This is my last newsletter as Section Manager.  In February, I will resign before my term ends March 31 and let newly elected Section Manager Karl Bowman, W4CHX, take over early.  The primary reason for this change is because I will not be able to attend the Charlotte Hamfest due to a scheduled trip, and I feel strongly that Karl should represent the section as Section Manager at the hamfest.  The past four years have wonderful, and I thank all North Carolina ARRL members and non-members alike for the privilege of representing them.  I leave the SM position feeling very good about all aspects of Ham Radio in North Carolina except one – arrogant and childish behavior on the air by older Hams.  Former FCC enforcer Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, wrote last year in CQ magazine that he seldom had to bring action against new Hams.

Rather, the most flagrant violators were those who have held their licenses more than ten years.  They somehow feel empowered and exempt from many rules.  Many 75 meter QSOs at night are a disgrace and an embarrassment to most Hams, and to any members of the public listening.

 When our very conscientious and polite Official Observer (OO)  team members notify these offenders who run wide signals and use profanity, they often reply with disgust and continue to operate with impunity.

All I can ask in the face of a lack of strong enforcement by the FCC is that peer pressure be brought to convince offenders that good operating techniques need to be paramount if we are not only going to maintain our frequencies for Amateur Radio, but as a national resource we are taken seriously with respect by government officials and the public at large.  You will still see me around at hamfests and meetings, so until we next meet, 73 es TNX.

73 de Bill Morine ARRL North Carolina Section Manager 

Ladies & Gentlemen!

 

I am pleased to announce that Charlotte Regional Skywarn has arranged to have Tony Sturey from the NWS to hold the Basic and Advance Skywarn Spotter courses in our area.  

 

Date: April 12th 2014

Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm

Location: Salvation Army Charlotte, 501 Archdale Dr, Charlotte NC, 28217

 

Basic Class Starting at 10:00 ending at 12:15~12:30

30 Min Break

Advance Class Starting at 1:00 ending at 2:00~2:30

 

Both of these courses are FREE.

 

We are limited to a class size of 75 people. I want to include all the area clubs and ARES groups, so please pass this along to your folks. If you see someone missing in the "To" line of this message please forward it to them. This will also be advertised on the NWS site.

 

If you plan to attend, please send me an email to this address. I would like to have a good estimate of the attendance to make sure we have room for everyone, however registration is not required.

 

Look for us at the Charlotte HamFest next weekend in the flea market area, and come by and say hi!

For all of those who plan to attend the Skywarn classes, please send your reservations to Chris Gay at:  [email protected]