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The National Association for Amateur Radio Sacramento Valley Section Serving Alpine, Amador, Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Yolo & Yuba Counties in Northern California Sacramento Valley Section is located in the ARRL Pacific Division. ARRL National Page: www.arrl.org/Groups/view/sacramento-valley Thanks to Greg Kruckewitt KG6SJT for maintaining our Section ARES web page and for assisting with our Facebook page and Twitter feed. Submit Section News updates to kp4md(at)arrl.org
Past Section News Archive
Amateur Radio License Classes and Volunteer Exam (VE) Schedules
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June 2017 News
From the Section Manager
Here are the latest news from our section clubs and members.
June 24-25 ARRL Field Day!
Don't miss the June 24-25 ARRL Field Day, amateur radio's premier public outreach event! Our SV ASM Roger, KI6FYF and I will visit Field Day sites throughout the section, so be sure to add your public Field Day site to the ARRL Field Day Station Locator. Log on to http://www.arrl.org/field-day and click on the Field Day Locator link. Promote your Field Day event in your community and use hashtag #ARRLFD on social media.
Please take adequate precautions against heat related illness during Field Day.
The National Weather Service predicts high temperatures in the 100's throughout the Sacramento Valley for June 24-25.
Section Wide 2 Meter and HF Nets, Thursday, June 15 at 7:30 pm PDT
A Section-wide net is scheduled for Thursday, June 15. The net will commence after the Yuba-Sutter ARES net closes about 7:30 pm Pacific Time on the WD6AXM 146.085 MHz FM repeater, immediately followed by an HF net on 5330.5 kHz USB (alternate 3880 kHz LSB if no propagation). We will issue an Official Bulletin reminder prior to the net.
June 15 Section Net Report: There were 16 check-ins on the 2 meter net and 8 check-ins on the 60 meter net. Propagation was good on 60 meters. All stations were heard and there were no relays. Thanks to Steve Sweetman, K6TAZ, net control.
Don't have an HF radio?
Listen on the W6DRZ web receiver at Half Moon Bay or the W7RNA web receiver in Sedona, AZ.
Hourly Northern California NVIS Observations
Section Manager Nomination
Thanks to the members who have endorsed and submitted the nomination for my re-election as Section Manager. I appreciate your confidence and support and will gladly continue serving as your Section Manager if you so desire.
From arrl.org: "Whenever more than one member is nominated in a single section, ballots will be mailed from Headquarters on or before July 1 to full members of record as of June 10 which is the closing date for nominations. Returns will be counted August 22. Section Managers elected as a result of the above procedure will take office October 1."
"If only one valid petition is received from a section, that nominee shall be declared elected without opposition for a two-year term beginning October 1."
Future Section Events
Mark your calendars for the Western Placer ARC Hamfest in Lincoln, CA on Saturday, September 16 and the ARRL Exhibit and Special Event Station N6M at the Rocklin Maker Faire on Saturday, October 14 at Sierra College, Rocklin, CA.
October 20-22 ARRL PACIFICON Convention
Register online now at www.pacificon.org for the October 20-22, 2017 ARRL Pacificon Division Convention at the San Ramon Marriott. PACIFICON is the annual ARRL Pacific Division convention, held each year in October. It is THE premier amateur radio conference in the western U.S.
We are currently recruiting for a new Affiliated Club Coordinator for our section. Please contact me if you are interested in assisting in this capacity.
Our website, Facebook and Twitter pages are a work in progress, and your suggestions and submissions are always welcome.
This website is visited most during the first week of each month, but do check back as it is updated weekly with late breaking news.
73, Dr. Carol Milazzo, KP4MD
American Radio Relay League Sacramento Valley Section Manager
kp4md(at)arrl.org
You can always send compliments, suggestions and submissions for inclusion in our Section News to kp4md(at)arrl.org
SV Section Official Observer Coordinator Norm Lucas, WB6RVR, Silent Key
posted June 21, 2017
We are sad to announce that our Section Official Observer Coordinator Norman J. Lucas II, WB6RVR, passed away on June 19, 2017 from a sudden pulmonary embolism.
Born on February 27, 1960, Norm was first licensed as WN6LPF in 1964 at age 13. (Read more about Norm's early years in amateur radio on page 3 of the April 2017 NCCC JUG Newsletter).
He very actively lobbied with the grass roots movement for the revision of the California Distracted Driving bill through outreach to local radio clubs, podcasts, the local media and at the ARRL forum at the 2017 Visalia DX Convention. (Photo by Robert Wilson, N6TV)
Norm was an ARRL Official Observer since 1989, and was the Sacramento Valley Section Official Observer Coordinator since 2003.
Norm was a member of the Samuel F. Morse Amateur Radio Club. He was the architect of the 501(c)(3) non-profit paperwork for the Samuel F. Morse ARC and the Northern California Contest Club (NCCC). The NCCC had recently awarded Norm a life membership in return for his time spent on this project.
Norm was the trustee of the N6FR 147.99/39 MHz Walnut Grove repeater for years and was on the board of the W6AEX 147.27 MHz Mt. Vaca repeater.
One other item on Norm's long list of activities, Norm was a docent volunteer conductor and brakeman at the California State Railroad Museum since 1983, and was Assistant Manager of Museum Railroad Operations in charge of the rolling stock since 2010.
Norm was a life long resident of Sacramento and is survived by his wife Sheila and two grown children.
(Thanks mostly to Bob Hess, W1RH, for the above)
Amateur Radio Exhibit at May 13 Girl Scouts STEAM Expo in Sacramento
The May 13, 2017 Sacramento Girl Scouts STEAM Expo celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics was held from 2-6 PM at the Girl Scouts Heart of Central California Center, 6601 Elvas Ave, Sacramento, CA.
Over 200 Girl Scouts of all ages attended the event. W6SFM Samuel F. Morse ARC President Michael Aretsky, N6MQL, North Hills RC President Kaayla Jaret, KA6YLA, River City ARCS Member James Chin, KK6FON, ARRL SV Section Youth Coordinator Dr. Duane Wyatt, WAØMJD, ARRL SV Asst. Section Manager Roger Cain, KI6FYF and ARRL SV Section Manager Carol Milazzo, KP4MD assisted at our ARRL booth.
The Morse Code practice stations were very popular with the scouts, where they completed a look-up worksheet and learned how to use a telegraph key to send their names in Morse Code. Scouts also experienced the excitement of their first on the air contacts over our on-site amateur radio station. For the adult leaders and parents we provided literature about amateur radio, the ARRL and the Young Ladies' Radio League, the ARRL Girl Scouts Radio and Wireless Technology Patch program, and how to contact their area amateur radio clubs for assistance.
Your local Girl Scout Council will appreciate your contacting them to participate in their STEM activity fairs. Set up a booth with an operating amateur radio station. Download and display the flyer, checklist and the full curriculum for the Girl Scouts Radio & Wireless Patch from the ARRL page http://www.arrl.org/girl-scouts-radio-patch. The patch program details all sorts of fun and easy tasks and activities within the ability of young and school age girls. The authors of the curriculum did all the work for us!
Updates on AB-1222 Amendment Bill to Distracted Driving Law
Update on the CA Hands Free Law - AB 1785/CVC 23123.5, posted May 22, 2017
We have been fielding a number of inquires on if Amateur Radio (2-way radio) is exempt from the updated "hands-free" law that went into effect on January 1st of this year. The language of the legislation is "all inclusive" and tends to, by default, wrap 2-way radio use into the prohibition.
Amateur licensees in the Pacific and South West Divisions of ARRL have been working on this issue. The original bill's sponsor has been contacted a number of times. The CHP command has also been contacted. As a result, the CHP has issued a memo to its officers advising that "a radio installed and mounted in a vehicle with a wired hand microphone is not considered a wireless communications device........and therefore is not subject to enforcement under this section." That memo was issued on March 28, 2017.
More recently, the sponsoring assemblyman entered into the Assembly Journal a letter establishing the legislative intent of the law. Essentially, the letter states that common 2-way, wired radio use was not intended to be addressed by the newer hands-free law. This letter was published in the Assembly Journal on April 27, 2017.
Please note: Use of an HT would still be a violation. The radio must be mounted and the microphone be corded to the radio.
I have packaged the CHP memo and the letter to the Assembly Journal in one document. Click this link to download. Please pass it on. Amateurs should carry copies of these documents in their vehicles to present to law enforcement officials in case they are stopped. It may, or may not, prevent them from receiving a citation.
Please remember that not all law enforcement officers will be aware of these documents, and may not follow them. Amateurs may still be cited.
I would like to hear if any Amateur is actually cited under CVC 23123.5 for using Amateur Radio.
We can all thank the past SW Div Vice Director Marty Woll N6VI, Jim Aspinwall NO1PC, Norm Lucas WB6RVR, and others behind the scenes for their valiant effort to move this clarification forward. The effort is not over, as equally ambiguous language is being promoted in the revision to the law moving through the legislature now.
Please remind everyone that they must still not use their radios in a manner that detracts from their safe operation of their vehicle. Drivers can still be cited under the very broad "distracted driving" code section.
Thanks! 73, Bill Hillendahl KH6GJV, ARRL San Francisco Section Manager
Update by Jim Aspinwall, NO1PC, posted May 16, 2017Jim Aspinwall, NO1PC, of the movement to amend the California Hands-Free Driving Law, has put out a call on http://www.no1pc.org/handsfree/index.html with instructions for radio amateurs and registered voters to contact their State senators now regarding the new amendment bill AB-1222 now under consideration as it will not adequately protect mobile radio operation.
I wish to thank Jim Aspinwall, NO1PC, Norm Lucas, WB6RVR, Glen Pitts K6KJQ and Mike Morris WA6ILQ for their diligent advocacy and work with the office of Assemblymember Bill Quirk, the California Assembly and the California Highway Patrol, and for the rank and file ARRL membership and radio amateurs throughout California who have signed on to support this effort to correct the ambiguous language in the existing law.
The effort continues with some concerns over the language in the bill that will proceed to the California Senate.
For those who wish to keep updated on the status and contribute to the effort, I recommend Jim Aspinwall's detailed overview of the concerns and progress of the effort on his Hands-Free Information Site.
-Carol Milazzo, KP4MD
California Radio Amateurs Move to Amend Distracted Driving Law AB-1785
posted March 21, 2017
In the last two months since its posting, San Jose area radio amateur Jim Aspinwall, NO1PC's online grass roots petition to amend the ambiguous language in California's AB-1785 Distracted Driving Law has gathered over a thousand signatures in its support.
In a news story aired recently on KOVR-TV CBS13 Sacramento, Norm Lucas, WB6RVR, explained that the Distracted Driving Law was designed to curb smartphone texting while driving which has been identified as a safety hazard. However, the ambiguous language in the law has also unintentionally rendered all commercial and amateur radio two-way mobile operation illegal in California. The original author of AB-1785, California Assemblyman Bill Quirk (Assembly District 20) has confirmed that the law was not intended to ban amateur radio mobile operation and has recently introduced AB 1222, the purpose of which is to amend this law. Negotiations are underway and continuing between all of the stakeholders regarding appropriate language to modify this law.
ARRL Weighs In on New California ‘Driving While Wireless’ Statute
from arrl.org March 14, 2017
ARRL is recommending that Amateur Radio be specifically excluded from a California statute prohibiting the use of “wireless communication devices” while driving. ARRL Southwestern Division Vice Director Marty Woll, N6VI, is taking point on the effort to revise the statute, known by its legislative bill number AB 1785. It was signed into law last September, and it took effect on January 1, amending §23123.5 of the state’s Vehicle Code.
“ARRL has received a huge volume of inquiries and complaints about this statute in particular, since its enactment,” ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, wrote in a letter to Woll to provide guidance in amending the California statute. “I would urge that you present this letter at any meetings you have with California State legislators on this topic, thus to bring the issues contained herein to their attention.”
Update from Bob Wortman, WB6VYH, Section Technical Coordinator
Updated April 29, 2017
Spring is upon us and maybe the weather will change too.
I will be at the Reno swap for all of you that need QSL cards checked. Be sure to check the rules and contact me before the event.
We will also headed North this summer a few times and maybe a trip to Kings NP. So if you’re in that area and need cards check just let me know.
I also will be at Pacificon 2017 for the weekend and I’m sure that NCDXC will be there too. Stop by the table.
73 and good DX, Bob Wortman, WB6VYH
ARRL Pacific Division DXCC Awards Manager, Sacramento Valley Section Technical Coordinator, WAS Award Manager, VUCC Awards Manager
From Duane Wyatt, WAØMJD
Posted April 29, 2017
Call for Equipment Donations for Kid's "Radio Library"
Duane is seeking amateur radio equipment donations to start this program. If interested please contact Duane at duanewyatt(at)hotmail.com
Duane Wyatt, WAØMJD,
duanewyatt(at)hotmail.com
From Norm Lucas, WB6RVR,
Section Official Observer Coordinator
Posted January 11, 2016
Do you have what it takes to be an ARRL "Official Observer?"
Update October 12, 2016 - The ARRL and the FCC are currently working together to update and to make changes to the Official Observer/Amateur Auxiliary program. Because of these expected upcoming updates and changes, ARRL has placed a temporary hold on applications for new Official Observers and Official Observer Coordinators at this time. Read more here.
The Official Observer (OO) program has been sponsored by the ARRL for more than 85 years to help Amateur Radio operators assist each other to operate their stations in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.
Official Observer appointees have assisted thousands of Amateur Radio operators to maintain their transmitting equipment and comply with operating procedures and regulations. The object of the OO program is to notify amateurs of operating and technical irregularities before they come to the attention of the FCC and to recognize good operating practices.
The OO program serves as the first line of "eyes and ears" for the FCC. It is the backbone of the Amateur Auxiliary. OOs are certified in the Auxiliary by passing a mandatory written examination.
Update on FCC Deliberate Interference Case
Posted April 4, 2017
Recent filings related to a long-standing FCC case regarding deliberate interference on 3908 kHz is posted on the FCC website at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/filings?proceedings_name=08-20&sort=date_disseminated,DESC.
Additional information related to this matter is posted on the ARRL News http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-levies-25-000-fine-on-california-radio-amateur-for-deliberate-interference.
Pot grow lights interfere with Ham Radio
Submitted by Rene Smythe, WB6PSY, Posted March 4, 2017
I have experienced this interference for the past few years. I found the interference by swinging my 10m Yagi monobander around until the noise became over S9. I then went outside to see where the beam was physically pointed and discovered a garage where indoor pot is being grown. The lights are on a time cycle so the interference comes and goes. 40º degrees in either direction takes the noise out.
Now that marijuana is being legalized in more states, more hams are going to experience this noise.
WB6PSY
ARRL and the FCC have a cooperative agreement in radio frequency interference matters. You may submit complaints together with your supporting documentation to ARRL EMC Engineer Mike Gruber W1MG who then files the report with the FCC Gettysburg office. More infomation is posted under the "From the Section Manager" notes in the November 2016 Section News - Carol KP4MD
Keep Our Digital Transmissions Legal on 60 Meters
Posted January 29, 2017
Our decreasing solar activity and residential antenna restrictions have attracted increasing numbers of radio amateurs to operate CW and weak signal digital modes on our lower HF frequencies including 60 meters. The five frequency channels that US amateur radio operators share on a secondary basis with US federal government users on 60 meters (5 MHz) pose unique requirements for CW and digital operators. As explained on http://www.arrl.org/60m-channel-allocation, US radio amateur emissions on our 60m channels must be precisely centered in the center frequency of each assigned channel, that is, 5332.0, 5348.0, 5358.5, 5373.0 or 5405.0 kHz. Thus, for example, a CW signal on channel 3 (USB Dial frequency 5357.0 kHz) must be precisely on 5358.5 kHz. The same ARRL page explains that all digital emissions must also be centered in the channel center.
This may appear unreasonable to radio amateurs because a 2.8 kHz channel can accommodate many digital and CW transmissions simultaneously, and requiring multiple stations to operate on the same exact frequency would result in mutual interference. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)* explains this requirement in https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/7021871884.pdf which states: "Allowing multiple emissions within the necessary bandwidth of the widest authorized modes (2.8 kHz) increases the possibility of harmful interference from secondary amateur stations to primary federal stations, and would make it more difficult for a federal station to identify an interfering amateur station. In addition, NTIA is concerned about the aggregate equivalent isotropically radiated power from multiple amateur stations transmitting within a single 2.8 kHz channel. Accordingly, NTIA requests that 47 C.F.R. Section 97.303(h) continue to require that amateur stations transmit only on the five center frequencies allocated to the amateur service." (See http://www.arrl.org/what-the-fcc-rules-say-97-303-h)
JT65
This screenshot photo shows JT65 signals received on 60m Channel 3 (5357 kHz USB dial frequency) from 0300-0309 UTC on January 29, 2017. In the photo, the 5357 kHz dial frequency is at 0 Hz on the left side of the waterfall and the 5358.5 kHz channel center is at the 1500 Hz mark. Decodes of several US radio amateurs are seen transmitting JT65 emissions simultaneously on various frequencies throughout the channel 3 frequency range 5357-5360 kHz. This is the familiar appearance of a JT65 waterfall display on all other amateur radio bands; however, it does not meet the NTIA requirement that each US radio amateur transmission be centered on the 1500 Hz mark (the 5358.5 kHz channel center frequency). Richard Saunders, K6RBS, has posted the program settings for proper 60m JT65 operation here.
WSPR
The link http://wsprnet.org/olddb?band=60&sort=callsign&reverse=on&unique=on lists recent WSPR mode emissions on 60 meters. One can scroll down that list and see how many A, K, N and W call signs have been transmitting WSPR mode outside the authorized 60 meter center channel frequencies. Many US WSPR transmissions are now being observed on the WSPR software default 60m frequency of 5288 kHz, a completely unauthorized frequency for US radio amateurs.Each licensee has the final responsibility for the lawful operation of his or her station. Unfortunately, the increasing automation in our radios has apparently accustomed some to falsely assume that the radio will correct for operator carelessness and ignorance of regulations. Our cooperation with NTIA requirements is essential for our continued access to the 60m channels and for possible future access to the new ITU worldwide 60 meter allocation at 5351.5 to 5366.5 kHz. (See http://www.arrl.org/news/view/arrl-asks-fcc-to-allocate-new-5-mhz-band-retain-channels-and-current-power-limit and http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-invites-comments-on-arrl-petition-to-allocate-new-5-mhz-band). Please be aware of these requirements if you intend to or currently operate CW or digital modes on our shared 60m allocations. The Amateur Auxiliary is documenting this matter and hopes to raise its awareness in the wider amateur radio community.
-Carol Milazzo, KP4MD
*The NTIA is the federal authority that coordinates radio spectrum use for the US military and federal government while the FCC serves in this capacity for civilian radio spectrum users.
June 10 - Sacramento County ARES Training
Posted May 30, 2017
The next Sacramento County ARES training and meeting is scheduled for Saturday June 10, 2017 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Sacramento Sheriff's Central Division, 7000 65th Street, Sacramento, CA 95823.
Vince Cracchiolo KI6NHP is the Sacramento County EC.
For more information, visit the Sacramento County ARES web site at www.saccountyares.org
Placer County ARES Exercise
Posted May 31, 2017
Placer County ARES Exercise
On May 13 th Placer County ARES held an exercise, the exercise was a simulated HazMat spill in a shopping center in Auburn CA. There were 11 hams involved, they staffed the scene, Sutter Auburn Hospital, Sutter Roseville Hospital, and a net control station in the Auburn Veterans Hall. The exercise made use of the HICS 213 (the hospital version of the ICS 213) and was designed to give the new members training on message passing and general net procedures. As the exercise progress the new members gained comfort and confidence in these areas.
Carl N6CKV - Placer County EC
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| Herb KM6KBI at the scene picture by Greg KG6SJT | George KG6LSB, Roy WH7DH, and Michele WH7QC at net control picture by Mike KK6GLP | Orion AI6JB at Sutter Roseville Hospital picture by John NT6ET |
June 24-25, 2017 Sacramento Valley Section Field Day Sites
Go to http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator if the map below does not appear in your browser.
Club and Member News - June 2017
Update from El Dorado County ARC
Posted May 31, 2017
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Our April meeting had a nice turnout. Two members spoke about projects during our ‘Show and Tell’ period and I continue to encourage others to contribute. What are you working on; what discoveries have you made? Any technical topic that has an interest to our hobby is welcome. Let me know, before the meeting, so I can get you on my list and set some time aside.
We voted in a new club member: Bill Toft, AK6WT. Welcome aboard, Bill!
Jay gave us an intriguing video on a DX expedition to Scarborough Reef. This is a location not for the ‘faint of heart’! The operators were literally attached to the top of rocks in the middle of the South China Sea, between the Philippines and mainland China.
The meeting this month needs to change location, since the church will not be available to us for our regular Thursday meeting night. As I write this, it appears that the consensus will be to hold the meeting at the Cal Fire Station at Mt. Danaher, in Camino. I will be unable to a3end, since I will be on a road trip. Listen for updates on the weekly net and web site.
It looks like we’re finally going to be able to enjoy some Spring weather! We measured 76.4 inches of rain at my QTH, since last October, which is quite a new record!
73, Michael, K6MLE Newsletter
Update from Amador County ARC - update pending
Posted April 29, 2017
April was a busy month for the club. We assisted two bicycle clubs with communication for their rides in the country side. The first was the ride in and around Amador County which featured 1,500 riders on a 30 mile or 60 mile ride. The event went smoothly and any incidents where assistance was required was handled efficiently through the use of a radio operator riding with their club's "assistance vehicles". The second ride was two weeks later and covered several courses ranging from 30 to 120 miles in both Amador and El Dorado counties. This is a ride with some serious terrain but the event went well. Then there was a situation with a woman missing from her home in mountain terrain which involved a large number of personnel including a National Guard helicopter. The club ARES component was put on alert and provided support to that operation. The club meetings feature interesting presentations and a licensing class is planned for June for both Technician and General. 73, John Stettler, ACARC PIO
Update from River City ARCS
Posted June 4, 2017
It seems like May's presentation on "Solar for Hams" was a long time ago. I hope those who attended the May meeting found the topic useful.
May 19th, 20th and the 21st was Hamvention in Dayton, Ohio. This year the event was held at the Green County Fair Grounds. The old facility, Hara's Area, is no more. Even though Hara's was run down, it had a nostalgically feel about it. At the fair grounds, it was difficult finding old favorite vendors as they were now relocated in one of 6 large buildings or in "spill over tents". The Flea Market was set up on the fair's grassy grounds covering acres and acres. It rained both Friday and Saturday (19th and 20th), and large puddles of water filled the holes where cars and trucks had traveled. Exploring the flea market was difficult as mud everywhere made it hard to find a dry path to walk on - I did not see all of the flea market.
Because of the rain, I didn't take as many images as I would have liked - I was trying to stay dry. What few were taken do not show just how large the event was. Rumor has it that over 36,000 tickets were sold this year.
With Field Day just a few weeks away, I hope you can make the event. http://www.n6na.org/fieldday Let Phil know if you are coming. See you there.
Photo caption: May 19 River City ARCS Member James Chin, KK6FON helped children send their names in Morse Code at Rio Linda Farm & Tractor Days
73, Ed, WA6QYO Newsletter
Update from Yuba-Sutter ARC
Posted May 31, 2017
GENERAL MEETING
The next general meeting will be held June 6th at the Caltrans Building in Marysville. Final planning for field day and discussion of an antenna building help at KF6VFP and KI6CSN’s QTH will take place. Come to the meeting, help plan, and volunteer to help out.
“The Prez Says”Looks like I missed my deadline again. Oops! Sorry Curtis. Well, since I haven't written a “Prez Says” in a couple of months it's time to put one out, whether or not it gets into the Valley Ham News. There's lots of activity going on and much to be involved in.
First and foremost are our plans for Field Day. With Mark (KA6FFM) leading the charge and Pete (W6HKB) Visali's generosity we have a venue for Field Day. Pete has graciously offered us the use of his land in Dobbins. Although unsure at first of where we might POSSIBLY be able to set up, we actually ended up with several different venues to choose from; Pete's place, Sycamore Ranch, Chris (KM6JIA) and Katie (KM6JIB) Atkinson's place in Brown's Valley, Bob (W6BOB) Olsen's place south of Yuba City and the Live Oak Elementary School yard. This list will be a good starting point when planning for next year. Cindy (KK6OIO) and Manna (KA6ETB) are putting together a great barbecue and have been working hard to get food and supply donations from local retailers. Joe (N9BD) and Kevin (K1KMC) have spent a fair amount of time in the last couple of weeks fixing and improving the club antenna trailer, specifically replacing the wood decking and painting.. There's more work to be done and Joe has planned a trailer work day for June 4th at Kevin's (K1KMC) house in Yuba City. Check the club website for details. I don't have specifics but I also know that there are plans being formulated to provide generators, extension cords, chairs, tables, EZ-Up shades, logging laptops, etc. So I think we're well on our way to a successful Field Day. It probably won't be perfect as many of us have no prior experience but I'm very much looking forward to it and I think we'll all have a good time. In that sense I think it will be a big success. June's club meeting will be dedicated solely to discussion of Field Day so come prepared with your ideas.
Close on the heels of Field Day will be our Antenna Workshop being hosted by Curtis (KF6VFP) in Loma Rica. Curtis is providing space and will have some supplies available for purchase. There will be some tools and test equipment available; torches, tubing cutters, antenna analyzers, Ideally participants will have researched beforehand what kind of antenna they would like to try building and will pre-purchase the supplies they'll need to build the antenna whether it be copper tubing, wire, PVC pipe, etc.. I anticipate many would like to try building copper and twin lead J-Poles to use with their 2 meter rigs, The supplies for a copper J-Pole should cost you less than $10 and can be purchased readily from Lowe's, Home Depot, Ace Hardware and others. I am going to try building another copper pipe based antenna for 2 meters similar to a J-Pole called a Slim Jim. I'd like to see how its performance differs from a standard J-Pole. Mike (KK6ISQ) has offered an old TV antenna as a source of parts for someone who feels adventurous. Old hardware is a great source of building supplies so look around your shed, garage, closets, yard, etc. And spend some time on the internet checking out antenna ideas. Or talk to your fellow hams, most of them probably have a favorite design to suggest that won' be too difficult to assemble. I'll send out some plans that I've found that would make a good project for the day.
The re-establishment of the Sutter High School Amateur Radio Club got off to a good start with Gary Mason presenting the idea to a small group of students and some school staff last week. I attended so that the students could see that there was offer of local support outside of the school itself. We have discussed it at the last club and board meetings and I am proud to see the positive response of our membership to this effort. There are several club members already stepping forward in the spirit of ham radio with offers of support and equipment to help this program be successful. We'll need to have further discussions as to just what our relationship will be with the Sutter High School club but think whatever it turns out to be it will be a positive experience for both parties. Thanks Gary (KE6VUR) for bringing this to our attention.
It looks like the July club meeting, re-scheduled till the 11th due to the holiday, will be an antenna themed meeting due to the upcoming Antenna Workshop. My idea is to have members bring antennas they have built as examples and idea generators for those who want to assemble something on the 15th . I think we could have a real varied collection that would interest all of us. I also think it would be helpful to all to provide copies of the plans for your particular display, we could all walk away with a stack of possible future projects.
Anyone up for a field trip to HRO (Ham Radio Outlet)? I've never been but don't particularly want to make that drive to Oakland myself. I think it would be great fun to carpool down there. We'd have a great social time together and get to buy some supplies that aren't readily available up here. Give it some thought.
Till next time, 73's, Chris/KK6VZD
EDITORS COMMENTS✓YSARC’s new web page is: www.ysarc.net - click on the upper right-hand icon on the homepage to join the club’s Facebook page. Past issue’s of the VHN are available on our new website.
✓Send your ham related articles and pictures to share in your VHN. Pictures of ham shacks, antenna projects, antenna parties, etc. are appreciated KI6CSN@arrl.net or KF6FVP@arrl.net
Update from Sierra Foothills ARC
Posted May 31, 2017
June 2017 - Sierra Foothills Amateur Radio Club Report
Field Day - Al, NI2U has most of the plan together for Field Day 2017. T shirts are ordered and now equipment inventory and master layout of Antennas are in progress. Location (see ARRL FD Locater page) I80 East to Exit 156 at Nyack, CA. WE will have a GOTA station, so all the newcomers and other hams can come operate! Look for W6EK on all bands!
VE Exams - Every First Saturday each Month, the VE team is at Ralley's Granite Bay doing testing. It is 8am and you can walk in.7 candidates. 7 earned a new or upgraded license. We have 4 new Technicians 1 new Generals and 1 Grandfather General and 1 new Extra.
Club Picnic - as if there wasn't enough going on, the W6EK CLub Picnic will be August.
Club Library - Club Secretary, Bruce K6BAA has over 55 book titles that members can "sign out" for their use at home. The project is going well and club members are enjoying the use of the publications.
Club Event Support - George, KG6LSB coordinated the last 4 events including the Tour de Cure for the American Diabetes Association. Next events on the way Western States 100 and Tevis Cup.
New Webmaster - Herb, KM6JBI is now the webmaster, Thanks go out to Birtion, N6UG for taking the job over from Carl, WF6J.
73, Carl, WF6J, ARRL PIO Newsletter
Update from Elk Grove-Florin ARC
Posted June 14, 2017
EGFARC continues to stay busy and productive. Several of our members are also members of ARES. So we participated in the Airplane Crash drill held at Sacramento International Airport on May 24th.
We were disappointed in having to cancel our booth at the Galt Safety Faire on June 10th , but too many of our members had conflicts that day. We will try again next year. That event draws around 1000 school children and presents us with a great opportunity to promote Amateur Radio to school-age children.
Rodney Sorenson, W6NAV, was our guest speaker for our General Meeting on June 10th . Rod and his brother purchased the plans and built an airplane from scratch. They flew it from Sacramento to Australia and back stopping off at several islands along the way. Because this was a trans-oceanic flight they were required to have radio capability on board that would allow them to report their flight status. Rod said that commercial radios meeting this capability cost about $43,000, so they improvised and modified an I-COM so that they could meet the aeronautical requirements, and talk to family and friends in Sacramento as well. They had almost daily contact with Ron Murdock W6KJ (sk). THANK YOU ROD FOR THIS MOST INTERESTING PRESENTATION!
Field Day is the next major event for us. We have invited SHARP and ARES to join us again this year at DAVIS RANCH in Sloughhouse, CA. Plans are moving along quite well. Mike Abernathy, NM3S, has agreed to be our FD Captain. Everyone is invited to join us.
Our speaker for July will be Duane Wyatt, WAØMJD. Duane will speak to us about his work with youth with disabilities. Everyone is invited to join us on July 8th for Duane’s presentation. We meet the second Saturday of each month at the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Community Room located and 7000 65 th Street. This is just North of Florin Road on 65th Street.
73, Paul (n6dry)
Update from Oroville ARS
Posted June 14, 2017
Due to Field Day taking place the weekend of 24-25 June, the OARS Monthly Breakfast has been moved up to this Saturday, 17 June 2017, 9 am, at The Waffle Shop, 2107 Feather River Blvd (across the street from Applebee’s) in Oroville. Hope to see everyone there. 73, Jim, W7XZ
The monthly meeting of OARS (http://w6af.org) will take place Friday, 9 June, May 2017, 7 pm, at St. Paul’s Parish Hall, 1430 Pine Street in Oroville. The doors will open at 6 pm for a social hour prior to the meeting. Hope all can attend.
Update from SOTARS/QCWA Chapter 169
Posted May 31, 2017
Our meeting this month is Wednesday, June 14th. You can choose Lunch or Breakfast. (Denny's serves breakfast all day.) Breakfast (or lunch) starts at eleven and the meeting will start at Noon.
Meeting as usual at: Denny's Restaurant, 7900 College Town Drive, Sacramento. Phone (916) 383-7071, Located at the southwest corner of Howe Ave. and College Town Drive one block North of Highway 50.
Please plan on attending.
Update from North Hills RC
Posted June 14, 2017
The next meeting for The North Hills Radio Club will take place on Tuesday evening, June 20, 2017.
Join us at our June meeting of the North Hills Radio Club, where the program will be about Field Day. We'll be dealing with last minute plans for the big weekend as well as building some band-pass filters which will be used at the Field Day stations.
Please come and lend a hand to the band-pass filter building project. Our meetings are open to the general public and we would like very much for you to attend. See you on June 20.
Club meetings are always held on the third Tuesday of every month, at the former (SMUD) building located at 5026 Don Julio Blvd, at the northeast corner of Don Julio and Elkhorn Blvds. The board meeting begins at 6:00 P.M., followed by the general membership meeting at 7:30 P.M.
See you there! From Doug Emerson, Vice-President, North Hills Radio Club. Amateur call sign N6NFF
NHRC is doing Field Day general info at http://www.k6is.org/fieldday/. We have a site in the Lincoln area. Private residence so address not publicly announced. Talk-in to the Lincoln area on K6IS repeater(145.190, -, 162.2). Once in town, switch to low power on the national calling frequency 146.520 simplex for further directions.
Update from Nevada County ARC
Posted June 9, 2017
Next Meeting Monday June 12, 2017 doors open 6:30pm, meeting at 7 pm
NCARC SUPPORT OF BIG BROTHERS/BIG SISTERS BIKE RIDEThe Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Nevada County held their annual fund raising bike ride on Saturday, May 13. To support this bike ride, the NCARC provided radio communications for a couple of the more remote stations along the route. This was the13th year the NCARC has supported this event and the organizers of the event have come to count on us to provide the communications which would be needed in the event of an injury or mechanical failure along the route. They also greatly appreciate the ability to track the progress of the riders and account for any of the riders who decide to change routes or even dropout of the ride.
This year the route was changed hoping to bring in more riders. In past years the most difficult portion of the 50 mile route was through the South Yuba River Canyon, following a single track hiking/bike trail for about 14 miles between the trail head off of Relief Hill Rd, up by the town of Washington, and the South Yuba Campground down by Edwards Crossing. This year the route had riders staying on Relief Hill Rd until they reached N. Bloomfield Rd at the old town of N. Bloomfield and followed the road back to Nevada City.
We had three stations manned: the lunch stop at the trailhead on Relief Hill Rd, manned by Chuck, KI6CM; the South Yuba Campground, manned by Alan, KZ6B and Louis, KK6GJS; and Pioneer Park, manned by Walt, N6HNS, and Antonio, KK6YFS. We also had Dennis, W7BOK, monitoring our communications and relaying messages to the stations.
There were a couple of “situations” which came up, primarily due to the fact that there were some new volunteers from BB/BS manning some stations, and some confusion on the part of riders on the routes. The most worrisome situation involved two riders who were not familiar with the area and had wanted to return to Nevada City from the Alpha Rdway point rather than complete the route. There were given some incorrect information on howto return and then nobody knew where they had gone. They were finally tracked them down on the 50 mile route and they did complete the route.
Overall, the ride went well for everybody and the NCARC did a great job supporting the event. Walt, N6HNS
NEVADA COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB MINUTESNo minutes submitted for the last meeting.
73, Walt, N6HNS Newsletter
Update from Samuel F Morse ARC
Posted May 31, 2017
The CORRECT date for our JUNE meeting will be THURSDAY JUNE 1st. Please be sure to update your calendars.
MAY REPORT:The W6SFM Samuel F Morse Radio Club May meeting was called to order by club President Mike, N6MQL with 10 members and 2 guest in attendance.
In an effort to keep all of the clubs members and guests who were either unavailable or out of state / city closely involved, The SFM ARC now provides a LIVE FEED via our on-line LiveStream video services. Due to LiveStream’s new system, a ‘link’ must be created and posted to our webpage before each broadcast can be viewed on the W6SFM Live Feed webpage. During this month’s meeting that link was NOT created. This resulted in our broadcast not being viewable on our website’s “Live-Feed” page. However, those who “follow” W6SFM on LiveStream.com were sent a notice when we began our broadcast. Followers were then directed to the W6SFM’s LiveStream.com webpage where they were able to view the meeting LIVE. In the future, if you do not follow the W6SFM on LiveStream.com, and you believe there is a LIVE broadcast happening, but are unable to view it through our Live Feed Page, we ask that you go to livestream.com and simply search for “W6SFM”. You will then be able to find any live broadcasts currently taking place.
W6SFM showed a strong presence at the annual Kids Day in the park held at Hagan Park in Rancho Cordova with 8 members in attendance. Like years past W6SFM had a good turnout of Kids, their parents and the general public. Although booth turnout was a bit lower than past years, we did have about 60 kids and adults sit down at the table with our volunteer W6SFM members to receive a brief history lesson on Samuel F Morse, how telegraph was used in the past and how amateurs use it in the present. Once again, this year, we saw returning kids who made an active effort to seek out the SFM ARC both looking to try their hand at Morse Code. It has become clear that W6SFM holds an interest at this event among the 150 plus other booths in the park.
Member Norm, WB6RVR presented to us the latest amendment (AB1222) to the California "Hands-Free Public Safety Law" (ab1785). Other club business and ARRL news and information was discussed at the meeting along with the current band conditions based on our own personal on-air experiences.
For this month's presentation, W6SFM Vs’ Pres. John, WB6UBK presented to the group a topical presentation on Grounding and the safety required during installations.
Our next SFM ARC in-person meeting will be held at its normal time and location June 1st (followed by our July 6th meeting). The SFM ARC in-person meeting will be held in the Howard Crowley room upstairs at the Carmichael Presbyterian Church. More information including a Google Map is available on the homepage of our website.
At our June meeting, we will be discussing ARRL’s annual Field Day event. We will also have a presentation on the use of a Hot Air rework station used to solder and remove SMD devices on PCBs. As always, we will have our Tech (show and tell) portion where members and visitors are asked to share their Ham Radio related items they find of interest. Feel free to visit our In-Person meeting with items that you purchased or were given that you would like to share with the group. Visitors are always welcome to join us.
Each Tuesday of the week 8:00 PM on 3.545 MHz the SFM ARC enjoys getting on the air with CW for our weekly Nets. You do NOT need to be a member of the SFM ARC to check into our nets and we encourage you to invite a friend to join us as well. Although our nets usually run around 13 wpm code, we are all happy to accommodate those that are slower and need us to oblige. If you are unable to copy Morse Code or need some code practice please feel free to visit our on-line LIVE streaming broadcast of both the Audio and a CW to Text decoding of the meeting. The “LIVE FEED” link can be found on our home page of our website.
Do you know someone in need of a Ham Club to call home? Perhaps someone that wants to learn Morse Code, are interested in CW or already know and use it, the SFM ARC would love to be their new Club home. Our in-person meetings are held each 1st Thursday of the month at 7 PM. Please use the rear parking lot and entry for best access to the meeting. A map and directions can also be found on our website. We hope to see you at our next meeting!
Chris AI6U
Update from Western Placer ARC
Posted June 2, 2017
Our Next Club Meetings are June 20, 2017. 5:30 – Board Meeting. 7:00 – Members Meeting. Woodcreek Oaks Golf Club, 5880 Woodcreek Oaks Blvd., Roseville, California
Scheduled Speaker and Topic: Field Day Final Preparations. We'll talk about our site, directions, food, operation plan, and more. Come out to see where you will fit in to the festivities!
Club Meeting Location: WPARC conducts board and member meetings on third Tuesdays of each month. Members and guests with business to bring before the board are welcome to attend board meetings. Join us at Legends at Woodcreek Oaks Golf Club, 5880 Woodcreek Oaks Blvd., Roseville.
WPARC News
Carl First N6CKV ARES PresentationPlacer County ARES Emergency Coordinator (EC) Carl First N6CKV presented Placer County ARES at our May 16 meeting. Many of the members were curious and wanted to learn more. Carl provided his presentation for review. Retrieve the PDF slides here. If you would like to learn more about ARES then Carl's contact information, training links, local and national ARES links, and details on ARES weekly nets on Sunday evenings can be found in the presentation. Thank you Carl!
First Ever Club T-Shirts!One of your fellow members is coordinating our first ever club T-Shirt order. Many expressed interest at the May meeting. The plan is to prepare an order of high quality long- and short-sleeve shirts, where a large club logo is printed on the back, and your name, call sign, and small club logo on the front. Tentative costs are in the $15-20 range. If interested in a T-shirt of your very own then bring your checkbook or cash to the June meeting.
On Deck: Field Day 2017 - Jun 24+25Excitement is building for Field Day again this year. A crew will head up to Gary WA6IKE's QTH high atop the foothills overlooking Lincoln and the valley to staff five radios this year. (See last year pictures below) Would you like to join us? Come to our June meeting as we discuss final preparations, just days before the big weekend.
Driving Directions · Food Plan: Friday D:potluck – Saturday B:omelettes L:deli sandwiches D:hot dogs and burgers – Sunday TBD
WPARC 2017 Hamfest will be Saturday, Sep 16. Start setting your ham radio treasures aside for their next owners, and plan to attend this annual event. Be thinking about volunteering a few hours to make this year another success!
Tour de Rocklin - Sep 30Bill KJ6YCO announces that the Tour de Rocklin will return this year on Saturday, Sep 30. This is another premier cycling event in our area and WPARC will be there to support it. Save the date to provide support at net control, as SAG in your vehicle, or at a check point along the route.
WPARC on Facebook and TwitterCheck us out on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter (@k6pac)
Update from Glenn ARS
Posted June 4, 2017
Greetings to all! Summer is now in full swing, the year nearly half full. This is a very busy month, I am sure, most of you would agree. Got back from a wonderful trip to Colorado Springs, on 20 May, and have not been able to catch up since. I wonder each and every day how I managed two jobs, raising three families, plus hobbies. Now, I can't seem to find the time to do all the weekly chores, keep them caught up, so I can play and do the things that I really enjoy. I digress...
Our next meeting is now upon us. Next week on 8 June 2017 we will meet again at the Lutheran Fellowship Hall in Artois. The meeting will start at 6:30 PM and all are welcome to join in and help plan this years ARRL Field Day event to put the club and Glenn County on the air. We do not have a site as of yet but plans are in the works.
The Disaster Response Trailer will be located in the north parking lot for all to see and make comments and suggestions. Even though the communications component of the trailer is not yet complete the plan is to deploy the trailer for Field Day. It will be interesting and fun to see how all this plays out.
Looking forward to seeing you all at the meeting!
73, Mike Ellithorpe-KF6OBI, President, GARS, kilofox6obi@yahoo.com, 530-518-3730 Newsletter
Update from Golden Empire ARS
Posted June 4, 2017
The Prez' Says
QST de KA6GND
What a wonderful fun time that we had at the annual club auction! Thank you Michael N6FAV & Kathy K6FAV for your work in organizing, transporting, setting up and keeping track of the sales. Thank you also to Rick KI6VOS as auctioneer and any others who made this event a success.
I am still so happy with my purchase in the auction of the beautiful brass straight key from the estate of silent key Dick W6BIN. I am making contacts with it and love the sending action of it. It will most likely be my main code key now.
Rick KI6VOS is chairing this year’s Workshop which should be very fun, educational and enlightening. Stay tuned for more information and opportunities.
Thank you to Michael, Kent, Dale and myself for the recent work day with raking and burning around the repeater building in Forest Ranch. It is imperative that we do this to make the area fire safe each summer.
It is going to be a very busy summer for my wife and I (and Brinkley) but I hope to get on the air as much as I can to have QSO's with many of you and others.
73 for now, Larry Marcum, KA6GND, GEARS Club President, ka6gnd@gmail.com, 530-345-5399 Newsletter
Don Righello, W6PJJ Bicycle Mobile
posted May 30, 2017
This is the latest configuration of my HF to 144 MHz Bicycle Mobile including the new addition of the Little-Tar-heel Motorized HF to 54 MHz antenna. I plan to do some field testing comparisons between this antenna and the former Hustler Mobile Antenna with Resonator. My on-the-air observations have been that the Hustler outperforms the Motorized Antenna but, I will not know for certain until I do some range field testing. I have never been a fan of linear antennas combining series inductance, those coils tend to absorb large amounts of RF if not balanced with sufficient amounts of capacity and even then, the efficiency is poor compared to a 1/2-Wave Resonate Radiator.
The term “Power Management” is highly emphasized when operating a system such as this on a bicycle, fairly large amounts of power are necessary contrary to the QRP ideology thus… the need for numerous batteries. Several up front for the powered speaker and GPS, a 12v 5a for the Antenna Motor located in the bag behind the seat and a LIFEPO4 13v 10a for the radio also located in the bag with a power monitoring system. Weight considerations must be taken into account in order to balance the load across the entire bicycle frame and the added weight in the rear, burns off rubber on the rear tire like mad.
Six countries and 12 states have been worked from this platform mostly on the High Freq. Bands between 21 and 28 MHz. In addition, I have operated PSK on a number of occasions, using the Iambic Paddles and the Software in the KX3 to generate the PSK characters. It works but is not very practical. And, for a touch-typer like me……Nothing like a full sized keyboard and LCD Screen in my shack. I sometimes park next to a picnic table in a remote park, place the KX3 on the table with the Key-paddles and operate CW, that makes for a good QRP DX combination.
The Elecraft Family of receivers are probably the best specification receivers on the market. As for RF power, if you operate this radio with a good Base Station Antenna System… the results will be fair but, without a big antenna, mobile or portable operations will be more successful if you operate CW and will be more fun as well.
73, Don W6PJJ
Manzanar Ham, Saburo Sasaki, KC8RFA
Submitted by Les Cobb, W6TEE, posted May 31, 2017
Some of you have been on Ham campouts to Boulder Creek at Lone Pine on 395 the last 20+ years with the Mt Vaca Radio Club and later for the Whitney Classic bike ride. One of the interesting nearby places to visit is Manzanar, one of several locations where West Coast Japanese-Americans were retained during WWII. We just returned from a week-long non-Ham Carmichael RV club trip to Boulder Creek which included a tour of Manzanar led by a former Manzanar resident and his wife, who have been docents there every May for 13 years. To cut to the punch line, they are both Hams, which I didn't discover until that night.
Saburo Sasaki was the youngest of 3 sons when their family was moved from their farm in Pacoima. His wife Anna lived in Ohio and was apparently not subject to this. He and I were both in the 2nd grade in 1942-43 but he is slightly older. His discussion and answers were all about life at Manzanar, no politics. His tours every May include a lot of school kids. When he and his family left Manzanar, they moved to Cleveland Ohio since the Pacoima farms had homes built there for Locheed-Burbank workers. He became a Mechanical Engineer and worked for General Motors. His wife Anna was a mathematician in the Space Program.
If you haven't been to Manzanar in the last couple of years, they have constructed replicas of the barracks and mess halls which add a lot to your experience.
Just as the tour ended, we discovered that they were camping near us at Boulder Creek in their RoadTrek motorhome, which they drove from Michigan. They showed up at our camp hosts sites that evening and we all had a longer visit. Anna made a remark to me that caused me to realize that they were Hams so we exchanged data. Saburo's call is KC8RFA, Anna's is KC8REZ. Although not active, they want to put a rig in the motorhome and asked questions about this. I told them to buy Japanese!
Les, W6TEE
