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

Democracy lives on. On January 16th, at the annual NARS banquet, the baton was handed over to another group to govern as best they see fit. That’s the way is was in the past and that’s the way it will be in the future, right?

Back in ’85, a group of hams got together to form an amateur radio club on the north side of Houston, and about August of that year, the Northwest Amateur Radio Society was formally established. Our founding fathers - fellows like, Bob Welsh KE5IC, Dee Logan W1HEO, Ken Edinborgh W5BKK, Paul Frantz WB5DBT, and others - didn’t want just any club. They wanted an organization that would appeal to all of its members, not to just a chosen few. They wanted a club that would promote and move forward the interests of amateur radio communications. Well, how did they accomplish this?

First of all, they decided to avoid the tendency to “specialize.” Specialization results in limiting the group to those who wish to concentrate on one particular aspect of amateur radio. Now there’s nothing wrong with specialization if you really have a passion for doing your thing, but you can see that it keeps your group small.

Secondly, they embarked on a program to educate the membership by the exchange of ideas and interests, new and old. To grow, you create new members through community activities and through developing new hams by helping them to get that “ticket.”

The third and most important idea was their desire to insure that the transfer of power would be orderly and consistent with the desires of the membership. You would assume that to be a “no-brainer,” but many of us have been part of organizations that have been run by the same three or four individuals year after year, and they usually become stagnant or die a slow death.

NARS is now in its 13th year of existence. Its charter membership consisted of 25 members; now we are about 180 strong. We continue to see healthy growth and interest in all our activities. We must be doing something right! Our leadership over the years has been outstanding, and fresh ideas abound with every passing of the baton. And why is this? It’s because the leadership comes directly from its membership - the men and women who make up NARS. It’s up to all of you to make sure this new Board of Directors does their job well. With your help we can do it. That, I know, is a “no-brainer!”

Meeting Announcement
by... Keith Dutson - WD5DXL

February Meeting -
DXCC Mysteries – Topic of February Meeting

"Eternal Mysteries, or Anomalies of the DXCC Countries List" is the topic of the meeting on February 20, 1998. Why is Kure Island a separate DXCC country, although it clearly is one of the Hawaiian Island chain? The same question applies to Midway Island. When there were two Germanys (East and West) on the Countries List, why was Berlin not a separate country? It met all of the applicable rules at that time.

Bill Gary K8CSG will describe these interesting facets of DXing and why they are, or were, so. Interestingly, many of these peculiarities which once existed have gradually disappeared, but many remain today. Why this is so is often very interesting. Come and learn something new about DX.

Soapbox
by... Keith Dutson - WD5DXL

What a great time we had at the Banquet last month. If you were not there, you missed out on some of the best entertainment available throughout the year. Check out all the pictures in this issue.

Do you know someone who is not a ham, but who also is interested in our great hobby? Send them to this year’s Novice Class. Get the details from the Novice class article.

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 --
I must go down to the shack again,
The shack and a lonely band.
And all I ask is a tall tower,
And a ham on a spit of sand. . .

The New Year began on a positive note with good propagation numbers, i.e., solar flux index of 100 to 110 and relatively low A and K indices. Generally, band conditions followed these indicators with frequent European, African and Asiatic openings. One good sign is the 20m openings into India in the mornings (local time). A substantial opening into the Middle East occurred on Jan.5. The numbers declined, sinking into the low 80s and conditions worsened. On January 10-11, with the SFI at 81-82, band conditions were pretty mediocre. During the last third of the month, the numbers meandered aimlessly in the following ranges: SFI 87-101; A 1-6; K 1-4. Band conditions were about as one would expect--mediocre, generally, with good openings now and then.

LOCAL HAPPENINGS: KK5LO worked Z21CS in Zimbabwe. K5NZ worked 7Q7SB on 20m. KD5AIG (who is now KM5OE) spent some time at his West Texas "home away from home" from where he was heard working 7Q7SB (Malawi). He also worked a 4S7 in Sri Lanka and an A61 in Dubai, and 3B8CF on Mauritius Islands on Jan. 24. Gerald W5BA reports working an array of Europeans on 40m CW, as well as a few others on other bands including HK0ER ("San Andres, unfortunately not Malpelo." Come on, Gerald!); he also worked DJ7AA and JA8ISU on 80m CW. K5NZ says he worked 3A3MJ (Monaco) on 40m. Others said it was VK3MJ. Uh, what's up, Sluggo? Mike worked 9G1RQ in Ghana and got the callsign right that time. Mark KM5AO continues to amaze. He worked T31BB on 75m. Conrad W5MN reports another new DXCC Country worked, this time 3W in Vietnam. Jim KJ5X worked Brunei (V85HY) for another new country, followed later on by 8Q7AA in the Maldive Islands. Walter KK5LO worked Antarctica (KC4AAC) for another new one, as well as an LZ in Bulgaria. W5BA worked D68YN in the Comorro Islands on 20 meters. Ben KC5JBE worked JO1DZA, I2ZLG, and KH6FHX for new ones on 17-meters. Conrad W5MN worked a bunch of good DX late in the month: 3D2QB, UR5ZMH, 7X2RO, RX1OX/FJL, V68YN, 9V1YC, and ZE1MH. Not bad! WF5W worked 8Q7AA for a new one. Jack WA8GHZ got home and worked CN2IB on 30 meters.

DX WORKED: A61AN 20m 1422; 7Q7SB 20m 2107Z; ZS2BBG 20m 2211Z; A61AM 20m 1436Z; 5B4ES 20M 1436Z; 9G1BJ 20m 1823Z; 9G1RQ 20m 2307Z; EU1AI 20m 1345Z; VP8CXV 15m 1811Z; JL1UJG 20m 2305Z; RK3AH 20m 1401Z; ZD7DP 20m 2203Z; JA8AMA 20m 2313Z; AL0E 20m 2239Z; JA7OWD 20m 2337Z; VK6WR 20m 2215Z; ZD7OK 20M 2112Z; FH5CB 15m 1500Z; ZD7MY 20m 2305Z; ZK1CC 20M 0327Z; UX0KN 20m 1316Z; JO1DZA 20m 2333Z; JO1PNA 15m 2330Z; RK3TYA 20m 1405Z; JA1CB 20m 0023Z OE5BJN 15m 1442Z; 9X0A 20m 2156Z; 3B8CF 15m 1706Z; UT5UGR 15m 1426Z; ZS6RU 15m 1744Z; AX4OH 20m 2039Z; ZD7SM 20m 2125Z; V63KU 20m 2141Z; VK3MO 20m 2154Z; ZD7DP 20m 2226Z; TU5GD 20m 2137Z; RK4SWU 20m 1356Z; 5Z4RL 20m 2032Z; ZS4AE 20m 2045Z; VK4GP 20m 2100Z; VK8TM 20m 2148Z; 6W1RE 20m 2202Z; A22RV 20M 2059Z; TU2DP 20m 2254Z; TT8JFC 20m 22100Z.

HEARD/NOT WORKED: VU2DK 20m 1412Z; SM5VOC 20m 1305Z; OD5MM 20m 1448Z; ZS5GMW (Lesotho) 20m 2243Z; TZ6JA 20m 2120Z.

QSL ROUTES: A61AN, P O Box 53656, Dubai, UAE; 7Q7SB via AB4IQ; A61AM via KA5TQF; ZK1CC via P O Box 719 Rarotronga, Cook Islands via New Zealand; 9X0A via RW3AH; 3B8CF, Seewoosankar Mandary, Shastri Road, Candos, Quatre Bornes, Mauritius Island; TU2DP via K4MQL; TZ6JA via JA3EMU; TT8JFC via WA4ZJB.

XW30A came onto the bands on schedule on January 5. He was reported to be working Europe and then the JAs on 7003kcs, even though he could not be heard here. As the operation proceeded conditions prevented many from working him. Conrad W5MN worked him on both SS Band CW. K5NZ says his broken contact turned out to be "in the log". As the end of the operation neared, it appears that more than just a few Texas operators made valid contacts. XW30A was readable at my QTH once in the evening; otherwise, nothing but the "pack in full bellow".

Mount Athos appeared on January 5 on 20 meters. Monk Apollo (SV2ASP/A) worked a relatively few stations that morning. Mount Athos is a monastery located on a long, narrow peninsula in Northern Greece. It maintains a degree of independence form Greece and qualified for the DXCC Countries List some years ago. It has always been relatively rare DX since it is very difficult to get permission to operate from the site. Monk Apollo is resident there now, but is relatively inactive. He was essentially unheard in Texas as best I could tell.

Gerald W5BA has reached a DXCC goal of 100 countries worked. HA9CU in Hungary put him over the hump on 40m CW during the third week of January. Recent captures included T77C, 9K2ZZ, JD1AMA, LU1ZC and others. Nice going, Gerald. Only 229 more to go, eh wot? Also, I hope your QSLs come through promptly.

Steve KD5AIG reports good results from using DX-country postage on QSL-return SASEs for obtaining responses to his QSLs. There are several sources of suitable foreign postage stamps for this purpose. The overall cost is generally lower then either green stamps or IRCs. Steve obtained responses in less than three weeks in the cases he cited to me. I have used this approach numerous times in past years with similar results.

On January 10, I celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of my first QSO. It was hardly a DX QSO, since it was merely across town in Louisville, KY. It was aided by a telephone call for coordination. My buddy W4URH was using a rig similar to mine; a glass 6V6GT crystal oscillator loaded into the antenna, and a BC454 World War II aircraft receiver for which I had paid all of $5.00. The 12-volt tubes had been rewired with their filaments in series with a wirewound dropping resistor, and a 22.5-volt B-battery provided plate voltage for it. Not an auspicious beginning -- but it was the beginning of all that has happened in the succeeding fifty years. It has been a great run.

Front Page
by... Jim Kirk - KJ5X

Banquet Thanks

Great big thanks to the businesses who generously supplied door prizes for the NARS banquet: Houston Amateur Radio Supply, City Electronics Supply, Electronic Parts Outlet and Victor’s Restaurant and Delicatessen. Visit these merchants and let them know NARS appreciates their generosity. Electronic Parts Outlet’s store in the Willowbrook Mall area is brand new and worth a visit. WA8GHZ / Raytheon and N5NXS / Grinnel were also generous along with W5VHN who donated several treasures from his shack!

Contest Connection
by... O J Quarles - K1OJ

Finally, at last (well, only 2 weeks after the deadline) I have here for your delectation the official results of the Great Colorado Snowshoe Run (held 12/13/97). They'll be on the web page too (http://www.mtechnologies.com/cqc/cqcbb.htm) and in Low Down, with entrants' "soapbox" comments. And I'll put the soapbox comments here too when I get it.

Some interesting and surprising results, but I'll leave it to you to see what that's all about. Almost everybody's score will be different from their original "claimed" score because Jan went through every log and cross checked everything. That's unusual, I know, but keep in mind it was even-handed, i.e. fair.

Certificates will be going to the winners in each class (marked with an asterisk in case you can't figure it out [g]). And as manager of the "teams competition," I'll be sending an actual physical prize of an appropriate nature to, well, let's keep you in suspense another ten seconds or so.

Congratulations to the winners, and a big thank you to all who participated.

Without further ado...

Official Results, The Great Colorado Snowshoe Run

Multi-element Antenna Class
-----------
*K5NZ      58,995
K0FRP      55,896
KF7MD      29,988

Single-element Antenna Class
------------
*K5ZTY   34,656
W0HEP    11,830
WA2GO     9,594
WB0JNR    9,243
WD3P      7,839
N2CQ      6,144
W5SB      4,410
K5GQ      3,861
KS4L      2,240
KI7MN       620
WA1QVM      135
KQ0I         72
WD8RIF       68

Vertical Antenna Class
--------------
*K1OJ    74,000
N1FN     17,347
N4ROA     7,200
AB0CD     4,640
KQ5U      1,632
N7KT        690
N2APB       580
W0GD        396
K5VUU       345
KB0WQT      216
AB7OA       108

-----------------------------------------------------
*Texas Yahoo Tennis Shoe Runners        25,414
     K1OJ, K5GQ, K5NZ, K5VUU,
     K5ZTY, KQ5U, W5SB

Snow Blind                              21,624
     K0FRP, KB0WQT, KF7MD, W0GD

Mush Puppies                            10,765
     AB0CD, N1FN, W0HEP, WB0JNR

Garden State Trailblazers                3,362
     N2APB, N2CQ

73, Marshall Emm, N1FN/VK5FN
n1fn@mtechnologies.com
   

Feature Article
by... Joe Sokolowski - KD5KR

Novice Class Scheduled for ‘98

The 1998 edition of the NARS license class for Novice & Technicians is scheduled to begin on April 2nd, and continue for fourteen weeks, concluding with examinations for the licenses. As before, it will be conducted at the Prince of Peace Community Center, 19222 Tomball Parkway (Hwy 249). The course will include Morse code instruction and is also available to anyone wanting to upgrade to Tech or Tech Plus.

Cost of the course will be $20 plus instructional materials and optional equipment, if desired. The text for the course will be Now You’re Talking published by the ARRL. We will attempt to have a few copies for sale during registration, but if you can pick one up at your local Radio Shack, or Houston Amateur Radio Supply, you’ll be that much ahead of the game. Space will limit us to about 35 students, so if you know someone interested in attending, have them call Marian Denton KB5SGV at 281-469-8331 to reserve a seat.

We are also seeking Amateurs interested in presenting a portion of the course or assisting students. Anyone interested should contact Joe Sokolowski KD5KR, 281-353-2196 or Bill Rister KC5EZQ, 281-537-8596. We’ll give you more details concerning room number et-al in next month’s newsletter.

Feature Article
by... Keith Dutson - WD5DXL

Public Service Events
Your radio skills are needed.

MDA March of Dimes Walkathon, Sunday, April 26
Contact: Paul Owen N5NXS, phone: 281-894-7758

Here’s a chance to take part in an event that NARS members have faithfully supported with radio communications for years. With reasonable weather, it is always fun and requires only a 2 meter HT, fresh batteries and a few hours time. The Walkathon this year will be held near the intersection of Hwy 6 and Westheimer. To participate, call Paul Owen.

Other Events

Ham Radio Auction, Saturday, February 21, 9:30am
Contact: Bob Peters K1JNN, phone: 972-288-0484, email: soundimp@pobox.com
Contact: Glen Kitto KC5WBQ, phone: 972-383-7507, email: gkitto@pobox.com

This auction is an annual event of the Dallas Amateur Radio Club W5FC. It is to be held at HMK Auctioneers, 1207 Tappan Circle, Suite 104, Carrollton, TX 75004. There is a 10% fee to the seller.

VE Session Results
by... Bill Gary - K8CSG

NARS and Compaq VEs conducted a regular examination session January 24, 1998. Ten candidates took a total of 27 elements, passing 21 with six element failures. NARS-member upgrades included Steve KD5AIJ and Ben KC5JBE, who became new Advanced Class licensees, and Rob KD5BXZ who became a Technician Plus. A chap from Pasadena passed his Extra Class written exam without error. Several other elements were passed without error, indicating that some candidates are doing their homework. NARS VEs included Bill K8CSG, Jim KJ5X, Bill K5ZTY, Bruce WC5CW, Rudy KB5ZXO, and Paul N5NXS. Compaq VEs included Walter K5WH and Mike N5OZJ. Non-VEs participating on administrative tasks included Walter KK5LO, Willie KB5TES and H. O. WA5MLT.

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

NARS Board of Directors Meeting - January 27, 1998

Treasurer's Report - The checkbook balance on December 31, 1997 was $5572.86.

Programs - February - Dan Consiglia WA6TWF of DRC Electronics on batteries.

Rose Hill Node - Changes to letter of agreement received from Jim Davis; Board approval anticipated.

Novice Class - Bill Rister to head class, Jim Kirk to assist; tuition $20, same as 1997.

NARS Historical File - Joe Sokolowski to organize materials for new file; club historian needed.

Public Information Officer - Board seeking member to fill vacant post in time for Filed Day publicity.

Board Meeting Alternate Location - Poll taken resulting in decision to retain present location.

Web Page Photos – Mug shots of officers and Board members to be placed on web page.

Club Assets – Keith Dutson to provide database for recording and reporting NARS assets.

Important Dates
by... Keith Dutson - WD5DXL

January '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, February 20, 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 pm

VE License Exam Session
Saturday, January 24, 8:30 am, Tomball Community Center, South Cherry St. and Market Streets (just South of Main).

Dallas Amateur Radio Club
Saturday, February 21, 9:30 a.m., Ham Radio Auction

Board Meeting
NARS Board of Directors meeting - Tuesday, February 24, 7:30 PM - NARS Board of Directors meeting, Terra Nova Clubhouse, 5200 Woodville

Contests
February 21-22 - ARRL International DX, CW
February 27-Mar 1 - CQ WW 160 Meter, SSB
February 27-Mar 1 - CQ WW 160 Meter, SSB
March 7-8 - ARRL International DX, Phone
March 14 - QCWA QSO Party
March 21-22 - Bermuda
March 28-29 - CQ WW WPX, Phone

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.