PRESIDENT’S SOAPBOX
As we all know, hurricane season is upon us. That means we’ve all
(hopefully) updated our disaster plan, test run our generators a couple
of times per year since Florence in 2018, etc. But there is another
weather threat to our equipment that should not be overlooked, and that
is lightning. All ham stations need some lightning protection, but how
much, and at what cost? Back in the 70’s ARRL published a very helpful
book entitled, “Understanding Amateur Radio.” It included a section on
lightning protection, and included the following statement: “The
lightning hazard from an antenna is much exaggerated; ordinary amateur
antennas are no more likely to be hit by a direct stroke than any other
object of about the same height in the vicinity.” The text went on to
say that the best precaution was a simple grounding switch that will
allow you to ground the feeders to an earth ground when you’re not on
the air. I have used that system for 47 years of hamming across several
geographic locations without incident, including 17 years here in
Oriental. Of course, you are certainly free to purchase and install
whatever level of protection you decide you need. but at the very least
you should be able to ground your antennas. On another note, I am happy
to report, our two most recent licensees, Jack Brooks and Tim DeMay
received their licenses. Jack’s call is KO4RSD, Bill’s is KO4RSE. They
took their exams at my house on Field Day. …_._ de WM3X, Bill Michne,
252-249-1175, drmichne73@gmail.com
BIT BUCKET
* We missed reporting that WA4GSI, Charlie Overcash, was also in the
FlounderFest Parade. He was seen with mic in one hand and the other on
the wheel in his Toyota pulling the Oriental Chinese DRAGON trailer. He
was talking with K4MMB/Tractor Mobile and anyone else who would listen.
* Check out the FLOUNDERFEST PARSticipation photos and more on the
“What’s Happening” page at www.n4prs.org
* What goes up must come down. Our intrepid duo, Matt WU2V and Lor W3QA
launched another balloon, NC4ES-4, on Saturday at a little after 10 am
as part of The Great Plains Super Launch, a world wide event. Although
it quickly made cruising altitude after leaving Greenville, its
transmitter was last heard at 11:06 am. Matt thinks nasty weather left
over from Elsa may have done it in. No final conclusions yet.
* The [WCARA] Wayne County Amateur Radio Association is holding the “3rd
annual” Kris Keen (W5CPK SK) Memorial UnFest on Saturday, July 31, 2021
beginning at 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM. The Hamfest will be held at the rear of
the 1ST PH Church, Goldsboro, NC. The event will run from 8 am to 12
noon. For more info see:
http://www.k4cyp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/UnFest-2021.pdf
* Gary, NC3Z, reported working his 100th country for a 10M FT8 DXCC in
only 1 year plus 2 days. The effort to do it in a year was a personal
challenge made after helping Joe, N4IBX, set up for FT8. Congrats, Gary.
SOLAR NUMBERS TODAY
NOAA reported solar activity was very low during the 24 hour period
ending yesterday at 5 p.m. local. There are two numbered sunspot regions
on the Sun facing Earth this morning. The Prediction Center expects
solar activity to be very low through Wednesday. On Sunday the observed
Solar Flux Index (SFI) at Penticton was 74. (Last Sunday it was 91.) The
index is predicted to stay at 74 today and Tuesday and then drop to 73
Wednesday. The SFI 90 day trailing average is holding at 78.
The Earth’s geomagnetic field was quiet yesterday. NOAA expects
conditions to be quiet to active today, tomorrow and Wednesday. Solar
winds are expected. The estimated Kp-index of 1 reported at 5 a.m. local
this morning reflects our current quiet geomagnetic conditions.
We can expect fair daytime and good nighttime operating conditions today
on 80 and 40 meters, fair on 30 and 20, and poor on the higher bands.
Six meters continues to produce E layer skip for minutes or hours nearly
every day. Times are unpredictable but lately in mid-morning into
mid-afternoon. Some of the openings have been into Europe and some of
those Europeans have been workable just with an OCF for 40 meters. Mind
you, a tuner and some perseverance may be required.
For an explanation of the 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 are 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 by Danny Garris, WD4CQ, GarrisTV@hotmail.com or 252-670-9955
(20210628)
– ANYTONE 588UV III Tri-Band Mobile Transceiver (144/220/440) complete
with the USB programming cable. Brand-new – (In Original Box) $249.00
– COMET CX-333 Tri-Band Base Antenna (144/220/440) Brand-new – (In
Original Packaging) $159.00
– JETSTREAM 30 AMP Compact Power Supply 25 AMP Continous – JTPS32MAB
Brand-New – (In Original Packaging). Professionally Added Qty 2X
Mounting screws to top case for mobile bracket mounting. $94.00
PARS CALENDAR:
* Jul 31, PARS MONTHLY MEETING, Saturday, 9am, Brantley’s Village
Restaurant, Oriental. For more info, contact Bill Michne, WM3X,
252-249-1175 or drmichne73@gmail.com.
* Aug 28, PARS MONTHLY MEETING, Saturday, 9am, Brantley’s Village
Restaurant, Oriental. For more info, contact Bill Michne, WM3X,
252-249-1175 or drmichne73@gmail.com.
LOCAL NETS OF INTEREST TO PARS MEMBERS:
* 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
PARS YOUTUBE CHANNEL–N4PRS RADIO
Videos of recorded PARS Meetings, presentations, and club activities can
be viewed on on the N4PRS Radio YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpEMfxc7PQixT0rr5xEKtyQ
73, Jim AI4WL
——
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