All Official written communication is to be submitted to: A.R.C.E.C. P.O. Box 50, El Cajon, CA 92022 The Counterpoise is a publication of the Amateur Radio Club of El Cajon (ARCEC). It is published once monthly and contributions are accepted from officers and members of the club. We also encourage input from members of the Amateur Radio Club of El Cajon. Opinions expressed are solely that of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Amateur Radio Club of El Cajon (ARCEC). Articles may be submitted either by e-mail or mail to the editor. Paul Rios at: [email protected] or by post 12207 Vahalla Dr. Lakeside CA. 92040 The Deadline is Sunday after the General Meeting. _____________________________ Amateur Radio Club of El Cajon Web Site: http://www.wa6bgs.org _____________________________ Counterpoise E-Mail address [email protected]31.4h Amateur Radio Club of El Cajon meets every 2nd Thursday at 7:00 pm at the First Lutheran Church of El Cajon. The address is 867 South Lincoln Ave. Next meeting: August 12, 2010 7:00 pm Table of Contents From The President Page 2 Meeting Minutes Page 3 Membership Page 5 From The Vice President Page 6 Calendar of Events Page 6 Membership Application Page 7 Fun Page Page 8 Minutes Continued Page 9 Editor's Corner Page 10 Public Relations Page 10 Quote of the Month Page 10 Food for Thought Page 10 Files Long Ago Page 11 Field Day Report Page 12 Lighter Side of Hamming Page 15 Radio Active Club Photos Page 17 Monica Zech PIO EL Cajon Page 18 At Large Page 19 Counterpoise Counterpoise Counterpoise Counterpoise Counterpoise The Amateur Radio Club of El Cajon Volume XLXI August 2010 Number 8 Counterpoise Counterpoise Counterpoise Counterpoise Counterpoise Page 1 Page 1 Page 1 Page 1 Page 1 Next Meeting Speaker: Mike, N6OPH Topic: "2010 Convention" September Meeting!!! Gordon West , WB6NOA VHF - UHF Tropo Ducting to Hawaii El Cajon ARC and SANDARC up at HRO Swapmeet Did you get your Convention Ticket
Transcript
All Official written communication is to besubmitted to:
A.R.C.E.C. P.O. Box 50, El Cajon, CA 92022The Counterpoise is a publication of theAmateur Radio Club of El Cajon (ARCEC). It ispublished once monthly and contributions areaccepted from officers and members of theclub. We also encourage input from membersof the Amateur Radio Club of El Cajon. Opinionsexpressed are solely that of the author anddo not necessarily reflect the opinions of theAmateur Radio Club of El Cajon (ARCEC).Articles may be submitted either by e-mail ormail to the editor.
Paul Rios at:[email protected] or by post12207 Vahalla Dr. Lakeside CA. 92040The Deadline is Sunday after the GeneralMeeting._____________________________ Amateur Radio Club of El CajonWeb Site: http://www.wa6bgs.org_____________________________Counterpoise E-Mail [email protected]
Amateur Radio Club of El Cajon meetsevery 2nd Thursday at 7:00 pm at theFirst Lutheran Church of El Cajon. Theaddress is 867 South Lincoln Ave. Nextmeeting: August 12, 2010 7:00 pm
Table of Contents
From The President Page 2Meeting Minutes Page 3Membership Page 5From The Vice President Page 6Calendar of Events Page 6Membership Application Page 7Fun Page Page 8Minutes Continued Page 9Editor's Corner Page 10Public Relations Page 10Quote of the Month Page 10Food for Thought Page 10Files Long Ago Page 11Field Day Report Page 12Lighter Side of Hamming Page 15Radio Active Club Photos Page 17Monica Zech PIO EL Cajon Page 18At Large Page 19
C o u n t e r p o i s eC o u n t e r p o i s eC o u n t e r p o i s eC o u n t e r p o i s eC o u n t e r p o i s e The Amateur Radio Club of El CajonVolume XLXI August 2010 Number 8
First, I would like to thank Virgil, K7VP for thatawesome Soldering class. I believe we need a lotmore programs like this. As I have said in the past,we have a wealth of knowledge in the club, and weneed to pass it on to the next generation.
As I sat down to write the President’s Column, asong filled my headphones that hit home and mayhelp all of us to heal from all the negative andflaming posting on the now unofficial reflector. Thesong is entitled “Stronger than Steel” by the 80’sgroup Berlin and yes they are still around. Theopening lyrics are, “So many years you have beenthe Sun, Stronger than steel, Forever shining on meand everyone”. That hit me as I have been part ofthe light of the Sun “The Board” guiding you downthe path of everything we all have been though.Most of the Board Members have been member fora long time and too have a wealth of knowledge.The lyrics, “Forever shining on me and everyone”are all the Board and Executive Board Members,past and present, who set up the By Laws for areason and should not be taken for granted norshould they be taken lightly. The lyrics “Strongerthan steel” is the glue that we all share. If you startto pick at it, then things will start to fall apart. Laterin the song the lyrics, “One day you may need a lightfrom me, When you need someone to lean on”. Ihave been there for the club even when my healthhas been bad. Even as I write this, my eyes arehurting, and I have another laser sugary scheduledfor the next day. That is how devoted I and themembers of my family are to this club. We willcontinue to be part of the “Sun” and shine the lightdown the path. The club has grown; club membershipis up; we are promoting Amateur Radio; and we areRadio Active by volunteering in our localcommunity. We have done so much, but there iseven more Amateur Radio can do for our community.I would like for all members to shine the rightspotlight on the Amateur Radio Club of El Cajon.
73
Paul Rios, KC6QLS President
From The President
Paul KC6QLSPresident KC6QLS Paul Rios 593-9445Vice-President N6OPH Mike Maston 296-9067Secretary KC6TBG Ann Rios 593-9445Treasurer KI6TTF Joseph Matterson
Affiliated Clubs AE6AV Larry Plummer 460-1107W6VJT Pat Chambers 561-2839
Instructor AE6QW Gordon Shackelford 561-6323Net Manager KG6TDP Mike Oberbauer 444-9090Public Service N6NKJ Rich Beisigl 444-5465Elmer AD6UK Nick Prodanovich 929-1225Past President KG6JCW Mike “Stogie” Panger 263-4439
Bylaws KC6TBG Ann Rios 593-9445Club Attire K6PKS Paul Schmidt 733-2284Counterpoise Editor KC6QLS Paul Rios 593-9445Education N6OPH Mike Maston 296-9067EOC H2O District N6NKJ Rich Beisigl 444-5465Estate Sales N6JOJ Tom Myrick 449-3547Field Day N6OPH Mike Maston 296-9067Health & Welfare AF6BC Floyd Lang 697-8655Historian OPENMembership KC6TBG Ann Rios 593-9445Photographer KI6EEL Bridget RiosPost Mistress KC6TBG Ann Rios 593-9445Prizes AF6BC Floyd Lang 697-8655Public Relations KC6QLS Paul Rios 593-9445SANDARC Delegate K5WFW Len Fulbright 258-1322Social Chair Polo Navarro 328-6209Swap Meet N6JOJ Tom Myrick 449-3547Technical W2IRI Bob Boehme 448-4728Ticket Lady KI6EEK Lisie RiosWA6BGS Trustee AE6CQ Michael Martak 562-6477WAMO KI6EEK Lisie RiosWeb Master KC6QLS Paul Rios 593-9445Welcome KI6EEL Bridget Rios
2010 Standing Committees
2010 Board of Directors
2010 Officers
KC6QLS Paul EditorN6OPH Mike Vice PresidentKO4QT Steve Where is the Weed PatchKC6TBG Ann Meeting Minutes
Monica PIO City of El CajonKI6EEK Lisie WAMOKI6EEK Lisie JokesN6NKJ Rich Amateur Radio at LargeAZ6CW Morris Chicken Noodle SoupWA6MHZ Pat Crest Radio MuseumKI6EEL Bridget Photos
Staff and Writers
The General Membership Meeting of the Amateur RadioClub of El Cajon was called to order by the Club PresidentPaul, KC6QLS at 7:10 p.m. After the Pledge ofAllegiance, everyone was welcomed.
SECRETARY’S REPORT Motion to approve the Minutesas printed in the Counterpoise and posted online on7-7-10 by Mike, N6OPH, seconded by Dave Ward andmotion carried.
Our club repeater expert, John, joined us tonight tospeak about the repeaters. Specifically, the 220repeater does not have a schematic, is difficult to workon due to the layout, and it was already rebuilt afterthe fires. One of the problems we have is that we havea lot of nets which generates a lot of heat which ishard on the equipment. John stated he had alreadyspoken with Paul and suggested to the President thatthe club get a newer 220 repeater but this would beput on hold until after Field Day. The advantage of anew 220 repeater is that it would have a book,schematic, etc., and Bob Boehme would be the one togive a price quote. The 440 UHF has an issue and theexperts must trouble shoot the problem; the good thingis that it is a commercial radio and has a schematic sothey can check it out. Motion by Pat Chambers to followup, but the motion was not seconded. President hasbeen handling the repeater issue as confirmed by Johnand will continue working with John in this regard. Thereis a suggestion for a second antenna and they will followup on this with Gary N6LRV, who is one of the fewindividuals who is authorized to access that repeatersite. There was a suggestion to set up Echolink, whichaccording to John, would require a link to a site, anantenna, a port or controller, grounded station withgood line of sight support, high speed internet, amodem, receivers, and a dedicated system that can beleft alone and is not useable accept for this purpose.SANDRA had Echolink on one of their repeaters but ithas since been removed. Echolink can take a lot of airtime and repeater on air time. If ARCEC does this, Johnsuggests turn power down to ½ to 1/3 to reduce heatand increase the life of the equipment. There was asuggestion to use left over Field Day Food Fund Drivemoney for repeater equipment, but the club cannot dothis. That money must be spent on the picnic asbudgeted. Funds must be spent on what they arecollected and designated for. So, we will get therepeaters up and going first and then discuss Echolink
again at a later date. The President thanked John forattending our meeting tonight to help clarify therepeater issue.
ANNOUNCEMENTS by President Paul KC6QLS: l. Paul received an email from Monica Zech regarding avolunteer event at St. Madeline Sophie’s for July 9, 2010at 4 - 10 p.m. (volunteers needed 3 – 11 p.m.) If youcan help, please contact Norma at (619) 442-5129, ext.117.2. 7-10-10 HRO Swap Meet, Set Up 8:00 a.m., Starts9:00 a.m., SANDARC and ARCEC will have a booth anddistribute Convention Fliers and Club Fliers.3. 10-9-10 is Fire Station 6 Open House here in El Cajon.If you would like to volunteer, contact Paul, KC6QLS.4. 10-30-10 Borrego Springs Parade.
TREASURER’S REPORT by Joseph, KI6TTF. Motion by Mike,N6OPH to approve the Treasurer’s Report as read wasseconded by Rich, N6NKJ and motion carried. The reportwill be filed for audit.
The speaker for this evening is Virgil Pattin, K7VP, whospoke and gave a demonstration on “How to Solder”.His presentation is also in the Counterpoise.
Break Time - Refreshments in the back – coffee anddonuts for all!
After the break the business meeting continued.
PRESIDENT Paul, KC6QLS reported that the AugustSpeaker will be Mike, N6OPH regarding the upcomingARRL Convention in September. He thanked John againfor coming out to discuss the repeater issue with usthis evening and thanked Virgil for his presentation thisevening. We still have the yellow generator that doesnot work. The Board passed a motion for Mike, KG6TDPto take the generator for evaluation and to see if Mikecan repair it. SANDARC Fair Booth went well. Rich, N6NKJand Mike, KG6TDP did 6 days and did set up and tookdown the booth. A big thank you to both for all yourefforts. Out of 44 fair shifts, only 4 shifts were notcovered. Thank you to all volunteers for your supportof SANDARC’s Fair Booth. Thank you to Anselmo forcovering tonight as Social Chair as Polo could not behere this evening. The Borrego Parade is coming upand Len, K5WFW; Mike, KG6TDP and Paul, KC6QLS planon attending again this year with our Tower Trailer. Thisis great PR for our club and helps us to let the communityknow who we are, what we do, and how we can helpour community in the time of need. If you would like toattend this event, please let Paul, KC6QLS know. At apast Board Meeting, the Board addressed the Voting
MEMBERSHIP REPORT Bridget, KI6EEL announced that wehad a total of 50 in attendance tonight consisting of 46members and 4 visitors. Approximately 140 members;the roster is being updated.
PUBLIC SERVICE CHAIRMAN Rich, N6NKJ reported that weparticipated in Red Flag Patrol on July 4, 2010; had a goodturn out of volunteers; and there were no reportedincidents.
SANDARC REPORT by Len Fulbright, K5WFW, our SANDARCDelegate, that there was a motion at the last SANDARCMeeting for SANDARC to spend up to $1,000.00 for a LCDprojector/computer monitor to be used for the upcomingARRL convention and thereafter the clubs can borrow it.ARCEC needs to vote whether we are for or against this.The ARCEC voted in favor of this motion for SANDARC tospend up to $1,000.00 and purchase this equipment tobe used for the convention and then the clubs would beable to borrow it. Motion by Stogie Panger, KG6JCW forthe ARCEC to direct both of our SANDARC Representativesto vote in the affirmative on this issue, seconded byAnselmo, KD6PRV and motion carried. Therefore, both ofour SANDARC Delegates were instructed to vote “yes”on this motion at the next SANDARC Meeting.
ELMER CHAIR Nick had nothing to report.
SOCIAL CHAIRMAN Again, thanks to Anselmo for coveringtonight.
NEW BUSINESS brought by David Santoro on the issue ofalleged “secrecy” and all Board Meetings are open to themembership. He made a recommendation in the form of aMotion to record all Board Business and the motion wasseconded by Ruth Pattin. Discussion followed. His goal isto record all at Board Meetings with a digital recorder tobe placed on the website so all can listen to theproceedings due to alleged “secrecy” at Board Meetingsand alleged inaccuracy of Minutes by the Secretary. TheSecretary stated that there is misinformation on theReflector as the Secretary’s Job Description posted onthe Reflector on 7-6-10 was incorrect and is not the ARCECSecretarial Duties as indicated in the ARCEC By Laws andas posted on the ARCEC Website. The present Secretaryhas been in office since March 2, 2010 after having beenappointed to Secretary to replace Mike Maston, N6OPHthe then current Secretary, who had been appointed toVice President to replace the then Vice President, GaryKuske, who had left his position to go “on the road”. Thequestion was asked by the Secretary to the GeneralMembership in attendance that by show of hands howmany members, who are not on the Board, have attendeda Board Meeting in the past 5 years. Only one individual
by Absentee Ballot and the Board voted against it dueto cost and time involved. At the past Board Meetingthere was a Motion for the ARCEC to obtain and retainlocal control of the ARCEC Reflector due tomisinformation on the reflector, the taking off of a VPpost which was an interference by the ReflectorModerator in Illinois with local club business, and theallowance of name calling and in general non civility onthe Reflector. The Board asked the President to requestthat control of the Reflector be returned to the localARCEC and that if it is not, a new local reflector will beestablished. Len has a SANDARC matter to bring up inhis report. The Counterpoise is done and out. PatChambers, W6VJT has been appointed to the ARCECBoard to fill the position vacated by Carl Cookson whenhe moved back to Texas.
Counterpoise Deadline is July 18, 2010.
VICE PRESIDENT Mike, N6OPH reported on Field Day andhis report will be in the July Counterpoise. A specialthanks to Mike, KG6TDP for his help and support at FieldDay; to Nick, the Safety Officer for his efforts at FieldDay; and to Anselmo, KD6PRV for taking over as SocialChair. The speaker for August will be Mike, N6OPHregarding the Convention. In September, Gordon Westwill speak. In October, Gordon Shackelford will speak.Home Brew Contest is in November and elections are inDecember.
EDUCATION REPORT by Mike, N6OPH that the Extra Classstarts September 14, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.,and the instructor is Gordon Shackelford, AE6QW.
NET MANAGER Mike, KG6TDP reported that there were21 on the WAMO net.
ARRL Section Manager Announcements by Steve Early,AD6VI regarding:
1. The USS Midway Museum Boy Scouts Event;2. Tim Higgins, KJ6VNX Merit Badge program and
equipment donations;3. ARES Meeting the second Saturday of the Month
at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla;4. Train the Trainees Class on 7-9-10, 7:30 a.m. to
8:30 p.m. on South Orange in El Cajon;5. 7-7-10 One Day Tech Class; 7-24-10 One Day
General Class; 7-31-10 Get on the Air Seminar.For more info, contact Steve, Early AD6VI.
Congratulations to all who have upgraded yourlicense! If you have upgraded your license within thepast year, please contact me at [email protected] see me at the meeting so that I can updateyour information on the ARCEC Roster.
New Members:
Noel Encarnacion KJ6FDX WAMO #1839Daniel Warner KJ6IOB WAMO #1840
All Members are welcome to participate on allARCEC weekly Nets. The WAMO Net is anopportunity to meet new members, collectWAMO’s and practice your communication skills. Please join us. For more information on the datesand times, see page 6 of this Newsletter.
The 2010 ARCEC Roster is for club use only.However, please do not use this club roster tocontact club members at the telephone numbersand addresses listed on the roster for the purposeof working a WAMO. The Rules for workingWAMO are listed on the website and must befollowed in order to receive WAMO Certificates.Also, copies of the WAMO Rules are available atclub meetings.
73, Ann, KC6TBG
Individual Dues Membership:$18.00 per year($1.50 per month):
January $ 18.00 July $ 9.00February $ 16.50 August $ 7.50March $ 15.00 September $ 6.00April $ 13.50 October $ 4.50May $ 12.00 November $ 3.00June $ 10.50 December $ 1.50 * *plus $18.00 for the following year
Family Dues Membership:$30.00 per year ($2.50 per month):
January $ 30.00 July $ 15.00February $ 27.50 August $ 12.50March $ 25.00 September $10.00April $ 22.50 October $ 7.50May $ 20.00 November $ 5.00June $ 17.50 December $ 2.50 *
*plus $30.00 for the following year
Ann, KC6TBGMembership Chair
Amateur Radio Convention
September 17, 18 & 19, 2010
San Diego, California
Four Points, By Sheraton Hotel
San Diego
For up to date information about theConvention, please visit us at the website:www.sandarc.net/
MembershipReport
Ann KC6TBG
As we approach the latter half of theyear we need to think about the next for ourclub. Our immediate concern is the ARRL SWDivision Convention which will be held on 17-19 September 2010. SANDARC has a greatline up of speakers, exhibitors and fora foreveryone. You can still get on the groundfloor for the banquet which will feature ChrisImley, the ARRL Chief Counsel. Admissiontickets are at a reasonable price of $18 withkids under 16 free! Check outwww.sandarc.net and then click onconvention at the top of the page. Thelocation is the ham radio friendly SheratonFour Points Hotel on Aero Drive just a shortdistance from Montgomery Field. In fact ourAugust meeting will be totally devoted to theconvention. I will host a discussion of theconvention details and answer whateverquestions that may rise up about theconvention.
This September the club will hostGordon West, WB6NOA. He will discuss TropoDucting to Hawaii. You can always count onGordon for a good show.Our October meeting will feature our ownGordon. He will be giving a technical program.
During our July meeting, we had ademonstration featuring Virgil, K7VP. Hetaught everyone how to solder. I wouldsuggest to the club that we feature more ofthese types of demonstrations of basicamateur skills. Soldering is indeed basic.How many people can read a schematic or
recognize an oscillator or detector circuit?
Continued on Page 14
Calendar of EventsAugust 2010
Aug. 3: Board Meeting, 7:00 pmAug. 7: Swap Meet, Santee Drive In, 6:30 amAug. 7: T-Hunt, Grossmont College lot, 6:00 pmAug. 12: General Meeting, 7:00 pmAug. 18: Counterpoise Dead Line
Upcoming Event DatesSept. 17: ARRL SW Convention San DiegoOct. 9: Fire Station 6 Open HouseOct. 30: Borrego Springs Parade
WA6BGS NetsMike Oberbauer: KG6TDP Net MangerMike Oberbauer: KG6TDP Net ControllerFrito N6WKB Wide Open Nets
Donut Net
WAMO NETS:Wednesday and Saturday Nights8:00 p.m. local time 7:45 "Early Checkins"This is an open net and all are invited. Early check-inswill be taken.
Donut Net:Monday, 7:00 p.m.Bring your Donuts. GOT MILK?
Wide Open Ham Net:Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.
Frito's Corn Chip Net:Thursday, 7:00 p.m. on 28.435 Mhz USB
Nets held on Club's WA6BGS Repeaters SystemRX 147.420 (146.475) 107.2 PLRX 224.080 – 107.2 PLRX 445.900 – 107.2 PLDon’t miss it. All members welcome.
WAMO means Worked All Members Only.The purpose of WAMO is to encourage people to peoplecommunication between club members and to publicizethe name of the club among fellow amateurs.
Computer Roster Available Want the roster sent to you via e-mail? Send ane-mail to Ann, KC6TBG and she will send you theofficial roster, which is published in February ofeach year, as an attachment. The file will be inExcell format. Send your request to 619-593-9445or [email protected]
The Counterpoise is also online in FULL COLOR. Checkit out and the club's website at: www.wa6bgs.org
Get your advanced copy by e-mail. I will send it outin .PDF format the night it goes to print. E-mail meand let me know that you would like a copy. Size offile maybe up to 1.5 mb at times.
------------- This Months -------------4 = M. of the B. 4 Members ofthe Beatles
6 = P. in a P. T. 6 Pockets in aPool Table
50 = S. in the U. 50 States in the Union
August 4 WA6MHZ Pat BunsoldAugust 4 KK6NF Mike BaileyAugust 10 N6SZO Joe CoronesAugust 11 KK6NH Leslie DayAugust 13 AE6NA Dave BarnardAugust 14 KG6JCW Stogie PangerAugust 17 N9EVE Evelyn Miller (L)August 19 KD6VKZ Ed EbbertAugust 23 KF6UOZ Craig MathenyAuugust24 KE6BZD Ronald MahoneyAugust 26 KM6YF Tom BorgAugust 29 KF6ROE Edward PyneAugust 31 W1CTM Raymond Boisvert
The Secretary expressed her frustration at themembership in attendance blatant disregard of ARCECBy Laws, Rules and Policies and further expressed herdesire to resign due to the present voting membersbasing their decisions on gossip and alleged “secrecy”and basing their decisions on incorrect Secretarial JobDuties placed on the reflector by individual(s) expressingtheir personal opinions as if they are true on thereflector. Further, the Secretary indicated that she isa volunteer and has acted in the capacity of Secretaryfor approximately 3 months, since March 2, 2010, andagreed to the job duties as indicated in the ARCEC ByLaws and posted on the ARCEC website, not to do theapproximate 3 page Secretarial duties posted byindividual(s) on the Reflector that are not the job dutiesindicated in the ARCEC By Laws and posted on thewebsite. The Secretarial Job Duties posted on thereflector are in error and have led the membership inattendance tonight to make decisions based onallegations of wrongdoing when in fact no wrong doinghas occurred. In the opinion of the Secretary, this isabsolutely unacceptable on the part of those who postedmisinformation on the website and who have, and are,as a result of the incorrect postings on the reflector,interfering with the ARCEC leadership and themembership. Further, it is the Secretary’s belief thatthe Reflector is not intended for posting incorrect,misinformation and personal opinions that are not trueand are different from what is stated in the ARCEC ByLaws and what is posted on the ARCEC website. For theforegoing reasons, the Secretary expressed a desireto resign.
There being no further business before the GeneralMembership, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Ann Rios, KC6TBGSecretary
present raised his hand that he had in fact been to oneBoard Meeting in the past. Past President Stogie,KG6JCW explained that Board Minutes are available uponrequest per the By Laws, but that in all his time asPresident no one ever asked him to see the BoardMinutes. In fact, to the present Secretary’s knowledgein her approximate three months of service, only oneindividual has even asked to see the Board Minutes andquestioned the Board. As the Secretary furtherindicated, allegations of “secrecy” and gossip are notfact. Paul called the question. Virgil Pattin, K7VP calleda Point of Order as to the quality of the Motion andasked that the club hear the Motion. Mike Maston,Presiding President, clarified the motion as “Shall theclub buy a recording device to be utilized at the Boardof Director’s Meetings for anyone who wants to listento it?” By show of hands 6 voted for, 13 voted against= a total of 19 votes and 6 abstained (for a total of 25present for the vote) so per the Presiding Presidentthe vote did not pass. David Santoro then raisedanother Motion for Absentee Voting, seconded by VirgilPattin, K7VP. A discussion followed. It was pointed outthat the Board already addressed this issue at the AprilBoard Meeting and voted against it due to the cost andtime involved. Nonetheless, the motion will be submittedto the Board for consideration. The Presiding President,Mike Maston, thanked all for staying. David Santorothen stood up and made a Motion to submit a ten pageproposal on Absentee Voting to the Board of Directorsat their next scheduled Board Meeting; seconded byJoseph. A discussion followed. The vote by show ofhands was 14 for, 9 against and 1 abstained (for a totalof 24 people now voting) so per the Presiding Presidentthe motion passed and the proposal will be submittedto the Board of Directors for consideration. Joseph,then stood up and said he makes a Motion that the BoardMeeting Minutes are made available no laterthan 2weeks after the Board Meeting in PDF format on thewebsite and that a printed copy is available at theGeneral Membership Meeting, seconded by Virgil Pattin,K7VP. A discussion followed. It was pointed out thatthis motion is in violation of the ARCEC By Laws as thereis no language included therein to this effect and thatthis motion would require a By Laws change.Nonetheless, a vote by show of hands was 15 for, 7against, 1 abstained (for a total of 23 people now voting)and the motion passed per the Presiding President MikeMaston.
Volunteers NeededUp Coming EventsSee Club's Calendar on Page 4
E-MailAddress for the Counterpose. Please submitall Counterpoise Mail to:[email protected]
Prize Table Needs HelpThank you for your contributions to the PrizeTable! We still need your Support and Help or itmay just end up a thing of the past. Pleasecontact: Floyd Lang AF6BC at 303-6711.
Things to keep in mindGet on the El Cajon ARC Reflector
To sign up visit:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/elcajonarc/
You will get the latest news about The Cluband things going on in the Ham world.
Quote of the Month“Coming together is a beginning, stayingtogether is progress, and working togetheris success.”
- Henry Ford
Editor’s CornerThanks to all who sent Field Day photos in. Imissed going up the hill, and it was almost like Iwas there looking at all the photos. I got a fewcomments about “The Lighter Side of Hamming”,which were in the positive light, and they likedthe stories with an Amateur Radio twist. If youhave an idea for a story, please send it to me, andI will forward it to Les Volta. One of the stories isgoing to be on the ARRL On Line News Letter.
Lastly, you might have noticed that theCounterpoise is a little thinner than in the pastfew months. Some of the Columnists are onvacation, packing for a trip, or just MIA andmissed the deadline. I hope to the next issue willbe back up to speed.
73 Paul Rios, KC6QLSEditor
Public RelationsAs I stated in the last column, due to the negativePR on the now un-official reflector, it has set usback not just a few steps but a whole block. If thefew would just stop undermining the Club’sstanding in the community, we can start themending process and start moving forward again.As a club member pointed out, anotherorganization was attacked in a similar fashion tothis one, and they are all but gone. Is this whatyou want? I do not believe this is so. As I statedat the club meeting, we have a strong leadershipteam and united we stand, divided we fall. Let’sbring back that camaraderie and put the FUN backinto Amateur Radio.
assigned to the Number 1 New Yorkwire to receive voluminous press copyfor the Boston Herald, without makingit known to him that he would beexpected to keep pace with one of thefastest senders in New York. Edisonsuspected that something was afootfrom the way the Boston operatorsstood by, looking over his shoulder,“their faces shining with fun andexcitement.” The New York operatorbegan slowly, then ran on at top speed,while Edison not only kept pace withhim, but sometimes, with studieddeliberation, paused to sharpen apencil, letting the sounder run on. Thenthe sender began to slur his words,sticking the signals, but Edison wasused to this style. Finally, as he toldthe story, he felt that the fun had gonefar enough and, opening the key, hemade a telegraphic aside: “Say, youngman, change off and send with theother foot.” That “broke up” the NewYork man, and, in disgust, he turnedhis instrument over to someone else.
Editor of the CounterpoiseFebuary 1986Richard KG6ZL
Here’s a true story of one of the besttelegraphers of his day, Thomas Edison,as he arrived in Boston in search of ajob (from Edison, by MatthewJosephson):
“I had been four days and nights onthe road, and having had very littlesleep, did not present a very fresh orstylish appearance, especially ascompared to the operators of the East,who were far more dressy than theirbrethren of the West. My peculiarappearance caused much mirth.”
The truth was that Edison had a willto be “different.” With his wide-brimmed hat, his long hair and baggyclothes, and a plug of tobacco in h isjaw, he looked in fact like a real jayfrom the wooly West. George Milliken,the manager, however, was a man ofdiscernment. On being shown a letterin Edison’s neat manuscript writing andreceiving assurance that the youthcould take press copy I this fashion forhours on end, and at breakneck speed,he was impressed. After a five-minuteinterview he hired Edison, proposingthat he begin work at 5:30 p.m. thatsame day.
His fellow workers thought toinitiate the ragged stranger fromMichigan by “putting up a job” on him.It was arranged that he should be
The Amateur Radio Club of El Cajon held its FieldDay operation at the Al Bahr Shrine Camp locatedjust off of Sunrise Highway in the Mount Lagunaregion of San Diego County. The site is locatedapproximately 6500 feet facing east towards theimmediate desert region of San Diego County. Theactual exercise commenced at 1100hrs hours onSaturday 26 June and concluded at 1100hrs onSunday 27 June 2010 local time.
BACKGROUND
This year’s Field Day event was different in manyways from 2009. First the Field Day Chairmanand Club Vice President was different from 2009.In fact there were a great many personnelchanges for the 2010 exercise due to the recentresignations of the duly elected vice presidentand a change in leadership for the galley crew aswell. This precipitated some new tensions thatwere never encountered in the previous years.However, having said that field day 2010 was asuccessful event in its own right. Some of the newpersonalities were:Michael Maston, N6OPH Vice President and FieldDay Chairman for 2010 who took over from GaryKuske, W6GRK who resigned in February 2010;Nick Prodnanovich, AD6UK as the Safety Officereffective after February 2010; Polo Navvaro (Nocall yet) as the Social Chairman. There was alsoa management change at the Al Bahr Shrine Campfor 2010.
NARRATIVE
In preparation of Field Day a Pre-Field Day“antenna party” was held in mid June. Thepurpose of this exercise was to prepare the club’santennae for assembly at the field day site on 25June. This party consisted of adjusting thelengths of each of the elements of the beamantennae for an optimal VSWR reading for eachof the bands in which the antennae would beutilized. The antennae were assembled, tuned andmarked for easy assembly at the Field Day site.Also within the same week end some members ofthe club were trained and certified in the use ofoperation of the club’s antenna tower trailer.There were 25 in attendance at this event which
greatly increased the pool of trained operators.The normal plan for Field Day is to meet the setup crew at the Ranch House Restaurant inLakeside at around 0800. After eating breakfastall would assemble at the club’s equipment shedalso in Lakeside to gather up all of theequipment, antennae and towers that would beused for this year’s Field Day. Mike, N6OPH metall of set up crew members at the shed as planned.The equipment was loaded into the various trucksassembled for the job. However, there was achange in the leadership of the galley crew andMike, N6OPH was obligated to bring all of thefood as well as his own equipment to the site.Since Mike, N6OPH for this purpose it wasdetermined that he could not carry all of thefoodstuff and his equipment at the same time.So therefore some of the cases of soda had to beoff loaded from his vehicle and transferred tosome of the other trucks that still had room forit. This necessitated his return to his residenceto collect his personal radio equipment and headup to the mountain. In so doing Mike, N6OPHdid not arrive at the camp site until after1100hrs at which time some of the antennatowers were already placed and in construction.There was some difficulty in erecting one of theantennae due to the proximity to the trees. Thewood pile that was on the concrete slab in theprevious years had been removed so it was mucheasier to place the club’s antenna tower trailerfor erection. However, it had to be movedslightly as it too would impact the trees closeby. The tower trailer crew operated the towertrailer as trained and there were no safety issuesduring the three days of our occupation of thecamp site. In the previous years the club woulduse its own generator to operate the radiostations during field day. This year however wasan exception. As part of the field daypreparation Mike, N6OPH and Steve, KO4QTattempted to test the generator in March. Partof the testing process consisted of putting a loadonto the generator and measuring the output.However, this year the generator was only ableto muster 4.5 volts well below the thresholdneeded to operate eight or nine radios. It wastaken to a repair shop and the return informationfrom the repair shop was that it needed a new
Amateur Radio Club of El CajonAmateur Radio Club of El CajonAmateur Radio Club of El CajonAmateur Radio Club of El CajonAmateur Radio Club of El CajonField Day ReportField Day ReportField Day ReportField Day ReportField Day Report
armature at a cost of $750! It was decided bythe club leadership to dispose of the generatorat a later date. Instead, the tower trailergenerator would be used as the generator for thisyears exercise. This required the crafting of anew cable to connect to the generator anddistribution to the radios. This was done byJoseph, KI6TTF and his son. This solved ourpower problem for field day and there were noelectrical problems during the course of theexercise.
The club president attends Field Day and isinvolved many of the necessary leadershipdecisions required during the course of field day.However, due to illness, Paul, KC6QLS wasunable to attend. This left all of the supervisoryand operational details to Mike, N6OPH. One ofthose details was to invite the local fire stationpersonnel to dinner on Saturday. Last year whenthey arrived they gave a complete demonstrationas to the capabilities and equipment on boardtheir fire engine. This year although they wereinvited, they never arrived.The biggest change however was in the makeupand leadership of the galley crew. These are thepeople for feeding all of those who attended. Lastyear on Saturday we had at least 125 for dinner.Dinner consisted of steaks, salad, chips, drinksand dessert. This year we only had approximately46 for dinner. While steaks were available forthose who wanted them, carne asada beef, beansand rice were the order of the day. There wasmacaroni and cheese for the kids. The Saturdaymeal was well received by those in attendance.The food chairman was Anselmo, KD6PRV whotook over the entire operation on 18 June!Our attendance did not match that of 2009 notexceeding 35 except for Saturday.Propagation was very poor this year. The 40meter band which would garner approximately400 contacts at the conclusion of field day onlycame up with only about 223 this year. Ten,twenty, fifteen and six meters were no better.This year we operated as a six-alpha station.
All of the station operators, the set up and teardown crews and the galley crew were seasonedvolunteers who attend this event every year and
always ready to help the club no matter thecircumstances. While this narrative enunciated afew minor glitches and changes that occurred thisyear this was a typical Big Green Spider operationfrom beginning to end. It is this kind of dedicationand service to the club and amateur radio that makesme proud to have been my first stint as a field daychairman and club vice president. You dideverything and I was just there for some direction.Not much was needed it turned out. Outstanding jobwas done by all.
OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
The Field Day planning is only as good as the vicepresident’s capabilities. The Field Day Chairmanrelies on the help of the staff appointed by him (her).This year’s Field Day Chairman was new to the jobbut hardly inexperienced as he has attended ten ormore years of Field Days and has had manyopportunities to observe the work of others. Mostof the people involved in the entire operation knowtheir jobs with little or no supervision required. Thisin turn makes the Field Day Chairman’s job mucheasier. The only real problem this year was that achange was required for the galley crew. There aremany factors associated with the necessasity of thischange that are best not discussed in this report.But one of the great concerns was the viability ofthe food service that really wasn’t solved until afterthe 18th of June. The food planning takes almost aslong as the Field Day event itself. Once the need forchange is identified it needs to be made much soonerthan two weeks before the event.
Most people judge field day under two criteria: Thenumber and quality of contacts on the air and thefood. For most club projects and activities we suffera paucity of volunteers. This is not so for Field Dayalthough most people would rather be on the air thancooking. The 2011 Field Day Chairman will bedetermined by the December election of officers asthe Vice President is also the Field Day Chairman.Whoever is elected needs to start his (her) planningin January 2011 and not in March or April. I as FieldDay Chairman had the benefit of documentationprovided by the 2009 Field Day Chairman Steve,
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Do you know how to cut an antenna fora certain wavelength when you don’t have astore bought or readymade antenna? Eventhough we now have radios that areessentially computers they still work on thesame principles that we old timers learnedmany years ago. If you would like to give atalk or demonstration on some of these skills,please let me know. My contact informationis listed elsewhere in this Counterpoise.
The October meeting is when weactively start to think about next year. Thatis when the club elects a nominationscommittee. This is a very simple job. Allthat you do is make telephone calls to otherclub members and ascertain which office thatthey would like to run for. This is a good wayto give back to our club. We can always usefresh ideas and talent. All of the club officeswould be open for election. Should you notknow what the officers do, then glance at ourBy Laws elsewhere on the club’s web site andcheck out the requirements. Being an officeror board member does require somecommitment and time from your otherwiseactive lives. However, it is well worth it! Ifthe nominations committee somehow forgetsto call you, get someone to nominate you onthe floor in November. While you wait foryour name to appear in nomination, bring yourHome Brew Project with you and enter it inthe club’s Annual Home Brew Contest. Thisis where the real talent shines.
We round out the year with theelections in December and the gloriousChristmas Party. Here we can recognize
From The Vice-PresidentFrom The Vice-PresidentFrom The Vice-PresidentFrom The Vice-PresidentFrom The Vice-PresidentContinuedContinuedContinuedContinuedContinued
the past year’s talent and welcome the newpeople into our fold. It’s a great way to endthe year and start the New Year. Come andjoin us!!
Michael Maston, N6OPHVice PresidentAmateur Radio Club of El Cajon
KO4QT. Each successive chairman needs toutilize this source and amplify on it. Field Daystaff needs to be appointed early and be in placeby the beginning of the year so that they knowtheir jobs and able to start their planningimmediately. Problems such as generator andother necessary equipment need to be addressedas soon as discovered and rectified.
Most sincerely,
Michael P. Maston, N6OPHVice PresidentField Day ChairmanAmateur Radio Club of El Cajon
He walked us around the aircrafttelling my granddaughter all kinds of factsabout this particular plane. She asked, “CanI sit in the driver’s seat?” and he said “yes,let’s go inside and you can sit in the pilot’sseat.” As we walked into the aircraft, evenmore buried emotions came forward. I havenot stepped into a PB4Y-2 since I retiredfrom the Navy. I remember working theradios on board this aircraft, which led meinto becoming an Amateur Radio Operator.Some of the radio traffic that I had dumpedfrom my memory banks started to flow tomy ears again. It’s funny how things thathappened so long ago can replay in yourmind years later. I asked Lieutenant Riversdo you remember the USS Indianapolis CA-35 towards the end of the war. Those guyswere out there for four days with no foodand water in shark infested waters and wewere part of the rescue team. He replied,“Yes” and put his head down and asked fora moment of silence.
Continue on page 16
The Air Show
As we packed up the car and headedoff to the air show, I had no idea the pastwas going to find me. We drove to the airshow and found a parking spot right up front.For the past few years, we had a hard timefinding a spot and had to wait for someoneto leave. Even the traffic seemed to be light.It was if we were all meant to go to the airshow. This was my granddaughter’s secondair show; she really loved the last one. Shelikes to see all the old air planes and theyeven had a few old cars too. I can remembertaking her mother to air shows and seeingthe enthusiasm in her eyes, and I now seethat sparkle in my granddaughter’s eyes.
After a few hours of looking at someof the old cars and aircraft, we turned on tothe last row of aircraft on the tarmac andthere was the same aircraft I used to pilot,a PB4Y-2, and all the memories hit me. Mygranddaughter looked at me and I asked“Grandpa, why are your eyes leaking?” Ireplied, “This is the kind of aircraft I usedto fly in during the war and it just bringsback bitter sweet memories. No sooner thanI said that than this guy jumped out of anairplane and started talking to us about thehistory of the aircraft. The gentleman gotabout three sentences in about the historyof the aircraft. The tone of his voice andhis mannerism sounded very familiar. I askedhim if he was Lieutenant Rivers. He stoppedand looked at me and said “oh my. Are youCaptain Volta?” And I replied “yes!” Thenmy granddaughter asked “Grandpa, why arehis eyes leaking too?” I answered “we sharethe same common feelings of the fun andsadness we have attached to this aircraft.
The Lieutenant talked about all of thegages, dials, levers and switches and howyou steer the aircraft. I placed her in thepilot’s seat and they proceeded to pretendlike they were taking off and going for aflight. This was her first experience as a“pilot” and the Lieutenant “checked her off”and said that she would make a good pilot.He told her any landing that you walk awayfrom is a good landing. The Lieutenantturned around and asked me if I had evergotten my Amateur Radio License becausethat was one thing that we used to talk aboutwhile we were both in the service. He toldme he got his license about 15 years afterhe got out and was hoping to make contactwith me someday. I said, “I got my ticket ayear after I retired and have been doing thesame, hoping to make contact with friendsand old buddies that I used to serve with.We exchanged call signs and planned dates,times and frequencies to make contact inthe near future.
So if you happen to be dialing aroundon an HF band and sometimes hear a fewold guys talking about stories of flying inthe Pacific Theater in the PB4Y-2, it mightbe us. In my shack above my HF radio, tothis day, I still have a picture of mygranddaughter in the pilot seat flying thatairplane and having fun.
Funny Car Frenzy at the Cajon Classic Cruise July28th
It’s “Funny Car Frenzy” at the next Cajon ClassicCruise on Wednesday, July 28th in downtown ElCajon. Admission is free to the public for the CajonClassic Cruise on East Main Street, just east ofthe Main and Magnolia intersection. Enjoy thecars, the action, restaurants, street vendors,food, and live entertainment. Car shows are pre-sented by Sycuan Casino and the El Cajon Com-munity Development Corporation. Enjoy new at-tractions each week, including awards for the topcars, parades, special salutes, and variety themedevents, such as National Night Out on August 4th.Don’t miss a single week! The Prescott Prom-enade is undergoing exciting renovations thissummer, so the awards presentation will takeplace near East Main Street and Magnolia Avenuenear the announcer’s booth in front of the PrescottPromenade until the park reopens. For more in-formation on the Cajon Classic Cruise call the ElCajon CDC at (619) 401-8858, or visit themonline at www.downtownelcajon.com.
Concerts On The Green With Bill Magee! The 15th Annual Concerts on the Green continuesthis Friday with Bill Magee playing Blues musicon July 23rd. Concerts are from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m. on Friday evenings, now through September3rd. Don’t forget, the temporary location forConcerts on the Green is the outdoor amphithe-ater at the East County Performing Arts Centerpending completion of the renovation of thePrescott Promenade. You may want to bring acushion for the amphitheater seating, or some-thing to sit on outside the amphitheater area. Youcan bring a picnic or enjoy dinner at one of sev-eral fine restaurants on Main Street in DowntownEl Cajon. These free concerts are presented bythe El Cajon Community Development Corporation(CDC) and Sycuan Casino. For a full list of theconcert schedule visitwww.downtownelcajon.com or call the El CajonCDC at (619) 401-8858.
Cool Zone Information – Stay Cool &Hydrated!
It’s summer and, as usual, hot temperaturesare expected here in the East County. Forthe 10th year, San Diego County hasannounced their Cool Zone program. Theirwebsite contains a list of locations throughoutthe County where you can go to stay cool –and save on energy costs at home. For a listof Cool Zone locations, call (800) 510-2020or visit sandiego.networkofcare.org/agingand click on the “cool zone” logo. As an addedtreat, you can call the same number forinformation on free fans in the county. Inpartnership with San Diego Gas & Electric Co.,free electric fans are being given to low-income, homebound seniors and people withdisabilities who can’t make it to the coolzones.
Summer reminders: During hot weatherconditions drink plenty of water, and stayaway from drinks that contain caffeine andalcohol since they dehydrate the body. Makesure your pets have cool shade areas toescape the heat and that they have plenty ofwater. And NEVER leave your children/babies, the elderly or your pets in your car -not even for a second when running errands. The results can be life threatening.
Report A Concern
The public can report a concern online on theCity’s website. To report graffiti, noise,potholes, weeds, or storm water violations,you can go to www.ci.el-cajon.ca.us and clickon REPORT A CONCERN. You can also callCity Hall with your concern at (619) 441-1716.
Monica ZechPublic Information OfficerCity of El Cajon200 E. Main StreetEl Cajon, CA 92020(619) 441-1737 (619) 441-1770 - [email protected]
step up and do the jobs needed to be done, theRios family has had to step in and do them. Andnow I hear people grumbling about how the Riosfamily has “taken over the club.” WHAT A BUNCHOFBULL............ If they had not, WHO WOULDHAVE DONE WHAT was needed to be done?
So next time this president OR any otherpresident ASKS for help, VOLUNTEER; SIMPLE.If this seems as an endorsement of the Riosfamily then so be it, I am just pointing out thefacts folks, just the facts. THIS IS YOUR CLUB,if it is to survive, then it will take the efforts ofyour Board and you, the members to fix what iswrong with it.
It was not my intention to stir the pot any morethan it has been, but it is my hope that we canfind a solution to the problems confronting ourclub. This strife is tearing at the very fabric ofour club. I just hope it is strong enough towithstand hurricane buffeting it.We need coolheads, not more strife, turmoil, or conflict, tobring stability back to the club.
Let us not forget our brave men and women ofour U.S. military, who at this moment are inharms way; and let us remember their familiesas well.
At our last club meeting, I overheard a membersay “The Board should not be keeping secrets fromthe club members.” As a long time member of thisclubs Board of Directors, I can tell you that yourBoard HAS NEVER, EVER, KEPT ANYTHINGSECRET FROM YOU! If someone lets the Boardknow that he or she is very ill and may notlive, and asks us not to tell the membership, dowe say to that person “We are sorry, but we HAVETO TELL the membership, WE are NOT ALLOWEDTO KEEP SECRETS?”
I have asked almost every Board member, andthey too, can not remember keeping anythingsecret. The only item I can remember keepingfrom you, for a short time, was the Tower Trailer.And this was done so our club could get it. Thereare charges and counter charges flying back andforth which threaten the very existence of ourclub if this turmoil does not come to an end soon.It will be up to YOUR Board, then you, the clubmembers, to resolve this mess, and end it verysoon or our club WILL NOT BE AROUND TOCELEBRATE its 51st Anniversary.
Your Board will need to make some toughdecisions in a very short time. All of us who serveon the Board have tried to do what is best for theclub no matter what, and we will always do so.Do we make mistakes? YES, we are human. Ourclub is not a big corporation listed on the NewYork Stock exchange, but with the demands fromthis person or the demands from another person,I feel like I should start wearing a suit, dressshirt, tie, and dress shoes and bring along a bunchof high priced lawyers to the Board Meetings tomake sure every t is crossed and every i is dotted.
Every year, presidents past and present, havebefore or after the elections, asked themembership to fill the various jobs the club needsfilled for it to function, and every year, peoplejust sit on their hands; and it is no different forthe past four years. So since no one is willing to
ExtraClassTime
Amateur Radio Club of El CajonP.O. Box 50
El Cajon, CA 92022
Issue Date 8/2010
VEC Testing Sites1st Saturday: El Cajon 10:00 am First Lutheran Church of EC
867 South Lincoln Ave.2nd Saturday: Carlsbad 9:30 am
Carlsbad Safety CenterOrion Way Carlsbad
3rd Saturday: North Park 10:00 amNorth Park Recreation Center4044 Idaho Street San Diego
4th Saturday: Chula Vista 8:30 amFire Station #71640 Santa Venetia Chula Vista
5th or last Saturday: Escondido 9:00 amLDS Church1917 East Washington St.
To make advance reservations or to find out more infofrom the site captain, please call 465-EXAM (3926)
