God Bless America

NEWS FROM BARC
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            Due to the pandemic, we were not able to have our usual eye-ball Christmas Party for 2020.  Zoom was used with some Christmas wear and backgrounds.  A picture is on page ? of the attendees.  If anyone was left out, it was due to time the picture was captured from the screen. 

            There was a little bit of BARC business by President Dave Wood, W4EJ, before the awards were announced.  The awards and certificates announced by Dave were as follows:

Peer Awards:
A plaque for Ham of the Year, Dave Langley, W4YDY;
Certificates for:
Elmer of the Year, Dave Wood, W4EJ
New Ham of the Year, David Meeks, KN4VJR
YL of the Year, Beth Meeks, KN4WWK
OM of the Year, Peter Van Houten, N4PVH

            A plaque for 2 years service, 2019/2020, as BARC President was given to Dave Wood, W4EJ.  Certificates were awarded to 2020 Officers First Vice President, Peter Van Houten, N4PVH; Second Vice President, Lou Demko, W3LPR; Secretary, Gary Coriell, KK4GC; Treasurer, Jim Lowe, AC4JL; Trustee, Bill Dawson, WA4SLC, and Trustee, Terry Monday, K4ZYD.

            Certificates were awarded to club appointees Club Station Trustee, Bill Dawson, WA4SLC; Web Site Webmaster, Mike Monteith, KM4OLT; Ham Chatter Editor, Dave  Langley, W4YDY; Web Site Editor, Dave Langley, W4YDY; Web Site Webmaster, David Meeks, KN4VJR, and Award certificates and Plaques Editor, Mike Langley, KD4MTT.

            Certificates were awarded to Volunteer Examiner Liaison, Gary Coriell, KK4GC; Volunteer Examiners Dave Langley, W4YDY, Jim Lowe, AC4JL, Dave Wood, W4EJ, Gerald Seighman, KN4CKL, Dan Wallace, K4HMW, and Al Mullis, K4GOE.  
            Mike, KD4MTT, emailed PDF certificates to the recipients.  He also obtained the plaques and delivered them.                 

            After the awards were announced, First Vice President, Peter Van Houten, N4PVH, emceed a round table with members taking turns speaking about what activities they were doing with Amateur Radio and other things of interest to the members. 

BARC MEMBERS   6/2/2020
Important coronavirus message from Dr. Peter Van Houten, N4PVH

How to deal with the Novel Biological Warfare:

It is not known exactly how this mess got started but we have figured out a few things on how to deal with this virus:

1. 6/2/2020   WEAR ANY MASK while outside in public AT ALL TIMES (N95, surgical mask or bandanna in that order of effectiveness) as they all reduce the spread of the virus. The data shows that there is a 98% reduction in transmission of the virus if you wash your hands at least 4x a day and wear a mask. Lets ALL DO THIS for the sake of the country!!!
2: WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY
3: DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE (the average person touches their face >200 times a day)
4: SOCIAL DISTANCING SLOWS THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS (preventing the medical resources from being overwhelmed, it also protects the more vulnerable population - age>50)
5: SOAP AND WATER IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE REMOVER OF VIRUS (better than bleach!)
6: 70% ALCOHOL WIPES KILL THE VIRUS

There are more ideas but these are the top of the list. As it pertains to our BARC activities, we are in a unique position as communicators to the world and should continue to work our craft safely. We cannot meet in groups but we can keep on meeting virtually via the web and the app called ZOOM. We are going to try this system out on the BARC board meetings first and then if that goes well, will consider having a full membership meeting using Zoom. That is the goal of this exercise. We could move the April meeting to Zoom as the speakers can be anywhere in the USA and still give the presentation. Please read the following instructions and connect either by phone, tablet or computer. We can make these days of social isolation less onerous to us all. Here are the instructions:

----------

Installing and setting up Zoom for meetings

We all need to download the Zoom app to our smart phones (iPhone & Android), iPads and computers (Mac or PC) and sign up with your email to get a free (AKA "Basic") membership number. I have signed up for the Pro version so I can run the meetings or can set up one other to run the meeting. Once you have your number, email me the email address you used to sign up and the member number (that looks like a phone number). We could do a test of the system to see if it all works and to introduce you to the system. There are many video tutorials on line to teach you. It is easy as eating pie!

To do list:
1: decide which email you will use for zoom
2: download the app to your smart phone/pad and computer from https://zoom.us
3: sign up for the basic (free) membership and note your ID number
4: send me an email with your ID number and email you used for Zoom
5: run the program and check the settings of the audio and video feeds. Do you have a camera and speakers?

If you cannot do this list, email me and I will help you. The computer needs a web camera. Most laptops have one built in but the desktops are the problem as they need an accessory camera and speakers. If the PC computer is windows 7 or earlier, it may not be able to do video. There are plug in software extensions for internet explorer and Chrome in this case or if you cannot install the app (see the Zoom web page). iPhones and iPads can do this well and have built in cameras. It helps to have a decent internet. If not, you can use your cell phone to call in to a number and hook up just the audio portion of the meeting. The listing "OneTap Mobile" is the phone number, two pauses, then the meeting ID that can be programmed into a memory slot in your phone so that you can connect instantly at a press of a button on you phone.

If this goes well, we can continue to have "Socially Distant" meetings that are safe and should be interesting. I view this pandemic akin to being in a biological war so we must adapt but still "carry on with a stiff upper lip" (What the Brits would say in WWII while London was being bombed by the Nazis!)

Contact me for necessary Zoom Ids and phone numbers if you didn’t receive email with that information from W4YDY

 Peter, N4PVH

BARC & coronavirus  

BARC members should install ZOOM on their computer, smart phone, iPad, etc. Meetings can be held remotely with up to 100 members. It is free. https://zoom.us/ You can get the free version at https://zoom.us/pricing.

For information on installing and using it, there are many YouTube videos. It’s not hard. Go to YouTube and search for "zoom video conferencing". Or enter <https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=zoom+video+conferencing> in your browser.

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES
02.07.2020
Story by Cpl. Stephen Campbell
II MEF Information Group

U.S. Marines with 2nd Radio Battalion and 8th Communication Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, set up an antenna during a HAM Amateur Radio Licensing Course at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 10, 2020. The objective of the course was to increase knowledge on amateur radios and radio operating procedures in order to develop and enhance the Marines’ capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Larisa Chavez)

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Feb. 7, 2020)— U.S. Marines with Information Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MIG) participated in a HAM Amateur Radio General Licensing Course as part of the group’s High Frequency Auxiliary Initiative on base, Jan. 27-31, 2020.

The course, taught by members of the Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club, out of Greenville, N.C., helps Marines learn the principles of high frequency radio operations as a contingency against a peer-to-peer adversary in real-world operations.

Throughout the duration of the course, Marines learned HAM radio frequency and propagation theory, frequency band allocation, conventional and field-expedient antenna theory in addition to HAM radio operations and control.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jordan Walzer, commanding officer of II MIG, created the High Frequency Auxiliary Initiative after recognizing the need for utilizing more options in a combat environment. He wanted the Marines to familiarize themselves with older technology to ensure their lethality in any situation.

“Embracing technology is great but overreliance leaves us vulnerable,” Walzer said. “In a peer-to-peer conflict, our space-based capabilities will be attacked. The next war will look less like ‘Saving Private Ryan’ and a lot more like ‘Ghost Fleet’.”

Contrary to Saving Private Ryan, which was fought utilizing traditional land-based maneuver warfare, Ghost Fleet is a book set in the near future and includes the addition of space and cyber warfare.

So wars of the past were fought in the air, on land and at sea, whereas future wars will likely include the addition of space warfare, explained Walzer. U.S. forces need to create a cohesion of modern technology and analog throwbacks to mitigate hackers and drones.

HAM radios make effective alternate communication because they do not rely on satellites or internet, but instead, radio waves. They can travel directly or indirectly, along the ground or by bouncing the radio waves off of the ionosphere or troposphere layers of the atmosphere to communicate.

“Right now, our adversaries are aggressively pursuing counter-space weapons to target our satellites and ground stations,” Walzer said. “If our satellites get knocked out, what do we do then? [High Frequency] radio has been around for well over a century and is still used today. Why? Because it’s a reliable, low-cost alternative to satellite communications. With the right training and education, a Marine with a radio and some slash wire can communicate over-the-horizon for long distances, even between continents.”

Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club President Dave Wood, W4EJ, demonstrates a power meter for measuring the output power of transmitters. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Larisa Chavez)

HAM radios, also known as amateur radios, are communication devices created in the late 1800s. Depending how much an individual is willing to spend on equipment, someone can talk to others across town or across the world, all without the need for an internet connection. Although most people use HAM radios as a hobby, II MIG views them as potential lifelines in a highly contested environment.

There are three courses taught on HAM radios by the Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club. The entry level class is called the technicians course, which gives people frequency privileges in very high frequency (VHF) and ultra-high frequency (UHF) bands and some privileges in the high frequency range. A frequency privilege is just another meaning for permission to use a specific frequency. The HAM Amateur Radio General Licensing Course is the intermediate level course, which allows spectrum privileges on almost all spectrums that the government gives amateur radio operators. The expert class license, also called Extra Class, gives users full privilege on any frequencies allocated to HAM radios.

“I think the course was very informative,” said Sgt. Matthew Griffith, an intelligence surveillance reconnaissance systems engineer with 2nd Radio Battalion, II MIG. “It’s good to learn the things that make our equipment work. In my area of this field we use the equipment but don’t [always] know how the equipment works on the inside, which sometimes makes it harder to troubleshoot if a problem arises. Leaving the course with this knowledge will be invaluable for my Marines and me in the future.”

Dave Wood, the president of the Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club and instructor of the course, plans to conduct the first expert level course in the future after enough Marines have graduated from the intermediate course. The club plans to host the next entry level course during the summer of 2020 and train more Marines.

“The volunteers who make up our High Frequency Auxiliary are absolutely vital to us building a world-class capability,” Walzer said. “We’re drastically improving our skill by pairing experts with Marines who have a passion for HAM radio. They may not wear the uniform, but they’re American patriots serving our country in a different way.”

Whether the next conflict is fought in air, on land, at sea, or in space, one thing is clear; Marines will adapt to face those threats whether it is with the technology of today or equipment of the past.

The article above is from the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (dvids)
   Info from Retired Marine Colonel Robert Plevell, KN4YXD, as follows: Initial analytics on the story show 1300+ views in the first 72 hours and a high level of engagement from outside sources on the DVIDS page!

January 31,  2020 VE Session at Camp Lejeune

A Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club team of Volunteer Examiners held another session VE Session after U.S. Marines with 2nd Radio Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group were in a week long class taught by BARC members, Dave Wood, W4EJ, and Jim Lowe, AC4JL.  They taught the General Class theory and some Technician theory since there were some in the class looking for their first license.  VEs Dave and Jim were joined again by other VEs from BARC on the last day to give exams.  They were VE Liaison Gary Coriell, KK4GC, Gerald Sighman, KN4CKL, and Dave Langley, W4YDY. 

The following were successful in there examinations.  Retired Marine Colonel Robert Plevell, KN4YXD, upgraded to Amateur Extra, Marines Cristian Moncayo, KN6ERX, and Skyler Everts, KN4YXJ, upgraded to General, Robert Locker, KO4BPX, is a new General and Dalton Uphaus, KO4BPY, is a new Technician.  There were 2 more Marines that passed two exams each and received new General Class licenses. 

BARC congratulates all. - W4YDY

The next BARC session will be February 18, 2020 at the ECU Greenville Center, Room 1200, 2200 Charles Blvd.  Enter the building on the side closest to Charles Blvd.  Inside go straight ahead and Room 1200 is at the end on the left, just ahead of the exit doors. (This building is just North of the State Employees’ Credit Union). 

Click here for Map. 

Former BARC Member & VE Morris Lewis, AK4MU, SK

Morris, AK4MU, was a Brightleaf ARC board member in 2014 and 2015.   He was very active as a Volunteer Examiner (VE) and served in 29 ARRL sessions for BARC. 

The Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club sends its condolences to the Lewis family. 

Following from Farmville Funeral Home

James Morris Lewis Sr., age 70, died Sunday, January 19, 2020.

Mr. Lewis was preceded in death by his wife, Gennie Lewis; and his parents, James and Mary Lewis.

He is survived by his son, James Morris Lewis Jr. of Wilson.

The family will receive friends at the Farmville Funeral Home, Thursday evening from 7 until 8:00 P.M.

Arrangements are by Farmville Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made at www.farmvillefh.com.

2020 Dues

Membership dues for BARC are due January 1.  “A grace period of 60 days to renew membership will be given. If dues are not paid by the end of the grace period, membership shall cease until dues for the current year have been paid” per the BARC Constitution.  Those who have not paid their dues will not be listed on the roster and will be removed from the Ham Chatter mailing list starting in April. Membership dues are the same as they were in 2019 and are as follows: 

Regular Member $20.00
Family Member $2.00
Associate Member (Non-Licensed) $5.00
Honorary Member $0.00
New Hams: 18 and younger (1st year) $5.00
New Hams: 19 and older (1st year) $10.00

Please mail your dues, along with the member application form if there are any changes to: Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club, P.O. Box 8387, Greenville, NC 27835. or give it to the Treasurer at the club meeting.  We are requesting that you send the application form in so that we can have your correct information on file. The form can be downloaded from http://www.w4amc.com/barc-application.html
If anyone has any questions concerning their membership status or their dues, please email Jim L:owe, AC4JL, BARC Treasurer, at treasurer @ w4amc.com (remove spaces in email address). 

Thank you for your support and participation in BARC.

December 2019 BARC VE Session Results 12/27/19

Gary Coriell, KK4GC BARC VE Liaison

Three candidates came to the VE session and all were successful on December 17. Two passed the Technician exam to qualify for their Amateur Radio license.  

Retired Marine Colonel Robert Plevell, KN4YXD, Emerald Isle, NC, upgraded to General that became effective 12/27/19. .  

Matthew Butler, KO4AUV, Greenville, NC, and Edward Oliver, KO4AUU, Bath, NC, passed the Technician exam to earn their Amateur Radio license.  Their new call signs were effective 12/27/19.

Congratulations for your accomplishments.  

VE Liaison Gary Coriell, KK4GC, Gerald Sighman, KN4CKL, Al Mullis, K4GOE, Dave Wood, W4EJ, Jim Lowe, AC4JL, and Dave Langley, W4YDY, were there to serve.

The next session will be February 18, 2020 at the ECU Greenville Center, Room 1200, 2200 Charles Blvd.  Enter the building on the side closest to Charles Blvd.  Inside go straight ahead and Room 1200 is at the end on the left, just ahead of the exit doors. (This building is just North of the State Employees’ Credit Union). 

Click here for Map.  - W4YDY

                                                                   BARC on FACEBOOK

BARC Christmas party 2019

Dave Wood, W4EJ, (L) presented BARC Ham of the Year plaque by Peter Van Houten, N4PVH.  Photo by JoAnn Wood

Ham of the Year, W4EJ

The annual BARC Christmas party was held on December 10, 2019. Families enjoyed a covered dish meal and as usual, it was outstanding. Thanks to everyone for the great food and those setting up the food tables. The meal was outstanding as always. 

After the meal, certificates and awards were presented by BARC President Dave Wood, W4EJ, to the members that volunteered to keep the club running in 2019.

The BARC Ham of the Year plaque was presented to President Dave Wood, W4EJ, by First Vice President Peter Van Houten, N4PVH. Other peer award certificates went to OM of the Year, Bernie Nobles, WA4MOK; YL of the Year, Linda Nobles; Elmer of the Year, David Sourdis, K1KK/HK1A, and (absent) New Ham of the Year, Jason A Melendez, W4CKA.

Certificates were presented to the 2019 BARC officers. They were President, Dave Wood, W4EJ, First Vice President, Peter Van Houten, N4PVH, Second Vice President, Lou Demko, W3LPR, Secretary, Gary Corriell, KK4GC, Treasurer Jim Lowe, AC4JL, Trustee Bill Dawson, WA4SLC, and (absent) Trustee; Terry Monday, K4ZYD.  The same officers were reelected at the November meeting for 2020.

Other certificates were presented to Club Station Trustee, Bill Dawson, WA4SLC, Web Site Webmaster, Mike Monteith, KM4OLT, Ham Chatter Editor, Dave Langley, W4YDY, and Web Site Editor,. Dave Langley, W4YDY.

Certificates were given for Volunteer Examiner Liaison Gary Corriell, KK4GC, and Volunteer Examiners, Dave Langley, W4YDY, Jim Lowe, AC4JL, Dave Wood, W4EJ, and Gerald Seighman, KN4CKL. Certificates for Volunteer Examiners not at the party were announced for Dan Wallace, K4HMW, and Al Mullis, K4GOE.

Many thanks to BARC Life Member, Mike Langley, KD4MTT, for counting the peer ballots, editing and printing the award certificates and getting the BARC Ham of the Year plaque that was presented to Dave Wood, W4EJ.

The Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club congratulates all the volunteers. - W4YDY

A Certificate of Recognition from the USMC

        A Certificate of Recognition and letter was sent to the Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club by the USMC II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group. It was “For you Patriotism, Initiative and Mentorship while conducting the II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, Ham Amateur Radio licensing Course”…  “The Brightleaf Amateur RadioClub is hereby awarded this Certificate of Recognition having earned our deepest appreciation and gratitude for a “job well done”.” It was signed by Jordan D. Waizer, Colonel, United States Marine Corps, Commanding Officer, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group.

BARC Members Bernie Nobles, WA4MOK, Bill Dawson, WA4SLC, and Jim Lowe, AC4JL, set up a small station at the Salem United Methodist Church in Simpson, NC to operate in JOTA on Saturday morning of October 19, 2019.  The WA4MOK 'suitcase' station was set up using a Little Tarheel HP on a tripod.  The Cub Scouts were thrilled to talk to USA and DX stations.  (Photo from WA4MOK & WA4SLC)

2nd Radio Battalion hosts II MIG HAM Amateur Radio Licensing Course

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES
10.03.2019
Photo by Cpl. Austin Livingston
II MEF Information Group

U.S. Marines with 2nd Radio Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, a British Royal Marine Commando on the Marine Corps Foreign Personnel Exchange Program, and civilians with the Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club pose for a picture after the II MIG HAM Amateur Radio Licensing Course at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 3, 2019. The objective of the course was to increase knowledge on amateur radios and radio operating procedures in order to develop and enhance Marines capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Livingston)
https://www.dvidshub.net/image/5819057/2nd-radio-battalion-hosts-ii-mig-ham-amateur-radio-licensing-course
http://www.w4amc.com/barcnews.html#Lejeune

October 4,  2019 VE Session at Camp Lejeune
Everybody Passed! 
One Upgrade and 20 New Licenses 10/11/19

A Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club team of Volunteer Examiners held a session after 20 Marines were in a week long class taught by BARC members, Dave Wood, W4EJ, and Jim Lowe, AC4JL.  VEs Dave and Jim were joined by other VEs from BARC on the last day to give exams.  They were VE Liaison Gary Coriell, KK4GC, Gerald Sighman, KN4CKL, and Dave Langley, W4YDY. 

Retired Marine Colonel Robert Plevell, also took the exam along with the 20 Marines.   One Marine was already licensed and he upgraded to General.  Retired Marine Colonel Robert Plevell.and nineteen Marines all passed the Technician exam. Although they had not been taught for the General license, most gave it a try.   One passed and earned a General license.  The total new licenses ended up with two new General licenses and nineteen new Technician license. The FCC issued their new license and call signs on October 10 and October 11, 2019.

Marines Travis Knight, KK6GIA, Sneads Ferry, NC, upgraded from Tech to General and Joseph Ambrosino-Garcia, KN6ERY, North Hollywood, CA, passed his Tech and General exams.

Nineteen Technician Class license with new call signs are: Retired Marine Colonel Robert Plevell, KN4YXD, Emerald Isle, NC, Marines Michele Brooks, KN4YXC, Jacksonville, NC, Steve Santana, KN4YXE, Camp Lejeune, NC, Samuel Eismueller, KN4YXF, Camp Lejeune, NC, Ethan Huntt, KN4YXG, Hubert, NC, Ian Delaney, KN4YXH, Camp Lejeune, NC, Aaron Nevarez, KN4YXI, Camp Lejeune, NC, Cristian Moncayo, KN6ERX, Moreno Valley, CA, Skyler Everts, KN4YXJ, Jacksonville, NC, Brandon Van Emburg, KN4YXK, Jacksonville, NC, Matthew Westwood, KN4YXL, Camp Lejeune, NC, John Bergman, KN4YXM, Dunn, NC, Moises Aguilar, KN4YXN, Camp Lejeune, NC, Aamil Haleen, KD9NZH, Jeffersonvlle, IN, Bennett Baldwin, KN4YXO, Jacksonville, NC, Patrick Van Praag, KN4YXP, Camp Lejeune, NC, Stephan Anderson, KN4YXQ, Richlands, NC, Chan Brown, KN4YXR, Camp Lejeune, NC, and Joshua Taylor, KN4YYC, Jacksonville, NC.   

The VEs worked for about 3 hours grading over 40 exams and filling out 21 CSCE (Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination) Forms.  There were at least 43 forms for the VEs to sign and Gary had a lot more work to do at the exam site and when he got home to get the packet ready to mail to the ARRL.  It all seemed to go very smoothly and it was a pleasure to serve the Marines. 

Plans are for future Technician classes and upgrade classes. 

More details and pictures coming later. - W4YDY

August 2019 BARC VE Session Results 8/29/19

Seven candidates came to the VE session and all were successful on August 20. Four passed their Technician exam to qualify for their Amateur Radio license.   Two upgraded to General Class license and one to Amateur Extra. 

The FCC updated the upgrades and granted new call signs to the four that passed their Technician exams on August 29, 2019.

Jim Lowe, KN4GWZ BARC Treasurer

Jim Lowe, KN4GWZ, Grimesland, upgraded to Amateur Extra.  Jim is also the Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club treasurer. 

Judy Taber, KN4PWV, Greenville, and David Meeks, KN4VJR, Farmville, upgraded to the General Class license. 

Mary Meeks, KN4WWK, Farmville, Chris Collins, KN4WWM, Rocky Mount, Andrew Castles, KN4WWL, Washington, and Jeff Ellis, KN4WWJ, Goldsboro, passed the Technician exam to earn their first Amateur Radio license and received their new call signs on 8/29/19.

Congratulations to all for your accomplishments.  

VE Liaison Gary Coriell, KK4GC, Gerald Sighman, KN4CKL, Dan Wallace, K4HMW, Al Mullis, K4GOE, and Dave Langley, W4YDY, were there to serve. - W4YDY

The next session will be October 15

                                                                   BARC on FACEBOOK

BARC Christmas Party

The annual BARC Christmas party was held on December 11, 2018.  Families enjoyed a covered dish meal and as usual, it was outstanding.  Thanks to everyone for the great food and those setting up the tables.  

After the meal, certificates and awards were presented by BARC President Gary Corriell, KK4GC, to the members that volunteered to keep the club running in 2018.  Pictures of the party and volunteers are on the BARC web site at http://www.w4amc.com/fd/party18.html.  

Peter Van Houten, N4PVH, left, was surprised when he was announced for the BARC Ham of the Year.  Gary Corriell, KK4GC, presented the award.

The BARC Ham of the Year plaque was presented to Peter Van Houten, N4PVH.  Other peer award certificates went to OM of the Year, Doug Ferris, K4ROK, YL of the Year, Linda Nobles, Elmer of the Year, Peter Van Houten, N4PVH, and New Ham of the Year, David Mull, KM4OKC.

Certificates were presented to the 2018 BARC officers.  They were President, Gary Corriell, KK4GC, a plaque, First Vice President Dave Wood, W4EJ, Second Vice President, Peter Van Houten, N4PVH, Secretary Bill Dawson, WA4SLC, Treasurer Jeff Meyer, K4DKW, Trustee Bernie Nobles, WA4MOK, and (absent) Trustee; Pat Williams, KG4NSC. 

Other certificates were presented to Club Station Trustee, Bill Dawson, WA4SLC, and Ham Chatter & Web Site Contributing Editor. Dave Langley, W4YDY.  Certificates for those not at the party were announced for the following, Public Relations/Publicity;  Pat Williams, KG4NSC, Ham Chatter Editor, Joe Jeansonne, WB4JOE, and Web Site Editor Michael Monteith, KM4OLT.

Certificates were giver for Volunteer Examiner Liaison Gary Corriell, KK4GC, and Volunteer Examiners, Dave Langley, W4YDY and Gerald Seighman, KN4CKL.  Certificates for Volunteer Examiners not at the party were announced for Morris Lewis, AK4MU, Dan Wallace, K4HMW, Al Mullis, K4GOE, and Gary Faust, N4PIR.

The Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club congratulates all the volunteers.  - W4YDY

2019 Dues

Membership dues for BARC are due January 1.  “A grace period of 60 days to renew membership will be given. If dues are not paid by the end of the grace period, membership shall cease until dues for the current year have been paid” per the BARC Constitution.  Those who have not paid their dues will not be listed on the roster and will be removed from the Ham Chatter mailing list starting in April. Membership dues are the same as they were in 2018 and are as follows: 

Regular Member $20.00
Family Member $2.00
Associate Member (Non-Licensed) $5.00
Honorary Member $0.00
New Hams: 18 and younger (1st year) $5.00
New Hams: 19 and older (1st year) $10.00

Please mail your dues, along with the member application form if there are any changes to: Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club, P.O. Box 8387, Greenville, NC 27835. We are requesting that you send the application form in so that we can have your correct information on file. The form can be downloaded from http://www.w4amc.com/application.pdf.

If anyone has any questions concerning their membership status or their dues, please email Jim L:owe, AC4JL, BARC Treasurer, at treasurer @ w4amc.com (remove spaces in email address). 

Thank you for your support and participation in BARC.

BARC Call Sign Trustee

Bill Dawson, WA4SLC, is now the Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club trustee for the 3 call signs, W4AMC, W4UHS and W1VOA.   They were effective October 23 and October 24, 2018.  Any questions concerning the call signs should be referred to Bill. 

                                      BARC Members
                                   Facebook

At the last BARC meeting, it was suggested for BARC members to try and use Facebook to coordinate and communicate about BARC issues and activities.
To that end, I have started a W4AMC Facebook page that you can find with #W4AMC hashtag in the search function in facebook. Members of the group can post comments, observation, suggestions and see the activities calendar. There are polls that help the board get answers to what we should be doing. Please be nice, if what you are going to post on the page would hurt someone, then don’t do it. No political rants, no commercial interests or promotions either. Lets be civil to each other and keep the language clean. I have it such that you can post right now without a review board but can put that in if I have to. Remember folks, this is just a hobby! Lets keep it fun and start doing more interesting things with each other.  I look forward to the fun we can all have in this hobby.

The W4AMC Page is here:
https://www.facebook.com/w4amc/

I also created two Facebook groups: one for internal communications of the club, comments, answers and suggestions trying to help run the club:
 https://www.facebook.com/groups/BrightleafARC/

and one for general amateur radio interest for all local area hams that does not need to be a member of BARC.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/W4AMC/

When you go there, ask to join the two groups. If you join the Brightleaf group first, I think I set it up so that you are automatically part of the W4AMC-Friends group as well.   It should ask for your call sign as a check that you are a ham. Lets give this a shot and see if this makes communicating and having fun better and easier.

Sincerely, Peter.
________________
Peter Van Houten
kg4wez (at) me.com

NC QSO Party 2018 2/26/2018

Two intrepid members started out on Saturday 2/25/18 hanging a Carolina windom antenna from two towers and running the feed lines into the shack. Gary, N4PIR, and Doug, K4ROK, were the only two out there doing the work Saturday! Our heart felt thanks to the two of them for being the spirit of amateur radio setting up the logging computers, two radios and keyers.

On Sunday the group of volunteers met for final set up about 9 AM and were fed cupcake sized omelets with bacon, hash browns and tomatoes in the cupcake forms made by Eileen VH. Coffee provided by Doug. Radios, microphones and keys were pressed into service and by 10 AM were on the air.

Peter KG4WEZ brought the ARES trailer to VOA site C and set up another 36’ vertical random wire antenna on a wonder pole next to the trailer. In the trailer the Elecraft K2/100 and the NUE-PSK modem was connected to the auto-tuner. This appears to work well but after an hour of fiddling around the settings and tuning, no contacts were possible. There were two problems identified: One was that the CW ops in the shack nearby swamped the digital band and de-sensed the radio severely even if PSK was on 40 meters and CW was on 20 or visa-versa. The harmonics were on most bands. Out came the band pass filters that did not much to solve the problem. Power filters were placed in service without any changes. Finally in the mid afternoon, Billy, KC4HHW, suggested placing a ground rod outside the trailer connected to the auto tuner and radio and that did solve the band interference problem. Other issues included JT65 or FT8 signals would flood out any PSK signal as if one station started to transmit JT65, multiple other stations would jump in at the same time creating a S7-9 noise on that part of the band. Hunting around the bands finally discovered where the PSK signals were hiding. Tuning the window so that no JT65 signal was in the receiver window was necessary as it would drown out the PSK signals. Another error was not tuning the modem to the transmitter. The procedure is to press F9 on the keyboard sending the modem into “diddle signal” then turning the tuning pot just up high enough to produce power out of the final stages to the antenna. After all these crazy errors, two digital contacts were achieved by the end of the day!

Meanwhile in the shack the team of several operators kept the CW key hot and the microphone busy. The team included Gary N4PIR, Peter KG4WEZ, Jeff K4DKW, Billy KC4HHW, Paul KS4YF, Doug K4ROK, Richard W4JNC Jim Lowe, KN4GWZ producing 105 CW contacts, 331 Phone contacts, 2 digital contacts and was on the air from 10:30AM to 7:30PM where the last to close the shop was Richard, Billy and Doug!

Many thanks to Eileen Van Houten who provided breakfast and a chili lunch with Bratwurst, 3 pounds of lean hamburger and a sauce to die for. Thanks to Jeff, K4DKW, for the snacks and to all the volunteers who came out and participated and hopefully had lots of fun. The final big thanks goes to Doug who bore the brunt of getting the place set up and going and without him it would have not happened. If we want a QSO party next year then we must all commit to helping set it up as I do not think Doug can put all that effort into it next time. Much thanks Doug. Rest and recover dude!

73, Peter, KG4WEZ

Bernie Nobles, WA4MOK, BARC Ham of the Year

Christmas Party and BARC 2017 Awards

Bernie Nobles, WA4MOK, (R) receiving BARC Ham of the Year plaque from BARC President Jeff Meyer, K4DKW.

A great time was had by all at the December BARC Christmas party whit the families participating.  As usual, there was very good food and many deserts. 

Awards were presented to BARC members at the December 12 Christmas Party.  The Ham of the Year plaque was earned by Bernie Nobles, WA4MOK.

Peer award certificates were awarded to OM of the Year (tie) John McCoy, K4KBB, and Dave Langley, W4YDY.  Linda Nobles received the YL of the Year and Elmer of the Year went to Dave Wood, W4EJ.  Mike Monteith, KM4OLT was selected New Ham of the Year. 

Volunteer certificates were awarded to Tom Parsons, W4TEP, Club Station Trustee; Pat Williams, KG4NSC, Public Relations/Publicity; Joe Jeansonne, WB4JOE, Ham Chatter Editor, Michael Monteith, KM4OLT, Web Site Editor and Dave Langley, W4YDY, Ham Chatter & Web Site Contributing Editor. 
   
Gary Coriell, KK4GC, received a certificate for Volunteer Examiner:(VE) Liaison.  Gary then presented certificates to VE Dave Langley, W4YDY.   The following VEs were not present, Morris Lewis, AK4MU, Dan Wallace, K4HMW, Byron Highland, K4BMH, Al Mullis, K4GOE, Gary Faust, N4PIR, and Richard Cox, K4CRD.

The following 2017 Officers were presented certificates.  President - Jeff Meyer, K4DKW, First Vice President; Dave Wood, W4EJ, Second Vice President; Dave Langley, W4YDY, Secretary; Albert Sanchez, WA7FXB, Treasurer; Terry Monday, K4ZYD, Trustee; Pat Williams, KG4NSC, and Trustee, Byron Highland, K4BMH.

Dash For Cash 2017

Sunday’s race 12/3/17 starting at 1 PM was held under clear skies and mild temperatures. The motley crew consisting of Cheryl KX4EC, Doug K4ROK, Jeff K4DKW, Gary N4PIR, Pat KG4NSC and Peter KG4WEZ met at the Greenville Town commons with the ARES trailer. Set up was easily done by turning on the radios and start talking. Jeff was placed at the first watering station and was given the tactical call sign “Dash1” followed by Gary at “Dash2”, Cheryl at “Dash3”, Doug at “Dash4” with Peter as Net control in the trailer at the finish line. As the race progressed, Gary and Cheryl were reassigned to the last part of the race course to allow a small crew to cover the entire 10 miles. Matt McMahon, WU2V, of Vidant Emergency Services loaned a Viper radio to net control to be able to pass messages to the medical support group. Matt also being a ham, had his HT on frequency as a backup. He will be bringing his communications trailer and speaking about emergency communications in 2018 at our February BARC meeting. The runners started in three shifts, the 10 milers, then the 5k and then the kids. Good communications were maintained on the 147.090 W4GDF repeater without problems (Thanks to the Pitt Co Repeater Association). The last runners crossed the line by 3:30 PM.  The after event debriefing was done at Applebee’s where serious discussions about the meaning of life was contemplated while drinking tea from Long Island (1$ specials). A good time was had by all. As net control, I would personally like to thank all involved for making this a seamless event and a good showing to the public. - Peter KG4WEZ.

Winterville Historical and Arts Society Amateur Radio Demonstration
December 11, 2016

Peter Van Houten, KG4WEZ, explains emergency trailer equipment to visitor while Dave, W4YDY looks on.

Working Amateur Radio portable stations set up by WA4MOK for Winterville Historical and Arts Society demonstration. 

Bernie Nobles, WA4MOK, left, Dave, W4YDY, right

Bernie, WA4MOK, talking to stations in nearby states while visitor observes.  

Bernie, WA4MOK, explains equipment and operation of Amateur Radio station to future ham and his mother.  He asked Bernie many questions about Amateur Radio.

Thanks to Leland Tucker, WB4RQG, Winterville Historical and Arts Society Vice President, for his assistance. 

Email from Leland, WB4RQG:
A huge thank you to the members of the Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club that made our open house such a success. Bernard, Dave and Peter made demonstrations and answered questions in a very professional manner and certainly may have inspired a new ham or two.  Again, on behalf of the Winterville Historical and Arts Society, thank you!
Leland

Photos by Leland, WB4RQG. 

W4AMC.COM Web Editor Change

Mike Monteith, KM4OLT, has assumed the BARC web site editor position from Dave Langley, W4YDY.  Mike switched it over to his account on March 4, 2016.. Dave Pulver, KG4CZV, has maintained the account when it was switched to GoDaddy in 2006. The site was started almost 20 years ago in July 1996 by W4YDY.

You should see a great improvement in the looks of the site. You will see no change in the looks of the site at first. Mike is working on a new look. Most if not all content will still be there but some of the addresses may change.

From Mike’s biography on QRZ.COM, he has the following information:

"Computers - I've worked on PC since the original IBM PCs and XTs. I did system admin work for 18 years which includes HP-UX, AIX, Solaris, Line, OS/2, and Windows.

"Programming - from previous jobs and curiosity, I've programmed in Basic, assembly, C, C++, C#, Pascal, Fortran, Java, and shell programming. I also started out making we pages when all you had was ftp and a text editor. Now I use pH, CSK, HTML, Java, JavaScript, and currently using Gumball for a lot of work."

Thanks to Mike for volunteering to help the club. He just got into Amateur Radio a few months ago but he is already stepping up to give back to Amateur Radio. We need more like him. - W4YDY