LARGER PRINT !

By popular request and comment….. beginning with this issue of PHI the print will be a tad larger. We hope this makes it easier on those sensitive eyes. ENJOY!

Crotched Mountain Amateur Radio Club – 25 Years Old --- Still Going!
Contributed by Chris Edscorn

The Crotched Mountain Amateur Radio Club (CMARC) was established July 5, 1974 and continues today into its 26^th year. The program, solely run by volunteers, operates out of the Therapeutic Recreation Department in Lower Carter, with a $10,000 station and capabilities to communicate throughout the world on voice and wireless digital communications.

Students participating in amateur radio activities in the presence of a licensed amateur radio operator have the opportunity to communicate with other amateurs throughout the world. Often they use local repeaters to communicate with amateurs in the New England area who are commuting to and from work. Non-speaking participants use a keyboard or Morse Code key to communicate via digital modes.

Students may borrow club owned scanners to practice listening skills in their residences when licensed amateur operator volunteers are not available. They listen to amateur radio, weather, aircraft and marine stations as well as police & fire department communications. They can also participate in wireless email activities from their residences using their group home computer to connect to the computer in the CMARC radio room via the internet. From there they can read their amateur radio mail and send messages to amateur radio operators throughout the world, who love the opportunity to share their hobby with youngsters. The program is open to students or staff of Crotched Mountain. It can provide a wonderful activity that students wait to attend every week in great anticipation. Program volunteers are willing to assist any staff interested in obtaining their license and participating in the club. License classes have been offered to assist staff and members of the surrounding community with becoming amateur radio operators.

Over the years of existence the club has had many interesting activities. They sponsored a Christmas Message Center for several years, sending messages to staff and students to friends and family around the world via the amateur radio network. One class from Crotched Mountain School made contact with an American astronaut on board the Russian space station MIR. Students have spoken with amateurs on bicycles in Boston and talked with others in South America, Italy, Germany, Easter Island and many other exotic and interesting places. Another class studied occupations, doing an extensive survey of likes and dislikes. Students have also participated in community service activities, providing communications support for a bicycle race.

Several years ago a woman named Kathy Pate, who was an amateur radio operator in Massachusetts made contact with some of the students via her radio. She was disabled, having had polio as a child. She was an inspiration to the students. When Kathy passed away, the club leadership decided to honor her by dedicating the station to her. They were even able to obtain her call sign to use as the club’s call sign, with permission of her parent’s. The Kathy Pate Memorial Amateur Radio Station brings many amateurs "out of the woodwork" to talk with the club members here, because they recognize the call sign. The amateur radio club to which she belonged (W.A.R.A.) made a generous contribution to CMARC making it possible to expand the program.

Thousands of hours of volunteer time and thousands of dollars in donated equipment have provided over one hundred of our students and clients with opportunities to participate in the exciting therapeutic program. Grants have also been obtained to assist with the purchase of equipment to use in the station.

The Crotched Mountain Amateur Radio Club Program has three main goals. The foremost is social role valorization. This practical approach to building self-esteem creates a true perception for one’s self. The client’s contribution and participation as an activity in and of itself creates genuine self esteem, which does not require dependence on another person’s (staff) opinion or comments, which can be internalized and interpreted in error. Social Role Valorization occurs through an experience that helps clients to perceive that what they are doing or who they are is valuable. It strengthens their self image and they begin to see their role in society as important. This is a critical component to self esteem, basic even in parenting. The amateur radio community welcomes newcomers and really demonstrates interest in the students. The adult volunteers also provide excellent role models.

Another goal is to expand the communications skills and physical range of communications for the students through learning amateur radio skills and the natural expanded range that radio offers those who use it. The amateur radio program also provides a learning tool for supporting most of the academic curriculums. Teachers and student have used the program to study occupations, space and science, communications, language, geography, history, technology, emergency services and more.

The club looks forward to the next 25 years with hopes to expand its service to more students and clients of Crotched Mountain. All students or clients could benefit from participating. If you would like to learn more about the program, contact Chris Edscorn by email at:

chris@cmf.org
or by writing to:
The Crotched Mountain Center
One Verney Drive
Greenfield, N.H. 03047

This column is going to be devoted to saying thanks to many folks in the club for the energy they put forth to help this organization.

First, all of the workers at the annual auction; the Co-Chairs, Eliot, W1MJ and Jim, W1QJS, for getting volunteers to set up, break down, clean up and any other task that needed doing during the day. A job well done! Roger, N1XKB, Publicity Chairman, who created the flyer, made sure that the flyers were placed at every ham function possible, notified magazines, being sure that deadline dates were met, especially giving out the information on many nets and constantly talking about the auction whenever possible. Fabulous work and thanks. Len, W1YGC, Chief Cook, many folks enjoyed your talents in the kitchen, the chili and all the other things you created. Many thanks for the delicious food.

Rich, N1JDU, for providing the sound system which makes listening a whole lot easier, thanks. Many folks worked behind the scenes with those mentioned above and you were all truly appreciated. The club did well and a lot of fun was had by all in attendance. THANKS! Please save the same Saturday in November, this year, to volunteer your services again.

For about the last 10 years or so Laurie, KC1BN, has been managing the Waltham Wranglers Swap Net and this past month he decided that it was time to retire. He has stepped down as manager and will be truly missed. He has consented to being a net control on and 5^th Wednesday of a month, and we will keep him very active on that day. He has done a superb job, making sure that people remembered their particular night with a gentle reminder and also keeping the rules very public and adhering to them. Laurie will be missed by many folks as Net Manager, but please tell him thank you for a job well done when you hear him on the repeater. Thanks Laurie!

Ron, N1USS, for designing the new web page for WARA, keeping it updated and for adding so many interesting topics to the page. Check out the web page at:

http://www.wara64.org/

Also, thanks for doing the editing of PHI. Awesome work.

To all of the Officers, who were reelected to serve another year. Thanks for volunteering your time and your efforts. To Andy, WA1GEP, the trustee for maintaining the repeater and for his many trips to the top of the hill and not all in nice weather. Thanks.

As I finish this column, please remember to read the entire PHI, as many interesting items are included which deserve your time. Please attend a WARA meeting on the last Wednesday of the month at Artisan Industries in Waltham. Directions are on the web page and talk in is on ’64.

73, Ann
KA1PON

MEMBERSHIP PAYS!
JOIN W.A.R.A.
TODAY!

The following satellites, A0-27 and UO-14, have what is called bent pipe transponders somewhat like a regular repeater. They receive on one band (2m) and transmit on another band (70cm).

A0-27
UPLINK (Transmit Frequency) is 145.850 MHz FM
DOWNLINK (Receive Freq.) is 436.795 MHz FM +/- Doppler shift

UO-14
UPLINK (Transmit Frequency) is 145.975
DOWNLINK (Receive Freq.) is 435.070 MHz FM +/- Doppler shift

Both satellites have been successfully worked with a dual-band hand held transceiver and a 3-element 2-meter beam.

You will need a satellite-tracking program for your computer and for the tracking program you will need Keplarian data to track the satellites successfully. There are various shareware tracking programs available on the internet.

The data called Keplarian elements and more information about the various aspects of the amateur satellite program can be obtained from my web page at the following web address:

http://members.aol.com/k1ela/index.html

The AMSAT Net on the Waltham repeater is on Thursdays at 8:30pm (146.64).

On April 6^th Ernie issued net certificates to all who checked in the net because it marked the 200^th AMSAT net on ’64.

I would like to announce that Ann, KB1ESF and myself Ernie, K1ELA are the proud grandparents of a lovely baby girl (Rachel) weighing in at 8 pounds 14 ounces and 21 inches tall. Born at the Lowell General Hospital at 6:20pm on Saturday March 4, 2000. The family is doing fine.

Ernie MacLauchlan, K1ELA

For those we’ve known who’ve come to pass,
we honor their lives by remembering their deeds and friendship.
For those whom they have temporarily left behind we offer our support and prayers.

WWW.WARA64.ORG

The Waltham Amateur Radio Association and the 1200 Radio Club have announced the date, times and location for "Auction 2000"

Saturday, November 18, 2000

This is the same location as the past few years and talk-in will be available on the Waltham ’64 repeater.

Parking is free and admission is still only $2.00. All that, plus door prizes, great eats, a fun social event and your chance to pick up that special item that you’ve been searching for for years!

Don’t forget! Mark your calendar’s today.

For more information or to volunteer to help out, this year, contact Eliot Mayer (W1MJ) at:

w1mj@amsat.org

Publisher – Eliot Mayer, W1MJ
Editor – Ron Perry, N1USS
Production – Steve Gilbert, K1SG
Circulation – Ann Weldon, KA1PON

President – Ann Weldon, KA1PON
V. President – Kip Shustack, N1AUP
Clerk & Treasurer - Andy Donovan, WA1GEP
Asst. Clerk – Jim Finlay, N1HCF
Asst. Treas. – John Antes, KB1EB

Bruce Pigott, KC1US, newly elected president of the Crocker Public Service Group, has put out a request for volunteers for the Walk for Hunger, which is scheduled for Sunday, May 7, 2000. You can contact Bruce at:

(781) 275-3740

OR you can volunteer over the internet by going to the CPSG web site at:

http://cpsg.amateur-radio.net

(Editor’s note: I’m hoping that this issue makes it to you in time for the "Walk", but regardless if you enjoy doing volunteer amateur radio work you should check out the CPSG web site because they work with several different events each year and they’re all listed on the site.)

Watch for information on the WARA64 email list!  It's UP and RUNNING!

http://www.egroups.com/wara64

It’s that time of year again, when hearty hams head for the outdoors and fire up their generators, string wire in the trees and test their skills at emergency communications. It’s always the fourth full weekend in June which, this year, is:

For complete Field Day rules check out the A.R.R.L. web site at:

http://www.arrl.org/

Although W.A.R.A. isn’t participating as a club this year there are many clubs who are.

The North Shore Radio Association is holding their Field Day at Endicott Park in Danvers, MA. which is located at Route 62 and Route 1. Talk in for the NSRA Field Day will be on one of their repeaters; 145.47. Eric, KA1NCF says all are welcome to join them. If you have questions you can email him at:

ka1ncf@nsradio.org

There are more, I’m sure. Just ask around on the air!

At the May meeting of W.A.R.A. (the last Wednesday of the month – May 31, 2000) representatives of ARES will give a formal 1.5 – 2.5 hour presentation on emergency communications and emergency preparedness. The highlights of this discussion will include:

- NTS and Emergency traffic handling

- ‘Go-Kits or emergency supplies for you as a trained communicator

- How to be part of the solution and not part of the problem

- How to get more information and get more involved

- How and why to form an emergency response team

Although the exact agenda may deviate from this brief outline, ARES training will be presented in an interactive forum designed to educate attendees to be better prepared for emergency communications and for communications emergencies.

We hope to see you all in May!

Lou, N1UEC

The change is underway. As of April 15^th of this year there are now only three license classes and one code speed; Technician, General and Amateur Extra.

If you want to learn more about this, check out the W.A.R.A. web page for links to more information.

www.wara64.org

When Ron (N1USS) asked me if it would be possible for me to write something about my motorcycle club that he could put into PHI it was like asking a kid if he would mind having a piece of cake with ice cream…. HI HI! The following is a description of the club as presented on the Home Page of my R.I. Retread Web Site:

The R.I. Retreads Motorcycle Club is a chapter of the Retreads Motorcycle Club International, Inc. and a member of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), Charter 3233. It’s members are mature motorcycle enthusiasts (singles and couples) having attained the age of 40 (XL+); hence the name RETREADS. The club’s only other membership requirements are a fondness for motorcycles (whatever make or type) and a desire to meet and ride with a friendly and caring motorcycle family of friends.

Monthly Breakfast Business Meetings are held every 2^nd Sunday at 9:00 AM. The meeting place is at the Old Country Buffet in Seekonk Square Plaza, Seekonk, MA. The plaza is located on U.S. Route 6, approximately ¼ mile east of the junction of RI Route 114A. All are welcome to attend.

Weekly Sunday day rides are also scheduled. Friday night "Ice Cream Runs" and Saturday rides may also be on the agenda. Dates, times and meeting places for all rides can be found in our Monthly Newsletter, as well as on our Web Site's "Events Calendar" page.

The R.I. Retreads Motorcycle Club Web page can be seen at the following URL:

Any Massachusetts Motorcyclists out there in the Ham Radio Fraternity/Sorority, wishing to look into the MA Retreads (meets in Peabody, MA.) may contact the Massachusetts Retread Reps:

MA Reps – Bill & Althea Frenier
5 Bishop Avenue
Attleboro, MA. 02703
Phone: (508) 761-5356
e-mail: MaRetreads@aol.com

For additional information, or interests in the RI Retreads, contact:

RI Reps – Al & Jeannette Robitaille
12 Bloomfield Street
Pawtucket, RI 02861
Phone: (401) 722-6956
e-mail: RI_Retread_Rep@Hotmail.com

A topic oft visited on one repeater or another is the subject of "repeater etiquette" and what should or shouldn’t be spoken while on the air. I, for one, think that the issues extend far beyond our little repeater communities and into society in general. Where do our First Amendment rights end and our constitutional responsibilities begin. Beyond that, let us consider something once called consideration and respect for our fellow human beings.

First, allow me to reiterate something which most of us are well aware of when you participate in the conversations on your local repeaters you may be in a group of two or twenty on the air. There are, in a lot of cases, many more listening on their ham rigs in the car or on scanners at home or in the car. Many of those listeners are friends, relatives and children of hams or short wave listeners. In the case of ’64 they might even be the local news and traffic reporters or that state police officer who just passed you on "128". When we speak on the repeaters we have an "audience" which extends beyond the immediate conversation and into our homes and the communities around us.

I, among other things, am a writer and will be one of the first to the pulpit when it comes to defending our rights to free speech and expression. I will, also, be one of the first (unfortunately in a much smaller group) to jump up to fight for higher levels of acceptance of responsibilities which are the foundation which brought us those rights and the one thing which, if abused, will cause us to lose them.

Plain and simple, I don’t like excuses. When I hear someone on the air, say "This is the way people in my neighborhood talk everyday." Or "Well, I hear this kind of language on television and broadcast radio all the time." A chill runs down my spine and I feel anger growing inside. Is it truly a good excuse to ignore others around you and use inconsiderate language solely on the basis that some parts of today’s society do so?

 As I was growing up and as I progressed through management training one phrase came up often and still comes to mind. "Set the example." It’s much easier to gain a following if you give people something worth following. Just because foul language and inconsiderate behavior flows around many of us on a daily basis is no reason to accept it as being OK. I don’t think it’s "prudish" to ask that public performance be tempered with sensible consideration. As a matter of fact, I believe it’s our responsibility to make use of our rights to free speech and expression with a temperance of consideration and respect for those in our immediate as well as extended audiences.

In the same light and to extend beyond foul or questionable language let me address innuendo and politically correct speaking. This is an area I love to expound in. I believe one should speak what he or she means without couching on the specific words of topic. I, again, believe that there is a time and a place and situation when things such as "ethnic humor" and "personal attacks" are humorous AND there are times, places and situations where such humor will be misunderstood, taken out of context or simply be inappropriate. I recall, recently on ’64, a situation where an out of state ham of many years checked in (very politely I might add) and folk began to introduce themselves and welcome our "visitor". Then, all of a sudden, one of the repeater regulars of many years jumped in and started going on about "You should watch out for this one….. etc." and passing barbs with another regular user. I never heard the "visitor" on the air again. Why?

 Well, to those of us who knew the two "offenders" the scenario was "funny". To those of us who were familiar with them it was a "harmless" little, humorous skit of life. Putting myself in the place of the unwitting visitor, however, I found myself a bit confused and un-attracted to the goings on of two people calling each other names and the like over the air. Don’t misunderstand me now. I love a good joke, even a bit off color at times. I think folks ought to be able to laugh at themselves and lighten up on a regular basis. I don’t run around telling "Nantucket" limericks to my church group or to kindergarten classes either, though. Why? Because there’s a time and there’s a place.

Please remember that no one is asking you to forfeit your constitutional rights to free speech and expression when asking you to show a little respect and consideration for those around you. On the contrary, it’s simply a suggestion that you exercise those rights with the implied levels of responsibility that go with them.

Finally, here is a short list of suggestions that can be used as guidelines for good repeater etiquette.

1. Listen on frequency, before transmitting, to see if it’s in use.
2. If there’s a conversation in progress, there are many ways to enter the conversation or to gain use of the frequency to make a call or announcement:

1. Announce your call sign to make it known that you’re on frequency.
2. Say the words "Call please" to make a call to another operator you had planned to meet on frequency.
3. Say the word "Contact" to talk to someone you’ve already heard on frequency.
4. Use the word "Break" ONLY if you have emergency traffic to convey.
5. Whether or not the repeater has a courtesy tone, leave a short pause between transmissions to allow others to join in.
6. When someone new gives their call sign or asks to make a call or contact, recognize their presence even if you follow by completing your next thoughts before inviting them in.
7. After you’ve been given a break to make a call or contact and you’ve completed your business, thank the other parties for allowing you in to "do your business".

1. Use common sense and courtesy while talking on the air.
2. Treat others, on the air, as you’d like to be treated.

Remember, if you work in a theatre in the round one half of your audience is behind you at all times and out of sight. So it is when you talk on an amateur radio repeater that many in your "audience" are "out of sight" but none the less, listening to your "show".

This is just one man’s opinion, coupled with the wisdom of the ages. Enjoy.

Ron Perry (N1USS)

"HOME BREWER’S" Parts Source Guide on-line!

We’ve had some talk about re-printing the "parts source guide" in PHI. It is, however, a bit long and adds to the cost of mailing and production. Therefore, for now we’re going to add the list to the W.A.R.A. web site for your information and enjoyment.

The list will take a few weeks to update and checked out (it’s been some time since some of the sources on my list have been checked out).

For the home brewer or those who like to maintain their own equipment, this list will be a great help to all. When it was first printed we got a lot of great response about it.

It seems to me that the latest revisions in the F.C.C. rules, which reduced the Morse code requirements to five words per minute, are welcome steps in the right direction. Although I agree with those who claim that Morse code could be a useful skill, I have yet to hear any practical reason to maintain this out dated mode of communication as a requirement for obtaining or upgrading an amateur radio license. If indeed we are part of a national service to provide a pool of qualified technical people who experiment on the cutting edge of technology, why demand Morse code as a requirement? No one else uses it anymore. It lays no foundation for any furtherance of ones technical skills. Why not, instead, demand proficiency in spread spectrum technology or satellite communications? I’m sure there are many areas that could lead to more fruitful amateur pursuits.

Some have said that Morse code, as a requirement for licensing is a filter, which assures that only those truly serious about being good amateur operators get licensed. I believe that it’s filtering out many who would be excellent operators by requiring something which, once licensed isn’t of much use to a high percentage those now being licensed. How many highly skilled engineers, scientists, doctors and lawyers, truck drivers, laborers, trades people, et al would be able and interested in pursuing a "ham" radio license if it weren’t for the Morse code requirement. Might these folks be undesirable operators? In many cases the code requirement is keeping these folks

 from entering the "ham" community. Judging by the "performance" of some currently licensed amateur extras and advanced operators; it might make a welcome change to increase the ranks of the "ham" community by including some of the here to fore excluded. Not all "20 wpm" hams are exemplary operators now. Did the "filter" work in the past?

Another argument for maintaining Morse code proficiency as a requirement is that it’s a "universal" language that crosses country and continental boundaries. I submit that more people, worldwide, speak English today than understand Morse code.

The "reasons" for keeping Morse code go on and on.

1. "CW" is the best way to get a communication through under less than desirable conditions. (Wrong, digital packet communications are far more reliable AND are current technology.)
2. POW’s used Morse code to communicate when imprisoned at a time when no other communication was possible. (Well, since the military and commercial marine communities have dropped the use of Morse code, most future military personnel won’t know it, so why should we?)
3. The "Good ‘Ole Boy" group of hams had to learn it so we should too. (Not a good reason, since we’re supposed to be a licensed service providing for a pool of technically experienced and capable radio operators who can step to the toe in case of emergency. In the last 100 or so emergency situations, worldwide, can anyone say that Morse code was the mode of communication that made a difference to safety, life savings and recovery? Not that I’m aware of.)

Bottom line, it’s not unlike the preservation of the much loved "boat anchor" equipment of the past. It’s not better, it’s not more economical to operate, it’s not more efficient and it’s not the best way to operate. It’s not unlike those who enjoy restoring antique automobiles. It’s nice. It’s nostalgic. It’s heart warming and it preserves tradition. All of this is OK. What it isn’t is practical when it comes to the true mandate of the amateur radio service as described and legislated.

The bottom line is that time and technology move on. The reality is that it’s not bad to move on with it. The mandate is that we, as amateur radio operators, have is to accept reality and move our service/hobby into the 21^st century and challenge ourselves to step up to the plate and make our service/hobby true to the reason our existence was created in the beginning. It’s time to meet the challenge and update ourselves to meet the needs of today, while not forgetting the past and our beginnings.

Drop the requirement to be proficient in Morse code and toughen up the requirements for knowledge in state of the art technology. Let’s bring amateur radio out of the 30’s and 40’s and into the 21^st century so we can meet the challenge of today and tomorrow.

Don’t forget the past. Don’t ignore the future! This is the challenge of 2000 and beyond.

Next issue of PHI is the Fall 2000 issue.

Deadline for submissions is September 30th 2000.