CALL TO ACTION: HR 607. All Kentucky Section ham operators are asked to contact their member of Congress regarding HR 607. This bill, titled “Broadband for First Responders Act of 2011″ addresses certain spectrum management issues including creation of a national Public Safety broadband network.
But one of the changes that would occur as a result of passage of the legislation as written is the reallocation of 2/3 of the Amateur Radio 440 MHz band for commercial auction and usage by commercial interests.
The inclusion of most of the Amateur 70-cm spectrum as one of the replacement bands is a major problem. The 420-440 MHz band is not Public Safety spectrum and should not be included in any spectrum swap of Public Safety allocations.
The ARRL is not opposing the creation of a broadband network for first responders; the reallocation of most of the 70 cm band is the part of the legislation that Amateurs are asked to contact their member of Congress and voice their opposition.
If you are an ARRL member, you can find out who your Congressman is by visiting the HR 607 link on the ARRL home page. Please be aware that delivery of written letters sent by mail may be delayed several weeks due to security scans for hazardous materials of mailed parcels. The ARRL recommends letters be signed and mailed to the ARRL lobbying firm Chwat & Co. They will hand deliver letters from hams to members of Congress. Letters may also be scanned and e-mailed as an attachment, faxed or sent by postal mail to Chwat. Send your letter to John Chwat, Chwat & Co., Suite 103, 625 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314; by fax at (703) 684-7594, or by e-mail to: john.chwat@chwatco.com.
HR 607 LETTER GENERATOR. A letter generator has been created and is the easiest way to create a letter to oppose HR 607. Visit this link: http://www.kd4pyr.net/hamletter.htm, and inert your call sign where indicated and follow the instructions on the screen. The name and address of your US Representative will automatically be put into the letter, as will your name and address. It will be ready to be printed and signed.
Please be sure to observe the following once you have printed your letter:
- Be sure to sign it. Letters without a handwritten signature are not effective.
- Signed letters can be sent by e-mail, fax or postal mail as outlined above.
- Do not send this letter or any letter about HR 607 to your US Senators at this time. The bill is only in the US House of Representatives. Letters sent on HR 607 to US Senators will merely waste their time and demonstrate lack of knowledge of how our system of government works.
NELSON COUNTY TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS PROVIDE FIRST KENTUCKY ISS-ELEMENTARY SCHOOL QSO. Kentucky hams can be proud of the efforts of the high school students of Charlie Cantrill, KI4RDT at the Nelson County Area Technology Center in Bardstown. The school and its students have the distinction to be the first Kentucky school to make a direct contact with the International Space Station on Friday, Jan. 28, 2011. The students manned the Nelson Co. ATC hamsat station in order for fifth-grade students from Foster Heights Elementary in Bardstown to talk to astronaut.
The main station rig was in place, along with a backup rig. Fourteen students had the opportunity to pose questions to astronaut Cady Coleman as the ISS passed overhead. The classroom at Nelson County ATC was packed with students, teachers, school administrators, parents and news media. I was honored to be part of this history-making event.
KY EMERGENCY NET: IS THIS FREQUENCY IN USE? Due to ongoing QSOs very near the KEN’s regular 3972.5 kHz frequency at net time, the net has been required to move to an alternate frequency. The net has moved several times to 3968 and 3993 kHz, depending on conditions and QRM. If the ongoing QSOs near the 3972.5 kHz net frequency appear to be about to QRT, the net will standby until the frequency is clear; otherwise the net will move to a clearer frequency; the frequency being used will be announced.
HAMFEST SEASON UNDERWAY. A great crowd was on-hand for the Cave City Hamfest, which is traditionally the first hamfest of the year in Kentucky. In addition to the well-attended ARRL and ARES forums, the high school students who make up the ham radio club at the Nelson County Area Technology Center displayed their portable satellite equipment and presentations about the program. Their booth attracted quite a bit of attention and excitement. It’s great to see young hams excited about Amateur Radio!
STM REPORT. Region 1 has been running nets on 2m simplex to see how their coverage would be if there was a major disaster in the area. This is great training for the 2011 National Level Exercise (May 16-20) and a good thing to know if the repeaters went dark. We all get used to the easy life of repeaters and the internet, so it is a great idea to see what you can do if “IT” ever happened. Let me know what you have done in your area, have you tried battery or solar powered? Have you tried other bands like 6m or 10m? How about something digital like Winmore? Let me know: kc4bqk@arrl.net
KY ARES ON FACEBOOK. If you are one of the millions of people who frequent Facebook, visit the KY ARES page there by clicking this link. You can find the ARRL on Facebook by clicking this link.
SUPPORT KYHAM.NET. For many years, the KYHAM.net web site has been the resource for all things in Kentucky related to Amateur Radio. The KYHAM e-mail list is one of the valuable services that is free and an important resource for knowing what is going on in the Commonwealth. Signing up is simple and easy. Pat Spencer, KD4PWL, runs a tight ship, and you won’t be receiving a lot of spam or junk mail. Visit KYHAM.net and click on the “Listserv“link on the lefthand menu.
BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION: VOLUNTEER! The Kentucky Section is packed with talented and creative Amateurs whose skills are needed across the Commonwealth. Are you active in ARES? Does your county have an Emergency Coordinator? If not, would you like to serve in that capacity? Do you have an interest in giving back to our communities as a volunteer? Contact your county EC, DEC, ASEC or SEC Kenny Garrett, N4KLG for information on being a communications volunteer.
ACTIVITY REPORTS. Please submit your reports of your station activity, net or public service by the 9th of each month. The report forms on the KYHAM.NET web site are the easiest way for you to send in your reports (click here for the KYHAM reports page).
| 2011 ARRL-Sanctioned Kentucky Hamfests |
| APRIL 2, 2011 – Lincoln Trail ARC Hamfest, sponsored by the Lincoln Trail ARC, State Fire Rescue Training Area 5, 630 College Street Rd., Elizabetown, Ky. 42701. Info: James Skala, AA4ZD, (270) 737-5748 or james.skala@gmail.com.
APRIL 30, 2011 – River Cities ARA Hamfest, sponsored by the River Cities ARA. Location: PNC Bank parking lot, 100 Carter Ave., Ashland, Ky. Info: Ken Bramblett, K4IT, (606) 836-9170 ork4it@arrl.net AUGUST 14, 2011 – Central Ky. ARRL Hamfest, sponsored by the Bluegrass ARS, American Legion Post #34, 745 W. Broadway, Lawrenceburg, Ky. Info: Jeanie Dalton, KB8QLC, (859) 619-8164 or jeanie@insightbb.com. SEPT. 10, 2011 – Louisville Sunrise Hamfest, sponsored by the Greater Louisville Hamfest Association, Paroquet Springs Conference Centre, Shepherdsville, Ky. Info: SEPT. 17, 2011 – Richmond Hamfest, sponsored by the Central Kentucky ARS, Madison County Fairgrounds, KY 52, Richmond, Ky. Info: Mike Rogers, KE4ISW, (859) 624-9156 orke4isw@arrl.net. OCT. 29, 2011 – Hazard Hamfest, sponsored by the Kentucky Mountains ARC, National Guard Armory, 782 Dawahare Drive, Hazard, Ky. Info: John Farler, K4AVX, (606) 476-9662 or email: k4avx@arrl.net PLANNING A HAMFEST? Get official ARRL sanction for your hamfest and receive special benefits such as free prizes, handouts, and other support. The League’s web site has a handy hamfest planner, as well as the rules for ARRL-sanctioned events. It’s easy to apply using the League’s online form. For details visit the Hamfests & Convention web page, or contact ARRL HQ by e-mail (hamfests@arrl.org) or telephone, (860) 594-0262). |
| Kentucky Section Net Schedules |
| KEN - The Kentucky Emergency Net is held every Monday night at 7:30 p.m. Eastern, 6:30 p.m. Central time on 3972.5 kHz. The purpose of this net is training for emergency and is an ARRL sponsored net. Net Manager is Kentucky Section Manager KY4Z. KDN - The Kentucky Digital Modes Net is held every Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. Eastern, 7:30 p.m. Central time on 3585 kHz using PSK31. The purpose of this net is training in the use of digital modes. Net Manager is Jim Rayburn, KC4BQK. KDN-2 The Kentucky Digital Modes Net 2 is held every Monday night at 8:30 p.m. Eastern, 7:30 p.m. Central time on 3585 kHz using PSK31. The net follows the weekly KEN on Mondays, and you can find some of the regulars hanging out on the KEN frequency of 3972.5 kHz offering help to those with questions about the operation and use of digital modes on the KDN and KDN-2. The purpose of this net is training in the use of digital modes. Net Manager is Jim Rayburn, KC4BQK. KYN - The Kentucky CW Net is held at 9 PM ET daily on 3535 kHz and runs at about 15 WPM. Information is available from the Net Manager for the format and procedures of the net. Net Control Stations will send to match the speed of those who check in. For more information, contact Net Manager John Farler, K4AVX. |
| Kentucky Traffic Report – February 2010 | ||||
| NET NAME | SESSIONS | TRAFFIC | CHECK INS | NET MANAGER |
| KDN | 4 | 12 | 27 | KC4BQK |
| KDN 2 | 4 | 10 | 22 | KC4BQK |
| KEN | 4 | 7 | 38 | KY4Z |
| KYN | 29 | 21 | 130 | K4AVX |
| WTEN | 4 | 4 | 42 | KO4OL |
| KD7ARET | 4 | 3 | 47 | KG4HMN |
| NKARC | 4 | 0 | 30 | N4IJS |
| MSUARC | 4 | 0 | 71 | WX4MET |
| MADARES | 6 | 1 | 51 | KO4OL |
| Oldham County ARES Net | 3 | 0 | 20 | KB4IFE |
| SE KY Emergency Net | 0 | AF4YJ | ||
| Eastern KY ARES Net | 4 | 0 | 57 | WB4CLW |
| 4th District ARES Net | 28 | 29 | 553 | W4JHT |
| Jessamine Co. ARES Net | 4 | 0 | W2IF | |
| Harlan Co. Emergency Net | 0 | KC4FNV | ||
| Perry County ARES Net | 4 | 0 | 52 | KY4JLB |
| Nelson County ARES Net | 4 | 0 | 15 | KY4JLB |
| Public Service Honor Roll – February 2010 | |||
| KO4OL 105 | KY4Z 51 | KC4BQK 90 | WD8JAW 90 |
| Station Activity Reports – February 2010 | ||||||
| KO4OL 140 | KY4Z 11 | WA4SWF 6 | K4AVX 18 | WD8JAW 23 | WD4ZDU 15 | |
| Section Emergency Coordinator’s Report: February 2010 |
| 1.) Section: Kentucky 2.) Month: February 3.) Year: 2011 4.) Total Number of ARES Members: 484 5.) Number of Active Nets: 409 6.) Total Net Man hours: 1356.4 7.) Total Public Service Events: 3 8.) Total Public Event Man hours: 3 9.) Total Emergency Operations: 16 10.) Total Emergency Operation Man Hours: 203.53 11.) Total Events: 428 12.) Total Man Hours: 1562.88 ———————————————– Comments:Reminder: All ARRL ARES Appointees are required to have current ARRL membership. ARES appointees (OES, EC, DECs) need to file a monthly report so we can track activities. Minimum required ARES Training: KYARES Online Tests, FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700 and IS-800. Recommended training for ARRL Field Station Appointees: ARRL EMCOMM Levels I. DISTRICT 1 Calloway County: The February report includes: (4) Weekly 2 meter nets (2) Skywarn Nets including:2/24 27 stations 75 mins 2/28 11 stations 250 mins. Graves County: Added 4 new members! Attended Madisonville meeting on 2/26/11 and volunteered to report on NG Tier 1 asset in Graves County. I have met with the Tier 1 asset(Mayfield-Graves County Airport) and they are now beginning to plan for their emergency operations! Beginning to establish the reach of 146.550 simplex. Marshall County: George Kenecht KI4RZY called the nets for Feb 2011. DISTRICT 2 Christian County: 2-25-11 and 2-26-11 hams were used in a field search for a missing 51 year old male in NE Christian Co. Subject has not been found. Crittenden County: Crittenden county ares net 1,8,15,22 webster6,13,20,27 Princeston Ares 2,9,16,23 Princeston Club net 2,9,16,23 henderson Ares net 17.24 Draffenville 16 District 2 Ares Simplex 21,28 District 3 Ares 21 Weather Spotter 24,27 ARES Training 19 Monitored Computer for severe weather activity on thursday 24, and sunday 27. Hopkins County: Members attending the NLE exercise meeting at the Hopkins Co EMA office in Madisonville for the upcoming COMEX were Wallace Wood KI4CNW, Frakie Frashure KI4RTY, Chuck Clark KE4LKG, Nick Bailey KG4URI. The meeting was very informative and gave some insight as to the purpose of the exercise. We had 1 emergency ops standby for the month on Feb 26th. Frank Wright KA4IGR was called by Christian County Emergency Manager to report to their command post for a missing persons search, ARES was not utilized but was on standby for the search. WD9HIK, D2 DEC: Checked into a weather net on the local repeter in Hopkinsville with the storms. DISTRICT 3 DISTRICT 4 Logan County: I attended ares/em ky at madisonville on earth quake drill. Simpson County: RESPONDED TO A WEATHER DRILL BY REQUEST OF EMA NET CALLED 6 HAMS RESPONDED. N4VDJ, D4 DEC: Part of this was time watching the storms that i was chatting with some of you on facebook about. i was hoping we wouldnt need to be called out. Warren County: Monday and Tuesday nets K1EG, Region 2 ASEC: Work continues on local emergency plans. DISTRICT 5 Hardin County: In “EOC 101″ at Hardin Co EOC. In tabletop exercise at Lincoln Trail Behavioral Hospital (just observing). Skywarn Class, taught by KI4GKY, Louisville NWS. Attended NLE Comm Conference. Nelson County: Several ARES members also attended county EM meeting. Attended Cave City Hamfest and the ARES forum. WA4YPQ, D5 DEC: I need a list of any AEC’s for my district if there is one available. DISTRICT 6 Franklin County: Franklin Co Skywarn was activated for a Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Warning at 0500 EST on 2/28/2011. Six check-ins, KF4FMZ/NCS, KE4YRI, WA4CMO, KF4OES, N4HXZ, KG4RRI. No reports of power outages or damage. Net closed at 0550. *Continuing preparations on radio equipment at the State EOC for the April and May NLE 2011 Exercise. K4TXJ, D6 DEC: All 5 ECs and 1 AEC reported for February. I’m still working to fill the 4 vacant EC spots. DISTRICT 7 Owen County: 2.5 hours for an Owen County Radio Committee meeting. All other times are on my DEC report. Scott County: Severe thunderstorm followed by Tornado Warning. No skywarn net due to time of day, but ARES personnel were active with emergency management and NWS. DISTRICT 8 Bath County: Area 8 ARES – 4 Ky Em Net – 4 Greater Mason County Emergency Net – 4 Fleming County: 7 February 2011 = 13 check ins with 1 piece of traffic message 1 = n4ezr to n4eww relayed number of check ins he had for the time he called the net. 14 February 2011 = 10 check ins no traffic 21 February 2011 = 12 check ins no traffic 28 February 201 = 18 check ins message 999: n4eww to n4ezr messages from FCC reminder to renew license by 4th April. N4ezr confirmed. kf4jjg announcement for Thursday night traders net 9 pm. n4kju march 3rd paints-ville meeting amateur meeting. Wa4bkx John West liberty going to call net for April. Menifee County: Didn’t much happen for the month of february. I did check in the region 8 net. I do have one other member and another that might be interested in helping out. I have talking to some people about getting some state money to try to get a trailer to set up an ecomm station. I will have to see what happens with that. It sounds favorable though. That is all for now. THANKS, Dan Goodpaster KC4UXI Menifee County EC DISTRICT 9 Carter-Elliot County: Contacted Carter County EOC office and discussed any changes and or special needs.Also contacted Elliott County EOC office and woorked with Debbie Wagoner on her needs as EM, and the upcoming tornado drill, and nationwide earthquake drill. also contacted all AEC in my area as to upcoming events and to see if they had any special needs. Floyd County: 2-1-11 ares net . 2-7-11 ken net. 2-14-11 day net and ken. 2-15-11 ares net. 2-21-11 ken net. 2-22-11 ares net. 2-28-11 day net and ken Johnson County: On Thursday February 24th several amateurs put on stand by status via calling tree in reference to flood watch being yssued for Johnson County. Please note this is an updated Report for February 2911. The original report was filed on 2-27-2011. Update as Follows: Skywarn net called into session at 07:30am est On February 28 because of tornado and flood watches and warnings issued for Eastern Kentucky. Toatl time in net approximately one hour. The T-L-C time, location, and conditions was the format used in reporting. Reports were received for the counties of Morgan,Magoffin,Elliott,Floyd,Lawrence,Letcher,and Johnson County. A total of 9 hams participated. Damage in the are confined to roof damage and downed trees. All utilities and public safety communications remained intact. Sincerly Submitedly John Hager N4KJU NCS Lawrence County: check into 7 nets attended an advance weather spotter class on 2-24-11 and no other traffic to report K4KBR, D9 DEC: 10 ARES Net checkins for 5 hours Attended Organizational meeting at Whitesburg for ARES and club. DEC for district 10 (John Farler) unable to attend. Distributed ARES brochures. total 2 hours for meeting. Travel time 3 hours. Replaced final amp on Prestonsburg repeater. (Part of East Ky linking system). 2 hours DISTRICT 10 Letcher County: Letcher County Amateur Radio Club had an organizational meeting on Feb. 1, 2011. I showed a powerpoint about Amateur Radio and one about the East Kentucky 2 meter link system that includes the 145.350/R in Letcher County. I also had study material, web links, and answered questions to get more people licensed and into Ham radio & ARES. Letcher Co. ARES member N4QBE was in Alberta, Canada and we were able to demonstrate echolink from Canada to the local 224.960 KK4WH/R. At this time I have 4 people ready to test from that group. I am also working with “Pine Mtn Search & Rescue” to get their members licensed. I project that in the next 30 to 45 days we should have approximately 5 to 10 people ready for their Technician test from “PMS&R”. Perry County: 4 regular nets plus 1 training on 2-10-2011 during regular monthly club meeting. Also monitored during servere a snowfall to give reports to Jackson, Ky National Weather Service K4AVX, D10 DEC: Had one Skywarn session in Feb. WA4SWF, Region 4 ASEC: Have been working on getting reports in on time and making sure everyone gets their reports in. We did some woek on the linked repeater project and collected somemore parts needed for backup. Got the 145.390 repeater to Eddie Tussey AI4UK which will be replacing the Lenore repeater used by the South Williamson Group and be added to the linking system. DISTRICT 11 McCreary County: The tentative start date for the net has not been determined as I am still trying to recruit new members into the ARES Group. DISTRICT 12 DISTRICT 13 Jessamine County: Entered data from NTS report and email conversation with Scott, W2IF the EC. 1 hour emcomm was standby for severe weather. -Entered by KD4PWL ————————— Note: The reporting section of KYHAM is functional. Please submit all monthly reports there. EC reports will go to their respective DECs for totaling. Areas with no DEC will still come to me. This will make reporting and accountability more streamlined. http://www.kyham.net/emcomm/reports.html. Reports are due to your respective DECs by the 5th of the month. DECs need to have their reports to me by the 10th of the month. Please fill out the reports completely so they do not get returned for correction. Please do not “test” the online system. ———————– Respectfully submitted, Kenny Garrett, N4KLG |
| Silent Keys |
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