Dee Turner, N4GD -  Section Manager

Past Month's Section News

Dennis Griffin, W4DG - Assistant Section Manager & Webmaster

Section Manager's Column
 News | WCF Bulletins | Main Page

Here are the past editions of Section News.  They are from the ARRL WCF Section Web Page and from QST when space for Section News was quite limited.  Recently, this limited space was completely eliminated but you will find the Current Section Manger's Column contains much more information on what is going on currently!

April, 2005  

Things are again moving in WCF Country!!

The new web site is constantly being updated. It can be found at www.arrlwcf.org. You can also hear the most current information on the Section nets. The VHF/UHF net is held in Sunday evenings at 7:30PM on the NI4CE repeater system. 145.43/442.95 pl 100. The HF net has changed for band conditions. Now on Saturday morning with a new Frequency of 3.911 MHz, alternative of 7.281 MHz. at 8:30 AM.

The club visits are going well. I've managed to visit 8 more Clubs and 3 hamfest.

I will try to visit as many clubs as possible, as it's always nice to see and hear about what the clubs are doing for their communities!

Please keep everyone updated on your Club's activities by sending your club's monthly news items to me, N4GD@arrlwcf.org, or to the Section Webmaster@ARRLWCF.ORG.

Your WCF Section Leadership wants to keep everyone informed and up to date!

73 de Dee, N4GD

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Section happenings

I know that June is a couple of months away but now is the time to make plans for Field Day 25-26 June. In keeping with tradition I will attempt to attend as many field day sites as possible in the 24 hours period. I would like all the clubs and individuals in the section to send me their field day locations. That will make it a lot easier to find. I can't always follow the smell of food.

Lake Maggiore Tailgate is on 1 May 2005 in St. Petersburg. Details at www.qsl.net/w4gac. Also in May is the WormFest at Freedom Lake Park in Pinellas Park. Section website has info.

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On February 19-20 the Bradenton ARC helped at the Cortez Seafood Festival, something that club has done for many years.

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March 18 - 27 the Sarasota Emergency Radio Club set up their emergency trailer to provide information about amateur radio and their club. These among other provided assistance during the week: W1ROX, KA4BOB, W8ISZ, WD4AHZ, K4JP, N4LML, W4INN, KL7HX, K4UOT, KG4SGK, KG4YHR, KI4HOK,WA9TIR, KB3GCO, KI4DLD, KG4QCR, K9DAV, W4VIN

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Mac, KG4FVW providing needed relief at the Cortez Seafood Festival

Crowd enjoying Cortez Seafood Festival

John, N4JP operating HF, one of the many modes available in the Sarasota Emergency Radio Club trailer.

KB3GCO, W1ROX and WA9TIR ready to talk about Amateur Radio during the Satasota County Fair

February, 2005

Things are again moving in WCF Country!!

The new web site is constantly being updated. It can be found at www.arrlwcf.org. You can also hear the most current information on the Section nets. The VHF/UHF net is held in Sunday evenings at 7:30PM on the NI4CE repeater system. 145.43/442.95 pl 100. The HF net has changed for band conditions on Saturday morning with a new Frequency of 3.911 MHz, alt of 7.281 MHz. at 8:30 AM.

I'll be visiting several more clubs during the next few months. During my first month as your new Section Manager, I have visited the Bradenton ARC, Lake Wales ARC, Sheriffs Tactical ARC and the Englewood ARS.

I will try to visit as many clubs as possible, as it's always nice to see and hear about what the clubs are doing for their communities!

Please keep everyone update on your Club's activities by sending your club's monthly news items to me, N4GD@arrlwcf.org, or to your Section Webmaster@ARRLWCF.ORG.

Your WCF Section Leadership wants to keep everyone informed and up to date!

73 de Dee, N4GD

Section Happenings

Bradenton ARC and Manatee ARC combine forces and set up a January Field Day at the Manatee County Red Cross on January 15 and 16th 2005.

The two clubs combined to hold a field day and operate on emergency power only for 24 hours during the North American QSO Party. The Bradenton Club set up its communications trailer and both clubs set up the Manatee County ARES Communications Trailer.

Members of both clubs spent the night with the aid of 3 emergency generators and a lot of coffee.

Representatives of the American Red Cross and Manatee County EOC visited the operations on Saturday afternoon.

The Presidents of the two clubs, "Mac" McMurtry of BARC and Frank Morton of MARCI, both spent the night and agreed that this second joint Field Day operation was a huge success.

We are all looking forward to many more joint ventures as sister clubs with the primary goal to support Amateur Radio.

Please feel free to visit us at K4BRC and K4GG

BARC and MARCI Winter Field Day - Lou Mallow and Roger Byron in BARC trailer

BARC and MARCI Winter Field Day - ARES trailer
Below, the East Pasco Amateur Radio Society sponsored a special event station for the Kumquat Festival on Saturday 29 January 2005. Turnout was very good. Several people stopped by to operate or ask questions about amateur radio.

East Pasco ARS Kumquat Festival Special Event - John Mouw, WA4JM, SM Dee Turner, N4GD and Chris Blommel, KE4PWC

East Pasco ARS Kumquat Festival Special Event - John Mouw, WA4JM and Roger Looker, AK4CW

January, 2005

The WCF team is working hard on preparing a new web site for the section and the filling of the remaining vacant cabinet positions. You can hear about all the updates on the Section nets. The VHF/UHF net is held in Sunday evenings at 7:30PM on the NI4CE repeater system. 145.43/442.95 pl 100. The new HF net will be held on Saturday morning on 7.281 Mhz. at 10 AM ET.

The new web site is ready and can be found at www.arrlwcf.org.

We also would like to include information of what each club in the section is doing. Send your newsletters and/or other information to our webmaster. We want to keep the section informed and up to date!

73 de Dee, N4GD
 

Dave Armbrust - AE4MR, Section Manager (2000 - 2004)

May, 2003

Serving the needs of the Amateur Radio Operators in Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota Counties

ASM-Legal Biff Craine, K4LAW, SEC John Townsley, AE4GB, TC Darrell Davis, KT4WX, BM Bill Dibble, KE4WU, STM Chet Carruth, AB4XK, SGL Ted Zateslow, W1XO, ACC Fred Hendershot, N3BUL, PIC Jack Doyle, WX1JAD.

 

CQ FIELD DAY CQ FIELD DAY ... YOU ARE 5-9 IN WCF - will be a heard across many of the bands in just a few days this Saturday and Sunday, but it may not be clear if 5-9 is a signal report or an indication of rainfall!  As amateurs across the Section prepare for a field day it looks like it may be a wet one.

 

When I asked Regional Skywarn Coordinator, Paul Toth, NA4AR, for an update today on the weather this weekend Paul responded "WET WET and more WET."  In a more serious note, Paul writes the official forecast is: Saturday and Sunday. Mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms likely. Lows in the mid 70s. Highs in the upper 80s.

 

When Sarasota Emergency Radio Club Field Day Coordinator, Ron Wetjen, WD4AHZ, asked the Sarasota group if plans should continue for what may be a soggy weekend, Dan Street, K1TO, quickly responded "We've come this far, Chief - don't abandon ship (or is it the Ark??!!) just yet!"  Glen Alvord, KL7HX, Skywarn Coordinator for Sarasota County writes "Go for it - that's what it's all about.".  Amateurs seemed determined and a little rain in the forecast is not going to change their plans.  It appears that while we indeed may be looking at some rain this weekend it has not slowed preparation for this annual amateur radio event one bit.

 

The new ARRL Field Day logo

When all else fails - It is not surprising to see weather as a significant feature in this years Field Day logo.   Historically Field Day has always been a bit wet in West Central Florida and it looks like this year may not be an exception.   Of course careful preparation can make a big difference.  Rain or shine, be sure to visit your local Field Day group.  As always, regardless what, amateur radio will be there.

National Weather Service Station to activate for Field Day - For the fourth consecutive year, WX4TBW, the Amateur Radio station located at the National Weather Service in Ruskin will activate for Field Day.  Members of the West Central Florida SKYWARN Group will man WX4TBW beginning at 12 Noon EDT (1600z) on Saturday, June 28th.  The station will remain on the air to provide all Field Day operators in West Central Florida with up-to-the-minute weather information, issue official National Weather Service Severe Weather Warnings and Advisories and take incoming SKYWARN spotter reports.
 
WX4TBW will monitor the NI4CE Repeater System (145.43 & 442.95-Verna, 145.29-St. Petersburg, 146.76-Holiday) during the Field Day operation.  The WX4TBW APRS station will also be manned and on-the-air on 144.39.
 
"Field Day is an opportunity to test our emergency communications and operations capabilities", notes Paul Toth-NA4AR, WCF SKYWARN Group Regional Coordinator.  "We hope our presence on the air will help make the 2003 Field Day a safe activity for all participating Hams."
 
For more information about SKYWARN, WX4TBW and the West Central Florida SKYWARN Group, go to http://www.tbwskywarn.org/ .
 
Big Stick Traffic Net for Field Day -  Much like in a real emergency a Section traffic net will be started at 2:00 PM Saturday to handle formal NTS traffic.  As long as there are net control operators available the net will continue through out Field Day and will not be formally closed until 2:00 PM Sunday.  Be sure to pass 10 pieces of traffic and get 100 bonus points.  I will be monitoring the NI4CE repeater for traffic to the Section Manager which is worth an additional 100 points to your group!  Include the club name, number of participants, Field Day location, and number of ARES operators involved with your station.  If you are not sure how to prepare formal written traffic the Net Control Station will help you as time permits.
 
Field Day Rules - Field Day rules are available on-line at:  http://www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2003/rules-fd-2003.html

Governor's Hurricane Conference - The Governor's Hurricane Conference on June 9-13 at the Tampa Convention Center was well attended by amateurs radio operators from all over the State of Florida.  John Fleming, from the State EOC talked about the State facilities in Tallahassee.  As WCF Section Manager I spoke on the need for training in emergency communications with particular emphasis on the ARRL ARECC on-line and hybrid courses.  Southern Florida Section Emergency Coordinator Jim Goldsberry, KD4GR, brought us up to date on ARES activity in South Florida.  Amateur radio operators from the National Hurricane Center talked about the changes at their facility.  It was noted that IRLP and Echolink allowed the NHC to directly monitor VHF weather reports using local repeaters in the affected area.  The Hurricane center also has a new call of WX4NHC.

 

Skywarn Photos - Below are some spectacular fresh photos of waterspouts provided by Skywarn Spotters.
 
 
June 15, 2003 over Tampa Bay Courtesy of Dan Noah-WX4DAN
Dan is Warning Coordination Meteorologist - NWSFO-TampaBay
 

June 15, 2003 over Charlotte Harbor.  Courtesy of Jack Keim-KE4IM

 

Ham Radio Station at BSA bi-annual camporee -   Bill Bode, N4WEB, is working with the Boy Scouts of Gulf Ridge Council  (Tampa), and has been asked to put on a Ham Radio Station for the Council's bi-annual camporee at Sun 'N Fun. The event is in early November 14-16 with activity stations operating only on the 15th from 9-4. Bill has already gained support from Tampa Amateur Radio Club, and would like get other clubs to participate as well 

Bill writes "This is a great opportunity to expose boys to Ham Radio.  This is logistically like a 'mini-Field Day' event, since we have a short setup time, are not sure of the availability of power, no established shelter, etc, and everything we bring will need to be self contained. We do get access to the camporee site on Friday before the event (a plus).  This event will have over 2000 Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in attendance, so expect large crowds. I am looking to procure a 1x1 call for the event, and a special QSL card, plus advertising in QST later in the summer. Other logistics needs will include (radios, towers, antennas, and operators obviously), tents, power, tables, chairs, displays, handouts, etc."

If you can lend a hand Bill and the scouts would greatly appreciate it.  You may contact Bill at wbode@att.com.

 

 

Amateur Radio Emergency Service

Charlotte - EC David Hanson, KB0EVM.  Dave Hanson, KB0EVM has resigned as Emergency Coordinator for Charlotte County.  Currently the position has not been filled.

Desoto - EC Doug Christ, KN4YT

Hardee - Acting EC Matthew Ford KG4KUC

Highlands - Acting EC Dave Hale, WA4BWO.

Hillsborough - EC Gary Sessum, KC5QCN  Hillsborough County ARES/RACES/Skywarn sponsored an Introduction to Packet Radio Communications course on Saturday June 14th with 29 students attending the class. We will offer a Fundamentals of HF Digital Communications course later this year. On Saturday June 28th we offered the Mutual Aid Communications (MAC) 100 level certification course on the grounds of the Tampa Amateur Radio Club. The annual Hillsborough County hurricane exercise was held on Tuesday July 8th with a full scale activation of the EOC. We provided backup/auxiliary communications support at several locations around Hillsborough county. We taught Incident Command System (ICS) ICS-100 and ICS-200 level courses on Saturday July 12th to members of the Hillsborough County amateur radio community. A Basic and Advanced Skywarn class is scheduled for Saturday August 16th at the EOC.  ARECC Levels II and III will be offered in a traditional classroom setting later this year in addition to Emergency Deployable Interoperable Communications System (EDICS) training.

Hillsborough County ARES/RACES will be participating in the annual Hillsborough County Hurricane Exercise to be held on Tuesday July 8, 2003 from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm. This exercise will entail a full-scale activation of the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center (EOC).   This exercise will involve state, county, municipal, and volunteer agencies and test their ability to coordinate response and recovery operations in the aftermath of a direct hit by a category 3 hurricane.

Manatee - EC Frank Morton, AC4MK

Pasco - EC Norm Daerda, K4NRM

Pinellas - EC Vacant

Polk - Acting EC Evans Mitchel, KD4EFM  Ben Holycross, County Communications Administrator, was the speaker at the June 9th ARES meeting in Winder Haven.   Polk county is very interested in expanding the relationship between the county and ARES including providing funds and equipment.   Also present at the meeting was John Townsley, AF4GB, Section Emergency Coordinator and myself.  I was also asked to say a few words about the recent drill in Sarasota.

 

The county also had an open house on June 21st.  Please get contact Evans Mitchell, KD4EFM, Polk Count EC and let him know if you can lend a hand with the county needs or with ARES.  Evans may be reached at kd4efm@arrl.net.

 

Sarasota - EC Jack Doyle, WX1JAD  A Skywarn Class will be taught right after the Sarasota Emergency Radio Club meeting on July 7th at 7:30PM at the American Red Cross.  All amateurs are invited to attend this class.  The National Weather Service is now requiring that all Skywarn Spotters get recertified periodically.  To maintain your Skywarn Certification it is important that you attend this class.

 
A J-pole antenna has been erected on a mast at approximately 35+' at the Nokomis Fire Dept. (Station 41 in Sarasota County). Station 41 is located in 'mid-county' and serves a wide area. This allows the Captain of NVFD Support Operations, whose also the county ARES EC, to have communications over a wider area of coverage and a more 'noise-free' link to NWS SKYWARN Tampa Bay Ruskin.

The Nokomis Fire Dept. is still in the process of adding Amateur Radio frequencies to ALL of their radios in their first line apparatus. So far, the Chief's unit and the Brush Fire Unit have the radios installed. Amateur radio license preparation classes are planned to take place at the Nokomis Fire Training School this summer which will be required for all Fire Officer's and open to all, including the general public. A special thanks to WCF/SM, Dave, AE4MR, for his assistance and guidance in making this happen.

Club News - News from amateur radio clubs in the West Central Florida Section

Tampa Amateur Radio Club -


This is what it is all about - From the TARC Amateur Radio Demo for Gulf Ridge Council Cub Scout Day Camp '03 [Photo by Bruce Orand, N4ZXI]

TARC WOWS CUBS!! - By Warren Elly W1GUD  

The freckle faced kid had done the Ham Radio rotation at Cub Scout Day Camp. He'd told an Ohio ham on 20 meters his favorite color and favorite sports team. Using portable radios he learned are called HTs, he'd talked to his buddies on 2 meters across the field. And he'd used a Morse code oscillator and a chart of the alphabet and code characters to send his name to his partner, and listened as the partner did the same.  I asked him if he'd done all the activities and he said yes. He asked if he could do one of them again. Which one? The freckle faced kid pointed to the code oscillators.

The kid and 168 other Cub Scouts from the Gulf Ridge Council enjoyed opening day of Summer Day Camp making name tags out of leather and yarn with paint and wooden mallets. They swam, shot arrows and BB guns. And they got a hands on introduction to Amateur Radio with more than a dozen volunteers from the Tampa Amateur Radio Club. This was our 10th year supporting the day camp.

With only a few weeks to Field Day, it was a tune up of sorts for TARC. The camp operates from Plant Park, a beautiful spot at the University of Tampa along the Hillsborough River. We set up a tower trailer from ARES-RACES, and used one of the club's FORCE12 C3E tribanders and HAM IV rotators. Code practice oscillators, 2meter hand helds, and an ICOM IC-746 rounded out the operation. But there was one more thing that could be considered a Field Day warm up. Rain and thunder showers.

Fortunately we'd set up the tower trailer next to the building that the scouts would use in case of inclement weather. So when the heavens opened just before lunch time, TARC members were able to grab the radios, the code oscillators, and the coax, and move operations indoors.

While the Cubs and their Leaders set up marble games and bowling to replace the bow and arrow and BB gun range, TARC was able to keep the radios and Morse going without missing a beat.

National Traffic System (NTS) Report - Section Traffic Manager (STM), Chet Carruth, AB4XK, reports for May:

Public Service Honor Roll (PSHR)   WB2LEZ 136, AB4XK 120, W4AUN 104, K4SCL 100, KD4EFM 100.   

Station Activity Report (SAR) K4SCL 153, AB4XK 104, KD4EFM 49, W4AUN 24, WB2LEZ 11.

Next Month's Section E-news - Please send me an update on your amateur activities or the activates of your club so that I may also mention them in future editions of the West Central Florida Section E-News.  This is an excellent forum to let others know what you have been up to.  Photos are always welcome.

 

73 -  Dave AE4MR (941)685-2081 / ae4mr@arrl.org

April 2003

WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA:  SM-Dave Armbrust, AE4MR, ASM-Legal Biff Craine, K4LAW, SEC John Townsley, AE4GB, TC Darrell Davis, KT4WX, BM Bill Dibble, KE4WU, STM Chet Carruth, AB4XK, SGL Ted Zateslow, W1XO, ACC Fred Hendershot, N3BUL, PIC Jack Doyle, WX1JAD.

 

The new 2003 ARRL Field Day logos

 

CQ FIELD DAY CQ FIELD DAY ... YOU ARE 5-9 IN WCF - will be a heard across many of the bands in just a few weeks on Saturday June 28 and Sunday June 29th.

 

The new "When all else fails . . ." slogan shown above fits right in with the original notion of Field Day. Started in 1933, the exercise was--and still is--a way to test a station's or a club's emergency preparedness. The logo and slogan for 2003 also help to focus attention on the new Class F operating category. Stations operating as Class F will go on the air during Field Day from an official Emergency Operations Center (EOC) set up by a governmental agency or a non-governmental organization, such as the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army.

 

The Tampa Amateur Radio Club is hoping to earn top honors this year in the 2A category.   Field Day has been a long tradition of the TARC and dates back to the earliest days of the event.  In recent history TARC has shown a steady improvement in their scores, FD participants and more and better food.  In 2002 they rose to a spectacular 3rd place finish in the 2A category.  This year the club councils have voted to try and be the best in their 2A category.

 

Regardless if you are trying to get top honors, do better then last year or just want an excuse to play radio there is fun for all at Field Day so be sure to stop by.

 

If your club will be setting up a Field Day site this year be sure to drop me a note at ae4mr@arrl.org   I will once again be visiting many Field Day sites throughout the ARRL West Central Florida Section.

 

KID'S DAY II IS JUNE 21! - The second Kid's Day of 2003 will be June 21, from 1800-2400 UTC. There's no limit on operating time. The twice-annual event, held in January and June, offers a chance for amateurs to invest in the future of Amateur Radio by participating in a simple, but rewarding, on-the-air event. Now in its ninth year, each running of Kid's Day typically attracts more than 1000 participants.

Kid's Day is intended as an opportunity to share Amateur Radio with young people--licensed or not--in the hope that they'll enjoy the experience and possibly pursue their own license in the future.

Activity for Kid's Day http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/kd-rules.html takes place on 20, 15 and 10 meters and can include local 2-meter repeaters. It's an opportunity to introduce your own youngsters, neighborhood kids and nieces and nephews to participate to the magic of ham radio and perhaps spark a lifelong love for the hobby.

Kid's Day is not a contest, and patience is a must. The role of the licensee and control operator is to help with the basics, keep an eye on the technical aspects of the operation, observe third-party traffic agreements and be sure to ID at the proper intervals. In this event, it's quality of the contacts that counts, not quantity.

The suggested exchange for Kid's Day is first name, age, location and favorite color. It's okay to work the same station again if the operator has changed. Call "CQ Kid's Day." Suggested frequencies are 14,270 to 14,300, 21,380 to 21,400 and 28,350 to 28,400 kHz, and 2-meter repeater frequencies with permission from your area repeater sponsor.

Governor's Hurricane Conference - The Governor's Hurricane Conference will be June 9-13 at the Tampa Convention Center.  Tuesday June 10th from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM will feature a free amateur radio seminar.  Speakers from all over the State will be attending this conference along with representative from all three Florida ARRL Sections.

 

Annual Cub Scout Day Camp in Tampa - The Tampa Amateur Radio Club will be at Plant Park on the University of Tampa campus along the Hillsborough River on June 9th from 8am till 1:30pm.  Among other things they will be teaching the kids CW.  They will be running one of their field day stations, with tower, force12 and ICOM transceiver.   They can use your help, bring your handheld and your interest in showing kids ham radio.

  

New Net Manager - We also have a new WCF Net Manager Geoff Haines, n1gy.  Geoff takes over from Dennis Griffin, W4DG, who resigned suddenly in May.  Geoff has been a regular net control on both the WCF Section Nets and the Eagle Net.

   

Webmaster needed - The Section is also in need of a new Webmaster.  If you are interested in either of these positions please let me know.

  

New OES appointments - Three new Official Emergency Stations have been appointed in Hillsborough as well.  They are Keating Floyd-KC4HSI, Ken Salhoff-N4TCP and Gary Sessums-KC5QCN.

  

Amateur Radio call-in talk show - Public Information Coordinator Jack Doyle, WX1JAD, reports that Mike Swiader, KA9WIE, president of the Peace River Radio Assn. And ARES AEC/Sarasota County/North Port, has made arrangements for a monthly amateur radio call-in talk show with WENG/AM/1530 broadcasting from Englewood, Florida.  WENG covers both Sarasota and Charlotte counties.  PIO's are encouraged to make an attempt to contact their local broadcast stations to set up a similar operation.  Jack writes "Personally, I felt that I was not only welcomed, but got the impression that the stations' on-air personalities were sincere of their understanding of the services that amateur radio provides in disaster events. As a matter of fact, this same station is now in the process of erecting a tower to provide space for amateur radio operations at their facility."  Jack also was one of five guest speakers at the annual Hurricane Preparedness Seminar sponsored by the City of Venice.

 

1,000 High Students introduced to Amateur Radio - A joint effort between Sarasota and Charlotte county amateur radio operators set up a display and live demonstration at the North Port, Florida High School for two days. Approximately thirty ham operators were involved.  Over 1,000 students at the school were introduced to amateur radio at the display and demonstration which included VHF/UHF/HF/SSTV/ATV/APRS interactive participation, and the students loved it.  North Port High School, the newest school in the Sarasota

County education system, is seriously considering adding amateur radio

into their curriculum in the next school year.

 

Library Books - The Tamiami Amateur Radio Club recently donated an entire series of ARRL Handbooks to the Venice, Florida Library.  The head librarian graciously accepted, and the books are now in general distribution for checkout by anyone wishing to become licensed operators.

 

RV Park adds an Emergency Amateur Radio Station - Henry Reynolds, W9NWP, ARES/AEC, Sarasota County is diligently working with the people of Sun 'n Fun RV Park to develop an amateur radio emergency operations center at that location.  The park, with over 2,700 residents, has a dedicated ham shack available, and the ARES team members are in the process of making it a reliable outpost for emergency communications, since it's geographic location - in land from the coastal areas - make it a prime site as a backup comm center.

 

CARS Spring Picnic - On April 26th, the Clearwater Amateur Radio Society held it's annual Spring Picnic. This event coincided with the Florida QSO Party. Even though band conditions were not good, we did very well with an (unaudited) score of 209,196 and 594 contacts! More pictures on the club website http://www.carshamradio.org.

 

 

  

Tad works Minnesota for the Florida QSO Party while  Tom, AB4EZ acts as control operator and logs. Later, Katie worked Germany! [photo Mike Murdock, K4NW]

 

Amateur Radio Emergency Service

New ECs appointed - Please welcome three new ARES Emergency Coordinators.  In Polk County Evans F. Mitchell, KD4EFM will be taking over from Richard Brannen, KA3J.  In Hardee County Matthew Ford KG4KUC will be taking over from Darrell Davis, KT4WX  as Darrell has now moved to Highlands County.  In Highlands County Dave Hale, WA4BWO, will be taking over for Don Roberts, W4CBS.

Hillsborough - EC Gary Sessum, KC5QCN, report that Hillsborough County ARES/RACES/Skywarn sponsored the National Weather Service Basic & Advanced Skywarn Spotter class on Saturday February 22nd.   We will have another Skywarn Spotter class on Saturday August 16th in Tampa. On Saturday April 26th we provided communications support to the annual March of Dimes Walk America held at Plant Park on the University of Tampa campus. On Wednesday April 30th we played an active role in the annual Hillsborough County Mass Casualty Disaster Drill and provided backup/auxiliary communications at multiple locations around the county. During this exercise, we passed emcomm messages from the Hillsborough County EOC in Tampa to the State Warning Point in Tallahassee using HF radio and the SEDAN packet radio network. On Saturday May 10th, we again  taught the ARRL ARECC Level I emergency communications course in a traditional classroom setting. ARECC Levels II and III will be offered in a traditional classroom setting later this year in addition to ICS, MAC, and EDICS courses.

 

Polk - There will be a special ARES meeting this Monday, June 9th, 7:30PM, at the American Red Cross building in Winter Haven.  147  Avenue A Northwest (directly north of the downtown post office)  Guest speaker will be Ben Holycross, Communications Administrator , Polk County.  Topics will be Hurricane Season 2003, and what Polk County needs from HAMS!, setup of a shelter class (or refresher), frequency assignments for Polk County on 2 meters and 70 cm. Ben would like for any and ALL POLK HAMS and Volunteers to attend this important meeting. A small Q&A may take place at the end of the meeting, but very important information about Polk Shelters and Shelter OPS will be discussed Monday night at the meeting.

 
Evans Mitchell, KD4EFM, Polk County EC, invites all club and non club Hams to attend this as well. The Polk ARES Group needs to know how to handle a hurricane NOW not when it is coming ashore, this will be a very important session and time is very important. The meeting will start at it's normal time of 7:30, BUT it may run past 9:00, so please be advised, your time will not be wasted. I have asked John Townsley AE4GB, WCF SEC, and Dave Armbrust AE4MR WCF SM, to please attend also. Polk County plays a very important role during Hurricane season, we need to be ready at any given time.  As Mr. Holycross will explain at the meeting, "Polk County needs more then just their personnel to hold things together, they need Polk HAMS to help out as well". "Communications is very vital, even when we are not in the path of one, we have to handle the vehicular and communications traffic of one".
 

Sarasota - On June 4th, Sarasota County held it's yearly "Tactical Search & Rescue Drill", and as in years past, Amateur Radio operators provided the primary communications for this drill, dubbed "Hurricane Jay".

Amateurs were first sent to deploy one of their Communications Trailers to the "incident" scene in Northern Sarasota County to establish a communications command post and emergency net.

Other Amateurs were then sent to "staging areas" to meet up with their assigned Task Force.  These Amateurs would ride with the "Task Force Leader" and be the main communications link between the various Task Forces and the Command Post.  Upon instructions from the Command Post, these Task Forces would deploy to the incident scene or to a secondary "staging area".  Once the teams were deployed to the Incident Scene, they would perform certain tasks, such as dealing with downed power lines or debris in the road.  Each team would be monitored and graded on their performance.  Once they had completed their course, they left the
Incident scene and another Task Force would arrive to carry out their tasks.

A total of six Task Forces were deployed at different times from Northern Sarasota County, as well as from Southern Sarasota County (North Port and Venice).  The 145.130 MHz repeater was used to communicate with the teams in staging and enroute from the Southern part of the county, switching over to the 146.730 MHz repeater at a predetermined landmark.  The Northern Sarasota County teams used 146.730 MHz throughout.

Once a Task Force arrived on the Incident Scene, communications moved to 145.520 MHz simplex, leaving the repeaters open for communications with the other Task Forces that were either staged or enroute.  146.555 MHz and 146.580 MHz were also established as backup frequencies for communications with the Task Forces, but were not needed. 

A briefing with the drill commanders followed the "drill" and the Amateurs received high marks for the professional manner in which they handled their communications duties.  The "Logistics" officer was also impressed with the "log keeping" (all communications from the Command Post to the Task Forces are logged on an ICS 214 form).  When he asked for information, we were able to look it up on the log sheet and provide him an answer.

Amateurs who provided communications for the "Sarasota County Emergency Management Amateur Communications" team included: W8ISZ, WD4AHZ, K4III, K8DSS, N4LML, KV4USA, KC7TSG, KA4BOB, W1ROX, K4JP, KL7HX, K9DAV, AE4MR and AJ4UF.

Amateurs contributed 101 man-hours to this event.

 
 
Sarasota ARES/RACES members at Hurricane Jay 2003 drill.  Left to right Ron Wetjen, WD4AHZ, Jim Frey, W8ISZ, Dave Luehr, K9DAV and John Link, K4II.  [Photo Dave Armbrust, AE4MR]

TARCFest Breaks Attendance Record - TARCFest IX, held on April 19th was one for the record books, smashing more records than Rush Limbaugh in the Dixie Chicks section at Sam Goody's.  With over 350 in attendance for the show, which featured a record 56 sellers, in addition to the record buyers, splendid weather and great bargains conspired together to make IX extraordinary.  The TARCFest has become, in just a few short years, a bay area tradition.  This is simply an old fashion good time.  We do things right at TARC, reports Club President Biff Craine, K4LAW.  TARCFest X is coming up August 23, 2003, only 4 months away.  Mark your calendars now.

 

Hollingsworth visits WCF - FCC Special Counsel Riley Hollingsworth was in West Central Florida last month.  While he was here on a fishing trip was able to attend an informal dinner with several Official Observers in Sarasota.  Hollingsworth was pleased that we have very few enforcement issues in West Central Florida.

 

 

 

Here is another one that Riley did not let get away!

  

ARRL Southeast Division Website - We have a new website and Webmaster for the ARRL SE Division.  The webmaster is Robin Cutshaw, AA4RC, in Atlanta aa4rc@arrl.net. The new URL is http://www.southeastern.arrl.org

 

 

Silent Key - TARC reports - Our friend Linda, KB3DYO, died due to complications from heart surgery.  Linda was a regular at TARC, even though she had to drive across the bay from Pinellas. 

 

NTS Report - AB4XK STM reports for April: PHSR  W4AUN 179, AB4XK 120, WB2LEZ 104, K4SCL 100, KD4EFM 84.    SAR K4SCL 240, AB4XK 148, W4AUN 25, KD4EFM 19, WB2LEZ 9.

 

Thanks - from your ARRL WCF Section Manager - I want to thank all the amateur and clubs that have provided me with information for this months Section E-news.  It is great to see all the activity in the West Central Florida Section which is one of the most active Section in the ARRL.   If you are not already involved with your local club I would like to invite you to attend a meeting and join in the activities and fun.  ARES groups across the Section are actively involved in helping out in their own communities and need your help as well.  Consider lending a hand as well.  The WCF is a great Section and with your help it can be even better.

 

73 -  Dave AE4MR (941)685-2081 or ae4mr@arrl.org

 

 
 

March, 2003

WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA:  SM-Dave Armbrust, AE4MR, ASM W4DG, ASM-Legal K4LAW, SEC AE4GB, TC KT4WX, BM KE4WU, STM AB4XK, SGL W1XO, ACC N3BUL, PIC WX1JAD, OOC W4DG.

Lately amateur radio has been getting some pretty good national press.  Amateur Radio was mention Wednesday on Paul Harvey broadcast.  He stated ;"America's quiet warriors  are the legion of ham radio operators. 700,000 of them who are always at ready for backup duty in emergencies".  Also an article appeared in USA Today on Wednesday titled "In times of crisis, agencies rely on Ham radio operators".   Please visit paulharvey.com and usatoday.com to hear the broadcast or to read the article.  Both will make you rather proud to be an amateur.  Cleary it is becoming well known that amateur radio established backup communications during 9/11 and more recently amateurs helped in the search for debris from the shuttle Columbia.  Amateur radio operators remain a vital part of the nation's homeland security network.  With the real possibility of terrorist attacks we may once again be called to help with communications.   While it is impossible to predict when or where hams will next be needed it is becoming clear to our communities that when called, ham radio operators will answer that call. 

About 835,000 hams live in the US but not all are active.  While our numbers of licensed amateur radio operators are limited, hams, across the nation, are helping members of other organizations such as the County Emergency Management, American Red Cross, Hospitals, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and Civil Air Patrol (CAP), Search and Rescue Teams, and many others to get their amateur radio license and become part of our disaster communications plans.  One thing that is certain is the number of organizations that need our help is growing. More and more organizations are starting to realize telephone lines, cellular phones and other conventional communication methods including the internet will quickly become jammed during a disaster.  It is equally clear that amateur radio will get through when other means fail.

I want to encourage all amateur radio operators to prepare to lend assistance and to be ready for that call when it comes.  It is not a matter of if we will once again be need but just a matter of when and where.  There are many different things you can become involved in.

Seek out your county's ARES group and let them know that you will be available when needed.  Now, more then ever, they can use your help.  If disaster strikes monitor your local ARES frequency and be ready to lend a hand if called.

One of our hobby's biggest needs is instructors to help others to become licensed.  The ARRL has an excellent video course, workbook and CD-ROM combination that makes it quite easy to teach amateur radio. Consider using this to help others enter the hobby.   There is no shortage of willing and enthusiastic students if you just get the word out.

Consider becoming a Certified Skywarn Spotter and help the National Weather Service with weather sightings.   As always severe weather can be a serious threat to our communities.  Visit http://www.NI4CE.org/wx4tbw for more information.

Perhaps you are involved with other organizations that could benefit from what we have to offer.  I want to encourage you to help ARRL's President Jim Haynie spread the word about amateur radio.  Jim has just put together an excellent 6 minute video piece that is available on CD-ROM and videotape.  Consider showing this at an upcoming meeting.

It is wonderful that we can help our community by doing something we like.  If you have a sincere desire to lend a hand when needed but you are just not sure what you would like to become involved in please feel free to contact me or a local ARES group.  I will be happy to discuss with you the many options available to you.  As a ham you have a unique skill and ability that most in our nation do not possess.  Be sure to put it to good use.

Our Section's Webmaster, Dennis Griffin, W4DG, has been very busy. He has just completed a major update to the WCF Section's web site.  You will now find many new items and more information about all of the Section's programs at the site.  If you have not been there recently be sure to visit http://www.wcfarrl.org.

Please also welcome Dennis Griffin, W4DG, as the new Official Observer Coordinator for West Central Florida.   Dennis is in the process of setting up three Local Interference Committees (LIC).  These committees will handle interference complaints throughout the WCF Section.  Dennis can be reached at w4dg@arrl.net.

Please also welcome Virgil Gibbs, KG4FCD, as the new net manager for the Eagle Net.  The Eagle Net meets nightly at 8:30PM on the NI4CE repeater system.

ARRL ARES Emergency Coordinator for Hillsborough County, Gary Sessums, KC5QCN, has reported the Hillsborough group has been extremely active lately.  Recently the group has completed all three levels of the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Communication Course.  On 1/26 they participated in the Tampa Bay Regional Domestic Security Task Force Emergency Equipment Expo.   On 2/26 they took part in the Tampa Bay Metropolitan Medical Strike Team exercise.  Also on 3/12 they participated in the Tampa Bay Regional Domestic Security Task Force Terrorism Exercise where they helped to deploy the Emergency Deployable Interoperable Communications Systems (EDICS) for the first time in Tampa.  On 3/15 they also sponsored the Mutual Aid Communications (MAC) Unit 1000 level certification course and now have 20 members trained and certified.  They are also working with the Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) to integrate an amateur radio communication component in the program.  Kudos to the Hillsborough team for a job well done.

Elsewhere another active group, Sarasota ARES/RACES Team and Sarasota Emergency Radio Club members have setup at the Sarasota Fair with one of the Emergency Management Amateur Communications trailers. This is an excellent opportunity to show our community what amateur radio is all about.  The Sarasota team will be setup at the fair through this weekend.

The next Hamfests in WCF will be this weekend in Pasco County at the "Hamfest under the Sun"; March 22nd.  Next month the TARCFest will be on April 19th at the Tampa Club House.  I will be at both of these Hamfest and look forward to meeting you there if you can attend. These will be the last Hamfest in WCF until the Tampa Bay Hamfest in December.

The Florida QSO Party 2003 is April 26-27.  Complete FQP contest rules are available in major Amateur Radio publications and on the web at http://www.qsl.net/fqp  The FQP makes a great club activity - why not use it as a springboard to interest your members in getting on HF! Got questions - contact k4oj@arrl.net.

Want to try a new mode?  How about Slow Scan TV or SSTV?  Check intothe SSTV Net at 7:00 PM Friday evening on the NI4CE repeater system.  Itis easy to get started and they will be glad to teach you how on this net.  It is a lot of fun, give it a try.  Contact Jack Keim, KE4IM, at ke4im@arrl.net for more information.

An ARRL Section appointment that I would like to talk a little about this month is the Official Observer/Amateur Auxilary program.  The League has sponsored the Official Observer program for more than 50 years to help amateurs help each other. Official Observer appointees have assisted thousands of amateurs to maintain their transmitting equipment and operating procedures in compliance with the regulations. The object of the OO program is to notify amateurs by mail of operating/technical irregularities before they come to the attention of the FCC.  If you would like to become involved or would like more information about this program contact Dennis Griffin, W4DG, or myself. Dennis can be reach at w4dg@arrl.net.

Silent Keys include Norman Ward, K4RBR, Norman Mesker, K4HRV, Arie Cook, K4IB, William Daniels, KB4AMZ and Nicholas Zorn, N4SS.  They will be missed.

AB4XK STM reports for Feb: PHSR WB2LEZ 138, AB4XK 120, KD4EFM 110, K4SCL 100, KF4OPT 100, W4AUN 76.  SAR K4SCL 235, AB4XK 101, KF4OPT 64, KD4EFM 40, W4AUN 20, W4MOO 13.

73 -  Dave AE4MR (941)685-2081 or ae4mr@arrl.org

February, 2003

WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA:  SM-Dave Armbrust, AE4MR, ASM- W4DG, ASM-Legal K4LAW, SEC-AE4GB, TC-KT4WX, BM-KE4WU, STM-AB4XK, SG- W1XO, ACC-N3BUL, PIC -WX1JAD.

Please welcome John Townsley, AE4GB, as the new Section Emergency Coordinator for West Central Florida.  John replaces Paul Toth, NA4AR, as SEC.  John has been active in public service, participating with Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough ARES over the last 8 years.  Prior to his appointment as SEC John was serving as EC for Pasco County.

Paul Toth, NA4AR, has resigned as both ASM and SEC due to personal and work commitments.  It was Paul's efforts that were largely responsible for the creation of the ARRL West Central Florida Section.  Paul has been a tremendous aid to me since the creation of the West Central Florida Section.  I have not met another that has worked so hard for amateur radio as Paul has done for the last four years.  He will be greatly missed by all in the Section that have come to know Paul.  He does plan to remain active with Skywarn and MARS.

Please also welcome Norm Daerda, K4NRM, as the new EC for Pasco County.  Norm is replacing John Townsley, AE4GB, as EC of Pasco County.

The third annual club leadership conference that was scheduled for Jan.18th has been postponed.  The date was apparently a conflict for many.  Another date will be scheduled after the Hamfest season ends.

The next Hamfest in WCF will be the DeSoto Hamfest on January 25th.  The Miami Hamfest is the following weekend Feb. 1 and 2.  Miami is the ARRL State Convention this year.  The Orlando Hamfest is Feb. 6, 7 and 8th.  Back in WCF the Highlands Hamfest is Feb. 15th and the Zephyrhills Hamfest is Feb. 22nd.  I will be at all of these Hamfest and look forward to meeting you at these Hamfest if you can attend.

Sarasota ARES/RACES participated in a Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) drill on December 18th in Sarasota.  Both SEC Paul Toth, NA4AR, and myself participated in the event as well.

The amateurs were involved with sending live Amateur TV signals from the disaster scene to the County Emergency Operations Center.  This was the first time ATV was used in a drill to send live video back to the EOC. Several key individuals including the county Emergency Manager were also "shadowed"; by amateurs to handle critical traffic.

The amateurs also provided communication from the Red Cross chapter house to all Red Cross vehicles used in the event.  In the simulated chemical attack all hostages were lost due to actions taken by the terrorist.  I am happy to report that in spite of being near the all the action all ARES/RACES members did survive the simulation!

It was a wonderful demonstration of how amateur radio can play a very vital role in such man made disasters.  16 amateurs contributed 239 man-hours to this event.

An ARRL Section appointment that I would like to talk a little about this
month is the Public Information Officer or PIO.   The PIO is an individual
that works with the amateurs in an area to help get media coverage for an amateur radio event such a field day.  While this is so crucial to the growth of our hobby this is a function that is often overlooked in many areas.  If you are already doing this for your club or if you are interested in becoming involved in the Public Information program in the Section please contact our Public Information Coordinator, Jack Doyle, WX1JAD.  Jack can be reached at 941-485-0700 or wx1jad@arrl.net.

A basic Skywarn class is scheduled in St. Pete on Jan. 22nd and an
advanced class on Feb. 19th.  All classes will be held at the downtown St. Petersburg Times building, 490 First Avenue South.  Classes will begin promptly at 7PM and wrap up around 9PM.  All of these programs are available to you regardless of your license class.

Silent Keys this month include Sam Edwards, K1QV of Arcadia and Harvey Wittner, KA4EEF of Lutz. Both have contributed significantly to the hobby and they will be missed.

AB4XK-STM reports for Dec: PHSR AE4MR 247, WB2LEZ 188, W4AUN 175, AB4XK 120, K4SCL 100, KF4OPT 100.  SAR K4SCL 357, AB4XK 246, KF4OPT 89, W4AUN 15, WB2LEZ 8, KG4FCD 8, AE4MR 7.

73 -  Dave AE4MR (941)685-2081 or ae4mr@arrl.org

January, 2003

New West Central Florida Section Emergency Coordinator Appointed

John Townsley, AE4GB, has been appointed as the Section Emergency Coordinator for the West Central Florida section. Paul Toth, NA4AR, has asked to be replaced due to personal commitments.

John Townsley was first licensed in 1994 and upgraded to Extra class within a year. John has been active in public service, participating with Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough ARES over the last 8 years. John is the current Emergency Coordinator for Pasco County.

John likes to operate on voice and digital modes on VHF and HF. He owns equipment to operate satellite, SSTV, ATV, phone and most digital modes. Before moving to Florida in 1988 he was licensed as a TV and Radio Technician, MATV Technician and Satellite (SATV) Technician in the State of Indiana. He is interested in Emergency Radio operations and has a history in Emergency Services both as a Police Officer and Emergency Medical Technician.

West Central Florida Section Manager Dave Armbrust, AE4MR, states "John has the skills and the diplomacy to make an excellent Section Emergency Coordinator. Please join me in welcoming John to the team."

Paul Toth, NA4AR, ASM/SEC resigns - Paul Toth, NA4AR, ASM/SEC for the West Central Florida ARRL Section has tendered his resignation to SM Dave Armbrust, AE4MR, effective December 31, 2002.  Stating wanting to spend more time with his family, Paul, who has been a driving force behind the success of the section from its inception stated that "it's time for others to step up to the plate and become involved with the West Central Florida ARRL section".  Additionally, Paul stated that he will continue to focus his time and talents toward the Regional Foundation, the West Central Florida Group, Inc. Paul is the Vice-President of that non-profit, 501 (c) (3) IRS approved organization, who is the owner and operator of the "Big Stick" linked WCF section wide repeater system, used by the ARRL WCF Section for its regional nets.  SM Dave Armbrust, AE4MR, upon learning of Paul's resignation stated "Clearly, no one can fill Paul Toth, NA4AR, shoes.  In my years as an amateur I have never met another individual that has worked so hard and selflessly for the good of our hobby.  We can not hope to fill Paul's shoes yet, clearly, if we work together as a team, we can do more then any single individual can hope to accomplish alone.  My friend Paul will be missed".

December 2002

WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA:  SM-Dave Armbrust, AE4MR, ASM/SEC NA4AR, ASM W4DG, ASM-Legal K4LAW, TC KT4WX, BM KE4WU, STM AB4XK, SGL W1XO, ACC N3BUL, PIC WX1JAD. 

The Florida Gulf Coast Amateur Radio Council reports this year's Tampa Bay Hamfest was a huge success.  The convention was held Dec. 7th through the 8th.  Attendance was up from last year along with commercial, tailgate and table sales as well.  It is good to see this convention doing so well. Special thanks are extended to Dan Miller, K3UFG, from ARRL HQ for his talk and seminar on the Amateur Radio Emergency Communication Courses.  Larry Price, W4RA, IARU President, also talked at length about the upcoming World Radio Conference in 2003.   As always, it was also a pleasure to have ARRL SE Division Director Frank Butler, W4RH, at the Hamfest.  Due to health reasons Bruce, K2OY was not able to attend the Hamfest this year to check DXCC cards, as he had planned.  Bruce expects to be back on the WCF Hamfest circuit soon.

The third annual club leadership conference is scheduled for Jan. 18th at the Sarasota Red Cross.  The Sarasota ARC is located right off of I-75 making it easy access for all.  The conference will start at 9:30AM and will run till about 5:00PM.  We will discuss many topics of interest and concern to your local club. This is an excellent conference for both new and old club officers and leaders to attend.

The next Hamfest in WCF will be the DeSoto Hamfest on January 25th.  This is another show that seems to grow every year and is well worth the trip.

The MS-150 bike tour will not be within WCF as it will take a route through NFL instead this year.  In previous years as many as 100 ARES operators from WCF took part in this major event.

Last month I talked about how the ARRL WCF Section is one of inclusion. This month I would like to talk about how it can include you as well.   Firstof all if you are not already involved with a local club I would like to encourage you to become active within a club in your area.  All WCF clubs are listed on the Section's Web Page at www.wcfarrl.org.  The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is another way you can become involved.  An active ARES group exists in all 10 counties of WCF.  The National Traffic System, or NTS, is another important program that needs more volunteers.  Skywarn is a joint program of the National Weather Service and ARES that just about every ham can become involved in.  Watch for a Skywarn training class in your area.

A basic Skywarn class is scheduled in St. Pete on Jan. 22nd and an advanced class on Feb. 19th.  All classes will be held at the downtown St. Petersburg Times building, 490 First Avenue South.  Classes will begin promptly at 7PM and wrap up around 9PM.  All of these programs are available to you regardless of your license class.

In addition there are several field appointments available.   They included Public Information Officer, Official Relay Station (NTS), Official Observer, Official Bulletin Station, Official Emergency Station (ARES), Local Government Liaison and Net Manager (NTS/ARES).  Please contact me if you have any questions about any of these programs or the clubs in your area.

The WCF Group, Inc. foundation and Venture Crew 73 reports a new Youth Net.  Steve White, W4SNW, is the net manager for this net.  Steve has been very active with the scouts and the Venture Crew 73 sponsored by the WCFG foundation.  The net meets every Saturday on the NI4CE Big Stick repeater system (145.29/146.76/145.430 MHz/442.950MHz) at 11AM.  It is great to see this new youth net starting up as these youths will help to shape our hobby in the years to come.   Thanks Steve, for making it happen.

KT4WX reports the Tech Net has moved to Thursdays at 9PM on the NI4CE repeater system.  This has always been a popular net and the 9PM time frame seems to work better for the net.

AB4XK STM reports for Nov: SAR AB4XK 226, K4SCL 226, KF4OPT 66, KD4EFM 30, W4AUN 16, WB2LEZ 9, KG4FCD 8.  PHSR AB4XK 120, W4AUN 116, K4SCL 100, KF4OPT 100, KD4EFM 100, WB2LEZ 94.  Missing for Oct: SAR AB4XK 109, PSHR AB4XK 120.

73 -  Dave AE4MR (941)685-2081 or ae4mr@arrl.org

April 2002
ASM/SEC NA4AR, ASM-Web N4PK, ASM-Legal K4LAW, TC KT4WX, BM KE4WU, STM AB4XK, OOC W4ABC, SGL KC4N, ACC AC4MK, PIC WX1JAD. Please welcome Paul Toth, NA4AR as the new Section Emergency Coordinator. For upcoming events check the web page for time and location. National Hurricane Conference April 2nd. The MS-150 bike race is scheduled for April 20th and 21st con-tact na4ar@arrl.net if you can lend a hand. WCF Radio Chek April 20th, bring your radio to the TARCfest Hamfests for a FREE analysis of your radio. The March of Dimes Walk America April 27th. Get on the air April 27th and 28th for the Florida QSO Party. Club Leadership Conference May 4th in Tampa. Governor’s Hurricane Conference May 21st in Tampa. Ham-fests: Tampa TARCfest Apr 20, Lake Maggoire May 5th. SEC KD4E reports an increase of 4 ARES members with a new total of 536. In Feb there were 36 ARES Nets. 4 public service events, 9 drills and 0 emergency for a total of 13 ops. The total man hours reported is 223 hours. ECs reporting: KB0EVM, KN4YT, KC4QCN, AC4MK, AE4GB, AI4ET, K4FB and WD4AHZ. Upcoming ARES activities. Charlotte: Annual ARES meeting March 28th. April 12, 13, 14 International Air Show. Pasco/Pinellas MS-150 Bike Race April 20th & 21st. STM AB4XK reports Feb Net Report:

Net/NM QNI QTC Bulls QND Sess
AIN/WA4ATF 31 1 4 54 2
PIN ARES/WB2LEZ 88 0 2 169 8
POK ARES/KD4EFM 64 1 8 111 4
SPARC/KF4FCW 540 31 0 915 28
TURTLE/KT4TD 324 60 0 418 27
EAGLE/KT4PM 401 63 0 712 27

Feb PSHR: K4SCL 145, K4RBR 139, KF4KSN 125, KF4OPT 110, AB4XK 105, WB2LEZ 96, AE4MR 95, W4AUN 93, KD4EFM 74. SAR: K4SCL 242, AB4XK 175, KF4OPT 57, K4RBR 20, KT4TD 32, W4AUN 13, KF4KSN 10, WB2LEZ 4, KD4EFM 15, AG4PN 5, KG4FCD 5, AE4MR 3.

February 2002

ASM NA4AR, ASM-Web N4PK, ASM-Legal K4LAW, SEC KD4E, TC KT4WX, BM KE4WU, STM AB4XK, OOC W4ABC, SGL KC4N, ACC AC4MK, PIC WX1JAD.  The December Tampa Bay Hamfest was a huge success.  A special thanks is given to special guests ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, and Ed Hare, W1RFI. Please welcome John Townsley, AE4GB, as the new EC for Pasco and Darrell Davis, KT4WX, as the new EC for Hardee County.  Florida Gulf Beaches Marathon on Jan. 20 will require over 100 amateur radio operators.  There will be 19 Aid Stations and we anticipate the operation of an Operations Net, a Logistics Net and a Medical Net before and during the event. Please lend a hand if you can.  Contact your EC if you can participate.  Hamfests:  Sarasota Jan 19-20, DeSoto Jan 26. SEC KD4E reports little change in ARES membership total of 445.  In November there were 37 ARES Nets. 3 public service events, 23 drills and 0 emergency for a total of 26 ops.  The total man hours reported is 690.3 hours.  ECs reporting:  KB0EVM, KN4YT, KT4WX, K4ZVO, AC4MK, AE4GB, AI4ET, K4FB and WD4AHZ.

STM AB4XK reports November Net Report:

Net / NM QNI QTC Bulls QND Sessions
Pinellas ARES / WB2LEZ 145 2 2 204 8
Polk ARES / KD4EFM 36 3 0 89 4
SPARC / KF4FCW 455 32 0 944 30
Turtle / KT4TD 336 89 0 429 30
Eagle / KT4PM 304 44 0 581 30

November PSHR: K4RBR  190, K4SCL 157, W4AUN 151, KF4KSN 127, KD4EFM 123, AB4XK 117, WB2LEZ 115, KT4TD 99, AE4MR 99, KF4OPT 97, KT4PM 75. SAR: K4SCL 360, AB4XK 265, KD4EFM 56, KT4PM 40, K4RBR 39, KF4OPT 31, W4AUN 29, KT4TD 26, WB2LEZ 19, KF4KSN 18, AE4MR 14.

January 2002

ASM NA4AR, ASM-Web N4PK, ASM-Legal K4LAW, SEC KD4E, TC KT4WX, BM KE4WU, STM AB4XK, OOC W4ABC, SGL KC4N, ACC AC4MK, PIC WX1JAD.  .  My October amateur radio class has yielded 14 new technicians with 5 scoring a perfect score!  Florida Gulf Beaches Marathon on Jan. 20 will require over 100 amateur radio operators.  There will be 19 Aid Stations and we anticipate the operation of an Operations Net, a Logistics Net and a Medical Net before and during the event. Please lend a hand if you can.  Contact your EC if you can participate.  Hamfests:  Sarasota Jan 19-20, DeSoto Jan 26. Silent Keys: George Parker, KC4QNT, Donald Buffington, AE3K.  SEC KD4E reports no change in ARES membership total of 447.  In October there were 48 ARES Nets. 6 public service events, 29 drills and 1 emergency for a total of 35 ops.  The total man hours reported for October is 786.5 hours.  ECs reporting:  KB0EVM, KN4YT, KF4LEB, K4ZVO, AC4MK, KC8AOK, AI4ET, K4FB and WD4AHZ. STM AB4XK reports October’s net report is available on the section’s web page. October PSHR: K4RBR  168, K4SCL 142, KF4KSN 119, KT4TD 118, WB2LEZ 112, W4AUN 110, AB4XK 103, AE4MR 99, KF4OPT 97. SAR: K4SCL 188, AB4XK 131, KT4TD 37, KF4OPT 35, K4RBR 33, W4AUN 14, AE4MR 10, KF4KSN 9, WB2LEZ 6.

December 2001
ASM NA4AR, ASM-Web N4PK, ASM-Legal K4LAW, SEC KD4E, TC KT4WX, BM KE4WU, STM AB4XK, OOC W4ABC, SGL KC4N, ACC AC4MK, PIC WX1JAD. The big event for December will be the Tampa Bay Hamfest/SE Div. Convention Dec 1st and 2nd at the Manatee Civic Center. Jim Haynie, W5JBP, ARRL President and Ed Hare, W1RFI, will be at-tending. I have started a new Technician Class in Sarasota with 19 students who should all be licensed by the time you read this. I am also working on a new national HomeLand Security Net on 20 m, watch for more information about this net. I have also started a listing of new hams, new league members and silent keys on the section’s web page. New FL law regarding antenna restrictions is also in the works. Silent Keys: Gail Shaffer, N7GAS. SEC KD4E reports an increase of 34 ARES members for a new total of 447. In September there were 44 ARES Nets. 1 public service events, 11 drills and 14 emergencies for a total of 26 ops. The total man hours reported for September is 1,223.5 hours. ECs reporting: KB0EVM, KN4YT, KF4LEB, W4CBS, K4ZVO, AC4MK, AI4ET, K4FB and WD4AHZ. STM

September Net Report (from AB4XK)

Net/NM QNI QTC Bulls QND Sessions
Pinellas ARES / WB2LEZ 125 2 5 226 9
Polk ARES / KE4VBA 53 0 2 72 6
AIN / WA4ATF 76 4 7 90 4
SPARC / KF4FCW 412 30 0 800 29
Turtle / KT4TD 293 56 0 394 30
Eagle / KT4PM 276 35 0 477 28

September PSHR: K4RBR 179, W4AUN 150, K4SCL 139, KF4KSN 125, KT4TD 123, AB4XK 107, WB2LEZ 104, KT4PM 96, KF4OPT 94. SAR: AB4XK 144, K4SCL 69, KT4TD 50, KT4PM 43, KF4OPT 36, K4RBR 33, W4AUN 14, KF4KSN 14, WB2LEZ 7.

November 2001

ASM NA4AR, ASM-Web N4PK, ASM-Legal K4LAW, SEC KD4E, TC KT4WX, BM KE4WU, STM AB4XK, OOC W4ABC, SGL KC4N, ACC AC4MK, PIC WX1JAD.  As I write this amateurs in NY and across the country are assisting with communications after the attack of 9/11/2001.  I am proud of how quickly WCF was able to activate our local ARES and section nets.  It is a great privilege to be part of the amateur radio community.  Remember if section ARES or SKYWARN need to activate we will operate on NI4CE/r 145.43, 146.76 & 442.95 (PL Tone 100Hz).  HF operations will be on 7281 KHz (day) and 3911 KHz (night).  ARRL affiliation certificates were presented to the Sheriff’s Tactical Amateur Radio Club and the Baycare Emergency Amateur Radio Society.  Jim Haynie, W5JBP, President ARRL and Ed Hare, W1RFI, will be attending the SE Division Convention/Tampa Bay Hamfest on Dec. 1 & 2.  Silent Keys: John “Bud” Murphy, AC4MY, Al Monroe, KD4KQL.  SEC KD4E reports a decrease of 13 ARES members for a new total of 413.  In August there were 47 Nets. 6 public service events, 20 drills and 5 emergencies for a total of 31 ops.  The total man hours reported for August is 973 hours.

Net / NM QNI QTC Bulletins QND Sessions
Pinellas ARES / WB2LEZ 113 3 7 226 8
Polk ARES / KE4VBA 61 0 0 56 4
AIN / WA4ATF 60 4 12 85 4
SPARC / KF4FCW 452 39 0 810 31
Turtle / KT4TD 335 82 0 348 31
Eagle / KT4PM 210 34 0 326 28

August PSHR: K4RBR  174, K4SCL 140, WB2LEZ 125, W4AUN 116, AE4MR 115, KT4PM 111, KF4KSN 103, AB4XK 101, KT4TD 93, KF4OPT 87. SAR: K4SCL 256, AB4XK 148, KF4OPT 36, KT4PM 31, KT4TD 26, K4RBR 26, W4AUN 24, AE4MR 12, KF4KSN 10, WB2LEZ 7. 73, Dave AE4MR

October 2001
ASM NA4AR, ASM-Web N4PK, ASM-Legal K4LAW, SEC KD4E, TC KT4WX, BM KE4WU, STM AB4XK, OOC W4ABC, SGL KC4N, ACC AC4MK, PIC WX1JAD.  Reminder: If Section ARES and SKYWARN need to activate because of an impending Hurricane, we will operate on NI4CE/r 145.43, 146.76 & 442.95 (PL Tone 100Hz).  HF operations will be on 7281 KHz (day) and 3911 KHz(night).  Jim Haynie, W5JBP, President ARRL will be attending the SE Division Convention/Tampa Bay Hamfest Dec. 1 & 2.  Many interesting fourms are scheduled, be sure to attend. Chet Carruth, AB4XK, STM reports “The Neuro-surgeon looked at my MRI pictures and X-Rays and told me the bones are healed, no fragments touching any nerves, no pinched nerves, and all looks good.  He also said he did not want to see me again…. The feeling was mutual!! HI HI” Silent Keys: TS-Gary Hammell,  AF4UD, Tandy Way, K4YSN, George Andrews, N2LNU, Ken Dale N2KD and Wanda Brooks.  SEC KD4E reports a increase of 4 ARES members for a new total of 426.  In July there were 50 Nets. 5 public service events, 9 drills and 10 emergencies for a total of 24 ops.  The total man hours reported for July is 593 hours.

July Net Reports:

Net/NM QNI QTC Bulletins QND Sessions
Pinellas ARES / WB2LEZ 125 0 11 280 10
Polk ARES / KE4VBA 62 0 1 57 4
Highland ARES / KD4QDD 61 1 2 59 4
AIN / WA4ATF