AN00020_.WMF (6254 bytes)

S.H.A.R.C. BYTE NEWS
MAY 2001 ISSUE

radios in a line

MINUTES

Southern Humboldt Amateur Radio Club
Minutes of April 24, 2001


President Leland Smith (W6CLG) brought the meeting to order at 1900 hours.

The following members were present:

  • Warren Bell Vice President W7GDW
  • Jack Foster Treasurer KM6TE
  • Jerry Wilson Secretary KF6IBP
  • Gladys Smith KD6IBF
  • Todd Barton KF6KBX
  • Ron Aronson KF6IBO
  • Kim Cabrera KG6BFO
  • Cliff Banfill KE6VDE
  • Brian Sargent KG6FOJ


AGENDA: accepted as presented


PREVIOUS MINUTES: A correction to the March 27, 2001 Minutes The county wide drill will be May 11 not May 5. Approved as corrected.


TREASURER'S REPORT: There is $667.06 in the Savings Account and $588.08
in the Equipment Fund. There are 30 Paid up members.


COMMITTEE REPORTS:


OLD BUSINESS: Election to fill Board vacancy Kim Cabrera KG6BFO, being the only nominee, was unanimously elected. Redwood Coast Amateur Radio Convention will be held at the Ferndale Fair Grounds June 23 and 24, 2001. There will be a Banquet and a Speaker. Jack requested that
members donate their unwanted equipment to SHARC for selling at the Convention to help our bank balance. The Club will be setting up a table to sell this equipment and Jack would like some one to help him at the table. Smitty volunteered. Newsletter Cory found some one to print the latest issue but did not respond to Jack's suggestion about the Club having its own printer. No further action at this time except to not mail the News letter to those who have said that they would read it on the web site or have asked Kim to send it to their e-mail site CDF V.I.P. Steve Grill KF6WLH was scheduled to bring in some information tonight but he had a conflicting meeting and could no make it Jerry once again asked for volunteers but most of those present had other commitments for the times that the V.I.P. Hams would be called out. To review the program; it involves patrolling the back country and reporting smoke during high fire danger times. There may be more need this summer and fall since it seems we are in a bit of a drought this spring. Grasshopper lookout will not be in operation. Jerry has the application forms and will be trying to contact other hams to help out. One requirement is that one must attend the CDF defensive driver class up in Fortuna. There will be one Monday April 30 and another May 2. Other classes are planned for the future. (Editors note: If you missed the classes at CDF there will be more at HSU and ant the CCC facility) The next regular V.I.P meeting is May 15 from 7 to 9 PM in Fortuna.


NEW BUSINESS:  None


OPEN FORUM: Some more discussion about how to print and distribute the newsletter.


DOOR PRIZE: Kim won a pair of multifunction pliers.


ADJOURNMENT: 19:35 Hours


Respectfully submitted J.R.Wilson (KF6IBP), Secretary


running dalmation JUST KEEP TRYING! little radio

As I walk through life I look for axioms by which to live. I can't help think of the above statement. It fits so many situations in life and survival. It also should be a motto for any ham.

I like to try new aspects of ham radio, but find the most challenge comes not from talking on radios, but rather the preparations that come from running net control for an event. Be it a disaster such as an earthquake, flood, fire, or a planned event any of these examples fit this category.


This weekend I have the honor and privilege to be net control for the Avenue of the Giants Marathon.
The list of ham communicators has been compiled and double-checked. Maps with the checkpoints listed, with tactical call signs, and rough Lat./Longs for each checkpoint have been printed. The "Communications" banner has been printed as well.


The cellular phone has been loaded with a phone list of important phone numbers in case clarification or other information is needed. I will have contacted the race director, and have the extra radio programmed with the frequencies of the emergency agencies that will be working other aspects of the race.


Still there is no way that I have thought of every contingency. I've had plenty of mentors such as Dan Gribbi, WD6AOJ, and I have learned much from him and other veteran communicators. Does that mean I am prepared? No! One can never be completely prepared. There will be situations that aren't of the normal variety.


Will I have a critique sheet ready for ideas and observations ready the day of the race? YES! Thanks to Dan, I know the critique sheet to be one of the best ideas as it helps me feel better about any oversights.


Am I nervous about running such an event? I would worry if I were not! This is a normal emotion and should not hold one back from the all-important move in life! JUST KEEP TRYING! As Del Ferret, W6KOZ, said so aptly, "There are no mistakes, just learning experiences!"


I want to thank the heroes that take time to provide what others cannot. These civic-minded individuals provide public safety and emergency communications in an area that is still without reliable cellular phone coverage!


So I tip my hat and salute, not the first person across the finish line (though a personal triumph), but those who help in so many ways. Donating their own precious time to drive to this semi-remote area and come prepared to help make this a safe and successful event makes them heroes.
This year's ham heroes are as follows:

  • Earl, KE6PAQ
  • Nancy, KF6GAW
  • Del, W6KOZ
  • Jon, KG6EFB, (Del's Son) and his wife Rosemary
  • Kim, KG6BFO
  • Doug, KD6EGJ
  • Les, KE6KKJ and wife Betty
  • Don, KN6ZW
  • Merlin, WJ6P
  • Annetta, N6MIX
  • Brian, KQ6HR
  • Laurel, KE6VMT


Next few months are busy months for hams that "Just keep trying!" This time of year is chock full of opportunities to challenge your own ability to overcome fear, and hone your skills as a good emergency communicator. Thanks everyone for helping!

-Cory, KN6ZU


MARATHON AFTERTHOUGHTS!!!


The weather was picture perfect, the crowd was poised for a great day in the State Park on the Avenue of the Giants! I showed up and checked in with the race coordinator, told her that I had a cellular phone that was getting signal. She promptly had need for the phone! Whew! I am very glad that I brought it! There was a logistical problem with the "Green Booths!" Out of paper! Not good after a long run!


I started the Net with a dedication to Les, N6AFT (SK) who built the VIP/CDF Grasshopper repeater. The 147.330 repeater worked flawlessly!


I stopped by the Eureka Volunteer Police Dept and confirmed the frequency they would be using. 154.950Mhz. (Tac 2) Next stop was to the first aid tent where I got the "tac frequency" (tac 7-151.340) that Weott Volunteer Fire was using.


This proved invaluable as I had access to those frequencies via a King "commercial radio." As many know one can "modify" a ham radio to transmit on those frequencies, but you are not allowed to transmit on a non-commercial radio (ham radio) without an emergency as outlined in the FCC Rules.
Still most ham radios can be "modified" and there is no rule against being prepared for a life or death emergency.

Laurel (KE6VMT)

Laurel (KE6VMT)
Ham of the Month
for cheerfully, with great diction, announcing the
 name, hometown, and an encouraging "extra statement" for over 1100 runners!!!

The amazing part was being able to watch Merlin, WJ6P, Annita, N6MIX, Brian, KQ6HR, and Laurel, KE6VMT work at the finish line! They used their own tactical simplex frequency.(146.420) Merlin and Annita would read the numbers off the runners shirts and relay them to Brian who would enter the number into a laptop PC that would give information about each runner!

The astounding part would take place when Laurel would announce over the PA or Public Address system, the name, location, and some encouraging statement to each person that was near the finish line! She did this for over 1100 runners!!! Each time was with a crisp, clear, voice with enthusiasm! WOW! That was something I challenge anyone to pull off! I just stood there and listened in admiration! Without these people this event would have been much less!


Doug, KD6EGJ, would pull my leg occasionally just to keep my gullible reputation intact! Hi! Information flowed smoothly from all the "checkpoints" where there were hams. As net control I looked good because of the team I was lucky to have.


It was a great day in the sun. A slight breeze picked up by noon. I did find a bit of difficulty changing from saying, "KN6ZU" versus "VIP 35" to clear when talking to hams verses Weott Fire, but was good practice for me. At least I didn't have to use my 11 meter system and use "Puma" as well! Hi!
On the critique side of things, I could have added S.H.A.R.C. to the "Communications" banner, but I did have a shark on it! Hi! I will decide whether to use tactical station calls that are geographic such as "Weott aid station 2" verses "Mile post 7".


Next year I will try to tie in with the State Park personnel and get the tactical frequency for them as well. We did have one idiot blow past traffic control and take off down the "closed road." Luckily no major injuries occurred, but had there been, City Ambulance was on scene. (463.000Mhz)
The CCC or the California Conservation Corps volunteered with traffic. They are always a pleasure to work with on this event.


Gay Gilchrist, race coordinator, said it was the 30th annual race. She surely keeps her cool under pressure! All in all a great day! Thanks to the safety provided by the tireless efforts of the ham community and other agencies we can expect to have as much fun next year!


By the way we have been asked to provide communications for the marathon in the fall held on October, 21st. I hope that I have as great a team as I had on this event!


Thanks Thanks Thanks
Cory KN6ZU

"HAMS"

UPCOMING EVENTS


The month of May is full of ham activities! If we have a disaster, the practice, skills, and testing of equipment will have a profound effect on our performance in a disaster. Without "training," we will become part of problem and not part of the solution.


Do you know the international version of the phonetic alphabet? How about the "police version?"
Are you prepared with a "go bag" that would sustain you for a few days on the road if you were called to help outside your home area? These are things you can "develop" by attending a few ham events in which we are called upon to communicate.


The Tour of the Unknown Coast on May 12th is a 100-mile race that has amateur radio communicators along the entire route. Talk about a grueling race with its helicopter rescues, mechanical breakdowns, and racers dropping out of the race. It is the responsibility of hams to provide accurate information for the support teams. Contact Don, KN6ZW


The Kinetic Sculpture Race (one of the best-planned disasters! Hi!) is one of my favorite events! This mad-capped event is a plethora of changes. It takes place over the Memorial Day weekend.
Yes, there can be rain, wind, sun, fog, all in a ten-minute span! Yes, it lasts all three days! Yes, bring your raincoat, mosquito repellent, sunscreen and all your energy as you will need them and more.
Contact Irma Ruegg, KF6FY or Jim Ruegg, KA6OQJ, on 146.760 repeater system or call 826-0727.


The newest event in the fray is Paddle to the Headwaters Canoe Marathon! This event occurs on May 27th at 7:30a.m. There is a need for communicators to ride along in the "chase boats!" This is one of the few times you will see power-boats on that part of the river! This event will require the use of a high power HT with an extended length antenna or better. Communicators are needed at the start of the race near the Dyerville Loop Bridge and other places as well as on the "chase boats."
Contact Jim, WB6ZLE, on 146.760 repeater system or call 725-2288.

 

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