President's Corner
by... Joe Sokolowski - KD5KR

You ought to take a look at the ARRL Proposal ARLB052 where they are advocating a simplified Amateur Radio licensing structure with four classes, namely, D, C, B and A. Briefly, the Class D would convey the privileges of the present Technician license. The written exam would be about the same as that of the present Tech exam. Present Tech would become Class D.

The next step would be Class C and would be much like the present General license, but with present phone bands expanded and/or reassigned in some manner. Required code would be 5 wpm. All General, Tech plus, and Novice would now be a Class C. Then we go to the Class B. This would convey the privileges of the present Advanced license, but with phone bands expanded. Code requirements would be upped to 12 wpm. All present Advanced would become Class B.

And finally, the Class A would convey the full privileges of the present Extra Class, with phone bands expanded. To upgrade from B to A, code requirements would exceed 12 wpm. (not sure just how much) and, of course, the written exam would be the most difficult. Again, the present Extra becomes Class A.

The object here was to rationalize and simplify the licensing structure without reducing the requirements for any class of license. Where reductions in code were proposed, there would be a corresponding increase in written exam standards. But no present license class would be penalized by being “grandfathered.”

We all know that Morse code is taking a beating in many countries. The trend is to minimize the importance of CW as a mode of the past. Many of us out there would “go to the stake” rather than eliminate CW. But, while endeavoring to keep amateur radio a viable force, we can insure this mode continues its active roll by supporting this proposal.

The ARRL needs your input. Let them know if you agree or disagree. Remember, constructive arguments, not *!&%**#!.

Meeting Announcement
by... Jack Dougherty - WA8GHZ

Topic of August Meeting -
Homebrew Tips

It's almost time for the fall soldering season. The upcoming August 21 club meeting will feature several ideas for both new and experienced homebrewers. Tips, Techniques, and Tools that work for the "roll-ur- own" crew will be described. The presenters will also explore what is available to be built, and where to get the materials. This topic is timely to share some ideas on what might be built between now and December's Homebrew Show. So if you're looking to add a shack accessory or rig by building, or want to re-experience the joy of using equipment that you built, come to the August meeting. The main presenter is NARS' own K5ZTY, and with the support of a few other members. CU there.

Soapbox
by... Keith Dutson - WD5DXL

Last month I mentioned the SIRE Ride-a-thon, and that it would be held August 17th. Well, I was only TWO MONTHS EARLY. It will be on October 17th. I need more volunteers, so sign up at the August meeting.

Beth and I will be on vacation August 21st through September 5th. We are going from Tomball to Vancouver, BC (Canada), then down the West Coast all the way to San Diego, and finally return via parts of the old Route 66. All of these approximate 5,000 miles will be on our Honda Goldwing motorcycle. Wish I had an ICOM 706 aboard. Maybe next time…

Sign up today as a NARS News reporter; see me for details. You do not have to be a writer or photographer, but it will help if you can do either. Call me at 281-351-7683, or send email to kdutson@swbell.net.

DX News
by... Bill Gary - K8CSG

DX Notes --
Drink deep of life's fond illusion,
Gaze on the storm cloud and flee.
Swiftly through life and confusion,
Leaving the DX to me. . .

Recent activity on the DX bands indicates the Big Bend Sundancers have not been resting on their bongos entirely. Despite the disbelief of some DXers, their Chief continues to claim lots of credit for the results of the DXCC 2000 Committee activities. To what else can we credit the potential anointing of new DXCC Entities? Promptly, like one minute after the effective date/time of the new rules, which govern DXCC, we saw the appearance of a brand new DXCC counter -- Temotu. The group that activated this one delivered results which place it in the top three DXpeditions in history. This was promptly followed by the W6RJ/W6KR operation from the Austral and Marquesas Island groups in French Polynesia. These two groups are anticipated to become new DXCC counters sometime this year, also. By the time these become admitted to the DXCC list they should be so thoroughly worked that they will begin life near the bottom of the most wanted lists. Can you hear the celebratory thumping of the Big Bass Bongo in the barancas?

The month of July began with a solar flux index of about 110, an A index of 3 to 5, and a K index of 1 to 3. These numbers produced good band conditions for those of us interested in such things as DX. By July 4, the SFI had hit 128, with respectable A and K indices. An SFI of 115, A=5 and K=0 provided a good propagation condition for Jim Kirk to work Mongolia for his 40th and last zone for WAZ on July 8. Propagation conditions for the IARU contest turned out to be pretty good. A coronal hole contributed to some rotten conditions on the DX bands. Prior loss of communication with the SOHO satellite reduced the accuracy of data, but a solar event clearly contributed to a minor storm condition, an A index of 40, and some poor band conditions. By July 18 the storm had abated and better conditions prevailed, opening 20m into both Europe and Asia. Just a week later things went sour again. I was invited to visit Loyd, KM5OE, to view the sun via his telescope and video camera. The reasons for the high A index were very clearly seen in the form of solar flares. There was also a very large sunspot in the northwest quadrant, so large that we could see it with the naked eye through a handheld filter. Truly amazing views. By the end of the month the numbers appeared more normal -- SFI=125, A=5, K=2.

LOCAL EVENTS: Steve (KD5AIG) reported he received #94 and #95 on July 3. George (K5VUU) says he is working Russia and former USSR republics almost daily. Conrad (W5MN) worked a couple of A92s (Bahrain) recently. Bob (N5ET) worked 3C5DX (Eq. Guinea). Bob (KC8JZO) worked France. Bill, KD5EKA) worked a PY in Brazil for his very first DX contact. Congrats, Bill. Doug (KC5NRR) reports a 10m QSO (WH6-Hawaii) with his retuned beam. Congratulations to KJ5X on working JT1FBB in Mongolia for his 40th zone for Worked All Zones!!! And just think -- he did it all without any use of a beam antenna! Not bad work for wires. Another brand-new DXer, KD5EIO, says he worked HC8 (Galapagos Islands) on ten meters. Gerald, W5BA, has worked several recently, including Martti Laine, OH2BH, who is at home in Finland for a visit before returning to China where he is currently stationed by his company, Nokia. Gerald also has worked ZB2AZ, D2AI, A35RK, ZL8RS, 9K2SS, HL5UOG and V63KU, among others. Mike, KM5LA, recently added 9K2RR in Kuwait, TL5A in the Central African Republic and TA3J in Turkey, as well as some others. Loyd, KM5OE is very close to DXCC, having reported receipt of #98 during the last week in July.

DX WORKED: 4Z4UR (Israel) 20m 0301Z; DU8DG (Philippine Is.) 20m 1142Z; EW6WF (Belarus) 20m 0306Z; 9K2SS (Kuwait) 20m 0051Z; ZS2H (So. Africa) 20m 1326Z; MU0ASP Sark Island) 20m 0146Z; HB0/PI4TUE (Liechtenstein) 20m 0200Z; JT1FBB (Mongolia) 20m 1141Z; 9M2RY (W. Malaysia) 20m 1453Z; H44NC (Solomon Is.) 20m 1307Z; DU2DX (Philippine Is.) 20m 1312Z; 3C5DX (Eq. Guinea) 20m 2305Z; 7Q7DC (Malawi) 20m 1233Z; YB1FCC (Indonesia) 20m 1822Z; 5B4 YL3CW (Cyprus) 15m 1942Z; HS1NGR 15m 1744Z; OJ0VR (Market Reef) 20m 1600Z; CY9AOE (St. Paul Island) 20m 0138Z; JY4MB (Jordan) 20m 0307Z; LY2ZZ (Lithuania) 20m 0313Z; P29BW (Papua New Guinea) 20m 12311Z; BY5RT/5 (China) 20m 1240Z; V63KU (Micronesia) 20m 1309Z; T32O (E. Kiribati) 20m 1314Z; P29BK (PNG) 20m 1500Z; JW7QIA (Svalbard Isl.) 15m 1806Z; BV4FH (Taiwan) 20m 1230Z; 7Q7DC (Malawi) 20m 1404Z; YB1FCC (Indonesia) 20m 1524Z; OD5/9K2MU (Murtada in Lebanon) 20m 2323Z; P3Y (Cyprus) 20m 2327Z; B4DW (China) 20m 1341Z; DU8DJ (Philippines) 20m 1223Z; 4Z1JS (Israel) 20m 0303Z.

DX HEARD/NOT WORKED: DU1ABC (Philippines) 20m 1518Z; 9M2VA (E. Malaysia) 20m 1519Z; 3W6LI (Vietnam) 20m 1440Z.

QSL ROUTES: 9K2SS via KB2MS; 3C5DX via EA5BYP; HB0/PI4TUE via PI4TUE (buro); JT1FBB via W9JOE; 9A7C via KA9WON; DN1NX via DL3NED; 7Q7DC via WA6IJZ; 9M2RY via N4JR; 9A7C via KA9WON; YB1FCC via YC1FCC; P3Y via 5B4ES.

Market Reef (OJ0) showed up as OJ0VR before and during the IARU contest. They stirred up quite a pack which, typically, was continuously in full bellow.

Good band conditions accompanied the IARU contest July 11 and 12. There were a few notable countries represented as well as most of the more common ones.

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS!!! On July 15, Steve, KD5AIJ, received the QSL confirming his 100th country for DXCC. Nice going, Steve. Especially without a beam antenna and most of it with only 100 watts of power! As some will recall, Steve is a product of our NARS class a year ago. In NARS News for September 1977 I noted that Steve was becoming a good DXer, one to watch. It should also be noted that he just confirmed his WAS QSLs earlier in the month. On July 8, I touted KJ5X onto a JT1 in Mongolia, knowing it was the last zone he needed for Worked All Zones. On July 23 I received my QSL from the JT1's US manager, and I called Jim to see what his postman had brought. Unfortunately he had not been there yet. Before the afternoon was out, Jim also had his JT1 card and was knocking on my door with his cards and WAZ application in hand. Not too long thereafter, it was my pleasure to sign off on his application for WAZ. Nice going, Jim. A very nice accomplishment! Mike Scott also reported he received his 100th DXCC card. This has truly been a month of milestones.

Rotuma should be on the air during early September with Roberto, EA4DX as the operator. He will be using a Kenwood TS-50 and an amplifier, plus a beam antenna. QSLs go to his home callsign.

YM75TA will be a special event station in Turkey through October celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey.

Hiro, JE5WJM, will be active from VK9C (Cocos-Keeling) August 8-15. QSL to home call.

JU60MTZ will be active through August celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Mongolian Railway Board. QSL via JT1CJ, Sh. Gankhuyag, P.O. Box 100, Ulan Bator--44, Mongolia.

ARRL points out that high K indices are bad news only for HF operators. Such indices can be a real benefit to VHF operators, since they are often accompanied by excellent auroral openings. A K-index of six generally indicates a solid opening on 2 and 6 meters. Different strokes for different folks.

NARS, W5NC, finally has some QSL cards to respond to contest requests and the like. H.O., WA5MLT, worked out the details and got them printed in Humble. Now Trustee K5ZTY can respond to those who seek confirmations in an appropriate manner.

Front Page
by... Jack Dougherty - WA8GHZ

NARS Members Hold Novice Roundup, Texas Style

Following the published new plans for band allocations, a couple of members have decided to try to maximize their contacts on the Novice bands as an Operating Event during the month of August.

In addition to keeping the novice band segments active, the members hope to give support to the many Novice and Tech+ ops who are trying to improve their code speed and CW operating skills through on-the- air activity.

The operating event runs through the month of August so there is plenty of time to join in and contribute to the club operation. All license classes are invited to the HF event. There is even a sponsored incentive of a paid years’ club membership to the NARS’ Novice/Tech+ with the most CW contacts during August. Maybe just a few contacts will make someone the winner.

The participating members report great reception to their presence on the band segments, and have received much satisfaction in making the many contacts to date. There are many favorable reports about the quality of the contacts with the many newly licensed operators around the country.

For anyone wishing to participate, in this August event, just tune your rig to the novice bands and dive in. Most of the activity seems to be concentrated on 40 Meters around 7.11 and 7.14 MHz. See y’all on the bands.

Contest Connection
by... Keith Dutson - WD5DXL

1998 Air Force Anniversary QSO Party

In response to an enormous number of requests following the Air Force 50th Anniversary QSO Party in September 1997, the AF Anniversary QSO Party is now an annual event!

It will be held on the third weekend of September 1998 from 0001UTC on Sept 19th until 2359UTC on Sept 20th.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the annual event is gathering on the air as many active and former members of the Air Force as possible for a weekend of fellowship and in remembrance of all those who served.

POINT IDENTIFIERS: Point identifiers will be used to identify participants' Air Force experience. The point values will be determined by subtracting the year the participant entered the Air Force from the year 1998. For example, people who joined in 1947 will have a point value of 51 (1998-1947=51) and will identify "/AF51" on CW or digital modes, and "Air Force Fifty-One" on voice. People who joined in 1988 would have a point value of 10 (1998-1988=10) and will identify as "/AF10" or "Air Force Ten." Participants without Air Force experience will identify as "/AF1" or "Air Force One."

Participants may use experience in any Air Force component (active, Air National Guard, or Air Force Reserve) to determine their point identifier. Members of our Air Force auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol may use point identifiers based on when they joined CAP as a cadet or senior member. Previous members of our parent organization, the Army Air Corps, may use a point identifier of "AF51."

AWARDS: Awards for 1998 will include plaques for overall worldwide single and multiple winners, and certificates for high single and multiple operator stations in each country, state, and province.

We look forward to a fun 1998 QSO party. We hope you'll spread the word and join us. Please contact us (e-mail k5hog@aol.com or k5xs@compuserve.com) or by mail at:

The Razorback Radio Club
604 Julian Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96818

For complete scoring rules, contact:
Keith Dutson - WD5DXL
kdutson@swbell.net
281-351-7683

RTTY Activity

NARS member Jerry KK5CA reports 90 QSOs and 49 mults for a claimed score of 4,410 in the NA QSO Party RTTY contest on July 18th. During this contest he confirmed the last state he needed for Worked All States (WAS) on RTTY mode. NARS' HF Awards Manager Brian N5BA checked the cards and Jerry is anxiously awaiting the certificate. He is only two states away from WAS on CW.

Feature Article
by... H. O. Townsend - WA5MLT

Sometimes Photos Are Not Enough

Since last month's article, "NA55AU - Interplanetary DX," the phone has rang off the wall and QSL cards have poured in from a host of IARU countries looking for QSL manager information. In a word, the postman has threatened to stop delivering any more mail.

Look, you people must understand, visiting the shack of NA55AU just west of the Bermuda Triangle was a once in a lifetime opportunity for Anita - KD5EIP and myself. But, ... we were only visitors and now messengers reporting back to each of you!

Here’s a small example of what has transpired since the initial report.

First, we received a card/note questioning the authenticity of Ted's alien antenna; stating "trick photography" was used to show the looped dipole elements. Remember this is a passive four-element all- band, all-mode multi-directional deep space device. Simply stated, it does not and will never look like any glass mounted feed-through dual-band antenna. Ask Larry – WA5SAJ. Some of you guys (like me) have spent too much time riding to and fro on FM 1960 talking on the .66 machine and I think this has skewed our rational thinking on antenna design. I'll gladly submit the photo to John - W5PDW for his review provided we all have legal counsel. The heat must be getting to us!

Secondly, I'm also sad to report, especially to newer hams like John - KD5EIO, that like all real, good DX accounts "of work'em now, and worry about'em later," we are fairly sure a DX "Slim" tried to get in on the rare siting of Ted - NA55AU. This "Slim," who shall remain nameless, but whose QSL card bore the call "NI55AN" stated that he is the long lost and the long overdue brother of Ted - NA55AU.

Ok under these circumstances, what would you do in a situation like this? Well, me too! I contacted Bill - K8CSG, Dick - W5VHN and others to try and verify the call. So far, no one can say this call is valid, with one exception Jim - KJ5X who is always looking for a new one. I would have thought that Loyd - KM5OE, Michael - KM5LA, and Steve - KD5AIJ would have had this guy in their logs, but wisely not so. From the interplanetary aspect, I contacted Deral - K5WNO and Walter - KK5LO to see if they had bagged this one. Nope. Nothing from Bryan - N5BA in the VHF/UHF world either, and he works some really strange VHF stuff out of Louisiana.

So! Since no one locally has ever worked NI55AN "Slim," I have taken two bold moves. 1) I've asked Bill - K8CSG to check with "the boys" in New Orleans, right about now, at the DX Conference, and 2) I've dispatched a special query to the "stateside" solemn conclave of DX, in Mena, Arkansas.

Never knowing at any one moment which band Ted - NA55AU is operating on, or which mode he is teasing DX with, I have taken on the heavy responsibility of attempting to contact Ted through Q. R. Zedd - A5A. You gotta remember these upper echelon DXers don't Comm with just anybody. You gotta go through channels. I mean each one of these “boys” is simply known as "The Greatest." Just let me explain.

Some years ago (about 15 as of last month), Q. R. - A5A married his private, 20-year old, blond, nubile secretary "Miss Tondelayo Schwartz of Moose, Oklahoma. Seeking to preserve his low profile, in the pre- nup's, Ton’ agreed to move to Mena and live with Zedd's mamma, (C)onstance (W)ilhemina Zedd and become his QSL manager and sentinel of the eternal CW flame fostering an abiding belief in the CW requirement for amateur radio licenses.

So as I’ve stated, I crafted a short note of 50 words or less asking Zedd to contact Ted and ask if Ted has a long-lost brother whose call is NI55AN. The note hit the Willowchase PO last Thursday. From there, the USPS Southern Region people in Memphis tell me that the note will be routed to the Houston 77000-0000 office downtown. From there, it goes directly, non-stop to Little Rock, then on an Inter-state mule (A5A - burrow) to Mena. Once in Mena, one of the local "postal boys" will deliver it to Box 73 on Honor Roll Ranch. At this point, the "postal guy" taps out "Master You Have Mail" in CW using rusted barbed wire. This of course is end-fed to the "The A5A" shack. Receiving this, Tondelayo will hop on her Kawasaki 1000 and head for the mailbox. After this, we pray and play a waiting game. I hope to have more on this later.

I hope you can see what contacting or getting a QSL card is like outta one of these guys? It’s tough! It reminds me of my first card smuggled out of the old USSR during the coldest of cold war days. The card was from Boris Badenov – UAØSB of Russian DX fame. It was stuffed in a paperback titled "From Russia with Love" and wrapped in brown paper. Needless to say, box 88 Moscow never saw this card.

OK here’s the plan, if anyone hears the "Slim," please post it on the NARS reflector, DX cluster, or just call OJ - K1OJ. OJ knows what to do after that.

Then, if we weren’t already overwhelmed with junk mail and threatening e-mail, Martha Stewart wrote in asking if "this thing," as she referred to it, was a mutated whisk. That's it!

Finally, we took the picture for proof to share (for both inspirational and technical reasons) in our bigger than big-hearted way, our experience with you guys. We are NOT the QSL managers for NA55AU, we don’t “actually” know where “the shack” is located, and we don’t know if there is a Mrs. NA55AU. We are fairly sure that the antenna is home brew, and I did recognize “WOAI” on the walk-in linear.

I hope to have more next month so we can put this whole ugly mess to bed.

73 and Gud DX wherever you find it!

Feature Article
by... Rick Clepper - KM5SD(KC5ZRO)

Send CW Using Your PC and Handie-Talkie

Do you want to practice/send MCW (manually keyed CW) using a Handie-Talkie and an IBM PC with iambic paddles?

This is what I did. A set of iambic paddles is wired to the DB9 end of a DB9 to DB25 serial cable. This hooks to the IBM PC DB25 serial port. The DOS shareware program used is called CWDrill. The audio is played on the PC speaker, which is wired to a stereo jack for using a pair of headphones for private listening. Note: later, this will make connecting the keying circuit easier. The goal is to "manually key CW with iambic paddles", into a HT on simplex. The components should have quick connects.

First, the iambic paddles were wired to a 1/8" male stereo plug. The paddles have three terminal connectors, one for the left (dit) paddle, one for the right (dah) paddle and one for common ground. They are wired to left, right and ground terminals accordingly to the 1/8" stereo male plug.

Second, I wired the stereo 1/8" female plug's left terminal to the DB9's pin 1, then the right terminal to pin 9, and ground to pin 3. Then I soldered a wire to pin 7 spliced into the wire for pin 1 using a 10k resistor. Next, I soldered another 10k resistor from the wire on pin 7 to wire pin 9. Last, I hooked the serial cable's DB25 connector to the PC.

Third, I installed a 1/8" female stereo plug from my PC speaker in order to listen to the computer's audio through headphones. This also helps when hooking up the keying circuit to the HT; it enables quick connects later.

Fourth, The "keying circuit" was built partially according to the diagram in July 97 QST's article by N6JRL on page 53. The device built in the article is actually "both an oscillator and keying circuit." However I only needed the keying circuit. So I used the "lower half of the diagram." All of the parts listed in the article that I used were purchased at Radio Shack for about $15.

Fifth, I connected the audio input of the “keying circuit" (box) to the PC’s audio output jack. I then connected the output of the keying circuit to a 1/8" male stereo plug, into my HT's mic input. After a couple of adjustments for volume and input levels, the keying circuit was ready to send. I flipped the switch on the keying circuit and the HT keyed up, then I could key CW with my iambic paddles. Note: By using 1/8" stereo plugs between each of these components, all of this can easily and quickly be taken apart or reassembled.

Now I can run the CWDrill program using my iambic paddles to practice sending CW. I can even send from TEXT files I create myself … all, while listening through my headphones!

Ultimately, I use my iambic paddles through the "CWDrill program and the Keying circuit" to send MCW over the air with my HT. The monitor speaker mounted in my keying circuit box allows me to hear what I am sending. The HT's speaker will play the audio of what the other station sends you. Even though the program shows the text of what you are sending, it will not display what you are receiving from the other station. Thus allows practice for “manual keying and copying by ear," the two things one needs to learn for code. This is a way for those of us, who might not have an expensive all mode rig for CW operation, to practice CW on the air with fellow Hams with the same type of setup, or this is another way to make use of our first ham radio ... our HT! This can be an inexpensive way to learn or brush up on your CW skills, or just to have fun on the air.

Where to find: CWDrill can be downloaded from AOL "Hobbies/Ham radio dos library" (look for file named "key CW using serial port"). The CWDrill.doc explains how to hook up an iambic paddle to a serial port on a computer. QST July 97 issue page 53 has an article that will help you build the (oscillator)/KEYING device. The device in this article works if you want to use a "straight key" to send code. I wanted iambic paddles. If you use CWDrill on a PC with iambic paddles you will not need the oscillator part of this device; just use the PC’s audio to go into the keying circuit. There is a Bitmap wiring diagram located the same place where CWDrill can be downloaded. If warranted, maybe it can be added to some of the club web sites later for downloading.

Please Note: Do this at your own risk! Even though mine works well, different computers and HTs may require different wiring plans or hookups. Do not attempt this if you are not sure! You can locate the files referenced in this article at http://members.aol.com/rc364tx/download. The last file contains CWdrill, and two diagrams (bmp images) that show the wiring diagrams and the overview of what was done.

Good luck and enjoy MCW...!

Feature Article
by... Keith Dutson - WD5DXL

Public Service Events
Your radio skills are needed

SIRE 6th annual Ride-A-Thon, Saturday, October 17
Contact: Keith Dutson, 281-351-7683

Here’s a chance to take part in an event that NARS members have supported with radio communications since Saddle Up For SIRE started six years ago. With reasonable weather, it is always fun and requires only a 2 meter HT, fresh batteries and a few hours time. Volunteers are stationed along a ten mile trail near Montgomery where participants ride horses to raise money for SIRE, Self-Improvement Through Riding Education, the charity dedicated to the rehabilitation of children and adults with disabilities. For more information, call Keith Dutson.

SunMart Texas Coming up in December

Contact Walter - KK5LO

Feature Article
by... Keith Dutson - WD5DXL

Thanks From Victors Waitress

NARS,
Chuck and I want to thank you for your generosity. You guys are Great.

Thank you, Chuck & Janine
[Ed note: Janine and Chuck are newlyweds, and NARS breakfast members gave them a little wedding gift]

VE Session Results
by... Bill Gary - K8CSG

NARS and Compaq conducted their regular examination session on July 25, 1998 in Tomball. The workload was a bit light with only four candidates. Of the seven elements tested, a single one was passed. Participating VEs included Bill K8CSG, Walter K5WH, Bill K5ZTY, Jim KJ5X, Peter KF5ND, Larry WA5SAJ, Bruce WC5CW, Madison W5MJ and H O WA5MLT. Compaq’s Willie KB5TES helped with the paperwork.

Board of Director's Meeting
by... Bob Argo - KC5JZO - Secretary

NARS Board of Directors Meeting - July 30, 1998

Treasurer's Report - The checkbook balance on June 30 was $3778.06.

Field Day - Preliminary report was about 4400 Q's (1300 more than last year) by about 40 operators and loggers. Outstanding results from Bill W5SB and OJ K1OJ 's leadership and participation of members.

SIRE Public Service Event - will be held October 17th. This year the trail ride will be supplemented with an afternoon chariot ride. There will be the need for 12-15 volunteers to handle this event.

Node/Equipment Relocation - The new node installation has been completed and is now fully operational.

Harris County EOC- NARS will present Technician training classes for 20 volunteers at this newly formed EOC.

Important Dates
by... Keith Dutson - WD5DXL

August '98

NARS Breakfast
Many members meet for an informal breakfast every Saturday at 8:00 am at Victor's Deli and Restaurant. Join us for informal ragchew, conversation, information exchange, and usually a few tall tales. Victor's is located at 4710 FM 1960 West.

Monthly Meeting
Friday, August 21, 1998, 7:30 pm - NARS monthly General Membership meeting, Spring Cypress Presbyterian Church, 6000 Spring-Cypress Road (1.7 miles East of Stubner-Airline) - Eyeball QSO's, 7:00 p.m..

Board Meeting
NARS Board of Directors meeting - Tuesday, August 25, 7:30 PM - NARS Board of Directors meeting, Terra Nova Clubhouse, 5200 Woodville.

VE License Exam Session,
Saturday, August 22, 8:30 AM - Tomball Community Center, S. Cherry & Market streets (just South of Main).

Contests
August 15-16 - North American QSO Party, Phone
September 6 - NA Sprint, CW
September 5-6 - All Asian SSB
September 13 - NA Sprint, SSB
September 19-20 - Air Force Anniversary QSO Party
September 27-28 - CQ WW DX, RTTY
October 3-4 - California QSO Party
October 24-25 - CQ WW DX, SSB
November 28-29 - CQ WW DX, CW

Notice
NARS membership dues is $20 per year, renewable on anniversary of last year's full payment.

NARS News deadline for articles to appear in NARS Newsletter - The last day of month.