[handiham-world] Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of 29 April 2009
- From: "Patrick Tice" <wa0tda@xxxxxxxx>
- To: <handiham-world@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:00:18 -0500
Courage Center Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of 29 April 2009
This is a free weekly news & information update from Courage Center Handiham
System <http://handiham.org> . Please do not reply to this message. Use the
contact information at the end, or simply email handiham@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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_____
Welcome to Handiham World!
Last time we had a great piece by Trippy Brown, WD8OEP, on the virtual ham
radio simulation that uses the CQ100 software interface by VE3EFC. I got to
thinking about virtual experiences again when I saw a commercial for the
Microsoft X-Box gaming system advertising a virtual fishing game. Fishing!
With a game console! It is interesting to see what kinds of experiences can
be virtualized, isn't it?
One thing that all of these virtual screen experiences are doing is taking
the place of the real activities on which people used to spend their time.
For example, I have seen reports that indicate that real hunting, fishing,
and even golfing are all suffering from lack of participation. Does that
mean that these games are actually causing a drop in participation in real
activities? Or is it simply a response to a lack of time and money to
actually go fish, hunt, or play golf?
Are we right to ask whether something like virtual ham radio will detract
from the real thing?
Well, it's always good to have questions like that or we would be bored. One
difference that I can see between the CQ100 system and a plain old video
game is that the communication is still real, even though it is not over the
air. Another significant difference is the requirement for a valid ham
radio license for access to the system.
Take a few minutes tonight at 7:30 PM Central Daylight Time to join us and
discuss this topic on the Wednesday evening Handiham net. (That works out to
Thursday morning at 00:30 hours GMT.) There's nothing like a topic to keep a
net interesting! The net is on the usual EchoLink frequency and node,
145.450 MHz in the Twin Cities or node 89680. See you there, and bring your
opinion with you to share!
Patrick Tice <mailto:wa0tda@xxxxxxxx>
wa0tda@xxxxxxxx
Handiham Manager
_____
George, N0SBU, reaches 1000 hour volunteer milestone
George, N0SBU, reaches 1000 hour volunteer milestone
Our heartiest congratulations and a big thank you to George LaValle, N0SBU,
who has reached the 1,000 hour milestone volunteering for the Handiham
System!
In this photo, you see George posing in the W0ZSW Handiham headquarters
shack holding two microphones. That's kind of funny for a posed picture, but
really it tells a story, too. George does a lot for our program, including
converting audio from one format to another, helping us get mailings out,
teaching at Radio Camp, making Handiham DVD copies, and... Well, you get the
idea. George does more than one thing, and he does a great job with all of
his volunteer duties. Holding two microphones? Heck, that's the easy part!
Thanks, George!
_____
Matt Arthur, KA0PQW, logs 500 volunteer hours
Matt Arthur, KA0PQW, logs 500 volunteer hours
Handiham volunteer Matt Arthur, KA0PQW, has logged 500 hours of service to
the Handiham program. Matt does our online audio tutorials, including some
operating skills lectures and the great Kenwood TH-F6A audio series. Matt
also teaches operating skills at Radio Camp and has devoted many hours to
helping our members solve operating problems. Matt also operates the KA0PQW
EchoLink node, which helps support the bandwidth our net activities require.
Thanks, Matt!
You can often hear George and Matt checking in to the Handiham nets. When
you hear them on, thank them for their help. And thanks to all of our
volunteers everywhere. We couldn't do what we do without you!
_____
Avery's QTH: Field Day with the Handiham Remote Base
Field Day with the Handiham Remote Base
Welcome once again to my Humble QTH:
Field Day will be here very soon; almost before we know it. This year the
Handiham Radio Club has a unique opportunity to do something that (I
believe) has not ever been done before.
In past Field Days, there had to be a location, set up and take down crews,
tents, generators, bugs, food, rigs, and a whole lot more to contend with.
People living in condos or apartments many times were not allowed to put up
HF antennas because they were too large and either caused an "eyesore" or
were considered too dangerous. If another location was found, then the
problem of how to get there and then get back home again came up. Also, you
had to have a plan to keep the rigs safe and dry if a thunderstorm appears.
Tents have been known to blow away, you know!
Well, thanks to the Handiham TS-480 remote base in Courage North's dining
hall loft we have solved all those little problems.
We have only a few more to resolve, and we will be able to accomplish the
first remote base Field Day operation by a Radio Club.
1. We have to solve the logging problem.
2. We have to figure out who will be operating when because the system will
only allow one operator at a time.
3. What will be our Filed Day classification? I'm not sure ARRL has one for
remote base. If we are the only club operating under this classification, we
will win our division. COOL, HUH?
People taking part will have to be at least General Class operators and have
had some experience using the system. Learning while the contest is going on
is not a good idea for either the person learning or the person at the other
end trying to get the information confirmed so they can claim the contact.
The computers will have to have the necessary software all ready to go when
the person's time to operate comes up.
It may be a good idea to have a couple of back up operators just in case a
storm makes it not safe to operate for one operator, who may want to shut
down computing gear to avoid lightning damage. Don't get me wrong here. In
case of a thunderstorm, it is a good idea to disconnect all AC power cords
in case of lightning strikes. Then someone else from an area where the sky
is clear of storms could operate. Since the contest runs 27 hours and the
best 24 are counted there should be plenty of time for everyone to get a
turn.
For most of us this would mean we could operate from wherever we can use our
computers. Just think: No bugs, no rain, no set-up or take down. No driving
long distances to a location.
Here's one other little thing: We can still run out to our local radio clubs
and operate or observe the operations in between our schedule of Handiham
operations. In fact - if I dare say it - we could operate our Handiham Field
Day from our local Ham Radio club's Field Day site using our lap top
computer. I guess that is legal. I once loaned a 40-foot telescoping mast to
one club and then went and operated from another club, so I guess this would
be similar but something we would have to check out to be sure.
If you are a Handiham Club member or a user of the TS-480 Remote system and
think this would be a doable project, please let me know as soon as possible
so we can work out the details.
We would need to know for sure how many operators we would have and what
shifts they can take. Everyone wants day shifts but the night time shifts
are much more active many times. When I said experienced operators, I meant
it because it takes a lot of experience to know when the band goes out and
it is time to switch bands. Someone sitting on a band that isn't there is
wasting whole lot of time when they could be on another band that may be
very hot.
So that's it, Handiham Club members. Do you want to give it "all systems
go"? If so, let me know ASAP.
Remember, you can reach me Monday & Wednesday until 1:30 PM at:
763-520-0515
or
avery.finn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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_____
W5KUB Helmetcam returns to Hamvention 2009
W5KUB Helmetcam returns to Hamvention 2009
W5KUB.COM will be broadcasting live streaming video and audio of the 2009
Dayton Hamvention. New this year, we have lots of prizes to give some lucky
viewers. We will go live Wednesday May 13 at 13:00 GMT and broadcast our 500
mile drive live. We will continue broadcasting on Thursday as we set up in
the flea market, possibly tour the Air Force Museum, and then for the entire
Hamvention.
The broadcast will end once we get back home to Memphis, TN on Sunday night.
In addition to the video, the site has a chat room where you can chat with
other hams around the world. We have viewers on in over 150 countries. The
site is up 24 x 7 x 365 days per year with recorded ham videos when not in
the live mode. The site is:
http://w5kub.com
(The alternate site is http://wa5kub.com.)
You can also check out the prizes at:
http://tmedlin.com/2009prizes.html
Hope to see you in Dayton or on the web.
Help us to spread the word.
73 Tom W5KUB
_____
Google posts its name in Morse code for Sam Morse's birthday
The popular search site Google had posted its name in colorful Morse Code
characters to celebrate the birthday of Samuel F. B. Morse, who was born on
April 27, 1791.
The "F. B." does not stand for "Fine Business" - his mother's maiden name
was Elizabeth Ann Finley Breese.
http://www.google.com
_____
Wednesday Evening EchoLink Net
Wednesday Evening EchoLink Net happy guy with headset
Tonight you will have an opportunity to meet your friends on the Handiham
net. Please join us and check in or simply listen in, as you see fit:
When:
Wednesday evenings at 19:30 hours Minnesota time (7:30 PM)
GMT: Thursday morning at 00:30 Z
Where:
145.450 MHz N0BVE repeater (Minneapolis-St. Paul)
Node 89680 (EchoLink worldwide)
IRLP node 9008 (Vancouver BC reflector)
WIRES system number 1427
Everyone is welcome. You do not need to be a member, and the net is relaxed,
friendly, and informal.
By the way, our Net Manager Howard, KE7KNN, reminds us that we need net
control stations for the Wednesday evening net and for the Monday through
Saturday morning net. If you are in the Twin Cities, all you need is a radio
that can get on the 145.45 N0BVE repeater, and if you live outside the RF
area, you can still be net control via EchoLink, IRLP, or WIRES.
_____
This week at Headquarters:
. Minnesota Radio Camp application forms are online! The sooner we
hear from you, the better -- if you are planning to join us at this summer's
session. One of the summer camps that had been held at Courage North in
previous years has been canceled, which means that people who could not get
into that session may want to apply for the Radio Camp. Incidentally, you
can e-mail us with your ideas for projects and topics at the upcoming
Minnesota Radio Camp session. Thanks for all your ideas so far!
The waterfront at Lake George
Join us this August at Minnesota Radio Camp.
Download the camp application package, which contains information pages and
the forms you need to apply for camp. Camp starts on Sunday, August 16, and
finishes on Sunday, August 23. It's a week of extraordinary fun, during
which you can earn your ham radio license or just get on the air. And it can
cost as little as $240 for the week. There are two choices for formats,
either Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF.
* Download Word Forms <http://handiham.org/manuals/forms/mncamp/word/>
* Download PDF Forms <http://handiham.org/manuals/forms/mncamp/pdf/>
* Not <http://www.handiham.org/node/358> sure? Take a photo tour!
Having trouble downloading or have questions about Radio Camp or Handihams?
Just email Pat, wa0tda@xxxxxxxx, anytime.
Office hours this week: Our office is open the usual hours, but Nancy is not
in the office again until approximately May 11. Staff may not be able to
answer all of the phone calls, but please leave a message and we will get
back to you. Avery is in Mondays and Wednesdays. Pat is in Mondays,
Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Jerry, in his volunteer capacity, returns phone
calls and emails daily. The Friday audio lectures will come out as usual.
The website will be updated daily, usually multiple times a day as news
breaks.
* In Operating Skills:
* The May, 2009 issue of QST magazine is in audio digest for our blind
members.
* New today: The May Worldradio digest audio is online for our blind
members.
* New today: Volunteer reader Ken Padgitt, W9MJY, reads the May
"Doctor is in" column from QST for our blind members.
* Login to the <http://handiham.org/user> member section of the
Handiham website and find the magazine digests in the Library. The QST, CQ,
and Worldradio digests have been read by Bob Zeida, N1BLF.
* Stay in touch! Be sure to send Nancy your change of address, phone
number changes, or email address changes so that we can continue to stay in
touch with you. You may either email Nancy at hamradio@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx or
call her toll-free at 1-866-426-3442. Mornings are the best time to contact
us.
Reminder: Handiham renewals are now on a monthly schedule - Please renew or
join, as we need you to keep our program strong!
You will have several choices when you renew:
* Join at the usual $10 annual dues level for one year.
* Join for three years at $30.
* Lifetime membership is $100.
* If you can't afford the dues, request a sponsored membership for the
year.
* Donate an extra amount of your choice to help support our
activities.
* Discontinue your membership.
Please return your renewal form as soon as possible.
Your support is critical! Please help.
The Courage Handiham System depends on the support of people like you, who
want to share the fun and friendship of ham radio with others. Please help
us provide services to people with disabilities. We would really appreciate
it if you would remember us in your estate plans. If you need a planning
kit, please call. If you are wondering whether a gift of stock can be given
to Handihams, the answer is yes! Please call Nancy at: 1-866-426-3442 or
email: <mailto:hamradio@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
hamradio@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ask for a free DVD about the Handiham System. It's perfect for your club
program, too! The video tells your club about how we got started, the Radio
Camps, and working with hams who have disabilities. Call 1-866-426-3442
toll-free.
DONATE USED HAM GEAR
1-866-426-3442 toll-free Help us get new hams on the air.
FREE! Get the Handiham E-Letter by email every Wednesday, and stay
up-to-date with ham radio news.
* You may listen in audio to the E-Letter at www.handiham.org
<http://www.handiham.org/> .
Email us to subscribe: <mailto:hamradio@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
hamradio@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Handiham members with disabilities can take an online audio course at
www.handiham.org <http://www.handiham.org/> :
. Beginner
. General
. Extra
. Operating Skills
_____
That's it for this week. 73 from all of us at the Courage Handiham System!
Pat, WA0TDA
Manager, Courage Handi-ham System
Reach me by email at: <mailto:patt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
patt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
* Nancy, Handiham Secretary: hamradio@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
* Jerry, N0VOE, Student Coordinator: jerry.kloss@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
* Avery, K0HLA, Educational Coordinator: avery.finn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
* Pat, WA0TDA, Manager, patt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
* Radio Camp email: radiocamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
ARRL </p />
<p>diamond logo
ARRL is the premier organization supporting amateur radio worldwide. Please
contact Handihams for help joining the ARRL. We will be happy to help you
fill out the paperwork!
The weekly e-letter is a compilation of software tips, operating
information, and Handiham news. It is published on Wednesdays, and is
available to everyone free of charge. Please email wa0tda@xxxxxxxx for
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your new address.
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_____
Courage Center Handiham System
3915 Golden Valley Road
Golden Valley, MN 55422
E-Mail: hamradio@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Toll-Free telephone: 1-866-HANDIHAM (1-866-426-3442)
FAX:(763) 520-0577 Be sure to put "Handihams" in the FAX address!
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
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