The Pasadena Radio Club Bulletin - September 2011

Bulletin Radio ClubThe Pasadena September 2011

Pasadena Radio Club members are very public service oriented. We participate in service to our communities, cities, state, and the nation by being part of the many challenging and interesting groups of hams who share our commitment to emergency preparedness. Ham radio is naturally a great resource when disaster strikes. This doesn't just happen all by itself. Being an effective emergency communicator takes practice and teamwork.To encourage members to get involved in public service, we are pleased to have several club members present their stories about their own emergency preparedness organizations. Newly licensed hams will especially benefit from these presentations. Even those who are just thinking about getting a ham license should come to this month's meeting. Find out what we do and how personally rewarding it can be.Richard Parker, K7RWP, will discuss the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, ARES, and how it supports emergency communications at hospitals and during disasters.Tom Berne, W6TAG, will discuss how Amateur Radio supports Community Emergency Response Team, CERT, communications.John Minger, AC6VV, will discuss the Auxiliary Communications Service, ACS, and how it supports Los Angeles City Fire Department communications during local community events and in the case of a disaster.Kate Hutton, K6HTN, will discuss the National Traffic System, NTS, and how messages can be sent in and out of a disaster area.Jutti Marsh, K6FRG, will discuss the ARRL Introduction to Emergency Communication course and how it prepares you to be more effective in case of an emergency and other online courses offered by FEMA.

Hams in Public Service: September 27th

The Pasadena Radio Club Bulletin - September 2011

Heathkit Educational Systems hopes to reenter the Amateur Radio market by the end of 2011. Back in August, Heathkit http://www.arrl.org/news/heathkit-returns-to-the-kit-business announced its return to the kit business and actively solicited suggestions. The response from Amateur Radio operators convinced Heathkit to develop several Amateur Radio products."When we made the announcement on our web page about a month ago, we had no intention of entering the Amateur Radio kit market," Ernie Wake, Heathkit's Director of Sales and Marketing, told the ARRL. "The response was really overwhelming, exciting and scary. The scary part is that the brand name has so much loyalty that we don't want to disappoint the people who have such fond memories."

Wake said that Heathkit is presently working on developing a few Amateur Radio kits. "Initially, the kit line will include a few 'accessories,' like kits for a Dual Watt Meter, Antenna Tuners and the Cantenna," he explained. "Once we are a little more 'settled,' I think we will develop a QRP receiver. We won't rush to market just to get there. We want to develop a line of kits in the tradition of Heathkit. I'm hoping to have one or two kits by the end-of-the-year."

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Our search for a new site for the CQ Worldwide SSB contest is almost complete. I have a personal family friend who lives on a great hilltop above the Rose Bowl, even much higher that our great Field Day site at Art Center.

The photo shows President, Mark W6MES, Harry K7IB and Phil WA6DZS near the antenna spot on the top of the hill. It has a super view in all directions of the compass. The photo was taken on a recent survey trip to the site, and all were impressed with the location. Remaining is to work out some of the details of getting Ray's (KJ6NO) tower trailer into the exact spot for operation. This excellent site should give us a super signal during the contest. All club members are encouraged to participate in the super contest. Please contact Tom Berne W6TAG to get on the list of operators, Thomas.Berne at med.usc.edu.73 Bruce N1BN

Sub-audibleTomes

Bruce Nolte, N1BN

CQ Worldwide SSB Contest

Download This Bulletinwww.qsl.net/w6ka/bulletins

Heathkit's Amateur Radio Plans Taking Shape

The Pasadena Radio Club Bulletin - September 2011 page 3

Last month I finished selecting the transceiver, power supply and code keys for our virtual shack’s “under $1000 rig”. In this article I will discuss some other accessories that, if you are personally buying an HF transceiver, would improve operating capabilities and/or convenience. The first is a desk microphone.So why would anyone want a desk microphone, since the transceiver already comes with a hand microphone. I personally do not have one in my own shack, but I would guess most hams do. After a while they buy one because it is convenient not to have to tie up one hand holding a microphone. This is particularly true during a contest, as a net control, managing traffic, running a pile-up or just a long rag chew.. The recommended ICOM desk microphone for the IC-718 is their SM-30. It is available retail for $140. It is nice to get the one designed for the radio you already own because there are often variations in “mic” socket compatibility on different brands and models of ham rigs. Although one can usually work a fix for a mismatch, it is a bother.The “Cadillac” of the amateur microphone business is the Heil Sound company in Fairview Heights, IL (another chance to buy American). Their basic microphone ( the HM-12 model), with its attached handle, is only $70. But don’t let that fool you, because to get all you need to match the ICOM microphone, you need to buy a base ($77) and the connecting cable ($26). That adds up to $33 more than the ICOM and there are many hams who like the better audio quality enough to pay that. Of course Heil makes more products which, if we were really going to be doing contesting in a big way, we would eventually want (combined earphone and mike sets, boom mounts and foot operated push-to-talk switches.Next I would like to consider add-on filters. So, you are probably wondering what can these do for our rig. They are crystal filters which we would place in the IC-718’s receiver’s intermediate frequency stage to make it easier to avoid interference from stations operating on frequencies near where you are working. If they are so good, why weren’t they included when we bought our transceiver? Well, they are fairly pricey (~$200 each), you generally need two of them (one for CW and one for SSB) and most hams don’t need them. Only under crowded band conditions, such as during popular contests, do you need them. The filters are calibrated by

their band pass width. The available ICOM CW filters are 250 Hz and 500 Hz, , while SSB filters are set at 1.8 and 3.3 kHz. If we were planning to buy filters for the “virtual” shack we would probably go for the wider ones (500 Hz, FL-52A and 3.3 kHz, FL-257). Filters like these require installation, but they are plug-in and in other similar rigs I have found them to be easily put in.There are lots of other accessories one might get (e.g. from a carry handle at only $20 to ICOM’s top line power amplifier at $5000), but I have to stop somewhere! Next month I will move to a new area of HF. Now that we have a station put together we will cover how to make the experience of operating the HF bands most enjoyable. Lets talk about getting on the air (“operating’’) and some of he other things we need to know in order to enjoy HF. We will start with arranging the operating position and equipment of our station.

As a group of South Dakota hams were dismantling a 110 foot tower outside of Hot Springs on Saturday, July 16, a gust of wind toppled the final section, trapping two local hams underneath. Tim Anderson, K0OR, 54, and Tom Embree, NC0K, were transported to Rapid City Regional Hospital via helicopter, where Anderson died of his injuries. Embree underwent surgery on Sunday and is expected to have more on Wednesday; he remains in serious condition. Both are members of the Hot Springs Amateur Radio Club; Anderson was the club’s president. Hot Springs is located about 57 miles south of Rapid City.According to Fall River County Emergency Manager Frank Maynard, members of the Hot Springs ARC had taken down all but the final 30 foot section of the tower. As the ground crew was just beginning to release the guy wires, a gust of wind blew the tower over with Anderson and Embree still on it. The tower then collapsed on top of them.Maynard said that the men were helping the club take down the tower that was no longer in use. The tower’s owner offered the structure to the club and they were planning to move it to a new location.Anderson and Embree were both ARRL Volunteer Examiners. Anderson, a VE since 1984, was one of the first ARRL Volunteer Examiners after the FCC established the program. Anderson was also the advisor to the Hot Springs School Radio Club.A memorial service for Anderson will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, July 21 at the Mueller Center Theater in Hot Springs. -- Thanks to the Rapid City Journal for the information

Crown City HF

Tom Berne, W6TAG

Transceiver Accessories (3)The “optional extras”

One Ham Killed, Another Seriously Injured in Tower Accident

The Pasadena Radio Club Bulletin - September 2011page 4Made on a Mac

Get on the air!Get your

Amateur RadioTechnician Class License!

Day & Time: Thursdays, 6:30-9:30 PM One class will be on Wednesday, October 12thDates: September 22 - November 3 The test will be on November 10Location: C&M Printing10034 Commerce AvenueTujunga, CA 91042Costs: The ARRL License Manual (Technician) around $30, Exam fee $15, Additional fee $5.00When you pass the exam you will receive a complimentary membership in the Pasadena RadioClub through the end of 2012.Information and Registration: Mark Seigel, 818-430-5244 - marks at keyway dot netBring your buddy so you can talk to each other on ham radio!Book: http://www.arrl.org/shop/Ham-Radio-License-Manual-Revised-2nd-Edition/You can also purchase the manual atHam Radio Outlet - 1525 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91506 - (818) 842-1786

Morse Code is no longer required for an Amateur Radio license, but is a great skill to learn!

• Learn, have fun, make friends,and prepare for disasters! All at the same time.• Hams talk around the world& down the street with their voices, their fingers,and their computers.

This eight-week course will prepare you for the Technician Class license exam which will beadministered during the last class. Yes, you can pass the exam by memorizing the answers.This class will help you understand the answers. Build a foundation for Amateur Radio Opera-tions that will prepare you to get on the air and take your skills to a higher level.

The Pasadena Radio Club Bulletin - September 2011 page 5

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM

1. Treasurer's Report:We are solventRenewed club’s certificate of deposit. Received check from Café Press [they sell mugs and caps with our logo on them] – Talk to Roz (AE6WT) about changing the account from her name to the club’s.Bruce (N1BN) turned in receipts for $18.26 and reimbursement was proposed/voted/approved.

2. Hamcon wrap up:Over 1,200 people attended. Total expenses $32,000. Income was substantially more, so the club can expect a check for our share of the work.Put out questionnaires, get input what worked and what didn’t. Save for event

3. Membership contact list:Members have requested a membership list.Some have brought up privacy issues.Send questionnaire to the membership?Yahoo Groups database – give people the option of listing their information.

4. Membership cards:Hal (KF6RRR) had suggested we issue membership cards to members. Bruce created a template which is now in the Yahoo Group Files area, so people can fill out and print their own membership cards to laminate.

5. Club Raffle?Discussion was held. Some felt that it was a distraction from the regular meeting. Suggestion was made to hold an occasional raffle.

6. Applying for 501c3 status:Jutti (K6FRG) will investigate.

7. Report on Field Day Antenna:It looked very good under test.Dipped close to where it should be.10, 15, 20 meters tested.One bad trap was taken apart and cleaned.New connector.Concern expressed about getting the antenna trailer up the residence driveway.8. VP Report on Speakers and suggestions for October and November speakers:October: Presentation on contesting

9. CQ WW DX contest station report:Schedule will come out after the next meetingRadios, Transceiver, etc. Check out the ampTuning training/ watt meter needed/ Cantenna / transceiver / YouTube video about the amp / put amp tuning class in bulletin / Also need an 80 meter antennaAntenna tuner: Dentron, Mark (W6MES)Low Pass FiltersGrounding Rod: Tom (W6TAG)Logging: Ray (KJ6NO) will bring computersRadio: Kenwood TS-850S, John (AC6VV)Amplifier: Ameritron A811H, John (AC6VV)Desk Mic: Bruce (N1BN)Tables: Extension Cords: Jutti (K6FRG)/John (AC6VV)Setup and take down: need people Get signups to help at next meetingParking shuttle planLighting: Jutti (K6FRG)Tools: Regular and electronicCanopy: Jutti (K6FRG)

10. New BusinessT-Shirts to wear when PRC members volunteer at events such as the Pasadena Marathon

11. Board for 2012:The President chairs a nominating committee which will publish a slate of recommendations. We need suggestions. Nominations are open to the club membership. Several names were suggested at the board meeting.

James W. Olliff, 64, passed away September 15th following a three-year battle with cancer. Jim led the Glendale Emergency Auxiliary Radio Service (GEARS) for many years, during which the group grew and became a vital part of Glendale's emergency preparedness force. He held a BS in electrical engineering from Cal Poly Pomona. He owned Jo-Comm, manufacturing the patented Red-Dee-2 Connect line of ham radio power components. Services were held Thursday September 22nd at Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills.

Pasadena Radio ClubBoard MeetingSeptember 13, 2011

Jim Olliff, KE6URZ, SK

The Pasadena Radio Club Bulletin - September 2011page 6

Here is an updated version of Allen Wolff’s radio powering scheme. Why the addition of computer(s)? He’s showing us two variations on computer powering. If you are doing packet radio, as we do at the AC100 Endurance Run, you will need a computer. The battery powers everything so that taking down the generator for refueling doesn’t interrupt your 12 volt supply and crash the computer or the radio.

Field Radio Power,KC7O Style

The Pasadena Radio Club Bulletin - September 2011

The Pasadena Radio Club meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Kaiser Permanente Walnut Center, located at 393 East Walnut Street, at the corner of Los Robles Avenue in Pasadena. Parking is validated. Enter the parking structure at the southern Los Robles Avenue entrance. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please sign in at the front desk and security will direct you to the meeting room.Membership in the Pasadena Radio Club is open to anyone interested in Amateur Radio. Dues are $20 per year, $10 for students. Request a membership application at the club’s mailing address, or the club website, www.qsl.net/w6ka, or at a monthly meeting.The Pasadena Radio Club, W6KA, conducts a weekly net every Tuesday night, except on meeting nights, at 7:00 p.m. The frequency is 145.180 MHz (-) PL 156.7. All licensed amateurs are invited to participate. The club has a packet station on 145.630 and on 223.600 (cross-band capable) with a PBBS of W6KA-10 and a node name of MIRDOR. There is also a Yahoo Group for club members at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PRC-Club/. All members are invited to join as this allows for rapid dissemination of information to members via e-mail. Click on “Join This Group”. Members are able to update their own e-mails via the Yahoo website.The Board of Directors meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:15 PM at the Kaiser Permanente location. Meetings are open to all members.Bulletin Submissions: please submit any articles, photos, or ideas for future articles via e-mail to AC6VV at arrl dot net, please include “PRC” in the Subject line. Other modes of submission may be arranged in advance on an individual basis. Submissions are due by the Friday after the board meeting.Permission is hereby granted to use articles in this issue as long as “Pasadena Radio Club Bulletin” is credited.Please submit any address or e-mail changes to the Treasurer, K7RWP.

Better Banking for Southern California123 S Marengo Ave., Pasadena

www.wescom.org

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Thank You

for your support of The Pasadena Radio Club, and Amateur Radio Hospital

Emergency Communicationswww.cmprintmail.com

President W6MES Mark Seigel w6mes at arrl dot net

Vice President N6PBJ Fred Lopez fred at x2y1 dot com Secretary KJ6HWL Jutti Marsh kj6hwl at arrl dot net Treasurer K7RWP Richard Parker rwp42 at me dot com Members At Large Chris Galante K6YZH Alan Denney KI6ZYW Danny Schurr W6XXB

Past Officers Fred Lopez N6PBJ Phil Barnes-Roberts WA6DZS Mary Bothwell AG6MB Tom Mikkelsen WA0POD Education Chair W6MES Mark Seigel w6mes at arrl dot net 818-430-5244

VE Team Liaison AB6LR Merrie Suydam ab6lr at arrl dot net 626-969-4409

Club Net KF6FEM Mike Dinko 626-797-8082 Bulletin Editor AC6VV John Minger ac6vv at arrl dot net 323-256-0046

The Pasadena Radio Club Bulletin - September 2011

P.O. Box 282, Altadena, CA 91003-0282http://www.qsl.net/w6ka/

In This IssuePage 1 Speakers: Hams in Public ServicePage 2 Sub-Audible Tomes: CQ-WW Contest Heathkit to Re-enter Ham MarketPage 3 Crown City HF, So Dak Tower FatalityPage 4 Technician License ClassPage 5 Board Meeting Minutes, KE6URZ SKPage 6 KC7Oʼs Field Radio PowerPage 7 Ads, Club Information, RosterPage 8 Club Calendar

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This Month:Hams in

Public Service

Pasadena Radio Club, W6KA

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

PRC Net 7:00 pmPRC BOARD 7:10 pm

PRC Net 7:00 pm145.180 - PL 156.7

PRC Net 7:00 pm145.180 - PL 156.7

PRC Club Meeting7:00 PM

Chino Swap Meet

TRW Swap MeetPRC Club Meeting

7:00 PM

NE ARES Meeting

Slow Speed CW Net28130 KHz 8:00 pm

Slow Speed CW NetPRC Net 7:00 pm145.180 - PL 156.7

KPARN Nets

Slow Speed CW Net28130 KHz 8:00 pm

Slow Speed CW Net28130 KHz 8:00 pm

KPARN Nets

Slow Speed CW Net28130 KHz 8:00 pm

Slow Speed CW Net28130 KHz 8:00 pm

Sep 25 Sep 27 Sep 30Sep 28 Sep 29Sep 26 Oct 1

Oct 2 Oct 4 Oct 7Oct 5 Oct 6Oct 3 Oct 8

Oct 9 Oct 11 Oct 14Oct 12 Oct 13Oct 10 Oct 15

Oct 16 Oct 18 Oct 21Oct 19 Oct 20Oct 17 Oct 22

Oct 23 Oct 25 Oct 28Oct 26 Oct 27Oct 24 Oct 29

Oct 30 Nov 1 Nov 4Nov 2 Nov 3Oct 31 Nov 5

CQWW SSB Cont CQWW SSB Cont

CQWW SSB Cont Halloween

Great Shakeout Drill

Azusa Golden Days

Phil WA6DZS and Mark W6MES, raising the club’s HF antenna for a test run