The Straight Key 

McArc Newsletter - Online

Christmas 2009                                                                             Since 1997 

 Texas QSO Party

By Walter Hock, KK5LO

The Texas QSO Party Contest is held on the last full weekend in September. 2009 was my 14th mobile operation. Every time I get into a new county the others can work me again. It is one of my favorite contests to work. For more info on this contest see http://www.txqp.net/

For a little history....It all started for me back in 1996 as a mobile contest operation in a motor home driven by Hank Walla , KK5WK. We started from the Northwest Amateur Radio Society (NARS)  breakfast meeting on a Saturday. We had a couple of  NARS members with us. We started Northwest toward Taylor, TX to pick up some red wieners from the Taylor Meat Market. We got there just after closing and Hank convinced to owner to open for a few minutes for us to buy some delicious red wieners. Then we took off again rocking and rolling on the Texas back roads. We stopped for lunch, ate some of those red wieners, and then Hank pulls out a homemade wild blackberry cobbler, with ice cream. In the evening we stopped for a scrumptious dinner in the Texas Hill country where we spent the night. The next day we started with a big breakfast buffet, that Hank, he somehow always knew where to get a good meal.We then headed back to Houston rocking and rolling making contacts all the way back to the NARS after TQP party to celebrate and have a nice afternoon meal. Needless to say you can see a theme and understand why TQP is my favorite contest.

Well, ahead to 2009, I called my old friend Deral, K5WNO, in Humble, TX. I asked if he would drive me around for this year's TQP. He cleared his calendar and drove out to my house in Hondo on Friday. I had an official State of Texas road map and highlighted our route. He familiarized himself with the map and we went for a good night's rest after a supper of Pork chops and homemade macaroni and cheese. Saturday we started off by going to Whataburger for some Taquitos. Then promptly at 0850 local we hopped in my truck started the engine, computer and radio. I made our first contact with WY0A in Kansas at 0901 local. We turned North on HWY 173 and headed to Bandera. Then, we headed for Boerne, Bulverde, then up through Blanco. We turned on HWY 71 and headed to Llano. We had been through seven counties so far. It was near lunch so we stopped at Cooper's BBQ in Llano, TX. Deral bought too much and took out a doggie bag.

We got back on the road and headed NW to Brady. Then, SW to Menard and headed West to historic Ft. McKavett. We made a run over to Schleicher and Sutton counties doubled back and headed South to Junction. (I had made a plea for a donation of gas money from the ones who needed these two counties. I check the mail every day, but none yet. Oh well.) From Junction we headed South to Uvalde, where we stopped to gas up. By now, we had traversed a total of 18 TX counties. We stretched our legs and continued South to Crystal City, then East on to Cotulla. We turned North on IH 35, as the sun was setting, and was on our way to Devine. We turned North on HWY 173 to Hondo and home. The contest break at 2100 hours was none too soon. When we arrived back at 'mi casa' Deral finished up the BBQ left over from Cooper's. We turned in for a well needed rest after covering 22 TX counties on Saturday.

Sunday morning Deral and I went to Whataburger in Hondo for another breakfast. We were on the road again to get into a new county before the 0900 kickoff. We headed SE toward Jourdanton then South to Tilden.  >From there we turned East to Three Rivers then NE to Kennedy.Then we went SE to Goliad and then onto Victoria. It was then around lunch time when we turned North on HWY 77 and would you believe it...there is a Whataburger on the right. Now we all know Deral and I cannot pass up a Whataburger. So we pulled in to have a double meat with cheese. I got mine and inspected the tomato for placement. To my shock there were only TWO slices of tomato. I went back to the counter and asked the cook for for another slice. He, being a conscientious employee, handed me out four slices of tomato. I was ecstatic and saw no reason to inform the manager. I joyously went back and relished my burger. We were back on the road headed towards Yoakum to see the one flashing yellow light. From there we headed to Luling and West on IH 10 to Seguin. Then, we went South to pick up our 36th Texas County of Wilson. We got into Wilson county with just enough time to make five contact before the contest ended at 1500 local time.

Deral drove 988 miles through 36 TX counties and we made 745 QSO's, worked 54 TX counties, 45 States/Canadian Provinces and four DX countries. Our final score with Bonus points was 188,852. We worked mostly 40 meters and 20 meters. At the county lines, I had rates of over 100 contacts per hour four times and my highest rate was 135 contacts per hour on Saturday evening.

I can now put this 2009 run in my TQP memory bank of good times operating mobile ham radio. Not to mention the great food we had along the way.

  "Field-Nic" 2009 

There were calls of CQ CQ this is KD5DX coming from the pavilion at the Medina County Rest Stop on US Hwy 90, west of D’Hannis, Saturday, October 9, 2009.  Accompanying the pops, crackles, and Mickey Mouse voices emanating from the site were the aroma of hot dogs on the barbi.

Once again, McArc gathered after the October meeting at the state park style rest stop to exercise amateur radio equipment and share ideas, stories, jokes and a few tall tales.

Bob Rodriguez, K5AUW stole the show again with his portable and collapsible antennas and radio gear.  After Bob Rod spreads out his station, its hard to believe it all came out of his small car, but that’s just Bob – always prepared!

Others brought their gear in ready boxes of different configurations and sizes.  Tom Taylor and Walter Hock were two of the other portables on hand.

After a number of contacts were made, deployment methods and ideas discussed, and hot dogs, chips, and drinks consumed, hams did what hams do.  We folded up our antennae, packed up our gear, and headed for home.

It was lots of fun and many thanks go out to those that helped with cooking, bringing their gear, and coordinating the event.  If you missed it, I urge you to put it on your calendar for next year!

   Field Day McArc Style 

McArc Field Day version 2009 was like those in recent past years.  There were three radio positions and antennas with a few operators working the contacts. 

Our team coordinator Tom Taylor, W5VEI made sure that the Hondo Senior Community Center was available for us.  We enjoyed the use of commercial power, air conditioning, and shield from bugs and mosquitoes.  Ah, the creature comforts of Field Day.

Like most field day efforts across the country, we had plenty to eat and had much radio fun.

The America Radio Relay League (ARRL) calls it their "flagship operating event."  According to the ARRL, "Field Day, held the fourth full weekend in June, brings together new and experienced hams for 24 hours of operating fun."

The first Field Day was in 1933.  Field Day was designed to test operators' skills in setting up and operating radio  equipment in situations where there is limited or no electrical power. Field Day simulates the conditions that can occur during a hurricane, tornado or other emergency, and even man-made disasters.  Field Day is an ARRL sponsored event.

Organizations, clubs, and individuals participate in Field Day.  To find out how to participate in Field Day in your area, visit the ARRL web site.  For rules and forms, visit the ARRL Field Day rules page.

Contact Walter Hock/KK5LO or Curtis Lechner/N5VLV for more details.

ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)

ARES has come to Medina County.  Our very own president, Ray Martinez, Jr./N5VRE has been appointed to be the ARES Emergency Coordinator for Medina County.  The process of building an ARES team in our county is underway.  Thus far, Ray has recruited Walter Hock/KK5LO, Tom Taylor/KC5NAK and Curtis Lechner/N5VLV to be assistants.  According to Ray, Walter is looking over the training materials and will be conducting training in the next few months.  Tom and Curtis will help coordinate activities in the West and East half of the county.  The Medina County EC further explained "as the team develops and grows, we will continue to evaluate how best to serve the county."

Martinez has attended a table top exercise with Medina County first responders, and county and municipal government officials, conducted by a Homeland Security contractor on behalf of the State of Texas.  The exercise was an opportunity to network with other Medina County officials.  Ham radio operators were a big hit with those that understand the importance of the amateur radio service.  Martinez says that he made lots of great contacts and passed out more than a few business cards.  "One thing that I hoped to accomplish was to get a copy of the county emergency plan so that I can begin to understand how we fit in," said Martinez.  County Judge James Barden's office provided a copy of the plan.

All licensed amateur radio operators are eligible to participate in ARES.  Medina County amateur radio operators are invited to join the Medina County ARES team.  Amateurs need not be members of McArc or any radio club.  The only requirement is a desire to serve and some type of radio equipment.  There are any number of ways that each amateur can be put to work and be a vital part of the Medina County team. 

If you are interested in becoming a part of the Medina County ARES team, please contact Ray Martinez, Jr./N5VRE at 830-931-9301 or email at MedinaEC@mcarc.org.

To download an ARES brochure from the American Radio Relay League, click here.

FCC Says- No To Code!

As hard as it may be to believe the FCC has finally dropped the code requirement for ALL amateur license classes.  According to an email blast news letter from the ARRL to Volunteer Examiners (VE's) the "FCC modifies the Amateur Radio Service rules by eliminating the Morse code exam requirements.  The effective date of the FCC's action will be 20 days after publication in the Federal Register -- most likely in February."

The ARRL news letter continued "In an historic move, the FCC has acted to drop the Morse code test requirement for all Amateur Radio license classes. The Commission adopted the long-awaited "Morse code" proceeding (WT Docket 05-235), and released it December 19. The FCC's action will eliminate the Morse code test as a licensing requirement to operate on HF."

What does it mean for Technicians?  The League offers the following.

Technicians Gain Operating Privileges
Once the changes are in effect, all Technician licensees -- whether or not they have passed a Morse code examination -- will have "Tech Plus" operating privileges. This means you will have all of your current VHF/UHF and above frequencies and also will have access to the Novice/Technician Plus frequencies on HF.

No Morse Code Test to Upgrade
Technicians can upgrade to General by passing the General (Element 3) written exam and to Amateur Extra by also passing the Extra (Element 4) written exam. No Morse code test will be required. Visit the ARRL VEC exam search web page http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/examsearch.phtml for test session locations.

For additional details visit the American Radio Relay League at www.ARRL.org.

How Do I Upgrade Without Code?

Now that the FCC has dropped the Morse code exam requirement, you may be interested to know what it takes to upgrade.  The ARRL has been answering telephone calls non-stop since the announcement was made to drop the code.  To help alleviate some of the telephone backlog, they sent out a an email blast news letter with the following information.

Navigating through the Upgrade Process

1. Technician Amateurs who wish to upgrade to General have a couple of options.

a. We recommend that Technician licensees who have NOT yet passed the General written exam (Element 3) wait until the new rules take effect to upgrade. At a session, the candidate must present a photo ID and their current license, pay the $14 test session fee and fill out the NCVEC form 605. If the Element 3 written exam is passed, the VE team will issue the candidate a CSCE for the upgrade to a general class license.

b. Technician licensees who have already passed the General written exam (Element 3) or wish to pass the General written exam before the rules take effect, will then have to apply for the upgrade at a VE session once the new rules are in place. At a session, the candidate must present a photo ID, their current license and the non-expired CSCE document, pay the $14 test session fee and fill out a NCVEC form 605. If the Element 3 written exam credit is valid, the VE team will issue the candidate a CSCE for the upgrade to a general class license. If the CSCE for Element 3 credit has expired (a CSCE is only valid for 365 days), you will have to retake the examination element in order to receive the credit toward your upgrade.

2. Post Session Process

The VE Team must prepare and mail all session paperwork to the coordinating VEC. Once the session arrives at the VEC, in accordance with FCC rules, the VEC staff must verify all session documentation. All 605 forms and CSCEs must have the candidate’s signature and 3 VE signatures. The CSCEs used for General written exam element credit must be validated as being passed within the previous 365 days and/or the test documents must be confirmed as being passed. Finally, the session data and information from the 605 forms can then be keyed and submitted to the FCC. The upgrade should appear in the FCC database http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/ within a few hours and a new license copy will arrive in the mail in 7 to 10 days.

VEC Test Fee

As you can see, much of the same work is involved in both types of General class upgrades, therefore the administrative costs are embedded in the process.

The FCC has mandated that all paperwork only upgrades be done through a VEC via their VE Teams. The processing and administration of FCC "projects" such as this, actually places a greater demand on all the VECs. This is not a special case involving only a few people; we expect to receive a flood of upgrades to General. The paperwork only upgrade is not automatic for the amateur and the forms may not be sent directly to the FCC or the VEC office (again the upgrade must occur at a test session and follow FCC guidelines). The VEC test session fee is regulated (per annual agreement) by the FCC.

A New Era

When the new rules are in place, we hope you explore your new band allocations, enjoy your new privileges and have fun!

For additional details visit the American Radio Relay League at www.ARRL.org.

 KD5DX - 2M Repeater in Castroville! 

Check it out!  Working Castroville just got easier for our San Antonio neighbors.

Contact Walter Hock/KK5LO or Curtis Lechner/N5VLV for more details.

 Meeting Location

Medina County Amateur Radio Corporation meets at 09:00, each 2^nd Saturday of the month at the Hondo Senior Community Center, 1014 18^th Street, Hondo, TX.  The next meeting is January 11, 2009, at 09:00.

Stay tuned for further details.  Contact Walter Hock, at ~ k k 5 l o @ a r r l . n e t ~ (note- tilde & spaces added to confuse spam robots) or 830-741-2474 for more information.

Click here for a MapQuest map to the Hondo Community Center - Map of 1014 18th St
Hondo, TX 78861-1815, US.

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