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 this 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!
![]()
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!
![]()
3-30-07 - Note from Steve Ewald WV1X at ARRL HQ:
Please note the following information provided by members of both the ARRL Web Development and Public Information Offices.
Recently there has been a flurry of bogus emails sent to various people which claimed to be from the “arrl.net user support team.” In actuality, they are bogus and an attempt to get recipients to follow their instructions which will download a program making their computer send out the very spam they lie about preventing. If you happen to get one of these, DO NOT follow the instructions! In the meantime, we will do what we can here to track and eliminate the source of these malicious emails.
The ARRL goes to great lengths to protect and prevent problems to the email systems for our members and staff.
While the Internet is still a wild and untamed cyber-world, we will continue our efforts to protect our members.
![]()
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!
The Post and ‘Courier Letter to the Editor, Sunday, January 21, 2007
By ALEX SANDERSThe recent article in The Post and Courier on the revised radio licensing test refers to the Morse Code as a "dead language." If that is true, the Morse Code surely rules us from the grave.
A relatively recent book, The Victorian Internet, describes how the invention of the telegraph and the language of the telegraph, the Morse Code, changed society every bit as profoundly as the internet.
Prior to that time, only the smoke signals sent up by Indians and the signal flags used by ships at sea allowed the separation of communication from transportation. A Pony Express rider was the fastest means possible of carrying a message from point A to point B. Information could not move any faster than the human body. After the invention of the telegraph and the Morse Code, the progression from radio to television to the telephone to cell phones to the internet was a natural evolution. Thus, the telegraph and the Morse Code are directly responsible for how we send and receive information today.
Readers might be interested to know that the telegraph and the Morse Code were the twin brainchildren of a Charlestonian, Samuel F.B. Morse. He came by the title in two ways: He was born in Charlestown, Massachusetts, in 1791, and moved to Charleston, South Carolina, in 1813. Perhaps even more interesting is the fact that Samuel Morse was not a scientist or an engineer, but an artist. His painting are prominently displayed throughout Charleston and South Carolina. Included among them is the invaluable portrait of Samuel Y. Hayne, which hangs in the governor's mansion. He was a U.S. senator, a governor of South Carolina and one of the founders of the College of Charleston. William Peroneau Finley, the first cousin of Samuel Morse, later became the 10th president of the college.
We should not be surprised that an artist is responsible for the invention of the telegraph and the Morse Code. Art fosters genius; art fires imagination; art inspires the insight critical to creativity. Only an artist could have looked within the crude technology of electricity in the 19th century and seen a system of carrying words by means of electrical impulses. Today, ignorant and unfeeling people question the value of the arts. "What's the difference in the arts and rolling a bowling ball or playing a video game or any other leisurely activity?" they ask. In other words, they question the practical value of the arts beyond mere entertainment. As a matter of fact, the arts have indispensable practical value.
The College of Charleston endeavors to expose students to the twin concepts of truth and beauty. That is to say, the college strives mightily to give them an education devoted to understanding the nature of things according to the best knowledge of our time.
In its most fundamental sense, such an education involves, essentially, the study of the natural world, methods of inquiry, including analysis and synthesis, change and development, critical thinking, human nature, and most importantly, human values.
The arts embrace every aspect of that noble endeavor. For proof, we need look no further than the artist and inventor, Samuel Morse, who gave the world not only his art but the means of conveying ideas and information and, ultimately, a way of pursuing both truth and beauty in the modern world.
Alex Sanders is a former president of the College of Charleston, a founder of the Charleston School of Law, and a former appeals court judge and state legislator.
![]()
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.
![]()
From time to time, QST will publish what the judges feel are the 10 best short stories on various subjects related to Amateur Radio. The results of the most recent "10 Best" contest appear in the September 2006 issue. Now it's time for the next one. Tell us, in 150 words or less, about your most memorable eyeball QSO -- the first time you met someone you had gotten to know previously over the air.
Send your true story and high-resolution photo, if you have one, to qst@arrl.org (subject line: "10 Best") or mail it to QST 10 Best Stories, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111. Entries must be received by December 1, 2006. The 10 winners will have their stories published in an upcoming issue. In addition, each will receive a copy of the 2007 ARRL Handbook or another ARRL publication with a retail price of $45 or less. One entry per person, and the decisions of the judges are final.
![]()
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 - Here are pictures from the DHEC Flu Pandemic Inoculation Simulation Exercise held on 28 Oct 2006, as well as several other events by Berkeley County ARES Operations:
![]()
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
![]()
NEWINGTON, CT (November 15, 2006) -- Just a little over a month after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the Report and Order (R&O), the so-called "omnibus" Amateur Radio proceeding, WT Docket 04-140 (FCC 06-149) to the public, appeared today in the Federal Register. It will take effect on Friday, December 15 at 12:01 EST, 30 days after its publication.
![]()
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:
Dear Jim:
As no other valid nominating petition was received in this office today, September 8, 2006, nominating any other candidate for the office of South Carolina section, you are hereby re-elected as Section Manager of the section. Your new term begins January 1, 2007. Congratulations!
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 2nd, 3rd and 4th 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:
All I can say is WOW!
![]()
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:
Here is Susan's e-mail to Georgia Section Members:
Greetings, All,
I know that sometimes it seems like there's a constant barrage of
requests from various agencies, forever seeking additional support and
deeper commitment from the ham community to be there for them when "all
else fails". This is actually good news. It means that the value of
amateur radio as a means of providing emergency communications, and the
value of the trained amateur radio operator himself is no longer such a
deep dark secret.
It's easy to sit back and point fingers at what we may perceive as
flawed communications in the aftermath of a disaster. But here is an
opportunity for you to be a high-level part of the solution in the next
disaster.
FEMA is looking for our help.
WILL PERKINS, FEMA's Region IV IT Special Projects and
RRCC Readiness Initiative Lead, wrote:
FEMA needs a few good hams. Actually, FEMA needs more than a few. The
agency is in the process of building out their HF communications
capabilities and needs people with radio and messaging experience to
support us in helping those who need us in disaster areas (like the
Gulf Coast/Katrina).
While there may be requests for volunteers to help out with disaster
communications this year, FEMA prefers to hire people with the needed
skills under the Robert T Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act. Those hired work part time, and only when there is a
need for their skills. The hours are long and the living conditions
can be far from ideal. After all, this is disaster relief emergency
communications. When the other systems are down, HF and mobile VHF
repeaters are what gets the information through. For some people it is
an interesting part time job. Applicants will be required to pass a
federal background check and if hired, may be deployed anywhere in the
country. Though not requirements, strong preference will be made for
those who have already passed the ICS-100, 200, 700 and 800 courses
offered on-line by FEMA and EMI (the Emergency Management Institute) as
well as the EMCOMM courses offered by the ARRL.
Since it takes a minimum of 6 weeks to process an application, and I
don't know how many slots we have available to hire people into, it may
be necessary for us to work with volunteers from MARS/ARES/RACES during
the first hurricane (when it hits.)
++++
So, folks, the need here is actually two-fold: The First would be as a
PART-TIME PAID EMPLOYEE of FEMA, where your experience as an amateur
radio operator, and particularly your training through ARES, RACES,
and/or MARS, can make you a real asset to the communications needs of
FEMA operations. Note that this is a government operation using
government licenses, frequencies and equipment and procedures. Ham
calls will not be used and (for the most part) ham frequencies will not
be available.
If you would be interested in applying for a part-time position with
FEMA, you can contact Will at Will.perkins@dhs.gov He says that there
is an (extensive) application (SF-85P), but all he's looking for at
this time is a cover letter detailing interest, availability, ham HF
experience (including but not limited to MARS, ARES, RACES) and a
resume. Those that have completed the ICS or EMCOMM trainings should
include that in the cover letter.
And the second need is for VOLUNTEERS to help FEMA should a disaster
occur in the interim. The projected need for FEMA would be to have
volunteers at the State EOC to staff the HF messaging center 24/7 in
rotating shifts. Since it is unclear whether or not the fine team that
has already been put together by our DHS/GEMA DEC LOWRY ROUSE, KM4Z,
would be able to fulfill these needs for FEMA, or if it would be
preferable to try to recruit another new team for this express purpose,
that's all I say about the volunteers at this time.
So, anyone interested in a new challenging job? Long hours, and
less-than-ideal conditions, Will says. And an opportunity to make a
real difference. FEMA needs your help. Think about it.
Thanks. Until next time, this is AF4FO, signing clear. Take care of
yourselves. And each other. 73, Susan
![]()
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!
Joel Harrison W5ZN, ARRL President, (!) will address attendees at the Lunch on Friday and leave shortly afterward to attend to ARRL business in another state.
For further information, check out their website: http://www.svhfs.org/conf_2006.htm For a full Itinerary of the Conference activities, Please click HERE! Please take advantage of this great educational opportunity! I hope to see you there!
![]()
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!
February 3, 2007-Charleston Hamfest and Computer Show and the ARRL 2007 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 10 & 11, 2007-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 . Talk-in 145.29-.
April 14, 2007-Anderson
ARC Hamfest. Check out
http://www.andersonradioclub.us or contact
brookele@brookelect.com for
more information! The hamfest flyer is available
HERE. Talk-in 146.79- May
5, 2007-Upstate
Hamfest to be
held in Spartanburg, SC. ARRL 2007 SC Section
Convention! For further information, go to
http://upstatehamfest.org
or contact
May 18-20, 2007-The DAYTON HAMVENTION! Visit www.hamvention.org for details!
September 1st & 2nd, 2007-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.
August 11, 2007-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. 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
October 6, 2007-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 Bob wa2emf@arrl.net . To view their Hamfest flyer, click HERE. For the official Rock Hill Hamfest website, go to: www.rockhillhamfest.com.
October 13, 2007-Augusta, GA Hamfest, 9am-3pm at Evans Middle School, 4318 Washington Road, Talk-in 145.490- To view their hamfest flyer, click HERE.
October 27, 2007-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 10, 2007-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
![]()
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. &n