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Nevada Section News
April 10, 2008 - Preregistration deadline for EMCOMMWEST'08 rapidly approaching -
If you are going to attend EMCOMMWEST'08, to be held May 2-4 at the the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino in
downtown Reno, Nevada, the deadline for on-line registration ($10 for the convention itself) is April 27, 2008.
After then, registration is $15 at the door.
Many new and exciting themes we be added this year,
designed to better prepare amateur radio operators to respond to disasters of all sizes,
and demonstrate how amateur radio is there when all else fails!
April 10, 2008 - ARES Monthly Report for March'08 SEC Summary - March has been pretty quiet, but much on the horizon. A couple of major training exercise events are being planned for May and June this year. Please see Washoe County EC report in NW District Report for some of the details.
The first weekend of April will find ASEC/Douglas Co. EC Dick Creley, KJ7UK and I heading out on a road trip. We will meet with Ski, AB7FB Humbolt County EC in Winnemucca and our NE DEC Joe Giraudo, N7JEH and his team in Elko. Then on April 11-13 I will head to Las Vegas to attend the Clark County ARES/RACES team meeting. Looking forward to seeing everyone down south again. Report on these trips coming next month.
With the recent earthquake in Wells and recent swarm of small quakes near Reno, please remember to be prepared as these shakers can strike at any time without notice or forecast. We just need to keep these things in mind as we plan to protect our homes, families and communities. 73 Don Carlson, KQ6FM SEC.
SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORT - Glenn Hale, KB7REO, DEC Southern: Not much news from here this past month. Bruce AL7LS has coordinated with Jack K6JAC of central CA to set up an auto-forwarding messaging service. The Packet messages are routed through an HF Packet link to K6JAC. Messages from there can be routed to the Reno/Carson City area through various VHF packet ports. The network supplements the WinLink network.
South Nye Co. EC Report by Jerry KC6ILH - Picked up more members from the HAM-cram class and testing. Starting with some training for new people and getting ready for the B2V run and field day. Had a great Easter as I hope you all did. See you next month
Clark County EC Report by Charlie AA5QJ - Quiet month - no activities other than nets, and no meetings! There were 65 check-ins to the GMRS Emergency Net in March.
NORTHWEST DISTRICT REPORT (Don Carlson, KQ6FM Acting DEC: March has been a fairly quiet month, with no callouts or major events which involved amateur radio. More planning continues for EMCOMMWEST which is getting ever closer, with the scheduled dates of May 2-4 at Circus Circus in Reno. If you have not registered for the conference and/or the banquet, please do so as quickly as possible. Check online at the website at www.emcommwest.org. New items are being added all the time, so check frequently.
Finally, from our SM Dick Flanagan K7VC the following: It is with extreme sadness that I announce the passing of two local and well-loved hams. Both Al Bertone W1LVN and Jack Jones KC7OCB became Silent Keys this morning (3/30). Al and Jack were frequent contributors to club activities in the area and were always available to help a ham in need. There will not be any services for Al and any arrangements for Jack are not known at this time. Please keep Al and Jack's friends and families in your prayers.
Churchill County Paul Wilcoxen - KE7CRZ: We are still without the 145.35 repeater on Fairview Peak and it has been sent in for needed repairs. We are monitoring 145.35 simplex until the repeater is back in operation.
I am still trying to deal with the programming of simplex frequencies which seems to be difficult on some radios. Mark Beadle-KD7ZPP and I have been working on the Fallon Police Department's SGC 2000 HF radio. It would seem that the antenna tuner at the P.D. has a problem and that will be addressed soon. The SGC 2000 at the Churchill County EOC was tested on Tuesday April 1st and is now operational.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Alan Fallis-KE7BFD, for his valuable help in programming and repairing the Motorola radios for us. Al worked hard to do this for us and we really owe him big time. Thanks Al!
Lyon County Patti Polish, KE7JIV - Not much to report this month as things have been relatively quiet. We are currently developing a manual of definitions for words used by some of the agencies we have served. We felt that we can pass on information better if we understand what it is we are "repeating." We are reviewing procedures in anticipation of "Vigilant Guard" and discussed what will be expected of us during this exercise. We also discussed the assistance we will be providing Search and Rescue during Memorial Weekend at Lake Lahontan. Our next meeting will be April 28th at the Silver Stage High School Library at 1900 hours.
Carson City/Douglas County Acting EC, Dick Creley, KJ7UK: Training was held at Douglas Co. training room, subject was Helo recovery and launch. The varied aspects of this type of work due to our mountains valleys and the safety of personnel were covered. Easter Sunday a crew of 3 members of DCART, Sheila and Leroy Clement working with Dick Young (landing control officer) actually recovered and launched a CareFlite Helo for demo at the Jacks Valley Vol. FD Easter egg hunt. There were about 50 adults and kids present. It was well recieved event as the Easter Bunny was the passinger of the Helo.
Washoe County Bob Miller, WA6MTY EC: ARES TRAINING SESSION - With 18 members in attendance. I presented more detailed information regarding Broken Wing and Vigilant Guard and ARES participation in both. Bill AA7WB (Hospital AEC) and I attended the Inner Hospital Coordinating Council Meeting, some discussion about Broken Wing. I did an ARES presentation for Red Cross Shelter Managers. I met with Cheryl Curtis at Airport REOC to discuss the details of ARES goals for Broken Wing. I continue to attend the Vigilant Guard Exercise and Broken Wing planning meetings.
Humbolt County Ski Woytowicz, AB6FD
- Monthly meeting (mixer) - 3 hours on 15 March 2008. Six members in attendence.
- Conducting VHF nets on Wednesdays at 1900 hours. Average net length is 0.5 hours. Using WO7I repeater on 442.825 (PL141.3). Also conduct simultaneous HF check-in during scheduled net time.
- Mapped repeater coverage to the south. WO7I machine from Winnemucca has good copy along I-80 from Winnemucca to Mile Marker 134. Copyable at Exit 129 (Rye Patch - Humboldt River Ranch) depending on antenna orientation (very weak). Test conducted by AF7NB, KH6QAI, KH6QAJ, and KE7QHM.
- KH6QAI & KH6QAJ expressed desire to enter USAF MARS to gain interoperability skills. Getting more info for them.
- KE7QHM acquired new linear amp. Good copy into Humboldt from Pershing County.
- Tested 10 meter copy. Marginal within county on simplex. No copy from Humboldt into Pershing County.
- 10 meter repeater proposal being considered.
- KG6JOF acquired new dual band handheld.
- No reply yet from National Guard concerning IRLP repeater installation.
- One NTS message (#1179) handled by AF7NB from the Nevada Section ARES HF Net for Winnemucca. Service message provided back to originator, Loren, N1IQI. Time invested not included in this report. If counted, add approximately one hour for delivery attempts, research, and follow-up service message. CC copies to N7JEH and KQ6FM.
- As a result of item #9 (above), new owner of property where ham had lived, was impressed with efforts taken to deliver radio message. She and her husband will try to attend Humboldt ARES Field Day event to view in person how traffic is processed. They may become hams.
- Training classes are in planning stage. Want to start ham class for new Technician class hams. Still in planning stage. Time seems to be an issue. Most candidates want to do a one day class. A weekend class was recommended. Training for new hams will obviously still be under further consideration/discussion.
- Two new candidates accrued for planned training class. Potential for more prospective hams is definitely there from American Red Cross youth group and Humboldt County Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
- Members reminded to attend EMCOMMWEST in May in Reno and the Field Day event at WalMart.
- Next Humboldt ARES meeting will be at 1300 hours on 19 April 2008 at the American Red Cross Office on Traders Way in Winnemucca.
NORTHEAST DISTRICT REPORT (Joe Giraudo, N7JEH DEC). Winter weather is still slowing field activities such as mountain-top repeater maintenance. Seismic aftershocks continue to rock the City of Wells, some in excess of magnitude 5 on the Richter Scale. Additional seismic activity has also been felt near Carlin, approximately 70 miles west of Wells. Recovery efforts continue but no communication support has been needed.
The Elko Amateur Radio Club is planning for the upcoming Field Day activities in June as well as communication support for the open road races held in this area. The Section HF Net continued through the month. Propagation between the southern and northern halves of the State continues to decline on 75 meters. Communications are decaying around 8:15 AM. Participation continues with visitor station from surrounding States checking in.
April 7, 2008 - CA Hands Free Law - We are not out of the woods yet -
Our esteemed ARRL Vice Director Andy Oppel N6AJO, passes this along. It looks like California strikes again!
I noticed a number of bulletins have passed around this link http://www.dmv.ca.gov/cellularphonelaws/dl208_03cell_phone.pdf as proof positive that the hands-free driving law that will go into effect July 1st does not apply to amateur radio. And in fact, when this page first went up on the DMV site, I recall passing it on to you as an indication that the matter was settled. Unfortunately, there has been a turn of events that gives me pause.
At the time the page cited above was put up by the DMV, it was linked from this page http://www.dmv.ca.gov/cellularphonelaws/ (the link was named something on the order of "FAQs about the new hands-free laws" and if you searched on the DMV site you would find both pages. Sometime subsequent to that, the FAQs were placed directly on page http://www.dmv.ca.gov/cellularphonelaws/ and the link to the old page (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/cellularphonelaws/dl208_03cell_phone.pdf) was removed. The text now on the main page says nothing about an exclusion for two-way radio use except for specific exclusion "for those operating a commercial motor truck or truck tractor (excluding pickups), implements of husbandry, farm vehicle or tow truck, to use a two-way radio operated by a “push-to-talk” feature". The page we have seen passed around is ***not*** linked to or from any other page on the DMV site and it does not show up when you search the DMV site (there is a search tool anchored in the upper right corner of every DMV page). And the text on the published page reads to me like anything with a push-to-talk switch cannot be operated by the driver of a vehicle except for the exclusions for emergency workers, tow truck drivers, commercial truckers, and so forth.
So what happened?
* Did a web developer at the DMV attempt to merge the two pages and inadvertently put the old text on the main page, and leave the old pdf out there for us to find (assuming we know the exact URL)?
* Was there an official change of interpretation and the result is this republication of the FAQs on the main page with the example that excluded two-way radios deliberately removed?
We don't know! And so far our attempts to find out have not yielded an answer.
The root of the problem is the law uses the term "wireless telephone" without defining it. This leaves the definition up to the DMV and CHP and eventually to the courts when someone gets cited and starts the process of challenging it. Changing the law is a 2 to 3 year process, so that's not an immediate remedy. Asking legal authorities such as the State Attorney General for a definition of "wireless telephone" is risky because there is no assurance we would get a favorable definition, and thus might get stuck with the unfavorable one.
We're working the issue with our contacts in Sacramento. In the meantime, I strongly advise against making any statements that the issue is resolved or pointing people to what amounts to an orphan document on the DMV web site. It's too bad, because this was so promising -- now we just don't know. Bob and I will update you the minute we hear anything official. And if you happen upon any developments, please share them with all of us.
73, Andy Oppel, N6AJO
Vice Director, Pacific Division
American Radio Relay League (ARRL)
The National Association for Amateur Radio
March 30, 2008 - 2008 VoIP Technical Forum in Las Vegas Saturday April 12, 2008 -
Since 2002 Nevada Amateur Radio Repeaters, Inc. (NARRI) has sponsored a
public VoIP conference every Spring . Up until this year the meeting focused
mostly on IRLP, and featured the system designer of IRLP, now the meeting
is of a broader scope including all the major VoIP systems in use by the
amateur radio community, i.e., IRLP, Echo link, EchoIRLP, All Star and
D-Star.
This year's meeting plans have been finalized with Circus-Circus being chosen as the meeting location. Here is a summary of details:
| Place: | Las Vegas Circus-Circus | |
| Date: | Saturday April 12, 2008 | |
| Time: | 9am to 3pm | |
| Program: | the various VoIP systems with demonstrations. | |
| Venue: | Topical Conference plus Continental Breakfast and buffet style Deli Lunch | |
| Cost: | $55 per person, no exceptions. | |
| Hotel Rooms: | Find your own sleeping rooms. | |
| Registration: | Please send your check to NARRI, c/o Kent Johnson, 395 Peaceful Street, Las Vegas, NV 89110 ASAP or $60 if PayPay at www.narri.org. |
March 24, 2008 - Reno QRP Club meeting -
The March Reno QRP Club meeting, at IHOP in Sparks, was a fun experience. We had a quiet room with booths and tables to ourselves. The windows provided sufficient natural light. The service was excellent.
Please welcome new Ham, Steve Jackson, KE7RTV.
Gary Grant, K7VY, spoke of his days with Collins Radio and his contribution to the first manned space flight. This was accompanied by photos and teletypes; even to Air Force 1.
Bruce, W7JBB, gave away the book Test Equipment for the Radio Amateur by RSGB to whomever might have use of it. Carl, K5HK, passed out an article on the new software, "CW Skimmer" by VE3NEA. Gary, K7VY, showed off his Heathkit SB610 monitor scope. Swede, K7UAL, passed around ARRL: The Radio Amateur's Handbook 33rd edition from 1956. Other attendees were Ray, W7TAP; Bill, AA7WB; Tim, W7YQ; Van, W7EIX; Craig, AE7I; Steve, NU7T and Ed, WD7Y.
Craig, AE7I, has downloaded "CW Skimmer" for use with his Flex 5000 SDR. A cursory inspection of the new software illistrated to Craig it will complement his operations.
Carl, K5HK, is exploring the possibility of a booth at EMCOMM West again this year. If you are interested, contact him at: k5hk at clearwire dot net.
The next luncheon will be April 21, 2008 at IHOP, 80 E. Victorian in Sparks.
Steve, NU7T
Correspondence Secretary, Pro Tem
(thanks Steve! - de wb6w)
February 5, 2008 - New Ham Forum in Reno planned for February 23, 2008 -
The amateur radio community will be hosting a New Ham Forum to acquaint newly licensed hams to the endless aspects of our hobby. There will be displays from local radio clubs in the area and information on how new hams can join. The forum will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2008 at the Regional Emergency Operations Center (REOC), 5195 Spectrum Blvd, from 8:30 am to 12:30pm.
The New Hams Net is now on the Pond Peak repeater 146.76 minus (-) pl 123.0, every Sunday, Jan 13 at 1300 hours local.
Please contact Frank Walsh at (775) 742-9072 or email ke7ajo@gbis.com for information on the New Ham Forum.
February 4, 2008 - New Official Observer Coordinator Appointed -
The Nevada section has a new Official Observer Coordinator (OOC), Glenn Thomas WB6W. Glenn was Santa Clara Valley Section Manager before moving to Nevada and has just been appointed Nevada OOC. Questions concerning the ARRL official observer program as well as the FCC Amateur Auxillary should be directed to him at
wb6w@arrl.net.
We thank Paul Cavnar K7IN the previous OOC. He did a wonderful job before other responsibilites starting taking more time than he had. Paul continues as the Nevada section Bulletin Manager.
January 27, 2008 - NWS Skywarn Recognition Day results -
NWS Skywarn Recognition Day results are now available at
here.
SKYWARN Recognition Day was developed in 1999 by the National Weather Service and the American Radio Relay League. It celebrates the contributions that volunteer SKYWARN radio operators make to the National Weather Service.
Nevada stations did well this year. I dunno what happened to Reno WX7RNO. The results for Elko and Las Vegas are:
| Rank/91 | Call Sign | Location | QSOs | States | NWS Offices |
| 9 | WX7LKN | Elko | 493 | 47 | 46 |
| 78 | WX7LAS | Las Vegas | 35 | 18 | 35 |
January 18, 2008 - ARES After Action Report from the Fernley Floods -
The
ARES/RACES After Action Report
(a PDF file) from the Fernly Floods of January 5, 2008 has been released. It's available
here.
Apart from reading about how Amateur radio served the public interest, convienence or necessity,
the report provides critical information about what we could've done better.
Knowing this is how we avoid makeing the same mistakes again, thus enabling us to find brand new
mistakes to make next time! There's nothing wrong with making new mistakes, That's how we learn.
However it's unwise (at best!) to repeat mistakes we've already made.
January 12, 2008 - Changes to ARRL NV Website -
The ARRL Nevada Section webpage has a slightly changed look. Primarily, the "bingoboard" at the top
of the page has been rearranged, with some links deleted and some new ones added. Also, the site was designed
for a screen that is 800 pixels wide. Unfortunately the older version was slightly wider, something that apparently caused
problems for some folks. Accordingly, the page has been made slightly narrower!
- 73 de Glenn WB6W NV webmaster
January 12, 2008 - New Hams Net QSY's -
The New Hams Net in the Reno area is moving to the Pond Peak repeater 146.76
minus (-) pl 123.0.
The New Hams Net meets every Sunday at 1300 hours local.
(tnx to Steve KE7HLS for this)
