Handbook Give Away is Drawing Near - Get Entered Now..

Hey Gang..

Just wanted to pop in on your email boxes to let you all know that you only have today and tomorrow left to get registered for this months “Handbook Give-Away..”  The drawing will be May 1st and the lucky person chosen and announced then..  I wish everyone Good Luck, but remember, you won’t be chosen if you didn’t get registered.. Go to:

http://arrl-ohio.org/handbook.html  right now to get registered. 

NVIS Day preliminary report..  The numbers are still being tabulated, but rest assure, we will give the final results as soon as we get them completed. I will say this, we had over 50 counties in Ohio participate and a number of states as well, so it can be considered a huge success for sure. I want to thank everyone that participated in not only the NVIS Day, but also the other 3 events going on throughout the state that same weekend as well!!  Every station that I visited the gang was having a lot of fun, and that’s what it’s all about.. Having FUN.. Thumbs up all the way around for sure.

Are you getting those emails from me? If not, all you have to do is to “Opt-In” to receive them. Heck just send me an email, n8sy@n8sy.com, I’ll get you added to the mailing list. There’s a link to do this on the Ohio Section website, it’s on the bottom left corner.. For your convenience, here’s a direct link to it: 

http://arrl-ohio.org/forwarder/forwarding.html   I urge all of you to make sure that everyone, regardless of whether they are a League member or not, get signed up for one of these options. You can always “Opt-Out” at any time if you feel this is not what you were expecting.

Let’s talk about the Ohio Section Website.. You can find the Ohio Section Website at: http://arrl-ohio.org  If you don’t have this website set as your home page, I urge you to do so.

HEY, there’s another NEW – one question – questionnaire on the Ohio Section Website?  It only asks one question, and it will take all of about 2 seconds for you to answer it. You can see how your answer stacks up with others instantly too. If you haven’t done it yet, please do.. I really want to hear from you.

Revamping the Ohio Speakers Bureau..  Tom Sly, WB8LCD is collecting information on club meetings. If you've had an interesting presentation at a club meeting in the last 12 months, please send an email to Tom.  He would like to know:  1) The topic or the name of the presentation, 2) the name and call sign of the presenter, 3) the name and location of the club, 4) do clubs usually have interesting presentations (Y/N), 5) has your club ever had a presentation done over Skype or some other internet service?

Tom stresses that he would like this information from all club members - not just club officers!  You can email Tom at:   wb8lcd@portcars.org. All responses will be confidential.  This will greatly help Tom with a project he's working on for the benefit of clubs in the Ohio Section.

I’ve been really busy visiting with a lot of you and I have heard a lot of PROs and CONs about http://arrl-ohio.org/QST.pdf    it is with permission of the ARRL so there’s no copyright problems.  I think Rick’s views will help you better understand the ins and outs to all of this, and why this is so very important to YOU. I do want to assure you that even if you still decide not to go through with completing these courses,  there will still be things that you can do, just not as many of them, and probably the most important item to remember, you most likely will not be asked to participate in any activity within the FEMA organization. But,  there are other things, like bike races, parades and the like that won’t require this extra training.

Ohio’s goal of seeing that all of its ARES members have been trained and certified in ICS-100, 200, 700 & 800 by the end of June, 2016. For those of you who really aren’t seeing the reason for this I want you to take just 10 minutes of your time and read an article that was published in the March edition of QST. It’s by Rick Palm, K1CE. Now for those of you who don’t get QST, I have this article reprinted on our website 

There’s lots of meetings and hamfests coming up these next few months that I will be attending, including the Ohio Public and Private Partnership Conference in May (just before Dayton) as well. Lots to learn and to share with all our Partners in OP3. The Ohio Section has a presence like never before with our state agencies, and we ALL should be very proud of that. 

I really do like traveling and visiting with all of you at your hamfests, club meetings, picnics and especially breakfasts. It’s fantastic! So, don’t be surprised when I show up at a club function or meeting that you’re at!

73, for now..

Scott, N8SY..

Important STUFF..

Hey Gang..

Just wanted to pop in on your email boxes to let you all know that you only have today and tomorrow left to get registered for this months “Handbook Give-Away..”  The drawing will be April 1st (No.. it’s NOT an April Fool’s Day joke..) and the lucky person chosen and announced then..  I wish everyone Good Luck, but remember, you won’t be chosen if you didn’t get registered.. Go to:  http://arrl-ohio.org/handbook.html  right now to get registered. 

Are you getting those emails from me? If not, all you have to do is to “Opt-In” to receive them. Heck, just send me an email n8sy@n8sy.com, I’ll get you added to the mailing list. There’s a link to do this on the Ohio Section website, it’s on the bottom left corner.. For your convenience, here’s a direct link to it:   http://arrl-ohio.org/forwarder/forwarding.html  I urge all of you to make sure that everyone, regardless of whether they are a League member or not, get signed up for one of these options. You can always “Opt-Out” at any time if you feel this is not what you were expecting. 

Let’s talk about the Ohio Section Website.. You can find the Ohio Section Website at: http://arrl-ohio.org  If you don’t have this website set as your home page, I urge you to do so.

HEY, there’s another NEW – one question – questionnaire on the Ohio Section Website? This question is really important for me to know..  It only asks one question, and it will take all of about 2 seconds for you to answer it. You can see how your answer stacks up with others instantly too. If you haven’t done it yet, please do.. I really want to hear from you.

Something new is happening on this subject..  Tom Sly, WB8LCD is collecting information on club meetings. If you've had an interesting presentation at a club meeting in the last 12 months, please send an email to Tom.  He would like to know:  1) The topic or the name of the presentation, 2) the name and call sign of the presenter, 3) the name and location of the club, 4) do clubs usually have interesting presentations (Y/N), 5) has your club ever had a presentation done over Skype or some other internet service?

Tom stresses that he would like this information from all club members - not just club officers!  You can email Tom at:   wb8lcd@portcars.org.   All responses will be confidential.  This will greatly help Tom with a project he's working on for the benefit of clubs in the Ohio Section.

I’ve been really busy visiting with a lot of you and I have heard a lot of PROs and CONs about Ohio’s goal of seeing that all of its ARES members have been trained and certified in ICS-100, 200, 700 & 800 by the end of June, 2016. For those of you who really aren’t seeing the reason for this I want you to take just 10 minutes of your time and read an article that was published in the March edition of QST. It’s by Rick Palm, K1CE. Now for those of you who don’t get QST, I have this article reprinted on our website  http://arrl-ohio.org/QST.pdf   it is with permission of the ARRL so there’s no copyright problems. I am also producing a handout for all who is interested that I will be giving out at hamfests and club meetings. I think Rick’s views will help you better understand the in’s and outs to all of this, and why this is so very important to YOU. I do want to assure you that even if you still decide not to go through with completing these courses,  there will still be things that you can do, just not as many of them, and probably the most import item to remember, you most likely will not be asked to participate in any activity within the FEMA organization. But,  there are other things, like bike races, parades and the like that won’t require this extra training.

Ohio ARES NVIS Antenna Day -  April 23 final arrangements

The Ohio ARES NVIS antenna day is a non-contest operating activity open to all amateurs. In the case of an emergency, we will need to communicate over short distances to stations within the state of Ohio and our neighboring states.  NVIS antennas are the technology to do this, but which are best?  And, how does YOUR antenna work?

Experimenting with antennas is still one of the most fun aspects of our hobby! Tie the two purposes together, add a group of friends, plenty of coffee and a BBQ grill and you have a formula for a really good time!

Our goal is to concentrate on 40 meters, our usual daytime emergency band. We’ll hold onto 80 meters as a backup in case 40 just falls apart, but our operation is intended for 40 meters. This year, we will have 6 “Anchor Stations” in operation for NVIS Day. They will be in various parts of Ohio to give you consistent reports as you compare your different antennas.  The overall goal is still to figure out your best NVIS antenna, and contact as many other NVIS stations as possible to plot your coverage area.  Take pictures!  Submit your antenna evaluations: which designs you used, how they performed, etc. and submit a log report with overall number of contacts, your location and operators. Most of all- have a great time!

NVIS ANTENNA DAY GUIDELINES:

Stations:

Stations may be operated from anywhere by any licensed amateur, or any group.  These may be home stations, EOC stations, or portable. Any power source may be used. The only stipulation is that all stations transmit with 100 watts power. That will help keep comparisons consistent.  We would like to get ALL Ohio counties active in this event, as many stations as possible!

There is no restriction on food or beverage consumption- enjoying each other’s company is a must!

Operation:

Operation will be on 40 meter phone (with 80 as a last-ditch fallback) from 10 AM EDT to 4 PM EDT on Saturday, April 23.     Make contact with as many Anchor Stations as possible, and make as many contacts with other counties as possible. You can contact any station in the event, but remember we’re looking for NVIS contacts, so stay close to Ohio.

Log:

Keep records of each antenna you’ve tried- take pictures!  We’re interested in compiling which designs are the most successful.  Keep a log of contacts with callsign, county, and if possible antenna description of your contacted station.  We’ll want to know your final count of station contacts.  We do have a form you can print and use, but there is no formal requirement for your log: Cabrillo, spreadsheet, or written summary will work.

Email your contest report to:  nvis@k8es.org 

Anchor Stations:

Although you are encouraged to contact as many stations as possible, these Anchor Stations will be on the air for the duration of the event to provide comparative signal reports.   Their locations will be plus/minus QRM or existing nets. Best practice is to move up a bit if the desired frequency is in use.

7240      W8SGT                 Ohio EOC

7250      W8EOC                Medina County EOC

7260      W8MRN               Marion County ARES

7270      KB8DNA               Huron County ARES

7280      W8ERD                Delaware County ARES

7290      W8BI                    Montgomery County (DARA)

Evaluation:

The Marion County ARES group will compile a listing of the different types of antennas used, and their relative performance. We’ll also look at which stations were able to have the greatest number of counties contacted, and which stations have the highest number of contacts.

I have lots of meetings and hamfests to attend these next few months, as well as representing YOU at the Ohio Public Private Partnership (OP3) meetings, the Emergency Management Association of Ohio (EMAO) and let’s not forget the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) here in Ohio. The Ohio Section has a presence like never before with our state agencies, and we are working very hard at making that presence grow and prosper for all of YOU. As you may know, the Ohio Section of the ARRL is the largest Section in the country. It’s even bigger than a Division or two. So, with that in mind, it’s only fair to say that Ohio also deserves to have a full time Section Manager. One that can freely travel all over the state visiting with, and representing YOU. So, don’t be surprised when I just “pop-in” at your meeting or function. I really do like traveling and visiting with all of you at your hamfests, club meetings, picnics and especially breakfasts. It’s fantastic! 

Oh, and don’t be too surprised when I show up at a meeting you’re at!!

73, for now..


Scott, N8SY..

*********

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ARRL Letter for March 24..

Hey Gang,

Here's a link to the ARRL Letter March 24th edition..


                                                                      >> Click Here <<


73, for now..


Scott, N8SY..

Let's Talk.. Just a REMINDER about tomorrow..

Hey Gang,

Just wanted to REMIND all of you that as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, as coordinated by OCSWA, the state of Ohio will participate in a statewide tornado drill and test its Emergency Alert System (EAS) on Wednesday, March 23 at 9:50 a.m.

During this time, Ohio counties will sound and test their outdoor warning sirens. Schools,
businesses and households are encouraged to practice their tornado drills and emergency plans.

**********

Are you getting those emails from me? If not, all you have to do is to “Opt-In” to receive them. Heck, just send me an email n8sy@n8sy.com, I’ll get you added to the mailing list. There’s a link to do this on the Ohio Section website, it’s on the bottom left corner.. For your convenience, here’s a direct link to it:
http://arrl-ohio.org/forwarder/forwarding.html

I urge all of you to make sure that everyone, regardless of whether they are a League member or not, get signed up for one of these options. You can always “Opt-Out” at any time if you feel this is not what you were expecting.

************

ALSO..  Have you seen the NEWEST “Handbook Giveaway” drawing on the website yet? It’s there..!! Looking at the results so far entered in the latest question poll it looks like you really want this drawing to continue. To enter the drawing all you need to do is fill in a couple of boxes on the form.. (your name and email). That’s you need to do to be entered into a drawing to win a 2016 ARRL softcover Handbook. There’s nothing else required (Oh.. You do need to be a resident of Ohio to win..)   The winner will be mailed the Handbook at my cost. This is being offered just to see how many folks are really checking in on the website. Got the idea? Best of luck to you!!

************

HEY, there’s another NEW – one question – questionnaire on the Ohio Section Website? This question is really important for me to know.. I’m asking if you use Facebook or Twitter. I really want to know if you are using either of these Social Media outlets so I can better communicate with all of you. It only asks this one question and it will take all of about 2 seconds for you to answer it, and you can see how your answer stacks up with others instantly. If you haven’t done it yet, please do.. I really want to hear from you.

************

I’ve been really busy attending meetings and hamfests. As you may know, the Ohio Section of the ARRL is the largest Section in the country. It’s even bigger than a Division or two. So, with that in mind, it’s only fair to say that Ohio also deserves to have a full time Section Manager. One that can freely travel all over the state visiting with, and representing YOU. So, don’t be surprised when I just “pop-in” at your meeting or function. I really do like traveling and visiting with all of you at your hamfests, club meetings, picnics and especially breakfasts. It’s fantastic!

That's going to do it for now..  Don't forget to check-in tomorrow with your local ARES / RACES or EMA!!

73, for now..

Scott, N8SY..


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Handbook Winner and More..

Hey Gang..

Just wanted to “POP” into your emails quickly to let you in on just a couple of important items..

First, and probably the one most on everyone’s mind in the Ohio Section right now..  Who was chosen to receive the 2016 ARRL Handbook for January. Well, if you haven’t already heard, it’s none other than..

Tom Williams, K9DAC..  Congratulations Tom..   

Now, don’t fret if you didn’t win this time around, there’s going to be another drawing very soon. How will you know? Easy, it will be on the website.. Just look for the “NEW” beside the “Handbook Give Away” link.. That will let you know instantly that there is a new drawing going on. Yes, I’ll still let you all know that it is underway via this method as well, but it just might not be the same day. I may take a few days before I send anything out just to see who’s paying attention to the website. So, I would highly recommend that you become a regular viewer of the Ohio Section Website – http://arrl-ohio.org   As you can see, it pays to get logged on!!

******

Hey, did you notice that there is a NEW, one question poll on the website? There is, go check it out..

******

Have you paid attention to the latest from our Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) Stan, N8BHL?? He’s made the ARRL Media Page once again. This actually is the second time just this past week he’s done this!! He’s really become a regular on the ARRL site lately. This time he’s promoting NVIS Day. Haven’t heard that Ohio is doing that again this year? Well, you’ll definitely want to click on this link: 

http://www.arrl.org/news/ohio-sec-hoping-to-expand-nvis-antenna-day-activity-this-year  to get all the details.. I’ll give you one hint, it’s being held April 23^rd. Don’t miss out on the FUN.

******

Are you getting those emails from me? If not, all you have to do is to

“Opt-In” to receive them. Heck, I’ll get you added to the Email Listing.

just send me an email to: n8sy@n8sy.com

There’s a link to do this on the Ohio Section website, it’s on the bottom left corner.. For your convenience, here’s a direct link to it:  http://arrl-ohio.org/forwarder/forwarding.html   

I urge all of you to make sure that everyone, regardless of whether they are a League member or not, get signed up for one of these options. You can always “Opt-Out” at any time if you feel this is not what you were expecting.

******

The 11^th Annual PCARS Freeze Your Acorns Off QRP event will take place on Saturday, February 13, 2016, at our favorite freezer, Fred Fuller Park in Kent at the Roy Smith Shelter House.

They will be operating from: 10am - 4pm EST and will be active on CW & Phone in the General areas of the 10, 15, 20, 40 and 80 meter bands (Repeater & Echolink on the K8SRR echo link node for a certificate) and anything else we can get working. Club Call Sign K8BF for a certificate.

Other participating stations will be using their own callsign/FYAO, or calling “CQ FYAO” (only stations at the Freeze Your Acorns Off event should use the /FYAO designator). Yes, they will be braving the cold snowy weather of North Eastern Ohio to set up QRP stations using portable power and antennas.

A beautiful color (suitable for framing) 8" x 10" certificate is available if you contact K8BF and send your QSL with a large SASE to the club call trustee:  Bob Hewett, K8FEY - 3670 Sea Ray Cove - Reminderville, OH 44202

So, from the comfort of your warm radio shack - give them a contact while they're out freezing. They'll need all the contacts they can make to help keep them warm. Your support will be very much appreciated!

Check PCARS out on the web at: www.portcars.org

Questions? Contact Chuck, W8PT at W8PT@portcars.org

******

And my final..  It seems like some weeks I’m on the road almost every night. I do love it. As you know, the Ohio Section of the ARRL is the largest Section in the country. It’s even bigger than a Division or two. So, with that in mind, it’s only fair to say that Ohio also deserves to have a full time Section Manager, one that can freely travel all over the state.

So, don’t be surprised if I just “pop-in” at your meeting or function sometime. I really do love visiting with all of you at your hamfests, club meetings, picnics and breakfasts. It’s fantastic, and Ohio Amateurs are the greatest!

Oh, by the way, if you need a speaker, don’t be afraid to ask me. I’ll be happy to come and speak, show a video, or just sit and listen to you folks. I’m always here for YOU.

73, for now

Scott, N8SY.. 

>>P.S.  Don’t forget, Groundhog Day is tomorrow, February 2^nd.. It’s predicted that there will be sunshine for Tuesday.. If that happens it means that we will have 6 more weeks of winter.. Of course, if it is cloudy and he doesn’t see sunshine, it means that we have 6 more weeks of winter.. Either way, it looks like we will have SPRING in about 6 weeks!!!!  Just food for thought..

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GOOOOOD Morning Ohio Section..

I just wanted to pop into your emails to let you know of a couple of important items that will be of interest..

 

First..  The ARRL IT Department will conduct overnight maintenance on its network on Saturday, January 30, to improve reliability and security. The work will occur between 8 PM EST on Saturday, January 30, and 6 AM EST on Sunday, January 31. (January 31, from 0100 UTC until 1100 UTC).

During this period some or all systems may be temporarily unavailable.

The website will remain up but online purchasing will not be available. E-mail also will be offline, but all messages will be queued for later delivery.

****

Second..  ARES Volunteers Help to Distribute Water in Ohio Community with Lead-Tainted Water..

Flint, Michigan, is not the only community with water problems due to high lead content. During the week of January 18, some 8100 water customers in Sebring, Ohio, were notified that they, too, had problems with high lead content in their drinking water. On January 22, both Ohio and Mahoning County Emergency Management Agencies began passing out bottled water in Sebring. Mahoning County ARES Emergency Coordinator Wes Boyd, W8IZC, activated ARES to assist.

“Response on the workday was low, but a handful of ARES volunteers were able to respond,” said Ohio Section Emergency Coordinator Stan Broadway, N8BHL.

Boyd said, “EMA and Red Cross were overjoyed that radio operators came to work not needing a radio.”

ARES volunteers joined others in moving and distributing pallets of bottled water, and another call went for weekend duty. ARES members from neighboring counties volunteered. All told, the volunteers moved more than 166 pallets of water in 6 days.

“This is a perfect example of being ready to serve in whatever capacity we can, in order to help our communities. Sometimes it doesn’t involve only operating a radio,” Broadway said.

****

Third…  Are you getting those emails from me? If not, all you have to do is to “Opt-In” to receive n8sy@n8sy.com  I’ll get you added to the Email Server.

them. Heck, just send me an email to: 

There’s a link to do this on the Ohio Section website, it’s on the bottom left corner.. For your convenience, here’s a direct link to it:  http://arrl-ohio.org/forwarder/forwarding.html   

I urge all of you to make sure that everyone, regardless of whether they are a League member or not, get signed up for one of these options. You can always “Opt-Out” at any time if you feel this is not what you were expecting.

*****

 

Fourth… Handbook Give-away. The deadline for entering the drawing is closing fast, midnight January 31^st. If you haven’t registered yet, I urge you to do so quickly.. This is a great opportunity for you to possibly win a 2016 softcover ARRL Handbook.  

Good Luck, and maybe your picture will be the next one posted as being the one who receives a Handbook!!

*****

And the final..  It seems like some weeks I’m on the road almost every night. I do love it. As you know, the Ohio Section of the ARRL is the largest Section in the country. It’s even bigger than a Division or two. So, with that in mind, it’s only fair to say that Ohio also deserves to have a full time Section Manager, one that can freely travel all over the state. So, don’t be surprised when I just “pop-in” at your meeting or function. I really do like traveling and visiting with all of you at your hamfests, club meetings, picnics and breakfasts. It’s fantastic! And, if you need a speaker, don’t be afraid to ask.    

73, for now..

Scott, N8SY

eof

Let's Talk.. Just for a couple of seconds..

Hey Gang,

 

Just wanted to pop into your emails really quick to let you know that our good friend and

Congresswoman, Marcy Kaptur has just signed on to H.R. 1301.. Let’s everyone rally around MS. Kaptur and thank her for her support.

I have an active window within the Parity Act webpage on the Ohio Section website that will take you to the most recent updates that the Congress has done on the Bill, including who’s signed on.

Here’s the link to our page..  http://arrl-ohio.org/SM_special.html  Just go down to the tan box all the way down to the end of the page and click on the linked text “HR-1301” to get all the lasts details from the House of Representatives themselves..

Stay tuned.. There’s more to come for sure..

*****

HEY, I know that most of you are looking, but did you see that there’s another NEW – one question – questionnaire on the Ohio Section Website? It only asks one question and it will take all of about 2 seconds for you to answer it, and you can see how your answer stacks up with others instantly. If you haven’t done it yet, please do.. I really want to hear from you.

*****

Are you getting those emails from me? If not, all you have to do is to “Opt-In” to receive them. Heck, just send me an email to:  n8sy@n8sy.com  I’ll get you added to the Email Server.

There’s a link to do this on the Ohio Section website, it’s on the bottom left corner.. For your convenience, here’s a direct link to it: 

                                                              http://arrl-ohio.org/forwarder/forwarding.html  

I urge all of you to make sure that everyone, regardless of whether they are a League member or not, get signed up for one of these options. You can always “Opt-Out” at any time if you feel this is not what you were expecting.

*****

Handbook Give-away..  I’ve been trying an experiment to see just how many of you are actually looking and investigating the website as you’ve told me you’re doing when I ask you at your club meetings.. I’ve found out that not as many of you are actually looking as has been stated at your meetings! Shame on you.. BUT.. You can change that.. All you have to do is start being a regular check-in to the site. You’ll find it at: http://arrl-ohio.org if you don’t have it set as your home page on your browser, at least set it up as a “favorite” so that you can access it quickly.

Now for the drawing.. Yes, we did have a winner and if you’ve been paying attention you’ll know and see just who it is, so I won’t spoil your surprise here.. Now why am I bringing this up you ask?? That’s because there’s going to be another Giveaway coming up very soon (January). Just when it will start is going to be a surprise.

That’s why I’d suggest that you keep an eye open regularly to the website.

Good Luck, and maybe your picture will be the next one posted as being the one who receives a Handbook!!

*****

OHIO HAMFEST CALENDAR

01/17/2016 | SCARF Hamfest

Location: Nelsonville, OH

Sponsor: Sunday Creek Amateur Radio Federation

Website: http://www.qrz.com/db/kc8aav

01/24/2016 | Tusco ARC Hamfest

Location: Strasburg, OH

Sponsor: Tusco Amateur Radio Club

Website: http://www.tuscoarc.org

*****

That’s going to do it for now..

73,

Scott, N8SY..

eof..