CLARK COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB, INC. PO BOX 1424, VANCOUVER, WA 98668

Rocking Chair CopyCCARC 86th Year

The W7AIA

February 2017Digital Edition

SEA-PAC Registration Opens Feb 15The 35th anniversary of the SEA-PAC Northwest ARRL Division Ham Convention opens on-line for registrations on February 15, 2017. You can save $5 by registering on-line or by mail instead of standing in line at the door. Visit www.seapac.org for additional details and to pre-register.

Many of the hotel and motels have already received reservations for this year’s convention on June 2-5.Attendees are encouraged to make reservations now, as many of the nearby hotels sell out early. Check the lodging special rates at www.seapac.org.

Workshops only are held on Friday June 2. Seminars, flea market, commercial exhibits and other activities

are on Saturday and Sunday, June 3-4. The Saturday night banquet features a return performance by the Woodlander musical group.

This year’s SEA-PAC is shaping up to be even bigger and better than ever. ARRL Chief Executive Officer, Tom Gallagher, NY2RF and other league officials will attend to speak and meet our attendees.

Plan now to bring the family for a wonderful weekend at SEA-PAC, located in Seaside, Oregon near the beautiful Pacific Ocean beach.

SEA-PAC Needs Your HelpSEA-PAC is co-sponsored by The Oregon Tualatin Valley Amateur Radio Club and The Clark County Amateur Radio Club. It takes many volunteers to make SEA-PAC happen. The committees have been working hard all year to make this year’s convention great but we will need additional help during the convention.

If you are planning to attend and can offer a couple hours volunteering, please email us at volunteer@seapac.org. We will contact you to let you know what positions are open. Friday is setup day for the exhibit hall and flea market areas. Volunteers are needed for setup on Friday, which would let you get a sneak-peak of the area before the doors open. If Friday does not work for you, there are other opportunities on Saturday and Sunday.

By the way, we have a prize drawing just for volunteers. Please contact us a volunteer@seapac.org or call our hotline 503-882-7388.

January was the month we held the election of the clubs new board and officers. Our new Vice President/Elect is Greg Williams/KG7IEN. The three newly elected board members are Mark Gaunt/KG7CX, Gary Takis/K7GJT and Trevor Best/KG7VIP. The board members will serve a two year term and the Vice President Elect moves up to President next year.

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Pictured L/R: Trevor Best/KG7VIP, Ralph Duchie/K7AWR, Mark Gaunt/KG7CX, Gary Takis/K7GJT, Greg Williams/KG7IEN and Nicole Crosby/N7XBY.

Oct 17-21

7 pm ARESInformation Net

Team 8

7 pm ARESInformation Net

Team 1

7PMCCARES/RACES

Meeting

7:30 pm EYEWARN Net

KF7WKR

8:30 pm 2 Rivers YL Net

7:30 pm EYEWARN Net

AC7UH

8:30pm 2 Rivers YL Net

7:30 pm EYEWARN Net

N7CKY

8:30 pm 2 Rivers YL Net

Annual Awards Banquet at 40 et 8

6:30 PM

7pm Round table

7pm Round table

Technician Class

VE Testing 10am

11 am Hamfair Planning

Meeting

7 pm ARESInformation Net

Team 6

7 pm ARESInformation Net

Team 7

7:30pm EYEWARN Net

KE7UBB

8:30 pm 2 Rivers YL Net

7pm Round table

11 AM to 1 PM Field Day Planning Meeting at 40et8

Clark County Amateur Radio Club Activity Schedule

W7AIA360-989-9268 www.w7aia.org/calendar.htm Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

February 2017

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28

147.24 NetsWednesday 7:00 pm Simplex Net - 146.58

Wednesday 7:30 pm - EYEWARN Net Wednesday 8:30 pm - YL Net

Friday 7:00 pm - Roundtable Net

4-5 10-10 Int. Winter Contest, SSB

4-5 F9AA Cup, CW

6 RSGB 80m Club

1 UKEICC 80m Contest

2 NRAU 10m Activity Contest

4 Minnesota QSO Party

Contest Corner

9:30 AM - Noon Digital Group

meeting

Open VE Testing10am

4 British Columbia QSO Party

4-5 YLRL YL-OM Contest

4-5 Vermont QSO Party

Page 2

Championship, SSB

11-12 SARL Field Day Contest

11-12 OMISS QSO Party

11-12 New Hampshire QSO Party

18-19 ARRL Inter. DX Contest, CW

18-26 Novice Rig Roundup

21-22 UKEICC 80m Contest

21-22 RSGB 80m Club Championship, CW

25-26 South

Carolina QSO Party

26-27 North Carolina QSO Party

Page 3

QST - QST - QSTTo everyone in the club, “Thank you” for a great year for me as President. I have learned a lot about Ham radio and met some very fine people enjoying the hobby.

I encourage everyone involved with the club to reach out and meet a new face every month at the CCARC club meetings, and expand your knowledge with the many events and training provided by the club.

I started volunteering my time to the club in 2008 and have enjoyed giving time to various activities and volunteering as a Director, Vice President and President. I have met many amateurs along the way and I can tell you this club is very close to my heart. I have been involved with many other organizations socially and professionally and have found The Clark County Amateur Radio Club to be the best.

It truly is run by professional and sincere people who care about the organization's long term goals. I have been told by other clubs around the country that the CCARC is one of the best organized and has one of the best newsletters that they have ever seen. This fact says a lot about the drive and perseverance of the officers, staff and directors of the CCARC.

I would like to thank those directors and staff for a fun year, although it didn’t seem that way sometimes. Thank you for helping all of us keep such a great club running for generations to come. You should be proud of that fact.

I hope to see you at future events,

73

Rick Aragon AE7VP

President CCARC

Clark CountyAmateur Radio Club

P.O. Box 1424Vancouver, WA 98684

360-989-9268www.w7aia.org

President: ............Rick Aragon AE7VP256-6267 pres@w7aia.org

Pres-Elect: ....Nicole Crosby - N7XBY503-545-2874 vpres@w7aia.orgSecretary: ...... Barbara Yasson, AC7UH 574-1152 secretary@w7aia.orgTreasurer: ............... Ron Ames, N7SRT254-5245 treasurer@w7aia.org

Directors...................[2015-2016] Vacant

576-5965 services@w7aia.orgMark Gaunt, KG7CX256-1849 general@w7aia.orgJames Newsome, KE7ZAC573-7646 records@w7aia.org

Directors...................[2016-2017] Tim Kuhlman, KD7RUS687-1790 operating@w7aia.org Vanessa McCoy, KE7UBB360-818-4807 liaison@w7aia.org Rick Smith, KT7G896-0221 technical@w7aia.org

Past President Gary Takis, K7GJTMembership Judith Ames, N7SRSNewsletter Wayne Schuler, AI9Q Public Info Dan Melhorn, KF7BHMClub Info Nicole Crosby, N7XBYClub Sales Laura Seitlinger, KC7LOKLicense Trustee Tim Kuhlman, KD7RUSWebmaster Judith Ames, N7SRS

~ Contributors ~

Rick Aragon, AE7VPJohn Allen, N9YQTim Kuhlman, KD7RUSNicole Crosby, N7XBYMarilyn Melhorn, AF7BIBarbara Yasson, AC7UHPhil Yasson, AB7RWGary Takis, K7GJT

Photos by John Allen, N9YQLayout Ron Fryer, KE7JJJCopy editing by Gary Takis, K7GJT

and Pat McGrady, KG7KGY

Elmer Recognition

If an Elmer (mentor, sage) has helped you to better understand and enjoy this hobby, here is your opportunity to award them.

Each Year I struggle with trying to find out who has been helping whom. We just seem to do it and not really keep track of it.

This year we will let the league certificate them.... The link is here www.arrl.org/elmer-award It offers space for the recipients to fill in their Elmer's info for a certificate.

Please help me out with this.

Rick Smith KT7G

Page 4

January has been interesting. I was reading an article by Rick Palm, K1CE, in QST about the After Action Report for Hurricane Matthew. In it he noted a couple of item which caught my attention:

• ARES should not count on local amateurs to leave their homes for deployments

• There needs to be more advance consultation with other volunteer organizations.

So I emailed him and introduced the EYEWARN concept and what we are doing here in Clark County.

I got a reply--to my surprise!

“I enjoyed the video, John. Very well done. Will make a note of your new program in the ARES e-letter. 73, Rick"

So that's all good--and it got better. Today, Jan 19th, I get an email from John Petersen. Here is his text:

“I read the article QST did on your EYEWARN project. I was wondering if your group has any specific “sit down” training for those individuals who are part of your observation program? If so, I would be interested in talking with someone further about your efforts.”

John E. Peterson Office of Emergency Communications U.S. Department of Homeland Security

So I guess we have some interest from Homeland Security and a mention in QST. Haven't seen the article yet but I am looking forward to reading February's QST. 73's John NO7DE

The Five Dot Three NetGary Takis, K7GJT

The “Five Dot Three” net is a weekly 60m Band HF Radio Check and Propagation Test Net. The purpose of the net is to gain experience operating on 60 meters, test station antennas and propagation conditions. It is a “training and practice” net that is for all Amateur Radio Operators, regardless of any group affiliation, who want to test their stations and learn more about the 60m amateur band. It is not an “operational use” net at this point in time. As the sunspot cycle declines, 60 meters is likely to become a very useful band.

For those of you with equipment that will operate on the 60m band, this weekly net is held on Monday 1300-1400 (+/-) Pacific Time on frequency 5330.5 KHz USB (Channel #1) with an alternate of 5346.5 kHz USB (Channel #2). There is also a Saturday Evening Five Dot Three Net on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, starting at 1700 Pacific Time.

If you have an interest in 60M digital communications, there is a digital Five Dot Three net at noon Pacific Time before the weekly voice nets on Mondays. Digital check ins start at 1130 Pacific with the digital net starting at noon. The digital net is on 5346.5 kHz (Channel #2), center frequency of 1500 Hz and starting off with MFSK32. The digital messages will be sent using FLDIGI, FLMSG and FLAMP using different digital modes to test reception. Not to worry, software information is available for people who are just getting started with FLDIGI, FLMSG and FLAMP.

For more information on the net and its activities, contact Christine, AF7OK, at af7ok@arrl.net. She is building an email list for amateurs interested in participating in the net and/or receiving information about the nets, as well as receiving suggestions on net activities. Christine highly encourages reception reports with stations heard, band conditions, QRN, QRM, etc.. You can also Follow the net information on Facebook Five Dot Three Net and Twitter @FiveDotThree.

Please be aware of FCC restrictions on the use of the 60 meter band prior to joining the net. See the following link for more info: http://www.arrl.org/60M-CHANNEL-ALLOCATION.

Everyone is welcome to check into the Five Dot Three Net, share signal reports and say hello!

EYEWARN NEWSJohn Gaynor - NO7DE

Like us on your favorite social media.

ARES/RACES News

CCARES/RACES EC/ROJohn Allen, N9YQ

Due to the extreme weather conditions, the regular monthly CCARES/RACES meeting on January 16th was canceled.

• A pdf copy of Gary's/K7GJT January presentation for Winlink was emailed to members in place of the canceled meeting.

• A pdf copy of the National Guard Homeland Response Force (HRF) overview was emailed to all TL/ATL in preparation for the February TL/ATL meeting.

• Announcing a need for additional Team 8 members at Peace Health Hospital. Contact ATL Loren/KB7APU or myself if you are interested.

• Reporting the successful test of the new Team 5 Orange Kit TNC at the CCARC Digital meeting.

• Reminding members that starting with the September 19, 2016 meeting, the 3rd Monday CCARES general membership meetings are being held at the Clark County Public Works Building B-1 at 4700 NE 78th St. 98661.

• Note that next month's ARES meeting will include a CRESA presentation on the National Guard Homeland Response Force (HRF).

As the new Clark County EC/RO, I have been busy learning the duties and responsibilities of the job. It is very humbling to stand back and look at the big picture of what we do for Clark County. We should all be proud of what we bring to each table we sit at during an emergency. Sometimes the table is very small and at other times almost too large for us to be recognized. Every Team has a duty to perform and at any given moment, the whole group must join together to solve a much larger problem.

I look forward to helping individuals and teams to solve what ever comes our way. Please feel free to contact your Team Leaders or Assistant Leaders if you have any ideas or suggestions for the good of the group.

Because our Team 99 members provide an impressive collective of experience, I want to remind our group of this pool of knowledge that is waiting in the wings. These members have over 400 total combined licensed years and close to 200 combined years in ARES, plus

an ARES Official Emergency Station OES). They should be considered as an additional asset during a significant event.

Also, “Paperwork” was August’s training topic presented by Tim/AF7TM. Tim initially focused on records and why they need to be kept. For example, members supporting an event must sign in/out so that there is an up-to-date record of who is on “station” at any time during the event. This is important since it helps a team lead to manage personnel resources, particularly during a shift change or, for example, if later, a claim is made with respect to equipment or person.

Tim also reminded members that the CCARES Operating Aid provides a comprehensive Activation Check List that helps members start and maintain relevant records.

Finally, Tim gave examples of other “paperwork,” namely message forms of which there are several included in the Operating. Tim also noted an ongoing issue of understanding and practicing with forms that are specific to any one of our served agencies. For example, a multi-page hospital status reporting form was first seen during the recent Cascadia Rising exercise which posed different challenges for our voice and digital data communication operators.

Final thoughts from Tim – “the job is not finished until the paperwork is completed,” and “the paperwork is just as important as the job itself.”

With the increase in participation in county-wide First Responder Exercises and the installation of more fixed ham radio equipment in Clark County, First Responding location teams are always looking for hams who are interested in joining our ranks to be trained and prepared in the event that ham radio is called upon to augment or back up the County’s existing emergency communications capabilities.

• If you are not a member of the Clark County ARES/RACES group, please visit our website at www.ccareswa.org or contact us at EC@ccareswa.org. Also, visitors are always welcome to attend our monthly general meetings held at the Clark County Public Works Building B-1 at 4700 NE 78th St. Vancouver, on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7pm.

Our next general meeting is scheduled for February 20, 2017. If you are not a member and are interested in our emergency communications group, please attend.

Page 5

John Allen, N9YQ

Tuned and Operating by Tim Kuhlman – KD7RUS

Page 6

Velocity of Propagation

If someone told you the speed of light was constant (186,000 miles/second), then you are not being told the whole truth. For example, the speed of light through water is approximately 140,000 miles/second. This is 25% slower than light traveling in the vacuum of outer space. Transmitting light down a fiber optic conductor is approximately 126,000 miles/second or 32% slower. As light travels from air to water and back to air, the speed of light changes. The speed of light can change as it travels through different media. However, it is true, light travels at a constant speed in a vacuum. Also, the highest speed that light can travel is in a vacuum but when there are particles in the pathway, light is slowed down. Even small particles in the air we breathe can slow down the velocity of light to 182,000 miles/second in our atmosphere. Why is this important? Because the same principles apply to RF energy. Light and radio waves are both electromagnetic waves but are at different frequencies. A UHF signal has a frequency of 430 MHz. Whereas a red LED emits light at 430,000,000 MHz. When light and radio waves are both analyzed as wave energies, they share the same properties.

RF energy (radio waves) travels the fastest in a vacuum (think outer space) where there are no particles to slow down the radio waves. Through our atmosphere radio waves travel slightly slower than in outer space. The waves are slowed down by air molecules to about 183,000 miles/second. Where we really see a difference is when we look at the speed of RF energy down a length of coax. The speed of RF on a coax cable can be 80 to 90 percent slower than it will be in free space.

In a coax cable, RF energy is traveling on the center core (conductor) and the metallic shield. One of the electrical properties of RF energy is that it is an alternating current.

Alternating current in a conductor doesn’t actually travel through the conductor (through the center of the copper wire) but instead travels on the surface or skin of the wire. This is commonly called the skin effect. Looking at the construction of a piece of coax you can see the surface of both the core conductor and the metal shield are in contact with the dielectric insulating material of the cable (See Figure 1). This material is very important in determining how much the velocity of propagation of the signal is slowed down. Typically, the larger the piece of coax (more copper surface area) and the higher quality of dielectric insulation material will result in a high velocity of propagation of the RF signal down the coax.

In the table below from the Times Microwave catalog, it can be seen that the larger coax such as LMR 900 cable (0.90 inches in diameter) has a velocity percentage of 89% of the speed of RF in a vacuum whereas a smaller cable, LMR 240 (0.240 inches diameter), is slower at 85%. (See Table 1)

As an amateur radio operator, what is the practical application of this? For a beginning ham it will help you to select the coax for your radio station. When comparing two pieces of coax, a larger diameter cable will typically perform better than a smaller diameter cable. You should see a lower dB/100ft of attenuation at a given frequency and a higher velocity percentage (VP) for the larger diameter cable. When comparing two cables of the same diameter, the higher performing cable will also have a lower attenuation and a higher VP. For the more experienced hams, playing with phased antenna arrays or making tuning stubs, understanding coax VP is critical. The timing of when the signal gets to each antenna in a phased array is critical to tuning and steering the direction of the signal. The speed of each signal in a phased array will

Figure 1 – Coax Cable Construction

Table 1 – Times Microwave Cable Chart

continued next page

Page 7

YL NewsMarilyn Melhorn - AF7BI

One of the good things about the club is that we are very involved in the community. The club is active in community affairs, such as parades, marathons, and holiday events. We are present for many of the emergency preparedness practices, which is an opportunity to promote amateur

radio. Being involved in events at which the club provides communications support is the best way to learn to use your radio(s). It is easier to learn to use a radio by turning it on and getting on the air than any other way. When familiar with the radio it is much more fun to turn it on and get on the air.

One of the best times to learn how to set up radios and antennas is Field Day, which is on June 23 - 24, 2017. It is the annual amateur radio event where individuals and clubs set up stations in remote locations and set about making contacts. Locally the Clark County Amateur Radio Club sets up in the overflow parking lot at SEH America, maybe not very remote, but definitely off the grid. In addition to the volunteer opportunities for setting up the club's antennas, radios and popup tents for protection, the club invites public agencies that work with emergency and disaster preparedness and public safety to set up from Noon to 4 on Saturday. This is a time for the public to explore the displays as well as the Field Day amateur radio operations. It is an opportunity to increase public awareness of disaster and emergency preparedness, community and public safety, and amateur radio. The Young Ladies Radio League has a tent and provides information about women in amateur radio. Come for the information, come to operate, come to get together with your ham radio friends and help with set up, but do check out Field Day and stop by the YLRL tent.

Remember the weekly YL nets. Check out the YL page on the club's website www.w7aia.org. The local Two Rivers YL net is held on the 147.24+ and the linked 443.125+ repeaters on Wednesday evening at 8:30 p.m. local time. There is an HF and an EchoLink YLRL net on Thursday evening as well as the MINOWNET Echo Link net. On Friday morning the MINOWNET has their HF net. There is something for everyone. Check the YL page on the website for more details about the nets.

33, Marilyn, AF7BI

Tuned and Operating continued from page 6

Upcoming Area EventsFeb 3 - CCARC Awards Banquet at 40 et 8Feb 18 - Amateur VE License Testing at American LegionMar 9 - YL license class begins at 40 et 8.Apr 15 - Amateur VE License Testing at American Legion

be influenced by the speed the RF travels in each length of coax. Even in a simple two antenna phased array, the two pieces of coax have to be precisely cut at the same length and be of the same manufacturer to ensure the VP is the same or the signal phasing will not be correct. The antennas may be physically at the correct distance but electrically they could be at a different distance from an RF perspective. From all this you should realize, the fastest way to communicate between two points is with an RF direct wave signal. The second fastest will be using a piece of coax and the slower of the three ways to communicate is down a fiber optic connection. Recommend Contests for February:Feb 11 & 12: CQ WW RTTY WPX, RTTY Feb 18 & 19: ARRL International DX Contest, CWFeb 25th and 26th: North American QSO Party, RTTY

Good luck and Happy Contesting. – KD7RUS.

RV WEEK-END-JULY 21-23Mark Gaunt -KG7CX

It has been said that history repeats itself and that’s true of the club’s RV week-end. During the 70s and later during the 90s the club would take to the road in whatever they had; cars, pick-ups, motor homes, trailers--anything that they had--and would head for the hills. This part of Washington has many great get-away spots that can be reached by a short drive. One of those spots is Vista Park, located in the little community of Skamokawa on the Columbia River 1 ½ hours from Vancouver. Take I-5 north to Longview, head west, drive 30 minutes and you’re there. Don’t blink, because you might miss the turn-off into the park.

The club went there for a few years in the 90s, then, for whatever reason, we stopped going. Laura/KC7LOK and I have been spending many enjoyable stays there for a couple of years and we’d like to see other club members come up to enjoy the park, as well. RV’s are not required-tents or just sleeping under the stars is ok. It has become quite popular over the years, so reservations are almost always needed during the summer months. As the weather turns cooler and wetter spaces are easily available-that’s when Laura & I enjoy staying there.

Reservations have been made for the week-end of 21-23 July and judging from the response that we got at the last club meeting it looks like we’ll need more. We’ll hear more about the RV week-end as we get closer to July and we can make more plans as we approach the date.

If you didn’t sign up at the January meeting let me know between now and July and we’ll get you on the list. If you want to know more about the park, go on line to Vista Park, Skamokawa, Wa. We think you‘ll like what you see. Meanwhile, happy camping!

CCARC Board Meeting Minutes

Page 8

Clark County Amateur Radio Club Board Meeting January 4, 2017Minutes of meeting held at Peachtree Restaurant-Eastside.Minutes will be approved after publication. in the February 2017 Rocking Chair Copy.

Attendance: Rick Aragon AE7VP, Nicole Crosby N7XBY, Ron Ames N7SRT, Judith Ames N7SRS, Tim Kuhlman KD7RUS, Rick Smith KT7G, Mark Gaunt KG7CX, James Newsome KE7ZAC, Gary Takis K7GJT, Marilyn Melhorn AF7BI, Dan Melhorn KF7BHM, John Gaynor NO7DE, George Mitchell KG7NQZ, Nick Ellson N7CKY, Cassie Ellson KI7HUW, Andrew Ellson KI7CJP, Trevor Best KG7VIP, Judy Williams KG7KGW, Greg Williams KG7IEN, Wayne Schuler AI9Q, Barbara Yasson, AC7UH

Not in attendance: Vanessa McCoy KE7UBB

President Rick Aragon called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.

Rick Aragon introduced the club members in attendance: Greg Williams, Judy Williams, Trevor Best, George Mitchell, Nick Ellson, Cassie Ellson, Andrew Ellson and John Gaynor.

Minutes: James Newsome moved to approve the minutes of the November 30, 2016 Board Meeting; Rick Smith seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Membership Report: Judith Ames reported that as of 12/31/2016 club membership stands at 337. As of the beginning of 2017 there are 237 members. She noted that including a membership form when sending out the badges helped with renewals. She plans to send out a postcard reminder soon. ARRL membership is at 66%. Repeater donations continue to come in. Judith reminded the Board that she will have current membership lists at the club meeting Friday as that is the election. There will be a ballot table at the entrance so members will receive their ballot as they enter. Anyone not a member or

who needs to renew will be directed to Judith for assistance. Judith discussed the issues concerning the recent website downtime. She acknowledged that our provider put in considerable time and effort to get us back up and running, and in the process incurred unanticipated expenses. James moved to reimburse our provider $250; Rick Smith seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Secretary’s Report. Barbara Yasson reported Phil has sold 17 Banquet tickets so far. After discussion Wayne agreed to send an e-mail reminder to members.

Treasurer’s Report. Ron Ames distributed the 12/31/2016 Financial Report. Income: $17,245.74. Expense: $13,388.52. Ron reported that the report has a couple of errors. The Christmas raffle had $500.00 more that came in than is in the report. The last Rest Stop is not on this report. Those figures will be added. After discussion the board agreed to table the report until next month . He adjusted the 2017 proposed budget as discussed at the last meeting. Tim Kuhlman moved to approve the 2017 budget; Rick Smith seconded the motion. The motion carried. Judith read the letter from Grover Laseke KG7O donating $1,000.00 to the Youth Program from the sale of radio equipment that belonged to Phil Brown KA7OIM/SK.

Guest Coordinators.

George Mitchell expressed gratitude to all who had shifts at the last Gee Creek. It went well. He received more cookies than he thought possible and is truly grateful. They all will be used and everyone who donated cookies has the appropriate number of tickets in the drawing for the $40.00 gift card. He reminded the board that we can only have 2 Gee Creek weekends on the calendar with the Department of Transportation. The next one is April 29 -- 30. George will request another Gee Creek date now that we only have one on the calendar. He and Nicole are working on certificates for the volunteers from the last few weekends. He reported that the connector on the J-pole antenna is missing. He loaned his

antenna to the Gee Creek team for the weekend. He added that the radio would not hold the tone.

Nick Ellson is working with the Boy Scout and Girl Scout organizations to encourage young people in scouting to get ham radio licenses as well as helping them with the merit badges. He has purchased a radio transmitter and is looking into encouraging young people to get into fox hunting, one of the optional activities in the Boy Scout Radio Merit Badge program. Nick emphasized that he wants to provide activities so youth can participate in ham radio, like fox hunting or making an antenna. He will look at providing a list of equipment that would help keep youth involved when they get their first amateur radio license.

John Gaynor reported that a group from EYEWARN, the club and ARES are scheduled to meet with the Cascadia Academy that has started an EOC training program. We are interested in encouraging amateur radio training in that venue.

Rick Aragon reported that John Allen is the new ARES EC and that John hopes to make the next meeting to give the board an update.

President’s Report. Rick Aragon reported that he is working on the Awards Banquet. He asked James to work on the door prizes; he requested $350.00 for prizes. Rick's wife has agreed to pick up the cakes and the primroses. Set up is 1:00 p.m. on Friday 2/3. Rick needs the list of coordinators who should receive certificates.

Vice President’s Report: Nicole Crosby reported that everyone who will be on the ballot is in attendance. The board had a moment of silence to remember Mike Freeman K7UIJ/SK.

Old Business

Membership Process improvements: Open.

Job descriptions, Policies & Procedures

Page 9

manual: Gary Takis has posted the three job descriptions the board approved at the last meeting. The committee has taken December off, but will be back at it in January. Open.

Youth mentoring program, Youth Coordinator: Tim had nothing new to add. He reminded the board that we do have grants to assist youth with the license exam fee as well as the radios he donated. Open.

CCARC activity coordinators needed. Open.

New Business

Sign boards: The board discussed purchasing another stand and inserts. The minutes from the last meeting suggested we want to purchase another stand with inserts. No decision at end of discussion.

Storage unit issues: Gary suggested we purchase additional shelves for the storage unit. The keys and sign out sheet were discussed. They agreed we need an inventory of the contents. The board discussed making some of the UHF/VHF equipment available to the Youth Program. Rick Aragon agreed to look into finding shelves followed by a discussion of size considerations.

Board Reports

Community Relations and Club Services. Position open. Gary is looking for information about club sales for our website; Laura and Gary will put that together. He added that club sales used to list sale items monthly in the newsletter. Open.

Operating: Tim Kuhlman reported that the 2016 Radio Challenge has been wrapped up. He received almost 7,000 QSOs. 2017 has two wild card contests to add something new for the year. Tim reported the Awards Committee's nominee for the board's leadership award. Rick Smith moved to accept the Awards Committee's nominee for the Leadership Award; James seconded the

motion. The motion carried.

Technical: Rick Smith reported that one of the 450s has a problem with the frequency control knob. He will contact Yaesu.

Club Liaison: Vanessa McCoy. Vanessa was unable to attend and did not send a report. Nicole reported that we will have the club picnic at Al Lewey's QTH. Judith reported that one Ham Fair registration has been received.

Club General: Mark Gaunt reported that Laura has had no response from ordering shirts. Mark and Nicole will work on it. Mark started a discussion about storage unit keys; there appear to be either some unauthorized ones or ones that should be returned to the club. After discussion James moved that the club purchase a new lock and 5 keys; Tim seconded the motion. Motion carried. They agreed to stamp the keys which makes duplication more challenging. Mark wants to start a club RV weekend for sometime in July. He will make an announcement at the club meeting. The proposed location is the RV park in Skamokawa, WA.

Club Records: James Newsome reported that he can give away several items from the Storage Unit with the 50/50 drawing. After discussion the board agreed to purchase the IC 7100 that has been advertised in the newsletter. Tim moved that the club purchase the radio (provided it is new) for the Christmas raffle in 2017; Rick Smith seconded the motion. The motion carried. James will acquire the radio. James suggested we should discuss current amateur radio events during the club meetings. He wants to engage the members in a discussion about ham radio. This should not be part of announcements. James suggested asking Al Rovner, K7AR, for a presentation on his recent Dxpedition. Greg Williams will receive the list of topics Nicole has been working on.

Past President. Gary Takis reported that he and Wayne Schuler have added everything to the club calendars. He also

Always check the club calendar for the date and location of board meetings.

www.w7aia.org/calendar.htm

CCARC Board Meeting Minutesreported that Lynn Burlingame N7CFO, the Affiliated Club Coordinator for the Northwestern Division, is submitting the CCARC for the Dayton Hamvention club of the year award. Gary and Lynn did considerable work on it. Discussed the need for a member recognition policy that would include information about all awards.. He also proposed the Leadership Working Group that would include the President, Vice President, one or more Directors, the Past President, and the Secretary, and anyone else interested in participating. They would work on policies and procedures to present to the board for approval.

PIO Report: Dan Melhorn reported that his trifold posters did not fare well in the wind during the NPOTA activation at Fort Vancouver. He will re-work them to keep them weatherproof.

CIO Report: Nicole Crosby reported that she has sent 40 weekly updates to the membership and is starting a file for 2017. She asked if there is any other information the board would like to see. Tim asked to add the Radio Challenge contests to the appropriate week. 224 Face Book followers. Marilyn posts on Twitter regularly. The board discussed counting ballots. The names that came up were Dan Melhorn, Delvin Bunton, and Rick Smith. Community service radio equipment essentials--Tim's presentation. After him the coordinators will explain the events.

Club meeting agenda: Announcements, Election, Public service event presentations.

Rick adjourned the meeting at 8:57 p.m.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday February 1, 2017 at The Peach Tree Eastside restaurant at 6700 NE 162nd Ave. (162 & Fourth Plain) at 6:30 p.m. Come at 5:30 to eat.

© 2017 The Rocking Chair Copy is published free monthly at 16414 NE 21st Street, Vancouver, WA 98684, by the Clark County Amateur Radio Club, an ARRL Affiliated Special Service Club. The CCARC is a Not-for-profit 501c3 corporation established to assist the new as well as the experienced amateur to become more proficient in the operation of an amateur radio station.The club Web-site can be found at: www.w7aia.org. Articles may be submitted to newsletter@w7aia.org.

Classified Ads, For Sale & WantAd space is free to members on a space-available basis. Editor reserves the right to accept or reject any part of the listing as required. Send ads to newsletter@w7aia.org. Listings will be for current month only and will not be relisted unless notified. Deadlines for items is the 20th of each month. Images shown are similar but not necessarly the actual items for sale.

Page 10

Event FlyersBrochuresBusiness CardsNewslettersBookletsLetterheadsEnvelopesPost CardsQSL Cards

Graphic T’sCustom designsPhotographsOne offs

www.9CentColorCopies.comJoe & Ashley Fryer 360-896-7220

5118 St. James Road, Vancouver, WA 98663

CCARC W7AIA Repeaters 52.95-, 147.24+, 224.36-,

443.125+, 443.925+, 1292.500-443.825+, 443.900+ (C4FM)

(All repeaters use 94.8 tone encode/decode)

CCARES K7CLL Repeaters Yacolt Mtn. 224.42- (94.8)

Larch Mtn. 440.0125+ (DSTAR Gateway)

FOR SALE: Drake W-4 SWR/Wattmeter, 200/2kw, w/manualDrake TV-1000-LP HF Low pass filterMFJ-969 HF TunerMFJ-250 Heathkit Cantenna (Dummy load)MFJ 1270 Packet TNCMidland 25-109 Code Practice Oscillator

Bill Creel, AC7ZF. 503-957-1113 for info and prices.

FOR SALE: Collins S-Line “Twins” w/pwr supply $1000.

Astron RS-35M Power Supply - $125. Bencher paddle CW key - $85.

Mark, KG7CX 360-256-1849

FOR SALE: Icom ID -51A plus, VHF/UHF dual band transceiver hand held. Purchased and the battery charged. Other than that it's not been used. $250.00Gary 503 984 9159 Garykass@gmail.com

FOR SALE: vintage Swan 500 Transceiver, speaker/pwr supply combination & Pwr/SWR meter. Good condition. Manual included-$200. Mark/KG7CX, kg7cx@arrl.net or 360-256-1849

Friday Lunch

Everyone is welcome! Bring your friends. This is basically a social time between club meetings. No agenda, just good food and fellowship. The Friday Lunch Schedule is:

Feb 03 Goldent Tent, 4902 NE 94th Ave Feb 10 Izzy's, 1503 NE 78th St Feb 17 Peachtree, NE 162nd Ave & Fourth Plain Feb 24 Red Lobster 8219 Vancouver Mall Drive

These ads help to support the publishing of this newsletter.

Contact the editor for ad rates and availability.

Salmon Creek American Legion - Post 176

14011 NE 20th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98686

BINGOMonday - Tuesday - WednesdayCall or check website for times

Now accepting former militaryfor membership

Phone 360-573-2331

www.post176.com

Please tell our advertisers you saw their ad in the Clark County Amateur Radio Club newsletter.

Page 11

CCARC is the co-sponsor of SEA-PAC

www.seapac.org

ARRL Northwestern Division Convention June 2-4, 2017

Registration opens February 15, 2017

N6CMQ -

Annual Awards Banquet February 3, 2017 at 40 et 8. Gather at 5:30 pm. Banquet begins at 6:00.

ROCKING CHAIR COPY Clark County Amateur Radio Club, Inc.P.O. Box 1424Vancouver, WA 98668

Badge Name Call Sign

General Adult Membership _____ Years x $15.00 = $ 5 Years for $70.00 $ Under 18 or over 60 Membership _____ Years x $12.00 = $ Family Group Membership _____ Years x $20.00 = $ Repeater Patron Donation (any amount) $ Audio/Visual Fund Donation (any amount) $ Jack Ellis Scholarship Fund Donation (any amount) $ Thank you! $

Each Membership year is from January 1 through the end of each year. Make checks payable to: Clark County Amateur Radio Club, P.O. Box 1424, Vancouver, WA 98668.

PLEASE INCLUDE SASE IF YOU WISH TO HAVE YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD OR A RECEIPT MAILED TO YOU.

ARRL MEMBER? ☐ YES ☐ NO ☐ LIFE CCARC ☐ NEW ☐ RENEWAL

To renew online, visit www.w7aia.org/membership.htm

Name: Enter family membership names: _____________________________________

Address:City: State: Zip:

Phone: ( )

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