January 2001
Volume 85 Number 1

David Sumner, K1ZZ

CONTENTS
Publisher
Mark J. Wilson, K1RO
Technical
Editor
Steve Ford, WB8IMY 28 A Ground-Coupled Portable Antenna Robert Johns, W3JIP
Managing Editor
A 40- through 6-meter antenna for tight spaces.
Joel P. Kleinman, N1BKE
Associate Technical Editor 33 MFSK for the New Millennium Murray Greenman, ZL1BPU
Larry D. Wolfgang, WR1B; Dean Straw, N6BV; Has PSK31 met its match? Decide for yourself.
Robert Schetgen, KU7G; Charles L.
Hutchinson, K8CH; Paul Pagel, N1FB 37 Simulating Circuits and Systems with Serenade SV David Newkirk, W9VES
Senior Assistant Technical Editors
Joe Bottiglieri, AA1GW
This advanced software package is ideal for any kind of RF design work
Assistant Technical Editor you could imagine. And, believe it or not, it’s free .
Ed Hare, W1RFI; Zack Lau, W1VT;
Mike Tracy, KC1SX; Al Alvareztorres, AA1DO 44 A Beginner’s Guide to Modeling with NEC L. B. Cebik, W4RNL
Laboratory Staff Part 3—Sources, grounds and sweeps.
Rick Lindquist, N1RL
Senior News Editor 66 Product Review Joe Bottiglieri, AA1GW
Rosalie White, K1STO The Alinco DR-135TP 2-Meter FM Mobile Transceiver with TNC and the AOR
Public Service DDS-2A External Local Generator for the Collins KWM-2 and S/Line.
Dan Henderson, N1ND
Contests
Mary E. Lau, N7IAL
At the Foundation
Bernie McClenny, W3UR
How’s DX?
Bill Moore, NC1L
DXCC, VUCC 66
John Hennessee, N1KB
Washington Mailbox
John Troster, W6ISQ; Emil Pocock, W3EP;
Diane Ortiz, K2DO; Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU;
Paul L. Rinaldo, W4RI; Al Brogdon, W1AB;
George Fremin III, K5TR; Roger Burch, WF4N;
John Dilks, K2TQN; Rich Arland, K7SZ; 28
H. Ward Silver, N0AX; Kirk Kleinschmidt, NT0Z
Contributing Editors
Michelle Bloom, WB1ENT
Production Supervisor
Jodi Morin, KA1JPA
Assistant Production Supervisor/Layout
Sue Fagan
News and Features
Graphic Design Supervisor
David Pingree, N1NAS 9 “It Seems to Us. . .” The Morse Question
Senior Technical Illustrator
Michael Daniels 15 DC Currents Steve Mansfield, N1MZA
Technical Illustrator CB enforcement bill passes.
Joe Shea, Paul Lappen
Production Assistants 49 The 2001 W1AW HF Digital Run Joe Carcia, NJ1Q
Ed Vibert Boot up your software and get your radios ready. A fascinating on-air receiving
Proofreader test is coming your way!
John Bee, N1GNV
Advertising Manager 50 The HF Digital “Tower of Babel” Steve Ford, WB8IMY
Hanan Al-Rayyashi, KB1AFX There are so many HF digital modes available today, you could say that this
Advertising Production Coordinator
facet of Amateur Radio has become decidedly multilingual!
Melissa Yrayta
Advertising Assistant 54 Does Your Club Need a Web Site? Don A. Gagnon, WB8HQS
Debra Jahnke On-target tips to help you set up your club’s home in cyberspace.
Circulation Manager
Kathy Capodicasa, N1GZO 73 Happenings Rick Lindquist, N1RL
Deputy Circulation Manager FCC order declines to include CC&R in PRB-1; new Central Division Director
and Hudson Division Vice Director elected; FCC to monitor eBay for illegal
In order to ensure prompt delivery, we ask that
you periodically check the address information gear; ISS crew checks out ham station; more!
on your mailing label. If you find any inaccura-
cies, please contact the Circulation Department
immediately. Thank you for your assistance. QST (ISSN:0033-4812) is published monthly as its official journal by the American Radio
See page 10 for detailed contact information. Relay League, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111-1494, USA. Periodicals postage paid
at Hartford, CT, USA and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address
Telephone: 860-594-0200
changes to: QST, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111-1494, USA
Fax: 860-594-0259

4 January 2001
 QST Workbench
56 The Doctor is IN
Talking houses, elevation angles, crystals, more…
58 Mobile Fun with PSK31! Steve Thomas, WA4TQS
HF digital on the road? What a concept!

Phase 3D photograph courtesy of Dick Daniels, W4PUJ.

Ariane flight 135 photogragh provided by Arianespace.
60 Test Your Knowledge! H. Ward Silver, N0AX
A downright devilish math quiz.
61 Short Takes Dan Henderson, N1ND
MFJ-434 Deluxe Voice Keyer
62 The Help Desk
The “Considerate Operator’s Frequency Guide”
63 Short Takes Steve Ford, WB8IMY
Hamtronics T301-2 2-Meter FM Transmitter
64 Hints & Kinks Bob Schetgen, KU7G
Mobile antenna mods; goo removers; adjusting Drake R-4C oscillators;
more... Our Cover: On November 16, 2000, at
0107 UTC, Ariane flight 135 lifted off from it's
launch pad in Kourou, French Guinea. On
58 board was the most advanced Amateur Radio
satellite ever created—Phase 3D (later to be
renamed AMSAT-OSCAR 40). Pictured with the
Phase 3D satellite are (l-r): Hermann Guenther,
of AMSAT-DL, Konrad Mueller, DG7FDQ, of
AMSAT-DL and Lou McFaddin, W5DID, of
AMSAT-NA.
111
US & Possessions: Membership in the ARRL, in-
cluding a one year subscription to QST, is available to
individuals at $34. Age 65 and over, with proof of age,
$28. Licensed radio amateurs age 21 and under and
the eldest licensee in the household may qualify for
the following rates: Age 12 and under, $8.50 and age
13 through 21, $16.00. Life Membership, in-cluding a
subscription to QST is available at $850.* Age 65 and
over, $700.* Membership and QST cannot be sepa-
rated. Fifty percent of dues is allocated to QST, the
balance for membership. Subscription rate for librar-
ies and institutions is $34 per year. Single copies $5.

Operating International
To compensate for additional postage for mailing out-
side the US, the following rates apply:
105 2000 ARRL June VHF QSO Party Results Dan Henderson, N1ND Canada: Membership in the ARRL, including a one
year subscription to QST, $47, payable in US funds.
110 The 15th Annual School Club Roundup: 2001 Lew Malchick, N2RQ Life Membership, including a subscription to QST is
available at $1175.* Subscription rate for libraries and
111 2000 ARRL August UHF Contest Results Dan Henderson, N1ND institutions is $47 per year.
All Other Countries: Membership in the ARRL, in-
cluding a one year subscription to QST, $54, payable
in US funds. Life Membership, including a subscrip-

Departments tion to QST is available at $1350.* Subscription rate

for libraries and institutions is $54 per year.
*Payment arrangements available. Please write for
Amateur Radio World .......................... 88 New Products ..................... 48, 80, 86, 100, details.
Amateur Satellites ............................... 94 102, 103, 112 Membership without QST is available to the imme-
diate family of a member living at the same address,
At the Foundation ................................ 98 Old Radio ............................................. 91 and to anyone who is legally blind, for $5 per year.
Contest Corral ...................................... 99 Public Service ...................................... 81 Foreign remittances should be by international postal
or express money order or bank draft negotiable in
Coming Conventions ......................... 101 QRP Power ........................................... 89 the US and for an equivalent amount in US funds.
Correspondence .................................. 24 Radios to Go ........................................ 97 Copyright © 2001 by the American Radio Relay
League Inc. Title registered at the US Patent Office.
Digital Dimension ................................ 87 Section News ..................................... 113 International copyright secured. All rights reserved.
Exam Info ............................................. 90 Silent Keys ......................................... 103 Quedan reservados todos los derechos. Printed in
the USA.
Feedback ....................................... 59, 72 Special Events ................................... 100 QST®, DXCC®, VUCC® and DX Century Club® are
Ham Ads ............................................ 158 Strays .............................................. 59, 98 registered trademarks of the American Radio Relay
League, Inc.
Hamfest Calendar ............................. 101 The World Above 50 MHz ................... 83 The ARRL and QST in no way warrant the products
How’s DX? ............................................ 92 Up Front in QST ................................... 19 described or reviewed herein.
QST is available to blind and physically handicapped
Index of Advertisers .......................... 174 W1AW Schedule ................................ 104 individuals on audio cassette from the Library of Con-
Moved & Seconded .............................. 79 We’re at Your Service .......................... 10 gress, National Library Service for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped. Call 1-800-424-8567.
New Books ................................... 36, 112 75, 50 and 25 Years Ago .................. 104 Indexed by Applied Science and Technology Index,
Library of Congress Catalog Card No: 21-9421

January 2001 5
 A
THE AMERICAN RADIO
RELAY LEAGUE INC
R R “IT SEEMS TO US…”
L
The American Radio Relay League Inc is a
noncommercial association of radio amateurs,
organized for the promotion of interest in
Amateur Radio communication and experimenta-
The Morse Question
tion, for the establishment of networks to provide
communication in the event of disasters or other When the ARRL Board of Directors Neither is the question whether the
emergencies, for the advancement of the radio art meets on January 19, one of the principal United States will continue to require its
and of the public welfare, for the representation of
the radio amateur in legislative matters, and for the
topics of discussion will be the interna- HF amateur licensees to pass a Morse code
maintenance of fraternalism and a high standard of tional requirement that amateur operators examination. At the present time the FCC
conduct. prove their ability to send and receive has no choice but to require such an exami-
ARRL is an incorporated association without
capital stock chartered under the laws of the State Morse code before being allowed to oper- nation, because observing the international
of Connecticut, and is an exempt organization ate below 30 MHz. The topic is timely be- Radio Regulations is a treaty obligation.
under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue cause the issue is on the agenda for the next However, removing the treaty obligation
Code of 1986. Its affairs are governed by a Board
of Directors, whose voting members are elected ITU World Radiocommunication Confer- does not automatically lead to a change in
every three years by the general membership. The ence in 2003 (WRC-03) and because the domestic requirements. The United States
officers are elected or appointed by the directors.
The League is noncommercial, and no one who International Amateur Radio Union could have licensed amateurs without sub-
could gain financially from the shaping of its affairs (IARU) is developing its position on the jecting them to a code test as early as 1949,
is eligible for membership on its Board. issue through a series of regional confer- but did not choose to do so until 1991. In its
“Of, by, and for the radio amateur,” the ARRL
numbers within its ranks the vast majority of active ences. Of course, the IARU does not get to 1999 Report and Order announcing license
amateurs in the nation and has a proud history of make the ultimate decision; that authority restructuring the FCC made it clear that it
achievement as the standard-bearer in amateur affairs.
A bona fide interest in Amateur Radio is the only
rests collectively with the administrations had not prejudged the issue and would not
essential qualification of membership; an Amateur of the ITU Member States. automatically “sunset” the requirement in
Radio license is not a prerequisite, although full At the IARU Region 3 Conference held the event the international regulations were
voting membership is granted only to licensed
amateurs in the US. last August in Darwin, Australia, in accor- changed at some future date. That said, if
Membership inquiries and general correspon- dance with a standing Board policy, the the international requirement were to be
dence should be addressed to the administrative ARRL cast the only vote against a resolu- removed it would certainly open the door
headquarters; see page 10 for detailed contact
information. tion calling for removal of the requirement. to consideration of dropping the Morse
This was quite a change from just three exam here in the United States as well as in
Founding President (1914-1936)
Hiram Percy Maxim, W1AW
years earlier, when the issue was discussed other countries.
Officers
by a working group at the Region 3 Confer- Finally, the question is not about whether
President: JIM D. HAYNIE,* W5JBP,
ence in Beijing. There, a majority agreed the minimum standard for a Morse exami-
3226 Newcastle Dr, Dallas, TX 75220-1640; with the ARRL in supporting retention of nation should be five words per minute or
(214-366-9400); w5jbp@arrl.org
the requirement. The question will arise some other speed. The international regula-
First Vice President: JOEL M. HARRISON,*
W5ZN, 528 Miller Rd, Judsonia, AR 72081; next at the IARU Region 2 Conference, tions do not specify a minimum speed; they
(501-729-4152); w5zn@arrl.org scheduled for Guatemala in October 2001. simply state that the operator “…shall prove
Vice President: KAY C. CRAIGIE, WT3P,
5 Faggs Manor Ln, Paoli, PA 19301; (610-993-9623); Between now and then the ARRL Board that he is able to send correctly by hand and
wt3p@arrl.org will consider whether to change its stand- to receive correctly by ear, texts in Morse
Vice President: JOHN C. KANODE, N4MM, ing instructions to its delegates in light of code signals.” (For some years the FCC has
1741 Old Chapel Rd, Boyce, VA 22620;
(540-837-1340); n4mm@arrl.org this and other developments. accepted the somewhat questionable prem-
International Affairs Vice President: The international Morse requirement is a ise that demonstrating the ability to receive
RODNEY STAFFORD, W6ROD, 5155 Shadow
Estates, San Jose, CA 95135; (408-274-0492); controversial and sometimes emotional is- Morse code implies the ability to send it,
w6rod@arrl.org sue, so let us clarify exactly what is the but that’s a separate issue.)
Executive Vice President: DAVID SUMNER,* K1ZZ
question that will be decided at WRC-03. Bearing in mind that a WRC is a confer-
Secretary: DAVID SUMNER, K1ZZ
Treasurer: JAMES McCOBB Jr, W1LLU
Let us begin by saying what it is not. ence of sovereign administrations, the real
Chief Financial Officer: BARRY J. SHELLEY, N1VXY The question is not whether Morse code question—and it’s a difficult one for pro-
will remain a significant operating mode, ponents of the status quo to answer—is
Staff
Technical Relations Manager
widely used by radio amateurs. For at least this: Why should administrations want to
Paul Rinaldo, W4RI the lifetime of most present ARRL mem- be obligated to require Morse code exa-
Legislative and Public Affairs Manager bers and probably for much longer than minations?
Steve Mansfield, N1MZA
General Counsel that, it will. The reason is simple: Amateur Nothing prevents an administration from
Christopher Imlay, W3KD Radio is more enjoyable and satisfying if imposing requirements that exceed those
PUBLICATIONS you’re proficient in Morse code than if specified in the international regulations.
Manager: Mark Wilson, K1RO you’re not. The Darwin Conference ex- If an administration believes that some or
Advertising Department
John Bee, N1GNV, Manager
pressed strong support for Morse code as all of its radio amateurs should be required
Circulation Department an effective and efficient mode of commu- to learn the Morse code, it has the right to
Debra Jahnke, Manager nication. Those of us who are proficient craft its domestic regulations accordingly
Katherine Capodicasa, N1GZO, Deputy Manager
will continue to use it. The ARRL will con- even if the international regulations do not
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
Manager: Wayne Mills, N7NG
tinue to encourage Morse proficiency and require it.
discovery of the joy of Morse operation, On the other hand, if an administration
FIELD & EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Manager: Rosalie White, K1STO whether or not it is a licensing requirement. believes that the requirement no longer
VOLUNTEER EXAMINER DEPARTMENT Similarly, WRC-2003 decisions will serves a useful purpose in its country—and
Manager: Bart Jahnke, W9JJ have no effect on the HF subbands that are some have already said so—it is under-
Business Staff designated for various modes, either by standable that it would want to be relieved
Business Manager: Barry J. Shelley, N1VXY regulation or by voluntary band plan. CW of an existing obligation that impinges on
Comptroller: LouAnn Campanello remains a strong second to SSB in popular- its sovereignty. And remember—it is ad-
Information Services: Don Durand, Manager ity among HF operators and continues to ministrations, not radio amateurs, who
Office Manager: Robert Boucher have its applications at VHF and even into will be making the decisions at WRC-03.
*Executive Committee Member the microwaves. —David Sumner, K1ZZ
January 2001 9
 We’re At Your Service
browser to www.arrl.org/members/ Reprint Permission:
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ARRL Directors
Atlantic Division Great Lakes Division Northwestern Division Southeastern Division
BERNIE FULLER, N3EFN GEORGE RACE, WB8BGY GREG MILNES, W7OZ FRANK M. BUTLER JR, W4RH*
17668 Price Rd, Saegertown, PA 16433 3865 Gibbs Rd, Albion, MI 49224 740 SE 24th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 323 Elliott Rd SE, Ft Walton Beach,
(814-763-1529); (517-531-4758); 97123-7286 (503-648-6990); FL 32548 (850-244-5425);
n3efn@arrl.org wb8bgy@arrl.org w7oz@arrl.org w4rh@arrl.org
Vice Director: William C. Edgar, N3LLR, Vice Director: Gary L. Johnston, Vice Director: Jim Fenstermaker, Vice Director: Evelyn Gauzens,
22 Jackson Ave, Bradford, PA 16701 KI4LA, 3056 Hergott Dr, K9JF, 10312 NE 161st Ave, W4WYR, 2780 NW 3rd St, Miami, FL
(814-362-1250); n3llr@arrl.org Edgewood, KY 41017-3377 Vancouver, WA 98682 (360-256- 33125 (305-642-4139);
Central Division (859-341-7477); ki4la@arrl.org 1716); k9jf@arrl.org w4wyr@arrl.org
GEORGE R. ISELY, W9GIG Hudson Division Pacific Division Southwestern Division
736 Fellows St, St. Charles, IL 60174 FRANK FALLON, N2FF* JIM MAXWELL, W6CF, FRIED HEYN, WA6WZO*
(630-584-3510); 30 E Williston Ave, East Williston, PO Box 473, Redwood Estates, CA 962 Cheyenne St, Costa Mesa, CA
w9gig@arrl.org NY 11596 (516-746-7652); 95044 (408-353-3911); 92626 (714-549-8516);
Vice Director: Howard S. Huntington, n2ff@arrl.org w6cf@arrl.org wa6wzo@arrl.org
K9KM, 25350 N Marilyn Ln, Hawthorn Vice Director: Stephen A. Mendelsohn, Vice Director: Bob Vallio, W6RGG, Vice Director: Art Goddard, W6XD,
Woods, IL 60047 (847-438-3452); W2ML, 318 New Milford Ave, 18655 Sheffield Rd, Castro Valley, 2901 Palau Pl, Costa Mesa, CA
k9km@arrl.org Dumont, NJ CA 94546 (510-537-6704); 92626 (714-556-4396);
Dakota Division 07628 (201-384-0570); w6rgg@arrl.org w6xd@arrl.org
w2ml@arrl.org Roanoke Division West Gulf Division
JAY BELLOWS, K0QB
997 Portland Ave, St Paul, MN 55104 Midwest Division DENNIS BODSON, W4PWF COY C. DAY, N5OK
(651-983-2420); k0qb@arrl.org WADE WALSTROM, W0EJ 233 N Columbus St, Arlington, VA RR1, Box 254, Union City, OK
Vice Director: Twila Greenheck, N0JPH, 7431 Macon Dr, Cedar Rapids, IA 22203 (703-243-3743); 73090-9726 (405-483-5632);
3333 Owasso Heights Rd, 52411 (319-393-8982); w0ej@arrl.org w4pwf@arrl.org n5ok@arrl.org
Shoreview, MN 55126 (651-483-1214); Vice Director: Bruce Frahm, K0BJ, Vice Director: Leslie Shattuck Sr, Vice Director: David Woolweaver,
n0jph@arrl.org PO Box DX, Colby, KS 67701 K4NK, 127 Henderson St, Greenville, K5RAV, 2210 S. 77 Sunshine Strip,
(785-462-7388); k0bj@arrl.org SC 29611 (864-421-0732); Harlingen, TX 78550 (956-425-3128);
Delta Division
New England Division k4nk@arrl.org k5rav@arrl.org
RICK RODERICK, K5UR
PO Box 1463, Little Rock, AR 72203 TOM FRENAYE, K1KI* Rocky Mountain Division
(501-988-2527); k5ur@arrl.org PO Box 386, West Suffield, CT 06093 WALT STINSON, W0CP,
Vice Director: Henry R. Leggette, (860-668-5444); k1ki@arrl.org 999 S Logan St, Denver, CO 80209 As an ARRL member, you elect the
WD4Q, 7335 Ginger Snap Cove, Vice Director: Mike Raisbeck, K1TWF, (303-770-3926); w0cp@arrl.org directors and vice directors who
Memphis, TN 38125-4732 85 High St, Chelmsford, MA 01824 Vice Director: Warren G. “Rev” represent your division on ARRL
(901-757-0444); wd4q@arrl.org (978-250-1235); k1twf@arrl.org Morton, WS7W, 1341 Trojan Dr, policy matters. If you have a question
Casper, WY 82609 (307-235-2799); or comment about League policies,
ws7w@arrl.org contact your representatives at the
*Executive Committee Member addresses shown.
10 January 2001
 Get to Know Your Section Manager
The 15 divisions of the League are arranged into 71 administrative sections, each headed by an elected section manager (SM). Your section manager is the
person to contact when you have news about your activities, or those of your club. These news items could find their way into the pages of QST! If you need
assistance with a local problem, your section manager is your first point of contact. He or she can put you in touch with various ARRL volunteers who can help
(such as technical specialists).Your section manager is also the person to see if you’d like to become a section volunteer. Whatever your license class, your
SM has an appointment available. If your ARRL section has a Web site, the address can be found at http://www.arrl.org/field/org/smlist.html.

Atlantic Division Northwestern Division

Delaware Randall K. Carlson, WB0JJX, 121 Scarborough Park Dr, Alaska L. Kent Petty, KL5T, 2229 Turnagain Parkway, Anchorage, AK
No 10, Wilmington, DE 19804 (302-655-6179); 99517 (907-243-5856); kl5t@arrl.org
wb0jjx@arrl.org Eastern Washington Kyle Pugh, KA7CSP, W 5006 Houston Ave, Spokane, WA
Eastern Pennsylvania Eric Olena, WB3FPL, RR5 Box 5687, Mohnton, PA 19540 99208 (509-327-5039); ka7csp@arrl.org
(610-775-0526); wb3fpl@arrl.org Idaho Michael Elliott, K7BOI, 9832 W Gurdon Ct, Boise, ID
Maryland-DC William Howard, WB3V, 2304 Snowflake Dr, Odenton, 83704-4080 (208-376-3458); k7boi@arrl.org
MD 21113 (410-551-6775); wb3v@arrl.org Montana Darrell Thomas, N7KOR, 743 33rd Ave NE, Great Falls,
Northern New York Thomas Dick, KF2GC, 4 Jenkins St, Saranac Lake, NY MT 59404 (406-453-8574); n7kor@arrl.org
12983 (518-891-0508); kf2gc@arrl.org Oregon William Sawders, K7ZM, 19821 Ponderosa St, Bend, OR
Southern New Jersey Jean Priestley, KA2YKN, 7158 Chandler Ave, 97702 (541-389-6258); k7zm@arrl.org
Pennsauken, NJ 08105 (856-662-3587); Western Washington Harry Lewis, W7JWJ, 10352 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle,
ka2ykn@arrl.org WA 98125 (206-523-9117); w7jwj@arrl.org
Western New York Scott Bauer, W2LC, 1964 Connors Rd, Pacific Division
Baldwinsville, NY 13027 (315-638-7551); w2lc@arrl.org
East Bay Andy Oppel, KF6RCO, 1308 Burbank St, Alameda,
Western Pennsylvania John V. Rodgers, N3MSE, 803 S Main St, Butler, PA
CA 94501-3946 (510-523-3953); kf6rco@arrl.org
16001-6326 (724-287-0424); n3mse@arrl.org
Nevada Jan Welsh, NK7N, 59 Constitution Ave., Henderson, NV
Central Division 89015-5702 (702-565-0242); nk7n@arrl.org
Illinois Bruce Boston, KD9UL, 815 E 3rd St, Beardstown, IL Pacific Ronald Phillips, AH6HN, HCR 2 Box 6637, Keaau, HI
62618 (217-323-9809); kd9ul@arrl.org 96749 (808-982-6513); ah6hn@arrl.org
Indiana Peggy Coulter, W9JUJ, 12330 SCR 200 E, Muncie, IN Sacramento Valley Jerry Boyd, K6BZ, PO Box 252, Igo, CA 96047
47302 (765-288-0481); w9juj@arrl.org (530-396-2256); k6bz@arrl.org
Wisconsin Donald Michalski, W9IXG, 4214 Mohawk Dr, Madison, San Francisco Leonard Gwinn, WA6KLK, 2960 Blackhawk Dr, Willits, CA
WI 53711 (608-274-1886); w9ixg@arrl.org 95490-9704; wa6klk@arrl.org
Dakota Division San Joaquin Valley Donald Costello, W7WN, 1900 N Ashby Rd, No. 9,
Minnesota Randy “Max” Wendel, KM0D, 8539 Bryant Ave S, Merced, CA 95348 (209-383-5739); w7wn@arrl.org
Bloomington, MN 55420-2147 (612-888-5953); Santa Clara Valley Glenn Thomas, WB6W, 502 Walnut Dr, Milpitas, CA
km0d@arrl.org 95035-4133 (408-263-9450); wb6w@arrl.org
North Dakota Roger “Bill” Kurtti, WC0M, RR1, Box 34, Rock Lake,
ND 58365 (701-266-5646); wc0m@arrl.org Roanoke Division
South Dakota Roland Cory, W0YMB, 815 2nd Ave W, Mobridge, SD North Carolina John Covington, W4CC, PO Box 217122, Charlotte, NC
57601 (605-845-2400); w0ymb@arrl.org 28221(704-577-9405); w4cc@arrl.org
Delta Division South Carolina Patricia Hensley, N4ROS, 164 N Main St PO Box 70,
Arkansas Roger Gray, N5QS, PO Box 166, Searcy, AR 72145 Richburg, SC 29729-0070 (803-789-5810); n4ros@arrl.org
(501-729-5489); n5qs@arrl.org Virginia Lynn Gahagan, AF4CD, 208 Velva Dr, Chesapeake, VA
Louisiana Mickey Cox, K5MC, 754 Cheniere-Drew Rd, West Monroe, 23325 (757-545-1290); af4cd@arrl.org
LA 71291 (318-397-1980); k5mc@arrl.org West Virginia O. N. “Olie” Rinehart, WD8V, 1256 Ridge Dr,
Mississippi Malcolm Keown, W5XX, 14 Lake Circle Dr, Vicksburg, MS South Charleston, WV 25309-2434 (304-768-9534);
39180 (601-636-0827); w5xx@arrl.org wd8v@arrl.org
Tennessee O. D. Keaton, WA4GLS, 141 Medearis Dr, Old Hickory, Rocky Mountain Division
TN 37138 (615-758-2329); wa4gls@arrl.org Colorado Tim Armagost, WB0TUB, 6337 S Lafayette Pl, Littleton, CO
Great Lakes Division 80121 (303-795-9683); wb0tub@arrl.org
Kentucky Bill Uschan, K4MIS, 800 Leawood Dr #27, Frankfort, KY New Mexico Joe Knight, W5PDY, 10408 Snow Heights Blvd NE,
40601 (502-226-6784); k4mis@arrl.org Albuquerque, NM 87112 (505-299-4581); w5pdy@arrl.org
Michigan Richard Mondro, W8FQT, 800 Dover St, Dearborn Heights, Utah Mel Parkes, AC7CP, 2166 E 2100 North, Layton, UT 84040
MI 48127 (313-730-2111); w8fqt@arrl.org (801-547-1753); ac7cp@arrl.org
Ohio Joseph J. Phillips, K8QOE, 2800 Jupiter Dr, Fairfield, OH Wyoming Robert Williams, N7LKH, PO Box 130, Wapiti, WY 82450
45014-5022 (513-874-0006); k8qoe@arrl.org (307-527-7758); n7lkh@arrl.org
Hudson Division Southeastern Division
Eastern New York Robert Leiden, KR2L, 19 Willowbrook Rd, Glenville, NY Alabama Bill Cleveland, KR4TZ, 2113 Wildwood Place, Mobile,
12302 (518-399-9343); kr2l@arrl.org AL 36609-2583 (334-661-3892); kr4tz@arrl.org
NYC-Long Island George Tranos, N2GA, PO Box 296, Bellport, NY 11713, Georgia Sandy Donahue, W4RU, 15010 Briarhill Ln, Atlanta, GA 30324
(631-286-7562); n2ga@arrl.org (404-315-1443); w4ru@arrl.org
Northern New Jersey Jeffrey M. Friedman, K3JF, 1 Churchill Dr, Succasunna, Northern Florida Rudy Hubbard, WA4PUP, PO Box 843, Milton, FL
NJ 07876-1803 (973-927-8182); k3jf@arrl.org 32572-0843 (850-626-0620); wa4pup@arrl.org
Southern Florida Phyllisan West, KA4FZI, 1410 Shelby Parkway, Cape Coral,
Midwest Division FL 33904 (941-574-3467); ka4fzi@arrl.org
Iowa Jim Lasley, N0JL, PO Box 5, Chillicothe, IA 52548 Puerto Rico Victor Madera, KP4PQ, PO Box 191917, San Juan, PR
(515-935-4337); n0jl@arrl.org 00919-1917 (787-789-4998); kp4pq@arrl.org
Kansas Orlan Q. Cook, W0OYH, 12110 West 71st St, Shawnee, Virgin Islands John Ellis, NP2B, PO Box 24492, Christiansted, St Croix, VI
KS 66216 (913-631-0423); w0oyh@arrl.org 00824 (340-773-9643); np2b@arrl.org
Missouri Dale C. Bagley, K0KY, PO Box 13, Macon, MO 63552-1822 West Central Florida Dave Armbrust, AE4MR, 3024 Salem Ave, Sarasota, FL
(660-385-3629); k0ky@arrl.org 34232 (941-378-1701); ae4mr@arrl.org
Nebraska Bill McCollum, KE0XQ, 1314 Deer Park Blvd, Omaha, NE
Southwestern Division
68108 (402-734-3316); ke0xq@arrl.org
Arizona Clifford Hauser, KD6XH, 8741 N Hollybrook Ave, Tucson,
New England Division AZ 85742 (520-744-9095); kd6xh@arrl.org
Connecticut Betsey Doane, K1EIC, 92 Mohegan Rd, Shelton, CT Los Angeles Phineas J. Icenbice Jr, W6BF, 19323 Halsted St,
06484-2448 (203-929-7759); k1eic@arrl.org Northridge, CA 91324 (818-349-3186); w6bf@arrl.org
Eastern Massachusetts Joel M. Magid, WU1F, 47 Drumlin Hill Rd, Groton, MA Orange Joe H. Brown, W6UBQ, 5444 La Sierra, Riverside, CA
01450 (978-448-5678); wu1f@arrl.org 92505 (909-687-8394); w6ubq@arrl.org
Maine William Woodhead, N1KAT, 63 1st Ave, Auburn, ME 04210 San Diego Tuck Miller, NZ6T, 3122 E 2nd St, National City, CA 9195 0
(207-782-4862); n1kat@arrl.org (619-475-7333); nz6t@arrl.org
New Hampshire Al Shuman, N1FIK, PO Box 119, Goffstown, NH Santa Barbara Robert Griffin, K6YR, 1436 Johnson Ave, San Luis Obispo,
03045-0119 (603-487-3333); n1fik@arrl.org CA 93401-3734 (805-543-3346); k6yr@arrl.org
Rhode Island Armand E. Lambert, K1FLD, 144 Summer St, Woonsocket,
West Gulf Division
RI 02895 (401-762-0536); k1fld@arrl.org
Vermont Bob DeVarney, WE1U, 43 W Milton Rd, Milton, VT 05468 North Texas Donald L. Mathis, KB5YAM, 1190 Emerald Sound Blvd,
(802-482-4280); we1u@arrl.org Oak Point, TX 75068-2236 (972-292-1203); kb5yam@arrl.org
Western Massachusetts William Voedisch, W1UD, 240 Main St, Leominster, MA Oklahoma Charlie Calhoun, K5TTT, 16101 E 98th St N, Owasso, OK
01453 (978-537-2502); w1ud@arrl.org 74055 (918-272-9872); k5ttt@arrl.org
South Texas E. Ray Taylor, N5NAV, 688 Comal Ave, New Braunfels, TX
78130 (830-625-1683); n5nav@arrl.org
West Texas Charles C. Royall, WB5T, 2063 Putter Dr, San Angelo, TX
76904 (915-944-0469); wb5t@arrl.org

12 January 2001
 DC Currents
A

R R By Steve Mansfield, N1MZA

L
Manager, Legislative and Public Affairs

Just as radio waves aren’t constrained by artificial boundaries, neither is ARRL’s

government relations effort. “DC Currents” covers behind-the-scenes activity you
need to know about in Congress, at the FCC and other regulatory agencies, as
well as at worldwide bodies such as the International Telecommunication Union.

CB Enforcement Bill Passes

In a legislative session marked more version a few years back, Wisconsin Sen The Senate made a specific change
A
by inaction than action, at least one Russell Feingold (D-WI) requested assis- requested by the American Trucking Asso-
R R

L
telecommunications-related bill tance from the ARRL to rewrite the mea- ciation. The final measure contains lan-
finally worked its way through the sure to ensure that licensed hams could not guage with respect to CB gear aboard a
system to the President’s desk. That piece be affected, that the bill featured a wealth “commercial motor vehicle” (as defined in
of legislation was a measure that permits of “due process” provisions, and that the Title 49, §31101 of the US Code) requiring
enforcement of certain FCC Citizens Band concept of federal preemption over tele- that state or local authorities would have to
regulations by state and local governments. communication activities wouldn’t be have probable cause that the vehicle or its
Lawmakers saw the measure as a way to compromised. operator was in violation of the regulations
give a voice to those experiencing radio Ehlers, the House bill’s sponsor, asked before attempting to enforce such a statute.
frequency interference resulting from the League to review his measure on the On the House floor, Ehlers said truckers
illegal CB radio operation. Traditionally, same grounds, in particular to ensure that were “worried about perhaps being ha-
of course, when it comes to laws governing it would not unintentionally harm Amateur rassed by improper use of the law.”
radio transmissions, the FCC has had a Radio. Ehler’s measure was identical to the Discussion of the bill on the House
corner on the market. It won’t be giving up Feingold bill. The final version of the bill floor—at least as it was reported in The
this primacy when this legislation becomes was amended in the Senate. Federal Register—reflected a certain level
law either. Simply put, the bill authorizes state and of emotionality. One House member spoke
In short, this bill would authorize states local governments to prohibit “use of Citi- of “rogue operators” whose routine CB
and localities to pass and enforce laws that zens Band radio equipment not authorized radio operation at excessive power levels
prohibit the use of unauthorized CB by the Commission” and “the unauthorized left victims “helpless” to defend them-
equipment—consistent with FCC regula- operation of Citizens Band radio equipment” selves. “When these operators boost their
tions. This would include the use of high- between 24 and 35 MHz. FCC-licensed CB power levels, it often causes bleeding
power linear amplifiers or equipment that stations in any radio service—including into nearby frequencies,” the congressman
was not FCC-certificated. the Amateur Service—are excluded from said.
Lest you think that hams inadvertently such state or local enforcement, and state The bill passed the House under suspen-
could be caught in its web, the measure or local laws enacted under this legislation sion in September, and passed the Senate
contains safeguards that exclude licensed must identify this exemption. at the end of October under unanimous
services such as Amateur Radio. In fact, Someone affected by the enforcement of consent. The measure went to President
as already reported on these pages, Rep such legislation may appeal to the FCC if Clinton for his signature on November 14.
Vernon Ehlers (R-MI-3rd) said Amateur they believe the state or local government It was signed on November 22.
Radio operators encouraged him to intro- overstepped its authority under the new For some additional background, see
duce the bill into the US House last year. measure. An applicable state or local law August 1999 QST, page 15, “Michigan
Ehlers maintained that the local hams would not preclude the FCC from enforc- Hams Request New Bill Targeting Illegal
asked him to support the bill because of ing regulations in a given case at the same CBers” and September 1999 QST page 15,
the bad rap they were getting from illegal time. “More on CB Enforcement.”
CBers using high-power linear amplifiers
that resulted in TV and telephone interfer-
ence while they hid behind federal pre-
emption.
Ehlers says that when he was contacted Amateur Radio’s Disaster Role Recognized
initially by a frustrated constituent who
had been experiencing TV, radio and
in Geneva
cordless telephone interference, he thought The role of Amateur Radio in disaster mitigation and relief operations has been
A
the problem was an isolated incident. The R R
formally recognized by an important International Telecommunication Union
CBer in question was using an illegal 100- L
(ITU) body.
W amplifier, he said, and the FCC told his Meeting in Geneva the week of September 18, 2000, Study Group 2 of the ITU
constituent that it did not have the person- Development Sector (ITU-D) adopted a Recommendation on the effective utilization of
nel to enforce CB lawbreakers around the the amateur services in disaster mitigation and relief operations. Specifically, ITU-D
country. Ehlers says he introduced his bill Study Group 2 recommends:
as a result.
The bill—HR.2346 is the House version;
• that administrations include the amateur services in their national disaster plans and
telecommunication assistance information inventories;
it was S.2767 in the Senate—actually is
the old Senate “Feingold bill” from several
• that administrations are invited to reduce and, where possible, remove, barriers to the
effective utilization of the amateur services for disaster communications;
sessions ago. After introducing his original • that amateur and disaster relief organizations are invited to develop memoranda of
January 2001 15
 understanding (MoU) between them- Union (IARU) is a member of and active book, which consists of three parts: One for
selves and with Administrations as well participant in the work of ITU-D. IARU policy makers, a second dealing with opera-
as to co-operate, together with other President Larry E. Price, W4RA, attended tional matters, and the third a technical an-
concerned parties, in developing and the September meeting. nex. The role of the amateur service in disas-
making available model agreements and The meeting also approved the publica- ter communications is one of the main focal
best practices in disaster telecommuni- tion of a Disaster Communications Hand- points of the Handbook. It is hoped that the
cations. book for Developing Countries. The IARU Handbook will be published in 2001 in three
The International Amateur Radio is the principal contributor to the Hand- languages, English, French, and Spanish.

NEW RECOMMENDATION (ADOPTED 18 SEPT 2000):

EFFECTIVE UTILISATION OF THE AMATEUR SERVICES IN DISASTER MITIGATION
AND RELIEF OPERATIONS (ITU-D…/2000)
ITU-D Study Group 2, of radiocommunications that are relevant to Tampere Convention,
considering, disaster mitigation and relief operations, recommends
a) that the amateur services continue to such as decentralised means of communica- 1 that administrations include the amateur
provide communications for disaster mitiga- tions that are appropriate and generally services in their national disaster plans and
tion and relief operations in some countries; available, including amateur radio facilities; telecommunication assistance information
b) that some countries having natural Recommendation ITU-R M.1042-1 inventories;
calamities may not take advantage of disas- (1998), Disaster Communications in the 2 that administrations are invited to re-
ter communications capabilities of the ama- Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Services duce and, where possible, remove, barriers
teur services; encourages the development of such ser- to the effective utilization of the amateur
c) that effective amateur services disaster vices and of making such networks robust, services for disaster communications;
communications depend largely on the flexible and independent of other telecom- 3 that amateur and disaster relief organi-
availability of amateur operators located munication services and capable of operat- zations are invited to develop memoranda of
throughout a country; ing from emergency power; understanding (MoU) between themselves
d) that after the occurrence of a natural Resolution 36 of the ITU Plenipotentiary and with Administrations as well as to co-
disaster it has been necessary to bring ama- Conference (Minneapolis, 1998) “Telecom- operate, together with other concerned par-
teur operators and equipment into a country munication in the service of humanitarian ties, in developing and making available
from other countries; assistance” urges Member States to take all model agreements and best practices in
e) that barriers to operating permission and practical steps for the application of the disaster telecommunications.
to movement of equipment have occurred;
f) that the Tampere Convention on the
Provision of Telecommunications Resources
for Disaster Mitigation and Relief Opera- Media Hits
tions adopted by the Intergovernmental
Conference on Emergency Telecommunica- • A nice article about the Wheaton Amateurs Inc, a club based in Wheaton, Illinois,
appeared in the Addison Press. The feature story spotlighted several club members
tions (Tampere, 1998) established a frame- and offered some background on how they got interested in ham radio and what par-
work for the reduction and/or removal of ticular Amateur Radio activities they are involved in. Club member George Henry,
these barriers; KA3HSW, was pictured in his shack. The Wheaton group does a great job when it
g) that some countries do not have a comes to promoting ham radio. The club took fourth place in this year’s Frequency
national framework for the effective utiliza- movie promotion competition.
tion of the amateur services for provision of
disaster mitigation and relief operations; • “Scouts Surf Ham Instead of Net” was the title of an article on JOTA—Jamboree
h) that some countries have restrictions On The Air—that ran in The Advocate out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Karl
applied to the amateur services that impede Sandstrom, K5MAN, was shown with an eight-year-old scout who was clearly enjoy-
disaster preparedness, such as prohibitions ing his QSO with a ham in Texas. The article also featured information about becom-
against transmission of message traffic for a ing a ham and what Amateur Radio operators do during times of emergency.
third party during training exercises; • According to an article in The Napa (California) Valley Register, “QST Napa” was
j) Resolution 19 of the World Telecom- set to premiere on a local cable access channel. The program’s primary goal was to
munication Development Conference recruit more people into the ham radio ranks. The show is hosted by Melody Morisoli,
(Valletta, 1998), Telecommunication Re- KC6OYA. Retired NBC News science reporter Roy Neal, K6DUE, was recruited to
sources for Disaster Mitigation and Relief introduce the program.
Operations, resolves to invite the ITU-D to
ensure that proper consideration be given to
• AO-40 and AMSAT got a nice plug on the CNN.com news site. The article’s main
focus was on the commercial satellites that went up into orbit with AMSAT OSCAR-
emergency telecommunications as an ele- 40, but even a small paragraph on the amateur satellite is enough to make readers more
ment of telecommunication development, aware of the kinds of technologies Amateur Radio operators are involved in.
including, in close co-ordination and col-
laboration with the ITU-R, by facilitating
• Another great media hit on CNN.com was a story about ham radio operations
aboard the International Space Station. During some initial “down time,” the crew
and encouraging the use of decentralised hooked up the Amateur Radio equipment and made the first of several expected con-
means of communications that are appropri- tacts from space. The feature article reported that the crew would eventually be mak-
ate and generally available, including those ing ham radio contacts with school children and other hams around the world.
provided by the amateur radio services;
k) Resolution 644 of the World • Jim Bremer, KE6OUA, of Redding, California, sent in a videotape of “North State
Profile”—the half-hour television show he hosts on the area’s local PBS affiliate. On
Radiocommunication Conference (Geneva, one recent edition, Jim interviewed ARRL Sacramento Valley Section Manager Jerry
1997), Telecommunication Resources for Boyd, K6BZ, and local high school student Amy Morris, KF6YNT. Jim reports that
Disaster Mitigation and Relief Operations, “North State Profile” is viewed by the general public in 10 counties, so ham radio
resolves to invite the ITU-R to continue to definitely got some nice exposure out of this one!
study, as a matter of urgency, those aspects
16 January 2001
 UP FRONT IN

Time is running out! You only have a couple of weeks left in 2000 to
work 100 DXCC entities for your DXCC Millennium Award. Jose de Sa,
4W6EB (CT1EEB) proudly shows off the DXCC Millennium Award that he
earned while operating from East Timor. You’ll find complete details and
an application on the Web at www.arrl.org/awards/dxcc/00rules.html. Big signals on HF and moonbounce! The
Although you have to complete your contacts by 2359Z December 31, 10, 15 and 20 meter quad antenna and 50-
2000, you may apply for the award during 2001. foot diameter dish belong to Matti Rouhiainen,
OH2PO, in Lohja, Finland.

“The wind in the wires made a tattletale sound as the raft flew
over the coax.” (Our apologies to Gordon Lightfoot and The Wreck of
the Edmund Fitzgerald.) Denny Simmons, N8XLS, has an impressive
17-meter bow tie antenna in his yard in Sandusky, Ohio. Unfortunately,
an inflatable pool raft was swept aloft in a storm and traveled more
than 200 yards—only to be snagged by his antenna! KC0DZB isn’t… bluffing. Sometimes a pun is
impossible to resist. Actually, Bruce Steele is
operating from atop Scotts Bluff National
Monument in Nebraska. With this elevation,
not to mention the view, can you blame him?

Last October Natalie Andrews, K9CAT,

received the John K. Lamb Award (spon-
sored by the Greater Terre Haute [Indiana]
Chamber of Commerce and the Terre Haute
Tribune Star ) for her outstanding public
service work. Natalie has been actively
assisting Red Cross disaster communication
efforts throughout her area, most notably during
an outbreak of severe storms in May 2000. She
is shown here at the Wabash Valley Amateur
Radio Association club station, W9UUU.
January 2001 19
A special day for a ham family at the Pentagon. The Rebuilding a memory. Ernie Bosselman, W1DO, saw a
Skochs of Lothian, Maryland, celebrated two significant 2-tube regenerative receiver at the ARRL booth at the
moments at the Pentagon last summer. Bernie Skoch, 1939 New York World’s Fair. The radio was featured in
K5XS (top, center) was promoted to the rank of US Air the ARRL’s How to Become a Radio Amateur . Ernie
Force Brigadier General. Presiding at the ceremony was picked up the book and built the radio. He used it to copy
Lt General Robert Ludwig, shown here congratulating W1AW and earn his ham license, but discarded the rig
Bernie on his new rank. His father Larry, WD5EPX, also after purchasing a commercial receiver. Sixty-one years
accompanied Bernie at the ceremony. Moments later, son later, Ernie decided to re-build the regen (top) using
Warner Skoch, KH7DN (above) was awarded his Eagle parts saved from the original. He finds that it works re-
Scout rank by his mother and father. markably well (above)!

Leaving his mark in the “forest.” Sandy Cole, K1SC,

visited the “Signpost Forest” in Watson Lake, Yukon, as
part of a tour last summer in his recreational vehicle.
The Forest was started in 1942 when a homesick soldier
at work on the Alaska/Canada Highway tacked
a sign bearing the name of his hometown on a post.
Others continued the tradition and now there are more
than 40,000 signs in the Signpost Forest. Sandy tempo-
rarily removed his K1SC license plate for this photo, but
his Sierra Vista (Arizona) hometown sign stayed behind.

20 January 2001
A serious RV antenna system! Temp Titus,
W4HZV, designed and built this HF mobile
antenna system for use on Anne, K5TYG,
and Howard, K5TY, Anderson’s Southwind
motorhome. The High Sierra screwdriver
antenna lays flat while the RV is in motion
(below). When it’s time to operate, a retract-
able tube/rope system (above) deploys the
antenna in a matter of minutes (right).
Plates ’o plenty. Ron Allen, W3OR, col-
lects Amateur Radio license plates from
throughout the United States, but one of
his recent achievements was completing
his collection of plates from every Cana-
dian province and most of the territories.

David Rosenthal, N6TST, operates 2-meter marine mobile in style

aboard a luxury cruise ship off the coast of Baja California. Bringing
his H-T and portable beam on a four-day outing down the California
coast, N6TST made KF6ZVE

dozens of contacts us-

ing both repeaters and
simplex, easily working
stations with a single
watt. He and his wife
Donna, KF6ZVE, used
California and Mexico-
based repeaters to keep
in touch while she went Where did they find such bright yellow
ashore to shop and he paint? The Tri-State Amateur Radio Club
stayed on board to enjoy of Cresco, Iowa, is the proud owner of this
the obvious good life! impressive communications van.
January 2001 21
 CORRESPONDENCE
Your opinions count! Send your letters to “Correspondence,” ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111.
You can also submit letters by fax at 860-594-0259, or via e-mail to: qst@arrl.org.
We read every letter received, but we can only publish a few each month. We reserve the right to edit your letter for clarity,
and to fit the available page space. Of course, the publishers of QST assume no responsibility for statements made by correspondents.

MISSING THE POINT implicit point of N6BT’s ground- tors. This makes perfect sense; one

It seems to me that the two breaking article. It deserves to be original justification for the Morse re-
correspondents (K6KV and WN6Q) in the enshrined in any QST Hall of Fame.— quirement was to build a reserve of
November “Correspondence” who com- John Rippey, W3ULS, Montross, Virginia Morse-trained operators for use in war-
mented on Thomas Schiller ’s article, time. Indeed, we were useful as late as
“Everything Works,” (July QST) have CW REALLY DOES GET THROUGH the Gulf War, but those days are over.
missed the point. I didn’t understand
In light of the recent move to elimi- Now, we have a minimal Morse test
Schiller (N6BT) to be denigrating ordinary nate the CW requirement for licensing in for all classes of license. That’s well and
hams and their shacks, dependent as they the future, I thought I would relate a re- good, but perhaps we need to adjust the
are on traditional antennas, nor did I cent experience I had on the air. Amateur Extra written exam to reflect
understand him to be shilling (pardon the I was talking on lower sideband to modern national needs.
pun) his Force 12 products. friend of mine in Denver (KE0MT) on I propose overhauling the Extra writ-
I understood Schiller to be saying, in a 40 meters one evening and suddenly his ten exam to make it the “expert” exam
very entertaining way to be sure, that the signal went below the noise level. I could that the Morse test used to be. I suggest
usual ham shack antenna array produces not hear any part of his signal on voice lengthening the exam and adding ques-
results that are markedly inferior to known so I thought our conversation was over tions in the following areas:
antenna systems that have been used for the evening. After a minute or so I • circuit analysis to include dc, ac and
successfully by commercial and military heard a CW signal calling me and repeat- transient analysis.
interests for many years. In addition, his ing “3990.” I acknowledged, changed • applications of Norton’s and
article illustrated (and embarrassingly so) bands and there he was on 3990 kHz, Thevenin’s theorems and the superposi-
that the gain of a typical ham antenna is lower sideband, and we finished our con- tion theorem.
not all that far removed from what a bare tact with good signal conditions. • two port linear network analysis.
bulb on a fence post produces (with or I had heard through the years that a • transistor amplifier design including
without a radiating feed line). The CW signal would get through after ev- biasing and frequency response.
corollary is that the better the antenna, the erything else had faded, but this was the • a thorough treatment of the use of
more stations an operator will hear and first time I had experienced it for myself. operational amplifiers.
work. Granted, a truly superior antenna Natural disasters do not wait for good • a thorough treatment of DSP and
system is large and expensive, well beyond signal conditions. I believe there will digital transmission modes.
the reach of any one amateur (even though come a time when the maritime service • an expansion of the antenna theory
a few well-heeled individual hams con- will regret having dropped the CW op- section of the exam to include the theory
tinue tearing up mountain tops and/or erations. I know that the present systems of radiation and efficiency.
seashores in an attempt to reach their they have for communications are very • an expanded inquiry into digital con-
particular version of antenna nirvana). good and very reliable, but no system is trol techniques.
So, where does Schiller’s article leave perfect. When it fails, and there is a ship • technical calculus and analytic ge-
the reader? It left this one with the in trouble, and conditions are not favor- ometry.
thought that it is high time that radio able for voice transmission, perhaps a My idea is that the Amateur Extra li-
amateurs in the US began pooling their CW signal could save lives. I can see not cense is more than the “standard” ham
resources. No one ham can build a world- using CW on a routine basis for the com- ticket and should require mastery of ra-
class array, such as described in Schiller’s mercial services, but there should be dio and electronics theory far beyond that
article, but a club or consortium of clubs operators who are able to at least copy required for the General license, or even
local, regional, statewide could come 5 WPM. the General Radiotelephone license.—
close. QST publishes from time to time One of the primary missions of ama- Norman Osborne, AA7NP, Las Cruces,
pictures of club stations in foreign teurs in the US is to provide communica- New Mexico
countries where it is obvious the overseas tion in times of emergency. To “cover all
hams have in fact pooled their resources the bases” I believe operators should be 20-METER DX WINDOW?
in order to put up antenna systems able to copy CW. If not, what happens
While chatting on 14.195 MHz the
superior to any that individual club years from now when some operator, other day with a few stations stateside, I
members could have put up on their own. somewhere, desperately attempts an SOS was the victim of rude behavior on the
Why not do the same thing in the States? in very bad propagation conditions by part of a few ops who seem to think the
As it is, we have, as N6BT so ably touching two wires together and there is rules are meant for everyone but them.
demonstrated, hundreds of thousands of nobody listening who can read the mes- I was informed by a station (he would
mediocre-to-passable “Lone Ranger” sage?—Charles J. Mishler Jr, W3PRR, not give his call sign) that I was operat-
antenna installations. Are we in the hobby Mitchell, Nebraska ing in a DX call window located on
so addicted to a go-it-alone mentality that 14.195 MHz and that this was not a chit-
we cannot bring ourselves to consider BEEF UP THE EXAMS chat frequency. This was news to me. I
organizing on a cooperative basis to put
The FCC has finally abandoned the asked the station to ID, but he did not (he
up much more gain-full antennas? Morse code test at any speed that would simply repeated his statement).
In this ham’s opinion, that is the qualify amateurs to be useful CW opera- First, the station who blasted me vio-
24 January 2001
lated FCC Rules requiring all stations to supply, but the radio is rated at about 11
identify their transmissions. Second, his A on the high-power setting. So, I natu-
totally rude behavior indicates there is a rally kept it on low power for testing.
continued need for amateurs to clean up Everything was going fine, but I could
their act. Third, and you’ll love this one, not reach one repeater that was rather dis-
14.195 MHz is not a DX window, at least tant. Maybe I needed a little more power.
according to the ARRL “Considerate No problem. I just moved the power set-
Operator’s Frequency Guide,” a copy of ting to MEDIUM, pressed the mike button,
which can be viewed on line at www.arrl identified and…nothing happened. The
.org/field/regulations/conop.html. [The repeater did not respond. Okay, maybe a
Guide can also be found in“The Help bit more RF is the key. I toggled the power
Desk” section in this issue.—Ed] If such setting to HIGH, pressed the mike button
a window exists, I’d like to know. If it’s again and …instantly the lights in the
not published, then there’s no way people house dimmed and I heard a tremendous
can know this stuff. explosion from somewhere outside.
Please, folks, ID your stations, be kind My son Eric came running and told me
to others and make sure you have the facts that a transformer had blown on a nearby
before you make a transmission.—Rick utility pole. Oh no! What had I done?
Tressler, K8SV, Columbus, Ohio A while later the house lights returned
[Editor’s note: 14.195 MHz is often used by
and my Alinco came back to life as well.
DXpeditions that a ragchewer may not be Eric and I walked outside and found an
able to hear, but that is no excuse for an uni- electrician from the local power company.
dentified transmission.] He informed us that a squirrel had inad-
vertently sacrificed itself on an open fuse.
AMATEUR RADIO IS NOT A I was relieved to hear it. I had expected
PERSONAL RADIO SERVICE my radio to pull some respectable current

In the October 2000 “Correspon- in the high-power mode, but not that
dence,” the letter from John Powell, much!—William J. Andress Sr, AC5WT,
KF6EOJ, highlights an attitude that I be- Orange, Texas
lieve is detrimental to the amateur radio
service. While on a hiking trip, John re- NO GRANDFATHERING
lates meeting another hiker who ex-
I must take exception to the comments
pressed interest in Amateur Radio. The by K6ERQ in the September 2000 QST
second hiker was not interested in the art concerning the grandfathering of the old
and science of radio, but was only look- General licensees to Amateur Extra. He
ing for a means of communicating in an wants to be grandfathered because, un-
emergency situation. John then opines der Restructuring, Technicians who were
that we may be missing an opportunity licensed before March 21, 1987, are now
to expand our ranks by “…not allying eligible to become Generals.
with the outdoor recreation folks.” I think Bill has forgotten some criti-
Amateur Radio should not be seen as cal facts. When he was licensed in 1953,
an alternative to the several other radio there were Advanced and Amateur Extra
systems available for this purpose class licenses, both of which had some
(GMRS, FRS, CB, etc). Promoting Ama- exclusive privileges on 75 meters and 20
teur Radio to people who have no real meters. Why didn’t he upgrade back
interest in the foundation of our hobby then? He was denied some privileges
contravenes its spirit and will only serve when he was first licensed, but he was
to add “communicators,” not Amateur grandfathered into those privileges a few
Radio operators, to the ham bands. years later, without earning them. I guess
I’m not opposed to promoting Ama- he wants history to repeat itself.
teur Radio. It’s apparent that we need The Technician and General licenses
strength in numbers to hold onto our both required the same written exams
spectrum. Nevertheless, let’s make sure prior to March 21, 1987; only the CW test
the people we recruit want more out of speed was different. The code speed re-
the Amateur Radio service than just an quirements are now the same. The old
alternative to the cell phone.—Wayne Technician licensees have already passed
Hoffman, W6WLR, Anaheim, California the requirements of the current General
class. They’ve earned their upgrades;
OVERLOAD nothing was given away.

One auspicious Friday afternoon I Should any General class amateurs
picked up an Alinco 2-meter FM trans- want their “old privileges” back, all they
ceiver. I programmed it the next morn- have to do is take a current Amateur Ex-
ing, just trying to see what repeaters I tra class written test and earn it—no code
could hit. I noticed that the radio had needed. Privileges are fluid; the FCC
three fuses in the power cable, which I gives, and it takes away.—Bob Seydler,
thought unusual. I have a 10-A power K5GNA, Humble, Texas
January 2001 25
 By Robert Johns, W3JIP

A Ground-Coupled
Portable Antenna
As the saying goes, “Imitation is the
sincerest form of flattery.” Here’s a home-
brewed antenna that proves the point.

T
his homebrew portable antenna for Building the Tripod
40 through 6 meters is patterned The top of the tripod, Figures 1 and 2,
after the ground-coupled design makes it easy to set up. The three 5/8-inch-
pioneered by Alpha Delta Commun- diameter × 0.058-inch-wall aluminum
ications, Inc. 1 Instead of using radials, this tubes extending from the 11/2-inch PVC
antenna employs a simple and very small cap are permanently attached to it. To
grounding system that needs no tuning. assemble the tripod, the legs slide over
The antenna described here is a quarter- these tubes. A 3-inch-long, 3 / 8 -inch
wave vertical sitting on a tripod base. The carriage bolt passes through a hole in the
vertical mast and the tripod are each made antenna via an SO-239 chassis connector
top of the PVC cap to support the vertical mounted on an aluminum angle bracket at
of 2-foot-long telescoping sections of 3/4- element. This bolt also grips the 4-inch-
and 5/8-inch-diameter aluminum tubing.2 The the top of the PVC cap (see Figure 1).
long aluminum tubes inside the cap to Make a 5 / 8 -inch-diameter hole in the
mast itself resonates on 10 meters; form the three sloping legs of the tripod.
lightweight aluminum tubing sections are bracket to accept the coax connector body;
See Figure 2 and its caption for details you’ll also need to drill four small holes
added to the top of the mast to tune the on how to make this top cap.
antenna to 12, 15 and 17 meters.3 These for the connector’s mounting hardware.
A 50-Ω coaxial feed line attaches to the The 3/8-inch bolt through the top of the cap
added tubing lengths can be installed
vertically or horizontally. The antenna is fed keeps the aluminum bracket in place.
at the top of the tripod, making the base a To assemble the tripod top, invert the
part of the radiating system. A bungee cord cap so that you are looking down at the
stretched from the top of the tripod to a stake open end. Insert the carriage bolt through
in the ground keeps the structure stable. the 3/8-inch hole in the cap, through the
Beneath the foot of each tripod leg is a mounting hole in the aluminum angle and
grounding strip 21/2 inches wide and about add a lock washer and nut to the bolt.
31/2 feet long, made of aluminum tape.4 Initially, thread the nut about an inch onto
These strips are simply laid on the ground the bolt so that the bolt is still loose and
and form one plate of a capacitor coupling its head is out of the cap. Insert the three
RF from the antenna to the ground. That’s aluminum tubes into the slots in the wall
the whole grounding system! When I read of the cap and down against the carriage
about this in QST (see Note 1), I was bolt where it passes through the hole in
skeptical, but intrigued. The arrangement is the cap. Tighten the nut so that the
similar to that of a mobile antenna system carriage-bolt head squeezes the tubes
in which the car body acts as one plate of a outward and into the slots. Once the nut
capacitor coupling RF to the road and is hand tight, wriggle each tube to seat it
ground. This grounding system works: The snugly with its tip into the countersunk
antenna radiates well and the SWR is hole with the bolt. Tighten the nut until
reasonably low on all bands. (The tripod and the round wall of the cap is slightly
grounding strips can also be used with any deformed into a triangular shape.
vertical element or mobile whip you have.) Each tripod leg consists of a 0.058-
A loading coil added between the aluminum inch-wall, 3/4-inch-diameter tube and a
Figure 1The top of the tripod with the
tubing mast and the flattop permits bottom section of the mast connected to
0.058-inch-wall, 5/ 8-inch-diameter tube
operation on 20, 30 and 40 meters. With the it. A bolt holds the three leg supports in that fits inside the 3/4-inch tube. Each tube
coil positioned this far up the antenna, the the PVC cap slots. This bolt also passes is two feet long; three can be made from
through the 11/2 × 11/2-inch aluminum- 6-foot tubing lengths. Dimple each 3/4-
entire 10 feet of tripod and mast are angle piece that supports an SO-239
unloaded radiators on all HF bands. chassis connector for feed-line
inch tube about one inch from each end.
connection. A 1/4-inch hole in the cap top The dimple acts as a stop and prevents
1
Notes appear on page 32. accepts the bungee-cord hook. the smaller tube from penetrating any
28 January 2001
farther. Form the dimples using a couple together might seem like a routine job, terminal and bend it close to the 3/ 8-inch
of firm hammer taps on a center punch it’s probably the most difficult part of bolt in the tripod top. Then bend the wire
placed against the tube. When joining the building this antenna! The adhesive is up and parallel to the bolt and about a
tubes, push a bit when inserting the quite sticky and unforgiving, and quarter inch from it. When the bottom
smaller tube so that the side of the dimple handling the long strips can be messy. Get section of the mast is placed over the bolt,
holds the smaller tube in place. an assistant to help you with this task. place this wire between the aluminum
You’ll need three strips. tube and a hose clamp. As you tighten the
Ground Strips See Figure 3. Cut a 7-foot length of tape clamp, it makes the electrical connection
Although mating two strips of from the roll and lay it down, sticky side from the coax to the mast and squeezes
aluminum tape with their sticky sides up, on the floor or a large table. Have your the slotted aluminum tube and insulator
helper press a piece of heavy (#12) solid tightly against the bolt.
wire or a thin dowel across the width of With the mast on the tripod, an easy
the strip at the 3 1/ 2-foot midpoint and hold way to make frequency adjustments is to
it in place. Pick up one end of the strip separate the mast from its bottom section
and carry it over the midpoint, keeping it and lower it to the ground. You can then
tight so that it doesn’t sag and touch the reach the flattop and coil without tilting
lower half. Keep both ends of the strip the mast. For this reason, I don’t tighten
aligned while your helper at the midpoint this joint. I place a #6-32 bolt through the
5
presses the top piece of tape against the / 8-inch tube which is the second section
lower, working their way toward you. Trim of the mast, about one inch from its lower
(or remove) the excess wire or rod and the end so that it doesn’t slide very far in.
ground strip is done. Don’t worry if the I still use a hose clamp over the
3
strips aren’t aligned perfectly. / 4-inch tube, adjusting it to make a snug
sliding fit for the upper mast.
The Mast For the top antenna sections, I use
5
The 8-foot mast is made from two / 8-inch-diameter thin-walled aluminum
telescoping 3/ 4- and two 5/ 8-diameter × tubing used for aluminum clothes poles.
0.058-inch-wall aluminum-tubing This material is lighter and cheaper than
sections. Slot the ends of the 3/ 4-inch the 0.058-inch-wall tubing used for the
tubes so that they can be tightened around tripod and mast, but is strong enough.
the smaller tubes with hose clamps.5 To Short tubing sections can be joined
insulate the bottom 3/4-inch section from together using 2-inch-long sleeves made
Figure 2The tripod top cap. The three
5
the 3/8-inch bolt in the tripod that sup- from the 3/4-inch-diameter × 0.058-inch-
/8-inch-diameter aluminum tubes are ports the mast, its lower end is equipped wall aluminum tubing. You need two 2-
4 inches long, cut at a 30° angle at the
end within the cap. From inside the cap, with a plastic insulator. As shown in foot, two 11/2-foot and two 1-foot lengths
countersink a 3/8-inch hole in the cap top. Figure 4, the insulator is a 2-inch length of the 5/8-inch thin-walled tubing, three
This forms a trap that holds the ends of of acrylic tubing. The lower end of the couplings and a T joint to connect the
the aluminum tubes. Although only one acrylic tube extends about a quarter inch
of these leg supports is shown, all three
are held between the bolt head, the three below the aluminum tube and is slotted
slots (either carved or filed in the wall of so that the mast can be tightened around
the cap) and the countersunk hole in the the bolt. Drill a 5/32-inch hole through the
cap top. The slots in the cap are about upper end of this insulator and the
3
/8-inch deep and wide enough to receive
the aluminum tubes. An easy way to lay aluminum tube to pass a #6-32 bolt and
out the slots is to use the fluted handle nut to hold the insulator in place.
from an outdoor water faucet as a After mounting the SO-239 coax
template. The handle fits nicely against connector on the aluminum angle strip,
the cap and has six flutes about the
circumference allowing you to mark three solder a 2-inch length of #14 bare solid
equally spaced locations. copper wire to the connector’s center

Figure 3Making the

ground strips is Figure 4An acrylic (Plexiglas) tube
insulates the antenna mast from the
easier if you have 3
/8×3-inch bolt that supports it. The tube
some assistance.
Refer to the text for has a 3/8-inch ID and 5/8-inch OD so that it
an explanation of this slips over the supporting bolt and
sticky situation. telescopes inside the lower 3/4-inch mast
section. Both the aluminum tube and the
insulator tube are slotted using a
hacksaw so they can be tightened around
the bolt with a hose clamp. To mount a
mobile antenna on the tripod, cut a 2-inch
length of 1-inch-diameter acrylic rod and
drill and tap one end to accept the 3/8×16
coarse-thread bolt of the tripod and
3
/8×24 fine threads at the other end for the
base of a mobile whip.
January 2001 29
flattop to the mast or the top of the coil. Table 1
See Figure 5.
Length of thin-wall tubes needed for operation on 10 through 17 meters.
Bungee Tie-Down Band (Meters) Length of Flattop (ft) Length of Vertical Top (ft)
The antenna is quite light, and even and Number of Sections
with the wide base of the tripod it needs 10 0 0
to be stabilized against wind gusts or 12 1×2 1.5
15 2.5 × 2 3.5
someone tripping over the coax feed line. 17 3.5 × 2 5.5
A bungee cord and a ground stake do an
excellent job. The top of the tripod is about
3 feet high, so a 1/2- to 3/8-inch-diameter,
24-inch-long bungee cord works well. Any a rock or a jug of water beneath the tripod is shown in Figure 7; it tunes the antenna
tent stake will do; drive it into the ground on the bungee cord. to 20, 30, or 40 meters and permits you
at an angle so it doesn’t pull out easily. A to tune to the higher-frequency bands
special stake shaped like a large screw is Antenna Operation on without changing the lengths of the top
ideal for this application. 6 It threads into 10 through 17 Meters hat. The coil has 13 turns of #8 aluminum
the ground by hand and has a very low For 10-meter operation, set up the wire wound on a 4-inch styrene pipe
profile. (I leave the stake in the ground and tripod and place one end of a ground strip coupling. 7, 8 This coil form is secured to a
my lawn mower doesn’t even come close under each tripod foot. The ground strips 7-inch-long, 1/2-inch-diameter CPVC pipe
to striking it.) The stake won’t go into hard, may be laid in any direction. Adjust the using 1 1 / 4 -inch-long, #6-32 brass or
baked soil, however. For stability in such mast to a length of about 7.4 feet. This stainless steel machine screws and nuts. I
locales, or on pavement, hang some bricks, length is quite a bit less than a quarter like to reinforce the 1 / 2 -inch pipe by
wavelength and I believe it’s because of hammering a 2-inch length of 1 / 2 -inch
its closeness to the ground and the wood dowel into each end. This allows me
thickness of the tripod. No top hat is used to tighten the nuts and bolts without
on 10 meters. Adjust the mast length flattening the pipe. These bolts also secure
to resonate the antenna at your desired the ends of the 13-turn coil. Using a
10-meter frequency. marking pen, I made black marks on the
Table 1 provides lengths for the thin- coil to identify the fifth and tenth turns.
wall tubes that you add to the antenna, The marks serve to locate the proper tap
either as a flattop or a vertical, for points without having to count coil turns
operation on 12, 15 or 17 meters. No each time.
change to the ground system is needed
when changing bands. Table 1 assumes
that you will leave the mast set for
10-meter operation. This simplifies band
changing, such as moving from 10 meters
to 15 meters and returning to 10 meters.
These changes are quickly made by just
adding the tubing lengths for 15 meters
and removing them to return to 10
metersno measurements, no tools.
6-Meter Antenna Operation
For 6-meter operation, the tripod must
be insulated from ground and the mast
reduced to a length of 52 inches from
tripod to tip; see Figure 6. No ground-
coupling strips are needed. Simple
insulators can be made from 1/2-inch CPVC
pipe and couplings. Cut three lengths of
Figure 5A T is needed to make the pipe about 4 to 6 inches long and hammer
flattop. The 3/4-inch-diameter horizontal
tubing has a 0.058-inch wall and accepts each into a coupling. Cementing them isn’t
the 5/8-inch-diameter thin-wall tubes. The necessary; they will be a tight fit. The other
5
/8-inch-diameter vertical piece has a side of the coupling fits well over the
0.058-inch wall and fits into the 3/4-inch 5
/ 8-inch-diameter aluminum-tubing leg.
tube at the top of the coil form. To make a
5
/8-inch hole in the 3/4-inch tube, drill a hole Adding these insulators to the tripod
then expand it with a 5/8-inch-diameter or resonates the antenna in the 6-meter band
larger countersink. (This process is heavy with good SWR. You can change the
work for a countersink, so use a little operating frequency by adjusting the
lubricating oil.) Before drilling a 7/64-inch
hole for a #6-32 bolt through the T,
length of the mast onlyyou don’t need Figure 6Here, the antenna is set up for
assemble the two pieces and squeeze to adjust the size of the tripod. use on 6 meters. The tripod construction
them together tightly in a vise, making remains the same, using legs
them perpendicular. To mount a flattop on Building the Loading Coil approximately 4 feet long, but the mast
the mast without the coil, first place a has been shortened. No ground strips are
3
/4-inch-diameter coupling sleeve over the
For operation on the 20, 30 and 40- needed and the legs are insulated from
5
/8-inch-diameter top of the mast and fit meter bands, a loading coil must be ground by 1/2-inch CPVC pipe extensions
the T into that coupling. added to the antenna. A large tapped coil at their feet.
30 January 2001
 Figure 8Making the tap connection to
the coil. At A, the ends of the jaws of a
5-mm cartridge-fuse holder are bent
inward (dotted lines) to grip the heavy
wire of the coil. A side view of the fuse
holder is shown at B. Bend the solder
lugs at the ends of the fuse holder to
accept a wire passing through them and
beneath the fuse-holder base. When this
wire is in place, bend the lugs farther up
against the ends of the holder and solder
them. Strip a 1/4 inch of insulation from the
tap wire and solder it to the wire joining
the lugs beneath the fuse holder. Round
off any sharp points or rough edges with
a file, because you’ll be gripping this
connector tightly for attachment to and
A close up of the completed coil. removal from the coil.

Figure 7To make the loading coil, 13 turns of heavy aluminum wire are spaced to fill
the form. Secure the coil ends using the same bolts that hold the plastic pipe inside The sleeve at the coil bottom joins the
the 4-inch styrene coil form. Mount the coil on the mast with a 3/4-inch-diameter coil to the mast. It is a 11/2-inch-long,
aluminum sleeve at the bottom of the plastic pipe; the tap wire is also connected here. 3
/ 4 -inch-diameter, 0.058-inch-wall
An identical sleeve at the top of this plastic pipe connects to the thin tubing for the aluminum-tubing piece. Insert the bottom
top vertical section, or to an aluminum T to hold the flattop.
of the 1/2-inch CPVC pipe halfway into
this sleeve and drill a 7 / 64 -inch hole
Inside the styrene coil form is a ridge. length of the coil. Use metal/concrete through the sleeve and pipe. Fasten them
Use a chisel or file to remove about a epoxy which has black resin and white together with a 1-inch-long, #6-32 brass
1-inch-long section of this ridge to allow hardener, making a dark gray mix that is or stainless steel machine screw and nut.
the CPVC pipe to lie flat against the inside easy to see against the white background The wire to the tap connector is attached
of the form. Drill 7/64-inch holes at the ends of the coil form. One of these ribs is visible with this same screw.
of the styrene coil form and through the in Figure 7. To make nice straight ribs, first
1
/2-inch pipe, then bolt them together as place strips of tape on each side of an Antenna Operation with the Coil
shown in Figure 7. Take a 16-foot length intended rib location, apply the epoxy and To use the antenna on 40 through 10
of aluminum wire, bend a loop at one end remove the tape before the epoxy hardens. meters, shorten the mast to 6 feet 2 inches
of it, attach the loop to one of the bolts Several types of alligator-clips will fit and connect the coil to the mast. Atop the
and wrap the form as neatly as possible between the coil turns without touching coil, add an element consisting of two
with 13 turns of wire, without bends, neighboring turns, but I prefer to use a tap horizontal 3 1/ 2 -foot lengths of 5/ 8-inch-
spacing the turns to fill the form. Wrap the connection made from a fuse holder; see diameter tubing, or a single 7-foot vertical
end of the 13th turn around the bolt at the Figure 8. 9 After bending the fuse-holder- piece of tubing. With the full 13 turns of
other end of the coil form and cut off the jaw tips, bend the jaws themselves to make the coil, and part of an extra turn supplied
excess wire. them fit the wire tightly, but remain easy by the tap wire, the antenna will likely
To tighten the wire on the form, clamp to attach and remove. Suit yourself as to resonate in the middle of the 40-meter
the form in a vise, grab the coil turns how tight a grip they should have. Join the band. To operate at the low end of the band,
between both hands and progressively tap connector to the sleeve at the bottom add a 1-foot length of tubing to one side
rotate the coil from one end to the other of the coil form using a 9-inch length of of the flattop or the vertical tubing section.
several times. This makes the turns tight stranded, insulated #14 copper wire, with See Figure 9 for approximate dimensions
enough to stay in place as you even out a solder lug at the end. Use a similar piece of the assembled antenna.
their spacing. To hold the turns in place of wire to join the top of the coil to the It may seem as though Table 2 has
permanently, run three ribs of epoxy the sleeve at the top of the coil form. some errors because it lists a greater
January 2001 31
 The antenna also may be used with a
Table 2 longer mast for greater efficiency, or with
This table identifies the number of coil a shorter mast when space is restricted.
turns (counted from the top of the coil)
required to resonate the antenna on the Even though the short version is only about
40- through 10-meter bands. These coil- 6 feet high, you can’t use it indoors
tap settings are provided as a starting because it must be coupled to earth ground.
point only because installation conditions The taller antenna gets out better, but band
vary. To raise the antenna’s operating changing is more complicated. If operation
frequency, reduce the number of turns on 75 and/or 80 meters is a must, you can
used; to lower the operating frequency,
increase the number of turns. add another coil to the antenna just below
the 40-meter coil and change antenna
Band (Meters) Number of Coil Turns frequencies with the 40-meter tap. Adding
40 13 a coil made of 20 close-wound turns of #12
30 7.1 enameled wire wound on a 4-inch styrene
20 3.1 form similar to the one in Figure 7 will
17 2
15 5 allow you to tune the antenna from about
12 7 3.5 to 3.8 MHz, and from about 3.8 to
10 13 4.1 MHz with the top hat reduced to one
3.5-foot section and one 2-foot section. Six
ground-coupling strips will provide a
lower SWR on 80. A small vertical like
number of coil turns for operation on 15, this is not very effective for short-skip
12 and 10 meters than for 17 meters! ragchewing, however. A λ/4-wire draped
You’re rightsomething strange is going over bushes, flower beds or low tree
on. It’s because there are two resonant branches offers more high-angle radiation.
frequencies for each setting of the coil
tap. Figure 10 shows the two paths that Notes
RF can take in the antenna. The upper part 1
Rick Lindquist, N1RL, and Steve Ford,
of the coil and the top hat provide the WB8IMY, “Compact and Portable Antennas
lower frequencies; the lower half of the Figure 9—Approximate dimensions of the Roundup,” ‘Alpha Delta Outreach/Outpost
coil provides the higher frequencies. A assembled antenna with the tripod, mast, System,’ Product Review, QST, Mar 1998, pp
loading coil and top hat. 72-73.
coil this large has considerable 2
Twelve feet of each tubing size is needed.
capacitance to free space, so it’s not just The aluminum tubing is available from
an end-loading inductor at the higher fre- Texas Towers and Metal and Cable Corp. See
quencies. The antenna bandwidth is good, their ads elsewhere in this issue.
3
the SWR low and the antenna performs The thin-walled 5/8-inch-diameter aluminum
tubing is available from Home Depot and
well on these bands. The charm of this hardware stores as aluminum clothes poles,
coil system is that you can change bands each about seven feet long.
by just moving the tap on the coil, without 4
Adhesive-backed aluminum tape 2 1/2 inches
any adjustments to the mast length or the wide is available from Home Depot stores in
the heating-vent section.
flattop. And a bonus: With 13 turns on 5
You may want to consider using an antioxidant
the coil, the antenna works on 40 and 10 at the tubing joints. Antioxidant compounds
meters simultaneously. available from electrical wholesale supply
The coil settings of Table 2 may need houses, Home Depot and hardware stores
include Noalox (Ideal Industries Inc, Becker
some minor adjustments if a vertical top Pl, Sycamore, IL 60178; tel 800-435-0705,
section is used instead of the flattop. In 815-895-5181, fax 800-533-4483) and OX-
general, the SWR is lower with the flattop GARD (GB Electrical, 6101 N Baker Rd,
and the antenna is easier to handle. Milwaukee, WI 53209; tel 800-558-4311). Use
either sparingly; a thin coat is sufficient. Ed.
6
Aluminum angle 11/2 × 11/2 × 1/16-inch thick is
Power-Handling Capability and available from hardware and Home Depot
Safety stores. The green plastic ground stake that
Because of the large coil and tubing threads into the ground has the name
“Twizelpeg” stamped into it, and is available
used, you might be tempted to run high at camping supply stores.
power with this antenna. I suggest you 7
The #8 aluminum wire is RadioShack
don’t. The antenna may take it, but people #15-035.
8
can’t. At high-power levels, dangerous The coupling is available from Home Depot in
RF voltages on the antenna are within the drainage pipe section, and also from large
plumbing or swimming pool distributors. The
range of physical contact. I have used the couplings are actually 4 1/2 inches in diameter
antenna at a 100-W level, but even that and made from polystyrene, a very low-loss
requires care and supervision. Figure 10At A, the upper part of the insulator.
antenna includes the coil, the adjustable 9
RadioShack #270-738.
Other Possibilities tap and the top hat. The bottom of the
coil is free and not connected to anything
With the tapped coil, this antenna can else. At B, this has been redrawn to show Bob Johns, W3JIP, is an old gadgeteer who
be tuned to any frequency from 7 to the two antenna circuits with the two likes to play with antennas and coils. You can
40 MHz when operated on the ground- resonant frequencies that are present. contact Bob at PO Box 662, Bryn Athyn, PA
The upper half of the coil has a lower
coupled tripod, and up to 110 MHz with resonant frequency because of the length 19009; ksjohns@email.msn.com.
the tripod insulated from ground. of the top hat above it. Photos by Joe Bottiglieri
32 January 2001
 By Murray Greenman, ZL1BPU

MFSK for the New

Millennium
Following in the wide wake of digital-mode revolutionary PSK31,
MFSK (in its myriad flavors) is raising the digital performance bar
ever higher. And, like PSK31, all you need to get into the action is
a computer, a sound card and a free download. Try the newest
super-RTTY for yourself!

O
ver the past two years, digi-mode symbols per text character—compared to
DXers have had access to “de- 7.5 for RTTY and 3 to 12 for PSK31.
signer” digital modes that offer MFSK16 uses only one symbol per signal-
greatly improved HF performance when ing element! With MFSK, the baud rate
compared to “classic” RTTY. The best- (the rate at which symbols are transmit-
known “RTTY replacement” is probably Figure 1—An MFSK16 spectrogram (the ted) is quite a bit lower than the text rate
PSK31, which is a great DX performer horizontal lines are 300 Hz apart). because each symbol carries more infor-
with high and low power alike. Several mation in its frequency properties than
landmark PC programs for PSK31 are now was used to portray text as images, rather RTTY or PSK. Although it is somewhat
available and have recently been reviewed like Hellschreiber. The best known ex- confusing, this technique has an advantage
in many Amateur Radio magazines.1,2 amples of digital MFSK (Multi-tone Fre- because “longer” symbols are easier to
Unfortunately, none of these digital quency-Shift Keyed) modes are Piccolo5 detect in the presence of noise, they have
modes—PSK31 included—has been able and Coquelet6, which both date from the a narrower bandwidth and are much less
to counter all of the problems prevalent early 1960s. affected by multi-path timing errors.
on HF. The list of troubling phenomena MFSK is really a type of super-RTTY, Piccolo originally used as many as 32
includes multi-path reception, Doppler and it’s difficult to understand why hams tones, but the most common form used
flutter and severe lightning and man- didn’t adopt it (or adapt it) years ago. The six. Coquelet generally used 12 tones.
made noise (common on 160 to 40 MFSK technique was developed during MFSK has recently been tested with as
meters). To counter these effects, some the heyday of HF teleprinter communi- many as 64 tones, although the released
hams have resorted to “fuzzy” image cations as a way to combat multi-path version, MFSK16, uses 16 tones and the
modes such as Feld-Hell and PSK-Hell.3 propagation problems and provide reli- weak-signal variant, MFSK8, uses 32.
I can now report that major progress has able point-to-point communications with The integrating detector used in Piccolo
been made in solving all of these prob- relatively simple equipment. Piccolo, for was a milestone in FSK detection tech-
lems with a true digital mode. example, was used on diplomatic links niques in its day.9 Without going into great
The new mode is MFSK16, and it uses between England and Singapore, and detail, narrow active filters with very high
techniques from the ’60s and the latest typically provided good copy for an hour gain were used to detect each tone. By
advances in digital signal processing to after RTTY links had faded out. The tech- carefully choosing the baud rate and tone-
provide truly remarkable results. MFSK16 nology was then electromechanical, but channel spacing and resetting the filters at
won’t replace PSK31 completely, although several key principles were recognized the start of each symbol period it was pos-
it provides a viable alternative when other and exploited at the time: sible to reliably detect very weak tones
modes won’t get through. It could replace • Performance (reduced error rate) im- without cross-talk. In fact, the response of
RTTY, however, and by the time you read proved as the number of tones used in- the adjacent channels produced a null at
this you may have already heard its dis- creased. the sampling point. This helped with noise
tinctive sound on the bands. • Performance was best when the least rejection and prevented energy resulting
number of symbols7 was used to repre- from ionospheric effects on one tone from
History sent each transmitted text element.8 appearing in the next channel.
The first multi-tone data mode wasn’t • In systems that used special integrating With the advent of satellite communi-
digital—it was “fuzzy.” The LMT Seven detectors, tones spaced as closely as the cations and high-speed ALE (Automatic
Tone Radio Mode4 dates from 1937 and baud rate could be uniquely detected Link Establishment) systems, these older
without cross-talk. commercial MFSK modes have largely
1
Notes appear on page 36. Piccolo and Coquelet both used two fallen into disuse. The concepts and the
January 2001 33
technology are still viable, however, and The filter provides 4-Hz channels and is
should be of great interest to radio ama- easily able to separate the 16 closely
teurs faced with the age-old problems spaced tones.
of multi-path, Doppler instability and The signal has an amusing musical
interference. sound, is quite narrow, is clean to tune
across and not unpleasant to listen to. The
The New Approach sound is certainly better and the band-
In searching for a better way to hold width narrower than many HF modes in
reliable long-path QSOs, I looked at what use today.
made copy difficult with existing modes
and what could be done about it. It was First Impressions
obvious that phase-shift keying (PSK), Downloading the software and install-
unless relatively high speed, wasn’t prac- ing it is very simple. The “help file” is also
Figure 2—Stream in the MFSK16 mode.
tical. The incidental phase errors intro- available as separate download, so you can
duced by an unstable ionosphere (particu- read that before you install the software.
larly in polar regions) typically exceed the Figure 2 shows Stream in MFSK16 mode.
phase modulation of the signal. Fre- from the MFSK Web site 11 or from At first glance the software is well laid
quency-shift keying (FSK) and on-off IZ8BLY. 12 out and similar in appearance to IZ8BLY
keying also perform poorly, but princi- Hellschreiber or MT63, which isn’t sur-
pally because the arrival time of signals The Signal prising, considering its origin. It has a gen-
vary, often by as much as five to 10 ms, What does this new mode consist of? erous collection of tools along the top of
depending on the path, and perhaps by as Well, there are 16 tones—sent one at the screen, separate transmit and receive
much as 30 ms between long and short a time—at 15.625 baud and spaced windows, a good collection of definable
paths. This interval is longer than the sig- 15.625-Hz apart. Each tone represents “macro” buttons and an excellent “water-
naling duration of a 22-ms RTTY sym- four binary data bits. The transmission is fall” tuning display. Along the bottom is a
bol—and multi-path reception is the rea- 316-Hz wide and has a ITU-R specifica- list of settings and parameters, plus the
son why so many RTTY signals, even tion of 316HJ2B. 13 It’s exactly like date and time. There is also a drop-down
strong signals, don’t print reliably. RTTY, but with 16 closely spaced tones log window for automatic logging and in-
While casting around for a better instead of two wider-spaced tones. With sertion of QSO information and a useful
method, I revisited the MFSK techniques a bandwidth of 316 Hz, the signal easily “QSP” window for relaying incoming text.
mentioned previously. At the same time I fits through a narrow CW filter. Nino’s software actually includes
also reviewed the advances made in mod- The tones are continuous phase keyed, three new modes! The default mode is
ern PC and sound card DSP technology, which eliminates keying noise, and the MFSK16 (16-tone, 16-baud MFSK with
which were light years ahead of 1960’s phase information can be used to deter- FEC). Next is a slower, but more sensi-
hardware, especially in compactness and mine tuning and symbol phase. Figure 1 tive, variant called MFSK8 (32-tone,
simplicity. Putting these together, I had all shows an MFSK16 spectrogram (the hori- 8-baud MFSK with FEC). Both modes
the necessary building blocks to replicate zontal lines are 300-Hz apart). share the same 300-Hz bandwidth, but
and enhance the old MFSK modes using Unlike Piccolo or PSK31, no special sound quite different. The other new
nothing more than a PC with a sound card! arrangements are made to transmit sym- mode is Nino’s PSK63F, which is a
I decided to kick things off by sending bol timing, which can be recovered from 63-baud PSK mode that’s similar to
a specification for the new mode to a the inherent properties of the signal. One PSK31, but faster and with full-time FEC.
bunch of DSP, coding and software ex- critical factor, like RTTY, is that the sig- PSK63F has about a 100-Hz bandwidth.
perts, and a remarkable collection of ideas nal is of constant amplitude and does not The MFSK and PSK modes are
and offers of assistance resulted. Nino require a linear transmitter to maintain complementary, as Nino’s new mode is
Porcino, IZ8BLY, of Hellschreiber and signal purity.14 Unlike SSB and PSK31, great for short-path DX and local QSOs.
MT63 fame, quickly turned the specifi- overdriving the transmitter will not make You’ll have no trouble telling them apart,
cation into reality. The result has been an MFSK16 signal any wider. and no trouble telling Nino’s PSK63F
tested thoroughly in real and simulated To ensure that text is received with an from PSK31 because it is twice as wide.
conditions. The first QSO using this new absolute minimum of errors, the new As a standard of comparison [and perhaps
mode (between Nino and myself) was mode incorporates an excellent forward the ultimate in convenience—Ed.], the
over an 11,000-mile long-path connection error-correction (FEC) technique using software includes PSK31 as well!
on 17 meters. We had 100% copy using Viterbi decoder routines developed by Phil Stream is quite simple to use—start
25 W and dipole antennas—so the speci- Karn, KA9Q, and a clever self-synchro- typing and it transmits; press F12 to end
fication can’t be too far off the mark! nizing interleaver developed for MFSK by the transmission. The challenge comes in
That amazing day was June 18, 2000, IZ8BLY. The typing rate, even with FEC, getting a signal lock. It takes some skill
and since then we have been in commu- tops 40 WPM. This speed is achieved by and a certain amount of patience to learn
nication using this mode almost every efficient coding techniques, including a how to properly and efficiently tune an
day. Most days we work 20 or 17 meters varicode similar to PSK31, which pro- MFSK signal. I’m confident you’ll agree
using as little as 5 W. vides an extended ASCII character set. that the results are worth the effort.
As with the popular PSK31, all you Finally, the receiver detector uses a Because the tones are closely spaced
need to run this amazing new mode is a synchronous Fast-Fourier-Transform and the filters quite narrow, you must
Pentium-class PC with a sound card and (FFT) routine, a DSP technique that ex- have a stable transceiver and you must
a couple of simple cables. You could even actly models the original Piccolo integrat- use software tuning—not transceiver tun-
use it with the QRP transceiver designed ing detector. The FFT also provides phase ing and certainly not the RIT! The soft-
by Dave, NN1G.10 The first software for information, automatic frequency control ware tunes up and down in 1-Hz steps.
MFSK16 is called Stream and is available (AFC) and a “waterfall” tuning display. Click on the waterfall, with its zoom
34 January 2001
 Is it Legal?
MFSK16 uses publicly available software, and the source code, algorithms and codes
are all public domain.15
In that sense the mode is open, unencrypted and publicly available. In fact, users
with the ability could write their own versions. I hope that other versions will appear,
including a Linux version.
According to Chris Imlay, W3KD, ARRL General Counsel,16 the legality of new
modes in the USA should be determined by reviewing FCC Part 97, section 97.3(c), to
determine which emission type applies (based on the emission designator, in this case
F1B). This is the same emission designator as RTTY. According to both Chris Imlay
and Paul Rinaldo, W4RI (ARRL Technical Relations Manager), MFSK16 meets the
FCC requirements for a legal HF digital mode.
Of course, where to operate the new mode also depends on its emission type.
MFSK16 calling frequencies on DX bands are 10.147 MHz USB (indicated dial
frequency—that’s 10.148 MHz idle carrier), 14.080 MHz USB, 18.105 MHz USB and
21.063 MHz USB.—ZL1BPU

lowest of these symbols. Unfortunately, plete that difficult QSO with almost per-
while this is easy when the signal is al- fect copy.
ready tuned, finding the correct spot on a PSK63F, on the other hand, is quite
weak signal during a transmission isn’t the reverse. Although not very good on
so simple and takes a little practice. long path, it’s sensitive (almost as good
Once you’ve found the right spot, al- as PSK31) and fast (40 WPM). Thanks
most-perfect text will start to appear on to FEC, it provides error-free copy most
the screen, delayed by three to four sec- of the time. It’s also very easy to tune, as
onds as the data trickles through the er- it’s wider than PSK31 and has excellent
Figure 3—The Stream waterfall display in ror-correction system and appears one or AFC performance. PSK63F is also mini-
3X zoom. two words at a time. You’ll soon get used mally affected by Doppler and drift prob-
to that. lems. It’s good for short-haul DX and
The mode is a delight to use once you would be great on VHF.
function, for exact tuning. learn to tune it. The typing speed is fast Stream has been tested on an iono-
The software’s AFC is good, but you and, while transmit-receive changeover spheric simulator by Johan Forrer,
need to be within about 5 Hz of dead cen- isn’t as fast as RTTY or Hellschreiber, it’s KC7WW, and the results bear out the
ter to get a good response. The AFC fine for conversing and net operations. practical experience. Moe Wheatley,
works on the idle tone, which appears at AE4JY, has run sensitivity tests that place
the start of every over and also during Performance MFSK16 on an equal footing with PSK31
transmission. Whenever the AFC is ac- Well, this is the telling factor, isn’t it? in white noise. As testing proceeds, speed
tive, the Phase Scope comes alive. You For short-path QSOs out to 8000 miles and tone tweaks may produce improved
can also manually tune by clicking on the (with no polar propagation), MFSK16 performance or even new modes.
waterfall display in just the right spot or works fine but you may find PSK31 easier Feedback from users shows that sen-
by using the Up/Down frequency buttons to use. If you’re interested in QRP, sitivity and the ability to cope with poor
to tweak the tuning. MFSK16 appears to be the hands-down conditions are unsurpassed. MFSK16 is
There’s an interesting display alongside winner. Over long-path and polar routes— also useful on VHF—it’s not affected by
the Phase Scope that shows the Symbol and when conditions are really nasty— aircraft reflections and is great for DX
Clock Alignment. This display is a great MFSK16 stands alone. It keeps giving al- because of its inherent sensitivity. Karl
indication of ionospheric stability! The Bit most perfect copy when signals are barely Schneidhoffer, HA5CAR, is even using
Shape display is a small oscilloscope that audible, have bad fades, noticeable Dop- it on 23 cm. Here are some quotes from
shows what the symbol sync is working pler, multi-path distortion and even QRM. users:
with (this is a type of correlator). High power isn’t necessary. “Great—just great!”—Iván, LU3OK
Tuning is done using an excellent wa- MFSK16 is also probably the best “Bob, K4CY, appeared out of the noise.
terfall display. Figure 3 shows this dis- mode yet for digital work on the lower A good QSO followed. Band propagation
play in 3X zoom mode. Under the lower bands. If you are into traffic handling or not ideal at this time”—Victor, G3GK
horizontal line (red on the screen) you’ll sending bulletins on 80 or 40 meters, give “It’s got one strong receiver/decoder,
see a broad band towards the left. This is this mode a try. It just doesn’t give up! doesn’t it? I was getting 70%+ copy on
the idle carrier, the lowest of the 16 tones. 80 meters is especially prone to multi- signals that wouldn’t even change
This carrier is transmitted briefly at the path, as RTTY and Feld-Hell users know. the shade of gray on the waterfall!”
start of each over and returns at the end, On nighttime 80-meter QRP circuits, —Gordon, N5AJF
or whenever the operator stops to think. MFSK16 will work over thousands of “Hey guys—great mode! Works well
To tune the signal correctly, center the red miles with 90% perfect copy! As a bo- down into the noise for me. Andy
line on this carrier and the AFC will keep nus, lightning effects are largely ignored. (KB0EOQ) and I went to the 5-W area
it there. During the over you’ll see little Although not noticeably better on the for a bit last night and I still pulled him
black vertical stripes all over the water- low bands, MFSK8 is great to have when in when QSB took him below my QRN
fall, with gray “side-lobes” above and the band starts to die. It’s definitely more level and audibility”—Gary, AG0N
below. These are the transmitted symbols, sensitive than MFSK16 and, although tun- “Conditions were slow QSB and air-
and once again, you can adjust the soft- ing is very tight and typing speeds are craft reflections. Tuning stability not too
ware tuning so the red line centers on the down to 25 WPM, it will allow you to com- much of a problem. Signals were about
January 2001 35
S1 or below”—Terry, G0EZY (100 mile tried sound-card-based digital communi- French and Belgian police.
7
path on 2 meters) cation software before, you’ll be sur- The smallest signaling entity of a digital mode.
8
Article (in French) in ACEC-Revue, No. 3.4,
“I worked RTTY since about 1978, but prised at how easy it can be. The Stream 1970.
gave it away. Copy not very good except help files will tell you how to connect 9
H.K. Robin, OBE, et al, “Paper 204E,” pub-
when signals are strong. It’s the same the necessary audio and keying cables be- lished in Proc IEE, Vol 110, No. 9, Sep 1963.
10
with PSK—no good at all on really long tween your computer and your radio. Skip Teller, KH6TY, and Dave Benson,
NN1G, “A Panoramic Transceiving System
DX contacts. This mode is much, much You’ll find these files in the “Help” for PSK31,” QST, Jun 2000.
better.”—Frank, ZL2BR folder that is created when you install 11
www.qsl.net/zl1bpu/MFSK/
Stream. 12
space.tin.it/computer/aporcino
Try It Yourself! This month you’ll have a chance to test 13
See FCC Part 47, paragraphs 2.201 and
At press time the only publicly released the performance of MFSK16 during the 2.202.
14
Distortion in sound card or transmitter audio
software available for MFSK16 is Stream W1AW HF Digital Run. See the an- stages can still lead to undesirable images of
by IZ8BLY. It’s completely free and fully nouncement elsewhere in this issue for the signal above and below the correct one.
functional, and can be downloaded from details. 15
www.qsl.net/zl1bpu/MFSK/Documents
numerous places on the internet.17 Stream .html
Notes 16
See “Is Hellschreiber Permissible Under Part
requires at least a Pentium 100 PC with a 1
Steve Ford, WB8IMY, “PSK31 2000,” QST,
97?” QST, Jan 2000, p 54.
16-bit sound card and Windows 9x or May 2000. 17
2 For example, from www.qsl.net/zl1bpu/
Jack Heller, KB7NO, “Inside MIXW32,” 73
newer. Other versions will hopefully fol- Amateur Radio Today, Jul 2000. MFSK/software or www.egroups.com/files/
low. You can subscribe to the MFSK16 3
MFSK. At time of writing the latest version is
Murray Greenman, ZL1BPU, “Let’s See you StreamSetup085.EXE, www.qsl.net/zl1bpu/
support group by sending an e-mail to in Hellschreiber,” Jan 2000. MFSK/software/StreamSetup083.EXE.
4
MFSK-subscribe@egroups.com. See www.qsl.net/zl1bpu/Fuzzy/LMT.html.
5
If you’re already set up for PSK31, Developed by H. K. Robin and J. D. Ralphs,
et al, for the British Foreign and Common- You can contact the author at 94 Sim Rd,
you only need to download Stream and wealth Office. Karaka, RD1, Papakura, New Zealand;
you’re ready to go. Even if you’ve never 6
Developed in Belgium by ACEC and used by as149@detroit.freenet.org.

mists of time. You feel like the prover- of receivers and transmitters that were
NEW BOOKS bial “fly on the wall,” privy to private destined to become legendary. You wit-
conversations and “unusual” episodes ness the ascension of Drake’s Amateur
A FAMILY AFFAIR: (failed designs, labor union bickering, in- Radio line up to and including the devel-
THE R. L. DRAKE STORY terpersonal conflicts—it’s all there). Be- opment of the famous TR-7 transceiver.
By John Loughmiller, KB9AT cause none of the juicier items come from You also witness Drake’s exit from the
my time with the company, I can’t vouch Amateur Radio stage as the rig that was
Published by Technical Support Group, 15
for their accuracy first hand, but I knew to become the TR-8 is crated and sent
Saddle Ridge Trail, Alexandria, KY 41001-
the individuals involved to storage, never to
9105; tel 859-635-6487; home.fuse.net/tsg/
and the stories certainly exist beyond a proto-
First edition, softcover, 305 pages,
have a strong ring of type.
81/2 × 11 inches with black and white illus-
truth. L o u g h m i l l e r ’s
trations. $29.95 plus shipping and handling.
I found only one of writing is outstand-
Reviewed by Steve Ford, WB8IMY the anecdotes to be a ing, a cut above most
QST Managing Editor little off target. On page of the material you
I must confess at the beginning that I 27 there is the story of a find in the Amateur
bring a special bias to this review of A “Hint & Kink” item pub- Radio press. Thanks
Family Affair: The R. L. Drake Story. I lished in the February to his compelling nar-
was an employee of the R. L. Drake Com- 1969 QST concerning a rative, A Family Af-
pany in the mid-1980s. So, when I re- method for cleaning a fair: The R. L. Drake
ceived a copy of the book by John badly contaminated ra- Story is quite a page-
Loughmiller, KB9AT, I approached it dio by flushing it with turner. The story pulls
with some trepidation. Would water and baking out the you along like a well-
Loughmiller accurately portray the Drake residual moisture in an crafted fiction novel.
Company that I knew? oven. A teenage TR-3 The Drake story it-
As it turns out, Loughmiller’s owner attempted this, but used too much self comprises about half of the book. The
chronicle of Drake’s history is honest and heat. The results were disastrous. When remaining half is devoted to technical in-
on target. He has carefully researched his the boy’s mother complained to Bob formation about various Drake products.
subject, spinning a fascinating story that Drake, he fixed the radio free of charge. It is an invaluable encyclopedia of modi-
rises above a mere collection of histori- According to the book, the advice was fications, hints and tips.
cal facts. At the heart of A Family Affair: an early QST April Fool joke. In reality, A Family Affair: The R. L. Drake Story
The R. L. Drake Story are the recollec- it wasn’t, but it is true that Bob Drake is a must-have for Drake aficionados, but
tions culled from a number of former carried a grudge for QST for a long time it has an appeal that reaches beyond die-
employees who have since retired or oth- thereafter. hard devotees. The story that unfolds in
erwise moved on. At times the tone of the Like many good historical works, A the book is a microcosm of the history of
book is almost gossipy, but not in a nega- Family Affair: The R. L. Drake Story has Amateur Radio itself. It is a somewhat
tive sense. It treats the reader to inside a tragic rise-and-fall structure, beginning cautionary tale that John Loughmiller has
glimpses of life at the company that with the company’s birth under the direc- woven in an entertaining, informative
would otherwise have vanished into the tion of Bob Drake, along with the birth style.
36 January 2001 Next New Books
 By David Newkirk, W9VES

Simulating Circuits and

Systems with Serenade SV
Teaming linear and harmonic-balance nonlinear circuit simulation of
amplifiers, mixers and oscillators with system-level analysis of digital
communication systems, Serenade SV is like having an RF/micro-
wave communications lab in your computer—and it’s free!

L. B. Cebik’s recent series

As reflects, computer-aided an-

tenna modeling is well-estab-
lished as a popular Amateur Radio ac-
tivity, fueled by the free availability of
core programs (NEC and MININEC) ca-
pable of realistic antenna modeling. 1
Radio amateurs interested in using their
computers for realistic radio and elec-
tronic circuit simulation have similarly
benefited from the free availability of
SPICE, developed at the University of
California at Berkeley. Proprietary alter-
natives to NEC, MININEC and SPICE
are available, of course—at costs that
generally put them well beyond the reach
of students and hobbyists. ARRL Radio
Designer, a feature-limited version
of one such product (Super-COMPACT,
a linear circuit simulator) brought real-
istic, affordable modeling of RF circuits
to the market in 1994—if you didn’t
mind its netlist circuit entry, its lack of
even the most basic distributed circuit
components (microstrip and stripline
structures, essential to useful UHF/mi-
crowave circuit modeling), and its inabil- Serenade SV. A feature-limited version of mixing and intermodulation distortion
ity to simulate any of the nonlinear ef- Ansoft Corporation’s industry-standard (IMD)
fects without which a radio can’t radio. Serenade Design Environment, Serenade • Small-signal ac nonlinear analysis
What radio amateurs and electronics SV runs on Windows 95, 98, 2000, ME • Stability analysis
students really need is a free nonlinear and NT 4.0 and includes: 2 • Waveform, modulation, sweep, bit-error
circuit simulator that, unlike free ver- • A harmonic-balance nonlinear circuit rate, and statistical properties analysis
sions of SPICE, incorporates essential simulator (Harmonica SV) • Interactive, graphical matching-net-
radio-modeling components and capa- • A discrete-time system simulator (Sym- work synthesis
bilities because it has been designed phony SV) • A transmission-line calculator
for RF/microwave/wireless use from its • Graphical circuit entry (schematic • RF-critical circuit components, includ-
beginning. capture) ing black boxes (up to four ports), dis-
This article introduces that simulator, • Linear and nonlinear circuit tuning tributed elements (ideal, coaxial,
• Linear circuit optimization microstrip and stripline transmission
• Nonlinear oscillator design and analysis lines, coupled lines and bends), con-
Notes appear on page 43. • Two-tone nonlinear analysis, including trolled sources, transformers, filters
January 2001 37
 Figure 2—I used Serenade SV ’s interactive Smith Tool to
synthesize input and output matching networks for the Figure
Figure 1—Serenade SV ’s inclusion of distributed circuit 1 preamp. After each network-synthesis session, clicking the
elements (ideal, coaxial, microstrip and stripline transmission Circuit button automatically creates a schematic you can copy
lines and couplers) allows the realistic simulation of circuits into the circuit you want to match. Smith Tool can help solve
like this 903-MHz preamplifier. antenna-matching problems, too.

(Bessel-Thompson, Butterworth, component limitation? Enough to support final circuit’s predicted performance at
Chebyshev), and current and voltage a college-level education about electron- 903 MHz (Figure 4) is within a few
probes ics and radio, as we’ll see by turning Ser- hundreths of a decibel of the goal noise
• Circuit evaluation in terms of S, Y and enade SV loose on several popular cir- figure (NF) and gain values I originally
Z parameters and other RF-relevant cuits many ham experimenters use every chose when plotting NF and gain circles
responses 3 day. First, though, let’s overview the roles in Smith Tool.
• A set of vendor-supplied device S pa- played by key Serenade SV features So much for our high-spots tour of
rameters, and selected nonlinear diode (schematic capture, Smith Tool, and the how Serenade SV looks as it captures,
and transistor models (Serenade SV can TRL transmission-line utility) in a 903- synthesizes, analyzes and characterizes
also use vendor-supplied SPICE param- MHz preamplifier design. circuits. Now let’s see what Serenade SV
eters for transistors and diodes) can do with some of the tried-and-true
• Signal-processing models, including Serenade SV Onscreen circuits many of us have already built and
modulators, coders, filters, and propa- Figure 1 shows an example Serenade used on the air.
gation channels, for modeling analog SV schematic: a 903-MHz preamplifier
and digital transmitters, receivers, and that uses transmission-line segments in Simulating an Amplifier
end-to-end systems its input and output matching networks, As I wrote in QST’s March 1995 “Ex-
• Complete online documentation in Win- and as RF chokes. Schematic capture— ploring RF” column, a good way to get
dows Help and Adobe PDF form, in- that is, graphical, interactive electronic acquainted with a new circuit-modeling
cluding circuit and system examples circuit entry as opposed to a character- tool is to use it to simulate known cir-
All of this functionality is available for based netlist interface—is standard in cuits for which trustworthy measure-
free via the Ansoft Web site.4 You’ll also Serenade SV’s circuit and system simu- ments are available.5 So, for our first Ser-
find complete Serenade SV specifications lators. (Netlist-based circuit entry is still enade SV example, we’ll simulate the
and system requirements there. Since there if you want to use it, and Serenade behavior of a bipolar-junction transistor
Serenade SV is a feature-limited version SV can even analyze your ARRL Radio (BJT) amplifier circuit introduced to
of the industrial-strength Serenade De- Designer netlists if they contain 25 or amateurs by Wes Hayward, W7ZOI, and
sign Environment, what are its limita- fewer components.) John Lawson, K5IRK, and well-known to
tions? Again, Ansoft’s Serenade SV pages In creating the Figure 1 circuit, I used ARRL Handbook readers and those who
carry complete details, but for many of two Serenade SV utilities of high interest build their own MF/HF amateur gear
us interested in circuit simulation, the key to hams: Smith Tool (Figure 2), a graphi- (Figure 5). 6 Based on a 2N5109-class
limitations are that Harmonica SV analy- cal, interactive, Smith-C2hart-based sub- broadband linear-amplifier transistor, the
ses are constrained to: program that communicates with the circuit provides about 16 dB of gain
• 25 circuit elements, maximum Harmonica simulator’s report generator across the HF range while presenting a
• Four device ports, maximum (a diode and schematic editor to help you design broadband resistive termination to the
has one device port; a FET or BJT has matching networks to a goal, and TRL passive mixer that precedes it.
two) (Figure 3), a transmission-line calculator Characterizing active devices with RF-
• 31 spectral components, maximum you can use to determine physical length accurate model parameters is critical to
(enough to simulate 5th-order and width values that correspond to the successful circuit simulation, particularly
intermodulation) ideal-line values Smith Tool exports. for nonlinear analyses, and so far I
• Four probes (voltage or current), Working with a linearized version of the haven’t found 2N5109 SPICE parameters
maximum circuit, I also used Serenade SV’s linear I can trust. NEC makes a transistor suit-
• 1001 sweep points, maximum optimization feature to tweak the input able for this application—the NE46134—
What can you simulate inside that 25- and output networks for best results. The but publishes no SPICE parameters for
38 January 2001
 Figure 4—The 903-MHz preamplifier’s predicted forward
transmission gain (S21), minimum possible noise figure (Fmin),
noise figure (NF), input reflection gain (S11), output reflection
gain (S22) and reverse transmission gain (S12). This S21 and NF
performance duplicates what I set out to achieve in doing the
circuit’s input and output matching in Smith Tool.

Figure 3—Meet TRL, Serenade SV ’s distributed-transmission-

line calculator. After using Serenade SV ’s Smith Tool to
determine the electrical values for the preamp’s ideal
matching-network elements, I used TRL to determine the actual
line lengths and widths necessary to construct the circuit on
glass-Teflon board.

Figure 6—The amplifier’s calculated small-signal, ac (SSAC)

behavior. In doing an SSAC simulation, Serenade SV first does
a nonlinear analysis to determine the circuit’s dc operating
conditions and then does a linear analysis based on that
Figure 5—Our BJT amplifier example, a strong post-mixer operating point. (Serenade predicts a collector current of just
amplifier, uses RF feedback to lower its input and output over 30 mA, which dovetails exactly with the behavior of the
impedances, and make its characteristics more broadband and versions of this circuit I’ve built.) The circuit’s predicted gain
less dependent on the particular transistor used. According to (the S parameter S21 ) agrees closely with the value published
the authors who introduced us to it, its gain, including the 6-dB by Hayward and Lawson; its S11 and S22 responses (which
loss of the attenuator pad, is “about 16 dB”; its output reflect how closely the circuit’s input and output impedances
intercept, “approximately +30 dBm.” This is how the amplifier approach 50 Ω, resistive) indicate a reasonably good match to
looks in Serenade SV ’s schematic editor. 50 Ω across the HF range. The predicted noise figure is also
entirely realistic.

it. Luckily, Motorola still includes in its device packaging are relatively unimpor- Serenade SV’s simulation capabilities
slimmed-down RF-BJT line a surface- tant. Figure 6 shows the circuit’s simu- excites me the most as an Amateur Radio
mount-technology (SMT) version lated frequency-dependent gain, noise- experimenter, but if I had to, I’d say “os-
(MRF5812) of its long-established figure and I/O matching behavior. Figure cillator analysis”—not only because the
MRF581, a transistor intended for exactly 7 shows its two-tone, third-order IMD study of oscillators can be a pursuit in
this sort of application, and publishes performance versus input-signal level, itself, but because oscillators are as tem-
SPICE parameters for it on the Internet.7 and Figure 8 shows its calculated third- peramental and mysterious as they are
So we’ll run with the MRF5812, keeping order input and output intercept points. essential.8
in mind that we can get away with using These results duplicate the measured and To explore Serenade SV’s oscillator
an SMT equivalent’s parameters to model published performance of this well-char- analysis capability, we’ll simulate the
the non-SMT MRF581 only because acterized circuit. behavior of a Hartley crystal oscillator
we’re analyzing the circuit at frequencies long familiar to Amateur Radio builders.9
where differences in the parasitic induc- Simulating an Oscillator Figures 9 and 10 show how it looks in
tances and capacitances contributed by It’s hard for me to decide which of Serenade SV’s schematic editor. But will
January 2001 39
 Figure 8—Telling Serenade SV to calculate the amplifier’s IP3
is straightforward: We just enter the appropriate formulas into
Serenade’s Report Editor, select an input-signal level (–40 dBm
in this case), and let the reporter crunch the numbers.
Hayward and Lawson reported an output IP3 of “approximately
+30 dBm” for the circuit; Serenade SV predicts +30.5 dBm—
close agreement with the measured value. A circuit’s input
and output IPs differ by its gain—in this case, 17.12 dB.

Figure 7—Serenade SV’s prediction of the amplifier’s behavior

in the presence of two equal-amplitude test signals that are
increased from -60 to -5 dBm in 1-dB steps. The blue trace
shows the output that results from the amplifier’s linear
amplification of one of the tones; the red trace shows one of
the outputs that results as the tones intermodulate as a result
of nonlinearities in the amplifier. The point at which these Figure 10—We model the crystal with series-connected
responses would meet if extrapolated—the third-order capacitor, inductor and resistor elements, specifying a
intercept point (IP3)—is a figure of merit of high interest to resistance that equates to a crystal Q of 50,000 at 3.579 MHz.
radio designers. Although we could determine IP3 by printing The 4-pF capacitor models the capacitance between the
out the graph and cutting loose with a pen and ruler, Figure 8 crystal’s electrodes; the current probe element (Ixtal) lets us
shows how Serenade SV can do it for you. examine the crystal’s drive level, as we’ll soon see.

it oscillate? Instead of just starting an

oscillator analysis and crossing our fin-
gers, we can use Serenade’s Oscillator
Design Aid to confirm that the circuit is
ready to go (Figure 11). In seconds, Os-
cillator Design Aid confirms that we’re
in business: Conditions suitable for os-
cillation exist at 3579.6 kHz.
Figure 12 shows the circuit’s output
spectrum. At just below 9 dBm, its fun-
damental output power is right in the zone
for properly driving a “level 7” (7 dBm
local oscillator) diode double-balanced
mixer (DBM).
How Hard Are We Hitting the
Crystal?
In Introduction to Radio Frequency
Design, Wes Hayward writes,
Quartz crystals must operate with
a limited amount of drive energy.
One milliwatt is a typical upper limit.
This is essentially the maximum
Figure 9—Our example oscillator uses the Hartley configuration, in which the positive
feedback necessary for oscillation is achieved via a tapped transformer, T1. In a
power to be dissipated in the series
classical Hartley, capacitance would resonate T1 to set the frequency of oscillation; in resistance, RS.
this version, the transformer is untuned, and the selectivity contributed by a piezo- Wes goes on to describe a crystal-drive
electric crystal, Y1, in the feedback path (from the tap through Y1 and “ground” to the
transistor emitter) determines the oscillation frequency. The 10-pF capacitor, Crolloff,
measurement method that involves con-
encourages oscillation at the crystal’s fundamental series resonance (rather than at an necting a current transformer in series
overtone) by reducing the circuit’s gain with increasing frequency. The crystal symbol with one of the crystal’s leads. This is a
represents a subcircuit (Figure 10) that models the crystal’s fundamental resonance at bit different from measuring the current
3.579 MHz. (Because our crystal subcircuit doesn’t model overtone responses, we
really don’t need Crolloff to avoid overtone oscillation, but I’ve kept it in the circuit to through RS proper in that current passing
model its effect on the oscillator’s frequency and power output.) Adding a 60-pF through the crystal’s parallel (holder)
capacitor (Ctune) in series with the crystal lets us use Serenade SV’s Tune feature to capacitance will also factor into the mea-
evaluate the circuit’s ability to function as a variable crystal oscillator (VXO). Practical surement. In our modeled crystal, built
versions of this circuit often include a resistor across the OUTPUT port (68 Ω in this
case) to ensure that a low-impedance load is always present; the increased feedback with discrete components, we can look
that results from light loading can instantly destroy the crystal. (The 2N3904 SPICE at the current through only the series-
parameters I used were published on the Internet by Fairchild Semiconductor.10) resonant portion of the crystal with the
40 January 2001
Figure 11—Serenade SV’s Oscillator Design Aid probes the Figure 12—The crystal oscillator’s output spectrum as
circuit under test with a test signal to determine if the condi- simulated by Serenade SV. The power of the fundamental is
tions for oscillator are present within the analysis frequency just what we expect from this circuit operating at this
range. After concluding its search, the Design Aid graphs the collector voltage.
real and imaginary components of its test-signal current to
help you confirm the circuit’s readiness to oscillate. Condi-
tions favorable for oscillation exist wherever the test signal’s
real component (blue trace) is negative and its imaginary
component (red trace) equals zero—in this case, at 3579.6 kHz.

help of a Serenade SV current probe. We ficient horsepower for the realistic analy- methods we use to assess the noise per-
obtain the numbers we’re after by using sis of mixers based on one or two tran- formance of a digital transmission sys-
SV’s Report Editor to generate a table sistors or up to four diodes. This lets us tem is known as the probability of bit er-
showing the RMS value of the probe’s simulate the performance of the four-di- ror or bit error rate (BER). We measure
time-domain output and that RMS out- ode DBMs so many of us have used for a system’s BER by comparing the ideal
put, squared, multiplied by the crystal’s frequency conversion in our home-built transmitted signal with the received sig-
series resistance, as in P = I2R. Figure 13 projects. nal and computing the error count over
shows the results: The current through RS Figure 15 shows the schematic of our the total number of bits. A variety of
is 6.36 mA, which equates to a crystal example mixer: a DBM that converts a techniques can be used to decrease a
dissipation of 2.1 mW. If our crystal is 903-MHz signal to 51 MHz with the help communication system’s BER. One tech-
rated for 1 mW of drive, we’re hitting it of a 954-MHz local-oscillator signal. Al- nique involves adding redundant data
too hard. though the device libraries that ship with bits to the transmitted data bits, and, in
Serenade SV include suitable diodes, I some cases scrambling the order of the
The Oscillator as a VXO wanted to demonstrate (again) that manu- original data bits. There are many ways
What happens when we use the Fig- facturer-supplied SPICE parameters play of achieving this; our example system
ure 9 oscillator as a VXO by varying well in Serenade, so I used SMS1546 uses convolutional encoding. To evalu-
Ctune, the 60-pF capacitor in series with parameters from Alpha Industries.12 Fig- ate the effectiveness of the coding
the crystal? To explore this, I used Ser- ure 16 shows Serenade SV ’s simulation scheme, we’ll simulate the link with and
enade SV’s Tune capability to adjust of the circuit’s output spectrum. Because without coding and compare the results
Ctune’s value from 10 to 60 pF in 5-pF we’re often interested in how well a mixer in one graph.
steps. Figure 14 shows the result: De- suppresses leakage of its (relatively The data generation sections of the
creasing Ctune to 10 pF results in a fre- strong) LO signal into its IF port, I con- coded and uncoded links appear at the left
quency increase of about 1.7 kHz and an figured another analysis to simulate this in Figure 18. Both begin with a random
output-power decrease of about 1.5 dB. behavior. Figure 17 shows the results, binary generator (BSRC); in the uncoded
It’s also apparent that the rate of fre- including the calculated return loss of the link, the BSRC output goes directly to the
quency and power shift per unit of Ctune circuit’s LO and RF ports. modulator (PSKMOD). In the coded link,
capacitance change is nonlinear. the output of the BSRC feeds a real mul-
Simulating a BPSK Communication tiplexer (RMUX), which also receives in-
Simulating a Mixer System put from a binary bit generator (BGEN).
Radiocommunication couldn’t happen To illustrate Serenade SV’s system- The real multiplexer switches between the
if we couldn’t translate information into simulation abilities, we’ll examine the bit initialization bits and the data bits during
radio form and back again. We use mix- error rate of a binary phase-shift keying each data frame. The multiplexer drives
ers, modulators and demodulators to do communication link in the presence of the convolutional coder (CCOD), which
that job—a function so important that the noise (Figure 18). A BPSK communica- is followed by a real demultiplexer
ARRL Handbook devotes an entire chap- tion system applies the absence or pres- (RDMUX), and a phase shift-keying
ter to it.11 Serenade SV’s ability to handle ence of a 180º phase shift (relative to the modulator (PSKMOD). The BSRC gen-
two input signals—two tones—and up to phase of the unphase-shifted state) to erates 22800 data bits (57 bits/frame), and
four nonlinear device ports provides suf- transmit logical 1s and 0s. One of the the binary generator generates four zeros
January 2001 41
 Figure 14—Using
Serenade SV ’s Tune
capability to vary
the Ctune, we
discover that we’re
not getting
something for
nothing when we
Figure 13—To determine the crystal’s use this circuit as a
drive level, I told Serenade SV ’s Report VXO: The oscillator’s
Editor to show me the RMS value of the output power varies
current detected by the Ixtal probe. SV ’s as we adjust Ctune,
Report Editor supports manual entry of and the resulting
custom data expressions and equations, tuning characteristic
so calculating the power dissipated in the is significantly
crystal’s series resistance was just a few nonlinear.
more keystrokes away. Calculated as
described by Hayward in Introduction to
Radio Frequency Design, our crystal’s
dissipation is 2.1 mW.

during each frame to initialize the convo- lated by an additive white Gaussian noise those specified for the convolutional
lutional coder. (AWGN) circuit element. coder.
For each bit going in, the convolu- Our Symphony SV simulation mea- Figure 20 compares the bit error rates
tional coder outputs 2 bits (n=2). The sures the system’s BER for swept values achieved by the coded and uncoded sys-
coded data then goes through a real of AWGN signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), tems. The coded system clearly outper-
demultiplexer that discards the 8 initial- which is referred to the signal input forms the uncoded system; the coding
ization bits. The coded data bits are then power (30 dBm). The two signal probes helps the receiver do a better job of de-
fed to the PSK modulator. The signal at the input and the output of the AWGN termining the bits actually transmitted.
space of the PSK modulator is specified element allow us to monitor the effect of
as m=2 to correspond to a BPSK modu- the channel on the signal (Figure 19). Your Turn
lator. The modulator then maps each in- At the receiving end of both channels, Serenade SV represents a powerful
teger input sample into a real and imagi- a PSK demodulator (PSKDEM) first expansion of the suite of RF CAD tools
nary value. Note that the real multiplexer, maps each received pair of samples back available to students of electronics and
demultiplexer and convolutional coder to 0 or 1. The signal space for the PSK RF, and lets you experience world-class
are needed only for coded link model. demodulator is specified as 2 to simu- RF circuit and system simulation for the
The transmission rate for both links is late a BPSK demodulator. No further pro- cost of an Internet download. Whether
13.5 kbits/s; the difference between them cessing occurs in the uncoded channel; you’re following your own design pur-
is that the uncoded link transmits raw data for the uncoded channel, demodulator suits (psst: The entire Tuna Tin 2 trans-
and the coded link transmits data that has output passes through a Viterbi decoder mitter fits inside SV’s 25-component
been systematically modified to reduce (VDHD) for data recovery. The Viterbi limit) or teaching an RF-design class
the BER-spoiling effects of noise in the decoder uses the same constraint length (now your students can do RF-CAD labs
communication channel, which is simu- and number of input and output bits as on their laptops) I hope you’ll share my

Figure 16—Serenade SV ’s analysis of the diode DBM confirms

Figure 15—A diode double-balanced mixer in Serenade SV. what we know about how such a mixer circuit should behave:
To simulate the less-than-perfect balance of a real mixer, I There should be about 6 dB of loss between the RF and IF
varied some of the transformers’ winding inductances ports (we get 5.66 dB) and the LO signal should be highly
slightly so they’re not all identical; to model the diodes, I attenuated at the IF port (this mixer knocks it down by 47 dB).
used parameters published on the Internet by Alpha I used the Report Editor’s Data Marker function to create those
Industries. frequency/level markers automatically.
42 January 2001
 Figure 18—A BPSK system schematic in Serenade SV.

Figure 17—Sweeping the mixer’s RF and LO signals with a

constant 51-MHz difference lets us evaluate how the circuit’s
conversion gain and LO-to-IF leakage vary with frequency. As
a bonus, I’ve also plotted the LO and RF ports’ return loss
(RL), which indicates how well (or how poorly) their
impedances approximate 50 Ω. (Generally, we’d like to see an
RL of 15 dB or more before calling it “good.”)

Figure 20—Graphing the bit error rates of both systems shows

the coding gain achieved by the coded link: The uncoded
system generally requires a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
to achieve a given SNR. It’s also apparent that the coding gain
is greater for higher SNRs. (EB_NO is the Symphony SV Report
Figure 19—The probes at the input and output of the simulated Editor’s designation for a digital system’s signal-to-noise ratio,
AWGN communication channel allow us to evaluate the effect which is expressed as energy per bit [Eb] versus noise power
of noise on the transmitted signal. spectral density [N0], or Eb/N0.)

cuits covered in this article are available 11 LarryWolfgang, WR1B, editor, The ARRL
excitement about Serenade SV.
in SerSV0101.ZIP on the ARRLWeb at Handbook for Amateurs (Newington: ARRL,
Notes www.arrl.org/files/qst-binaries/. 2000), Chapter 15: Mixers, Modulators and
1 L. B. Cebik, W4RNL, “A Beginner’s Guide to 5 David Newkirk, WJ1Z, “Modeling a Direct- Demodulators.
Conversion Receiver’s Audio Response and 12 www.alphaind.com
Modeling with NEC,” Part 1, QST, Novem-
ber 2000, pp. 34-38; Part 2, QST , December Gain with ARRL Radio Designer, Exploring
2000, pp 40-44; Part 3, QST , January 2001; RF, QST , March 1995, pp 76-78.
6 Wes Hayward, W7ZOI, and John Lawson,
Part 4, QST, February 2001.
2 www.ansoft.com K5IRK, “A Progressive Communications David Newkirk has been licensed since
3 S parameters are a suite of standardized cir- Receiver,” QST , November 1981, pp 11-21. 1969, worked at ARRL HQ for more than
7 www.mot-sps.com/rf/models/rf3.html
cuit evaluation criteria used for decades by
8 Larry Wolfgang, WR1B, editor, The ARRL
10 years, and now works as a technical
the RF design community. See “Just What is writer for Ansoft Corporation, the home
an S-Parameter?” by H. Paul Shuch, N6TX, Handbook for Radio Amateurs, Chapter 14:
on pp 6-20 and 6-21 of The ARRL UHF/ AC/RF Sources (Oscillators and Synthesiz- of Serenade SV. With Ulrich L. Rhode,
Microwave Experimenter’s Manual ers). KA2WEU, he co-authored RF/Micro-
9 Wes Hayward, W7ZOI, Introduction to Radio
(Newington: ARRL, 1986). wave Circuit Design for Wireless
4 You can download Serenade SV and read Frequency Design (Newington: ARRL,
1994), p 289. Applications published by John Wiley &
its full specifications via the pages that be-
gin at www.ansoft.com/about/academics/ 10w w w . f a i r c h i l d s e m i . c o m / m o d e l s / Sons last year. You can e-mail him at
sersv/index.cfm. The Serenade SV cir- Discretes/bipolar.html dnewkirk@ansoft.com.

January 2001 43
 By L. B. Cebik, W4RNL

A Beginner’s Guide to
Modeling With NEC
Part 3—Sources, grounds and sweeps

O
nce we progress beyond the Many of these antennas call for a specific calls for a feedpoint position that is 14%
construction of models and the distance either from the wire end or from of the distance from the center outward
interpretation of plot patterns, the antenna center for the source position. toward the end of the antenna. This is
our next set of quandaries revolves As the upper portion of Figure 1 shows, 86% of the distance from the end of the
around obtaining the best possible results if we use only the minimum number of antenna to the center or 43% of the total
from NEC modeling. This month we’ll segments per half wavelength for our distance from one end of the wire to the
work with three clusters of ideas: the wire, we do not stand a chance of placing other. If we specify 101 total segments
placement of sources, the selection of a the source close to the desired position. and place the source on segment 44, it
ground—including making ground-plane The solution is simple: use many seg- will be 43.1% of the distance from the
radials—and using frequency sweeps ments. It is not unreasonable or problem- left end of the wire.
productively. My selection of topics atical to use 101 segments for a model of Having enough segments in a model
stems from the number of questions I re- an OCF antenna that is a half-wavelength to make fine movements of the source
ceive from new modelers. These notes long. Suppose that a certain OCF design position can come in handy. Suppose that
will not answer all of them, but perhaps
they will promote some useful ways of
thinking about sources, grounds, and
sweeps in models. As always, we’ll stick
to NEC-2, using both EZNEC and NEC-
Win Plus as our sample programs.
Sources: Where and Why?
Finding the source impedance of an
antenna is vital. It gives us a good idea
of whether to lengthen or shorten an ele-
ment if we are aiming for resonance or
for a specific reactance needed for a Figure 1—A comparison of low-segment density and high segment density with
respect to precisely locating a desired source position.
matching network. In nonresonant anten-
nas, the source impedance, when com-
bined with the transmission line we pro-
pose to use, can tell us something about
the conditions our antenna tuners might
see at their terminals. 1
All of the examples in the preceding
installments used a single source or
feedpoint located at the center of the
driven element. Hence, we needed only
to use an odd number of segments on the
wire containing the source and specify
either the 50% mark or the number of the
center segment as the source position.
Life was easy, as shown by the “Source
1” designations in Figure 1.
However, not all antennas use a cen-
ter feedpoint, as evidenced by the entire
collection of antennas that we call
“OCFs” or off-center-feedpoint antennas.
Figure 2—Incorrect and correct ways to model multiple elements with a common
1
Notes appear on page 48. feedpoint, using a combined 20-meter and 15-meter dipole.
44 January 2001
Figure 3—The EZNEC wires page for the
correct model of the 20-meter and 15-
meter combined dipole antenna.

Figure 4—Two methods of modeling an inverted V (and similar elements) in order to

obtain a correct source impedance value.

Table 1
Source Impedance Values for Crossing Dipoles Using an Over-Simplified
Model and a Model With a Common Center Wire.
Figure 5—The NEC-Win Plus wires page Source Placement: 14.175 MHz Impedance 21.225 MHz Impedance
for the 3-wire version of the inverted V. R +/– jX Ω R +/– jX Ω
Simple Crossed Wire Model
On 20-meter wire 98.9 + j18.5 151.4 + j268.0
On 15-meter wire 16.8 – j346.1 35.9 – j102.7
we are looking for the point along the wire Central Source Wire Model
that yields an impedance closest to 300 Ω. Centered on common wire 57.8 + j45.9 111.5 – j780.2
As we move out from the center point,
we’ll discover that the rate of change of
source impedance per segment becomes the current levels on either side of a source approximate the source impedance at the
ever greater. However, with enough seg- segment as equal as possible. The 3-seg- exact center. For example, NEC-Win Plus
ments, we can pinpoint quite closely the ment source wire provides a simple solu- reads each of the two values as 22.1 – j8.1
300-Ω feedpoint impedance position. tion to this need. Since the source wire is Ω. The actual source impedance is the sum
Antennas very often are not quite so 2 feet long, each segment is about 8 inches of the two, adding the resistance and reac-
electrically simple as they seem to be from long. The remainders of the element wires tance separately: 44.2 – 16.2 Ω. (EZNEC
their physical appearance. One common use lengths approximately equivalent to has a “split” source option that automati-
type of antenna combines dipoles for two this value. With these precautions, we can cally places the second source on the adja-
different band with a common feedpoint, now find the source impedances for the cent segment and which also does the addi-
for example 20 and 15 meters. The quick two frequencies on which the antenna op- tion for us: the result for the same model is
way of picturing this kind of antenna ap- erates. As Table 1 shows, the 20-meter a source impedance of 44.3 – j16.5 Ω.)
pears in the top sketch in Figure 2. We wires are just a bit long, but the 15-meter Alternatively, we can use the short 3-
bring 4 wires together and join them at the wires are well short of resonant length. Try segment source wire technique so that we
center. Now we have the significant ques- revising the end values for the 20-meter can place a single source. The bottom of
tion: where do we place the source? We element to 16.0 and for the 15-meter ele- Figure 4 shows the principle, which adds
have essentially 2 choices: on the first ment to 12.45 (both in feet, of course). one wire to the model. Figure 5 gives us
segment adjacent to the junction on the 20- Note how changes in the 20-meter wire the NEC-Win Plus wires page, which also
meter wire or on the corresponding posi- lengths create large changes in the 15- shows that once more, we have kept the
tion on the 15-meter wire. Table 1 gives meter source impedance, while changes in segment length in the sloping wires about
us the source impedance values that we get the 15-meter wires have smaller effects on the same as in the center source wire. The
for 14.175 MHz and for 21.225 MHz for the 20-meter source impedance. impedance numbers yielded by this model
each position for the model. Another common antenna, the inverted are 44.2 + j3.6 Ω. The very slight differ-
Which set of values is close to correct? V, lets us demonstrate that sometimes we ence in reactance is a result of our having
We can’t tell. In fact, neither set is accu- can use more than one sourcing technique added a tiny amount to the overall length
rate. Let’s reform the model to match the to arrive at the same goal. Figure 4 shows of the wire by adding the source wire.
bottom part of Figure 2. We’ll bring the two ways to model an inverted V—and by These sourcing techniques should let us
left ends of the 20-meter and the 15-meter extension, any other antenna where single handle with ease most of the antenna ge-
elements to a common point that is shy elements approach the feedpoint at an angle ometries that we might encounter. 2 So let
of center. Then, we’ll create a short, other than 180-degrees. The top version of our eyes drop to the ground for a while.
3-segment wire that is centered. The right the V shows the use of a dual source on the
sides of each band’s element moves from segments immediately adjacent to the junc- Grounds and Ground Planes
the junction point on the right of the tion. (Note that this example differs from We have noted two of the types of
center wire outward toward the ends. the preceding one by using only a single ground permitted with NEC in past epi-
Figure 3 shows the model on the EZNEC element for one band.) Since the source sodes: free-space (also referred to as “no
Wires page. impedance changes very slowly in the cen- ground”) and the Sommerfeld-Norton
The reason that the center wire (#3) has ter area of a resonant 1/2-wavelength an- high accuracy ground. Free-space, of
3 segments is that we should always keep tenna, the two sources together will closely course, eliminates the reflecting surface
January 2001 45
 Figure 8—A view of the EZNEC
model of the vertical monopole
and its ground plane.

Figure 6—The EZNEC Windows boxes for

selecting the ground type and for
supplying the values for the conductivity
and the dielectric constant.

Table 2
Commonly Used Soil Quality Designations and their Corresponding Values
of Conductivity and Permittivity
Type Conductivity Permittivity
(Siemens/meter) (dielectric constant)
Very Poor 0.001 5
Poor 0.002 12
Figure 7—A partial EZNEC wires page for Average/Good 0.005 13
a 40-meter vertical monopole with a 32- Very Good 0.0303 20
element ground plane system. Salt Water 5.0 81

that we call ground so that antennas have many more.3 However, looking up local length, which amounts to under 2 inches
a limitless sphere for their expanding ra- values or testing one’s own ground is al- at 40 meters. Some modelers have suc-
diation patterns. ways more precise than a table of gen- cessfully experimented with ground
Actually, NEC provides 3 types of eral values. For most hams, measuring planes as low as 0.0001 wavelength
ground, shown in Figure 6, the EZNEC conductivity is usually more feasible than above the surface, although in every case,
boxes for both ground type and value. measuring the soil dielectric constant. we must allow for the radius of the
“Perfect” ground is sometimes useful for The two numbers—conductivity in ground plane wire. The surface of the
preliminary modeling of vertical anten- Siemens per meter and the relative dielec- wire should not touch the ground.
nas that touch the ground—akin to using tric constant (permittivity—no units)— Fortunately, both EZNEC and NEC-
free space for highly elevated antennas. together combine in engineering equa- Win Plus include automated radial mak-
The “real” ground possibilities include tions for the calculation of the effects of ers. We need only specify the center
the fast or “reflection-coefficient” ground on antenna radiation, both in point, the number of radials, the number
ground—which is inaccurate below about terms of reflections and of losses. How- of segments per wire, and the wire diam-
0.1 wavelength antenna height—and the ever, NEC ground calculations presume eter. (Some programs require that you set
preferred Sommerfeld-Norton ground, a uniform soil beneath the antenna. At up the first radial and then the others be-
which is accurate down to about 0.001 lower HF frequencies and below, the come copies spaced the correct number
wavelength of antenna element height. stratified nature of the soil beneath the of degrees apart.)
(EZNEC provides the NEC-user with the antenna and its more distant area where Figure 7 shows the first 14 radials
MININEC ground system, but it has lim- the fields are reflected may play a role in (plus the vertical 40-meter antenna) of a
ited use for most modelers.) Modern fast advanced modeling. For the beginner, 32-radial system. We could, of course,
computers let us zero in on the high ac- selecting one of the standard categories calculate the end coordinates of each ra-
curacy ground for all of our work that usually suffices for reasonable accuracy. dial with a little sine and cosine work
places the antenna over earth. There is a second type of ground im- from trigonometry, but the automated ra-
Since all of our models so far have portant to modelers, the radial ground dial maker is much faster. In general, one
been horizontal, we have simply used the plane we establish beneath our vertical should limit the number of junctions at a
program default “average” ground values. antennas. Although we commonly place single point to about 30, since NEC can
However, as modeling becomes more se- the radial wires either directly on the become less accurate as the angle be-
rious or if we have a vertical antenna, it ground or slightly beneath the surface, tween wires at a junction becomes too
becomes increasingly important to select NEC cannot model any wire on or under small. However, the rate of error increase
ground values that most closely approxi- the ground. However, for a close approxi- is small and NEC appears to handle 32-
mate the conditions for the antenna we mation of ground plane action, we can radial systems with ease.
propose to build. Table 2 provides a short construct a model of a radial system very The radials in Figure 7 are dimen-
list of commonly used values, and a list- close to the ground. The normal limit of sioned in meters (with the wire size in
ing in The ARRL Antenna Book supplies close approach is about 0.001 wave- millimeters). The height of the radial sys-
46 January 2001
 Figure 10—The NEC-Win Plus wires page
showing the set-up of the 6-element Yagi
model along with frequency sweep data.

The 6-element high performance Yagi

looks more complex in the sketch than its
models looks in Figure 10, a NEC-Win
Figure 9—An outline sketch of a 6-element Yagi used in the frequency sweep exercise. Plus main page. Here, we see all 6 ele-
ments, their diameter (in feet), their alu-
minum material, and the source located on
the second or driven element. If we look
Table 3 to the top of the page, we see that the
A Summary Table of Modeling Results from a 28 to 29 MHz Frequency model will be run in free space, with only
Sweep of a 6-Element Yagi NEC Model a simply azimuth pattern chosen. NEC’s
Frequency Gain Front-to-Back Source Impedance 50-Ω VSWR output tables will produce all data for each
(MHz) (dBi) Ratio(dB)
frequency swept, including the source im-
28.0 9.95 18.4 33 – j 6 1.54 pedance (and the program’s calculation of
28.1 9.98 19.9 35 – j 4 1.44
28.2 10.01 21.4 37 – j 2 1.36 the 50-Ω SWR), the currents on each ele-
28.3 10.04 22.9 39 – j 0 1.30 ment segment, and the radiation pattern
28.4 10.08 24.5 40 + j 2 1.25 values used in the output plot.
28.5 10.11 25.8 42 + j 3 1.22 How we set up the sweep is shown in
28.6 10.14 26.4 43 + j 5 1.19 the upper left corner of Figure 10. We se-
28.7 10.16 26.1 45 + j 6 1.18
28.8 10.19 25.2 46 + j 6 1.17 lect a start and stop frequency, as well as
28.9 10.21 23.9 48 + j 7 1.15 an increment. In this case, we’ll obtain
29.0 10.22 22.7 49 + j 6 1.13 all values for the range of 28 to 29 MHz
at 0.1 MHz increments. (Interestingly,
this system has resulted from user pref-
tem is 0.05 m or 50 mm, which is just ever, once you master the radial-maker in erence. Raw NEC actually specifies a
under 2 inches. I have used these dimen- your program, as well as the limiting con- start frequency, the number of steps to be
sions as an alert: you will undoubtedly ditions that we have noted, then no radial swept, and the increment of increase for
encounter models in both metric and in system will be too complex to model. each step. Commercial implementations
English units, so gaining some facility in make the transition from user-input to
translating between the two systems is Frequency Sweeps: Why and How? NEC core invisible.)
very useful to every modeler. One of the initial tendencies of most If we run the sweep, then we can ob-
Figure 8 is a view of the overall an- modelers is to model for perfection at a tain a truly overwhelming volume of data.
tenna model, showing the 1/4-wavelength specific design frequency. For example, Most users reduce the volume to a set of
vertical element along the Z-axis together if we model a Yagi, we try to arrive at the select values. Most commonly gleaned are
with all 32 1/4-wavelength radials. Each maximum possible gain, the highest the gain, the 180° front-to-back ratio, the
wire has 10 segments, with the source front-to-back ratio and resonance—all on source impedance, and the SWR relative
segment being the lowest one on the an- one frequency. We then sometimes mis- to a user-preset standard. Occasionally, we
tenna wire. The model’s 330 total seg- takenly think that our work is done. might add the –3 dB beamwidth to the col-
ments may seem large, but on modern However, amateur antennas only lection, and sometimes the currents along
PCs, the run time is quite fast. If your rarely are used at a single frequency. In- the element may be important. However,
program permits the model size, you stead, we normally use them across a in the beginning, the data in Table 3 will
might wish to increase the number of seg- band of frequencies, such as all of 20 satisfy most requirements.
ments per wire by a factor of 1.5 to 2. meters or the first MHz of 10 meters. The Note that in the table, I have recorded
The resulting model would place the modeler’s work is not complete until the values in different levels of precision,
source a bit closer to the radial junction antenna is checked and analyzed at rea- some with more operational significance
to improve the precision of the output. sonably close spot frequencies across the than others. For example, no one can tell
We have chosen a complex radial sys- band of use. Fortunately, NEC is designed the difference on the air between 9.95 and
tem as our example, although much mod- for “frequency sweeping.” 9.98 dBi free-space gain. However, in
eling will be done with simpler systems. How we sweep and what a sweep might making up tables from NEC output data,
Many upper HF models will use as few as tell us can be illustrated with a single it is often useful to use the level of nu-
4 radials elevated far above ground. How- model, shown in outline form in Figure 9. merical precision that shows most clearly
January 2001 47
Figure 11—A NEC-Win Plus 50-Ω SWR plot from 28 to 29 MHz Figure 12—A NEC-Win Plus graph of the source resistance and
for the 6-element Yagi. reactance values from 28 to 29 MHz for the 6-element Yagi.

the trends in the figures. For the source downward by about 0.2 MHz might give though an exercise in the last episode of the
impedance data, whole numbers are suf- us a minimum of 10 dBi gain, a minimum series that will show at least one situation in
which choosing one type of source over the
ficient. For the front-to-back date, a front-to-back ratio of 20 dB across the band, other makes our work easier.
single decimal place works well, while and a peak 50-Ω SWR value of about 3
See Chapter 3 of the 19th Edition of The ARRL
some of the gain trend might be lost if 1.35:1. Antenna Book for a good treatment of the
effects of the earth on antennas, and espe-
we used fewer than 2 decimal places. Use The more you get into the habit of fre- cially pages 3-6 for a picture of ground values
the level of precision that coincides with quency sweeping your antenna models, applicable to various parts of the US.
the task at hand. NEC will always supply the more insight you will gain into vari- You can contact the author at 1434 High
more precision than we can ever use, and ous designs. Trends in performance can Mesa Dr, Knoxville, TN 37938-4443;
our performance requirements may be be as important as peak performance data cebik@cebik.com.
looser than those we may want to impose in telling us how antennas of various
on the data for study purposes. types do their work. Some sweeps may
From the table, we can detect certain cover wide frequency ranges at greater
trends. For example, the peak front-to- intervals—for example, when checking
back ratio occurs above the mid-band the performance of a log periodic dipole NEW PRODUCTS
point of 28.5 MHz. (Very often, for the array (LPDA) from 14 MHz through
highest front-to-back ratio at the band 30 MHz. Other sweeps may use very RADIO-ELECTRONIC
edges, the peak value for a Yagi should small intervals over restricted frequency TRANSMISSION FUNDAMENTALS
be a little below the band center.) At the ranges—for example, determining at ◊ Noble Publishing has recently made
same time, the gain increases all across what frequency (or frequencies) the available reprints of Radio-Electronic
the band, but that is natural to Yagis hav- 50-Ω SWR passes the 2:1 point for a Transmission Fundamentals, Second Edi-
ing one or more directors. 40-meter antenna and deriving from that tion, by B. Whitfield Griffith, Jr.
Graphing some of the trends is use- an operating bandwidth. Originally published in 1962—and now
ful, and some programs have built-in In this part of our series, we have cov- offered again for the first time since then—
graphing facilities. Figure 11 shows the ered considerable ground: source place- this classic textbook has been hailed by
NEC-Win Plus 50-Ω SWR graph, which ment, grounds and ground planes, and many for its clear and concise explanation
gives us the same data as Table 3. We frequency sweeps. Part 4, will cover even of antennas, transmission lines and RF net-
begin to see that the peak front-to-back more ground, as it corrals a number of works from the perspective of electromag-
ratio at 28.6 MHz coincides with the fact topics: loads, transmission lines, model netic field theory.
that the minimum SWR occurs at the up- tests, and limitations of NEC. However, Although some of the materials in this
per end of the design range for the model. by the time the last installment appears, book have been superseded since its origi-
The NEC-Win Plus graph of the source you may have already obtained a model- nal date of publication, the straightforward
resistance and reactance adds further con- ing program, read the manual, practiced discussion of the underlying principles, con-
cepts and components still remains valuable.
firmation. The source resistance only ap- a lot, and be way of ahead of me.
The 648-page hardcover textbook is di-
proaches 50 Ω at the high end of the vided into four major sections covering
range, although reactance should not be Notes
1
The new ARRL Antenna Book , just released electrical networks, transmission lines, an-
a problem, since it peaks at 7 Ω and then in its 19th edition, has an excellent program tennas and transmitters. Chapters are kept
descends again. for using the source impedance along with short to facilitate its use as a reference tool.
The picture we get from the frequency most kinds of feed lines to show the imped-
ance at the antenna tuner end of the line, Knowledge of calculus is not presupposed.
sweep is that our design work is not fin- whatever length of line we specify. Written Price, $75; ISBN 1-884932-13-4; order
ished. For optimal operation of the antenna by Dean Straw, N6BV, TLW also provides a number NP-34. For additional information
from 28 to 29 MHz, we would like to in- wealth of other data for the antenna system contact Noble Publishing Corp, 630 Pin-
crease the element lengths just a bit to bet- builder.
2
nacle Court, Norcross, GA 30071; tel 770-
In our look at sources in this episode, we
ter center the maxima and peaks in the won’t focus on whether we are using a volt- 449-6774; fax 770-448-2839; orders@
sweep table. Perhaps moving the peaks age or a current source. However, we’ll work noblepub.com; www.noblepub.com.
48 January 2001 Next New Products
 By Joe Carcia, NJ1Q

The 2001 W1AW HF

Digital Run
Grab some software and participate in this fascinating on-air
receiving test!

T he ARRL is celebrating 2001 with

a new on-air event featuring two
new digital modes: PSK31 and
MFSK16! On January 13-14, 2001,
Table 1
W1AW HF Digital Run Schedule
Note: All dates and times are UTC. Frequencies shown are plus or minus QRM.
Time Mode Frequency Power
ARRL Headquarters station W1AW, in Time Mode Frequency Power
(MHz) (W) (MHz) (W)
Newington, Connecticut, will use PSK31
January 13
and MFSK16 to send short bulletins on 1500 PSK31 14.071 100 2100 PSK31 10.140 100
four HF bands (80, 30, 20 and 10 meters) 1506 PSK31 14.071 10 2106 PSK31 10.140 10
at three different power levels. All you 1512 PSK31 14.071 1 2112 PSK31 10.140 1
have to do is copy at least 75% of any of
these transmissions to become eligible for 1518 MFSK16 14.080 100 2118 MFSK16 10.135 100
1524 MFSK16 14.080 10 2124 MFSK16 10.135 10
a handsome certificate. This will be a test 1530 MFSK16 14.080 1 2130 MFSK16 10.135 1
of your ability to receive these signals un-
der varying conditions. 1600 PSK31 28.121 100 January 14
W1AW will initiate each transmission 1606 PSK31 28.121 10 0200 PSK31 3.580 100
at a power level of 100 W. This transmis- 1612 PSK31 28.121 1 0206 PSK31 3.580 10
sion will run approximately 5 minutes. It 0212 PSK31 3.580 1
1618 MFSK16 28.130 100
will be followed by two additional trans- 1624 MFSK16 28.130 10 0218 MFSK16 3.610 100
missions at 10 W and 1 W. Because this 1630 MFSK16 28.130 1 0224 MFSK16 3.610 10
event promotes the digital modes’ abil- 0230 MFSK16 3.610 1
ity to facilitate communications at low
power levels, amateurs are encouraged to
send in only those reports of the lowest
power level received. See Table 1 for fre-
quencies and times.
Setting up for MFSK16 and PSK31
The MFSK16 runs will occur immedi-
ately after the PSK31 transmissions. The To participate in the W1AW HF Digital Run, you’ll need the following items:
1. An HF transceiver or receiver.
same schedule and power levels will be 2. A sound-card-equipped computer. PC users will need a Pentium 100 or faster with
used. The difference will be in the bulle- Windows 95, 98 or ME to run the PSK31 or MFSK16 software. Mac users will require
tin information itself. At each power level PowerPCs. All computers must have 16-bit Soundblaster compatible sound cards.
and mode, a different bulletin will be sent. 3. Software
PSK31 for PCs: DigiPan members.home.net/hteller/digipan/
Send Your Reports WinPSK www.qsl.net/ae4jy/winpsk.htm
To apply for the certificate, mail the re- MFSK16 for PCs: Stream iz8bly.sysonline.it/
ceived text (either as a printed screen-cap-
ture image, or in text form). No e-mails, PSK31 for Macs Multimode www.blackcatsystems.com/software/
please. Include a large, self-addressed- multimode.html
stamped envelope for the certificate. Indi-
PSK31 for Linux DL9RDZ wwwcip.informatik.uni-erlangen.de/user/
cate the lowest power level and mode re- hsreiser/hamradio/
ceived. Send your reports by February 12, (There is no MFSK16 software available for Macs or Linux at this time.)
2001 to: Simply connect an audio cable between the accessory or external speaker output of
W1AW HF Digital Run your radio and the LINE or MIC INPUT of your sound card. Install the software, make
225 Main St audio adjustments according to the software help files, and you’re good to go!
For more information see “The HF Digital ‘Tower of Babel,” by Steve Ford,
Newington, CT 06111 WB8IMY and “MFSK for the new Millennium” by Murray Greenman, ZL1BPU,
The results will be published in a fu- elsewhere in the issue.
ture issue of QST. Good luck!
January 2001 49
 By Steve Ford, WB8IMY

The HF Digital
“Tower of Babel”
The world of amateur HF digital communication is growing faster
than anyone would have imagined. Let’s pause, catch our breath
and see where we are today.
And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the
children of men built. And the Lord said, “Behold, the people are
L
ife used to be simple for the HF
digital operator. Prior to 1982, you one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do:
had RTTY—period. Then and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have
AMTOR hit the scene, coinciding with
the birth of the Computer Age. A few
imagined to do. Let us go down, and there confound their
years later we began hearing 300-baud language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.”
packet on HF. So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of
In early ’90s, we saw the emergence all the Earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the
of Clover, PACTOR and G-TOR. Finally, name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the
hams discovered the amazing abilities of
their computer sound cards and new language of all the Earth.—Genesis 11:5-9 (King James version)
modes began popping up like mushrooms
after a steady rain. PSK31 is the most HAL ST-8000A, for example, is consid- Depending on whom you talk to, RITTY’s
famous of these, making a big splash two ered the crème de la crème of terminal performance approaches that of the ven-
years ago. More sound-card-based HF units, offering extraordinary RTTY per- erable ST-8000A.
digital modes have arrived in the mean- formance.) With a computer and an SSB
time, and more are on the way. radio, these devices act like “radio mo- AMTOR
Like the Genesis story, we began with dems,” converting receive audio to data, Amateur Teleprinting Over Radio—
one language and now we are scattered and data to transmit audio (see Figure 1). AMTOR—enjoyed widespread popular-
into many camps. What are we doing with In recent years, sound card software ity from about 1983 through 1991. Its
all of these modes? What’s hot and what’s for RTTY has made substantial inroads. distinctive chirp-chirp sound was a staple
not? Let’s take a guided tour through our The majority of these programs are in- on the HF bands. Hams made ample use
own Tower of HF digital Babel. tended for “casual operating.” That is, of its error-free text capability, even set-
they are not designed for competitive ting up automatic AMTOR mailbox op-
RTTY RTTY such as DX pileups or contesting. erations (MBOs) where messages could
Radioteletype, better known as RTTY, A few programs, such as RITTY 4.0 by be stored for later retrieval from any-
is the granddaddy of HF digital, although Brian Beezley, K6STI, are written to where in the world. AMTOR has since
its popularity has been seriously under- meet exacting performance requirements. been superseded by faster, more versa-
cut by PSK31. RTTY remains, however,
the mode of choice for digital contesting
and DXing.
RTTY does not use any form of error
detection; what you see on the screen is
what you get. Even so, with adequate
demodulator sensitivity and sharp filter-
ing, it’s possible to enjoy excellent copy
under poor conditions.
The traditional road to RTTY has been
through an external terminal unit or mul-
timode processor such as those manufac-
tured by Kantronics, MFJ, Timewave,
HAL Communications and others. (The Figure 1—A typical HF digital station using an external multimode processor.
50 January 2001
 mode in a remarkably short period of time.
WinLink 2000—Internet E-mail from Anywhere! PACTOR was also widely adopted for
The Internet has become the e-mail medium of choice for most hams, but there mailbox operations and other forms of
is a sizeable group of amateurs who often travel beyond the reach of the Internet. This message handling. Today it still remains
group includes hams at sea, travelers in recreational vehicles (RVs), missionaries, the most popular of the error-correcting
scientists and explorers. No doubt the day will come when wireless, affordable Internet modes.
e-mail access will be available from any point on the globe. Until that day arrives,
Most PACTOR is done using stand-
however, Amateur Radio HF digital operators have a very capable substitute!
More than 21 HF digital stations worldwide have formed a remarkably efficient e- alone multimode processors like the MFJ,
mail network known as WinLink 2000. Running WinLink 2000 software and using Kantronics, HAL or Timewave products
primarily PACTOR or PACTOR II, these facilities transfer e-mail between HF stations I’ve already mentioned. When this article
and the Internet. They also “mirror” (share) messages between themselves using the went to press, there was only one sound-
Internet, allowing amateurs to pick up their e-mail from any WinLink 2000 station. card program capable of transceive opera-
The network evolved in the 1990s from the original AMTOR-based APLink sys- tion in PACTOR. It is part of an earlier
tem. APLink was a network of stations that relayed messages to and from the VHF version of Brian Beezley’s RITTY and it is
packet network. As PCs became more powerful, and as PACTOR and Clover super-
still available directly from Brian at a cost
ceded AMTOR, a new software system was needed. That need brought about the
debut of WinLink, originally authored by Victor D. Poor, W5SSM, with additions from of $150 (see the “Learn More!” sidebar).
Peter Schultz, TY1PS. WinLink itself evolved with substantial enhancements cour- PACTOR II debuted in the mid ’90s as
tesy of Hans Kessler, N8PGR. To bring the Internet into the picture WinLink stations a rival to Clover (see below), and the two
needed an e-mail “agent” to interface with cyberspace. To meet that requirement Jim have been doing battle for the hearts,
Jennings, W5EUT, added NetLink . The entire system was integrated and overhauled minds and pocketbooks of HF communi-
last year to create Winlink 2000. cators (commercial and amateur) ever
Thanks to these advancements, an HF digital operator at sea, for example, can since. Like Clover, PACTOR II uses DSP
now connect to a WinLink 2000 station and exchange Internet e-mail with nonham
techniques and innovative data coding to
friends and family.
WinLink stations scan a variety of HF digital frequencies on a regular basis, achieve extraordinary error-free perfor-
listening on each frequency for about two seconds. By scanning through frequencies mance. PACTOR II is only available in
on several bands, the WinLink stations can be accessed on whichever band is appro- multimode processors manufactured or li-
priate according to your location and the propagation conditions at the time. censed by Special Communications Sys-
You can access Winlink 2000 stations using just a basic PACTOR setup. How- tems (SCS), and they tend to be expen-
ever, most users also rely on a piece of software known as Airmail to handle upload- sive ($800). This has slowed PACTOR II’s
ing and downloading automatically. Airmail is a 32-bit program that runs under acceptance in the ham community. In
Windows 95, 98 or NT 4.0 . Airmail supports the SCS PTC-II and IIe PACTOR-2
processors, as well as the Kantronics KAM+ and KAM-98, AEA/Timewave PK-232
1999, SCS introduced a pared-down pro-
and PK-900 modems, and the MFJ 1276 and 1278B. You can download a copy of cessor (the PTC-IIe) that offered the same
Airmail online at www.airmail2000.com. To learn more about WinLink 2000, see performance, but at a somewhat lower cost
K4CJX’s Web site at www.winlink.org/k4cjx/. ($650).
Clover
Clover was unveiled in 1993 by HAL
tile modes. It is rarely heard on the ham packet remains stubbornly alive. HF Communications. It was one of the first
bands today. packet is still used for long-distance traf- HF digital modes to use sophisticated
This doesn’t mean that you can’t op- fic forwarding between some VHF packet data coding, coupled with complex modu-
erate AMTOR, but you may have a diffi- networks (although much of this data is lation schemes and digital processing
cult time finding anyone to chat with. For now traveling via the Internet). You’ll also technology, in an effort to overcome the
this reason, there hasn’t been a stampede find HF packet in use as part of the APRS vagaries of HF. Clover promised, and
among software programmers to write (Automatic Position Reporting System) delivered, impressive performance even
sound-card-based code to do AMTOR. network. If you hear packet bursts at the in the face of weak signals and terrible
You’ll still find AMTOR on most multi- upper end of the 30-meter band, it’s prob- band conditions. This performance ini-
mode processors, though. ably APRS. tially came at a stiff price—one that few
hams could afford. As you’d expect, the
PACKET PACTOR high cost of Clover technology dampened
Although packet technology had been PACTOR strolled onto the telecommu- enthusiasm in the beginning. Price reduc-
in existence since the early ’70s, hams nications stage in 1991. It combined the tions later in the decade, and the intro-
embraced it with gusto in the middle ’80s. best aspects of packet (the ability to pass duction of Clover II, helped the mode
(Personal computers were the driving binary data, for example) and the robust retain a small, yet dedicated, following.
force.) Packet is an error-detecting mode, error-free nature of AMTOR. It was ea- If you want to try Clover, you must
which means that it is capable of com- gerly embraced by HF digital equipment use a HAL processor; Clover is not avail-
municating error-free information, in- manufacturers and became the most able in other units. However, Clover mul-
cluding binary data (for images, software widely used HF digital communication timode processors are now in the same
applications, etc). The problem with
packet, as far as HF communication is
concerned, is that it requires strong,
“quiet” signals at both ends of the path
to function efficiently. Packet doesn’t tol-
erate signal fading, noise or interference,
which makes it a poor choice for the cha-
otic world of HF.
Despite its poor performance, HF The HAL Communications ST-8000A RTTY terminal unit.
January 2001 51
 The Need for Speed
If you are considering any of the so-called “burst” modes such as AMTOR,
PACTOR, Clover or G-TOR, it is critical that your HF transceiver be able to switch
from transmit to receive very quickly.
Why, you ask?
All of the burst modes use some form of ARQ—automatic repeat request. In the
basic system, a chunk of data is sent and then the sending station waits for a specific
amount of time to hear from the receiving station. Was everything received without
errors? If the answer is “yes,” the receiving station transmits an acknowledgment
signal, or ACK, and the next data chunk is sent. If the answer is “no,” a non-acknowl-
edgment, or NAK, is transmitted and the data is repeated. This sets up a kind of ARQ
DigiPan—one of the most popular dance where the stations ping-pong back and forth until everything makes it through
software packages for PSK31. error free. For the dance to work properly, however, the transmitting station must hear
the ACKs and NAKs. If the rig at the transmitting station does not switch fast enough,
the ACK or NAK could arrive before the radio is ready to receive. We’re talking
milliseconds of time!
price ballpark as other multimode units The rule of thumb is to look for a radio that can switch from transmit to receive in
(less than $400). The only other hardware less than 30 ms. The lower the number, the better. QST “Product Reviews” often
requirements are a computer and a rea- measure transmit/receive-switching times for exactly this reason.
sonably stable SSB transceiver.
G-TOR
G-TOR was the brainchild of
Kantronics, a digital communication
equipment manufacturer. It is yet another
high-performance mode, although not as
costly as Clover or PACTOR II. Like both
of the former, however, G-TOR is pro-
prietary. That means that it is only avail-
able in equipment manufactured by
Kantronics. Coming several years after
the appearance of PACTOR, G-TOR The MFJ 1278B multimode processor.
never really captured the attention of HF
digital operators. It is somewhat uncom-
mon on the ham bands today as a result. become the Number One HF digital mode One variation of Hellschreiber known
for casual keyboard-to-keyboard operat- as Feld-Hell works its magic by keying a
PSK31 ing. It has also been embraced enthusi- CW transmitter ON for every black portion
PSK31 could be viewed as a high- astically by the QRP (low power) in a text character, and OFF for every white
octane cousin of RTTY. It is not an error- community—and for good reason. With space. Timing is critical. See Figure 2 for
free digital mode, but it offers excellent just a couple of watts and a wire antenna an example of Feld-Hell signal reception.
weak-signal performance. Peter you can work stations throughout the Feld-Hell has drawn some interest among
Martinez, G3PLX, the same person who United States, along with a good selec- low power (QRP) operators because you
brought the commercial SITOR mode to tion of DX as well. PSK31 is easy to op- can operate with simple (but stable) CW
the ham bands as AMTOR, invented erate and the software is inexpensive transmitters. Most Feld-Hell operation,
PSK31. For a few years, PSK31 lan- (free, in many cases). With most amateurs however, is done using SSB transceivers
guished in obscurity because special DSP owning sound-card-equipped computers using on/off tone “keying” to accomplish
hardware was necessary to use it. But in these days, that’s a combination too pow- the same result. Feld-Hell is the most popu-
1999, Peter designed a version of PSK31 erful to resist. lar of the Hellschreiber modes.
that needed nothing more than a common You can also send text imagery by us-
computer sound card. It was a simple Hellschreiber ing different frequencies (tones) to rep-
piece of software that ran under Windows Hellschreiber is not a new mode (it was resent the black and white areas. This
and used the sound card as its interface pioneered in the 1920s and 30s by Rudolf version of Hellschreiber is called Multi-
to the transceiver. Peter made the soft- Hell), but a number of hams are beginning Tone Hell, or simply MT-Hell. There are
ware available at no cost on the Internet. to discover its possibilities. Unlike all of several variations of MT-Hell in use.
Announce that you are offering free soft- the other modes we’ve discussed so far, Once again, Hellschreiber in its vari-
ware to the ham community and the re- Hellschreiber is visual. That is to say, the ous flavors is available through sound-
action will be predictable—PSK31 took signals “paint” the text on your screen card software. If you are already set
off like gangbusters. much in the same sense that a television up to do PSK31 or RTTY with your
The PSK31 community received or fax signal paints an image. sound card, you can try Hellschreiber by
another jolt in 2000 with the debut of
“panoramic” software such as DigiPan
and WinPSK. Both software packages
made it outrageously simple to get on the
air with PSK31—all you have to do is
hook up the necessary cables, then point
and click your mouse.
In a span of just two years, PSK31 has Figure 2—Reception of a Feld-Hell signal.
52 January 2001
 Learn More!
Forgive the shameless plug, but if you want to learn more about HF digital oper-
ating, I recommend that you pick up a copy of my book, The ARRL HF Digital
Handbook. No, I won’t receive a royalty from your purchase, only a bit of ego
gratification! See the ARRL Publications section in this issue, or call 888-277-5289.
Multimode Communication Processors
Kantronics, 1202 East 23rd St, Lawrence, KS 66046; tel 785-842-7745;
www.kantronics.com
MFJ Enterprises, PO Box 494, Mississippi State, MS 39762; tel 601-323-5869;
www.mfjenterprises.com/
HAL Communications, 1201 W Kenyon Rd, Urbana, IL 61801-0365; tel 217-367-
Brian Beezley’s RITTY software in action. 7373; www.halcomm.com/
Timewave Technology Inc, 58 Plato Blvd E, St Paul, MN 55107; 651-222-4858
www.timewave.com/
SCS, Roentgenstr 36, D-63454 Hanau, Germany; www.scs-ptc.com/
Sound Card Software
BlasterTeletype (RTTY)
www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Heights/4477/
DigiPan (PSK31)
members.home.com/hteller/digipan/
DSP-CW (CW and RTTY)
www.zicom.se/dsp/index.html
IZ8BLY Hellschreiber (Hellschrieber)
iz8bly.sysonline.it/. Also, members.xoom.com/ZL1BPU/software.html
MMTTY (RTTY)
www.geocities.com/mmtty_rtty
Mix32W (RTTY and PSK31)
Throb is a 9-tone MFSK digital mode. As
with so many new HF digital modes, it tav.kiev.ua/~nick/my_ham_soft.htm
has been implemented with sound-card- Multimode (RTTY and PSK31 for Macintosh computers. PowerPCs recommended.)
based software. You can learn more www.blackcatsystems.com/software/multimode.php3
about Throb on the Web at www.lsear PSK31 (for Linux)
.freeserve.co.uk/index.html.
aintel.bi.ehu.es/psk31.html
RITTY (RTTY)
Brian Beezley, K6STI, 3532 Linda Vista Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069; k6sti@n2.net.
simply loading and running the software. $100 with delivery via e-mail, $5 additional for postal delivery. Check or money
order only.
MT-63 Stream (MFSK16 and other modes)
iz8bly.sysonline.it/
Pawel Jalocha, SP9VRC, invented
TrueTTY (RTTY)
MT-63. It is a keyboard-to-keyboard www.dxsoft.com/
“live” mode operationally similar to
WinPSK (PSK31)
RTTY and PSK31. With MT-63, however, www.winpskse.com/
the data components are spread over 64
different tones! This allows a tremendous
amount of redundancy, assuring good re-
ception even when as much as 25% of the MFSK16 card software becoming the preferred
data has been obliterated by noise, fad- MFSK16 is among the newest of the platform for new modes in the years
ing or interference. Thanks to its modu- amateur HF digital modes. By using mul- to come. There are several reasons for
lation structure, MT-63 offers excellent tiple audio tones to send data, MFSK16 this:
performance under poor conditions, even offers outstanding weak-signal perfor- • Computers and sound cards are be-
rivaling Clover and PACTOR II. mance. Many say that it exceeds the per- coming increasingly powerful while costs
There is a certain amount of contro- formance of PSK31. The most popular continue to drop.
versy surrounding MT-63 in the amateur MFSK16 software is the Stream package • The majority of amateurs who own
community. In the most robust form of by Nino Porcino, IZ8BLY. It is entirely computers also own sound cards.
MT-63, the signal is quite wide (1 kHz). sound card based and is shareware. For a • The Internet offers a highly efficient
With crowded conditions in the HF digi- thorough overview of MFSK16, see the means to distribute new software and
tal subbands today, the movement has article by Murray Greenman, ZL1BPU, updates. Most amateurs now have some
been toward narrow signals. PSK31, for in this issue. form of Internet access.
example, is only about 31 Hz wide. MT- • Once a sound card is successfully
63 seems to run counter to this trend. Fi- The Future? connected to a transceiver, the same sys-
nally, there are legal issues involving the You don’t need a crystal ball to pre- tem can be used for several modes—it’s
complex MT-63 modulation scheme. As dict that HF digital modes will continue just a matter of booting up a different
this article was written, the Federal to proliferate. Already we’re hearing new piece of software.
Communications Commission had not modes such as Piccolo 2000, Throb, One thing is certain, if you’re into HF
declared MT-63 to be a legal mode for Mosaic II and others. digital hamming, there are exciting times
US-licensed amateurs. My guess is that we will see sound ahead!
January 2001 53
 By Don A. Gagnon, WB8HQS

Does Your Club Need

a Web Site?
Does your club need some good PR? Do your directors always
seem to be at an information disadvantage? Are you tired of
ever-increasing postal surcharges? My fellow club members, you
need a Web site! Here’s how to get started.

T
he question posed in the title can’t services of a person who is willing to cre- ($10-$25 per month), to using a
necessarily be answered on the ate and maintain the Web site, and who member’s personal ISP Web space (no
spot. There are several good rea- has the time and expertise to pull it off. extra charge to the club). Remember,
sons to have a club site—but are those This is not a trivial task. It requires a sub- many ISPs balk at members using their
reasons sufficiently important to club stantial commitment if it’s going to be personal Web spaces for commercial ac-
members to justify the effort? A club done right. tivities, so if hamfest advertising and pro-
Web site should at least perform the fol- You’ll also need the right software to motion are in order, commercial hosting
lowing: make the job manageable. One of the may be required. Non-profit organiza-
•Provide information about your club most popular Web site creation packages tions may be an exception. Be sure to get
and its activities to local hams. This lets in use today is Microsoft’s Front Page approval before you start the project.
newcomers and potential new members 2000. Although there are several free or
see what your club is all about. low-cost alternatives (do a Web search on What could/should your site
•Provide services to club members. “HTML editor” to find links to a number include?
The contents could include contact infor- of them), I think you’ll find Front PageHere are some ideas about what to in-
mation, details of club meetings and ac- to be worth every penny of its $120 price
clude on your Web site. You’ll need to
tivities, membership lists, club newslet- tag. decide what’s most important to your club
ters, a database of the club’s “loaner You’ll also need a server to host your
and, therefore, worth the time and effort.
gear,” etc. Some of this information may completed Web site. Your options range
There are several items related to your
be available in your club’s printed news- from full-service commercial hosting club in general, such as:
letter, but it’s not always easy to find a sites (costs range from $50 to $150 per •
A list of directors and managers, in-
copy at a moment’s notice. month), to no frills commercial sitescluding each member’s responsibilities
• Provide services to all and how to contact him/her.
hams. These services could in- •
A list of active members,
clude general club info, their call signs and their e-mail
hamfest info, VE tests in your addresses.
area, links to specific ham-re- •
Information on club-
lated Web sites, regional owned equipment available for
hamfest listings, contact num- member use (items such as
bers and e-mail addresses for wattmeters, antenna analyzers,
ARRL representatives, a re- dummy loads, a packet station,
gional VHF/UHF repeater transceivers, etc).
map, etc. •
Details on general-use
If by now you’re thinking club equipment such as club
about building a club Web site, stations, repeaters, etc.
you have to decide whether it’s •
Information on club ac-
going to be worth the effort— tivities, including a year-at-a-
and if you have the resources glance calendar and a more de-
to pull it off! tailed look at the present
month’s activities and meet-
Required Resources ings. Detailed instructions on
The Allen County Amateur Radio Technical Society home page
The most important re- gives you everything you need up front, including plenty of how to get to club meetings
quired resource is securing the links to additional information. should also be included here.
54 January 2001
 • Electronic versions of touch, especially if you have a
club newsletters and publica- winter hamfest, as prospective
tions that can be downloaded as attendees may want to see the
Adobe PDF files. kind of weather they might en-
• A membership applica- counter if they attend.
tion form. New members can • Don’t use tags such as
fill it out online or print it and “last updated 3-1-00” unless
mail it in. it’s absolutely necessary. These
If your club sponsors a tags usually advertise the fact
hamfest, this is an excellent that you’re only able to update
place to make information on your site infrequently!
your event available to the • Make extensive use of
masses. Some of the common “mail-to” links that allow visi-
areas you may want to cover tors to directly e-mail info or
include: comments to you, club direc-
• Basic event information tors, etc. This eliminates the
such as the date of the big day, The ACARTS site also provides useful reference information, need to look up e-mail ad-
when the doors open and close, such as this map of northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio dresses and saves a lot of un-
what types of prizes you’re of- repeaters. necessary steps.
fering, talk-in frequencies, etc. • Just before you go “live,”
• Information on guest try viewing your final product
speakers, forums, VE-administered site I designed at www.acarts.com. There on as many computers and monitors, and
tests, ARRL representatives, etc. you will see most of these ideas in action. different versions of the popular Web
• Event rules that concern smoking, • Don’t try to be “cute.” Don’t send browsers, as you have access to. Be sure
music, refunds and items that can and the club’s call sign in Morse code or play to weed out as many “bugs” as you can.
cannot be sold at the hamfest. repeater audio. These gimmicky tricks
• General vendor information such as slow page load times and quickly become Maintenance
how to order tables, payment deadlines, annoying. Make sure your “changing” informa-
set-up times, etc. • Use only necessary graphics and tion is kept current. It’s frustrating to look
• General table info such as the num- keep them physically small. Your view- up items such as meeting/program no-
ber of available tables (be sure to keep ers will appreciate pages that load tices, hamfest sales data and club e-mail
this current), how much they cost, cost quickly! addresses—only to discover that the in-
and availability of electricity, special op- • Keep things logical and easy to navi- formation is out of date. People get frus-
tions (if available), etc. A graphic dia- gate. If possible, make good use of side trated very quickly if they find that
gram of your event’s table layout could navigation bars. they’ve wasted their time with outdated
also be included. • Don’t bother with hit counters. Few information while surfing your Web site.
• A table reservation form (both an people—except maybe Webmasters—re- Confirm your links periodically to
on-line form if your club can accept credit ally care. keep browsers from encountering dreaded
cards, and a form that can be printed and • Can you make and use on-line “404 errors.”
When making downloadable files
mailed in). forms? These can be handy for member-
• A list of those vendors already ship applications, hamfest table order available, keep the files as small as pos-
signed up (to let attendees know who they forms, surveys, or guest books. sible. For example, if you have a large
can expect to see). • Try to resist the urge to use frames, graphic in your printed newsletter, con-
• Driving instructions to help people image maps and other “nifty” page items. sider removing (or replacing) that graphic
find you, especially if you’re not on a Some users still use Web browsers that in the electronic version. It can make the
major thoroughfare. don’t adequately support some of these. difference between a two-minute down-
Let’s do it!
• Add links to other ham radio Web load and a 15-minute download. It’s also
sites such as the ARRL, call sign look- a good idea to indicate file sizes so users
Your first step is to decide on a site- up sites, the FCC, ham equipment can accurately gauge their interest in
hosting service and, consequently, your manufacturers, etc. Be sure to confirm downloading the file before the process
site’s domain name and Web address. If these links on a regular basis, as Web begins.
you’re using a commercial Web-hosting addresses change on a moment’s notice.
agency you’ll have to pay a $70 registra- Links to other regional club sites are a Wrap up
tion fee (good for two years) to get your nice feature. Well, that about covers the essentials
own domain name (your hosting agency • If your site hosts general club and needed to get you started. This article
can help you with this). If you’re using a hamfest info (as our site does), consider didn’t cover all of the possibilities, of
members’ personal Web space, you will a distinctive page/color/logo layout for all course, but I think it provides a lot of
be adding a club site directory to an ex- pages relating to each specific topic. This good ideas about hosting, design and con-
isting Web address. The latter method helps people navigate through your site. tent. By all means, look at other club sites
makes for more cumbersome addresses, • Think about whether you want to to see what your fellow hams have done.
Have fun, be creative and do your best
but it can save a lot of money, time and add one of several free weather links,
trouble if your site is relatively small and which give local conditions, forecasts or to make people want to come back to your
doesn’t get tons of traffic. even radar images. The banner included site again and again.
Now let’s look at some things to think with this service will make your page You can contact the author at 2805
about when designing your site. As you’re load a little slower (because it requires a Nordholme Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805;
reading this, why not check out the Web link to another server), but it’s a nice don.gagnon@home.com
January 2001 55
 WORKBENCH
PROJECTS AND INFORMATION FOR THE ACTIVE AMATEUR

The Doctor is IN
Q Larry, WA5MHE, asks, “When operating PSK31 I notice
that some hams type their text in all uppercase letters,
apparently unaware that the PSK31 code supports upper and
A So-called “Talking House” transmitters generate the sig-
nals you are hearing, and they are becoming popular
among realtors.
lower case. Why do they do this?” When a house comes on the market, the seller’s real estate
agent may install one of these transmitters to continuously
A I suspect that some of these operators may be RTTY vet-
erans. The RTTY code used by most amateurs in the
United States is known as ITA No. 2. With the limitations of a
broadcast a sales pitch about the home. The sign on the front
lawn invites drivers to tune to a particular frequency to hear
5-bit code, ITA No. 2 can only support a relatively short list of the broadcast. Talking House transmitters are FCC Part 15 de-
characters. Therefore, RTTY text is in all-uppercase letters, vices that do not require licenses to own and operate. (They
rather than the mix of upper and lower case that we are accus- are in the same class as AM and FM “wireless microphones.”)
tomed to seeing. The Talking House units typically operate above 1600 kHz
There are three problems with sending text in all uppercase: and have an output of 100 mW or less. Their range is limited
(1) It is more difficult to read, (2) in the age of the Internet the to about 1500 feet. Believe it or not, some hard-core broad-
custom is to interpret all-upper-case words as SHOUTING and cast-band DXers attempt to receive these signals at much
(3) uppercase characters in PSK31 take longer to send. Internet- greater distances, although their success varies!
savvy hams (the majority of us, these days) are becoming more
sensitive to the use of upper and lowercase in digital communi-
cation. I think this issue will resolve itself over time.
Q Jon, W4BCT, asks, “I recently bought some radio crys-
tals. Most are removed from 1940s Navy radios. When I
was young my father had some of these, and I wanted to take
them apart to see what was inside. Of course, he wouldn’t
Q I have a dipole cut for 20-meters fed with 45 feet of coax
and I’m trying to use it on 40-meters with an antenna
tuner. However, I need the full amount of tuner capacitance to
allow this. Now I have some to play with, but I was wondering
if you could explain how crystals work?”
get the SWR to 1:1. Does that mean that I am consuming a lot
of power in the tuner? A A number of crystalline substances found in nature have
the ability to transform mechanical strain (movement) into
an electrical charge, and vice versa (think of a tuning fork or a
A How much 40-meter power gets to your 20-meter dipole
depends upon both the loss in the tuner and the loss in the
feed line. According to the EZNEC antenna-modeling software,
church bell which can transform mechanical strain into sound).
This property is known as the piezoelectric effect. A small plate
if your dipole is 35 feet above average ground, the feedpoint or bar cut in the proper way from a quartz crystal and placed
impedance at 7 MHz is about 13.6 – j1000Ω. between two conducting electrodes will be mechanically
While that doesn’t tell you what you get at the tuner end of strained when the electrodes are connected to a source of volt-
the line, N6BV’s TL and TLW programs (from the ARRL An- age. Conversely, if the crystal is squeezed between two elec-
tenna Book disk) will. If you are using RG-213 coax, the trodes a voltage will be developed between the electrodes.
shack-end impedance will be 546 + j806 Ω (SWR 35:1). The Crystalline plates also are mechanical resonators that have
same programs also give you the total feed line loss for a given natural frequencies of vibration ranging from a few thousand
SWR. In this case, the line loss is 16 dB. Clearly, the loss in hertz to tens of megahertz. The vibration frequency depends
the tuner is not all you need to worry about! on the kind of crystal, the way the plate is cut from the natural
If you substitute 450-Ω ladderline instead, the shack-end im- crystal, and on the dimensions of the plate (like the tuning fork
pedance is 14 + j667 Ω (SWR 115:1), but the feed line loss drops and the bell). The thing that makes the crystal resonator valu-
to 3 dB. Why is it lower than the coax if the SWR is higher? The able is that it has extremely high Q, ranging from 5 to 10 times
answer is that the additional loss due to the SWR is propor- the Qs obtainable with good LC resonant circuits.
tional to the line’s characteristic loss, and ladderline has much Since the crystal has a definite resonant frequency con-
less loss than coax. A 2.7-dB loss is half of your power, though. trolled by the crystal lattice, it can be used to “regulate” an
If you operate on 40 meters a lot you might want to consider a oscillator to a high degree of accuracy.
longer antenna (an 80-meter dipole on 40 meters gives a total The crystals we use most often resonate in the 1- to
feed line loss of less than 0.5 dB with 45 feet of ladderline). 30-MHz region and are of the AT cut, thickness shear type,
Concerning the loss in the tuner, every tuner design will although these last two characteristics are rarely mentioned.
have a certain amount of loss. Some tuners are more lossy A 15-MHz-fundamental crystal of this type is about 0.15 mm
than others. thick. Because of the widespread use of reprocessed war-
surplus, pressure-mounted FT-243 crystals, you may think of

Q Larry, K0LWV, asks, “While tuning around 1600 kHz I

heard a very weak AM signal that appeared to be repeat-
ing an announcement about a house for sale nearby. Is this
crystals as small rectangles on the order of a half-inch in size.
The crystals we commonly use today are discs, etched and/or
doped to their final dimensions, with metal electrodes depos-
kind of thing legal?” ited directly on the quartz. A crystal’s diameter does not
56 January 2001
 Table 1
Ionosphere
Optimum Elevation Angles to Europe
Upper Lower West
Band Northeast Southeast Midwest Midwest Coast
Antenna
10 m 5° 3° 3° 7° 3°
Signal
12 m 5° 6° 4° 6° 5°
Path
15 m 5° 7° 8° 5° 6°
17 m 4° 8° 7° 5° 5°
20 m 11° 9° 8° 5° 6°
30 m 11° 11° 11° 9° 8°
40 m 15° 15° 14° 14° 12°
75 m 20° 15° 15° 11° 11°

Table 2
Optimum Elevation Angles to Far East
Upper Lower West
Band Northeast Southeast Midwest Midwest Coast
10 m 4° 5° 5° 5° 6°
12 m 4° 8° 5° 12° 6°
15 m 7° 10° 10° 10° 8°
17 m 7° 10° 9° 10° 5°
20 m 4° 10° 9° 10° 9°
30 m 7° 13° 11° 12° 9°
(A)
40 m 11° 12° 12° 12° 13°
75 m 12° 14° 14° 12° 15°

Ionosphere

Table 3
Optimum Elevation Angles to South America
Antenna
Upper Lower West
Band Northeast Southeast Midwest Midwest Coast
10 m 5° 4° 4° 4° 7°
Signal
12 m 5° 5° 6° 3° 8°
Path 15 m 5° 5° 7° 4° 8°
17 m 4° 5° 5° 3° 7°
20 m 8° 8° 8° 6° 8°
30 m 8° 11° 9° 9° 9°
40 m 10° 11° 9° 9° 10°
75 m 15° 15° 13° 14° 14°

sponge between the palms of your hands, move one hand up

and down, and you’ll see thickness shear in action.

Q When it comes to HF antennas, how important is the

elevation angle?

(B) A Presuming that you are interested in working worldwide

DX on the HF bands, the vertical (elevation) angle of
maximum radiation is of considerable importance. An eleva-
Figure 1—The elevation angle advantage. If your signal takes
off at a high elevation angle (A), it won’t propagate very far. tion angle of 5° is very shallow, while 90° is straight up (not a
Lower the angle (B), and the increase in distance can be good angle for long-distance communication!). You want your
considerable. A wavelength of height at a particular frequency radiation pattern to be at a low elevation angle so that the sig-
results in a peak elevation angle of about 15°.
nal energy will be refracted by the ionosphere in such a way
that it propagates as far as possible (see Figure 1).
Tables 1, 2 and 3 from The ARRL Handbook show opti-
directly affect its frequency; diameters of 8 to 15 mm are mum elevation angles from locations in the continental US.
typical. These figures are based on statistical averages over all por-
AT cut is one of a number of possible standard designations tions of the solar sunspot cycle.
for the orientation at which a crystal disc is sawn from the origi- Since low angles usually are most effective, this generally
nal quartz crystal. The crystal lattice atomic structure is asym- means that horizontal antennas should be high—higher is usu-
metric, and the orientation of this with respect to the faces of ally better.
the disc influences the crystal’s performance. Thickness shear
Do you have a question or a problem? Ask the doctor! Send
is one of a number of possible orientations of the crystal’s me- your questions (no telephone calls, please) to: “The Doctor,”
chanical vibration with respect to the disc. In this case, the crystal ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111; doctor@arrl.org;
vibrates perpendicularly to its thickness. Place a moist bathroom www.arrl/org/tis/.

January 2001 57
 By Steve Thomas, WA4TQS

Mobile Fun with PSK31!

For years mobile ops have yearned for a reliable low-power mode to
add to their arsenal of on-the-move operating options. According to
the author, PSK31—the low-speed digital mode that’s been taking
ham radio by storm—is just that!

W ho’s driving? I’ve been asked that question during

almost every mobile PSK31 QSO in my logbook.
That’s right—mobile PSK31. Why not? I’d been
operating the handy new digital mode for about a year when I
required was the addition
of a 1/ 2-inch hole in the
center of the plate for the
stud mount. The plate was
thought it would be a worthy mobile experience. PSK31 has secured to the luggage rack
earned a universal reputation as a good low-power, high- with four 6-mm machine
intelligibility mode—and what could be better for mobile ops? screws and the Hamstick
Our family vacation last summer was of the “driving” was mounted and standing
variety. Our 11-year-old son had flown to Kentucky to spend tall on the roof of the van.
a few weeks with friends, so my wife, daughter and I drove to I ran a ground wire
Kentucky to celebrate the Fourth of July (and pick up our boy). from the aluminum plate to
I usually despise driving vacations for the simple reason that the nearest grounded body
I’ve always done all of the driving! Everyone else reads, sleeps panel and began to tune the
or watches videos on a dc-powered TV/VCR combo. But last Hamstick. This was a
year was different. I had PSK31 at my disposal… relatively simple task with
During the trip-planning phase I decided to add my electronic an MFJ antenna analyzer.
hodgepodge to the pile of stuff we normally carry on vacation. In just a few minutes, I had
With an HF rig, a laptop PC and an antenna, I was in business. trimmed the stainless-steel
To keep things simple, I needed an uncomplicated antenna. whip and adjusted it for a
Because I had never operated HF mobile, I didn’t have a 1.5:1 SWR at 14.070 MHz. A close-up view of my Hamstick
stockpile of mobile antenna parts breeding cobwebs in the I powered the station mobile antenna mount using the
Lumina’s luggage rack.
corner of my shack. I was starting from scratch. from a separate 12-V
A QST article by Steve Ford, WB8IMY, steered me toward marine battery that I charged with a portable ac-powered
WD4BUM’s line of Hamstick mobile whips. Perfect! They’re charger. This was much simpler than running power cables
low profile, don’t catch bugs, don’t whistle or make noise and from the front of the van (while eliminating “received” engine
don’t need any guy lines or exotic mounting hardware. All I noise).
had to do was mount it on the van. I mounted the mobile bracket for my Kenwood TS-570
Further inspired by Steve’s article, I ordered a triple-pad, transceiver to a milk crate for added stability on the road. At
magnetic-mount capable of withstanding the hurricane force the last minute I added a RIGblaster interface to simplify audio
winds I would generate as I cruised down the interstate at adjustments. We were ready to roll!
70 mph. With the Hamstick, mag-mount and SWR bridge in
hand, I headed for the van to find an optimum antenna location Who is Driving, Anyway?
on the roof. Picture this: A middle-aged adult male driving a 10-year-old
Whoops! Is there any metal on this thing? Lumina vans van 70 mph on the interstate with a laptop computer mounted
are, I discovered, constructed of corrosion-resistant plastic on the steering wheel. I don’t think so! Crazy people—hams
body panels. The mag-mount wouldn’t stick anywhere! included—might try such a stunt. But when I said I was operating
Plan B was needed. The van is, fortunately, equipped with PSK31 mobile, I didn’t say I was driving and typing at the same
a luggage rack that has adjustable bars. The bars are fitted time. For me, typing is difficult enough when the darn keyboard
with sliding 6-mm nuts. I needed a sturdy aluminum plate to is sitting still. Hitting the right keys while sitting in the back
attach the Hamstick’s 3/ 8-inch stud mount. After a half-hour of seat of a speeding van was challenging enough in itself. Driving
rummaging, my junk pile produced a mast-to-boom bracket would have added a third complicating dimension to this already
scavenged from an old tribander. The only modification challenging task. Don’t try it—don’t even think about it!
58 January 2001
 Our trip took us from The final leg of the trip ran through Biloxi, Mississippi,
Lake Jackson, Texas, 50 and back to Texas along I-10. Once again, operating in the
miles north of Houston, to flat lands was a breeze.
Texarkana. We then All told, I made 30 PSK31 QSOs. One highlight among many
headed to Little Rock, was making a solid QSO with Pete, KF4TVU, who was maritime
Arkansas, and Memphis, mobile on his sailboat in Belize. I was having a great time in my
Tennessee, where we spent land yacht, but Belize somehow sounded more exotic…
the night. Right out of the
chute I began making solid Conclusion
PSK31 contacts. This was I have been a ham, off and on, since 1960, when I was 13
going to be a great trip. I years old. Over the years there has always been something to
don’t know why I was still keep me coming back to this great hobby. PSK31 is one of
so impressed with PSK31. those “interest anchors.” This excursion was my introduction
I should have become to HF mobile operation. What a blast! PSK31 is the most
accustomed to good copy exciting mode to come to ham radio in a long time. More
My Kenwood TS-570 transceiver under less-than-optimum important than all the gizmos and technology, however, are
and RIGblaster interface.
conditions, even while the people who make ham radio great. I would like to thank
running low power. The the hams who have donated their time and talents in the best
handicap of using a small mobile antenna didn’t seem to be a traditions of Amateur Radio in making this great mode possible
problem. I even managed to have a great QSO with Ken, N9VV, and readily available to the amateur community. A special
in Chicago, running his peanut whistle PSK20 transceiver at thanks goes to Nick Fedoseev, UT2UZ, and Skip Teller,
3-W output. KH6TY, for their amazing DigiPan PSK31 software. You can
The next leg of the trip took us from Memphis to Nashville, grab a free copy at members.home.net/hteller/digipan/
then north on I-75 to Kentucky. This is where things became a download.htm.
little more difficult: The mountains, while scenic, seemed to If you’ve been looking to spice up your mobile operations,
cause a lot of fading. give PSK31 a try. Just make sure someone else is behind the
After spending the Fourth in Kentucky we headed south to wheel!
Oak Ridge and Chattanooga, Tennessee. While we were in
Chattanooga, I took the opportunity to drive to the top of Lookout
113 Catalpa
Mountain and operate briefly from Lookout Park. What a view! Lake Jackson, TX 77566
It was a shame that I didn’t see any tribanders up there. Thos001@computron.net

four-pin row of the connector. A foil-side view of a modified

FEEDBACK board is shown in the accompanying figure.
While using WinTNC to isolate this problem, I found it to be a
FIELD DAY fine piece of software. It is available from many Web sources in-
cluding www.tapr.org/tapr/html/softf.html. E-mail me if you have
◊ The photograph shown on page
any problems or questions.—John Hansen, W2FS; john@hansen.net
102 in the December 2000 QST
Next Feedback
(“Field Day 2000 Results”) ap-
peared with the wrong caption.
The correct caption should have STRAYS
identified the operators as Jason
Swalwell, VE7FXY, and his two WANTED: UNINHABITED ISLANDS PICTURES
children at the Greater Vancouver ◊ Tom Sundstrom, W2XQ, forwards a request from Greg Robins who
Radio Group Field Day site. is starting a Web site called Uninhabited Islands. Robins is a writer
and has visited a number of remote places, including the infamous
PIC KISS TNC UPDATE Swan Islands (remember Radio Swan?). Because radio amateurs often
◊ I’ve been informed that my visit such islands for DXpeditions and/or contesting, Robins seeks help
in filling in his picture collection. If you have been on such a venture
KISS TNC does not work well
and have non-radio pictures, please consider helping Greg Robins. Send
with the terminal program e-mail directly to Gregsboat1@aol.com to discuss arrangements.
WinTNC.1 Receiving was okay, Watch www.uninhabitedislands.com/ for developments.
but the user couldn’t transmit.
Research shows that this is be- QST CONGRATULATES…
cause (contrary to the KISS ◊ Lou Williams, W9GSB, who was recently inducted into the Illinois
specification) WinTNC (as well Aviation Hall of Fame. Lou has been a ham since 1933 and interested
as a couple of other programs) in aviation for almost the same amount of time. Lou flew combat mis-
sions during World War II in Europe and was very active in commer-
require “hardware flow control.” cial aviation after the war.
Fortunately, the fix is easy. Sim-
◊ Stephen Mendelsohn, W2ML, on his promotion to Senior Audio/
ply jumper pins 7 and 8 of the Video Systems Design Engineer at the ABC Television Network.
TNC’s DB9 connector, J2; these Recently elected to the position of ARRL Hudson division Vice Di-
two pins are in the middle of the rector, Steve was also recently honored with an Emmy award as one
of the Technical Managers on ABC’s historic “Millennium Special,”
1John Hansen, W2FS, “An Inexpensive KISS-Mode TNC,” QST, Nov which aired January 1, 2000. The program featured New Year’s Eve
2000, pp 53-56. celebrations from every time zone around the world.
Next Strays January 2001 59
 By H.Ward Silver, N0AX

Test Your Knowledge!

A little mathematics knuckle-cracking to fight off formulaic
frustration, cram for constant conversions, and prepare for postulate
prognostication!
1. What is the reactance of a 0.01µF capacitor at 60 Hz? 1 kHz? 10. A tuned circuit must resonate at 10.105 MHz. Choose the
1.82 MHz? proper value of inductance or capacitance that completes
2. The free-space wavelength of a 146.34 MHz signal is how the circuit:
many meters? Feet? Inches? Cm? a. 680 pF c. 220 pF
b. 4.7 µH d. 1.5 µH
3. In order to keep your self-supporting tower upright at the
11. The wattmeter shows 1200 W going into the dummy load.
maximum expected wind-load, you need a base that weighs
What is the peak voltage appearing across the load?
15000 lb. If concrete weighs 150 lb/ft3, how many cubic yards
are required? Cubic meters? 12. A power tube requires 25 cubic feet per minute of cooling
air, but you only have a squirrel-cage blower rated to deliver 1
4. Using a velocity factor of 66%, what is the length of the cubic meter per minute. Will it suffice?
following transmission lines in feet?
a. 1/4-wavelength at 3.550 MHz 13. What is the length in both feet and meters of half-wave
b. 1/2-wavelength at 443.5 MHz wire dipoles at the following frequencies?
c. 1-wavelength at 14.350 MHz a. 1.850 MHz c. 24.900 MHz
b. 7040 kHz d. 50.120 MHz
5. A counterweight for the new Zepp antenna needs to be at
least 30 pounds to keep the wire taut. All you have is a pile of 14. Convert the following between linear ratios and dB:
2-kg weights. How many are required? a. A loss of 1 dB equals a loss of how many percent?
b. A power gain of 8 is a gain in how many dB?
6. The weekend project is to put up a 1/4-wavelength sloper for c. What is the voltage ratio corresponding to 6 dB?
the state emergency net on 3975 kHz. How long is the antenna
15. A full-wave loop antenna for 3.6 MHz is 278 feet in cir-
in feet? If it’s attached to your tower at a height of 55 feet and
cumference. If the loop is to be formed into a flat-top, isoseles
the lower end must be at least 8 feet above the ground, how far
triangle with a 120-foot horizontal section 75 feet above the
from the tower base will the end be?
ground, by how much will the apex clear the ground?
7. Calculate the VSWR for the following combinations of for- Bonus: What is the speed of light in furlongs per fortnight?
ward and reflected power:
a. Pf = 95 W, Pr = 5 W
b. Pf = 1400 W, P r = 65 W
c. Pf = 10 W, Pr = 0.15 W
d. Pf = 800 W, Pr = 22 W Count one point for each correct answer.
8. The finest common subdivision of the Maidenhead Grid 20-32 You hardly broke a sweat!
Square system are the 5′ × 2.5′ subsquares. Assuming 60 nau- 10-19 Your brain is popping its circuit breakers.
tical miles per degree, how big are subsquares in kilometers? 1-9 Does not compute . . . does not compute . . .
9. Willy’s new rotor is rated to operate properly to –40°C. Billy
just bought one rated to –40°F. Whose will operate at the colder 22916 107th Ave SW
temperature? Vashon, WA 98070

16.5 feet, and a fortnight is 14 days. –40° C and –40° F are equal temperatures.
Bonus: 1.8 x 1012 furlongs/fortnight. A furlong is 40 rods, a rod is 9. Trick question—both rotors are rated exactly the same.
feet. 8. The subsquares are 5.75 × 2.88 miles or 9.26 × 4.63 km.
vertical drop so that the ground clearance is 75 – 51.4 = 23.6 section 19 of the 2000 ARRL Handbook
and one side of 60 feet, leaving √(792 – 602) = 51.4 feet of 7. 1.6: 1, 1.55:1, 1.28: 1, and 1.4:1—use the formulas in
the loop becomes a right triangle with a hypotenuse of 79 feet 47 feet, so the horizontal run is √(58.92 – 472)
15. The 120-foot flat top leaves 79 feet on a side. Each half of 6. 36.4 ft. The antenna is 58.9-feet long with a vertical drop of
14. 20.6%, 9.03 dB, and 2 5. 6.8 exactly, so use 7 weights at 2.2 lb/kg
or 2.85 m – length in ft = 468 / f (MHz) 4. 45.7 ft, 0.73 ft, 45.3 ft
13. 253 ft or 77.1 m, 66.5 ft or 20.3 m, 18.8 ft or 5.73 m, 9.34 ft with 27 ft3 / yd3
35.3 cfm. 3. 3.7 cubic yards or 2.83 cubic meters—15000/150 = 100 ft3
12. Yes. Divide m3 by 0.028316 to get ft3. The fan can deliver wavelength in meters = 300/f (MHz)
To convert Vrms to Vpk, multiply by 1.414. 2. 2.05 meters, 6.73 feet, 80.7 inches, and 205 cm—
11. 346V –1200W into a 50Ω load generates 245 Vrms. 1. 265 kΩ, 15.9 kΩ and 8.75 Ω
10. 0.37 µH, 53 pF, 1.13 µH, 165 pF Answers

60 January 2001
 SHORT TAKES

MFJ-434 Deluxe Voice

Keyer
Anyone who has ever attempted more than a casual effort
in any SSB contest knows that besides the radios, antennas
and logging programs, there is one more valuable piece of
equipment necessary for the contest. And if you lose it, your
contest efforts are sunk. Try running stations or building up
your QSO totals if you lose your voice!
To save the voice, and hopefully build up a respectable QSO
count, I recently used the MFJ-434 Deluxe Voice Keyer in the
2000 CQ World Wide SSB Contest. I was using the keyer in
conjunction with a Yaesu Mark V FT1000MP transceiver. Since
the factory default settings for internal jumpers are compat-
ible with Yaesu transceivers, no internal adjustments were nec-
essary. To configure the 434 for use with ICOM, Kenwood or
Alinco radios, all that is necessary is to remove a few screws
to open the top of the cabinet and reset eight jumpers on the
circuit board, a relatively simple procedure. MFJ suggests
leaving the setup for Yaesu and making adapter cables for other
transceivers.
Setup and Operation
As with many MFJ products, setting up the Voice Keyer
was simple. Plug in a standard 8-pin microphone plug and you
have finished the front-of-the-box setup. In the rear, simply
plug in a 12-Vdc, 100-mA power source (not included) and The rear panel of the MFJ-434 voice keyer.
attach a lead to the station’s ground. At this point, you are
ready to make the interface from the 434 to the radio. After can disable this feature by removing jumper JMP1 on the in-
that, just plug the mike into the jack input of your radio and ternal PC board.
you are all set.
The MFJ-434 has five message-storage slots that allow you CQ World Wide DX Contest
to record up to 75 seconds of messages. Message #1 has a The MFJ-434 performed as expected during the contest. Sev-
maximum length of 32 seconds. Messages #2-4 may be 10 eral unsolicited reports of good audio were received (a func-
seconds in length each, with Message #5 having a 13-second tion of the combination of the radio and the voice keyer being
limit. The messages may be programmed using either the in- used). An external control head, allowing for remote activation
ternal or an external microphone. I recorded all five messages of the various keyer memories, would have been convenient.
using an external microphone because it seemed to have bet- MFJ does offer an optional switch (the MFJ-73), but it was not
ter audio quality than the internal microphone. tested during this review. The keyer is also capable of interfac-
Recording the messages was simple. First, push the ing with your PC, and instructions are included in the manual.
RECORD/PLAY switch to RECORD . Next, select the internal Another available feature is the ability to play back a re-
or external microphone. Then, push the MESSAGE button cor- corded message in a loop. This can be quite handy on those
responding to the message you were recording. When the red long lonely hours late in the contest when CQing for those last
RECORD LED begins to flash, speak clearly. Release the mes- few contacts. The loop playback can be adjusted to repeat at
sage button to end recording. Once you have recorded all of intervals from 3 to 50 seconds or from 30 to 500 seconds, de-
your messages, push the RECORD/PLAY button back to play. pending on the front panel REPEAT DELAY adjustment and the
Push one of the message buttons to replay. (The VOLUME knob X10/X1 setting switch.
on the front panel controls the monitor speaker levels.) To I was looking for a voice keyer that was simple to setup
change one of the recorded messages, simply re-record over and use for the contest, and found that the MFJ-434 met my
the existing message. Make certain to use the XMIT ON/OFF expectations. I was able to use the keyer while running sta-
button to disable the PTT line when reviewing messages. tions during the contest and searching for multipliers and new
You may adjust the output level control on the rear panel to stations. We didn’t win CQWW, but the MFJ-434 Deluxe Voice
set the output level to the radio. If the playback audio output Keyer was a welcome addition to the station. At the end of our
level is outside your transceiver’s drive range, you may need operation, I even had my voice intact!
to make some adjustments of the internal trimpot, R29. The Manufacturer: MFJ Enterprises, Box 494, Mississippi State,
MFJ-434 also provides an automatic override that stops the MS 39762; tel 800-647-1800; www.mfjenterprises.com;
message being played whenever the PTT switch is keyed. You $179.95.

Dan Henderson, N1ND
Contest Branch Manager

January 2001 61
 THE HELP DESK

The “Considerate Operator’s Frequency Guide”

The following frequencies are generally 3.620-3.635 Automatically controlled 21.060 QRP CW calling
recognized for certain modes or activities data stations frequency
(all frequencies are in MHz). 3.710 QRP Novice/Technician 21.070-21.100 Data
Nothing in the rules recognizes a net’s, CW calling frequency 21.090-21.100 Automatically controlled
group’s or any individual’s special privilege 3.790-3.800 DX window data stations
to any specific frequency. Section 97.101(b) 3.845 SSTV 21.340 SSTV
of the Rules states that “Each station 3.885 AM calling frequency 21.385 QRP SSB calling
licensee and each control operator must 3.985 QRP SSB calling frequency
cooperate in selecting transmitting channels frequency
and in making the most effective use of the 24.920-24.925 Data
amateur service frequencies. No frequency 7.040 RTTY DX 24.925-24.930 Automatically controlled
will be assigned for the exclusive use of any QRP CW calling data stations
station.” No one “owns” a frequency. frequency
It’s good practice—and plain old common 7.075-7.100 Phone in KH/KL/KP only 28.060 QRP CW calling
sense—for any operator, regardless of 7.080-7.100 Data frequency
mode, to check to see if the frequency is in 7.100-7.105 Automatically controlled 28.070-28.120 Data
use prior to engaging operation. If you are data stations 28.120-28.189 Automatically controlled
there first, other operators should make an 7.171 SSTV data stations
effort to protect you from interference to the 7.285 QRP SSB calling 28.190-28.225 Beacons
frequency 28.385 QRP SSB calling
extent possible, given that 100% inter-
7.290 AM calling frequency frequency
ference-free operation is an unrealistic
28.680 SSTV
expectation in today’s congested bands.
10.106 QRP CW calling
frequency 29.000-29.200 AM
10.130-10.140 Data 29.300-29.510 Satellite downlinks
1.800-1.830 CW, data and other 10.140-10.150 Automatically controlled 29.520-29.580 Repeater inputs
narrowband modes data stations 29.600 FM simplex
1.810 QRP CW calling 29.620-29.680 Repeater outputs
frequency 14.060 QRP CW calling
1.830-1.840 CW, data and other frequency
narrowband modes, 14.070-14.095 Data
intercontinental QSOs 14.095-14.0995 Automatically controlled
only data stations
1.840-1.850 CW; SSB, SSTV and 14.100 IBP/NCDXF beacons
other wideband modes, 14.1005-14.112 Automatically controlled
intercontinental QSOs data stations Note
only 14.230 SSTV ARRL band plans for frequencies above
1.850-2.000 CW; phone, SSTV and 14.285 QRP SSB calling 28.300 MHz are shown in The ARRL
other wideband modes frequency Repeater Directory and The FCC Rule
14.286 AM calling frequency Book.
3.500-3.510 CW DX IBP/NCDXF beacons operate on 14.100,
3.560 QRP 18.100-18.105 Data 18.110, 21.150, 24.930 and 28.200 MHz.
3.590 RTTY DX 18.105-18.110 Automatically controlled
3.580-3.620 Data data stations

VHF/UHF/EHF Calling Frequencies

Band (MHz) Calling Band (MHz) Calling
Frequency Frequency
50 50.125 SSB 2304 2304.1 CW/SSB
50.620 digital (packet) 3456 3456.1 CW/SSB
52.525 National FM simplex frequency 5760 5760.1 CW/SSB
10000 10368.1 CW/SSB
144 144.010 EME
144.100 CW
144.200 SSB VHF/UHF Activity Nights
146.520 National FM simplex frequency Some areas do not have enough VHF/UHF activity to
support contacts at all times. This schedule is
222 222.100 CW/SSB intended to help VHF/UHF operators make contact.
223.500 National FM simplex frequency This is only a starting point; check with others in your
area to see if local hams have a different schedule.
432 432.010 EME
432.100 CW/SSB Band (MHz) Day Local Time
446.000 National FM simplex frequency 50 Sunday 6 PM
144 Monday 7 PM
902 902.100 CW, SSB 222 Tuesday 8 PM
903.100 Alternate CW, SSB 432 Wednesday 9 PM
902 Friday 9 PM
1296 1294.500 National FM simplex frequency 1296 Thursday 10 PM
1296.100 CW/SSB

62 January 2001
 SHORT TAKES

Hamtronics T301-2 2-Meter FM Transmitter

It had been almost 20 years since I had assembled a 2- After a total of eight hours of work, the T301-2 was
meter FM transmitter kit. My last effort was a nifty little 1-W complete.
output strip made by VHF Engineering (anyone remember
those kits?). It was a crystal-controlled unit with a couple of The Smoke Test
multiplier stages and a single output transistor. In contrast, I brought my T301-2 into the office and proudly presented
the Hamtronics T301-2 design reflects 20 years of evolution it to Mike Tracy, KC1SX, one of the ARRL Laboratory Engi-
in the form of a dip-switch-controlled frequency synthesizer neers. He scrutinized my work, then carried the transmitter to
and modern components such as a tiny surface-mount IC. the screen room for testing. “Let’s set some conservative cur-
rent limiting on the power supply,” he said with a smile. “Just
Building the T301-2 in case.”
The Hamtronics T301-2 comes with informative instruc- We connected the dummy load, wattmeter, frequency meter
tion sheets and application notes, but you won’t find the de- and spectrum analyzer. Mike toggled the power supply switch
tailed step-by-step assembly directions that you may be ac- and I instinctively stepped backward. No smoke! No output,
customed to seeing with other kits. The instructions were ad- either.
equate for me to build the T301-2 with a minimum of frustra- “Not a problem,” I said, brandishing the alignment tool
tion, but I wouldn’t recommend this kit to a beginner. The provided with the T301-2. I tweaked the oscillator and buffer
T301-2 is probably best suited to the ham with a little kit- stages. The wattmeter read 100 mW. As I adjusted the other
building experience in his or her resume. stages, the power increased to about 1.5 W. Finally, I tweaked
As with any kit, the first task is to identify and sort the the output coupling capacitor and the wattmeter suddenly shot
components. New hams will need to know their resistor color up to the T301-2’s specified output of 3 W. Success! At this
codes well because the parts list only identifies the resistors point the T301-2 was drawing about 500 mA from the power
by value. Capacitors, coils and chokes are straightforward, as supply.
are the transistors and ICs. (I needed a magnifying glass to Turning to the spectrum analyzer, we saw that the output was
read the transistor markings, though.) fairly clean. The strongest spur was –56 dB, which was within
The assembly went smoothly, although the tightly popu- FCC requirements. I had set the dipswitch for a frequency of
lated 3 × 5-inch circuit board becomes very crowded very 144.39 MHz and, sure enough, the frequency meter showed the
quickly. Sockets are provided for all of the ICs except the output right on 144.39 MHz. Thanks to the TXCO, the frequency
surface-mount synthesizer chip. This little IC is mounted on was rock solid throughout the tests. (Setting the dipswitch is not
the underside of the circuit board and installing it is probably as easy as just dialing in the desired frequency. It uses a binary
the most difficult aspect of building the T301-2. You have to method that can be more than a little confusing. I “cheated” by
make sure that the chip is perfectly aligned on the circuit traces going to the Hamtronics Web site and using their table of
before carefully—and I really do mean carefully—soldering dipswitch settings for various frequencies.)
each leg. A soldering iron with a fine tip, and a set of steady You do not need all of the test gear we used to check out
hands, is a must. the T301-2. According to the instructions, you can align the
My T301-2 was purchased with the high-stability TXCO T301-2 with just a VHF wattmeter.
option. I really didn’t need that level of frequency stability,
but I wanted to see what the TXCO design had to offer. The A Fun, Useful Project
module was certainly easy to install; solder three legs and So what do you do with a T301-2? I plan to hook mine up
you’re done. to a miniature packet TNC and GPS receiver to make an Au-
tomatic Position Reporting System (APRS) tracker. This little
rig would also be useful as a foxhunting transmitter, or as a
high-altitude balloon transmitter. Hamtronics offers a com-
panion receiver that you could even use to make your own
2-meter FM transceiver. (No, such a radio wouldn’t be as ver-
satile or inexpensive as a commercial unit, but you’d have
the satisfaction of knowing that you built it yourself.)
I found that T301-2 kit to be relatively easy and satisfy-
ing. I’d recommend the experience to anyone. If you don’t
want to assemble the T301-2 as a kit, however, Hamtronics is
happy to sell you the factory built version.
Manufacturer: Hamtronics, 65 Moul Rd, Hilton, NY 14468-
9535; tel 716-392-9430; www.hamtronics.com. T301-2 kit
(with crystal oscillator), $109; TXCO option, $40; T301-T
factory built transmitter, $189.

Steve Ford, WB8IMY
QST Managing Editor

January 2001 63
 HINTS & KINKS

MODIFICATIONS FOR “A $20 HF MOBILE ANTENNA” 1 The shafts are nonconductive, black in color and stronger,
◊ Having built this antenna, I thought others might be inter- pound for pound, than steel. I chose a 31×0.347-inch OD
ested in seeing a small modification to the “stays” or antenna unfletched shaft from my local archery supplier, and bought
braces. two (for a total of $5) in case I managed to destroy one in the
In the article, King uses braces made of 1/ 2-inch-diameter process.
PVC pipe from the bottom of the upper coil assembly to the After measuring the length of the original PVC braces, I cut
vehicle roof. The large-diameter braces are a little too visible the carbon shafts to length with a Dremel tool and an abrasive
for my taste, so I went in search of something a bit less con- disk. (The shafts shatter if sawn, so you must use a grinder to
spicuous. I finally arrived at a solution harking back a decade cut them.)
or so, to my sport-archery days: carbon-fiber arrow shafts. With the braces cut to length, I fashioned a pair of alumi-
num end pieces out of a strip of 0.047-inch-thick aluminum
sheet purchased at the local hobby shop. The round portions
1
Frank King, KM4IE, “A $20 HF Mobile Antenna,” QST , April 2000, were formed around the base of a 11/ 32-inch drill bit. Once they
pp 33-35.
were bent to shape, I forced the aluminum end pieces (they’re a
snug fit) on the carbon shafts and slathered the assembly with
clear epoxy, followed by a coat of flat-black enamel.
So far, the antenna has held up well, and the SWR didn’t
change when I exchanged the new carbon braces for the old
ones made from PVC. I’ll let you know how well they survive
an Alaskan winter (grin). Figures 1 and 2 show the installation
better than I can explain it. Believe it or not, the van doors
clear the braces by about 5/8 of an inch.—Greg Martin, KL0OM,
3127 Peterkin Ave, Apt 2, Anchorage, AK 99508-1049;
gmartin@gci.net
GOO REMOVERS
Figure 1—Two braces join the antenna to the van at the ◊ Often at hamfests, you may come across a nice piece of
bottom of the upper coil. (The white fuzzy stuff is frost—Ed. ) equipment, but perhaps it has a price sticker left on it that just
won’t come off. Or, maybe it was a surplus unit and has some
other stickers or tape that you can’t remove.
Telephone companies have used a citrus based cable cleaner
for years to remove the waterproof gel from cables when
resplicing phone lines. Such cleaner is made by 3M and oth-
ers, but is hard to find, especially in small quantities.
However, something similar is available almost anywhere,
for a few bucks. The best thing I have found to remove sticky
goo residue is available at Walmart and other home and auto-
motive stores. It’s MEDO2 brand Ultra Citrus Air Freshener,
in a 6-ounce pump spray bottle. You can find the air freshener
in the automotive section of the store. It’s 100% natural, ac-
cording to the label, and comes in many “flavors or scents.”
(A) (B) I’ve only tried the orange scent, however. The citrus in it will
(C) remove almost any sticky goo residue, and it will also loosen
those stubborn labels left on equipment. When I get the equip-
ment home, I just spray some on the label or tape and let it
soak for a minute or two. The label usually slides right off.
One word of caution: The Ultra Citrus will attack some plas-
tics, so always test it on the material to be cleaned in an in-
conspicuous place before spraying.—E. Kirk Ellis, KI4RK, 203
Edgebrook Dr, Pikeville, NC 27863; kirke@goldsboro.net
◊ Several other products also work well for this purpose:
• Goo Gone (Magic American Corporation)
• Goof Off, Goof Off2, Goo Remover (Lilly Industries)

Figure 2—Details of the aluminum mounts for the braces: (A) 2

MEDO Industries Inc, 660 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591; tel
at the antenna, (B) the short brace at the van and (C) the long 914-332-4343, outside New York state 800-431-1358, fax 914-332-
brace at the van. 8686; info@medo.com.

Bob Schetgen, KU7G
Senior Assistant Technical Editor

64 January 2001
Figure 3—KN6TC’s setup for switching between PSK31 and packet operation. If a 4PDT switch is available, S1, S2 and
S3 could be combined.

• Krud Kutter (Supreme Chemicals of Georgia) WB8IMY (QST, May 1999, pp 44).—James H. (Jim) Walker,
These products are available at many department stores, KN6TC, 211 East 22nd St, Owensboro, KY 42303-5110;
hardware stores and supermarkets.—Bob Schetgen, KU7G, kn6tc@freewwweb.com
ARRL Staff
POWER ATTACHMENT TO
USE THE CRYSTAL CALIBRATOR TO ADJUST DRAKE GM SIDE-TERMINAL BATTERIES
R-4C OSCILLATORS ◊ At Dayton, I’ve seen GM representatives distributing bro-
◊ The crystal-oscillator and BFO frequencies of an R-4C re- chures on how to attach radios to the automotive batteries with
ceiver can be adjusted without any test equipment. This the GM side-terminal design. Connections to these batteries
method, which uses the 25-kHz crystal calibrator, is actually are not quite as easy as they were to standard top-terminal
simpler than those that use test equipment. batteries, where one may attach directly to the bolts on the
Tune the receiver to the 28.0-MHz band. With the MODE terminal clamps. GM offers an attachment terminal for add-
switch in the SSB position and the calibrator on, tune the re- ing radio equipment, but I found it cost over $70 for the nec-
ceiver to 28.225 MHz. Adjust C59 for a zero-beat note. This essary hardware. There had to be a less expensive way that
works because 28.225 MHz is the fifth harmonic of the would still provide a good connection, and I found it.
5.645-MHz crystal frequency. Realizing that custom audio installations in vehicles must
Similarly, with the MODE switch in the AM position and the require lots of current to get that bass to thump so annoyingly,
calibrator on, tune the receiver to 27.975 MHz and I stopped at a car-stereo installation shop. After a few minutes
adjust C60 for a zero-beat note. The VFO should to tune to of discussion with the installer, I had two threaded brass ter-
27.975 MHz although it is outside the band. minal bolts to replace the stock bolts. The difference is that
To adjust the 50-kHz BFO, connect a 0.1 µF capacitor be- these have an additional threaded stud on the top, where ra-
tween pin 2 of V4 and the antenna input connector. Detune the dios can be connected easily. The total cost is under $10, and
preselector for minimum noise and adjust T11 for a zero-beat the resulting connections have proven durable. Be sure to know
note. See the instruction manual for the locations of C59, C60 how many connections are currently on each of your car’s bat-
and T11.—William J. Robertson, W9WJR, 11408 Brantford Ct, tery terminals as that determines the length of each bolt. Happy
Fort Wayne, IN 46814; W.J.Robertson@worldnet.att.net mobiling! Duane A. Calvin, AC5AA, 4102 Everest Ln, Austin,
TX 78727; ac5aa@earthlink.net
PSK31/PACKET SWITCHBOX
◊ I’ve been listening to PSK for several weeks now and have
heard many operators complain about plugging and unplug-
ging connectors in order to use the mode or change to another. Hints and Kinks items have not been tested by QST or the ARRL unless
I simply made a harness containing all the necessary cables, otherwise stated. Although we can’t guarantee that a given hint will work
for your situation, we make every effort to screen out harmful informa-
switches and enclosures to get around all the changing and tion. Send technical questions directly to the hint’s author.
fuss. Figure 3 is a schematic of my harness. All parts are avail- QST invites you to share your hints with fellow hams. Send them
able from a junk box or your friendly local RadioShack and/ to “Attn: Hints and Kinks” at ARRL Headquarters (see page 10), or via
or a retailer that handles computer accessories. For details of e-mail to rschetgen@arrl.org. Please include your name, call sign,
complete mailing address, daytime telephone number and e-mail
the radio and computer connections and operation, see address on all correspondence. Whether praising or criticizing an item,
“PSK31—Has RTTY’s Replacement Arrived?” by Steve Ford, please send the author(s) a copy of your comments.
January 2001 65
 PRODUCT REVIEW
Alinco DR-135TP 2-Meter FM Mobile Transceiver
Reviewed by Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU
QST Contributing Editor
The Alinco DR-135TP is a 2-meter
FM transceiver that is relatively small in
size, but big in capabilities.
The radio is available in two versions,
either with or without a built-in 1200/
9600-baud TNC. Should you initially
decide to buy the version without the
TNC and later change your mind, an op-
tional plug-in TNC accessory board—the
EJ-41U—can be purchased and installed.
The transceiver is also available in a
choice of two front panel colors—black
or pewter. Choose the color that best
complements the interior of your car or
the equipment in your shack.
The DR-135TP has an expanded re- tioned for easy operation. I didn’t run into rangement for the more active mobile
ceive range that spans 136 to 174 MHz any difficulties working this radio even operators among us.
for FM and 118 to 136 MHz for AM (the while tooling around in my land barge. Most of the cast aluminum enclosure
AM aircraft band). The AM mode is au- The hefty EMS-56 hand mike has a serves double-duty as a heat sink. Large
tomatically selected when the receiver is large PTT lever, top-mounted UP and cooling fins cover both the top and back
tuned within the lower frequency range. DOWN buttons and two front-mounted slide side, and a sheet metal cover on the bot-
Other prominent features include 100 switches. One switch controls the back- tom provides access to the circuitry in-
memory channels with alphanumeric label- lighting for the mike’s DTMF pad; the side. The receiver’s 2-W audio output and
ing capabilities, CTCSS and DCS encode other disables the UP and DOWN buttons. top-mounted internal speaker proved up
and decode, three RF power output settings The radio consistently received glow- to the task of supplying plenty of audio
(50, 10 or 5 W), DTMF autodial memo- ing reports on the quality of the transmit for my fairly noisy mobile environment.
ries, an automatic power on/off system and audio.
an integrated theft alarm system. The DR-135TP’s rear panel offers an Selecting an Operating Frequency
external speaker jack, a female DB-9 The DR-135TP offers three means of
Outside of the Box RS-232-C serial port (for computer con- frequency control.
The front panel includes a large am- nection) and a chassis-mounted SO-239 In the VFO mode the frequency is
ber LCD that displays the operating fre- antenna connector. Dc power connection selected by rotating the front panel en-
quency or, when in the memory mode, is made through a short pigtail terminated coder knob or by pressing the micro-
your choice of either the frequency or an in a standard T-type connector. A mating phone UP and DOWN pushbuttons. In ei-
alphanumeric tag in a nice large format. 9 1/ 2-foot dc power cord, fused in both ther case, the frequency changes by a
The window also displays icons that in- leads at the source end, is provided. user-programmable step size. Pressing a
dicate the state of many of the trans- There’s a small coaxial-style dc power front panel MHz key first allows you to
ceiver’s selectable functions, and the jack positioned just above the external use these same controls to hop around in
brightness of the background illumination speaker jack. If a connection is made 1-MHz increments.
can be toggled between two levels. A ver- between this socket and a low current In the memory mode, the memory
tically oriented 5-section LCD signal (5 mA) vehicle dc power source that is channels are dialed up with the main en-
strength/RF output meter is located along controlled by the ignition switch, the coder or the UP and DOWN buttons. In
the extreme right edge. radio will automatically turn on and off addition to the operating frequency, each
Surrounding the window are six multi- with the vehicle. This is a very nice ar- memory is also capable of storing sev-
function keys, volume and frequency con- eral other related parameters. These
trols, a lighted power pushbutton, an LED include the repeater duplex offset fre-
transmit indicator and jacks for the micro- quency and direction (+ or −), the CTCSS
Bottom Line
phone and “data.” No squelch knob is pro- encode and decode tones, the DCS (digi-
vided. The threshold is adjusted by press- The Alinco DR-135TP is a nicely ap- tal code squelch) encode and decode
ing a front panel SQL button and rotating pointed 2-meter FM mobile transceiver codes, the memory channel lockout state,
the main encoder. Pressing and holding the with an interesting twist—a built in 1200/ the busy channel lockout setting and the
same key will open the squelch. 9600-baud terminal node controller. The type of FM (either narrow or wide). Sepa-
The transceiver’s controls are laid out resulting package simplifies hardware in- rate CTCSS tones can be programmed for
tegration for packet and APRS communi-
nicely. The knobs and buttons are located cations applications.
use on transmit and on receive in a single
far enough apart and are sensibly posi- memory position.

Joe Bottiglieri, AA1GW
Assistant Technical Editor

66 January 2001
 Table 1
Alinco DR-135TP, serial number T000510
Manufacturer’s Claimed Specifications Measured in the ARRL Lab
Frequency coverage: Receive, 118-136 MHz (AM), Receive and transmit, as specified.
136-174 MHz (FM); transmit, 144-148 MHz.
Power requirement: Receive, 0.6 A; transmit, Receive, 0.8 A; transmit, 9.0 A. Tested at 13.8 V.
11 A (high power).
Modes of operation: FM, AM (AM receive only). As specified.

Receiver Receiver Dynamic Testing

Sensitivity: FM, 12 dB SINAD: <0.25 µV. FM, 12 dB SINAD, 0.18 µV; AM, 10 dB S+N/N, 120 MHz, 0.7 µV.
FM adjacent channel rejection: Not specified. 20 kHz channel spacing: 64 dB.
FM two-tone, third-order IMD dynamic range: Not specified. 20 kHz channel spacing: 64 dB*. 10 MHz channel spacing: 78 dB.
FM two-tone, second-order IMD dynamic range: Not specified. 82 dB.
S-meter sensitivity: Not specified. Maximum indication: 5.0 µV.
Squelch sensitivity: 0.1 µV. At threshold: 0.13 µV.
Receiver audio output: 2.0 W at 10% THD into 8 Ω. 2.3 W at 5% THD1 into 8 Ω.
Spurious and image rejection: Not specified. First IF rejection, 99 dB; image rejection, 74 dB.

Transmitter Transmitter Dynamic Testing

Power output (H/M/L): 50 / 10 / 5 W. 53 / 9.5 / 4.0 W.
Spurious-signal and harmonic suppression: ≥60 dB 70 dB. Meets FCC requirements for spectral purity.
Transmit-receive turn-around time (PTT release to S9 signal, 170 ms.
50% audio output): Not specified.
Receive-transmit turn-around time (tx delay): Not specified. 102 ms.
Bit-error rate (BER), 9600-baud: Not specified. Receiver: BER at 12-dB SINAD, 5.9×10–4; BER at
16 dB SINAD, 1.0×10–5; BER at –50 dBm,
<1.0×10–5; transmitter: BER at 12-dB SINAD,
2.4×10–3; BER at 12-dB SINAD + 30 dB, 8.5×10–5.
Size (hwd): 1.6×5.6×6.8 inches; weight, 2.2 pounds.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, all dynamic range measurements are taken at the ARRL Lab standard spacing of 20 kHz.
*Measurement was noise-limited at the value indicated.
1Maximum volume was reached without distortion exceeding 5%.

The memories can also be assigned an receiver’s VFO. In “Memory Scan” the and this feature will quickly step through
alphanumerical label. That way, instead receiver searches for activity on the the available tones or codes until it finds
of trying to remember that 144.95 MHz memory channels. Memories with the a matching value.
is the local DX packet cluster frequency, lockout setting enabled will be skipped.
you could tag that particular memory The “Program Scan” checks all of the Features Galore
channel “DXCLSTR.” The labels can be frequencies within a particular range. For A variety of additional features and
up to 7 characters long. example, if 146.500 MHz is set as the operational setting options are included.
A press of the CALL button will in- lower scan limit (by programming it in Most of these are controlled through a
stantly tune the radio to the programmed the “PL” channel memory position) and “Parameter Setting Mode” menu.
call channel. The factory default setting 147.600 MHz is set as the high scan limit The channel step setting determines
is 145.000 MHz, but this can be reas- (…in the “PH” memory), the receiver will the step size of the increments or decre-
signed to any simplex or repeater fre- search frequencies between 146.500 and ments when changing the frequency with
quency desired. 147.600 MHz. the main encoder, the mike’s UP and
Direct frequency or memory channel When the receiver encounters activity DOWN buttons or when scanning. The
number input from the microphone’s in any of these cases, the scan will stop. A available step values are 5, 8.33, 10, 12.5,
DTMF keypad is not supported. menu setting allows you to have the scan 15, 20, 25, 30 or 50 kHz.
pause on a frequency for 5 seconds or for If you are using a voice repeater that
Searching for Activity as long as the activity continues. has a time-out timer (intended to limit
The DR-135TP offers several differ- The radio is also capable of scanning long-winded transmissions), you can set
ent scanning types and scan configura- the signals it receives for a CTCSS tone up the DR-135TP to sound an alert just
tion options. One is the “VFO Scan.” This or DCS code. Activate the “Tone Scan” before the repeater is about to time out.
scan searches the entire range of the mode while receiving a particular signal, Ignore the alert and the transceiver will
January 2001 67
automatically stop transmitting 5 seconds memory by scrolling through the choices ARRL Lab test data (see Table 1) for
later. In addition, a time-out penalty fea- with the microphone’s UP and DOWN but- 9600-baud BER performance shows that
ture can be enabled to prevent transmis- tons. Next, exit the autodial mode while the bit error rate is sufficiently low un-
sion for up to 15 seconds after exceeding the desired memory is still in the display. der strong-signal conditions for reason-
the time-out period. From this point on, any time that the PTT ably good data throughput. The weaker
An automatic power-off feature can lever is held down and the mike’s UP but- signal levels do result in a higher level
shut the transceiver off after 30 minutes ton is pressed, the sequence in that DTMF of errors, but a note in the manual clearly
of inactivity. This is a handy way to avoid memory position will be transmitted. states that effective 9600-baud packet
inadvertently running down a car or stor- The radio can generate tone-burst fre- operation with the DR-135TP depends
age battery. quencies of 1000, 1450, 1750 or 2100 Hz. heavily on strong signal levels.
A theft deterrent feature can be enabled Tone burst is used as an access control
that will activate an alarm if a security system in some repeater systems outside APRS Tracking
cable is improperly removed. This system the US. Being APRS active, I was anxious to
is set up by plugging in two provided test the transceiver’s APRS capabilities.
cables. One cable is looped through the The TNC Within I connected my Macintosh laptop to the
steering wheel (or an alternative fixed Our product review unit—being a DR-135TP installation that I had set up
point) of your vehicle and is mated to the DR-135TP (“P” stands for packet)— in my car and ran MacAPRS software. No
second cable. The second cable is plugged came equipped with the EJ-41U 1200/ problem! MacAPRS exchanged informa-
into the radio’s front panel DATA connec- 9600-baud packet radio terminal node tion with the radio and the map on the
tor. Once the system is armed, breaking controller. computer screen soon began filling up
the connection between the cables (when There are two jacks on the transceiver with APRS icons.
an attempt is made to remove the unit from that are used for interfacing external equip- I quit MacAPRS and connected a GPS
the vehicle or when the cable is unhooked ment to the internal TNC. A female DB-9 receiver to the DR-135TP’s front panel
to allow rotation of the steering wheel) connector on the back panel provides an RS- DATA jack and fired up a plain vanilla ter-
will sound the alarm. 232-C serial interface for connecting a per- minal program.
The alarm can be turned off remotely sonal computer. An 1/8-inch stereo phone jack I invoked the RESET command to re-
via radio. Once the alarm is set off, the on the front panel—the DATA jack—allows turn the internal TNC’s parameters to
radio begins monitoring the frequency for connection of a GPS receiver. The GPS their factory default settings. I then pro-
programmed into memory channel 99. If receiver used with this radio must be one that grammed several parameters that are re-
it receives a signal, the alarm will deac- is NMEA-0183 compatible or one that out- quired for APRS tracker operation. Those
tivate. While this did raise some eye- puts data in a “SONY” proprietary format. parameters are:
brows at HQ, this is legal in the 2-meter The internal TNC employs a subset of
AUTOLF OFF
band under the FCC rules on “tele- the AX.25 Version 2 Level 2 command
ECHO OFF
command” (defined under 97.3(a)(43)) set, which includes the basic commands
FLOW OFF
and is permitted in these frequencies as necessary to conduct packet radio com-
GBAUD 4800 (match this setting to your
outlined in 97.111(b)(3). munications in the 2-meter band. Al-
GPS’s data output rate)
The alarm emits a fairly loud, high- though there are no built-in mailbox com-
GPSTEXT $GPRMC
pitched sound that should certainly attract mands, there are commands that permit
LOCATION EVERY 6 (6 represents 60
attention, but it’s not exactly ear-shattering. the TNC to operate as an APRS tracker.
seconds)
The memory data and operating param- The position data is supplied by the ex-
LPATH GPSMV VIA <your digipeater
eters that have been programmed into one ternal GPS receiver.
path>
DR-135TP can be “cloned” to another. The I successfully used the DR-135TP to
LTMHEAD OFF
DATA jacks on the “master” and the “slave” access local packet bulletin boards,
MYCALL <your call sign and SSID>
are interconnected using a cable with 1/8- packet radio networks and a nearby DX
LTMON 10
inch stereo plugs on each end (not in- packet cluster. For software I used a ba-
UNPROTO APRS VIA <your digipeater
cluded). The radios are then commanded sic terminal program running on my
path>
to perform the data transfer and the master laptop. All I had to do is match the com-
replicates its setup information in the slave. munication parameters of my terminal (My thanks to Jeff Reinhardt, AA6JR,
The DR-135TP also features a DTMF program with the communication param- for confirming these settings.)
autodialer. This will store up to ten 16- eters of the DR-135TP’s serial port. The other TNC parameters can remain
digit DTMF strings for commonly used These are 9600 baud (the data rate be- at their factory default values.
phone numbers or for DTMF remote con- tween the radio and the computer), 8 The DR-135TP will not operate prop-
trol sequences. The instructions in the character bits, no parity, 1 stop bit erly in the APRS tracker mode if you de-
manual for programming and transmit- and Xon/Xoff flow control. I entered pend on the directions presented in the
ting these are incomplete though. my call sign with the MYCALL com- documentation. I recommend that you
Follow the directions in the manual mand and then invoked the CONNECT keep these programming parameters
and program the DTMF memories. The command. handy. These will save you considerable
last digit in the string—“0”—will always The integrated TNC makes it espe- frustration when setting up the DR-135TP
remain flashing—this digit is not trans- cially convenient to use this radio for as an APRS tracker.
mitted (For example, if the desired phone both voice and data communications. The Those using an NMEA-0183 compat-
number is 594-0216, it should appear in microphone can remain connected. In the ible GPS receiver should set it for NMEA
the display as 59402160. The final digit— data mode, the mike element is automati- output at 4800 baud. Incidentally, the
the “0”—should be flashing.) cally disabled. The receiver’s audio is transceiver emits a low-volume, high-
To select and transmit the contents of muted as well, thus relieving the opera- pitched buzz as it receives each packet
one of the memories, enter the autodial tor from having to listen to the deafen- of data from the GPS receiver. This pro-
mode and select the desired DTMF ing racket of all those noisy packets. vides a simple way to confirm that the
68 January 2001
transceiver is actually receiving data operation of the TNC. A schematic dia- within communications range as you
from the GPS receiver. gram is also provided. traverse the highways and byways.
After disconnecting my laptop from The printed Instruction Manual contains Its available built-in packet radio ca-
the DR-135TP, I headed back to my shack the usual transceiver programming instruc- pabilities are icing on the cake. Anyone
and ran MacAPRS on the station com- tions and includes lots of diagrams and who is considering putting together a 2-
puter. I wanted to verify that I could track handy quick reference tables. The electronic meter packet radio station for use at home
my DR-135TP/GPS equipped vehicle. I manual for the built-in TNC is on floppy or on the road should seriously consider
took a short drive around the neighbor- disk. The files are supplied in two formats: the Alinco DR-135TP. The space-saving
hood and then headed home again. On my plain ASCII text format and Adobe Portable aspect of the integrated radio/TNC com-
return, I was very pleased to see that my Document Format (PDF). These can be bination makes it an especially attractive
tracks did indeed appear on the station viewed on any computer platform that has package for anyone who’s trying to cram
computer’s map. text or PDF support. The supplied diskette a packet radio setup inside a modern
I continued to run the tracker during is in DOS format. space-challenged vehicle.
my daily travels around town and back and In general, the documentation does a The DR-135TP’s facilities for dual
forth to work. What a difference 50 W reasonably good job of describing how mode operation (both voice and data) cer-
makes! Where my usual low-powered to operate, program and tailor the settings tainly earn it an enthusiastic two thumbs
tracker system (5 W) normally drops out in the DR-135TP. However, the informa- up from this digitally-inclined reviewer.
of sight in the shadow of the mountain tion for programming the TNC for APRS Manufacturer: USA Alinco Branch,
where my APRS digipeater is located, the tracker operation and setting up and us- 438 Amapola Ave, Suite 130, Torrance,
DR-135TP-based tracker consistently ing the DTMF autodialer are lacking. CA 90501; 310-618-8616; fax: 310-618-
marked its path. 8758; www.alinco.com.
The Final Word Manufacturer’s suggested list price,
The Written Word Overall, the DR-135TP is a very nice DR-135TP, $428; DR-135T, $313;
The DR-135TP comes with two manu- mobile 2-meter transceiver. It is easy to EJ-41U (for installation in the DR-135T
als. A printed manual covers the general use in spite of its long list of features. It version), $140. Typical current street
operation of the transceiver, while an offers nice-sounding transmit and receive price, DR-135TP, $300; DR-135T, $220;
electronic manual on diskette covers the audio and plenty of RF power to keep you EJ-41U, $120.

AOR DDS-2A External Local Generator for the

Collins KWM-2 and S/Line
Reviewed by Joe Bottiglieri, AA1GW
The main operating position in my
basement shack is probably fairly typical.
It includes a solid-state HF/6-meter trans-
ceiver, a couple of VHF and UHF rigs, a
Pentium computer, a TNC, a handful
of modern station accessories and a
color television set (for when propagation
really goes south!). Nearly everything is
interconnected.
In addition to phone and CW opera-
tion, I’m all wired up and ready to rock
with the latest software for the sound
card-based digital modes. The station
computer and the radios freely exchange
information for computer-aided logging
and contesting and the vast resources of
the World Wide Web are but a couple of
mouse-clicks away.
Turn 180 degrees and take a small leap
forward though, over an imaginary line
that divides my radio room, and you’ll
take a giant step backward in time. Wel-
come to the ham radio equivalent of the able objects of my desire.
set of “That ’70s Show.” Nothing manu-
Bottom Line A small number of well-worn boat-
factured after the moment Neil Armstrong The AOR DDS-2A External Local anchors stare down silently from the
set foot on the Moon was, until recently, Generator adds some of the more simple pine shelves. The centers of at-
welcome here. desirable conveniences and capa- tention in this time-warped diorama, per-
As is the case with many hams my age, bilities—previously only found in manent fixtures on the operating desk of
over the last few years I’ve developed a contemporary amateur equipment— this second station, are my personal pride
proclivity for collecting things that were to the classic Collins KWM-2 and and joy: a Collins KWM-2 transceiver
S/Line models.
once, when I was younger, the unattain- and a 75S-3 receiver.
January 2001 69
 The Generation Gap
Table 2
The KWM-2 transceiver and the
AOR DDS-2A, serial number 00146
S/Line equipment—as delivered—covers
Manufacturer’s Claimed Specifications Measured in the ARRL Lab 80, 40, 20 and 15 meters and a portion of
Frequency coverage: HFO, 6.55-32.95 MHz; As specified. 10—28.5 through 28.7 MHz (an addi-
VFO, 2.495-2.695 MHz. tional slice of spectrum for receiving
WWV on 15 MHz is also included). Each
Stability: 5 ppm. As specified.
of the bands is divided into 200 kHz sub-
Accuracy: Not specified. Typically better than 1 ppm. sections. A band switch selects the de-
sired band segment and the main tuning
Power requirement: 0.6 A, 12-13.8 V dc. 0.35 A. Tested at 13.8 V.
knob is used to tune around within the
Power output: HFO, 2.0-2.3 V RMS into 50 Ω; As specified. 200 kHz range.
VFO, 2.0-2.3 V RMS into 100 Ω.1 The band switch controls a “High-Fre-
Spurious-signal and noise suppression: As specified.
quency Crystal Oscillator.” The fre-
HFO, 70 dB at 1-25 kHz spacing, 75 dB at quency of this oscillator is determined by
26 kHz to 1 MHz spacing; VFO, 80 dB at one of 12 plug-in crystals, each corre-
1-25 kHz spacing, 90 dB at 26-250 kHz spacing. sponding to a particular band segment.
Phase noise: 130 dBc/Hz at 25 kHz spacing.2 As specified. See Figure 1.
Combinations of the frequencies gener-
ated by the main VFO and this HFO es-
Size (hwd): 3.2×7.1×7.1 inches; weight, 4.2 pounds. tablish the radio’s operating frequency.
1
HFO output specification is equivalent to 19-20 dBm. VFO output specification is equivalent (A note to other Collins aficionados:
to 16-17 dBm. I hope you’ll forgive me for not going into
2
In a transmitter, this figure is a component of the transmitted composite noise. a protracted discussion on the 312B-5
VFO console, the 114-crystal CP-1 crys-
tal pack, the optional crystal deck and/or
the military/MARS versions of these
An Aberration in the Time/Space nect this accessory to a Collins KWM-2 or rigs.)
Continuum KWM-2A transceiver, or Collins S/Line Needless to say, these fine old tube-
Only my antenna feed lines—and I— equipment (the 75S-series receivers and the based radios didn’t come equipped with
dared cross the line from “now” into 32S-series transmitters) and some of the digital displays, general coverage receive,
“then.” Recently however, motions have more desirable features that we’ve come to 30, 17 and 12-meter coverage and pro-
been filed for a rules change. know and love in our more contemporary grammable memories. In the case of the
It all began innocently enough. For the amateur rigs become available. KWM-2, split frequency operation was
last five years or so, AOR Inc—a well- While, at first blush, the unit seems to also not supported. Once interconnected
known manufacturer of high-end scanning be little more than an external VFO, the with a DDS-2A however, all of these fea-
and shortwave receivers—has been offer- DDS-2A adds several enhancements to tures—and pinpoint frequency accuracy
ing a very interesting product—the these extremely popular vintage radios. and TCXO-based stability to boot—are
DDS-2A “External Local Generator.” Con- I just had to give one a try… all at your fingertips.

–60

Reference Level: - 60 dBc/Hz

–70 Vertical Scale: dBc/Hz

–80

–90

–100

–110

–120

–130

–140
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22
Frequency Sweep: 2 to 22 kHz from Carrier

Figure 1—Worst-case spectral display of the output of the AOR Figure 2—The DDS-2A microprocessor controlled VFO connects
DDS-2A external local generator during phase-noise testing of to the Collins KMW-2 or KWM-2A via three cables. One plugs
the HFO output at a frequency of 17.15 MHz (this is equivalent to into the EXT VFO POWER jack (the black cable on the right side
a display frequency of 14.02 MHz). The generator’s output is of this photograph) and a second connection is made via a riser
approximately 2.3 V RMS. The carrier, off the left edge of the plot, inserted between tube V13 and its socket (the gray cable on the
is not shown. The graph shows the phase noise generated left). A third cable, not shown, attaches to the EXT VFO phono
2 to 22 kHz from the carrier. jack located on the back panel of the transceiver.
70 January 2001
 comes the EXT VFO POWER socket, the
SPARE phono connector is now the EXT
VFO jack, and the tube riser with the cable
is inserted between tube V3 and its socket.
If you want to switch back to using the
receiver’s built-in VFO, you’ll have to re-
move the chassis from the cabinet, unhook
the coax that now goes to the SPARE con-
nector and reattach the output coax from
the internal VFO. The DDS-2A cables are
then unplugged and removed and tube V3
is returned to its socket. The 9-pin socket
can remain installed.
With the DDS-2A set up with a 75S-
series receiver, you can interconnect a
32S-series transmitter using the standard
Collins S/Line integration arrangement.
This allows use of the DDS-2A VFO for
S/Line station transceive (including split
frequency operation). The frequency of
both the receiver and the transmitter will
be controlled by the DDS-2A.
An installation procedure for wiring the
Figure 3—The DDS-2A wiring connections for a Collins 75S-3. The radio’s front panel
is towards the left. The black, blue, yellow and red wires attach to terminals that DDS-2A directly to a 32S-series transmit-
connect to ground, the mute line, the mode switch and B+ voltage respectively. The ter is also described in the manual. This is
coax cable (with the gray jacket) connects the VFO signal input terminal and an primarily intended for applications where
unused (SPARE) phono jack on the rear apron. these Collins transmitters are used with any
non-S/Line receiver.
A couple of resistors, a capacitor and
Hooking Up a coax cable with phono plugs on each
to the underside of the chassis. Only one end are needed. These components are
The KWM-2 and KWM-2A of the five wires in this cable is coax. not supplied by AOR.
Wiring the DDS-2A to the KWM-2 or The center conductor of the coax—the Minor modifications to the trans-
’2A is a simple matter of plugging in a RF output from the internal VFO—is re- mitter’s circuitry are necessary. This in-
few interconnecting cables and feeding moved from the terminal strip that it’s stallation involves some part swapping,
12 V dc power to the unit. AOR supplies connected to and taped off. An RG-174 and—as you can imagine—returning the
of all the necessary leads with the vari- coax jumper is then prepared and in- transmitter to its original internal-VFO
ous plugs and jacks already installed— stalled between an unused phono plug configuration becomes a little more in-
no soldering is required. (labeled SPARE) on the rear apron of the volved.
Two of the cable connections to the receiver and this same terminal.
transceiver are internal, but both are Color-coded wires are soldered to four Looking Good
readily accessible under its hinged top of the lugs in an inline 9-pin socket. AOR did a very nice job of designing
cover (see Figure 2). The cables are These leads are passed down through the the DDS-2A so that it complements the
passed through a large existing hole in same hole as the VFO’s multiconductor style of the Collins gear. The cabinet has
the back panel of the KWM-2’s cabinet. cable and are connected to ground, the the distinctive rounded edges and front
A third cable is plugged into the EXT VFO mute line, the mode switch and a source panel trim ring. The three-color paint
phono jack located on the rear apron. The of B+ voltage. scheme closely approximates that of the
three cables mate with jacks on the back The 15 kΩ resistor, the RG-174 coax, radio’s. The quality of the construction
of the DDS-2A. Installation takes just a the 9-pin socket and the four wires are and finish is top-notch.
few minutes and converting the radio all supplied with the DDS-2A. The front panel has a nice large back-
back to its normal (internal VFO) con- The instructions provided by AOR do lit LCD display that renders the frequency
figuration is equally quick and painless. not include detailed diagrams or descrip- and memory channel numbers in easy-to-
tions of recommended connection points read digits. Icons in the display indicate
The S/Line to the receiver’s circuitry. Figure 3 shows which VFO—A or B—is currently in use.
Connecting the DDS-2A to Collins where I chose to connect the wires in Ten pushbuttons set up in two rows of five
S/Line equipment is more challenging. my 75S-3. If you are at all squeamish are similar in title and function to the fre-
For the 75S receivers, the installation about using the information given in the quency controls you commonly find on
procedure begins with the addition of a DDS-2A documentation and the Collins present-day HF transceivers. There’s
15 kΩ resistor across a power resistor manual to trace the wiring and locate and ENTER , M.in, M/VFO, VFO , A=B, SPLIT ,
within the DDS-2A. Next, the receiver’s verify these points for yourself, seek as- LOCAL and LOCK buttons (the LOCAL
chassis is removed from its cabinet to gain sistance from an Elmer. button is not used). Right and left arrow
access to the underside (see Figure 3). Once these modifications are complete, buttons select the frequency digit that’s
The radio’s existing VFO is contained the chassis can be reinstalled in the cabi- varied with the main tuning knob. This
in a small box located just behind the net. Hooking up the interconnecting cables provides a tremendous selection of “step
main tuning dial on the top side of the between the 75S and the DDS-2A is then sizes” for moving around through the fre-
chassis. A multiconductor cable exits the very similar to the arrangement described quencies or bands. The tuning and dis-
back of this box and passes through a hole for the KWM-2. The inline 9-pin jack be- play frequency resolution is 1 Hz. The
January 2001 71
slowest tuning rate setting is very fine— eration outside of the amateur bands enhanced audio pouring out of the ancient
considerably finer than that of the (10 MHz was not an amateur band when Hallicrafters speaker I had the rig con-
transceiver’s built-in VFO. this transceiver was all shiny and new) nected to was enough to impress even my
The tuning knob on the DDS-2A is provides “logging scale” value starting spouse. The selectable tuning steps and
approximately 21/4-inches in diameter and points for the EXCITER TUNING and P.A. the multiple memories made it easy to
features a spinner dimple. The shaft size TUNING controls for the full range of this tune around and locate and store inter-
used on the encoder is the same as that in transceiver’s frequency capabilities. The esting stations.
the Collins gear, so an actual Collins tun- peak I had encountered was right where
ing knob can be substituted to further it belonged. I completed tuning up the The Rub…
enhance the “factory” look. The rotation transmitter and worked a couple of CW The appropriateness of tagging on one
feels smooth—nearly as good as the stations just for kicks. of these new-fangled solid-state DDS-2A
VFOs on the Collins. Operation on 30, 17 and 12 meters re- VFOs to classic Collins gear is predict-
Five LEDs are arranged in a semicircle sults in variations in the optimum posi- ably a hot topic of debate among folks
on the left side of the front panel. Each is tion of the radio’s INCR LOAD lever—it who own, operate and care for these faith-
labeled with a letter. These letters corre- may no longer line up with the 50 Ω mark. ful, aging classics. Some are adamant in
spond to the band switch ranges on the This is not a sign of trouble in a properly keeping everything in their station abso-
front of the connected Collins radio. working radio. Limitations in the design lutely original, while others are willing to
These BAND LEDs indicate which band of the KWM-2 and S/Line radios do not experiment with enhancements. I’ll fore-
switch position to set the radio for a par- allow operation between 5 and 6.5 MHz. warn the purists though: If you give one
ticular operating frequency. The DDS-2A adds general coverage of these units a try you’ll likely find your-
receive to the KWM-2, so I spent a bit of self very reluctant to part with it.
Worlds Collide time listening to AM shortwave broad- The DDS-2A is not exactly an inex-
With my KWM-2 and the DDS-2A all casters—albeit in the LSB mode. (This pensive accessory. Considering that this
wired up and ready to go, I decided to radio doesn’t include the AM mode.) is high quality, custom-designed equip-
begin with a cruise through 20 meters. I Careful tuning of the AM signals in LSB ment for a very small market—much as
set the transceiver’s band switch to the works pretty well though—especially at the Collins gear was in its day—I guess
14.2 position, dialed up 14.22500 MHz the 1-Hz tuning rate. we shouldn’t find this too surprising.
on the digital display, and then tuned the I was anxious to give the 75S-3 its With a list price that’s nearly equal to
transmitter using the same old familiar turn. It took me a little over an hour to that of some economy-class HF transceiv-
time-honored procedure (peak and dip, perform the conversion. ers, justifying the expense of one of these
peak and dip… ). All loaded up and ready with my mate would definitely involve a
for bear, I switched from the dummy load Cruising the Shortwaves in Style very liberal application of fuzzy math.
to the antenna, touched up the loading, The 75S-series receivers were highly Hmmm, perhaps there are a few idle
and began tuning down the band. respected in their day, and linking one treasures hanging around on those pine
As I approached 14.200, I encountered with an external accessory that results in shelves that I could stand to part with…
the telltale signs of a DX station working general coverage receive, 1-Hz tuning, a Manufacturer: AOR USA Inc, 20655
split—folks were frantically shouting digital display and 100 memory channels S Western Ave Suite 112, Torrance, CA
their call signs over a wide chunk of ra- is a wonderful enhancement. 90501; 310-787-8615; fax: 310-787-
dio real estate. Split frequency operation I’m not an avid shortwave listener, but 8619; www.aorusa.com.
is not supported in a standalone KWM-2, a setup like this could quickly turn me Manufacturer’s suggested list price,
but it is with a DDS-2A connected. into a convert. The rich-sounding tube- $769.95.
I programmed a strategically chosen
transmit frequency and the DX station’s fre-
quency into the DDS-2A’s dual VFOs,
pressed the front panel SPLIT button, and
dove headfirst into the fray. I was soon re- part with the number 275-249a (note the
warded with a new country contact for this FEEDBACK suffix), but that unit does not fit the holes
band. This was very cool. Suddenly the in the FAR Circuits PC board made for this
imaginary line just behind my wooden chair ◊ Andrew S. Griffith, W4ULD, author of project. I did find a fitting substitute, how-
was becoming a dotted imaginary line… “A 146- and 445-MHz J-Pole Antenna,” ever, at local supply house: Crash Electron-
Next, I took a brief junket to 30 QST, Oct 2000, pp 50-53, has identified ics, Lombard, IL, www.crashelectronics.
meters, a ham band hitherto unexplored an antenna resonant-frequency problem com. The NTE R40-11D2-12 (DPDT 2A-
by this particular piece of American iron. resulting from the use of heavier type L 12VDC) relay fits the FAR PC-board
I set the digital display to 10.10800 MHz, copper pipe in lieu of the type M pipe. mounting holes. This relay has contacts
clicked the transceiver’s band switch to Because the description is lengthy and rated at 2 A rather than 5 A. (The differ-
14.0 (as suggested by the LED BAND in- contains four graphs and a picture in JPG ence in contact current rating will likely
dicator on the DDS-2A) and maximized format, we’re making the information not matter for the switching purposes in-
the receive signal with the radio’s EX- available as a ZIP file downloadable from tended with modern rigs.—Ed.)—tnx
CITER TUNING control (it serves double- the ARRL ftp site. Visit www.arrl.org/ Peter Laws, N5UWY/9, Lombard, IL
duty as a preselector on receive). I was files/qst-binaries/ and download the file ◊ The price of the Paddlette KP-4 Iambic
surprised to discover that the peak fell GRIFFFB.ZIP.—Ed. Key/Keyer that appeared in the New Prod-
somewhere between the 80- and 40-meter ◊ After visiting six RadioShack stores in ucts announcement on page 94 of the De-
band marks that are printed around the the Chicago area, I was unable to find the cember 2000 QST is incorrect. The $94 price
perimeter of the control. A little further DPDT relay (RS 275-249) used at K1 in includes an optional knee mount. The unit
reading in the KWM-2’s manual revealed Jim (N9ART) Mitrenga’s article, “A Flex- sells for $84 without the mount. Also mis-
the reason. ible Digital-Mode Interface,” QST, Nov stated: the contents of the message memo-
A graph in the section that covers op- 2000, pp 39-42. RadioShack does stock a ries in the KP-4 keyer are volatile.
Previous Feedback
72 January 2001
 HAPPENINGS
FCC Order Declines to Include CC&Rs in PRB-1
The FCC has denied an ARRL Peti- dential areas as livable neighborhoods”
tion for Reconsideration calling on the
“The Order . . . falls would be free to adopt zoning that for-
Commission to declare that PRB-1 ap- short of providing bids antennas “commonly and universally
plies to amateurs living in areas governed the relief that ARRL associated with those that one finds in a
by deed restrictions or condo regulations factory area or an industrialized com-
just as it does to hams regulated solely was seeking” plex.” The FCC conceded that while such
by local zoning laws. The FCC Order also rules could constrain amateur communi-
sought to “amplify” the definition of the cations, “we do not view it as failing to
oft-cited “reasonable accommodation” The Order says the FCC does not believe provide reasonable accommodation to
phrase in PRB-1 with respect to local land that zoning regulations providing for ex- amateur communications.”
use and zoning. treme or excessive prohibition of amateur The FCC Order also stuck to the ear-
The Order said the League failed to communications “could be deemed to be lier conclusion that current PRB-1 stan-
demonstrate any “significant change in a reasonable accommodation.” As an ex- dards “are sufficiently specific to cover
the underlying rationale of the PRB-1 ample, the Order said, “we believe that a any concerns related to unreasonable fees
decision” that would necessitate revisit- regulation that would restrict amateur or onerous conditions.” The FCC also
ing the issue. communications using small dish anten- said that it continues to believe that it
Deputy Wireless Telecommunications nas, antennas that do not present any should not specify height limitations be-
Bureau Chief Kathleen O’Brien Ham is- safety or health hazard, or antennas that low which communities may not regulate.
sued the November 13 Order under are similar to those normally permitted The Order combined the FCC’s re-
what’s known as “delegated authority.” for viewing television” is not reasonable sponse to the ARRL Petition for Recon-
At press time the ARRL was mulling accommodation or minimum practicable sideration with its response to a similar
whether to submit an application for re- regulation. filing from Barry N. Gorodetzer, N4IFE,
view by the full Commission. On the other hand, the Order said, and Kathy Conrad-Gorodetzer, KF4IDH,
ARRL Executive Vice President David communities wanting to “preserve resi- of Ft Lauderdale, Florida.
Sumner, K1ZZ, expressed disappoint-
ment. “The Order provides some addi-
tional clarification on the extent of PRB-
1 preemption, but it falls short of provid- NEW CENTRAL DIVISION DIRECTOR, HUDSON DIVISION
ing the relief that ARRL was seeking,” VICE DIRECTOR ELECTED
he said. Sumner said the denial was “not The ARRL Central Division will get a Director and Vice Director Stephen A.
particularly surprising at this point, es- new director, and a former Hudson Divi- Mendelsohn, W2ML, ousted incumbent
pecially when you’re asking the same sion vice director and director and ARRL Vice Director J.P. Kleinhaus, W2XX. The
person [Ham] to ‘rethink’ their original First Vice President is back as the vote was 2240 for Mendelsohn and 1187 for
decision.” He said the League believes the division’s new vice director. Incumbents Kleinhaus. Hudson Director Frank Fallon,
issue is “critically important” and con- will return to office in the Northwestern, N2FF, was unopposed for re-election.
tinues to gather additional information New England and Roanoke divisions. In the Northwestern Division, incum-
and plan on how to present its arguments Ballots were counted and tabulated No- bent Director Greg Milnes, W7OZ, edged
more persuasively before the FCC. vember 17 at ARRL Headquarters. out Mary E. Lewis, W7QGP, a former
The ARRL has argued that since PRB- In the Central Division, challenger Northwestern Director, 2383 to 2237.
1 was promulgated in 1985, the FCC has George R. “Dick” ARRL PHOTO
Milnes had defeated
made it clear that it has Congressional Isely, W9GIG, topped Lewis for the vice
authority to prohibit restrictive covenants the field in a three- director’s slot in
that could keep property owners and even way race for the 1998, then moved
renters from installing antennas to receive Director’s seat. He up to director fol-
TV, satellite and similar signals. The outpolled incumbent lowing the death of
League asserts that the same principle Director Edmond A. Director Mary Lou
applies to Amateur Radio. Metzger, W9PRN, Brown, NM7N. In-
The Order said that regardless of the and a second chal- cumbent Northwest-
extent of the FCC’s discretion with re- lenger, Richard David ern Division Vice
spect to CC&Rs, “we are not persuaded Klatzco Jr, N9TQA. Director James E.
ARRL Central Outgoing Central
by ARRL’s arguments that it is appropri- Isely picked up 1926 Division Director- Fenstermaker, K9JF,
Division Director
ate at this time to consider exercising votes to 1466 for elect Dick Isely, Ed Metzger, outdistanced chal-
such discretion with respect to amateur Metzger and 946 for W9GIG. W9PRN, has lenger Edward W.
station antenna preemption,” the Order Klatzco. Central Di- served as director Bruette, N7NVP,
said. vision Vice Director Howard Huntington, since 1981 and 2620 to 1873.
has to his credit 42
The FCC Order also took the oppor- K9KM, was unopposed for re-election. years of service as Isely, the Central
tunity to clarify by example what PRB-1 In the Hudson Division, former ARRL an ARRL elected Division Director-
means by “reasonable accommodation.” First Vice President and Hudson Division official. elect, is an ARRL

Rick Lindquist, N1RL
Senior News Editor

January 2001 73
 ARRL PHOTO
and AMSAT Life First Vice President, Mendelsohn was a elected Jim Haynie, W5JBP, on a 9-6
Member and Extra nominee to succeed Rod Stafford, vote. An ARRL life member, Mendelsohn
class licensee. Li- W6ROD, for the ARRL presidency. He headed the ARRL Computer Committee
censed since 1977, was thwarted in that bid last January that spearheaded system upgrades at
he is perhaps best when the ARRL Board of Directors ARRL Headquarters.
known for his role as
ARRL PHOTO
an organizer, officer
and board member
of the National Fre-
quency Coordinators
Back in the
Hudson Division Council. Among
leadership as Vice other candidate plat- ARRL election officials,
Director is former form positions, Isely West Gulf Director Coy
ARRL First VP and pledged to promote Day, N5OK (left,
Hudson Director standing), and
and Vice Director improved recruit- Southeastern Director
Steve Mendelsohn, ment of young Frank Butler, W4RH
W2ML. people into Amateur (right, standing), share
a light moment with
Radio, to lobby for ARRL Headquarters
spectrum protection legislation, and to staffers counting
work to expand PRB-1 to include cov- ballots November 17
enants and restrictions. at ARRL Headquarters.
Seated (l-r) are
Mendelsohn, the Hudson Division Kristy Perillo,
Vice Director-elect, was a familiar face Lynne Anderson and
on the ARRL Board for 17 years. While Helen Dalton.

FCC News
FCC INTERVENES IN ANOTHER POWER LINE
INTERFERENCE CASE quencies constitutes harmful interference to a licensed service.
The FCC has written a Wisconsin electric utility as a result The FCC pointed out that the utility must not cause harmful
of complaints of suspected power line interference filed by two interference to licensed services, and, if it does, should locate
Iowa amateurs. The FCC intervened after Alliant Energy of and correct problems within a reasonable time.
Madison indicated that it already considered itself to be in com- Last year, the FCC intervened in the wake of longstanding
pliance with applicable state and federal laws. The FCC ex- RFI complaints from several West Coast amateurs who claimed
plained the utility’s obligations under its Part 15 rules and they were receiving harmful interference from Pacific Gas and
requested that Alliant advise the complainants within 30 days Electric power lines or equipment.
of the steps it is taking to correct the reported interference
problems. FCC TO MONITOR AUCTION SITE FOR ILLEGAL ITEMS
The FCC’s intervention October 27 stemmed from harmful The FCC says it has reached an agreement with the eBay
interference complaints filed by James L. Spencer, W0SR, and auction site that’s aimed at curtailing the sale of clearly illegal
Frederick M. Spinner, W0FMS, both of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The radio equipment.
ARRL also has been in touch with Alliant Energy on behalf of FCC Special Counsel for Amateur Radio Enforcement Riley
the two ARRL members in an effort to resolve the matter. Hollingsworth says eBay has agreed to cooperate in remov-
Spencer told the ARRL that he’s been working for several ing advertisements in which the item for sale “is clearly non-
years to resolve power line noise problems and has logged doz- certified” under FCC rules. Hollingsworth said most of the
ens of contacts with the utility. Spinner, who contacted the util- equipment involved falls into the CB category, including ille-
ity more recently, said he’s received no indication that Alliant gal amplifiers.
intends to correct his problem and, in fact, had suggested that Hollingsworth agreed to publicize the initiative at the urg-
he might have to live with it. ing of the ARRL Regulatory Information Branch’s John
In response to an inquiry from ARRL Lab Supervisor Ed Hennessee, N1KB. “I’ve got a whole folder of people who have
Hare, W1RFI, Steven Baker, Alliant’s general manager for cus- been complaining about this and will be delighted to know that
tomer operations, said his company “cannot financially justify the Commission is taking action,” Hennessee said.
making major system changes or investments to address prob- Hollingsworth said a review team within the Technical and
lems, which are understood to be incidental radiators with no Public Safety Division of the FCC Enforcement Bureau is
harmful interference as per FCC requirements.” Baker said sev- screening eBay ads each week. He said the practice could be
eral of the RFI problems in Spencer’s area were traced to “fish extended to other auction sites if the FCC learns of similar
tank heaters, doorbell transformers and other devices” not un- problems.
der the utility’s control. Hollingsworth credits complaints from the Amateur Radio
“The nature of the RFI in Mr. Spencer’s case is intermittent community with getting the new system in place. “I’ve been
and at frequencies which have no effect on the public general collecting complaints for a year, but the amateur community
broadcast frequencies,” Baker said. really generated it,” he said. Hollingsworth says he sees about
The FCC Consumer Information Bureau’s Sharon Bowers 10 complaints a week about auction site radio gear advertise-
told Alliant that even interference to a limited range of fre- ments—sometimes several about the same ad. Complaints

74 January 2001
 Incumbent New England Director Tom Radio Regulations of the provision oblig- bands to allow for more efficient use of
Frenaye, K1KI, and Vice Director Mike ing administrations to require that appli- the most crowded HF allocations. The
Raisbeck, K1TWF, and Roanoke Direc- cants demonstrate ability to send and re- FCC has declined to take up any possible
tor Dennis Bodson, W4PWF, and Vice ceive Morse code before they may oper- repartitioning, however, until it’s had a
Director Les Shattuck, K4NK, were ate below 30 MHz. Consistent with that chance to gauge the effects of restructur-
elected without opposition. All terms are policy, ARRL International Affairs Vice ing. Amateur Radio license restructuring
for three years beginning at noon Janu- President Rod Stafford, W6ROD, cast the became effective last April 15.
ary 1, 2001. lone dissenting vote last summer at the In other action, Stafford and ARRL
IARU Region 3 Conference in Australia Executive Vice President David Sumner,
BOARD TO CONSIDER MORSE on a motion calling for the eventual elimi- K1ZZ, reported briefly on preparations
CODE POLICY REVIEW nation of Morse as an ITU requirement for WRC-2003. Stafford is focusing on
The ARRL Board of Directors will re- for HF operation. developing support for the Amateur Ra-
view the League’s position on the Morse In January, the Board may decide to dio 7 MHz position within Region 2. The
code as an international licensing require- reaffirm this policy, to modify it, or to IARU seeks a 300-kHz worldwide ama-
ment when it gathers for its annual meet- seek additional input from members. In teur allocation in the vicinity of 7 MHz.
ing in January. Because the issue is ex- the past, a majority of members have sup- Sumner has been named to the core IARU
pected to come up at the IARU Region 2 ported the policy. delegation to that conference.
Conference next October, the ARRL Ex- The Executive Committee also pro- The Executive Committee also heard
ecutive Committee decided at its Novem- posed that the Board determine a process a wide-ranging update of other FCC mat-
ber 11 meeting in Irving, Texas, to place for soliciting membership input on pos- ters, including the League’s efforts to
the issue on the Board’s January agenda. sible repartitioning of the HF bands in gain primary amateur status at 2400 to
The ARRL’s Morse policy was formal- restructuring’s wake. As part of its origi- 2402 MHz and at 2300 to 2305 MHz.
ized by Board resolution in 1993. It sup- nal restructuring package, the League had The Executive Committee also briefly
ports the retention in the International proposed “refarming” the current Novice discussed legislative restrictions on the

should be based on clear-cut FCC rules violations, such as at- Amateur Enforcement
tempts to sell illegal linear amplifiers, Hollingsworth said.
Former California ham agrees to jail for unlicensed opera-
Amateurs can send items to fccham@fcc.gov. tion: Former amateur Richard Allen Burton reportedly has agreed
to serve three months in jail for operating on Southern California
FCC COMMENDS BAND PLANS IN ENFORCEMENT
amateur repeaters without a license, pending pre-sentencing and
LETTER
medical reports. Burton, who has a long history of alleged unli-
FCC Special Counsel for Amateur Radio Enforcement Riley censed operation, was arrested August 5 after being indicted last
Hollingsworth used the occasion of an enforcement letter to May by a federal grand jury. Sentencing will be in February. For-
commend the value of band plans. “Although band plans are merly WB6JAC, Burton faced six felony counts of violating the
not mandatory, they exist to enhance the required cooperation Communications Act of 1934. Burton’s General ticket was revoked
and sharing of frequencies in the Amateur Service,” in 1981. In the intervening years, he’s been fined and jailed and
Hollingsworth said in an enforcement inquiry to a Connecticut put on probation for unlicensed operation. The FCC refused to re-
ham. instate Burton’s ham ticked in 1992. In 1996, he passed a Techni-
The FCC wrote Advanced licensee Alan J. Koepke, K1JCL, cian exam and was granted KF6GKS, which the FCC promptly set
on October 11, 2000, citing complaints alleging that Koepke’s aside as soon as it realized its error. Burton has been free on $20,000
AM-mode 2-meter repeater was causing interference to coor- bond.
dinated repeaters.
FCC cuts deal in Texas amateur interference case: A Texas
“A repeater operating contrary to coordination is an unco- amateur facing an $8000 fine in a malicious interference case in-
ordinated repeater,” Hollingsworth told Koepke. Citing Sec- stead will give up his Amateur Radio license for five years and
tion 97.205 of the rules, Hollingsworth said that where there is pay $1000. The FCC adopted a consent decree terminating the for-
interference between a coordinated and an uncoordinated re- feiture proceeding against Technician licensee Robert L. Meyers,
peater, the licensee of the uncoordinated repeater has the re- N5WLY. Last spring, the FCC affirmed $8000 fines levied on
sponsibility to resolve the interference. Meyers and General licensee Paul E. Holcombe, K4TOF, both of
“Band plans minimize the necessity for Commission inter- Houston. The two were charged with causing malicious interfer-
vention in Amateur operations and the use of Commission re- ence on a local repeater and with failing to identify. The consent
sources to resolve amateur interference problems,” decree only affects the case against Meyers, who has demonstrated
Hollingsworth wrote in expressing the FCC’s position on band to the FCC that he was financially unable to pay the fine. “We are
plans. “When such plans are not followed and harmful inter- proceeding to collection of the Holcombe forfeiture,” FCC Special
ference results, we expect very substantial justification to be Counsel for Amateur Radio Enforcement Riley Hollingsworth said.
provided” that’s consistent with FCC rules. He indicated that Meyers now is cooperating with the FCC in its
In December 1999 the FCC dismissed an ARRL peti- investigation. The fines followed an FCC investigation that involved
tion calling on the Commission to equate observance of the use of direction-finding equipment to track interfering signals
voluntary band plans with “good amateur practice.” The FCC to Holcolmbe’s and Meyers’ vehicles. As part of the consent de-
said it did not want to transform voluntary band plans into cree, Meyers agreed to not contest the findings of the Forfeiture
mandates. Order, but he did not admit the violations either.

January 2001 75
 NASA
use of cell phones that have been pop-
ping up in various localities. Hudson Di-
vision Director Frank Fallon, N2FF,
noted that an effort is under way in New
Jersey to exempt Amateur Radio opera-
tion from the effects of such legislation.
See “Moved and Seconded” on page
79 for the Executive Committee meeting
minutes.
CREW MEMBER LOGS FIRST
ARISS QSOs
The International Space Station Expe-
dition 1 crew of US astronaut and ISS
Expedition 1 Commander William
“Shep” Shepherd, KD5GSL, and Russian
cosmonauts Sergei Krikalev, U5MIR, and
Yuri Gidzenko checked out the initial
ham station gear in mid-November. Then,
Shepherd made a few unheralded casual
contacts, marking the first general QSOs
from the International Space Station—
also known as Alpha station.
Shepherd was able to take a few min-
utes out of his busy schedule November
17, to talk via Amateur Radio with a few
lucky hams. At press time, details of the The “Alpha” Expedition 1 crew: Commander William “Shep” Shepherd, KD5GSL,
center, is flanked by Russian cosmonauts Sergei Krikalev, U5MIR (left), and Yuri
first contacts were unavailable, and Gidzenko in this NASA publicity photo. The flags represent the countries participating
school schedules and additional casual in the ISS program.
contacts were pending. The Expedition 1
crew arrived on board the ISS November
2, after blasting off from Baikonur
Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan October 31. should not act in the matter until more versity of the Amateur Radio Service,”
Two initial Amateur Radio “engineer- test data are in and analyzed. Pointing out the ARRL said, “and it urges that no
ing passes” were conducted on 2 meters that the ITU and the ARRL have only just sweeping rules changes be made until all
via R3K at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Train- begun their own UWB studies, the ARRL available studies and data are available
ing Center in Star City near Moscow, with characterized the rulemaking proceeding and analyzed.”
Russian ARISS delegate Sergej as “entirely premature.” The League also urged “most
Samburov, RV3DR, at the controls. A The extensive record in the proceed- strongly” that any UWB devices be re-
subsequent test pass via NN1SS station ing (Notice of Proposed Rule Making, ET quired to operate above 2450 MHz “to
at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Cen- Docket 98-153), the League noted, “still avoid interference to sensitive receivers,
ter was equally successful. lacks conclusive test results from ongo- especially those used for amateur satel-
Students at the Burbank School in ing testing efforts from various sources.” lite reception.”
Burbank, Illinois, were tentatively sched- The ARRL joined the US Department of ARRL’s comments in the UWB pro-
uled to have the first Amateur Radio con- Defense in urging the FCC to await the ceeding are available at www.arrl.org/
tact with the Expedition 1 crew. Another outcome of tests looking at the interfer- announce/regulatory/et98-153/
18 schools are under consideration for ence potential of UWB devices to ama- index.html.
ARISS school contacts. teur receivers before deciding on UWB
Tentative operating frequencies are: operational and technical requirements. SECTION MANAGERS ELECTED IN
Worldwide downlink for voice and The Defense Department, with which the TEN ARRL SECTIONS
packet, 145.80 MHz; worldwide packet Amateur Service shares some spectrum, The ballots have been counted, and
uplink, 145.99 MHz; Region 1 (Europe/ also has urged the FCC to await ongoing ARRL section managers have been
Africa) voice uplink: 145.20 MHz; Re- analyses and measurements before it acts elected in races in Eastern Massachusetts
gion 2 and 3 voice uplink, 144.49 MHz. in the proceeding. and South Carolina. Incumbent SMs were
ISS crew members may use their personal The League has arranged with the returned to office in eight other ARRL
call signs or one of the “club station” call University of Southern California’s UWB sections without opposition.
signs issued for ISS use—NA1SS, lab to test the interference potential of In the Eastern Massachusetts Section,
RZ3DZR or DL0ISS. UWB devices to “typical Amateur Radio Phillip E. Temples, K9HI, of Watertown
Visit the ARISS Web site, station configurations” and anticipates outpolled Stan Laine, WA1ECF, 781 to
ariss.gsfc.nasa.gov/. participating in additional tests. 351. Temples replaces Joel Magid,
The League warned the FCC about WU1F, who did not seek re-election.
ARRL CONTINUES CAUTIONARY making assumptions concerning UWB’s In the South Carolina Section, Patricia
TONE IN UWB REPLY COMMENTS interference potential without first insist- M. Hensley, N4ROS, of Richburg topped
In reply comments in the FCC’s ultra- ing on objective technical tests. “ARRL a field of three candidates. She received
wideband proceeding, the ARRL reiter- is convinced that the studies conducted 301 votes, to 229 for James Boehner, N2ZZ,
ated its stance that the Commission to date cannot accurately reflect the di- and 188 for Laurie Sansbury Jr, KV4C.
76 January 2001
In Brief
• Eastern Pennsylvania gets new Section Manager: Veteran ARRL members are reminded that the winner of the QST
ARRL Eastern Pennsylvania Section Manager Allen Breiner, Cover Plaque award—given to the author(s) of the best ar-
W3TI, stepped down effective December 31, 2000. Breiner, ticle in each issue—now is determined by a vote of ARRL
who’s 80, has been part of the ARRL field organization for members. Voting takes place each month on the ARRL Mem-
many years. First elected as Section Communications Man- bers Only Web site at www.arrl.org/members-only/
ager—as the SM job used to be known—in 1959, he held that qstvote.html. As soon as your copy arrives, cast a ballot for
post for 12 years. Breiner was elected as SM in 1995 and re- your choice.
elected in 1998 and 2000. ARRL Field & Educational Services • Coast Guard honors MARS operator: An ARRL member
Manager Rosalie White, K1STO, named Eric Olena, WB3FPL, has received the Coast Guard’s second highest civilian award
of Mohnton to replace Breiner effective January 1, 2001. Olena for his MARS service. Richard C. Johnson, W3BI/NNN0GKF,
has served as Section Emergency Coordinator since 1994 and received the USCG’s Meritorious Public Service Award in a
was an Assistant SM from 1992 until 1996. He will complete ceremony November 28 in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. The award
Breiner’s term, which runs through April 2002. was in recognition of Johnson’s 37 years of voluntary service
• VE3FRH is new AMSAT-NA president: Canadian amateur as a Military Affiliate Radio System operator. Since 1963,
and ARRL member Robin Haighton, VE3FRH, has been elected Johnson has conducted thousands of ship-to-shore phone
president of AMSAT-NA. Haighton, 63, was elected at the patches for deployed Coast Guard men and women. Last Janu-
AMSAT-NA Annual Meeting October 29 in Portland, Maine. ary, Johnson also volunteered to join the MARS High Fre-
He replaces Keith Baker, KB1SF, in AMSAT-NA’s top slot. quency e-mail program supporting Atlantic Area Coast Guard
Prior to his election, he had served as AMSAT-NA’s executive cutters. Since then, he has processed 500 to 600 e-mails a day
vice president. An electrical engineer, Haighton has been li- supporting crews aboard Coast Guard cutters. Johnson is the
censed since 1977. He previously was GD4INU. He’s been a only MARS operator participating in the e-mail program in
member of AMSAT since 1991. Haighton is one of two Cana- the Atlantic Area and has operated nearly around-the-clock to
dian representatives to the Amateur Radio on the International meet the needs of Coast Guard personnel at sea.—USCG news
Space Station—or ARISS—project. Baker, who surprised the release
Amateur Radio community in September by announcing that • Ham radio relay brings helicopter help to ill hunter: Ac-
he did not plan to seek another term, remains an AMSAT-NA cording to a report in the Eugene Register-Guard, a Coos Bay,
board member. Ray Soifer, W2RS, has stepped back into the Oregon, man who fell ill while hunting November 12 can thank
job of executive vice president vacated by Haighton.—RAC Amateur Radio for his rescue. James Pichette, 58, was hunt-
and AMSAT News Service ing with his stepson, Matt Grigsby, KC7PZH, east of
• Goldwater K7UGA call sign re-issued: The famous K7UGA Reedsport when he experienced apparent heart problems.
call sign formerly held by the late US Sen Barry Goldwater Grigsby called for help via ham radio. The call was picked up
has been re-issued to the Central Arizona DX Association. The by an unidentified ham in Florence who relayed the message
FCC granted CADXA’s request for K7UGA on October 24. to one of Pichette’s sons. The son called Reedsport police,
The call sign came up for grabs after the mandatory two-year who, in turn, contacted the Coos Bay Coast Guard office. The
waiting period following the cancellation of Goldwater’s ama- Coast Guard transported Pichette to a Eugene hospital.
teur license ended. Goldwater died in 1998. CADXA Presi- Grigsby says his stepfather has been transferred out of inten-
dent Gary Capek, K8BN, says the club, which traded its N7KJ sive care and is doing fine.—thanks to Patrick Roberson,
club station call sign for K7UGA, plans to keep the call sign WA7PAT
active. Goldwater’s family has donated his amateur equipment, • KE6JAB is back on the ice: Ron Ross, KE6JAB, has be-
memorabilia and furnishings to the Arizona Historical Society’s gun a two-month expedition in the mountains of Queen Maud
museum in Tempe. Capek says he’s met with representatives Land in Antarctica. Ross will be assisting Polar Explorer Alain
of the museum—which plans to reconstruct Goldwater’s ham Hubert in his wall climb of Holtanna, a 5000-foot peak. As
shack as an exhibit—and says CADXA will cooperate in mak- he’s done on past trips, Ross has taken along an amateur sat-
ing the call sign available for special events at the museum. ellite station to transmit text and images from Antarctica back
• Two amateurs among “flying doctors” killed in plane to a Web site in San Francisco. He also has two APRS-en-
crash: Two Amateur Radio operators died when a private plane abled weather stations with him that will transmit data via
carrying medical volunteers crashed October 14 during a hu- SUNSAT to an Antarctic ground station or I-gate. Check out
manitarian mission to Mexico. Oakland, California, dermatolo- Ron Ross’s Web site at www.thistle.org for more informa-
gist Dr Marvin S. Weinreb, KE6WPH, a Technician licensee, tion.—SpaceNews
and Deborah Wayne Lucero, KC6UEJ, a Tech Plus licensee, • Ham call signs turn up in kids’ book: When Laurel Parker,
were members of Los Medicos Voladores or “the flying doc- KA1WJL, spotted the Amateur Radio call sign N1IQB in a
tors.” Weinreb was a 20-year veteran of Los Medicos Voladores; children’s book, The Wanderer, it piqued her curiosity. So, she
Lucero reportedly helped in translating and in setting up the wrote to Newbery Medal-winning author Sharon Creech and
doctors’ visits. The volunteers died when the Cessna 320E, pi- to Wayne Grabowski of Spencer, Massachusetts, who holds
loted by Weinreb, crashed outside Ensenada, Mexico, about N1IQB, to find out more. As Parker explained in a note to the
two miles from the airport where it was attempting to land.— ARRL: “Neither of them knew each other, and the author had
thanks to Jim McSherry, N3AMF and Clark Crabbe, WA7NBU just more or less made up the call and hoped that if it did be-
• Vote on QST Cover Plaque Award: The winner of the QST long to someone that they would be flattered that their call had
Cover Plaque Award for October was George Eldridge, been used. The other call that she used (WB2YPZ) is not an
N6RVC, for his article “Decoding the Disneyland Telegraph.” active call at this time.” The Wanderer is a tale of growing up
The winner of the QST Cover Plaque Award for November and self-discovery surrounding a young teenaged girl, Sophie,
was L.B. Cebik, W4RNL, for his article “A Beginner’s Guide who journeys across the Atlantic on a sailboat accompanied by
to Modeling with NEC.” Congratulations, George and L.B.! her adoptive mother’s three brothers and two nephews.

January 2001 77
 ARRL Ham Radio insurance to cover antennas, towers, rotators Section Manager Election Notice
Seabury & Smith, the ARRL “All Risk” Ham Radio Equipment Insurance Plan To all ARRL members in the Mary-
administrator (formerly Albert H. Wohlers and Company) has announced that, land–DC, Nevada, New Hampshire,
effective immediately, the plan will insure antennas, towers and rotators. Cover- Northern New Jersey, Rhode Island, San
age for antennas, towers and rotators may be written only as an endorsement—or Joaquin Valley, Utah and West Texas
Sections. You are hereby solicited for
rider—to an existing policy. As in the existing program, the policy is that all the
nominating petitions pursuant to an elec-
equipment must be scheduled. Members may not insure antennas, tower, and rota- tion for Section Manager (SM). Incum-
tors without also purchasing coverage for their other station equipment. The cost bents are listed on page 12 of this issue.
of coverage is $1.50 for every $100 of valuation—the same as that for station To be valid, a petition must contain
equipment. Amateurs with further questions can contact the Seabury & Smith Cus- the signatures of five or more full ARRL
tomer Service Department at 800-503-9230. members residing in the section con-
cerned. Photocopied signatures are not
acceptable. No petition is valid without
Hensley was tapped last year to take over The 1998 FCC Order included a pro- at least five signatures, and it is advis-
the South Carolina SM job when former SM vision that authorizes Schoenbohm to able to have a few more than five signa-
Les Shattuck, K4NK, was elevated to continue to operate his station until the tures on each petition. Petition forms
Roanoke Division Vice Director. 91st day “following the release date of (FSD-129) are available on request from
Candidates in eight other ARRL sec- any order on reconsideration or the ARRL Headquarters but are not re-
tions were unopposed. All were incum- completion of judicial review, whichever quired. We suggest the following format:
bents. Returning to office are Dale is later.” (Place and Date)
Bagley, K0KY, Missouri; Bill McCollum, Schoenbohm holds the call signs Field & Educational Services Manager,
KE0XQ, Nebraska; George Tranos, VP2VFZ, VP2MFZ, VP2EFZ, and ARRL
N2GA, New York City-Long Island; Tho- PY1ZAI, but he may not use any of them 225 Main St
mas Dick, KF2GC, Northern New York; from US territory. For now, Schoenbohm Newington, CT 06111
Jean Priestley, KA2YKN, Southern New says he’ll content himself with commu- We, the undersigned full members of
Jersey; David Armbrust, AE4MR, West nicating with his friends via the Internet. the ______ ARRL section of the ______
Central Florida; John Rodgers, N3MSE, division, hereby nominate ______ as
“There is certainly less QRM,” he said.
candidate for Section Manager for this
Western Pennsylvania; and Bob
NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR ARRL section for the next two-year term of
DeVarney, WE1U, Vermont. office.
Ballots were counted November 21 at INSTRUCTOR, RECRUITER,
EDUCATOR AWARDS (Signature___ Call Sign___ City__ ZIP__)
ARRL Headquarters. The terms of office
for all successful candidates are two Any candidate for the office of Sec-
Nominations close January 31 for
tion Manager must be a resident of the
years, beginning January 1, 2001. ARRL awards that recognize excellence section, a licensed amateur of Techni-
in teaching Amateur Radio classes, cian class or higher and a full member
SUPREME COURT ENDS KV4FZ using Amateur Radio in the classroom,
RENEWAL SAGA of the League for a continuous term of
and recruiting others to Amateur at least two years immediately preced-
The US Supreme Court has put an end Radio. ing receipt of a petition for nomination.
to the high-profile amateur license re- The ARRL Herb S. Brier Instructor of Petitions must be received at Headquar-
newal case of Herbert Schoenbohm, the Year Award goes each year to a ters by 4 PM Eastern Time on March 9,
KV4FZ, by denying his petition for cer- volunteer Amateur Radio instructor. The 2001. Whenever more than one member
tiorari. The petition was his last avenue ARRL Professional Educator of the Year is nominated in a single section, ballots
of legal appeal in the case, which award goes to a professional teacher who will be mailed from Headquarters on or
stretches back to 1994. has incorporated Amateur Radio into his before April 1, 2001, to full members
Schoenbohm may continue to operate or her class curriculum. The ARRL of record as of March 9, 2001, which is
legally until 12:01 AM on Monday, Janu- Professional Instructor of the Year award the closing date for nominations. Re-
ary 29, 2001, and, after checking with the is presented to a paid, non-state certified turns will be counted May 22, 2001.
Section Managers elected as a result of
FCC, he took advantage of the time re- ham radio instructor, such as those
the above procedure will take office July
maining. Schoenbohm says he made teaching classes offered through adult 1, 2001.
some 160-meter CW contacts during the education programs. If only one valid petition is received
CQ WW DX Contest in late November. The ARRL Excellence in Recruiting from a section, that nominee shall be de-
The FCC Enforcement Bureau has de- Award goes to a ham who exemplifies clared elected without opposition for a
clined to say whether or not it would pre- outstanding recruiting enthusiasm and two-year term beginning July 1, 2001.
fer that Schoenbohm stay off the air. technique and has gone the extra mile to If no petitions are received from a sec-
The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear introduce others to Amateur Radio. tion by the specified closing date, such
his case was “as expected,” Schoenbohm All winners receive beautifully section will be resolicited in the July
said. “The saga has gone on for almost engraved plaques, which may be 2001 QST. A Section Manager elected
eight years and was worth the fight.” sponsored by clubs. through the resolicitation will serve a
Following Schoenbohm’s 1992 felony Complete information and nomination term of 18 months. Vacancies in any
conviction on federal fraud charges, the forms are available on the ARRL Web site Section Manager’s office between elec-
FCC turned down his renewal application at www.arrl.org/ead/award/. Completed tions are filled by the Field & Educa-
in 1998. The US Appeals Court upheld the tional Services Manager. You are urged
forms go to section managers before
to take the initiative and file a nomina-
FCC’s decision last spring, and January 31. tion petition immediately.—Rosalie
Schoenbohm had petitioned the high court For more information, contact White, K1STO, Field & Educational Ser-
in August to review his Appeals Court Jean Wolfgang, WB3IOS, jwolfgang@ vices Manager
record. arrl.org.
78 January 2001
 MOVED & SECONDED
MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE agreed that President Haynie is authorized to ary how it wishes to solicit membership input.
COMMITTEE decide, in consultation with the Spectrum Strat- On motion of Mr. Heyn, it was voted to add the
Number 465 egy Committee and Executive Vice President matter as an agenda item for the 2001 Annual
Sumner, whether the ARRL should make a nomi- Meeting of the Board.
Irving, Texas—November 11, 2000 nation. 2.13. Mr. Haynie requested a detailed
Agenda 2.5. Mr. Imlay reported that he is working to progress report, prior to the January meeting of
complete a draft petition to renew our request the Board, on the 5-MHz experimental opera-
1. Approval of minutes of July 20, 2000, for an upgrade of the amateur service allocation tions being conducted in support of a possible
Executive Committee meeting 2300-2305 MHz from secondary to primary. The amateur allocation.
2. FCC matters best time to submit the petition will be after the 2.14. Mr. Imlay reported that the FCC is ex-
3. General legal matters FCC disposes of a competing proposal for this pected to issue a Public Notice shortly, announc-
4. Antenna matters spectrum. ing the appointment of the ARRL and others as
5. Legislative matters 2.6. Mr. Imlay gave an optimistic report with club and military recreation station call sign ad-
6. International matters regard to the prospects for favorable FCC ac- ministrators.
7. Organizational matters tion on RM-9949, an ARRL petition that seeks 2.15. The committee briefly discussed the
8. Recognition of new Life Members upgrading of the amateur and amateur-satellite status of FCC enforcement activities, noting that
9. Affiliation of clubs allocation at 2400-2402 MHz from secondary a particularly difficult case in the New York City
10. Approval of conventions to primary. area is not yet satisfactorily resolved.
11. Date and place of next EC meeting 2.7. There was little new to report with re- 3. Mr. Imlay reported briefly on the status
12. Other business gard to the efforts by public safety agencies in of draft revisions of certain memoranda of un-
Pursuant to due notice, the Executive Com- Los Angeles to gain access to 2402-2450 MHz derstanding to which the ARRL is a party.
mittee of the American Radio Relay League, for television downlinks from helicopters. Spe- 4. Mr. Imlay reported for the Antenna Case
Inc., met at 8:30 AM Saturday, November 11, cial temporary authorization was granted for Funding Review/Assistance Committee. Unfor-
2000, at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Marriott operation during a political convention, but op- tunately, the first request brought to the com-
Hotel, Irving, Texas. Present were the follow- eration was very limited and provided no useful mittee for consideration fell outside the guide-
ing committee members: President Jim Haynie, evidence with regard to whether sharing with lines for assistance and had to be declined.
W5JBP, in the Chair; First Vice President Joel amateurs was practical. 5. Legislative matters were reviewed briefly
Harrison, W5ZN; Executive Vice President 2.8. FCC action is expected soon on the as follows:
David Sumner, K1ZZ; and Directors Frank But- ARRL petition, RM-9404, filed October 22, 5.1. Mr. Sumner observed that HR.783 and
ler, W4RH, Frank Fallon, N2FF, Tom Frenaye, 1998, seeking amateur access to low-frequency S.2183 were not likely to be enacted during the
K1KI, and Fried Heyn, WA6WZO. Also present (LF) spectrum. A Notice of Proposed “lame duck” session of Congress that will fol-
were International Affairs Vice President Rulemaking is anticipated that will propose the low the elections. The principal sponsors of both
Rodney J. Stafford, W6ROD, and General Coun- allocation of at least a part of the spectrum be- bills are returning for the 107th Congress in
sel Christopher D. Imlay, W3KD. ing sought. January and probably will be willing to reintro-
1. On motion of Mr. Butler, the minutes of 2.9. At Minute 62 of the 2000 Second Meet- duce the legislation if requested to do so.
the July 20, 2000, Executive Committee meet- ing of the Board a motion was adopted direct- 5.2. The ARRL legislative agenda for 1999-
ing were approved in the form in which they had ing the filing “at the appropriate time” of a peti- 2000 has been circulated to the Board with a
been distributed. tion to permit spread spectrum emissions in the request for suggested changes for 2001-2002.
2. FCC matters were reviewed as follows: bands 219-220 and 222-225 MHz. After discus- The Board will be asked to approve an updated
2.1. Mr. Imlay reported on the status of the sion it was agreed that this is not the appropri- legislative agenda in January.
FCC Ultra-Wideband (UWB) proceeding, ET ate time to file. 5.3. Legislative restrictions on the use of cel-
Docket 98-153. The ARRL filed reply com- 2.10. Mr. Imlay reported that the FCC has lular telephones by the drivers of vehicles were
ments on October 27. Others share our con- granted a waiver of §97.207(g)(1) to permit op- discussed briefly. Mr. Fallon observed that an
cerns about interference to conventional sys- eration from the International Space Station effort is under way in New Jersey to exempt ama-
tems from UWB systems, particularly at fre- (ISS) without the 27-month advance notification teur operation from the effects of such legisla-
quencies below 2.5 GHz. The FCC has ac- required by the rules. He observed that tion.
knowledged that compatibility tests are under- §97.113(e), which permits the retransmission, 6. International matters were discussed as
way but has declined to postpone the comment under certain conditions, of United States gov- follows:
deadline until after they are completed. The ernment communications between a space 6.1. Mr. Stafford reported on the IARU Re-
ARRL is working with the UWB Lab at the shuttle and its associated Earth stations, does not gion 3 Conference in Darwin. The conference
University of Southern California to test com- extend to the ISS. reaffirmed its endorsement of the objective of a
patibility with 1.2-GHz amateur equipment. 2.11. Mr. Imlay reported that a decision is 300-kHz worldwide amateur allocation at 7
2.2. The ARRL submitted comments in re- expected soon on the ARRL petition for recon- MHz. The conference also adopted a resolution
sponse to an FCC Notice of Inquiry in ET Docket sideration of the FCC’s denial of RM-8763, our calling for the removal of Morse code testing as
00-47, software defined radios (SDR). It is not request for clarification and extension of the an ITU requirement for an amateur license to
anticipated that the FCC will issue rulemaking PRB-1 preemption policy. Some language in the operate below 30 MHz. Consistent with exist-
proposals on the subject any time soon. In any First Report and Order and Further Notice of ing Board policy, the ARRL voted against the
event, no rules presently preclude amateur ex- Proposed Rulemaking in WT Docket 99-217, resolution. The issue is expected to be raised
periment with SDR. concerning the promotion of competitive net- again at the Region 2 Conference in Guatemala
2.3. Mr. Haynie reported briefly on his trip works in local telecommunications markets, may in October 2001. On motion of Mr. Heyn, it was
to Washington, DC, in mid-September. A lun- be helpful to us. voted to place the issue on the agenda for con-
cheon meeting with amateurs who are employed The committee was in recess for luncheon sideration at the 2001 Annual Meeting of the
in various capacities in the nation’s capital was from 11:50 AM to 1:09 PM. Board.
very productive and will be repeated early next 2.12. Mr. Imlay reported that the FCC is ex- 6.2. Mr. Stafford noted that the Region 2
year. pected to act by the end of the year on pending Conference also will consider a proposal to re-
2.4. Mr. Imlay reported on behalf of the Ad petitions for reconsideration of various aspects vise the Region 2 Constitution and Bylaws and
Hoc Spectrum Strategy Committee. This group of WT Docket 98-143, the amateur license re- will elect regional officers and executive com-
was appointed in September by President Haynie structuring proceeding. It was noted that while mittee members for the 2001-2004 term. As a
to address problems arising from the prolifera- the ARRL had proposed refarming of the Nov- member of the Region 2 Executive Committee,
tion of Part 15 devices operating above 30 MHz. ice bands as a part of its restructuring package, he is encouraging strategic planning and part-
The committee expects to deliver its report prior the FCC had declined to take up the possible nerships between the larger societies and the
to the 2001 Annual Meeting of the Board. An repartitioning of the HF bands until later. While smaller ones to encourage more activity by the
FCC request for nominations to its Technologi- the time is not yet ripe to raise the issue again latter.
cal Advisory Council was discussed. It was with the FCC, the Board should consider in Janu- 6.3. Mr. Stafford and Mr. Sumner reported
January 2001 79
briefly on preparations for WRC-2003. Mr. in QST that were initiated this year. B. Holtkamp, K5KH; Larry W. Honaker,
Stafford’s focus is on developing support for the There being no further business, the meet- KC8PDX; Frank J. Hubbard, AD6SB; Geir
amateur 7-MHz position within Region 2. Mr. ing was adjourned at 5:29 PM. Hunsbedt, KB9PXT; Carol E. Johnson,
Sumner has been named to the core IARU del- Respectfully submitted, KD7KIL; Joseph W. Kangas, N1ZID; Thomas
egation to the conference. A. Kavic, AA3TK; Elliott K. Klein, K7ER;
7. Organizational matters were considered as David Sumner, K1ZZ Satoshi Kouya, JQ1OCR; Edward V. Lajoie,
follows: Secretary W1MA; Terrance M. Leitch, KA4KTU; Steven
7.1. Proposed amendments to the Articles of J. Lomasky, WB2HOZ; Stephen Mar cus,
Association and Bylaws to make their language N1NYL; Michael W. Mars, N5DKR; Michael D.
gender-neutral have been circulated to the Ex- Mc Laren, K8LH; Jay D. Medlen, AG4AA;
ecutive Committee for comment. Comments re- LIFE MEMBERS ELECTED Phillip A. Mehalko, KC0EOE; Glenn V. Miller,
ceived will be incorporated and a revised draft NOVEMBER 11, 2000 N6GVM; Oscar V. Ocasio, WP4KWQ; Michael
circulated. Mr. Heyn noted that work on pro- Jan S. Adam, KC8P; Clifford H. Ahrens, K0CA; A. Perry, PA7XG; Ronald J. Polityka, WB3AAL;
posed amendments to Article 11 with regard to Evan Alford, KQ4CI; Burness F. Ansell, KI0AR; Dave Rand, NH7CM; Donald A. Rice, N0BVE;
eligibility to hold ARRL office is ongoing, but Paul J. Antoniewicz, KD9R; John B. Bellows, Terry Rolon; Jeffery D. Russell, K1XU; Al
is not yet ready for presentation. K0QB; Thomas A. Benham, W3DD; Sharon A. Schemmer, WB0YRQ; William H. Schwarz,
7.2. Mr. Heyn asked that staff make greater Bird, KB0MHH; Brian A. Bird, NX0X; James AA4GG; Richard B. Sherwood, N2NGF; Dawn
effort to ensure that each director receives cop- D. Clarkson, K7WOW; Joseph D. Creel, M. Silveira, KA6OPN; Gabrielle T. Steinau,
ies of relevant correspondence with the mem- WB4AWM; Edwin P. Curran, WA9YYF; Gre- KG6CXL; Tateshi Sunouchi, NV2N; Douglas
bers of his division. gory L. De Hoogh, N6PM; James T. Fattore, M. Taylor, AA7XC; Anita J. Townsend, N5AOK;
7.3. Mr. Haynie noted with pleasure the re- N7RZA; Dale Gardner, N7RNX; Raymond Matthew F. Tyszka, WA1HRE; Steven E. Walz,
cent increase in ARRL membership and con- Garraud, N2IJ; Lamar F. Harris, WW5N; Donna K0UO; Gilbert R. Watson, WD5FEE; Anderson
gratulated staff on the efforts that have led to C. Harrison, KD5GWM; James S. Heath, White, W5OL; Michael R. Widner, KI8CY;
this result. KB6SX; William E. Himwich, N3HXQ; David David W. Young, N0MVC.
8. On motion of Mr. Butler, 59 newly elected
life members were recognized and the Secretary
was instructed to list their names in QST. pointing program is in the works.
9. On motion of Mr. Heyn, the following
clubs were declared affiliated or their earlier
NEW PRODUCTS Price: Rotor-EZ basic kit, $99.95; Rotor-
EZ kit with RS232, $129.95. Shipping and
affiliation by mail vote was ratified: handling, $5 ($10 to locations outside of the
Category 1 IMPROVED ROTATOR CONTROL FOR US). Contract kit assembly and installation
Arizona Amateurs on Television Club, Glendale, HAM-M AND TAILTWISTER can be arranged. For additional information
AZ ◊ Idiom Press now offers Rotor-EZ, an acces- contact Idiom Press; PO Box 1 025;
Bayou Contest Club, Hammond, LA sory board kit that adds several control en- Geyserville, CA 95441; tel 7 07-431-
Jersey Coast DX Association, Bradley, NJ hancements to the Hy-Gain HAM series and 1286; sales@idiompress.com; www.
Memphremagog Amateur Radio Society, Derby Tailtwister rotator systems. idiompress.com.
Line, VT Highlights include hands-free “Auto-
Montgomery Amateur Radio Society, Robbins, Pointing,” manual pointing, brake activation THE 6TH EDITION OF THE NRC’S AM
NC delay, electronic end stops, overshoot com- STATION MAP BOOK
Platte Valley Amateur Radio Emergency Service,
Torrington, WY
pensation, 90-degree indicator offset (for ◊ The National Radio Club has released the
Raytheon Radio Club, Greenville, TX secondary antennas) and a jam prevention 6th edition of their AM Station Map Book.
Rensselaer Amateur Repeater Association, routine. This 239-page publication, edited by Bill
Rensselaer, NY Rotor-EZ is a small circuit board kit that Hale, catalogues the latitudes and longitudes
Southeast Arkansas Radio Club, Monticello, AR you assemble and then wire into your control of all known US and Canadian AM broad-
St. John Valley Amateur Radio Association, box. It can be installed in any of the HAM cast stations assigned to the frequencies be-
Grand Isle, ME series and Tailtwister control units with three tween 530 and 1705 kHz.
Tri County Amateur Radio Club, Basin, WY control paddles. A 5-page introduction, written by NRCer
Category 2 In the Auto-Pointing mode, the calibration Dave Sundius, provides instructions and
Gulf Coast DX Association, Semmes, AL knob on the rotator control box serves as an equations for using the location information
OMIK Amateur Radio Association, Inc, aiming control. The knob is used to set the to calculate a station’s distance and bearing
Florissant, MO antenna direction indicator needle to the de- or to determine its sunset/sunrise times.
sired heading. The brake paddle is pressed and Several examples are included.
Category 3 rotation begins. The indicator immediately The station listings are sorted by fre-
Connecticut Amateur Radio League of Youth, reverts back to “standard” operation and
Bloomfield, CT quency. Clear Channel (US, Canadian,
tracks the antenna as it moves. When the an- Mexican and Cuban), Regional and Local
The ARRL now has the following numbers
of active affiliated clubs: Category 1, 1924; Cat- tenna reaches the target heading the rotation frequencies are identified. Each section con-
egory 2, 26; Category 3, 145; Category 4, 16; automatically stops. After a 5-second delay tains tables of the call signs of the stations
Total, 2111. the brake sets. assigned to that frequency—ordered alpha-
10. On motion of Mr. Butler, the holding of In the Manual mode, paddle operation is betically by state—and their latitudes and
the following ARRL conventions in 2001 was essentially identical to that of the unmodified longitudes. Maps of the US and Canada
approved or their earlier approval by mail vote control box. The automatic 5-second brake showing the relative station locations appear
was ratified: delay feature remains enabled though, allow- on each left-hand leaf.
NYC/LI Section, Jan 21, North Babylon, NY ing the antenna time to come to a stop before The AM Station Map Book is printed on 8 1/
Mississippi State, Feb 2-3, Jackson, MS the brake is applied. 2× 11-inch paper, 3-hole punched and in loose-
Tennessee State, Feb 10-11, Memphis, TN Programmable end stops can be set up to leaf format. It’s a valuable reference tool for
Roanoke Division, Mar 10-11, Charlotte, NC stop the rotation 5 degrees before the end lim- the AM broadcast DXer and is a fine compan-
Nebraska State, Mar 30-31, Norfolk, NE its. This is intended to prevent end-stop jams. ion to the NRC’s AM Radio Log.
San Francisco Section, Jun 23-24, Ferndale, Price for NRC or IRCA members is $12.
Manual rotation control is still possible in the
CA For non-members: $17.95 in the US and
11. It was agreed that the next meeting of end zones. An Anti-Stick startup routine can
also be implemented. Canada; $21.50 in Latin America; $23.50 in
the Executive Committee would be held at the
call of the President. A version that includes an RS-232 com- Europe and $25 elsewhere. Postage is in-
12. On motion of Mr. Fallon, it was voted puter interface is also available. This provides cluded. Payment by check only to the Na-
that the Executive Committee congratulates and computer rotator control capabilities from tional Radio Club, Publications Center, Box
thanks the ARRL staff members whose work re- logging and contest programs that support the 164, Dept W, Mannsville, NY 13661;
sulted in the new Web pages and the new look Hy-Gain DCU-1 protocol. A free Windows 9X nrclog@aol.com; www.nrcdxas.org.
Previous • Next New Products
80 January 2001
 PUBLIC SERVICE
A Key to Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness
By Douglas Stinson, KG6ADR Members of one CERT
district’s commun-
ications staff discuss
Our local police and fire departments assignments to
serve our communities well through the search and rescue
ups and down of normal life. When an teams while moni-
earthquake, hurricane or other natural toring net traffic.
From left to right:
disaster strikes, the magnitude and geo- Liz Bush, KF6YYH,
graphic extent of the injuries and dam- Doug Stinson,
age quickly overtax the professional KG6ADR, Mellissa
services. If you are in distress during a Palleschi, and
Bill Bush, KF6YYG.
disaster, damage to roads and bridges
may prevent help from reaching you,

RON MACHADO
even if assistance is available. Downed
communications lines may prevent ser-
vice providers from even knowing of
your fate. Amateur Radio operators have
a long and distinguished record of ser-
vice in such emergencies. This commit- teams request help or report situations developed a series of training classes for
ment to service finds expression in which are beyond their capability to CERT members interested in communi-
organizations such as the Amateur handle? Once they get over the shock of cations.
Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and learning that their cell phones may not CERT members with ham licenses be-
the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Ser- work after disaster strikes, people attend- came part of an informal group known
vice (RACES). ing the training start to look for other as the CERT Amateur Radio Team, or
Disasters bring out the best in other methods of communication. As they be- CART. The CERT organization had di-
people as well. Neighbors turn out to help gin to appreciate that the responsibility vided the two cities into eight districts,
each other, regardless of personal cost or for bringing order to chaos falls on them, each with a district coordinator. To en-
risk. This can be a mixed blessing. Fol- the discipline of the Amateur Radio courage participation in CART activities,
lowing the Mexico City earthquake, Service begins to look appealing. CERT and to integrate radio communications
spontaneous volunteers saved 800 training classes are an excellent place to into the district’s activities, each district
people. However, 100 people lost their recruit new hams! coordinator appointed a district commu-
lives while attempting to save others. nications coordinator.
This is a high price to pay. One Community’s Response
Injury to volunteer disaster workers is Fremont and Union City are two Putting CART to the Test
preventable through proper training. To California communities that have enthu- The newly trained “communicators”
provide this training the Community siastically embraced the CERT program. received their first test at a citywide
Emergency Response Team (CERT) con- Located on San Francisco Bay, these CERT drill on April 29, 2000. By 9 AM,
cept was developed and implemented by communities form the northeast tip of about 160 CERT members had reported
the Los Angeles City Fire Department in Silicon Valley. As with any community, to 8 district staging areas in response to
1985. CERT provides basic training in these cities present many challenges to a simulated magnitude 8.0 earthquake.
hazard mitigation, utility control, fire the disaster planner. For starters, Fremont Volunteer district coordinators had cre-
suppression, disaster medicine, light and Union City’s 100 plus square miles ated various scenarios to which the ar-
search and rescue, disaster psychology and population of over a quarter of a mil- riving CERT members had to respond.
and the Incident Command System. The lion straddle the Hayward Fault—gener- The scenarios, which were staged to vary-
goal of the program is to help people not ally agreed by geologists to be the most ing degrees of realism, included collapsed
become victims themselves, and then to likely origin of the next “big one.” buildings, overturned tanker trucks, toxic
organize their neighborhoods to be self- Two individuals, Mike Fung, gas releases and fires of various intensi-
sufficient in dealing with the emergency. WA6AWI, and Ray Wong, KE6OGM, ties and extents.
Since its inception, CERT has spread to active in both CERT and the local ARES ARES ran a directed net from the
many communities in at least 30 states, group, recognized the need for a ready Police Department’s Field Operation
Canada and New Zealand. supply of hams trained in emergency Center (FOC) to handle the drill’s voice
During CERT training, the need for communications who would respond as communications. The net was conducted
effective communications, both within CERT members. Training sessions were primarily on the WA6PWW repeater on
neighborhoods and between neighbor- organized to help CERT members obtain 2 meters.
hoods and government officials, becomes their first “ticket.” Joe Peterson, Districts ran sub-nets for communica-
readily apparent. If a neighborhood forms KE6YHG, Nancy Peterson, KF6HOI, tion with search and rescue teams using
search and rescue teams, how do you Brian Krause, AD6MG, and David Ward, 2-meter simplex or Family Service Ra-
keep in touch with them? How do the VE7DWJ, together with Mike and Ray, dios. One district experimented with

Steve Ewald, WV1X
Public Service Specialist

January 2001 81
packet radio, operated by Florence Wong,
KF6GAH, as their link to net control. In
all, 29 hams supported CERT communi-
cations during the drill.
One outcome of the drill was increased
confidence in the volunteers by the pro-
fessionals. The ARES/CART-managed
communications network “really made a
believer out of me,” said acting Division
Chief Victor Valdes of the Fremont Fire
Department. “By incorporating Amateur
Radio into our City’s Disaster Manage-
ment Operations plan we are able to
expand our response and reporting capa-
bilities far beyond what would be pos- Steve Ewald, WV1X (left) is shown
sible from our normal staffing.” receiving a plaque from Missouri Section
Manager Dale Bagley, K0KY, at the ARRL
Lessons Learned Missouri State Convention. Kenneth
ARRL Southern Florida Section Manager Foster, KC0AMH, prepared the wooden
The success of any drill is measured Phyllisan West, KA4FZI, (left) is shown plaque, cut into the shape of Missouri.
by how much is learned. By all accounts, meeting with Rosalie White, K1STO, who
has turned over the reins for the Public
this drill was a resounding success! The Service column to Steve Ewald, WV1X.
most gratifying lesson was that all of the
preparation paid off. Radio communica- More information on CERT can be for the ARRL East Bay Section are sum-
tions significantly improved the effec- found at www.qsl.net/kg6adr. marized in the Instant Trainer at www
tiveness of the CERT teams. Emergency communication procedures .pdarrl.org/ebsec/it2000.pdf.

146 N5NAV KI4YV W2PII 93

KB5W K4FQU W4CKS 106 WB4ZNB
W4PIM Section Traffic Manager Reports
Field Organization Reports N2AKZ
KB2KLH
130
WD9HII WB4TVY
W5XX
K4WKT
W6JPH
KC6SKK October 2000
W0OYH AF4NS N9KNJ 92
K4MTX 105
144 W9CBE KG5GE AF4CD The following ARRL Section Traffic Managers reported:
K4SCL W7LG KG2D
Public Service Honor Roll W2FR KT4TD 89 AK, AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DE, EMA, ENY, EPA, EWA, GA,
WB0ZNY KB5TCH KE0K ID, IA, IL, KS, KY, LA, MDC, ME, MN, MO, MS, NC, NFL,
October 2000 WB5NKC 118 W2CC
143 N2JRS NH, NLI, NNJ, NTX, NV, OH, OK, OR, ORG, SB, SC, SFL,
K9GBR 88 STX, TN, VA, VT, WCF, WI, WMA, WPA, WWA, WY.
WA4DOX 129 KE4WBI KA8VWE
This listing is to recognize amateurs whose public service K5VV NZ1D
performance during the month indicated qualifies for 70 or WD9FLJ 104 KC7SGM
KB2VVD KC7SRL W3BBQ
more total points in the following 8 categories (as reported K0PIZ KC3Y 87
to their Section Managers). Please note the maximum KC5VLW 128 W5AYX
KA2DBD K8LEN
points for each category: 1) Checking into a public service 142 W3VK K7MQF 103 Section Emergency Coordinator Reports
net, using any mode, 1 point each; maximum 60. 2) N3ZKP K5IQZ K4BG 86
W5CU KE4VBA October 2000
Performing as Net Control Station (NCS) for a public N8BV WA0TFC KA8WNO
service net, using any mode, 3 points each; maximum 24. W0WWR WB2QIX KE4IFD 102 K1SEC
3) Performing assigned liaison between public service AF4GF N9MN KC6NBI 85 The following ARRL Section Emergency Coordinators
WB2FGL 117 AA4YW reported: AL, AZ, CT, ENY, EWA, IN, KS, KY, LA, MDC,
nets, 3 points each; maximum 24. 4) Delivering a formal 141 AD6LW N1LAH
message to a third party, 1 point each; no limit. 5) Originating WD8DHC WA8SSI KR4MU NFL, NLI, OH, SD, SFL, STX, SV (North), TN, VA, WCF,
KE4JHJ W4DGH W2GUT
a formal message from a third party, 1 point each; no limit. W2RJL 127 AC5Z WMA, WPA.
N5GG WA4EIC
6) Serving as an ARRL field appointee or Section Manager, N3WK WB4CSQ
10 points each appointment; maximum 30. 7) Participating 140 116 101
AB4XK W5CDX KF4KSN 84
in a communications network for a public service event, 10 WA4QXT KA1VED
points each event; no limit. 8) Providing and maintaining WD4JJ N7AIK WA2CUW W4SEE
WB2UVB KB2WII W1JTH Brass Pounders League
an automated digital system that handles ARRL radiogram- WX4H W7VSE 83
formatted messages; 30 points. Stations that qualify for W0LAW
115
KG4EZQ N5JUU October 2000
W7GHT
PSHR 12 consecutive months, or 18 out of a 24-month 139 KK1A 100 KE4DNO
period, will be awarded a certificate from HQ on written N3WAV 126 KE4GYR The BPL is open to all amateurs in the US, Canada and US
WD0GUF 113 82
notification of qualifying months to the Public Service K4RBR WA4GLS WA4EYU possessions who report to their SMs a total of 500 points or
Branch at HQ K2DN 125 WB5NKD W7QM a sum of 100 or more origination and delivery points for any
WB7VYH WB9GIU
138 W1ALE WW8D calendar month. All messages must be handled on amateur
KC4PZA 112 KD4HGU 81 frequencies within 48 hours of receipt in standard ARRL
K3JL KA0DBK
W4NTI 124 WB2LEZ 99 radiogram format.
882 221 182 166 155 K2PB KC7SGL
NM1K KK3F KB2RTZ KC2AHS W3CB KT6A KA4HHE AE4NW
N2WDS KB2EV KB2ETO KA4LRM 80 Call Orig Rcvd Sent Dlvd Total
627 218 N2RPI WA3HJC N8IO K1STV KK3F 49 1000 956 44 2049
N7YSS KB2VRO W7NWP KC8CON 111 98
K9JPS K5MC 179 NR2F W5GKH KB1AJ NM1K 783 311 810 3 1907
N2LTC N9BDL 164 154 123 W4CC W5SEG 53 567 567 25 1212
352 W7GB AA4AT WI2G K4BEH 79
K7BDU W7TVA W7BO KV4AP WN0Y AF4QZ KC2ANN WX4H 6 620 479 7 1112
N5IKN KC5OZT 137 N1JBD KA2BCE N2LTC 0 531 549 20 1100
340 209 176 KA1GWE KC7ZZB KB4DXN W2LC 78
KJ4N W6DOB 163 153 K9JPS 0 532 31 525 1088
K5NHJ W9YCV 122 110 97 W4AUN K1TLK 520 10 520 0 1050
206 175 W5ZX K8PJ W1JX
309 W8YS N9VE 136 AG9G WB4UHC 77 W1PEX 9 72 793 6 880
KK5GY K7VVC K2UL KC2EOT 109 K3CSX W9IHW 5 423 47 380 855
162 152 121 96 KT6A 0 400 434 0 834
298 202 174 135 K4AKC AA3GV K4YVX 76
W4ZJY N2JBA AA3SB N1LKJ W1PEX WB5ZED 11 246 355 18 810
WA5OUV N3WKE K5DPG KF5A N1IST K7VVC 67 299 326 11 703
279 N2YJZ 172 161 151 W9ZY W2MTO KG4IGE
KC4TLG WA1FNM 134 W2JG 95 K7BDU 179 213 301 5 698
AG4DL 198 W4EAT NN2H N8DD WA1QAA N4JAQ WZ7V 0 331 31 303 665
NN7H WA1JVV 160 N5OUJ KD1LE 108 KB4WBY
256 KA4UIV W4DLZ W9YPY 0 303 335 0 638
WD8V K9FHI 171 WB2GTG 150 K2VX NC4ML KM5YL 74 KA2ZNZ 16 299 244 73 632
197 W2AKT 133 W1QU AD4XV
254 W4CAC 159 KB3AMO KC8HTP WA2YOW W6DOB 17 308 261 11 597
WB5ZED KB2VVB WA5I K4DMH KA1VEC KJ7SI AA4BN WA9VND 40 312 223 11 586
WB4GM 170 132 K7GXZ W4WXA
193 K4IWW 158 149 KA7TTY 73 WA5OUV 0 233 63 230 526
242 N2CCN W3YVQ K9LGU 120 WU4C WB2GTG 6 209 273 36 524
N5JZ KB1DSB WO0A NY2V KA2CQX 94 KJ5YY
188 KA5KLU WA2UKX WB2ZCM AA2SV KE3FL K1JPG W4EAT 1 262 251 3 517
W7ZIW N9TVT AF2K K5NHJ 206 38 255 6 505
230 KC2DAA W6IVV W8SZU 131 WB4PAM
KJ3E KC4ZHF N0SU 107 71 KJ3E 84 114 287 18 503
184 169 157 119 KG4CHW N8NMA
148 W2EAG KF6OIF KC4VNO
229 KA4FZI KT4PM AD4IH BPL for 100 or more originations plus deliveries: K9GU 196,
WA9VND W2JHO
183 168 156 KB0DTI The following stations qualified for PSHR in September, KK5GY 191, N5JZ 104. The following stations qualified for
227 N2OPJ KA2GJV K0IBS KD4GR 2000, but were not listed in this column last month: W7GHT BPL during September, 2000, but were not listed in this
KA2ZNZ K6YR N7YSS W6QZ 127, WB7VYH 105, KC8HTP 95. (Aug) N2CCN 146. column: KB7GZU 682, W7GHT 650, W7BOI 568.

82 January 2001
 THE WORLD ABOVE 50 MHZ
On the Bands
The World Above 50 MHz and its pre- tronic media, much of the activity ap- ruary 1960 featured a 220- and 420-MHz
decessor columns have been published in pearing in On the Bands is no longer Standings Box, and similar microwave and
QST for more than 60 years, making it strictly news. EME standings boxes appeared in later
one of the oldest features of the journal. years.
The format has remained nearly un- Some New Looks The Standings Boxes have endured be-
changed during that entire period, con- Nevertheless, On the Bands remains an cause of their immense popularity. They
sisting of a general-interest lead followed important part of the column, but recent have provided goals for new operators, a
by a summary of on-the-air activities. Bill developments suggest some changes are low-key competition among the more ex-
Tynan formalized the activities portion of needed. Indeed, some readers have already perienced, and a continuing permanent
the column with the heading On the noticed that there has been greater empha- record of achievement and activities.
Bands soon after he began writing the sis on providing retrospective summaries Additional criteria that reflected new in-
column in 1975. of great propagation events, including pre- terests or operating achievements were
For many years, On the Bands pro- sentations in maps and tables. Such broad added from time to time, including coun-
vided the single most important and overviews are not possible in real time, tries worked, grid-locator totals and best
timely record of VHF and higher activi- but can only be compiled after many in- DX. Some additional subtle shifts may
ties. Readers sent in their reports by mail dividual reports have been received, ana- be called for in the future.
or telephoned them directly to the col- lyzed and synthesized into concise form.
umn authors. Several weeks after the re- This approach actually provides new in- Standings Boxes on the WWW
ports were filed, QST came out with the formation. At the same time, it creates a One change has already taken place.
latest news in the world above 50 MHz. necessary permanent record of activities. The complete Standings Boxes for all
Future On the Bands summaries may bands can now be viewed on the ARRL
Effects of Information Technology give less space to ordinary and routine Web pages at any time. Check www.arrl
That began to change during the 1980s, activities, such as the day-to-day sporadic .org/announce/standings/. The up-to-date
when VHFers found other ways to get E openings during the summer, VHF tro- Web-based boxes list all stations that
timely information. Regional DX packet pospheric ducting of less than 1000 km filed reports, whether or not they meet the
clusters announced news of rare DX and or aurora affecting only the northern third minimum criteria required for publication
VHF openings nearly instantaneously. E- of the US and southern Canada. There is in the column.
mail messages, especially e-mail bulletin normally not much news in these events Standings Boxes will still be published
boards and reflectors, also spread news anymore, especially four to eight weeks once a year, but they will be considerably
quickly. By the mid-1990s, a variety of after they take place. This does not mean shorter, leaving more room for other kinds
Web sites were offering an immense that you should stop sending in reports! of news and features. The appearance of
amount of information, including up-to-the Reports of routine activities are still es- the Standings Boxes will also change
minute status on the various bands. Even sential, because there is no other way to slightly. Instead of ranking stations within
national and regional club newsletters sent make even summary statements, such as call areas (which will be retained in the
via first-class mail could get to readers “the Midwest enjoyed 18 days of 6-meter Web-based listings), the shortened pub-
faster than QST. sporadic-E openings during the month.” lished version will rank within four US
These new technologies also affected regions and Canada.
how operators reported their activities to Standings Boxes You can see the difference in this
the World Above 50 MHz. Ten years ago, Increased VHF activity and technologi- month’s Microwave Standings. Regions
the majority of reports were still received cal changes have also affected the Stand- group adjacent call areas: the Northeast
through the mail and via telephone mes- ings Boxes, which have also long been a (1, 2 and 3), South (4 and 5), West (6 and
sages. During the 1990s, that began to fixture of the World Above 50 MHz. The 7), Midwest (8, 9, and 0). Yes, Texas and
shift dramatically in favor of e-mail mes- first Standings Box, which appeared in Oklahoma are not really a part of the
sages. The amount of mail received has April 1947, was designed to mark the ad- South, and those in other states may ob-
dwindled during the past decade, from vancement of 6-meter stations toward ject to their arbitrary categorization, but
more than two dozen letters a month to Worked All States. Standings Boxes for these are only labels of convenience.
barely half a dozen. The number of tele- other bands soon followed. In November Even so, these regional labels do a fair
phone messages has declined similarly. 1948, a 2-Meter Standings Box first ap- job of reflecting natural areas with simi-
Now, nearly all reports come in via e-mail peared, listing 17 stations with their states lar operating challenges and propagation
or from various Web pages. worked. The World Above 50 Mc for Feb- characteristics.
Even more significant is the sheer vol-
ume of reports. The number of e-mail ON THE BANDS
messages received directly from indi- This Month The big news of October was the great
viduals and via the VHF reflectors easily January 3 Quadrantids meteor increase in worldwide 6-meter DX. There were
shower peaks some ordinary aurora events on October 4-5
exceeds 100 and sometimes 200 a month. and October 28-29, more significant for their
Because of the speed, volume and prior January 20-22 ARRL VHF
Sweepstakes effects on 6-meter propagation than for con-
dissemination of information via elec- tacts made at 144 MHz and higher. An unusual

Emil Pocock, W3EP
Box 100, Lebanon, CT 06249 (voice 860-642-4347, fax 860-594-0259)
w3ep@arrl.org
January 2001 83
sporadic-E opening between the upper Midwest
and New England early on October 23 was in
progress at the same time some northerly sta-
tions were reporting OX and VE8 beacons via
auroral E. Finally, WB2AMU reported anoth*er
unusual sporadic-E opening from New York
and southern New England to Newfoundland
on October 29 after 2100. Dates and times are
all UTC.

Six Meter DX
Six meters came alive for worldwide DX
from North America in October. There were
many days with strong signals from Central and
South America, several opportunities to work
Europe and Africa, and scattered reports of
contacts across the Pacific. Solar flux ranged
from 151 to 194 during the second half of the
month, when most of the activity took place.

Caribbean, Central and

South America
Six-meter operators in much of the US east
of the Rocky Mountains and the eastern prov-
inces of Canada had good propagation toward
The VHF/UHF/microwave towers of Tom Whitted, WA8WZG, looked like limp spaghetti
the south, especially during the mornings of
draped over his barn after a tornado passed near his home on Lake Erie this past July.
the latter half of the month. Signals of com- The tornado traveled about 3 miles, but never got closer than 80 to 100 feet above the
monly worked LU, CX, CE, HK and TI sta- ground. Only trees and towers above that height were damaged.
tions were usually strong, making SSB con-
tacts relatively easy, even for more modest
stations. Other commonly cited calls included
9Y4AT, FY/W7XU, HC2FG , HC8GR, contacts with 772 different stations, mainly cent areas had little trouble working the strong
J87AB, P43JB, PY0FF, V31PC, YS1AG and Europeans, including 340 QSOs with Italy, 82 SSB signals from CN8NK, CN8LI, EH9IB and
YV1DIG. with France and 69 with Germany. several EH stations on October 30, but little
DXers on the West Coast and in the Rocky else was reported. The next morning, northeast-
Mountain states had fewer opportunities, yet Europe, the Mediterranean ern stations were at it again, working FR1GZ,
they were not left out entirely. K7ICW had and the Middle East FR2NK and FR5DN, mostly on SSB. W1JJM
some fine runs on October 5 and 14, picking Six meters opened from the East Coast to caught TR8CA, and K1TOL worked 7Q7RM
up YS1AG, V31PC, PY0FF and several oth- Europe for the first time during the fall season before 1300. WB8XX, K8MFO and probably
ers. Scattered reports from Montana and Cali- on October 13, a little earlier than expected. other Midwest stations also worked 7Q7RM.
fornia showed that even remote parts of the W3EP and EH7KW made an SSB contact at By 1345, stations throughout the Northeast
country had opportunities to make some DX 1311 via a skewed path, perhaps the initial con- were working CN, EH9, ZB, EH, CT, GM, GI,
contacts. tact of the day, followed by K2RTH/4 to GW, G, ON and F, with some lucky W1 opera-
Central and South Americans had many CT1EKF at 1355. Transatlantic propagation tors also catching 5B and 4X. W4 and W5 area
days with propagation to Europe. October 29 over the next two weeks was marginal, with stations had to settle for EH7KW and several
and 30 were especially productive days, only a few of the better equipped northeastern other Spanish stations.
boosted by the aurora then in progress. stations making occasional transatlantic con-
YV4DDK made 75 contacts with 18 countries tacts, primarily with Spain and Portugal. Asia and the Pacific
(eight of them new), mainly in the Mediterra- The first big break came on the morning Stations on the West Coast and scattered
nean area, including SV, 5B and 4X. UT5JCW of October 28. VE9AA had a good run into throughout the Rocky Mountain region had
worked J87AB and found FY/W7XU the EH8, EH, EI, GM, GW, GI, G, ON, PA, OZ, good success working across the Pacific,
next day. DL, I and OK. W1 stations worked somewhat again primarily during the latter half of
fewer of these countries, but W4 area stations October. Their interesting catches for the
Africa and the Indian Ocean also reported F, 9H and YU. Some of the more month included TX0SIX (Chesterfield Is-
Stations primarily in the Northeast (VE1, unusual contacts included UT5JCW to land), V73AT (Marshall Islands), YJ8UU and
VE9 and W1) had some highly selective open- K2RTH/4 (the first time the Ukrainian had YJ0DX (Vanuatu), along with several ZLs and
ings to southern Africa and the adjacent In- worked North America) and to WA4LOX. In VKs. In addition, the K5K (Kingman Reef)
dian Ocean on October 15, 20, 21, 24, 26 and addition, 5B4FL found K2RTH/4 and W1JJM. expedition made more than 250 contacts with
28. Calls logged included 7Q7RM, FR1AN, Conditions on the morning of October 29 W6s and W7s.
FR1GZ, FR5DN, ZS6EZ and ZS6PJS. Signals were most unusual, perhaps due to the aurora. A few stations outside the western US also
were sometimes strong, making SSB contacts Stations in the Northeast heard loud European reported interesting contacts across the Pacific.
more common, but openings usually did not 48.250-MHz video signals skewed far to the Texans Pat Rose, W5OZI, and John Butrovich,
last very long or cover large areas at any given south, and soon after they began copying weak W5UWB, reported TX0SIX, V73AT and
time. On October 31, the same group of Europeans at headings between 120° and YJ0DX among their catches on October 14. A
African stations, joined by TR8DA, worked 170°, also far south of the 60° direct path. week later, Roman Flores, XE2EED, logged
widely throughout the VE1, VE9, W1, 2, 3, They made contacts with EH, 9H, F, I, DL, K5K, FO0TOH, FO0ELY and TX0SIX. Shep
4, 8, 9 and 0 call areas. 9A and YU at least, primarily on CW. Shepard, W7HAH in Montana, worked
Europeans continued their almost daily runs UT5JCW appeared for a second day, working VK4BKL and two other VK4 stations during
into Africa and the adjacent Indian Ocean. W3EP at 1353, followed by W1JJM, K1TOL, the late afternoon of October 28-29 with his
Among the most sought after stations were W1RA and W1GF. ZS6WB worked VE1YX beam pointed at 30°, directly into the auroral
3C5I (Equatorial Guinea), 5V7VJ (Togo), and K1DAM about the same time. Stations in curtain. Shep reported that the VKs had the
5X1GS (Uganda), 8Q7QQ (Maldives), 9E1C, Florida and other W4 call area states did distinctive aurora note, but they were not read-
9E1S and ET3VSC (Ethiopia), E30TA slightly better on a skewed heading closer to able along the direct path. K7CW in Washing-
(Eritrea), J28FF (Djibouti), VQ9JT (Chagos), 120°, still well off the direct path. K2RTH/4 ton found KH6s and several weak VKs about
Z22JE (Zimbabwe) and XT2OW (Burkina logged 29 stations in EH8, CN, EH, G, ON, the same time.
Faso). The expedition to Burkina Faso was es- F, DL, I, 9H, OK, 9A, YU, SV, YO and LZ. For their part, Australian VK4, 6 and 8 area
pecially successful. XT2OW made over 1000 Stations in the favored Northeast and adja- stations worked into Europe, from Portugal
84 January 2001
Microwave Standings
Published Microwave Standings include only regional leaders as of November 1. For a complete listing of all stations, check the VHF/
UHF/Microwave Standings Boxes at www.arrl.org/announce/standings/. To ensure that the Standings Boxes reflect recent activity,
submit reports at least every two years by e-mail to: standings@arrl.org. Printed reporting forms are available by sending a request
with SASE to: Standings, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111. Stations are grouped into regions based on US call areas.

Best Best Best Best

Call DX† Call DX† Call DX† Call DX†
Sign QTH States DXCC Grids (km) Sign QTH States DXCC Grids (km) Sign QTH States DXCC Grids (km) Sign QTH States DXCC Grids (km)

33 cm (902-928 MHz) K3SIW/9 IL 21 2 74 1207 K2YAZ/8 MI 3 1 3 400 WA8WZG OH 7 2 18 1045

Minimum Terrestrial DX = 800 km W9ZIH IL 19 1 34 1184 WB9SNR IL 5 1 10 742
K2YAZ/8 MI 18 2 57 1300 5 cm (5650-5925 MHz) K2YAZ/8 OH 3 1 5 387
K1TEO CT 16 2 43 970
WB9SNR IL 16 2 51 1250 Minimum Terrestrial DX = 300 km
WA2FGK PA 14 2 27 940 12 mm (24-24.25 GHz)
N0LL KS 13 1 46 1321
K1UHF CT 13 1 30 858 W1GHZ MA 6 1 8 367
K8TQK OH 13 1 32 1026 Minimum Terrestrial DX = 50 km
N2WK NY 12 2 46 950 W1VT VT 5 1 9 419
W0UC/9 WI 11 1 46 1180
K2AN NY 9 2 27 1401 N2WK NY 3 2 11 892 KA2MCU NY 2 1 2 80
W8PAT OH 10 2 26 1407
W3RJW PA 3 1 6 366 W2EV NY 1 2 4 66
W5LUA* TX 20 2 58 1725 NO3I PA 1 1 1 334
W5ZN AR 15 1 40 1150 13 cm (2300-2310, 2390-2450 MHz) W5LUA TX 2 1 3 160
AA5C TX 12 1 38 1528 Minimum Terrestrial DX = 600 km W5ZN* AR 8 3 21 1040 WW2R/5 OK 2 1 2 162
W5RCI MS 10 1 17 1200 W3RJW PA 14 1 26 1079 W5LUA* TX 7 13 42 1187 K5RHR NM 1 1 5 118
N5QGH TX 5 1 20 1062 K1TEO CT 12 1 19 720 AA5C TX 5 1 18 1134 W4SW VA 1 1 2 90
WB4JEM FL 3 — 3 1430 N2WK NY 10 2 31 950 WA5TKU TX 3 1 6 304
K4RF GA 2 1 10 1045 W6CPL CA 1 1 5 175
N6CA CA 4 3 18 3978 W5LUA* TX 20 19 92 1533 N6CA CA 3 3 20 3978 N6CA CA 1 1 5 167
W6CPL CA 1 2 17 825 W5ZN AR 10 1 27 1040 W6OYJ CA 1 1 1 344 WA6QYR CA 1 1 5 136
W5RCI MS 10 1 18 920 N3CEV/7 WA 1 1 1 463 W6OYJ CA 1 1 1 133
WA8WZG OH 22 2 52 1533 AA5C TX 8 1 23 1439
K3SIW/9 IL 17 2 56 1200 K4MRW AL 8 1 8 925 WA8WZG OH 15 2 22 1045 WA8WZG OH 2 1 2 65
K8TQK OH 16 2 33 1378 N5QGH TX 5 1 14 1013 W9ZIH IL 11 1 31 943 K3SIW/9 IL 1 1 4 113
KE8FD OH 13 2 32 1402 WA5TKU TX 3 1 11 704 K3SIW/9 IL 8 1 33 800 W9ZIH IL 1 1 2 70
K2YAZ/8 MI 11 1 34 960 W4DEX NC 3 1 4 714 WA0BWE MN 5 2 7 655 W0LD CO 1 — 2 75
K8MD MI 11 2 29 896 WB9SNR IL 5 1 7 614 WB9SNR IL 1 1 1 113
WA0BWE MN 10 2 27 1353 N6CA CA 3 3 15 3978 K2YAZ/8 MI 4 1 9 600
W7PUA OR 2 1 11 605 6 mm (47-47.2 GHz)
23 cm (1240-1300 MHz) 3 cm (10-10.5 GHz) Minimum Terrestrial DX = 10 km
Minimum Terrestrial DX = 1000 km WA8WZG OH 19 15 62 1533 Minimum Terrestrial DX = 300 km W2SZ/1 MA 3 1 7 106
K3SIW/9 IL 13 1 48 1041
W3RJW PA 18 2 50 1123 AF1T/1 MA 10 1 12 772 W2EV NY 1 1 4 38
WA0BWE MN 9 2 25 1353
K1TEO CT 17 2 42 1010 W1VT CT 10 1 7 303 W2SZ/4 VA 1 1 5 114
W9ZIH IL 9 1 10 1184
N2WK NY 16 3 54 1201 AF1T NH 9 1 13 425 WA1ZMS/4VA 1 1 1 66
K8TQK OH 6 1 15 673
W2CNS NY 16 2 48 1154 K1UHF CT 9 1 12 897 K2AD/4 VA 1 1 1 66
W0UC/9 WI 6 1 10 783
W1JR* NH 13 4 36 1054 WA1ECF MA 9 1 11 630
WB9SNR IL 6 1 9 812
K2AN NY 11 2 34 1401 W3RJW PA 8 1 13 548 4 mm (75.5-81 GHz)
K2YAZ/8 MI 5 1 23 600
W1GHZ/1 NH 8 1 13 549 Minimum Terrestrial DX = 1 km
W5LUA* TX 41 39 239 2060 W1GHZ/1 VT 8 1 11 501 W2SZ/4 VA 1 1 5 114
WD5AGO*OK 36 35 202 1240 9 cm (3300-3500 MHz)
K1AE NH 7 1 10 486
W5ZN AR 20 1 54 1500 Minimum Terrestrial DX = 400 km W1AIM/1 NH 6 1 10 313 2.5 mm (119.98-120 GHz)
K4MRW AL 20 1 46 1300 W3RJW PA 7 1 10 664 N1RWM NH 6 1 8 486
W5RCI MS 17 1 66 1200 W1VT VT 6 1 12 419 WA1HOG NH 5 1 8 326 Minimum Terrestrial DX = 1 km
WA4OFS* FL 17 14 59 1789 N2WK NY 4 2 19 950 N2WK NY 3 2 9 892 WA1MBA MA 1 1 1 1.15
AA5C TX 17 1 59 1721
K4RF GA 17 1 32 1067 W5LUA* TX 9 5 30 1353 W5LUA* TX 10 14 46 510 2 mm (142-149 GHz)
K5SW OK 15 1 55 1583 W5ZN AR 7 1 18 1040 AA5C* TX 6 14 34 — Minimum Terrestrial DX = 1 km
N5QGH* TX 14 7 45 1545 AA5C TX 5 1 15 1048 N5QGH TX 3 1 13 382
W4DEX NC 14 1 23 1078 W4DEX NC 4 1 5 714 W5ZN AR 3 1 7 1040 WA1MBA MA 1 1 1 3.8
WB4JEM FL 12 1 38 1647 W4DEX NC 6 1 7 899
WA5TKU TX 10 1 43 1988 N6CA CA 3 3 12 3978 1 mm (300 GHz and Higher)
W4WTA GA 9 1 16 1023 W7PUA OR 2 1 7 418 WB6CWN CA 3 2 18 1123 Minimum Terrestrial DX = 1 km
KD9KP TN 9 1 11 1165 N3CEV/7 WA 1 1 1 463 N6CA CA 2 2 16 3978 N2LPN NJ 1 1 1 —
W5UWB TX 6 1 14 1664 W6OYJ CA 2 2 13 657
WA8WZG OH 14 1 24 1045 W7PUA OR 2 1 12 605 KB0QXR NJ 1 1 1 —
N6CA* CA 8 11 44 3978 W9ZIH IL 11 1 26 943 WA6QYR CA 2 2 11 919
K6QXY CA 4 2 18 3794 K3SIW/9 IL 9 1 35 880 W6ASL/6 CA 1 1 15 770 †terrestrial
W6CPL CA 3 3 27 3984 WA0BWE MN 5 1 17 1353 W6CPL CA 1 2 9 510
—Information not supplied
K8TQK OH 5 1 10 537
WA8WZG*OH 37 22 119 1533 WB9SNR IL 5 1 8 518 W9ZIH IL 10 1 22 898 *Some stations worked via EME
W0LD CO 4 — 6 517 K3SIW/9 IL 7 1 19 464

to Poland, on October 5, 15, 16 and 25 at least, Several US stations reported similar long- Central Europe. On the 30th, Charlie ran off
but mostly under marginal conditions. path openings during the same time frame on 115 QSOs in 18 European countries scattered
VK4BRG made some difficult contacts into succeeding days. W5OZI heard JA1PVI on from Spain to Poland and Bulgaria. These
UT, YO, OH and YL on October 25. In addi- October 18, and W5EU worked JH7MSB/JR6 openings put both VR2LC and VR2XMT over
tion, 9M6BAA (East Malaysia) made about 40 on the 21st. On October 28, W5OZI found the 100 mark in DXCC entities.
contacts into southern and eastern Europe on JS6CDB, and N5JHV in New Mexico worked There were other interesting contacts
October 22 and 26. JR6VSP. across Asia. On October 15, VR2XMQ found
Japanese operators worked stations on ev- The enthusiastic 6-meter operators of VU2MKP (India) on 50.350 FM, the only
ery continent, including a fortunate few in the Hong Kong were probably among the most frequency and mode the Indian stations are
US. Among their more unusual catches were excited of any during October. VR2LC, authorized to operate at present. JY9NX
3D2TC (East Timor), 5B4FL (Cyprus), VR2XMQ, VR2XMT and others worked such (Jordan) worked VU2GTE the same day and
8Q7QQ (Maldives), EY8MM (Tajikistan), sought-after stations as 5B4FL, 4S7YSG (Sri found 4S7YSG on October 17. Taiwanese
S21YJ (Bangladesh), US5CCO (Ukraine) and Lanka), 7Q7RM, 9E1C, EY8MM, J28NW, stations BX2AB connected with VQ9JT on
YL3AJ (Latvia). Jose Carbini, LU6DRV, ST2SA, TA1AZ (Turkey) and XU7ABD the 16th, and BV2DP made it with J28NH on
worked long strings of Japanese after 2200 on (Cambodia). In addition, they had some spec- October 23. Gilbert Lappay, 4F2KWT,
October 11, 12 and 13 along the direct path. tacular runs into Europe on October 18 worked more than 50 central and eastern Eu-
YV5LIX and TI5BX found a few weak JA sta- through 21 and 30. Charlie Ho, VR2XMT, ropean stations from the Philippines on Oc-
tions on October 8, 1400-1500, via a long-path made 74 European contacts on October 20, tober 27, his first day on the band. He had
opening. including 11 with new countries, mostly in another opening to central Europe on the 21st.

January 2001 85
Transcontinental friend K4EFD back in Lexington over a 100- Darwin from the North Sea with European sta-
Although not considered true DX, open- km path, but they have not quite made it yet tions as far east as Germany, the Czech Repub-
ings from the East to West coasts of the US on 24 GHz. The pair runs 200 mW on 10 GHz lic and Italy. According to David Butler,
and Canada were interesting nonetheless. and 60 mW on 24 GHz, with 0.6-meter dishes. G4ASR, Andy made two dozen 2-meter HSCW
Bruce Sternstein, K2RTH/4 in south Florida Jack looks forward to working other stations contacts from half-a-dozen all-water grids in
worked numerous stations in British in the Tennessee Valley and beyond on the field IP during this past August. G0KZG/mm
Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Montana microwave bands. has also made some fantastic runs into Europe
and Nevada after 1550 on October 23 for the via aurora during the past year.
first time this season. 145 GHz Record
Many thanks also to K1DAM, K1SIX, Brian Justin, WA1ZMS, and Geep Howell,
VHF/UHF/MICROWAVE NEWS
K1WVX, W1REZ, N3AWS, KB4CRT, WA4RTS, have claimed a new North Call for Papers
WB4WXE, K5CM, WA5JCI, N7CNH, N7CZ, American distance record on 145 GHz. The The Southeastern VHF Society seeks pre-
N7EPD, W7GJ, W9JUV, W9GM, W9RPM, pair completed a 34-km contact in northern sentations and papers for its fifth annual con-
W9/VE3CDP, N0VSB, K0FF, 4F2KWT and Virginia on November 6. WA1ZMS set up on ference to be held April 20-21 in Nashville,
VE1IWI, not otherwise mentioned, for their the Blue Ridge Parkway (FM07fm), while Tennessee. Call Dick Hanson, K5AND, at 770-
reports. Other information was gleaned from WA4RTS was down in the valley at 844-7002, e-mail Dick at k5and@ga.prestige
the Web sites: DX Summit, OZ6OM DX Bul- Lynchburg (FM07ji). Their transmitters ran .net or check the society’s Web site at www
letin, SM7AED Six Meter Info and UKSMG about 5 mW. The CW signals were just out of .svhfs.org/svhfs for details. The deadline for
Announcement Page; the daily summaries from the noise and Brian thought they were just submissions is February 20.
G4UPS; and advance copies of the VHF col- about at their distance limit.
umns written by G4ASR, G3FPK and VK5KK. Year-Long Cumulative Contest
NOTES FROM ALL OVER Bill Tynan, W3XO/5, announces the sec-
Two-Meter TEP Maritime Mobile High Speed ond annual Roadrunners Microwave Group
From time to time, stations in the Carib- Meteor Scatter Cumulative Contest. It is a yearlong event
bean, Central America and Venezuela have re- intended to encourage activity throughout the
The newest sport on the high seas seems
ported extraordinary 2-meter contacts with year on the higher bands. The complete rules
to be running high-speed CW (HSCW) meteor-
Argentina and Uruguay via transequatorial are a bit involved, but they can be obtained
scatter contacts on 144 MHz. As captain of
field-aligned irregularities (TE). TE is more for an SASE sent to RMG Competition, PO
the SS Chemical Pioneer, Clint Walker, W1LP/
likely during the spring and fall equinoxes of Box 93175, Austin, TX 78709; or viewed on
mm plies the Pacific, Gulf and Atlantic coasts
solar-cycle peaks, but it was still surprising to the RMG Web site at www.k5rmg.org.
as far south as the Panama Canal. Over the
learn that Jose Santiago, WP4KJJ, reported a
past several years, Clint has given out dozens
remarkable string of 15 consecutive days of TE
of all-water grids on 50, 144, 432 MHz. Re- Transatlantic Beacons
propagation in October. He made contacts with
cently he has had some encouraging results Mark Dzuban, K0GHZ, has recently in-
two stations in Brazil, six in Uruguay and eight
on 10 GHz as well. His newest success has stalled a beacon on 144.299 MHz on Cape
in Argentina, mostly in the Buenos Aires area.
been running HSCW contacts on 2 meters. Hatteras, North Carolina (FM25). K0GHZ/4
During his fall voyage through the Gulf of currently runs 30 W into a loop antenna. By
Microwaves Mexico and north along the Atlantic coast, Clint May, Mark hopes to increase the power to
10 GHz completed several dozen HSCW contacts with 100 W with a new antenna system, composed
Steve Tolley (KL7FZ), Curt Law (AL7LQ) at least 11 different stations from 20 different of stacked loops plus a 13-dB Yagi pointed
and Ed Cole (AL7EB) are nearly ready to ini- grids in contacts from fields EK, EL, EM, FL toward southern Europe.
tiate what may be the first 10-GHz activity and FM. Shelby Ennis, W8WN (EM77), who When the project is complete, K0GHZ/4
from Alaska. Steve and Ed have recently ac- has been one of the most active promoters of will be the second dedicated American
quired Gunnplexer transceivers and Curt is HSCW, completed with W1LP/mm while Clint 2-meter beacon designed to provide indications
installing a 10-GHz beacon on Mt Pillar, ad- was steaming through 10 different grids. of possible transatlantic propagation. The other
jacent to the city of Kodiak. The AL7LQ bea- Clint made most of his contacts by calling East Coast 2-meter beacon with a Yagi pointed
con antenna will be pointed northeast, toward CQ and completed them within a few min- toward Europe is W1RJA in southern Rhode
Cook Inlet and the Kenai Peninsula. Ed be- utes. He notes that HSCW is much easier than Island (FN41cj) on 144.282 MHz.
lieves there are frequent and persistent inver- attempting the same meteor-scatter contacts Europeans have designated 144.400 to
sions over Cook Inlet during winter and is on SSB. This is certainly an effective way to 144.410 MHz especially for transatlantic bea-
optimistic about making contacts throughout log quite a number of all-water grids. Clint cons. F5AXR (IN87) transmits on 144.405 MHz
the maritime area, perhaps as far as Anchor- usually announces his voyages and operating with 400 W to a nine-element Yagi pointed to-
age, nearly 400 km from Kodiak. habits on the W6YX VHF reflector. ward North America. This may be the most use-
Jack Nyiri, AB4CR, is promoting micro- W1LP is not the only VHF maritime mo- ful beacon currently on the air. EA8VHF (IL28)
wave activity from his new home in Nashville. bile station running HSCW. For the past year transmits on 144.402 MHz from the Canary
Soon after making his move, Jack made or so, Andy Adams, G0KZG, has been making Islands with 10 W to a halo antenna. Other
3456-MHz and 10-GHz contacts with his 2-meter contacts on board the RRS Charles transatlantic beacons are planned.

The components used in the mechanism cally chosen to accent the gold-plated
NEW PRODUCTS are carefully selected, highly polished and hardware.
then gold plated. The knob and base are Each of the 100 special edition keys
constructed of ebony—a material specifi- is serial numbered and includes a certifi-
MILLENNIUM KEY cate on the underside of the base identi-
FROM MORSE EXPRESS fying it as a limited production version.
◊ Morse Express has recently made avail- The keys come with a “presentation qual-
able a limited edition “Millennium Key,” ity” wooden storage box with red felt lin-
manufactured by Llaves Telegraphicas ing.
Artisanes (LTA), located in the Balearic The price for the Millennium Key is
Islands of Spain. $89.95. For more information contact
The design of this key is the same as Morse Express, 3140 S Peoria St, Unit
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their special millennium edition. com; www.MorseX.com.
86 January 2001 Previous • Next New Products
 DIGITAL DIMENSION

2001: A Technological Odyssey

Thirty-three years ago, I became As shown in the accompanying
aware of the year 2001 when I went figure, the APRS Database Access
to the Connecticut premier of 2001: Web page displays three maps that
A Space Odyssey at the Cinerama indicate the location and/or track of
in Hartford. (Cinerama was the the station you ask about. A local
IMAX of the day, using three 35- street-level map covers an approxi-
mm projectors simultaneously to mately 0.5×1 mile area, a city- and
show films on a screen with an arc town-level map covers approxi-
length of 96 feet!) mately 25×50 miles, and a regional
Lacking celebrity status (I was map covers approximately 200×400
just a high-school kid), I was at the miles.
premier because I was the first caller The page indicates when the last
to a local radio station giving away packet was received from that sta-
pairs of ducats for the premier. That tion and the course and speed of that
was a notable achievement because station, if it was in motion, that is,
I was using a rotary-dial telephone like an APRS tracker. The page also
in order to be the first caller (that was displays the station’s distance and
years before DTMF dialing and one- direction from the nearest city, the
button redialing became available). contents of the station’s status
I was relegated to the balcony, packet and the contents of the last
but I got there early and found seats raw packet received from that sta-
smack dab in the middle of the front tion.
row of the balcony—and those seats Links on the page allow you to
turned out to be the catbird seats. access a list of stations near the sta-
I still get chills down my spine tion of interest. They also allow you
when I recall the beginning of that to display a US Geological Survey
motion picture. It seemed as if the topographical map and an aerial
theatre was a spaceship lifting off the photo, if available, that covers ap-
surface of the Moon with the movie proximately the same area as the lo-
screen acting as a porthole. To think cal street-level map.
that Moon colonies, manned flights In addition to station location
to Jupiter and Earth-orbiting Howard and tracks, you can also display
Johnson’s were only 33 years away! messages sent to or from a particu-
Okay, so I won’t be ordering a lar station, find APRS stations near
fried-clam platter in Earth orbit very another station, near a specific ZIP
soon now, but I will enjoy using all code and near a specific latitude and
the amazing technology that is now longitude. Also, current weather in-
in our grasp. The APRS Database Access Web page displays formation and weather history from
So, welcome to the 21st Century! the path of an APRS tracker in three levels of map specific APRS weather stations may
magnification. be viewed. Raw packet data from
Finding You any APRS station may also be
One of those gee-whiz turn-of- viewed.
the-century technological wonders that I This APRS Database Access system Brian Riley, N1BQ, created a Web
enjoy using is the APRS Database Access has been up and running for a while, but page, N1BQ’s APRS Search Page at
Web page at www.findu.com. it is often being tweaked and improved www.wulfden.org/APRSQuery.shtml,
For nearly four years, the APRS by its creator Steve Dimse, K4HG. By that makes it a little easier to access data
Internet system has been up and running querying the system, you can obtain per- from the APRS Database Access system.
collecting APRS data from around the tinent data concerning APRS activity. N1BQ’s page contains a form in which
world to link all the local RF APRS net- For example, I use the system almost you enter the call sign, ZIP code or lati-
works into a single real-time wide-area every day. After I arrive at the salt mine, tude and longitude you seek, instead of
network. The system handles approxi- I check the system to see if the APRS entering an URL, which is required on
mately 300,000 packets a day. Until re- tracker in my land barge is working. If it K4HG’s page. In either case, the output
cently, there was no provision for long- is working, my tracker’s path from home is the same and illustrates what can be
term storage of the data. Now, there is to the salt mine appears on the maps done with some creative programming
a system in place to store the APRS displayed by the APRS Database Access that ties Amateur Radio and the Internet
packets. Web page. together.

Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU
One Glen Ave, Wolcott, CT 06716-1442
wa1lou@arrl.net, www.tapr.org/~wa1lou
January 2001 87
 AMATEUR RADIO WORLD

USTTI Class of 2000 Learns about Amateur Radio

ARRL
Five students from as many African
nations attended the 2000 United States
Telecommunications Training Institute/
ARRL/IARU course on Amateur Radio
administration at ARRL Headquarters.
The course was held August 28-Sept 1.
Coordinated by USTTI and presented
jointly by an IARU volunteer and ARRL
staffers, the program covered—among
other topics—the International Telecom-
munication Union and ITU regulations,
the IARU, spectrum management, emer-
gency communication, digital commu-
nication, satellites, electromagnetic
interference, international licensing and
Amateur Radio exams.
The trainees also constructed a simple
40-meter receiver in the ARRL Lab.
Attending the weeklong session were
Paullycape Kaniki of Zambia; Annettie
Mugerwa of Uganda; Tomas Paul Osiro The USTTI Class of 2000. Left to right are Walt Ireland, WB7CSL; Tomas Paul Osiro;
of Kenya; Hamidou Diallo of Guinea; Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ; Annettie Mugerwa; Ken Pulfer, VE3PU; Hamidou Diallo;
and Hillow Maeko of South Africa. All Hillow Maeko, and Paullycape Kaniki.
are in occupations in their home coun-
tries that involve the use of telecommu-
nications. tive Vice President’s office served as Alvareztorres, AA1DO; QST Managing
Teaching the majority of the Amateur USTTI Coordinator this year. Jo-Ann Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY; Wayne
Radio Administration Course were ARRL Arel was the Headquarters tour guide for Irwin, W1KI, of the ARRL-VEC; Senior
Technical Relations Specialist Walt Ire- the group. Assistant Technical Editor Larry
land, WB7CSL, of the ARRL’s Washing- Others from the ARRL Headquarters Wolfgang, WR1B; and Steve Ewald,
ton, DC, office, and Ken Pulfer, VE3PU, staff who assisted in the program were WV1X.
of IARU and Radio Amateurs of Canada. ARRL Lab Supervisor Ed Hare, W1RFI; For more information on USTTI, visit
Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ, of the Execu- Technical Information Specialist Al the USTTI Web site, www.ustti.org/.

ITU, IARU Ink Publishing Agreement

The International Telecommunication Union and the Inter- series, ITU Recommendations relating to the amateur and
national Amateur Radio Union have agreed jointly to produce amateur-satellite services, and a glossary. Publication is
an ITU publication made up of excerpts relating to the ama- anticipated in early 2001. The fascicle will appear on the
teur and amateur-satellite services from other ITU publications. official ITU list of publications and will be available from
The new publication, called a fascicle, will be available in both the ITU and the IARU.
English, French, and Spanish, and in IARU The agreement was signed Novem-
both print and CD-ROM versions. ber 9 in Geneva by ITU Secretary-
This is the second such agreement General Yoshio Utsumi and IARU
between the ITU and the IARU. The President Larry E. Price, W4RA.
earlier agreement resulted in the pub-
lishing of a similar fascicle in 1995.
Subsequent World Radiocommuni- IARU President Larry E. Price, W4RA
cation Conferences have adopted (seated, left), and ITU Secretary-
changes that have made the earlier edi- General Yoshio Utsumi (seated, right)
sign the publication agreement in
tion obsolete. Geneva with (standing, l-r) ITU
The new fascicle will include rel- Radiocommunication Bureau Director
evant excerpts from the international Robert Jones, VE3CTM, ITU
Radiocommunication Bureau
Radio Regulations as amended by Administrator Philippe Capitaine,
WRC-2000 held in Istanbul, the table HB9RKG, and ITU Deputy Secretary-
of allocation of international call sign General Roberto Blois looking on.

88 January 2001
 QRP POWER
A QRP Kayaking Expedition to the Cape Lookout
National Seashore
By Paul Stroud, AA4XX waves were lapping within 18 inches of
the tent flap. This was going to be one
In the autumn of 1999, I began interesting evening!
searching for campsites along the coast At 9 PM sharp, 14060 kHz came alive
of North Carolina that would provide with signals from fellow Spartan Sprinters.
proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the I cranked the output power down to
sounds. The intent was to locate areas that 100 mW and joined the fun. The average
would provide the opportunity to test received RST was 559 on my end, with 599
various HF vertical antennas over salt- reports being received from Alabama,
water paths favoring Europe and the US Texas, California and New York. It was a
West Coast. little odd sending code with a tiny
After extensive research, I chose the microswitch, but that worked out okay,
Cape Lookout area because of its many AA4XX’s camp on the Shackleford Banks. even if the code speed was relatively slow.
miles of shoreline on the sound side of By 10:45 PM, it was obvious that the
the Outer Banks. It looked like an ideal the Cape was Shell Point, on Harker’s tide was indeed receding; I could see two
location from which to conduct the Island. The Cape Lookout Lighthouse feet of sand outside the tent flap. Adding
experiments. Since the Outer Banks was just visible from this point, appearing to this good news was the appearance of
ferries don’t operate during the months to be the size of a toothpick three to four KH6B on frequency. I knew Dean had
of January to March, primary months for miles away. Taking advantage of the good ears, but would he hear me running
testing 160 and 80-meter antennas, I outgoing tide, the paddle to the Cape area 100 mW with just fifteen minutes
needed some way to get radio equipment, was relaxing. remaining in the contest? Not wanting to
food, water, camping gear and myself to I decided to rest at the Shackleford miss this opportunity, I cranked the power
the islands year-round. Banks. I set up the verticals, spacing them up to 200 mW and gave him a call. Words
34 feet apart, parallel to the line of the cannot describe my emotions when Dean
Enter the Sea Kayak beach, which ran generally north and came back with: “AA4XX de KH6B RST
I selected a kayak that provided a good south. The tent was erected halfway 339 HI 5 Watts.” Hawaii to the North
fit for my gear and myself. The following between the verticals, which allowed the Carolina Outer Banks using only
months were filled with kayaking safety use of half-wavelength feed lines from 200 mW! Not bad.
lessons, along with a study of North the phasing controller to each vertical.
Carolina coastal areas, water conditions Lightweight RG-174 coax was used in Homeward Bound
and so on. order to reduce bulk and weight. Each The following morning around dawn,
I planned my first real QRP Kayaking vertical element was composed of 34 feet cloudbanks were approaching from the
Expedition for the July 3, 2000 Spartan of stranded hookup wire attached to a west along with increasing winds. I had
Sprint contest, sponsored by Adventure DK9SQ telescoping 10-meter fiberglass repacked the kayak and I backed into the
Radio Society (www.natworld.com/ars). mast. The two masts were supported by inlet between Cape Lookout and
The Spartan Sprint provides the oppor- PVC ground stakes that were screwed Shackleford Banks. The currents in this
tunity to score points based on “QSOs per into the sand. A parallel L/C matching area can be rather strong, so it is necessary
pound.” Simply stated, the lighter your network was used at the base of each to time the trip according to the tides.
station, the more points you accumulate vertical to match the high feedpoint Within a few minutes, I was well on my
for a given number of QSOs. I built a impedance to approximately 50 Ω. way, skirting the eastern end of
lightweight station consisting of a The phasing controller allows Shackleford Banks with Harker’s Island in
SW-20+ transceiver, microswitch code instantaneous direction switching, which view. I spent a good while watching wild
key, small earphone and battery pack. The is a significant aid in eliminating QRM ponies grazing on grass at the edge of
total weight of this equipment was only from undesired directions. A two-position Shackleford Banks. There is a large herd
0.3 pounds! switch on the controller provides either of ponies on the island, and from a distance
The antenna system consisted of a in-phase or 180° out-of-phase energy to they sometimes appeared to be walking on
phased 2-element 20-meter vertical array, each element. Thus, it is possible to select water. What a marvelous sight!
using half-wavelength 20-meter verticals either “broadside” or “end fire” patterns There is tremendous satisfaction in
spaced 1 / 2 wavelength apart. Phasing with this array. meeting the challenges posed by such an
between the two verticals was accom- According to the tide table, high tide operation. It’s a wonderful feeling to be
plished using a small homebrew phasing at my location would be at 10:30 PM on your own, paddling around the Outer
controller. local time. By 8:30 PM, the water had Banks while being treated to some
risen within two feet of the tent, giving marvelous scenery. More importantly,
Leaving with the Tide me an uneasy feeling about my site combining QRP and the great outdoors
My departure point for the paddle to selection. By 9 PM, occasional small is a whale of a lot of fun!

Rich Arland, K7SZ
25 Amherst Ave, Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
k7sz@arrl.org

January 2001 89
 EXAM INFO

New Morse Exam Standards to be Implemented

by Midyear—2001 ARRL Test Fee Expected to be $10
At its July 21, 2000 meeting, the Na- April 15, 2000, through June 30, 2004 formal question-input solicitation is
tional Conference of VECs (NCVEC) [this cycle is expected to repeat ac- expected in February or March—but
voted to adopt new Morse code testing cordingly] you can certainly start assembling your
standards to be followed by all VECs and The first pool to enter a revision cycle input now, to send to the committee at
VEs effective on or before July 1, 2001. is the Extra class pool. The update will any time.
Those new standards are: be completed by the end of 2001, for July Please include with your submission
• Only the fill-in-the-blank format 10- 1, 2002 implementation in exams. The the subelement reference that you are
question quizzes will be used (multiple Technician and then General class pool supplying input on; or for question up-
choice format 10-question quizzes are to revisions will follow the Extra class pool dates please reference the current
be phased out by July 1, 2001). revision by one year and two years re- subelement and/or question number and
• Morse code examinees are entitled spectively. This revision cycle will be our the text of the existing question, answer
to be scored up to two (2) ways in order opportunity for a complete and compre- or distractors that you would like to see
to pass a Morse code exam… hensive review of each of the question replaced. For new questions, please
—By correctly answering seven of ten pools. These pools can be viewed on the supply as much of the full question, an-
fill-in-the-blank format questions; or ARRLWeb at www.arrl.org/arrlvec/ swer and three distractors as possible.
—By achieving a character count of pools.html. Full questions can be worked through
at least 25 characters copied correctly on the committee far easier than partial
a one-minute-solid-copy review. ARRL VEC Anticipates ones.
• All routine Morse exams will be $10 Test Fee for 2001 Send your question pool input to QPC
transmitted/sent using the Farnsworth The ARRL VEC plans to set its test Acting Chairman Scotty Neustadter,
method of sending the characters (char- fee for calendar year 2001 at $10. The W4WW, with copies to QPC Members
acters are sent faster than the overall current fee of $6.65 is based on a provi- W5YI and myself, W9JJ, as follows:
speed, with additional spacing between sion in the Communications Act, adopted QPC (Acting Chair), Scotty
characters and words to balance out the in 1984, that established a $4 cap on re- Neustadter, W4WW, 9710 Dortmund Dr
message to the prescribed speed). As nec- imbursement of out-of-pocket costs with SE, Huntsville, AL 35803; w4ww@
essary, standard 5 WPM exams (sent at a an annual adjustment based on the Con- arrl.net
5 WPM character speed) or special mes- sumer Price Index. More recent legisla- QPC Member Fred Maia, W5YI, POB
sage/character speeds (necessary to ac- tion removed this cap. An FCC announce- 565101, Dallas, TX 75356-5101;
commodate persons with such needs) are ment of changes in its rules, reflecting w5yi@w5yi.org
available upon request. the change in the law, is expected soon. QPC Member Bart Jahnke, W9JJ,
• The Farnsworth character speed used A $10 ARRL VEC test fee will be for- ARRL VEC Manager, 225 Main St,
for routine exams will be between 13 and malized as soon as the FCC gives the Newington, CT 06111; w9jj@arrl.org
15 WPM. word that it has made the necessary ad-
• The Morse code audio note fre- justments to Part 97 to bring it in line with 2001 ARRL-SPONSORED
quency will be in the range of 700– the updated Communications Act. As NATIONAL EXAM DAY WEEKENDS
1000 Hz. soon as that happens, the ARRL VEC will Spring National Exam Day Weekend—
The NCVEC’s goal in setting and an- make a formal announcement to estab- April 28-29, 2001
nouncing these standards is to put the lish the new fee. Until then, ARRL VEC Fall National Exam Day Weekend—
amateur community on the “same page” volunteer examiners will continue to September 29-30, 2001.
in so far as Morse code exam procedures charge applicants at the 2000 test fee rate If you are looking for information re-
and parameters are concerned. of $6.65. garding exams to be held in your area, or
information about the question pools, see
QUESTION POOLS Seeking Public Input (Your Input) that ARRL/VEC Web site at: www.arrl
The three current question pools (and to Revisions of the Element 4 .org/arrlvec/ or call 860-594-0300. For
any exam designs based on these ques- Amateur Extra Syllabus instructors and club info, contact the
tion pools) are valid as follows: and Question Pool ARRL at 860-594-0200. The ARRL can
• Extra class Element 4—valid from Your input is requested and invited in provide media kits for your use in publi-
April 15, 2000, through June 30, 2002 order to assist us with the update of the cizing your Spring and Fall 2001 ARRL
• Technician class Element 2—valid Element 4 Amateur Extra syllabus and National Exam Days. Contact Jennifer
from April 15, 2000 through June 30, question pool. Syllabus input is specifi- Hagy, N1TDY, at ARRL HQ (860-594-
2003 cally requested at this time, but question 0328 or jhagy@arrl.org) to receive your
• General class Element 3—valid from input can be sent in now as well. A media package.

Bart Jahnke, W9JJ
ARRL VEC Manager

90 January 2001
 OLD RADIO
Collecting History
Early ham newsletters and magazines HOW I STARTED IN WIRELESS
are a wonderful way to collect and learn
about early Amateur Radio history. The By J. Hass (September 3, 1915)
following excerpts are from Radio News, I have been interested in wireless since 1908 and from
a ham club newsletter dated September 3, that year on, I purchased Modern Electrics and read many
articles in it that interested me. Yet, I did not care to install a
1915, from Atlantic City, New Jersey. I set. I knew of no amateurs in this city [Atlantic City, New
was very lucky to come across seven early Jersey]. In 1910 during a short visit to Newport, R.I., I saw
issues covering up to January 7, 1916, at the government station and determined to put up a station
a radio estate auction. of my own. While the Marconi station was on the air I be-
came acquainted with Mr. Lessenco and by watching him
RADIO NEWS send press in the evening I learned the code. I bought a Jerome Haas,
3RQ, circa 1915.
Published the first and third Fri- cheap set in Philadelphia in the fall of 1912. The only sta-
day of each month. Offices at 2011 tions I could hear were AX and a few ships. I improved my set rapidly after that.
Atlantic Ave and 145 St Charles At first I had only 2 wires 50 ft. long.
Place. Jerome Haas, Editor, Earl Mr. Lessenco gave me a letter of introduction to Mr. Jeffries and in March
1913 I joined the Association. After that I put up two spiral aerials and made a
Godfrey, Associate Editor. Advertis- 4 slide-tuning coil. During the summers of 1914 and 1915 I worked in the
ing rates upon request. station of the Jeffries Young Antenna Co., on the pier, which gave me some
experience. In January 1915 I took the examination at the Philadelphia Navy
Local Amateur News Yard and was given 3RQ for a call letter.
Mr. Neveling has purchased a This about finishes my story with the exception that I have planned for a
DeForest audion and is having re- fine receiving set this Fall and intend to install a high power station at the
markable results. Drexel Institute in Philadelphia, for which we have asked for a special license.
Mr. Doughty’s aerial has fell down
several times recently but is up again.
He has also burned out his trans-
former.
Mr. Albertson has erected his aerial
again at his home in Pleasantville and
will be ready for business soon.
3IF and NJ will be back at 145 St
Charles Place after the fifteenth of
September.
Mr. Seymore’s station, 3IT, is ham-
pered by having the front of the aerial
only 8 feet above the roof. CS was
afraid the pole would fall in the street
and someone mistake it for slivers.
Mr. Cook has established a station
at Little Beach. They will use a 3-inch
coil. Everybody listen for CM.
Do not use linoleum on the floor An advertisement from Radio News.
of your station if you do much trans-
mitting. Messers Jeffreys and Haas time he was Technical Editor. He was re-
were badly shocked recently on ac- The cover of Radio News from the signing to become a married man.
count of the ground wire making cir- Atlantic City 1915 ham club. The sketch
cuit thru the linoleum. shows the Tuckerton Radio Station, built Conclusion
In all probability the Pier station by Germany before World War I.
If anyone has more information on
[the Million-Dollar Pier on the Board-
Jerome Haas or any other early southern
walk] will be closed after the first of
on the last page of every issue there are New Jersey hams, I would be interested in
October. Here’s hoping old man Nep-
advertisements for slide tuners, galena hearing from you. Check out my Web page
tune leaves it there for next summer.
crystals for detectors and large slinky-type for some additional newsletter scans at
In later issues there are updates on sta- antennas. These enterprising teenagers www.eht.com/oldradio/arrl/index.html
tions, news of a 350-foot aerial at Haas’ made almost everything themselves. I am planning to attend the “Frostfest”
station, and listing of new hams and mem- Jerome Haas went on to Drexel Insti- near Richmond, Virginia, on January 21,
bers. It appears that there were about 26 tute [now Drexel University] and into an 2001, weather permitting. I will have a table
members by January 1916. It is also rich Engineering career. I found his photo in inside with some of my collection on display
with hand drawn schematics of various sta- a 1920 issue of The Radio Amateur, a for you to enjoy. Look for my call letters on
tions and new designs for antennas. And small magazine from the Midwest. At the my hat and say hello.–K2TQN

John Dilks, K2TQN
125 Warf Road, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234-8501
k2tqn@arrl.org
January 2001 91
 HOW’S DX?
Conway Reef N7NG
Conway Reef is located about 482 stomachs, and just about everywhere
kilometers (300 miles) southwest of else. Other occupants of this tiny reef
Suva, Fiji in the South Pacific Ocean. The include birds and hermit crabs. There are
reef, known as Ceva-I-Ra to the Fijians, bushes, but no trees to be used for sup-
is approximately 3 kilometers (2 miles) ports of antennas. (Mats and his group
long. It was discovered in 1838 by did plant some coconuts on their last
Captain C. Ramsey Drinkwater Bethune visit.) A typical trip takes two to three
and named after his ship the HMS days by boat.
Conway. In 1856, Captain Denham of the
HMS Herald surveyed the reef, which Three DXpeditions to
runs east west and is located at 21° 44′ Conway Reef?
18″ south and 174° 38′ 24″ east. At high Three days in a row in mid-October
Fijian government officials have placed a
tide the reef of sand and coral measures benchmark on Conway Reef. 2000, three separate groups announced
approximately 50 meters wide, 200 their intentions to go to Conway Reef.
meters long and somewhere between 1.5 The first was a mostly Scandinavian
and 3 meters above sea level. The small DJ6SI
team, which announced they would
reef plays a major economic importance activate the ARRL Most Wanted Coun-
to Fiji as it marks their southern limits of try # 30 in April 2001. The group includes
the Economic Zone. Jon, SM0DJZ; Pekka, OH1RY; Siggi,
The first DXpedition to Conway Reef TF3CW; Steve, G4EDG; and headed up
was 3D2CR in April 1989 by Anne, by Mats, SM7PKK and Nils, SM6CAS
DF3KX; Rolf, DF9KH; Dieter, DJ9ON; and two other operators to be announced
Harry, DL8CM; and headed up by Hans, at a later date. This was the team that
DK9KX. Another team quickly followed brought us the “Double Trouble”
this in July 1989, which included Henry, DXpedition of T31T/K and ZK3CW last
DJ6JC; Baldur, DJ6SI; Vince, K5VT; year. A majority of their equipment is
and Karl, DK2WV. This team used one Conway Reef is about 300 kilometers already waiting for them in Fiji. This
call for each operator (3D2HL, SI, VT southwest of Suva, Fiji. The island team’s captain, a 25-year veteran, refuses
and WV) making some 15,900 QSOs, in- portion of the reef is about 50 meters by to go to Conway before mid-March
cluding 800 on RTTY. Less than 12 200 meters, and a mere 3 meters above
sea level. because of the possibility of typhoons.
months later a third DXpedition took They will be sailing a 75-foot steel yacht,
place with the call of 3D2AM, which which has two 75 horsepower diesel
made some 45,000 QSOs. This group engines.
included Masa, JG2BRI; Wayne, N7NG; A boat landing on Conway can be very Next, Bill Horner, VK4FW, an-
Pekka, OH1RY; Martti, OH2BH; Mats, difficult, as both Mats and Pekka can at- nounced he had plans to be QRV from
SM7PKK; Steve, VE7CT; and Dale, test. During their second trip both expe- this semi-rare Pacific entity. No dates or
VE7SV. The last operation from this tiny rienced the feeling of what it was like to details were given about this trip.
reef was 3D2CT in March 1995 with the be dunked unexpectedly in the South Pa- The following day a mostly Yugosla-
capable hands of Nils, SM6CAS; Jun, cific. Thankfully no one was hurt. vian team claimed they would go in early
JH4RHF; Garry, NI6T; and once again Once on the island the next obstacle February. Hrane, YT1AD, and Dragon,
Mats, SM7PKK; and Pekka, OH1RY. is the local Conway Reef tick. These Z32ZM, had just returned from the Pa-
This team made some 30,000 QSOs de- small critters are everywhere and like to cific having operated in Tonga and the
spite loss of equipment. seek refuge under arms, on backs and Fiji Islands. While there they did some
N7NG N7NG

Here is a flat rock that Baldur, DJ6SI, found during his 1989
Conway Reef can play havoc on boats during storms. This DXpedition. It is properly marked “3D2SI 1989.” The 1990-
wreck is located on the north side of the island. 3D2AM crew also left their mark on the rock.

Bernie McClenny, W3UR
3025 Hobbs Rd, Glenwood, MD 21738-9728
w3ur@arrl.org

92 January 2001
 N7NG
HOW’S DX 2001 SURVEY KL7YL, Melissa, N0MAJ, Paul, W0PRJ, and
Everyone is reminded to please turn in your Carrie, N0CMJ). Glenn’s mission will be
How’s DX 2000 Survey, which appeared in last working and teaching at the National Hospital
month’s column (December, page 82), by Feb- in Thimphu. This is Glenn’s primary interest
ruary 28, 2001. You can do it online at www in Bhutan and it placed him “in the loop” for
.dailydx.com/howsdx.html. Whether you read activation of ham radio in the Kingdom of
this column every month, or just stumbled Bhutan earlier this year.
across the December survey, please take the In addition to his hospital duties, Glenn
time to complete the form and submit it. Re- will be teaching Bhutan’s first Amateur Radio
sults will be published in a future “How’s DX?” class. The class is reported at full capacity and
column. will meet several times a week. Radio theory,
regulations and CW will be taught with exams
ERITREA—E3 at the end of the stay. The goal will be to li-
cense several hams with the equivalent of a
On September 23, 2000, members of General Class ticket. The CW requirements
the Northeast Wisconsin DX Association have been recently reduced to 5 WPM for HF
(NEWDXA) voted to buy the ARRL “Li- operation.
brary” for Eritrea in an effort to help Eritrean There is a lot of interest in bringing Ama-
nationals to become ham radio operators. teur Radio into the school classrooms. Mark
NEWDXA members have also donated Morse (age 14) and Melissa (age 16) will be working
code training materials and study guides, as with high-school-age kids to demonstrate
well as some reference materials. The group is Amateur Radio.
working with the licensing authority to estab- During this visit, the emphasis will be on
lish rules governing the service in addition to getting the adults licensed first. When the
test materials and procedures. [Hats off to the Johnsons return in the future, they hope to li-
NEWDXA. Is your club doing something to cense the high school kids. Once an initial
promote DX in another country?—Ed] group of adults is licensed, the plan would be
One of the locals on Conway Reef waiting T98P DX-CONTEST CLUB to have them teach others.
for the visitors to go home. Glenn and Mark are already licensed in
Friends of the late Pero Simundza, 9A4SP/ Bhutan as A52GJ and A52MJ respectively.
T98P, have established the new memorial The other Johnson family members are ex-
Pero Simundza DX and Contest Club—T98P. pected to have their A52 licenses by the time
This call sign will be used during major con- they arrive. In fact, Melissa is hoping to be the
tests and future DXpeditions. A Web site has first YL on the air from Bhutan.
homework for a future DXpedition. been created at www.qsl.net/t98p/. The Johnsons will be active on all bands
YU1RL, YT6A, YU1NR and Z32AU/ DXCC and modes, with an emphasis on the low bands
YU1AU will join the two. Approximately and digital modes on the higher bands. PSK31
The ARRL Web site now has a Web and Hellschreiber will be given special atten-
90% of their equipment is in Fiji already. page that confirms receipt of your DXCC tion. QSL to home calls.
The group’s license for Conway was is- submission. Submissions made September 1, Contest activity is planned for the ARRL
sued in early October 2000. A 20-meter 2000, and after can be found at www.arrl. RTTY Roundup and the CQWW 160 CW
motor yacht has been hired and the cap- org/awards/dxcc/appstatus.html. In early Contest from the A51AA Bhutan Club Sta-
tain assures the group that February-April November 2000, the turn-around time for tion. For more information on the A51AA
DXCC applications was about 7 weeks. Club Station and the Bhutan Ham Center, see
is a good time to go.
Another thing to be concerned about is www.sophun.com.bt. Bhutan is now “open”
ARRL OUTGOING QSL BUREAU for visiting hams and contesters, as we’ve seen
the storm season in the Pacific runs from Martin Cook, N1FOC, from the ARRL in the past several months. Follow the links
late November until mid March. An opera- Outgoing QSL Bureau reminds everyone on the Web site for more information about
tion in February could be somewhat dan- when sending QSL cards to the ARRL Out- visiting The Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon
gerous. It will be interesting to see what going QSL Bureau to make sure that the cards and operating from the nice facilities of the
actually happens. Keep an eye on your fa- are sorted in alphabetical order by “Country Bhutan Ham Center.
Prefix”. Note: Some countries have a parent
vorite DX bulletin for further updates. prefix & use additional prefixes, i.e., “G, GI, DX EXTRAVAGANZA
GM, GW” (Parent Prefix) = M, MI, MM, MW,
P5—NORTH KOREA The Lone Star DX Association (Austin)
2E, 2I, 2M, 2W.
Members of a multinational group of in conjunction with the Texas DX Society
Amateur Radio operators met Thursday, Oc- INCOMING QSL BUREAU REMINDER (Houston), Central DX & Contest Club
tober 19 in Seoul, South Korea, in prepara- (Austin), DX Amigos (San Antonio) and the
US Postal Service rates increase in Janu- West Texas DX Society will join together in
tion for a trip and possible demonstration op- ary 2001. Please remember to send your in-
eration of Amateur Radio in North Korea. Ap- sponsoring a DX Extravaganza at HamCom in
coming QSL Bureau additional postage or June 2001. There will be DX seminars, DX
proximately six to eight hours before the team money credits.
was to take a bus ride north to P5, North Talks, DX Hospitality Suite and a Major DX
Korean authorities informed them that per- luncheon. HamCom 2001 will be held at the
CORRECTION Arlington Convention Center June 8-10. Mark
mission to operate Amateur Radio would not
be granted. They were, however, given a new In the November 2000 column I mentioned your calendars now!
date of January 7, 2001, for possible Amateur that TS7N would be the first IOTA DXped-
Radio operations. Team members returned ition to Kerkennah Island (AF-073). However, WRAP UP
home on the morning of October 21. Due to Giovanni, I5JHW, reports that 3V8BT was That’s all for this month. Happy New Year
the sensitive nature of this operation only the first from this IOTA Group, which was 2001 and may each of you work many new ones
certain details could be presented to the pub- manned by an Italian and Tunisian team. My this year. Keep those surveys, letters, pictures,
lic at that time. sincere apologies to the 3V8BT team. questions and newsletters coming. This month I
Readers should understand that some as- would like to thank the following people for
pects of these negotiations are delicate and FUTURE HAMS IN BHUTAN—A5 helping to make this column possible: 9A4NA,
only carefully worded statements, such as the Two of the A52A team members will be AA9OZ, DC3MF, DJ6SI, DJ9ZB, I5JHW,
above, are authorized by the organizers. Keep returning to Bhutan for six weeks. Glenn K5AT, KE3Q, KN2N, N1FOC, N7NG,
an eye on your favorite DX bulletin. This is (W0GJ) and Mark (N0MJ) Johnson will be SM6CAS, SM7PKK, The Daily DX, W0GJ,
one we’re all watching closely! Meantime, traveling Christmas Day enroute to Bhutan VK4FW and YS1RR. Until next month, see you
circle January 7 in red on your calendar. with the rest of the Johnson family (Vivien, in the pileups!—Bernie, W3UR
January 2001 93
 AMATEUR SATELLITES
AMSAT-OSCAR 40 in Orbit!
AMSAT-DL, WILFRIED GLADISCH
The hair on the back of my neck stood Everest, and they conquered its summit.
at attention at 0107 UTC on November
16, 2000, as I listened to the countdown First Signals
(in French) to the launch of Ariane Flight On the morning of November 16, the
135. The Internet video feed from the first signals were heard from OSCAR 40.
launch site was a bit jerky thanks to my W1AW station manager Joe Carcia,
dial-up connection at home, but the au- NJ1Q, picked up its 400-bps PSK bea-
dio was loud and clear. con on 145.898 MHz. He was astonished
The Ariane 5 was a fabulous sight as by its strength. I went home that evening
it soared into Kourou’s night sky, solid- and fired up my IC-706 and switched
rocket boosters spewing flame and smoke in my attic-mounted 2-meter omni an-
on either side of the blue-white torch of tenna. Sure enough, there was the bea-
the Vulcan main engine. It was fingernail- con at an S 5 signal level from 35,000
biting time until the announcement, at km away!
about 0153, that the Phase 3D satellite— When this issue went to press, the ini-
soon to be named AMSAT-OSCAR 40— tial checkout had begun. OSCAR 40 is
had successfully separated from the in a geostationary transfer orbit and must
Ariane rocket. I jumped up and yelled, be carefully nudged into its final orbit.
“Yes!”, which brought my wife and Phase 3D sat directly below the giant This requires the onboard arcjet motor to
daughter running into the room to see PAS-1R satellite in the payload section. It burn intermittently at perigee over a 270-
was the last “passenger” to leave the rocket.
why Dad was so hysterical. You can hear day period, with final inclination and apo-
audio clips from the launch at my per- AMSAT-DL, WILFRIED GLADISCH
gee adjustments made by the spacecraft’s
sonal Web site at home.att.net/~wb8imy/ 400-Newton motor. In fact, the first mo-
oscar40.htm. tor firings should have taken place by the
When I attended my first AMSAT-NA time you receive this issue.
meeting in Washington, DC in 1991, this
satellite was just a concept on so many So When Do We Get To Use It?
reams of paper and computer disks. It is probably safe to say that OSCAR
Some doubted that hams could build 40 will not be fully operational until
such a sophisticated spacecraft, or if sometime next summer. It takes months
built, that it would ever fly. There were to check out the complex systems and
serious setbacks over the years, but the maneuver the bird into its final position.
AMSAT teams kept their eyes doggedly At that point the solar panels will be de-
on the prize. Through almost 10 years ployed and OSCAR 40 will be fully open
of sweat and tears, they brought this Posing in their hazardous materials suits, for business.
magnificent creation to reality. The the fueling team (Dick Daniels, W4PUJ,
Thomas Maier and Martin Riehle)
We may have opportunities to use the
AMSAT organizations worldwide de- prepares to pump the toxic fuel into the new satellite before then. AMSAT has
serve our praise. This was their Mt satellite. indicated that some transponders may be
AMSAT-DL, WILFRIED GLADISCH DICK DANIELS, W4PUJ

Chuck Green, N0ADI, stands next to the spacecraft as it is

secured within the carrying structure prior to being integrated
Phase 3D ready for launch aboard the Ariane 5. into the launch payload stack.

Steve Ford, WB8IMY
QST Managing Editor

94 January 2001
switched on for limited use as the power mors have it that Mode U/S (435 MHz If you want a new HF radio that will
budget permits—possibly before this col- up, 2.4 GHz down) will be a popular also function as your satellite rig, check
umn goes to press. These transponders mode. out the Yaesu FT-847 or the Kenwood
would be operating at reduced power, Already I’ve seen used ICOM IC-475 TS-2000. For a new VHF/UHF-only
however, so don’t be disappointed if sig- UHF all-mode radios on the Ebay auction radio with satellite capability, take a
nals seem somewhat weak. They’ll be up site (www.ebay.com) going for about look at the ICOM IC-910H. All of these
to full output when the solar panels are $400. I have also seen good prices on used transceivers can operate in full crossband
open. multiband satellite rigs such as the Yaesu duplex.
Your best bet is to keep an eye on the FT-726, FT-736 and the ICOM IC-820H. If you don’t own VHF or UHF gear, you
ARRLWeb site (www.arrl.org) for late- If you go shopping for new radios, pick can “get there” with transverters. There
breaking news concerning OSCAR 40. your targets carefully. To compensate for are transverters available that will take a
the effects of Doppler shift (which, thank- 28-MHz signal from your HF radio and
Start Shopping fully, won’t be too significant when AO- convert it to 70 cm or even higher. The
Many have asked me in the past when 40 is at the highest point of its orbit), you output is often about 1-5 W, so you may
they should start assembling their station need to hear your own signal coming back need an amplifier to boost it up to some-
gear for OSCAR 40. I’ve always an- to you through the satellite. Not all radios thing more respectable (say, 50 W or more
swered, “Wait until it makes it to orbit.” can pull off the clever trick of transmit- on 70 cm). There are also receive convert-
Well, the bird is in orbit and it appears to ting and receiving on different bands at ers that will convert UHF or microwave sig-
be healthy. The time to start shopping is the same time, otherwise known as nals down to HF for you to hear. For more
now. crossband duplex. For example, a lot of information, I suggest you jump on the
I’m willing to bet that used 435-MHz ICOM IC-706 MkII Gs and Yaesu FT-100s Web and check out Hamtronics (www.
all-mode transceivers are going to sud- are out there, but despite having 2-meter hamtronics.com), SSB Electronic (www.
denly become very attractive. (Of course, and 70-cm all-mode capability, they can- ssbusa.com) and Down East Microwave
that means the prices will skyrocket.) Ru- not work crossband duplex. (www.downeastmicrowave.com).

AMSAT-DL, WILFRIED GLADISCH AMSAT-DL, WILFRIED GLADISCH

Phase 3D arrives at the Arianespace launch site in Kourou Dick Jansson, WD4FAB, makes final preparations to the solar
aboard a flatbed truck. panels in Kourou.

AMSAT-DL, WILFRIED GLADISCH AMSAT-DL, WILFRIED GLADISCH

The last solar panel is installed. The bottom plates are placed on the satellite.
January 2001 95
 AMSAT-DL, WILFRIED GLADISCH

AMSAT-DL, WILFRIED GLADISCH

Get Ready for AO-40!
The Radio Amateur's
Satellite Handbook
By Martin Davidoff, K2UBC
The most comprehensive book
ever written about amateur satellites!
Find detailed profiles for active satel-
lites, including AO-40. Covers station
setup, antennas, and tracking. Great
for all skill levels!
Published by American Radio Re-
lay League, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111-1494;
toll-free order 888-277-5289; tel 860-594-0200; www.
arrl.org/shop. Softcover, 8 x 11 inches, 376 pages. ISBN
0-87259-658-3; ARRL Order No. 6583, $22 plus shipping/
The PAS-1R satellite is slowly lowered on top of Phase 3D as handling $6 US/$8 International (surface mail).
the payload “stack” is assembled prior to launch.

IK1SLD IK1SLD
IK1SLD

A tense Peter Gulzow, DB2OS, as seen on the live Internet Those of us watching the launch on the Internet video feed
video feed. saw a spectacular view of the solid rocket booster separation.

What about Antennas? gated circle. This means that from our The Fun is Just Beginning
Despite the power of AO-40, you’ll perspective on the ground the bird will AMSAT-OSCAR 40 is likely to give
still need to invest in long-boom Yagis if appear to almost hang in the sky for sev- an invigorating boost to the amateur sat-
you’re going to be transmitting and/or eral hours when it is at its highest point. ellite community, and it will act as a
receiving on 2 meters or 70 cm. I’m talk- So, you should be able to manually point strong presence on the microwave
ing in the range of eight or more elements your antennas at the satellite and leave bands—something Amateur Radio needs
on either antenna. That can make for a them for quite a while. An az/el rotator at the moment. With the current solar
fairly large antenna on 2 meters, but will keep the antennas precisely on tar- cycle about to begin its decline, AO-40
70 cm is much more manageable. One of get, and the convenience is certainly at- couldn’t have come at a better time. When
the factors that make the microwave tran- tractive, but it falls into the “nice-to- this big bird is high in your local sky, the
sponders so attractive is that the neces- have” category. “band” is guaranteed to be open—regard-
sary antennas on the ground can be quite less of how the ionosphere is behaving.
small. I plan to assemble a Mode U/S And Software? And if you step up to microwave operat-
antenna system with just a small 70-cm As the saying goes, you can’t tell the ing, you’ll have DX at your fingertips—
Yagi and a 3-foot dish for 2.4 GHz. This players without a program. And you can’t even though you wouldn’t otherwise have
is something I could set up in my tiny know when the satellite will be in range enough room for an HF skywire.
back yard on a tripod. without software. Fortunately, satellite- Watch QST in the coming months for
Will you need an antenna rotator? prediction software is readily available— more articles about how to get started
Maybe. Antenna rotators that will spin and some of it is even free. My recom- with AO-40. For my part, I have a 2.4
your array up and down, as well as side mendation would be to visit the AMSAT- GHz dish, preamp and modified Drake
to side (known as az/el rotators), are not NA Web site (www.amsat.org) and downconverter collecting cobwebs in my
cheap. A brand new az/el rotator will browse their collection of software. The utility shed. Looks like I’d better dust it
probably set you back more than $500. prices are good and you’ll have a clear off and inspect the wiring. I’ve waited 10
The good news is that you may not nec- conscience knowing that your investment years to hear the first QSOs on the
essarily need it—at least not right away. will help pay for AO-40 (yes, the bills “SuperSat.” I won’t have to wait much
AO-40’s orbit describes a highly elon- are still coming in). longer.
96 January 2001
 RADIOS TO GO
The Quest for Power—Part 1
Next to finding a place to mount a rig, radio, especially higher powered (>50 W) from the inside. Then, with your light still
one of the more daunting challenges fac- rigs, there’s just no substitute for connect- shining under the dash, again examine the
ing a would-be mobile ham is connecting ing directly to the battery. Not only do you firewall for the candidate hole.
and routing the necessary power leads. guarantee that there won’t be excessive In some cases you can pass power leads
While one look under the hood or dash of voltage drop, a direct connection to battery through openings for existing equipment,
a new auto might leave you convinced often works wonders toward suppressing such as shifter or throttle cables, or steer-
there’s no way to ever make the necessary or eliminating vehicle-generated RFI ing shafts. Although the main vehicle wir-
connections between the battery and your problems. ing harness may offer a tempting point of
rig, don’t despair. With nothing more than passage with its oversized rubber grom-
some simple tools and careful planning, Holey Business met, it’s a poor choice. With the substan-
you can do it. But first, what about those… Obviously, making the battery/rig con- tial amounts of RFI being generated by
nection requires a passage through the modern autos, and with manufacturer’s
…Accessory Jacks? firewall. You really have only two choices: warnings of possible electronic systems
Formerly known as cigarette lighter Use an existing hole, or make your own. damage from radio transmitters, it isn’t
jacks, accessory jacks are found in many Every auto has several holes in the wise to snuggle your rig’s power leads too
new vehicles. Offered as power tap points firewall; most aren’t suitable for our use, closely to any vehicle wiring harness.
for various consumer electronics devices, but some are. Using a good light, care-
are they an appropriate power source for fully examine the area of the firewall un- First, Do No Harm
your equipment? That depends. I’ve tried der the dash. You’ll be looking for an un- There’s a natural, understandable re-
powering radios from the older cigarette used hole, easily identified by a rubber or luctance to go around drilling holes in a
lighter jacks with consistently poor re- plastic plug. Because of mass production perfectly good automobile. Fact is, it’s
sults. When connected to the lighter jack usually the best way to route power and
in my car, my dual-band rig will transmit “I can’t emphasize enough antenna cables, offering you the chance
only on the low power setting unless the the need for the ham to take the shortest path to the battery and
engine is running. In addition to the inad- community to not use avoid vehicle electronics. The time-hon-
equate current capacity of the lighter cir- ored maxim to measure twice and (drill)
cuit, I’ve found the voltage drop through cigarette lighter plugs, once is profoundly applicable. Yes, you
the plug that’s inserted into the receptacle no matter how ubiquitous can do serious—read that costly—dam-
only contributes to an already serious lack they seem to be.” age with a misguided bit. That notwith-
of electron flow. Obviously, those jacks standing, the average auto offers several
are suitable at best for temporary, low dictates, the firewall for a particular model square inches of firewall area that’s per-
current use. On the other hand, if your auto vehicle will usually have the openings fectly safe to drill; it’s simply a matter of
has a high-current accessory jack, you punched for every possible equipment choosing the right square inch. Use com-
might be able to draw power from that combination. Unused holes are simply mon sense, be sure where and what
circuit —with certain restrictions. Steve, plugged. It may be beneficial to pull the you’re drilling, and don’t assume any-
KZ1X/4 shares his experiences… carpeting back from the firewall to reveal thing. Closely inspect both sides of the
“There is a marked difference between holes not otherwise visible. (Note that it firewall for electrical, fuel, braking or
traditional cigarette lighter wiring and the may be necessary to remove the plastic heat/air conditioning components in the
wiring behind the identical accessory kick panel(s) or other trim first.) Many area where you intend to drill. Make the
connector in the Chrysler products I’ve autos have sections of sound deadener/ first hole with a 1/8-inch bit and be sure
tested. The voltage drop in the accessory insulation held against the firewall with to use a stop collar or wrapping of tape
circuit is a small fraction of that found in push-in plastic retainers. Those retainers to allow the bit to penetrate no more than
1
the conventional lighter circuit, due to the pass through holes in the firewall, and al- / 4 inch. Once you’re satisfied with the
use of a heavier gauge wire by the manu- though the diameter of the hole is nor- location, use a larger bit or hole saw to
facturer. The tap point for this circuit mally less than 3/8 inch, it can usually be bring the hole to the desired size. Even
seems to be in a place that conveys less enlarged to the needed size. If you find though you’ll de-burr the hole with a rat-
RFI from the ignition, alternator, etc. what promises to be a usable opening, tail file, you must use a grommet in the
“The voltage drop from the cigarette you’ll need to determine where it leads. hole to prevent a future short circuit. A
lighter plug is significant, in either the Generally, using known points for refer- short piece of rubber fuel hose makes an
regular lighter circuit, or in the accessory ence—the steering column, throttle cable, excellent feedthrough bushing and is
circuit. I can’t emphasize enough the etc., you should be able to examine the available at auto parts stores in various
need for the ham community to not use engine compartment side of the firewall sizes. Use a little RTV to seal the hose to
cigarette lighter plugs, no matter how and locate the desired hole and its plug. the firewall and the wires inside the hose
ubiquitous they seem to be. Use of a suit- If not, there’s a way to simplify your
ably large ‘Scotch-Lok’ type wiretap on search. First, remove the plug from the Stay Tuned. . .
the wire behind the accessory socket is hole. Even though they are normally in- That’s all the room we have for now.
perfectly acceptable.” serted from the engine compartment side, Next time, we’ll wrap up with a look at
For the most reliable operation of your it’s usually possible to pull them through cable routing and connections.

Roger Burch, WF4N
Box 100, Island, KY 42350
wf4n@arrl.org

January 2001 97
 AT THE FOUNDATION
Realities of Healthy Club Coffers
We’ve received many questions over advice about fund-raising activities in family and friends who express an inter-
the years asking how clubs can raise their state. est. They publicize their activities in
funds for their activities or special Financially successful clubs do not local media and purchase club supplies,
needs. We’ve addressed this in QST fea- rely on hearsay or third-hand advice on station equipment and even refreshments
ture articles and in this column from what they might do to raise funds. State for club meetings from local sources
time-to-time, with specific suggestions and federal laws are ever changing and whenever possible. Out of this commu-
and tips. Still, questions come up often complex. Clubs consult their state’s nity cooperation often comes spontane-
about what it takes to keep a club finan- Department of Public Charities for ous donations of cash, supplies or
cially healthy. Your club might want to guidance on activities they might be con- co-funding for amateur radio emergency
set a few resolutions to grow a healthy sidering. They may also consult a tax- communications efforts that benefit that
treasury this year using what we’ve found attorney who has worked with another community.
to be consistent initiatives among suc- Amateur Radio club in their state, espe-
cessful clubs: cially if hamfest or convention activities DEDUCTIVE REASONING
(1) Every member matters. need permits or special licensing. Are you frantically looking for tax re-
Financially successful clubs come in (4) Use of funds for projects require ceipts and all manner of other “deduct-
all sizes, but one strong characteristic a majority vote of the club membership. ibles” you stashed away in a desk drawer
stands above all others: Club members Financially successful clubs make sure this past year? Are you disappointed that
are loyal, long-term and active. Members that their activities are supported by the you can’t claim more deductions to offset
make membership meaningful and help bulk of their membership. They care investment gains? Don’t put yourself
those members who are ill, disabled or about cooperation and meeting positive through this again next year. Make as many
financially strapped. club goals. They seek consensus. When tax-deductible donations in 2001 as you
(2) The club constitution addresses disputes arise, they work to resolve them wish to the programs of The ARRL Foun-
fund-raising. quickly while allowing differing opinions dation. For each contribution (of any size)
Financially successful clubs know that to be heard and tempers to cool. They you’ll receive not only our heartfelt thanks
sources must be found beyond member- move forward when a consensus has been but an acknowledgment you can attach to
ship dues to permit continuous support reached. your 2001 tax returns. The ARRL Foun-
of club projects. Their club constitution (5) An investment in good public dation is a 501(c)(3) charitable entity and
may instruct that a specific officer(s) or relations. all contributions to it are tax deductible to
committee be appointed and that revenue Financially successful clubs make the extent of IRS rules. Send your contri-
generating activities will occur at speci- friends in the community. Not only are bution today to: The ARRL Foundation,
fied times throughout the year. their hams available for public service Inc, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT
(3) Club members seek professional activities, they share their hobby with 06111.

NEW PRODUCTS
Contributor’s Corner STRAYS
We wish to thank the following for their generous contributions to:
LOOKING FOR NETMEETING SERVERS
The Victor C. Clark Youth Incentive The IDEA Scholarship Fund
Program Fund ◊ Do any Netmeeting servers exist for Amateur
Indiana Digital Experimenters Assn Radio exchanges? I would like to experiment
Lois J. Knabel in loving memory of (Indiana) with audio and video conferencing. Contact
Ronald G. Knabel Rick, VE7WF, at rickr@smartt.com.
The PHD ARA Scholarship Fund
The Francis Walton Memorial PHD ARA, Inc (Missouri) THE CRYSTAL RADIO BUILDING
Scholarship Fund CONTEST
In fond memory of James A. Daniel, The General Fund ◊ The Crystal Radio Building Contest is now
N9QOI are: John T. Jones, Jr, W3NTD, underway and runs through February 2001. The
Lavina Walton in fond memory of William J. Ludes, contest objective is to demonstrate innovation
Carol Walton Hutton K3BWZ, and Raymond Craig, W7LBY and craftsmanship in the design and construc-
Gareld Ruth Valerie Biel in loving memory of tion of homemade crystal radio receivers.
Mary Margaret Devlin Robert J. Biel, KB3LQS The contest is open to everyone worldwide.
John A. Dixon Macalee Hime, AB5TY, in fond memory of There are two entry classes, Master and Gen-
Albert M. Gray Suzanne Strickland, W9JTH eral, and three categories of design: General,
Dwight R. Baker Ridgetop ARC (New York) in fond memory 100% Homebrew and Free Style. A contest Web
of Giles “Ted” Blossom, N2GMB site has been set up where you can find the de-
The Chicago FM Club Scholarship Dr Nathaniel D. Robinson, Jr, K1ANT, tailed rules and information: w3.one.net/
Fund in fond memory of Frederick J. Coyle, Jr, ~charlie/contest/. If you do not have Internet
Chicago FM Club, Inc (Illinois) W1MZB access, send an self-addressed, stamped enve-
As received and acknowledged during the lope to: Crystal Radio Building Contest, c/o
months of September and October. Lawrence A. Pizzella, WR6K, 856 Ironwood Dr,
San Jose, CA 95125-2814.
Previous Strays
Mary E. Lau, N7IAL
Secretary, ARRL Foundation Inc
98 January 2001
 CONTEST CORRAL
Feedback 5-7 20-22
In the 2000 ARRL International DX Phone ARRL RTTY Roundup. See the December ARRL January VHF Sweepstakes. See the
Contest, WQ7B should be listed in the MT sec- 2000 QST, page 111. December 2000 QST, page 112.
tion, making him the winner in the Single-Op All- Japan International DX Contest, CW, low-band North American QSO Party, phone. See Jan 13-
Band High-Power category in that section. portion. Sponsored by Five Nine Magazine, from 14.
WB2ZTH should be listed as Single-Op All-Band 2200Z Jan 5 until 2200Z Jan 7 (high-band CW
Low-Power in the NLI section with a score of
341,109 with 453 QSOs and 251 multipliers.
portion is 2300Z Apr 6 until 2300Z Apr 8; SSB 26-28
Nov 9-11) Work JAs only. Low bands are defined
AA9DM should be listed as Single-Op Low- as 160/80/40; high bands are 20/15/10. Operate CQ WW 160-Meter DX Contest, CW, sponsored
Power in the IL sections instead of High Power. by CQ Magazine, from 2200Z Jan 26 until 1600Z
no more than 30 hours (JAs operate full 48). Single
The DX Single-Op Low-Power winner listed in Jan 28 (phone is 2200Z Feb 23 until 1600Z Feb 25)
operator multi/single band, high (>100 W) or low
the write-up should be VP6BR (OH2BR, op). (<100 W) power, multi-single, or maritime mo- Single op and multi-single. Single ops can be QRP
T77W should be listed as a checklog in both the (<5 W), low power (<150 W), or high power (>150
bile. Exchange RS(T) and CQ Zone; JA stations
CW and Phone portions of the International DX W). Use of spotting nets or PacketCluster makes
exchange prefecture number (1-50). Score 4 pts/
Contest. W8WA should be listed in the Single QSO on 160; 2 pts/QSO on 80 and 10; and 1 pt/ you a multiop. Exchange RS(T) and state/prov-
Assisted Category in the DX Phone results rather ince/DXCC entity. Score 2 pts/QSO w/own entity;
QSO on 40, 20 and 15. Multipliers are JA prefec-
than as a Single-Band 10-Meter entry. 5 pts/QSO w/entities on same continent; and 10
tures worked per band (max 50). Final score is
In the 2000 Field Day Results, K7EAR should QSO points × multipliers. Electronic entries ac- pts/QSO w/different continents. Maritime mobiles
be listed in the 2A Battery category, making the count 5 pts/QSO, but do not count as multipliers.
cepted. Awards. Send logs postmarked by Feb 28
Radio Amateurs of Northern Vermont, Multipliers are US states (48), Canadian call areas
(high-band, May 31; phone, Dec 31) to JIDX
W1NVT, the top-scoring 2A station. KW8N Contest, c/o Five-Nine Magazine, PO Box 59, (13), and DXCC entities. KH6/KL7 are consid-
should be listed as category 2B1 with a score of ered DX. US and VE do not count as entities. Final
Kamata, Tokyo,144 Japan, or e-mail them to jidx-
6,374 and is a new high score for the category. score is QSO points × multipliers. Awards. Elec-
log@dumpty.nal.go.jp; www.jzap.com/je1cka/
This makes N3IXR (+WA3SES) the top score in jidx/jidxrule-e.html. tronic entries accepted. Club competition. Send
the 2B2 category. A scoring correction for logs by Feb 28 (Mar 31 for phone) to David L.
W0CQC adjusts their score to 17,410 and estab- 13-14 Thompson, K4JRB, 4166 Mill Stone Court,
lishes a new high score for the 2AB category. Norcross, GA 30092; cq160@contesting.com;
North American QSO Party, CW, sponsored by www.cq-amateur-radio.com/160rules99.html.
VE7LMB was incorrectly entered as VE7LMR in the National Contest Journal, from 1800Z Jan 13
4A. KH7YD’s call was mistyped as KH7TO in until 0600Z Jan 14 (phone is 1800Z Jan 20 until REF French Contest, CW, sponsored by Reseau
the 2B2B category. A score recalculation changes 0600Z Jan 21). Single op (no spotting nets or des Emetteurs Français, from 0600Z Jan 27 until
the K3SS/7 score in the 1B2B category to 1,940. Packetclusters) and multi-two. Single ops may 1800Z Jan 28 (phone is 0600Z Feb 24 until 1800Z
K8AJR should have been listed in the 3E category have only one transmitted signal at a time; multi- Feb 25). Work French, French military, French
with 4,146 points. twos have a 10-minute rule. All entries must use overseas territorial and department stations.
In the 1999 Ten Meter Contest, MU0C <150 W output power. Multiops may operate for Single op all band/single band, and multi-single
(G0OFE, op) should be listed from the entity of the full 12 hours, Single ops may operate 10 hours, and SWL. 80 40 20 15 10 meters. Exchange RS(T)
Guernsey. with off times at least 30 min long and marked in and serial number; French stations give RS(T) and
the log. Work stations once per band. CW in CW department number or prefix (for territories and
W1AW Qualifying Runs are 10 PM EST, subbands only (phone in phone sub bands only). overseas department stations). Score 1 pt/QSO w/
Thursday, January 4, and 9 AM EST Friday, Exchange name and state/province/DXCC entity. stations in the same continent, 3 pts/QSO w/sta-
January 19. The K6YR West Coast Qualifying If your name or location change during the contest tions in different continents. Multipliers are
Run will be at 9 PM PST on Wednesday, Janu- the change must be clearly marked in the log. French departments, French territory and over-
ary 3. Check the W1AW schedule for details. Multipliers are states (including KL7/KH6), prov- seas station prefixes worked per band. Final score
inces, and other North American entities. Non- is QSO pts × multipliers. Awards. Send logs by
North American stations may be worked for QSO Mar 15 (Apr 15 for phone) to Reseau des
credit, but not multipliers. Final score is QSOs × Emetteurs Français, REF Contest, BP 7429, 37074
1 Tours Cedex, France; concours@ref-union.org.
multipliers. Team competition. Awards. Elec-
ARRL Straight Key Night. See the Decem- tronic awards accepted. Send CW logs to Bob UBA Contest, phone, sponsored by Unie van de
ber 2000 QST, page 99. Selbrede, K6ZZ, 6200 Natoma Ave, Mojave, CA Belgische Amateurzenders and the EC Commis-
The CCCC Millenium Contest, sponsored by 93501; cwnaqp@ncjweb.com. Send phone en- sion for Communication, Information and Cul-
the Chautauqua Contest Club, 1200Z Jan 1 to tries to Bruce Horn, WA7BNM, 4225 Farmdale ture, from 1300Z Jan 27 until 1300Z Jan 28 (CW
1200Z Jan 2. 80 40 20 15 10 meters. PSK31, Ave, Studio City, CA 91604; ssbnaqp@ is 1300Z Feb 24 until 1300Z Feb 25). 80 40 20 15
RTTY, THROB, MFSK16, Hellschreiber or ALE. ncjweb.com; www.ncjweb.com/. 10 meters only. Single op single band, all-band
No operation over 100 W. Power classes: LP = 30 Hunting Lions in the Air Contest, sponsored by QRP or multi-single. PacketCluster use by single
W or less; HP = 31 W to 100 W. Entry classes: the International Association of Lions Clubs, from ops is allowed. All stations must remain on a band
Single-op all-band LP, Single-op all-band HP, 0900Z Jan 13 until 2100Z Jan 14. Single op all for 10 minutes. Exchange RS(T) and serial no.
Single-op single-band LP, Single-op single-band band and multi-single. 80 40 20 15 10 meters. Score 10 pts/QSO with ON stations, 3 pts/QSO
HP. Only one transmitter and one band permitted Work stations once per band, regardless of mode. with other EC member stations, and 1 pt/QSO
during the same time period. Once a station has Exchange RS(T) and serial no. Lion/Lioness/Leo with stations outside the EC. Multipliers are ON
begun on a band it must stay on that band for at Club members will also send name, district and provinces, ON prefixes, and EC-member DXCC
least 10 minutes. Listening time counts as operat- QTH of the club, and must sign “/L” or “Lion”; entities. Final score is QSO pts × multipliers
ing time. A given station may be contacted only members of the Melvin Jones Memorial RC must worked per band. Awards. Electronic entries ac-
once per band, per mode. Additional contacts are sign “Melvin”; the Melvin Jones Memorial sta- cepted. Send logs within 30 days after the contest
allowed with the same station on each of the other tion will sign W7YU/MJM. Score 1 pt/QSO w/ to UBA HF Manager, ON4GO Michel Le Bon,
bands as well. Stations may solicit mode changes. own DXCC entity; 2 pts/QSO w/other entity in Chaussée de Wavre 1349,1160 Brussels, Bel-
Exchange: RST and serial number. Count 2 pts same continent; and 3 pts/QSO w/different enti- gium; berger@cyc.ucl.ac.be; www.uba.be/.
PSK31, 2 pts RTTY, 3 pts MFSK, 4 pts THROB, ties. Bonus points: Add 5 pts/QSO w/Lion mem- Kansas QSO Party, 1800 UTC Saturday January
5 pts Hellschreiber, 7 pts ALE contacts. Multipli- bers in the same DXCC entity and 10 pts/QSO w/ 27 to 1800 UTC Sunday January 28. All amateur
ers are DXCC entities (including the WAE entity Lion members outside own entity; 5 pts/QSO w/ bands except 30 17 12 meters. Single Op, Multiop.
list) and states/Canadian provinces. Count multi- Melvin Jones Memorial RC members; and 5 pts/ HF, VHF+ or combined. Kansas stations exchange
pliers per band. Final score is total QSO points × QSO w/W7YU/MJM. Multiplier is the total of RST and county on HF or grid square on VHF.
total multipliers. Use a separate log sheet for each different prefixes worked × 2. Final score is QSO Non-Kansas stations exchange RST and state or
band. Send logs by Feb 15 to PSK Millennium points × multiplier. Awards. Send logs by Jan 31 entity on HF, RST and grid square on VHF. Count
Contest, c/o Andrew O’Brien KB2EOQ, 9082 to Lion Rad Handfield-Jones ZS6RAD, Lions HF 1 point for SSB; 2 points for CW; 3 points for
Concord Dr, Fredonia, NY 14063; obrienaj@ Club of Midrand, PO Box 1584, Halfway House RTTY, SSTV, or other digital HF modes. Multi-
netsync.net; www.netsync.net/users/obrienaj/ 1685, South Africa; sarl.org.za/public/contests/ ply total points by different states worked (max
cccc2.htm. lionita.htm. 48) multiplied by different DX entities worked

George Fremin III, K5TR
624 Lost Oak Trail, Johnson City, TX 78636
k5tr@arrl.org

January 2001 99
(DXCC list). VHF+ 1 point per contact on 2 cluding packet) or moonbounce. Multiply total later than March 1 to: Kansas QSO Party, c/o Rick
meters, 2 points per contact on 6 meters or 220 points by number of different grid squares Carver, WA0KS, 13425 West 56th Terrace,
MHz. Three points per contact on 440 MHz. Five worked. Add HF score to VHF+ score for High Shawnee, KS 66216; www.geocities.com/
points per contact above 1 GHz or any contact in Overall Score. Add 1000 bonus points for contact CapeCanaveral/Hall/7380/contest.html.
the VHF or UHF bands using ATV, digital (in- with K0S on each band. Awards. Send logs no

SPECIAL EVENTS
Atkinson, NH: Atkinson Amateur Radio Club, K1D, 21.410 28.350. Certificate. 3M ARC—W3MRC, Shepherdsville, KY 40165.
0500Z Dec 23 to 0500Z Jan 7, as K1MOM and A147-5S-03, 6801 River Place Blvd, Austin, TX Jean, NV: BioRem Area 3 ARC, AL7LS, 1400Z
W1DAD present Kid’s Day Ham Radio Awareness. 78726. Jan 27 to 0200Z Jan 29, commemorating of the
7.230 14.270 21.310 28.400. QSL. Peter Schipelliti, West Central Florida Section, FL: ARRL—West completion of Salt Lake City to Los Angeles Rail-
7 Dearborn Ridge Rd, Atkinson, NH 03811. Central Florida Section, K4WCF, 1700Z Jan 14 to road in 1905. 3.990 7.290 7.091 14.103. Certifi-
Roanoke, VA: Roanoke Valley Amateur Radio 2300Z Jan 14, for the West Central Florida Section cate. Bruce Rossi, 2127 Sierra Stone Lane, Las
Club, W4CA, 2300Z Dec 31 to 0500Z Jan 1, during First Anniversary. 14.271 14.071 21.271 28.371. Vegas, NV 89119.
Roanoke’s 2001 First Night Celebration. 7.260 QSL. WCF-Next Contact, PO Box 8734, Seminole, San Diego, CA: Challenger Middle School ARC,
14.250 21.350 28.475. QSL. RVARC, PO Box FL 33775-8734. KI6YG, 1430 to 2400Z Jan 28, commemorating
2002, Roanoke, VA 24009. Shepherdsville, KY: The Bullitt ARS, KY4KY, the 14th anniversary of the space shuttle Chal-
Austin, TX: Austin 3M Amateur Radio Club, K3M, 2300Z Jan 19 to 0200Z Jan 20, for a live lenger tragedy. 14.250 21.350 28.350 146.52.
1200Z Jan 1 to 1200Z Jan 8, to celebrate the offical PSK31 demonstration. 14.070. Certificate. QSL. Challenger Middle School ARC, 10810
start of the new millennium and century. 7.230 14.340 KY4KY c/o Buddy Sohl, 1229 Zoneton Rd, Parkdale Ave, San Diego, CA 92126.

George Fremin III, K5TR
624 Lost Oak Trail, Johnson City, TX 78636
k5tr@arrl.org

NEW PRODUCTS
PSEUDO-RANDOM NOISE AND The calendar features a collection of im- tion created from photographs that were
“10-SINE” GENERATOR FROM TDL ages of company founder Art Collins and used in Jay’s first book, the “Pocket Guide
◊ TDL Technologies announces the release other famous—and not so famous—charac- to Collins Amateur Radio Equipment.”
of their Model 109, a test instrument for ters, the manufacturing facilities and, of Price, $14.95 (US postpaid, add $4 for
audio systems. course, the Collins equipment itself. Notable overseas delivery). The calendar is avail-
The new device incorporates a pseudo- dates in radio history, important holidays able from Trinity Graphics Systems Inc,
random noise generator for white and pink and even the dates for the Dayton Hamven- 54021/2 Morningside Dr, Dallas, TX 75206;
noise, a “10-sine” generator and an arbitrary tion and Arlington’s Hamcom are shown. tel 214-828-1908; fax 214-828-2952. Ad-
waveform generator. The test mode and out- Lithographed on 100-pound stock pa- ditional information can be found on Jay’s
put level can be set manually using front panel per, the calendar is similar to a 1997 edi- Web site, www.kk5im.com.
controls or via computer over an RS-232 link. Previous • Next New Products
The internal EEPROM can be pro-
grammed by the computer for arbitrary
waveforms. Examples of applications in-
clude two-tone generation for IM distor-
tion measurement and tone-burst.
The device comes with an 18 V ac wall
transformer power supply, a printed users
manual and software. The software in-
cludes an MS-DOS program written in “C”
and a Visual Basic program for Windows
95/98. Audio output is delivered through a
front panel BNC connector.
A full data sheet and a User Guide in
PDF format can be downloaded from the
company’s Web site.
Price, $289. For additional details con-
tact TDL Technology Inc, 5260 Cochise
Trail, Las Cruses, NM 88012; tel 505-382-
3173; fax 505-382-8810; RTipton@zianet
.com; www.zianet.com/tdl.
2001 CALENDAR FOR COLLINS FANS
◊ Jay Miller, KK5IM, has selected several
of the full-color photographs that appear
in his popular book “A Pictorial History of
Collins Amateur Radio Equipment”
(ARRL order #7830) and has put together
a 15-month calendar titled “2001—A
Collins Odyssey to the New Millennium.”
100 January 2001
 COMING CONVENTIONS
NEW YORK CITY/LONG ISLAND Features include Amateur Radio and Computer
2001 Show, 400 swap tables and 150 commercial
SECTION CONVENTION booths, largest tailgate in the SE, RV camping with
January 21, North Babylon February 24 electricity and water ($16 per night in advance,
Vermont State, Milton $20 per night at the door), VE sessions (must pre-
The New York City/Long Island Section Conven-
tion, sponsored by the Great South Bay ARC, will register, Gil Lineberry, N4VOX, 407-843-4122),
be held at the Babylon Town Hall Annex, Phelps foxhunt (must register by 4 PM at info booth),
Ln; Southern State Parkway E to Exit 37 S forums (DX, satellite demonstrations, Phase 3D,
(Belmont Ave), continue straight across Belmont Counsel for Amateur Radio Enforcement); “Intro- PSK-31, APRS), special guest speaker Ed Petzolt,
Ave onto Sylvan Rd, turn right on Miller, turn left duction to Ham Radio” (Friday, 6 PM); VE ses- K1LNC (1999 ARRL International Humanitarian
at stop sign into Town Hall Annex parking lot. sions (Sunday, Feb 4, 1:30 PM, Red Cross Build- Award Winner). Talk-in on 146.76. Admission is
Doors are open 8 AM to 4 PM. Features include ing, 875 Riverside Dr, Jackson; all classes); RV $7 in advance, $9 at the door. Tables are $35 in
“Ham Radio University 2001,” technical educa- camper space available on fairgrounds (hook-ups advance, $45 at the door (first-come, first-served;
tion with 20 forums about different aspects of $10). Talk-in on 146.76. Admission is $5, under 407-847-0650). Contact Ken Christenson, AF4ZI,
Amateur Radio, booths (club information, ARRL, 13 free. Tables are $15 (non-dealer flea market), 5548 C Cinderlane Pky, Orlando, FL 32808, 407-
QCWA), DXCC/WAS card checking, VE sessions $20 (dealers). Contact Ron Brown, AB5WF, Box 291-2465, af4zi@juno.com; www.oarc.org/
(3:20 PM, all classes of license). Talk-in on 55643, Jackson, MS 39296-5643, 601-956-1448, hamcation/hamcat.html.
146.685. Admission is $2, spouses and under 12 fax 601-982-3385, ab5wf@arrl.net; www.
free. Contact Phil Lewis, N2MUN, 22 Belle Terre jxnarc.org. TENNESSEE STATE CONVENTION
Rd W, Lindenhurst, NY 11757, 631-226-0698, February 10-11, Memphis
n2mun@optonline.net; www.arrlhudson.org/ FLORIDA STATE CONVENTION
nli/hru2001.htm. The Tennessee State Convention (“2001: A
February 3-4, Miami Hamfest Odyssey”), sponsored by the DixieFest
The Florida State Convention (41st Annual “Tropi- Committee, will be held at the Shelby County
VIRGINIA SECTION CONVENTION cal Hamboree”), sponsored by the Dade Radio Club Building, Mid-South Fairgrounds. Doors are open
January 21, Richmond of Miami, will be held at the Dade County Fair and Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM, Sunday 9 AM to 2 PM.
The Virginia Section Convention (Richmond Exposition Center, 10901 SW 24th St (Coral Way). Features include flea market, dealers, forums, auc-
Frostfest), sponsored by the Richmond Amateur Doors are open Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM, Sunday tion (both days; items will be accepted for regis-
Telecommunications Society (RATS), will be held 9 AM to 4 PM. Features include Communications tration at 10 AM with auction beginning at noon),
at The Showplace, 3000 Mechanicsville Tpke; and Computer Show, major manufacturers, exhib- DXCC QSL card checking, VE sessions (Sunday
I-95, Exit 75 to I-64 E, then Exit 192 (Rte 360), its, 850 swap tables, commercial booths, dealers, morning), camping. Talk-in on 146.85, 146.82.
go 1/ 2 mile on left. Doors are open 8:30 AM to vendors, demonstrations and forums (troubleshoot- Admission is $5, under 12 free (good for both
3:30 PM. Features include Amateur Radio and ing, digital communications, satellite communica- days). Tables are $20 (non-commercial flea mar-
Computer Show, electronics, indoor national and tions, continuous technical tips, basic webpage de- ket, power extra), $40 (dealers, includes power)
local vendors, major manufacturers, flea market, sign, live “how-to” for new and seasoned hams, up to 2 weeks before the event, $45 last 2 weeks,
forums (FCC with William Cross, W3TN, ARES/ IARU/WRC 2003 Report), transmitter hunts (both $50 Feb 9-11. Contact Ben Troughton, KU4AW,
RACES, MARS, APRS, Antique Radios), free days), organizational meetings (DX, Repeaters, 901-372-8031 or 901-365-8088, ku4aw@arrl.
parking, handicapped accessible, refreshments. QCWA, ARRL Appointees), featured speakers (Jim net; www.dixiefest.org.
Talk-in on 146.88. Admission is $6 (online tick- Haynie, W5JBP; Rod Stafford, W6ROD; Larry
Price, W4RA; Ed Hare, W1RFI; Bill Moore, NC1L; Attention Hamfest and Convention Sponsors:
ets: tickets.frostfest.com); special VIP tickets
before Dec 31 for early admission and special en- Press Jones, N8UG; Kay Craigie, WT3P; Bill ARRL HQ maintains a date register of sched-
Pasternak, WA6ITF; and many others),VE sessions uled events that may assist you in picking a
trance. Reservations: 804-330-3165. Tables are suitable date for your event. You’re encouraged
$15 to $70. Contact Jim Clark, N3JJF, Box 14828, (Sunday, two exam sessions for all licenses), on-
site campground with full hookups ($21 per night). to register your event with HQ as far in advance
Richmond, VA 23221-0828, 804-739-2269 (ext as your planning permits. Hamfest and conven-
3378), jim@compudata.net; frostfest.rats.net. Talk-in on 147.0, 442.35 (94.8 Hz), 147.315 (94.8
Hz), 443.225 (94.8 Hz), information loop 147.555. tion approval procedures for ARRL sanction are
Admission is $6 in advance, $8 at the door. Con- separate and distinct from the date register.
MISSISSIPPI STATE CONVENTION tact Evelyn Gauzens, W4WYR, 2780 NW 3rd St, Registering dates with ARRL HQ doesn’t con-
February 2-3, Jackson Miami, FL 33125-5059, 305-642-4139, fax 305- stitute League sanction, nor does it guarantee
642-1648, w4wyr@arrl.net; or John Hall, there will not be a conflict with another estab-
The Mississippi State Convention (Capital City lished event in the same area.
Hamfest 2001), sponsored by the Jackson ARC, WD4SFG, 305-226-5346, wd4sfg@bellsouth.net;
We at ARRL HQ are not able to approve dates
will be held at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds www.hamboree.org. for sanctioned hamfests and conventions. For
Trade Mart Building, NE of the Coliseum; exit hamfests, this must be done by your division
I-55 at High St (Exit 96-B), go W to second traf- NORTHERN FLORIDA SECTION director. For conventions, approval must be
fic light, turn left into main entrance of Fair- CONVENTION made by your director and by the executive com-
grounds, Trade Mart is first building on left. Doors mittee. Application forms can be obtained by
are open for dealer setup Friday at 1 PM, non- February 9-11, Orlando writing to or calling the ARRL convention pro-
dealer setup at 3 PM, Saturday 7 AM; public Fri- The Northern Florida Section Convention (54th gram manager, tel 860-594-0262.
day 5-8 PM, Saturday 8 AM to 4 PM. Features Orlando Hamcation Show), sponsored by the Note: Sponsors of large gatherings should
include flea market; dealers; forums (MARS, Bap- Orlando ARC, will be held at the Central Florida check with League HQ for an advisory on pos-
tist Ham Fellowship, APRS, ARES, QRP, DX, Fairgrounds, 4603 W Colonial Dr (Rte 50); 3 miles sible date conflicts before contracting for meet-
ARRL, satellite, traffic nets); test bench; special W of I-4. Doors are open Friday noon to 8 PM, ing space. Dates may be recorded at ARRL HQ
guest Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH (FCC Special Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM, Sunday 9 AM to 3 PM. for up to two years in advance.

HAMFEST CALENDAR
Attention: The deadline for receipt of items for (Abbreviations: Spr = Sponsor, TI = Talk-in fre- (8-ft, with electricity). Doug Christ, KN4YT, Box
this column is the 1st of the second month quency, Adm = Admission.) 1352, Nocatee, FL 34268, 863-494-5070;
preceding publication date. For example, your kn4yt@arrl.net.
information must arrive at HQ by January 1 to Alabama (Greenville)—Jan 27. Jerry
McCullough, KE4ERO, 334-382-7644. †Florida (Ft Myers)—Jan 12-13; set up Friday
be listed in the March issue. Hamfest informa- noon to 4 PM, Saturday 7-9 AM; public Friday 4-
tion is accurate as of our deadline; contact spon- Arizona (Phoenix/Sun City)—Feb 5. Ron 9 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 3 PM. Spr: Fort Myers
sor for possible late changes. For those who Rasmussen, K6OP, 623-546-5710. (Auction) ARC. Shady Oaks Community Center, 3280
send in items for Hamfest Calendar and Com- †Florida (Arcadia)—Jan 27, 6 AM to 5 PM. Spr: Marion St; Exit I-75 at No 25, W 3 miles on Rte
ing Conventions: Postal regulations prohibit DeSoto ARC. DeSoto County Fairgrounds, 100 80, left on Palmetto Ave, right on Marion St, cen-
mention in QST of prizes or any kind of games Heard St; 1/ 2 mile S of Hwy 70 on Hwy 17. Ven- ter on left. Hamfest/Computer Show, vendors, tail-
of chance such as raffles or bingo. dors, VE sessions, RV parking (no hookups), re- gating ($10 for first space, includes 1 admission;
†ARRL Hamfest freshments. TI: 147.075. Adm: $4. Tables: $10 $5 per extra space), free parking, handicapped

Gail Iannone
Convention Program Manager

January 2001 101
parking, refreshments. TI: 146.88. Adm: $5 (good New Mexico (Albuquerque)—Jan 27. Tom Ellis, Cole Community Center, 300 16th St; S on I-27
for both days), under 13 free with adult. Tables: K5TEE, 505-291-8122. from Amarillo, take US 87, exit at Canyon, turn
8-ft $15, electricity $5 (2 days). G. E. Sammons, †New York (Lockport)—Jan 27; set up 6 AM; W on 3rd Ave to 16th St. TI: 145.35 (88.5 Hz),
WA4DQE, 941-936-1431, wa4dqe@juno.com. public 7 AM to 4 PM. Spr: Lockport ARA. Eagles 444.2 (88.5 Hz). Adm: advance $5, door $7.
Florida (Miami)—Feb 3-4, Florida State Conven- Hall, 6614 Lincoln Ave, corner of Davison Rd. Tables: $5. Ben Pollard, WS5R, Box 5378, Ama-
tion. See “Coming Conventions.” Vendors, auction (12:30 PM), refreshments. TI: rillo, TX 79117, 806-381-8810, ws5r@arrl.net;
146.82. Adm: $5. Tables: 8-ft $5. Duane Robinson, www.qsl.net/nwtx-ares.
Florida (Orlando)—Feb 9-11, Northern Florida
Section Convention. See “Coming Conventions.” W2DLR, Box 142, Ransomville, NY 14131, 716- Texas (Georgetown)—Feb 4. Jeff Schmidt,
791-4096; or Bob Radmore, N2PWP, 716-778- N5MNW, 512-255-6753.
Florida (Sarasota)—Jan 20-21. Eddie Martin, 5058, n2pwp@arrl.net; lara.hamgate.net.
KI4ZJ, 941-378-8371. Texas (San Antonio)—Jan 13. Royce Taylor,
†New York (Marathon)—Jan 13, 7 AM to 1 PM. KA5OHJ, 210-680-0432.
†Illinois (Cicero)—Jan 28, 8 AM to 1 PM. Spr: Spr: Skyline ARC. Marathon Civic Center; I-81,
Wheaton Community Radio Amateurs. Hawthorne Virginia (Richmond)—Jan 21, Virginia Section
Exit 9, drive to four corners of Marathon, Rte 221 Convention. See “Coming Conventions.”
Race Track, 3501 S Laramie. Ham Radio/Com- W, turn left just before steel deck bridge, go 1
puter/Electronics flea market, commercial booths, block past fire station to Civic Center. VE sessions.
VE sessions, free parking, handicapped acces- TI: 147.18. Adm: $2. Andrew Slaugh, KB2LUV,
sible. TI: 145.39. Adm: advance $5, door $7. Make Attention All Hamfest Committees!
Box 5241, Cortland, NY 13045, 607-753-0597; Get official ARRL sanction for your event and
check payable to WCRA and send with business kb2luv@arrl.net.
size SASE by Jan 1 to WCRA, Box QSL, receive special benefits such as free prizes,
Wheaton, IL 60189. Don Motz, N9NYX, 630-545- New York (North Babylon)—Jan 21, New York handouts, and other support.
9950, info@wheatonhamfest.org; www. City/Long Island Section Convention. See “Com- It’s easy to become sanctioned. Contact the
wheatonhamfest.org. ing Conventions.” Convention and Hamfest Branch at ARRL Head-
†Indiana (Goshen)—Jan 14, 8 AM to 2 PM. Spr: †New York (Yonkers)—Jan 21, 9 AM to 2 PM. quarters, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111. Or
Michiana Valley Hamfest Assn. Elkhart County Spr: Metro 70cm Network. Lincoln High School, send e-mail to giannone@arrl.org.
Fairgrounds, 17746 CR 34; US 33 to Goshen High Kneeland Ave; NY State Thruway, Exit 2 to Yon-
School, go E for 0.8 mile. Free parking. TI: 145.29. kers Ave, W to St Johns, 2 blocks to Teresa Ave,
Adm: advance $4, door $5. Tables: $10 (elec- right to Kneeland Ave. Giant electronics flea mar-
tricity $10). Denny Denniston, KA9WNR, 21970 ket, vendors, unlimited free coffee. TI: 146.91,
Kern Rd, South Bend, IN 46614-9295; 219-291- 440.425, 145.27. Adm: $6. Tables: $15 (admit 1
0252 (7-10 PM EST). free for each table rented). Otto Supliski,
WB2SLQ, 53 Hayward St, Yonkers, NY 10704,
†Kansas (LaCygne)—Feb 3, 9 AM to 1 PM. Spr:
Mine Creek ARC. LaCygne Community Building
914-969-1053, wb2slq@juno.com. NEW PRODUCTS
on Broadway; 5 miles W of US 69, on K 152 Hwy. †Ohio (Dover)—Jan 28; set up 6 AM; public
Contests, bring your QSL card, refreshments. TI: 8 AM to 1 PM. Spr: Tusco ARC. Ohio National KLINGENFUSS 2001 FREQUENCY
147.285. Adm: Free. Tables: $10. Ron Cowan, Guard Armory, 2800 N Wooster Ave; exit I-77 at
KB0DTI, 913-757-4455; kb0dti@arrl.net. Exit 87 (Strasburg), turn right at exit stop sign, GUIDES
head S on County Rd 74 to first traffic light, con-
†Louisiana (Hammond)—Jan 20, 8 AM to 4 PM. tinue through traffic light intersection, Armory is ◊ Klingenfuss Publications has released
Spr: South East Louisiana ARC. SLU Center, W on right. Dealers, ARES forum, refreshments. TI: printed and CD-ROM versions of their 2001
University Ave; I-55 N to Exit 32, go E 11/ 4 miles, 146.73. Adm: $3. Tables: $10 (bring your own
University is on N side of road. Swap tables, ven- frequency guides.
extension cords). Gary Green, KB8WFN, 32210
dors, dealer displays, electronics, computers, fo- Norris Rd, Tippecanoe, OH 44699, 740-922-4454, The 2001 Shortwave Frequency Guide
rums, VE sessions, free parking. TI: 147.0. Adm: kb8wfn@tusco.net. is a soft cover publication containing the
Free. Tables: swap $10; dealers $15. Bill Borstel,
KB5SKW, Box 1324, Hammond, LA 70404, 225- †Ohio (Middletown)—Jan 13, 9 AM to 4 PM. latest schedules for clandestine, domestic
695-6414; wborstel@aol.com; www.selarc.org. Spr: Dial RC. Miami University, Thesken Hall; and international broadcast stations world-
from I-75 exit at SR 122 (Exit 32), go W toward
†Maryland (Odenton)—Jan 28; set up 6 AM; Middletown; continue to Breiel Blvd, turn right wide. The guide features an extensive
public 8 AM to 2 PM. Spr: Maryland Mobileers (N), continue on Breiel to 6th traffic light; this is broadcast frequency list with 10,378 entries
ARC. Odenton Volunteer Fire Department Hall, entrance to University, second building is Thesken
1425 Annapolis Rd (Rte 175); 9 miles E of I-95/ and an alphabetical listing as well. More
Hall. 15th Annual SW Ohio Digital Symposium
MD 175 interchange, midway between Baltimore (there will be no flea market—this is a technical than 10,694 utility station entries are also
and Washington DC. VE sessions, free parking, society conference/seminar only). TI: 146.61, provided.
refreshments. TI: 146.805 (107.2 Hz). Adm: $4. 224.96, 444.825. Adm: Free. Hank Greeb, N8XX,
Tables: $10. Gary Johney, N3BYN, 410-437-4285, 6580 Dry Ridge Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45252, 513-
The 2001 Super Frequency List CD-
w3cu@arrl.net. 385-8363 (after 6 PM), n8xx@arrl.net; ROM includes entries with information on
Michigan (Hazel Park)—Jan 21. Tom Krausnick, w3.one.net/~rkuns/swohdigi.html. clandestine, domestic and international
WC9F, wc9f@arrl.net. †Ohio (Nelsonville)—Jan 14; set up Saturday 7- broadcasting and utility stations—and even
†Michigan (Negaunee)—Feb 3, 10 AM to 2 PM. 10 PM, Sunday 6 AM; public 8 AM to 2 PM. Spr:
Spr: Hiawatha ARA. Negaunee Township Hall, 42 Sunday Creek AR Federation. Hocking College, includes entries for radio services such as
M-35; 8 miles W of Marquette on US-41 to M-35, Hocking Parkway; from N take Rte 33E to the International Red Cross, the United
S on M-35, 1 mile to Township Hall. Swap and Nelsonville, turn right at second light; from S take Nations, maritime, military and police.
Shop, refreshments. TI: 147.27. Adm: $2. Tables: Rte 33W to Nelsonville, turn left on State Rte 691
$6. John Veiht, N8RSE, 906-228-9417; or Bob (first light), follow signs to College. Flea market, You’ll also find lists of 920 abbreviations
Serfas, N8PKN, 906-226-9782, n8pkn@aol.com; VE sessions (noon, walk-ins accepted). TI: 147.15, and 17,894 formerly active frequencies—
www.qsl.net/k8lod/. 147.225. Adm: $5, under 12 free. Tables: first table all on one CD for Windows 3.1, 95 and 98.
Michigan (Traverse City)—Feb 10. Joe Novak, is free, $5 for each additional (first-come, first-
served). Russ Ellis, N8MWK, 8051 Oregon Ridge, You can browse through the data quickly
W8TVT, 231-947-8555.
Glouster, OH 45732, 740-767-2226; SCARF@ and use a search feature to locate specific
Mississippi (Jackson)—Feb 2-3, Mississippi hocking.edu.
State Convention. See “Coming Conventions.” frequencies, countries, stations, languages,
Pennsylvania (Philadelphia)—Jan 10. Russ call signs and times.
†Missouri (St Joseph)—Jan 20, 8 AM to 3 PM. Stafford, W3CH, 610-631-3401, No 4. (Auction)
Sprs: Missouri Valley and Ray-Clay ARCs.
South Carolina (Greenwood)—Jan 13. Frank Klingenfuss Publications, Hagenloher
Ramada Inn, I-29 and Frederick Ave (Exit 47 off Str 14, D-72070 Tuebingen, Germany; tel
I-29), just 47 miles N of Kansas City. VE sessions, Kolar, WA9FWO, 864-229-5639.
free parking. TI: 146.85, 444.925. Adm: advance †South Carolina (North Charleston)—Feb 3, +49-7071-600849; fax +49-7071-62830;
$2 each or 3 for $5; door $3 each or 2 for $5. 8:30 AM to 4 PM. Spr: Charleston ARS. R. B. Stall klingenfuss@compuserve.com; ourworld.
Tables: $10 each (first 2 tables), $20 each (tables High School Gym, 7749 Pinehurst St; located near
I-26 and Ashley Phosphate Rd. Forums (ARRL, compuserve.com/homepages/Klingenfuss.
3 and up). Carlene Makawski, KA0IKS, 3704
Meadow Oak Ln, St Joseph, MO 64503, 816-279- weather), VE sessions. TI: 146.79, 145.25. Adm: These items are available through the
3406, nem3238@ccp.com; www.kc.net/ $5, under 12 free. Tables: $8. Jenny Myers, ARRL. Price: 2001 Shortwave Frequency
~oconnor. WA4NGV, 2630 Dellwood Ave, N Charleston, SC
29405-6814, 843-747-2324; brycemyers@aol Guide (ARRL order No. SFG1), $34.95;
†Missouri (St Louis)—Jan 27, 8 AM to 2 PM. .com; www.qsl.net/wa4usn/index.html. 2001 Super Frequency List CD-ROM
Spr: St Louis Repeater. St Charles Expo Center,
NW corner of Hwy 270 intersection. Manufactur- Tennessee (Gallatin)—Jan 20. John Hermon, (ARRL order No. SFC1), $24.95. Shipping
ers, computer-related gear. TI: 146.94, 146.91. WB5OOL, 615-451-0213. is additional. ARRL, 225 Main St,
Adm: $5. Tables: $15 (electricity $15 extra). Jim Tennessee (Memphis)—Feb 10-11, Tennessee
Glasscock, W0FF, 3416 Manhattan Ave, St Louis, State Convention. See “Coming Conventions.” Newington, CT 06111; tel 860-594-0355;
MO 63143, 314-647-9458, jimfoxfox@aol.com; †Texas (Canyon/Amarillo)—Feb 10, 8 AM to fax 860-594-0303; pubsales@arrl.org;
www.stlrepeater.org. 4 PM. Spr: Potter/Randall County ARES/RACES. www.arrl.org.
102 January 2001 Previous • Next New Products
 SILENT KEYS
It is with deep regret that we record KQ4ZL, Kramer C. Robinson, Mobile, AL WB8DRE, Kenneth F. Horsley, Urbana, OH
the passing of these amateurs. N4ZXL, Harold E. Strader, Kingston, TN N8EAG, Archie W. Jenkins, Monongah, WV
WD5BOW, Vera Woodland, Arlington, TX KC8NYB, Samuel A. Martorello, South Euclid, OH
K5CEX, Darryl L. Hankins, Crossett, AR W8RAK, John R. Esterly, Westlake, OH
N1ASO, John Kohler, Avon, CT KC5DUT, John J. Benson, Albuquerque, NM N9BVI, Sam Richards, Mishawaka, IN
W1AYJ, Walter P. Hoffman, Ashland, OR KC5ERA, Jeri S. Bauman, Elephant Butte, NM W9FZC, John P. LaBlonde, Elkhorn, WI
KA1BJR, John F. Brennan, Stratford, CT N5FFY, Charles R. Button, Temple, TX K9HGZ, George F. Slad, Williamsburg, NM
WA1EVH, Frank J. Rosato, Lexington, MA W5FMM, Leonard F. Dodds, Albuquerque, NM K9HQJ, Pearl M. Johnson, Sterling, IL
N1HLW, Roger A. Cates, Limerick, ME K5GCK, H. M. Mullins, Freer, TX W9MGP, Ralph W. Shannon, Madison, WI
W1KRF, Gerald W. Mason, Freeport, ME K5GV, Peter P. Buyaki, Harrison, AR W9NXA, Edward J. Kehoe, De Pere, WI
W1MZB, Frederick J. Coyle, Bristol, RI NR5H, Joe Curtis Woosley, Greenwood, AR W9QI, Hardin Stratman, Long Beach, CA
W1NMP, Stanley G. Best, Manchester, CT KC5JIP, Lyle G. Myers, San Antonio, TX W9WQC, Harold A. Pride, Evansville, IN
K1QM, Joel H. Malman, Concord, MA NN5J, Len Sykora, Mabank, TX K0AFY, Wilfred B. Spencer, Jefferson City, MO
W1YMS, Richard A. Carocari, Manchester, CT W5JWL, Joseph B. Harwell, Gurdon, AR K0BO, Robert B. Olsen, Lakewood, CO
K1YZG, Lucius A. Hurlbut, Tustin, CA WD5KBA, Anthony J. Kirsch, Chalmette, LA K0BVD, Ramie A. Maggard, Holden, MO
W1ZPA, Henri J. Chapdelaine, Manchester, NH KA5LDT, Earl C. Saxton, Albuquerque, NM K0GP, Ivan T. Schultz, Humboldt, IA
WD2ADT, Julian Heilbroner, Rye, NY W5LJ, Carroll C. Collier, Ada, OK W0IQK, Donald E. Millsap, Kansas City, KS
KA2AMG, Henry R. Deckhut, Cranford, NJ *W5OLN, Eugene F. Carter, Albuquerque, NM *W0JBT, Ed Nohava, St Paul, MN
KB2ASH, Everett C. Obenhein, Turnersville, NJ *KZ5Q, D. C. Bradford, Denham Springs, LA K0JGI, G. Paul Kesselring, Ottumwa, IA
W2BAV, Noel J. Lituchy, New Rochelle, NY W5QN, Wilbur Dearing, Bonham, TX WB0JJJ, Hugh T. Harlin, Gainesville, MO
*W2FG, Ted M. Marks, Kendall Park, NJ W5RZV, Robert E. Holler, Austin, TX W0KIO, Duane Runyan, Wichita, KS
WA2OZG, Thomas Petruzzi, Villas, NJ *KB5SV, George D. Bretz, Fort Worth, TX K0KKT, Wayne Van Riper, Omaha, NE
W2QD, John Serafin, Basking Ridge, NJ N5YPN, Victor V. Sandoval, Clovis, NM K0RDJ, Richard A. Connolly, Waynesville, MO
KB2QPV, William H. Drobness, Landing, NJ K6AHF, Charles H. Lindahl, Hermosa Beach, CA WA0TRB, Ronald L. Bryant, Lakewood, CO
W2ROT, Harold S. Walker, Syracuse, NY KF6AUE, Timothy S. Smith, Rancho Santa W0VQC, Frank L. Curtis, Virgil, SD
W2VKY, George E. McGrath, Evansville, IN Margarita, CA KS0Z, Bobby J. Potter, Saint Francis, KS
K2VNP, Charles S. Haynes, Ballston Lake, NY W6CNP, Glynn E. Absher, Foss, OK VE3CBB, Ralph Westhouse, North York, ON,
W3CVC, Sterling E. Schaefer, Westminster, MD KB6CU, Edwin J. Dudek, Apache Jct, AZ Canada
N3DFL, John F. Cremers, Pottstown, PA *K6CV, Joseph G. Bastow, Jr., Plantation, FL ZL2TT, Ron E. Wills, Lower Hut, New Zealand
WB3DGD, Ernest G. Whitney, West Springfield, W6DLY, Guy M. Martin, Glendora, CA ZL3GF, W. Bool, Kaikoura, New Zealand
PA W6FTJ, John T. Gilcrest, Canoga Park, CA
N3DJA, Jack Brubaker, Lancaster, PA W6GKO, Lillian M. Malm, Mountain View, CA
K3GQX, James M. Waldron, Lockport, NY W6HCP, Charles W. Sullivan, Bakersfield, CA
W3KQR, William H. Boalich, Clearfield, PA W6HZX, Theodore A. Seel, Las Vegas, NV *Life Member, ARRL
W3PJD, James A. Currie, Erie, PA *K6ITL, James D. Knochenhauer, San Mateo, CA ‡Call sign has been re-issued through the
NO3R, John E. Wilcox, Wellsboro, PA W6IXZ, Robert A. Reimus, Yerington, NV vanity call sign program.
W3SKK, Harold E. Archer, Fallston, MD WB6LFI, Jerry Weaver, Norwalk, CA Note: Silent Key reports must confirm the death
WA3UFV, Serge H. Aronovici, Pebble Beach, CA WA6LUQ, Edward H. Wall, San Jose, CA by one of the following means: a letter or note
W3WSM, Earl L. Lentz, Lock Haven, PA N6SBN, James Giardina, San Diego, CA from a family member, a copy of a newspaper
*KE4A, Wayland M. Watts, Blairsville, GA KA7AKG, Leonard F. Hennan, Cucamonga, CA obituary notice, a copy of the death certificate,
K4ALW, Gerald G. Wichner, Hollywood, FL N7APX, Guy H. Stewart, Seattle, WA or a letter from the family lawyer or the execu-
W4AYF, William C. Pease, Columbus, GA KA7CNR, Thomas J. Benitscheck, Clovis, NM tor. Please be sure to include the amateur’s
W4ILA, Ben F. Hurt, Park Hall, MD KD7DK, Joe Wentworth, Missoula, MT name, address and call sign. Allow several
W4IWZ, Francis G. Harper, Nokesville, VA N7DWX, Ronald G. Knabel, Apache Junction, AZ months for the listing to appear in this column.
W4JDB, Winton E. Teston, Thomson, GA KC7IXJ, Frances L. Barnett, Tillamook, OR Many hams remember a Silent Key with a me-
KA4JZO, R. D. Zepp, Clarksville, TN W7LYO, Donald L. Eggebrecht, La Grande, OR morial contribution to the ARRL Foundation. If you
W4KQK, Richard H. Bush, Louisville, KY WB7NCJ, Robert J. Nichols, Kent, WA wish to make a contribution in a friend or relative’s
KC4LF, Lyle F. Shaw, Bradenton, FL *KA7PMD, Stephen F. Paulsen, Seattle, WA memory, you can designate it for an existing youth
KR4M, Cliff Watson, Milledgeville, GA K7QCS, Richard B. Howe, Isabella, MO scholarship, the Jesse A. Bieberman Meritorious
WD4PQK, Edward Sarratt, Gaffney, SC WA7QEW, Laurence F. Seaman, Tacoma, WA Membership Fund, the Victor C. Clark Youth In-
K4RA, Andrew F. Young, Zelienople, PA N7TXJ, Holger Theobalt, Florence, OR centive Program Fund, or the General Fund. Con-
KD4UIP, Anthony Arrington, Bowdon, GA KC7UQW, Todd S. Evans, Bothell, WA tributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible to
KB4VKK, Edwin G. Hartley, Memphis, TN K7XYL, Joanne W. Pattin, Tucson, AZ the extent permitted under current tax law. Our
KE4VP, Madison Farrell, Walterboro, SC KA8BAI, Andrew D. Rado, Dayton, OH address is: The ARRL Foundation Inc, 225 Main
KE4XD, George W. Rinker, Orlando, FL K8DCD, David C. Doubleday, Portage, MI St, Newington, CT 06111.

Kathy Capodicasa, N1GZO
Silent Key Administrator

perature memory system.

NEW PRODUCTS The station is available with a variety
of tip styles for specialty assembly and
repair applications and comes complete
with a bench stand that includes a tip
ANTEX SOLDERING STATION cleaning sponge and a holder for extra
◊ M.M. Newman Corp now offers a tem- tips.
perature-controlled soldering station with The list price for the Model 690SD Sol-
a static dissipating iron. dering Station is $270.18. For additional
The Antex Model 690SD features a information contact M. M. Newman Corp,
24 V, 50 W iron, a digital temperature 24 Tioga Way, Marblehead, MA 01945;
readout that can be set to display in cen- tel 800-777-6309/718-631-7100; fax 718-
tigrade or Fahrenheit, positive tip tem- 631-8887; mmn@mmnewman.com;
perature feedback and a two-level tem- www.mmnewman.com.
Previous • Next New Products January 2001 103
 75, 50 AND 25 YEARS AGO
January 1926 January 1951 Ed Tilton, W1HDQ, explains the upper realms of
the spectrum in “V.H.F.: Why—How—When?”
◊ Clyde Dar r, 8ZZ, ◊ The cover photo
provides another nice shows the potent 14-
piece of cover art, this Mc. beam antenna of
January 1976
one showing bewhis- W1ATE, installed atop ◊ Good grief! Is this a
kered Old Man 1925 a 75-foot tower in rural QST?! Instead of the
sitting at the receiver, Connecticut. The edito- age-old format, the
introducing Baby New rial takes an overview magazine is suddenly
Year 1926 to the mir- of ham radio during the a monstrous 8 1/ 2 ×11
acle of modern radio! first half of the 20th inches! Is nothing sa-
The lead editorial re- century, looking at its cred? The cover photo
ports on the influx of successes (such as the —full color, no less—
letters from broadcast Amateur Radio Emer- shows an HQ staffer
listeners, responding to gency Corps) and its making measurements
an earlier editorial ap- problems (such as TVI). on the 432-MHz am-
peal to bring more The editorial reports that the current ham popula- plifier described in
BCLs into Amateur Radio. As the editor says, tion of the US is “90,000, with the possibility of this issue. The edito-
“They have called us and now it is up to us to reaching six figures in 1951 if the Novice license rial discusses QST’s
deliver.” K. B. Warner also reminds ARRL mem- becomes a reality….” “New Look,” explaining the history of the old and
bers to be ready to provide emergency communi- Richard Smith, W1FTX, tells about design- smaller size, and how the new, standard size will
cation for the railroads. ing and building “A Single-Control Low-Power save more than $100,000 a year, mainly because of
Traffic Manager F. H. Schnell reports on “The Transmitter” that uses bandpass coupling and less paper-trim waste.
cruise of NRRL aboard the U.S.S. Seattle,” de- TVI-reduction measures. “The Case for Home- “A Tramplifier for 432 MHz,” by Thomas
scribing the ship’s station that he manned on its made Receivers” tells the stories of three hams— McMullen, W1SL, and Clarke Greene, WA1JLD,
recent South Pacific cruise. L. W. Hatry describes W8DX, W3FYS, and W6MX—who each built describes a table-top unit that the ham can use
“A New Reflex Circuit” for receiving. “Practical exactly what he wanted in a receiver. Durham for Oscar 7, Mode B. Robert Dome, W2WAM,
Crystal-Controlled Transmitters” provides a Ipock, W4EFX/3, tells the humorous story of how explains the “Impedance of Short Horizontal Di-
forum for William Lee, 4XE, and Assistant Tech- he got back into ham radio after giving it up for poles.” Jay Rusgrove, WA1LNQ, tells about “A
nical Editor John Clayton to tell the readers how three years while attending college. He bought a 15-Meter Goober Whistle.” Jerry Sevick, W2FMI,
they each did it. Harry Lyman describes “Getting used Hallicrafters S-41G for $10, unwound a discusses “Simple Broadband Matching Net-
Down Below 5 Meters” and making plans to “go transformer for antenna wire, and built a simple works.” Also for the low-power fans, Gene
into the 77 centimeter band and find something crystal-controlled oscillator rig for 80 meters. By Hinkle, WA5KPG, presents “An Accu-Keyer for
out about it.” A. H. Waynick describes “A Goodman, W1DX, describes how to build “A QRPp Operation.”
Portable Transmitter” that he took to the recent Sensitive Field-Strength Meter.” Jerry Hall, K1PLP, and Charles Watts,
ARRL convention in Chicago. Julius Galin, W1LOP, tells about “A Wide- WA6GVC/1, write on a hot new topic, “Learning
K. B. Warner reports on “The Fourth National Range Test Oscillator” that covers 50 cycles to 500 to Work with Integrated Circuits.” Doug DeMaw,
Radio Conference,” in which hams “retain [their] kc. A photo in the column “Military Amateur Ra- W1CER, provides “Some Capacitor Basics.”
wave bands [with] only trivial changes.” A dio System” shows Major General S. B. Aiken, “Hams at Headquarters” shows candid photos of
100 kc. phone band was opened from 3500 to Chief Signal Officer of the Army, demonstrating many of the HQ staffers. “I Wish I Had Known,”
3600 kc., to be shared with naval aircraft and the the MARS headquarters station in the Pentagon by Edward Durnall, K1BYE, attempts to help the
naval vessels they are communicating with. to Lieutenant General Ma tthew Ridg eway. reader calm his pre-exam jitters.

Al Brogdon, W1AB
Contributing Editor

Morse code transmissions:
W1AW Schedule Frequencies are 1.818, 3.5815, 7.0475, 14.0475, 18.0975, 21.0675, 28.0675 and
147.555 MHz.
PACIFIC MTN CENT EAST MON TUE WED THU FRI Slow Code = practice sent at 5, 7 1/2, 10, 13 and 15 wpm.
Fast Code = practice sent at 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 13 and 10 wpm.
6 AM 7 AM 8 AM 9 AM FAST SLOW FAST SLOW
Code practice text is from the pages of QST . The source is given at the beginning
CODE CODE CODE CODE of each practice session and alternate speeds within each session. For example,
“Text is from July 1992 QST , pages 9 and 81,” indicates that the plain text is from
7 AM- 8 AM- 9 AM- 10 AM- VISITING OPERATOR TIME the article on page 9 and mixed number/letter groups are from page 81.
1 PM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PM (12 PM - 1 PM CLOSED FOR LUNCH)
Code bulletins are sent at 18 wpm.
1 PM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PM FAST SLOW FAST SLOW FAST W1AW qualifying runs are sent on the same frequencies as the Morse code trans-
CODE CODE CODE CODE CODE missions. West Coast qualifying runs are transmitted on approximately 3.590 MHz
by K6YR. At the beginning of each code practice session, the schedule for the next
2 PM 3 PM 4 PM 5 PM CODE BULLETIN qualifying run is presented. Underline one minute of the highest speed you
copied, certify that your copy was made without aid, and send it to ARRL for grading.
3 PM 4 PM 5 PM 6 PM TELEPRINTER BULLETIN Please include your name, call sign (if any) and complete mailing address. Send a
9×12-inch SASE for a certificate, or a business-size SASE for an endorsement.
4 PM 5 PM 6 PM 7 PM SLOW FAST SLOW FAST SLOW
Teleprinter transmissions:
CODE CODE CODE CODE CODE Frequencies are 3.625, 7.095, 14.095, 18.1025, 21.095, 28.095 and 147.555 MHz.
5 PM 6 PM 7 PM 8 PM CODE BULLETIN Bulletins are sent at 45.45-baud Baudot and 100-baud AMTOR, FEC Mode B. 110-
baud ASCII will be sent only as time allows.
6 PM 7 PM 8 PM 9 PM TELEPRINTER BULLETIN On Tuesdays and Fridays at 6:30 PM Eastern Time, Keplerian elements for many
amateur satellites are sent on the regular teleprinter frequencies.
645 PM 745 PM 845 PM 945 PM VOICE BULLETIN
Voice transmissions:
Frequencies are 1.855, 3.99, 7.29, 14.29, 18.16, 21.39, 28.59 and 147.555 MHz.
7 PM 8 PM 9 PM 10 PM FAST SLOW FAST SLOW FAST
Miscellanea:
CODE CODE CODE CODE CODE
On Fridays, UTC, a DX bulletin replaces the regular bulletins.
8 PM 9 PM 10 PM 11 PM CODE BULLETIN W1AW is open to visitors from 10 AM until noon and from 1 PM until 3:45 PM on
Monday through Friday. FCC licensed amateurs may operate the station during that
time. Be sure to bring your current FCC amateur license or a photocopy.
W1AW’s schedule is at the same local time throughout the year. The schedule according In a communication emergency, monitor W1AW for special bulletins as follows:
to your local time will change if your local time does not have seasonal adjustments that voice on the hour, teleprinter at 15 minutes past the hour, and CW on the half hour.
are made at the same time as North American time changes between standard time and Headquarters and W1AW are closed on New Year’s Day, President’s Day, Good
daylight time. From the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October, UTC = Eastern Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the follow-
Time + 4 hours. For the rest of the year, UTC = Eastern Time + 5 hours. ing Friday, and Christmas Day.
104 January 2001
 By Dan Henderson, N1ND
Contest Branch Manager

2000 ARRL June VHF

QSO Party Results
R
emember back to the days of your ing numbers may be the increase in
youth. As summer approached, Multioperator and Limited Multioperator
just like Tom Sawyer, Becky entries. The number of logs received has
Thatcher and Huck Finn, you started getting been down until 2000, but based on the
that special twitch, longing to be outside. number of participants listed in those cat-
Instead of being stuck in the classroom for egories, the number of participants has re-
a few more days of book learning, you were mained about the same.
drawn to the out of doors. Swimming in the VHF contesting offers sometimes different,
creek to beat the heat, skipping rocks across sometimes similar challenges from its HF
the still, flat surface of the pond, and ex- counterpart. Good 6-meter activity may affect
ploring new wonders sure were a more de- the outcome, but strong efforts on the UHF/
sirable destination for the day than those Microwave bands (where QSO points are Sunset at the W6TOI site at the 6532-foot
last few days studying the three “Rs.” higher) can offset a good 6-meter opening. level on Mt Gleason in DM04 makes all of
How you balance your efforts on each band this madness worthwhile.
So when the second weekend of June is
approaching, VHF/UHF/microwave con- will be a significant factor in how you finish.
testers can relate to the need to head into Location makes a difference in VHF contest- were transferred to the High Power category.
the fresh air and participate in the ARRL ing, just as it does during HF events. Proxim- That means that in the 2000 ARRL June VHF
June VHF QSO Party. After a two-year de- ity to good population centers will mean the QSO Party each Single Operator Low Power
cline in total participation, we saw a small difference in where you finish in VHF/UHF Division winner set the initial standard upon
increase in the number of entries for this contests, whether you are competing for over- which all subsequent competitors will take
year’s contest. Being the first year with all, divisional or sectional honors. aim. The initial overall Single Operator Low
separate Single Operator Low- and High- With the separation of the Single Opera- Power record was set by K9PW, with a score
Power categories may have increased par- tor category into High- and Low-Power cat- of 351,918, which is also the Central Divi-
ticipation. One other factor for the declin- egories, all previous Single Operator records sion record. Congratulations also go to the

Region Leaders
Northeast Region Southeast Region Central Region Midwest Region West Coast Region
(New England, Hudson and (Delta, Roanoke and (Central and Great Lakes (Dakota, Midwest, Rocky (Pacific, Northwestern and
Atlantic Divisions; Maritime Southeastern Divisions) Divisions; Ontario Section) Mountain and West Gulf Southwestern Divisions;
and Quebec Sections) Divisions; Manitoba and Alberta, British Columbia
Saskatchewan Sections) and NWT/Yukon Sections)
WA2FGK 105,133 A N4IS 109,026 A K9PW 351,918 A N5OLS 182,784 A WB6AAG 91,290 A
WB2VVV 73,700 A N4JK 78,948 A W0UC 160,284 A KC5FP 151,107 A KE6FCT 62,720 A
W1PM 54,383 A KD5HPT 78,760 A K8MR 85,808 A W5SXD 144,281 A N7IR 43,875 A
N1DPM 51,030 A K0VXM 76,145 A N9GH 53,448 A WD5K 139,568 A KF6GYM 42,483 A
W1BQ 49,276 A KU4WD 59,130 A K9VHF 52,128 A N5NJ 124,836 A K6MI 32,277 A

K1TEO 370,728 B WB2WIH 252,945 B N2BJ 253,761 B K5IUA 373,626 B N6EQ 135,605 B
K1RZ 231,623 B WD4MGB 153,800 B KE8FD 208,504 B N5WS 348,750 B AA7A 131,068 B
K2SMN 92,056 B K9HUY 144,336 B WB9Z 173,514 B N5HHS 334,080 B N6PI 120,156 B
AF1T 84,455 B K4QI 123,646 B K8TQK 161,760 B K5AM 297,579 B WB6NTL 114,009 B
K1GX 75,790 B NW5E 120,903 B K2DRH 123,224 B W5UWB 272,916 B NU6S 104,832 B

N3FTI 29,304 Q W4RXR 14,678 Q K9AKS 39,932 Q K7VNU 13,752 Q K6LMN 16,549 Q
K1ZE 20,519 Q N3AWS 525 Q N9LAG 20,750 Q N0JK 3,675 Q VE7DXG 16,014 Q
NA2T 18,509 Q K8JWT 230 Q N8XA 10,990 Q K0BJ 775 Q W7/JR1NKN 2,784 Q
WB2AMU 2,822 Q W9GKA 7,198 Q WA5VKS 396 Q AC6XK 2,500 Q
K2QO 171 Q N9MYK 3,978 Q KQ6EE 1,800 Q

W2SZ/1 1,651,461 M K8GP 1,876,364 M WW8M 293,045 M W1XE/0 265,356 M W6TOI 194,598 M
W3CCX 754,364 M KF4DGS 101,436 M N8KOL 116,600 M N0UK 239,148 M N7LQ 185,758 M
K3MQH 733,005 M K4RF 88,894 M K5LLL 195,489 M W6MMM 178,794 M
N2PA 520,149 M KK5IH 181,440 M W6YM 124,410 M
K1WHS 400,752 M W6FM 122,661 M

K3YTL 437,000 L W4IY 365,560 L W9ICE 229,356 L W5KFT 490,194 L W2ODH/6 605,143 L
KB2DMK 249,917 L AA4ZZ 268,548 L NI9E (at N9FH) 113,280 L W7XU 403,560 L W3SE 263,057 L
N2NK 157,677 L W4NH 212,852 L N8BJQ 69,551 L W0KVA 66,960 L KF7NP 175,187 L
WB1GQR 142,040 L AC5TM 104,346 L N9REP 31,400 L N7VM 42,510 L K7KX 126,000 L
N3II 136,183 L KA4DON 65,940 L KU8E 19,190 L WB6DTA 34,220 L K7XC 99,510 L

W2FU 212,704 R N4OFA 38,868 R K8WW 79,788 R AB5SS 217,729 R N6TEB 143,956 R
N1MJD 168,338 R W4VHF 34,884 R WB9SNR 76,300 R WB5VYE 135,994 R N6DN 86,884 R
N1QVE 21,708 R W3IY 19,764 R VE3NPB/R 47,128 R AL1VE 103,136 R K6FZZ 51,595 R
WA2IID (+KB2SSS) K9OYD 10,693 R K0PG 42,051 R KF0UK 81,783 R KB6FYG 36,418 R
21,580 R KS4S 8,496 R KF9US 40,656 R N0YVY 28,220 R WB7DHC 27,150 R
N1MU 15,785 R

January 2001 105

other Low Power divisional winners: W6OAL (Rocky Mountain), N4IS (South- tablished by CO2OJ.
WA2FGK (Atlantic), KB0ZEV (Dakota), eastern), KE6FCT (Southwestern), and The Single Operator High Power cat-
KD5HPT (Delta), K8MR (Great Lakes), N5OLS (West Gulf) who also finishes as run- egory, while not seeing an overall record
WB2VVV (Hudson), NE0P (Midwest), ner-up in the overall category. The Canadian set, did provide us with the tightest finish
W1PM (New England), N7DB (Northwest- Single Operator Low Power record is set by among the categories. K5IUA was edged
ern), KF6GYM (Pacific), AF4HX (Roanoke), VE9AA, while the first DX record was es- by K1TEO by a single QSO, but won the

Top Ten
Single Operator Low Power Single Operator High Power Plaque Sponsor QRP Portable Plaque Sponsor
K9PW 351,918 K5IUA 373,626 W2SZ/1 Mt. Greylock Expeditionary K9AKS 39,932 West Coast VHFers
N5OLS 182,784 Force N3FTI 29,304 Robin Gist, K4VU
W0UC 160,284 K1TEO 370,728 K9NS, Mt. Frank Contesters N9LAG 20,750
KC5FP 151,107 N5WS 348,750 Ed Parsons, K1TR K1ZE 20,519
W5SXD 144,281 N5HHS 334,080 W1TKZ Wellesley ARS – Mt. Equinox NA2T 18,509
WD5K 139,568 Contesters K6LMN 16,549
N5NJ 124,836 K5AM 297,579 N0KQY, W0LD, N0JK, WB0DRL, N0LL VE7DXG 16,014
W6OAL 113,645 W5UWB 272,916 K3MQH, South Mountain Contest Team W4RXR 14,678
N4IS 109,026 N2BJ 253,761 In Memory of John Chambers, W6NLZ K7VNU 13,752
WA2FGK 105,133 WB2WIH 252,945 AB4CR Rover Team N8XA 10,990
W8CM 237,412 Southeastern VHF Society
K1RZ 231,623
Multioperator Plaque Sponsor DX Single Operator Low Power Plaque Sponsor
K8GP 1,876,364 Randy Stegemeyer, W7HR CO2OJ 36,852 K8GP & C3I
W2SZ/1 1,651,461 N2LIX & Ten—X Group
W3CCX 754,364 Mt Airy VHF Radio Club DX Single Operator High Power
K3MQH 733,005 Rochester VHF Group XE2HWB 4,876 K8GP & C3I
N2PA 520,149 George Noyes, W1XE
K1WHS 400,752 K2AE, Schenectady ARA
WW8M 293,045 In memory of Sid Krauss, WA2VNK
W1XE/0 265,356
N0UK 239,148
K2TVI 227,953

Limited Multioperator Plaque Sponsor

W2ODH/6 605,143 W3EP, K9AKS, W9IP
W5KFT 490,194 K1TEO, W2GKR, W2GKO, KA1FVG
K3YTL 437,000
W7XU 403,560
W4IY 365,560
AA4ZZ 268,548
W3SE 263,057
KB2DMK 249,917
W9ICE 229,356
W4NH 212,852

Rover Plaque Sponsor Ken, K4DXA, operates on 50 MHz at

AB5SS 217,729 In Memory of Dick Goodman, WB1HIH,
by W2SZ/1 the AA4ZZ limited multi-operator
W2FU 212,704 Wayne King, N2WK station in North Carolina.
N1MJD 168,338 Northern Lights Radio Society and W0UC
N6TEB 143,956 Southeastern VHF Society
WB5VYE 135,994
AL1VE 103,136 W4RXR’s QRP Portable site
N6DN 86,884 (right) in EM85 in the Great
KF0UK 81,783
K8WW 79,788 Smoky Mountains.
WB9SNR 76,300

QSO Leaders by Band

Single Operator Low Power
50 MHz 144 MHz 222 MHz 432 MHz 902 MHz 1296 MHz
N5OLS 760 K9PW 188 K9PW 63 KE6GFF 186 WA2FGK 23 K9PW 33
KC5FP 717 WA2FGK 133 KE6AXJ 50 K9PW 101 K9PW 22 K6MI 23
WD5K 671 K8MR 132 K6MI 47 WA2FGK 62 N1DPM 17 W0UC 21
N4IS 660 WB2CUT 129 WA2FGK 44 K5MA 57 WB2VVV 17 N1DPM 21
W5SXD 604 KN6VR 119 K5MA 44 W0UC 57 WA8RJF 11 WA2FGK 21
K6MI 11

Single Operator High Power

50 MHz 144 MHz 222 MHz 432 MHz 902 MHz 1296 MHz
N5HHS 1077 W3EME 412 K1TEO 74 K1TEO 113 K1TEO 37 K1TEO 45
K5AM 1020 K1TEO 302 K1RZ 67 K1RZ 103 K1RZ 35 K1RZ 41
WB2WIH 991 W8ULC 234 KE8FD 64 N2BJ 98 N2BJ 21 K2TXB 32
W5UWB 975 K1RZ 224 N2BJ 62 K2TXB 86 KE8FD 20 KE8FD 31
N5WS 877 NC1I 221 K8TQK 52 KE8FD 84 AF1T 20 N6AJ 30
K6TSK 30

Multioperator
50 MHz 144 MHz 222 MHz 432 MHz 902 MHz 1296 MHz
W5KFT -L 1104 K8GP 655 K8GP 202 K8GP 308 W2SZ/1 98 W2SZ/1 121
K8GP 809 K3MQH 643 W2ODH/6 -L 178 W2SZ/1 289 K8GP 85 K8GP 100
W2SZ/1 781 W2SZ/1 549 W2SZ/1 175 K3MQH 275 N2PA 44 N2PA 47
W3CCX 749 K3YTL -L 508 K3MQH 147 K3YTL -L 229 K3MQH 42 W3CCX 45
W2ODH/6 -L 735 W3CCX 451 K3YTL -L 133 W2ODH/6 -L 207 W3CCX 37 WW8M 45
W7XU -L 677 W4IY -L 414 W3CCX 131 W3CCX 197 K1WHS 29 K3MQH 43
W1XE/0 659 W2ODH/6 -L 392 N2PA 121 N2PA 156 WW8M 28 W6MMM 42
K1WHS 586 N2PA 311 KB2DMK -L 96 KB2DMK -L 140 K2TVI 16 W6TOI 39
W4NH -L 558 W1QK -L 309 W4IY -L 94 W4IY -L 133 W6TOI 15 K1WHS 36
W3SE -L 546 N2NK -L 297 W6TOI 89 W6TOI 130 N0UK 11 W1XE/0 23

-L denotes Limited Multioperator

106 January 2001

Multiplier Leaders by Band
Single Operator Low Power
50 MHz 144 MHz 222 MHz 432 MHz 902 MHz 1296 MHz
N5OLS 231 K8MR 41 K8MR 26 K9PW 32 K9PW 14 K9PW 19
WD5K 208 W7DMN 40 K9PW 23 K8MR 28 WA2FGK 13 N9GH 13
KC5FP 205 K9PW 40 WA2FGK 22 WA2FGK 25 WB2VVV 10 WA2FGK 12
W5SXD 200 WA2FGK 36 N9GH 20 WA3EOQ 23 N1DPM 9 WA8RJF 11
N5NJ 187 KG4BMH 35 WA8RJF 19 N9GH 22 WA8RJF 8 W0UC 10
W0UC 22 WA3EOQ 10
Single Operator High Power WB2VVV 10
50 MHz 144 MHz 222 MHz 432 MHz 902 MHz 1296 MHz
N5HHS 262 W8ULC 68 KE8FD 41 KE8FD 44 K1TEO 19 K1TEO 20
K5AM 260 KE8FD 63 K1TEO 33 K8TQK 39 K1RZ 14 KE8FD 20
N5WS 245 W3EME 60 K8TQK 32 K1TEO 38 KE8FD 14 K1RZ 19
W5UWB 239 K8TQK 55 WB9Z 27 WB9Z 36 K8TQK 12 W9GA 13
K5IUA 219 K1TEO 52 K1RZ 26 KM0T 31 K5IUA 10 K4QI 13
K2SMN 31 K2YAZ 10
Multioperator K2UOP 10
50 MHz 144 MHz 222 MHz 432 MHz 902 MHz 1296 MHz
W5KFT -L 260 K8GP 86 K8GP 62 K8GP 63 K8GP 37 K8GP 40
W7XU -L 242 W7XU -L 66 K3MQH 53 K3MQH 53 N2PA 26 W2SZ/1 28
W2ODH/6 -L 208 K3MQH 65 N2PA 49 K3YTL -L 50 W2SZ/1 24 N2PA 24
K5LLL 198 W4IY -L 64 K3YTL -L 47 N2PA 48 K3MQH 19 WW8M 23
W1XE/0 197 N0UK 64 KB2DMK -L 44 KB2DMK -L 44 WW8M 18 K3MQH 18
KK5IH 195 AA4ZZ -L 62 W3CCX 40 W3CCX 43 W3CCX 15 W3CCX 17
N7LQ 193 W3CCX 61 W2SZ/1 39 W4IY -L 43 K1WHS 11 W6MMM 15
AC5TM -L 190 W2SZ/1 60 W4IY -L 38 W2SZ/1 40 W6TOI 9 K1WHS 13
KF7NP -L 188 K3YTL -L 59 W9ICE -L 37 W7XU -L 38 K2TVI 8 K7KX -L 12
W4NH -L 184 W9ICE -L 59 W2ODH/6 -L 35 W9ICE -L 37 N0UK 8 W1XE/0 10
-L denotes Limited Multioperator

multiplier battle and thus won the war their population density advantage in South- to the additional 62 multipliers he worked
373,626 to 370,728. N5WS, N5HHS and ern California into a win over W5KFT in south – including an outstanding 219 on 50 MHz
K5AM also posted Strong scores in the Texas—605,143 to 490,194. to K1TEO’s 87 on the same band.
Texas-New Mexico area. Rovers continue to make up about 9% of The same situation occurred when pe-
The QRP Portable overall category was the total logs received. In this year’s contest rennial top gun W2SZ/1 was outdistanced
won by K9AKS with a score of 39,932. Fin- we had an interesting rover issue arise. W1LP by K8GP. While winning the QSO and
ishing second in the category was N3FTI operated aboard their boat and submitted a QSO point battles, Mt Greylock was not
with 29,304 while N9LAG edged out K1ZE unique Maritime Mobile rover entry. The able to make up the additional 133 multi-
by 231 points for third place. Starting in score of 218,385 points would have won the pliers worked from the mountains of West
2001, this category has been renamed as Rover category, but according to the rules, Virginia. The VHF bands were a strong
Single Operator Portable. The requirements Maritime Mobile entries are considered sepa- component in the K8GP victory, holding off
will remain the same: a station operating rate and compete against themselves. the advantage that W2SZ/1 held on the mi-
away from home with portable power sources A close race remained with the Rovers crowave bands. Six meter conditions were
and antennas while running 10 W PEP or who competed under the category standards. great in most areas of the country – and held
less. Remember: this category must comply In the end AB5SS edged W2FU by a little the key to victory for many section and di-
with the 500-meter rule—all transmitters over 5,000 points. By activating 15 grids vision winners as well.
must remain within a 500-meter circle. during the contest, AB5SS was able to work With the addition of the Single Opera-
As usual, there were strong efforts enough additional multipliers to offset the tor Low Power category, a new series of Top
turned in for the Multioperator category. 153 QSO advantage enjoyed by W2FU. Ten Plaques are now available for sponsor-
The crew at K8GP won the category and AB5SS also utilized two additional bands. ship by interested participants or groups.
broke the one-year-old category record set Studies show that the more bands you uti- Plaques are available to the Top Ten finish-
by W2SZ/1. These heavyweights are always lize in VHF/UHF contesting, the better your ers in each of the six entry categories. As
in close competition and provide a good score. When planning your next Rover ef- always, winners may purchase unsponsored
training arena for many up-and-coming fort, consider adding an additional UHF/ plaques for $60. Contact the Contest
VHF/UHF enthusiasts. If you get the op- Microwave band as a means to further bol- Branch to find out more about plaque spon-
portunity to work with one of these ster your QSO point and Multiplier totals. sorship opportunities or to order your
“superstations,” or to study their planning, The multiplier battle tells the tale of this unsponsored Top Ten plaque.
setup and strategies, you can’t help but pick contest for many of the closest competitive The 2001 ARRL June VHF QSO Party is
up a few tricks of the trade that will im- categories. K5IUA and K1TEO posted set for June 9–11, 2000. It’s just in time to
prove your operating skills. comparable totals on many of the higher float with Jim and Huck down a lazy river
The Limited Multioperator category con- point bands, with both edging the other on as a unique Rover. Perhaps you’ll climb a
tinues to be a popular category. Leading the a few of the microwave bands. However mountain peak with Tom and Becky to try
way in 2000 was W2ODH/6 who parlayed K5IUA’s victory came thanks in large part your luck…instead of whitewashing a fence.

Scores
Each line score lists call sign, score, stations worked, multipliers, Entry Class, number of grids activated (if Rover), and bands (A= 50 MHz, B = 144 MHz, C = 222 MHz, D =
432 MHz, 9 = 902 MHz, E = 1296 MHz, F = 2304 MHz, I = 10 GHz). For entry category, A = Single Operator Low Power, B = Single Operator High Power, Q = Single Op
QRP Portable, L = Limited Multioperator, M = Multioperator, R = Rover. Band wins for Single Operator Low Power and Single Operator High Power are in Bold.
1 N1NQD 11,648 127 64 B ABCD9E W1DYJ 5,265 135 39 A AB W1XM (+ops)
Connecticut K1ZE 20,519 214 71 Q ABCD9E N1RHS 5,054 99 38 A ABCD 36,344 398 77 L ABCD
W1QK (+AA1MY,K1XS,K1PHG,KA1SYG) K1NU 4,746 108 42 A ABD
N1JMM 10,011 180 47 A ABD 123,849 777 139 L ABCD K1YZ 2,640 88 30 A A Maine
W1AW (N4QX,op) KQ1V 6,384 112 57 A AB
KB1H (+KB1DFB,N1XS,KE1LI,N7PRD) N1VQR 1,444 67 19 A ABD
5,217 129 37 A ABCD KV1J 819 39 21 A AB
23,048 294 67 L ABD K1QM 539 43 11 A ABD
K1WVX 4,370 85 38 A ABCDE N1YIS 6 3 2 A B
N1KQW 504 36 14 A A
NT1N 4,070 110 37 A A Eastern Massachusetts N1BC 308 25 11 A ABD N1RWY 20,400 196 85 B ABCDI
K5GMX 1,625 65 25 A A W1PM 54,383 332 119 A ABCD9E K1WHS (+K1CA,K1DY,K0ZK,K1BX,N1LBI)
WA1OFR 50 10 5 A AB
K1RO 1,320 55 24 A AB K5MA 47,008 351 104 A ABCD W1GHZ 67,976 426 116 B ABCD9E 400,752 1119 264 M ABCD9EFGHJ
KE1LE 1,220 61 20 A AB WG1Z 24,120 263 67 A ABCDE N1EKV 2,782 83 26 B ABCD New Hampshire
N1QVQ 48 11 4 A BD N1GJ 22,977 208 69 A ABCD9EF K1DAT 1,474 67 22 B A
K1TEO 370,728 909 271 B ABCD9EFGI K1UR 7,200 152 40 A ABCD WA1HOG 32,943 298 79 A ABCD9E
AD1B 615 41 15 B AB
K1GX 75,790 374 130 B ABCD9EFGHI KA1EKR 6,253 102 37 A BCDE NM1W 1,782 81 22 A A

January 2001 107

W1DAD 650 50 13 A A K3XF 5,928 87 52 A ABCD9E Northern Florida KM5RG 83,694 481 174 A AB
K1MOM 154 22 7 A A WT3P 3,914 102 38 A ABD N4JK 78,948 459 172 A AB AJ4F 25,185 219 115 A AB
AF1T 84,455 450 127 B ABCD9EFGI K3ARR 1,836 54 34 A AB KU4WD 59,130 431 135 A ABD KC5YOV 20,792 191 92 A ABCDEIJP
KU2A 66,105 355 117 B ABCD9EFG WS3C 1,643 44 31 A ABD KE4YYD 860 42 20 A BD KM5TU 14,670 163 90 A A
K2HZN 24,400 229 80 B ABCDE W3JS 1,113 51 21 A ABD NW5E 120,903 628 191 B ABC KA5GLX 13,440 151 84 A ABD
N1NUM 2,828 88 28 B ABCD N3NYC 176 16 11 A B W2BZY 84,645 472 171 B ABCD9E KZ5E 11,398 139 82 A A
K1NKR 2,599 57 23 B BCDEFG N3NGE 47,524 258 109 B ABCD9EFGH KA4DON (+N4VHF) N5BA 7,844 98 74 A ABCD
N1JHJ 1,872 62 26 B ABCD W3EME 24,720 412 60 B B 65,940 416 157 L ABD N5IW 6,767 99 67 A ABD
W1OA 1,430 51 26 B ABCD N3XJX 10,176 122 64 B ABCD W8ZSX 4,785 80 55 A ABCDF
W1ZC 884 34 13 B D WA4GPM 3,900 100 39 B AB Puerto Rico K5IUA 373,626 908 333 B ABCD9EFGHIP
W3SZ 2,646 53 27 B BCDEF WP4LNY 14 7 2 A B N5WS 348,750 1018 310 B ABCD9E
Rhode Island WA3CSP 2,015 65 31 B A N5HHS 334,080 1141 288 B ABD
KM1X 35,280 337 90 A ABD South Carolina
K3TV 1,898 69 26 B BD W5UWB 272,916 1017 266 B ABC
KB1LN 300 25 12 A B N1XKT 1,296 39 18 B ABCD9EFGIP N4JZH 20,000 200 100 A AB K5VH 166,362 613 233 B ABCDEF
W1BAT 1,403 60 23 B ABD K3NAT 814 36 22 B ABD N4UFP 13,148 161 76 A ABCD W3XO/5 49,005 327 135 B ABCDEF
W1CPC 576 34 16 B ABD K3KEL 176 11 8 B D N1BOY/4 322 23 14 A A W5KFT (+K5NA,KE5C,K5TR)
N3FTI 29,304 254 88 Q ABCD9EF K4WJV 273 21 13 A A 490,194 1354 339 L ABCD
Vermont K4YTZ (WA2EMF,op)
K1LPS 21,384 208 81 A ABCD K3YTL (K3MKZ,K3TOW,KA3EEO,KA3ZHT, K5LLL (+NN5DX)
KB3CBF,KB3QI,KE3OA,N3FA,N3PBH, 72 9 8 A B 195,489 645 261 M ABCD9EF
N1ZUK 3,348 89 36 A ABD W4KSC 4,472 77 52 B ABCD
N3RN,N3TKK,W3DZH,WA1HHN,WA1MKE,
W1AIM 37,323 258 117 B ABCD
WA3NVS,WB3FKQ,ops)
West Texas
KT1VT 3,420 76 45 B AB Southern Florida
437,000 1386 250 L ABCD W7ANA 5,481 87 63 A A
WB1GQR (W1SJ,N2YHK,ops) N4IS 109,026 673 162 A AB N5XYO 5,100 85 60 B A
W3HZU (AD3E,N3NBT,N3BQB,N3VQH,N3ZCW, K0VXM 76,145 445 157 A ABCD9EF
142,040 857 134 L ABCD KK5IH (+KK5KK)
K3JAW,ops) WC4H 39,516 356 111 A A
Western Massachusetts 13,826 210 62 L ABD 181,440 625 270 M ABCDE
KF4FAJ 26,418 238 111 A AB
N1DPM 51,030 302 105 A ABCD9EFG KF3DT (+KB3CPL) W2DGJ 2,650 53 50 A A
WA1MBA 33,825 220 75 B BD9EFGHI 4,368 95 42 L ABD WB6XQ 2,132 52 41 A AB
6
NC1I 14,256 259 48 B BD W3CCX (AA3GN,K1JT,KB3XG,KU3T,NE3I, W4SLR 504 28 18 A A East Bay
KC1OM 1,250 37 25 B ABCDE N3EW,N3FUJ,N3ITT,W2SJ,W2SK,W3DFM, WB2WIH 252,945 1061 231 B ABCD KF6GYM 42,483 282 119 A ABCDE
N1MHH 192 14 12 B ABCD W3KM,W3RJW,WA3DRC,WA3GFZ,WA3NUF, K6JAT 2,059 59 29 A ABD
W2SZ/1 (K1DH,K1EP,K2AD,K2JJB,K2TR, WA3RLT,ops) Tennessee W6OMF 18,760 200 56 B BCDE
KA1DZV,KB0WJO,KB2YQE,KC1ZN,KE2TP, 754,364 1663 326 M ABCD9EFGHIJP KV4EB 23,278 219 103 A ABD KE6QR 912 48 16 B ABD
N2BNY,N2XRE,N2YCA,N2YZO,W1SZ, K3MQH (K3RA,K3UG,AI3W,AI3M,N3EAB, KD4HIK 17,108 174 94 A ABCD
W1VE,WA1ZMS,WA2AAU,WA2SPL,WA8USA, W3EKT,N3ZTZ,ops) KG4BMH 2,660 76 35 A B Hawaii
WS2B,ops) 733,005 1621 315 M ABCD9EFGHIJ AE4HG 374 22 17 A AB KH6HME 204 28 6 A ABD
1,651,461 2319 399 M ABCD9EFGHIJK AD4F 9,504 140 66 B ABCD NH6YK 234 28 6 B ABD
Maryland-DC K5OGF 160 16 10 B AB
K3IXD 21,655 237 71 A ABCDE Los Angeles
2 WA3EOQ 19,360 146 80 A BCDE Virginia KE6FCT 62,720 345 160 A ABCD
Eastern New York K3HCE 15,300 170 75 A ABD AD4TJ 11,328 159 64 A ABD W7IXL 18,428 224 68 A ABCD
N2UZQ 13,008 220 48 A ABCD N3VOP 6,118 110 46 A ABD KC4AUF 7,504 121 56 A ABCD W6IST 13,384 178 56 A ABCD
N2TMT 4,998 147 34 A A N3UM 4,440 111 40 A A N4MM 7,200 136 50 A ABD KE6AXJ 7,015 204 23 A ABCD
W2VDI 1,121 47 19 A ABD9E N3SOK 3,680 89 40 A ABD K4FJW 5,292 126 42 A AB K6HLH 5,883 132 37 A BDEFG
WB2YAF 1,064 50 19 A ABD WA4PRR 903 39 21 A ABD AD4DG 5,000 76 50 A ABCD9E KD6KHJ 2,242 100 19 A ABC
WA2YEI 434 25 14 A ABD AC3P 624 39 16 A AB KE4BVP 2,706 80 33 A ABD W6EZB 2,200 67 25 A ABD
WA2BAH 114 15 6 A ABD AA3S 570 38 15 A AB KC4B 2,108 68 31 A AB N5BF/6 189 21 9 A A
KA2MCU 80 12 5 A ABD WA3GYW 405 27 15 A AB N4EUK 364 28 13 A A KD6RUH 24,120 269 60 B ABCDE
W3HHW 23,838 203 87 B ABCD9E K3CHP 312 26 12 A A K4SO 13,398 203 66 B AB N6KN 22,848 213 102 B ABCD
K2ZZ 11,703 229 47 B ABD KB3DMN 168 21 8 A B WF4R 1,375 48 25 B ABD K0DI/6 2,528 79 32 B A
W2IR (W2JHO,op) K1RZ 231,623 741 203 B ABCD9EFI W4IY (W4AD,W4RM,W4NF,W4CE,WA0DYJ, K6LMN 16,549 206 67 Q ABCD
2,980 120 20 B ABD K3ZO 41,195 385 107 B AB W4DAV,N1TXI,W4MFM,NL7TK,K4RG, KQ6EE 1,800 73 18 Q ABCDE
WA1RKS 2,970 79 33 B ABCD N3HBX 18,060 216 70 B ABCDE KG4DFJ,K8MLM,ops) W3SE (+N6OPR,K7LA)
AB2I (+WN2Y,WU2S,WC2J,WB2DVV,N2BZP, W3VRD 15,312 180 66 B ABCD9 365,560 1179 260 L ABCD 263,057 960 233 L ABCD
K2KJ,KC2CRO,KC2DMH,K2CSS) KA3TCC 7,535 121 55 B ABCD W4COV (AD4HG,KC4ZTE,KD4UJI,KE4DZY, W6TOI (KB6WKT,KE6HPZ,KB6ATT,AD6HT,ops)
74,061 523 117 L ABDE W3GN 2,975 85 35 B AB KE4UUH,KF4CWM,KF4YLM,KG4DYX,KN4FT, 194,598 796 171 M ABCD9EFI
W2MU (KY2J,K2ETA,KG2DB,WB2AQU,WA2MMX, KQ4NW,VE2HX,WA4PGI,ops)
Western Pennsylvania Orange
W2XL,W2ENY,KD2NE,K4HA,N2SA,N2MCI,ops) 38,295 292 115 L ABD
KA3SDP 24,210 199 90 A ABCD WA3OFC (+N3ZYU) K6IBY 12,360 149 60 A ABCD
42,434 353 98 L ABCD
AA3GM 4,592 67 56 A ABCDE 820 37 20 L ABD KE6GFF 7,068 186 19 A D
K2TVI (K2ZVI,WB2NHC,WB2NVR,WB2VVS,
N2DHH,N2FMC,N2GDY,N2GKM,N2NWZ, W3ZZO 1,566 54 29 A AB W6ZN (W6ZQ,op)
W3ZA 108 12 9 B AB West Central Florida 6,560 156 40 A ABD
N3EMF,ops)
W8IJ 88 10 8 Q ABD WD4MGB 153,800 765 200 B ABD K6PF 4,669 121 29 A BD
227,953 918 187 M ABCD9EFGHI
WB0IWG 24 6 4 Q AB K9HUY 144,336 742 194 B ABD KN6VR 3,772 134 23 A BE
K2CT (K2EP,K2BX,K2ZP,K2SIG,W2FWS,ops)
N3II (+K3DNE) KE6QCB 252 31 7 A BD
14,136 201 57 M ABCDJ
136,183 556 191 L ABCD 5 N6EQ 135,605 581 185 B ABCDE
NYC-Long Island W3SO (+WR3Z,K4VV,W3YOZ) WB6FCS 73,870 366 178 B ABCD
41,285 316 115 L ABD Arkansas
KB2WVG 10,441 164 53 A ABD K6TSK 62,602 375 113 B ABCDE
K2OVS 9,360 153 52 A ABD K3MJW (KA3WSW,N3GJ,N3NOS,ops) KB5YUA 5,336 92 58 A A KC6UIX 20,176 192 97 B ABD
KF2XF 1,386 77 18 B B 21,311 184 101 L ABD N5QYC 1,728 48 36 A AB KI6FF 15,300 208 60 B ABD
WB2AMU 2,822 73 34 Q ABD AC5DK 1,440 48 30 A A KE6GFI 3,720 107 31 B ABD
4 W5HUQ 54,670 353 154 B ABD KE6WYM 3,636 89 36 B ABCD
Northern New Jersey K5WC 28,304 244 116 B A AC6XK 2,500 85 20 Q BCD
WB2VVV 73,700 356 134 A ABCD9EFGI Alabama
KU4WW 13,908 149 76 A ABCD Louisiana Santa Barbara
K2KIB 22,161 205 83 A ABCD9E
K2YSY 3,630 121 30 A AB KM4LK 2,898 69 42 A A KD5HPT 78,760 425 179 A ABD N6ZE 12,282 167 69 A ABDE
WB2CUT 2,838 129 22 A B W4OZK 1,400 49 28 A ABD K5ER 20,241 164 117 A ABD KC6NBI 8,236 113 71 A ABD
W2UDT 2,697 87 31 A AB WA5JWU 456 24 19 A A WA5KBH 15,958 158 101 A A KE6RCI 2,286 102 18 A BD
WA2BKN 990 44 22 A ABD WB4WXE 20,196 198 102 B AB N5ASA 14,833 160 91 A ABD W9EC 1,682 49 29 A ABCDE
N2ZAK 615 34 15 A BD N4ION 15,272 160 92 B ABD K5CZD 10,795 118 85 A ABD KF6OIF 682 31 22 A AB
W2CVW 300 25 12 A A AJ4W 1,271 40 31 B ABD K5OR 5,952 90 64 A ABD N6PI 120,156 510 186 B ABCD9E
WA2ASQ 240 20 12 A A KU4IU (+KT4XA) W5CTV 2,655 59 45 A AB WB6AAG 91,290 407 179 B ABCDE
W1BQ 49,276 376 97 B ABCD9EF 50,887 325 151 L ABD WA5RT 86,668 454 188 B ABD WH6CPT 5,704 124 46 B A
W2JEK 108 12 9 B AB KF4DGS (+KS4YT,KV4T,K4WI,KG4HKE) N5HMH 4,104 76 54 B AB W2ODH/6 (+W6PPT,WA6DJS,K6KWQ,N6RMJ)
N2NK (K2BM,N2WM,WD3R,K2BJG,N2HMM, 101,436 448 214 M ABCDE AC5TM (N9MQU,KC5ZOC, KD5BKW,ops) 605,143 1512 319 L ABCD
KB2LHH,KC2DLD,WB2UFF,N2BIM,ops) 104,346 524 198 L ABD K6WLC (AB6CF,K6NDZ,ops)
Georgia WM9M (+WD8LLR)
157,677 782 169 L ABCD 31,416 265 84 M ABCD9EJP
K4BAI 7,598 131 58 A A 4,503 79 57 L AB
K2BAR (K2AMI,N2PBY,WA2LXE,WA2QHL,
K1YLH,KC2HL,KO2OK,NA2AA,W2MSK,
WK4E 4,752 85 54 A ABD Santa Clara Valley
N4WD 3,444 82 42 A AB Mississippi
K2UFM,KC2FBK,NX2Q,WK2M,KA2NJP,KF2ID, W6IT 30,969 223 111 A ABCD
KV1E 1,696 53 32 A A KJ5RC 15,862 154 103 A A WA6HRK 9,920 120 64 A ABCDE
KC2DTA,K2ZB,KC2CLH,KC2AWX,ops) KF5AU 943 41 23 A A
NY4F 966 39 23 A ABC KF6MXK 5,396 117 38 A ABD
66,992 536 106 L ABCD N3AWS 525 25 21 Q A
KD4K 43,250 320 125 B ABCD W1QT 1,271 39 31 A ABD
Northern New York W4EUH 38,499 272 123 B ABCD New Mexico K6EXE 1,197 57 19 A ABD
WA2AEY 20,256 185 96 A ABD K4KAZ 10,944 143 64 B ABCDE KF6IIU 32 8 4 A B
K9RU 98,556 572 172 A ABD
WZ2T 1,600 50 32 A AB K4SZ (+K4PTT,W4RLW) N6JET 44,974 309 113 B ABCDE
N6ZZ 79,826 478 167 A A
13,104 159 72 L ABCD K7KX (+N6RZ,KO6RS,W6WO,AA6EG,WC6DX)
Southern New Jersey K4HUM (KF4VBR,W4GCL,KE4KQB,KF4HQV, N9KUW
35,280 289 112 A ABD 126,000 633 168 L ABDE
N2SCJ 25,205 263 71 A ABCDE KG4CFP,KE4SLO,ops) W6FM (+W6NS)
N2RF 2,496 73 32 A ABCD KD5JAA 5,100 92 51 A ABDE
5,805 122 45 L ABD 122,661 513 189 M ABCDE
K2SMN 92,056 428 148 B ABCD9EF W5DO 4,158 77 54 A AB
K4RF (+KK4ND)
K2TXB 41,496 311 84 B BDEI K5AM 297,579 1049 281 B ABCD San Diego
88,894 448 169 M ABCD9EFGI
KD2KS 21,060 228 81 B ABCD N5XZM 15,096 174 74 B ABCDE W6EEB 4,214 83 49 A ABD
KB2TIS (+K2UHY) Kentucky KB5MY 37,878 321 118 B AB
North Texas
969 38 19 L BDE W4FVQ 8,908 104 68 A ABCD9E KF6JBB 25,852 230 92 B ABCD
W5SXD 144,281 635 223 A ABCDE
AD4ZW 33,408 262 116 B ABCD WA6HXD 4,998 102 49 B AB
Western New York K4LYN 1,364 44 31 B A WD5K 139,568 671 208 A A
N5NJ 124,836 592 206 A ABD WB6AXW 4,905 91 45 B ABCD
W6XR 7,808 124 61 A ABD KD4EVB 589 31 19 Q AB NF6L (+K6FQ,WN6K)
K2OEQ 3,237 68 39 A ABD9 K5LOW 45,530 305 145 A ABD
North Carolina KB5OAI 32,512 254 128 A A 39,330 345 114 L A
W2WGL 2,772 66 33 A BD WB6DTA (+K6DYD)
N2ODU 75,348 546 138 B A AF4HX 22,848 268 68 A ABCD W5BNH 9,875 125 79 A A
W5USJ 6,984 97 72 A A 34,220 241 118 L ABCD
K2AN 44,640 237 120 B ABCD9EFG KD4HLG 15,753 177 89 A A
N2WK 17,640 210 84 B A WB4U 4,005 89 45 A AB KC5IIT 380 20 19 A A San Francisco
WA2ZNC 1,392 42 24 B ABCDE K2IUK 777 37 21 A A W8CM 237,412 864 244 B ABCDE WN6W 3,024 72 42 B A
K2QO 171 16 9 Q ABI K4DAM 308 22 14 A A WA5M (+ops) W6MMM (WD6HDY,WA6KLK,KD6LTB,WB9NJS,
KB2DMK (+N2HLT,N2JDQ,N2HQW,N2OLB,NS9E) K4QI 123,646 449 211 B ABCDE 25,122 237 106 L AB K7WWA,ops)
249,917 801 241 L ABCD W4DEX 23,644 176 92 B ABCD9EFGHI KC5ADG (+W5JDS) 178,794 648 198 M ABCDE
N2PA (N2KG,N2JQR,W3OAB,N2YB,ops) W4VHH 7,150 76 50 B BDEFG 23,115 189 115 L ABD
520,149 1038 329 M ABCD9EFGHIJP N4AJF 7,018 119 58 B ABD KB5VPR (+ops ) San Joaquin Valley
K2AMB (+N2MRE,KC2GIW,AC1M,W2YPP) W4WSR 5,120 88 40 B BD9EF 19,822 187 106 L AB K6MI 32,277 238 87 A ABC9EF
1,269 35 27 M ABCDE KF4LVF 2,166 57 38 B A K6YK 29,268 215 108 A ABCD
Oklahoma
W4RXR 14,678 156 82 Q ABCD KF6IRZ 20,995 195 85 A ABCDE
K5HP 77,604 441 174 A ABD NT6K 5,490 90 61 A A
3 AA4ZZ (+AA4S,K2SD,K4DXA,W4MW,W4SI)
K5SW 6,800 91 68 B ABC KM6WO 2,205 63 35 A AB
268,548 809 276 L ABCD
Delaware KD5DLL 6,405 105 61 B AB WA6QYR 264 22 12 A B
W4ATC (N3QYE,NA3T,N3NPQ,KF4RDN,ops)
W3OR 3,234 50 49 B ABCD9EFG KN5TTN 1,026 38 27 B A N6AJ 67,210 322 130 B ABCD9EF
2,590 70 37 L AB
WA3BZT 2,856 68 42 B AB WA5VKS 396 21 18 Q ABC N6MI (at N6NB)
W4NH (K4EA,KB4IDC,KF4DZV,NX9O,W4ATL,
W4KXY,ops) South Texas 37,875 263 101 B ABCDE
Eastern Pennsylvania KF6CNV 1,700 90 17 B ABD
212,852 779 254 M ABCD9E N5OLS 182,784 768 238 A AB
WA2FGK 105,133 405 161 A ABCD9EFG KF6KDA (+KE6ZAK,KF6ARN,KF6HNH)
NA2T 18,509 186 83 A ABD KC5FP 151,107 722 209 A ABD
17,100 182 76 L ABCD

108 January 2001

K6ARP (WB6GBS,KB6HRB,KF6ICI,N6JXL, Ohio K7VNU 13,752 191 72 Q A Costa Rica
KF6KDC,KB6LQV,KD6MQG,AD6OL,W6PSQ, K8MR 85,808 404 173 A ABCD W0KVA (+N0WBW,W0KU) TI5KD 8,544 178 48 A A
KB6QNP,KC6QPO,KQ6TG,KC6UCP,KE6YCZ, WA8RJF 50,688 233 144 A ABCD9EFGH 66,960 390 155 L ABCD TI2ALF 144 16 9 B A
KE6YIX,KE6YLR,KE6YLS,N6ZGY,KF6ZQY,ops) W8CAR 12,719 142 79 A ABD W1XE/0 (+N0KE,WB0GAZ,N0HF,KR0U,
25,908 254 68 M ABCDEI K8FFO 12,393 153 81 A AB WS9O,AA0RS) Mexico
W8DD 10,640 140 76 A AB 265,356 838 273 M ABCD9EI XE2HWB 4,876 106 46 B A
Sacramento Valley XE2EED (+XE2QU,XE2XC,JE6JYT,N6CA,N6XQ)
KB8VUJ 6,480 100 60 A ABD Iowa
N6AFI 5,814 102 57 A AB 87,482 474 166 M ABCD9EF
KC8CSD 6,148 91 53 A ABCD
WB6NTL 114,009 443 183 B ABCDE K5ZG/8 3,952 104 38 A AB NE0P 17,670 175 93 A ABD
NU6S 104,832 483 182 B ABCD AB0HF 4,480 80 56 A AB Rovers
KC8CUI 2,898 69 42 A A
N6KBX 67,824 342 144 B ABCDE KM0T 136,408 433 236 B ABCD9E
KC6ZWT 20,680 254 55 B BCD
W1FEZ 1,922 50 31 A BD Atlantic
K0VSV 25,648 186 112 B ABCD
AA8WJ 950 38 25 A AB W2FU (+K2CS)
W6YM (+K6KLY,K6FEE) K0MQS 15,912 221 72 B B
W9VHF 736 32 23 A A 212,704 671 184 R 7 ABCD9EFGHI
124,410 571 165 M ABCDE K0CNN (+KC0AYG,KC0CKU)
KE8FD 208,504 516 268 B ABCD9EF N1MU 15,785 133 55 R 9 ABCD9EFGH
K8TQK 161,760 440 240 B ABCD9EFG 1,760 44 40 L AB
N3RBW 4,712 101 38 R 6 ABD
7 W8ULC 15,912 234 68 B B Kansas K1DS 735 20 15 R 2 ABCD9EFGIP
Arizona KB8RZV 13,104 138 78 B ABD K0LLS 240 16 15 A A
N8GHZ 11,050 120 65 B ABCD Central
N7IR 43,875 325 135 A AB N0LL 154,224 561 252 B ABCDE
W7ZT 9,920 124 80 A AB KB8VAO 2,088 43 36 B ABDE N0KQY 47,700 253 159 B ABCDE WB9SNR 76,300 370 109 R 7 ABCD9EFGHI
WB6CGZ 418 22 19 A A N8WEL 40 8 5 B A W0EKZ 26,108 186 122 B ABCDE K0PG 42,051 242 131 R 8 ABCDE
AA7A 131,068 568 217 B ABDE N8XA 10,990 118 70 Q ABCD9E KA0MR 5,757 85 57 B ABCD9 KF9US 40,656 288 84 R 8 ABCD9EF
KE7NR 19,602 171 99 B ABCDE N8BJQ (+N9AG,N8NR) W0RT 456 22 19 B ABD N9KS 7,350 176 35 R 8 ABD
WB7OHF 7,504 106 67 B ABCD 69,551 443 157 L AB N0JK 3,675 74 49 Q AD
KU8E (+K9NW)
Dakota
KF7JS 3,621 69 51 B ABD K0BJ 775 31 25 Q A KF0UK 81,783 465 117 R 12 ABCD9E
KB7YEL 2,340 65 36 B A 19,190 190 101 L AB
N8KOL (+KA8ROX,KC8AQF) Minnesota WV0H 666 32 18 R 2 ABD
W7MD 1,320 40 33 B A
KF7NP (+NU8I,KE7OT) 116,600 473 200 M ABCD9EF KB0ZEV 31,360 244 112 A ABCD Delta
175,187 665 239 L ABCDE KC0AKU 15,834 155 87 A ABD N4OFA (+KB4NVD)
West Virginia KB0TZA 7,434 118 42 A ABCD9
N7SQN (N6ETA,KC7KKV,ops) K8KFJ 4,784 92 52 A A 38,868 352 82 R 6 ABCDEF
30,629 263 109 L ABDE K0JO 7,208 98 68 A ABCD W4VHF (+K4MQG)
KC8EMQ 1,890 54 35 A AB N0UR 6,944 112 62 A A 34,884 271 114 R 6 ABD
Eastern Washington K2UOP 95,284 417 166 B ABCD9EF KC0P 4,472 74 43 A ABCDE
N8XUR 31,740 240 92 B ABCD9E KD4NOQ (+N4GLY)
N7AU 4,263 86 49 B ABC KB0OBT 3,131 85 31 A ABD9 7,515 129 45 R 5 ABCD
WA8WV 368 23 16 B B KB0LYL 2,955 197 15 A B
Idaho K8JWT 230 23 10 Q B N0AT 1,728 54 32 A AB Great Lakes
W7USB 6,741 101 63 A ABD N1ISB (+KB2SAE) KC0HEW 1,144 44 26 A AB K8WW 79,788 451 109 R 7 ABCD9E
K7SMA 2,242 59 38 A A 299 22 13 L ABC WB0TRA 952 34 28 A A AA4R 24,910 207 106 R 4 ABD
N7EIJ 23,280 232 97 B ABD K8GP (K8ISK,K6LEW,W4XP,N4UK,W3CMP, K0CJ 882 42 21 A AB K8DOG (+KC8LZK)
K7MAC 7,006 108 62 B ABC W3ZZ,K3SX,K1HTV,K1TR,K1RA,ops) KB0VUK 97,125 378 185 B ABCDE 7,749 107 63 R 6 ABD
W7ID 6,600 95 60 B ABDE 1,876,364 2281 532 M ABCD9EFGHIJKP KA0PQW 71,162 341 182 B ABCD NE8I 5,000 50 25 R 4 FGHIJK
Montana WA0BWE 20,904 179 78 B ABCD9EFHI KC2EBH 2,788 55 41 R 8 ABD
9 W0AUS 18,942 188 77 B ABCDE
KB7PMW 500 25 20 A A Hudson
Illinois W0OHU 13,200 139 75 B ABD
WA7PDC 15,486 175 87 B ABD WA2IID (+KB2SSS)
K9PW 351,918 791 294 A ABCD9EFGHI WA2HFI/0 7,140 102 70 B A
Nevada N0UK (KC0FXY,W9FZ,WB0GGM,W0ZQ,N0HJZ, 21,580 238 52 R 6 ABCDEFGHIJ
N9GH 53,448 269 136 A ABCDE
N7WVZ 6,420 103 60 A ABD KA0JWC,WA2PHW,ops) Midwest
NN9K 23,345 203 115 A A
K7ICW 80,105 393 185 B ABCDE 239,148 707 273 M ABCD9EFIKP
N9OBE 9,801 121 81 A A N0YVY (+N0LNO)
NW7O 8,118 113 66 B ABCE KG9PF 6,204 106 47 A ABCD Missouri 28,220 250 83 R 12 ABCDE
KC6UCN 1,815 50 33 B ABCD N9XHU 5,060 88 55 A ABD N0DQS 17,528 228 56 R 14 BD
KG0TQ 9,605 113 85 A A
WA9TKK 240 17 8 Q ABCDE W9SE 2,320 58 40 A A KB0YFN (+KB0WPY)
W0JRP 6,144 90 64 A ABCD
K7XC (+W7KK) K9PG 2,146 74 29 A AB 5,734 93 61 R 7 ABD
W0WKG 49 7 7 A A
99,510 449 214 L ABDE KG9PQ 1,056 47 22 A ABD
N7LQ (+K7UI,KB7UIF,KB7UEA) W0FY 15,132 146 97 B ABD New England
N9NW 48 8 6 A A KF0K 12,727 143 89 B A
185,758 641 262 M ABCDE N2BJ 253,761 755 251 B ABCD9E N1MJD 168,338 748 146 R 14 ABCD9EF
KW0A 2,030 58 35 B A
WB9Z 173,514 560 239 B ABCDE N1QVE (+N1SFE)
Oregon
K2DRH 123,224 483 211 B ABCD North Dakota 21,708 210 67 R 4 ABCD9EI
N7DB 25,850 259 94 A ABCD KJ1K (+WB2VVQ)
K9YR 30,080 248 94 B ABCD W0KFG 5,544 87 63 A ABD
AH6LE 6,496 112 58 A AB 12,328 154 46 R 5 ABCD9EFG
W9IIX 20,500 201 82 B ABCD NT0V 4,704 72 56 B ABCDE
WB7RSG 6,106 130 43 A ABD KE3HT 7,854 116 33 R 6 ABDEFGHIJ
W9OBG 17,472 142 96 B ABCDE WB0OAJ (+KC0HXF)
K7HSJ 5,232 101 48 A ABCDE K1SAV 5,880 98 28 R 6 ABD9EFGHIJ
WA6TMJ 4,674 82 57 B AB 28,272 223 124 L ABD
KK7E 290 58 5 A B K2LDT 1,680 43 24 R 4 ABD9EFH
N9MBK 2,331 111 21 B B
W7EW 98,610 551 173 B ABD
W9VA 2,244 68 33 B A Nebraska W1AIM/R 1,323 55 21 R 4 ABD
KA7V 1 1 1 B B WD0BQM 4,554 64 46 A ABCDE
N9MBR 728 28 26 B AB Northwestern
WB7TSO 209 19 11 Q A KA0ABA 4,290 74 55 A ABD
N9LAG 20,750 196 83 Q ABCD
AE0G 2,684 61 44 A AB WB7DHC 27,150 307 75 R 9 ABCDE
Utah W9GKA 7,198 99 59 Q ABCD
K0BWJ 280 28 10 A B N7CFO 22,320 292 62 R 8 ABCDE
KE7NS 41,261 320 121 A ABDE N9REP (+KB9JZY,K9TMS,N9KVT,KB9VRW,
N0YNP 6 2 2 A BD K7VK 9,768 132 74 R 6 A
NJ7A 37,290 284 113 A ABCD9E KB9KKN,KB9WEJ,N0XMT,AA9IL)
31,400 274 100 L ABCD W0BJ 14,705 173 85 B AB W7DSA 3,910 85 46 R 2 AB
WA0YPL 399 21 19 A AB N7YAP 196 14 14 R 3 A
K7LNP 24,948 239 84 B ABCD9E W9RM (+packet) South Dakota
N7VM (+KD7GVF) 10,414 127 82 L A
WB0ULX 13,559 135 91 A ABD Pacific
42,510 313 130 L ABD Indiana KI0BV 456 24 19 A AB KB6OLL 24,055 195 85 R 22 ABCD
N9SP (+KD7GVR) WA0TDK 285 19 15 A AB KE6BZY 21,112 252 52 R 10 ABCDE
WB9DRB 7,416 89 72 A ABCD
510 34 10 L BCD KA0ZEE 270 18 15 A AB WA6OEM 10,192 154 43 R 6 ABCD
K8LEE 54,944 404 136 B A
WB0HHM 8,379 105 63 B ABCD NI6G (+N1VM)
Western Washington K9EA 54,774 295 153 B ABCD
W7XU (+W0SD,W0DB,WD0T,N0GX) 5,568 103 32 R 5 ABCD9F
N7MWV 21,508 246 76 A ABD9EF KA9QFL 37,278 271 109 B ABCDE
AA9LT 21,010 177 110 B ABCD 403,560 947 380 L ABCD KA6AMD 4,700 94 50 R 2 AB
K7WTG 7,208 136 53 A A KF6UEF 4,680 102 39 R 3 ABD
W7DMN 5,060 115 44 A AB KB9SSS 1 1 1 B A VE
KB7PKC 4,968 98 46 A ABD W9ICE (WB9YCZ,WB8ERB,N8NQG,N9QQY, New Brunswick Roanoke
W7FKI 2,880 82 32 A ABD K9YDO,N8JLZ,WB9OPR,KE4OED,K9ZX, W3IY 19,764 162 61 R 4 ABCD9EFGHI
VE9AA 35,334 293 117 A ABD
W3JPT 2,553 104 23 A ABD KA9BFM,KB9NWP,WA0JTL,WE8N, K9OYD 10,693 143 37 R 5 BCD9EFI
WD5JMC/7 2,272 70 32 A ABD KA8STM,ops) Nova Scotia KS4S 8,496 144 59 R 4 AB
K7CW 45,344 416 109 B A 229,356 697 277 L ABCD VE1ZJ 6,858 126 54 B ABD W4LLK 1,936 72 22 R 4 ABD
KE7SW 41,202 309 109 B ABCD9EFGH Wisconsin N4IWI 1,045 49 19 R 1 ABD
K7XD 29,939 297 91 B ABCD Quebec
W7FI 20,250 225 90 B AB
W0UC 160,284 552 222 A ABCD9EFGHI VE2ZP 1,904 56 34 A AB Rocky Mountain
K9VHF 52,128 304 144 A ABCD VE2CUA 1,045 48 19 A ABCD AL1VE 103,136 507 176 R 11 ABCDE
K1CT 1,012 46 22 B A
WA1UJU/9 23,460 230 102 A AB KB0CY 9,144 104 72 R 13 ABD
W7/JR1NKN Ontario
KA9UZW 18,525 168 95 A ABD K7VE 5,586 101 49 R 5 ABD
2,784 87 32 Q A
KB9UPI 7,315 133 55 A AB VE3KZ 24,794 237 98 A ABD
NL7RR/7 (+W7QC,KB7ZFO,K1LOG,KB7N) VE3TMG 23,229 223 89 A ABD Southeastern
3,604 106 34 L AB K9UUT
6,776 142 44 A ABD VA3FIN 16,016 162 77 A ABCDE WB0QGH 1,740 49 30 R 4 ABCD
WB7FJG (N4SL,KD7BZX,N7TPY,KC7KLZ,ops)
N9UDX 2,920 65 40 A ABD VE3FHU 9,240 116 66 A ABCDE
2,310 87 22 L ABD
KB9Q 2,480 69 31 A ABCD VE3SXE 4,032 84 48 A AB Southwestern
K7VHF (K7ND,KD7TS,N7EPD, NU7Z,ops) N6TEB (+WB6JDH)
N9NDP 2,001 68 29 A ABC VE3DBF 3,948 68 47 A ABDE
29,540 304 70 M ABCD9EFGHI 143,956 602 146 R 12 ABCD9E
W9YCV 735 34 21 A ABD VE3CWJ 2,067 48 39 A ABCD
Wyoming KB9RLB 480 24 20 A AB VE3VHB 943 41 23 A B N6DN 86,884 507 107 R 11 ABCD9E
KB0LGB 360 20 18 A AB VE3CVG 416 28 13 A ABD K6FZZ 51,595 401 85 R 10 ABCDE
AC7AF 10,878 147 74 A AB
W9AKS 30 6 5 A A VE3OJN 16,524 155 81 B ABCD9EI KB6FYG (+AD6NH)
N7JT 1,512 56 27 A A
WA7KYM 72,072 383 156 B ABCDE W9GA 100,359 409 189 B ABCD9E 36,418 211 139 R 16 BCD
Manitoba N6VHF 25,134 294 72 R 7 ABD
W0ETT/7 56,832 360 148 B ABCD9 N0AKC 52,038 281 147 B ABCD9E
N9DG 46,980 286 145 B ABCD VE4KQ 1,734 43 34 A ABCD AD6AF 2,862 117 18 R 4 ABC
KI7WB (+K7KMT,N7NPC)
W9JN 31,773 229 119 B ABCD KE6LEA 625 19 25 R 7 ABCD
32,736 242 132 L ABD Saskatchewan
WA9LZM 27,240 204 120 B ABD VE5CEM (+VE5MX) West Gulf
8 ND9Z 25,047 185 99 B ABCDE 6,600 120 55 L A AB5SS (+W5DF)
KB9TLV 8,760 118 73 B ABD
Michigan 217,729 518 239 R 15 ABCD9EFGHIJP
WA9PWP 1,230 41 30 B AB Alberta WB5VYE (+K5OT)
N4SC 36,400 233 130 A ABCD N9LIA 972 35 27 B ABD VA6AN 24,300 243 100 A AB
KF8QL 14,592 147 76 A ABCD9 135,994 597 194 R 8 ABCD9EF
K9AKS 39,932 228 134 Q ABCDE VE6TA 10,434 139 74 B ABE
K8KD 12,382 143 82 A ABD N9MYK 3,978 96 34 Q ABDE VE6NNT 3,792 76 48 B ABD Canada
N8IVW 6,600 131 40 A BD KF0GX/9 620 28 20 Q AD VE6JW (+VE6JY,VE6LDX,VE6MAA,VA6DX) VE3NPB (+VE3OIL)
K8NFT 4,794 92 47 A ABD NI9E (at N9FH) (+KA9WXN,KB9KBK,KB9LYL, 23,736 233 92 L ABDE 93,148 432 146 R 9 ABCD9EFGIJN
N8ZVB 4,089 87 47 A A N9FH,N9LLT,N9VA,WB9UAI) VE3OIK 31,410 220 90 R 5 ABCD9EFGIJ
N8SDQ 2,232 62 36 A AB 113,280 555 177 L ABCD British Columbia VE4DS 696 29 24 R 6 A
N8AIA 1,155 35 21 A ABC VE7XF 14,328 188 72 A ABDE
N8XTM 1,066 41 26 A AB VE7XO 1,376 43 32 A A Maritime Mobile
KC8NAH 405 27 15 A AB 0 VE7HPS 1,200 79 15 A ABC W1LP/MM
WA8YLZ 66 11 6 A AB VE7BDQ 735 35 21 A A 218,385 1048 207 R 6 ABD
Colorado
KB8TWM 9 3 3 A B VE7IN 500 25 20 A AB
KB8U 114,823 508 199 B ABCD
W6OAL 113,645 509 191 A ABCD9EFGHI VE7DXG 16,014 257 51 Q ABCD Checklogs
K2YAZ 102,243 358 197 B ABCD9EFHI K0CS 63,200 380 160 A ABD NI6FW/R, N9TF, W1XX, KV8X, VE1SKY, W3RJW,
N0KM 33,625 245 125 A ABCD DX K5DGU, VA3RU, KJ5CI, VE7AGG, KB0N, K5IX
K8MD 68,425 380 161 B ABC9E
NN7DJ 12,814 146 86 A ABDE Cuba
WD8KUF 12,090 134 78 B ABD
N0UGY 10,660 110 65 A ABDEFI
W8WNX 2,494 58 43 B A CO2OJ 36,852 332 111 A A
KA0MWA 1,612 51 31 A ABD
N8PVT 345 23 15 Q A
WW8M (+K8DAZ,NE8I,WA8VPD)
K0YW 114,654 591 194 B A Guatemala
293,045 651 235 M ABCD9EFGHIJK W7SAO 924 42 22 B B TG9AJR 6 3 2 A A

January 2001 109

 By Lew Malchick, N2RQ

The 15th Annual School Club

Roundup: 2001
he Council for the Advancement of national calling frequency, 146.52 MHz,

T Amateur Radio in the New York

City Schools (CAAR/NYCS), the
ARRL and its Hudson Division Education
may not be used (see Table 1).
7. More info: Sample log and entry forms
are available for a large, self-addressed
Task Force sponsor School Club Roundup stamped envelope (SASE) or a label and post-
(SCR). The purpose of the event is to foster age. The latest version of SCR-LOG written
contacts with and among school radio clubs. by AD8B is included with e-mail requests to:
The SCR is a great way to get young op- caarnycs@aol.com or caarnycs@juno.com.
erators on the air. Very often, a new opera- It is available for download from www.
tor will be intimidated by the fear of not egroups.com/community/SCR-L. Also,
knowing what to say to the stranger on the check www.arrl.org/contests. Subscribe to
other side of the radio. The simple SCR SCR-L list by sending a message to SCR-L-
exchange helps to overcome this fear in a subscribe@egroups.com.
low-pressure contest format. Of course, The Carl Hayden Community High 8. Reporting: Logs must include ex-
operators are encouraged to take some time School Amateur Radio Club, KC7KFF, of change information, bands and signatures
Phoenix, Arizona.
to chat beyond the contest exchange. of all operators (and authorized club offi-
Award certificates will be issued for sepa- cial or trustee). Indicate the number of
rate Elementary, Middle/Intermediate/Junior Table 1 hours and operators/loggers and type of
High School, High School and College/Uni- Frequencies (kHz) school and entry class. Dupe check sheets
versity levels for USA and DX entries. CW Technician CW are required for entries over 100 QSOs.
1800-1810 (Computer entries on disk are appreciated.
SCR Rules 3530-3580 3685-3705 Use SCR-LOG or follow the ARRL Cabrillo
1. Object: All stations exchange QSO 7030-7080 7110-7130 format. Please include a printed summary
information as described below with as 14,030-14,060 sheet and instructions including file names
21,050-21,080 21,110-21,130 and formats. If you are not sure if we can
many other stations as possible, especially 28,050-28,080 28,110-28,130
school clubs. handle your files, call or write and ask us.)
2. Contest Period: Monday through Phone Technician Phone Entries should be mailed to School Club
Friday in the second full week in February. 1855-1865 Roundup, c/o Lew Malchick, N2RQ,
Start 1300 UTC on Monday, February 12 3850-3880 Brooklyn Technical HS, 29 Fort Greene
and end 0100 UTC on Saturday, Febru- 7225-7255 Place, Brooklyn, NY 11217. Entries must
ary 17, 2001, (8 AM EST Monday 14,250-14,280 be postmarked by March 20, 2001.
through 8 PM EST Friday, February 12- 21,300-21,330 9. Awards: 8.5 × 11-inch certificates for
16). Operate no more than 24 of the pos- 28,550-28,580 28,350-28,400 the top three entries in each class. The school
sible 108 hours. Operate a maximum of 6 club class will be divided into elementary,
hours in any 24-hour period. Logs must and other data modes count as CW). No re- middle, high school and college/university.
clearly show on and off dates and times. peater contacts except satellite and “real DX will be listed separately at the end of
Off periods must be at least 30 minutes. time” packet. One point for each phone US entries in each category. A certificate is
3. Entry Classes, single transmitter QSO. Two points for each CW QSO. issued for any station contacting ten or more
only: Multiplier: [Number States plus DXCC school clubs. Send a large (9 × 12 inch)
(I) Individual or Single Operator entities] plus 2× [“C” class QSOs] plus 5× SASE or a mailing label and sufficient post-
(nonclub) [“S” class QSOs]. School stations receive a age or IRCs for complete results. (Note: We
(C) Club or multioperator group multiplier of 5, which should make them the have always sent a certificate for each en-
(nonschool) most desirable stations to work. Contacts try. We will try to continue that practice, but
(S) School club or group (grades K- with Marty, KA2NRR, will also count as a because of increased participation and the
12, colleges and universities). This category 5× multiplier. (KA2NRR was the founding associated workload, those who do not send
includes any station operated at a school Chairman of the CAAR/NYCS and creator appropriate postage or IRCs and an enve-
for the contest period. This includes any of the contest that became the SCR.) lope or mailing label cannot b e assured of
group formed for the sole purpose of par- Final Score: Multiply QSO points by getting a certificate.)
ticipating in the SCR. multiplier. Please use our summary form
4. Exchange: Your call sign, RS (T), to avoid errors, especially if this is your
entry class (“I,” “C” or “S”), US State or first time in the SCR. (See item 7 below.)
DX entity. For example, W2CXN answers 6. Suggested frequencies: All amateur
N2RQ’s call by sending “N2RQ DE bands except 30, 17 and 12 meters are
W2CXN 57(9) S NY.” (Multioperator group permitted. On VHF and UHF, repeaters
stations must choose one and only one call are not to be used. Only recognized sim-
sign to use for the whole contest.) plex frequencies may be used, such as
5. Scoring: Stations may be contacted 144.90-145.00; 146.49, .55, .58; and
once each on phone and CW (packet, RTTY 147.42, .45, .48, .51, .54 and .57 MHz. The
110 January 2001
 By Dan Henderson, N1ND
Contest Branch Manager

2000 ARRL August

UHF Contest Results
S
tacked Yagis on 15 meters fixed come a valuable asset as you explore this
on Europe…a 160-meter Four area of the hobby.
Square…Beverages laid out to Seventy seven entries—45 % of all
maximize the listening potential…a great contest entries—were received in the
network of radials laid out for the verti- Single Operator Low Power category.
cal… HF contesting has a lot of strate- Each Division winner in the category sets
gies and techniques that quickly allow the initial Division record for the cat-
one to separate the serious contester from egory, as all old Single Operator Division
the casual guy. records are transferred to the Single Op-
The same can be said about the UHF erator High Power category. Setting the
enthusiast. But instead of long runs of very first Single Operator Low Power
coax running to multiple towers with a overall record was Paul, W0UC, with a
trusty antenna switch box to swap be- score of 34,452. Congratulations also go
tween fixed beams and the low and high to W3KM, W0ZQ, KD4NOQ, N8XA,
stacks, you will find the shortest possible N2GKM, W1PM, N7MWV, W6FM,
runs of coax, dish antennas, transverters, Don, W6GYD, is poised over the Santa
Clara Valley section, as he worked his
K8DXN, W6OAL, W4EUH, KE6GFF,
Gunnplexers and about anything else way to second place in the Pacific WA5VKS and VE3OIL who now hold
imaginable. The ability to squeeze out a Division. their Divisions’ records for the category.
few additional tenths of a dB of signal Don, WW8M, turned in the highest
often means the difference between a score from the 52 Single Operator High
completed QSO and another futile effort Top Five Power entries received. Don’s score of
to copy that extremely weak UHF signal Single Operator Low Power Multioperator 190,017 easily surpassed runner-up Jeff,
W0UC 34,452 W2SZ/1 723,828
that you know is out there. W6OAL 11,322 NU7Z 41,382 K1TEO. Congratulations also to KE7SW
Each year, during the first weekend in N8XA 10,575 WA3UGP 40,257 (Northwestern) and WB6NTL (Pacific)
W0ZQ 8,910 N2PA 39,114
August, you find a couple of hundred W6FM 8,772 N4OFA 21,855 who also set new Single Operator High
UHF/microwave stalwarts venturing into Power Division records.
this world of weak-signal strategy and en- Single Operator High Power Rover The W2SZ/1 Mt. Greylock team from
gineering ingenuity. In the 2000 ARRL WW8M 190,017 N5QGH 237,072 the RPI Radio Club again took top hon-
August UHF Contest, 170 participants K1TEO 93,192 W5ZN 113,004 ors in the Multioperator category. Though
WA2FGK 83,970 WB5IGF 95,004
tested their skills and strategy in what can (K2LNS,op) WB9SNR 34,404 falling short of the category record, they
best be described as one of the ARRL’s W5LUA 72,468 KF9US 31,164 again showed what organization and
K1RZ 62,196
most challenging contesting events. Unfor- teamwork does in a contest. NU7Z (op-
tunately, this represents a substantial de- erating with KD7TS) also set a new
crease in participation from 1999’s record record in the Northwestern Division.
high number of participants, back to the Rovers accounted for a 16% of the to-
trend of declining activity. tal entries received in the contest. Lead-
Following up on the 1999 call for ing the way in the Rover category was a
“how do we make this a viable contest,” record-setting performance by N5QGH.
two areas were addressed to aid the UHF His 237,072 points eclipsed the old mark
contester. The Single Operator category by over 83,000. The West Gulf Division
was separated into High and Low power was also a hotbed for roving in this con-
divisions. Also, a new technical on-line test, as the second and third place finish-
resource was added in 1999 to provide ers—W5ZN and WB5IGF—also hail
information and ideas for low-cost in- from the division. NE8I (Great Lakes),
volvement in this area of the hobby. The AA7VT (Northwestern), K9OYD
ARRL Lab staff developed and has main- (Roanoke), KB0G (Rocky Mountain) and
tained an outstanding UHF/Microwave K4SZ (Southeastern), all deserve con-
resource center on line at www.arrl.org/ gratulations for setting new Division
tis/info/microwave.html. Whether you Rover records.
are an old timer to the UHF/microwave Maybe an ethanol-burning generator can be The 2001 ARRL Contest Calendar
spectrum, or are just developing an in- used to power N0QK’s portable shack, shows the ARRL August UHF Contest
terest, this Web resource is certain to be- being used in this contest by Matt, KF0F. scheduled for August 4-5.
January 2001 111
Scores
Each line score lists call sign, score, stations worked, multipliers, entry category (A = Single Operator Low Power, B = Single Operator High Power, M = Multioperator,
R = Rover), ARRL/RAC section, and bands (C = 222 MHz, D = 432 MHz, 9 = 902 MHz, E = 1296 MHz, F = 2304 MHz, G = 3456 MHz, H = 5760 MHz, I = 10 GHz.
J = 24 GHz, K = 47 GHz, L = 75 GHz, M = 119 GHz, N = 142 GHz, O = 241 GHz, P = 300+ GHz). Band win indicators are listed in boldface type.

Atlantic Delta K1TEO 93,192 238 88 B CT CD9EFGI K0RZ 9,600 56 32 B CO CD9EI

W3KM 2,850 30 19 A EPA CD9EF KD4NOQ 165 11 5 A TN CD W1ZC 1,260 35 12 B NH D WA7KYM 2,700 39 18 B WY CDE
WA2AEY 936 26 12 A NNY D KD4HIK 120 8 5 A TN CD K1LPS 195 7 5 B VT DI KB5ZSK 108 7 4 B NM CDE
W8IJ 3 1 1 A MDC D AD4F 75 5 5 A TN D W2SZ/1 (K2JJB,KE3HT,N2SZ,WA1ZMS,K2LDT, KB0G (+KC0FTQ)
WA2FGK (K2LNS,op) W4ZUG 30 5 2 A TN D N1SAV,N2XRE,WA2AAU,KB0JWO,N1XSY, 7,458 76 22 R CO CD9EF
83,970 202 90 B EPA CD9EFG AA4H 2,052 32 18 B TN CD9E N2YCA,WA8USA,KB2YQE,N2LBT,N2YZO,
WS2B,ops) Southeastern
K1RZ 62,196 179 73 B MDC CD9EFI N4OFA (+W4KXY,AF4HX,KE4WFT)
N3NGE 37,584 129 54 B EPA CD9EFGH 723,828 554 196 M WMA CD9EFGHIJ W4EUH 1,785 35 17 A GA CD
21,855 136 47 M TN CDEF
NQ2O 31,104 108 64 B WNY CD9EFG N1DGF (+N1KAT) K0VXM 1,044 17 12 A SFL CD9EF
W2SJ 14,580 70 36 B SNJ CD9EFG Great Lakes 1,150 30 19 M ME CD K4KAZ 630 19 10 A GA CDE
NS9E 10,530 55 39 B WNY CD9EFG N8XA 10,575 55 47 A OH CD9EI KJ1K (+WB2VVQ) NY4F 135 9 5 A GA D
WA2ONK 9,827 76 31 B SNJ CD9E KB8U 7,020 60 39 A MI CD 7,644 42 26 R WMA CD9EFGH KU4WW 54 6 3 A AL CD
WA4GPM 7,326 59 33 B EPA CDE WB8AUK 2,400 32 25 A OH CD K1DY 3,726 43 23 R ME CD9EF K4RF 6,975 48 31 B GA CD9EFHI
N3RN 6,300 53 30 B EPA CD9EF W4FVQ 864 19 12 A KY CD9E WA2IID (+KB2SSS) K4SZ 3,060 39 20 R GA CD9EF
N3FA 5,115 69 33 B EPA CD9EF N8AIA 663 17 13 A MI C 2,730 30 14 R VT CD9EFGHIJ Southwestern
K3MD 624 13 13 B EPA CDE K8NFT 72 6 4 A MI D
WW8M 190,017 259 129 B MI CD9EFGHIJK
Northwestern KE6GFF 3,000 100 10 A LAX D
WB2WPM 63 7 3 B WNY D
N7MWV 1,935 25 15 A WWA D9FG W9EC 252 11 6 A SB CDE
WA3UGP (+K3YWY) K2YAZ 45,816 110 83 B MI CD9EFGHI
K8EB 22,878 97 62 B MI CD9E N7DB 72 6 4 A OR CD KF6ISR 231 11 7 A ORG CD
40,257 128 63 M EPA CD9EFGHIJ KE6GFI 204 17 4 A LAX D
N2PA (N2KG,N2YB,ops) K8TQK 17,160 79 52 B OH CD9EF KK7AT 21 7 1 A ID D
KE7SW 19,782 94 42 B WWA CD9EFGH W6IST 180 10 6 A LAX CD
39,114 122 82 M WNY CD9EF WA8RJF 6,765 43 41 B OH CD9EF
K7ND 10,788 76 31 B WWA CD9EF KE6RCI 132 11 4 A SB D
K2IWR (K2AMB,KB2FAF,KB2LUV,N2MRE,ops) N8GHZ 180 10 6 B OH CD
N7EPD 9,888 78 32 B WWA CD9I KA6TTV 45 5 3 A LAX C
528 13 11 M WNY CDE N8PVT (+KC8ALA)
K7HSJ 3 1 1 B WWA C K6TSK 5,040 61 24 B ORG CDE
N2JMH (+N2WVK) 510 17 10 M MI D
NE8I 19,071 87 39 R MI CD9EFGHIJK NU7Z (+KD7TS) W6TOI (KE6HPZ,WB6JDH,ops)
24,723 144 41 R WNY CD9EF 11,970 93 35 M SB CD9E
K1DS 16,614 120 39 R EPA CD9EFGIP KG4ITT 1,584 23 12 R KY CDEIJ 41,382 122 57 M WWA CD9EFGHI
AA7VT 22,104 159 24 R WWA CD9EFGI K6OUE (+KF6YYV)
AB4CR 1,296 17 10 R KY CDEIJ
Central 3,066 65 14 M LAX CDE
KF8QL 900 18 15 R MI CD9E Pacific
W0UC 34,452 124 66 A WI CD9EFGHI
K9YR 6,603 71 31 A IL CD Hudson W6FM 8,772 71 34 A SCV CDE N6DN 4,422 56 22 R ORG CD9E
N9TF 3,975 53 25 A IL CD N2GKM 780 26 10 A ENY CD W6GYD 3,510 50 18 A SCV CDE KQ6EE 780 24 10 R LAX CDE
N9LAG 288 16 6 A IL CD K2AMI 726 22 11 A NNJ CD KC6ZWT 2,268 54 14 A SV CD AD6AF 696 29 8 R LAX D
KA4CHT 96 6 4 A IN DE K2OVS 336 14 8 A NLI D KF6GYM 1,728 28 16 A EB CDE
KQ6DI 357 17 7 A EB CD West Gulf
KG9PQ 30 5 2 A IL D K2RI 252 14 6 A ENY CD
N2MSS 231 11 7 A ENY CD W6ABW 108 12 3 A NV CD WA5VKS 2,250 47 15 A NTX CDE
KB9WSN 12 2 2 A WI D KM5OL 306 17 6 A NTX CD
N2BJ 27,492 121 58 B IL CD9E WB2AMU 96 8 4 A NLI D WB6NTL 11,448 85 36 B SV CDE
W6OMF 5,184 51 27 B EB CDE KC5ZZL 165 11 5 A NTX CD
KA9QFL 18,550 81 53 B IN CDE N2UZQ 54 6 3 A ENY D
N6JET 1,938 28 17 B SCV CDE N0XLR 42 7 2 A NTX D
WB9SNR 34,404 126 61 R IL CD9EFGHI N1HL 45 5 3 A ENY CD
KD6RB 108 9 4 B SCV D W5LUA 72,468 147 66 B NTX CD9EFGHIJ
KF9US 31,164 141 53 R IL CD9EF WB2IDV 42 7 2 A NNJ D
W6SFH (+WA6KOD) WA5TKU 10,200 63 34 B NTX CDEFGHI
N3EMF 4,425 43 25 B ENY CD9EFG
Dakota K2ZZ 120 8 5 B ENY D 858 15 13 M SF CDE KK5IH (+KK5KK)
W0ZQ 8,910 74 30 A MN CD9E 720 15 15 M WTX CDE
N2MH 4,374 54 27 R NNJ CD Roanoke
WB0LJC 4,131 55 17 A MN CD9EFI N5QGH 237,072 349 88 R NTX CD9EFGHIJKP
W2BEJ 120 6 5 R ENY CDE
KB0OBT 432 17 8 A MN D9 K8DXN 4,284 44 28 A WV CDE W5ZN 113,004 178 86 R NTX CD9EFGHIJP
KC0AKU 231 11 7 A MN D Midwest W4NUS 864 19 12 A NC DE WB5IGF 95,004 142 84 R NTX CD9EFGHIJP
KF0GX 126 14 3 A MN D N0KQY 924 18 14 B KS CDE AD4DG 312 11 8 A VA CD9
W4FAL 240 16 5 A NC D Canada
KC0HEW 72 8 3 A MN D KA0MR 602 19 14 B KS CDE
K4QI 23,232 104 64 B NC CDE VE3OIL 1,428 25 17 A ON CDE
WA0BWE 20,880 111 40 B MN CD9EFGHI
KF0Q 14,310 82 45 B MN CD9E
New England W4RX 16,236 83 44 B VA CD9EF VE2/N1EKV 216 6 3 A QC I
W1PM 6,045 52 31 A EMA CD9E W4VHH 2,706 28 22 B NC DEF VE9AA 72 6 4 A NB D
WB0GGM 5,796 51 28 B MN CDEF
AF1T 4,950 37 22 A NH CD9EHI N4AJF 30 5 2 B NC D VE9AAA 18 3 2 A NB D
WA2VOI 4,788 52 19 R MN CD9EFI VA3ST 8,712 66 44 B ON CD
KB0N 2,340 34 10 R MN CDE W1AIM 3,072 28 16 A NH DFHI K9OYD 5,082 49 22 R VA CD9EFI
W1GHZ 2,184 20 13 A NH DHI VE3BFM 2,553 31 23 B ON CD9
KB0ZEV 1,209 25 13 R MN CDE Rocky Mountain
W1VT 600 10 5 A WMA I VE2/K1NKR (+K1PTF)
N0USE 12 2 2 R MN D
AC1J 510 17 10 A NH CD W6OAL 11,322 62 34 A CO CD9EFGHI 147 7 7 M QC CD
N7IAL 432 9 4 A WMA I K5RHR 840 20 14 A NM CD VE7DXG 3,456 64 18 R BC CD

plexity is intentionally kept to a minimum. were proper. The cars we drove looked like
NEW PRODUCTS Price, $12.95. For additional information boxes on wheels. Telephones had no num-
contact The Radio Works, PO Box 6159, ber buttons to press. You told the operator
FAQ ON ANTENNA TOPICS Portsmouth, VA 23703; tel 757-484-0140; whom you wanted to call.” Barasch intro-
FROM W4THU fax 757-483-1873; jim@radioworks.com; duces the concept of Amateur Radio, then
◊ Jim Thompson, W4THU, owner of the www.radioworks.com. tells the true story of her father becoming
antenna manufacturer The Radio Works, Previous New Products a licensed radio operator in 1923 at the age
has recently released a 120-page soft cover of 11, the youngest licensed Amateur
publication titled Frequently Asked Ques- Radio operator at the time. Her father was
tions About Antenna Systems and Baluns NEW BOOKS elmered by his 17-year old neighbor.
Plus Exploring Popular Antenna Myths. Even very young readers will be en-
A wide range of topics is covered. These RADIO RESCUE thralled by her father’s story as he talks
include Jim’s personal antenna philosophy, a By Lynne Barasch about his first radio contacts and aiding in
glossary of antenna-related terms, an Published by Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 19 the rescue of a family stranded in the flood-
explanation of the decibel, tips on interpret- Union Square West, New York, NY 10003; waters of Florida. All sides of Amateur
ing computer-generated radiation patterns, tel 888-330-8477. ISBN: 0-374-36166-5. Radio are shown—both as a hobby and as
popular antenna myths, wire antenna types, First edition, 101/2 × 91/2 inches, 40 pages, an invaluable form of emergency commu-
wire antenna performance characteristics and color illustrations. $16. nication. This book will capture the atten-
baluns. Extensive performance data and com- tions of young readers, and will have a
parisons between several types of common Reviewed by Margie Bourgoin, KB1DCO strong appeal to adults, too, as they read
wire antennas and The Radio Works’ own ARRL Educational Correspondent Radio Rescue to their children. The story
Carolina Windom and Superloop is provided. One way to ensure the is compelling and the wa-
A large portion of the material is pre- future of Amateur Radio is tercolor artwork adds a
sented in a Q & A format. The questions to inspire interest in young- special charm. (However,
were culled directly from e-mail, mail and sters. Radio Rescue is a the content may be too ad-
telephone communications between Jim wonderful tool for this pur- vanced for some 5 or 6
and customers—and prospective custom- pose! The author, Lynne year olds.) I highly recom-
ers—of The Radio Works’ products. Barasch, begins with an in- mend this book as an ad-
Charts, illustrations and tables are used troduction to the year: “In dition to any school or lo-
throughout, and the level of technical com- 1923, the clothes we wore cal library.
112 January 2001 Previous New Books
 SECTION NEWS
The ARRL Field Organization Forum
ATLANTIC DIVISION 2049, KJ3E 503, N3QA 450, AA3SB 179, KB3AMO 147, Please take part in this event. Thanks to all the volunteers that
AA3GV 109, W3YVQ 104, W3CB 103, N3WKE 76, N3WK 68, have helped in various aspects throughout the past year. I
DELAWARE: SM, Randall Carlson, WB0JJX—Be sure to KC3Y 48, WA1QAA 39, N3KGM 30, N3ZKP 18, K3CSX 17, look forward to working with you and seeing you at the many
mark your calendars for the first full weekend in Feb. (Feb 3 N3EGF 15, W3VK 12, KO4A 6. upcoming events. I am working on my travel and speaking
and 4, 2001) This is the date for annual Delaware QSO Party, schedules for this year and still have some openings. If you
sponsored by the FSARC. For rules see their Web site at NORTHERN NEW YORK: SM, Thomas A. Dick, KF2GC, http:/
/www.northnet.org/nnyham. e-mail: kf2gc@arrl.org—NNY- would like to have myself or other members of the section
WWW.FSARC.ORG or drop me an e-mail, and I will forward staff to speak at your club event, please get in touch with me
you a copy. The 2001 QSO party will be the 5th since it was Section met in Norwood, NY on Oct 7, 2000, and it was de-
cided that the NNYARA would pursue having a NNY Hamfest and we can work out a date to attend. Each month I receive
re-instituted in 1997 after a long absence. It has a small but newsletters from the various clubs in the section. I would like
growing number of participants. It would be nice to have a in Lake Placid, NY we decided on the Oct 13, 2001, as the
date since there were too many conflicts otherwise. Moreover to share some of these with you in the months coming up.
really good showing of Delaware Hams on the bands that The first belongs to the Wireless Association of South Hills.
weekend. If you do work the event, even if only for a couple regular mailings will be done to keep our section informed on
the latest news and progress. Many clubs were involved with The URL for this site is http://www.washarc.org/. Be sure to
of contacts, please send in your logs. It’s important to show check their excellent newsletter also. 73 John Rodgers,
that Delaware hams do participate, and this will help the JOTA this year. Thanks go to the CVARC, MVARC, SCRC
and TLARC for continuing to involve youth in Amateur Radio. N3MSE, WPA-SM n3mse@arrl.org.
event grow. Traffic (Oct) DTN: QNI 177 QTC 17 in 22 sess.
DEPN: QNI 27 QTC 1 in 4 sess. K3JL 36. SKYWARN continues to make meaningful contributions to
Emergency Readiness and the NWS. N1OLC – Steve Hogan CENTRAL DIVISION
EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA: SM, Eric D. Olena, WB3FPL – has contributed to that success here in the NNY- Section by
SEC: Michael O. Miguelez, N3IRN. ACC: Steve Maslin, ILLINOIS: SM, Bruce Boston, KD9UL—Morgan Co EC
giving presentations in our counties. Recently, Steve spoke W9OES reports nine operators provided communications for
N3ORH. OOC Alan Maslin, N3EA. STM: Paul Craig, N3YSI. to Amateurs of NNY at the EOC in Essex Co. We all appreci-
SGL: Allen Breiner, W3ZRQ. TC: Lawrence Thomas, AA3PX. the Illinois Valley Relay on Oct 14. The 63 mile course took
ate his role in SKYWARN here. WA2NAN. Kerry had 51 out of participants through Scott and Greene counties. 14. Mem-
ASMs: Robert Josuweit, WA3PZO, Dave Heller, K3TX, 55 ARES members participate in the Oct SET in St. Lawrence
George Law, N3KYZ, James E. Bear, WB3FQY, Harry Tho- bers of the Rockford ARA traveled to Milwaukee to see the
Co. Way to go guys. Remember MVARC / NNY check ins 9:00 AREC communications van that was featured in the 9/2000
mas, W3KOD. What do you say to someone who steps down AM Saturday’s.
after many years of service? This is the situate-on in which issue of QST. RARA was offered a delivery truck and is now
I find myself when I agreed to fill the remaining year W3TI’s SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY: SM, Jean Priestley, KA2YKN working on their own communications van. Members of the
Section Manger’s term. Having served as EC, DEC and SEC (@K2AA)e-mail ka2ykn@voicenet.com. ASM: W2BE K2WB Fox River Radio League were treated to a program on early
W2OB N2OO N2YAJ. SEC: KC2GID. STM: K2UL. ACC: telegraph apparatus by K9EUI who has taken up the hobby
under another SM I must that I was a bit apprehensive about
the up coming years. As we progressed through the three KB2ADL. SGL: W2CAM. OOC: K2PSC. TC: W2EKB. TS: of restoring and studying the vintage communications equip-
years of Al’s two terms I came to realize that Al had an enor- W2PAU. WB2MNF AA2BN KD4HZW WB3IJB WA2NBL ment. The FRRL also held an auction to dispose of surplus
mous amount of knowledge and experience that was benefi- N2QNX N2XFM. Welcome to 2001! I’m pleased to announce club equipment. The event was well received and may be-
cial to the Eastern Pa. Section. On behalf of the Eastern Pa. a new traffic net in South Jersey. It’s an early net at 8 PM on come a new tradition. Get well wishes go out to S/W DEC
Section amateur community I would like to thank W3TI for all Mon, Wed and Fridays on Burlington County’s repeaters KB9AIL. We hope the recovery goes well and you can re-
147.150, 145.47 and 448.325 with a pl of 127.3 for all 3. Net sume your DEC duties soon. The Regional Civic Memorial
of the hard work and heart felt dedication that he gave to the
section. The new Section Emergency Coordinator will be manager, Steve, KB2RTZ is also assistant to Dan, K2UL, Airport at Bethalto was the focal point of a large-scale disas-
Michael Miguelez, N3IRN. Mike has been EC for Montour STM. This net is open to all regardless of level of experience ter drill Oct. 25. The situation involved an in-bound business
County for the past few years. Mike is also active in quite a or no experience in traffic nets. It is a training net. Rpt for jet with 30 passengers and crew. Emergency services
few RACES nets as well as the traffic nets. EC & DEC reports October: Net QNI Report; W2CC NJPN 176;K2PB NJSN 180; throughout Madison County, including ARES participated.
can be e-mailed to Mike at, n3irn@mail.ptdprolog.net. Re- WA2OPY NJM 142; AG2R NJN/E 233; AG2R NJN/L 197; The drill allowed the ARES team to practice their staffing
KC2ATQ JSARS 385; WB2UVB SJVN 257; KB2RTZ SJTN procedures and shift transitions. At the September meeting
cently NM3S became EC in Delaware County and W3MJP
became EC in Bucks County. My congratulations to both of 49. K2BR 105,WA2CUW 98, KJ4N/2 89, K2UL 80, KB2RTZ of the Schaumburg ARC members learned about the popular
these fellows who are building good organizations in two 72, AA2SV 56, K2UL-4 56, WB2UVB 35, N2VQA 13, KB2VYZ PSK31 digital mode. Some SARC members are looking at
heavily populated counties that had little or no ARES pro- 12, KA2CQX 11, W2AZ 10, KB2YBM KC2ETU KB2VSR 1. the idea of building a 20-meter QRP rig designed for that
grams in place. West Bradford Fire Company Chester County PSHR: KB2RTZ 182, K2UL 175, WB2UVB 140, AA2SV 120, mode. Egyptian RC member KB9SDX received a $1,000
ARES RACES (CCAR) members KC3XL, KD3OK, N3NQX, KA2CQX 108, WA2CUW 101, N2VQA 48 Over 300 boy scouts scholarship from the Quarter Century Wireless Assn. The
and cubs joined the JOTA experience in Burlington and recipient is studying wireless communications at Rankin
N3HLJ, WB3ITC, W3MYP, W3STA, WA3MME, KB3EYQ,
K3JV, K3YK, N3VZG, and N3MEL provided excellent com- Camden Counties. More on JOTA in our Feb issue Congrats Technical College in St. Louis, MO. The Metro AC reports
munications for the annual Marshalton Triathlon. According to the K2BR crew for the great job at the Miss America pag- they are teaching ham classes for the first time in many years,
to EC KC3XL the bicycle mobile units worked well. Rumor eant. Report “your” activities. started a slow speed code net that runs three times a month,
says that hot air balloons are being considered for next year. recently updated their club logo, and operated JOTA station
WESTERN NEW YORK: SM, Scott Bauer, W2LC— Please W9BSA in Woodstock which exposed ham radio to 500+
In the coming year I hope to have two E.Pa. Staff meetings. welcome our new EC for Madison and Oneida counties, Bill scouts and adults. An article on kids and ham radio by MAC
It is my hope to be able to have these meetings in different KG2DI. Also, congratulations to new Official Observer Al,
parts of the Section. By doing this I hope to encourage addi- member N9BOR was featured on the ARRL Web site. The
N2CCN. New South Towns ARS officers; Pres Gary KB2YJ, Six Meter Club of Chicago participated in a special event
tional staff members and other interested amateurs to attend VP Rick KD2QV, Sect. Keith KC2DGC, Treas. John
a meeting that is within reasonable distance of their homes. during September to remember historic Route 66. The SMCC
KB2ESM, Financial Sect. Judy N2TEZ, Dir’s Terri KB2TRS operated under the call sign K6A along with clubs in eleven
If there are any staff members who are interested in hosting and John KB2VWC. Sad to report passing of Aurora NY’s
a meeting please advise me as soon as possible. Congratu- other cities. The Northern Arizona DX Assn coordinated the
and Auburn ARA’s Betty, KB2APM. The Rochester VHF special event. October traffic: K9CNP 95, W9HLX-64,
lations to John Winter who has been appointed OES in Group is running a VHF Academy, to train and attract new
Lancaster County. Tfc: N3YSI 241, W3IPX 213, N3EFW 179, WB9TVD-30, N9DT-30, NN9M 29, NC9T-18, W9FIF-10,
operators. Sounds like a great idea. I hope everyone has a WA9RUM 8, W9OES 1. ISN report de WB9TVD QNI-213,
W3IVS 80, W3UAQ 65, W3JKX 60, W3HK 59, N3SW 55, nice Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you to every-
W3TWV 34, W3NNL 34, KB3CEZ 28, KB3BBR 12, KA3LVP QTC-89, Sessions-31. 9RN report de KF4UB Sessions held
one for all of your volunteer work over the past year. You are 62, traffic handled 165, average per session 2.66, rate of
11, W3TI 9, N3IRN 6, KB3CVO 6, K3ARR 6, KB3DCT 5, appreciated very much. Keep up the good work. Keep warm
KB3CKD 5, N3AT 4, W3ZQN 4, AD3X 4, N3KYZ 4, N3AS 3, traffic 4.20, percentage of representation 85%, check-ins
and see you in the new year! W9HLX, NN9M, N9PLM, W9GMO, NS9F. W9VEY Memorial
N3HR, 2, N3ZXE 1, W3DAB 1, W3BNR 1. Net Reports: EPA
59, PTTN 31, EPAEPTN 31, PFN 31, MARCTN 13, D3ARES
Net NM Sess QNI QSP Net NM Sess QNI QSP Net report de K9AXS 8 with 225 check-ins.
BRVSN WB2OFU 31 108 0 CHN W2EAG 31 14 225 INDIANA: SM, Peggy Coulter, W9JUJ—Sympathy extended
9, SEPPTN 9, LCARES 5, MCOES 5, and D4ARES 5.
MARYLAND/DC: SM: Bill Howard WB3V (410) 551-6775
CNYTN WA2PUU 31 354 84 EBN WB2IJZ 22 381 0 to the families and friends of Silent Keys: 8/31, Samuel D.
wb3v@arrl.org. SEC: Mike Carr WA3QAA. MDC Section
ESS W2WSS 31 348 76 NYPHONE N2LTC 31 220 285 Richards, N9BVI, Mishawaka; 9/13, James R. Weldon,
Web homepage http://users.erols.com/wb3v/mdc. MC EC NYPON N2YJZ 31 354 189 NYS/E WB2QIX 31 321 172 N9MFO, Churubusco; 10/17, Garland E. Wadsworth,
W3CQH reports 89 members, 4 sessions of the Emergency NYS/L W2YGW 31 245 246 NYS/M KA2GJV 31 153 54 WA9VAF, Terre Haute; 10/31, Carl W. Vinyard, KB9DV, Fort
and Public Service Net which meets on 146.955 every Tues- NYSCN W2MTA 5 15 5 NYSPTEN WB3CUF 31 359 49 Wayne. They will be missed. In Legislative matters: K9KXQ
of Hobart is working with the IN Legislative Services Agency
day at 2000 hours local time. MDD NM WJ3K says the SET OARCN N2KPR 4 40 5 OCTEN/E KA2ZNZ 31 1617 256
has shown that daylight 80m ops are difficult. A 40m alternate OCTEN/L KA2ZNZ 31 648 235 OMEN K2DYB 2 15 0
and IN State Senator Rose Ann Antich, to get a bill passed
is in the works. WA EC KD3JK reports 38 members, nine in the 2001 General Assembly to protect Amateur Radio
STAR N2NCB 31 265 11 TIGARDS W2MTA 5 23 1
sessions of the ARES/RACES Net and Four States Net which Operators from restrictive municipal ordinances that prohibit
WDN/E N2JRS 31 541 112 WDN/L W2GUT 31 490 64 or unnecessarily restrict amateur radio antennas. A copy of
maintain liaison with MEPN. WA ARES provided communica- WDN/M KB2VVD 31 533 84
tions for the Smithsburg Area Crop Walk. Operating during the proposed bill is on the IN Website. Congratulations to
Tfc (Oct): * indicates PSHR, for BPL: N2LTC* 1100, KA2ZNZ* Natalie Andrews, K9CAT of Terre Haute, who was honored as
the event were: KB3AOO N3MVR N3TDN W3YGC N1FBI
WA3PTV KB3COE KD3JK K3ABH N3MZB WA3EOP N3ZHI 632, KA2GJV* 341, W2MTA* 257, W2FR* 184, NN2H* 181, a 1 Volunteer in the Wabash Valley, for community service as
and from FL. KG4AES. Thanks go to KB3AOO, who recruited N2KPR* 154, KB2VVD* 132, WB2QIX* 116, WI2G* 115, a storm spotter during SKYWARN nets and other emergency
the net members and did an excellent job as NCS. HC RO KC2EOT* 92, KG2D* 92, KA2DBD* 89, N2JRS* 76, W2LC* communications. The WVARA participated in the second
WA1QAA reports HC RACES members K3BO and WA1QAA 73, KC2CWN 62, N2CCN* 59, W2PII* 57, W2GUT* 52, NY2V* annual Deuces Wild Duathlon. Heading this project was
participated in the annual HOWA Fire and Rescue Services 51, WA2UKX* 32, K2GTS 31, KB2ETO* 30, KA2TSC 26, AF2K* N9YRX and K9DUR assisting were K9CAT, W9EEU, K9ERE,
25, N2WDS* 22, K2DN* 19, KA2BCE* 17, KB2WII* 17, AA2ED K9HH S, KB9HYH, K9HX, KG9GS, KB9RUP, W9QFE, AA9SP
Exposition. W3WCQ provided a mini xmitter and antenna;
W3WVV provided a battery-operated camera. W3BAB pro- 10, N2JRS* 10, W2RH 9. Digital; Stn Rx/Tx: N2LTC 273/219, and WB9WVG. Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving and
vided the TV set and VCR for and KA3UQQ provided pictures KA2GJV 35/13, NY2V 0/8. a Wonderful Christmas. Time goes too fast. Congrats to the
from the camera atop the tower at his home QTH. Sincere WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA: SM, John Rodgers, N3MSE— Wabash Valley ARA, Inc officially designated a SSC. The
thanks for providing an excellent demo of ATV for the public SEC: N3SRJ. ASM-ARES: WB3KGT. ASM-Packet: KE3ED. Indianapolis NWS office held its first Spotter Appreciation
and HC Office of Emerg Mgt. PG EC WI3N sadly reports a OOC: W3ZPI. PIC: W3CG. STM: N3WAV. TC: WR4W. DEC- Day. Marion and Rush Counties were presented awards
SO: KD3OH. DEC-N1: N3QCR. DEC-N2: KA3UVC. DEC- based on monthly SKYWARN reports. The Indpls SKYWARN
decrease of two in membership. During SET, net control was
N3IOU N3HJA and KB3FFU. KB3DVC was able to contact S1: KA3HUK. DEC-S2: N3BZW. DEC-Rapid Response: Asso also received an award for assistance to the Indpls NWS.
KB3DVC on the Kent Island repeater. KA3ITS checked in and N3HJY. DEC-OES: K3TB. The Simulated Emergency Test Decatur Co. ARA conducted a Boy Scout merit badge pro-
Doctor’s Hospital was manned by KB3EDH and KB3EBN. was conducted on Saturday October 28. I wish to thank every- gram for 13 boy scouts in 2 troops. In Tippecanoe Co 4 hams
KD3JA provided an ICOM-706, Jpole, and marine battery. one that participated in this year’s event. A special thank you set up a HF station and 2 hams from Howard Co gave a sat-
KB3EBN was also the PG Fire Dept liaison and the CAP liai- to everyone that worked with the scouting JOTA program in ellite demonstration for the local Webelos Merit Badge Mid-
October and hope that you will contact schools in your area way Camp. About 70 scouts visited the set up and 15 boys
son. PG Hospital was covered by K3HDM. The Laurel Hospi-
tal was staffed by N3TZA and KB3BWR. N3JMK and W3YD for the upcoming “School Club Round Up”, which will take made contacts with other groups via radio. I wish everyone a
provided a message handling discussion. WI3N operated place February 12-16, 2001. Last year the North Clarion Wonderful New Year with lots of wealth, lots of good health
fixed from Landover Hills. Thanks to all who participated in School Amateur Radio Club, W3NCS, won the contest in the and plenty of wonderful radio operating. NM’sITN/W9ZY, QIN/
this training exercise. Many MDC clubs have announced new elementary school division. Congratulations and good luck K9PUI/KJ9J, ICN/K8LEN, WN/AB9AA, VHF/N9ZZD.
elected officials and congratulations to all! To all, have a safe this year. This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce many
and happy new year. 73 from Bill Howard, WB3V. Tfc: KK3F new people to this fine service and help to build the future. Continued on page 120.

Steve Ewald, WV1X
Public Service Specialist

January 2001 113
 Net Freq TIME/Daily/UTC QNI QTC QTR Sess
ITN 3910 1330/2130/2300 2478 486 1701 93
QIN 3656 1430/0000 137 69 665 50
ICN 3705 2315 126 12 351 27
IWN 3910 1310 2255 – 310 31
IWN VHF Bloomington 474 – 465 31
IWN VHF Kokomo 710 – 155 31
IWN VHF Northeast 1163 – 620 31
Hoosier VHF nets( 11 nets) 1173 46 1058 72
D9RN in 62 sessions total QTC 165 IN represented 95% by
K9GBR, N9KNJ, W9UEM, WB9QPA and KB9NPU. 9RN in 61
sessions total QTC 175 IN represented by KJ9J, KO9D,
K9PUI, N9HZ, WB9UYU and W9FC. Tfc: W9FC 243, K9PUI
115, W9ZY 102, WB9QPA 87, W9FU 87, AB9AA 52, W9JUJ
51, N9KNJ 49, W9UEM 39, KO9D 36, KA9EIV 33, KB9NPU
32, KA9QWC 31, K9GBR 28, K9DUY 20, WD9HII 19, W8LEN
12, W9BRW 12, AB9A 11, K9RPZ 10, W9EHY 10, K9ZBM 9,
N9HZ 5, WB9OFG 5, K9CUN 3, WB9NCE 1, K9OUP 1.
WISCONSIN: SM, Don Michalski, W9IXG—SEC: WB9RQR.
STM: K9LGU. ACC: K9FHI. SGL: AD9X. OOC: W9RCW. PIC:
K9ZZ. TC: K9GDF. ASM: K9UTQ, W9RCW, W9CBE. BM:
WB9NRK. It is with deep regret that I inform you that Ralph
Shannon, W9MGP, is a SK. Ralph was a member of FLARC
and Madison DX Club. Gene Gould, KB9QIW, member of
RRRC, died in a boating accident on his honeymoon. RMRA/
RMATS received donation of a complete C/KU satellite re-
ceive system from Wausau Insurance Co. It will now provide
an ATV repeater “on site” system. How about your club tour-
ing the Point Beach Nuclear Power Plant near Manitowoc?
Hams support the simulated NPP emergencies so this is a
good opportunity to see what makes them run. 2.5 hour club
tours are available. Advanced reservations required. Call 800-
880-8463 for details and reservations. Volunteers are needed
to help run the BSSS; this includes incoming subscriptions,
and bulk mailing. A paid BSSS advertisement job is available.
Please support your state ham newspaper! Contact Jim,
K9ZZ, at k9zz@arrl.net. 608-356-4031. 9RN report for Octo-
ber shows 98% Wisconsin participation! Congratulations to
Jane, KB9USE, for upgrading to Extra! Nominations are
needed for 3 ARRL Instructor of the Year Awards, Excellence
in Recruiting Award, Hiram Percy Maxim Award, and 3 Tech-
nical Awards. Any Ham, club, VE, or student may recommend
to me deserving individuals. I need your input NOW!! Go to
www.arrl.org/ead/instructor/instructor/grants.
html for more information. Congratulations to Bill Stolte,
N9VBJ, for receiving Certified Emergency Manager certifi-
cate at Governors Conference. 73, Don, W9IXG. Tfc: K9JPS
1088, W9IHW 855, WZ7V 665, W9YPY 638, K9GU 424,
N9TVT 382, N9VE 216, W9CBE 127, N9BDL 118, K9FHI
115, N9LGU 79, AG9G 62, W9YCV 54, W9UW 51, KE9VU 50,
WD9GNK 48, KG9B 43, N9KHD 43, W9BHL 42, AA9BB 40,
KB9ROB 37, K9HDF 30, WD9FLJ 27,KA9FVX 23, WB9ICH
22, W9PVD 13, W9ODV 12, N9JIY 12, N9UAR 8, WA9ZTY 2.

DAKOTA DIVISION
MINNESOTA: SM, Randy “Max” Wendel, KM0D—As an
ARRL member, you know that it is your voice that determines
who will be serving as your Section Manager. I have been
informed that I will be serving another term. My tnx to those
who supported me in this role by submission of nomination.
It’s an honor to serve as we have turned the century calen-
dar. It seems like yesterday we were all making preps for the
Y2K (ooh, there’s that word again!). Personally, I was getting
a little Y2K’d out and was glad to see it over. Many thanks to
all radio operators statewide who played a role on Y2K-eve
while we waited for the sky to fall. I wonder if anyone is still
living in one of those underground concrete bunkers? I would
like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the
field organization who continue to support our efforts thru
their respective appointments. Many thanks to all VEs who
had their hands full earlier this year with the many tests given
because of the license structure changes. Each month I write
this small news column for all members, but just a reminder
to those with web capability...be sure to subscribe to my
ARRL MN Section eSignals electronic newsletter. Go to
ARRL web site and check the box to receive Division/Section
mailings. Even if you receive the ARRL letter, you must
check-the-box to receive my mailings. It’s on the member-
data-page of the site. I’ve sent out several distributions al-
ready and I appreciate those who have voiced their desire to
keep receiving it. About 900 members statewide are currently
receiving it. For now, 73 and may you be blessed in the New
Year de KM0D, http://www.pclink.com/rwendel.
Net Freq Time QNI/QTC/Sess NM
MSPN/E 3860 5:30 P 580/77/31 W0WVO
MSPN/N 3860 12 P 399/103/31 WA0TFC
MSSN 3710 6P N/A vacant
MSN/1 3605 6:30 P 227/71/31 K0WPK
MSN/2 3605 10 P 143/33/31 K0PIZ
PAW 3925 9A-5P 2066/89/74 KA0IZA
Tfc: WO0A, KB0AII, WA0TFC, K0PIZ, W0LAW, KB0OHI,
K0WPK, W0HPD, KB0AIJ, W3FAF, W0WVO, K0PSH, K0IKO,
KA0IZA, KN9U, KC0HAW, N0JP, WD0GUF.
NORTH DAKOTA: SM, Bill Kurtti, WC0M—The Grand Forks
Hamfest was a success at their new location. Congratulations
to KC0WX on being nominated to receive the Andy Freeman
Headbolt award in recognition for his work on the FORX ARC
Feedline. Very interesting forms were given on PSK by
W0PHD & a forum on the DXpedition to Bhutan followed by a
forum on High Altitude research Balloon by KC0CRU being
conducted by FORX Hams. Also FORX members provided
communications for the Alzheimer’s Walk. I’m sorry to report
that N0SDE is a Silent key. Jim was very active in many ac-
tivities of the Fargo club. An antenna ordinance was proposed
in Fargo but area Hams explained PRB-1 to the City attorney
& got a favorable hearing. Tfc: N0RDJ 1. Net reports WX net
27/680/5; Data 31/741/12; Goose River 5/59/1 KE0XT HF net
msg.
SOUTH DAKOTA: SM, R. L. Cory, W0YMB—SEC: WN0Y.
STM: W6IVV. PIO: K0ROG. ACC: WB0ULX. At Watertown,
nine LARK members participated in the second annual Wal

120
 Mart Safety Day along with the Watertown Fire Dept, County
Search and Dive Rescue, Salvation Army and County Emer-
gency Management. At last report, K0ZBJ is recovering and
going back to Watertown for rehab. The 10-meter band is
recovering and has opened up giving new hams the oppor-
tunity to work some DX. Walworth Co Emergency Net has
started up with the close of summer activities. It meets on
Sunday at 12:45 PM, Central Time on 3700. Net control will
answer at the speed you check in with. Also, Novice net is on
3700 on Sunday night 7 PM CST. All checkins are welcome.
Please send me items for this column. This is your column.
Happy New Year to everyone. Oct NEO net QNI 618, QTC
79. SD Novice Net QNI 35, QTC 0. Sunday Emergency Net
QNI 58, QTC 0. NE SD 2 M Net QNI 48, QTC 3.

DELTA DIVISION
ARKANSAS: SM, Roger Gray, N5QS, e-mail n5qs@arrl.org
– After long consideration, I have decided not to run for re-
election as Section Manager. This decision is due to many
factors including a conversation with Bob Ideker, WB5VUH.
His comments assured me that the projects that I feel are
most important will not be neglected if he is elected. The
most important reason for this decision was decided in the
Nov 7 election here in White County. It now appears that I will
be in a position to correct many years of mismanagement in
a county government agency as a department head for one
of the newly-elected officials. I expect to be working many
hours for a while just to get things back to a condition that is
acceptable for normal operations. I feel that this obligation
will not allow me to put the time necessary into my Section
Manager job and therefore plan to step down at the end of my
term. I want to thank everyone who has supported me for the
past 4 years and especially my section staff who have made
it a successful term. They deserve the credit for our success
over this period. All I did was put the right people in the right
places to do the work. Tfc and Nets (Oct): K5BOC 91, K7ZQR
66, AB5AU 54, AB5ZU 10, W5HDN 8, W5RXU 7, KK5QS 4,
AMN 43, APN 20, ARN 80, OZK 14.
LOUISIANA: SM, Mickey Cox, K5MC— Be sure to check out
the Web site at www.tchams.org/users/contest/laqp for re-
sults of the LA QSO Party. Congratulations to K5IQZ for his
appointment as a Member at Large of the NTS Central Area
Staff. Anyone interested in sharing ideas regarding the fu-
ture of Amateur Radio is invited to join ARRL-FIELD-ORG, a
new email reflector. Details on how to subscribe can be found
at www.qth.net/. All League appointees, in particular, are
encouraged to join the new reflector. On the recommenda-
tion of the BRARC, I have nominated Honor Roll Member
K5EOA to be a DXCC Card Checker. Under the new policy
adopted by the ARRL Board of Directors, each SM has one
nomination on behalf of his section and large DX clubs each
have one nomination. The only large DX club within the sec-
tion that probably qualifies now is the DDXA in New Orleans.
Thus, in the near future at least, we will probably have only
two card checkers to serve our DXCC members in LA. If you
have any comments about the changes in the DXCC Card
Checker program, be sure to contact K5UR, our Delta Divi-
sion Director. Hats off to the Lake Charles SWLARC for spon-
soring SWAMPFEST 2000. Everyone enjoyed the hamfest
and I was especially happy to meet a number of new faces.
Tfc: WB5ZED 810 (BPL), K5MC 315 (BPL), W5CDX 190,
W4DLZ 100, K5IQZ 91, KG5GE 41, K5DPG 22, KM5YL 6.
PSHR: K5MC 218, WB5ZED 197, K5IQZ 128, W5CDX 127,
K5DPG 121, KG5GE 105, W4DLZ 95, KM5YL 95, AC5JU 49.
Net Reports: sessions/QNI/QTC. LTN: 31/347/74. LCW: 29/
198/82.
MISSISSIPPI: SM, Malcolm Keown, W5XX— Regret to re-
port the passing of KD5P, past STM, and W5PVQ, a radio
pioneer in Southwest Mississippi. Nearly 100 hams, XYLs,
and harmonics converged on Paul B. Johnson State Park for
the annual ARRL Day in the Park. A great time was had by
all! Thanks to the MDXA for sponsoring the picnic and in
particular W5OXA, Chairman, N5FG, K5JZ, KC5LZY, and
N5WI. The Jackson ARC set up a Field Day Operation for the
Boy Scout Jamboree on the Air during the Andrew Jackson
Council Camporee near Clinton. The Tupelo ARC has gen-
erated a lot of interest by conducting foxhunts. Contact
KE4LWT for details. Congratulations to MDXA/KARC/
WJCARC (K5MDX)(#3) and the Vicksburg ARC (W5XX)(#7)
for making the Top Ten in Category 3A in Field Day 2000 (out
of 344 entries nationwide!). Good Show! DEC N5ZNT re-
ports that the Southwest Miss ARES provided communica-
tions for the annual Multiple Sclerosis Bicycle AMS Tour for
Cure. And don’t forget on New Year’s Eve that N5JCG will be
hosting the MSPN Y2K+1 New Year’s Eve Party. Contact
him for details. Season’ Greetings! Nets: Sess/QNI/QTC:
MSPN 31/3117/54, MTN 30/96/46, MSN 31/1096/13, PBRA
31/798/20, Jackson Co ARES/RACES 31/460/29, MSSN 22/
107/3, WCMS 13/118/3, Stone Co ARES 5/48/0, Lowndes Co
ARES 5/61/0, MCARA 5/57/0, JARCEN 5/85/2, LARCEN 5/
37/0, MBHN 4/28/0, NW Miss Skywarn 4/31/2. PSHR: KB5W
146, K5VV 129, W5XX 106, KJ5YY 73. Tfc: KB5W 426, K5VV
72, W5XX 8.
TENNESSEE: SM, O.D. Keaton, WA4GLS— UARC elects
KE4RQF-Pres, KB4UG-VP & KB4LHU-Sec/Treas as its new
officers. BSFARC hosted Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and adults
alike to JOTA Oct 21. A big thanks to all that participated.
Thanks to NARC personnel who participated in the Middle
TN Multiple Sclerosis 150 mile bike-a-thon: K4WME, KA4AU
N4BHO, N4VHM, N4LHW, WB4HCL, K4IHI, KE4ETY,
KE4TQO, KC4TMV, K4ANH, KB4IDC, KF4VCO, N4SYJ,
KG4BHH, KF4MCD, K5LKT, KF4OAH, KD4TYZ & Betty
Baker, Terri Burgess, Bryan Parkerson, Judith Pearson.
JCARA had a wonderful fall picnic with 29 in attendance.
KARC/BARC had 37 members, family and friends in atten-
dance at the joint clubs picnic on Bays Mt. The members of
CARC helped to make the MS 150 Bike Ride a success. There
were approximately 70 riders. There were no major problems
and the pledges were good. RCARS members are very active
in SKYWARN training. This program is being coordinated
along with the ARES program. More information may be ob-
tained by meeting the Rhea Co ARES/RACES net Sat at 9 PM
on 147.39+ and Meigs Co ARES/RACES net on Tues at 8:30
PM on 145.15 -; PL 141.3. Thanks to the ORARC members
who provided communications for the Alzheimers Memory
Walk on Sept 24. They were KC4RHW, KE4YBY, W4GEK,
KF4VZD, KR4EP, KE4TG, KD4PQP & KD4RIC. DRN-5 rpt 62

122
 sess, 512 QTC, TN rep 52% by KE4GYR and W4OGG. Net BN (L) 150 60 267 30 2200 3.577 NY8V
Sess/QTC/QNI: TEMPN 22/49/785; TEPN 26/29/2791; TMPN OSN 173 61 516 31 1810 3.708 WB8KQJ
31/17/2373; TCWN 23/26/152. TSCWN 26/20/148. Tfc: OSSBN 1955 547 2531 931030, 1615, 1845 3.9725 N8IO
WA4HKU 29, WB4DYJ 19, KE4GYR 16, W4SYE 14, WD4JJ OH Section ARES 1700Sn 3.875 WD8IHP
7, WA4GLS 3, WA4GZZ 1.
BN (L) Sep 1868 5 293 30 NY8V
GREAT LAKES DIVISION OSSBN Sep 1860 456 2404 90 N8IO
KENTUCKY: SM, Bill Uschan, K4MIS—ASM: Tom Lykins, Tfc: N8IXF 232, N8IO 225, WD8KFN 149, KB8TIA 136,
K4LID. SEC: Ron Dodson, KA4MAP. SGL: Bill Burger, N8RRB 132, WA8EYQ 127, N8TNV 124, W8STX 122,
WB4KY. ACC: Todd Schrader, KF4WFZ. TC: Scotty Thomp- KD8HB 121, KC8KYP 116, KA8VWE 115, N8BV 113, N8DD
son, KI4AT. PIC: Steve McCallum, W2ZBY. STM: John 91, WA8SSI 80, WB8HHZ 84. WA8HED 66, N8BO 63, N8WLE
Farler, K4AVX. BM: Ernie Pridemore, KC4IVG. November 61, N8YWX 57, KC8JKE 55, KD9K 51, KI8IM 49, KC8HJL 41,
11 started the “The Great Holiday Traffic Jam.” This should WB8SIQ 48, NS8C 48, W8PBX 41, K34C 43, W8RG 37, KK8J
prove to be a great contest. Hats off to the Hams in Eastern 35, WB8PG 29, WD8KBW 28, KC8PDY 27, NY8V 27,
Ky, especially WA4SWF, Fred Jones, and his ARES crew KB8WSG 25, KC4IYD 24, KX8B 23, N8CW 22, K8JMP 20,
during the slurry spill that occurred in October. The date for KI8O 20, N8GOB 19, KC8DMW 19, N8IBR 18, WD8QXT 18,
the Elizabethtown Hamfest has been changed to March 31, N7CEU 18, KB9KSR 17, KB8SIA 15, K8PJ 15, KC8HTP 13,
2001. Let’s take this opportunity to wish everyone and their KC8HPR 14, KB8SBK 7, K8QIP 3. (Sep) WD8KFN 174,
families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. New KD8HB 126, KA8CXG 117, KA8VWE 64, N8RRB 41, NY8V
Year’s eve will be kind of boring with out Y2K going on. Janu- 24, KC8HTP 23, KX8B 21, K3RC 21, KI8O 19, KB8TIA 19,
ary 1, 2000, the Kentucky Section will lose a Ham that I call KC8DWM 17, K8JMP 17, N8WLE 15, N8AUC 14, W8RPS 13,
an icon to Amateur Radio. He has led the NTS Hams for KC8KYP 7, N8RAK 6, K8WC 1.
several years and overseen the KY traffic nets for some time.
John Farler, K4AVZ, STM, is retiring and we have a new STM HUDSON DIVISION
coming on line. Effective 01-01-01, Mr. Mitchell, KG4EAB, EASTERN NEW YORK: SM, Rob Leiden, KR2L—STM: Pete
will become the new STM for the Kentucky Section. All Janu- Cecere, N2YJZ. SEC: Ken Akasofu, KL7JCQ. ACC: Shirley
ary traffic reports will go to Mitch. Address and other informa- Dahlgren, N2SKP. SGL: Herb Sweet, K2GBH. PIC: John
tion will be in the next edition of the SN. Net QNI/QTC/Sess/ Farina, WA2QCY. BM: Ed Rubin, N2JBA. OOC: Hal Post,
NM: KRN/701/22/22/N4AFP. KTN1/1107/30/31/ K4LID. AK2E. TC: Rudy Dehn W2JVF. ASM: Tom Raffaelli,
KTN2/1120/30/31/KB4VKS. KSN/203/39/30/KO4OL. CARN/ WB2NHC. ASM: Bob Chamberlain, N2KBC. ASM: Andrew
366/30/30/AD4EI. TSTMN/431/27/31/KG4EAB. 4ARES/417/ Schmidt, N2FTR. ASM: Richard Sandell, WK6R. ASM: Phil
31/31/WA4RRR. Tfc: K4AVX 37, WD4JAW 25. KO4OL 33. Bradway, KB2HQ. Net Reports (October 2000) Check-ins
K4YKI 4. PSHR: AE4NW, 99, KD4PWL 59. (QNI)/Traffic handled (QTC+QSP): AES 54/14 CDN 296/149
MICHIGAN SM: Dick Mondro, W8FQT (w8fqt@arrl.org)— ESS 348/152 HVN 591/184 NYPHONE 220/573 NYPON 354/
ASM: Roger Edwards, WB8WJV (wb8wjv@arrl.net). ASM: 383 NYS/E 321/364 NYS/M 153/111 NYS/L 245/502
John Freeman, N8ZE (n8ze@arrl.net). SEC: Deborah NYSPTEN 359/98. The NYC Marathon was a blast! If you’re
Kirkbride, KA8YKK (ka8ykk@arrl.net). STM: James Wades, interested in helping out next year, let me know. Is your emer-
WB8SIW (wb8siw@arrl.net). ACC: Sandra Mondro, KG8HM gency gear ready for Winter (including your vehicle)? Re-
(kg8hm@arrl.net). OOC: Donald Sefcik, N8NJE (n8nje@ member the ice and snow storms of past years! 73 de KR2L.
arrl.net). PIC/SNE: David Colangelo, KB8RJI (dcolangelo@ PSHR: N2YJZ 202 KC2DAA 188 N2JBA 174 W2AKT 150
ameritech.net). SGL: Ed Hude, WA8QJE (edhude@ WB2ZCM 149 W2JHO 148. Tfc: N2YJZ 213, N2JBA 96,
juno.com). TC: Dave Smith (DSmith@smithassoc.com). KC2DAA 83, W2JHO 54, WB2ZCM 41, WB2IIV 34, W2AKT
Youth Activities: Steve Lendzion, KC8MCQ (kc8mcq@ 25, KL7JCQ 15, K2AVV 14, WB2UWU 6, WA2BSS 2, N2AWI
arrl.net); BM: Thomas Durfee, Jr.,WI8W (wi8w@arrl.net). 1, KC2BUW 1.
Traffic reports for October 2000: KB8ZYY 243; K8GA NEW YORK CITY / LONG ISLAND: SM, George Tranos,
210;AA8PI 194; K8LJG 126; W8RTN 123; N8FPN 95; KA9EIZ N2GA—ASM: KA2D, N1XL, K2YEW, W2FX, KB2SCS. SGL:
94; K8AE 80; K8KV 74; WX8Y 62; AA8SN 54; W8RNQ 41; N2TX. SEC: KA2D. ACC: N2MUN. PIC-East: N2RBU. PIC-
K3UWO 29; K8UPE 28; WI8K 23; W8YIQ 23; K8ZJU 18; West: K2DO. TC: K2LJH. BM: W2IW. OOC: N1XL. STM:
WA8DHB 18; KC8GMT 14; W8RF 14; N8TDE 13; K8KIR 11; WA2YOW. Congratulations to Bill, WB2GTG, on receiving
K8AI 8; K8JN 8; K8JN 8; KI8GR 5; N8UN 4; N8EXS 1. Happy the Brass Pounders League Medallion! Congrats to new club
New Year 2001, the beginning of the New Millennium. I would officers: LIMARC: President - WA2CNJ, VP - K2DO, Secre-
like to welcome back Ed Hude, WA8QJE, as our State Gov- tary - K2JAN, Treas - K2RB. Ham Radio University 2001 (and
ernment Liaison and thank John LaRock, K8XD, for filling in the NLI Section Convention) is THIS month on Sunday, Janu-
for Ed during his absence due to work commitments. Con- ary 21, 2001, at Babylon Town Hall Annex in North Babylon.
gratulations to the Bay Area Amateur Radio Club of Bay City First session starts at 9 AM - doors open 8 AM. There will be
for earning second place nationally in the “Frequency” Movie many new forums and an expanded program. Don’t miss
PR Contest, sponsored by ARRL, and winning a log periodic what is becoming the best winter event in our section! Talk-
beam. At a recent District 5 Volunteer Recognition Ceremony in on 146.685 MHz. Check the NLI Webpage at www.
held in Kalamazoo, Michigan State Police Emergency Man- arrlhudson.org/nli for more information. The NLI staff wishes
agement Division Captain Ed Buikema along with Kalamazoo you a Happy and Healthy New Year! NYC/LI VE exam list
County Sheriff Thomas Edmonds presented awards to the follows: Manhattan: BEARS, ABC Cafeteria, 125 West End
following: Art Snapper, NK8X, Doug Burke, WB8CFV, Paul Ave at 66th Street, Contact Jerry Cudmore W2JRC at 212-
Reissmann, WD8MWT, Andrej Sensnovis, KB8QGR, Jim 456-5224 for dates & times; East Village ARC, 2nd Friday at
Green, KB8VZE, Scott Garvison, KA8JNO, and Randy 7 PM, Laguardia HS, Amsterdam Ave and West 65th Street,
Kruger, KI8BM. Congratulations for being recognized by our Manhattan. Contact Robina Asti, KD2IZ, at 212-838-5995;
served agencies as Michigan Section Volunteers. Now that Columbia University VE Team, 3rd Monday at 6:30 PM,
the Winter doldrums are with us again, getting out to local club Watson Lab, 6th Floor, 612 West 115th Street, Manhattan.
meetings and participation in public service activities would Contact Alan Crosswell, N2YGK, at 212-854-3754; Queens:
be a great way to pass the hours and days till the Spring Hellenic ARC, 4th Tuesday at 6:30 PM, Pontion Society, 31-
sunshines warm again. 73, Dick. Please support the following 25 23rd Ave, Astoria, NY. Contact George Anastasiadis,
Section Nets: KF2PG, at 516-937-0775. Nassau County: Grumman ARC
Net QNI QTC Sess NM Freq Time Day (W5YI), 2nd Tuesday at 5 PM, Northrop-Grumman Plant 5,
QMN no report WB8SIW 3.663 6:30 Daily South Oyster Bay Road via Hazel Street, Bethpage, NY.
&10 PM Contact Bob Wexelbaum, W2ILP, at 631-499-2214; LIMARC,
MACS 203 42 29 W8RNQ 3.953 11 AM Daily Exams every 2nd Saturday only on odd months (Jan, Mar,
(1 PM Sun)
MITN 448 228 31 N8FPN 3.952 7 PM Daily May, Jul, Sep, Nov) at 9 AM, NY Institute of Technology, 300
UPN 1149 46 36 AA8SN 3.921 5 PM Daily Building, Room 311, Northern Blvd, Greenvale, NY. Contact
(Noon Sun) Al Bender W2QZ at 516-623-6449. Suffolk County: Great
GLETN 566 99 31 VE3SCY 3.932 9 PM Daily South Bay ARC, Normally, 4th Sunday at 12 noon, Babylon
SEMTN 511 49 31 WI8K 146.640 10:15 PM Daily Town Hall, ARES/RACES Room, 200 East Sunrise Hwy, North
WSSBN 1360 804 31 WB8ICN 3.935 7 PM Daily
D8 ARES 16 0 3 VE3EUI 3.932 7:30 PM Friday
Lindenhurst. Contact Tom Carrubba at 631-422-9594;
VHF Nets 835 36 38 KB8ZYY Various Larkfield ARC, 2nd Saturday in Feb, May, Sep, Nov, Hunting-
MI-ARPSC 78 6 6 W8FQT 3.932 5 PM Sun ton Town Hall, Room 114. Contact Stan Mehlman, N2YKT, at
631-423-7132; Peconic ARC, exams held January, April, July,
OHIO: SM: Joe Phillips, K8QOE, Fairfield, (to contact me, see and October on next to last Friday at 6:30 PM at Southold
page 12—Three Field Day groups puffed out their chests School, Oaklawn Ave, Southold, NY. Contact Ralph Williams
when December QST announced results from June but none N3VT at 631-323-3646. Mid Island ARC, last Weds of each
so far as Delaware ARA (K8ES) which finished third in North month at 7 PM at 36 Dew Flag Rd, Ridge NY 11961, Contact:
America in Four Alpha and within shouting distance of first Mike Christopher W2IW at 631-924-3535. Report all changes
place. They tell me watch out next year. But also finishing to N2GA before the 12th of the month. Tfc: WB2GTG 524,
third from Ohio in the respective categories were Mad River N2AKZ 191, W2RJL 120, KB2KLH 102, WA2YOW 40,
RC of Dayton (K8MAD) in the popular Two Alpha and West KA2YDW 10, KA2UEC 7, KC2FWD 6, N2TEE 5.
Park Radiops of Cleveland (W8VM) in Two Alpha-Battery.
And Case ARC of Cleveland Hts. (W8EDU) finished 11 in the NORTHERN NEW JERSEY: SM, Jeff Friedman, K3JF— I
difficult One Alpha Battery....At the beginning of a new year, wish that everyone had great holidays, and that they are
it is wise for all Ohio clubs to remember to send your club happy and healthy for the New Year— the real millennium.
annual report to ARRL HQ. Please keep us current on your Tfc: K2VX, KC2AHS 54, N2OPJ 54, W2MTO 50, N2RPI 41,
activities and your leadership. It’s easy to do online - just go KB2VRO 30, W2JG 29, N2GJ 26, K2PB 17, W2CC 16, K2DBK
to the ARRL database and search for your club’s data. At the 11, KC2ANN 10, KB2VVB 8.
bottom of the page is a link for you to update the data. Other
questions? Contact Ohio ACC, Brenda Krukowski, MIDWEST DIVISION
kb8iup@arrl.net...Plan ahead. Mark your calendars for the IOWA: SM, Jim Lasley, N0JL—Happy New Year! TSARCN is
Ohio Section Conference, Saturday, September 15, 2001. at it again! They have been awarded a WalMart “Making the
OHIO SECTION CONGRATS (A) To Mahoning Valley ARC Difference Award.” Congratulations! And well done! The edi-
(Youngstown) for achieving 75 years of affiliation with the tor of the “Bandspread” says that it is easier to create the
ARRL. Great Lakes Division Director George Race, Newsletter with too much information than when there is too
WB8BGY, traveled from Michigan to present the award cer- little. Boy, is that an understatement! With that said, please
tificate, (B)) To Lancaster and Fairfield County ARC officers send me your newsletters... and help your local editor also.
for 2001, Charlie Snoke, N8KZN, pres; Larry Wright, KB8AHK, DMRAA did three events on Sep 30. The Ottumwa club worked
veep; Ed Campbell, Sr., WD8PGO; Kevin Numbers, KC8MTV, Oktoberfest once again. There were 7 amateurs participat-
sec; Candy Wright, KC8NQG; activities mgr, (C) To Paula ing? DARC officers for ’01 are K9UQI, N9TPQ, K9FHX,
DiGennaro, KA8HQJ, for being named Greater Dayton Area WM0D, plus N0BFJ and W0OMV are new to the board. EIDXA
Realtor of the year. Jan. Hamfest at Nelsonville for Sunday elected new officers. I’ll let you know who they are when I find
Creek ARF (14.), ...de K8QOE. Now for October traffic re- out. They are also ordering new shirts and jackets. That should
ports - Some September reports are included in this count. make them a distinctive bunch! Story County had a program
Net QNI QTC QTR Sess Time Freq NM on chasing DX. They will soon have a Web page also. I have
BN (E) 123 400 232 31 1845 3.577WD8KFN no URL. The Northern Iowa club had their Christmas dinner
meeting at the Rose Bowl on Dec 15. I guess that was early

124
 enough not to interfere with the football game. I hear that six
meters has been really hot lately! Did you work any new ones?
How did you do in SS? TSARCN is spending some the earn-
ings from the summer for three new tower sections for the
repeater and new feedline. They have been using some al-
most as old as mine. New officers for FMARC are WB0B,
KB0ERK, and KA0DX. Time flies when you are having fun.
Another year is gone. Each of us is another year older. Have
you done something new? HNY! Newsletters were received
from CVARC, TSARCN, DMRAA, DARC, EIDXA, SCARC,
CARC, SEITS, NIARC, CVARC, FMARC, OARC. Traffic:
W0SS 171, KA0ADF 97, N0JL 22, (Sep) KA0ADF 91.
KANSAS: SM, Orlan Cook, W0OYH—SET is alive and well in
Kansas thanks to the following: DEC KA0RID. ECs N0BTH
K0UO N0OBM KB0WEQ N0APJ WD0DDG KC0AUH K0FJ
K0DXY. The Ks Sideband Net racked up 278 points es 95 for
QKS CW tfc net. KSBN NCSs were W0TQ W0NBT KB0DTI
and N0KFS. For more see the “KAR” October newsletter es
don’t forget http:/www.colossus.org/kar/ for other Ks info.
Kevin KC0YGL of Salina has accepted the DEC job for Dist 2
and Sid N0OBM has taken Kevin EC job. Bud, N0APJ, of
Lawrence has taken the EC position there. We have a new
TS, Gary, N0OU, of Hardtner. If you have a net you would like
to get listed in the ARRL Net Directory or one updated, go to
http://www.arrl.org/field/nets/ Sep Kansas Nets: sessions/
QNI/QTC, KSBN 30/1023/79 KPN 22/298/31 KMWN 30/605/
453 KWN 30/796/491 CSTN26/1995/91 QKS 60/278/68 QKS-
SS 6/11/0 SEC 45/520/12. QNS KC0ABN KB0AMY KC0AUH
N0BTH K0BXF KC0CIG WD0DDG WD0DVM (SEC) AA0HJ
AA0IQ K0JJV N0LJR W0PBV WA0SSR N0UXG KB0WEQ
KB0YQV TEN 289 msgs 60 sessions Kans 75% w/KB0DTI
AC0E AA0OF KX0I K0PY W0WWR NB0Z WB0ZNY W0SS
mgr. BBS AA0HJ received 23 W1AW Bulletins, Sent 6 Per-
sonal NTS tfc 0. Ks Stns tfc: W0WWR 110, WB0ZNY 83,
NB0Z 44, W0OYH 36, KB0DTI 35, K0RY 25, N0RZ 15, N0ZIZ
2 OBS, WA0DTH 12. Room 4 UR report here.
MISSOURI: SM, Dale Bagley, K0KY— ASM: John Seals,
WR0R. ASM: Bill Coby, KB0MWG. ACC: Keith Haye, WE0G.
BM: Brian Smith, KI0MB. OOC: Mike Musick, N0QBF. PIC:
Dennis McCarthy, AA0A. SGL: E.B. DeCamp, KD0UD. STM:
Charles Boyd, KE0K. SEC: Patrick Boyle, K0JPB. TC:
Wayland McKenzie, K4CHS. Cliff Ahrens, K0CA DXCC Card
Checker. For more news, checkout ARRL MO Web page
http://www.qsl.net/arrl-mo. MO Traffic Nets, Daily: SSB
3.963 MHz 5:45 PM. CW 7:00 PM and 9:45 PM 3.585 MHz.
The first Hamfest in 2001 will be in St Joseph, MO, on January
20, 2001, with the Northwest MO Winter Hamfest. Sponsored
by the MO Valley ARC and the Ray-Clay ARC this is always
a fun event. Next up is Winterfest 2001 in St Charles. The
Hamfest, sponsored by the St. Louis Repeater Inc, is one of
the largest in the St Louis area. A thanks to all of the radio
clubs that have been sending me their newsletters. I am glad
to get them as hard copy or on the Internet. Some of the clubs
include PHD ARA, Bootheel ARC, Kimberling ARC, Heart of
America Radio Club, Macon County ARC, Hannibal ARC,
Warrensburg ARC, Audrain ARC, NEMO ARC, Lebanon ARC,
Mid-Missouri ARC, Boeing Employees ARC, St Charles ARC,
Suburban ARC, and Southwest MO ARC. Jeff Young, KB3HF,
has been appointed to the position of Emergency Coordinator
for St Charles County. John Bowzer, N0YXG, is now the
Emergency Coordinator for Buchanan County. A special
thanks to John Seals, WR0R, ASM and Patrick Boyle, K0JPB,
for their help with the ARRL exhibit and ARES program at the
Southside Hamfest in Grandview, MO. Net Sess/QNI/QTC:
QCWA 35/4/40/0; WARRCI 5/105/0; MTN 31/421/68 K0IPM;
Rollabillboard 30/394/7; N0ATH Rpt 102/0; Jackson Co ARES
4/49/0; 10th region 65% 62/279 W0SS, K0VNB, W0OUD,
K9RTV, W2RRX. Tfc: KE0K 77, PSHR: KE0K 105.
NEBRASKA: SM, Bill McCollum - KE0XQ—ASMs: W0KVM,
N0MT, WY0F, WB0ULH & WB0YWO. Congratulations go to
the AK-SAR-BEN ARC for placing first in the Frequency
Amateur Radio promotion. K0NSA & W0NSA were the orga-
nizers of a job well done. The first prize was an ICOM 746,
Heil microphone, 500 ft of RG8X, antenna and antenna switch.
Midwest Division Director W0EJ made the presentation at the
November 10th meeting. On October 7, a joint SET was held
by the MARES and Sarpy County ARES organizations. It in-
volved approximately 50 amateurs from the 2 county areas.
W0ERT reports that his ARES organization also conducted a
SET that same day. Thanks to all who participated in the
event. N0TRK has been appointed an Official Emergency
Station. The Ashland ARC assisted the police department on
Halloween, keeping the streets safe for trick or treaters. Net
Reports: MARES: QNI 304, QTC 5 & 8 sessions. MID NE
ARES: QNI 387, QTC @ & 31 sessions. NE 40M Net: QNI
414, QTC 13 & 28 sess. NMPN QNI 1674, QTC 11 & 31 sess.
West NE Net: QNI 1489, QTC 160 & 26 sess. ENE ARES: QNI
513, QTC 2 & 30 sess (Oct). W0IRZ Memorial Net: QNI 68,
QTC 3 & 5 sess. NE Storm Net: QNI 914, QTC 16 & 31 sess.
Tfc: KE0XQ 22, W0RWA 10, KC0DA 4, W0WHY 2, KB0MTT
2, W0EXK 2, KA0O 2, KA0DOC 2, K0RRL 2, WY0F 2,
KA0DBK 2. PSHR: KB0YTO 36, KB0YTM 22, KC0HOX 51,
KA0DBK 81.

NEW ENGLAND DIVISION

CONNECTICUT: SM, Betsey Doane, K1EIC—BM: KD1YV.
OOC: W1GC. PIC: W1FXQ. SEC: WA1D. SGL: K1AH. STM:
K1HEJ. TC: W1FAI. I wish you all a very happy and healthy
holiday season and hope that the New Year brings you all the
very best that life has to offer. I am writing this just before
Thanksgiving thinking about how grateful I am to all of you
volunteers out there who continue to do so much for the hobby.
My experience over the last nine years has been and contin-
ues to be very pleasant working in a section that I think enjoys
a good team spirit. Oh sometimes we have a hard time recruit-
ing volunteers—we’re all busy but the cooperation among you
is noticed and absolutely appreciated. DEC Roger, K1PAI,
and SEC Darrow, WA1D, have appointed Jim, KD1LD, as
assistant DEC for SKYWARN in CT, a position formerly held
by Lenny, N1PTG. Thanks to Len for a super job—you were
always there to get nets activated! Jim is well known for his
work with weather. Just check out his Web site: http://
www.99main.com/~kd1ld/wxpage.html. Please give him your
full support. The Valley ARA has moved its meeting place to
the EOC in Shelton. Members are considering putting together
a club station at their new meeting place! For further info
contact Jon N1BDF President. CT has a new club organized
by Dan K3UFG—The CT Amateur Radio League of Youth.

126
 This club has just received its certificate of ARRL affiliation! our own best interest. // Wishing you all a Happy New Year
Congratulations to you all! Congrats, too, to John, W1JMA, and a year filled with fulfilling communications!
formerly N2DVX on becoming VP of the CT Spectrum Man- WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS: SM, William C. Voedisch,
agement Assn. Contact info: w1jma@aol.com. Net sess/QNI/ W1UD, w1ud@arrl.org—ASM: N1NZC. ASM (digital) KD1SM.
QTC/NM: ECTN 31/255/46/WA4QXT; WESCON 32/297/97/ STM: W1SJV. SEC: K1VSG. OOC: WT1W. Ten meters is
KA1GWE; NVTN 32/125/63/KB1CTC; CPN 32/284/113/ open to all areas of the world on a daily basis. K5K asked for
N1DIO; CN 29/120/60/N1AEH; CT NTSD 56/976/947/ QRP stations, and I turned the rig to 5 watts and worked them.
W1WCG. Tfc: NM1K 1907, K1TLK 1050, KA1VEC 335, Peter, K1II, Eric, N1QKO, and Tom, N1MUV, presented
KA1GWE 140, KA1VED 110, K1STM 66, WA4QXT 54, RACES, SKYWARN and ARES to the Mt Tom meeting during
KB1ETO 7. their Oct meeting. Don, N1ISB, and George, KB2SAI, won
EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS: This month’s column was co- NOBARC’s foxhunt for June followed by Tim, KE3HT, in Aug
authored by the two SM candidates Stan Laine, WA1ECF, and Todd, N1HXR, in Sept. Under the guidance of Steve,
and Phil Temples, K9HI. With sadness, we note the passing KA1PIJ, and Paul, N1ISB, the Fall Foliage Parade in N Adams
of Richard McGinn, WA1IMS, of Bridgewater. Amateurs had commo backup furnished by NOBARC group. It with re-
turned out in numbers to provide communications for the gret that I have to announce the passing of W1IPZ, of Shirley,
recent Head of the Charles event in Cambridge. KY1B, MA. Gerry was a life member of the MARA club. A good friend,
Chelmsford, has been playing baseball on the championship excellent operator and Elmer to many, he will be missed. If
Labrador Retrievers team. Billerica ARS sponsored an infor- you know a ham that has not been active, give him a call and
mation booth at the recent Yankee Doodle Day celebration. encourage him to get back on the air. Tfc: W1ZPB 29, N1SSC
A dozen hams from the Massasoit ARA operated HF and 14, N1ISB 11, N1WAS 61, KD1SM 11, K1TMA 211, W1SJV
VHF at the annual Edaville Cranberry festival on Oct. 7. 18, W1UD 237. (Sep) W1ZPB 87.
MARA was invited to participate by W1IFX, who is a conduc-
tor on the trains there. This year’s New England Division NORTHWESTERN DIVISION
ARRL Convention at Boxboro was bigger and better than
ever, according to K1TWF. Falmouth ARA holding a class for ALASKA: SM, Kent Petty, KL5T — We are looking to in-
the General license. Whitman ARC is planning its annual crease the number of Official Observers throughout the Sec-
Plimoth Plantation Special Event operation on Thanksgiving tion. Contact KL5T or KL7IKX for info. Alaska HF Pactor
weekend as WA1NPO. Boston ARC organized several dozen Gateway Network is expanding. We need stations at major
hams who turned out to assist at the recent Jimmy Fund Walk hubs throughout AK. AL7PI is heading the effort. Get ready to
along the Boston Marathon route. The event raised $3.3 sharpen your traffic handling skills. Girl Scout campout this
million to benefit the Dana Farber Cancer Institute for chil- upcoming summer may generate hundreds of pieces of traf-
dren. N1NHZ looking for more hams to become involved in fic! Are your nets prepared to handle the volume? We are still
the Boston Emergency Response Team. At this writing, many looking for a sponsor for our state PRB-1 effort. Will your state
groups are planning their involvement in the Scout Jamboree representative be willing to help? Contact your State Govern-
On The Air. What about your club? Kudos to the Norwood ment Liaison, Rob Wilson, AL7KK for input. HF nets: Sniper’s
ARA for a very sharp, attractive e-newsletter, at http:// Net 3920 1800 AST, Bush Net 7093 2000 AST, Motley Group
www.qsl.net/k1jmr/newsletr.html. Harvard Wireless Club 3933 2100 AST, and Alaska Pacific Net 14292 M-F 0830 AST.
(W1AF) is making history again: HWC is licensed as Please report communication drills and exercises, emergency
WA2XSY/3 for experimental operation on 5 MHz! Look for communication activations, and public service activities on
them and other experimental stations, operating from 5.125 FSD-157 to KL5T.
to 5.450 MHz on voice, cw and digital modes. Congrats to EASTERN WASHINGTON: SM, Kyle Pugh, KA7CSP—I just
W1GSL and the MIT Radio Society for concluding another heard of a new radio service created by the FCC called
successful flea market season. MITRS and other area clubs “MURS”, the Multi Use Radio Service on the 1521 MHz band.
operate a flea on the MIT campus monthly every April until This could challenge ham radio as repeaters are permitted
October. Framingham ARA will hold its bi-annual flea market along with phone patching, packet, data, and external anten-
on November 5 as of this writing. Incidentally, their recent nas. Users can use up to 2 watts of ERP. I’m wondering, too,
License in a Week class was a huge success with 17 new with more people sending e-mails if sending messages via
licensees! Tfc: N1LKJ 374, KB1AJ 170, W2EAG 113, Amateur Radio is becoming more of a novelty than a neces-
WA1FNM 111, K1BZD 84, WA1LPM 71, NZ1D 50, K1SEC 44, sity. In memoriam: Leon Anderson, KF7GL, of Spokane be-
N1IST 39, K8SH 38, N1LAH 35, KD1LE 35, N1AJJ 28, N1TPU came a Silent Key on October 29th. All 9 OO stations re-
28, N1TDF 12, KB1EB 12, WA1VRB 11. ported monitoring activity for September. 73, KA7CSP. Net
MAINE: SM, Bill Woodhead, N1KAT— RF activity was run- Activity: WSN: QNI 873, tfc 237; Noontime Net: QNI 8905, tfc
ning 20 over in the month of October. From Fort Kent to Kittery, 362; WARTS: QNI 3405, tfc 113. Tfc: K7GXZ 272, W7GB 194,
it gives me great pleasure to tell you that the fine folks in the K7BFL 93, KA7EKL 66, KK7T 19. PSHR: W7GB 138, K7GXZ
most northern part of the state, involved with the St. John 121.
Valley ARA, have become League affiliated. Congratulations IDAHO: SM, M.P. Elliott, K7BOI—OOC: N7GHV. SEC: AA7V.
to all of you! Fort Foster in Kittery was where hundreds of STM: W7GHT. Section winners of high score for Field Day
young scouts were given a dynamic display of Amateur Radio 2000 are N7CE and WC7F - N7CE with 4,220 points in the
by the following: W1CEK, W1PIE, AA1SB, AA1MI, AA1CA, multi-op category and WC7F with 1,645 points in the individual
N1LBG, and KA1GJB. Terrific job! From Central Maine, at the category. N7CE had 5 operators in category 2A-battery. WC7F
Topsham Fairgrounds, N1MHC, N1RY and W1ME did a great won in category 1B-battery (second year in a row)! Congrats to
job with the Boy Scouts in showing them the future in commu- all Idaho participants! The Section awards plaques for the high
nications with satellite demonstrations. From Down East, scores in multi-op and individual categories each year. Make a
K2LOT was working with the Girl Scouts to give the future YLs goal to be involved Field Day 2001 and bring home the hard-
a hands-on with the wireless world. Camp Roosevelt, just ware! Idaho Bureau of Disaster Services reports an increase in
outside of Bangor was the scene of a tremendous display of SET participants in 2000. Thanks for the help! 73 - Mike, K7BOI.
contribution of time and labor to show future Hams tomorrow’s Tfc: W7GHT 348, WB7VYH 92, KB7GZU 55, N7MPS 2. PSHR:
technology, tnx to: K1GUP, W1WL, W1CN, N1GNN, N1OJH, W7GHT 127, WB7VYH 113, N7MPS 25. Nets: FARM 31/ 2551/
N1ATO, W1SUE, W1COP, W1CHC, N1WTC, N1TCM, 35/W7WJH; NWTN 31/918/67/KC7UND; IDACD 23/388/10/
N1UAM, N1OJD, N1UCP, N1ZPM, N1UHG, N1NGM, K7UBC; IMN-31/416/ 256/W6ZOH. http://id_arrl.homestead.
N1UHN. A fantastic job was done by the Portland WA in host- com/mainpage.html.
ing the AMSAT 2000 Convention. Tfc: W1KX 150, W1JTH 45, MONTANA: SM, Darrell Thomas, N7KOR—It is an honor
W1UNQ 39, W1QU 37, N1JBD 30, KA1RFD 23, W1JX 22, having two members of the MT Section as members of Team
W1BLT18, KA2ZKM 10. USA in the ADRF World Championships in Nanjing, China.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: SM, Al Shuman, N1FIK (n1fik@arrl Congratulations to Harley , KI7XF, and Karla, KC7BLA,
.org)— Web site (www.nhradio.org) I hope everyone is enjoy- Leach of Bozeman, MT, for being selected to the team.
ing their holiday season. I continue to work on assembling the Members of YARES, the emergency communications group
Field Organization Management team. Pleased to announce of the Yellowstone Radio Club participated on October 18
the ASM appointment of Bryan King, K1SNH, for Technology with the National Weather Service in Billings. The Weather
Iniatives. An in-depth job description appears on the Web site Service issued a simulated severe weather warning involv-
under “What’s New”. By the time this column appears, NH will ing a winter storm. YARES members responded to the vari-
have held its Simulated Emergency Test (SET) on 11/18. The ous warning siren sites around the city to confirm operation
prime focus this year is to identify skills and assets in NH. of each. Other members reported to the Emergency Operat-
ARES has begun the re-building process with the appoint- ing Center and conducted HF contact for DES with the State
ments of Harvey Schow, W1ZIZ, and Jeffery, Demers, using the Montana Traffic Net. Traffic was sent to the MT
N1SNB, as ECs for Manchester & West Rockingham districts. State EOC. This group continues to be heavily involved with
I have also begun visiting clubs with CNHARC on 11/7 and County Agencies in Emergency Communications. JOTA was
IRS and Amoskeag on 11/9. I hope to visit more of you before well represented in the Section. The Great Falls Area ARC
the heavy snow. Sad to report of the passing of Rob Fair, set up their tower trailer and full Amateur Station at a local
WA1UKV. Rob was a valued member of the CVRC. Thank you shopping mall and invited scouts from the entire area to
to those who have contacted me offering to volunteer. We still participate. 32 scouts responded making 29 contacts in 17
need more people to help with the workload. If interested in states and the Providence of Ontario. Net/QNI/QTC/NM MSN
volunteering please e-mail me or call at 603-487-3333 with 121/2, MTN 1849/51 N7AIK, IMN 416/256 W6ZOH. PSHR:
your strengths and interests. Don’t forget to check your gen- N7AIK 116.
erator and again happy holidays -73, Al. Net NM/sess/QNI/ OREGON: SM, Bill Sawders, K7ZM—On November 10th, I
QTC: GSFM N1RCQ 31/2229/34; GSPN WB1GXM/29/136/ attended a Deschutes County workshop regarding cell tower
82; VTNH WA1JVV/31/125/107. Tfc: W1PEX 880, WA1JVV and Amateur Radio tower proposals. Both were tied together
140, W1ALE 55, WB1GXM 30, N1NH 18, N1CPX 14, K1STV in a single ordinance. I spoke of how ham radio today is
11. helping law enforcement and other emergency teams, and
RHODE ISLAND: SM, Armand Lambert, K1FLD— ASM: gave reasons why towers should be higher than the pro-
W1YRC. OOC: W1AOM. STM: KA1JXH. TC: N1DKF. PIC: posed 30 foot maximum. I reminded the commissioners how
WB1P. SEC: N1JMA. Perched high atop Landmark Medical hams helped during our most recent fires, floods, earth-
Center in N Smithfield, the emergency antenna installed by quakes and hurricanes, and how we worked together with
BVARC members proved to have far reaching results even the Red Cross and other officials. Finally, I introduced PRB-
though the test was conducted using low power to simulate 1 and Oregon Senate Bill 879 to them and there was a dis-
emergency conditions. Thanks for the great project accom- cussion. Finally, a vote. “Let’s adopt the wording of Senate
plished by AA1VU, KB1CW, KD1YM, W1YRC, WA1E, Bill 879 and insert it into our county ordinance, keeping
N1WWG, K1PZY, N1MIU, K1FLD, N1BU, N1DO, KB1RJF, Amateur Radio out of the proposed cell tower and wireless
WB1P, K1KML, N1MUB, W1AUT, and WA1UKR. // Fidelity legislation”. Even thought the Senate Bill states a 70-foot limi-
Amateur Radio Club reports progress on their emergency tation, all present towers are grandfathered and a future
communication trailer is on schedule and will be ready for meeting will be held to increase the Amateur Radio tower
Field Day 2001. Check out the photo of their Field Day site on height to 130 feet in “designated areas.” Scenic areas, such
page 107 QST Dec. issue. // The 223.76 Lincoln repeater is as along the Deschutes River and various waterways, and
back on the air after a thorough maintenance thanks to Steve, where c.c. & r’s prohibit antenna structures, will prevail. I wish
WA1POX. // The ARRL Spectrum Defense Fund is again in to thank Wayne Jack, KK7TT, and others who got involved
need of our support as little Leo’s are surfacing again as a with this motion. Had it not been for them, this ordinance could
threat to amateur radio frequencies. Contribution can be made have passed through committee, and became law within our
at any time. Keep in mind that supporting the league supports community. This scenario can happen in your area, too. Keep

128
 your eyes and ears wide open. Check your local newspaper
for county meetings and workshops, and be ready to join oth-
ers in keeping our hobby free of city and county ordinances
regulating Amateur Radio. Keep in touch. NTS traffic totals
for October: W7IZ 113. K7NLM 107, N7YSS 101, W7VSE 69,
KC7ZZB 67, KC7SRL 55, N7DRP 30, KC7SGM 8, KK1A 4.
WESTERN WASHINGTON: SM, Harry Lewis, W7JWJ—Are
you prepared for an emergency? Let’s assume the lights go
out while you are reading this column. Where is the flash-
light, your handheld? How do you operate that HF trans-
ceiver? Of course your furnace won’t start and it’s freezing
outside. Don’t expect your car to start, the radiator is frozen.
By morning the only thing not frozen will be the food in your
refrigerator. Of course you will know when the thaw arrives
because your basement will be flooded. What? Your toolbox
is under water? And you didn’t remember to turn off the water
to the outside water faucets last fall? Should we have a per-
sonal simulated emergency test every day? The only way to
prepare for a real one is training and practice. Section Emer-
gency Coordinator N7NVP comments as follows: The Simu-
lated Emergency Test (SET) was the primary focus last
October. Fortunately, there is no standard or mandated way
to conduct SET. Every unit has its own specific training and
operational needs. The units who did SET are better off for
it. Those who didn’t please consider conducting a training
event that will enhance your overall performance and useful-
ness to the community. When you have meaningful training,
membership participation increases and a normal comment
afterward will be, “We need more of this.” Thank you to ev-
eryone who took part in SET. Perhaps next year we can have
District/Regional level SET and exercise Regional nets with
the State. Real world activity included; Jefferson Co where
ARES assisted an overdue hiker and Cowlitz Co conducted
an ELT search. Do you check in to the 75 meter traffic nets.
Are you on time? Late check ins are of little value to a net.
Here are a few of the traffic handlers and their report for
October. N7AJ 26, K7BDU 698, W7BO 179, W7LG 127,
K7MQF 79, W7NWP 166, W7QM 73, K7SUQ 18, W7TVA
254, N7YSS 101, W7ZIW 174. Fortunately the Official Ob-
servers of Western Washington had little to report during the
fall months. Check out: http://www.hamtowerlaw.com and
RCW 35.21.315 which directs that cities be reasonable and
accommodating to radio amateurs. Perhaps a new law in
Washington may emerge before Spring. 73.
PACIFIC DIVISION
EAST BAY: SM: Andy Oppel, KF6RCO—ASMs: KC6TYB,
KE6QJV. SEC: KE6NVU. DECs: KE6QJV/Alameda County,
KO6JR/Contra Costa County, WA7IND/Napa County,
K6HEW/Solano County, N6UOW/Training, W6CPO/Techni-
cal Services, KQ6TM/Section Plans and Administration.
OOC: KD6FFN. STM: W6DOB. ACC: KC6TYB. EB Web Page:
http://www.pdarrl.org/ebsec/. Webmaster is KB6MP.
Congrats to new section appointees: STM: W6DOB, ACC:
KC6TYB, Alameda County DEC: KE6QJV. Many thanks to
AD6KV for many years of service as ALCO DEC. MDARC
mourns the loss of long time member KJ6YE. ORCA mourns
the loss of W6FDJ. VVRC reports that N6ZU is back home
and doing well. CCCC members showed their resourceful-
ness (and hard work) in getting an old repeater online while
their new one was being repaired. ROVARC made the job fun
by holding a QSL signing party. Oct tfc: W6DOB 597. PSHR:
W6DOB. BPL: W6DOB. Tfc nets: NCN1/3630/7PM; NCN2-
SLOW SESSION/3705/9PM; NCN-VHF/145.21/7:30PM;
RN6/3655/7:45 PM & 9:30 PM; PAN/3651/7052/8:30PM. Your
check-ins are always welcome.
NEVADA: SM, Jan Welsh, NK7N—ASM: Dick, W6OLD. TC:
Jim, NW7O. SEC: Paul Cavnar, NN7B. Busy month and re-
gretfully, a letter of resignation from NM Bobby Eason,
AB7WZ. Bobby’s been put out of commission by illness.
We’re wishing you well in a hurry Bobby! N7JEH - Joe, in
Elko handling net temporarily. Thanks to W6OLD for attend-
ing Pacificon 2000 as my representative. Dick’s report on
antenna/tower problems after he talked to Dave Sumner
wasn’t encouraging. Each battle having to be done on a local
level across the country. If any of you are dealing with this
problem yourself, send me any details. I’ll keep them on file
here as well as forwarding a copy to the ARRL. One keynote
item was a push to get amateur radio into the schools. Ben-
efits include improvements in geography, language, math
and science. Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, FCC Special Coun-
sel discussed the Amateur Auxiliary, of which he is a big fan.
Several of our appointee’s are planning on talking the Certi-
fication Program covering Emergency Communications. This
is our most important activity. Column deadline is 12th of the
month. 73, Jan. Tfc: W7VPK 70, N7CPP 16, K7NHP 5.
PACIFIC: SM, Ron Phillips, AH6HN—Dale Fajardo, KH7D
reports the stats for the Emergency ARC Net (Diamond Head
Rpt 146.88 and 444.5) for Oct are: QNI: 294, net time: 546
mins. Lee Wical, KH6BZF, reports the EARC 2001 Officers
and Board of Directors elected are President-AH6QO; VP-
AH6Q; Secretary - AH7MI; Treasurer - WH7K; Director -
KH7UK; Director -KH7CHI; Director - AH7D; Director - KH7V;
Director - WH7O; Director - KH6JKG; Director - AH6P. A
hearty congratulations to the incoming Officers and Directors.
A very big Mahalo to the outgoing Officers and Directors. Lee
also reports that in October he had the opportunity to visit with
Francis Blatt, KH6KH, who celebrated his 90th Birthday and
related he has been doing Amateur Radio since he was 16-yrs
old. WH6CRU reports the Maui ARC is looking for officers for
the upcoming year. Contact Dave for further info. KH6B re-
ports Howard Atebara, KH6GZ, became a Silent Key October
3, 2000. He was K6OIW (Hawaii) pre-WWII and an early
member of Hilo ARC in the 1930s. Hawaii Chapter QCWA
held their semi-annual meeting in Hilo 10/21/00. KH6CC re-
ceived a 60-Year award and KH6B received the 50-Year
award. W6ORS, reports John Prugh,WH6AVX became SK on
10/13/00. The Hawaii Afternoon Net (HAN) is still in full opera-
tion. The net now QSYs up or down the band depending on
QRM from the Spanish speaking operators. Mahalo and 73.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY: SM, Jerry Boyd, K6BZ—A very
happy and safe new year and new millennium to all. May this
year be a good one for each of you personally and in your
amateur radio endeavors. A recent edition of the GEARS
Newsletter (President’s Message) contained some excellent
comments about how Amateur Radio public service is es-
sential to the future of our service. ARRL Executive VP Dave

130
 Sumner, K1ZZ, made similar points in his keynote talk at
PACIFICON. We are working to expand the number of ap-
pointments in certain field organization positions within the
Section. The northern part of the Section (Chico area north)
needs additional appointees in: public information, official
observer, OES, technical, and traffic handling classifications.
Donna, N6SVV, is a new (and northernmost) PIO in the
Section. Thanks for applying! Russian Cosmonaut, U4MIR,
recently visited in the north state and presented interesting
talks at schools and service clubs regarding his three trips
into space. It looks like we are at or very near the peak of the
current sunspot cycle....take advantage of it! Until next
month 73 de K6BZ.
SAN FRANCISCO: SM, Len Gwinn, WA6KLK—ASM:
KH6GJV. SEC: KE6EAQ. TC: N1AL. The Fort Bragg group is
now holding an evening meeting monthly in addition to their
weekly coffee get togethers. Petaluma ARES EC Mike
Knope, KD6LYU, held a SET. They passed traffic for the
Petaluma Fire Department and demonstrated SSTV and
packet. Santa Rosa ARES EC Rich Freitas, KF6SZA, also
conducted a SET. Their simulation covered three hospitals
and two shelters passing drill messages about every five
minutes. The group included new and experienced opera-
tors. Sonoma County Radio Amateurs reports the loss of
valued member Jim Pelmulder, N6PTM, SK. Jim fought a
valiant battle with ALS. Jim was a past president of the club,
a past Sonoma County RACES Radio Officer, a CDF- IP and
was involved in the restoration of the radios aboard USS
Pampanito. Jim will be missed. Humbolt ARC is holding a pie
and ice cream fundraiser to raise money for the 2001 SF
section convention in Ferndale, June 23-24. The San Fran-
cisco ARC had a membership and info table at the most
enjoyable Pacificon in Concord. Lambda ARC/GG completed
a licensing class graduating 5 students to our hobby. Marin
ARC’s Ed Karl, K0KL, and Doug Slusser, KF6KU, recently
held an equipment check-up clinic where they tested mem-
bers’ equipment while demonstrating proper testing proce-
dures and educating the membership. Winter is here! Keep
your batteries charged and your volunteer communications
skills sharp!
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY, SM, Donald Costello, W7WN—I am
pleased to announce that on October 21, 2000, at Pacificon,
as your Section Manager of the ARRL, San Joaquin Valley
Section, I signed a Memorandum of Understanding with San
Francisco Field Office Enforcement Bureau of the Federal
Communications Commission. Signing for the FCC was Tho-
mas Van Stavern, District Director of the San Francisco Office.
Present at the meeting was Riley Hollingsworth and Thomas
Hora of the FCC, Jim Maxwell, W6CF, Pacific Division Director
and Bob Vallio, W6RGG, Pacific Division Vice Director. The
purpose of this Section level M.O.U. is to establish a direct
relationship with the S.F. Office of the FCC and the S.J.V.
Section Amateur Auxiliary in a joint effort to improve Commis-
sion Rules compliance in the Amateur Service. This is the first
local M.O.U., in force, with the FCC in the Pacific Division. I am
committed to bring about enforcement of Part 97 of the
Commission’s rules for the Amateur Radio Service as is Victor
Magana, N1VM, Official Observer Coordinator for S.J.V. Sec-
tion and his fine staff of Official Observers.
SANTA CLARA VALLEY: SM, Glenn Thomas, WB6W —
SEC: KM6GE. BM: WB6MRQ. TC: WA6PWW. OOC:
KB6FPW. The Santa Cruz County ARC had a club barbecue-
potluck at the home of Jim, KF6YRD, and Norma. The 54
folks in attendance had a wonderful time. SCCARC meets at
7:30 PM on the third Friday at the Dominican Hospital, 1515
Soquel DR, Santa Cruz. The West Valley ARC is in the pro-
cess of electing club officers. Their newsletter contains the
candidates’ statements this month. At the WVARC meeting,
they heard from Eric, WA6HHQ, and Wayne, N6KR, from
Elecraft of the latest company products. WVARC meets the
3rd Wednesday, 7 PM at the Campbell Community Center.
See http://www.wvara.org for details...The Naval Postgradu-
ate School ARC meets the 2nd Thursday of the month at 7
PM local in Spanagel Hall Room 400 at the school. They also
have a monthly “Eyeball Breakfast” (!?!) 0800 on the first
Saturday at the Marina Village Restaurant in Monterey...The
Lockheed-Martin ARC has a club net every Wednesday night
at 8 PM local on the linked club repeaters, WA6GFY (224.28-
100 Hz, 443.775+ 100 Hz, 1283.7- and 145.62 Simplex). The
net is simply to pass information of a formal or informal na-
ture. For more info contact WB6PVU/Terry tnak@pacbell.net
The SCARES (South San Mateo County ARES group) heard
from Sgt.. Robin Pitts of the Belmont PD - and also EC for
Belmont. Robins father, Ron K6TJU) brought the Millbrae
communications van for a look-see. SCARES meets third
Thursdays, 7:30PM at the San Carlos City Hall...The Millbrae
ARC MARC’s Pumpkin Patch Patrol was active on Hallow-
een. 73 de Glenn, WB6W. Tfc: W6PRI 2.

ROANOKE DIVISION
NORTH CAROLINA: SM, John Covington, W4CC— http://
www.ncarrl.org. The statewide SET during the first weekend
of November was a great success. We had participants from
all parts of the state, and learned a lot about our capabilities.
Make sure you send the SET paperwork in as soon as pos-
sible. While points are not the primary reason for holding the
SET, it gives us a basis for comparison with previous years.
You may want to have a critique meeting soon to evaluate
your group’s strengths and weaknesses. Congratulations to
Marvin Whatley, AA4YW, of Oriental on qualifying for a Public
Service Honor Roll certificate. The PSHR certificate recog-
nizes extensive participation in the National Traffic System,
and is not limited to just messages handled; it includes net
participation, net control functions, liaison functions, and so
forth. Marvin has made the PSHR listing in QST each month
for a year. Thanks, Marvin, for all of your activity. While I’m on
the subject of NTS, we need some liaison stations to partici-
pate in the daytime 4th Region Net. Right now, we have a
couple of people handling all seven days, and this is asking
too much of these individuals. If we could get five more, no
one station would have to assume a tremendous burden, and
we would have enough folks to cover those days when some-
one needs to be absent. If you have one afternoon free each
week, consider serving as a liaison. Radio clubs need to make
sure they file annual reports with ARRL HQ so we will have the
correct contact information for your club. With officer changes
each year, and area code changes seemingly more often than
that, we need all clubs to verify their information. The easiest

132
 way to file the report or examine your club’s status is to do it numerous emergencies and disasters, Wes was also presi-
on the Web (http://www.arrl.org/field/club). I visited meetings dent of the Mountain Amateur Radio Club, and the editor of
of the Randolph ARC (Asheboro) and Triode ARC (near the club newsletter. I don’t know how he kept up! With others
Murphy) recently. Both clubs were very friendly and are plan- assuming some of those duties in 2001, perhaps Wes will
ning many activities for their members. Looking for some learn how to breathe again. Veterans Day 2000 (11/11)
suggestions for your ARES training program? The ARRL dawned snowy with treacherous roads up and down the Front
Amateur Radio Emergency Communication Course is coming Range. I was planning on attending the RMRL swap, but ei-
soon; to be made available on the arrl.org web site sometime ther fear or common sense prevailed and I stayed at home.
in early 2001. Use this to supplement your own program. If Our SM, Tim, WB0TUB made the trip and reports that RM
you have something that works well in your program, let oth- division director Walt, W0CP, and our new RM division vice-
ers know about it. Oct Traffic: W4EAT 517 (BPL), AA4YW director, Rev, WS7W were both in attendance at a lively ARRL
153, KI4YV 140, K4IWW 134, AB4E 110, NC4ML 101, Field Forum. Turnout was pretty good taking the WX into
KE4JHJ 88, W4IRE 62, W3HL 33, KE4AHC 34, AD4XV 32, account. EOSS turned ten on 11/18. Congrats to this group of
W4CC 27, WA4SRD 23, N0SU 16, KE4YMA 14, AE4HJ 13, dedicated and inspiring hams! Email me: n0wpa@arrl.net 73,
KF4YHG 9, WA2EDN 8, N8UTY 8, NT4K 7. de N0WPA. NTS traffic: AD0A 121, K0TER 81, KI0RP 70.
SOUTH CAROLINA: SM, Patricia Hensley, N4ROS —A mea- CAWN: W0WPD 921, W0LVI 508, W0GGP 490, K4ARM 447,
surement of leadership can be ascertained by noting suc- N0NMP 418, AB0PG 379, WB0VET 353, K0HBZ 337, W0NCD
cessful outcomes of an organization. Therefore, it would be 313, WD0CKP 284, N0FCR 241, KI0ND 121.
appropriate to present SC ARRL accomplishments during the NEW MEXICO: SM, Joe T. Knight, W5PDY—ASM: K5BIS &
past year: Proclamation by Governor for emergency commu- N5ART. SEC: K6YEJ. STM: N7IOM. NMs: WA5UNO &
nications program; approval of Amateur Radio education/ W5UWY. TC: W8GY. ACC: N5ART. New Mexico Roadrun-
training curricula; increased partnership with Red Cross; state ner Net handled 120 msgs with 1326 checkins. New Mexico
certification of 65 volunteers for public service communica- Breakfast Club handled 200 msgs with 1046 checkins. Yucca
tions support; active ARES/RACES HF/VHF nets; coordina- Net handled 44 msgs with 600 checkins. Caravan Club net
tion with NWS for new community action program; ARRL rep- handled 3 msgs with 55 checkins. SCAT Net handled 12
resentation at all SC hamfests; and continued recruitment for msgs with 520 checkins. Four Corners Net handled 24 msgs
ARRL membership. I look forward to another outstanding year with 391 checkins. GARS Net handled 9 msgs with 31
with continued service and support to SC ARRL. NEWS checkins. Rusty’s Net handled 82 msgs with 778 checkins.
FLASH: SC has been chosen to be one of the first ARRL Valencia County Net handled 13 msgs with 42 checkins.
sections offering the new ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Deming ARC Net handled 14 msgs with 88 checkins. Sorry
Communications Course in a live classroom setting. Contact to report the passing of K5MDW, a little known fatality of the
me immediately for details. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays first atomic test at Trinity Test Site. It was reported that Lee
and a joyous New Year. Tfc: KA4LRM 58, W4DRF 45, KA4UIV was exposed to radiation from the cloud that moved east
41, WA4UGD 39, AF4QZ 36, K4BG 17, KA4IGE 12. after the first atomic test. Most of the NM hams were not
VIRGINIA: SM, Lynn Gahagan, AF4CD—SEC, OOC: KR4UQ. aware that Lee was fighting his final battle with Leukemia
STM: W4CAC. ASM/A: KE4MBX. ASM/B: W4TLM. ASM/C, that was reported to be the result of radiation from the atomic
TC: W4IN. ASM/D: KC4ASF. PIC: W2MG. Greetings to all! fallout. The International Hamfiesta in El Paso was a suc-
Buddy, W4YE, one of our Roanoke Div Assistant Directors cess. Nice to have N5OK, the ARRL West Gulf Division Di-
has brought to my attention that Auto-Call, a monthly publica- rector, and Charlie Royall, WB5T, the West TX SM. Congrats
tion of the Foundation for Amateur Radio has published a list to K5TRW and his crew for a fine Hamfiesta. Best 73,
of scholarship winners in their November issue. Quite a num- W5PDY.
ber of young Va Hams won scholarships and their calls are UTAH: SM, Mel Parkes, AC7CP—Well, 2000 has come and
KF4HJO, KC4SZT, KG4EIF, KD4COA, KF4PAS, KF4LGR, gone. 2001 is here. Remember how concerned we were last
N4XDR, KF4MFK, KO4SJ and KE4ACK. It’s great to see these year about that Y2K thing, a big unevent! Well, are you still
young people in ham radio get financial help for college! I am prepared? Ready for that unexpected event that may call on
pleased to report that Jim Sausa; KD4LAV, has accepted the your emergency grab and go kit? Take inventory now and
position of EC for the County of Stafford. I am sure Jim will do see what you could do to enhance your ability to respond to
a great job. Please give him your support. On October 28 at any unexpected emergency event. As we enter 2001, what
1400 the Hanover County dispatcher requested Henrico goals or plans are you making to help further our Amateur
County ARES to help them due to their trunked system being Radio hobby? Elmer a new ham, help teach someone who
down. The County radio was out for a total of almost 3 hours. wants to become a ham. Hey, try a contest or go for one of
It went down twice. Within 20 minutes, one ARES unit was on those awards you have heard about the other hams getting.
the scene at the 911 Center in Hanover County. Within one You may want to find a local VEC group and help out as a
hour, all stations that were requested to be staffed with ARES volunteer. I guess the point here is have some fun while you
personnel were. Hams from Prince George and Chesterfield are hamming this year. Don’t forget about the VHF Society
also joined in to help. The team did a great job on response Swap meet in February, and mark your calendar for the Utah
and professionalism. The Incident was terminated at 1630. Hamfest July 13-15 at Rubys Inn (Bryce Canyon). 73 de
Ken Pierpont, KF4OW, reports that the Amateur Radio satel- AC7CP.
lite station, KE4XZW, located at the Virginia Air & Space WYOMING: SM Bob Williams, N7LKH—Keep in mind the
Center in Hampton has been selected to have one of the very 2001 Wyoming State Hamfest over Memorial Day weekend.
first scheduled communications with the International Space While it will be sponsored by the Tri-Counties ARC, it will be
Station Astronauts in the next millennium. Hampton’s held in Casper at the Radisson Hotel like last year. The
Armstrong Elementary School students and former students agenda is being prepared and will include a forum on Finding
will be the “participating” school group. Mrs. Denise Carson is Hidden Transmitters (2-meters) aka Fox Hunting followed by
the “Leader” in charge of the participating students. Wally a real hunt outside. There will be a table for Home Brew
Carter, K4OGT, Chief Control Operator for the satellite sta- projects with a prize for the best. As usual, there will be the
tion will handle the radio systems for the communications. A ARRL forum, ARES/RACES forum and VE testing as well as
large number of students from Hampton Schools are expected swap tables. There will be several vendors tbd. The club
to attend this special event. Station, KE4ZXW, completed 5 ladies are putting on craft classes and exhibits in the lobby
full years of fully automatic, 9600 baud digital operations on just outside the doors to the hardware area. Inputs are solic-
September 21 at 7:00 PM. There is no other known fully au- ited from all for any refinements in the agenda, particularly
tomatic station in the world, even commercial or government with regard to the Fox Hunting. All comments should directed
that has demonstrated such a performance feat. Very 73 de to Jerry Pyle, WB7S, 568-2368, jpyle@tctwest.net, or via the
AF4CD. Tfc: W3BBQ 224, KQ4ET 215, WA4DOX 118, K4YVX Cowboy Net. There is also a Web page being prepared: http:/
102, K0IBS 101, AA4AT 90, KV4AP 76, W4CAC 75, K4MTX /www.qsl.net/wb7s/2001HamFest.html. Tfc: NN7H 273.
65, KR4MU 57, KV4AN 52, N4ABM 46, WB4ZNB 44, W4UQ PSHR: NN7H 198.
32, WB4UHC 31, AF4CD 23, KU4TM 17, W4SEE 14, W4YE
13, KU4MF 12, W4JLS 9, K4JM 8, KB4CAU 5, N4FNT 2, SOUTHEASTERN DIVISION
W4MWC 2.
ALABAMA: SM, Bill Cleveland, KR4TZ—Happy New Year! It’s
WEST VIRGINIA: SM, O.N. (Olie) Rinehart, WD8V— Hello time for our New Year’s resolution, and my resolution is to make
and Happy New Year or if you would Happy New Millennium the Alabama Section even better than is has been before. To
for those of you who feel that the world started in year 1. help with that goal, I created a new Web site at http://
Although I am writing this in early November, it is intended for www.kr4tz.org/al-arrl. This new Web site is data driven and
the January issue of QST which you will receive in mid-De- designed to keep everybody in the Section updated on what is
cember, a couple of comments in regard to the Internet and going on in Alabama. Some of the new features of the Web site
the FCC and ARRL uses of it. Both Websites have been up- include Alabama hams being able to submit news about their
graded and changed and I urge all amateurs to make use of local clubs and events and have it posted on the “home page”
these facilities. The FCC has changed from the ULS to for easy access. Interactive maps giving information about
CORES and the 80% of you who failed to subscribe the ULS Amateur Radio Nets, ARES, the Alabama Inter-City Network,
system will automatically be converted. In response to my and Amateur Radio clubs within Alabama. The ability to submit
query last month, I received a card from W8WVM indicating your PSHR, SAR, EC and Net Reports online. Contact informa-
he was in December 1992 the First WV Amateur to receive tion for the Section Staff, and a calendar of events for which you
his 144 MHz WAC and August 2000 the First WV Amateur to can submit updates. Even though it took longer than I expected,
receive 144 MHz WAS. Congratulation Arnold. Let’s have I hope you agree that this Web site will make the Section more
some more news about WV Amateurs and Amateur Radio. accessible than ever before. Because of circumstances beyond
73 Tfc: KA8WNO 258, WD8DHC 121, W8YS 107, WD8V 77, his control, Shane Jackson, K4JSJ is no longer, able to con-
KC8CON 45 ,WW8D 37, N9MNA 11, N8BP 9, W8WWF 7. tinue as STM. I’m thankful for a fine job that he performed for the
PSHR: WD8V 256, W8YS 163, WD8DHC-128, KC8CON 124, Section and hope that he’ll return to Amateur Radio as soon as
KA8WNO 118, WW8D 100, N8MNA 71. WVFN 1128/113/30. he is able. Christopher Sells (AC4CS) has volunteered to take
KC8CON; WVMDN 795/19/31 WW8D; WVN E 150/85/31, Shane’s place. I would like to thank Chris for accepting the
W8WWF; WVN L 138/43/31 W8WWF. challenges that come with being the STM. One last thing, Butler
County and Pike County RACES will have their Hamfest at the
ROCKY MOUNTAIN DIVISION Butler County Fairgrounds on January 27, 2001. For more infor-
COLORADO: SM, Tim Armagost, WB0TUB— ASM: Jeff mation contact Jerry McCullough (KE4ERO) at 334-382-7644
Ryan, N0WPA. SEC: Mike Morgan, N5LPZ. STM: Mike or KE4ERO@alaweb.com. I hope to see you there. God bless
Stansberry, K0TER. ACC: Ron Deutsch, NK0P. PIC: Erik & 73, Bill Cleveland KR4TZ.
Dyce, W0ERX. OOC: Karen Schultz, KA0CDN & Glenn GEORGIA: SM, Sandy Donahue, W4RU—ASM/South Ga:
Schultz, W0IJR. SGL: Mark Baker, KG0PA. TC: Bob Marshall Thigpen, W4IS. ASM/Legal: Jim Altman, W4UCK.
Armstrong, AE0B. BM: Jerry Cassidy, N0MYY. Happy New Asst SM/IT: Mike Boatright, KO4WX. SEC: Lowry Rouse,
Year, and New Millennium to all. 2000 was a pretty busy year KM4Z. STM: Jim Hanna, AF4NS. SGL: Charles Griffin,
with Y2K, fires, floods, and phone outages. Emergency ser- WB4UVW. BM: Eddie Kosobucki, K4JNL. ACC: Susan
vice groups were pressed into service throughout the year Swiderski, AF4FO. OOC: Mike Swiderski, K4HBI. TC: Fred
helping our served agencies meet their public need. This is Runkle, K4KAZ. PIC: Matt Cook, KG4CAA. Happy New Year.
Amateur Radio at its finest, and thanks to all who gave of their Has it been a year since we all were speculating about the
time and talent to help their neighbors. A special thanks and pending end of the world with the year 2000, now we are not
congratulations to Wes Wilson, K0HBZ, of Woodland Park. at all concerned about the impending real new millennium. I
Wes was selected as the 2000 Colorado Section Amateur am pleased to announce that Mike Boatright, KO4WX, has
Radio Operator of the Year. Due in part to his participation in

134
 accepted the job as Asst SM for Information Technology. Mike
will create and maintain a Ga Section Website. He also would
be happy to consult with affiliated clubs and nets on Web site
matters. Mike is a professional IT Web site architect with 18
years with IBM before becoming a VP at ix in Atlanta. You may
reach him at ko4wx@mindspring.com. Several SKs to report.
Gerald Evans, W4YXM, Macon. Buck Jones, W4GRX,
Conyers. Dorse (Lucky) Byrd, WA4EZN, Decatur. Our condo-
lences to their families. There are two significant events in
January. On Jan 20, the annual ARES meeting will be held at
the Ga Public Service Training Ctr in Forsyth. This will be the
first ARES meeting under our new SEC, Lowry Rouse, KM4Z.
Fascinating topics concerning emergency communications
will be discussed plus the awarding of the coveted ARES ham
of the year. If you are an EC, DEC, AEC or interested in this
topic make plans to attend. Jan 28 is the annual Tech Fest
sponsored by the Gwinnett ARS at the Central Baptist Church
in Lawrenceville. This is a day-long gathering of exhibits on
numerous technical and operating topics. See Amateur Radio
from other points of view. Look at their Web page
www.gars.org for more info. The first hamfest of the year is
Feb 24 in Dalton. N4BD is the longtime chairman. 73, Sandy.
Tfc: W4WXA 118, AF4NS 74, AF4PX 52, KA4HHE 48, K4WKT
39, K4BEH 38, WU4C 26, K4ZC 5.
NORTHERN FLORIDA: SM, Rudy Hubbard, WA4PUP—The
members of the Northern Florida Section met in Tallhassee
November 4, with 55 attending from the 43 counties of the
Section. The State Officials Mr Craig Fugate welcomed the
group, and provided excellent space in the SEOC building.
John Fleming, WD4FFX, hosted the meeting and also pre-
sented the States’ position in using the amateurs for provid-
ing communication into and out of the SEOC. Several speak-
ers joined in with the theme “Do not ask what ARRL and the
Section can do for you, but rather what can you do for the
ARRL and the Section as an amateur”. The persons present-
ing various topics were: John Fleming, WD4FFX, John Hills,
KC4N, Kent Hutchinson, KC4TOC, Billy Williams, N4UF,
Steve Barber, WA4B, Steve Richbourg, KO4TT, and repre-
sentative from the State Grant Programs. NOFARS member,
David Myers, WA4USA, was chosen Law Enforcement Of-
fice for the Year. His program has gained nationwide acclaim
as one of the experts on fraudulent identification Internet
issue. Congrats, David. Those of you having amateur tags
should be aware if yours is lost or stolen, you can have it
replaced with your call sign. I wish the space permitted the
inclusion of an article in the latest “Orange Park Spark” about
unity in strength. It’s about why geese fly in a V formation. It
creates an uplift for the bird behind and in flying in formation
the whole flock adds greater flying range. If one drops out, it
takes more energy to get back in the flock. This same prin-
ciple applies to Amateur Radio. We need to stick together
and pull as one team. The stronger we are also permits us to
have greater impression on the Congress for the use of these
frequencies. The Orlando HamCation will; be in February, so
make plans to attend. I understand it is planned to be bigger
and better than last year. 73, Rudy. Tfc: WX4H 1112, AG4DL
331, KE4DNO 233, AF4PU 153, KE4PRB 120, K1JPG 116,
NR2F 114, K4DMH 78, AF4GF 46, N9MN 46, KG4EZQ 46,
KB2EV 45, WB2FGL 39, K4JTD 30, KC4FL 26, AB4PG 25,
W8IM 25, W4KIX 23, WA1VIP 22, KM4WC 20, KJ4HS 20,
N4JAQ 18, KE4WBI 17, KB4DCR 16, KB4DXN 14, WX4J 9,
WB9GIU 8, WA4EYU 8, WB2IMO 8, KF4WIJ 7, WD4ILF 3.
PUERTO RICO: SM, Víctor Madera, KP4PQ— La actividad
en la radio tomó un receso debido a las elecciones gen-
erales. Sin embargo, tuvimos una buena participación en el
concurso CQWWDX-SSB. Se nos informó que la KP4AM
operando desde WP3A logró 1,235,400 puntos. Felicitamos
a Jaime y a David quien viajó desde Florida para participar
en el concurso. La FRA eligió su nueva Junta. La matrícula
escogió por aclamación a su pasado presidente César
Martínez-KP4EMC para presidir un año más. Otros
directores electos fueron, KP4RAA, NP4WI, NP4RO,
NP3MB y WP4MSL, les felicitamos. El PRARL comienza
clases preparatorias en la UPR el 17 de enero. Se celebrarán
sin costo, todos los miércoles a las 8PM. Sigue la auditoria
de la FCC a las sesiones de exámenes. Está bajo
investigación la acreditación de nuevos VEs por VECs en los
Estados Unidos. Pueden disfrutar de una página del Section
Manager en el Internet cortesía de La Liga Puertorriqueña
de Radioaficionados. Lo que pasa en la Sección aparece en
http://prarl.org/secmgr.html. El curso de orientación para
OOs está pautado para enero. Todos los interesados deben
comunicarse con el SM por correo o email a kp4pq@arrl.org
SOUTHERN FLORIDA: SM, Phyllisan West, KA4FZI —For
expanded Section News, see www.sflarrl.org or request e-
mail. Thanks to Collier ARA, Dade ARC, Ft Myers ARC, In-
dian River ARC, South Brevard ARC, Vero Beach ARC,
Wellington ARC, and section ECs for the newsletters and
activity information. Broward ARES is to be commended for
the fine job done with the Cancer Walkathon in Ft. Lauder-
dale. While most of us have SKYWARN nets, Indian River
also has Launch Watch nets and are adding more hams for
Merritt Island and the mainland. Steve Nowak, KE8YN, di-
rector if Imaging at Wuesthoff Hospital and South Brevard
Area EC, called for communications assistance when the
entire communications switches for internal, external, pag-
ing, phones and computer went down at the hospital due to
lightning. Elections were held at the Okeechobee ARC. New
officers starting Jan 1, 2001 are: AD4RZ pres, KE4EUW vice
pres, KF4FLF sec, KF4DEX sec, KK4TA dir, KE4IQQ dir, and
KD4KDO dir. Osceola reports that their main emergency re-
peater is back on the air on 145.350 with PL of 103.5 after
being off the air due to a lightning strike. The coverage has
even improved! The September/October issue of the AMSAT
Journal has an article about Field Day satellite stations. K4RS,
the joint Vero Beach ARC and Ft Pierce ARC station, placed
5 overall and 2 as 2A. There was also a very nice article about
the field Day effort, written by Roger Snyder, K4RS, who will
be giving a presentation on Phase 3D at the next Vero Beach
ARC meeting. KS4EC, presented an overview of how repeat-
ers work, characteristics of the Wellington repeater system,
and a site tour to the club. The Wellington Emergency Net will
be used to help coordinate food pickups in servicing a «Food
For Families Campaign» with the FAU Club and Jupiter-
Tequesta Rptr. Group. Kudos to the clubs and AF4OR, the
project coordinator for all Palm Beach Co. Our condolences
to the family of Silent Key, Buck Willett, WB8REJ, always a
friendly face at the Lee County hamfests and master of orga-

136
 nizing the bus trips to other hamfests. He was the Club’s ham
of the year in 1999. The Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society,
co-sponsors of the August National and International Light-
house/Lightship Weekends is sponsoring a new annual Win-
ter event called «Lighthouse Christmas Lights» from Dec 18,
2000, through Jan 2, 2001. An extensive awards program is
planned for the event. Best wishes to the Indian River ARC
and Cape Canaveral Lighthouse. Details are on the Web at
http://arlhs.com or by e-mail to k3jxw@amsat.org. The ARRL
Net Directory is now on line at http://www.arrl.org/field/nets or
http://www.arrl.org/field/pubservice.html. To register or
change registration of a FL net, contact STM Jan, KJ4N, or
me. Oct Tfc by Jan, KJ4N: WA9VND 586, KA4FZI 343,
KB4WBY 298, KC4ZHF 217, KD4HGU 184, KD4GR 148,
KJ4N 131, K4FQU 126, KE4IFD 125, WB4PAM 121,
K4VMC(club) 106, WA4EIC 83, AA4BN 64, KD4JMV 59,
KT4XK 52, KE4UOF 46, WB4CSQ 38, KN4JN 35, KG4CHW
26, W8SZU 25, KE4WBI 17, K9ALX 14, W4WYR 11, W6VIF
11, K4OVC 8, W3JI 2. Best wishes to all for a safe and happy
holiday season!
VIRGIN ISLANDS: SM, John Ellis, NP2B, St Croix, ASM:
Drew, NP2E, St. Thomas. ASM: Mal, NP2L, St. John, SEC:
Duane, NP2CY, St Thomas. PIC: Lou KV4JC, St Croix, SW
Jeanette, NP2C, St Croix. ACC: Debbie, NP2DJ, St Thomas,
NM, Bob, VP2VI/W0DX Tortola. New appointment this month,
since the Internet is becoming so popular, we are making the
“Section Webmaster” or “Webmeistress” an appointed posi-
tion. Visit the section Website for valuable info for visiting
hams. St Thomas / St John group meets for lunch at “Hook,
Line & Sinker” in Frenchtown on St. Thomas every Tuesday
in the “back room.” Big news this month was active VI partici-
pation in the CW Sweepstakes. Respectable performances
by KP2D (team ritty) on St Thomas, WP2Z, and Bob, N4BP,
who operated NP2B for 127 Qs in all 80 sections in 23 hours
& 48 minutes! Good work Bob. Not like last year when we had
only minimal participation due to Hurricane Lenny. 10M has
been quite good, hear Manny, NP2KW, making lots of QSOs.
SM has been “Elecrafting” with his new K-2 on 10M. Amazing
what you can work with 10 watts! VI section Website http://
www.viaccess.net and SM always looking for good gossip to
put in the column. You can e-mail SM at
np2b@atthehelm.com. 73 all, John NP2B
WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA: SM, Dave Armbrust, AE4MR
ae4mr@arrl.org, http://www.wcfarrl.org—ASM: NA4AR.
ASM-Web: N4PK. ASM-Legal: K4LAW. SEC: KD4E. TC:
KT4WX. BM: KE4WU. STM: AB4XK. SGL: KC4N. ACC:
AC4MK. PIC: AB2V. Help us celebrate our first anniversary
as WCF with the Next Contact Special Event 01/14, noon-
6:00 PM. The section has been successful in securing re-
peater space at the 1,000’ level of a centrally located tower
which should cover most of the section. October:
Net/NM QNI QTC Bulls QND Sess
AIN/WA4ATF 72 3 6 107 4
POLK ARES/KE4VBA 71 1 4 103 5
SPARC/KF4FCW 409 34 0 725 31
TURTLE/KT4TD 297 43 0 331 31
HCAN/KD4CQG 74 4 4 52 4
FMSN/KT4PM 321 49 0 456 31
TPTN/AD4IH 679 81 0 385 31
QFNS/KF4KSN 184 46 0 660 31
QFN/AB4XK 884 346 0 1,087 62
PSHR: KT4PM 169, AD4IH 157, K4SCL 144, AB4XK 140,
K4RBR 139, WB2LEZ 112, KT4TD 105, KF4KSN 101,
KE4VBA 86, W4AUN 78. SAR: AB4XK 219, K4SCL 167,
AD4IH 122, KT4PM 116, KF4KSN 50, KT4TD 26, K4RBR 24,
KE4VBA 14, W4AUN 9, WB2LEZ 5, W4HCS 1. 73, Dave,
AE4MR

SOUTHWESTERN DIVISION
ARIZONA: SM, Clifford Hauser, KD6XH—Arizona has had
some strange weather that resulted in several floods. Yes,
excess water that did not cooperate and stay in the dry river-
beds. Remember the floods of Wendon during October?
Amateur Radio was there helping the American Red Cross.
The Yuma County Auxiliary Communications Service, Lon-
don Bridge ARA, Arizona Repeater Association, the Western
Arizona Radio Club, and the Red Cross Central Arizona Chap-
ter were all present providing relief communications as
needed. There were over 35 operators who helped support
this flood relief program. I don’t have the room to list them all,
but our Arizona Web site has pictures and more information.
Thank all of you for helping our state during a time of need.
Tom Fagan, WB7NXH, has developed the Web site for the
Arizona section. http://www.qsl.net/arrlaz /. The next hamfest
will be on January 13 at the Glendale Community College.
Scottsdale ARC has scheduled the Spring Hamfest for March
10 at Scottsdale Community College. Please keep your news-
letters coming so I can keep up with the activities around the
state. If your club or organization would like me to present a
program, let me know and we can set up a date. Next year the
ARRL SW Convention will be in Riverside at the Holiday Inn.
My e-mail address is kd6xh@arrl.org, (see page 12 of this
magazine under Arizona) and my home telephone number is
520-744-9095. If you call and I am not home, please leave a
message and I will call you back. I am normally at home after
1930 hours each evening except for Thursday (Bowling). 73,
Clifford Hauser, KD6XH. ATEN: 691 QNI, 28 QTC, 31 sess.
Tfc: K7VVC 703, W7EP 52.
LOS ANGELES: SM, Phineas J. Icenbice, Jr., W6BF —
Thanks to the response to my call for ARES / GPS and APRS,
equipment and ham operators in this section we had a very
successful test run to show off our APRS capability. Eleven
volunteers were activated employing two repeaters. Dennis
Smith, KA6GSE, our assistant SEC, worked out the details of
our test drill and limited demonstration. About 50 guests from
a local Northridge Methodist Church men’s club were selected
to view the Demo. They were very impressed with the demon-
stration by four ARES members. This was held near the
corner of Superior St and Reseda Blvd, in Northridge.
Dave Bell, W6AQ, our PIC, suggested that we have a full
demonstration at a “Fashion Center,” type of atmosphere
where the general public can view and appreciate our Public
Service interest and capability. So we are planning to call for
volunteers from our ARES, group to put on a real full-blown

138
 show for the public. Dave Bell and our PIOs will be planning
our next move to bring in the TV and News coverage for our
big Public BASH with APRS. We need this coverage, and
more good publicity, if we are going to get the Governor to
sign a new Antenna/tower bill for Amateur Radio. (PRB-1-CA)
We don’t need all of the counties and all of the cities, in the
act, independently, trying to restrict our essential Antenna/
tower construction. Hank Magid, K6YMJ, our SEC, and his
assistant Dennis, convinced me to attend our local ACS, group
meeting at the Van Nuys airport last week. Fire Department
Chief, Wilfred W. Bisson, (KF6XX@aol.com) is the City of LA,
coordinator for RACES/ACS. The present personnel compli-
ment is about 57, up and ready to help our Governor. Now
maybe he can help us with our ONE need; a single PRB type
of law for all Amateurs in California. Vy 73, de W6BF, Phineas.
ORANGE: SM. Joe W6UBQ, 909-687-8394—The Orange
Section Web site at www.qsl.net/arrl-orange continues to
evolve with new features being added periodically. Recent
additions include hyper links to International Amateur Radio
Organizations, i.e. RSGB in UK, WIA in Australia, etc. In
addition, a Web page with photos ORG Section Ham radio
clubs and past HAMCONS is included. A link to the Section
Emergency N6RPG, Web site is available. TC Art, KQ6HF,
has a very interesting presentation on RF Safety and Ham
Radio. You need a speaker? Call Art, 909-734-1485, e-mail
him at kq6hf@arrl.net. From the 220 SMA Pres. I continue to
believe that the future of Amateur Radio if going to be full of
exciting challenges. The coming technologies including fully
digital and software programmable radios is going to require
new and challenging solutions. From Clarafier, are you going
to join ARRL or renew membership? Please do so through
your club. Clubs receive $5 on new memberships and $2 on
renewals. From LAND LINES, the Prez Ron WB6MSS sez,
I’m pleased to see such a great response to the call for nomi-
nees for next year’s officers. From Smoke Signals, Fullerton
RACES was active in two drills on the 6th &7th of October.
April, WA6OPS, reports 15 hospitals utilized HCSC commu-
nicators in the MCI hazmat drill. Communicators were at the
Hospitals, disaster site, the EMS Central point, county EOC
and at a drug company. 30 operators from HDSCS partici-
pated, 20 of them taking time off from work or school. A total
of 179 man hours were contributed to the effort $29,990 worth
of equipment and repeaters were used. STM Glenn N6GIW,
reports NTS Traffic: KC6SKK 116, K6CTW 80, W6JPH 73,
W6QZ 57. PSHR; W6QZ 148, W6JPH 93, KC6SKK 90. Digital
traffic: W6QZ NTS BBS 174, .SCN/V Net Manager W6JPH
Reports 21 sessions, QNI 159, QTC 31, SCN/V now meets on
week nights at 2100 PST.
SAN DIEGO: SM, Tuck Miller NZ6T 619-475-7333— A new
millennium? Are we there now? Some say last year, some
say now. No matter which way you prefer, we can officially
say we are at the beginning of a new era. As we start anew,
let me take a few minutes to thank some folks who have given
much of their valuable time for the benefit and furtherance of
ham radio. I am going to start at the top, and work my way
down, and hope I do not forget anyone. Under the ASM cat-
egory we have Al, W6WYN, Harry, W6YOO, and Pat,
KC6VVT. For section positions we have Warren, KT6A, STM.
For BM, we have Steve, K6PD. PIC, has Steve, N6QEK. TC
calls upon Gary, N6LRV, while the OOC has Bill, K6TWO.
ACC has Evelyn, N6EVE. For the ARES positions we have
leading the pack, our SEC, Dave, KC6YSO. For the DECs,
we have Dennis, K7DCG, Rich, N6NKJ, Kent, K6FQ, Al,
W6WYN, and Fred, W6FFF. We also want to thank Dennis,
WB6CGJ, and Ralph, KF6TOK who had to give up the DEC
positions for various reasons. We have so many other folks
filling many positions such as EC, AEC, ORS, OES, PIO,
OO. Everyone in the organization is very valuable, and im-
portant. The success of the section is because of the above
persons. Thank you one and all! The San Diego Amateur
Radio Council (SANDARC) has been on a 2-month hiatus,
and returns to their meetings at the end of January. Talk of
new officers is looming as long time chair George Roos,
KO6BU, would like to step down. Del, N6JZE, vice chair ten-
dered his resignation effective Nov 1. Del recently stepped
down after many years as the TC, and OOC for the section.
Tfc: KT6A 834, KD6YJB 190, KO6BU 2, WA6IIK 1 BPL: KT6A
834. PSHR: KT6A 138, KD6YJB 54, KO6BU 30.
SANTA BARBARA: SM, Robert Griffin, K6YR (k6yr@arrl.org
or k6yr@arrl.net)—SEC: Jack Hunter, KD6HHG (kd6hhg@
arrl.net). STM: Ed Shaw, KF6SHU (kf6shu@arrl.net). SGL: Paul
Lonnquist, NS6V (paul@dock.net). ACC: Michael Atmore,
KE6DKU (ke6dku@aol.com). OOC: Howard Coleman, W6HQA
(w6hqa@arrl.net). PIC: Jeff Reinhardt, AA6JR (jreinh@
ix.netcom.com). TC: Warren Glenn, KM6RZ, (wglennrz@
ix.netcom.com). ASMs: Ventura, Don Milbury, W6YN
(w6yn@arrl.net). San Luis Obisipo, Bill Palmerston, K6BWJ &
for Internet, Jack Bankson, AD6AD (ad6ad@arrl.net) & DECs:
Santa Barb-Dave Lamb, WA6BRW (wa6brw@arrl.net); SLO-
Bill Peirce, KE6FKS (ke6fks@arrl.net) & Ven-Dave Gilmore,
AA6VH (aa6vh@arrl.net). Bob Gromer, KB6RG, in Grover
Beach has joined the Amateur Auxiliary ranks as an OO. Thanks
Bob! OOC, W6HQA, now has eleven Official Observers operat-
ing in the Santa Barbara Section. OOs are now filing electronic
monthly activity reports. The Amateur Auxilary plays an increas-
ingly important role in “self-enforcement” of bands. FREE in-
stant Section news updates? Join the SB Reflector! E-mail
majordomo@qth.net the message subscribe arrlsb. SB Sec
Web: www.qsl.net/arrlsb/. Join in our Section NTS traffic nets:
SCN slow speed NTS Net, M-F, at 1915 local on 3598 kHz &
SCN/SB at 2100 local on 147.000+(131.8), 224.90- (131.8) &
449.300-(131.8). That’s 30! Rob, K6YR, SM.
WEST GULF DIVISION
NORTH TEXAS: SM, Don Mathis, KB5YAM— Visit the sec-
tion Web page at (http://www.lsic.net/net/ntexas.html) for the
most current information. At this time, the entries for the North
Texas Section Election should be in. I would like to welcome
Jerry Combest, N5JL, to my staff. Jerry has been doing an
excellent job of getting the section communications function
working again, including an online newsletter. We had to pull
the State Fair activities this year because of the high confu-
sion factor on scheduling. I would like to thank John Fullingim,
WN5PFI, and his group for the extensive efforts that they
made trying to make this event happen. I hope that you all had
a safe and merry holiday season and that Santa brought all
the ham ‘toys’ that you ‘needed.’ Again I would like to thank

142
 Carolyn, KC5OZT, for her excellent work in keeping the Sec-
tion Traffic moving, mainly without any of my assistance (in-
terference). Congratulations to W5APL, George Crumbley of
Mabank, for being the 7290 net’s Operator of the Month for
October, and to WB5CTB, Bud Wallace of McKinney, for being
7290’s Operator of the Month for November. Tfc (Oct) K5NHJ
505, KC5OZT 367, N5JZ 318, W5AYX 113, KC5VLW 104,
WA5I 95, KB5TCH 55, N5GG 52, AC5Z 10, K5TEK 4, AC5UZ
2. BPL: K5NHJ 505, N5JZ 104 orig./deliveries. 73, Don,
KB5YAM.
OKLAHOMA: SM, Charlie Calhoun, K5TTT— ASMs: N6CL,
W6CL, W5ZTN, AB5JY. SEC: KA7GLA. ACC: KB5BOB. PIC:
WA9AFM. OOC: WA9VMY. SGL: W5NZS. STM: K5KXL. You
may not have heard much from me recently via e-mail.
Through the assistance of Alan Waller, K3TJK, I have created
an e-mail list through a list-server hosted by QTH.NET. This
will enable me to easily communicate with all members of the
section. If you have received my monthly e-mails in the past,
you will automatically be subscribed to this list. You have the
option of un-subscribing as well, but I hope that the informa-
tion shared will be more valuable to you than the extra e-mail
in your inbox. Anyone interested is invited to subscribe to the
list. All you need to do is send an e-mail, in plain text format,
to majordomo@qth.net and in the body of your message in-
clude “subscribe arrl-ok” (leave off the “”). Our new Section
Emergency Coordinator, John Turner, KA7GLA, and our new
Assistant Section Manager in charge of ARES training, Callen
Gilbert, AB5JY, have created an Oklahoma ARES Web page.
You can get there through the section web page or directly via
http://www.ares-oklahoma.org. Look for information there on
the state wide ARES net. 73 and Happy New Year! Tfc:
WA5OUV 526, KK5GY 445, N5IKN 438, KF5A 198, K5KXL
168, WB5NKC 140, KE5JE 83, KI5LQ 74, WB5NKD 73,
WA5IMO 50, W5REC 25, N5FM 2.
SOUTH TEXAS: SM, Ray Taylor, N5NAV—When you read
this, you will be getting ready for the New Year 2001. It seems
like yesterday we were getting ready for Y2K. Maybe by now
you will know who the President will be. November 2nd proved
hazardous as rains began to come into South Texas. The
Weather Station called me at 9:30 AM to get ready for severe
weather in the afternoon. HF SKYWARN was activated at
noon due to the distances involved. At 6:28 2 meters was
activated. Boerne, Texas hams provided a real public service
by providing power for EMS, Fire, and the Sheriff’s office.
When the power grid for that area went down, AB5UE and
KM5SY took one of the club generators out to their repeater
site and got them back on the air. KC5OEG was the liaison to
the WX station, on HF and later on 2 meters. Another incident,
KD5HOP, came upon a bridge under water with a pickup about
half submerged. We notified the Hayes County Sheriff’s of-
fice. Later we found out the man had been rescued. We had
3 drowned during this when they tried to cross low water cross-
ings. We had 2 more follow-up storms through the 5th. We
had several rescues. There was around 85 to 100 hams in-
volved. I want to thank all of those that gave of their time.
While I’m writing this on the 12th, we are having tornadoes
from San Antonio to Houston area. We will be starting training
again on the Texas Traffic Net, 3873 between 7 and 7:30,
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday as time permits. This
is for new hams and old that would like to learn traffic handling
and emergency operations. San Antonio Radio Club had a
very informative program on how the OO program works, pre-
sented by W5JAM, South Texas OOC. Very well presented
Jack. The main purpose is to try to help hams become better
operators. I want to thank Jack and the OO team for the fine
job they perform. The bands and repeaters have really been
cleaned up. Our clubs are doing a great job in bring in all the
new hams. We have noticed a great increase in activity mainly
on HF. I’m very pleased with the hams in South Texas with the
service they have provided for the public over the past year.
We can credit our clubs for most of the success. I do hope this
trend will continue into 2001. Happy New Year to all, and may
this be your most prosperous. Tfc: W5SEG 1212, KA5KLU
473, W5KLV 179, W5ZX 68, N5NAV 64, N5OUJ 64, W5GKH
46, KD5GM 33, K0YNW 26, W5TUK 18, W5OYY 12, W5CU
11, N5JUU 1.
WEST TEXAS: SM, Charlie Royall, WB5T, 915-944-0469,
WB5T@arrl.org. ASMs: Cley, K5TRW. Ron, KB5HGM;
Jerome, K5IS; Fred, W6VPI, Sandy, W5MVJ. SEC: Alex,
N5LRH. OOC: John, KO5D. OBM: Frank, N5WT. With a lot of
squinting through trifocals and a strong magnifying glass,
yours truly went over the Field Day 2000 results. The section
was well represented. West Texas leaders and placement per
category are: Class 1A, WTX ARC, 33rd place overall, 1,153
and 2,570; Class 2A, Big Bend ARC, 19th place overall, with
2,486 and 7,730; and Class 4A, Key City/Dyess ARC, 32nd
place overall, with 1,385 and 4,146. Big Bend ARC turned in
the highest score for West Texas with the 2,486 contacts in a
really tough category. Field Day is a lot of hard work requiring
planning and dedication, and a little luck to turn in good scores.
By the time you read this, Christmas and New Year will have
come and gone and we will be starting another year. The next
hamfest will be in Midland in March. I look forward to seeing
a lot of you there. Until next time, 73 de Charlie, WB5T.

144
 JOIN the Lambda Amateur Radio Club (LARC)

l)
Ham Ads
Advertising must pertain to products and
since 1975, the only open and visible public service-
oriented ham club for gay and lesbian hams. Monthly
newsletter, HF skeds, internet listserv and IRC,
hamfest meetings, chapters, DXpeditions. Write
services which are related to Amateur Radio. LARC, POB 56069, Philadelphia, PA 19130-6069 or
2) The Ham-Ad rate for commercial firms e-mail: lambda-arc@geocities.com
offering products or services for sale is $1.00 per word.
Individuals selling or buying personal equipment: MARCO: Medical Amateur Radio Council, operates
ARRL member 50¢ per word. Non-ARRL member $1 daily and Sunday nets. Grand Rounds: 14.308 MHz
per word. Bolding is available for $1.50 a word. Sunday mornings at 10:00 am Eastern time. Medically-
3) Remittance in full must accompany copy since oriented amateurs (physicians, dentists, veterinarians,
Ham-Ads are not carried on our books. Each word,
abbreviation, model number, and group of numbers nurses, therapists, etc.) invited to join. Inquiries to:
counts as one word. Entire telephone numbers count MARCO, 2650 Head of The Tide Rd,
as one word. No charge for postal Zip code. No cash RR 4, Belfast, Maine 04915-9624.
or contract discounts or agency commission will be Web:http://www.smbs.buffalo.edu/med/marco/
allowed. Tear sheets or proofs of Ham Ads cannot be
supplied. QCWA—Quarter Century Wireless Association.
4) Send ads to: the ARRL, 225 Main St., If you were first licensed 25 years ago and
Newington, CT 06111 ATTN: Ham Ads. Or via fax currently licensed you are eligible. Be one of us!
860-594-0259 or e-mail: hamads@arrl.org Submitted Write Dept. T, 159 E 16th Ave, Eugene, OR
ads should be typed or clearly printed. Payment must 97401-4017. Call 541-683-0987.
be included with ads (check or any major credit card
accepted). RAINBOW AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION -
5) Closing date for Ham-Ads is the 15th of the The gay/lesbian club. Active weekly H.F. nets,
second month preceding publication date. No cancel- monthly newsletter, e-mail reflector, web page:
lations or changes will be accepted after this closing www.rara.org. Chat Room. Privacy respected.
date. Example: Ads received December 16th through
January 15th will appear in March QST. If the 15th E-mail: rara@qsl.net or P.O. Box 191,
falls on a weekend or holiday, the Ham-Ad deadline is Chesterland, OH 44026-0191.
the previous working day. Please contact Melissa THE ARRL LETTER — The League’s news
Yrayta at 860-594-0231 for further information. digest for active amateurs, professionally
6) No Ham-Ad may use more than 100 words. No produced and edited and now available in a
advertiser may use more than two ads in one issue. A
last name or call must appear in each ad. Mention of weekly electronic edition via the World Wide Web
lotteries, prize drawings, games of chance, etc. is not at http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter
permitted in QST advertising. THE Veteran Wireless Operators Association, a
7) New firms or individuals offering products or 74-year old, non-profit organization of communi-
services for sale must check with us to determine if a
production sample (which will be returned) should be cations professionals invites your inquiries and
submitted for examination. Dealers are exempted, application for membership. Write VWOA,
unless the product is unknown to us. Check with us if Edward Pleuler, Jr., Secretary, 46 Murdock
you are in doubt. You must stand by and support all Street, Fords, NJ 08863. Visit our web site for
claims and specifications mentioned in your advertising. activities, history, membership:
The publisher of QST will vouch for the integrity
of advertisers who are obviously commercial in http://www.vwoa.org
character, and for the grade or character of their
products and services. Individual advertisers are not ANTIQUE/VINTAGE/CLASSIC
subject to scrutiny.
The American Radio Relay League does not ANTIQUE RADIO CLASSIFIED. Free sample copy!
discriminate in its advertising on the basis of race, Antique radio’s largest-circulation monthly magazine.
color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital Old radios, TVs, ham equip., 40s & 50s radios,
status, or national origin. telegraph, books & more. Ads & articles. Free 20-
The League reserves the right to decline or
discontinue advertising for any other reason. word ad monthly. Subscribe today. Six-month trial:
$19.95. Yearly rates: $39.49 ($57.95 by 1st Class).
QST HAM ADS ON THE WEB — UPDATED MONTHLY Foreign: write. ARC, PO Box 802-B22A, Carlisle, MA
http://www.arrl.org/ads/ham-ads.html 01741. Phone: 978-371-0512, Fax: 978-371-7129,
Web: www.antiqueradio.com
BROADCAST MICROPHONES and accessories
(call letter plates, stands) wanted: early carbon,
condenser, ribbon, dynamic models. Cash or
SELL YOUR RADIO TODAY! Check out trade. James Steele, Box 620, Kingsland, GA
RADIOS ON-LINE on the ARRL web site:
31548. 912-729-6106. jsteele@k-bay106.com;
http://www.arrl.org/ads/RadiosOnline/
http://www.k-bay106.com/mics.htm
CLASSIC RADIOS FOR SALE: Good used equipment
wanted. The Radio Finder, 11803 Priscilla Lane,
Plymouth, MI 48170. Tel/Fax 1-734-454-1890.
finder@radiofinder.com or http://www.radiofinder.com
CLUBS/HAMFESTS/NETS
CRYPTOGRAPHY items wanted: KL-7, M-94, M-209,
BICYCLE MOBILE HAMS OF AMERICA. We mix others. WB2EZK, 17 Alfred Road West, Merrick, NY
hamming with biking! VHF and HF. 450 members 11566. 516-378-0263, louk17@optonline.net
in 46 states, 6 countries. 10th annual forum at DRAKE: Order your copy of “A Family Affair - The
HamVention. To receive more info., sample R.L. Drake Story”, 300+ pages of history, pictures
newsletter, e-mail your street address to and technical information, from TSG, 15 Saddle
menicko@avalon.net. Or write to BMHA, Mike Ridge Trail, Alexandria KY 41001. $29.95 + $5.50
Nickolaus, NF0N, 316 East 32nd St.-Q South S&H. U.S. customers may order via secure credit
Sioux City, NE 68776. card online at http://home.fuse.net/tsg.
COUNTY HUNTERS: Worked All Texas Award MANUALS FOR MOST OLD HAM GEAR. Best
Beautiful Certificate. Temple Amateur Radio Club source for 20 years and now at lower prices!
P.O. Box 616, Temple, TX 76503 www.tarc.org Most USA made ham gear. Our catalog “P” $3
FRIEND OF BILL W.?? - Join HAAM net required to order or get free info via internet at
Saturdays at 12:30 Eastern on 14.290; Sundays www.hi-manuals.com. Hi-Manuals, Box P-802,
at 09:00 Pacific on 7.283.5; Sundays at 09:30 Council Bluffs, IA 51502.
Pacific on 14.340/2. K6LX. QST collection complete. Serious offers. W6TD.
Join “No Code = No Theory” today! tdowney@qnet.com
http://www.neteze.com/radions/amateur.htm “Repair - Restoration - Tube-type receivers,
or write to: WB6TMY at Zip Code 95402-4694 for transmitters, amplifiers. 45 years experience.”
literature. N4PZ/W9OJI, 815-734-4255.

158
 TELEGRAPH KEYS wanted by collector. Bugs
and unusual or unique straight keys or sounders,
and tube electronic keyers. Also pre1950
callbooks. Vince Thompson, K5VT, 3410 N. 4th
Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85013. 602-840-2653.
TELEGRAPH MUSEUM/COLLECTOR’S
INFORMATION: http://www.w1tp.com
WANTED: Electronic estates, hi-fi, broadcasting.
Cash paid. KB8CCY, 1-877-288-1280.
WANTED: Electronic estates purchased. Ham radio,
tubes, broadcasting, Hi-Fi, transformers, military, etc.
Top cash paid! McDaniel, 800-251-5454.
WANTED: pre-1925 battery radios, crystal sets, and
vacuum tubes. Also early telegraph keys and pre-
1900 electrical apparatus. Jim Kreuzer, N2GHD, Box
398, Elma, NY 14059. 716-681-3186.
wireless@pce.net
WANTED: Western Electric audio equipment.
Amplifiers, pre-amps, tubes, speakers, parts,
mixing boards, etc. McDaniel, 800-251-5454.
WANTED: Western Electric Audio Equipment,
Amplifiers, Tubes, Parts, Speakers, all Microphones.
Top Cash Paid Toll Free: 877-288-1280.
WWII MILITARY TELEVISION EQUIPMENT
WANTED, cameras both round and square case,
transmitters, receivers, dynamotors, camera
tubes, manuals needed for preservation project.
Maurice Schechter, 590 Willis Ave., Williston
Park, NY 11596. 516-294-4416
MAURICSCH@CS.COM.

ANTIQUE/VINTAGE/CLASSIC
100 QSL Cards $8.50 postpaid. Send Stamp for
Sample. ARTIST, P. O. Box 148652, Nashville, TN
37214.
AFFORDABLE QSL CARDS,available in small
quantities with lots of options. Parma Graphics,
K2BKA, 5 Rondout Harbor, Port Ewen, NY
12466. 845-339-1996.
BRASS BELT BUCKLE with your call letters.
Raised/cast - not engraved. Each one-One of a
kind. View at www.urcall.net
CALL SIGN NAME BADGES. Club logos our specialty.
Certified ARRL engraver. Capital Engraving, 3109
Marigold St. Longview, Washington 98632-3415. Al,
WA7UQE. capengrave@kalama.com.
http://www.open.org/capengrv
DOC’S QSL CARDS. Full color cards - send
SASE for samples & price list. 10630 Lone Star
Way, Knoxville, TN 37932. 865-691-8288, or
docs@icx.net. http://www.user.icx.net/~docs
ENGRAVlNG: Callsign/name badges by
WØLQV. Send for price list. Box 4133, Overland
Park, KS 66204-0133. E-mail: lqveng@juno.com
FREE SAMPLES. The QSLMAN®, Box 73,
Monetta, SC 29105. Phone/FAX (803) 685-7117
anytime. Email: w4mpy@qslman.com. Always
100% satisfaction guarantee on anything we do.
Check the web site at: http://www.qslman.com
QSL CARDS: Fast quality service. Samples $1
(refundable with order ). WordWise Services, 107
Giles Court, Newark, DE 19702.
QSL CARDS Many styles. Top quality. Order
Risk Free. Plastic cardholders, T-shirts,
Personalized caps, mugs, shirts. Other ham
shack accessories. Free Call. Free samples.
Rusprint, 800-962-5783/913-491-6689,
Fax 913-491-3732. http://www.rusprint.com
QSL SAMPLES $1 refundable, Bud Smith, Box
1948, Blaine, WA 98231.
QSLKIT at home micro-perf printing on your ink
jet printer. CardBox filing systems, index cards
and more. www.HamStuff.com by W7NN.
QSLs -Many designs! Custom cards, “Eyeball”
cards. Samples: Free, $1, $2 packs. Charlie Hansen,
NØTT, 8655 Hwy D, Napoleon, MO 64074.

160
 QUALITY QSLs By WX9X from $18.95. See our
display ad in this issue.
SKYWARN, RACES, MARS patches, decals, caps,
more. Write/fax for info. CAPS Unlimited, PO Box
460118C, Garland, TX 75046. 972-276-0413. E-Mail:
k5hgl@home.com, www.skywarnsupply.com
www.callstuff.com

PROPERTY/VACATION RENTALS
BAHAMAS RENTAL: Abaco villa w/station.
N4JQQ, 407-894-2519 or strutledge@aol.com
BAHAMAS, Treasure Cay Resort. Beach house/
contest station rental. Many world records. 3 BR/
2 Bath. KC4SZE, 256-734-7300 or
kennethh@hiwaay.net
BLUE RIDGE MT. of VA. - Build your vacation QTH on
a beautiful mountain top near Blue Ridge Parkway -
Floyd, VA. Info www.public.usit.net/dlarsen or
www.bfrog.com/zig/land/ E-mail: kk4ww@fairs.org.
Dave, KK4WW, phone 540-763-2321.
DXshack FG, J6, 3W, XU, XW.
TRX+kWAMP+Beam ANTs & Bed. Yonezuka,
JA2EZD. URL://qth.com/dxshack.
DXshack@wwdx.net
HAM HOME FOR SALE. RETIRE TO NC. Moderate 4-
season climate. One-floor living on PGA Tour golf
course. Golf membership with sale. 4 BR, 2 1/2 baths,
2250 sq ft. Double garage. Large basement. Wooded.
Beautiful view. 115 ft frontage. 50 ft Rohn tower with
TA33 tri-band plus 2M and 70cm vertical. Also GAP
Titan plus 80/40M horizontal. Security system.
Automatic landscape irrigation system. Solar assist hot
water. Emergency power plant and ham equipment
negotiable. $219,000. W9HU, Greensboro, NC.
Tel: 336-674-0148. email gabesell@aol.com
HOUSE, QUAD, ARIZONA SUNSHINE: $73,900.
Smaller 2-bedroom home in attractive Sun City
West neighborhood. New roof & heat pump 1999.
Tiltover tower and multiband quad. Also available
furnished, with KW. Don Steele, Ken Meade
Realty, 800-977-1776 ve3pfc@arrl.net
KH6SQ - http://www.seaqmaui.com
OCALA, FLORIDA, HAM LOCATION. For Sale:
Three bedroom ranch 1-3/4 bath home with 125 ft by
100 ft lot and 70 ft lot and 70 ft, 3 section motorized
crank-up tower with tri-bander, 40m dipole and 2m
beam. Two car garage and workshop. House
recently carpeted and painted. For information e-mail
rbenn39528@aol.com or call 708-748-9414.
P49V/AI6V’s ARUBA Cottage for rent; 2
bedrooms, rig and antennas. For info write: Carl
Cook, 2191 Empire Ave., Brentwood, CA 94513.
QTH FOR SALE: Punta Gorda. Florida. 56 foot
crank over tower. Hygain Tailtwister. Sommer
XP706 beam with all options. 2m Hustler. 1+1/2
lots, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1300 square feet,
11x20 porch, hurricane shutters, 2 car garage,
ceiling fans, irrigation pump, fruit trees, mile to
shopping. $94K. Got new job. Had to move.
WB9JTK alan.dewey@usa.net
TURKS AND CAICOS “HAM-LET” VACATION:
House with station located Providenciales hillside
above ocean. Jody Millspaugh, 649-946-4436 or
Box 694800, Miami, Florida 33269 USA. E-mail:
jody@tciway.tc
VACATION IN BAVARIA - Modern apartments
by DL6SX “Arno”. Info. at www.schmahl.de
VP5B Contest Station; North Caicos Beach
Front. 3BR/2BA; RIGS, AMPS, Antennas Deluxe
Accomodations, www.qth.com/vp5.
Email: K4ISV@KIH.NET; 270-259-4530.

GENERAL
#1 CALLSIGN CD-ROM. “HamCall” contains U.S.
and International callsigns with lat/long, grid square,
e-mail addresses and more. Updated monthly.
Check/Visa/MC. $50, $5 ship/handling. Buckmaster,
6196 Jefferson Hwy., Mineral, VA 23117.
800-282-5628 or http://www.buck.com/haminfo.html

162
 2001 CALLBOOK CD-ROM: $38.95 POSTPAID.
QRZv16: $17.95 POSTPAID. 2001 Handbook -
$29.95; All ARRL items DISCOUNTED. Check/
VISA/MC: Duane Heise, AA6EE, 16832
Whirlwind, Ramona CA 92065. 760-789-3674.
<AA6EE@amsat.org>,
http://www.radiodan.com/aa6ee/_
2001 Callbook CD-ROM Distributor “59(9) DX Report”
Great price and service on genuine “Flying Horse” CD
$39 to US, $40 to VE, $41 to DX. Order online
http://www.members.aol.com/the599rpt/dx.htm or
E-Mail: the599rpt@aol.com; write P. O. Box 73, Spring
Brook, NY 14140 Tel/Fax - (716) 677-2599.
Check/Visa/MC
59(9) DX REPORT Weekly DX and Contest
bulletin. SASE for sample. P. O. Box 73, Spring
Brook, NY 14140.
ALUMINUM CHASSIS AND CABINET KITS.
UHF-VHF Antenna Parts, Catalog E-mail:
k3iwk@flash.net or http://www.flash.net/~k3iwk
Anderson Powerpole and OEM power connec-
tors. MasterCard/Visa. KM6YH
www.powerwerx.com
ANTENNA DESIGN BOOK, 140 pages, helical,
loop yagi, beams, loops, short antennas, flat
tops, and VLF projects, $12.95. R.A.C., POB 37,
Clarksville, AR 72830.
ANTENNA HARDWARE - S.S. “U” bolts, aluminum
saddles, element and boom plates, S.S. hose
clamps. Write for list to Harbach Electronics,
WA4DRU, 2318 S. Country Club Road, Melbourne,
FL 32901-5809. http://www.harbach.com
APPLE I Microcomputer wanted for museum.
KK4WW, 540-763-3311.
ASTRON POWER SUPPLY, Brand new w/
warranty, RS-20m $99, RS-35m $145, RS-50m
$209, RS-70m $249, SS-25m $122, SS-30m
$135. Call for other models, 626-286-0118 or
sales@aventrade.com; www.aventrade.com
ATTENTION YAESU FT-102. Expert repairs.
Over 6000 hours servicing the 102. Reasonable
rates. Call evenings, Mal, NC4L, 954-961-2034.
ATTN: CW OPERATORS - Still available! Super
CMOS III Semi-Kit, same features as Logikey K-3.
SASE for details to Idiom Press, 95441-1025.
ATV Video Test Pattern Generators with
Character ID, composite and S-video outputs,
audio tone. Many options. Other video products
and kits also available. Tom Gould, WB6P,
GEKCO Labs, Issaquah, WA. 888-435-7221.
www.gekco.com
AVVid is an authorized Kenwood and Icom
service center for warranty and non-warranty
repairs. Reasonable rates and fast turnaround.
E-Mail to clif@avvid.com or call 800-214-5779.
AVVid, 222 N. Story Road, Suite 128, Irving, TX
75061.
BATTERY: Sealed lead acid/gel cell and NiMH
at wholesale price. 0.5AH to 100AH, Nexcell
NiMH AA 1400mah $2, AAA 600mah $2. 626-
286-0118; www.aventrade.com
CASH FOR COLLINS. SM-1, 2, 3; 312A-1, 2;
55G-1; 399C-1; KWM-380; 62S-1; KWM-1;
302C-3; 51S-1; 75S-3C; 32S-3A; buy any Collins
equipment. Leo, KJ6HI, ph/fax 310-670-6969.
radioleo@earthlink.net
CONTESTER laminated keyboard overlays, QSL
return envelopes, DX Edge and more.
www.HamStuff.com by W7NN.
CQing all DXers, if E & F skip makes your day!
Then check out G & H. For a free tract about tuning
in -Self Ministries, P.O.B. 117, Bristolville, OH
44402 USA.
CRYPTOGRAPHY items wanted: KL-7, M-94, M-209,
others. WB2EZK, 17 Alfred Road West, Merrick, NY
11566. 516-378-0263, louk17@optonline.net
DIGITAL FIELD strength meters:
IC Engineering, http://www.digifield.com

164
 D rake Wanted: RV-75, TR-7/7A, R-7/7A and all K8CX Ham Gallery http://hamgallery.com
7-line accessories. Also wanted C-line gear, KA1INX - www.recycledradio.com
L4B. Please call Neil, K1VY at (603)-465-2788, KENWOOD TS940 with Antenna Tuner Speech
or toll free (800) 962-2949. Email to Processor other interests now. 1239 Bluestone
K1VY@arrl.net Drive, Bethlehem PA 18017. 610-867-5983.
DUSTCOVERS: Sturdy plastic dustcovers for LEARN CODE by Hypnosis,
various cw paddles with callsign engraved. $17 http://www.qth.com/cweasy/ or WB2D
includes S&H. Larry Stamm 28 Topton Rd. 800-425-2552.
Kutztown, PA 19530 http://www8.bcity.com/ Low Cost Soviet Military Straight Keys, $18
covers www.qsl.net/kc0afx - jbide@lisco.net WB0UYQ
DWM COMMUNICATIONS-SASE brings catalog MACINTOSH ham logging program on CD-
or visit: http://www.qth.com/dwm ROM. http://www.peachtree-solutions.com
ELECTRIC RADIO Magazine in our twelfth year. MORSE 0-20 WPM 90 days guaranteed!
Articles on vintage ham and military gear, repair/ Codemaster V for IBM compatible PC $29.95.
restoration, history, and AM operation. Large Morse Express, 800-238-8205. http://
classified section. $3 for a sample copy, ER, www.MorseX.com
14643 County Road G, Cortez, CO 81321. MOTOROLA MICOR REPEATERS: 2m and 70cm,
ELECTRON TUBES. Bought and sold. Large $400. 727-394-9665 evenings, ka9rix@arrl.net
inventory equals fast delivery. Daily Electronics, PACE Soldering/Desoldering: Replacement
10914 NE 39th St. Ste. B-6, Vancouver, WA parts, tips, new systems for SMT and Thru-hole
98682. 800-346-6667, fax 360-896-5476. PCB repair are in stock! Also a stocking
daily@worldaccessnet.com distributor of a wide assortment of solders,
Electronic Kits/Components/Software - Amateur fluxes, cutters and hand tools. Technimark, Inc.
radio, internet broadcaster, fiber optic, voice Tel: 847-639-6324. www.technimark-inc.com
changers. Diodes, transistors. Schematic / PCB POEM “The Silent Key” by Eddie Phillips -
software. Call J-Tron 888-595-8766, www.j-tron.com KG4HKY. Send two dollars (US): 4343 Old
“EVERYTHING FOR THE MORSE ENTHUSIAST.” B’Ham Hwy, Jasper, Alabama 35501
Morse Express. Keys, keyers, kits, books. PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS for Amateur Radio
303-752-3382. http://www.MorseX.com projects. Internet: www.cl.ais.net/farcir. E-mail:
FOR SALE - Government Surplus. Sea PRC-68 farcir@ais.net. List SASE. FAR Circuits, 18N640
Radios, on 6 meters w/7” rubber duck and 30” Field Ct., Dundee, IL 60118.
tape ant., 8 Nicad Batt. packs. New, camo RADIO REPAIR! Reasonable, Jim Dan Rupe, 998
cases, all original, good condition. 1 each PRC- Whipple, Grayland, WA 98547. 360-267-4011.
77 with AM 2060A AMP, speaker, power supply, Email: w7ddf@yahoo.com
shock mount in good operating condition. All ROSS $$$$ New Specials: Kenwood, BC-6,
alignment & test sets, on 6 meters. $1500. $75.00; THG-71A, $269.00; HMC-1, $36.50;
Stanley Wright W1SWW 207-583-2851 or YK-88A, $75.00; MFJ; MFJ-872, $94.00;
W1SWW@BEARFACTSME.COM. MFJ-4225MV, $139.00; MFJ-321, $65.00;
FREE Ham Gospel Tracts; youth leaders MFJ-332, $49.50; Yaesu, FT-811, $275.00;
needed for national outreach. SASE, W1REZ, P. FT-8100R, $459.00; FT-90R, $398.50; FT-
O. Box 8, Harmony, ME 04942. 73RTT, $220.00; PRICES WITH COUPONS.
FREE!!! Ham Radio and other CD-Roms & Call or visit our Web page for complete list
Software disk catalog. MOM ‘N’ POP’S and more Specials http://www.rossdist.com,
SOFTWARE, P. O. Box 15003-HA, Springhill, Phone (208)852-0830 All prices Cash FOB
FL 34604-0111. 1-352-688-9108. Preston. Ross Distributing Company, 78
momnpop@gate.net South State Preston, Idaho 83263
FREE: Ham Radio Gospel Tracts, SASE. KW3A, SALE: YAESU FT-1000-D in MINT CONDITION,
265 West Ave., Springfield, PA 19064. performs flawlessly, ONLY $2950.00 FOB.
HALLICRAFTERS Service Manuals. Amateur W9SHE, 623-546-0010.
and SWL. Write for prices. Specify model San Diego Hams: Kenwood Station TS430S,
numbers desired. Ardco Electronics, P.O. Box PS430, AT250, SP430, MC425, HS5. Plus 10
95, Dept. Q, Berwyn, IL 60402. meter 3 El beam, 40-10 meter dipule, V-O
Ham Helper Software: www.awrsoftware.com/ meter, SWR Bridge, Grid Dip. All $700. W6RET
hamhelper 619-562-1774 Santee.
HEATHKIT AMATEUR RADIO REPAIR by RTO STOP INTERMOD. 2M, 70cM, custom notch
Electronics, 7280 Territorial Road, Benton filters. Use with dual/triple band radios.
Harbor, MI 49022. 616-468-7780. E-mail: Insertion loss less than 0.5dB. No power
hamtech@rtoham.com. www.rtoham.com required. PAR Electronics, Inc.
Heathkit, Yaesu, Kenwood repair, Ed, WA1LJY, par@parelectronics.com
616-429-4295. www.parelectronics.com (828)743-1338.
HEATHKITS WANTED: Top dollar paid for Surplus Andrews & R.F.S Cablewave connec-
unassembled kits. Michael Seedman, 847-831-8823 tors, ground kits, and cable. Save from 30 to 50
eve., or mseedman@interaccess.com %. We have a complete line of 60 to 700 ft runs
HEATHKITS WANTED: Unassembled kits, of cable in inventory. We carry all different size
catalogs, manuals and older gear. Bill, and type Andrews & R.F.S Cablewave cable.
WA8CDU, 616-375-7978. billrobb@net-link.net Call for pricing and availablity - supplies are
HF/6M AMP KITS, 14VDC, 500W $395, KW limited.
$719, 300W(6M) $495. SASE, Lee, KD4YBC, Svetlana Tubes For Sale: 4CX800A matched
197 Chickasaw Lane, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. pairs $200. 4CX400A matched pairs $180. SK1A
http://users.aol.com/rfelectron/rfelect.htm sockets, new $39.95. I also have other Svetlana
ICOM repair most ICOM radios COMTEK tubes GS35B, GS23B, GS91B, and many others.
w7jv@aol.com. Kuni, 360-779-9730 All tubes are unused and have a warranty. For
INTERNATIONAL RADIO (Service Division) offers more information and references, please see my
kits that add new features to your rig! Also web-site at http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/
repairs, alignments of Kenwood, Icom, Yaesu, ClassifiedsCt/tomstubes/ Phone:256-593-0077.
Atlas equipment. 1118 Raymond Ave., Fort Email: w4th@webtv.net
Pierce, FL 34950. intlradio@juno.com or 561-489- SX88 HALLICRAFTERS receiver wanted. Jim,
6302. http://www.qth.com/irsd W6OU, 714-528-5652.

166
 TELEGRAPH KEYS wanted by collector. Bugs
and unusual or unique straight keys or sounders,
and tube electronic keyers. Also pre1950
callbooks. Vince Thompson, K5VT, 3410 N. 4th
Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85013. 602-840-2653.
Ten-Tec Scout with Noise Blanker, Mobile bracket,
microphone, 10, 20, 30-meter modules - $460.
Bob, KZ2G, Mauro@Idt.net, 516-579-4043.
The Dxer’s Control Panel. Leno,
http://www.HAMDX.com
TRIBANDER COMPARISON REPORT: Find out
the real lowdown on HF antenna performance.
K7LXC & NØAX test the KT34XA, TH7, TH11, C-3
Skyhawk and more. Over 60 pages. $17 + $3 s/h.
CHAMPION RADIO PRODUCTS,
www.championradio.com, 888-833-3104.
TRYLON SELF-SUPPORTING TOWERS: Steel
towers available up to 96 feet. Terrific value and
reliabilty. The popular T-200 is 96 feet and is
only $1974. CHAMPION RADIO PRODUCTS,
www.championradio.com, 888-833-3104.
TUBES - Buy, sell - SASE for list AD. Selling
sockets, savers, Amphenol, Cinch-Jones plugs,
sockets, HV ceramics. WANTED - 9-pin mini
plug, phenolic, like bottom end of a 12AT7 tube.
Any quantity. TYPETRONICS, Box 8873, Ft.
Lauderdale, FL 33310-8873. 954-583-1340,
Fax 954-583-0777. Fred Schmidt, N4TT.
TUBES for sale, all kinds. Send SASE for price
availability. K9GTK, 2932 W. 99th St., Evergreen
Park, IL 60805. Phone/fax 708-423-0528.
E-mail: tivas@xnet.com
TUBES WANTED: Highest prices paid or will trade
for all types of industrial, receiving and transmitter
tubes. D & C Electronics, 3089 Deltona Blvd.,
Spring Hill, FL 34606. Tel: 800-881-2374.
TUBES WANTED: I pay cash or trade for all
types of transmitting or special purpose tubes.
Mike Forman, 1472 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland,
CA 94602. 510-530-8840.
WANTED: AC power supply and cable for Swan
350, also manual. Condition, price? WBØMPG.
“WANTED: BROWN BROTHERS KEYER
PADDLE. W7LCF 307-234-4465.”
WANTED: Hallicrafters HT 20, Hammarlund-
SP600, Collins 32 V or W Transmitters, Collins
75 A Receiver, KB0W, (916) 635-4994.
frankdellechaie@sprintmail.com
WANTED: Hi capacity 12 volt solar panels for
repeater. kk4ww@fairs.org or 540-763-2321.
WANTED: HP-plug-ins: HP5257 A for HP
5245 L; HP 8555 A and 8556 A for HP 141 T.
R. Scholz, DK 5 BY,Gartenstrasse 89, D-
24220 Flintbek, Germany, Tel.: 0431 9884667
and 04347 1895; e-mail
reinhard.scholz@wimi.landsh.de
WANTED: KIM’s; SYM’s; AIM’s & related
literature; tty books; HP, TEKTRONIX,
Marconi and similar hi-tech descriptive
catalogs. John Rawley 1923 Susquehanna
Rd. Abington, PA 19001. Phone: 215-884-
9220, johnr750@aol.com
WANTED: Palamar 160-190 KHZ transmitter
WBØMPG.
WANTED: Tubes. Nobody pays more or faster
than us! Mike Forman, 1472 MacArthur Blvd,
Oakland, CA 94602, 510-530-8840.
WANTED: Yaesu FT-127, FT-227, FT-627, all
later versions RA, RB, Transceivers. Robert
Milligan, 6608 N. 18th St. Arlington, VA
22205-1802 (703)-533-0650.
WB4AEJ - http://www.hamsearch.com
JOBS
WANTED FOR SUMMER OF 2001: Instructors in
electronics, ham radio, computers and all other
sciences. Small boys’ science camp in Pennsylvania.
Apply: Donald Wacker, P.O. Box 356, Paupack,
Pennsylvania 18451. 570-857-1401.

168
 Index of Advertisers
ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT STAFF
John Bee, N1GNV, Advertising Manager
Hanan Rayyashi, KB1AFX, Production Coordinator
Melissa Yrayta, Advertising Assistant
Direct Line: 860-594-0207 Fax: 860-594-0259
e-mail: ads@arrl.org http://www.arrl.org/ads
ADI Communications: 8 Logic: 163
Advanced Battery Systems, Inc: 154 L.I.N.Y.C. Wintefest: 139
Advanced Specialties: 155 M2 Enterprises: 159
Alinco Electronics, Inc: 11 M & S Computer Products Inc: 144
All Electronics Corp: 124 Maha Communications & Elec.: 2
Alpha Delta Communications: 142 Metal & Cable Corp: 155
Amateur & Advanced: 155 MFJ Enterprises: 123, 125, 127, 129, 131, 133, 135
Amateur Electronic Supply LLC: 145, 147, 149 Micro Computer Concepts: 161
Am-Com: 162 Military Sealift Command: 27
ARRL: 139, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 165, 166, Mirage: 13
170, 171, 172 , 160 Motorola: 120
Ameritron: 119 Mr. NiCd: 174
Amidon: 134 N4XM XMatch Antenna Tuner: 139
Antique Electronic Supply: 158 National RF, Inc.: 168
Antique Radio Classified: 128 Nemal: 162
AOR: 157 North Ohio Amateur Radio: 155
Associated Radio Communication: 126 ONV Safety Belt Co.: 164
Atomic Time: 148 Orlando HamCation: 160
Austin Amateur Radio Supply: 121 Pactor: 167
Autek Research: 136 Palomar Engineers: 136
Bencher, Inc.: 167 PC Electronics: 167
Better RF Co., The: 136 Paddlette Co.: 139
Bilal Co: 167 Peet Brothers Co.: 148
Buckmaster Publishing: 138 Personal Database Applications: 163
Burghardt Amateur Center, Inc: 169 Power Port: 163, 166
Bruce Sound & Security: 163 Premier Communications: 8
Cable X -Perts: 153 Print Products International: 155
Champion Radio Products: 138 Prolog: 167
Circuit Specialists, Inc: 138 QRO Technologies, Inc: 164
Code Quick: 158 QSLs By W4MPY: 136
Com Dac: 155 QSLs by WX9X: 156
Command Technologies, Inc.: 136 R & L Electronics: 140, 141
Communication Concepts Inc.: 165 RF Inquiry: 143
Communication Products: 138 RF Parts Co: 25
Communications Specialist Inc: 154 Radio Amateur Call Book: 143
Conex Electro Systems: 142 Radio Bookstore: 164
Creative Services Software, Inc: 168 Radio City: 121
Cubex Company Inc: 162 Radio Club Of J.H.S. 22 NYC: 156
Cutting Edge: 163, 166 Radio Depot: 155
Datamatrix: 167 Radio Era Archives: 166
Davis Instruments: 154 Radio Shack: 173
Dayton Hamvention: 151 Radio Works: 161
Denver Amateur Radio Supply: 132 Raibeam: 144
Digital Communications Inc: 120 Rapidan Data Systems: 128
Elecraft: 138 Rederring Embroidery: 168
EQF Software: 122 Richmond Frostfest: 168
E-Z Hang, Inc.: 163 Rohn: 130
Farallon: 167 Ross Distributing Co: 165
GLA Systems: 162 SGC: 146
Gap Antenna Products Inc.: 120 SeaPac: 151
Glen Martin Engineering: 165 Spider Antenna: 143
Grundig: 6, 7 SSB Electronics: 167
Ham Central: 155 Surplus Sales of Nebraska: 130
Ham Contact, The: 122, 126 Symek: 148
Ham Radio Outlet: 114, 115, 116, 117, 118 T.G.M. Comm.: 122
Ham Station, The: 132 TE Systems: 144
Hamtronics: 163 Tennadyne Corp: 144
High Sierra Antennas: 122 Ten-Tec Inc: 14, 139
Hy-Gain: 26 Texas Towers: 175, 176
ICOM America, Inc: Cover II, 1, 3 Traffie Technology: 158
IIX Equipment Ltd.: 156, 166 Tropical Hamboree: 154
International Crystal Mfg. Co: 165 Universal Radio, Inc.: 121
Intuitive Circuits LLC: 161 Vectronics: 17
J. Martin Systems: 163 Vi-Con, Inc: 158
Jun’s Electronics: 137 W & W Manufacturing Co: 157
K2AW’s “Silicon Alley”: 154 W2IHY Technologies: 132
Kangaroo Tabor: 154 W5YI: 158, 163, 168
Kenwood USA Corp: Cover IV W7FG Vintage Manuals: 146
KJI Electronics: 155 W9INN Antennas: 128
KK7TV Communications: 128 WA2EHL Repeater: 128
KO6YD Designs: 122 Warren Gregoire & Associates: 144
LDG Electronics: 159 West Mountain Radio: 161
Lakeview Co.: 156 Wheaton Hamfest: 160
Lentini Communications: 121 Wheeler Applied Research Lab: 158
Levy/Letham Global, LLC: 156 Wireman Inc.: 139
Lewallen, Roy W., W7EL: 165 Yaesu U.S.A.: Cover III, 22, 23
Lightning Bolt Antennas: 139 Yost & Co., E.H.: 174

If your company provides products or services of interest to our Members, please contact the
ARRL Advertising Department today for information on building your business.
Your customers are reading.....QST!
February Issue Focus: Phase 3D/Satellites Deadline: January 17 , 2 001
March Issue Focus: Vintage Radio Deadline: February 20 ,2001