nofars.net

NOFARS HAS FIRST ONLINE MEETING

NOFARS held its first online video meeting on March 9th with around forty operators taking part.  Thanks to Rajesh, K4SK and Brandi, K4PL for their help in setting up the meeting.

Duval ARES Emergency Coordinator John Reynolds, W4IJJ reported on 2020 River Run held March 7th.  Hams stationed along the race route reported numbers of leading runners and watched for problems.  Duval ARES operators were the first to spot and report an injured runner and request assistance. 

NOFARS Bylaws do not provide for online meetings.  But this has little effect other than not being able to vote on motions.

Wayne, WB4YTJ reported on the 2 meter WWD net. Brandi reported on the new Ladies Net which meets twice monthly on the 3rd Tuesday and last Sunday on W4IZ/R 146.7 Sessions for May are on the 19th and 31st

A discussion on program ideas for future online meetings.  Maybe two or three presenters (@10-20 minutes each) with equipment reviews, QSL displays, specialty mode introductions, etc.  Also, longer presentations on popular topics with good speakers. 

Members are invited to develop proposals for new NOFARS activities & projects. Volunteer to be a chairperson or asst. chair.  Develop a brief proposal with items needed, cost estimates and benefits to pitch to the Board.

Late May is the working date for 2020 Jax Radio FREE Flea. If this doesn't work out, the next gathering will be in late October.  ARRL Field Day is still ON though adequate spacing is necessary for large gatherings operating from the "field."

A good meeting, especially for first one online.  Some reported problems getting connected.  Possible browser conflicts.

Maybe next time, we'll also have a parallel session on W4IZ/R 146.7  Audio track duplication is not workable due to latency and sync problems but those having difficulty could get help by asking on the repeater.

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JOHN CANTRELL, WB4MBU

John Cantrell, WB4MBU passed away in April.  A NOFARS Life Member, John was widely known and respected as a pioneer in constructing early Jacksonville repeater systems and as a DX operator from rare countries including the Comoros and Chad in Africa.

John's career included repairing radios and televisions in Jacksonville during the 1960s, two-way communications systems design in the 70s and eventual worldwide assignments working as a telecommunications engineer.  John owned and operated several businesses.

John and his family lived in Middleburg for many years before relocating to Hawthorne around 2000.  He was a seller at many hamfests including the Jacksonville FREE Hamfest and Jax Radio FREE Flea.   

John Reynolds, W4IJJ noted that "many of you may have met him at hamfests. He always had some sort of equipment that was useable and desirous. He seemed to specialize in Motorola equipment although he also frequently had other brands."

Through WB4MBU's efforts, NOFARS was able to secure our first repeater pair in the late 1990s.  John had originally coordinated that pair for his repeater in Middleburg. 

Steve Barber, WA4B said "he was a great guy and did a lot for ham radio.  We went by to see him a few months ago and he was doing well.  I didn't think it was the last time that I would see John. He sure helped out NOFARS when he gave up his coordination on the Middleburg 146.70 MHz repeater which was a very clear and desirable frequency.  He also donated lots of radio stuff to NOFARS. He will be missed."

We are saddened to learn of John's sudden death, apparently from a stroke.  Our condolences to John's family and his many friends.

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Cleaning Studio Microphones
By Ross Goodall, WD4NJV

With all the Covid19, flu and colds going around I researched cleaning mics and thought that mics rarely get cleaned. These mics can be overflowing with bacteria and viruses.  Kids have been known to put mics in their mouth like a popsicle.  In open mic events, at comedy clubs, karaoke, worship services and musical concerts many germs can be spread to others using the same mic. 

Most professional mics can be cleaned. Mics should not be sprayed but should be wiped with antibacterial wipes such as Lysol or Clorox wipes.

Be careful not to remove any painted markings or get any solutions into the switches, push buttons or mic elements.  Next unscrew the screen and wash in antibacterial soap water.  Lipstick will perhaps require a little rubbing. A new toothbrush will help remove stubborn areas.   

Next remove the windscreen (spongy material) and soak in antibacterial soapy solution. If it crumbles, order a replacement from the mic manufacturer. 

Most emcees and sound technicians will label the mics to be used (usually with a different unique band of color tape) and do not usually share their dedicated mic with others who use separate mics.

Those of us with broadcast experience have had to use disgusting microphones that smell like cigarette smoke, onions, garlic, and Jack Daniels. In doing television camera work, I like to see mics being held an inch or two away from the mouth and slightly below the mouth so I can see the person’s mouth movements and expressions.

Most mobile amateur radio hand held mics can be cleaned by wiping the outside surfaces.  Never spray anything into the tiny mic holes or the buttons.

References:
YouTube: Dr Oz, Mic bacteria test

YouTube: How to clean Shure Mics

YouTube: Mics are Nasty

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A 40+ Year Tradition

JAX HAMS ASSIST AT GATE RIVER RUN

Twenty Jacksonville Amateur Radio operators assisted at the 2020 Gate River Run on March 7th. In the main event, the nation's largest 15K, runners follow a nine-mile course that winds through scenic neighborhoods and historic streets near the St. Johns River bank and finally back across the tall Hart Bridge to the finish line near the football stadium. Morning temperatures were warmer than usual for late winter.  No rain threat.  

Over 20,000 runners participated and a net on the W4IZ 146.7 MHz repeater relayed a call for assistance for an injured runner. Three operators rotated as net control.  This year, coronavirus was an emerging threat but another week would pass before reality started settling in as sports leagues and golf tournaments closed shop. 

Gate River Run race director Doug Alred complimented Duval County ARES Emergency Coordinator John Reynolds, W4IJJ.  Doug states "we are very appreciative of the services we receive from the Duval County Ham Radio Operators during the Gate River Run.  With operators stationed all around the course we are able to receive timely information about the leaders of the race at the finish line and are also able to keep a watchful eye on any problems that may develop on the course.  We are very proud of our 42 year partnership with this great organization! " 

Over the decades, hundreds of Jacksonville's hams have honed their communications skills by participating in River Run.  Since 1994, Jacksonville-based Gate Petroleum has been the title sponsor.

During the early years, hams with handheld and mobile units shadowed race officials, sag wagons, supply trucks and rode in the lead vehicle.  As cellular telephones became mainstream, hams shifted to being course spotters, assisting with logistics (cups, water, signs, etc.), watching railroad crossings, reporting injuries and looking out for stragglers.  

"Virtually every year we have assisted with getting someone up out of the street and into a Rescue! And 2020 was no exception," states W4IJJ.

APRS came to River Run in 1997.  Small transmitters attached to the lead truck and other support vehicles showed on a monitor near the finish line for the public to see.  Hams at mile markers reported numbers of top runners passing by in each category for relay to the race PA announcer. 

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From the April 1979 NOFARS Balanced Modulator

HAMS ACTIVE IN "RIVER RUN "

By Billy Williams, N4UF

Officials of the Jacksonville Track Club called on area hams to provide communications for the 2nd annual "River Run"--a 15 km. road race which attracted over 4,000 runners.

Over 20 Amateur Radio operators, many of them NOFARS members, were on hand as participants gathered for the 9:30AM start.  The effort was organized by Pete Peters, KJ4N and used the 28/88 repeater.

Hams were stationed with race officials and at checkpoints along the race route.

River Run Chairman Buck Fannin complimented the operators on their efficient organization and he looks forward to us returning next year.

Winning time was just under 45 minutes with some racers taking as long as two hours to finish the gruelling course which included a journey across the Hart Bridge.

Among those helping were WA4IUG, WA4WMA, W4VDC, K4OAC, WD4BIW, WA4VZF, WB4GDJ, N4ABH, WB4REL, W4MET, WB0YCJ, WB4ADL, WD4BII, WD4KGV, WA4DUD, WA4TUB, WB4YEY, WB4YTJ, KJ4N, N4UF, N4BFX and WA4EYU.

All went smoothly as many happy runners crossed the finish line and claimed their trophies.

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From the April 1984 NOFARS Balanced Modulator

LOCAL HAMS PROVIDE COMMUNICATIONS AT RIVER RUN

By Billy Williams, N4UF

The River Run, held March 17th, went off very smoothly with Amateur Radio operators providing communications between race officials and checkpoints along the nine-mile course.  No major problems were reported and the Amateur Radio network concerned itself with a handful of minor medical problems and reporting race standings as almost 7,000 runners progressed along the route.

Duval County ARES Emergency Coordinator Al Elmore, WA4RGO organized the Amateur Radio operation and was very pleased with the conduct of the hams participating.  Most agreed that the 1984 River Run was the best organized yet due to more advanced planning.

Amateur Radio operators were stationed roughly each mile along the course.  Those manning checkpoints included K4GHG, WB4URU, WA4LFL, KF4LQ, N4HGJ, N4AZT, KE4OY and WX4J.  Ham radio was also onboard the two lead vehicles (mens and womens).  N4EPD and N4JBK were lead vehicle radio operators.

Others assisting included NF4L (start/finish line), NO4A (sponsors area), KA4UZH (railroad crossing), WB4STB (railroad crossing), WA4BIH (race director liaison), WB2CPV (course set-up truck radio operator), WD4AOG (asst. race director liaison), N4FZF (equipment truck radio operator) and WD4PFN (timer truck radio operator).  Net control stations were WA4RGO and N4UF.

The printed race program included good publicity for ham radio.  The River Run committee also donated red baseball caps which can be used for other future public service events.  Each participant also received an official River Run T-shirt.

Thanks to WA4RGO for his hard work in meticulously planning our participation.  The 1984 event was the best yet.....by a large margin!

The donated "red baseball caps" were emblazoned HAM RADIO.  Every Duval ARES member--those who attended meetings or participated as ham radio volunteers--received a red hat from Al.

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SECOND NOFARS ONLINE MEETING

Members and guests covered the screen and one called it a remake of Hollywood Squares.  NOFARS second online meeting was Thursday, May 14th with thirty participants linked in and many using webcams. Topics included:

**Jacksonville Radio FREE Flea is cancelled.  Fast-approaching hot weather and several other concerns led to a decision to hold our next gathering on October 24th.

**Wayne, WB4YTJ reported on the WWD 146.7 net held each Monday at 8PM.  Participation is up and additional check-ins are encouraged.

**Brandi, K4PL said Ladies Nets are set for Thursday, May 21st and Sunday, May 31st on W4IZ 146.7.  Angela, N4VCX will be net control.  Topics include how to deal with inappropriate transmissions on ham radio.

**Peter, AC4PS spoke about Contest University.  Originally scheduled the day before the Dayton hamfest, organizers moved CTU online and made sessions free.   Peter recommends it to those interested in participating in contests.  Much of Contest University 2020 is now on YouTube. 

**Jim, W1JJK explained handouts that can be downloaded from his page on qrz.com   These are especially helpful to newcomers in northeastern Florida.  Put W1JJK in the "enter inquiry by callsign" block at upper left.

**Jack, KB4B reported on plans to provide streaming of NOFARS meetings.  Some meetings offered by groups doing live streaming have off-mic audio, stagnant video, etc.

Good streaming is not easy to produce and many factors must be considered.  A reliable crew will be needed.  If you can assist, contact Jack.

**Steve, WA4B and Henry, WB4LEQ spoke about using the two different receivers to access 146.7.  It involves programming separate memory channels with different transmit CTCSS tones.  W4IZ 146.7 began continuous operation during Memorial Day weekend 1999 and it begins the 22nd year soon.

**Rajesh, K4SK and Brandi, K4PL described plans for drive-in FCC testing in a large park on Saturday, May 16th. Thirty to forty applicants are expected during four time blocks. 

 **John, W4IJJ spoke about Duval ARES.  When access is possible, ARES operators will be checking out antenna installations at potential shelters to prepare for upcoming hurricanes.  He is optimistic about prospects for Field Day on June 27-28.  Anyone with connections for a possible location, please contact him via JohnR1000@aol.com

Thanks to K4PL and K4SK for arranging the May online meeting.

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Ground Penetrating Radar, GPR
By Ross Goodall, WD4NJV

Recently our neighborhood with underground utilities experienced a cable outage.  Ground penetrating radar was used to locate cable runs as well as water and sewer lines.

Both a handheld unit and one mounted on a rolling base with four wheels, similar to a walk behind lawnmower, were used. 

Unfortunately, when the cable was installed years ago, it was not placed inside flexible plastic pipe to give protection from digging and the elements. 

A contractor digging in a neighbor's backyard for a new swimming pool cut both a sewer line and water line due to not having the utilities located and marked before digging.  The hole began filling with raw sewage. Before digging have utilities marked, a free service in Florida.

GPR is used not only for locating utilities but  also for structural analysis (locating rebar), law enforcement, environmental projects (bridges, decks), humanitarian locating (graves and evidence).  GPR can see under concrete, asphalt, grassy areas and walls.   

These units have one or more antennas that transmit and receive RF so the operator can see the size of the objects and the depth.  GPR uses the same principles as metal detectors which can use up to 17 frequencies. GPR  uses frequencies in the 250MHz, 1 GHZ and 2 GHz bands.  Higher frequencies do not penetrate as deep but provide higher resolution.  Lower frequencies provide deep penetration but lower resolution.

Radar is sensitive to material composition and requires movement so you will see the operator swinging the unit or rolling the unit.  GPR can see through conductive materials and detect conductive and non-conductive materials although it cannot see thru them.   1

Reference:
1              Wikipedia, Ground Penetrating Radar

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JAX HAMS PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL EXERCISE

By Brian Schultheis, K4BJS

On Saturday May 30th, Duval County ARES operators participated in the Red Cross EmComm Nationwide Radio Simulation  and also included a local exercise that focusing on local served agencies.

The four-hour drill started at 9AM as the group implemented an Incident Action Plan (IAP) to simulate opening of three Red Cross-managed evacuation shelters. 

The local simulation included the Health & Medical section and the Communications Unit of Jacksonville's Emergency Operations Center.  A Resource Net helped manage Duval ARES personnel and equipment. 

The Winlink system handled four formal messages sent to Red Cross Disaster Operations HQ using their format.  The exercise helped train shelter radio operators in using Red Cross general message forms and disaster requisition forms.  They also originated test messages to Health and Medical at a simulated Emergency Operations Center. 

Objectives focused on training operators to properly follow Jacksonville's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and Duval ARES' responsibility under Mass Care, Shelter and Emergency Communications Plans.

Participants completed all 17 training scenario objectives, including potable water shutoff, personnel accountability, establishing simulated communications in support of Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department (JFRD) command and control operations, communication support toJacksonville's Florida Department of Health office along with more mundane shelter management issues.  

Each training scenario improved skills and knowledge.  Working together, participants demonstrated impressive problem solving skills and innovative solutions.  Operators included Jack Driskell, KB4B; Bill Vetter, KK4CAM; Mark Wolff, N4MEW; Ron Snelling, KM4RLS; Grant Greenwell, K4GDG and Brian Schultheis, K4BJS.

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Broadcast Television Camera Work
By Ross Goodall, WD4NJV

Broadcast cameras may be employed in live settings or to record video for later editing and use.  I had the pleasure of doing some camera work as a volunteer.  Broadcast camera work was a new experience for me helping out at a local church. 

Good camera operation requires practice.  Standing behind a camera for an hour or more can be a challenge for many.  Cameras can be fixed to the floor, roll around, carried by hand or motorized on a track, wire, boom or drone.  The camera operator may be behind the camera or even in a control room where one person controls one or more cameras.

Before a broadcast session starts there may be a meeting to discuss the director’s plans and order of service.  It is important that everyone be on time.   

Steps for operating a camera include removing the camera cover if provided, then the lens cap.  Plug in the headset or turn on the cordless headset so you will be able to hear the director’s instructions. Adjust the pan and tilt for smooth non -drifting operation.

Some directors will let the operator be somewhat creative showing the director their shot while other directors want to control all shots 100%.....or a mix of both.   If you hear “camera 4, we need only air-able shots” you know you did something wrong making your shot unusable.   

On the camera handles there is a zoom adjustment and a focus adjustment.  If the subject is away from the camera, zoom in tight and focus on the subject’s nose then zoom out for a wider view.

Avoid shooting directly into bright studio lights.  If you are using a roll-around or hand-carried camera with a cord, watch for obstructions in travel and preferably have a spotter carrying the cord and watching for obstructions.

Broadcast camera lenses are expensive so handle cameras with care. Watch for proper subject headroom and if the subject is moving, lead them with the camera.  If they move to the right or look to the right, leave more space to the right.

If you are sent outside in harsh weather, protect the camera as much as possible especially in salty air.  Use only authorized lens cleaner and wipes.  News reporters are often sent out in dangerous situations around protesters and inclement weather.   Watch for “photo bombs” in which someone steps into your shot and watch for signs in the background that may have offensive language or prohibited language for broadcast. 

Remember there are no redos on live broadcasts. 

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 KDKA Celebrates Its 100th Anniversary
By Ross Goodall, WD4NJV

On November 2, 1920 KDKA Pittsburgh became the first commercial radio station in the world.  There was an effort to establish Westinghouse’s patent presence by purchasing the International Radio Telegraph Company with the idea that acquiring it could help gain control of a heterodyne patent.   But due to competitive advantages held by RCA, opportunities were limited for Westinghouse. 

KDKA originated as a project to create radio links between Westinghouse locations and avoid telephone and telegraph costs. This effort ended up creating a broadcast station. 

Radio broadcast stations in the US were assigned call letters starting with W east of the Mississippi and K west of the Mississippi.  There were several exceptions including KDKA which received its call letters when land stations were assigned from a block that had previously been used for ship stations but subsequently returned back to the normal assignment system.  KDKA was allowed to keep their K prefix.

A Westinghouse engineer, H.  B. Davis, made a famous quote about broadcasting in 1922:

Where will it end?  What are the limitations?  Who dares to predict?  Relays will permit one station to pass its messages on to another and we may easily expect to hear in an outlying farm in Maine some great artist singing into a microphone many thousands of miles away.  A receiving set in every home; in every hotel room; in every school room, in every hospital room. Why not?   Indeed, why not?

History has supplied the answer.  How true...Ross

Other firsts for KDKA:
**Sound issues:  Inside acoustics were terrible so they used a tent and burlap cloth which was the beginning of modern studio design and noise absorbing walls.

**Remote broadcasting:  Religious service on January 2, 1921 and Major League Baseball game on August 5, 1921

**1921 Broadcast of Harding-Cox presidential returns

**Shortwave broadcasting simulcasting to Canada, Radio skip distance studies

**Network radio broadcasting

Format changes:

In the 1930’s KDKA played big band and jazz and later welcomed Rock N' Roll. In the seventies. KDKA shifted to adult contemporary and in 1992, it changed to talk radio. 1

In 1996, Westinghouse merged with CBS and in 1997 Viacom bought CBS making KDKA a part of that network.  Westinghouse bought WDTV-TV and the call was changed to KDKA-TV. 2  

KDKA used PAMS Jingles. 3    

Actual recording of first commercial broadcast  4       

Quick history with photos  5

For additional reading:

PittsburghBeautiful.com 

HammondmuseumofRadio.org/KDKA.html

References:
1    World Radio History.org/Archive-Station-Albums It-Started -Hear-KDKA.

2    KDKA Radio- 100 years

3.   Bing Video:  KDKA Jingles

4.  You Tube: KDKA Pittsburgh 11/2/1920- First Commercial broadcast (actual recording)

5    KDKA history in 3 Minutes 

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 Audio Processing Used by Broadcasters
By Ross Goodall, WD4NJV

Radio and television broadcasters use audio processing realizing that listeners will be listening to their broadcasts in different environments and on different receivers.  Listeners may be listening in stereo or mono, at high sound levels or low sound levels, in an automobile, office, home or other noisy environments. 

Some will be listening on a receiver with ear buds, or a three-inch speaker, or on a top of the line sound system. Some listeners will have diminished hearing due to age, from being exposed to power equipment such as chain saws, power blowers, gunfire, and jet engines. Listeners also have varied musical tastes wanting to hear the full dynamic range of a classical music orchestra or heavy metal music.

Listening across the FM broadcast band, most stations sound different due to audio processing. Broadcasters want their station to sound great in many listening situations.  A good example, in my opinion, would be WOKV-FM as that station's sound processing really makes advertisers stand out and voices sound crisp and clear.

Over-deviation can be prevented by keeping the audio at the proper level using an audio limiter to keep signals within specifications.  An improperly set limiter greatly deteriorates sound quality.

Broadcast Multi-band processors have three or more stages to help ensure the best sound.  Basic stages include:

(1) Automatic Gain Control (AGC) adjusts sound levels as necessary for uniformity.  Stronger levels are attenuated more.

(2) Multi-band Limiter/Compressor/Equalizer splits audio frequency bands to process bass, mid, and low sounds individually. There may be many additional bands and each band is compressed so the quiet parts are boosted and higher levels are reduced,        

(3) Final Limiter is a fast-acting limiter that cuts any peak levels to keep transmissions legal. 

Audio processors raise the average audio level to make the station sound louder.  Adjusting processors must done only by properly trained personnel watching the transmitter performance.

In addition to hardware audio processing, the same effects may be achieved through software programs.

The Orban Optimod, Omnia, DSPX, Stereo Tool, Breakaway, and Sonos are among widely used software solutions to audio processing for a great sounding station.  1 

Reference:

1  http://a-bc.co.uk/audio-processing/ Broadcast Audio Processing, Associated Broadcast Consultants-demonstration

Be sure to scroll to the bottom to see and hear a demonstration of an audio processor in action. Also, there are numerous YouTube videos on this subject.

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