What's New with Ham Radio?
1400th WARS Breakfast
Mendo HamNet Forum
By: Rick KK6PZA and Bill KM6WYEA group of local ham operators achieved some interesting results while doing speed and range tests of the Broadband HamNet project on the morning of Saturday Sept 14th at Eagle Peak School in Redwood Valley. Around ten of us met including Ken KG6TXU and Eric KI6BXC, who made the trip from Lake County.
Initially we set up and and activated the network with the equipment that we had, to make sure we could all see each other. Different folks played with different aspects including KK6VLV activating a local WiFi network so he could connect with his smartphone. This was our first group meet-up around Broadband Hamnet.
The bandwidth test consisted of a live video stream feeding 6 separate devices while a 7th device was downloading SkywaveLinux Operating system from a local FTP server at around 1.5 Megabytes per second.
The range test consisted of a video stream transmitted from a vehicle driving slowly north down West Rd, then pulling over several times over the course of the test. There were many thick trees and changes in elevation that affected signal quality but we got out to 2 miles.
Prior to Saturday, KM6WYE and KK6PZA had done some testing. One evening KM6WYE was portable on Tomki Ridge with his Ubiquiti beam and KK6PZA was portable just west of Eagle Peak School with a WRT54G on the roof of his truck. While not enough for a good connection, the WRT54G saw the more powerful Ubiquiti several times. Probably 8 miles or so. Also, on Saturday using a second Ubiquiti we were able to see but not connect to a WRT54G that was outside on the east side of the valley several hundred feet higher than our location(3 miles+-). Illustrating that with better antennas we might go significantly longer distances.
Broadband Hamnet is mesh network project using repurposed low cost Wi-Fi routers. The project developed Ham radio firmware for certain common WiFi routers, namely, certain LinkSys and Ubiquiti devices. This firmware converts a consumer WiFi router into a Ham Radio Mesh Networking Node. The nodes automatically discover and connect to each other with no interaction from the operator.
Each node can simply pass traffic or an operator can use or provide services available to anyone else on the mesh. Services include Text based Chat, Video Chat & conferencing, Audio Chat, FTP and File Servers, Email, Forms & Documents, Webcams with Remote Video streaming and much much more.
As with our other radios, antennas make a big difference. We are working on building and testing some cantennas, repurposing some satellite TV dishes, as well as a colinear omnidirectional so that our mesh can cover longer distances with greater reliability. These antennas are to bring the WRT54G distances up which theoretically could go from 3db for a stock antenna to 25db for a cantenna feeding a repurposed Sat.TV dish. That will provide significantly longer distances.
One of the goals is to get some reliable links on certain hilltops and to add a Hi Resolution Camera or two that anyone on the mesh can log into and see a live feed. These mesh networks can be used during an emergency to transfer a large amount of data from one point to another in a short amount of time and could prove to be a valuable part of our community.
More tests to come but it's theorized that a 20+ mile link will be possible using the Ubiquiti hardware allowing the possibility to connect local mesh
networks in communities around the county to each other.
If you're interested in participating in the local Mesh then please join the Mendo HamNet Forums
HamBQ in Albion
A gorgeous day in Albion found 50+ attending the annual ham-bq and swap. Items were moved, among the hams enjoying not only the weather, but a bounty of food and wonderful conversation. Hams were able to finally meet the voices they heard on Nets and get better aquainted. Thank you to Rio KK6RPW and Jonathan KK6RPX for hosting this event and to Mike KG6MGM for helping get the food prepared.
Field Day 2019
We had Field Day at 2 different locations this year. A group met at Todd Grove in Ukiah Sat to share radio with the general public and any interested hams. A second group traveled up to Anthony Peak at the Mendocino Pass east of Covelo to make radio contacts and share information. The hams at Anthony Peak were treated to a tour of the lookout up there by Gail KK6CEK. Snow was still present and the late afternoon was cool!
Thank you to all for submitting photos.
Welcome all Hams BBQ
We enjoyed a wonderous afternoon at the Recreation Grove in Willits. Tables were set up to demonstate antennas, radio, digi and more. 44 signed in and enjoyed the beautiful weather and great conversation. Dane KN6BCX won the drawing for a Yeasu HT.
Photos courtsey of Rick KK6PZA ... thanks for sharing!
1350th Breakfast Meeting
May 4th was the 1350th (+ or -) gathering for breakfast. On a very busy Saturday we had a good turnout including 4 newly licensed hams. We enjoyed a meal, great conversation and fielded a bunch of questions from the new hams. Thank you to those that offered to help, mentor, and guide the new hams!
Feb 23rd Pizza Meeting
The first meeting of the year was held Sat, Feb 23rd at Old Mission Pizza with hams from Mendocino, Lake and Sonoma Counties in attendance. The meeting opened with Tim WB9NJS, giving a treasury report and commenting on the number of paid memberships this year. Joyce KJ6ZVS, did not have a website report but asked for any input to be submitted to keep the site informative and interesting.
A memorial was discussed and it was decided to start a virtual lending library in honor of WARS members that are now silent key. Mike KM6OTE, volunteered to set up a spreadsheet, and being responsible for maintaining it, allowing posts on the website with books available to be loaned out. Equipment loans was debated and it was decided thaat the Swap Net already provides that opportunity. The Library will be up on the website soon.
It was discussed and decided that a Saturday breakfast was something that we want to have ... now, finding a time when evryone is free. An announcement will be forthcoming, breakfast will probably be held in May.
Joyce has been in contact with Lake County (LCARS) to host a joint event possibly using the overlook on the south side of Lake which has nice bathroon facilities and tables. John NX6DX, suggested Plaza in central Ukiah as a very public spot to generate interest in radio. A joint event would help us to meet the multitude of new hams in Lake County and possibly provide an Elmering experience. Any ideas are welcomed and just drop Joyce a note.
Speaking of Elmers ... We need to provide a list of experienced hams that are willing to spend a little time helping guide the newly licensed in how, what why etc. Anyone interested in being on that list for 'one on one' elmering contact Joyce and it will be available on the website soon.
Mary Jane WA3VUI, gave a short presentation on name tags and sent around a sign up sheet to order one so that a bulk order could be made.
Mike KC6MGM, gave a brief update on MACS and what was needed to get signed up for emergency communication and handed out applications to those that needed them.
Bill KH6GJV, was in attendance and as our AARL Section Manager gave us an update on what was happening at ARRL. Also why it is a wise idea to support the ARRL and how it benefits not only clubs but individuals.
Jonathan KK6RPX wspokeon his 'long tone zero' project that he has been working on. An add on to your radio will alllow it to monitor countywide at night with no
interruption unless san emergency arises and the notificatio is keyed in with a long tone which opens up a radio transmission. This generated a lot of
enthusiam as an alert for smaller communities. He is going to have PC boards manufactured and will be getting the project together for a trial run.
2018 WARS Holiday Dinner
Some of the many photos sent in by Rense, KK6PEE. It looks like a good time was had by all that attended!
Casper Community Center Radio
The radio project has been completely installed at the Casper Community Center making them more prepared for emergencies. Eric KM6SHY sent in the following photos
showing Tonk's tTree Sevive volunteering to install the antenna and the radio set up inside.
WARS Oct 13th Meeting
The WARS meeting was opened with Len WA6KLK, giving a treasurer's report in Tim WB9NJS's absence. Joyce KJ6ZVS, gave an update on how the website stats look for this year compared to last year. We are increasing page hits thanks to all the submissions that have been made, such as photos, page shots and even website links. Thank you to all that have taken time and made the effort to keep our website current and interesting. The farewell BBQ held in September was also recapped with Thanks going to all that helped make it a success.
Current WARS membership stands at 61 and with election of 2019 officers, it was discussed how to handle nominations and the election itself. It was decided that to be fair to all and internet election is the way to proceed. Some of the feedback received last year after the election, was due to the mailing and receiving email being the club email which is in Joyce's name, and she was a candidate. This year the election plan is the same except, we're asking for an election volunteer to send and receive the emails in a timely manner, then tally the results. It was noted that 2018 officers said they were willing to serve in 2019 provided that was what the club agreed upon. Paul K2HZO made a motion that the club keep the current officers in 2019, Bill KK6HZU seconded the motion and it was put to a vote and unanimously carried. 2018 officers will remain in office for another year.
Basic plans were discussed for activities in 2018, which included a WARS 1350th Breakfast, Seminar or two, Field Trip/Picnic to Anthony Peak with possible campout and SOTA, Hamfest II in Albion and a Sept BBQ with a swapmeet. I was suggested and discussed having club project that could bring money into the club for a lending library, scholarship or other activities. The discussion revolved around WARS being a non-profit organization and the tax ramifications associated with a project. The idea was tabled for time to look into what exactly is legal and what an activity would be.
Interest in a local swapmeet is growing and it was suggested that a function incorporating LCARS would be advantageous to bringing the two clubs closer together. All we need right now is a great location and then we couls advertise and get the word out!
WARS BBQ wishing K7WWA the best
It was a splendid day in the park where about 50 hams from Piercy to Gualala and everywhere in between gathered to wish George and his lovely wife Claudia best wishes on their future endeavors. BBQs were set up, hamburgers and hot dogs grilled and a true bounty of everything needed to enjoy a feast.
(1) Setting up early. (2) LeRoy KK6LYO grilling. (3) Jim W6JRC giving LeRoy a break on the grill.
Hams gathering together, looking at food choices and sharing stories. feeding the kids.
(1) Joyce KJ6ZVS trying to get the cake lid off, (2) Thanks and best wishes being given. (3)Group from ABRC (Gualala)
Lots of visiting
Photos courtesy of LeRoy KK6LYO
Just as a side note after a wonderful day in the park, WARS officers determined that a Sept BBQ should be an annual event and possibly a swapmeet next year to go with it!
Jonathan KK6RPX and Richard WD6HDY partying in Georgia!
Aug 11th Ham-BQ becomes Hamstock 1
As the RSVPs came in we knew it would be a party. I counted 50 attendees and I'm fairly sure I missed a few. We came to escape the heat and smoke, wound up enjoying a perfect summer day near the coast and eating too much! We enjoyed a raffle, talking about radio, antennas, as well as other subjects. Thanks to Rio KK6RPW, and Jonathan KK6RPX, for being the hosts of this event. There is talk of doing it again next year and including a swap meet with it.
Photos by LeRoy KK6LYO and Len WA6KLK
July 28th WARS Meeting
We has 41 attend this meeting at OMP. The meeting was opened with Tim WB9NJS, reporting on membership numbers and saying as much as we like membership, if new members hold off until Sept their dues will count for 2019. He continued with the treasury report and stated while the club purchased a shade canopy, the projector is still on hold awaiting a stocked sale. There was discussion about personalizing the canopy with WARS logo and the best way to achieve that.
Joyce KJ6ZVS reported on the status of the website and apologized for the lack of updated material since her iternet connection was down. Coming events include the Ham-BQ Aug 11th in Albion, the FWRA Scotia swap and BBQ 9/9 and another BQ Sept 15th at the recreation grove to thank George K7WWA for all he has done in the ham community here, plus wish him the best of luck with his new adventures in Utah.
Arrl is providing an Elmer's award for presenting to that Elmer that was instrumental in getting you on the air and involved in ham radio. Look it up and take advantage of the opportunity to reward your Elmer for their time and effort to get you started!
Len WA6KLK gave a comprehensive talk on frequencie, both repeater and simple, their approximate coverage and some protocol.
After a questionand answer period raffle tickets were sold as Paul K2HZO set up his presentation of building a loop antenna out of coax, and his Elecraft tranceiver. Aterwards the raffle as held, Cole KM6TTQ was declared the luckiest ham in the room and everyone went home happy. After the meeting, Joyce KJ6ZVS stayed and helped Carol KM6SNW and Jan KK6STK program their Boafeng handheld radios.
WARS Field Day 2018
Rio K6RPW, Stan KI6ZOH, Chris KK6PDU, Rich N0JUK, Louis KJ6VHZ, Tim KM6OTV and Jonathan KK6RPX decided to spend Field Day on BLM land at Walker Ridge in Lake County making contacts following a tradion set by an original WARS group holding Field Day on Walker Ridge; George K7WWA, Richard WD6HDY, Len WA6KLK, Tim WB9NJS and Bill KD6LTD who contested for many years up there and have many stories to tell. Len WA6KLK spent a couple hours Sat but did not spend the weekend. This new group braved the heat and dry camp showing up Friday afternoon to set up antennas and their campsite. The views were spectacular and the windy hot days tolerable.
Jonathan KK6RPX wrote:
"Some of us arrived on Friday night and others came on Saturday morning. We began setting up right away and less than 1/2 hour after arrival we were up on all bands between 80 and 70cm. On Saturday we erected another mast with a sloper for HF and a vertical for 6M/2M/70CM on top. We also had another experimental homebrew sloper in a tree.
It was quite windy and we had some challenges getting masts up and shade shelters held down. However, with good humor and work we got a nice field day operation set up. We didn't shake the contesting world to its foundation but we did get the club call out there and make some contacts. For most of us this was our first remote field day activation and while we had and have much to learn, overall we did pretty well.
Late afternoon on Saturday we spotted a small fire starting about 5 miles away from us as the crow flies across Indian Valley Reservoir. As we watched it
spread quickly and turned into what is now called the Pawnee fire. We kept an eye on it and did not feel it called for immediate withdrawal. At night the flames
were highly visible and a little concerning. In the morning it was clear that the fire was spreading. Even if we hadn't planned to leave we would have, it was
obviously time to go. We had a great time and it was awesome to spend some time together and play some radio. We'll be doing it again next year!"
Saturday June 16th, found a large group of hams at the LDS church attending the seminar and learning the basics of setting up their first station. Paul K2HZO,
set up a solar powered HF station outside for contacts and was demonstrating digital modes. Tim WB9NJS, and Mike KC6MGM, spoke on the different aspects of setting
up a station including types of radios, antennas, connectors, meters and coax. Tim also touched on the many nets around the county and invited all to participate.
There were also hands on tables for attendees to see, handle and ask questions about antennas, programming handhelds as well as radios, coax, meters and connectors.
Following all the presentations, hands on table visits and trips to the refreshment table was a raffle, where books, a couple of radios, several antennas made by Len
WA6KLK, as well as other prizes were awarded to lucky ticket holders. Plans are being made for another seminar in the near future as well as several local talks
spread around the county and we hope to see you there! Photos courtesy of Len WA6KLK
Before I built any home-brew mobile VHF antennas, the only VHF mobile antenna I had was an MFJ-1724B Magnet Mount Mobile antenna. The first one of
MFJ-1724B Magnet Mount Mobile antenna burned-out the capacitor in the loading coil within the first hour with less than 50 Watts on 2m.
MFJ did replace it at no cost to me, "NoMatterWhat" as their warranty policy states, so I do not have any gripes or negative things to say about their response
to the antenna 'failure'. But, after that, I had little trust of the replacement MFJ-1724B antenna after the first one went bad. Also, I did not have any
mobile radio installed in the RV yet. I just had the Mag Mount antenna for emergencies and the occasional camping trips to National Forests and BLM lands so
I could more likely be able to get into a repeater system somewhere with 50 Watts on 2m or 20 Watts on 70cm when rolling on down the road
(My first Ham Radio after getting my first Amateur call-sign from FCC was a Yaesu FT-857D)... ...I built a 2 element dipole that worked on 2m and 70cm
for the base station location and when parked at campsites etc..
more
After the 50K Ultra Marathon, Sat. April 21st, Rio KK6RPW and Jonathan KK6RPX graciously invited WARS to have a BBQ in Little River.
The weather cooperated and it was nice, maybe a little chilly but it was on the coast! We had at least 40 in attendance (moving people are hard to count!)
and groups formed and moved from one conversation to another. Leslye K6LSM and Richard AE6XO came up from Anchor Bay and Scott AF6MQ came in from Point Arena
to meet folks from the north coast, inland and the 5 that treked over from Lake County. Leslye said it was a pleasur to meet hams she had only known from email.
Jonathan's teardrop, mobile radio station, was open to admire and he was actually checking hams in to the noontime net on 40 meters as they arrived.
Hamburgers and hot dogs were grilled to perfection by Jonathan and the tables were full of everything imaginable to go with them. As seen, everyone
had a good time and as the sun was setting they began returning home tired but happy. Jonathan promised to host another HAM-BQ later this year if you were unable to attend.
Photos above courtesy of Rose AB6CF and photos below courtesy of Len WA6KLK
Sat. Feb 24th, WARS celebrated 25 years of the coffee klatsch meeting. 22 folks came to enjoy the great food and conversations.
Along with hams from the local area we also enjoyed visitors from LCARS (Lake Co) and SCRA (Santa Rosa)
Len WA6KLK, George K7WWA, Percy KW6AR and Irma NA6I were charter members of WARS in attendance.
Antenna and tower removal took place Sat Feb 3rd, at Len's old residence on Ridgewood, with the help of Tim WB9NJS, LeRoy KK6LYO, Soulin KK6VLV and James,
who climbs for Marvin's Gardens tree service. After deciding the best way to approach the job, James went up and dismantled the antennas
and with the help of 'ground grunts' lowered them down to ground level.
1) Look closely there are 2 towers on the right and left side of the house. --- 2) James on the antenna taking it apart.--- 3) Tim taking a break on the roof. 1) James working on the antenna. -- 2) taking the antennas down to the roof. -- 3) Relaxing moment after the work was done.
Mike KC6MGM, told us that MCARCS was working on settin up trainings and a test session. There will be five classes on consecutive Tuesday evenings from 6pm-7:30pm
starting March 13th and running through April 10th, with a test session to follow on April 28th. This will originate from MCOE out in the Talmage area and potentially
have a location in Fort Bragg. More information will be available as plans are made. McARCS is also working on a roster of Mendocino County hams willing to
participate in emergencies and what kind of equipment they have.
WARS has taken on the responsibility of communications for the 50K Marathon on the Coast this year. Tim WB9NJS, is requesting ten hams to volunteer
from 7am – 3pm for assignments. This will be followed by an event on the Coast; most likely a BBQ at Jonathon’s QTH weather permitting. The floor was then turned over to Sheriff Tom Allman and his talk revolving around the Redwood Complex Fire and ham communications. We learned of the trials of
being out of town when the fire started and having to take an emergency flight home, then finding hams had taken on the responsibility of manning the OEC
radio and volunteering for facilities that required communications in Willits.
We learned of the Potter Valley Fire Department's ability to ask PG&E to shut off the
electrical grid without a supervisor's permission, and how Tom is working on having all fire departments gain the same ability to help control fires.
How the fire destroyed communicatins in and out of Willits with the exception of landlines in the Willits exchange. How technology is changing households
having landlines, how satellite phones can present problems and why ATT&T's redundancy with the fiber optic cable isn't effective. Howard Hospital
supplied burn supplies to Ukiah Adventist through ham radio communications when the burn victims from Redwood Valley started arriving for treatment, hams also staffed the
evacuation center and Northbrook Nursing providing their communication erpertise. Future improvements Tom would like to see; a ham located at commercial radio stations providing the latest updates from the EOC, a central (regional) 911
center to handle emergency calls, all satellite phone kept up to date with software upgrades, sirens to alert residents in the communities and cell
towers with 12 hours of back-up power (solar) not to mention more hams.
Ham radio remains one of the more consistant means of communications when everything else is disrupted and the sheriff's department is committed to helping in any
way, whether that is a form of ID to gain entrance to a locked down area or more equipment. It was noted by Tim, that gaining entrance to a locked down facility
is much easier if the management of that facility knows you from the heathcare exercises performed every year!
Tom finished by sharing the following riddle: Why do cows have hooves? Trish Austin was going to do a presentation at this meeting but was unable to attend due to a broken arm. CalFire is looking for ham radio operators under the VIP
program. Apply, pass a background check, take a driving test (online) and as a volunteer you can say no to any assignment. Aplications are available online but
you can contact Gail KM6CEK, for more information. Gail also stated she wants to work the ham radio at Howard Forest. Patches were passed around for a decision on whether or not to order locally or send them out. The WARS logo patch was not of a quality that was approved and it was decided to
pursue other vendors. It seems there is interest in a 4" x 2" patch for a hat or shirt so we will follow this up at a future meeting.
Saturday breakfast ... the WARS coffee klatch has been meeting for 25 years (missing a few here and there) so it is time to celebrate that fact with a no-host breakfast
that is easy for all to attend. It will be held at Lumberjacks in Willits, Saturday, February 24th, at 10:00am. All hams, their families and anyone interested in ham radio
are invited to join us for the 1300th breakfast! A WARS seminar is being scheduled for early in June, after the MCARCS exam session April 28th and will be listed on the calendar and announced as soon as
it is available. Riddle answer: because they lactose!
photo's coutesy of LeRoy KK6LYO Several years ago, Round Valley Indian Health Center staff in Covelo, California, decided to begin using ham radio communications in order to participate
in Mendocino Countywide healthcare facilities ham radio disaster/emergency preparations exercises. Three of the Health Center’s staff
(Candie and Robert Stewart, who have since moved out of Covelo, and myself) took it upon ourselves to begin studying for the Technician exam so we could legally
operate the radio for these disaster preparation exercises.
We eventually became FCC-licensed ham radio operators in 2012. Several other licensed hams (
“Elmers”) came from outside Covelo to help set up the facility’s ham radio in the Outreach Department, two antennas (directional and omni-directional)
on the roof, and otherwise helped us learn to communicate via ham radio while using radiograms in these disaster preparation exercises.
For five months, I diligently studied on my own at home before taking and acing the Technician exam. Candie and Robert also passed the exam the same day.
After some time passed and we had gained some experience using the Health Center’s ham radio in the disaster prep exercises, we three newbie hams purchased our
own handheld and mobile radios and participated in the Countywide Net while parked in our vehicles in different locations in Covelo.
We want to express our great appreciation for all the hams who have helped us Covelo hams. John Lemmer was a great mentor and help to me and still is.
John installed my mobile radio, speaker, and antenna in my truck and helped program my radios. Len Gwinn and Joyce Cader have come to Covelo more than once
to meet with us and set up equipment. John Lemmer and others (I don’t remember who all) helped set up the antennas and radio at the Health Center. They have
helped us so much in our ham radio communications progress and helped us begin to think about bigger things. Ham radio is very rewarding and exciting.
I began to think about helping others become hams.
In mid-January through April, 2016, I facilitated a weekly group study class in Covelo with three students all passing the Technician exam. After some
time, I purchased a base station radio and antenna. John Lemmer and my son installed the antenna. Two students (Pat Sobrero and Gail Harris) also set up
their base stations, with help from “Elmers”. I was surprised to learn that I really enjoyed be a teacher.
As time passed, we three ladies continued to learn and progress and participate in ham radio events, such as weekly nets, emergency preparation exercises,
field day, WARS meetings, and getting to know other hams. At different times, we participated in emergency preparation exercises at the Health Center and at
the School.
In 2017, we three ladies decided to study for the General exam. In mid-January through April, I facilitated a General exam group study class with Gail and
Pat. All three of us took the General exam and passed. Gail and Pat aced their exams; I passed with one error. I am so proud of them.
Also, in 2017, when communications went down due to the firestorm, a request for Mendocino County ham radio operators to assist with communications.
Four Covelo hams volunteered to participate in ham radio communications: Tyler Kappl, Gail Harris, Pat Sobrero and myself. Pat helped at the Red Cross
shelter in Willits, I took a night shift at Howard hospital, our hero Gail was Net Control in Ukiah at the Sheriff’s Training Center during three days, and all
four of us from Covelo reported to the Net Control center just after ham radio communications closed because communication outages ended.
In 2018, Pat, Gail, and I decided to start another Covelo group study class for the Technician exam because we wanted more local hams to grow our Covelo group. This class started January 16 and will run through the end of April. Seven students showed up for the first class, including two from the Health Center.
Hams came together Friday, December 1st at the Broiler Steak House in Redwood Valley for a scrumptions holiday dinner. There were 29 in attendance with Jim KG6PTX, and his YL Donna KG6TOI, coming from Gualala to attend.
Conversation flowed as folks moved around the lounge saying hello and enjoying the holiday atmoshere. As dinner was served, Tim WB9NJS, thanked Len WA6KLK, for his dedication
to WARS and the past year of his leadership. The gift exchange was made, appetites sated and everyone was entertained by Emilia and her curiosity. A week later on Sat Dec 9th LCARS hosted their Christmas Potluck in Kelseyville with 22 in attendance. The table was laden with turkey, ham and all the trimmings.
Pies and whipped cream were plentiful making for an afternoon of wonderful convesation and fun. The gift exchange ended with a lively round of stealing the gift someone else had chosen.
It ended with laughter and happiness all around. The surprise of the meeting was that we were unable to use the banquet room at Old Mission Pizza, so the 28 folks attending congregated
in the front corner of OMP for an unusually noisy, albeit successful meeting. WARS was represented with members traveling in from the Coast, Laytonville, Longvale,
Covelo, Redwood Valley/Calpella, Ukiah, Kelseyville and Willits. Bill Hillendahl KH6GJV, Arrl Section Manager, came up to join us as well as
several visitors some, soon to be hams!
The meeting began with Tim WB9NJS, giving a treasurer's report as well as an update of where we are in the process of the purchase of a new
projector. Currently he said he is still searching for one that will interface with the newer computers and priced within our budget. The excitement of the
past month has put everything behind schedule, he added. While he had everyone's attention, he reminded the group about the WARS/MCARCS Holiday dinner which is
coming up fast, Dec. 1st. Discussion ensued regarding the funding of the holiday dinner. In the past WARS and MCARCS have split this cost of $200 equally.
Since WARS shares many active members with MACARCS and since MCARCS has no funding source, it was suggested that WARS spend $150 this year leaving the balance to MCARCS.
It was moved, seconded and passed by membership to fund the extra amount.
Joyce KJ6ZVS, gave an updated report on the website, stating that at the end of Aug, without notice, Domain.com stopped all free webhosting and WARS was locked out,
and unable to post updates on the site. Doing a search, FastComet.com was located, to host our website at an economical cost of $35.40 a year.
Paid in 3-year terms for $106.20 and renewable without increasing the price. We now have unlimited space, a fast response with a new host and they have great
customer service! Again everyone is encouraged to submit articles, pictures, what's new in your community group or anything else that might be of interest.
That will keep the website interesting and fresh, and as always any suggestions for improving the site are welcome.
Jonathan KK6RPX, was the spokesman for the Coastal group and thanked WARS for incorporating their group Mendorats into WARS and making them feel so welcome.
He invited anyone that finds themself in Fort Bragg on Tuesday mornings to drop by Angelina's at 10am for coffee and conversation with the coastal hams. He reported that he
had met with the Mendocino Fire Dept and had recruited 8 for a couple study sessions, and then a licensing exam in the near future.
Mary Jane WA3VUI, spoke breifly about the group in Covelo; how they got started, their study groups and what they have been doing. She also
mentioned that 4 Covelo hams had actually voluteered for shifts at the Willits shelter, hospital and EOC, thank you all! They are now trying to get their HF
radios set up and on the air. They are also very interested in the ARRL emergency exercise this weekend with MARS.
Bill KH6GJV, gave an emotional rendition of how he evacuated from the fire in the Fountain Grove neighborhood of Santa Rosa.
His aged mother needed to evacuate from her home near Oakmont as well, and how she accomplished that without his help. He was impressed with how
well the hams in Sonoma County mobilized and volunteered throughout the fire emergency. Practice does really pay off! He noted
though that he had no concept of how the Redwood Valley fire impacted our area because most of the news coverage focused on Sonoma and Napa Counties.
Len WA6KLK, gave an explanation of how and why WARS decided to conduct the election process by email this year. "It was to allow all of
our members the ability to vote." He went on to address some concerns, one was that the emails had Joyce's name attached and she was a candidate
for president. The problem came to light when 1) there were 2 candidates for President that required a vote and not just an approval 2) Joyce
set up the website and email for W6MMM@gmail.com so her name was attached to the account. This caused some concerns that the election was not
ethical.
Len stated he took responsibility for the concerns and said these problems will be addressed by another temporary email account being set
up by a third pary in the future for election results. The good news is 76% of paid membership cast their vote, either by paper ballot at he meeting or electronically.
Mike KC6MGM, announced that there were folks, both at Brooktrail Fire Dept and Laytonville Fire Dept, currently studying for their ham licenses
he then brought the discussion around to what hams were volunteering for during the fire emergency. He pointed out some after action details that
MCARCS wants to incorporate before the next activation of the EOC. How to limit verified vs unverified traffic, lists of hams and equipment
that are available, as well as utilizing the 5.13 repeater for updates.
Unfortunately, the noise within OMP had grown to a level that was making hearing Mike very difficult.
We will have to have Mike speak again when we actually have the banquet room. However, Bill added that hams are limited
as to what they can do, they are bound by regulations not to broadcast to a general audience. The EOC is set up during an emergency but hearing information
and rebroadcasting it is not allowed. Joyce brought up that 'health and welfare' communication should be available
to those in the affected area to get messages out to other family members by passing a message to a ham out of the area with phone communications.
Tim stated that that would be possible after all emergency posts were manned as there usually aren't enough volunteers to fill all.
Len again took the floor and thanked the officers for supporting him this last year as Prsident, it made his job easy and it was a pleasant one. He thanked Mike for
keeping his promise to take the presidency this coming year keeping his word to give him a rest. Then he announced that Tim WB9NJS, was approved for the office of Treasurer,
Gail KM6CEK, was approved for Secretary and by the majority of vote Joyce KJ6ZVS, would take the office of President for 2018, noting that many notes
came back attached to the votes that stated although Mike would be terrific in the office of President he is very effective (and busy) in CERTS and that,s
where his efforts are best utilized.
10/18/2017
San Francisco Section District Emergency Coordinator Len Gwinn, WA6KLK, in the Redwood Valley told ARRL this week that Amateur Radio volunteers in Mendocino
and Lake counties have stood down, and things are “kind of back to normal, in that no emergency stations are being operated.” Gwinn, who spent more than 3
decades with Cal Fire and a few more years as a volunteer, said the sound of the wildfire in the Redwood Valley was remarkable.
“Never, ever had I heard a fire like this,” he told ARRL. “[T]he roar of the fire was something else from 2 miles away the first night,” he recounted.
“Transformers and propane tanks going off like a war zone. Some shook my house!”
Gwinn said this week that skies are still smoky but clearing. Mendocino County Sheriff Tom Allman told him that hams were a saving grace in keeping hospitals
and some other organizations linked when there was no other communication.
Gail Harris, KM6CEK, became an accidental volunteer after she was stuck in Ukiah by road closings. Armed with US Forest Service and incident radio
experience, Harris ended up working in the emergency operations center at the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office until October 12. “It was awesome,” she said.
“It was the reason I got involved with ham radio.”
Mary Jane Cummings, WA3VUI, of Covelo, took a night shift at Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits, monitoring the radio and handling messages for the hospital
and the shelter at the local high school.
Gwinn thanked Greg Glavich, WA6RQX, in Ukiah, who manages a five-linked repeater complex for wide-area communication, and George Burton, K7WWA,
in Willits, for his central repeater that also carried traffic.
San Francisco Section Manager Bill Hillendahl, KH6GJV, who briefly evacuated earlier this month when the Tubbs Fire got too close for
comfort, told ARRL this week that the communications emergency has largely abated, with most cell sites now back up — at least with temporary
equipment — and public safety systems working well.
“I am at home providing media and public safety updates on the air, but if the fire comes across the valley east of my place, I’ll be out the door
again,” he told ARRL.
“Nearly 10,000 firefighters continue making progress on 13 large wildfires burning in the state that, combined, have burned over 210,000 acres,” Cal Fire
reported mid-week. “While many evacuation orders have been lifted in Northern California, over 22,000 people remain out of their homes.” The death toll
stands at 42.
Cal Fire said the Tubbs Fire affecting Sonoma and Napa counties has been 82% contained; the Nuns Fire between Santa Rosa and the city of Sonoma
is 68% contained; the Atlas Fire — the single largest blaze which has engulfed more than 51,000 acres and left six dead — is 77% contained, and the
Mendocino-Lake Complex Fire in the Redwood Valley is 60% contained. That blaze alone killed eight people. New fires have been reported in Alameda,
Santa Cruz, Los Angeles, and San Diego counties. The largest is about 1,100 acres.
ARRL News
WARS Seminar: Ham Radio 101
Modified Aluminum Dual Band J Pole ('Arrow') Antenna for Fiberglass Body Mini RV By KK6VLV.
Coastal HAM-BQ
WARS 1300th Breakfast
Hams Helping Len WA6KLK
WARS Jan 20th Meeting
Covelo Hams
WARS/MCARCS Holiday Dinner and LCARS Christmas Potluck
Nov 4th Meeting - Election Results
California Fire Situation Improves
... Photo thanks to Dave Imada K2KMA
