Michigan’s Largest and Most Active Amateur Radio Club

UTICA SHELBY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION ASSOCIATION, INC. Volume 18, Number 1, January 2002

Election:

Club Officers The following are the results of the December elections — your new officers for 2002:

President Nancy, KB8QMS

Vice President Mark, W8IR

Recording Secretary Ann, KT8F

Treasurer Delphine, KC8JSH

Membership Secretary Mary, KC8IAP

Board Member Dave, KC8IAQ

Dave, AD8S Walt, WB8E

Express On The Web Joe, K8OEF

Another year (2001) of the past issues of the Express are currently on the web. There are now a total of “72” issues (7 years and 2 months) for your viewing pleasure. Be sure you have the Acrobat Reader program. Enjoy!

MABEL-2 Project

THE BALLOON LAUNCH that was scheduled for November 4, 2001 had to be postponed due to the 9/11 attacks and

the subsequent terrorist alert that we were placed under. Hopefully, the MABEL-2 flight will be launched this winter or spring. The next few articles will detail the conditions necessary for lift off, preparations for the flight, electronics inside the payload, tracking equipment, recovery operations and communications throughout the mission. MABEL, the Michigan Area Balloon Experimental Launch project began in January 2000. MABEL-1 lifted off and was recovered on November 5, 2000. The payload was not damaged, allowing it to be used again for the next flight, MABEL-2.

D Dues Due!

USECA Proposed By-Laws Changes This edition of the Express includes proposed changes — please review them. The changes are high-lighted in bold italic.

These proposed changes are to be voted upon at the January meeting.

Several factors need to be con-sidered before sending a weather balloon and its payload up in ex-cess of 90,000 feet if the intention is to recover the electronics pack-age. First, we need to consider the surface winds and weather. These are critical factors due to the bal-loon construction. The balloon is a 1500-gram Kaymont sounding balloon. It is made of a natural latex compound. The balloon is easily ruptured if it comes in contact with any sharp object. Even grass or concrete can burst the balloon if a wind gust forces it down during the filling or launching process. High surface winds and rain may require that the launch be postponed. Winds should be 10 miles per hour or less with no major gusting.

Are You Lucky? This puts our world into a per-spective more easily understood.

If we could shrink the earth'spopulation to a village of precisely100 people, with all the existinghuman ratios remaining the same,it would look something like thefollowing:

—Continued on Page 11

2002 Field Day Steve, N8XO volunteered to beour chairperson for this year’sfield day. Thanks Steve.

—Continued on Page 12

NOTE Date Change: Next Meeting — January 15

January 2002

CLUB DIRECTORY BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Nancy Carr/KB8QMS, (586) 749-3383 Vice President Mark Milby/W8IR, (586) 415-7104 Recording Secretary Ann Manor/KT8F, (586) 751-3893 Treasurer Delphine Wrona/KC8JSH, (586) 791-4669 Membership Secretary Mary Cunningham/KC8IAP, (586) 791-2720 Past President Dennis Gaboury/W8DFG, (586) 465-7126

ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS Dave Cunningham/KC8IAQ, (586) 791-2720 Walt Gracey/WB8E, (586) 777-2954 Dave Stormer/AD8S, (586) 412-8104

COMMITTEES ARRL Liaison Dave/W8VB Awards Manager Bill/N8NMX Door Prizes Dina/N8YJI Editor Joe/K8OEF, (586) 7Field Day Chair Steve/N8XO, (734) Health & Welfare Marianne/N8TMJ, (Historian Jerry/K8CFY Mailers/Sorters Ann/KT8F; Phil/W8INet Manager Brian/KC8DIR, (586Photographer Richard/K8QLM Program Director Mark/W8IR, (586) 4Public Relations Officer Ken/N8KC Refreshments Don/KC8CPT & RichRepeater Trustee John/K8ZEC (248) 8Swap & Shop Delphine/KC8JSH (5Technical Director John/K8ZEC, (248) Technicians NS8E, K8FT; AD8S,

WY8M; N8MIV; W8

CONTROL OPERATORS (*Phone NuDennis/W8DFG* Mark/W8IR* Doug/K8DK Joe/K8OEF* Dave/KC8IAQ* Nancy/KB8QMS*

PROGRAMMERS Scott/W8CQD Dave/KC8IAQ Dennis/W8DFG Mark/W8IR

VOLUNTEER EXAMINERS WB8B KC8HMG WA8IZV W8NG N8DV N8HTV KW8K N8OEF NS8E KI8HW N8KC N8OZ WB8E W1IK WY8M K8QLMKT8F W8IR WT8N N8SA

SILENT KEYS Len Czapiewski/K8DHH Joe Steel/KA8IZM Art Sheff/WD8EGV Rick Parady/KB8KLJoe Lucido/NU8F John Moore/KA8KTCharles Smith/N8FWF John Palmer/WD8LClarence Ringo/W8HQO Joe Palson/WD8MF f=Founder c=Charter

N8AWV h N8HCT f c KA8BDG c KA8IZM f c SK N8BK h KA8KTV f c SK N8FDN c G. Manquardt h N8FNO f c WD8MFN f c J. Haubner c WB8NHT f c

The Editor is:

Still Going Joe, K8OEF

The (entire) editorial staff, at a recent meeting, agreed to award a very special “Golden Crystal Annual Award” to the person who made the biggest difference in our club in the past year. And the winner is: John, K8ZEC.

Awarded as “EXCELLENT”

81-0050 522-0721 586) 677-1667

C; & Crew ) 749-4561

15-7104

ard/KC8HMJ 28-3742 86) 791-4669

828-3742 WA8GQL; KC8IAQ; N8KND; RO; N8SA; W8VB

mber Above) Floyd/W8RO Bill/N8SA

Doug/N8KND

N8SN KW8Z WM8T KB8WTH

WB8X N8XO

John Pizzuti/WB8NHT W Harry Young/W8VRW V Velma Ragon/N8YVC BH John Tomlins/KG8YX N

h=Hon. Charter

WB8OSF h K8QLM f c WB8QNI c KA8VYV h WA8VZZ c SK

Thanks John, for your continued dedication and contributions to assure the success of our club.

250+ members and ONE written article. Is there something wrong with this picture? Sure you paid your dues and expect a good newsletter, but I can’t do it all—how about some help? Write something! Anything! Please. (You should know how I hate to beg.)

Happy New Year to one and all! 73 for now.

and “SUPERIOR4” Page 2

USECAs Christmas Party 2001 Are They “Still Going?”

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Mabel-2 Project 1 Are You Lucky? 1 Still Going 2 Meeting Minutes 3 Keeping Morse Code Alive 4 Proposed USECA By-Laws 5 You Might Be A Ham If 11 USECA VE Testing/Apparel 13 Net Point System 13 USECA Cork Board 14 USECA Membership Application 15 Local Area Nets 15 Net Ops Schedules 15 Club Activities (Cover) Swaps (Cover) 6-Meter Nets (Cover)

USECA EXPRESS Awarded as “EXCELLENT” and “SUPERIOR4”

USECA Board Meeting Minutes December 4, 2001

No Meeting.

USECA General Meeting Minutes December 11, 2001

In attendance: KB8QMS, Nancy President W8IR, Mark Vice-President KT8F, Ann Recording Secretary N8TMJ, Marianne Membership Secretary *KC8JSH, Delphine Treasurer KC8IAQ, Dave Board Member AD8S, Dave Board Member *W8VB, Dave Board Member W8DFG, Dennis Past President *Absent

The meeting was called to order by the president at 7:30 PM.

New members, visitors and upgrades were recognized.

The minutes were accepted as printed in the Express.

Treasurer is absent.

Membership: Marianne, N8TMJ reported: 257 members. Health & Welfare: reported on the status of 3 ailing members.

Presidential message: Nancy, KB8QMS thanked all the members who have contributed in various ways over the year for their efforts.

Announcement: Steve, N8XO will be the Field Day Chairman in 2002.

Repeater - John, K8ZEC: no problems reported.

Express - Joe, K8OEF: next issue will have the by-laws with the proposed changes for membership review. Soon all 2001 Express issues will be on the web page. He also informed the membership the January BOD and general meetings will be a week later (2nd week for BOD and 3rd for the general meeting).

Website: Dave, KC8IAQ – more updates in the works.

Christmas party: Ann, KT8F reported the party was a huge success – best one yet. The date is secured for next year’s party.

NEW BUSINESS: MARC: Dennis, W8DFG reported on the December meeting.

Betty, N8SIH requested volunteers as bell ringers.

Bill, N8SA proposed that $250.00 donation be made to the Salvation Army. Seconded by Dennis, W8DFG. Discussion. Motion carried.

Jim, W1IK has Morse code training tapes, donated by Ron, K8RFP. Help yourself, and please pass them on to other interested hams when done. Informal MCW takes place on 146.405, anytime.

Dina, W8YJI will head up the campout schedule in 2002. The Memorial Day campout will be at Lakeport State Park, south end. Reservations need to be made 6 mo in advance to get a site. June 9–15 at Burt Lake. Call Dina at (586) 777-4207 for more info.

Bill, N8SA reminded members – open house every Saturday evening at the Salvation Army Corps in Mt. Clemens.

Dave, KC8RVF volunteered to be in charge of the microphone/audio equipment for the next year.

Floyd, W8RO opened the election process.

Results of the election:

President: Nancy, KB8QMS Vice President: Mark, W8IR Recording Secretary: Ann, KT8F Treasurer: Delphine, KC8JSH Membership Secretary: Mary, KC8IAQ Board Member: Dave, KC8IAQ Board Member: Dave, AD8S Board Member: Walt, WB8E Respectfully submitted, Ann Manor, KT8F, Recording Secretary

From our web page guest book:

I enjoyed very much visiting your website & listening to your repeater’s live audio over the internet. Mohammad – 9K2UB Name: Mohammad Almutairi—E-Mail: radio_9k2ub@hotmail.com—Location: Kuwait

January 2002 Page 3

USECA EXPRESS Awarded as “EXCELLENT” and “SUPERIOR4”

‘Purists’ Keeping Morse Code Alive

By Candy Hatcher Seattle Post-Intelligencer Columnist

Monday, June 25, 2001 DI-DI-DIT DA-DA-DAH DI-DI-DIT.

If the earth shakes violently again, fires consume our forests or a windstorm blows away our cell towers, we’ll be thanking heaven for the people who know how to broadcast that call for help.

It’s SOS in Morse code, the 170-year-old radio lan-guage that the Merchant Navy declared a few years ago had “died of old age.” A satellite-based mayday system is replacing code, the communications method that spelled out the demise of the Titanic and the end of the world wars.

But as amateur radio operators have shown in so many natural disasters, including forest fires in Nevada last week, code is still the fastest—and sometimes the only—way to get help in an emergency.

Saturday, a bunch of amateur radio operators from the Puget Sound region spent the day at Fort Flagler on Marrowstone Island, testing their emergency prepared-ness and trying to contact as many other operators as possible in 24 hours.

Starting at 11 a.m., they hunkered down in a bun-ker, in tents and campers near the beach, sending sig-nals by code and voice to thousands of other operators around the country and in Canada.

The Mike and Key Club, operating as K7LED, went to the hinterlands, away from hotels and restaurants and electricity, for Field Day. To an outsider, it appeared to be a bunch of geeks with lots of radio antennae getting together for a weekend of pranks, s’mores around the campfire and tall stories.

But Field Day is more important—and more per-sonal—than a weekend camping trip.

Field Day is erecting 30- and 40-foot towers using ropes and strong arms and a fly-fishing rod. It’s setting up a generator that will power 10 radio stations, each using different frequencies and technologies. It’s techni-cal skills, several organizers and a chef coming together to demonstrate how they can kick into gear when power lines go down, cell phones don’t work, and no one knows whether this part of the country is living or dead.

Said Jim Hamlin of Federal Way, a radio operator for 45 years, “During the last earthquake, we had no dial tone on land lines and no service on cell phones.” Within minutes, ham radio operators were broadcasting from their homes and cars, and with hand-held radios, letting police and medical workers know about injuries and damage.

I am vaguely acquainted with Morse code, having grown up with a brother who became a ham radio operator when he was 11. But I didn’t appreciate, until I went to Field Day, all the benefits kids gain when they make ham radio a hobby.

They get to experiment with technical equipment. They learn geography and social studies and science. Piqued by his radio hobby, my brother studied electrical engineering in college.

Saturday, he brought his 12-year-old son to Field Day in his home state, operating for an amateur radio club near Chicago, W9DUP.

In Western Washington Saturday, I met 11-year-old Aaron Torres from Kent, who, “with no help from any-body,” his mentor said, learned about ham radio on the Internet, got a book about it, took the test and passed.

Aaron’s 11th contact after earning his license was Tyler Gill, 12, from Ravensdale, whose father got his license at age 13 but had let it lapse. Mitch Gill took the test again, got relicensed and now works with both boys.

Carolyn Pasquier, 55, of Sumner got her license about 18 years ago because she believed it would help her in her job as an electronics sales representative. “I was trying to learn about my career, and I got this great hobby handed to me.” Her daughter, Adrian Roth, and son, Richard, got their licenses soon after their mom. And then Adrian married a ham. Saturday, the family handled the 15-meter voice communications station, known as single side band, for several hours.

“CQ Field Day, CQ Field Day, this is Kilowatt 7 Lima Echo Delta. This IS K7 Light Emitting Diode.”

Those using code, known as CW, or continuous wave, were saying the same thing with a keypad: Da-di-da-dit da-da-di-dah di-di-da-dit da-di-dit.

“We’re the purists,” said John McGee of Sumner. “It’s hard to get people interested in Morse code. They aren’t used to thinking with seemingly random sounds.”

“I’ve talked to Japanese and Ukrainians who don’t speak English but understand it because of Morse code,” he said. In international Morse code, “A is A, whether the operator is French or German or Ameri-can.”

All operators, code or voice, know basic radio tech-nology. They’ve passed tests on regulations and oper-ating principles and obtained a license from the federal government.

In times of trouble, they’re good folks to have on your side.

—Submitted by Floyd, W8RO

January 2002 Page 4

CONSTITUTION OF THE UTICA SHELBY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION ASSOCIATION, INC.

ARTICLE I NAME The name of the organization shall be Utica Shelby Emergency Communication Association, Inc. ARTICLE II PREAMBLE We the members, wishing to secure for ourselves the pleasure and benefits of the association of persons commonly interested in amateur radio, have joined together as the USECA, Inc. amateur radio club and enact this constitution as our governing law. It shall be our purpose to further pub-lic relations emergency communications activities, training, technical advancement of the club members, operation activities and other miscellaneous activities. ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP All persons interested in amateur radio communications, that is the amateur radio service as defined by the Federal Communications Commission, shall be eligible for membership. ARTICLE IV BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Board of Directors shall be the governing body of the organization and shall meet regularly to determine such policies necessary for the continued growth and welfare of the organization. ARTICLE V OFFICERS The officers of the organization shall be licensed amateurs and shall be the governing body to oversee the meetings. ARTICLE VI ARRL This organization shall conform to any and all provisions required for affiliation with the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL).

BY-LAWS OF THE

UTICA SHELBY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION ASSOCIATION, INC. ARTICLE I MEMBERSHIP SECTION 1 ELIGIBILITY All persons interested in amateur radio communications, that is the amateur radio service as defined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), shall be eligible to be considered for membership. Those applicants that have simply allowed their membership to lapse due to neglect, shall be allowed to re-apply, if application is received within one membership year as defined in the Constitution or by-laws. Former members who have relinquished their membership due to other reasons may require board of director's approval prior to earning eligibility. USECA Inc reserves the right to accept or reject New or Renewal Memberships SECTION 2 VOTING Each member shall be eligible to vote on each matter brought before the membership for a vote.

January 15, 2002 Page 1 of 6

A. Voting on major topics such as Election of Officers, Change in Constitution or By-Laws shall be determined by a favorable majority of a ballot vote, with absentee ballots being accepted. All ballots shall be mailed to the Nomination Committee (or Board of Directors depending on the subject of the vote) to arrive at least two days prior to the next meeting, or being brought in person to the next meeting.

B. Voting on minor topics shall be brought before the general membership at a regular

meeting and shall be determined by a majority of a yea/no vote or show of hands, whichever method the officers decide to use.

SECTION 3 EXPULSION OF MEMBERS Any member may be expelled from the organization for misconduct by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at a general meeting. This meeting will take place after the membership has been sent notice stating that there is a motion of the floor to expel a member. The Board of Directors must review any such motion before being posted.

A. Misconduct is defined as any willing and repeated infraction of the rules and regula-tions of the FCC, and other laws pertaining to the amateur service, or public miscon-duct so as to reflect unfavorable or divisive behavior upon USECA, Inc. or its members.

ARTICLE II DUES SECTION 1 The organization, by recommendation by the Board of Directors, and by majority vote of those present at any regular meeting, may levy upon the membership such dues or assessments as shall be deemed necessary for the business of the club organization, within its objectives as set forth in the Preamble.

A. Dues shall be levied on each of the following categories: Regular membership; with or without auto-patch privileges Family membership; with or without auto-patch privileges

B. The membership period shall extend from January 1 of any given year, through and including December 31. Dues will not be prorated.

C. A member who is in arrears (dues and/or assessments) for a period exceeding 6

weeks may have his membership terminated and will be dropped from the roster. A member dropped from the roster has no voting privileges and cannot serve as an officer or committee head. These members have one year to regain their member-ship without board approval.

ARTICLE III OFFICERS SECTION 1 OFFICERS The officers of the organization shall be: President, Vice-President, Corresponding Secretary, Membership Secretary and Treasurer. Only members in good standing who are licensed ama-teurs at the time of election shall eligible to run for office. All officers shall maintain their member-ship and their amateur license during their term of office. SECTION 2 TERM OF OFFICE

January 15, 2002 Page 2 of 6

A. The officers of the organization shall be elected for a term of one year, which shall run from January 1 through December 31. The election meeting shall take place at the December meeting, after nominations at the November meeting.

B. Vacancies occurring between elections must be refilled by means of succession by

officers and board members upward to the President. If such succession results in board vacancy, the board shall appoint a replacement from the membership, to serve until the next regular election. filled by a special election at the first regular meeting, upon Board approval of said vacancy.

SECTION 3 REMOVAL OF OFFICERS Officers may be removed from office by a three-fourth vote of the members present at the next scheduled General meeting. This shall be upon written notice to said officer and by recommenda-tion of the Board of Directors. ARTICLE IV DUTIES OF OFFICERS All officers may enlist volunteer assistants as necessary to fulfill the duties of the office. All officers are charged with keeping accurate records as may be necessary for their position and turning over to their successor, upon expiration of their term, any and all items belonging to the club. SECTION 1 PRESIDENT The President shall preside at all meetings of the organization, conduct them according to the rules adopted by the club, make appointments to committees and be responsible for the opera-tion of the organization. He/she shall oversee all club activities and have discretionary funds approval up to $100. SECTION 2 VICE-PRESIDENT The Vice-President shall assume the duties of the President when he/she is absent and assist the President in the affairs of the club, as well as oversee general meeting presentations. SECTION 3 CORRESPONDING SECRETARY The Corresponding Secretary shall keep all minutes of meetings as deemed necessary, maintain all correspondence for the club, notify the membership of all communications to the club and oversee the mailing of written notices for all special meetings. He/she shall keep the club Consti-tution and By-Laws and have the same, with any and all amendments, changes and additions available at all meetings for any inquiries by the membership. SECTION 4 MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY The Membership Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining the membership roster, keeping same accurate and up-to-date and having the information available at all club meetings. He/she shall also be responsible for all membership cards, new member information and for seeing that each new member receives all information necessary. He/she shall contact the Technical Director to establish a quick dial number for a member requesting it. SECTION 5 TREASURER The Treasurer shall accept and deposit in the club account, all moneys collected by the club, make disbursements as authorized by the club and shall be responsible for and keep an accurate

January 15, 2002 Page 3 of 6

record of the financial status of the club. Any disbursement over $300 shall be brought before the membership for approval. ARTICLE V BOARD OF DIRECTORS SECTION 1 BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Board of Directors shall consist of the elected officers (President, Vice-President, Corre-sponding Secretary, Membership Secretary, and Treasurer), the immediate Past President and three elected members. They shall be the governing body of the organization and shall meet regularly to determine such policies necessary for the continued growth and welfare of the organization. The three elected members at large of the Board of Directors shall be responsible for filing all necessary tax and corporate papers as assigned by the President. If, for any reason, the Past President is unable to serve on the Board of Directors, an elected member shall take his/her place. ARTICLE VI MEETINGS SECTION 1 REGULAR MEETINGS Regularly scheduled general membership meetings shall be held at least once a month with the exception of the months of July and August. A quorum for the meetings for the transaction of business shall be 10% of the total membership. Meetings are open to all organization members and guests. Only members in good standing shall have a vote in the proceedings. SECTION 2 SPECIAL/EMERGENCY MEETINGS The Board of Directors as deemed necessary may schedule special or emergency meetings. Written notice shall be sent to all members at least one week prior to the meeting except in an emergency when the announcement shall be by E-mail or verbal. SECTION 3 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS Board of Directors meetings shall be held at least once a month. A quorum for the Board of Directors meetings for the transaction of business shall be five board members. Meetings are open to all organization members. Only the Board of Directors shall have a vote in the proceedings. ARTICLE VII REPEATER TRUSTEE The Trustee shall be appointed or changed by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. He/she shall be responsible for, through the services of the technical director, maintain proper operation of, the repeater according to the rules of the FCC He/she shall appoint control operators as needed for the proper operation of the repeater. ARTICLE VIII COMMITTIEES OF THE CLUB The need for committees shall be determined by the membership through the daily activities of the club. The President shall appoint or request a volunteer to chair each committee as needed. Each committee chairperson shall be responsible for appointing assistants or requesting volun-teers as needed to complete the work of the committee. ARTICLE IX CHANGES TO THE BY-LAWS

January 15, 2002 Page 4 of 6

Major changes and restructuring to the By-Laws may not be accomplished more than once every three years although amendments may be requested when appropriate. The process to add or rescind By-Laws is to present the change to the membership at a regularly scheduled meeting, have it printed in the newsletter for the entire membership to review and return ballot votes the following meeting per Article 1, Section 2, Voting. ARTICLE X CLUB FUNDS It is the wish of the membership that if the Utica Shelby Emergency Communications Association, Inc. (USECA, Inc.) disbands as a club, that all equipment owned by the club be sold. All funds from the sale, along with any other funds of the organization shall be donated to the organization known as Handy-Hams. This organization properly named Courage Handy-Hams System and is located at 3915 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55422.

LISTING OF COMMITTEES/DIRECTORS FOR USECA, INC. TECHNICAL DIRECTOR The Technical Director shall be responsible for the repeater operation, maintaining coordination of the repeater frequency pair, and filing the Technical Data Sheets with the required pertinent information to the Michigan Area Repeater Council in a timely manner; as well as maintenance of all equipment and distribution of any and all codes, such as quick dial numbers to the member-ship director for dissemination to appropriate members. EDITOR The Editor of the club bulletin shall be responsible for the proper write-up and distribution of the club paper. If for any reason the club newspaper cannot be mailed to the membership, arrange-ments shall be made for a postcard or E-mail (where possible) to go out to all members reminding them of any meeting or activity during that month. ACTIVITIES The Activities Director shall oversee, with the assistance of a chairperson for each activity, all special club activities, such as the swap, field day, club picnic, holiday dinner, fox hunt, etc. and starting new activities or special activities for the club as appropriate, and shall report directly to the Vice President. PROGRAM DIRECTOR The Vice President or the board appointed Program Director shall have the responsibility to pro-vide a program for the general membership meetings, and report directly to the Vice President. NET COORDINATOR The Net Coordinator shall be responsible for the club nets, seeing that all nets have a net control operator. He/she shall maintain all net points and certificate information for club members wishing to participate in a certificate program, or appoint a net point coordinator to handle the tallying of net points and awards. REFRESHMENT CHAIRPERSON The Refreshment Chairperson shall be responsible for refreshments at club meetings and all club supplies for refreshments (paper cups, plates, plastic-ware, etc.) to be used by the membership.

January 15, 2002 Page 5 of 6

SWAP AND SHOP CHAIRPERSON The Swap and Shop Chairperson shall be responsible for the Swap and Shop(Hamfest), seeing that all areas are staffed, advertising/flyers are sent out and that spaces are properly allotted and sold. The chairperson shall supply the ARRL coordinator with all pertinent information, such that the proper forms can be forwarded to the ARRL Great Lakes Director to gain his/her approval to sanction the swap and shop as an ARRL sanctioned event. FIELD DAY COORDINATOR The Field Day Coordinator shall be responsible for Field Day, seeing that an appropriate area is found that all stations and special areas have someone to act as station chairpersons and coordi-nate equipment. The coordinator shall also be responsible for assuring that the current field day rules are adhered to, and providing logging software, collecting all field day logs and properly file them with the ARRL. MAILERS/SORTERS These people are volunteers (more are always welcome) who help put the newsletter together and make sure it goes out on time to the membership; they shall work under the direction of the newsletter Editor for administrative purposes. HATS AND BADGES COORDINATOR The Hats and Badges Coordinator makes sure that if any hats or badges are requested by the membership, the order is filled with all pertinent information in a timely fashion. HEALTH AND WELFARE COORDINATOR The Health and Welfare Coordinator makes sure that flowers or cards are sent to any club mem-ber should a death or sickness occur in their immediate family. CLUB HISTORIAN The Club Historian is responsible for keeping a history of the club through any and all means possible; newsletters, pictures, scrapbooks, videos, etc. This should include all club activities and community work. ARRL LIAISON The club ARRL Liaison is responsible for maintaining a good relationship with the ARRL, keeping the club abreast of information coming from the ARRL. Maintaining Special Service Club status, and presenting any books or videos of interest, that are available and reminding the members of the club affiliation and reimbursement procedures. The ARRL Liaison person shall assist mem-bers with the QSL incoming bureau, maintain regular contact with the ARRL club coordinator, and assist with ARRL operating awards. NOMINATION COMMITTEE The Nomination Committee shall consist of three to five members and have the responsibility to investigate the possibilities for future officers of the club from the membership. After contacting the possibilities and gaining a positive answer, they shall present the slate of officers in Novem-ber, accepting nominations from the floor. The slate of officers shall then be printed in the club newsletter with a short biography, and voted on at the December meeting following the procedure in Article I, Section 2 of the By-Laws.

January 15, 2002 Page 6 of 6

USECA EXPRESS Awarded as “EXCELLENT” and “SUPERIOR4”

Are You Lucky—From page 1

There would be: 57 Asians 21 Europeans 14 from the Western Hemisphere, (north and south) 8 Africans 52 would be female 48 would be male 70 would be non-white 30 would be white 70 would be non-Christian 30 would be Christian 89 would be heterosexual 11 would be homosexual 6 people would possess 59% of the entire world's wealth, and all 6 would be from the United States. 80 would live in substandard housing 70 would be unable to read 50 would suffer from malnutrition 1 would be near death; 1 would be near birth 1 (yes, only 1) would have a college education 1 would own a computer When one considers our world from such a compressed perspective, the need for acceptance, understanding and education becomes more glaringly apparent. The following is also something to ponder. If you woke up this morning with more health than illness...you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation...you are ahead of 500 million people in the world. If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death...you are more blessed than three billion people in the world. If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep...you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace...you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy. If your parents are still alive and still married...you are very rare, even in the United States and Canada. If you receive this it means that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all. Someone once said:

What goes around comes around. Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's watching. Sing like nobody's listening. Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

Pass this on, and brighten someone's day. Nothing will happen if you do not decide to pass it along. The only thing that will happen, if you DO pass it on, is that someone might smile because of you.

You Might Be A HAM If... 1.You know the Latitude and Longitude of your home QTH.

2.You ask for a Bird 43 for a Father's day gift.

3.You actually receive a Bird 43 for a Father's day gift.

4.You calculate the HAAT for your new QTH before you sign the loan papers.

5.Your teenager refuses to ride in your car because it looks like a porcupine.

6.Your XYL refuses to ride in your car because all the radios give her a headache.

7.You ever replaced a perfectly good car battery just to get a higher capacity one.

8.Your criterion for a new QTH includes ground elevation, and no antenna restrictions.

9.You've ever received a TVI complaint.

10.Your neighbor threatened to call the FCC for you interfering with an electronic device in their house.

11.You've ever had an antenna fall down.

12.You ever had the same roll of coax up at 3 different locations.

13.Your XYL accuses you of moving all those boxes of wire for the last 20 years, but never using any of it.

14.You wear a watch that displays time in a 24-hour format.

—Continued on Page 12

January 2002 Page 11

USECA EXPRESS Awarded as “EXCELLENT” and “SUPERIOR4”

MABEL-2 Project—From Page 1 We will be using a building at the launch site to help shield the balloon from the wind as much as possible. In addition, a sunny or partly sunny day is needed to launch so that the ATV cameras can transmit quality pictures.

Another important factor to consider is the wind forecast for the area above the surface winds. High winds aloft will result in a long trip unless these winds were to be traveling in nearly opposite directions at different altitudes. For example, the lower level winds may be from the west and the upper level from the east. This condition would allow for a nice high burst and a recovery not too far from the lift off area. Wind predictions can be made using at least two methods. The first and easiest method is to use the web page from the University of Wyoming. http://weather.uwyo.edu/polar/balloon_traj.html This site contains a balloon trajectory forecasting program that is usually very accurate. Enter in the launch coordinates and the estimated burst altitude in meters. The program will predict the location of the balloon at 60000 feet, as well as the burst altitude and the projected impact area. My studies indicate that the landing sites are usually within 10 miles with a 12-hour prediction and within 20 miles with a 24-hour prediction. Predictions of up to 72 hours in advance, with reasonable accuracy, are possible with this pro-gram. However, like all web sites, the web page may not always be accessible. If this should occur, another option is available. A program called wballtrak can be downloaded and used to make your own prediction. http://www.eoss.org/wbaltrak/ This program takes data from the weather service: http://www.stormchaser.niu.edu/machine/textfcstsound.html. I use the 12-hour wind forecast from Flint (FNT) or Pontiac (PTK) and add to this the most recent upper air data. Atmospheric soundings is a website providing recent upper air data: http://weather.uwyo.edu/upperair/sounding.html Use

Detroit (DTX) site to provide the higher altitude wind projections. The 12-hour predictions project winds up to 50 millibars or about 65,000 feet. Then use (DTX) to include the most recent upper level winds (from 65,000 feet to 100,000 feet). Combining this data provides a forecast wind speed and direction up to 100,000 feet. Most of the time, my predictions are within 10 miles of the University's forecast.

MABEL-1 used 244 cubic feet of helium, this amount lifted the balloon and its 6-pound payload at approximately 1200 feet per minute. Basically, the more gas you start with, the faster it rises, but the lower the altitude of the burst. Conversely, the less helium you launch with, the slower the balloon rises, and the higher it rises before bursting. These parameters must be considered to get the payload as high as possible, and hopefully keep the payload recovery area in this country and out of Lake Huron. Generally, balloons will rise at between 800 and 1200 feet per minute. These programs calculate the direction and speed of the balloon at the different altitudes based on the wind prediction and the ascension rate, followed by a pretty good prediction of the impact point.

The other major factor affecting our project is the recent terrorist threat. The FAA advised me that clear-ance to launch would not be granted if the predicted winds would send the balloon toward the metropolitan Detroit area. The projected landing area must be within 70 miles of Bannister, Michigan (the proposed launch site), and have a bearing of between 60 and 105 degrees, to comply with the FAA requirement. If the wind speed were extremely slow, almost any direction would permit a launch. The distance the balloon travels would be limited to about 20 miles in this case. However, it could safely travel up to 50 miles, if movement is to the west. Southeastern Michigan is a challenging place to launch a balloon! More next month.

73, Phil, W8IC and Ann, KT8F

You Might Be A Ham If…—From Page 11 15.The local Radio Shack knows you by name.

16.You consider an ARRL repeater directory a necessary glove box item.

17.You ever took a detour just to look at a new tower that has sprung up.

18.You use your ham call as a computer password.

19.You ever used your ham call as a part of an email address.

20.You ever bought a ham study guide for another family member in hopes of getting them interested.

21.You plan your vacation to take in as many hamfests as possible.

22.You ever tapped out HI in Morse on your car horn to another ham.

23.You ever took a spring vacation to Ohio, so you could drop in on Dayton.

24.You go to an antique flea market with the XYL, just so she would feel guilty when you wanted to go the ham flea market.

25.Your call sign shows up on your business cards.

26.You ever put a GPS tracker in the XYL's car, just so you could watch her on APRS.

—Continued on Page 14

January 2002 Page 12

USECA EXPRESS Awarded as “EXCELLENT” and “SUPERIOR4”

USECA VE Testing Testing will be FIRST Saturday EVERY month of the year. Bill, N8SA; Don, WA8IZV; and Mark, W8IR will share the CVE duties. No pre-registration is needed or wanted. Test Fee is $10.00. Applicants need copies and originals of CSCE's and/or license. There is no copy machine at Corps. (there are none close by). Starting time is 7:15 p.m. — please do not arrive earlier. Walk-ins are welcomed. Test site is at the Salvation Army, 55 Church, Mt. Clemens. If testing, you must have the following: picture ID (or birth certificate); and a copy of your current license or comple-tion certificates, if any.

Jackets–$45.00 Sweatshirts–$25.00 Polo Shirts–$22.00 Caps–$6.00

(2X & 3X–Additional Charge) Contact: Richard, W8WTH

At Meetings or Phone (810) 791-4669

Net Point System 1) HF CW NCO = 4 points, HF SSB/VHF NCO = 3 points, HF CW/SSB check-in = 2 points, VHF check-in = 1 point.

HF < 30 MHz, VHF > 30 MHz. (NOTE: Check-ins should do so personally, proxy check-ins are legitimate only for members on club business. "In & Out" check-ins, though allowed, are discouraged.)

2) Awards are earned for 50 points and multiples thereof. Additional awards for the highest annual HF and VHF scores. Awards are meant to encourage participation and can be earned by any licensed amateur.

3) Net logs must be readable and include the CALLS and NAMES of check-ins, as well as NCO, DATE, and MODE. 4) NCO's: Forward net logs to the Awards Manager within 30 days; logs received later will not earn the bonus points

normally awarded a NCO. Mail your logs to: Bill, N8NMX, 2464 Emerson Circle, Shelby Twp., MI 48317; E-Mail: bstran@yahoo.com.

5) If you notice any errors in the database, wrong or changed call signs, misspelled names, etc., let Bill know ASAP.

The USECA EXPRESS is published monthly (except July and August), by the UTICA SHELBY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION ASSOCIATION, INC., of Macomb County, Michigan. Club meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month (except July and August), 7:30 p.m., local time, at the Donald Bemis Junior High School, 12500 Nineteen Mile Road (between Schoenherr and Clinton River Road), Sterling Heights, Michigan Visitors are always welcome. Articles for the EXPRESS should be submitted to the editor no later than the night of the club meeting for publication in the following month’s edition. The articles within are those of the author and not necessarily endorsed by USECA. Material contained in the EXPRESS may be reprinted provided credit is given to the USECA EXPRESS and the author, except material published by permission of a copyright holder. To get a message to the Board or the Membership Secretary, please call our answering machine at: (810) 268-6730. The awards for “Excellent” (1994) and four times “Superior” (1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998) were received from ARNS (Amateur Radio News Service).

USECA Apparel

January 2002 Page 13

USECA EXPRESS Awarded as “EXCELLENT” and “SUPERIOR4”

Radio Items

ALINCO DJ-C4T UHF HT with mbattery charger. Mint conditionRichard, K8QLM, (586) 731-4475.

DRAKE TR7 w/Kenwood desk micmanuals and test boards; Drake PMS7; Drake SP75; Drake RVmeter; Ameritron AL-80 Amp wit500; MFJ 1500 watt antenna tunLM 3, 54’ steel tower w/rotatoTH5 MK 2 tri-band beam. Asking all. Call Tom, KD8AO (586) 293-58

MFJ-713, 2 meter HT intermod filtrun your HT mobile but can’t intermod? This thing really woKC8LOC, Tom, home: (248) work: (586) 576-3314kc8loc@yahoo.com.

SALE. 2-Meter Stick antenna w/aco-ax. $20. (586)-786-5442 KC8BIU

Miscellaneous Items

SNAP-ON KR1100 upper tool chlarge (l-53”, w-22”, h-18”, fits KRcabinet, 9 roller bearing drawemake nice bench top box $1000.Tom, home: (248) 542-3340; w576-3314 or kc8loc@yahoo.com.

New or changed this monthNotify the editor to have items

and/or removed. This Cork Board is for club

only and it’s free!

January 2002

USECA Cork Board

anual and . $50.00.

and tech S7; Drake 7; Diawa h spare 3-er; Tri Ex r; HyGain $1200 for 12.

er. Like to stand the rks. $40. 542-3340; or

pprox. 12' , Ted.

est, very L1000 roll rs, would KC8LOC, ork: (586)

. added

members

You Might Be A Ham If… —From Page 12

27.You and the XYL took a cruise so you could visit the radio room.

28.Ham radio magazines comprise more than 50% of your bathroom library.

29.A ham radio activity is included in your business resume.

30.You factor in a few extra hours on a business trip so you can visit a ham radio retail establishment

31.You ever fell off a ladder while putting up an antenna.

32.You ever put up an antenna in a snow storm.

33.You ever had to patch your roof after an antenna project

34.Your teenager thinks all your friends are weird.

35.You have many other interests, but over the years keep ham radio as a core activity.

And, you might be a HAM if…

You can add at least five other items to this list!

(found on eHam.com)

—Submitted by Arpad, WY8M

Happy New Year!

USECA Cork Board On The Web Every month, this page isuploaded to our webmas-ters for the “whole world”to view. So, don’t hesitate to listyour wants and/or needs—you never know who will bereading it. And, the best part, itcosts you NOTHING!

FOR SALE KENWOOD TS-570S – HF rig with 6M, stock,auto antenna tuner, DSP cw bandpass AFfiltering, DSP SSB/AM slope tuning, dualantenna jacks, built-in cw keyer w/memories,see Kenwood website for more; $800.

KENWOOD TH-42 – 440 MHz HT, box, manual,schematic, charger, stock ducky antenna, highpower might be a bit shy of spec; $80.

KENWOOD DFK-3C – TM-V7 dual band mobileremote head kit with: head receptacle, bracket,wire, hardware, box, paperwork; $25.

KENWOOD PG-4K – TM-732 dual band mobileremote head kit with: mic receptacle & cable,display head bracket, display head wire,hardware, kit is missing the plastic back thehead clips to; $20.

KENWOOD MIC – MC-45DM, with DTMF padand modular “phone jack” connector; $25.

KENWOOD MIC – SMC-30 speaker/mic forKenwood & other HT’s, it’s the large one; $15.

KENWOOD MIC – SMC-33 speaker/mic forHT’s, it’s the one with three PF buttons; $25.

BIRD – watt/SWR meter with sampling port,nine slugs: 5W 100-250 MHz; 5W 200-500MHz; 10W 25-60 MHz; 50W 25-60 MHz; 50W100-250 MHz; 50W 200-500 MHz; 100W 100-250 MHz; 100W 200-500 MHz; 1000W 2-30MHz; leather carrying case, chart, jumper;$375.

MFJ 2M SIGNAL ANALYSER – MFJ-224,measures deviation in kHz and field strength indBm, can also be used as 2M receiver and forfox hunts with its analog meter, has audiooutput jack for earphones or O-scope,calibrated using HP equipment; $90.

UHF BEAM – B-band, 6 ele yagi, SO-239 styleconnector (PL-259), end mounted, with mastclamping hardware; $25.

K-40 WHIP – 4’ fiberglass, black, tunable,substitute for original K-40 thin stainless steelwhip & base load; $5.

Power Supply – switching PS, 12-15 VDC, 16A,you wire it up; $25.

REEL to REEL TAPES – 7” pans, some new,some used once, high quality, box of 11; $20.

BATTERY ISOLATOR – size unknown, no man-ual, new in box; $10.

ARGUS 300 – slide projector, with assorted oldItalian home slides; $40.

GE ANSWERING MACHINE – all digital,manual, “wall-wart” power supply; $10.

COBRA 89XLR – 40ch CB AM base, built inpower supply, SWR meter, works; $60.

For more info contact Arpad, WY8M at: W: 248-655-8304 (24/7, let me know how late I can call you, I’m there M-F 8pm-4am); or H: 810-751-3804 (noon-7pm); or wy8m@home.com.

Page 14

USECA APPLICATION DATE_____________________________ NEW RENEWAL

CALL_______________ CLASS_______________ AUTO-PATCH_____________

NAME_____________________________________________________________________________

STREET ADDRESS_________________________________________________________________

CITY___________________________________________ STATE____________ ZIP______________

TELEPHONE #__________________________________ PRINT IN ROSTER YES NO

BIRTHDATE___________________ EMAIL ADDRESS_____________________________________

MEMBER: ARRL YES NO RACES YES NO

���������������������������

������

����������������������������������������������������

Rev. 4/01

FOR FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS ONLY:

CALL_________________ CLASS_____________ CALL_________________ CLASS______________

NAME_______________________________________ NAME_________________________________________

BIRTHDATE__________________________________ BIRTHDATE____________________________________

MEMBER: ARRL YES NO RACES YES NO

MEMBER: ARRL YES NO RACES YES NO

Annual Membership Dues Regular: $20 — Family: $30 — Auto-Patch: $35 (One Time Fee) + Annual Dues Applications can be given to the Membership Secretary at monthly meeting or mailed.

Please make check payable to: USECA — Address: P.O. Box 1222, Sterling Heights, MI 48311-1222 (Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.)

USECA reserves the right to accept or reject New or Renewal Memberships.

2-Meter LANs

������������������������������

���������� ����������������

���������������������������������

����������������������������������������������������

Local Area Nets DAY TIME CLUB FREQ. SUN 1:00 pm USECA/Information 147.180 SUN 8:00 pm USECA/Traders/Helpers 147.180 SUN 8:00 pm SPIRIT of ’76 146.760 SUN 9:00 pm HPARC/DART 146.640 SUN 9:00 pm Garden City ARC 146.860

SUN-SAT 10:15 pm S. E. Michigan Traffic Net 145.330 SUN-SAT MACEOC (Packet) 145.030

MON 7:30 pm SATERN 147.180 MON 8:00 pm MECA 147.200 TUE 8:00 pm USECA/Information 147.180 TUE 9:00 pm Motor City Radio Club 147.240 WED 8:00 pm GMARC 146.700 WED 8:00 pm SPIRIT of ’76/Info./Traders 146.760 WED 9:00 pm ARPSC 145.490 WED 9:00 pm MICHIGAN QRP 145.170 THU 7:00 pm HPARC/Kids 146.640 THU 8:00 pm RACES/ARES 147.200 THU 9:00 pm ECHO 147.080 FRI Midnite USECA/Hoot Owl 147.180

On The World Wide Web

USECA Home Page

WWW.USECA.ORG

Net Ops Schedules

2-METER NETS SUN. 1 PM SUN. 8 PM** TUES. 8 PM FRI. MIDNIGHT WEEK 147.180 MHz 147.180 MHz 147.180 MHz 147.180 MHz

1 –OPEN– W1IK K8QLM –OPEN– 2 KT8F KC8DBG –Meeting– –OPEN– 3 K8QLM N8HM –OPEN– KC8DIR 4 W8IR KW8K W8DFG –OPEN– 5* WB8E –ALT– –OPEN– –OPEN–

**Traders/Helper Net

HF NETS

THURS. 9 PM FRI. 10 PM FRI. 11 PM WEEK 21.140 MHz/CW 21.140 MHz/CW 28.425 MHz/USB

1 K8QLM –OPEN– KC8LOC 2 N8MOJ W8RO KA2IBE 3 W8RO W8IC K8QLM 4 AA8DD WB8E –OPEN– 5* –OPEN– –OPEN– –OPEN–

*If applicable NCO’s—If you're unable to take your net please get a replacement

or contact Brian, KC8DIR (586) 749-4561—Don't wait!

USECA Hot Line: (586) 268-6730

January 2002 Awarded as “EXCELLENT” and “SUPERIOR4” Page 15

USECA PRESRT STD

UTICA SHELBY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION ASSOCIATION, INC. U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 1222 • Sterling Heights, MI 48311-1222 PAID

WARREN, MI ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED PERMIT NO. 289

POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL

“The Happenin’ Club”

Club AcMONTH DATE TIME

JAN 15 7:30 pm

FEB 12 7:30 pm

MAR 12 7:30 pm

APR 9 7:30 pm

APR 28

MAY TBA

MAY 14 7:30 pm

MAY 17-19

JUN 11 7:30 pm

JUN 29-30

JANUARY 2002

Name WITH THE OFFIC

CONTACT LAURA

tivities EVENT

General Meeting (Date Changed)

General Meeting

General Meeting

General Meeting

WalkAmerica

11th Annual Pre-Field Day

General Meeting

Dayton Hamvention

General Meeting/Fox Hunt

Field Day 2002

Swaps Day Month Date Where SUN JAN 20 Hazel Park

F, S, S MAY 17-19 Dayton SUN JUN 16 Monroe SUN OCT 27 USECA

6-METER NETS

WED 7 PM WED 8 PM WEEK 50.150 MHz/USB 51.740 MHz/FM

1 –OPEN– –OPEN– 2 KC8IAQ K8QLM 3 N8YBY KC8HYU 4 W8VB W8VB 5* –OPEN– –OPEN–

*If applicable NCO’s—If you're unable to take your net please get a replacement

or contact Brian, KC8DIR (586) 749-4561—Don't wait!

Badges

IAL USECA LOGO

— (586) 749-4561