What's New Updated: March 13,2010

A really nice tower needs a new home. We went to Concord and removed the crank-up tower from Arnold's back yard and brought it to Napa.  If you have been contemplating putting up a first class tower this is the way to go.  Puts your Yagi (included) at 60 feet on a heavy duty rotor (also included)  Asking just $300 for the whole package. More details  also listed on the Classified tab of the NAPASARS newsletter.

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Technology updates: iPhone users can now download a free app (application) to permit operation on Echolink.  If you haven't been paying attention, an iPhone is the latest "cell phone" from Apple that utilizes AT&T's semi-ubiquitous 3G network.  Much more than a phone, its more like a personal computer that fits in a shirt pocket.  So far the users checking into Echolink have sounded outstanding.  Apparently there is no pesky firewall or soundcard to be fiddled with.  Think about how useful this can be in areas where you just gotta talk and you are out of radio range of your favorite Echolink-equipped repeater!

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W6CO Dstar is now running Dplus 2.2f software.  One of the main reasons for this release was to permit connection by stations using the new DVAP.  What's a DVAP?  It's a little gizmo, sort of like a USB thumb drive only a little bigger, that plugs into an internet connected PC and connects to the Dstar network.  It has a built-in 2-meter transceiver, very low power, that lets you access it from a Dstar handheld.  Range varies but typically around 100 to 200 feet.  A little antenna rearrangement extends that to several hundreds of feet.  The radio operates on any simplex frequency.  Not much of a front end so it suffers from interference from nearby electrical sources but all in all, those users who have come up on the network sound quite good.  Cost around $250 usd from HRO.

Dplus 2.2f cleared up some other problems with earlier releases but the most noticeable improvement is the addition of control scripts.  The most useful script so far is we now have the ability to determine just what if anything is linked to the repeater.  A URcall of W6CO  IX  will return a scrolling display on the radio with the linked status.  Very cool.  Other URcall scripts are in the works.  For a complete list see http://www.dstar.info/  The system admin (me) will install these as they become available.

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Dstar update.  Some information on programming Icom Dstar transceivers has been added to the tutorial page.  If you are climbing the learning curve on DR Mode, this may be of some help.  See the links page, click on Dstar Tutorial.

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The 2010 training and testing schedule has been posted.  See the Calendar tab for details.  In 2009 we began preliminary training for new hams wishing to apply for the  Technician class license.  This training was intended to supplement the class given by Mark, KE6O.  The class Mark teaches is intended to help the license candidates pass the test.  While some knowledge of Ham Radio will certainly rub off, there is not much time available to teach the subject.  That's where the supplemental training comes in.  This course is designed to teach the basics of Ham Radio to the new Ham.  The course will be four consecutive Tuesday evenings, from 6:30 to 9 PM. one week before Mark's class.  If this appeals to you please sign up early as the seating is limited.  There will be a small charge for materials.  Contact KE6O to sign up or N6XN for more information.

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By popular demand. (You both know who you are) we have published some details of Gary's low-buck back-pack HF vertical.  This can be a good project for you tinkerers.  Easy to build with simple hand tools and either an antenna analyzer or SWR bridge. http://n6xn.org/PVCantenna.htm

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Pacificon 2010 - the West Coast Ham Radio Convention is Coming Back!

After a one year hiatus, PACIFICON 2010, the great west coast ham radio convention, returns to the San Francisco Bay Area and will again be sponsored by the Mount Diablo Amateur Radio Club. Pacificon 2010 will take place Friday, October 15th through Sunday, October 17th, at the San Ramon Marriott Hotel at 2600 Bishop Drive in San Ramon, California. Events and schedules listed here are in the planning stages. Links will become active as planning progresses. Please check back for updates.

http://www.pacificon.org/

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While you are marking your calendars:

Two upcoming events announced at last night's SARS meeting:

Napa Valley Marathon

American Diabetes Association, Tour De Cure

Radio Operators needed.  Please contact SARS President David Whalen AE6W

See the Calendar Tab for details; dates, links etc..

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From the ARRL East Bay Section Newsletter.

John Pascale, NN6E, has stepped down as ARRL DEC for Contra Costa County. In
his letter of resignation,, he states; "At this time I feel it will be in the
best interest of both the RACES and ARES groups if I were to step down as the
ARRL District Emergency Coordinator for Contra Costa County.  I will continue
to function as the RACES Officer for Contra Costa County. As we discussed the
two groups can compliment each other as we continue to work towards a melded
County Emergency Communications Network.  With each organization having an
individual leader it will be easier for the groups to function within their
prescribed missions..." Please join me in thanking John for his service in the
ARRL Field Organization and wish him the best as he continues his service in
amateur radio emergency communications. You can contact me direct if you are
interested in the DEC vacancy or other opportunities to serve in the ARRL
East Bay section.

SILENT KEYS -- Mel "NC6Y" Beals June 12, 1936 ~ Jan. 28, 2010 Resident of
Pittsburg Melvin Leon Beals was born on June 12, 1936 in Sondheimer,
Louisiana. He moved to Pittsburg, California with his mother and father,
Beatrice and George Parker in 1941. He passed away on January 28, 2010.
Melvin graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1955. He served the United
States Marine Corps from 1958-68 and earned many medals and commendations
including a Purple Heart. Melvin was preceded in death by his father, Walter
"Willis" Beals; mother, Beatrice (Watkins) Parker; father, George Parker, Sr.
and brother, George Parker, Jr. Melvin is survived by Marietta Beals; sons,
Mark and Shawn; daughter, Yvonne; and granddaughters, Vanessa and Sydney. He
is also survived by his sisters, Ethel (Wally) Cox, Willa (Carl) Parsons,
Joanne (Henderson) Parker and Addie (Sam) Coston; and brother, Alonzo
(Carolyn) Parker all of Pittsburg, California and many cousins, nieces,
nephews and countless friends; WA6FNP William (Bill) Cross passed away on
1-17-09.  He had been a member of our family since 3-90 and held a General
Class License.  Bill had a stroke and all though he was sent to Creekside for
Rehab. It seems one after the other medical condition kept on fighting
strong.  I saw Bill the Friday before his passing and although he could not
speak clearly his eyes told his feeling.  I shared with him the happenings on
the 220 net, the past Sunday meeting and our morning nets and those eye would
light up.  Bill would very seldom miss any of our nets. Bill was always
willing to help another member.  He made sure to visit members in the
hospital or rest homes.  When Shannon was in Vale he would go to the store
and get candy and sodas for him.  He would always give a ride to anyone that
asked.  There was no stopping Bill from practicing the old saying, "treat
people like you would want to be treated."  He will be missed very much..

CONGRATULATIONS TO:  Jerry Olive KD6WKY, Placed first in the East Bay Section,
Low Power Class of the 2009 ARRL November CW Sweepstakes; Rita Derbas KI6SSQ
for successful completion of ARECC Level 1; John Rabold, KS6M, on his
successful completion of PR 101.

SBARA announces the formation of a new ARRL VE Group, Tri-City VE Group. They
welcome candidates to their location near highways 680 and 880 at Hurricane
Electric, 48233 Warm Springs Boulevard, Fremont. The scheduled 2010 test
dates are: March 13,  Saturday 9:00 a.m. -- 11:30 a.m; April 15, Thursday 6:30
-- 9:00 p.m.; May 8, Saturday 9:00 a.m. -- 11:30 a.m.; July 10, Saturday 9:00
a.m.-- 11:30 a.m. ; August 19, Thursday 6:30 p.m. -- 9:00 p.m.; September 9,
Saturday 9:00 a.m. -- 11:30 a.m.; November 13, Saturday 9:00 a.m. -- 11:30
a.m.; December 16, Thursday 6:30 p.m. -- 9:00 p.m. For further information,
contact Bernhard AE6YN@arrl.net (510) 364-0611 or Rita, KI6SSQ@arrl.net (510)
703-7090, or check the ARRL website.

ORCA president David WB6NER,had an opportunity to participate in the support
efforts for the Haiti earthquake. David was the communications officer for
his Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT CA-6).

K6LRG had three, multi-op, First Place wins in recent ARRL contests. Operators
K4VU, KG6C, N6ML, N6WM, and W6TCP took first Place Pacific Division and
Second Place Western Region including Canada for Multi-Operator Single
Transmitter High Power in the 2009 IARU Radiosport HF World Championships.
Operators N6ML, N6SPP and N6WM took first Place Pacific Division and Second
Place Western Region including Canada for Multi-Operator/Multi-transmitter
High Power in the 2009 VHF QSO Party. Operators k4VU and N6WM took first
place East Bay Section for Multi-Operator Single Transmitter High Power in
the 2009 ARRL November Sweepstakes CW.

CONGRATULATION TO THESE NEW HAMS: Nathaniel T Block, KJ6ERD, ALAMEDA; Brian L
Choate, KJ6ERK, Alameda; John A Smith, KJ6ESZ, Alameda; Mitchell B Boyce,
KJ6EVY, Concord; Gregory C Lin, KJ6EUK, Concord; Paul J Truschke, KJ6ETD,
Danville; Brian P Centeno, KJ6ERI, FAIRFIELD; Miki Vargas-whitfield, KJ6ETH,
Fremont; Michael G Whitfield, KJ6ETM, Fremont; Pascual Diaz, KJ6EVR, Hayward;
Eric T Enstrom, KJ6EZG, Castro Valley; Maria Perez, KJ6EVS, Livermore; Joseph
E Ledbetter, KJ6EZF, Livermore; Marilyn Rowley, KJ6EVZ, Oakley; Susan A
Laufer, KJ6EVX, Orinda; Herman M Nordbruch, KJ6EWU, Dublin; Paul A Golling,
KJ6EZC, San Leandro; Yasuhisa Mizuno, AF6UC, San Leandro; Winnie So, KJ6ETA,
San Leandro; Robert A K Gilbert, KJ6ERT, San Ramon; Robert L Gilbert, KJ6ERU,
San Ramon; Joey J Jonko, KJ6ESC, Union City; Matthew A Mack, KJ6ESJ, Vallejo;
Jeffrey R Jeung, KJ6EZD, Oakland; Steven P Devine, KJ6EZB, Albany; David
Tung, KJ6EOR, El Sobrante; James C Ullrey, KJ6ETG, El Sobrante.

CONGRATULATION TO THESE NEW UPGRADES: John Hestenes, KJ6CVB, Alamo; J Andrew
Comly, WA2WAE, Lafayette; Mark E Rowley, N6MVY, Oakley; Kevin L Smith, KL0AF,
Pittsburg; Nathaniel D Naegle, KI6TVR, Pleasanton.

NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM (NTS)
Call Sign      Originated      Sent    Received        Delivered      Total
WB6UZX              0            48      51                3            102
W6DOB                0            16      62                8            86
KE6QR                 1              1      12                12          26

PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL (PSHR)
Call Sign      Categories
                    1       2        3      4      5      6      Total
WB6UZX  40      40      10                              90
W6DOB
 

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There is a very interesting website where you can listen to "QSO Radio"  This program is normally heard on shortwave on 30 and 40 meters.  From Miami Florida beaming the Caribbean and South America on 9955 kHz, callsign WRMI and from the state of Maine, WBCQ on 7415 kHz.  Conditions being what they are lately you probably won't be able to hear either of these stations but you can listen the program material on the internet at http://www.tedrandall.com  Click on Podcasts for a listing of the past programs.  Ted has some extremely interesting interviews with hams such as Jonathon Taylor, K1RFD; Wayne Greene, W2NSD; Walter Cronkite, KB2GSD (a tribute program); Dan Henderson N1ND of the ARRL; Bob Heil K9EID (a forum on sound); Ronnie Milsap WB4KCG and many many more.  These programs are in mp3 format and are intended to be podcasts but they can be downloaded and listened to on nearly any media player.  The programs are 2 hours long so the files are very large, in the neighborhood of 55 mb so a broadband connection is highly recommended.

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