RADIO ACTIVE Newsletter of the Las Vegas Radio Amateur Club March 2005 Serving Las Vegas since April 1961 ----------------------------------------- Leadership Message By Art Sheldon, K7ZE - Treasurer Well here it is March already. There are many activities planned this month. The biggest one being the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 11th, 12th, and 13th. This is our yearly fundraiser and we need to support it. We will have booth B-9 as in past years plus a beer stand in front of the booth. If you can help with this effort 1, 2, or all 3 days contact Sandy, KD7YWD, at 228-2216 as soon as possible so she can get you signed up. Rallycross Jean Dry Lake Bed will be on the March 5th. If you can help on this one contact Jamie, N3TOY at 233-2479 There will be an ARES/RACES meeting at the Clark County Government Building on the 26th at 9 AM. National Association of Broadcasters will be on April 18th through the 21st. Stan, W7SLP, is still looking for some people to man the ARRL booth. The Ham Reception at the Hilton will on Wednesday, 20 March, at 6 PM. Many door prizes. This is the last month to receive the newsletter if you have not paid your dues for 2005. You must renew by 31 March 2005 to remain a member in good standing. You can pay the treasurer at the March meeting, send your dues to our P.O. Box or by PayPal on our web site. Please fill out a new application when renewing. One is included in this newsletter, an electronic one is on our web site or pick one up at the meeting. 73, Art K7ZE ----------------------------------------- Secretary's Report By Sandy Nelson, KD7WYD Minutes of the General Meeting of the Las Vegas Radio Amateur Club Tuesday, February 8, 2005 Call to order: 7:00PM – Charlie Kunz, AA5QJ, Conducting Welcome and Introductions 70 Hams were in attendance. 6 New Members, 2 new licensees, 8 visitors. REPORTS: Secretary: Sandy, KD7WYD – The members approved the January minutes that were in the February newsletter. Treasurer: Art, K7ZE – The October, November and January Treasurer reports were all approved by the membership. These reports were in the respective newsletters. Repeater Committee: Art, K7ZE – the committee is in the process of assessing what is needed. Newsletter Editor: Gary, KK7LV – Thank you to everyone who turned in pictures and articles. Please make sure that you include club members in the shots! COMM Trailer Manager: Vern, K0EGA – The generator needs to be checked for use at the Seed Rally in March. Public Information Officer: Frank, KL7IPV – There is an ad in the newspaper for our monthly meeting. Please remember to send him photos of any events, etc. Old Business: LVRAC Shirts, Bob KD7UHG: The club web site has been updated so the members can order direct. A few members have taken advantage of this! The web site will be updated to remove the old expiration date. Cafι Press: The link to Cafι Press is on the club website. Check this out for many items with our club logo on them. Vests, Sandy KD7WYD: The vests have been ordered and should be ready by February 17th. The vests will also be added to the web site for direct ordering. 5th Grade Class - Sully, KC6GLD: They are on the air on HF! They are running a contest to design their logo for the station QSL cards. They also have their own web site and invite our members to check it out. It's updated weekly. Next week is a Nation-wide school contest. They hope to have the 2m on the air shortly so they can start talking to Dave's students. After School Program – Dave, WD6ZZY: They are working to get their station set up. They still need antennas, coax, etc. They are up and running on 2m. They have really been concentrating on studying for their licenses. Dave has 3 students just about ready to test! Tom, KE4ULL, has made a recommendation that the club provide a radio for the first new license. The Board will review this as the membership showed great interest. Silent Key Program – Bob, KD7UHG: Bill, W6EIO, has taken on the task of cleaning up and testing the Bud Potter equipment for e-Bay or the Ham swap meet. The 54' tower is still in place – if you are looking for a tower, drive by and check it out. Recognition was paid to the members that came out and assisted at the Potter's. Silent Key: Bill Marple, AA7ZW, became a Silent Key on January 29th. There was a viewing in Summerlin and he was interned in California. He was very active in local clubs and ARES/RACES. He was also a director and net manager for the 10-10 net. Las Vegas Marathon, 1/30/2005 – Howard, K3HM: 8,000 runners participated this year. Hams manned the entire course this year, all 26 miles. Howard has talked to the race officials regarding our concerns that we could not communicate issues directly to the officials. Recognition was paid to the members that participated and to Howard for his work chairing this important event. NAB, April 18-21, 2005 – Stan Perkins W7SLP: Stan is asking for additional volunteers to man the booth at NAB on Wednesday & Thursday. Please let him know if you can work it. Don't forget the Ham Reception on Wednesday night! Elmer Program/Subject Matter Experts – Sandy, KD7WYD: A sign up sheet was circulated at the last meeting and will be available at the monthly meetings from now on. Please sign up if you would like to be contacted as part of the program. This information will be posted on the club web site. Speedway Concession, March 11, 12, and 13 – Sandy, KD7WYD: Charlie, AA5QJ, is championing the event this year with the assistance of Sandy. We have just the one booth, B-9, this year. Loads of volunteers are needed. Please contact Charlie or Sandy to help out! Please volunteer. This is our major fundraiser of the year. We also have several building projects planned this year, as well as Field Day – this is where the money will come from. Rally Cross, March 5th, Jean Dry Lake Bed (SEED Rally) – Jamie, N3TOY: Jamie was absent, but he will need volunteers for the communications at this off-road event. Las Vegas Centennial Special Event – Charlie, AA5QJ: Start thinking of participating in a special Ham Radio event in May to celebrate the Las Vegas Centennial. Field Day – Gary, KK7LV: Gary is looking for assistance with some of the planning and set up of this even. We are having a Special Event: Byon, N6BG, has agreed to set up another T-Hunt! We need a committee to assist with setting up and planning the antennas. He needs someone to take on the forms and paperwork. This person will also assist in making sure that the paperwork is completed and monitor that the correct frequencies are being used and that we are transmitting on all the bands and not just a few. He is also forming a UHF/VHF committee to make sure we have what we need this year for that. And last, but not least, a Food Committee! So be thinking and get ready to help! Food Committee Forms/Paperwork Committee Facilities Committee UHF/VHF Committee Antenna Committee Please let Gary know what you would like to help with! Building Parties – Byon, N6BG: We have found a location and are planning the first building party. More to come! New Business: Baker to Vegas, Apr 23 – 24: Be thinking about working this. Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure, May 7th – Tom, KE4ULL: For the 3rd year in a row we have been asked to assist with this event. They are planning to use Nextel phones for the event personnel so we won't be shadowing anyone. About 20 volunteers will be needed and we may or may not use the trailer this year. The sign up sheet was circulated. Cirque du Soleil 5K Run for Children's Charities, Sept 5th– Jason, KC0ERG: Jason is planning to champion this event and is looking for hams to assist with communications. He will bring more information as he gets it. Announcements: Roy, N6LWD: Is looking for assistance with a class he is teaching in Spanish. He was wondering if anyone had the ARRL Handbook in Spanish. Byon, N6BG: There will be a T-Hunt on Sat in Henderson. Contact Byon for more information is you are interested in attending. He also brought in the latest Tiny Tracker circuit boards to show. Reminders: Club Commissions for new ARRL members and Renewals: Please renew or sign up for ARRL through the club. We are paid commissions on both new and renewals. Thanks! PayPal account is working – you can pay your dues using PayPal. Inkjet & Laser Cartridge Recycling – Charlie, AA5QJ: The club has been enrolled in a recycling program. Charlie has special envelopes to send old cartridges. The club will receive the credits. ARES/RACES, Charlie, AA5QJ: Comm Test, Saturday January 15, 9-11 AM: This was cancelled due to the flooding in the northern part of the county. It will be rescheduled. Activation for the Floods: Logandale/Overton/Mesquite. A lot of hams, Including many of the Moapa Valley members, worked from Mon through the weekend. Meeting: Saturday, January 29th 9AM at the Clark County Government Center: A large group showed up for this meeting, 34 members. Next Meeting: Saturday, March 26th. ICS Course: Saturday, February 19, 0800 – 1700 at the Clark County Government Center: 35 people have signed up so far, there is still more room. Level 1 Registration is on now: sign up quickly as the space is limited. Vern does have some manuals. Shirts: A shirt order is being placed for ARES/RACES. They are white, either polo shirts or long sleeve oxfords. Let Charlie know if you are interested. Raffle Prizes – Tom, KE4ULL Refreshments/Break Program: Butch Bussen, WA0VJR: demonstrated the various devices he uses in ham radio, reading and writing Braille, and his talking computer. He played a video that a TV station shot of him climbing a 40' tower to work on an antenna. This was a very informative and enlightening talk. Thank you Butch! Raffle: 2004 ARRL Handbook: Dave, KD7VA 2005 ARRL Repeater Directory: Art, K7ZE Wind Gauge: Larry, KE7CGQ Robber's Fire Batteries: Robert, KD7YSB Bill, WB0KSW Dave, KD7VA Dennis, N7HRO Joe, WH6CYB Richard, KD7DFC UHF Beam: Marc, KE7BPP 2004 ARRL Handbook: Randy, KH7PE 2005 ARRL Repeater Directory: Bob, KE7BPT Ham Study – Extra Class: Jim, KC7UXB Atomic Wall Clock: Fred "Turtle", KB2CT Computer and Monitor: Art, K7ZE ADI 2M Handheld: John, N7LWG Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM. ----------------------------------------- Treasurer's Report By Art Sheldon, K7ZE Beginning Balance $12,499.56 Total Deposits $ 678.00 $13,177.56 Expenses ARRL Renewal $ 93.00 Sprint $ 29.54 Notary $ 5.00 Refreshments $ 63.08 Dues return $ 20.00 Bar Stools SPWAY$ 129.86 Flowers-AA7ZW $ 64.50 Total Expense: $ 404.98 Ending Balance $12,772.58 ----------------------------------------- ARES / RACES - Monthly EC Report : Feb 05 By Charlie Kunz, AA5QJ Total of ARES Members: 180 COAD Meeting Feb 10 attended by Charlie Kunz AA5QJ, EC. Mike McKenna KD7YGU taught Incident Command System ICS100/200 Course on Feb 19 to 35 members. The exams are taken online and then certificates are then issued by the Dept of Homeland Security. IS-700 National Incident Management System is also being taken online. Those who did not attend the course are encouraged to take the courses online at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/crslist.asp. Rotunda Thunda Tabletop Exercise Feb 23. Charlie Kunz AA5QJ EC was the participant for ARES/RACES. Vern Garman K0EGA and Art Sheldon K7ZE were observers. The purpose of the simulation exercise was to train in the following emergency functions: • Response Under the National Incident Management System • Performance According to Local, State, and Federal Emergency Response Plans • Support Services Provided by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority • Communication Among Organizations The exercise, facilitated by Jim O'Brien, Clark County Emergency Manager, included the phases of Incubation (the period from the biological release to its recognition by authorities), Response and Recovery, and involved local, state, federal, military and volunteer agencies. Approximately 120 people were in attendance. The tabletop was preliminary to the full-scale exercise scheduled for July. Upcoming ARES/RACES Meeting CCGC – Mar 26 at 0900 ARES/RACES Meeting CCGC – May 28 at 0900 Rotunda Thunda 05 - Jul 12-14 2005 Operation Loaded Dice - Oct 5-6 2005 ----------------------------------------- Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure Tom Petrakis, KE4ULL Help Still Wanted!! to assist local ham radio operators in their support for this year's Susan G. Komen Foundation's, Breast Cancer Prevention, Las Vegas, Race for The Cure. The event will be held on Saturday morning, May 7, 2005. It includes a 1K walk & a 5K run. Last year's event realized over 11,200 participants! The event is held in the Downtown area of Las Vegas, around the Fremont Street Experience. We will need approximately 20 hams to assist us in providing this very critical support to this year's event. You should expect to arrive at a predetermined location (I'll advise you in a package I'll mail to you) prior to 6:30 AM. I have been advised that as part of the event's "use permits", they must be cleaned-up and gone from the area by 1 PM on Saturday. So you will be gone by somewhere around that time.. I need to know how many hams are actually available to assist in this effort. Those of you with spouses and/or others, please feel free to bring them along to enjoy the event and help out! Those of you, who indicate that you have motorcycle capability, will be vital to our success! With that many people in one area, a full-size vehicle will not be able to get where we need to go. Please plan on operating your motorcycle-mobile! If you have any questions, drop me an Email (tpetrakis@cox.net) or call me @ 368-6763. Thank-you again for your interest and I look forward to working again with each of you on this event. ----------------------------------------- Editorial Comment: By Gary Hartman, KK7LV Its time we talked about it. It is definitely high tech. It is the rage of most major corporations. We use it too but are we effective. I myself have been counseled about taking on too much. What we are discussing is Magnum Equalization and Electrostatic Compulsion of Man Power Equalization. If we were talking in terms I understand it would relate to Leveling the Load that this club carries. I look back over the last year, actually for several years and I see an unbelievable amount of activities and projects this club takes on. It is truly impressive. Has anyone noticed a familiar face that has not been around for awhile? Is there anyone who has not returned to membership lately? Is there someone you think may come into that category in the near future? If the answer to all three of these questions in not yes, you are only kidding yourself. I have to admit that I cannot possibly make every event, work every race, or man the Race Track every single time. But with effort and planning I can put some of these items in my planner. If everyone can do that we will have no problem staffing what we have and taking on some more. Since I am throwing this out, I want to tell you what it has meant for me personally. As I began to volunteer I learned more about the technical aspects of radio, communications, antenna's and all the fun gadgets and activities that go with this hobby. I have learned a lot of leadership skills, met a tremendous amount of people and have come to enjoy the social benefits of close association with a great bunch of people. For the members at large, the greatest thing we can do to provide continuation of the club and the opportunities that are afforded us, is to lighten the load of our club officers and committee chair's that have been doing the job for so many years. Volunteer. Work that NASCAR booth, work a race, help out on a committee. Please take a long look at the next article and see if there isn't something you can help with. I promise you, you are the one that will benefit. NASCAR is next weekend, lets make light the work with many hands. ----------------------------------------- Coming Events March 11-13 Speedway Fund Raiser – Sandy KD7WYD or Charlie AA5QJ March 26 Clark County ARES/RACES meeting CCGC 9:00 AM April 18 – 21 NAB Convention at Las Vegas Convention Center – Stan W7SLP April 20 Ham Reception LV Hilton 1800 April 23 – 24 Baker to Vegas Race May 7 Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure May 21 Tour de Cure ADA Bike Ride May 28 Clark County ARES/RACES meeting CCGC 9:00 AM June 25 - 26 Field Day July 12 – 14 Rotunda Thunda, Full-scale County Emergency Exercise October 5 – 6 Operation Loaded Dice ----------------------------------------- On the light side A man went to visit his 90 year old grandfather in a very secluded rural area of the state. After spending the night, his grandfather prepared breakfast for him consisting of bacon and eggs. He noticed a film like substance on the plates, so he asked his grandfather, "Are these plates clean?" His grandfather replied, "Those plates are as clean as cold water will get them, so finish your meal." That afternoon, while eating the hamburgers his grandfather made for lunch, he noticed tiny specks around the edge of his plate and a substance that looked like dried egg yolks, so he asked again, "Are you sure these plates are clean?" Without looking up from his hamburger, the grandfather said, "I told you before, those plates are as clean as cold water can get them. Now don't ask me about it again." Later that afternoon, he was on his way out to get dinner in a nearby town. As he was leaving, his grandfather's dog started to growl and wouldn't let him pass, so he said, "Grandfather, your dog won't let me out." Without diverting his attention from the football game he was watching on TV, his grandfather shouted, "Cold Water, go lay down." ----------------------------------------- Field Day By Golly Field Day is fast approaching. There is space for volunteers and participation is always welcome. There will be a signup list at the meeting for anyone who wishes to help in any way. This is a joint event with the other clubs in town but more importantly, it is a Ham event. Come out and support us, help us, and contribute your knowledge and talent to the event. There will be a pot luck dinner on Saturday evening and a breakfast provided for the hearty souls that stay out all night. Let's get some points this year and get recognized ----------------------------------------- 2005 Exam Schedule License examinations are given on the second Saturday of each month. There are a couple of evening sessions at a different location. Alternate locations are listed also. The black dates are daytime events. The orange dates are evening test sessions. The red dates are test sessions held in Pahrump. The green dates are test sessions in Overton. 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) Pahrump location is held at the Masonic Lodge Overton Exam see the map at www.lvhamtest.com 479 Rabee Court, 2:00 PM Time is 12:00 Noon Contact Ulla Hess, K6UDK at 702-397-2071 Please visit www.lvhamtest.com for updates, maps and further information. $14.00 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. More dates will be added as we receive them. March 12 April 9 April 16 May 14 June 11 July 9 July 16 August 13 September10 October 8 October 28 November 12 December 10 ----------------------------------------- LVRAC Contact Information President Charlie Kunz, AA5QJ aa5qj@arrl.net 334-1196 Vice President Bob Nelson, KD7UHG bobnelsonlv@aol.com 228-2216 Secretary Sandy Nelson, KD7WYD snelson@newgen.com 228-2216 Treasurer Art Sheldon, K7ZE k7ze@arrl.net 255-1074 Director Clifford Brink, W9CRB w9crb@cox.net 363-3031 Director Butch Bussen, WA0VJR butchb@shellworld.net 255-4388 Director Richard Stage, AB7ZI rvstage@yahoo.com 247-9424 Newsletter Editor Gary Hartman, KK7LV kk7lv@arrl.net 564-3792 Trustee Pat O'Gara, N7QE patogara@cox.net 804-6629 Public Information Frank Drake, KL7IPV kl7ipv@aol.com 838-3452 Librarian Shelly Holt, KD7HZK ersh@earthlink.net 642-6871 Webmasters Jamie Gorr, N3TOY n3toy@yahoo.com 233-2479 Charlie Kunz, AA5QJ aa5qj@arrl.net 334-1196 Net Controllers Howard Mark, K3HM hmark@earthlink.net 256-3662 Clayton Hughes, KB7PHB kb7phb@yahoo.com 365-9544 Bob Nelson, KD7UHG bobnelsonlv@aol.com 228-2216 Paul Paulsen, KA7GBE foxfire6@cox.net 260-7701 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 or pay by PayPal at www.lvrac.org. Las Vegas Radio Amateur Club P.O. Box 27342 Las Vegas, NV 89126 March 2005 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 March 2005