1 October 2016 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE WABASH VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION, INC WVARA VISITS FAMILY LEARNING DAY WVARA members assembled at Vigo County s Public Library again this year, to demonstrate our hobby to the general public and also to make some memories. Our disaster communications trailer was parked near the entrance to the exhibit area, making it easy for visitors to take a look. Some even reported memories from their previous visits to that vehicle. In addition to whatever memories we may have encouraged from the past, at least one of our newest members made some memories for himself. Justin, KD9FLQ made his first-ever HF contact, checking into the early afternoon Midcars 40m net. Many of us recall answering his call this summer, when Justin was operating 2m from his tree house QTH. The comm trailer provided a venue to sample his HF interest, having upgraded to General class license only two months prior. Another of our members, Don, K9DRP acted as NCS during the net but reported difficulty in hearing our signal. So that traffic traveled the 20 miles or so to Marshall via relay of another station located in Ohio. (continued next page)
FAMILY LEARNING DAY (continued) Memories of the popcorn maker were also renewed by Chuck, W9COD, who s work brought smiles to many faces. Some of that product was even left for the benefit of local birds upon day s end. Many members helped out during the day, including Kevin, K9HX and Donetta, KA9MFW with the trailer in tow. Also club president Jerry, W9GWC and Dave, N9FMD as project coordinator. Jay, AB9CG helped with antennas and other tasks while Chuck, KD9CLW and Ted, K9SGL helped out as well. Library officials told the Bandspread they were pleased with the day s efforts, and reported that as of mid-day, they had counted more than 800 visitors. Family Learning Day is an annual effort shine a spotlight on the activities of the local Library. -Dave, N9FMD photos courtesy of Jerry, W9GWC, and Chuck, W9COD Page 2
Local Nets Monday Clay Co. ARES Net 9:00 pm EST 145.420/R Monday Clay Co. ARES Digital Net 9:10 pm EST 145.420/R Monday Sullivan ARES Net 8:30 pm EST 146.775/R Tuesday Vermilion/Parke ARES Net 8:00 pm EST 146.715/R Tuesday Putnam Auxcomm Net 9:00 pm EST 442.225/R Wednesday Rose Tech Radio Club 9:00 pm EST 146.400 Thursday Putnam Auxcomm Net 8:00 pm EST 147.330/R TERRE HAUTE NORTH VIGO HIGH SCHOOL AMATEUR RADIO CLUB The radio club at North High School commenced operations for the 2016 2017 school year in September, and is meeting on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. There are five students actively involved at this time. Club enrollment will occur in late October, and a dozen or more students are expected to join. Instructors for this school year are the electronics teacher, Jeff Hammers (KD9BHP), Ross Cadick (N8CVX), Jay Sotak (AB9CG), and Dick Wood (N9TH). Thursday CAARLA Net 9:00 pm EST 146.685/R Fourth Thursday District 7 ARES Net 8:30 pm EST 145.420/R First Sunday Vigo County ARES Net 8:30 pm EST 146.685/R Sunday WVARA Net 9:00 pm EST 146.685/R* * First Sunday of the month is Simplex night. The WVARA Net meets, that night only, on 146.595 simplex. Regular Events Thursday: The Club Station is open, 5:30-8:00 pm every Thursday. The Club Station is located on the N.E. corner of 7th and Idaho. Entrance and parking is in back of building. 1st Friday of the Month: Monthly club meeting at Glas-Col Annex, 7PM EST (former Idaho Post Office Bldg), 1715 S. 8th in Terre Haute October Club Meeting The program for the October 7th Club Meeting will be on Ham Trivia and an Ask Elmer session. The students are currently preparing for the School Club Roundup contest which will occur during the third week in October. DX spotting programs and logging software are being downloaded into the club computers and tested. Plans are also being made to install a satellite tracking antenna support structure on the school wall after the SCR contest in October. The assistance of a bucket truck and skilled operator will be needed to accomplish this. If you know of someone please let us know via email at n9thcw@gmail.com. -Dick, N9TH WVARA Turkey Fest Fall Hamfest November 26 Winter Field Day January 28-29, 2017 WVARA ON THE WEB at http://www.w9uuu.org/ Page 3
TREASURER'S REPORT -RAY, K9DUR GENERAL MEETING THE MINUTES Wabash Valley Amateur Radio Association September Club Meeting/Pitch-in Dinner 2016-09-02 President Jerry Cockrell (W9GWC) called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Kevin Berlin (K9HX). A tribute to Silent Key, Dan Hunter (NW9N), was presented by Dick Wood (N9TH). Prayer given by Kevin Berlen (K9HX). Meal President Jerry Cockrell (W9GWC) recalled the meeting to order at 7:24 p.m. Roll Call/Introductions The Club Station is open, 5:30-8:00 pm every Thursday. The Club Station is located on the N.E. corner of 7th and Idaho. Entrance and parking is in back of building. North Vigo High School Radio Club Letter read about Dan's (NW9N) passing. (Minutes continued next page) Page 4
(Minutes continued from previous page) Boy Scout Jamboree on the Air October 14-16. Family Learning Day September 24th @ VCPL. Education Report Technician class begins Tuesday @ 6:30 pm. There are 2 registered participants. Vigo County ARES Net 1st Sunday monthly, 8:30 pm on 146.685 Repeater. Secretary's Report Treasurer's Report Presented/Accepted Printouts for 3 months. Vote taken on the August report. Dues are currently being accepted. Confirmation vote on LeRoy Sedgwick (AC9NF) as club Secretary. Approved Discussion/vote on the purchase of UHF digital repeater on the air in Terre Haute using DMR technology for $900. Approved Presentation by Ray (K9DUR) on Winlink 2000 Messaging System. WVARA Board Meeting to follow this meeting. Adjourned 8:30 p.m. BOARD MEETING WVARA BOARD MEETING MINUTES DATE: 2016-09-02 LOCATION: GLAS-COL ANNEX CALLED TO ORDER: 8:35 PM In attendance: President Jerry Cockrell, W9GWC Vice-President Kevin Berlen, K9HX Secretary LeRoy Sedgwick, AC9NF THE MINUTES Treasurer Ray Andrews, K9DUR Trustee Gary Adams, W9EEU Past President Chuck Procarione, W9COD David Littlejohn, N9FMD Secretary's Report: None Treasurers Report: None Discussion Items: Family Learning Day September 24th. The Bloomington Ham Fest is the same day. Board Member-at-Large Replacement This will left open for now. Turkey Fest The information was sent ARRL, not sure if their deadline was met. Brentlinger Award Dinner Nominations are due by January 15th. Presentation at the March dinner. Nominating Committee The committee is formed in September/October with a report due at the November club meeting. Spare batteries at the club station We need to test them to see if they are still holding a charge. Tower and Antennas located at the Terre Haute Red Cross office We still need to get them down. Prior to his passing, Dan (NW9N) was checking with Duke on the possibility of the use of a bucket truck to assist. We need to have someone followup on this project. Tower Purchase Ray (K9DUR) indicated that we have $500 to spend for the tower; $100 for the tower; $400 for the crane. Kevin (K9HX) stated the he can stop by the week of September 12th to check it's status. He may be able to stop by this Wednesday. He and Ray will coordinate the logistics. The tentative plan is to take it down on September 17th Trailer Awning Gary Wheeler (K9ERE) is working on an awning for the communication trailer. Approximate cost is $400. Adjournment: 9:00 pm -LeRoy, AC9NF Page 5
2016 WABASH VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO PICNIC PICS Some shots from the QTH of K9ERE and KA9ALI on August 6, 2016 Photos courtesy of Gary, K9ERE Page 6
THE BANDSPREAD is the official publication of the Wabash Valley Amateur Radio Association, Inc. Organized in 1927 as a nonprofit public service organization it was affiliated with the ARRL on April 5 1934. Board of Directors: President: Vice-President: Secretary: Treasurer: Trustee: Past President: Member-At-Large: Jerry Cockrell - W9GWC Kevin Berlen - K9HX LeRoy Sedgwick - AC9NF Ray Andrews - K9DUR Gary Adams - W9EEU Chuck Procarione - W9COD (vacant) Publications: Bandspread Editor: Don Pine K9DRP Bandspread Facilitator: Dave Littlejohn - N9FMD Submissions: e-mail the editor at bandspread@w9uuu.org or mail to P.O Box 10081, Terre Haute, IN 47808-0081 Webmaster: Ray Andrews - K9DUR Contact the webmaster at webmaster@w9uuu.org to join our list server or if you have a problem receiving the ebandspread. Visit us on the web at www.w9uuu.org. Scene of some fun in the pool at the WVARA picnic. -photo by Gary, K9ERE Sunday Night Net Manager: John VanSandt - N9YRX WABASH VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION 2017 Please complete this form and include it with your dues. You may return this application in person or mail to: WABASH VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION, INC. P.O. BOX 10081 TERRE HAUTE, IN 47801 Name: Call: License Class Address City State Zip Phone ( ) - E-mail address Date of Birth (Mo/Dy/Yr) / / Year first licensed Year of last WVARA membership New Member? [ ] ARRL member?[ ] ARES member? [ ] QCWA member?[ ] RACES member?[ ] This newsletter will come to you by e-mail in.pdf format unless you specifically request a paper copy below. We encourage you to choose the electronic version because: 1. It costs the Club less to produce and deliver it; and 2. In the electronic version, the pictures are in color and it arrives earlier! Of course, you can still make a paper copy of it on your printer, if you wish. If you are applying for a family membership please list below the licensed family members [living at home] that you wish to include. Name: Call: License Class ARRL?[ ] Name: Call: License Class ARRL? [ ] Please add $5 per family member above to the Single rate below. To include ARRL membership, see a current QST for the amount. Dues options: Single ($20) Family (Single + $5 per family member) Add ARRL membership?* Total pmt. $ Note: 1. Payments made Sept. - Dec. apply to membership for the following year; 2. ARRL also has a family membership program as well. See QST. *Club gets a rebate from the ARRL! NOTICE: All members must submit to a criminal background check as a condition of membership. Page 7
The President's Corner Your WVARA had a successful Family Learning Day at the Vigo County Public Library on September 24, 2016. We introduced our hobby to a number of young and not so young individuals. Some were able to observe actual contacts using our emergency trailer and its associated gear. Whenever we as Hams have the chance, we should tout our hobby as one that is enjoyable, interesting, educational, and important to society. The October meeting will be a night of fun and information. We will start with some Ham related trivia followed by a Ask Elmer session. If you have any questions about the hobby, this is your chance to ask. Don t forget to support the Turkey Fest in November. See you at the next meeting. Jerry Gcockrell12@msn.com 812-243-9828 WVARA VE Testing (Walk-ins Welcome) Terre Haute, Indiana 2nd Saturday of every month (except July) 9:30 A.M., Indiana time 1715 S. 8th St., west side of 8th St. behind GlasCol. Park on side of bldg; use the front entrance on 8th St. For further info contact: Ray Andrews, K9DUR: 812-236-6522 Terre Haute Radio Club VE Testing (Walk-ins Welcome) Terre Haute, Indiana 2nd Thursday of every month 7:00 P.M., Indiana time Storage Solutions South 5457 South State Road 63 (just south of the prison) For further info contact Ginger Monastyrski, WB9ZHC at 812-243-9052 or WB9ZHC@yahoo.com 73 Jerry W9GWC THE BANDSPREAD Official Publication of the Wabash Valley Amateur Radio Association, Inc. P.O. Box 10081 Terre Haute, IN 47801 OCTOBER 2016 2016 = year; NL= Newsletter only COMP= Complimentary Membership, LIFE= Life Membership If there is no symbol showing on your mailing label, this is a one-time complimentary copy of The Bandspread. If so, we invite you to fill out the enclosed membership form to join the Wabash Valley Amateur Radio Association. Page 8