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ARRL US Virgin Islands Section (VI)Section Manager
John J. Ellis, NP2B Gallows Bay Sta PO Box 24492 Christiansted, VI 00824 340-773-9643 np2b@arrl.org |
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ALERT: Mon, August 11, 2008; 4:24 PM ET First of all, scores are out on the ARRL phone DX competition, Tony, N2TK, operating from KP2M scored #3 world and Dave, NP2I made it to #6. Good work guys! Al NP2V, Michael KG6CPU and yours truly John NP2B "stormed" the St. Croix emergency management agency (VITEMA) on Friday July 18, and installed two Alinco DR-1200 2-meter radios along with two 2-meter vertical dipoles encased in PVC, manufactured by Al NP2V. A "dead" 20 amp power supply was resurrected after it's fuse had blown while powering a radio (long since gone) which required more power than the unit could deliver! The old power supply is now much happier with it's new "lot in life" ! Both radios are working fine. Next project is going to be to assist in purging unneeded equipment from the various cabinets, disposing of stuff that is unusable for whatever reason and getting rid of "stuff" that is either unrepairable or not worth repairing. But at least we have two more radios working, than were working before! Stay tuned for the next work party. John, NP2B |
News last updated: Fri, July 4, 2008 at 3:41 PM ET
Hams in Paradise July 2008
Who Ya Gonna Call?
It's hurricane season and a good time to go over a few basics regarding emergency communications. Area hams routinely communicate with each other using 2 meter via our local repeaters (see local repeater listing, below) or simplex if repeaters are down -- and that is the first place to check. However, a major emergency would likely require the use of HF to pass information, including health and welfare, to the outside world. Hams who have lived in paradise for a while, including George Cline, KP2G, know the value of being prepared. He asked that local hams have the following information regarding what to do, and likely frequencies to be used in the event normal communications become disrupted:
First, make contact with other hams here on the impacted island to get them activated and helping. Once that has happened, as a group, several things should begin to take place:
a. Contacting the outside world to let them know the nature of the emergency, and
b. Looking for a clear frequency to set up an emergency net -- a spot where we will move to, and where stateside stations will be directed to help relay information for the duration of the emergency.
To do this, have someone go to:
14.300 USB, Maritime Mobile Service Network (MMSN), and indicate that you have urgent traffic. Relay the nature of the situation/emergency and, if your group has already found a clear frequency to set up its own emergency net, provide them with that information. (According to John Ellis, NP2B, who serves as a net controller for the MMSN, "At this point, you can call a specific station, or ask if there is anyone on frequency that can make a 'one way' (phone call) or a 'two way' (phone patch)" -- whatever the group is looking to do. And Cline notes that, "Even in these days of poor propagation, someone somewhere should pick up our distress call and relay us into the net to get communications started." (According to information posted on the MMSN website, during periods of emergency, routine traffic on this net may be suspended. However, during normal operation the primary purpose of the net is to handle traffic from maritime mobile stations and deployed service personnel. If there are no maritime mobiles or deployed stations, then net control looks for stations with traffic).
http://mmsn.org
Another important frequency to know is:
14.325 National Hurricane Center Amateur Radio Station, WX4NHC. This frequency is home to the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN). John Ellis, who serves as one of the net controllers for the HWN, explains: "The primary purpose of the net is two-fold: to broadcast NHC and NOAA bulletins to folks in the affected area who might not otherwise have any way to receive them, and to relay real-time reports to the meteorologists at the National Hurricane Center in Miami. However, if you are in an affected area, the HWN will help you in any way possible, either directly, or by directing you to someone who can. Check into the Hurricane Watch Net only if you are in an affected area and have something to report." Ellis adds, "We have designated net controllers scattered all over the country for propagation reasons who have gone through extensive training -- so we can effectively communicate with the operators at WX4NHC (the Amateur Radio Station at the NHC), and they can quickly communicate with the forecaster in the "big room" across the hall." http://www.wx4nhc.org
Local HF Communication
7.250 Caribbean Maritime Mobile Network (During non-emergency operation, the net begins at 7 a.m. AST taking maritime and non-maritime check-ins. http://users.isp.com/kv4jc
7.086 Also used as part of the Caribbean Maritime Mobile Network. Tune in around 4:30 PM.
Local Repeaters
St. Croix Repeater 147.250 (+) offset. No tone required. St. John Repeater 146.63 (-) offset, 100Hz PL St. Thomas Repeater 146.81 (-) offset, 100Hz PL
Weather Spotter Class for the VI
Do you have an interest in our ever-changing weather? Would you like to help others by reporting potentially hazardous weather conditions using your amateur radio skills? Then, this could be for you. A special weather spotter training class, based on the SKYWARN program (http://www.skywarn.org), is in the works. Paul Jordan, NP2JF, is coordinating the offering and needs to know who is interested and when you would be available to attend. Jordan has been in contact with SKYWARN representatives and would like to offer the one-day class -- for individuals who are interested in being part of an international (USVI and BVI) weather-spotter network -- sometime in July.
As we mentioned in the May issue of Hams in Paradise, an international effort is underway here in the Virgin Islands to assemble a weather-spotter network -- unique in that it would include participants from both the US and British Virgin Islands. According to Jordan, there is currently is no formal group of active weather spotters in the USVI or BVI who exchange information or report in to the National Weather Service. Jordan needs to hear from interested persons as soon as possible. Contact Paul Jordan at np2jf@yahoo.com
BVI Club Checks In
They share weather information with us and only live a short distance away across the water. Our amateur radio friends from the British Virgin Islands make up an important and active part of our local ham community, and certainly give it an international twist. We often hear members of the BVI Amateur Radio League (BVIARL) participating in the morning Virgin Islands Weather Net -- conversing with hams from all three of the major US Virgin Islands. And we've had a chance to meet some of them in person at local ARRL test sessions. So we thought it was time to find out more about this group.
The BVIARL was formed three years ago and has registered members positioned across the main island of Tortola. According to the league, this helps to ensure adequate communication in an emergency. League members participate in their Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Territorial Net, which takes place 9:30 am every morning, Monday through Friday. The group has established a network (LSB 3800) where they meet every Sunday from 8 -- 9 am to test communications; an established frequency would be used during emergencies to provide assistance, on request, to the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) and respective agencies. Members also communicate regularly with other hams in the area through local repeaters.
Members of the club are not only active in emergency preparedness and support; they're involved in public education, sharing their knowledge with local schools.
The BVIARL meets at 5 pm every fourth Monday of the month at the office of the DDM in Road Town. Anyone with an interest in amateur radio is welcome. For more information, contact league secretary Jasen Penn, VP2VJ, pinniepenn@yahoo.com via e-mail or call 284-468-4200.
New ARRL Division Director Visits USVI
Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, the new American Radio Relay League Southeastern Division Director for the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Florida, Georgia and Alabama stopped by all three major US Virgin Islands to have lunch with members of local amateur radio clubs and to find out what topics are foremost on the mind of club members. The luncheon meetings -- on St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas -- were held the week of June 23rd. Sarrett was accompanied on his first trip to the Virgin Islands by Frank Butler, W4RH, who retired from the ARRL Division Director position last year after many years of service.
Some of the topics that came up were how to work more effectively with local emergency branches of local government, overall emergency preparedness, and a growing interest in Internet Radio Link usage (locally, hams can use two-meter to communicate well beyond the normal range via IRLP through the St. Thomas repeater. For more info on this mode of communication, go to http://www.irlp.net ). Sarrett said he hopes to have an ongoing dialog with local hams, and would like to hear from us regarding any issues or help we may need.
Southeastern Division contact info:
Director: Greg Sarratt, W4OZK 912 Pine Grove Rd Harvest, AL 35749 256-337-3636 w4ozk@arrl.org
Vice Director: Sandy Donahue, W4RU PO Box 9424 Dothan, AL 36303 404-403-1513 w4ru@arrl.org
For more information: http://www.southeastern.arrl.org/
Friends and Family Say Farewell to NP2JC
Family and friends gathered to remember Bill Morris, NP2JC, in a celebration of his life on June 28 at Hawks Nest Beach; his ashes were scattered in the waters off of St. John the day before from his sailboat, the Janet Lynn, in a memorial service. Bill, an avid sailor, educator, loving husband to Lee, NP2NI, and an active member of the St. John Amateur Radio Club, died in late March from a brain tumor.
Among the many friends and family members at the celebration of Bill's life were members of the SJARC including club president Paul Jordan, NP2JF. Jordan offered a message in the form of a QSO -- given on behalf of himself and other club members -- and provided a translation where needed for non-ham attendees. Jordan's message included the following:
"Old Man, we say TNX (thanks) for all you have done and we say 73 (that's "best regards") to you now that you are in your new QTH (home) in Paradise. Now that you have been able to QSY (change frequencies) I know you have already set up your Shack (Radio Room) in your Mansion, and had your special QSO (contact) with your Lord and Maker. God Bless you Bill, as you have gone QRT (stopped transmitting), and are now a Silent Key, we know you will live on in the Radio Waves. Until we have that Eyeball QSO once again, 73 dear friend de NP2JF."
Bill believed in education and the sharing of knowledge -- something he did through his extensive volunteer work as a math instructor in the public school system on St. John. A Bill Morris Scholarship Fund has been established by his friends to benefit a worthy St. John student wishing to attend college for the study of mathematics or other hard sciences. For more information about this scholarship program, or to make a contribution, please contact Chuck Riviere, NP2MQ, chuckriviere@cs.com 540-687-6802 or 703-851-8131, or Lee Morris, NP2NI, billeemorris@gmail.com 340-693-7788 or (w) 340-776-6666.
Elmering Yourself?
If you are looking to gain more hands-on knowledge regarding Amateur Radio -- basic electronics, emergency service applications and a variety of other subjects to build on what you already know, ARRL offers continuing education courses on-line. There is a fee for the offerings but the fees are reasonable (and seem like even more of a bargain considering we are in the middle of the ocean, quite a way from most things!). To check it out, go to:
http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html
Looking for an Exam?
Are you thinking about upgrading your license, or know someone who is preparing to take their first licensing exam?
To find out about upcoming exam dates, please contact the following individuals:
St. Croix -- Al Rymsha, NP2V, at 340 773-4725.
St. John -- Exams are usually held twice yearly, in the spring and fall. Please contact Mal Preston, NP2L, at 340 693-8782
St. Thomas -- Exams can be arranged, as needed, to coincide with the Tuesday Ham luncheon at Hook, Line & Sinker in Frenchtown. Those interested in scheduling an exam should call Richard Ashley, KP2RA, at 340 642-6316.
ARRL Calendar
July
August
September 1 National Preparedness Month Begins 20 Amateur Radio Public Awareness Day
October 4 ARRL Simulated Emergency Test begins 18 Scouts Jamboree On the Air begins 20 School Club Roundup begins
November 1 CW Sweepstakes 15 Phone Sweepstakes
December 5 Deadline for Leonard Award entries 31 ARRL Straight Key Night
January 2009 4 Kid's Day
VI Club Meetings
The St. Croix Club meets on the first Saturday of the month at the Deep End Bar at Tamarind Reef Hotel at Green Cay Marina. The group gathers around noon for lunch; an informal meeting begins around 12:30 pm. Contact John Ellis, NP2B, 340-773-9643; np2b@arrl.org (Annual dues are $1 per year.)
St. John Ham (and Eggs) Breakfast -- 9 am, first Sat. of each month; alternates between Cruz Bay and Coral Bay; BYOB (Buy your own breakfast). Contact Paul Jordan, NP2JF, President, St. John Amateur Radio Club, 340 776-6568 reeladventuresstjohn@yahoo.com or George Cline, KP2G 340 693-5137; KP2G@surfcoralbay.com (Annual dues are $5 per year.)
The St. Thomas Club meets every Tuesday at the Hook, Line & Sinker restaurant in Frenchtown, just west of the Seaplane base and the Veterans Drive Post Office. 12 noon to 1 pm. The Club meets in the back room. (Annual dues are $10.00 per year.)
The British Virgin Islands Amateur Radio League meets the fourth Monday of each month at 5 pm at the office of the DDM in Road Town. Anyone with an interest in Amateur Radio is welcome. For more information, contact league secretary Jasen Penn, VP2VJ, at pinniepenn@yahoo.com or call 284-468-4200.
Local Ham Nets
Virgin Islands Weather Net St. John Repeater (146.63 (-) offset, 100Hz PL); 6:40 am each morning; hams provide local weather conditions. Get to know your fellow hams (and know that your rig is working!)
Local Repeaters
St. Croix Repeater 147.250 (+) offset. No tone required at this timebut plan to see a 100 Hz tone implemented shortly
St. John Repeater 146.63 (-) offset, 100Hz PL
St. Thomas Repeater 146.81 (-) offset, 100Hz PL
Virgin Islands Amateur Radio contact list: Section Manager
St. Croix
John J. Ellis, NP2B P.O. Box 24492 Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00824 340-773-9643 np2b@arrl.org
Assistant Section Managers
Malcolm M Preston, NP2L PO Box 1318 Cruz Bay, VI 00831-1318 (340) 775-2782 np2l@arrl.net
Alvin F Rymsha, NP2V 96 Judiths Fancy Est # 4018 Christiansted, VI 00820-4407 (340) 773-4725 alvinr26@gmail.com
Deborah M Thomas, NP2DJ PO Box 9280 St Thomas, VI 00801-2280 (340) 344-9427 np2dj@arrl.net
For more information: www.atthehelm.com
Hams in Paradise is compiled by P. Benton, np2mz@arrl.net Please e-mail any Ham-related info you would like included in the next e-letter.
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Greetings to all, and thanks to Phyllis for the updated section news!
Welcome to the Virgin Islands page on the ARRL website. Please take time to visit the Virgin islands amateur radio website too, at www.atthehelm.com.
Jeanette NP2C continues to work on the VI section website, look for it at www.atthehelm.com.
The St. Croix Club now has it's station complete and working properly. It is located at Southgate Baptist Church, across from Green Cay Marina where the Club has it's meetings. The rig is a Kenwood TS-140S and an MFJ tuner. An Icom IC-25A serves as the 2M rig. The antenna system on HF consists of a Cushcraft A3S at 30 feet (yup, it's on a tower!!!) and atop that is a Hustler G6 antenna.
A lot of people donated equipment to this project including Dave NP2I, Steve K2OMP, Larry N4FD, Manny NP2KW, the Pina Colada Contest group and even John NP2B.
Now we need to put some hours on it!
The St. Thomas repeater (146.81 MHz) is up and running, actually it has been up and running for some time! It is a brand new repeater. Much of the credit goes to Bernie, NP2W, who basically put it together. It has been upgraded to 60 watts out and it has a controller with a lot of nifty features. You can dial the numbers "929"and it will give you the correct time and date. You can also dial "878", unkey the repeater and it will come up and say "ready". You then have 4 seconds to start talking. When you stop transmitting, it will automatically play your last transmission back to you so you can see how well you are getting into the machine. It works very well, try it!
The St. John and St. Thomas repeaters now require a 100Hz PL (CTCSS) tone. The St. Croix repeater currently does not require the use of a PL tone. Convention here in the VI is that if a repeater goes down, go simplex on the output frequency. That is the frequency everybody will be listening on anyway and when the repeater comes back up, you will know it and can go back to usual duplex repeater operation.
Mal NP2L has taken over the VE licensing operations for St. John while Richard NP2RA has taken over the VE operations for St. Thomas. Al NP2V runs them on St. Croix. Mal can be reached at np2l@arrl.net while Richard can be reached at 340-642-6316. Al can be reached at 340-773-4725. The St. Thomas exam sessions coincide with the Tuesday luncheons at Hook Line and Sinker in Frenchtown. Thank you guys, for picking up the ball and running with it.
The St. John Amateur Radio Club conducts exams for the St. John group, the V.I. Amateur Radio Club conducts them for St. Thomas and the St. Croix ARC does likewise on St. Croix. Exams are generally given on an "as needed" basis, contact the coordinator for your island to schedule a test.
For all exams, applicants must bring the following.
1. Legal photo ID.
2. Social Security number or taxpayer ID (TIN) number if you are a US citizen or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence or US employment. (If possible, non US residents should contact the FCC at (202) 414-1250 or email them at ulscomm@fcc.gov to obtain an Alternate TIN (ATIN) prior to the exam).
3. If upgrading please bring the original and one copy of a) your valid US amateur license and b)completion certificate (CSCE) to claim element credit.
4. Required fee of $14.00.
Also, if you have an FRN number, please use that instead of your social security number on your form 605. If you don't, the FCC will reject your application. Go to the ARRL website (www.arrl.org) for further information.
Please contact Malcolm Preston, NP2L, at (340) 693-8782, if you have any questions on the St. John test sessions, Richard Ashley NP2RA at (340) 642-6316 on St. Thomas for those sessions or Al Rymsha, NP2V at (340) 773-4725 for the same on St. Croix."
Also, please welcome back Phyllis Benton, NP2MZ, our new Public Information Coordinator. She is taking care of distributing news to the various media concerning amateur radio activities in the Territory and the one who puts the first part of this newsletter together.
Section website www.atthehelm.com
e-mail your news to Phyllis (NP2MZ@arrl.net or myself at NP2B@arrl.org
np2b@arrl.org or john.np2b@gmail.com
73, John, NP2B
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