2006 Lincoln Amateur

December Radio Club Meeting Wednesday, December 13, 2006 7:30 PM @ Li-Cor Inc. 4647 Superior Street 50 ton boat anchor – 200 kilowatts on 17.2 kiloHertz – the 18,000 meter band The Alexanderson Alternator in Grimeton Sweden On June 2003 Richard Lorenzen and his wife Jeanne visited the only Alexanderson Alternator transmitter yet in operation, in Grimeton Sweden. At 12:40 pm. On 29 June Richard was allowed a turn at the Morse code key while the Alternator was transmitting. The Alexanderson Alternator was built in 1922 for commercial radio communication with the United States, where the receiver was located at Rocky Point Long Island New York. The Alternator was designed by Swedish Engineer Ernst Alexanderson, ( born 1878, died in Schenectady New York 1975. Between 19xx and 19xx 22 Alexanderson Alternators had been built and were in transmitting service in a number of countries around the world. Today the Alexanderson Alternator installed in 1924 at Grimeton Sweden is the only remaining Alexanderson Alternator in operation. Built by General Electric and marketed by Radio Corporation of America (RCA). The transmitter SAQ (the callsign of the Alexanderson Alternator) utilizes an alternator instead of vacuum transmitting tubes to produce the radio frequency energy which is routed to the antenna. The Alternator remained in service through the 1970’s, carrying Morse code traffic at speeds of 80 words per minute. The Alexanderson Alternator in Grimeton Sweden transmits with a power of 200, 000 watts on the 18,000 meter band on special occasions several times a year for demonstration purposes and as of the summer of the year 2003 the Swedish Government was making application to the United Nations United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization for inclusion of the Alexanderson Alternator station on the world heritage and gained that inclusion to the list on 2 July 2004. Richard Lorenzen’s amateur radio call sign is WAØAKG. Richard is a slug-a-bed and ne’er- do-well born sometime in the previous century and has held an amateur radio license continuously for 45 years and is 39 years of age. His first amateur radio call sign was WNØAKG issued in September 1961. Jeanne’s call sign is General Class KBØQDB, issued in 1994. What did he send ? Did Richard remain in Sweden for two years following, as a guest of the Swedish Government because of what he sent? Only those who attend the next meeting of the Lincoln Amateur Radio Club on 13 December 2006 will learn the terrible truth. WHAT'S HAPPENING!!! Dec 10 (Sunday) LARC Holiday Party Dec 13 (Wednesday) 7:30 PM LARC Club Meeting – Bring a Friend! Dec 20 (Wednesday) 7:30 PM LARC Board Meeting @ KØGND (Pls call first) Dec 21 (Thursday) 7:00 PM – VE Exams - Havelock Christian Church Dec 27 (Wednesday) LOG input DEADLINE Jan 2 (Tuesday) 7:00 PM – LOG Folding - Havelock Christian Church LINCOLN LOG December 2006

Club Repeater KØKKV 146.16/76 The Lincoln Amateur Radio Club, Inc. Packet APRS KØKKV 144.39 Packet Digi-peater KØKKV 145.01 2006 Board of Directors DX Packet Cluster KØGND 147.51/223.7 WebPage http://www.lincolnarc.org President Dianna May WDØFGV 488-0458 [email protected] Vice Pres Jerry Maxwell KCØKGZ 483-4626 [email protected] Secretary Brad Plantz KGØGY 416-0408 KGØ[email protected] Treasurer Reynolds Davis KØGND 488-3706 KØ[email protected] Carl Morones NØCRL 440-3555 NØ[email protected] Jeff Broughton NØJLB 438-9372 NØ[email protected] Troy Schurmann KEØTAS KEØ[email protected] Carla Dawson KCØDFR 484-5530 KCØ[email protected] 2006 Team Leaders About the Lincoln Amateur Radio Club APRS & DX Packet ...... KØGND The Lincoln Amateur Radio Club is a non-profit organization Auction ...... KØIH devoted to the promotion of Amateur Radio. The Club Awards ...... KØGND sponsors activities and programs to promote growth in Club Merchandise ...... KCØKGW Amateur Radio, as well as furthering the experience of Club Photographer ...... KØNEB those already licensed, and to create international good will. Club Repeater ...... KØRPT The Lincoln LOG is mailed monthly to all Lancaster County Club Station ...... KGØGY Nebraska hams and paid members of the Lincoln Amateur Club Vision ...... KCØKGZ Radio Club. If your label says “COMPLIMENTARY,” please Education ...... KCØHMJ consider joining the Club and supporting our activities. Emergency Coordinator ...... KØGND Even if you are not currently active, your contribution will Estate Assistance ...... WØKBS help ensure the future of Amateur Radio. Dues are only $15. Field Day ...... KCØDFR For your convenience, please join by completing and mailing LOG Editor ...... NØJLB in the form on the inside back cover of this issue of the LOG. Net Manager ...... KBØMTT The LOG solicits your input. If you have an idea for an article, On- Air Activities ...... KTØK wish to contribute an article, or want to place an ad in the LOG, Projects/Technical Development ...... KGØGY contact the editor or e-mail it to the address on the back cover. Public Relations ...... KØGND The LOG and other Lincoln Amateur Radio Club Public Service ...... NØFYE & KCØHMM information is available and may be used freely on QSL Manager (KØKKV) ...... KTØK the World Wide Web at: http://www.lincolnarc.org Social Events ...... KCØSHC & Traci Long Permission is granted to other publications to reprint Tube Bank ...... KGØGY articles appearing in the LOG, providing source credit, Transmitter Hunts ...... KCØUVA author, and previous print source appear in the reprint. TVI/RFI ...... KEØTAS Webmaster ...... NØCRL Join the Lincoln Amateur Radio Club using any credit card through PayPal. Just click on “Join Online” on the left side menu on www.146760.net COFFEE TIME and follow the instructions. Thank you for being Daily lunch gathers at 11:30 on part of one of the premier radio clubs in the country. 146.85. Saturday breakfast, 8:00AM T&R Gardens (inside HOJO’s 50th & Cornhusker) Page 2 December 2006 From the President a communist Vietnamese prison. He survived the ordeal and now lectures on lessons learned from that experience! December, time for elections to the LARC Board of Directors. At the November meeting Jerry One day, when Plumb and his wife were sitting in a Maxwell, KCØKGZ, on behalf of the Nominating restaurant, a man at another table came up and said, Committee members (which also include Carla “You’re Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from Dawson, KCØDFR; Joe Eisenberg, KØNEB; and the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!” Corey Campbell, KCØPOC) presented the list of well- “How in the world did you know that?” asked Plumb. qualified nominees, whose short biographies appear “I packed your parachute,” the man replied. elsewhere in this LOG issue, and nominations from Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude. The man the floor were solicited. Don’t miss the December Club pumped his hand and said, “I guess it worked!” meeting for your chance to vote on the proposed slate! Plumb assured him, “It sure did. If your chute November’s meeting was packed with fun, from the hadn’t worked, I wouldn’t be here today.” program, presented by Jack Dunn, UNL’s Mueller Planetarium Coordinator, which certainly gave us all a Plumb couldn’t sleep that night, thinking about that visual grasp and better understanding of the effects of man. Plumb says, “I kept wondering what he had looked solar flares on propagation, to Barb Runions’, KD7ITK, like in a Navy uniform: a white hat; a bib in the back; cookies and pumpkin mini-cakes, personally delivered by and bell-bottom trousers. I wonder how many times I N7RVN, which provided the perfect accompaniment to might have seen him and not even said ‘Good morning, the coffee at break time. Three ham radio stations donated how are you?’ or anything because, you see, I was a by WAØYIW were up for grabs at a silent auction and fighter pilot and he was just a sailor.”Plumb thought of each found a good home, with the proceeds bolstering the many hours the sailor had spent at a long wooden the Club coffers. Congratulations to winning raffle ticket table in the bowels of the ship, carefully weaving the holder Don Poysa, KCØVNJ, and door prize winner Kurt shrouds and folding the silks of each chute, holding in Draper, KCØKGY, who looked happy that he came to the his hands, each time, the fate of someone he didn’t know. meeting and took home a Club logo mug for his efforts. Now, Plumb asks his audience, “Who’s packing your If you enjoy socializing/de-briefing following the monthly parachute?” Everyone has someone who provides what Club meeting, an ever-growing group migrates just south they need to make it through the day. He also points of 48th and Normal Boulevard (west side) to Ramo’s/ out that he needed many kinds of parachutes when Buster’s. The restaurant serves some great sandwiches and his plane was shot down over enemy territory -- he pizza, as well as refreshing beverages, and stays open late. needed his physical parachute, his mental parachute, his emotional parachute, and his spiritual parachute. The newly-elected Board members, Team Leaders, or He called on all these supports before reaching safety. those who have an item to present are encouraged to attend the December 20 Board Meeting at KGØGY’s Sometimes in the daily challenges that life gives us, QTH. PLEASE be sure to call him, to reserve a seat. we miss what is really important. We may fail to say hello, please, or thank you, congratulate someone on December, time for happy memories and hopes for something wonderful that has happened to them, give the future, and time to say “THANK YOU” for the a compliment, or just do something nice for no reason. privilege of serving all Lincoln Amateur Radio Club members as your president for the past year. Please And so…I thank each one of you for your part in let me share an e-mail with you that I received some packing my parachutes this past year and I hope, as months ago that has been in my mind ever since: you go through this week, this month, this coming new year, that you will recognize and thank those Charles Plumb was a U.S. Navy jet pilot in Vietnam. people who have helped pack your parachutes! After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted Join us for an exciting meeting and election on the 13th! into enemy hands. He was captured and spent six years in Dianna, WDØFGV Page 3 December 2006

REYNOLDS DAVIS, KØGND FOR BOARD I am proud to have been a member of the LARC JEFF BENNETT, WØWKP FOR BOARD Board and would like to continue serving the best Hi everyone my name is Jeff Bennett, WØWKP, my interests of the club. The Lincoln Amateur Radio wife Jean and I have 2 boys Calvin (9) and Jared (7). Club is recognized as one of the premier clubs I have worked at LI-COR for 22 years and in Facility in the United States because of its high level of Operations for the last 12 years. I am humbled to be considered for a position on the LARC Board. I have been activity in a range of areas and I would like to help a licensed ham for 1 year and presently hold a Tech ticket, maintain our traditions, visibility and reputation. my goal is upgrade to General by the end of February. I am currently Lancaster County Emergency Although I’m new to amateur radio, my grandpa GC Coordinator and State Director for US Air Force Bennett formerly (WØWKP) was very involved in radio MARS. I have achieved DXCC “Honor Roll” status beginning in the 1930’s when he acquired his license until his death a couple years ago. My original call was with 335 countries worked and 332 confirmed. KCØVNI. A couple months after receiving my license Additionally, KØGND has been received Worked All Hal Kunkee (KØKTZ) helped me apply for a vanity call, States (WAS) awards for 6, 10, 15, 20 and 40 meters. My eventually receiving my grandpa’s former call of WØWKP. station, KØGND, is an active contest station, usually Over my first year as a LARC member, I was able to operating as a multi-op entry. Since 1974, I have been arrange for the club to meet at LI-COR for the monthly one of the net controls for the 16/76 Eastern Nebraska meetings. It was quickly approved as a way to give back to 2-meter ARES nets. I regularly assist the club as a the community. I also volunteered time at the State Fair, Volunteer Examiner and give private (free) CW lessons. Cornhusker State Games and helped take down a couple of towers. I also enjoyed the opportunity to help with setup at In non-radio activities, I am a Board Member of Field Day and attend Storm Spotter Training. I have also Lancaster County Red Cross and one of 9 members taken Cert training that was sponsored through LI-COR. of the Red Cross Service Area Council which I have been impressed with the willingness of club members oversees the activities of 184 chapters in a 9-state to help the new hams in what ever way they can, not to region. I serve on the Board of Volunteer Partners mention serving the community. I believe one of the keys and also serve as Vice-President of Nebraska VOAD to continued growth of the club is to remain focused on the (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster.) things that have made LARC successful. At the same time continually looking to improve what we are doing for example I thank you for your vote. the many excellent learning opportunities and social events. Since Amateur Radio takes pride in community service TROY SCHURMANN, KEØTAS FOR BOARD especially in times of need, one of my interests is to help with Field Day. Before I go any further I must say kudos I’ve been a Club member since I got my license in to Joe and Carla, they do a great job organizing this huge Dec 2000. Some of the events I enjoy participating event! One way we can take this event to the next level is in are storm spotting, public service events such to spread out the load of coordinating Field Day. As the as Cornhusker State Games and the State Fair, Field process is refined over the coming months leading up to Day, ARES Drills and helping to teach technician Field Day 2007 the end result is get the EOC on the air ASAP classes. In March I upgraded to General and am in a structured manner. This is one of many events that are working on exploring the world of HF. For the great opportunities for the seasoned hams to pass on their knowledge to the younger ones while working as a team. last 2 years, I’ve been the TVI/RFI chairman, In closing I want to tell each of the current board have served on the transmitter hunt committee members Thank You for all you do as you guide and direct and I’ve currently served on the board since July. this club. If you choose me as one of your new board members I will serve the club to the best of my abilities. Thank you for your consideration. Thank You for your support.

Page 4 December 2006

ROD HUTT, NØUXW FOR BOARD LONNIE RECH, WDØAOP FOR BOARD I was asked if I would run for the LARC board and said yes. I To introduce myself to those of you who don’t have a clue would like to contribute any talents I might have for the good who I am, and even some of you that do know me just a of the club. I have been a ham since 1992. When I lived in little. I will give you the tour. I was first licensed in 1977 Minneapolis, I was not very active on the 2 meter side, but was as a Novice. Yes you had to have 5 WPM code at that time active on HF and 70cm in conjunction with the USAF MARS and I thought I would never achieve it, but I did. Had a group. I was a member of the Base Support Team and served one great time learning the Code and working HF all over the year as Emergency Coordinator for Region 3, Minnesota, Missouri, world with those little “dits and dah’s”. Forced to upgrade Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin. by the F.C.C. in those days, I started studying and finally I have been active in public safety, serving as Fire Chief, got my Technician Class License (Today’s General Class Ambulance Chief, Emergency Management Director and reserve Theory Exams). But still needed MORE CODE to upgrade. Deputy Sheriff in Grant, NE for fourteen years. I am a Nationally Now the F.C.C. wanted me to get up to 13 WPM to get the Registered EMT. I was a member of the Grant City Council for four years. I was Director of the Nebraska Highway Safety General Class License and Privileges’. That one had to wait Office for 6 years in the early 70’s. I am currently a volunteer awhile. I was working full time, farming full time, and my at the EOC for the Lincoln Lancaster County Emergency wife and I were raising 2 boys (Scott “KCØWIY”and Craig Management Agency. I have been a private pilot since 1970. “not yet interested”). We had to go to Omaha or further I was a Regional manager with Motorola for several years, living then just to sit for the test. That was fun. I joined LARC in Billings, MT with responsibility for Montana, Wyoming, North when I got my first ticket and have been a member off an Dakota and South Dakota. I was Director of North America Sales on now for the past 28 years. During the times of raising for the E F Johnson company in Minneapolis. Prior to moving those two boys, I acquired an interest in Rodeo and Classic back to Nebraska four years ago, I was President and CEO of Cars. Rodeo was for the boys, and Classic Cars was fun. 21st Century Wireless Group for eight years. Our company had I still continue with the Car thing and have a couple that approximately 275 channels of 800 MHz trunked radio systems Cathy and I show from time to time. I am married to Cathy in the Minneapolis and Memphis areas. We also had roughly 150 (KCØVET). We have been married since 1968 and both of us channels of 450 MHz community repeaters and 40 radio towers. have been involved in several Amatuer Radio activities over I have enjoyed being part of LARC for the past 3 ½ years. I am the many years. Needless to say, she has actively supported getting to know members of the club and enjoy participating my many interests. Interests in the Amatuer Radio Area in a variety of events with all of you. I enjoyed the camaraderie of being a member of the LARC Trap Team this year. are “Storm Spotting”, HF, APRS, Local VHF, and Field Day. I can remember volunteering to be a “lightning rod” for I would like to become more active in the club’s leadership. I would Lancaster County when they were first convinced to allow like to represent the interests of the membership by being a member the local Radio Amatuers to provide the eyes and ears for of the Board of Directors. I promise to “play nice” with the other Board members. I would like to see each and every member given Lancaster County Emergency Management I support the an opportunity to have a say in the clubs activities by encouraging many activities the Lincoln Amatuer Radio Club has had participation in the committees within the club. It appears to me the pleasure to assist with and spread the word about “Ham that many of these positions are currently headed by a very few, with Radio”. Public Service is a main priority for the Club and is little participation by additional members. Nothing makes a person really very much the backbone for the many volunteers that feel more like they belong than taking an active part in leadership are always ready and willing to help. I have been a member roles and realizing that you make a difference. I would encourage of many different organizations over the years, but none “new” thinking and would expect civility in our dealings with each compare to the “ACTIVE” Club we have. I am very proud other at all times. Let’s professionalize our group and make it a very visible organization within the community. We will be expanding of our organization and will continue to promote current our capabilities this next year through the implementation of a activities. I would also try to promote activities that our digital radio system as well as other exciting enhancements. I will members are willing to participate in. I am NOT a big fan be pursuing my General Class license. It’s been way too long since of the statement (We have always done it that way), that I learned Morse code as part of my Eagle Scout requirements. is not good for a growing club. You can become stuck in Thank you for your consideration. I will appreciate your vote. the past and forget to look forward. Your Board can not promote any new ideas without club member participation and ideas. If you do decide to place your confidence in a vote for me, I would consider it a “Privilege” to be allowed to serve the Lincoln Amateur Radio Club membership Page 5 December 2006 them directly in emergency communications plans. JEFF BROUGHTON, NØJLB FOR BOARD Being a part of the governing body of this club means I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as a Board making sacrificesandtoughchoices,allforthebetterment Member this year. I was asked to serve after a former of our club. These are the things I have sworn to do for member resigned. It has been a great experience and the last two years, and will continue to do if re-elected. I hope that I will be able to serve for another term. Thank you for considering me to serve I have been a member of the Lincoln Amateur as a board member of our LARC. Radio Club since I got my license, and have been attending monthly meetings before that. My Guy Hollamon, KBØIFY, SK wife Danielle, KCØSWI, is also a Club member. We’re sorry to note the passing of Guy Hollamon, KBØIFY, at his home in Martell on Nov 27. Guy had been a Volunteer I have been the Club’s LOG editor for the past Examiner for many years and was active on HF working both from his home near Martell and also mobile. Guy was a two years and plan on serving for the future. regular on the “Ice Cream Net” on 75 meters for many years. When I am elected to another term I will do Guy had worked for the State for 34 years as a Maintenance my best to put the Club members interests first. Manager. He was a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying RC airplanes. His neighbors appreciated his gardening ability. I thank you for your vote Guy designed and built many “screwdriver” antennas and worked HF mobile. He was 80 at the time of his death.

CARL MORONES, NØCRL FOR BOARD “If elected, I will continue to be an active member of this Twenty Years Ago in the LOG club, promoting HAM radio, recruiting new members The December 1986 club meeting featured Reynolds Davis, ON8TX/ and old members alike, and having a lot of fun!!” KØGND, with slides of his new home near Brussels, Belgium and Kent Kennedy, WBØVIU, with slides of the year’s Club activities … Mike Dec 2006 Ruhrdanz, NØFER, was appointed Section Emergency Coordinator for Nebraska … the LOG included a nice full-page ad from A&A WOW!! It’s two years later now, and what a ride! Electronics (Evan Haydon, NØGMR, and John McNaught, KCØFM). Thank you to everyone who voted for me last time, and, as promised, I have been a very active member The Quickies … of our Lincoln Amateur Radio Club. I have helped The UNL Radio Club had a good turnout for the CQWW DX Phone to promote HAM radio to both old and young alike. Contest October 21/22. The Club’s total score was 104,115 points I have played a large role in the recruitment of many and we contacted 113 countries on five different bands … In the new members to both LARC, and to amateur radio ARRL November CW Sweepstakes, Greg Brown, KTØK, scored itself over the last two years, and I have had TONS of a “clean-sweep” with 689 contacts! … We’re sorry to learn of the passing of the mother-in-law of Bill Lyons, KCØHMJ and send Bill fun. Thank you for allowing me to be a very important and Karen our condolences … Kurt Bauer, WBØAEA, participated part of your club. Just as I said last time, if re-elected, in the November ARRL Frequency test on 80 meters using a scope I will continue to be as active as ever in our club. I reading 10 Hz increments … Nice picture of Ron Samson, WØDCB, have some fun ideas to help with transmitter hunting and his family in a special newspaper insert encouraging recycling … We extend our sympathies to Doug Spaulding, KBØVAH, after the for the next couple of years, exciting additions for the death of his father … Great to see a picture of Eric Pierson, NØSAF, club web site (www.146760.net) and hope to be able in a recent mailing from St. Elizabeth Hospital … Steve Sellmeyer, to teach and train individuals on various aspects of WBØQQT is an active volunteer for the Food Bank picking up food amateur radio. I have also helped to raise awareness donations from local eateries for them … Some Phone Sweepstakes activity from Lincoln: Steve May, WAØASM, multi-op’d with Brad of amateur radio in the public health sector, and Plantz, KGØGY, and Carla Dawson, KCØDFR; Curt Pikschus, as a result, public health across the state is slowly NØGVK, also operated. There will be a space in KØGND’s Clean- starting to embrace amateur radio, and including Sweep mug collection as his rotor problem broke multi-year run. Page 6 December 2006

ForWant Sale: Ads 30 foot antenna tower with a Han M antenna Rotator with a 20 element criss crosscross Cushcraft antenna on it. Would like anyone to call me at 402- 873-6901 and come have a look and make an offer. Might surprise them at the low cost to them. Robert Snodgrass, KØAFD. Membership Card Issued Wanted:

Dual Band mobile with cross band repeat. Contact

Jeff @ [email protected] or (402) 438.9372. 

Used HF base transceiver. Phil Cox, WA5OBV, 486- 4976. Ck ______Lincoln Repeater Club Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday

night, January 18, 2007, 7:00 p.m., Data Updated at Gere Library in meeting room

number two. All repeater club Amateur Radio Club Registration Form Lincoln members are urged to attend to  discuss operations and future plans for the 146.850 K0LNE repeater. Elections will be held for new board officers. If you have any questions, contact John Dale, N0FYE. I have also included $10 Dues For the Lincoln Repeater Club Personal Information Name:______Call:______Address: ______City: ______State ____ Address ______Home Phone: ______E.Mail Zip+4: ______Size ______License Class: ______T-Shirt Membership Information What year? ___ Year) Amateur Radio Club: ($15 per Calendar  Lincoln  Administrative use only Appreciate your support. Please make check and mail to: Both Clubs Amateur Radio Club The Lincoln O. Box 5006 P. Lincoln, NE 68505

Listings are free to local Radio Amateurs. Send your ad to NØ[email protected] Page 7

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