X-Mitter April 2010 by Howard Rubin

X-MITTER PUBLIC SERVICE THROUGH COMMUNICATION April 2010

Vol. 49 No. 4

PWA Returns to Tyler State Park Field Day 2010

Upper Plantation Field

PENN WIRELESS ASSOCIATION CLUB INFORMATION W3SK VHF Repeater Frequency: 145.250 MHz (-0.6, 131.8pl) W3SK UHF Repeater Frequency: 448.225 MHz (-5.0, 131.8pl) Echolink to W3SK Repeater System: Via W3SK-L (node# 502543) PWA Webpage URL: http://www.pennwireless.org Alt Webpage URL: http://pwa.freewebpages.org PWA Email: pennwireless@verizon.net Technet Reflector: PWA-Technet@GoogleGroups.com Penn Wireless Association holds regular meetings consisting of general club business, current committee reports, group discussions, featured programs and a social period. This meeting is held at the Falls Township Building, 188 Old Lincoln Highway, Fairless Hills, PA on the third Monday of the month at 8:00 pm. Please contact the club vice president to add your business topic to the meeting agenda. ALL VISITORS ARE WELCOME!

PWA-Technet @ GoogleGroups.com Email Reflector User Account Policy Penn Wireless Association, Inc. does not knowingly profit and/or disseminate user e-mail information to "spam" lists. The reflector provides us a means to just send e-mail to those who wish to receive notification when new X-Mitter issues and other relevant information (including, but not limited to, volunteer requests, ARES/RACES meetings, Field Day information, & Club events) are available for you to view on PWA web sites. We routinely send mass email notification to all users, but we avoid issuing email that is unrelated to Amateur Radio. However, we may send a mass e-mail to all users only if there is a problem with the web site, during web site maintenance, or during an emergency or scheduled public service event in order to notify those Amateur Radio operators who may wish to participate in RACES/ARES or PWA operations. If you have already registered as a user please review your account's distribution settings and if your e-mail is current so we may send you notification when new X-Mitter issues

X-Mitter Newsletter Policy X-Mitter, the official newsletter of Penn Wireless Association, is published monthly by and for Penn Wireless members and all Radio Amateurs. All material in X-Mitter may be reprinted, providing that a credit line is given, mentioning X-Mitter, Penn Wireless, Inc. and the byline contributor. The X-Mitter publication committee strives for accuracy, and we believe that all articles submitted are factual in their content. X-Mitter and PWA cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies of information and/or sources. All material submitted by PWA members shall be published, providing that such items meet generally accepted standards of quality and substance. Contributions by others shall be considered on a space-available basis. PWA membership is open to all persons with an interest in amateur radio, subject to approval of the executive board and current membership. A valid Amateur Radio license is required for full voting privileges. Mail for X-Mitter should be sent to: Penn Wireless Association, P.O Box 224, Morrisville, PA 19067, preferably E-mailed to Howard Rubin n3fel@aol.com. The closing date for submission of appropriate material to the pending issue (space permitting) is one week before the PWA General Meeting. We exchange X-Mitter with other area club newsletters. If your club is interested in exchanging with us, please send requests to Howard Rubin n3fel@aol.com. Copyright ÂŠ Penn Wireless Association, 2009. Version 23:35 4.9.2010

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In this Issue ...

Forward ...

PWA Club Info, PWA-Technet, X-Mitter

Welcome to X-Mitter!

Correspondence

President, KE3QC

Countdown to Contest, N3FEL

I am pleased to introduce you Penn Wireless Association’s journal of activity. I hope you are driven to learn more about how our amateur radio group can further your hobby enjoyment.

Gap Challenger Antenna, WB0YLE

FD Station Assignment, N3FEL

FD Operating, K3TX

Treetop Launchers, K3JQH

Calendar—April, May

PWA School and Syllabus, N3IAS

For-Sale Ads, Field Day Fund

Dollars and Sense

Local Hamfests

FD Estimated Budget, N3FEL

March General Meeting, K3DEY

Budget Fox Hunting Yagi, N3JNC

VE Examination

Membership Application Form

PWA E-Board and Committees

Sponsor: ARRL-PWA Field Day

On the Cover … (Continued on page 18)

Page 3

We are a full service organization who support local charitable organizations through communications. Spring to Fall, members of PWA donate their time to staffing these events with net control, shadow and route communication responsibilities according to need. It is great way to serve the public while practicing for a call-up in a regional emergency. Classes are forming now for the Technician grade FCC license. The PWA school and team of volunteer examiners have for years provided the local community support in obtaining their FCC radio licenses. Our annual Field Day event is in its last phases of planning. Every year, PWA participates in the ARRL-sponsored contest to the satisfaction of all attending. You are welcome to join us June 26th and 27th when we will be pleased to assist you at learning and making radio contacts. We are a diverse group in Bucks County sharing a common interest in radio communications. Many of us have held licenses for decades while others have just recently joined or rejoined the hobby. Whatever your personal situation may be, rest assured that you will meet friends here and want to join our family. Plan to visit us soon. Howard, N3FEL

Correspondence Echolinkers ... I'm an ardent supporter of a boom microphone for improving the sound quality of our Echolink audio. I you are interested in finding something a relatively little cost, here's a link to an EBAY seller with something you might consider. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ViewItem&item=370153100674& ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT Hope this helps, Howard N3FEL -----Howard ... I too have ordered the boom mic headset. Hope that the quality is good enough for Echolink and Field Day. Ben K3JQH -----Ben ... If you want to use this boom mic at Field Day you'll need to provide a bias to the ring (or tip?) of the mic connector via a 2K resistor to a 9v battery. Depending on your rig's mic input configuration you may have to use a dc blocking capacitor and possibly a resistive attenuation network to avoid overdriving the input. The good news is the mic will interface directly to the PC's mic input jack without any those components because the soundboard is providing them internally.

Let me know how you want to use it and I'll send you sketch on how to interface it effectively. Howard N3FEL N3FEL@aol.com wrote: Bryan ... I'm thinking about vU meters. I checked on the web and learned that they were introduced back in the 30's in the recording industry as a visual indication of loudness or volume. They were calibrated in dB from 30 to +3 with 0 dB defined as 1mW (rms?) into a 600 ohm load at 1000 Hz. That's all fine, except how do I create a vU characteristic from a run-of-the-mill linear mA meter? If I buy a "vU" meter how do I drive it from an audio source? Does a vU meter define the characteristic or is it defined by the meter circuit driving it? I found a really neat looking vU meter on eBay and aside from it being a bit pricey I am unclear as to the overall usefulness of this without a meter driving circuit. Howard N3FEL Bryanav8tr@comcast.net wrote: Howard ... Wow! I thought I was the only one to think about VU metersâ&#x20AC;Ś I'm looking at eight of them right now, and two BBC peak reading meters. Reason being (at the base level, there was a lot of input from Western Electric) telephone lines are 600 Ohms balanced, and WECO made most of the tran(Continued on page 13)

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The Gavel Tom Stafford, KE3QC Club President We had a visitor at my home QTH today. Rocky J. Squirrel came out of our closet for a visit, scaring the bejeebbers out of the lady of the house. You may be asking why I tell you this. As I said last month, one never knows when something unsuspected will happen. If one of the reasons you became a HAM was to help our neighbors and community in a time of unsuspected events, whether at a highway accident, withstanding a hurricane, or in natural or man-made catastrophe, you’ll need training and practice to perform effectively. Field Day participation is one way of honing our skills. There are numerous emergency drills in which to participate that are scheduled or sprung at the last minute. Taking part will help you get better at preparing for that unsuspected event, no matter the type. Will your equipment be up for the job? I don’t

mean just your handheld or mobile radio, but also your home station. This spring is a good time to check out your equipment and to bring them to tiptop shape. A portable emergency station can be set up in your back yard or garage, separate from the comfort of your shack. Raise that portable antenna and try a few contacts from your favorite lawn chair. Do this with your Field Day station, too. If not to inventory all that is needed, but to make sure you have everything in one place when that Friday June 25th arrives. Better yet, plan to do this in May to avail time to correct deficiencies. A major part of that home station, as well as any station, are the antennas. Just so you know, there is a bill in Congress (Senate Bill 1755 – The Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009) that is intended to help all hams overcome antenna restrictions. The ARRL requests that we all contact our representatives in congress and ask them to support this bill. For more information on S 1755, please visit the ARRL Government Relations Web page. The ARRL also has some sample letters you can edit or make your own.

And on that note, I am off to write Our 2009/2010 E-Board Officers. From left, Jeff Niceler K3DEY, Recording my members of Secretary; Ben Johns K3JQH, Treasurer; Tom Stafford KE3QC, President; Paul Congress. Ceglia N3TMX, Vice President; Dave Heller K3TX, Corresponding Secretary.

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Field Day 2010 Countdown to Contest Howard, N3FEL

We have chosen to return to the Tyler Upper Plantation Field this year. Our inquiry to Falls Township to use the Falls Park soccer field was denied on the basis of its unavailability for any other purpose than soccer during that time period. Here are action items I prioritize for the Field Day effort. Have a read through the list. Contact me with ideas on how you can help get it done. March:

• •

Build a Field Day binder. - done Develop a Field Day budget and obtain approval from E-Board - done • Apply to Renew Certification for CPR • Complete registration information at the chosen site. - done • Arrange for Power Generator - done. • April X-Mitter Article, “Field with proposed power layout and station assignments.” - done. April:

• • • • •

May X-Mitter Article: “Ultimate Field Day station.” Contact local schools and scouting organizations Fix pedestals, add new ones if necessary Assign a Food Coordinator and work on a Menu Plan Assign a GOTA coach and solve issue Page 6

of building an HF station Present issue of Field Day shirts to membership as a fund raiser. • May X-Mitter Article: Power Distribution Cables, “Pedestals and Safety Procedures for Field Day.” May:

•

• •

Complete Publicity mailings Complete Signage printouts and mount on wire supports • Antenna party at chosen site to compete for best of class antenna • June X-Mitter Article: “Computing Lengths of Antenna Guy Wires” • Finish and Produce handout materials for the Hospitality table. • Attend re-Certification Class for CPR June:

•

Confirm Cable P/U and Collection strategy with Band Captains • Personal: Rent/Borrow a van and prepare sleeping arrangements. • Review Safety Instructions at Meeting before Field Day weekend • Barbecue Plans at Site week before • July X-Mitter Article: Lessons Learned • Prepare Timeshare USB sticks for floating station. July:

• • • •

FD Results via web submission Initiate 2011 Field Day Binder August X-Mitter Article: “Nominate new Field Day Chairman.” Field Day Banquet:

Thanks! ... and keep planning.

Equipment Review Gap Challenger DX-VIII http://www.gapantenna.com)

Bryan, WB0YLE

Exceed conventional verticals by up to 600% Mount: Ground in my installation, can be elevated depending on site. Counterpoise: 3 x 12 gauge at 25 ft. Ground Area Required: Fits in 10 ft. by 12 ft. area.

In this first of a two-part article Bryan describes his new antenna acquisition â&#x20AC;&#x201D; characteristics, installation, tuning and performance.

Note that the counterpoise is meant for the 40 meter band segment, thus the length specified. Its basic design as a vertical dipole using individual external tuning rods pre-cut to resonate the main antenna element itself. It is provided with a reactance capacitor installed at the top of the antenna shaft to tune the antenna within the 80M band segment you most often use. I selected the center of the phone band on 80. Otherwise, the antenna is fully capable of operating well right out of the box with little further adjustment.

It was a beautiful Easter weekend with the soggy ground almost fully dry. I was able to get my recently-acquired Gap Challenger DX vertical erected and wired into the shack to complement (not replace) the traditional attic dipole that I installed to ward off cabin fever during one of those interminable blizzards last winter. In the interest of information sharing, here is what I've discovered so far about the Gap Challenger DX antenna. Shown in Figure 1 is the multi-band vertical with the following published specifications: SPECIFICATIONS Bands: 80m 40m 20m 15m 12m 10m 6m 2m Bandwidth: Under 2:1 VSWR, Entire band on 40m 20m 15m 12m 10m 6m 2m, selected 130 KHz band on 80M; 1MHz on 10m Height: 31.5 ft. Weight: 18 lbs. Radiation Efficiency:

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Figure 1. DX-VIII Gap Challenger Antenna

My installation was to dig a 3' deep by 2' wide hole which (Continued on page 22)

FD Station Assignment Howard N3FEL

The Tyler field allocation for Field Day 2010 was first introduced in “A Sale of Two Sites,” X-Mitter, January 2010. There I proposed use of the Tyler’ Upper Plantation Field vs. the Soccer Field at Falls Park, Falls Township. The Tyler site is chosen again for this year.

(40m SSB) and #1 (80m SSB) respectively. Fortunately for us, the site locations are separated nicely from opposing operators on similar bands. Field Day rules prohibit simultaneous operation of identical modes on the same bands within the 1000’ circle.

Figure 1 shows a proposed station assignment and field layout for Saturday, June 26. As of March there are eight station locations to include the free VHF/UHF station and a GOTA station. If implemented as shown in the figure, we would open the event as class 6A. The HF operating stations would deploy three major bands for each of CW and SSB Phone operating modes. The band groupings shown in the figure are 80m, 40m and 20/15/10. Allocation in this way will allow the band captains to optimize the antenna style that best suits their frequency assignments. As noted in Figure 1 we currently do not have a firm commitment for the 20/15/10 CW station. If no one will take on the opportunity we will default to class 5A operation and reallocate these bands to the 80 and 40m CW operators. These station locations were awarded on a first right of refusal basis in descending order of contacts previously made at our Field Day 2009 activity. The first station to choose spot #7 was our 40m CW station run by Scott N3ATQ. The second station run by Rob N3RW selected spot #8. He will again operate CW on the 80m band. The third and fourth selections chose spots #5 Page 8

2 KB3TUM 80ssb

1 N3TMX 20/15/10 ssb

1000' D

6 GOTA Signage & Information

5 N3FEL 40ssb V-UHF fm/ssb digital 200' D

N3FEL 40ssb

7 N3ATQ 40cw

200' D Galley V-UHF ssb/fm digital

7 N3ATQ 40cw

8 N3RW 80cw

Page 9

Galley

Fig 2. Sunday

As of this writing we have not reserved the pavilion for Sunday June 27. Since we must vacate the structure, Figure 2 shows a new operating location for the VHF/UHF station on Sunday. It could move to either spot #5 or #7 and not disrupt the tall VHF/UHF antenna. The 40m tent to be installed at spot #5 is a spacious Coleman Red Canyon 9 x 17 foot design and can easily accommodate the additional VHF/UHF station if necessary.

??? 20/15/10cw

30 Vehicle No Parking Zone

Bryan KB3TUM, new operator for 2010, will be operating 80m SSB from spot #2. Bryan has offered to program a campus AM radio set that will transmit an advertisement for PWA continuously during the daylight hours on AM 1630 KHz. That station will be located at the Pavilion or GOTA station depending on deployment.

Fig 1. Saturday

The galley will then move to the grassy section near the parking lot. The weather conditions at Field Day being unpredictable, we will need either a pop-up tent or erect a large 16 x 20 tarp between two substantial trees. We must also move all structures and vehicles on both sides of the parking lot in front of the Pavilion for use by the incoming tenant and guests.

On Field Day Operating (and contest operating in general) D L Heller K3TX Always the big question: Is Field Day an emergency exercise or is it a contest. It's truly both. Contesting usually is prearranged for maximum comfort of operating while getting as many contacts as possible. Field Day is the same except the station is arranged at the last minute, and comfort may or may not be acceptable, and seldom is maximized. True emergency operations usually have absolute minimum comfort, but the operating requirements are the same: make contact under roughest conditions, say what you got to say and no more, make sure it was received exactly, and go on to the next. We have one member far better qualified to tell how to operate contest than I – Bud Trench, AA3B. Looking at his results year after year he must be doing something right. I hope he will agree with my advice. I'm more qualified to tell how to work Field Day CW - I will make comments about SSB because I have worked it a bit. For exotic digital modes, I have nothing to offer. On Field Day as in all contests there are those who spend most of their time finding a frequency and CQ'ing; others spend most if not all their operating hours hunt-and-peck. Obviously we need both. In general the big signal stations will be the CQ'ers and the little guys hunt and-peck, but this is not absolute. You'll always hear a few QRP CQ'ers. Both can be productive, but when the bands are busy I and others find CQ'ing by far the easiest and best. Espe-

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cially on Field Day where the 100w station is nearly universal and KW’s rare. (Not only do the KW stations use far more power, they lose power multipliers in the scoring.) I like to find a clear spot - comparatively

PWA CW operators Ed Tryon W3… and Dave Munson NM3K at Field Day 1996.

clear is the best anyone can hope for - on the fringe of the bulk of QRM. The middle of the pile will get those operators who can copy through the worst of QRM but the weaker signals and poorer operators will be totally lost. Keep the CQ'ing short. Very short. "CQ FD W3SK” once with a second or two break is plenty. Longer calls will scare off the better operators who will lose patience and ignore you. When you hear a station call you, give his call, W3SK 5A EPA K, and listen. Repeat part or all only if he asks for it. When you get his response, hopefully just 3A MN, but often a few more words, which you ignore; "TU W3SK K" or maybe "R W3SK K" should be sent. Omit no matter what the superfluous QSL crap. Keep it ultra-short and if you have others waiting to work you they'll wait. Otherwise

they'll go elsewhere. Under no condition may you fail to identify at the end of each and every contact. Our results summary includes the statement that we have complied with applicable regulations, which in our case come from FCC. Identify in English at the end of each and every contact or ten minutes, whichever comes first, or risk disqualification of our entry. You will get some calls at very slow speed – for them slow down. If you are one of the slow CW operators you’ll do much better if CQ'ing to be as far as possible from the mass of QRM. You will get calls. A very slow hunt-and-peck won't do very well in busy times. SSB operating should be similar to CW. Phone contacts unfortunately have the most inefficient operations. Just don't let W3SK be one of then. Keep the CQ'ing ultra short. "CQ W3SK Go" - wait a second or two and repeat. Same on answering a call: His call, 5A EPA, Go. Too often you'll hear, "I QSL your (exchange), thanks for the contact and good luck in the contest,” possibly his dog's biography, and more. Just ignore - don't even listen - just call CQ immediately. Like as not you will make a couple good contacts while he's still talking. When you're the CQ'er, which you should be, after getting your contact’s message, just say "Thanks, W3SK Go (call)" Nothing more no matter what. But never omit the W3SK part - so says FCC, and even if they're not listening at the moment we want zero violations. About phone phonetics: it's W 3 Sierra Kilo. Don't get cute. We want intelligibility. The W part is easy. At times Sky King is a bit shorter and gets through without garbles. Fortunately it is an easy call whether Phone or

Page Page11 9

CW. Don't screw it up. Perhaps you've been sitting on a frequency for a while getting a fair rate just calling CQ. Someone else comes real close, or even right on top of you. Just keep calling like he wasn't there. On phone mention a few times “This frequency is busy” when there's a lull. On CW send "QRL here" - and hope. Often you can keep a frequency a couple hours with only a few short spells of annoy-

PWA SSB operators Paul Ceglia N3TMX… and (unkn) also at Field Day 1996.

ing QRM, but just stick with it. Conversely, when you find a frequency that sounds quiet, before going full-blast, ask if the frequency is busy a couple of times, or on CW, send QRL? at least 2 or 3 times with one or two second breaks. Frequency stealing is not good sportsmanship, and it's not your own call. Our W3SK call must be known countrywide as meaning quality operating. A sloppy operator, whether on CW, Phone or whatever, can do immeasurable harm to PWA’s image.

Treetop Launchers

Fig 2

Ben, K3JQH Slingshot ... I have constructed several sling shots for Field Day. The inspiration came from a commercially available $99+ slingshot, “EZHANG’” QST, March, 2010. My version is much less expensive. A sling shot and a fishing reel from any sports store such as Dicks or a discount chain like KMart should cost less than $25 after taxes. The challenge is to get them to work together in a manageable configuration. Hose clamps or even duct tape could work but rather crude. My construction is displayed in Fig 1. Fig 1

Unfortunately, the elastic on the sling shot deteriorates by the time my next Field Day rolls around. I suggest use of a better quality device to effect a longer life. Air Cannon ... With a little more money and effort you could build the device that was featured in QST April 2009. This device uses PVC pipe with a chamber to hold compressed air, a valve to launch the projectile and again the fishing spinning reel. I started to build the air cannon but did not get very far. I had no luck finding the correct PVC fittings and pipe in my local Lowes or Home Depot and decided that the article in the April issue might be the traditional April Fools article and gave up. Not so fast…

You should have a quick connect swivel to attach the weight to the fishing line. I have found that ½ ounce is about right to get the most distance; no more than ¾ oz. See Fig 2. Page 12

At the homebrew night of another club two people showed up with the completed and working air cannon. One of the entrants advised me to go to a real plumbing store to find the needed PVC pieces.

Up, up and Away ... Here is the procedure to get up the wire antenna regardless of which launching device used, even if throwing a rock over the tree limbs. Standing on the side of the tree (or other structure) where the antenna will be, launch the light line (monofilament). Using a quick disconnect, remove the weight and attach a medium weight line (1/8â&#x20AC;? parachute cord). Pull that back to the antenna side of the structure. Now attach the final antenna support line to the medium weight line and pull it to its final anchor point after removing the medium weight line, to be used for the next installation. A word of advice ... Do not wait to practice this on Field Day. Get some experience by practicing your skills ahead of time so on Field Day youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll impress your fellow hams with your antenna raising expertise. (Continued from page 4)

scription and audio electronics that were used in the business. VUs have a specific needle ballistic characteristic, also. Your insight of what they measure is good (as far as the published standard); the other half is it was found that the characteristic ballistic of the meter designed to be analogous to make the tracking of the meter pretty much in line with the psycho-acoustic response of the ear to perceived sounds. There are many levels which can be reprePage 13

sented by 0 VU (stands for Volume Unit, btw, which I am sure you found...): -10dBm for consumer grade equipment, +4dBm for professional audio, and commonly +8dBm for television production/video/movie/etc. The 'zero' is a moving target, though, and is based on the signal voltage level which roughly corresponds to the desired transmission path or equipment s/n response curves. The equivalent voltage, for 0dBm, btw, is 0.7071 volts into 600 at 1KHz. How is most commonly connected? It should be bridged cross the circuit with a high enough impedance (usually 10K or so), not terminating the line. Put a scope on the output, send a 1K signal through and observe 100% at the scope, and trim the meter for 0. The meter itself has a full-wave bridge; a pot is used to accomplish the trimming. The ballistic response is built into the meter based on the mechanical spring in the unit; it's a bit more damped than a normal 100ma meter; but it's a straight d'Arsonval mechanism in that it has a linear response, but the cheaper ones (I'm looking at one on a distribution amplifier sitting next to me in my radio studio that has NOTHING close to the same ballistic as on the studio console that feeds my stream. let's see...a console that sold for 10K back in the day or a 250 audio distribution amp...hmmmm...) are usually just 100ma meters with a bridge and a VU face on them without necessarily being built to 'standards'. Real, calibrated VUs, as I'm sure you've found, are not a dime a dozen. Good ones will act smoothly...cheap ones? They can (Continued on page 22)

April 2010 Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

March 28

April Foolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day

Good Friday

PWA School 7:30PM

Technet 8PM

Easter Sunday

Thomas Jefferson 1743

Titanic Hits Iceberg

$$ TAXES $$ Titanic Sinks

Slavery Abolished 1862

Ocn Monmouth ARC Hamfest

Earth Day

1564 William Shakespeare

National Telephone Day

May 1

Administrative Professional Day

Zipper Day 1917

Arbor Day Honesty Day

Last Day of Passover

First Home Phone 1877

North Pole Discovered 1898

Technet 8PM

Jersey Shore ARS Hamfest Technet 8PM

18 1906 San Fran Earthquake

PWA Business Meeting 7PM

Technet 8PM

VE Session 6:30PM PWA General Meeting 8PM

Paul Revere Day

DVRA Hamfest

Technet 8PM

This calendar created by CalendarsThatWork.com

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Only 57 days until Field Day

Sunrise/Sunset created by SunriseSunsetMap.com

May 2010 Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

April 25

Sat

1 Hawaiian Lei Day

Technet 8PM

WARC Hamfest MS Walk Holcaust Day of Remembrance Technet 8PM

National Teacher Day

Cinco De Mayo

National Police Week

Technet 8PM

VE Session 6:30PM PWA General Meeting 8PM

NA DX Hamfest Technet 8PM

First Morse Code Message Washington to Baltimore 1844

Memorial Day

Memorial Day (observed)

Space Day

PWA School 7:30PM PWA Business Meeting 7PM

Technet 8PM

15 Armed Forces Day

PWA School 7:30PM

27 PWA School 7:30PM

June 1

Technet 8PM

Display your Amateur Radio event here.

Page 15

PWA School 7:30PM

Contest? Birthday? Special Event?

Only 21 days until Field Day

Send info to n3fel@aol.com

PWA School ... Technician License Class Ed Wells, N3IAS Instructor Here is the information regarding classes to be held from time to time at the Falls Township Municipal Building for ham radio classes (also known as Amateur Radio). These classes are sponsored by Penn Wireless Association. Presently, these classes are primarily taught by Ed Wells/N3IAS, however, other ham radio operators will participate in covering some specialty areas also. Ham radio is much, much more than just talking on a radio, has many modes of operation, and acts as auxiliary support for many public service events, therefore, others with expertise will add value during these classes. These classes are not intended to make you an electronics engineer, but to give you an understanding about how electronic and radio works. An overview about electronics and radio fundamentals is covered. Some of this information is more than what is needed for your Technician license, however, detail is given to help you not only get the correct answers to the questions, but to have an understanding about what the questions and answers mean. You'll find that this information also becomes valuable when you are ready for an upgraded General license and Extra license. The ham radio community is a great group of people that are willing to help. Don't be afraid to ask for additional help in any subject. Page 16

Presently, there are 2 sessions scheduled. To schedule yourself for one of our free ham radio classes, please call Ed Wells at 215943-6061 215-943-6061 . Session 1 will start on Thursday evening, 03/11/2010 and end on 04/15/2010. There will be a testing date on Monday evening, 04/19/2010, at 6:30 PM, followed by our 8 PM general meeting. Session 2 will start on Thursday evening, 05/13/2010 and end on 06/17/2010. There will be a testing date on Monday evening, 06/21/2010, at 6:30 PM, followed by our 8 PM general meeting. It is strongly suggested that you have the following for class.

•

Pencil/Pen and a notebook.

•

A scientific calculator (Suggested Casio, Model FX-115ES, about $18 at Walmart)

•

Any copy of the annual ARRL Radio Amateurs Handbook (preferably an issue from the past 10 years)

•

Access to the Internet (needed to do self testing at www.qrz.com). The Internet is also valuable for many other references.

Note: If you don't have access to the Internet, most public libraries offer this service. The classes will be held at the Falls Township Municipal Building, Room 205, 7:30 to 9:30pm, 188 Old Lincoln Highway, Fairless Hills, PA 19030. Class are forming now. Participation is limited to twenty students. If an overbooking occurs, you will be added to a wait list and notified about availability.

Course Syllabus WEEK 1 Session #1 03/11/2010 Session #2 05/13/2010 Introduction to ham radio, federal rules and laws (Part 97), ham radio license classes, many radio bands, band plans, band characteristics, communication types (voice, CW, satellite, digital modes, ATV.) 2

Session #1 03/18/2010 Session #2 05/20/2010 Radio math, conductance and resistance in different materials, DC circuits, voltage, current, resistance, power, series and parallel circuit example circuits and how to calculate values

Session #1 03/25/2010 Session #2 05/27/2010 DC vs AC Waveform types resistance vs reactance, capacitance, inductance, transformers, right hand rule, current vs magnetics, filters, resonance, tuned circuits, frequency, time base, bandwidth.

Session #1 04/01/2010 Session #2 06/03/2010 Modulating a signal (CW, AM, FM, LSB, USB, FSK, phase shift, digital format) 186,000 miles per second, antennas, calculating antenna lengths, radio myths (swing, echo, power, clipping), introduction to Morse code.

Page 17

WEEK 5 Session #1 Postponed * Session #2 06/10/2010 Semiconductors (diodes and transistor,) basic circuits (rectifiers, power supplies, AF amplifiers, RF amplifiers, oscillators, mixers.) 6

Session #1 Postponed * Session #2 06/17/2010 Getting radios, buying radios, building radios, single band vs multi band radios ,software definable radios (SDR's), computers and microprocessors with radio, radio courtesy, and radio language, a radio log

Testing Session #1 04/19/2010 Session #1 Alternate 05/17/2010 Session #2 06/21/2010 Testing at 6:30 PM, Falls Township Building. General Meeting at 8 PM (Refer to page 21 for details on the VE test, test requirements, and necessary materials.) ** Classes are temporarily suspended. They will be restarted soon. Contact Ed Wells to confirm rescheduling these classes.

For Sale HP 895 CSE Ink Jet Printer. Lightly

used, works well. Includes software, color and black/white cartridges. XP compatible. All proceeds benefit the PWA Field Day Fund. $25. Call Howard, N3FEL (not actual picture, but can be seen)

Nippon America ST9500 Multimeter. Capable test instrument with many ranges including DC +/-1000V, +/-10A; AC +/- 700V, +/-10A; 10Mohms; and much more! All profit benefits the PWA Field Day Fund. $ 36.75. Call Mark, WA3QVU. New, un-limited qty avail. (Not actual picture, but can be seen) (Continued from page 3)

Tyler State Park, Upper Plantation Field is the site for the PWA Field Day activity 2010. In this 2009 photo we see the field at 334 feet but flipped counterclockwise 90 degrees. (The northern direction is actually at 9:00 clock to the left edge of the page. ) Field Day preparation begins Friday, June 25 at 2PM and concludes with cleanup and departure through Sunday, June 27 at 6PM.

Page Page18 9

Field Day Fund

I am pleased to report the following additional funds raised in March toward our Field Day fund-raising campaign. March Collections: Auction $ 65.00 Total Collections: Auction Proceeds $ 65.00 Equipment Sales $ 37.50 Entertainment Book Profit $ 112.00 Meeting Donations $ 128.25 Swedish Auction Bid and Buy $ 69.00 Sale of Club's Trailer $ 100.00 —————————————————— Total $ 511.75 Total Expenditures: Field Reservation Fee $ 25.00 Purchase of Cable Shelter $ 136.74 Pavilion Reservation at Tyler Park $ 95.00 —————————————————— Total $ 256.74 Net Funds Available: Balance $ 255.01 See (page) the proposed budget for Field Day expenditures. There is currently a (surplus, or shortfall) of $ (amt) available for this event. Note that the pavilion fee is refundable (less $10) up to six days prior to the event if cancellation is requested. Respectfully submitted, Howard, N3FEL

Dollars and Sense Penn Wireless PayPal Any individual with a PayPal account can send money directly to our PWA checking account without additional cost. If you do not have an account with PayPal, you can open your personal account at no cost. The most convenient way will be to start at www.pennwireless.org and select the “PAY DUES” button. This will take you to PayPal and from there all personal finance information will be secured by PayPal regardless of which path you take to get there. Here is how it works. Once the individual is in PayPal all processing is contained in PayPal. Your PayPal account or your credit card will be charged and the payment is posted directly to the Penn Wireless checking account. An email is sent to the treasurer to inform him of the transaction. A small transaction fee will be deducted from the amount posted to the Penn Wireless account. Ω

PWA Hamfest Selling Table Penn Wireless will again have a table at the Warminster Hamfest held on Sunday May 2, 2010. Feel free to bring your radio and computer items to sell on this table. Please indicate the minimum asking price and include a detailed statement of condition disclosing any known problems or issues (see equipment tag below). We request a phone number (cell phone) for an interested buyer to contact you during the Hamfest if quesPage 19

tions about your item occur. Equipment is to be dropped off at the PWA general meeting April 19, 2010 or brought to the Hamfest on May 2 and left at the PWA table. There will also be items on this table to benefit the PWA Field Day Fund – your additions to this fund will make Field Day 2010 a great club event. Please use the following or similar tag on each item offered for sale. Ω

Name Phone No. Mfg Model Desc Rating Condition Price

Local Area Hamfests

Http://www.arrl.org/hamfests.html

11 Apr 2010 Jersey Shore ARS http://jsars.org Talk-In: 146.910 Contact: Don McGlaughlin, K2HCW PO Box 811, Ocean Gate, NJ 08740 Phone: 732-237-9448 732-237-9448 Email: k2hcw@comcast.net Location: Toms River, NJ Riverwood Park, Riverwood Road Div: Atlantic Sect: Southern New Jersey 17 Apr 2010 Tailgate Hamfest Ocean Monmouth Amateur Radio Club http://www.omarc.org Talk-In: 145.110 -600 (PL 127.3) Contact: Jeff Harshman, N2LXM 5 The Arborway, Ocean, NJ 07712 Phone: 732-996-0637 732-996-0637 Email: n2lxm@juno.com Location: Wall Township, NJ Project Diana Site (former Camp Evans) 1600 Marconi Road Div: Hudson Sect: Northern New Jersey 25 Apr 2010 New Jersey State Convention Delaware Valley Radio Association http://www.w2zq.com Talk-In: 146.67 (PL 131.8) Contact: T. Mark Bespalko, N2KIV 15207 Cornerstone Drive, Yardley, PA 19067

Phone: 215-359-7025 215-359-7025 Email: n2kiv@arrl.netEwing, NJ Location: The College of New Jersey 2000 Pennington Road Div: Atlantic Sect: Southern New Jersey Page 20

2 May 2010 Warminster Amateur Radio Club http://www.k3dn.org/hamfest.htm Talk-In: 147.09+ and 443.95+ (both PL 131.8); 146.52 simplex Contact: Stewart Leabman, KB3JRB 2061 Durham Road, New Hope, PA 18938 Phone: 215-794-1360 215-794-1360 Email: hamfest@k3dn.org Wrightstown, PA Location: Middletown Grange Fairgrounds 576 Penns Park Road Div: Atlantic Sect: Eastern Pennsylvania 23 May 2010 JCDXA North America DX Association http://nadxa.org Talk-In: 448.825- / 449.925- / 449.975- / (all PL 141.3) Contact: Mike DiPersio, KC2Q PO Box 357, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720 Phone: 908-415-6162 908-415-6162 Email: kc2q@nadxa.org Location: Tinton Falls, NJ MAECOM 100 Tornillo Way (off Shafto Road) Div: Hudson Sect: Northern New Jersey

FD Estimated Budget Howard N3FEL

It is often said, "No job is finished until the paperwork is completed." Although our Field Day event has not yet occurred, we are faced with the business issue of proposing a budget and resolving details. Shown in the adjacent column is an estimated budget based on past experience. Details are to be discussed and reworked before a budget will be approved. This will be a subject brought to the April business meeting and presented to the membership at the following general meeting. This has been a great fund-raising year, which has realized significant moneys earmarked for Field Day. All may be proud of the members in support of our event. The biggest expenditure continues to be the galley. We have traditionally treated the provisioning of meals in a generous way as if Field Day was a club picnic where covered casseroles are donated by members and the remainder purchased in abundance. Leftover food is sold or offered to participants. Some have questioned the expense as excessive and would prefer instead to trim the budget by providing basic needs. Station captains would supplement meals with food packed for the weekend - as a camping tip or make occasional trips to the local fastfood stores - as in a weekend away from home. Which would you prefer? Your input on this issue is requested. Email to n3fel@aol.com with your comments. Page 21

INCOME Field Day Fund Participation Donation Treasury Draw

500. 150. 120. ----------Total Collections 770.

EXPENSES - INFRASTRUCTURE Tyler Park Application Fee 25. Pavilion Rental 95. Contingency 25. EXPENSES - OPERATIONS Generator Fuel & Oil Other Fuel P/U Truck Lawn Mower Fuel Hardware Pwr Pedestal Maint First Aid Station FA/CPR Certification Supplies Publications

25. 20. 5. 15. 50. 10. 50.

EXPENSES - GALLEY Water 25. Ice 25. Meals (See notes on left) Lunch Saturday 50. Dinner Saturday 150. Breakfast Sunday 50. Lunch Sunday 50. Condiments 20. Paper Goods 15. Cooking Fuel & Supplies 15. Beverages 25. Snacks 25. ----------Total Expenses 770.

(Continued from page 13)

bounce around a bit, especially on highlevel transients that won't necessarily cause distortion...but as an old 'gain rider', they are a pita to use for accurate reference. The driving circuit is simple; it's whether or not you'll load down the output that is important, especially at the levels of a normal audio circuit. Bryan WB0YLE (Continued from page 7)

measured 2.5' at the bottom tapering to 2' at the top. I added 4” of gravel at the bottom followed by concrete in which to set the provided PVC pipe with about 6" standing proud of the concrete — leveled and plumb following normal ground mounting technique. Yes, overkill — the manual says to just dig the hole, put the PVC pipe in the ground, and pack the dirt back around it. I used to build broadcast stations and oversee AM tower erections...so, overkill is how you keep things up through all sorts of conditions. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. The antenna itself was assembled on the ground per manufacturer directions, and three 3/16" Dacron guy ropes were attached using a standard hose clamp about 2' above the center insulator. The antenna was erected in the mounting hole after the concrete set. You WILL need two people to do this due to its length. Kudos to XYL Karen you have a favorite story shareand with helpyour forDohaving a good sense of to humor fellow club members? Email, fax or write to: ing get the base aligned so I could drop it in n3fel@aol.com 215-757-0969 FAX theX-Mitter, mount without P.O. Boxmishap. 224, Morrisville, PA 19067 Page 22

(Note to self: I see Gap has an optional pivot mount. Next time... ) Guy ropes were stretched out from the base the same distance horizontally as they were in vertical height forming a 45 deg angle to the normal. They were equally tensioned to allow for movement but maintain position using medium strength bungee cords at the stake. I know I'll have to replace them from time to time as part of the maintenance routine. The antenna is truly vertical with no noticeable bends or kinks in the vertical profile run when sighted up the structure from the ground. The run of RG213 coax from the shack was split in the middle of its 100' run to connect a lightning arrestor/static discharger. It was attached to a ground rod pounded in at the entry point then continued out to the PL259 connector at the antenna end. You'll need a double female SO239, coax seal, and three 12 gage counterpoise wires in a 120 degree pattern around the base roughly corresponding to the location of the ends of the guys. The counterpoise wires were strung out and attached to the assembly screws at the base. I use a crimp-on the ring terminals to make a good mechanical connection. In true belt and suspenders tradition, I then soldered the wires to the rings after crimping to effect a low impedance electrical connection. All-in-all, it’s a pretty standard installation with no surprises. And it's not totally an inyour-face solution unlike some others that are out there. But it is a 31.5' tall shaft of aluminum with external tuning rods. … To be continued next month.

General Meeting Notes March 2010 Called to order – Tom, KE3QC Welcome; Sign in and indicate what committee you’re interested in serving on. Roll Call February Minutes in X-Mitter p. 23 – accepted by membership Treasurer’s Report – Ben, K3JQH - Accepted by membership as given Board Actions – suggests a fundraiser for an antenna analyzer Membership Committee – Ken, K3FKW - Nothing to report Repeater Report, - Cully, N3HTZ - Echolink is a success given that simultaneous logins had to be increased - Tale of the squelch tail – Apco P25 dual mode demo - Another little story - Station 10 lost a P25 radio on the pike. It was remotely targeted to shut down on next power up, which it did, allowing Cully using its alias code to track it and return it to chief of station 10 who was elated to get his $3k radio back VE Chairman’s Report – BEN, K3JQH - One candidate came in and passed. Public Service – Open for suggestions Field Day Report – Howard, N3FEL – See X-Mitter – 28 pages, this issue Page Page 23 23

– –

− −

is all about Field Day Goal – possible class 7A Tyler Upper Plantation Field Station captains please request site preferences.. See Alex for Facebook info.

Old Business – Any interest in Field Day Shirts? New Business – – – – – –

Mark – Offsite meetings for the summer? ? Trip to antique museum in Wall NJ Mark to tell more next month Think about a picnic in August – Falls Twp? Tyler? Technical Exchange deferred for auction Badge samples again shown by Ben- Pictures also in X-Mitter p.19 Be ready for your picture to be taken next month.

Call to adjourn Auctioneers – Mark Hinkle and Ben Johns Respectfully submitted, Jeff Niceler K3DEY

Page 24

VE Examination Take the Exam ... Our ARRL/VEC VE Team is ready and willing to administer any license grade/ upgrade or code element test. Confirm your intention to test with Ben Johns, VE Contact at 215+657-5994 not later than the Sunday evening before the 3rd Monday of the month. Please advise us in advance of any special needs you may have in successfully completing the intended test. Our testing session begins promptly at 6:30 pm and remains active until all license grades desired are administered. We do not recommend, nor is it our practice, to administer repeat examinations of similar license grades to any candidate. However, progressive license grades may be attempted by any applicant at no additional charge. Please come prepared with the following items.

naming the person, Postmarked envelope addressed to the person at his or her mailing address as it appearing on the FCC Form 605 [ ] Any of the following ID numbers: Taxpayer ID (Social Security Number), IRS issued EIN (Employer Information Number), Alternate taxpayer ID Number (ATIN), FCC Issued Registration Number (FRN), FCC Issued Licensee ID Number [ ] The **original** plus one copy of your FCC license or CSCE (Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination). The original will be returned immediately to you. [ ] If applicable, a Physician's Statement if necessary to validate your claim of difficulty at reading, writing or speaking when requesting special assistance.

[ ] Confirmation of appointment letter, email, note, etc. Walk-ins are not guaranteed a test session.

[ ] A calculator is recommended and allowed if ALL internal memories are cleared and can be demonstrated free of information. A simple four-function calculator is suggested.

[ ] Test fee of $15 in cash or personal check payable to ARRL/VEC.

[ ] One or more black-lead pencils and eraser, and a ball point pen.

[ ] Either of the following ID methods:

â&#x20AC;Ś Join our Club!

a. One legal photo ID (driver or non-driver license, passport, radiotelegraph license, or other legal photo ID) OR b. Any two of the following IDs: Non Photo ID/Driver License, Social Security Card, Birth certificate, Minor's work permit, Utility bill, bank statement, business correspondence specifically Page 25

All applicants for VE testing at Penn Wireless Association are eligible for a free getacquainted welcome. The scheduled meetings are every third Monday evening at 8 PM. Consider staying with us after the VE session to enjoy our club meeting. Our normal club dues of $20 per year are waived for the initial six months of this introductory offer. â&#x201E;Ś

Penn Wireless Association P.O. Box 224 Morrisville, PA 19067

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP Personal Information (please print): Name: __________________________________________________ Date : ___________________ Street Address: _____________________________________________________________________ City: _______________________________________ State ________ Zip _____________________ Home Phone: _____________________________ Cell Phone: _______________________________ Birth Date: ______________ Occupation: ________________________________ [] active [] retired License Information: Call Sign: ________________________ Class: [] Novice [] Tech [] General [] Advanced [] Extra Date First Licensed ________________ Previous Calls: _____________________________________ Preferences: ARRL Member? ___________ Other Clubs? _____________________________________________ Bands/Modes Frequently Operated _____________________________________________________ Emergency Power? ______________ Portable/Mobile? ____________________________________ Favorite Amateur Radio Activities: (note all that apply) [] Awards [] Traffic [] Contesting [] Rag Chewing [] MARS [] Field Day [] Projects [] Newsletter [] Fund Raising [] DXâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ing [] Fox Hunting [] Public Service [] County Hunting [] Packet Radio [] Rig Restoration [] Education [] Hamfest [] Antennas

[] Digital Radio [] QRP [] Renewable Energy [] QSL Card Collection [] __________________ [] __________________

Comments: ________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Sponsored By: _________________________________ Annual Dues: $20. Paid _______________

Executive Board ... PRESIDENT T O M S T AF F O R D , K E 3 Q C Ke3qc@aol.com VICE PRESIDENT P AU L C E G L I A, N 3 T M X cegtv1@aol.com RECORDING SECRETARY J E F F N I C E L E R , K 3 D E Y jondalar@comcast.net TREASURER B E N J O H N S , K 3 J Q H k3jqh@verizon.net CORRESP. SECRETARY D AV E H E L L E R , K 3 T X dtx@ verizon.net

Committees ... BADGES

CONSTITUTION EDUCATION ELMER

Member BEN JOHNS

Call K3JQH

Email k3jqh@verizon.net

DAVE HELLER

K3TX

dtx@verizon.net

ED WELLS

N3IAS

edwellsjr@gmail.com

ED WELLS

N3IAS

edwellsjr@gmail.com

FIELD DAY 2010

HOWARD RUBIN

N3FEL

n3fel@aol.com

FUNDRAISING

HOWARD RUBIN

N3FEL

n3fel@aol.com

dtx@verizon.net

HISTORIAN HOSPITALITY INTERFERENCE W3SK LICENSE TRUSTEE

DAVE HELLER

K3TX

MEMBERSHIP

KEN MARINOFF

K3FKW

PAST PRESIDENT PROGRAMS

BRUCE WORTMANN

N3IA

bruce@bwortmann.com

PAUL CEGLIA

N3TMX

cegtv1@aol.com

CULLY PHILLIPS

N3HTZ

n3htz@comcast.net

PUBLIC RELATIONS QSL MANAGER REFRESHMENTS REPEATER TECH SUPPORT SERGEANT-AT-ARMS TECHNET NC DIRECTOR

HOWARD RUBIN

N3FEL

n3fel@aol.com

BEN JOHNS

K3JQH

k3jqh@verizon.net

CULLY PHILLIPS

N3HTZ

n3htz@comcast.net

TOM GREGOR

K3SSB

k3ssb@verizon.net

ED WELLS

N3IAS

edwellsjr@gmail.com

WEBSITE ADVISOR

JEFF NICELER

K3DEY

jondalar@comcast.net

X-MITTER EDITOR

HOWARD RUBIN

N3FEL

n3fel@aol.com

VEC CONTACT VEC COORDINATOR WEBMASTER WEBSITE ALT — ARCHIVES

Silver Service Award Penn Wireless Association sponsors the Silver Service Award to recognize amateurs who have performed outstanding service to their club, their community and Amateur Radio. Nominations are accepted throughout the year and a candidate is selected to be honored at our annual banquet. Nominations should be mailed to PWA Silver Service, P.O. Box 224, Morrisville, PA 19067.

Page 27

Field Day is a time for amateur radio operators to show the world what grass roots communication is all about.

Join PWA at our annual Field Day exercise. Sign up now for a station assignment. Station locations are to be awarded** soon. Don’t hesitate, as the best assignments and locations will no longer be available. Field Day committees are forming now. Plan to serve on one or more of the following and help Penn Wireless Association bring out the best exercise experience this side of Newington. √

GOTA Station / Recruitment

√

Safety / First Aid

√

Field Day Ways and Means

√

Antenna Planning / Setup

√

CW, SSB, & Digital Modes

√

Power Generator / Distribution

√

Public Awareness / Relations

√

Education/Training

√

Food Planning / Preparation

** Station assignment and location options are initially offered to participating band captains of FD 2009 in descending order of highest points earned. After that, assignments are offered to band captain applicants in descending order of highest license class on a first-come, first served basis. For additional details, contact your Field Day 2010 Chairman, Howard, N3FEL.