Have a Safe, Pleasant Labor Day

PRC members will not be meeting this September 6 as we celebrate Labor Day. However, we will meet September 20th at 7:30 pm at the Busch Community Room. This will be an important business meeting with several decisions to be made. All members are invited to attend and voice their opinions on these topics. Rosters will be available for all current members.


Woman Seeks to Have Ham Operations Banned

Normally, I wouldn’t bring you a story like this but I think it’s worth following. I would expect the ARRL to take a look as well.

According to a story recently published by WFTV in Florida, a woman experienced dosage problems with an insulin pump that she attributed to the radio signals that were coming from a local ham radio operator. Recognizing the gravity of the complaint the ham, who lives nearby, has since taken his station off the air. There’s been no mention as to whether the technical problem ceased after the ham went off the air. Both parties live in a development that recently voted to permit more liberal rules regarding transmitting antennas. An investigator hired by the development, determined the problem could have been caused by the ham station.

In my opinion, the ham involved should be commended for responding as he did until a determination is made as to whether his equipment is responsible for interference to the woman’s insulin pump. However, if the device is not able to operate in an RF environment I would say it has a serious issue that should be addressed by the manufacturer. An amplifier appears in the video but it’s uncertain if it was used during the ham’s operating. The television report, also shows the medical device which appears to be handheld and about the size of a cell phone. Check out the video. What are your thoughts? Certainly, there are a lot of questions to be answered. This will be a story we’ll all want to follow.

For the full story, WFTV Ch 9 Florida


PRC is back!

Thanks to presenter and PRC Trustee, Tom Bedocs, K8DMM, the PRC had a excellent August 2nd meeting. Following our business meeting, Tom gave a very informative look back at the recent Field Day held by the North Coast Amateur Radio Club. Tom, who is also a member of the North Coast Club, set up the network logging that linked the clubs 5 QRP stations. Tom then explained the intricacies of the operations 5 separate antennas. What a neat setup! And after a few technical issues, the network worked perfectly. Nice job, Tom!

NO August 16 meeting.

We’re having a picnic!

Pavilion Picnic Shelter/ Day Park, Parma

The PRC will not be holding it’s regular meeting on the 16th. Instead, we’ll be enjoying a much awaited PICNIC, our first in 2 years.

Join us Monday, August 16th at Day Park, Pavilion (pictured above). The Pavilion is a spacious picnic benched shelter with 4 charcoal grills, electricity for appliances and restrooms. It’s located just behind the swimming pool and near a new bocce ball court (lawn bowling). Bring your bocce set if you’d like to play or introduce others to this popular past time.

The grill will be started at 5:30pm. Arrive around 6. Bring whatever you’d like to grill and your dinner and drink. If you have a dessert or other goodies you’d like to share, it’s appreciated, but never required.

Everyone is welcome. You never have to be a member to attend a PRC function.

We look forward to seeing everyone and meeting our new members.

Being an outdoor event, no masks are required but social distancing is suggested.

Directions

From the east, Pleasant Valley Road to Day Park entrance at Sesquicentennial Drive (across from Pleasant Valley Church). North on Sesquicentennial Drive, behind the pool. Pavilion is the large shelter on the right.

The group will gather at 6:00 pm.


Ham gear for sale. The PRC has been informed of the availability of used amateur radio equipment. Proceeds from the sale will greatly benefit the family. See the For Sale page on this site.

PRC reconvenes, August 2

While we’ve all anticipated reconvening our in-person meetings, it does seem a bit weird to regroup after so long. I guess that’s just one aspect of the total effect the Covid-19 pandemic has had on us. But it’s true- the Busch Community Room will reopen to the public August 1st and we meet the following day.

We’ll have a short business meeting followed by presentation from Tom Bedocs, PRC Trustee, with a presentation that looks back at the Northcoast ARC’s recent Field Day operation in Lorain County. And during the gathering we’ll have a lot of “introduction re-introduction” going on. So, it will be fun.

We have new members we’re all looking forward to meeting so I think it would be interesting for each of us to share with fellow members how we discovered this unique hobby and the activities and modes we find most rewarding. And, we’ll also have treats and refreshments.

Now — the elephant in the room

While masks are not required by Busch management (per current Ohio mandate) after discussion with fellow members, and in light of the current state of the increasing Covid Delta variant we ask that only vaccinated persons attend and everyone wear a mask.

It pains me to say that, but your health is of utmost importance. The fact is, we’re not out of this pandemic yet. Recent reports indicate that the Covid Delta variant is highly contagious, even putting children with strong immune systems in intensive care. Emergency rooms are once again being challenged. Further, it’s clear that this variant is being spread by the un-vaccinated. So the PRC will conduct club activities with due caution.

That said, we sincerely hope to see you:

Monday, August 2, 7:30 pm at Busch Community Room, 7501 Ridge Rd., Parma.

FD ’21 – not meant to be

This item is difficult to report. As President of your club, since the beginning of the Covid 19 lockdown, I’ve been a strong supporter of the decision to cancel club in-person activities until we were informed by authorities that reconvening activities was acceptable. So when the word came that statewide Covid cases had dropped sufficiently in number and the Governor was setting June 21 as the date Ohioans could once again hold group activities, I was elated. What better way to celebrate our freedom but by participating in the most rewarding event in amateur radio — Field Day! Even if we had to wear a mask, not a problem. At least we’re getting together again and doing what we love.

Field Day is a golden opportunity for hams to demonstrate to their community that amateur radio truly is able to support them “when all else fails.” By its nature Field Day is actually an emergency preparedness exercise that looks like a fun picnic and camp out. But making it happen requires the coordination of dedicated people and equipment, and in this case it would have to come about in a short period of time. Could we do it? I was my optimistic self, I secured a tentative location from our friends at Stearns Homestead. Then we had an online Board meeting to discuss the proposed Field Day plan in detail. Attending were VP Mike Marganski KD8HBK, Treasurer Tom Pechnik AC8EH, Trustee Tom Bedoc K8DMM, President Hal Rogers K8CMD, and member Chuck Mehoznek K8CVM. Following a good discussion, it was suggested the next step should be a meeting the following June 7th at “the Farm” to walk the grounds. To promote the important meeting an email was sent to all members, inviting them them to attend the crucial PRC Field Day planning meeting at Stearns Homestead.

To my major disappointment, the only members in attendance were from the Board core planning group! After a walk of the attractive area that Anita Cook of the Homestead team offered for our use, your board had no choice but to withdraw our request due to insufficient participation. “Maybe next year” was heard several times as we parted.

After agonizing reflection on this outcome, I realize there are numerous reasons why members might not have been available for Field Day this year. Afterall, with the lockdown ending abruptly people everywhere are filling their calendars with overdue events of every kind. Unfortunately, this thunderous rush of activity is happening to the detriment of ARRL Field Day. Another reason could be that some people might not have yet protected themselves with a vaccine or they’re not yet sure it’s time to let their guard down and go out in public. Of course, you can wear a mask anytime.

My take away from this is that we should immediately go to our 2022 calendar and reserve June 25/ 26 for next years Field Day.

By the way, just because the PRC isn’t doing Field Day this year that doesn’t mean you can’t do your own at home or visit another club. The ARRL has a convenient Field Day Locator where you can find a site almost anywhere in the country.

And here are invitations from area clubs:

Woodchuck ARC

Hello to all the members of the Parma Radio Club.

The Woodchucks would like to extend an invitation to the Members of the Parma Radio Club to participate in Field Day 2021 from the Woodchucks Burrow, better known as the Concrete Tent.

Field Day is always the fourth full weekend of June, this year the 26th and 27th, beginning at 1800 UTC Saturday and running through 2059 UTC Sunday.
The Woodchucks are planning to be staffing the Tent for the full duration of the event so there is plenty of time to stop in and participate in one way or another.
We will have several radios operational with different antenna systems being used.

We do ask that before dropping by you call us on the WA8Q repeater (145.310) and check the operational status of the Station.
If you do stop by, please bring your own chair.

Chuck – K8CVM
VP Woodchuck ARC


North Coast ARC

North Coast Amateur Radio Club
2021 – Field Day Operations – 2021
The Club WILL have a Field Day gathering this year.
FIELD DAY IS
( 1 ) A competitive event where Amateur Radio operators set up radio equipment in the field, to compete
with other radio operators across the nation, scoring points for contacts.
( 2 ) An event to test the readiness and stamina of Amateur Radio Emergency Communications.
( 3 ) A chance to meet new friends and test the limits of your favorite hobby.
Visit the North Coast Amateur Radio Club and participate in Field Day. You do not have to be a licensed
Operator to participate. Amateur Radio operators will be there to demonstrate equipment and show you
how it is used. They will try to answer your questions. There is no age limit with Amateur Radio, so bring
your entire family. (No charge for admission)
Field Day is always held on the 4th Full Weekend of the Month of June.
This Year ( 2021 ) Field Day will be held on Saturday – June 26 and Sunday – June 27.
LOCATION OF THE N.C.A.R.C. “2021 FIELD DAY” SITE:
At Fred’s Tree Farm, 5631 Mack Drive, Valley City, Ohio 44280.
(Off of Pauline Dr., off of Grafton Rd. west of U.S. Rt 42).
The Maps below, the 42 shown is Grafton Road.
The 42 is a County Road Number (Not State Route 42)


Governor Honors Amateur Radio and Field Day



Busch reopens meeting rooms

Busch Management has informed us that their meeting rooms will reopen at the beginning of August. The PRC Board has notified them that we will return. We’ll announce our meetings as usual when the dates are set.


Alternate use for Baofeng

I came across an interesting article that addresses a subject that must cross the mind of most repeater owners, “Is anyone using this machine overnight? Who and when?” The author has made a clever use of a Baofeng handheld. With your ingenuity you might find other applications, like monitoring a simplex frequency.

Is it time for a PRC Picnic?

Do you think it’s time for a picnic? When? Where? Write and let us know what you’re thinking.


Hal Rogers K8CMD

President

Field Day ’21 at Stearns Farm

We’ve always said that as soon as we can meet again face to face, we will.  If you’ve been following the pandemic news you know that Ohio is seeing a well-earned reduction in Covid 19 cases. This success is clearly the result of our diligent attention to the pandemic guidelines and the protection afforded by the vaccines.  After reviewing the current situation Governor Dewine recently announced that, with a few special exceptions, the State’s pandemic guidelines will end on June 2nd.


In celebration of our new freedom…

PRC members will be participating in the 2021 ARRL Field Day, June 26-27 at historic Stearns Homestead, the educational farm at the city’s center.  Many of you are familiar with this site as the location of our fun Earth Day celebrations for several years.


Needless to say, the smallest of events requires a large amount of PLANNING.  So, to kick off the event we’ll have a meeting this Sunday, May 30th at 7:30 PM on Zoom.  If you’ve never used Zoom and wish to attend, send me an email and let me know you want to attend. A prior to the meeting I’ll send you an invitation with a link that will take you directly to our Zoom meeting room.  If you don’t currently have the Zoom program, take a moment to download the application on your smart phone, PC or other device. The service is free. You can follow the link early to check out the simple interface. It’s fun to use and I regret that we haven’t used it until now. By the way, our meeting will last no longer than 40 minutes.

We’ll start the Zoom meeting by giving new members an overview of the intent of this popular radiosport.

While our nets are great fun, I really look forward to seeing you and can’t wait to meet our new members!  We’re hoping you’ve been vaccinated, but there’s still time to get your shot.

If anything good came out of this pandemic, it’s that we’ve learned a tremendous amount about the importance of personal protection and basic sanitation. Per state guidelines as of June 2, masking will not be required since we’re outdoors, but you’re certainly welcome to wear one. Hand sanitizer and wipes will be available, too.


Start now by letting us know you’d like to receive an invitation. Write to: parmaradioclub@gmail.com

73 and hope to see you Sunday

Hal Rogers, K8CMD                President

Mike Marganski, KE8HBK   Vice President
John Malloy, KA8VTV             Secretary
Tom Pechnik, AC8EH             Treasurer
Tom Bedocs, K8DMM            Trustee

Hamfests are coming back!

We received a flier from the Monroe Hamfest and Computer Show in Monroe, Mi on Father’s Day, June 20th. For complete information check out http://www.mcrca.org

For a complete list of other area ham activities go to arrl-ohio.org


This next story is a departure from the topic of ham radio, but maybe not. You never know what you’ll hear on the radio. The story has been on my mind since I caught a report on CBS 60 minutes. I believe we’ll hear much more in the months ahead.

On the May 16th broadcast of 60 Minutes, host Bill Whitaker opened the program with this chilling lead-in, “We have tackled many strange stories on 60 Minutes, but perhaps none like this. It’s the story of the U.S. government’s grudging acknowledgement unidentified areal phenomena- UAP more commonly known as UFOs.” I was rivited.

Watch the full story at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ufo-military-intelligence-60-minutes-2021-05-16/ 

Let’s talk about it on the net. Have you ever seen a UFO or something you couldn’t explain? I have!

The Lockdown is easing!

No doubt about it, like each of us, the club has had a challenging year during the lockdown resulting in no meetings or events.  Our nets have been very popular, thanks to the Net Control Officers and all participants.

Our meeting room at Busch is still closed and we’ll let you know when it reopens. We don’t expect that to be for several months.

As we slowly emerge from the lockdown and restrictions, folks on the nets have expressed interest in having an outdoor cookout or “potluck” event. That sounds like a great idea to me. As the days get warmer (and drier) we’ll pick a date and location. It seems that our usual picnic site, the Pavilion at Day Park might be reopening. We’ll be checking out the site in the days to come.

It will be wonderful to see you all again and meet our new members face to face! It’s important to mention that ONLY members who have been FULLY vaccinated and in the totally protected stage (2 weeks after your final shot) will be welcome. Of course, in your interest we will abide by all State guidelines at the time.


Ohio Section – Swap & Shop

Members share some valuable tips on our nets, such as this item from Rich, W8KU on a recent 10 meter net.

The ARRL Ohio Section has a page where hams can list items for sale or free for the taking! Just go to http://arrl-ohio.org/sm/s-s.html

If you’d like to browse the site or receive their regular newsletter, the home page is http://arrl-ohio.org


Zoom Tech Program

Numerous clubs around the country are staying in touch online by participating in Zoom Meetings or similar online sites. We’ve wanted to take advantage of this technology and there’s an opportunity coming soon.

The M2M Club in Medina has invited us to participate in their online tech meeting on this month on Zoom. To use the Zoom program you must have their program on your computer or other device. If you’re interested in participating in form the host by email and they will send you a link to the Zoom meeting “room” about a half hour prior to the meeting. After clicking on the link you’ll go to the meeting and soon be accepted by the host.

Here’s the M2M program described:

On Thursday, May 20th at 7:30pm, Ron Hollis K8RJH will be presenting an overview of DVMs, HotSpots, and what you need to participate in this rapidly growing aspect of Amateur Radio. 

 With just an HT, a HotSpot, and a Wi-Fi or mobile Internet connection, you can speak to the world. Learn more about the basics, some of the nomenclature, resources, and view a live demonstration to see and hear how it all works. And, information on additional resources will be provided to help you get started.

You can download the quick and easy free Zoom program, called the “Zoom client” at www.zoom.us

If you are interested,  write Jane Reed K8JGR, the M2M host and she will e-mail you your Zoom “invitation” about a half hour before the meeting. Just like any meeting, if you arrive early you’ll see others arrive as you wait. Enjoy!

write: jane@thunderecho.com

_____________________________

Would you like more Zoom presentations? What topics would you like discussed?

_______________________

Our nets are going strong but we still need more Net Control Operators. If you can help out write us at parmaradioclub@gmail.com.

_________________________

If you have information to share with fellow members, let us know.

___________________________

Hal Rogers, K8CMD President


Jan 29, 2021

We’re truly grateful to all who’ve paid their 2021 dues. If you haven’t yet sent your dues in, please accept this gentle reminder. We continue to need and appreciate your support. The member application form is on this site or you can use Member Application.

—————————————–

Time for Field Day. Yes, Winter Field Day!

By now, many of us are going stir crazy or just plain bonkers. So, this might be the time for you to check out Winter Field Day! A couple of years ago I participated in a WFD at a local ham’s home. It was an amazing amount of fun and the food was great, too. Here’s the scoop:

From Winter Field Day Association

 Winter Field Day Association (WFDA) is a dedicated group of Amateur Radio Operators who believe that emergency communications in a winter environment is just as important as the preparations and practice that is done each summer but with some additional unique operational concerns.

 We believe as do those entities of ARRL Organizations like ARES & RACES that maintaining your operational skills should not be limited to fair weather scenarios. The addition of Winter Field Day will enhance those already important skills of those that who generously volunteer their time and equipment to these organizations. This is why WFD is open to all licensed amateur radio operators worldwide.

more, including WFD rules at www.winterfieldday.com



Detectors aboard the International Space Station are helping solve mysteries about our bizarre radio propagation

In the illustration above, blue jets zip upward from thunderclouds into the stratosphere, reaching altitudes up to about 50 kilometers in less than a second. Whereas ordinary lightning excites a medley of gases in the lower atmosphere to glow white, blue jets excite mostly stratospheric nitrogen to create their signature blue hue.

Blue jets have been observed from the ground and aircraft for years, but it’s hard to tell how they form without getting high above the clouds. Now, instruments on the International Space Station have spotted a blue jet emerge from an extremely brief, bright burst of electricity near the top of a thundercloud, researchers report online January 20 in Nature.

more info at https://www.sciencenews.org/article/space-station-detectors-found-source-weird-blue-jet-lightning 




December 8, 2020

TecNet suspended

Effective December 8, the TecNet has been suspended. In other words, we might return with the concept at a later date. While we had some interest and good conversation there wasn’t enough regular participation to justify the net. It might have been the time (7:30 pm on Tuesday) or a myriad of other reasons, but we didn’t have the interest we had anticipated. If you have suggestions, please let us know. In the mean time enjoy the other club nets.


Dues time

I have to admit that I struggled with the thought that we were going to have to ask for your support after a year where we haven’t had many of our promised meetings. Then I realized that we still have our bills to pay for club insurance, web site services, etc. And with luck we’ll be out of this pandemic soon and return to meetings, Earth Day, Field Day and picnics. Your support is allows us to continue and will put us in good condition for the future. Thank you, in advance.

Please use the member application form on this site. It gives us the opportunity to keep your contact information current.


Mysterious RFI in Olmsted Falls

Like most, I love a good mystery. We recently received the following intriguing correspondence from Lon Dittrick, N8IWW:

Lon, N8IWW: Just finished putting up an end fed 1/2 wave dipole on my property in Olmsted Township after moving here a couple of years ago (want to get back on the air again) but am having difficulty with some annoying QRN which is present across multiple bands.  I haven’t much experience with this and I’m looking for someone experienced with tracking this down.  It occurs about every 9 seconds.   Any help would be appreciated. 73.

Lon Dittrick, N8IWW.

Here’s Lon’s audio clip: https://www.parmaradioclub.com/valeside-ln-2/

PRC : Thanks for writing, Lonnie.  Personally, I’ve not heard RFI like that.  I understand that ARRL.org has on their site a page with RFI  clips that can help you identify the origin. Is it on just one frequency, is it one or several bands, is it broadbanded? Is it 24-7, sporadic or or at specific times?  If you can pick it up on a portable receiver I suggest you travel around the area to try to nail down a location. A directional antenna will also be helpful.

There are so many possible sources. Suspect everything: leaking TV cables, radar, high intensity lighting systems, marijuana grow lights, the list is endless. We have other members who have practical experience so I’ll post your letter and audio clip on our website. Suggest you visit our net tonight on the 145.410   2m repeater at 2 meter at 9pm and tell your story. 

You’ll discover it, I’m sure, but it will take investigating. When you do discover the source, be sure to let us know so we’re ready for the next guy.

Then Lon responded:

Hi Hal, I was able to track it down to a Hendricks Dew Heater on my External Telescope pier which heats the objective lens of a telescope.  I am not sure what is in the circuitry which produces this pattern, but that’s what it was.  The heater was set to low.  I turned it off and the RFI was gone.  Turned it on and the RFI comes back. Lonnie. N8IWW

PRC: Success! Good work, Lon, in tracking down that irritating noise which could be generated within a low voltage power supply. You might try wrapping the low voltage power cord around an iron core or even a bolt, to act as an RF choke.

Universal Radio Announces Closing

11/25/2020 ARRL.ORG

Thanks to VP Mike Marganski, KE8HBK for this lead.

Ham Radio retailer Universal Radio, headquartered in Worthington, Ohio, is closing its store on November 30, although all existing orders will be filled, and the Universal Radio website will remain open to sell off “remaining stock, publications, and some select products.” Owners Fred Osterman, N8EKU, and Barbara Osterman, KC8VWI, are retiring.

“I am very fortunate to have been in the radio business for over 50 years, 13 at RadioShack and 37 at Universal Radio,” Fred Osterman said in a message of gratitude to its patrons. “We have met many wonderful people along the journey who have supported me personally as well as Universal Radio. It has been a privilege to have a continuous career in the fascinating field of radio since 1969.”

The new mailing address for Universal Radio is 752 N State St. Unit 222, Westerville, OH 43082, telephone (614) 866-4267. (This is not a storefront.)FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

From ARRL.ORG

Journalist Needed

Seriously, how about some help? We’d like to add more content to these posts. If you have an area of interest and can send a few lines that might interest our readers, send them our way. Possible suggestions: DX you’ve heard on the HF bands, or what you’ve been doing during the lock down, or your latest ham radio project. Give it some thought, then write me at parmaradioclub@gmail.com


73 Hal, K8CMD

PRC 2020 Elections

Thanks to all who voted in our club election. The number of ballots received was not what we had hoped for but with everything going on in the world we’re grateful. Six ballots were received and each candidate received six votes. I’m thinking that our voting percentage was almost as good as was the country’s General Election.

So a hearty congratulation is in order to all my fellow candidates.

The PRC Board for 2021:

President, Hal Rogers K8CMD; Vice President, Mike Marganski, KE8HBK; Secretary, John Malloy, KA8VTV; Treasurer, Tom Pechnik, AC8EH, and Trustee, Tom Bedocs, K8DMM.

Again, congratulations to the Board and thank you all for your support and thanks to Rich Nagel, W8KU who served as Elections Chairman.

As the current year has not been “business as usual”, the coming year will also have it’s challenges. On the bright side, it appears vaccines are on the way in 2021 and we’ll begin to get control over the pandemic. What a wonderful day it will be when we can get back to a “normal” way of life. Until that time, we urge you to continue to protect yourself, family and friends by taking the precautions advised by medical experts.


Net Control Operators needed

If you’d like to have some fun this winter, step up and volunteer to run one of our nets. It’s as easy as chatting and there’s no need to be formal. Just step in and start an old fashioned roundtable. However, if you prefer the formal approach, write us and we’ll explain the simple process.


ARRL urges FCC to waive the proposed fee

ARRL has urged the FCC to waive its proposed $50 amateur radio application fee. The Commission proposal was made last month in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in MD 20-270. The proposal already has drawn more than 3,200 individual comments overwhelmingly opposed to the plan. The fees, directed by Congress and imposed on all FCC-regulated services, are to recover the FCC’s costs of handling and processing applications.

“Amateur radio applications were not listed when the Congress adopted its 1985 fee schedule for applications, and therefore amateur license applications were excluded from the collection of fees,” ARRL said on November 16 in its proposal. “Similarly, a decade later when regulatory fees were authorized, the Amateur Service was excluded, except for the costs associated with issuing vanity call signs.” The new statutory provisions are similar. Amateur radio license applications are not addressed in the application fees section and explicitly excluded from regulatory fees,” ARRL said, and there is “no evidence of any intent by Congress to change the exempt status of amateur applications and instead subject them to new fees.”

ARRL argued that the FCC has explicit authority to waive the fees if it would be in the public interest, and should do so for the Amateur Radio Service. Unlike other FCC services, the Amateur Radio Service is all volunteer and largely self-governing, with examination preparation, administration, and grading handled by volunteers, who submit licensing paperwork to the FCC, ARRL pointed out.

more …. http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-seeks-waiver-of-proposed-fcc-amateur-application-fees 


April 18, 2021, designated as “National Amateur Radio Operators Day” thanks to 12 year old ham

US Representative Debbie Lesko of Arizona has introduced a resolution designating April 18, 2021, as National Amateur Radio Operators Day, to recognize the important contributions of amateur radio operators.

“Amateur radio operators are critical in times of crisis and our communities are safer thanks to their dedication to sharing important information with the public,” Lesko said. She was approached to introduce the resolution by 12-year-old Raymond, N7KCB, from Peoria, Arizona.

“I started Long Distance Responders so I can help prepare the community for emergencies with amateur radio,” said Raymond. “There might be a price for a radio, but the ability and knowledge to help someone is truly priceless.”

As Lesko’s resolution notes, World Amateur Radio Day (WARD) is celebrated annually on April 18 to commemorate the founding of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) in 1925, and she said her resolution recognizes the amateur radio community with a national day in the United States in 2021. The resolution cites the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®) for providing “invaluable emergency communications services following recent natural disasters, including but not limited to helping coordinate disaster relief efforts following Hurricanes Katrina, Wilma, and Maria and other extreme weather disasters.” 

ARRL

Stay safe, warm and active on the bands.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

______________

Summer is winding down

As summer is noticeably introducing it’s follow up season. (I’m trying to avoid using the actual word as much as I enjoy the colors.) Our meeting place is still closed to the public and we have no indication when it will be available. It’s a good thing we have our nets to stay in touch. If you haven’t checked into a net lately, you’re missing out on some fun. We have a new net called TecNet that meets every 1st and 3rd Monday at 7:30 pm. It’s a great place to share information on technical topics of any kind or ask questions about tech issues that are bugging you. We might not have the answer to your problem but we have lots 0f experience and will gladly commiserate with you.

If you’ve wondered why my posts have been infrequent, the answer is simple. Since the site is primarily dedicated to informing you about upcoming meetings and gatherings, Covid-19 has pretty much brought that need to a halt. Like you, I can’t wait ’til we can get back to “normal.” Remember the fun fall picnics? The PRC Board decided that it would not be safe to hold such events. And it’s just as well because Parma’s Day Park and the Cleveland MetroPark facilities were mandated by the Governor t0 keep their locations closed until further notice.

A testimony to the power of our Nets is that we are thrilled to welcome new and returning members: Larry Ferrone NB8Z, Jerry Kuhn W8KDG, Forrest Reed KA8HUZ, Tedd Mirgliotti KB8NW, Ralph Dey K8YSM, John Nestelle NV8N, Frank Siedlack WD8AEK. Thank you all for your support!


A PDF of the current roster is available to any member. Just write and ask.


A new topic: Would you be interested in online meetings with guest presenters, etc? Everything but donuts! If so, let’s discuss this either on the air or write us at parmaradioclub@gmail.com.

Free Online Technician and General Class Courses !!!

Many thanks to Anthony Luscre, K8ZT for the following information. It‘s really great news for many of you who would like to get your Tech license or upgrade to General. Register now to hold your “seat.”

The Cuyahoga Falls Amateur Radio Club is offering a free six-session Technician Class License course starting October 4, 2020. Classes are held online via Google Classroom and Meet from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM.  They will also be offering a free General Class License Course.

For information about the courses and a link to their registration information follow this link: www.cfarc.org

The classes are open to anyone and they would appreciate your spreading the word to fellow club members, on the nets or to your acquaintances. This is also a great opportunity for younger candidates that may not be able to drive to in-person classes.

Anthony Luscre, K8ZT

Assistant Ohio Section Manager for Education Outreach ARRL – The National Association For Amateur Radio™ 
k8zt@arrl.net

FCC Proposes to Reinstate Amateur Radio Service Fees

08/28/2020 from arrl.org

[UPDATED 2020-09-01 @1845 UTC] Amateur radio licensees would pay a $50 fee for each amateur radio license application if the FCC adopts rules it proposed this week. Included in the FCC’s fee proposal are applications for new licenses, renewal and upgrades to existing licenses, and vanity call sign requests. Excluded are applications for administrative updates, such as changes of address, and annual regulatory fees.

The FCC proposal is contained in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in MD Docket 20-270, which was adopted to implement portions of the “Repack Airwaves Yielding Better Access for Users of Modern Services Act” of 2018 — the so-called “Ray Baum’s Act.”

The Act requires that the FCC switch from a Congressionally-mandated fee structure to a cost-based system of assessment. In its NPRM, the FCC proposed application fees for a broad range of services that use the FCC’s Universal Licensing System (ULS), including the Amateur Radio Service that had been excluded by an earlier statute. The 2018 statute excludes the Amateur Service from annual regulatory fees, but not from application fees.

“[A]pplications for personal licenses are mostly automated and do not have individualized staff costs for data input or review,” the FCC said in its NPRM. “For these automated processes — new/major modifications, renewal, and minor modifications — we propose a nominal application fee of $50 due to automating the processes, routine ULS maintenance, and limited instances where staff input is required.”

The same $50 fee would apply to all Amateur Service applications, including those for vanity call signs. “Although there is currently no fee for vanity call signs in the Amateur Radio Service, we find that such applications impose similar costs in aggregate on Commission resources as new applications and therefore propose a $50 fee,” the FCC said.

The FCC is not proposing to charge for administrative updates, such as mailing address changes for amateur applications, and amateur radio will remain exempt from annual regulatory fees. “For administrative updates [and] modifications, which also are highly automated, we find that it is in the public interest to encourage licensees to update their [own] information without a charge,” the FCC said.

The FCC also proposes to assess a $50 fee for individuals who want a printed copy of their license. “The Commission has proposed to eliminate these services — but to the extent the Commission does not do so, we propose a fee of $50 to cover the costs of these services,” the FCC said.

The Ray Baum’s Act does not exempt filing fees in the Amateur Radio Service. The FCC dropped assessment of fees for vanity call signs several years ago.

ARRL is reviewing the matter and intends to file comments in opposition.

Deadlines for comments and reply comments will be determined once the NPRM appears in the Federal Register. Interested parties may file comments by using the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), posting to MD Docket No. 20-270. This docket is already open to accept comments, even though deadlines have not yet been set.

“Tell us something we don’t know.”

That’s been a popular conversation starter at the meetings so let’s do it here. We’re all eager to learn new things. You most certainly come across exciting information from time to time about items of interest related to our hobby that you could share with fellow members. It might be a new gadget, a new magazine, a kit or construction article or a web service that interests you. If it catches your fascination, most likely it will interest other members. That’s pretty cool. So, tells us something we don’t know.