The Bi-Monthly Newsletter of the Emergency Amateur Radio Club Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.

1. The Bi-Monthly Newsletter of the
Emergency Amateur Radio Club
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Volume XIII, No. 3 Summer 2012
F ield Day 2012 was an
outstanding success!
Thanks to many of you
who made it possible to put on
this event, from the 25 plus
Dave WH6DSL and Jimmy
WH7MW for their support and
assistance to make this the best
in-town field day in a while.
KH6OWL brought out his satel-
lite antenna and radio, making
two satellite contacts, and the
guys who brought out the
MESH network setup that was
The two HF antennas provid-
members who showed up Fri- ed by Fred KH6ZX and Randy very interesting.
day afternoon at 4 pm to help KH6IB worked perfectly. Con- Congratulations to everyone
set up to the 75 plus members tacts were made into Europe who tested at Field Day and
and hams who just came down and across the US and Canada passed their Tech exam or up-
to support us throughout the during Field day. The site graded. Great job!
day Saturday, to the spouses turned out to be a good HF spot. Again, Thank you all of you
who put up with us and ran We'd like to say thank you to for supporting the club and this
around getting things for break- Eric KH6RT for the Icom 756 event, I am always humbled by
fast, lunch and dinner. HF radio and ICOM America for all of you.
Let us not forget the support the use of the ICOM 9100 HF Mahalo,
of the University of Hawaii, radio for field day. Stacy Wayne
Left: Tony KH6TG watches as Gordon
KH6GL tests out the radio.
Right: Ron AH6RH with Mario KH6PRD.
(photos WH7GG)
More photos: Page 4

2. 2 WIRELESS DISPATCH
Tuesday, September 18, 2012, 1900W
EARC General Membership Meeting
Fleet Reserve Association
Saturday, October 6, 2012, 0900-1200W
ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET)
More info: http://www.qsl.net/ah6rh/am-
radio/in-hawaii.html
Tuesday, October 16, 2012, 1900W
EARC General Membership Meeting (Annual
meeting)
Elections of 2013 Board of Directors
About the Wireless Dispatch
Editor: Keith Higa, WH7GG
EMERGENCY AMATEUR
The Wireless Dispatch is the
RADIO CLUB official newsletter of the EARC.
It is published bi-monthly and
The Emergency 2012 Club Officers: sent to all members in good
President: standing with the EARC. The
Amateur Radio Club Wayne Greenleaf, KH6MEI newsletter is also available
(EARC) is an online on the EARC’s website at
ARRL affiliated Vice President: www.earchi.org.
club based in Chris Colquhoun, NH7QH Articles and photos are al-
Honolulu, ways welcome from members
Secretary: and others on club events and
Hawaii, Gloria Hall, KH6GLO timely issues in ham radio. Arti-
committed to cles may be edited for length or
preparing Treasurer: grammar. All articles reflect the
Steve Hall, NH7ZD views of the respective authors,
Hawaii’s radio
and not necessarily those of the
amateurs for Directors: editor or Board of Directors.
emergency and public Tom Geier, KH6BLA Correspondence regarding
Jim Connell, KH6JKG the Wireless Dispatch may be
service communications. Darrell Omuro, KH6XL submitted to the editor at
Alex Andrade, KH6IR wh7gg@arrl.net
Eric Ty, KH6RT

3. Summer/Fall 2012 3
EARC Nightly Net
Our flagship net, every night at 1930W
on the 146.88/444.500 Diamond Head Oahu DEM Net
repeater. This is a directed net designed
primarily as a training net for public
service communications, led by our
Designed as a training ground for Oahu
friendly NCS team. Remember to use
DEM RACES, this net provides in-depth
standard ITU phonetics when checking
training on emergency communications.
in. New hams (and new NCSs) always
All Oahu hams welcome to participate.
welcome!
Fourth Wednesday of the month,
1930W, on 146.88/444.500 (pre-empts
the EARC net on that day.)
Swap and Shop
Maintained and compiled by Dr. Frank
Young (KH6CDO), this net lists items of
New Ham Net
equipment that other hams are selling or
seeking. If you have something to sell,
contact Frank at 988-7474. Every Designed for introducing new hams to
Tuesday night after the EARC net, at the hobby and into the world of
2000W, on 146.88/444.500. emergency communications. NCS is
Kevin Bogan (AH6QO), ARES Section
Emergency Coordinator. Every Thursday,
1800W, on the statewide RACES system
(147.06 (+) with PL 103.5 on Oahu).

4. 4 WIRELESS DISPATCH
More photos from Field Day
Top left: John KH6HAM logs while Louise WH6DPE
works the mic.
Top right: The testing session at Field Day. Among
those visible are Tom KH6BLA, Ryan KH6WEB, and
Ralph WH7PD.
Middle left: John KH6HAM adjusts the radio.
Middle right: A close-up of the turnbuckle keeping the
antenna secure
Left: Stacy KH6OWL makes a satellite contact while Ed
KH6GMB looks on.
(photos from Ryan KH6WEB)

5. Summer/Fall 2012 5
From the ARRL Letter. Copyright 2012 American Amateur Radio Relay League
Hams Heed the Call to Help As Isaac Makes Landfall,
Downgraded to Tropical Storm
Seven years to the day that Hurricane Katrina smashed into New Orleans, Hurricane Isaac came call-
ing. But instead of making landfall right at New Orleans like Katrina (a Category 3 storm) did on August
28, 2005, Isaac veered slightly to the west of the city. Through it all, hams at WX4NHC -- the Amateur
Radio station at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, Florida -- and those supporting the Hur-
ricane Watch Net and the VoIP Hurricane Net, along with various nets within the ARRL's Delta Division,
relayed reports to their served agencies on Isaac's progress and the damage the storm created in its
wake.
"Even though Isaac has made landfall and is currently tracking slowly up Central Louisiana to Arkan-
sas, hams in the Delta Division are not done," explained ARRL Delta Division Director David Norris,
K5UZ. "We had quite a few nets running as Isaac came ashore, and some are still going on, relaying dam-
age reports and assisting with health-and-welfare traffic. As the American Red Cross and other served
agencies venture out in the field within the next few days to assess the damage created by Isaac, hams
in the Delta Division are ready to assist these teams with whatever communications support is neces-
sary. Just because Isaac itself is over, we know that storms like this can bring tornadoes, power outages
and other weather events in their wake, and we are prepared to continue to provide any support that is
needed." Read more at: http://www.arrl.org/news/hams-heed-the-call-to-help-as-isaac-makes-landfall-
downgraded-to-tropical-storm
FCC Releases Congressionally Mandated Study on Amateur Radio
On August 20 -- in response to a Spring 2012 Congressional directive -- the Federal Communications
Commission released its findings on the Uses and Capabilities of Amateur Radio Service Communica-
tions in Emergencies and Disaster Relief: Report to Congress Pursuant to Section 6414 of the Middle Class
Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012.
This report contains the FCC’s “ review of the importance of emergency Amateur Radio Service com-
munications relating to disasters, severe weather and other threats to lives and property in the United
States; and recommendations for enhancements in the voluntary deployment of Amateur Radio opera-
tors in disaster and emergency communications and disaster relief efforts; and recommendations for
improved integration of Amateur Radio operators in the planning and furtherance of initiatives of the
federal government.” It also required “that the study identify impediments to enhanced Amateur Radio
Service communications and provide recommendations regarding the removal of such impediments.”
“There are many positive things included in the FCC report to Congress,” said ARRL Regulatory Infor-
mation Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND. “We are pleased that the Commission highlighted the existing
Amateur Radio infrastructure to provide disaster and time-critical communications. They also recog-
nized the flexibility of the Amateur Service in working with federal, state, local and tribal emergency
service agencies to supplement existing communications. The affirmation of the value that Amateur Ra-
dio brings to the communities across the country is underscored by the suggestion that ‘DHS work with
state, local, and tribal authorities so they may develop disaster area access or credentialing policies for
trained amateur operators, including a means for documenting their qualifications…’”
Read more: http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-releases-congressionally-mandated-study-on-amateur-radio

6. 6 WIRELESS DISPATCH
Bringing hams into the future
Hawaii’s two best-known tech geeks join the world of amateur radio
B urt Lum (WH6DZJ) and
Ryan Ozawa (KH6WEB)
aren’t intimidated in the least
radio and its proven, time-
tested protocols.
“For me,” says Burt, “if I want
by today’s technology. In fact, to learn how to better use social
they live and breathe it. They've media and the Internet for
usually been the first people in emergency management, it is
Hawaii to discover the latest best to start with the original
social network, the latest cool emergency communicators,
iPhone app, or the latest local ham radio and the Emergency
startup company with a chance Amateur Radio Club. What bet-
to make it big. Together, they ter way to learn than to jump in
host a talk show on Hawaii Pub- with both feet.”
lic Radio called Bytemarks Cafe It led both Burt and Ryan to
on which they spotlight the lat- seek Ron’s help to study for,
Ryan Ozawa (KH6WEB, left) and
est and greatest things happen- and eventually succeed in get-
Burt Lum (WH6DZJ) in the Hawaii
ing in the Hawaii technology ting, their Technician licenses.
Public Radio studios. (photo cour-
scene, and actively promote tesy WH6DZJ)
Burt and Ryan are both show-
innovation and networking in ing great enthusiasm in their
the Hawaii economic, scientific, tion, having gotten his Radio new ham identities. Even be-
cultural, and social scene. Telephone 3rd class operating fore he got his call, Ryan (who
So what would make these permit when he was at Stanford maintains his own Hawaii Blog
two tech evangelists, who are pursing an electrical engineer- at www.hawaiiweblog.com) set
all about the latest, greatest, ing degree— “back in the dark up a couple of new outlets: a
most innovative things, decide ages,” as he says. new blog, hawaiiham.com, cov-
to take a few steps back on the It was in the 1990s while ering the world of ham radio
technological scale and get working at Hawaiian Telephone here in Hawaii, and a new
their ham radio licenses? (now Hawaiian Telcom) that he group on Facebook called the
For Ryan, the simplicity of met a couple of hams, notably Hawaii Ham Radio Group. The
ham radio holds an attraction Ron Hashiro (AH6RH) and Facebook group, in particular,
to him. “As much as I love the Billy Gomban (KH6JPL). At now has about 68 members and
latest and greatest gadget or the time, however, Morse code counting.
website,” he says, “I'm in awe of was still a requirement to get a And who may be the next to
fundamental, timeless technol- Technician license. Using a be licensed? Maybe Ryan’s
ogies that have been connecting scanner, though, he was able to daughter Katie, or his two sons
and helping people long before monitor the VHF and UHF Zac and Alex?
the first dial tone or IRC chat bands, including the principal For Katie’s part, she’s joined
room. Amateur radio was the ham radio repeaters here. her dad’s Facebook group and
original globe-spanning social Recently, Burt became inter- will be coming to Field Day
network, and today is still as ested in the possibilities of us- with him, so anything is possi-
important as ever... especially ing social media for news and ble. “She’s a possible recruit for
in an emergency or when the reporting emergencies, and in sure,” says Ryan.
Internet goes down.” particular getting reliable infor-
For his part, Burt is no mation in an emergency—
stranger to radio communica- which led him back to amateur

7. Summer/Fall 2012 7
Membership Application Form
Time to renew your membership, or to become a new member? Here’s the perfect opportunity to do
either. Just fill out this form and turn it in, along with your annual dues (see form for amount due) at the
next general membership meeting OR mail it in to us at the address shown at the bottom of the form.
You can also apply for or renew membership online at http://www.earchi.org. Follow the link for
the Online Membership application form.
Membership has its privileges! Here are just a few:
 free subscription to the Wireless Dispatch
 free EARC-sponsored test sessions for first-time hams and upgraders alike
 prize at the end of the year for the member that recruits the most new members
 an opportunity to do community service through club-sponsored events (i.e., the Great Aloha Run)
 a network of incredibly helpful, friendly, knowledgeable people who share your enthusiasm for
amateur radio
And that’s just the beginning. As a member, you’ll have opportunities to present your ideas, as well.
So fill out the form below, and get started!
——————————————————————————————————————————————
NEW MEMBERS JOINING IN: JAN-MAR $20.00, APR-JUN $15.00, JUL-SEP $10.00, OCT-DEC $5.00.
Renewals: $20.00 for the calendar year.
 New Member Renewal  Address Change (if this only, do not include payment)
CALL SIGN ___________ LICENSE CLASS ____________ LICENSE EXP DATE __________
NAME _________________________________________________________________________
Last, First MI
(Family: Name _______________ Call ___________ Name _____________ Call __________)
ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________________
CITY ________________________________ STATE ______ ZIP _____________- __________
HOME PHONE: (_____ ) _________________ WORK: (_____) _________________
PAGER: (_____ ) _________________ FAX: (_____) _________________
E-MAIL ADDRESS _____________________________________
 I would like to subscribe to the EARC e-mail listserv (no spam, just news!).
 I am willing to read the Wireless Dispatch online instead of receiving a paper copy (saves the club $$).
If you wish to submit this form by mail, please remit it, as well as a check for the amount specified to the EARC to
the following address:
Emergency Amateur Radio Club
P.O. Box 30315
Honolulu, HI 96820-0315

8. Welcome to the EARC’s newest
members:
 Ken Cannon, AH6NN  Chris Garrett, KK4GFT
 James DeTour, AH6OY  Trenton Bronson, N2OBM
 Richard Flagg, AH6NM  Ronald Takaki, NH6AG
 Stephen Hazam, K1HZM  Jonalynn Sing Funakura, WH6DZK to KH6WEB
 Dean Kozel, KB5HVJ NH6UO Ryan Ozawa
 Christopher Wall, KC8LAS  William Hope, WH6DQW WH7BTE to KH6GLO
 Sonny Makalena, KG4HZF  Larry Nihipali, WH6DWN Gloria Hall
 Charles Schenck, KH6CS  Mack Humphery, WH6DWX WH6DUL to KH6PRD
 William Osborn, KH6KV  David Bilek, WH6DYG Mario Alvarez
 Stephen Kawamae, KH6SK  Stewart Miura, WH6DZF WH6GD to KH6XJ
 Allen LeVie, KH7AL  Burt Lum, WH6DZJ Eugene Dashiell
 Sam Cadelinia, KH7IE  Ryan Ozawa, WH6DZK WH6DWT to KH6SK to KH6WG
 Ronald Wallenhorst, KH7UT  Edward Haddock, WH7TT Stephen Kawamae
 Robert Collester, KJ4HUH  Walter Hayward, WH7WP WH6DUQ to WH6SKY
Marc Nuzzo
WH6DTR to KH6TG
Tony Gannon
WH6DTE to KH6WB
Andy Andrade
WIRELESS DISPATCH
Emergency Amateur Radio Club
P.O. Box 30315
Honolulu, HI 96820-0315