November 2018 K5 PRK Newsletter - Groups.io · This month’s presentation was from Greg Evans, K5GTX, about ARES. He gave an explanation of duties and the methods of participating.

P a g e | 1

K5PRK Newsletter

Letter from the Editor WOW!! What a Halloween -

between the rain and work and

honey do’s it has been extremely

busy. It’s about two weeks until

the end of October. I have

worked on three different

automobiles doing oil and spark

plug changes, and just all-around

general maintenance getting

ready for winter. I have spent

endless hours on roof tops at

work looking for leaks in the rain.

I won’t even go into the honey

do’s. But with Halloween over it

brings on the end of the year and

time for family and friends. In

this month’s article Stephen,

KC5TEX, has written a very

interesting article about

generators. Make sure you look

over the included maps and come

to the November meeting - it will

be at Plano Presbyterian

Hospital. Plans are under way for

the K5PRK Christmas Party. It will

be at Furr’s again this year. It’s

also that time of year to renew

your membership. The easiest way

is to go to https://k5prk.net/, find

the dues tab and fill out the online

renewal. I have added a link to

help you get there.

https://k5prk.net/members/dues/

Rob, K5WFR, has so wonderfully

offered to help proofread the

newsletter provided I can complete

it in time for him to do so. As usual

Stan, NW5Q, the contest master

has helped with upcoming

contests. Well, even though I am

sure I left out plenty, I better get

busy. Thanks for your support and

enjoy the newsletter.

Happy Holidays

David - KG5NAV

In this Issue

November Meeting Info

Letter from the Editor

If You Missed the October Meeting

Generator Options

November 2018

Officers President: Sean Kelly,

W5SPK

Vice President: Tim

Johnson, K5TCJ

Secretary: Daryl

Morgeson, AF5QJ

Treasurer: Ross

Watson AF5QK

Activities Director: Tony

Campbell, W5ADC

Communications

Director: Kipton

Moravec, AE5IB

Webmaster: John

Hatch, KF5BSS

Public Relations:

Brian Trant, KF5VFM

Newsletter Editor:

David Abshire,

KG5NAV

P a g e | 2

If you did not make it to K5PRK October Meeting Tim opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed new guests. Announcements followed with the big news about the November meeting to be held at Plano Presbyterian Hospital for a trial. Daryl followed with the Secretary and VEC reports and introduced new General Richard Sietz. Daryl also reported on club assets now being over $20K in value. Ross gave the Treasurer’s report - the balance of accounts and bills due. He also reminded that Klub dues are coming up and that they can be paid by cash, check or PayPal. Newsletter Editor David thanked those for the articles sent in and those that have offered to help. He also asked that people keep sending articles and suggestions. Tony reported about all the upcoming activities and asked for the use of some generators for the upcoming bike ride. Elections were held for Vice-President, Secretary, Webmaster, Public Relations Director and Communications Director. Nominations were: Vice-President - Tim Johnson (K5TCJ) Secretary - Daryl Morgeson (AF5QJ) Treasurer - Ross Watson (AF5QK) Communications Director - Kipton Moravec (AE5IB) Webmaster - John Hatch (KF5BSS) Public Relations - Brian Trant (KF5VFM) Tim asked if there were any new nominations - none were offered. A motion was made that the current officers be elected for the new term and a second was made. A voice vote was taken with none opposed and the motion passed. General discussion was made about moving the monthly meeting to the hospital. There were suggestions of changing the meeting time to 19:30 to provide more time for VEC testing. Board meetings will also be held there for a trial before the monthly meeting. Mike Riedel give a report on behalf of David Koch about the CoCoBEST competition at Allen HS. Our volunteers were much appreciated. Mike also asked for someone to take on the role of Field Day Coordinator. Tim reported on the Klub’s 45th anniversary. Suggestions were made to include this with the Christmas Party. A special event for this milestone was discussed. Randy Jenkins was notified that the club will not be at the Church in November and that the Christmas Party will be the December meeting. If the club wants to stay at the Church we will need to request approval. This month’s presentation was from Greg Evans, K5GTX, about ARES. He gave an explanation of duties and the methods of participating. The need for volunteers is recognized by FEMA as a trained resource to take advantage of. All skills and levels are needed where one can volunteer. Practice is a necessary part of being prepared. Several online classes can be taken for further education. Nets are one important way to practice participation. Skywarn training is coming in January. Go Kits are recommended for all – both members and family. Finally mention was made of reading the Boy Scout survival guide for some good ideas during an emergency. Motion was made to adjourn and it was seconded. Meeting ended.

Upcoming Events

General License Class

November 3rd -4th and

November 10th -11th

PARK Board Meeting

November 12th 7:00 pm

VE Testing

November 19th 6:00 pm

PARK General Meeting

November 19th 7:00 pm

Meals on Wheels

November 22nd

Jingle Bell Run

December 2nd

Dallas Marathon

December 9th

Meals on Wheels

December 25th

P a g e | 3

This Month’s Ham Shacks / QSL Cards

Pictures pictures, we all like looking at other ham shacks or QSL cards. I’ve seen some cool ham shacks . You can email them and also your QSL cards of contacts that you have made in the past. Share them with other members in the club. What’s the furthest contact that you have made?

Support those that

support K5PRK

Main Trading Co.

http/www.maintradingcompany.com/

2246 Bonham St., Paris TX., 75460

Poor Richard’s Café

http://www.poorrichardscafe.com/

2442 K Avenue Plano, TX., 75074

Cavanaugh Flight Museum

http://www.cavanaughflightmuseum.

com/

4572 Claire Chennault, Addison TX.,

75001

Bavarian Grill

http://www.bavariangrill.com/

221 West Parker Rd., Plano TX.,

75023

Bullet Trap. INC.

http://www.bullettrapinc.com/

2608 K Avenue, Plano TX., 75074

Furr’s Fresh Buffet

hhttp://www.furrs.net/

1900 North Central Expressway Plano

75074

Country Burger

http://www.countryburgertx.com/

3115 W. Parker Rd. #500, Plano TX.,

75023

Plano Super Bowl

http://www.planosuperbowl.com/

2521 K Avenue, Plano TX., 75074

Two Rows Classic Grill

http://www.tworows.com/

711 Central Expressway,

Allen TX.,75013

Greek Isles Grille and Tavern

http://greekislesgrille.com/

3309 N. Central Expressway #370,

Plano TX., 75023

Chartered Financial Strategies LLC

(Sean Monohan)

Tax Services – Business and Individual

http://www.cfscorp.net/

4686 McDermott Rd. #206, Plano TX.,

75024

P a g e | 4

Attention – the November Meeting on November 19th

This month’s meeting will be held at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano (Plano

Presby Hospital) in the Magnolia Room. Plano Presby is located at 6200 West Parker

Road on the southeast corner of Midway and Parker. Parking is available in lots 4, 5

and 6 with 6 being the closest to the building. Be ready to give feedback on the new

meeting place.

Parking Note: North is up.

Magnolia Room Note: North is down.

P a g e | 5

Generator Options: Which type of Sine Wave

Current?

Part 1 - Introduction

This article discusses the 2 different type of generators power sources (traditional-based or

alternator-based), and 2 types of inverters that convert DC current into AC current. This

article does not cover the motor that generated the power source (the DC current).

This information will assist in your selecting the correct generator and inverter for your

electronic equipment. This article is a summary of the many articles that I have

researched– so thanks to all of the articles (and authors) that have preceded this summary.

To begin with, all generators perform 2 basic functions.

1) They create DC current using an older “generator” design or a newer “alternator

design.

2) They convert the DC current into AC current via 1 of 3 inverter types.

Really good generators have capacitors in-between steps 1 and 2 to buffer the current

so that the DC currently (Step 1) can be delivered smoothly to the inverter (Step 2).

The table below summarized the main differences between generators that produce step

sine wave current and pure sine wave current in case you don’t want to read the rest of

this article.

Feature Step Sine Wave

Generator

Pure Sine Wave

Generator

Has a generator-based power source

(coils spin inside the fixed magnets that are of

lesser quality)

X

Has basic electronics X

Produces modified pure sine wave electrical

frequencies

X

Has an alternator-based power source containing

(magnets are better and spin inside the fixed wire

coils)

X

Has advanced electronics X

Produces Pure Sine Wave Electrical Frequencies X

Fuel Efficiencies X

Costs Costs Less $$ Cost More $$

Repeaters The Plano Amateur Radio

Klub operates five

repeaters which are

located in Allen, Texas

about 180 feet above

ground level. All licensed

amateur operators are

welcome to join us on the

air - all repeaters are

open.

147.180 MHz + (PL

107.2) K5PRK VHF Voice

Repeater

444.250 MHz + (PL 79.7)

K5PRK UHF Voice

Repeater

441.575 MHz + DStar

UHF Digital Voice Port B

1295.000 MHz – 20.000

DStar 23cm Digital Voice

Port B

1255.000 MHz DStar

23cm Digital Data

P a g e | 6

Part 2- Generators vs Alternators:

The original generators had windings of wire (called armature) that spin inside a fixed

magnetic field to generate electricity. So, the term “generators” have taken on a generic

meaning to indicate a mechanical device that produces electricity – and a specific term to

refer to windings of wire (called armature) that spin inside a fixed magnetic field to

generate electricity.

Some generators are based on alternators (not generators) and state-of-the-art magnets. In

an alternator, electricity is produced when a magnetic field spins inside the stator (windings

of wire). A “stator” is the stationary part of an alternator. Alternator-based generators are

considered more efficient than generators and generally (not always) produce pure sine

wave current.

To Review …

Generator ...Wire coils spin inside the fixed magnets that are of lesser quality

Alternator ...Magnets are better and spin inside the fixed wire coils

A rectifier (aka rectifier diode) is an electrical device that converts alternating

current (AC), which periodically reverses direction, to direct current (DC), which

flows in only one direction. The process is known as rectification, since it

"straightens" the direction of current.

A capacitor is used to store an electrical charge to filter out frequencies you don't

want.

An inverter changes direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Circuitry that

performs the opposite function, converting AC to DC, is called a rectifier.

Alternator-based generators are more efficient than traditional generators and generally

have a pure sine wave inverter built in. But this is not always the case. See caution

warning below.

Part 3- What Type of Inverter?

So, your generator produces a DC current and may have some capacitors to buffer, store

and smooth out the DC current flowing to the inverter. What type of inverter do you select?

The three primary inverter classes (or types) are:

a. The Square Wave inverter (not addressed or discussed in this article) b. The Modified Sine wave inverter or quasi step-sine wave inverter. c. A Pure sine wave inverter.

As discussed before - the primary job of an inverter is to convert the DC (Direct Current)

power from the generators, battery bank or solar panels to AC (Alternating Current) power

needed for most appliances.

The diagram below illustrates the (a) step sine waves, which tries to mimic a pure sine

wave current - and the (b) pure sine wave current – which is better for electronics,

requires an advance and sophisticated electrical engineering design and costs more.

Welcome New Members & License Upgrades

General - Richard Sietz (KG5HCJ)

P a g e | 7

Caution Warning: The marketing and labeling of generators has added to the confusion and can be downright misleading!

Some generators labeled as “inverters” imply that they produced pure sine wave current – that is normally the case but

not always true. All generators “invert” DC current to AC current – but not all inverter generators produce a pure sine

waves.

In addition, marketing material may indicate that a generator produced “advance” sine wave current – implying the

generator produces a “pure sine wave” current when the generator is simply converting “block sine waves” to “step sine

waves” – this is much different than “pure sine waves.” A review of the technical engineering documentation is a must!

Generators/Inverters that produce step sine wave are best for simple systems that don’t have any delicate electronics.

Electronics using step sine wave inverters may (a) produce a hum; (b) equipment may run hotter and (c) service life of

electronics may be reduced.

Using pure sine wave current eliminates this risk. There are a growing number of modern appliances won’t run on step-sine

wave current.

Alternator-Based Generator/Inverters that produced pure sine wave current is essential for complex / expensive

electronics and is the same quality of electricity that you typically get from your electric company. The advantage of pure-

sine wave inversion from DC to AC is that it maintains a constant flow of clean, smooth current to your appliance.

Consider these three (3) key items when selecting a generator.

1) It is based on an (a) traditional generator design or (b) a newer alternator design 2) Does it use capacitors to smooth out the current 3) What type of inverter does it use.

Regardless of the motor that turns the power source (generator or alternator) - alternator-based units are more fuel-

efficient and does not affect the engine speed as much when adjusting for increased power loads. Generator-based

(Conventional) generators normally run at an even 3600 rpm, regardless of the power load.

Part 4 - Summary.

This article describes the major differences between a traditional (conventional) generator and an alternator-based

generator along with the different inverter types that you should consider. Regardless of the type of generator / inverter

you select – it is recommended that you also purchase a surge-protector. Surge protectors are relatively cheap and good

protection for your electrical components regardless to the generator type you select..

KC5TEX - Stephen

P a g e | 8

Upcoming Events in November

With November comes Thanksgiving so let us be thankful that we can help others. Here are upcoming events with a little background on each of them:acklands

November 3rd–4th and 10th–11th - General License Ham Radio Class

The Plano Amateur Radio Klub is presenting an amateur radio General

License class. It will be held over two weekends, on Saturday and Sunday:

November 3rd–4th AND November 10th–11th. The class will be held at

the Lucas Fire Station training facility. The station is located at 165

Country Club Lane, which is just north of Bethany Road/Lucas Road, in

Lucas, Texas. Lucas is located just east of Allen, Texas off of US Hwy 75 at

the Bethany Road exit. To REGISTER for this class, or if you have any

additional questions, please send an email to Mike Pruden at

([email protected]). Please provide your NAME, EMAIL ADDRESS, and

TELEPHONE NUMBER in case we need to reach out to you with any changes.

November 22nd – Meals on Wheels

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and we need your help to make

the holiday season brighter for the seniors of Collin County. Join us in

celebrating this season of giving by getting involved in our holiday

programs. https://mowcc.com/events/holiday-programs/

November 22nd Thanksgiving Day

P a g e | 9

Up Coming Events in December

December 2nd – Jingle Bell Run

Be part of the longest-running, holiday-themed 5K race series anywhere –

and fight with us to conquer arthritis!

The Arthritis Foundation’s original Jingle Bell Run is a fun way to get decked

out and be festive, while racing to raise funds and awareness to cure

America’s #1 cause of disability. Put on your favorite holiday costume. Tie

jingle bells to your shoelaces. ’Tis the season to live it up and be jolly for a

reason! Bring a team of friends, family and co-workers to run or walk,

spread smiles and good cheer … and be a Champion of Yes! 100 percent of

your registration fee and fundraising efforts go to this great cause.

December 9th – Dallas Marathon

The Dallas Marathon is a nonprofit organization with a focus on promoting

health and physical fitness through running events and related activities.

Established in 1971, the history of the organization encompasses

tremendous growth and produces what has become Dallas’ largest and

Texas’ longest running marathon, the BMW Dallas Marathon, as well as the

Half Marathon, the SMU Cox School of Business Relay and several other

events throughout race weekend.

December 17th – K5PRK Christmas Party at Furr’s

December 25nd – Meals on Wheels

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and we need your help to make

the holiday season brighter for the seniors of Collin County. Join us in

celebrating this season of giving by getting involved in our holiday

programs. https://mowcc.com/events/holiday-programs/

December 25th – Christmas Day

P a g e | 10

P a g e | 11

Last month if you were brave enough to do the crossword puzzle here are the answers to Propagation. If

you enjoyed the crossword please provide feedback at [email protected] .

P a g e | 12

Local and some HF Area Nets

K5PRK Nets

Thursday 8:00PM - General Information Net - We ask participants about their week in ham radio and their thoughts on a question of interest to the ham community. K5PRK repeater, (147.180 MHz, offset +0.600 MHz, tone 107.2 Hz)

The Information Net is currently being run by Charlie Chrissey - KG5NAN, Ollie Casteel - AF5QX, Reid Bannon - N5ZT and myself, Michael Payne - K5MFP.

We have been doing this about 16 months or so under a new format. The net for many years was called the Good News Net and there were check-ins and then a pre-recorded program from the U.K. about ham radio and events. The recorded program was a little hard to hear for many reasons and participation fell off in the net control support. Charlie and I had an idea for a different format and we started off just us two doing the net, and we called it the Information Net. Ollie joined us pretty soon after we started up and then Reid came on board, too. The group decided to move the net to 8:00pm, so more people could get home, relax a bit, and then join in. We are constantly looking for fresh ideas, topics and we welcome anyone who would like to join us in a supportive way, as a substitute for those that have something come up, illness, vacation, etc. The K5PRK Information Net is held each Thursday night at 8:00 pm. We hope that everyone can make it and bring their expertise and experience to help others in their journey in this fantastic hobby! Hope to meet you there!

Michael Payne - K5MFP

MARC Nets Sunday 8:00 PM - General Information Net - we ask participants about their week in ham radio and their thoughts on a question of interest to the ham community. W5MRC repeater, (146.740 MHz, offset -0.600 MHz, tone 110.9 Hz). Monday 8:30 PM - Simplex net - see how far your VHF radio can go without a repeater along with general discussion. 146.540 MHz. Since this is simplex, no offset or tone are required. 1st and 3rd Mondays 8:00 PM - The NARC Ladies Net -All radio amateurs are welcome. W5MRC repeater, (146.740 MHz, offset -0.600 MHz, tone 110.9 Hz).

P a g e | 13

Collin County ARES Nets Collin County Amateur Radio Emergency Service conducts two training nets each month. You do not need to be an ARES member to participate, all radio amateurs are welcome. 1st Sunday 9:00 PM - Collin County ARES - K5PRK repeater, (147.180 MHz, offset +0.600 MHz, tone 107.2 Hz) 3rd Sunday 9:00 PM – Collin County ARES - W5MRC repeater, (146.740 MHz, offset -0.600 MHz, tone 110.9 Hz)

SARA Nets Wednesdays 8:00 PM – Ham Radio in Sachse – Weekly “On-The-Air” Information Net called “Ham Radio in Sachse”. N5LOC Repeater (145.25MHz, PL Tone 141.3Hz, Offset -0.60 MHz) 2nd and 4th Sundays 9:00 PM - Sachse Public Service Net – ARES, RACES & Other Public Service Emergency Responder (like local CERT groups) Training. N5LOC Repeater (145.250 PL Tone 141.3 Offset -0.60MHz)

GARC Nets Thursday 8:00 PM – Infonet – The Garland Amateur Radio Club holds an informal net open to all amateur radio operators. The net begins with check in and general announcements, followed by general discussion. K5QHD Repeater (146.66 MHz, PL Tone 110.9 Hz, Offset -0.60 MHz)

HF Nets Daily Net 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM – The Maritime Mobile Service Network – Anyone licensed ham can check in, this net is focused on assisting those who are maritime mobile and over the years, several distress calls have been handled by this net.14.300 MHz Sunday 2:00 PM – Amateur Radio Satellite Net -Open net for licensed amateur satellite discussion and updates 14.282 MHz Daily Net – OMISS – Focused on awards, particularly Worked All State (1:30 PM frequency 14.290 MHz) (8:00 PM frequency 7.185 MHz) Many more nets are listed here http://ac6v.com.htm If you want to list your favorite net please send as much information as you can to [email protected]

P a g e | 14

Upcoming Contests for November

This month we have the following major contests:

ARRL Sweepstakes - CW - 2100Z November 3rd - 0300Z November 5th. This is the CW version of the contest. The exchange is somewhat challenging and long. It consists of a serial number starting at 001 + name + precedence which for a single operator is Q for QRP, A for 150W or less, or B for 150W or more + your callsign,+ the last 2 digits of the year you were first licensed, + ARRL section. So as an example, my exchange on the first contact would be: 001 A NW5Q 09 NTX. This is a North America only contest, with the multipliers being all ARRL sections + all RAC sections in Canada. You earn a "clean sweep" if you can work all 83 sections. This is the oldest of all contests, dating back to1932.

Worked All Europe Contest – RTTY – 0000Z November 10th – 2359Z November 11th. This is the RTTY version of the very popular contest. Unlike the phone and CW versions, there are no continental limits for contacts. Everyone can work everyone else. The Exchange is 59 + a serial number starting with 001. Unless you have experience with them, if asked for QTC's, just say “no”. All of Europe will be active in this contest.

10-10 International Fall Contest - Digital Modes (primarily PSK31 and RTTY) – 0001 November 10th

– 2359 November 11th. Should the band be open, this may prove to be a fun contest. Otherwise it will

be pretty slow. Exchange is name + 10-10 number (or zero) + TX.

Japan International DX Contest -SSB - 0700Z November 10th - 1300Z November 11th. If conditions are decent, this is a great chance to put some JA's in your log. Exchange is 59 + CQ Zone (04). Japanese stations will exchange: 59 + Prefecture (state). Since the higher bands will likely be dead, 20 meters may be your best bet. If you're an early riser, also check 40m around sunrise.

ARRL Sweepstakes - SSB - 2100Z November 17th - 0300Z November 19th. This is the SSB version of the contest. While the exchange is about the longest of any contest and can be a bit challenging, after you do it a few times it becomes pretty comfortable and almost automatic. It consists of a serial number starting at 001 + "precedence” which for a single operator is Q for QRP, A for 150W or less, or B for 150W or more + your callsign,+ the last 2 digits of the year you were first licensed, +ARRL section. So as an example, my exchange on the first contact would be: 001 A NW5Q 09 NTX. This is a North America only contest, with the multipliers being all ARRL sections + all RAC sections in Canada. You earn a "clean sweep" if you can work all 83 sections. This is the oldest of all contests, dating back to1932.

CQ Worldwide DX CW Contest - CW - 0000Z November 24th - 2400Z November 25th. Exchange is 599 + 04 (our CQ Zone). Only DX contacts count (Canada and Mexico are okay, as are Hawaii and Alaska). This is the largest CW contest of the year. If conditions are at least decent, this will be an excellent opportunity to put some new countries in your log. Good luck and have fun!

Stan NW5Q

P a g e | 15

Letters to the Editor

I need your assistance. Please help with the next newsletter. This is the club newsletter, so we need your pictures, letters and articles. Let me know what you want to see. If you feel strongly about an issue and want to let people know what you think, write a letter to the editor. It’s simple and democratic. Please be sure to follow these criteria:

Be courteous

Stick to the facts

Be Concise (50 -150 words)

All letters must be signed and provide a call sign if possible. The editor reserves the right to select which letters are published. The editor may also require revisions or removal of parts that do not meet the above criteria or for content deemed inappropriate. This is the same rigor that the rest of the newsletter is subjected to. Send email to [email protected]

Thanks,

The Newsletter Editor

K5PRK Newsletter Issue 03 November 2018