• Arkansas Section News

    From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Mon Dec 13 09:44:44 2021
    Hello all,

    I am very grateful to report to those wondering that Mike Nettles, KB5WBH,
    was not injured when the tornado hit Monette, Arkansas. As you know, Mike
    is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the voice and WinLink ham stations at the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management. However, some
    of his family members lost homes and other items. Please keep them in your prayers.

    This very long track storm reminds me of the value of SkyWarn. While much
    of this storm damage happened at night, spotters gave valuable information
    in order for warnings to be issued far ahead of the storm's arrival. We
    can't save property, but if a life was spared because trained spotters
    provided ground truth then the time spent in training was worthwhile. Go
    to a SkyWarn class!

    Speaking of training, I have been asked to participate as a planning
    member for the RATPAC group. They have two weekly ZOOM sessions. Items
    of General Interest are presented on Wednesday night, and Thursday night
    is for EMCOMM. You do not have to be an ARRL member to watch. You may
    see the links to the presentations at this page:

    https://sites.google.com/view/ratpac/home

    They have a YouTube channel where all the programs are saved. If they
    haven't already covered a topic in which you're interested, you can make
    a suggestion. Even old guys like me can find interesting new things to
    learn!

    73,

    J.M. N5XFW SEC

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Tue Dec 14 19:47:16 2021

    Just FYI,

    This is not a drill. AWIN has experienced a total Network failure in
    the north half of Arkansas. It is unknown how long the outage will
    last. Please provide situational awareness to authorities as needed. We
    will be monitoring 3.9875 MHz for traffic. Since propagation is not the
    best, please use relays or move traffic to repeaters. I will send
    updates as I have them.

    Again, this is not a drill.

    J.M. N5XFW AR SEC

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Mon Jul 11 15:22:04 2022
    Hello all:

    Another Field Day is in the books. I would like to urge everyone to
    submit logs to the ARRL, even if you are not interested in any sort of
    ranking or award. The information developed from those entries is more
    valuable than ever to the future of ham radio --- we must show that we
    use those frequencies. There are those folks that would sell the
    airwaves or change the way we are allowed to operate, and we just cannot
    allow it. Take a few minutes and get it done, you won't regret it.
    Your children might benefit from your effort!

    http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Field-Day/2021/4_01-2021%20Now%20what.pdf

    I want to remind everyone that ham radio is a great way to provide
    situational awareness to your served agencies. We are moving forward
    with the WinLink involvement project at the Arkansas Division of
    Emergency Management (ADEM). In case you haven't heard, Joshua, AA5JC,
    has developed software that helps visualize information developed from
    the forms included in WinLink. This new capability is very exciting for
    us in the Emergency Management business. The project is ongoing, and suggestions for improvements are certainly welcome! This capability
    will be presented during the ADEM Conference in August to the county
    managers. You'll want to be ahead of the game and be able to answer
    questions when your County Emergency Manager gets home from the
    conference.

    You are encouraged to watch the RATPAC YouTube video of Joshua
    explaining the software and its uses. This video is in two parts: the
    first is Phil Sherrod, W4PHS, of the WinLink Development Team giving a demonstration, and then Joshua does his thing. Watch the whole thing.
    While some may find the technical explanation more information than they
    want, it's excellent background information. Here is the link:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wATA5txEGfM

    There is a lot of good training on YouTube for WinLink, and ham radio
    in general. Don't let that resource go to waste.

    Kudos to all the EC's that send in reports. Just like the Field Day
    reports, monthly activity reports are valuable to the future of Amateur
    Radio. Keep up the good work! If you are, or know someone that is
    interested in volunteering, please contact our Section Manager J.
    Ferguson, N5LKE.

    Thanks and best 73's,

    J.M. Rowe, N5XFW
    Arkansas SEC

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Wed Aug 24 17:15:35 2022
    Hello all,

    August has been a busy month! The Razorback Net Off-Grid net was a
    resounding success, way more than expected were working with an
    alternative power source. Ham operators in Arkansas still believe in
    Emergency Preparedness after all. We'll be seeing more of these nets as
    time goes on.

    As I compiled the ARES report to the ARRL this month, I noted an
    all-time high number of EC's reporting. The number keeps growing, and
    that is a good thing. Please keep it up! The numbers prove that ham
    radio is a viable and functioning entity. I heard some complaints that
    the form is too long. Well, that's what the ARRL asks for, and that's
    what we give them. I can assure you all the information is used to
    defend our frequencies and bandwidth.

    Your SM, N5LKE, the SEC, N5XFW, and AA5JC were invited to speak at the
    Arkansas Emergency Management Conference. The topic was What Ham Radio
    Can Do for the Emergency Manager. We talked about communications
    outages of course, and we changed directions slightly to include
    situational awareness. Hams, because they are already out in the
    communities and are aware of surroundings, can provide first-hand
    information. This kind of interaction will go a long way toward
    cementing positive relationships with our served agencies.

    Speaking of situational awareness, one of the premier activities where
    hams can help their communities is SkyWarn. Arkansas historically has
    had very active SkyWarn groups, and the Little Rock and Tulsa National
    Weather Service Offices are appreciative of our efforts. (That's all I
    have talked with so far) I am very interested in doing my part to
    further those efforts, therefore, Joshua Carroll, AA5JC, has been
    appointed as the Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator for SkyWarn Operations. He brings a wealth of innovation and fresh ideas to the
    table, and I am looking forward to us realizing some improvements
    that will make Arkansas stand out in that arena! More on that as time
    goes on.

    Please let me know how I can help you get more involved in your
    communities. Encourage your EC to get involved, or volunteer to be an
    EC if you don't have one.

    73,

    J.M. Rowe N5XFW
    Arkansas SEC

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Fri Oct 14 18:25:28 2022
    Hello all:

    I wish that I had been able to attend the K5BOC Hamfest on Petit Jean.
    It was a great event judging from the reports and pictures I saw. I hope
    my schedule is better next year!

    About this year's Section Emergency Test: I have been working with a
    committee chaired by the Razorback Net Manager KC5SM to outline what we
    wish to practice this time. As you know, the scenario involves the total eclipse that will be in 2024. Looking at the after-action reports from
    Wyoming and West Virginia, it becomes obvious that Hams will be in a good position to develop and feed reports that will be very useful. I have
    been tasked by the State to develop situational awareness assets
    utilizing Amateur Radio. This situational awareness capability will be
    used in planning at all levels of government as well as non-governmental organizations.

    Concept of Operations

    I am asking the County EC group to coordinate an informal net on
    repeaters in their county an hour prior to the Razorback Net on November
    2, 2022. The number of check-ins is the only thing to report to the
    Razorback Net. All operators are encouraged to participate at their
    appropriate level, because we'll want all the help we can get! Please
    spread the word about this event so the repeater folks will be ready to
    get in on the fun. HF operators without a report please check in too,
    as this exercise is all about numbers. The more folks that take part
    help justify that we can help when the time comes. This scenario does
    not anticipate power outages, so check-ins may be done as they would on
    a blue-sky day.

    Please contact your County EC's if you have questions. If you don't
    have an EC, your District Emergency Coordinator should be able to help
    you. The Arkansas Section Staff list may be found at

    https://ararrl.net/section-staff/list/list/2/2

    I know it has been a long time since Arkansas hams have had an active
    part in any sort of real-world event other than our regular bike or foot
    races and SkyWarn. It seems a lot of hams have the perception that we
    are not valued in the world of EMCOMM. We can change that, if we can
    show we are a viable asset to those folks that can use the information
    we can deliver. It is my fondest dream that hams are recognized as an
    essential part of that world. Thank you for helping!

    73,

    J.M. Rowe N5XFW
    AR Section SEC

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Sat Oct 29 21:02:16 2022
    Good afternoon all:

    Dennis, N5XMZ, due to family health issues and other reasons, wishes to decrease his responsibilities. Dennis has been a true and faithful
    friend to Arkansas EMCOMM for years. I have asked Dennis to remain as
    the Logan County EC, and he has agreed. I wish to thank Dennis for his
    many contributions, and I am grateful that he is willing to continue
    working with us.

    Effective today, Chris Ebert, NA0D, is appointed as the Northwest Arkansas Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator. Chris brings a wealth of both experience and education to the playing field, and I am happy he is
    joining us. I look forward to working with Chris moving Arkansas EMCOMM forward. Chris will be meeting with the NW Arkansas County Emergency
    Managers and County Emergency Coordinators in the near future.

    Please join me in welcoming NA0D to the Arkansas Section Leadership!

    As a reminder we utilize the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management
    map found here:

    https://www.dps.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Area-Coordinators-.png

    Please let me know how I can help you in your endeavors.

    73,

    J.M. Rowe N5XFW
    Arkansas SEC

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Mon Oct 31 22:43:19 2022
    Hello all:

    It has been brought to my attention that some groups do not have good
    access to HF at this time, but still want to participate in the
    exercise. Just how cool is that? It shows me there is real interest in
    EMCOMM and that is encouraging!

    So, for those that are in that boat, send your report to KC5SM at arrl
    dot net. Miss Susie has graciously volunteered to put all this
    together. Thanks and hats off to her!

    Remember, all we are looking for is the number of check-ins and what
    county the repeater is based. I suggest running the net at 5:30 PM
    local to get as many operators as possible involved.

    Let me know if you have questions, and enjoy the exercise!

    73,

    J.M. Rowe N5XFW
    Arkansas Section SEC

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Thu Nov 3 03:00:59 2022
    Good evening all:

    WOW!

    KC5SM says a record number on the Razorback Net tonight. Didn't she do
    a great job? Net controllers are what makes a net successful, and I'd
    say we have a bunch of high-power high-speed low-drag controllers in
    Arkansas.

    Our served agencies will be thrilled when they see the results of this
    test. It will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that Arkansas ham
    operators are ready to provide life-saving information and situational awareness when the need arises.I am beyond grateful to each of you.

    I will certainly publish the final tally when everything gets finalized.
    I bet there are some adding machines with smoking keys right about now!
    We'll see which counties are strong and more importantly which ones
    need some help.

    Thanks again for participating, and 73.

    J.M. Rowe N5XFW
    Arkansas Section SEC

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Sat Nov 5 16:25:33 2022
    Hello all:

    I am thrilled by the final numbers KC5SM provided me!

    HF check-ins 91, 16 of those out-of-state
    VHF/UHF check-ins 200
    Total 291 WOW!
    43 counties
    Other states were Texas, Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana,
    Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Iowa

    Every one of these check-ins is capable of providing situational
    awareness to our served agencies. That's a huge asset, and I think you
    should pat yourself on the back!

    Speaking of situational awareness, SkyWarn nets all over the Ark-La-Tex
    region and then further east provided situational awareness to the
    Tulsa, Shreveport, and Little Rock NWS offices last night. I thank you
    all for your services to our communities. What you are doing is
    important, and appreciated! We are working on ways to improve our
    capabilities, and we certainly would like to hear ideas.

    73,

    J.M. Rowe N5XFW
    Arkansas Section SEC

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Tue Dec 6 22:55:18 2022
    Hello all:

    As you may be aware, the NWS radar at Little Rock is down for upgrades
    and maintenance. I saw some pictures, and there are roughly 3 zillion
    and six pieces to that thing. At this time, it is questionable whether
    it will be back together in time for this next event.

    This means the National Weather Service needs us more than ever to
    provide ground truth (situational awareness). It is important to them
    that we act as their eyes and ears to make sure they understand local situations. It can help save lives!

    One of the issues that Arkansas hams face is notification that our help
    is needed. We are thinking about different methods, and we want to try
    this one specifically. Please take time to get signed up, and help us
    prove the worth of hams in Arkansas.

    73, J.M. N5XFW AR SEC

    **

    The following is from Josh AA5JC:

    Hello Arkansas Hams! We have the possibility of severe weather next
    week and the LZK radar may not be available. So we'll need all hands
    on deck to provide ground truth to the National Weather Service.

    We have created an announcement group on GroupMe to help during
    preparation and coordination of weather and other emergency events.
    Only admins can send messages on this group, so it shouldn't be very
    annoying or distracting. Please take a moment to sign up at https://groupme.com/join_group/88292113/07lMbyx7

    Thanks,
    Joshua Carroll
    Asst Section Emergency Coordinator for SkyWarn

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Tue Dec 20 05:12:51 2022
    Hello all:

    Unless you have been hiding under the proverbial rock, you have heard by
    now that a bunch of seriously cold windy air is on it's way to interrupt
    our Holiday. I wanted to pass on some what is going on in the way of preparation.

    Our Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator (ASEC) for SkyWarn Joshua,
    AA5JC, will be meeting with representatives from several different
    agencies (police, emergency management, hospitals, Weather Service) to
    discuss worst-case scenarios and contingencies. We'll let you know what
    they figure out.

    Now, it's up to us to take care of ourselves! For myself, I'm canceling
    the tower climbing plans this week. Haha just kidding! Everybody knows
    I don't climb towers anymore!

    For sure, though, I'm thinking about the 4P's: people, pets, plants, and
    pipes. Keep your batteries charged in case of power outages. We can
    certainly be useful giving situational awareness to our served agencies.

    As you know, most agencies use the PACE system. PACE stands for Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency. For most agencies, Ham Radio falls
    into the Emergency category. That means we are only used as a dead last
    resort, and I think that is a huge waste of resources.

    Let's make ourselves useful! I'm always on the look-out for ideas to
    make that happen. Please tell me if you stumble across one.

    That's all for now. I've got some hot chocolate waiting!

    73,

    J.M. Rowe N5XFW
    ARRL Arkansas Section Emergency Coordinator

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Fri Dec 23 00:40:53 2022
    BRRRR

    I hope everyone is able to stay on the warm side of the door!

    As you know, the ham radio station (KB5LZK) at the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) has historically been one of the most used
    WinLink gateways for hurricane-affected areas. This is mostly due to
    our distance away from the reporting agencies, but partly because of our ability to do Pactor 4. I am sure you are aware that Pactor 4 is a much
    higher speed mode than what is usually allowed by the FCC rules. The
    FCC issues Special Temporary Authorizations (STA) that allows Pactor 4
    during times of need, and ADEM stepped up to purchase the necessary
    equipment. There has been a petition to change the FCC rule in front of
    them since 2013, but the FCC has so far failed to come to a decision.
    Director AJ Gary signed a letter in support of the change this past
    year, joining several State Emergency Management agencies. (Thank you,
    AJ)

    On December 1, 2022, Rep. Debra Lesko of Arizona introduced a bill in
    the House of Representatives that will compel the FCC to do exactly what
    we have been asking. Hopefully this bill will sail through to become
    law in the shortest time possible.

    I wanted everyone to have the latest information on this important
    topic. Please contact me if you have questions.

    Very respectfully,

    J.M. Rowe
    Arkansas SHARES/RACES/ESF 2 Liaison Officer
    Chair, Arkansas COMU Working Group
    Member, Policy and Technology Working Groups
    Member, Arkansas Wireless Information Network Executive
    Committee
    At-Large Member, SAFECOM
    N5XFW/NND6EM/WRVE655

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Sun Jan 1 22:26:45 2023
    Hello to all:

    Just a note from AA5JC, the ASEC for SkyWarn today.

    With the coming weather predicted to impact almost all of Arkansas,
    please charge any batteries you might need to operate, especially in
    the case of an extended power outage.

    If you haven't, please join the GroupMe we will use for notifications.
    That URL is:

    https://groupme.com/join_group/88292113/07lMbyx7

    From J.M.:

    I hope the holidays treated you as well as they did me! Let's continue
    to make Arkansas a leader in developing situational awareness for our
    served agencies. Weather affects everyone. Let's help the NWS know the
    ground truth as only we can.

    Thanks and 73,

    J.M. Rowe N5XFW
    Arkansas SEC

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Tue Jan 17 20:51:14 2023
    Hello all:

    Jay, N5LKE, and I, are looking forward to seeing big crowds at both the
    Hoxie and Russellville hamfests. What a relief to be able to do eyeball
    QSO's again! Let's support these hamfests so the vendors will see the opportunity to come back.

    From our ASEC for SkyWarn AA5JC: The National Weather Service will have
    the Little Rock radar down for upgrades beginning 1/18/2023. (Hard for
    me to write 2023!) Our situational awareness reporting will become even
    more helpful during this time. We can surely make a positive difference
    for our friends and neighbors! You can still sign up to be notified
    about SkyWarn Operations here:

    https://groupme.com/join_group/88292113/07lMbyx7

    There will be no spam messages at all, and it is designed to do
    notifications only.

    For those interested in continuing their education, there is an AUXCOMM
    class on the ADEM schedule. This is a state-sponsored class, so hotels
    and per diem expenses are reimbursable for Arkansas residents
    (conditions apply). The class will be at Bentonville, April 1 and 2.

    There are prerequisites you must meet before registering. You must have
    a valid amateur radio operators license (Tech and above). You must have
    a FEMA Student ID Number https://cdp.dhs.gov/femasid/register , be
    associated with an agency, and have the latest versions of IS 100, 200,
    700, and 800. When you get all that done, here is the link to the
    registration page. Don't wait, the class will be open to hams outside
    Arkansas as well.

    https://www.dps.arkansas.gov/emergency-management/adem/training-exercise/ training/class-registration-request/

    (above URL all on one line)

    As always, let me and/or Jay N5LKE know if there is something we can do
    for you.

    73,

    J.M. N5XFW AR SEC

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Tue Jan 31 10:30:39 2023
    Hello all:

    It's not news that we are about to have some frozen precipitation. I'm
    sure your preparations are complete by now. If not, well, you better
    get moving.

    There are some things we can do to help our community without leaving
    the shack, and I'd like to ask you to think about a few of them. One is
    check on folks that are older or infirm (let us face it, a lot of us fit squarely in that category), and second, use the mPING app on your phone.
    It is a free app and the information goes straight to the Weather
    Service. Since we have been asked to provide situational awareness,
    this is a perfect way to contribute. Also, while you are stuck inside,
    it's a perfect time to work on your online ICS and ARRL EMCOMM classes.
    Let me know if I can help you get started.

    You haven't heard me on HF lately due to overwhelming powerline noise.
    80M is completely covered, and I can't hear anything but the noise.
    WA5LUY came out and we identified several sources. Entergy, with the
    ice storm coming, probably won't be around to do anything for me for a
    while.

    If you do get out and about, don't fall down and hurt yourself. The
    last thing any of us want is to be a burden to others.

    73,

    J.M. Rowe N5XFW
    AR ARRL SEC

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Sat Feb 11 18:05:24 2023
    Hello all:

    WOOHOO!! it's finally time for some eyeball QSO's.

    The Hoxie Hamfest is this coming Friday and Saturday, 2/17 and 2/18/2023.

    This is the website: https://w5wra.org/index.php/2023/01/11/winterfest-2023/

    It's a wonderful get-together. It's the first Arkansas Hamfest of the year!

    The Russellville Hamfest is now known as the Arkansas River Valley Hamfest. It's scheduled for 3/4/2023.

    This is the website: https://sites.google.com/view/arv-hamfest/home

    Be sure to note the different location from previous years. This Hamfest is always well attended, and there is no doubt some radio-trading and story swapping (tall tales and leg pulling) will be going on!

    Repeater owners and Trustees take note: The Arkansas Repeater Council will hold its yearly meeting at the Arkansas River Valley Hamfest. I don't have
    an agenda for the Hamfest yet, so I don't know what time it will occur.
    There will be a business meeting, so be sure to make time to be there.
    This meeting was held at Queen Wilhemena Hamfest last year, and we heard
    from a LOT of people that wanted it to be closer to the middle of the state.

    Of course, our Section Manager, N5LKE, plans to be at both. Jay and I
    both are looking forward to seeing everyone.

    Please let us know if there is anything we might help you with.

    73,

    J.M. Rowe, N5XFW
    AR Section SEC

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Mon Mar 6 00:19:26 2023
    Hello all:

    First and foremost, as just a ham radio operator and regular person,
    secondly as a Section Emergency Coordinator, and third as the secretary
    of the Arkansas Repeater Council, I want to congratulate ARVARF on the excellent work putting on a Hamfest! From all the reports I received,
    the venue was great, the POTA station was a hit, it was very well
    attended, and much visiting was done. The pictures I saw made me very
    happy that we are finally able to get back to doing what we do best, and
    that is fellowship!

    Now, I want everybody to have access to a YouTube video where the
    Arkansas Statewide Operability Coordinator Penny Rubow talks about the
    Solar Eclipse 2024 Planning effort. The State and regional meetings are
    just starting, and Ham EMCOMM has a huge opportunity to put a good foot forward. This is probably the best chance we've ever had to show and
    utilize our capabilities. Please join with me in helping our
    communities. There is so much we can do, now is the time to begin
    figuring out just what and how.

    This is the URL to the YouTube video. I'm pretty sure you will have to
    copy and paste into your browser.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKjgNieNYVE

    As always, let me know what I can do to help you.

    Thanks and 73,

    J.M. Rowe N5XFW
    AR Section Emergency Coordinator

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Sat Apr 8 14:18:32 2023
    Hello All:

    We are exactly one year away from the eclipse! You know, when I was a youngster, a year was a very long time. Especially at the beginning of
    the school year, time was SLOOOOOOW. Now I'm not so young, and a year
    is not a very long time anymore.

    Failing to plan is the same thing as planning to fail. If you are going
    to be a help to your community, do you have a plan? Have you begun
    executing your plan? Do you need help getting started? Remember that
    to be helpful hams must be integrated into Emergency Management in some fashion, otherwise we are just talking to ourselves.

    I have not heard anyone talking about a Special Event centered around
    the eclipse in Arkansas. Is someone planning something?

    The first 2023 AUXCOMM class was held in Bentonville this past weekend,
    and it went great! I highly recommend it if you are interested in
    EMCOMM. The class is designed to be twenty hours long, and will usually
    be offered on a weekend. Right now the plan is to deliver it in several
    areas of the State. Since it is offered by the Arkansas Division of
    Emergency Management (ADEM), students are eligible for travel
    reimbursements under the usual requirements. I will be publicizing the
    dates and locations as they become available. Get your IS 100, 200,
    700, and 800 classes done now as they are a prerequisite.

    Let us know how we can help.

    73,

    J.M. Rowe N5XFW
    Arkansas SEC

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Mon May 22 16:30:40 2023
    Hello all:

    What a great time in Xenia at the Greene County Fairgrounds! The vendor
    area was full, and the flea market was jam-packed with everything you
    can imagine. Bargains galore. There were several food trucks and
    trailers, turning out several varieties of "fair food". I had one of
    the best corn dogs I've ever eaten, and that is a large endorsement!
    (Just FYI, they do not understand BBQ up there.) The forums were mostly standing room only! The Hamvention provides an opportunity to see
    equipment you didn't even know existed, talk to experts about almost any
    ham radio technology or topic, and touch that new radio. Make plans to
    go if you are able, and bring your friends.

    Speaking of the forums, I was able to attend the ARES forum to hear Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, speak. As you remember, Josh was the Emergency Manager
    for Johnson County (Clarkesville) for, I think, 17 years. Now he is the Emergency Management Director for the ARRL. The crowd was interested to
    hear what direction the ARRL would be taking and how they fit into the
    overall scheme of EMCOMMM. Josh made several excellent points:

    1. The ARRL has signed a new MOU with FEMA for the next 5 years.
    2. The ARRL has been elected as an association member of SAFECOMM.
    3. There is no conflict between ARES and AUXCOMM.

    I'd like to expand on the last item, if you'll indulge me please. I
    wrote the following four paragraphs a while back and Josh said really
    close to the same thing.

    I think some of you believe the ARRL is a Response Organization with a
    duty to act. This is not correct. The ARRL is much better thought of
    as a Resource. There are go-kits, there is some training, there is
    advice, there are lists of potential volunteers at hand. There are no
    Type 1, 2, or 3 ARESMATs available to Newington.

    That in no way diminishes the League. They simply have a different
    purpose than what most of you are thinking. Local EM's need control of volunteers to satisfy the Stafford Act, which effectively ends the
    question about who works for who. Jeopardizing Relief Funds by not
    being NIMS-compliant is not an option anymore.

    AUXCOMM does not teach soldering, message handling, WinLink, radio
    programming, or any other of the many skills thought to be included in
    an Amateur Radio Operator. Rather it teaches the operators how to
    integrate into an already existing management structure and not make
    fools of themselves by trying to assume command.

    As you can plainly see, there is no one stop shop when it comes to
    EMCOMM, and it is not likely to change in the foreseeable future.
    Instead of having a contest on who can holler loudest about the virtues
    of one system over another, why don't we do training that satisfies
    whatever entity where you want to volunteer? Then you can be the best
    you can be.

    Fellow hams, won't you join me in working toward our common goal of
    helping our served agencies?

    Let me know how I can help and 73,

    J.M. Rowe N5XFW
    Arkansas ARRL SEC

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Wed May 10 02:18:04 2023
    Greetings All,

    I've been out of town and I'm a bit late getting to this item; however,
    a two-day letter or overnight letter/packet will get you in the queue.

    Scott, W5WZ sent this to me from Reeves Memorial Medical Center in
    Bernice, LA. RMMC is auctioning off this item (and other things) for the benefit of the hospital. This is a tremendous opportunity for a club or
    ham to get a great repeater tower and help a small town's MC.

    With no reserve price, someone can get it really cheap!

    We have a 190 ft Rohn SSV tower for auction via sealed bid. No reserve
    price. Bids are due May 12 @ 10:00 AM, and bid opening May 12 @ 10:15
    AM.

    Details and pictures as well as other items can be seen at the link
    below:

    https://reevesmemorial.com/surplus_sale/

    Buyer must take down and remove the tower from the site by June 30, 2023
    [so serious offers only- Ed.].

    A great potential repeater tower for a club or individual amateur with
    the proceeds benefiting a local hospital in N. LA. What a great deal!

    *********************************************************************

    Don't forget, the Carter Strong Hamfest is Saturday, May 13 in Monroe,
    LA- details to follow under separate email.

    73

    DE K5UZ

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Delta Division
    Director: David A Norris, K5UZ
    k5uz@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Sat Jul 8 06:43:19 2023
    Hello friends,

    I hope everyone had a great Holiday and remembered why we have that day.
    I know my family did. I think there were 90 people at the potluck!

    I wanted to update folks on the AUXCOMM classes, and preparations for the
    April Eclipse. We are scheduling classes in every ADEM Region. We have
    already done the one in NW, and all but SE is on the website. The SE one
    will be listed in the not-too-distant future. Please get registered and
    make plans to attend whichever one works better for your calendar.

    Remember these are State-Sponsored classes, so reimbursements for Lodging
    and meals are available subject to the rules. Get with your County
    Emergency Manager (or me) to help understand those rules, and the prerequisites.

    We will accept individuals without ham radio licenses, but they must be affiliated with an Authority Having Jurisdiction or some response agency.
    This is a link to the ADEM Training Schedule and Registration Page:

    https://www.dps.arkansas.gov/emergency-management/adem/training-exercise/ training/emergency-management-training-schedule/

    (above URL all on one line)

    There is another opportunity for Training and an associated exercise
    that I want to bring to your attention. The Red River Comms Boot Camp
    will be teaching every course for every position listed in the FEMA
    Incident Command Communications Unit. There will be a day devoted to
    exercises, so students will have a great chance to get some of their
    taskbook signed. John Minard and I will be teaching AUXCOMM at this
    event.

    This is not an Arkansas State Sponsored event, so no reimbursement.

    I have been told these classes are filling fast, so if this one is
    right for you, do not wait to register. This is the link to that website:

    https://central-states-comms.org/2023-red-river-comms-boot-camp/

    We have the right circumstances right now, to get the right training,
    to be the right volunteers to assist our communities. I'm not convinced
    this will ever happen again, especially considering the pressure from
    the Eclipse. Let's do it!

    Please share this message with anyone interested, and especially groups
    and organizations that might be affected.

    Thank you very much!

    J.M. Rowe N5XFW

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Sun Jun 18 17:36:01 2023
    Hello all:

    The National Weather Service has been busy the last few days!

    As everyone knows (including the general public and our served agencies),
    one of the best things we do is SkyWarn (R). In an effort to improve our ability to cover the entire Little Rock County Warning Area (CWA) (https://www.weather.gov/lzk/cwatxt.htm), we have a proposal for
    repeater owners and trustees.

    We propose to link any interested repeater via Allstar in order to cover
    a particular area.

    Joshua Carroll, AA5JC, the Section ASEC for SkyWarn (R), has a number of small-form computers, which could be used for this purpose, that he is
    donating to this cause. The computer would be connected to the internet,
    and in a location where a radio can reach the local repeater (the radio
    is of the local ham's choice - Baofengs work fine).

    The interface between the radio and the computer (https://github.com/skuep/AIOC/tree/master) is extremely low cost and
    might prove to be a club project. Perhaps a club or an individual would
    be willing to assemble the interface for those folks that would choose
    that route.

    All computer setup will be done before the computer is delivered. Hooking
    up the interface to the radio and the computer will be largely plug and
    play and will be the responsibility of the local hams.

    In this arrangement, not all repeaters need to be linked at any one time. Smaller areas, even a single repeater, can be interfaced as the situation demands.

    If you are in an area that is not currently served by a SkyWarn (R) net,
    have a reliable internet connection, and a spare radio - please consider becoming a part of this solution. If this proposal works, we will be
    the leading SkyWarn (R) operation in the nation in terms of coverage. We
    think that is a worthy goal. Please join this effort to build a Next
    Level SkyWarn (R) service with us.

    If you are interested in helping with this project, please contact AA5JC
    by email at joshua.carroll@adem.arkansas.gov.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Sun Jun 25 11:16:57 2023
    Hello all:

    As a young ham, I was thoroughly intimidated by the mere thought of
    Field Day. "It's fun!", my Elmers told me. I was afraid of not saying
    the right thing, or doing something stupid on the air. Worse, I might
    break somebody's radio!

    None of that bad stuff happened, and I eventually learned that it's now
    my turn to encourage new hams. I hope that's what you do, too. For me,
    part of the fun of Ham Radio is seeing the light come on in someone's
    eyes!

    Field Day is more than fun. It happens to be the single largest
    operating event in the Amateur world. It truly is an exercise and a
    training. You should receive credit for your effort. Don't miss out on
    sending the personnel/hours in. The more we report the better it looks.

    Thanks!

    I hope everyone had a good time at Field Day, and had an opportunity to
    see a new ham fall in love with Ham Radio.

    73,

    J.M.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Mon Jun 19 23:55:37 2023
    Field Day (24/25 June) is here at the end of this week, are you, your
    team and /or club ready?

    Full rules and well as some FAQ's links are provided below.

    Field Day Full Rules:
    http://www.arrl.org/field-day-rules

    Field Day Packet: http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Field-Day/2023/2023%20Field%20Day %20Packet%20v2.pdf

    (above URL all on one line)

    Field Day Station Locator:
    https://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator

    Field Day FAQ's: http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Field-Day/2023/1_62-%20FD%20FAQ.pdf

    Speaking of getting ready for Field Day, give some thought to reaching
    out to those you and your club helped get their ticket recently. Extend
    them an invitation and help get them on the air, if you are comfortable
    with being around others.For many this could be their first ever
    contact, for others it may provide the spark to upgrade.

    I hope that you will all have a wonderful Field Day event and look
    forward to working you on the air during the event. Please stay safe
    and practice social distancing.

    The Arkansas Section was proud to accept this years Amateur Radio Week Proclamation (18th June thru the 25th June) from Governor Sarah
    Huckabee Sanders on 12 June 2023.

    Thanks to "The Mayor" KD5LBE for facilitating the Amateur Radio Week Proclamation!

    Arkansas Governor's 20230 Amateur Radio Week Proclamation download
    link:

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/18XMZiYF9VO6hiYcLIhIRcw6fNlwNxIny/ view?usp=drive_link

    (above URL all on one line)

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)
  • From Daryl Stout@432:1/112 to All on Thu Jun 8 14:54:43 2023
    Howdy friends,

    Field Day is coming on fast! I will be moving around to different sites
    again this year, primarily in the Southwest. It would be great if you
    would send me the address where your site will be this year.

    A few things to think about while talking about Field Day!!

    ! Field Day is different things to different people because they have different interests. All those different things come together to be Ham
    Radio. There can be something for anyone. Plan accordingly.

    ! Please be Face-Forward to your served agencies. Invite them to the
    site, walk around with them to help them understand that hams are a huge resource for them. Grill a hot dog, and have a friendly chat about the
    April Eclipse. They need to start thinking about it, but do not press
    for specific plans just yet. Most of them have not started making
    plans.

    ! Practice doing EMCOMM. WinLink will be important during the Eclipse
    for traffic to ADEM. Send an email to the Section Manager via WinLink.
    Voice will be important for local situational awareness and possibly to
    ADEM. Originate a message (with a number on it) to be sent via the
    Razorback Net.

    ! Stay cool and hydrated, and above all have a good time!

    There are AUXCOMM classes now scheduled and listed on the ADEM Training Schedule. It will look good to your served agencies if you have these
    classes under your belt. They will know you are serious about being an
    asset. Remember there are prerequisites before you can register. These
    classes are an opportunity for Arkansas to lead the Nation in EMCOMM and
    I hope to see you all there!

    Please let me know how I might be of assistance.

    73,

    J.M. Rowe N5XFW
    Arkansas SEC
    N5XFW@Yahoo.com

    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ARRL Arkansas Section
    Section Manager: James D Ferguson Jr, N5LKE
    n5lke@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (432:1/112)