PRESIDENT’S SOAPBOX
We had our PARS monthly meeting on Saturday using the net format on the
Oriental repeater. There were 12 check-ins, a bit on the light side,
but about the same as we have been having since we started using this
format for the March meeting. Next month we are going to try to use the
Zoom format, perhaps using the repeater for the audio side. I will be
working with Steve, KO4EDA, getting it set up. Once it’s up and running
we will send out detailed instructions for its use. But don’t worry,
it’s really pretty simple. _…_ In addition to our usual meeting
agenda, I pointed out that the FCC is proposing fees for amateur radio
licensing. The following is taken from the announcement as it appeared
on eham.net. ” Amateur radio licensees would pay a fifty dollar fee for
each amateur radio license application if the FCC adopts rules it
proposed this week. Included in the FCC’s fee proposal are applications
for new licenses, renewal and upgrades to existing licenses, and vanity
call sign requests. Excluded are applications for administrative
updates, such as changes of address, and annual regulatory fees.”
Needless to say, the proposal is sparking some vigorous discussion. For
example, as of Sunday afternoon the announcement on www.qrz.com had over
14,000 views and 330 comments. You can check out the details of the
proposal, and get the information for submitting comments to the FCC, in
the announcement on the ARRL home page at www.arrl.org. …_._ de
WM3X, Bill Michne, 252-249-1175, drmichne73@gmail.com.
PAMLICO AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY (PARS) AUG 29, 2020 VIRTUAL MEETING NOTES
* Twelve PARS members checked-in to the 9 am meeting net on the
Oriental Repeater. It was controlled by President Bill Michne using the
club call, N4PRS. Bill is seeing a decline in net participation the last
two months.
* There were no reports of awards, upgrades or special QSO’s.
* Bill presented the treasurer’s report on behalf of Wally. There was
no financial activity in August.
* Propagation Report by Jim, AI4WL: Solar activity remains very low.
Solar Flux 90 day average 70, a slight but welcome increase. We are
experiencing some geomagnetic activity due solar wind from coronal
holes. Fair night conditions on 80, 40, & 20 meter bands, poor
otherwise. VHF bands have been quiet. He noted that operating during the
short periods of the “gray line” has continued to be productive on 20
and 40 meters.
* Mike, K4NLC, reported the Pamlico Emergency Net generated 11.53
man-hours from 4 sessions in August. He also noted check-ins have fallen
off for the emergency net. No EMCOMM sessions are planned until PCC is
again available. He’s planning a Simulated Emergency Test (SET) in 2-3
weeks, simplex based. In response to a question regarding Hurricane
Laura AUXCOMM participation, LOR, W3QA, advised NC has a communications
strike team formed and on-call to deploy. The TX and LA infrastructure
is spotty but working with less damage than expected.
* Paul, K4MMB, reported 123 visitors to the N4PRS.org web site so far
this month, with the average being 160/month. Most visitors saw 2 to 3
pages each. Hacking attempts continue but software is blocking entry.
Paul again asked for notes/articles and photos of PARS/local ham
activity. For the photos, medium resolution is good.
* The FCC is proposing charging fees for amateur licensing actions
causing considerable concern. According to Bill, on the day after the
announcement, QRZ reported 8,800 views on the information release and
over 200 comments. See the ARRL home page for more information and how
to formally comment on this proposal which, if impleented, will harm ham
radio.
* Bruce, K4ONC, proposed having our meetings on “Zoom” with the audio
portion via the Oriental Repeater. Bill offered to explore this and
asked Steve, KO4EDA, an expert on Zoom, if he would help. Steve quickly
agreed.
* There being no further business the meeting was adjourned/net closed
at 0924.
SOLAR NUMBERS TODAY
NOAA reported that solar activity was very low during the 24 hours
ending yesterday at 5 pm local. There are no sunspot regions on the Sun
facing Earth this morning. On Sunday the reported Solar Flux Index (SFI)
at Penticton was 70. The index is predicted to register 70 today,
Tuesday and Wednesday. The SFI 90 day trailing average is 70.
The Earth’s geomagnetic field was quiet to active yesterday. It is
expected to be quiet to unsettled today and Wednesday, quiet to active
Tuesday. Solar winds are the cause of the instability. The estimated
Kp-index of 3 reported at 5 a.m. local this morning indicates we are
currently experiencing unsettled conditions.
We can expect poor daytime and fair nighttime operating conditions on 80
and 40 meters. Expect poor conditions on the higher HF bands. The VHF
bands are quiet.
For an explanation of numbers used in our PARSgram, see the excellent
article written by Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA at
http://arrl.org/the-sun-the-earth-the-ionosphere.
HAM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE, TRADE, OR WANTED
For listing in the PARSgram send me your amateur radio related items
that you have for sale, trade, or wanted. PLEASE let me know when you
have have sold your item or your listing is no longer needed. Listings
will EXPIRE AFTER 90 DAYS unless I hear otherwise.–Jim.
** FOR SALE**
Cushcraft R-6000 vertical antenna for 6, 10, 12, 15, 17, and 20 meters.
Rated for 1500 watts, and no redials required. This is a pre-MFJ
version. Current HRO retail is $439.95 plus tax and shipping. My price
$150.00. Local pickup only. A portion of the proceeds will go to PARS.
Bill Michne, WM3X, 252-249-1175. (20200810)
PARS CALENDAR:
* Sep 26, PARS MONTHLY MEETING, Saturday, 9am, Virtual Meeting via
Radio on the Oriental Repeater (147.21 MHz, std offset, 151.4 Hz tone).
For more info, contact Bill Michne, WM3X, 252-249-1175 or
drmichne73@gmail.com.
* Oct 31, PARS MONTHLY MEETING, Saturday, 9am, Virtual Meeting via
Radio on the Oriental Repeater (147.21 MHz, std offset, 151.4 Hz tone)
or at Brantleys Restaurant, Oriental. For more info, contact Bill
Michne, WM3X, 252-249-1175 or drmichne73@gmail.com.
LOCAL NETS OF INTEREST TO PARS MEMBERS:
* Tuesdays, Newport Weather Service SKYWARN Practice Net, 9:00 pm
local, Oriental (147.210+ (PL151.4)) and all other local repeaters. This
net for severe weather warning and reporting is continously monitored
upon activation.
* Wednesdays, Pamlico Emergency Net Practice and Rag Chew/ARES, 7:30
pm, Oriental Repeater, 147.210 + (PL151.4).
* Thursdays, “DownEast/Pamlico Six Meter Net”, 8 pm local, 50.200 MHz,
USB. A non-directed open net to promote operation on the ‘Magic Band’.
(For more nets see www.arrl.org/arrl-net-directory-search )
PARS WEB SITE: https://www.n4prs.org/
Our web Master is Paul Jodoin, K4MMB, 561-308-3456, PARSwebman@gmail.com
PARSgram ITEMS
We are always looking for items of interest to PARS members to put in
the PARSgram. If you run across a timely item or think of something you
believe would interest our folks, please send it to me. Thanks.
WITH COVID-19, FLU SHOTS ARE EVEN MORE IMPORTANT
As of Sunday afternoon, our County had 146 COVID-19 cases, up from 115
Saturday, 99 on Friday. This is obviously NOT a good time to catch the
flu. Can the symptoms of the two be confused? Apparently so. Can you get
COVID-19 and the Flu at the same time? Yes. Protect yourself. See more at:
https://mailchi.mp/1c8e75121e80/yes-a-flu-shot-is-important-for-you?e=adb5dfd6c4
73 and stay safe, Jim AI4WL
——
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