January 19, 2013
The meeting was called to order by President Bryan Stephens, KG4UPR, at 8:40 am, Saturday, January 19, 2013, at the Leesburg Holy Trinity Lutheran Church at 605 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA. Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
New Members - Visitors:: All interested in Amateur Radio are welcome to attend our meetings, activities and on-the-air radio nets. Please feel free to contact any of our members for more information or visit our Announcements at K4LRG.ORG. You may wish to join via this eMail message our Yahoo eMail QST de K4LRG eReflector and stay abreast of amateur radio happenings in Northern Virginia. There were several visitors, old returning members and guests in attendance:
Gil St John
Eric Paul, KI4NHV
Marvin Meinders, N4TGV
Dennis Diaz, KE4VIG
Pete McNeil, KF4HCW [Secretary Remarks: Welcome Pete. Great to see you. Thanks for all the years of Site Hosting for K4LRG.ORG.]
Zeno Wahl, VE3ZAW
Elected Officers Present:
President, Bryan Stephens, KG4UPR
Vice President, Henry Weidman, K2BFY
Treasurer, Denny Boehler, KF4TJI
Secretary, Norm Styer, AI2C
43 Attendees Including Visitors, Old Returning Members and Guests:
Carol Boehler, KF4TJJ
Denny Boehler, KF4TJI
David Boltson, WA4TXE
Marcia Brown, KJ4GYH
Dodson Brown, AJ4EY
Bill Buchholz, K8SYH
Eric Carlson, AJ4LN
Jeff Crawford, K0ZR
Rick Denney, KR9D
Dennis Diaz, KE4VIG
Nancy Dluehosh, N1NCY
Paul Dluehosh, N4PD
Bill Fenn, N4TS
Chris Fristad, KT9N
Frank Gentges, K0BRA
Jay Greeley, KI4UTB
Luther Guise, K5NOB
Gene Harrison, N3EV
Earl Haussling, KF4UUX
Chris Hushak,WA1ZXX
Deanna Hushak, N4XLI
Jay Ives, KI4TXP
Gene May, WB8WKU
Dick Maylott, W2YE
Pete McNeil, KF4HCW
Marvin Meinders, N0GTV
Rick Miller, AI1V
Eric Paul, KI4NHV
Dave Putman, KE4S
Gary Quinn, NC4S
Bill Robbins, KJ4VTH
Merc Skaggs, N4TGA
Jeff Slusher, KE5APC
Gil St John
Bryan Stephens, KG4UPR
Jim Stovers, K4FW
Norm Styer, AI2C
Ken Sullivan, KJ4GYL
John Unger, W4AU
Zeno Wahl, VE3ZAW
Henry Weidman, K2BFY
John Westerman, WB5ODJ
Mike Wodynski, K2LEK
General Announcements
1). 2013 Membership Dues are being taken by Denny Boehler, KF4TJI.
2). Merc Skaggs, N4TGA, is selling Denny Boehler's 2013 LARG Calendar for $5.00. All proceeds go to the LARG.
3). Henry Weidman, K2BFY, is raffling off a 220 MHz - 50-Watt, TYT TH-9000 Transceiver. Tickets are $5.00 each. Proceeds go to the LARG.
4). John Unger, W4AU, is selling RF connectors donated by Herb Dawson, W4HIE. All proceeds go to the LARG. In addition, an unnamed member will match the connector sales up to $150.00 as a donation to the LARG.
John sent the following announcement prior to our meeting:
At the LARG club meeting this coming Saturday I will be selling a large number of coax connectors and adapters that have been generously contributed to the club by Herb Dawson, W4MIE. All the proceeds from the sale of these connectors will go directly to the club treasury.
Almost all of these connectors and adapters are high-quality ones made by Amphenol. They are new, old stock items. The majority are RG8 type 'N' connectors, BNC connectors or adapters from 'N'->UHF, 'N'->BNC, or UHF->BNC, but there are many other types also. I will try to set them out early before the meeting for folks to peruse. Remember, these are not cheap, imported connectors but are some of the best you can buy! 73 - John,W4AU |
Following the meeting, John announces the results:
On behalf of the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group, I would like to thank you again for your generous contribution to our club.
73 - John, W4AU
5). Norm Styer, AI2C, discussed the "SCANNING THE 57th
PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION" published by The Capital Monitor and available at http://henney.com/chm/0113/chm0113.pdf. A copy of the report was passed around.
The Secretary's Report of the November 2012 Minutes was approved as prepared and posted to history.k4lrg.org by Secretary Norm Styer, AI2C.
The January 19, 2013, Treasurer's Report was approved as posted to history.k4lrg.org by Treasurer Denny Boehler, KF4TJI.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Service Committee. No activity to report by Jay Ives, KI4TXP.
LARG Legislative Affairs Committee. Rick Miller - AI1V reported on:
1). several mobile hand-held device proposals now in the 2013 session of the Virginia Legislature; most had exceptions for 2-way radios.
2). the FCC has issued a request for comments on assigning the upper half of the160-meter band as primary for amateur use. [Secretary comment: see WRC-07 Implementation (130) .]
3). the FCC reports it is concerned with the new WRC's amateur radio VLF 135.7 kHz band allocation in that it might interfere with power-line control systems. Here is the ARRL bulletin regarding these FCC actions:
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ZCZC AG03 QST de W1AW ARRL Bulletin 3 ARLB003 From ARRL Headquarters Newington CT January 3, 2013 To all radio amateurs SB QST ARL ARLB003 ARLB003 Comment Deadline Set in WRC-07 Implementation Proceeding As previously reported, the FCC has proposed to amend its rules to implement the allocation decisions of the 2007 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-07) and to make certain other changes. Notice appeared in the December 27, 2012 issue of the Federal Register, which started the clock on a 60-day window for the submission of comments. Thus, comments are due no later than February 25, 2013, with reply comments due no later than March 27, 2013. While most of the 130-page Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order does not directly affect the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Services, two sections of the document are of particular interest to amateurs. Specifically, the FCC proposes to upgrade the Amateur Service allocation in the upper half of the 160 meter band (1900-2000 kHz) from secondary to primary, while deleting the existing allocation to the Radiolocation Service. This is possible, because the reaccommodation of radiolocation stations displaced by the expansion of the AM broadcasting band to 1705 kHz has been completed and there are no non-federal radiolocation stations licensed to operate in the 1900-2000 kHz band. The FCC also seeks comments on whether, and how, an amateur low frequency (LF) allocation might be able to co-exist with Power Line Carrier (PLC) systems that are used by electric utilities to monitor and control the power grid. The Commission notes that while PLC systems do not have the status of an allocation, they carry "communications important to the reliability and security of electric service to the public." WRC-07 created a new secondary allocation to the amateur service at 135.7-137.8 kHz that already has been implemented in a number of other countries. The ARRL will be preparing comments supporting both of these allocations. Individuals wishing to comment directly to the FCC should carefully read paragraphs 13-24 of the NPRM and follow the instructions contained in paragraph 175. The NPRM can be found in PDF format at, http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db1119/FCC-12-140A1.pdf. NNNN /EX |
Program Committee. Henry Weidman - K2BFY reported that the Ammo Can Radio Program will be presented in February 2013.
Contest Committee.
1). Norm Styer, AI2C, presented 2012 Virginia QSO Party Awards to Chris Fristad, KT9N, for 2nd High Loudoun County 40-Meters Phone - Low Power, and Jay Ives, KI4TXP, for 2nd High Loudoun County Phone Low Power. He continues to hold an award for Steve Green, KS1G/Bike Mobile. Here is summary of all LARG members in the 2012 VA QSO Party:
2). The certificate for 2012 Outstanding Member awarded at the December 2012 Holiday Dinner to John Westerman, W5ODJ, was passed around for all to see.
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"The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group hereby recognize the outstanding contributions of John Westerman - WB5ODJ of Lovettsville, Virginia, for his outstanding support, attention to detail, invaluable dedication and excellent stewardship of the LARG and his hosting of the K4LRG Field Day Operation from 2009 through 2012, for his highly reliable Field Day WI-FI Network, for sponsoring and organizing the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group's public service communications support for the 2008 through 2012 Lovettsville Oktoberfest, and for organizing the 2012 communications support and net control station for the Reston Bicycle Club's Century Ride across Loudoun County. He is also recognized for his recent achievement of Extra Class License status, his operating skills in the Virginia QSO Party, and his super participation in the weekly HF, Digital, and VHF Radio Nets of the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group." |
3). A summary report of John Unger's, W4AU, score in the recently completed NA QSO Party CW was passed around. John reported over 900 QSOs in 9-hours. A great score. Here is his report:
North American QSO Party, CW - January 2013 Call: W4AU Operator(s): W4AU Station: W4AU Class: Single Op LP QTH: VA Operating Time (hrs): 10 Summary: Band QSOs Mults ------------------- 160: 55 24 80: 213 44 40: 248 50 20: 194 50 15: 132 39 10: 63 19 ------------------- Total: 905 226 Total Score = 204,530 Club: Potomac Valley Radio Club Team: PVRC Thursday Night Gang Comments: This contest turned out a lot better for me than I thought it would a few hours before the start. In a last minute email to our teams' organizer, Ken, I told him that my second radio had bitten the dust and that I was going to be a "retro" SO1R entry... Well, maybe the conditions were just good (and, I felt the bans were in great shape!) or I felt inspired to put forward a good effort, but the result was an excellent score for me and my little pistol station using either 1 or 2 radios! Basically, I sat in the chair straight through with one ~40 minute brake for dinner with my patient XYL. However, it did not start out all that well on 10 and 15. It was difficult to get any good runs going, and I struggled for the first three hours putting only a little over 200 Q's in the log. Fortunately, things improved after that, and the rate meter basically stayed above 100 per hour until the end of the contest on 20 and above. Did I feel compromised being "just a boy and his radio" for this contest? Well, I did not feel as if I could move folks to other bands when I needed a mult, and I did missed filling in longer gaps between CQ's with second radio S&P contacts. However, I was more focused to what was going on with rates and kept to the band plan that I had come up with before the contest. I know I am louder on 40 and 80, so I concentrated on those bands when the time came to move. 80 was going so well near the end of the contest (for me) that I did not move to 160 soon enough and probably missed some easier mults there. As I have said before, being part of a team is a great inspiration for me to do as well as I can; so thanks to Ken for organizing the PVRC teams. TNX for all the Q's from fellow PVRC'ers! 73 - John, W4AU |
4). Sample checklists for the CQ Marathon Contest and Award prepared by Norm Styer, AI2C, were passed around. [Secretary comment: These are now available on the LARG Internet Site at:
http://history.k4lrg.org/Contests/LARG-CQ_2013_DX_Marathon/2013_CQ_DX_Marathon_Checklist.xls
5). Gary Quinn, NC4S, presented additional awards for our 2012 LARG Marathon Plaque Award to Bill Robbins, KJ4VTH, for Formula 2 High Score. And, Gary announced he is holding a plaque for High Digital Score for Steve Green, KS1G.
6). Gary also announced that the rules for the 2013 LARG Marathon Contest and Awards Program are being finalized with the other members of the Marathon Committee, John Unger, W4AU, and Rick Miller, AI1V. He reported that the changes will make it easier for all to submit logs and for the committee to score the results.
7). John Unger, W4AU, discussed the NA QSO Party SSB Contest that starts at 1300 local on January 19 and runs for 12-hours. You may work 10 of the 12 hours and any breaks must be at least 30-minutes. Gary Quinn, NC4S, discussed his plan for running Multi-2 NA QSO Party SSB. Originally, Chris Patton, W3CUM, was going to operate with Gary but now he is laid up with the flu so Gary invited anyone interested to come join him this weekend. He has the LARG's 2-element 40-Meter yagi on the LARG tower plus his other regular antennas and radios.
Training Committee. Jay Greeley, KI4UTB, reported a very successful Technician Class Training Course held over a 3-day period in January with testing on the third day. Jay thanked Henry Weidman, K2BFY, Sean Sheedy, AI4ID, Bob Rodriguez, KJ4NXT, Jorge Thevenet, KD4DGQ, and the VFW Post 1177 for all the support. Thirty-four students attended and most - like thirty - passed their Technician Class License. Four also passed the General License examination. A full report on expenses will be provided next month which will include a estimated $400.00 American Express bill for meals. Some $130 dollars in donations from the Civil Air Patrol students and $238.00 for support of obtaining rental of the testing facilities were also provided. Jay also reported that Luther Guise's, K5NOB, daughter and Sean Sheedy's, AI4ID, son passed their Technician Class License. Agencies attending were local Boy Scout Troops, the Civil Air Patrol from Sterling, and the Virginia Defense Force. There were also several walk in.
LARG NET REPORTS.
Sunday Digital Net. Bryan Stephens, KG4UPR, reported the net doing quite well with 4 or 5 check-in most Sunday nights.
Sunday Night FM Net. Bryan Stephens, KG4UPR, reported continuing good participation.
Tuesday Night CW Net. Bill Buchholz, K8SYH, reported the CW net is doing well. Everyone will slow down Stations signing in on CW: W4AU, N4PD, AI1V, K0ZR, K4LJH, W2YE and WB5ODJ.
Thursday Night HF SSB Net. Norm Styer, AI2C, reported participation continues to be great. Thanks for all the super NCSs. Here is full 4th Quarter 2012 3675 - 28405 Net Reports. We had 49 different stations checking in on 3675 kHz and 25 different stations joining us on 28405 kHz. Generals can join us on 3675 kHz by checking in above 3800 kHz when called. And, of course, Generals, Technicians and Novices may join us on 28405 kHz.
220 Group Experiment. Henry Weidman, K2BFY, reported the operation is going well. Everyone is please with how well you can hear on the band. The schedule for the Monday night 8 PM get together is available on the eMail Reflector and the K4LRG.ORG Internet Site.
REPEATER REPORTS
1). W4DLS Repeater. Frank Gentges, K0BRA, reported W4DLS/R working good. It's hearing stations all over the area. It was reported that access is possible with one watt from within the VFW Hall in Leesburg. Frank thanked Rick Miller, AI1V, for helping with a new receiver preamp.
2). WA4TXE Repeater. David Boltson, WA4TXE, reported the .85 Amp is coming back from the supplier as a brand new item. He also reported obtaining a new site with tower at a local church in Charles Town for the146.25 input equipment. He also reported Rick Miller, AI1V, reworking an old VHF receiver that will go into the eastern Loudoun site.
OLD BUSINESS - None.
NEW BUSINESS
Election of Officers. John Unger, W4AU, reported for the Nominating Committee, John and Paul Dluehosh, N4PD, that there was much difficulty finding members to serve with only a nominee for the president. After much discussion, Norm Styer, AI2C, volunteered to serve again as Secretary; then John Westerman, W5ODJ, volunteered to help as Secretary. For Vice President, Jay Greeley, KI4UTB, and David Boltson, WA4TXE, volunteered. Finally, Jay Ives, KI4TXP volunteered to be the treasurer. A secret ballet was taken and the tallies presented by Paul Dluehosh, N4PD::
President: Henry Weidman, K2BFY ............. 37 votes
Vice President: Jay Greeley, KI4UTB......................21 votes
David Boltson, WA4TXE...............15 votes
John Unger, W4AU...........................1 vote
Treasurer: Jay Ives, KI4TXP..............................31 votes
Secretary: Norm Styer, AI2C.............................25 votes
John Westerman, W5ODJ...............24 votes
(Secretary Note: John Westerman has agrred to serve as the Assistant Secretary.)
Field Day Committee
1). 2012 Field Day Awards: Gary Quinn, NC4S, 2012 Field Day Chairman, presented several recognition awards for outstanding participation in the K4LRG 2012 Field Day Operation to:
Chris Patton, W3CUM - Message Handling
Nycole Patton, Chief Chef - Chief Cook
Steve Green, KS1G - Satellite Communications
Doug Johnson, KJ4BRN - GOTA Station Coach
Dave Wendland, KE4OKY - GOTA Station Coach
Jay Ives, KI4TXP - Deputy 2012 Field Day Chairman
2). 2013 Field Day Organization: Henry Weidman, K2BFY, conducted a planning session for our 2013 K4LRG Field Day Operation. It was noted that the previously selected 2013 Field Day Chairman, Chris Painter, KB3RUR, would not be able to serve do to work commitments. Thus, we are looking for a chairman.
3). FOOD: Next in importance: FOOD - Nycole Patton agreed to be the Food Captain.
4). CLASS: 5A or something else. As always we talked about trying another class. Some thought that it was getting harder to man all 5 stations full time and that 4A would be better. But after much discussion we are returning as "5A VA."
5). SITE: John Westerman, W5ODJ, was present and reaffirmed volunteering his farm for 2013. There was little discussion. We are returning to John's wonderful site.
6). STATION CAPTAIN:
Station 1 - 80 CW, 15 & 10 CW & FONE - Jeff Crawford, K0ZR
Station 2 - 40 FONE - Rick Miller, AI1V
Station 3 - 40 CW - Gary Quinn, NC4S
Station 4 - 20 FONE - Rick Denney, KR9D
Station 5 - 20 CW - Paul Dluehosh, N4PD
GOTA Station - Jay Greeley, KI4UTB
VHF/UHF Station - Bill Fern, N4TS and Frank Gentges, K0BRA
7). DATES: Always 4th Full Weekend in June: Saturday & Sunday, June 22 & 23, 2013. Plus, we may now start setting up earlier. Here is the new set up rule:
| 3.3. No class A or B station may begin its set-up earlier than 0000 UTC on the Friday (Thursday afternoon or evening local time) preceding the Field Day period. Cumulative set-up time shall not exceed a total of 24 hours. |
8). 2013 Field Day Package. You may download the 2013 ARRL Field Day Package at:
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Field-Day/2013/2013%20FD%20Packet%20Version%201.pdf
The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:30 am.
Respectfully Submitted, Norm Styer, AI2C, Secretary
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A reminder to all about Holy Trinity's inclement weather policy: if Loudoun County Schools are closed (or would be if it were a school day), all activities at the church are cancelled - this includes outside groups. This policy allows for parking lot clearing so snow is not packed down; and it is also a safety issue.