The Ohio Section Journal

In this issue:

- Section Emergency Coordinator Report

- EC’s and Net Managers Need to File Your Annual Reports Now!

- Section Traffic Manager – Reporting Your Traffic Activities

- Training Updates

- Affiliated Club News

- Inside the Web

- Technical Coordinator Report

- Statehouse Happenings

- Out and About in Southeast Ohio

- Southwest Ohio News

- Being Careful Not to Become Too Political

- Top Ten Reasons to Check into the Buckeye Late Net

- Ohio Section Special Event Stations

- Upcoming Hamfests in Ohio

- From the Desk of the Section Manager

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SECTION EMERGENCY COORDINATOR REPORT

Former SEC / New PIC Jack Sovik, KB8WPZ

As you may know, that as of Dec. 31, 2010, I have resigned my post as Section Emergency Coordinator, for the Ohio Section. After almost 4 years it was time to move on and leave this job. I have accepted the cabinet position as Public Information Coordinator (PIC), for the Ohio Section. This new job takes me back to my "grass roots" and why I got involved with the Section, as a PIO a few years ago. When this opportunity was offered to me by Section Manager, Frank Piper KI8GW, I said "why not". As you may or may not know, my real job is, and has been for the last 41 years, the National Advertising Manager at The Vindicator, in Youngstown.

I would like to thank SM Frank Piper KI8GW for his patience, and good judgment. It has been an honor working as your SEC. I will do my best as PIC.

Thank you to the Ohio Cabinet, no finer group exists in the country.

Finally, I would like to thank the DECs, and all the leadership and members of Ohio ARES for 4 memorable years. You are dedicated and professional group that give thankless and countless hours helping the people of Ohio in many different ways. I know you will show the new DEC Matt Welsh W8DEC with the same support that you have shown me.

I now have a new job, as PIC. I know many of the PIOs and you are all, a professional giving group. I look forward working with all of you.

You will still see me around at conferences, hamlets, and of course, Hamvention. Please keep in touch.

Jack Sovik, KB8WPZ

Public Information Coordinator -Ohio Section kb8wpz@arrl.net

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EC’s, DEC’s AND NET MANAGERS – GET YOUR ANNUAL REPORTS IN NOW!

Frank Piper, KI8GW - Ohio Section Manager

By the end of this month, DEC’s and EC’s need to file their Annual ARES Activity Reports (Form C) and Simulated Emergency Tests (Form A).

Likewise, NTS Net Managers need too submit their SET reports (Form B) in the same time frame.

This annual report to the ARRL provides the ARRL with the proper data they need to justify our frequencies.

The forms can be found on the ARRL website at: http://www.arrl.org/public-service-field-services-forms

Please be sure to copy all required SEC’s, DEC’s STM’s and the Section Manager where applicable.

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REPORTING YOUR TRAFFIC ACTIVITY

Dave Maynard, WA3EZN – Ohio Section Traffic Manager

Station Activity Report:

Be sure to get the recognition you and your net deserves. Let Ohio amateurs know that your net is active. This can best be done by reporting your monthly net activity so it can be published for all to see. ARRL leadership is always interested in activity reports from stations participating in the NTS, even if only one message is handled during the reporting month. In Ohio the monthly Station Activity Report is filed with WA3EZN the Section Traffic Manager. Monthly activity reports of individual stations' message traffic handling are to be sent to the Section Traffic Manager within the first days of the next month.

However, there are reporting and publishing deadlines. Plan on having the report received by the STM by the sixth of the following month (the SM and STM both report activities to ARRL early in the following month).

Traffic handling conducted on the non-amateur Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) frequencies are not to be counted in amateur radio activity reports to the ARRL

Your monthly traffic report radiogram should look like this:

1 Routine KD8XXX 3 Anytown Ohio February 1

Dave WA3EZN Hilliard Ohio

Break

January Traffic 10

Break

KD8XXX

NOTE: Of course you would use your call and city or town. Avoid adding addition words or information in the text as this simple format is what will be expected and adding additional words or 73 can cause confusion.

Have your report to WA3EZN no later than the sixth of the month so he has time to compile the data and meet the ARRL QST deadline. If reports are not received in time by the Ohio Section Traffic Manager, the report will not appear on the ARRL Ohio Section website at http://arrl-ohio.org/ or http://arrl-ohio.org/stm/stm.html nor will they go to ARRL HQ for printing in QST Magazine.

How to count your points for you station activity report? Count one point for each message from a third party for sending over the air via your amateur radio station. This "extra" credit is given for an off-the-air function because of the value of contact with the general public. For every message you send over the air from your station to another amateur you receive one point. A message received over the air from another amateur you receive a point, whether received for relaying (sending) or for delivery to the addressee. The act of delivery of a message to a third party (addressee) receives a point in addition to a received point. This is strictly an off-the-air function and must be coupled with receipt of the message over the air from another amateur station..

Here are some examples. You initiate a radiogram and send it over the air to another amateur station you count it as one point. You receive a message from you neighbor and send in over the air as a radiogram to another amateur station you count it as two (2) points. You receive a radiogram over the air from an amateur station and sent it over the air to another amateur station radio you count it as two (2) points. You receive a radiogram from another amateur station over the air and deliver to the address you count it as two points. You can use voice, CW, Packet, RTTY or any other over the air mode to send or receive the radiogram.

Another important report is the ARRL Public Service Honor Roll (PSHR) report.

The ARRL Public Service Honor Roll (PSHR) recognizes the efforts of Amateur Radio operators who are active in many aspects of public service. This includes net operations, traffic handling, emergency operations and public service communication support. There are chances that you're already involved with some aspect of Amateur Radio that would apply to the Public Service Honor Roll. Take a look at the PSHR categories and descriptions to see where your Amateur Radio activities fit in.

At the end of each calendar month, just add up your qualifying points.

If it reaches the 70-point level (or more), you've qualified for the Public Service Honor Roll! Report the good news with your call sign and monthly PSHR point total to your ARRL Ohio Section Traffic Manager.

Simply send a radiogram to David WA3EZN – Hilliard, Ohio – No address or phone number is needed. David will compile the report and send to the Section Manager and forward the report onto ARRL Headquarters so that Headquarters staff may prepare these for listing in the Field Organization Reports segment of QST.

Your radiogram should look like this:

2 Routine KD8XXX 10 Anytown Ohio February 1

Dave WA3EZN

Hilliard Ohio

Break

January PSHR 40 40 10 0 0 0 Total 90

Break

KD8XXX

Here’s how to count your Public Service Honor Roll points.

The six areas for rating are:

1. Participating in a public service net (max. 40)

2. Handling formal messages (max. 40)

3. Serving in an ARRL-sponsored volunteer position (max. 30)

4. Participating in a scheduled, short-term public service event, including off-the-air meetings (5 points per hour - no limit)

5. Participating in an unplanned emergency response (5 points per hour - no limit)

6. Providing and maintaining an automated digital system handling ARRL radiogram-formatted messages or a web page e-mail list server oriented toward Amateur Radio public service. (10 points per item)

More detailed information on PSHR reporting can be found at these links:

http://arrl-ohio.org/stm/stm.html http://www.oharts.org/sar.html

http://www.arrl.org/files/media/Group/PSHR.htm

Another amateur radio achievement is the Brass Pounders League. The Brass Pounders League is open to all amateurs in the US, Canada and US possessions who report to their Section Managers a total of 500 or more points or a sum of 100 or more origination and delivery points for any calendar month. Messages must be handled on amateur radio frequencies within 48 hours of receipt in standard ARRL radiogram format.

A description of how an individual radio amateur should properly count traffic handling points (for his or her monthly Station Activity Report and also for the monthly Brass Pounders League credit) may be found in the ARRL Public Service Communications Manual – and specifically at this Web page link: http://www.arrl.org/chapter-ten-counting-net-traffic

Thank you for all you do for the Amateur Radio Service, the Ohio Section, your fellow Hams, and your communities.

73,

David Maynard, WA3EZN

Ohio Section Traffic Manager

wa3ezn@arrl.net

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TRAINING UPDATES

John Frederick, N8GOU - Assistant Section Manager, Training

Greetings

I want to congratulate Matt Welsch, W8DEC on his selection as SEC. It seems I get through the hectic holidays and I get put back in the fire at work. I have been on the road for the last week so this is going to be a short article.

Here in Southwest Ohio the winter has been very mild I hope where you are at you can say the same. This time of year can be an extremely busy one for Emergency Communicators; when old man winter comes on with a vengeance. Has your district or county done a Winter Emergency Drill?

Do you have a local tasking to support winter emergencies within your county? I am still collecting data for compiling a procedures and practice’s manual for the state. Any training you do specifically to support winter emergencies would be a great addition.

Looking forward is your district or county preparing for spring? Let me know what training events you are using to prepare for the Spring.

Last and but not least, the Ohio Section Conference will be here soon; do you have a suggestion regarding training?

As always I can be contacted at: N8GOU@arrl.org

73,

John Frederick, N8GOU

Assistant Section Manager Training

n8gou@arrl.net

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AFFILIATED CLUB NEWS

E. Mike McCardel, KC8YLD - Affiliated Club Coordinator, Ohio Section

I'd like to thank everyone who made such nice comments about my mention of things every club should do, in last month’s column. It even got picked up by several newsletters including the Winter 2012 "The Ham Radio Promoter" thanks Dee W1HEO and others. It's nice to know someone is reading them.

Remember to file an annual report if you haven't already. For detailed instructions see last months newsletter. You can easily get started from http://www.arrl.org/clubs.

Also stop by and visit the Ohio Section web site http://www.arrl-ohio.org and the a sections Facebook page ARRL-OHIO.

There is a lot happening and a good deal of breaking news all the time.

The web page gets over 130,000 hits a months. Don't be left out.

What will $5.00 buy you? How about admission to the Columbus Hamfest sponsored by Voice of Aladdin ARC (W8FEZ), which includes a table if you want one. This year it will also include the Ohio Section Convention. There will be a lot going on at this event so mark August 4 on your calendar now. I suggest that whole clubs try to converge on this one. I'm on the planning committee for the convention and it is beginning to be shaping up quite well. It is a really nice venue.

I just opened my February issue of QST. Being an AMSAT member I was excited About all the information on the history of amateur satellites, but I got must excited when I turned to page 13. There was a picture of Tom Sly WB8LCD and Dave Rarrick WB2DFC presenting a check and a car load of food to Sr. Denise Stiles. PCARS collected the cash and goods for the Center of Hope. A great community service. PCARS is very active with something happening every week. Activities run a broad range from Morse code class to Tech and General classes to Freezing Their Acorns Off running QRP. Good work folks!

My home club Mount Vernon ARC had another excellent technical demonstration at their January meeting when Don Russell, W8PEN demonstrated using the clubs remote base HF station. I like to consider the MVARC as the Atom Ant of Ohio's clubs, small but powerful.

Central Ohio Radio Club will hold their annual meeting Feb. 19 at the Genoa Township Hall. They will hold elections and have updated reports on their repeaters and an overview of last year's operations.

Don Kingan AB8KV was named 2011 Ham of the Year by the Alliance ARC. I had the privilege of speaking at their meeting in December and it was a great time. They just began their Tech classes which will continue into March. They just recently published a series in their Zero Beat on How I Became a Ham. Now they are on to Show Me Your Shack.

Lake County ARA conducts Exam Sessions first Saturdays every other month at the Kirkland Library. There next two sessions are Feb 4 and April 7. There elections were January 4 and they are currently collecting dues for 2012.

The OH-KY-IN ARS January program was by Charlie Gilbert W4UZI on the Old Man International Sideband Society (of which I am a member) OMISS is a work all states group that operates nationwide on most HF bands. They also held their Brunch Bunch at the Red Squirrel Jan 14.

Massillon's January meeting was at the Hometown Buffet and was their annual rewards banquet. They are planning to view the 30 minute documentary about the W3AO 50a Field Day Operation in 2004 as a program in February or March. I'll be visiting their club in March so maybe I'll get to see it.

The Buckeye Burr, the newsletter of the Buckeye Belles, announced that YLRL has a new website Visit it at http://www.tlrl.hfradio.net My heart goes out the Belles and YLRL, they have had just way too many SK's lately.

The Western Reserve ARC is looking for a new Field Day venue as well as looking around for a new meeting place where they can set up a permanent station. My suggestion, as always, for Field Day is a truly Public Place like a shopping mall or maybe the Giant Eagle where Steve KC8SOY felt the earthquake. Oh, if anyone in the WRARC area needs an Elmer contact questions@wrarc.net.

I have been reminding everyone that fun of our hobby is tinkering. ARRL is reaching out to tinkerers in their latest video release. If you haven't seen in yet visit http://www.arrl.org/dyi Show it at a meeting. Show it at events. There is even a pamphlet and other materials being developed support it. There are a lot of people out there that are a lot like us. Show them how their hobbies could be richer with ham radio.

Until next month, Get on the Air!

73,

E. Mike McCardel, KC8YLD

Affiliated Club Coordinator - Ohio Section kc8yld@arrl.net

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INSIDE THE WEB

Scott Yonally, N8SY – ASM Ohio Webmaster

>> Welp, it’s a New Year!!! May the best of 2011 be the worst of

2012 for you. I took a week off from work between Christmas and New Years and just had a ball. My wife and I took day trips hitting some of the real big tourist traps over several states. As most of you know I have a great passion for hand gun shooting (short barrel). While on vacation I got to partake in a self defense shooting course. It was a blast, and I learned a lot from my instructors. No, I’m no Marshall Dillon standing in the middle of the street doing the kill shot from the hip, but I did do pretty well at hitting those pop-up targets during my walk down gangster alley. This is the same course that our para-military forces uses for training. It was a blast putting down those bad guys, and I didn’t even hurt one innocent by-stander! I ended up with a very good passing grade, but I do know that if it were real life shooting, I probably wouldn’t have done quite so well.

It’s not so tough when the objects aren’t shooting back! Trust me, I never want to have to use my training for real, but it is good to know that I can handle myself with good restraint when under some pressure. I put over 1,500 rounds through my SR-9 in this training. Boy did it ever need a cleaning after I got done!

>> Now, on to business at hand, let’s get things fired up and ready for QSO’s.. Have you been taking any of the weekly surveys that I’ve been posting on the website? I’ve been having a lot of fun with these, and I think you guys have been too by the responses. I’ve had excellent responses from all of you. Let’s keep it going. Are there any questions that you’d like asked that haven’t been? Just send me what you’d like to see there. I’ll get them into the queue.

>> Moving down the band a little.. I haven’t heard much from the clubs out there lately about the "Club Links" page. There’s not that many clubs in Ohio listed, so, how’s about sending me the link to your club website!! Come on.. Let’s get with it!! My goal is to have the most complete listing of clubs that we can. Oh, by the way, it doesn’t have to be just Ohio clubs either.. Send me any club link that you know about. I’ll get it posted.

>> Now.. moving the VFO back up the band a bit.. I hope you have taken some time and looked at the re-build of the Ohio Section Website!

I’ve been working very diligently on getting it updated to the new format and making sure that it isn’t as complicated with being able to find things. I’m trying to put everything that relates to that section in one spot. I’ve also been checking out all the links to make sure that they work correctly and point to where they are supposed to.

I feel that the format is a lot easier to navigate and view from a multitude of different platforms (ie.. cell phones, tablet PC’s; netbooks and so on..). Yes folks, we did listen to your comments and concerns. I have been using some software that allows me to view the pages as they would be viewed from many different platforms, but I do need to hear from you if something isn’t looking like it should.

Please let me know how the new website functions with your device. Drop me a line to tell me it’s working good or what isn’t working and don’t forget to tell me what device you are viewing the website on, as well as the OS (Operating System) you are using

>> Now.. moving the VFO down the band even a bit further.. Since this is the beginning of a new year I again want to remind all of you that if you are looking for a "guest" speaker for your monthly meetings, that at the Ohio Section has a "Speakers Bureau" that is available for your next club meeting. Just let Frank, KI8GW, our Section Manager know what event you need us for and we’ll do our best to have someone there.

>> Switching bands.. I want to announce the Ohio State ARRL Convention being held on August 4th. It will be tied to the Columbus Hamfest. Just go to the Ohio Section website for all the details. Click on the State Convention link on the right side of the main page.

You’ll want to be sure to put this in your favorites listing, as that the information will be updated regularly as forums, vendors and other important information gets posted. I do know of one vendor that has already made the commitment to come, Universal Amateur Radio. Stay tuned for more updates on vendors and as well as what all the forums will be and there times..

Oh, did I mention about the forums? Well, let me tell you now, we are putting out the call for those of you who’d like to do a presentation at the convention. Please, if you would like to be a forum presenter, we’d like to hear from you. Send me your name and contact information and what you’d like to present. We’ll be in contact. Please contact me before March 1st at n8sy@n8sy.com.

Now, one final round in the roundtable discussion before going QRT..

Have you been watching the television show "Last Man Standing" as I mentioned last month? Welp, I have. Although there hasn’t been any direct mention of ham radio yet, there has been a lot of shots of the ham station these past few weeks. It’s funny to see it on national TV in this way. Usually we are in some news story that lasts just a minute or so with a ham at the mic rattling on while the newscaster explains what’s happening. What I’ve seen thus far has only been shots of the radios and a couple of certificates, but you do get to see a lot of the oval sticker that just states HAM. I would wager to say that there’s been at least 5 minutes per show where you can see that oval sticker.

A final, final.. Now I do have to say that I have heard from a lot of you out there about the trivia question.. "What was another nationally broadcast weekly show that had one of its actors portrayed as an Amateur Radio operator?" I got a number of you telling me about Herman Munster and his Ham adventures. One person mentioned Arthur Godfrey and another mentioned "Wilbur" in the Mr. Ed series.

How’s about "Ross" from the Patty Duke Show. We also have Ronnie Milsap in several TV appearances where he shows his ham shack in his bus just to mention a few. This was fun guys.. It brought up a lot of good memories for many of us. Is there more, you bet. Walter Cronkite did several specials while he was still an anchor on CBS and then there’s Joe Walsh. He’s done several national shows showing off his ham station as well. I’m sure I could go on and on, but I’ll end it there for now.

We’ll do another trivia soon. I’m sure that you’ll have as much fun with it as I’ve had. So, for now, 73 all.

Scott Yonally, N8SY

Assistant Section Manager - Webmaster n8sy@arrl.net

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TECHNICAL COORDINATOR REPORT

Jim Yoder, W8ERW - Technical Coordinator - Ohio Section

Following a weeklong visit to family in Florida between the holidays, I’ve returned to the nest here in Tiffin. The excellent weather in central Florida was a nice relief from the daily grind and a welcome chance to explore some of the attractions of the Sunshine state.

Looking forward to and anticipating the return of warm weather and the chance to get outside and make those adjustment and additions to our equipment, I might mention here the many resources available to the Ohio Section that relate to the technical operation of our stations.

ARRL publishes many excellent references on antenna construction, operating modes, interference issues and others that are available on the ARRL website as well as from most of the vendors who provide commercially for our needs. QST also contains a wealth of information on all aspects of our hobby and is one of the great benefits of ARRL membership. Much of the information in the print edition of QST is also available on line along with any updates and additional reference materials.

Your Ohio Section leadership is also a resource that I encourage you to use. The ARRL field organization including headquarters in Newington and the Great Lakes Division also provide excellent support that can be brought to bear on many of the obstacles and issues that our members may require assistance in resolving. If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact an Ohio Section Cabinet member. We will do our best to bring you into contact with the appropriate resources to meet your needs.

Many of you are active members and leaders of our many local and affiliated clubs. As you plan the activities of your group for the year, please consider the availability of ARRL materials and speakers as a resource during your planning. As your Technical Coordinator, my interest is in providing you with the support and resources that will allow your Amateur Radio experience to be both rewarding and positive.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me or any of your Ohio Section Cabinet members whenever you have questions or require our assistance.

73,

Jim Yoder, W8ERW

Technical Coordinator - Ohio Section

w8erw@arrl.net

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STATEHOUSE HAPPENINGS

Nick Pittner, K8NAP - State Government Liaison, Ohio

H. B. 158 is scheduled for it’s next hearing before the State and Local Government and Veteran’s Affairs Committee early February at the statehouse. The hearing is described as being for testimony by "Proponent, Opponent and Interested Parties" with a possible vote following the testimony. We anticipate that some minor amendments offered by Senator Seitz, which we have seen and agreed to, will be offered as well. We also anticipate that the Ohio Municipal league will offer testimony in opposition to the Bill, as they have before the House Committee.

It seems that the Municipal League’s opposition has little to do with the merits of the antenna bill, and everything to do with their view that the Home Rule provision of the Ohio Constitution prevents the legislature from passing any bill that limits the authority of municipalities in Ohio. Article 18, Section 3 of the Ohio Constitution states, "Municipalities shall have authority to exercise all powers of local self-government and to adopt and enforce within their limits such local police, sanitary and other similar regulations, as are not in conflict with general laws." The league has argued that because H.B. 158 requires municipalities to observe the mandates of PRB-1, the FCC regulation of amateur antennas, and prohibits municipalities from passing laws that unreasonably restrict amateur radio antennas, it is an unlawful encroachment on municipal legislative authority under the Ohio Constitution.

The legislative team has given the Committee a research paper drafted by Capital Law School Professor Jeff Ferriell, K8ZDA, which supports the view that the FCC regulations, (PRB-1) supersede even the Ohio Constitution and represent a binding obligation on the municipalities, even without the passage of H.B. 158. In addition, we have offered additional testimony on the subject, with the help of additional legal research from Bob Winston, W2THU, pointing out that the General Assembly has the power to pass general laws providing for the health, safety and welfare of our citizens, and that in those instances, municipal legislative authority must yield to that of the state. One example of this is a recent Ohio Supreme Court Decision to the effect that cities cannot legislatively prohibit concealed-carry on municipal property. Ohioans for Concealed Carry Inc. v. City of Clyde, 120 Ohio St. 3d 96 (2008). We also noted that H.B. 158 doesn’t require municipalities to do any more, or less, than what they would be required to do without the Bill, save for the presumption that 75 feet is a reasonable antenna height. The bottom line is this; disasters know no boundaries and city residents are in no less need of emergency communications in times of disaster than any other citizen of Ohio.

The Bill needs statewide application to effectively serve all Ohioans, and the Ohio Constitution clearly permits the State to regulate matters of health, safety and welfare, such as H.B. 158, when necessary to accomplish that.

H.B. 158 has already passed the House and if passed in the Committee the Bill would then go the full Senate for vote. If approved there, it would go to Governor Kasich for signature. If signed, it would become law in 90 days, barring a statewide referendum which is unlikely. Our efforts are now at a critical stage. If the Senate Committee rejects the Bill, we would be forced to either abandon the effort or start over. If the Committee approves the Bill, passage by the full Senate is likely and we know of no reason why Governor Kasich wouldn’t sign it.

At this point it’s appropriate to thank the many radio amateurs who gave their time and efforts to help us get to this point, with sincere apologies if I’ve missed anyone. Jeff Ferriell and Bob Winston are mentioned above. Of course, Frank Piper, KI8GW, has been involved in every stage as has Terri Kovalchik, N8TLK. We also had outstanding witnesses who admirably represented the amateur radio community in the legislature, including Bill Carpenter, AA8EY, Steve Katz, N8WL, Don Kovalchik, W8DPK, Dr. Bob Lewis, N8GU, Rick Swain,KK8O, and John Tipka,W8UL. Of course, many of you have also played an important role in this effort with your calls and emails to legislators. To all of you, thanks! Let’s hope for a good result in February.

Nick Pittner, K8NAP

State Government Liaison - Ohio Section

k8nap@arrl.net

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OUT AND ABOUT IN SOUTHEAST OH

Connie Hamilton, N8IO - Assistant Section Manager, Southeast Ohio

I'm going to be busy with Hamfests!

1/29/12 = TUSCO Hamfest at Strausberg +

2/5/12 = NOARS Winter Hamfest at Lorain

2/12/12 = Mansfield Mid-winter Hamfest at Richland County Fairground +

3/10/12 + MOVARC Hamfest at Gallipolis Christian Church, 4486 SR 588 in Gallioplis+

I'll be at the ones with a plus after them, the Good Lord willing! I am seeing a Neuroligist in Westerville on the 19th so I will need some prayers for a good outcome from that.

Keep the Service Men & Women in your Prayers also! Our Freedom depends on them!

73/88 and Teddy Bear Hugs,

Connie Hamilton, N8IO

Assistant Section Manager - Southeast Ohio (aka "The Hug Lady"!) n8io@arrl.net

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SOUTHWEST OHIO NEWS

Fred Stone, W8LLY - Assistant Section Manager, Southwest Ohio

LEBANON CARRIAGE PARADE

The Warren County Amateur Radio Association supported the 2011 Lebanon Carriage Parade on Saturday, December 3, with logistics and safety communications for the event staff. This event comprises two horse drawn carriage parades each lasting about one hour. The first parade begins at 1 PM and the second starts at 7 PM—after dark when the lighted carriages present a spectacular view for the estimated 100,000 spectators.

This annual event, sponsored by the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce, has been very popular among hams in and around Warren County for many years. Over 20 hams are required for each of the two parades to man intersections along the parade route, the horse/carriage staging area and the announcer stand and to shadow key officials and coordinate with police/fire dispatch. Operators arrive one hour prior to each event and check in on the Warren County ARA 146.865 repeater for assignments.

They then check into a formal net on a simplex frequency for parade operations. Jason Shatto KD8BNR has coordinated this event for the past five years and Jay KB8DIE handles the Net Control duties.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

BEAVERCREEK NEW YEAR’S EVE 5K RESOLUTION RUN

Thirty-five (35) hams from Greene County and the surrounding Greater Dayton area supported the "26th Annual New Year’s Eve 5K Resolution Run" December 31. This USATF-sanctioned 5K Race started from the Beavercreek High School parking lot at 8:00 PM and wound through a residential section of the City of Beavercreek. The last runner (walker) crossed the finish line on the High School’s track shortly after 9 PM.

Area hams have supported this event, hosted by the Beavercreek Cross Country Parents’ Association, for many years by providing logistics and safety communications from along the course and by helping to light the course with their vehicle headlights. Additional trailer-mounted, generator-powered construction work lights were staged at the major turns on the course.

The XWARN (Xenia Weather Amateur Radio Net) Communications Support Trailer was staged behind the High School at around 6:00 PM and functioned as the Net Control Station. The trailer also served as the Command Post for operators to report in and to pick up their assignments—and to enjoy some pre-race meat balls, chips & dip, cookies, candy and other delicious snacks. The DARA (Dayton Amateur Radio Association) Communications Van followed the last runner (walker) around the course as "Tail End Charlie." APRS trackers were deployed in the lead vehicle and Tail End Charlie to track the progress of the runners.

Although most hams were on the scene between 2-1/2 to 3 hours, several others with trucks picked up the lights earlier Saturday afternoon and deployed them along the course prior to the race. Mike Crawford KC8GLE was the primary coordinator of this event and Janese Brooks KD8DGB was the primary Net Control operator. The XWARN 147.165 Repeater was used for all operations associated with this event. Participating hams represented a number of the area amateur radio club and Greene County and Montgomery County ARES. A total of 132 man hours was reported for this event in the Greene County ARES EC’s December Report. A BIG thank you was extended by the race committee to all the hams who helped make this another successful "New Year’s Eve 5K Resolution Run."

73,

Fred Stone, W8LLY

Assistant Section Manager – Southwest Ohio w8lly@arrl.net

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BEING CAREFUL NOT TO BECOME TOO POLITICAL Scott Yonally, N8SY

Hi,

In this year of national elections and big campaign speeches, hams around the country must be careful to not get caught up in all the political rhetoric that goes on. Now this is not to say that as a ham you don’t have a right to free speech, you do. But you do have to be very careful as to how you are representing yourself when you do speak.

As an American you have the ability to speak your mind about any candidate you wish, pro or con. That’s what makes this country so different from any other. But as a volunteer with a title, you don’t necessarily have that same right and that’s what I want to address with you.

Now that I have your attention, I want to tell you the rest of the story. Whether ham or not this applies to every volunteer that represents a 501 c 3 organization. In order for your organization to get the benefits of some tax breaks with the IRS, they have signed up to the fact that they will NOT become politically active. This means simply that they will NOT form a Political Action Committee or PAC for short. Now what’s a PAC? It’s an organization specifically formed to advance a candidate through our election process. Now I realize that some of you by now are saying who the heck is the guy telling me what I can or cannot do when addressing my views or opinions about a political candidate. Welp, here’s the cold hard facts from someone that has obtained 501 c 3 non-profit status for a few clubs over the years.

Contained within the mountains of paperwork that you have to submit to the IRS when attempting to become a 501 c 3 organization, is one small statement that does make it very clear that you cannot in anyway do anything that could be construed as being a PAC. This is not negotiable either. If you are caught being a PAC, you not only lose your tax exempt status, but you could very easily owe the IRS a lot of tax money for any donations that you may have received in the past 7 years.

Now, how is it that you could be perceived as representing an organization when all you are doing is stating your opinion? It’s as easy as how you have signed a letter, email or even while wearing an organization’s pin or badge. A lot of us that belong to the League have our titles attached as part of our signature on our emails, and we wear badges that identify us and our position within the organization to meetings and public events. This makes it clear to all that I am a member with a title, whether volunteer or paid, of that organization.

Now without a clear disclaimer that I am not representing that organization at that moment, it can be presumed that my view, whether written or spoken is also the view of that organization. You see, I am representing myself as being an agent for that organization anytime I wear that pin or badge or include my title in an email or letter. This is where we ALL have to be careful. We do not want to give false perceptions.

It’s ok to be politically active. In fact, it is our constitutional obligation to be politically pro-active. But, we just have to be so very careful when expressing those views and opinions to others. We do not want to imply that our views are anything but our own.

Please, if you are going to comment on any political campaign this year, make sure that you strip off any of those titles that just don’t belong there. This keeps all of us safe. It also makes sure that what is stated, or written is my own personal view or opinion without question.

Sincerely,

Scott Yonally, N8SY

Assistant Director - Great Lakes Division / Assistant Section Manager - Ohio Section n8sy@arrl.net

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Top 10 Reasons to Check Into Buckeye Late Net By Bill Fraedrich WB9LBI, Net Manager

It’s 2012 and time to try something new in Ham Radio. I encourage you to check out the Buckeye Late Net, one of three CW traffic nets in the Ohio Section. Here are the Top 10 Reasons to Check Into the Buckeye Late Net.

10. It’s in session at 10pm, when you’re not tied up with other things.

Inexplicably, my boss frowns on me taking time from my day job to check into radio nets, and my family expects me at the dinner table during the 6pm hour when the early-session CW nets meet. But at 10pm, after the kids are in bed and early evening activities are over, I can get on the air with my friends every day of every week.

9. It keeps your CW skills sharp every day.

When you do something on a regular basis, you get good at it. This pays off at that next contest when you suddenly realize that you can copy and work those big contesters banging away high speed. Or maybe just for that next QSO when you don’t have to claim that you lost part of that last transmission to interference and fading.

8. It only takes a few minutes per net.

Most of CW traffic nets finish up in 15 minutes or less. You don’t have to devote an entire evening or even an hour.

7. It’s great training for ARES and RACES participants.

Working with a net, any kind of net, is great practice if you deal in any form of emergency communications. The ability to find the net, check in efficiently, handle business, change frequencies, and understand the directives of the net control station, are invaluable even if you never handle written message traffic. Like anything else, practice is the key, and on the Buckeye Net you can practice every day.

6. It’s backed up by training courses for newcomers.

I confess: when I first checked into the Buckeye Net, I felt completely overwhelmed. So I took advantage of the slow speed training nets. Both the Ohio Slow Net (daily at 6:00pm on 3535 KHz) and the Maryland Slow Net (Daily at 7:30pm on 3563) have entire training courses where you can learn how to take traffic like a pro.

5. It punches through when nothing else works.

The voice nets on HF frequently have to struggle to hear each other during marginal band conditions. On CW, that’s a rarity. We can usually hear each other just fine. Interference from other stations is easily filtered out, thanks to narrow band width.

4. There’s no cost involved.

If you’ve got an HF rig and an antenna that can handle 80 meters, you’re all set. You KNOW you’ve got a straight key somewhere; dig it up and dust it off. And if your rig was manufactured in the last 20 years, you’ve got a built-in automatic keyer, waiting only for a set of paddles.

3. It gives you the opportunity to be a Net Liaison.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of traffic work is to take messages from a local net, and move them to the Section-level net. The local 2-meter nets generally meet in the evening. You can check in to the local net, collect traffic bound for anywhere, and deliver it to the Buckeye Net, all in the same night. In some cases, you can even grab inbound traffic and get it to a local net for delivery, all in the same night.

2. Meet and encourage your fellow hams.

Just about every message you handle will have a phone number. When you pick up the phone and introduce yourself, you’ll be giving another ham a pleasant surprise. Feel free to free to solicit a return message, invite the recipient to your local club or next operating event. And be sure to congratulate the new guys on getting their ticket, and welcome them to the greatest hobby in the world.

1. It’s satisfying and FUN.

Traffic handlers take pride in knowing that they can take any piece of information, and get it anywhere in the country, quickly, accurately, and when nothing else works. CW traffic handlers know that they can move messages with the simplest of equipment in the worst of conditions, even when other modes of amateur radio won’t cut it.

It’s just you, your key, and your skill. Now, where else can you do that?

Interested? I invite you to join us on the Buckeye Late Net. See you tonight at 10pm on 3577.

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UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS IN OHIO

60th Anniversary of the Sandusky Valley Amateur Radio Club Jan 28, 1700Z-2300Z, W8NCK, Fremont, OH. Sandusky Valley Amateur Radio Club. 14.250 7.250. QSL. J Schlipf, N8TRQ, 1600 Port Clinton Rd, Apt #2, Fremont, OH 43420. www.w8nck.org

Thomas Edison Birthday Memorial

Feb 11-Feb 12, 1500Z-2200Z, NI8G, Milan, OH. Thomas Edison Memorial Radio Club. 28.385 21.385 14.285 7.285. QSL. Jack Hubbard, 13113 River Rd, Milan, OH 44846. Times are daily. NI8N1@yahoo.com

Freeze Your Acorns Off

Feb 18, 1500Z-2100Z, K8BF, Kent, OH. Portage County Amateur Radio Service. 21.315 14.315 7.215 3.815. Certificate. Al Atkins, KB8VJL,

12433 Chamberlain Rd, Aurora, OH 44202. 7th Annual FYAO QRP operating event. www.portcars.org

Washington’s Birthday Amateur Relay Message 1916 Feb 18-Feb 26, 1200Z-2359Z, W8WRK, Hamilton, OH. Butler County Amateur Radio Association. 28.410 14.245 7.220 7.052. QSL. Kevin Jones, 7035 Morris Rd, Hamilton, OH 45011. See URL for updates. www.bcara.net

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UPCOMING HAMFESTS IN OHIO

Tusco ARC Hamfest

Date: 01/29/2012 (Doors open to the public at 8:00am)

Location: Wallick Auction Center

965 North Wooster Avenue

Strasburg, OH 44680

Website: http://www.tuscoarc.org

Sponsor: Tusco ARC

Talk-In: 146.730 (PL 71.9)

Public Contact: Gary Green , K8WFN

32210 Norris Road Tippecanoe, OH 44699

Phone: 740-922-4454

Email: k8wfn@tusco.net

Winter Hamfest

Date: 02/05/2012 (8:00am to 12:00pm)

Location: Gargus Hall

1965 North Ridge Road

Lorain, OH 44052

Website: http://www.noars.net

Sponsor: Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society

Talk-In: 146.70 (open repeater)

Public Contact: Darlene Ohman , KA8VTS

4122 Bush Avenue Cleveland, OH 44109

Phone: 216-398-8858

Email: dohman@roadrunner.com

Mansfield Mid-Winter Hamfest

Date: 02/12/2012 (Doors open at 7:00am)

Location: Richland County Fairgrounds

750 North Home Road

Mansfield, OH 44901

Website: http://hamfest.w8we.org

Sponsor: Intercity Amateur Radio Club

Talk-In: 146.940 (PL 71.9)

Public Contact: Danny Bailey , KB8STK

70 Euclid Street Shiloh, OH 44878

Phone: 419-896-3603

Email: kb8stk1@hotmail.com

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FROM THE DESK OF THE SECTION MANAGER

"What’s old can be made new again, thanks to the Internet."

About six years ago, a Senator running for the Presidential Primary made a comment regarding Amateur Radio. The comment made was not to degrade Amateur Radio, but was clearly an uneducated statement. In the weeks following, the Senator redacted the statement, and was thankful to the Amateur Radio community for shedding light on a topic in which the Senator was clearly ignorant.

The Internet never forgets anything. Sometimes this can be good, but for many times can be detrimental. This topic that was real six years ago has been brought up again to be made as if it happened yesterday.

To many who were not aware of the story, this prompted them to once again take up arms and proceed to voice opinions over an incident that had occurred and was resolved.

It’s easy to have this happen on a daily basis. Leave out key dates, and repost the story on a chat group or blog, and it’s a new fire, freshly made. We also see it in the many spam e-mails where Bill Gates will send us a dollar for every e-mail we forward, or the FCC is going to make us pay for every e-mail we send.

When you surf the net, and come across "new" information, research it. www.snopes.com is a site I frequent regularly when I get that story or e-mail that just sounds too good to be true.

Now, if can only get that Prince in Africa to send me that $1,000,000 he owes me, I would be set for Mansfield! See you there! If I get it in time, I’ll share it with you!

Speaking of Mansfield, they will be many of the Ohio Section Cabinet in attendance at the ARRL Table, and at the ARRL forum. Come by and visit with us, and attend the forum with your questions. We are here to serve the Amateur Radio Operators of the Ohio Section.

As you read in ASM Yonally’s notes, the Ohio Section is going to host a State ARRL Conference in Columbus on August 4th, 2012. The Convention will be held injunction with the Columbus Hamfest. I, along with the organizers of the Hamfest and the Convention are excited about what this event is going to become. Please keep in touch on the Section Website (www.arrl-ohio.org) for details, as more information will come out as the date draws closer.

In closing, I want to welcome Matt Welch, W8DEC of Painesville aboard the Ohio Section Cabinet as the Section Emergency Coordinator. I have gotten to know Matt since 2007, when Matt volunteered to host an APRS forum at my first ARES Conference. Matt and the word "volunteer" are synonymous if you know Matt. He’s willing to step up and take any challenge that is given him. I look forward to working with Matt, and I am sure you will join me in welcoming Matt to his new role in the Ohio Section.

73, Frank KI8GW

Ohio Section Manager

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updated: 01/27/2012