[handiham-world] Handiham World for 06 August 2008
- From: "Patrick Tice" <wa0tda@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <handiham-world@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 6 Aug 2008 15:22:09 -0500
<http://docs.google.com/WEBSVR/DOCS/hhs/images/hhsmike.gif>
Courage Center's Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of 6 August
2008
This is a free weekly news & information update from Courage Center's
Handiham <http://handiham.org/> System. Please do not reply to this
message. Use the contact information at the end, or simply email
handiham@xxxxxxxxxxxx Listen in MP3 audio:
http://www.handiham.org/audio/handiham.m3u
Get this issue as an audio podcast:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/handiham
_____
Welcome to Handiham World!
Kenwood TS-480 HF rig to be used in remote control mode
<http://handiham.org/images/ts480.jpg>
We have one really exciting project going on right now: The Handiham Remote
Base. Brad Wyatt, K6WR, contacted me about setting up a remote base and gave
me the idea.
Brad wrote an article for QST on remote bases, which we link to in the
RekkyTec links near the end of this issue.
Why Is A Remote Base Important?
For people with disabilities, both young and old, a remote base for Amateur
Radio is often the only avenue to get on the air. If they live in an
environment such as an apartment, a retirement or assisted living facility
or condo, it's a safe bet they cannot erect a tower, and they may not even
have room for radio equipment. But most people have access to a computer,
the key to a remote base. Here's how it works: They connect via the Internet
to the remote and control the remote base console just as if they were
sitting in front of it to transmit and receive. They're on the air!
The advance of medical technology is having and will have even a greater
effect on the need for more remote bases as the baby boomer generation ages.
As people survive accidents and medical conditions that only 10 years ago
were fatal, the number of people with disabilities is and will constantly
increase among all demographics. A certain percentage of these survivors
will be Amateur Radio operators who are no longer in a position to get on
the air in a traditional manner as they once did. Instead, they will by
necessity rely on remote bases.
We plan to make the remote base project part of the upcoming Radio Camp
Extra Class Seminar, where a group of our volunteers and members will put
their heads together and put the remote base together. Thanks to a gift from
Kerry Ingredients and Flavours <http://www.kerryingredients.com/> , we are
able to provide this additional resource for Handiham members who would not
otherwise be able to get on the HF bands because of antenna restrictions.
Stay tuned for more remote base news!
Patrick Tice
wa0tda@xxxxxxxx
Handiham Manager
_____
Now, back to our vintage QSL card series.
W5EB QSL card from 1952 <http://handiham.org/images/W5EB-QSL.jpg>
Here is a truly vintage card! It's from W5EB, sporting a simple design of
large green letters on a white background. The card was sent to our Handiham
volunteer Clair Robinson, K0CJ, but his callsign was W0LCN back in 1952, so
that is what is written on the card's QSO information box. The signal report
was 599, on CW of course, and the band was 40 meters. Read what "CJ" writes
about it, and you'll find out why this card is special to him!
Dear Handihams,
This card isn't so beautiful, but it's the first one I ever received. I got
my ticket in August 1952, and I expect that I probably had just got a stock
of cards of my own to send out at about the time of this QSO. Also, I
thought it was a really big deal to work a 1x2 call sign. In those days that
usually meant that the holder had been licensed in the '20s -- quite some
time before I had been born!
73, CJ, K0CJ (ex-W0LCN)
We will bet that you have vintage QSL cards, too. If you can send a scan or
photo of your vintage QSL cards, we will feature them here. What the heck -
the HF bands are still pretty poor, so we might as well keep ourselves busy
with vintage cards! Please send the images to wa0tda@xxxxxxxx along with a
few words, if you wish, explaining the card or perhaps recalling those days
when you were sending lots of these out. We will also feature your comments
and callsign in the story.
_____
<http://handiham.org/images/avery_paper.jpg>
Avery's QTH: Avery shares stories from readers.
Welcome to my Humble QTH: We get letters. We get letters. Something,
something... as the song goes. So we're going to let the rest of the group
know about what's happening. To start with: What! Operation outside the ham
bands? UM! How is that again?
Out of the band - no complaints - no fine!
The Clark County (Washington) Amateur Radio Club held its field day as
usual. We had a weather balloon with a 160-meter antenna attached, a county
sheriff command center van, Silver Star Search and Rescue, and folks from
various agencies there to educate the public and other hams about the
importance of emergency communication and the exclusive role hams play in
providing same. As a blind radio amateur, I am always interested in the role
of ham radio for folks with disabilities. I did a lot of talking but without
using my call sign or that of the club. I operated over the power limit
permitted in the amateur bands and actually used a frequency between 2 and 6
meters -- 90.7 FM, KBOO. I produce and host a public radio program called
"Sounds of Awareness". We are one of very few programs on the broadcast band
in the United States devoted exclusively to disability awareness, and we
cover a wide variety of topics. What better topic than ham radio?
In all fairness, the local CBS TV station gave us 30 seconds on the 11
o'clock news, but we devoted an entire half-hour radio show to the wonders
of ham radio. "So this is K7VWH saying 73. For more information about our
program and guests, please visit our screen reader-friendly web site at
http://www.soundsofawareness.org <http://www.soundsofawareness.org/> .
Thanks for listening, everyone."
How's that for a media hit AND a nice Field Day story? Then there's this
"summer ham radio update" from AB8WF:
I am working with my mom hoping to get her licensed in the Fall. I am also
working with a couple of nieces and nephews. It seems to make a big
difference when they get to talk to someone on the air who is on another
continent. No recent homebrew projects, although I hope to complete a couple
this summer. I am involved with the Michigan DX Association club on a
regular basis. If you ever want to join their 2 meter net, it is Tuesday
night at 9 pm ET on EchoLink node #87878. Just follow the instructions from
net control station KC8PCL and enjoy! You do not have to be a member of the
MDXA to participate. I was part of the MDXA's annual activation of the
Gerald R. Ford Museum in July. I worked radio communications for the annual
River Bank Run, a half marathon here in Grand Rapids, Michigan in May. This
is my second year and I really enjoy it. Thankfully we had cool weather,
which keeps our job easy! I am also an Official Relay Station, an ARRL
appointment, and work regularly with the Michigan VHF traffic net, which is
a member of the NTS. I handle anywhere from 8 to 30 pieces of traffic each
week, depending on my schedule and how much traffic is available.
Now I am curious if you get any other responses. 73, AB8WF
Do you have a field day story to share with us? Let me know about your Field
Day adventures (or misadventures), and let us know if it is okay to use your
callsign and name if we print your story. You may e-mail me at
avery.finn@xxxxxxxxxxxx
73 & DX from K0HLA, Avery.
_____
<http://handiham.org/images/meteor.gif>
Perseid Meteor Shower - Get ready, meteor scatter fans!
According to NASA Science News, the 2008 Perseid meteor shower peaks during
the dark hours before dawn on Tuesday, August 12th. Sure, it'll mean getting
up early to bounce radio signals off the ionized trails left by the meteors
as they burn through the Earth's upper atmosphere, but what else do you have
to do on a Tuesday morning, anyway?
If you are only interested in seeing the show, look east in the pre-dawn
sky, toward the constellation Perseus, from which the meteors seen to come.
High frequency band conditions have truly been awful lately, but you don't
need HF propagation to work meteor burst. Go get 'em! If you need to learn
more about equipment, frequencies, and techniques, check out this Wikipedia
resource online:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteor_burst_communications
_____
This week at Headquarters
Courage Center, our parent organization, gets a new logo and website!
Courage Center logo nicknamed Marc <http://handiham.org/images/cclogo.jpg>
The new logo has the name "Courage Center" and a brush-stroked figure
reaching upward with both arms. The color is purple on a white background.
It is an artistic way to bring to life Courage Center's holistic approach to
serving our clients. The new Courage Center website may be found at:
<http://www.couragecenter.org/>
http://www.couragecenter.org.
***
The August WORLDRADIO audio digest is available for our members. Login to
the member section of the <http://handiham.org/user> Handiham website and
find the magazine digests in the Library.
We have also added an "audio this week" link at the top of the member page
once you log in. This is a good place to find out what audio is new on our
website each week, including magazine digests and audio lectures.
***
Courage North dining hall, where tests are given
<http://handiham.org/images/cn_dining_hall.gif>
VE Session at Courage North - Take your exam to get a license or upgrade.
* What: VE Exams at Handiham Radio Camp
* When: 9:00 AM, August 26, 2008
* Where: Camp Courage North, Lake George, Minnesota. Map and
directions:
<http://www.couragecenter.org/images/documents/map08_Courage%20North.pdf>
http://www.couragecenter.org/images/documents/map08_Courage%20North.pdf
* Cost: The 2008 VE fee is $14.00.
* What to bring: All candidates must provide a photocopy of the
original license. The original license is not required. If we have
questions, we will look up the candidate on the Internet. Any CSCE's
presented for upgrade credit must be the original - The VE team will also
need a photocopy of the CSCE for their files.
***
Avery's schedule changes: Avery is now out of the office on Tuesdays. This
helps save transportation costs and energy!
***
Handihams will be at RARExpo!
There will be a Handiham table at the RARExpo, Rochester, Minnesota this
coming Saturday, August 9. This is also the ARRL Dakota Division Convention
and the W0DXCC Convention! Sister Alverna, WA0SGJ, will be there, so stop by
and say hello. Complete Information at: <http://www.rarexpo.org/>
http://www.rarexpo.org/
***
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@xxxxxxxxxxx or call her
toll-free at 1-866-426-3442. Mornings are the best time to contact us.
_____
plugged-in robot <http://www.handiham.org/images/bd05047_.gif>
RekkyTec Links
Brad Wyatt, K6WR, QST article on remote base operation:
<http://www.w4mq.com/wyatt.pdf>
http://www.w4mq.com/wyatt.pdf
W4MQ Internet Remote Base: <http://www.w4mq.com/>
http://www.w4mq.com/
W7DXX remote base audio (listen only): <http://www.w7dxx.com:8000/>
http://www.w7dxx.com:8000/
W7DXX remote base main page:
http://www.w7dxx.com/
_____
Cartoon guy with toolkit <http://handiham.org/images/bd06227_.gif>
Elmer has started a blog! You can find it at:
<http://www.handiham.org/node/123>
http://www.handiham.org/node/123
You can write to Elmer with your questions: <mailto:elmer@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
elmer@xxxxxxxxxxxx
_____
Huge alligator grabbing Pat, WA0TDA
<http://handiham.org/images/alligator.jpg> Reminder: Handiham renewals are
now on a monthly schedule - Please renew or join, as we need you to keep our
program strong!
Image: Meet our new dues collection agent! A huge alligator grabs Pat,
WA0TDA. "Sure wish I'd renewed my Handiham dues sooner."
For years Handiham membership renewals were done each July. This year, we
are going to a monthly system. If you renew in March, your membership goes
until the following March, for example. 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. There is a postage paid
envelope provided, and you won't get a visit from you-know-who.
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@xxxxxxxxxxx>
hamradio@xxxxxxxxxxx
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@xxxxxxxxxxx>
hamradio@xxxxxxxxxxx
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@xxxxxxxxxxx>
patt@xxxxxxxxxxx
* Nancy, Handiham Secretary: hamradio@xxxxxxxxxxx
* Jerry, N0VOE, Student Coordinator: jerry.kloss@xxxxxxxxxxx
* Avery, K0HLA, Educational Coordinator: avery.finn@xxxxxxxxxxx
* Pat, WA0TDA, Manager, patt@xxxxxxxxxxx
* Radio Camp email: radiocamp@xxxxxxxxxxx
ARRL </p />
<p>diamond logo <http://www.handiham.org/images/arrllogo.gif>
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
changes of address, unsubscribes, etc. Include your old email address and
your new address.
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