Faces of Amateur Radio

QCWA Brunch

2009-01-03T07:49:00.000-08:00

The Quarter Century Wireless Association, Silver State Chapter 190, N7QC will have their first brunch of the year:

Date: Saturday, January 10th 2009
Time: 10AM
Where: Black Bear Restaurant, across from what was the Park Lane Mall in Reno.All radio amateurs and their guests are invited to attend.Check out our website at:

http://www.qcwachapter190.org/

If you were licensed 25 or more years ago, join the QCWA National and our chapter. Drop me an email at w7ab@sbcglobal.net - and I'll send you all the necessary paperwork.

73
Larry, W7AB

Lake Wind Advisory

2009-01-01T18:33:00.000-08:00

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
RENO NV237 PM PST THU JAN 1 2009

...STRONG GUSTY WINDS LATE TONIGHT INTO FRIDAY..

.AN AREA OF LOW PRESSURE MOVING THROUGH THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST WILL HELP GENERATE STRONG GUSTY WINDS IN THE LEE OF THE SIERRA AND WARNER MOUNTAINS LATE TONIGHT INTO FRIDAY. GUSTS ON THE HIGHER SIERRA RIDGES NEAR TAHOE WILL BE AROUND 100 MPH.

CAZ072-NVZ002-004-021200-/O.NEW.KREV.LW.Y.0001.090102T1200Z-090103T0000Z/

GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA-WESTERN NEVADA BASIN AND RANGE INCLUDING PYRAMID LAKE-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...SOUTH LAKE TAHOE...TAHOE CITY..TRUCKEE...MARKLEEVILLE...GLENBROOK...INCLINE VILLAGE...FERNLEY..FALLON...LOVELOCK...SILVER SPRINGS...NIXON...IMLAY

237 PM PST THU JAN 1 2009

...LAKE WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 4 PM PST FRIDAY..

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN RENO HAS ISSUED A LAKE WIND ADVISORY...

WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 4 PM PST FRIDAY FOR LAKE TAHOE AND PYRAMID LAKE.

* WINDS: SOUTHWEST WINDS OF 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 40 MPH ARE FORECAST FRIDAY FOR LAKE TAHOE AND PYRAMID LAKE.

* WAVE HEIGHTS: WAVE HEIGHTS OF UP TO 4 FEET ARE POSSIBLE ON PYRAMID LAKE...WITH WAVES OF UP TO 4 TO 5 FEET ON LAKE TAHOE ESPECIALLY NEAR THE EAST AND NORTHEAST SHORES.

* IMPACTS: SMALL BOATS WILL BE PRONE TO CAPSIZING AND SHOULD REMAIN OFF LAKE WATERS UNTIL CONDITIONS IMPROVE.

Short Term Forecast

2008-12-31T07:35:00.000-08:00

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
RENO NV
343 AM PST WED DEC 31 2008

NVZ004-311530-WESTERN NEVADA BASIN AND RANGE INCLUDING PYRAMID LAKE-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...FERNLEY...FALLON...LOVELOCK..SILVER SPRINGS...NIXON...IMLAY

343 AM PST WED DEC 31 2008

.NOW

..FOG SHOULD CONTINUE DEVELOPING IN WESTERN CHURCHILL COUNTY EARLY THIS MORNING. VISIBILITY WILL DROP TO ONE QUARTER MILE OR LESS IN PLACES. THE FOG WILL REMAIN THE THICKEST IN THE FALLON AREA AND POSSIBLYAS FAR WEST AS FERNLEY. MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO USE CAUTION THIS MORNING AS THE FOG WILL AFFECT INTERSTATE 80 AND HIGHWAYS 50 AND 95. THE FOG SHOULD BEGIN TO DISSIPATE AFTER SUNRISE.

Winter Storm Warning

2008-12-24T07:37:00.000-08:00

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RENO NV
403 AM PST WED DEC 24 2008

...SNOW AND WIND TO AFFECT THE SIERRA AND WESTERN NEVADACHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY..

.A STRONG AND WET PACIFIC STORM CURRENTLY MOVING INTO THE WESTCOAST WILL BRING RAIN AND SNOW TO NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA ANDNORTHWEST NEVADA THROUGH THURSDAY. THIS STORM WILL BRING STRONGWINDS TO HIGHER ELEVATIONS AND AREAS ALONG THE SIERRA FRONT WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL.

TRAVEL WILL BECOME NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE OVER HIGHER PASSES TONIGHT WITHROAD CLOSURES LIKELY DUE TO HEAVY SNOW

...STRONG WINDS AND WHITEOUT CONDITIONS. ANYONE PLANNING TRAVEL OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SHOULD STAY ABREAST OF THE WEATHER SITUATION AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

NVZ003-004-242000-/O.UPG.KREV.WW.Y.0010.081224T1500Z-081225T1400Z//O.EXB.KREV.WS.W.0011.081224T1500Z-081225T2000Z/

GREATER RENO-CARSON CITY-MINDEN AREA-WESTERN NEVADA BASIN AND RANGE INCLUDING PYRAMID LAKE-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...SPARKS...VERDI...GARDNERVILLE..FERNLEY...FALLON...LOVELOCK...SILVER SPRINGS...NIXON...IMLAY403 AM PST WED DEC 24 2008

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO 12 PMPST THURSDAY.. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN RENO HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORMWARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW

...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM7 AM PST THIS MORNING TO NOON THURSDAY. THE WINTER WEATHERADVISORY IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* THERE WILL BE PERIODS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW OVER WESTERN NEVADA THROUGH THE MORNING. AFTER A BREAK IN THE SNOWFALL THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING...ADDITIONAL SNOW DEVELOPS TONIGHT AND THURSDAY MORNING ALONG A STRONG COLD FRONT.

* TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 2 TO 5 INCHES IS EXPECTED THIS MORNING MAINLY NORTH OF HIGHWAY 50. AN ADDITIONAL 2 TO 4 INCHES WILL FALL OVERNIGHT AND THURSDAY MORNING IN LOWER VALLEYS. FOOTHILL LOCATIONS WILL SEE LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS.

* WINDS: SOUTHWEST WINDS OF 15 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THURSDAY MORNING WILL CREATE AREAS OF BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW. LOCAL GUSTS TO 60 MPH ARE EXPECTED IN WIND PRONE AREAS NEAR AND WEST OF HIGHWAY 395.

* SNOW LEVELS: SNOW LEVELS ARE EXPECTED TO BE AT MOST VALLEY FLOORS...HOWEVER THEY MAY BRIEFLY RISE TO NEAR 5500 FEET THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.

* IMPACTS: A COMBINATION OF SNOW ACCUMULATIONS AND REDUCED VISIBILITIES FROM BLOWING SNOW WILL CREATE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS...ESPECIALLY ALONG INTERSTATE 80 AND HIGHWAY 395.

CONDITIONS CAN DETERIORATE RAPIDLY DURING WINTER STORMS...SLOWDOWN AND ALLOW EXTRA TIME WHEN TRAVELING. CARRY TIRE CHAINS..FOOD...WATER...BLANKETS AND A FLASHLIGHT IN YOUR CAR IN CASE OFAN EMERGENCY. CHECK OUR WEBSITE AT WEATHER.GOV/RENO OR LISTEN TONOAA WEATHER RADIO FOR UPDATES ON THIS SITUATION.

Winter Weather Advisory

2008-12-19T07:48:00.000-08:00

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
RENO NV412 AM PST FRI DEC 19 2008

...WIND DRIVEN SNOW CONTINUES IN THE SIERRA..

.A STRONG COLD FRONT MOVING ACROSS NORTHERN NEVADA WILL PRODUCEWINDY CONDITIONS WITH AREAS OF SNOW OR SNOW SHOWERS THROUGH TODAY

...MAINLY DURING THE MORNING. CONDITIONS CAN DETERIORATE RAPIDLY DURING WINTER STORMS

...SLOWDOWN AND ALLOW EXTRA TIME WHEN TRAVELING. CARRY TIRE CHAINS..FOOD...WATER...BLANKETS AND A FLASHLIGHT IN YOUR CAR IN CASE OFAN EMERGENCY.

CHECK OUR WEBSITE AT WEATHER.GOV/RENO OR LISTEN TONOAA WEATHER RADIO FOR UPDATES ON THIS SITUATION. NVZ004-192015-/O.EXT.KREV.WW.Y.0008.000000T0000Z-081219T2100Z/WESTERN NEVADA BASIN AND RANGE INCLUDING PYRAMID LAKE-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...FERNLEY...FALLON...LOVELOCK..SILVER SPRINGS...NIXON...IMLAY406 AM PST FRI DEC 19 2008

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM PST THISAFTERNOON.. THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW IS NOW INEFFECT UNTIL 1 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 2 TO 4 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED...MAINLY THIS MORNING FROM INTERSTATE 80 NORTHWARD. SNOW MAY COME DOWN IN QUICK BURSTS OF HEAVY SNOW.

* WINDS: SOUTHWEST WINDS 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 40 TO 50 MPH ARE EXPECTED THROUGH EARLY THIS AFTERNOON. THESE WINDS CAN CREATE LOCALIZED AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW WITH RAPID VISIBILITY REDUCTIONS...ESPECIALLY IN WIDE OPEN RURAL AREAS.

* IMPACTS: SNOW WILL LIKELY IMPACT THE MORNING COMMUTE ALONG INTERSTATE 80 MAINLY NORTH AND EAST OF FERNLEY...INCLUDING LOVELOCK. ROADS WILL LIKELY BECOME SLICK AND HAZARDOUS...WITH SNOW AND ICE FIRST DEVELOPING ON BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES. PEOPLE SHOULD PLAN ON DELAYS AND SLOW TRAVEL CONDITIONS.

Winter Weather Advisory

2008-12-15T11:01:00.000-08:00

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RENO
NV1025 AM PST MON DEC 15 2008

.A COLD AND STRONG NORTH PACIFIC WINTER STORM WILL CONTINUE TOBRING MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW SHOWERS TO THE SIERRA AND WESTERNNEVADA. SNOW WILL DECREASE THIS EVENING...BUT LIGHT SNOW ISFORECAST TO CONTINUE ACROSS THE AREA UNTIL TUESDAY.

DIFFICULT WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THEEVENING COMMUTE. EXPECT TRAVEL DELAYS AND POSSIBLE ROAD CLOSURESIN THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS. CHECK OUR WEBSITE AT WEATHER.GOV/RENO

FOR UPDATES ON THIS SITUATION.

NVZ001-004-160600-/O.CON.KREV.WW.Y.0007.000000T0000Z-081216T0600Z/MINERAL AND SOUTHERN LYON COUNTIES-WESTERN NEVADA BASIN AND RANGE INCLUDING PYRAMID LAKE-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...HAWTHORNE...YERINGTON...SMITH VALLEY..MINA...SCHURZ...FERNLEY...FALLON...LOVELOCK...SILVER SPRINGS..NIXON...IMLAY1025 AM PST MON DEC 15 2008

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PST THISEVENING..

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PMPST THIS EVENING.

* MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW SHOWERS WILL CONTINUE IN WEST CENTRAL NEVADA THROUGH TONIGHT. * STORM TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS OF UP TO 4 INCHES...WITH UP TO 10 INCHES IN THE MOUNTAINS OF SOUTHERN LYON AND WESTERN MINERAL COUNTIES.

* VISIBILITY WILL BE REDUCED TO ONE HALF MILE IN MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW SHOWERS.

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE

2008-12-14T16:43:00.000-08:00

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
RENO NV300 PM PST
SUN DEC 14 2008

...PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOWFALL THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT.. .A COLD AND STRONG NORTH PACIFIC WINTER STORM WILL BRING HEAVYSNOWFALL TO EASTERN CALIFORNIA AND MUCH OF WESTERN NEVADA. SNOW INTHE SIERRA AND NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA WILL SPREAD INTO THE WESTERN NEVADA VALLEYS BY THIS EVENING AND CONTINUE THROUGH MONDAY ANDMONDAY EVENING. CONDITIONS CAN DETERIORATE RAPIDLY DURING WINTER STORMS

...SLOWDOWN AND ALLOW EXTRA TIME WHEN TRAVELING. CARRY TIRE CHAINS..FOOD...WATER...BLANKETS AND A FLASHLIGHT IN YOUR CAR IN CASE OFAN EMERGENCY. CHECK OUR WEBSITE AT WEATHER.GOV/RENO OR LISTEN TONOAA WEATHER RADIO FOR UPDATES ON THIS SITUATION.

NVZ001-004-150900-/O.NEW.KREV.WW.Y.0007.081215T0300Z-081216T0600Z/MINERAL AND SOUTHERN LYON COUNTIES-WESTERN NEVADA BASIN AND RANGE INCLUDING PYRAMID LAKE-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...HAWTHORNE...YERINGTON...SMITH

VALLEY..MINA...SCHURZ...FERNLEY...FALLON...LOVELOCK...SILVER SPRINGS..NIXON...IMLAY300 PM PST SUN DEC 14 2008

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO10 PM PST MONDAY.. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN RENO HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHERADVISORY FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO10 PM PST MONDAY.

* SNOW WILL SPREAD INTO WEST CENTRAL NEVADA THIS EVENING AND CONTINUE THROUGH MOST OF MONDAY. * TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT: 2 TO 6 INCHES...WITH UP TO 10 INCHES ABOVE 5000 FEET. * WINDS: SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST 10 TO 15 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 30 MPH. * IMPACTS: VISIBILITY WILL BE REDUCED TO LESS THAN TWO MILES AT TIMES IN SNOW. TRAVEL WILL BECOME DIFFICULT ON MOST AREA ROADWAYS INCLUDING THOSE ON THE VALLEY FLOOR. THE MONDAY MORNING AND AFTERNOON COMMUTES WILL BE AFFECTED.

Nevada Earthquake 6.3

2008-02-21T08:04:00.001-08:00

WELLS, NEVADA: About 0630 this morning a 6.3 earthquake was centered in Wells, Nevada. The area is about ten miles from Elko. Reports of the earthquake have been made in Utah and as far south as southern California.

Official reports are that NHP (Nevada Highway Patrol) has been called to help Elko police with damage in Wells.

Unofficial reports are that eight buildings are damaged and down. Also, there have been at least six after-shocks felt in Wells.

Congestion causes text message slowdown

2008-01-04T07:37:00.000-08:00

By DEEPTI HAJELA, Associated Press Writer
Fri Jan 4, 6:11 AM ET

NEW YORK - Geeta Citygirl just figured something was wrong with her phone when she realized the greetings she was sending as the ball dropped New Year's Eve weren't getting through. In Los Angeles, a half-dozen New Year's text messages bounced back to Reggie Cameron on Wednesday, more than 24 hours after he thought he sent them out.

In fact, so many people tried to send text messages on New Year's Eve that networks got jam-packed and many of the missives arrived hours later — or not at all.

The rest of this article is here.

My Analysis: In Carson City Nevada about two years ago, the cell and landline phones were jampacked because of a problem in Las Vegas area. There were so many people trying to call the state offices in Carson City that the phone system went down.

I knew of the problem because my cell phone was down. I went to the Cingular offices (before they became AT$T)and complained. They called their tech guys. They couldn't tell that the node was down. It was at this time that I found out that they had one cell phone node feeding the entire Carson City area (50,000 people).

So even though cell phones have been touted as a great emergency communications device, DO NOT believe the hype. They are the first network that goes down.

It would be better to be prepared with an FRS radio for those without an amateur radio license. AND, it would be the best to have an amateur radio license with equipment.

High Wind Advisory

2008-01-02T17:41:00.000-08:00

High Wind Advisory
256 PM PST Wed Jan 2 2008

...High Wind WARNING in effect from 4 am to 6 PM PST Friday...

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a High Wind
WARNING...which is in effect from 4 am to 6 PM PST Friday. The
high wind watch is no longer in effect.

[WARNINGS are more serious and immediate than WATCHES. df]

South to southwest winds will increase across western Nevada
Thursday with breezy conditions lasting into Thursday night. Winds
will further increase Friday morning and strengthen throughout
the day as a strong cold front approaches the area. Widespread
wind speeds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph will occur.
Damaging gusts to 80 mph are possible in the foothills and wind
prone areas. The strongest and most erratic winds will affect the
area Friday afternoon as the cold front passes.

Damage to trees...power lines and property is likely with winds
of this magnitude. Take steps to secure loose items outdoors.
Areas of blowing dust will also cause reduced visibilities.
Driving will be dangerous for high profile vehicles...especially
along highways 50...95 and 395. Use extra caution and remain alert
for sudden gusts or cross winds.

Expires:031300 gmt
VTEC:/O.UPG.KREV.HW.A.0001.080104T1200Z-080105T0200Z/
VTEC:/O.NEW.KREV.HW.W.0001.080104T1200Z-080105T0200Z/
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
k7vc@arrl.org

Snow Storm in the Sierras

2008-01-01T12:57:00.001-08:00

Public Information Statement
1100 am PST sun Dec 30 2007

A snowstorm of potentially historic proportions will affect the
Sierra Nevada during the upcoming weekend. Snowfall totals with this
snowstorm could rival snowfall amounts that were seen in some of the
most devastating snowstorms of the past 50 years.

Research done on heavy snowfall in the Sierra has identified the
most significant snowstorms to affect the range. Listed below are
the top fifteen snowstorms that deposited the largest snowfall
amounts on the entire Sierra during the past half century. Snowfall
with this weekend's snowstorm could equal amounts seen among the top
five all-time Sierra snowstorms.

...................................................................

Greatest Sierra snowstorms (1949-50 through 2004-2005) with storm
total snowfall amounts (in.) At various locations

Can - canyon dam (plumas county)
boc - Boca (nevada county)
css - central Sierra snow lab (nevada-Placer county)
tah - Tahoe City (placer county)
grg - Grant Grove (tulare county)

can boc css tah grg
1. Jan. 10-17, 1952 108.0 68.0 141.0 149.0 68.0
2. Mar. 28-Apr. 1, 1982 26.0 47.0 125.5 59.0 63.0
3. Mar. 29-Apr. 4, 1958 46.5 48.0 mm 98.5 69.0
4. Dec. 28, 1992-Jan. 2, 1993 74.0 47.0 76.6 57.5 mm
5. Mar. 21-24, 1995 32.0 26.0 100.6 74.0 59.0

6. Mar. 10-14, 1967 60.0 59.0 74.8 92.0 38.5
7. Jan. 31-Feb. 4, 1975 62.0 38.0 65.0 42.0 25.0
8. Dec. 27-31, 1964 46.0 42.0 87.2 77.0 26.0
9. Feb. 23-26, 1969 35.0 28.0 74.0 37.0 63.0
10. Jan. 27-30, 1981 24.0 24.0 72.0 40.0 48.0

11. Dec. 21-23, 1996 23.0 65.0 53.6 73.0 25.0
12. Dec. 29, 2004-Jan. 2, 2005 48.0 49.5 89.7 64.0 mm
13. Feb. 9-12, 1959 43.0 31.0 mm 43.0 64.0
14. Feb. 16-18, 1990 30.0 49.0 73.0 46.0 24.0
15. Jan. 20-23, 1997 34.0 18.0 73.4 44.0 35.0

Mm - missing data
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
k7vc@arrl.org

News Story on Oregonian Hams

2007-12-05T08:20:00.000-08:00

Here is a good news story coming out of Oregon on the emergencies there.

They are doing a great job.

73s

ARES Oregon Communications for Flooding

2007-12-04T14:49:00.000-08:00

ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) is still providing communications
to the coast, with 60+ volunteers working at the coast and many more at
points in between. The District One emergency radio network was activated at 8
AM Monday morning and is still in operation today. District One ARES serves
the following counties: Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Multnomah, Tillamook
and Washington. We are working closely with the American Red Cross as well
as the major hospitals Heartnet radio network and district-wide emergency
managers, including the Oregon Operation of Emergency Management in
Salem.

Columbia County has put out a request for more licensed ham operators to
help. Anyone available should report to their county ARES organization
linked through http://www.oregonaresd1.org/main.html.

If media would like to speak with someone regarding the Amateur Radio
Emergency Service I'd be happy to put you in touch with our District One Emergency
Coordinator, David Kidd.

Thanks Lars,

Steve Sanders
PIC- Oregon Section ARRL
PIO - District One ARES
503-320-4100

Clatsop County Oregon Current Emergency with ARES

2007-12-03T17:13:00.000-08:00

At about 6 am this morning, the 9-1-1 lines that would normally be answered in Seaside and Astoria for callers in Clatsop County were diverted by the phone company to Columbia 9-1-1 Communications Center, on a temporary emergency basis.

The emergency phone calls are being taken by Columbia 9-1-1 staff who are relaying the information via Columbia County and Clatsop County Amateur Radio Emergency Services Volunteers to the police fire and emergency medical dispatchers in Clatsop County, who then are activating Clatsop County first responders.

Columbia 9-1-1 has doubled up on staff to handle the extra call load. Both counties are experiencing severe flooding causing numerous high water situations, road closures, flooding and evacuations.

Columbia County emergency operations center, Clatskanie, Vernonia, St. Helens, Columbia City, Rainier, Scappoose city emergency operations centers are activated.

DCART Meeting at DEM

2007-10-09T11:08:00.001-07:00

High point of the year for Douglas County ARES!!

October 15th will see us at the new State of Nevada Division of
Emergency Management facility. Otto (KV7J) has been most generous in
arranging a private tour for D.C. ARES.

The usual time - 1830. But planning to be early is a fine idea. We
must pass muster through a guarded gate. Your drivers license is a
requirement and your Douglas County ARES badge will help.

DEM is located at 2478 Fairview Drive in Carson City. It's South of
the prison facility and most of us would probably say it's on Edmonds.
Actually, it's just North of the junction of Edmonds and Fairview. West
side of the street - the most Northern of the green buildings.

The plan is that I'll park at the gate (a white Tacoma) and will
monitor 147.27 from about 1800. Also, my cell phone is 781-3781.

Questions???

From Dick Young

Ham Radio Beats Cell Phones Again

2007-09-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

September 15th has been declared Amateur Radio Appreciation Day

Security experts say that, “Malicious hackers could take down cellular networks in large cities by inundating their popular text-messaging services with the equivalent of spam,” according to a New York Times report. The story goes on to say, ” all major cellular networks are vulnerable, and that a single computer with a cable modem could do the job.”
Fortunately, Amateur Radio will not be affected by this kind of attack. A Ham radio channel may be jammed, but Amateur Radio operators are prepared to go radio to radio to radio and still provide communications in an emergency.

It is for this reason that the US Department of Homeland Security has included Ham radio as part of its Nationwide emergency plan.

Amateur Radio During and After Disasters

Amateur Radio operators set up and operate organized communication networks locally for governmental and emergency officials, as well as non-commercial communication for private citizens affected by the disaster. Amateur Radio operators are most likely to be active after disasters that damage regular lines of communications due to power outages and destruction of telephone, cellular and other infrastructure-dependent systems.

Amateur Radio Operators Help Local Officials

Many radio amateurs are active as communications volunteers with local public safety organizations. In addition, in some disasters, radio frequencies are not coordinated among relief officials and Amateur Radio operators step in to coordinate communication when radio towers and other elements in the communications infrastructure are damaged.

Major Amateur Radio Emergency Organizations

Amateur Radio operators have informal and formal groups to coordinate communication during emergencies. At the local level, hams may participate in local emergency organizations, or organize local "traffic nets."At the state level, hams are often involved with state emergency management operations. In addition, hams operate at the national level through the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), which is coordinated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and through the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), which is coordinated through the American Radio Relay League and its field volunteers.

For more details www.emergency-radio.org.

Rod Kittleman, KØADI
Southwest Missouri ARRL Public Information Officer
Springfield, Missouri
k0adi@arrl.net

DCART Meeting in September

2007-09-11T07:10:00.000-07:00

Douglas County ARES will meet on Monday, the 17th, at Firestation #2
(1225 Douglas Avenue) in Gardnerville. The time will be the usual - 6:30
PM.

One of the items will be a demonstration of Anderson Power Poles.
There will also be several other items discussed. Your participation is
encouraged and invited!

Interested in getting some info on Anderson products. Here's a few
websites that will get you going:

andersonpower.com
connex-electronics.com
powerwerx.com
hamsource.com
qsl.net/w2vtm/powerpole.html
jeremy.zawodny.com

Many ARES/RACES groups are suggesting that Anderson should be THE
connector of choice for all ARES activities. They make a good case for
that suggestion. We'll have Anderson catalogs for all.

If you haven't used PowerPoles this is a great chance to get a looksee.
We'll have wire and samples for several demos.

If you're well acquainted with Anderson, please come and add your
talent to the group.

"DCART - a learning experience"

Dick Young

Noise Suppression (Part II)

2007-08-27T06:35:00.000-07:00

B. IGNITION RADIATION SUPPRESSION requires the use of resistor spark plugs, feed-thru capacitors and distributor suppressors. Of prime importance is a properly adjusted ignition system. The following steps will serve as a guide:

1. Spark Plugs: Install resistor spark plugs or Belden IRS cable.

2. Distributor Cap: Install suppressor resistor or IRS cable between distributor cap and ignition coil.

3. Generator: Install a 0.5 mfd coaxial capacitor (Sprague #48018 or equivalent) at the "A" terminal of the generator.

4. Alternators: Require no attention except when diodes become defective.

5. Ignition Coil Primary: Install a 0.1 mfd coaxial capacitor (Spargue #48P9 or equivalent) in the lead from ignition switch to coil. Keep capacitor close to the coil terminal. Brighten the metal around the coil mounting bracket to engine block, apply grease and brighten mounting screws.

6. a. Regulator Field Terminal: Connect a 39 ohm resistor in series with a 0.01 mfd Ceramic capacitor between the Field terminal and ground.
b. Armature Terminal: Insert 0.2 mfd coaxial capacitor (SPrague (48P18 or equivalent to ground.
c. Battery Terminal: repeat b.

7. Guages: Install 5.0 mfd, 200 volt capacitors from terminals to ground.

8. Wheels and Tires: Inject special graphite powder into the tires available at automotive parts suppliers.

CAUTION: Do not connect any capacitor alone from the Field Terminal of the generator to ground. Read 6a carefully.

Be careful when you do any modifications.

Noise Suppression (Part I)

2007-08-24T10:26:00.000-07:00

This information was handed out at the DCART meeting. It has some good noise suppression techniques for mobile stations.

The FS-3023 Gated Noise Limiter is very effective in the reduction of noise, but this alone is not effective against all the different noises in a mobile installation.

A. BONDING: The use of 1 inch copper braid to interconnect parts of the automobile that can radiate noise such as the following:

1. Hood to firewall
2. Rear bumper to body and chassis
3. Tailpipe to body
4. Either side of muffler to body and chassis
5. Chassis to body in several places
6. Ignition coil to firewall

When braid connections are made, be sure to clean the metal "bright" and coat with grease before tightening the connection. This will prevent contact corrosion, which is the chief cause of noise.

A very good method for locating noisy fixtures is to put the FS-3023 into operation and connect a 25 foot length coaxial cable to the antenna connector on the rear of the FS-3023. The other end of the coaxial cable should hav ethe center conductor showing for about 1/2 inch. This bare end of the coax will serve as a "noise probe" to all parts of the automobile (except for the electrical system.) A large increase in noise will indicate a noisy section. This section should then be bonded and rechecked. Continue this process until a substantial reduction of noise is achieved.

REMEMBER! Ungrounded metal parts can radiate noise.

Ignition radiation suppression will be in the next post.

Why are amateur radio operators called hams

2007-08-23T15:57:00.001-07:00

The reason Amateur radio operators are called "hams" is lost to history. The Great Falls Area Amateur Radio Club has written an interesting essay speculating on the theories of "why radio operators are called hams" at this link http://www.w7eca.org/whyham.htm.

There are only two theories that the Ham radio operator community agrees that could be the reason for this nickname.

Read the rest of this article at this link.

Field Day at the Nevada State Railroad Museum

2007-08-22T18:18:00.000-07:00

Would persons and clubs in the area like to take this on? If so, please contact Tom KE7NCJ (contact information below.)

There is a possiblity of setting a "Field Day" at the Nevada State Railroad Musiem (Carson City) over Labor Day weekend (one, two, or all three days). Labor Day is Monday September 3, 2007.

The operation could be set up in the original Wabuska depot or out in the Ted Gibson Park. There is also a possibility to set up a mobile in a 1906 caboose.

The Museum staff has asked for an estimate of participants and operating days before granting permission. The hours of operation will be from 10:00 to 16:00 (non-military types 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Also any Elmers in the Carson City area need to look over the site to see if there is enough area for antennas. Please keep in mind that there will be lots of small children (and seasoned children) running around.

The depot will be locked at night. There is no night security.

If you are interested contact Tom T KE7NCJ. Phone: (775) 256-7291 evenings
Email: ke7ncj@arrl.net or smokey@pyramid.net

How-to Become a Ham Radio Operator

2007-08-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

So you want to be a Ham. Good choice. When you have earned your license, you could become involved in emergency communication, radio frequency direction finding, moon bounce, contesting, or any number of radio spectrum experimentation. One of the developers of the GPS tracking system is a Ham.

See the rest of this article at this link.

DCART August 20th 2007

2007-08-10T19:26:00.000-07:00

Douglas County ARES will hold our monthly meeting Monday, the 20th, at Firestation #2 in Gardnerville. 1830LT.

Suppose you were called out tomorrow morning, told to set up shop in your front yard, communicate on 147.27 and keep count of traffic passing your location. Do so for 30 minutes.

Good show, you say. Grab the trusty HT, 147.27 is already set in memory, the battery is fully charged and you're set to go. Set it on low power, grab a glass of Tea and out the door you go. The Rubber Ducky will do just fine. Whataguy, I'm serving the public interest.

Oops, the phone rings again. Change of plans. You're now directed to Woodfords for a prolonged stay of unknown duration and will be the primary contact between Douglas County and Alpine County. 147.27 is primary, with 146.655 as backup. Get there quick! Goodbye!

Lessee, Woodfords is in the trees and there are multiple hills all around, aren't there? Is "prolonged stay" longer than my HT's battery life? Geez, will my HT even work there? Use the mobile in the car and maybe, just maybe, I'm out there long enough to wear down that old battery. Besides, then I'm harnessed to the car and can't move around. I've heard stories about guys out there with HT's. They could hear OK but transmission didn't get through. 146.655? Wonder if that has a PL?

What was that phone number? Think I'll call back and say I've had a relapse.

Sound plausible?

The Douglas County ARES session for the 20th will be a compendium of equipments (several of them) used to address communications under various circumstances and needs. One size does NOT fit all!

Please bring along your "radio go kit" for somebody else to benefit from. Others will bring theirs for you to benefit from.

Otto has a pouch that has a neck strap and allows him to move around with ease. You can take a look at it. Robert has an 8800, mounted so he can put it in his car, on a table, or on the ground. Dale has his set so he can bring each piece along, collect them as needed and end up operating right quick. You can take a look at these. I've got a setup in a tackle box that seems to work OK, and will be glad to share the pros and cons. Bring yours and let the rest of us learn from you.

We'll start the session promptly with a demo of the mobile repeater. It'll be set up and operational. We'll all get hands on experience with this unit. Then we'll move inside to look over everybody's radio go kit, ask questions and get ideas.

Bring the radio outfit you'd take to Woodfords! Questions? Maybe NCS will allow time for a bit of discussion on this Mondays net - the 13th at 1830.

"Douglas County ARES - serving the public interest"

USA ARDF Championships near Lake Tahoe in September

2007-08-09T16:09:00.000-07:00

Here's an opportunity to spend a weekend in the mountains of California
and immerse yourself in international-rules on-foot transmitter
hunting. Registration is now open for the Seventh USA Championships of
Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF), which take place September 14 -
16, 2007 near South Lake Tahoe on the California/Nevada border. The
best radio-orienteers in the USA will be there, but the courses will
also be open to anyone at any radio foxhunting
skill level, with or without a ham radio license.

The competition courses for this event will be in the same forests
where the United States Orienteering Federation held its 2003 national
championships of classic orienteering. The maps are excellent. The
forest area is open again
after the June wildfire, and our course areas appear to be undamaged.

South Lake Tahoe is 35 miles from Carson City, Nevada, 64 miles from
Reno, Nevada and 117 miles from Sacramento, California.

The championships get under way on Friday with practice and equipment
testing sessions, followed by a meeting for orientation and rules
review. The two-meter foxhunting contest will take place on Saturday,
after which all will
gather for a banquet in the evening. Sunday's schedule includes the
80-meter contest and an awards ceremony, timed to end in mid-afternoon
to accommodate those who must hurry home.

Event headquarters will be at Camp Concord in the El Dorado National
Forest, near Mount Tallac. An inexpensive package including two nights
of lodging in the rustic cabins and five group meals is being offered
to event registrants.
Camp Concord is fully accredited by the American Camping Association,
but for those who would prefer more amenities, several motels are
available within three to five miles.

National ARDF Championships are for individuals only. No teaming or
assistance on the course is permitted. Participants are divided into
five age categories for males and four age categories for females in
accordance with standard IARU rules. Medals for first, second and
third places will be awarded in each category on each band.

Even if you have never competed in an ARDF event before, you will be
welcomed at the USA Championships. USA's best radio-orienteers are
expected to attend, and they are always helpful to newcomers. To
provide even more learning
opportunities, there will be an ARDF training camp nearby on September
12 and 13.

The registration form and more information is at
along with a photo page of Camp Concord. Please pass this announcement
on to local transmitter hunters and ham clubs. See you there!

Joe Moell K0OV
USA ARDF Coordinator
homingin@aol.com
www.homingin.com
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
k7vc@arrl.org

DCART (Douglas County) Events

2007-08-02T20:09:00.000-07:00

DCART Radio Nets for August: 8-6, 13 and 27 at 1830 hours on 147.27 (PL123)

DCART formal meeting on August 20 at Firestation #2 (1225 Douglas Avenue in Gardnerville) at 1830 hours.

Everyone is welcome.