March - The Wireless Association of South Hills

WASHRAG
TM
VOLUME 14 ISSUE 03
Wireless Association of South Hills
www.n3sh.org www.washarc.org
MARCH 2012
N3SH
WA3SH
NP2SH/B
WASHFest 2012: Wow!
We haven’t gotten the “official” wrap-up for WASHFest yet,
aside from Carol’s comments… so in their absence, a few
observations:
Is it possible to have pulled off a better event than last year’s?
That’s what the feedback seems to be. Nothing but
compliments, a packed house, many happy vendors, great
food… what more can you ask for?
Official attendance figures aren’t in yet, but they are
comparable to last year’s. Yet somehow the hall seemed
about as crowded as we’ve seen.
Tables officially sold out almost two weeks prior, and only one
vendor was a “no-show” — and that table went almost
immediately. One small down note: We did hear some
grumbling from a few people who waited until the last
moment. Sorry folks, but it may not be practical to squeeze
another row of tables in. If we do that, we’ll have people
almost unable to move through the aisles, and that’s not good
either. And there’s not a whole lot of ways to arrange the
rows, but it will get looked into. As a practical matter, we’re
about at capacity for the CSVFD Memorial Hall. We’ll be
there again for 2013, but after… well, we’ll just have to see.
We already have commitments from several vendors for
2013, which means we’re starting the year off with roughly 1/3
of our tables spoken for.
We also were able to “pull off” a VE Exam at almost the last
moment, on a small scale, thanks to some efforts from Ed
N3ZNI to put it all together. Our success with this may lead to
exams at future WASHFests, probably scheduled times and
in small groups. This is something else that will be worked on
during the course of the year. Thanks also to VE’s N3UE &
W3WN for lending a hand, and to the other VE’s who
volunteered if their services would have been needed.
Carol’s Comments
Another hamfest has come and
gone, but with the help of our
members it was a great
success. I have heard nothing
but good reports from the
vender's and patrons.
Everyone seemed to be having
a good time. The food was
good the company was good. I was told the hamfest
was well organized and run very professional. So I
guess all our hard work paid off. I have already got
reservations for next year so I guess we are doing
something right.
I can honestly say that whenever I asked someone
to do something it was done. Kevin and I thank you
for all the hard work you did in setting up on
Saturday and the day of the hanfest.
The best part was the weather cooperated. See you
all at the pizza party in April.
By the way my vacation is going well. I will be going
to a hamfest while I am here and meeting up with
Ted W4ZE. Also we had a QSO with Jim WB4GCS
on simplex on Route 77 in South Carolina on our
way down here. It was amazing that we came up
behind his car and recognized his license on the
open highway!
Loads of pictures inside, thanks to all of our photographers
for providing them!
Next Meeting: March 8 , 2012
th
The next monthly meeting of the WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS, INC.
will be on Thursday, March 8th, 2012, at the Crossroads Ministries Church, 88
Walter Long Road of f Route 88, Finleyville PA, starting at 7:00 PM.
Meeting topics will include WASHFest 2012 wrap-up, Dayon, Field Day and
the continuation & testing of the kit building ongoing project.
Talk-in on the 146.955(-) N3SH/R and 443.650(+) N3FB/R Repeaters (131.8
PL). All members, guests and interested parties invited!
— 73. Carol Danko KB3GMN
President, Wireless Association of South Hills
N3SH / WA3SH / NP2SH
Inside this issue:
“Seen” Pictures
2
WASH Club News
3
Meeting Minutes
4
WASH Club Agenda
5
WASHFest 2012 Photos
6
Windows 8 Preview
11
DX News & Notes
12
WASH Classified Ads
13
W I R E L E S S AS S O C I AT I O N O F S O U T H H I L L S
Page 2
“ Seen ” at the WASH February Meeting
Special thanks to Fred McMullen
KD8GRJ from the Pittsburgh National
Weather Service office in Coraopolis
for his presentation on SKYWarn
Photos courtesy of and ©Copyright 2012
Ron Notarius W3WN
WA S H 2 0 1 2 O F F I C E R S
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
President
VP / Secretary
VP / Treasurer
“The WASHRag™” (formerly “The Mariner ™”) is the Official Newsletter of
the WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS, INC. (WASH)
Published Monthly with occasional Special Editions as warranted.
Carol Danko KB3GMN
Glen Roberts KE7FD
Mark Stabryla N3RDV
AND WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT:
N3SH / WA3SH Trustee
Steve Lane W3SRL
NP2SH Trustee
Paul Jordan NP2JF
N3SH / WA3SH / NP2SH QSL Manager Ed Oelschlager N3ZNI
NP2SH 2009 QSL Manager
Carl Schroeder K9CS
VE Team Liaison
Ed Oelschlager N3ZNI
Webmaster
Randy George N3ZK
Asst. Webmaster
Glen Roberts KE7FD
Quartermaster
Harold Rosenberger K3HCR
WASH FM Net Manager
Kevin Smith N3HKQ
WASHFest 2012 Committee
Kevin Smith N3HKQ, Chairman
Carol Danko KB3GMN, Co-Chair
Activities & Operating Events
Bob Timmins AB3ED
Ways & Means
Carol Danko KB3GMN
Field Day 2012 Coordinators
Larry Comden K3VX
Rick Bell KB3IAC
CLUB-AFFILIATED REPEATERS, BEACONS, & DIGIPEATERS:
Mt. Lebanon
Mt. Lebanon
Canonsburg
St. Johns, VI
Canonsburg
N3SH / R
W3SRL / R
N3FB / R
NP2SH / B
N3SH
146.955 MHz (–)
442.550 MHz (+)
443.650 MHz (+)
28.276 MHz
144.390 MHz
THE LEGAL STUFF
PL 131.8
PL 131.8
PL 131.8
This issue is © Copyright 2012 by the WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS,
INC.
Editor & Publisher: Ron Notarius W3WN
Permission is granted to other Amateur Radio publications to reprint articles in
this issue, provided the original author and “The WASHRag™” are given
credit. Comments, articles, and requests for copies of or information about
“The WASHRag™” should be mailed to the editor:
e-mail:
Ron Notarius W3WN
3395 Rosewood Drive
Castle Shannon, PA 15234-2546
newsletter at n3sh dot org or w3wn at arrl dot net
“The WASHRag”, “The Mariner”, SHARCfest, South Hills Hamfest,
WASHfest, WASHfest 2012, N3SH Net, WA3SH Net and WASHNet are
TM
trademarks of the WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS, INC.
The WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS, INC. was founded on August 23rd,
1993, as the original SOUTH HILLS AMATEUR RADIO CLUB, and operated under
that name through 1998. WASH was also known briefly in late 1998 as the
N3SH AMATEUR RADIO CLUB. It is not in any way affiliated with the “South Hills
Amateur Radio Club, Inc.” and is not responsible for that group, it’s members,
or it’s actions in any way, shape, or form.
Propagation Beacon
APRS Digipeater
N3SH / WA3SH WASHNet, the weekly on-air net of WASH, meets every
Sunday Night, 9:00 PM ET, on the 146.955 & 443.650 repeaters.
All radio amateurs, WASH members or not, are welcome to join in!
As always, special thanks to the owners of both the N3SH-W3SRL Repeater
System and the N3FB/R Repeater System for permitting the WIRELESS
ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS, INC. and it’s members to use their repeaters for
club purposes.
VOLUME 14
Page 3
ISSUE 03
WASH Amateur Radio Club News Briefs
Next WASH VE Test April 25
th
th
The Next WASH VE exam sessions will be Wednesday, April 25 ,
2012, 6:30 PM, at the North Strabane Township Building, 1929
Route 519, Canonsburg, PA. Talk-in on the 146.955 MHz and 443.650 MHz
repeaters. All examiners are ARRL VEC affiliated.
Walk-ins are always welcome, but if you plan on attending the test session,
please contact VE Team Liason Ed Oelschlager N3ZNI:
Telephone (724) 746-9235 or E-Mail: n3zni@comcast.net
Please bring the following to your test session:
Picture ID or other suitable identification (2 forms of ID required)
Pen / Pencil / Calculator
Original FCC license plus a copy of license (if upgrading)
Original CSCE plus a copy of CSCE (if upgrading)
Check or Cash in the amount of $15.00 (payable to: ARRL VEC)
Future test dates:
(tentative)
The ARRL
UHF/
Microwave
Band Plan
Committee has
put together a
draft band
plan for the 9
cm band.
They are
soliciting
further
comments
from the
Amateur
community.
Please view
the bandplan
at http://
www.arrl.org/
files/media/
News/9_cm_B
and_PlanDraft.pdf, and
then email
your
comments to
microwavebandplan@arrl.org
Wednesday, July 25th, 2012
Wednesday, September 12th, 2012
Wednesday, January 24th, 2013
Wednesday, April 24th, 2013
Saturday, February 25th found a lot of anxious hams watching the
weather forecast with WASHFest 2012 the next day. Of course, the
weather forecasters had us concerned. Regardless, it was time for the
monthly gather of the WASH Breakfast Gang at The Beach House in
Finleyville, to be followed by table setup at the hall. This month’s crew
included WB4GCS, KC4WTT, KB3DCO, W9UK, N3BPB, K3HCR,
N3FB, KB3GMU, K3SGT, N3IDH, N3HKQ & Peg, and W3WN. Hot
coffee, eggs, toast, and so forth was accompanied by talk of culling
deer, Jack’s Back!, helicopters, medical airlift costs, firing a cardiologist,
Larry & Bill back from Barbados (1700 QSOs and “an interesting trip” —
story will be in next month’s newsletter, this issue is too big as it is!), an
inverted “L” antenna on 160, remote control stations with an IC-706,
SGC tuners, Ten Tec 2591 woes, “Prevention Magazine,” diabetic
cookbooks, the ARRL DX Contests, PT, dry cat food, turkey ham, turkey
bacon, and taking responsibility… and a whole lot more, as usual.
March will be bringing us our first spring breakfast, with warmer weather
awaiting us, and planning for growing new antennas. So why not join
the group for a great start to the season? Saturday, March 24th at The
Beach House, Library Road, Finleyville, just south of Trax Farm. See
you there!
Congratulations to all of our prize winners from this year’s WASHFest.
We have a complete listing of winners on Page 14.
Pizza Party Moved to April: Traditionally, we’ve had our post-hamfest
Pizza Party at the March meeting. Carol KB3GMN has moved it to the
April meeting for this year only. Why? Simply because she and Rich
N3SBF will be out of town the night of the March meeting this year; with
all the hard work she puts in to the hamfest every year, she’d simply like
to enjoy the celebration (and the pizza) with us!
WASHNet 2012 NCS Schedule
01/01/2012 Dave N3DFK
01/08/2012 Glen KE7FD
07/08/2012 Carol KB3GMN
07/15/2012 Bob AB3ED
01/15/2012 Harold K3HCR 07/22/2012 Kevin N3HKQ
01/22/2012 Carol KB3GMN 07/29/2012 Dave N3IDH
01/29/2012 Bob AB3ED
08/05/2012 Sean N3NWR
02/05/2012 Kevin N3HKQ
08/12/2012 Dave N3DFK
02/12/2012 Dave N3IDH
08/19/2012 Glen KE7FD
02/19/2012 Sean N3NWR
08/26/2012 Harold K3HCR
02/26/2012 Dave N3DFK
09/02/2012 Carol KB3GMN
03/04/2012 Glen KE7FD
09/09/2012 Bob AB3ED
Those of you who expressed interesting KB3DCO’s portable 2 meter
Yagi project, don’t forget that Fred expects to have the parts for
everyone at the March meeting. If you’ve committed to one of the
antennas and won’t be able to make it, please contact Fred.
On the same note, NB3C has reminded everyone heading out to
Dayton Hamvention 2012 as part of his group that he needs to have
the money for the U of Dayton in the next few days. If you haven’t
heard from him, please contact him now so that you’re not left out.
Looking ahead, the Breezeshooters Hamfest will be here before you
know it. Yes, we will have a club picnic as usual. More details will be
upcoming in the next few issues.
Next month’s newsletter will have an article from Bill W3WH, with
pictures from Larry K3VX, about their recent trip to Barbados. With
this issue full of pictures of WASHFest, there just wasn’t any room!
03/11/2012 Harold K3HCR 09/16/2012 Kevin N3HKQ
03/18/2012 Carol KB3GMN 09/23/2012 Dave N3IDH
03/25/2012 Bob AB3ED
09/30/2012 Sean N3NWR
04/01/2012 Kevin N3HKQ
10/07/2012 Dave N3DFK
04/08/2012 Dave N3IDH
10/14/2012 Glen KE7FD
04/15/2012 Sean N3NWR
10/21/2012 Harold K3HCR
04/22/2012 Dave N3DFK
10/28/2012 Carol KB3GMN
04/29/2012 Glen KE7FD
11/04/2012 Bob AB3ED
05/06/2012 Harold K3HCR 11/11/2012 Kevin N3HKQ
05/13/2012 Carol KB3GMN 11/18/2012 Dave N3IDH
05/20/2012 Bob AB3ED
11/25/2012 Sean N3NWR
05/27/2012 Kevin N3HKQ
12/02/2012 Dave N3DFK
06/03/2012 Dave N3IDH
12/09/2012 Glen KE7FD
06/10/2012 Sean N3NWR
12/16/2012 Harold K3HCR
06/17/2012 Dave N3DFK
12/23/2012 Carol KB3GMN
06/24/2012 Glen KE7FD
12/30/2012 Bob AB3ED
07/01/2012 Harold K3HCR 01/06/2013 Kevin N3HKQ
Join WASH or Renew your Membership for 2012 Today ! Membership Application on Page 13!
WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS
Page 4
Minutes, February 9 th Meeting
Glen Roberts KE7FD, Vice President/Secretary, WASH
Carol KB3GMN called the meeting to order at 19:08 hours. There were 24
members and guests in attendance.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all, followed by introductions.
A moment of silence was observed for recent silent keys and other deserving
persons.
Fred McMullen KD8GRJ from the National Weather Service office in
Coraopolis gave the group a brief presentation on SKYWarn.
This was followed by a presentation on a portable 2 meter Yagi by Fred
KB3DCO.
A motion was made by Kevin N3HKQ to waive reading of the January minutes
as published in the newsletter. Seconded by Bill W3WH and carried
unanimously.
Committee reports:
Treasurer (N3RDV): A balance on the bank account was read & accepted.
Secretary (KE7FD): No report.
VE Report (N3ZEL): Next VE session to be held on April 25th at the North
Strabane Municipal Building.
Repeaters (N3FB): Repeating.
Net Report (N3HKQ): Frank N3FB has asked to be relieved of duty as an
NCS due to schedule constraints. Kevin will continue to encourage a
monthly simplex net.
Contests (K3VX):
ARRL International DX CW Contest February 18th & 19th. Look for
W3WH, K3VX & K9CS from Barbados during the contest, and they
will be available via Skype.
♦
ARRL International DX CW Contest March 3rd & 4th.
♦
The Field Day site in South Park for this year is secured.
Public Service (N3IDH): No report, however, WACOM will be staring an Extra
class every Tuesday starting March 6th.
♦
WASHFest 2012 (KB3GMN/N3HKQ):
♦
As of the meeting, 65 out of 71 tables sold.
Table setup will take place on Saturday morning about 9:30 after the
monthly club breakfast at the Beach House.
♦
Someone needs to volunteer to be the Coffee Person to keep the
java flowing during WASHFest.
Ways and Means (KB3GMN): 50/50 tonight.
♦
WASH Spotlight: KB3???
We had three
people inquiry
about taking a VE
exam at
WASHFest.
Some fast action
from VE Team
Liasion Ed N3ZNI
let us pull it off.
One candidate
came, and soon
Clark Hilterman
shall be QRV from
Indiana, PA as a
newly licensed
Technician.
Here’s Clark with
Ed N3ZNI proudly
displaying his
CSCE.
Thanks to VE’s N3ZNI, N3UE and W3WN for taking time out from the
hamfest to give the examination. And congratulations Clark! We look
forward to hearing you on the air very soon!
Photo courtesy of and © Copyright 2012 Ron Notarius W3WN
Every month we’re going to feature a WASH club member, something
about them, something they’re involved in or a club-related activity that
we’re involved in, in the WASH Spotlight. Submissions for the Spotlight
should be sent to Ron W3WN at newsletter at n3sh dot org
Monthly WASH Breakfast
Please join us for the next WASH Breakfast! We usually get together on
the LAST Saturday of every month for a chance to informally
sit down, shoot the breeze, compare notes, drink lots of
coffee, and just have a good time!
Join us this month at The Beach House, on Route 88 in
Fiinleyville, just south of Trax Farms and adjacent to Mineral
Beach.Start time is about 8 AM until ???? Monitor 146.955 &
443.650 for talk-in or any last minute changes.
All are welcome, WASH members or not, amateurs or not!
Newsletter (W3WN): Published.
President’s Report (KB3GMN):
♦
♦
♦
Carol & Richie will be in Florida in March, visiting with Ted W4ZE
The club web site needs content, Please send to Randy!
Bob AB3ED will be taking pictures at WASHFest for the web site.
Old Business: None.
New Business: Short discussion on the club ICOM-738: Should it be sold?
General consensus that the rig should be sold while it still has value. If it
is not purchased by a club member, it will be put on the club table at
WASHFest
Good of the order: Randy N3ZK is biking once again for the upcoming MS bike
event, and needs support. Contact bikms@n3zk.com
Motion to Adjourn by Bill W3WH, second by Kevin N3HKQ and carried.
Meeting adjourned at 19:25 hours.
Wireless Association of South Hills Membership
AB3ED
AB3EN
AB3KA
AC4KU
AE3DL
K3HCR
K3SGT
K3VX
KA3TWI
KB3DCO
KB3ERQ
KB3GMN
KB3GMP
KB3GMU
KB3IAC
KB3IVX
KB3MHM
KB3SPD
KB3SPE
KB3SRC
KB3WRO
KC4WTT
KE7FD
KJ3D
N2QIV
N3AWF
N3DFK
N3FB
N3FPF
N3HKQ
N3IDH
N3KFD
N3NWR
N3OVO
N3RHT
N3SBF
N3UE
N3ZK
W3RWS
W3VFA
W3WH
W3WN
WA4ONC
WB4GCS
WASH FL
KA3UPY/M
W4ZE
WASH GA
K3OL
KB3IJX
WASH NE
NØPEU
WASH OH
N8DPW
WASH SC
N3RNX
WASH TN
KE3XB
N3YPB
WASH TX
K3LGM
Jane Wagner
WASH VI
NP2JF
Silent
Keys
K3EED
(George)
KA3NMG
KB3ENX
KB3FNM
KB3FQT
N3FZ
N3KEH
N3OBD
N3SKR
N3SRC
N3ZEL
N3XFE
W3ZLK
WA3JPP
Through February 29 TH, 2012
List complied by
Mark Stabryla N3RDV, Vice President/Treasurer
2012 WASH Upcoming Events Calendar
Meeting Topics & Other Significant Club Events — Subject to Change
March 3rd — 4th
ARRL DX Contest SSB
http://www.arrl.org
March 8th
WASH Meeting
@ Crossroad Ministries Church
March 17th
Breezeshooter’s Groundwave SSB
http://www.breezeshooters.net
March 24th — 25th
CQ Worldwide Prefix Contest SSB
http://www.cqwpx.com/
April 12th
WASH Meeting & Pizza Party
@ Crossroad Ministries Church
April 22nd
Tri-State Radio Fest
Center Stage Banquet Hall, Monaca
April 25th
WASH VEC Exams
@ North Strabane Twp Municipal Bldg
April 29th
2 Rivers ARC Hamfest
http://www.trarc.net/home
May 10th
WASH Meeting
@ Crossroad Ministries Church
May 18th—20th
Dayton Hamvention
HARA Arena, Dayton, OH
May 26th—27th
Worldwide Prefix Contest SSB
http://www.cqwpx.com/
June 3rd
Breezeshooters Hamfest
Roe Airport, Butler PA
June 14th
WASH Meeting
@ Crossroad Ministries Church
June 23rd—24th
ARRL Field Day
http://www.arrl.org
July 7th
North Hills ARC Hamfest
Hampton Township, PA
September 9th
BCARA Butler SwapFest
Unionville Fire Department, Butler PA
October 13th & 14th
Pennsylvania QSO Party
http://www.nittany-arc.net/PAQSO.html
15th
Page 6
WASHFest Photos
WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS
All Photos This Page Courtesy of & ©Copyright 2012 Bob Timmons AB3ED
VOLUME 14
ISSUE 03
WASHFest Photos
Page 7
All Photos This Page Courtesy of & ©Copyright 2012 Sean Sleeman N3NWR
Page 8
WASHFest Photos
WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS
All Photos This Page Courtesy of & ©Copyright 2012 Kevin F. De Rose N3KFD
VOLUME 14
Page 9
ISSUE 03
WASHFest Photos
All Photos This Page Courtesy of & ©Copyright 2012 Ron Notarius W3WN
A small sampling of some
of the goodies you could
have had...
Why is Carol so happy?
See Page 14
Page 10
WASHFest Photos
WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS
All Photos This Page Courtesy of & ©Copyright 2012 Ron Notarius W3WN
VOLUME 14
Page 11
ISSUE 03
Windows 8 Preview
Greg Babin NB3C
Well, the Windows 8 ‘Beta’ (aka ‘Consumer Preview’) hit the streets on February 29th. I had some room on my laptop I use at
work, so I decided to download it and install. Here’s what I found:
First off: The ‘START’ button we all know and love and
depend is GONE! Now when the machine boots up, you’ll see
a start ‘page’ instead. On this page you’ll see a whole bunch’a
squares that you can click (or tap with your finger if your
monitor is a touch monitor, as Win 8 will support touch
monitors). Clicking on these can either take you to your
programs, or on-line to the Windows App Store, Weather
info, Financial News, etc. If you click on a blank portion of
the start page, at the bottom will be a pop-up button, that
you can click to take you to all of your installed programs.
When you click/tap on the ‘Desktop’ tile on the start page,
things will start looking more familiar, as this will take you to
your main screen that you’re used to looking at. HINT: Drag your mouse to each corner of your screen and left– or right-click,
and a menu or window of another program running will display. Clicking on that will open the program running in the
background.
- COMPATIBILITY I have installed quite a few programs, a significant number of
which are Amateur Radio programs. I have not run into any
compatibility problems at all. I even installed MS Office 2003,
which I no longer use, and no issues there either. Here’s a
list of what I am running:
Radio Amateur Callbook, Buckmaster HamCall, ProLog V7,
DXTreme V8 (both logging programs), DXAtlas, GeoClock,
Ham Radio Deluxe, Adobe Reader 10, & MS Office 2003.
Also, all of the drivers for my laptop designed for Windows 7
work fine in Windows 8.
- SO WHAT ELSE IS NEW? Rumor has it that XBox games will run in Windows 8. Now,
while I can neither confirm nor deny that, I can tell you that
Windows 8 Consumer Preview has an XBox game included
with it: “The Sorcerer’s Lair”. The graphics are absolutely
fantastic. Also, I’ve never seen a machine boot up as fast as
it does in Win 8. FAST!
Also, the way you shut-down the machine has changed.
Drag your mouse to the bottom right of your screen, and a
menu will pop-up on the right. To shut down, click the
‘Settings’ icon. From there you can shut down the computer.
I tell you this because the first time I shut down my laptop,
I couldn’t figure it out! I had to unplug it!
In addition, Win 8 CP ships with a reader program that’ll read all your Acrobat documents.
- SO WHAT IS MY OPINION? The more I play with it, the more I like it. In my opinion, WINDOWS 8 IS AS DIFFERENT FROM WINDOWS VISTA/7 AS WINDOWS
95 WAS DIFFERENT FROM WINDOWS 3.1. Yeah, it’s got that much change added to it.
There’s a whole lot more that I simply don’t have the room to go into here. I CAN recommend to you that you download and
play with it. If you’re interested, you can download it here: < windows.microsoft.com >.
I believe that the Consumer Preview will de-activate itself around January 13th, 2013. After that date, I don’t think it’ll run on
your machine anymore. BTW: My laptop is running an Intel Core i7 processor, with 8 GB of RAM, and a separate 500 GB HDD,
dedicated to Windows 8. My other drive inside runs only Windows 7.
I think you’ll like what you see.
73 de NB3C
(Windows 8, and the Windows logo are trademarks of and ©copyright 2011-2012, the Microsoft Corporation.)
WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS
Page 12
PYØS QRT
Tereina DX Group
Forbidden DXpedition to PYØS
The Amateur Radio DXpedition are prohibited from the archipelago of Saint
Peter and Saint Paul (PYØS), the archipelago consists of a set of rocky islands
located in the northern hemisphere, on the Mid Atlantic ridge (00 ° 55.01 'N and
029 º 20.76 'W, about 1100 km from the city of Natal - RN and 520 km from the
archipelago of Fernando de Noronha - EP). It is the nearest point of Brazil of
Africa, lying about 1820 km from Guinea Bissau. This is a remote group of
islands near the equator, which occupies an area emerged about 17,000 m2,
whose maximum elevation is 18 m above sea level.
DX News Briefs
W8GEX & K9CT have announced a new DXpedition to
Swains Island, planned for 4 - 18 September 2012, as
NH8S. The team of 20 operators will be QRV for 2
weeks, 160 - 6 meters, all modes. They will put extra
emphasis on working Europe. They will not have
internet access, but plan daily log uploads. More information will be
available at www.nh8s.org. QSL route to be announced, and they will have
an OQSL link. — W8GEX
NL8F will be QRV from Easter Island as CEØY/NL8F before, during & after
the CQ WPX SSB contest. QSL via NL8F — NL8F
The Aqruipélago of St. Peter and St. Paul is in 16th place in 2011 DXCC list of
most wanted entities.
OH4MDY will be QRV as XV2RZ in SE Vietnam 14 Mar - 16 Apr, CW &
SSB, 6 - 80 M. QSL via OH4MDY — OH4MDY
The prohibition that is published on the website of SERCIM — Secretariat of
the Interministerial Commission for Sea Resources that coordinates and
controls the PROGRAM ARCHIPELAGO OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL —
came as a surprise to the Amateur Radio Service. SECIRM participate in the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Ministry of Education (MEC), Ministry of
Mines and Energy (MME), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation
(MCTI), Ministry of Environment (MMA), Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture
(MPA) and the Navy of Brazil.
I2YSB will be leading a team to Mali and will be QRV as TZ5T starting 12
April 2012. More information at their web site, http://www.i2ysb.com/
joomla5/ . QSL via I2YSB — I2YSB
The Federal LABRE DX and some groups in Brazil have shown a true outrage
on Social Networks on the Internet. There is already a great mobilization on the
part of Amateur Radio with the Brazilian Federal Senators and Representatives
to try to reverse the decision to ban DXpedition to PY0S. The biggest concern
among hams is that this decision could open a precedent for restrictions on
other entities in Brazil as in other parts of the world.
The Teresina DX Group adds to this mobilization and disclaims any decision by
government agencies that may restrict or hinder the development of Amateur
Radio in our country.
(Translation from Portuguese Courtesy of Google Translate)
Note: Ron Lago AC7DX obtained this statement from the SECIRM web site:
Amateur Radio expeditions to St Peter and St Paul Archipielago are not
allowed because they do not conform to the continuing program of
maintenance, conservation, management and the utilization of natural
resources of the archipelago.
According to the Finnish Ministry of Transportation and
Communication, the Saimaa Canal Treaty between Finland and
Russia has been finalized by relevant Finnish and Russian authorities
through ratification.
The Treaty has entered into effect with a date of February 17, 2012.
Malyj Vysotskij Island (MVI), R1M, is no longer included in the Treaty.
Thus, MVI will be deleted from the DXCC list as of February 17, 2012,
and added to the Deleted Entities List.
Administratively at HQ, we will not make the necessary changes to the
DXCC system until after the final data processing for 2011 is complete
-- this includes the tables shown in Logbook of The World.
DXCC members will see their current entity totals drop by one on their
Mixed awards, and on the bands and modes where MVI credit is
given. They will also see their DXCC Challenge totals drop
commensurately.
— courtesy of the American Radio Relay League
After a wait of more than seven months after being accepted
as a member of the United Nations, the Republic of South
Sudan received its prefix block from the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU): Z8.
On July 14th, 2011 — after South Sudan’s admittance to the
UN — the new country became a DXCC entity by way of
Section II, 1(a) of the DXCC rules.
— The Daily DX courtesy of the American Radio Relay League
8R1PY will be QRV from Guyana 5 - 8 April, CW & SSB, 10 - 80 M. QSL
via PY2WAS — PY2WAS
Senegal has authorized Amateur use of 6 meters (50 - 51 MHz). The Salay
ARC Station has been granted the special call of 6V7SIX , which for now is
the only station authorized on 6 meters in Senegal. — DX World
Meanwhile, look for 6V7Z operated by RA9FW & UA9CDC, 16 - 28 March
including the CQ WPX Contest. QSK via RA9FW — RA9FW
Look for DL6AKVA as 4KØCW 15 - 20 March, CW only, from the QTH of
4K9W in Azerbaijan. QSL via DL6KVA — DL6KVA
T6JP is OZ2JBC, 80 - 10 meters but primarily 20 - 10 M RTTY, PSK &
SSB. More info at http://oz2jbc.dk/page3.html QSL via 5Q2J — OZ2JBC
April activity from the South Cook Islands include VK4WR as E51BKM
and VK4FI as E51GMH, 40 - 6 meters, 8 - 27 April. QSL both via their
home calls — DX World
St Paul Island will be QRV as CY9M 26 July - 1 August by a team of 10
operators. QSL via OQRS or direct via MØURX . More info at http://
www.cy9m.com/ — CY9M, DX Coffee
Ghana is now QRV from 9G1AA courtesy of PA3DEW & PA3FQX,
thorough 20 March, primarily 15 & 20 SSB. QSL via PA3ERA — DX World
CO8LY reports his new email address is co8ly@frcuba.co.cu — CO8LY
Veteran QSL Manager Hutch NKØS reports that he is currently in the
process of converting the paper logs for the 1983 KP2A/KP1 Desecheo
Island DXPedition to digital form so that they can be uploaded to Logbook
of the World — NKØS
QSL Routes
3D2R via YT1AD — LU2DKN
4O3A via AI4U — N5UR
5R8UI via IZ8CCW — W2IRT
6W7SK via F6BLP — 6W7SK
7Z7AA vua 7Z1CQ — HA9PP
8P9MS via DL9MS — W4DN
9J1QQV via JO7QQV — WA3FRP
9N2MRS via PAØRRS — W3AWU
A31A via IK1PMR — N8DX
BVØEXPO via BM2JCC — N8DX
C5ØA via OM2FY — JA1HGY
CE4A via VE3LYC — W3AWU
COØOM via CO3JY — K8SIX
E44PM via HB9IQB — JA1HGY
E51MAN via N7OU — JA1HGY
E51NOU via N7OU — JA1HGY
EA8AY,EE8X, EF8USA, EF8X via
W2GR — W2GR
EI8JX via DF4ZY — DF4ZY
H4ØKJ via SP7DQR — JA1HGY
HD2M via SM6FKF — W4DN
HZ1EX via SMØBYD — W4DN
JT1RF via VE7YBH — PY2YP
KP1/KP2A via WB2MSH — PY2YP
KP2B via NQ2A — LU2DKN
KP4MS via W4DN — HA9PP
P29FR via I2RFJ — LU2DKN
TI5W via N3YIM — KA2AEV
TU2T via I2YSB — W4DN
TX3T via RZ3EZ — W4DN
TX7M via RZ3EZ — W4DN
V63T via JA7GYP — LU2DKN
VK9NN via IK1PMR — N8DX
VKØTH via JE1LET — PY2YP
VP2EMR via IK1PMR — N8DX
XF1C via XE2HUQ — XF1C
XU7UJR via JA3UJR — PY2YP
ZC4MIS via KF6RCP — LU2DKN
ZK2A via IK1PMR — N8DX
ZL8X via DJ2MX — W4DN
Thanks to the NJDXA DX News & DX Chat Reflectors, the DX-QSL Reflector, 425
DX News, OPDX News, Diamond DX Club News, ICPO Bulletin, & ARRL DX Bulletin
for our DX News information. Thanks also to Bill Moore NC1L / ARRL DXCC Desk,
& Bernie McClenny W3UR /The Daily DX for confirmations & additional information.
VOLUME 14
Page 13
ISSUE 03
WASH Classifieds
Information shown here is as supplied to the
WASHRag. Condition as stated, and all sales should
be considered “as-is” unless otherwise noted. All
subject to prior sale or withdrawal from sale at the
owner’s discretion. All responsibility for this information
lies with the source and not the WASHRag or the
WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS, INC.
HAM RADIO INSURANCE
ASSOCIATES, INC.
P.O. Box 201
Canonsburg, PA 15317-0201
Toll-Free 1-800-545-8881
Fax: (412) 746-5944
bill.hill@hamradioinsurance.com
“All-Risk” Amateur Radio Equipment Insurance Plan for:
Radio Equipment
Computer Equipment
Antennas Rotors & Towers
Computer Media & Software
Cellular Telephones
Mechanical Breakdown & Electrical Damage Coverage
Antenna Zoning or PRB-1 Issues?
Contact: Michael S. Lazaroff K3AIR, Esquire
Murrin, Taylor, Flach, Gallagher & May
110 East Diamond Street, Butler PA 16001
Phone: 724-282-3141
mlazaroff@murrinlaw.com
Custom Decals, Signs, Plaques and Woodworking from Randy George N3ZK
More information at his web site, Randy George
Woodworking http://
www.randygeorgewoodworking.com/
See his eBay store for special deals at http://
stores.shop.ebay.com/Randy-George-CustomSigns__W0QQ_armrsZ1
Solderer’s Wanted: Aerotek, “the largest staffing company in North
America, is looking for experienced,” is looking for Skilled Solderer’s for a
firm in Harmarville and possibly other firms as well, for their Electronic
Assembly positions.
Aerotek is also seeking individuals interested in any type of work in the
manufacturing or production field.
If you are interested in pursuing one of these positions, or interested in
other positions available, please contact:
Matthew Lord, Commercial Recruiter
Aerotek Inc.
4 Penn Center West Suite 200
Pittsburgh PA 15276
(412) 489-9829 (phone)
(412) 489-9860 (fax)
mlord@aerotek.com
Feel free to mention the WASHRag when you call him!
FCC News
ARRL Web Extra courtesy of the American Radio Relay League
Newington, CT, March 5 th, 2012 — Effective today, US amateurs have new
privileges on the 60 meter band. In addition to an increase in effective radiated
power from 50 to 100 W, hams can now transmit CW and PSK31 on the
following channel-center frequencies:
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
Channel 1: 5332.0 kHz
Channel 2: 5348.0 kHz
Channel 3: 5358.5 kHz
Channel 4: 5373.0 kHz
Channel 5: 5405.0 kHz
Amateurs can also transmit Upper Sideband voice and
PACTOR III on the following suppressed carrier frequencies (the frequencies
typically shown on transceiver displays):
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
Channel 1: 5330.5 kHz
Channel 2: 5346.5 kHz
Channel 3: 5357.0 kHz
Channel 4: 5371.5 kHz
Channel 5: 5403.5 kHz
For more information, download 60 Meter Operations – New Privileges and
Recommended Practices. Also, a revised ARRL band chart is available for
download.
Watch for the article “New Privileges on 60 Meters” by ARRL Regulatory
Information Manager Dan Henderson N1ND in the April issue of QST magazine.
In November 2011, the FCC issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture
(NAL) in the amount of $10,000 to Michael Perry of Cross City, Florida. In a
Forfeiture Order released on March 6th, the FCC reduced the forfeiture that Perry
must pay to $450.
Perry was accused of operating a radio transmitter without the requisite FCC
authorization and his failure to operate a Citizens Band station, “willfully violat
[ing]” Section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended and Sections
95.409 (by operating an unlicensed and non-certificated CB transmitter) and
95.411 (by operating an unlicensed radio transmitter with two amplifiers) of the
FCC’s rules.
On November 1, 2011, the Enforcement Bureau’s Tampa Office issued the NAL
to Perry “for operation of a radio transmitter without the requisite authorization,”
the Forfeiture Order stated. “Agents from the Tampa Office determined that Mr.
Perry operated a non-certified CB transmitter and two linear amplifiers on CB
channel 28 (on frequency 27.2850 MHz) on March 31, 2011.
In view of the record evidence, the NAL proposed a $10,000 forfeiture against Mr
Perry for violation of Section 301 of the Act and Sections 95.409 and 95.411 of
the Rules. Mr Perry submitted a response to the NAL, denying that he operated
the non-certified CB transmitter and amplifiers, and requesting cancellation or
reduction of the forfeiture based on his inability to pay.”
According to the Forfeiture Order, the FCC based the reduction in accordance
with Section 503(b) of the Communications Act, Section 1.80 of the Rules and
the Forfeiture Policy Statement: “In examining Mr Perry’s response, Section 503
(b) of the Communications Act requires that the Commission take into account
the nature, circumstances, extent and gravity of the violation and, with respect to
the violator, the degree of culpability, any history of prior offenses, ability to pay,
and other such matters as justice may require. After full consideration of Mr
Perry’s response in light of these statutory factors, we affirm our findings in the
NAL that Mr Perry violated Section 301 of the Communications Act and Sections
95.409 and 95.411 of the Rules, but reduce the $10,000 forfeiture proposed to
$450, based solely on his documented inability to pay.”
Perry has until April 5 to pay the $450 fine.
Has Roadway found the tower yet?
WASH Fest 2012 Main Prize Winners
1
2
3
4
Yaesu FT-450D
Yaesu FT-7900R
Visio 32" HDTV
Astron RS-35M
50 / 50
Black Box # 1 (Red)
Black Box # 2 (Black)
Rich Danko
Al Sauder
Keith Jones
Dan Anastis
Rick Lococo
Ben Blobnor
Randy Ide
N3SBF
NB3Z
KB3IOK
N8DZM
W3DVE
1
2
N2QIV
WASH Fest 2012 Door Prize Winners
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
All door prizes include a Giant Eagle reusable
shoping bag, Yaesu or ICOM hat, catalog, and pen
Volt tester, DVD
Kevin F. Derose
N3KFD
Volt tester, DVD
Jim Burtof
KC3HW
Volt tester, DVD
Richard
N3ZEI
MFJ Clock, DVD
Charles Martin
W3LUS
Dipole Insulator
Karl Pastorak
WA3VXJ
MFJ Antenna Book, DVD
Ralph Bliss
KB3LBB
MFJ Clock, DVD
Ed Meyer
$25 DX Engineering Gift Certificate Dennis Havaran
KA3KEV
Dipole Insulator
Sean Sleeman
N3NWR
$25 DX Engineering Gift Certificate Dan Koller
KA3UTS
Dipole Insulator
Scott A. Williams
WA3JFM
Voltmeter, Flashlight
Chuck Davis
N3UUZ
Wire Strippers, Flashlight
Karl Frankenstein
WE3Y
$50 ARRL Gift Certificate
George Shuly ?
N3UWP ?
Voltmeter, Flashlight
Richard Sperling
WB3JLK
Scissors, DVD
Eric Fowler
KB3WVJ
$25 ARRL Gift Certificate
Frank Lotito
K3DZ
$25 ARRL Gift Certificate
Ed Wolf
N3UE
Voltmeter, Flashlight
Harold Rosenberger K3HCR
Scissors, DVD
Kevin Cutright
N8GGU
‘FEST
FOOD
3
4
Black
Box
3rd Prize Winner photo
Prize Winner courtesy
of & ©Copyright 2012
Kevin Smith N3HKQ.
All other Prize Winner
and other photos this
page courtesy of &
©Copyright 2012 Ron
Notarius W3WN
Door
Prize
WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS, INC.
Membership Application/Renewal for 2012
I would like to join WASH!. I am interested in the following type of membership:
(check quarter
(check one )
)
New Membership
Membership Renewal
1st Qtr
Jan-Mar
2nd Qtr
Apr-Jun
3rd Qtr
Jul-Sept
4th Qtr
Oct-Dec
(F1) Full Membership:
$20.00
$15.00
$10.00
$5.00
(F2) Full Membership < 18 or > 65 yrs of age:
$10.00
$7.50
$5.00
$2.50
(A1) Associate Membership:
$10.00
$7.50
$5.00
$2.50
(FM1) Family Membership ($3.00 x No. of household family members): $
Name(s):
Name:
Call Sign:
Address:
License Class:
City, State:
Expires On:
Home Phone:
Work Phone:
Email Address:
Birthday:
New Members Only:
I do NOT want to be added to the Club E-Mail Reflector
I do NOT want to be added to the Electronic Newsletter Mailing List
ARRL Member?
Yes
No Family ARRL Member?
Yes
No
Date:
[If you have an Email address, you Will be added to both lists UNLESS you choose to Opt-Out]
Amount Enclosed: $
Signature:
Please make your check or money order payable to the club treasurer, Mark Stabryla.
The Wireless Association of South Hills, Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject new memberships or renewals.
Please return completed membership form along with check/money order to the club treasurer or mail to:
WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS, INC.
c/o Mark Stabryla N3RDV, VP/Treasurer
1120 McKnight Drive
Bethel Park, PA 15102-2456
Join the American Radio Relay League or
Renew Your Membership through the
WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS, INC.
Members of the WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS can start a new membership or renew an existing
membership in the American Radio Relay League, the National Organization of Radio Amateurs, through the club.
Benefits for you: Joining and participating in everything the League has to offer, including a QST subscription.
Benefits for the club: A few more shekels for our coffers.
Just fill out the form below, include a check or money order made out to WASH/ARRL, and return all to the club
treasurer or mail to:
WIRELESS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HILLS, INC.
c/o Mark Stabryla N3RDV, VP/Treasurer
1120 McKnight Drive
Bethel Park, PA 15102-2456
Name:
Call Sign:
Address:
Date of Birth:
City, State, ZIP:
Total Enclosed: $
Please Check the Appropriate One-Year Rate:
Additional Family Members at the same address ($8 per family member)
$39 in US
Age 21 or younger, $20 in US (only if you are the oldest licensed amateur in your household)
Name & Call Sign:
Canada $49
Elsewhere $62
Name & Call Sign:
Other (including Blind, Life, QST by First Class Postage — please contact ARRL for rate
Dues subject to change without notice
Name & Call Sign:
Directions to Crossroads Ministries Church
Take Library Road / State Route 88 to Walter Long Road (just past Mineral
Beach & The Beach House), North of Finleyville. Turn onto Walter Long Road,
follow it back to the church (which should be visible from the road).
The WASHRag
Wireless Association of South Hills, Inc.
Ron Notarius W3WN, Editor
3395 Rosewood Drive
Castle Shannon, PA 15234-2546
N3SH / WA3SH
NP2SH/B
www.n3sh.org
www.washarc.org
www.washrag.info