ARRL-SC Archive Page

In order to keep the ARRL-SC Homepage easy to navigate, this archive page was created.  Whenever an item is removed from the home page, it will be placed on this page.  The items are not in any particular order, and obviously not up-to-date!

2/8/04-As of this date, I will be adding an "Archive Page" to the ARRL-SC Website.  It is available on the left sidebar.  Whenever I remove an item from the home page, it will be moved to the archive page.  Remember that anything on the archive page will not be in any particular order, and obviously will not be up-to-date.  This is to keep this home page easy to navigate and not be cluttered with too much information, while still keeping older information intact.  Enjoy!

--------------------------------------2008-----------------------------------------

January 12, 2008-Greenwood Hamfest to be held at the Greenwood Civic Center.  Talk-in will be available on 147.165+ / ALT 443.900+.  Click HERE to see their hamfest flyer!

February 2, 2008-Charleston Hamfest and Computer Show  and the ARRL 2008 SC State Convention(!) to be held at the Exchange Park Fairground, 9850 Highway 78, Ladson, SC.  Exit 203 off of I-26, College Park Road.   Click  http://www.wa4usn.org/hamfestm.htm  to see their hamfest flyer!

March 8 & 9, 2008-Charlotte, NC Hamfest and Computer Fair  to be held at the Charlotte Merchandise Mart on 2500 E. Independence Blvd in Charlotte, NC.  For further information, check out the Mecklenburg ARS hamfest webpage: http://www.w4bfb.org/hamfest .  Talk-in 145.29-.

May 3, 2008-Upstate Hamfest to be held in Spartanburg, SC.  ARRL 2008 SC Section Convention! For further information, go to http://upstatehamfest.org or contact Rusty Kirkpatrick, AJ4RK aj4rk@bellsouth.net or hamfest@brars.org . Talk-in 146.610-

May 16-18, 2008-The DAYTON HAMVENTION!  Visit www.hamvention.org for details!

August 16, 2008-The Trident Amateur Radio Club will be holding a tailgate party on this date at the Moncks Corner FOP Lodge 19, Highway 17, 1319 S Live Oak Drive, Moncks Corner, SC, from 09:00 to 15:00 EDT. Visit their website http://www.tridenthams.org/ for further information!

Labor Day Weekend, 2008-The 50th Annual SHELBY Hamfest will be held in Dallas, NC at Biggerstaff Park in Gaston County.  Biggerstaff Park is located twenty miles East of Shelby and three miles North of I-85 on NC HWY 279 (Dallas Cherryville Highway).   For further information, go to: www.shelbyhamfest.org.

October 4, 2008-Rock Hill Hamfest at the Rock Hill American Legion Post 34 and the York County Fairgrounds, 199 South Cherry Road, Rock Hill.  For information, contact Sheila KG4CDF coy@navacore.net . For the official Rock Hill Hamfest website, go to: www.rockhillhamfest.com

October 18, 2008 - 30th annual Lake Hartwell Hamfest to be held at Darwin Wright Park in Anderson, SC.  Vendor contact is James Hampton WA4JWS (864) 225-0567. To see their hamfest flyer, click HERE or visit their website: www.andersonradioclub.us

October 25, 2008-Sumter Hamfest to be held at the Sumter County Fairgrounds.  For further information, go to: http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/2695/hamfest.htm  or contact Tom D'Anella, KC4ZTC  dstoy@ftc-i.net

November 15, 2008-******CANCELLED!******Grand Strand Beachfest to be held in Garden City, SC. For further information, go to: http://www.w4gs.org. ******CANCELLED!******

9-18-08 - The purpose of this announcement is to solicit nominations for the
Roanoke Division Service Award for the year 2008. The Roanoke Division
ARRL Service Award was instituted in  1968 by Roanoke Division
Director, Vic Clark, W4KFC. Vic intended the award to be recognition
for a long history of significant and consistent contribution to
Amateur Radio. The amateur selected would have, over the years,
dedicated much of his or her time to Amateur Radio and the ARRL.

Nominees and resumes are encouraged and accepted from the Roanoke
Division amateur population. Winners of the Roanoke Division Service
Award become members of the selection committee and vote on which
nominee should be honored the next year. An individual can receive the
award only once. The administration of the award is done by the Roanoke
Division Director. Following is chronological list of recipients:

Below is a list of recipients by year.
 
 1968  Donald B. Morris, W8JM *
 1969  L.Phil Wicker, W4ACY *
 1970  Victor Clark, W4KFC *
 1971  Theodore Mathewson, W4FJ*
 1972  Ethel Smith, K4LMB *
 1973  Katherine Anderson, W8DUV
 1974  William Grenfell, W4GF *
 1975  Ed Redington, W4ZM *
 1976  Charles Wright, W4PED
 1977  Monte Cone, WA4PBG *
 1978  Harold Richmond, W4CIZ *
 1979  Theodore Cohen, N4XX
 1980  Gay E. Milius, Jr., W4UG *
 1981  Stuart Meyer, W2GHK *
 1982  Paul Rinaldo, W4RI
 1983  Karl Thompson, K8KT
 1984  John C. Kanode, N4MM
 1985  Authur Thiemens, AA4AT
 1986  Harold Robinson, W4QR *
 1987  Jimmy Walker,WD4HLZ
 1988  Reynold L. Nitsch, W4NTO
 1989  Clayton H. Merrell, W4FX *
 1990  T. Hunter Wood, W4ANK *
 1991  Dennis Bodson, W4PWF
 1992  Nancy K. Draheim, NK4U
 1993  Harry D. Vorhauer, W4PVA
 1994  James B. Macleod, W4NHV
 1995  Robert V. Southworth, KI4YV
 1996  Leland E. Patience, W4DRF*
 1997  Oliver N. Rinehart, WD8V*
 1998  Norman G. Harrill, N4NH
 1999  Emmie B. Patience, KA4LRM
 2000  Richard W. Maylott,  W2YE
 2001  Tom Gregory, N4NW
 2002  Elias (Bus) Etheridge, K4IX *
 2003  Les Shattuck, K4NK
 2004  Ron Sokol, K4KHZ
 2005  Dr. James Boehner, MD, N2ZZ
 2005  John Covington, W4CC
 2006  Alan Bosch, KO4ALA
 2007  None Awarded
 
 * Deceased

NOMINATION FORM

I hereby nominate the following Roanoke Division Amateur to receive the
Roanoke Division ARRL Service Award.

Name__________________________________________ Call _____________

Address__________________________________________________________

City ___________________________________________ State___________

Zip _________________

Nominated By _________________________________ Call _____________

Please attach resume. List all significant Amateur Radio achievements.
Any documentation is helpful. Attach Amateur Radio magazine reference,
club newsletters, newspaper clipping, etc. Closing date for nomination
is December 1, 2008.

Return this form with resume and any documentation to:

ARRL ROANOKE DIVISION DIRECTOR
Dennis Bodson, W4PWF
233 N Columbus Street
Arlington, Virginia 22203
 
Date ______________________________
 

The SC QSO party is sponsored by the Columbia Amateur Radio Club, and full information can be found on their website: http://www.kf4ghc.net/scqp.shtml .  This year, the SC QSO party will be held from 1300Z Sept 20 to 2100Z Sept 21, 2008!  Please make plans to participate in this years event!

5-27-08 - The Monthly Club Activity Summary by Brian KR4SP is now on-line.  Please click on the corresponding link on the left sidebar!

3-29-08 - I received the First Quarter Report on the SCHEARTS system by John Crockett KC4YI.  To view it in WORD format, click HERE!

6-25-08 - a note from KM4RK:

6-8-08 - Field Day is almost upon us!  Field Day is always the fourth full weekend in June, and will fall on June 28th and 29th this year.  Full information on Field Day, including the downloadable Field Day Packet is available on the ARRL Website: http://www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/fd/

Additionally, this year the ARRL has a Field Day Locator where you can input your Field Day Site location!

Charlie AE4UX, SEC and I will be traveling around the state again this year, and would like to hear from groups that would like a visit from us!

We have a large state, so we must plan our trip out in advance to visit as many Field Day Sites as possible. 

For those who would like us to visit, we ask the following from each site's Field Day Coordinator:

1) Please let us know the time you plan to set up/tear down, and whether you will be participating BOTH Saturday and Sunday, or just one day.

2) Please give us detailed driving directions as well as a street address and/or coordinates to input into a GPS.

3) Please register your site on the ARRL webpage

4) Please provide contact information, either a cell number or a repeater/simplex frequency and your call!

We hope to be taking a different route this year to visit sites we have not visited in the last few years.  We will need to start out early, so we may arrive just at the beginning of set-up at our first site!

Charlie and I really enjoy our Field Day trip each year, and look forward with visiting with everyone!

Please let us know as soon as possible.  Please send all information to n2zz@arrl.org and ae4ux@arrl.net .

Charlie will be finalizing our route about a week before Field Day.
 

5-7-08 - From Jack N4JJ, ASM4:

4-29-08 - From Jack N4JJ, ASM4:

9-23-07 - JAMBOREE ON-THE-AIR

N2ZZ Note-This is an excerpt from Dennis KG4RUL, PIC's note to our PIO's.  This gives excellent information regarding JOTA, which will be coming up next month.  We encourage all that are able to participate in this important event!

The 50th anniversary of JOTA is coming up in October. We urge you to contact your local Boy Scout council to see if they have a local JOTA station listed. Ironically, the local scout office may know of a ham that normally doesn’t go through club or PIO channels who’s spearheading the JOTA effort. Or, better yet, volunteer to promote JOTA. To find your nearest local Boy Scout council, go to http://www.scouting.org/ and type [WCM1] in your zip code, or go to the national Girl Scout website at http://www.girlscouts.org/councilfinder/ and find the nearest council.

Remember: JOTA is not only the largest official scouting event in the world with an expected 500,000 participants (ten times larger than the Boy Scout National Jamboree), but it’s also open to both Boy and Girl Scouts, making one of the few joint events between the two scout organizations, and one of the few internationally sponsored events. Another great resource for JOTA is the ScoutRadio group inside Yahoo Groups.

The theme of JOTA 2007 is "Around the world in 50 hours". This year JOTA is being held on 20-21 October with the operating window extended to 50 hours for this anniversary event from Friday (19 October) 22:00 local to Sunday 24:00 local.

In the greater Charleston area there are expected to be five JOTA sites this year including a large campout (over 250 scouts and leaders) on Johns Island, Camp Hohnanwah (I hope this is spelled right) also on Johns Island, Camp Moultrie in Moncks Corner, Laurel Hill Plantation near Mt Pleasant and onboard USS Yorktown at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant.

Information on JOTA can be found at:
http://www.arrl.org/scouts/jota/
http://www.arrl.org/scouts/jota-resources/jota2007september.pdf

Some other good information on youth activities, scouting and Ham Radio:
http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2007/06/01/3/?nc=1

JOTA is a golden opportunity for PR as it has the elements of a good story - Kids and Scouts.

9-12-07 - The Columbia Amateur Radio Club will be sponsoring the 5th annual SC QSO
party this weekend!

TIME: 1300Z Sept 15 - 2100Z Sept 16, 2007
 
EXCHANGE: SC Stations - Sequential Serial Number and SC County.
 
AWARDS: Plaques for high score in each category.  Certificates for
2nd, 3rd, 4th place scores in each category.
 
Full details: http://carc.ham-radio-op.net/scqsoweb2007.shtml

SC Chapter #89, QCWA Meeting Saturday September 29, 2007

Palmetto State Chapter #89 Annual Meeting Notice:  will be held at Ryan's 1304 Bower Parkway (exit
104 off I-26) Columbia, SC   on Saturday, September 29th, 2007.  The meeting is in the same
restaurant as before.  Please try to arrive about 11:00 AM for a period of fellowship prior to the
meeting, which will begin about 11:30 AM.  Please make every possible effort to be present.  Note
that there will be a presentation of certificates to Forrest, W4MPR (60 years), Ken, K4KXO (50
years) and Don, W3MIF (50 years).   Congratulations to these three on attaining these milestones.

PS....Dues Renewal!

QCWA Palmetto State Chapter #89 Net....
Saturday 9:00 AM  3930  Come join in the fun......
N4RM Ralph Mott
 

8-27-07 - Sept 30th  Seventh Annual PALSNet and Two Meter Picnic, Cheraw State Park and VE Session

This years PALSNet Picnic will again be held at Cheraw State Park on Sunday
Sept. 30, 2007, food starting at about Noon.  All Amateurs interested in Two
Meters and all PALSNet users are invited.  The picnic is a family reunion
style picnic where everyone brings something they would like to share, we
pile it all on the table and everyone eats too much.  We again have the Boat
Launch Picnic Area reserved and this year the signs say that the Parking Fee
is a donation and is not mandatory.  Be sure to read the sign on the
collection box in case they change it again before the Picnic.

The Boat Launch Picnic Shelter can be reached by turning into the Cheraw
State Park Main Entrance on US-52, just south of the intersection of US-52
and US-1 south of Cheraw.  Follow the main road to the Stop sign.  The
picnic area is to the left beyond the old bathhouse/Main Park Office, the
Golf Course Clubhouse, where the VE session will be held, is to your right.

For those interested in upgrading, the Florence WCARS VE Team is scheduling
a session at the PALSNet Picnic.  The session is scheduled for 1:30PM, so
mark your calendars.  The VE session will be held in the Golf Clubhouse in
the room across from the Pro Shop.

The Florence WCARS VE Team would like the licensed Amateurs to bring:
1) Two forms of ID, one a Photo ID, the other can be your license.
2) A copy of your current license and the original (will be returned).
3) A copy of any CSCEs that you want credit for and the original CSCE (will
be returned).
4) A copy of your FRN, if it doesn't appear on your license.  See the FCC
ULS website (http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.html) and check out your
callsign administrative section, you may have a FRN assigned, but not have
it printed on your license.  If the FCC ULS website doesn't have a FRN
listed, we will need your Social Security Number to get a
FRN issued to you at the same time the upgrade paperwork goes in.
5) Test fees are $10.  Cash is preferable, but a check made out to WCARS VEC
is also acceptable.

For persons taking the test for the first time, the Florence WCARS VE Team
will need:
1) Two forms of ID, one a Photo ID, the other can be anything with your name
and current address.
2) We will need your Social Security Number, unless you have had a FRN
issued to you for another radio service, then we will need your FRN.
3) Test fees are $10.  Cash is preferable, but a check made out to WCARS VEC
is also acceptable.

The reason for all the emphasis on the FRN is that the FCC recently changed
their software so that your SSN can only be used once to obtain a FRN,
thereafter only the FRN is accepted.  Many folks may have gotten their
licenses before FRN's were issued, so they may need to get an FRN assigned,
or they may have a FRN assigned, but not have it printed on their license or
they may have a FRN issued from another service, but not associated with
their Amateur License.  The FCC's change of software was supposed to protect
your SSN, but it has had a number of unexpected side effects.  So to speed
your application/upgrade process, please check to see if you have a FRN and
if not we'll get you one.


73s
Suzie, KG4YVJ
Secretary, PALSNet Association
 

8-3-07- A message from Thalia, KF4UMR:

It is time again to do training rides for the MS 150 bike tour.  I know that a lot of you are not planning to go work the bike ride in Myrtle Beach this year. (Although we could really use your help.)

I am planning a training ride starting at the Lexington Crab Shack, (they have dubbed it Tour de Crab Shack).  This is going to be a ride that can be either 31 or 62 miles, with three rest stops (two of which are the same).  The route is a figure 8 with one of the rest stops being right in the center so they will reach it both ways.

The training ride is going to be held on Saturday, August 11th at 8:00.  Riders can start anytime from that 8:00 time to 9:00.

I need HAMS out on the route insuring the safety and well being of all of the riders.  I would really appreciate it if as many of you that can would come out to assist us. 

With the restaurant as a sponsor, we are having the riders pay a $10 registration fee and that will include lunch for them at the Crab Shack.  We will also be offering $1 beers in the bar.  The restaurant has agreed to offer to our HAMS the same menu at $5.  This includes a non-alcoholic beverage.  Sorry it couldn't be free, but it will be a great meal at a great price.

Please let me know if you are able to work this event for me and if you are willing to work the MS 150 in Myrtle Beach.  Thank you in advance for all of your help.  Also, if I missed anyone in my list this is sent to, please forward it to them to see if they would like to help.
 

8-2-07 - A note from John Crockett KC4YI - July has been a good month for the SC HEARTS Linked Repeater Project. The antennas have now been installed in Florence, Columbia and Awendaw. UHF repeaters have been installed at Columbia on 441.725 123pl and Awendaw on 441.725 91.5pl. The repeater system consists of an eight bay Comprod 11.4 db gain antenna, cross band coupler, 900 ft of 1 5/8 inch transmission line, Celwave duplexer, Motorola Quantar repeater with internal controller. The Link Com controller and IRLP computer will be installed in the future. There are borrowed Kenwood repeaters at Awendaw 146.76 123pl and Whitehall 146.715 123 pl. The repeater at Whitehall has been on line since the end of May and Awendaw came on line today.

Any reports on the coverage of the new repeaters will be greatly appreciated.

73,

John
KC4YI
crockett@scetv.org  

5-24-07 - A message from Dennis Zabawa KG4RUL, PIC: I am proud to announce that the Trident Amateur Radio Club (TARC) is holding a Tailgate Party on 11 August 2007.  This will hopefully be the first of many and will grow into a larger event in the future. The event is being held at the Moncks Corner FOP Lodge 19, Highway 17, 1319 S Live Oak Drive, Moncks Corner, SC, from 09:00 to 15:00 EST. This is an ARRL sanctioned event and detailed information, including a locator map,  is available at:
http://www.arrl.org/hamfests.html?dosel=1&subtype=section&selsect=SC#listing

5-1-07 - From Suzie KG4YVJ and Mac K4AVR: There will be an Air Show at the Florence Regional Airport on Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27 (Memorial Day weekend).  Radio operators with 2M HTs are needed to help with safety communications each of the two days.  The show runs from 8AM to 5PM both days. The more Hams we have helping, the shorter the Shifts will be.  If you can help, please contact John Germain, KA3JAL, at <ka3jal@aol.com> or Bob Austin, K7DVB at <k7dvb@bellsouth.net> before May 13. You will receive two passes for your family ($15 each value) together with an entry pass and a lunch pass for yourself for your help and efforts.

This has been an outstanding airshow in previous years and sounds to be shaping up to be even better this year. This is a chance to show the public  what Ham Radio is all about and enjoy a fantatic Airshow at the same time!

Again, if you can help, please contact John, KA3JAL  or Bob, K7DVB prior to May 13. In order for a sufficient quantity of passes, entry armbands, and meal tickets to be obtained.
 
Thanks for your help,

Suzie, KG4YVJ
Secretary, PALSNet Assoc.

Jack, N4JJ
PIO-FARC

NOTE: For further information on the event, go to: www.mayflyairshow.com

4-07-07 - Received this link from KE4RVF via WA4GPS.  This is emergency communications, 1950's style:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2943570522939177086&hl=en

4-07-07 - South Carolina Sideband Net 49th anniversary!

This evening net session of the South Carolina Sideband Net marks 49 years of service that the net has provided to Amateur Radio and the people of South Carolina.  This will be a special net session, and I encourage all that are able to check into the net and participate!  The South Carolina Sideband Net meets nightly at 7pm local time on 3915 kHz.  Please share your participation with the net this evening!

3-18-07 - Amateur (Ham) Radio Training/License Course

The South Carolina Healthcare Emergency Amateur Radio Team (SCHEART) project is a state-wide initiative designed to provide backup communication support for the Palmetto 800 MHZ system, using an amateur radio network to link healthcare facilities.  This system will be open to all licensed operators for routine transmissions.  However, in the event of an emergency or during training exercises the system will be strictly controlled and operated by trained hams under the direction of the Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) organization.

The SCHEART project will begin testing systems in June 2007 and the infrastructure is schedule for completion on August 31, 2007.  To meet the demands of the hospitals that will be a part of the SCHEART network, the USC Center for Public Health Preparedness (USC-CPHP) in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) and the South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA) will sponsor a two day training and licensing course via satellite broadcast on April 20- 23, 2007.  We have decided to have the training on Friday and Monday to encourage weekend study prior to taking the exam.  The USC-CPHP will cover the cost of training materials and food, however, each participant will be responsible for the testing fee on day two ($14.00).  The actual viewing location will be determined after each region has had the opportunity to sign up. 

I have attached a flyer for circulation or posting.  To read this flyer, please click HERE.  Please take a look at your calendars and send us the name and e-mail address of each individual interested in attending a session in your area.  Participants may contact us at 803-978-7570 or e-mail dease@sc.edu , additional information can be found at http://www.sph.sc.edu/acphp/hams_scheart.htm.
 


William D. Dease, MA, KI4PKO
Project Coordinator
Center for Public Health Preparedness
University of South Carolina
1233 Washington Street, Suite 700
Columbia SC 29201
DP (803) 978-7570
CELL (803) 622-5640
FAX (803) 978-7586
 

3-9-07 - The ARRL has released a position statement regarding background checks for the Red Cross and ARES volunteers.  View the text at: http://www.arrl.org/announce/ARRL-ARC-bg-check.html .  There is more on the ARRL news page: http://www.arrl.org/?artid=7288 .

2-3-07 - I had the pleasure of attending the Charleston Hamfest, the South Carolina State Convention, held in Ladson, SC.  The Exchange Park building was packed with both vendors and hamfest attendees!  I spoke with Jennie Myers, Hamfest Chairperson, after the hamfest and she estimated about 500 participants!  I spoke with a number of the hamfest committee members and vendors, and they were very happy with the turnout.  We were pleased to have Allen Pitts, Media and Public Relations Manager from ARRL HQ at the hamfest.  Allen was happy to return to South Carolina, as he has roots here; He is a graduate of USC, worked for SLED earlier in his career, and has family in Lexington! The ARRL Forum was held at 10 am, and I am very happy to say that it was packed!  It was the best turnout for an ARRL forum that I have seen!  There was a fairly extensive discussion of the SCHEARTS Project, which deals with the statewide linking of hospitals.  Charlie AE4UX, SEC initiated the discussion, and John Crockett KC4YI, Manager of Transmitter Operations at SCETV also made a presentation.  I thank them and all involved in the SCHEARTS project, as it appears to be rapidly moving forward!  Following the ARRL Forum, Allen Pitts W1AGP gave a presentation on Emcomm and Public Relations activities for 2007.  His main message was that we are doing an excellent job in providing communications during emergencies, but not telling anyone about it!  He mentioned that there was not one picture of a ham providing communications during the Katrina disaster.  He envisions PIO's being close to ARES activations to document their efforts; one at the Joint Information Center, and one in the field. 

Being a media guru, I asked Allen to give us a comment:

One of the joys of traveling to various sections is to watch the reactions of hams when an idea or opportunity is presented and see who picks up on the situation.  The SC trip has been more than usually enjoyable as not only were ideas presented, but within hours there was a response and a plan formed by the attendees.

There is no question but that we must create closer ties between PIOs and ARES activities so that ham operations in emergencies are not only recognized, but shared with the public through the media.  For most of the American population, it is only through the eyes of the media that they hear or see anything about us, and without PIOs in in the right place with a good message, this will not happen.  By presenting this need and to the SC convention, I had hoped that there would be some thought given to the problem.  Well, not only was there thought, but before the end of the day there was a plan and even some well-qualified volunteers reporting to the Section Manager to make it happen.

The “can-do” attitude of the South Carolinian ham community, in this PR/ARES effort, in the SCHEARTS project, and in support for the Amateur Radio Service overall, is a credit to the Section leadership and once again will result in templates for activity that can be reproduced in other areas.  This indeed is a joy to see.

--Allen Pitts W1AGP, Media and Public Relations Manager, ARRL HQ

As Allen mentioned above, two PIO's came up to me after the talk, and offered me their services as PIC (Public Information Coordinator).  More on this later!

Thanks to Jenny Myers WA4NGV, Hamfest Chair; Doc W4MUR, Forum Organizer; and the entire Charleston Hamfest Committee for a wonderful hamfest!

QST de W1AW 
ARRL Bulletin 5  ARLB005
From ARRL Headquarters 
Newington CT  January 24, 2007
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB005
ARLB005 It's official! Morse code requirement ends Friday, February 23.

Circle Friday, February 23, on your calendar. That's when the
current 5 WPM Morse code requirement will officially disappear from
the Amateur Radio Service Part 97 rules. On or after that date,
applicants for a General or Amateur Extra class Amateur Radio
license no longer will have to demonstrate proficiency in Morse
code. They'll just have to pass the applicable written examination.
Federal Register publication January 24 of the FCC's Report and
Order (R&O) in the "Morse code proceeding," WT Docket 05-235, starts
a 30-day countdown for the new rules to become effective.  Deletion
of the Morse requirement - still a matter of controversy within the
amateur community - is a landmark in Amateur Radio history.

"The overall effect of this action is to further the public interest
by encouraging individuals who are interested in communications
technology or who are able to contribute to the advancement of the
radio art, to become Amateur Radio operators; and eliminating a
requirement that is now unnecessary and may discourage Amateur
Service licensees from advancing their skills in the communications
and technical phases of Amateur Radio," the FCC remarked in the
"Morse code" R&O that settled the matter, at least from a regulatory
standpoint.

The League had asked the FCC to retain the 5 WPM for Amateur Extra
class applicants, but the Commission held to its decision to
eliminate the requirement across the board. The R&O appearing in the
Federal Register constitutes the official version of the new rules.
It is on the web in PDF format at,
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov
/2007/pdf/E7-729.pdf.

Until 1991, when a Morse code examination was dropped from the
requirements to obtain a Technician ticket, all prospective radio
amateurs had to pass a Morse code test. With the change the US will
join a growing list of countries that have dropped the need to
demonstrate some level of Morse code proficiency to earn access to
frequencies below 30 MHz.

The new rules also put all Technician licensees on an equal footing,
whether or not they've passed a Morse code examination. Starting
February 23, Technicians will gain CW privileges on 80, 40, 15
meters and CW, RTTY, data and SSB privileges on 10 meters.

Once the revised rules are in place, an applicant holding a valid
Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) for
Element 3 (General) or Element 4 (Amateur Extra) may redeem it for
an upgrade. A CSCE is good for 365 days from the date of issuance,
no exceptions. For example, a Technician licensee holding a valid
CSCE for Element 3 may apply at a Volunteer Examiner Coordinator
(VEC) test session, pay the application fee, which most VECs charge,
and receive an instant upgrade.

The FCC R&O includes an Order on Reconsideration in WT Docket 04-140
- the so-called "omnibus" proceeding. It will modify Part 97 in
response to ARRL's request to accommodate automatically controlled
narrowband digital stations on 80 meters in the wake of other rule
changes that became effective last December 15. The Commission
designated 3585 to 3600 kHz for such operations, although that
segment will remain available for CW, RTTY and data. The ARRL had
requested that the upper limit of the CW/RTTY/data subband be set at
3635 kHz, so that there would be no change in the existing 3620 to
3635 kHz subband.

The ARRL has posted all relevant information on these important Part
97 rule revisions on its "FCC's Morse Code Report and Order WT
Docket 05-235" Web page, http://www.arrl.org/fcc/morse/.

1-21-06 - From Gene Hipps, WA4UKX -

On Friday 01/05/07 at 2:20 pm, my wife and I were shopping in Simpsonville and my 440 ht picked up a Weatheralert via the aa4lb/wa4ukx repeater regarding a tornado watch followed by a tornado warning for the Upstate of SC. Outside, the wind was picking up and clouds were moving in fast. Knowing my sons were driving home from school,  I sent them a text message about the alert and to take cover ASAP.  Josh KG4LEX and Gene KG4HPW called me back, and I told them to get off the road until the storm passed.  They, in turn, forwarded the alert text to many of their friends. As  Josh got off I-385, a blinding rain hit and the result was multiple car accidents (5) on the road just ahead, with at least two people airlifted to the ER.  We know that this early warning helped prevent harm to many people.  We feel that Lee Barnett AA4LB and Keith Thackston KF4PRR should be commended for keeping this Emergency Alert system active on their repeater for many years now!

'73,

Gene Hipps WA4UKX (Diamond club ARRL)
Josh Hipps KG4LEX( ARRL member)
Gene T. Hipps Jr. KG4HPW( ARRL member)

1-20-06 - From Mike Wells WA4HVP - Thanks for this information about the Legacy of the Morse Code!

1-18-06 - From Kirk Morrison, KA4PXK - I will be holding a Tech Class at the Camden SC Red Cross on Dekalb St. on 3/24, 3/31 and 4/7/2007 from 9:30 until 2:00 PM.  We will be using the Q&A books and we will have discussion on the Various sections and some handouts. I can use additional help and possibly some VEs although the following weekend there is a VE session in Columbia.  Contact ka4pxk@arrl.net   I am hoping to get more ARES volunteers and maybe the core to start a Club in Kershaw County.

1-5-07 - Information from Maria Somma AB1FM, Manager ARRL VEC by way of Bill Lemmon, KA4TWK:

Technician Class Licensees

FCC modifies the Amateur Radio Service rules by eliminating the Morse code exam requirements.

The effective date of the FCC's action will be 30 days after publication in the Federal Register
-- most likely in February.

In an historic move, the FCC has acted to drop the Morse code test requirement for all Amateur
Radio license classes. The Commission adopted the long-awaited "Morse code" proceeding (WT Docket
05-235), and released it December 19. The FCC's action will eliminate the Morse code test as a
licensing requirement to operate on HF.

Technicians Gain Operating Privileges

Once the changes are in effect, all Technician licensees -- whether or not they have passed a
Morse code examination -- will have "Tech Plus" operating privileges. This means you will have all
of your current VHF/UHF and above frequencies and also will have access to the Novice/Technician
Plus frequencies on HF.

No Morse Code Test to Upgrade

Technicians can upgrade to General by passing the General (Element 3) written exam and to Amateur
Extra by also passing the Extra (Element 4) written exam.  No Morse code test will be required.
Visit the ARRL VEC exam search web page  http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/examsearch.phtml  for test
session locations.

Navigating through the Upgrade Process

1.  Technician Amateurs who wish to upgrade to General have a couple of options.  

a.  We recommend that Technician licensees who have NOT yet passed the General written exam
(Element 3) wait until the new rules take effect to upgrade.  At a session, the candidate must
present a photo ID and their current license, pay the $14 test session fee and fill out the NCVEC
form 605.  If the Element 3 written exam is passed, the VE team will issue the candidate a CSCE
for the upgrade to a general class license.

b.  Technician licensees who have already passed the General written exam (Element 3) or wish to
pass the General written exam before the rules take effect, will then have to apply for the
upgrade at a VE session once the new rules are in place.  At a session, the candidate must present
a photo ID, their current license and the non-expired CSCE document, pay the $14 test session fee
and fill out a NCVEC form 605.  If the Element 3 written exam credit is valid, the VE team will
issue the candidate a CSCE for the upgrade to a general class license.  If the CSCE for Element 3
credit has expired (a CSCE is only valid for 365 days), you will have to retake the examination
element in order to receive the credit toward your upgrade.

2.  Post Session Process

The VE Team must prepare and mail all session paperwork to the coordinating VEC.  Once the session
arrives at the VEC, in accordance with FCC rules, the VEC staff must verify all session
documentation.  All 605 forms and CSCEs must have the candidate's signature and 3 VE signatures.
The CSCEs used for General written exam element credit must be validated as being passed within
the previous 365 days and/or the test documents must be confirmed as being passed.  Finally, the
session data and information from the 605 forms can then be keyed and submitted to the FCC.  The
upgrade should appear in the FCC database  http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/  within a few hours and a
new license copy will arrive in the mail in 7 to 10 days.

VEC Test Fee

As you can see, much of the same work is involved in both types of General class upgrades,
therefore the administrative costs are embedded in the process.

The FCC has mandated that all paperwork only upgrades be done through a VEC via their VE Teams.
The processing and administration of FCC "projects" such as this, actually places a greater demand
on all the VECs.  This is not a special case involving only a few people; we expect to receive a
flood of upgrades to General.  The paperwork only upgrade is not automatic for the amateur and the
forms may not be sent directly to the FCC or the VEC office (again the upgrade must occur at a
test session and follow FCC guidelines).  The VEC test session fee is regulated (per annual
agreement) by the FCC.

A New Era

When the new rules are in place, we hope you explore your new band allocations, enjoy your new
privileges and have fun!

73,
Maria A. Somma,  AB1FM
Manager,  ARRL/VEC

==========================================================================

1-1-07 - HAPPY NEW YEAR 2007!!

!2-15-06 -From the ARRL Website- In an historic move, the FCC has acted to drop the Morse code requirement for all Amateur Radio license classes. The Commission today adopted a Report and Order (R&O) in WT Docket 05-235. In a break from typical practice, the FCC only issued a public notice at or about the close of business and not the actual Report & Order, so some details -- including the effective date of the R&O -- remain uncertain. Also today, the FCC also adopted an Order on Reconsideration, in WT Docket 04-140 -- the "omnibus" proceeding -- agreeing to modify the Amateur Radio rules in response to an ARRL request to accommodate automatically controlled narrowband digital stations on 80 meters in the wake of rule changes that became effective today at 12:01 AM Eastern Time. The Commission said it will carve out the 3585 to 3600 kHz frequency segment for such operations. Prior to the long-awaited action on the Morse code issue, Amateur Radio applicants for General and higher class licenses had to pass a 5 WPM Morse code test to operate on HF. The Commission said today's R&O eliminates that requirement for General and Amateur Extra applicants.

Typically, the effective date of an FCC Order is 30 days after it appears in the Federal Register. That would mean the Morse requirement and the revised 80-meter segment for automatically controlled digital stations would likely not go into effect until late January 2007.

Full story available here: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2006/12/15/104/?nc=1

11-29-06 - ARLB028 FCC corrects error in "Omnibus" Report And Order

QST de W1AW 
ARRL Bulletin 28  ARLB028
From ARRL Headquarters 
Newington CT  November 29, 2006
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB028
ARLB028 FCC corrects error in "Omnibus" Report And Order

The FCC has released an Erratum that corrects one error in the
recent Report and Order (R&O) in WT Docket 04-140 -- the so-called
"omnibus" Amateur Radio proceeding -- that inadvertently limited J2D
emissions to an occupied bandwidth of 500 Hz. J2D emissions are data
sent by modulating an SSB transmitter.

Had it been left to stand, the error would have rendered illegal
below 30 MHz PACTOR III at full capability as well as Olivia and
MT63 when operated at bandwidths greater than 500 Hz bandwidth, 1200
baud packet, Q15X25 and Clover 2000.

The FCC Erratum revises 97.3(c)(2) of the Amateur Service rules
going into effect December 15 to read:

Data. Telemetry, telecommand and computer communications emissions
having (i) designators with A, C, D, F, G, H, J or R as the first
symbol, 1 as the second symbol, and D as the third symbol; (ii)
emission J2D; and (iii) emissions A1C, F1C, F2C, J2C, and J3C having
an occupied bandwidth of 500 Hz or less when transmitted on an
amateur service frequency below 30 MHz. Only a digital code of a
type specifically authorized in this part may be transmitted.

The Erratum is available on the FCC Web site,
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-268642A1.pdf

The FCC incorporated some unrelated editorial revisions in the
version of the R&O that appeared November 15 in the Federal
Register,
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov
/2006/pdf/E6-19189.pdf.
The "omnibus" rule changes -- including those accounted for in the
Federal Register and the Erratum -- take effect Friday, December 15,
at 12:01 AM EST (0501 UTC).
 

11-22-06 - The purpose of this announcement is to solicit nominations for the Roanoke Division Service Award for the year 2006. The Roanoke Division ARRL Service Award was instituted in 1968 by Roanoke Division Director, Vic Clark, W4KFC. Vic intended the award to be recognition for a long history of significant and consistent contribution to Amateur Radio. The amateur selected would have, over the years, dedicated much of his or her time to Amateur Radio and the ARRL.

Nominees and resumes are encouraged and accepted from the Roanoke Division amateur population. Winners of the Roanoke Division Service Award become members of the selection committee and vote on which nominee should be honored the next year. An individual can receive the award only once. The administration of the award is done by the Roanoke Division Director.  Following is chronological list of recipients:

Below is a list of recipients by year.
 
 1968  Donald B. Morris, W8JM *
 1969  L.Phil Wicker, W4ACY *
 1970  Victor Clark, W4KFC *
 1971  Theodore Mathewson, W4FJ*
 1972  Ethel Smith, K4LMB *
 1973  Katherine Anderson, W8DUV
 1974  William Grenfell, W4GF *
 1975  Ed Redington, W4ZM *
 1976  Charles Wright, W4PED
 1977  Monte Cone, WA4PBG *
 1978  Harold Richmond, W4CIZ *
 1979  Theodore Cohen, N4XX
 1980  Gay E. Milius, Jr., W4UG *
 1981  Stuart Meyer, W2GHK *
 1982  Paul Rinaldo, W4RI
 1983  Karl Thompson, K8KT
 1984  John C. Kanode, N4MM
 1985  Authur Thiemens, AA4AT
 1986  Harold Robinson, W4QR *
 1987  Jimmy Walker,WD4HLZ
 1988  Reynold L. Nitsch, W4NTO
 1989  Clayton H. Merrell, W4FX *
 1990  T. Hunter Wood, W4ANK *
 1991  Dennis Bodson, W4PWF
 1992  Nancy K. Draheim, NK4U
 1993  Harry D. Vorhauer, W4PVA
 1994  James B. Macleod, W4NHV
 1995  Robert V. Southworth, KI4YV
 1996  Leland E. Patience, W4DRF*
 1997  Oliver N. Rinehart, WD8V
 1998  Norman G. Harrill, N4NH
 1999  Emmie B. Patience, KA4LRM
 2000  Richard W. Maylott,  W2YE
 2001  Tom Gregory, N4NW
 2002  Elias (Bus) Etheridge, K4IX *
 2003  Les Shattuck, K4NK
 2004  Ron Sokol, K4KHZ
 2005 Dr. James Boehner, MD, N2ZZ
 2005  John Covington, W4CC
 
 * Deceased

NOMINATION FORM

I hereby nominate the following Roanoke Division Amateur to receive the Roanoke Division ARRL Service Award.

Name__________________________________________________________________ Call ________________________

Address____________________________________________________________________________________________

City _____________________________________________ State________________________ Zip _________________

Nominated By ______________________________________________________ Call____________________________

Please attach resume. List all significant Amateur Radio achievements. Any documentation is helpful. Attach Amateur Radio magazine reference, club newsletters, newspaper clipping, etc. Closing date for nomination is December 22, 2006.

Return this form with resume and any documentation to:

ARRL ROANOKE DIVISION DIRECTOR
Dennis Bodson, W4PWF
233 N Columbus Street
Arlington, Virginia 22203
 
Date ______________________________

--------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Roanoke Division
Director: Dennis Bodson, W4PWF
w4pwf@arrl.org
 

11-22-06 - ARRL Bulletin 27  ARLB027
From ARRL Headquarters 
Newington CT  November 22, 2006
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB027
ARLB027 "Omnibus" Amateur Radio Report and Order Takes Effect
December 15

With publication in the Federal Register November 15, the
long-awaited changes to the amateur rules are set to take effect 30
days later, at 12:01 AM EST December 15. The so-called "Omnibus"
Amateur Radio proceeding, WT Docket 04-140, includes a significant
expansion of the 75 meter phone band and a variety of other changes.
The highlights:

*  For Amateur Extra class licensees, the 75 meter phone band will
start at 3600 kHz, while Advanced class licensees start at 3700 kHz
and Generals at 3800 kHz. The high end of the CW/RTTY/Digital band
is now 3600 kHz (although CW is allowed on the entire band).

*  On 40 meters, Amateur Extra and Advanced licensees will be able
to operate phone beginning at 7125 kHz, while Generals start at 7175
kHz. The top end of the CW/RTTY/Digital band will be 7125 kHz
(although CW is allowed on the entire band).

*  There are no changes to the 20 meter band.

*  On 15 meters, the General class phone band now starts at 21275
kHz.

*  On 10 meters, Novice and Technician Plus licensees can now
operate CW/RTTY/Digital from 28000 kHz to 28300 kHz.

*  In addition, Novices and Tech Plus licensees can use CW only on
the same frequencies as General and Advanced licensees on the 80, 40
and 15 meter bands: 3525 kHz-3600 kHz; 7025 kHz-7125 kHz and 21025
kHz-21200 kHz.

The Report&Order as published in the Federal Register clarified two
items that had raised some concerns when it was first released
October 10: That the 80/75 meter band split applies to all three
IARU Regions, and that FCC licensees in Region 2, which includes
North America, can continue to use RTTY/data emissions in the
7075-7100 kHz band.

Several controversial aspects of the proceeding are still to be
resolved, although the FCC is working on an erratum for the
inadvertent elimination of J2D emissions of more than 500 Hz
bandwidth. The Commission intends to release the erratum by the
December 15 effective date.

The FCC also took several other miscellaneous actions.
 

11-20-06 - Thanks to Tom K2PJ for bringing an Interesting article on Amateur Radio from Mobile Radio Technology Magazine to my attention:  http://mrtmag.com/mag/radio_back_basics_2/
 

11-20-06 - I just received a link below that is excellent PR for Amateur Radio.  Interviewed was none other than the Hudson Division Vice Director, Joyce Birmingham, KA2ANF!

http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/radio?date=06.10.06

Click on the above link.  Wait for the web  page to load.  Once the page is loaded, look for this audio: Amateur Radio Operators Provide A Vital Communications Link if it does NOT start to play on its own.  Then click on it and ENJOY.

11-18-06 - The 2006 South Carolina QSO Party results are available by clicking on the "SC QSO Party" on the left sidebar!  Additional information is available on the Columbia ARC website: http://www.kf4ghc.net/

11-18-06 - MISSING YCARS EQUIPMENT: The following equipment was removed from the York County ARS Clubhouse:

ICOM IC-781 HF Transceiver:  Early model,  serial number 01003. Well-worn
faceplate, knobs and controls, but operative. 

KENWOOD  TS-440S  HF Transceiver:  Serial number unknown, but  K4YTZ
etched on rear of cabinet, chassis.  Very good condition

Anyone with information is requested to contact Bob Bacharach by email at
 WA2EMF@ARRL.NET
 

11-17-06 - New Vice Director Elected for Roanoke Division (Nov 17, 2006) -- Patricia Hensley, N4ROS, has been elected as Vice Director of the Roanoke Division. Ballots were counted today at ARRL Headquarters. She defeated incumbent Les Shattuck, K4NK, 2280 to 996. A total of 3281 ballots were received; five ballots were not able to be counted, being declared spoiled or invalid. The three year term begins at noon EST, January 1, 2007.
Full Story

ARRL Bulletin 19  ARLB019
From ARRL Headquarters 
Newington CT  October 12, 2006
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB019
ARLB019 FCC releases long-awaited ''Omnibus'' Amateur Radio Report and Order

Ending a protracted waiting period, the FCC's Report and Order in the so-called ''Omnibus'' Amateur Radio proceeding, WT Docket 04-140, was adopted October 4 and released October 10, 2006. In it, the FCC adopted nearly all of the proposed changes in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking released back in 2004. The FCC has:

+ expanded the phone subbands in the 75 and 40 meter bands;

+ permitted auxiliary stations to transmit on portions of the 2 meter band;

+ permitted the use of spread spectrum on 222-225 MHz;

+ permitted amateurs to retransmit communications from the International Space Station;

+ permitted amateur licensees to designate a specific Amateur Radio club to receive their call sign in memoriam;

+ prohibited an applicant from filing more than one application for a specific vanity call sign;

+ eliminated certain restrictions on equipment manufacturers;

+ permitted Amateur Radio stations in Alaska and surrounding waters more flexibility in providing emergency communications;

+ clarified that ''amateur stations may, at all times and on all frequencies authorized to the control operator, make transmissions necessary to meet essential communication needs and to facilitate relief actions'';

+ deleted the frequency bands and segments specified for RACES stations;

and

+ deleted the requirement for public announcement of test locations and times.

In addition, the FCC took several other miscellaneous actions.

In ''refarming'' the frequencies currently authorized to Novice and Technician Plus licensees, the Commission increased the voice segments for General, Advanced and Amateur Extra licensees.

On 75 meters, Generals will be able to use voice from 3800-4000 kHz, an increase of 50 kHz. Advanced class licensees will be able to use voice from 3700-4000, an increase of 75 kHz, and Amateur Extras will be able to use voice from 3600 to 4000 kHz, a generous increase of 150 kHz.

On 40 meters, Advanced and Extra Class licensees will be able to use voice from 7125-7300 kHz, an increase of 25 kHz. General class licensees will be able to use voice on 7175-7300 kHz, an increase of 50 kHz.

On 15 meters, General class operators will have phone privileges on 21275-21450 kHz, an increase of 25 kHz.

ARRL President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, expressed the ARRL's gratitude to the FCC Commissioners in a letter dated October 11: ''On behalf of the ARRL and the Commission's licensees in the Amateur Radio Service I want to express appreciation for your release yesterday of the
Report and Order in WT Docket 04-140 (FCC 06-149) amending Part 97 of the Commission's Rules. The Commission's action in clearing this pending proceeding will assist the Amateur Radio Service in meeting its objectives, particularly with regard to providing emergency and public service communications.''

The changes will go into effect 30 days after the R&O is published in the Federal Register.

Note:  For the FCC's full Report and Order, click HERE!

9-13-06 - I received this great news from ARRL HQ:

Leona G. Adams
Field and Educational Services Assistant
 

I am proud to continue to serve as your ARRL Section Manager!

02-24-06 - Amateur Radio Mentioned in Report to White House

Yesterday, February 23, "The Federal Response to Hurricane Katrina: Lessons Learned," http://www.whitehouse.gov/reports/katrina-lessons-learned/index.html was submitted to the White House.  Over the last four months, at the direction of President Bush, a team of White House staff members and colleagues across the country at all levels of government reviewed the Federal government's role and performance in preparing for, responding to and recovering from Hurricane Katrina.

Along with a detailed list of lessons learned and recommendations, the report also recognized what went right during the Katrina disaster and its aftermath.

Amateur Radio is specifically mentioned in Appendix B of "The Federal Response to Hurricane Katrina: Lessons Learned," under the subheading "Non-governmental Organizations." http://www.whitehouse.gov/reports/katrina-lessons-learned/appendix-b.html

"Other organizations worked tirelessly to assist emergency responders that, due to the storm, did not have the equipment and means to effectively carry out their duties. Amateur Radio Operators from both the Amateur Radio Emergency Service and the American Radio Relay League, monitored distress calls and rerouted emergency requests for assistance throughout the U.S. until messages were received by emergency response personnel. A distress call made from a cell phone on a rooftop in New Orleans to Baton Rouge was relayed, via ham radio, from Louisiana to Oregon, then Utah, and finally back to emergency personnel in Louisiana, who rescued the 15 stranded victims. Ham radio operators voluntarily manned the amateur radio stations at sites such as the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Watch Net, Waterway Net, Skywarn and the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network."

Frances Fragos Townsend, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, presented and discussed the document yesterday in Washington, DC.  The appendix to the report also recognized many other organizations that helped in the hurricane relief efforts. 

"The number of volunteer and non-profit organizations providing support to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort was truly extraordinary. Virtually every national, regional and local charitable organization in the U.S., and many from abroad, contributed aid to the victims of Hurricane Katrina."

2-16-07 - The Salkehatchie ARS WCARS VE team is having a special VE test session on Feb 24, 2007 at 9:30 AM at the First Baptist Church in Barnwell, SC.  Fee is $10.  Bring your license and a copy, Certificates for elements you have passed and two IDs.  E Mail for more information.  wa4bhk@bellsouth.net

02-09-06 - A message from Roger Gregory W4RWG:

To our Loyal Dealers, and the ham radio community,

The Union County Amateur Radio Club has decided to cancel their hamfest scheduled for April 1. Higher expenses, declining club membership, and low attendance over the last few years contributed to our decision. We appreciate the loyalty of those that supported us over the years. We have made lasting friendships.

Roger W. Gregory W4RWG
President UCARC

02-05-06 - I would like to offer my thanks to the Charleston Hamfest Committee for organizing a great hamfest this last Saturday!  The Charleston Hamfest was this past weekend, and I had the pleasure of presiding over the ARRL forum.  Accompanying me was Les K4NK, our Vice Director of the Roanoke Division.   It was a very enjoyable hamfest, and I look forward to attending again next year!  My special thanks to Bryce K4LXF, Mike WA4HVP, and John W4HNK for taking the time to give me information about the Charleston linked repeater system!

01-20-06 - ARRL First Vice President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, of Judsonia, Arkansas, will be the League's president for the next two years. He'll succeed Jim Haynie, W5JBP, who chose not to run for a fourth term in the uncompensated, volunteer post. Gathering in Windsor, Connecticut, for its annual meeting, the Board voted 10 to 5 to choose Harrison over ARRL Central Division Director Dick Isely, W9GIG, the only other nominee. Harrison, 47, said he believes Amateur Radio is looking at a different society--and pool of potential licensees--in the 21st century than in the past.  The full report can be found on the ARRL website: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2006/01/20/2/?nc=1

1-15-06 - The Greenwood hamfest was held this past Saturday at the Greenwood Civic Center.  Speaking with the hamfest officials, it was one of the best attended hamfests in their recent history!  Many commercial vendors were present, along with those selling used equipment as well.  As in recent years, this was a very enjoyable hamfest, with a lot of opportunities to revisit with those we have not seen in several months.  This hamfest was also the hamfest debut of the Aiken County Emergency Services Trailer!  Bob K4NJN, ASM6 drove the trailer up to Greenwood for display and tours.  Those assisting Bob with demonstrating the trailer were Paul KB4GYT; John K4JCC; Tony N4ADM, TS; Charlie AE4UX, SEC, and a few others from Aiken.  We were fortunate to be visited by the Greenwood County Sheriff and the Greenwood County EMD director, as well as the Saluda County EMD director.  I am very pleased that our county officials are taking an interest in Amateur Radio, and our capabilities.  In my discussions with the Sheriff, I mentioned that Amateur Radio has certification programs in Emergency Radio Communications, the ARRL EMCOMM levels I, II and III.  That made me think-when I returned home, I checked the ARRL database of those who have successfully completed the EMCOMM courses in our state.  We have 27 who have completed all three levels, 16 who have completed two levels, and 80 who have completed level I!  I would like to see more taking the courses, but those numbers are great for a state our size!

12-4-05 - The South Carolina QSO party final results!

From Ken N2IXX ASM3:

11-21-05 -  Message from Charlie AE4UX, SEC:

The 2005 Coastal Exercise dates have been set.  The exercise will be on Monday and Tuesday, December 12 and 13, 2005.  However, Radio operators will only be needed on Monday the 12th.  I expect that the  radio operators will be released from exercise participation after the After Action Review (Hot Wash) late on Monday afternoon.  The USC Center for Public Health Preparedness has again offered to reimburse travel expenses for those amateur radio operators who travel to the exercise from out of town.  That includes mileage from your home and  Sunday night's stay in a Charleston area hotel.  There is an upper limit on the hotel reimbursement.  I'll have to get the current number from them for those who decide to participate.

Communications is a major focus of this exercise.  We have an opportunity to show the served agencies what we can do.  Although there are a lot of amateur radio operators in the Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester area; additional operators will be needed to do this right.

We are responsible for supporting three venues, Sterett Hall, Project Seahawk, and the I-26 Weigh Station.  However, we are interested in utilizing our folks in other areas to increase awareness of our resource capabilities.  Other venues will be supported based on the resources we have available.

Please spread the word to your folks.  I've included the operators who participated in last year's exercise on the cc: distribution so that they can get an early notice of the drill.

I will need to submit a list of operators planning to attend.  Please send me an e-mail if you think that you might attend.  Do that even if you might have to back out later.  I need the names of those coming from out of town as well as those who are local to the exercise area.


73 Charlie Miller, AE4UX
South Carolina Section Emergency Coordinator

09-13-06 - The South Carolina QSO party is this weekend!  Please plan to participate in our section’s on-the-air event!  The contest runs from 1300Z Sept 16 to 2100Z Sept 17.  The object is to contact as many South Carolina stations in as many South Carolina Counties as possible.  There are three divisions; SC fixed stations, SC mobile stations and out of state stations.  There are plaques for the high score in each category, with certificates for 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th place.  The Exchange is: sequential serial number and county for SC stations; sequential serial number and state/province/country for non-SC stations.  The SC QSO party is sponsored by the Columbia Amateur Radio Club, and full information is available on their website: http://www.kf4ghc.net/scqsoweb2006.shtml .  Remember, contact with either myself (N2ZZ) or the CARC club station KF4GHC will add 300 points to your score!  Hope to see everyone on the air, and I really hope to see some roaming mobiles.  A few years ago, we had two mobiles that operated from each of the 46 counties in SC.  Any takers?

09-12-06 - I had the pleasure to travel to Shelby, NC for the Shelby hamfest over Labor Day Weekend.  The weather was fantastic, and it was great to see everyone again, after a very long Summer.  The ARRL forum was given by our Vice Director of the Roanoke Division, Rev. Les Shattuck, K4NK.  I was pleased to see the Director and the Vice Director of the ARRL Southeastern division, Frank Butler W4RH and Sandy Donahue, W4RU who also attended the forum.  North Carolina’s Section Manager Tim Slay N4IB was unable to attend, due to a back injury.  We all wish him a speedy recovery.  Les touched on a number of topics of interest to the amateur radio community, including BPL, FCC issues, the Grass Roots initiative, and happenings at ARRL headquarters.  I learned of an honor that was bestowed on Les by the President of the ARRL, Joel Harrison, W5ZN.  At ARRL headquarters, generally only Directors are asked to head committees.  Les accepted the invitation to become chairman of the historic committee of the ARRL, a very prestigious assignment with a great deal of responsibility.  I met with Joel and Les at the SVHF conference earlier this year, and was very impressed with the respect Joel had for Les.  We should all be proud to have Les K4NK as our Vice Director!

06-10-06 - The VoIP Hurricane Net is seeking ARES, RACES, SKYWARN and other  emergency communication groups such as REACT, MARS and SATERN to utilize the VoIP Hurricane Net as another means to pass weather, damage and other pertinent reports to WX4NHC and other national agencies.

“In 2005, we’ve had the National American Red Cross Headquarters check into our net on several occasions and during Hurricane Dennis, we passed the status of shelters from the Mobile, Alabama EOC to the National Red Cross. They were also able to hear the weather and damage reports as  Dennis made landfall from spotters reporting their information to WX4NHC” said Rob Macedo, KD1CY, Director of Operations for the VoIP Hurricane Net.

The VoIP Hurricane Net has a weekly preparedness net that meets at 0000 UTC Sunday which is Saturday Evening for most of North America. The net currently meets on IRLP reflector 9508 and utilizes the EchoLink Conferences *VKEMCOMM*, Node: 270177 and *WX-TALK* Node: 7203 in one integrated net. During activations, the net would meet using the same system. This is currently the backup system as the main Raleigh 9210 IRLP reflector system is undergoing an upgrade. Net activation connect status will be posted on the voipwx.net site.

“The utilization of EchoLink and IRLP is another way for Amateurs to gain access to WX4NHC and other national agencies. It’s another tool in the toolbox for the emergency communicator that does not replace other modes of operation.” Macedo said.

“It is also been utilized as alternative means to connect EOC’s, National Weather Service Forecast Offices, and other emergency response agencies when no other communications are available. When HF propagation becomes poor, this is but another path that allows even our technician class operators to assist with reports and utilize the net as a way to communicate with WX4NHC and other agencies that are on the system” said Danny Musten-KD4RAA, co-Net Manager of the VoIP Hurricane Net.

“During Hurricane Rita, we had the National Weather Service Offices in Shreveport, Louisiana, Houston, Texas and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas along with the National Hurricane Center on the net. We received surface reports from the Livingston Texas Memorial Hospital of measured winds over 100 MPH, significant roof damage to a school shelter along with damage to the emergency room doors of the hospital through the efforts of WM6V-Flo Garneau” said Kevin Anderson-KD5WX, co-Net Manager of the VoIP Hurricane Net.

“She maintained contact with her local EOC on one frequency, while communicating to our net, providing critical surface reports. We need more efforts like what Flo did during Hurricane Rita in other hurricane prone areas” said Anderson.

The VoIP Hurricane Net also has close ties to a program called StormStudy and it’s outreach arm, the Storm Education Team. That program is led by John Van Pelt-K4JVP and Danny Musten-KD4RAA is the team’s communications engineer. It is a program dedicated to teaching people about dangerous hurricanes and severe weather safety, but more importantly for us, provides surface reports directly from the hurricane’s potential affected areas.

“Joining the Storm Education Team is something I’ve decided to do as an extension of my technical VoIP support for reporting during hurricanes. I have been a strong supporter of John’s StormStudy effort and in 2005 made an active decision to join him on the road and this year, outfit my Suburban as the SET2 vehicle. The SET2 truck also has Baron Mobile Threat Net radar system and Davis Instruments weather gathering gear, but has been equipped with a very strong emphasis on communications - which includes VoIP as well as HF/VHF/UHF and satellite modes for redundant communications at the various staging areas” said Musten.

During this hurricane season they will be able to cover more targeted areas with two trucks and will deploy a portable UHF repeater linked to our VoIPWX net that will not only facilitate their reporting, but also allow locals to check in with reports. John and Danny are hoping to deploy additional weather stations, that either we or other local hams can monitor in areas where there might not be Skywarn or other ARES nets active. IRLP and EchoLink repeaters are growing plentiful, but are not currently in every remote coastal area that they have visited during the 2005 season.

“I’ve worked with the VoIP Hurricane Net since 2002 and was the first reporting station on scene of a hurricane to utilize VoIP. It’s very convenient to be able to hit my space bar on my laptop and talk with WX4NHC via EchoLink. I’m really happy to have Danny as my partner in StormStudy and to have his VoIP and communications expertise with me when we deploy into hurricanes is really exciting” said John Van Pelt-K4JVP.

The VoIP Hurricane Net is not just a US operation. Some of its most critical reports have also come from areas outside of the United States. One example last year was during Hurricane Emily as she affected the Caribbean islands of Trinidad, Tobago, Grenada and the Grenadines in early July 2005.

“Emily rapidly intensified into a Strong Category 1 Hurricane as she went through the Caribbean islands during the overnight hours. Our net was able to make contact with stations in Trinidad, Dominica and Grenada and they relayed reports from their 75 Meter HF Weather Net to our net via VoIP so we could send critical damage reports to WX4NHC. Here is a case where we would not have been successful without utilizing both HF and VoIP modes in coordination with one another” Macedo said.

“In addition to more participation from US stations and emergency groups, we are looking for more stations in the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico to utilize our net as another mode to pass information to WX4NHC.” Macedo said.

Julio Ripoll, WD4R, Assistant National Hurricane Center Coordinator, endorses the efforts of the VoIP Hurricane Net. “Clearly, we have gained additional critical reports to the WX4NHC mission of saving lives via the efforts of the VoIP Hurricane Net and the WX4NHC team urges Amateurs to utilize the VoIP Hurricane Net as another way to reach us with critical damage and weather reports when a hurricane strikes. We monitor the net as much as possible when we have activations” Ripoll said.

More information on the VoIP Hurricane Net including a link to their VoIP Hurricane Net email list can be found at http://www.voipwx.net.
 

03-27-06 - How about an Amateur Radio Museum? 

KF4VGX sent this to me:

03-22-06 - A note from Alex KR1ST:

Statewide 2 Meter FM PSK31 Net

A group of hams in the greater Charleston area has started a PSK31 net that takes place Sunday nights at 9:30pm and Wednesday nights at 8:00pm. It takes place on 144.145 MHz in the FM mode. This net was started by Skip Teller, KH6TY, the developer of the most successful free PSK31 software, Digipan. Skip, who lives in Mt. Pleasant, is also the Net Control for this informal net.

The FM mode was chosen instead of the more commonly used USB mode because more people have access to VHF FM transceivers than multimode VHF transceivers. Also, the FM mode does not require great frequency stability as other modes do at VHF frequencies. Since this net takes place on 2 meters, any licensed ham can participate. It's a great opportunity for both beginning and seasoned hams to explore digital modes without having to invest a great deal of money in ham equipment.

Besides having fun, the goal of this net is to explore the possibilities of using digital modes on VHF and gain experience exchanging information using such modes. You can participate in this net with nothing more than a simple 2 meter FM transceiver, a computer with a soundcard, and software like Digipan (http://www.digipan.net). If you have an APRS setup that uses your computer's soundcard, then you're already ready for business. You'd only need to use PSK31 software, like Digipan, instead of your favorite APRS application.

Most participants use horizontal antennas, but don't let that keep you from participating! Some folks use vertical antennas with great success. Two meter FM PSK31 signals can be copied successfully much further than FM voice signals. Cross polarization is hardly an issue for 2 meter FM PSK31 signals up to 25 miles and antennas of average height.

Everyone is invited to check into the 2 meter PSK31 Net Sundays at 9:30pm and Wednesdays at 8:00pm. You can send reception reports to Skip Teller, KH6TY (hteller@comcast.net), and contact him with any questions or suggestions you may have.

Hope to see you soon!

3-16-06 CAROLINA EDGE OF SPACE PROJECT

Richard Dodd, KG4PBG and a group of Charlotte area hams will be launching a high-altitude weather balloon with an amateur radio payload on March 18th.  The balloon will take APRS equipment (KG4PBG-15 on 144.39MHz) and cameras up to 100,000ft and travel 200 miles in around 2 hours of flight time.  When the balloon bursts, it will fall via parachute and the payload will land somewhere in the Carolinas.  The project team will be chasing the balloon via aircraft and on the ground, but since they don't know where it's going they're looking for help with the recovery.   The Tarheel Emergency Net will be active during the flight on 7.232MHz.  Stations with APRS equipment in NC and SC are invited to check in, help track the balloon, and assist with recovery should it land near your area.  More information is available via a link at www.ridemaps.com.
 

3-7-06 - I regret to report that on March 2nd, John Hennessee, N1KB became a silent key at age 42.  John's hometown was Cheraw, SC where he was first licensed as KA4AUR at age 14.  In 1986, after he graduated from Wingate College in NC, he joined the ARRL Headquarters staff.  He worked in the Field and Educational Services branch of the ARRL as a Regulatory Information Specialist, and was the primary author on the ARRL FCC Rule Book.  Survivors include his mother, Carole Hennessee, two sisters and his beloved cat, Darlene. A service will be held Thursday, March 9, 11 AM, at First Methodist Church, Cheraw, South Carolina. Visitation begins at 10 AM.  We will all miss John.  For further information, please view the web link on the ARRL.ORG website: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2006/03/07/3/?nc=1

10-5-06 - The Rock Hill Hamfest and Computer Expo will be held Saturday, October 7th, at the Rock Hill American Legion Post 34, 199 South Cherry Road, Rock Hill, SC.  Gates open at 6am.  Admission is $7 and includes one outdoor flea market space!  Talk-in frequency is 147.03- , and driving directions are available from the hamfest website: www.rockhillhamfest.com .  The ARRL Forum will be held at 9:30am and VE testing will follow promptly at 10:00am.  Please make plans to attend!  I hope to see everyone there!

06-13-06 - Information from Susan AF4FO, SM of Georgia:

08-23-06 - Postmark KATRINA will air on the Weather Channel, Sunday and Monday August 27 and 28 at 7:00 P.M. Central Time. 'Postmark Katrina' Produced by Les Rayburn, N1LF, is a Weather Channel one hour special that tells the story of a service by Ham Radio to restore critical mail service to the battered Gulf Coast area in the wake of Katrina.

Rayburn and his crew were fully embedded with Federal Law Enforcement Officers from the U.S. Postal Service Enforcement Agency within hours of Katrina making landfall. Critical High Frequency Communications for the National Communications System SHARES, was provided.

This program is recommended viewing for Ham Radio Operators.

Thanks to W5RXU in Arkansas for passing along this information!

03-26-06 - The Tenth Annual South Eastern VHF Society (SVHF) Conference to be held in Greenville, SC on April 28th and 29th!

3-22-06 - A note from Brian KR4SP, ACC:

Foxhunt    Foxhunt    Foxhunt.

April 22,    2PM,    Bi- Lo Plaza ,   Pendleton on Rte 76, SC.

The ACC Open Transmitter Hunt.

-This event is open to anyone having a radio, preferably fitted with an “S” meter, able to receive the 2m Amateur band – you do not need to have an Amateur license.
-This event is suitable for both the beginner and the experienced hunter as it will have varying levels of difficulty and more than one fox
-Helpful additional equipment:- Directional antenna, Active or passive attenuator
-For information on building inexpensive directional antennas and active attenuators go to  http://home.att.net/~jleggio/projects/rdf/rdf.htm

Directions:

From the South:  From the traffic light on Rte 76 at exit 19 on I-85 go North 5.9 on Rte 76 miles to the Bi-Lo Plaza on the left (West) side of the road. Meet under the big sign between the Palmetto Bank and the Dairy Queen

From the North:  From the traffic light in Clemson at the intersection of Rtes 123 and 76, (adjacent to the Ramada Inn) , go South on Rte 76 for 4.8 miles  to the Bi-Lo Plaza on the right (West) side of the road. Meet under the big sign between the Palmetto Bank and the Dairy Queen.

For anyone needing further information please E-mail me at kr4sp-1@juno.com

73 de Brian  kr4sp 
Affiliated Club Coordinator,
South Carolina Section  ARRL

Dixie ARC: http://members.tripod.com/~dixieradioclub/index.html

01-18-06 - The ARRL Web's News Page, http://www.arrl.org/, presents the following  announcement about "SuitSat."

"SuitSat" Now Tentatively Set for February 2 Deployment

Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has announced that the International Space Station crew is tentatively scheduled to deploy "SuitSat" Thursday, February 2. Possibly the most unusual Earth satellite ever, SuitSat consists of a surplus Russian Orlan space suit converted into a transmit-only satellite with an FM downlink frequency of 145.990 MHz. Using the call sign RS0RS, it will transmit voice messages, telemetry and an SSTV image on a nine-minute cycle as it orbits Earth. The batteries powering the satellite are expected to last about a week after deployment, and SuitSat's free-floating, decaying orbit should cause it to re-enter Earth's atmosphere after some six weeks in space. The SuitSat signal should be strong enough to hear using a VHF transceiver or scanner and a simple antenna--thus making it an ideal project for students to monitor and track. SuitSat's payload also includes a CD containing hundreds of school pictures, artwork, poems, and student signatures. For more information, see article "This is SuitSat-1 RS0RS!" by Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, on the AMSAT Web site. http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/articles/BauerSuitsat/index.php

1-7-06 - I have received this information from several sources:

SOLE SURVIVING WEST VIRGINIA MINER KC8VKZ STILL CRITICAL

The only survivor of the January 3 mine explosion in Tallmansville, West Virginia is Randal McCloy Jr, KC8VKZ, of Philippi, West Virginia. At press time, he was listed in critical condition at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, where he is undergoing specialized treatment. Hams may wish to send a note of support on a QSL card to Randal McCloy Jr, KC8VKZ, PO Box 223, Philippi, WV 26435.

1-1-06- HAPPY NEW YEAR 2006!  This e-card was sent to me by Sue N4ENX, OOC!  Enjoy!

 http://web.icq.com/friendship/swf/0,,16961_rs,00.swf

12-24-05 - On this Christmas eve, I would like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and a very Happy New Year!

One of the members in our section sent me a link to a wonderful holiday card, and I would like to share it with everyone! Just copy and paste the following link into your internet browser:

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=2700206623

I wish everyone a very happy holiday season!

'73 de Dr. Jim N2ZZ

1-12-05 - Please make plans to attend the Greenwood Hamfest, which will be held Saturday, January 14th at the Greenwood Civic Center, HWY 72 East. Doors will open at 9 am. VE Exams will be "walk-in", starting at 10:30 am-Please bring your original license and a copy. Talk-in will be on 147.165+, alt 146.52.

I hope to see everyone there!

---------------------------------2007--------------------------------

January 13, 2007-Greenwood Hamfest to be held at the Greenwood Civic Center.  Talk-in will be available on 147.165+ / ALT 146.52.  Click HERE to see their hamfest flyer!

!HAMFEST ALERT!

Note:  I have filled out the hamfest events for the full year of 2005-some have not been registered with the ARRL yet. and they are listed when they would normally fall during the calendar year.  Please forward any corrections to me at n2zz@arrl.org .

January 8, 2005-Greenwood Hamfest to be held at the Greenwood Civic Center.  Talk-in will be available on 147.165+ / ALT 146.52. For further information, go to http://www.w4gwd.org/hamfest.html .  Click HERE to see their hamfest flyer!

 February 5, 2005-Charleston Hamfest and Computer Show to be held at the Exchange Park Fairground, 9850 Highway 78, Ladson, SC.  Exit 203 off of I-26, College Park Road.  Riley Hollingsworth K4ZDH, FCC's special counsel for Amateur Radio Enforcement will give a presentation.  Click HERE to see their hamfest flyer!

March 12 & 13, 2005-Charlotte, NC Hamfest and ComputerFair  to be held at the Charlotte Merchandise Mart on 2500 E. Independence Blvd in Charlotte, NC.  For further information, check out the Mecklenburg ARS hamfest webpage: http://www.w4bfb.org/hamfest.html

 April 2, 2005-Union County ARC Hamfest.  Hamfest information is available here: http://www.qsl.net/k4usc/activity.html .  Information from Roger W4RWG- The Union Hamfest will be held Saturday, April 2, at the Union County Fairgrounds. Gates will open at 8:00am. We will have sausage biscuits and coffee for breakfast and hotdogs and soft drinks for lunch. We will have a drawing for a 2 meter handi-talkie at 1:00pm. Gate price is 5:00 which includes tailgating. We have a few tables inside at 10.00 each.

May 7, 2005-Upstate Hamfest to be held in Spartanburg, SC.  For further information, go to http://www.upstatehamfest.org or contact John Hoyt W5UGD hamfest@brars.org .

May 20-22, 2005-The DAYTON HAMVENTION!  Visit www.hamvention.org for details!

May 21, 2005-The 27th Annual Lake Hartwell hamfest will be held at Sadler's Creek State Park in Anderson.  To view the hamfest flyer, please click HERE.

June 18, 2005-CHESTER ARES Tailgate party will be held at Chester State Park, from 8am to 1pm.  Talk-in 145.31.  To view their flyer, please click HERE.

September 3 & 4th, 2005-The 48th Annual SHELBY Hamfest will be held in Shelby, NC at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds.  Talk-in will be on 146.88-.  For further information, go to: www.shelbyhamfest.org .

October 1, 2005-Rock Hill Hamfest at the Rock Hill American Legion Post 34 and the York County Fairgrounds, 199 South Cherry Road, Rock Hill.  For further information, visit their website at www.RockHillHamfest.Com , or contact WA2EMF@arrl.net .

October 8, 2005-Augusta, GA Hamfest, 9am-3pm at Evans Middle School, 4318 Washington Road, Talk-in 145.490-

October 22, 2005-Sumter Hamfest to be held at the Sumter County Fairgrounds.  For further information, go to: http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/2695/sara.htm or contact Carl Ecabert AA1MD aa1md@ftc-i.net .

October 29, 2005-Grand Strand Beachfest to be held in Conway, SC.  For further information, go to: http://www.w4gs.org or contact Jim Wood, KF4CJE kf4cje@w4gs.org

January 14, 2006-Greenwood Hamfest to be held at the Greenwood Civic Center.  Talk-in will be available on 147.165+ / ALT 146.52.  Click HERE to see their hamfest flyer!

February 4, 2006-Charleston Hamfest and Computer Show to be held at the Exchange Park Fairground, 9850 Highway 78, Ladson, SC.  Exit 203 off of I-26, College Park Road.   Click HERE to see their hamfest flyer!

March 11 & 12, 2006-Charlotte, NC Hamfest and ComputerFair  to be held at the Charlotte Merchandise Mart on 2500 E. Independence Blvd in Charlotte, NC.  For further information, check out the Mecklenburg ARS hamfest webpage: http://www.w4bfb.org/

May 6, 2006-Upstate Hamfest to be held in Spartanburg, SC.  For further information, go to http://upstatehamfest.org or contact Matt Andrews, KF4NXS hamfest@brars.org .

May 19-21, 2006-The DAYTON HAMVENTION!  Visit www.hamvention.org for details!

May 20, 2006-The 28th Annual Lake Hartwell hamfest will be held at Sadler's Creek State Park in Anderson.

June 17, 2006-CHESTER ARES Tailgate party will be held at Chester State Park shelter #3 , from 8am to 1pm.  Talk-in 145.31. Chester State Park is 3 miles SW of Chester on SC 73. Admission to the park is $2. Tailgate Party is FREE.  After entering the park, drive to Shelter #3. Sponsored by Chester Amateur Radio Emergency Service (CARES)
 
September 2nd & 3rd, 2006-The 49th Annual SHELBY Hamfest will be held in Shelby, NC at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds.  Talk-in will be on 146.88-.  For further information, go to: www.shelbyhamfest.org.

October 7, 2006-Rock Hill Hamfest at the Rock Hill American Legion Post 34 and the York County Fairgrounds, 199 South Cherry Road, Rock Hill.  For further information, contact Cole, KC4UIG, kc4uig@comporium.net.  To view their Hamfest flyer, click HERE.  For the official Rock Hill Hamfest website, go to: www.rockhillhamfest.com.

October 14, 2005-Augusta, GA Hamfest, 9am-3pm at Evans Middle School, 4318 Washington Road, Talk-in 145.490-

October 28, 2006-Sumter Hamfest to be held at the Sumter County Fairgrounds.  For further information, go to: http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/2695/sara.htm or contact Carl Ecabert AA1MD aa1md@ftc-i.net

November 11, 2006-Grand Strand Beachfest to be held in Conway, SC.  For further information, go to: http://www.w4gs.org or contact Robert Battle ke4hgb@w4gs.org.  View their hamfest flyer HERE

10-26-05 - Deadline is October 31 to file comments in FCC "Morse code" proceeding:

ARRL Bulletin 24  ARLB024
From ARRL Headquarters 
Newington CT  October 25, 2005
To all radio amateurs

Deadline is October 31 to file comments in FCC "Morse code" proceeding

With just a few days to go before the filing deadline, more than 2600 comments have been filed in response to the FCC "Morse code" Notice of Proposed Rule Making and Order (NPRM&O) in WT Docket 05-235. The NPRM&O has proposed to do away with the 5 WPM Morse code requirement for all license classes. It also denied several proposals to create a new entry-level license class.

The closing date for comments is Monday, October 31. Reply comments are due Monday, November 14.

To file on-line comments on the FCC NPRM&O in WT Docket 05-235 or to view others' comments in the proceeding, visit the FCC Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/. In the "Proceeding" field, enter "05-235" (without the quotation marks but including the hyphen).

Alternative filing formats are available for people with disabilities. Contact the FCC to request reasonable accommodations (accessible format documents, sign language interpreters, CART, etc) by e-mail, FCC504@fcc.gov, or telephone 202-418-0530 or TTY 202-418-0432.

For additional information, contact William T. Cross, Public Safety and Critical Infrastructure Division, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, William.Cross@fcc.gov; 202-418-0680; TTY 202-418-7233.

An FCC Report and Order in this proceeding is not likely until sometime in 2006.

10-25-05 - I enjoyed traveling to Sumter this past Saturday to be part of the Sumter "Open Air" hamfest.  There were a number of tailgaters as well as a few indoor vendors.  The food was great, and thanks go to Lois for her famous cookies!  I would like to thank George KK4F who saw me driving around Sumter trying to find the hamfest, and then guided me in.  I had two GPS's in the car and they were disagreeing with each other!

Don't forget to come to the Grand Strand Beachfest, which will be held this Saturday on October 29th in Conway!  This is the SC State Convention, and Dan Henderson N1ND will be a guest from ARRL Headquarters!  Dan is the Contest branch manager for the ARRL!  Further information on the Beachfest can be found at the GSARC website: http://www.w4gs.org .  I hope to see everyone there!

10-17-05 - The Sumter "Open Air" hamfest will be held this Saturday, October 22nd at the Sumter Jaycee Hut, 314 Pine Street, next to Riley Ball Park.  This is a new location.  Talk-in will be on 147.015, tone 156.7.  The gates open at 8am.  There is limited indoor space, but plenty of outdoor tailgating!  I hope to see everyone there!

10-4-05 - I had the pleasure of attending the 53rd Annual Rock Hill Hamfest this past Saturday!  This is the second annual hamfest for the York County Amateur Radio Society to be held at the American Legion Post in Rock Hill.  Despite high gasoline prices and the TenTec Hamfest being held on the same day, close to 400 attendees were present!  There were many vendors, with Lakeview antennas, Tarheel Antennas, AC-DC Electronics, and the Wireman to name a few.  There were approximately 60 tailgate sellers throughout the day.  The ARRL forum was held by Les K4NK, Vice Director Roanoke Division, and myself, with discussion of a number of topics!  VE testing followed, resulting in seven new Technician licensees and three successful upgrades!   Bob Bacharach WA2EMF ASM2, hamfest chairman, passes along his thanks on behalf of YCARS to all of their guests and friends that participated in the Rock Hill Hamfest!

9-25-05 Here is a special editorial in the Cincinnati Enquirer by Ohio Section Manager K8QOE:

Other voices - Ham radio gets renewed respect

 <http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2005509100320> http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2005509100320
 

9-8-05 - For those who subscribe to XM Satellite Radio, Here is some interesting news:

"Red Cross Radio" Launches On XM Satellite Radio To Help And Inform Red Cross Workers, Hurricane Victims

XM Satellite Radio
9/7/2005 10:41:44 AM

American Red Cross and XM join forces to produce national radio channel to communicate with Red Cross workers and assist Hurricane Katrina victims Washington D.C., September 07, 2005 -- The American Red Cross and XM Satellite Radio have joined forces to launch Red Cross Radio, a 24-hour, nationwide XM channel to provide help and information for Hurricane Katrina victims, Red Cross staff and volunteers along the Gulf Coast, and other Red Cross workers across the country.
The newly-created Red Cross Radio (XM Channel 248) is broadcasting on XM Satellite Radio from coast to coast. It can be heard on all XM radios for the car, home, and portable use. XM is donating radios to the Red Cross for relief workers and aid stations.
The Red Cross is using the XM radio channel to deliver information and announcements directly to workers in the field. In addition, the Red Cross is using the channel to send mass messages to staff across the country.  Red Cross Radio is airing regular updates on relief efforts in the Gulf Coast areas devastated by Katrina, as well as the sites where victims have been relocated to receive Red Cross assistance. Listeners in the Gulf Coast area can find out how to receive help, and those who would like to contribute to the cause can learn how to make donations.
In addition to Red Cross Radio, XM offers the XM Emergency Alert Channel (XM Channel 247), which tracked the hurricane's progress and now provides updates on clean-up, road closures, school closings, and other information from federal and local governments, law enforcement, and other agencies.
 

9-7-05 - Update from Jerry Reimer in South Texas (Thanks to Charlie AE4UX, SEC for this information):

Hurricane Katrina ARES operations continue in Louisiana, Mississippi
and South Texas sections, using operators recruited from Louisiana,
Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, Tennessee, Florida and other nearby
states and sections.

LOUISIANA
ARES continues to support ongoing Red Cross shelter and Southern
Baptist Convention debris clearing operations in St Tammany parish,
where disaster relief workers are housed and fed at the First
Baptist Church in Covington.  In Washington parish, ARES operators
are slowly arriving to provide critical communications among
hospitals and the parish EOC.  Over a dozen operators from Texas
alone have traveled to Louisiana, and many more are needed. 
Victoria County (TX) ARES EC John Wagner WA5VBP flew into the New
Orleans airport, where it was determined that his original
assignment was unsafe, and he was re-routed to Baton Rouge. 
Communications between the field teams and the state EOC in Baton
Rouge continues using HF voice on 75 and 40 meter bands. 
Surprisingly, many VHF and UHF repeaters remained operational after
the storm's passing.  Louisiana section SEC Gary Stratton K5GLS has
temporarily delegated his authority to former LA SM Al Oubre K5DPG. 
Gary will be working the next several months on restoring the
communications infrastructure. 

MISSISSIPPI
The hardest hit area is perhaps the counties closest to the Gulf
Coast, especially Hancock and Harrison.  ARES DEC Tom Hammack W4WLF
requested 25 ARES operators for critical communications among EOCs,
hospitals, and shelters.  North, Central and South Florida sections
are sending self-sufficient teams to meet this urgent need, and a
few operators are coming from Arkansas.  Tom said his operators are
sleeping on the floor where they are assigned, often "hot bunking." 
State RACES officer and ARES DEC Ron Brown AB5WF is working on a
staging area for Amateur Radio responders near the Mississippi
Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) in Jackson.  Mississippi SM/SEC
Malcolm Keown W5XX received a replacement generator and now has
telephone and internet service.

SOUTH TEXAS
The American Red Cross reports housing more than 142,000 people in
485 shelters in 18 states.  Texas is said to now have over 230,000
people who fled before or after Hurricane Katrina. 

Orange County ARES EC Rocky Wilson N5MTX has ARES operators
supporting seven Red Cross facilities that includes distribution
centers and shelters.  Since being activated on August 27, over
1,200 man-hours have been provided by 35 ARES operators, and the
operations continue.  ARES groups from adjacent Jefferson and Polk
county are providing much needed mutual aid. 

ARES District 14 (Harris county) DEC Ken Mitchell KD2KW was
requested by Harris County emergency management (HCOEM) to provide
four operators 24-hours per day on-site at the Houston Astrodome and
two at the county EOC beginning  September 1.  Since then, more than
90 operators have provided over 720 man-hours of direct
communications support.  All four county ARES ECs are providing
operators at both sites.  Under the section mutual aid plan,
operators from adjacent counties have also been recruited and used. 
Managing the incoming health and welfare inquiry messages is
overwhelming nearly all NTS resources, especially at the local
level.  To mitigate this, Amateur Radio clubs have been asked to
contact nearby shelters as often as possible to pick up outgoing
messages and process them into the NTS by any available means.

At the request of the state Adjutant General's office, Travis county
ARES EC Don Dudley AC5YK facilitated the National Guard in Waco to
establish communications with Guard elements at the Louisiana
Superdome.
 

9-4-05 - Here are a few Hurricane Katrina related links:

http://www.wwl.com/ - WWL-AM in New Orleans.  Listen to a real-time broadcast station from New Orleans!  You can hear it throughout South Carolina at night on 870 kHz on AM broadcast, or hear a live internet feed on their website!

http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/ares-el/index.html?issue=2005-09-03 - The new ARES e-letter which has valuable information about the Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts

 http://www.arrl.org/ our national website-several new articles about the disaster area, including information about HAM AID-a $100,000 federal grant to the ARRL to support Amateur Radio's emergency communication operators in states affected by Hurricane Katrina

http://katrina.ab2m.net/ - sign up for ham volunteers to assist recovery efforts when requested by officials in the disaster area

http://www.satern.org - health and welfare requests to this website.  The SATERN net is on 14.265 MHz.

http://www.radioreference.com/wiki/index.php/Hurricane_Katrina#Callsigns_in_Use_on_the_Feeds - Live Scanner feeds, courtesy of www.RadioReference.com

http://www.weatherserver.net/livevideo.htm - video feeds from several news stations, as noted below.

http://ngs.woc.noaa.gov/katrina/ - high resolution aerial photographs taken after the storm

9-1-05 - In the wake of the massive destruction of Hurricane Katrina, Charlie AE4UX, SEC, provides this report from Jerry KK5CA, SEC South Texas:

In my opinion, this disaster is far less of a communications story than it is transportation.  This is true with nearly all floods, people simply cannot drive through flooded roads.  Add to that high wind pushing the water andsevere damage occurs to bridges, bridge supports, and road of all types.  In the New Orleans area, the highest immediate priority continues to be getting the remaining people out of the area.  The authorities there are not much interested in bringing in the traditional disaster relief response, because there is simply not suitable facilities to care for all these people.  The vast majority of the radio operators actively involved are doing so because they live there, some no longer have a home, there is not any electricity, their employer's businesses are closed, and some do not have the ability go go anywhere else. 

Those who evacuated before the storm are, in most cases, unable to return home, because their home is presently under 10-20 feet of water.  There are scattered pockets where commercial electricity and telephone service is functional.  Offshore production rigs and onshore refineries were shut down before the storm.  With major arteries closed, getting fuel into the area is unpredictable.  All types of motor fuels are becoming increasingly scarce, including fuel for transportation and running generators.  In some cities that are otherwise completely unaffected by the storm, lines at gas stations sometimes resemble the 1970s.

Somewhere between 1 and 2 million people (no one really knows) have been displaced by this storm, either evacuating before or after the storm.  Families are unable to contact these people because they are simply no longer living in their normal residences.  No one has an effective mechanism to quickly identify where these 1-2 million people are now living on an individual-by-individual basis, yet that seems to be the expectation being placed upon Amateur Radio, encouraged or not.  When did we cross the line from providing communications to being the national missing person's bureau?  Incoming welfare inquiries are drowning all of us with requests that  simply will never be met.  It is a generally wasted effort.  I understand the Red Cross recently passed their self-imposed 72-hour moratorium on disaster welfare inquiries, but I have not been able  to confirm this.  I do not know how successful the SATERN system is at present, but I suspect it is still mostly feel-good for those submitting them.

For all the reasons I cited above, there is not a massive influx of Amateur Radio operators into the most severely affected areas.  I am unable to predict if or when that will occur.  Offers of help are exceeding valid requests by at least 100 to 1.  In releasing the Katrina sign-up web site, my hope that direct e-mail offers of help would be curtail has not had the desired result.

We are beginning to see some requests for communications outside the affected area as Red Cross and other groups establish long term shelters (not the temporary evacuation centers as is typical for storms).  The Houston Astrodome has reached capacity with 11,000 people, about half of what was anticipated it could accommodate.  The expectation is that San Antonio will become the next city to gain significant population, perhaps followed soon thereafter by Austin and Dallas.  ARES in these cities are either supporting, or are preparing to support, these new shelters.  CERTs have been activated to assist in Houston.

Jerry
KK5CA
South Texas
 

9-1-05- For those interested in monitoring efforts in recovering from the destruction of Hurricane Katrina, here are a few frequencies to monitor:

Hurricane Katrina HF Response and Recovery Frequencies

02802.4  USB  American Red Cross Disaster (F-91) **
03171.4  USB  American Red Cross Disaster (F-92) **
05136.4  USB  American Red Cross Disaster (F-93) **
05141.4  USB  American Red Cross Disaster (F-94) **
05211.0  USB  FEMA
05236.0  USB  SHARES Coordination Network (nationwide HF voice
coordination)
06859.5  USB  American Red Cross Disaster (F-95) **
07507.0  USB  USN/USCG hurricane net (pri)
07550.5  USB  American Red Cross Disaster (F-96 - primary) **
07698.5  USB  American Red Cross Disaster (F-97) **
09380.0  USB  USN/USCG hurricane net (sec)
10493.0  USB  FEMA
14396.5  USB  SHARES Coordination Network (nationwide HF voice
coordination)
  ** Type-accepted equipment and an issued US FCC license are required
to transmit on Red Cross frequencies

AMATEUR HIGH-FREQUENCY GULF COAST HURRICANE NETS

03845.0  LSB  Gulf Coast West Hurricane
03862.5  LSB  Mississippi Section Traffic
03873.0  LSB  Central Gulf Coast Hurricane
03873.0  LSB  Louisiana ARES Emergency (night)
03873.0  LSB  Texas ARES Emergency (night)
03873.0  LSB  Mississippi ARES Emergency
03910.0  LSB  Mississippi ARES
03910.0  LSB  Louisiana Traffic
03923.0  LSB  Mississippi ARES
03925.0  LSB  Central Gulf Coast Hurricane
03925.0  LSB  Louisiana Emergency (altn)
03935.0  LSB  Central Gulf Coast Hurricane
03935.0  LSB  Louisiana ARES (health & welfare)
03935.0  LSB  Texas ARES (health & welfare)
03935.0  LSB  Mississippi ARES (health & welfare)
03935.0  LSB  Alabama Emergency
03940.0  LSB  Southern Florida Emergency
03950.0  LSB  Northern Florida Emergency
03955.0  LSB  South Texas Emergency
03965.0  LSB  Alabama Emergency (altn)
03967.0  LSB  Gulf Coast (outgoing traffic)
03975.0  LSB  Texas RACES
03993.5  LSB  Gulf Coast (health & welfare)
03995.0  LSB  Gulf Coast Wx
07225.0  LSB  Central Gulf Coast Hurricane
07235.0  LSB  Louisiana Emergency
07235.0  LSB  Central Gulf Coast Hurricane
07235.0  LSB  Louisiana Emergency
07240.0  LSB  American Red Cross US Gulf Coast Disaster
07240.0  LSB  Texas Emergency
07243.0  LSB  Alabama Emergency
07245.0  LSB  Southern Louisiana
07248.0  LSB  Texas RACES
07250.0  LSB  Texas Emergency
07260.0  LSB  Gulf Coast West Hurricane
07264.0  LSB  Gulf Coast (health & welfare)
07265.0  LSB  Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio (SATERN) (altn)
07273.0  LSB  Texas ARES (altn)
07280.0  LSB  NTS Region 5
07280.0  LSB  Louisiana Emergency (altn)
07283.0  LSB  Gulf Coast (outgoing only)
07285.0  LSB  West Gulf ARES Emergency (day)
07285.0  LSB  Louisiana ARES Emergency (day)
07285.0  LSB  Mississippi ARES Emergency
07285.0  LSB  Texas ARES Emergency (day)
07290.0  LSB  Central Gulf Coast Hurricane
07290.0  LSB  Gulf Coast Wx
07290.0  LSB  Texas ARES (health & welfare)
07290.0  LSB  Louisiana ARES (health & welfare) (day)
07290.0  LSB  Texas ARES (health & welfare)
07290.0  LSB  Mississippi ARES (health & welfare)
14265.0  USB  Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio (SATERN) (health &
welfare) 14300.0  USB  Intercontinental Traffic
14300.0  USB  Maritime Mobile Service
14303.0  USB  International Assistance & Traffic
14313.0  USB  Intercontinental Traffic (altn)
14313.0  USB  Maritime Mobile Service (altn)
14316.0  USB  Health & Welfare
14320.0  USB  Health & Welfare
14325.0  USB  Hurricane Watch (Amateur-to-National Hurricane Center)
14340.0  USB  Louisiana (1900)
 

9-1-05- From "The Daily DX" by Bernie McClenny W3UR http://www.dailydx.com

Those with Cable Internet (high speed) might be interested in this Web page which shows four TV stations (KHOU - Channel 11 in Houston, TX; WDSU - Channel 6 in New Orleans, LA; WKRG - Channel 5 in Mobile, AL; and WJTV - Channel 12 in Jackson, MI) all at the same time. http://www.weatherserver.net/livevideo.htm.
 

Thanks to Bernie for the rights to post this on the ARRL-SC page!

8-25-05- I just received word from Mac, K4AVR about the PALS Two Meter Picnic to be held on Sunday, September 25, at the Cheraw State Park, just south of Cheraw on US-52.  It will be a family style picnic that will be held in the Boat Dock Shelter. Food will start serving at about Noon and there will be a general PALSNET meeting afterwards.  All Two Meter operators, regardless of whether they are part of the PALS Net are invited and encouraged to attend.  The schedule will include food, an informal sing-a-long, great camaraderie, and perhaps even a VE session!  Please mark your calendars!

Mac has provided directions:

To get there from the junction of US-1 and US-52 south of Cheraw, take US-52 South toward Florence to just beyond the flashing caution light (about 3/4 mile), turn right into the first State Park entrance.  Follow the road to the stop sign, turn left and follow the signs to the Park Office parking lot.  The Boat Dock Shelter is just south of the office.  We'll be using 145.49 as talk-in.

Coming up from I-20, you can take US-15 from Bishopville to Society Hill (watch the speedtrap in Society Hill, usually at the bottom of the hill leaving town on US-52), pickup US-52 on north side of town and head toward Cheraw.

You will pass the campground entrance of the State Park, then cross Juniper Creek.  Take a left at the main entrance and head to the Park Office.  Suzie and I will be camping there Thursday through Monday in site 4. 

7-28-05 - An important message from ARRL Headquarters:

Amateur Radio Awareness Day is Saturday, September 17.
 
The ARRL will be among dozens of organizations and agencies participating in National Preparedness Month in September. The campaign, headed by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS <http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/> ), is aimed at making citizen preparedness "a priority for every city, every neighborhood and every home" in the US. The League will combine its role in National Preparedness Month with its own "Amateur Radio Awareness Day" on September 17.  

We are especially encouraging hams to invite their local Citizens Corps leaders to come and see Amateur Radio installations. 

[To find out how to contact a Citizen Corps group, visit this Web page: http://www.citizencorps.gov/councils/.]

"The two events offer great opportunities for Amateur Radio to showcase its valued service to the nation," said ARRL Field and Educational Services Manager Rosalie White, K1STO. She encouraged ARRL-affiliated clubs and Field Organization volunteers to take advantage of the occasion to set up public demonstrations of Amateur Radio and to present or even demonstrate--under the banner of National Preparedness Month--the free services Amateur Radio provides to the community.

"This is also an excellent opportunity to recruit prospective hams for licensing classes that clubs may be forming for the fall," ARRL Club/Mentor Program Manager Norm Fusaro, W3IZ, added. In addition, ARRL encourages all Amateur Radio operators to have a family emergency communication plan in place in case of an emergency, such as a severe weather event. Visit the Ready.gov <http://www.ready.gov/>  Web site for more information.

Allen G. Pitts,   W1AGP
Media and Public Relations Manager
ARRL
Newington, CT 06111
(860) 594-0328
w1ag@arrl.org
 

6-30-05-The Columbia ARC has announced rules for the South Carolina QSO party.  Please click on the "SC QSO Party" link on the left sidebar for further information.  Please mark your calendars!

"And What a Field Day it Was!"

6-27-05-This was quite a Field Day Weekend!  This weekend we had two teams from the ARRL-SC team visit Field Day sites!  Charlie AE4UX, SEC and I visited eight sites, and Bob K4NJN, ASM6 visited eight sites as well, for a total of sixteen!  Total mileage was over one thousand miles!  I asked Bob for comments on his trip-Anderson: Miss Emmie KA4LRM had a beautiful display of ARRL materials.  The breeze off of the lake kept the participants cool, and the bugs away! Pickens: Lots of home made antennas and liquid refreshments! Blue Ridge: The BRARS group was helping Sue N4ENX celebrate her 39th birthday! Greer: Most beautiful Field Day site in SC! Spartanburg: Art, KE4EAN, DEC2 was showing Bob around his emergency trailer, and also a 1964 Austin Healey! Gaffney: Held at the Cherokee County EOC, working hand in hand with Emergency Management Officials. Rock Hill (York): Largest Field Day participation that Bob saw on his travels.  There was a Demo of an alternative fuel generator powered by Methanol (But Bob said that any LEO knows it was Triple-X {Moonshine, y'all!}) Salkehatchie: Held in the pressbox, high atop the football field at Blackville High School, giving an excellent view of the 50 yard line and a G5RV!

The theme of my trip was "Is this rain EVER going to stop?"  Charlie and I started out at our home club, North Augusta-Belvedere Radio Club held at North Augusta Public Safety Station 2.  This was the beginning of setup, with quite a good turnout!  Next was the Ridge Club, where I saw yet another item made out of PVC-a compressed air antenna launcher assembled by Joe AF4JX, EC Edgefield. Morse code keyboards, Elecrafts and C.W.'s homebrew table rounded out our visit!  Columbia/Palmetto was next, where I viewed the Governor's proclamation, naming this week "Amateur Radio week".  Congratulations to all that made this possible!  There was a flurry of activity, as the rain was about to fall! Trident ARC: great site, several antennas, several operating and food tents, and pouring down rain! MUSC: We visited Brian Fletcher K6NWS behind the Emergency Room Entrance at MUSC where he had a cart with a mini Field Day station-Seemed portable to me-it was on wheels!  Rain was still pouring, but Brian found a dry spot in a very heavy traffic area, where many saw the station.  Bravo! Charleston ARS- STILL raining!  Fortunately it was dry aboard the Yorktown.  Glen WB4UIV showed us his recently acquired (retired) ambulance fitted with the CARS CW station.  Charlie and I enjoyed talking with everyone in the CARS club room!  We spent the night in Georgetown, and on Sunday, we visited the Grand Strand ARC on the grounds of the Myrtle Beach Red Cross.  The entire group was brimming with enthusiasm, especially two new hams who were manning the 40 SSB tent!  Our Final stop was the Florence ARC at Lake Darpo.  Field Day was just winding down and VE testing was going on.  Everyone who was tested either walked away with a new license or a CSCE!  How about some real excitement?  Remember Lloyd KD4HTW?  If you look at the Florence Field Day 2003 pictures, I pictured Lloyd using a keyer-He said no one in the club would believe that picture, since he didn't operate CW!  I am proud to say Lloyd passed his CW test, and is now a full fledged General, and looking to upgrade to Extra soon!  Congratulations, Lloyd!!

I was happy to participate as 1C-SC from the "ZZ"-mobile.  I found how hard it is to drive and operate at the same time, though, so I kept operating time short.  Charlie assumed logging duties!  I think that all three of us found how useful GPS units were in finding the Field Days sites-some careful programming at home made our drives much easier.  I would especially like to thank Bob, K4NJN for his travels.  Bob was to have a travel companion, but due to a family illness, his companion had to remain in Aiken.  It is difficult to travel close to 500 miles without someone to talk with during the trip.  Fortunately, Amateur Radio came to the rescue, and Bob had a few QSO's!  Bob, thanks so much for your participation with our Field Day visitations!  Thanks also to Bob, K4BG and Tom, WA4VYS who took Field Day traffic from the Field Day sites to be sent to the SM/SEC!

Thanks to all-we had great hospitality at all the Field Day sites.  I am very pleased that we were able to visit sixteen sites.  Of those who responded to my original request for instructions, however, we were unable to visit Lancaster, Bluffton (Islanders ARA) and Wateree ARS.  My apologies-because of the chosen routes of travel, we were unable to visit this year.  I truly hope we will be able to visit you next year!  Please continue your Field Day efforts!

TO ALL-This is one of my favorite times of the year, when I am able to travel around the state and see everyone! There was an incredible amount of enthusiasm! I hope everyone had a great time!  Be sure to file your completed FD logs with the ARRL!

'73 de JIM N2ZZ
ARRL Section Manager
South Carolina Section

6-17-05- NEWS FLASH!-The SOUTH CAROLINA QSO PARTY IS ON!  The Columbia Amateur Radio Club has accepted sponsorship of the Third annual SC QSO party (SCQP)!  Doc AI4JN will head the SCQP committee for the club!  An announcement is being prepared to submit to QST for September's Contest Corral.  When complete, I will post it on this website.  Dates and times of the event will be from 1300z  Sept 17  to 2100z  Sept 18, 2005.  Please mark your calendars now!  Time to get that HF mobile station built!  We have had at least two mobiles each year cover all 46 counties in SC!

My thanks to the Columbia Amateur Radio Club for their upcoming sponsorship of the SCQP!

6-16-05- Did you know that there are songs and a music video produced about Amateur Radio?  John, KF4VGX tipped me off about this website which has a link to the video:

6-16-05- IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM ARRL HQ:

Attention All Amateurs...

ARRL warns against spurious, virus-infected e-mails (Jun 16, 2005)--

Some ARRL members have recently reported receiving e-mail messages that purport to be from ARRL. These messages suggest that the recipient's account has been used to send "a large amount of unsolicited commercial e-mail," that their password has been changed or some other action was going to be taken regarding their arrl.net "account." The e-mail may be signed by "The ARRL Support team" or "The arrl.net team." Some messages also may show up as e-mail bounces from "Postmaster" or "Mail Administrator." These messages, which include a file attachment, are bogus. They do not originate from ARRL, and recipients of such messages should never attempt to open the attached file. Outside of routine correspondence, the ARRL only sends e-mail to members who specifically request mailings, such as W1AW bulletins and The ARRL Letter. Opening the attached file on one of these spurious messages could unleash a nasty computer virus. As a defense against these kinds of viruses, ARRL strongly recommends installing virus-protection software on all personal computers and updating virus definitions on a regular basis.

6-30-05-The following information was passed on to me by Gretchen Birt, KG4UXZ:

Tim, KA3IGW in Barnwell, is having heart surgery this Friday, July 1st at Duke Medical Center.  He usually checks into the SC SSB net as much as he can.  Obviously, he will be unable to check into the net during the days of surgery and recovery; however, he plans to take his radio with him so he can listen in during the net, etc.  I was wondering if you would let the guys know on the net that he is unable to check in due to surgery (and in ICU on Friday-Saturday), and if they would mind sending out their good wishes to him for the several days that he will be in the hospital.  I think it would really boost his spirits to know he was in their thoughts even though he cannot check in.

Note: Tim and Gretchen are members of the Salkehatchie club.  I do not have any direct address information to send cards at this time, but the main address of Duke Medical Center is:

Duke University Medical Center
Trent Drive
Durham, North Carolina 27710
(919) 684-8111

We all wish Tim the very best on his heart surgery!

5-16-05-Brian's Monthly Club Activity Report is now on-line!  Just click the link on the left sidebar to view his report!

5-14-05-For those who missed the Tonight show noted below, I have received numerous e-mails with information for links to see the movie files of the Tonight Show with the text messaging vs. Morse contest.  Here are the links:

http://www.kkn.net/~n6tv/

http://www.tarc.org/index.php?load=leno

http://www.ku3o.net/

5-11-05-Armed Forces Day On-Air Event Set for May 14-15

The 2005 Armed Forces Day military/amateur crossband communications test will take place May 14-15. The US Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are co-sponsoring the annual event in celebration of the 55th anniversary of Armed Forces Day, which is Saturday, May 21. The Armed Forces Day radio event is scheduled a week earlier to avoid conflicts with Dayton Hamvention, May 20-22. The annual Armed Forces Day on-the-air celebration features the traditional military-to-amateur crossband communications SSB voice test and the Secretary of Defense message receiving test. QSL cards will be provided to those making contact with the military stations. Special commemorative certificates will be awarded to anyone who receives and copies the digital Armed Forces Day message from the Secretary of Defense. Full details, including stations and frequencies, are on the ARRL Web site at this address: http://www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/af-day/AF-Day-2005-SKED.pdf

5-9-05-A note from Dennis Zabawa from the Trident ARC requesting communications assistance for the Tour-de-Cure bicycling event.  If you are able to help, please contact him at (843) 572-4053 or e-mail kg4rul@comcast.net .  Further information is available at this website: http://tridenthams.org/TourDeCure.htm :

5-8-05-It was a beautiful day for the Upstate hamfest on Saturday!  The weather was wonderful, and there was quite a turnout, from both the inside exhibitors and the outside flea market.  Attending from the ARRL-SC team included Bob WA2EMF ASM2, Dennis KG4JIA SGL, Brian KR4SP, ACC, Adam WY4N ASM-Youth, Sue N4ENX OOC, Peter KG4VDR STM, Charlie AE4UX SEC, and Ken N2IXX, ASM3.  Our Vice Director Les, K4NK attended as well.  My special thanks to Bob, Dennis and Brian for spending time at the ARRL table while I was out and about!  The ARRL forum was held by both myself and Les, with various topics including the new ARRL bandwidth proposal, BPL, current FCC enforcement, Field Day, Emergency Services and information about the forums to be held at the Dayton Hamvention.  Of particular interest was an announcement by Dennis KG4JIA, SGL.  He has been working on improvements in the SC automobile license plate for the last few years (check the left sidebar for the proposed SC license plate).  He feels that it will be passed in this legislative session.  Although when politicians are involved, nothing is definite; but this was encouraging news!  He did state that this would just be a new blank for the license plate-there should not be any additional costs involved, other than the $2 initial fee- i.e. this will not be considered a vanity plate.  Keep your fingers crossed!  I had the pleasure of having Peter KG4VDR demonstrate to me his mobile Winlink 2000 station, a compact station not taking up more than a foot square or so.  The entire station included a Winlink modem, IC-706MIIG, Antenna Tuner and antenna analyzer.  Great project-more news to come about Winlink 2000 as more stations are assembled throughout the state!
I was honored by the South Carolina Sideband Net at the Upstate hamfest, as I was awarded the South Carolina Sidebander of the Year award for 2004.  Those presenting the award to me included Miss Emmie KA4LRM, Johnnie WA4UGD Net Manager, and Tom WA4VYS.  I am truly honored by this award.  The SC SSB net is a place where all SC hams can meet on a daily basis.  Even those restricted to frequencies 50 mHz and above can participate in VHF nets where the SC SSB net traffic is forwarded and receive reports about the net.  Thanks to all for this great honor!  It was good to see that Miss Emmie's wrist and hip have healed from her fall last year.

5/8/05-I received this link from John, KF4VGX regarding EXCELLENT PR about the Tsunami disaster (in the form of an MPG file) and an audio broadcast about amateur radio operator involvement in the 9/11 disaster: http://www.mesne.org/kl7ea/ Take a look!

5-8-05-The Club/Organization links page has been revised and checked for links that no longer work.  For those websites that do not allow you to backtrack to the ARRL-SC website, they now will be opened in a separate window.  My thanks to Gretchen Birt KG4UXZ for her assistance!  Please check that page for your club's link.  If there is a revised link for your club or organization, please send it to me at n2zz@arrl.org . Thanks!

5-8-05-The 27th Annual Lake Hartwell Hamfest has just been announced!  It will be held at Sadler's Creek State Park in Anderson on Saturday, May 21st, beginning at 8 am.  There will be license exams and hourly prizes. Camping is available.  Tailgaters are welcome. There is no admission price, but there is a $2 State Park Entry Fee.  For a printable version of their hamfest flyer in PDF format with driving directions, please click HERE.  You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this document.  If you are unable to open the document, there is a link at the end of this page for a free download of this Reader.

5-4-05-Our Section Website has moved!  Please update your link to www.arrl-sc.org !  This is a very fast server, and I hope everyone enjoys our new location!

4-22-05-NOTE:  This is your last chance to sign up for the ARRL Emergency Communications courses, and receive reimbursement upon successfully completing them.  This is the last year of the grant, and after this time, there will be no funds for reimbursement.  Please take action now and sign up!  Here is a message from Steve Ewald, WV1X at ARRL HQ:

Greetings from ARRL HQ.

As you have likely heard in recent months, ARRL is now well into the final year of the grant-sponsored Amateur Radio Emergency Communication Courses.  With this grant, the $45 registration fee paid upon enrollment will be reimbursed after successful completion of the course.  At this time, it's only available to ARRL members.

Students need to enroll during the May or the June registration periods to be eligible for reimbursement under the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) grant.  That also means that students will need to have completed their course work, and their Mentor/Instructor must upgrade their student status at the ARRL Mentor/Instructor Site to "Passed" by August 31, 2005, to qualify for reimbursement from the CNCS grant.

Registration for the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Level I on-line course (EC-001) opens Monday, May 2, 2005, at 12:01 AM EDT.  Level II (EC-002) registration opens the same time on the following Monday, May 9.  Level III (EC-003) will also open at the same time, but on Monday, May 16.  On-line registration (and further information about the courses) is found at

http://www.arrl.org/cce.

ARRL members will be able to register for the remaining on-line course seats at the ARRL EXPO area of the ARRL National Convention at Dayton. Applications and payment via credit card, check or cash will be accepted there.

Registration by mail is also an option.  Make the check or money order out to ARRL, and mail it to 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111.

Please mark the envelope "ATTN: CCE."  In the comment segment of the check or money order, write "CCE EC-00# Registration."   # means the course number such as 1, 2, or 3.

Include your call sign, current mailing address, preferred e-mail address, age, gender and veteran status, and complete telephone number with your check or money order.  Missing information will cause delays in registration, and there is no time left for delays. 

For more information, contact Emergency Communications Course Manager Dan Miller, K3UFG, 860-594-0340 or send your query to cce@arrl.org.  Thank you.

73,

Steve Ewald, WV1X
ARRL Field Organization/Public Service Team

4-20-05 - A request from Elaine N4EHT: I am a ham and disabled single mom in Clinton. I have the chance to get a Mosley Pro 67 7 element beam from a guy in NC. I have a  Rhon 25 100 ft tower with a ham 4 rotor on it. The guy who put it up, NH7P, is no longer available. I need to find someone in the state who would be able to help me put this antenna up if I get it. I think the wt is around 120-140 with a 24 ft boom. Can verify the wt.

I may also later need some help with a couple of wire antennas. Please let me know if you know anyone who might could help because I have not been able to find anyone around here. Thanks so much and all the best. Good DX.  Elaine Thorp N4EHT  n4eht@n4eht.com
 

4-13-05 - A note from Bob WA2EMF, ASM2:

4-1-05 - The ARRL-SC is in the news on the national ARRL website.  Take a look!  http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2005/04/01/3/?nc=1

6-16-05- A note from Allen Pitts, W1AGP, Media Relations Manager ARRL HQ:

Excerpts from "Take your Handheld to Work Day"

By Allen Pitts, W1AGP

Many companies have a "Take your child to work day" so children get to see what their parents do, and co-workers get to see families.  How about taking your baby ham radio to work and letting your co-workers see Amateur Radio in action?

On Tuesday, June 21, every ham radio operator across the country that owns a handheld transceiver  is being encouraged to take their little radio to work.  By wearing them on their belt, setting them on a desk, or just making them visible, the goal is to have co-workers ask, "What's that?"  In this way the hams will be able to share about the fun they have with Amateur Radio.

During their lunch hour, the hams are encouraged not only to show the capabilities of the little handhelds, but to also invite co-workers to actually try them under the ham's supervision.  Amateur Radio allows for non-hams to work the radios under a licensed ham's control.  Hams will also invite their friends and co-workers to come and see a full station in field operation the next weekend during "Field Day 2005" on June 25-26.  ...

Amateur Radio operators who report the highest number of non-hams they were able to interest in taking part during their lunch hour will be eligible for prizes.  There will also be surprise messages coming from the ARRL itself. By using modern digital radio technology, random participants from locations around the country between noon and 1 PM in their local time might just learn they have been spotted on the air.
 

6-16-05- A note from Bob, K4RLC: Kids Day!

6-13-05- Field Day is almost upon us!  Field Day will be held on the 25th and 26th of this month.

I have received driving directions to several Field Day sites, but I hope to receive more!  Charlie AE4UX, SEC and I will be traveling around the state again this year to visit Field Day sites! Additionally, we have additional members from the ARRL-SC team that will be making visits.  If you are involved in Field Day for your club or organization, please forward your detailed driving directions to me at n2zz@arrl.org so that Charlie and I can make a driving itinerary, and pass along that information to others on the ARRL-SC team!

Now for that extra 100 points for the message to the SM or SEC:

BOB GOOD, K4BG, has offered to receive your 100 point Field Day message to your SM or SEC.  Bob moved from Rock Hill to Sylvania Georgia, and is very active on the South Carolina Sideband Net.  He is an ORS in Georgia and an honorary ORS in South Carolina!  Bob has made a terrific offer to further help everyone relay that Field Day message: On Saturday, he will be on 40M, 7050 kHz CW on odd hours, and on 7230 kHz SSB, even hours, from, 1400 hours local until 1700. At that time, he'll switch over to 80 M: 3590 kHz CW and 3983 kHz SSB, same odd/even arrangement, from 1700 through 2100 local. On Sunday, he will operate on the same odd/even split on 80 M only, at 0800, 0900, 1300, and 1400.  That gives everyone a lot of opportunities to pass your Field Day traffic.  Bob will be receiving traffic from the Georgia section as well, and perhaps many more sections, as Susan AF4FO, SM of Georgia has relayed his offer to all the ARRL Section Managers on the SM reflector!  Bob, we can't thank you enough!

Please forward detailed driving directions to your Field Day site to me at n2zz@arrl.org!  Enjoy Field Day!

5-27-05-Congratulations to Peter KG4VDR, STM on receiving a President's Volunteer Service Award!  The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a national Presidential recognition program for Americans of all ages, who contribute a significant amount of time to volunteer service. IBM is a partner in this program and all of their On Demand Community volunteers are eligible for this prestigious award. The program recognizes individuals, families, and groups that have achieved a certain standard, measured by the number of hours served over a 12-month period.  Peter's volunteer work is divided between the Greenwood Tech Advisory Board and Amateur Radio Emergency Services.  Congratulations!!

5-27-05-So what is the rest of the world saying about Amateur Radio?  I received a link to the magazine "WIRED"!  Interesting perspective:

http://www.wired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,67615,00.html

5-26-05-Congratulations to Elsie Finkelstein KA2CLX for her article in the May 2005 CQ magazine entitled "The 29th Assault on Mt. Mitchell"!  Great article, Elsie!

5-24-05-Follow-up Message from Charlie Miller.....ARRL SC Section Emergency Coordinator

Here is the exercise information as of Tuesday May 24, 2005.  Volunteers should contact me even if they are not 100% sure that they can participate.

*****************THIS IS A DRILL*****************

The exercise will start at 8:30 A.M. on Wednesday June 1, 2005 and continue for 36 hours until Thursday June 2, 2005 at 4:30 P.M.

The scenario will be a terrorist attack in Columbia, SC. that causes at least one building to collapse.

The Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams will be performing their function at the South Carolina Fire Academy.  A simulated collapsed building will be  present at that location.

As part of the exercise the SC Disaster Logistics Support Plan will be tested.  Logistics Staging Areas will receive and disburse materials.

ARES/RACES communication support has been requested for the entire 36 hours.  This does present the opportunity for those not available during normal working hours to participate in the exercise.

The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) will operate from 8:30 A.M to 4:30 P.M. on Wednesday June 1, 2005 and Thursday June 2, 2005 and will need communications support at those times.

The South Carolina Fire Academy will operate throughout the entire exercise and will need communications support at for the entire exercise.

The Master Control Cell (located at the SCEMD headquarters) will operate throughout the entire exercise and will need communications support for the entire exercise.

The Orangeburg County EOC (LSA) will need communications support on Thursday June 2, 2005.

The Calhoun County EOC (LSA) will need communications support on Thursday June 2, 2005.

The State logistics warehouse (LSA), in Columbia, will need communications support on Thursday June 2, 2005.

The Barnwell EOC will participate in  the exercise.  However, they may not require communications support.


We are developing the specifics of what bands, repeaters, and frequencies we will plan to use.  Any suggestions from those familiar with the local conditions would be greatly appreciated.
 

*****************THIS IS A DRILL*****************
 

Further information will be sent out when it becomes available.

Charlie Miller
AE4UX
South Carolina Section Emergency Coordinator
South Carolina State RACES Officer
 

5-16-05-Message from Charlie Miller.....ARRL SC Section Emergency Coordinator

WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) State Wide Exercise June 1st and 2nd....36 hours straight

This year's statewide exercise has been scheduled for June 1st and 2nd. The SEOC will be staffed both days with a start time of 8:30am.  There will be several field components to this exercise. An incident site (actually occurring at the SC Fire Academy) will exercise the State WMD Task Force and the newly formed Urban Search and Rescue teams. This site will operate through the night for over 36 hours of continuous operation.  Ham radio support, to aid the exercise controllers, has been requested at the incident scene for the entire duration.  However, the SEOC will shut down operations by 5:00pm on June 1 and will resume on the morning of June 2.  Since this exercise will take place mainly in the midlands, it represents a great opportunity for the midlands hams to get involved.  The overnight coverage means that those who normally can't get time off from work would have an opportunity to participate.

Anyone interested can contact me at (803) 649-6422

73 Charlie AE4UX

4-20-05 - Volunteers are needed to help with the MayFly AirShow!

When:   Saturday - April 30th and Sunday - May 1st
Where:  Florence, South Carolina - Airport
Time:   From 8am until 5pm or so...
Equipment needed: 2 meter HT and a Orange ARES Vest if possible.

Our primary job is to Link all the different agencies and vendors together.  We will be posted at gates, riding trams to and from the parking lot,and around the vendor booths and static displays. We will be ask to assist with the event when needed. Taking up tickets and other things like that.

The Gates open at 8:00AM but Volunteers need to arrive around 10:00AM. Members of the Florence Amateur Radio Club will be there from 8:00AM until.

http://www.w4ulh.org

The show is giving free tickets to the Volunteers helping and their immediate family. (Spouse and Children only).

Breakfast, Lunch and Drinks will be provided to the volunteers on both days...

The Volunteers can work one day (Sat or Sun) or both days.

http://www.mayflyairshow.com/

If you would like to Volunteer or need more information please contact Bobby Collins - KG4BZK at rcollins@sc.rr.com

5-4-05-Please make plans to attend the Upstate Hamfest to be held in Spartanburg this Saturday, May 7th, from 8 am to 2 pm.  Talk in frequencies will be 146.61 primary and 146.82 backup.  Full information and driving directions are available on their website: www.upstatehamfest.org .  I hope to see everyone there!

I am very pleased to report that I will continue as South Carolina Section Manager for the next two years!  As of Friday September 10th, the nomination deadline, no other nominations were received at ARRL Headquarters for the office of South Carolina Section Manager.  Thanks to all for your support!  I am proud to continue representing our Section!

10-5-04--The Augusta, GA Hamfest will be held on October 9, 2004, 9am-3pm at Evans Middle School, 4318 Washington Road, Augusta, GA. Talk-in will be on 145.490-!

9-15-04-The Second Annual SC QSO Party!

The Second Annual SC QSO Party will be sponsored by the Sumter Amateur Radio Association and will be held 1300Z September 18 to 2100Z September 19.  Details, log and score sheets are available from the SARA website http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/2695/sara.htm or you may obtain them by mail by sending a SASE to Dave Jones, K4DLJ, PO Box 126, Darlington, SC 29540-0126.  You can also receive them here: Official Log Forms / Official Score Sheet . Plaques will be awarded for the highest scores in each category and certificates will be awarded to 2nd - 4th place in each category.  For the contest listing that was published in September QST's "Contest Corral" by Ward Silver N0AX, go HERE.  Full Contest rules will be posted on the Sumter website.  For further information, contact Dave Jones K4DLJ k4dlj@bellsouth.net or Perry Moses perryz@yahoo.com, President Sumter ARA!

9-15-04-The September Section News and the Monthly Club Activity Summary are now up!  Thanks again to Brian KR4SP for his club activity summary!

9-9-04-Important message from Dan Miller K3UFG, ARRL HQ:

Final year of Homeland Security-sponsored ARECC

The strength of amateur radio today lies in our capabilities to provide a strong, trained, unified network of emergency communicators.  We must be ready, willing and able to serve, regardless of the cause. Training is crucial to our success!

Effective September 7, ARRL has received approval to move into the third and final year of grant-sponsored training from the Corporation for National and Community Service under the Department of Homeland Security. Men and women 55 and over bring skills, knowledge and a lifetime of experience to the table that is not available otherwise. Tracking of statistics in this and other federal grant-sponsored programs has proven the tremendous benefits of senior volunteers. We have been tasked with reaching out to even more seniors for our final grant year.

The future of Amateur Radio depends in part on the public service involvement of interested hams, including the ARES® Field Organization leadership. With your assistance and guidance, Amateur Radio will continue to serve our communities and our great nation as we always have. Now, however, we have better training opportunities, we are stronger in number, and we have state-of-the-art digital tools.

Many members of our field organization teams are seniors (over 54), and some have not yet taken advantage of this training opportunity. Please encourage everyone - especially seniors - to take the Level I course. With full reimbursement of the registration fee for ARRL members, the training is virtually free ... for one more year!

The demand for trained Amateur Radio operators continues to grow at a phenomenal rate. Step forward and help us answer the call. If you have not yet enrolled, consider doing so now before time runs out. If you've already taken Level I, spread the word about your learning experience. Invite others to take Level I while you further your knowledge by taking Level II.

All ARRL emergency communications courses - Level I, II and III - are reimbursable for ARRL members. Don't put it off. You might miss out altogether!

Reminder: 12:01 AM Eastern Time on the first Monday of every month, Level I online course registration opens - for seniors and non-seniors alike. (https://www.arrl.org/forms/cce) Registration is also available through regular mail. Send your check or money order to ARRL, ATTN CCE, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111. In the comment section, write EC001 (for Level I) or the designator for the course you wish to enroll in. IF YOU ARE 55 OR OVER, PLEASE WRITE "SENIOR" NEXT TO THE COURSE DESIGNATOR. Your name will be added to the next available class for that course. If you hold a field organization appointment, please add that title in the comment section. Field appointees move to the top of the list. Make sure to include your preferred e-mail address, telephone number, age and whether you are a veteran. Missing information will delay processing.

Remember, "Amateur Radio is the only reliable, failsafe emergency communications service in the world that is available when all other communications lines are down!"

Please help ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio, complete an extremely productive 3-year Homeland Security training grant on a successful note. In so doing, you are reinforcing the lifeblood of Amateur Radio - emergency communications.

Thank you!

Dan Miller, K3UFG
Emergency Communications Course Grant Manager

Note: As of this time, South Carolina has 62 level I Graduates, 12 Level II graduates and 15 Level III graduates of the Emergency Courses offered by the ARRL.  If you have not availed yourself of the opportunity to take one, two or all three courses for free ($45 up front, then get reimbursed after you pass the course) please do so!  This is a great deal, and the courses are very informative.  The lessons are excellent, and convenient to take as well.  I have completed all three levels, and highly recommend the courses!

'73 de Dr. Jim N2ZZ
South Carolina Section Manager

9-5-04-The PALSNET Picnic has been announced: The Fourth Annual Two Meter Ham Picnic will be held Sunday September 26th at 12 Noon at Cheraw State Park.  Bring your favorite picnic dish.  Come Early, Stay later.  Have fun.  Meet the Ham Operators you have been talking with!  Bring your musical instruments!

Further information can be found at: www.palsnet.com.  We hope to see you there!

7-18-04 - The Salkehatchie ARS has announced two VE test sessions, in September and November.  Please check out the "Amateur Radio Classes/Testing on the left sidebar.  Note to all VE Teams:  Please check the information on that page, and be certain that all your information is up-to-date.  If your contact information or your testing information has changed, please e-mail me at n2zz@arrl.org with all changes.  Thanks!!

7-9-04 - Pictures of the Field Day sites we visited are now on the web under "Picture Gallery and Hamfest Memories".  We were unable to visit the North Augusta-Belvedere club, but they have submitted pictures to me, and those are up on the site as well.  I would like to offer that invitation to any SC club that participated in Field Day.  Please send me pictures, appropriately captioned, and I'll get them up on the website!  Thanks again for a FANTASTIC weekend!

6-24-04 - Field Day is this Weekend, beginning at 1800 UTC Saturday June 26th and ending 2100 UTC Sunday June 27th.  I hope that everyone has a great weekend, and that Murphy does not come to visit!  Remember that Field Day tests our Emergency preparation skills, and our ability to operate under "less than perfect" conditions.  It also encourages us to demonstrate Amateur Radio to the public, including our elected officials.

A full Field Day packet can be downloaded from the ARRL website: http://www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/fd/ .

Charlie AE4UX, SEC and I will be traveling around the state this weekend to visit various Field Day sites!  We will try to visit as many as possible, but realize that South Carolina is a large state.  The preliminary map that Charlie made out for our travel is over 800 miles!

Charlie and I will be participating in the contest as a mobile station (1C)- We, when not operating, will plan on standing by on 3915 kHz or 7251 Khz on HF, and 146.52 simplex on 2 meters.

I have asked AF4QZ STM and K4NJN ASM6 to plan on receiving Field Day traffic for Me or Charlie (originating e-mail to the SM or SEC adds another 100 points to your score) on the SC SSB net on 3915 kHz at 7 pm EDT on Saturday.  Please check the contest rules for proper formatting and information needed in the message.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!  This is what Amateur Radio is all about-HAVE FUN!!

6-10-04 - This coming Saturday, the SC SSB net picnic will be held at Dreher Island State Park on Lake Murray, Picnic Shelter #9 on June 12th at 1pm.  Talk-in 147.21+ .  For further information, contact Tom WA4VYS wa4vys@arrl.net .  Please make plans to attend!

The following Saturday, June 19th, the Chester ARES group Tailgate party will be held at Chester State park.  For further information, please check out their hamfest flyer HERE!  This is a large PDF file, and might take a while to load.  Please be patient!

5/9/04-Information from Charlie AE4UX, our Section Emergency Coordinator:

The South Carolina Emergency Communicator Training Day will be held on Saturday May 15^th at the Red Cross Building in Columbia.  Topics to be covered include:  The Palmetto 800 MHz Radio System, NVIS Antennas, CERT, DC Power Generators, The Red Cross Introduction to Disaster Services Course, APRS, The Red Cross Mass Care I Course, a National Weather Service Course, and Grant Writing.

Everyone with an interest in emergency communications is invited to attend all or part of the Training Day.

 

The June exercise noted above deals with the following (note submitted by Charlie AE4UX SEC to all ARES/RACES net participants):

The Statewide exercise on June 2^nd and 3^rd, 2004 will involve amateur radio support.  However, the majority of the effort will involve the following 5 counties: Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley, Orangeburg, and Bamberg.  The following is Drill information:  The scenario will be a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in the Charleston area.  We will need stations in those counties and at the State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC) on June 2^nd.  As part of the exercise play, two communication teams will simulate air deployment from Columbia into Dorchester and Berkeley counties.  Since SC National Guard helicopter resources will not be available for the exercise, the communicators will pre-stage in Dorchester and Berkley counties.  Arrangements are being made with the National Guard to test transport of emergency communicators at a future date.  Anyone wishing to participate in that test should contact me.  Also anyone interested in participating at the SEOC on June 2^nd should contact me (ae4ux@arrl.net).

6-17-04 - The Columbia ARC has secured a proclamation of Amateur Radio week from both Governor Mark Sanford and Columbia Mayor Robert Coble.  Click HERE for the Governor's proclamation and HERE for the Mayor's proclamation.  Thanks to Elizabeth KG4CEZ, CARC for this information and the files!

6-17-04 - The City of Florence AND The County of Florence have given the Florence Radio Club (FARC) Resolutions of Recognition in recognition of the invaluable service and importance of the Amateur Radio Community.  Click HERE to view the City document and HERE to view the county document.  Thanks to Mike KG4SLH, Asst PIC for the information!  Congrats to the Florence Club!

6-7-04-The statewide exercise involving the scenario of a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in the Charleston area held on June 2nd and 3rd 2004 is now complete, along with the post-exercise discussion held by emergency management officials on Friday, June 4th.  Charlie AE4UX, SEC has this report:

[Note from Charlie AE4UX: Please remember that as a government agency they tend to think of the ham radio support as RACES rather than ARES.  The "BCD" abbreviation stands for Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester.  The reference to "operational areas" refers to the natural separate areas that would be created if a disaster prohibited travel across the many bridges in the BCD area.]

Charlie
AE4UX
South Carolina Section Emergency Coordinator
South Carolina State RACES Officer

Thanks to EVERYONE who participated in this exercise!  All of you gave Amateur Radio a chance to SHINE in the eyes of the emergency management officials!  Thanks especially to Charlie AE4UX for your leadership as SEC!-'73 de JIM N2ZZ, SM SC

5-22-04-I had mentioned in my May SM report that ARRL President Haynie W5JBP was to speak to the White House Staff regarding Broadband over Power Lines (BPL).  From the ARRL letter, Vol. 23, No. 21, May 21, 2004, here is information on the outcome of that meeting:

==>WHITE HOUSE GIVES ARRL DELEGATION ASSURANCES ON BPL INTERFERENCE

ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, headed an ARRL delegation during a May 20 White House visit to discuss concerns about broadband over power line (BPL). Haynie, ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, and Chief Technology Officer Paul Rinaldo, W4RI, met with Richard Russell, the White House associate director for technology in the Office of Science and Technology Policy. The ARRL officials asked the Bush administration to heed its own experts at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and back away from its support of BPL in favor of less troublesome technologies. The NTIA's Phase 1 BPL study acknowledged BPL as an interference source. Haynie said the meeting was both revealing and encouraging.

"He assured us that based on the NTIA report, the interference issues would be addressed," Haynie said. "That was one of our main purposes for being there." Haynie said, however, that he remains "absolutely" convinced that a political agenda is driving the BPL proceeding. Russell told the ARRL contingent that the administration is "very excited" about BPL and is committed to finding ways to make it work.

Imlay said the League's problems were not with broadband access but with the "rush-to-judgment" approach the FCC seems to be taking in the BPL proceeding. As one example, he cited the timing between the release of the extensive NTIA study and the comment deadline on the BPL proceeding just a few days later. The Commission denied requests from the ARRL and others to extend the comment deadline. While somewhat sympathetic, Russell suggested that his office was in less of a position to influence the FCC than it was the NTIA.

After Rinaldo presented some of the ARRL's BPL interference test findings, Russell asked the League to provide a breakdown of the BPL systems and providers manifesting both lesser and greater degrees of interference.

Rinaldo also told Russell that representatives of the BPL industry have been double-talking their way around interference claims. Imlay pointed out that the FCC has yet to address dozens of BPL-related interference complaints from amateurs.

The administration does not want a flawed technology to result from the BPL proceeding, Russell said at the session's conclusion, and he offered assurances to the League visitors that the NTIA would work to address the interference.

"We did get listened to," Haynie said afterward. "Did I leave there feeling euphoric? No, I didn't, but at least I have a better feeling now of the overall big picture, of where BPL's coming from, and I hope that I can take to the bank the fact that they're going to address and continue to address aggressively the interference issues."

Derek Riker, KB3JLF, of Chwat & Company, the ARRL's legislative relations consultant, arranged the meeting and accompanied the delegation on the White House visit.

The ARRL already has asked the FCC to put its BPL proceeding on hold to allow more thorough research of its interference potential. The League contended in its comments on the February 23 Notice of Proposed Rule Making in ET Docket 03-47 that the FCC's "overly aggressive timetable" to proceed with BPL deployment will effectively preclude the development of cooperative interference avoidance and resolution mechanisms.
 

5-18-04-Thanks to Ray WA4OMM for providing me with a copy of the BARNWELL COUNTY COUNCIL RESOLUTION of March 9th, 2004 recognizing the invaluable service and importance of the Amateur Radio community in Barnwell County.  Click HERE for a PDF file of the resolution!

4/29/04-As of this date, I have sent BPL concern letters to both our US Senators and our Six US Representatives.  I have offered to be a contact point between them and the amateur radio operators of South Carolina.  PLEASE take time to send them a letter regarding BPL.  The grassroots link is here: http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/plc/cta/ .  THANKS!

5/1/04-Thanks to the Upstate Hamfest committee for having an excellent hamfest!  Despite some precipitation, the hamfest was well attended!  This was the SC Section Convention, and we were fortunate to have Dan Henderson N1ND from ARRL HQ contest branch attend.  Thanks to the ARRL-SC team that attended: Adam AF4QZ, STM; Bob WA2EMF, ASM2; Marc Tarplee N4UFP, TC; Dan KF4VIS, PIC; Sue N4ENX, OOC; Charlie AE4UX, SEC; Brian KR4SP, ACC; Dennis KG4JIA, SGL and our Vice Director Les K4NK.  The ARRL forum was also very well attended.  I began the presentation, with a discussion about the current situation with BPL.  This ended up in a very informative discussion, as our TC Marc Tarplee was in the audience, and added a wealth of technical information.  Our last information was that Duke Power in Charlotte, NC was to begin some testing on BPL.  Marc is close to Charlotte, so he plans to be very observant of their BPL use.  Dan Henderson added that if you do get interference from BPL, that you report it immediately, not months later.  If you haven't written your US Representatives and US Senators about BPL, please do so IMMEDIATELY-we HAVE to be heard!  Information on how to do so is below!  Thanks! Dan Henderson spoke on Logbook of the World (LOTW).  The news is that LOTW will interface with the DXCC database this week.  You will be able to see your confirmations on-line and choose which confirmed contacts you would like to apply to DXCC.

The next hamfest is the Dayton Hamvention! The next SC hamfest will be in Anderson on May 22nd!

4/26/04-I would like to remind everyone about the Upstate Hamfest to be held in Spartanburg this Saturday, May 1st.  This is the SC Section Convention, and Dan Henderson N1ND from ARRL HQ contest branch will be attending.  Dan will be talking on "Logbook of the World" and other topics.  There will be an ARRL forum, and I will be speaking as well as Les K4NK, Vice Director of the Roanoke Division.  For those working the MayFly event in Florence (see information below), we'll see you at the next hamfest!  Have fun and show the public what amateur radio is all about!

For information on the Upstate Hamfest as well as driving directions, go to http://www.upstatehamfest.org or contact John Hoyt W5UGD hamfest@brars.org for more information.  Talk-in is on 146.61- or 146.82- (backup).  I hope to see everyone there!

 4/28/04-I need to report the latest on the BPL threat to our bands to everyone.  If you know someone who does not have web access or visit this site often, PLEASE pass this message on to them. If you are a member of any nets, please pass this message on to everyone on the net in the form of an announcement.

President Bush has come out in full support of BPL technology. On April 26, President Bush told the American Association of Community Colleges Annual Convention in Minneapolis: "There needs to be technical standards to make possible new broadband technologies, such as the use of high-speed communication directly over power lines. Power lines were for electricity; power lines can be used for broadband technology. So the technical standards need to be changed to encourage that."

ARRL President Haynie has sent a fax to President Bush stating that this was the wrong direction to take; that broadband over power lines is an inappropriate technology that has many more disadvantages than advantages. He asked President Bush to withdraw his support for BPL technology and focus more on other suitable technologies, such as Broadband Wireless Access.

BPL is now being utilized at a number of test sites in our country. At those test sites, amateur radio operators are indicating that there is unacceptable interference to our frequency bands. In several other countries, such as Japan, BPL has been outlawed, mostly due to its interference potential to the radio spectrum.

BPL is here in the USA, and is legal. The Notice for Proposed Rulemaking, ET Docket 04-37, refers only to changes in the part 15 rules to adopt new requirements and measurement guidelines for "Access BPL", not whether BPL should be allowed to continue.

From reading information that has come out regarding BPL, the FCC is taking a "What's the problem?-There's no problem" approach regarding the interference potential. They indicate that BPL providers must use Interference Mitigation Techniques to prevent interference with licensed systems. However, at least one BPL carrier has responded that they are not causing interference, even though their BPL signal was found on the Amateur Radio spectrum. In effect, the individual Amateur Radio Licensee will be saddled with the burden of proving interference, and then dealing with the bureaucracy to correct the situation. Additionally, the total about-face statement by FEMA regarding BPL followed by the statement by President Bush noted above appears to indicate that SOMETHING is going on at the Federal level.

And now my request- I ask and PLEAD that EVERYONE write their US representative and Senators to oppose BPL technology. ARRL's CEO David Sumner K1ZZ stated: "Do it now!" Sumner urges in his call to arms. "We need thousands of responses from all parts of the country, right away, if we are to make an impression." The ARRL has a BPL information package at http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/plc/cta/ which includes sample letters to your Representative and our Senators. Please spend time personalizing the letter if possible. Hundreds or Thousands of the same letter does not make much of an impression. Please at least personalize the first paragraph of your letter.

One article I read described us as "a fairly vocal group that has been whipped into a frenzy by their organization". That, in my opinion, is a demeaning statement. We have the best technical minds in Amateur Radio, many who spent a great deal of time to respond to the FCC Notice of Inquiry last year. Despite over 5000 comments to the FCC, BPL is still marching forward. It is time to be heard!

Please, Please, PLEASE take time to write our two US senators and your US representative. Full information is available at the ARRL link above!

4/21/04-I was informed by Janne Debes N2CBZ, secretary of the Columbia ARC, that Bob Myers KN4AS became a silent key on 4/19/04.  Bob was one of our District Emergency Coordinators for the state EOC before he resigned to give his full attention to his position as the State Army MARS director.  Quoting the STATE newspaper from April 21st (thanks to to STATE newspaper and KA4TWK for providing the copy):

Gen. Robert Myers
COLUMBIA - A gathering of friends and relatives for Robert Darrell Myers, 68, will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be to the American Cancer Society.
 
Mr. Myers Died Monday, April 19, 2004.  Born in DeSmet, SD, he was the son of Dorothy Block James and the late Darrell Clifford Myers.  He joined the United States Navy in August of 1954 and retired as Chief Petty Officer in 1972.  Upon his retirement, he joined the Charleston City Police Department and served for 6 years.  He worked for the Charleston Navy Shipyard from 1978 until it's closing in 1992.  During his career at  the shipyard, he joined the SC State Guard in 1985 and retired in 1999.
 
He was reactivated in 2001 by the SC Adjutant General and retired as Brigadier General.  In 1992, he was hired by the South Carolina State Government as Chief of communications for the State Emergency Preparedness and later became the Communication Superintendent for DOT until 1999.  He was a Mason.  Surviving are his wife, Betty B. Myers; his mother of Arizona; sons and daughters-in-law, Dan Andrew and Janet Myers of Charleston and Brett Robert Lisa Myers of Charleston; a daughter, Tonya Winham of Nebraska; 9 grandchildren.

I was fortunate to meet Bob for the first time at the Charleston Hamfest-The Amateur Radio Community will miss him.

4/17/04-Congratulations to Barbara KA4UIV for being named South Carolina Single Sidebander of the Year by the SC SSB net on this date!

4/8/04-The Upstate has FOXHUNT FEVER!  If you would like to join, here is the schedule for the next three foxhunts, provided to me by Brian KR4SP, ACC:

#1  Foothills ARC. Saturday April 10. Start  2pm from K-Mart parking lot
on  rte123 in Easley, adjacent to drive up ATM. For further information
contact John Hoyt W5UGD @ 864 859 8316 or w5ugd@amicon.net

#2  Greer ARC. Saturday April 17. Start  2pm from Piedmont Plaza on rte
29, Wade Hampton Blvd. in Greer. For further information contact Kim
Campbell at PRC64@aol.com

3#  Anderson RC Sunday April 18. Start  2pm from the Community Park on
Sandy Springs Rd in Sandy Springs. Sandy Springs Rd is 2.6 miles North of
I 85, Exit 19 on rte 76/28N. The Community Park is
0.6 ml West along S.S. Rd at a 5 way intersection. For further
information contact Brian Sugden KR4SP at 864 231 8732 or
kr4sp-1@juno.com.
 

Enjoy!

4/3/04-It was a beautiful day in Union, greeting hamfest patrons at the Union Hamfest!  I had the chance to speak with a number of good friends from all over the state!  I wish to thank Dan KF4VIS, PIC; Charlie AE4UX, SEC; Adam AF4QZ, STM from the ARRL-SC team and Les K4NK, Vice Director Roanoke Division for attending!  Thanks to Roger Gregory W4RWG and the hamfest committee for the opportunity to attend!

Remember the next hamfest will be the South Carolina Section Convention - The Upstate hamfest which will be held in Spartanburg.  Information is available by clicking on the "Hamfest Alert" on the left sidebar.  Dan Henderson, N1ND from ARRL HQ Contest Branch will be attending, and speaking on various topics, including Logbook of the World!

4/2/04-Some distressing, but not unexpected information from the ARRL Letter, Vol.23 No. 14 regarding FEMA's "Clarification" regarding their stance on Broad Band over Power Lines (BPL):

==>FEMA APPEARS TO BACKPEDAL IN BPL "CLARIFICATION" LETTER

After expressing "grave concerns" to the FCC last fall about the interference potential of Broadband over Power Line (BPL) systems, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) now appears to be backing away from that strong stance. Now a part of the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA filed comments December 4 in response to the FCC's April 2003 Notice of Inquiry in ET Docket 03-104. Many have cited those remarks in their own comments opposing BPL deployment. In a January 8 letter that's now part of the BPL Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) in ET Docket 04-37, Michael D. Brown, the US Department of Homeland Security's under secretary for emergency preparedness and response, told FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell that FEMA wanted to "clarify the record" to ensure that its filing was not "misunderstood or misconstrued."

"We have become aware that certain distinct approaches to BPL may have the potential to cause interference to FEMA's high frequency radio communications system," Brown said in his January letter. "However, we continue to study the BPL proceeding and have not concluded that there is a material interference problem or that all of the distinct technological approaches to BPL pose a risk of interference."

The FEMA official said his agency expects that there may be ways to provide BPL's benefits "without compromising the emergency communications capabilities available to FEMA."

The January letter stands in stark contrast to FEMA's predictions last December that "the introduction of unwanted interference from the implementation of BPL technology into the high frequency radio spectrum will result in significant detriment to the operation of FEMA radio systems." Saying such interference could "directly impair the safety of life and property," the agency also had recommended the FCC beef up its Part 15 rules to ensure no increase in interference levels to existing FCC or NTIA-licensed communication systems.

"The purported benefits of BPL in terms of expanded services in certain communications sectors do not appear to outweigh the benefit to the overall public of HF radio capability as presently used by government, broadcasting and public safety users," FEMA asserted last December in comments filed on the agency's behalf by Chief Information Officer Barry C. West.

BPL also could render such "essential communications services" as the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), the Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) and the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) useless, FEMA said. FEMA and ARRL are signatories to a Memorandum of Understanding that focuses on how Amateur Radio personnel may coordinate with the agency to support emergency communications functions. FEMA's December comments also referenced ARRL's "Interference to PLC systems from Amateur Radio Operation."

Brown's January letter conveys a much milder, conciliatory tone. "We know that the FCC shares our appreciation for the importance of reliable communications in the context of disaster recovery and are confident that the Office of Engineering and Technology's technical assessment, as well as the Commission's regulations implementing BPL, will be sensitive to this issue," he concluded. "FEMA stands ready to assist in any way the Commission might find helpful."

The deadline to file comments in response to the FCC BPL NPRM is Monday, May 3. Reply comments are due Tuesday, June 1. Interested individuals and organizations may file comments via the Internet using the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) <http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/>. The FCC asks that anyone filing comments do so "only in the newly established ET Docket No 04-37."

3/27/04-The McLeod Sports Med Walk and Run-Please check out the Public Information scrapbook (link on left) for details and pictures of the event!  Mike Duff KG4SLH, Asst. PIC and Laurie Sansbury KV4C, ASM4 have sent information to me as to the Florence ARC support of the McLeod event-An excellent display of Amateur Radio to the public eye!  Commentary by Laurie KV4C:

WV4GS Silent Key - Gary Simmons

Commentary by Bill KA4TWK:

Gary was a great ham and we all will miss him here in Columbia.  I knew Gary and he helped out with our Girl Scout JOTA event in Chapin a few years ago teaching the girls Morse Code.  One of the new hams in the Columbia area spoke of Gary "....I consider him to be a nice guy.  He met me in the parking lot, walked up to me introduced himself and ushered me into the first Columbia Club meeting I attended."  We can all help our hobby by being an inspiration to new and prospective hams as Gary has been to others.  The following is the obituary that was published in Tuesdays State Newspaper.  A number of Hams that knew Gary do plan to attend the gathering on Saturday as mentioned in the obituary.

Excerpt from the State Newspaper, Tuesday March 23, 2004:

CHAPIN — Friends and family of Rollin Gary Simmons, 63, are invited to celebrate Gary’s life on Saturday, March 27, 2004 from 4-7 pm at the
family’s home on Lake Murray. A memorial service will be held in West Virginia at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be
made to the donor’s preferred charitable organization. Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, Irmo, is assisting the family.
 
Mr. Simmons, 63, died Saturday, March 20, 2004.

3/24/04-ARRL BULLETIN 007 Received today!

ARLB007 FCC invites comments on Amateur Radio restructuring plans

The FCC is seeking comment on three plans, one from the ARRL, that would reshape the Amateur Service licensing structure. Each Petition for Rule Making responds to World Radiocommunication Conference 2003 actions last summer that made changes to Article 25 of the international Radio Regulations. While differing substantially in some other aspects, the three petitions call for modifications at Amateur Radio's entry level and for a three-tiered license system. One petition goes beyond licensing structure to recommend additional changes to amateur testing and HF digital privileges. A fourth petition focuses solely on the Morse requirement. Comments are due by April 24 on all four petitions.

Designated RM-10867, ARRL's petition asks the FCC to create a new entry-level license class--being called ''Novice'' for now. It would offer limited HF CW/data and phone/image privileges on 80, 40, 15 and 10 meters plus certain VHF and UHF privileges. The League plan also would consolidate Technician, Tech Plus (Technician with Element 1 credit) and General licensees into a new General license that no longer would require a Morse examination. Current Technicians automatically would gain General privileges without additional testing. Applicants for Amateur Extra would still have to pass a 5 WPM Morse code examination, but the General and Extra written exams would stay the same.

A news report ''ARRL to Propose New Entry-Level License, Code-Free HF Access,'' www.arrl.org/news/stories/2004/01/19/1/, has further details. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) are addressed on the ARRL Web site, www.arrl.org/news/restructuring2/faq.html.

An ''unincorporated grassroots organization,'' the Radio Amateur Foundation (RAF), has filed a petition designated as RM-10868. Its wide-ranging filing asks the FCC to modify the Technician ticket to allow restricted HF phone, data, image and CW privileges. The group also proposes retaining the 5 WPM Morse requirement for General and Amateur Extra applicants, upgrading Advanced class holders to Extra and all Novices to Technician. The Radio Amateur Foundation said it sees no need to change licensing requirements for General or Amateur Extra applicants.

The RAF also wants to scrap existing Amateur Radio question pools and start over from scratch, keeping the question pools out of the public domain and requiring a 10-day waiting period before retesting. In addition, it would permit only Generals and Amateur Extras or Technicians licensed more than two years to request vanity call signs.

The RAF has further asked the FCC to permit digital experimentation from 29.0 to 29.3 MHz at bandwidths of up to 15 kHz.

In his two-page petition designated RM-10869, Ronald D. Lowrance, K4SX, calls on the FCC to retain the 5 WPM Morse code requirement for General class applicants and to raise the Morse requirement to 13 WPM for Amateur Extra class applicants. He called Morse code ''the most reliable mode of communication'' in an emergency. Lowrance would make no change in Technician licensing requirements.

The National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC) wants the FCC to establish a new entry-level license called the Communicator class. Its petition, designated RM-10870, reiterates its call--first made last fall in RM-10787--to altogether eliminate the Morse code testing requirement.

The NCVEC's petition would upgrade all current Novices to Communicator class. The NCVEC would further upgrade all existing Technician and Tech Plus (Technician with Element 1 credit) licensees to General and all Advanced class licensees to Amateur Extra without further testing. Once the Morse requirement goes away, NCVEC said in its filing, ''there will be no effective difference between the Technician and General class licenses.''

The new Communicator ticket would permit a power limit of 100 W on bands below 24 MHz and 50 W on all frequencies above 24 MHz. Communicator licensees would have to use commercially manufactured equipment (or gear built from a commercial kit). They could operate both voice and digital modes on 80, 40, 15 and 10 meters plus VHF and UHF up to 70 cm.

All three license restructuring plans call for changes to the present HF subbands.

Interested parties may view and comment on these petitions via the FCC Electronic Comment Filing System, www.fcc.gov/e-file/ecfs.html. When entering the RM number in the ECFS ''Proceeding'' field, RM must be in capital letters and the hyphen must be included.

3/15/04-I enjoyed visiting the Charlotte Hamfest this last weekend!  It seems like we had quite a few South Carolinians cross the boarder!  From the ARRL-SC team, I would like to thank Marc Tarplee N4UFP, TC; Mike Duff KG4SLH, Asst. PIC; Dennis Fowler KG4JIA, SGL; and Adam Hoffman AF4QZ, STM who joined me at the hamfest.  Dennis Bodson W4PWF, Director Roanoke Division and Les Shattuck K4NK, Vice Director Roanoke Division attended, as did John Covington W4CC, SM North Carolina! 

The ARRL forum was given by Dennis W4PWF, and a number of topics were discussed.  The highlight of the forum was the presentation of the Roanoke Division Service Award to our Vice Director and South Carolina resident Les K4NK.  The Award is given in memory of Vic Clark, and when presented, is to honor Roanoke Division amateurs who have devoted their time and effort over many years to the improvement of Amateur Radio and the ARRL.  Congratulations, Les!

An interesting sidebar is that Les is a dyed-in-the-wool QRP enthusiast with over 300 countries confirmed QRP.  Les told us that he has just acquired a Drake Linear Amplifier.  Les has tasted QRO, and he likes it!  Les, welcome to the other side of the 5 watt power limit!

Pictures of the hamfest are forthcoming!  Look for them over the next several days!

3/4/04-Sue Chism N4ENX, OOC/EC Greenville County has just returned home from St. Francis Hospital in Greenville after suffering a heart attack.  Sue had a Heart Catheterization and stent placement.  Sue is a bit tired from her hospitalization, but is still planning on making it to the Charlotte hamfest in a few weeks!  I'm sure that Sue would enjoy e-mails and/or cards from the amateur community.  Her e-mail address is n4enx@charter.net and her postal address is as below, from www.qrz.com :

N4ENX   
SUZANN L CHISM
139 MUSTANG CIR
SIMPSONVILLE SC 29681

3/3/04-Brian KR4SP, ACC reports that the Greer Club will be holding their next Foxhunt on Saturday, March 20th starting at 2 pm from the Piedmont Plaza (Old K-Mart) on Highway 29 (Wade Hampton Blvd) in Greer!

Brian also enjoyed meeting with the Spartanburg club last night!

3/1/04-I just spoke with Sue Chism N4ENX, OOC/EC Greenville County this afternoon.  Sue suffered a Heart Attack on Friday, and is hospitalized at St. Francis Hospital in Greenville http://www.stfrancishealth.com/ .  Sue underwent a heart catheterization and stent placement and is in stable condition at this time.  She sounds in good spirits, and already talking about going to the Charlotte Hamfest in two weeks!  I'm sure that Sue would like to receive well wishes from the amateur radio community!  To send an e-card, please go to the above website and click on "Send a patient card".  Alternatively, you can send a card via postal mail to the address on the website.  Sue is currently in room 211.  Get well soon, Sue!  Thanks to Mac K4AVR for keeping me updated!

3/1/04-Need a quality Weather Alert radio at a great price?  Thanks to the Columbia and Palmetto clubs, they have worked out a great deal and wish to share this deal with the Amateur Radio Community:

The Palmetto and Columbia Amateur Radio Clubs are in the process of ordering Reecom weather alert radios.  The Clubs and their members are making this offer as a service to the Ham Community.  We are fortunate to have worked this deal out with Reecom to provide an excellent product to our members and fellow hams.  Steve Naglic of the National Weather Service has picked the Reecom unit out for his own use.

Reecom has offered to sell these radios at a reduced cost under the South Carolina ARES Plan.  You must follow the instructions below in order to get the reduced cost and free shipping:
 
Please go to the Reecom website to see the two radios offered: http://www.reecominc.com/index2.htm

***  If you wish to purchase a Reecom weather alert radio, you must send the payment directly to Reecom.  This can be done through check, credit card, or money order, all which are stated on the order form at the Reecom web site.

***  Choose your radio, either the R-1630 for $36.00 or the R-1650 for $42.00.
 
***  You must include the written Statement:
 
"I am ordering this in participation with the South Carolina ARES Plan as set up by Michael J. Cerkez - KI4BXM."  Sign your name by including it at the end of the above statement. 

The radios and a manifest listing those that have prepaid their order will be shipped to KI4BXM.  He will distribute them to those on the shipping manifest at either the next CARC or PALC Club meetings.  Individual arrangements could be made but coming to either club meeting would be the preferred way.  Note:  Free shipping is only for those place their order on or before April 5 to be shipped to KI4BXM. 

You may order and receive the discount by following the above instructions after April 5th but must include the shipping cost to have the radio delivered directly to your address.  Make sure to include the instructions that you want the radio shipped directly to the address you supply. 

*****

If you have any questions please contact Michael "Doc" Cerkez KI4BXM,(darep1058@hotmail.com) or Sareena at Reecom.  Sareena can be reached at the Reecom web site stated above.

Thanks to the Columbia and Palmetto Clubs for extending this opportunity to everyone, and thanks to Doc KI4BXM for making the arrangements!!

2/22/04-I am happy to report that Roger Gregory, W4RWG is now President of the Southeastern Area Repeater Association, Inc. (SERA) www.sera.org .  SERA is the largest Amateur Radio Repeater Coordinating organization in the United States.  Roger is from Union, SC and plays a major role in the organization of the Union Hamfest.  Roger travels to many SC hamfests to represent SERA. I asked Roger for a quote, and here it is:

I am honored to be allowed to serve as President of the SERA. I look forward
to working with all of SERA's staff members in Georgia, Kentucky,
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West
Virginia. We will do our best to do a good job for you the repeater owners
and users. There are many dedicated people in the SERA that will help me
accomplish this. I plan to continue my position of Director for the South
Carolina District and continue writing the SC news for our quarterly
Repeater Journal.

Roger W. Gregory W4RWG
SERA President

For those of you that are SERA members, SERA puts out an excellent quarterly magazine, the SERA Journal, and Roger writes an excellent report on clubs in South Carolina.  His article in the November issue highlighted Les K4NK, our Roanoke Division Vice Director!

Congratulations to Roger on his achievement!
 

2/19/04-I attended a reception for Jim DeMint on Wednesday February 18th during his Aiken visit.  Jim DeMint is the SC 4th District Congressman who is running for the US Senate seat that will be vacated by Senator Hollings next year.  As mentioned previously, he has cosponsored our CC&R bill, HR 1478 and is considering cosponsoring HR 713, the spectrum protection act.  I had a chance to speak with him personally, and I feel that he deserves our support.  It is the time that all of us become more politically active.  There are groups that have fewer numbers than ourselves that are always on the politicians minds, because they make themselves heard!  For those who would like to thank Jim DeMint for his cosponsorship and/or learn more about him, his campaign website is www.JimDeMint.com.  FYI-no other SC Representatives have signed on to the CC&R bill.  Two have signed on to the Spectrum bill, Joe Wilson (SC-2) and John Spratt (SC-5).  PLEASE consider taking time to write your Congressmen to cosponsor the two bills above that are of concern to amateur radio! Sample letters are here: HR 1478: http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/hr1478/sample-letter.html HR 713/S 537: (letter to Senators and Representatives) http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/arspa.html#sample. THANKS!

I just received word from Mike Duff KG4SLH, Asst PIC that operators will be urgently needed for the Florence MayFly Airshow event in Florence, SC.  Current information is that the event will be held on May 1st and 2nd at Florence Regional Airport in Florence, SC, and that a minimum of 36 operators per day will be needed.  Keep tuned for further information, but if you are free and would like to work an airshow (sounds like a good way to spend a weekend!), contact: Bobby Collins KG4BZK, e-mail rcollins@sc.rr.com .  Thanks!

2/13/04-Broadband over Power Line (BPL) is again “rearing its ugly head”.  The FCC on Thursday February 12 had unanimously approved to go forward with a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on the subject of BPL. Last April the FCC put out a Notice of Inquiry which generated over 5100 comments, many from Amateur Radio Operators.  The FCC did not propose any changes to Part 15 rules regarding emissions from unlicensed devices, and did state that they would require BPL providers to apply “adaptive” interference mitigation techniques to their systems.  Perhaps the most interesting quote was from Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein; "I think we need to be mindful of harmful interference, but we can't let unsupported claims stand in the way of this kind of innovation," Adelstein said. "We need to do everything we can to move this forward."  I find it interesting that with greater than 5100 comments, the numerous on-the-air tests, and the prohibition of BPL in many countries, including Japan, that the claims are “unsupported”.  Please read the full story on the ARRL website: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2004/02/12/5/?nc=1 .

2/5/04-Congratulations to Charlie Hall K4AOT, (EC Charleston County) of the Charleston Amateur Radio Society!  During his Charleston visit on Thursday February 5th, President George W. Bush shook hands with Charlie and thanked him for his volunteer efforts!  The full news story is available on the WCBD-TV Channel 2/Charleston website HERE .  Thanks to Riley Stone K4HYY (EC Dorchester county) for providing this information to me, as well as the CARS members that gave me the "Heads Up" during the Charleston Hamfest!

FLASH! I sent the information above to ARRL HQ, and the news item is now on the national ARRL website www.arrl.org .

2/8/04-I had the pleasure of attending the Charleston Hamfest in Ladson, SC yesterday.  It was apparent that the Hamfest was going to be a success just by all the participants waiting to get into the building at 7:30am!  It was obvious that the turn-out this year was excellent!  The number of participants was much greater, and it almost felt like the Dayton Hamvention, trying to get through the aisles! Jenny WA4NGV had indicated to me that the hamfest is "down to a science"!  She has been involved in planning the hamfest for over 20 years, and they contribute at least part of their success to having only two meetings to prepare!  Thanks to all the CARS hamfest committee for their hard work!  I would also like to thank those members of the ARRL-SC team who attended: Marc Tarplee N4UFP TC (and gave a great forum!), Bob Bacharach WA2EMF ASM2, Adam Hoffman STM AF4QZ, and Mike Duff KG4SLH Asst. PIC.  I gave the ARRL forum, and I appreciated all the attention and audience participation!  Please check out the "Picture Gallery and Hamfest Memories" within the next week for pictures of the hamfest!  Thanks to all!

2/8/04-I previously reported that Marc Tarplee N4UFP, TC went on a site visit to the SC State EOC with Charlie AE4UX, SEC and Tony N4ADM to formulate a redesign of the HF antenna system.  Drills made it clear that although the antenna SWR was acceptable, the antennas did not radiate well.  Marc has completed his final draft, with the recommendation of dropping the number of antennas from five to three, offering higher efficiency on HF RACES/ARES frequencies.  Marc thanks all of his Technical Specialist appointees who had the opportunity to comment on his recommendations and offered valuable input.

ARRL, Citizen Corps and You
Message from ARRL HQ 12/22/03:

In June 2003 ARRL signed a Statement of Affiliation with the Citizen Corps, making ARRL an affiliate organization working with Citizen Corps and other organizations to promote the goals of Citizen Corps.  As an affiliate organization, ARRL, along with American Red Cross, NOAA, Points of Light Foundation, Veterans of Foreign Wars and others, was invited to a two-day meeting in Maryland on December 2 and 3.  The purpose of the meeting was to identify strategies and goals for organizations working with Citizen Corps. 

In the course of the meeting, Citizen Corps staff shared the information that $35 million was awarded to state Citizen Corps groups.  Each state will receive a share of the money based on a population-based formula.  The funding was awarded in order to execute states' strategic plans for disaster prevention and preparedness and recovery - this plan had to be submitted to Citizen Corps by December 31, 2003. Funds will begin flowing to states in March 2004.

What does this mean for ARRL?  Since there is no funding available on the national level, ARRL Hq is not eligible for funds.  However, for ARES groups and Amateur Radio clubs, there is potential funding for projects that relate to a state's strategic plan.  The message from Citizen Corps was that participation and funding must be at the local and state level.  Each state has a Point of Contact (POC) for Citizen Corps and a State Administrative Agency (SAA) that will manage the funds.  The Citizen Corps funding mandate requires that the SAA work through the POC for programs and initiatives to be funded locally. The POC and SAA may be the same in some states.

ARRL affiliated clubs that are interested in this funding might best band together, and should take the initiative to contact their state POC and SAA about programs that need funding (a pilot project, specialized training, equipment or a system).  If there is more than one Section in the state, it would be best to work together on a funding request and present a unified plan that may be better received by the POC and SAA. Please share this information with those you feel would be interested. Also, SMs and/or SECs should contact the state POCs, if this has not already been done, to ensure that Amateur Radio is included in the state's strategic plan. 

So, it's up to you.  If you need funding for a local project, event or initiative, collaborate on your grant request by contacting other Amateur Radio groups in your area or state to coordinate and integrate your plans.  Then contact the state Citizen Corps POC.  A list of the state POCs can be found at this web address: http://www.citizencorps.gov/citizenCorps/statepoc.do.  Additional information about Citizen Corps is at www.citizencorps.gov.

On August 19, 2003, the Aiken County Council adopted a resolution thanking the Aiken County ARES/RACES volunteers for their service following a lightning storm on June 16th that disabled the County's EMS radio system as well as a few of the other Aiken County Sheriff's radio consoles.  Please click HERE to view the resolution (you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to view the resolution). This is a large file!  Congratulations to the Aiken County ARES/RACES group!

This JUST in from ARRL HQ-What we have been waiting for!

ARRL to Propose New Entry-Level License, Code-Free HF Access
 

NEWINGTON, CT, Jan 19, 2004--The ARRL will ask the FCC to create a new entry-level Amateur Radio license that would include HF phone privileges without requiring a Morse code test. The League also will propose consolidating all current licensees into three classes, retaining the Element 1 Morse requirement--now 5 WPM-only for the highest class. The ARRL Board of Directors overwhelmingly approved the plan January 16 during its Annual Meeting in Windsor, Connecticut. The proposals, developed by the ARRL Executive Committee following a Board instruction last July, are in response to changes made in Article 25 of the international Radio Regulations at World Radiocommunication Conference 2003 (WRC-03) and continue a process of streamlining the amateur licensing structure that the FCC began more than five years ago, but left unfinished, in Docket 98-143.

"Change in the Amateur Radio Service in the US, especially license requirements and even more so when Morse is involved, has always been emotional," said ARRL First Vice President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, in presenting the Executive Committee's recommendations. "In fact, without a doubt, Morse is Amateur Radio's 'religious debate.'" The plan adopted by the Board departs only slightly from the Executive Committee's recommendations.

The "New" Novice

The entry-level license class--being called "Novice" for now--would require a 25 question written exam. It would offer limited HF CW/data and phone/image privileges on 80, 40, 15 and 10 meters as well as VHF and UHF privileges on 6 and 2 meters, and 222-225 and 430-450 MHz. Power output would be restricted to 100 W on 80, 40, and 15 meters and to 50 W on 10 meters and up, thus avoiding the need for the more complex RF safety questions in the Novice question pool.

The Board sought to achieve balance in giving new Novice licensees the opportunity to sample a wider range of Amateur Radio activity than is available to current Technicians while retaining motivation to move up to the other two license classes. It was also seen as important to limit the scope of privileges so the exam would not have to include material that is inappropriate at the entry level.

While the Novice license was a successful introduction to Amateur Radio for most of its 50-year history, the FCC has not issued new Novice licenses since April 2000, when the FCC's most recent Amateur Service license restructuring took effect. Current Novice licensees, the smallest and least active group of radio amateurs, would be grandfathered to the new entry-level class without further testing.

Anticipating assertions that the new plan would "dumb down" Amateur Radio licensing, Harrison said those currently holding a ticket often perceive the level of complexity to have been greater when they were first licensed than it actually was. "Quite frankly," he said, "if you review the questions presented in our license manuals throughout the years, you will be surprised how they compare to those of today."

Technicians and Generals

The middle group of licensees--Technician, Tech Plus (Technician with Element 1 credit) and General--would be consolidated into a new General license that no longer would require a Morse examination. Current Technician and Tech Plus license holders automatically would gain current General class privileges without additional testing. The current Element 3 General examination would remain in place for new applicants. Generals would gain additional phone privileges as proposed the ARRL in 2002 in its RM-10413 petition, which has not yet been acted on by the FCC.

Morse Code Testing Retained for Extra

At the top rung, the Board saw no need to change the requirements for an Extra class license. The ARRL plan calls on the FCC to combine the current Advanced and Amateur Extra class licensees into Amateur Extra, because the technical level of the exams passed by these licensees is very similar. New applicants for Extra would have to pass a 5 WPM Morse code examination, but the written exam would stay the same. Current Novice, Tech Plus and General class licensees would receive lifetime Element 1 (5 WPM Morse) credit.

"This structure provides a true entry-level license with HF privileges to promote growth in the Amateur Service," Harrison said. "It also simplifies the FCC database by conforming to the current Universal Licensing System (ULS) structure and does not mandate any modifications to it."
ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, concurred. "The Board started out by recognizing that three license classes was the right number when looking down the road 10 or 15 years," he said. "We need a new entry-level license. On the other hand, there's nothing particularly wrong with the existing Extra class license; the change in the international regulations notwithstanding, the Board felt that the highest level of accomplishment in the FCC's amateur licensing structure should include basic Morse capability." Sumner and Harrison say the current Technician entry-level ticket provides little opportunity to experience facets of ham radio beyond repeater operation. "The quality of that experience," Sumner said, "often depends on the operator's location."

Among other advantages, Sumner said the plan would allow new Novices to participate in HF SSB emergency nets on 75 and 40 meters as well as on the top 100 kHz of 15 meters. The new license could get another name, Sumner said. "We're trying to recapture the magic of the old Novice license, but in a way that's appropriate for the 21st Century."

Proposal Includes "Novice Refarming" Band Plan

The overall proposed ARRL license restructuring plan would more smoothly integrate HF spectrum privileges across the three license classes and would incorporate the League's "Novice refarming" plan <http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2002/03/22/4/>, which would alter the current HF subbands. Proposed to the FCC nearly two years ago but not yet acted upon, Novice refarming would eliminate the 80, 40 and 15-meter Novice/Technician Plus CW subbands as such and reuse that spectrum in part to expand phone/image subbands on 80 and 40 meters.

Proposed Phone/Image HF Subbands (Includes Novice Refarming Proposal)

80 Meters
Extra: 3.725-4.000 MHz (gain of 25 kHz)
General: 3.800-4.000 MHz (gain of 50 kHz)
Novice: 3.900-4.000 MHz (new)

40 meters
Extra: 7.125-7.300 MHz (gain of 25 kHz)
General: 7.175-7.300 MHz (gain of 50 kHz)
Novice: 7.200-7.300 MHz (new)

15 meters
Extra: 21.200-21.450 MHz (no change)
General: 21.275-21.450 MHz (gain of 25 kHz)
Novice: 21.350-21.450 MHz (new)

10 meters
Extra and General: 28.300-29.700 MHz (no change)
Novice: 28.300-28.500 MHz (no change)
_____________________________________

Proposed CW/Data-Exclusive HF Subbands (Includes Novice Refarming Proposal)

80 meters
Extra: 3.500-3.725 MHz
General: 3.525-3.725 MHz
Novice: 3.550-3.700 MHz

40 meters
Extra: 7.000-7.125 MHz
General: 7.025-7.125 MHz
Novice: 7.050-7.125 MHz

15 meters
Extra: 21.000-21.200 MHz
General: 21.025-21.200 MHz
Novice: 21.050-21.200 MHz

10 meters
Extra/General: 28.000-28.300 MHz
Novice: 28.050-28.300 MHz

The ARRL license restructuring design calls for no changes in privileges for Extra and General class licensees on 160, 60, 30, 20, 17 or 12 meters. Novice licensees would have no access to those bands.

For those interested in the actual minutes of the ARRL Annual Board Meeting, you can find the minutes here:

 http://www.arrl.org/announce/board-0401/

4/6/04-I have added a new page to the ARRL-SC website.  It is on the left sidebar entitled "VENDORS".  These are vendors that have agreed to give South Carolina hams special deals on their products.  Presently we have two vendors on that page, one for wholesale computer parts or systems, another for weather radios.  Please check out this page!

I had the pleasure of attending the Greenwood Hamfest on January 10th.  The weather cooperated, and it looked like a great turn-out! There was fun and fellowship for all, and I thank all that attended!  This was the first hamfest for my newly licensed Son Philip, KI4DKW, and yes, he did get his first radio!  Attending from the ARRL-SC team was Adam AF4QZ, STM; Bob K4NJN, ASM6; Dan KF4VIS, PIC; Sue N4ENX, OOC; and Les K4NK, Vice Director Roanoke Division.  Sandy W4RU, Vice Director of the Southeastern Division attended also!  Thanks to the Greenwood club for allowing the ARRL-SC team to be a part of their hamfest!  Be sure to check out pictures from the Greenwood hamfest by going to the "Picture Gallery and Hamfest Memories" page on the left sidebar!

Mike KG4SLH, Asst. PIC has been busy setting up Amateur Radio Library displays in the Florence area.  Be sure to go to the "Public Information Scrapbook" on the left sidebar, and look for the Darlington Library link to take a look at Mike's display!

A note to all that attend the National Traffic System nets, or any nets that pass radiogram traffic:

During your time on the nets, you may have had an opportunity to pass traffic originated by Gil, W1GMF.  Gil received a letter from an unnamed Section Manager who stated that he was going to block all of Gil's radiograms to his Section.  Gil is in the Eastern Massachusetts Section (EMA) and his Section Manager, Phil Temples K9HI has written an article entitled "The Balkanization of the National Traffic System".  He has asked Section Managers from other states to voice their opinions on his article.  I replied directly to Phil, and he asked me to add my comments to his website.  The entire article and comments can be accessed at this URL: http://ema.arrl.org/article.php?sid=292 .  Please visit that website!

Jim and Charlie's EXCELLENT ADVENTURE!

On Saturday, June 28th, Jim N2ZZ SM and Charlie AE4UX SEC traveled around the state visiting a total of 6 field day groups, including Aiken, Ridge, Columbia/Palmetto, Florence, Grand Strand and Charleston, logging 500 miles and 11 hours of driving!  Please click HERE to view my full report!  THANKS TO EVERYONE that participated in Field Day-This event highlights our emergency preparedness abilities, and offers us a great chance to show the public what we can do! 

Check out Picture Gallery and Hamfest memories to see pictures of the Field Day sites we visited!

The news from the South Carolina Governor's office is that he has issued a proclamation declaring June 22nd-29th, 2003 as Amateur Radio Week!  The document can be viewed here: http://www.state.sc.us/governor/procs/june/june_2003.htm .  The document is also on our website HERE.  I did note that the Governor's signature and the South Carolina Seal was distorted on the PDF file.  Click HERE for a BMP file from a FAX that I requested from the Governor's office.  Thanks to Robert K4RKC, Elizabeth KG4CEZ and Brian K6NWS of the Columbia ARC for this great news and honor!

I had the pleasure of traveling to the Dayton Hamvention which was held May 16-18 in Dayton Ohio.  CHECK OUT THE PICTURE GALLERY!  My report on the Dayton Hamvention and associated pictures will be found there!!!!!

Please check out the New Monthly Club Activity Summary by Brian KR4SP, ACC by clicking on the link on the left sidebar! 

Please include Brian on your club newsletter list by either e-mail or via his CBA (CallBook Address) in Anderson, so we can report on your club activities!

11/7/03-Charlie AE4UX SEC, Marc Tarplee N4UFP TC and Tony N4ADM traveled to the State EOC on Friday to evaluate the HF antenna situation.  Drills had made it very obvious that the State EOC HF antenna system needed work.  A great deal of information was obtained on Friday, and Marc will be formulating his recommendations for improvements. 

On a related issue, the State Emergency Management Division has formulated a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ARRL ARES (and RACES) operators.  The document was reviewed by the ARRL HQ attorney, and was sent back to me to execute the agreement.  I signed the MOU on behalf of the ARRL ARES program, and I am awaiting a signed copy from the EMD.  

ALERT-Congratulations to Marc Tarplee N4UFP, SC Technical Coordinator for his article entitled "Two Bands form One Dipole" that was published in the November 2003 issue of QST on page 46!  

I would like to remind everyone that Marc has generously allowed us to place his presentations as downloadable files on this website.  Click on the left sidebar entry "Technical Presentations by N4UFP, TC"!

Well, the first annual South Carolina QSO party is now history!  I wish to again thank the Sumter ARA for their sponsorship of the event!  Thanks also go to Ray W8CNL and Paul KB4GYT who assisted me to design the contest.  I have received a number of e-mails and comments while working the contest that it was very well received, and I couldn't be happier!  

Band conditions were not too cooperative from my perspective.  Whenever I checked, the 15, 10 and 6 meter bands were closed to propagation.  I did not note much activity on 80 meters.  The majority of my operation was on 40 and 20 meters, mainly Sideband, some CW.   I hope that everyone was able to work both me and W4GL for the additional 300 bonus points (apiece!).  I have to look through my logs, but I did make 250+ QSO's, and hopefully I was in the contest long enough for everyone to work me for the extra points!

I heard a lot of mobiles going from county to county.  I knew that John W5UGD was planning to work every county in SC!

I encourage anyone who has a good story and/or pictures to e-mail them to me!  Depending on response, I can make a separate web page for the stories, and perhaps even try to get them in QST!

In any case, the SC QSO party was meant to be a fun on-the-air activity.  I think that goal was reached, and it was a great weekend!  Thanks to everyone for their participation in the first Annual SC QSO party!  Please go to the Sumter website for details on submitting your logs-They are due on October 18th!

My congratulations to the South Carolina SSB net on their 45th anniversary in 2003! Please click HERE to go to a web page in their honor!

Check out the Left Sidebar, and Select "Proposed ARRL SC License Plates" to see a few prototype plates conceived by Dennis KG4JIA, SGL! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2004!

And thanks to EVERYONE for making 2003 the great year that it was!

From the ARRL Letter-Vol. 23, No. 03 January 16, 2004:

ARRL PRESIDENT WINS THIRD TERM ON UNANIMOUS VOTE

ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, has been elected to a third two-year term. There were no other nominees, and the ARRL Board of Directors expressed its confidence in Haynie January 16 with a unanimous vote. The Board was scheduled to meet January 16 and 17 in Windsor, Connecticut. Haynie, who lives in Dallas, Texas, succeeded Rod Stafford, W6ROD, as the League's volunteer leader in 2000.

The Board also voted unanimously to re-elect ARRL First Vice President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, of Judsonia, Arkansas, and Second Vice President Kay Craigie, N3KN, of Paoli, Pennsylvania. Board members agreed with a proposal to eliminate the third vice president's position being vacated by Fried Heyn, WA6WZO.

Major discussion at the weekend session will involve draft proposals to implement changes in US Amateur Radio rules in the wake of World Radiocommunication Conference 2003. Among other significant changes, WRC-03 delegates agreed last summer to leave up to individual countries whether to require a Morse code test for access to amateur high-frequency allocations.

The ARRL Board is expected to discuss in detail recommendations in response to WRC-03 that were developed during last November's ARRL Executive Committee meeting. Board members also will review Amateur Radio-related matters still in the FCC pipeline, including the League's 2002 "omnibus" Petition for Rule Making that called for elimination of the current Novice bands and "refarming" the spectrum. The subject of Broadband over Power Line (BPL) also is on the Board's agenda.

The Board also was scheduled to elect members to the Executive Committee and appoint three directors to the ARRL Foundation Board.
 

11/21/03 Whew, I finally finished getting all the pictures up on the web!  Over the last few days, I have put up the pictures for the Rock Hill, Sumter and Grand Strand Hamfests.  Surf over to "Picture Gallery and Hamfest Memories" and select the hamfest or event that interests you!  Since I was able to attend all the SC hamfests this year (except for Anderson), all of those hamfests are represented in the picture gallery.  If you attended, take a look-you might see yourself!

I do have a special treat-This past September I attended the Section Manager Conference at ARRL Headquarters.  I realize most have not had the opportunity to visit ARRL HQ or W1AW, so I have nine pages of pictures to share with everyone!  Please check them out in the Picture Gallery!  Enjoy!

2/9/04-I was informed by both Mike KG4SLH Asst. PIC and Mac K4AVR that Laurie Sansbury Jr. KV4C ASM4 is currently hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center.  Laurie became ill last week and was hospitalized at that time.  I spoke with his father on February 9th, and he stated that Laurie is currently undergoing diagnostic testing. 

2/10/04-I'm happy to report that both Mac K4AVR and Mike KG4SLH Asst. PIC have informed me that Laurie has been moved out of intensive care, and he is now in room 234.  I'm sure that Laurie would be pleased to receive a note or a card from those in the amateur radio community!

Laurie Sansbury, Jr.
Room 234
Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center
1304 Bobo Newsom Highway
Hartsville, SC   29550

We all wish Laurie a speedy recovery!

I was informed that Dr. Jack Woods KI4CB became a silent key on 1/30/04.  Jack passed away at his daughter's house.  Our hearts and prayers go out to Jack and his family.  I just received the message below from Jim KF4CJE:

During my campaigning for Section Manager, Jim was a very active supporter of mine, and we passed e-mails back and forth frequently.  I am pleased that I had the opportunity to meet Jack face to face at both the Charleston Hamfest and the PALSNET picnic last year.  Jack will be missed by all.

Board of Directors Agenda from the ARRL Letter:

Vol. 23 No. 02
January 9, 2004

==>WRC-03 IMPLICATIONS FOR HAM RADIO ON ARRL BOARD AGENDA

Draft proposals to implement changes in US Amateur Radio rules in the wake of World Radiocommunication Conference 2003 (WRC-03) will be up for discussion when the ARRL Board of Directors convenes later this month. The Board also will elect officers for the next two years. ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, has indicated that he plans to run for a third term. The Board will meet January 16-17 in Windsor, Connecticut.

Among other significant changes, WRC-03 delegates agreed last summer to leave up to individual countries whether to require a Morse code test for access to amateur high-frequency allocations. Several countries already have dropped the Morse code testing requirement for HF access. In the US, the FCC last year invited public comments on 14 Morse-related petitions for rule making, but it has not yet acted on the issue.

The ARRL Board is expected to discuss in detail recommendations in response to WRC-03 that were developed during last November's meeting of the ARRL Executive Committee.

Amateur Radio-related matters still in the pipeline at the FCC also are expected to be a topic for discussion. ARRL's 2002 "omnibus" Petition for Rulemaking <http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2002/03/22/4/>, which includes a request to eliminate the current Novice bands and "refarm" the spectrum, is among those proceedings seemingly stuck at the Commission. The FCC also has yet to act on other non-ARRL rule making petitions <http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2002/01/10/3/>. The subject of Broadband over Power Line (BPL) also is on the Board's agenda.

Among other actions, the Board also will elect members to the Executive Committee and appoint three directors to the ARRL Foundation Board.

!Important Information!

The ARRL Board of Directors will be meeting on Thursday, January 15th at which time they will be discussing the ARRL's position regarding the continuation or removal of the Morse Code Requirement for Amateur Radio Licensure that will be forwarded to the FCC.  If you are an ARRL member and wish to make your opinions known, please forward your comments immediately to the Roanoke Division Director Dennis Bodson at w4pwf@arrl.org . [Snail Mail: Dennis Bodson, 233 N. Columbus Street, Arlington, VA 22203] Dennis will be voting on behalf of the ARRL members in the Roanoke Division.  Please copy our Vice Director Les Shattuck k4nk@arrl.org and myself n2zz@arrl.org with your comments.  It is important that ALL sides of the issue are presented to Dennis, as he is our representative on the ARRL Board of Directors, which sets policy for the organization.

Reminder: Kid's Day is Sunday, January 4! The first 2004 running of this popular operating event will be Sunday, January 4, 1800 to 2400 UTC, with no limit on operating time. This marks the first time this event will take place on a Sunday. Kid's Day offers a "mentoring opportunity" for experienced amateurs while giving youngsters--licensed or not--some firsthand hamming experience and perhaps sparking a lifelong interest.
"Kid's Day is an opportunity to introduce your own youngsters, neighborhood kids and nieces and nephews to participate in the magic of ham radio," suggests Jean Wolfgang, WB3IOS, of ARRL Field and Educational Services. Now entering its tenth year, each running of Kid's Day typically attracts more than 1000 participants. The suggested exchange is name, age, location and favorite color. Stations may work the same station again if an operator has changed. Call "CQ Kid's Day." Suggested frequencies are 14.270-14.300, 21.380-21.400 and 28.350-28.400 MHz plus 2 meter repeater frequencies, with permission from the repeater's sponsor). Guidelines for this event are available on the ARRL Web site <http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/kd-rules.html>. All participants are eligible to receive a colorful certificate. Visit the ARRL Kid's Day Survey page <http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/kids-day-survey.html> to complete a short survey and post your comments. Kid's Day participants are invited to post logs and comments on the Internet <http://lists.contesting.com/pipermail/kids/>

[Excerpt From the ARRL Letter, Vol. 23, No. 01 January 2, 2004, The American Radio Relay League]

I was informed on the SC SSB net on December 31st that Dr. Bob Patton K4DFW has become a Silent Key.  Dr. Bob, as he was called by his fellow YCARS members, practiced medicine in Fort Mill, then spent two years in the Air Force medical reserve before he founded Rock Hill Family Practice Associates.  He retired in 1995, but continued to practice part time at the Bariatric Clinic of Rock Hill.  Bob Bacharach WA2EMF, ASM2 remembers him as a consummate Southern gentleman with a deep resonant voice who was liked by all those who had a chance to interact with him.  His son,  Dr. Robert Patton Jr. is also both a physician and an amateur radio operator and signs W4DFW, honoring his father.   Dr. Bob Sr, is also survived by two daughters, both of whom are graduates of Winthrop University.  My thanks to K4BG, W4HEW and WA2EMF for providing me with this information.  Our hearts and prayers go out to Dr. Bob and his family.

!HAMFEST ALERT!

South Carolina:

January 10, 2004-Greenwood Hamfest to be held at the Greenwood Civic Center.  Talk-in will be available on 147.165+ (linked to 145.13-) For further information, go to http://www.w4gwd.org/hamfest.html .

 February 7, 2004-Charleston Hamfest and Computer Show to be held at the Exchange Park Fairground, 9850 Highway 78, Ladson, SC.  Exit 203 off of I-26, College Park Road.  To view the Charleston Hamfest flyer, follow these links: Front Page, Back Page

March 13 & 14, 2004-Charlotte, NC Hamfest and ComputerFair North Carolina Section Convention to be held at the Charlotte Merchandise Mart on 2500 E. Independence Blvd in Charlotte, NC.  For further information, check out the Mecklenburg ARS hamfest webpage: http://www.w4bfb.org/hamfest.html

April 3, 2004-Union County ARC Hamfest.  Hamfest information is available here: http://www.qsl.net/k4usc/activity.html

May 1, 2004-Upstate Hamfest SOUTH CAROLINA SECTION CONVENTION to be held in Spartanburg, SC.  For further information, go to http://www.upstatehamfest.org or contact John Hoyt W5UGD hamfest@brars.org .

May 14-16, 2003-The DAYTON HAMVENTION!  Visit www.hamvention.org for details!

May 22, 2004-Anderson ARC Annual Hamfest and Tailgate Party to be held at Sadler's Creek State Park.  VE testing, prizes and possible club auction to be held!  For more information, visit their website: http://webpages.charter.net/arc

September 4 & 5th, 2004-The 48th Annual SHELBY Hamfest will be held in Shelby, NC at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds.  Talk-in will be on 146.88-.  For further information, go to: www.shelbyhamfest.org .

October 2, 2004-Rock Hill Hamfest at the Rock Hill American Legion Post 34 and the York County Fairgrounds, 199 South Cherry Road, Rock Hill.  For further information, contact WA2EMF@arrl.net or view their hamfest ad HERE .

October 9, 2004-Augusta, GA Hamfest, 9am-3pm at Evens Middle School, 4318 Washington Road, Talk-in 145.490-

October 23, 2004-Sumter Hamfest SOUTH CAROLINA STATE CONVENTION to be held at the Sumter County Fairgrounds.  For further information, go to: http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/2695/sara.htm
or contact Carl Ecabert AA1MD aa1md@ftc-i.net .

11/9/03: My thanks to the Grand Strand ARC for sponsoring the South Carolina Section Convention this weekend in Conway!  Thanks also for a great hamfest (Beachfest)!  This event capped off the SC hamfests for the year, and it was a great one!  Attending from the ARRL-SC team, were Adam AF4QZ, STM; Brian KR4SP, ACC; myself N2ZZ, SM and Les K4NK, Roanoke Division Vice Director.  Our honored guest from ARRL HQ was Dan Henderson N1ND from the ARRL contest branch.  The ARRL forum was held at 9:30, and a great number of topics were covered.  Les K4NK spoke about the Morse code requirement for future licensing and the Broadband over Power Line threat.  I covered SC ARES/RACES progress to date, our Technical accomplishments including the digital seminars given in September, our successful SC QSO party, Field Day operations, BPL, 60 meters, and our WARC '03 accomplishments with 40 meters.  Dan N1ND spoke on a number of topics including Logbook of the World, and, of course, the threat of Broadband over Power Lines-Main Point-GET INVOLVED!

We did have one other ARRL Section Manager present-John Covington W4CC from North Carolina who was attending incognito!  John has a family member that lives in Conway, and came to visit us at the hamfest!

Here is a note from Jim KF4CJE from the Grand Strand ARC:

On a personal note, thanks to all that attended and the vendors that came.  Attendance at SC hamfests keeps our avocation strong.  It promotes face to face communication and keeps our dealers in business!  We have had a great year of hamfests!  I hope to see everyone out next year!

10/25/03-Today I had the pleasure of attending the Sumter hamfest!  I appreciate the hospitality of the Sumter Club in providing space for us to set up our ARRL table!  There were a number of dealers present, including Ham Station, Rosewood, and Batteries Plus!  SERA was there, and gave me a tip-renew your membership in SERA  now for up to two years at $8 a year, and avoid the upcoming $10/yr price increase in January 2004!  My thanks to all of the ARRL-SC team who came to the Sumter hamfest: Marc Tarplee N4UFP, TC; Laurie Sansbury KV4C, ASM4; Bob Besley K4NJN, ASM6; Adam Hoffman AF4QZ, STM (who today headed up the WCARS VE team to grant three licenses/upgrades!); and Les Shattuck K4NK, Vice Director Roanoke Division.
    I would like to give special thanks to Les K4NK at this time!  With my on-call schedule, it is rare that I can stay the night before a hamfest so that I can get an early start in the AM and set up the ARRL booth.  I usually have to leave early from Aiken on the day of hamfests.  I would especially like to thank Les for taking the time to set up the ARRL booth prior to my arrival at several of our SC hamfests.  Les was the Section Manager of South Carolina several years ago, and did a fantastic job-in fact he did such a great job that he was moved up the ARRL administrative ladder to Vice Director!  Les has been a great mentor of mine since my election as Section Manager!  Again, THANKS!
    I would also like to remind everyone that the Sumter club sponsored the SC QSO party, and I thank them for their sponsorship!
    I also had the pleasure of meeting Thalia Wilhide KF4UMR who is the Secretary of a new organization called SCARS (SC Amateur Radio Service) which will be dedicated to providing communications at public service events throughout our state.  Contact information: SCARS, 317 Crestwood Arch, Lexington, SC 29073 (803) 413-0260.
    The next South Carolina Hamfest will be the Myrtle Beach Beachfest-details are below.  Please put it on your schedule and support the Grand Strand Club-Keep our South Carolina Hamfests strong!

10/11/03-I attended the Augusta, GA hamfest on this date, and was pleased to meet with the Georgia SM, Susan Swiderski AF4FO.  The SE Division Vice Director, Sandy Donahue W4RU attended, as our own Les Shattuck K4NK, Roanoke Division Vice Director.  Despite rainy weather, the hamfest appeared well attended, and there were a lot of great deals!  The ARRL forum was held at 12 Noon, and ended up with a roundtable discussion of a number of current issues important to amateur radio.  I was asked to let our Georgia audience know about the Stone Mountain Hamfest that will be held on November 1&2 at the Guinnett County Fairgrounds.  Thanks to the Augusta ARC for a great hamfest!

10/4/03-I had the pleasure of attending the Rock Hill Hamfest at York Technical College this weekend!  Bob Bacharach WA2EMF, ASM2 was the hamfest chairman, and when I spoke with him, he was very pleased with the turn-out!  Whenever you either change the date or the location of any hamfest, it usually results in lower numbers of attendees.  From the look of the hamfest, though, it certainly rivaled the numbers of the attendees at the "Knights Castle" in previous years!  The dealers inside the building included The Wireman, Communications Headquarters, SERA, Antique Radios, ARRL and several others.  The flea market commanded a lot of attention, as the parking lot at York Technical College certainly provided ample space.  From the ARRL-SC team, I was pleased to see Dave WB4DFW, ASM1; Bob Bacharach WA2EMF, ASM2; Laurie Sansbury KV4C, ASM4; Adam Hoffman AF4QZ, STM; Marc Tarplee N4UFP, TC; Charlie Miller AE4UX SEC and Les Shattuck K4NK, Vice Director.  Thanks to all for attending!
The Forums began with Mark Tarplee N4UFP, TC with a presentation about amateur radio's biggest threat, Broadband over Power Lines (BPL). The following hour was a presentation about SC ARES/RACES by Charlie Miller AE4UX, SEC.  The final hour was the ARRL forum, first with a presentation by Les Shattuck K4NK, Vice Director, followed by my presentation about the ARRL field service in South Carolina.
Thanks to all for attending!  Good hamfest participation will keep our South Carolina hamfests strong!  I would also like to thank John Covington W4CC, Section Manager North Carolina who sent out a mass e-mailing to his state at my request to raise awareness of the Rock Hill hamfest!
The next SC hamfest will be in Sumter on October 25th.  Details are below!

SHELBY HAMFEST-A good time was had by all at the Shelby, NC Hamfest over the Labor Day weekend!  The ARRL forum was held on Saturday, August 30.  Les Shattuck K4NK, Vice Director held the forum, and speakers included John W4CC, SM NC, Jim N2ZZ, SM SC and Dan Henderson N1ND from ARRL HQ.  I was happy to see Sandy W4RU, Vice Director from the South Eastern Division helping at the ARRL table and Gary K4MQG of the DXAC, checking QSL cards.  I had the pleasure of running into Matt AF4UZ and Jim KF4CJE from the Grand Strand Club.  They will be holding the SC Section Hamfest, and I'm working on getting an ARRL HQ representative to come to their hamfest.  Dan N1ND has volunteered, and just needs approval from his department manager for the trip. 
There were a lot of good bargains, both new and used.  I hope everyone enjoyed the hamfest, and for those who couldn't make the trip, there's always next year!

Of immediate concern to the amateur radio community is a new technology termed "PLC", Power Line Communications.  This technology has significant potential for disrupting HF communications, and should be examined closely by all hams.  The ARRL website has a link: www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/plc/#video where there are several films demonstrating HF interference (QRN) as well as a promo video by the power companies.  Full Details can be found here: http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2003/06/19/2/?nc=1 .  You may file comments with the FCC here: http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi . In the "Proceeding" field, enter "03-104" and complete the required fields. Comments may be typed into a form or you may attach a file containing your comments.  

Please get involved!  PLC has the potential of making the majority of the HF spectrum unusable!

I have sad news to report that Jack Pegues, W4APE became a silent key on Friday, September 19th.   Jack was the local reporter for the National Weather Service for over 20 years.  He was the Emergency Communications Director for Cheraw, S.C., a member of the American Radio Relay League, and had several other amateur radio associations.  His wishes for memorials are to St. David's Church, building repair fund (420 Market St., [ph.#537-3832] Cheraw, S.C.) or to the maintenance of his system of five linked radio repeaters which have allowed innumerable people to stay in contact with each other.  Any contributions to the PALSNET system should be addressed to Dr. Jack Wood, 14 Bent Tree Lane, Pawleys Island, S.C. 29585.  Please note in memory of Jack on your check. We all mourn the passing of Jack, as he has touched our lives in many ways.  Please remember him and his family in your prayers.  Please click HERE for a memoriam of Jack composed by Jimmy W4EOZ in Cheraw.

9/27/03-This has been a busy weekend!  I traveled to Columbia for the Quarter Century Wireless Association, Palmetto State Chapter 89 annual meeting on Saturday.  The new slate of officers for the 2003-04 year are: President-Daniel P. Lykins KM4GT; First Vice President Dr. Jim Boehner N2ZZ; Second Vice President Kenneth Ferguson K4KXO; Secretary Jenny Myers WA4NGV; Outgoing President is Ralph Mott N4RM.  For those that have been licensed 25 years or more and are interested in joining QCWA, please contact Jenny Myers BRYCEMYERS@aol.com .

    The digital seminars were also held on this date, and my report from Lloyd KD4HTW is that both sites were a success!  One of the seminars was held in Florence, another in Charleston.  Topics included APRS, PSK31, Echolink and IRLP.  Interest in the digital modes was high, and presentations were excellent!  Thanks to all involved in making these seminars a reality!  I hope these are held again in the near future so that I can attend also!

9/28/03-Today, Adam AF4QZ STM and I had the pleasure of attending the PALSNET picnic at Santee State Park.  The weather was beautiful, and a good time was had by all.  The sadness of the loss of Jack Pegues W4APE, who became a silent key on September 19th was evident, but all present knew that Jack would have wanted everyone to come to the picnic and have a great time.  The memoriam for Jack can be found here.

10/30/03-This just in from ARRL HQ:

SKYWARN Recognition Day

The fifth annual SKYWARN Recognition Day (SRD) will take place this year on Saturday, December 6, 2003. This is the day that Amateur Radio operators visit National Weather Service (NWS) offices and contact other operators around the world. The purpose of the event is to recognize Amateur Radio operators for the vital public service they perform during times of severe weather, and to strengthen the bond between radio amateurs and their local National Weather Service office. The event is co-sponsored by the American Radio Relay League and the National Weather Service.

Traditionally, hams have assisted the National Weather Service during times of severe weather by providing real-time reports of severe events and storm evolution. "You simply can't put a price tag on it", says Scott Mentzer (N0QE), organizer of the event and Meteorologist-In-Charge at the NWS office in Goodland, Kansas. "The assistance that radio amateurs provide to the NWS throughout the year is invaluable".

SKYWARN Recognition Day this year will be held from 0000 UTC to 2400 UTC on December 6, 2003. Scott Mentzer, the creator and promoter of the event, strives to involve more NWS offices and Amateur Radio operators each year. In 2002, participants logged nearly 23,000 QSOs during the 24-hour event. Last year nearly 70 countries were contacted. To learn more about this year's event, check out the NOAA Web site: http://hamradio.noaa.gov/.  This site includes a link to a list of participating National Weather Service offices and their call signs.

Questions concerning this event can be directed to Larry Boyd, K0ILB, at larry.boyd@noaa.gov.

--Thanks to David Floyd, N5DBZ,
Warning Coordination Meteorologist,
NWS Goodland, Kansas
david.l.floyd@noaa.gov

Please mark your calendars!

A letter from James Kepler, KF4UYC regarding National Skywarn Recognition Day to be held this weekend on Saturday December 6th:

December 4 2003

South Carolina Section Manager
Dr. James F Boehner [N2ZZ]
525 Barnwell Ave NW
Aiken,  SC   29801

Greetings Dr. Jim,

This message is meant to touch base with you regarding the upcoming SKYWARN Recognition Day beginning on Saturday, December 6 beginning at 0000Z and running for 24 hours.  During this period, the U.S. National Weather Service in Columbia, SC will be active on both VHF and HF frequencies in support of the local Amateur Radio stations within the Local Forecasting Office (LFO) County Warning Area (CWA).  The Columbia office is scheduled to operate for the full 24-hour period (conditions allowing) in recognition of the tremendous support it receives from the Amateur Radio community.  To provide the utmost opportunity for all stations within the Columbia LFO CWA to participate, the SKYWARN station, WX4CAE will be operating on as many repeaters as possible from 0000Z-0300Z and then again 2100Z-2400Z including, but not limited to, Aiken, Bamburg, Barnwell, Columbia, Leesville, Lexington, Orangeburg, Sumter, and all repeaters incorporated into:

          SKYWARN CSRA     145.490- (Trenton & SRS)
          SKYWARN Midlands 147.210+ (Little Mountain)
          SKYWARN North    146.895- (PALSNET/North Midlands)

The remaining time will be spent working the General HF bands for stations on 10, 15, 20, and 40 meters as conditions and equipment allows (there are no specific frequencies).  Also, both a national and local QSL card is being offered to any contacting stations just for participating in the SRD event 2003.  For additional details, see the official website at http://hamradio.noaa.gov or contact the SKYWARN Net Controller James Kepler [KF4UYC] at kf4uyc@arrl.net  If you get the opportunity Jim, please forward this message onto all interested stations througout the SC Section.  We look forward to hearing as many operators as possible inside the 24-hour operating schedule.

Regards,

James E Kepler [KF4UYC]
SKYWARN System Net Controller [WX4CAE]
US National Weather Service LFO: Columbia, SC

For those interested in going out of state next Saturday October 11th, The Augusta (Georgia) Hamfest will be held at Evans Middle School on October 11th from 9am-3pm!  For information, click HERE, for a map click HERE!

November 8, 2003-Grand Strand ARC Beachfest 2003 to be held at the Conway National Guard Armory.  Click HERE for more information.  Contacts for this hamfest are: kf4cje@w4gs.org , kf4eck@w4gs.org and w0rxr@w4gs.org (VE testing)

October 25, 2003-Sumter Hamfest-Click HERE for information!  Contact for the hamfest is dstoy@ftc-i.net . 

IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE GO DOWN TO THE HAMFEST ALERT ON THIS PAGE-ROCK HILL HAMFEST WILL BE HELD THIS COMING WEEKEND ON OCTOBER 4th at York Technical College.  Please make plans to attend, and help support our South Carolina Hamfests!

October 4, 2003-The Next SC Hamfest will be in Rock Hill, SC on October 4th-click HERE to see the announcement.  Contact information is WA2EMF ASM2, wa2emf@arrl.net, or phone 803-327-2634.  This is an ARRL sanctioned hamfest!  NOTE: Location has been changed to York Technical College, located at 452 South Anderson Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730!  For additional information, including DRIVING DIRECTIONS, please click HERE for additional information from WA2EMF!

http://www.tridentarc.org

Plans for the upcoming South Carolina QSO party have been firming up.  Preliminary work was done by KB4GYT, W8CNL and myself.  Jim Higgins KB3PU, President of the Sumter ARA has indicated to me that their club will be happy to sponsor the first annual SC QSO party!  They have done a great deal of work so far!  Please click HERE to go to the contest announcement, and HERE to go to the Sumter ARA Website for details.  We chose the categories to keep the contest as simple as possible for the first year.  We are giving multipliers for mobiles/portables to travel to as many SC counties as possible to emphasize emergency preparedness!  Please participate!

The South Carolina QSO party is almost upon us!  The SC QSO party is sponsored by the Sumter ARA, and details can be found on their website here: http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/2695/SCQSOWeb.htm .  I ask that everyone participate, even if only for a few hours!  Remember that Mobiles and Portables get multipliers for each county they activate (operate from).  Remember also that one contact with myself-N2ZZ and/or W4GL (Sumter club station) adds 300 points apiece to your score!  I hope to see everyone out there having a good time!

I do want to mention that with hurricane Isabel, there will most likely be a number of emergency nets activated.  I ask that all contesters give them a clear frequency, and stay at least 3 kHz away from their net frequency.  Please also check the ARRL home page at www.arrl.org for any FCC emergency frequency declarations.

THANK YOU, and I hope to hear everyone on the bands this weekend!

Thanks to all my supporters!  I prevailed in the ARRL SC Section Manager Election in November, and have assumed the duties of ARRL South Carolina Section Manager as of January 1, 2003 for a term of two years.  For those who did not support me, I hope that I can win your confidence over the next two years!

This page will be used for important announcements to the Amateur Radio Community in South Carolina.  These will concern ALL amateur radio operators, not just ARRL members.  For those who have not joined, we hope to win you over!  Contact me directly if you wish to be an ARRL member, and I'll be happy to get your paperwork off to ARRL Headquarters!

July 18th, 2003: The information below has been sent to all Section Managers by Steve Ewald, WV1X of ARRL Field Services:

A brand new ARRL Web page for Youth -- "Harmonics" -- is now available at http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/youth/.

Thanks to the efforts of ARRL Educational Programs Coordinator Jean Wolfgang, WB3IOS,
<wb3ios@arrl.org >  these Web pages feature the first of a number of age-appropriate activities for kids.

Web visitors can play games, download informative printouts to color, read news articles about other kids involved with ham radio, work puzzles, click on live links, listen to audio samples of Morse code and voice contacts and much more.

Throughout the site, kids are greeted by colorful cartoon "ham-sters," who explore the world of Amateur Radio along with the young people visiting the site. The pages target kids aged 5 to 15.

"Harmonics" invites them to get acquainted with the basic concepts of Amateur Radio through immediate personal interaction and by discovering how other kids are using ham radio for personal communication and to expand their exploration of science and technology.

To find the site from the ARRL Web's Home Page (www.arrl.org/), click on the link to "Education."  A drop-down box appears, and the first link on the list is "For Kids!"  That's it.

73,
Steve, WV1X 

I received a note from Susan AF4FO, Section Manager of GA, regarding Andrea Hartlage KG4IUM, a 14 year old GA ham, who was selected to be the youth editor for the ARRL.  Andrea has been having trouble getting feedback from other young hams throughout the country.  Here is Andrea's note:

After taking on the position as Arrl.org Youth Editor, I find myself searching for active youth who are excited about amateur radio, hams who elmer youth, and youth related news.  While I am aware of what goes on in my section (Georgia), it certainly is not right to leave out every other section, especially since the ARRL is a national organization.  Although I received some response from readers after the first column, I am still looking for an extra boost.  And it would be great to travel to every section and find out what's going on myself, but also impossible.  So, here is where I turn to you.  If you know of anyone or anything in your section that involves youth and amateur radio, or have a suggestion for an article topic, please contact me via E-Mail to kg4ium@arrl.net.  Also, if you have not yet viewed the first column, here is a link: http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2003/06/19/1/?nc=1.

Any help you can give Andrea would be greatly appreciated!  Please pass this along to any young hams you know, or anyone who works with young hams.

(7/20/03) I was contacted by Wilton WB4PCS, who asked me to pass along this information to all SC Amateur Radio Operators:

    There will be a special session of the TAR HEEL EMERGENCY NET on Tuesday, July 22 @1930 EDT.  The frequency is 3923 khz
    Jeff Orrock, the Warning Coordination Meterologist for the National Weather Service in Raleigh will give a training presentation entitled "Hurricane Season 2003" for the benefit of amateur radio operators involved in providing emergency communications.
    Jeff is a experienced meteorologist who has a talent for presenting scientific information in a way that a layperson can understand.
    All amateurs are invited to check in and participate by THEN net manager, Claud Chaffin, K4CWZ.

Wilton, WB4PCS

This will give us an opportunity to show support for our neighbor state to the North, and pick up some valuable information to boot!  Please check in if you can!

Preliminary work on the upcoming South Carolina QSO party has been done by KB4GYT, W8CNL and myself.  We are still looking for a club sponsor, someone to provide plaques/certificates and some club to take responsibility for log checking.  If no one comes forward, I'll sponsor the QSO party as Section Manager.  I will still need help with log checking, though.  Please click HERE to go to the preliminary announcement.  Please offer constructive suggestions so that this SC QSO party is a success!  Note: We picked the weekend because it appears the only conflict is the WA Salmon Run contest.  We chose the categories to keep the contest as simple as possible for the first year.  We are giving multipliers for mobiles/portables to work as many SC counties as possible to emphasize emergency preparedness!  Please Comment!
BULLETIN!: A sponsor has come forward! Jim Higgins KB3PU, President of the Sumter ARA has indicated to me that their club will be happy to sponsor the first annual SC QSO party!  THANK YOU for volunteering!  

The hottest National News is the new 60 meter band that will be made available to Amateur Radio Operators in the USA beginning at Midnight local time on July 3rd.  There will be 5 allocated frequencies, USB only, on 5332, 5348, 5368, 5373, and 5405 kHz.  It will be necessary to tune VFO's 1.5 kHz lower, and limit bandwidth to 2.8 kHz.  Maximum power will be 50 Watts ERP, or 50 Watts PEP into an antenna with 0 dB gain (half-wave dipole).  If a directional antenna is used, you must "do the math", reduce power appropriately, and keep accurate records of your calculations.  For example, if you design a beam with 3 dB gain, you will need to decrease your power to 25 watts PEP to maintain compliance with FCC regs.

The most important thing to mention about this band is that it is shared with NTIA stations with Homeland Security functions.  If you are asked to leave a frequency, do so immediately!  If we misuse this allocation, we will lose it.  If we treat it right, it will be a "foot in the door" to obtaining a frequency range allocation in the future.

The Chester ARES (CARES) group is holding their annual HAMFEST on June 21st at Chester State Park which is off of SC72 and will begin at 8am.  Contact Joel atK4TDG@infoave.net or Danny KI4DC at carnsdw@chestertel.com for more information!

Saturday April 26th was a busy day!

Due to two events going on this past weekend, Les K4NK and I decided to split up so that each of us could attend one of the events.  Les traveled to Anderson to attend the 25th annual Lake Hartwell Hamfest and I attended the Rosewood get-together in Elko.  I called Les on Saturday, and he was enjoying a great picnic and tailgating event in Anderson.  I had a great time at the Rosewood get-together.  Ray and Kathleen were wonderful hosts, and after the tailgating event, we enjoyed our choice of ribs, BBQ chicken and/or hot dogs.  My plate was delicious!  Bob Reed N4LAW from NC is sending me some pictures that he took during the Rosewood Get-together, and I'll put a few up on the website later this week!  

I have uploaded pictures of the Rosewood Get-Together to the Picture Gallery!  Feel free to browse!  Thanks to N4LAW for the pictures!

I also received word from Laurie KV4C, our ASM Area 4 that there was an emergency services meeting in Florence during the two events. Matt McGuire (AF4UZ), Area 4 DEC, provided his expertise and lead the group in a "lecture with discussion" format. The meeting was attended by approximately twenty people including representatives from most counties in Area 4, several county EC's, and a representative from the Pee Dee Red Cross.

***URGENT FOR ALL AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS***

There has never been a time more important to get involved in the political system regarding Amateur Radio.  There are two matters that are currently very important to us in SC.  Strength is in numbers, and it is important for EVERYONE to write their elected representative.  Of the two matters, the first is the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act, which is currently in both the US Senate and House of Representatives. We need co-sponsors for the respective bills.  When this was introduced last year in the House, we had NO South Carolina co-sponsors.  We need for ALL of our elected representatives to become involved and support the bills as co-sponsors.
     The second matter is the Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Consistency Act. The measure, designated HR 1478, would require private land-use regulators such as homeowners' associations to "reasonably accommodate" Amateur Radio antennas consistent with the PRB-1 limited federal preemption. PRB-1 now applies only to states and municipalities.  Here are the Details:

1) Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act:

The full story can be found here: http://www.remote.arrl.org/news/stories/2003/02/14/8/?nc=1 

IT is VERY important that EVERY South Carolina amateur radio operator contact their Representative to encourage them to become a co-sponsor of this bill.  NO representative from SC co-sponsored this bill last year.  For a Sample Letter, here is the link (on the ARRL website): http://www.remote.arrl.org/govrelations/arspa.html#sample 

For your representative, find out your Zip + 4 and go to this link: http://www.house.gov/Welcome.html

 For your Senator, go to this link: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

and you can modify the sample letter to be sent to your senators!

Typically, Letters and Faxes will be read.  Many elected officials do not read their e-mail!

2) Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Consistency Act

The following is from the ARRL Letter (Vol 24, No. 14):

    Another Congressional attempt is under way to provide relief to amateurs
prevented by private deed covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs)
from installing outdoor antennas. Rep Steve Israel (D-NY) has again
introduced the "Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Consistency Act"
into the current session of Congress. The measure, designated HR 1478,
would require private land-use regulators such as homeowners' associations
to "reasonably accommodate" Amateur Radio antennas consistent with the
PRB-1 limited federal preemption. PRB-1 now applies only to states and
municipalities.
    HR 1478 has been assigned to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Information about the bill and a sample letter to use when contacting your
representative are available on the ARRL Web site
<http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/hr1478/>.

The full text can be found here: http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/03/0404

GOOD NEWS for those on the NC/SC I95 corridor!  The 146.745 Dillon repeater is back on the air!  Thanks to Jack N4JJ for the information! 

The Upstate SC Hamfest in Spartanburg was held on May 3rd, and the ARRL-SC team had a fantastic time!  My travel to the area came just after a severe storm on Friday-I missed it by a half hour!  Whew!

Of the SC-ARRL Team, those attending were: KG4JIA, WB4DFW, WA2EMF, N4UFP, KF4VIS, AF4QZ, myself N2ZZ and our Vice Director K4NK!

Marc Tarplee N4UPF TC gave a great talk on PSK-31 at 9 am.  The ARRL forum followed at 10 am.  I presided over that forum, and gave everyone an idea as to what was going on in South Carolina. Our topics included Emergency communications, Getting amateur radio into the schools, the upcoming SC QSO party, Legislative concerns, the proposed ARRL SC license plates and recognition of the SC SSB net for their 45th anniversary!

I want to thank all of our friends in the Upstate for all their hard work on this hamfest.  It is always a great hamfest, and I thank the hamfest committee to allow the ARRL-SC team to be a part of your hamfest!

I have uploaded pictures of the hamfest to the Picture Gallery!  Feel free to browse!

SC QSO Party 2003

SC QSO Party - Phone/CW/Digital. Sponsored by The Sumter Amateur Radio Association (SARA). 1300Z Sept 20 - 2100Z Sept 21.  Frequencies (MHz)(+-): CW:1.805 and 50 KHz up from lower end of each band (No WARC) Phone: 1.845, 3.860, 7.260, 14.270, 21.370, 28.370, 50.125, 144.200, 146.58, 223.50, 446.00.  No repeater or cross band QSO's. Categories: 1) Out of state stations 2) SC Fixed stations 3) SC Mobile stations.  Awards: Plaques for winners in each category, certificates for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places in each category. Exchange: Serial Number and SC County, or Serial Number and State/Province/Country.  QSO Points: Phone 1 pt., CW 2 pt., Digital 3 pt.   SCORE: Total QSO score X power multiplier (up to 5 watts x5, up to 150 watts x2, above 150 watts x1) X number of SC counties worked (counted once) X number of SC counties activated (SC Mobile/Portable only) + bonus points.  May work same station on different band/mode/county for credit.  Add 300 points for QSO with SC SM N2ZZ or SARA Club Station W4GL.  For more information and log/entry forms: http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/2695/SCQSOWeb.htm. Logs due by Oct 18 to SARA SC QSO PARTY ENTRY, PO Box 193, Sumter, SC 29151-0193.

(Please note that the above URL is case sensitive.)

The above submission in Contest Corral format, per Ward Silver, N0AX:

South Carolina QSO Party--Phone/CW/Digital--sponsored by the Sumter Amateur Radio Association (SARA), 1300Z Sep 20 - 2100Z Sep 21. Frequencies (MHz): CW: 1.805 and 50 kHz from band edge, Phone: 1.845, 3.860, 7.260, 14.270, 21.370, 28.370, 50.125, 144.200, 146.58, 223.50, 446.00. No repeater or cross-band QSO's, work stations again from each county. Categories: SOAB, SC Mobile. Exchange: Serial Number and SC county or S/P/C. QSO Points: Phone--1 pt, CW--2 pts, Digital--3 pts. Score: Total QSO points x power multiplier (<5 W x5, <150 W x2, >150 W x1) x SC counties (counted only once) x SC counties activated (SC Mobile only). 300 bonus points for QSO with N2ZZ or W4GL. For more information--www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/2695/SCQSOWeb.htm. Logs due Oct 18 to SARA SC QSO Party Entry, PO Box 193, Sumter, SC 29151-0193.

4-1-05 - Note from Thalia KF4UMR - It is that time of year again.  Time for the MS Walks.  The Columbia Walk will be on Saturday April 9, starting at 8:00.  They are going to be on a route that is off the main road.  It will be along the River Walk, still starting at the State Museum.  We need hams that can handle being on a golf cart with their equipment.  Lexington's walk will be April 10. I need hams there around 1:30.  The route for us will be the same as it has been the past several years.  I could use 8 - 10 hams for this.  If any of you are available or talk to someone who is, please let me know. Thanks!!!!  Thalia, KF4UMR ThaliaW@aol.com

3-24-05 - Note from Roger, W4RWG- The Union Hamfest will be held Saturday, April 2, at the Union County Fairgrounds. Gates will open at 8:00am. We will have sausage biscuits and coffee for breakfast and hotdogs and soft drinks for lunch. We will have a drawing for a 2 meter handi-talkie at 1:00pm. Gate price is 5:00 which includes tailgating. We have a few tables inside at 10.00 each.

3-17-05 - From Bill, KA4TWK: Midlands Mountain Bike Race on March 20, 2005:

Hams are invited to assist with providing communications support to the 2005 Midlands Mountain Bike Race Series beginning Sunday, March 20th.  The event will be held at Harbison State Forest on Broad River Road.  The event will begin at 10am and will last until approximately 3pm.  The race organizers have indicated they would like to have 6-8 hams to provide communications.  All interested amateur radio operators are requested to contact Kris Collins (KG4ETG) at kg4etg@arrl.net or (803) 960-2539 for information.  

Please volunteer early so we can determine if we will have enough hams to support the event. 

Additional races will be held on April 24th, May 20th and June 26th. 

Thanks for your support and 73,

Kris KG4ETG

3-2-05 - A report by Matt AF4UZ, DEC4 and Amateur Radio Coordinator for the Myrtle Beach Marathon (held February 19th):

                  Eight years ago, Amateur Radio Operators of the South Carolina Grand Strand stepped forward to assist a new event that was being added to the Myrtle Beach Community Calendar.  A full-fledged Marathon. It was certainly a new challenge to the few HAMS who were initially involved.

 Many gallons of burning the midnight oil and many, many long distance telephone calls later to HAMS who were involved in Marathons; a plan resulted. At the same time, word was spreading through the HAM community and the number of Volunteers increased.

 The Master Communications Plan included:  Medical Station locations; Field Hospital locations; Sweep Van assignments; “Shadow” assignments; an Emergency Radio/Repeater response team; and, Net Control assignments.   A basic decision was made to have HAMS work in pairs for the majority of these assignments.  In addition to radio assignments, repeater equipment, on-air conduct, frequency information, etc., we also included clothing, medicine, food, and miscellaneous personal suggestions in the Master Plan.  This was necessary due to the time of the race and possible weather conditions that might be encountered during the day, which begins for most, at approximately 4 am and lasts until almost 4 pm.   

                  The week of the race saw everyone preparing by working on their equipment, checking out radios on the race repeater frequencies, insuring that all batteries were fully charged and watching the weather forecasts.  We all love the beach weather! However, early February mornings can be pretty cool even in South Carolina!!

                  On that first Saturday 8 years ago,  by 3 Pm we realized that we had not only survived but had really provided outstanding public service! This was based on the “Great Job” comments passed on to us by the medical folks and the Fire, Police and EMS who worked right alongside us during the race.  A tribute to the job that we’ve done over the years is indicated by the requests that we receive to provide additional assistance such as more “Shadow” duties, plus the request to coordinate and operate the Runner Drop-Out information service for the Race. 

The scenario described above has continued for the past 8 years with the race growing  to 5,000 entrants from the approximately 1500-1800 originally.

The 2005 Myrtle Beach Marathon which is the 8^th ,  saw forty-three amateur operators volunteer.    The assignments included: 12 Medical Stations; 4 Sweep Vans; 1 Resupply Van;  Dropout Net with several operators; 2 Net Control operators; Operators at both Medical Centers near the finish line; and a full-time operator accompanying the Race Medical Director. 

An interesting point is the number of areas represented by the HAMS who worked the race. For instance, our HAMS came from: Vermont, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, Maine, Ohio, West Virginia, North Carolina, Virginia.  We had a geographic spread that rivals the home areas of the runners!

 Every volunteer was at his or her assignment on time, ready for Net Call and ready for just about any challenge.  We did have a few challenges that tested us during the day and, in each case, they were handled timely and effectively.  It was a long day, but all survived and received the Thanks and Appreciation of the Race Medical Director and The City Public Safety Communications Coordinator.

The feedback from the Race Medical Director, Dr. Mark Schecker, was “ Thanks to all of the HAM operators who helped us during the race, they did a great job!!”  In addition to this feedback, Dr. Mark Schecker presented the Grand Strand HAMS with a beautiful plaque containing the inscription

“ In Appreciation GRAND STRAND HAM RADIO ASSOCIATION for Faithful and Continuing Service in Ensuring the Health and Safety of the Runners and Walkers of the Myrtle Beach Marathon.  Signed: Mark Schecker, MD Medical Director”. 

 Myrtle Beach Fire Department Captain, Larry Branch, Public Safety Communications Coordinator for the Marathon said, “It would be impossible to run communications for this marathon without the HAM operators!” “Thanks to you all for your hard work!

What a great feeling of satisfaction when an award of this nature is presented and accompanied by remarks like those to the HAM community from Key Officials of the Marathon.

 The secret to the success of this event is Dedication, Commitment, Enthusiasm, and Cooperation on the part of ALL involved. Everyone pulls together and does whatever it takes to be certain that everything is done well and the event and the Community are recognized for its success.

 To all of the members of the HAM Community that played any role in the 2005 Myrtle Beach Marathon, “Sincerely, Thanks for a “JOB WELL DONE!”    

Matt McGuire, AF4UZ
AMATEUR RADIO COORDINATOR
MYRTLE BEACH MARATHON

2-6-05 - I would like to thank the Charleston Amateur Radio Society for an excellent hamfest that was held in Ladson, SC yesterday!  The weather was perfect, and the turnout was spectacular!  From the ARRL-SC team, attendees included Bob K4NJN, ASM6; Adam WY4N, ASM-Youth; Peter KG4VDR, STM; Bob WA2EMF, ASM2 and Marc N4UFP, TC.  I was pleased to be accompanied to the hamfest by my son Philip, KI4DKW!  I presented the ARRL forum at 10 am.  My topics included information about the January ARRL Board of Directors meeting, Emergency Services update, Public Relations update, Field Day information, the SC amateur radio license plate initiative, and the SC QSO party.  I included happenings in my county, including Aiken Prep becoming a Big Project School and the acceptance of an Amateur Radio station to be incorporated into the emergency plan of Aiken Regional Medical Centers.  An announcement was made by Bob K4NJN ASM6 about a major development in our county, which I will report on when further details are available. 

Of course, I was only the warm-up speaker for the keynote speaker, Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, the FCC's Special Counsel for Amateur Radio Enforcement.  When one thinks of "ENFORCEMENT", the images that come up are those of "if you do this, you will be punished", or "if you DON'T do this, you will be punished".  This does not describe Riley in any sense.  He is charged with enforcement, and does his job well, but I don't think I have heard anyone who is more passionate about the future of amateur radio.  He started out his talk with the excellent article in the Washington Post regarding Amateur Radio Efforts during the recent Tsunami in late December.  He stated that this is the press that he wants to see about Amateur Radio.  He made a special point to say that although it was in the newspaper and it was about amateur radio, it was actually accurate!  He feels that those who intentionally violate the rules are those who endanger Amateur Radio's future.  He said that ALL of us are charged with preserving Amateur Radio's future by bringing in young people and the recently retired to our hobby.  Riley stayed for a question and answer period.  He made two young hams (Erik KI4GXQ, and Victoria KI4GXP-The harmonics of Tim KA3IGW and Gretchen KG4UXZ from Barnwell) very happy by posing for a picture with them.  I was flattered that Tim asked me to be a part of that picture!

Please go to "Hamfest Alert" on the left sidebar and mark your calendar for upcoming hamfests!!

1-24-05 - A message from Mac, K4AVR: On Saturday, January, 22, 2005, Amateur Radio Operators from the Chesterfield County Amateur Radio Society (CCARS), with help from the Florence Amateur Radio Club and other Hams from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio and Alabama provided radio support again this year for the Sand Blast 2005 Sports Car Rally, sanctioned by the National Auto Sports Association (NASA).  A total of 27 Hams provided radio and safety support for the Event Timers, Drivers and Spectators.  CCARS has been helping with communications for this event every year since it started in 1991.

1-9-05-On January 6^th, 2005 at approximately 2:40 am, a Norfolk Southern Railroad Train was derailed in Aiken County, SC, within the city limits of Graniteville.  The train carried three tanker trucks of Chlorine, each containing 90 tons of the deadly chemical.  One of these trucks was punctured in the collision, releasing chlorine gas into the atmosphere.  As of this time, the poison gas has claimed nine lives and resulted in countless injuries which have kept area hospitals, including Aiken Regional Medical Centers, quite busy.  HAZMAT has been in full activation, and efforts are now being made to seal the leak and contain the chlorine gas.  In the afternoon of January 6^th, Sheriff Michael Hunt ordered the evacuation of residents within a one mile radius of the chemical leak, and a curfew for residents immediately outside that radius.  The railroad company sponsored many evacuees to stay in area hotels, however due to over 5400 individuals involved, a number of shelters were opened.  One of these shelters was opened at the University of South Carolina at Aiken.  During an information briefing by the Red Cross to the evacuees, Bob Besley K4NJN, ASM6 asked to say a few words.  Bob, in his professional life is a Sergeant at Aiken Public Safety, where he functions as a police officer and a firefighter.  At the time of the incident, however, he was working his second profession as a paramedic.  Bob addressed the evacuees in his full duty uniform, but was equipped with an item that is not standard police issue, a pad of ARRL radiograms!  Bob handled a number of health and welfare radiograms for the evacuees, and passed all of them on a traffic net that same morning.  The Red Cross representative was very thankful, and asked how amateur radio could be contacted in the future to provide message traffic in similar activations.

In regards to radio communications, the Palmetto 800 trunked system has worked well, and in conjunction with the area VHF and UHF commercial radios, all emergency communications have proceeded smoothly so far.  Charlie Miller AE4UX. SEC has indicated that Aiken County ARES/RACES is ready to be activated whenever emergency officials request our support.  Our County Emergency Management officials are David Ruth KI4DLR and Paul Matthews KB4GYT, EC Aiken County.  As both are hams, we KNOW we will be contacted when needed!

James F. Boehner, N2ZZ
ARRL Section Manager
South Carolina Section
Aiken, South Carolina
www.qsl.net/arrl-sc/

1-8-05-I would like to thank the Greenwood ARC for a great hamfest!  The Greenwood ARC is our latest ARRL (RE)affiliated Club, and we truly appreciate the reaffiliation!  It was good to travel to Greenwood for South Carolina's first hamfest of the year!  From the ARRL-SC team, I was happy to see Adam WY4N, ASM-Youth; Sue N4ENX, OOC; Ken N2IXX, ASM3; Charlie AE4UX, SEC; Brian KR4SP, ACC; Peter KG4VDR, STM; and Les K4NK, Vice Director Roanoke Division.  Bob K4NJN, ASM6 was slated to come to the hamfest, but due to the chlorine spill in Graniteville, his services as police officer/fireman/paramedic were needed in Aiken County.  I hope everyone had a great time, and hope to see everyone in Charleston for the next hamfest!

12-25-04-I wish EVERYONE a Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!  I hope Santa left you many radios to make your New Year's happy!  Please take care this holiday season!

12-25-04-The Following is a note from Mac K4AVR, TS, and approved by Scott KG4HIE, President of the Chesterfield County ARS:

Hi Guys,

 

For those of you that are interested, the SandBlast 2005 Sports Car Rally is on January 22 in the Sandhills State Forest near Cheraw, Patrick and McBee, along US-1.  Net Control will be at H. Cooper Black Field Trial Center again this year.  The Chesterfield County ARS is once again asking for volunteers to help with the event.  For those of you who have not participated, it is an event quite unlike anything you can imagine.  You may want to review the photos and info found on the Rally website at http://www.sandblastrally.com/2005/index.cfm, which will give you a very rough idea of the event.

 

For those of you that camp, there are RV sites available at the H. Cooper Black Field Trials Center and in the past several years the Rally sponsors have picked up the tab for the camp sites.  If you plan on coming and camping, contact Charles Sherrill at sherrillc@sherrillfurniture.com about the camping arrangements for this year.  Suzie and I are once again planning on taking our Motorhome to the rally to act as a site for the NCS operations.  Come join us.

 

73s

-Mac- K4AVR

12-4-04- I attended the second annual Digital Seminar in Florence today, and had a great time!  Lloyd KD4HTW presented a program on APRS, and the use of the UI-View software.  He went on to show a working demo of APRS later in his presentation.  Lloyd did have a few APRS Gurus in the audience who added a number of comments and information.  Following lunch was the PSK-31 presentation by Bob Austin K7DVB.  Bob started out the presentation by showing an ARRL video on digital modes narrated by his dad, now a silent key.  The video showed the progression of digital modes from CW to packet radio.  Bob then followed the video with his computer to computer demonstration of PSK-31 using DigiPan as the software medium.  He also showed us his interface box, built in an Altoid candy tin.  The message was that you don't need a fancy interface for PSK-31-you can build one yourself for just pennies.  Wow!  I don't know about that Florence club-I think they are outdoing each other with the Altoid tin box projects.  At the Dayton Hamvention ,Jack, N4JJ showed me a 250 mW HF transmitter that he built into an Altoid candy tin-and Yes, he did make a number of cross-country contacts (CW, of course)!

Thanks to Lloyd KD4HTW, Bob K7DVB, Bobby KG4BZK for arranging the presentation and the Florence Amateur Radio Club members for assistance with setup and talk-in (I CAN'T believe I missed the building-thanks for being there for me!).  Now to find some time to investigate these modes!

12-02-04-Earlier, I posted a request for antenna help from Kirk Morrison, KA4KXM of Liberty Hill, SC.  Thanks go to Marc Tarplee N4UFP, TC for volunteering to assist Kirk in raising his antennas!

Mr. Kirk Morrison, KA4KXM, of Liberty Hill, SC contacted SC Section Manager Jim Boehner, N2ZZ, asking for help re-erecting his antennas, which had come down during a recent hurricane. Kirk, who is handicapped, was not able to do the job himself. Jim passed the request to SC Section Technical Coordinator Marc Tarplee, N4UFP. Marc visited Kirk on 20 November and put up two antennas: a 75 meter dipole and a half-size G5RV. No major problems cropped up, although Marc, while working on the northeastern support for the dipole, accidentally invaded the territory of Kirk's pet goat, who became a bit perturbed. A warning from Kirk and a hasty retreat by Marc ended the encounter without incident. Kirk is now back on the air and and has already made some HF contacts with the new antennas.

12-01-04-It was announced previously that Miss Emmie KA4LRM suffered a fall and broke her hip and wrist.  She is now out of the hospital, and is in rehabilitation.  It is not known at this time how long she will be there.  If you would like to send a card or call, here is her contact information:

11/28/04-I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and is enjoying the weekend!  I would like to remind everyone of the Digital Seminar this next weekend on December 4th in Florence!  For complete details, go to my 11/7/04 entry below!  The first Digital Seminar was very well received, so I hope to see everyone there!

These past two weekends have been contest weekends, the ARRL SSB Sweepstakes on November 20th, and CQ WW CW DX contest on November 27th.  I hope everyone had a chance to participate!

11/21/04-I regret to report that there have been two silent key reports in our section on November 19th. 

Bill Lemmon KA4TWK ka4twk@yahoo.com informed me that Harold Babb W4OVL died on November 19th in Providence Hospital at the age of 74.  He was a director of the Columbia Amateur Radio Club.

Mike KG4SLH, Asst PIC kg4slh@bellsouth.net and Mac K4AVR informed me that Jerl Hannah, Jr. KI4CBL died on November 19th.  He was a member of the Florence Amateur Radio Club. 

Please use the e-mail addresses above for further information.

11/17/04 - It was announced on the South Carolina SSB net last night that Miss Emmie KA4LRM suffered a fall and broke her hip and one wrist.  She is currently undergoing corrective surgery.  Please take time to send Miss Emmie a card.  Her address while she is in the hospital, as provided by Tom WA4VYS and Brian KR4SP is:
 

Emmie Patience
Room 472
Anderson Area Medical Center
800 North Fant Street
Anderson, SC   29621

If I know hospitals (and I do!), the room number can be changed at any time!

11-8-04 - I would like to welcome Ken Kasper, N2IXX as the newest member of the ARRL-SC Team!  Ken will be assuming the duties of Assistant Section Manager for AREA 3, which includes Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Richland and Saluda counties.  Please click on "Section Leadership" on the left sidebar, where Ken's picture and biography is listed!  Ken, welcome to the ARRL-SC team!

11-7-04 - Please mark your calendars for an opportunity to learn more about the digital modes!  Here is an announcement from Lloyd KD4HTW:

10-31-04 - I had posted a previous e-mail from Kirk, but if someone could please help him, it would be greatly appreciated!  Here is the e-mail I received recently:

10-31-04 - I enjoyed attending the Grand Strand ARC BEACHFEST in Conway on October 30th!  Rather than driving from Aiken on Saturday, I stayed overnight in Conway, so it was great attending a hamfest well-rested!  This was a great hamfest, selling out all the inside tables, and having a very respectable outside tailgate flea market!  The Conway Armory was an excellent location.  The GSARC would like to remind everyone that they have set the date of next year's hamfest on October 29, 2005.  They will be hosting the ARRL South Carolina State Convention on that date!  Thanks to all!

10-24-04 - Thanks to the Sumter ARA for sponsoring the SC ARRL State Convention on October 23rd!  The hamfest consisted of Indoor vendors, outside tailgaters, a VE Session, and several forums.  Les K4NK, our Vice Director and I held the ARRL forum at 10 am.  My talk centered about BPL, as the FCC has cleared the way for this technology to be implemented in our country http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2004/10/14/1/?nc=1 .  Various means to address the issue were discussed.  To my knowledge, BPL has not been deployed in South Carolina as yet.  Recommendation was made that if BPL does enter South Carolina and interference is received, address the issue immediately.  Let the ARRL assist you in your efforts.  Les's talk centered about the Board of Directors of the ARRL, and politics.  He reminded us that the Vice Directors cannot cast votes on ARRL policy, as that is reserved only for the Directors.  He also reminded us that the officers of the ARRL are current directors that are voted in by the directors, not by popular vote.  Les also took questions from the audience.
It was a beautiful day for the hamfest, and a good time was had by all!  Great to see everyone!  Pictures will be up soon!

Remember, the Grand Strand Beachfest will be held next Saturday, on the 30th!  Please plan on attending!

10-5-04-The Rock Hill hamfest was held this last Saturday at the Rock Hill American Legion Post 34.  After the third move in three years, this looks like the new home of the Rock Hill hamfest.  Bob Bacharach WA2EMF ASM2 and hamfest chair indicated to me that they have already reserved the location for their hamfest next year on October 1, 2005, and that nine dealers have already committed to return on that date!  The weather held out for the hamfest, and a great time was had by all.  Approximately 500 attendees were present, and VE testing resulted in two new technician licenses, and one upgrade from technician to extra!  The ARRL forum was presented by Les Shattuck K4NK, Vice Director of the Roanoke Division and myself.  Many current topics were discussed, including BPL and Winlink 2000!  I wish to extend a "get well soon" to Bob Bacharach.  While unlocking the gates, he was hit on his earlobe, effectively resulting in a deep cut that required a visit to the local emergency room for stitches.  Bob, my thanks to you and YCARS for putting on such an excellent hamfest!

10-5-04-Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) will be held on October 16, 2004!  JOTA is an annual event in which Boy and Girl Scouts and Guides from all over the world talk over the air by means of Amateur Radio.  Please get involved!  An ARRL link to get you started: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/jota.html.

9-27-04- Lloyd KD4HTW just sent me an interesting link on Broadband over Power Line (BPL) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) by Anthony Good. It can be found at http://www.qrpis.org/~k3ng/bpl.html.  This is an excellent resource for information on BPL!

9-26-04-Congratulations to the Greenwood Club on their reaffiliation with the ARRL!  The Greenwood hamfest has been approved as an ARRL sanctioned hamfest and will be held on January 8, 2005!  Thanks to all!

9-26-04- Well, the Second Annual SC QSO party is now history, and I hope everyone had a great time!  I again thank the Sumter ARA for sponsoring the event!  My operation was limited by a high noise level, and being on hospital call.  I also noted that the Alabama emergency net was on our suggested 40 meter SSB frequency, and of course, took priority.  My thanks to all that participated!  Don't forget to submit your logs to SARA as soon as possible.  The SARA website can be found here:  http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/2695/sara.htm

9-26-04-Director Dennis Bodson sent an e-mail to all ARRL members regarding nominations for the Roanoke Division Service Award.  The Roanoke Division ARRL ServiceAward was instituted in 1968 by Roanoke Division Director, Vic Clark, W4KFC. Vic intended the award to be recognition for a long history of significant and consistent contribution to Amateur Radio. The amateur selected would have, over the years, dedicated much of his or her time to Amateur Radio and the ARRL.
 Nominees and resumes are encouraged and accepted from the Roanoke Division amateur population. Winners of the Roanoke Division Service Award become members of the selection committee and vote on which nominee should be honored the next year. An individual can receive the award only once. The administration of the award is done by the Roanoke Division Director.

NOMINATION FORM

I hereby nominate the following Roanoke Division Amateur to receive the
Roanoke Division ARRL Service Award.

Name____________________________________ Call ______________

Address_____________________________________________________

City __________________________ State _____ Zip ____________

Nominated By ___________________________ Call ______________

Please attach resume. List all significant Amateur Radio achievements. Any
documentation is helpful. Attach Amateur Radio magazine reference, club
newsletters, newspaper clipping, etc. Closing date for nomination is
November 15, 2004.

Return this form with resume and any documentation to:

ARRL ROANOKE DIVISION DIRECTOR
Dennis Bodson, W4PWF
233 N Columbus Street
Arlington, Virginia 22203

Les Shattuck K4NK, Vice Director won this award last year.  If you know of any special ham who you feel deserves this award, please fill out the nomination form above and submit it before the November 15th deadline.

9-26-04- On August 20-21, 2004, Amateur Radio was invited to participate in the South Carolina Low Country Regional Full-Scale Counter Terrorism Exercise held in Charleston.  Twenty hams from around the state joined the Charleston area hams to form a formidable communications network, assisting emergency operations.  I was quite pleased to receive a letter of thanks from Ronald Osborne, Director of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.  I would like to share that letter of thanks with everyone.  A PDF copy of that letter can be found HERE.  Thanks to all that participated in the exercise!

9-26-04- I was just forwarded an e-mail from Charlie Miller AE4UX, SEC.  Hurricane Jeanne is the fourth Hurricane to ravage Florida this hurricane season, and Florida hams are being stressed to the max.  John Townsley AE4GB, SEC of West Central Florida (WCF) informed us that relief operators may be called upon from surrounding states after the storm passes.  Do not attempt to proceed into the disaster area at this time!  For those able to travel and provide relief efforts, have your 72 hour jump kits ready.  Further details will be forwarded by Charlie AE4UX.  Realize that SC may be in the line of the hurricane also.  Have your batteries charged, gas tanks full of gas, and a supply of drinking water available! NOTE: I received further communication 9/27/04 @ 0700 that the WCF shelters were emptying out, and communication needs can be handled locally.  All volunteers for radio relief may stand down at this time.

9-15-04-CONGRATULATIONS to Adam AF4QZ, ASM-Youth for winning the Single Op Low Power Mixed Category for the South Carolina Section for the 2003 ARRL 10 Meter Contest!

9-5-04  -  I returned from the Shelby Hamfest yesterday, and really had a great time!  It was great to see everyone after a very long Summer.  From the ARRL It was great to meet up with both John Covington W4CC, Section Manager of NC and Susan Swiderski, AF4FO, Section Manager of GA.  It was also a pleasure to see Frank Butler W4RH, Director of the ARRL SouthEastern Division at the hamfest.  Frank joked that he lives in Florida, and just came up to get away from Hurricane Frances!  Representing the Board of Directors for our Division (Roanoke) was Les Shattuck, K4NK.

The weather could not have been better on Saturday.  No rain, warm but not oppressively hot temperatures contributed to an excellent turnout!

The ARRL forum was at 10 am, held by Les Shattuck, K4NK.  Les started the meeting by saying what he was NOT going to talk about.  Les told us that he has received many questions about what the ARRL was going to do about SERA's (South Eastern Repeater Association) recent "all tone, all the time" policy.  Les made it clear that the ARRL and SERA are two different organizations, and that all questions or comments should be directed to SERA and not the ARRL.  Les went on to discuss questions regarding the pending ARRL bandwidth proposal, and indicated that the ARRL was participating in National Preparedness month.  He also discussed the On-Air Maxim Anniversary celebration going on now to work as many stations signing /135 at the end of their call.  Working a minimum of 25 will earn an ARRL certificate.

Les then turned the meeting over to me, and I started by asking how many South Carolinians were in the audience.  It looked like over two-thirds of the attendees were from South Carolina!  I had the pleasure of presenting the ARRL Phillip J. McGan Silver Antenna Award for excellence in the Public Relations aspect of Amateur Radio to our Assistant PIC, Mike Duff KG4SLH!  This is a national award given annually by the ARRL, and 2004 marks the 13th presentation of that award.  The award is given in memory of Phillip J. McGan WA2MBQ (SK) who served as the first Chairman of the ARRL's Public Relations Committee, and who helped reinvigorate the League's commitment to Public Relations.  I let all present know the great work that Mike has done in the field of Public Relations for amateur radio, and the fact that he sends me more information that I am able to report!

I recognized those members of the ARRL-SC cabinet that were present in the meeting- Charlie AE4UX, SEC; Dennis KG4JIA, SGL; Marc N4UFP, TC; Dan KF4VIS, PIC; Bob WA2EMF, ASM2; Laurie KV4C, ASM4; Adam AF4QZ, ASM-Youth; Sue N4ENX, OOC, and of course, Mike KG4SLH, Asst. PIC.  Thanks for attending!  Charlie AE4UX, SEC was then asked to say a few words about Emergency Communications in South Carolina.

Finally, I reminded everyone about the upcoming South Carolina QSO party September 18-19, Details are below!

John Covington W4CC, SM NC had a few words thanking all the ARES participation over the last few months, and reminded everyone that the North Carolina ARRL website url is: http://www.ncarrl.org/.

Even Frank W4RH, Director of the ARRL SouthEastern Division had a few words to say!

Our next South Carolina hamfest will be the Rock Hill Hamfest which will be held on October 2nd.  Please mark your calendars!  I hope to see everyone there!

7-21-04 - Today I would like to offer my congratulations to Mike Duff, KG4SLH, Asst. PIC for winning the ARRL Phillip J. McGan Silver Antenna Award for excellence in the Public Relations aspect of Amateur Radio!  This is a national award given annually by the ARRL, and 2004 marks the 13th presentation of that award.  The award is given in memory of Phillip J. McGan WA2MBQ (SK) who served as the first Chairman of the ARRL's Public Relations Committee, and who helped reinvigorate the League's commitment to Public Relations.  Mike has gone well beyond the call of duty, having at least two contributions to the "ARRL in Action" section of QST, Participation in many local events such as Kid's day, Jamboree on the Air (JOTA), and working with others to build library displays in the Florence area.  Mike's accomplishments are too numerous to mention.  I am proud to have Mike on the ARRL-SC team!  Mike, CONGRATULATIONS, and keep up the excellent work!

Jim and Charlie's EXCELLENT ADVENTURE-

Part DEUX!

6-27-04 - This weekend was our second annual road trip around South Carolina visiting Field Day sites!  Charlie AE4UX, SEC and I visited eight sites this weekend, covering 750 miles and spending about 15 hours in the car!  On Saturday we traveled to Anderson (Anderson ARC), Greenville (Blue Ridge ARC), Spartanburg (Spartanburg ARC), Columbia (Columbia and Palmetto ARC's), North Charleston (Trident ARC), and Charleston (Charleston ARS).   After being turned away from a hotel in Charleston, we did find lodging in Georgetown for the night.  On Sunday we traveled to Myrtle Beach (Grand Strand ARC) and finally to Florence at Lake Darpo (Florence ARC).  My sincerest apologies to those sites where we were invited, but could not attend-Laurens, Hilton Head/Bluffton, Foothills, Greer, Bamberg, Orangeburg, North Augusta/Belvedere ARC, as well as other sites across the state.  South Carolina is a large state, and it is impossible to hit all the sites in a 24 hour time frame.  I also received an interesting invitation when I asked for detailed driving directions:

This was from Gary Foster, K8HID/YI -Yep, serving in Iraq!!!-I'm told that he is from a Sheriff's department in the Upstate and is assisting the training of the Iraqi police!  Gary, I truly doubt I will be able to visit your (current) field day site in the future, but I know we all hope that you will be home next year to operate with your home club!!

I must thank EVERYONE for their hospitality in making Charlie and me feel welcome.  Brian, We enjoyed looking at your antennas.  Elsie, thanks for the Oreos (or is it Oreoes?).  Art, great work on that trailer!  Sue, thanks for guiding us to your site by using Hooters as a prominent landmark!  John, you are the slingshot master!  Web, I hope that poison ivy doesn't take!  Mike, great work on that TV camera crew and newspaper article.  Eric, great TV interview!  Matt, fight that cold and get used to the Eastern Time Zone soon!  Roger, good to see you again, and thanks for the introductions! Jack, love the shirt(s)!  I could go on and on..............

While I was visiting the Florence site, I was interviewed by WPDE-TV and was quoted;""One of the things that says on one of the license plates we have," said Jim Boehner with the South Carolina Amateur Radio Relay League. "It says when all else fails, it's amateur radio, because when all the commercial services go, amateur radio will still be there."  Of course, it was the American Radio Relay League, and I was speaking about the license plate FRAME that is put out by the ARRL http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=9062 .  I learned something-it is not easy to be interviewed with a TV camera running!  Hopefully my next interview will be better!
 

Everywhere we went, people were excited about the Field Day event, had very novel equipment configurations, and fantastic antenna ideas!  Media coverage was unprecedented!  Governor/Mayor proclamations, TV spots, Newspaper coverage-we had it all!  I even had a chance to operate-as 1C SC.  It was a bit difficult running FD as a mobile station, but fun nonetheless!  Charlie proved himself as an excellent logger as well as a navigator!

I thought I saw excitement last year, but this year it REALLY was there!  I was very excited to see the interest and fun in amateur radio in everyone's faces this year!  THANKS TO ALL!!  This is REALLY what Amateur Radio is all about!!!

I have to sort through all the pictures that Charlie and I took-but I plan to get them up on the website soon!

6-27-04 I had the honor of presenting the ARRL Merit award to Charlie Hall K4AOT of the Charleston ARS aboard the USS Yorktown during Field Day.  Charlie has retired as Charleston EC.  Here is what Riley Stone K4HYY (EC Dorchester County) composed about Charlie:

Charlie Hall isn’t one to talk much about his accomplishments but there are many on his resume. So many, in fact, that President George W. Bush during a recent visit to Charleston, took time from his busy schedule to recognize Charlie for his services

 Charlie is a retired US Army senior enlisted veteran, who understands the value and need for volunteer emergency participation. He was, for many years an Emergency Medical Services responder. He was one of the first to graduate from the Community Emergency Responders Team (CERT) course.

 Charlie has been deeply involved in Ham Radio and Amateur Radio Emergency Services activities. He spends many hours a month at the Charleston County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) where he checks and maintains the ham radio equipment there and faithfully reports in to various emergency nets. When an emergency event or drill occurs, Charlie can be counted on to man the Ham Radio operation at the EOC. He also is one of the primary operators of the Skywarn net at the National Weather Service, Charleston office. He is quick to offer assistance to another ham operator who has a problem.

 Hall was instrumental in selecting the equipment that the county purchased recently through a Homeland Security grant, and has been involved in its installation.

 Charlie was the Emergency Coordinator for Charleston County for many years. Charlie also maintains a close liaison with the Local Red Cross Chapter Disaster Services unit and was recently recognized in their newsletter.. He is not one to rest on his laurels. He has completed several Amateur Radio Relay League emergency communications courses and is currently enrolled in a Federal Emergency Management Agency course.

 Charlie Hall fully recognizes the need for and value of volunteer emergency radio communications. No matter what the situation, he can be counted to give at least a 110% effort. He is what Ham Radio is all about!

Congratulations to Charlie Hall!  Thank you for your service to Amateur Radio and your community!

10-31-04 - I enjoyed attending the Grand Strand ARC BEACHFEST in Conway on October 30th!  Rather than driving from Aiken on Saturday, I stayed overnight in Conway, so it was great attending a hamfest well-rested!  This was a great hamfest, selling out all the inside tables, and having a very respectable outside tailgate flea market!  The Conway Armory was an excellent location.  The GSARC would like to remind everyone that they have set the date of next year's hamfest on October 29, 2005.  They will be hosting the ARRL South Carolina State Convention on that date!  Thanks to all!

10-24-04 - Thanks to the Sumter ARA for sponsoring the SC ARRL State Convention on October 23rd!  The hamfest consisted of Indoor vendors, outside tailgaters, a VE Session, and several forums.  Les K4NK, our Vice Director and I held the ARRL forum at 10 am.  My talk centered about BPL, as the FCC has cleared the way for this technology to be implemented in our country http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2004/10/14/1/?nc=1 .  Various means to address the issue were discussed.  To my knowledge, BPL has not been deployed in South Carolina as yet.  Recommendation was made that if BPL does enter South Carolina and interference is received, address the issue immediately.  Let the ARRL assist you in your efforts.  Les's talk centered about the Board of Directors of the ARRL, and politics.  He reminded us that the Vice Directors cannot cast votes on ARRL policy, as that is reserved only for the Directors.  He also reminded us that the officers of the ARRL are current directors that are voted in by the directors, not by popular vote.  Les also took questions from the audience.
It was a beautiful day for the hamfest, and a good time was had by all!  Great to see everyone!  Pictures will be up soon!

Remember, the Grand Strand Beachfest will be held next Saturday, on the 30th!  Please plan on attending!

10-5-04-The Rock Hill hamfest was held this last Saturday at the Rock Hill American Legion Post 34.  After the third move in three years, this looks like the new home of the Rock Hill hamfest.  Bob Bacharach WA2EMF ASM2 and hamfest chair indicated to me that they have already reserved the location for their hamfest next year on October 1, 2005, and that nine dealers have already committed to return on that date!  The weather held out for the hamfest, and a great time was had by all.  Approximately 500 attendees were present, and VE testing resulted in two new technician licenses, and one upgrade from technician to extra!  The ARRL forum was presented by Les Shattuck K4NK, Vice Director of the Roanoke Division and myself.  Many current topics were discussed, including BPL and Winlink 2000!  I wish to extend a "get well soon" to Bob Bacharach.  While unlocking the gates, he was hit on his earlobe, effectively resulting in a deep cut that required a visit to the local emergency room for stitches.  Bob, my thanks to you and YCARS for putting on such an excellent hamfest!

10-5-04-Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) will be held on October 16, 2004!  JOTA is an annual event in which Boy and Girl Scouts and Guides from all over the world talk over the air by means of Amateur Radio.  Please get involved!  An ARRL link to get you started: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/jota.html.

9-27-04- Lloyd KD4HTW just sent me an interesting link on Broadband over Power Line (BPL) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) by Anthony Good. It can be found at http://www.qrpis.org/~k3ng/bpl.html.  This is an excellent resource for information on BPL!

9-26-04-Congratulations to the Greenwood Club on their reaffiliation with the ARRL!  The Greenwood hamfest has been approved as an ARRL sanctioned hamfest and will be held on January 8, 2005!  Thanks to all!

9-26-04- Well, the Second Annual SC QSO party is now history, and I hope everyone had a great time!  I again thank the Sumter ARA for sponsoring the event!  My operation was limited by a high noise level, and being on hospital call.  I also noted that the Alabama emergency net was on our suggested 40 meter SSB frequency, and of course, took priority.  My thanks to all that participated!  Don't forget to submit your logs to SARA as soon as possible.  The SARA website can be found here:  http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/2695/sara.htm

9-26-04-Director Dennis Bodson sent an e-mail to all ARRL members regarding nominations for the Roanoke Division Service Award.  The Roanoke Division ARRL ServiceAward was instituted in 1968 by Roanoke Division Director, Vic Clark, W4KFC. Vic intended the award to be recognition for a long history of significant and consistent contribution to Amateur Radio. The amateur selected would have, over the years, dedicated much of his or her time to Amateur Radio and the ARRL.
 Nominees and resumes are encouraged and accepted from the Roanoke Division amateur population. Winners of the Roanoke Division Service Award become members of the selection committee and vote on which nominee should be honored the next year. An individual can receive the award only once. The administration of the award is done by the Roanoke Division Director.

NOMINATION FORM

I hereby nominate the following Roanoke Division Amateur to receive the
Roanoke Division ARRL Service Award.

Name____________________________________ Call ______________

Address_____________________________________________________

City __________________________ State _____ Zip ____________

Nominated By ___________________________ Call ______________

Please attach resume. List all significant Amateur Radio achievements. Any
documentation is helpful. Attach Amateur Radio magazine reference, club
newsletters, newspaper clipping, etc. Closing date for nomination is
November 15, 2004.

Return this form with resume and any documentation to:

ARRL ROANOKE DIVISION DIRECTOR
Dennis Bodson, W4PWF
233 N Columbus Street
Arlington, Virginia 22203

Les Shattuck K4NK, Vice Director won this award last year.  If you know of any special ham who you feel deserves this award, please fill out the nomination form above and submit it before the November 15th deadline.

9-26-04- On August 20-21, 2004, Amateur Radio was invited to participate in the South Carolina Low Country Regional Full-Scale Counter Terrorism Exercise held in Charleston.  Twenty hams from around the state joined the Charleston area hams to form a formidable communications network, assisting emergency operations.  I was quite pleased to receive a letter of thanks from Ronald Osborne, Director of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.  I would like to share that letter of thanks with everyone.  A PDF copy of that letter can be found HERE.  Thanks to all that participated in the exercise!

9-26-04- I was just forwarded an e-mail from Charlie Miller AE4UX, SEC.  Hurricane Jeanne is the fourth Hurricane to ravage Florida this hurricane season, and Florida hams are being stressed to the max.  John Townsley AE4GB, SEC of West Central Florida (WCF) informed us that relief operators may be called upon from surrounding states after the storm passes.  Do not attempt to proceed into the disaster area at this time!  For those able to travel and provide relief efforts, have your 72 hour jump kits ready.  Further details will be forwarded by Charlie AE4UX.  Realize that SC may be in the line of the hurricane also.  Have your batteries charged, gas tanks full of gas, and a supply of drinking water available! NOTE: I received further communication 9/27/04 @ 0700 that the WCF shelters were emptying out, and communication needs can be handled locally.  All volunteers for radio relief may stand down at this time.

9-15-04-CONGRATULATIONS to Adam AF4QZ, ASM-Youth for winning the Single Op Low Power Mixed Category for the South Carolina Section for the 2003 ARRL 10 Meter Contest!

9-5-04  -  I returned from the Shelby Hamfest yesterday, and really had a great time!  It was great to see everyone after a very long Summer.  From the ARRL It was great to meet up with both John Covington W4CC, Section Manager of NC and Susan Swiderski, AF4FO, Section Manager of GA.  It was also a pleasure to see Frank Butler W4RH, Director of the ARRL SouthEastern Division at the hamfest.  Frank joked that he lives in Florida, and just came up to get away from Hurricane Frances!  Representing the Board of Directors for our Division (Roanoke) was Les Shattuck, K4NK.

The weather could not have been better on Saturday.  No rain, warm but not oppressively hot temperatures contributed to an excellent turnout!

The ARRL forum was at 10 am, held by Les Shattuck, K4NK.  Les started the meeting by saying what he was NOT going to talk about.  Les told us that he has received many questions about what the ARRL was going to do about SERA's (South Eastern Repeater Association) recent "all tone, all the time" policy.  Les made it clear that the ARRL and SERA are two different organizations, and that all questions or comments should be directed to SERA and not the ARRL.  Les went on to discuss questions regarding the pending ARRL bandwidth proposal, and indicated that the ARRL was participating in National Preparedness month.  He also discussed the On-Air Maxim Anniversary celebration going on now to work as many stations signing /135 at the end of their call.  Working a minimum of 25 will earn an ARRL certificate.

Les then turned the meeting over to me, and I started by asking how many South Carolinians were in the audience.  It looked like over two-thirds of the attendees were from South Carolina!  I had the pleasure of presenting the ARRL Phillip J. McGan Silver Antenna Award for excellence in the Public Relations aspect of Amateur Radio to our Assistant PIC, Mike Duff KG4SLH!  This is a national award given annually by the ARRL, and 2004 marks the 13th presentation of that award.  The award is given in memory of Phillip J. McGan WA2MBQ (SK) who served as the first Chairman of the ARRL's Public Relations Committee, and who helped reinvigorate the League's commitment to Public Relations.  I let all present know the great work that Mike has done in the field of Public Relations for amateur radio, and the fact that he sends me more information that I am able to report!

I recognized those members of the ARRL-SC cabinet that were present in the meeting- Charlie AE4UX, SEC; Dennis KG4JIA, SGL; Marc N4UFP, TC; Dan KF4VIS, PIC; Bob WA2EMF, ASM2; Laurie KV4C, ASM4; Adam AF4QZ, ASM-Youth; Sue N4ENX, OOC, and of course, Mike KG4SLH, Asst. PIC.  Thanks for attending!  Charlie AE4UX, SEC was then asked to say a few words about Emergency Communications in South Carolina.

Finally, I reminded everyone about the upcoming South Carolina QSO party September 18-19, Details are below!

John Covington W4CC, SM NC had a few words thanking all the ARES participation over the last few months, and reminded everyone that the North Carolina ARRL website url is: http://www.ncarrl.org/.

Even Frank W4RH, Director of the ARRL SouthEastern Division had a few words to say!

Our next South Carolina hamfest will be the Rock Hill Hamfest which will be held on October 2nd.  Please mark your calendars!  I hope to see everyone there!

7-21-04 - Today I would like to offer my congratulations to Mike Duff, KG4SLH, Asst. PIC for winning the ARRL Phillip J. McGan Silver Antenna Award for excellence in the Public Relations aspect of Amateur Radio!  This is a national award given annually by the ARRL, and 2004 marks the 13th presentation of that award.  The award is given in memory of Phillip J. McGan WA2MBQ (SK) who served as the first Chairman of the ARRL's Public Relations Committee, and who helped reinvigorate the League's commitment to Public Relations.  Mike has gone well beyond the call of duty, having at least two contributions to the "ARRL in Action" section of QST, Participation in many local events such as Kid's day, Jamboree on the Air (JOTA), and working with others to build library displays in the Florence area.  Mike's accomplishments are too numerous to mention.  I am proud to have Mike on the ARRL-SC team!  Mike, CONGRATULATIONS, and keep up the excellent work!

Jim and Charlie's EXCELLENT ADVENTURE-

Part DEUX!

6-27-04 - This weekend was our second annual road trip around South Carolina visiting Field Day sites!  Charlie AE4UX, SEC and I visited eight sites this weekend, covering 750 miles and spending about 15 hours in the car!  On Saturday we traveled to Anderson (Anderson ARC), Greenville (Blue Ridge ARC), Spartanburg (Spartanburg ARC), Columbia (Columbia and Palmetto ARC's), North Charleston (Trident ARC), and Charleston (Charleston ARS).   After being turned away from a hotel in Charleston, we did find lodging in Georgetown for the night.  On Sunday we traveled to Myrtle Beach (Grand Strand ARC) and finally to Florence at Lake Darpo (Florence ARC).  My sincerest apologies to those sites where we were invited, but could not attend-Laurens, Hilton Head/Bluffton, Foothills, Greer, Bamberg, Orangeburg, North Augusta/Belvedere ARC, as well as other sites across the state.  South Carolina is a large state, and it is impossible to hit all the sites in a 24 hour time frame.  I also received an interesting invitation when I asked for detailed driving directions:

This was from Gary Foster, K8HID/YI -Yep, serving in Iraq!!!-I'm told that he is from a Sheriff's department in the Upstate and is assisting the training of the Iraqi police!  Gary, I truly doubt I will be able to visit your (current) field day site in the future, but I know we all hope that you will be home next year to operate with your home club!!

I must thank EVERYONE for their hospitality in making Charlie and me feel welcome.  Brian, We enjoyed looking at your antennas.  Elsie, thanks for the Oreos (or is it Oreoes?).  Art, great work on that trailer!  Sue, thanks for guiding us to your site by using Hooters as a prominent landmark!  John, you are the slingshot master!  Web, I hope that poison ivy doesn't take!  Mike, great work on that TV camera crew and newspaper article.  Eric, great TV interview!  Matt, fight that cold and get used to the Eastern Time Zone soon!  Roger, good to see you again, and thanks for the introductions! Jack, love the shirt(s)!  I could go on and on..............

While I was visiting the Florence site, I was interviewed by WPDE-TV and was quoted;""One of the things that says on one of the license plates we have," said Jim Boehner with the South Carolina Amateur Radio Relay League. "It says when all else fails, it's amateur radio, because when all the commercial services go, amateur radio will still be there."  Of course, it was the American Radio Relay League, and I was speaking about the license plate FRAME that is put out by the ARRL http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=9062 .  I learned something-it is not easy to be interviewed with a TV camera running!  Hopefully my next interview will be better!
 

Everywhere we went, people were excited about the Field Day event, had very novel equipment configurations, and fantastic antenna ideas!  Media coverage was unprecedented!  Governor/Mayor proclamations, TV spots, Newspaper coverage-we had it all!  I even had a chance to operate-as 1C SC.  It was a bit difficult running FD as a mobile station, but fun nonetheless!  Charlie proved himself as an excellent logger as well as a navigator!

I thought I saw excitement last year, but this year it REALLY was there!  I was very excited to see the interest and fun in amateur radio in everyone's faces this year!  THANKS TO ALL!!  This is REALLY what Amateur Radio is all about!!!

I have to sort through all the pictures that Charlie and I took-but I plan to get them up on the website soon!

6-27-04 I had the honor of presenting the ARRL Merit award to Charlie Hall K4AOT of the Charleston ARS aboard the USS Yorktown during Field Day.  Charlie has retired as Charleston EC.  Here is what Riley Stone K4HYY (EC Dorchester County) composed about Charlie:

Charlie Hall isn’t one to talk much about his accomplishments but there are many on his resume. So many, in fact, that President George W. Bush during a recent visit to Charleston, took time from his busy schedule to recognize Charlie for his services

 Charlie is a retired US Army senior enlisted veteran, who understands the value and need for volunteer emergency participation. He was, for many years an Emergency Medical Services responder. He was one of the first to graduate from the Community Emergency Responders Team (CERT) course.

 Charlie has been deeply involved in Ham Radio and Amateur Radio Emergency Services activities. He spends many hours a month at the Charleston County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) where he checks and maintains the ham radio equipment there and faithfully reports in to various emergency nets. When an emergency event or drill occurs, Charlie can be counted on to man the Ham Radio operation at the EOC. He also is one of the primary operators of the Skywarn net at the National Weather Service, Charleston office. He is quick to offer assistance to another ham operator who has a problem.

 Hall was instrumental in selecting the equipment that the county purchased recently through a Homeland Security grant, and has been involved in its installation.

 Charlie was the Emergency Coordinator for Charleston County for many years. Charlie also maintains a close liaison with the Local Red Cross Chapter Disaster Services unit and was recently recognized in their newsletter.. He is not one to rest on his laurels. He has completed several Amateur Radio Relay League emergency communications courses and is currently enrolled in a Federal Emergency Management Agency course.

 Charlie Hall fully recognizes the need for and value of volunteer emergency radio communications. No matter what the situation, he can be counted to give at least a 110% effort. He is what Ham Radio is all about!

Congratulations to Charlie Hall!  Thank you for your service to Amateur Radio and your community!

6-18-04 - From the ARRL Letter, Vol. 23, No. 25, June 18, 2004:

Broadband over Power Line video available: A video that clearly and concisely explains and depicts the threat of Broadband over Power Line (BPL) to Amateur Radio now is available for downloading free of charge from the ARRL Web site http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2004/06/18/8/BPL-and-HF-web.mpg. The video, BPL and HF: A Primer, runs approximately three and one half minutes (including credits). It's suitable for Amateur Radio club presentations as well as for non-ham audiences, such as the news media, civic clubs, local governments and emergency response agencies. A suitable "companion piece" for the video presentation is the ARRL brochure "Broadband over Power Line: Why Amateur Radio is Concerned about Its Deployment,"
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/plc/bpl deployment.html which makes an ideal informational handout. Members of the North Carolina BPL Action Team--Frank Lynch, W4FAL; Tom Brown, N4TAB; and Gary Pearce, KN4AQ--with assistance from Cyndi Pearce, KD4ACW; Danny Musten, KD4RAA; and SoundTrax Studios in Raleigh, North Carolina, shot and narrated the video. It was produced and edited by Flint.Ridge Productions. The file is approximately 18 MB. A high-speed Internet connection is strongly advised for those wishing to download BPL and HF: A Primer.\

4/28/04-The long awaited NTIA report regarding BPL is now complete!  Here is the full report:  http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/fccfilings/2004/bpl/index.html

3/15/04-I am highly pleased to report that as of this date, the Memorandum of Understanding between the State of South Carolina and the South Carolina Amateur Radio Emergency Service has been signed.  Charlie AE4UX, SEC brought the document to me this evening with the signature of Ron Osborne, the Director of the Emergency Management Division of South Carolina.  I have added my signature, and the document is now in force.  This document represents months of hard work by Charlie, ARRL HQ and the SC Emergency Management Division personnel.  This is a great step forward for the recognition of Amateur Radio as a valuable resource in South Carolina!  My congratulations and gratitude to all involved!

3/1/04-I just received great news from Susan AF4FO, Section Manager of GA.  Apparently AT&T has retired a number of towers, and would like to see these towers occupied by hams.  The general agreement is that hams would maintain the site grounds and building (i.e. cut the grass, etc.).  This is a great opportunity to put up additional repeater/digipeater sites at prime locations.  I remember being asked about finding additional towers for the PALS system by the late Jack KI4CB.  This may be the opportunity he was looking for!  To find available sites, go to www.aaatower.com .  I have sent an e-mail to Susan asking about contact information.  If you do inquire and are successful, please give me feedback at n2zz@arrl.org !

3/1/04-To all Amateur Radio Operators that have been licensed 25 years or more: You are invited to join the Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA) Palmetto Chapter 89!  Contact Jennie Myers WA4NGV Secretary/Treasurer at brycemyers@aol.com or via postal mail at 2630 Dellwood Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405-6814.

2/25/04-From The Roanoke Division Newsletter, Dennis Bodson W4PWF Director:

K4NK WINS THE 2003 ARRL ROANOKE DIVISION SERVICE AWARD

The ARRL Roanoke Division Service Award was created by Vic Clarke, W4KFC in 1968 to honor Roanoke Division amateurs who have devoted their time and effort over many years to the improvement of Amateur Radio and the ARRL. I  am pleased to announce that the 2003 Service Award has been awarded to Rev. Les Shattuck, K4NK from Anderson, South Carolina. Les has been licensed for over 40 years and has served in several elected positions within the Roanoke Division such as Section Manager for South Carolina and now serves as Vice Director.  Les has collected a wealth of equipment from estates and business's that he had donated to radio clubs who were in need.  Many repeaters have spring to life in the state of South Carolina thanks to his efforts.  Many ARES programs got their first antennas donated to them by Les.  In 2003, he supplied the Pickens, SC Red Cross radio room with two meter rigs and secured equipment for the new Pickens High School rdio club. Les is an avid QRPer who loves to build and encourage others to increase their knowledge of Amateur Radio through the many seminars he puts on at radio clubs in the Carolinas and Virginia.  He is the holder of QRP DXCC and has over 300 countries confirmed using QRP power.  Les was awarded the QRP Masters Trophy by the G-QRP Club in England.  He is the past president of QRP ARCI national QRP club, and has traveled to many clubs to speak about QRP operation.  He is very active in emergency communications and has made presentations about this part of Amateur Radio.  Les is a net controller for the South Carolina SSB net and participates in many CW nets.  He enjoys rebuilding and operating vintage equipment.
 
Congratulations Les on your achievements and service to the Amateur Radio Service, the Roanoke Division and the ARRL.

On a personal note-Les has been a great mentor to me, and has offered me much support as the South Carolina Section Manager these past years.  I am proud to serve in the ARRL leadership position that Les once had, and I have strived to achieve the high standard that Les set during his tenure as Section Manager.  Les, congratulations on your achievement!  -Jim N2ZZ, SC Section Manager
 

2/24/04-Amateur Radio operators participate in a number of public service, drills and emergency activities.  I did not realize this before, but the ARRL keeps a database of these events, to indicate to Congress, the FCC and Public Officials the service that Amateur Radio Operators provide to our country.  If you participate in an event, please have your event or drill coordinator fill out an online Public Service Activity Report, FSD-157, on the www.arrl.org website.  Here is the link: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/fsd-157-online-form.php .  As I mentioned previously, we need to become more politically active.  The more documentation the ARRL has regarding the service we provide to our communities and country, the more clout they will have politically.  I know that no one likes to fill out forms, but this one seems quite painless.  Please endeavor to have your event/drill  coordinator fill out this form for each activity or drill that is held.  THANKS!

2/11/04-I was just informed that Congressman Jim DeMint, 4th District SC (R) has just signed on as cosponsor of HR 1478 http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/hr1478/ , The Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Consistency Act of 2003 (Also known as the CC&R Bill)!  Congressman DeMint is running for the Senate Seat that will be vacated next year by Senator Hollings who is retiring.  There will be several candidates in the Republican primary.  He is a friend of Amateur Radio, so please consider him strongly when you cast your vote.  He is also researching the other bill that is of concern to Amateur Radio, HR 713, The Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of 2003. He may sign on as a cosponsor to that bill as well!

From ARRL Bulletin Number 4, ARRL B004, February 12, 2004:

Meanwhile, the cosponsor count on the CC&R bill, HR 1478, rose to 32 this week with the addition of Rep Jim DeMint (R-SC), who was approached by ARRL South Carolina Section Manager Jim Boehner, N2ZZ, to consider cosponsoring both HR 1478 and HR 713. Introduced by Rep Steve Israel (D-NY), the CC&R bill would require private land-use regulators such as homeowners' associations to ''reasonably accommodate'' Amateur Radio antennas consistent with the PRB-1 limited federal preemption.

10-31-04 - I have updated the "HAMFEST ALERT" to include all 2005 SC hamfests and several other ones as well!  Some are confirmed, some are listed where they would normally fall in the calendar year.  Not all are registered with the ARRL as yet.  If you have any corrections, additions or deletions, please e-mail them to me at n2zz@arrl.org . Thanks!

Assistant Section Manager (ASM) Youth - Adam Hoffman - WY4N wy4n@arrl.net

Adam Hoffman was first licensed in 1999 at the age of 16. After quickly upgrading to Amateur Extra, he became fascinated with the art of DX'ing and Adam soon began working on his DXCC award. It was at this time that he also became interested in the art of CW. Wanting to improve on his sending and receiving abilities, Adam turned to the National Traffic System nets, where he gained many hours experience with the traffic protocol. Being active in the SC NTS, he was asked to become the Section Traffic Manager of South Carolina in 2001 by Jim, N2ZZ. In late 2002, Adam became interested in contesting, and to date has participated in over 10 contests, in both SSB and CW, and has been asked by a well known Multi Operator Station to join them for the CQWW SSB Contest in October 2004.

Adam has now been asked to fill the Assistant Section Manager for Youth in South Carolina, thus having to leave his post as the Section Traffic Manager. As the ASM for Youth, he will promote all facets of Amateur Radio to the Youth in the South Carolina section. He will do this by using the internet and hamfests to gather young hams and get them excited about Amateur Radio. He will also write a bi-monthly report on the happenings of youth around the country, in hopes that it will inspire the local youth to get more active.

Adam is a member of the World Wide Young Contesters, Contest Moderator for the Kidshamradio Website, and in 2003, started an all youth Contest/DX Club in South Carolina appropriately named The South Carolina DX Club or SCDC with the club call WE4YL.

Assistant Section Manager (ASM) EMD Area 4 - Jack Jackson - N4JJ n4jj@arrl.net

  Official Observer Coordinator (OOC) - Tom Bailey - WV6Z WV6Z@arrl.net

 Tom was born in the UK and immigrated first to Canada in 1965 and then to the United States in 1967 with his parents and sister where they moved to Farmville, VA and then to Miami Lakes, FL. Tom resides in Anderson with his wife, also an amateur radio operator and his youngest daughter. In addition to amateur radio they enjoy Boston Terriers, traveling and sightseeing especially in the western Carolinas.  His entire career has been devoted to thermoplastic injection molding and he presently works for a firm in Greenville. He also dabbles in electronics and communications, particularly telephone, voice mail systems and LAN service and repair in his spare time.  Tom’s interest in radio stretches back to when he was eight years old when he built his first crystal set in the Cub Scouts. Since then and for the last forty plus years, he has always been an avid SWL and also enjoys all bands, and all modes of which his favorites are PSK31 on twenty meters and chatting locally with friends on two meter simplex.

Assistant Section Manager (ASM) EMD Area 4 - Laurie P. Sansbury, Jr. - KV4C kv4c@arrl.net 

My Name is Laurie P. Sansbury, Jr. and I am a second-generation ham. In fact I was probably 8 or 9 years old before I realized that not everybody’s daddy talked on the radio or tore the back off of the brand new TV set to look inside before he even turned it on. In fact, I learned to read with help from the 1957 Radio Amateur’s License Manual and monthly copies of QST. With this kind of head start I’ll never understand why it took me so long to become a ham myself. It was late in 1990 that I passed the Novice and Technician written tests and the 5WPM code test. It took a lot longer to get the results back then, but I was as proud of myself as I ever have been when I was first licensed as KC4VVC on January 29^th of 1991. I upgraded to Extra class on my birthday in 1999, and after about a years wait received my present vanity call, KV4C.  I have done a little bit of everything in my years as a ham. I enjoy rag-chewing, contesting, HF/VHF/UHF, SSB, CW, PSK31, SSTV, RTTY, APRS, AM/FM, building antennas, collecting QSL’s, raising (and unfortunately dropping) towers, and a host of other things. My main thrust, however, has always been Emergency Communications. I am currently a member of the American Red Cross State Disaster Communications Committee, and the Pee Dee Area Red Cross Disaster Committee. I am the trustee for callsign WX4ARC for the Pee Dee Red Cross. I am a past-president of the Florence Amateur Radio Club, but have been a member of several other clubs during a number of moves over the years.  I believe that the most important thing any of us can do it to introduce someone new to Amateur Radio. We must increase our numbers in order to remain healthy and strong. Also, we must support the ARRL. No organization is entirely perfect, but within this one lies the hope and the capacity for us to continue.

Assistant Section Manager (ASM) EMD Area 1 - WB4DFW - David J. Crockett wb4dfw@arrl.net

             Dave Crockett (WB4DFW) was first licensed in 1966 at the age of 13 in Rock Hill, SC, and earned his Extra Class ticket in 1980. He is an avid experimenter and has published occasional articles on the hobby including "A 75-40-30 Meter Delta Loop", ARRL Antenna Compendium (5th ed.), Oct. 1996 and "An Operational Facelift for the Heath HW-100 (and 101), CQ Magazine, March 1984.  Dave generally alternates between CW on 30 meters and SSB on 18 meters with his vintage Drake twins, but also can occasionally be found on 75 and 40 meters.  With degrees from both the University of South Carolina (Broadcast Journalism) and Clemson University (Human Resource Development), Dave has seemingly always been involved in electronic communications professionally (first broadcasting, then media relations and now computers).  He is Computing and Information Technology Manager for Clemson’s Chemistry Department and also operates a small computer consulting business.  He and XYL, Lib, live in Seneca.

 Section Traffic Manager (STM) - Peter Spence - KG4VDR kg4vdr@arrl.net

Peter, KG4VDR, was first licensed in September 2002, and upgraded to Amateur Extra just under a year later. His main interest in amateur radio is emergency communications and traffic handling. He has completed all three ARRL Emergency Communications Courses and is active in ARES and Skywarn. A Life Member of the ARRL he is certified by the ARRL and WCARS as a VEC. He has Bachelors degree in Management of Information Systems and works for IBM Global Services as a Systems Analyst. Peter and his wife Kacy have been married for 24 years and live in Simpsonville with their three sons.

Public Information Coordinator - Mike Duff - KG4SLH kg4slh@arrl.net 

Mike Duff, KG4SLH, has only been an Amateur Radio Operator since March 2002. He earned his Extra Class License in January 2003. He has been the Public Information Officer for the ARRL in the Pee Dee Area of South Carolina and for the Florence Amateur Radio Club. He is also a member of ARES and RACES. Mike also runs the local ARRL VE Team in the Florence Area. He is married to Cynthia H. Duff, KG4ZLE.

He also builds and maintains the Florence Amateur Radio Clubs website http://www.w4ulh.org. Mike has been very active in Amateur Radio Public Relations since becoming a PIO in January 2003, and has bought Amateur Radio to the Public’s Attention via TV, Radio, Newsprint, Amateur Radio Public Displays, and Speaking Presentations. He looks forward to helping the Public become more aware of Amateur Radio Operators, and to spark interest in more people becoming Amateur Radio Operators.

Official Observer Coordinator (OOC) - Sue Chism - N4ENX n4enx@arrl.net

Sue was first licensed in 1979.  She is an ARRL life member and has held multiple positions within ARRL field services in South Carolina, including: Assistant Emergency Coordinator for Greenville County, QSL Outgoing Card Sorter for the letter "E", and OO under W4NTO, who was OOC for SC.  Sue is presently a Card Checker for WAS, VUCC, etc. (but not DXCC),  Emergency Coordinator for Greenville County, and SC OOC. Sue actively participates in the local Greenville County and Upstate SKYWARN programs. She is also a volunteer examiner for WCARS.