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ARRL Connecticut Section (CT)Section Manager
Elizabeth M. Doane, K1EIC 92 Mohegan Rd Shelton, CT 06484-2448 203-929-7759 k1eic@arrl.org |
Section Links
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Section Leadership: K1EIC SM; ASMs: K1STM, KD1YV, W1FXQ; OOC K1DFS; PIC KA1TCH; SEC N1CLV; ASEC N1FNE, K1BRF, AF1HS, K1VSC; SGL K1MK; STM K1HEJ; TC N1KHB. This Fall unfortunately has been one during which I have received difficult news from friends so it was refreshing for me today to find some really good news in my inbox. If you look at the FD results in QST, you will notice the Greater Norwalk ARC placed number one in Connecticut! Paul Danzer N1II, a member of GNARC will be receiving the cover plaque for his article A Simple Transformer to Measure Your Antenna Current in September QST which I plan to present to him at their January meeting. TC Joe N1KHB reports that he had excellent response from his article An Ideal Plastic for Amateur Radio Projects in October QST and I’ve just learned that another will be published soon on the Web on the subject of metrics so watch for it! Remember, if you have technical questions or need a referral, you can write to Joe n1khb@arrl.net. The Greater Bridgeport ARC brought in approximately 12 hams through their class. CARA and the Danbury EOC recently licensed 17 ops and is now finishing up a General class. DEC Jonathan is currently running a Technician class and there are others throughout the Section which I will be happy to report about as I learn the details. Some new ops like Polly KB1TGI, wife of OES AB1CR got licensed from the ARRL on line course. Congratulations to you all. Many thanks to every instructor and class coordinator in the Section who is taking the time to organize, instruct and always learn. I’m sure most of you know by now that teaching is very special to me. So all you teachers, keep on doing your work to further influence people about the traditions of Amateur radio. Don’t forget to tell them, too, about ARRL and the Field Organization—we have a fine team in CT. As we approach Thanksgiving, I’m thinking about how thankful I am to have dedicated volunteers like those of you who teach and coordinate classes and organize activities of all kinds—clubs, contests, public service, work in the Amateur auxiliary, technical and internet projects and many many more. I’m also thankful for your support of me and the Section cabinet and also your thoughtful criticism which helps to make us build better teams and enhances the effective use of our personal resources and skill sets. And speaking of skill sets, EC KO1F coordinated a “digital boot camp” with two great instructors: Bill KW1B and ADEC Harlan, W1QH. The “camp”, attended by approximately 15 ops, was organized to prepare for the Simulated Emergency Test. Those who attended learned about the operation of a number of digital modes and were instructed in the use of relevant software. We really need more workshops like this throughout the Section. It is my view that we have a real shortage of what I call eclectic operators. Clearly, every single person who does public service wants to be as useful as he or she can be. That usefulness to the public and to the overall effort is very much enhanced by versatility. Obviously, we all prefer some modes over others; we are, after all, individuals and this is good. But let’s give something new a try. How about resolving to step slightly out of our comfort zones and try something new in Amateur Radio during 2010! We have lots of expertise in the Section—all you need to do is ask! Have fun—enjoy learning! Here’s something else new: The Greater Norwalk ARC has installed a D-STAR repeater up on 441.600 (+ shift) with only minor issues that are being worked out. The club is thankful to many benefactors and to all who participated in this project, especially Curt W1FSM who worked diligently on the installation. Thanks to all! The repeater is open to anyone with a D-STAR radio—enjoy! The club learned about D-Star at their November meeting with a presentation and demo given by Jess ND1L assisted by Steve , NA1SV and Curt W1FMS. At their October meeting, DEC Allan, NN1H gave a great overview of ARES, how the local group fits into the Section structure and the service priorities within Region 1. SEC Wayne, N1CLV, his leadership team, STM Larry K1HEJ, his NMs and I warmly thank each of you for your time and energy in this years Simulated Emergency Test. Wayne is anxious to hear from the DECs and ECs about how your effort handling the aftermath of “ice storm Izzy” proceeded. Right away, we need all ECs to get your reports to your DEC; NMs give reports to the STM K1HEJ. All DECs and the STM need to get reports to Mike K1DM who is, again this year, coordinating the final report to the SEC and to Headquarters. It would be great if you can get your reports in to DECs and the STM by the end of Thanksgiving weekend and DEcs to report by December 1. Let’s really try this year to get this done in a timely manner. Write about your experiences to your DEC and to the SEC. Let’s hear from you. ASM Anne, K1STM, has asked to be relieved of her duties as net manager for CN, the Section CW net because of her commitments in her brailling business. Dan, WA1GGN has stepped forward to lead CN which meets nightly on 3.533 at 1900 local. Give CN a try. CW traffic handling is alive and well in the region and in the Eastern area. Traffic goes in and out of the first region nightly on CW with impeccable procedure and skill. Now the Section net is a training opportunity for you so come join us if you are so inclined. You will be warmly welcomed. The Connecticut Phone net is now meeting at 1700 hours local 3.973 Monday through Saturday and 1000 hours on Sunday 3.965. The time change during the week was done to ameliorate communications during the winter difficult conditions. We’re all enjoying the new schedule. Do join us when you can!