PAUL MORRISON, K6SUE, JOINS RANKS OF SILENT KEYS
Manner so gruff, but heart so kind Willing to help, an outstanding mind;
Always was there at our beck and call To solve a problem, held give his all.
Wheelchair bound but NONE so tall, We'll always remember K6SUE's call.
We're sure he's in heaven with notebook & pen Designing the place all over again;
Deciding some systems would be better just so But sentimentallity will get the heave-ho!
Deep in our hearts we'll always recall That our lives have been brighter because of Paul.
(Eileen KA6DGV)
Paul Morrison, K6SUE, shared his life with the Club in person, at meetings and tune-ups clinics, as well as on-the-air. Here Paul discussed remote control logic and circuit design. (Photo by Norm, K6PGX)
DATE: Wednesday, May 13, 1981
TIME: 11:30 to 12:30 NOTE!!!
PLACE: 238-543
FROM AIRES TO SERIES
Dr. Peter MacDoran, K6JCB, will be our May meeting speaker. His topic will be of significant interest so be sure to note the new time (due to prior commitment on the room for this month only).
SPECIAL EVENTS (Merv N6NO)
As promised last week, here is the updated QSL info for the six stations which operated as Shuttle Special Event Stations during the epic First Flight of the Shuttle. All request SASE (Self-addressed-stamped-envelope) for Continental U.S. stations.
WB4ICJ: WB4ICJ c/o AA4MI
P.O. Box 21073
Kennedy Space
Center, Fla 32815
WA4NZD: MARC-WA4NZD
c/o NASA Exchange
CM21X
Marshall Space
Flight Center, AL 35812
W5RRR: W5RRR Op. Dave
JSC
Houston, Tx 77058
WA5VOP: WA5VOP
1322 Space Park Dr.
Houston, Tx 77058
K6OX: K6OX
P.O. Box 1221
Lancaster, Ca
92340
WA3NAN: Goddard ARC
P.O. Box 86
Greenbelt, Md
20770
(Jim WA6MYJ)
SECTION COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Stan Brokl (N2YQ) has announced his candidacy for Section Communications Manager for the Los Angeles Section for 1982/1983. Stan has been serving in that capacity since his return from the East, returning to the job (SCM) he had to leave when his career took him to the East Coast. GOOD LUCK, Stan.
CALLING ALL NOVICES & TECHS
One of the greatest thrills in Amateur Radio is being on the receiving end of a pile-up! Many, many DX stations are the generators of pile-ups, but very few U. S. Stations are ever so fortunate as to be in such great demand. The one great opportunity for creating such a situation is to be a commemorative station operator.
W6VIO will be on the air again in August for the Voyager 11 encounter with Saturn. Our club support of Novice HF frequencies for our previous operations has been minimal and sporadic, even though the interest is there. I feel that this situation needs to be corrected.
During the past year, many new novices have completed the classes conducted by the Club and received their Novice or Technician tickets. MY proposal to you is this: Form a minigroup and support the Novice HF frequencies on a published schedule. We will have advertisement space available to include "specific" novice times and frequencies to let the novice community know that W6VIO will be there.
Your CW speed does not have to be fast; the best speed is between 7 and 10 wpm. Any taster, you will lose the slower novices and have to repeat too much information; any slower, you will lose the high speed fellows. The speed demons and show-off's will QRS to your speed because they want your contact and card!
The Club will dedicate the Kenwood TS-130 and an antenna( a beam if you will help put it up!) to you for the times you agree to be on the air. We will work with you on contact technique, etc., so don't feel your on your own. It is not so difficult when you realize that "they" want "You"!
The August operation will, in all probability, be the last JPL ARC Special Event for several years. There are many new novices and techs in the club; how about it? Contact Jim Lumsden at x6726. (Jim WA6MYJ)
TWO METER ANTENNA FREEBE!
The Board of Directors concurred with the recommendation of the Equipment Disposition Committee to conduct a contest to determine the recipient of the 2-meter Cushcraft Mag-mount and antenna donated to the Club by Henry Radio. The rules for this contest are:
1) Any Club member wishing to be eligible for the antenna should submit one random 5-digit number to J. Lumsden WA6MYJ not later than the start of the May club meeting. (The entry must be in my hands prior to the meeting, not just in the mail).
2) A random number will be generated at the May meeting by drawing digits from a hat in sequence from the most to the least significant digit. Each digit (0-9) may be used only once.
3) The member whose number is closest to the random number will be the winner.
4) in case of a tie, the tying entries will be placed in a hat and a single entry drawn as winner.
5) Entries are to be on yellow "WHILE YOU WERE OUT" telephone message forms with your name, call, and phone number on the front, and your random number on the reverse. Mail (233-103) or hand-deliver (233-105) your entry to Jim Lumsden. (Jim WA6MYJ)
T-HUNT PROGRAM STIRS INTEREST
Last month we read in this newsletter about the big T-hunt which located a malfunctioning transmitter on Mt. Disappointment that was putting out spurious emissions all over the 220 MHz band. One of the members of the hunting team was Russ Andrews, K6BMG, who has been doing this sort of thing for years and has become one of the local experts.
Russ was our guest on April 8, 1981, and spoke to the Club on "T-hunting Comes of Age on 220". An imposing count of nearly 50 members heard Russ describe how it's done --with all the necessary tools and aids to locate the source quickly. He illustrated his talk with slides, actual hardware (some quite unique, most home-brewed), and those who attended picked up his handouts that gave details on how to build much of the gear.
Russ recommended developing a T-hunt capability as a technical skill, which could possibly be used later to help locate misbehaving equipment or misbehaving operators (malicious interference). Eventually, one could become qualified under the Danemeyer Bill (HR2203) to assist the FCC as an Auxiliary.
Russ's talk, together with Gordon Wood's "Introduction to T-hunting", inspired Merv, N6NO, to follow up on Gordon's suggestion to assess club interest in developing a T-hunt capability, possibly making some to the devices as a club cooperative project (assembly line style) and having club-sponsored T-hunts for training. This capability is almost non-existent on 220; our club could easily take the lead in the country. If you feel even mildly inspired, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR INTEREST BY CONTACTING N6NO: MERV MacMedan, 233-208, x7004. (Merv N6NO)
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
- New novices;
- George Auman KA6OXS
- Paul Schou KA6OXT
- Dave Wagner KA6OXU
- Paul Schou KA6OXT
- George Auman KA6OXS
Ron Ploszaj, appointed Section Manager 317
What better recreation could one ask for on a beautiful Sunday afternoon than Repeater Repair! Walt Diem, WA6PEA, verifies compressor range during recent repair activity of WR6APS. (Photo by WA6MYJ)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
It is difficult to comprehend why the readers of W6VIO CALLING must contend with 3+ columns of 220 MHz T-hunt trivia. My only conclusion is that this must be a subtle plea by the W6VIO CALLING Editor for other worthwhile contributions from the readers which he can then edit to an appropriate level of significance.
As a Sherlock Holmes fan for many years, I must protest the choice of sub-title for this article. The disorganized thrashing from hither-to-yon is certainly no good example of the Sherlock Holmes kind of reasoned analysis of a problem, leading directly to a logical solution.
... Curious how the offending station was never identified in the W6VIO CALLING article. (Concerned Club Member)
EDITORIAL: EDITORSHIP
This month's editorial is, in part, rebuttal to the "Letter to the Editor", and provides a brief opportunity to expound upon my own editorial philosophy.
1. The article was timely and discussed an activity of concern to a large percentage of Club members.
2. I do not have the time nor the desire to "edit to an appropriate level of significance". Minor editing only will be done.
3. The article points out the need for 220 MHz direction-finding equipment.
4. Nothing would have been gained by exploitation of the spurious station's identity in view of the high degree of cooperation exhibited when the location was determined
5. Each and every issue of this newsletter cannot hope to have a balance of all activities. I only hope that a proper balance is achieved in the long run.
There are many styles of prose and several can fit any given situation depending on the ultimate message the author wishes to convey. Rearrangement of the identical words and phrases can convey completely different messages. I respect an author's choice of a particular style he wishes to use to convey his message. The editor reserves the right to edit anyway he chooses; the implementation of this right determines his publication's reputation. if I rewrote every article I published, you would receive my biased(?) viewpoints on all that was published herein, not those of the author.
I choose to exercise my right of editorship loosely. If an author wishes help or suggestions on how to compose something to convey a certain message, I will be only too glad to help. (Maybe this will remove the fear some of you may have toward facing that blank page when beginning to write).
Yes, I do solicit articles of all kinds. This is a newsletter for intra-club communication, as well as a "journal" of activities and outside news. Space limitations must be respected; we do not have unlimited printing privileges. I do not believe in censorship; I do believe that if something is worth saying there is a constructive way of saying it. Controversial viewpoints are always welcome; just keep the arguments rational and discuss both sides of an issue.
It was a good feeling to receive the "Letter to the Editor"! It means that some of you really do have concerns about the Club and its activities. So! if you have concerns, or praises, let's hear from YOU!
MORE RUNNING EVENTS! (Ed. WA6MYJ)
JPL ARC members provided communications support for two April running events sponsored by the JPL Jogging Club. The club's 220 MHz repeater, WR6APR, was used for both events.
The first event was the annual "Arroyo-Seco Freako Microthon" held on April 1 (no fooling!). Club members Warren Apel (K6GPK), John Earnest (N6CTT), Dick Mathison (KG6Y), John McKinney (N6AVW), and George Morris (W6ABW) were positioned around the course with various hand-held and mobile equipment. Chuck Presley (KA6MHE) and Joe Tsai (KA6MGX), both Novices, provided additional support at the more active checkpoints. (Chuck and Joe are candidates for "Procrastinator of the Year" award as both have produced a long list of excuses for not making the trip to the FCC to upgrade). When John (N6CTT) reported that a gate on the course was not open, a minor detour was announced to the runners and the race conducted without problems. A starting pistol loaned courtesy of Jim (WA6MYJ) was used to send about 80 runners stampeding along the course. Radios permitted synchronization of watches and the calling of times to the runners as they passed checkpoints.
The second event was the NASA 10 km run held on April 17. Thanks goes to Club members Bruce Beaudry (WD6HEZ), John Earnest (N6CTT), John McKinney (N6AVW), Chuck Presley (KA6MHE-still procrastinating), and Ron Zenone (W6TUZ) for supporting this event after a last minute request from the Jogging Club. Fortunately, we were familiar with the course which encircles the Rose Bowl and were able to rapidly deploy and provide excellent support for the event. Jim's starting pistol was again put to good use. (John N6AVW)
APRIL BOARD MEETING NOTES
The Treasurer's report indicated that finances are in good shape. We should consider proceeding with some of the planned expenditures before we have a crash spending program toward the end of the year.
Off-lab members approved for 1981 membership:
Al Chapman (W6MEO), Maurice Piroumian (WA6OPB), and Mike Griffin (AJ3A). All are past presidents.
Repeater Committee Chairman report:
a) The primary APS machine is back in service.
b) Most of the current keying up of the machine is due to the mix of a commercial repeater system and an unsanctioned 220 MHz machine, both located on Mt. Lukens. Fortunately, use of the commercial machine is low, so the mix is not disabling to APS.
c) A Committee/User meeting is being scheduled to discuss repeater system updates.
Facilities Committee Chairman report:
a) The 12-Volt power supply module for the TS-820 will be ordered shortly.
b) The DC power buss in the trailer will be completed as next priority.
c) Solar panels will be installed on the club trailer to keep the batteries charged.
Brian Stapleton has been appointed Field Day Chmn. (Jim WA6MYJ)
CLASSIFIEDS
AMATEUR 2-meter xceiver, Kenwood 7600 10 watt with companion microprocessor control unit and digital readout RM76 plus matching touch-tone mike MC45. Package = $320 incl. operator and service manuals. Bob Layne (W6LTC), (213) 248-6911.
KLM linear loaded tri-band beam (KT-34A)
$307.95
KLM 7-element 220 MHz beam (219-226-7) 31.95
KLM low-loss air-core baluns 38.95
LARSEN & HUSTLER antennas, KLM amplifiers, MIDLAND car stereo
and CB at similar prices. Exceptional bargains are available
thru May 31 on KLM's new antennas: 2 & 3 element linear loaded
40 mtr. beams, 2 meter 5 db vert. with no radials, complete wire
dipole kits for 40 & 80 meters, and 6 meter 7-element long
beam. Items new; prices + sales tax. Walt (WA6PEA), 248-7525
eves.
COLLINS 32S3 transmitter, 75S3 receiver, & 516F2 power supply. All winged emblem in very good condition. $700 or best offer. MODEL 19 teletype, partially disassembled with manual and most or all parts. $25. HY-GAIN 204BA 4-element 20-meter beam, $100. MOSELY TA-33 Sr. 3-element tri-band, $80. Contact the following Caltech Amateur Radio Club members: Dave Ritchie, 356-3939, or Sam Sjogren, 578-9414. (Area code 213).
COMMEMORATIVE QSL CARDS
A considerable number of club members graciously volunteered to fill I out QSL cards for this past commemorative operation. So many members did in fact volunteer that it reduced the overall work on an individual basis to a realistic level. The total number of cards sent out by the club exceeded 4400 (8630 contacts made). Special thanks are extended to the following for their help and support:
- Warren Apel K6GPK Al
Kuchler WB6WRX
- Jay Bastow K6CV Don Lawson WA6SQF
- Bruce Beaudry WD6HEZ Ed Litty KA6CTX
- Charles Blanchard KA6HUB Jim Lumsden WA6MYJ
- Stan Brokl N2YQ Merv MacMedan N6NO
- Steve Brown N6OE Eileen McKinney KA6DGV
- John Buchbach W61VH John McKinney N6AVW
- Gary Burdick KA6DGP Connie Morris KA6JAM
- Bob Cesarone WA9JIB George Morris W6ABW
- Gordon Crawford WB6DRH Jack Patzold WB6TXG
- Richard Denning WA6VYH Bob Polansky N6ET
- John Earnest N6CTT Chuck Presley KA6MHE
- Kerry Erickson N6DSG Rex Quinn WD6EWN
- Jack Goldberg WA6ULW Merlin Reines W6YPG
- Al Goldman KA6DOB Larry Rauch W8FDG
- Paul Goodwin KO6D John Repar WA6LWD
- Bob Gosline AE6S Stan Sander N6MP
- Richard Grumm K6KWH Brian Stapleton W6LZP
- Bill Harris K6KZQ Mimi Stapleton WA6CWR
- Booth Hartley N6BH Riley Strickland N6BTL
- Jerry Hawkes W6WXL Dave Sutton WA6SPV
- Gerry Humphrey WB6MBI Joe Tsai KA6MGZ
- Bud Jenkins KA6CBI Joe Walsh KA6HPE
- Sid Johnson WB6VWH Sam Weaver WB6EMO
- Jason Kovatch N6BCI Ralph West N6YM
- Jay Bastow K6CV Don Lawson WA6SQF
(Notice that Ron did not include his own name in the list. He put in a tremendous amount of effort to make it easy for the rest of us. Notice how easy things are when so many people pitch in to do a part! ed.)
MT. ST. HELEN'S
A significant special event station will be on the air from 1700 to 0200 Hrs UTC on May 17-18, 1981, commemorating the explosive eruption of Mt. St. Helens. The event will be run by the Yakima Radio Club on 28.660, 21.370, 14.280, 7.285, and 3.740 for SSB, and on 28.120, 21.130, 14.040, 7.140, and 3.740 for CW. W7AQ was celebrating its 50th year of existence with its hamfest that morning when the 600,000 tons of dust blotted out the light of day. (From WORLD RADIO NEWS)
FIELD DAY!!
The JPL Amateur Radio Club 1981 Field Day encounter is close at hand. It's time to start planning the details of what can be a rewarding experience for each of us as amateurs and for our club as a whole. Field Day not only gives us a chance to enjoy the great outdoors, it also affords us an opportunity to test our skills as amateurs to communicate under less than ideal conditions.
In the past the Club Field Day activities have been held at Table Mountain near Wrightwood. At this location there is plenty of room for camping, parking, and most important of all, rigs and antennas. In the past the Club has provided breakfast and evening steak dinner for all participants, which added to the great time had by all.
This year's Field Day cap be bigger and better if more of us participate and assume some of the responsibility in its preparation and activities. Field Day will be held on June 27 and 28. During the operating period allowed we will be trying to contact as many Amateur stations as possible (especially Field Day stations) using al I available amateur bands. Our overall total point score, in competition with other Field Day stations, will depend on how well our antennas and equipment function, and how well our stamina holds out. Operating schedules will be set up according to individual preferences. It is not necessary for all participants to be at the site and active 100% of the time.
The attached questionnaire is provided so that you can identify those Field Day activities in which you would like to take part. Your inputs and suggestions can help make an enjoyable outing for all. The type of operation we undertake this year will depend on what you, the membership, want and are willing to participate in. The questionnaire will be used to determine how many members are going to participate, operating schedules, and how much food the Club will need to purchase. It will also be used to establish Field Day work times and responsibilities.
Please take the time to fill in the questionnaire and mail it to Brian Stapleton, Ford 126/102, before May 1, 1981. You will be contacted regarding those areas in which you are interested.
NOTE: It is assumed that you will be responsible for your own transportation, camping equipment, and meals other than those supplied. If you require assistance for any of these areas, please make it known under "general comments" at the end of the questionnaire.
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