RADIO ACTIVE Newsletter of the Las Vegas Radio Amateur Club April 2005 Serving Las Vegas since April 1961 -------------------------------------- Leadership Message By Sandy Nelson, KD7WYD - Secretary Happy Spring Everyone! Can you believe it's already April? I cannot believe I've been asked to write the 'President's Corner' this month. I have no idea where to start. So I'll just jump in with both feet and hope they don't end up in my mouth! Just in case you've been hiding, out of town, or just ignore everything we talk about at the meetings and only come for the donuts….. The LVRAC Speedway Fundraiser was March 11 - 13, 2005. A terrific group of volunteers made it out in support of the club! 23 people worked some very long hours over the 3 days. We had 5 volunteers that are not Hams! They contacted us to see if they could help as they had worked in the booth in past years. How terrific is that?! It was a huge success. The speedway gave us the Beer Stand B-9 and a Beer Portable that was located on the midway. Both did as well or better than expected. There were limitations on the number of alcoholic beverages an individual could purchase this year and we were a bit nervous that it would affect sales. Friday was amazing! It's usually slower, giving us time to inventory and prepare for Saturday and Sunday. But, not this year! We were pretty busy from the time the gates opened until Levy came around to close us around 7:00 PM. So different from past years! Saturday and Sunday were awesome! And really gave us a run for our money so to speak! A couple of outstanding items to point out: Al Hartenstein, KC7NUK - the first tip! Again! Or should we just say, as always! Stan Perkins, W7SLP - in the refrigerator all weekend! Keeping everyone will stocked! Doug Jenks, NG1K - new to the club and out there Friday and Sunday! (He would have been there Saturday too, but he had to fly to Chicago on family business.) Stephen Goldman, N7JAZ - didn't hear back from me on when or where, sent a note to Charlie, and at the last minute got the details and made it out to help us on Saturday! Don Jaster, KA7GRU - was working all night at his 'real' job, then showed up to work with us!! Dave Friedman, N7CLU - taking on the running of the Beer Portable and making a huge success of it! (And sacrificing his H/T in the process!) And now for the important part: We took in $1223.50 in tips for the weekend! Oh! You want to know how much we sold? $87,655.00! And in the end we were not even short! This netted LVRAC a whopping $8100.96. Please take a moment at the next meeting to thank the following individuals; they all worked their tails off for the Las Vegas Radio Amateur Club: W1RO Jim Bassett N7LWG John Joseph Clement WB0KSW Bill Croghan N0CLU Dave Friedman K0EGA Vern Garman N6BG Byon Garrabrant N7JAZ Steven Goldman KC7NUK Alvin Hartenstein KA7GRU Don Jaster NG1K Doug Jenks AA5QJ Charlie Kunz N5RWD Terry Kunz K7RJM Bob Mathewson KD7WYD Sandy Nelson W7SLP Stan Perkins KD7JJH Bryan Smith AB7ZI Richard Stage AA7I Dan Starr WA2SOE Arnie Zelig Paul Cosio Bruni Cummins Claire Ludwig Nancy Tatom Elisha White There are not words to describe how thankful I am to those of you that came out and supported this effort. You really came through for all of us. The work you did will allow the LVRAC to provide radios for the students in Sully and Dave's school programs. It will also enable us to subsidize some fun building parties for the members. And it keeps our dues down at a level that is reasonable for all members. For those who did not come out this time, think about helping in the future. We are not going to find any other fundraiser that will provide so much for such a small effort on our part. It really is a fun place to be on NASCAR weekend. And we really do have a good time in spite of the work! Thanks for listening! I look forward to seeing you all at the meeting! Where did all the customers come from? -------------------------------------- Special Service Club Designation By Charlie Kunz, AA5QJ The Las Vegas Radio Amateur Club has been designated a Special Service Club by the ARRL! Special Service Clubs are those ARRL affiliated clubs that excel in their activities; those that go the extra mile to provide on-going training and support for the benefit of their community. Extraordinary groups that actively pursue all aspects of Amateur Radio: New Ham Development and Training; Public Relations; Emergency Communications; School Club Support; Technical Advancement; Operating Activities; Annual Reports, and more… We can be very proud of this special recognition. Thanks to our Treasurer, Art Sheldon K7ZE for preparing and submitting our application Congratulations and thanks to all of you for your participation and leadership in the activities that allow us to fulfill the requirements for this award. -------------------------------------- Secretary's Report By Sandy Nelson, KD7WYD Minutes of the General Meeting of the Las Vegas Radio Amateur Club Tuesday, March 8, 2005 Call to order 7:00pm 50 Hams were in attendance. 1 new licensee. 6 visitors. Welcome and Introductions - Bob Nelson, KD7UHG New Business (1): (This was addressed early tonight as there were special guests.) Silver State Races - Steve Waldman: Steve and his staff from the Silver State Organization came to discuss these events and ask for our assistance. He strongly stressed that he is available to answer any questions or issues that members have had with this event in the past. Charlie is coordinating with him for our club members. They will need 18 to 22 radio operators. They will cover our rooms and gas expenses, and provide hats and t-shirts. We are also invited to attend the Press Conference and BBQ Lunch on Thurs, May 12th @ 11:30 AM at Sam's Town. The race is held on Sunday, May 15th. Please let Charlie know if you are interested in participating. Reports: Secretary: Sandy, KD7WYD - The members attending approved February's Minutes from the Newsletter. Treasurer: Art, K7ZE - The members attending approved the February Treasurer's Report from the Newsletter. Repeater Committee: Art, K7ZE - Club repeater maps were available to the members. A map of the local repeaters is on one side and a frequency list is on the other. Trustee: Pat, N7QE - Tropicana antenna is falling apart, will need to be replaced. Newsletter Editor: Gary, KK7LV - absent. Librarian: Shelly, KD7HZK - Shelly is looking to move the library to a location closer to the center of town. She really feels that more members would take advantage of the materials if they were more accessible. If you are interested please let Shelly or one of the board members know. Comm Trailer Manager: Vern, K0EGA - absent. Bob reported that the trailer worked well for the Seed Rally event. Public Information Officer: Frank, KL7IPV - absent, sent word that there is nothing new to report. New Business (2): Issues with the Board of Directors - Bob, KD7UHG: It has been brought to the attention of the board that we are not open or friendly. We were not aware of this and we apologize. We were not aware that we are perceived this way and we hope that the members will continue to let us know. Please feel free to come to any of us with your suggestions and comments! Club Budget - Bob, KD7UHG: The budget was presented to the members for their review. The board would like the members to be thinking about what we would do for money if we stop fundraising at the Speedway. The Speedway has made some changes and we will no longer be guaranteed the prime stand (B-9) as we have in the past. Options could be finding other ways to raise money or raising the yearly dues. Our yearly expenses after we cut all the frills and fun stuff, the Holiday Party, Building Parties, refreshments at the meeting, etc), total around $5000.00. Special Service Club - Bob, KD7UHG: We have been certified as a Special Service Club by ARRL. The certificate has been received. A big "Thank You" to Art for getting all the information together and submitting the application on behalf of the club. Recycling of inkjet and laser cartridges- Bob, KD7UHG: We received our first check for the recycling, $57.11. Not bad for some old cartridges we were just going to throw away! Seed Rally - Bob, KD7UHG: Jamie, N3TOY, wanted to thank the club for the use of the trailer for this event. This was the 3rd year for this race. Those that participated had a great time. Thank you also to Jack, N8RRL, for the use of his yard to store the trailer. Old Business: LVRAC Shirts - Bob, KD7UHG: Shirts are available through the LVRAC website. If you ordered one in the original order, before the Holiday Party, please get with Bob to pick up your shirt. Café Press - Byon, N6BG: Check out the Café Press items - there is a link to this fun merchandise on the club website. Vests - Sandy, KD7WYD: Custom Clothier is still working on the vest order - we hope to have them by next month, (April). 5th Grade Class at Wengart Elementary - Sully, KC6GLD: Work is going great. The group in up on HF calling, "CQ, CQ, CQ". They are mapping their contacts and collecting QSL cards. In one month they have talked to 26 States! They are planning to install the 2-meter station during Spring break and will start on the Technician study when school resumes. After-School Program at the Middle School - Dave, WD6ZZY: They are up on 2-meter and making contacts here in the valley. When the weather improves they will install the HF antenna on the roof of the school. There will be 3 students testing for their licenses on April 9. Silent Key Program - Bob, KD7UHG: Bill, W6EIO, graciously took on the task of cleaning, testing, and selling Bud Potter's equipment. He has sold several items on QTH & eBay. We have also had a request from Bill Marple's wife for assistance with his equipment. NAB April 18-21 - Stan Perkins, W7SLP: Still need help on Thursday. Our booth is in the same location as last year. The Ham Reception is on Wednesday, April 20th. Elmer Program/Subject Matter Experts - Sandy, KD7WYD: Please let us know if you would like to be listed on the website as a Subject Matter Expert. Speedway March 11-13 - Sandy, KD7WYD: We still need more help! Please let Sandy know if you can help at the Speedway Fundraiser. An email was sent out to all the volunteers with the information on the credentials. Las Vegas Centennial Special Event - Bob, KD7UHG: There is a little time left to get something together for an event to coincide with the Centennial. Please let the board know if you are interested in chairing this event. Field Day - Gary, KK7LV: Gary was absent, but Fred, K9GAJ, spoke for him: Field Day is June 25 & 26th. Please sign up to work on one of the committees. This should be a great time! We are back at our old site in Sunset Park. Building Parties - Byon, N6BG & Bob, KD7UHG: There will be a Tiny Tracker building party on April 9th. The club will cover the cost of the Tiny Trackers. The board is negotiating special rates through AES for H/T's and GPS units. Please let Bob know if you would like to attend. Baker to Vegas, April 23-24: This is coming up and they will need assistance. Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, May 7th - Tom, KE4ULL: A sign up sheet was circulated for this event. We will not be shadowing the race personnel this year. The trailer will be located right behind the grand stand and highly visible! Tour de Cure, American Diabetes Association, May 21 - Howard, K3HM: A sign up sheet was also circulated for this event. (May is a very busy Ham month!) The Start/Finish has moved to Sunset Station this year, with the route staying basically the same. Announcements: Reminders: Club gets commissions for new ARRL memberships and renewals, sign up through the club. Thanks! LVRAC dues can now be paid through PayPal. ARES/RACES - Charlie, AA5QJ: Charlie was absent but sent the following reminders: ICS Course on Sat Feb 19 - very successful, 34 members attended Next Meeting: Sat 3/26 9AM at the Clark County Government Center Shirts: The logos were not up to par - they are re-doing them Refreshments/Break Program: Byon, N6BG, brought in several different robots that he and his son, Scott, KD7GMY, have built. They demonstrated many of them and explained how they are used in contests. (My personal favorite: Sumo Wrestling for Robots) Raffle: Batteries - Butch, WA0VJR Batteries - Stan, W7SLP Weather Station - Fred, K9GAJ Volt/Ohm Meter - Robert, KD7YSB Wire Ties - Robert, AA7NR Spotlight - Ron, N7NBA Weather Station - Bob, K7RVM Soldering Station - Bill, W6EIO Magnifying Glass with Clips - Dave, KD7VA Meeting adjourned at 9:15PM. -------------------------------------- Treasurer's Report By Art Sheldon, K7ZE Beginning Balance $12,772.58 Total Deposits $ 507.83 $13,280.41 Expenses Sprint $ 29.54 Refreshments $ 66.00 Postage-Re-issue $ 88.80 AES(Raffle Prizes) $232.05 Dues Return $ 20.00 Doc Protectors $ 13.95 Raffle Prizes $198.79 DMV $ 70.00 Newsline $100.00 Total Expense: $819.13 Ending Balance $12,461.28 -------------------------------------- Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure Tom Petrakis, KE4ULL Help Still Wanted!! 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. -------------------------------------- Invitation for "Family Ham Day" By Rico Santos, K9DOD On behalf of our club (Nellis Radio Amateur Club), we would like to invite you and your (LVRAC, ARES/RACES) members (including their families) to our Club Outing which will be held on April 30 (Saturday), at Alexander Villas Park near Las Vegas Blvd and Lamb Blvd. As most of us wanted to have a break up in the mountains just after the winter, we said to ourselves why not invite the other clubs - THE MANY MORE, THE MORE ENJOYABLE. However, the location we intended to use is inaccessible. I further checked other sites from Mt. Charleston area to Lee Canyon and all are still under snow. The snow in some places was as high as the roof of the picnic sheds. So we will stay in town. It will be nice to meet & talk to one another, and have our friends & families enjoy together, as one big family. This will be a nice get together prior to all the clubs most awaited Field Day event on June 25. This invitation will also be sent to FARS & AES, and we hope you & your members will be able to come to enjoy this day with us. Why not spend this one Saturday "family of hams" (April 30) together. To know the number of guests that are coming (RSVP), kindly send us a return email, familyofhams@yahoo.com by no later than April 20 (Wednesday). Or your members can send us a direct email and we can monitor the number of guests. As this will be a Pot Luck, everyone can send me an email and let me know who will be bring what food etc., so as not to have - let's say too many fried chickens or too many salads etc. Different activities will be held during the day. To make this event informative and educational, some of us will be bringing different antennas, different kinds of communications like APRS etc. and how they work etc. We will have someone show and educate us how to "Fox Hunt". For those who wish to bring their radio controlled cars and planes for children/adults to play, or kite flying, please do so. If anyone would like to bring anything to show us, they are encouraged to do so. Don't forget to bring your own folding picnic chairs etc. Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at the same email address. 73 -------------------------------------- ARES / RACES By Charlie Kunz, AA5QJ On March 26th a regularly scheduled meeting for Clark County ARES/RACES was held at the Government Center. The usual good attendance and participation was achieved. A new member who is also one of the CERT instructors from the Las Vegas Fire Department was in attendance and we welcome him. His name is Evert Wilson, W7EWW. Also in attendance was Gary Zabriskie, N7ARE, the president of the Dixie Amateur Radio Club in St. George, Utah. -------------------------------------- CERT Training By Gary Hartman, KK7LV A good representation of Hams attended a recent Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training session at the Las Vegas Fire Training Center on Mohave at Bonanza. Many more sessions are scheduled so contact me for further information. Or e-mail Rick Diebold to register at rdiebold@lasvegasnevada.gov. April / May Henderson Fire Training Ctr Wednesdays 6-9 PM Course #2005-07 April / May Las Vegas Fire Training Ctr Mondays 6-9 PM Course #2005-08 April / May Valley View Recreation Ctr Tuesdays 6-9 PM Course #2005-09 June / July Las Vegas Fire Training Ctr Tuesdays 6-9 PM Course #2005-10 June / July Henderson Fire Training Ctr Wednesdays 6-9 PM Course #2005-11 Many local Hams have already taken this training, and there is plenty of room for more. It is well worth your time not only for the community but yourself and family as well. CERT Training Class #2005-04 Gary Hartman, KK7LV; Vern Garman, K0EGA; Steve Goldman, N7JAZ; Lauriann Bradford, KD7UWE; Sharon Goldman, KC7TGG; John Rees, KD7QYB; Nicole, N7AQT and Ian, KD7IAN, daughter and son of Lauriann -------------------------------------- Coming Events 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 April 30 Family Ham Day - Rico Santos K9DOD May 7 Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure - Tom Petrakis KE4ULL May 14 Silver State Nevada Open Road Challenge - Lund to Hiko May 21 Tour de Cure ADA Bike Ride - Howard Mark K3HM May 28 Clark County ARES/RACES meeting CCGC 9:00 AM June 25 - 26 Field Day - Gary Hartman KK7LV July 12 - 14 Rotunda Thunda, Full-scale County Emergency Exercise October 5 - 6 Operation Loaded Dice -------------------------------------- 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. April 9 April 16 May 14 June 11 July 9 July 16 August 13 September10 October 8 October 28 November 12 December 10 -------------------------------------- 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 will be provided for the hearty souls that stay out all night. Lets get some points this year and get recognized. Now here is an example of a real neat guy that is ready for Field Day. Take it with you Frank. It is me, Frank, with the IC-706 backpack pedestrian mobile last Saturday (1 Apr 05). The backpack contains the IC-706MkII, a LDG auto tuner and a 12VDC 7AHr battery. The antenna is a dipole mounted Iron Horse 20 meter on the bottom with a Hamstick 20 meter on top. Back conditions were lousy when I was using it. -------------------------------------- Silver State Classic Road Races By Charlie Kunz, AA5QJ We are looking to provide support for at least half of the 14 communication points for the upcoming Silver State Nevada Open Road Challenge on May 15th. The race runs from Lund in White Pine County to Hiko in Lincoln County. We have just a month to get this organized, so call me today to volunteer. We will be reimbursed for gas, since it's a fair drive. Join with us - it's great fun and the only way to see a race like this. Full details on the Silver State series is at http://www.silverstateclassic.com. -------------------------------------- LVRAC Contact Information 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 Frank Drake, KL7IPV kl7ipv@aol.com 838-3452 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 Internet: http://www.lvrac.org/ Radio: 146.940 MHZ (K7UGE repeater) 448.500 MHz (K7UGE repeater) 146.730 MHz (QST machine)