West Gulf Division April 2012 Newsletter

---   New Clubs in the WGD Division
   ---   WGD QSL Contest Update
   ---   ARRL Executive Committee March Meeting
   ---   Delta/West Gulf Divisions Interoperability Test
   ---   Annual Armed Forces Day Crossband Test
   ---   ARRL Field Day, June 23 and 24
   ---   Assistant Director for Special Interest Groups
   ---   ARRL Approved for Combined Federal Campaign
   ---   HamCom West Gulf Division Convention
   ---   Planned ARRL Events for K5RAV and N5AUS
   ---   Upcoming Hamfests/Conventions

News from David Woolweaver, K5RAV your West Gulf Division Director

--- New Clubs in the WGD Division

At the recent Executive Committee Meeting, the following WGD Clubs were
approved for ARRL Affiliation:

Amateur Radio Euless, Euless, TX
(http://www.eulesstx.gov/police/em/AmateurRadioEuless.htm)
CQ Ingleside, Arkansas Pass, TX
DFW Contest Group, Plano, TX (http://www.dfwcontest.com/)
Jake McClain Driver Memorial Amateur Radio Club, Houston, TX

We welcome this new affiliated clubs to the ARRL organization and look
forward to watching you grow!  There are now 179 Affiliated or Special
Service Clubs within the West Gulf Division.  There are many advantages
to being an ARRL affiliated club.  If your club is not currently, but
would like to considering becoming an Affiliate or Special Service
Club, start by visiting http://www.arrl.org/affiliated-club-benefits.

--- West Gulf Division QSL Contest Update

The last submission date for entries into the WGD QSL Contest arrives
on Monday and the judges will soon be voting on their favorite
selections from the categories of Best Photo, Best Graphic and, Most
Humorous.   Following that selection, the cards will be put on the WGD
Website so that Division Members can vote on the Grand Prize Winner.
A special Newsflash bulletin will be sent out when the voting begins.


The three category winners will receive a Dual Band HT. The Grand Prize
Winner will be announced during the ARRL Forum at HamCom 2012, and will
receive an MFJ Antenna Analyzer.

The West Gulf Division wishes to thank the Main Trading Company and
Austin Amateur Radio Supply for supporting this contest!

--- ARRL Executive Committee March Meeting

The ARRL Executive Committee met on Saturday, March 24 in St Louis,
Missouri.  ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN, serves as chairman of the
Executive Committee. Five Division Directors who are elected by the
ARRL Board of Directors are also on the committee: Midwest Division
Director Cliff Ahrens, K0CA; Northwestern Division Director Jim
Fenstermaker, K9JF; Central Division Director Dick Isely, W9GIG; Rocky
Mountain Division Director Brian Mileshosky, N5ZGT, and West Gulf
Division Director David Woolweaver, K5RAV. Per Article 40 of the ARRL
By-Laws, ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Sumner, K1ZZ, and ARRL
General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, also attends.

The Executive Committee is assigned specific responsibilies for:

Applying existing Board policy to make decisions between Board
meetings.

Evaluating proposed rules and regulatory changes for the Board.

Assisting staff and General Counsel in Board recommendations for
petitions to the FCC and other governmental and international
agencies.

Periodically reviewing and recommending to the Board any changes in the
ARRL Articles of Association, By-Laws, Standing Orders, and Memoranda of
Understanding with other organizations.

Monitoring progress of Board actions and recommendations (task
tracking).

Monitoring progress of the implementation of, and suggesting ongoing
revisions to, the ARRL Strategic Plan, working in conjunction with
Standing Committees as appropriate.

Reviewing and recommending programs designed to represent the
organization to the public, enhance the organization's image, and
communicate with the media.

The minutes from that meeting are now available on the ARRL website.

--- Delta/West Gulf Divisions Interoperability Test

The two Division Directors, David Woolweaver K5RAV and David Norris
K5UZ  proposed a joint Delta/West Gulf ARES/MARS exercise to occur on
May 5, 2012 from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM CDT.  The test will primarily be
for the use of digital modes.  This exercise was initiated by the three
Texas Sections to test ARES/MARS communications interoperability under a
test communications emergency.  It was recognized by the Directors as a
good opportunity to initiate an intersection and interdivisional test
at the same time.  Texas has a very comprehensive plan for this
exercise.  It is not necessary for OK, AR, LA, MS, & TN to try to
imitate the Texas plan.

The scenario is a complete failure of the power grid, Internet and
telephone systems caused by a severe solar storm, which would be a true
communications emergency if it were to occur.  With these failures, many
of the systems that we depend upon during actual emergencies will not be
available.  As a result, the test will be accomplished as an RF only
communication test.  No communication system dependent on
infrastructure will be used (includes Winlink network, D-Star node to
node, Echolink, telephones or cell phones).

All eight Sections in both divisions will operate autonomously and at
the discretion of the Section Manager and the Section Emergency
Coordinator.  The decision to participate (or not) is with each Section
Manager.  Emphasis is on KISS and simplification.

Since emergencies normally begin locally and then may spread
regionally, each Section will develop its own plan for the exercise,
testing whatever critical ARES and MARS RF only communications system
(with emphasis on digital) deemed necessary within the Section.  The
emergency, in this scenario, will occur simultaneously in all Sections
and both Divisions.

Emphasis will be on digital transmission using Pactor I, II and III
(and its variations) or other digital modes of choice in a PEER TO PEER
mode only. (The WL2K, likewise D-Star, Echolink and IRLP networks depend
upon the Internet to move traffic and the Internet will be down).  This
is an excellent opportunity to test intra/inter Section and Division
digital systems, both on the Amateur and MARS bands.  The exercise will
involve the Oklahoma Section, North, South and West Texas Sections,
Arkansas Section, Louisiana Section, Mississippi Section and the
Tennessee Section.

At the SM's and SEC's choice analog SSB nets can also be active to
move traffic as well.  This would also be an excellent opportunity to
test the standing Delta MOU.   At Section discretion, this exercise
could also qualify as the Section SET.

Again…the emphasis for this exercise is digital peer to peer.
Messages can be in ICS or ARRL format or a combination.  Messages
should be sent as TEXT files to eliminate digital overhead.  Sample
messages will be issued in the near future for peer to peer messaging.
Peer to peer connects can utilize any executable program that allows
such control and connections (Airmail, Ham Radio Deluxe, Winmor and
many others).

(Contributed by, Gary Stratton, K5GLS, LA ASM)


--- AFD Crossband Military/Amateur Radio Communications Test

1. The Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard are
co-sponsoring the Annual Military/Amateur Radio Communications Test in
celebration of the 63rd anniversary of Armed Forces Day (AFD).
Although the actual Armed Forces Day is celebrated on Saturday, May 19,
2012, the AFD Military/Amateur Crossband Communications Test will be
conducted 12 may 2012 to prevent conflict with the Dayton Hamvention
(18-20 may 2012), which is the same weekend as the actual Armed Forces
Day.

2. The annual celebration features traditional military to amateur
cross band communications SSB voice and morse code tests. These tests
give amateur radio operators and short wave listeners (SWL) an
opportunity to demonstrate their individual technical skills, and to
receive recognition from the appropriate military radio station for
their proven expertise. QSL cards will be provided to those stations
making contact with the military stations.

3. Military-to-Amateur Cross Band operations will take place on the
dates/times in Zulu (UTC), and frequencies listed below for each
station. Voice contacts will include operations in single sideband
voice (SSB).  Some stations may not operate the entire period,
depending on propagation and manning. Participating military stations
will transmit on selected military mars frequencies and listen for
amateur radio stations in the amateur bands indicated below. The
military station operator will announce the specific amateur band
frequency being monitored. Duration of each voice contact should be
limited to 1-2 minutes.

For the full list of participating stations, dates and rules, visit the
WGD website at www.arrlwgd.org.

 (Information provided by Gary/K7GJT/NNN0GJT)

--- ARRL Field Day, June 23 and 24

Field Day is a picnic, a campout, practice for emergencies, an informal
contest and, most of all, FUN!

ARRL Field Day is the single most popular on-the-air event held
annually in the US and Canada. On the fourth weekend of June of each
year, more than 35,000 radio amateurs gather with their clubs, groups
or simply with friends to operate from remote locations.

It is a time where many aspects of Amateur Radio come together to
highlight our many roles. While some will treat it as a contest, other
groups use the opportunity to practice their emergency response
capabilities. It is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate Amateur
Radio to the organizations that Amateur Radio might serve in an
emergency, as well as the general public. For many clubs, ARRL Field
Day is one of the highlights of their annual calendar.

The contest part is simply to contact as many other stations as
possible and to learn to operate our radio gear in abnormal situations
and in less than optimal conditions.

We use these same skills when we help with events such as marathons and
bike-a-thons; fund-raisers such as walk-a-thons; celebrations such as
parades; and exhibits at fairs, malls and museums — these are all
large, preplanned, non-emergency activities.

But despite the development of very complex, modern communications
systems — or maybe because they ARE so complex — ham radio has been
called into action again and again to provide communications in crises
when it really matters. Amateur Radio people (also called "hams")
are well known for our communications support in real disaster and
post-disaster situations.

First introduced in 2008, the ARRL's Field Day Station Locator
Service has proved a popular addition to the Field Day toolbox. This
service -- an interactive map that helps amateurs or those interested
in Amateur Radio find a Field Day site near them -- is free to clubs or
individuals who will be operating public Field Day stations. Stations
can also be listed by state or province. So far, hams in 47 states,
Puerto Rico and six Canadian provinces have listed Field Day sites on
the Field Day Locator. If your group would like to be a part of the
Station Locator Service, it's easy to get started -- just go to the
Field Day Station Locator website and follow the instructions. ARRL
Field Day is the most popular on-the-air operating event in Amateur
Radio. On June 23-24, join tens of thousands of radio amateurs as they
gather for a public demonstration of the Amateur Service.

To order 2012 Field Day merchandise visit

http://www.arrl.org/shop/Field-Day-Supplies/.

--- Newly Appointed Assistant Director for Special Interest Groups

Director Woolweaver announces the appointment of Marvin ("Trevor")
Matherne as the new Assistant Director for Special Interest Groups.
Several new SIGs have been announced in 2012 and Trevor will be working
with Director Woolweaver to insure that all of the Special Interest
Groups have a point person to help promote their efforts within the
Division.

A Louisiana native, Trevor noted that sometime around 1969 his uncle
(KB5BB) demonstrated a phone patch in his car, introducing Trevor to
the world of radio.  Thus a "bucket list" entry made its way into
the recesses of his head.  Fast forward 35 years and Trevor is now in
Dallas and his interest was rekindled when KC5ZMY, Marina Calverley,
challenged him to get his technician license in 2007, renewing his
interest in amateur radio.

Trevor is active locally with Dallas RACES, enjoys storm chasing, and
local chatter with friends on 10 meters, 2 meters and 70 cm.  He only
regrets it took nearly four decades to get his license.  Trevor adds
that he, "…appreciates the opportunity to serve the league and
Division Members."

--- ARRL Approved for 2012 Combined Federal Campaign

For the past 11 years, the US Office of Personnel Management has
designated the ARRL to participate in the Combined Federal Campaign
(CFC), the annual giving campaign for federal employees. In that time,
this campaign for federal government civilian employees, US Postal
Service workers and members of the military has generated almost
$192,000 for ARRL programs. The CFC provides an easy way to support the
ARRL's effort to represent its members and all radio amateurs.

Similar to the United Way, the CFC encourages individuals employed in
all branches of the federal government to pledge by payroll deduction
to non-profit organizations of their choice. The ARRL encourages
eligible radio amateurs to consider the League when designating
campaign recipients. Payroll deduction through the CFC is an easy way
for participants to support ARRL over and above their annual
membership. Such contributions support programs that are not funded by
member dues, enriching ARRL's ability to serve its members and all of
Amateur Radio.

Those wishing to select the ARRL to receive all or part of their
payroll deductions should designate organization 10099 when completing
their CFC donor forms. Donations to the ARRL can be designated for
Diamond Club contributions, the ARRL Spectrum Defense Fund, the ARRL
Education & Technology Program or the Historic Preservation Fund.
Donors may elect to make unrestricted contributions to the League.

One important note: Since the CFC does not provide the ARRL with the
names of individual donors, the ARRL Development Office would
appreciate a copy of the donor form to ensure that each contribution is
applied according to the donor's wishes and the contribution or pledge
can be properly acknowledged.

--- 2012 HamCom, WGD Convention

HamCom has announced that pre-registration and W5DXCC LSDX Dinner
tickets are now available through the HamCom website, www.HamCom.org.

The ARRL Forum guest speaker is 1st Vice President Rick Roderick, K5UR
who will speak on "Amateur Radio - The Greatest Hobby in the
World."

The HamCom pre-registration prize (internet transactions only) is still
a surprise but the GRAND prize is a Icom 7000.  Advanced adult tickets
are $8 with each additional family members $6.   Students (K-12) and
Scouts in uniform receive FREE admission!  On-line registration will be
accepted until May 30th.  All pre-registration tickets will be held at
WILL CALL at the Plano Convention Centre.  HamCom tickets may be
purchased on-line at http://hamcom.org/attending-gm-purchase.cfm.  Day
of the event tickets will be $10.

Lone Star DX is proud to present its keynote presenter, Bob Allphin,
K4UEE who will feature a discussion on the DXpedition to Malpelo Island
on Friday, June 8th at 6:30 PM.  To read more about Bob's DX
adventures and accomplishments please visit the Lone Star DX website at
www.dxer.org.   LSDX is featuring a generously donated Yaesu FT2000
transceiver as its door prize!  Tickets for the W5DXCC banquet are $40
each and can be purchased on-line at
http://hamcom.org/attending-dx-dinner.cfm.

Forum presenters are encouraged to apply the HamCom schedule by
registering at http://hamcom.org/attending-presentation-signup.cfm.

Inside swap fest tables are all sold out however there are a few spots
left in the OUTSIDE AREA.  If you wish to reserve a table OUTSIDE you
may do so at http://www.hamcom.org/attending-swapmeet-purchase.cfm.  At
the time of this newsletter release there were 5 outside tables still
available.

Volunteers are still needed to assist in a variety of ways.  If you are
interested in volunteering for a 2-hour block you may do so at
http://hamcom.org/attending-volunteer.cfm.  Volunteers receive FREE
admission and the traditional volunteer ball cap.

--- Planned ARRL Events for K5RAV and N5AUS

Director Woolweaver, K5RAV and Vice Director Stratton, N5AUS are
planning to attend the following upcoming events:

K5RAV

– HamCom, West Gulf Division Convention, June 8-9th, Plano, TX
– Field Day, Oklahoma Section Events, June 23-24th OK
– ARRL Second Annual Board Meeting, July 20-21st, Newington, CT
– HamHoliday, OK Section Convention, July 27-28th, OKC, OK
– Austin Summerfest, TX State Convention, August 3-4th, Austin, TX
– ARRL Executive Committee Meeting, September 29th, Denver, CO
– ARRL 2012 National Convention, October 12-14th, Santa Clara, CA
– Texoma Hamarama, October 26-27th, Ardmore, OK

N5AUS

– HamCom, West Gulf Division Convention, June 8-9th, Plano, TX
– Field Day, Austin/San Antonio area, June 23-24th TX
– ARRL Second Annual Board Meeting, July 20-21st, Newington, CT
– Austin Summerfest, TX State Convention, August 3-4th, Austin, TX

ARRL Convention and Hamfest events are a great place to visit with the
Division and Section Leadership. Each event will also include an ARRL
forum where you can receive additional insight into Division and
Section matters.

At anytime that you have a concern or just want to say hello, contact
Director Woolweaver at K5RAV@arrl.org.  Visit our website at
www.arrlwgd.org; follow us on Twitter at ARRL_WGD or on Facebook at
ARRL West Gulf Division.

-- Upcoming Hamfests and Conventions

05/05/2012 | Smithville Swapfest 2012
Location: Smithville, TX
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Bastrop County Amateur Radio Club
Website: http://www.bcarc-hams.org/

05/12/2012 | 12th Annual Picnic/Swapfest
Location: Amarillo, TX
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Panhandle Amateur Radio Club
Website: http://www.w5wx.org

06/08/2012 | HamCom – West Gulf Division Convention
Location: Plano, TX
Type: ARRL Convention
Sponsor: Ham-Com, Inc. & surrounding clubs
Website: http://www.hamcom.org

07/14/2012 | 2012 TARS Hamfest
Location: Texas City, TX
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Tidelands Amateur Radio Society
Website: http://www.tidelands.org

07/27/2012 | Ham Holiday 2012 – Oklahoma Section Convention
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Type: ARRL Convention
Sponsor: Central Oklahoma Radio Amateurs
Website: http://www.hamholiday.com

08/03/2012 | Austin Summerfest – Texas State Convention
Location: Austin, TX
Type: ARRL Convention
Sponsor: Austin Amateur Radio Club & Texas VHF-FM Society
Website: http://www.austinsummerfest.org

08/25/2012 | Gainesville Hamfest 2012
Location: Gainesville, TX
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Cooke County Amateur Radio Club
Website: http://www.gainesvillehamfest.org

10/26/2012 | Texoma Hamarama
Location: Ardmore, OK
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Texoma Hamarama Associaton Inc.
Website: http://texomahamarama.org

11/10/2012 | NCTECH 2012
Location: Azle, TX
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Tri-County Amateur Radio Club
Website: http://www.wc5c.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL West Gulf Division
Director: David A Woolweaver, K5RAV
k5rav@arrl.org