A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR HARC

As you all know, I have been pretty involved with the Boy Scouts of America and this summer took on a goal of teaching the Radio Merit Badge to the scouts. Well, that has blossomed into an opportunity for us to teach the Technician class license to around 30-40 adult members of the Latter Day Saints Church here in Missoula and Stevensville.. They have ordered and received multiple 2M radios (HTs, and base stations) for use in their Emergency Response Center located at the airport and in Boise, Salt Lake, etc. They also ordered and received 25 or more copies of the ARRL License manual. This will be an excellent opportunity to expand our emergency communications base.

I have ordered and received from the ARRL the Instructor’s manual and the CD for the technician’s license. The LDS facility on Bancroft will be the site for teaching the class, and they will provide the projector for the PC. The CD is a powerpoint presentation for the class and also includes additional handouts etc. I am meeting with President Bell and the Bishops on Thursday and will give them a quick overview of what we can accomplish. The class can run for 8 weeks and of course they are free to go ahead and study on their own. The 8th session is a practice session for the test and hopefully they will all be ready. They are proposing to start the classes February 1, 2007. I will know more after the Thursday meeting.

So, what I am asking / proposing is help in this effort. I can teach the class but would love help, especially if my &%$#@ back doesn't get better. The final event would be the administration of the Tech class. We could look forward to quite a few new hams and members of the club.

Do you have any thoughts and / or ideas? Do we want to open the class to other non-hams? It would be a chance to write an article for QST and get some publicity.

Frank, W7PAQ

549-6312

Added-

Starting 2/1/07 and running for approximately 4 weeks, members of the club will be conducting a Technicians Class with members of the local LDS Churches. These individuals will be responsible for emergency communications between their own communities, and the Bishop's warehouse here in Missoula. This will expand the number of licensed hams by 20 or so, and add members to our club and emergency net check-ins. The class will be taught using the new ARRL Technicians Guide. Each participant has already received their student text and a new ICOM V82. Instruction on the use of their HT will be part of an upcoming session. There are two licensed hams in the class who will be assisting in the instruction. The class sessions will conclude with a VEC Technician examination.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

ALL ABOARD!

(From the January 24, 2007 ARRL Contest Rate Sheet)

So the FCC has dropped CW testing and we're all going to die, or at the least be turned into slobbering idjits, and civilization as we know it will come to An Ignominious End. Oooooh-kay. As I sifted through the embers, I re-discovered a common thread that weaves much of the warp and woof of hams and ham radio.

Regardless of whether you're a seasoned veteran of many sunspot cycles, just coming off your first solar minimum (hang in there, it won't be long now, keep the faith), or are still wondering what all the fuss is about, hams like to think their license Means Something. And it does! How many other folks on the block have a federal license requiring a competency exam on technical knowledge and know-how? Not too many, I'll bet! Passing the entry-level Technician license exam alone puts you in pretty rarified company, if you care to consider the numbers involved.

Never mind all that - within the Tribe of Hamster there must be a pecking order, just as with about all other human organizations. And
what drives the pecking order? Recognition! Yes, just the simple recognition of your peers that you have Done Something Of Merit.
That's why we wear Honor Roll pins and put 473-Band/Mode WAS on our QSLs and strive to put our calls in the Top Ten boxes year after year. That is what underlies a great deal of the angst surrounding the post-CW age. Because the achievement of learning the code is no longer certified by the FCC, a big chunk of recognition has crumbled like dry and brittle leaves.

Well, boo-hoo. Yes, I will miss it. Yes, I passed the 20 wpm test under the dreaded glare of a real, live, short-sleeve-white-shirted crew-cut-bow-tied FCC Inspector of Doom. OK, I'm over it. Now what? I have a modest proposal here.

Recognition is a Good Thing, absolutely it is. We need more of it! I have promoted wider recognition in contest reporting; regional
analysis, sortable scores, club challenges and rankings, contests-within-a-contest. These are all examples of how to give personal recognition that counts. It comes from your peers and keeps you going year in and year out even when propagation isn't going your
way and you feel like roadkill on the Band Map Of Life.

So let's extend and collect and publish that recognition! Who says contesters are the only hamsters with incentives? They're not! DXers are certainly visible examples and with a big overlap into the contest community. Award chasers and county hunters and island
loggers like to see those totals going up, up, up. QRPers like to see big miles-per-watt numbers. Traffic handlers number each message for more reasons than traceability!

My proposal is derived from scouting's rank and merit badge system. To progress from Tenderfoot to Eagle or from Junior to Gold, boy and girl scouts must log a wide swath of achievements from personal growth to technical abilities. As rank increases, the breadth and depth of the achievements also keeps increasing. Merit badges recognize specialized effort and achievement. Adding patches of rank to one's uniform and wearing a sash festooned with round merit badges is a great source of personal pride and public recognition.

Why shouldn't ham radio have a similar system of recognition, especially of the so highly prized CW abilities signifying the well-rounded amateur? No, we don't need uniforms and patches. Besides, many of us are too well rounded to get into a sash anyway. But we DO need a common way of acknowledging the accomplishments of others - both as a personal incentive AND as an incentive to others to broaden their radio skills. Not only does this lead to personal achievement and recognition, it also promotes awareness and
understanding of other parts of the Amateur Service.

There is nothing preventing someone, some group, some organization from linking the public database of ham call signs to a page on which individual hams can check off their accomplishments. There is nothing preventing the creation of a list of recognized achievements; license class and years held, major awards, contest certificates, official positions, even, dare I say it, Code Copying Proficiency. If the achievements are publicly verifiable, no additional verification or certification needs to be done because we can all go to the appropriate Web site or handbook and corroborate it ourselves. If I want to see how N0AX stacks up, then I enter the call sign and out pops the record. There could even be cute icons for each accomplishment, just like merit badges! And Mom wouldn't even have to sew them on for you!

Let's not make this too hard. What categories should be used? How about those mighty five of the Amateur Service's Basis and Purpose, Rule 97.1? Emergency Communications, Technical Skill, Operating Skill, Training, and Goodwill - if it doesn't fall into one of those categories, amateurs shouldn't be doing it anyway. Come up with a list of accomplishments in each of those areas, starting with license class. Achieving one in each area gets you started as, hmmm, how about First Level Amateur?

And knock it off with the hazing rituals, let's help people get on board and moving! Brush the rust off of your own long-disused skills! Built anything lately? Held a club or Field Service appointment? Written anything for the club newsletter? Gotten your VE certification? No? Well, now is a good time to start!

Speaking of starting, don't wait for "somebody else" to get this rolling. Your own club could run a trial program - pick your categories and some reasonable accomplishments. Let the members go through their files and find out how many they can claim. Recognize your rookies and your heavy-hitters. Tell us how it worked out! Share, build, and improve. All aboard! The train to Ham Radio Future is about to depart.

73, Ward N0AX

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

THE SPIRIT OF 76!

Another big year has rolled by, 76 and W7DHB, Dennis is beginning another fine one. We'll be sure to keep him busy with HARC and VE duties...and a fishing trip in between.

Forgot what he looks like? His wanted poster is on the web.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENNIS!

Vick, K7VK and the Hellgate ARC

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

HARC VHF Net Procedure

QST, QST, QST: This is (Your Call) acting as Net Control for the Hellgate Amateur Radio Club Wednesday Night VHF Net. The purpose of this net is to practice proper procedures and protocol when assisting organizations like the National Weather Service, the Missoula County Emergency Operations Center or the Red Cross when called upon for emergency communications support. This Net is also for traffic handling and for general information and announcements of interest to the local amateur community. Hellgate ARC membership in not required to participate in this net. All amateurs are welcome and encouraged to check in. Please feel free to check in and/or join the radio club for support. Please note that the VHF Net time will change to 9pm beginning February 7^th. Check the HARC webpage for information.

Note: This net operates on one of several Hellgate Amateur Radio Club (HARC) open repeaters that are entirely supported by club membership or contributions. Repeater users are encouraged to support HARC or a repeater group in their area. Please note that if there is a problem with the repeater, then go to 146.90, minus offset, 88.5 Hz tone.

Also note that operations may be required for training or emergency operation on HF. If so, they will be announced during the VHF net, and an HF net may be activated on either 3.947 MHZ or 7.268 MHz for those who have HF capability. If this occurs, both VHF and HF nets may be in operation at the same time. Please monitor for information.

This is a directed net. If you do break the net, please break with the word CONTACT and your call. List informal traffic during the roll call, and relays will be appreciated.

Is there any priority or emergency traffic? --- Any relays?

Are there any emergency powered or mobile stations?--- Any relays?

Are there any QST’s for the net?

Are there any formal traffic listings for the net, formal traffic only?

The nets are called alphabetically by suffix. When checking in, please use your call phonetically and state if you have any formal, written traffic or any requested information.

(Start the roll call from the top on odd days and from the bottom on even days).

After the roll call:

Are there any late check-ins, Alpha through Mike?

Are there any late check-ins, November through Zulu?

Are there any late, missed or visitor stations, Alpha through Zulu? NOTE: Ask for any visitor’s name and location.

Is there any further business for the net?

At this time I will close the Hellgate Amateur Radio Club Wednesday night VHF net and return the repeater to normal amateur use. This is (Your Call), thank you, 73’s and good night.

Footnotes:

Traffic should be in form of written traffic according to the NTS system. Be prepared to copy formal traffic in the ARRL message form.

QST’s or Bulletin’s should be a notice of a special event.

Please log start and finish times, mark check-ins, total check-ins and the total of number of traffic items handled, and send the summary results to W7DHB at w7dhb@montana.com or by phone: 251-4525 for forwarding the data to Doug Dunn, K7YD, the ARRL Montana Section Manager.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

HARC VHF NET ROLL CALL

			NET CALLED BY PREFIX
		Location:
Date:		Local Time On:		Freq: 147.040 MHz
Control Station:			Control Backup:		Signatures
Check in?	Traffic?	CALL	NAME	CITY	COMMENTS
		NN8A	Byron Van Alstein	ARLEE / MSLA	C-880-3261
		K7BA	Bob Black	MISSOULA	543-4894
		KD7BIG	Bill McGuire	MISSOULA
		KE7BPX	Kevin Stevens	POTOMAC	(Blackie)
		KD7BQ	William Murray	MISSOULA
		W7DHB	Dennis Barthel	MISSOULA	251-4525, C-531-8264
		KD7DSU	Dave Placer	LAKESIDE
		KD7DSW	Brady Miller	CORVALLIS
		KJ7EP	Wayne Salsbery	RONAN
		W7ERV	Erv Davis	CHARLO
		KD7FDC	Pete Skarstedt	WHITEFISH
		N7FMW	Ruth Boydston-Scott	MISSOULA
		N7GE	Jerry Ehli	MISSOULA
		AC7GM	Jerry Lacy	THOMPSON FALLS
		K2GQJ	Tom Stock	ALBERTON
		AD7HU	Ben Sharon	THOMPSON FALLS
		K7IMZ	Jerry Nelson	MISSOULA
		W7IPB	Bob Williams	LAKESIDE
		KJ7IZ	Don Ross	KALISPELL
		KE7IZG	Mike Leary	MISSOULA
		KD7KE	Dave Haverfield	LOLO	WX Spotter
		K8MEU	Joe Mata	HUSON
		KH6OZ	George Baxter	St. IGNATIUS
		KB7PSJ	Richard Liles	DEER LODGE	With Red Cross
		W7PAQ	Frank Kisselbach	MISSOULA	549-6312
		K7PX	Steve Schlang	MISSOULA	H-549-7500, W-721-1600
		KT7QA	Glen Meacham	MISSOULA
		NZ7S	Eric Sedgwick	MISSOULA	C-544-1312
		N7STI	Bill Davis	MISSOULA
		N7TAE	Wayne VanMeter	MISSOULA	W-549-6441, H-549-7201
		K7TAZ	Martin Klein	ROCKER	(BUTTE)
		WA7TS	Tim Stearns	FRENCHTOWN
		AC7UZ	Lewis Ball	MISSOULA	H-549-1450, C-239-2405
		KD7VBS	Scott Slack	KALISPELL
		K7VK	Vick Applegate	MISSOULA	549-0027
		N7VLC	Ron Wachsmuth	PLAINS
		WA7VNP	Jon Carter	WHITEFISH
		NL7WB	Greg Lee	MISSOULA	542-0392
		KC5WRA	Donna Pecastaing	STEVENSVILLE
		N7XC	Doug Budny	E. MISSOULA
		N0XPO	Jim Brummit	MISSOULA
		W7XT	Dick Walton	MISSOULA
		W7XY	Donnie Fort	MISSOULA	360-2092
		W4YMA	Bill Farrell	MISSOULA	C-239-464-3218
		WV7Z	Mike Day	MISSOULA
		KC7ZO	Dave Guthrie	STEVENSVILLE
			*Please forward*	*changes to*	*W7DHB*
SUM	SUM			Local Time Off:

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

NORTHWESTERN DIVISION ARRL MEMBERS JANUARY 2007 NEWSLETTER

Happy New Year to ARRL Northwestern Division members. I hope you are enjoying the first few days of 2007 in spite of the ugly weather we are experiencing here in the Pacific Northwest. Just think, we could be in Colorado!

I work for a company that manufactures rocket engines for NASA and other aerospace firms. Earlier this week, I attended a presentation by an Astronaut (a licensed ham) who talked about his training. He noted that the most important attribute of the astronaut corps is teamwork. I hope that we, as licensed Amateur Radio operators, can work together as a unified team on behalf of the Amateur Radio Service and our wonderful avocation.

Division Website URL
After the Division newsletter was distributed in October, I received feedback requesting information about the URL for the Division website. This web site can be accessed via the ARRL.org URL (follow the links to the Division) or direct via http://mysite.verizon.net/~res0nuqa/ . Thanks again to Rodger KK7LK and Michael KG7HQ for their able assistance with development and maintenance of the website.

FCC Actions
As you undoubtedly know, the FCC implemented the Report and Order which restructuring some of our bands. The most controversial aspect is the 80-meter expansion of the phone band to 3600 KHz. Following review and input from members, the ARRL requested a modification of the R&O to allow digital from 3600 to 3635 KHz. The FCC maintained their confused
logic and extended the digital section from 3600 to 3585 KHz. It appears they didn't think about or even realize that nets and other activities occur in this range. But, given the logic (?) applied by the FCC during the past few years, I guess we really shouldn't be surprised. During the holidays, I listened on these new frequency allocations and heard only a few US signals. Time will tell if and how this new phone allocation will be used.

Then, in December, the R&O eliminating the CW requirement was issued. This new policy should go into effect in January. I preferred maintaining a CW requirement for the Extra Class License and voted as such a few years ago when the ARRL filed its comments. But, in its quest to simplify most aspects of the Amateur Radio, the FCC determined it was in the “public interest” to eliminate CW entirely as a condition for all classes of licensure. Soon there will be a number of new licensees on the bands without having experienced the CW requirement. Please welcome them to Amateur Radio and assist them as they learn to participate in our hobby the same manner most of us were welcomed when we first started as hams. Remember, they took the time to study and pass the various exam elements to reach a class of license and thus, they have an interest in joining our ranks.   Consider how much you learned from the time you first became licensed to the present. Be an ELMER.

Finally, the FCC dismissed the complaint from Manassas, VA hams using the logic that the BPL system there complied with current interference criteria. If you have been following this issue, you know that complaints weren't even notified about technical tests and locations from which the FCC based their decision. This is one of the first times the FCC allows unlicensed entities to legally interfere with licensed services! Because of this and other similar issues, the ARRL Board determined an appeal in the Federal Appellate court is justified. As you might imagine, this is a very costly appeal process. I believe this filing shows that we disagree with their possibly illegal action. Please consider donating to the Save Our Frequencies Fund, coordinated by the ARRL's Development Department.

ARRL Foundation Scholarships and Teachers' Summer Workshops The ARRL Foundation (were I also serve as a Board Member) just announced the scholarship program for 2007 along with the requisite deadlines for application. See http://arrl.org/arrlf . There are thousands of dollars of scholarships available to young college and tech-school bound licensed hams. It was both gratifying and an honor to review the applications last year and recommend scholarship awards
to many talented young people.   Do you know that a teachers' workshop was conducted for the last five years, helping teachers integrate electronics and ham radio studies into their classrooms? This is a wonderful program that has seen many positive results for young people. You can participate in these programs by donating or creating a bequest to fund these and other programs. Visit http://arrl.org/development for further information.

Legislative Action Program
In past newsletters, I referred to the Legislative Action Program (LAP) that will be implemented by the Board as a coordinated program to both forestall actions by the FCC and other Federal agencies as well as to introduce legislation favorable to Amateur Radio and licensees. This program is now ready for implementation in the ARRL divisions.    The February issue of QST will describe the recommendations and organization of this process as defined by members of the ad hoc LAP members. There are three levels of coordination in each division. Overall coordination in each division will be accomplished by an
appointed Division Legislative Action Chair (DLAC). Each state will have a Legislative Action Coordinator (LAC). In the various locales, Legislative Action Assistants (LAA's) will be recruited. The LAA's are generally the folks who will contact and meet with Federal legislators and/or their aides to both inform them about Amateur Radio and to request support for specific legislation that affects us. A training package has been developed which both explains the overall process. In addition, a training DVD is available to exhibit the way to meet and explain our issues and concerns and ask for support. I envision at
least one LAA team (comprising of 2-3 members) in each Federal Congressional District in the Northwestern Division as well as a team targeting each Senator.    This means that at least 28 teams are needed:

Alaska 1 team for a legislator and 2 teams for a senators = 3
Idaho 2 teams for legislators and 2 teams for senators = 4
Montana         1 team for legislator and 2 teams for senators = 3
Oregon 5 teams for legislators and 2 teams for senators = 7
Washington 9 teams for legislators and 2 teams for senators = 11

To see who your Federal legislator is, click the following URL: http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml#top

For a list of Senators, see: http://www.senate.gov/

I realize that many hams are not comfortable participating in the political process, but it is a real learning experience and has
potential benefits for us far into the future. If you do have an interest in participating or need further information, please contact me. Northwestern Division members have been extremely proactive when asked for assistance with similar issues. I look forward to your participation and work with a team in your legislative district or at the senatorial level. Again, I emphasize this initiative is focused on Federal issues. At the upcoming board meeting, we will determine one or more initiatives on which to focus.

Hamfest and Convention Season
The first hamfest of the New Year is in Rickreal, OR on February 17. Remember the Northwestern Division Convention will be in Seaside, OR on June 1 through 3. This promises to be a fantastic convention and will have a few new formats. I met with the coordinating committee last month and am excited about the venue. We just received approval to host W1AW/7. Mary Hobart, ARRL Development Manager, will be in attendance. Mary is a great spokesperson for the ARRL and Amateur Radio in general. The Communications Academy dedicated to Emergency Communications and coordination will be held in Seattle on March 31 and April 1. Harold Kramer, WJ1B, ARRL COO, will be a keynote speaker at this event.   See the Northwestern Division web site for other Hamfest dates, times and places.

Operating Events
The Idaho QSO party is schedule for March 10-11, 2007. This is a great way to work some of those elusive Idaho Counties. To see the rules, link to:   http://www.nt4tt.com/main_page_link/rules.htm . On May 5-6, the 7th District QSO party will be held. Get on the air work the world from the rare 7th area!   For further information, link to: http://www.codxc.org/new/page.asp?content=dryland7s .

It has been a pleasure to serve the ARRL Northwestern Division during 2006. Both Vice Director Bill Sawders K7ZM and I look forward to our next three years of service to you.

We'll forward the next installment of this newsletter following the upcoming Board meeting in Newington. Both my wife Shirley, KE7CBH, and I wish each of you the best of health and good hamming in 2007.

73
Jim Fenstermaker K9JF
Director
Northwestern Division k9jf@arrl.org

Now some thoughts from our Northwestern Division Vice Director, Bill Sawders, K7ZM.

It's the beginning of a new year with new challenges. I have heard very little feedback on the FCC decision to increase the size of the phone bands. The dropping of the code requirement came as no surprise as most countries had already led the way in doing so. The big challenge will be our ability to protect our frequencies from pollution produced by BPL, Broadband over Power Lines. With the FCC staffed by “political liberals”; with an “anything goes” attitude, Amateur Radio, as we know it, could certainly be on the decline. The ARRL is standing up to these “from bad to worse” Commissioners and will do whatever is possible to protect our spectrum. The FCC is heading in the wrong direction and our hobby is at risk. You can help with a generous contribution to the ARRL Spectrum Defense Fund. On a “brighter” side, Dr. David Hathaway of the Marshall Space Center announced at the American Geophysical meeting in San Francisco, that solar cycle 24 might be the most intense cycle in the 400 years of monitoring. When I was first licensed, in 1957 (50 years ago!), I can remember working Europe on 10 meters with a dipole in the attic! Solar cycle 24 is supposed to “peak” in the year 2010 or 2011. My wife, Vicki, K7VKI and I are looking forward to seeing and meeting you at the various hamfests and swapmeets in the year ahead. And again, please help all Amateurs, by supporting the ARRL in protecting our frequencies. By doing so, we can all look forward to the enjoyment that Amateur Radio provides... for years to come! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

THE NEXT TEST SESSION

Wayne has scheduled new examination dates for Missoula. Thanks Wayne. February 27, March 22 & April 12. See http://www.users.qwest.net/~k7vk/examinations.htm

These should all be after the new FCC regulations eliminating Morse Code as a license requirement. Please spread the word.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

qrl? Is this frequency in use?

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.

My apologies for not being around for the last meeting, and as soon as we can figure out existing problems with the airlines, I can assure you that it won’t happen again (hi). Obviously, this month is when we as a hobby will make a very large change. Whether you believe it is the beginning of the end, the long awaited “common sense” ruling, or somewhere in the middle, we all are going down a new road together.

Most of the articles included this month bring up some huge points. There is an “attack” on where we practice our hobby with the recent BPL rulings, the new ruling has done away with the need for the CW requirement, and we all will need to share the bands…… TOGETHER. What we know is amazing, it can also be beneficial to find someone that needs our knowledge and experience. Be an ELMER, help teach at the LDS, help Frank with the Boy Scouts, expose people to the fun and excitement that we enjoy in “shacks”. Find new ways to reach out to new folks such as “Do we supply libraries with magazine membership to QST and CQ magazines?, what about high schools? Vo-tech? the University?” We have the money in our bank accounts, and unfortunately, waiting for a rainy day could be similar to waiting for Noah’s flood as our hobby gets swept away. Anyone that has been in this hobby for very long can recount “the good old days”, and every one of us really knows what road lays ahead, especially if we choose to be alone.

I will be out doing antenna repairs soon (the winds we have had this fall/winter) has decrease the height of some of my antennas to NVIS levels. My cheap excuse for a beam also took wing and lit not so easily on the ground. This doesn’t work well with the ARRL International DX contest coming on February 17-18. On the weekend of February 10-12, the School Club Roundup takes place along with the CQ WW RTTY WPX contest, the British Columbia QSO challenge, and the FISTS CW Winter Sprint. Oh yeah, it also is the same weekend with the EU EME test and the Classic Exchange! If you don’t care for football, next weekend gives us the North American Sprint (SSB), the YL-OM contest (CW), the QRP ARCI Winter Fireside SSB Sprint, and the contest with the coolest name EVER, the FYBO (Freeze Your Butt Off) Winter QRP Field Day.