RADIO ACTIVE Newsletter of the Las Vegas Radio Amateur Club May 2003 Serving Las Vegas since April 1961 The President's Corner Charlie Kunz, AA5QJ I hope you all enjoyed the April meeting. We, your Board of Directors, were very pleased to recognize Bill Cornelius K8XC for his years of service to the Las Vegas Radio Amateur Club in so many capacities. As we looked at ways to honor such an individual, we decided to create the Thunderbird Award. The Thunderbird represents our affiliation with the Thunderbird Hotel during the formative years of LVRAC more than 40years ago. The Thunderbird also represents strength, integrity, and goodness – worthy traits – and necessary ones to keep a club such as ours alive for these many years. Congratulations to Bill as the first recipient of this award. We are also pleased that we have the wherewithal to support the ARRL Amateur Radio Education & Technology Program, also known as the Big Project, with a donation of $1000. We presented the Big Check to ARRL President Jim Haynie following his comments at the meeting. Other comments were made by ARRL Third Vice President Freid Heyn WA6WZO, Pacific Division Director Bob Vallio W6RGG, Vice Director Andrew J. "Andy" Oppel N6AJO, and Nevada Section Manager Dick Flanagan W6OLD, who were in town for the National Association of Broadcasters annual convention which includes a booth promoting the ARRL. Then came Bob Heil K9EID of Heil Sound. If you weren't there, you really missed something great! He is a dynamic speaker. The energy level in the room was unbelievable as he talked about sound, and his development of sound systems for musical groups, and his world-renowned microphones and headsets for amateur radio. Speaking of the 'Big Project', the Las Vegas area should have a school in this program. If you are, or know of, a teacher who would be interested in incorporating Amateur Radio into their curriculum, using it as an enrichment program or as a club activity, we'd love to help them apply for a grant to make it possible. A detailed article on the Big Project follows in this edition. 73!! YOUR CLUB NEEDS NET CONTROLLERS To conduct the Tuesday night nets. Contact Howard Mark, K3HM (256-3662) or hmark@earthlink.net to learn how to become a net controller and get in on all the fun. FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK Frank Kelley, KB7PVU Hi Frank, Just a thought - - The Treasurers report for April did not appear in the newsletter and as I recall we skipped over that business at the meeting (I think). Given that we had some major financial transactions in the last month or so it would be interesting to publish the April report in the May newsletter thereby shortening the approval process at the May meeting where we should look at two reports. And it would be wonderful, but unlikely, for you to shake loose the May report from Jamie so it also could be published before the meeting. Also, if the newsletter will reach the masses before Saturday, May 10th, a short blurb reminding the speedway volunteers of the dinner would be useful. It might read like this - - - Dinner Reminder Carolyn Cornelius, K9XC Speedway volunteers are reminded that the annual tips funded Speedway Volunteer Appreciation Dinner is at 6 PM, Saturday, May 10 in the buffet area of Sunset Station Hotel and Casino. If your plans have changed since you RSVP'ed to the written invitation (you did remember to RSVP didn't you?) please call Carolyn, K9XC at 897-9626. Best wishes, Bill Hello to all; Pat O'Gara, N7QE There is an upcoming change to everyone who has a COX email address space that has @lvcm.com as the ending. This change will occur sometime in the middle part of MAY and all those that have the @lvcm.com address space will have to be changed to @cox.net and may or may not get the same user name. This change was confirmed today by the folks at COX high speed internet service via phone call. My service was originally the 512Kbps connection which will also end as of MAY 12th and I am one of those that had to convert to a different download rate. Since for me I got a 3x speed increase for a $4 increase in my rate it was worthwhile. As already discussed above COX is switching to their national service from what was provided locally for years and this switch is what is causing the change in the connection speeds as well as the change in the e-mail address space. Just thought that everyone would like to know so that they can have time to think about how they are going to keep their forwarded e-mail in place after the changes to COX. Nevada Open Road Challenge 15 - 18 May 2003. Plan now for the May Lund to Hiko open road race. Contact Lee Schram N7YBE for details. Tour de Cure May 17th. Race will be in Henderson this year, 25, 50 and 100 k courses will be run. 7am to 4pm. Contact Howard Mark K3HM, for details Field Day 28 - 29 June 2003. It's coming up quick! See Jamie Gorr N3TOY for details. Gambler's Classic October 2003. Southern Nevada's Multiple Sclerosis 150 mile bike tour. This year, riders will again travel from Henderson to Laughlin. Amateur Radio operators needed. Please contact Joe Scanlan, N7XSD at 896-0507 to volunteer. THE 2003 NEVADA QSO PARTY, Sponsored by the Frontier Amateur Radio Society, will be held on May 10-11, 2003, starting at 0000Z on May 10th and ending at 0600Z May 11th Frequencies: 6 thru 160 meters Modes: SSB - CW - RTTY Suggested Frequencies: CW 15 up from bottom of General band SSB 25 up from bottom of General band Exchange: Nevada: County and RST Others: State/Province/DXCC-Country and RST QSO Points: 1 Point SSB 2 Points CW/RTTY Multipliers: Nevada Counties x QSO Points Nevada Stations: States/Provinces/DXCC-Countries x QSO Points Certificates awarded to winners Mail logs by June 1, 2003, to: NW7O JIM FRYE 67 EMBRY LANE GREAT FALLS, MT 59404 E-MAIL: nw7o@juno.com Ham Clubs of AZ http://www.arizonarepeaterassociation.org/ http://www.tapr.org/ http://www.nadxa.com/ http://clubs.asua.arizona.edu/~k7uaz/ http://www.w7asc.org/ Dear Charlie, Please relay to your fellow members of the Las Vegas Amateur Radio Club my sincere thanks for the organization's generous donation of $1,000 to the ARRL Education and Technology Project. As the person who designed the project at President Haynie's request several years ago, I am deeply appreciative of all the hams who have provided the funds to make the project a success. When we do the right thing for America's kids, everybody benefits. Thanks again and 73, Kay Craigie N3KN Second Vice President, ARRL Presentation to Harold P. Leary K7ZOK, for 50 years continuous ARRL membership by Jim Haynie W5JBP President, ARRL Amateur Radio Exams Tim Hunt, WA6TNW 1 June in room A107 on the CCSN - Henderson campus. The exams start promply at 12 noon (Pacific time). It is suggested that you arrive between 11:30AM and 11:45AM. This will give you adequate time to be seated and fill out the necessary paperwork. Be prepared to bring the following to the test session: ? $10 - Exam fee. ? Proper identification, preferably a picture ID with your signature. Normally applicants provide a driver's license or student ID. ? Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer ID number (TIN) if you are not eligible for a SSN. ? If you presently have an Amateur Radio license, we will need the original plus a photocopy. ? If you have a CSCE, we must see the original plus a photocopy. ? Pen and pencil. ? You may bring a calculator as long as the memory can be "flushed" before you take the exam RADIO ACTIVE FEATURE Bob Heil's love for movie theaters began in 1956 playing the mighty Wurlitzer at the fabulous Fox Theater in St. Louis, Missouri. Throughout his life, Heil has developed hundreds of innovative audio products for leading performance groups such as The Who, The Grateful Dead, Joe Walsh and Peter Frampton. Credited for innovating the live concert industry, Heil received the "Live Sound Pioneer Award" from the Audio Engineering Society. He also recently received the "Satellite Dealer of the Year" award and continues to blaze the trail directing his focus on the consumer electronics market. Since 1977, Bob has been presenting his "High Tech Heil" reports on KMOX-CBS radio. As an author of five books, teacher, lecturer and consultant, Heil is recognized as the "Guru" of the consumer Home Theater movement and has designed and installed over 1,500 audio and video systems during his lifetime. 1950's Bob Heil started his theater organ career at the young age of 14, playing in various restaurants and at 15, he started playing the 4 manual Wurlitzer in the St Louis Fox Theater. It was during that time, that Bob learned to listen as he voiced and tuned that 25 year old Wurlitzer monster. Listening - mentally dissecting what he heard, would prove to play a very important part in his future life. At this same time, Bob became an avid amateur radio operator and fell in love with designing and building all kinds of transmitters, amplifiers and antenna systems. 1960's and 70's The first half of the 60's Bob was designing, building and playing various theater pipe organ installations in the Holiday Inn North restaurant in St Louis. After playing 8 years, 6 nights a week, he decided to enter the retail music industry opening one of America's first 'pro' music shops in the small Southern Illinois hometown of Marissa. He was thrust into the rock market pioneering the live sound industry with clients such as the Grateful Dead, the Who, Joe Walsh, Peter Frampton, Jeff Beck and scores of major touring acts of the 60's and 70's. It was Bob's unique approach to audio that created some of the most innovative products still in use today. The Heil Talk Box, made famous by Joe Walsh, Peter Frampton and Bon Jovi, as well as perfecting the first electronic crossover were some of Bob's great products. Heil Sound was selected by those sound companies still out there in the trenches today, to receive the first ever 'Pioneer Award' at the 1995 Audio Engineering Society convention in San Francisco. 1980's As the 80's drew near, Heil Sound entered the amateur radio market to fix a problem that rotted the very core of Bob's most beloved hobby - poor transmit and receive audio. Because of his frustration with mushy, 'tubby' paging microphones that were used on many import transceivers, Bob applied the science of audio that he learned from the likes of Paul Klipsch, Don Leslie, Martin Wick and studying the Bell Labs Fletcher Munson curves . He developed his HC series microphones which brought maximum articulation to amateur radio communication. This revolutionary approach to communication microphones has changed the face of the amateur radio hobby forever. This goal is still the main focus of Heil Sound's mission: to hear the world better and to improve communication. 1990's As the nineties rapidly approached, Bob sought to bring the audio and video industry together. Combining thirty years of electronics experience with his passion for the movie theaters, Bob became the "guru" of the home theater movement in America and has designed over 2,000 audio/video systems as well as became one of the premier teachers and lecturers at major electronic and satellite conventions. Heil Sound was awarded the 1989 "Satellite Dealer Of The Year" by the SBCA in Las Vegas. 2000 and beyond Bob continues to blaze trails in both the HDTV digital video world as well as develop new and unique microphones and audio systems for the amateur radio market. The Heil PROLINE division brings some new and exciting Heil innovations to the commercial broadcast and recording studio world using many of the techniques Bob learned from voicing and tuning that monster Wurlitzer theater organ 50 years ago! Heil Sound will continue to produce the unique and innovative products of this remarkable man's imagination for years to come. "It all starts at the microphone !" And yes, Bob really did have a 128 element beam antenna ARES Report Charlie Kunz AA5QJ Emergency Coordinator, Clark County ARES/RACES The DEC, EC, AECs and many members met ARRL President Jim Haynie W5JBP, Third Vice President Freid Heyn WA6WZO, Pacific Division Director Bob Vallio W6RGG, Vice Director Andrew J. "Andy" Oppel N6AJO, and Nevada Section Manager Dick Flanagan W6OLD at the National Association of Broadcasters Convention here in Las Vegas. Many attended a dinner organized by Jan Welsh NK7N to allow local ARRL appointees and club presidents to become acquainted or renew acquaintances with the ARRL leadership. Gary Hartman KK7LV AEC Henderson has been appointed Assistant Section Manager. Dick Flanagan W6OLD Nevada Section Manager states "Gary's primary responsibility will be to provide an informed ARRL presence in Southern Nevada. In addition to representing the ARRL, the Nevada Section and myself, he will also be reporting on the unique needs of the expanding and dynamic south counties area." Starting Saturday, May 3, the Saturday morning Nevada ARES net on 3965 kHz at 0830 local will be moving to 7280 kHz (+/- QRM) for the summer. Report from Don DeCaria NF7R, AEC NE Clark County: 1. Continued connectivity issues to ARES/RACES repeaters being addressed. 2. Considering running a satellite net on the 147.39 repeater and reporting NE County participation on either the ARES net, or via email. 3. Contacting Metro's NE CC law enforcement rep re local (Moapa Valley) citizens response group. 4. Ulla K6UDK has set up a 5 person VE team for the Moapa Valley through W5YI VEC group. More info to come. 5. Progress has been made on getting equipment together for a proposed repeater in Mesquite. 6. The Moapa Valley Amateur Radio Club net, on 147.39 at 0800L on Thursdays, continues to be a success with 10 to 15 check-ins per session. Net control duties are rotated each week, and many of our newest hams have handled NC duties very well. The philosophy is that if you do it for the net, you'll be able to do it for the emergency. 7. The Club is sponsoring a Technician License class in the valley starting 27 May through the 4th of July weekend, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Upcoming Public Service Events and coordinators: Call and get involved. 1. Race for the Cure on May 3rd in downtown Las Vegas with an estimated 15,000 runners – Tom KE4ULL 368-6763 2. ADA Tour de Cure bike ride on May 17th in Green Valley area – Howard K3HM 256-3662 The Big Project Gets Big Boost from Las Vegas Club NEWINGTON, CT, Apr 17, 2003--The ARRL Education and Technology Project got a boost last week in the form of a $1000 check from the Las Vegas Radio Amateur Club. ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, received the check at the club's April 8 meeting while he was in Vegas attending the National Association of Broadcasters convention. "It came as a total surprise to me," Haynie said. "We had no idea before the meeting that they were going to do this. It's a wonderful gift for the project." Equally thrilled was ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH. She said the LVRAC contribution was most welcome and hopes the gift will spur others to similar action. "These are challenging times for all of us, but our dedication to the future of Amateur Radio is now more important than ever before," she commented. "Next to spectrum defense, the ARRL Education and Technology Program is the most important thing we do." Hobart said the challenge is to raise vital dollars needed to continue and expand the successful program. Both Haynie and Hobart expressed their appreciation to the LVRAC on behalf of the League for the generous gift. A big check for The Big Project: (L-R) ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, LVRAC Treasurer Jamie Gorr, N3TOY, and LVRAC President Charlie Kunz, AA5QJ. [Fried Heyn, WA6WZO, Photos] The Education and Technology Program puts ham radio directly into schools, supplying equipment and Amateur Radio-related curriculum materials. To date, 50 schools have been accepted into the program. Hobart urged all interested in the future of Amateur Radio to contribute to the fund by clicking on "Donate to ARRL" on the ARRL Web site. -=#=- Did anyone see Jamie N3TOY and other hams on TV after the Race for the Cure event Sat May 3rd? THE ARRL AMATEUR RADIO EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM Aka "The Big Project" Amateur Radio is best known to the general public for its role in emergency communications during disasters. Despite many advances in communications technology, emergency management agencies and relief organizations continue to call upon Amateur Radio for assistance and to respect the contribution made by radio amateurs during times of crisis. For its licensees, Amateur Radio is not only an opportunity to serve the community during emergencies but also a source of friendship, recreation, and personal growth. In addition, many people began their path towards careers in electronics and wireless communications with experiences in Amateur Radio as children and teenagers. Amateur Radio is a significant resource for the classroom teacher in the education of America's youth for life and work in a global, technological society. Applications of Amateur Radio in the classroom help students become employable, informed, conscientious citizens. ARRL, the National Association for Amateur Radio, has developed an education project to introduce teachers to this resource and enable them to make the most effective use of it in their classrooms. Why should teachers consider using Amateur Radio in their classrooms? ? Amateur Radio is an ongoing activity on the International Space Station. Katie, KD7NPN, a sixth grader at Franklin Elementary School in Kirkland, Washington, has her Technician License. ? A new Amateur Radio satellite AO -- 40 has just been launched opening up more possibilities for students to study the role of satellites in wireless communications. ? The Federal Communications Commission has modernized Amateur Radio licensing requirements making it less complicated for teachers to earn a class of license that allows them to supervise a full range of Amateur Radio activities. ? Employers need workers who are familiar not only with computers but also with wireless communications concepts. ? Amateur Radio emphasizes self-challenge, the value of life-long learning, and the importance of participation in public service. ? To encourage teachers who may not be aware of the educational potential of Amateur Radio, the ARRL has developed the Amateur Radio Education & Technology Program which will include the following: ? Classroom Bookshelf -- provides schools with publications related to the use of technology in wireless communications ? On-Line Sourcebook -- provides tips and ideas for teaching wireless technology to youth in schools, community groups and clubs ? Radio Lab Handbook -- handbook of lesson plans and projects to help teachers provide authentic, hands-on technological experiences for their students ? Stations in Schools -- provides Amateur Radio equipment to establish a school station, for qualifying schools ? Progress Grants -- grants awards to teachers currently using Amateur Radio in their classrooms Search ARRLWeb to learn more about "The Big Project" The goal of the Amateur Radio Education & Technology Program is to improve the quality of education by providing an educationally sound curriculum focused on wireless communications. The project emphasizes integration of technology, math, science, geography, writing, speaking and social responsibility within a global society. For more information on The Big Project, go to our FAQ or download the program brochure (617,399 bytes, PDF file). School teachers interested in incorporating Amateur Radio into their curriculum, using it as an enrichment program or as a club activity are welcome to apply to become a Pilot School. Teachers currently using Amateur Radio in the classroom are welcome to apply for a Progress Grant to assist them in maintaining their station or enhancing their program. For additional resources, see our School Teacher Support Programs page. SECRETARY'S REPORT Paul Webster, KC7QJR – March 11, 2003 President Charlie Kunz, AA5QJ, called the meeting to order at 7:02pm Welcome and Introductions: 92 People Attending Announcements - Speedway: Total earned, $7,437.44 . Our take after splitting with the Elks Lodge is $6106.14. - Race for the Cure: May 3rd. 5k run/walk. Downtown Las Vegas. - Tour de Cure: May 17th Bike ride. Henderson - Field Day: June 28-29. - Sign up Board is up front. Please participate. - Seed 9 Event: Was very successful. Inaugural use of Communications Trailer. Presentation: Thunderbird Award Bill Cornelius K8XC, received the first ever award for continuing service to LVRAC. Editor's Note: Sorry Bill, but your award photo came out blurred. My old age and shaky hands. Please accept my personal congratulations! Speakers - Dick Flanagan W6OLD Nevada Section Manager – Thanks to Jan Welsh NK7N - Andy Oppel N6AJO Pacific Division Vice Director - Bob Vallio W6RGG Pacific Division Director - Tribute to Jim Maxwell W6CF, complements to Club for welcome and repeater use, etc. - Fried Heyn WA6WZO Third Vice President, ARRL - Jim Haynie W5JBP President, ARRL - -- Presentation to Harold P. Leary K7ZOK, for 50 years continuous ARRL membership. -- Big Project CC&R bills & Spectrum Protection act IRU: 5.0 mhz allocation request in trouble, 40m world wide allocation. -- Received "Big" $1,000 check for "Big Project" Break 8:01pm Call to order 8:12pm Program: Bob Heil of Heil Microphones, Microphones 101 Raffle: Larry Hinsdale WB0SMR. These hams won prizes: Logbook - Bob Herrell NK7I Repeater Directory - Don Livingston K7DRC ARRL Image Comm. Handbook - Steve Portnoff KD7LVX FCC Rule Book - Bob Nelson KD7UHG Dinner @ Big Dogs - Stanley Perkins W7SLP Repeater Directory - Donald L Jaster KA7GRU ARRL Antenna Zoning Book - Dennis Cornell N7HRO AES $20 Certificate - Jamie Esprecion KH7ME Mini Log Book - Foster Paulis Jr W4HCX Simple & Fun Antenna Book - Bob Nelson KD7UHG Dinner @ Big Dogs - Byon Garrabrant N6BG Wire Antenna Classics - Bruce Pennington K7EH Wire Antenna Classics - Jamie Gorr N3TOY ARRL Operating Manual - Barry Ducote Jr. KC7TFQ ARRL Handbook - Fred Homuth K9GAJ Heil Headset - Bill Marple AA7ZW And congratulations to Howard Mark, K3HM, "The Voice of Summerlin" who had the Heil Gold Tag on his chair and received a new golden mike from Bob Heil. Meeting Adjourned: 9:12pm TREASURER'S REPORT Jamie Gorr, N3TOY 2/28/2003 Starting Balance 11,134.92 Deposits Raffle 264.00 Dues 460.00 Speedway 7,137.44 ARRL (new mbr) 39.00 Donations 150.00 Foreign Check 65.64 Other 1,128.20 9,244.28 Subtotal 20,379.20 Expenditures Trailer 3,000.00 Newsletter 157.24 Postage 94.85 AES raffle prizes 146.88 DMV (Trailer) 80.51 Connie Morris 40.00 Raffle Tickets 6.10 Plaque Rework 12.87 Supplies Misc 152.27 3,690.72 3/30/2003 Balance 16,688.48 Deposits Raffle 337.00 Dues 295.00 Tower 550.00 1,182.00 Subtotal 17,870.48 Expenditures Magnetic Signs 600.00 Speedway Misc. 171.26 Refreshments 69.76 ARRL Donation 1,000.00 Stamps 111.00 Vests 589.00 AES raffle prizes 241.25 AES raffle prizes 308.59 Storage 885.04 Newsletters 78.45 Phone 93.77 Lettering (vests) 224.00 ELKS (Speedway) 1,331.30 Sprint 9.34 ARRL (new mbr) 24.00 Refreshments 88.19 Bank Fee 1.50 5,826.45 3/30/2003 Ending Balance 12,044.03 LVRAC Contact Information President Charlie Kunz, AA5QJ aa5qj@arrl.net 334-1196 Vice President Tom Petrakis, KE4ULL tpetrakis@lvcm.com 368-6763 Secretary Paul Webster, KC7QJR pwebster@ci.las-vegas.nv.us 229-6545 Treasurer Jamie Gorr, N3TOY n3toy@qsl.net 233-2479 Director Byon Garrabrant, N6BG byon@mail.com 228-6950 Director Butch Bussen WA0VJR butchb@shellworld.net 255-4388 Director Larry Hinsdale, WB0SMR lshinsdale@aol.com 434-4944 Newsletter Editor Frank Kelley, KB7PVU dossfc@yahoo.com 438-5176 Past President Shawn Adair, KB7AWG kb7awg@hotmail.com 617-3540 Trustee Pat O'Gara, N7QE patogara@lvcm.com 804-6629 Public Affairs Jim Bassett, W1RO W1RO@aol.com 251-4911 Webmaster Joe Scanlan, N7XSD n7xsd@qsl.net 896-0507 Librarian Shelly Holt, KD7HZK ersh@earthlink.net 642-6871 Net Controllers Howard Mark, K3HM hmark@earthlink.net 256-3662 Frank Drake, KL7IPV sirdrakejr@aol.com 838-3452 Frank Kelley, KB7PVU dossfc@yahoo.com 438-5176 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? LAS VEGAS RADIO AMATEUR CLUB P.O. Box 27342 Las Vegas, Nevada 89126 Membership Application Please Print Legibly ? NEW MEMBER (Please attach copy of license) ? RENEWAL ? UPDATE INFORMATION Name ___________________________________________________ Application Date ____/______/_______ M D YR Call Sign __________________ License Class __________________ Expiration Date ____/______/_______ Address ____________________________________ City ______________________ State _____ Zip ______ Home Telephone (____)___________________ Work Telephone (____)___________________ Cellular/Pager (____)______________________ E-mail: ____________________________________ ? Family Membership Name _____________ Call _______________ License Class __________ Name _____________ Call _______________ License Class __________ Name _____________ Call _______________ License Class __________ ? ARRL Member Signature ___________________________________ Your preference in receiving the monthly club newsletter - Via USPS Club Web Page The club operates on a calendar year (January to January) with dues presently at $20 per year. Dues are the same for an individual or family membership. Please send check or money order payable to the Las Vegas Radio Amateur Club (or LVRAC) and mail to the club's post office box. Las Vegas Radio Amateur Club P.O. Box 27342 Las Vegas, NV 89126 May 2003 issue Internet: http://www.lvrac.org/ Radio: 146.730 MHz (QST machine) 146.940 MHZ (K7UGE repeater) 448.500 MHz (K7UGE repeater) K7UGE Page 2 http://www.lvrac.org K7UGE Page 1 http://www.lvrac.org