Big Island Amateur Radio Club Newsletter June 2018

Photo courtesy of Paradise Helicopters S. Army A fun on duty talk, full Majors John of tips and Lani Chamness Hank, updated us on KH6HAK, at Salvation Army left, coordination of entertains food, supplies and and shelter for enlightens the many the hundreds of membership, Puna lava flow below, at the victims. May 12 meeting held at Puna BIARC to meet at PCC, Covenant with Field Day on tap Church. His BIARC will meet at 2 p.m. Saturday, topic: June 9, at Puna Covenant Church. Microbit X. The meeting will be devoted to planning BIARC for the BIARC Field Day, to be staged photos by June 23­24 at Reed's Bay Hotel, thanks to Linda Darrell Asuka, KH6RDO, who secured the Quarberg, venue for us. WH6LQ WELCOME: New licensee Mark Watanabe, WH6FSA, gets a round of applause as he attends his first BIARC meeting.

NOW, HEAR THIS: Gary Schwiter, WH6EPS, BIARC repeater chair, discusses the current BIARC photos by status of units in the field and plans for future Linda Quarberg, WH6LQ work on our islandwide repeater network.

Paragraphs from the President

These have certainly been interesting times proud of the actions of the ham community that we have been living through since the first standing up to do what has needed to be done. of May. It is a challenge to live on and with an Providing updates, sharing observations and active volcano. All of us have been riveted with experiences, and coordinating actions: these are interest in the daily happenings. Some of us the things that we have done as individuals and have been facing real hardships and loss, as as groups networking together. the lava flows into our neighborhoods, across There is still an uncertain future ahead of us. our highways, and maybe even causes No­one knows when Madame Pele will settle destruction to our houses and properties. down again and leave us with our sense Others, like me and my neighbors near the (illusions) of normalcy. We all hope it is soon. summit of Kilauea, have been shaking and Until then, let’s keep our ears open, and our rattling much too frequently and sometimes too radios close, and render whatever aide that we roughly. can. Sometimes the best thing is a friendly voice This has been an emergency situation, to let someone know that we are with them in though often in slow motion. I have been very the midst of the turmoil. There are many people in our community who have suffered real losses. Especially those who are displaced from their homes ­ and some who have tragically lost their homes to the lava flows. The Pahoa and Keaau Community Centers are still being used to serve the displaced. We plan to have our meeting at the Puna Covenant Church where we have met a couple of times recently. The June meeting will be dedicated to talking story as needed, and preparation for upcoming Field Day operations by the BIARC team. Hope to see The view at the top you at the meeting on Doug Wilson, KH7DQ, snapped this action shot on May 4 on the 18th hole at the June 9th. Volcano Golf Course, following the first big earthquake of the day and just a few minutes before the 6.9­on­the­Richter Scale event that whapped the island. Here Aloha and 73, are a couple of websites to access updated related info: http://www.ivhhn.org/vog/ Pascal, AC7N and https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanic_ash/ Big Island Amateur Radio Club Meeting Minutes Saturday, May 12, 2018 The meeting was called to order by President Pascal Nelson, AC7N, at 1400. Pascal stated that he was changing the meeting format slightly in order to reduce overall meeting time. Introductions were made only of new members and attendees and of those who had not been to BIARC meetings for a long period of time. New members and guests, and people who had been away for a long period of time introduced themselves. Treasurer’s Report (End of month – March 2018): Bank: $ 2410,04 – up from $2250.04 as reported in April. One check to renew the club’s insurance policy is outstanding. Additional funds are being received today from Two excellent ¼ wave filters were built by Hank, new and renewing members. KH6HAK, and presented to the club for Announcements: installation at the Pepeekeo repeater site Doug Wilson, KH7DQ: We are in the second (146.28/88). week of a licensing class being held in Oceanview. The next class will begin in Kea’au on November 1, 2018. Observatory. More will be known about this in Gary, WH6EPS: Gary is still looking for a Field the next few months. (c) Two excellent ¼ wave Day coordinator to set up and coordinate the filters were built by Hank, KH6HAK, and operation at the Reed’s Bay Hotel covered patio presented to the club for installation at the near the beach. Peggy, KE6TIS, and Leigh, Pepeekeo repeater site (146.28/88). WH6LC, agreed to deal with food and Darrell, There being no further business, Pascal KH6RDO, agreed to deal with the site adjourned the meeting at 1456. preparation. Now we need someone to coordinate the actual Field Day operation itself. Following a brief break for pupus, an open Otherwise it will become just a club picnic. The “show and tell” discussion was held. June meeting will be dedicated to Field Day organization and planning. Major John Chamness, of the Salvation Army, Debbie, WH6DN: Described the new sign­in was introduced and he described the activities sheet that is being used for meeting registration. of the Salvation Army relating to emergency Reports: response in general and their activities in Gary, WH6EPS: (a) Recent volcanic activity support of the current emergency situation in has delayed all planned repeater work. (b) As a lower Puna. result of discussion at the HPP Radio Day event, Gary is seriously looking at the possibility Respectfully Submitted, of repeater site at or near the Mauna Loa Leslie D. Hittner, Secretary Commentary It's vital we work together to develop organized communications network

were not able to donate our time to Salvation By Les Hittner, K0BAD Army that day. While we were there, I saw no evidence that On Wednesday, May 23 my wife and I went there was any organized communications as Kiwanians to the Pahoa Community Center network between this support site and Hawai’i to volunteer with the Salvation Army. County Civil Defense. Three days prior to that, the Salvation Army The Amateur Radio clubs on Hawai’i Island had contacted our Kiwanis club Secretary have an excellent system of installed equipment seeking volunteer help in Pahoa. They needed and infrastructure. More amateur radio facilities people from 8:30 Wednesday morning to 5:00 are coming on line every year. What we lack is, pm in the afternoon. We volunteered to work in however, organization. the afternoon and arrived at 1:00 pm. We do not have working agreements with We were stopped at the entrance to the Civil Defense. parking lots and told the woman at the gate why We do not have working agreements with Red we were there. She directed us “over there” and Cross. said that the Salvation Army was “there.” The We do not have working agreements with security people at the entrance to the complex other involved agencies. did not confirm that we were on any sort of In some cases, we may have written access list. They merely took our word that we agreements – but those agreements certainly were with Kiwanis and directed us “over there.” are not working! We went “over there” and found two shipping Instead, we argue amongst ourselves about containers marked with Salvation Army ARES, the roles of CERT radio operators, ACS, banners. There were no people around, etc. however. We then went up to the shelter itself Instead, we hold numerous nets and talk and looked for the Salvation Army. We found story about what’s happening. the canteen – but no people from Salvation Sometimes, we have actually helped Army. someone, but it has usually been another We were referred to a Red Cross table near amateur and not organized assistance as a part the entrance. The woman in charge told us that of a communications network that benefits the the Salvation Army people came around meal commons. time and then left and that they were gone right If we had had effective working agreements, now and she didn’t know where they were. She we would have had hams shadowing the further stated that they had taken “their book” principles of serving agencies as soon as the with them so she did not have access to their ICS was established by Civil Defense. phone numbers. We would have had a communications In short, THERE WAS NO network connecting the Red Cross, Salvation COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN RED CROSS Army, Security personnel, and other serving AND SALVATION ARMY. agencies with the Civil Defense ICS and with My wife and I returned to Hilo. Because of each other. inadequate inter­agency communications, we We would have had a repeater designated for direct control over) and that when it meets, the these communications. If we showed up on that Amateur Radio Service should have a seat at repeater to talk story, we would have been the table. That Amateur Radio Service member directed elsewhere. should represent BIARC and other radio clubs But none of that has happened. I venture to with extensive infrastructure responsibilities, say that many of us do not know where the ICS and ARES,n itself, which is the “personnel” arm is located. I’m not sure the Red Cross – an of our emergency communications important player – even knows. capabilities. It is clear that there is no central authority for At this level of involvement, it should not be obtaining needed information. It is also clear that necessary to have two such representatives. when important people – like the Salvation Army The committee member should be tasked with representatives – leave a facility like the Pahoa the responsibility of representing local amateur Center, security does not check them out and radio operators – all of us – and should report security does not know where they are going to back to us accordingly. I don’t know if that is be. possible in the political climate of this county (It These are the sorts of things a is being done where I came from in communications system run as an open star Minnesota.), but we simply MUST build the sort network can solve. Cellphones are fine, but they of a relationship with Civil Defense and other are one­to­one links. They are NOT well­suited involved non­profit emergency service as an open coordinating communications providers so that if it IS possible, it can actually network. happen. The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency has We have to do more than talk story and pat a Local Emergency Planning Committee. The ourselves on the back in order to satisfy the committee met twice in 2017 and has not met at emergency communications mandate all in 2018. I believe the committee should meet obligations imposed on us by Part 97 of the more regularly (something which we have no FCC rules and regulations. Rocker Joe Walsh, WB6ACU, helps ARRL promote hobby he loves

Legendary rock guitarist Joe Walsh, WB6ACU, of the Eagles is featured in a just­ released set of ARRL audio and video public service announcements promoting Amateur Radio. ARRL will provide the 30­ and 60­ second PSAs to Public Information Officers (PIOs) to share with their Section's television and radio stations. The ARRL Media and Public Relations Department also will provide these announcements files directly to interested television and radio outlets, and the announcements are available for downloading from the ARRL website for members to use in An ARRL Life Member and longtime radio promoting Amateur Radio at club meetings and amateur, Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh has been a public presentations, such as ARRL Field strong supporter and advocate of ARRL and Day on June 23­24 (PSAs specifically for ARRL amateur radio. "I want to give back to the hobby Field Day also are available). Those PSAs will that has given me so much enjoyment," he said. also be available for download from the ARRL website, so that members can present them at given me so much enjoyment," he said. club meetings and other public gatherings. The setting for the PSAs was W1AW, which Walsh, who visited ARRL Headquarters last Walsh was especially eager to revisit. The year for taping, wanted to deliver two main occasion also offered him an opportunity to see messages in his PSAs: Get involved in Amateur equipment he'd donated to W1AW years earlier. Radio, and become a member of ARRL. The Walsh's past on­the­air forays on W1AW have messages highlight the tremendous service always attracted enthusiastic pileups. While at that radio amateurs provide to communities, W1AW, he spent some time chatting with station and convey how ARRL advocates on behalf of manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, about the station's Amateur Radio on a wide range of legal and operations. Walsh is a well­known collector of political issues. vintage Amateur Radio equipment. An ARRL Life Member and longtime radio Creating the videos were Media and Public amateur, Walsh personally has been a strong Relations Assistant Michelle Patnode, KC1JTA; supporter and advocate of ARRL and Amateur freelance videographer/photographer Chris Radio, and his ham shack is just as impressive Zajac, and former Media and Public Relations as his home recording studio. Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X, who also recorded "I want to give back to the hobby that has a tag line for ARRL Audio News with Walsh. Ambitious Arizona STEM Planetary Rover Project is a winner An Amateur Radio­based science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) initiative at an Arizona elementary school culminated on May 22, as youngsters competitively deployed their own radio­controlled rovers to explore a simulated planet set up in the Sonoran Desert. Following in the footsteps of NASA scientists, 25 pupils at Bouse Elementary School ­­ several already holding ham radio licensees ­­ took part in the APS Arizona Rover Project, which is aimed at promoting STEM subjects through Amateur Radio and preparing young participants to earn an Amateur Radio license. The rover is a dual­motor small tank chassis running off 6 V worth of AA batteries. Remote control of each rover is accomplished by using dual­tone multi­ Anna Dautel, KI7WOJ (right), and Skyla Herman, frequency signal tones from their radios. KI7WPC, pose with one of the 20­some rover "It was awesome!" said Dave prototypes. The rover is a dual­motor small tank Anderson, K1AN, the president of My La chassis running off 6 V worth of AA batteries. Remote Paz, which sponsored the project in control of each rover is accomplished by using dual­ cooperation with Arizona Public Service tone multi­frequency signal tones from their radios. (APS) and community volunteers. The nonprofit My La Paz promotes health, education, and community in La Paz goals of the program were to deliver science County. "The youth all had the chance to instruction that met and exceeded Arizona Common explore the artificial planet, the event was Core educational guidelines and to help the well attended, and the radio links for youngsters prepare to attain their Amateur Radio remote control and video were rock licenses." solid." Anderson said 23 students got their Technician The APS Arizona Rover project was licenses while also learning and developing electronic part of a 5­month­long in­curriculum circuits, breadboarding, and more within the school education program at Bouse Elementary day. that Anderson hopes to expand to other Leading up to launch day, participants were schools in La Paz County. challenged to complete different missions using only "Its primary goal was to lift up and Amateur Radio technology for remote control, data, inspire the youth into science and and video feeds. In a matter similar to what the Mars learning via instruction and exploration of Rover scientists do, the students had to complete radio science, Amateur Radio, and space these missions from a remote location without actually research," Anderson told ARRL. "The being able to see their robots. Rovers competed in several categories. These included Informal amateur radio nets completing specific objectives remotely being maintained in wake of from mission control and safely returning to volcanic eruptions in Hawaii their landing vehicle in an allotted time Two informal informational nets remain open on the using only a computer interface with their island of Hawaii in the wake of recent and ongoing Amateur Radio. volcanic eruptions and seismic activity, reports Anderson said first­place winners in their Pacific Section Emergency Coordinator Clement respective categories included Eliyah Jung, KH7HO. Jagroop, KI7IZL; Christena Baker, KI7WOI, No formal traffic had been passed, at the time of and Savannah Holden. Jung's report, but frequencies were being monitored. Seven radio amateurs mentor in the "All normal communications, such as cell, landline youth­led Arizona Amateur Radio phones, internet, and public safety, are operational," Association (AZARA). In addition to Jung told ARRL. Fissures associated with the Anderson, they include Joe Lewellen, Kilauea volcano on The Big Island began erupting on K7JEL; Daryl Duffin, NU7X; Neil Hays, May 3, spewing lava and venting high levels of sulfur W6FOG; Alexander Fulcher, N4SVD; Pat dioxide. Delong, KD7KEL, and Heather Caton, An amateur radio net is in operation on 7.088 MHz W8GEM, an educator who teaches (SSB), and the Voluntary Organizations Active in Amateur Radio in the schools as part of the Disaster (VOAD) 146.720 MHz repeater (100 Hz curriculum. tone) on Mauna Kea was activated after Hawaii's A unique facet of My La Paz is its focus governor issued an emergency declaration. A federal on Amateur Radio, Anderson said, disaster declaration has been approved. because of what it can offer the county's The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports active young people in sparsely populated La Paz venting of lava and hazardous fumes continue, with County, where many families live at the no end in sight. poverty level. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park closed after roads "In many ways, Amateur Radio has and trails were damaged, Halemaumau Crater began become the students' first social media, its ongoing series of steam­generated explosions since many of their homes have no spewing ash and debris thousands of feet in the air, computers or internet access," he told and noxious air quality varying in accordance with ARRL. "It no longer matters where a youth explosive and eruptive activity and prevailing winds. lives or their family income; they can now The observatory increased the Aviation Color Code participate in learning opportunities or to RED, due to increased ash emission. making new social connections and friends FEMA reports hundreds of evacuees have been via the Desert Amateur Radio network." staying in emergency shelters. Several thousand The number of youngsters now licensed residents have been evacuated in all, and access across La Paz County is approaching 100. routes overrun by lava include those for the Kapoho "The students of this generation are area. More than 20 fissures have been active at one fascinated by space exploration and time or another. "Air quality in the southeast area of robotics," Anderson said. "And the rover Lanipuna Gardens has been rated 'condition project provides a way to let them explore red' (immediate danger to health) for high levels of this with radio science and be inspired into sulfur dioxide. Volcanic­tectonic seismicity learning while making science fun." continues," was a recent report. Anderson said more information, The US Geological Survey continues to warn that including a rover block diagram, new lava outbreaks could happen "at any time," as schematics, parts list/sources, and source well as "more energetic ash emissions." Flows have code, is available on the AZARA website. reached the ocean on the Puna coastline. Amateur Radio Department of Defense through Parity Act the Military Auxiliary Radio Language Service (MARS) and spectrum inserted in sharing. National Defense The Armed Services Authorization Act Committee passed the NDAA ARRL has praised the work of by a 60­to­1 voice vote after a US Representatives Joe 14­hour markup that ran well Courtney (D­CT/2), Vicky into the night. The bill now Hartzler (R­MO/4), and Mike awaits House floor action. The Rogers (R­AL/3) for their Senate was set to begin its successful efforts in securing markup of the NDAA during the language in the FY 2019 week of May 21. National Defense Authorization Reps. Courtney and Adam Kinzinger spearheaded the Act (NDAA) that asks the FCC that certain conditions apply. to grant radio amateurs living in effort to include the Parity Act Prior to erecting an antenna in language in the NDAA. Both restricted communities the right a deed­restricted community, to install effective outdoor are cosponsors of the Parity an applicant for an outdoor Act, which has passed the antennas. Text from the antenna may have to apply to proposed Amateur Radio Parity House by voice vote twice in the homeowners association the past 2 years. Act (HR 555) formed the basis (HOA) for prior approval of the for the Courtney­Hartzler­ Recognizing the long­ particular antenna system standing relationship between Rogers Amendment to NDAA. proposed by the ham. The Act "The bill does entitle each Amateur Radio and the would not empower an HOA to Department of Defense, and every Amateur Radio deny approval of all outdoor operator Congressman Kinzinger ­­ who antennas. But neither does it served multiple tours for the living in a entitle radio amateurs residing deed­ USAF as a fighter pilot and is in deed­restricted subdivisions still a Major in the Air National restricted to erect whatever antennas community Guard ­­ and Courtney have they want. been champions of the to erect an "This legislation is a good, effective legislation in Congress. solid balance that favors hams "The steadfast support of the outdoor and, as I say, allows tens of antenna. Amateur Radio community thousands of hams to erect continually demonstrated by Full stop. That is the principal effective antennas that they benefit of this legislation," Congressmen Kinzinger and have no right to erect now," Courtney has been a godsend," ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay said. The amendment, Imlay, W3KD, stressed. "There said Hudson Director Mike offered by the bipartisan trio Lisenco, N2YBB. "The Parity are tens of thousands of ham and accepted by the House radio licensees who now, Act wouldn't be anywhere close Armed Services Committee by to this stage without their absent the legislation, cannot voice vote, will ensure that erect any outdoor antenna at strong support, and our Amateur Radio operators will organization is extremely all. This enables them in the continue to play a vital role in same way PRB­1 has enabled grateful." ARRL has pledged to supporting communications in continue pressing for support to hams to address unreasonably a disaster or emergency. restrictive zoning ordinances enact the Amateur Radio Parity Amateur Radio has long­ Act throughout the legislative during the past 33 years." standing relationships with the Imlay pointed out, though, process. feel that FT8 is "taking over the world," subsuming all other modes, that's not the case. "Activity in the traditional modes of SSB and CW has decreased only slightly, by Denny Berg, WB9MSM, 10%," he said. completed DXCC on FT8. "The real decrease is in RTTY Last summer, Brian Lloyd, FT8 activity bumping and PSK activity and in the WB6RQN, of Texas, up at some expense other WSJT­X modes. I believe successfully flew his single­ to other modes poor propagation would have engine aircraft Spirit on a Despite largely dismal HF cut into SSB and CW activity, solo, round­the­world conditions, there is no doubt regardless of the new mode." adventure to commemorate that the recent FT8 digital Anecdotal reports support Amelia Earhart's attempted protocol has hams on the air. Fusaro's hard numbers, with circumnavigation 80 years The mode has caught on so wall­to­wall signals surrounding earlier. quickly that co­developer Joe the FT8 watering holes. ARRL to show off Taylor expressed surprise last Late last year, Denny Berg, ham radio at EAA fall at the rapid uptake of FT8 WB9MSM, achieved his goal of AirVenture Oshkosh for making contacts on HF completing DXCC using FT8. It 2018 bands. Judging by Logbook of took him just 4 months. With support from member The World (LoTW) data, more "I can tell all of you that this volunteers, ARRL will put than 2.3 million FT8 contacts mode is spreading like wildfire Amateur Radio on display for were uploaded in 1 month ­­ a throughout all the HF bands," visitors to EAA AirVenture net gain of 1.2 million contacts Berg told The Daily DX at the Oshkosh 2018 ­­ the giant, on all modes over the same time. He said he was able to annual airshow July 23 ­ 29 in month last year, ARRL work all states on FT8 in about Wisconsin, organized by the Radiosport Manager Norm 6 weeks of operating. Experimental Aircraft Fusaro, W3IZ, said. Over the Taylor has characterized SSB Association (EAA). same period, activity in some of and CW as "general­purpose The event attracted more the other modes has declined. modes" that are good for than 10,000 aircraft and nearly "Year­to­date DXCC ragchewing, DXing, contesting, 600,000 visitors in 2017 to applications are up by 11% disaster communication, and enjoy aerobatics displays, over the same period last year," other purposes. On the other informative programs, hands­ Fusaro said. "So far, we have hand, he has said, FT8 and the on workshops, and diverse processed 898 Worked All other protocols in the WSJT­X aircraft spanning all eras of States (WAS) applications ­­ a suite are "special­purpose flight. 72% increase over the same modes," designed for making "The crossover between period last year. Of those reliable, error­free contacts Amateur Radio operators and applications, 347 ­­ or 39% ­­ using signals that may be too pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and were FT8 endorsements. weak to work using more air show attendees has a Application for VUCC are also traditional modes ­­ and strong correlation," said ARRL up by 33% over 2017." sometimes even too far down Central Division Director Kermit Fusaro said that while some in the noise even to hear. Carlson, W9XA, who is part of Space Station Digital IZ0JPA, and Thomas Pesquet, Amateur Television KG5FYG, made routine use of signal not being seen the DATV system to enhance on the ground the ham radio contact The signal from the digital experience for students and amateur television (DATV) educators. transmitter aboard the Ground stations in Australia International Space Station and Europe have functioned to (ISS) cannot be detected on receive and distribute the the volunteer team organizing the ground, the Amateur Radio Amateur Radio TV signal from the ham radio exhibit at on the International Space the ISS. Ground stations are AirVenture. "Attendees include Station (ARISS) has reported. under development in the US. many licensed and prospective The unit indicates that it is Several hams in Japan have Amateur Radio operators." functioning. So far, ARISS has set up ground stations that ARRL's exhibit will promote not been able to pin down the have received the DATV signal Amateur Radio to newcomers problem. from the ISS. and inform all attendees of the "A series of steps are Peake inaugurated formal similarly diverse technology currently being undertaken to use of the DATV system for a and innovation enjoyed by both try to diagnose the problem," a 2016 ARISS school contact hams and pilots. May 10 announcement from with students at a school in "Ham pilots are doing all sorts ARISS said. "However, if an Rickmansworth, England. The of things from the sky, including actual failure occurred, only a DATV system, located in the long­distance HF ground­based evaluation will Columbus module of the ISS, communications, aircraft fully diagnose the problem. The allowed students at Royal tracking using APRS beacons, ARISS International team is Masonic School to both watch and search and rescue," working diligently to bring [the and listen as Peake, operating Carlson said. "Developing the system] back to full operation under the ISS call sign GB1SS, capability to communicate from as soon as practical." The answered their questions about your aircraft to a ham on the DATV system is known life in space. The one­way ground is also fun!" variously as "HamVideo" and DATV downlink took place near ARRL has posted a short "HamTV." 2.4 GHz, while the two­way FM survey that invites pilots who ARISS said it has begun audio component was are radio amateurs to share coordination with its space maintained on 2 meters. their ideas for exhibiting at EAA agency partners and sponsors The DATV system was first AirVenture 2018. to "expeditiously troubleshoot proposed more than 17 years The ARRL display will build the issue onboard and, if ago. It was commissioned upon existing ham radio necessary, troubleshoot and during a series of tests in 2014. demonstrations at the show, repair the device on the including EAA Amateur Radio ground." Special Event station W9ZL, National Hurricane The DATV transmitter has organized annually by the Fox Center's WX4NHC proved to be a valuable Cities Amateur Radio Club in takes to the air for educational asset that ISS crew Appleton, Wisconsin, and set annual station test members have enjoyed WX4NHC, the Amateur Radio up at the Pioneer Airport airstrip employing during ARISS school station at the National in Oshkosh. and group contacts. In Hurricane Center (NHC) in W9ZL will be on the air particular, astronauts Tim Miami, was to be on the air for throughout the week of the Peake, KG5BVI; Paolo Nespoli, the annual station test on Oshkosh air show. Saturday, May 26, 1300 until 2100 UTC. This marked the station's 38th year of public service at the NHC. The purpose of the annual event is to test Amateur Radio station equipment, antennas, and computers in advance of the Atlantic Hurricane season ­­ June 1 through November 30. "This event is good practice for ham radio operators worldwide as well as for National Weather Service (NWS) staff to become familiar with the Amateur Radio communications available during times of severe weather," said WX4NHC Maritime Radio Historical Society (MRHS) Amateur Radio station Assistant Coordinator Julio K6KPH is back on the air after a brief hiatus, although still at a Ripoll, WD4R. "We will be minimal level at this point. The north lead "H­Frame" temporary making brief contacts on many repair: Feed lines to about half the antennas go through this frequencies and modes, frame. Cracking boards were causing wires to touch the frame, exchanging signal reports and risking collapse. A final rebuild will be done later this year. basic weather data (sunny, rain, etc.) with any station in minimum service we have K6KPH uses the original KPH any location." now," said Steve Hawes, transmitters, receivers, and WB6UZX, who explains that antennas; no amateur Maritime Radio K6KPH is "sort of" back, as equipment is employed. The Historical Society's some repair work is pending. transmitters for most bands are Museum Station Hawes said the crew of Henry HF­5000 commercial K6KPH is back K6KPH volunteers made some units, but the 1950s­vintage Maritime Radio Historical temporary repairs to get some RCA commercial units, known Society (MRHS) Amateur Radio antennas back in service, and as "K" and "L" sets, are used station K6KPH is back on the the station now is usable on 80, on special occasions. air after a brief hiatus, although 40, 20, 17, and 15 meters. He Transmitting antennas are still at a minimal level at this said K6KPH expects to be double extended Zepps for point. K6KPH, intended as a ready to handle the qualifying frequencies below 12 MHz tribute to KPH, the "wireless run transmissions starting with (K6KPH and KPH prefer giant of the Pacific," relays the June's, and also will be megacycles to megahertz), and W1AW Field Day Bulletin, and transmitting the ARRL Field H over 2 for 12 MHz and W1AW Morse code practice Day bulletins. above, all fed with open­wire qualifying runs for west coast "For the [Field Day] digital line. amateurs. transmissions, I'll have to The Bolinas, California, site "Not all the K6KPH wrestle 7/8­inch Heliax that's now home to K6KPH and frequencies were back on at between two different KPH originally was a 1914 first, as we had to change transmitters on 7 and 14 MHz," Marconi Company facility with a antenna assignments to get the Hawes noted. 350­kW low­frequency rotary­ gap transmitter for overseas radiotelegraph traffic. The south lead H­frame was severely damaged when a large tree branch fell on it, and about half of the feed lines are not usable. It will be rebuilt later. This photo shows one of the poles that is farther out. Line spacers now have been added and the line "dress" adjusted for maximum clearance of cross­arms. The wire is #4 solid copper. Hawes said the Bolinas/Point Tim Allen as Mike Baxter, KA0XTT, in a 2014 episode of Last Man Reyes sites were dark until the Standing, now relocated to the Fox Network. Maritime Radio Historical Society made a proposal in The Japan Aerospace students at the Istanbul 2000 to the National Park Exploration Agency (JAXA) has Technical University, has a CW Service ­­ Point Reyes National announced that three beacon at 437.225 MHz, and a Seashore ­­ to restore and CubeSats carrying Amateur telemetry beacon at 437.325 "interpret" the site, which would Radio payloads, including one MHz. The linear transponder include putting it on the air. with a V/U linear transponder, downlink is 435.200 ­ 435.250 "The NPS does maintain the were deployed from the MHz; the uplink is 145.940 ­ building and pay for the power, International Space Station 145.990 MHz. ­­ Thanks to but there isn't a regular budget (ISS) on May 11 at around Masa Arai, JN1GKZ, via for radio and antenna 1030 UTC. Irazú (Costa Rica) AMSAT­UK maintenance," Hawes and 1KUNS­PF (Kenya) carry explained. "MRHS has been beacon/telemetry in the 70­ Last Man Standing buying tubes and parts and centimeter Amateur Radio moving to Fox paying for some antenna band, while UBAKUSAT Network repairs and tree trimming. The There will be a season 7 of (Turkey) carries an Amateur park has obtained grants over Radio linear transponder for the TV show Last Man the years for major antenna SSB and CW, in addition to CW Standing, in which Tim Allen ­­ work, and there is another one and telemetry beacons. Irazú is a real radio amateur ­­ plays pending for later this year to a 1U CubeSat developed by Mike Baxter, KA0XTT. The rebuild some of the 'H­Frames' students at the Costa Rica primary difference is that the ­­ transmission line supports. Institute of Technology, with a show now will appear on the The work we did ­­ and paid for telemetry beacon at 436.500 Fox Network. A year ago, ABC ­­ was to get back on the air MHz. 1KUNS­PF is a 3U axed Last Man Standing, which until the full rebuild work is CubeSat developed by had attracted more than 8.3 done." students at the University of million viewers. The network Nairobi, with a telemetry did not own the show but was Three CubeSats with beacon (9.6 kbps) at 437.300 licensing it from 20th Century Amateur Radio MHz. UBAKUSAT, a 3U Fox. John Amodeo, NN6JA, Payloads Deployed CubeSat developed by has been a co­executive from ISS producer, producer, or supervising producer of the 30 × 50 foot area, and stand no comedy and was instrumental taller than 30 feet at any point. in Allen's getting his ham radio Participants must submit: license in 2014; more than 2 Drawings with dimensions dozen members of the crew (hand drawings are okay) were also inspired by the List of materials: Description show's Amateur Radio and summary of any component, and got licensed. measurements taken, including Allen tweeted news of the Fox modeling and files (modeling is reboot on May 11. "Thanks to not a requirement) all you guys for the support," Photographs Show me the money! Allen said. "We are back." Discussion of observed on­the­ For the second year, the air results and any Barry Amateur Radio Society ARRL announces comparisons with other (BARS) of South Wales in the 2018 QST Antenna antennas UK gained permission to Design Competition Submitter's name, postal operate within the Royal Mint, The 2017 QST Antenna address, and email address and regulator Ofcom granted Design Competition was such a All antennas based on the call sign GB4RME ("Royal success that ARRL is doing it submitted designs must be the Mint Experience"). again this year, with a special sole creations of the entrants The theme of the June 1 ­ 2 twist. The 2018 competition and not available for sale. event was "Covert Radio as challenge is to design the best Winners will be chosen based used in World War II." At the LF, MF, or HF antenna for on ingenuity of design, same time, The Royal Mint limited space applications. mechanical and electrical released a new 10­penny coin Entrants should send their best safety, expected performance, bearing a James Bond 007 designs for evaluation and durability. theme. according to the competition The judges' decisions are "They asked for our support rules. final. Entrants must be ARRL in setting up a World War II Even designs that don't win a members. ARRL staffers and covert radio display in keeping prize might still be eligible for QST advertisers are not with James Bond exploits in the publication in a future issue of eligible. movies," said ARRL member QST. Only one entry per person Mail entries to: QST, ATTN: Glyn Jones, GW0ANA. (or team) can be accepted. The Antenna Design Competition, "Shame we can only 'play submission deadline is 225 Main St., Newington, CT with our toys' for 2 days, but the September 1, which allows 06111. Participants also may mint is a very busy place, plenty of time to build and test email their entries, including pressing coins and awards for designs. call sign and subject line of around 82 countries, 24 hours ARRL is offering three cash "2018 Antenna Design a day." prizes for this competition. First Competition." Those who need The building's lead roof "RF place is $600, second place is to submit more than 6 MB of killer" and razor­wire "Faraday $250, and third place is $150. material should use separate cage," plus electronic alarms, Design and Submission email messages. Do not send give the radio amateurs "loads Requirements: Antennas must compressed ZIP files, as these of technical problems to be designed for one or more will be rejected. overcome," Jones said. bands between 2200 meters Full details are in the June GB4RME operated on SSB, and 10 meters, must fit within a 2018 issue of QST. CW, digital modes, and satellite. ARRL renews and partnerships memorandum of SATERN are only as understanding with agree to good as the SATERN, promotes work people partnerships at forum together participating toward in them. "It On May 18 at Hamvention, common can often ARRL and The Salvation Army goals, come down Team Emergency Radio particularly to one Network (SATERN) renewed in disaster person, and the Memorandum of response, how they Understanding (MoU) between Corey said, adding that the interact with the group," he the two organizations that MoU opens the possibility for said. spells out how they will work sharing resources. To illustrate their points, together in disaster and Corey said ARRL and Corey and Byrne called up emergency responses. SATERN also have agreed to three volunteers from the ARRL President Rick coordinate their disaster audience and gave each a Roderick, K5UR, signed the response activities, to eliminate scenario that required a MoU on behalf of ARRL on duplication of effort. partnership to achieve. The Hamvention's opening day. "We had an effective and volunteers then picked three SATERN National Liaison Bill coordinated Amateur Radio more volunteers as partners. Feist, WB8BZH, represented response in Puerto Rico and After a few minutes of intense SATERN at the signing and the US Virgin Islands last fall," discussions, the new "partners" delivered a copy of the MoU Corey said. outlined what resources they already signed by The SATERN meets regularly on had determined were available Salvation Army. 14.265 MHz SSB, and is to them and the partnership's ARRL Emergency activated for extended periods next steps to achieve its Preparedness Manager Mike during disaster and emergency objectives. Corey, KI1U, said ARRL and responses. "Successful partnerships SATERN have enjoyed a Cooperation was the focus of don't always mean that formal working relationship an ARRL Hamvention forum, everything went right," Corey since 1976, and the MoU was "Building Partnerships," reminded the audience. "In up for renewal. attended by more than 100 fact, it's learning from the "We spent the last year fine­ people. Leading the discussion things that didn't work out as tuning, updating, [and] revising were Corey and FEMA planned that strengthens and it," Corey said. "SATERN is Community Partnership deepens a relationship celebrating its 30th anniversary Specialist Sarah Byrne, who between partners." this year, so it was a double outlined the four "Cs" of celebration for them." partnerships: Collaboration, ­­ Thanks to ARRL The MoU "defines the Communication, Cooperation, Communication Manager partnership" between ARRL and Coordination. Dave Isgur, N1RSN, and QST and SATERN and The Corey reminded those Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY Salvation Army, in which ARRL attending the forum that What is the Ten­Ten International Net? The Ten­Ten International Net, Inc. was formed back in 1962 as the Ten­Ten Net of Southern California. Its purpose was to promote activity and good operating practice on the ten meter amateur band. During the first few years the organization grew slowly, but by 1975 there were 10,000 members, and the word "International" had crept into the name. There have now been over 75,000 10­10 numbers issued world wide. The Ten­Ten International Net is a non­profit entity incorporated under the laws of the State of California. Ten­Ten (or more commonly "10­10") has no paid employees. All of its officers and managers serve on a voluntary basis, and are reimbursed for necessary expenses only. With the great expansion of the BIARC's chief advocate of Ten­Ten organization in recent years, it is Irene Kubica, NH7PE, who has been necessary to employ encourages hams of all license computer processing for levels to get involved. membership records and membership is granted. Each activities. mailing labels. This has also new member is assigned a Questions and Answers... permitted publication of a unique "10­10 Number" which is The following questions are Membership Roster at suitable retained for life, regardless of a most commonly asked by intervals and has facilitated change of callsign. A 10­10 those interested in 10­10 or by mailing the quarterly 10­10 number is never re­issued. new members. International News, which is When one becomes an SK 1) What are the benefits in sent to all paid­up members. (Silent Key), his/her number is belonging to 10­10? Ten­Ten's principal expenses still listed in the membership 10­10 is like any other ham are for printing, postage, and records and Membership radio organization, a group of computer processing. Annual Roster. hams who are interested in dues are $15.00 US members Paid­up (ACTIVE) members promoting 10 meters. In order and $18.00 DX members to receive a copy of the 10­10 to keep interest up on the 10 provide funds for expenses. International News, 10­10's own meter band, the idea of A membership card, certificate magazine which is published collecting "10­10 numbers" as of membership and other items each quarter, and are eligible to an incentive in keeping the 10 are sent to new members when participate in various 10­10 meter band occupied was developed. The ultimate do I get my 10­10 number? reason I lose interest in 10­10 benefit is to keep the 10 Any licensed amateur or do not wish to continue my meter band for Amateur authorized to operate on the dues each year? Radio. Personally, each 10 meter band can join 10­10. Once you are issued a 10­10 member enjoys the It is required that you contact number, it is yours for life. If you camaraderie of kindred 10 10­10 members (on 10 decide to not participate in 10­10 spirits, whether the activity is meters), listing their and do not continue paying your informal rag chewing or information as noted on the dues each year, your number is numbers chasing or a more Membership Application form. still yours. You can still give it to formal 10­10 QSO party. Please use this application other 10­10 members and you 2) What does It cost to form for new / renewal can still collect numbers yourself. belong to 10­10? available at: Application Non­dues­paying members The dues are $15.00 per DX amateurs: Please cannot participate in the "BAR" year for members with a US remember that dues must be award program, cannot receive zip code, and $18.00 per paid in US dollars and by awards for contests and other 10­ year for all DX members. Internati 10 awards There is also a Life onal such as the Membership available for Postal Worked All $500.00 for US members Money States Award, and $650.00 for DX Order the DX Award, members. A Senior Life only. the Worked All membership, with proof of 4) What Continents age over 65, is $150.00 US do I do Award, etc. and $200.00 for DX with my You will also be members. 10­10 removed from There is also available a number the list of those Family Membership for now that receiving the members of a family, who I have 10­10 are 10­10 members in received International addition to the prime it? News each member. Family You can quarter. As you memberships are $5.00 per exchang must year for each additional e it with other 10­10 members recognize, it is the dues paying family member. Family (on 10 meters, of course) and members that are the backbone of members do not receive keep a record of their number. any organization. copies of the 10­10 There are numerous awards 6) Who runs the 10­10 Net? International News, but do for collecting 10­10 numbers. The Ten­Ten International Net is a vote in elections, and These are briefly explained in not­for­profit organization participate in all other 10­10 the section entitled AWARDS. incorporated under the laws of the activities, awards and You can just give your number State of California. All Officers, contests. Family members to others when asked for it Committee Chairmen, Award must all reside at the same and not participate in any of Managers, and other function address as the primary the 10­10 Awards, Contests, leaders associated with 10­10 member. Family etc. It is strictly up to you as to serve the organization on a membership runs how involved you want to get voluntary basis. These dedicated concurrently with primary in 10­10. 10­10'ers devote a great deal of membership. 5) What happens to my 10­ their spare time to the operation of 3) How do I join and where 10 number it for some 10­10.