention.
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SEPTEMBER 2015 2
James Littleton
WB4LZT
President
Tim Dantz
WA2VAX
Vice President
Jerry Jordan
KD4PJO
Treasurer
Les Shattuck
K4NK
Secretary
General Membership Meeting: Fourth Thursday of the month, 7:30 pm (doors open at 7 pm)
Officers’ Business Meeting—Second Thursday of the month, 7:00 pm.
Meeting Place--Anderson, Old EOC Building (corner of South Towers St. & West Church St.)
August and September were busy
months. On August 29, we had a
club dinner at Logan’s and 15 mem-
bers were in attendance. We had a
great time with food, fellowship in
a relaxed environment.
Seven club members attended the Skywarn storm spotter training sponsored by
GSP and we all learned a lot about weather conditions and how they relate to
storms.
September 19 brought us the annual SC QSO party. We were fortunate to have sev-
eral members from QSO party team give a presentation at the last club meeting
and it was very informative and interesting.
The Military Vehicle Presentation Association convoy came to town on Wednesday,
September 23 and the club had two communications trailers at the balloon field
operating the MVPA special event station K2A. Steve, Margie, James, and Les made
many contacts during this event.
We are now focusing our attention on the next club event which is our annual
Hamfest being held on October 17. We’ve got lots of plans to make this an inter-
esting event and we hope everyone will come out and join us.
The new nominating committee has been formed to select candidates for club
officers for 2016. The members are Dave KL7FO, Margie KK4AGN, and Tim
WA2VAX. If you would like to run for an office, please let one of the nominating
committee members know.
Thanks to everyone who had a part in participating in these events.
73,
James
James Littleton—WB4LZT
President’s Message
James Littleton – WB4LZT
Phone: 864-884-3507
E-mail: [email protected]
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SEPTEMBER 2015 3
Cove Story (continued) SC QSO Party Training at August Membership Meeting
Deadline for log entries of the 2015 SC QSO Party will be October 20, 2015. Tallying up the log entries may take a few months before the SCQP results are ready. Overall, the contest was successful and 35% more log entries were received in 2015 than were reported in 2014.
There has been positive feedback from many participants with their comments as well as some scores posted on 3830scores.com. Another site is http://www.3830scores.com/curreccomments.php?arg=r2cvsRzLgaffo where participants can post their unofficial scores.
ANDERSONRADIOCLUB.COM
SEPTEMBER 2015 4
FREE Technician Ham Class for Three Weeks
Location: Pickens County Emergency Operations Center (1509 Walhalla Hwy., Pickens, SC, Hwy. 183 West of Pickens) Dates: Tuesday, October 13 Thursday, October 15 Tuesday, October 20 Thursday, October 22 Tuesday, October 27 Thursday, October 29 Time: 6:30 pm -9:00 pm Students will need to purchase the study manual "Gordon West Technician Class Study Guide" which may be found at amazon.com or other ham radio suppliers. Cost is approximately $20.00. Testing will follow at the end of the classes. There will be a fee of $10.00 for testing and you will need to show a photo ID. For more information, or to register for the class, please send an email to [email protected]. If anyone is unable to pay for the study guide or the test fee, help may be available.
Susan Fuller (KK4WJE)
Duncan Pickens (KV4JE)
Ethan Poole (KW4EK)
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SEPTEMBER 2015 5
Amateur Radio Caution Let’s begin with the very basic fact that as licensed amateur radio operators, our names, call-signs and mail-ing addresses are publicly available online. In itself, this may not be such a big deal since names and address-es for thousands of people are also available in the average phone book. The potential problem will depend on what you say over the air along with your call-sign.
Very often, I will hear a ham announce his call sign and then go on to discuss with great detail, his upcom-ing vacation. All too frequently, he will give out the dates they will be away, the destination, planned activi-ties, they can’t decide what to do with the dog, he hopes a pipe doesn’t break again while they are away (both of the latter implying there will be no one home to handle these issues), etc.
Having a wife and children, I am particularly sensitive to the times I hear a ham while he is “mobile” or oth-erwise away from home, talking with his wife. It troubles me when I hear him tell her (and everyone listen-ing) that he’ll be home late. Or how much he misses everyone and wished he didn’t have to be away on this business trip.
As a fellow ham, I’d like to think that we all share the same strong moral code. But unfortunately, that will not always be true.
So, what can we do about it?
Be very mindful of what personal information you transmit on the air. Remember that your call-sign links everything you say back to you and possibly your address.
Regarding addresses, the FCC requires licensed amateur radio operators to have on file a “...correct name and mailing address” (1). I am not a lawyer, and this is not legal advice, but note that this regulation does not state that it has to be your home address, but only “...in an area where the amateur service is regulated by the FCC and where the grantee can receive mail delivery by the United States Postal Service.” Other op-tions may exist for you, such as your office address, or even a P.O. Box.
If you use a computer-based amateur radio system (such as Internet Radio Linking Project (IRLP) or Echo-Link) to check in on your local repeater or “net” back at home while you are away, you should avoid men-tioning that you’re out of town. Also, consider checking in via EchoLink now and then even if you are at your home station. If you only use EchoLink when you’re away, that is a pattern you may want to avoid.
Of course, all hams can continue to enjoy their favorite hobby of amateur radio but we should be mindful of what personal information is transmitted over the amateur radio air waves.
(1)Title 47 – Part 97, Subpart A, §97.23 Mailing address Available at: http://www.arrl.org/part-97-amateur-radio
Thanks to Dave Librizzi, K4IZZ from Piedmont for his article.
Dave is with the BSA Troop 96 out of Easley, along with several other hams who intro-duced him to amateur radio in 2011. He holds an “Extra” class license.
ANDERSONRADIOCLUB.COM
SEPTEMBER 2015 6
General Admission: $6.00 advanced purchase
(before 10/30) and $8.00 at the gate.
SKYWARN RADAR TRAINING COURSE ON LINE
https://www.meted.ucar.edu
At Comet Med-Ed website, hundreds of self-paced Educational and Training geoscience courses are available online at no charge. Some of these courses may be of interest to Skywarn Spotters. In particular is the Weather Radar Fundamentals. The lessons inter-pret images/features seen on radar in relationship with weather. Once the course is completed, a certificate will be issued to an indi-
vidual. Recently, Duncan (KV4JE) received three certificates (illustrated) after he completed and passed the course.
ANDERSONRADIOCLUB.COM
SEPTEMBER 2015 7
ANDERSON
RADIO CLUB
HAMFEST
Directions:
From I-85 exit 21 go toward Ander-
son. At the first traffic light
(approximately one-fourth mile),
turn left on Manse Jolly Road. The
entrance to Darwin Wright Park is a
few yards on the right. Proceed
through the Park to where the road
makes a loop. The Hamfest loca-
tion is within the loop.
Equipment Sale Table
An assortment of equipment
including estate items.
AT THE OCTOBER HAMFEST STOP BY THE FOOD COURT
FOOD COURT IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS AT 8 AM
FRESH BREW COFFEE & BOTTLED WATER
SAUSAGE BISCUITS
HOME MADE BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
HOME MADE DARK CHOCOLATE BROWNIES
HOT DOGS with or without CHILI (READY TO EAT AT 11 AM)
ANDERSONRADIOCLUB.COM
SEPTEMBER 2015 8
Editor’s Note: Margie Spangenberg (KK4AGN) [email protected]
QSL First Timer As a sentimental keepsake, many ladies like to work on a patchwork quilt, but for me I prefer working towards a patchwork of QSL cards. My goal to complete my QSL card quilt is to work one station from each US state and request the station's QSL card.
Before I began my QSL quilt, I needed to create a personalized QSL card that would be light hearted, eye catching and say something about me. While I was browsing the internet for ideas, it was when I came across Hamtoons (hamtoons.net). After consulting with Hamtoons cartoonist Jim Massara (N2EST), it was a few weeks later that Jim created and designed his original art work into images of myself, my motorhome and my dog, Skipper. (My apologies to my hubby Gary and primary RV driver that he was not in the cartoon--he'll have to get his own QSL card). If you would like one of my personalized QSL cards, I would be happy to send you one, after you and I make a QSO contact either by HF or DStar. Just send me an email at [email protected] to arrange a day and time for us to talk on the air. I, too, would like to have your personalized QSL card to add to my QSL quilt. As a QSL newcomer, I hope to work as many states on the air as the 47 states that I traveled to in my motorhome.
LUNCH BUNCH—GOLDEN CORRAL, ANDERSON
11:30 am til
EVERY FRIDAY, ALL ARE WELCOME
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SEPTEMBER 2015 9
Spartanburg, August 22—Seven members representing the Anderson Radio Club attended
GSPASEC’s Basic and Advanced Skywarn Spotter Training classes. Jake Winberley, Meterologist
of the National Weather Service (NWS) Greenville-Spartanburg, gave both classes and also pre-
sented each attendee a Basic and Advanced Skywarn Spotter Training Certificate of Achieve-
ment. Left to right: James (WB4LZT), Tim (WA2VAX), Margie (KK4AGN), Tim (KK4CEW), Dave
(KL7FO), Bill (KM4DDR), and Will (KM4AJR).
Meterologist Jake explained a Skywarn Spotter should contact NWS’s hotline 1-800-267-8101
and report your location, time of event and actual event—such as:
Hail 1” or larger
Wind gusts 58 mph or greater
Wind damage (trees, power lines, structural damage)
Tornado or funnel clouds
Rotating wall clouds
Flooding not normally occurring
Flooded roads
Urban flooding
Flooding that risks life or property
GSPASEC.ORG
Every Monday night at 8:15 pm on 145.130 Repeater with a tone of 123.0, GSPASEC holds a Group E-Com
Training Net. The net also meets on Wednesdays and Saturdays, frequency 145.130, tone 123.0.
ANDERSONRADIOCLUB.COM
SEPTEMBER 2015 10
To celebrate ARC’s 50th Anniversary, each
monthly issue of ARC’s “Net Talk” News-
letter for 2016 will feature 60s amateur
radio memorabilia.
TIME TO NOMINATE 2015 AMATEUR OF
THE YEAR AWARD! TIM DANTZ (WA2VAX)
NEEDS YOUR NOMINATION CANDIDATE
NO LATER NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 1.
EMAIL TIM AT [email protected].
NOMINATIONS FOR 2016 OFFICERS
President
Vice President Treasurer Secretary
If you would like to be an officer or would like to nominate a member, contact Margie Spangenberg (KK4AGN), [email protected].
ANDERSONRADIOCLUB.COM
SEPTEMBER 2015 11
ARES/ RACES/ SKYWARN/ SCHEARTS
Here we are in the middle of the hurricane season and so far we have dodged the bullet.
But… the hurricane season is far from over so keep yourself, ham gear and family
READY!
Family, we don’t often mention them in our exercises but they are an extremely im-
portant part of our activities. Before we can feel comfortable deploying, we need to be
sure our families are safe and able to survive while we are gone. In most cases, the hams
deployed will be ready with their “to go bags” and preparations but is your family safe
and secure? If there are any doubts in your mind, you will not be as effective as you
should be. So, make preparations for your family (and pets) now if you plan to deploy for
your served agency.
We continue to practice some emergency procedures on our Sunday night net. (146.790
at 2030). Please, if you can, check in and PARTICIPATE. Practice makes perfect and no
practice lays the groundwork for failure.
Also, don’t forget to check into the SC ARES nets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each
month at 18:00 on 3.993.5 Mhz. And, the Georgia ARES net every Sunday at 17:00 on
3.975. It’s good to be familiar with our neighbors so that we can help them if needed or
they can help us as necessary. Most of our weather comes in from the Georgia.
I continue to encourage everyone that does not have a ham license, or would like to up-
grade to a higher license, to get going. The time is now. And while we are discussing it,
how about having a family member get licensed. Great way to keep in touch if you are
required to leave the family while deployed.
Finally, be prepared as much as possible. Remember, it is better to be 3 years early than
one minute late!
73,
Dave (KL7FO) and Steve (N4SZ)
ANDERSONRADIOCLUB.COM
SEPTEMBER 2015 12
2015 ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET)
October 3
Local EC’s, DEC’s or any Amateur Radio Operators, Club or E-Com Groups)
The basic goals of the Greenville / Spartanburg Area Specialized Emergency Communications Group (GSPASEC) is to
bring E-Com groups together both in common training and procedures according to the ARESMAT Concept, and also
to help provide local training and E-Com services.
We would like to bring all the upstate groups together to discuss what we can do to participate in this event. The arti-
cle in QST state that to obtain more information contact your local ARRL Field organization leadership, so I am appeal-
ing to all of you for any information you might have so it can be shared with the other groups in the upstate.
It is in the best interests of all Upstate groups to come together and work together, so that Emergency Communica-
tions becomes, "second nature" to those interested in providing these types of services.
If you or your group would like to participate in the SET exercise contact:
Wayne J Vasilenko (K4VAS) General Class Amateur Radio Operator
GSPASEC Tactical Administrator - Hospital Operations
Chief Liaison and Training Coordinator
The Greenville/Spartanburg Area Specialized Emergency Communications Group
Providing Emergency Communications & Emergency Preparedness Training
CHECK UPDATES ON http://gspasec.org/
Phone: 864-498-4250 Cell: 864-593-9364
E-Mail: [email protected]
TIME TO PUBLISH YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO!!
Would you like to contribute an article (100 words or more) of an experience
you have had as a ham operator or maybe your amateur radio ponderings?
We welcome your writing thoughts/comments for possibly publishing in the ARC
“Net Talk” Newsletter.
Contact Margie Spangenberg (KK4AGN) at [email protected].
ANDERSON RADIO CLUB’S SET EXERCISE
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 9 am
Anderson County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), 200 Bleckley St, Anderson SC
The goal of the exercise is to test communications between the EOC and shelters.
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SEPTEMBER 2015 13
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SEPTEMBER 2015 14
NET CONTROL OPERATORS
FREQUENCY 146.790 8:30 (20:30) pm
SUNDAY KL7FO DAVE ZUGSBERGER
MONDAY KF4CKT JOHN SEIGLER
TUESDAY KK4WJE SUSAN FULLER
WEDNESDAY KK4AGN MARGIE SPANGENBERG
THURSDAY KM4DDR BILL GUTHKE
FRIDAY KV4TH TOM OWENS
SATURDAY WA4JWC AL GUNDRY
N5CSA ROGER MUNDY
REMEMBER: WHEN SASSAFRASS
146.79 REPEATER IS DOWN
FOR THE NET, PLEASE TUNE
INTO 146.97 ANDERSON
REPEATER.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME EVERY
NIGHT ON THE ANDERSON 2-METER
NET
NET MANAGER
SUSAN FULLER KK4WJE
AND
ALTERNATE NET MANAGER
BILL GUTHKE KM4DDR
Can you substitute as an Alternate Net Control Operator?
Can you volunteer on a weekly basis as a Net Control Operator?
If you can help, please email Susan Fuller, KK4WJE, [email protected]
August Check Ins 845
Pieces Traffic 33
Sessions 31
845
