470 News Letter / Ham Radio Today june 22, 2008

Hello again and welcome to this weeks news letter..

Hope that everyone was able to participate in the Kids Day 2008,

or at least be able these great kids taking part in Ham Radio..

A Special Thanks to WB4GBI Time Berry for the use of his repeater

system between 1800- 2400 Zulu for the local kids to participate in the

in the Kids Day Event, Don't forget the link to also get your Kids Day

Certificate a great 8x10  .........OK now lets continue with the news letter..

 

First Boyd , KB4STE wife Judy, is doing better after finding out that she is a

Diabetic, her sugar level went to 1400 plus but was told Saturady eve

that it was down to 200 and that it would hopefully be lower and under control

shortly.. Our Prayers are with Boyd and Judy. Also KD4QXL Harold Gibson, has returned

home and doing better ,he sent a  e mail thanking everyone who called, or stopped by to

see him at the hospital, Welcome Home Harold !!! and hope that your enjoying that 1802 my friend, our prayers are also with you.....

 

 

 

Interested in doing a special event with a 1x1 call ,here's how:

The Special Event Call Sign System meets the needs of amateur operators for temporary operation of their stations during events that are of special significance to the amateur service community.� A Special Event Call Sign is an amateur station call sign with a one-by-one call sign format that may be reserved for assignment to stations operating in conjunction with these short-term events. The FCC has authorized the use of one-by-one format amateur radio station call signs for use during events of significance to the amateur community. Here is what the FCC has to say about One-by-One special event call signs. A special event call sign aids amateur radio operators in calling attention "on-air" to their participation in the event as well as helping to bring notice to the event. Examples of the use of one-by-one call signs by amateur stations include a wide variety of celebrations such as conventions, festivals, dedications and anniversaries ...even local events qualify. A one-by-one call sign consists of a single prefix letter (K, N, or W), the region number (0 to 9), and a single suffix letter (A to Z, except the letter X). There are 750 such call signs. Amateurs of any license class may reserve a 1x1 call sign for up to 15 days. Once you reserve the call sign, you simply substitute the self-selected 1x1 call sign for your FCC-assigned call sign. Be sure to read the 1x1 call sign Frequently Asked Questions. A One-by-One Database has been established so that you can determine which 1x1 call signs are available during specific dates. Coordinators have also been selected by the FCC to approve and post 1x1 call sign reservations to the database. Request Your One by One Callsign Online At the EOC meeting in Sevierville on Thursday N6EST Harvey had brought up some interesting comments about WinLink, I looked up and found interesting so I  thought that I would pass along to everyone else to take a glance at.... Hope that you all find interesting also....... http://www.winlink.org/ Get Started Using Winlink 2000 There are a number of ways to get to started using Winlink 2000 radio e-mail. If you are without a local teacher or mentor, we suggest you follow this general approach: First, you need an amateur radio license to use this system. See the amateur radio licensing authority in your country for information. If you live in the USA, go to this site: http://www.hello-radio.com Next, create an account on this web site to get access to software, tutorial files, and additional help. Click Login and then Create new account. Check out "Winlink for Dummies". This course will take you step-by-step through downloading and installing client software, establishing your WL2K e-mail account, and using the software to send and receive messages using the internet and without a radio. When you feel comfortable with the software, you can move ahead with connecting your radio and TNC/modem, and going on the air. Join the wl2kemcomm e-mail group at Yahoogroups.com. There are hundreds of Winlink users there willing to help you at every step. Browse through the Winlink 2000 FAQ. Many questions have been asked and answered before! Use the search tool (upper right of every page). Simply enter key words and click 'Search'. Easy Transfer Cable For Windows Vista, Thank Bill N4BHK for the information !! http://belkin.com/support/product/?lid=en&pid=F5U258&scid=1 What is Windows Transfer Cable,Click Below http://belkin.com/support/article/?lid=en&pid=F5U258&aid=6201&scid=1 Check Out The East Tennessee-Ratpack Newsletter Blog, Thanks Moe!! A place to check out previous news letter's and current weather conditions for the area.. http://etskywarn.org/ratpack.html   Lightning Protection & Station Grounding Lightning and static protection is something that should be high on your list of priorities. The buildup of a powerful static charge that can be caused by wind, lighting, man-made sources, etc., can be detrimental to the delicate electronics of your amateur radio gear. A couple of good products that bleed off static surges of this type are offered by the compainies Alpha-Delta Communications and PolyPhaser Corporation and can prolong or even save the life of your equipment many times over. After the initial cost (around $50), the replacement arc-plugs are about $10 each, which is a small price to pay to protect hudreds or even thousands of dollars worth of radio equipment.This does NOT mean that you should operate your equipment during a storm. The best way to ground your antennas is through the use of a coax switch like this Alpha-Delta model. Allow me to explain how this switch works. First of all, it acts as an antenna switch. You can use it to switch between two or four different antennas (depending on the model), and it has a COMMON setting which effectively disconnects the transciever from the antenna(s). The Alpha-Delta brand coax switches also have the arc-plug surge protection built in, meaning you won't be needing a seperate Transi-Trap or similar item. The way this particular model is installed is as follows: The switch will mount to a wall or similar sturdy surface. You will connect a ground strap going from the ground-rod to the shiny (unfinished) mouning hole on the switch. Now you have effectively grounded your antenna switch. When a static buildup is on the feedline, it will be instantaniously be transferred to the ground via the arc-plug. To select the antenna you want to use, simply put the switch in the position of the antenna you want to use. When not using your equipment, set the switch to the common position, which disconnects your radios from the antennas, which are now isolated from your equipment and well grounded. Occasionally you will need to replace the arc-plug after it gives it's life doing it's duty. Agan, $10 for a replacement arc-plug is a small price to pay to keep your expensive and delicate equipment protected. Lighting can travel through the power lines and fry your equipment that way too. Unplug your equipment from the wall if you do not have a good quality surge protector. I can't tell you all the times I have seen fireballs shoot out of the electrical outlets of my home and shoot across the room, disipating in the air. It does not take a direct strike to cause this, a near strike can also cause this phenomina. Imagine what would happen to any equipment plugged in that is not protected by a good surge protector! I reccomend a surge protector such as the Isobar ISOTEL6ULTRA by Tripp-Lite which not only protects the supplied outlets, but also the telephone line. This particular surge protector also has isolated filter banks which serve to isolate your equipment from any EMI/RFI in the electrical lines. Something else you should do (or have done) is make sure the electrical wiring for your place of residence is properly grounded. If it isn't have a certified electrician come out and do the the job properly. Improperly grounded electrical wiring in your house can be a major cause of RFI, and also is a potential fire hazzard. Proper station grounding is also an essential part of keeping RF out of the house. The last thing you want is for RF to build up in your equipment. Not only can this get into your transmitted signal, but it can also jump out and bite you when you least expect it, by just touching a metal surface that is energized with it. Don't let this happen to you, ground your station properly. RF burns are very painful! Do not daisy-chain your equipment together, this is bad for causing unecessary RFI problems. Instead, make as short a run as possible from each piece of equipment directly to the ground-rod. If you use a grounding plate, mount it directly behind your equipment and run your ground straps from the equipment to it. Then run a heavy ground strap from the ground-plate to the ground-rod. Something to note about base station grounding is that if you are going to use a mobile radio for base station use, you might have to make your own ground connection. Most mobile radios do have a dedicated ground lug, and manage to ground themselves through both the negative power wire, and some also use the rf-shielding of the coax to an extent. This is fine for mobile instalations, and should be for base station use also, provided that your power-supply is properly grounded. If you experience RF problems, try running a ground strap to the mounting bracket (provided it is metal), as this will help to properly ground the radio's chasis.    A Vet's Second Opinion           A man runs into the vet's office carrying his dog,  screaming for           help. The vet rushes him back to an  examination room and has him           put his dog down on  the examination table.  The vet examines the           still,  limp body and after a few moments tells the man  that his           dog, regrettably,  is dead.   The man,  clearly agitated  and not           willing to accept  this, demands a second opinion.  The  vet goes           into the back room  and comes out  with  a cat  and puts the  cat           down next to the dog's body.  The cat sniffs the body, walks from           head to  tail poking   and sniffing  the dog's  body and  finally           looks at the vet  and meows.  The vet looks at  the man and says,           "I'm sorry, but the  cat thinks that your dog is  dead too."  The           man is  still unwilling to accept that his dog  is dead.  The vet           brings in a black labrador.  The lab sniffs the  body, walks from           head to  tail, and finally looks at the   vet and barks.  The vet           looks at the man  and says, "I'm  sorry, but the  lab thinks your           dog is dead too."                The man, finally resigned to  the diagnosis, thanks the  vet           and asks how much he owes.                The vet answers, "650 dollars.                "650 dollars to tell me my dog is dead?" exclaimed the man.                "Well," the vet replies, "I would only have charged you  $50           for my initial diagnosis.   The additional $600 was   for the cat           scan and lab tests." Ham Fun Calls....... N9CAT, NØCAT, K9DOG, NØDOG, ACØRN, K1SS, WØRK, ID1OT, MØRON, DØGIE AB1RD, NØWIN, PØOCH, N1CE, WØLF, HØCK, WØRM, K1TS, W8LES, NØYES, NØFAT, NØRIG, K9MUT, NØGUY, NØGAL, NØHIM, NØHER, NØNAG, L1MA, F1DO, W1ENR, N6PIG, K9PIG, K9HOT, T1NY, NØAIM, BLØOD, B1TCH, SPØT, ALØUD, NØCUR, N1HOG, W1HAM, RØVER, NØEL, N6SSB, N9MOO, N6LID, N1YUK, WA1EAT, W2COP, W2CU, N6RIG, KR1S, WØMAN, NØNOT, NØRIG, N1DIT, NØTAX, N5BYE, W1COP, NØDX, NØISE, NØNE, NØFUN, N8DXR, K6FOX, W4GOD, OZ2ZZZ, OZ5ZZZ, KA3OUT   More Humor........  A tourist from the Atlanta area was hiking through the mountains of  North Georgia when he came upon the tiniest cabin he had ever seen in  his life.  Intrigued, he went up and knocked on the door.  'Anybody home?' he asked.  'Yep,' came a kid's voice through the door.  'Is your father there?' asked the tourist.  'Pa?  Nope, he left afore Ma came in,' said the kid.  'Well, is your mother there?' persisted the tourist.  'Ma?  Nope, she left just afore I got here,' said the kid.  'But,' protested the city slicker, 'are you never together as a family?'  'Sure, but not here,' said the kid through the door. 'This is the outhouse!' What Is A Elmer? An elmer is the guy you go to, to ask questions about topics in Ham Radio that you don't understand. In that vein, you know it's time for you to find an Elmer if... Your friend tells you he has a new two meter radio and you figure one of the meters must be for swr and the other for power out. You hear a conversation on the low bands about CW and you think they're refering to the cold war. You hear someone sign this is N8XXX mobile 4 and you think it's because he has three other radios You hear that someone won a 40 meter radio at a hamfest and you wonder how they're going to get something that large in their house. You build a morse code key out of plexiglass and can't figure out why it won't key your radio. You think the difference between short wave and long wave is the speed at which you move your wrist back and forth. You're thinking about joining your other ham frineds in the local ATV group because you own a four wheel drive vehicle that will go just about anywhere. You won't use a repeater because you've heard that using a repeater could be dangerous. You've heard an alligator could get you. You think a colinear antenna can only be used with two amplifiers. You think fm is the modulation type that came after em, dm, cm, bm and am. You wouldn't mind getting into packet radio but no matter how much you practice you can't get the hang of sending those beeps and braps with your keyer. You wonder what sound a short wave makes and why anyone would want to listen to one. You think the repeater owner would be a lot happier if instead of talking about his cavities he just went to the dentist and got them filled. You think a CW ID is the number the army gave you on your dog tags during the cold war. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY , OPEC OPEC sells oil for $136.00 a barrel. OPEC nations buy U.S. grain at $7.00 a bushel. Solution : Sell grain for $136.00 a bushel. Can't buy it?  Tough!  Eat your oil!  Ought to go well with a nice thick grilled fillet of Camel Rump !!!!!     Study & Test Session For Amatuer Radio  The study/testing will be in the Eastgate shopping center @  the Paradigm Ministries Lafolette, TN on July the 19th 2008 from 8:30am until 4:00pm test will follow after study time has passed. There are several local fast food places, for those who do not want to pack their lunch. the talk in freq. is 145.130. if there is any one who wants to attend contact jelkins@cdi.net/mcdowellbruce@hotmail.com    Also The Weather Training net will meet on the 147.360 instead of the 145.130 Lafolette repeater,every other  monday night @ 8:00 pm with the ARES, it will be be ARES ,weather, ARES, and so on. Also anyone wishing to test in the Sevierville area,contact me by phone or e mail and we will setup a special testing before our next test in August... We would like to at least have  a minium of 2 if possible....We wanted to try to help those in the area so that you wouldn't have to drive so far... All testing will be conducted by the W5YI Group... Field Day is 28-29th of June just a few weeks away, so if you wish to participate you can go to the ARRL Website and check the locator for those that will be close in your area..Hope that everyone has a great time and if you never have been to field day take the time to go and experience a great time and great people....  Don't forget the 470 Prayer List e mail..its -  470prayerlist@gmail.com  Hope that everyone  has a chance to stop by the net this Tuesday at 7:00pm on the 145.470 ..its been really nice out I know, so just stop by and say Hi  if possible if you have some time...Thanks Again from the 470 Amateur Radio Rat Pack Group... Ladies !!! Monday And Thursday 8:00pm The Ladies Round Table on the 145.470..This net ladies is about you all and has been going really great, so come on by and join in, if you know a lady ham operater let them know .... 220 Mhz is still active, stop by and join everyone on the 224.800 repeater in the Sevier / Knox County area..  8:30 pm  every Thursday evening... Rocky Top Traders Net Wed @ 9:00pm on 145.230... Gerat Net and this next two weeks will be Kevin on the net !! rick Jr is off getting MARRIED!!! Congrats To Rick KG4QPG SMARC  7:00 Thursday on the 146.655 with a backup of 146.940 Stop By And Say Hi To Miss francis And The Great Net Controls On The Net..... Well let me say goodnite to everyone, hope that you enjoyed the news letter this week, the photo's are suplied by a couple hams here local.. Larry KB4ITS sent the first picture, and James of New Market sent the 2nd, There Is Water On Mars !! 73 All and God Bless Everyone  and God Bless Amereica Rick & Cathy

--
Rick Sawaya Sr N4JTQ &
Cathy Sawaya KI4YPO
2005 Spence Mountain Loop
Sevierville,TN 37876
865.429.2422
Monitor 145.470 & 444.300
Member Of SCARS,ECARS,SSCC
OMISS,MWCC

Donations to the 145.470 send to:
Tim Berry WB4GBI
214 Echodale Rd
Knoxville TN 37920