ARRL Hudson Division November 2003 Hudson Division Beacon

ARRL Hudson Division
November 2003
Hudson Division Beacon - e-mail edition
By Frank Fallon, N2FF, Director, Hudson Division, ARRL
30 East Williston Avenue, East Williston, NY 11596
516) 746-7652
n2ff@arrl.org
Hudson Division Home Page - http://www.hudson.arrl.org/ 

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Best Thanksgiving Wishes to one and all. Have a good weekend with the family and perhaps you can find time to sneak away that weekend to get in some time with the CQWW CW Contest. Ten meters may again be open. Our BIG news here is the arrival of a second grandchild - Delilah Violet at 7 lbs. 14 oz born November 6th at Chichester, England. Mother and child both doing very well and home less than twelve hours after the event. The grandparents are already practicing their coos.

* DIRECTOR ELECTIONS IN HUDSON DIVISION - You did sent the ballot back, didn't you? Ballots will be counted on Friday, November 21st at HQ and must be received by noon that day. We should all see the results posted some time before 3 PM that day on the ARRL web site. * HUDSON DIVISION AWARDS DINNER November 8th in Paramus Over 100 local hams, friends and family were on hand to honor the Hudson Division Awardees on November 8th. The exact number was 112. Originator of the event, Hudson Division Director, Frank Fallon, N2FF called the event, "The Fourth Annual Awards Dinner and our most successful so far. We had twenty more people than we had last year." At the end of the evening Paul Beshlian, KC2CJW, President of 10-70 Repeater Association and Master of Ceremonies for the evening speculated that the club would be writing a check for nearly $1,000 to the ARRL Spectrum Defense Fund. ARRL's Chief Development Officer, Mary Hobart, W1MMH was on hand to thank everyone for the donation from the successful event. Earlier in the evening Ed Hare, W1RFI, ARRL's Laboratory Manager gave a brief talk and showed a video about BPL and answered guests questions. Those present were also introduced to the honorees by the individuals who nominated them and then heard from the honorees about their career in ham radio. The brief talks were very entertaining and there were many laughs. Nearly forty door prizes, including numerous ARRL Handbooks, Antenna Manuals, CQ Calendars and subscriptions and CD's, were give away to lucky attendees. A contributory drawing for an Icom HT donated personally by Gene Niemiec, K2KJI of KJI Electronics in Caldwell, NJ and a Vertex Marine HT donated by Mario Karcich of Command Radio in Hillsdale, NJ netted additional donations for the Spectrum Defense Fund and made Ms. Carolyn Marrin, KC1JSH, the daughter of John Marrin, KB2KH very happy with a new HT. And the food was good! We are already looking for a bigger place for next year's event. We had to turn people away this year. 2003's Technical Achievement Award winner is Len Signoretti Jr, N2LEN, of Brooklyn, New York. The specific achievement Len was recognized for was the unique Echolink repeater/internet linking system he has implemented, one of the first in the New York City area. The 2003 Grand Ole Ham is Jim Joyce, K2ZO, of Washington Township, New Jersey. A 30 year member of the Bergen Amateur Radio Club, Jim has devoted most of his free time to the club and to making Amateur Radio operators more knowledgeable in the hobby. He has spent two decades as an Elmer, founding the club's "kit night" in which hams could learn the basics of building electronic equipment, how to solder, or how to troubleshoot and repair their own equipment. The 2003 Hudson Division Amateur of the Year is Bruce Lordi, N2XP, of Flanders, New Jersey. A well rounded Amateur, Bruce has been described as "Mr. Fixit". From HTs to Mobile equipment to repeaters, Bruce is always ready to help hams with their technical problems. Bruce gives countless hours to helping hams and teaching others about technology. He Elmers local Amateurs on the technology behind packet, PSK31, APRS, HF, VHF and UHF techniques. * HUDSON DIVISION DECEMBER QST AUTHORS I know you spent a lot of time looking through the Field Day results and that you spotted the two WECA members with their backs to us. But .... Just in case you missed it: The December issue of QST has two articles by Hudson Division members and both are from Long Island. "Your Uncle's Meters" by Miles B. Anderson, K2CBY of Sag Harbor is a five page article about bargain surplus meters. "A Voice from the Ether - B.H. "Tex" Burdick, W5BQU" is by Steve Barreres, K2CX of Plainview. The article is about a 103 year old ham operator who has been on the air for 70 years. Thanks for some interesting reading and nice pictures, guys. * ON THE BPL FRONT The following Hudson Division clubs are on the honor roll as of September 24, 2003: Radio Club of America, Knickerbocker ARC, Technology Society of New Jersey, Splitrock ARA Inc., Ocean Monmouth ARC, and Orange County ARC. Thanks for your generosity. You can see a listing of all the clubs who contributed to the fund on page 10 of the November QST. Clubs that contributed after September 24th will be listed in a later issue. Implementation of BPL technology in the US continues to be a real threat. Here are a few developments and interesting sites with information: Read Dave Sumner's, K1ZZ, "Who Needs BPL?" in the Novermber issue of QST twice and then frame it. A subcommittee of an International Telecommunication Union ( http://www.itu.int/home/index.html ) panel of technical experts responsible for terrestrial broadcasting issues has joined a growing chorus of concern about the interference potential of power line telecommunication (PLT)--better known in the US as Broadband over Power Line (BPL). See: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2003/10/09/1/?nc=1 The ARRL has strongly objected to FCC Commissioner Kathleen Q. Abernathy's suggestion that Broadband over Power Line (BPL) technology will contribute to what she described as "broadband Nirvana." See: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2003/09/25/100/?nc=1

"Broadband from the electric company? No thanks" by David Coursey on ZDNet at http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/4520-7297_16-5089730.html for some interesting reading on the subject. ==>ARRL SPONSORS BPL GATHERING FOR COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONALS The interference potential of Broadband over Power Line (BPL) to over-the-air radio services was the topic of an ARRL-sponsored meeting of 25 communications professionals November 7. The National Association of Broadcasters hosted the gathering at its headquarters in Washington, DC. "Listening to everyone introduce themselves and explain why they had come to the meeting made the trip to Washington worthwhile all by itself," said ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, who offered opening remarks and guided the discussion. Sumner showed excerpts from the ARRL BPL field test videos, which graphically demonstrate that BPL's interference potential at HF is real, not just theoretical. During the meeting, representatives from the shortwave broadcasting, public safety, aeronautical and scientific communities joined amateur and amateur-satellite representatives to discuss the threat of BPL and possible avenues to combat its interference potential to licensed HF and low-VHF spectrum users. Military and consumer electronics representatives participated as observers. Coming the farthest was Chip Margelli, K7JA, who attended on behalf of the Yaesu Amateur Division of Vertex-Standard. ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, reviewed the status of last April's FCC's Notice of Inquiry on BPL and noted that more than 5000 comments were filed with the Commission--most of them from Amateur Radio operators. Imlay said that proposed FCC rules changes could come as soon as early next year. Imlay added that a number of non-amateur organizations support ARRL's position on BPL. Representing the National Association of Shortwave Broadcasters, George Jacobs, W3ASK, affirmed their strong support for the ARRL position. ARRL Technical Relations Manager Paul Rinaldo, W4RI, provided a technical review of BPL. BPL delivery systems would use existing low and medium-voltage power lines to distribute Internet and other broadband services to homes and businesses. Other points the group touched upon included: * BPL emission measurements by government agencies are under way, but the results have not yet been made public. The FCC denied an ARRL Freedom of Information Act request on the grounds that their test results represent work-in-progress. * A government representative observed that concerned groups should be wary of tying in the overused term "homeland security" with any anti-BPL campaign, since it could be spun back against BPL opponents. * Meeting attendees cited numerous and increasing instances of interference from Part 15 devices, suggesting that such instances only infrequently result in complaints to the FCC--and even less frequently in any FCC action. A follow-up meeting may be held early next year if it becomes clear that the FCC intends to release a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding BPL. Some attendees indicated a willingness to accompany ARRL representatives to meetings with federal officials to underscore that concerns about BPL are not confined to radio amateurs. "It's apparent that concerns about BPL run very deep and include nearly every over-the-air radio service," Sumner remarked after the meeting. "Now we can work together much more effectively to express our concerns both inside and outside of government."--Derek Riker, KB3JLF, compiled information for this report http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2003/11/14/101/?nc=1

* LIVING IN THE WAL-MART WORLD "For now, it seems, RFID is just the latest cost of living in a Wal-Mart world" says Matthew Boyle in a "Fortune" article. See http://www.fortune.com/fortune/technology/articles/0,15114,526418,00.html for details.

Wal-Mart is apparently going to use the Part 15 technology on 900 MHz. Apparently Wal-Mart has plans to implement RFID technology on its shipping pallets but it may go further than that. Their real intent, not mentioned in the article, may be to track your shopping cart from the moment you enter the store, to see where you go first, what items you pick up first, and how people travel around the store. This information will allow them to "arrange" the store better to suit the shopping nature of the customers. If you live near a Wal-Mart or one of their distribution center you may see your noise floor increases on 902 MHz!! > "Logbook of the World" is Off Like a Rocket and Still Rising and now working on MAC's -- "Logbook of the World" (LoTW) --the League's new QSL-cardless awards and contact credit system--has proven to be a big hit in the amateur community. LoTW opened September 15 to accept digital certificate applications. For more info see: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2003/10/02/2/?nc=1 (from ARRL Web) If you have a Mac see http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2003/11/06/1/?nc=1 In the six weeks the system has been open to the public, Logbook of the World has accepted logs from 4,000 users from 158 DXCC entities. These users--all with secure digital certificates--have uploaded 20,268,192 QSO records into the system, as of November 3. All of those contacts have so far resulted in 335,196 QSL records being generated. The database is growing very rapidly. * Haynie: Letters=Voters=Support on Amateur Radio Legislation ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, says the good news is that the number of House cosponsors for the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act, HR 713, has topped 50. The Senate version of the legislation, S 537, now has eight cosponsors. The downside, Haynie says, is that the Spectrum Protection Bill as well as the Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Consistency Act, HR 1478, will need many more cosponsors if either is to succeed. See details at: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2003/10/16/2/?nc=1

Spectrum Protection Act Cosponsor List Takes a Giant Step (Nov 10, 2003) -- There's encouraging news from Washington this week. The list of House cosponsors for the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act, HR 713, has nearly reached 70. ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, says he's pleased with the progress over the three weeks since he'd expressed his frustration over the lack of cosponsors. Since mid-October, the list has grown by 17 representatives. The Senate version of the legislation, S 537, is holding at eight cosponsors. See http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2003/11/10

We're making some progress," Haynie said, noting that the cosponsor list now stands at 69. "I'm cheered up that we've got new representatives to sign on, but we can't just stop." Haynie credited some of the growth to a letter-writing campaign in Ohio--home to three of the new cosponsors. He says the League has been concentrating its efforts on promoting HR 713 because the bill has the best chance for success of any Amateur Radio-related legislation now before Congress. Someone apparently was active in New Jersey as one of the seventeen new sponsors is from NJ - Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ). We need grass roots action here, folks! Have you written or spoken to your congressman about this issue? This important bill will not happen unless you do. * CALIFORNIA FIRE COVERAGE You may be interested in reading these two stories from the ARRL Web page about Amateur Radio role in the recent California fires: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2003/10/29/102/?nc=1 and http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2003/10/31/100/?nc=1 * NJDXA ELECTIONS The NJDXA is pleased to announce the officers for 2003-2004 President Rich Gelber, K2WR Vice-President Steve Adell, KF2TI Secretary Steve Saposnick, KB2ENF Treasurer Gene Ingraham III, N2BIM If you have questions about DX or getting incoming QSL cards visit the NJDXA web site at: http://www.njdxa.org/ DX NEWS: A RARE ONE COMES ON IN NOVEMBER The DXCC entity of Juan de Nova and Europa, ranked 9 in a 2002 survey of most needed entities, will be coming on the air in November. Permission to access either of these islands has not been possible to obtain in many, many years. A French group of dxpeditioners have secured permission and will be operating as TO4E and TO4WW from Europa Island from November 24th to December 15th. They plan to operate on all bands from 6 to 160 meters on SSB, CW, and RTTY. Europa, and Juan de Nova, are located in the Mozambique Channel between Mozambique and Madagascar. More details at http://europa2003.free.fr Here you will also find nice photos of the island and propagation predictions to different areas which can assist you in optimizing your chances to work this very rare entity. Good luck in the pileups. de Angel Garcia, WA2VUY, Hudson Division DX Advisory Council Representative * Operating 1x1 for the Tour de France Enthusiasts of both Amateur Radio and cycling, two New Jersey hams combined their interests to put on a unique special event. For details see: http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2003/11/11/1/?nc=1 The author is our own prolific Angel Garcia, WA2VUY, an avid 10 meter DXer, with 341 countries confirmed on the band and a top spot on the DXCC Honor Roll. Licensed since 1976, Garcia recently retired from the New York Life Insurance Company after a 33 year career in information systems management. He lists cycling and travel as his other major interests. Garcia can be contacted via e-mail at wa2vuy@arrl.net. * INTERESTED IN THE NYC SUBWAY ? Some hams are and "Tracks of the New York City Subway" is a book by a ham on the subject. The author is Peter Dougherty, W2IRT, Maspeth, NY who is an ARRL member. Visit his website for more info: http://www.nyctrackbook.com/ Interesting call Peter has for those of us who ridden those "old" trains for years. When he comes above ground, Peter apparently likes to work DX. "Tracks of the New York City Subway," as its name implies, is a 130+ page book containing depictions of every main line and yard track (including track numbers) in the entire New York City subway system--all 722 miles of track and 468 stations of it! A 28-page introduction gives the reader a brief history of the system, a primer on subway signaling (including a color insert of the most commonly-encountered signs and signals), details on chainage distances, towers, power generation/distribution and a three-page detailed list of abandoned stations. * Attention Clubs and Instructors -- New DVD and Other Class Materials Available! This is included again as you may have missed it in the last issue. -- For the first time, ARRL is presenting the ARRL Technician Class Video Course on DVD. The video, also available in VHS format, features new material and the previous content has been revised to make the course even more valuable. Also, ARRL is offering clubs and instructors the popular and effective Ham University license instruction software, with a license to put the programs on the CD-ROM onto five different computers. Perfect for a club that wants to teach a classroom-based course on any of the three license levels. There is support for instructors, too, in the form of manuals and on-line resources. Discounts for instructors on selected course materials are also available. (de ARRL Web) See: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2003/10/16/3/?nc=1 * ATTENTION CLUBS - ARRL seeks opinions on Club Gazette This is a must read for all club officers. I frequently get asked what ARRL can do for clubs. Please take a look at this section of the ARRL web page for some very useful hints and suggestions. -- Attention clubs and ARRL affiliated club coordinators! ARRL Field and Educational Services (F&ES) is hoping to add a Club Gazette feature to its Club Companion pages at http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/club /. The Gazette would feature the best stories, items and information gleaned from the hundreds of club newsletters that hardworking volunteers publish each month. Many clubs are justifiably proud of their unique activities and active members, and being able to share their successes and accomplishments may help other clubs to grow and prosper. F&ES has put together a survey to help nail down the most useful features of the Gazette. Questions were derived from items we've found in hundreds of club newsletters. We'd like to know what you'd like to see. To participate, click on the http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2003/10/10/4/gazette-survey.html and follow the instructions. We appreciate your participation! (from the ARRL web pages) * BIOGRAPHY OF W2JGR ON LINE Many may remember long time LI resident and former LIDXA president, W2JGR. Jules is responsible for getting me back into RTTY in the late 1980's. He is very alive and well and now living in MN. I recently happened across his ham autobiography on the web. If you knew Jules, take a look. You can email him at w2jgr@arrl.net. http://www.aa5au.com/w2jgr.html

* FLARC: AUCTION ON NOVEMBER 28th Here is a Thanksgiving Weekend activity after you polish off the turkey. The Fair Lawn Amateur Radio Club (W2NPT) will be holding a Ham Radio and Electronics auction on Friday November 28, 2003. Information is on their web site: www.flarc.org. The event will be held at a new location, the Fair Lawn Fire House on George Street starting at 7:30 for buyers. Sellers can enter at 6:15. Thank you, Gene Ottenheimer, WB2HID, President FLARC DIRECTIONS: From Route 4 west: Take Route 208 North and take the second exit for Fair Lawn Ave. (past overpass). George St. is the Sixth left turn. Firehouse is two blocks down on your right. From Route 287: Exit onto Route 208 SOUTH. Get off at the Fair Lawn Ave. Exit. Stay in the RIGHT lane and turn RIGHT at light as you leave ramp. George St. is the fifth LEFT turn. Fire House is two blocks down on your right. From West bound Route 80: Take exit 61 River Rd. (507). Go down ramp and stay to the RIGHT. At light on ramp make RIGHT turn. Follow River Rd. for about 3 miles. At BERDAN Ave. make RIGHT turn. (Friendly's Ice cream on left side of intersection. Make FIRST RIGHT, GEORGE Street. From East bound Route 80: Take exit 61 River Rd. (507). Go down ramp and stay to the LEFT. At light on ramp make LEFT turn. Follow River Rd. for about 3 miles. At BERDAN Ave. make RIGHT turn. (Friendly's Ice cream on left side of intersection. Make FIRST RIGHT, GEORGE Street. >>>>>APPROVED HAMFESTS: There are none. The next event will be: HRU 2004 on Sunday, January 18, 2004 at Oyster Bay, New York Sponsored by Long Island Mobile Amateur Radio Club. The event will be held at the East Woods School located at 31 Yellow Cote Road, Oyster Bay, NY Although NOT a hamfest, this is a very worthwhile event being held for the fourth year. Plan to be there. You will meet a lot of hams and learn a thing or two at the forums. Local clubs will be on hand showing off their activities and the price is right at $2.00. Directions: (The school is approximately 18 miles east of the Queens/Nassau border in Nassau County) Take the Long Island Expressway east to Exit 41 North (Rte 106/107). 106 and 107 will split about 1/2 mile north of the LIE, follow 106 north (to the right). Go about 4 miles to Route 25A. Make a right and head east on 25A and go about 2 miles to Yellow Cote Road (on your left). Look for the white sign which says "East Woods School". Go another 1/2 mile and the entrance to the school will be on your left at another white sign. Go up the hill and park in one of the three designated parking areas. Look for the HRU signs! Special Features of Event: Ham Radio University 2004, forums on all aspects of Amateur Radio, Special Event Station. Exams being given: ARRL Sponsored Exams Talk-In Frequency: W2VL 146.850 -600 136.5 PL Web URL: http://www.hudson.org/nli/hru2004 -------------------------------------------------------------------- ARRL Hudson Division Director: Frank Fallon, N2FF n2ff@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------