ARRL Midwest Division Newsletter August 2013 Amateur Radio

12 Pages·2013·1.55 MB·English

ARRL Midwest Division Newsletter
August 2013
Amateur Radio Float Parade in St. Charles, MO Parade
By Ward Silver N0AX
The St. Charles, Missouri Amateur Radio Club sponsored a float in the Independence Day
"Riverfest" Parade. Participants on the float were Daniel KD0SJF, Jim N5MU, Ed KD0LNT,
Jim KD0PJG and his family, Heather KD0TEX and her husband, Kevin, Jim KG0KP, and
yours truly. The weather was
great and we had a blast, rolling
down historic Main St with CW and
FM voice on the speakers.
Putting the float together was very
easy - it's a single-axle trailer
owned and pulled by Ed Dewhirst,
KD0LNT. We have a club banner
(shown) and an ARES Rapid Re-
sponse Team banner (on the other
side of the trailer). I provided two radio stations in the trailer. The VHF/UHF station is a self-
contained "go-kit" station-in-a-cooler with a GP-6 dual-band vertical mounted on PVC pipe that
attaches to the cooler, powered by a 12V tractor battery. The HF station was an IC-7000 and
20 meter Hamstick whip on a triple mag-mount on the hood of the truck, powered by a Honda
generator. It was important to get the antenna away from the trailer and use a ground wire to

the truck frame in order to reduce RF on the keying paddle and to have a good radiated sig-
nal. A pair of speakers let the crowd hear the action on HF. We operated phone on the club's
VHF repeater and CW on HF, making about 20 QSOs on the repeater during the two-hour pa-
rade and about 15 QSOs on HF from WA to FL. People enjoyed the code with many recogniz-
ing it for what it was - lots of interest.
We also handed out business card sized mini-QSLs from
the club - about 400 were distributed. These are made us-
ing PowerPoint (see attached graphics - feel free to publish
them) and are not specific to any particular event. They
stress all facets of the amateur service without over-relying
on the public service aspect. They link to the club web site
and we have information there about ham radio. We are
going to have more printed up for use all year long.
It's very important to the future of ham radio that hams get
out there where people are and put ham radio back in the
conversation. We don't do well at outreach to the public,
relying on "past tense" accounts of public service without
much face-to-face contact. We need to be out there operat-
ing and showing what we can do - not just once a year at
Field Day but regularly.
ARRL Midwest Division Newsletter—Aug 2013 p. 2
Kansas State ARRL Convention—August 18
The 2013 Kansas State ARRL Convention sponsored by the Central Kansas Amateur Radio
Club, will be held at the Webster Conference Center, I-70 and Ohio Street, in Salina Kansas
on Sunday, August 18, 2013. Please note the location of the new venue. There will be ARRL
and Kansas Section meetings, ARRL VE exams, Ladies Activities, and other forums.
Kansas native Chuck Skolaut K0BOG, ARRL’s Field and Regulatory Correspondent, will be
the featured guest from ARRL HQ. Chuck will bring us up-to-date on regulatory and enforce-
ment issues at the ARRL forum. ARRL Midwest Division Director Cliff Ahrens K0CA and Sec-
ond Vice President Bruce Frahm K0BJ will also be on the program at the ARRL forum.
If there are at least 40 reservations, the Webster Conference Center will serve Saturday even-
ing dinner and Sunday lunch. For registration for the convention and lunch and dinner reser-
vations, go to: http://www.centralksarc.com/2013conv.htm. For more information or ques-
tions, contact Ron Tremblay WA0PSF at [email protected].
This should be a great convention. Hope to see you in Salina August 18!

Kansas QSO Party
August 24-25, 2013
24 August 25 August
1400-0200UTC 1400-2000UTC
The 2013 Kansas QSO Party is kicking into high gear! We are again having fun with 1x1 calls. Try to
spell KANSAS and SUNFLOWER, and use Bonus Station, KSØKS, as a "wild card" in case you miss a
letter. Certificates, two new antique amateur radio stamps, $50 gift certificate drawings, our Made In
Kansas engraved wooden plaques, and 105 counties to chase should keep you busy all weekend!

What's new? A new School category! Listen for Kansas University (K0U), Kansas State University (K0S)
and Emporia State University (K0E) as they compete for your contacts.

Thanks to our generous sponsors, each confirmed unique Kansas 1x1 call in your out-of-state log
counts as an entry into a $50 gift certificate drawing from a selection of ham radio vendors. Kansas sta-
tions have their own drawing. Check out the details on the rules page, then join us for Kansas fun this
summer via ham radio!

Visit http://ksqsoparty.org for rules and details.

Kent Stutzman KB0RWI
KSQP Web/Publicity
Bob Harder W0BH
ARRL Midwest Division Newsletter—Aug 2013 p. 3
Cliff’s Notes
 At its July meeting, the ARRL Board authorized management to obtain professional ser-
vices outside ARRL, with the goal of improving Logbook of the World’s database imple-
mentation and to hire a full-time staff member with strong IT development and architectural
skills. Look for continued improvements to LoTW.
 Several readers have asked how to view archived copies of previous Midwest Division
News. The current month’s newsletter is always available at the following link:
http://www.arrlmidwest.org/newsletter/newsletter.pdf. To read old newsletters, click on the
link to “Newsletter Archives” on the www.arrlmidwest.org web site. It takes you to a
“Previous Months Newsletters” page http://www.arrlmidwest.org/newsletter.html, which has
links to all the past newsletters.
 The ARRL Board has also approved the recommendation of the ARRL Committee on
Youth in the Second Century to establish the position of “Section Youth Coordina-
tor” (SYC) as a section-level field organization appointment. This is an important step in
promoting ham radio to youth. But in addition, each of us can help by showing young peo-
ple the fun and excitement of Amateur Radio.
 If you read the digital QST on a Windows computer, and are prompted to upgrade Adobe
Air to version 3.8, refuse the upgrade. ARRL staff is reporting that there are problems ac-
cessing the digital issues with version 3.8. If you have already upgraded, follow the in-
structions on the ARRL web site to uninstall Adobe Air 3.8 and reinstall an older version.
http://www.arrl.org/news/adobe-air-3-8-currently-not-compatible-with-downloaded-digital-
qst-using-windows
 Our condolences to the family and friends of Ed Rust KD0BKH, who became a Silent Key
on June 28. Ed was the SATERN Co-Metro Coordinator for the Kansas & Western Mis-
souri Division.
73, Cliff K0CA
ARRL Midwest Division Newsletter—Aug 2013 p. 4
Around the Midwest Division

July marked the Annual RAGBRAI Bicy-
cle Ride as nearly 12,000 cyclists rode
across Iowa. Iowa hams were ready to
show their support. Bruce Schmeeidin
KC0TPV and Lennie Thompson N0LCT
(SGL) manned the control operation at
the local police station,. The Hiawatha
Club (Perry)set up a Message Table and
a Ham Radio information and meet and
greet area for interested cyclists (upper
left). Craig Rose KC0YHU tuning the HF
rig while Jim Moreland W0BNW (SEC) is
observing (lower left). Iowa Hams greet-
ed the riders as they rode across the
state during the week. (Information and
photos courtesy K0CY)
Bill Schadeberg KC0QMX and
Jim Tuggle KC0NYK, of the Elk
County, KS ARS, used a bow and
arrow to pull a wire antenna
through the tree tops and operat-
ed using the club call WX0EK
during the ARRL Field Day.
(Photo by KB0SQQ)
ARRL Midwest Division Newsletter—Aug 2013 p. 5
Around the Midwest Division

Walt Davis KD0VXQ (left), experi-
enced his first Field Day at Kansas
City’s Heart of America Radio Club
event. Dennis Crawford, N0UYN
(right), was not at his first Field
Day!. (Photo courtesy Heart of
America Radio Club Newsletter)
Joe Griiggs KC0HCU (right), Jim Pendergast
(below), and other members of the Heart of Ameri-
ca Radio Club helped with communications for the
34th annual Kansas City Corporate Challenge Tri-
athlon / Duathlon in June. There were more than
21,000 competitors from 177 area businesses and
organizations who competed in 30 sports, to bene-
fit the local Special Olympics. (Photos courtesy
Heart of America Radio Club Newsletter)
ARRL Midwest Division Newsletter - Aug 2013 p. 6
2013 ARRL Midwest Convention Update
When: November 8-9, 2013
Where: Cowan Civic Center, Lebanon, Missouri.
http://www.arrlmidwestconvention.com
Special guests and Forum speakers:
Former Astronaut Steven R. Nagel, (Colonel, USAF, Ret)
Dave Sumner K1ZZ ARRL CEO
Cliff Ahrens K0CA ARRL Midwest Director
Mike Corey KI1U ARRL Emergency Preparedness Manager
Rick Roderick K5UR, ARRL 1st Vice President (DXing Techniques)
Bob Heil K9EID of Heil Sound
Gordon West WB6NOA
Bill Pasternak WA6ITF— Amateur Radio Newsline
Carole Perry WB2MGP—Youth program
Joe Spear W4WT—Remote Operations
W8JI—Antennas and Station Grounding
HK0NA DXpedition by W0GJ
KC DX Club Famous CW Pileup contest
W1AW/0 Special Event Station
D-Star by K0GOB and WB0IIS
QRP by KC0PP
Joplin disaster and ARES by AC0HA
Hams-In-Space by KY0F, KD0HKD, AC0DX
Antennas for restricted areas by AC0C
SDR by Tony Parks
Alpha Amplifier technology by W0RUN from RF Concepts (ALPHA)
SEMA And FEMA Forums
Vendors and Manufacturers: ICOM, Heil Sound, RF Concepts (Alpha), WB0W, D and L Antennas, Bal-
un Designs and more.
NO charge to enter and attend the Convention. FREE tail-gating outside space. We hope to see you in
Lebanon, Missouri November 8-9. Please mark your calendars and let your clubs know! For more infor-
mation, contact Ron Lowrance K4SX Co-Chairman: [email protected].
http://www.arrlmidwestconvention.com
ARRL Midwest Division Newsletter– Aug 2013 p. 7
Midwest Division Special Events
08/08/2013 | Iowa State Fair
Aug 8-Aug 18, 1300Z-1700Z, W0ISF, Des Moines, IA. Madison County DX Club.
156.520 14.215 7.215. QSL. Mark Mease, 2989 Truro Rd, Truro, IA 50257. The annu-
al running of the great Iowa State Fair. 11 days of fun. Operating at various times dur-
ing the fair. [email protected]
08/25/2013 | Hollenberg Pony Express Festival /153rd Anniversary of the Pony
Express
Aug 25, 1400Z-2100Z, K0ASA, Hanover, KS. Crown Amateur Radio Association.
18.085 14.245 14.045 7.045. Certificate & QSL. Crown Amateur Radio Association,
11551 W 176th Tr, Olathe, KS 66062. arrlmidwest.org/ponyexpress.html
09/15/2013 | West Point of the West
Sep 15-Sep 16, 1600Z-0000Z, K0ZFK, Saint Louis, MO. Jefferson Barracks Amateur
Radio Club. 7.194 7.182. QSL. Arlo Gittings, 6755 Alabama, Saint Louis, MO 63111.
Celebrating the importance of the of this post to the region and to the club.
[email protected]
09/20/2013 | Stars & Stripes
Sep 20-Sep 21, 1700Z-1700Z, W0S, Bloomfield, MO. Bootheel & SEMo Amateur Ra-
dio Clubs. 28.450 14.260 7.260 3.950. Certificate. Stars & Stripes, PO Box 98, Jack-
son, MO 63755.
09/21/2013 | 80th Anniversary of the Collins Radio Company
Sep 21-Sep 23, 1300Z-0500Z, W0CXX, Cedar Rapids, IA. Rockwell Collins Amateur
Radio Club. HF and 6 m; CW AM SSB. Certificate & QSL. Steve Larson, N3SL, 22 N
Hidden Acres Dr, Sioux City, IA 51108. Several stations participating. Primary operat-
ing hours 0900 to 2400 local time for each station as operators are available. Work 3
different stations for certificate. www.w0cxx.us
09/21/2013 | 80th Anniversary of the Collins Radio Company
Sep 21-Sep 23, 1300Z-0500Z, N0CXX, Cedar Rapids, IA. Rockwell Collins Amateur
Radio Club. HF and 6 m; CW AM SSB. Certificate & QSL. Steve Larson, N3SL, 22 N
Hidden Acres Dr, Sioux City, IA 51108. Several stations participating. Primary operat-
ing hours 0900 to 2400 local time for each station as operators are available. Work 3
different stations for certificate. www.w0cxx.us
ARRL Midwest Division Newsletter– Aug 2013 p. 8
09/21/2013 | 80th Anniversary of the Collins Radio Company
Sep 21-Sep 23, 1300Z-0500Z, W5ROK, Richardson, TX. Rockwell Collins amateur
Radio Club. HF and 6 m; CW AM SSB. Certificate & QSL. Steve Larson, N3SL, 22 N
Hidden Acres Dr, Sioux City, IA 51108. Several stations participating. Primary operat-
ing hours 0900 to 2400 local time for each station as operators are available. Work 3
different stations for certificate. www.w0cxx.us
09/21/2013 | 80th Anniversary of the Collins Radio Company
Sep 21-Sep 23, 1300Z-0500Z, W4CRC, Melbourne, FL. Rockwell Collins amateur Ra-
dio Club. HF and 6 m; CW AM SSB. Certificate & QSL. Steve Larson, N3SL, 22 N Hid-
den Acres Dr, Sioux City, IA 51108. Several stations participating. Primary operating
hours 0900 to 2400 local time for each station as operators are available. Work 3 dif-
ferent stations for certificate. www.w0cxx.us
09/21/2013 | 80th Anniversary of the Collins Radio Company
Sep 21-Sep 23, 1300Z-0500Z, W6CXX, Tustin, CA. Rockwell Collins Amateur Radio
Club. HF and 6 m; CW AM SSB. Certificate & QSL. Steve Larson, N3SL, 22 N Hidden
Acres Dr, Sioux City, IA 51108. Several stations participating. Primary operating hours
0900 to 2400 local time for each station as operators are available. Work 3 different
stations for certificate www.w0cxx.us
09/28/2013 | 80th Anniversary of the Collins Radio Company
Sep 28-Sep 30, 1300Z-0500Z, W0CXX, Cedar Rapids, IA. Rockwell Collins amateur
Radio Club. HF and 6 m; CW AM SSB. Certificate & QSL. Steve Larson, N3SL, 22 N
Hidden Acres Dr, Sioux City, IA 51108. Several stations participating. Primary operat-
ing hours 0900 to 2400 local time for each station as operators are available. Work 3
different stations for certificate. www.w0cxx.us
09/28/2013 | 80th Anniversary of the Collins Radio Company
Sep 28-Sep 30, 1300Z-0500Z, N0CXX, Cedar Rapids, IA. Rockwell Collins Amateur
Radio Club. HF and 6 m; CW AM SSB. Certificate & QSL. Steve Larson, N3SL, 22 N
Hidden Acres Dr, Sioux City, IA 51108. Several stations participating. Primary operat-
ing hours 0900 to 2400 local time for each station as operators are available. Work 3
different stations for certificate. www.w0cxx.us
09/28/2013 | 80th Anniversary of the Collins Radio Company
Sep 28-Sep 30, 1300Z-0500Z, W5ROK, Richardson, TX. Rockwell Collins Amateur
Radio Club. HF and 6 m; CW AM SSB. Certificate & QSL. Steve Larson, N3SL, 22 N
Hidden Acres Dr, Sioux City, IA 51108. Several stations participating. Primary operat-
ing hours 0900 to 2400 local time for each station as operators are available. Work 3
different stations for certificate. www.w0cxx.us
ARRL Midwest Division Newsletter– Aug 2013 p. 9
0 9/28/2013 | 80th Anniversary of the Collins Radio Company
Sep 28-Sep 30, 1300Z-0500Z, W4CRC, Melbourne, FL. Rockwell Collins Amateur Ra-
dio Club. HF and 6 m; CW AM SSB. Certificate & QSL. Steve Larson, N3SL, 22 N Hid-
den Acres Dr, Sioux City, IA 51108. Several stations participating. Primary operating
hours 0900 to 2400 local time for each station as operators are available. Work 3 dif-
ferent stations for certificate. www.w0cxx.us
09/28/2013 | 80th Anniversary of the Collins Radio Company
Sep 28-Sep 30, 1300Z-0500Z, W6CXX, Tustin, CA. Rockwell Collins Amateur Radio
Club. HF and 6 m; CW AM SSB. Certificate & QSL. Steve Larson, N3SL, 22 N Hidden
Acres Dr, Sioux City, IA 51108. Several stations participating. Primary operating hours
0900 to 2400 local time for each station as operators are available. Work 3 different
stations for certificate. www.w0cxx.us
10/12/2013 | Lester Dent-Doc Savage Mystery Special Event
Oct 12-Oct 13, 1500Z-2100Z, W0D, La Plata, MO. Macon County Amateur Radio
Club. 28.370 14.270 7.270 3.970. Certificate. Macon County Amateur Radio Club, PO
Box 13, Macon, MO 63552. In honor of the Birthday of one of the most prolific writers
of Pulp Fiction, and an Amateur Radio Operator. It is also the 80th "Birthday" of the
first "Superhero" Doc Savage. A colorful certificate will be provided to those that con-
tact the Special Event Station and a QSL including a # 10 SASE.
www.maconcountyarc.net
11/09/2013 | Honoring Veterans for Veterans Day
Nov 9, 1500Z-2200Z, W0FSB, Waterloo, IA. Five Sullivan Brothers Amateur Radio
Club. 21.240 14.240 7.240. Certificate & QSL. Five Sullivan Bros Amateur Radio Club,
3186 Brandon Diagonal Blvd, Brandon, IA 52210. For QSL card: Send card and #10
SASE; For Certificate &QSL: Send QSL, address label and 3 Forever stamps; For
eQSL & Certificate:Send eQSL, then an email, requesting a .jpeg file of the certificate
that you can print yourself [email protected].
For updated Special Event listings, see:
www.arrl.org/special-event-stations
ARRL Midwest Division Newsletter– Aug 2013 p. 10
Midwest Division ARRL Hamfests, Conventions & Events
08/04/2013 | CVARC Summerfest 2013
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Cedar Valley Amateur Radio Club
Website: http://cvarc.rf.org
08/11/2013 | St. Charles Amateur Radio Club Hamfest
Location: O'Fallon, MO
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: St. Charles Amateur Radio Club
Website: http://www.wb0hsi.org
08/18/2013 | Kansas State Convention
Location: Salina, KS
Type: ARRL Convention
Sponsor: Central Kansas ARC
Website: http://centralksarc.com
08/23/2013 | 24th Annual Joplin Hamfest
Location: Joplin, MO
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Joplin Amateur Radio Club
Website: http://www.joplin-arc.org
09/07/2013 | Ak-Sar-Ben ARC Flea-Esta
Location: Springfield, NE
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Ak-Sar-Ben Amateur Radio Club
Website: http://www.aksarbenarc.org/main/
09/14/2013 | Santa Fe Trail 2nd Annual Hamfest
Location: Gardner, KS
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Santa Fe Trail Amateur Radio Club
Website: http://sftarc.org
09/21/2013 | Heartland Hamfest
Location: Hastings, IA
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Heartland Hams ARC
Website: http://www.heartlandhams.org
10/05/2013 | 2013 Wichita Area Hamfest
Location: Wichita, KS
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Valley Center Amateur Radio Club
Website: http://www.vcarc.org