JaxRadio.net

NOFARS  Balanced   Modulator

Volume LVII, Number 5                                                                                       MAY 2022

NOFARS MEETS THURSDAY, MAY 10TH

The North Florida Amateur Radio Society meeting is Thursday, April 14th.   It starts at 7PM at Hogan Baptist Church, 8045 Hogan Rd.  

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W4IZ REPEATER SERVICE INTERRUPTION

Improvements at the City of Jacksonville radio site in the Wells Fargo Tower began in mid-April and will continue for several weeks.   The W4IZ 146.7 transmit power amplifier is out of service pending repairs. This reduces coverage.   Equipment is being re-positioned for construction and interruptions in service may result.   Normal Echolink should continue when RF access is not available.

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DUVAL COUNTY ARES HUREX, 2022

By Brian Schultheis, K4BJS

On April 2nd, Duval County ARES hosted a hurricane exercise focusing on auxiliary communications with our served agencies.   Participating agencies and organizations included City of Jacksonville Department of Emergency Preparedness, Jacksonville Electric Authority, Duval County ARES, Neptune Beach Police Department, Atlantic Beach Police Department, and Florida Department of Emergency Management.   The multi-faceted exercise involved Duval County ARES providing auxiliary communications to the City of Jacksonville's Communication Unit, in support of the city's comprehensive emergency management plan.

The Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) exercise and evaluation doctrine developed exercise involved 50 scenarios over a 4 hour period.   The 17 exercise players handled all 50 scenarios and provided innovative solutions to multiple tasks.   One objective was rated accomplished with difficulty, while all the others were successful.

Duval County ARES radio operators deployed to the Emergency Operations Center supported Branch Managers and the Communication Unit Leader command and control by using amateur radio to coordinate the city's Shelter Plan, Area Commands, and Bulk Distribution Plan.   The State of Florida's SARnet repeater system was used to maintain a radio link between the Emergency Operations Center and the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee.   Working at the Emergency Operations Center provided invaluable operational experience to these radio operators.

In support of the North Florida Section resource management philosophy a Resource Net was established for the first time.   During the 4 hour exercise the Resource Manager worked directly with the Emergency Coordinator to identify and categorize amateur radio operator spontaneous volunteers.   The Resource Manager maintained an informal net on a local repeater to recruit spontaneous volunteers able to assist the Communication Unit or other served agency as needed.   The Resource Net efforts produced 7 volunteer Ham radio operators who had no previous knowledge of the exercise.   Multiple radio operators were assigned to simulated evacuation shelters around the city.   These radio operators experienced scenarios involving loss of utilities, medical emergencies, and various other calamities.   Each of them gained significant experience working with other agencies and the city's Emergency Operations Center.   Duval County ARES radio operators working at a simulated Area Command Incident Command Post established an amateur radio operation center providing HF digital and voice, along with 2M capability using an alternative power source.   Multiple ICS 213RR and ICS 213 messages were sent using Winlink in support of the simulated Incident Commander's operation.   HF phone was used to establish local and regional radio circuits, while Winlink peer-to-peer with Vara HF was used to transmit messages between multiple Incident Command Posts.

For the first time the city's Bulk Distribution Plan was supported with auxiliary communications by providing radio operators at a simulated POD site.   Duval County ARES radio operators established a 2m voice circuit between the POD and Emergency Operations Center.   Several messages coordinating logistical support for the POD and operational information were sent back and forth.   Duval County ARES radio operators at a simulated county staging area practiced supporting the Communications Unit and providing auxiliary communications support to the Staging Area Manager.   Radio operators established 2m voice circuits to the Emergency Operations Center and the Area Command Incident Command Post.  Multiple scenarios involving logistical support and command and control with the Area Command Incident Command Post were handled successfully.

This exercise was an outstanding integration of Duval County ARES, served agencies and partners.   The ARES portion of the city's Communication Plan was validated and Duval County ARES gained valuable experience supporting the city's operational plans.   Everyone involved gained valuable experience and a better understanding of supporting the city's comprehensive emergency management plan.

Those participating include KM4CTB, KD2SXD, N4MEW, KN4WEN, KO4OPE, KM4RLS, KB4PML, KO4RMX, K2JAX, KN4QZF, KJ4OE, W2SGL, KN4JXP, KK4UQP, W4EMN, W4IJJ and KO4FDZ

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JACKSONVILLE CIVIL AIR PATROL

By Eli Beggs, KO4OUI

Jacksonville Civil Air Patrol is seeking radio operators and individuals who may be familiar with using DF equipment.   No pre-qualifications necessary; training is provided.   Meetings are held every Thursday evening from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at 10786 Craig Blvd at Jacksonville Executive Airport.

The Civil Air Patrol is the auxiliary of the US Air Force.   Made up of Volunteers, their primary mission is to provide emergency assistance for our communities as well as to educate our future aerospace leaders.   Since its establishment in 1941, CAP continues to provide opportunities and experiences for members of all ages to learn and grow.

For any questions about this opportunity Email Elijah Beggs, KO4OUI at beggseli@protonmail.com For more information on Civil Air Patrol in general visit gocivilairpatrol.com

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W4IZ REPEATER WORK: Thanks to those who assisted with moving equipment at the W4IZ repeater site in mid-April.   The work followed a meeting by Steve, WA4B; Henry, WB4LEQ and Bob, KS4CA with City of Jacksonville communications administrators and technicians.   They have been very accommodating to NOFARS and we appreciate their interest in our system.   The exact timing of possible interruptions during the changes is not known but outages should be shorter now that our equipment has been pre-positioned and excess items have been removed from the site.

APRIL NOFARS MEETING: Jerry, N2GLF covered causes and cures for RF interference which can hamper signal reception.   Jerry and several others discussed various theories about which type of grounding is best for discouraging RFI and also avoiding lightning strikes.   Having a single good ground point for connecting all equipment seems the best advice.   Multiple grounding points, including electrical power grounds, are not necessarily at the same potential.   Unwanted ground loops may result when equipment is grounded using multiple points.   The best lightning protection is an "air gap"--disconnecting all equipment when not in operation.

John, W4IJJ reported that he is staying in contact with officials of the Jacksonville Naval Museum about Amateur Radio on the USS Orleck.   The museum is interested in having ham radio on board but much priority work is still required before they turn their attention to radio communications.   John will stay in touch and any who are interested in assisting can contact him via JohnR1000@aol.com

Todd, K1KVA is planning Field Day which is June 25-26.   FD is an excellent opportunity for new operators to observe and learn how to set up their stations.   Setup starts Friday afternoon and operation continues through Sunday morning.   All are welcome to participate.

FCC EXAMS:   K4SK and K4PL report that 14 took exams at their last session before FCC starts collecting a $35 application fee for new licenses and renewals.   Five new Technicians and five new Generals passed on April 16th.   Those passing include KO4ZVV, KO4ZVW, KO4ZVX, KO4ZVY, KO4ZAX, KO4ZVZ, KO4ZWA, KO4ZWB, KO4ZWC and KO4ZWD.   Since 2017 Jax Laurel testing has produced 555 licenses.   Their next testing will be on Saturday, May 21st at Hogan Baptist Church.   Testing remains free but applicants will need to pay FCC their $35 application fees.
                                                                                                                                                                                                               DE N4UF

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FOR SALE: From Estate of Hank Fitz, WB4URU (Via KS4CA)   All proceeds go to Hank's widow.   Items include HF & VHF Transceivers, Power Supplies, SWR/Wattmeters, Antenna Tuners,etc.   Prices are negotiable!!!   Please contact Bob Simmons, KS4CA at 904-610-0408 or email ks4ca@bellsouth.net

Kenwood TM-281   $200

Alinco DX-70 (low output)  $275

Yaesu FT-840   $350

Coaxial Dynamics Model 81000-A with 3 slugs: 2-30Mhz 100w, 100-250Mhz 25w and a 200-500Mhz 25w. Pictures are available.   $450

Astron RS-20A Power Supply   $85

Gonset 6mtr Com III   $125

General Radio 2Cs-2Mcs Oscillator   $35

Zenith Antique Table Top Radio   $60

Very Large RF Chokes (Commercial)   $45 each

Tektronix 465 Oscope   $40 needs TLC

ICOM IC701PS power supply   $50

Alinco Wide Band Communications Receiver DJ-X10T works but needs new batteries   $75

Hallicrafters S-40B Receiver  $60

MFJ-900 tuner   $20

MFJ-948 tuner   $50

AEA Pakratt 232   $25

PAC-Comm TNC-220   $45

Realistic Stereo Audio Mixer   $25

AMECO SWR Bridge BIU   $25

Archer CB Watt/SWR Meter 10/100/1000w   $35

Lafayette SWR Meter 99-25835   $35

Swan SWR-1A Meter   $45

Heil Microphone Equalizer EQ300   $20

MFJ-941C Versa Tuner II   $65

Heathkit Electronic Keyer   $35

Heathkit HM-102 SWR Meter   $45

Roberts Open Reel Tape Recorder 771X   $50

Rohn 20G Tower (five 10-foot sections, 1 top section with rotator, 1 base plate   $400

Capacitors, Resistors, Connectors, Tubes and many other small parts

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WANTED

**Tube-type Transmitters, Receivers, Test Equipment, Accessories.

**Hasselblad Camera Equipment

Contact Bob Meadows, W4RRD at 904-264-2946

E-mail rpmeadow@bellsouth.net

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2022 NOFARS OFFICERS

President----Roger Knight, KI4PIL

Vice President----Billy Williams, N4UF

Secretary----Chris Russell, KF4AAF

Treasurer----Jerry Tabor, N2GLF

Activities Manager----Todd Lovelace, K1KVA

Director----Randy Bahr, KI4RHQ

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