Will your club support this?

The March issue of QST includes an announcement of the Teachers Institute schedule for 2015 on page 83.  Included in this article is a sidebar asking members to consider funding a seat at the Teachers Institute.  I hope you might encourage clubs in your section to consider this as a possible fundraising activity.   The Teachers Institute depends on donations to the Education & Technology Fund.

We now have brochures with information about the 2015 Teachers Institute available.  If you would like to have some on hand to provide to educators in local schools please send me an email with your request.

Also in the March issue you’ll see an article about a recent Teachers Institute grad’s efforts to integrate Amateur Radio into his high school’s electronics curriculum with the support of a local ham radio club.    You’ll find that story on page 81.

Debra Johnson, K1DMJ

Education Services Manager

ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio^®

225 Main Street

Newington, CT 06111-1494

Edmond announces a Sprint

This 2-meter FM contest is open to all amateur radio operators and is intended to promote the sport of amateur radio competition and non-repeater mode preparedness, often used during events and emergencies.  Operating simplex is also the common mode of voice communications for the HF bands for contesting and general conversing alike.  Local events such as the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon in April utilizes a repeater and several simplex frequencies.  

The Sprint will be held February 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is sponsored by the Edmond Amateur Radio Society

Thanks to Marcus, N5ZY for this report.

Official Observer

Do you have what it takes to be an Official Observer?

The Official Observer (OO) program has been sponsored by the ARRL for more than 85 years to help Amateur Radio operators assist each other to operate their stations in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.

Official Observer appointees have assisted thousands of Amateur Radio operators to maintain their transmitting equipment and comply with operating procedures and regulations. The object of the OO program is to notify amateurs of operating and technical irregularities before they come to the attention of the FCC and to recognize good operating practices.

The OO program serves as the first line of "eyes and ears" for the FCC. It is the backbone of the Amateur Auxiliary. OOs are certified in the Auxiliary by passing a mandatory written examination.

The OO performs his/her function by observing rather than transmitting.  They keep watch for such things as frequency instability, harmonics, hum, key clicks, broad signals, distorted audio, over deviation, out-of-band operation and other potential problems. The OO completes his/her task once the notification card is sent.

In substantive rule violations cases, OOs refer problems to ARRL HQ.  After review by HQ staff, the OO may be requested to provide additional information that may be forwarded to the FCC for possible enforcement action.

Responsibilities :

• Reporting to the ARRL Section OO Coordinator monthly on Form FSD-23.
• Sending out advisory notices as needed.
• Submiting good operator reports as warranted.

Requirements:

• Recommendation of ARRL Section Manager
• Pass an examination based on study of the ARRL's Amateur Auxiliary Training Manual
• Full ARRL membership
• Technician class license or higher for at least four years

@K5RAV issues the West Gulf Division Newsletter

Below are the links to the West Gulf Division March 2015 Newsletter.


Please select the link that best serves your needs.

New style format

http://arrlwgd.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/WGD-2015-03.pdf


Old style format

http://arrlwgd.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/WGD-2015-03L.pdf


David Woolweaver, K5RAV
Director

Do ONE Thing in February

Last month we informed you about “Do 1 Thing,” an exciting web-based program designed to prepare your family for emergencies throughout the year. We hope you were able to participate in the January theme of “Make a Plan.” If not, we encourage you to take part in next month’s theme: “Water.”

Water is an essential element to survival and a necessary item in anemergency supply kit. During the month of February, take action to store three days worth of water for your household.

“Do 1 Thing” offers the following list of ways to achieve this goal:

• Purchase and store a 72-hour supply of commercially bottled water;
• Bottle a 72-hour supply of water at home; or
• Learn how to provide a safe supply of drinking water for your household in a disaster.

By completing one of these actions, you’ll be better prepared for the unexpected.  Also, you will be participating in America’s PrepareAthon!, a national campaign to prepare for hazards specific to your community through drills, group discussions, and exercises. Register your action on thecampaign’s website.  Be counted among the two million preparedness actions already taken by families, businesses, and organizations across the country leading up to National PrepareAthon! Day on April 30, 2015.

Coming soon to Western Oklahoma #tweko

The 26^th Elk City Hamfest is set for March 7, 2015 with doors to open at 8:00 A.M. 

Elk City Community Civic Center

Friday night setup

from 5:00-9:00 P.M.

FREE Hamburger 6:30 P.M.

ARRL Testing 1:00 P.M.

This year's New Dealer is

 www.myshacksupply.com

The Ham Shack, Inc.

Pre-Register by sending $5.00 and fill out form for Pre-Register door prize!

Mail to: WCOARC

               POB 2023

               Elk City, Oklahoma 73648

Name ________________________

Call Sign _______________________

Phone ___________________________

 $5.00 per table

 $5.00 per person at Door

Thanks to Earl, N5NEB for this information.

Oklahoma Radio Shack Store Closures revealed

According to information received from Mac, K2GKK, this is the List of RS stores that are closing

http://personal.crocodoc.com/RWyNZ0R

Oklahoma stores are:

First Group
#8149 - Tulsa - South Town Market
#9412 - Tulsa - Tulsa Hills Shopping Center
#9492 - Broken Arrow - The Shops at Broken Arrow

Second Group #6695 - Oklahoma City - Greenway Plaza - 6945 NW 75 St
#8375 - Owasso - Owasso Markets
#9159 - Oklahoma City - 5928 SW 3rd St
#9422 - Tulsa - 8518 E 72st St

Third Group
#8418 - Oklahoma City - 1841 Belle Isle Blvd
#9420 - Sapulpa - 126 W Taft
#9919 - Altus - 1307 N Main

* * * * * * * * * * *
Thanks to Mac, K2GKK/5 for this information.

Section Technical Coordinator Silent Key

Mark A. Hamblin (AE5MH) passed away on February 5, 2015. 

Mark was born on September 21, 1956, in Cleveland, Ohio to Austin Hamblin (deceased) and Ellamae Lane. 

Mark married his very best friend and love of his life, Benita Hamblin, 38 years ago. They were blessed with two sons: Chris (Abbie) and Josh (Lauren); five grandchildren: Aleeyah, Mason, Emilee, Jaxon, and Payton. 

Mark retired in 2000 as a Master Sergeant with over 24 years of service in the United States Air Force. He then worked for AT&T as a wireless technician. 

Mark was a loyal man, showing devotion to his country, family, friends, and work. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone in need. 

He was passionate about the Air Force, Boy Scouts, Amateur radio, the University of Oklahoma Football, guns, and overalls. 

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at Del City Church of Christ, 1901 Vickie Drive, Del City, Oklahoma.  Arrangements under the direction of Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home, Del City, Oklahoma." 

There is a tribute page available.  He was well known to the Oklahoma Section.  

Thanks to W5NOR for this information.

Tour De Meers planning starts

According to Ron, AF5Q, it is time to get the Tour de Meers planning a going and set for May 23, the annual big event besides Field Day and there has been a couple oif changes.

Change #1 - They would like our volunteer list by mid-month February to order teeshirts.

Change #2 - They have extended the 30 mile route to a 36 mile route per request of the cyclists.

Here is what I m projecting we will need (correct me if Im wrong)

1) Club trailer  - can we emplace day before?

2) Two people for NCS for the race.  Recommend someone that has participated in the race support before. Will need to set one up for manning the VHF/UHF and another for possible HF as the repeaters do not cover all the way out.  Contingency would be take the remote repeater out and have someone have it on top of Mount Scott.

3) Up to 3 to help set the trailer up - antennas, help with APRS kits, etc

4) Do you have APRS? Do you need APRS for the race? Do you have a spare APRS you are not using?

5) Backups/alternates for the long routes?  Possibly?

6) Someone to man the remote repeater at Mt. Scott for the race.

70 Event coordinator to attend meetings.  I have done the base work for the setup.

We will be discussing this at the meeting.  At the minimum, you will need a 25 watt mobile with a good mag antenna.  Can be 2m only as the main frequency will be 146.91.  An HT with a mag mount will only work possibly on the 10 mile route.

Maps are available for the race at Tour De Meers Annual Bike Ride - Memorial Day Weekend http://www.tourdemeers.org/

 http://www.tourdemeers.org/

 Tour De Meers Annual Bike Ride - Memorial Day Weekend http://www.tourdemeers.org/ 2015 Tour de Meers Bike Ride *** Our 26th Anniversary **** Date: May 23, 2015 Meers Volunteer Fire Station 26362 State Highway 115, zip code 73507 

Please contact Ron, AF5Q to offer your help or to request additional information.