HamSpeak

Field Day 2009 Pix

2009-05-18T17:08:00.000-07:00

Just thought you may want to take a look at the site.

FIELD DAY 2009 APPROACHES

2009-05-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

Tri-County is off to a great start for Field Day 2009. The site has been selected and reservations made for the camp sites. ARRL Field Day Locator has us on the map (K6AGF) and the first planning session is in the books. Watch this space for more details and photos.

Exciting January Meeting

2009-01-23T09:22:00.000-08:00

Entry into 2009 came with a bang, and then with some hesitation. As the new program guy for Tri-County, I was immediately faced with a calendar deadline unappreciated when I was president, after all, finding programs for the club was Jerry's job, and only now do I realize how well he did it.

I immediately jumped into the contact mode searching for programs. I contacted Marty Woll, N6VI, A.R.R.L. Southwest Division Vice Director, and was immediately greeted with the "can-do" attitude. Join TCARA in April for Marty's energetic program.

Searching the A.R.R.L. web page, I found several programs available for clubs. One on publicity was modified to help establish our 2009 direction..... went well and met with enthusiasm. A last minute e-mail from a member offered to present a project he had constructed. This was to be a preview only, but turned out to be a fantastic teaser for a full blown program-to-come in March. Finally, another late arriving member (SoCal trafic is sometimes cruel) asked to show the laptop linking to the new digital television offerings - which turned into a full Q&A on what is happening with television band allocations (there is benefit for six meters). WOW!

The meeting adjourned about 10:00 PM with great BUZZ in the hallways. Maybe this program chairman gig isn't as bad as feared. 73

Snow is for Fun..... Maybe!?!?!?

2008-12-19T09:02:00.000-08:00

This weeks snowfall in Southern California was absolutely beautiful. I say that as I write from a warm house where there is electricity (now) and is well stocked with food. I am able to get out to run errands as the snow has not come so far down the mountains that there is even a hint of white within miles of my home at this altitude.

But last night we lost power for ten minutes, stories hit the news indicating that there was so much snow that all north-south arteries into and out of SoCal were closed due tom snow and a quick glance at the distant white capped mountains made me wonder if there were any real snow made emergencies where amateur radio save the day? Have a story to share? Let me know and we'll tell the world.

THIS IS AFTER THE FACT, BUT THE NEED IS CLEAR.

2008-11-17T18:06:00.000-08:00

If the fire storms in Southern California over the last several days haven't been enough to inspire you to seek training in emergency communications, then maybe my suggestion that all amateurs NEED to have proper preparedness skills as part of their capabilities. Amateur radio and service in an emergency go hand in hand.

If any of my readers have would like to share experiences on this subject, please e-mail me at KC6NNV@arrl.net and I'll make sure that they get posted.

73,
KC6NNV, Brad Rachielles
President, TCARA

Shakeout

2008-11-17T10:28:00.000-08:00

I received the following e-mail from Carl Gardenias, ARRL Orange Section Manager and I feel it reflects the spirit of what amateur radio is all about. Printed in it's entirety with permission:

November 13, 2008

THE GREAT
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SHAKEOUT

I
started my work day at 7am in the morning knowing that today there is a drill
that could determine the lives of many. One week ago, I introduced by workplace
to the Great Shakeout and explained that this isn't just for our work place, but
for our homes. They were very supportive of the efforts that I was conveying and
we had a meeting with all 30 of the employees in our one little area today. I
passed out information on the Shakeout and many other websites to visit to
prepare their homes for a disaster.

At 10:00 am this morning, I flicked
the lights on and off and said "There is an earthquake, do you feel it", we need
to get under our desks, now." I was amazed at the response and participation of
all employees. I had also invited them to listen to my radio to hear the traffic
begin to be transmitted. We heard hospital groups, schools, some churches, and
we listened to SATERN. I, of course, checked in with my business participating
in the Shake out Drill.

Here is the kudos that came out of this drill
for me:

I educated my fellow co-workers on preventative measures in an
emergency/disaster

I educated them to amateur radio and our usefulness
as communicators in a disaster

I also got the interest of at least 4 out
of 30 to train for their technician licenses.

My boss is considering
allowing me to put a small station together in our office, WOW!
Cathy K6VC

In Orange County, while I was at work, I listened to the HDSCS group
communicate with each of her hospital teams. I listened to the RACES groups and
other emergency teams checking in throughout this drill. I also brought my radio
to work and my co-workers also listened to Amateurs pass traffic. They also were
impressed with our abilities to serve as volunteers in emergencies and disaster.
We would be interested in how you participated in this exercise and your
input on what you feel you might do differently the next time we have a drill. I
am interested in putting a newsletter out of all the areas that participated. A
short story, you might say of all who participated and gave their time as
volunteers.

Please email me: gardenias@verizon.net with your story.

All together, we heard from responders from San Bernardino, Riverside
and Orange (couldn't hear Inyo, but if you participated let me know)

73s
Carl Gardenias WU6D
Orange Section Manager
The Juiciest Section

--------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Orange Section
Section Manager: Carl H. Gardenias, WU6D wu6d@arrl.org

T.C.A.R.A. Meeting this Wednesday, July 9, 2008 Will Have a Recap of Field Day 2008 Among Other Agenda Items

2008-07-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday, July 9, the Tri-County Amateur Radio Association (TCARA) will have a recap of the just concluded Field Day 2008. Not only will we have photos of the event, but we will have a log of the activities, how we operated, location rundown, THE NUMBERS, what it takes to have several stations on the air at the same time SUCCESSFULLY and we are seaking solutions to some of the challenges that we faced. One member even suggested that we start planning Next Year's event right NOW...... maybe. This week we'll feature Starbucks Coffee and Don's yummy Chocolate Chip cookies.

Plan to attend for an energetic meeting!

Tri-County ARA Field Day Pictures Wanted

2008-07-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

Before the internet, we were known to through a party so that all could see the pictures of the last party. All though that's not a bad idea, we can get the ball rolling by sharing some here. I do invite you to send five or six of your best, most interesting, funniest or favorite shots to me at bbrachielles@eee.org . Please try to limit the size to under 200K each if you can as a thought. If you can't reduce the size, just send one or two of your favorites. Bunches received from Bob and Stephen already. Stephen, that panoramic was amazing.

Enjoy!

More to follow ! Keep those E-Mails Coming.

Now May Not Be The Best Time To Think About a Field Day Logging Program Purchase, BUT N3FJP Just May Have Software That You Need.

2008-07-03T16:28:00.000-07:00

Last night at the TCARA board meeting, one of the obvious topics was Field Day and critiquing everything, good, bad and ugly. There are still things to do before we can close this event, the log entries have to be submitted, requiring that we make sense of the hand written pages. Clearly, the manual way of doing this just is not going to happen, so Bob Meuller presented a slick piece of software that has all of the features to make this a simple task - N3FJP Field Day Contest Log.

Bob bought the program and gave a demo on the spot. It is clean, intuitive and well thought out. It checks for duplicates by band, allowing the same contact to be recorded on different bands worked, assigns points based on mode with CW getting two points and it keeps a running tally of the score. There are no detailed instructions (none are needed).

This was irresistible so I also ordered a copy from Scott Davis on his N3FJP web site, downloading it directly, paid my $6.00 through PayPal and within minutes had an e-mail back with the password to turn the limited edition into a full functioning unrestricted piece of software. There is even a version available for networking computers should we decide to bite the bullet in the future.

Of interest to all are the various other programs available of value to contesters.

Obviously I'm impressed and wanted to share this with all. If anyone else has another piece of amateur radio software that they like and feel that hams would appreciate, reply to this posting and I'll pass it along.

73
KC6NNV

Beautiful Site for F.D.

2008-07-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

NOT BAD HUH?

Field Day is in the books - Post 2

2008-07-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

Just thought all would get a kick out of a message sent to a member that was unable to attend. The e-mail has been slightly cut for brevity.

" We had a fantastic time. The campus was a wonderful location. The facilities were great. I made contact with Security mid day Saturday and have a bit of humor to share when you return (no problem certainly). Jack worked well with the La Verne P.D. and our group complied with their safety suggestions to park off of Bonita as best we could, and we had signage for the front windows of each car identifying participants.

For safety, we had perimeters marked w/ tape around antennas.

The weatherman cooperated with our efforts. The only rain experienced was from the ground up and we handled that successfully woth some buckets and coolers over the sprinkler heads. Apparently the controls for watering are handled by a private contractor and could not be adjusted or turned off. We had no problems as a result, and were actually semi prepared for such an event. Guessing where the sprinkler heads were was actually fun.

All in all, everyone had a great time. All pitched in fully. We had two HF voice & CW stations, 1 digital HF (PSK31) and a VHF/UHF Station.

Someone got way too much sun, (he will go nameless) probably because he was much closer to the sun than others.

My task is now to review the rules package and format the logs (hand written) to eliminate duplicates and submit to ARRL. We have a board meeting Wednesday to review and record the event and suggest improvements for next year.

Hope your trip is going well. We collectively wished that you could have been with us for this event. Were you able to sneak in a contact to us from your location? We were working everyone from Virginia to Maui to Canada. Fantastic propogation."

FIELD DAY 2008 IS IN THE BOOKS

2008-06-30T18:58:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of my Tri-County ARA friends and Field day guests for makng this a truly great Field Day. More will follow as I unpack and wind down.

Now, Please accept my wishes for a safe and enjoyable JULY 4th Holiday.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO FIELD DAY

2008-06-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

Have you thought about what it is that you want to accomplish during this event? There is something for everyone. I'd suggest that you get practice in logging, primary station operation, set up of stations, rubbing elbows with other hams to share experiences, work the GOTA station with new hams or those interested in becoming hams, Help with the food service...... it's your choice. Get involved.

Preparation for Field Day Continues

2008-06-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

Field Day 2008 is getting closer and our TCARA meeting last night was important. We covered some of the operating necessities, the logging details and the exchanges and how they are determined. Equipment is an ongoing and changing planning item so any and all help along those lines will be greatly appreciated. Please watch this space in the coming days and leave me a reply or use my contact information to leave me an e-mail or a call.

For those interested in more information, the following ARRL link will give you tons of information, articles, the all important "Field Day 2008 Package with all of the rules and regs: http://www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/fd/

This is a work in progress, so return here frequently starting mid next week for further details.

Field Day 2008 is in La Verne, CA

2008-06-09T18:05:00.000-07:00

No suspense. This year's field day site is on the campus of the University of La Verne in La Verne, CA. Our site is next to the chapel on Bonita between "D" and "C" Streets. For those unfamiliar with the area, we are just a block or so from a couple of restaurants, a donut/bagel/coffee shop and about a mile from some fast food restaurants.

Our site has abundant trees in the right places and wide open spaces , also in the right places. Mown grass, conveniences of ALL kinds in the immediate area.... the makin's of a fun time.

TCARA Field Day Site

2008-06-08T17:58:00.000-07:00

We have conducted field day from parking lots, hill tops, baseball fields, school buildings and assorted other locations over the years. Just thought you may enjoy seeing where this years exercise will be sited. Does anyone recognize the location?

FIELD DAY 2008 for TCARA

2008-06-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. The last full weekend in June is approaching. Fully licensed amateur radio operators from coast to coast are/have been planning for an exercise known as Field Day. While we pride ourselves on maintaining the ability to set up emergency communications in a heartbeat, sometimes our pulses slow just a tad and this annual test of our abilities is just the "spark" that picks up the tempo, renews our thinking about service in the face of emergencies, provides a platform for proving equipment and operator capabilities, and cements this community into one common cause, at least for a weekend. ( I think I left out the part about this weekend being a lot of fun too.)

If you are an experienced and serious ham, you already know the drill. You have a transmitter, antenna, cables, key and fully charged batteries and supplies in a dedicated case all ready to go to some out of the way hilltop where your signal will reach the "outside". You also have personal supplies to sustain yourself for an extended tour of duty if the going gets rough. You are READY to provide that vital communication link that restores the ability to provide life saving information and logistics that were destroyed by the flood, earthquake or other disaster that we all hope will never come, but is eventual.

The preceding is the goal, but today's field day varies substantially in that clubs sometimes prepare for months to set up this communication link in fine style. Comfortable locations are sought, meetings held to determine who will bring what equipment, multiple stations are organized and menus for this 24 hour event are planned. Once all of the preparation is done, then what........

Certainly, nobody wants a real emergency during Field Day. Besides, how do you schedule an earthquake or a tornado for this specific weekend? So, to add a degree of urgency to the mix, all of these amateurs nationwide are asked to start setting up these emergency stations at an appointed hour (1500 UTC). Three hours after that, all embark on a communications contest (with very specific and detailed rules) to see who can make the most radio contacts between stations, thus proving the abilities of the electronics and the operators.

For 24 hours, each operator or group seeks unique stations with which to exchange information. Various modes are used: voice, Morse code, digital exchanges and satellites. Bands from 160 meters to microwaves. Stationary land, land mobile, marine mobile, backpack portable and conceivably even rail mobile stations could all possibly be on the air. Power for these transceivers will come from batteries, portable gas generators, photo cells, some commercial power (by those who just want to participate on the fringe of the exercise)...... at the extreme, hand crank generators have been known to be used.

So, if you see strange looking masts, antennas, wires, tents, tables with radios, people with earphones, table lanterns, microphones and unusual equipment in local parks, school campuses, parking lots, fields and other public places on June 28th and 29th, please stop by and ask a ham to show you the operation. This is all preparation for what we hope will never come..... but amateur radio operators ARE prepared to serve the community.

WE ARE ALL ABOUT COMMUNICATION

2007-10-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

Since being licensed in 1990, I've fealt that hams were masters of communication, had the gift of gab, were willing to share information in a constructive vein and had a mission to demystify all of this technical stuff so that more and more people could/would use and enjoy the hobby/service.

This perception has not changed.... we are doing these things and in many different ways ie. club programs, elmering, QSOs on the air and web pages loaded with great information. We have abundant resources available from the ARRL and untold numbers of publications on almost any topic of interest to hams. For the most part, we have embraced other technologies such as e-mail and even You Tube.

The one communications vehicle that we could find very helpful, and, according to my search this morning, is sparse at best, is the web log, a.k.a., the "BLOG". For the uninitiated, blogs are similar to special interest newspapers, but on the web. They are filled with everything from editorial comment on the subject of the blog to current stories, news, how to articles, biographicals and more...... all written and instantaneously published by people with great information, ideas or needs for information.

"HamSpeak" is offered for this purpose. YOU have a forum to comment on your amateur activities, events du jour in your club, spread the results of your use of technology to all hams, elicit help from the whole world of amateurs, find someone with similar interests and contribute your unique "take" on any amateur subject.

My challenge: find ways to use this medium too...... or is this just a danger to amateur radio, replacing the QSO with another method?

REMEMBERING 9/11

2007-09-11T09:19:00.000-07:00

Remembering those who died in the attack on our country on September 11th, I digress from the intended upbeat nature of this blog to incourage all to fly your American flag today in reverence and in support of those brave American service people who have lost their lives fighting for Freedom both for America and as a basic right of humanity around the world. Memory of the lives that they lived has not been forgotten.

God Bless America!

What Are the Best Programs Your Club Has Had?

2007-09-06T00:08:00.000-07:00

The title asks it all. I'm looking for the very best of the best. Those programs that even drew non-members to your meeting. Programs that are still being talked about months afterwords. Maybe 14 slides of the same group standing on a beach is impressive to some, or maybe the tale behind the slides was so captivating, or important for an understanding of a valuable lesson. Those presentations are fine ..... but what I'm after are Award Winning, none better, leave-em wanting more caliber programs. I'm looking for feedback..... Maybe other clubs will benefit from this one too.

If only there were a "peoples choice (read this as "hams choice") award" for the best program. But what would we call it? The Maxim-us..... The QRM award (QRM is already taken by our club's newsletter)...... what? and how will it be judged?

For now, it looks like we're just going to have to let this idea percolate.

Careful now. This question begs the reciprocal question that maybe we don't want to hear answered. This could prove embarrasing if ......

AMATEUR RADIO at the L.A. County Fair

2007-08-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

The L.A. County Fair is approaching again, and amateur radio will again hi-lite our capabilities each weekend through displays and demonstrations. The fair starts September 7th and continues through the month.

Joy Matlock (KD6FJV) is again coordinating this sizable effort and the call is out for local clubs to support this effort. Having participated in this event last year, I can personally assure all organizations that it is 1.) an effort to line up the manpower and presentation for your club (but not nearly as much as field day), 2.) you will meet untold numbers of curious people who have absolutely no idea of what we're all about, and 3.) participants will have a blast with lots of time available for operating, practicing new and old skills and "shmoozing".

Clubs interested should follow this link for more information - ASAP!

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR - Sometimes More!

2007-08-23T18:01:00.000-07:00

Very few are blessed to have a career in amateur radio. We make our livings some other way. I'd venture to say that a good share of us do things to improve our career skills from time to time. Last year I traveled to Chicago from the L.A. area to attend a seminar that was highly touted to make me the best. I would leave there better prepared to meet the challenges, sell more, defeat the competition, make all the pieces fit and I'd hit my goals and much more. This three day seminar was hosted by industry experts. I'd rub elbows with the best in the industry and share ideas from all over the nation. There would be practical things and new skills too that I could take home and use right away.

Certainly, $550 is not too much to expect to pay for such an opportunity.... oh, and the expenses were incidental, just $400 for airfare, $130 a night at a downtown hotel, combined $100 limo for here and there. Several of the meals were included in the seminar price. Not bad for what I got out of the seminar.

What's the tie-in to amateur radio you ask? Simple, we hams have exactly the same opportunity presenting itself to us this September in Torrence, CA. We are being given the chance to improve our amateur radio skills by traveling to a much touted event that inevitably improves our skills, helps make all of the pieces fit, and you will be able to accomplish your communication goals much more easily. During this event, you will be able to rub elbows with some of the best in the service, share ideas with fellow amateurs from all over the region (maybe nation). There will be practical things and new skills that you can take home and use right away too. I'm talking about HAMCON 2007.

Certainly, $20, $30, $40 or even $50 is not too much to spend on registration, a couple of meals and some gas to attend the west coast biggest Amateur radio event.

If this seems like an ad for a convention - so be it! I am personally sold on this event. I've seen the inner workings of past HAMCON convention organization, preparation and presentation. Realizing that all of this is done by amateurs (hams that produce a really professional looking event) is amazing. I will support this effort unashamedly ... even if it does appear promotional ( in a non-profit kind of way)! Click the HAMCON 2007 link at the left. See you in Torrence.

A Thought for ELMERS

2007-08-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.

Care enough about the service to Elmer a new ham.

Amateur Radio PROJECTS GALORE

2007-08-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

Amateur radio practitioners are some of the most giving people known. They share their time to help those in need (emergency communications), mentor others with lesser skills and dive in to experimental projects and publish openly. They teach new hams about the science of electronics and radio theory and generally aspire to set high standards of practice when involved in their craft.

Mostly, they are resourceful people and have learned how to convert small piece parts into invisible radio waves - successfully.

Admittedly, if the wherewithal is there to buy the latest "gizzywhatsit", many would opt for the professionally manufactured, tested and easy to assemble or connect ready to use product. Bam - you're in operation. BUT, many will prefer the satisfaction of "home brewing" their equipment, especially amateurs new to the service.

One of the best sites to learn of these projects (and much more) is the web page of AC6V. Especially interesting is the section on antennas, seemingly the category of home brewing that most hams have practiced. Not only are there projects listed by band, but by type of antenna wanted. There is theory and construction details. There are basic as well as intricate projects. It is obvious that this compendium has been compiled over time and even updated this month. This site is well worth your time.

Kudos to AC6V!

NOBODY'S Perfect Missing Link

2007-08-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

In one of the first posts, you were directed to click on a link to find an Amateur Radio Club in your area. The word was there, but link was not established. Wish I could find someone else to blame, but ....... Here it is! Click Amateur Radio Clubs and go direct.

So, WHERE AM I?

2007-08-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

You are reading this and the left margin says that I live in DM14. Where? Certainly this must be a typo. It certainly doesn't look like any city name that you've read before.

Actually, this is more HamSpeak and is a short reference to a particular and unique grid square that pinpoints my location to a section of Southern California....... not a city, but close enough. The system of grid squares greatly facilitates communication when short messages are appropriate such as contests, CW contacts and when atmospheric conditions are poor at best.

The grids have "alpha" designations (ie. the "DM"), and each major alpha block is broken up into numeric subsections (the "14"). There are several sources for maps showing these divisions, one of which is from ICOM. This link will present a .pdf file for printing. Several of the equipment manufacturers have resources just for the amateur and are well worth exploring.

So, if you are in the area let's get together at the next TCARA meeting.
73,
Brad, KC6NNV

ELMER - MENTOR - COACH

2007-08-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

The 2007 changes in licensing by the FCC have created a significant surge in the number of licensees. QST Magazine even ran a photo of the tubs of applications being processed. This is great for the service, BUT, it also suggests that there are many new amateurs that haven’t got a clue about the many intricacies, practices, technology or capabilities of amateur radio. They need help BIG TIME.

The very best advice for these hams is to join the American Radio Relay League. This organization is dedicated to all aspects of this wonderful service/hobby and is a must if you want to get real enjoyment and satisfaction from your privileges.

For decades, knowledgeable hams have stepped up and become mentors (Elmers). Without my Elmer, I’m certain that my interest would have fallen off given the nature of the beast. If you are a newbee, you need a coach – mentor – Elmer. Trust me! The best way to find one of these giving individuals is to go where they go, be in the company of these enthusiasts and immerse yourself in their activities. Join a club!

Find these groups by asking questions on the airwaves, or follow this link to the ARRL listing of affiliated clubs and use their web page to find the organization best suited to your needs and in your area.

Let me know of your success, and maybe even brag a little about a really great group that you have found.

Let the good times roll.

IT'S A START!

2007-08-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

The urge to blog has hit me, partially because of its use in business, and partially because I was either not successful in finding really great blogs for amateur radio practitioners, or it may certainly have something to do with my experience with the medium. There may be some great ham blogs out there. When found, I will link to them graciously if I share your opinion.

What can be said, is that the medium has a lot of power to communicate with a great many people who are comfortable with today’s technology, who share a common interest and are looking for a way to make their ideas, experience and enthusiasm a benefit to those who might either be inclined to read “ham radio for idiots” books, or to exchange ideas with peers on higher plane. Blogging has the potential to be a service tool beyond our expectations, and isn’t that what amateur radio is really all about?

That said, this inaugural post is short and sweet. It is intended to solicit your participation, expertise and enthusiasm for the building of community, for the young and old, technician to extra, DXer or VHFer, experimenter, builder, CW enthusiast, satellite user or any other licensed Amateur.

This blog is presented on a simple, free blogging site that does not have a lot of bells and whistles, but I will find a way to get your contributions (intellectual contributions, questions and input that is) on this site if appropriate. Hopefully, this will grow into something that will benefit all amateurs. Let the good times roll!