K6MEP Keyer – The Journal of the Ventura County Amateur ... 2017 01 Keyer...K6MEP Keyer – The...

K6MEP Keyer – The Journal of the Ventura County Amateur Radio Club

K6MEP Keyer January [email protected] / www.qsl.net/k6mep Page 1 of 27 https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/K6MEP/info



The KEYER is published monthly by K6MEP, the Ventura County Amateur Radio Club, Inc. as a means of providing club members the minutes from K6MEP’s monthly general membership meetings, the monthly board of directors meetings, a calendar of events and articles of interest on amateur radio.

Layout and logos are the property of The Ventura County Amateur Radio Club, K6MEP. The stories printed in this journal remain the property of the writers, without whom we would not have a publication. Permission to reprint articles should be obtained from the authors. Articles from the ARRL are reproduced with permission.

Material submitted for inclusion is encouraged. Submit material on IBM(tm) PC diskettes, USB sticks, or by e-mail to [email protected]. MS Word, WordPerfect or ASCII is preferred. Send all submissions directly to the club mailing address atK6MEP, PO Box 2103 Oxnard, CA 93034-2103 or deliver to the editor at any time mutually convenient.

K6MEP holds general membership meetings at 7:30 PM on the 2nd Friday of each month at The Ventura Port Authority building, 1603 Anchors Way Ventura 93001

Dues are $20 per year.

Message from the President

Greetings Members:

Happy New Year, first of all! Let's make 2017 an exciting year in K6MEP history. We do that by building things, studying electronics theory and applications, operating our radios, making new radios - see the Bitx-40 radio kit on page 10, and you name it, whatever is exciting to you, my fellow Hams.

Our presentation this month will be "Home brewing Ham Gear", featuring Pete Juliano N6QW showing and describing the Bitx-40 QRP transceiver kit, and the many aspects of making successful home radio projects. There is a lot packed into this presentation - don't miss it!

See you all at the first meeting of 2017 at our usual location, 1603 Anchors Way, Ventura 93001, this Friday Jan. 13.

Joe Krigbaum K6NE President, VCARC

Secretary’s Column and Meeting MinutesVentura County Amateur Radio Club Inc. Club Meeting Meeting Date : GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES

The December K6MEP meeting is by long tradition our DecemberFest Dinner Meeting. Pictures from that meeting start on here and continue scattered through the KEYER -- ed.

Ventura County Amateur Radio Club 2015 Officers and ChairsPresident Joe Krigbaum K6NE (805) 642-2337 Vice-President Reese West KQ6TT Secretary Rob Byl KD6UDA Treasurer John Gartman AG6GL Board Member Stewart Stone KG6BOV (805) 488-7388 Board Member Rod Austin KA6GSU (805) 983-7141 Board Member Steve Noll WA6EJO Photographer Stewart Stone KG6BOV (805) 488-7388 Facilities Mgr. Joe Krigbaum K6NE (805) 642-2337 Refreshments ARRL Liaison Chris Dimond KJ6QOP Editor/ Publisher Stewart Stone KG6BOV (805) 488-7388 Prize Chairman VACANT - An Opportunity to serve your club PR chairman Dana Wentling KG6WXE Awards Mgr. VACANT - An Opportunity to serve your club Programs Chair Stewart Stone KG6BOV (805) 488-7388 Webmaster Joe Krigbaum K6NE (805) 642-2337 New Members Bob Brodie KJ6AAE QSL Manager License trustee Joe Krigbaum K6NE (805) 642-2337 Historian VACANT - An Opportunity to serve your club Elmer Coordinator VACANT - An Opportunity to serve your club

The Inside StoryMessage from the President………….………………….…..………2 Meeting Notes………………………….…………………...…………2 Contests & Spec Events…………….…………………..……..….…3 A Review of Repeater Systems In and Near Ventura County…4 - 6 VCARC Science Fair Sponsorship…………………………………..7 Upcoming FCC Exam Sessions…….…………...………......….8 - 9 Trivia…………………..……………………………………..…..……10 Bitx40 40 Meter QRP Transceiver Kit………………………………10Upcoming HamFests ……….……..……………..………..…..……11 Net Script & K6MEP Calendar…………..….….…...………....…12 Volunteer Training Classes…………..……..…..…...…........13 & 14 ARES & Frequency information……..………………….…..………15 ARRL Public Service Classes……..……….……………………….16 Area Nets…………….……..…………………….……..….……..….17 Meeting Local Maps ……………………………..…….….…………19 FEMA Interoperability Exercise Deemed a Success……………..20 60 Meter News…………………………………………………….20-21 FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler to Step Down in January………....21 Chinese Over-the-Horizon Radar QRMing Low End of 40 M……22 Canada Telecoms Revises Amateur Service Requirements…….22 Mexico Not Extending Operating Permission Foreign Amateurs.23 Communication Treaty Celebrates 110th Anniversary……..……23 Chinese, Turkish Amateur Radio Satellites Near Launch Dates..24 IARU Prepares for WRC 2019………………………………………24 ISS News…………………………………….………………………. 25 FCC Denies Request for Waiver of 15 dB Amp Rule…………….26



Selected January 2017 Contests & Special EventsThe following contests and special events caught your editor’s eye. This is by no means a complete listing. Please see QST or the ARRL website (www.arrl.org) for any details and QSL information.

---------------------------------------------------------- 01/01/2017 | N3W--First Night Vienna Jan 1, 0000Z-

0700Z, N3W, Vienna, VA. Vienna Wireless Society. 14.250 7.250 7.070. QSL. Doug Reece, 3630 Camelot Dr., Annandale, VA 22003. The Vienna Wireless Society will operate special event station N3W from amidst the New Year's Eve festivities in Vienna, VA. Plan to make your first contact of 2017 (or your last of 2016) with us as we celebrate! We will operate from near the center of the historic Town of Vienna, Virginia, founded in 1890. We will be near the old train depot which was first constructed in the 1850s, before the Civil War. The Town has held family oriented First Night festivities for several years, and the Vienna Wireless Society will be participating by operating this special event station beginning at 00:00 Z. We plan to operate CW, PSK31 and SSB on several bands, including 20 an 40 meters. We will also be operating on VHF through our local repeater, 146.685 (no PL tone required.) Please join us on the air! QSL via LoTW or to QSL manager AK4AO direct or via the bureau. Please include SASE with direct cards.

01/02/2017 | 11th Annual Straight Key CW Event Jan 2-Jan 31, 0000Z-2359Z, K3Y, Ellicott City, MD. SKCC - Straight Key Century Club. 21.050 14.050 7.055 3.550. QSL. SKCC c/o Jeff Peters, K9JP, 5562 Heritage Way, Traverse City, MI 49685. K3Y/0 thru 9 plus /KH6, /KL7, /KP4 and associated DX in six WAC areas operating straight key, bugs and cootie keys. QSL card confirms one QSO per area, up to 19 for all-area sweep. See URL for schedules, map, stats, etc. www.skccgroup.com/k3y

01/08/2017 | Florida Constitution Convention Commemorative Special Event Jan 8, 1400Z-2000Z, W4FFC, Port Saint Joe, FL. Gulf Amateur Radio Society. 28.375 21.375 14.275 7.177. QSL. Norm Bixler K4NEB, 2003 Cypress Ave, Port Saint Joe, FL 32456.

01/11/2017 | 7th Annual BalloonFestival Jan 11-Jan 17, 0000Z-0000Z, K7B, Lake Havasu City, AZ. Lake Havasu City Hams. 18.145 14.255 10.115 7.195. Certificate. Garry Fisher, 1850 Rainbow Ave S, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403.

01/14/2017 | USS Midway Museum Ship: Commencement of Operation Desert Storm Special Event Jan 14, 1700Z-2359Z, NI6IW, San Diego, CA. USS Midway (CV-41) Museum Ship. 14.320 7.250; PSK31 on 14.070; D-STAR on REF001C. QSL. USS Midway Museum Ship Radio Room, 910 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101.

01/19/2017 | 3 Generations of Mars Rovers Jan 19-Jan 23, 0000Z-2359Z, N7R, Seattle, WA. KB7QPS (L Greg Magone). 146.52 14.275 14.250. Certificate & QSL. L Greg Magone, 27492 254th PL SE, Maple Valley, WA 98038. This is the January special event station part of the 2017 KB7QPS Air, Space, and Technology Operating Event. airspacetechnology.webs.com

01/28/2017 | 2nd Annual Cabin Fever Special Event Jan 28, 1700Z-2300Z, K8PRC, Loudonville, OH. Pedestrian Amateur Radio Club. 14.250 14.050 7.250 7.050. QSL. K8PRC, 1661 Manor Ave NW, Canton, OH 44708. www.qrz.com/db/k8prc

01/28/2017 | Discovery of Gold in California 169th Anniversary Jan 28-Jan 30, 1700Z-0100Z, AG6AU, Coloma, CA. El Dorado County Amateur Radio Club. 28.348 21.348 14.248 7.248. QSL. El Dorado ARC, PO Box 451, Placerville, CA 95667. www.edcarc.net

01/28/2017 | Zane Grey's 145th Birthday Jan 28-Jan 31, 0000Z-2359Z, K7Z, Payson, AZ. Tonto Amateur Radio Association, Inc.. 21.250 14.250 7.250. QSL. Tonto Amateur Radio Association, Inc., P.O. Box 765, Payson, AZ 85547. https://www.qrz.com/db/k7z

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A Review of Amateur Radio Repeater Systems In and Near Ventura County

Based on a few comments after the Santa to the Sea Half Marathon, I thought it might be a good idea to review the various repeater systems we have in Ventura County. Ventura County is fortunate to be home for several radio repeaters and repeater systems; each have their advantages, benefits, and different levels of operational flexibility. These repeaters, and repeater systems fall into four very general categories – (1) Stand-alone repeaters (and linked stand-alone repeaters), (2) Linked, Multi-band Site systems, and (3) Linked-Site Systems, (4) Common Frequency / Different PL.

(1) Stand-alone repeaters (and linked stand-alone repeaters) This is the classic repeater system – it provides local coverage to a specific geographic area. Often set up or sponsored

by individuals or a club, this repeater type forms the majority of the Amateur Repeater systems in use. Normally all equipment is at a single site, although some, like the WB6YQN / K6JLW system, can be two stand-alone repeaters with a linking radio between the sites.

Examples: K6ERN Moorpark (SMRA) 145,460 Mhz (-) PL 127.3 K6ERN Olivas Park (SMRA) 147.765 Mhz (-) PL 127.3 KN6LA / SMRA Portable 144.930 / 147.585 PL 127.3 N6EVC (Rasnow) 146.850 Mhz (-) PL 94.8 N6FL (OVARC) 145.400 Mhz (-) PL 114.8 N6JMI (Bozo System) 147.885 Mhz(-) PL 127.3

W6GRG (Simi) 146.940 Mhz (-) PL 127.3 WB6YQN / K6JLW System (Oxnard) 146.970 Mhz (-)

PL127.3 / 448.800 Mhz (-) PL 131.8 WD6EBY Portable 144.930 / 147.585 PL 123.0 / 127.3 /

131.8

KE6SWS AmGen System 449.440 Mhz (-) PL131.8 WD6EVT (Moorpark) 445.620 Mhz (-) PL 100.0

K6ERN 51.840 Mhz (-) PL 82.5 SMRA South Mt / K6SMR 52.980 Mhz (-) PL 82.5 SMRA Red Mt (linked)

WB6ZTQ 928.8750 Mhz (-) PL 103.5 SMRA / Red Mt WB6ZTQ 1282.1000 Mhz (-) PL 127.3 SMRA / Camarillo Spr

A note on the Portable Systems listed: These repeaters operate on a designated “odd-split” test pair and can only operate for a specific time period in support of emergencies and special events.

(2) Linked, Multi-band Site systems This system type gives operational flexibility at the site or system input / output by providing multiple ports or frequencies

into and out of the system – frequently providing 2M, 1.25M (222Mhz), and 70cm (440 Mhz) access, this system type is adaptable to changing weather and propagation conditions. An operator calling the repeater on the 2M input port, is heard on the 2M, 1.25M and 70cm output ports.

Advantages of this system type are that unexpected interference (either QRN, QRS or QRM) impacts only the site coverage area and there is virtually no delay between input and output ports due to no linking radios.

Examples: SBARC / Santa Ynez Peak W6YJO / K6TZ -- 145.180 Mhz (-) PL 131.8 / 224.120 Mhz (-) PL 131.8 SMRA Camarillo Springs -- 147.915 Mhz (-) PL 127.3 / 447.000 Mhz (-) PL103.5 SMRA Red Mountain -- 146.880 Mhz (-) PL127.3 / 224.020 Mhz (-) PL 127.3 / 448.180 Mhz (-) PL 100.0 SMRA Simi Valley -- 146.805 Mhz(-) PL 100.0 / 224.060 Mhz (-) PL 127.3 / 445.580 Mhz (-) PL100.0 SMRA South Mountain -- 146.385 Mhz (+) PL 127.3 / 224.100 Mhz (-) PL 127.3 / 447.320 Mhz (-) PL100.0 WB6OBB Broadcast Peak -- 147.000 Mhz (+) PL 131.8 / 224.900 Mhz (-) PL 131.8 / 449.300 Mhz (-) PL 131.8

(3) Linked-Site Systems This system type is ideally used for wide-area communications having multiple sites with linking radios to provide wide-

area or “trunk-service” coverage. To use the WD6EBY / Pleasant Valley System as an example, an operator could use the Chatsworth 2M entry port and be heard simultaneously on the 2M Sulphur Mt port, Camarillo Hills 70 cm port and both Laguna Peak 2M and 70 cm ports.

These tend to be the more complicated systems, both due to linking systems needed, common equipment standards needed, and the additional operator responsibility needed. When keying up on any linked system, operators need to pause ½ to 1 ½ seconds to allow the linking radios to come on line (sometimes up to 20 radios). At the same time, the operator



needs to be courteous and not tie up the system with traffic that is better handled on a local system or another frequency / mode (someone in Barstow, Temecula or Fresno might not be interested in what you had for dinner last night).

The Linked-Site Systems have the vulnerabilities of their wide-area advantages. A stuck Mic (or intentional jamming) WILL impact the entire system until a control operator can intercede and drop any impacted links.

Examples: Condor System -- Open system with multiple sites (approx. 20) linking North-South on the I-5 / US-99 / US-395 corridors.

http://condor-connection.org/DARN System -- Membership system providing five linked, multi-frequency sites in Southern California.

http://www.darn.org/Edison System – Private linked 13-site system, primarily on 1.25M developed by Edison employees and retirees.

http://w6sce.org/GRONK System -- Private linked system providing multiple sites in Central California developed by W6KGB – Contact Matt

for information and access PAPA System -- Membership system providing multiple sites in Southern California. http://www.papasys.com/PVRC / WD6EBY -- Open, 2M / 70cm linked system. Currently a five-site system providing Ventura County coverage.

http://www.pvarc.club/Rabbit System (with Cactus Intertie) – Membership system providing multiple sites in Southern California, Thousand Oaks

to San Luis Obispo and Big Bear; Cactus Intertie extends links to Utah and Texas. http://www.rabbitradio.org/ , http://www.cactus-intertie.org/

(4) Common Frequency / Different PL This is another solution for wide area communications. The best example is on the 6M / 50Mhz band with the WR6VHF /

CERT Repeaters. These systems share a common transmit / receive pair but have different PL tones for each site. 6M being an intermediate range frequency, depending on tropospheric conditions, an operator may hear a more distant station than he or she is able to contact directly.

Examples: K6TZ Sta Barbara CERT 51.820 Mhz (-) PL 82.5 LaVigia Hill WR6VHF King City CERT 51.820 Mhz (-) PL 136.5 WR6VHF Fresno CERT 51.820 Mhz (-) PL 162.2

WR6VHF Sta Cruz CERT 51.820 Mhz (-) PL 127.3 WR6VHF SLO CERT 51.820 Mhz (-) PL 118.8 WR6VHF Bakersfield SB CERT 51.820 Mhz (-) PL 173.8

A Word about Repeater Frequency Coordination A complete discussion of frequency use and repeater coordination could (and has) filled books and large loose-leaf

binders. It cannot be effectively covered here, however --

From Part 97 §97.3 Definitions. (5) Amateur station. A station in an amateur radio service consisting of the apparatus necessary for carrying

on radiocommunications. (6) Automatic control. The use of devices and procedures for control of a station when it is transmitting so

that compliance with the FCC Rules is achieved without the control operator being present at a control point.

(7) Auxiliary station. An amateur station, other than in a message forwarding system, that is transmitting communications point-to-point within a system of cooperating amateur stations.

(39) Repeater. An amateur station that simultaneously retransmits the transmission of another amateur station on a different channel or channels.

§97.201 Auxiliary station. (a) Any amateur station licensed to a holder of a Technician, Technician Plus, General, Advanced or

Amateur Extra Class operator license may be an auxiliary station. A holder of a Technician, Technician Plus, General, Advanced or Amateur Extra Class operator license may be the control operator of an auxiliary station, subject to the privileges of the class of operator license held.

The FCC Rules and Reg’s say any licensed Amateur with a Technician License or greater “can” set up and operate a repeater.



However, there are about 30 million people in California. Of that approximately 30 thousand (a good SWAG for this purpose) have FCC Amateur Licenses; that coupled with a limited number of frequencies means that not everyone can have a repeater without interfering with someone else.

Again, Part 97 §97.201 Auxiliary station. (c) Where an auxiliary station causes harmful interference to another auxiliary station, the licensees are

equally and fully responsible for resolving the interference unless one station’s operation is recommended by a frequency coordinator and the other station’s is not. In that case, the licensee of the non-coordinated auxiliary station has primary responsibility to resolve the interference.

and §97.3 Definitions. (22) Frequency coordinator. An entity, recognized in a local or regional area by amateur operators whose

stations are eligible to be auxiliary or repeater stations, that recommends transmit/receive channels and associated operating and technical parameters for such stations in order to avoid or minimize potential interference.

In Southern California, the task of frequency coordination falls to three bodies – remembering that these are all fellow amateurs who have volunteered for this (occasionally thankless) task. TASMA – the Two Meter Spectrum Management Association manages the 144-148 Mhz spectrum between the Santa

Barbara County northern county line south to the US-Mexican border and east to the Arizona state line. 220SMA – the 220 Mhz Spectrum Management Association manages the 219 and 222-225 Mhz spectrum SCRRBA -- Southern California Repeater and Remote Base Association (SCRRBA) handles everything else (10M FM,

6M, 70cm, 33cm, 23cm and all above).

From the organizations’ web sites --

Two Meter Area Spectrum Management Association TASMA is a volunteer organization of amateur radio operators whose goal is to minimize interference and maximize

spectrum usage in the Two Meter Amateur Radio band. This is done primarily by coordinating locations and frequencies for repeater operation and the development of band plans. TASMA also attempts to mediate interference issues and to assist repeater owners when possible.

TASMA is an organization for the entire amateur community. Membership is open to any licensed amateur radio operator. http://www.tasma.org/

220 MHz SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION of SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA The 220SMA is a NOT FOR PROFIT Association of Amateur Radio operators dedicated to education about, and technical

and operational management of, the Amateur Radio 220 MHz. Bands. The Association represents all modes of operation and develops Band Plans intended to facilitate the maximum practicable use of the spectrum. Membership in the Association is open to individual Amateur Radio Operators in an effort to allow for maximum representation from all interest segments, and minimize the influence of any one special interest area. A Coordination Board operates within the Association to perform the formal coordination activities associated with the 219 MHz. Digital Linking and 222 MHz. Repeater Coordination activities.

http://220sma.org/

Southern California Repeater and Remote Base Association (SCRRBA) SCRRBA provides frequency coordination and achieve solutions to problems on the 29, 51, 420, 902, 1240MHz, and

microwave frequency amateur bands in the Southern California area. SCRRBA has provided frequency coordination of these activities since 1970. We actively participate in the numerous Federal Communications Commission rule making proceedings pertinent to our activities.

SCRRBA maintains over 2,400 frequency coordination records. These data represent the activities of approximately 600 relay type amateur radio systems constructed by our members. Most of these systems operate on the UHF (420MHz) and higher amateur frequency bands. http://www.scrrba.org/

’73 de Stewart / KG6BOV



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VCARC Science Fair Sponsorship

In 2016 the club sponsored two special awards at the Ventura County Science Fair. We need to decide at the January meeting if we want to do this again in 2017.

The Science Fair has been held since 1955 and has nearly 1000 students participating. It is a huge event held annually at the Ventura County Fairgrounds and is run by the Ventura County Office of Education.

Besides the standard awards, organizations and companies sponsor special awards. Examples of special award sponsors are the IEEE, American Petroleum Institute, Audubon Society, Society of Women Engineers, California Association of Professional Scientists, etc. Such sponsors supply their own judges and judging criteria. Awards are typically $50 to $200 and a certificate or trophy.

In 2016 we gave a junior division award and a senior division award of $100 each plus framed certificates for projects related to Applications, Properties, or Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation. Our judges were Rob KD6UDA, Bob KJ6AAE, Reese KQ6TT, Hovan KI6BQL, Steve WA6EJO, and Joe K6NE. Our total cost was $229.37, not much of a dent out of our $11K treasury.

Besides giving back to the local community and encouraging student academics we got some good publicity for our efforts with a photo and mention of our club in the Ventura County Star newspaper.

73, Steve Noll WA6EJO



Upcoming FCC Exam Sessions

ON EXAM DAY BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: 1. A legal photo ID (driver's license, passport). 2. When no photo ID is available, two forms of identification must be presented:

a. non-photo ID/driver's license (some states still have them) b. birth certificate (must have the appropriate seal) c. social security card d. library card e. utility bill, bank statement or other business correspondence that specifically names the person; or a postmarked

envelope addressed to the person at his or her current mailing address as it appears on the Form 605. 3. Students may bring any of the above items and/or a school ID, minor's work permit, report card, or a legal guardian may

present a photo ID. 4. Bring your Social Security Number (SSN) or your FCC issued Federal Registration Number (FRN). VEC's are required by

FCC to submit either your SSN or your FRN number with your license application form. If you prefer not to give your SSN, then you may use your FCC issued FRN, if you have one. For instructions on how to register your SSN with the FCC and receive a FRN, visit the FCC's FAQ page and the FCC's registration instructions page.

5. If applicable, bring the original and a photocopy of your current Amateur Radio license and any Certificates of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) you may hold from previous exam sessions. The photocopy(s) will not be returned.

6. Two number two pencils with erasers and a pen. 7. A calculator with the memory erased and formulas cleared is allowed. You may not bring any written notes or calculations

into the exam session. Slide rules and logarithmic tables are acceptable, as long as they're free of notes and formulas. Cell phone must be silenced or turned off during the exam session. The phones' calculator function may not be used.

8. Bring a check, a money order or cash to cover the exam session fee(s). Check the ARRL VEC's current exam fee.

License Preparation and Sample Test Sites

http://aa9pw.com/radio/

http://hamexam.org/

http://twit.tv/show/ham-nation -- Weekly Webcast

http://www.AmateurLogic.tv -- Weekly Webcast

http://www.eham.net/exams/

http://www.Facebook.com/HamStudy

http://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com -- cost / on-line subscription

http://www.hamstudy.org (ICOM sponsored site)requires free registration

http://www.qrz.com/ht/ -- requires free registration

http://www.radioexam.org/

Upcoming FCC Exam Sessions 01/10/2017 Time: 8:30 AM (No walk-ins) Sponsor: Santa

Barbara ARC VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: Darryl Widman (805) 969-2326 Email: [email protected] Location: County Health Care Services 300 N San Antonio Road Santa Barbara CA 93110-1370 Southwest corner of bldg

01/14/2017 Time: 7:00 AM (No walk-ins) Pre-Reg Required Sponsor: The PAPA System VEC: Greater LA VEC Contact: Norman M. Goodkin (818) 222-7893 Email: [email protected] Location: Dinah's Family Restaurant 6521 S Sepulveda Blvd Los Angeles CA 90045-1508

01/14/2017 Time: 8:30 AM (No walk-ins) Sponsor: Santa Barbara ARC VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: Darryl Widman (805) 969-2326 Email: [email protected] Location: County Health Care Services 300 N San Antonio Road Santa Barbara CA 93110-1370 Southwest corner of bldg

01/15/2017 Time: 2:30 PM (No walk-ins) Sponsor: Goodkin Ham Radio Classes VEC: Greater LA VEC Contact: Norman M. Goodkin (818) 222-8793 Email: [email protected] Location: Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center 27040 Malibu Hills Rd Agoura Hills CA 91301-5332

01/15/2017 Time: 3:00 PM (No walk-ins) Sponsor: Cerritos ARC VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: (562) 708-3893 Location: American Red Cross 3150 E 29th St Long Beach CA 90806-2319

01/17/2017 Time: 7:30 AM (No walk-ins) Sponsor:Calabasas/LH Sheriff's Station VEC: Greater LA VECContact: Norman M. Goodkin (818) 222-7893 Email:[email protected] Location: Lost Hills Sheriff's Station (Assembly Room) 27050 Agoura Rd Agoura Hills CA 91301-5332



01/21/2017 Time: 4:00 PM (Walk-ins allowed) Sponsor:Satellite ARC VEC: LAUREL MD Contact: John E. Portune (805) 406-6176 Email: [email protected]: Mormon Church of Gloeta 478 Cambridge Dr Goleta CA 93117-2142


01/27/2017 Time: 7:00 PM (Walk-ins allowed) Sponsor: WA6IRC Radio club VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: Mark G. Moore (818) 842-1786 Email: [email protected] Location: Millie's rest 16840 Vanowen St Van Nuys CA 91406-4539

01/28/2017 01/28/2017 Time: 10:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed) Sponsor: Crescent Bay VE Grp/W6TRW ARC VEC:ARRL/VEC Contact: Scott Swanson (310) 459-0337 Email: [email protected] Location: Northrop Grumman *LAST EXAM AT THIS LOCATION!* 1 Space Park Blvd (Bldg S Cafeteria) Redondo Beach CA 90278-1001 Parking lot off Marine Blvd

02/01/2017 Time: 7:30 PM (Walk-ins allowed) Sponsor: Baldwin Hills ARC VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: Edward L. Walker (323) 394-1818 www.barc.us Email: [email protected] Location: Round Table Pizza 4330 Redondo Beach Blvd Torrance CA 90504-1031

02/04/2017 10:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed) Test 1st Saturday Every Month Sponsor: AA6WC/Ali Hassan VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: Ali Hassan (323) 758-0565 Email: [email protected] Location: VE's Residence 6043 3rd Avenue Los Angeles CA 90043-2618


02/11/2017 Time: 8:00 AM (No walk-ins) Sponsor: SMRA Emergency Repeater Network VEC: ARRL/VECContact: George W. Kreider (805) 754-2677 Email: [email protected] Location: Betty Plotkin Center, American Red Cross 834 / 836 Calle Plano, Camarillo, Ca 93012; 34d 11m 55.21s N / 119d 00m 28.30s W ; Directions: From US 101, exit Pleasant Valley / Santa Rosa Road, southbound on Pleasant Valley turning left at Pancho Rd. approx. 3/4 mile on Pancho Rd. Left on Pancho at Calle Bolero; Red Cross is 1/2 mile directly ahead.

02/11/2017 Time: 7:00 AM (No walk-ins) Sponsor: PAPA VEC: Greater LA VEC Contact: Norman M. Goodkin (818) 222-7893 Email: [email protected]: Lulu's Restaurant 16900 Roscoe Blvd Van Nuys CA 91406-1101

02/11/2017 Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed) Sponsor: South Bay ARC VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: Joseph M.

Lanphen (310) 328-0817 Email: [email protected] for details Location: Torrance Memorial Med Center 3330 Lomita Blvd Rm A, 2nd Flr, West Tower Torrance CA 90505-5002

02/12/2017 Time: 8:30 AM (Walk-ins allowed) Sponsor: Conejo Valley ARC VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: Jeffrey M. Reinhardt (818) 706-3853 Email: [email protected] Location: Ventura County Sheriff's E County Station, Community Room 2101 E Olsen Rd Thousand Oaks CA 91360-6861 Betw 23 Hwy & Reagan Library

02/18/2017 10:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed) Sponsor: Palos Verdes ARC, K6PV VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: David D. Scholler (310) 373-8166 Email: [email protected] Location: Hesse Park Community Center 29301 Hawthorne Blvd Rancho Palos Verdes CA 90275



03/04/2017 10:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed) Test 1st Saturday Every Month Sponsor: AA6WC/Ali Hassan VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: Ali Hassan (323) 758-0565 Email: [email protected] Location: VE's Residence 6043 3rd Avenue Los Angeles CA 90043-2618

03/11/2017 Time: 7:00 AM (No walk-ins) Pre-Reg Required Sponsor: The PAPA System VEC: Greater LA VEC Contact: Norman M. Goodkin (818) 222-7893 Email: [email protected] Location: Dinah's Family Restaurant 6521 S Sepulveda Blvd Los Angeles CA 90045-1508

03/14/2017 Time: 8:30 AM (No walk-ins) Sponsor: Santa Barbara ARC VEC: ARRL/VEC Contact: Darryl Widman (805) 969-2326 Email: [email protected] Location: County Health Care Services 300 N San Antonio Road Santa Barbara CA 93110-1370 Southwest corner of bldg





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Trivia for January 2017

DID YOU KNOW?

1. JFK was the first president to fly aboard AIR FORCE ONE.

2. It takes more power and thrust to lift a rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Ca. and less from Cape Canaveral, Fl.

3. Your average yawn is about 6 and a 1/2 seconds.

de Dana kg6wxe-------------------------------------------

Bitx40 40 meter QRP Transceiver Kit

The Bitx40 is a 40 meter QRP (5-6 watts out) transceiver kit that comes with an assembled and tested PC board, and a bag of parts with pots, jacks, and wiring to hook it all up. Just add a metal box to put it in. It is delivered to your address for $45.00 from India! Newly announced is a $14.00 add-on LCD display and PLL board to provide stable VFO frequencies as shown on the display. When you go to the web site, http://www.hfsigs.com you can use your Paypal account to acquire your own Bitx40.

The price is now shown as $59.00, and includes the digital boards. We will have a presentation for the January 13, 2017 meeting by Pete Juliano N6QW via Skype showing his Bitx40 with his own version of a DDS VFO and LCD display, very similar to the one you can buy online. Pete has produced an excellent tutorial and guide to assist us in building our own Bitx40 radios at http://www.n6qw.com/ Just click on "The Bitx40 Project" at the top. Topics include planning and getting started, acquiring a box and misc. parts, testing, and modifying the Bitx40, with tips and techniques woven throughout. Pete's engaging and humorous style will keep you wanting to know what comes next! So join us in some real home brewing fun and see the January presentation.

73 de K6NE



Upcoming HamFests & Conventions

Desert R.A.T.S. Hamfest Start Date: 02/04/2017 End Date: 02/04/2017 Location: Palm Springs Air Museum 745 North Gene Autry Trail Palm

Springs, CA 92262 Website: http://desertrats.am/ Sponsor: Desert Radio Amateur Transmitting Society (RATS) Type:ARRL Hamfest Talk-In: 146.94 (PL 107.2) Public Contact: Mark Johnson , KD6SEC PO Box 1167 Palm Springs, CA 92263-1167 Phone: 760-770-3058 Email: [email protected]

International DX Convention 2017 Start Date: 04/21/2017 End Date: 04/23/2017 Location: Visalia Convention Center 303 E. Acequia Avenue

Visalia, CA 93277 Website: http://www.dxconvention.com/ Sponsor: Northern California DX Club, Central AZ DXA, Utah DXA Type: ARRL Convention pending Executive Committee approval Talk-In: N/A Public Contact: Mike Flowers , K6MKF 1412 Sprucewood Drive San Jose, CA 95118 Phone: 408-307-8258 Email: [email protected]

Thunderbird Hamfest 2017 Start Date: 01/14/2017 End Date: 01/14/2017 Location: Northwest Community Church 16615 North 43rd Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85001 Website: http://w7tbc.org Sponsor: Thunderbird Amateur Radio Club Type: ARRL Hamfest Talk-In: 446.150 -5 MHz (PL 100) Public Contact: Walter Reinert , NJ8G 5546 West Sweetwater Avenue Glendale, AZ 85304-1948 Phone: 602-938-8219 Email: [email protected]

QuartzFest Start Date: 01/22/2017 End Date: 01/28/2017 Location: BLM Campgrounds US Highway 95 and 53rd Street North

Quartzsite, AZ 85346 Website: http://QuartzFest.org Sponsor: QuartzFest Planning Committee Type: ARRL Convention Talk-In: 146.55 FM Simplex Public Contact: Dave Anderson , K1AN PO Box 11 Quartzsite, AZ 85346 Phone: 602-616-8338 Email: [email protected]

Arizona Section Convention (Yuma Hamfest) Start Date: 02/17/2017 End Date: 02/18/2017 Location: Yuma County Fairgrounds 2520 East 32nd Street

Yuma, AZ 85364 Website: http://www.yumahamfest.org Sponsor: Yuma Amateur Radio Hamfest Organization Type:ARRL Convention Talk-In: 146.840 (PL 88.5) Public Contact: Roger Hunt , K7MEX 13156 East 51st Lane Yuma, AZ 85367 Phone: 928-305-1034 Email: [email protected]

SCOTTSDALE SPRING HAMFEST Start Date: 03/18/2017 End Date: 03/18/2017 Location: Mountain Valley Community Church 17800 North Perimeter Drive

Scottsdale, AZ 85250 Website: http://www.scottsdalearc.org Sponsor: ARCA and Scottsdale Amateur Radio Club Type: ARRL Hamfest Talk-In: 147.18 (PL 162.2) Public Contact: Edwin Nickerson , WU7S 902 North 73rd Place Scottsdale, AZ 85257 Phone: 480-949-5162 Email: [email protected]

Prescott Hamfest at ERAU 2017 Start Date: 06/09/2017 End Date: 06/10/2017 Location: Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) 3700 Willow Creek

Road Prescott, AZ 86301 Website: http://www.prescotthamfest.com (under construction as of 10/16/17) Sponsor:Yavapai ARC (YARC), Eagle ARC (EARC) at ERAU, Amateur Radio Council of AZ (ARCA) Type: ARRL Hamfest Talk-In: 146.88 (PL 100) Public Contact: Frank Bender , K8FB 635 Shadow Mountain Drive Prescott, AZ 86301 Phone: 928-379-5575 Email: [email protected]



K6MEP Net Script“Is this frequency in use, or is there any emergency or priority

traffic?” “Hearing none , the following is a Q-S-T.” “This is ____, net control station for the Ventura County Amateur

Radio Club Net.” “This is a directed, open net for all radio amateurs, sponsored by

K6MEP, the Ventura County Amateur Radio Club. This net begins each Monday evening at Eight Thirty P-M local time, first on Two—Eight—Decimal—Four—Zero—Zero megahertz, and then will Q-S-Y to One—Four—Six—Decimal—Nine—Seven—Zero megahertz. This is linked to Four Four Eight Decimal Eight Zero Zero Megahertz. All amateurs are welcome to check in. A roundtable will follow roll call. A ragchew session may follow the formal net.”

“K6MEP, the Ventura County Amateur Radio Club, meets at Seven Thirty P-M on the Second Friday of each month at the Ventura County Port Authority 1603 Anchors Way Ventura, CA 93001.”

“The next meeting date is___________” (From the newsletter calendar section).

“A roll-call of club members will be followed by a request for late, missed and visitor check-ins.”

(Roll Call) ******** “Any late, missed, or visitor check-ins? Please call K6MEP”

(Roundtable) ******** “Any last comments?”Ten Meter Closing: — “Control is now transferred to One—

Four—Six Decimal—Nine—Seven—Zero megahertz. All net members are invited to Q-S-Y. This is _____.”

Two Meter Closing: — “Good evening to you all, this net is closed at ___________. (Time) We would like to thank WB6YQN and K6JLW for the use of their repeaters for our net”

“73, This is ______.” ****************************************************************

K6MEP CALENDAR January 2017 1: New Year’s Day 13: Regular Monthly Club Meeting at 7:30pm. K6MEP Board

meeting precedes the club meeting at 7:00pm 16: Martin Luther King Day February 2017 2: Ground Hog’s Day 4: Sean O’Brien 50/50/26 – ARES Support, contact Rick KG6VLB

[email protected]: Regular Monthly Club Meeting at 7:30pm. K6MEP Board

meeting precedes the club meeting at 7:00pm 12: Lincoln’s Birthday 14: Valentine’s Day 20: Presidents’ Day March 2017 10: Regular Monthly Club Meeting at 7:30pm. K6MEP Board

meeting precedes the club meeting at 7:00pm 11-12: Coyote Backbone Trail Ultra – ARES Support; contact Dan

KE6NYT [email protected]: “Ceasar, Beware the Ides of March!”17: St.Patrick’s Day – Don’t irritate the Leprechauns 23-27: Ventura County Science Fair --

http://www.vcoe.org/sc/ScienceFair.aspx



Emergency and Volunteer TrainingSome excellent emergency and volunteer training is

available through the American Red Cross of Ventura County, FEMA and the American Radio Relay League.

Red Cross CoursesThe following is a list of locally available Red Cross

courses and a current schedule of classes over the next two months. Enroll by calling the Red Cross Chapter House at 805-987-1514 Ext 320 leaving your name, course code and telephone number. If you are interested in a class not currently scheduled call to be placed on a waiting list for the next scheduled date.

Note: The classes Fulfilling Our Mission and Introduction to Disaster Services are required for all Red Cross classes if you are not currently registered as a Red Cross Volunteer.

For training class registration, call: 805-987-1514 Ext 320. Course schedule and descriptions:

http://www.arcventura.org/DSCourseDescriptions.html

http://www.arcventura.org/contact_us.html

COLLABORATING TO ENSURE EFFECTIVE SERVICE DELIVERY(ARC3089-4)

COMMUNITY SERVICES OVERVIEW (ARC 3068-1) DISASTER ASSESSMENT (ARC 3067-1) DISASTER HEALTH SERVICES: OVERVIEW (3076-1F) DISASTER HEALTH SERVICES SIMULATION (ARC 3076-

2F) DISASTER MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES (ARC 3077-1F) DISASTER MENTAL HEALTH: AN OVERVIEW (ARC

3077-2) DISASTER WELFARE INQ.:CONNECTING YOUR

COMMUNITY(ARC 3085-1) DISASTER WELFARE INQUIRY SIMULATION (ARC 3085-

2) EMERGENCY OPS CENTER/INCIDENT COMMAND

LIAISON (ARC 3089-5) ERVs: READY, SET, ROLL (ARC 3068-4) FAMILY SERVICES: PROVIDING EMERGENCY

ASSISTANCE (ARC 3072-1) FINANCIAL STATISTICAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

(ARC 3078-2) HUMAN RESOURCES IN DISASTER (ARC 3087-3F) LOGISTICS: AN OVERVIEW (ARC 3087-1) LOGISTICS SIMULATION (ARC 3071-2) MANAGING TOTAL DIVERSITY MASS CASUALTY DISASTER (ARC 3079 1F) PUBLIC AFFAIRS IN DISASTER 1 (ARC 3080 1F) SAFE FOOD HANDLING WORKSHOP SHELTER OPERATIONS (ARC 3068-11) SHELTER SIMULATIONS (ARC 3068-12) WORKING WITH TOTAL DIVERSITY

Scheduled Red Cross ClassesFor training class registration, call: 805-987-1514 Ext 320. Please try to register for classes a week before the class is being offeredCLASS ID Basic Courses Day Date Time Loc.For class info call 805-987-1514 Ext 320 OFFERING ID Chapter OFFERING Day Date Time

Prerequisite Instructors Location



The following free FEMA Independent Study Courses are recommended. There are several other FEMA courses available; see the other courses at http://training.fema.gov/is

IS-5.a An Introduction to Hazardous Materials - (10/31/2013) IS-10.a Animals in Disasters: Awareness and Preparedness -

(10/2/2015) IS-11.a Animals in Disasters: Community Planning - (10/2/2015) IS-15.b Special Events Contingency Planning for Public Safety

Agencies - (10/31/2013) IS-20.16 Diversity Awareness Course 2016 - (2/8/2016) IS-21.16 Civil Rights and FEMA Disaster Assistance - (1/4/2016) IS-26 Guide to Points of Distribution - (8/11/2010) IS-27 Orientation to FEMA Logistics - (10/31/2013) IS-29 Public Information Officer Awareness - (10/31/2013) IS-35.16 FEMA Safety Orientation 2016 - (1/4/2016) IS-36 Multi-hazard Planning for Childcare - (10/31/2013) IS-42 Social Media in Emergency Management - (10/31/2013) IS-75 Military Resources in Emergency Management - (2/25/2011) IS-100.b Introduction to Incident Command System, ICS-100 -

(10/31/2013) IS-111.a Livestock in Disasters - (10/31/2013) IS-144 Telecommunicators Emergency Response Taskforce (TERT)

Basic Course - (10/31/2013) IS-200.b ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents -

(10/31/2013) IS-230.d Fundamentals of Emergency Management - (12/16/2013) IS-235.c Emergency Planning - (12/15/2015) IS-240.b Leadership and Influence - (6/16/2014) IS-241.b Decision Making and Problem Solving - (3/31/2014) IS-242.b Effective Communication - (3/31/2014) IS-244.b Developing and Managing Volunteers - (3/29/2013) IS-250.a Emergency Support Function 15 (ESF15) External Affairs: A

New Approach to Emergency Communication and Information Distribution - (5/7/2012)

IS-271.a Anticipating Hazardous Weather & Community Risk, 2nd Edition - (10/31/2013)

IS-288.a The Role of Voluntary Organizations in Emergency Management - (2/12/2015)

IS-315 CERT Supplemental Training: The Incident Command System - (8/13/2013)

IS-317 Introduction to Community Emergency Response Teams - (6/26/2014)

IS-320 Wildfire Mitigation Basics for Mitigation Staff - (10/31/2013) IS-322 Flood Mitigation Basics for Mitigation Staff - (10/31/2013) IS-323 Earthquake Mitigation Basics for Mitigation Staff -

(10/31/2013)

IS-325 Earthquake Basics: Science, Risk, and Mitigation - (10/31/2013)

IS-326 Community Tsunami Preparedness - (10/31/2013) IS-366.a Planning for the Needs of Children in Disasters - (12/9/2015) IS-368 Including People With Disabilities & Others With Access &

Functional Needs in Disaster Operations - (2/20/2014) IS-393.a Introduction to Hazard Mitigation - (10/31/2013) IS-405 Overview of Mass Care/Emergency Assistance - (12/10/2013) IS-454 Fundamentals of Risk Management - (10/31/2013) IS-546.a Continuity of Operations Awareness Course - (10/31/2013) IS-547.a Introduction to Continuity of Operations - (10/31/2013) IS-700.a National Incident Management System (NIMS) An

Introduction - (10/31/2013) IS-775 EOC Management and Operations - (8/6/2008) IS-800.b National Response Framework, An Introduction -

(10/31/2013) IS-815 ABCs of Temporary Emergency Power - (12/27/2016) IS-907 Active Shooter: What You Can Do - (12/28/2015) IS-909 Community Preparedness: Implementing Simple Activities

for Everyone - (10/31/2013) IS-910.a Emergency Management Preparedness Fundamentals -

(10/19/2012) IS-915 Protecting Critical Infrastructure Against Insider Threats -

(7/10/2013) IS-916 Critical Infrastructure Security: Theft and Diversion – What

You Can Do - (10/31/2013) IS-922 Applications of GIS for Emergency Management -

(10/31/2013) IS-951 DHS Radio Interoperability - (9/22/2016)

--------------------------------------- The ARRL offers several on-line courses. The courses

listed here are recommended for those involved in disaster and emergency service. See these and other courses at the ARRL web site.

Introduction to Emergency Communication EC-001 HF Digital Communications EC-005 PR-101: ARRL Public Relations (EC-015) Public Service and Emergency Communications

Management for Radio Amateurs- EC-016

There are some costs with the ARRL courses but discounts and occasional scholarships are available to ARRL members. See www.ARRL.org for details and enrollment.


K6MEP Keyer Janaury [email protected] / www.qsl.net/k6mep Page 15 of 27 https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/K6MEP/info

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------ARES-ACS Frequency Updates

The Tuesday night Ventura County ARES/ACS Net is held on the SMRA ERN South Mt Repeater. Local nets are 7:00 to 7:30 PM; County Net starts at 7:30 on SMRA South Mt / K6ERN 146.385 Mhz (+) PL 127.3 (linked to 224.100 Mhz (-) / PL 127.3 and 447.320 Mhz (-) / PL 100.0).

Good Frequencies to have pre-programmed into your radios...

Area 1 Simi Valley – K6ERN 146.805 Mhz (-) PL 100.0 Area 2 Conejo Valley, T. Oaks, Newbury Park – N6JMI 147.885

Mhz (-) PL127.3 BOZOArea 3 Camarillo, Somis,– K6ERN 147.915 Mhz (-) PL 127.3Area 4 Oxnard, Port Hueneme, NBVC – WB6YQN 146.970

Mhz (-) PL 127.3Area 5 Ojai Valley – N6FL 145.400 Mhz (-) PL 114.8

Area 6 Ventura City – K6ERN 147.765 Mhz (-) PL 127.3 Olivas Park / SMRA

Area 7 Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru – WA6ZSN 146.385 Mhz (+) PL 127.3

Area 8 Moorpark, Santa Rosa Valley – K6ERN 145.460 Mhz (-) PL 127.3

County-Wide – WD6EBY 145.200 (-) PL 127.3ACS Portable – VCACS/p 144.930/147.585 Mhz PL 127.3

Other Good Area Frequencies ...

AA6DP 147.090 Mhz (+) No PL Catalina K0AKS 147.150 Mhz(-) PL127.3 TOaks K6CPT DCS 145.300 Mhz (-) PL100.0 LA DCS K6CPT DCS 147.270 Mhz (-) PL100.0 LA DCS K6DCS DCS22 147.225 Mhz (+) PL 94.8 LA DCS K6ERN 146.880 Mhz (-) PL 127.3 SMRA Red Mt. K6ERN 147.765 Mhz (-) PL 127.3 Olivas Park / SMRA K6TZ 146.790 Mhz (-)PL131.8 SBARC KB6C 147.735 Mhz (-) PL 100.0 Oat Mt / MMRA N6EVC 146.850 Mhz (-) PL 94.8 Rasnow

N6FDR 145.260 Mhz (-) PL 100.0 Malibu W6AAX 147.180 Mhz (+) PL 186.2 Verdugo Peak W6GRG 146.940 Mhz (-) PL 127.3 Simi DSW Repeater W6YJO 145.180 Mhz (-) PL 131.8 Sta Ynez WA6FGK 146.640 Mhz (-) PL 127.3 Simi Valley WA6PPS 147.300 Mhz (-) PL 110.9 L.A.City ACS WB6OBB 147.000 Mhz (+) PL 131.8 Sta Barbara WD6EBY 145.420 MHz (-) PL 127.3 Chatsworth Pk WD6EBY 147.060 MHz (-) PL127.3 Laguna Peak

Due to assignment and coordination of several D-Star Repeaters, TASMA, the southern California Two meter amateur frequency coordination body, has had to re-align several frequencies. Among these changes are the channelization (15 KHz spacing) of the 145.5 - 145.6 simplex allocation and reassignment of several frequencies from simplex to other uses.

None of the local Ventura County repeaters are directly affected; however several previous simplex frequencies are now in use either as repeater inputs or outputs. New County ARES Packet frequency is 145.050 Mhz;

Ventura County ARES-ACS simplex frequencies have been re-assigned as follows:

Area 1 Simi Valley – 145.510 Mhz (S) Area 2 Conejo Valley, T.O., Newbury Pk – 146.445 Mhz (S) Area 3 Camarillo, Somis – 146.550Mhz (S) Area 4 Oxnard, Port Hueneme, NBVC – 146.595Mhz (S) Area 5 Ojai Valley – 145.555Mhz (S)

Area 6 Ventura City – 147.510Mhz (S) Area 7 Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru – 145.540 Mhz (S) Area 8 Moorpark – 146.535Mhz (S) County ARES Simplex – 145.615 Mhz (S) National Simplex – 146.520Mhz(S)

__________________________________________________________________________

Ventura County ARES / ACS Emergency Coordinators

ACS RO/ARES DEC: Rob Hansen, W6RH, Email: [email protected] ACS RO/Deputy DEC: Rick Tate, KQ6NO Email: [email protected]

Area 1 Simi Valley EC: Steve King, KE6WEZ Email: [email protected] 2 TO, Conejo Valley EC: Zack Cohen, N6PK , Email: [email protected] 3 Camarillo, Somis EC: Ted Lansing KI6PTX Email: [email protected] 4 Oxnard, Hueneme, Mugu EC: Stewart Stone, KG6BOV Email: [email protected] 5 Ojai EC: Wayne Francis, W6OEU Email: [email protected] 6 City of Ventura EC: Grant Mohr, KG6SFW, E-mail [email protected] 7 Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru EC: Grant Mohr, KG6SFW, E-mail [email protected] 8 Moorpark, Santa Rosa Valley EC: Marc Hanley KM6B, Email: [email protected]



ARRL offers online training for hams who want to participate in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service.

The time for training is before a disaster...not during one.

The former Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) series of three training courses has been reconfigured into two courses: An introductory course and a course for leaders and managers.

Introduction to Emergency Communication (#EC-001)

Revised in 2011, this is an update of the former Level 1 course. It is designed to provide basic knowledge and tools for hams who want to serve as a Public Service volunteer. It provides an opportunity for non-hams who rely on communications in emergency situations to learn about Amateur Radio and its unique role in emergencies.

The course is offered online using the Moodle learning platform. The Introduction to Emergency Communicationcourse has six sections with 29 lesson topics and a 35 question final assessment. Participants should plan on completing the course in approximately 45 hours over a nine week period. This is a mentored course, in which you may work according to your own schedule. Cost is $50 for ARRL members and $85 for non-members.

For start dates, registration deadlines and more visit www.arrl.org/online-course-catalog

Public Service and Emergency Communications Management for Radio Amateurs (#EC-016)

Launched in 2010, this course is designed for Amateur Radio operators who will be in leadership and managerial roles, organizing other volunteers to support public service activities and communications emergencies. Participants will learn how radio amateurs prepare to support local community events and, when working in coordination with governmental and emergency response organizations, how to deploy their services. This is a self-study course. For more information and to register visit www.arrl.org/online-course-catalog.

PR-101: ARRL Public Relations (EC-015)

This is a basic training course for PIOs and anyone interacting with the media and promoting Amateur Radio.

This course is designed to give hams a quick overview in public relations activities. It uses the skills of experts in various aspects of public relations to provide volunteer Public Information Officers with the basic skills and expectations that a PIO needs to know to be effective in their home region. PR-101 covers everything from the basic news release to Web sites and video work.

This course is available--free! – on-line, or can be purchased in CD format from the ARRL store. --------------------------------------------------

The new Ventura County ACS Trailer at SkyWarn Operations, NWS Oxnard, 7 Dec 2014



Local Area Radio Nets

Weekly Nets Monday

Cuckoo Net 146.790 Mhz (-) / 131.8 Hz PL every weekday morning from 7:00 AM to about 8:20 AM

California Rescue ARES Net 7.25 Mhz MTWThF 8:30 AM

K6MEP / VCARC Club Net -- 8:30 PM 28.400 Mhz USB / 146.970 Mhz (-) / 127.3 PL (WB6YQN repeater) linked to K6JLW 448.800 Mhz (-) PL 131.8

Santa Barbara South County ARES net 7:30 p.m. on 146.79 Mhz (-) PL 131.8.

LA Section ARES Net - HF Every Monday following the VHF/UHF net (~2130 hrs) 1st, 3rd and 4th Monday - 75 meters 3.995 MHz (± 45 kHz) / 2nd Monday - 10 meters 28.495 MHz

LA DCS-22 Net -- 1930 Hrs. - K6DCS - 147.225 MHz (+)then on 7.235± MHz LSB

Southern California ACS NET MONDAY AT 2000 HOURS LOCAL TIME ON 3992, 3960 KHz LSB

Tuesday



Ventura County ARES/ACS Nets between 7:00 and 8:00 PM, the Ventura County Amateur Radio Emergency Service / Auxiliary Communications Service holds their local and County-wide nets. Local Nets are by area and normally run from 7:00 to 7:30 PM. The County-wide Net starts at 7:30 PM and normally finishes by 8:00 PM 145.200 (-) / 127.3 PL

Ventura County ARES-ACS 6 Meter Net -- between 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM K6SMR 52.980 Mhz (-) PL 82.5 SMRA Red Mt

Ventura County ARES-ACS HF Net -- between 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM 40M on 7.235 Mhz LSB +/- ;

West SB ARES HF Net ( 1st Tuesday, Monthly) 3822 Khz LSB 2030 / 8:30 PM

2000 6-Meter Roundtable - 50.125 Mhz USB First Tuesday of each month.

2030 ATV Net 146.790 Mhz (-) / 131.8 Hz PL K6TZ repeater

Wednesday --



Southern California ACS NET 1000 Hours, 40 Meter Net 7230 KHz

SMRA Tech Net 146.880 Mhz (-) / 127.3 PL (SMRA Red Mt) 8:00 PM

SBARC Swap Net 146.790 Mhz (-) / 131.8 Hz PL K6TZ 2000

Thursday



So Cal 6 meter net, 51.940 Mhz – pl 82.5. 1900-2000 local Thursdays.

Southern Calif 6M SSB Technical Roundtable NetThursday night at 8:00 PM on 50.2 MHz USB SSB

SBARC / K6TZ Technical Mentoring Net -- Thursday nights 8:00-9:00 PM 146.790 Mhz (-) / 131.8 Hz PL and 224.08 Mhz (-) 131.8 PL (linled)

Friday



Saturday

Military Radio Collector Net 1830 / 6:30PM 3985 Kc +/- AM

Sunday

Newbie Net 7:00-7:30 pm Sundays; Bozo Repeater 147.885 Mhz (-) / PL127.3

Rabbit Net 7:00- ?:?? pm Sundays Linked Rabbit repeaters



--------------------------------------------------------



FEMA Interoperability Exercise Deemed a Success

12/23/2016 Laura Goudreau, KG7BQR, Regional Emergency Communications Coordinator for FEMA

Region X, said the December 21 Region X interoperability communications exercise on 60 meters went well.

“We had 48 check-ins, of which 42 were amateurs,” she said. “It was very successful and also included our first digital test.”

The “COMMEX” consisted of check-ins from authorized state, tribal, federal, and Amateur Radio stations to test HF interoperability in case of an emergency or disaster response. FEMA Region X is made up of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

The interoperability aspect between federal stations and Amateur Radio licensees was coordinated and authorized by the NTIA and the FCC. The net included a digital component, intended as a one-way broadcast to test FEMA’s ability to send messages and for remote stations to receive them.

Goudreau said that while there’s still room for improvement in the digital area, overall, she was happy with how the exercise played out. She said FEMA would continue these exercises in 2017.

FEMA Region 10 to Conduct Monthly Interoperability Communications Exercises during 2017

01/03/2017 FEMA Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington) will conduct interoperability communications exercises

(COMMEX) during 2017 on the third Wednesday of each month, 1500-2100 UTC. The initial exercise will take place on January 18.

“The intent of this COMMEX is to test and exercise interoperable communications (federal/state/local/tribal/amateur) during a major disaster, where communications infrastructure would be significantly damaged or destroyed,” FEMA Region 10 said in announcing the exercises. FEMA Region 10 will use the call sign WGY910. Others that may participate in this exercise include, but are not limited to, other FEMA stations, SHARES stations, and Air Force and Army MARS stations. All stations are encouraged to participate.

The COMMEX will use the five 60-meter channels: 5,330.5 kHz, 5,346.5 kHz, 5,357.0 kHz, 5,371.5 kHz, and 5,403.5 kHz. The area of operation is the Continental US. — Thanks to FEMA Spectrum Manager Dave Adsit, KG4BIR, (540) 272-4605

German Radio Amateurs Gain Access to 60 Meter Band

12/21/2016 On December 21, Amateur Radio operators in Germany gained access to the band

5.351.5 to 5.366.5 MHz with 15 W EIRP, and a maximum bandwidth of 2.7 kHz. Access applies to Class A licensees. Amateur Radio is secondary on 60 meters in all countries where it is available to Amateur Radio.

The Deutscher Amateur Radio Club (DARC) called users’ attention to the IARU Region 1 band plan for 60 meters, which recommends CW and digital modes, maximum bandwidth of 200 Hz, from 5.351.5 to 5.354.0 MHz; all modes, maximum bandwidth of 2. 7 kHz (use USB for SSB), from 5.354.0 to 5.366.0 MHz, and all modes, maximum bandwidth of 20 Hz “with the least power,” from 5.366.0 to 5.366.5 MHz.

“Because a lot of radio amateurs must share this narrow 15 kHz band, everyone should keep transmissions short and avoid lengthy ragchews,” the DARC advised in announcing access to the new allocation.

Other countries are expected to grant access to the new, 15 kHz 60-meter band when the Final Acts of World Radiocommunication Conference 2015, which made the allocation available to Amateur Radio, go into effect on January 1, but the US will not be among them; the FCC has yet to allow Amateur Radio access to 60 meters beyond the five discrete channels already available.



60 Meter News from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Dominica

12/09/2016 The 60 Meter DX Group reports that Swedish Post and Telecom is issuing temporary (6-

month) “experimental” licenses for access to 5,351.5-5,366.5 kHz, replacing four channels, 5,310, 5,320, 5,380, and 5,390 kHz. There is a fee. The WRC-15 recommendations regarding 5 MHz have not yet been implemented, but that may happen by January 2018, when the next national band plan is released. In the interim, apparently anyone even non-hams, can apply for an experimental license. Sweden’s experimental band permits 15 W EIRP.

In Denmark, radio amateurs now have “VFO access” to 5,250-5,450 kHz, all modes, at a maximum power of 1 kW at the antenna feed point.

In Finland, radio amateurs gained access to 5,351.5 to 5,366.5 kHz on December 9, with 15 W EIRP. Special licenses now valid will continue in effect until the end of the license term.

In Dominica, Walter Aebi, HB9WTA, is active until February 2017 as J79WTA. Luxembourg, Latvia, Belarus, and Andorra recently announced Amateur Radio access — or revisions to amateur access — to 60 meters. — Thanks to The Daily DX and the 5 MHz Newsletter

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler to Step Down in January

12/15/2016 FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has announced that he will step down in January, when

President Barack Obama’s term ends. An Obama appointee, Wheeler has headed the Commission for 3 years.

“Sitting in this chair has been the greatest privilege of my professional career,” Wheeler said on December 15, during his final FCC monthly open meeting. “I'm grateful to President Obama for the opportunity to serve and for the confidence he placed in me. I am especially thankful to the talented Commission staff for their service and sacrifice during my tenure. Their achievements have contributed to a thriving communications sector, where robust investment and world-leading innovation continue to drive our economy and meaningful improvements in the lives of the American people. It has been a privilege to work with my fellow Commissioners to help protect consumers, strengthen public safety and cybersecurity, and ensure fast, fair and open networks for all Americans.”

Wheeler was a staunch proponent of the FCC’s net neutrality policy, which has been opposed by Republicans as government overreach.

When Wheeler departs on January 20, the FCC will be left with two Republicans — Ajit Pai and Michael O’Rielly — and one Democrat — Mignon Clyburn, whose term ends in mid-2017. Democratic commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel failed to gain confirmation for another term before Congress adjourned and is expected to depart by year’s end. The FCC can have up to five commissioners, which are appointed by the president, the political balance favoring the party holding the White House.



Chinese Over-the-Horizon Radar QRMing Low End of 40 Meters

12/14/2016 The IARU Region 1 (IARU-R1) Monitoring System newsletter reports that one of China’s

HF Over-the-Horizon radars (OTH-R) has been transmitting on 6.999 MHz, impinging on the very low end of the 40-meter band.

As the newsletter reported: “A jumping Chinese OTH radar covered the CW DX-edge of our exclusive 7 MHz band on November 17 at about 1500 UTC and later (long lasting).” The signal was 67 sweeps per second with a 10 kHz bandwidth.

Elsewhere on 40 meters, military ALE transmissions have been heard from Kyrgyzstan on 7050.0 kHz. IARUMS also reports that the Australian Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) has been heard on 10.131 MHz in the amateur 30-meter band; Amateur Radio is secondary on 30 meters.

Radio Eritrea appeared in November on 7180 kHz together with white noise from Ethiopia. The frequencies 7146.5, 7175, and 7185 kHz were reported to be still in use as well.

Reports of Amateur Radio band intruders may be logged on the IARU Region 1 Monitoring System logger.

Canada Telecoms Regulator Revises, Clarifies Amateur Radio Service Requirements

12/14/2016 Canada’s telecommunications regulator Innovation, Science, and Economic

Development Canada (ISED) — formerly Industry Canada (IC) — has issued a revised version of the Radiocommunication Information Circular 3 (RIC-3), “Information on the Amateur Radio Service,” replacing the previous 2005 version. According to ISED, RICs are issued for the guidance of those engaged in radiocommunications in Canada, and the information they contain is subject to change without notice.

“Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) welcomes the change, as it addresses several long-standing issues pointed out by RAC in the past, where the document required updating to address changes in technologies and practices, notably the decision by many administrations to remove the requirement for Morse code qualification for new radio amateurs,” RAC Regulatory Affairs Officer Richard Ferch, VE3IAY/VE3KI, said in an RAC bulletin.

RAC said the new document contains several editorial changes, including the change from IC to ISED and clarifications regarding operating privileges granted to Basic licensees. “Over recent years, there have been questions about which qualification [license] is required by Canadian radio amateurs to modify a commercial transceiver to operate on amateur bands,” Ferch recounted. Advanced licensees may modify transceivers, because they are allowed to design and build transmitters. Ferch pointed out that the new RIC-3 makes it clear that Basic licensee privileges include “re-programming of radio equipment to operate in the amateur bands, if this can be done by a computer program,” but not “physical modifications to the circuitry.”

RAC had urged the relaxation of restrictions limiting remote control of Amateur Radio stations to Advanced licensees, in light of transceiver design changes that have simplified such operation. “We believe that those with Basic [licenses] should have this privilege, but ISED has not yet agreed,” Ferch said. “Dealing with regulations and their interpretation is an ongoing activity, where several rounds of discussion are often required to achieve results.”

RAC said the document also drops the outdated requirement for visiting American radio operators to demonstrate Morse proficiency to be allowed to operate HF phone in Canada. World Radiocommunication Conference 2003 concurred that Morse no longer needed to be an Amateur Radio licensing requirement, and the US dropped the Morse requirement in 2007.

RAC said the major change relates to reciprocal operating privileges, and in particular those provided through a European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) permit. Canada is a signatory to the CEPT T/R 61-01 agreement, under which Canadian amateurs holding a CEPT permit issued in Canada may operate in European countries during temporary visits. The CEPT agreement no longer required a Morse qualification, and after negotiations between ISED and CEPT, the rules for Canadian participation have been updated to follow suit. There will no longer be two classes of CEPT permits according to the applicant’s Morse code qualification. In addition, CEPT has determined that only Advanced Canadian licensees will be eligible for reciprocal operating privileges under CEPT T/R 61-01.



Canada is also a party to the Inter-American Convention on an International Amateur Radio Permit (IARP), which provides reciprocal operating privileges to radio amateurs in signatory countries in ITU Region 2. At the October IARU Region 2 General Assembly in Chile, RAC and other IARU member societies agreed to encourage their governments to update this agreement. RAC said it has learned that the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL) will do so, possibly as soon as next summer.

Mexico Not Yet Extending Operating Permission to Non-Mexican Radio Amateurs

12/14/2016 Broad changes in Mexico’s radiocommunication regulatory environment 2 years ago

continue to hinder Amateur Radio licensing there and still do not provide reciprocal permission for non-Mexican radio amateurs to operate South of the Border. Mexico’s International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) member society the Federation of Mexican Radio Amateurs (FMRE) has been working with the new regulator, the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) to craft more Amateur Radio-friendly licensing procedures and regulations, and there has been a little positive movement. The new regulatory regime considers the radio spectrum as an exploitable resource, and all former Amateur Radio regulations have been deemed null and void. To help acquaint regulators with the nuances of Amateur Radio, all IFT administrative staff completed the United States Telecommunications Training Institute (USTTI) Amateur Radio Administration Course last February, and this has yielded some positive results.

FMRE’s new president, Alfonso “Poncho” Tamez, XE2O — the son of a radio amateur and a DXer — is spearheading the society’s negotiations with the IFT. At FMRE’s National Convention in September, IFT Commissioner Adriana Labardini announced to loud cheers that her agency will get Amateur Radio licensing going again, after a 2-year delay. FMRE has estimated that of the 3,500 existing Mexican Amateur Radio licenses in place before the new law went into effect, more than 1,000 have expired and their renewal put on hold until the IFT works procedural details. She said the IFT expects to process more than 800 applications by year’s end, with another batch of more than 1,400 to follow. An initial license will cost about $30 US. One fly in the ointment: Amateurs must physically sign their “concession” at IFT when it’s granted, but Mexico City is currently the only place they can do so. The status of Amateur Radio clubs also has been put in limbo by the new regulatory regime.

A revised IFT draft of Amateur Radio licensing procedures included specific provisions to grant Amateur Radio operating permission and to make licensing requirements more consistent with the nature of the Amateur Radio Service. But significant gaps still exist. At this point, it is not even necessary to take an examination to obtain an Amateur Radio license — called a “concession” — in Mexico.

While the IFT has not yet determined what to do about foreign radio amateurs wishing to operate in Mexico, the agency has received 45 petitions to do so and is considering how it can issue permits; a foreigner cannot obtain a license under the new law, but may be given permission to operate as XE#/. Further, no regulations are in place regarding power output, license classes, licensing zones, interference, and other regulatory aspects.

IARU Region 2 Area C Vice President Ramón Santoyo, XE1KK, said a week doesn’t go by in which Region 2 doesn’t receive a request for help in obtaining a reciprocal license. On the other hand, Santoyo said, under the new rules, radio amateurs may loan their license to anyone, as long as operation will be within accepted parameters. “Therefore, it seems that the only way for a foreign amateur to operate is through a borrowed call sign,” Santoyo said. He said IARU Region 2 gave the IFT a copy, in Spanish, of the ITU Handbook of Amateur Radio and Amateur Radio Services, hoping to point up the problems in the new legislation.

“There is plenty to do to correct these legal aberrations,” Santoyo concluded, “but I the process we have seen that while amateurs are highly respected and beloved, we compete for the attention of a regulator and Congress with the big industry players, which in this world of economic interests, makes it hard to keep their attention in taking care of us.” Santoyo told ARRL that nothing had changed as of this week.

Global Treaty behind Mobile Communication Celebrates 110th Anniversary

12/13/2016 This year marked the 110th anniversary of the International Telecommunication

Union (ITU) Radio Regulations — the international treaty supporting mobile communication services including Amateur Radio. ITU paid tribute on December 12 to the international cooperation among member states that the Radio Regulationsrepresent. The ITU Radio Regulations govern the use of the radio frequency spectrum and satellite orbits. The treaty “ensures interference-free operation of radiocommunication systems and provide all countries with equitable access to the



radio spectrum — a scarce natural resource that does not distinguish between national borders and needs to be harmonized globally,” ITU explained in a news release.

ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao proclaimed the Radio Regulations “a success story of international cooperation through consensus building among its member states with the inestimable support of telecommunication industry partners.” He said that with the growing complexity of an interconnected world and wireless systems, it’s “more important than ever to maintain the pace and efficiency of radiocommunication conferences to ensure the timely and responsive evolution of this precious instrument.” The next World Radiocommunication Conference is in 2019.

Established on November 3, 1906, at the first International Radio Telegraph Convention in Berlin, the Radio Regulations have grown with 110 years of revisions and innovations into the current five-volume treaty of 2000 pages, covering more than 40 radiocommunication services and spectrum ranging from 9 kHz to 3,000 GHz. The 2016 version was adopted by consensus at WRC-15.

Chinese, Turkish Amateur Radio Satellites Near Launch Dates

12/08/2016 China’s CAMSAT is reported to be working closely with a Beijing government

aerospace contractor to build two microsatellites with Amateur Radio linear transponders — CAS-4A and CAS-4B. Each spacecraft will carry a 70-centimeter/2-meter (U/V) 100 mW SSB/CW linear transponder, a 2-meter CW 50 mW telemetry beacon, and an AX.25

4.8 kbps GMSK 100 mW telemetry downlink. The transponders will have the same technical characteristics, but will employ different frequencies for their 70-centimeter uplinks and 2-meter downlinks. The two spacecraft will also carry optical remote sensing missions.

CAS-4A and 4B will measure 494 × 499 × 630 millimeters, weigh approximately 50 kilograms, and have three-axis stabilization. Launch from Taiyuan, China, is set for March 31 into a 524-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit with a 42° inclination.

Nine Chinese satellites carrying Amateur Radio payloads were launched on September 19, 2015.

Meanwhile, plans call for Turkey’s 3U CubeSat UBAKUSAT carrying an Amateur Radio 145/435 MHz (V/U) SSB/CW transponder to be deployed from the International Space Station next year. The linear transponder is almost the same as that on the TURKSAT-3USAT, launched in April 2013. The satellite is being developed by Istanbul Technical University’s Space Systems Design and Test Lab (SSDTL) along with the Turkish Amateur Satellite Technologies Organization (TAMSAT) and other entities, including the Ministry of Transportation, Communication and Maritime, in collaboration with the Japanese government.

Turkey’s first-ever CubeSat, ITUpSAT1 — launched in 2009 — was also developed by SSDTL. The primary mission of UBAKUSAT is to facilitate Amateur Radio voice communication. The CubeSat also will carry

the TAMSAT Simplesat card, which will send telemetry, including data on relative radiation absorbed, to ground stations. There is also a CW beacon.

UBAKUSAT will have an expected life of between 6 and 12 months. Launch to the ISS from Japan is expected late this year or early next year.

IARU Continues Preparations for World Radiocommunication Conference 2019

12/08/2016 Work is already under way by the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) to address agenda

items of interest to Amateur Radio during the run-up to the 2019 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19). The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) convenes WRCs every 3 or 4 years in Geneva; the last WRC was in 2015. The IARU’s prime focus is spectrum privileges — gaining or retaining spectrum for the amateur radio services and spectrum protection — making sure that amateur spectrum remains available for use and free from serious man-made interference. The IARU works within international standards organizations and with regional telecommunication organizations to accomplish its goals.

In the past month, IARU representatives have attended the European Conference of Postal and



Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) Electronic Communications Committee (ECC). This is CEPT’s policy-making body and just one of the many CEPT committees at which the IARU has a seat at the table. IARU was also present at ITU Working Parties under Study Group 5 (SG5), which is charged with studying matters related to terrestrial radiocommunication services. Working Party 5A met November 7-17, preparing for WRC-19 with a focus that included the Amateur Radio services. The panel:

¨ Completed revisions to Recommendation ITU-R M.1732 dealing with parameters to be used in sharing studies regarding the compatibility of Amateur Service operations with other radio services, mainly in the 50–54 MHz band. It also generated four liaison statements to other groups. “Liaison statements” are how working parties alert each other to matters of common interest.

¨ Continued work on sharing and compatibility studies required for WRC-19 Agenda Item 1.1, which addresses an Amateur Radio allocation at 50–54 MHz in ITU Region 1 in common with those already available in Regions 2 and 3. Sharing studies consider criteria under which spectrum can be shared among different radio services.

¨ Addressed other WRC-19 agenda items that could impact the Amateur Service. ¨ Updated the WP5A web document, “Guide to the use of ITU-R texts relating to the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite

services.” ¨ Reviewed liaison statements from other ITU working parties on topics of relevance to the Amateur Services and

generated some liaison statements of its own. IARU will continue to be active in ITU and regional telecommunication organizations as preparations go forward for

WRC-19. In the coming weeks, IARU plans to participate in CEPT’s Conference Preparatory Group for WRC-19 and in its Project Team meetings.

WRC-19 will take place in Geneva from October 28 to November 22, 2019.

ISS Packet Digipeater is Now on 70 Centimeters

12/06/2016 The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) packet digipeater aboard the ISS

has been active for several days now on 437.550 MHz. The UHF frequency means users will have to make adjustments for Doppler on both uplink and downlink.

The change to 70 centimeters comes in the wake of a problem that has sidelined the Ericsson VHF transceiver, so the UHF model has been put into service. The digipeater operates just as it did when it was on its former 145.825 MHz frequency.

AMSAT suggests that users program a group of five memory pairs to permit an operating range that will compensate for Doppler, with transmit frequencies from 437.560 to 437.540 MHz, and receive frequencies from 437.540 to 437.560 MHz, in 5 kHz increments (i.e., the transceiver would be in simplex for 437.555 MHz).

More information is available from the AMSAT Station and Operating Hints page. Scheduled ARISS contacts and APRS operations will also utilize the Ericsson UHF transceiver in the Columbia module. — Thanks to AMSAT News Service

Slow-Scan Television Transmissions Scheduled from ISS

12/06/2016 Slow-scan television (SSTV) transmissions from the International Space Station (ISS) are scheduled for December 8-

9. The SSTV images will be transmitted from RS0ISS on 145.800 MHz FM as part of the Moscow Aviation Institute MAI-75 Experiment, using the Kenwood TM-D710 transceiver in the ISS Service Module.

MAI-75 activities have been scheduled on December 8, 1235-1800 UTC, and December 9, 1240-1740 UTC. These times correspond to passes over Moscow, Russia. ISS transmissions on 145.800 MHz FM use 5-kHz deviation, and SSTV transmissions have used the PD120 and PD180 formats.

The ISS Fan Club website can show when the space station is within range of your station. On Windows PCs the free application MMSSTV can decode the signal. On Apple iOS devices, use the SSTV app.

QCWA Donation to Support ARISS Space Station Hardware Upgrade

12/28/2016 Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has announced a “notable

contribution” from the Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA) to help support the



development and certification of new radio hardware for the International Space Station. ARISS-International Chair Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, thanked the QCWA for its contribution and said that it arrived at a most critical time.

“Our radio system design is nearly complete, and we’re about to start fabrication and the very expensive hardware certification effort,” he said. “It is fantastic to see Amateur Radio groups like QCWA donating to ARISS, as it demonstrates to our larger benefactors and potential sponsors that the Amateur Radio community has ‘skin in the game’ and is willing to sacrifice to further the ARISS cause.”

QCWA President Ken Oelke, VE6AFO, expressed the hope that the donation might inspire other groups and individuals to follow suit. ARISS reports its hardware team has made good progress over the past year in developing the new radio system. But the October failure of the 17-year-old Ericsson VHF handheld in the ISS Columbus module made completion of the project far more urgent. The failure shut down 2-meter APRS operation, and ARISS operations must now be carried out using an Ericsson UHF handheld in the Russian Service Module. This requires astronauts to make a round trip from one end of the ISS to the other in order to carry out 10-minute school contacts.

ARISS-International Treasurer Rosalie White, K1STO, said, “QCWA members now understand it’s important to hams to have the ARISS radio for APRS and other modes, and it’s caused a number of hams and their local clubs to donate toward helping to get the radio system upgraded.”

ARISS welcomes donations toward the hardware upgrade project via the AMSAT website. Click on the “ARISS Donate” button, or visit the donation page on the ARISS website. Contributions may be tax deductible. Those contributing $100 or more will receive an ARISS Challenge Coin. Contact Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, if you or your organization wishes to make a more substantial contribution.

FCC Denies Expert Linears’ Request for Waiver of 15 dB Rule, Petition Pending

12/27/2016 The FCC has denied a request by Expert Linears America LLC to waive §97.317(a)(2) of

the Amateur Service rules limiting amplifier gain. Expert, of Magnolia, Texas, distributes linears manufactured by SPE in Italy. Its waiver request, filed in June, would have allowed Expert to import an amplifier capable of exceeding the current 15 dB gain limitation as it awaits FCC action on its April petition (RM-11767) to revise the same Amateur Service rules. That petition remains pending. Expert has asserted that there should be no gain limitation on amplifiers sold or used in the Amateur Service. Most commenters supported Expert’s waiver request, but a couple of commenters — including FlexRadio — demurred.

“In light of the conflicting comments regarding the desirability of eliminating the 15 dB limitation, we conclude that waiving the limitation at this stage of the rulemaking proceeding would prejudice the rulemaking proceeding and prematurely dispose of commenters’ concerns,” the FCC said in denying the waiver. “Moreover

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