Sunday, April 17, 2016

April Edition of the Ohio Section Journal..





In this issue:

-> REVAMPING THE OHIO SPEAKERS BUREAU

-> THE TECHNICAL COORDINATOR

-> AFFILIATED CLUB COORDINATOR REPORT

-> NATIONAL PARKS ON THE AIR

-> THE SECTION EMERGENCY COORDINATOR

-> THE PUBIC INFORMATION COORDINATOR

-> THE SECTION TRAFFIC MANAGER

-> FROM THE NORTHEAST OHIO AREA

-> CENTRAL OHIO HAPPENINGS

-> FROM THE EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH ASM

-> LET'S TALK

-> THE OFFICIAL OBSERVER COORDINATOR

-> WEBSITE STATS

-> SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS IN OHIO

-> OHIO HAMFEST CALENDAR

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REVAMPING THE OHIO SPEAKER’S BUREAU

Something new is happening on this subject..  Tom Sly, WB8LCD is collecting information on club meetings. If you've had an interesting presentation at a club meeting in the last 12 months, please send an email to Tom.  He would like to know:  1) The topic or the name of the presentation, 2) the name and call sign of the presenter, 3) the name and location of the club, 4) do clubs usually have interesting presentations (Y/N), 5) has your club ever had a presentation done over Skype or some other internet service?

Tom stresses that he would like this information from all club members - not just club officers!  You can email Tom at:   wb8lcd@portcars.org.   All responses will be confidential.  This will greatly help Tom with a project he's working on for the benefit of clubs in the Ohio Section.

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THE TECHNICAL COORDINATOR
Jeff Kopcak - TC

Hey Gang,

So -- Windows 10.  This topic was brought up during the after meeting at my local club.  Many of you are undoubtedly seeing the upgrade nag-screens.  You too might be wondering: what’s changed in Windows 10, might have heard some of the issues surrounding the new operating system, and why the big push to upgrade.  This month I’ll cover the new operating system from the perspective of what has happened so far and not from a ham radio perspective.  Also to preface this whole thing, Microsoft has never been very clear about their statements and often retracts or goes back on things they’ve said.  In other words, any of this may change as we go along.

What is Windows 10?... why not Windows 9?  There are many theories surrounding the choice in numbering.  The named version of Windows hasn’t matched the real version number since Windows NT 4.0.  Windows 10 is the successor to Windows 8.1, but not Windows as you know it.  It represents a shift in the direction of Microsoft as a company.  Microsoft indicated this is the “the last version of Windows.”  While they’re not killing it off, Microsoft is moving to a model they call “Windows as a service.”  This means Microsoft will deliver innovations and updates in an ongoing manner instead of separate releases (versions) of Windows.  The ultimate goal is to have one version of Windows that will run on all platforms.  Everything, including Raspberry Pi, phones, tables, HoloLens (wearable, so called “smart-glasses”), laptops, desktop PCs, Surface Hubs (interactive whiteboards), and Xbox entertainment systems.  Having one version of an operating system means all of these systems will become integrated and share information easily.

A large part of this shift includes the use of “the cloud.”  The cloud is a fancy term for someone else’s equipment on the Internet.  The most common example is ‘cloud storag e.’  Services like DropBox, Google Drive, or OneDrive allow you to save your documents and pictures elsewhere.  You upload files to these services and you can access those files or share them with others on the Internet.  The cloud is heavily integrated into Windows 10.  After installing Windows 10, it will prompt you to sign in using a Microsoft Account.  This syncs your user profile with the Microsoft cloud.  When you sign into another device using your Microsoft Account, your settings will be the same across those devices.  You can use Windows 10 without a Microsoft account.  The computer will operate in standalone mode similar to previous versions of Windows.  Microsoft’s online storage service called OneDrive is integrated into the operating system as well.  Other new features include your new personal assistant, Cortana.  She will help find things on your computer and the web, set reminders, similar to Apple’s Siri or Google Now.

Universal apps: These first appeared in Windows 8 as “Metro Apps.”  This concept is to have developers write one application and have it work the same way on any Windows platform.  These apps are found and delivered via the Microsoft Store (similar to the Android Play Store or Apple’s App Store), and again - available on all platforms.  Some games and applications that came preloaded in previous versions of Windows have been replaced with Universal Apps in 10.

Edge browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer has been replaced with Microsoft Edge.  It’s been touted as a more secure browser.  However, this has yet to play out because browser extensions are very limited.

Free upgrade: Legal copies of Windows 7/8/8.1 are eligible for a free lifetime upgrade to Windows 10 until July 29, 2016.  There are some stipulations to this free upgrade.  “Lifetime” means the lifetime of the device eligible for the free upgrade.  When that device fails, you cannot transfer the free upgrade to another device.  What happens after July 29th?  Microsoft hasn’t said.  The free upgrade is expected to become a premium upgrade that you’ll have to purchase, even for a device that was previously eligible for the free upgrade.  Versions prior to Windows 7 are not eligible for the free upgrade.  To be honest, if you’re running a version of Windows prior to 7, you probably want to upgrade your hardware for 10.

Now reality.

Big upgrade push: Windows users have seen the icon in the system tray nagging them to upgrade.  Why the big push?  Microsoft is trying to avoid another Windows XP.  At the time Windows XP was declared “end-of-life,” it accounted for about 10% of all computers on the Internet.  Two years later, about 7% are still using XP.  That’s a lot of users running a dead operating system.  On top of that, Windows 7 will be 7 years old in July and only supported for 4 more years (until January 2020).

While Windows XP maybe working great, there are reasons to get off of it.  Google has been leading a push for a more secure Internet.  Windows XP cannot handle many modern security methods in use today.  All browsers in XP (except Firefox) will display ‘your connection is not private’ when connecting to a website that has more modern security then XP can understand.  Since Windows XP is not a supported operating system, it won’t be updated to handle modern security methods.  While the website will still work, your connection will be less secure.  A work around for this security issue is to use Firefox.  Though no known vulnerabilities exist in XP, best practice dictates users should remove unsupported operating systems from the Internet if it doesn’t need to be on the Internet.  Another reason to upgrade is new hardware and software will not have support for old operating systems.

The upgrade push for Windows 10 has been nothing short of a disaster.  Last year, users eligible for the upgrade  began seeing a Windows icon in the system tray saying ‘you’re PC is ready for your free upgrade.’  This deplorable tactic is commonly used by malware and spyware authors to trick you into installing software you don’t want or need.  As an Information Technology professional with an interest in cyber security, this is the type of message I tell users NOT to acknowledge.  Kind of ironic.  Initially this tray icon came in the form of a Windows “Recommended” update.  Then Microsoft upgraded it to a “Critical” Windows Update -yet another deplorable tactic.  Despite this maneuver, Windows 10 is NOT a critical update.  The upgrade popups are very confusing as the clickable options are: “upgrade now,” “upgrade later,” “OK,” or “Get Started.”  Oh, it gets worse.  Users are reporting they vigilantly closed the prompts to upgrade (clicked the red “X”) but their system was still upgraded automatically against their wishes.  They went to bed with Windows 7 and got up the next morning to Windows 10. Surprise.

Once the upgrade happens, you do have 30 days to revert back to your previous version of Windows.  The problem here is users have found the roll back frequently fails.  Imagine that.  ‘Don’t worry, you can go back… if you want.  Opps, the roll back just failed!  Guess you’re stuck.’  Thanks.

Start Menu: Microsoft tried to remove the Start menu in Windows 8 and replaced it with a full screen tile menu.  This was an attempt start a unified experience between PCs and mobile devices.  The change worked fine on small screen devices but was a terrible experience on PCs.  It was met with much outcry.  The Start menu has returned in Windows 10 with something that kind of resembles the Start menu from Windows 7.  It’s more of a combined Start menu -- “Live Tile” experience.  Live Tiles display updates like weather, news, and photos, while others are just a static application icon.
 
Adding to the confusion, there now two places where system settings reside: “Settings” and “Control Panel.”  Settings typically run between devices like time zone, personalization, notifications, and user accounts.  The
Control Panel is mostly desktop specific settings.

Tracking:  Microsoft Windows 10 tracks much of what you do and where you go.  Their claim is they provided a free upgrade so you can give some information back to Microsoft on your usage.  Two problems with this: even if you pay for the Windows 10 upgrade, this information is still shared with Microsoft.  The other, this tracking is now rolled into Windows 7 and 8.  Privacy advocates feel this is a violation of user’s privacy.  The argument on the other side is most use Google or Apple’s services and they know just as much about you.  This Ars Technica article explains tracking is a growing trend in technology:

Upgrade tips: create a full system backup using a backup service or create an image of your current installation on an external hard drive before attempting to upgrade.  This is a backup incase the rollback fails.  Check the vendor’s website of your hardware and critical software applications.  Look for driver support or knowledge base articles about Windows 10 before upgrading.  Knowing whether your devices and software are supported will help minimize regret because your favorite app or device no longer works.

Certainly some of these concerns have caused me to look at alternative operating systems.  I have found in my deployments (I have yet to upgrade all of my desktops) with a little work, I can get 10 to act a lot like (my favorite) Windows 7.  Turning off or uninstalling cruft helps a lot: turning off notifications, disabling camera & microphone usage, disable Cortana, remove many Universal Applications, and turn off background apps.  I use Classic Shell to return a normal looking Start menu and Anti-Beacon to disable tracking.  Links to those applications and ones to disable the upgrade nag-screens are below.  Seriously, if you find any of these apps useful, consider donating to the author because we need to support those doing the right thing and allowing choice.

Thanks for reading and 73… de Jeff – K8JTK

Image sources: thurrott.com, zdnet.com, and blogs.windows.com.

As always, use these at your own risk.
Disable Windows 10 upgrade and notifications in Windows 7 & 8/8.1:
GWX Control Panel (advanced users): http://ultimateoutsider.com/downloads/

Start menu replacement for Windows 8 & 10:

Disable Windows tracking:
https://github.com/10se1ucgo/DisableWinTracking
https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/  (from the makers of SpyBot Search and Destroy, works on all versions of Windows).

Thanks for reading and 73... de Jeff - K8JTK

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THE AFFILIATED CLUBS COORDINATOR
John Myers, KD8MQ - ACC

Hi everyone,

This might be my last column before the Dayton Hamvention. It's going to be a  fun time. Hopefully I'll get to meet some of you at the Hamvention.

Hamvention - If you get a chance, stop by the Wright Bros. Bicycle shop on S. Williams St, and say hi? So, you may be asking "What does the Wright Bros. Bicycle have to do with the Hamvention"? well, scroll down to the NPOTA News column, and you'll see.

So, now that the plug for Dayton On The Air is out of the way, what are your plans? Are you going to Dayton? Whether you are doing a single, or multi-day trip, don't forget to take in the ARRL Expo. As usual, you'll see pretty much every ARRL department represented. While there, you'll find the ARRL Ohio Section booth. We keep it staffed continually with members of the Ohio Field organization.

Jackson & Athens Hamfests - Again this year, my camping season kicks off in April with a trip to Lake Hope. This gets me close enough to work the ARRL table at the Jackson, and Athens Hamfests. If you make it to those hamfests, make sure to stop by and say Hi. Jackson is on April 23rd, and Athens the day after.

NVIS Antenna Test - Are you participating in the NVIS Antenna Test? If not, there's still plenty of time to put together a club operation. Don't forget that most crucial piece of gear for any club get-together; the grill! cookouts have been shown to greatly increase the fun level of any outdoor Ham Radio event. That's why we got into this hobby, right?

Internet sources indicate that the efficiency of any NVIS antenna increases by 1000% when combined with food & friends.  They couldn't put it on the internet if it wasn't true, so get some fellow hams together, and plan for a great day of Ham radio on the 23rd. More information will probably be in Stan Broadway's column in this issue. If not, you can definitely read about it at http://arrl-ohio.org/SEC/.

One club who I've heard from recently is the Tusco ARC, in Tuscarawas County. Their Activities Manager, Jeff, KE8BKP approached the local scout camp about operating on their grounds. On NVIS Antenna Day, they will also be sharing Amateur Radio with the scouts, while activating the North Country Scenic Trail (TR04). 
Talk about multi-tasking!

Special Service Clubs - Last year at this time, we had 12 SpeciaL Service Clubs in the Ohio Section. Today, we have 26. Thanks to all of you who have taken that extra step, and become SSCs.

Annual report - What ACC column would be complete without me nagging you about getting those annual reports updated? These need to be done at least once yearly. You can even do them online via the league website. If you need help, or have questions, don't hesitate to contact me. E-mail is best for me (kd8mq1@gmail.com). I also do text, or voice (330-936-5021). I'm on Facebook, as well, so I do answer PMs.
So, that's it for this month. I'll say 73, hope everyone has a great month. DE John, KD8MQ


That’s it for another month.


We’ll see you in April. 73, DE KD8MQ

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NATIONAL PARKS ON THE AIR
John Myers, KD8MQ - ACC


Hello again, this is it; the final NPOTA column before the Dayton On The Air Event. We have a few things to cover in this month’s issue of NPOTA News, so I’ll get right to it.
Dayton On The Air - As reported previously, the ARRL has asked the ARRL Ohio Section to activate the Dayton Aviation Heritage Site (HP11) during the Hamvention. We need some help.

There are two ways you can help.
First, if you'll be in town for the Hamvention, stop by at the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center, 16 S. Williams St., Dayton.  We'll have two stations on the air. You can activate HP11 under your call, and still have time to enjoy the other Hamvention activities. It only takes 10 contacts to qualify as a legal activation. We'll let you make your 10 contacts; more if there are not a lot of operators waiting for the rigs. We'll have laptops available for logging. Bring a thumb drive, or we'll e-mail your ADI file to you.

Second, and this is the biggie! I need volunteers to be available during the operation to both supervise the station, and talk to visitors about Amateur Radio. Like you, I'm in Dayton for the Hamvention. I'd like to line up enough people that we can all make it to the Hamvention. If you are willing to donate some time during Hamvention, please drop me a line (
kd8mq@arrl.net), or call (330-936-5021). I’ve had a few volunteers contact me already, but I can use a few more. 


Light Up The Trail – In June, a group of Hams is planning to “Light Up” the North Country Scenic Trail (TR04). This “event within an event” will take place on the weekend of June 4/5. Their goal is to have stations on the air from each of the seven states that the trail crosses. Those states are ND, MN, WI, MI, OH, PA, & NY.
At nearly 4600 Miles long, TR04 is the longest Scenic trail in the country. In comparison, the Appalachian Trail is around 2181 miles long. 
You can read more about this event on their website at http://qsl.net/kd8dku/LightUptheTrail.htm 

One of the Activators, KD8BBK, has already spent some “trail time”, and posted a video to You Tube. You can view it at https://youtu.be/3eYIDJQ87xU.

TR04 Notes – In “reading the mail” on the Light Up The Trail list, some advice was posted from Mark weaver, the Superintendent of the North country scenic trail. I’m reprinting it here:

Regarding the National Parks on the Air event in Michigan, please
review the following information from Mark Weaver, Superintendent of
the North Country Trail.

Mark offers insights, assistance, and advice concerning amateur radio
NPOTA activation at the various National Park locations in Michigan. He
has graciously made himself available for questions and concerns
regarding activations of said locations.

Mister Weaver's comments:

• The National Park Service/North Country Trail does not "own/manage"
land thru which the trail passes.     We are a partnership of various
public and private landowners, with each relationship often being quite
different.  Most authority lies with the property owner.

* Regardless of where activations are planned to occur it is
imperative to make contact and receive permission to activate from the
"landowner".

* For Federally owned lands, there is a list of contact information
on the Trail website:

* For other public lands- state, local, etc, we do not have a list-
it would be prohibitively overwhelming to collect it. If you Google the
name of the public land unit you should be able to locate a number to
call.

* For private lands, we don't recommend that activations occur on
private lands.  If for some reason it is important, please contact me
directly and I'll connect you with the North Country Trail Association
state trail coordinator who MAY be able to help.

* When contacting public land managers seeking permission to have
activation, ask to speak with their special events person. Be sure to
indicate that your actions are in direct support of their partner
National Park Service's 100th birthday.  And if there is uncertainty
expressed by your contact, ask them to give me a call.

* Don't do an activation without hardcopy permission in hand.

* Contact me with questions.

* MARK WEAVER, Superintendent
  North Country National Scenic Trail
  PO Box 288
  Lowell, MI  49331
 Cell and office:  616.430.3495
 
That being said, we have a contact person for the Columbiana county Park District. Her name is Marie, and is the person in charge. She can be reached at 330-424-9078. She would appreciate a heads up from anyone planning to activate TR04 in Columbiana County. Thanks to rex, NX8G for this information.


Real Time Stats – Well, we asked, and the League IT crew delivered! At the beginning of this month, the league added a page to the NPOTA website. It is called NPoTa Stats, and can be seen at https://npota.arrl.org/nps-stats.php. Updated once per day, it gives a near-real time update on the number of activations, and contacts logged from each of the National Park Units. A word of warning, though; it can be addictive!


WWFF Program – Had you heard about the World Wide Flora & Fauna program? Neither had I! They assign designators to parks, and nature preserves, and other natural areas around the globe. Their worldwide directory, by the way is 308 pages long! You can read more about the program at http://wwff.co/. The US WWFF site is under construction, but can be found at http://wwff-kff.com/.

This is a nice dovetail with NPOTA, since some of the NPOTA sites overlap existing WWFF entities. NP14 is one example. Besides being NP14, it also carries the WWFF designator of KFF-0020.

Another dovetail – Speaking of Multi-designator locations, here’s another one; Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial National Memorial (NM20) on South Bass Island. South Bass is in Lake erie, and easily reached by ferry. Besides counting for NM20, it also has the designator of OH007L in the US Islands program directory. And, it counts for either South Bass Island State Park, or Oak Point State Park, under the Ohio State Parks On the Air Program (OSPOTA). How’s that for an efficient use of your activating time?

That ties the ribbons on it for this month. If you aren’t able to help out with the Dayton On The Air event, please stop and say hello. I’ll also be working the ARRL table at the Jackson, and Athens Hamfests this month.
So, have fun, but let’s stay safe out there. 


73 all, DE John, KD8MQ


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THE SECTION EMERGENCY COORDINATOR
Stan Broadway, N8BHL

NVIS Day
It’s almost here! The second annual ARES NVIS antenna day (April 23) is our target for having some ham radio fun across this part of the country. In fact, we’ve had inquiries from as far away as Texas so they can start activities on this same day. We hope to hear stations from surrounding states – it’ll make for a better test of your favorite antenna availabilities.   I do have an assignment for you: if you’re participating, how about getting with your radio club or your friends in other counties and encourage them to play?  Take a minute, make a phone call or a contact on a repeater, and get them stirred up! We would be absolutely tickled to have all Ohio counties on the air with this!!

Now- what about NVIS antennas?  Are they a myth, are they absolutely required?  Well, the answer seems to be “It depends!”  Last year, Sunny, W8FHF, made some contacts on their NVIS setup, then went home and was as strong (if not a little stronger) into the Sarge on his 70’ dipole.  I just read some blog-board exchanges which maintained that ~any~ antenna less than a ¼ wave above ground is actually NVIS- and that all this fuss over very low height was misguided.  I believe them, but I also believe the NVIS experts (not to mention the military) who are using them successfully. The real truth is that each circumstance is different: ground properties are different, band conditions are certainly different, and there are other variables all of which can change your results.  I’ve been corresponding with Mike, WB8ERJ, in Mansfield. He’s kept spreadsheet comparison records, and the truth in his finding is that yes, there are times when NVIS isn’t as good. There are nearly equal times when his NVIS stuff significantly outperformed.  So yes, they work!

Our point is that NVIS antennas are well worth considering as your “go-to” antenna for emergency deployment, but we need to be ready to switch off. There is just a shopping bag’s worth of fun in plying with antenna design, testing and evaluating their performance!  That (plus some good hamburgers!) is what this day is all about. I hope to hear YOU on the air!!

Training
If you would like to see more enthusiasm and greater attendance for your ARES organization, here’s something I’ve learned from over 30 years in the volunteer fire business: the busier the station is, the better the people like it!  More people are active, they train better, work better, and engage in far less personality conflicts. You would expect them to be more tired and less willing, but it’s the other way around. Do your people feel like what they’re doing is worthwhile? Do you??  The answer to get this ball rolling is: TRAINING!  Get some of your served agency leaders to provide training on a number of subjects. Remember, we are communicators, but we don’t always have to limit ourselves to just amateur radio! MARCS, public safety, FRS, phone, fax…they ALL could need our help during an emergency or even an exercise!  And if we TRAIN on these things beforehand, the agencies will find us even more valuable.  How about search and rescue? Missing persons search? Health Department emergencies? How does HIPPAA affect us?  Did you hear they have placed the Midwest in a high level category for earthquake damage?  We do ‘home’ with the county EMA in most cases, but there are plenty of other groups and departments that can use our help—if they know we’re out here, trained, and ready!

We have begun our statewide internal training programs in Ohio. In April, we will do three EC/DEC level management team training appearances for ~all~ members of the team, from ASEC through DEC. We’ll be coming to YOU district soon- so be ready to devote the time! It’ll be worth your while, I promise. Next on the agenda is training for general members of ARES. This will train on the basics, as well as operational concerns.   We’ll try to get all of these done before the September Ohio ARES Conference. The good thing about ARES in the Midwest is…we aren’t very busy. The bad thing about ARES in the Midwest is…we aren’t very busy.   We simply MUST be ready, trained, and on standby no matter what. So we continue to raise the bar for training. That is part of the motivation for securing the four FEMA courses.

Some Big Ones Coming
Thanks to all who’ve inquired and offered for the Republican National Convention in Cleveland this July. We all appreciate your offers. Amateur Radio will be used- there will be stations at various EOC’s, the Sarge, and several Red Cross locations…but this is not shaping up as a high-manpower type operation. We’re keeping up with all the meetings- Matthew, KC8NZI EC Cuyahoga, and Eric, N8AUC DEC 10) are right in the middle of it, doing a great job.

When’s the last time
We are not in the business to leave a card and a handshake at served agencies then sit back and wait until they call. (Remember the skeleton sitting next to a phone cartoon?)  If you’re the EC or in the management team, you need to be proactive with your agencies! Contact them regularly. Meet face to face. Ask if there’s anything we can do to help. Chat about upcoming exercises. Management team members should be cultivating activity, and it isn’t going to just drop on our desks.  Work to maintain the respect, trust, and friendship of all your contacts…and members, too!

A Standard List
You probably already do this, but it’s a good idea to develop a “standard frequency list” for your area- then put it together in CHIRP or other software so that your members can have their Chinese UCM (until the chip melts) handhelds configured for similar repeaters and simplex frequencies. Have the software available at a meeting night and standardize your handhelds!


73, Stan, N8BHL

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THE PUBLIC INFORMATION COORDINATOR
John Ross, KD8IDJ

Newsletter Contest

In Journalism School they taught me to always lead with the best stuff…and the “best stuff” in our case is the 2016 Ohio Section Newsletter Contest!!!

Just about 2 months before the deadline…June 30th. Thanks for all of the entries so far. If you haven’t submitted the minimum of two copies of your club's newsletter you still have time.

I know I've said this before...but each year the newsletters keep getting better...and that's because of the people who spend a great amount of their time putting them together. It's also because they have great subject matter to write about...amateur radio!

I'm starting the process now of getting the entries printed and organized so the judges will be able to dive right in without delay. Judging is not a simple task...it takes time when the entries are all great!!

Keep the newsletters coming and Good Luck! 

Veterans On the Air

I meet a lot of Veterans. I run into them at work, at Veterans events and even in some very odd places!

We talk about their service, where they trained, where they served and, many times, the talk somehow leads to amateur radio! I'm surprised, although maybe I shouldn't be, the number of Veterans that are ham radio guys. They served as communications techs, radio operators on ships, or stringing miles of two conductor phone line across the battle field.

So I wonder just how many Veterans/Amateur Radio operators he have among us.

If you will I'd like to take a quick survey. If you're a Veteran and a ham...shoot me a simple email. Just include your call sign and branch of service...like this will do:

KD8IDJ Army

You can, if want, include more info but I need is the call sign and service. I know what skilled and talented folks we have across the section. I'm just curious to know how many have served.


RTTY THANKS!

Last month I wrote about the use of the # pound sign in journalism and for RTTY purposes. It's now called the HASHTAG!

I got a nice reply from AL W8AII...THANKS!

He still has an old RTTY machine in his shack and may now try to get it up and running again. I hope I was inspiration for that!!! It's good know we all have a lot in common. By the way is a Veteran... years of service! Thanks, Al. I'll add you to my list!

AMATEUR RADIO BY THE NUMBERS

I was reading the Canton Radio Club's newsletter last week about how many licensed hams there are in Stark County. Right now about 1200! That's OUTSTANDING!

We know we have one the largest sections in the country and that's really a tremendous accomplishment. But I no sooner finished writing this when by copy of QST showed up and brought even better news!

There are now 735, 000 licensed hams in the United States! WOW! What other hobby can claim that stat?!!

Really, it a reflection of much we care about amateur radio and how we keep the hobby alive with innovations and great people. It also demonstrates a commitment of all of members who are dedicated to making, and keeping, amateur radio the best hobby in the world!

That's all for now...73 until next month. 


73, John, KD8IDJ

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THE SECTION TRAFFIC MANAGER
David Maynard, WA3EZN - STM
 
I'm checking into the Ohio Single Sideband Net on 3972.5 at 10:30 AM, 4:15 PM and 6:45 PM.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION from Dennis W8YS EAN Cycle 2 Manager

Recently, there was a radiogram from the Pacific Area that was not delivered to an addressee in a state in the Eastern Area. There was great interest in this radiogram because it was a test. A previous radiogram to the same addressee also was not delivered or serviced. The sender was very upset with the NTS. There were numerous postings on this radiogram on the NTS OPS Yahoo Group. Several traffic handlers were very upset.

The problem was that the contact information was not relayed word for word, letter for letter, and space for space. So the delivery information and last name were incorrect, along with other additions and wrong or missing words. One of the operators on the NTS OPS Group said that this is a “Black Eye” for the NTS.

With this kind of performance the NTS is not capable of handling emergency traffic in a disaster situation.

I know that some of you frown on my traffic handling tips and references to the ARRL NTS Methods and Practices Guidelines, but I am not going to give up. I am going to continue, because I know that following the ARRL NTS Methods and Practices Guidelines to the letter is the only way that we are going to eliminate situations like the unfortunate and undesirable situation mentioned above.

The NTS is like a chain and a chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link. Traffic handling is a commitment. Traffic handlers have only 2 options: they can be part of the solution or part of the problem.

From the ARRL NTS Methods and Practices Guidelines - Do what the trained receiving operator expects and confusion and errors will be minimized. 73

Dennis W8YS EAN Cycle 2 Manager

The  ARRL NTS Methods and Practices Guidelines are to large to be included here.  Links to  ARRL NTS Methods and Practices Guidelines:



Ohio had a similar situation recently with a radiogram from Columbus to Cincinnati.  We here in Columbus have three new young ham that are learning to be traffic handlers.  A radiogram was generated by one of them to be delivered to a ham in Cincinnati.  It was never delivered.  They want to know why it was not delivered and so do I.  If you take a radiogram for relay or delivery you are committing to doing the job promptly.  And if the handling instructions are HXC complete the job by reporting back to the originating station.

HXC = Report date and time of delivery (TOD) to originating station.

Amateur Radio is a hobby.  Traffic handling is a commitment.
 
WHY REPORT YOUR MONTHLY ACTIVITY?
From Ohio Section Manager Scott  Yonally, N8SY

First let me say that on March 1st, all of the SEC’s around the country were invited to a webinar put on by the ARRL and Mike Corey, W5MPC. Mike is in charge of all ARES programs for the ARRL.

As it was reported, many Sections are actually not doing any reporting of any kind. This is terrible. I believe “horrible” was also a word used for this lack of reporting. So, with the new management taking over at Headquarters a question was asked from the new management about the volunteer hours that the League has been using for a number of years to give to Capitol Hill in order to show proof that we are there and giving of our time and resources. This is when it was discovered that reporting is very non-existent around the county and that we are not actually reporting to the folks on Capitol Hill very good numbers.

So with that in mind, the ARRL decided to start becoming more PRO-Active and actually get on the folks that are responsible for not reporting. Of course Ohio is one who has been turning in reports so we weren’t really involved much with this. Thank heavens for that.

I hope that explains this a little bit better. I just want to make sure that the numbers Ohio is turning in actually do get recorded and shown off to the folks on Capitol Hill. This helps get legislation passed a lot easier with the proof that we do volunteer our time, talents and equipment for the betterment of our communities.

Don't know what or how to report see my information at: http://www.arrl-ohio.org/stm/stm.html

Do what the trained receiving operator expects and confusion and errors will be minimized!

What does the trained operator expect. Let’s start with your phonetics. There is only one phonetic alphabet to be used in traffic handling. Anything else will be confusing to the trained traffic handler.

Letter to be transmitted
Code word to be used
Spoken as
A
Alfa
AL FAH
B
Bravo
BRAH VOH
C
Charlie
CHAR LEE or SHAR LEE
D
Delta
DELL TAH
E
Echo
ECK OH
F
Foxtrot
FOKS TROT
G
Golf
GOLF
H
Hotel
HOH TELL
I
India
IN DEE AH
J
Juliett
JEW LEE ETT
K
Kilo
KEY LOH
L
Lima
LEE MAH
M
Mike
MIKE
N
November
NO VEM BER
O
Oscar
OSS CAH
P
Papa
PAH PAH
Q
Quebec
KEHBECK
R
Romeo
ROW ME OH
S
Sierra
SEE AIR RAH
T
Tango
TANG GO
U
Uniform
YOU NEE FORM
V
Victor
VIK TAH
W
Whiskey
WISS KEY
X
X-ray
ECKS RAY
Y
Yankee
YANG KEY
Z
Zulu
ZOO LOO


Also remember that there are no extra points and no place for speed in sending or relaying a radiogram.  There is to be no shortcuts in delivering traffic.  A radiogram is not received unless it has been read in its entirety on the air.  That means the header, text and signature must be read at least once on the net to be legal. However, if you have book traffic (previously called common text) the common parts need to be read only once on the net.

Until next time.. Remember without training you are not a part of the solution, you are part of the problem.


73, David, WA3EZN

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FROM NORTHEAST OHIO AREA
Bob Winston, W2THU - Assistant Section Manager (NE)

I am writing this column from sunny Florida, as they like to say down here. No, we are not snow birds, just visiting some friends in Stuart, which is on the Atlantic coast about 30 miles north of Palm Beach. I checked off a bucket list item by attending the Orlando Hamcation in February. This is the second largest hamfest in the United States and it lived up to my expectations.

While at Hamcation I met fellow Chapter 1 member, John Papay, K8YSE, of North Royalton, who was demonstrating amateur radio satellite. John was set up outside, tracking the birds and making lots of contacts both stateside and DX.

Coincidentally, while in Florida, the local club sponsored the Stuart Hamfest, so Jeannie, KC8MNW, and I stopped by with Kelby (our standard poodle) to meet the local hams. They put on a nice event at the Martin County Fairgrounds, with a unique twist. Their hamfest is free. Admission, tailgating and parking were
all gratis. So, how do they do it?

They sell raffle tickets for 3 great top prizes. If my behavior was typical (I spent $20.00 for 7 raffle tickets, when normally I would have paid about $5.00 to attend the usual small hamfest), then you can see how they generate more income than by charging admission. I guess it works, because they have been doing it for 40 years!

By the way, the 3 top prizes were the Yaesu FT-DX1200 HF transceiver, the FT-7900 dual band transceiver and the FT-60 dual band HT.

No, I didn’t win, but I got to eyeball with my old friend and former LEARA trustee, Dick Myers, K8RM, of Orange, who is snowbirding nearby. I also met a local ham, Eric Boyd, W4ELB, who grew up in Chardon.

Best 73, Bob, W2THU

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CENTRAL OHIO HAPPENINGS
From: Fritz Tender, WD8E - Assistant Section Manager (Central Ohio)

I was asked by Kevin (AC8GI), a long time friend, to attend the Southeast Amateur Radio Net (SARN) April club meeting.   

This was a special meeting for several reasons.  First, SARN is the newest club in southeast Ohio and I presented Josh Sims (WW8JS) with the ARRL Club Affiliation Certificate.  Congratulations to SARN and wishing the club a bright future. 

Second, I presented the parents of Andrew Butler (KD8USF SK)  with a memorial brick that was purchased by members of SARN.  Andrew was a highly talented founding member of SARN and is missed by everyone. I really enjoyed the after meeting ragchew, thanks for having me.

Next, I am looking forward to attending the Athens Hamfest April 24th. 

I hope to see you there.


73, Fritz, WD8E

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FROM THE EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH ASM
Anthony Luscre, K8ZT
k8zt@arrl.net

Summer Opportunity for Teachers- Radio Technology in the Classroom..
If you are a K-12 teacher and/or know a teacher that might be interested, the ARRL has released the dates and application for 2016 Teacher Academy. (Please forward this to any interested teachers you might know) ARRL

Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology-
As part of our educational outreach to schools through our Education & Technology Program, each summer the ARRL offers multiple sessions of the Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology, all expenses paid professional development seminar, in locations through the U.S. The Teachers Institute has provided teachers from elementary school to the university level with tools and strategies to introduce basic electronics, the science of radio, space technology and satellite communications, as well as weather science, introduction to microcontrollers and basic robotics in their classrooms. The curriculum is designed for motivated teachers and other school staff who want to learn more about wireless technology and bring that knowledge to their students.

Here is a link to a PDF of a short brochure I have put together with a little better description of the program. The application process has opened and here is a link to the Teachers Institutes application. Application deadline is May 1, 2016. If you or any teachers you know have questions, please feel free to contact me".


73, Anthony, K8ZT

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LET'S TALK
Scott Yonally, N8SY - Section Manager

Hey Gang,
 
Late Breaking NEWS..  There’s now just a month until Dayton Hamvention arrives.. Oh yeah, spring has also finally decided to arrive in Ohio as well. I actually broke out the shorts today and mowed the yard. Are you ready for NVIS Day AND the Second Annual Ohio 2 Meter FM Simplex Squares Contest? They are coming up this next weekend.. Don’t be left out, come have some FUN around the state and join in these events and several others that are scheduled, see the Special Events area below. It’s going to be a blast for sure!!

As I’ve been reporting for some time now, I’m really keeping busy attending meetings and hamfests. As you may know, the Ohio Section of the ARRL is the largest Section in the country. It’s even bigger than a Division or two. So, with that in mind, it’s only fair to say that Ohio also deserves to have a full time Section Manager. One that can freely travel all over the state visiting with, and representing YOU. So, don’t be surprised when I just “pop-in” at your meeting or function. I really do like traveling and visiting with all of you at your hamfests, club meetings, picnics and especially breakfasts. It’s fantastic!  

Speaking of Hamfests..  The Ohio Section Cabinet has been busy making preparations for our booth at Dayton. Yes, if you didn’t know the Ohio Section is the only Section in the nation that has its own booth within the ARRL area at Dayton. Now for some really big news..  We have also been asked to man a National Parks on the Air station during the Hamvention as well.. Take a look at the article National Parks on the Air above.. We are working on the details right now, but what I can tell you for sure is that we are going to need some help. Please, if you can give just an hour or two to volunteer with this it would be great! A number of you have already volunteered and that’s fantastic! You don’t have to be an expert or anything like that, just have a friendly face and willingness to help others for an hour or so. All of the equipment is being provided by the League, so you know that it’s going to be first class stuff all the way.. It’s going to be a lot of fun for sure and I’m sure that it’s also an event that is going to get a lot of exposure with the press as well.. How’s about it.. Got an hour or so on Friday, Saturday or Sunday to help out?? (Daytime hours only) We’d sure love to have ya’.. Contact John Myers, KD8MQ at  kd8mq1@gmail.com for more details on this fantastic adventure!!

Now, switching bands to another subject..

As July gets closer I am seeing more and more of you in ARES being trained and certified in ICS-100, 200, 700 & 800, and some even going on with other ICS training. This is great news, as that we’ve set a target date for the end of June for everyone that’s going to be involved with FMEA, or any government run event to have your training completed by then. I really would love to see everyone in Ohio have these 4 basic courses under their belts!!

For those of you who really aren’t seeing the reason for this I want you to take just 10 minutes of your time and read an article that was published in the March edition of QST. It’s by Rick Palm, K1CE. Now for those of you who don’t get QST, I have this article reprinted on our website
http://arrl-ohio.org/QST.pdf   I know that once you read Rick’s views it will greatly help you better understand the in’s and outs to all of this, and why this is so very important to YOU. I do want to assure you that even if you still decide not to go through with completing these courses there will still be things that you can do, just not as many of them, and probably the most import item to remember, you most likely will not be asked to participate in any activity within the FEMA organization. But, there are other things, like bike races, parades and the like that won’t require this extra training – unless something really breaks out (Boston Marathon?).

Now let’s switch bands..

Are you getting those emails from me? If not, all you have to do is to “Opt-In” to receive them. Heck, just send me an email n8sy@n8sy.com, I’ll get you added to the mailing list. There’s a link to do this on the Ohio Section website, it’s on the bottom left corner.. For your convenience, here’s a direct link to it:
http://arrl-ohio.org/forwarder/forwarding.html  I urge all of you to make sure that everyone, regardless of whether they are a League member or not, get signed up for one of these options. You can always “Opt-Out” at any time if you feel this is not what you were expecting. 

Let’s shift bands once again..

Let’s talk about the Ohio Section Website.. You can find the Ohio Section Website at: http://arrl-ohio.org  If you don’t have this website set as your home page, I urge you to do so.

Have you seen the NEWEST “Handbook Giveaway” drawing on the website yet? It’s there..!!  To enter the drawing all you need to do is fill in a couple of boxes on the form.. (your name and email). That’s you need to do to be entered into a drawing to win a 2016 ARRL softcover Handbook. There’s nothing else required (Oh.. You do need to be a resident of Ohio to win..)   The winner will be mailed the Handbook at my cost. This is being offered just to see how many folks are really checking in on the website. Got the idea? Best of luck to you!!

Switching bands once again.. HEY, there’s another NEW – one question – questionnaire on the Ohio Section Website? This question is really important for me to know.. It will only take about 2 seconds for you to answer it, and you can see how your answer stacks up with others instantly. If you haven’t done it yet, please do.. I really want to hear from you.

Are you a member of the ARRL?? If you aren’t a League member, this is a great opportunity to become one. Want more information on how to join? Here’s the link: http://www.arrl.org/membership-levels. There’s even a 90 day FREE trial that you can apply for if you’ve never been a member.. Got questions about being a member or what the League is all about? Send me an email.. n8sy@arrl.org  I’ll be happy to call or write to you. We can even have coffee if you’d like.. and I’ll buy!!

One last spin of the dial..

Well, I think that’s going to do it for me this month.. I have lots of meetings and hamfests to attend throughout the spring and summer of this year representing YOU at events like the Ohio Public Private Partnership (OP3), the Emergency Management Association of Ohio (EMAO) and let’s not forget the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) here in Ohio. The Ohio Section has a presence like it never had before with our state agencies, and we are working very hard at making that presence grow and prosper for all of YOU.

Oh, and don’t be too surprised when I show up at a meeting you’re at!!


73, Scott, N8SY

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THE OFFICIAL OBSERVER COORDINATOR
John Perone, W8RXX

The hard working OOs in Ohio monitored a total of 1,041 hours in March.

They sent out 1 - OO card and 2 - Good Operator cards.

The violations around 7.200MHz are continued to be monitored by the FCC.


73, John, W8RXX

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WEBSITE STATS – ** arrl-ohio.org **

March 2016
Pages
Hits
Bandwidth
74,538
387,207
2.46 GB

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SPECIAL EVENTS STATIONS IN OHIO

The Second Annual Ohio 2 Meter FM Simplex Squares Contest
 
Mark your calendars and reserve the last full weekend in April to participate in a fun and exciting 2 Meter Contest that offers both awards and prizes of value.

The contest web site, www.cfarc.org/contest.php  has all the details including rules, a grid square overview, antenna construction plans, winning tips, the current list of prizes, FAQs, and more. Look it over and if you still have any unanswered questions, e-mail o2mfmss@cfarc.org

04/23/2016 | 4th Annual Celebration of Earth Day
1400Z-2000Z, W8PRC, Cleveland, OH. Parma Radio Club.
14.250 7.200.
QSL. Parma Radio Club

7811 Dogwood Ln, Cleveland, OH 44130.
Our 4th annual Earth Day event to remind everyone of the fragility
of our planet and it's valuable resources. We will be operating entirely
of energy from the sun. www.parmaradioclub.com

04/23/2016 | Ohio ARES NVIS Antenna Day
1000Z-1800Z, Varies, Marion, OH. Ohio ARES.
7.244 7.240 3.910 3.850.

Certificate. Marion County OH ARES
c/o W8MRN, 655 Richland Rd, Marion, OH 43302.

A day to compare and test NVIS antennas with anchor stations
located around Ohio. No contest scores, but we compile
documentation of which NVIS antenna worked the best for you.
Not limited to any frequencies, make as many contacts with other
stations in Ohio and surrounding states as possible to test your
antenna ideas! This year's sponsor: Marion County ARES.

04/23-24/2016 | Portage County (Ohio) ARS 10 Year ARRL Affiliation
1500Z-0100Z, K8BF, Ravenna, OH.
Portage County Amateur Radio Service.
28.310 14.310 7.210 3.810.
Certificate.

Tom Parkinson, KB8UUZ,
9992 State Route 700, Mantua, OH 44255.
Send QSL card with large SASE for certificate. www.portcars.org

05/13-14/2016 | Scoutfest 2016
2000Z-0000Z
W8MVC, Mount Vernon, OH
Muskingum Valley Council Radio Club
14.290 7.280.
QSL  Muskingum Valley Council Radio Club
734 Moorehead Ave, Zanesville, OH 43701

Will operate demo station on other JOTA/Scout call frequencies.
SASE for QSL. Will also submit LoTW.
Contact kc8bew@gmail.com for more info. mvcbsa.org

06/04/2016 | Gilmour Academy Reunion 2016
1400Z-1800Z, ND8GA, Gates Mills, OH.
Gilmour Academy Amateur Radio Club.
146.52 14.270 7.270.
QSL. Ken Kane, KG8DN
Gilmour Academy
34001 Cedar Rd
Gates Mills, OH 44040

Having opened its doors in September of 1946 by welcoming
students to Francis Drury's "Cedar Hill Farm" in Gates Mills, Ohio,
Gilmour Academy celebrates completion of its seventieth year as
the Class of 2016 graduates. Alumni from classes ending in 1 and 6
are welcomed back, especially the class of 1966 which observes the
fiftieth anniversary of graduation this year. kanek@gilmour.org

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OHIO HAMFEST CALENDAR
 
04/23/2016 | Jackson County ARC Hamfest
Location: Jackson, OH
Sponsor: Jackson County Amateur Radio Club

04/24/2016 | Athens Hamfest
Location: Athens, OH
Sponsor: Athens County Amateur Radio Association

05/20-22/2016 | Dayton Hamvention
Location: Dayton, OH
Sponsor: Dayton Amateur Radio Association

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