NC4XL Dave Domina Advice for Those Posting Comments in Ham Groups

Great advice from NC4XL!

SENATORS WICKER, BLUMENTHAL INTRODUCE THE AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS ACT

 Legislation Helps Increase Communication Options During Natural Disasters

FEBRUARY 14, 2024

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., introduced legislation to give amateur radio operators the right to install their antennas and serve their community. Homeowner association rules prevent amateur radio operators from installing outdoor antennas on residential properties even though this communication method has proven to be essential in emergencies and natural disasters, such as hurricanes in states like Mississippi and Connecticut.

“Because communication during natural disasters is often hindered, we should be making every attempt to give folks more options. Reliable access can make the difference between life and death in an emergency. Our legislation removes roadblocks for amateur radio operators looking to help their friends, families, and neighbors,” Senator Wicker said.

“Our measure will help clarify the rules so ham radio enthusiasts can successfully continue their communications. In the face of emergency or crisis, they help provide vital, life-saving information that allow listeners to properly and safely respond, but prohibitive home association rules and confusing approval processes for installing antennas have been an unnecessary impediment,” Senator Blumenthal said. “The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act resolves these bottlenecks and ensures that radio operators can function successfully.”

Background:

The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act of 2024 would require homeowner associations to accommodate the needs of amateur radio operators by limiting the scenarios in which they can ban, prevent, or require the approval of the installation or use of amateur radio antennas. Homeowner associations have often prevented installation and use through private lands restrictions, potentially hindering access to emergency communications.

Among other provisions, this legislation would:

• Prohibit homeowner association rules that would prevent or ban amateur radio antennas;
• Clarify the approval process for installing amateur radio antennas;
• Give amateur radio operators a private right of action.

The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act of 2024 has been endorsed by the Amateur Radio Relay League.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

ISS - NA1SS FLYOVER ALAMOGORDO, NM

 Video of the ISS Flyover Jan 14, 2024 18:30

The Ham Radio Station on board was operating and locals were makeing contact.

Sorry about the shakiness of the cellphone camera.  The ISS passed over us at 17,400 miles per hour and it was hard to handle the camera and the ham radio.

I heard "DM79" coming up a lot and that is a Ham Radio Grid signifying Denver, CO.

Our Grid area is DM72, which goes from Alamogordo to the Texas border and east to Carlsbad.

#ISS

#NA1SS

#NASA

#HamRadio

HF Radio Activity Group

 This is a great way for hams  to get radio active and meet others on the air every Saturday.

It is not a contest and it is not a net but it is great learning experience for new and seasoned ham radio operators.

Check out the website at: https://hfqso.com/

Be sure to click the instructions and read up on how to participate.

#hamradio

Quartzfest 2024

 Quartzfest 2024 - January 21-27, 2024

Quartzfest 202 is a free event - Donations welcome!  You do not need a reservation for your RV.  Find your favorite cactus and plot of desert and park your RV .  

For details and directions:  https://quartzfest.org/

For information contact Tracy at wm6t@arrl.net

#hamradio

#Quartzfest

Great HOA solution for an HF dipole

 It pays to read the fine print. If you live in an HOA controlled area check your contract for allowance of decorative lights.  You can sneak in a dipole and the HOA would never know the better.

#hamradio

Great Tips for Calling CQ

 Great YouTube video from DXCOMMANDER:

1 - Pick a Frequencey that is not usualy busy - stay off of 0 and 5's

2 - Check for Frequency in use

3 - Be enthusiastic - this could take some time.  Remember stations have to find you.

4 - Give Name, QTH (a general location) and a signal report.

5 - If asked about your radio be brief.

6 - Thank them and call out for your next contact. 

#hamradio