January 2006 minutes
The meeting of the Hellgate
Amateur Radio Club of January 9, 2006 was called to order by President Jerry
Ehli (N7GE) at 7:05 PM.
The financial report was
given with a motion made and seconded to accept. The motion passed.
The minutes were approved as
presented in the Hellgate Static
(Hard Copy & E-mail). A motion made and seconded to accept. The motion
passed.
Old
Business
A report was given on the
Sky Warn operation. Two hundred and
forty (240) contacts were made, with England and Solomon Islands among the most
distant stations contacted.
A discussion was held on permanent
emergency stations at the National Weather Bureau (NWS) & the American Red
Cross (ARC).
A motion of support for the
station at the Weather Bureau was made, seconded, and passed.
A committee was selected of;
Byron (NN8A) as Chair, Vick (K7VK), Jerry (N7GE), and Dennis (W7DHB). This committee will work out the details and
recruit 8 primary operators. They also
will operate the Wednesday VHF net from the NWS & ARC centers on
alternating weeks. It will be at 9:00
PM time for the VHF net, with an 8:30 PM HF net for weather spotters from the
surrounding area to report in.
A motion was made to make 2
tags for the radios donated to HARC by Ed Redlhammers’ family (W5UEE). The VHF
radio will be placed on Point 6 to replace a personal radio the club has been
using. The Yaesu FT-1000 will be used
at the NWS until that location acquires their own. At that time it will be placed at an emergency station at the
ARC.
New Business
A motion was made to place
the test equipment also donated by the Redlhammers family for a free raffle at
the February HARC meeting at the ARC. The motion passed.
The status of HARC club
status as a Special Service Club with the ARRL was discussed. This requires that 51% of the voting members
are also ARRL members. HARC is the only
club in Montana that has this status. We have had difficulty keeping 51%
and many ideas were covered as to meeting the goal such as changing the By Laws
and reporting the ratio earlier in the year (February). This topic was tabled.
There are positions to be
filled to completely comply for Special Service Club.
1.
Emergency Operation
Chief
2.
Technical Resource
Specialists
3.
Public Information
Officer
4.
Training Officer which was accepted by Dennis Barthel (W7DHB)
A motion was made to purchase
manuals for the Technician, General, & Extra class from the ARRL under the
Special Service Club and at the reduced rate.
The body discussed giving a
free HARC membership for one year to each successful tester, and sending them
the Hellgate Static electronically
for that time period.
The meeting was adjourned at
8:29 PM
Are You a Weather Spotter?
Byron Van
Alstein, NN8A
Do
you have that perfect location for an antenna farm? Is your QTH HH in a remote location? Do you live in a small community or near a
mountain top?
The
National Weather Service needs eyes in communities like Condon, Bigfork, Seeley
Lake, Ovando, Lincoln, Darby Stevensville, Deer Lodge, Drummond, Phillipsburg,
Thompson Falls, Plains, Polson, in Idaho on Highway 12, I90, Highway 200. We
need you to look outside and report real time to the NWS.
You
are needed to become a Weather Spotter.
A
network is being established to obtain information for the NWS. They will train you and provide forms to
help your neighbors by reporting the conditions in your home area.
Hellgate
Amateur Radio Club is assisting the NWS to establish a Wednesday evening
weather net on VHF, HF & digital. There are several automated weather
stations currently being operated by Hams, at this time, that are willing to
help you set up a digital reporting station.
We
need volunteers in the outlaying areas, and a method of activating the net during
reasonable hours when there is a need for visual weather information.
For
more information contact; Jerry Ehli (N7GE), Byron Van Alstein (NN8A), Vic
Applegate (K7VK), Donnie Fort (W7XY), or Lewis Ball (AC7UZ).
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
THE JANUARY TESTING SESSIONS
We had no
'testing' candidates at the January 19 session.
One Tech +
arrived, a potential general with some seemingly supporting, but confusing
paper work for an instant upgrade. However I confirmed w/ VECs the
next morning that he did not qualify. Give me a call if you wish more
details.
Thanks to K7BA,
N7TAE & W7DHB for attending.
Our next scheduled
examination is February 23, 6PM at the Missoula Public Library.
Thanks & 73,
Vick
K7VK
Handyman's
Encyclopedia
DRILL PRESS: A tall upright machine useful for suddenly
snatching flat metal bar stock out of your hands so that it smacks you in the
chest and flings your beer across the room, splattering it against that freshly
painted airplane part you were drying.
WIRE WHEEL: Cleans paint off bolts and then throws them
somewhere under the workbench with the speed of light. Also removes
fingerprint whorls and hard-earned guitar calluses in about the time it takes
you to say, "Ouch...."
ELECTRIC HAND DRILL: Normally used for spinning pop rivets in their
holes until you die of old age.
PLIERS: Used to round off bolt heads.
HACKSAW: One of a family of cutting tools built on the Ouija board
principle. It transforms human energy into a crooked, unpredictable motion, and
the more you attempt to influence its course, the more dismal your future
becomes.
VISE-GRIPS: Used to round off bolt heads. If nothing else is available,
they can also be used to transfer intense welding heat to the palm of your
hand.
OXYACETYLENE TORCH: Used almost entirely for setting afire
various flammable objects in your shop. Also handy for igniting the grease
inside the wheel hub you want the bearing race out of.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
If I Were a
Big Gun
(ARRL Contest Rate Sheet for December
28, 2005)
Instead
of growing "soggy with nostalgia" (Tom Lehrer) or dredging up yet
another treacle-y (quick, who knows what treacle is?) holiday homily, here's a
song of sentiments with which we can all identify, some more than others, but
particularly those denizens of the dark, Top Banders. See you in the New
Year!
If I Were a Big Gun
(Based ever so loosely on
"If I Were A Rich Man" from the musical Fiddler On the Roof with
music by Jerry Bock)
(spoken)
Dear God, you made many, many
Little Pistols
I realize, of course, that it's no shame to be weak
But it's no great honor either!
So, what would have been so terrible if I had a big signal? (the melody swells from the orchestra pit...)
If
I were a Big Gun
Ritty
diddle diddle, QRZed is anybody on?
All
day long I'd put 'em in the log
If
I were a great Big Gun!
I
wouldn't have to wait long
Sending didahdidah, CQ DX on short
path and long
If I were a biggie biggie big
I'd build a big tall tower with beams by the dozen, Yidle-diddle-didle-didle-gun!
Right there in the middle of the town.
A fine four square with long radials galore.
There would be one vertical just going up,
And one even higher coming down,
And one more not hooked up, just for show.
I'd fill my yard with masts and
dipoles and vee's and loops
For
the club to see and sigh.
And
each tall pole and cleat and line and guy
Would
land like a flower on the eye
As
if to say "Here lives a real Big Gun!"
If I were a Big Gun
Ritty diddle diddle,
QRZed is anybody on?
All day long I'd put 'em in the log
If I were a great Big Gun!
I wouldn't have to wait long
Sending
didahdidah, CQDX on short path and
long
If I were a biggie biggie big
Yidle-diddle-didle-didle-gun!
I
see my deal XYL Golde, looking like a Big Gun's wife
With
a proper mobile rig
Sending QSLs to her heart's delight.
I
see her loading up amps and running like three ops Oy,
what a running groove she's in!
Screaming
at the pileups, day and night.
The most important ops in town would multi-op with me!
They would ask me to
Elmer them,
Like a Hiram the Wise.
"If you please, oh Big Gun..."
"Pardon me, oh Big Gun..."
Posing problems that would cross the Old Man's eyes!
And it won't make one bit of difference if I answer right or wrong.
When you're loud, they think you really know!
If
I would loud, I'd have the signal that I lack
When
sitting down to operate all day.
And
maybe work Bouvet in just one call
And I would work 75 with the other guns several hours every day.
That would be the sweetest thing of all.
If I were a Big Gun
Ritty diddle diddle, QRZed is anybody on?
All day long I'd put 'em in the log
If I were a great Big Gun!
I wouldn't have to wait long
Sending didahdidah, CQ DX on short path and long
If I were a biggie biggie big
Yidle-diddle-didle-didle-gun!
73,
Ward N0AX
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
HELLO, IS
ANYONE OUT THERE?
We
hope the HELLGATE STATIC was interesting for you this
month. Let us know if this newsletter
is to your acceptance. So far, I’ve
only heard good things. If there is
something YOU would like to see, or
that you feel is overdone, please let me know.
This is the Hellgate Amateur Radio Club newsletter, not mine! If you have something (even a simple
one-liner) please write to me at our address or e-mail me (Craig, KE7NO) at twincreek@blackfoot.net.
Sorry
I was so late again this month. My
mistake, and laziness doesn’t help much either. Two other “stories” that occurred last month that needed at very least
mentioned, but do to time, they didn’t get their own by-line.
First,
and rather sadly noted, the gentleman that was found alive after the mine
disaster in West Virginia is a ham with a Technician license. The last that I have heard is that he is out
of his come but shows obvious signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. He is able to recognize his wife and can
make facial movements. More
rehabilitation is yet to come. Some
hams had noted on the QRZ website
that they were to send QSL cards to him and wish him the best. If you need his address it is:
KC8VKZ
Randal L McCloy, Jr
PO BOX 223
Philippi WV 26435
The
second occurrence was much more enjoyable.
On January 29, 2006 a party was held at the “shack” of Dennis Barthel,
W7DHB. It was a celebration of his 75th
birthday. This simple party was a great
opportunity to meet other club members in a nice, warm, indoor
environment. Present were W7DHB, W7XY,
K7BA, K7VK, NN8A, N7ZS, N7MSU, W7PAQ, N7GE, K7PX, AC7UZ, KI4CYV, KE7FAH, KE7NO,
and many of our family members. Happy
birthday Dennis, and thank you for getting us together for a wonderful party.
Remember,
your membership dues are needed! There
is a membership form included this month.
Please make use of it. Also, to
achieve the needed ARRL Special Service Club designation, join the ARRL as
well.
I
have also included the Western Montana repeater directory at the request of
Wayne, N7TAE. Remember, those little
boxes are located on those snowy peaks for a reason, use them!
And so you
know:
Hellgate ARC VHF\UHF Nets and Repeaters
Missoula
Area - 2 Meter Net
147.04 MHz repeater, every Wednesday evening, 9:00 pm local.
Everyone is welcome to join us.
Amateur
Radio Emergency Service 2 Meter Net
Thursdays, 8 PM local time, 147.04 MHz
HARC
& ARES HF Net
Meets on 3947 kHz Wednesday, 8PM local time (near 7268 kHz secondary)
VHF
& HF Net Operations from the National Weather Service
& Red Cross Offices
Are you interested in Net Control Operator
Duties? Please contact Byron, NN8A or Jerry, N7GE.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
HELLGATE AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
PO Box 3811
Missoula, MT 59806
Application
for Membership
NAME:
_____________________________________________
CALL SIGN (if any):
______________________________________ ARRL Member? Yes / No
LICENSE CLASS:
_____________________
DATE OF BIRTH (Mo./Date):
_____/_____
ADDRESS:
______________________________________________________________
CITY: _________________________
STATE: ______ ZIP CODE: ________________
PHONE:
________________________ or CELL:___________________________
E-MAIL:
______________________________________
OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS:
NAME:
______________________________________________________________
CALL SIGN (IF ANY):
_____________________________ ARRL Member? Yes / No
LICENSE CLASS:
___________________________________
DATE OF BIRTH (Mo./Date):
______/_______
NAME:
______________________________________________________________
CALL SIGN (IF ANY):
_____________________________ ARRL Member? Yes / No
LICENSE
CLASS: ___________________________________
DATE OF BIRTH (Mo./Date):
______/_______
Please circle the appropriate answer:
Would you like your e-mail posted
to the club roster? Yes / No
Would you like to have your
home address posted to the club roster/website? Yes / No
If you have Internet access,
will you accept viewing the newsletter from our web page? Yes / No
New member dues are $2 per month + $1 from date of
application; renewals are $25 per year, family members $5 each.
Please mail the application to the above address or
bring it to the next meeting
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
|
Western Montana
Repeater Directory
|
|
City
|
Output
|
Offset
|
Tone
|
Comments
|
|
Butte
|
144.500
|
Pos 2MHz
|
None
|
|
|
|
146.940
|
Neg
|
114.8
|
|
|
|
147.020
|
Neg
|
107.2
|
|
|
Conner
|
147.360
|
Pos
|
None
|
|
|
Hamilton
|
146.720
|
Neg
|
None
|
|
|
Helena
|
147.820
|
Neg
|
None
|
|
|
|
146.850
|
Neg
|
146.2
|
|
|
|
145.450
|
Neg
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
147.550
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Internet Radio Linking Project
|
|
|
444.100
|
Pos
|
131.8
|
|
|
Kalispell
|
146.620
|
Neg
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
146.760
|
Neg
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
147.180
|
Pos
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
442.075
|
Pos
|
88.5
|
|
|
Missoula
|
147.040
|
Pos
|
None
|
|
|
|
146.800
|
Neg
|
88.5
|
|
|
|
146.900
|
Neg
|
88.5
|
Auto Patch
|
|
|
146.960
|
Neg
|
None
|
Linked to 146.80 & 146.90
|
|
|
145.010
|
Simplex
|
N/A
|
Packet Radio
|
|
|
444.800
|
Pos
|
88.5
|
|
|
Plains
|
147.140
|
Pos
|
See Note
|
Tone must be requested
|
|
Stevensville
|
146.660
|
Neg
|
88.5
|
|
|
|
147.320
|
Pos
|
None
|
|
