Thursday, June 20, 2013

CQ Field Day CQ

The Arbuckle Technology Society and Love and Carter County Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) will be hosting 'Field Day' this Saturday, June 22nd, at the Mercy Health/Love County Hospital and Clinic in Marietta, OK.

This year there will be testing for Technician & General level Amateur Radio Licenses at 4pm and there will be a Potluck Dinner at 6pm.

If you are an Amateur Radio Operator or are interested in what Ham Radio is all about we invite you to join us anytime from Noon till at least 10pm. We will have demonstrations and hands on exhibits set up including a unique handheld antenna that allows Hams to contact satellites and the International Space Station. There will also be a Get On The Air (GOTA) station that anyone will be able to operate. There will be multiple field antennas set up and antenna and radio test equipment. 

The Hospital is located at 300 Wanda St, Marietta, Oklahoma 73448. For more information contact David Bond cell/text: 817-368-5548 or Don Loving: (580) 221-1894.

I will be operating a single op station in a horse pasture behind my home QTH a few miles NE of Guthrie.  All are welcome to drop by and visit.  Look me up on QRZ or any other database for the address.  If you have kids or grandkids we have lots of animals they can pet.  I will be lightly monitoring 146.52 so I can guide you in the last few hundred yards.
John (Bill) Greer N5MAE

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

FAA Radio Club radio class results

Congratulations to all of you that passed or upgraded your licenses during the Spring Classes!  This was our first attempt at "Live" Web-based training for the Technician Class license.  Thanks to Metro-Tech and Pete Lee for their generous help with facilities, both physical and network needs.

As a result, at the April 20th exam session, we had 36 people sign in and had 36 folks walk away with a successful license app completed for new or upgrade.

      For General Class (either upgrade or Tech and General both passed)
Kruse Holliday                K5KMH        Frances Sanger        KF5VCE
Granville Hancock        KF5VCP        Gary Kelley                KF5VCX

      New Technician Licensees:
Tanya Tock                KF5VBU         Edward Scott                KF5VBV
David Brown                KF5VBW        Vickie Southard        KF5VBX
Eddie Southard        KF5VBX        Janet Knapp                KF5VBZ
Darrell Knapp                KF5VCA           Todd White                KF5VCB
Greg Stuart                KF5VCC          Jerry Ogden                KF5VCD
Ryan Vick                KF5VCF           Mary Brown                KF5VCG
Elmer Brown             KF5VCH        Deyrl Kastner                KF5VCI
James Pressley        KF5VCJ        Robert Atkinson        KF5VCK
Alwyn Decoteau        KF5VCL        Jan Simmons                KF5VCM
Billy Simmons                KF5VCN        Peter Lee                   KF5VCO
Steven Childers        KF5VCQ        Vernie Hileman           KF5VCR
Brent Booker                KF5VC        S        John Hall                     KF5VCT
Steven Moran                 KF5VCU        Donald Ratliff                KF5VCV
Thomas Gore                KF5VCW        Herman Choate        KF5VCY
Judith Choate                KF5VCZ        Roger Jessen                KF5VDA
Gerald Chernicky        KK6DUV        David Meredith        KF5VDB

New and upgraded licensees from the April 27th exam session include:

      Extra Class upgrade (also passed General at this sitting):
David Brown                KF5VBW

      General Class upgrades:
Mary Brown                KF5VCG                Elmer Brown                KF5VCH
Jerry Ogden                KF5VJK

      New Technician Licensees:
James Hicks                KF5VKF                Fred Jay                KF5VJG
Cynthia Crenshaw        KF5VJH                Mary Wehrenberg        KF5VJI
Jonathan Peters        KF5VJJ                Loretta Hager                KF5VJL
Joe McGraw                KF5VJM                Cory Mack                KF5VJN
Gaylene Jacobs        KF5VJO                Margaret McCluskey        KF5VJP
Kelli Blair                KF5VJQ                Ed Hagstrom                KF5VJR
Scott Mitchell                KF5VJS                Michael Palmer        KF5VJT
Aimee Swickey        KF5VJU                Scott Spurlin                KF5VJV
Michael Maag                KF5VJW                Christopher Swickey        KF5VJX
Stephen Evans        KF5VJY                Stephen Krieske        KF5VJZ
Sharon Behnken        KF5VKA                David Behnken        KF5VKB
Luana Weathers        KF5VKC                Patty Graham                KF5VKD
William Graham        KF5VKE                Kendall Combes        KF5VKF

Stan Bradley gave a radio demonstration on programming and using the Wouxun HT at noon after the April 27th exam for those who bought radios. 

We will be teaching a new General amateur radio licensing class from September 10th through November 5th with Exam on November 12th.  This class will meet on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 8:30PM at the Metro Tech Aviation Campus at 5600 S. Meridian.  This will again be a web-based class, and can be taken in person or viewed during the week at a convenient time.  To sign up, contact Paul Thompson at 405 833-2364 or at n5pt@arrl.net.

73,
Paul N5PT 

Monday, June 17, 2013

CQ CQ Field Day CQ

The Tri-State Amateur Radio Group will hold this years Field Day Operations, June 22nd & 23rd, in conjunction with the Star-Creek Astronomical Society, at the Selman Observatory, which is located North and West of Mooreland, Ok. During the contest we will be using the call of WW5SKY, Star Creeks club call. 

The facility consists of a learning center with several rooms, which can be used for individual contest stations, a large social area, bathrooms and a complete kitchen area. This area is air conditioned and has lots of space outside to erect antennas. The view is clear in all directions and should lend itself to be a good location for Field Day operations. Now lets just hope that the propagation conditions are better than they have been the past couple of days.

Setup will begin around 10am with the actual contest starting at 1pm. Lunch and supper will be provided by the Tri-State Amateur Radio Group. Everyone is encouraged to bring their favorite non-alcoholic beverage, any radios, antennas and accessories they would like to use. We will be operating CW, phone and other forms of amateur radio communication like PSK-31, Satellite, etc. The site also has Internet throughout the building.

Please click on the following link for directions to the Selman Observatory. http://ranger3.nwosu.edu/science/physics/sll/

We will be monitoring the 146.625 - 103.5 / 444.875 + 103.5 linked repeater system and the 444.275 + D-Star repeater throughout the event for anyone needing directions or information about the event. 

The Alabaster Caverns are only about 7 miles away and offers a tour of the caves, several hiking trails and many other activities. 

All amateur radio operators, their family and friends and the general public are invited to attend this event. Please feel free to share this information with your friends and amateur radio colleges.

For more information on this event please contact Jay Kruckenberg (K5GUD) at 580-216-4190 or Paul Mitchell (N1AUS) at 580-334-0883.


W5CSC group will be doing the ARRL field Day at Lake Waurika. Setup will start at 8 am, Ham Testing will began at 12 pm. Will be running 4A class. Take in freq 147.300 + off set pl of 141.3 come and join the fun and fellowship.  Contact K5WPN for more information.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

CQ FIELD DAY, CQ FIELD DAY

The Tulsa Amateur Radio Club and the Tulsa Repeater Organization will be again coming together to hold FIELD DAY 2013.

Where: Chandler Park - 6500 West 21st StreetTulsaOK 


When: Saturday, June 22 – Sunday, June 23, 2013
We will begin set up during the evening (6/21) and continue during the morning, then the radio fun will run through the late morning.


WhatARRL Field Day is the single most popular on-the-air Radio Amateur 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.


Field Day is always the FOURTH full weekend of June, beginning at 1800 UTC  and running through 2059 UTC Sunday.

We’ll be operating under the legendary W5OK call sign.

There will be a BBQ picnic dinner will be in the evening (5ish).

For questions about this FIELD DAY or you would like to help with SET UP or the PICNIC please contact:  Bart N5TWB or Stan KE5HPB

NEW to HAM Radio?   Get-On-The-Air @ Field Day!



When you visit our Field Day site, be sure to stop at our GOTA location. We have a station set up to demonstrate how you can Get-On-The-Air (GOTA). We have experienced HAMs that will show you the ropes and hand you the microphone so you can get in on the fun! You may find yourself talking to some one in another state or maybe even in another country! All ages are welcome to try it out. So be sure to stop by the Field Day site and ask anyone to point you n the direction of the GOTA station, Come join the fun at Field Day 2013!


ARRL FIELD DAY 2013
ARRL contest information and rules at: http://www.arrl.org/field-day


The South Canadian Amateur Radio Society in Norman, OK will hold its Field Day at Reaves Park, located just east of Jenkins and north of Constitution.  We will set up beginning at 8 AM Saturday and operate till 1 PM Sunday, as a 2A station. We’ll have a cook out Saturday evening about 6 PM.


Any hams in the area are welcome to join in.



WG5T
Bill

Where are you having Field Day this year?  Don't forget to send pictures to your Section leadership and register so your Section leadership team will be able to find the site.


Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Do you want your club to grow?


Pretend, just for a moment, you are new to your City.  First time amateur radio visitors may try to find a club or may search for the local repeater listings.

Failing there, the searcher may try to check the local media or check with the local Chamber of Commerce for clubs.

Did the local club announce their meeting in the newspaper?  Was there a press release sent to the radio station?

If the answer was "No", then what chance is there the visitor may discover the meeting time and place?

Did the press release mention the topics of discussion?  If the answer was "No", what chance is there the visitor would be interested in attending?

Did the club send a press release announcing what happened at the club meeting?  If the answer was "No", what chance is there that the public is doing to learn what club projects and activity are occurring?

While there is a LOT of competition for News Editors and Producers eyes, it is guaranteed ... very sure ... 100%  likely ... the press release will never get used, if the press release is not sent.

If your club lacks a public information officer, please reach out to the Public Information Coordinator in your section.  That person wishes to help you get a PIO, but, until one is selected, can help with your press needs.

Do you want your club to grow?




Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Tulsa Help Wanted

We need help with radio communications. We have a need for Sag drivers and rest stop workers for communications for the Tulsa Tough bike race June 8 and 9. 

"This is a great way to practice your communication skills and help out our community all at the same time," said Nathan Huffstetler, AE5NK.

Sag drivers drive the route looking for bicycles that have broken down, crashed, or just need a ride back. Don't let the gas prices stop you from helping as you will be reimbursed for fuel. It is best if you have a truck or a car with a bike rack for this job. You can work the whole day or part of the day.

Rest stops is an easy job and you get to hang out with rest stop workers and let them know when the first group of bikes comes through and give us updates on supplies as needed. Not all rest stop are open the whole time so, if you can help out the whole day or part of a day, this may fit you.

Are you interested? Register on the link below as well as see the maps of the course. If you're going to help, you may want to print some off just in case. 
http://www.tulsatough.com/volunteer-at-tulsa-tough/

If you are available and willing to help, not only do I thank you but the organizers of the ride and participants do.
Have questions? Feel free to email me or call.

Thanks
Nathan Huffstetler, AE5NK
Tulsa County Emergency Coordinator
918-513-1379

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

K5RAV updates the West Gulf Division




    ---     HamCom 2013
    ---     N5GMJ, North Texas Section Manager
    ---     Are You Covered?  What About Your Club?
    ---     ARRL Field Day, June 22 – 23, 2013
    ---     June VHF Contest Coming June 8-10
    ---     Planned ARRL Events for K5RAV and N5AUS
    ---     Upcoming Hamfests/Conventions



News from David Woolweaver, K5RAV, West Gulf Division Director

---  HamCom 2013

HamCom at Plano Centre opens its doors Friday, June 7th at 8:00 AM and
begins its 35th Anniversary celebration.  The festivities continue
until 6:00 PM on Saturday.  As usual many great forums have been
scheduled, but please be certain to attend the ARRL Forum at 11:00 AM
Saturday in the Sonny Slope rooms.

Director Woolweaver will be presenting the 1st Annual West Gulf
Division Awards to the winners of this year’s Ham of the Year, Young
Ham of the Year and Excellence Awards.   Also, back by popular demand,
the ARRL First Vice President Rick Roderick, K5UR will be speaking at
the ARRL Forum on Saturday.   Rick has been licensed for 45 years, is
an avid DX’er, and has been involved on the ARRL Board of Directors
for 20+ years.    He has also served on CQ Magazine's DX Advisory
Committee for 40 years.  A dynamic speaker, Rick is always a crowd
pleaser and speaking about “Amateur Radio - The Greatest Hobby in the
World, Part 2."  Be sure to plan on attending the ARRL Forum.

New to HamCom 2013 is the DFW Contest Forum to be held on Friday.  The
DFW Contest Forum kicks off at 12:00 noon with a light luncheon ($20)
and special guest speaker Doug Grant, K1DG, followed by four hours of
presentations on contesting.  Presentations during the Contest Forum
will cover topics from the beginner to advanced contest topics.  To
learn more about Doug, visit the DFW Contest website.  Seating is
limited so check at registration to see if tickets are still available
for this event.  Even if you can’t make the lunch, the other four
hours are expected to offer a wealth of information and education.

Check at registration for the availability of W5DXCC Dinner tickets
($40) Friday, June 7th.  Lone Star DX is proud to present its keynote
presenter, Gene Spinelli, K5GS who was part of the 2012 ZL9HR
DXpedition to Campbell Island.   Come sit, relax, eat, ragchew, and
listen to a great presentation. Every year the Lone Star DX Association
dinner is one of the best events of Ham-Com and this year’s dinner
looks to be extra special.  LSDX is featuring a generously donated
Yaesu FT2000 transceiver as its door prize!

HamCom has arranged for some awesome Grand Prizes to be given away each
day.  Friday’s Door Prize is a Flex 3000 and Saturday’s is an ICOM
IC-7600!

The West Gulf Division hopes that you will join us in celebrating
HamCom’s 35th Anniversary!


---  N5GMJ, North Texas Section Manager

Chris Brewer, N5GMJ, of Saginaw, Texas, has been appointed ARRL North
Texas Section Manager as of April 30.  Previous Section Manager, Walt
Mayfield, KE5SOO, of Krum, announced his resignation due to work and
family commitments.  Walt had served as Section Manager since October
2011.  ARRL Membership and Volunteer Programs Manager Dave Patton,
NN1N, appointed Brewer after consulting with ARRL West Gulf Division
Director David Woolweaver, K5RAV.

Chris has been an amateur radio operator for 30 years.  He has been a
net control for Tarrant County RACES since March 2011.  He also held
the position of President of the Tri-County Amateur Radio Club from Aug
-2004 through Aug -2007.  Additionally, Chris is on the Board of
Directors for the Kilocycle Club of Fort Worth and is an active member
of the Texas Interconnect Team.  Chris has operated in just about every
mode that is available to us.  But his specific interests are digital
modes: specifically APRS and D-Star on VHF/UHF and PSK and RTTY on HF.
However, he also likes to jump into a good rag chew QSO on HF at times
as well.   Chris was asked to be the Official Observer Coordinator in
January 2013, having served as an Official Observer since 2009.  Chris
will complete the current term of office as North Texas Section Manager
that continues through March 31, 2015.

Walt continues his service to the ARRL as an Assistant Director for the
WGD, and he wishes to congratulate Chris on his appointment.

---  Are You Covered?  What About Your Club?

Given the recent weather that has besieged Oklahoma we want to take
this opportunity to remind you to double check your equipment insurance
coverage. The ARRL began a new partnership with Hays Affinity Group in
2011 to provide its ARRL Membership Equipment Insurance and Club
Liability Insurance plans.  Hays serves as the program administrator to
provide equipment insurance to ARRL members that choose to elect
coverage.  Hays introduced new policies for both plans, underwritten by
the Hanover Insurance Company.

Not only is equipment protection coverage through Hays Affinity Group
slightly less expensive than it was with Marsh, it’s easier to enroll
in the plans. You can sign up online and even schedule your equipment
online, too. With Hays Affinity Group, you can have all your radio
equipment covered, even the computers, hard drives and printers in your
shack. You can also elect to have coverage for your towers and antennas,
up to $15,000 of replacement cost. All losses are settled on the
replacement cost value you have stated for your equipment. In addition,
any newly acquired equipment during the policy term, up to a value of
$2000, will be covered, and once scheduled, until your next policy
renewal without any additional premium. All this -- and more -- with
only a $50 deductible ($25 for repair claims).

Hays will also provide club liability insurance to ARRL Affiliated
Clubs for those clubs that wish to take advantage of that program.
This comprehensive general liability policy provides coverage for
lawsuits resulting from bodily injury and property damage at ARRL
Affiliated Club-sponsored activities. This includes concession stands,
dances, banquets, parties, auctions, raffles, picnics and meetings, to
name just a few. Coverage would also apply for official Club
participation, for instance, participating in a community-sponsored
event. In addition to the policy limits described below, this plan also
pays the court and legal costs of defense for covered claims.  The club
plan reimburses expenses for first aid to others at the time of an
accident and an owner of a premises used or rented by the Club can also
be named as an additional insured.  To learn more about Affiliated Club
benefits visit http://www.arrl.org/affiliated-club-benefits.


--- ARRL Field Day, June 22 – 23, 2013

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

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 Field Day objective is to work as many stations as possible on any
and all amateur bands (excluding the 60, 30, 17, and 12-meter bands).
Field Day is open to all amateurs in the areas covered by the ARRL/RAC
Field Organizations and countries within IARU Region 2. DX stations
residing in other regions may be contacted for credit, but are not
eligible to submit entries.

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 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.

For more information visit http://www.arrl.org/field-day.
Director Woolweaver will be visiting multiple Field Day sites in North
Texas.  Vice Director Stratton will be visiting multiple sites in
Central Texas and in the Houston area.
The rest of the West Gulf Leadership will be scattered around the
various Sections and visiting as many locations as they possibly can.
We will look forward to seeing everyone at your local Field Day event!


--- June VHF Contest Coming June 8-10

As summer starts to warm up, the VHF bands will be hot for the 2013
ARRL June VHF Contest, June 8-10. Even with a modest station, it’s
possible to work hundreds of miles on the VHF bands during a good
opening. ARRL Contest Branch Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X, is a VHF
enthusiast. “The June VHF Contest occurs at the beginning of
summer’s sporadic E season, which can produce intense openings on 6
meters, and even 2 meters,” he said. “With interesting propagation
characteristics like sporadic-E, tropospheric ducting, aurora and even
meteor scatter and moonbounce, VHF offers QSO opportunities that HF can
never satisfy.”

Kutzko explained that getting on the VHF bands can be quite simple,
since many HF transceivers come equipped with at least 6 meters, and
possibly other VHF/UHF bands. This year, the June VHF Contest has two
new entry classes: Single Operator/FM Only and Single Operator/3-Band.
“SOFM” allows 100 W on 6 meters through 70 centimeters using only
FM, while “SO3B” allows 100 W on 6 and 2 meters, and 50 W on 70
centimeters on any mode. Operations for both the new categories must be
conducted from a single fixed location.

You can find plans for simple VHF antennas at the Technical Information
Service area of the ARRL website, as well as in the “Antennas”
chapter of the ARRL Handbook or in the “VHF and UHF Antenna
Systems” chapter of the ARRL Antenna Book. Because VHF antennas are
generally smaller than their HF counterparts, Kutzko said that portable
operation is simple: “You can operate from your favorite hilltop,
campsite or any location with high terrain and make many QSOs. All you
need to know is the Maidenhead grid square of your operating location,
which is the contest exchange. Some grids can be quite rare; if
they’re not too far from you, you might want to consider a portable
operation to a rare square for a chance to be sought-after DX.”

“The weekend promises to be a tremendous amount of fun on the VHF and
UHF bands. Don’t miss out! All amateurs -- from Technicians to Extras,
experienced VHF operators to the first-time VHF dabblers -- can join in
the excitement,” Kutzko said. The ARRL June VHF Contest runs from
1800 UTC Saturday, June 8 through 0259 UTC Monday, June 10 (Saturday
afternoon to Sunday evening for most of the US and Canada). Complete
rules and entry forms may be found here. All logs must be e-mailed or
postmarked no later than 0300 UTC Wednesday, July 10. Questions can be
sent via e-mail to the Contest Branch.

(Source the ARRL website)

--- 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 Convention, June 6-7, Plano, TX
-- Field Day Events, June 22-23, North Texas Section
-- ARRL Second Board Meeting, July 19-20, Windsor, CT
-- Ham Holiday, OK State Convention, July 26-27, Oklahoma City, OK
- -Austin Summerfest, Texas State Convention, August 2-3, Austin, TX

N5AUS
- -HamCom, West Gulf Convention, June 6-7, 2013, Plano, Texas
-- Field Day Events, June 22-23, Central Texas and Houston area
-- ARRL Second Board Meeting, July 19-20, Windsor, CT
- -Austin Summerfest, Texas State Convention, August 2-3,  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 and on Facebook at
ARRL West Gulf Division.

-- Upcoming Hamfests and Conventions

06/07/2013 | West Gulf Division Convention - 35th Anniversary Ham-Com
Location: Plano, TX
Type: ARRL Convention
Sponsor: Ham-Com, Inc.
Website: http://www.hamcom.org

06/29/2013 | W5AW Hamfest
Location: Big Spring, TX
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Big Spring Amateur Radio Club (W5AW)
Website: http://www.qsl.net/w5aw/

07/13/2013 | Texas City, Tidelands Hamfest
Location: Texas City, TX
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Tidelands Amateur Radio Society
Website: http://www.tidelands.org

07/26/2013 | Oklahoma State Convention (Ham Holiday)
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Type: ARRL Convention
Sponsor: Central Oklahoma Radio Amateurs
Website: http://www.hamholiday.com

08/02/2013 | Texas State Convention (Austin Summerfest 2013)
Location: Austin, TX
Type: ARRL Convention
Sponsor: Austin Amateur Radio Club & Texas VHF-FM Society
Website: http://www.austinsummerfest.org

09/07/2013 | Gainesville Hamfest 2013
Location: Gainesville, TX
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Cooke County Amateur Radio Club
Website: http://www.gainesvillehamfest.org

09/13/2013 | ADA HAMFEST
Location: Ada, OK
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Ada Radio Club, Durant Amateur Radio Club, & Shawnee Radio
Club

10/25/2013 | Texoma Hamarama
Location: Ardmore, OK
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Texoma Hamarama Association
Website: http://texomahamarama.org

11/09/2013 | NCTECH 2013
Location: Azle, TX
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Tri-County Amateur Radio Club (WC5C)
Website: http://www.wc5c.org/WC5CClub/NCTECH/tabid/152/Default.asp

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