X-Mitter March 2010 by Howard Rubin

X-MITTER PUBLIC SERVICE THROUGH COMMUNICATION March 2010

Vol. 49 No. 3

Help Wanted (some experience necessary) Antenna Assistants (3) GOTA Coach Able-bodied people willing to help in the erection of long-wire and vertical arrays. Need slingshot, long arms, hardhat & knot experience.

Patient inspirational individual with communications skills at all levels of amateur radio able to teach and guide non-hams through 20 QSOs.

NTS Net Manager

A skilled Morse code operator able to craft terse messages according to established convention. Can demonstrate 25 WPM CW proficiency.

Band Captains (5)

Galley Assistants (2)

Education Mentor

Galley Captain

Field Day Chairman

Grounds Keepers (2) Publicity Captain

Aggressive communicator able to dig for contacts in a pileup. Should have a complete station and shelter available. Computer skills a plus. Take your working knowledge of technology and explain it in laymanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s terms. Should have a gift of gab and relate well to the public. Able to create long lists and exhaustive plans. Manage activities of team captains and work closely with agencies to achieve goals.

A dedicated worker who enjoys the culinary arts applied to hungry campers. Willing to work long-odd hours, outdoors, in adverse weather. Able to create quality meals with limited resources. Manage and work along with assistants to effect wholesome meals and high spirits. A hard worker with tools able to mow long runs of thicket into narrow putting greens. Must be immune to poisonous vegetation.

First-Aid/CPR Officer Hospitality Manager Have A.R.C. FA and CPR (child and adult) certification. Care about personal safety, have good bedside manner and make house calls.

Must possess a genuine social affinity toward greeting the public and representing the club to showcase Field Day. Maintains good notes.

Power Assistants (3)

A dedicated worker who enjoys working with team members in the field to move up to 2000â&#x20AC;&#x2122; of electrical cable. Proper attire required.

Power Captain

Enjoys planning and working with internal combustion and electrical generation machines at all hours of the day or night in adverse weather. Able to reach out to mass media, service agencies and government officials to solicit their support in spreading the Field Day message.

Youth Representative Of the younger generation, the successful candidate will have broad working knowledge of electronics and good communication skills.

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 Email 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 and other relevant information are available on the site.

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 00:28 3.10.2010

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In this Issue

Forward

PWA Club Info, PWA-Technet, X-Mitter

Correspondence, K3TX

President, KE3QC

For What It’s Worth, N3FEL

PWA March Auction, WA3QVU

Auction Rules

Calendar—March, April

PWA School and Syllabus, N3IAS

For-Sale Ads, Field Day Fund

Announcement, Penn Wireless PayPal

February General Meeting, K3DEY

Baluns, K3TX and Feedpoint, W5JJ

VE Examination

Membership Application Form

PWA E-Board and Committees

Sponsor: Field Day 2010

Cover …

All hands on deck. It’s time to belly up for one or more jobs at Field Day. Leave the tie, jacket and resume at home. We need you to pitch in and help with the many opportunities at this long-awaited event. "Many hands make light work," I often say. Chieftains, braves and squaws. Form a circle, pitch your tents and string your bear traps (antennas.) Light the citronella fires and pray for good weather. Page 3

As this month's X-Mitter is mostly dedicated to Field Day strategy, I hope you will take wade through the columns, consider what I propose, and challenge me with your own research and opinion. Preparing for Field Day is an arduous climb for some of us but I hope all will benefit from our labor. I invite you to plunge into the tome "For What It's Worth” beginning on page 6. The writing of it cost me a week of evenings and an excused absence from the Sunday evening Technet. March is a wonderful month. We finally see our soggy lawns after the plundering snow accumulation of February melt into memories. Little growing plants poke through the tundra and longing eyes gaze at tree tops hoping for a few good weekends before potential antenna-bearing branches are obscured by blossoms and leaves. Before long, daylight savings time will require us to crank the clock hands forward (or enter a new digital setting) causing the sleepdeprived to wonder why they are tired while the sun is still shining. March is also a time for PWA’s auction held on the third Monday evening of the month at our general club meeting. Here is a chance to do a little Spring cleaning in the shack to make room for new acquisitions from the various computer and ham fleamarkets around the Delaware Valley. If you aren’t working the MS Walk event on the first Sunday of May, plan to head over to the WARC hamfest at the Grange. Enjoy the issue, Howard, N3FEL

Correspondence Is Echolink Really Amateur Radio? D. L. Heller, K3TX The introduction of Echolink to W3SK has been interesting. Several have commented on its making the W3SK repeater more accessible to some for whom contact on-air directly, especially at inconvenient hours, has been impractical. Its value under these circumstances may be real; with that I have no argument. Computers are for many a major part of life these days. But are they amateur radio? Radio as I see it is to speak or key into a transmitter to generate modulated RF, push it into an antenna into space to be received by another radio at another location with no intermediary. We have used other media at either end to convey the substance of a transmission to its final consumer - the phone patch, for example, where at one or both ends of the circuit a telephone call completes the circuit. We now have these exotic media where our local transmitter goes to some local line which via telephone-like circuitry transmits the message to a distant transmitter which can relay this intelligence via a local radio link to its final destination, even then possibly by phone patch. Sort of the inversion or complementary situation to a phone patch circuit where the long-distant information transfer is by (amateur) radio. Page 4

It's hardly a problem in the long run. Information connections to the repeater are greatly facilitated for some. And apparently it becomes possible for other repeaters or plain stations to make two-way contact with our repeater when they are outside the VHF coverage area. Is this analogous to occasional check-ins to W3SK nets by J73LC a few years back? In this case J73LC made contact with K3TX on 15 meters, with audio coupling from speaker to microphone on two meters. You judge. There's nothing new with intra-club discourse by means other than direct radio transmission. X-Mitter - telephone - direct at-meeting, etc. Seems to me this Echolink is more similar to these alternate modes than normal amateur radio. The gist of comments I've heard about Echolink and the like is that it makes the repeater-like contact available when because of location (radio contact not possible) or situation (use of radio impractical) straight radio contact is precluded. Fine. But is it radio communication as amateur radio is defined? H. D. Rubin, N3FEL I think Echolink is very much in the spirit of Amateur Radio. If it increases interest in our club and stimulates additional check-ins to our Technet, it is a valuable addition to the club's infrastructure. That it makes communication between some hams and others easier or more convenient is a proven claim. If it strengthens the camaraderie among our ham community, it is worthy of acceptance. If it challenges others to prove that RF communication is more like the old days of amateur radio, so be it.

The Gavel Tom Stafford, KE3QC Club President March is a traditional time for our club auction. Hopefully everyone will have something to donate to the cause so we can all gain something new and help the club reach our fundraising goal in support of the Field Day effort. I constantly push Field Day because it is the single most enjoyed activity by a majority of our membership. This year we hope to have a bigger and better group of operators and participants. We are currently considering two Field Day sites this year (February 2010 X-Mitter) and as of the end of February the decision has not been made. Your attendance at the general meeting this month is crucial towards achieving a true consensus among potential participants. Tyler has been a comfortable setting

over the years, but we need more participants to achieve higher point scores. Our plan is to allow Falls Township the opportunity to host our event. If they are able to fulfill the extent of our request, we will take the issue to the general membership for a final vote. When you get right down to it, Field Day is an exercise in emergency preparedness. Hopefully, the lessons we learn on Field Day will serve to make us better in the face of a real emergency. With the weather the way it has been and predicted to be in the upcoming hurricane season, one never knows when we will be called into service to aid our community. Hopefully, we will be ready whenever that call comes. Speaking of public service, we are generally busy in the Spring season with public service venues for amateur radio operators to practice our skills at emergency communications. Charge up your batteries and volunteer. â&#x201E;Ś

Our 2009/2010 E-Board Officers. From left, Jeff Niceler K3DEY, Recording Secretary; Ben Johns K3JQH, Treasurer; Tom Stafford KE3QC, President; Paul Ceglia N3TMX, Vice President; Dave Heller K3TX, Corresponding Secretary.

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Field Day 2010

Club, Madison, WI. His well-written articles are brief, informative and a good read.

For What it’s Worth

A Contest or an Exercise?

Howard, N3FEL Field Day Chairman

It couldn’t be any more fun: Free-wheeling amateur radio with hams and wanabees, outdoor for the world to see, and scheduled on the nearly-longest daylight hours of the year. Field Day is the most popular event among hams all across North America guarantying an overwhelming number of eagerly awaiting stations at your CQ (beck) and QRZ (call.)

Participation at a PWA Field Day event should be an enjoyable experience for all. Those who yearn to contest will have plenty of opportunity to dig into the pileups or create their own. The outdoor types will find the 24-48 hour exposure to the elements an exhilarating adventure pitting a person’s endurance against nature’s elements. Others who engage in communications technology for the challenge of putting theory to practice at little or no cost will find no better environment than a wide open field and a tabletop of radio gear. Whatever turns it on for you can be found on that fourth full weekend in June. I sincerely hope that most of our membership will find a way to break loose on that weekend and join us at what I consider to be the most enjoyable amateur radio event of the year. In this article I convey a lot of strategic thinking on how Field Day 2010 could be implemented for maximizing our chances at winning at least our class and section, if not our class in total, while having fun in the attempt. It is by no means exhaustive or comprehensive, even though I will present all of the bonus opportunities allowed by ARRL. I encourage you to read and understand the rules and research the thoughts and plans of other clubs. I’ve concluded this essay with a list of interesting links to Scot Herrick, K9JY from the Four Lakes Amateur Radio Page 6

However there is a serious side to the experience. Planning, preparation, implementation, deployment and coordination are skills required to realize a safe and effective Field Day effort. Antennas, radios, shelter, provisions, clothing, and more are needed for every station. Skills at building and raising the antenna, assembling and powering a station, and communication in heavy traffic are valuable lessons for the amateur radio operator should the time come for support of public service agencies in a true disaster or call up. This is what we do once or more times a year to ensure that our equipment is available, functional and worthy of the task.

Operating Strategy Field Day is a contest of endurance. Seek the pileups and stay there. We all are technicians of one sort or another and could arrange an antenna and rig to receive another’s signal. But can we do it in the heat of a pileup and would we do it continuously for 24 hours? The key to earning a higher score is tuning for the peak of activity, getting into the battle, and staying there until you are the last station operating. Band

conditions will dictate how many stations can be heard. But conditions change rapidly with externalities faced by all contestants in a local region. Again, the idea is to stay within the peak of activity which for SSB (single side band) phone operation is usually near the lower portion of the General band. Once there, find a semi-clear frequency (there are no truly clear frequencies near a pileup) and blast out your CQ (invitation to transmit) continuously, listening every five seconds for a caller. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a minute or two to win your place on the band. Contact will be made and the exchange given. Do not leave the frequency. Call CQ again and listen.

mously using an alternate receiver to spot pileups on an existing band and monitor activity on for activity on other assigned bands. If you are fortunate to have more than one other person at your station then consider having the alternate rig connected to a broad-band receiving antenna where SWR is not a concern. This may be nothing more than a long wire and a good ground. We can not operate outside our band assignments since ARRL rules allow only one transmitter per band/mode at any point in time. Having the third person to roam the alternate assignments is surely a luxury for the band captain and an ideal task for a newcomer to be part of the action and learn a lot about radio communication techniques.

All contestants are impatient to complete their exchange. Earn their point and move on. Try to be as snappy as possible when giving information, but slow down for any station having difficulty confirming the call. Avoid any unrelated conversation that would extend the contact. The caller may be interested, but you’ll lose the pileup. All points are precious, but if it takes too many calls to dig out the confirmation, apologize and call CQ. Never leave a pileup. Once momentum is established, stay with it as if intending to be physically pulled away from the microphone or key in a humanitarian gesture by a caring team member.

Rigs and Things

A Team Effort Speaking of team members, it’s a good idea to have two other club members able to help in realizing equipment, assisting setup and operating the station. All members should rotate through the operating point and logging. The third member could help enorPage 7

Every year I post a checklist of items to consider taking to the Field Day station. Now would be a good time to move these items to a clear side of the shack or storage facility in preparation for the big weekend. I like to separate my Field Day equipment from the rest of the shack clutter and actually set it up on a table with all accessories and cables connected. Doing so lessons the risk of extra trips back to home to find that necessary power cord, tuning appliance, or RF jumper. A well-stocked tool kit and miscellaneous components, connectors and fuses (I repeat – fuses) are must have items to prolong the operating time over the contest interval. Ebay is an excellent source of these items so with the advantage of time you can shop now to build your reserves for when needed in June. Research other checklists, combine them into a granddaddy of all checklists and fine-tune it to be your list.

(Continued on page 8)

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Contact Logging How many times in past have we heard the disappointing words, “You’re a Dupe?” Logging sheets are prone to these errors and have given way to programs that will identify a needed station by entering the call. Our club has joined the thousands of other stations using the N3FJP Field Day logging program. The program requires only modest computer resources and is compatible with every windows-based OS from 98 through XP. (I need someone to test it running over Windows 7.) I strongly suggest a notebook computer with a fully-charged operational battery able to support its machine for at least 15 minutes in the event we lose emergency power and must fix or refuel. It’s better to ride through a power outage than have to reboot and wait the 20-30 minutes recovery time for some computers to overcome their start-up delays. Load the N3FJP software weeks before the FD weekend and practice the logging screens and the routines to save and port results. (Don’t forget to take your power block with your notebook. Notebook batteries don’t last more than a few hours.) Consider programming your copy of N3FJP to do automatic voice and Morse keying. Having an automated voice playback capability will lead to higher contact scores simply because the operator can operate longer, drive harder and suffer less frequent fatigue. Consider also the use of an auxiliary monitor. Many notebooks allow for a remote monitor simultaneously with the on-board monitor in the clamshell. This remote can be viewed by the operator to check the logger’s accuracy at reading Page 8 9

the calling stations information without having to swing away from the focus of the transceiver while in the midst of a pileup.

Point Values Phone: Most phone operating modes will be using SSB. The LSB (lower sideband) modulation is will be used on 160, 80, and 40m and USB (upper sideband) on all other bands. Every unique contact on a particular band is worth one (1) point before the bonus multipliers are computed. The same station may be contacted for more points if contacted on another band or operating mode (CW or digital.) For any band only one transmitter per operating mode may operate at any time. This does not exclude the use of a second receiver used solely as a spotter. Use of a noise canceling electret, dynamic or condensor microphone designed for communication service with a physical PTT (push to talk) switch and a level control is recommended for best audio quality. Further audio processing to shape the signal in the speech passband and provide a modest level of speech compression may be helpful to improve the sound of a lower quality microphone or transmitter. But after all of this preparation why lose the use of a microphone one hour into the event due to a weak battery? Pack an extra if you choose one of the amplified types. Maybe you should pack an extra microphone. Shorts happen. Morse Code: The mainstay of a Field Day event are the teams of CW (continuous wave) Morse code operators pounding brass or squeezing paddles in a crescendo of dots and dashes. What might seem to the unpracticed bystander as an incredibly

difficult operating mode is actually music to the Field Day chairman due to the higher point value awarded for each contact completed – double the value of any phone contact. Not for the occasional fist, competition CW streams along at 15 to 25 WPM almost none stop over the 24 hour contest window. Last year at Tyler Park we were fortunate to have two such stations. Three or more this year would be ideal. I’ll leave the strategy recommendations to the code ops (operators.) However, I will say that practice before the ‘Day makes readiness a possibility. All stations I’ve seen will use a memory keyer to repeat phrases of code often sent in the quest for and exchange of information. Owing to its inherently narrow bandwidth, many CW stations will congregate around the Extra and lower portions of the General band. A transceiver with a narrow CW filter is a standard tool. If you’ve every wanted to operate CW or just curious, do plan to spend moments of your break time at one of the CW stations to experience this mode first hand. Keep a set of headphones with a Y-connector handy. You might be asked to log while listening to the operator exchange call, class, and location information. Digital Stations: I’d like to see a higher rate of contacts per hour from these stations. My experience with them is limited but in theory they can contribute high scores equaling the average Phone station. Like CW stations, the digitals are awarded double value for every contact completed. Packet radio, PSK, RTTY and others are supported operating modes for the experienced digital operator to pursue. Field Day rules prohibit use of repeaters or internet Page 9

gateways for points. All contacts must be station to station. A major advantage of hosting one of these stations is that it offers the public a chance to see us use alternate communications technology. In this era of cell phone “texting” (handheld email machines) a digital station in full view of the public might solicit more interest in ham radio and help us log additional points (re: Youth bonus.) Another significant benefit of having a digital station is to support club members who are computer savvy but microphone or key challenged. The digital station captain and crew must make a serious effort to pull their own weight through the contest. However, a digital station counts as a transmitter whether used for five minutes or twenty-four hours. Fortunately ARRL has allowed us a way to implement a part time digital station without the cost of a full-time transmitter – the extra VHF station. Extra VHF Station: We are allowed one VHF station operating at 50Mhz and above without the burden of adding a transmitter to the station count. This station must abide by all of the power limitations of the rest of the group but can operate any mode on any unused Field Day eligible band to log contacts. Yes, the extra station can operate 2m packet on simultaneously with a counted station operating 2m FM simplex phone but, no, the extra station can’t operate 2m FM simplex simultaneously with another 2m SSB simplex station since FM and SSB are both phone operating modes. The extra VHF station can be a real asset to our operations by showcasing all operating modes in a very public location – maybe the food pavilion and/or hospitality center as long as (Continued on page 10)

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it is within the 1000’ circle.

Bonus Points Tx Stations (2000pts max): Each counted transmitter as part of the operating class is eligible for a 100 point bonus (ex: class 5A = 500 pts.) The extra VHF station, GOTA transmitters, or monitor rigs are not part of the station count. Although we may use more than 20 transmitters on their unique bands and modes, only 20 or fewer can be counted for this bonus. (Special note to the MIT Radio Club: This is a one-on-one, family-oriented contest. The use of networkbased, time division multiple access transmitter switching is strictly prohibited. Other geek-like contraptions which might cost us eligibility are to be avoided.) Tx Power Multiplier (<150watts): The maximum transmitter input to be eligible for a 2x power multiplier is 150 watts. Please leave the kilowatt CB heaters disconnected and stored in the trunk of your car for the duration of this event. It is a better idea to put up a multi-element antenna than to burn a hole in the ionosphere with power. Remember, if you can’t hear them, you won’t work them. Practice tuning your rig so that your power is well within design limits and splatter or harmonics is limited to the extent possible. The station operator just 100’ away will appreciate this act of kindness. Emergency Power (100pts per TX): The power captain will provide 120V-1P-60H power at a central location inside the 1000’ circle using a gas-fueled generator of adequate capacity. We no longer have the 15kw Beast, so please be considerate in the Page Page10 9

limitation of station power use to less than 500 watts total (use CCFL lamps -- coffee makers, refrigerators, air conditioners, bugzappers, tent heaters, hair dryers or curling irons, etc. are not permitted.) We will rely on the loan of a 5kw portable machine to avoid the expense of a rental. The power captain is responsible for the acquisition, transport, maintenance and return of this borrowed machine. All band captains are responsible for the setting up and distribution of power to the service pedestals placed near the stations. The band captains are responsible for helping in the pick up, transportation (Up to three cables can be moved in the trunk of a passenger car), and placing of these heavy power cables in the field on Friday 6pm. Likewise, they are helping in the removal of these cables Sunday 3pm and returning them to the location of the club’s storage locker. The power captain is responsible for the cleaning, repair and safe storage of these cables and pedestals. Many hands make light work. Superman hasn’t returned my calls. Media Publicity (100pts): ARRL will award bonus points for attempting to obtain publicity from the local media -- whether or not they choose to publish. Any published newsletter, newspaper, cable channel or radio station will do. The ambitious publicity captain will send news releases (ARRL offers examples) to all forms of serving the communities within 50 miles of our site. Make a copy of the press release or the actual media received for proof of the attempt. Public Location (100pts): Our choice of Tyler State Park or Falls Athletic Field will qualify us for this bonus. Visible signage must be created and displayed to welcome

visitors. The publicity captain is responsible for printing the poster messages, displaying them along the roads and paths immediately adjacent to our site, and taking photos to prove their existence. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need a small quantity of the wire-frame road-side posters to guide people to our public Information table in the pavilion.

counts only as a normal contact and not as a satellite-assisted contact. This is the only sanctioned use of a repeater available for FD points. The space captain must ensure that the extra VHF station is taken off the air at the moment the satellite contact is made or the satellite transmitter will increment the station count.

Public Information Table (100pts): The focal point for public awareness of Field Day operations, Penn Wireless Association, ARRL and Amateur Radio, the information table should be located at or near the pavilion and immediately beneath our large club flag. The publicity captain, club president, and just about everyone else will have the opportunity to meet and greet the public or past members visiting our site operations. We need a formal guest register, a gaggle of League literature and a stack of PWA brochures. How about photo nametags for PWA participants and a stick-on nametag for visitors?

Alternate Power (100pts): Bonus value is awarded to the demonstration of station operation powered by a renewable energy resource. (OK, maybe this should be within the purview of the power captain.) The station must make a minimum of five (5) contacts under when powered in this way. No petroleum source may be used. Consider use of wind, solar (electrical or thermal), methane, hydroelectric, treadmill, etc. Secondary rechargeable batteries (not dry cells) may be used if they are charged by the renewable source. This is an excellent way to increase the peak current available from an otherwise weak but continuous source of energy. One caveat -- the station replaces an existing station at conventional power while points are sought. So team up with a really hot CW operator and run in QRP mode from an alarm battery charged by an alternator coupled to a pedal-operated bike. I've got the battery. Take plenty of snapshots and record a 10 minute U-Tube segment. ... Yeah, baby!

Message to Section Manager (100pts): Just a simple message to the ARRL Section Manager or Section Emergency Coordinator will earn the club another bonus. The message format must follow the NTS (national traffic system) style of messages and be sent during the Field Day period. The clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corresponding secretary will hardly need to consult ARRL rules for details on how this NTS message format must be presented. Anyone else doing it will. Satellite QSO (100pts): We only need one (1) contact made via any of the orbiting satellites to earn this bonus. A contact to the crew of the space shuttle (or some FCC licensed alien creature), though noteworthy, Page Page11 9

W1AW Bulletin (100pts): There are perhaps no easier 100 points available to the Field Day contester. The League has published days, times, and frequencies on which their Field Day message will be transmitted. Whether Phone, CW or digital, the message must be transcribed and submitted (Continued on page 20)

PWA March Auction Mark Hinkle, WA3QVU It's again time to think about the upcoming auction, Monday night March 15th, 2010. Please join me in cleaning out the basement and garage to make room for future projects. I have multiple items hanging around just waiting for the next auction or Hamfest - some of these are the more junkie stuff from past estates, and some a bit newer. Many of these items have already been donated to the PWA Field Day Fund -- all will be on the auction table Monday night. One man's junk is another man's treasure. The idea is to make "some" money for the PWA. We will go thru the donated items first and then auction off the non-donated equipment. If you have an item for sale and wish to get money back, here's the deal -- $2 to place an item (or a box lot) up on the auction block. If the item doesn't sell, your only out the two bucks. If the item does sell you pay a 10 percent donation to the club -- one or the other, BUT NOT BOTH. I will try to send the Word doc sheet for "PWA Auction Rules" thru the list as an attachment -- if it doesn't go thru, then please reply to this e-mail and I will send you the attachment separately. This auction form is for you to fill out ahead of time -- however we will have additional copies available at the meeting. Every big item or box lot should have a form taped on top. The PWA auction is a bit unusual, run similar to the auctions on E-Bay. There will be a chair located front and center (the hot seat) Page 12

for you to sit in while your items are being auctioned off. Please DO NOT mark your items with a minimum bid or a reserve price -- only a starting bid (just like E-Bay). The objective is to start the bidding low and get the crowd rolling on your item(s). Then as the bidding slows the auctioneer will look at the hot seat -- you will give a thumbs up or thumbs down signal to indicate final sale. ie: if your happy with the auction price, give the thumbs up sign and we'll sell your item. If not, then the item comes off the auction block and remains unsold -- you only owe the club a $2 fee. â&#x201E;Ś

A Day Trip to W1AW Sit back and we'll do the driving thru Hagey Tours. Date: Thursday March 11, 2010 Tour Highlights - Highlights of your tour will include the W1AW Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Station. If you have your license you may operate the station. In the main building you will see the DXCC Department which handles the premier operating award in all of Amateur Radio, the QSL bureau, the Bookstore, museum, the Lab, and some of the staff. Rich Luce AG3L@K3DN.ORG (WARC)

PWA AUCTION RULES 1: The primary purpose of this auction is to serve as a fund raiser for the Penn Wireless Association. Many items will be donated to the club. 2: Individuals who wish to sell items thru the club may do so provided they adhere to the following auction guide lines; 2a: Each item or box lot placed at auction must have an auction form and a $2.00 listing fee, regardless of whether the item sells or not. 2b: Provided the item or box lot does sell, PWA will retain a minimal 10 percent of the “hammer price” to be donated to the club. 2c: The seller must be present and in the “Sellers Seat” during his/her item bidding. DO NOT place a “Reserve Price” on your item(s) or on this form, only a starting bid. DO NOT mention the “Reserve Price” to anyone in the room. Instead, the seller will give the auctioneer a “thumbs up or thumbs down” sign to indicate final sale. 3: Please remember PWA is only the auctioneer; we DO NOT guarantee any item nor guarantee any sale. The sale itself is between the buyer and seller. SELLER _____________________________________________ CALL _____________ ITEM ________________________________________________ MODEL ___________ STARTING BID ____________ (NOT the “Reserve Price”) Tell us about your item. ____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ What accessories does the item(s) come with? __________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Does it function properly?___________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

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March 2010 Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

February 28

6 International DX Contest (Phone)

6:29 / 17:55 EST

Technet 8PM

International DX Contest (Phone) BARA Auction Bergen, NJ Technet 8PM

14 Daylight Savings Time Begins

K3DN’s W1AW Daytrip PWA School 7:30PM PWA Business Meeting 7PM 6:18 / 18:02 EST

Technet 8PM

VE Session 6:30PM PWA General Meeting 8PM

St Patrick’s Day

PWA School 7:30PM

20 1st Day of Spring

7:07 / 19:10 EDT

25 PWA School 7:30PM

Technet 8PM

Palm Sunday Atlantic Div. Convention at Timonium,MD Hamfest Technet 8PM

1st Night of Passover

2nd Night of Passover

This calendar created by CalendarsThatWork.com

Page 14

April 1

ARRL Atlantic Div. Convention at Timonium, MD 6:55 / 19:17 EDT Hamfest 2

3 Only 84 days until Field Day

PWA School 7:30PM 6:44 / 19:24 EDT

Sunrise/Sunset created by SunriseSunsetMap.com

April 2010 Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

March 28

PWA School 7:30PM

Good Friday

Technet 8PM

6:44 / 7:25 EST

Easter Sunday

Last Day of Passover

PWA School 7:30PM

6:32 / 7:32 EST

Technet 8PM

$$ TAXES $$ PWA School 7:30PM PWA Business Meeting 7PM

Technet 8PM

VE Session 6:30PM PWA General Meeting 8PM

PWA School 7:30PM 6:12 / 7:46 EST

DVRA Hamfest

Display your Amateur Radio event here.

PWA School 7:30PM

Technet 8PM

Page 15

6:22 / 7:39 EST

May 1 Only 57 days until Field Day

6:02 / 7:53 EST

Birthday?

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.

Session #1 04/08/2010 Session #2 06/10/2010 Semiconductors (diodes and transistor,) basic circuits (rectifiers, power supplies, AF amplifiers, RF amplifiers, oscillators, mixers.) Session #1 04/15/2010 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 #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.)

Could this be our next badge style? Information on page 15. Page 17

H H C Su C Pu PW B Fi

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 267-304-6949. (not actual picture, but can be seen)

Visioneer 8600 Scanner. M/N 641D Not tested, but money back guarantee if DOA. Includes power supply. USB, and parallel, interconnection ports. No Cables or software. Buyer to confirm OS compatibility. All proceeds benefit the PWA Field Day Fund. $10. Call Howard, N3FEL 267-304-6949. (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)

Page Page18 9

Field Day Fund

I am pleased to report the following additional funds raised in January toward our Field Day fund-raising campaign. Equipment Sales: Used Items Table $ 21.00 Total Collections: 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 $ 446.75 Total Expenditures: Purchase of Cable Shelter $ 136.74 Pavilion Reservation at Tyler Park $ 95.00 —————————————————— Total $ 231.74 Net Funds Available: Balance $ 215.01 There will be another outlay of $25. in March if and when filing our application to use the Upper Plantation Field at Tyler State Park. 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

(pun)

Ben Johns, K3JQH Club Treasurer

PWA Badge change ? An issue of the quality and cost for PWA member ID badges came up at a previous board meeting. Since then I am looking into alternative designs for our badges. I would like to have this topic discussed at the next meeting. The current badges have been in use for many years and have served us well. However there have been some complaints recently concerning the quality. The pins on the back have been coming loose and new badges are being delivered with rough edges, which may be caused by dull cutting tools or old and brittle stock. We now pay $3.50 for our current badges. We could purchase blank paper stock and computer-print badges using a program like Avery or Design Pro and enclose the paper badge in a clear plastic holder. There are several choices for the fastening device: pin (just as the current badge fastener), spring clip (you could then clip the badge unto clothing without punching holes), or lanyard (thin rope around the neck). There would be a cost savings. A selflaminating with clip fastener will cost about $1.50 each in quantity of 30 with other options costing even less. If we are in favor of the change we need a new design. Proposals for the new look (or as is) are invited. Turn back to page 11 for my idea. Ω Page 19

Penn Wireless PayPal The Executive Board at the January 14th meeting discussed and approved the idea of having Penn Wireless Association open an account on PayPal. Now any individual with a PayPal account can send money directly to our PWA checking account with no additional cost to the individual. 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. The advantage of doing business the electronic way is that the individual does not have to write a check, address the envelope, lick a stamp and post the letter. On the PWA side, the treasurer does not have to receive mail, endorse the check, write a deposit slip and make a trip to the bank. In the future, some other functions may be added so that you could donate to the Field Day fund and pay for other fund raising functions. 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

(Continued from page 11)

to the ARRL immediately following the event. These messages are transmitted as early as Friday night before the contest starts. The Field Day chairman and corresponding secretary are responsible for copying and documenting the message. Education Activity (100 pts): I can’t imagine anyone having nothing to learn. Last year I took the opportunity to teach a few participants the use of a gin pole to raise a tall mast. Unfortunately, I had that opportunity more than once that weekend. What will be the topics) to teach this year? We all have something to share. This year I’d like each station captain to prepare something to present when visited by an interested bystander. We only need one educational activity, whether presented once or repetitively. A ten minute explanation with a bit of theory demonstrated in practice and supported by a page or two of reading material is all that it takes. NTS Message Handling (10pts ea x 10): Ten unique messages are to be originated, relayed or received during the Field Day interval using the formal NTS message style. Each message will earn 10 points. The Field Day report submitted to the ARRL contest bureau must include “properly serviced” copies of each message. I expect that our club’s corresponding secretary will be busy coordinating these messages. Government Official Visit (100pts): ARRL will award bonus points for just inviting an elected official -- whether or not they choose to attend. Any elected official will do -- federal, state, or local. The ambitious publicity captain will send invitation letters (ARRL ofPage 20

fers examples) to all local government officials. Make a copy of the invitation for proof of the attempt. Agency Representative Visit (100pts): Take 100 more points if as a result of our invitation we are visited by a representative of an agency in one of our local communities who are served by ARES. An example of these agencies are American Red Cross, Salvation Army, local emergency management, law enforcement, fire department, etc. The strategy for the publicity captain will be to correlate a complete list of served agencies, call for contact information, send out a nice cover letter, and follow-up one week before the event with a reminder. GOTA Station (500pts): It is the least understood but most worthy bonus activity. When implemented with a GOTA coach (see below) total bonus point potential can reach 1000. The concept is simple. Get unlicensed, recently licensed (since the last Field Day) or inactively licensed people on the air and making contacts. Each qualifying participant will earn 20 points for every 20 contacts made. The same individual can make another 20 contacts for another 20 points up to a maximum of five 20 contact groups for a total maximum of 100 points. An unlimited number of people can participate but the maximum bonus credit is limited to 500 points. The GOTA station uses the calls) of the control operators) overseeing the activity and may not contact any other station within the 1000’ circle for points. The station must be completely independent of the other stations, run with the site's emergency power and be located within the 1000' circle.

It’s just that simple, so why don’t we do it? Possibly because we are short-handed for our other activities or are reluctant to build an entirely independent operating station with the chances that little or no interest from the public will result in few if any points. We should do it because the GOTA station is an extremely valuable activity to the hobby for it lights the fire in the belly of the would-be amateur radio operator to get licensed or more involved. New and more active hams lead to further interest in our club and more support for future Field Day challenges. GOTA Coach (2x GOTA Mult): The GOTA station effort can be worth double if a willing club member will commit to run it without attempting to operate at any other station. The ideal GOTA coach will have broad experience in amateur radio, can set up and run a station and also serve the education captain and youth participation leader roles. Web Submission (50pts): The Field Day chairman will collect station logs promptly after the event. The chairman is responsible to integrate them into a club submittal and to post them to the ARRL website by July 26 to be eligible for this bonus. All logs, dupe sheets, photos, and documents to prove other bonus activities must be included. Plan to copy your log files to the chairman's USB memory drive immediately after close of operations Sunday afternoon. Photos in jpg format may be downloaded to the chairman’s notebook, emailed to ?, or transferred to a CD ROM and surfacemailed to the club’s PO box to arrive by July 3rd.

Youth Participation (100pts): The leader assigned to encouraging youth participation at our Field Day exercise should begin efforts now at contacting schools and scouting groups on the area to visit and partake in making contacts via amateur radio. This important 100 point bonus is awarded in 20 point increments for each QSO (contact) successfully completed at Field Day by an individual 18 years of age or younger. The 20 point bonus can be garnered by up to five (5) youths, each making only one contact. More youngsters can and should participate whether with the GOTA station or at any other station within the 1000’ circle.

Conclusion Ask any Field Day survivor and you’ll hear more tips and techniques on any of the forgoing paragraphs than you’ll have energy to pursue. Nonetheless, I encourage all intending to participate to delve into the wealth of literature here and elsewhere on the web for new ideas on how to maximize our performance and enjoyment this Field Day. All of our captains and the team members they enlist deserve credit for their contribution toward what I hope to be “The best ever experience this side of Newington.”

Recommended Reading ARRL Field Day Rules … http://www.arrl.org/contests/ forms/fd-2010-packet.pdf

(Continued on page 22)

Page 21

(Continued from page 21)

Field Day Bonus Points ... http://k9jy.com/blog/2008/05/15/ field-day-bonus-points-clubstrategy/ Field Day is Media Publicity ... http://k9jy.com/blog/2008/05/14/ 3-field-day-press-releasesuggestions/ Field Day: A contest for your Ham Radio Club ... http://k9jy.com/blog/2007/07/02/ field-day-a-contest-for-yourham-radio-club/ Field Day is… http://k9jy.com/blog/2008/04/28/ field-day-is/ Field Day Station Captain Checklist ... http://k9jy.com/blog/2008/05/12/ field-day-station-captainchecklist/ Field Day Food ... http://k9jy.com/blog/2008/05/16/ field-day-food/ Field Day Antennas … http://k9jy.com/blog/2008/05/14/ field-day-antennas-5considerations/

Do you have a favorite story to share with your fellow club members? Email, fax or write to: n3fel@aol.com 215-757-0969 FAX X-Mitter, P.O. Box 224, Morrisville, PA 19067

Page 22

X-Mitter Availability X-Mitter is the PWA journal of activity. It is published once monthly throughout the year and free of charge to members and nonmembers alike. The current issue of XMitter is always available for downloading from the PWA website. http://www.pennwireless.org We ask that you support the X-Mitter newsletter by sending articles with your original commentary pertaining to radio communications and public service. We also seek original construction articles and other interesting topics. Contact Howard at n3fel@aol.com for additional information. X-Mitter is best viewed on-screen, not just to eliminate paper copies, but to facilitate email distribution. Thanks to X-Mitter staffer Ed Wells/N3IAS we have an alternate site to post links to the current and back issues of X-Mitter. http://pwa.freewebpages.org The on-screen version features 2-Up viewing, full color pictures and will soon offer embedded active website links. For best viewing, put the Adobe Reader in FULL SCREEN mode. You can download a local copy by right-clicking on the link, clicking on Save As and pointing it to “My Documents” or another file location on your hard drive. An iPod(tm)-like, very readable version of X-Mitter can also be found at the Issuu website. Ω http://issuu.com/n3fel/docs/xmitter_201002

PWA February 2010 General Meeting Notes

and not rely on club revenues. January – $425.75 on account 237.74 expensed - $194.91 balance

Called to order – Tom, KE3QC

Old Business - None

Welcome

New Business

Roll Call

Ben reported on new Paypal link for dues and donations and showed samples for new club badges Break – 9 to 9:30

January Minutes – Not reported Treasurer’s Report – Ben, K3JQH - As of today, balance is $1130.22 - Accepted by membership Board Actions – None Membership Committee – Ken, K3FKW - Nothing to report Repeater Report, - Cully, N3HTZ -

Echolink is working ok, frequently used now Permission granted by station trustee to use W3SK on Echolink We are ambassadors in the sense that callers connect worldwide, If you hear someone calling in, please return the call Comcast noise issues are still being addressed. Access to repeater building is blocked by snow. Radio courtesy discussed

VE Chairman’s Report – BEN, K3JQH -

Five candidates came in and all five passed.

Public Service – Open for suggestions Field Day Report – Howard, N3FEL Goal – Raise all funds required for field day Page Page 23 23

Invitation to have a PWA table at Hamfest renewed by Mark, WA3QVU Field day cont’d Howard noted that: - Falls Twp is an athletic field, so we won’t have the grass issue. - Parity issue: Both fields are equally suited - Tom is still waiting for word from Falls on field availability - Publicity - Alex, KB3SYY offered to assist - Antenna trials were suggested prior to field day. Tech Class schedule: Ed, N3IAS - 6 weeks, designed to finish before a VE session. - Starting March 11 & April 15 - End respectively May 13 & June 17 X-Mitter publicity issue discussed Call to adjourn at 10PM Respectfully Submitted, Jeff Niceler, K3DEY

A BALUN IS NOT REQUIRED FOR A COAX-FED DIPOLE

UNBALANCED FEED OF HALF-WAVE ANTENNAS

Dave Heller, K3TX

Carl Drumeller, W5JJ

Occasionally we hear that a 1:1 Balun is needed to avoid the translation of an RF ground at the driving source to the radiating end of a half-wave dipole. Use of a balun at this location is totally unnecessary. Its additional attenuation at operating frequency will further reduce effective radiated power of the antenna system.

An oft-repeated claim is made that center feeding a dipole antenna directly from a coax line causes one half of the dipole to be grounded (to RF), thereby negating the radiation from that portion. Such claims display a deplorable ignorance of antenna behavior. A dipole has a standing wave not to be confused with, but caused by the traveling waves on it. This holds true regardless of whether it's center-fed or end-fed, whether the exact center-point is grounded or insulated from ground.

The feedline is not two but three conductors: The center, the inner conductor of the "shield" and the exterior of the shield - skin effect at R.F. causes a conductor to conduct on its surface only; the interior of the conductor is really just along for the ride. Thus the half of the dipole connected to the shield is not at RF ground though for DC it is at ground potential (disregarding its resistance). If there is need for an impedancematching transformer, that's another story. â&#x201E;Ś

Broken up over an old style badge? Information on page 15. Page 24

A quarter wave-inverts the impedance seen at one end. If the "end" at the center is grounded, the far end displays very high impedance, which supports the voltage maximum point. All "plumber's delight" beams are constructed to utilize this principle, as are the quarter-wave "metallic insulators" used in SHF transmission lines. In short, having the precise center of a dipole grounded has utterly no effect upon its RF voltage or current distribution. A tiny offset of the center, caused by the spread of a center insulator, effects detectable but totally inconsequential imbalance of RF voltage (and current) distribution. This fact can be demonstrated readily by use of RF "sniffers." See "Ham Radio". Hay 1973, page 24. â&#x201E;Ś

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 ex√

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.