Hellgate Amateur Radio Club

March 12, 2007

President Ehli, N7GE called this meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.. Twenty seven members were present at the meeting. Minutes were accepted as presented in the March Hellgate Static with one exception pointed out by Lewis, AC7UZ regarding the autopatch (*51 for the ON position and # turns it off). Finance reports show our budget at $2,796.00 with some upcoming expenditures that are known (repeater controllers, etc.).

The executive board has discussed the sale of our Yaesu FT-1000d to a club member. After offering it at the meeting, no one met “a member’s” (currently un-named) $1,200.00 offer. Sale was accepted at the meeting.

As an update, the 146.90 MHz repeater has a tone (88.5) with the standard offset (-600 kHz). The 146.90 MHz and 147.04 MHz repeaters also have tones of 88.5. The VHF repeater has a 67 tone however.

Old Business

Several members have paid their dues, and we have a $25.00 that is not accounted for.

New Business

We have been requested to help with the “Griz Triathalon”. We will get a map of where the checkpoints prior to the race to help us locate our members. We will meet at the University pool and disperse around 0800 on April 14^th.

We have also been requested to help out again with the River Bank Run on April 28^th. We will meet prior to the run. The roof of the Wilma Theatre will be used as command point again this year.

The Wednesday night net (2100 local on the 147.04 MHz repeater) control stations are:

N7ZS / W7DHB March 21^st

K7VK / W7DHB & N7GE April 4^th

W4MYA / K7VK April 11^th

KE7JQC & KE7JQD / W7PAQ April 18th

Three hams were at the NOAA training according to Lewis, AC7UZ.

Bob, N7MSU will be doing the HARC QSL’ing etc. We have found the QSL’s, but he asks if anyone has any cards sent to us to please deliver them to him. He is usually at the club breakfast, but is otherwise available.

Bob, N7MSU and Bob, K7BA will “command” our response for TOSRV (tentatively May 19-20). They are looking for help, but there will be two meetings prior to the tour. HARC will reimburse receipted gas costs, and the tour will feed you. The use of the portable repeater will again be needed.

Johnny Armstrong, K7BIR in Eureka is planning a swap meet on July 4^th. If you are interested, please let him know at PO Box 1, Eureka, MT. 59917-0001 or at k7bir1957@interbel.net

At the May meeting we will begin to discuss Field Day 2007 and our activities on July 4^th. Lance, W7GJ will provide the after meeting discussion involving EME and meteor bounce.

Discussion was held regarding the Worked All Hellgate Award. Should you need an application, one can be printed from the internet.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:49 P.M..

The after meeting discussion was presented by Frank, W7PAQ. He discussed APRS and the use of GPS location. My, times they are a changing!

FROM THE ARRL LETTER

Vol. 26, No. 13

March 30, 2007

ARRL announces card checking program changes: The ARRL has announced some changes in the DXCC, WAS and VUCC card checking program rules. Effective immediately, the 10-year rule has been dropped for DXCC http://www.arrl.org/awards/dxcc card checking. ARRL DXCC card checkers now have been authorized to check cards “for current entities only”, dating back

to November 15, 1945. Card checkers still may not verify cards for 160-meter contacts nor cards confirming contacts with deleted entities. In addition, DXCC card checkers now may check applications for Worked All States Award(WAS) http://www.arrl.org/awards/was and The VHF/UHF Century Club Award(VUCC) http://www.arrl.org/awards/vucc, if they agree to do so. For more information, contact DXCC Manager Bill Moore, NC1L, dxcc@arrl.org.

Everyone that uses the ARRL incoming DX bureau can again reach them on the internet. The Willamette Valley DX club has changed their website. It is now at: http://wvdxc.org/dotnetnuke/ , and the site seems to be fully operational. Depending on the manager that you may have, some will take your “order” so that you can receive your DX cards through e-mail. Others still require a note through snail mail. –ed.

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HAM-ASTRONAUT TO COMPETE IN MARATHON FROM SPACE

(Mar 29, 2007) -- International Space Station Expedition 14 Flight Engineer Suni Williams, KD5PLB, will go faster than anyone has ever gone when she "runs" the Boston Marathon April 16. A native of the Boston suburb of Needham, she'll compete as an official entrant from 210 miles above Earth. She'll run on an ISS exercise treadmill, circling Earth at least twice in the process, running as fast as 8 MPH but flying more than 5 miles each second. NASA says this will mark the first time an astronaut in space will be an official marathon participant. Williams hopes her unique run will be an inspiration. "I encourage kids to start making physical fitness part of their daily lives," she said. "I think a big goal like a marathon will help get this message out there." An accomplished marathoner, Williams has been aboard the space station since last December. She won't be alone in her adventure. Her sister Dina Pandya and fellow astronaut Karen Nyberg will run the race in Boston. Williams and Nyberg qualified for the Boston race by finishing among the top 100 females in the 2006 Houston Marathon. ISS crew members exercise daily to counteract the effects of long-duration weightlessness on astronauts' health, and Williams adheres to a rigorous workout routine (photo). Due to the crew's sleep schedule, Williams' run may not coincide precisely with the earthbound race, but mission control is working to sync the events as closely as possible. – NASA via ARRL website http://www.arrl.org

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SWAINS ISLAND, KH8, WILL BE ON THE AIR AS N8S

After the waiting, the time has come. A large group of operators will be on the air as N8S from April 3 to 15. They will be active with up to six stations on 160 to 2 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY, SSTV and PSK31. Please QSL via operators' instructions but appear to be via YT1AD given the web sources I have checked. One U.S. dollar will be required for US post and $2.00 for airmail. They will then continue to Samoa 5W5AA (QSL via YZ7AA) when they have completed the DX-pedition to Swains Island. Plan on busy frequencies and also listen to what their listening frequency is. If you have the time, hang out and listen (don’t just call “because they are in there”) and watch the spots as well. We should have some advantage on 160-40 meters IF they operate when we have propagation. Good luck!

N8S FREQUENCY in MHz
BAND	CW	SSB	RTTY	SSTV	PSK31
160	1.825	1.835	1.835	-	1.835
80	3.505	3.795	3.582	3.723	3.582
60	-	5.4035	-	-	-
40	7.005	7.082	7.035	7.035	7.035
30	10105	-	10.145	-	10.145
20	14.020	14.200 & 14.265	14.081	14230	14.081
17	18.075	18.150	18.100	-	18.100
15	21.020	21.295	21.081	21.230	21.081
12	24.895	24.950	24.920	-	24.920
10	28.020	28.495	28.081	28.680	28.081

Operation on 60 meters (5403.5 kHz), 2 meter EME, 6 meter EME, and on 50.375 MHz and 144.375 MHz.

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IRAQI AMATEUR RADIO SHUTDOWN CONTINUES

via ARRL website http://www.arrl.org

NEWINGTON, CT, Mar 30, 2007 -- Iraq Amateur Radio Society (IARS) President Diya Sayah, YI1DZ, says a ham radio blackout in his country remains in effect, with no end in sight. As part of the new security plan in Baghdad, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense earlier this month requested that radio amateurs remain off the air until security improves.

Because of a miscommunication, however, word failed to reach the Iraqi Communications and Media Commission, which still is issuing licenses.

Sayah chalks up the open-ended ham radio blackout to a misunderstanding of Amateur Radio on the part of the defense minister. Working through the Ministry of Education and Scientific Research, the IARS has attempted -- so far without success -- to explain Amateur Radio to the Ministry of Defense.

"Because it's between ministries, this will take time also," Sayah said this week, adding that he was not optimistic about meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki anytime soon.

"Now anyone on the air is a pirate, as everyone is obliged not to use their radios at the present time," he added. He said IARS members continue making contacts using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) modes such as IRLP, EchoLink and others.

The Ministry of Defense also had asked the IARS to store all licensees' ham radio equipment during the shutdown, but Sayah says that's not happening because of the dangerous situation that persists within the capital.

The ham radio shutdown affects non-Iraqi licensees, including members of the military and contractors holding YI9-prefix call signs. It does not apply to Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) operations, which use military frequencies.

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WATCH FOR SOLOMON ISLANDS H44 STATIONS PASSING EMERGENCY TRAFFIC REGARDING TSUNAMI TRAFFIC!  HELP IF YOU CAN.

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W1AW 2007 SPRING/SUMMER OPERATING SCHEDULE

QST de W1AW

From ARRL Headquarters

Newington CT  March 12, 2007

TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS

SB QST ARL ARLB010 ARLB010 W1AW 2007 Spring/Summer Operating Schedule

Morning Schedule:

Time                  Mode     Days

1300 UTC (9 AM ET)    CWs      Wed, Fri

1300 UTC (9 AM ET)    CWf      Tue, Thu

Daily Visitor Operating Hours:

1400 UTC to 1600 UTC - (10 AM to 12 PM ET)

1700 UTC to 1945 UTC - (1 PM to 3:45 PM ET)

(Station closed 1600 to 1700 UTC (12 PM to 1 PM ET))

Afternoon/Evening Schedule:

2000 UTC (4 PM ET)      CWf      Mon, Wed, Fri

2000  "      "          CWs      Tue, Thu

2100  "  (5 PM ET)      CWb      Daily

2200  "  (6 PM ET)      RTTY     Daily

2300  "  (7 PM ET)      CWs      Mon, Wed, Fri

2300  "      "          CWf      Tue, Thu

0000  "  (8 PM ET)      CWb      Daily

0100  "  (9 PM ET)      RTTY     Daily

0145  "  (9:45 PM ET)   VOICE    Daily

0200  "  (10 PM ET)     CWf      Mon, Wed, Fri

0200  "      "          CWs      Tue, Thu

0300  "  (11 PM ET)     CWb      Daily

                         Frequencies (MHz)

CW:    1.8175 3.5815 7.0475 14.0475  18.0975 21.0675 28.0675 147.555

RTTY:     -   3.5975 7.095  14.095   18.1025 21.095  28.095  147.555

VOICE:  1.855 3.990  7.290  14.290   18.160  21.390  28.590  147.555

Notes:

CWs = Morse Code practice (slow) = 5, 7.5, 10, 13 and 15 WPM

CWf = Morse Code practice (fast) = 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 13 and 10 WPM

CWb = Morse Code Bulletins = 18 WPM

CW frequencies include code practices, Qualifying Runs and CW bulletins.

RTTY = Teleprinter Bulletins = BAUDOT (45.45 baud) and AMTOR-FEC(100 Baud). ASCII (110 Baud) is sent only as time allows.

Code practice texts are from QST, and the source of each practice is given at the beginning of each practice and at the beginning of alternate speeds.

On Tuesdays and Fridays at 2230 UTC (6:30 PM ET), Keplerian Elements for active amateur satellites are sent on the regular teleprinter frequencies.

A DX bulletin replaces or is added to the regular bulletins between 0000 UTC (8 PM ET) Thursdays and 0000 UTC (8 PM ET) Fridays.

In a communications emergency, monitor W1AW for special bulletins as follows: Voice on the hour, Teleprinter at 15 minutes past the hour, and CW on the half hour.

FCC licensed amateurs may operate the station from 1400 UTC to 1600 UTC (10 AM to 12 PM ET), and then from 1700 UTC to 1945 UTC (1 PM to 3:45 PM ET) Monday through Friday.  Be sure to bring your current FCC amateur license or a photocopy.

The complete W1AW Operating Schedule may be found on page 86 in the March 2007 issue of QST or on the web at, http://www.arrl.org/w1aw.html .

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PARTS AND PIECES FROM THE ARRL CONTESTERS RATE SHEET

March 21, 2007

Good stuff for hams new to HF - whether new hams or old - CQ's "HF Operator's Survival Guide" It's a 16-page getting-started guide for newcomers to high-frequency (shortwave) Amateur Radio communications. Written by CQ Contesting Editor John Dorr, K1AR, Contributing Editor Gordon West, WB6NOA, and CQ Editor Rich Moseson, W2VU, the booklet is a practical, hands-on guide to success in HF ham radio. To order, or for more information, contact CQ Communications Inc, 800-853-9797 (toll-free) weekdays 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time.

Antennex (http://www.antennex.com/news/index.html) has released "Cubical Quad Notes Volume 3: Multi-Band Quad Questions" by L.B. Cebik, W4RNL. Volume 3 of Cubical Quad Notes extends the work of this series. Beginning with 2-element designs, Cebik analyzes element interaction in spider designs and then sorts those interactions from others that involve the use of a common feedpoint. Volume 3 has 249 pages with 140 illustrations and numerous data tables. (Thanks, Steve K7LXC)

"I came across a neat way to find buried coax and it should work for radials, too! Use a portable radio tuned to a station, rotate the
radio to get a null, then as you move the radio over the coax or radial it distorts the null and the station is received better." (Thanks, Mike "amdx")

Two methods of restoring the sliding contacts of roller inductors were reported: 1) Clean the roller surface with a dry non-metallic kitchen scrubbie, wipe clean with a dust-free soft cloth, then find some molybdenum or "DuPont Performance" (moly and Teflon) lubricant. Treat the roller and contact surfaces with it. The "moly" lubricates without attracting and holding dust and other small abrasive, insulating, and/or acidic debris--unlike most lubricants. 2) Spray contact cleaner on a cloth and then hold the cloth against
the inductor while rotating it back and forth. You won't believe the crud that comes off. Also clean the shaft that the little roller contact rides on and then apply a VERY SMALL amount of commercial no-alox type compound on the shaft and run the inductor from one end to the other several times to make sure the shaft is covered. (Thanks, Doc KD4E and Jake K9WN)

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THANK YOU NEW AND RETURNING MEMBERS!

NEW		RETURNING
N7PAS	Paul Shuey	K7PX	Steve Schlang
KE7LJH	Brian Gillespie	KD7KE	Dave Haverfield
KE7LZH	Jack Pillipo	K8MEU	Joseph Mata
KD5RXS	Robb Lankston	KE7FAH	Allyson Nelson
WA7TZP	Bob Lankston	KE7NO	Craig Nelson
		KB3MQQ	Dennis Shaffer
		N0AUB	Ed Nesselroad
		N7RZW	Myron Boucher
		N7STI	Frank Davis
		N7UVQ	Janet Davis
		W7OHH	Dick Lindborg

A complete list of HARC members is on the HARC website, membership. http://www.users.qwest.net/~k7vk/HARC-members.htm

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TESTING, TESTING

Hi Fellow VEs,

We've had real successful examination sessions this month. New amateurs, 12 & upgrading amateurs, 3.

The Stevensville exams were successful for 4 new candidates resulting in 1 technician and 3 generals. The Missoula exams were successful for 8 new amateurs & 3 upgrades resulting in 6 technicians, 1 general and 4 extra class licenses. Thanks to N7FMW Ruth; K7VK Vick; W7DHB Dennis; N7GE Jerry; AC7UZ Lewis; WV7Z Mike; WA7W Morey; W7XY Donnie & K7BA Bob.

The new candidates can expect to see their callsigns within a few days by going to the HARC web page, clicking call sign search, then FCC data base search & completing their name search.

Our next examination is April 12.

Thanks & 73,

Vick K7VK Hellgate ARC info www.users.qwest.net/~k7vk

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HELLO ?

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.

The only upcoming hamfest in the area is the Southwestern Idaho Hamfest on April 28th. This is put on by the Voice of Idaho ARC and their website is http://www.voiceofidaho.org . Talk-in is on 146.84 with a tone of 100 and a negative offset. The contact is Raz Rasmussen, W7RAZ, and he can be reached at Voice of Idaho ARC PO Box 812, Boise, ID. 83701-0812 or by phone (208)398-8808 (at night).

On the 18^th, it is World Amateur Radio Day. Get on the air and work somebody! The Lyrids Meteor shower follows that on the 21^st.

Please come out and help us with the Griz Triathalon, the River Bank Run, and the upcoming Tour of The Swan River. The 7QP (7 QSO party) will be here soon, a fun contest for all. Field Day will soon be here as well as the Fourth of July. Lots to do, and we’ll need your help. If you are new to ham radio, join us and get bitten by the bug!

*If you received this newsletter via hardcopy mail and would like to help us save mailing costs by downloading it or reading it from the internet, please drop any of the officers a note.

The Hellgate Amateur Radio Club (HARC) will sponsor the ALL HELLGATE VHF AWARD to recognize and encourage amateur radio operating excellence on frequencies above 50 MHz:

1) Recipients must complete and document 2-way radio communications with at least 25 amateur radio operators who are members-in-good-standing of the Hellgate Amateur Radio Club (HARC) during a calendar year (January 1-December 31). See trailing link for application.

2) Using modes legally available to the applicant, all 25 documented QSOs must occur on amateur bands with frequencies above 50 MHz.

3) Included among the 25 member-in-good-standing credits must be at least 5 of the officers, repeater committee members, or appointees of the Hellgate Amateur Radio Club during that same calendar year.

4) K7BA will have to be worked as he is the club license trustee.

5) No more than 10 of the 25 required QSOs may be made via repeaters (ie.15 QSOs must be simplex).

6) Point to point communications may occur between any 2 geographic locations.

7) Any combination of modes is acceptable.

8) Recipients must participate in 2 Hellgate ARC events.

9) The All Hellgate VHF Award shall be available to non-members, as well as to members of HARC.

10) To document completion of the above requirements, recipients of the All Hellgate VHF Award must complete an application form and submit it to the award’s Gatekeeper. The Club will make available on request, in its newsletter and/or on its website a list of current members-in-good-standing, a list of elected club officers, the rules governing this award and the application form.

11) The Gatekeeper of the All Hellgate VHF Award will review each application to determine its authenticity. The Gatekeeper may spot check the applicant’s log. If the applicant successfully completes all requirements, the Gatekeeper will direct that the applicant receive the All Hellgate VHF Award Certificate. Unsuccessful applicants may request the HARC directors to review the Gatekeeper’s decision.

12) Recipient of an All Hellgate VHF Award Certificate may receive annual endorsements upon successfully applying during succeeding years.

13) Initial applications shall include a $1.00 fee. Succeeding applications for annual endorsements will not require a fee.

14) HARC directors will appoint the Gatekeeper at the beginning of each calendar year. N7MSU, Bob is the current gatekeeper.

N8S FREQUENCY in MHz