The W.A.C.O.M. Ham. Washington Amateur Communications. Presidents Message March 2010 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

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1 The W.A.C.O.M. Ham Washington Amateur Communications Inside: Seen at the WACOM Sport Show RACES Called into Action.. 3 VE Sessions Minutes AMSAT Close Call Redneck Ham? Pittsburgh Marathon And then there was snow. 7,8 Seen at WASHFEST Hamfests Officers President: Bud Plants, N3TIR; bud@bnelectronics.com Presidents Message March 2010 I am sure all club members will remember, for years to come, the winter of The month of February started off like any normal February until the Sportsmen Show was in full swing and then Mother Nature reminded us she was still to be contended with. The 2010 WACOM special event was staffed by the following members. K8DKS Denny, KC3HW JIM, N3ZNI ED, N3YJJ NORMA, N3IDH DAVE, KD8JNJ WILEY, NY9H BILL, N3TIR BUD, KB3OMH ADAM, N3GHR JOHN, N3TIQ MIKE and N3SDS GORDON. The special event this year again demonstrated that Amateur Radio is still a fun hobby for every one of all ages. It is always fun to demonstrate our skills to the general public and try to answer questions and invite others to join in our hobby. I want to thank all the club members who took part in this special event for their time and all the hard work for setup and tear down under such extreme weather conditions. 73 Bud, N3TIR Vice President: Kevin Beatty, KB3JHO; KB3JHO@arrl.net Secretary: John Quigg, N3GHR jjquigg@comcast.net Treasurer: Norma Plants, N3YJJ; njplants@yahoo.com Board of Directors <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> The next General Membership meeting will be held ON THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. AT THE WASHINGTON COUNTY BUILDING IN ROOM 103. Director: Adam Quigg, KB3OMH, kb3omh@comcast.net Director: Jim Burtoft, KC3HW; jburtoft@verizon.net Director: Dave Demotte, N3IDH; n3idh@hotmail.com Webmaster: Joe Caldwell, N3XE; joecaldwell.jc@gmail.com Editor: Jacque Gosselin, N3ZEL n3zel@comcast.net Special Guest Speaker ARRL Western Pennsylvania Section (WPA) Section Manager John V. Rodgers, N3MSE Please welcome John Rogers from the ARRL to our next general meeting.

2 Page 2 WACOM SPORTS SHOW 2010 The W.A.C.O.M. Ham Activity at the Sports Show was curtailed due to the snowstorm that hit during the show. A storm-caused emergency caused the antenna trailer to be pressed into service and our hams responded to the call. That s what we re here for! See page 3

3 The W.A.C.O.M. Ham Page 3 WACOM RACES CALLED INTO ACTION FEBRUARY 7 TH 2010 The Red Cross requested Washington Amateur Communications to serve as a backup communications link during the winter storm in early February. The area received more than 2 feet of snow and wide spread power outages due to heavy snow and downed trees. The Bentleyville Area had lost all landline and cell phone service due to power outages. Most repeaters in the area where off the air due to no commercial power. WACOM activated the amateur radio station at the Emergency Operation Center located in Washington, PA. The E.O.C. station was controlled by Bob KB3IN and Bud N3TIR doing the alert. The other link was operated by Dave N3IDH located at the Bentleyville Fire Department. Stations that checked into the emergency net and stood by for emergency communications. N3ZNI -ED KB3SVX -STEVE N3OVO -JOHN KB3RHR -CRAIG WB3CCN- MONTE The Emergency net log is as follows 13:20 on the air on the K3PSP Repeater ( MHz). 16:20 Sent that they were hopeful to have power tonight 18:15 Requested 3 to 5 more Red Cross Volunteers, including a nurse. 19; 00 Moved net to N3FB Repeater ( MHz). 19:05 Reported that cell phone service had returned. 21:00 Phone and Electric service returned, QRT. Bud, N3TIR *********************************************** UPCOMING VE SESSIONS There will be a VE session at the Salvation Army, Parish Street, Greentree, PA, 3/10/10, Wednesday and at the E.O.C., 400 N. Lexington, Point Breeze, Pittsburgh, PA, on 3/11/10, Thursday. The test sessions will begin at 7:00 PM. The fee is $16-. Please bring cash in the correct amount. Please have a copy of your license, if you have one, for submission with your completed test papers. A valid photo ID is also required. Pre-register by to Joe Sciulli, KA3TDQ, at: KA3TDQ@VERIZON.NET or call The new classes will begin 3/24/10 at the Salvation Army and 3/25/10 at the E.O.C. Pre-register by to Joe Sciulli, KA3TDQ,at: KA3TDQ@VERIZON.NET or call

4 Page 4 The W.A.C.O.M. Ham W.A.Com General Membership Meeting Minutes for February, 2010 Present:Bud(N3TIR),Norma(N3YJJ),John(N3GHR),Sam(W3CYO),Gordon(N3SDS),Joe(KB3QQT), Allen(KB3EUQ),Tom(K3PLM) Bud called the meeting to order at 7:34 PM (since a quorum was not present, no official business was transacted) Minutes of the January 14, 2010 meeting were circulated and approved 1. Reports Treasurer Treasurers report was circulated and approved Repeater - Sam reported repeater OK ARES Club checks in to ARES net on Saturday RACES no report 2. Old Business Sports show Show going on; good location, tower up, lot of literature available Dayton Club will have table in flea market section; show dates: May 14,15,16 Apparel Creations by Amy agreed to supply items with WACOM s logo 3. New Business Elmer s net new net after YL; details on Web site Meeting adjourned Thanks to Sam who demonstrated his indestructible clip lead and Bud who showed us how the transmitter for the Fox Hunt will work (see below)

5 The W.A.C.O.M. Ham Page 5 A Close Encounter for AMSAT-OSCAR 51 While many in North America were fast asleep Monday morning, March 1, the AMSAT-OSCAR 51 satellite had a potentially dangerous encounter with another spacecraft known as Formosat 3D. OSCAR 51 is a popular Amateur Radio satellite that often functions as a crossband FM repeater, relaying brief conversations over hundreds of miles. Formosat 3D is part of a constellation of six remote sensing microsatellites that collect atmospheric data for weather prediction and for ionosphere, climate and gravity research. Both orbit at an altitude of approximately 500 miles. On Sunday evening, AMSAT-NA Vice President of Operations, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, received an alert from the US Joint Space Operations Center, warning of the close approach between Formosat 3D and OSCAR 51 that would take place the following morning. "There is really nothing we can do other than watch and try to collect telemetry," Glasbrenner said. "Of course, any contact would mean instant death for OSCAR 51. It's all predictive until they smack together, but the estimate was that they would come within 2900 feet overall, but only 130 feet radially. I'm visualizing that scenario as one car merging on a highway at 17,500 MPH with another car 2900 feet in front and 130 feet to the left or right. Scale the 17,500 MPH to 70 MPH and the distances in the analogy would be 12 feet in front and 6 inches abreast, just to put the velocity and distances in perspective!" Glasbrenner was awake early Monday morning to monitor OSCAR 51's telemetry as the close approach unfolded. At 1056 UTC, he determined that the satellite was still alive, having survived the encounter without a scratch. "We were all relieved that OSCAR 51 was fine," Glasbrenner said, "but it reinforces how tenuous our satellite presence is, and the fact that we should be constantly working and fundraising to build and launch new satellites."...from the ARRL Web Site ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You are a Redneck Ham Operator if (submitted by Dave, K3LGM) 1. One leg of your dipole is tied to the outhouse. 2. Needle nose pliers are needed to turn your transceiver on and off. 3. You paid more for your mobile antenna than you did for your wife's wedding ring. 4. You paused for ID every ten minutes while on your honeymoon. 5. Your spouse says, "Honey, do you love me?" And your response is ROGER ROGER ROGER! 6. Your trailer home is part of your antenna. 7. Your mobile radio costs more than the vehicle it's mounted in. 8. Your power supply consists of jumper cables hanging out the window of your shack attached to the battery of your truck. 9. Your HF rig is the latest ICOM or KENWOOD and your Desk Mic came from Radio Shack. 10. Your idea of RF is REAL FINE audio. 11. Your homebrew amplifier resembles a moonshine whiskey still in Alabama. 12. Your TV antenna and 10 Meter Beam are one in the same. 13. You own a linear amplifier but not a lawn mower.

6 The W.A.C.O.M. Ham Page 11 Fellow Amateurs... THE RETURN OF THE PITTSBURGH MARATHON The Pittsburgh marathon is back for another run this spring! May 2, 2010 will be the date of the marathon's 21st running, and with registration already exceeding last year's participation of over 10,000 runners, it will be the largest in the history of the event. Once again, amateur radio has been asked to help make this event a success. We will be providing communications vital to ensuring the safety both of those athletes running in the marathon and of the many spectators. There are many positions around the 26.2 mile course that need to be covered, including mile markers, aid stations, buses and sweep vehicles, shadows for race officials, and others. To fully cover all of these positions, we will need over 150 volunteer amateur radio operators, including you! If you're new to the hobby or have never participated in a public service event, please don't let that stop you from joining us. We have a variety of positions for new and experienced hams alike, and will provide you with the information and support you need. This is an excellent opportunity to gain The experience needed to help out during an emergency, all while having fun and doing a service to our community. Online registration is quick and easy. Just visit marathon.central.org, click "Volunteer Now!", and fill out the form. You will receive your assignment and detailed instructions during the last week of April. There will also be a pre-race meeting the day before the marathon, at which we'll review what to expect on race day, answer any questions you have, and provide your T-shirt, hat, vest, and marathon credentials. I look forward to your participation. 73, Jeffrey Hutzelman, N3NHS Fox hunt Coming Soon Be Prepared.

7 The W.A.C.O.M. Ham Page 7 Bob Timmins Photography AB3ED (LEFT) SNOW! We had a lot of snow, no power for several days and many trees down, including the attached on my car. Fortunately, little damage! My 'shack' is still my hand! I only have the little dual band. I like to listen though. Best to all 33s 73s Linda Sue KB3KXN (RIGHT) And SNOW! prior to the damn snow, this used to be my back porch!! foto taken thru my back door. monk, (LEFT) Going to be a long spring cleanup. Luckily I didn't lose my antenna. Loren - WA3WZR (BELOW LEFT AND BELOW)

8 Page 8 The W.A.C.O.M. Ham AND MORE SNOW! Sent by Joe, KB3QQT from Donegal. (Right, Below Left and Right) N3ZEL & N3ZNI, 84, PA Note wire antenna has survived see arrow. Pictures L & R and below.

9 The W.A.C.O.M. Ham Seen At WASHFEST Page 9 John Rodgers, N3SME Section Manager (Left) with Bill Edgar, N3LLR Atlantic Division Director WACOM TABLE at the WASHFEST. Norma, N3YJJ (Left, hiding behind box) with Bud, N3TIR on the right Bill, W3WH,?, & Bob, WC30 Cathy, KB3OYS & Jim, KB3IYS Joe, WA3WMB, Steve, KB3SVX, Tom, and Ricky, N3ZCH Clay, KB3CHY Jim, KC3HW

10 Page 10 The W.A.C.O.M. Ham YLS AND XYLS There is an organization for you. It s called the Young Ladies Radio League. Come join other Lady Hams and enjoy the fellowship. See all we have to offer at or contact Jacque, N3ZEL at n3zel@fyi.net <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> Quarter Century Wireless Association Inc. Have you been a radio amateur for 25 years or more? Were you originally licensed 25 years ago or more, even if not continually? Well then please join us at the Quarter Century Wireless Association, Chapter 6 quarterly luncheon at Rocky II's. Located on PA Rt. # 51, just north of McKees Rocks, in Stowe Twp. at the Fleming Park bridge. Join our members who are like you, the foundation of amateur radio. There is much we can learn from them and from each other. And it's fun too. No reservation necessary. Our next quarterly luncheon will be in June 2010, so you have lots of time to plan ahead to join us.

11 The W.A.C.O.M. Ham Page 11 * March * HAMFESTS : Foothhills ARC Hamfest-Greensburg VFD Hose Company #1-10 McLaughlin Drive- Greensburg, PA More Info: / n3flr@arrl.net-talkin: MHz (131.8 hz tone) More Info: * April * 10-11: Foothills Amateur Radio Club, W3LWW. "50th Anniversary of FARC" Z QSL Card: Foothills ARC, PO Box 236, Greensburg, PA : Cuyahoga Falls Amateur Radio Club-More Info: 18: Tri-State Radio Fest-Center Stage Banquet Hall-1495 Old Brodhead Rd-Monaca, PA Flea Market & Auction-More Info: : Two Rivers ARC Hamfest-The Boston Spectrum-6100 Smithfield Street-Boston, PA (McKeesport suburb) More Info: hamfest@tworiversarc.com- Talkin: MHz- * VE Testing Available: * May * 2: Pittsburgh Marathon-ARES Communication Event (150 operators needed) More Info: County Public Service Net Dayton Hamvention-Hara Arena-Dayton, OH-More Info: * June * 5: Atlantic Division Convention (Rochester Hamfest)-Rochester Amateur Radio Association More Info: 6 : Breezeshooters Hamfest & Computer Show-Butler Farm Show Grounds-627 Evans City Road- Butler, PA More Info: hamfest2010@breezeshooters.net-talkin: MHz More Info: * July * 11: North Hills ARC Hamfest-Northland Library Grounds-300 Cumberland Road-Pittsburgh, PA More Info: Talkin: Mhz 18: Somerset County PA Hamfest-Somerset County Tech Center-281 Technol ogy Drive- Somerset,PA Talkin: / MHz-VE Testing Avail able 10 am More Info: 25: Portage ARC Hamfair-Portage, OH-