In this issue:

- Anthony Luscre, K8ZT Appointed ASM for Educational Outreach

- Ohio ARES Updates

- Notes from the Section Traffic Manager

- Affiliated Club News

- State Government Liaison Notes – Homeowner’s Associations and Antenna Restrictions

- Public Information Coordinator Notes – 2013 Ohio Section Newsletter Contest

- Inside the Web

- News from the Technical Coordinator

- Out and About in Southeast Ohio

- Special Event Stations in Ohio

- Ohio Hamfest Calendar

- From the Desk of the Section Manager

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ANTHONY LUSCRE, K8ZT APPOINTED ASM FOR EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH

Please welcome Anthony Luscre, K8ZT of Stow, Ohio as Assistant Section Manager (ASM), Educational Outreach. Anthony will be working with ASM E. Mike McCardel, KC8YLD for the newly formed Educational and Youth Outreach program for the ARRL Ohio Section.

Anthony is the Director of Technology for Mogadore Local Schools (www.mogadore.net). He is involved in Technology Integration in Classroom, Technology Curriculum Development and Technology Support.

He is a frequent speaker at a variety of Educational Technology Conferences, including- eTech Ohio Technology Conference, FETC (Florida Educational Tech Conf.) and numerous regional conferences.

Anthony has been involved in both Computer Technology (first as a private consultant and for the past 17 years with school districts) and Medical Technology (with a previous career as a Medical Technologist working in Clinical Microbiology). In 1990s his first ventures into computers with Packet Radio, Nodes & Mailbox Systems and computer logging later turned into a new career in computer technology

Originally licensed as a Novice in 1981, as KA8NRC, along with his wife Linda- KA8ODP, Anthony now holds an Extra Class license. He is an ARRL Life Member and a member and past officer of the Cuyahoga Falls Amateur Radio Club. He is also a member of QRP-ARCI, G-QRP and Flying Pigs QRP Clubs.

He has been an active club member, taking part in public service events and serving in a variety of club offices (VP, President, Education Committee and Field Day Chairman). He has presented programs on QRP, Contesting, DXing and Go-Boxes and Portable Operations at many local and regional radio clubs. He also has been active as a writer for a number of Amateur Radio newsletters and magazines including previous ARRL Website QRP columns, New Products Editor at CQ Magazine and a column in the QRP Quarterly. He  manage and provides contact for a number of websites including a general interest Ham Radio site at www.k8zt.com, along with a School District Site and a Digital Literacy & Technology Skills site www.SearchFindKnow.com.

Anthony's interest in QRP began as an accident "No one ever told me that new operators should not start with QRP, so I began with a Ten-Tec Argonaut and <5 watts" says Anthony. His QRP operations have stretched into 32 years and over 44,000 QRP contacts, 314 DXCC countries, WAS, WAC and CQ's WPX Award of Excellence. Anthony does not limit his operating to one mode or band, he is active on 160 to 440 with CW, Phone, RTTY, PSK and Satellites. Anthony is very active in contesting, both HF and VHF. Since 2000 he has been a perennial top ten finisher in QRP category of a number of both small and large contests including both the CQ WW Phone and CW contests, but his number one operating love is DXing.

Anthony provided us with the following on his vision for serving in his new appointment--       "As an educator involved at the classroom, district, regional and state levels I plan to interact with a large number of educators interested in STEM at Ohio schools. My experience with the ARRL Education & Technology Program (ETP) Teachers Academy TI-1 (Teachers Wireless Institute) and TI-2 (Space in the Classroom) will allow me to leverage these resources to make information from them available to larger numbers of educators throughout the state of Ohio. I also hope to encourage additional Ohio teachers to apply to these programs (which are still accepting applications for this summer-- http://www.arrl.org/news/applications-for-teachers-institute-etp-grants-due-in-may).

Last year I was able to receive an ETP grant to provide equipment for our school’s budding radio club and hope to help other Ohio educators in this endeavor.

I am very familiar and active in a number of educator resource sites and can "inject" Amateur Radio based STEM lessons into these general resource sites. I will establish an online community to support Ohio Educators interested in Amateur Radio in the Classroom utilizing Edmodo or other educational community services, where teachers can interact, find and/or upload lesson plans and ideas, setup class-to-class relationships across different districts. I feel that my interactions with a number of radio clubs will allow me to pair up interested teachers with local clubs as resources. I feel confident in speaking the language of educators while providing the message of Amateur Radio.

Please feel free to contact me for any assistance in these areas at k8zt@arrl.net”

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OHIO ARES UPDATES (as compiled from W8DEC’s “Ohio SEC Notes and Stuff”)

The ARES Forum as Dayton Hamvention is confirmed for SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2013 at 10:30AM in Room 3.  I have two open seats on the EMCOMM Panel.

Currently, I have Eastern Massachusetts SEC Rob Macedo KD1CY and ARRL Emergency Preparedness Assistant Ken Bailey K1FUG.  If you're interested in being on the EMCOMM Panel for the ARES Forum at Dayton Hamvention, please contact me directly at w8dec@arrl.net.

The All Ohio ARES Conference has been confirmed for SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2013 at the Ohio Fire Academy in Reynoldsburg, OH.  Please make note of the date change.  Conference planning is still underway.  Please consider this announcement as a second call for speakers and presenters.  Anyone interested in presenting at the conference is asked to please contact me at w8dec@arrl.net with your presentation topic.  I have received one topic so far and it definitely fits the bill.  This conference is open to all past, present, and future amateur radio volunteers.  Last year, there were 105 participants in attendance.

There was an emcomm vehicle display, license examination, and one of the largest go box displays I have ever seen!  If you're working on a go-box or communications trailer, make November 9 your target date for debut!

Plans are underway to activate the Ohio Digital Emergency Net (OHDEN) for Field Day this year.  One of the purposes of activation is to help move Field Day NTS Messages for the Section Manager or Section Emergency Coordinator (FD Rule 7.3.5).  OHDEN Manager Gary NJ8BB tells me he is actively seeking Net Control Stations.  Anyone interested in being a Net Control Station for OHDEN on Field Day is asked to contact Gary NJ8BB at nj8bb@ohden.org.

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NOTES FROM THE SECTION TRAFFIC MANAGER

First things first, I want to congratulate Dick, N8CJS who this month has been elected the new net manager for the Ohio Single Sideband Net.

Dick’s stepping up from assistant manager to take a leadership role for one of the premier traffic nets in the National Traffic System.

Wish him well and support him and the OSSBN so we can continue to make the Ohio section a proud part of the National Traffic System.  Generate some traffic by sending Dick a congratulatory radiogram.  I also want to thank Don WB8SIQ as the outgoing net manager for his years of service to the OSSBN. 

This OSSBN meets three times a day 365 days a year on 3972.5 kHz and has never ever been overloaded or unable to handle the quantity of traffic that has been brought to the net.  This net is always on the top of the scoring for the annual SET exercise.  The OSSBN along with the Buckeye CW nets move traffic in and out of all corners of the state of Ohio and its members are prominent supporters of the regional Eighth Region net and liaison to the Eastern area net.  The four Ohio digital relay stations are all members of the OSSBN.  Many of the OSSBN members are also ARES members in their own areas.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank George WB8HHZ for his support of the National Traffic System.  George has been a long time member of the Ohio ARRL cabinet, an ARES member, a District Emergency Coordinator in Northwest Ohio and a retired firefighter.

George has informed us that he will be moving to Florida shortly to live and will be continuing his ham radio operation from Florida.

Don’t forget that the Dayton Hamvention is next month and that the Great Lakes ARRL Convention is planned for the Columbus hamfest in August.  More detail on the great Lakes Convention as they become available.

Last month I wrote about tornados because it was the start of the severe weather season.  But if you are caught in a severe weather situation or a major disaster will you be ready to protect yourself, your family and help your neighbors survive.  This month I would like to give some suggestions for you to accomplish all three of these situations and still be able to respond with your radio to the relief effort if needed.

I have always believed that when a major disaster strikes and the entire community is affected that it will be the individuals and neighbors that will have to work to pull each other through.  If you look at the Katrina hurricane situation, the Sandy super storm situation or any major disaster where there is a lot of destruction there is a valuable lesson to be learned. Regardless of how well trained local responders such as fire departments, police departments, EMTs, military personnel and even members of the local Red Cross are they are likely to be stuck in the results of the disaster just like you and I are.  Their own communication systems may be down, their facilities may be destroyed and their families and their homes may be in danger, hurt or damaged.  It will take time for them to reach everyone in a disaster area.

During the short period immediately following a disaster, usually 72 hours or more it is up to individuals to do the best they can do to fend for themselves.  If the disaster is wide spread like Katrina or the Sandy super storm it may takes weeks before help will arrive.  This is where some advance planning comes in to play and where having the forethought to get to know your neighbors ahead of time will reap benefits when it comes to digging out from the disaster at hand.  It is important to get to know your neighbors and form a community disaster plan for your immediate neighborhood. 

I would suggest that your consider amount other things what steps you will take if caught in a disaster to help your family and neighbors survive.  Here are some basic suggestions for the immediate time period after a disaster hits.  More information is available from the links below and by searching the internet.

You will want to make sure you and your family members are safe and unhurt.  This will include any pets that you may have because they will be important to your family’s recovery.  If they are injured you will want to care for their injuries and pay immediate attention to any bleeding or breathing problems.  This is where that stash of medical supplies called a family first aid kit comes in handy that you were supposed to have in preparation for an emergency.

If your home is damaged you will need to assess the damages and determine if it is safe to use as shelter.  Turn off the gas and electric to prevent the disrupted utilities from causing a fire or explosion if your home is severely damaged.  If you hear the sound of gas escaping or smell natural gas evacuate the area immediately and seek a safe place away from the natural gas smell for safety from an explosion or fire. 

Everyone in your household should know where to shut off the water, gas and electric in case of an emergency.  You should shut off the water to conserve the water that may be in your home.  Water will be hard to find in a disaster and shutting off the main will keep contaminated water from a cracked or broken water line from entering your home.

This will keep the water from your hot water heater or toilet tanks from being drained by the effects of gravity or contamination and give you a source of water until you community supply line is found to once again be safe to use.  If you have bottled water as some home do, don’t forget to conserve it too.

It is imperative that you and your family keep and stay warm and dry. Conditions can change rapidly during a storm or disaster.  Rain often falls during or after a disaster.  Locate as much dry clothing as you can find and put it on.  If you get to warm in the summer you can always take it off but remember the nights are often colder so it is important that you have this dry clothing available.  If you can find your work boots or heavy sturdy shoes you should wear them because debris could be everywhere.  Even a pair of heavy canvas cloves will come in handy if you have them.  Remember it is not how stylish you look during a disaster but how warm and dry you are that matters.

If you need assistance from emergency personal call them and advise them of where you are, what you need and what your situation is.  If this is not a wide spread disaster your call may be the first one from you community that alerts them of the disaster.  If communication lines are open use your telephone or cell phone to call your contact persons to advise them of your situation.  If you have preplanned a communication plan and all members of your family follow the plan you contact person will be able to advice each family member of the location and condition of each of the family members.  If commercial lines of communications are not open go to you ham radio ARES or emergency net frequency and try to contact someone using you hand held radio.

If you home is damaged and you have to evacuate place a sign on the front of the house or in the front yard to show your condition.  If you are ok and can remain in the home place the sign that says OK.  If you are not OK and need assistance place a sign out that says help.  This will quickly aid neighbors and rescue personal when they arrive to know of your situation and either provide help or move on to a neighbor who need their help.

Once you have checked you immediate family to make sure they are safe and if possible turn you attention to your neighbors.  If you need shelter they may be able to provide it and if they need shelter you may be able to provide it.  Working together is better than struggling alone. If you are able join your neighbors in their efforts to help anyone in the community that needs immediate assistance.  Check your neighbors to see if they need help turning off their utilities if it is necessary.  Be mindful of the most vulnerable members of your community; those families with elderly or disabled members who will probably need your assistance.  If they are hurt you may be able to offer them first aid.  If they are in danger or you smell gas help move them to a safe area.

If you are not in the affected area of a disaster in your community or neighboring communities go to you preplanned ham radio emergency frequency or ARES net and make yourself available to assist.  Above all, DO NOT self-deploy to the emergency area as this will only cause problems for you and the emergency personal trying to assist.  You could be shot or accused of being one of the looters who always seem ready to show up at a disaster with self-gain in mind.

Here are some website with more detailed information on family emergency plans and don’t forget you can always search the web for information.

Center for Disease Control Family Emergency Plan: http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/plan/

Red Cross Family Emergency Plan http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family

FEMA Emergency Plan http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

Disability Rights Ohio http://www.disabilityrightsohio.org/topic-emergency-planning

Ohio Department of Public Safety: http://www.publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/hsy0001.pdf

 

73,

David Maynard, WA3EZN

Ohio Section Traffic Manager

wa3ezn@arrl.net

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AFFILIATED CLUB NEWS

The Ham Radio Bucket List

I am sure we all are aware of what a "Bucket List" is. Popularized by a movie "The Bucket List" starring Morgan freeman and  Jack Nicholson, two people who were told they had limited time left on earth embarked on an adventure to fulfill their  dreams, before they kicked-the-bucket.

I was recently inspired by a post to the AMSAT-BB list by Les Rayburn, N1LF. He recalled his meager and poor beginnings in ham radio 40 years ago, barely affording his simple station. He went on to state "My Elmer used to let me borrow his copy of  QST and I'd dream about all the great adventures that I'd have "someday" in ham radio. Being a child of the Space Age, key articles among them were anything related to the New Frontier.

"EME (Moonbounce), Meteor Scatter, and satellites all seemed like the stuff of science fiction---and I longed to experience them all. But they were exotic, and required equipment far beyond my reach. I resolved to accomplish them all someday and added them to a sort of ham radio "bucket list" that I hoped to accomplish before my ham career was over."

Well five years ago he checked off the first of this list after working meteor scatter with the aid of WSJT software. More recently he made his first satellite QSO with Art, K4YYL on FO-29, a Japanese amateur satellite.

This hit home with me because working the ISS was one of the reasons I got my ticket ten years ago. It only took me 8 years to get around to building and working a satellite ground station. I still haven't talked directly with someone on the ISS but I have bounced packets through it and have made other satellite QSOs. What finally got me started was a demo by an 18 year old student who convinced me, I could do it.

All this got me to thinking, what might be on other folk's Ham Radio Bucket List and how can we help each other achieving the challenges on it. This has the makings of a great club project written all over it.

It might also lead to common knowledge, expertise and confidence to turn new accomplishments into educational tools that can be share as "look what I just did" moments.

This all leads us to this month's club challenge. What if club members shared their bucket lists with each other and worked together to make them happen, or, perhaps, making up a club bucket list and start chipping away at it. Regardless the challenge is to get together share information, learn and do something new and exciting. I wonder how much Helium I need to carry a Raspberry Pi with a camera to a height of 100,000 feet I would be really interested on hearing back from anyone who takes up this challenge.

About and Around the Ohio Section I would like to thank Anthony Luscre K8ZT for joining the Section Cabinet as the Assistant State Manager for Educational Outreach, Anthony brings a wealth of hands on educational experience and a good understanding of core curriculum requirements. he has attended two of ARRL's teacher's institutes and energy just seems to follow him around.

We on the cabinet are all very excited to have him on board.

I really like April as a newsletter month. I am very gullible and get sucked in by all the "April Fools" articles. I think it bodes well for our hobby and reflects well on hams in general that we have a sense of humor.

One correction from last month. I reported the Cambridge ARA W8VP June Special Event date incorrectly the correct June date is the 8th.

Cambridge is celebrating their 100th year of existence by doing a different special event each month. Also, all the events are this year, so where I made a reference to 2012 it should be 3013. I apologize for my errors.

Alliance ARC visited the K3LR super contest station in March and hosted Matt Welch W8DEC who presented “Overview of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service” at their April meeting.

At the OH-KY-IN ARS April meeting their program featured member Duffy Beischel WB8NUT, who’ll informed them "more than we may wish to know" about digital radio modes (PSK, CW, MFSK, D-Star and more).

The Lake County ARA began the month with the Sky Warn class, conducted Ham Exams on April 6th, and ended the month with the MS Walk April 27th.

PCARS held a testing session April 6 their next is June 1.

Congratulations to Team K8BF for their outstanding efforts in the California QSO Party 2012. The team came in #2 in the USA in the Multi-Multi Category and #1 in Ohio! I loved the Dark Sucker Conspiracy article!

The Civil Air Patrol was the topic at Massillon ARC in April, presented by their own Charles Scherger KB8STV and Don Wade, W8DEA. They elaborated on how CAP uses Radio in Communications and Direction Finding of downed Aircraft. Each Aircraft has an Emergency Locator Transmitter ( ELT ). Congratulations on receiving your Special Service Club Certificate!

Western Reserve ARC staffed a table at the 2013 Austintown Home & Garden Show. At  the end of March, They handed out information and talked ham radio to all who would listen.

Mount Vernon ARC just finished their support of the Earth Day Challenge Half Marathon & 4 mile run. Reduced by half its length this year it supported many more runners than in the past. It’s also bike race season in Knox County. MVARC supports more than their fair share of biking events each year.

Delaware ARA - the only thing as intense as their competitive contesting spirit is the Tom Foolery in their April newsletter issue.

It is so prevalent, in fact, you will see the notation, (Not April Fools), when something isn't an April Fool’s joke, or am I being deceived?

The Greater Cincinnati ARA holds their Annual Auction April 24, Their March meeting program was "Message Handling for fun but not for profit!" By Ted Morris, NC8V. Beginning in June their most recent newsletter will require a password to read.

The Lake Erie ARA will hear Bill Fraedrich's, WB9LBI, presentation "Updates on Traffic Handling" at their April 30 meeting held at Stancato's Itallian Restaurant. He will go beyond a description by demonstrating how it is done. Bring an HT along to participate. Eric Jessen, N8AUC, with Carl Gedeon, KB8VXE, presenting a program on Digital Communications at Harry’s Steakhouse on March 26th.

Until next time get out of meeting mode!

73,

E.Mike McCardel, KC8YLD

ARRL Assistant Section Manager - Education and Youth Outreach ARRL Ohio Section Affiliated Club Coordinator (interim) kc8yld@arrl.net

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STATE GOVERNMENT LIAISON NOTES – HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATIONS AND ANTENNA RESTRICTIONS

(Legal stuff: The following is not intended as, and should not be construed as legal advice.  If you have a question concerning planned community regulation, you are encouraged to consult with legal counsel.)

Ohio’s law governing land use limitations is a tangled web of authorities that permit limitations on land use in a variety of ways.

Zoning is a matter of local ordinance enacted on the county, township or municipal level.  Our passage of H.B. 158 successfully imposed restrictions on the ability of those authorities to limit amateur radio antennas.  However, other forms of land use restriction continue to severely limit the ability of many hams to effectively access the airwaves.  This article will talk about one of the most pervasive of those limitations, Homeowner’s Associations or, as defined in the Revised Code, “Planned Communities”.

Under Ohio law, planned communities begin with the impositions of limitations on the land by the developer.  Those restrictions, commonly referred to as “covenants, conditions and restrictions” or “CC&R”s are limitations that, once imposed, continue as part of the legal title to the land as it is conveyed to subsequent owners.  In many residential developments, the developer improves the land, builds the homes and then, at some point, hands the governance of the development over to a homeowner’s association comprised of residents of the development.  The Association is charged with maintaining common areas, as well as other activities to the benefit of the development. Members of the Association are selected by vote of the homeowners and serve for terms designated in the initial founding documents.  Ohio law, governing planned communities was revised in 2010, and provides general rules for the governance of those communities.

The primary concern for radio amateurs is the fact that many, if not most CC&Rs prohibit antennas of any kind, including amateur radio antennas.  Thus, residents of these communities are faced with the difficult choice between ineffective attic antennas or flaunting the CC&Rs with stealth antennas.  Last year the ARRL obtained passage of federal legislation requiring the FCC to conduct a study of the extent to which regulations of this type were limiting amateur radio.

Unfortunately, the FCC study apparently did not produce the hoped-for evidence that would have justified further federal regulation of CC&R’s.  On August 20, 2012 the FCC issued a report to Congress that concluded, “…while commenters suggest that private land use restrictions have become more common, our review of the record does not indicate that amateur operators are unable to find homes that are not subject to such restrictions.  Therefore, at this time, we do not see a compelling reason for the Commission to revisit its previous determinations that preemption should not be expanded to CC&Rs.  FCC Decision DA 12-1342A1 at page 13

If you currently own a residence in a planned community or are considering the purchase of such a residence there are two things you should know.   First, that any limitations on the use of your property within the planned community must either be included in the developer’s declarations (the “CC&Rs”) or be a part of the community by-laws.  In order to be enforceable, both the declarations and by-laws must be on file with the County Recorder.  Second, the board of directors of the homeowner’s association has the authority to enforce the declarations and by-laws on behalf of the association.

In many instances, declarations and bylaws can be amended by vote of the homeowners who are members of the association.  Section 5312.05(A) provides, “Unless otherwise specified in the declaration or bylaws, the owners may amend the declaration and bylaws by the consent of seventy-five per cent of the owners, either in writing or in a meeting called for that purpose.  No amendment to the declaration or bylaws is effective until filed in the office of the county recorder.” In some instance, restrictions can also be amended by the homeowners association, depending on the authority given the association in the bylaws. Thus, if you can get the votes, it may be possible to remove or limit antenna restrictions.

Ohio law gives broad authority to developers and planned community owners associations to limit amateur radio antennas, as well as other aspects of property use.  Before you buy property in a planned community, be sure you are aware of the restrictions in place.  Also be aware that you can’t rely on verbal “waivers” by individual members of the community association or its board of directors.  In order to be valid and enforceable, any amendment must be filed with the county recorder.

The only statutory limitation on the authority of a planned community governing board is the requirement that they comply with all applicable state and federal laws concerning prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, military status, national origin, disability, age or ancestry.  Without legislation either at the state or federal level, amateur radio operators who reside in planned communities may well continue to be faced with pervasive antenna restrictions.

73,

Nicholas Pittner, K8NAP

ARRL Ohio State Government Liaison

k8nap@arrl.net

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PUBLIC INFORMATION COORDINATOR REPORT

It is time again for the Annual ARRL Ohio Section Amateur (Ham) Radio Newsletter Contest. This contest has become very popular and there have been obvious improvements to the newsletters over the years. This was the objective of then Ohio Section Public Information Coordinator (Joe Phillips, K8QOE, SK) when he created it back in 1992..."

The first place winner of this year's contest will be submitted to the Great Lakes Convention Newsletter Contest, to represent the Ohio Section.

And now, the official rules:

A.) An eligible newsletter must be regularly published at least four (4) times per year by an Ohio Amateur Radio organization. The Ohio Section Journal and the newsletter for any club that the current PIC is affiliated with are not eligible.

B.) Each organization submitting a newsletter for the contest must enter at least two (2) issues starting with September 2012 for judging.

All Amateur organizations that have regularly been sending newsletters to the Ohio PIC (Jack Sovik, KB8WPZ) are automatically entered (as long as these publications qualify under rule A, or C if applicable). Unless you are automatically entered, the deadline for entries is Sunday, June 30, 2013, and all entries must be in the hands of the Ohio PIC by that date.

C.) Electronic (Web based) produced newsletters may also enter. However, they must represent their printed newsletter in all formats.

• For example, if photos or clipart appear in the printed material, it must also appear in the electronic version as well.

• Non-amateurs, in the Public Relations industry will do the judging. They will be judging on style (15%), content (35%), service to membership (35%), and clarity of presentation (15%). Style means newsletter design of all pages.

• Content means amount of useful information contained in the newsletter.

• Service to members means amount of information using individual members' names. Clarity of presentation means readability of the newsletter including accuracy of English grammar.

D.) No entries can be returned and all decisions of the judges on content and eligibility are final. The Ohio PIC only serves to certify entries, to provide the judges with entries, and to announce their decisions only.

E.) The decision of the judges is final.

Last month I shared with you how I found the simplest way to write a press release. This month I would like to discuss consideration of who you will be reading your release BEFORE it gets in the publication, and the “art” of not being too technical.

Remember, as I said last month, these observations are just that. If you have a successful formula by all means use it.

Before you get to your ultimate reader or viewer of your release you will need to get it past some sort of copy editor, this is the person who gets the emails; faxes or letters that come into a publication before it goes to a reporter. This position may be called something else in your publication but either way this person will either move your release up to a reporter or follow up or do the release him or herself. One of the easiest ways to make this person lose interest is by being too technical. Ohms, watts and/or Yagis may not be interest the editor, so the editor may not think the reader will be interested either.  In my opinion just give the facts and do not be too technical.

When a reporter calls or visits you will have the opportunity give some more detailed information.

My second point this month, in any event, be it Field Day, a walk- a- thon, or whatever, there is a person in your organization who knows the most about that event. This person is the person with the correct information on the event. Please, find that person before writing any release and get the correct facts. This way the dates, times and other information that will be in your release will be correct. You may want to use that person as the main contact for information for questions from the media.

So, in conclusion, know who are writing to, get your release the attention it deserves, and know who the contact person is for your event and use them for their expertise.

As always if you have any questions or disagree with me PLEASE contact me.

73,

Jack Sovik, KB8WPZ

ARRL Ohio Section Public Information Coordinator kb8wpz@arrl.net

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INSIDE THE WEB

Hi Gang,

Wow!! As I’m writing this tonight it is just after the news of the bombing of the Boston Marathon. I’m still in shock and disbelief as is most of the country. I’m sure that in the days to come you’ll hear many stories of how Amateur Radio has played an important part in getting help to the victims in this tragedy. Hams are at almost every marathon run now days, and not to just assist with communications, but also to do medical and technical work besides the communications that they do as Amateurs. It is just amazing to me on just how much hate someone would have to have in order to do something of this magnitude.

UPDATE..  Last month I reported a flaw that was found in the FSD-212 report form. I’m happy to report that this month there has not been any other problems reported and all seems to be working well.

DEC’s/EC’s.. are you doing your monthly report using this form? You should be. It’s quick and easy, and I promise it won’t hurt.  

Now on to other items of interest.. 

Last month I reported to you that I had signed up to a “cloud based” backup service for my computer and I’m happy to report that it’s still working without a flaw. I’m very happy with how it keeps track of all my files that I not only want to back up, but also those that I sometimes delete accidently and don’t realize it for a couple of days. That’s when my heart really goes pitter / patter only to have my spirits uplifted when I tell it to restore that deleted file and it does it!

I’m still assessing “Jelly Bean” for my Android phone. Anybody that would name their software Jellybean can’t be all there.. No matter how you try to rationalize it. Viewing webpages like the Ohio Section website should work very well for you on your smartphone, as that I’ve been working very hard to make sure that the website looks good with not only the Android phones but your i-Phone as well!

Now for the Final..  Microsoft’s latest operating system “Windows 8” was reported recently by PC World as not selling so good in the business world. It seems that businesses aren’t all that cracked up over the idea of the touch screen for its users. I have to say, I think Microsoft needs to completely re-think this program and look for something that is more down to earth and realistic.

Have you been noticing a gallery of pictures from recent hamfests posted on the website lately? I’ve been trying to get all the pictures taken from folks from each of these events and getting them posted on the website for all to see. Right now there are pictures from the Cuyahoga Falls hamfest posted. There’s one picture in particular that you’ll want to see, that’s of Frank and I in our new green Ohio Section shirts. Why green you ask? That’s to honor Joe Phillips, K8QOE (SK). For those who don’t remember, Joe used to wear this very dated polyester green jacket to every event. It was so 70’s... So, to honor Joe’s memory we now have green Ohio Section shirts that the Cabinet will be wearing to events like these. Oh, speaking of new things... Have you noticed the new Ohio Section logo on the website?

Take a look, if you are a true Ohioan, you’ll appreciate it.

That’s going to do it for this month...

73,

Scott Yonally, N8SY

ARRL Assistant Section Manager / Webmaster n8sy@n8sy.com

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NEWS FROM THE TECHNICAL EDITOR

As I write this, the news is reporting the sad events of this day.  It is difficult to comprehend the level of evil that would prompt someone to perpetrate the terrorism which happened in Boston today.  My thoughts and prayers are with all those who were victimized today by this terrible tragedy.

Sometimes there are surprises in life.  More often than most of us would care to admit, they are simple annoyances resulting from our own forgetfulness.  More than once I have neglected to turn off the rigs and other electronics that are connected to my vehicle electrical system.  As expected, this was only realized when I returned the next morning to a dead battery and had to spend a few minutes waiting on the charger to render my truck battery ready to start me on the way to work.

 I think all of us have experienced this little diversion at one time or the other.  The real danger is that doing it a few times will seriously limit the service life of the battery.  You will find as I did, the battery usually fails in mid-Winter when your cold fingers really don't want to be messing with such things.

I found the answer however and it was in the form of another surprise. I usually have lunch on Fridays with a couple of retired friends.  I hope to join them soon and have turned in my notice to do so immediately following my birthday in June.  A couple of weeks ago Mark WD8KQX arrived at our regular lunch establishment with a small box under his arm.  He handed it to me and said that he had ordered two of these and decided that I really needed one too.  In the box was a small black box with battery and load leads sprouting out of the top.  An AP03 automatic power off unit from APRS World LLC was now mine and ready to save me from my own absent minded behavior.   There are several setup options available to control at what voltage the unit cuts off the load and for how long it will allow the load to remain once it senses the voltage that you select.  This thing really does work and I have no doubt that at some point in the future that it will save my bacon and allow me to arrive at work on time.  Thanks Mark, you know I really do need this thing.

Dayton is now a month and a day or two away and I am excited about making the annual pilgrimage this year.  ARRL will again have a large presence at Dayton including our Ohio Section booth staffed by many of your Section cabinet members.  Please stop by and say hello.  All of us are eager to hear from you and assist you in any way. 

My foray into the digital modes has been very limited to date and I would like to see what's new and exciting at Dayton with some of the more recent advances in digital mode technology.  I'll have a lot more time starting in June and this is perfect timing for me to begin the upgrade of my shack with some more relevant digital equipment. 

Many of you may be working on a special project for your shack.  I'm interested in hearing from you and what you are working on.  There are so many interesting aspects of our hobby and these days almost anything imaginable is possible.  Drop me an email and let me know what you have been up to.

73,

Jim Yoder, W8ERW

ARRL Ohio Section Technical Coordinator

w8erw@arrl.net

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OUT AND ABOUT IN SOUTHEAST OHIO

I've been busy with Letter Manager Radiograms this month.  Sure gets my Traffic count up.

Did not make the Cuyahoga Falls Hamfest this year for the first time in many years. It was great to see everyone at the Jackson Hamfest this past weekend. I do plan on being at the Athens Hamfest on the 28th, good Lord willing. 

I start Physical Therapy on both hands on the 15th to hopefully get them at least better than they have been since long before my surgeries.  Still working on a place to stay at Hamvention.  

Looking forward to seeing some or all of you in the near future.

73/88 and Teddy Bear Hugs,

Connie Hamilton, N8IO

ARRL Assistant Section Manager – Southeast Ohio n8io@arrl.net

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UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS IN THE OHIO SECTION

05/03/2013

200th Anniversary of the Battles of Fort Meigs in 1813 May 3-May 5, 1400Z-2200Z, W8FO, Toledo, OH. Northwest Ohio Chapter 142 QCWA Toledo OH. 14.225 7.245 3.965 .. QSL. Kurt Meyers, W8IQ, 3680 Schneider Rd, Toledo, OH 43614.

05/04/2013

Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of Dudley’s Massacre during the War of 1812 May 4, 1500Z-2100Z, W8H, Maumee, OH. Toledo Mobile Radio Association. 14.270 7.270; 7.075 PSK 31. QSL. Toledo Mobile Radio Association, PO Box 9673, Toledo, OH 43697.www.tmrahamradio.org

05/04/2013

Hopalong Cassidy May 4, 1400Z-2200Z, W8VP, Cambridge, OH. Cambridge Amateur Radio Association. 14.260 7.235. Certificate & QSL. Cambridge Amateur Radio Association, PO Box 1804, Cambridge, OH 43725. William Boyd a.k.a.

Hopalong Cassidy, local hero. 5th Special Event in CARA's year-long 100th Birthday Celebration. QSL. Certificate available for anyone who works ALL 12 of CARA's monthly Special Events of 2013. www.w8vp.org

05/16/2013

Feld Hell Club Dayton Hamvention Special Event May 16-May 18, 1420Z-1420Z, W8H, Dayton, OH. Feld Hell Club. 14.063 7.077. QSL. Joe Miller, 6928 Forest Park Ct, Troy, MI 48098. www.feldhellclub.org

 

UPCOMING HAMFESTS/CONVENTIONS

04/28/2013

Athens Hamfest

Location: Athens Community Center

701 East State Street

Athens, OH 45701

Website: http://ac-ara.org/

Sponsor: Athens County Amateur Radio Association

Type: ARRL Hamfest

Talk-In: 145.15

Public Contact: William McFadden , WD8RIF

12600 Adeline Circle Athens, OH 45701

Phone: 740-593-7176

Email: wd8rif@arrl.net

 

05/17/2013 – 05/19/2013

Dayton Hamvention

Start Date: 05/17/2013

End Date: 05/19/2013

Location: Hara Arena

1001 Shiloh Springs Road

Trotwood, OH

Website: http://hamvention.org

Sponsor: Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA)

Type: ARRL Hamfest

Talk-In: 146.940, 442.100 (others announced as necessary)

Public Contact: DARA , W8BI

Box 694 Dayton, OH 45401

Phone: 937-276-6930

Email: info@hamvention.org

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FROM THE SECTION MANAGER’S DESK…

April has been a roller coaster of emotions. My thoughts and prayers go out to John Lehman, K8PJ on the sudden death of his only son, who was murdered while working at a McDonald’s in Akron. Later reports indicate they caught the suspect, and we find that John’s son's selfless act might have saved many lives.

The events during the Boston Marathon this past week have stirred many emotions. From an Amateur Radio volunteer standpoint, we must now understand why we need to stay on top of ICS training. One never knows when a Marathon, Bike Tour, 5K Run will turn into an Incident Command scenario. I encourage all ARES leaders and volunteers to take advantage of this free training from FEMA.

On the brighter side of this past month, I have been making the Hamfest scene around Ohio. We have had ARRL tables at the Cuyahoga Falls ARC Hamfest, and just this past weekend in Jackson County for the Jackson ARC Hamfest. Both Hamfests were great events, and I enjoyed visiting and speaking with everyone who came by (and I got some neat buys at both events!). Next weekend I’ll be in Athens, along with several other members of the Ohio Section Cabinet. Stop by and spend some time with us!

This is the last Section News before the Dayton Hamvention. It’s amazing how time is flying by. Once again the Ohio Section will be hosting a booth in the ARRL Expo area. Please stop by and visit us!

Until next time, be safe my friend

73,

Frank Piper, KI8GW

ARRL Ohio Section Manager

ki8gw@arrl.org

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