The 1S1 News Gazette

~~~ANNOUNCEMENTS~~~
TIP - CLICK ON THE BLUE PRINT

IC-710 For Sale - AFA2CQ - Pete


Hiatian Rescue Mission HF Frequencies - George - AFA6GD
01-18-09 - Here is a brief list of the Hiatian Rescue Mission HF Frequencies. Note you will need a password and the list is strictly "For Official Business Only."


Broadcast Mini Training Sessions - Terry - AFA1DI
12-28-09 - Terry - AFA1DI. Terry describes his interface set up, including a schematic diagram.


Nostalgia - old movie clip tells amateur radio story
12-24-09 - Bill - AFA5XL/AFF5IN. Check out this old "Pete Smith Specialty" clip that was used in movie houses before the feature film was run. It is really pretty super and shows how Ham Radio was useful in emergencies then as now. Worth the look.


More Nostalgia - spark gap in action plus hundreds of museum pictures.
12-24--09 Patti - W7ZIW. I am sure you will enjoy this short video and by clicking on the arrows the rest of the museum...This is a good film of a outstanding radio collection/museum note the spark gap transmitter - guess what the voltage on the hand key is. After the short video, use the forward or reverse arrows to view the photos.


AF MARS Digital Station In Pentagon
11-15-2009 - Karl, AFA5AM/AFN5MC, announces activation of a new digital (TPN BBS) AF MARS station in the Pentagon MARS facility, AGA3DC.


AFA4NQ EEI Program
01 July 2009 - Perry Ogletree, AFA4NQ, has written an outstanding program which will generate, produce and transmit an EEI report. This is an self-standing program, not associated with any 3rd party software, written for PC computers running current operating systems. Very robust and easy to use, this is a must-install for all MARS members, all services.
Click the above link and choose RUN then follow the instructions. Or, if you wish, you can choose SAVE and save the ZIP program on your hard drive the open and install the program. You will see a new icon on your desktop after installing. To activate the program simply double click the icon.


AFA1DI's Improved Mobile Installation
27 June 2009 - Submitted by BertiD@aol.com. Here is a good site for tracking storms and other weather phenomena


AFA1DI's Improved Mobile Installation
21 April 2009 - Submitted by Terry AFA1DI/W1TR. I have completed the installation of a Hi-Q 80/3 mobile screwdriver antenna on my car. With the particular whips and capacity hats I’m using, it tunes 3.2-30 MHz with the IC-7000 / AT-7000. I no longer use the HamSticks, but they are easily installed on the quick disconnect mount as a backup if the screwdriver fails.


FEMA Announces New Citizen Alert Program.
21 April 2009 - Submitted by George, AFA1BJ. FEMA recedntly announced a new citizen alert and reporting program. I urge all MARS members to look this program over and get involved.


World Wide Radio Online on MARS
09 April 2009 - Submitted by Bob, AFA2QD. The on-line radio magazine, World Wide Radio Online, has an interesting article which highlights MARS involvement in the Presidential Inauguration. [It takes several seconds to download.]


New Ham Radio Deluxe Update
06 April 2009 - By AFA1DI. Here's a computer control package for quick QSY! You can control your rig from the computer using this updated data base Terry has assembled. The brand new "Customizing HRD for AF MARS will make QSYing a breeze. Give it a try. Terry, AFA1DI, did a super job putting this togehter!


Virginia Army MARS
02-23-2009. Very interesting reading on this web site and of interest to ALL MARS members, all services. I highly recommend you check it out and be enlightened. Click on "The Road Ahead" link. There are other worthwhile articles, as well. Kudos and thanks to Warren AFA3LW for bringing this to the group.


AFCEA declares amateur radio crucial.
02-13-2009. The lead article in the Feb 17, 2009 issue of the AFCEA publication "SIGNAL CONNECTIONS," by David J. Trachtenberg, headlines "Amateur Radio Community Experts Crucial to Emergency Communications." The article showcases MARS role in ECOM with SHARES and the amateur radio community. [Thanks to Dale Stauffer, SHARES]


New Law Allows Vets to Salute Flag
10-31-2008. President Bush signs a new law which allows veterns to salute the US flag during the playing of the national anthem.


PRB-1 Information
10-10-2008.Several months ago we discussed PRB-1, what it means and how it affects the amateur radio community. For those who may not know or have forgotten what PRB-1 is you really should get familiar with it since it can affect most of our membership's ability to communicate using RF.


Harken Back to the Days of Ham Radio during WWII
09-28-08. From Pete, AFA1CQ (NY). Can you recall the 5Y3, 6L6, 807, 1621? That's tube talk!! Makes me dizzy thinking about it. Check out this story submitted by Pete. Turn back the clock to March 1941 and the Poplar Mechanics magazine.


PackLink Primer
09-27-08. From Warren, AFA1LW. Here is an update explaination, easy to follow tool to help you understand PackLink, how to install it and more important, how to use it. Warren notes that there is an important change, regarding the "log in" box. "Some stations were having problems when this box is checked." Warren also adds he is now using the program and finds it to be as advertised; a very robust program and well worth the learning curve.


2008 Hurricane Frequency List
09-01-08. Here is a complete list of HF and VHF frequencies assembled by NV6H, giving the "parent" organization and use.


Army Gateway AAA9USA
08-21-08. From Mike, AFF1E. Mike visited Fort Huachuca and toured the Army MARS facility there and has shared some photo's from the site.


Man Pack Heaven!
08-02-08. From Steve, AFA1LK. This web site, "HF PACK NEWS" is devoted to back packing radio enthusists. Check it out!


Hamstick Antenna Mod for MARS
07-05-08. From Terry, AFA1DI. Here's a realitively easy modification to make the HamStick portable antenna MARS friendly for field operation.


Be careful out there!
07-04-08. From Tom, AFA1IR: "All: The attached sad story (See link above) was forwarded to me by our American Red Cross National ECRV Coordinator with the reminder to "look up and live." It serves as a sober reminder that we need to be aware of our surroundings, especially when are installing antennas or even near someone installing an antenna." Good advice, especially for those who deploy during an emergency. We are talking life and death here; no second chances. This story goes to show that even the pro's make and pay for mistakes.
(Credits: Sacramento CA Channel 10 News)


04-06-2008-45 Seconds That Will Save Your Life! If you are over 25 you should consider opening this link. If you are over 35 you probably should look at the presentation. If you are over 45 you owe it to yourself and loved ones to view the slideshow. This WILL save your life!


12-25-2007-Army and NMC Nets and Frequency Info (Password required). In response to the inquiries regarding Army and Navy/Marine Corps MARS net frequencies and nets, the link shown will provide you with quite a bit of information. We will continue to post information at that link, as it is received.


FEMA ON LINE COURSES
16 Aug 2006 - MARS members are urged to take advantage of the no-cost FEMA on-line courses for disaster prepardness. Course numbers IS100, IS200, IS700 and IS800 are considered a minimum. As we move into the future and direct support of TSA and other governmental organizations we must learn the language, methods and expectations of our customers.


~~~Digital Ops~~~

08-24-08. Digital Talk from Warren, AFA1LW.
Here are a couple of intersting digital links worth looking at. The first concerns MultiPSK. Warren says "It is the only program, that I know of, that will do Pactor FEC with the sound card. The Army and Navy has Pactor FEC nets and a lot of their members use MultiPSK with sound card. The program also has many many modes. Modes that most have never heard-of including ALE400. Here's the web site: http://f6cte.free.fr
Warren goes on to talk about a "new" digital program called NBEMS. He hasn't given this one a good check out, but if you are intersted here is the link: http://w1hkj.com/NBEMS/ "There is a file to down load for Windows XP,W2K and another for Windows Vista. The down load files contain two programs. FLDIGI is the keyboard to keyboard part of the program and can be used as a stand alone program. FLARQ is the ARQ part and has to be used with FLDIGI or MultiPSK and can not be started without FLDIGI or MultiPSK being started first."


WINMOR Digital
08-26-08. From Mike, AFF1E. Mike gave us a heads up on a new digital program which will be unvailed next month. The ARRL link above provides all of the known basic information, but this looks like an exiciting answer to the long awaited PACTOR vs. a soundcard based, error-free ARQ.


04-11-2008-Here's a new digital program that the Army Region 3 is playing with. From Warren, AFA1LW. It's now called RFSM 8000 as it can handle up to 8000bps and operates FEC and ARQ. It's shareware and has a free license good for 30 days but there is am Army member that's going to try and get a package price for MARS members. It uses the same mode as ALE. Can send data and pics. Here's a local link to a PDF presentation for RFSM-8000.


04-06-2008-All things MixW. Although we are not endorsing MixW or Jim Jaffee, WA2VOS's commercial venture, Jim has a web site that provides all of the information you will ever need for MixW and when you follow the link to MT-63, you'll get all the answers! Check it out. You might consider our MT63 venue, for All Things MT63.


Is Digital Ops In Your Future?
23 April 2007 - Sound card digital operation is here and now. The TRANSCON Digital Net (TDN) is where you want to listen and join in. This is an open net, welcome to all MARS members. The link will give you in insight into what's going on in the MARS digital world. See Links and Downloads for additional information.


New To MT63?
02 June 2007 - Have you wanted to learn something about the new digital mode MT-63. Now you can get started and begin copying the SHARES MT63 training broadcasts every Wednesday. The above link is a PDF version of how to get started in this new and exciting digital mode. Should you have any questions while setting up to receive these broadcasts, contact one of our MT63 experts, Mr. Gary Takis, at Gary.Takis@pacifier.com. [Ed Note: Copied from the weekly SHARES EMail Broadcast]


~~~HELP WANTED~~~

--NCS-ANCS HELP WANTED--

Net Control Station's Needed! Interested? Just click on the link above and learn how!! It's easier than you think.


~~~ITEMS OF INTEREST~~~

02-30-13-Everything you ever wanted to know about grounding! We don't endorse the sponser of the linked site, but they certainly do cover the subject of grounding from "A" to "Z." This page is linked to the Technical forum, as well.


11-07-2007-Looking back at MARS History - AIR circa 1970 Here are some pictures that you might want to look at! We don't know the exact date they were taken, but judging by the gear, etc, it is probably late 1960's or early 1970's.


11-07-2007-The plane that helped end WWII Restored The B-29, Enola Gay, is now fully restored and on display. Here are some beautiful pictures of that aircraft and it's history.


-Navy Chief's Info Broadcasts The Navy Chief, Bo Lindfors, sends a regular weekly "Info Broadcast" which contain some interesting reading for all service's MARS members. The Navy MARS Chief broadcasts are archieved from January 2004 to the present.


-Army Chief's Net Notes Army Chief's Net Notes is back! The Army Chief's Net Notes are extremely interesting reading for all service's MARS members. The notes often contain timely information which affects overall MARS operation, including up to the minute Tri-Service information. Must reading for all members!


I.C.E.
30 July 2007 - This could save a life - maybe yours! I.C.E. or In Case of Emergency is a program which involves keying emergency information and contact phone numbers into your cell phone. Please do yourself a favor and check out this link. (Second posting - Please disregard the first edition.)


You Too Can Sign the Declaration of Independence!
19 May 2007 - Would you like to add your name to a famous document, like the Constitution, Declaration Of Independence, etc? Here is your chance to do just that and get a printed copy to boot. Open the URL above and scroll down a little, looking at the righ-hand column of choices. There it is "add your name!" Really cool and you can impress your fellow hams and friends as well.
Really it is an opportunity to gain renewed interest in our heritage by revisiting the documents that our founding fathers so carefully crafted.


Equipment Manual Source

0 5 Aug-From Jim, AFA1CM
I have a Dentron 3 kW antenna tuner that I picked up at a hamfest that had no manual. Last week I was fishing around on Google and found this person in Florida who has an extensive inventory of manuals for older equipment and sells copies.
I ordered the manual for the MT-3000A and he replied within minutes. I placed my order and dropped a personal check in the mail. I heard from Rich by e-mail as soon as he received the check informing me that he was copying the manual and mailing it to me immediately. Two days later (today) I received the copy in perfect condition!
He states on his website that all copies are 1st generation copies and are perfectly readable, and he lived up to his claim.
I have numerous pieces of older equipment that are missing the manuals and now I have found a source that I trust.
I thought that I'd pass this along in case you or anyone you know is looking for manuals for older equipment. The contact information is:

Rich Lucchesi, WA2RQY/4(1961)
21215 Cottonwood Ave.
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
WEB-PAGE http://members.aol.com/rlucch2098/index.html
MANUALS COPIES www.myradioroom.com/hamradiomanuals.html


[Note: This is not an endorsement of the above products.]


Check the DOWNLOADS page!!

Includes ARRL Numbered Messages, MARS and ACP Manuals, everything ECOM, New Training Manual and much more!


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PR Material Here
Setting Up A MARS Booth???
This Material Might Help!!

Tired of RF Line Noise QRN?
Check out Chuck, AFA1IS's article
Regarding eliminating that bothersome problem.
CLICK HERE

Who Says MARS Wasn't There on 9/11?
CLICK HERE


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