Volume XLX October 2020 Number 10 Thoughts from the Board Darl-NA8W, MARAC Great Lakes Director Hello from your Great Lakes Director. It was a warm or should I say hot summer in Ohio. Very little rain but we had the Covid virus to keep us busy instead of mowing grass. I am super glad I have been a ham radio operator this summer. We self-quarantined for most of the summer to avoid getting sick, especially since my wife has allergy induced asthma and it would be deadly for her to contract a serious virus. I retired several years ago, and actually at the end of this month I will have been retired from my town job for 12 years. I retired from farming about 8 years ago, but I help my son, the farm operator now, and I continue to plant all the corn and assist with planting soybeans. October is a busy moth for that due to harvest so if you don’t hear me on the bands all month you’ll know I am assisting in gathering in the sheaves as an old song says. I have been an active county hunter since 2010 and have enjoyed it immensely. I needed something to keep me busy especially all this summer while staying home due to the virus. With the sunspots almost non-existent my dxing has been waiting on the sidelines. From November, or after harvest is complete, my wife and I will be in Florida until April sometime. I don’t drive my mobile down anymore and my little Kia Soul we use down there doesn’t have much room for a mobile and or antenna so the only thing I do during the winter is try andincrease my county totals with a mobile antenna on my car port roof using FT-8 or FT-4. Once in a while a county hunter will hear me but not usually but at least I am staying warm. Please note the MARAC Lifetime Achievement Awards that were approved this month by the MARAC Board. Read more in the CONTENTS Awards Manager’s Column below. Fantastic achievements! IT ISSUES, HAM MOBILE SHACKS 2 We are still looking for a smiling face to fill the VP position. LC1 AWARDS 5 Please contact any Board member to FINAL COUNTDOWN 6 inquire. That’s all for ELECTION INFO 9 now and enjoy the AWARDS COMMITTEE 10 Roadrunner RAS AWARD 12 for this month. TREASURERS REPORT 13 SILENT KEYS, QSO PARTIES 15
MARAC ROADRUNNER Page 2
IT Issues Contact By Bob, KA9JAC
Just a reminder, if you have any IT (Information Technology) issues with the www.marac.org webpage please do not simply post them on the Forum as it is not monitored daily by the IT team. If you do, you will probably get all types of opinions and probably not a speedy resolution to your problem. All IT issues should be addressed directly to [email protected] . We are happy to help and want to be able to assist you in a timely manner. Thanks! ______
Home and Mobile Shacks This month featuring the travels of W0GXQ/K8ZZ
Jerry W0GXQ and Ed K8ZZ visiting Paul, W7EEC, on their mobile team run on the west coast!
Report from Phil, AB7RW
Ed K8ZZ and Jerry W0GXQ stopped in Vancouver on their trip through Clark County Washington to visit Barbara AC7UH and Phil AB7RW. We enjoyed ham sandwiches for dinner, and everyone enjoyed dining with good company. Phil gave them a tour of the new awards processing program which was quite a surprise to them. We enjoyed their company and their stories.
MARAC ROADRUNNER Page 3
A Note of Thanks!
Mary-AB7NK/Neil-K7SEN Many thanks to all who voted us Mobile Team of the Year 2020. 73, Stay safe & “Happy Hunting” AB7NK/K7SEN Mary & Neil
Artwork courtesy Mike, K8EMS
MARAC ROADRUNNER Page 4
Deep Thought of the Month
Courtesy of Al, N1API SENIOR PHILOSOPHY
1- It’s okay to talk to yourself. There are times you need expert advice
2- “In Style” are the clothes that still fit.
3- You don’t need anger management. You need people to stop pissing you off.
4- Your people skills are just fine. It’s your tolerance for idiots that needs work.
5- The biggest lie you tell yourself is, “I don’t need to write that down. I’ll remember it.
6- “On time” is when you get there.
7- Even duct tape can’t fix stupid – but it sure does muffle the sound.
8- It would be wonderful if we could put ourselves in the dryer for ten minutes, then come out wrinkle- free and three sizes smaller.
9- Lately you’ve noticed people your age are so much older than you.
10- Growing old should have taken longer.
Al, N1API
MARAC ROADRUNNER Page 5
LC-1 Awards
By Kerry W4SIG
LC-1 Awards are those that MARAC gives to a mobile who gives YOU a Last County in a State. We all know the thrill when a state is totally completed. Well, the mobile needs to be thanked, and it is easy to do! The mobile stations really appreciate these awards. So when you finish a state, please take the time to go to the www.marac.org website, choose Awards, LC-1 Awards, and fill in the blanks. It is quick, free, and a great way to say “thanks” to those that go out of their way to make sure you can accomplish your goals. It is up to YOU to fill out the application so that the mobile can get credit for this and progression toward their award goals. Please make sure that none of these slip through the cracks. The best way to do this is to immediately fill in the quick form right after you work the last county in the state. Thanks!!
______
Double Take
Kerry-W4SIG Cruising through Washington a few months ago I was forced to tap my brakes, wipe off the glasses, and pinch myself. There they were, sitting side by side, a Radio Shack and a Sears store. And, yes, they were both open for business! Just when I thought I would never see them again. I only wish I would have stopped, gone in, and strolled around. Maybe next time…
MARAC ROADRUNNER Page 6
Final Countdown
Kerry-W4SIG The following MARAC Members need less than 10 counties for WBOW. Let’s give them a hand! If you have les that 10 to go for any MARAC Award please send those needs to Kerry, W4SIG, for inclusion in this new monthly article. Please keep me updated as these lists dwindle so we have accurate info for mobiles that want to help you out. W8OP / WBOW 2nd Time WI: Sawyer
K0DEQ/WBOW 2ND TIME
IL: Wabash, IN: Fulton, MS: Sharkey, NC; Yancey, SC: Williamsburg
K2MF/WBOW 3RD TIME GA: Elbert, OR: Wheeler
K2MF/WBOW ALL CW 20METERS GA: Habersham, Jenkins, Montgomery, Pickens, Screven, Toombs, Upson NC: Montgomery
N9JF/WBOW ALL CW 1st Time TX: Starr
W4SIG/WBOW N PREFIX ID: Teton MA: Nantucket
W4SIG/WBOW 1X3 CALLSIGNS AK:2ND, 3RD,4TH
W4SIG/WBOW 1X2 CALLSIGNS AL: Lamar, ME: Aroostook, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, MA: Dukes
W4SIG/WBOW ALL CW 3RD TIME HI: Kalawao, NY: Chenango, WI: Wood
W4SIG/WBOW 40METERS CA: Amador, Marin, Mariposa, San Francisco, Tuolumne, Ventura W4SIG/WBOW BINGO III CA: Contra Costa, San Francisco, Ventura, HI: Kalawao, PA: Montour, VA: Southampton
N4RS – WBOW 40m Using CW Only AK: 2nd District
N4RS – WBOW Bingo 3 CW Only MARAC ROADRUNNER Page 7
NC: Mitchell, Yancey
KC3X – WBOW 40 Meters ID: Camas, MT: Daniels, Pondera, Prairie, OR: Benton, Sherman, Wheeler, UT: Kane, Tooele,
WA: Jefferson
NN9K – WBOW Masters Gold CW Only GA: Murray, Muscogee, WV: Upshur N1API – WBOW BINGO III MA: Suffolk N5MLP – WBOW A Prefix AR: Arkansas, LA: Grant, Vermillion, Vernon, MS: Issaquena, TN: Hardeman, Houston, Marshall, VA: Mathews, WA: Garfield N5MLP—WBOW Bingo IV AK: First, Second, Third, Fourth, CA: Lake, HI: Kalawao, VA: Buchanan, WA: Columbia, Garfield N5MLP – WBOW 5th Time AK: First J.D., Second J.D., Third J.D., VA: Buchanan
N0KV – WBOW CW GA: Greene, Warren, ID: Owyhee, NC: Graham Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, SD: Buffalo, Jackson, WI: Rusk N0KV—WBOW K Prefix CO: Summit, IA: Hardin, ID: Teton, NE: Nance, SD: Haakon, WV: McDowell, WY: Goshen K4YT -WBOW 4th Time HI: Kalawao
K4YT – WBOW All SSB AK: First JD, CA: Humboldt, NH: Belknap K4YT – WBOW 1x2 Calls LA: Assumption, MS: Jefferson K4YT – WBOW Mobile to Mobile CA: Marin, Nevada, San Joaquin, Yolo, MD: Calvert, OR: Benton, Coos
K4YT – WBOW A Prefix MARAC ROADRUNNER Page 8
MS-Holmes, Issaquena, Lafayette, Sharkey, Winston. TN-Perry. VA-Craig K4YT – WBOW N Prefix MA: Nantucket K0DEQ- WBOW Bingo AL: Bibb, Cherokee, Tallapoosa; AR: Cleburne, Independence, Stone; GA: Chatooga, Evans; MO: Cedar K9MAF- WBOW USACA 1st Time (can only do CW) IA: Cherokee, Emmet KY: Monroe, McLean, Owsley MN: Pennington
Kerry, W4SIG
MARAC ROADRUNNER Page 9
Election Information Mary-AB7NK Election Coordinator
FIRST QUARTER VOTING RECOGNITION
The following individuals have received recognitions for the first quarter, which consists of activity during the time frame of June 1 thru August 31, 2020.
Qualified individuals were listed in last month’s Road Runner based on the activity taken directly from the W6RK spotting site.
SSB Mobile of the Year - N8OYY, AB7NK, KB6UF, W4SIG, K8ZZ, K0DEQ, K7SEN, N4CD
CW Mobile of the Year - W0GXQ, W4SIG, N4CD, KB6UF, K8ZZ, AB7NK, K0DEQ
Mobile Team of the Year - AB7NK/K7SEN, N0KV/N0DXE, W0GXQ/K8ZZ, KB0BA/N0XYL
SSB Mobile Assist of the Year - K0DEQ, KC3X, AJ5ZX, WY0A, N0KV, W4SIG, N8KIE
CW Mobile Assist of the Year - K0DEQ, N0KV, KC3X, W0GXQ
Second quarter voting will be held in December 2020 for the months of September, October and November. All 2nd quarter activity is being monitored by AG6V & myself as it appears on the W6RK spotting site. Those qualifying for the annual mobile awards, as specified in the award rules, will be listed in the Road Runner in December.
Thanks to all who have commented on the addition of adding this information to assist you in making your decisions.
73 Mary - AB7NK MARAC Election Coordinator
MARAC ROADRUNNER Page 10
Awards Committee Ron-N5MLP, MARAC Awards Manager
Two New Lifetime Achievement Awards Approved This Month During the Board of Directors meeting on September 14 th , two members were awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for their achievements related to County Hunting. Those individuals include:
Donald Flynn – K3IMC Nominated by: Mike Nickolaus, NF0N – MARAC North Central Director
Supporting Information:
“I am nominating Don Flynn, K3IMC for the Lifetime Achievement Award. Don has been County Hunting for over 30 years and has made a number of achievements to further the MARAC Organization. Don has made his website available to all MARAC users to include a popular forum, a Trips page and a Needs Page. Many MARAC and non-MARAC users rely on his website pages to further their County Hunting experience.
Don is currently in the final stages of a new and improved Logger II that will be available to MARAC members in the near future. Don has worked with the IT Team to continue the Logger experience and support into the future.
Don has completely re-written the MARAC Awards processing programs to both improve the functions and in the process he found numerous awards that were missed in the awards programs that were in place.
Both the new Logger II and the awards programs have significantly improved the MARAC Awards programs and Logging processes. Don also has completed USA-CA 3 times and Bingo twice. He also has transmitted from all USA Counties. For the above reasons, I am recommending the MARAC Board approve the Lifetime Achievement Award for Don Flynn, K3IMC.”
Risto Kotalampi, W6RK Nominated by: Kerry Long, W4SIG – MARAC Southeast Director
Supporting Information:
“I am nominating Risto Kotalampi, W6RK, for the MARAC Lifetime Achievement Award. Risto set up a web-based spotting network for county hunters over 16 years ago. The first spot was on Feb 11, 2004 for VE1WT in Fredericks, Virginia with the second spot being AA8R in Pinellas, Florida. Since then, hundreds of thousands of spots have been made. To this day it is the premiere tool used by county hunters to alert others of mobile activity. The impact on our hobby is astounding, and it is almost impossible to imagine the chase today without it.
Two years after starting the spotting site Risto created the very first Top List on August 10, 2006. He maintained it for over two years until he passed the baton over to others. Today we can see how participation in the Top List has grown and incented many county hunters to up their game. MARAC ROADRUNNER Page 11
Risto has made a significant contribution to all county hunters and for these reasons I am nominating him for the MARAC Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Congratulations to both the recipients of these Lifetime Achievement Awards!
Awards Issued through September 24, 2020
MARAC Awards Committee N5MLP – Ron Clift MARAC Awards Manager
MARAC ROADRUNNER Page 12
Ran All State Award
Have you seen the new and improved design of the RAS All State Award? Many thanks go out to Phil, AB7RW, for working to redesign this and other MARAC Awards. Here is an example. Nice wallpaper, Phil!
MARAC ROADRUNNER Page 13
MARAC Treasurer’s Report
Bill-K0DEQ, MARAC Treasurer
AUGUST 20, 2020 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 19, 2020
Beginning Account Balance $20,499.09
Income: Savings Account Interest $ Awards Income 40.00 Misc Income Membership Income 48.67 Logger Distribution Income Donation 50.00 Total Income $138.67
Expenses: Awards Expenses $ 479.34 Misc. Expenses NOTE 1 Office Expenses (Postage, etc.)
______Total expenses $479.34
Net Income Less Expenses (340.67) MARAC ROADRUNNER Page 14
Cash Balance $ 20,158.42
Checking Account Balance $ 3,174.77 Savings Account Balance _16,983.65 Total all accounts $20,158.42
From a balance sheet perspective, MARAC cash balance shown above should be discounted by $6.027.15, which is the amount of award fees pre-paid by members. After subtracting this amount, the true (spendable) Cash Balance is $14,131.27
Bill, K0DEQ MARAC Treasurer
______
County Trivia Jack-WD4OIN
The U.S. State of Texas is divided into 254 counties, more than any other U.S. State.
The U.S. State of Delaware is divided into only 3 counties, the fewest of any state in the United States.
MARAC ROADRUNNER Page 15
MARAC Silent Keys
This month it is with sadness and fond memories that we remember the following Silent Keys: (If you have information that should be included here, please contact W4SIG) W0OWY-Bill Nash MARAC #674, Bill put out over 400 LCs, received MARAC Service and President’s Awards, and hosted a National Convention in Phoenix. He was a kind and generous ham and friend to many. VE1OP-Scott Nichols, Scott was active chasing counties from Nova Scotia, especially during the MARAC annual contests.
______
2020 State QSO Parties Courtesy of WA7BNM
State Contest Dates Alabama + Alabama QSO Party 1500Z, Sep 12 to 0300Z, Sep 13, 2020 Arizona + 7th Call Area QSO Party 1300Z, May 2 to 0700Z, May 3, 2020 + Arizona QSO Party 1500Z, Oct 10 to 0500Z, Oct 11, 2020 Arkansas + Arkansas QSO Party 1400Z, May 9 to 0200Z, May 10, 2020 California + California QSO Party 1600Z, Oct 3 to 2200Z, Oct 4, 2020 Colorado + Colorado QSO Party 1300Z, Sep 5 to 0400Z, Sep 6, 2020 Connecticut + New England QSO Party 2000Z, May 2 to 0500Z, May 3, 2020 and 1300Z-2400Z, May 3, 2020 Delaware + Delaware QSO Party 1700Z, May 2 to 2359Z, May 3, 2020 Florida + Florida QSO Party 1600Z, Apr 25 to 0159Z, Apr 26, 2020 and 1200Z-2159Z, Apr 26, 2020 Georgia + Georgia QSO Party 1600Z, Apr 11 to 0400Z, Apr 12, 2020 Hawaii + Hawaii QSO Party 0400Z, Aug 22 to 0400Z, Aug 24, 2020 Idaho + Idaho QSO Party 1900Z, Mar 14 to 1900Z, Mar 15, 2020 + 7th Call Area QSO Party 1300Z, May 2 to 0700Z, May 3, 2020 Illinois + Illinois QSO Party 1700Z, Oct 18 to 0100Z, Oct 19, 2020 Indiana + Indiana QSO Party 1500Z, May 2 to 0300Z, May 3, 2020 Iowa + Iowa QSO Party 1400Z, Sep 19 to 0200Z, Sep 20, 2020 Kansas + Kansas QSO Party 1400Z, Aug 29 to 0200Z, Aug 30, 2020 and 1400Z-2000Z, Aug 30, 2020 Kentucky + Kentucky QSO Party 1400Z, June 6 to 0200Z, Jun 7, 2020 Louisiana + Louisiana QSO Party 1400Z, Apr 4 to 0200Z, Apr 5, 2020 MARAC ROADRUNNER Page 16
Maine + New England QSO Party 2000Z, May 2 to 0500Z, May 3, 2020 and 1300Z-2400Z, May 3, 2020 + Maine QSO Party 1200Z, Sep 26 to 1200Z, Sep 27, 2020 Maryland + Maryland-DC QSO Party 1400Z, Aug 8 to 0400Z, Aug 9, 2020 Massachusetts + New England QSO Party 2000Z, May 2 to 0500Z, May 3, 2020 and 1300Z-2400Z, May 3, 2020 Michigan + Michigan QSO Party 1600Z, Apr 18 to 0400Z, Apr 19, 2020 Minnesota + Minnesota QSO Party 1400Z-2400Z, Feb 1, 2020 Mississippi + Mississippi QSO Party 1400Z, Apr 4 to 0200Z, Apr 5, 2020 Missouri + Missouri QSO Party 1400Z, Apr 4 to 0400Z, Apr 5, 2020 and 1400Z-2000Z, Apr 5, 2020 Montana + 7th Call Area QSO Party 1300Z, May 2 to 0700Z, May 3, 2020 Nebraska + Nebraska QSO Party 1300Z, Apr 4 to 0100Z, Apr 5, 2020 and 1300Z-2200Z, Apr 5, 2020 Nevada + Nevada QSO Party 0300Z, Oct 10 to 2100Z, Oct 11, 2020 + 7th Call Area QSO Party 1300Z, May 2 to 0700Z, May 3, 2020 New Hampshire + New England QSO Party 2000Z, May 2 to 0500Z, May 3, 2020 and 1300Z-2400Z, May 3, 2020 + New Hampshire QSO Party 1600Z, Sep 19 to 0400Z, Sep 20, 2020 and 1600Z-2200Z, Sep 20, 2020 New Jersey + New Jersey QSO Party 1600Z, Sep 19 to 0359Z, Sep 20, 2020 New Mexico + New Mexico QSO Party 1400Z, Apr 11 to 0200Z, Apr 12, 2020 New York + New York QSO Party 1400Z, Oct 17 to 0200Z, Oct 18, 2020 North Carolina + North Carolina QSO Party 1500Z, Mar 1 to 0059Z, Mar 2, 2020 North Dakota + North Dakota QSO Party 1800Z, Apr 11 to 1800Z, Apr 12, 2020 Ohio + Ohio QSO Party 1600Z, Aug 22 to 0400Z, Aug 23, 2020 Oklahoma + Oklahoma QSO Party 1400Z, Mar 14 to 0100Z, Mar 15, 2020 and 1400Z-2100Z, Mar 15, 2020 Oregon + 7th Call Area QSO Party 1300Z, May 2 to 0700Z, May 3, 2020 Pennsylvania + Pennsylvania QSO Party 1600Z, Oct 10 to 0500Z, Oct 11, 2020 and 1300Z-2200Z, Oct 11, 2020 Rhode Island + New England QSO Party 2000Z, May 2 to 0500Z, May 3, 2020 and 1300Z-2400Z, May 3, 2020 South Carolina + South Carolina QSO Party 1500Z, Feb 29 to 0159Z, Mar 1, 2020 South Dakota + South Dakota QSO Party 1800Z, Oct 10 to 1800Z, Oct 11, 2020 Tennessee + Tennessee QSO Party 1800Z, Sep 6 to 0300Z, Sep 7, 2020 Texas + Texas QSO Party 1400Z, Sep 12 to 0200Z, Sep 13, 2020 and 1400Z-2000Z, Sep 13, 2020 Utah + 7th Call Area QSO Party 1300Z, May 2 to 0700Z, May 3, 2020 Vermont + New England QSO Party 2000Z, May 2 to 0500Z, May 3, 2020 and 1300Z-2400Z, May 3, 2020 + Vermont QSO Party 0000Z, Feb 1 to 2400Z, Feb 2, 2020 Virginia + Virginia QSO Party 1400Z, Mar 21 to 0400Z, Mar 22, 2020 and 1200Z-2400Z, Mar 22, 2020 Washington + Washington State Salmon Run 1600Z, Sep 19 to 0700Z, Sep 20, 2020 and MARAC ROADRUNNER Page 17
1600Z-2400Z, Sep 20, 2020 + 7th Call Area QSO Party 1300Z, May 2 to 0700Z, May 3, 2020 West Virginia + West Virginia QSO Party 1600Z, Jun 20 to 0400Z, Jun 21, 2020 Wisconsin + Wisconsin QSO Party 1800Z, Mar 15 to 0100Z, Mar 16, 2020 Wyoming + 7th Call Area QSO Party 1300Z, May 2 to 0700Z, May 3, 2020
______
The County Line ROADRUNNER
“A Roadrunner Is A Very Fast Bird”
Monthly Deadline for Articles is the 25th!
Mobile Amateur Radio Awards Club Leadership Team South Central Director: Janet Camron, KC5QCB Board of Directors 7641 Gladiola, San Angelo, TX 76901, President: Ed Eklin, K8ZZ 325-812-3234, [email protected] 1426 SW Summit Woods Dr Apt 3, Topeka, KS 66615 Pacific Director: Donna Hinshaw, AG6V 231-649-4747, [email protected] 316 SE Pioneer Way #172, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 Vice-President: Vacant 707-235-3717, [email protected] Secretary: Brent Schaefer, K9MIX Southeast Director: Kerry Long, W4SIG 441 Lazy Branch Dr, Wausau, WI 54401 1854 Newton Nook, Collierville, TN 38017 715-571-5498, [email protected] 901-331-1881, [email protected] Treasurer: Bill Morgan, K0DEQ Immediate Past President:Vacant 12012 County Road 3000, Rolla, MO 65401 573-465-5405, [email protected] Appointed Positions Dues with an Electronic copy of the Newsletter copy are $10.00 per year, check or money order. Awards Manager: Ron Clift, N5MLP Dues may also be paid via Pay-Pal and directed to 10719 Lake Windcrest, Dr, Magnolia, TX 77354 [email protected] 713-542-8999, [email protected] Awards Secretary: Phil Yasson, AB7RW Great Lakes Director: Darl Deeds, NA8W 13208 NE 5th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98685 8753 Township Rd 48, Findlay, OH 45840 360-213-8297, [email protected] 419-421-1533, [email protected]
North Central Director: Mike Nickolaus, NF0N Historian: Bill Moore, K7IOO 316 East 32nd St, South Sioux City, NE 68776 405 Roosevelt Dr. 402-494-6070, [email protected] Grand Coulee, WA 99133 Northeast Director: Al Kaiser, N1API 509-633-1738, [email protected] 194 Glen Hills Rd, Meriden CT 06451 [email protected] MARAC ROADRUNNER Page 18
Newsletter Editor: Kerry Long, W4SIG 1854 Newton Nook, Collierville, TN 38017 901-331-1881, [email protected] Sunshine Coordinator: Pat Reiner, KM6QF 16931 Aldon Rd, Encino, CA, 91436 213-999-0100, [email protected] Webmaster: Donald Flynn, K3IMC 241 Baywood Cir, LaGrange, GA 30240 706-302-0725, [email protected] Custodian, Club Call: Mike Nickolaus, NF0N 316 East 32nd St, South Sioux City, NE 68776 712-223-3164, [email protected] Election Coordinator: Mary Vince, AB7NK 16128 S Angus Cr, Cordes Lakes, AZ 86333 928-775-2158, [email protected] MARAC General Counsel: Bill Morgan, K0DEQ 12012 County Rd 3000, Rolla, MO 65401 573-465-5405, [email protected] Computer Data Manager: Gene A Olig Sr, KD9ZP 517 Luco Rd, Fond du Lac, WI 54935 920-539-0994, [email protected]