Updated 7/14/2010
California Amateur Radio Service Net
P.O. Box 2340
Novato, CA 94948-2340
E-Mail: WA6YOC@aol.com
Frequency: 7.248 MHz
Monday-Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time
The purpose of this net is:
1. To handle emergency traffic
We listen for emergency and priority traffic during net operations. With the advent of cell phones,
the Internet, satellite communications, and other high-tech systems, most emergency communications
can be accommodated. However, experience has taught us that when we have earthquakes, floods,
and other catastrophic events, those systems may fail. Amateur radio operators can provide emergency
communications when this happens.
2. To exchange signal reports
As most amateur radio operators are aware, radio propagation changes from time-to-time often leaving
certain amateur bands unusable. One day, 40 meters can be open, and it is possible to work stations up
and down the Pacific Coast with no difficulty. The next day, the band can be closed to that particular
region, but it is possible to work stations at a greater distance. Because band openings are not always
predictable, it is helpful to listen to stations checking into a scheduled net to determine propagation.
3. To discuss technical matters concerning amateur radio
Telecommunications technology has changed dramatically over the years. Computer-based
systems have replaced conventional radio equipment at an incredible pace. In addition, band
allocations change, and the rules governing amateur radio operations are frequently updated.
The opportunity to discuss those matters on the air helps amateurs stay informed.
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Emergency Power Test
On the first Friday of each month, we conduct an emergency power test to establish a
communications network throughout the State of California (and into neighboring states) in the
event of a commercial power failure. Amateur radio operators participate by using batteries,
generators, solar power, and other off-grid resources. This gives us an opportunity to test our
emergency preparedness.
Emergency Power Exercise Participation 2010
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HAARP Information
Dave, N7TVV, has provided a link to the HAARP information that we have been discussing on
the net. There are quite a few activities listed, and the information will be useful to those that are
interested.
Click Here for HAARP Information Page
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Batteries for Emergency Power Applications
Lou, K4KYW, has written a very informative paper explaining the differences between various
batteries that are available to power your amateur radio equipment in the event of a commercial
power failure.
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ARRL Wins Major BPL Victory in District Court
An attempt by the FCC to conceal important evidence in the Broadband Over Power Line
Rulemaking Proceeding recently came to light when the United States Court of Appeals
granted the ARRL's petition for review of several FCC decisions in the proceeding.
This is a very important victory for amateur radio operators and other licensed services
that would have been forced "to accept harmful interference from unlicensed operators. . ."
if review had not been granted.
See American Radio Relay League, Incorporated v FCC and USA decision at (cut and paste link):
pacer.cadc.uscourts.gov/common/opinions/200804/06-1343-1112979.pdf
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Monster 40 Meter Antenna
Most amateur radio operators dream about having a big antenna, but may not have the space
or resources to install one. However, there are exceptions. Chuck, K9RM, in Greenwood,
Indiana, has a 25-element 40 meter Yagi at 45 feet! The antenna is 1,000 feet long, and
generates approximately 15 dbd forward gain. I have been working Chuck at 7.255 MHz
during the early evening hours, and he puts in a 20+ db over S-9 signal consistently.
Click Here for Diagram of the Antenna
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Solar Cycle 24 Begins
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Solar Cycle 24
began on January 3, 2008, when the first sun spot appeared in the sun's northern hemisphere.
Because the sun spot's magnetic field was reversed, NOAA scientists believe this marks the
end of Cycle 23, and the beginning of Cycle 24. A solar cycle is 11 years long. Thanks to
Lou, WA6DVK, for this propagation update.
Click Here for More Information
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WLW, Cincinnati, AM Radio History
Dick, W6ZPE, has provided a link to a Web site that has the fascinating history of WLW AM
radio dating back to 1930 when the station first began operations. Imagine plate modulation
transformers that are 10 feet tall, and weigh 3,700 pounds each, and water-cooled transmitting
tubes more than 5 feet tall to broadcast a fully modulated 500 kW AM signal! How about an
800 foot vertical antenna guyed at the 400 foot level with bridge cables!
When you get to the end of the story, click on the "back to go!" bar in the bottom left-hand
corner of the page. You will be transported into another world of vacuum tube history
including valuable information (and pictures) on the early Altec Lansing Corporation.
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Phase Shift Technical Paper
Lou, K4KYW, has prepared an interesting paper explaining the implications of phase shift as it
relates to AC circuits. This is a very well written technical paper that will definitely help you
understand this complicated subject.
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National Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) High Frequency Interference Report
Pat, W6PDD, has provided a link to the recent NATO report concerning Radio Frequency
Interference (RFI) on the high frequency bands. RFI is a form of electronic pollution that can
interfere with military and commercial HF communications as well as amateur radio.
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How Big is the Earth?
Lou, WA6DVK, has provided pictures of the planets (and moons and suns) showing how
large the Earth is by comparison. You will really be surprised at what you see with those
wonderful photographs.
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Peak Envelope Power
Bob, W6OPO, has tackled the subject of PEP, and produced a paper on this often discussed
measurement that is very enlightening. There are references, graphs and diagrams to help you
understand his explanation. Larry, WA6LUT, has contributed to Bob's effort, and helped
refine the article.
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Solar Flare Breaks 15 Year Record
Thanks to Mark, KG6OKI, we have an opportunity to see what the solar disturbances look
like graphically and visually. The video is really spectacular, and the graph shows that the peak
occurred about the same time we experienced RF blackouts on 40 meters (and other bands).
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RF Exposure Compliance
When it is time to renew your amateur radio license, you will be asked to verify that your
radio station meets FCC guidelines concerning RF exposure. The guidelines were established
in 1997. Don, K6IOU, brought this subject to our attention recently when he forwarded
information regarding this important issue.
This is a test that you can perform yourself without the need for any test equipment. The
University of Texas Amateur Radio Club has established a Web site that allows you to make
the necessary calculations by completing a simple questionnaire. This is the entire test, and
you are not required to forward the results to anyone.
Click here for University of Texas Amateur Radio RF Safety Calculator
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Planet Waves
Steve, N6NKS, has created a Web site to document the many years he has spent tracking
down and recording whistlers and other very low frequency phenomena. You can hear what
he has recorded, and see pictures of the aurora displays that often accompany the low
frequency tones. Steve also offers a portable VLF receiver, and instructions so that you can
make your own discoveries.
Click here for www.spaceweathersounds.com
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Amateur Radio on the Internet
Now you can listen to the California Amateur Radio Service on the Internet via streaming
audio. You can also listen to other amateur radio transmissions, including your own, for
audio tests, and signal strength reports. Thanks to Bob, N7ISU, for this information.
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Is Your Antenna a "Cloudwarmer?"
Most amateurs believe that the higher their antenna, the better. However, an article
provided by Pat, W6PDD, suggests something different. In fact, antennas .1 to .25 wavelengths
above ground can provide reliable communications for stations within a radius of 0-300 miles.
Click here for the NVIS: Near Vertical Incidence Skywave article Pat furnished
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Sunspot Numbers
Would you like to know what propagation will be like on the high frequencies in the future?
Thanks to Bill, AD6OV, we have learned about a Web site that provides such information.
Click here to visit SpaceWeather.com
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When you hear us on the air, please take time to check in!
73, Dave, WA6YOC
Copyright © 2009 David L. Wilner