the live wireissue with something the leadership of the club is doing, the member is encouraged to...
TRANSCRIPT
THE LIVE WIRETHE LIVE WIRE
The Monthly Publication of the Blue Ridge Amateur Radio Society, Inc. The Monthly Publication of the Blue Ridge Amateur Radio Society, Inc.
May 2015May 2015
BRARS OFFICERS BRARS OFFICERS
Pres. Rick Bagwell, KD4DRA Pres. Rick Bagwell, KD4DRA V. Pres. Larry Kinsler, KK4JBQ V. Pres. Larry Kinsler, KK4JBQ
Sec. Rick Bagwell II, KD4KBO Sec. Rick Bagwell II, KD4KBO
Treas. Robert Martin, K4SCX Treas. Robert Martin, K4SCX
BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Steven Parrish, AJ4QASteven Parrish, AJ4QA
Brent Crawford, KE4UJABrent Crawford, KE4UJA
CLUB & BOARDCLUB & BOARDMEETING SCHEDULE MEETING SCHEDULE
2015 2015
Jan. 5 Jan. 5 Feb. 2 Feb. 2 March 2 March 2 April 6 April 6 May 4 May 4 June 1 June 1 Aug. 3 Aug. 3 Sept. 7 Sept. 7 Oct. 5 Oct. 5 Nov. 2 Nov. 2
Dec. 7Dec. 7
(BOD at 6:15 ,Club at 7:30)(BOD at 6:15 ,Club at 7:30)
July 6 July 6
Hello everyone...Hope this News Letter finds you Healthy.
If you haven't heard the Field Day participation by BRARS has been canceled, and the good news is, we have two volunteers for next year, Nathan, KJ4RQZ and Daniel, KJ4WZM, I think we should welcome these young members to take on the task. We need more young members to step up. Thanks Guys.
The Hamfest this year was a success, Thanks goes out to Robert, WR8RW for a well organized event, and Robert has agreed, he will do it again next year, and it will be bigger and better, so jump on board early for the planning. Be involved in the Hamfest and the Field Day next year.Thanks to those that showed up early on Friday to help setup tables, I wish I could recognize each and everyone of you, but I would be guilty of missing someone, but you know who you are, so accept my thanks. Thanks.Rick, kd4dra
Hello everyone...Hope this News Letter finds you Healthy.
If you haven't heard the Field Day participation by BRARS has been canceled, and the good news is, we have two volunteers for next year, Nathan, KJ4RQZ and Daniel, KJ4WZM, I think we should welcome these young members to take on the task. We need more young members to step up. Thanks Guys.
The Hamfest this year was a success, Thanks goes out to Robert, WR8RW for a well organized event, and Robert has agreed, he will do it again next year, and it will be bigger and better, so jump on board early for the planning. Be involved in the Hamfest and the Field Day next year.Thanks to those that showed up early on Friday to help setup tables, I wish I could recognize each and everyone of you, but I would be guilty of missing someone, but you know who you are, so accept my thanks. Thanks.Rick, kd4dra
PRESIDENTS CORNERPRESIDENTS CORNER
Rick Hughes, K4BYTRick Hughes, K4BYT
New MembersNew Members
Robert Webster, WR8RWRobert Webster, WR8RW
William A. Barnhill, N4WABDan A. Gold, AD7LT
William A. Barnhill, N4WABDan A. Gold, AD7LT
Jeremy Boiter, NØOB..ExtraARRL Accredited VE
Jeremy Boiter, NØOB..ExtraARRL Accredited VE
“I learned long ago, never to wrestle with a pig. You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it.”― George Bernard Shaw
“I learned long ago, never to wrestle with a pig. You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it.”― George Bernard Shaw
Ham License Testing SessionsHam License Testing Sessions
Administered by Volunteer Examiners (VE)’s Administered by Volunteer Examiners (VE)’s
For all tests you should arrive at least 15 minutes early For all tests you should arrive at least 15 minutes early and bring the following: and bring the following:
Photo ID (such as Drivers License or State ID) Photo ID (such as Drivers License or State ID)
Original and photocopy of your current Radio License, if applicable Original and photocopy of your current Radio License, if applicable
(as well as any CSCE's you will present for verification for upgrades) (as well as any CSCE's you will present for verification for upgrades)
Social Security Card or FCC-issued Registration Number Social Security Card or FCC-issued Registration Number
Good Luck! Good Luck!
Greenville SC Greenville SC 3 3rdrd Saturday of each month Saturday of each month Testing begins at 9 AM (Show up by 8:30)Testing begins at 9 AM (Show up by 8:30)
Red Cross Building Red Cross Building 940 Grove Rd. (near G'ville Memorial Hospital) 940 Grove Rd. (near G'ville Memorial Hospital) Fee is $10.00 Fee is $10.00
Contact: Steve Shaffer @ [email protected] Contact: Steve Shaffer @ [email protected] Map HereMap Here
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Spartanburg SCSpartanburg SC2nd Tuesday of every even Month (Except December)2nd Tuesday of every even Month (Except December)Testing begins at 7pm ( show up by 6:30)Testing begins at 7pm ( show up by 6:30)
Fee is $15.00Fee is $15.00
Herald-Journal Bldg. downtown Spartanburg189 W. Main Street in SpartanburgHerald-Journal Bldg. downtown Spartanburg189 W. Main Street in Spartanburg
Map HereMap Here
June Meeting Agenda:Our Next meeting is June 1st @ 7:30 pm
1) We will be talking about the repeater survey that is on the website at http://www.blueridgears.org/brars/repeaters/repeater-trouble-reporting/
2) Also we will be voting on at least Two new member, Daniel C. Fortson, (Daniel) KM4JBRAnthony R Shirley, (Tony) N4TOM
June Meeting Agenda:Our Next meeting is June 1st @ 7:30 pm
1) We will be talking about the repeater survey that is on the website at http://www.blueridgears.org/brars/repeaters/repeater-trouble-reporting/
2) Also we will be voting on at least Two new member, Daniel C. Fortson, (Daniel) KM4JBRAnthony R Shirley, (Tony) N4TOM
PLAN TO ATTEND, your support is needed.PLAN TO ATTEND, your support is needed.
“You should take some responsibility for the way you present yourself. But you should not be hung up on your looks, whether you are ugly or handsome, because it isn't an achievement.”
― Christopher Reeve
“You should take some responsibility for the way you present yourself. But you should not be hung up on your looks, whether you are ugly or handsome, because it isn't an achievement.”
― Christopher Reeve
“When I hear somebody sigh, 'Life is hard,' I am always tempted to ask, 'Compared to what?'”
― Sydney J. Harris
“When I hear somebody sigh, 'Life is hard,' I am always tempted to ask, 'Compared to what?'”
― Sydney J. Harris
What's on your Mind.....What's on your Mind.....
EXAM SESSION
06/02/2015Sponsor: Greenwood ARS, Inc.
Date: Jun 02 2015 Time: 7:00 PM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: Dewey E. Willis(864) 445-7574
Email: [email protected]: ARRL/VEC
Location: American Red Cross Building520 Epting Ave
Greenwood SC 29646-4091
EXAM SESSION
06/02/2015Sponsor: Greenwood ARS, Inc.
Date: Jun 02 2015 Time: 7:00 PM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: Dewey E. Willis(864) 445-7574
Email: [email protected]: ARRL/VEC
Location: American Red Cross Building520 Epting Ave
Greenwood SC 29646-4091
In addition to the two locations on the previous page, here are some other locations for testing.In addition to the two locations on the previous page, here are some other locations for testing.
EXAM SESSION
06/06/2015Sponsor: MARA Clubhouse 146.985
Date: Jun 06 2015 Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: Larry S. Withrow(828) 442-2459
Email: [email protected]: ARRL/VEC
Location: McDowell ARA ClubhouseEast Court Street
Across Street from CourthouseRegister at 8:30 AM
Marion NC 28752
EXAM SESSION
06/06/2015Sponsor: MARA Clubhouse 146.985
Date: Jun 06 2015 Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: Larry S. Withrow(828) 442-2459
Email: [email protected]: ARRL/VEC
Location: McDowell ARA ClubhouseEast Court Street
Across Street from CourthouseRegister at 8:30 AM
Marion NC 28752
EXAM SESSION
06/09/2015Sponsor: Shelby ARCDate: Jun 09 2015
Time: 7:00 PM (Walk-ins allowed) Contact: George L. Poteat
(704) 860-6442Email: [email protected]
VEC: WCARS TNLocation: Cleveland Cty Red Cross
1333 Fallston RdShelby NC 28150-3301
EXAM SESSION
06/09/2015Sponsor: Shelby ARCDate: Jun 09 2015
Time: 7:00 PM (Walk-ins allowed) Contact: George L. Poteat
(704) 860-6442Email: [email protected]
VEC: WCARS TNLocation: Cleveland Cty Red Cross
1333 Fallston RdShelby NC 28150-3301
EXAM SESSION
07/11/2015Sponsor: Upstate Carolina AMT Radio
Date: Jul 11 2015 Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: Rick D. Davis(864) 230-1430
Email: [email protected]: WCARS TN
Location: Pickens Cty Library105 Commons Way
Clemson BranchCentral SC 29630-4107
EXAM SESSION
07/11/2015Sponsor: Upstate Carolina AMT Radio
Date: Jul 11 2015 Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: Rick D. Davis(864) 230-1430
Email: [email protected]: WCARS TN
Location: Pickens Cty Library105 Commons Way
Clemson BranchCentral SC 29630-4107
ARE YOU READY TO UPGRADE OR BECOME A NEW HAM?ARE YOU READY TO UPGRADE OR BECOME A NEW HAM?
https://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com/https://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com/ https://hamstudy.org/https://hamstudy.org/
http://www.qsl.net/aa0ni/toc.htmlhttp://www.qsl.net/aa0ni/toc.htmlhttp://www.arrl.org/exam-practicehttp://www.arrl.org/exam-practice
In addition to the two locations on the previous page, here are some other locations for testing.In addition to the two locations on the previous page, here are some other locations for testing.
Listed below are some online study linksListed below are some online study links
THE BLUE RIDGE 2 METER NET THE BLUE RIDGE 2 METER NET Totals for the month of April 2015 Totals for the month of April 2015
SESSIONS 30 SESSIONS 30
TRAFFIC 42 TRAFFIC 42
TOTAL CONTACTS 1725TOTAL CONTACTS 1725
CHECK IN.. TO HEAR WHATS HAPPENING, AND RAGCHEW ON THE LOCAL NETS CHECK IN.. TO HEAR WHATS HAPPENING, AND RAGCHEW ON THE LOCAL NETS
Greenville: 9 pm Nightly – 146.610 Greenville: 9 pm Nightly – 146.610
Greenwood: 9 pm Thursday night – 147.165+ t 107.2 Greenwood: 9 pm Thursday night – 147.165+ t 107.2
Greenwood Ladies: 8 pm Tuesday night – 147.165+ t 107.2 Greenwood Ladies: 8 pm Tuesday night – 147.165+ t 107.2
Anderson: 8:30 pm Nightly – 146.790 Anderson: 8:30 pm Nightly – 146.790
Good Morning Net: Mon-Wed-Fri: 9 am – 146.760 Good Morning Net: Mon-Wed-Fri: 9 am – 146.760
From the Board of Directors From the Board of Directors It is the policy of the Board of the Blue Ridge Amateur Radio Society that should any member of the Club have an It is the policy of the Board of the Blue Ridge Amateur Radio Society that should any member of the Club have an issue with something the leadership of the Club is doing, the member is encouraged to bring their concerns to the issue with something the leadership of the Club is doing, the member is encouraged to bring their concerns to the attention of the Board at any Board meeting or to the membership of the Club at any regularly scheduled Club attention of the Board at any Board meeting or to the membership of the Club at any regularly scheduled Club meeting. Further, the actions of the Board may be reviewed by any member of the Club at any time. meeting. Further, the actions of the Board may be reviewed by any member of the Club at any time.
Contact the Officers Contact the Officers Pres. Rick Bagwell – [email protected] – 864-901-8489Pres. Rick Bagwell – [email protected] – 864-901-8489
Sec. Rick Bagwell II - [email protected] – 864-238-1979 Sec. Rick Bagwell II - [email protected] – 864-238-1979 Treas. Robert Martin – [email protected] – 864-335-9679 Treas. Robert Martin – [email protected] – 864-335-9679
Board Members Board Members Rick Hughes – [email protected] – 864-303-9485 Rick Hughes – [email protected] – 864-303-9485
V.Pres. Larry Kinsler – [email protected] – 864-238-4542 V.Pres. Larry Kinsler – [email protected] – 864-238-4542
On The Web On The Web www.brars.org www.brars.org
Blue Ridge Amateur Radio Society ON FACEBOOKBlue Ridge Amateur Radio Society ON FACEBOOK
SC Single Sideband Net: 7 pm nightly – 3.915 LSB SC Single Sideband Net: 7 pm nightly – 3.915 LSB
Steven Parrish – [email protected] - 864-270-1730 Steven Parrish – [email protected] - 864-270-1730 Brent Crawford – [email protected] - 864-430-7290 Brent Crawford – [email protected] - 864-430-7290
Your 146.610 Net Control Operators by Day Are:Your 146.610 Net Control Operators by Day Are:Sunday : Rusty, WU2T
Monday: Mike, KF4ZCC and Rick, KD4DRATuesday: Is Shared, Robert, K4SCX; Karen, WD4CYMWednesday: Gary KI4DOS (This is Swap Net Night)
Thursday: Ray, K4SUG (Ray is our Net operations Manager)Friday:Robert, WR8RW
Saturday: Is Shared, Dave, W4DJW; Nathan,KJ4RQZ; Ariel, NY4G; Mike, AK4HR; Michael, KE4NHW
Sunday : Rusty, WU2TMonday: Mike, KF4ZCC and Rick, KD4DRA
Tuesday: Is Shared, Robert, K4SCX; Karen, WD4CYMWednesday: Gary KI4DOS (This is Swap Net Night)
Thursday: Ray, K4SUG (Ray is our Net operations Manager)Friday:Robert, WR8RW
Saturday: Is Shared, Dave, W4DJW; Nathan,KJ4RQZ; Ariel, NY4G; Mike, AK4HR; Michael, KE4NHW
K4SUG .......377 ...........KI4DOS .....372 ................WU2T ...... 100 ...........WR8RW.... 217 ....
WD4DJW ..... 159 ...........KF4ZCC ...229 ...........K4SCX ..... 109 ........WD4CYM .... 45 .......
K3JOY.... 00 .....AK4HR .....00 .....ND7J … 00.... KD4DRA ….72 … NY4G...45....
K4SUG .......377 ...........KI4DOS .....372 ................WU2T ...... 100 ...........WR8RW.... 217 ....
WD4DJW ..... 159 ...........KF4ZCC ...229 ...........K4SCX ..... 109 ........WD4CYM .... 45 .......
K3JOY.... 00 .....AK4HR .....00 .....ND7J … 00.... KD4DRA ….72 … NY4G...45....
146.610 Net Total... breakdown by operator146.610 Net Total... breakdown by operator
These numbers are provided by our Net Manager, Ray (K4SUG)These numbers are provided by our Net Manager, Ray (K4SUG)
The Skywarn net is now on 145.470 tone 91.5The Skywarn net is now on 145.470 tone 91.5
Robert Webster – [email protected] -864-663-9792 Robert Webster – [email protected] -864-663-9792
Total Net Report for 2014: 22843 Total Net Report for 2014: 22843
This was us Saturday. (4-16-15) It took 8 hours to get the antenna and cable up., and 12 hours total ground and tower work. The picture of the tower has the pull rope coming down just before we pulled the cable.
This was us Saturday. (4-16-15) It took 8 hours to get the antenna and cable up., and 12 hours total ground and tower work. The picture of the tower has the pull rope coming down just before we pulled the cable.
We finally got the antenna to the 430' spot. It was a tough job, that cable is hard to deal with because it's so big and heavy. It seems to be working a lot better than it was at 120'Thanks for asking about the project, and selling us the cable.
We finally got the antenna to the 430' spot. It was a tough job, that cable is hard to deal with because it's so big and heavy. It seems to be working a lot better than it was at 120'Thanks for asking about the project, and selling us the cable.
I got an email from Lee Stoker, this is the gentleman that bought the Hard Line that we been trying to sale for a while. See a couple of pictures, of his crew and tower.I got an email from Lee Stoker, this is the gentleman that bought the Hard Line that we been trying to sale for a while. See a couple of pictures, of his crew and tower.
Lee Stoker is KE4COL his repeater is on 145.230 near Auburn AlabamaLee Stoker is KE4COL his repeater is on 145.230 near Auburn Alabama
This info is direct from ARRL website.This info is direct from ARRL website.
News and InfoNews and Info
Upcoming HamfestUpcoming Hamfest Within 200 milesWithin 200 miles
Please support the ARRL by becoming a member, and let the Club Secretary know, when you do.Please support the ARRL by becoming a member, and let the Club Secretary know, when you do.
More InfoMore Info
Rookie Roundup is a contest aimed at Amateurs licensed for three years or less. This six-hour event is held three times per year (April, August and December). Rookies can contact anybody, while "Old Timers" make contact with only Rookies. Mentoring is a big part of this event! More info
Rookie Roundup is a contest aimed at Amateurs licensed for three years or less. This six-hour event is held three times per year (April, August and December). Rookies can contact anybody, while "Old Timers" make contact with only Rookies. Mentoring is a big part of this event! More info
Rookie RoundupRookie Roundup
We may not be having a Field Day as a Club, but you can have one from your home. Download the pdf file here to learn more, PDF FileWe may not be having a Field Day as a Club, but you can have one from your home. Download the pdf file here to learn more, PDF File
06/06/2015 | Georgia State Convention (Atlanta Hamfestival)Location: Marietta, GAType: ARRL ConventionSponsor: Atlanta Radio Club & Kennehoochee Amateur Radio Club Website: http://www.atlantahamfest.com
06/06/2015 | Georgia State Convention (Atlanta Hamfestival)Location: Marietta, GAType: ARRL ConventionSponsor: Atlanta Radio Club & Kennehoochee Amateur Radio Club Website: http://www.atlantahamfest.com
07/11/2015 | 30th Annual Firecracker HamfestLocation: Salisbury, NCType: ARRL HamfestSponsor: Rowan Amateur Radio SocietyWebsite: http://www.rowanars.org
07/11/2015 | 30th Annual Firecracker HamfestLocation: Salisbury, NCType: ARRL HamfestSponsor: Rowan Amateur Radio SocietyWebsite: http://www.rowanars.org
Learn MoreLearn More
A Quick and Simple 2 Meter Ground Plane Project!
If you are just getting experience in building antennas or you are an old pro,here is a simple and fun project! This antenna is perfect for those hams living in the primary coverage area of the repeater for 2 meter use.This antenna is nothing more than the old standby "Droopy Groundplane" and can be used on any band where it's physical size does not pose a problem. Remember that the vertical radiator is 1/4 wavelength long at your operating frequency.
It has no gain but makes an excellent small antenna that can be mounted just about anywhere and with a little planning, can be used mobile on a short mast from the bumper!! Adding a small attachment loop at the tip of the radiator will enable it to be suspended from above for inside use.
Build it! (Click here for drawing)
The vertical element and radials can be made of #12 copper wire or welding rods, coat hanger, etc. The vertical radiator (A) should be soldered to the center connector of the SO239. The four base radials (B & C) and (D & E) can be soldered or bolted to the SO239 mounting holes using 4-40 hardware.The four base radials then should be bent downward to a 45 degree angle. The antenna can be mounted by clamping the PL259 to a mast or even passing the coax through a 3/4 ID PVC pipe and compression clamping the PL259. Either way let your creativity work for you. If you plan on mounting it outside, apply RTV or sealant around the center pin and PL259, and tape well, to keep water out of the coax.
Make each radial a 1/4 wave of your desired xmit frequency. Sometimes it helps to add a little extra length to the radials and radiator. This will give you some adjusting room when you adjust the SWR.(If adjustment is needed, clip all radials equally about 1/8 inch at a time while checking SWR, USING LOW POWER). Center the lowest swr on your transmit operating frequency.
Example Calculation:
Freq (mhz) 146A (inches) 19 5/16 (Note "A" length is to the SO-239 insulator but not critical)
B THRU E (INCHES) 20 3/16 LENGTHS FROM FORMULA ( 234/FREQ MHZ) + 5 % LONGER FOR RADIALS
TRY ONE ON 440 or other bands USING SAME FORMULA AND CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES!ENJOY AND EXPERIMENT!DON'T TRY IT ON 75 METERS MOBILE......IT' A LITTLE LONG FOR MOST BRIDGES, OVERPASSES, POWER LINES ETC!!!!
A Quick and Simple 2 Meter Ground Plane Project!
If you are just getting experience in building antennas or you are an old pro,here is a simple and fun project! This antenna is perfect for those hams living in the primary coverage area of the repeater for 2 meter use.This antenna is nothing more than the old standby "Droopy Groundplane" and can be used on any band where it's physical size does not pose a problem. Remember that the vertical radiator is 1/4 wavelength long at your operating frequency.
It has no gain but makes an excellent small antenna that can be mounted just about anywhere and with a little planning, can be used mobile on a short mast from the bumper!! Adding a small attachment loop at the tip of the radiator will enable it to be suspended from above for inside use.
Build it! (Click here for drawing)
The vertical element and radials can be made of #12 copper wire or welding rods, coat hanger, etc. The vertical radiator (A) should be soldered to the center connector of the SO239. The four base radials (B & C) and (D & E) can be soldered or bolted to the SO239 mounting holes using 4-40 hardware.The four base radials then should be bent downward to a 45 degree angle. The antenna can be mounted by clamping the PL259 to a mast or even passing the coax through a 3/4 ID PVC pipe and compression clamping the PL259. Either way let your creativity work for you. If you plan on mounting it outside, apply RTV or sealant around the center pin and PL259, and tape well, to keep water out of the coax.
Make each radial a 1/4 wave of your desired xmit frequency. Sometimes it helps to add a little extra length to the radials and radiator. This will give you some adjusting room when you adjust the SWR.(If adjustment is needed, clip all radials equally about 1/8 inch at a time while checking SWR, USING LOW POWER). Center the lowest swr on your transmit operating frequency.
Example Calculation:
Freq (mhz) 146A (inches) 19 5/16 (Note "A" length is to the SO-239 insulator but not critical)
B THRU E (INCHES) 20 3/16 LENGTHS FROM FORMULA ( 234/FREQ MHZ) + 5 % LONGER FOR RADIALS
TRY ONE ON 440 or other bands USING SAME FORMULA AND CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES!ENJOY AND EXPERIMENT!DON'T TRY IT ON 75 METERS MOBILE......IT' A LITTLE LONG FOR MOST BRIDGES, OVERPASSES, POWER LINES ETC!!!!