ARRL TN SECTION PIC NEWS

In This Issue

Greeneville Hamfest

Help Needed :

Chattanooga Tour de

Cure

Chattanooga Hamfest

SEDCO Recap

Preparedness Month

Tips Recap —Daily Tips

from the ARRL

Date: Saturday, October 15

Time: 7:00 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time

Location: Greene County Fairgrounds 123 Fair Grounds Rd Greeneville, TN 37745

The Greeneville Hamfest is just two weeks away, and finishing touches are in progress for this year’s Greene-

ville Hamfest!

Sponsored by Andrew Johnson Amateur Radio Club, this event will host a Radio and Electronics swap meet,

LOTS of door prizes, and many great vendors. Featured vendors include Satellite Sam Adams, KG3JMN,

N4FV and N4CAG Repeaters, Innovative Technologies, Lakeway ARC, Northeast TN District 7 SKYWARN,

ARRL, Ham World, and Tower Electronics. Stop by to see their products, and to learn about the services they

offer.

Find out more information about the Greeneville Hamfest at http://greenevillehamfest.com

ARRL TN Section Public Information Newsletter October 2016

HELP NEEDED:

Chattanooga Amateur Radio Club (CARC):

Club member and long-time Tour de Cure

supporter, Ben Timmerman AC4HG, is look-

ing for folks to help with the Tour de Cure

Bike Ride on Saturday, October 8. You will

need at least an HT with mag mount anten-

na, a spare battery or cigarette lighter power

cable...even better would be a mobile

(vehicle) radio. An APRS-enabled radio

would be a plus.

Please visit the Tour de Cure Website for

more information including schedules,

routes, and specific events.

Events start as early as 8:00 AM and as late

as 10:00, so I have places I can use folks

that wish to come later. Please contact Ben

Timmerman (ben@brtimmerman.com) to

help with event communications. Thank you!

Upcoming Events and

Hamfests

Speakers Registry

Merit Badge College

VE Sessions

Weekly Club Nets

National Parks on the

Air

Contact Us

ARRL TN Section Public Information Team

OUR MISSION: Work throughout Tennessee to show the value

of amateur radio as a hobby, a skill, and a means of emergency

communications to the general public to generate interest in

amateur radio operations.

Public Information Coordinator TN Section:

Cathy Goodrich KK4IWN

ARRL Public Information Officers:

Stephan Anderman K2SMA

Tom Tate WA4CGF

Keith Gaines KC4YYF

Len Grice W4MKS

Be Our Guest

Did you know…

Amateur Radio Operators, or

soon to be HAMs, who are unde-

cided about joining ARRL can

“try it for free” by signing up for a

90-Day Guest Account?

http://www.arrl.org/membership

Hamfest Chattanooga 2016 de Gary S. Ownsby, AK4ZX , W4AM President 2016 & Hamfest Chairman 2016

Date: Saturday, October 22

Time: 8:00 a.m—2:00 p.m Eastern Time

Location: East Ridge Community Center, 1517 Tombras Avenue, East Ridge, TN 37412.

The Hamfest is less than a month away, and the excitement is building for the next Chattanooga Hamfest!

There is a new perk for those wishing to take their Technician Class Exam and pass it:

To encourage interest in amateur radio and new hams, we will provide FREE admission to the first 20 individuals that pass their Technician Class Exam while at one of our exam sessions at Hamfest Chattanooga 2016. We want to “reward” and congratulate those that pass the Technician Class Exam and welcome them into the fun of amateur radio.

Find out more information about the Chattanooga Amateur Radio Club and about their Hamfest on their website: http://w4am.net . For Hamfest Chattanooga details, click on the Hamfest tab.

SPEAKERS REGISTRY :

Are you an Amateur Radio Operator with skills to share? Do you know someone who gave a

presentation that you would like others to hear? Local clubs are looking for great speakers who

can help to generate (or keep) interest in Amateur Radio, and to teach new skills to their mem-

bers.

Contact kk4iwn@arrl.net to get listed on the “Speakers Registry”, designed to help those look-

ing for Speakers for their events find those interested in sharing their Amateur Radio expertise!

Looking Back: SEDCO e CPARC met with the Principal of the Homesteads

SEDCO

W4DXCC DX and Contest Convention “SEDCO”: September 23-24, 2016 in Pigeon

Forge, TN.

“The SouthEastern DX and Contesting Organization (SEDCO) is a non-profit organization,

founded for one reason - to bring DXers and Contesters together in fellowship.” http://

www.w4dxcc.com/

The convention featured a full day Ham Radio Bootcamp, which provided information to new

and experienced hams alike. The day started with “What is Ham Radio” (W8GEX), followed by

many more topics than listed here! Topics included Antennas (K4ZLE), HF operations (N3CZ),

Contesting (N7FT), Digital Modes (W8MRL), and many ways to improve your operating techniques to help you have

more fun on the air! Those who attending the evening session had an extra treat by from Bob, Allphin K4UEE, who

talked about his recollections from “Activating 11 of the DXCC Top 10 Most Wanted” (no, that was NOT a typo),

along with additional presentations on Beaconing (K6TD), and DXpeditions from the Radio Vendor Perspective

(KG6IRW).

Attendees also had the option to visit the Ham Shack (aka “Radio Room”), where they could experience Digital

modes, do a little HF, and see how they fared in a CW Ops “test” of

their abilities. During breaks between presentations, SEDCO partici-

pants could see various vendor products, ask questions, and take infor-

mation to consider for their future purchases.

The second day featured several speakers who shared their experienc-

es on various DXpeditions, plus several sessions that provided infor-

mation about RFI (K3RFI), Contesting Hints and Techniques (N0AX),

and Single Operator Contesting Strategies K4RO). Did you hear

“Heard Island”??? I never did, but got to re-live their experiences during

a very informative session. Attendees also heard some interesting

metrics on the Costs for a DXpedition (N1DG), Remember as you seek

a QSL, those who go on the expeditions so that we can make a con-

tact spend so much time and personal funds to travel to these exotic

places at great personal risk. Use Club Log (OQRS) to make the QSL

more efficient, and to get funds to the expedition team faster. http://

www.clublog.org/expeditions.php

The convention wrapped up with a banquet, followed by an “Acoustic

pickin’ party around the cement pond”” by W4PA, N0AX and K4RO).

A fabulous experience for all who attended! Those who missed it need not worry, it’ll be back in Pigeon Forge in

September 2017.

Upcoming TN Hamfests

Greeneville Hamfest October 15 http://greenevillehamfest.com

Hamfest Chattanooga 2016 October 22 http://w4am.net/hamfest-chattanooga-2016/

Ongoing Event:

2016 National Parks on the Air: “Throughout 2016, Amateur Radio will be helping the National Park

Service celebrate their 100th anniversary. Hams from across the country will activate NPS units, promote the

National Park Service and showcase Amateur Radio to the public.” https://npota.arrl.org/

Upcoming– Merit Badge College (see more at http://www.roanestate.edu/?6724-Merit-

Badge-College-MBC )

Once again the Ham Radio merit badge is on the agenda for the 2017 Great Smoky Mountain Council Merit

Badge College. Always held on the third Saturday in February, it is scheduled for February 18, 2017. Keith

Gaines, KC4YYF, will be coordinating this event for 2017.

What is a Merit Badge College? It is a one day event that Scouts can attend to obtain a merit badge that

they are finding it difficult to find a counselor. Troop Registration is required, so please be sure to check their

website for details http://www.roanestate.edu/?6724-Merit-Badge-College-MBC .

Upcoming– in Our Neighboring States:

(see more at http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/search)

Helena Hamfest: Helena, AL October 8 http://www.helenahamfest.com

Stone Mountain Hamfest and ARRL Georgia State Convention : Lawrenceville, GA

November 5-6 http://stonemountainhamfest.com/

Alabama State Convention (MARC Hamfest 2016) Montgomery. AL

November 19 http://www.w4ap.org/news/Hamfest.htm

Got An Event????

Let us know to get it listed here! kk4iwn@arrl.net

September Preparedness Month TIPS from the ARRL

September is the traditional National Preparedness Month, and ARRL did great work promoting preparedness in

Amateur Radio, including publishing the “Amateur Radio Tip of the Day”. Published in Social Media avenues

such as Twitter and Facebook, ARRL provided almost-daily tips throughout the month of September enhance pre-

paredness activity by Amateur Radio operators. Learn more about Emergency Communications Training at:

http://www.arrl.org/emergency-communications-training

Tip # Tip Title Tip

1 Memory Check When was the last time you updated the memories in your HT? Verify the settings are still good, or add new frequencies that are relevant to your area.

2 The ICS

All hams involved with public service communications should know the basics of the Incident Command System (ICS). FEMA has lots of ICS info available at www.fema.gov/incident-command-system-resources

3 Check That Coax Old coax can deteriorate over time. Regularly test all coax runs and jumpers used in the field to ensure they will work when you need them.

4 Portable Power

Make sure you have a portable 12V DC power source available for your radio. Many options exist, but a portable car jump starter is an excellent choice that has multiple uses.

5 Share Your Skills

Mentoring others strengthens ham radio preparedness in your area and rein-forces your knowledge of what you teach. Somebody once taught you; keep that cycle going.

6 Get On The Air

Any skill set gets rusty if not used. Get on the air regularly for recreation. Not all Ham radio is an emergency, and ops who are regularly active are more pre-pared if an emergency arises.

7 Learn to Look Up

SKYWARN teaches you how to relay how to relay critical weather info to the National Weather Service during a storm. Find a class near you at: www.nws.noaa.gov/skywarn/

8 If You Build It, You Will Learn

When you make something yourself, you will better understand how it works. Building is a great club activity; have your club sponsor a "Build Night". The skills you learn make you a better troubleshooter in the field.

9 Be Adaptable Always keep a wide selection of antenna and audio adapters in your go-Kit. You never know what gear you may encounter in the field; maximize your flexibility.

10 ARRL Training

If you want to get serious about Emergency Communications, ARRL Courses will give you the foundation you need to succeed. Learn more at www.arrl.org/emergency-communications-training

11 Raise Your App Awareness

Get smart about smartphone apps for emergency preparedness. FEMA and Red Cross apps are great but there's much more. Study up on apps here: http://www.emergencymgmt.com/training/Emergency-Management-app.html

12 Catch a (Radio) Wave

Communication becomes easier when you know what band fits your needs. Learn how to determine the best band for getting a message where it needs to go.

13 Lighten Your Load

A lighter go-kit means more agility. Weigh your gear. If you're carrying more than 20 pounds of ham radio gear, try to cut weight without sacrificing capabil-ity. Be critical.

14 Weather-Wise

Program your local National Weather Service Frequencies into our VHF/UHF radio. Weather can change in an instant, as evidenced by the sudden formation of Tropical Storm Julia along the Gulf coast yesterday [9/13]. Be informed!

September Preparedness Month TIPS from the ARRL (Cont.)

Tip # Tip Title Tip

15 Blow Your Horn

Public Information Officer (PIO) tells the local media how your club benefits your community. This raises your club's visibility and fosters relationships with served agencies. If your club doesn't have a PIO, get one!

16 Other Organizations

VOAD is a national-level organization of other groups dedicated to helping in times of need. Learn how your group can be of service at the state level. http://www.nvoad.org/voad-network/stateterritory-members/

16 Here Comes Sunshine

Solar power is free and plentiful. It can charge your batteries, but it can also be a source of noise. Learn the ins and outs of solar power to keep you on the air and noise-free during Field Day, after a hurricane, or the wake of the flood. www.arrl.org/emergency-alternative-power.

18 Field Day isn't Just For June

Every time you operate portable, you gain valuable experience to use during an emergency or disaster situation. Use the fun of programs like National Parks on the Air to practice your deployment skills.

19 Go social Social media is the communication and networking tool of today. Learn to [use] it to promote what your group does to your community and served agencies.

20 Master New Modes

Phone may not be able to get the message out. Learn to use modes other than voice, such as CW or digital modes like PSK. The more ways you know how to communicate, the more valuable you are on a deployment.

22 Safety First

Whether a routine demonstration or a natural disaster, always operate with safety in mind. Cordon off areas with bright tape, keep a first aid kit on hand, and ALWAYS steer clear of downed power lines. Don't become another victim!

23 Access to Alkalines

Keep a supply of alkaline batteries available. They can provide power to many HTs in the event you can't recharge your normal power pack. They come in handy for hundreds of other applications, too. If stored long-term, check regu-larly for any leakage.

24 Know your Gear

Do you know how to use all the features your radio offers? Extra memories, special filtering and other settings can make working stations easier and reduce fatigue on long shifts. Sit down with the manual and try out all your rig can do.

25 What Else Can You Do?

Many of us offer more skills than communication. When working with other agencies, et them know if you have other certifications (CPR, IT, etc.). You nev-er know how you may be asked to help; make yourself valuable.

26 Learn From the Master

If you need to learn a new procedure or skill, ask an expert to teach you. Whether handling a soldering iron or increasing your efficiency as Net Control, working directly with those who have the know-how will get you up to speed; soon, you will be doing well.

28 Pack Cheat Sheets

Be sure to document how your go-kit is laid out. You may have a guest op, or forget how to perform a specific function. Bring manuals with you, or con-densed versions of them. You could store PDFs of them on your phone, too.

29 Ready… Set… Go!

The Simulated Emergency Test Oct 1 & 2 gets your group involved in one of the nation's largest training exercises. If you aren't involved, contact your local Emergency Coordinator or member of the ARRL Field Organization.

30 Frequent Flyers

Whenever you are out with Amateur Radio in a public setting, keep a supply of promotional flyers on hand. You never know when you will get a chance to pro-mote what we do! Free brochures are available at www.arrl.org/shop

VE Testing Sessions

Looking for a VE Testing Session so you can bring someone to get their ticket?

Taking the next step by upgrading your own? Check out the Exams link on

arrl.org to get details on sessions in your area: http://www.arrl.org/exam_sessions/search

City Zip Date Sponsor Time (Local)

Oneida 37841-6467 10/4/2016 Big South Fork ARC 7:00 PM

Bristol 37620-7430 10/6/2016 Bristol ARC 7:00 PM

Alamo 38001-9999 10/8/2016 Crockett Cty ARS 9:00 AM

Chattanooga 37415-2754 10/8/2016 Scenic City ARS 4:00 PM

Cleveland 37311-6453 10/8/2016 Cleveland ARC 10:00 AM

Woodbury 37190-1344 10/8/2016 DeKalb/Cannon County ARC 1:00 PM

Germantown 38138-7702 10/10/2016 Nashoba ARC 5:30 PM

Memphis 38133-2631 10/11/2016 Delta Amateur Radio Club 5:45 PM

New Johnsonville 37134-2468 10/15/2016 3 RATS 9:00 AM

Atoka 38004-9999 10/17/2016 Tipton Cty Radio Society 6:00 PM

Decaturville 38329-8117 10/17/2016 Decatur County ARC 7:00 PM

Sevierville 37862-3817 10/19/2016 470 Amt Radio Group E TN 6:00 PM

Sevierville 37862-3710 10/20/2016 Sevierville County ERS 6:00 PM

Sevierville 37862-3817 10/20/2016 470 Amt Radio Group E TN 6:00 PM

Lebanon 37087-3408 10/23/2016 Wilson ARC 1:30 PM

Oneida 37841-6467 11/1/2016 Big South Fork ARC 7:00 PM

Bristol 37620-7430 11/3/2016 Bristol ARC 7:00 PM

Knoxville 37909-2674 11/5/2016 University of TN ARC 12:30 PM

Smithville 37166-2018 11/5/2016 DCCARC 1:00 PM

Memphis 38133-2631 11/8/2016 Delta Amateur Radio Club 5:45 PM

Dickson 37055-2434 11/10/2016 Dickson Cty ARC 7:00 PM

Chattanooga 37415-2754 11/12/2016 Scenic City ARS 4:00 PM

Cleveland 37311-6453 11/12/2016 Cleveland ARC 10:00 AM

Lyles 37098-2836 11/12/2016 Hickman County ARES 1:00 PM

Murfreesboro 37129-1726 11/12/2016 Stones River ARC 10:00 AM

Germantown 38138-7702 11/14/2016 Nashoba ARC 5:30 PM

Sevierville 37862-3817 11/16/2016 470 Amt Radio Group E TN 6:00 PM

Sevierville 37862-3710 11/17/2016 Sevierville County ERS 6:00 PM

Sevierville 37862-3817 11/17/2016 470 Amt Radio Group E TN 6:00 PM

Columbia 38401-5717 11/19/2016 MARC 9:00 AM

Henderson 38340-2563 11/19/2016 Chester County ARC 9:00 AM

Atoka 38004-9999 11/21/2016 Tipton Cty Radio Society 6:00 PM

Cookeville 38501-4299 11/29/2016 Cookeville Repeater VE Team 6:00 PM

Crossville 38572-5725 12/1/2016 Cumberland Plateau ARC (CPARC) 7:00 PM

Knoxville 37909-2674 12/3/2016 University of TN ARC 12:30 PM

Springfield 37172-3927 12/3/2016 Robertson County ARC 1:00 PM

Woodbury 37190-1344 12/3/2016 DeKalb/Cannon County ARC 1:00 PM

Oneida 37841-6467 12/6/2016 Big South Fork ARC 7:00 PM

Lyles 37098-2836 12/10/2016 Hickman County ARES 1:00 PM

Nashville 37220-1304 12/10/2016 Nashville VE Team 9:00 AM

Sevierville 37862-3710 12/15/2016 Sevierville County ERS 6:00 PM

Atoka 38004-9999 12/19/2016 Tipton Cty Radio Society 6:00 PM

WEEKLY CLUB NETS

Club Name City Scheduled Nets Scheduled Nets Other Nets and Events

BEDFORD COUNTY AM-ATEUR RADIO SOCIETY Shelbyville

Weekly Monday 7:30 PM BCARS ARES Net South Bed-ford County Repeater 147.060 Repeater Plus Offset

CARTER COUNTY ARA Elizabethton Every Monday on 145.290, tone 103.5 at 8:00 PM

CHATTANOOGA ARC Hixson

CARC SUNDAY NIGHT NET Sun-days at 8:00 EST 146.79 Repeater NT

Cumberland Plateau ARC Crossville

Area Nets: Sun.-Fri., 7:30 p.m.*, CPARC ARES Nets 146.865- 118.8 Tone Mon-Fri, 6:30 p.m.*, TN Emergency Net 3.980 LSB. Mon, 8:00 p.m.*, RACK Tech. METERS Net ** 147.300+ 100.0 Tone

Wed, 8:00 p.m.*, SE [US] Linked Repeater Net 147.255+ No Tone Thu, 6:30 p.m.*, 470 Amateur Radio Group 145.47- 118.8 Tone

Local Repeaters: 147.345 on Hinch Moun-tain linked to E. TN & W. NC repeaters plus Echo-Link 146.865- Tone 118.8 (solar mixed Fusion) 146.895- Tone 118.8 443.850+ Tone 118.8 (normal mode Fusion) CPARC owned: 146.865 & 443.850

DECATUR COUNTY AM-ATEUR RADIO CLUB Parsons

Thursday 6:30 Weekly net on the Decaturville repeater. 443.325+ 131.8 PL tone.

DEKALB-CANNON COUNTY AMATEUR RA-DIO CLUB Smithville

Weekly A.R.E.S. ( Amateur Ra-dio Emergency Services) train-ing net every Tuesday even-ing at 7 p.m. on repeater 145.490 – WR3S ( no PL tone)

Delta ARC Memphis

Delta Club Daily Nets 146.820 -600 pl 107.2 at 8pm central time.

MS 150 Bike Ride Sept TBD www.msmidsouth.org

DICKSON COUNTY AM-ATEUR RADIO CLUB Dickson

DCARC Weekly Tuesday Nights 2 Meter Net at 7:30 p.m. 147.375 + PL 146.2

Local Repeaters: 147.375 + PL 146.2 White Bluff 442.225 + PL 123.0 White Bluff 145.330 - PL 114.8 Cum-berland Furnace Packet 145.01 444.475+ PL 114.8 Cum-berland Furnace 53.150- PL 91.5 Cumber-land Furnace

WEEKLY CLUB NETS

Taking a long ride across the TN Section? Why not “stop by” a weekly club net and check in?

Club Name City Scheduled Nets Scheduled Nets Other Nets and Events

JOHNSON COUNTY ARC Mountain City

Monday @ 9:00pm - 146.610 with a tone of 103.5

Thursday Night - Voice and Echolink 220 NET @ 8:30pm on 224.280 with a tone of 103.5

LAKEWAY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB (LARC) Talbott

Tuesday 7:00 PM 147.030 Repeater no pl

Local Repeaters: VHF: 147.030 no pl UHF: 443.450 no pl

Maury ARC Columbia

Emergency Preparedness Net SUNDAY – 8:30 PM CST MARC REPEATER 147.12+ (PL 127.3)

COMMUNITY PRE-PAREDNESS NET THURSDAY NIGHTS BEFORE MARC NET 6:30 PM EARLY CHECK IN ON 147.54 SIMPLEX 7:00 PM REGULAR net MARC REPEATER 147.12 (TONE 127.3)

MTEARS NETMONDAY – 8:00 PM CST UHF RE-PEATER 443.175+ (PL 100.0)

MEMPHIS DIGITAL AMA-TEUR RADIO CLUB

German-town

Friday Evenings @ 20:30 Hrs. on the W4LET Node "B" Repeater And on Re-flector 58-A. Friday Night Net D-RATS - Chat Room: Memphis Repeaters: 443.9875 145.0600 1297.300 DD

Two Nets weekly on Thursday and Friday evenings at 20:30 hrs. CDT. Both nets are on D-STAR, on the W4LET node "B" repeater and on Re-flector 58A.

The MDARC Club Net is on Friday evenings. CERT NET - CERT Net on Thursday evenings at 20:30 hrs. CDT and it is open to everyone, not just CERT Members.

Mid South ARA Memphis

Elmer Net on Monday eve-nings at 9:00 pm on 145.210 (107.2 PL)

MID TENN AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY Tullahoma

HAM JAM VHF NET 146.700 T-114.8 Tuesdays 9:00 - 9:50 p.m.

MTARS VHF NET 146.700 T-114.8 Thursdays 9:00 - 9:50 p.m.

Weekly Lunch Ham Luncheon at Farm-ers Old Shoney's Man-chester Tuesdays 11:00 - 1:20 p.m. Shoney's Restaurant, (Farmer's) Skinner Flat Road, Manchester, TN, United States

NASHVILLE ARC, INC. Nashville Monday at 7:30 pm – 147.015 MHz (no tone)

WEEKLY CLUB NETS (CONT.)

Contact Us

Got questions?

Need info?

Have info to share?

Contact: Cathy Goodrich

KK4IWN TN Section PIC

kk4iwn@arrl.net

Or your nearest ARRL PIO

or club PIO

ARRL National Parks on the Air (source: http://www.arrl.org/NPOTA)

“Throughout 2016, Amateur Radio will be helping the

National Park Service celebrate their 100th anniver-

sary. Hams from across the country will activate NPS

units, promote the National Park Service and show-

case Amateur Radio to the public.”

Find out more , or register your park activation at:

http://www.arrl.org/NPOTA

Send your NPOTA stories and pictures to kk4iwn@arrl.net to share the fun of

your events.

Club Name City Scheduled Nets Scheduled Nets Other Nets and Events

Short Mtn. Repeater Club, Inc.

Murfrees-boro

Old Codger’s Net 146.910 on Monday nights at 8 pm CST

Information Net Tuesday night 146.910 at 8 pm CST

Weekly Net: Traders Net Thursday nights 146.910 at 8 PM

Smoky Mountain Arc Maryville

SMARC Net each Thursday at 7:00 pm on 146.655 - backup is 146.625 - tone 118.8.

UNICOI COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION Erwin

EVERY THURSDAY EVENING, EXCEPT FIRST Thursday Club Meeting Night 8:00 p.m. 147.270 MHZ, + OFFSET UP 600 PL TONE; WHEN ACTIVE 88.5; Backup 147.120 MHZ, + OFFSET No Tone

WILSON AMATEUR RADIO CLUB Lebanon

Thursday Night Wilson ARC & ARES Net Thursdays at 7:00 PM on 147.105 MHz

ARRL Tennessee Section: LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!!!

The ARRL TN Section Website: tnarrl.org TNARES— The TN ARES Homepage : tnares.com