|
April 2012
April showers, the Easter bunny and tax filing are all upon us. Last months’ presentation by Greg Jurrens, K5GJ from FlexRadio Systems on Software Defined Radios (SDRs) for amateur radio use was a real hit for the club and I would like to thank Jim, N2GXJ for making this happen. If you were unable to attend the meeting, you might be interested to know that one of our club members was kind enough to record the entire audio presentation. It is on the SDR Presentation page under the Past Program/Events page.
April’s program includes an interesting presentation by Harry, AA2WN on the Battleship New Jersey’s Radio Club.
Al, KB2AYU has agreed to fill the Club Treasurers position for the balance of 2012 and as a result resigned his position as Club Trustee. The board of directors voted unanimously to approve Martin Wilt, W2ILT to complete Al’s unexpired term as Trustee. Martin has extensive experience with both Camden and Gloucester County ARES/RACES, he serves as ARES net manager and is a GCARC member in good standing.
In an effort to explore synergies between our two clubs, Keith, W2ERP President of the Gloucester City Amateur Radio Club has moved his April general membership meeting date to Tuesday, April 3rd to allow his interested members to attend our meeting on the next evening. For those interested in attending their meeting, it will be held at 1930 hrs at the Gloucester City Fire HQ located at 1 North King Street, Gloucester City 08030. All are invited to attend.
Finally, continued progress is being made in the performance of the club’s 147.18 repeater located in Pitman. I encourage all members to give the repeater a try and provide constructive feedback.
73,
Tom, KE2ES
May 2012
May is just around the corner and with it comes Mothers Day, the Dayton Hamvention and Memorial Day. That said, if you know a veteran, an active member of the military, or recall someone who fought for this country but has passed on, please take a moment to consider their service. Suffice it to say that we are all better off for their sacrifice.
The Dayton Hamvention® 2012 is scheduled for May 18-20. For many years it has been the world’s largest amateur radio gathering, attracting hams from around the globe. For more information, please click on the above link.
For those that cannot travel there, Hamvention®will broadcast to the world via the Special Event Station W8BI in the Ball Arena. The station will be operating during the hours of the inside exhibit area. Frequencies (+/- QRM) will be:
40M - 7.227/7.050
20M - 14.270/14.050
10M - 28.470/28.050
443.775/448.775 ILRP Node 4267
Times 0900-1800 EDT Friday & Saturday and 0900-1100 EDT Sunday. CW will be tried on the hour as conditions permit.
The special event station will be utilizing ICOM radios this year.
QSLs and certificates, please provide Self-addressed and stamped 8x11 envelope.:
DARA/W8BI
PO Box 44
Dayton,
OH4540
On another subject, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Harry, AA2WN for his most interesting and informative presentation on the Battleship New Jersey Radio Club. Having taken the tour three years ago, I had no idea of all the work that was involved in restoring the station
equipment, especially in the absence of any ships’ elevators onboard, Hi!
May’s club meeting will also prove to be both interesting and informative. Ken, N2CQ and Jim, N2GXJ will give a presentation on HF digital modes.
Memorial Day Parade
The Gloucester County Amateur Radio Club has again been requested to march in Monroe
Township's Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 28th. All are invited to participate. Additional details will be forthcoming.
Finally, several hams from our club volunteered their services at last Sunday’s (April 22nd) MS Walk at Washington Lake Park. Despite the much needed rain, the turnout was very good. We’ve also been asked to provide communications at the upcoming MS Walk at Parvin State Park on Sunday, May 6th. In addition, the Philadelphia Chapter of the MS Society is looking for over 30 ham radio operators to support both the MuckRuckus MS Philly June 9 and 10 in Newtown Square, PA and the Bike MS: City to Shore Ride September 29 and 30. If you wish additional information and occasional updates about the event(s), please visit the NMSS Special Events Communicators Group or contact Carmen DeCicco, KE3QB - my3gumbas <at> verizon <dot> net
Tnx and 73,
Tom, KE2ES
June 2012
May is behind us and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those that came out and supported the MS Walks at both Washington Lake and Parvin State Parks. I’d also like to thank Ken, N2CQ and Jim, N2GXJ for giving a very informative presentation on HF Digital Modes at the May general membership meeting. Thanks also to those members that marched in the Monroe Twp. Memorial Day parade.
June is upon us and with it comes Father’s Day, the first day of summer and Field Day (FD) 2012 which is the weekend of June 23rd and 24th.
Our club will have a table at the June 2nd Williamstown Main Street Music Festival promoting Amateur Radio. The table will be at Main and Church Streets. The festival will be held at the Pfeiffer Community Center from 5 to 10:30 pm. Thanks to Adan, KC2YJX, for getting this arranged.
ARES members from the club will again be supporting the Pitman Bike Races on Saturday, June 9th.
At our June general membership meeting, we plan on having a pizza night/swapfest with Vinnie, N4NYY giving on update on upcoming FD activities along with Jeff, KC2WCS giving an update on the club’s new website.
The 15th annual Museum Ships Weekend, sponsored by the Battleship New Jersey ARS since 2005. Date and Time - 0000Z June 2, through 2359Z June 3, 2012. As of this date 98 museum ships from around the world have registered for the event. Included are Battleships, Aircraft Carriers, Submarines, Tugboats, Fireboats, Destroyers, Great Lakes Carriers, Great Lakes Passenger Ships, Cruise Ships, Railroad Ferries, Sternwheelers, etc. This is NOT a contest, but instead is a loose coordination of 98 Special Event Stations. Each ship will handle their own QSL and/or certificate. Anyone working 15 or more different ships, regardless of band or mode, is eligible for a certificate from the Museum Ships Weekend sponsor, NJ2BB. See www.nj2bb.org for details
Harry, W2FLY has graciously donated his fully operational Motorola Micor 2 meter repeater to the club. At our last general membership meeting, approval was given to purchase new 147.18/78 crystals, cables, connectors.
Finally as most of you know, Doug, WA2NPD had open heart surgery last month and I’m pleased to report that he’s making a speedy recovery. We’re all hoping to see him at FD 2012 minus any Cuban cigars, hi.
Tnx & 73,
Tom, KE2ES
July 2012
June is behind us and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those that came out and supported the Williamstown music festival, Pitman bike races and ARRL Field Day exercises. July is upon us and with it comes July 4th Independence Day. Because the holiday falls on the
first Wednesday there will not be a July general membership meeting.
New Amateur Extra Class Question Pool - Effective July 1, 2012
The new Amateur Extra class (Element 4) question pool -- released by the National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC) in January 2012 -- became effective on Sunday, July 1. The current Amateur Extra class pool expired on June 30, 2012 and cannot be used after that date. This new question pool -- including graphics and diagrams -- will remain valid until June 30, 2016. The new Amateur Extra pool contains 702 questions, from which 50 are selected for an Element 4 examination. As of June 13, three questions -- E1D09, E2A14 and E6E10 -- have been removed from the new pool. The current Technician class question pool that became effective July 1, 2010 is valid through June 30, 2014. The current General class pool that became effective July 1, 2011 is valid until June 30, 2015.
New Jersey QSO Party (NJQP)
Please mark July 28 and 29 on your Calendars: The NJQP is back! New Jersey QSO Party Returns! After a one year vacation the NJQP returns in 2012 on a new date – July 28th and 29th, sponsored by the Burlington County Radio Club. Rules and additional information are available at www.njqp.hamshack.info. Contact njqp <at> comcast <dot> net with questions or
comments.
13 Colonies Special Event
There will be at least three stations from New Jersey using the call K2I.
START: June 30th (Saturday Bonus Day) 9am eastern / 13:00 GMT / 09:00 military.
END: July 7th midnight 00:00 / 0400 (8th) GMT / 24:00 military. There is a +4 hour differential in July.
Please go to http://www.13colonies.info to check out your personal information under your state flag. If any changes/additions or subtractions must be made, please email Dennis KG4RUL at kg4rul <at> comcast <dot> net and tell him so he can update your information.
Finally, I’m pleased to report that Ray, W2RM and Doug, WA2NPD are recovering quite nicely and are both looking forward to be at or near 100% in the not so distant future.
Tnx and 73,
Tom, KE2ES
August 2012
July is behind us and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those that came out and supported the volunteer efforts within both Atlantic and Cumberland counties. Heavy storm damage caused power failures to thousands of homes in these two counties that lasted several days in duration.
Thanks to all those that came out and supported 2012 Field Day exercises. Vinnie, N4NYY reported that our total score was 12,746 with 40CW and 20CW/Digital winning top awards with scores of 846 and 840 respectively.
The program for August will include a presentation by Jim, N2GXJ on Radio Direction Finding.
Harry, W2FLY has completed testing on the Motorola Micor repeater using the new crystals for 147.18/78. The repeater has been transported to the clubhouse trailer where additional work is required to change out the controller board.
With 2012 Field Day behind us, efforts are currently underway to finalize plans for our upcoming Hamfest in September.
Bike MS: City to Shore Ride (Sept 29-30) is an event sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Delaware Valley Chapter designed to raise money for MS research and treatment programs for those affected within the chapter. This event is the chapter's largest and generally brings in $5 million every year.
Amateur Radio operators are needed to provide communications along the route at designated intersections, rest stops, and in certain support and staff vehicles. Usually about 100 hams are needed, but more is always better. For more information about the ham radio side of the event, contact Carmen DeCiccio, KE3QB at ms <dot> eventcommunications <at> yahoo <dot> com.
Click this link to download a sign up form.
Finally, I’m pleased to report that Joe DiNovi, WA2GFK is recovering quite nicely and is looking forward to be at 100% in the near future.
Tnx and 73,
Tom, KE2ES
September 2012
August is behind us and at our last general membership meeting Kenny, W2KRD and I had the distinct pleasure of presenting Doug, WA2NPD on behalf of the club with a “Certificate of Appreciation” for his many years of continued service to the Gloucester County Amateur Radio Club.
Jim, N2GXJ and Gary, WA3SVW organized a Fox Hunt which was a fun filled Sunday afternoon and congratulations go out to Alan, KB2AYU for winning first place with Vinnie, N4NYY, Ken, N2CQ and Wayne, WA2LET bringing up the rear.
Ed, N2RO directed ARES participation in the Red Cross emergency drill within Monroe Twp.
John, K2ZA gave a very informative technical presentation on upcoming digital technologies for EMCOMM at the Cooper University Hospital.
September brings Labor Day, Grandparents Day, Rosh Hashanah, 2012 Hamfest and Yom Kippur. Vinnie, N4NYY and Bill, NJ2S have been busy recruiting others within the club to make this year’s Hamfest the best ever. Please lend your full support to both of them. And we’re especially honored this year to have our very good friend and colleague, Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH be in attendance.
The program for September will include a presentation by Alan, KB2AYU on operating both VHF and the higher frequencies.
Finally, volunteers are still needed for the Bike MS: City to Shore Ride (Sept 29-30). This event is sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Delaware Valley Chapter designed to raise money for MS research and treatment programs for those affected within the chapter. This event is the chapter's largest and generally brings in $5 million every year.
Amateur Radio operators are also needed to provide communications along the route at designated intersections, rest stops, and in certain support and staff vehicles. Usually about 100 hams are needed, but more is always better. For more information about the ham radio side of the event, contact Carmen DeCiccio, KE3QB at ms <dot> eventcommunications <at> yahoo <dot> com.
Tnx and 73,
Tom, KE2ES
October 2012
September was a great month for the club in that we had a most successful and enjoyable Hamfest 2012. Vinnie, N4NYY and Bill, NJ2S are to be again congratulated for their efforts along with all those that volunteered their time. Ticket sales covered this year’s expenses. In addition, we were honored to have both Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, FCC Enforcer (ret) and Bill Edgar, N3LLR, ARRL Atlantic Director in attendance.
Special thanks are to be extended to the leaders, parents and scouts of BSA Troop 9 in West Deptford. The food was great, the prices were reasonable and the service was excellent. I received several nice compliments from hams in attendance. Jeff, KC2WCS has already placed several Hamfest photographs on the club’s website.
October brings Columbus Day and Halloween. In addition, both Gary, N2QEE and John, K2ZA will give a presentation on Emergency Amateur Radio communications at our October 3rd general membership meeting. Other ARRL scheduled events are:
- Oct 6-7 ARRL International Earth Moon Earth (EME) Competition (2.3 GHz & up)
- Oct 15-19 School Club Roundup*
* Contest objective is to exchange QSO information with club stations that are part of elementary, middle, high school or colleges.
After many years of service to the club, Ray Schnapp, WB2NBJ has decided to take “early” retirement from his position as Hospitality Chairperson. Dave, WB3JOY having served in that capacity before has agreed to take on that position again. Ray and Dave, thanks for your service, it’s very much appreciated!
Finally, the Club’s Constitution specifies that a slate of officers for next year be compiled and presented to the general membership at the October and November General Membership Meetings with voting taking place in December. This effort is currently underway. Nominations from the floor will also be open at the October and November Meetings. If you are interested in becoming a Club officer, contact me or another Club officer.
Tnx and 73,
Tom, KE2ES
November 2012
We have had very sad news in the past few days with the passing of Jim Casto, N2IMH, and Doug Gehring, WA2NPD. We send our best wishes to both families. They will both be missed.
At the November Meeting we will have the final nomination of officers for 2013. The following were nominated at the October Meeting:
- President- Tom Gorman
- Vice President- Jim Wright
- Treasurer- Al Arrison
- Recording Secretary- Sheldon Parker
- Corresponding Secretary-Cory Sickles
- 3 Year Director- Doug Gehring
- 3 Year Director- Gene Schoeberlein
- Trustee-Mike Mollet
Nominations will be open from the floor at the November Meeting and a new 3 Year Director Candidate will be necessary to replace Doug Gehring. If you are interested in becoming an officer contact one of the current officers or have someone nominate you from the floor at the November General Membership Meeting. The election of officers will be held at the December General Membership Meeting.
Al Arrison, KB2AYU, would also like the Club’s input at the Meeting on the possibly of replacing the existing trailer at the Clubsite with a newer trailer that has been offered to the Club. See Al’s write-up on the trailer offer on page 6 of this issue of Crosstalk.
After the business part of the Meeting we were to have two programs, A DX Primer and LoTW Overview by Bill, W0MHK, and Dave, W2YC, respectively. We are postponing these scheduled programs to next year so that we will have testimonial time at the meeting to remember our recent SK's.
Silent Keys
It with great sorrow that I report the passing of two Club members in the month of October. James Casto, N2IMH, was 74 and died on October 19 and Doug Gehring, WA2NPD, was 80 and died on October 24.
Our condolences go out to the families of both Jim and Doug. Further information on each passing is on our Silent Keys (SK) page.
December 2012
December is upon us and with it comes Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve and elections of GCARC officers for the 2013 calendar year.
Nominations are as follows:
Nominations for board of directors to fill a three year term include:
As many of you know, the Williamstown Fire Company #1 donated its 14’x70’ mobile home trailer that was used for training to our club for which we are extremely grateful. The trailer has been recently moved to our clubhouse site adjacent to our old unit. Efforts are currently underway to secure the necessary Harrison Twp permits to permanently position the new trailer and dispose of the old unit. I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize those club members that made this happen. They are:
The Motorola controller board has now been integrated with our new 147.18 repeater and arrangements are being made to change out the machine at the Pitman site.
In closing, amateur radio operators celebrate the world in all its glory…but it’s the warm glow of Christmas’ past, old and new friends alike, that hold the fondest memories.
From this old shack to yours…73 and Season’s Greetings…
Tom, KE2ES
December is upon us and with it comes Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve and elections of GCARC officers for the 2013 calendar year.
Nominations are as follows:
- Tom, KE2ES – President
- Jim, N2GXJ – Vice President
- Alan, KB2AYU – Treasurer
- Sheldon, K2MEN – Recording Secretary
- Cory, WA3UVV – Corresponding Secretary
Nominations for board of directors to fill a three year term include:
- Gene, AA2YO
- Wayne, WA2VOY
As many of you know, the Williamstown Fire Company #1 donated its 14’x70’ mobile home trailer that was used for training to our club for which we are extremely grateful. The trailer has been recently moved to our clubhouse site adjacent to our old unit. Efforts are currently underway to secure the necessary Harrison Twp permits to permanently position the new trailer and dispose of the old unit. I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize those club members that made this happen. They are:
- Marty, W2ILT
- Chuck, WA2TML
- Bill, N2VIL
- Joe, KC2PHM
- Cory, WA3UVV
- Alan, KB2AYU
The Motorola controller board has now been integrated with our new 147.18 repeater and arrangements are being made to change out the machine at the Pitman site.
In closing, amateur radio operators celebrate the world in all its glory…but it’s the warm glow of Christmas’ past, old and new friends alike, that hold the fondest memories.
From this old shack to yours…73 and Season’s Greetings…
Tom, KE2ES