Traffic Call 2007

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March - April

January-February 2007

No. 292


Newsletter of the Ben White (W4PL) Memorial Nets founded 1938 by W4PL

Hit and Bounce Net - 8:30 AM Eastern7042 kHz...Hit and Bounce Slow Net - Daily 7:30 AM Eastern 3576 kHz (+ or -)

 

Manager’s Comments - HBN

Mo. Totals

Stations

QNI

QTC

QSP

AVG Mins

November

47

546

752

703

29.8

December

44

560

936

831

35.9

January

49

592

884

803

36

To the new stations, Ken in Oregon, K7IFG; Jim in Ohio, W8SIW; K2TV, Bob in NY; Ernst, AA2YK in NY; Phil in Michigan, W8EKR; Bill in Florida, NY4E; Ray in Delaware, KB3JAR and in Ontario, Glenn VE3GNA, WELCOME, and thank you for joining the net. We’re glad to have you.

FYI: WB8SIW is now K8SIW.

Due to antenna restrictions, Ben, K8KV cannot work 80 meters at present.

New address: KA5NNG Mike, 3335 Red Bluff Rd., Marshall, AR 72650-7801. He didn’t move. It’s because of the 911 regulation.

A few of you are doing double and triple duty as NCS’, and it’s appreciated. But one more volunteer NCS would be nice.

I hope to be there more often. Thanks to all for your help.

73 ARF -Sis

******************************************************************************

News we don’t like to hear, but it has happened: FCC modifies the Amateur Radio Service rules, eliminating Morse code exam requirements. The new rules become effective at 12:01 AM Eastern Time Friday February 23, 2007.

But…see Jim’s suggestions below:

Hello Everyone:

As many of us suspected after reviewing the initial Omnibus Report and Order, the FCC has eliminated the CW examination requirement for all classes of Amateur Radio License. This will be a critical time in the future of CW, but all is not lost.

First, it is important to acknowledge how many "older" operators feel. There is a temptation to feel marginalized by these recent regulator changes. Those of us who worked hard to learn CW, become proficient with the mode, and pass examinations before an FCC examiner at 20-wpm tend to feel as if the certificate we worked for has been cheapened. Those that held the First Class Radiotelephone license and in exchange were given what many referred to as "a scrap of paper" in the form of the GROL will likely relate to this. From a personal perspective, and on a purely emotional level, I am half tempted to no longer refer to myself as an "Amateur Radio Operator." After all, when I went through the various licensing degrees, one had to spend weeks or months learning CW and studying theory to obtain a license. Today, it will be possible to obtain a General Class License in a day in the same manner as is currently being done with the Technician License. The value of the title "Amateur Radio Operator" does somehow seem less valuable. However, these feelings and perspectives are ultimately counterproductive.

In the initial period after this latest FCC decision, the Amateur Service will likely see a major influx of new voice-only operators. Most of these individuals will stay on voice, and much of the demand for new licensing will likely come from individuals who either refused to learn CW, or failed to invest the time to engage in the more rigorous licensing process. Once this demand is satiated, it is likely that the long-term, problematic issues of visibility, member recruitment and retention, and overall relevancy will remain. Therefore, it is important that everyone's response to these changes is positive and constructive. As such, I would like to offer some thoughts or perspectives for your consideration:

We will gain nothing by creating a "cast system" based on telegraph proficiency or any other standard. Attempts on the part of operators to belittle, isolate, or otherwise single-out individuals as "no-code" licensees or by otherwise implying they are not "real hams" will likely be very counterproductive. Such an approach was taken by some misguided individuals after the implementation of the no-code technician license and it did much harm to the Amateur Service and CW in particular. We do not want to take any actions, which may close off the minds of new Amateurs to CW. However, this is not to say we shouldn't take pride in our CW skills and interests. Let's just make a commitment today to avoid and discourage divisive behavior amongst our peers.

If CW is to survive, we must do everything we can to promote it. Ultimately, I have found the best way to promote any art form is through one-on-one mentorship. There will likely be many who will obtain the "easy" ham licenses now available, but will find something lacking; a felling of accomplishment. Over time, the better class of individuals will come to realize that there must be something more than just talking into a microphone or typing on a keyboard. Such individuals, if exposed to CW through the right approach, will be likely candidates to become CW operators. If the quality of conversation and operating practices does degrade, many individuals will be looking for an alternative. Let's offer them the best.

In some respects, the latest Report and Order may be beneficial. No longer will CW be the scapegoat for all of Amateur Radio's ills. Many of the "complainers" in the no-code groups will have to face the reality that it is not CW that is keeping young people out of the hobby, but rather issues of poor visibility in modern society and a perceived lack of relevancy. Such problems can only be solved through outreach, education, and public relations. These later solutions require true effort, planning, intellectual discipline, and financial investment; not simplistic solutions such as "get rid of CW." We have wasted nearly two decades arguing about the CW exams when the real problems are elsewhere. Perhaps now, we will get down to business.

These later solutions also apply to perpetuating CW. We can turn this loss into an opportunity, primarily because the acrimonious testing debate will no longer get in the way of real discussions about the merits of CW. When one promotes CW, his/her actions will no longer be perceived as promoting a hidden agenda, but will more likely be perceived as simply revealing a true belief in the value of the art form. It seems likely that the best way to promote CW will be an approach where one says little, but operates much, particularly in situations where one can actually see the mode in use. The intelligent man or woman will quickly see its advantages for international communications, public service communications, and its overall efficiency.

There may be a place for some more organized approaches to promote CW. For example, we may want to consider:

Implementing a volunteer testing program, which could be franchised throughout the US. Much like VEC, CW tests could be administered at swap meets and Amateur Radio conventions through which operators could obtain certification as a qualified radiotelegraph operator.

For example, three levels of test could be administered at 5, 10, and 20 wpm, with respective certificates issued as a "Radiotelegraph Third Class" through "Radiotelegraph Operator First Class." Those with proof of former license could simply apply and be grandfathered. The CW exams would also include a brief written element on CW operating procedures, basic Q-signals and the like. The First Class exam might even include some questions on CW traffic nets. This way, individuals could take pride in CW and promote their interest to others through a meaningful credential.

Create an organized PR program designed to recruit individuals into CW. A national web page promoting CW, its benefits, its applications in contesting, traffic handling and emergency communications would be a good place to start. Creating a cadre of individuals in the form of a "speakers bureau" who are willing to present talks on the benefits of CW to Amateur Radio Clubs would also be useful.

Perhaps CW oriented individuals and organizations need to be involved in the initial recruiting process, bringing people into the hobby whom, from the start, will have a positive attitude about CW and its benefits. Let's not let CB radio do our recruiting for us. Rather, let's go out and find the individuals who will see CW as an opportunity and not a hindrance.

Ultimately, a healthy Amateur Radio Service, regardless of mode capability or interest is essential to everyone's survival, CW operators included. We need to work with our national organizations to develop a truly effective PR program and media relations campaign for the Amateur Service in general. We need

to be welcoming and inclusive. We need to show all new operators that CW operators are tolerant, inclusive, and a cut-above.

What are your ideas for promoting CW? What can QMN or your local club or contest organization do to promote CW? The time to do this is now! While we are all disappointed in the decision, let's recognize that the deed is done and look for constructive ways to move forward. This misguided management decision need not defeat us. 73, Jim Wades, K8SIW, Radiotelegraph Operator, First Class (RTO1)

Happy Birthday!

K3NNI

John

Mar 13

N1OTC

Jack

Mar 21

W4FRR

Charles

Mar 22

W3JKX

Earle

Mar 23

WF1M

Bob

Mar 29

KB8ZYY

Ray

Mar 31

WA3UNX

Don

Apr 6

K8KFJ

Garie

Apr 7

****************************************************

 

FYI Re HBSN: The net moved to 3576 to get around some QRM they had on 3590. But if you don’t find them there, tune over the few khz left for cw guys in the the band. They will be there someplace at 7:30 AM EST (1230Z). Per Ole N4ABM, via WD8Q.

[GL guys and gals. Sure need it on 80 now. –Ed. ]

****************************************************

RETIREMENT

The W4SUS paddles are being retired. They have been all the way around the kennel.

Jack, WØUCE, the current awardee, has graciously agreed to hold onto them for the time being.

The Awards Committee has done a superb job the past ten years. Many thanks to Harry, N3DE; John, K8LJG; and Don WA3UNX.

-Sis

 

 

 

hambone2.jpg

Hambone’s Corner

It has been a long time since I have written for TC. Usually I write about do’s and don’ts, but this time I would like to write about something entirely different.

As we know, HBN has been around for a long time. Some things have not changed at all. Then again, there have been many changes. One that comes to mind is that many years ago, many stations would be hanging around net frequency before net time taking traffic to bring to the net, and also to rag chew a bit. That was part of the "Morning Watch". Since that time, things have been pretty quiet on net frequency, until recently. Now, most any morning you will hear traffic being passed, on a sked, like the old days. I think it is great. Our arfers are hard at work .

Another is that our roster is smaller now than it was back then, and we may not handle as much traffic as was passed on the net 15 or 20 years ago, but we still have top notch traffic handlers who are dedicated. It is very evident, going through this terrible sunspot cycle, that the band conditions did not sway our members very much from checking into the net, to bring traffic, to relay traffic, or to be there to help if needed. I am sure that Sis will agree with that.

Some of our members have been handling traffic for a long time. Others may have started doing traffic for a few years, and are still building up their speed and skills. These are the traffic handlers, and keepers of the kennels, of tomorrow. You should be proud of yourselves for hanging in, trying to build up your speed and traffic prowess. I advise you to remind yourself that we, who have been here a long time, are aware of this, and let these words guide you as you progress. We care about you, and encourage you. Keep up the good work. Perhaps, in the near future, you might try running a session as NCS. Many of you are capable.

The insulation has been added to the kennel for the winter. I am ready for what nature has to bring. I hope that all of you and your families had a most joyous Holiday Season. 73/88. ARF, Hambone

Treasurer’s Report

N4ABM, Merritt W. "Ole"Olson

Balance 11/22/06 $ 265.51

Pd Print 11/28/2006 ($59.06)

Pd Post 11/28/2006 ($46.80)

Balance 11/28/06 $ 159.65

WA2CUW 12/11/2006 $20.00

N3AO 12/12/2006 $25.00

W4VFJ 12/27/2006 $25.00

Balance 12/31/06 $229.65

Balance 1/1/07 $229.65

KA8VWE 1/5/2007 $20.00

KA8WNO 1/10/2007 $10.00

K8GA 1/23/2004 $25.00

VE3DTR 2/10/2007 $20.00

NG1A 2/13/2007 $10.00

Balance 1/26/07 $314.65

To make a contribution, please make check payable to

Merritt W Olson, 12106 Stirrup Rd., Reston, VA 20191-2104

Tom, Carter, Chas, Wally, Jack , Jerry, John and Fred, Your contributions are very much appreciated.

**************************************************************************

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** Sunday - March 04, 2007

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6777 Main St. Williamsville, New York

Only 1 mile from NY State Thruway I 90 exit 49

Talk In: 147.255 pl 107.2 (Win $25)

** Complete Hamfest Info - http://gbhamfest.hamgate.net

Sponsored by: the Lancaster Amateur Radio Club

***********************************************************************

RANDOM RECOLLECTIONS OF AN OLD HAM
-by George Hart W1NJM

A journalistic history of the life and times in the Amateur Radio world of George Hart, W1NJM

Geo learns a bit of a lesson about women

Chapter 22 - The WLM Fort Myer operation and a visit to a burlesque show.

At Fort Myer, two transmitters were use for WLM.

One of them, at about 400 watts, was used exclusively for AARS on 3497.5 (WLM) or 3680 (W3CXL). This transmitter was designated M and was not a commercial make but had been built by Ed Day. I was impressed at the rack-and-panel construction and Ed's obvious familiarity with construction techniques. In retrospect, it seems strange that he was only a private, but this was a peacetime Army and I wasn't familiar with rank designations then. The other transmitter used for WLM was a commercial make rated at 1000 watts. It was used by WAR during the day but available for WLM at night. This transmitter was designated L. These two transmitters were in a corner of a room containing a vast array of more powerful WAR transmitters used for official Army dispatches to points all over the ZI and world. WLM was devoted entirely to AARS and handled no official Army traffic. Communication between the operating, transmitting and receiving sites was undoubtedly available by telephone but for frequency-changing purposes a telegraphic horn was used.

On my first visit I was very conscious of this horn blaring away, sending things like CW, A56, which meant nothing to me, but occasionally a worded message was sent. I was told that each transmitter at Fort Myer had a letter designation and was capable of being tuned to certain frequencies designated for regular Army (WAR) or AARS (WLM) use. If the operator at WLM wanted a transmitter on 6990, he would go to the horn position and send L69, then back at the operating position he would tune the receiver to 6990 and hear the transmitter being activated. Ed Day told me that occasionally, when they were having trouble reaching WVQB in Hawaii, they could get one of the higher power transmitters on 6990. The M transmitter was used exclusively for AARS. The L transmitter was used for WAR in the daytime, WLM at night. All the others from 1 to 10 kw, could be tuned to 6990 if needed and if available.

Once during a visit to Washington I was invited to observe an evening of operation at WLM including a meal at the mess hall. It was a most interesting experience. I not only observed the operation but actually operated WLM/W3CXL (probably against the rules). In between schedules I sat around jawing with the operators and wandering around observing some of the WAR operations. Most of the positions were closed down, but several were still operating. WLM was about the only position that was operated manually. The rest used tape - white, 1/4 inch tape, which flowed rapidly, down a channel in which the Morse Code signals being received at almost unbelievable high speeds (over 400 w.p.m.) were recorded in a squiggly line. The tapes were later run through another channel at a slower speed and deciphered, some in five letter code groups, some in plain language. I say a "slower" speed but by this I don't mean low speed. Some of the veteran operators could "copy" it at speeds up to 90 w.p.m.. This was strictly visual copy from the code recorded in squiggly lines, not the audible code to which I was accustomed. It was called "reading slip" and I noticed that most of the operators wore glasses, some of them thick. "Reading slip," a lost art after RTTY and other methods came into use during and after WWII, was murder on the eyes.

An amusing aside, in connection with the trips to Washington, having nothing to do with amateur radio: one of the customs observed during one evening while in Washington was attendance at the Gayety Theater, a popular burlesque institution in the Washington area for many years. "Pop" Crossley, while pretending to disapprove, tried to give the impression of tolerant indulgence and not only allowed us to attend but insisted on going with us, "to keep you out of trouble." After about my third trip to Washington with the staff, I began to suspect that he enjoyed these outings more than we did, so we entered into a conspiracy to show complete indifference and a preference for some other type of activity. "I suppose you'll want to go to the Gayety tonight," he said, grinning at us. "I don't care anything about it, but if that's what you want, I'll go along."

It was hard to keep from convulsing when his face fell as we unanimously expressed disinterest and suggested attendance at an opera or some other kind of more dignified entertainment, or going to bed early. "We've gone to the Gayety every year we've been down here," he said. "Of course I don't care anything about it but if some of you want to go, I'll tag along." In the end, we all went to the Gayety, giving the impression we were yielding to his wishes, rather than the other way around. It didn't set well with Gil and he made some derogatory remarks in a jocular tone about our basic manhood.

Baiting Gil Crossley became a popular pastime among the Radio Station Staff during my years at Penn State. His wife was a buxom woman, mother of three children, one of whom acquired his ham license and became an acquaintance of mine.

Mrs.Crossley became known as Gil's "battle ax" because of her many visits to the station to get Gil to come home. I remember one afternoon at the station when I looked out the window and saw Navonne Crossley waddling up the boardwalk. Gil was in the workshop, so I called out, "Hey, Gil, here comes your battle ax!" Mrs. Crossley burst in the door and grabbed me by the ear.

"I heard that, George Hart!" she cried. I apologized laughingly. Navonne wasn’t amused, but the incident started Gil laughing and soon she joined in.

Coming in Chapter 23: Geo's year of debauchery and graduate studies in preparation for ARRL.

******************************************************************************

OMNIBUS HUM-BUG
On December 15, it was the year of 2006,
The FCC would install their new bag of tricks,
For more space on the air, beyond wild dreams,
You could all hear the EXTRAS loud, joyous screams.

"Omnibus" they called it, don’t ask me why,
For Generals and Advanced, it took a big piece of pie,
How could they do this with a clear thinking mind,
When all they did, was make a huge bind.

All of the folks in NTS somehow must now squeeze,
Into a spectrum like a small pod of peas,
To do the job that we love so well,
It’s going to be tight, but we’ll give it hell,

Because we will never falter, that is our theme,
No matter what the FCC has in their scheme.
The traffic will be passed from station to station,
Even if it goes across the whole Nation.

So, to all of my fellow Traffic Handlers out there,
Have no fear, and have no despair.
What George Hart started way back when,
We are going to finish, right to the end.

By Mark Rappaport W2EAG Dec. 2006

*****************************************************************

Top Traffic Hounds

November

QTC

November

QNI

 

December

QTC

December

QNI

 

January

QTC

January

QNI

                           

WØUCE

372

W2EAG

30

 

WØUCE

295

WØUCE

30

 

WØUCE

337

WX4H

30

N1OTC

63

WX4H

30

 

N1OTC

140

WX4H

30

 

N1OTC

82

WØUCE

29

K8LJG

51

KA8WNO

29

 

KW1U

64

KA8WNO

28

 

NG1A

67

W2EAG

29

WD8Q

32

WØUCE

28

 

KA8WNO

63

W2EAG

27

 

K8LJG

57

K2TV

29

W2EAG

29

W2MTA

27

 

NG1A

58

W1WCG

25

 

K8GA

50

W2MTA

27

KW1U

28

N1OTC

26

 

K8LJG

53

K4IWW

25

 

W2EAG

41

K4IWW

25

WX4H

27

WA3JXW

24

 

WD8Q

37

K8LJG

24

 

KW1U

35

W1WCG

25

KA8WNO

24

K8LJG

22

 

W1WCG

31

KX8B

23

 

WD8Q

35

N1OTC

24

W2MTA

23

W1WCG

22

 

WX4H

23

W2MTA

23

 

WX4H

33

KX8B

24

K2VX

15

KX8B

21

 

W2EAG

22

N1OTC

22

 

KA8WNO

22

NG1A

23

K8KV

11

N4ABM

20

 

K8KV

22

K8KV

21

 

K8KV

19

K8KV

22

K3MIY

10

WD8Q

19

 

K4IWW

20

KW1U

19

 

N4ABM

12

KW1U

21

   

WB8KPE

18

 

K3MIY

19

VE3DTR

17

 

K4IWW

11

K8LJG

19

   

K2TV

18

 

KX8B

17

WB8KPE

17

     

WD8Q

18

   

KW1U

17

 

W2MTA

12

K2TV

17

     

WB8KPE

18

   

K8KV

17

 

N4ABM

10

WD8Q

16

     

KA8WNO

17

   

K3MIY

16

     

NG1A

15

     

K1BTD

17

   

VE3DTR

16

     

K3MIY

15

     

K8GA

16

             

K9PUI

15

     

WA3JXW

16

                       

N4ABM

15

                       

W3FAF

14

                       

K3RC

11

totals.jpg

Hit and Bounce Net QNI/QTC

Nov 2006                                       Dec 2006                                     Jan 2007

NG1A

5

7

 

NG1A

15

58

 

NG1A

23

67

KC1DI

6

0

 

K1BTD

10

0

 

K1BTD

17

0

W1KX

5

0

 

KC1DI

4

0

 

KC1DI

3

0

N1OTC

26

63

 

W1KX

7

8

 

W1KX

7

1

N1PVP

1

0

 

N1OTC

22

140

 

N1OTC

24

82

W1TED

1

0

 

KW1U

19

64

 

N1PVP

3

0

KW1U

17

28

 

W1WCG

25

31

 

KW1U

21

35

W1WCG

22

5

 

WA2CUW

1

0

 

W1WCG

25

5

W2EAG

30

29

 

W2EAG

27

22

 

W2EAG

29

41

W2MTA

27

23

 

W2MTA

23

12

 

W2MTA

27

4

K2TV

18

0

 

W2PL

2

0

 

W2PL

4

0

K2VX

4

15

 

K2TV

17

0

 

K2TV

29

0

AA2YK

2

1

 

K2VX

2

1

 

K2VX

4

4

WA2YL

2

0

 

N3DE

6

2

 

WA2YL

1

0

N3DE

1

0

 

VE3DTR

17

2

 

N3DE

1

0

VE3DTR

16

0

 

W3FAF

13

4

 

VE3DTR

8

0

W3FAF

10

3

 

K3GHH

3

0

 

W3FAF

14

0

K3GHH

1

0

 

VE3GNA

1

0

 

K3GHH

4

0

W3JKX

2

0

 

W3JKX

1

0

 

KB3JAR

4

0

WA3JXW

24

9

 

WA3JXW

8

2

 

W3JKX

1

0

K3MIY

16

10

 

K3MIY

15

19

 

WA3JXW

16

6

N3ND

9

4

 

N3ND

4

0

 

K3MIY

5

0

K3RC

7

0

 

K3RC

11

0

 

N3ND

7

0

N3SW

2

0

 

N4ABM

9

10

 

K3RC

11

0

N4ABM

20

9

 

W4DLZ

1

0

 

N4ABM

15

12

W4DLZ

3

0

 

WX4H

30

23

 

NY4E

4

0

WX4H

30

27

 

K4IWW

25

20

 

WX4H

30

33

W4TY

1

0

 

W4VFJ

5

0

 

K4IWW

25

11

W4VFJ

1

0

 

W4VLL

4

0

 

W4VFJ

6

0

W4WXA

3

0

 

W4WXA

6

0

 

W4VLL

5

0

KA5NNG

3

0

 

KA5NNG

4

0

 

W4WXA

1

0

KX8B

21

3

 

KX8B

23

17

 

KA5NNG

9

0

WD8DHC

1

0

 

WD8DIN

12

0

 

K7IFG

8

0

WD8DIN

7

1

 

K8GA

8

7

 

KX8B

24

5

W8IM

9

1

 

W8IM

11

3

 

WD8DIN

5

0

WB8KPE

18

0

 

WB8KPE

17

0

 

K8GA

16

50

K8KV

17

11

 

K8KV

21

22

 

W8IM

9

2

K8LJG

22

51

 

K8LJG

24

53

 

WB8KPE

18

1

KA8NYY

12

0

 

KA8NYY

14

0

 

K8KV

22

19

WD8Q

19

32

 

WD8Q

16

37

 

K8LJG

19

57

W8RTN

4

0

 

KA8WNO

28

63

 

KA8NYY

6

0

W8SIW

2

0

 

KB8ZYY

1

0

 

WD8Q

18

35

KA8VWE

2

0

 

K9PUI

15

6

 

K8SIW

1

0

KA8WNO

29

24

 

WØUCE

30

295

 

K8TPF

2

0

KB8ZYY

1

5

         

W8UE

1

0

K9PUI

6

6

         

KA8VWE

3

0

WØUCE

28

372

         

KA8WNO

17

22

               

K9PUI

5

3

               

WØUCE

29

337

TRAFFIC CALL

Hendersonville NC