“Care and Feeding of your Section Manager”

Speaker: John Fritze K2QY, ARRL Section Manager for Eastern NY

Abstract: In his talk, John will describe his duties as the ARRL Section Manager, and speak on several additional topics including the following:

• The value of ARES to the public (especially the ENY Section)
• Major changes in the ENY Section (including the ENY.ARR.ORG web site updates)
• The New Public Service Event Planning Procedure
• The new “ARES Connect”
• Recognition and awards the Section Manager may issue
• Sympathy cards and the aging populace of hams
• Youth Outreach program
• Comments regarding recent league issues

About our speaker: John received his first ham license in 1977 as WA2TQW, then KB2CR, and he has been K2QY since 2003. He has served as President and Director of the Albany Amateur Radio Association (AARA) multiple times in the 1980s and 2010-2013, and is currently on the board of directors of AARA. He was President of the Albany County Amateur Communications Emergency Services 2014-2017. He is Radio Officer of Albany County RACES. He has received ARRL and FEMA training to the management level and is SkyWarn trained. He has served as Emergency Coordinator for Albany County and Northern District Emergency Coordinator for Eastern NY. John was one of the first VEs in the country (1984), and is currently an instructor for amateur radio license classes (CARES). He has served as ARRL Hudson Division Assistant Director, chairperson for Digital Communications for ARES/RACES in ENY, and ARRL Field Instructor/Examiner/VE. He has served as ARRL Section Manager for Eastern NY since 2017.

John’s ham radio interests include casual DXing, contesting, all digital modes, APRS, Satellite, and International Space Station (ISS). He has taught every license class since 1978. He was the ISS school contact in 2011 for Donald P. Sutherland School –East Greenbush. He is the repeater owner and servicer for both ACACES 146.64 and a portable Fusion emergency repeater. He enjoys participating in Direction Finding (Fox Hunting), Summits on the Air, and National Parks on the Air. He has undertaken DXpeditions to Newfoundland, Barbados, Saint Martin, and Saint Maarten.

John’s ham interests also include Mobile and Backpack Mobile HF, Home Brewing /Experimenting, EMCOMM, and public awareness.

John participates extensively in public Service events either as NCS or Support operation.

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When “UHF” Equipment Was Simple: The Original Transceivers

Speaker: James R. Stewart, K2PK

Abstract: It might be hard to imagine today, but in the years surrounding World War 2 one of the attractions to going on “UHF” (then near our present 6 and 2 meter bands) was the ability to build and use very simple equipment. These were the original transceivers using 2 or 3 tubes. All the component parts were used for both receiving and transmitting. In addition to amateur casual operating and emergency communications, transceivers of this kind were used in the Army during World War 2 and on the home front in the War Emergency Radio Service. RCA even made a commercially produced version for amateur use. These transceivers will be contrasted with the design of one of the simplest sets of the 1960’s, the Heathkit “calibrated lunch box.” An Army radio, an RCA radio, and the later Heathkit will be on display at the meeting.

About our speaker: Jim has been a member of SARA for 40 years. He is past president and vice president of SARA and is currently board secretary. He was first licensed in 1954 as WN3ZIR with later calls W3ZIR, K2PKK and now K2PK. While the bulk of his professional life was in the electric power industry, first at Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation and then in Schenectady at Power Technologies Inc., he also has had a hand in commercial radio at two AM broadcast stations and one FM station. Jim is a Fellow of the IEEE and is on the ARRL CW DXCC Honor Roll.

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Unmanned Aerial Systems (a.k.a. “Drones”)
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Speaker: Gary J. McPherson, P.E., W2GJM

Abstract: The presentation will give an overview of the current FAA rules and regulations (Parts 107 and 101) and will focus on what you need to know before flying your UAS (a.k.a. drone). There will be several UAS platforms at the presentation to show attendees the various capabilities and currently available technology/payloads and options. This presentation will also describe some of the current completed missions utilizing drones along with footage from various missions and projects, and will discuss anti-drone technology.

About our speaker: Gary has been a licensed amateur radio operator since the late 80’s and operated club calls while in attendance at HVCC and Union College. He graduated from Union College in ’93 with a BS in Civil Engineering. He is a professional engineer and has been with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for the last 20+ years. Gary began flying airplanes well before drones. He started flying at the age of 15, soloed at 16, and obtained his private pilot license in 1991. In 2016, he became the first FAA-certificated UAS remote drone pilot in New York State. On top of Gary’s standard engineering duties he assisted in the formation of the NYSDEC UAS program and is one of the department’s UAS pilots and instructors. Gary utilizes UAS on various missions, including emergency response, environmental water, forest and wildlife assessments, mapping missions, and has provided aerial assistance for the Governor. Gary also owns and operates a photography business and has integrated the use of UAS to add a unique visual perspective.

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The History, Science, Technology, and Development of Computed Tomography (CT) Medical Imaging (a professional and personal life experience)

Speaker: Bob Saltzman WB2ARK

It is likely that most people have had, or will have a CT scan at some time in their life. Have you ever wondered how this complex, extraordinary, and often life-saving medical technology works?

Bob will describe the history, science, technology, and development of the CT medical imaging scanner, using a content-rich computer-based slide presentation and visual aids. His talk will include a look into the discovery and basic concepts of x-rays and the fundamentals of medical imaging, with the objective of demystifying the basic notions associated with CT.

Bob was a member of the General Electric Corporate Research and Development (now Global Research) team that developed GE’s first CT scanners in the late 1970’s. He will relate parts of the remarkable story of this challenging and successful effort to deliver this significantly improved diagnostic device to the medical community, along with his personal experiences working on this project. He will also show examples of his collection of artifacts from the CT project at GE, as time permits.

This presentation was initially developed for and given to GE Global Research and GE Healthcare.
It has since been presented to the Saratoga Academy for Lifelong Learning and the Union College Academy for Lifelong Learning, and will be given to the Medical Society of Schenectady County.

A native of White Plains, NY, Bob earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Union College in 1969, and a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from Union Graduate College in 1976. He still is actively involved with Union’s Alumni Council.

Bob was a senior computer systems architect at General Electric Global Research, where he was involved with Internet and intranet-based World Wide Web systems architecture, digital streaming multimedia, computer graphics, research collaboration, laboratory experiment control systems, electronic mail, and network security. He participated in the development of a computer-controlled secure radio dispatching system for several large metropolitan police departments. He developed the radiological graphics system for GE’s first CT medical imaging scanner. He was a member of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Association for Computing Machinery Special Interest Group on Graphics, and holds a patent. He retired in 2014 after almost 45 years with GE.

Bob has expertise in personal computers and computer security, photography, music, and has been an FCC licensed amateur operator since 1960 (now advanced class). He worked in theater sound and lighting, and in broadcast television and radio as a disk jockey, sports announcer, and engineer. He has worked with a rock and roll band and been involved in the professional display fireworks business since 1983. Bob has been a researcher and expert on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, a topic on which he has lectured nationwide since 1970. Having held several officer ranks, he was a trained firefighter and became a New York State certified Advanced Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic in 1979 (now retired). He was a member of a county-wide Critical Incident Stress Debriefing team for emergency personnel. He is now involved with the Red Cross blood donation program. Bob has two adult children, both involved in the medical field.

Bob is currently on the Curriculum and Special Events Committees of the Union College Academy for Lifelong Learning, where he attends, helps to develop, and teaches courses.

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FT5ZM: DXPedition to Amsterdam Island

Program: FT5ZM: DXPedition to Amsterdam Island

Abstract: Here is an opportunity to vicariously enjoy a major ham radio expedition to one of the most remote locations on earth, Amsterdam Island, in the southern Indian Ocean–3000 km away from the nearest continent. Amsterdam Island was discovered by the Spanish in 1522 and named by the Dutch in 1633. The first recorded landing was in 1696. Captain Cook once described it as “the most awful place on earth. Landing here is difficult, with high surf and strong winds.”

A team of 14 hams boarded the Braveheart, an experienced DX sailing vessel, in Freemantle, Australia on January, 15, 2014—mid-summer—and travelled 9 days to reach Amsterdam Island. They set up multiple stations, and completed nearly 165,000 QSOs, before QRT. This is another “over-the-top” DXpedition that shows the results of teamwork and commitment.

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December Social Event

Happy Holidays from SARA

Winter SKYWARN

Presenter: John Quinlan, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Program: Winter Skywarn™ Training

Abstract: Skywarn™ is a nationwide network of volunteer weather spotters who report to and are trained by the National Weather Service (NWS). These spotters report many forms of significant or severe weather such as severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, heavy snow, and flooding. This program qualifies attendees to be Skywarn™ weather spotters.

The staff at NWS Forecast Office Albany are responsible for issuing local forecasts and severe weather warnings for much of eastern New York, Southern Vermont, the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts and Litchfield County Connecticut. Skywarn™ Spotters provide an invaluable service by providing ground truth so we can correlate what is seen on radar to what is actually occurring, help warn downstream communities, add value to our statements and warnings, and to verify forecasts and warnings. Spotters act as our eyes and ears helping us provide better services .

Training is free! Please register for the training session.

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Ham Radio Jepperdee!

Speakers: Bob Raffaele, W2XM, and Nathaniel Greenman, KB2HPX

Abstract: How well do you know the amateur radio hobby? Bob Raffaele, assisted by Nathaniel Greenmann, will put you to the test at the October SARA meeting with a challenging series of questions–Jeopardy style (or was that “Jepperdee” style). Come and put your skills to the test. You may be surprised at how much (or how little?) you know about the hobby!! (psst… I hear there may even be prizes for the Jepperdee winners).

Bob Raffaele, W2XM, had a short career as a broadcast engineer. After earning an MS in physics, he taught full-time at HVCC and then did substitute teaching at Niskayuna HS. The former WB2DXM has been a ham for 55 years.

Nathaniel Greenman, KB2HPX, has been licensed since 1988, and is an Electrical Engineer. He is extremely active with AARA, and maintains K2CT/R.

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Part 1: Field Day Notables and Drone Footage

Speakers: Tim Long W2UI, James MacMurray N2UZQ, and Dave Bradshaw KD2FVM
Tim, James, and Dave will give highlights of Field Day. Our total score was 5,698, higher than last year, thanks to the Q-Juice!

See the June 2017 SARA News for bio sketches for Tim Long and James MacMurray.

Part 2: Emergency Communications After Twin Tower Attacks

Speaker: Tony Pazzola W2BEJ

Abstract: Tony will give a first-hand, eye witness account of emergency communications in the NYC area in the wake of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center Buildings. Tony’s talk will include FACTS, STORIES, and ANECDOTES.

Tony is the recipient of the 2015 BROUGHTON AWARD and the ARRL 2013 Grand Ole Ham Award . Tony is a retiree from General Electric and the State of New York. He has been continually licensed since 1963, and currently holds the Extra Class license. He has participated in 14 VE sessions and is qualified as a Field Examiner for an ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Course. He has been active in several amateur radio clubs in the Capital District. He has also mentored and supported several hams and prospective hams over years.

Tony has also been active in Air Force MARS as a member, and serves as New York State Emergency Coordinator (EC). Tony has attended 31 consecutive Dayton Hamventions between 1982 and 2012. He has given numerous presentations, usually on good amateur radio operator practices. In 2002, Tony gave a presentation on amateur radio support at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks. Tony is the author of “Tony’s World Famous Hamfest List”.

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“Broughton Memorial Field Day 2017”

Speaker:  Tim Long W2UI and James MacMurray N2UZQ

Abstract: SARA and SMARA will again be joining forces for Field Day 2017. Tim and James will present preparations and plans for this unique event. Please read the message from the President to get a flavor of what is in store for us during Field Day!

Tim Long first got his start in amateur radio in 1961 when he passed his Novice exam given by his scoutmaster WA2FFJ and received call WN2KHQ. That callsign became WB2KHQ, then WA4DXR, then WB2SPN, and now W2UI. Tim has served SARA in various positions including many years as Secretary, two stints as Vice President, two tours as President, and countless years as Treasurer (dues cheerfully accepted). Tim holds BSEE and MSCS degrees and is employed by Bechtel Marine Propulsion Corp. in West Milton. Besides ham radio antenna work and Field Day, Tim enjoys golf.

James MacMurray was born in 1972 and grew up in Scotia. Licensed in 1993 and received his Extra while going to college for Data Communications. Currently the President of SARA, Radio Room Officer for SMARA, and Emergency Coordinator for Schenectady County ARES. He has served as a Director for SARA for the previous 2 years and served SMARA as a past President, Vice President, and Treasurer. Currently working full time as an Employee Retirement Examiner 3 for the State of New York Office of the State Comptroller. James has interests in VHF/UHF weak signal, HF phone, and HF Digital contesting.

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psst…Please feel free to bring your SARA dues with you to this meeting or Field Day!!

The June meeting is also our annual business meeting, including our annual election of Board Members and Officers.

Officers and Board of Directors Nominations for 2017–2018 are as follows:
President: James MacMurray N2UZQ
Vice President: Jim Silva KC2ZVK
Secretary: Jim Stewart K2PK
Treasurer: Tim Long W2UI
Board Member: Paul Siemers WY2F
Board Member: Bob Saltzman WB2ARK
Board Member: Dave Bradshaw KD2FVM
Board Member: JR Hotaling K2PEQ

Please plan to attend this meeting.