ARRL-SC

Section News Archives

2006

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Click HERE for November 2006
Click HERE for December 2006

January 2006

Greetings to all Amateur Radio Operators.  This is Dr. Jim, N2ZZ with the January 2006 South Carolina Section Manager’s Report!  Please remember that the SC Section website can be found at: www.arrl-sc.org/ where my full SM report will be listed as well as up-to-the-date information on Amateur Radio in South Carolina!

            Happy New Year to All!  I hope the holiday festivities were enjoyable to all!  The New Year 2006 is upon us, and time to renew our enjoyment in Amateur Radio!

            I am happy to report that our Section now has a new Section Traffic Manager.  Mac Heaton N4MEH, STM spoke with Peter KG4VDR prior to his move to Alabama, and has stepped up to become our new STM!  I would like to thank Peter again for all his hard work in managing the National Traffic System in South Carolina, and would like to welcome Mac to the ARRL-SC team!  Mac has put together traffic reports for December, and a new project is on the horizon.  John WA4GPS from Charleston had suggested that I add a “SC Nets” section to the ARRL-SC webpage.  I asked Mac to compile that information for me.  When complete, I will add all net information provided to our www.arrl-sc.org website!  On the topic of nets, I would like to welcome Jim WB4DLD as the new Net Manager of the South Carolina Sideband Net.  Jim takes over the position from Johnnie WA4UGD, who has held the Net Manager position from 2002 to present.  I would like to thank Johnnie for his years of service and dedication to the net, and thank Jim for his future service to the net.  I spoke with Jim as to the ARRL’s position regarding the statewide nets, and assured him that we are here to support and encourage net activity!  I was told that Ms. Emmie KA4LRM is working on the SC SSB net roster.  To be certain that you are included and receive a copy, be sure to check into the SC SSB net on 3915 kHz at 1900 local time.

            I received a note from Jack W4EFZ, who is the Conference Chairman for the Southeastern VHF Society (SVHFS).  The society is holding their 10th Annual Conference this year on April 28 and 29 in Greenville, SC.  This is the first year the conference has been held in SC.  In spite of the VHF in their name, the group covers many topics of interest on frequencies from 50 MHz through 141 GHz.  This is a technical conference in which all interested amateurs are invited to submit papers and make presentations at the Conference.  All the presentations will be bound and printed by the ARRL and each attendee will receive a copy.  In addition, test equipment will be available to test both homebrew and commercial preamps, transverters, and local oscillators.  An antenna range will be set up on Friday from 8:00 AM until 12:00 to measure antenna gain, from 50 MHz thru 24 GHz.  Jack is happy to announce that Joe Taylor, K1JT, will attend this year’s conference to make a presentation and be their Saturday night Banquet Speaker.  Joe won the 1993 Nobel Prize in Physics, and is the author of the WSJT suite of software for weak signal and EME work!  The conference will be held at The Embassy Suites Hotel, 670 Verdae Road, Greenville, SC.  Please check out the Southeastern VHF Society Web Site www.svhfs.org for all the details and the latest news!

            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!

            Our next hamfest will be held in Ladson on February 4^th.  Doors open at 8:30 am and talk-in will be on the WA4USN linked repeater system: 146.79- Charleston, 145.250- Summerville, and 147.045+ St. George. For a look at the Charleston Amateur Radio Society hamfest flyer, go to www.arrl-sc.org and click on Hamfest Alert!  There has been a request that the Aiken Emergency Services Trailer be brought to the hamfest.  There is a possibility; however, the cost of transport and the availability of county employees that are certified to tow the trailer make this trip difficult.  If the trailer can be brought to the Charleston Hamfest, further information will be provided!

            I would like to congratulate Bob Gagliardi N4XML of Myrtle Beach for winning the Grand Strand Amateur Radio Club's "Ham of the Year Award", which was announced Saturday Night, January 14 at the Club's annual dinner in Myrtle Beach SC.  Bob Gagliardi, N4XML of Myrtle Beach, took top honors as this year’s club member who exemplifies the spirit of Amateur Radio, as voted by the club membership.  Gagliardi currently serves as Vice-President of the Grand Strand Amateur Radio Club as well as recently winning 1st Place in The ARRL South Carolina QSO Party, a statewide Amateur Radio contest of establishing the most Radio Contacts (QSO's) within a set period of time.

            Well, that’s it for now!  Be sure to check out the Section www.arrl-sc.org and the National www.arrl.org websites for information on ARRL activities!

December 2005 National Traffic System Report for South Carolina by Mac Heaton N4MEH, STM:

NET REPORTS:
Net Name/Check Ins/Traffic Sessions/Reported By
Anderson Radio Club 2M Net/867/30/31/N4MEH
BRARS 2 Meter Net/1880/45/31/K4SUG
Carolina's Net/314/149/62/K4IWW
Carolina Slow Net/112/24/30/W4EAT
Columbia ARC 2 Meter Net/188/10/8/K4RKC
Grand Strand ARC 2M Net/223/17/13/N4XML
Greater Pee Dee 2 Meter Net/1108/36/31/K4DTT
Greenwood ARC 2 Meter Net/97/7/5/W4DEW
Greenwood Friendly Net/489/33/31/W4JAK
Lancaster County 2 Meter Net/91/12/12/N4WMB
PALS Net/995/74/32/KG4KOE
SC SSB Net/1437/78/31/WA4UGD
York Co. ARS 2 Meter Net/726/20/50/K4CON
 
STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:
Station/Sent/Received/Delivered/Originated/Total
KA4LRM/7/9/3/0/19
KA4UIV/40/69/8/0/117
WA4UGD/0/36/1/0/37
N4MEH/6/42/3/1/52
 
PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:
Station/Cat. 1/Cat. 2/Cat. 3/Cat. 4/Cat. 5/Cat. 6/Total
KA4LRM/40/19/20/0/0/0/79
KA4UIV/40/40/10/0/0/0/90
N4MEH/40/40/20/0/0/0/100

Have a great month!

 ’73 de Dr. Jim N2ZZ
ARRL Section Manager
South Carolina Section
www.arrl-sc.org

February 2006

Greetings to all Amateur Radio Operators.  This is Dr. Jim, N2ZZ with the February 2006 South Carolina Section Manager’s Report!  Please remember that the SC Section website can be found at: www.arrl-sc.org/ where my full SM report will be listed as well as up-to-the-date information on Amateur Radio in South Carolina!

            The ARRL has a new president!  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.  Speaking with Les K4NK, our Vice Director, Joel has already made some decisive changes.  At the ARRL Board, there are numerous committees that are headed by ARRL Directors.  Typically, Vice Directors are not given the chairmanship position on any of the committees.  I’m proud to announce that Joel has appointed Les K4NK to the chairmanship of the Historic Committee of the ARRL!  Congratulations, Les!

I would like to offer my thanks to the Charleston Hamfest Committee for organizing a great hamfest on February 4th!  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!  Thanks also to Adam WY4N, ASM-Youth; Marc N4UFP, TC and Bob WA2EMF, ASM2 of the ARRL-SC team for attending and assisting at the ARRL booth!

The hospital linked repeater system project is proceeding.  The Charleston Amateur Radio Society and the Trident Amateur Radio Club have joined forces in developing a linked repeater system in Charleston.  In my hometown of Aiken, we are working on a similar project.  The CARES network links repeaters from the Southern Coast of North Carolina down to Loris hospital in South Carolina.  There is an initiative in the Upstate moving forward as well.  My hope is that monies will continue to be made available for this project through state and federal grants, and eventually develop a linked hospital repeater system throughout the entire state.  To my knowledge, this has not been done on a state-wide basis in any other state.  There will be many hurdles to cross, but I ask that all involved keep a global look at “the big picture”.  The use of the repeaters will, of course, not be limited to hospital use, but will support the hospitals in times of emergency.

I am sorry to report that the Union Hamfest that was to be held on April 1^st is cancelled.  Roger Gregory W4RWG had this to say:  “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”.

The Charlotte hamfest will be held at the Charlotte Merchandise Mart in Charlotte, NC on March 11^th and 12^th.  This hamfest is generally well attended by dealers, manufacturers and patrons, and is well worth attending!   The Roanoke Division ARRL Service Award, which will be presented at the Charlotte Hamfest, 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.  I am proud and humbled to report that this award will be presented to two hams this year: John Covington W4CC, North Carolina Section Manager and to Me!  John will be leaving the Section Manager post as of April 1^st, and I am proud to receive the award alongside John, who has provided excellent leadership to the North Carolina Section!  Please make plans to come to the ARRL Forum, where the presentations will take place!

            The South Carolina Single Sideband Net is in the process of putting together their 2006 net roster.  If you would like to be included in the roster, or if you have corrections in your address, phone number, e-mail address, etc., please contact Tom WA4VYS wa4vys@arrl.net with your information.  I am currently updating ARRL appointee information to be included in the roster.  Please send all information to Tom before the end of February.  Please also take time to check in to the net, which is held at 7 pm local time on 3915 kHz.

            The quarterly meeting for the South Carolina Chapter 89 of the Quarter Century Wireless Association will be February 25 at 11:00am at the Fire Mountain restaurant in the Harbison area of Columbia. After a short business meeting, the group will break for lunch.  A program will be presented after lunch.  The meeting typically adjourns about 1:00pm.  Everyone is welcome.  Those who have been licensed for 25 years or more are eligible for membership.

            There have been a few changes in the ARRL-SC team.  I would like to thank Laurie KV4C and Dave WB4DFW for their contributions as Assistant Section Managers in Areas 4 and 1, respectively.  They have indicated to me that their time has become very limited, and they have resigned their positions.  This will result in the need for ASMs in Areas 1, 4 and 5.  To find the Area in which you reside, go to the www.arrl-sc.org website and click on: SC Emergency Management Division Areas .  If you have an interest in serving as an ASM, please notify me!  I spoke with Mike KG4SLH, PIC as well.  He has very limited time at this point in his career due to his occupation and other activities.  Mike will be assisting with the PIO duties in the Florence area, but this will create an opening of the position of Public Information Coordinator (PIC) for our Section. I would like to thank Mike for his fantastic work in the public information position, which earned him the prestigious Philip J. McGan Silver Antenna Award in 2004 for excellence in bringing Amateur Radio to the forefront in local or national media.  For those interested in applying for the PIC position, please read the information regarding that position on the www.arrl.org website as well as the section website www.arrl-sc.org , and then contact me at n2zz@arrl.org .  Thanks!

            DXers have had a treat this week.  3Y0X, Peter One is on the air, and going strong!  Please get on the air and work this DXPedition. It is unknown when this DXCC country will be on the air again!  For information on the DXPedition, go to: http://www.peterone.com .  As of yesterday, they have over 60,000 QSO’s in the log, and their logs are on-line!

            Contesters and DX’ers, warm up your rigs!  The ARRL CW DX contest is on this weekend!  Full details are in QST and on the www.arrl.org website!

            That’s it for now!  Enjoy the shortest month of the year!  See you next month!

January 2006 National Traffic System Report for South Carolina

NET REPORTS:
Net Name/Check Ins/Traffic Sessions/Reported By
Anderson Radio Club 2M Net/897/38/31/N4MEH
BRARS 2 Meter Net/1970/49/31/K4SUG
Carolina's Net/340/138/62/K4IWW
Carolina Slow Net/153/38/31/W4EAT
Columbia ARC 2 Meter Net/188/9/9/K4RKC
Grand Strand ARC 2M Net/346/22/14/N4XML
Greater Pee Dee 2 Meter Net/992/47/31/K4DTT
Greenwood ARC 2 Meter Net/84/5/4/W4DEW
Greenwood Friendly Net/433/35/31/W4JAK
Lancaster County 2 Meter Net/101/17/12/N4WMB
PALS Net/852/114/31/KG4KOE
SC SSB Net/1841/85/31/WB4DLD

STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:
Station/Sent/Received/Delivered/Originated/Total
KA4LRM/8/14/4/0/26
KA4UIV/7/7/2/0/16
K3LM/1/2/1/0/4
WB4DLD/0/33/4/0/37
N4MEH/1/44/4/3/52
 
PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:
Station/Cat. 1/Cat. 2/Cat. 3/Cat. 4/Cat. 5/Cat. 6/Total
KA4LRM/40/26/20/0/0/0/86
KA4UIV/16/16/0/0/0/0/32
N4MEH/40/40/20/0/0/0/100

Have a great month!

’73 de Dr. Jim N2ZZ
ARRL Section Manager
South Carolina Section
www.arrl-sc.org

March 2006

Greetings to all Amateur Radio Operators.  This is Dr. Jim, N2ZZ with the March 2006 South Carolina Section Manager’s Report!  Please remember that the SC Section website can be found at: www.arrl-sc.org/ where my full SM report will be listed as well as up-to-the-date information on Amateur Radio in South Carolina!

            Amateur Radio was favorably mentioned in a report to the White House this past month.  On 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.  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."

            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 was held Thursday, March 9, 11 AM, at First Methodist Church, Cheraw, South Carolina. 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

            Within our section, I received information on two silent keys as well.  Eric Hughes, W4CHQ, of Cross Hill, SC had been battling cancer for the last 3 or 4 years and passed away at the Hospice House in Greenwood, Saturday, March 3rd. Eric was a member of the Laurens Amateur Radio Society, and held leadership positions in that organization. Sam Messina KD4NYQ, a former member of YCARS who has lived in Lake George, NY for the last five years, has also become a silent key.  He succumbed to cancer at age 80.  I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to the families and friends of our silent keys.

            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.

            Allen Pitts W1AGP, Media and PR Manager, ARRL HQ has unveiled his “Hello” campaign to promote Amateur Radio!  This program looks like a true winner!  Materials include bumper stickers, buttons, brochures, logos, as well as audio and video Public Service Announcements (PSA’s).  This program is geared towards non-hams, and information can be found at WWW.ARRL.ORG/PIO .  Take some time to listen to the audio PSA’s and to look at the video PSA’s as well.  They are definitely geared to the general public, and are excellent!

            The ARRL-SC team continues to undergo change.  I would like to welcome our newest Assistant Section Manager of Area 4, Jack Jackson N4JJ of Florence.  Jack takes over the Area 4 ASM position from Laurie Sansbury KV4C who resigned last month to pursue his educational endeavors.  Please take time to look on the Section Leadership page of the www.arrl-sc.org website for information about Jack.  Jack, good to have you as part of the team!

            The Charlotte Hamfest was this past weekend, on March 11^th and 12^th.  I’m happy to say that the attendance appeared to be high!  The hamfest was packed with dealers, flea market vendors, and radio manufacturers.  Kenwood, Yaesu, Alinco, and Ten Tec were there, but there was a very noticeable absence of ICOM.  The ARRL forum was held by Dennis Bodson W4PWF, Director of the Roanoke Division.  During the forum, I was pleased to receive the 2005 Roanoke Division ARRL Service award along with John Covington W4CC, who is the current Section Manager of North Carolina.  John has served three terms as Section Manager and is stepping down as of April 1^st at which time Tim Slay N4IB will assume the North Carolina Section Manager Duties.  I had a chance to meet Tim at the hamfest, and wished him well in his new post!

            I had mentioned last month that the hospital linked repeater system project was proceeding.  It made a large step forward this month.  Charlie AE4UX, SEC reports the following: “Most of the South Carolina hospitals are eligible for Health Resources Services Association (HRSA) grant money.  Recently, HRSA audits were performed at those hospitals.  Part of the audits included questions to the hospitals about the use of amateur radio as backup communications.  Hospitals are being encouraged to establish amateur radio backup communications systems.  That encouragement includes the grant money for refunding of purchase cost of amateur radio repeater systems.  Just a few days ago, Paul Richter of the SC Hospital association sent an e-mail to all the SC hospitals telling them that we will be getting in touch with them to help them determine which equipment they should purchase.  The new equipment can be replacement for aging equipment or totally new repeaters and the associated linking equipment.”  Charlie is now working on coordination of this project on a state-wide level.  This is a great opportunity in our state for Amateur Radio!

            That’s it for this month!  See you next month!  Enjoy our great avocation, AMATEUR RADIO!

February 2006 NTS Report for South Carolina, reported by Mac Heaton N4MEH, STM:

NET REPORTS:
Net Name/Check Ins/Traffic Sessions/Reported By
Anderson Radio Club 2M Net/840/28/28/N4MEH
BRARS 2 Meter Net/1694/38/28/K4SUG
Carolina's Net/305/163/56/K4IWW
Carolina Slow Net/118/37/28/W4EAT
Columbia ARC 2 Meter Net/166/8/8/K4RKC
Grand Strand ARC 2M Net/256/18/12/N4XML
Greater Pee Dee 2 Meter Net/896/35/29/K4DTT
Greenwood ARC 2 Meter Net/81/3/4/W4DEW
Greenwood Friendly Net/356/28/28/W4JAK
Lancaster County 2 Meter Net/86/21/11/N4WMB
SC PALS Net/847/64/28/KG4KOE
SC SSB Net/1459/83/28/WB4DLD
York County ARS 2Meter Net/818/39/44/K4CON

STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:
Station/Sent/Received/Delivered/Originated/Total
KA4LRM/6/9/2/0/17
KA4UIV/15/10/2/0/27
K3LM/2/4/3/0/9
WB4DLD/3/8/2/3/16
N4MEH/5/57/6/0/48
 
PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:
Station/Cat. 1/Cat. 2/Cat. 3/Cat. 4/Cat. 5/Cat. 6/Total
KA4LRM/40/17/20/0/0/0/77
KA4UIV/15/27/0/0/0/0/42
N4MEH/40/40/20/0/0/0/100
 
Have a great month!

’73 de Dr. Jim N2ZZ
ARRL Section Manager
South Carolina Section
www.arrl-sc.org

April 2006

Greetings to all Amateur Radio Operators.  This is Dr. Jim, N2ZZ with the April 2006 South Carolina Section Manager’s Report!  Please remember that the SC Section website can be found at: www.arrl-sc.org/ where my full SM report will be listed as well as up-to-the-date information on Amateur Radio in South Carolina!

            I would like to congratulate the South Carolina Sideband Net on their 48^th anniversary!  The anniversary net was held on April 7^th on the SC SSB net frequency of 3915 kHz at 1900 local time.  Regrettably, I was on a cruise that week, so I was unable to participate.  The ship had internet access but the control bridge and radio room was off limits to all passengers.  I asked once for permission to use the radio room, but from the looks I received, I decided I would better not ask twice!  From the internet, I sent requests to ARRL HQ for participation in the net.  Congratulations were sent by Joel Harrison W5ZN, ARRL President. 

I am happy to report that Miss Emmie, KA4LRM has completed the 2006 SC SSB Net Rosters.  If you have not received one, please contact Miss Emmie at her Callbook address.  It is a very useful net operating aid to have handy at your station!

This month on April 28^th and 29^th, the Southeastern VHF Society (SVHFS) will be holding their annual meeting in Greenville at the Embassy Suites, 670 Verdae Road.  This is the first year the conference has been held in South Carolina!  In spite of the VHF in the name, the group covers many topics of interest on frequencies from 50 MHz through 141 GHz.  This is a technical conference in which all interested amateurs are invited to submit papers and make presentations at the Conference.  All the presentations will be bound and printed by the ARRL and each attendee will receive a copy.  In addition, test equipment will be available to test both homebrew and commercial preamps, transverters, and local oscillators.  An antenna range will be set up on Friday from 8:00 AM until 12:00 to measure antenna gain, from 50 MHz thru 24 GHz.  Bring your home-brew or commercial antennas!  They are happy to announce that Joe Taylor, K1JT, will attend this year’s conference to make a presentation and be their Saturday night Banquet Speaker.  Joe is the author of the WSJT suite of software for weak signal and EME work. (Joe won the 1993 Nobel Prize in Physics!)  Even though the moon will not be in a favorable position they plan to have a station on 144/432 running JT65 to demo the mode to those that haven't tried it.  Another special guest, Joel Harrison W5ZN, ARRL President will attend and address the attendees at lunch on Friday.  He will be leaving shortly afterwards to tend to ARRL business in another state.  Another treat is that there will be discussion on the AMSAT Eagle Software Defined Transponder.  Most of the future amateur satellites will likely orbit with a Software Defined Transponder.  For further information and registration information, please go to the SVHFS website: www.svhfs.org .

The Upstate Hamfest will be Held in Spartanburg on May 6^th.  The event is sponsored by the Blue Ridge Amateur Radio Society, and inside exhibits with an outside flea market will be featured.  Location is the same as the last several years, on 575 Fairgrounds Road.  VE testing by WCARS will be available.  Talk-in will be on 146.610- MHz, with a backup frequency of 146.82- MHz.  Further information is available on the www.upstatehamfest.org website.  Please make plans to attend!

I received a note from Bill Lemmon KA4TWK about a two day Technician class that is planned to be held in Columbia, and is similar to a course that was held in North Augusta.  Dates, times, costs and location are pending.  For those who are wishing to register for the class, please send Bill an e-mail (Subject: 2 Day Tech Class) with your name, address, contact phone number and e-mail address:  ka4twk@yahoo.com. 

North Carolina has a new Section Manager, Tim Slay, N4IB.  Tim took over for John Covington W4CC on April 1^st.  Please join me in welcoming Tim to his new position when you see him at hamfests!

            That’s it for this month!  See you next month!  Enjoy our great avocation, AMATEUR RADIO!

MARCH 2006 NTS REPORT FOR SOUTH CAROLINA

NET REPORTS:
Net Name/Check Ins/Traffic Sessions/Reported By
Anderson Radio Club 2M Net/850/28/31/N4MEH
BRARS 2 Meter Net/2000/46/31/K4SUG
Carolina's Net/350/149/62/K4IWW
Carolina Slow Net/197/38/31/W4EAT
Columbia ARC 2 Meter Net/183/9/9/K4RKC
Grand Strand ARC 2M Net/328/22/15/N4XML
Greater Pee Dee 2 Meter Net/1045/35/31/K4DTT
Greenwood ARC 2 Meter Net/105/7/5/W4DEW
Greenwood Friendly Net/415/31/31/W4JAK
Lancaster County 2 Meter Net/103/19/12/N4WMB
SC Single Sideband Net/1983/75/31/WB4DLD
York County ARS 2 Meter FM Net/1065/45/53/K4CON
York County ARS 2 Meter SSB Net/36/-/-/K4CON
 
STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:
Station/Sent/Received/Delivered/Originated/Total
KA4LRM/9/13/2/0/24
KA4UIV/18/27/7/0/52
K3LM/5/5/1/1/12
WB4DLD/3/32/3/3/41
N4MEH/5/48/4/1/58
 
PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:
Station/Cat 1/Cat 2/Cat 3/Cat 4/Cat 5/Cat 6/Total
KA4LRM/40/24/20/0/0/0/84
KA4UIV/8/40/0/0/0/0/48
N4MEH/40/40/20/0/0/0/100

Have a great month!

’73 de Dr. Jim N2ZZ
ARRL Section Manager
South Carolina Section
www.arrl-sc.org

May 2006

Greetings to all Amateur Radio Operators.  This is Dr. Jim, N2ZZ with the May 2006 South Carolina Section Manager’s Report!  Please remember that the SC Section website can be found at: www.arrl-sc.org/ where my full SM report will be listed as well as up-to-the-date information on Amateur Radio in South Carolina!

            I’m happy to report that the HF antennas on the roof of the South Carolina State EOC were successfully replaced on April 18th.  Marc Tarplee, N4UFP, TC led the antenna replacement team of  Tony Sealy N4ADM, TS; Ron Twining W4RET, EC; and Charlie Miller AE4UX, SEC.  Early in the afternoon they were joined by Phil Shreves,
N7GZT.  After much difficulty, they were able to complete the installation of the new NVIS antennas.  Testing showed that the antennas performed well and allowed the team to make contact with stations in the Southeastern US on both 80 and 40 meters.  All attempts to make contact with stations heard were successful.  Stations in North Carolina, Florida, and South Carolina were contacted on both 80 and 40 meters.  Signal reports of 57, 58, and 59 were received.  Thanks to all involved in the project!

            From Jack W4EFZ: The 10th Annual Southeastern VHF Society was held this past weekend (April 27,28, 29) in Greenville, SC at The Embassy Suites Hotel.  There were 114 registered attendees from 18 states in attendance.  This 3 day event was jam-packed with activities for the 50 MHz thru 47 GHz enthusiast!  ARRL President Joel Harrison, N5ZN, opened the conference at noon Friday by welcoming the attendees and speaking for a few minutes about the League's latest efforts concerning BPL.  Earlier Friday, attendees went out to the antenna range set up in the hotel parking lot to measure the performance of their commercial or homebrew antennas.  The range was set up to measure antennas from 50 MHz thru 2304 MHz.  Many participants were able to optimize the performance of that HB antenna!  At the same time inside the hotel, measurements were made on HB or commercial pre-amps and RX converters.  This year we were able to measure noise figures on pre-amps up thru 24 GHz with the latest Agilent Technologies test instruments. In addition, over 14 hams were on hand to make presentations on a variety of subjects from Microwave Rain Scatter to the latest 903 MHz transverter design.  AMSAT was present in force and demonstrated the new Eagle SDX (Software Defined Transponder) which will likely be the basis for most future satellites carrying amateur radio.  Flex-Radio was present to update attendees on their wildly successful SDR-1000 Software Defined Radio.  Homebrew transverters for 10 GHz, 24 GHz, and 47 GHz were displayed and demonstrated!  On Saturday night our annual banquet was held.  This year’s speaker was Joe Taylor, K1JT.  Joe is the author of the phenomenal software WSJT which has revolutionized weak signal work for EME and meteor scatter.  Joe was the winner of a Nobel Prize in 1993 for his proof of the existence of Double Pulsars.  It was a great honor to have this gentleman in SC and at our conference!  There were a large number of SC hams at this year’s event.  Ben Bailey, W4SC, of Lexington was announced as the winner of the 2006 MiniCircuits RF Design Award!  He took home a $1000.00 cash prize for his efforts.  Bruce Randall, WD4JQV, of Rock Hill took 2nd place and a $250.00 cash prize!  The SC hams did very well in the Door Prize department as well with one SC ham taking home an RF Space SDR-14 Software Defined Receiver worth $1199.00!  If you missed this year’s event the date has been set for next year, 2007!  Look for us in Atlanta, GA, the last weekend in April.  Please check our website www.svhfs.org for the very latest news.  The site has already been updated with the latest VHF/UHF/Microwave news for the Southeast.  Some pictures of this year’s conference can be seen at these links:

http://campus.pari.edu/svhfs/2006/

http://www.w4dex.com/gallery/SVHFS-Southeastern-VHF-Society-Conference-2006

            The Upstate Hamfest was held on May 6^th at the Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds of Spartanburg, SC, sponsored by the Blue Ridge Amateur Radio Society.  The weather was excellent, with a number of inside vendors as well as many outside tailgaters.  The ARRL forum was held in a round table fashion by Les K4NK, Vice Director Roanoke Division and myself.  Many topics were covered, but primarily the discussion centered on the proposed hospital linking system for South Carolina.  Many ideas and concerns were voiced.  All agreed that a strong groundwork for the system was necessary, and the ARRL-SC team is now working towards that goal.  I wish to congratulate Johnnie WA4UGD for winning the South Carolina Sidebander of the Year Award, presented by Jim WB4DLD, Net Manager!  It had been a while since the last SC hamfest, and I was happy to see everyone in attendance!

            This weekend will host the Dayton Hamvention, in Dayton, Ohio!  The hamfest will be held on May 19^th, 20^th and 21^st, and details are available at www.hamvention.org.  The ARRL will be holding an EXPO again this year, which was very successful last year.  I am planning to attend again this year, and I hope to see a number of South Carolinians at the Hamvention!

            That’s it for this month!  See you next month!

APRIL 2006 NTS REPORT FOR SOUTH CAROLINA by Mac Heaton N4MEH, STM

NET REPORTS:
Net Name/Check Ins/Traffic/Sessions/Reported By
Anderson Radio Club 2M Net/872/29/30/N4MEH
BRARS 2 Meter Net/2068/65/30/K4SUG
Carolina's Net/320/123/60/K4IWW
Carolina Slow Net/184/36/30/W4EAT
Grand Strand ARC 2M Net/270/25/16/N4XML
Greater Pee Dee 2 Meter Net/898/32/30/K4DTT
Greenwood ARC 2 Meter Net/83/4/4/W4DEW
Greenwood Friendly Net/484/30/30/W4JAK
Lancaster County 2 Meter Net/101/14/11/N4WMB
Oconee County 2 Meter Net/235/16/12/KE40GG
PALS Net/775/122/31/KG4KOE
SC Single Sideband Net/1701/91/30/WB4DLD

STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:
Station/Sent/Received/Delivered/Originated/Total
KA4LRM/4/18/4/0/26
KA4UIV/32/39/10/0/81
N4MEH/7/37/2/0/46
WA4BUO/2/1/1/0/4
WB4DLD/3/30/1/3/37

PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:
Station/Cat 1/Cat 2/Cat 3/Cat 4/Cat 5/Cat 6/Total
KA4LRM/40/26/20/0/0/0/86
KA4UIV/20/40/0/0/0/0/60
N4MEH/40/40/20/0/0/0/100

 
Have a great month!

’73 de Dr. Jim N2ZZ
ARRL Section Manager
South Carolina Section
www.arrl-sc.org

June 2006

Greetings to all Amateur Radio Operators.  This is Dr. Jim, N2ZZ with the June 2006 South Carolina Section Manager’s Report!  Please remember that the SC Section website can be found at: www.arrl-sc.org/ where my full SM report will be listed as well as up-to-the-date information on Amateur Radio in South Carolina!

            June is now upon us, and that means it’s time for Field Day!  The ARRL Field Day is always the last full weekend in June, and this year, it will be held on June 24^th and 25^th!  Charlie AE4UX, SEC and I will be traveling to visit Field Day sites again this year.  A number of clubs have already sent me information, but I do ask that all organizers of Field Day activities send me detailed driving instructions to get to your Field Day site!  Please send all information to n2zz@arrl.org as soon as possible.  Charlie will be making out our travel plans, so I do want to get information to him quickly!  I spoke with Bob K4NJN, ASM6 who may help us out with visits again this year.  Field Day is a great event, one that gives Amateur Radio a chance to shine!  Please make every effort to participate!  Download your Field Day Packet here:  http://www.arrl.org/contests/forms/06-fd-packet.pdf .

            I have received a plea from a number of people regarding VE testing information.  I have a spot on the www.arrl-sc.org website for Amateur Radio Classes/VE testing, but it is woefully out of date.  I realize that VE teams may change their information with the ARRL in Newington, but that information is not relayed to me from Headquarters.  I ask that all that head VE teams in South Carolina to check the section website and see if your information is current.  If not, please send the updated information to me in a short e-mail form so that I can cut and paste the information from your e-mail to the webpage.  This will save time and ensure accuracy.

            Saturday, June 17^th is Kids Day!  This is a great opportunity to bring Amateur Radio into the lives of young people.  The event will be held from 1800 to 2400 UTC.  Suggested exchange is First name, age, location, and favorite color.  Call “CQ Kids Day” to elicit contacts.  Suggested frequencies are 14.270 to 14.300 MHz, 21.380 to 21.400 MHz and 28.350 to 28.400 MHz, plus local VHF repeaters with the sponsor's permission.  Further information can be found here: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/kd-rules.html

            June 20 is “Take your Handheld to Work Day” All licensed hams are encouraged to bring their handheld to work to increase interest in Amateur Radio!  This may encourage co-workers to ask “What’s that?” and open up a dialog about Amateur Radio.  This would be a perfect opportunity to invite those that are interested to Field Day activities later in the month!  Although not part of the event, those who are able to set up portable HF stations at work are encouraged to do so also!  Further information is available on the ARRL website:  http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2006/06/14/4/?nc=1

            Peter Spence (ex-KG4VDR), our former STM, is doing well in his new location in Birmingham, Alabama.  He wishes to let everyone know that he has a new callsign, AI4PN.  I have introduced Peter to the Alabama Section Manager, and I’m sure Peter will be active in the ARRL Field Service in his new location!

            Public Service Event: 2006 MS 150 Bike Tour Savannah River Ride:  The MS 150 Bike Tour “Savannah River Ride” is a two-day scenic cycling event that travels along the Savannah River, Savannah Scenic Highway and the Sumter National Forest. The Savannah River Ride Bike Tour raises money and awareness for the National MS Society. Funds raised promote local programs and national research and programs to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, serves over 6,588 people in western North Carolina and the entire state of South Carolina. The event will be held August 19-20, 2006.  The ride will start and have an overnight at the Savannah Lakes Resort & Marina, McCormick, SC and end at the Hickory Knob State Park, McCormick, SC.  This event is supported by amateur radio operators who provide the communications for the event. There are rest stops every 8 to 10 miles on the event and a ham radio operator is stationed at each rest stop. The MS Society has 2 situation teams and 2 directors on the route for the event. A ham radio operator is placed with each one of these staff members or they ride with the ham radio operator in the radio equipped vehicle. We also have SAG vehicles that are ham radio operators. These vehicles (usually pick up trucks or vans) drive between the rest stops to check on the cyclists and if they break down on the road, transport them to the next rest stop. For further information, and/or to volunteer to participate in the event, contact Mary Hunt, N4MH mshunt@adelphia.net and Thalia Wilhide, KF4UMR ThaliaW@aol.com.

            I’m happy to report that we have a new club that has been formed in our section, The Newberry Amateur Radio Club.  They currently stand at 15 active members, and will meet on June 21^st to plan Field Day.  Their meetings are held at the Newberry (City) Fire Department on Wilson Road across from Tractor Supply and WalMart.  Thanks to Bill KA4TWK and Jack W4EFZ for this information!

            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.          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.

            I received the following from Susan AF4FO, SM GA: The Region IV office for FEMA is here in Georgia, and they've been in contact with me (Susan, GA SM) regarding amateur radio operators and FEMA. It seems that they have finally recognized the prudence of tapping into the skills offered by amateur radio operators as post-disaster communicators. However, the director is unfamiliar, and a bit uncomfortable,  with the notion of working with "volunteers", so he is interested in actually hiring hams as part-time workers. Fear not.... they would be hired for their operating skills and competence in handling traffic, but they would NOT be using their callsigns or the amateur frequencies; they would be using government equipment and frequencies. Region IV covers TN, KY, NC, SC, FL, AL, MS. and GA. (If you're interested, the webpage is http://www.fema.gov/about/regions/regioniv/index/shtm ) Though their primary aim is to hire hams, they are also looking for hams to volunteer in the interim it'll take to train the folks they hire, mostly to man the state EOC... to take the HF messages for FEMA... in the event of a disaster. Some of you may already have plans in effect in your states, wherein a team of ARES members already covers the SOC.  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.  A full copy of Susan’s e-mail will be on the home page of the www.arrl-sc.org website.

            Whew, well that is it for this month!  I hope to see everyone at the Field Day sites, and see you again next month!

MAY 2006 NTS REPORT FOR SOUTH CAROLINA by Mac Heaton N4MEH, STM:

NET REPORTS:
Net Name/Check Ins/Traffic/Sessions/Reported By
Anderson Radio Club 2M Net/984/34/31/N4MEH
BRARS 2 Meter Net/1040/48/31/K4SUG
Carolina's Net/363/172/62/W2EAG
Carolina Slow Net/171/31/31/W4EAT
Columbia ARC 2M Net/165/9/9/K4RKC
Grand Strand ARC 2M Net/239/30/17/N4XML
Greater Pee Dee 2M Net/811/36/31/K4DTT
Greenwood ARC 2M Net/90/6/4/W4DEW
Greenwood Friendly Net/388/31/31/W4JAK
Lancaster County 2M Net/113/17/13/N4WMB
Laurent County 2M Net/107/2/4/WA4AOS
Oconee County 2M Net/251/19/13/KE40GG
PALS Net/863/87/32/KG4KOE
SC Single Sideband Net/1599/74/31/WB4DLD
York County ARS 2M Net/884/44/53/K4CON

STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:
Station/Sent/Received/Delivered/Originated/Total
KA4LRM/8/14/5/1/28
KA4UIV/18/15/7/0/40
N4MEH/4/36/2/0/42
WA4BUO/4/1/1/1/7
WB4DLD/2/30/1/2/35

PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:
Station/Cat 1/Cat 2/Cat 3/Cat 4/Cat 5/Cat 6/Total
KA4LRM/40/28/20/0/0/0/88
KA4UIV/20/40/0/0/0/0/60
N4MEH/40/40/20/0/0/0/100

Have a great month!

’73 de Dr. Jim N2ZZ
ARRL Section Manager
South Carolina Section
www.arrl-sc.org

JULY 2006

Greetings to all Amateur Radio Operators.  This is Dr. Jim, N2ZZ with the July 2006 South Carolina Section Manager’s Report!  Please remember that the SC Section website can be found at: www.arrl-sc.org/ where my full SM report will be listed as well as up-to-the-date information on Amateur Radio in South Carolina!

            I would like to thank all the Field Day groups for participation in the event this year, and the hospitality extended to the ARRL-SC team.  This year, Bob K4NJN, ASM6 and Paul KB4GYT traveled to visit the upstate groups while Charlie AE4UX, SEC and I traveled through the midlands and along the coast.  Our total mileage tally was 1110 miles, with Bob covering 540 miles and me covering 570 miles.  Bob and Paul visited Pickens, Laurens, Greenville ARES, BRARS, and Newberry.  Charlie and I visited Salkehatchie-Edisto, Columbia-Palmetto, Florence, Grand Strand, Berkeley EOC, Trident ARC, and Charleston ARS.  As every year, we missed a few, and really hope to pick them up next year.  For all those clubs that responded to me regarding a visit, a Certificate of Merit for participation in Field Day 2006 was awarded. Thanks to all for your participation in Field Day!  I have received numerous articles on Field Day from a number of newspapers throughout the state.  Great publicity for Amateur Radio!

            This month is a great opportunity for DXers!  The newest DXCC entity, Montenegro, will be celebrating their International DX festival from July 20^th through August 13^th, using the callsign 4O3NT.  This DX special event was conceived as a way to introduce the new Republic of Montenegro to the worldwide DX community.  For detailed information and suggested frequencies, visit the ARRL website: http://www.arrl.org/?artid=6599 .

            I have received information from several sources regarding upcoming hamfests that would be of interest to our Section.  In North Carolina, The Western Carolina Hamfest (West of Asheville) will be held at the Haywood County Fairgrounds on July 29^th.  Information is available on their website: www.wcars.org/hamfest/ .  The Shelby Hamfest will be held on September 2^nd and 3^rd at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds in Shelby, NC.  Information is available on their website: www.shelbyhamfest.org .  In South Carolina, the Rock Hill hamfest will be held on October 7^th at the American Legion Post 34 and the York County Fairgrounds.  Their website is here: www.rockhillhamfest.com .  Please mark your calendars for those events!  Please check out the www.arrl-sc.org website under “Hamfest Alert” for a current listing of Hamfests in our State!

            We have a new information source on ARES activity in our state.  During my trip to Florence during Field Day, Lloyd KO4L (ex-KD4HTW) showed me a website he developed for ARES in South Carolina.  He fashioned the website after the www.arrl-sc.org website.  After arranging website hosting, the new resource is now on-line, but still under construction.  The URL is www.ares-sc.org. Thanks to Lloyd for creating the website, and being the webmaster for updates!!

            Tom, K2PJ brought to my attention some great press on Amateur Radio from the July issue of Mobile Radio Technology.  In their article entitled “Lessons form Hurricane Katrina”, a bold reference is made within the article stating “Amateur Radio is another resource that is available in most areas and doesn’t depend on the normal communications infrastructure.  Agencies should consider contacting their local ham club.”  Great PR, and thanks for the article, Tom!

            I received a note from Mac K4AVR, TS regarding the annual PALS picnic that will be held on Saturday, September 24^th at Santee State Park.  A picnic shelter has already been reserved near the office and boat loading ramp.  There is no charge for the picnic, but state parks do charge a nominal entrance fee. Please mark your calendars! The PALS website for updates can be found here: http://www.palsnet.com/

            September is National Preparedness month, and once again, the ARRL is a National Coalition Member of National Preparedness Month (NPM).  You’ll be able to see the list of all coalition member organizations on the following Web page http://www.ready.gov/america/npm/members.htm.  Expect to hear more about National Preparedness Month from various sources.  Please make it a point to participate in Amateur Radio Public Awareness Day on September 16^th!

            The ARRL Board of Directors will convene Friday and Saturday, July 21-22, in Windsor, Connecticut, for its second meeting of 2006. ARRL
President Joel Harrison, W5ZN -- who was elected at the January Board meeting – will preside.  Current agenda items include studying ways the ARRL can interact with Congress regarding Amateur Radio related legislation.  During the Friday session, the Board will concentrate on routine business matters including receiving reports from officers and committees as part of its ''consent agenda.'' In addition, the Board will discuss proposals for amendments to the League's Articles of Association and Bylaws and consider a 2007 ARRL National Convention proposal and the recommendations of standing committees. Board members also will review and act upon recommendations to designate the recipients of various ARRL awards.  On Saturday, the Board will focus on a review and revision of the ARRL Strategic Plan and the selection of strategies for 2007. It also will consider any additional business that might come before it (From ARRL Bulletin ARLB014).  If you have any issues that you feel need to be addressed by the board, contact Dennis Bodson w4pwf@arrl.org , Roanoke Division Director.  Please be sure to copy Les Shattuck k4nk@arrl.org , Roanoke Division Vice Director on any correspondence.  Please also copy me n2zz@arrl.org !

            Well, that is it for July!  See you next month!

JUNE 2006 NTS REPORT FOR SOUTH CAROLINA, By Mac Heaton N4MEH, STM:

NET REPORTS:

Net Name/Check Ins/Traffic/Sessions/Reported By

Anderson Radio Club 2M Net/899/34/30/N4MEH

BRARS 2 Meter Net/1931/51/30/K4SUG

Carolina's Net/288/142/69/W2EAG

Carolina Slow Net/156/32/30/W4EAT

Grand Strand ARC 2M Net/216/24/15/N4XML

Greater Pee Dee 2M Net/869/36/31/K4DTT

Greenwood ARC 2M Net/118/8/5/W4DEW

Greenwood Friendly Net/443/21/30/W4JAK

Lancaster County 2M Net/115/12/13/N4WMB

Oconee County 2M Net/281/16/13/KE40GG

PALS Net/899/64/31/KG4KOE

SC Single Sideband Net/1448/82/30/WB4DLD

STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:

Station/Sent/Received/Delivered/Originated/Total

KA4LRM/2/2/2/0/6

KA4UIV/22/21/2/0/45

N4MEH/7/46/9/2/64

WA4BUO/3/0/0/0/3

WB4DLD/2/38/9/2/51

PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:

Station/Cat 1/Cat 2/Cat 3/Cat 4/Cat 5/Cat 6/Total

KA4LRM/40/6/20/20/0/0/86

KA4UIV/15/40/0/0/0/0/55

N4MEH/40/40/20/0/0/0/100

 
Have a great month!

’73 de Dr. Jim N2ZZ
ARRL Section Manager
South Carolina Section
www.arrl-sc.org

August 2006

Greetings to all Amateur Radio Operators.  This is Dr. Jim, N2ZZ with the August 2006 South Carolina Section Manager’s Report!  Please remember that the SC Section website can be found at: www.arrl-sc.org/ where my full SM report will be listed as well as up-to-the-date information on Amateur Radio in South Carolina!

            As part of Hurricane Expo, 26 August 2006, Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester ARES® will operate a Special Event Station, using generator power and temporary antennas, with the Call Sign: W4H.  The station will operate on 80-10M bands from 13:00Z to 21:00Z. Stations contacted will receive a commemorative QSL card. New Home Charleston and WCBD News 2 have partnered to present the Hurricane Expo which will be held at the Gaillar Auditorium, in downtown Charleston, SC, as part of the Custom Home & Remodel Show. The all-day expo is to inform Charleston area citizens on how they can protect themselves before, during and after a hurricane. The expo will feature a hurricane simulator and a demonstration area which will include a live demonstration of Amateur Radio. In addition, WCBD News 2 Chief Meteorologist Rob Fowler will broadcast his weather live from the Expo.  Additional exhibits from the Berkeley County Emergency Preparedness Department and Sheriff Office are planned. Dorchester County is planning to bring their 35' Communications trailer. Over 45 local, state and federal agencies and organizations are expected to participate. The Expo will be a great opportunity for the public to experience Amateur Radio and it's capabilities in times of disaster.  Additional information on the Expo will be posted at: Berkeley County ARES Website http://home.comcast.net/~dzabawa/BerkARES.htm and Hurricane Expo Website www.newhomecharleston.com.  Thanks to Dennis KG4RUL, PIO for this information!

            DX’ers had a rare treat this past month with two new DXCC entities, the Republic of Montenegro and Swain’s Island.  The first DXpeditions to these new DXCC entities have already taken place to allow many hams to add the new countries to their DXCC totals.  I hope everyone had the chance to work these new DXCC countries!

            From ARRL Special Bulletin ARLX004: “Retired space shuttle astronaut and DXer Chuck Brady, N4BQW, of Oak Harbor, Washington, died July 23 following a lengthy illness. He was 54. During his years as an active astronaut in the 1990s, Brady was among the pioneers of SAREX (Shuttle Amateur Radio EXperiment). An ARRL member, he was active on ham radio during the 16-day STS-78 shuttle mission in 1996, then the longest ever. ARRL Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) liaison Rosalie White, K1STO, says Brady saw into the future of ham radio in space”.  Chuck was a physician, and held the rank of Captain in the US Navy.  He was the flight surgeon for the Blue Angels Navy flight demonstration squadron from 1989 until 1990.  I feel fortunate to have worked Chuck when he showed up unexpectedly on Bouvet Island as 3Y0C in January 2001.  I also had the privilege to meet Chuck as featured speaker at the Dayton Hamvention DX Dinner later that year.

            I am currently looking for a Public Information Coordinator to join the ARRL-SC team!  Our previous PIC was Mike Duff KG4SLH, who won the prestigious McGan Silver Antenna Award for excellence in Public Relations and presenting Amateur Radio in a positive light to the media and the public at large.  These are big shoes to fill, but I know there are many in our section up to the challenge.  For those interested, please check out the arrl.org website: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/org/pic.html and additional information on the www.arrl-sc.org website under “Appointee Information”.  Please then indicate your interest by e-mailing me n2zz@arrl.org with a short narrative and resume, and I will contact you for further information.

JULY 2006 NTS REPORT FOR SOUTH CAROLINA by Mac Heaton N4MEH, STM

NET REPORTS:

Net Name/Check Ins/Traffic/Sessions/Reported By
Anderson Radio Club 2M Net/872/33/31/N4MEH
BRARS 2 Meter Net/2015/42/31/K4SUG
Carolina's Net/269/192/62/K4IWW
Carolina Slow Net/169/33/31/W4EAT
Columbia ARC 2M Net/155/9/9/K4RKC
Grand Strand ARC 2M Net/212/23/13/N4XML
Greater Pee Dee 2M Net/854/34/31/K4DTT
Greenwood ARC 2M Net/108/6/4/W4DEW
Greenwood Friendly Net/526/30/30/W4JAK
Lancaster County 2M Net/127/17/13/N4WMB
Laurens County 2M Net/120/6/5/KF4BVK
Oconee County 2M Net/241/16/13/KE40GG
SC Single Sideband Net/1401/59/31/WB4DLD


STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:

Station/Sent/Received/Delivered/Originated/Total
KA4LRM/3/12/5/0/20
KA4UIV/4/10/1/0/15
N4MEH/7/45/4/2/58
WB4DLD/2/29/0/2/33


PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:

Station/Cat 1/Cat 2/Cat 3/Cat 4/Cat 5/Cat 6/Total
KA4LRM/40/20/20/0/0/0/80
N4MEH/40/40/20/0/0/0/100   

Well, that is it for August!  See you next month!

 
Have a great month!

’73 de Dr. Jim N2ZZ
ARRL Section Manager
South Carolina Section
www.arrl-sc.org

September 2006

Greetings to all Amateur Radio Operators.  This is Dr. Jim, N2ZZ with the September 2006 South Carolina Section Manager’s Report!  Please remember that the SC Section website can be found at: www.arrl-sc.org/ where my full SM report will be listed as well as up-to-the-date information on Amateur Radio in South Carolina!

            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!

            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?

            I spoke with Brian KR4SP, ACC regarding developing a speaker’s bureau for our section.  One of the great opportunities of club meetings is to have a speaker discussing a topic related to amateur radio.  As I found from my Field Day travels, our state is large, and it is difficult for someone in one area of the state to speak at a club meeting, and then have to drive 2-3 hours back home to go to work the next morning.  I ask that if you have an interest, please contact Brian kr4sp@arrl.net , become a member of the speaker’s bureau, and volunteer to be a speaker at club meetings in your area!

            I was contacted by Thalia KF4UMR regarding the MS 150 bike tour.  Here is her message:

I know that this is very late notice for a request for hams for the MS 150 that is coming up this weekend.  However, here I go.  Many of you have already agreed to work this event for us.  Some of you are thinking about it, and others of you haven't agreed only because you haven't heard about it yet.  That is where I come in...

            The MS 150 is one of the largest fund raisers in the South-East.  This event raises an exuberant amount of money to go to the services and research of the National MS Society.  There will be 800 or so bicycle riders just on the South Carolina side of the ride.

            There is a wealth of information at the website that shows the maps for the ride.  The address for this is http://ms150maps.com.  Please go to this site and pay attention to the "South Carolina" or "Columbia" maps and directions.  There is also a document called "Sagger-Do's".  This will only reinforce what we already know about performing this job, but it is nice to have a friendly reminder.

            There are several different positions available on the route.  Phip Lackey and I will be handling the net control at the Darlington Raceway.  There are ten rest stops, two route directors, and as many SAG's as we can find.  Many of you have given me an idea of what you would like to do on Saturday.  If everyone (including those who have already voiced their desires) will please respond to this e-mail and tell me where you want to be and what you would like to be doing, I will do my best to accomodate your request.  I will also need t-shirt sizes for everyone so that I can work towards getting volunteer shirts.
Anyone with a truck would be a huge asset out on the route doing SAG (Support and Gear) Duty.  I know that gas prices are horrible right now, but remember, you can claim the mileage on your taxes at the end of the year.  IF you want a written receipt, I will be glad to provide you with one.

            Also, if anyone knows of someone who didn't make my list (which is highly probable as I have changed computers twice in the past year so I lost a lot of data), please forward this to them so that they may take part in this great event.

            As we have done in many years past, we will go out to dinner on Saturday night (Dutch treat) at Outback in Florence (just a little further down the road).  We may be in luck with the crowds as the MS Society is planning a decent dinner for everyone at the finish line.  We are welcome to participate in that as well, but as a matter of tradition, we will still go out to eat.

            If anyone has any questions, comments, suggestions or ideas, please feel free to send them to me and I will see what we can do.  Most of you know how much it means to me personally for all of us to be involved with this event.  To me, although there are others, events such as this is what HAM radio is there for.  I appreciate all of you!

            Thanks again for everything!  73s

 Thalia Wilhide

KF4UMR

(803) 413-0260

AUGUST 2006 NTS REPORT FOR SOUTH CAROLINA – Mac Heaton N4MEH, STM

NET REPORTS:

Net Name/Check Ins/Traffic/Sessions/Reported By
Anderson Radio Club 2M Net/874/31/31/N4MEH
BRARS 2 Meter Net/2035/34/31/K4SUG
Carolina's Net/283/165/61/K4IWW
Carolina Slow Net/172/34/31/W4EAT
Columbia ARC 2M Net/185/9/9/K4RKC
Grand Strand ARC 2M Net/236/24/15/N4XML
Greater Pee Dee 2M Net/869/39/31/K4DTT
Greenwood ARC 2M Net/117/7/5/W4DEW
Greenwood Friendly Net/515/48/28/W4JAK
Lancaster County 2M Net/142/23/13/N4WMB
Laurens County 2M Net/98/3/4/KF4BVK
PALS Net/843/79/31/KG4KOE (AUG2006)
PALS Net/799/103/31/KG4KOE (JUL2006)
SC Single Sideband Net/1396/70/31/WB4DLD
York County ARS 2M Net/813/95/53/LI4NBA

STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:
Station/Sent/Received/Delivered/Originated/Total
KA4LRM/4/14/1/0/19
KA4UIV/22/20/0/0/44
N4MEH/5/49/6/2/62
WA4BUO/3/1/1/0/5
WB4DLD/4/27/1/2/34

PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:
Station/Cat 1/Cat 2/Cat 3/Cat 4/Cat 5/Cat 6/Total
KA4LRM/40/19/20/0/0/0/79
N4MEH/40/40/20/0/0/0/100

Well, that is it for September!  See you next month!

Have a great month!

’73 de Dr. Jim N2ZZ
ARRL Section Manager
South Carolina Section
www.arrl-sc.org

October 2006

Greetings to all Amateur Radio Operators.  This is Dr. Jim, N2ZZ with the October 2006 South Carolina Section Manager’s Report!  Please remember that the SC Section website can be found at: www.arrl-sc.org/ where my full SM report will be listed as well as up-to-the-date information on Amateur Radio in South Carolina!

            Clearly, the biggest news since my last report is the release of the FCC’s Omnibus Report and Order to amend Part 97 of the Commission’s Rules Governing the Amateur Radio Service.  ARRL President Joel Harrison W5ZN wrote a letter to the Commission on October 3^rd, urging them to release their Report and Order.  Joel reminded the FCC that the oldest of the petitions that made up the proceeding was over 5 years old, making the Report and Order long overdue!  The FCC adopted the document on October 4^th, and released the Omnibus Report and Order on October 10^th, a week after Joel’s letter was dated.  In it, the FCC adopted nearly all of the proposed changes in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking released back in 2004.  The FCC report and order can be found here: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-06-149A1.doc .  The full ARRL News Story can be found here: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2006/10/11/100/?nc=1

            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.  This date is not known as of yet.  The ARRL is requesting member input regarding the proceeding, particularly how the changes will affect current operating activities on 80, 40 and 15 meters.  Comments can be submitted by e-mail to: bandplan@www.arrl.org .  Revised band charts and FAQ’s can be found here: http://www.arrl.org/announce/regulatory/wt04-140/faq.html . 

            Currently, the ARRL is working on a plan to move 80 meter CW nets down to the CW only portion of the band, as well as finding spots for QRP calling, PSK and other digital modes.  This is a work-in-progress and comments are welcome at the e-mail address above.

The ARRL On-Line Auction is almost here!  From the ARRL website: The ARRL On-Line Auction preview now is open! Although bidding does not begin until Monday, October 23, at 10 AM EDT (1400 UTC), prospective bidders now may browse through some of the auction inventory. Through the generosity of many donors, we have assembled a diverse list of items. You'll find HF and VHF transceivers, ARRL Lab-tested and reviewed equipment, exotic vacations, antennas, Amateur Radio jewelry, robot kits, rare books, vintage gear and more! Be sure to check in frequently as we plan to add more items as the auction gets under way. Proceeds from the first ARRL On-Line Auction will benefit a wide range of ARRL education programs. These encompass activities designed to license newcomers, strengthen Amateur Radio's emergency service training, offer continuing technical and operating education through distance learning courses and create varied instructional and educational materials. Register to bid now or anytime during the auction, which concludes Friday, November 3. Whether or not you are registered at the ARRL Web site, you must create a new user profile to register for the ARRL On-Line Auction. It's a snap. Simply click on "New Users Register Here" on the auction home page to create your profile. Software for the ARRL On-Line Auction is provided courtesy of auctionanything.com.

I had the pleasure to attend the Rock Hill Hamfest on October 7^th sponsored by YCARS! After a history of different locations, the Hamfest celebrated its 3^rd year at the American Legion Post #34 in Rock Hill.

 Bob Bacharach WA2EMF, ASM2 related to me that the paid attendance was 406, an increase of 16% over last year!  The indoor vendor spaces were sold out and the outdoor flea market was packed!   At a time when hamfest attendance is declining, it is great to see such great hamfest support!  Les K4NK, Roanoke Division Vice Director and I presented the ARRL forum during the hamfest.  VE testing yielded 8 new licenses and 3 upgrades in addition to several CSCE’s. Weather was chilly, but attendance did not suffer! Bob announced the date of the next Rock Hill Hamfest on Saturday, October 6^th, 2007!

The Sumter Open-Air Hamfest will be held on October 28^th at the Sumter Jaycee Hut on 314 Pine Street.  Talk-in will be on 147.015+, 156.7Hz Tone.  I hope to see everyone there!

Bill Lemmon KA4TWK is now compiling a current, accurate list of repeaters in South Carolina.  He found that a number of repeaters listed by current sources may have gone off the air, have incorrect tones, or have other changes that have been made over time.  He requests that you send data from your area to him at ka4twk@yahoo.com .  Please include all pertinent data, including frequency, call, tones (input and/or output) location, trustee, etc.  I have sent him information for the Aiken area.  Bill also publishes (via e-mail) an excellent newsletter for the Midlands.  If you are interested, just ask him to put you on his mailing list!

Well, that is it for October!  See you next month!

SEPTEMBER 2006 NTS REPORT FOR SOUTH CAROLINA BY MAC HEATON, N4MEH

NET REPORTS:
Net Name/Check Ins/Traffic/Sessions/Reported By
Anderson Radio Club 2M Net/874/27/30/N4MEH
BRARS 2 Meter Net/1942/30/30/K4SUG
Carolina's Net/319/152/60/K4IWW
Carolina Slow Net/156/29/30/W4EAT
Columbia ARC 2M Net/210/10/8/K4RKC
Grand Strand ARC 2M Net/178/21/13/N4XML
Greater Pee Dee 2M Net/832/40/30/K4DTT
Greenwood ARC 2M Net/91/5/4/W4DEW
Greenwood Friendly Net/526/32/30/W4JAK
Lancaster County 2M Net/124/27/12/N4WMB
Oconee 2M Net/244/12/13/KE4OGG (AUG2006)
Oconee 2M Net/250/8/12/KE4OGG (SEP2006)
PALS Net/917/67/30/KG4KOE
SC Single Sideband Net/1552/64/30/WB4DLD

STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:
Station/Sent/Received/Delivered/Originated/Total
KA4LRM/5/3/2/0/10
KA4UIV/12/18/3/0/33
N4MEH/3/42/1/2/48
WB4DLD/2/29/1/2/34

PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:
Station/Cat 1/Cat 2/Cat 3/Cat 4/Cat 5/Cat 6/Total
KA4LRM/40/10/20/0/0/0/70
N4MEH/40/40/20/0/0/0/100

Have a great month!

 ’73 de Dr. Jim N2ZZ
ARRL Section Manager
South Carolina Section
www.arrl-sc.org

November 2006

Greetings to all Amateur Radio Operators.  This is Dr. Jim, N2ZZ with the November 2006 South Carolina Section Manager’s Report!  Please remember that the SC Section website can be found at: www.arrl-sc.org/ where my full SM report will be listed as well as up-to-the-date information on Amateur Radio in South Carolina!

            Last month we discussed the release of the FCC’s Omnibus Report and Order to amend Part 97 of the Commission’s Rules Governing the Amateur Radio Service.   The Report and Order was published in the Federal Register on November 15^th, and will go into effect in 30 days, on December 15, 2006. The FCC report and order can be found here: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-06-149A1.doc .  Revised band charts and FAQ’s can be found here: http://www.arrl.org/announce/regulatory/wt04-140/faq.html .  I encourage everyone to look through the document, as sweeping changes will be made in Part 97.  Currently, the ARRL is working on a plan to move 80 meter CW nets down to the CW-only portion of the band, as well as finding spots for QRP calling, PSK and other digital modes.  This is a work-in-progress and comments are welcome at: bandplan@www.arrl.org .

            There were two hamfests in South Carolina since my last report.  The Sumter “Open Air” hamfest was held on October 28^th.  I had the pleasure of attending the hamfest, enjoying the good weather and great company.  There were a number of tailgaters, as well as a few inside vendors.  As always, the food (and cookies) was great!  I had the chance to speak with a number of attendees, and was pleased to see Marc N4UFP, TC and Bob WA2EMF, ASM2 who took the trip from York to enjoy the hamfest!  Beachfest 2006, the ARRL SC State Convention, was held in Conway on November 11^th.  I had a commitment that weekend and was unable to attend, but Les K4NK, Vice Director Roanoke was able to attend in my place.  Les related to me that it was a wonderful hamfest on a day with excellent weather.  The VE session netted a number of new licensees, along with several upgrades.  There were a number of indoor vendors, with a large tailgate area.  I certainly hope to attend next year!

            Ken N2IXX, ASM3 and President of the Columbia ARC has announced the winners of the 2006 SC QSO party!  Winners were: SC Mobile-N4XML, SC Fixed-NS4T, SC QRP-KG4IGC, Out of State Fixed-K4AMC, and Out of State QRP-N4JF.  Congratulations to the winners, all participants, and the Columbia ARC for their annual sponsorship of the SC QSO party!

            Bob, WA2EMF, ASM2 brought to my attention equipment that was removed from the York County ARS Clubhouse: 1) ICOM IC-781 HF Transceiver:  Early model, serial number 01003. Well-worn faceplate, knobs and controls, but operative.  2) 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

            The Florence (South Carolina) Amateur Radio Club, W4ULH, was recently approached by the Prop Masters of Smiley Face Productions while filming the Movie, The Strangers, in their area.  Amateur Radio is used in one scene of the suspenseful thriller when the star (Liv Tyler) finds an old Amateur station in a barn on the property and attempts to use it to contact the outside world. K4NOC graciously supplied the boat-anchor radio equipment needed to give the station an authentic look and club members lent a hand in telling them how it worked. Several members of the club were invited out to the movie set during the live shooting of the film to see the results of their efforts.  Look for The Strangers next Fall at a movie near you!   There’s NO business like SHOW business!

            The SC Hearts group, the steering committee to establish linking of hospitals in SC, has been moving forward!  John Crockett, KC4YI hosted a meeting at SCETV in Columbia on October 24^th.  Twenty hams were present, with an additional two joining via conference call.  Marc N4UFP, TC summarized the meeting: During the morning session of the meeting, we discussed the types of communications hospitals would expect from amateurs, and in general, what the communications network would look like. The issue of standards for digital communications was also discussed, and the group has tentatively agreed to adopt D-Star as its standard for amateur digital communications in the VHF/UHF bands. It was agreed that SCETV would manage the statewide linking phase of the SCHEARTS project, since they have the necessary resources. During the afternoon session, the use of SCETV microwave facilities for linking repeater networks was discussed. The result was a three phase implementation plan for a state-wide, linked amateur communications network. Phase 1 is installation of local repeater networks such as HEARTS in the Charleston area, or the wide area repeater planned for Greenville, SC. Phase 2 is the linking of local repeater networks through the SCETV microwave network. Phase 3 is the development of a D-Star network that would back-up the SCETV microwave network. Also during the afternoon session, a committee was formed to review grants submitted by hospitals for technical merit, and the group decided to develop a PowerPoint presentation to help the hospitals understand what SCHEARTS is as well as develop a website for SCHEARTS.  My personal thanks to all involved in this project!  On my home front, the amateur radio station at Aiken Regional Medical Centers is complete.  We are on the air with HF communications using a Kenwood TS-480HX to an 80 meter loop, 2 meter/ 440 MHz communications using a Kenwood TM-D700 and on 220 MHz with an Alinco DR-235T.  A PRO-2096 APCO-25 trunking scanner and a weather alert radio rounds out the station.  Our 2 meter 145.350 MHz repeater with 440 MHz link capabilities is on the air, and will soon be up with Echolink and perhaps IRLP in the near future.  Our project lead is James Tarpley KN4UE, TS.

            The election is over for the Vice Director of the Roanoke Division, and Pat Hensley N4ROS has won that seat for the next three years, beginning January 1, 2007.  Les K4NK, our present Vice Director, has been Vice Director throughout my entire tenure as Section Manager, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all the guidance and help he has offered to me in the past several years.  Les was the best Section Manager that South Carolina has ever had, in my humble opinion.  He did an outstanding job as Vice Director, and had earned the respect of the ARRL Officers and of the entire ARRL Board of Directors.  Don’t think that Les is going to drop out of sight!  More on that later!

That’s it for November!  See you next month!

OCTOBER 2006 NTS REPORT FOR SOUTH CAROLINA by Mac Heaton, N4MEH

NET REPORTS: 

Net Name/Check Ins/Traffic/Sessions/Reported By

Anderson Radio Club 2M Net/845/46/31/N4MEH
BRARS 2 Meter Net/1828/33/31/K4SUG
Carolina's Net/361/152/62/W2EAG
Carolina Slow Net/186/36/31/W4EAT
Grand Strand ARC 2M Net/223/25/16/N4XML
Greater Pee Dee 2M Net/778/44/31/K4DTT
Greenwood ARC 2M Net/78/5/4/W4DEW
Greenwood Friendly Net/459/70/31/W4JAK
Lancaster County 2M Net/130/17/11/N4WMB
Oconee 2M Net/259/17/13/KE4OGG
PALS Net/1088/76/31/KG4KOE
SC Single Sideband Net/1707/72/31/WB4DLD 

STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:

Station/Sent/Received/Delivered/Originated/Total

KA4LRM/5/13/4/0/22
KA4UIV/27/25/9/0/61
N4MEH/8/47/2/2/59
WB4DLD/4/27/0/4/35

PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:

Station/Cat 1/Cat 2/Cat 3/Cat 4/Cat 5/Cat 6/Total

KA4LRM/40/22/20/0/0/0/82
N4MEH/40/40/20/0/0/0/100

Have a great month!

’73 de Dr. Jim N2ZZ
ARRL Section Manager
South Carolina Section
www.arrl-sc.org

December 2006

Greetings to all Amateur Radio Operators.  This is Dr. Jim, N2ZZ with the December 2006 South Carolina Section Manager’s Report!  Please remember that the SC Section website can be found at: www.arrl-sc.org/ where my full SM report will be listed as well as up-to-the-date information on Amateur Radio in South Carolina!

            For the last two months, we discussed the release of the FCC’s Omnibus Report and Order to amend Part 97 of the Commission’s Rules Governing the Amateur Radio Service.   The Report and Order went into effect on December 15, 2006 at 0001 EST. The FCC report and order can be found here: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-06-149A1.doc .  Revised band charts and FAQ’s can be found here: http://www.arrl.org/announce/regulatory/wt04-140/faq.html .  Prior to the R&O becoming effective, the ARRL filed a Petition for Reconsideration to postpone the changes in the 3600-3635 kHz segment of 80 meters to allow automatically controlled narrowband digital stations to continue in that segment.  The FCC responded by designating the 3585-3600 kHz segment for such operations, but that segment will also be authorized for CW, RTTY and DATA.  The FCC has put out a Public Notice so far, but no actual details of rule changes.  This public notice also discusses the FCC decision to remove Morse code from the USA Amateur Radio Licensing structure.  The effective date of these changes will be thirty days after the FCC Order is published in the Federal Register.  As of this time, the actual date is not known, but will probably be sometime in February 2007.  For the full story, go to http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2006/12/15/104/?nc=1  on the ARRL website!

            The FCC has been very active over the last few months with the Amateur Radio Service.  Within minutes of each FCC announcement, I received e-mails from all over blaming the ARRL for the changes.  It is important to realize that the ARRL originally petitioned the FCC to bring the Phone band only down to 3725 kHz, and requested that the 5 wpm code test be retained for the Extra Class license.  The FCC took the ARRL’s comments in addition to others that submitted a petition.  After due consideration, the FCC made their decision to bring the Phone band down to 3600 kHz and to eliminate the Morse Code requirement for licensing.  The FCC official to contact for questions is William Cross at (202) 418-0691 or William.Cross@fcc.gov

            Tom, K4IJA is recovering from heart bypass surgery performed on December 6^th at Providence Hospital.  He is recovering at his kid’s house, and warns that he will be back to his “old self” soon!  Tom is offering his praise for all the medical personnel he came in contact with, from the EMT’s to his heart surgeon.  Tom, happy to have you back with us!

            I would encourage all who receive this newsletter to please subscribe to the ARRL-SC yahoogroup.  To sign up, all you need to do is to send an e-mail to arrl-sc-subscribe@yahoogroups.com .  You may need to confirm your request via an e-mail sent to you via yahoogroups.  This is a forum where I can send urgent information out to the section when necessary.  All global e-mails through the ARRL that I send have to be approved by ARRL HQ before they are sent.  The arrl-sc yahoogroup is a discussion group, so everyone can post a message.  Please plan to sign up before the New Year!

            In Regards to the PALS system, I was forwarded information from Mac K4AVR that the PALSNet Association recently filed for and received a club call, KI4SDJ.  With permission from Jack Pegues’s widow and Son, the Association has filed for a vanity call W4APE.  It is hoped that the PALS repeaters will soon again ID with that call.  Jack Pegues, W4APE, became a Silent key in September 2003.  Mac has also reported that the PALSNet repeaters are being equipped with a 123.0 Hz tone.  He mentions that the decoders will normally be deactivated, but can be activated selectively depending on interference.  He recommends that all that are able to program their radios with 123.0 Hz TONE ENCODE.  If the repeater tone decoders are not turned on, transmitting the tone will not cause a problem, but if they are on, it will allow your transmission to get through!

            To all DX’ers- VU7LD, Lakshadweep Islands, is now on the air, through the end of December.  These islands were at one time referred to as the Laccadives.  Propagation to the East coast seems to be best in the early morning hours-Be sure to watch for this DXPedition!  Further information can be found at their website: http://arsi.info/vu7/index.shtml

            There are still a few days to nominate an individual for the Roanoke Division Service Award.  There is a nomination form on the www.arrl-sc.org website, and all nominations are to be sent to our Director, w4pwf@arrl.org .  Deadline is December 22^nd.

            Well, that’s it for this month, and for this year!  I wish everyone a very happy, safe holiday season, and look forward to seeing everyone again in the New Year!  Take care!

November 2006 National Traffic System Report for South Carolina by Mac Heaton N4MEH, STM:

Net Reports

Net Name/Check Ins/Traffic/Sessions/Reported By

Anderson Radio Club 2M Net/798/34/30/N4MEH
BRARS 2 Meter Net/1884/41/30/K4SUG
Carolina's Net/319/129/60/W2EAG
Columbia ARC 2M Net/225/9/9/K4RKC
Grand Strand ARC 2M Net/203/19/13/N4XML
Greater Pee Dee 2 Meter Net/843/34/30/K4DTT
Greenwood ARC 2 Meter Net/116/7/5/W4DEW
Greenwood Friendly Net/479/48/30/W4JAK
Lancaster County 2 Meter Net/139/32/12/N4WMB
Oconee 2 Meter Net /254/9/13/KE4OGG
PALS Net /923/94/30/KG4KOE
SC SSB Net/1540/62/30/WB4DLD
York County ARS 2M Net/748/11/51/KI4NBA 

Station Activity Reports
Station/Sent/Received/Delivered/Originated/Total

KA4LRM/3/4/0/0/7
KA4UIV/28/35/13/0/76
N4MEH/18/41/3/3/63
WB4DLD/2/27/4/2/35 

Public Service Honor Roll
Station/Cat. 1/Cat. 2/Cat. 3/Cat. 4/Cat. 5/Cat. 6/Total

N4MEH/40/40/20/0/0/0/100

 Have a great month!

 ’73 de Dr. Jim N2ZZ
ARRL Section Manager
South Carolina Section
www.arrl-sc.org