Nevada Section News 2005 Archive
(note that some links may be broken)
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QCWA Christmas Party This year's Outstanding Radio Amateur of the Year is awarded to Gary Grant, K7VY of Reno. Gary has contributed countless hours to the Red Cross, Salvation Army and to the cities of Reno and Sparks. The award will be presented to Gary in January at the QCWA breakfast. If you would like to attend the QCWA Christmas Party, contact Larry Oakley, W7AB at 775-322-1130. |
 December 17, 2006 Reno Area Christmas Potluck
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December 17, 2005 - Reno Area Christmas Potluck (update) -
N7UVL writes:
I thank everyone that came to the All Ham (& Guests) Annual
Christmas Potluck last night. Good fellowship, lots of food,
more than enough desserts, lots of giveaway prizes, and
a good Islands On The Air (IOTA) program presented by Barry, K6ST.
Barry, gave a presentation on an IOTA trip covering two of the Bering Sea Islands. One near the International Date line & Russia, and the other near the Arctic Circle. Travel to, logistic problems, contact with the native villagers, operating from Nome while delayed, along with the Island experiences were covered in interesting ways. Barry hopes to be able to edit his trip video and put it on DVD at some point in the future.
By the way, Barry mentioned, that while the IOTA events have to be Islands surrounded by an Ocean or Sea, to qualify as an IOTA, the U.S. Islands on lakes such as Tahoe and Pyramid, can be included in a separate event. As many of the IOTA Island require special access permission, so does Anaho and Fannette Islands. One you would have to deal with the Pyramid Lake tribal Council and the other you gave to deal with the California State Park Service. Good Luck.
73 de N7UVL
December 13, 2005 - QCWA Outstanding Radio Amateur of the Year awarded -
This year's Outstanding Radio Amateur of the Year is awarded by
The Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA), Silver State Chapter 190, N7QC,
to Gary Grant,
K7VY of Reno. Gary has contributed countless hours to the Red Cross,
Salvation Army and to the cities of Reno and Sparks. The award will be
presented to Gary in January at the QCWA breakfast. Congratulations, Gary!
December 12, 2005 - OOPS!
The recent Nevada Section News Summary that was e-mailed claims to be for October 2005.
Uhhhh... no, it's really
for November 2005. Sorry about that, chief. Lashes have been applied as appropriate.
December 11, 2005 - ARES Monthly Report for November SEC Summary A few things happened during the month of November, including Northwest District's SET (see report below). Planning stages of Skywarn Recognition Day for all 3 districts at local weather offices in Elko, Reno and Las Vegas. We should have results in our December report due out in early January. Many thanks again (as always) to section technical manager Kent, W7AOR for keeping the entire section in touch via the Western Reflector on IRLP. Several events took place around the section using amateur radio. These are always good practice and are of great benefit as exercises. I also would like to encourage as many as possible to check into our Saturday morning HF net. If you don t know, it is on 3.965 mhz. At 0800 every Saturday morning. Joe, N7JEH, our Northeast DEC is net manager. If you are unable to make the net and have traffic to be passed along, please have it submitted via our DEC s Joe, N7JEH; Doug KA7FOO, Glenn, KB7RE or myself and we will see that your information is passed on. Since we are in the communication business, we need to communicate between ourselves first!
SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORT: Not too much activity to report this month. Planning to install IRLP/Echolink node in Tonopah, mid-state. The node will be at 146.460 simplex. DEC now has location in Tonopah and is setting up HF and UHF/VHF facilities at his second home there. He will be able to communicate with most of the state. November 5-6, ARES members supported the MS-150 bike Tour from Las Vegas to Mesquite round trip. Also worked the ride portion of the Silverman Triathalon on November 13. Meeting held on Nov. 19 to plan 2006 activities. Southern District members assisted Northwest District SET on Nov. 29. They utilized both HF and IRLP/Echolink for connection. Clark County ARES/RACES did their SET. Dan, AA7I worked Clark County ECC, and Bob, WA3PAD provided HF support. Contacts also established using IRLP and the Western Reflector (thanks again Kent, W7AOR). South Nye County ARES provided support for the 3 day after Thanksgiving endurance ride. Nice job by all of you!
NORTHWEST DISTRICT REPORT: It has been busy for Northwest. Noble Responder Exercise for Washoe County served as the backdrop for the SET for this year. The event was held November 29. Served agencies manned included Red Cross, Salvation Army, Washoe County EOC, State DEM in Carson City and others. Traffic handling was used as well as formal traffic. Elko was contacted via IRLP and Las Vegas using both IRLP and HF. Churchill County reports inroads with county Emergency Management and also affiliation with SAR. Members have been invited and are being contacted to determine interest to join training through SAR. Plan being presented to Sheriff and MOU has been signed. It will now come to us for approval. Several appointments have been set up to meet with other civic officials around the area. Lyon County reports that they were involved with a search mission that covered very diverse terrain. Communications were a challenge as they had to use more that one repeater in order to conduct communication. They now realize the need for a portable repeater for use during such activities with the county SAR. Such a system in now being developed.
NORTHEAST DISTRICT REPORT: No activities reported this month, although we DO know that Elko is preparing a massive assault on Skywarn Recognition Day, and that they will have stellar results to announce next month! Joe, N7JEH is Net Manager of the Saturday morning ARES Net on HF, and reports low attendance from Section Officials. Please pass along the net information to your troops, and let s see if we can bump up those totals by next month. Thanks Joe for doing a great job. 73
December 4, 2005 - NWS -
Dave, W7GK reports:
We've taken the computer logs, combined and sorted them by callsign
and state.
The results of the NWS appreciation day in Elko are:
| 525 Total QSO's | |
| 44 States worked plus Japan and Saipan | |
| 50 NWS stations worked. |
November 21, 2005 - Reno QRP Group meeting -
from their e-mail newsletter:
Fellow Radiators:Ed, WD7Y, took 2nd place in his class and power level for 2005 ARRL Field Day. BIG congrats to Ed.
This RENO QRP bulletin has appeared on the ARRL Nevada Section web site: http://nv.arrl.org thanks to Glenn.
Elizabeth, KF6CTG, joined us as a guest at the November lunch. She was good company and didn't fall asleep like my wife did a couple of times. hi hi If those Hams sitting at the third table show up again, no one will fall asleep. What a boisterous bunch!
Also, at the last lunch, Steve, NU7T, showed off his new key, model TT1 from touchtapper.com
A few of our members conducted a demonstration of CW on 100 year old keys at the Sparks Hometown Parade. It was cold and it was fun. Photos should be appearing soon on our web site thanks to Harold, KE7DJV.
REMINDER: December lunch on the 19th, 11:30 am to about 1 or 1:30 at Amelia's Restaurant inside the Mercury Air Center on Rock BL in Reno. All Hams are welcome. See the Reno QRP website here for details.
Steve, nu7t
November 17, 2005 - SIERA Club meeting -
The
SIERRA INTERMOUNTAIN EMERGENCY RADIO ASN
met this evening and heard an excellent talk by
Mark Struble from and about the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
His talk covered the
history and mission of the BLM both nationaly and here in Nevada.
Other clubs in the state might well contact BLM for a
similar talk.
(I know I learned a lot about BLM! - de wb6w)
SIERA also received the report from their nominating committie and heard from the candidates in attendence. One very good sign is that there are more candidates than offices! Elections will be at the December 15 meeting. Members who will miss the December meeting can get absentee ballots.
November 16, 2005 - Outpost User Survey -
Outpost is a GUI interface for packet radio that simplifies sending and receiving
messages in an ARES/RACES environment. In addition to writing and maintaining Outpost,
Jim is also ARES EC for the
City of Cupertino and an ASM in the SCV section. Thank you Jim!
Jim KN6PE, obermail@comcast.net writes:
Hello Outpost Users,
As I begin to plan version 2.1, it would be useful for me to understand how you are doing with Outpost, get a sense for what works and/or doesn't work for you, and what you see as some of the critical outstanding needs.
To this end, I am interested in hearing back from you on the questions below. I would appreciate it if you would take a couple of minutes and reply with your thoughts and comments.
Thanks for your help!
Best regards, Jim o KN6PE
November 15, 2005 - ARES Regional Net Activated
The State of California Golden Guardian exercise took place on Tuesday the 15th.
The Northern California/Nevada Regional ARES Net was activated
on the Northern Ca Mutual Aid/Contact
Frequency 7.232 MHz between 1100 and 1130 local. As far as I (de wb6w) know
this is the first activation of this net since it was established last month at Pacificon.
We had the following check-ins:
| WB6W | ACC/NV | net control | |
| WA6PWW/6 | SM/SCV | mobile at work | |
| NJ6T | SM/EB | heard but no response to calls? | |
| WB5KLJ | EC/Esmeralda county/NV | ||
| K4OES | California OES/Sacto | ||
| KQ6FM | SEC/NV | ||
| KC6ILH | EC/Southern Nye County/NV | ||
| WB6AGR/6 | mobile in Modesto | ||
| KG6FFK | EC/Placer county/SV | ||
| AF6G | Kingman AZ |
December 17, 2006 - Reno Area Christmas Potluck -
Everyone is invited to the 2005 All Hams & Guests Christmas Potluck.
SNARS
is to be commended for, once again, taking the leadership role
in putting together another very enjoyable and pleasurable function.
If you can make this event please e-mail Gary
here.| Location: Salvation Army Reno Headquarters (courtesy of the Salvation Army, Major Peterson, and S.A.T.E.R.N. | |
| Directions: Corner of Sutro and Wells.On the Reno side of the Intersection, where Reno Wells becomes Sparks Oddie. Directly North of the Livestock Events Center North Parking Lot. At Last check (12Dec05) both 395 North & South Bound Oddie Ramps were open for use to get to Oddie. As an alternate, I-80, Wells exit will also get you to the same location. HQ Administration Building, and Fellowship Hall is located in the North West Corner of the Salvation Army Parking Lot. | |
| Planning: (courtesy of SNARS) | |
| Participation: (courtesy of All Amateur Radio Operators near and far) | |
| Children: Especially welcome. | |
| Commencing: 1800 on December 17th. Cleanup has to start by 2100. | |
| Program: Barry Bettman, K6ST, will talk about putting two of the Alaskan/Bering Sea Islands On The Air (IOTA) | |
| Raffle: Each person will get one free Raffle ticket. No Tickets will be sold. This event is not a Fund Raiser, unless you desire to donate Food Cans to Salvation Army or Money to S.A.T.E.R.N. and or Salvation Army. | |
| Food categories:Suggestive Food Assignments by call sign suffix; A-H: PLEASE BRING SALAD I-Q: PLEASE BRING A MAIN DISH R-Z: PLEASE BRING DESERT PLEASE BRING ENOUGH TO FEED 4-6 PEOPLE |
November 10, 2005 - ARES Monthly Report for October SEC Summary Generally October has been a quiet month around the section. No activations or callouts as fire season comes to an end and colder weather sets in.
Growing participation in Wednesday night Skywarn Nets via IRLP and Echolink. Many stations checking in from around the state and from other states as well via the western reflector. Thanks to Section Technical Coordinator Kent Johnson, W7AOR for keeping the system up and in good running order. NCS duties for this net being rotated. Thanks to Southern DEC Glenn Hale, KB7REO and Zahara, W7ZMA in Reno for lending their talents to this duty, among others.
It appears that all 3 NWS offices in the section will participate and are registered for Skywarn Recognition Day this year,on December 2 and 3.
Several from around the section attended Pacificon, the ARRL Pacific Division convention in October at San Ramon, California. Section Manager and SEC attended cabinet meeting with SMs and SECs, Director and Vice Director. Standardized frequencies for inter-division ARES use were decided upon and formalized. These will be used in case of mutual aid needs crossing section lines. Emphasis also on the need for further development of data communication sources for use during emergencies for passing traffic. Training in NCS duties suggested and well received by other sections to better prepare those for activation. I also hope that we can achieve greater participation throughout the section in our Saturday morning HF ARES Net. The time is 0800 on 3.965 mhz. It is open to all, and especially needed is reports from ECs from around the state for reports on their individual activities. (See DEC Northeast District report below for statistics).
SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORT: SOUTHERN REPORT: October dedicated to many SET activities on October 15. Tests were conducted between Northwest and Southern Districts and between Southern and Northern Nye County with good HF resutls. Also use of the WB5KLJ repeater in Goldfield proved to be a good tool in linking this large county.
WX7LAS National Weather station in Las Vegas now registered for Skywarn Recognition Day in December. Skywarn also responded to a coastal storm that brought about 2 inches of rain to Southern Nevada. Frank, KL7IPV reported to the NWS station following a call page by NWS. Information gathered from Kingman, AZ using 2meter linked system. Warning updates were issued and feedback received on the accuracy of the warnings from other hams in the field, according to Don Maker of Las Vegas NWS. Our thanks to all who participated and continued to show our value to the served agency.
South Nye County participated and assisted with local parade, and also helped with Operation Loaded Dice , which was directed by City of Las Vegas and Las Vegas Metropolitan PD. Amateur operators were stationed at several sites in both Las Vegas and Henderson, as well as the ECC and Sunrise Hospital. This exercise served as the SET for 2005. Prior to the event, the ECC participated in an HF test with stations in Washoe County, Pioche, Armagosa Valley, Sparks, Kingman, AZ, Henderson and Las Vegas.
NORTHEAST DISTRICT REPORT: Little activity reported this month. No special events or activities occurred. Planning for December's Skywarn Recognition Day has begun. The Section HF Net (Net Manager Joe Giraudo, N7JEH) operated 5 sessions, 30 minutes duration each. Average participation was 12 members per session for a total of 30 hours of participation. NM wishes to thank Dick, AC7EL from Southwest District for covering NCS duties while Joe was out of town. Thanks very much Dick!
NORTHWEST DISTRICT REPORT: First planning meeting for EMCOMMWEST 2006 held in Reno. Andy, KD7ZEV; Frank, KE7AJO; and Bob, WA6MTY put on a packet seminar with several area hams in attendance. The seminar was very informative and software CDs were distributed in hope of attracting more packet users. Plans also being formulated for packet frequency use. Thanks guys for a geat effort and presentation.
Another good month for the Western Nevada Noon Net. During the net one day, a ham visitor to the net asked for medical assistance. Net members were able to provide directions to Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee. Another day, a ham from Minden found himself stranded on Jobs Peak. Through relays and phone calls, Dick Young from SIERA Club was brought up on frequency. Though the motorist was able to get his vehicle restarted, net resources helped get him on his way. 73 and Happy Thanksgiving to all.
November 6, 2005 - Field Day Results -
Outstanding Field Day! The combined Las Vegas clubs, running a 5A with 74 participants,
wound up with the highest score. Interestingly, the highest QSO total was from the
Elko ARC in 2A. The KC7NUP QSO total of 505 with only two operators also is impressive.
The results, in order of score, follows.
(tnx to Dave, W7GK, for this)| Call | Score | Category | QSOs | Mult | GOTA | Participants/Club |
| N7V | 2720 | 5A | 635 | 2 | N7UR | 74/Las Vegas NV Clubs |
| W7V | 2606 | 2A | 691 | 2 | W7LKO | 16/Elko ARC |
| WD7Y | 2150 | 2E | 195 | 5 | 1 | |
| KC7NUP | 2068 | 1E | 505 | 2 | 2 | |
| W7NYE | 1388 | 5F | 202 | 2 | 8/So. Nye CTY ARES, Inc | |
| KQ6MU | 622 | 1E | 261 | 2 | 1 | |
| KH6NO/M | 578 | 1C | 107 | 2 | 1 | |
| K7PRW | 262 | 1D | 106 | 2 | 1 | |
| AE7DX | 170 | 1E | 47 | 2 | 2 |
November 5, 2005 - VIRGIN VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB becomes an ARRL Affiliated Club -
Another recent newly affiliated club the Virgin Valley ARC. Formed in A[ril of 2005, they are a relatively new club,
established for mutual fellowship and to assist local emergency responders by providing back up emergency communications to
the people of the Virgin Valley area in times of natural and/or man-made disasters. One of their projects has been to
establish close ties with groups in the Moapa area to the west and the Dixie ARC (Utah) to the east. They are to be commended
for their diligent work in this direction.
In the picture, VVARG president Charlie Lum Kee, KH6AB, accepts congratulations and the certificate of affiliation from NV section Affiliated Club Coordinator Glenn Thomas WB6W. The VVARG web site is available by clicking here or on the picture.
November 4, 2005 - SOUTHERN NYE COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICE becomes an ARRL Affiliated Club -
One of the most recent clubs to be come affiliated with the ARRL is the Southern Nye County ARES. In addition to their
monthly meetings and training activities, they participate in several community events during the year: The Baker to Vegas
Relay Race, Terrible's Off Road Races, The Pahrump Town Cleanup, Pony Express Trail Ride, The Pahrump/LV Distance Riders Club,
and The Pahrump Fall Festival & Parade. These events provide training in types of operation which may be needed in emergency
situations.
At their November meeting, they elected officers for 2006. Congratulations to president Fred Jones KE7APH, VP Mike McGrath KD7DGK and (reelected) SNCARES Secretary/Treasurer Richard T. Gamble, K7RTG. In the picture, SNCARES Secretary/Treasurer Richard Gamble, K7RTG, accepts congratulations and the certificate of affiliation from NV section Affiliated Club Coordinator Glenn Thomas WB6W. The SNCARES website is available by clicking here or on the picture.
November 1, 2005 - FOR ALL ARES OFFICIALS -
The forms for monthly ARES SEC, DEC and EC reports have moved to the new ARES web site.
The new forms work the same as the old forms, so there should be no problems
other than the new location.
Links to the new report forms are at the bottom of the blue "ARES Leadership" column
on the right hand side of the "Nevada ARES" page, which is in turn reached by
clicking on the "Nevada ARES" button in the bingo board at the top of this page.
The old forms have been deleted and replaced with token pages that point to the new
forms. If there are any problems, please let the webmaster
wb6w@arrl.net know.
October 25, 2005 - ARES Simulated Emergency Test report form
Nevada SEC Don Carlson KQ6FM reminds us that the ARRL has a standard form for ARES ECs
to use for their SET reports. The form is available (via the following links) in either
PDF format
or
rich text (rtf) format.
While we're pointing to useful stuff on the ARRL main website, there is an excellent page titled "What is Amateur Radio? Why is it a Community Resource?" that describes Amateur radio. The page is intended for civic leaders in that it succinctly describes what Amateur radio can do for them!
It's quite a list with lots of information. Use it as it may help. The page was done by John Hennessee, N1KB@arrl.org, ARRL's Regulatory Information Specialist. If this looks useful to you, let him know you appreciate what he did to put it together.
October 21, 2005 - MSNBC Media Hit
ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, was contacted by MSNBC regarding a segment on Amateur Radio preparations for Wilma to be
shown today on "Connected Coast to Coast" with Ron Reagan and Monica Crowley. Expectations are that they will have a
representative from the Hurricane Watch Net.
October 11, 2005 - ARES Monthly Report SEC Summary Following Hurricanes Katrina and the Rita, amateur volunteers provided some much-needed communications in Louisiana, Mississippi and then Texas. Volunteers were asked for from many sections. We provided some support, as you will see in Southern DEC report. We are still watching the evacuee situation closely. Per Joe Giraudo, N7JEH our Net Manager for the Nevada Section HF Net - Joe reports the Section HF Net continues with light participation. ARES appointee participation is continuing to dwindle. Propagation has been good throughout Nevada and into adjoining states (and sections). The net count and participation house are not included in this month s Northeast Report. You will read about our participation (and ALMOST participation) following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I would like to express deep thanks and gratitude for all of our Nevada resources who stepped up and volunteered to help those in need.
SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORT: During September, ARES members had been expecting to be activated to provide comms. support for NV shelters (with Red Cross support)for hurricane evacuees. Health and welfare traffic was also possible. However no activations. Progress on 2m/440 radio installed at DEC s new residence in Tonopah. Reports being able to hit repeaters from there in Bishop, Goldfield, NV, and Hawthorne. Hopes to add HF soon. SET Planning continues for October. This will coincide with the exercise comms. test planned with Clark County OEM on October 6. Details next month. Charlie, AA5QJ and Jerry, KC6ILH aid in the planning. On Sept. 23-25, South Nye County members assisted with the Endurance riders event. Long hours, but worth the effort. Used UHF system, which reportedly worked better through the terrain than VHF. Clark County provided some Hurricane relief support. Dan AA7I and Dudley, KK7IF deployed with the NV Task Force I Urban Search and Rescue Team to New Orleans. Ken, W7BES deployed with FEMA to Meridian, MS and Andy, N7SGV with Red Cross. Locally Clark County OEM asked to assist with arrival of evacuees, but callout cancelled at last minute (much like that same scenario in Washoe County). Members participated in the Cirque du Soleil 5K run benefiting the Center for Independent Living and the Silver State Classic Challenge, open road race from Lund to Hiko. Charlie, AA5QJ also attended several seminars at Southwestern Division Convention in Riverside, CA. One was on ARES/RACES interoperability. Sadly, two members became silent keys. Chet Brothers, WA7VHP and Al Hess, KD6DYZ. Our deepest condolences to their families and friends.
NORTHEAST DISTRICT REPORT: Repeater project making progress. The Elko Amateur Radio Club reports that they have rerouted the link path to the 147.270 repeater in Jackpot through Wells, thereby improving comms. The linked system now covers well into Idaho along the entire length of US 93 from Spruce Mountain well past the Nevada-Idaho state line. ARES communication support for the Elko Velo Lamoille Canyon Hill Climb Bicycel race was provided on Saturday, September 17. USFS personnel were impressed with the Amateur communication capabilities in the canyon, compared with cellular the their own Federal system. They stated that the presence of professional communication personnel added credibility to the race, and made it a much safer event.
NORTHWEST DISTRICT REPORT: As with Southern District, Washoe County was to have received several hundred evacuees from Hurricane Katrina. The very morning they were supposed to arrive, plans were changed, and Operation Open Arms in this area was cancelled. 2 shelters were to have been set up along with Red Cross chapter HQ. All would have had amateur support. Thanks to Northwest DEC Doug Abramson, KA7FOO, Washoe County EC Fred Hunt, WA6GOG, AEC to Washoe County EOC - Max Cornell, K0MC and Gary Grant, K7VY with the Red Cross Reno for their efforts in planning and staging. Many volunteered to duty and were ready to get going. Again, had this taken place, both effected districts in Nevada would have responded with excellence to aid the victims of the Hurricane. Washoe members also participated in Tahoe/Sierra Century Bike Ride. It was put together by Kevin, KE7BQX and Roy AK7CQ as a Washoe ARES project. Douglas County EC/ASEC Dick Creley, KJ7UK reports preparations underway for an October 8 SET. Planning to coordinate with other neighboring counties. Lyon County EC Harry Bryant, KC7HVM reports that LCARES was called out to assist with an evacuation in Fernley due to a fuel tanker fire at a truck stop just off Highway 80. Harry along with Bob, KE7ATZ responded. About 50 evacuees for several hours. Lyon County staff and Red Cross on scene, and food provided by Meals on Wheels. Great job by all involved with the effort.
October 5, 2005 - 7QP being established!
The 7th Call Area QSO Party has officially been launched and will have its
first running on May 6-7, 2006. We have a full compliment of enthusiastic state
coordinators who expect it to become a premier operating event. Please
check out the
7QP website
for more details.
October 3, 2005 - WADG Club Newsletter
WADG has rehosted their
website. Have a look-see.
WADG is experimenting with the idea of offering a bi-weekly edition of the club newsletter, the Printed Circuit , via email for club members. This would help to keep club members up-to date on events in the area, along with WADG specific news. Please e-mail your comments to n7acm@wadg.org. He would like to hear from members on ideas for WADG. This newsletter would possibly replace the monthly newsletter and would eventually spawn a printed quarterly newsletter with news related only to WADG. These are ideas that we hope you will respond to.
WADG did their yearly concession stand at a UNR football game and apparently a good time was had by all.
October 3, 2005 - Reno QRP Club Newsletter
Van, W7IEX, displayed and discussed his recently constructed keyer...
A salute to Donn, our webmaster, for attaining his 50th year as a licensed
Ham. Donn, W7DAF, is interested in a Half-Century Wireless Association...
There was also some discussion on Glen Zook's, K9STH, "Static Brush" for use
on antenna/tower structures to reduce the probability of a lightning hit...
Glenn, WB6W, Nevada Section Webmaster and ARRL Club Corodinator was our
guest at the September lunch. He is a QRP type dude !! BIG thank you to
Glenn for dropping by...
Our monthly lunch will be on Monday, 17th of October, beginning around 11:30 am or whenever you arrive, to about 1 pm or so at Amelia's Restaurant inside the Mercury Air Center on Rock BL, Reno.
October 3, 2005 - News on US Senate bill 1263
Senator Reid responded to the letter of August 16 asking for his position on S.1236.
The response was dated September 15, 2005 and was received on October 3, 2005.
The senator did not take a stand for or against S.1236. In his words:
| "I understand the importance of amateur radio communication services, particularly in times of emergencies or disasters when other means of communications may not be available. Please be assured that I will remain mindful of this should I have the opportunity to review these measures." |
October 1, 2005 - Nevada Section ARES Web Page
Today we introduce the new ARES web page. The page was previously hosted by the carson Valley Radio Club
and we are very greatful to them. The new page is properly part of the Nevada section web site and is
accessed by clicking on the "Nevada ARES" button in the bingo board above.
The ARES page is a work in progress, so if there is something you think should be there that isn't
or something that is there and you think shouldn't, let the webmaster
wb6w@arrl.net
know.
September 29, 2005 - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Consistency Act (HR 3876) Introduced This bill, if passed, could make it easier for radio amateurs living in communities with deed covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) to erect suitable antennas. The bill itself is (for a change) short and sweet:
For purposes of the Federal Communications Commission's regulation relating to station antenna structures in the amateur radio services (47 CFR 97.15), any private land use rules applicable to such structures shall be treated as a State or local regulation and shall be subject to the same requirements and limitations as a State or local regulation.
For more information on HR3876, see the story at the main ARRL web site. For information on all bills currently in Congress that affect Amateur radio, click on the Pending Federal Legislation button above.
If you haven't already done so, now would be a great time to write your representatives in the House and Senate and let them know what you think about this and other pending legislation. Click here to learn who your representatives are.
September 23, 2005 - New Affiliated Clubs!
As of July 25, 2005, Southern Nye County ARES and Virgin Valley ARC of Mesquite NV
are formally affiliated with the ARRL! There will be more information here as it becomes available.
September 17, 2005 - SNARS Picnic
SNARS is sponsoring
a picnic event, check
their calender for details. Note that this same day is the 15-hour
Emergency Power Operating Event (sponsored by the ARRL)
for stations operating "off the grid." Why not show up with your off-the-grid station at the picnic and swap ideas on how to do that?
September 15, 2005 - The monthly SIERA meeting was tonight.
The club heard from speaker Otto Tune KV7J of Nevada DEM (Division of Emergency Management).
Half of his talk was a
description of the management structure called for by the ICS (Incident Command System)
and how it works. The other half was questions and answers about goings on along the Gulf
coast the last couple of weeks. A very interesting talk indeed!(note: I'd really like to report on what happened at other club meetings throughout the state. Since I can't be at all of them, I'd appreciate a summary paragraph that I can include in the section news. Please e-mail them to me, wb6w@arrl.net. Thanks! - de wb6w)
September 14, 2005 - WADG Newsletter is out
Items include a request for members to run the UNR football game concfession stand,
their new Technician License Class to begin September 8th,
the hybrid ARECC EMCOMM Level 1 class beginning September 14,
support for the 20th Century (bike?) Ride September 24,
the September 17th Amateur Radio Public Awareness Day & Ham Swap/Picnic
and
the Lung Assn Bike Event Sept 9, 10 11.
September 14, 2005 - NTS Patches?
Susan Swiderski, AF4FO, the Section Manager in Georga has made an interesting suggestion to the other section managers. It is repeated below. The patches and decals were available from ARRL HQ at one time, however they presumably are no longer available. If you have any
interest, please let our own Section Manager,
Dick K7VC@ARRL.ORG know.Hi, All,
Susan Swiderski, from (still) hot and sunny GA..
One of our GA hams, who's very active in the NTS, was speaking to Steve Ewald recently, and here's an idea that we're all hoping that you will support within your sections. Even if you aren't a supporter of NTS itself, please disseminate the info to your section for their input.
Bob Good, K4BG, suggested that the ARRL produce some patches and decals for the NTS for marketing. We have quite a few members out there who might be interested in such a program, but before the League would consider producing them, they need some kind of a gauge as to how many people might actually purchase them.
To that end, we're asking that you all please pose the query to your members, and have them either respond to your STM or to you, and then send a consolidated report to Steve, so he can pass it on to Marketing. Steve has said that he'd even accept the responses from your members directly, but that just might flood the poor man with emails, and heaven knows, he's busy enough.
We'd sure appreciate your assistance with this. Thank you all.
(And three cheers for Greg, AL SM, for all of the incredible work he's been doing in coordinating the relief efforts from the Red Cross staging area in Montgomery!!!)
Take care.
73, Susan
September 14, 2005 - TNC to Radio interface
With the increasing interest in packet radio, it seems wise to revisit the issue of interface standards. There is no official interface standard at this time, each TNC and radio manufacturer designs their interface as they darn well please. The folks who support several of the teams in the
Baker to Vegas Race
have developed a
standard interface
that is well worth considering. This interface standard was developed in 1996 and has been evolving since then. Perhaps Nevada ARES/RACES should adopt either this or some other consistent interface specification?
September 13, 2005 FCC Hurricane Page -
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) has created a Web site
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/katrina/
to provide crucial emergency
information for consumers, communications industries, and state and
local governments in the areas affected by the hurricane. Information
is broken down by consumers, industry, and federal, state, tribal and
local Government resources.
(tnx to Joe N7JEH for passing this along - wb6w)
September 10, 2005 - ARES Report for August 2002
Training and planning is being
conducted in many areas. Northwest DEC planning on holding another Hybrid
ARECC Level I Course in September. This one to take place in Carson City,
to attract people from Douglas, Lyon and Carson areas. EMCOMMWEST being
incorporated now and planning for the 2006 edition is in the works. Plans being
formulated for 2005 SET. It has been decided that each of the 3 districts
will conduct their own SET this year, but must make contact by conventional
means with the other 2 districts. SETs should be held in October 2005. More
on plans next month.NORTHEAST REPORT: Two emergency operations in support of Red Cross shelter openings, due to wildland fires. Minimal radio support required. Supplied amateur and commercial support to Pony Express 100 open road race between Battle Mountain and Austin in Lander County. The required deployment of 3 linked commercial repeaters for non-emergency communication. Amateur Radio repeaters in the race area were held silent for emergency backup.
NORTHWEST REPORT: New net time for the district ARES Net. It will now be on Tuesday nights at 8pm, and on a different system to allow for wider coverage. The net will now be on the WADG system at 147.210+ PL. 100.0 linked to 147.150+ PL. 123.0. They are also linked to UHF. Thanks to WADG (Wide Area Data Group) for use of their repeater system for this purpose. Once a new repeater is installed on Virginia Peak, coverage will extend into Susanville, CA and Mineral County will have access. A packet workshop was held hosted by EC Fred Hunt, WA6GOG and led by Technology AEC Andy, KD7ZEV. Focus was on standardizing formats for packet use with served agencies. Several new members possible in Churchill County. They are working on a new communications frequency allocation plan for the county, with ARES/RACES being incorporated into the plan. EC John Hughes, doing this free of charge to the county. EMCOMM Level 1 class to be held in Carson City beginning September 14. This will be a hybrid course. Tahoe Century Ride again September 24 as an ARES event again this year. This is headed by Roy, AK7CQ and Kevin, KE7BQX. Both of these guys were trained at the spring Level I class and now active members.
SOUTHERN REPORT: Skywarn was the primary activity this month. Several nets called for Flash Flood and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings. Flooding events in Vegas metro area minor. Only one official Skywarn Net called by NWS during Monsoon season this year. One event in Nye county: Night Out In The Park , a neighborhood watch event. ARES members provided patrol duties. Final plan being formed for a Clark County OEM drill. It will be held October 6 and 7, as ARES/RACES operators will support several EOCs, hospitals, Red Cross, CERT teams and Medical Reserve Corps. This will also serve as SET for 2005 for Southern District. Dan, AA7I attended the local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting on August 17.
Don Carlson, KQ6FM - SEC
September 3, 2005 -
Red Cross Offering Mass Care and Sheltering Classes Saturday
As seen on local TV, the Northern Nevada Chapter will be holding classes
this Saturday, Sept 3 in Mass Care and Sheltering.
The classes are for people anticipating working with Red Cross disaster
teams.For details and registering telephone 775-856-1000.
73, Gary Grant K7VY
Communications/Red Cross Instructor
(this posting is a bit late. I suspect there will be additional classes in the near future. Check with Gary for details. Elsewhere in the state, contact your local Red Cross chapter for information on these classes. Even if you don't want to be a Red Cross volunteer, the information in these classes is valuable for your own personal well being. - de wb6w)
August 29, 2005 - HURRICANE NOTE
While I am very concerned for the safety and welfare of the people along the Gulf Coast, today is also an opportunity for many PIO's around the country to contact their local media and show them how ham radio has activated around the country in the face of the hurricane. Remember that a LOCAL hook is always the best one. If you can listen in on 14.325, then you have something to show the reporters right there in your home town. (Just do not transmit and clutter up their net)
Call your local news people and invite them to come and listen in. Then tell them about the ARES and other radio volunteers in your own area. They will be looking for a local hook - and this one is great!
At the same time, while this is a real opportunity for PR, also take a moment to think about the real people under those clouds.
Allen G. Pitts, W1AGP
Media and Public Relations Manager
ARRL
Newington, CT 06111
(860) 594-0328
August 18, 2005 -
The
SIERA group
built 2 meter J-pole antennas at their training session. They usually don't meet
in August, but this year is an exception! The materials that folks started with
varied from brand new, freshly sanded, shiney bright copper to scraps of copper
pipe that appeared to have several decades of corrosion on them. The design adopted
for the J-poles was excellent - better than the copper J-pole in the '05 ARRL Handbook!
After assembly and tuneup, all antennas functioned very well. Of coarse (sic), it's
amazing how much a copper 2m J-pole looks like a modern Wouff-Hong! Carson Valley folks
had best be well behaved with so many of them around!
August 16, 2005 - Nevada Section Web site Update
There are several news items in this update as well as an expanded set of masthead buttons.
We've added links to the VEC teams in the northern and southern areas so that it will be easier to
find exam sessions. The southern repeater list has been changed to point to the excellent website
maintained by the SOUTHERN NEVADA REPEATER COUNCIL, thus the authoritative list maintained by
the frequency coordinator becomes available.
The calender, club list and Nevada nets pages have also be updated.
The date the calender and club lists was last updated is now automaticly added to the bottom of
the page so that you will easily be able to
tell how current the information is.There are currently two clubs that have applied for affiliation with the ARRL, the Virgin Valley ARC in Mesquite and the Southern Nye County ARES. As of today, we are waiting for final approval by the ARRL boards executive committee, all other approvals and recommendations having been obtained. Hopefully we will soon have two additional affiliated clubs in the section.
Perhaps the most interesting update is to the "Pending Federal Legislation" page. I've mailed letters to each member of the Nevada Congressional delegation and asked them for their current position on the bills currently in Congress that will directly affect Amateur radio, S1236/HR691 and H Res 230. I plan to post the responses here and on the "Pending Federal Legislation" page as they come in. While I'm at it, I strongly urge you to let your representatives know what your opinions are on these issues. Click on the "Pending Federal Legislation" button above for more information.
73 de Glenn WB6W
August 15, 2005 - Media Hit
One of our AEC's, Max Cornell K0MC, was the centerpiece of a story on the new Washoe County (Reno)
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in todays Reno Gazette Journal. It's right on the front page!!
They interviewed him and shot the picture at his home on Saturday.
The URL is too long to fit on this page, but you can get to it by clicking
here.
73 -- Don Carlson - KQ6FM - NV. Section Emergency Coord.
August 10, 2005 - Vegas to Reno Race Volunteers Needed
(from Keith Purmal KC7HT)
Dear Adventure Seeking Amateurs,
The countdown has started to the Longest Off Road Race In The United States, the Vegas to Reno off road race. Best In The Desert would like all interested Amateurs to join the hundreds of volunteers in the beautiful Nevada desert on October 7th, 2005. Many of you have joined us in the past to make this and other races across Nevada the safest, best organized events for all, and here is your chance to join the excitement. The Amateur volunteers will join with other volunteers at gas stops, check points, and road crossings to make the 500 miles of the best Nevada has to offer safe and memorable for racers, support teams, and all involved. For more information or join the team please contact:
| Keith Purmal KC7HT | |
| kc7htkeith@hotmail.com | |
| Best In The Desert | |
| 3475C Boulder Hwy. | |
| Las Vegas, NV. 89121 | |
| www.bitd.com | |
| 702-457-5775 |
Thanks and 73s,
Keith (and thank you Keith)
August 9, 2005 - ARES SECTION REPORT -
July was another busy month.
Lots of events this time of year from one end of the state to another. You
will read about these in the reports from the 3 districts. Also good news
has been announced that the ARECC Courses will continue to be sponsored so
that reimbursement will still be possible for the coming months, but not
sure how long it will last. DECs may still encourage their people to take
these courses and they can rest assured that they will be paid back upon
completion. Fire danger continues to be high due to dry brush and grass made
possible by a wet winter and spring. ARES members encouraged to stay alert
and ready. I am currently working with Glenn Thomas, WB6W (NV section ACC)
as he is doing an outstanding job as webmaster for the section web site. We
will be feeding him as much information as possible so that clubs can be
advised of activities in a timely manner. Participation reported low on HF
nets due to summer vacation and activities. SET is now being discussed throughout the section
to see what can be decided upon for October ths year.
NORTHEAST REPORT: Still trying to grow the District. A large mass casualty requiring Red Cross support was reported on Friday, July 29. An airplane crashed during the event, pushed the response and communication capabilities of the responding agencies to the limit! No comms support was officially requested, but it came close. An increased partnership with Elko County Dispatch has been forged with the appointment of a new supervisor to the center who is also a ham. EARC is waiting permission to install a communication tower at the American Red Cross office in Elko. The tower was donated to the club by others. Joe Giraudo, DEC met with Eureka County Sheriff Larry Etter at the mass casualty incident and reaffirmed support of the ARC and amateur community to his agency in time of need.
NORTHWEST REPORT: Delaware Fire used 10 amateurs for a total of 100 hours including travel and admin. The Death Ride used 25 ARES communicators for 210 hours, including hours for the HELO recovery and launch by Roger, W6SXX. DCART training continues with How to use your GPS . Also Intro to Packet was taught by Richard, KK7SL. Washoe County quarterly ARES meeting was held and was well attended. Several workshops will be held shortly which should be great training. DEC would like to start up another Level I workshop in September.
SOUTHERN REPORT: July used to begin panning EMCOMMWEST for 2006. Tentative plans are to hold the convention in Las Vegas area next year. So. Nye County continues to work with Skywarn (which was activated on several occaisions due to Thunderstorms) also in Clark County among others. Clark County manned the County EOC in communications from 7/11-7/13. Meeting held in Clark County Sat. July 23. Skywarn was active due to weather in the area. Continued with the Emergency Mgmt. Weed Abatment with Hot Shot Crews. Rotunda Thunda exercise from July 11-13 with County EOC operational, Health Dept., supported 4-Salvation Army Mobile Canteens, and OEM Dispatch.
/s/Don Carlson KQ6FM, SEC
August 4, 2005 - Nevada Section Web site Update
I've updated the website. I plan on doing updates whenever news justifies it and at
least every week or two. Special thanks to the following folks who contributed
news and suggestions that went into this update:
Charlie Kunz AA5QJ,
Steve Scott KD8S,
Kent Johnson W7AOR,
Max Cornell K0MC,
Glenn Hale KB7REO,
Neil McKie WA6KLA and
Steve Kometz N7KP.
73 de Glenn WB6W
August 1, 2005 - New Unique N7KP Sparks Repeater,
443.625 duplex plus 5 mhz (normal offset) N7KP repeater.
FYI, the repeater works this way:| TX 1Ø3.5 pl gets a Fast DTMF of 13 as the courtesy tone. | |
| TX 11Ø.9 pl gets "tail bips" as a courtesy tone. | |
| TX 123 pl gets no courtesy tone. |
Any of the pls causes the repeater to work, and on your mobile or portable you can DECODE pl of 123 if you wish, this allows you to "filter out" local noise as you drive around town. The control op can set the repeater to enable any or all of up to 38 pls, to use as "selective calling" if the need ever arises. For example, if you want to use DECODE on your radio of 1ØØ hz, you would not hear other traffic on the repeater until someone called you by them transmitting 1ØØ hz. This would allow up to about 3Ø people/groups or families to have their "own" pl tone so that they could listen for all traffic on the repeater (DECODE pl 123 or listen carrier) or listen to just calls intended for them.
(tnx to Steve, N7KP)
August 1, 2005 - Welcome to the new ARRL Nevada Section Web site!
This replaces both the "Section News" page in the main ARRL web site and the original Nevada web site at
http://www.pdarrl.org/nevsec/. These oldler sites will no longer be updated.
The reason for the new Nevada Section Website is to provide service to the clubs and ARRL members in Nevada. Items that are too local for the main Amateur radio media and too regional for an individual club newsletters will be included. The webmaster (me - wb6w!) can only include the items he has. If your group is doing something, a class or event or club meeting, send me a note before hand so I can add it to the site. Better yet, if your group has a newsletter, "e" or snail mail, I'd really like to be on your mailing list! I'm at either of:
| wb6w@arrl.net | |
| 2617 Wade St. | |
| Minden NV 89423 |
Click on the "Read Me" button above for the grand tour of the new Nevada section website.
73 de Glenn Thomas WB6W
July 30, 2005 - Nevada QSO Party Results -
We had a pretty good turn out this year with almost all of the counties covered thanks to some of you up north.
I hope to get the entire state covered next year.
Thanks for all of the help and effort by you all.
The trophies will be in the mail this week to those who won them and all of the paper certificates should already have gotten to those who will be receiving them.
Here is a quick run down of this year's trophy winners for the NV QSO Party 2005.
| 1st place Multi Single/High Power | W7RN | op's K5RC Thomas Taormina and K6ST Barry Bettman | |
| 1st place Single Op/High Power | K7VC | Dick Flanagan | |
| 1st place Single Op/Low Power | KQ6MU | Michael Green | |
| 1st place County Expedition/Low Power | N7CQQ | John Kennon | |
| 1st Place Rover Low Power | W7GK | David Hough |
So until next year have fun and good dx.
from to Pat Hess - NK7C and the Area 51 Contest Club
July 27, 2005 - Northern Nevada District ARES Net Day and Frequency change -
The Northern Nevada District ARES Net, currently held on Thursdays at 7 PM on the 146.610 repeater system
is changing its day. The new day is Tuesday, the time is still 8 PM.
The new frequency corresponds to the WADG linked repeater system:
| 147.210+ pl 100 Pevine Mountain | |
| 147.150+ pl 123 Mount Rose Nobb | |
| 444.925+ pl 100 Pevine Mountain | |
| 444.825+ pl 100 Lamoille Summit |
The change will be effective on Tuesday August 2, 2005. It is hoped with this change more participation can be gained from the Northern Nevada ARES members.
July 12, 2005 - DEATH RIDE HAMS OFFER RESCUE AID -
It's a beautiful day in the Sierra Nevada and the assignment is to be the
radio operator at a place called Half Ebbetts for the famed Death Ride bike
extravaganza. Some 2500 bikers will pass by the position, getting water and
sustenance. Some ask for relief by asking you to get a Van ride; a few just
stop by to give the high sign and tell you they're proud to be a HAM too.
Others just thank you for being there. NCS is consistently snapping at you
for activity reports and other apparent necessities of the Ride Coordinator.
Click here for the rest of the story.
(tnx for Dick Young KD7JMR for this)
July 11, 2005 - ARES SECTION REPORT -
June was a moderately
busy month, unfortunately little of it had to do with Amateur Radios big
event: Field Day. Very few Field Day activities held in the section this
year. Perhaps a better showing can be had next year. Most of the activities
surrounded various events held around the state. These will be covered in
the district reports below.
IRLP Nets continue to gain interest and for the most part, have been well attended. It is however difficult to get everyone on board this time of year due to vacations, but will continue to hopefully build momentum as we get closer to the fall season and everyone returns.
I am working with newly appointed ACC Glenn Thomas, WB6W on coordinating website information which will be accessible by everyone once completed. Glenn is working on that now. He will have access to monthly SEC reports and as PIC, will be sending him PR information which is good for distribution section-wide.
| 73 de Don Carlson KQ6FM - SEC |
July 11, 2005 - ARES NORTHEAST DISTRICT REPORT -
Field Day reported to be a great success. Operations were
held at the NWS Office in Elko. No other Emergency operations or drills to
report during the month of June other than the Field Day event. Joe Giraudo,
N7JEH also continues to do an excellent job as Net Manager of the Saturday
morning ARES Net via HF on 3.965. Great participation in this net every week!
July 11, 2005 - ARES NORTHWEST DISTRICT REPORT -
Kids Day was held the week before Field Day in Reno
(Washoe County). Andy, KD7ZEV and Bob, WA6MTY coordinated the event. Many
youngsters came out and were given the opportunity to experience ham radio
up close and make contacts with local hams. Very enjoyable. It was held in
conjunction with and in cooperation with the Washoe County Library System
who welcomed our efforts working with the kids.
Max K0MC continues to attend meetings with Washoe County EOC where the installation for their new comms antenna is beginning. More next month on the installation of the pole.
3 events in Douglas County this month. One around Lake Tahoe Area using 15 comm stations; The Pony Express Ride; and a bike ride from Genoa, NV for 100 miles using many comm. stations. ARES training provided through these events on a variety of areas, including NCS and net proceedures, deployment to remote sites, and mutual aid. Good job by all!
Lyon County group participated in Field Day with setup on a station with help from Al, K7RAA.
Churchill County working on recruitment of new membership in the county with help from KE7CRZ. Warnings are ongoing as to fire danger this season. While there have been some small fires ignited, nothing major as yet but we are standing by and waiting for the call should problems arise. Members are encouraged to keep go kits ready just in case. This is the first full month without Randy Davenport, KA4NMA who recently moved back to South Carolina. On last week in town, he was visited by DEC and SEC to say thank you and wish Randy and his wife all the best. Al Stinger, W7RTI who has been Randy's AEC will be filling in as interim EC during emergencies.
July 11, 2005 - ARES SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORT
While several fires have broken out this season in this
district, still no direct involvement for amateur radio, although our people
are ready to answer should the call be given.
A comms failure occurred on June 7. South Nye County and CCNVARES established a comms link between Pahrump and Las Vegas. Members monitored 146.88 repeater and passed messages for Nye Co. Emergency Manager who was in the area.
Field Day Activities held at Sunset Park. The LVRAC comms trailer deployed for the event, as several members took part.
Skywarn Spotter training held several times during the period at locations around Clark County. Meeting held with Clark County Emergency Manager to discuss involvement with amateur radio. Preparations underway for next event: Rotunda Thunda scheduled for July 11-14.
July 7, 2005 - Political news -
Nevada ection PIC/SEC Don Carlson KQ6FM reports -
"It was announced this morning that Bob Beers, WB7EHN (currently an assemblyman from the Las Vegas area) will be seeking nomination for Governor in 2006. It certainly would be interesting to have a "member of the family" in high office here in Nevada. I did not know he was a ham, but thanks to Otto Tune KV7J at DEM for letting us know. Just FYI. 73 --Don"
June 27, 2005 -
Field Day '05 is now history! I'll be listing the calls of stations from
which I receive a Field Day message here (100pt bonus).
If your groups call doesn't appear here, it doesn't necessarily
mean that the message wasn't sent, only that it wasn't delivered!
June 20, 2005 -
The Pony Express ReRide for 2005 is complete. Among those providing communications on
HF and other bands were
Caroll NV7YL, Jack KC7EPP, Bill K7NHP, Sheila KA7AJQ, George WW7E and Brad WT6B.
They had quite an adventure in the Nevada wilderness along the old trail.
They say that they looking forward to next year's Pony Express ReRide, from west to east
this time.(tnx to the SIERA SIERA News)
June 1, 2005 -
The Wide Area Data Group (WADG) is busy with plans to upgrade and add to their stable
of repeaters. A very ambitious project. WADG also will be starting up a foxhunt series
this summer. It sounds like a lot of fun! If you are interested, please contact Tony,
N7ACM@wadg.org.
(tnx to the WADG Printed Circuit)
May 16, 2005 -
EMCOMMWEST 2005 is now in the history books, but the memories will be slow
to fade from our thoughts. See
here
for Don Carlsons (KQ6FM) EMCOMMWEST 2005 wrapup.
