Section Emergency Coordinator's "Year-End Review - 2017"

Hey Gang,

Just wanted to let you all know that I have posted the SEC's Year-End Review for 2017 on the website.

Go take a look..  I know that you'll be impressed with the numbers and the activities that we did this past year!   

                                                                              >> Click Here <<


73,

Scott, N8SY...

The Ohio Section News Update - Christmas Day Edition

Hi Gang,

The latest Ohio Section News Update – Christmas Day Edition – is now on-line and ready for you to

read!

Here’s some of the great information that you’ll find in this edition..

-->  Handbook Give Away Winners - Yes, that's right, we had multiple winners and there's more!

-->  The Edge of Disaster - A book review by Larry Osterman, W8JYQ

-->  ARISS News - Ohio has a school that will be participating

-->  Ohio DMR Net Report - See just what has been happening with this really fun net

And so much more.. 

Go take a look!!     http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/ps-12-25-17.pdf

73,

Scott, N8SY..

The Ohio Section Journal - December Edition

Hi Gang,

The December Edition of the Ohio Section Journal is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Here’s just a teaser of some of the great information that you’ll find in this edition..

  -->  From the Technical Coordinator – Jeff gives

         some his insights on ham licensing

  -->  From the Affiliated Club Coordinator –

        Tom gives us some really great suggestions

        on how to boost up attendance at club

        meetings 

  -->  From the Public Information Coordinator –

         John, with a really great article about 

         Ken Massie, WN8F

  -->  Important information about the Ohio DMR Net, and the Dayton Hamvention

  -->  HEY…  You just gotta’ read up on the “Christmas Handbook Give Away”

There’s so much more that we just can’t list it all here…   You really need to read this edition!!    

http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/OSJ-December-17.pdf

73, and everyone please have a very joyous, safe and happy Holiday Season!!!

Scott, N8SY..

The Ohio Section News Update - December 11th Edition

Hi Gang,

The latest Ohio Section News Update – December 11th Edition – is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Here’s some of the great information that you’ll find in this edition..

-->  Project – Build An AM Radio – This was a club project and a lot of fun for all who participated

-->  Ohio ARES VHF Simplex Contest – This contest is always a blast to do

-->  When Are Power Strips A Fire Hazard – This is a great story about how we all misuse these devices

-->  Ohio ARES Tiered I Certificate – Tier I members can now get a certificate suitable for framing

And so much more.. 

Go take a look!!     http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/ps-12-11-17.pdf

73,

Scott, N8SY..

The Ohio Section News Update - December 4th Edition

Hi Gang,

 

The latest Ohio Section News Update – December 4th Edition – is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Here’s some of the great information that you’ll find in this edition..

-->  Handbook Give Away – Winners from the November Drawing – Yes winners

-->  JOTA “Alive and Doing Well” – An update on this year’s activities

-->  Go Kit Inspection – Have you inspected your “Go Kit” lately? This gives you some things to consider

-->  Ohio ARES Tiered Membership – A more in-depth look at the new Tiered system

And so much more.. 

Go take a look!!     http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/ps-12-04-17.pdf

73,

Scott, N8SY..

The Ohio Section News Update - Cyber Monday Edition

Hi Gang,

The latest Ohio Section News Update – Cyber Monday – is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Here’s some of the great information that you’ll find in this edition..

-->  Handbook Give Away – Winners from the Special Drawing at Thanksgiving

-->  White Wire Blues – Do you know what the “White” wire does?

-->  ARES Milestone Reached – You gotta’ read this one for sure!

And so much more.. 

Go take a look!!     http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/ps-11-27-17.pdf

73,

Scott, N8SY..

The Ohio Section Journal - Thanksgiving Edition

Hi Gang,

The Thanksgiving Edition of the Ohio Section Journal is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Here’s some of the great information that you’ll find in this edition..

-->  From the Technical Coordinator – Jeff gives some insights on some of the newest radios out there

  -->  From the Section Emergency Coordinator – Stan is introducing a new program for ARES and the NIMS requirements

  -->  From the Public Information Coordinator – John with the Rules for the 2018 Newsletter Contest and insights on TV shows

  -->  From the Section Traffic Manager - Dave does a review of handling traffic

And so much more…   You just gotta’ take a look!!     

http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/OSJ-November-17.pdf

73,

Scott, N8SY..

The Ohio Section News Update - November 13 Edition

Hey Gang,

The latest Ohio Section News Update is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Here’s some of the great information that you’ll find in this edition..

     * Field Day Results – Who made the top 10 list from Ohio

     * Which Way Do I Go? – What the Ohio Section will use in times of need

     * Handbook Give Away – Special Drawing for Thanksgiving

     * International Grid Chase – The new ARRL activity for 2018

And so much, much more inside.. 

You just gotta’ take a look!!     http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/ps-11-13-17.pdf

73,

Scott, N8SY..

Section Traffic Manager's October Report has been posted

Hey Gang,

Just wanted to let everyone know that the October Section Traffic Manager's report has been posted to the website..

Go take a look..           >>  Click Here  <<


73,

Scott, N8SY..

The Ohio Section News Update - November 06 Edition

Hi Gang,

 

The latest Ohio Section News Update is now

on-line and ready for you to read!

Here’s some of the great information that you’ll find in this edition..

-->  Bad Day

-->  Handbook Give Away – Winner Announced

-->  Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning – Are you protected?

-->  Digital Modes Changing Complexion of Bands

And so much more.. 

Go take a look!!     http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/ps-11-06-17.pdf

73,

Scott, N8SY..

Dale's Tales has just been published!!

Hey Gang,

Don't miss out on this edition of Dale's Tales..  There's lot's of great information!!

                         >> Click Here <<

73,

Scott, N8SY..

Handbook Winner Announced..

Handbook Giveaway !!

And the winner is... Steve Corvin, N8AHH  Since we've had another a great response with the Giveaway  this month, I added some extra goodies to "Give Away" as well !! So, here are the additional winners, and what they won: Robert Schenk, KO8RS - Ohio  Section Hat Douglas Mansor, WA8UWV - Ohio Section Hat Joe Blazer, AB8ZK - A years supply (12) Ohio Section Sticky Note Pads *********************************** I want to thank EVERYONE that participated!!  See ya' real soon with the Thanksgiving Special Drawing!! Keep looking for the big RED arrow on the main page  and get registered for a chance to win!! You never know, it may be YOU..

The Ohio Section News Update - Halloween Edition

Hi Gang,

 

The latest Ohio Section News Update Halloween Edition is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Here’s some of the information that you’ll find in this edition..

-->  Be Careful About Choosing Your Training

-->  Akron Man Survives Hurricane

-->  Handbook Give Away – Time is running out!

-->  Fun Things To Do

And so much more.. 

Go take a look!!     http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/ps-10-30-17.pdf

73,

Scott, N8SY..

The Ohio Section News Update - October 23rd Edition

Hi Gang,

The latest Ohio Section News Update is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Here’s some of the information that you’ll find in this edition..

* Caribbean Telecommunications Union Head Calls for “New Generation” of Hams

* Handbook Give Away

* Fun Things To Do

And so much more.. 

Go take a look!!     http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/ps-10-23-17.pdf  

73,

Scott, N8SY..

The Ohio Section Journal - October Edition

Hi Gang,

The latest Ohio Section Journal is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Here’s just a few items that you’ll find in this edition..

* THE TECHNICAL COORDINATOR – Jeff, K8JTK lets us in on Cyber Security

* AFFILIATED CLUB COORDINATOR REPORT – Tom, WB8LCD talks about how to make your club really fun

* THE SECTION EMERGENCY COORDINATOR – Stan, N8BHL reviews Black Swan and a few other hot topic items

SCHOOL CLUB ROUNDUP / JOTA and so very much more.. You just gotta take a good look at this month’s Journal!

There’s just too much to list it all here!   http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/OSJ-October-17.pdf

73,

Scott, N8SY

The Ohio Section News Update - October 9th Edition

Hi Gang,

The latest Ohio Section News Update is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Here’s some of the information that you’ll find in this edition..

* Patience in Checking into Nets – a really great story from Daryl Stout, WX1DER

* Great Lakes HamCon Wrap-up

And so much more.. 

Go take a look!!     http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/ps-10-09-17.pdf  

73,

Scott, N8SY..

The Ohio Section News Update - October 2nd Edition

Hi Gang,

 

The latest Ohio Section News Update is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Here’s some of the information that you’ll find in this edition..

 * The “HAT” – a really great story about W1HAT

 * CW Op’s Guide to Contesting – 101 – Read and hear about our own Anthony Luscre, K8ZT

 * Handbook Give Away – Read up on who won the Handbook this month, as well as some other surprises

 * Salvation Army Seeks HAM Operators – You really need to read this article

And so much more.. 

Go take a look!!     http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/ps-10-02-17.pdf

73,

Scott, N8SY..

Dale's Tales for October has been published

Hi Gang,

Just wanted to let you all know that the October issue of Dale's Tales has been published..

Go take a look!!                          >> Click Here <<


73,


Scott, N8SY

The Ohio Section News Update - September 25th Edition

Hi Gang,

The latest Ohio Section News Update is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Here’s some of the information that you’ll find in this edition..

*  DMR Infuses Fun Onto A Recently New Ham – A story about a new YL Ham that has found DMR

* One Question Questionnaire – Do you print off the newsletter and read it later?

* Caribbean Emergency Weather Network Handling High Volume of Post-Storm Traffic – There’s some really important information in this article

* Fun Things To Do – Ham Classes and other items of interest

* Upcoming Hamfests

And so much more.. 

Go take a look!!    >> http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/ps-09-25-17.pdf

73,

Scott, N8SY..

The Ohio Section Journal - September Edition

Hi Gang,

The latest Ohio Section Journal is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Here’s just a few items that you’ll find in this edition..

* From the Technical Coordinator, Jeff, K8JTK – more info on System Fusion, Background Checks, ISS SSTV

* From the Affiliated Clubs Coordinator, Tom, WB8LCD – on Affiliated Clubs in Ohio and getting to know them better

* From the Section Emergency Coordinator, Stan, N8BHL – on the hurricane nets and our upcoming Black Swan exercise

* Important Updates from the FCC and ARRL and a really great Modified Portable MFJ-1835 Cobweb Antenna that you can do!!

And, there’s the latest Special Events and Hamfest schedule and much, much more inside..  

Go take a look!!     http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/OSJ-September-17.pdf

73,

Scott

The Ohio Section News Update - Patriot Day Edition

Hi Gang,

The latest Ohio Section News Update is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Here’s some of the information that you’ll find in this edition..

 * Information Portal to Support Hurricane Harvey

 * One Question Questionnaire

 * Hurricane Irma Amateur Radio Emergency

 * Nets

 * Fun Things To Do

Go take a look!!    >> http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/ps-09-11-17.pdf

73,

Scott, N8SY..

Section Traffic Manager's Report has been published..

Hey Gang,

Just wanted to let you all know that I just published the Section Traffic Manager's August Report..


Go take a look..                      >> Click Here <<


73,

Scott, N8SY..

The Ohio Section News Update - Labor Day Edition

Hi Gang,

The latest Ohio Section News Update is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Here’s some of the information that you’ll find in this edition..

* FCC’s Updates Rules

* New - One Question Questionnaire – How often to you want to see updates

* Handbook Give Away – The winner announced for the August Drawing

* Domain Name “.radio” Now Available

* Fun Things To Do and Classes starting up

* FREE Certificate Maker Software – This one is really great for those special events..

Go take a look!!    >> http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/ps-09-04-17.pdf

73,

Scott, N8SY..

September edition of Dale's Tales has been posted..

Hey Gang,

I just posted the latest edition of Dale's Tales on the website..

Go take a look..          >> Click Here <<


73,

Scott, N8SY..

The Ohio Section News Update - August 28th Edition

Hi Gang,

The latest Ohio Section News Update is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Here’s some things that you’ll find in this edition..

* Handbook Give Away
* Black Swan 17
* Fun Things To Do
* Director, Vice Director Elections

Go take a look!!    http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/ps-08-28-17.pdf

73,

Scott, N8SY..

The Eclipse Edition of the Ohio Section Journal has been published

Hi Gang,

The latest Ohio Section Journal is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Here’s just a few items that you’ll find in this edition..

* New information about the New Fusion System from the Jeff, K8JTK our Technical Coordinator

* Having fun activities to do in your club from Tom, WB8LCD the Affiliated Club Coordinator

* Stan, N8BHL our Section Emergency Coordinator reports on being ready with emergency communications

* Our Public Information Coordinator, John, KD8IDJ recaps our recent Newsletter Contest and McGan Silver Antenna winner

* Dave, WA3EZN our Section Traffic Manager reports on the most recent OSSBN Garlock Award Winner, and a few other interesting topics

* Assistant Section Manager Lyn, N8IMW reports on her activities around the state

* Important Updates from the ARRL

And, much, much more inside..  Go take a look!!  
>> http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/OSJ-August-17.pdf

73,

Scott, N8SY..

The Ohio Section News Update - August 14th Edition is now on-line..

Hi Gang,

The latest Ohio Section News Update is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Here’s some things that you’ll find in this edition..

* Handbook Give Away

* Amateur Radio During Solar Eclipse

* 2017 Scholarship Award Winners

* Highland Amateur Radio Association Honored

* Fun Things To Do

Go take a look!!    >> http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/ps-08-14-17.pdf

73,

Scott, N8SY..

The Section Traffic Manager's July Report has just been published..

Hi Gang,

Just wanted to let you all know that the July edition of the Section Traffic Manager's Report has been published..


Go take a look..                         >> Click Here <<


73,

Scott, N8SY..

The Section Emergency Coordinator's July Report..

Hi Gang,

I just wanted to let you all know that I just published the July Section Emergency Coordinator's reports..


Go take a look..              >>  Click Here <<


73,

Scott, N8SY..

Ohio Section News Update - August 7th Edition

Hi Gang,

The latest Ohio Section News Update is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Here's some things that you'll find in this edition..

 * Ohio Section Newsletter Contest Winners Announced

 * 2017 Phillip J. McGan Award

 * Handbook Give Away

 * 2017 Allan Severson Award Recipient Announced

 * FT8 Mode is latest bright shiny object

 * Fun things to do..

Go take a look!!  >> http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/ps-08-07-17.pdf


73,

Scott, N8SY..

Dale's Tales for August have just been published!!

Hey Gang,

Dale's Tales for August have just been published..

You really need to go take a look..

>>  Click Here <<


73,

Scott, N8SY..

The Ohio Section News Update - July 31st Edition

Hi Gang,

The latest Ohio Section News Update is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Go take a look!!    >> http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/ps-07-31-17.pdf

73,

Scott, N8SY..

The Ohio Section News Update - July 24th Edition

Hi Gang,

The latest Ohio Section News Update is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Go take a look!!    >> http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/ps-07-24-17.pdf 

73,

Scott, N8SY..

July Edition of the Ohio Section Journal has now been posted!!

Hi Gang,

The latest edition of the Ohio Section Journal is now on-line and ready for you to read!

The OSJ is a very comprehensive look at all of the programs reporting for July in the Ohio Section. I’m sure that you’ll find a lot of great, useful information contained within. It’s even formatted so that you can quickly and easily print it off and take it with you!

Go take a look!!    >> http://arrl-ohio.org/news/2017/OSJ-July-17.pdf

Want to see back editions?  >> Click Here <<

73,

Scott, N8SY..

Ohio Section Traffic Manager's report for June has been posted..

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to let you all know that the June Report from the Section Traffic Manager has been posted..


Go take a look..              >>  Click Here <<



73,

Scott, N8SY..

The newest edition of PostScript has been posted..

Hi Gang,

The newest edition of PostScript is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Go take a look!!    >> Click Here <<


73,

Scott, N8SY..

The June Section Emergency Coordinator's report as been posted..

Hey Gang,

Just wanted to let you all know that I just posted the June Section Emergency Coordinator's report on the website..


Go take a look..                          >>  Click Here <<


73,

Scott, N8SY..

New - PostScript 07-03-2017

Hi Gang,

The new edition of PostScript is now on-line and ready for you to read!

Go take a look!!    >> Click Here <<


73,

Scott, N8SY..

Dale's Tales has been posted!!

Hey Gang,

Just wanted to let you all know that I just posted the July Edition of Dale's Tales..

Go take a look!!                               >> Click Here <<


73,

Scott, N8SY..

The Ohio Section News Update – June 26th Edition

Inside..

- National News

- One Question Survey

- Handbook Give-Away

- Field Day Pictures

- NIMS / ICS Training / Ohio Responds

- My Final

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

FCC Chairman to Appoint New Enforcement Bureau Chief

(from ARRL Bulletins)

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has announced that he intends to appoint Rosemary C. Harold to serve as chief of the Enforcement Bureau. Michael Carowitz, who has been serving as acting bureau chief, will become the Bureau’s deputy chief. Harold is an attorney with experience within the FCC agency and in private practice; she’s also a former journalist.

“This agency has a critical role to play in enforcing the law to protect consumers and support competition in the communications marketplace,” Pai said “Our Enforcement Bureau has been getting back on track in recent months, and I am confident in Rosemary’s ability to continue this progress.”

Pai also praised Carowitz’s work as acting chief. “Michael’s steady hand at the helm of this important Bureau has helped us stay on task in protecting consumers and enforcing the law,” he said.

The Enforcement Bureau is charged with enforcing the Communications Act, FCC rules, and various licensing terms and conditions. It also investigates instances of possible unlawful conduct involving the regulated RF spectrum.

-…  -.- 

Expect some FirstNet builds by the end of the year, but pace will pick up in 2018

(from RCR Wireless News and John Ross, KD8IDJ - Ohio Public Information Coordinator)

Earlier this week, AT&T and the First Responders Network Authority released state plans for the multi-billion build of a nationwide LTE network for first responders. Later in the week, during the Wells Fargo 5G Forum, AT&T Senior Vice President of Technology Planning and Engineering Scott Mair shared details of the FirstNet timeline, as well as the opportunity presented by the new allocation of 60 megahertz of 700 MHz spectrum.

Mair explained AT&T would leverage the FirstNet build to further bolster its commercial business as a function of not only spectrum sharing, but also deployment logistics.

“We’re going to use the FirstNet build, and as we touch the towers to build FirstNet, we’re going to put that other spectrum to use. That’s going to put a lot of capacity into the network. When you touch the tower, you’re not just touching it for FirstNet, but you’re touching it to put other bands of spectrum…in service as well.”

The Ohio Section News Update – June 23rd Edition

Inside..

- Can You Hear Me Now

- One Question Survey

- Handbook Give-Away

- Field Day Pictures – plus more

- NIMS / ICS Training / Ohio Responds

- Upcoming Hamfests

- My Final

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

Can You Hear Me Now with DMR?

(from: Gregory Drezdzon, WD9FTZ)

When folks talk about distances of radio communication systems or networks, people find it difficult to translate descriptions into mental pictures, so this writer set out to bridge the gap between numbers and meaningful graphics.

I wanted to view coverage maps as I have seen by the National Weather Services’ NOAA Weather Radio, and commercial radio and TV station plots, but Digital Mobile Radio coverage maps are rare, so I decided to make my own thanks to the technology and the internet.

While researching, I found that the Mansfield DMR repeater antenna is MOAA (Mother of All Antennas) in the state of Ohio. This antenna has a reported height of 984.2 feet AGL. No other DMR antenna comes close to this reported height in the state.

The Mansfield coverage area alone extends to just north of Columbus, west to Findlay, north to Lake Erie, and west of Wooster, Massillon and Medina. East of this area, signal strength is weak and would not provide reliable or consistent communications.

Mansfield’s main coverage area is impressive; encompassing 6,783.04 square miles with signal strength of 1.55 microvolts or better. Foliage, valleys, hills, structures, etcetera, should be taken into consideration if operating.

When factoring the extended and/or fringe areas, the Mansfield area grows to 9,594.253 square miles of 0.5 microvolts of signal strength or better, reaching 2.55 million Ohioans and many thousands of amateur radio operators.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Ohio is the 35^th largest state in the U.S. and the Mansfield DMR repeater covers 23.43 percent of the state.  

Mansfield DMR “MOAA” covering 23.43 percent of Ohio.

I obtained as much reported antenna height information as I could pertaining to the other 64 Ohio DMR repeater antenna heights, and then interpolated heights where no information was found. I used a 100-foot height for those DMR repeaters. I wanted to see the overall coverage area for all of Ohio.

When processing and merging all known and unreported DMR antenna heights for analysis, a statewide map emerged. 

_{False color DMR coverage map for Ohio.}

This map reveals about 70 percent of Ohio has some DMR coverage. False colors were introduced to emphasize signal coverage. The color pink is good to strong coverage while the blue is marginal to good coverage. The black, as seen in the lower right corner has no discernable coverage, and extends into West Virginia and western Pennsylvania.

Extreme eastern and most of southeast Ohio are in dire need of some kind of coverage. Interstate highway coverage, west of I-77 has ample coverage, but more overlapping coverage is desirable.

This link is a Google map that displays reported DMR repeaters in a five-state region including Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and is of interest if one is traveling in the Midwest:  http://hoosierdmr.net/dmr-repeater-map.html

In the near future, Coshocton and Tuscarawas County may see DMR repeaters as those respective areas have plans to install equipment. With patience, Ohio amateur radio operators may have complete, statewide access to DMR.

Update note:  It was announced on or about June 17 that Richmond, Ind., is planning to install a DMR repeater that will help increase coverage along I-70 in west central Ohio.

 

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

One Question Survey

Hey Gang,

Have you checked out the NEW Survey question on the website yet?. There is a brand new question up there for you to answer! I really would like to know, so please, just take a couple of seconds to answer it.  You’ll find it on the left side of the main page..  http://arrlohio.org !!

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

 

Handbook Give Away

Have you seen that the NEWEST “Handbook Giveaway” drawing on the website yet? To enter the drawing all you need to do is fill in a couple of boxes on the form.. (your name and email). That’s you need to do to be entered into the drawing to get a chance to win a 2017 ARRL softcover Handbook. There’s nothing else required (Oh.. You do need to be a resident of Ohio to win..)   The winner will be mailed the Handbook at my cost. This is being offered just to see how many folks are checking in on the website. Got the idea? Best of luck to you!!

Here's a link to get registered..  http://arrl-ohio.org/handbook.html

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

 

FIELD DAY PICTURES

This is a great time for taking pictures of your Field Day participation for sure. I will be out and about with my camera, but I need your help too. I need you to take pictures and send them to me. I will have a gallery setup on the website to display everyone’s Field Day pictures as I get them. Please, take a lot of pictures of not only the equipment and food, but also of everyone having fun at Field Day too. Send those pictures to:  n8sy@n8sy.com

I will be taking some of those pictures and placing them on the next Ohio Section Banner...  Showing all of us having fun and participating is what makes this banner so great!

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

FIELD DAY MESSAGES – AN EASY 300 POINTS FOR SURE – PLUS MORE

Each year, hundreds of Field Day operations try and find every advantage to earn as many points as possible. But many overlook bonus point categories that can add a reliable 300 points to your group score: the group participation NTS message to the ARRL Section Manager, the W1AW Field Day bulletin, and the NTS traffic handling bonus.

Each Field Day group should generate a formal NTS-style piece to their ARRL Section Manager and Section Emergency Coordinator. This message should include the group’s name, their location for Field Day, and the number of ARES members participating in the event. 

NOTE:.. Since I will be on the road visiting a number of sites for Field Day, please send these pieces of traffic to me via OSSBN – www.ossbn.org  for details about the net, or you can find them on (3.972.5MHz.) 

SPECIAL NOTES:  Mike, KC8WH the Net Manager for the OSSBN has informed me that members of the OSSBN will be listening throughout Field Day, so if you just can’t get it passed during their normal net times, you’ll be able to do it during off times instead. This will help you and them in being able to get your message through in a timely manner.

NOTE, NOTE:  Make sure that your Radiogram has the date and time filled in when you generate the message. This way no matter how late it may be in getting to the end destination, you’ll still be able to count it since it was originally generated and passed DURING Field Day.

Now, by generating and passing a few radiograms may mean that your group might have to take one of your stations away from operating normal Field Day contacts, your group is awarded the 100-point bonus for taking the time to pass this piece of traffic. To claim this bonus, you must submit a copy of the formal message with your Field Day entry. Note: The Section Manager message does not count as one of the 10 NTS messages for bonus points.

For more details about how to handle these messages, please go to:  www.arrl-ohio.org/FD_Message.html  or www.ossbn.org/FD_Message.html

FIELD DAY BONUS POINTS OPPORTUNITIES

Don’t forget that there are two additional ways to earn extra points for your group's efforts. One is the "Safety Officer" position and the other is related to promoting your Field Day via "Social Media."

Safety Officer..  is a critical concern during Field Day. Every year the Field Day packet contains a Safety Check List that all stations should follow. All Class A entries can earn an additional 100 points by designating a member of their group as "Safety Officer."  This person must verify that all safety concerns on the Safety Check List have been adequately met.

The Safety Officer position is to be taken seriously. Real oversight is required; appointing a Safety Officer, affirming that all items on the Safety Check List have been completed properly, must be included with a groups Field Day entry with all other supporting documentation.

Social Media..  There have been many PR and publicity bonus points available in Field Day for a very long time. The addition of a social media bonus makes promoting your Field Day event even easier than before.

Social Media refers to any online platform that promotes being connected with friends and family.. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn are five examples of allowed Social Media platforms.

The Social Media bonus points will only apply on recognized social media platforms and NOT your clubs website.

 

2017 OHIO FIELD DAY PROCLAMATION ON-LINE

Just wanted to let you know, if you haven’t already found it, that you can view and print the governor’s Proclamation for the 2017 Field Day. Go to:  www.arrl-ohio.org/SGL/sgl.html to get your copy for your Field Day site. You can also find a sample Press Release for your Field Day activities as well.

Thanks to Bob Winston, W2THU our State Government Liaison (SGL) for getting the governor to take time out of his busy schedule and getting this Proclamation for us.

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NIMS / ICS Training Update

 

The numbers are growing!  Here’s what we have on file as of today:   Members in database: 764; Active Members: 751; Members NIMS complete: 554 and for the biggie..  Total Courses Taken: 5,034. Here’s the link to the list:  http://arrl-ohio.org/SEC/special/nims_roster.html 

We need to be prepared to help in a professional and TRAINED manor now days, and the only way of getting that training is to start taking these courses. We have a lot to be proud of, and a lot more work to do. Every ARES member in Ohio now MUST have these courses to be a part of the Ohio ARES program and to be registered in the Ohio Responds database!

OHIO RESPONDS

Hey.. Don’t forget, once you’ve got all 4 of your required NIMS courses completed and we have copies of your certificates, get registered on the Ohio Responds Now, admittedly their system was designed for another purpose, so in some places it doesn’t match up well with Amateur Radio Operators and what we do. I have created a webpage where you’ll find all the pertinent information for getting registered on Ohio Responds website with as little issues as possible. You need to read this information BEFORE you attempt to register, and you will need to have all 4 of your NIMS courses completed and in our statewide database first! There’s some very specific information up there that you’ll need to know to correctly complete the registration process. Here’s a link to that webpage… http://arrl-ohio.org/ohio-responds-page.html   You can also find this link on the main page of the Ohio Section website as well.

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Upcoming Hamfests

07/08/2017 | GARS Germantown Hamfest
Location: Germantown, OH
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Germantown Amateur Radio Society (GARS)
Website: http://GARSohio.org

07/09/2017 | 20/9 Radio Club Hamfest, Computer & Electronics Show
Location: Austintown, OH
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: 20/9 Radio Club, Inc.
Website: http://20over9.org

07/15/2017 | NOARSFEST
Location: Elyria, OH
Sponsor: Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society
Website: http://noars.net

07/16/2017 | Van Wert Hamfest
Location: Van Wert, OH
Sponsor: Van Wert Amateur Radio Club
Website: http://w8fy.org

07/30/2017 | Portage Hamfair '17
Location: Ravenna, OH
Sponsor: Portage Amateur Radio Club, Inc.
Website: http://hamfair.com 

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My Final..   

Amateur Radio has a serious side, but it can also have a FUN side too. I hope that this News Update has been informative and fun for you to read.  So, as we go through our training and exercises, learning from the past and from those who are willing to take the time to teach us, let’s remember to have FUN too! It’s what keeps us alive and vibrant!

Got questions, concerns or would just like to sit and chat awhile, give me a call at (419) 512-4445 or email me at:  n8sy@n8sy.com   Want to sit and just chat awhile? I’m available, Heck, I’ll even buy!!

73,

Scott, N8SY..

eof..