RADIO ACTIVE Newsletter of the Las Vegas Radio Amateur Club October 2004 Serving Las Vegas since April 1961 ------------------ President's Corner By Charlie Kunz, AA5QJ On September 21, we all lost a towering example of humanity in the passing of Bill Cornelius, K8XC. I was on vacation in Hawaii that week and was unable to attend his memorial service on Sunday September 26, 2004. I asked that the following be read at his service. "Bill's passing is such a great loss to Ham Radio, to the Las Vegas clubs of which he played such a vital role, and to me personally. Hardly a week went by that I didn't receive an e-mail from him reminding me of something that needed to be done for the Las Vegas Radio Amateur Club, so some suggestion how things should be done, maybe a 'soapbox' comment about ARES/RACES or the comm. trailer, or just an update on what he had been doing in the background to ensure the success of an event. I really felt that in many ways he was my conscience; that, in his case, not so little, person sitting on my shoulder keeping me and our organizations on the straight and narrow. What a shock to me and I know to all of you to hear of his passing. How alive he was!" "I'm glad that the LVRAC club was able to honor him in a small way with the Thunderbird Award, commending him for all the many things both seen and unseen that he did to lead us, whether on the board or not. There is so much more to thank him for that we can't do now." "God be with his family and friends, and may God help and guide us as we move forward without Bill's presence, but with his spirit." He was so instrumental in the success of the Las Vegas Radio Amateur Club, and virtually every event and project he participated in. What an example for all of us! We are getting ready to elect new club officers and plan for future projects. If you need motivation to get involved, look no further than a desire to honor Bill and his accomplishments. 73 ------------------ Dedicated to the Memory of CORNELIUS, WILLIAM William James Cornelius, 67, of Henderson, passed away Sept. 21, 2004. He was born Feb. 10, 1937, in Los Angeles, and resided in Las Vegas for 11 years. Bill was a graduate of the University of Southern California, with a degree in Criminology. He held two master's degrees, in Criminal Law and Education. He was an active member of the American Society for Industrial Security (Certified Protection Professional designation), American Relay Radio League, and several amateur radio clubs. Bill was a soldier, proudly serving in the U.S. Army. He was awarded a Purple Heart during his tour in Vietnam. In 1965, Bill married the love of his life, Carolyn. During his military career, Bill and Carolyn lived in Italy, Korea, Georgia, Alabama, and Virginia. While in Springfield, Va., Bill retired from the U.S. Army, and then worked as Deputy Director of Security for the GAO until retirement. Searching for a base from which to travel, Bill and Carolyn moved to Henderson, in 1993. They shared many memorable trips over the past 14 years, including travel to China, Russia, the Panama Canal, and throughout the U.S and the world. Bill was fiercely proud and supportive of the men and women who have served and are currently serving our country in the U.S. Armed Forces. He respected the U.S. Flag and what it stands for, always ensuring that it was properly displayed and honored wherever it flies. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Cyril and Anna Cornelius; mother-in-law, Grace Elms; father-in-law, Vernon McLaughlin; sister- and brother-in-law, Marion and Dusty Rhodes. William is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Carolyn Mae Cornelius; sister- and brother-in-law, Marie and Francis Nelson; brother- and sister-in-law, Raymond and Wanda McLaughlin; brother- and sister-in-law, Richard and Theresa McLaughlin; sister-in-law, Barbara Turner; nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; one great-great niece; and cousins. Viewing will be at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 26. Memorial service immediately following, both at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Trauma Intervention Programs (TIP), 1823 Covey Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89115. 702-459-1055 ------------------ Secretary's Report By Sandy Nelson, KD7WYD Minutes of the General Meeting of the Las Vegas Radio Amateur Club Tuesday, September 14, 2004 Call to order 7:00pm Charlie Kunz, AA5QJ, conducting Welcome and Introductions 53 Hams were in attendance. 1 new licensee. 2 visitors. Secretary: Sandy, KD7WYD - The members attending approved August's Minutes from the September Newsletter. Treasurer: Jamie, N3TOY - The Treasurer's Report was posted on the Website and printed in the September Newsletter. The members attending approved August's Report from the September Newsletter with the understanding there is a $2.00 error that will be corrected. Repeater Committee: Bob, KD7UHG – absent. Trustee: Pat, N7QE – absent. Newsletter Editor: Gary, KK7LV – One newsletter correction: ARES SET was incorrectly reported as Oct 23rd and it should have read Oct 30th. It will be corrected in the next issue. Librarian: Shelly, KD7HZK – absent. COMM Trailer Manager: Vern, K0EGA – John, KD7QYB, and Mike, KD7CVJ entertained the members with a PowerPoint presentation of the work they have done on the trailer. 'Major Surgery' and Reconstruction was performed. Public Information Officer: Frank, KL7IPV – Sept QST has the Moving Target article and pictures. QST will have an article on the Emergency Pagers in Nov or Dec. Old Business: Silver State Classic Challenge, Sept 19th: - John, N7UR, asked for 2 volunteers to ride along in the planes for air support of the race and 2-3 additional volunteers to man checkpoints on the ground. Vests, Field Day Shirts and Pins, Sandy KD7WYD: Please pick up your vest, hats or pins from Sandy. New vest order will go in shortly. 5th Grade Class - Sully, KC6GLD: Sully is still looking for used HAM equipment, in good working order, for the class to learn on. Please contact Sully if you have anything you can donate. Email: sully20@cox.net. Speedway NASCAR Truck/Indy Car Race, Sept 24 & 25 - Bill, K8XC: B-9 will be the only Beer Stand open on Friday. We are still looking for volunteers! We will need people at the stand from 9:00 AM until after closing. Please sign up – if we get enough volunteers we can schedule shifts. We hope for at least 20 each day – to allow for breaks, shifts, sneaking a peak at the races, shopping, etc. Please contact Carolyn, K9XC or Bill K8XC if you would like to work with us! MS150, Nov 6 & 7 – Joe, N7XSD: Let Joe know if you are interested in working this event. It's the first weekend in November and will run from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway to Mesquite this year. More Hams will be needed to cover the vast area through Valley of Fire. He has plenty of work for one day volunteers or 2 day volunteers! Las Vegas Marathon, 1/30/2005 – Howard, K3HM: We have been asked to cover all 26 miles. Howard will be looking for up to 50 or more volunteers. A signup sheet was again circulated to start getting the volunteers lined up! New Business: Donations- Bill, K8XC: It was proposed to donate $100.00 to Newsline to help them continue to provide us with the programming every week. Bill, WB0KSW, motioned and Howard, K3HM, seconded. The members approved. Donations 2- Bill, K8XC: It was proposed to donate $100.00 to AMSAT to help them rebuild their lab in Florida – it was wiped out in the hurricane. Bill, WB0KSW, motioned and Arnie, WA2SOE, seconded. The members approved. Holiday Party – Charlie, AA5QJ: Friday, December 3rd. Charlie asked for a volunteer to champion the Holiday Party. Karen, KD7MGK, volunteered. Thank you Karen! Nomination Committee – Howard, K3HM: it's time to start thinking of new officers for 2005. Please let Howard know if you would like to be a part of the board or feel that another member would make a good officer. Nominees will be announced at the October meeting and the Election will be at the November meeting. Comm Trailer Additional Repairs – Tom, KE4ULL: Proposed that we go forward and ask John and Mike to finish the additional needed work on the trailer. The members agreed to have the work completed. The BOD will take care of it. Refreshments/Break Announcements: ARES/RACES, Charlie, AA5QJ: Deployment: Steven Andrews, N7RNU Dennis Cornell, N7HRO Brad Anderson, KE7ABX are among the 20 individuals from the Las Vegas Area that have gone to Florida to assist with the hurricane. Citizens Corp, Metro Volunteers, BLM have all sent personnel. SET – Saturday, October 30th from 8:00 AM to Noon EMCOMM Class – Vern, K0EGA: Level 1 Communications study sessions will begin at the end of September, on Saturday at the County Government Center. SKYWARN Recognition Day: Dec 3 and 4th. Please let Glenn Hale, KB7REO, know if you are interested in participating. Please remember that the LVRAC Holiday party is that Friday night! Raffle Prizes - Gary, KK7LV: Power pole cable, batteries, wire strippers, solar panel, Hershey Kiss Antenna, Yaesu VX2R Hand-held radio. Program: REACT – John Moses, KD6YGP: Discussed the purpose and duties of REACT. They respond mostly to accidents with fatalities, officer involved shootings, and large fires. There are 4 GMRS repeaters in the valley. 30 REACT members currently, 10 are HAMS. RED CROSS – Jack Cook, N8RRL: Presentation on the Red Cross automation training. Showed equipment from the training including the ECRV, computers, and satellite systems. He also showed pictures from his stay in Florida assisting with the ECRV in Punta Gorda. There are volunteer opportunities on the local and national levels. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Brian Garcia, at 791-3311, ext 3012 if you are interested. Raffle: Power Pole cable and batteries: Jason, KC0ERG Wire strippers and batteries: Butch, WA0VJR Solar panel and batteries: Bryan, KD7JJH Hershey Kiss antenna and batteries: Fred, K9GAJ Yaesu VX2R radio: Sandy KD7WYD (that's me!) Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM. ------------------ Speedway Fundraiser NASCAR Truck Series and Champ Cars Sept 24 – Sept 25, 2004 By Sandy Nelson, KD7WYD All things considered this went very well! We definitely missed Bill, Carolyn & Charlie! Slow start on Friday, but we did make $2731.30 for the day and about $30.00 in tips! Saturday was just a bit busier! No boring lull until 2:00 PM for us this year! Very steady business from the time the gates opened at 10:30 AM on with a few of those large 'rushes'. The last I heard was a crowd of more than 80,000 came through the gates. It was estimated that more than 400,000 tickets were out there. Due to Byon's inventory efficiency, Ken 'Hot-Dog' Johnson's mastery of the Speedway Dogs, and the simply amazing abilities of Grace Johnson, Nancy Hartman, and Carol Sullivan on the 'Nacho Express' – we seemed to pull it off! And it almost looked easy! Almost. And who knew Dave could yell so loud? We managed to sell some $20,896.30 in beer, dogs and nachos on Saturday! (Ok, there were a few sodas and waters in there.) The tips were more then $200.00. I do apologize, but I don't have the actual tip total – I can't find my little slip of paper anywhere! A HUGE Thank You to the 21 wonderful volunteers! Everyone worked so hard and above and beyond the expectations! A total of 335.25 man-hours were donated by volunteers just for this event. Their hard work helps the club put on functions like the Christmas Party with all those wonderful gifts for every member! If you see or speak with one of the following, please make sure to thank them: WB0KSW Bill Croghan K3HM Howard Mark N0CLU Dave Friedman KE7BPT Bob Mathewson K0EGA Vern Garman KD7UHG Bob Nelson N6BG Byon Garrabrant KD7YNS Don Randles KC7NUK Alvin Hartenstein KD7JJH Bryan Smith KK7LV Gary Hartman AA7I Dan Starr KD7ZRU Nancy Hartman Carol Sullivan KD7HZK Shelly Holt KC6GLD Tom Sullivan Grace Johnson AA7NR Bob Wescom W7BES Ken Johnson WA2SOE Arnie Zelig KD7JSN Kraig Knapp And a last special Thank You to Byon, for his always present voice of experience, Arnie, for covering the bank, and Dave, for taking over for Arnie. These 3 made sure I never really had anything to worry about! ------------------ Treasurer's Report By Jamie Gorr, N3TOY The treasurer's report is also posted on the club Web site. We will also continue to publish it in the newsletter. Beginning Balance 11,236.42 Deposits Dues 0 Raffle 214.00 Misc. 50.00 Total Deposits 264.00 Expenses Refreshments 69.42 Sprint 30.70 Marsh Ins. 325.00 Trailer Siding 314.00 Misc. 62.30 Total Expenses 801.42 Ending Balance 10,699.00 --------------- ARES / RACES By Charlie Kunz, AA5QJ Clark County ARES Emergency Coordinator/RACES Officer On September 5, FEMA requested volunteers from Citizen Corps Council affiliate organizations to be trained as Community Relations Officers in support of areas ravaged by Hurricane Francis, and subsequently hurricanes Ivan and Jeanne. ARRL is an affiliate organization, and Clark County ARES/RACES is an active member of the Las Vegas and Clark County Citizen Corps Councils. The three members of our group were sent to Atlanta for several days training, then deployed to areas of Florida. Here is the official press release: Department Of Homeland Security Citizen Corps Mobilized To Assist With Hurricane Disaster Support Release Date: September 16 More than 2,600 Citizen Corps participants deployed to help in disaster recovery from recent hurricanes Washington, DC - Citizen Corps Councils and national Citizen Corps affiliate organizations mobilized more than 2,600 volunteers and representatives from 48 states to provide disaster support to communities affected by Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Ivan. In addition, Citizen Corps Councils and volunteer members already established within Florida are supporting state coordinated disaster relief efforts. This first-ever nationwide activation of Citizen Corps members expands the mission of Citizen Corps from a locally based program to a national resource. By tapping Citizen Corps members who have received first aid or disaster response training and who volunteer in their communities, the state and federal response system has an additional resource for large-scale disasters. In addition to the 5,038 FEMA staff in Florida, emergency response personnel have been deployed from the U.S. Forest Service, the Coast Guard, Health and Human Service, Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Transportation and Department of Defense. "Citizen Corps Councils across the country have been working hard to educate and train citizens in emergency preparedness and response skills and to engage citizens in supporting emergency services within their community. We, at the Department of Homeland Security, are proud to see so many local Citizen Corps participants responding so enthusiastically to the need for help in Florida," said C. Suzanne Mencer, Executive Director of the Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness. "Citizens across America play an important role in making our communities safer and better prepared and they are a critical resource in responding to events like this - the work of Citizen Corps is definitely paying off." The recent devastation from the hurricanes reinforce the importance of citizen preparedness. September is National Preparedness Month and Citizen Corps Councils across the country are hosting and participating in more than 175 events to raise awareness about the importance of community emergency preparedness, including family preparedness, training, and volunteer support for local emergency responders. These events include: participation in state fairs, promotions at local retail stores, local media public service announcements, 9-11 memorial ceremonies, events at the State capitols, safety demonstrations, disaster drills, preparedness lectures and workshops, and door-to-door distribution of preparedness materials. Citizen Corps is the Homeland Security Department's nationwide grass-roots program created to actively involve Americans in making communities safer, stronger and better prepared for all emergencies including a terrorist attack. Fifty percent of the U.S. population is now served by nearly 1,400 state, county, local and tribal Citizen Corps Councils, which provide opportunities for citizens to participate in a wide range of homeland security activities that help make their families, their homes, and their communities safer from threats of crime, terrorism, and disasters of all kinds. The Department of Homeland Security disseminates information about emergency preparedness through its Ready Campaign, a national public service advertising campaign produced by the Ad Council. Visit www.Ready.gov for more information. Our volunteers are Brad Anderson, KE7ABX, Steven Andrews, N7RNU, and Dennis Cornell, N7HRO. A meeting was held on Saturday the 11th of September at the Clark County Government Center with 31 members present. The primary focus of this meeting was Winlink 2000 and its implementation in Clark County. Several Telpac nodes and an emergency PMBO are in operation, with other members setting up home portable Paclink stations. Charlie Kunz, AA5QJ, Clark County EC and Vern Garman, K0EGA, Clark County AEC Operations/Training met with Mark Wells, KF6CZE, Liaison Officer, and Zack Mullennix, KD6KOG, Chief Radio Officer of the San Bernadino County Emergency Communication Service to discuss avenues of collaboration and cooperation between our two organizations. Bill Cornelius, K8XC, became a Silent Key on September 21, 2004. A leading force in Ham Radio in the Las Vegas Valley, he will be greatly missed. ------------------ MS-150 Bike Race (Vegas to Mesquite) By Joseph Scanlan, N7XSD Fellow Hams As you know, the reward for a job well done is another job! ? So, I am back asking you to volunteer again for the MS-150 Bike Tour. On Saturday the 6th of November, 2004, riders will go from the Las Vegas Speedway through the Valley of Fire, and on to the Oasis Hotel in Mesquite. But wait, there's more. The next day, Sunday, they ride south on I-15 back to the Speedway. This is an important fund raising event for the MS Society. It also gives us a chance to exercise our emergency communications skills. Just thought I'd throw that in for anyone who is not interested in fun. Don't let this years Bike Tour pass you by. Send an e-mail or call me to let me know if you can help on Saturday, Sunday or both. Joseph Scanlan 702-896-0507 n7xsd@arrl.net ------------------ Coming Events October 2, 2004 ARECC Level 1 Study Group began. Meets Sat. mornings 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at Clark Co. Gov. Center, training room 3. There is still time to get involved, contact Vern Garman, K0EGA. 641-5963 or garmco@cox.net October Meeting October 12, 2004 at Nevada Power on Sahara just west of Jones. October Raffle A new Rigrunner 4005! and the usual other goodies. Simulated Emergency Test (SET) October 30, 2004, Saturday from 8:00 AM to Noon. MS-150 Bike Ride November 6 & 7, 2004, from Las Vegas to Mesquite. Contact Joe Scanlan, N7XSD at n7xsd@arrl.net or 896-0507 Las Vegas Marathon January 30, 2005 Contact Howard (The Voice of Summerlin) Mark, K3HM at 256-3662 or hmark@earthlink.net SKYWARN Recognition Day December 4, 2004 from 0000-2400 UTC, NWS Office ------------------ 2004 Exam Schedule *** NEW *** License examinations are given on the second Saturday of each month. There are a couple of evening sessions at a different location. October 9, 2004 12:30 PM (PST November 13, 2004 12:30 PM (PST) October 22, 2004 06:30 PM (PST) December 11, 2004 12:30 PM (PST) The black dates are daytime events. The red dates are evening test sessions and they take place at different locations. Day Time Test Sessions at: All Saints Episcopal Church 4201 W. Washington Ave. Between Decatur and Valley View Evening Test Sessions 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, prefer a picture ID with your signature. Normally applicants provide a drivers 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. ------------------ From ARRL.ORG - AMATEUR RADIO NEWS Bill Cornelius, K8XC, SK (Sep 24, 2004) -- ARRL member William J. "Bill" Cornelius, K8XC, of Henderson, Nevada, died unexpectedly September 21. He was 67. "This is indeed sad news," said ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, who had worked with Cornelius at the ARRL's National Association of Broadcasters convention booth in Las Vegas. "Bill was a kind and gentle man. He was always the best of hosts." Gary Hartman, KK7LV, called Cornelius "a mainstay here in the Las Vegas Valley" who would be missed. Dale Porray, AD7K, said he received word of Cornelius' death from his wife, Carolyn, K9XC, who said her husband appeared to have succumbed to a massive heart attack. For a number of years, the Corneliuses have organized and managed the ARRL's presence at the NAB convention each April with the assistance of volunteers from the Las Vegas Radio Amateur Club of which he was member. Cornelius also belonged to the Las Vegas Repeater Association. Farewell, Friend 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_______________________________________________ApplicationDate ____/______/_______ 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 - Club Web Page w/email notification The club operates on a calendar year (January through December) 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 listed in the heading of this application.. Las Vegas Radio Amateur Club P.O. Box 27342 Las Vegas, NV 89126 October 2004 issue Internet: http://www.lvrac.org/ Radio: 146.940 MHZ (K7UGE repeater) 448.500 MHz (K7UGE repeater) 146.730 MHz (QST machine) Las Vegas Radio Amateur Club October 2004 Issue K7UGE Page 9 http://www.lvrac.org K7UGE Page 1 http://www.lvrac.org