Past newsletters from the Michigan City Amateur Radio Club

The following are past articles from the Michigan City Amateur Radio Club's HARBOR BEAM Newsletter.

DECEMBER 2003

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY
You are invited to join us for our annual holiday get together. Come and share the holidays with old friends and family. This year we will meet at Lindo’s in Michigan City. Everyone is welcome to attend, everyone pays their own way. Order meals from the menu.

Our Party will be Wednesday December 10th @ 6pm.
At Lindo’s in Michigan City.

VE Testing for December will be December 8th at 6pm. Testing will be at the LaPorte County Red Cross office located at 113 Warren in Michigan City. This is the old fire station by Mullen School. For more information see the ARRL website under VE testing or contact Bob Lyles K9ET.

Rowena Stahoviak, N9UCN recently completed CERT training. CERT is the Community Emergency Response Team and it is designed to train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site.

CERT members are trained in basic search and rescue operations, disaster preparedness, and basic medical operations. If a disaster would strike our community, like the tornado in 2001, it’s comfort to know that CERT members like Rowena, are ready to respond. Along with being a Amateur, this makes Rowena even more valuable to her community.

The CERT program aims to train over 400,000 people nation wide. For more information on CERT contact John Jones or Paul Young of Emergency Management.

Technical data: Frequency: 146.97 output/ 146.37 input PL: 131.8 Hz
Power output: 50 watts, Antenna: 6 db omni directional, Vertex VXR-7000 repeater, Pacific Research controller. The VXR-7000 automatically provides battery backup in case of a power failure. Directly under the repeater is our APRS station 144.390 Mhz.
Also our main repeater is back in service.

A Special Thank-You goes to Ron and Rowena Stahoviak (N9TPC, N9UNC) for mowing the grass at the repeater site this year. It’s a large area to cover, and the site looks great.

Also a Thank-You goes to Curt, Tim, Dan, Todd & Barb for your help and willingness to climb all those stairs (198) at the tower site, to maintain our repeater system and the help in keeping the tower site clean. We are in need of more members to help in maintaining the site, if interested contact Dan (K9RQ), Todd (N9RKY), or Ken (N9ZIP.)

As A Reminder - With the Holidays fast approaching, a lot of Amateurs will be traveling through the area to spend the holidays with family and friends. Please try to monitor the repeater incase someone needs assistance. As always, please take extra care when driving, due to the increased traffic flow in the area on the holidays.

MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Todd Miller, N9RKY was named as this year’s Member of the Year. Todd is the Vice President of the Club, serves on 3 committees, and is also a member of two other local clubs, as well as our county E.C.. Through Todd’s efforts, he has helped to close the gap between clubs by bringing all ham’s together.

Skywarn’s Winter Weather Class is December 4th at 7pm, at the LaPorte Library. The NWS is looking weather observers for the winter to report such things as snow fall and current conditions in your area.

ARES held it’s annual SET test in November. This year Net Control operated from the EOC office in LaPorte. Emergency Management Director Paul Young reported he was impressed with the skills and professionalism of the ARES team. Members were dispatched to local hospitals, Red Cross office, and Michigan City’s EOC to relay information to the County’s 911 center, as well as being dispatched to various sites in the county.

                                                                                    HAPPY HOLIDAYS
                                                                                        FROM THE
                                                                                   MICHIGAN CITY
                                                                                  AMATEUR RADIO
                                                                                            CLUB

JANUARY 2004

Last month we had our annual Holiday Party.
It was great seeing our families and friends get together for enjoyable evening. Everyone had a great time. For those who missed this event, see you on Field Day. We had our party at Lindo’s, and everyone had a great time. We even had door prizes that where drawn by raffle. A Thank-you goes to John Jones of Michigan City Emergency Management for donating the door prizes.

This meeting, we will have a presentation on “Power Line Down Safety”. How many times have we come across down wires from a poll, not knowing if it was Telephone, Cable T.V., or NIPSCO power lines? Tim Volckman, KB9ORJ of Ameritech will tell us how tell which wires are which, and how to read the numbers on polls, incase you need to report a down pole or line. As Amateurs are being relayed upon more and more by emergency managers. This is a something all ARES and Skywarn members should know, and Amateurs who are called upon during a disaster. Don’t miss this presentation.

M.C.A.R.C. will be hosting a Special Event Station for the 2004 Boy Scouts of America Klondike Derby. This event is Saturday January 10th, from 9:30am - 3:30pm. Set up will begin around 8:00am. We’ll be at B.S.A. Campground just off US 421 south of Michigan City. If you can’t join us, listen to the W9LY repeater for announcements as to what Frequencies we will be on. This is a great way to expose the Boy Scouts to Amateur Radio, so we need your help and support. Along with sled race, the BSA will have all the chili you can eat. BSA estimates there will be about 125 scouts present.

Last November, we lost a dear friend and devoted amateur, Lee Dunn. Lee was 89 when he pasted away. Lee loved amateur radio. He was active in the NWS River Forecast Net for years. He also devoted time and talents to Emergency Management. He was also very active in the NTS. Lee was the one who taught me how to receive and pass NTS messages. His last NTS message was passed by Todd Miller, N9RKY not to long ago. Lee was active and on the air to the end. That’s how much he enjoyed this hobby. Lee enjoyed participating in video signal reception from a balloon at great heights. He was also Indiana’s Amateur of the Year in recognition of his years of public service. Lee truly believed that Amateur radio was a service, he provided that service daily. Lee was a Elmer to everyone. Always willing to help someone learn, and what a better to learn our hobby then to teach by example. Lee loved dogs. As someone once said, Lee never saw a dog he didn’t like. Amateur Radio lost more then just another Ham, we lost a dear friend. I think I speak for everyone, when we say, he will be truly missed.

LEE DUNN, WB9QPA, SK
1914 - 2003

December 4th Skywarn held it’s first Winter Weather Training class. This class was taught by the Nation Weather Service for Northern Indiana and cover such topics winter weather terms and how to make observations. The NWS also taught us what information they need and how to report it. We often think of weather reporting in the spring and summer, when in fact the NWS needs this information all year long. We had a large turn out from ARES and Skywarn members, as well as a large turn out from the general public. A special thanks goes to Mr. John Jones of Michigan City’s Emergency Management, and LaPorte City Library for your help in putting this program together.

IMO SKYWARN will be hosting another Advance Weather Spotters class this year. This class will be held on Saturday, March 13th. Pre-registration is only $25.00, after February 15th the registration fee jumps to $30.00. So sign up early, seating is a on first come first serve basis. For more information and a pdf registration form, please visit LaPorte County’s Skywarn Website at:
http://home.comcast.net/~lapcoskywarn

Also a basic spotter training class will be held, our website will also have information on this class as well.

February 2004

This month we get to learn about Curt, N9ZNJ. Curt became a ham in 1994 when he was 17. In his younger days he played with the CB bands and his electronics teacher in school turned him on to the hobby. He enjoys talking with others and is working to upgrade his license. Curt wasn’t very active until a couple years ago when he discovered he could use his interest in weather with ham radio and became active in Skywarn. Since then he also became active ARES and is currently learning NCS operations, by helping with the Thursday night nets. He also enjoys APRS and he can’t wait to work HF. N9YHJ was the one who turned him on to Ham radio. He loves to camp out at Field Day and work all night. Because of the hobby, Curt said he has a lot of new friends, and feels the bond that ham radio brings.

Is it Field Day?
No ! It’s the 2004 Boy Scouts of America Klondike Derby. The Michigan City Amateur Radio Club was there to provide a demonstration of amateur radio. This year’s demonstration consisted of HF, HT, APRS and Morse Code. Members who were present are N9ZIP, K9RQ, N9RKY, K9ET, N9RG, WD9BDW, N9ZNJ. Bob (K9ET), Phil (WD9BDW) and Roy (N9RG) performed Morse Code demonstrations. Dan (K9RQ) and Todd (N9RKY) performed HF demonstrations. Curt (N9ZNJ), Ken (N9ZIP) and Todd performed HT and APRS demonstrations.

As each group of Boy Scouts came in, the scouts were required to take a compass reading and answer a first aid question. Then we had 30 minutes with each group to show and talk about Amateur Radio. Many Boy Scouts expressed in Amateur Radio. Todd Miller (N9RKY) brought in several handouts for the scouts to take with them.

Dan (K9RQ) being a former scout himself, also stepped in to help ask the Boy Scouts there required questions when our Eagle Scout Judge had to step out. Dan stated that it brought back a lot of good memories when he was a scout.

March 2004

HAMFEST IS COMING
HAMFEST IS COMING
     HAMFEST IS COMING

            SATURDAY - MARCH 27TH
             AT OUR NEW LOCATION

Diamond Cove East Side of Hwy 212 just North of the Michigan City Airport.

8am Saturday - 12Noon

ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS
We are need your help for this years hamfest. We are in a new location this year since we can longer can use the school. Because of this, our Hamfest layout well be changed.

We need your help taking tickets at the door. We need a lot of help setting up Friday night. The more help we have Friday, the shorter amount of time we have to spend moving tables and chairs.
We can’t pull this Hamfest off without your help.
We need your help! Wednesday’s Club meeting will be our last meeting before the Hamfest. Please attend. Remember, our Hamfest is our main source of annual income for the club. Membership dues can not cover our expenses such as Insurance, the Repeater, and other club sponsored events. This is your club, we can’t grow with your support.

VE TESTING
Testing will be March 8th @ pm CST.
Located at the new Red Cross office, just off Washington Park Blvd. This is the old fire station. For more information contact Bob Lyles, K9ET at drlyles@netnitco.net

At the last club meeting, Dan Carpenter District Executive with the Boy Scouts of American presented the club with a plaque and ribbon for the club’s participation in the Klondike Derby.
The award was giving to Dan K9RQ on behalf of the club so that he could add it to his other Boy Scout patches and ribbons.

FREE HAMFEST TABLE!!!
At the last meeting, the club voted to provide a table for members, who work the hamfest, to sell anything that they may have, at no cost to the members. If you have something to sell, and you are working the Hamfest, please bring a card with your asking price on the front, your lowest price on the back, and your name on the back. This table well be placed by the entrance.

APRIL 2004

On behalf of everyone, we want to thank all of you for your time and effort you put forth for this year’s event. A special thank you goes to our Site Chairman Ron for handling the table reservations, and finding us our new location, Allen for keeping up with the mailing database, Todd for all the P.R., Curt for the new club banner and Ken for the printing of postcards and tickets, along with those who spent Friday evening setting up, and manning the gate. This year no one knew how this year would turn out being at our new location. The Michigan City Area Schools remodeled our old location making it unusable for our event. Needless to say, we were force to find a new location. Ron found us our new home at Diamond Cove. This year we had some old vendors return. We also had some new vendors this year. As of press time, final numbers were not available but from what we saw, we did good. Our new location gave us added flexibility for the placement of vendors. That was something we did not have at the old location. We also had space for friends to sit and do some rag chewing face to face. The turn out was good, and by the feed back we got from the vendors, the move to our new home was a good move.
Again, thank-you everyone for help and support.

March of Dimes Walk America, Saturday May 1st, at 8:00am for both LaPorte and Michigan City. Two walks at the same time, with communications between LaPorte and Michigan City. We need amateurs to man check points, travel the route, and two NCS’s. Incident Command Post for LaPorte will be the Cumming Lodge, for Michigan City Light House Outlet Mall. This is also siren test day. The LaPorte Club is handling the LaPorte walk, MCARC is handling the Michigan City walk with the two walks occurring at the same time. It is only a few hours in morning, and we need your help. Please let Todd, N9RKY know if you can help.

We want to thank Ron & Rowena for offering to mow the grass at the tower site again this year. We need volunteers to help maintain the repeater site. If you can spare a few hours here and there, please contact, Ken N9ZIP, Todd, N9RKY or Dan K9RQ.

ARES & SKYWARN Information Nets are on Thursday Nights at 8:00pm. Please check in and show your support, or even just to see if your radio still works.

FCC to Stop Accepting Pre-December 2003 Form 605 Effective with Monday, May 3, receipts, the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau will dismiss any applications filed on an FCC Form 605 issued earlier than December 2003. Form 605, Quick-Form Application for Authorization in the Ship, Aircraft, Amateur, Restricted and Commercial Operator, and General Mobile Radio Service, is the hard-copy version of the Amateur Service application. The change does not affect applicants filing on-line with the Universal Licensing System (ULS) at, http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/, said the FCC, which is encouraging on-line filing ARRL VEC Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ, says the Form 605 announcement will affect the way ARRL has been making FCC Form 605 available. He says the League’s widely distributed March 2001 Form 605 in a three-sheet ivory/buff-colored package with perforated pages will become obsolete for applications the FCC receives on or after May 3. In the wake of the FCC’s unexpected announcement, the ARRL is developing a replacement package that could require several more pages. It hopes to have it ready in time for Hamvention May 14-16. The FCC has been accepting both older and current Form 605 applications that included a line (Item 9a) for a Taxpayer Identification Number, a Social Security number for an individual. The FCC would then issue the applicant an FCC Registration Number (FRN) without additional paperwork. All amateur applicants must have and use an FRN when filing an application such as Form 605 with the FCC. Applicants attending VEC test sessions can still supply a Social Security number, which will result in automatic Commission Registration System (CORES) registration. All amateur applicants must have and use an FRN when filing an application such as Form 605 with the FCC. Under the system going into effect in May, applicants not yet registered in CORES and filing on paper will need to file FCC Form 160, CORES Registration to obtain a FCC Registration Number (FRN). After the FCC has issued an FRN, applicants also might want to file FCC Form 606 to associate the FRN with an individual’s license record(s) and call sign(s). CORES registration data and FCC license data are maintained in separate FCC databases. The completed Form 160 goes to a unique Washington, DC, FCC address to obtain the applicant’s FRN. Once the FCC issues an FRN to the applicant, this number must be used when filing FCC Form 605, which goes to the FCC’s Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, office. The two forms may not be mailed to Gettysburg together. Applicants need to have obtained an FRN via Form 160 before they can file a Form 605. ARRL recommends that all amateurs file an on-line or paper Form 606 to associate their FRN with their license record(s) and call sign(s) in the FCC license database. Jahnke says the easiest way is to do this electronically via the ULS, and the process now is fairly straightforward. The current edition of Form 605, dated December 2003, is available on the FCC forms page, http://wireless.fcc.gov/feesforms/index.html. For more information or assistance, contact the FCC Consumer Center, toll-free, 888-CALLFCC (888-225-5322) and select option 2, or via e-mail at, fccmd@fcc.gov

Last Thursday, Steve Eddy of the National Weather Service for Northern Indiana (IWX), held a severe weather spotting class for Police Dispatchers, Police Supervisors, and other government officials. The class was held at the Michigan City Police Department. Also in attendance were officials from other police departments and other governmental agencies. John Jones Director for Michigan City Emergency Management put this class together in a effort to have police departments send better reports to the National Weather Service, and to have everyone reporting severe weather to the National Weather Service on the same page. At the same time to expose Police Departments to SKYWARN and the role we play in reporting severe weather. Ken Osborne, N9ZIP, Director for LaPorte County Skywarn was in attendance, explaining how we as amateurs have direct communications with the National Weather Service and send reports in real time to the National Weather Service. “It was really great to see so many Police and Governmental officials attending this class. Not only did they get know what Skywarn is about and what it does, they also were able to learn what information the National Weather Service needs. “ Osborne stated. John Jones stated, “We have a need to share information. The National Weather Service has trained spotters reporting what, where and when and we need that information shared
with 911 and police dispatchers and supervisors.” At this class, John Jones, rolled out a new program, by which Skywarn can also relay severe weather reports to the Michigan City Police Dispatchers and Watch Commanders. Now Michigan City Police well also have real time reports of dangerous weather as it is occurring. “By having this program in place, the citizens of Michigan City can have earlier warnings by the use of the city’s Early Warning Siren System. When minutes count, issuing a warning a couple of minutes before the National Weather Service could issue a warning can save lives and property.” Jones said.

The National Weather Services requires all spotters to attend a spotting class once every two years to remain active. Osborne stated that most of LaPorte County Spotters attend classes every year, and a number of them have over 40 hours of class room training not counting all the hours they spend in the field observing and watching storms roll through the county.

For more information about Skywarn visit their web site at:

http://home.comcast.net/~lapcoskywarn/

For more information about Michigan City’s Emergency Management or the CERT program contact Mr. John Jones @ 873-1499

MAY 2004

This year we are planning to order Field Day T-Shirts for this year’s event. If you you would like to order a T-Shirt, contact Todd Miller N9RKY with size and some cash. The cost is $12.95 for shirts, $5.00 for pins. He’ll place the order so that we can have them for Field Day. For the past three years, this event has grown each year. We have families camping out, a growing number of operators, bonfires, cook outs and a tons of fun. Everyone is welcome, bring the kids, bring some friends. This year we’ll be at the repeater site, US 35 and Shultz road. Plenty of room for parking, setting up tents, and room for kids to play. It’s a fenced in area which is nice with the kids. In case of severe weather, we have shelter in the tower. This year members of the LaPorte Club were invited to join us. At the last club meeting of the LaPorte Club, the invitation was presented and overwhelmingly accepted. This year, we have started planning this event months in advance. Not only will we have our wire at 200’, we will also have HF beam placed on top of tower. The LaPorte Club may also have some surprises as well. A couple of families are planning to start camping out Friday night, with full set up on Saturday morning. As of press time, it looks like we will have 4 or more HF rigs available. Come out, join us, spend the night, meet some old friends. Think of the fun you can have this year. Field Day is June 26th & 27th. Mark your calendars!

On Saturday May 1st, March of Dimes Walk America was held. Due to size of this event, event organizers need all the help they could get. This year amateurs from Michigan City and LaPorte provided communications. Local Police personnel provided traffic control and amateur radio was in the center relaying information between Police, and event organizers. To compound this event, this walk was held in two cities at the same time. Rich Oberle, KC9DJP of the LaPorte Police Department coordinated communications in LaPorte. Todd Miller, N9RKY, E.C. coordinated communications between both LaPorte and Michigan City. Barb Miller, N9VLT was the NCS for Michigan City. This was a great exercise in communications and it gave amateurs the opportunity to show how we can aid in communications. This year three walkers needed transportation when they could not finish the walk. Some of hose who helped were KA9WZI, N9ZIP, K9ET, KB9ORJ, N9VLT, N9RKY, KC9DJP, N9ZNJ.

We would like welcome two new members to the club. George Kassel who has been amateur for some time, and is getting back into the hobby. Wayne Dudley who most of us know is a long time amateur.

At the last club meeting, Todd Miller, N9RKY E.C. presented Ken Osborne N9ZIP with a certificate appointing him as Assistant Emergency Coordinator for the county. Ken joins Curt Yeager N9ZNJ, and Rich Oberle KC9DJP as Assistant E.C’s for ARES. For more information on ARES or to become a member, contact Todd Miller.

At the last meeting, a discussion was held on the pro’s and cons of reconnecting the Autopatch to the repeater. After much discussion, the subject was table until more information on the cost to the club could be obtained so that members could be better informed before voting on the issue. Approximately a year ago, the club’s Autopatch was turned off due to lack of use, and replaced with a internet connection for Trustee Control Operator functions. Wayne Dudley informed the club that the LaPorte Club has a open Autopatch with direct dial to Michigan City and is available for any one to use.

The club’s web page well soon be undergoing some changes. At the last meeting, the club voted to obtain our own URL. We are now http://w9ly.org Club members can also have a club e-mail address yourcall@w9ly.org. If interested contact Barb N9VLT. Barb can be reached at http://w9ly.home.comcast.net/n9vlt@w9ly.org

Barb Miller, N9VLT was appointed as the club’s Internet chairperson. Barb works on the computer network for Purdue University, and is charge of all computer and Internet issues for the club. When ever we have computer or Internet problem, Barb brings her talents to resolve the issue. If you would like help Barb, please contact her. Barb can be reached at http://w9ly.home.comcast.net/n9vlt@w9ly.org

If you love Lady Bugs, boy do we have a location for you. This month, members spend a Sunday afternoon getting rid of thousands of Lady Bugs. This is was part of our spring clean up of the repeater site. Along with getting rid of these critters, members also replaced lights in the tower, checked repeater connections, charged our back up battery, and swept the floors. We also installed a grounded surge protector to the electrical service to help protect the repeater. Those who helped were K9RQ,N9RKY, N9VLT, N9ZNJ, and N9ZIP. Dan also checked the repeater, and reports the SWR is flat.

If you have an e-mail address, we would like to here from you. From time to time we have club events and announcements occur before our news letter is sent out. On a few occasions, we had to mail our news letter a couple of weeks in advance so that announcements could reach the membership in time. If you have a e-mail address, send us an e-mail to the current club’s e-mail address listed on the front page. In the subject line please type, MEMBER. Along with the club’s news letter, it is a great way to keep the membership in touch between meetings.

As the weather starts getting warmer, many of us start thinking about climbing our towers, checking beams or even adding more to there tower system. Before you climb, always wear your safety gear, and inspect your tower before climbing. One case in point. In the above photo, KB9ORJ climbed a unsafe tower. During the tower inspection, it was found that one of legs had rusted, and the tower had to come down. Before the climb began, several safety lines were attached to the tower and anchored to trucks to prevent the tower from swaying or shifting during the climb. The safety lines were also used to pull the tower against the house as a brace. As the climb took place a ground crew monitored the tower for any sway. Half way during the climb, the crew chief determined the tower was to unstable, and the climb was stopped. As the safety lines were removed from the tower, the tower came down breaking a 2 meter beam in two as it hit the ground.

The International Morse code officially gains a new character on May 3.
That's when the now-familiar "@" symbol joins the Morse lexicon as the
letters "AC" run together (.--.-.).

Spike O’Dell of WGN Radio is one of many who recorded voice ID’s or announcements for our repeater. Spike’s ID’s can be heard through the day on the repeater. Others who recorded messages were Lyle Dean (a.k.a. Mr. Pipes), and Ann Maxfield traffic reporter for WGN Radio.
Thanks Guys!!

BOB LYLES - K9ET

This month Bob reached another mile stone. He celebrated his 80th birthday. Bob is amateur who reminds all of us that Amateur Radio is a service as defined by the FCC. Bob has always, and to this day, given that service to our community, and Amateur Radio. Bob served as the Emergency Coordinator for many years, and is a life time member of the ARRL. He also served with RACES, and the American Red Cross. Bob enjoys staying active. Bob and lovely bride Dorothy KA9PGA, help each month in monitoring Michigan City’s Early Warning Sirens. They also help with Meals on Wheels. They also enjoy traveling, and you can hear Bob on the radio almost daily. Bob’s first Novice call was KN9HYV, and his Tech call was K9HYV. He also held a MARS call of AFA9HYV. Bob got his first ticket in 1956. Just think almost 50 years of Amateur Radio. Bob first started working spark gap. His forks had wet cell batteries to power their “tuned RF” type broadcast receiver. Bob first interest in radio was when he was in grammar school when he invested 22 cents in a crystal holder, potted crystal and cat-whiskers which were added to coil, MO variable capacitor. His childhood buddy’s father managed a radio store, and his buddy’s uncle was radio engineer, and
that was the start of Bob’s interests in radio, and it never stopped. Bob served in the Navy and after WWII he went to work for Navy friend of his, W0BHG. Mac built a 10m transmitter and Bob built a Plate power (AM) modulator, and the rest is history. When Bob moved back to Michigan City, he worked at Dage TV with John Horvat W9TWU. John kept pushing Bob until he finally got ticket. For Bob, Amateur Radio open the world to him. and he loved every minute of it.

On May 5th, NOAA deactivated GEOS-8 after ten years of service. This was NOAA’s work horse in tracking tropical storms. On May 5th GEOS-8 was boosted into an orbit 350 kilometers above it’s original position, and it will have three controlled burns to dispose of it safely. GOES-8 was launched on April 13, 1994. GEOS-8 was replaced with GEOS-12. GEOS-8 served America very well, being the eye above the storm.

JUNE 2004

In the May edition of QST, our Field Day burn barrow was published as part of it's Field Advertisement. It's not every day our club gets national press for our event. Todd Miller, N9RKY was the brain child for the barrow and submitted a picture to QST. Again, this year, it will be burning bright.

What are you doing Field Day Weekend? Are sitting at home? Mowing the grass?

Why not plan on spending a weekend with your friends? Why not bring the family and camp out? There well be a number of non-amateurs there. There will be children there playing in the field.

What is your excuse this year?

For the past few years, this event has grown. The number of campers has increased. The number of operators has increased. The number of radios has increased. This year the LaPorte Club is going to join us as well. Double the fun. There well be a lot of old friends this year. When was the last time, you sat down and did some rag chewing face to face?

There are some who say I have to work. Why not come after work? Spend the night. One amateur even cancelled going to his college reunion to be at Field Day. One even used a personal day to be there. It really is that much fun. Where else can you spend a weekend, sitting by a camp fire, sleeping under the stars, cooking out, being with friends and family, and playing on the radio all night long?

The answer is FIELD DAY!!

Even if you came late in the evening, we will kept the fire burning for you. Field day is at U.S. 35 and Shultz road. Setup will start around 10am Saturday June 26th. Some are planning to camp out Friday night to make a full weekend of it. DON'T MISS THE FUN THIS YEAR!!

At the last meeting, the topic of the Autopatch was revised as scheduled in April's meeting. After much discussion, it was motioned and voted that the Autopatch was not needed. If anyone needs a Autopatch, the LaPorte Club has a open Autopatch with access to Michigan City.

At our last meeting, our Trustee reported that our repeater coordination has been updated. Also, Dan K9RQ reported that he asked for coordination for 70cm frequency. After being told that there wasn't any pairs, he received a letter from Indiana's repeater coordinators that W9LY was approved and coordinated with pair for 70cm band, and that the pair is also coordinated with the national coordinators.

Dan reported that he wanted to have 70cm pair for number of reasons. One being a back up system to our 2m machine. Another was the plan to be able to link the systems together, during nets and emergencies. Also by having the two systems connected to each other, it would provide means of controlling the 2m machine via the 70cm machine should the internet connection fail.

Also at the last meeting, our Internet Chairperson, Barb Miller, N9VLT reported that our current computer at the repeater site has been locking up almost on a weekly basis requiring someone to climb the tower and reboot the system. After discussion, it was voted on to replace the computer system. One of our goals with the new system, is to stream the audio from the repeater over the internet via the club's web page. May be we can spark some local interest in Amateur Radio.

Have you visited the club's web page lately? K9RQ posted new pictures of our repeater system. Also, you'll find past issues of the Harbor Beam on line. In the months to come, there well be more changes to the web page. The new URL is listed on page one.

Again, if you would like a club e-mail address, sent a note to Barb, N9VLT or send us a message at the club's e-mail address. This e-mail address simply redirects e-mail to any e-mail address you currently have.

Weather Nets serves more then just the National Weather Service. With the recent spell of Thunderstorms, Flood Watches and Tornado watches as well, county police now monitor our repeater for updated information during a storm, and Michigan City Police now have direct contact with Skywarn to receive information. One case in point, on a early Thursday morning, J.Q. Public called county 911 to report a Tornado touching down during a thunderstorm. The county 911 director was in contact with a Skywarn member, and local spotter was in the area. After checking the area, it was reported that there was no tornado, and the county did not sound the sirens. This is just one example how Skywarn and Police are working together.

Last month, Amateur radio was present at another Boy Scout event, giving scouts exposure to amateur radio. Even though conditions were not good for the bands, a few contacts were made for the scouts. Working this event was N9RKY, N9ZNJ, N9VLT and N9ZIP

JULY 2004

Holiday’s Come & Go With the 4th of July and many local events, amateurs were kept very busy, providing communications, watching the weather, and performing crowd and traffic control. This year. There were so meny of you who helped out during this summer holiday, listing everyone would just go on and on. So on behalf of Paul Young and John Jones Emergency Management Director’s, and local officials, Thank-You to everyone who donated your time and equipment. The service you provide to your communities goes well beyond what I could ever say here.

Again, Thank-You!!!

CQ CQ CQ Amateurs are needed for Michigan City’s Siren test for the first Saturday of August, (August 1, 2004) at 11:00am. This month Michigan City will not be looking to see if sirens are actually working, but they well be checking locations through out the city to identify how well sirens can be heard. This is part of Michigan City’s plan to upgrade the Emergency Siren System. The greater the number of volunteers we can have, more locations through out the city can be selected. This should take less then hour out of your day. Volunteers for this will meet in the Hobby Lobby parking lot (10:30am) on US 20, just as you enter the lot. Volunteers will be issued a location and test elevation sheet. Once the test is over, volunteers will return to Hobby Lobby to turn in the test elevation sheets. Once the data is complied, city planners can determine which areas need new sirens first. This so that Michigan City can increase the effective coverage area.

IRC MAKES A MISTAKE The W9LY repeater system now has new member to the family. We now have new repeater on 442.475 Mhz (100.0 PL). Well for the time being at least. The IRC granted us a frequency pair with all the I’s doted and T’s crossed, just one problem, there is repeater in Elkhart that is on the same pair. The IRC some how deleted this repeater from there data base, and the pair was issued to us, thinking it was clean. Since the Elkhart repeater has a 131.8 PL we selected a PL of 100.0 for the time being. The IRC admitted the error and we’ll be issuing us a new pair shortly. Once we now the new pair, we’ll let you know.

A New Computer System In June our new hi-speed computer was placed in service at the repeater site. This new computer can now handle the high speed internet access we have, and makes controlling the repeaters easier and more reliable. Internet Chairperson Barb Miller, N9VLT performed the install, with N9RKY, N9ZNJ, and N9ZIP assisting. Repeater Trustee K9RQ monitored the internet connection from home to assure everything was functioning once the computer was on line.

Also, free e-mail addresses is offered to all club members. This is a redirect service to your current e-mail service. If you want to show support for the club and have a W9LY e-mail address, send Barb a note requesting this service at n9vlt@w9ly.org.

Field Day Revisited Wow! We waited all winter for Field Day. This year was no let down and what a great event it was. For those of you who missed this event, all we can say is see you next year. With the members of the LaPorte Club joining us, the turn out was the best ever. We had so many camping over night. Families were present, kids played in the open field. Radio’s ran all night, and wives got a chance to talk and get to know each other. The Michigan City club donated food for Saturday’s cook out. Club President Ken Osborne, N9ZIP donated food for Sunday Mornings breakfast. Others brought side dishes, and snacks. If you ask me, I would say the W9LY burn barrel was brighter then ever this year. Dan K9RQ donated a portable tower to the club, and it was used at Field Day for a HF dipole. Rich, KC9DJP is making a trailer for the tower base. Not only is Rich a Police Detective, he can make a clean weld as well. Just one of his hidden talents. So many of you brought tents, grills, firewood, radios, ropes, tables, etc., it would take a full page to list everyone by name. The weather was perfect. Sunshine and in the mid 70’s.

Each year, this event has grown to what it was this year. I can’t wait for Field Day in 2005 to see what we’ll do next.

This year we ran 3 HF rigs, we had 11 tents set up for over night camping, lots of good food, fun and good time by all. Every one who wanted to work the radio’s was able to as long as they liked this year.

Plans for next year are already in the works.

SKYWARN CALLED INTO ACTION Saturday, July 3rd, Michigan City hosted the annual Drum & Bugle Corps Show. As luck would have it, a couple of hours before the show was to start, it started raining. An hour before the show , it was pouring down rain with localize flooding. At 7pm, a half hour before the show was scheduled to start, MCPD and Drum Corp Officials needed weather information, as to keep the show on as scheduled or cancel the event. This year, they turned to Skywarn for up to date weather information. Spotters and radar monitors all stated the storm was moving out, and it was clear behind the storm. Giving this information, Skywarn advised everyone to keep the show going as scheduled, despite the fact it was still pouring down rain. The decision was made to go with show as scheduled. 5 minutes later, it stopped raining. 5 minutes before the show started the sun came out.

The City of Michigan City would like thank all the Skywarn spotters for the information they provided that day. It was there call whether to cancel the event or not.

Editors Note: This is what Skywarn is all about. Providing information not only to the National Weather Service but to our communities as well.

AUGUST 2004

UHF REPEATER UPDATE

Our UHF repeater is now on frequency of 441.950 (PL 131.8) 5Mhz plus offset. The change over was made July 21st. As we reported in the last new letter, the IRC made a error in issuing us the pair we were on. Because there was another repeater on the same PL approximately 50 miles away, we changed our PL to prevent mobiles from keying up the other system.

Since the UHF repeater went on line, our controllers have recorded increased use of the W9LY repeater system on both machines, and total air time used has almost doubled.

We would like to thank our Trustee Dan Vanderplough, K9RQ for all the hours he is spending making our system sound so good.

On August 3, 2004, Dan received formal coordination from the Indiana Repeater Council. All the T’s are crossed and I’s doted.

We would like to welcome four new members to our club who join at July’s meeting. Dan Foster KC9GFO Troy Harrison KC9E Brian Salzer KB9HMR Mike Broviak N9MIK

On behalf of all the members,

WELCOME and remember to...

SEPTEMBER 2004

At this meeting, the Election of Club Officers will be held. The nominating committee came up with the following lists of candidates for each office.

President: Ken Osborne, N9ZIP Vice President: Todd Miller, N9RKY Treasure: George Kassel, N9DSN Secretary: Phil Geofferion, WD9BDW Board Members: (Select two) Dan Vanderplough, K9RQ John Phillips, KA9PGC Wayne Dudley, WA9YNE

TOWER 8K RUN Sunday, August 15th Members of the Michigan City Amateur Radio Club provided communications for for a 8K run held in Washington Park. The weather was perfect for run, being in the upper 60’s. Those providing communications were Todd Miller N9RKY, George Kassel, N9DSN, and Ken Osborne, N9ZIP. We got a chance to try the UHF repeater using HT’s from the lake front, and they had no problems reaching the repeater. On behalf of the Tower Organization, Thanks Guys.

At the last club meeting, we had a turn out attending the meeting that surprised everyone. We had 21 attend last months meeting.

We almost ran out of chairs.

At the last meeting it was motioned and approved for the club to rent a port-pot (with sink) for the 9/11 VHF contest and last of summer party.

VHF CONTEST & END OF SUMMER PARTY

Last weekend the Michigan City Amateur Radio Club hosted a end of summer party. It was also a chance to work the VHF contest as well. Even though our six meter operation was hit three problems, ranging from a bad jumper to a bad connection on the beam, we were still able to make a number of contacts. Everyone had a great time. A special thanks goes to Curt N8ZNJ and his wife for donating burgers and cooking on the grill. It was very nice surprise.

OCTOBER 2004

The Election of Club Officers was held at the last meeting. This year we have a few new faces to the Board of Directors. This years officers are.

President: Ken Osborne, N9ZIP Vice President: Todd Miller, N9RKY Treasure: Troy Harrison, KC9E Secertary: Phil Geofferion, WD9BDW Board Members: Dan Vanderplough, K9RQ John Phillips, KA9PGC Wayne Dudley, WA9YNE

Before the elections were held Troy Harrison was added to list of those running for office. Our past Treasure Dorthy Lyles did not seek reelection. Thank-you Dorothy for your service to the club.

Welcome to the club Andrew Baugh KC9DZV, who became our newest member to club last month. Andrew is also the youngest member.

The LaPorte Amateur Club has a new repeater system on the air. Wayne Dudley WA9YNE also became the new Trustee for the K9JSI repeater system. Members of our club extended a helping hand, in getting the LaPorte system on the air and programmed. For years the two clubs have been far apart in regards to working together on events and projects. Now the two clubs are working together, and helping each other. The LaPorte Club purchased the same system our club has. This helps both clubs to share information, resources and knowledge.

ARES & SKYWARN Information Nets are on Thursday Nights at 8:00pm. Please check in and show your support, or even just to see if your radio still works.

At the last meeting John Phillips gave a demonstration on how to build a radio without any source of electrical power. John brought in several radios he built by hand that were able to pick signals from many radio stations. John’s attention to detail was very impressive. He was also able to capture the look of radios dating back to the 30’s and 40’s.

Building radios has become a lost art. Many of the older members remember doing this in the early days of radio. John is bringing back this lost art. Who knows, maybe we all can learn something from John’s work.

Keep up the good work J.P.

Each year we have awarded to a member, Member of the Year or Best Ham. This is awarded at the Decembers meeting. Anyone wishing to nominate a member for this award, please send an e-mail to the clubs e-mail address, stating who and why. So many of our members do so much for our club, who would you like to see receive this award?

SKYWARN NEWS

Summer is over, and the National Weather Service, Emergency Management and LaPorte County Skywarn would like thank everyone for all the hours of observation and your weather reports. You really did make difference.

The National Weather Service is in need of Snow Spotters for the coming winter months, and depending on winter weather events, weather nets may be opened from time to time.

For more information on Snow Spotters visit the following URL:

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/iwx/snow_spotters/index.shtml

NOVEMBER 2004

National Weather Service Special Event 2004 SKYWARN Recognition Day (December 3, 7 p.m. EST to December 4, 7 p.m. EST) SKYWARN Recognition Day was developed in 1999 by the National Weather Service and the American Radio Relay League. It celebrates the contributions that volunteer SKYWARN radio operators make to the National Weather Service. During the day SKYWARN operators visit NWS offices and contact other radio operators across the world.

Thanks for your commitment to the National Weather Service SKYWARN program. Interested in operating for WX9IWX at the National Weather Service this year?

Please contact Jon Slough, KB9ATR at jon.slough@verizon.net to ensure operating time availability/priority.

73’s Patrick Murphy, WX9PAT Lead Meteorologist

MEETING NOTICE:

Our meeting is Wednesday November 17th at 7:30pm. We meet at Queen of All Saints Church, parking is behind the gym. Queen’s is located at Barker and Woodland Ave.

ARES & SKYWARN Information Nets are on Thursday Nights at 8:00pm. Please check in and show your support, or even just to see if your radio still works.

2 METER REPEATER

Well, maybe this time around the noise on the repeater is gone. Keep your fingers crossed. Dan did some climbing at the tower, and with the help of Jim Fonte, Wanye Dudley and Ken Osborne, they put their heads together and found a major problem with the repeater. It seems that a ground wire on roof came lose from another mast and ending up lying at the base of our mast. When the wind blew it would touch our mast causing interference on the 2 meter system. When the wire was placed against our mast, it wiped out the receiver. Dan also found a lose nut on our mast that was also making noise as the wind blew. The nut was tighten, the ground was move far away from our mast. Thanks Guys

WINTER WEATHER CLASSES

The National Weather Service will have a Winter Weather Observation class at at the LaPorte Library on Thursday December 16th at 6:00pm. The National Weather Service has only two snow spotters in the county. Snow fall reports are important not only as they occur, but they help predict springtime flooding from the melting snow. This class is open to the public. Pass the word around about this class.

HAMS HELPING KIDS At the last meeting, the club voted to help some kids in Florida who needed help.

The recent storms and their aftermath have been especially traumatic for children. In addition to the frightening experience of going through the hurricanes, youngsters are coping with a great deal of stress felt within their families. Between now and Thanksgiving, hams across the country are being asked to purchase a new child’s toy and send it with a QSL card or 3x5 showing their callsign to: Ham Radio The United Way White Dove Project 50 Kindred Street - Suite 207 Stuart, FL 34994 The Michigan City Amateur Radio Club donated $50.00 to help this project. Any one interested in helping some kids can send a child’s toy to the above address. Please enclose a QSL card so that everyone knows that Hams are here to lend a helping hand.

Saturday Morning Breakfast is held at Mulligan’s on US 20 at 8:30 in the morning. Come and join some good friends and club members for breakfast.

FALL CLEAN UP

At the next meeting the fall clean up of the tower site will be scheduled. This is a twice a year project, and a major task. As part of our agreement with the tower owner, we are required to help maintain the tower. Now the weather has turned colder, all of nasty Lady Bugs have died off, and the floors are covered.

We need your help! Even if you don’t want to climb the stairs, there is still areas at ground level that need sweeping.

We would also like to thank Ron & Roe for mowing the grass this year at the tower site. You did a great job this year.

DECEMBER 2004

THE ANNUAL MCARC XMAS PARTY The MCARC holiday Christmas Party will be held on December 15, 2004 at 7:00pm. This year it is being held at Lindo’s in Michigan City. Because of the party, the scheduled club meeting for December has been cancelled. Everyone is welcome, bring a guest. It’s a great time, and a way fun to start the holidays with close friends and family.

At the last club meeting, it was voted that for those who worked the Hamfest last March would have their dinners paid for by the club. It’s the club way of saying thanks for all the long hours and help putting on the hamfest.

For those who worked the Hamfest and plan to attend the X-Mas party, please e-mail the club at w9ly@w9ly.org so Troy will know how much ink to have for the check book, and let us know you worked the hamfest.

Everyone else who is planning to attend will need to pay for their own dinners. If you were not at the last club meeting and are planning to attend this years event, we ask that you also e-mail the club, so that we can give Lindo’s a head count in advance. Those who were at the meeting, we already have you counted.

X-MAS PARTY

DECEMBER 15TH

7:00PM @ LINDO’S

WINTER WEATHER CLASSES

The National Weather Service will have a Winter Weather Observation class at at the LaPorte Library on Thursday December 16th at 6:00pm.

We would like two welcome two new members to the club Jim Fonte, K9FI and Ron Broviak, WA9RON. They became members at the last meeting.

ANNUAL DUES

The start of new year is just around the corner, and annual dues for 2005 will be due starting January. Annual dues is $12.00 and $6.00 dollars for students. Please make checks payable to the : Michigan City Amateur Radio Club. Checks can be mailed, P.O. Box 148, Michigan City, Indiana 46361.

Saturday Morning Breakfast is held at Mulligan’s on US 20 at 8:30 in the morning. Come and join some good friends and club members for breakfast.

FALL CLEAN UP

Once again members of the club, climbed the tower, and did semi-annual fall cleaning. Light bulbs were changed, rooms swept, and equipment inspected. Thanks to all everyone who helped. Wayne Dudley, Curt Yeager, Todd & Barb Miller, Dan Foster, and Ken Osborne.

At the last meeting, an Audit Committee was formed to review and audit our books. It has been several years since it was last performed. We should have report on the audit at January’s meeting.

A LOOK AT 2005 EVENTS

Here is just some just of the events the Michigan City Amateur Radio Clubs is planning for 2005. Field Day, this event has grown larger every year for the past few years, and plans are already in the making. VHF Contest, our end of summer party. Walk-a-thons and other public events. HAMFEST 2005, our annual fund raiser for the club.

If you have event that you think the club might be interested in. Lets us know.

HAM OF THE YEAR

A number of names have been submitted, and this years Ham Of The Year is %^&%.

Guess you’ll have to come to the party to find out who won this year award.

JANUARY 2005

The Storm of 2004

When we recall winter storms, many of us well recall the Blizzard of “68” or the Blizzard “78”. How about the Blizzard of 2004? On December 19th many of us woke up to what we thought was going to a normal Sunday. The National Weather Service had issued a Winter Storm Warning for LaPorte County, Weather Alerts on the repeater were activated, but forecast models was showing the heavy snow to be in Lake and Porter County’s. At 6:00am only an inch of snow had fallen over night. At 8:00am Snow spotters recorded 4 inches in Michigan City. At 1:00pm Snow spotters recorded 19 inches of snow had fallen. At 9:00pm when the snow stopped falling, 26 inches was recorded in Michigan City. Think about it that’s 26 inches in 11 hours. The Lake Effect snow band was so narrow and so intense, at the peak of the snow fall, snow spotters were recording snow fall at 3 inches an hour, while communities to the west and east of Michigan City received small amounts.

When travel became hazardous in Michigan City, the Mayor declared a Snow Emergency. Amateur Radio was quickly called in and ARES set up a net. The first call for help was for four wheel drive vehicles by Ken, N9ZIP. Ken set up communications at the Michigan City Police Department were the snow command center was set up. Rich, KC9DJP quickly responded and formed an ARES Net, handling traffic and staying on the air for about 12 hours. Jim Jesko KB9MAS responded with his four wheel drive, and was assigned a police officer and they responded to emergency calls.

When the Red Cross was called in to open a shelter, N9DNS went to the shelter to provide communications. This provided a direct link from the shelter to the command center. Tim, KB9ORJ and Dan KC9GFO brought four wheel drive vehicles and were also assigned police officers and responded to call. After words, Dan reported they responded to so many calls, he had a hard time keep track. Travel on I-94 came to stop stranding motorist. The National Guard was called in with Hummers to assist State Police. Rich, KC9DJP did an outstanding job in running the net. He had a list of amateurs standing by ready to offer assistance. He had amateurs driving on I-94 where travel was impossible to contact the commanding officer for Indiana State Police. Rich was also in contact with LaPorte Emergency Management exchanging information. Wayne, WA9YNE gave Rich a break from to time as net control operator. Todd N9RKY reported on road conditions south of Michigan City.

To be honest, there where so many Amateurs that responded, this editor lost track on who did what. We had amateurs coming to the shelter to help. We had amateurs making food runs for the Red Cross, picking up volunteers, and getting needed supplies. We had amateurs reporting from all over the county giving Emergency Managers valuable information on current conditions in real time.

The communications and services we provided that day made me proud to be called Amateur Radio Operator. On behalf of the City of Michigan City, Emergency Management, Michigan City Police Department and the Red Cross, thank-you for your time, professional skills, and equipment.

MEETING NOTICE:

The next club meeting will be Wednesday, January 19th. at 7:30pm.

We meet at Queen of Saints School, Woodland Ave & Barker.

ARES & SKYWARN Information Nets are on Thursday Nights at 8:00pm.

Please check in and show your support, or even just to see if your radio still works.

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

It’s the first of the year and Annual Dues are due.

Dues are $12.00 / $6.00 for students for 2005. Dues can be paid at the next meeting or mailed.

Our address is MCARC, P.O. Box 148, Michigan City, In 46361

As always, we thank-you for your support.

Christmas Party Breaks Recent Record

Our annual holiday celebration was great this year. It was held at Lindo’s and the turn out was the best this editor can recall. 30 members along with their guests and families attended this annual event. As with many of our club events, this also has grown. Everyone had a good time.

From the desk of Wayne Dudley, WA9YNE.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Dan Vanderplough, K9RQ and Ken Osborne, N9ZIP for the time and effort they gave to help with the new K9JSI repeater system installation. It’s nice to see the two local clubs working together for a common good. I believe both clubs have come a long ways in the past year and have repeaters to be proud of. 73 and thanks again Wayne, WA9YNE Trustee, LaPorte Amateur Radio Club, K9JSI

Saturday Morning Breakfast is held at Mulligan’s on US 20 at 8:30 in the morning. Come and join some good friends and club members for breakfast. The numbers are growing, and seats fill fast.

HAM OF THE YEAR

K9RQ

At the Christmas Party, Dan Vanderplough, K9RQ was named Ham of the Year. Dan puts in a lot of hours, making our repeaters sound as good as they do, among other projects. He has helped to take our club where it is today. In the true sprit of Amateur Radio, Dan even spent several days helping our sister club in LaPorte with there repeater. As Dan said a while back, “you only get out of amateur radio what you put into it. I do it because I enjoy it and it’s fun.”

Along with a certificate, Dan was also given 10,000 Afgan dollars for his hard work.

That comes to about $2.11 in US dollars.

CONGRATULATIONS

FEBRUARY 2005

At the last club meeting, Bob Lyles K9ET was honored. Bob was given a life time membership to the club. For those of us who had the honor to know him, you would get a sense of what it means to be an amateur. Bob has devoted himself to the hobby and to the club as well. Bob has served the club so may years, it only seemed right to honor him with a life time membership.

Thank-you Bob for all your years of service to the club.

VOICES ON THE NET?

For some time, many of you have asked if our repeater system could be set up to record ones signal and play it back for a signal check. After months of testing with different Macro’s on the controller, The answer was no, we can’t do it. Then came Barb Miller, N9VLT. As our Internet Chairperson, she has come up with a method to stream audio from our repeater over the internet. We can now check our signals via the Internet. Using Windows Media Player open the following URL. mms://65.160.43.115:8080 2 meter audio is then streamed to your computer. There is 3-4 sec delay from transmission to your computer.

NEWS LETTER VIA E-MAIL

In order to save on postage and printing cost, we are exploring ways to E-Mail the club newsletter to it’s members. We ask that if you like to receive the Harbor Beam via E-Mail, to send us your E-Mail address at w9ly@w9ly.org. In the subject line type News Letter. If you prefer to have it mailed as we currently do, it will be mailed.