RADIO ACTIVE Newsletter of the Las Vegas Radio Amateur Club February 2004 Serving Las Vegas since April 1961 President's Corner By Charlie Kunz, AA5QJ Isn't it great to be a ham? So many opportunities to enjoy – So many opportunities to learn - So many opportunities to serve. Our authors this month will share some of these opportunities with you. Enjoy – Learn – Serve. 73 ------------------------------- Secretary's Report By Sandy Nelson, KD7WYD Call to order 7:07 pm Charlie Kunz AA5QJ conducting Welcome and Introductions 73 people were in attendance. 5 new members and 2 visitors. Secretary: November's Minutes from the Newsletter were approved. N7HRO motioned, Group seconded. Treasurer: November's Treasurer's Report will be forthcoming; Jamie, N3TOY, was absent this meeting. Trustee: Pat, N7QE, brought news that we have received a box of new link radios for better repeater coverage. Newsletter Editor: Gary, KK7LV, made a correction to the error in the Events in the Newsletter; the Silver State Classic is actually May 15 and 16. Upcoming issues will be corrected. Librarian: Shelly, KD7HZK, reported that all magazines on disc have been checked out! She also brought up that the library has many additional books and equipment for members use. The list is on the website. Comm Trailer Manager: Vern, K0EGA, reported that the trailer made an appearance at the SkyWarn event in December. It is now sporting IRLP, Packet, HF capability with an Antenna Tuner, Dipole, and P.A. Speakers. Mike, KM1KE, is working on the ac wiring. Old Business: Holiday Party, Dec 5, 2003, Henderson Elks Club: The club thanks Larry, WB0SMR, and his wife for the wonderful food! And a hearty Thank You to Karen, KD7MGK, and Tom, KE4ULL, for their talents as M.C.'s for the Yankee Swap and Club Gift Exchange! Howard, K3HM, reported on the Las Vegas Marathon. He brought the credentials and t-shirts for the volunteers and handed them out at the break. Hams will be providing communications on the first 13 miles at & between rest stops. The race is Sunday, Jan 25, and runs between Jean, NV, and Sunset Park in Henderson. Howard will be the net controller and will be located in the Metro Search & Rescue Comm Truck. He will be sending out more detailed information to the volunteers by email the week of Jan 20th. Byon, N6BG discussed the upcoming Antenna building project. A date and location has not yet been selected. The project will be 3-element 2m Yagi's. Charlie, AA5QJ, reminds us that we still need to approve the by-law changes. We need approval from 2/3s of the members. Please vote. New Business: Speedway Concession, March 5, 6, and 7. Art, K7ZE, is championing the event this year with the assistance of Bill, K8XC, and Carolyn, K9XC. Bill gave a short intro to the event that will have the club manning booths B-9 and B-10 again this year. Loads of volunteers are needed. Please contact Art, Bill, or Carolyn. NAB, April 19 – 22. Bill, K8XC, volunteers are needs to man the ARRL booth for 3 days. You must be a member of ARRL. The benefit is the reception on Wednesday night, free food and door prizes! Announcements: Charlie, AA5QJ, discussed ARES/RACES/ SKYWARN issues and events: SkyWarn Recognition Day was Dec 6, and they contacted other NWS stations. There is a General Meeting of ARES/RACES on Jan 31st, at 9:00 am at the Clark County Government building. The Nuclear Transport Exercise is Apr 1 in Laughlin. There will be need for a lot of participation. Public Relations Officer: Jim, W1RO, retires this year as the clubs Public Relations officer. Charlie, AA5QJ, asked that anyone interested in filling the position let him know. Frank, KL7IPV, asked to be considered and was appointed to the position. Byon, N6BG, invited anyone interested to join him for T-Hunts (Transmitter Hunts). There is a group that meets once a month, usually the first weekend, either Saturday or Sunday, depending on the group's availability. They are trying something new: everyone that wants to hide a transmitter will hide them! So there will be multiple transmitters to locate! Contact Byon to sign up for the email invitations. Depending on the interest, Byon is considering another Tracker party in the future. Let him know if you are interested. Elmers: The club is soliciting volunteers to be listed on the website to provide assistance and answer questions on radio related issues and equipment. Silent Key Assistance Program: Bob, KD7UHG, is starting up a Silent Key program to assist families in selling or donating equipment. Contact Bob or Dennis, N7HRO, if you would like to help. Program: Show & Tell this month: Frank, KL7IPV, gave a presentation on his Grab-it Bag (Jump Bag). He talked about the benefits of using power pole connectors, as they are multi- purpose. There were some great ideas for saving money. eBay has great bargains on 12v, 7amp batteries for portable use, he was able to find them at $12.00 including shipping. And camera bags can make great radio or battery bags at a significant savings. Frank had everything in his Grab-it Bag including a GPS, a portable antenna, a box of connectors, microphone adapters, earphones, TNC adapters, an assortment of power supplies, and several lengths of PCV pipe that when linked together make a great antenna extension. He even included a tuner and lengths of coax. The bag is stored, completely packed, in his garage so he is ready when called out during an emergency. Byon, N6BG, talked on Tiny Tracker use, APRS and T-Hunts. He demonstrated one of the transmitters and passed around several samples of Tiny Trackers and T-Hunt transmitters. A couple new items included a surface mount tracker and a pocket tracker. And a cool hidden surface mount transmitter with a microphone so you can have a voice message transmitted instead of just a tone! More information: aprsworld.com and byonics.com. The Raffle winners were: Solar Panel & Mini-Vise, N0LSL, Keith Multi-meter, Pocket watch & Pen, KB2CT, Fred Solar Panel & Connectors, KD7YNS, Don Solar Panel & 24 Tri-adapter, KB0OZV, Joel NAB Messenger Bag, K7CZQ – Name Unknown Mag-Mount Antenna, W0VPH, Ken H/T Radio, KD7QYB, John ------------------------------- Treasurer's Report By Jamie Gorr, N3TOY January 2004 Beginning Balance 7,524.96 Deposit Dues(2004) 940.00 Raffle 236.00 Misc. 49.90 Total Deposit(+) 1,225.90 Sub Total 8,750.86 Expenses Sprint (Dec) 31.29 Refreshments(Jan) 64.24 Filter (trailer) 197.68 Total Expenses(-) 293.21 Ending Balance 8457.65 ------------------------------- ARES / RACES Report – Jan 04 By Charlie Kunz AA5QJ - Vern Garman K0EGA AEC Operations/Training attended the Citizens Corp Council meeting on Jan 6, and the second all-day planning meeting on Jan 27 for the Moving Target 04 Exercise to be held in Laughlin on April 1. - Several members viewed the online EEIP (Emergency Information Infrastructure Partnership) Virtual Forum on 'Interoperability with Amateur Radio Emergency Communications' on Jan 21. The transcript can be read at http://www.emforum.org/vforum/lc040121.htm - Charlie Kunz AA5QJ EC attended the organizational meeting of the Southern Nevada Community Organizations Active in Disaster (SNvCOAD) on Jan 22. The mission of the COAD is to enhance the community's ability to mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters through cooperation, communication, coordination and collaboration. - Don DeCaria NF7R has resigned as AEC NE Clark County to pursue other educational goals. Roy Wilmer K7YWF has accepted the appointment. - Members of ARES/RACES supported the Las Vegas Marathon on Jan 27, providing a communication link to the command post every half mile for the first 13 miles. Quite a few runners, as they ran by, thanked the hams for their support of the race. - A general meeting was held Jan 31st. with 33 members in attendance. o Glenn Hale KB7REO DEC SoNV and Kent Johnson W7AOR, Director, Nevada Amateur Radio Repeaters, Inc (www.narri.org) gave presentations on IRLP and Echolink and their application in ARES/RACES and for handling message traffic. An informal state traffic net is attempted daily at 12:30 on 146.46 simplex (PL123) connected to Echolink NV-GATE Conference Server (node 152566). o Updates were given by each of the AECs regarding their areas of responsibility. o Vern Garman K0AEG AEC Training/Operations solicited the names of those interested in a Level 1 Emergency Communication study group. Contact him at garmco@cox.net or 641-5963. o Jack Cook N8RRL AEC Red Cross Support and Roy Wilmer K7YWF AEC NE Clark County were presented their Certificates of appointment. o A Red Cross Communications Volunteer Orientation will be held Sat Feb 21 at the Chapter Office, 3672 N Rancho Dr from 9 am to 4 pm. For more information contact Jack Cook N8RRL AEC Red Cross Support at jac07@sprynet.com or 531-1377. - Frank Drake KL7IPV has volunteered to be our Public Information Officer. He and Julian Rhinehart W7JFR AEC Boulder City will work together to establish policies and procedures for getting the word out on ARES/RACES activities. - Please submit a new application if you have recently renewed your license, changed your call or address or any other contact information. - Upcoming events: o Red Cross Communications Volunteer Orientation Feb 21 o 'Moving Target' Exercise April 1 ------------------------------- From the Editor By Gary Hartman, KK7LV There are some interesting issues going on in our world. A larger base of business and government entities are joining in the fight against BPL everyday. It will likely take more time and effort to pull the plug on BPL but I believe it can and will be done. Another interesting issue has come up. That is the no-code license that is being proposed. I personally love CW. I will probably always work CW. I don't really have a burning desire one way or another if it is a license requirement. I always thought it was far more important to learn how to properly ground a station or how to tune an antenna and prevent spurious radiation. I always thought it was nice that we had procedures and courtesy on the airway. But what do I know, I am just the newsletter editor. Its kind of like paying to go up in a plane, then buying an expensive pair of binoculars to look back at the ground. Listen, I have been working so hard on this newsletter that the bikers next door are complaining about the noise. ------------------------------- Ham Classes By Steve Goldman, N7JAZ Hurry, the class has just started. The Upgrade to General license class starts February 4, 2004, at the Outdoor Adventure building classroom on Nellis Air Force Base. The class meets Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, except holidays. The classes last eight weeks and the cost is $25.00, plus the cost of the book for the class, which is approximately $20.00. It can be purchased from Amateur Electronic Supply (http://www.aesham.com/) in Las Vegas, or at Radio World (http://www.radio-nv.com/) in Boulder City or direct from ARRL (http://www.arrl.org/) To sign up for the class, contact the Outdoor Adventure at 652-7178 (daytime) and ask to be placed on the list, or contact Dennis Simon, (KB7UTV@arrl.net), at 643-1670. You can leave a message any time and he will get back to you. There is a Morse Code study group that meets on the 147.060 repeater at 7:00 PM on Monday and Wednesdays. There is no fee to join in. Please give your call sign to check in when the net starts. If you can't get on the air yet, please contact berniefarrar@hotmail.com to check in via e-mail. For further information on the code study group, please contact Bernie. The group is presently in session. ------------------------------- HELP WANTED! By Bill Cornelius, K8XC It is that time of year again. Time for the club to make a commitment to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway regarding the number of concession stands we will operate during Speed Week, 2004, as a part of our annual fund raising effort. Exact event times have not yet been announced but it is safe to say that we will need about 30 volunteers all day on Friday and closer to 40 each day on Saturday and Sunday. Free parking is provided and for this effort, the club may expect to receive about $8,000. You need not be a ham to participate because this is not a radio event. Each year we have volunteers that are relatives of hams, neighbors, members of other service clubs, etc. The only firm requirement is that all volunteers be 18 years of age. Also there will be a training session for all to attend. Firstly, it is necessary for all volunteers to attend one of three concessions stand training meetings. The purpose of these meetings is to make sure all volunteers are aware of new policies and procedures. The training will be held at the Speedway in Clubhouse # 1 in the main grandstand, accessed by elevator 8, on the following dates: Sunday, February 15, at 1 PM Saturday, February 21, at 10 AM Tuesday, February 24, at 6 PM Ed: Please note change in LOCATION and Saturday's TIME… Note: There is a Red Cross Communications Volunteer training class on February 21, so please plan accordingly. Secondly, we also need to insure that at all times there is at least one person in each stand with a current TAM card (Alcohol Awareness) and Health card. So **PLEASE** respond to Charlie Kunz, Bill Cornelius, or Art Sheldon and let us know if you have a current TAM card, if you have a current Health card, if you can work, and which training session you plan to attend. If you believe that you can contribute any time to this fund raising project, please tell me by email at k8xc@aol.com or call anytime at 897-9626 or call Art, K7ZE at 255-1074 or by email at k7ze@arrl.net. ------------------------------- Help Wanted: Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure! By Tom Petrakis The Las Vegas Chapter of the Susan G. Komen, Breast Cancer Foundation, will again be conducting their annual Race For The Cure. This years event will be held on May 1, 2004, in the same location as last year, in Downtown Las Vegas. The local amateur radio community has been asked by event organizer's to assist them by providing communications support on the day of the event. Last year local hams really showed their support to the community. Twenty-seven hams participated. In years past, organizers attempted to communicate through the use of cell-phones. I don't need to tell you what they found out the hard-way about cell phone coverage's in that area. So please, show your community they can "count on you" and volunteer for the event. Tom Petrakis, KE4ULL, will be the primary point of contact for the event. Send Tom an email at tpetrakis@cox.net and let him know if you'll be available to help. As in the past, the LVRAC's communications trailer will be utilized at the event. This vehicle represents our commitment to public service events of this nature and has served us well! ------------------------------- Technical Tips By Gary Hartman, KK7LV Lightning Protection – Part 1 This article is taken from QST in October 1994, which was originally written by Mike Tracy, KC1SX, Technical Information Services Coordinator. I have summarized and paraphrased his article but want to give him credit for the information. Our first thought when we talk about lightning is protecting our radio equipment. However, we really need to redirect our focus to the protection and health of ourselves and our families. Its was reported that each year lightning was responsible for over 400 deaths in the US. Many others suffer from burns, shock or other physical damage. The number of thunderstorms per year range from 1 to 100, depending on location. We live in Las Vegas and are on the lower end of that spectrum, which makes it far worse for us because we don't expect it and we aren't prepared for it. Just remember that lightning can occur without a thunderstorm, whenever there is a sufficient charge buildup. One way to determine your level of risk is to go through the Risk Assessment guide found in the back of the National Fire Protection Association's Lightning Protection Code. It contains an equation for determining your overall risk of being struck by lightning. The address is included at the end of this article. Lightning is not the only culprit. Your equipment can be damaged by other electrical disturbances such as power line switching transients, voltage surges, as well as static build-up on outside antennas. Like most Hams, I have driven a single copper rod into the earth and installed an in-line coax lightning arrestor. For real protection from lightning this is very inadequate. One good source for information is PolyPhaser Corporation. The information that they offer on installations goes far beyond product promotion. The PolyPhaser book, "The Grounds for Lightning and EMP Protection," is second to none for comprehensive information on grounding systems for lightning protection. PolyPhaser also has a quarterly newsletter, Striking News, which contains articles on lightning protection, devices and techniques. Another good reference is the NFPA Lightning Protection Code (NFPA 780) mentioned earlier. The full sized booklet has 44 pages and contains information on terminology, materials, and techniques used by professionals. Local building codes may differ as to type or method of installation. Education is the most important part. The more you know, the better decisions you will make. It is important to keep lightning outside your home. This includes disconnecting your equipment from feedlines and power sources, providing good station grounding and adding protective devices to your installation where needed. It is important that you disconnect your station outside. If you leave your coax lying on the floor, lightning can jump for several feet still striking your equipment. It is recommended that you install an Entrance Panel for your feedlines and control cables. This will provide a convenient disconnect point as well as a place to mount feedline and control cable transient protectors. A single ground rod will not be sufficient to give a lightning strike a place to dissipate all the energy fast enough. The greater the distance from your equipment to the ground the less protection you will have. Careful thought and planning need to go into your station ground in order to protect all your equipment and yourself. There are products for lightning protection that include feedline transient protectors, power line transient and surge protectors, and transient protectors for rotor control boxes and telephone lines. More details will be provided in next month's newsletter on protection devices. Lightning Protection Information references. The ARRL Antenna Handbook The ARRL Antenna Handbook (Electrical Safety chapter) Striking News, February and May 1994; Ham Radio Station Protection"; PolyPhaser Corporation, PO Box 9000, Minden, Nevada 89423-9000 The "Grounds" for Lightning and EMP Protection; PolyPhaser Corporation Lightning Protection Code (NFPA 780-1992); National Fire Protection Association, PO Box 9101, Quincy, MA 02269-9101 LPI Installation Code (LPI 175); Lightning Protection Institute, 3365 N. Arlington Hts Rd., Suite J, Arlington Heights, Il 60004 Installation Requirements for Lightning Protection Systems (UL 96A); Underwriters Laboratories, 333-T Pfingsten Rd., Northbrook, Il 60062 National Electical Code (NFPA 70-1993); National Fire Protection Association Lightning and Lightning Protection; D.W. Consultants, Inc., State Route 625, PO Box D, Gainsville, VA 22065 ------------------------------- Las Vegas Marathon On Sunday, January 25th, the Las Vegas Marathon was run from Jean, Nevada to the Sunset Park in Henderson, Nevada. LVRAC member, Howard Mark, K3HM, "The Voice of Summerlin", chaired this successful activity and we had tremendous support from the club. 29 hams covered every half mile from the start to the 13 mile point. The comments from the runners was a universal one of appreciation for our service and support. It was a good feeling. Howard shown with communicator from Southwest Ambulance Company. Picture was taken by Dave Friedman, K0CLU. ------------------------------- Coming Events February Meeting Tuesday the 10th of February. Nevada Power building east of Jones on Sahara, 7:00 PM. February Raffle 900 MHz mobile radio plus antenna! Other general items will also be raffled. NASCAR Speedway Concession March 5, 6 and 7. Your support is needed. Contact Art Sheldon, 255-1074 or Bill Cornelius, 897-9626. NAB April 19, 20, 21, and 22. Help needed to staff booth. Contact Bill Cornelius, 897-9626. Baker to Vegas Race April 24 and 25 is the annual Baker to Vegas 120 mile Race. Race for the Cure May 1, 2004, see Tom Petrakis, KE4ULL. American Diabetes Assn. Bike Ride May 8, 2004 Silver State Classic Race May 15, 2004 ------------------------------- 2004 Exam Schedule *** NEW *** This is a new schedule and a new meeting place, so please help spread the word. License Examinations are given on the second Saturday of each month. There are a couple of evening sessions so pay close attention. February 14th 12:30 PM (PST) March 13th 12:30 PM (PST) March 19th 6:30 PM (PST) April 10th 12:30 PM (PST) May 8th 12:30 PM (PST) June 12th 12:30 PM (PST) July 10th 12:30 PM (PST) August 14th 12:30 PM (PST) September 11th 12:30 PM (PST) October 9th 12:30 PM (PST) October 22nd 6:30 PM (PST) November13th 12:30 PM (PST) December 11th 12:30 PM (PST) The black dates are day time events. The red dates are evening test sessions and they take place at different locations. Day Time Test Sessions are at: All Saints Epicopal Church 4201 W. Washington Ave. Between Decatur and Valley View Evening Test Sessions are at: Clark County Government Center, Training Rm 3 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy. Southeast of the spaghetti bowl (I-15 & 95) Please visit www.lvhamtest.com for updates, maps and further information. ? $12.00 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 an 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 a pencil. ? You may bring a calculator as long as the memory can be "flushed" before you take the exam. ------------------------------- Breaking News! Your newsletter editor was seen taking flying lessons. It is not immediately known if he is still in this country or not. As you can tell, parking was a real challenge. I am looking forward to the next lesson and will report next month.