The following is the ARRL Pacific Section Manager report for November 2015 by Bob Schneider (AH6J).
SM Bob Schneider, AH6J, will not be running for reelection. The deadline for submitting Nomination Petitions is December 4, 2015 at 4PM EST. Ballots will be sent out by ARRL January 4, 2016. The new SM takes office on April 1, 2016.
ARRL Past Pacific Division Director Brad Wyatt, K6WR, of Los Gatos, California, passed away on November 10 after an illness. He was 86. An ARRL Life Member, Wyatt served as the Pacific Division Director from 1994 until 2000, when he decided not to run for another term. He previously served as Vice Director of the Pacific Division from 1992 to 1994. For a while he visited Hawaii regularly and had a condo on Maui.
Wyatt retired from IBM in 1984. He received his bachelor’s and master’s (MBA) degrees from Stanford University. Wyatt was a past president of the Los Gatos Kiwanis Club.
In November 2001, Wyatt’s article, “Remote Controlled HF Operation over the Internet,” appeared in QST. A year later, Wyatt and co-authors Stan Schretter, W4MQ, and Keith Lamonica, W7DXX, won the QST Cover Plaque Award for their collaboration on the article,”A Ham Radio Public Utility HF Station.”
Wyatt held DXCC from four different countries. Unfortunately he became less active during his last years because of antenna restrictions in his California home. This is yet another story of how CC&R restrictions hampered an active hams life.
This is from Ed Poppe, President of the Marianas Amateur Radio Club. I am sad to report that Lowell “Dale” Lacy, NH2KV, passed away quietly at home on Sunday morning October 20th. Please remember his wife, Luann and his family in your prayers. A memorial service was held in October. 73 Ed KH2L
Repeat story:
There is an outbreak of Dengue Fever on the Island of Hawaii. As of this writing there are over 100 cases reported. Ted Brattstrom, NH6YK, gave a short synopsis about the disease to BIARC members at their last meeting. There are five strains and infection with one type usually gives lifelong immunity to that one variety, but only short-term immunity to the others. Subsequent infection with a different form increases the risk of (very) severe complications. A third infection is life threatening. There is no commercially available vaccine. As of now, there is only one kind in Hawaii and mosquito eradication is the only real way of stopping it.
Your SM went to Pacificon in San Ramon, California. He got together with some hams from Oahu. They were KH6DT, AH6CP, KH6FV, KH7HO, AH6KD, KH6DQ & AH6RH. Their picture is on the Pacific Section Webpage. The ARRL staff estimated that about 5000 letters were generated and signed to various congress people asking for support for the Amateur Radio Parity act. The Vice Director of the Pacific Division Jim Tiemstra, K6JAT came to the Waimea Hamfest October 24th. We estimate that about 300 letters were generated there. They were all sent to ARRL HQ for hand delivery to the various senators and representatives.
Sunday, December 13, 2015 is this year’s Honolulu Marathon. Start time is 05:00W.
On behalf of the Honolulu Marathon Association we are asking for volunteers to provide radio communications for the Start-Line, designated Aid Stations along the race course, the Finish-Line area and Support Vans. The communication coverage we provide begins around 04:00W and into the afternoon up until about 15:00W.
Gregory Amancio, NH6ZS, honu1@juno.com
Repeat Story:
On the Island of Hawaii, the VOAD repeater on Mauna Kea (146.72-) has had its antenna replaced with a super strong one rated over 165 MPH. The Pepeekeo Repeater (146.88-) has been replaced with a new radio. The new Pepeekeo machine now requires a 100Hz tone to access. The cross island UHF link of the BIWARN system has been removed and will soon be replaced with a microwave unit. In the process of removing the link, the backup battery was cracked and acid leaked on the floor and had to be cleaned up with baking soda*. The Big Island Amateur Radio Club plans to next replace the Kulani (146.76-) machine. Hopefully this will happen by the end of the year. The last to be replaced will be the Naalehu unit (146.92-) however that will also involve building a new house for it. *Baking soda neutralizes acid however it will leave concrete bleached white.
The ARRL Board Of Directors met over the weekend of 7/ 17-18 in Windsor, CT. The BOD has approved a $10 increase in the League’s annual dues rate, effective January 1, 2016. In doing so, the Board adopted a recommendation of the Administration & Finance Committee. ARRL basic dues have been held at $39 a year since 2001. Now would be a really good time to get a life membership before the rate change on January first. A life membership is 20 times the yearly rate. A second alternative is to renew for the maximum of three years before the change.
Repeat from previous SM reports about the Amateur Radio Parity act of 2015:
US Rep Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduced H.R. 1301 on March 4 with bipartisan support. US Sen Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced S. 1685 on June 26, with Sen Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) as an original cosponsor. Please contact the congress people representing you. You may send letters to ARRL – 225 Main St. – Newington, CT 06111 or use the local addresses of each congress person. It is best not to send the letters to their Washington address as security concerns cause a very long delay. The Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015 special web-page provides a clearing house for all information on these identical pieces of legislation. http://www.arrl.org/amateur-radio-parity-act
The Senate Commerce committee, of which Senator Brian Schatz is a member, met November 18th. Unfortunately he voted against the bill. We are all very frustrated however it is not appropriate to send letters that can be interpreted as extremely negative. A follow up letter or phone call expressing disappointed is appropriate.
Please write letters NOW and send them to ARRL who will present them to the congress people. You may also write to their “local” office. Be sure to especially contact Senator Brian Schatz’s office to urge support of S-1685. A phone call or telegram would work best because of the short time available.
Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI)
300 Ala Moana Blvd., Rm 7-212
Honolulu, HI 96850
Phone: (808) 523-2061 & Washington office (202) 224-3934
Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI)
300 Ala Moana Blvd. Rm. 3-106
Honolulu, HI 96850
Phone: (808) 522-8970 & Washington office (202) 224-6361
Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI)
300 Ala Moana Blvd. Rm. 5-105
Honolulu, HI 96850
Phone: (808) 541-1986 & Washington office (202) 225-4906
Representative Mark Takai (D-HI)
300 Ala Moana Blvd Rm. 4-104
Honolulu, HI 96850
Phone: (808)-541-2570 & Washington office (202) 225-2726
Representative Amata Coleman Radewagen (AS)
1 Fagatogo Square
Fagatogo, AS 96799
Phone: (684) 633-3601 & Washington office (202) 225-8577
Representative Madeleine Bordallo (D) Guam
120 Father Duenas Avenue, Suite 107
Hagåtña, Guam 96910
Phone: (671)-477-4272 & Washington office: (202)-225-1188
Representative Gregorio Sablan (I) CMNI
Saipan Office
P.O. Box 504879
Saipan, MP 96950
Phone: (670) 323-2647/8 & Washington office: (202) 225-2646
The ARRL HF and VHF “Go Kits” are now back in Hawaii ready for deployment should another problem come up. Another HF and VHF “Go Kit” have been deployed to Guam. They will not be redeployed to CNMI at the present time as there is no one to take charge of the equipment in CNMI.
As was mentioned earlier, we are still looking for someone to be the Section Youth Coordinator (SYC)
MEETINGS & CLUB NEWS: December is when most Christmas parties are held so check with the various club websites or check with a member of your club for the latest info.
SPARC – The South Point ARC or “SPARC” meets on the first Sunday at Noon at Manuka State park. It is potluck. They are not affiliated with ARRL. Their next get together is December 6th. There is no website. Their “leader” Rick Ward, WH6FC, just returned from the mainland attending to his recently passed away brother’s affairs. Our condolence goes to the family.
RACES – 1st Monday starting 1830W at DEM, Honolulu County Bldg. basement.
KARC – The Kauai ARC meets on the first Monday at 1800W. The next meeting is December 7th at the KIUC Conference Room, 4463. There is also a weekly Saturday breakfast. They use to meet at the Feral Pig however it closed and the breakfast meeting is moved to Kalapaki Joes’s at Kukui Grove at 0700W. Check the website or check with a member for any updates. They are looking for a new place so it may change from week to week.
MARC – Marianas ARC of Guam normally meets on the first Tuesday at KSTO studio on Nimitz Hill at 1900 Guam time. It will be Tuesday December 1, 2015. Their website shows pictures of the VHF and HF “Go Kits” which are now in Guam at the KSTO studio. It will be a forward deployment in case of an emergency in the Western Pacific. We learned during the recent Hawaii deployment to FSM that transporting the kits is not easy and can be expensive. (The Hawaii kits are now on the Island of Hawaii should the need arise.) If you would like to take an Amateur Radio exam in Guam or have questions, call Mike Wendt, WH2M at 671-477-6737. Testing is by appointment and normally takes place before the monthly meeting about 5PM. Hafa Adai from Guam, where America’s Day begins.
Representative Bordallo, Madeleine of Guam has signed on as a cosponsor of HR-1301 on 09/16/2015. We and all the Hams in the US want to say “THANK YOU VERY MUCH”.
There is another website for Guam and the Northern Marianas (CNMI) with emphasis on HF operations. It is the Mariana Islands DX Association, NH2DX. It has many pictures as well as history stories. The population for the islands is small so they are to be congratulated for putting together such a nice webpage. They are not an ARRL affiliated club and they don’t have regularly formal meetings.
WHARG – West Hawaii Amateur Radio Group meets on the 1st Wednesday on even Months at 1930W at Waimalu Diners in the Waimalu Shopping Center. Their next get together will be December 2nd. The WHARG is a “Hawaiian-style” group of hams interested in amateur radio and good fellowship. No rules, no officers, no dues. They are not an ARRL affiliated group.
KHRC – The Kohala-Hamakua Radio Club meets on two schedules. Odd months are 2nd Sunday in Kapa’au at 1400W. Even months are 2nd Wednesday in Waimea at Keck Bldg. at 1900W. The next meeting will be Wednesday, December 9, 2015, at 1900W at the Conference Room, Keck Observatory Headquarters, 65-1120 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743
In the past KHRC has met at the Hawaii Preparatory Academy Energy Lab. KHRC helps sponsor the HPA school radio club. The HPA Energy lab is the only one of its kind in the world. Since HPA is a private school, it is not open to the public.
MARC – Maui ARC usually meets on the 2nd Wednesday at CD Hq. at 1900W. Next meeting will probably be a Christmas party at a private residence. No information is available at this time so contact the club directly.
Directions can usually be received on 147.020 (+600-no tone). Exam schedule: Saturday December 5, 2015 @ 0900W. Contact Mel, kh6h@arrrl.net or call 808-250-4591.
KARC – The Koolau ARC meets on the 2nd Sat. at 0930W at Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden Park in Kaneohe, Oahu. Next meeting will be December 12th.
BIARC – The Big Island ARC website needs updating. They meet on the 2nd Saturday at 1400W at the Keaau Community Center. The next meeting will be the Christmas party on November 12th at 1400W at the Community Center and that has been verified. At the October meeting elections were held and the new officers will be installed. November 12 (after dark), the Keaau Christmas parade will be held. This means some streets will be closed so parking and movement around town is limited. Best advice is come early. We will try to get the party started on time and even a little early.
Doug Wilson, KH7DQ, will have another Technician class starting January 13, 2016 and the exam will be February 12. Contact Doug for details.
EARC – The Emergency ARC (Oahu) normally meets on the 3rd Tuesday at the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 46 located at 891 Valkenburgh Street in Honolulu. This will be December 15th at 1900W. Parking is limited so come early.
HARC – The Honolulu ARC meets on the 3rd Sat. at 0900W on odd months (Jan, March, May, July, Sept, and Nov) at the Monterey Bay Cannery restaurant. The next meeting will be January 16th.
The Waikiki ARC meets every Tue at 0700W for breakfast at the Monterey Bay Cannery in Aiea. It has only the ARRL club website.
KARS – Kona Amateur Radio Society meets on the 4th Sunday at 1400W in Wawaloli Beach Park at NELHA. It is a picnic potluck. Next get together is December 27th. The food theme is Party Food. For questions please contact Van NH7IT at 808-345-5008 or e-mail NH7IT@arrl.net. For additional information contact Stuart KH7DX at 808-896-1290.
PERC – The Puna Emergency Radio Club meetings are irregular. They use to meet on the 4th Saturday at 1000W at the Hilo Coffee Mill. We will publish the new schedule when it becomes available. They have a net every Wednesday at 1900W on two meters.
HARC (The Hilo ARC) – They meet daily 0630-0830W at Jack in the Box Hilo. This club is the oldest on the Island of Hawaii however there was a break in existence of several years until former Section Manager Dean Manley, KH6B and several others reactivated it. They also sponsor the Council of Radio Club which meets once monthly. Please contact Dean for more information. Part of the Hilo ARC operations is also the Hawaii QRP Club.
There has been no news from The American Samoa Radio club or Molokai ARC recently.
The Civil Defense Amateur Radio Club (Honolulu) has no regular meetings. Their mission is to provide ARRL Volunteer Examiner testing services for amateur radio operators on the island of Oahu. The goal is to continually build up the pool of available emergency communicators available during times of emergency. Testing is on the third Wednesday of selected months; contact Ray Moody, AH6LT, moody@hawaii.edu or phone 941-9239. Advance registration is required to pass building security at the Red Cross building. Schedule for 2016 can be found in the VEC page of ARRL. It is: 01/20/2016 at 1830W at the American Red Cross building (in back of Diamond Head) AGAIN No walk-ins.
Cal-Pac RC upgraded the Mauna Loa site antennas and took the six meter beacon off the air. It will be back sometime in the future however it has not been decided if it will be put back at Mauna Loa. The picture of the KH6HME memorial brick at ARRL HQ is in the photo files at the bottom of the Pacific Section website along with other pictures of the Mauna Loa site. The brick was donated by BIARC member Chuck McConnell, W6DPD of Fresno.
The USS Missouri BB-63, the world’s last and most famous battleship, is moored on Pearl Harbor’s historic Battleship Row. Today the Missouri is open to the public and serves as a reminder of America’s proud legacy of strength, honor, sacrifice, and freedom. The official sites of the “MIGHTY MO” can be found at www.ussmissouri.org for general info and www.KH6BB.org for info on the radio room.
REPEAT OR REFERENCE INFORMATION:
The Pacific Section webpage is http://www.arrl.org/Groups/view/pacific-section. It now contains this SM report. Each affiliated club should fill in an activities report to ARRL at least once every year. For more information go to: http://www.arrl.org/club-update. Your SM is always looking for news so be sure to update him too. Even if your group is not ARRL affiliated, send a report. If you have notable activities send along a jpeg picture and description (please). At the bottom of the Pacific Section webpage is a picture gallery.
Hawaii’s Official Amateur Radio Repeater Coordination Site is: http://www.hawaiirepeaters.net/
Ron Hashiro’s webpage always has a good collection of news of local happenings. See: http://www.qsl.net/ah6rh/am-radio/in-hawaii.html
There is a new feature telling about the history of the early repeaters in Hawaii especially Diamond Head 146.88. Go to Ron’s page and click on The EARC Diamond Head 146.28/146.88 MHz Repeater.
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