Welcome to the DFMA

Upcoming Events
09/05 DFMA Meeting, Bullock’s BBQ 6pm
09/11 OCRA Meeting, Efland Baha'i Ctr, 7:30pm
09/19 DFMA Board Meeting - virtual 7pm,
10/03 DFMA Meeting, Bullock’s BBQ 6pm
Press the [Calendar] button at left for more info

The DFMA is an amateur radio club centered in Durham, NC, with members from all over the Research Triangle Area. We support an excellent set of repeaters but members engage in all aspects of ham radio. We meet monthly on the first Tuesday of the month normally at Bullock's Bar-B-Cue at 6pm for dinner with a program beginning at 7pm.

All DFMA members are encouraged to sign up to use the OCRA-DFMA@groups.io email group. Click the [About] button on the left for more info.

Click on the "buttons" at the left for additional information on the related web pages.

Latest News

September 5 Meeting

What: The September DFMA Meeting
When: Tuesday, September 5th, 6pm to eat, 7pm meeting
Where: Bullock's Barbecue (once inside, head for the big room to the left)
Program: Emergency Satellite Communicators
By: Chip Blach, KF4WBK

Chip will lead us through several ways to get help in emergencies. While not using repeaters and other ham gear he will prepare you for ways to protect yourself in case you have emergencies off the beaten path. I think you’ll find this a very interesting program.

Chip was a DFMA member some decades ago. Then work moved him around. He reports: “I have been a long time Ham operator for 30 years and just moved back to NC from Colorado.”.

I hope you will be able to join us!

73, Dee, KU4GC, 9/3/23

August 1 Meeting

What: The August DFMA Meeting
When: Tuesday, August 1st, 6pm to eat, 7pm meeting
Where: Bullock's Barbecue (once inside, head for the big room to the left)
Program: Who Are Our Neighbors?
By: Bob Cook, W4FK

Bob will discuss the various bands adjacent to the ham bands. You may be surprised what is out there. He will also tackle the questions: “What if you couldn’t use the HAM bands?” Things to think about...

I hope you will be able to join us!

73, Dee, KU4GC, 7/30/23

July 18 Meeting

What: The July DFMA Meeting
When: Tuesday, July 18th, 6pm to eat, 7pm meeting
Where: Bullock's Barbecue (once inside, head for the big room to the left)
Program: Intro to FT8
By: Dee Ramm, KU4GC

I will present an overview of the increasingly popular FT-8 digital mode. After a brief history of the software and its originator, Joe Taylor, K1JT, I will explain what it is - what it can and can’t do. Then I’ll deal with how I set up my HF station to take advantage of this great system. This will include the configuration of the software.

I will also go over screen shots of actual sessions and explain the user interface and options available. All will be based on my actual experience.

I hope you will be able to join us!

73, Dee, KU4GC, 7/15/23

June 6 Meeting

What: The June DFMA Meeting
When: Tuesday, June 6th, 6pm to eat, 7pm meeting
Where: Bullock's Barbecue (once inside, head for the big room to the left)
Program: Field Day 2023
By: Dave Snyder, W4SAR

Dave will present the plans for this year’s Field Day. He will review the past OCRA-DFMA collaboration and note our national successes. He will also cover the recent changes and the options provided by the rule changes triggered by the COVID pandemic.

All are encouraged to participate and Dave will answer any questions you might have.

I hope you will be able to join us!

73, Dee, KU4GC, 6/4/23

May 2 Meeting

What: The May DFMA Meeting
When: Tuesday, May 2nd, 6pm to eat, 7pm meeting
Where: Bullock's Barbecue (once inside, head for the big room to the left)
Program: Building Simple Wire Antennas
By: Dee Ramm, KU4GC

With a tight budget, ham radio can present a real challenge. One of the few areas in which a ham can still DIY is in building antennas. For the beginner, simple wire antennas are a good place to start. I started down this path in 1997 and have some actual experience to relate and am still using some of these antennas today. I will begin with the simple dipole - an essentially single band antenna. Doing that right covers all of the basics. Going for more than one band might then be solved by putting up multiple dipoles.

This leads naturally to the fan dipole. There you cover multiple band with one feed line. I will emphasize practical issues and simple solutions. There are two prerequisites. You do have to have some trees and a bit of real estate.

I hope you will be able to join us!

73, Dee, KU4GC, 4/30/23

April 4 Meeting - At Bullock's BBQ

What: The April DFMA Meeting
When: Tuesday, April 4th, 6pm to eat, 7pm meeting
Where: Bullock's Barbecue (once inside, head for the big room to the left)
Program: Introduction to the Cell Phone System
By: Charlie Durst. NC4CD

Many of us can remember the days when the idea that everyone would have their own phone sounded like a science fiction fantasy - just short of impossible. Charlie will review the trip from then until the present. He will give us some technical insights and explain the levels of service that we’ve come through. In other words he’ll answer questions like what were the levels and what did the G numbers imply. What is G5? When sitting in adjacent rooms and talking to each other on cell phones, where does the information flow? I expect we’ll all learn a lot.

Charlie retired from the telephone industry many years ago and now is involved with providing tower services for the phone industry, among others. He is a co-founder of the DFMA and has been our Repeater Manager for decades.

Notice: Due to the average age of our members and their particular susceptibility to the most severe Covid 19 infections, the DFMA Board asks that only vaccinated members attend.

I hope you will be able to join us!

73, Lenore (KF4PAB) DFMA President, 4/2/23

March 7 Meeting - At Bullock's BBQ

What: The March DFMA Meeting
When: Tuesday, March 7th, 6pm to eat, 7pm meeting
Where: Bullock's Barbecue (once inside, head for the big room to the left)
Program: Introduction to APRS
By: Sam Tannous, KJ4VWG

Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) is an amateur radio-based system for real time digital communications of information of immediate value in the local area. Data can include object GPS coordinates, weather station telemetry, email, SMS, text messages, announcements, queries, and other telemetry. APRS data can be displayed on a map, which can show stations, objects, tracks of moving objects, weather stations, search and rescue data, and direction finding data.

Sam is a long time DFMA member and helps maintain the local APRS support infrastructure.

Notice: Due to the average age of our members and their particular susceptibility to the most severe Covid 19 infections, the DFMA Board asks that only vaccinated members attend.

I hope you will be able to join us!

73, Lenore (KF4PAB) DFMA President, 3/5/23

Max Bloodworth, KO4TV, sk
August 12, 1933 – February 18, 2023

Glenn Max Bloodworth, 89, passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2023. He was born in York County, South Carolina, to the late Glenn Memory Bloodworth and Mary Emily Dendy Bloodworth. He retired as the Chief Radio Engineer for the North Carolina Highway Patrol. He was active in amateur radio and had an amateur extra ticket. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Ruth Bloodworth (KE4DRI) and his sister, Mary Hodge. He is survived by his children, Linda Bloodworth and Michael Bloodworth (Valerie); sister, Etta Marie Presley; grandsons, William Bloodworth and Bryan Bloodworth (Beth) and great-grandson, Blake Bloodworth. He did not want a service.

Max and Ruth were long time members of the DFMA until he moved to Archer Lodge (south of Wendell in northern Johnston County). They and their daughter, Linda were regular meeting attendees. Max was particularly active in encouraging antenna building projects. I still have a J-Pole antenna that I received at one of my first DFMA meetings. Over the years he did several programs and also wrote a series of articles on amateur radio antennas for The Link. (You’ll find reprints of most of these in recent editions of The Link.) He even built his own screwdriver antenna for mobile HF use from scratch.

In later years I sometimes saw him at JARSfest in Benson. There I bought several of his cleverly designed J-pole antennas made with stainless steel whips and parts of power strips as spacers. One of these is still on the bumper of Lenore’s (KF4PAB) old van. The other is sitting behind me right now as my indoor VHF, UHF antenna. Max was a very interesting person to talk to and very knowledgeable. He has been missed by the DFMA for some time and, I’m sure, by others lucky enough to get to know him. (Portions of the article were taken from or based on the website of Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell, NC)

73, Dee (KU4GC) 3/5/23

Larry Stowell, K1ZW, sk

Just before our last club meeting, we heard that Larry had passed away and we announced that at the meeting. We have still not seen any additional information. Larry and his wife Kathleen (KA2SBC) were long-time DFMA members. However, Larry hardly ever attended meetings, so many of you probably never met him. Larry did frequent our hamfests. Our condolences to Kathleen and family

73, Dee (KU4GC) 3/5/23

February 7 Meeting - At Bullock's BBQ

What: The February DFMA Meeting
When: Tuesday, February 7th, 6pm to eat, 7pm meeting
Where: Bullock's Barbecue (once inside, head for the big room to the left)
Program: The Making of a Mobile Ham Station
By: Chris Bindrim, KE7GZG

Chris will present on creating a mobile ham station with coverage from 1.8 - 1200 MHz. He will explain his choices and notes: "Everything is a Compromise"

First licensed in 1982, Chris holds an extra class license. He moved to Durham in October of last year and recently joined the DFMA. He loves building and experimenting.

For the newer ham, this is a "must see" program. And, for the old-timers, you can still learn new tricks. Check out the KE7GZ QRZ entry for some interesting pictures.

Notice: Due to the average age of our members and their particular susceptibility to the most severe Covid 19 infections, the DFMA Board asks that only vaccinated members attend.

I hope you will be able to join us!

73, Lenore (KF4PAB) DFMA President, 2/4/23

January 3 Meeting - At Bullock's BBQ

What: The January DFMA Meeting
When: Tuesday, January 3rd, 6pm to eat, 7pm meeting
Where: Bullock's Barbecue (once inside, head for the big room to the left)
Program: Buying an Electric Car
By: Jack Hill, KM4MBG

Jack and Lenore have just taken delivery of a brand new electric vehicle. Jack will report on his journey to this point. He will relate how he picked the model he chose and the ups and downs of getting there.

Notice: Due to the average age of our members and their particular susceptibility to the most severe Covid 19 infections, the DFMA Board asks that only vaccinated members attend.

I hope you will be able to join us!

73, Lenore (KF4PAB) DFMA President, 1/2/23

Party! - December 6 Meeting - At Bullock's BBQ

What: The December DFMA Meeting
When: Tuesday, December 6th, 6pm
Where: Bullock's Barbecue
Program: The DFMA Christmas Party

Continuing a tradition of having the DFMA pick up the club member's tab for our December Holiday Dinner Meeting, we will meet at Bullock's Barbecue Restaurant in Durham starting around 6:00pm. You will be able to order from the menu. Each member may also bring one guest. Bring your spouse or friend!

There will be no program as such. However, be ready to relate your "Ham Radio New Years Resolution" - what are your ham radio goals for the coming year. Do you finally want to go to Dayton? Do you plan to put up (or take down) a tower? Are you finally going to put together a real "go kit". Is Morse code in your future? We hope you'll be ready to share your ham radio dreams.

We will be collecting Toys for Tots and pass the hat for donations to Urban Ministries of Durham and The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. All gifts are, of course, optional. Don't skip this celebration just because money is tight this year.

Notice: Due to the average age of our members and their particular susceptibility to the most severe Covid 19 infections, the DFMA Board asks that only vaccinated members attend.

I hope you will be able to join us!

73, Lenore (KF4PAB) DFMA President, 12/2/22

Memorial Service for Rhett (KE4HIH) and Joanna (KE4QOZ) George

Hello friends, you are invited to celebrate the lives of Rhett and Joanna George at a service on Sunday November 13 at 11:30 am. The service will be held at McMannen UMC 4102 Neal Rd Durham NC 27705. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. The family asks that attendees wear bold colors for this celebration. Details about video of the service will be available later by emailing me at dccageorge@gmail.com Thanks, Charles R. George

Thanks, Charles R. George, 11/3/22

November 1 Meeting - At Bullock's BBQ

What: The November DFMA Meeting
When: Tuesday, November 1st, 6pm to eat, 7pm meeting
Where: Bullock's Barbecue (once inside, head for the big room to the left)
Program: Going Downrange, Communications & Miscommunications in Afghanistan

Charles McComas (KY4HU) will be talking about his experiences and observations as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant / Assistant Operations Sergeant with Operational Detachment Bravo 1960, Company C 2nd Battalion West Virginia National Guard in Operation Enduring Freedom, 2001 - 2002. with the communications of information.

Notice: Due to the average age of our members and their particular susceptibility to the most severe Covid 19 infections, the DFMA Board asks that only vaccinated members attend.

I hope you will be able to join us!

73, Lenore (KF4PAB) DFMA President, 10/29/22

October 4 Meeting - At Bullock's BBQ

What: The October DFMA Meeting
When: Tuesday, October 4th, 6pm to eat, 7pm meeting
Where: Bullock's Barbecue (once inside, head for the big room to the left)
Program:DMR for You!

Charlie Durst (NC4CD) will present a DMR refresher for those already familiar with DMR and new info for everyone else. DMR is growing rapidly and new things have happened since DFMA put a DMR repeater up at Hillsborough. Radio prices have come down and more features are available in HTs and mobiles. As most of you already know, Charlie is an excellent speaker, so it’s sure to be a rewarding talk. If you’ve been considering taking the (not so big) leap to trying DMR, here’s a chance to get into it.

Notice: Due to the average age of our members and their particular susceptibility to the most severe Covid 19 infections, the DFMA Board asks that only vaccinated members attend.

I hope you will be able to join us!

73, Lenore (KF4PAB) DFMA President, 9/30/22

September 6 Meeting - At Bullock's BBQ

What: The September DFMA Meeting
When: Tuesday, September 6th, 6pm to eat, 7pm meeting
Where: Bullock's Barbecue (once inside, head for the big room to the left)
Program:NOAA and GOES Weather

Vance Vagell (KV4P) will present a crash course in receiving weather imagery from both NOAA and GOES satellites. There will be inexpensive and straightforward options for the beginner, and jumping off points for people with intermediate to advanced technical skills. Receiving weather satellite imagery does not require an amateur license (since there's no transmitting), so it's a great project for someone interested in radio who isn't yet licensed, OR the seasoned ham who wants to get deeper into digital signal processing, Raspberry Pi, and homebrew antennas.

Notice: Due to the average age of our members and their particular susceptibility to the most severe Covid 19 infections, the DFMA Board asks that only vaccinated members attend.

I hope you will be able to join us!

73, Lenore (KF4PAB) DFMA President, 9/4/22

August 2 Meeting - At Bullock's BBQ

What: The August DFMA Meeting
When: Tuesday, August 2nd, 6pm to eat, 7pm meeting
Where: Bullock's Barbecue (once inside, head for the big room to the left)
Program: Worldwide EMC-EMI Compliance Testing

Alan Knight (AA4FU) an IBM Senior Engineer, will do a presentation on IBM Worldwide EMC-EMI compliance testing done at IBM’s Research Triangle Park Facility. EMCEMI testing is critical to the design and production of electronic equipment. Regulatory agencies, including the FCC, have set specific emissions limits for an electronic device. These EMC regulations aim to provide improved reliability and safety for the user and absence of interference to other equipment. Failing to pass EMC compliance tests can result in delays, fines and recalls.

What Else:The Annual DFMA Elections
are on Tuesday. See the article in The August Link (Newsletter) for a listing of the nominees.

Notice: Due to the average age of our members and their particular susceptibility to the most severe Covid 19 infections, the DFMA Board asks that only vaccinated members attend.

I hope you will be able to join us!

73, Lenore (KF4PAB) DFMA President, 7/30/22

July 19 Meeting - At BULLOCK'S BBQ

What: The July DFMA Meeting
When: Tuesday, July 19th, 6pm to eat, 7pm meeting
Where: Bullock's Barbecue (once inside, head for the big room to the left)
Program: Practical RF Safety Evaluations
Dee, KU4GC, will return to the topic of RF Safety and make some practical suggestions on meeting the new FCC requirements for computing and documenting your station's compliance. (These requirements are already in effect for all new antennas and will come into effect in spring of next year for existing antennas.).

Due to the average age of our members and their particular susceptibility to the most severe Covid 19 infections, the DFMA Board asks that only vaccinated members attend.

I hope you will be able to join us!

73, Lenore (KF4PAB) DFMA President, 7/16/22

June 7 Meeting - At BULLOCK'S BBQ

What: The June DFMA Meeting!
When: Tuesday, June 7th, 6pm to eat, 7pm meeting
Where: Bullock's Barbecue (once inside, head for the big room to the left)
Program: We will actually have three short programs this month:
1. Dave, W4SAR, our Field Day Coordinator will go over the plans for this year’s Field Day operation. He will review both the technical scope of this year’s plans as well as touching on some of the logistical issues such as Setup, Food, and Cleanup.
2. Bruce, N1LN (OCRA President), and Laurie, N1YXU (OCRA Secretary), both world class contesters with countless awards, will give us some pointers on how to operate most effectively on single sideband (SSB).
3. Dee, KU4GC, will return to the topic of RF Safety and make some practical suggestions on meeting the new FCC requirements for computing and documenting your station's compliance. (These requirements are already in effect for all new antennas and will come into effect in spring of next year for existing antennas.).

Due to the average age of our members and their particular susceptibility to the most severe Covid 19 infections, the DFMA Board asks that only vaccinated members attend.

I hope you will be able to join us!

73, Lenore (KF4PAB) DFMA President, 6/5/22

May 3 Meeting - At BULLOCK'S BBQ

Program: There is no formal program scheduled at this time. Show and Tell is welcome.

What: The May DFMA Meeting!
When: Tuesday, May 3rd, 6pm to eat, 7pm meeting
Where: Bullock's Barbecue (once inside, head for the big room to the left)

We’re planning to meet at Bullock’s again and “Have Another Meal”. It will be good to see some people that we haven’t seen in quite a while or were unable to attend the last meeting. And you can meet some of our newest members!

Due to the average age of our members and their particular susceptibility to the most severe Covid 19 infections, the DFMA Board asks that only vaccinated members attend.

I hope you will be able to join us!

73, Lenore (KF4PAB) DFMA President, 5/1/22

DurHamFest Canceled or Postponed

At The DFMA Board meeting last Tuesday, it was decided that DurHamFest 2022 will not happen this spring. The facility at the Durham Public School Staff Development Center is no longer available. We are looking for a new venue, but time has run out for doing this in May. Also, after attending RARSfest, it looks like some of the vendors that have served us as "anchors" are either out of business already or are in the process of shutting down. So, we will also be looking for new vendors. Their broad range of offerings of stuff that many hams come to a hamfest for are important to our success. Of course, we will continue to support club tables, and individuals who feel tables are the best for displaying their offerings. Tail gating will also be encouraged to make our hamfest as worthwhile as in previous years.

73, Dee, KU4GC - DurHamFest chair, 4/28/22

April 5 Meeting - BACK AT BULLOCK'S

Program: There is no formal program scheduled at this time. Show and Tell is welcome.

What: The April DFMA Meeting!
When: Tuesday, April 5th, 6pm to eat, 7pm meeting
Where: Bullock's Barbecue!! (once inside, head for the big room to the left)

You read that right, we're finally going to meet in person for the first time this year. It will be good to see some people that we haven’t seen in quite a while and to meet some of our newest members for the first time.

Due to the average age of our members and their particular susceptibility to the most severe Covid 19 infections, the DFMA Board asks that only vaccinated members attend.

I hope you will be able to join us!

73, Lenore (KF4PAB) DFMA President, 4/3/22

March 1 Meeting - DFMA Meeting on the Air

Program: A formal program has not been scheduled.
Meeting place: 145.450 repeater.
Meeting time: 7:00pm

As you've noticed, we're still being careful and will not be at Bullock's but are meeting on the repeater again. The hope is that April will be the charm and the meeting will be back at Bullock’s.

The plan for Tuesday’s meeting is to have regular officer reports and announcements followed by a rag chew session

I hope you will be able to join us!
73, Dee, KU4GC, 2/27/22

Nicholas Paul Szydlek, KA1HPM, sk
September 16, 1944 - February 5, 2022

Nick, KA1HPM operating at the
OCRA/DFMA Field Day in 2018.
Image courtesy of KU4GC

Nick was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 16, 1944. He enlisted and served in the United States Navy as a radar technician/electrician’s mechanic from 1963 – 1967. He was stationed in the Mediterranean on the USS Mole and the USS Basilone. He also served in the United States Naval Reserve and the United States Coast Guard Reserve. He was decorated with the National Service Defense Medal.

Nick married his wife, Rosemary, in 1969 and their son, Nick, Jr. was born in 1970. After the Navy, Nick worked as an electrician’s mechanic and engineer, living in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. In the late 1990’s Nick and Rosemary moved to his hometown area in Michigan where he continued working as an engineer. He retired in 2012, joining his son and daughter-in-law in Pittsboro, North Carolina. He established his own small machining/prototyping business, Foxtek, Inc. where he was his own boss and worked at his own pace.

Nick was especially passionate about ham radio with an amateur extra ticket and was a Founding member of Chatham AUXCOMM; a proud member of Orange County Radio Amateurs (OCRA); and Durham FM Association (DFMA). He loved to share his knowledge and get others excited about ham radio.

As a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church he attended mass every Sunday. He volunteered on many occasions and served on committees including the Church Council and was head of the Friends in Faith Senior Group. Nick is survived by his loving wife of more than 52 years, Rosemary; his son, Nicholas (KN4QBY), Jr. (Melissa); brother, Eddie (Cynthia) Szydlek; sisters, Carol (Fred) Zirotti and Cherilyn (Don) Smith; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and peers. He was preceded in death by his parents Barbara J. Eshelman Szydlek-Lawless; Edwin Joseph Rivers and stepmother Frances Rivers; and brothers Lawrence S. Szydlek and Phillip P. Szydlek. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite cancer organization or St. Jude’s in Nick’s name.

Gathering of Remembrance

Friday, February 18, 10:00 AM
St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 940 Carmichael Street, Chapel HIll, NC 27514

follwed by a
Funeral Mass

Friday, February 18, 10:30 AM
St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 940 Carmichael Street Chapel HIll, NC 27514

Donations

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 Tel: 1-800-805-5856 Web: http://www.stjude.org/

This writeup heavily based on the obiturary published by the Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory. For the complete, excellent obituary see https://www.donaldsonfunerals.com/obituary/Nicholas-Szydlek

Dee, KU4GC, 2/14/22

February 1 Meeting - DFMA Meeting on the Air

Program: A formal program has not been scheduled as of this time.
Meeting place: 145.450 repeater.
Meeting time: 7:00pm

As you've noticed, we're still being careful and will not be at Bullock's but are meeting on the repeaters again. The hope is that the March meeting will be back at Bullock’s.

The plan for Tuesday’s meeting is to have regular officer reports and announcements followed by a rag chew session

I hope you will be able to join us!
73, Dee, KU4GC, 1/30/22

January 4 Meeting - DFMA Meeting on the Air - HAPPY NEW YEAR

Program: Grounding and Lightning Protection of Towers and Radio Equipment.

As you've noticed, we've taken a step backwards and will NOT be at Bullock's but are meeting on the repeaters (145.450- PL 82.5) again. However we will have an excellent program. The program should be very timely and an excellent introduction for our newer members and a good reminder for the oldtimers. Our Repeater Manager, Charlie, NC4CD, who has loads of practical experience in this area will present on the air.

Some of the topics he will cover are:
- Why and how do you ground your tower, antennas, and station equipment?
- How to construct an effective ground system for your tower and antennas.
- How is ground resistance measured? What are the objectives ?
- How to connect all your equipment to the ground system.
- What to do when a thunderstorm is coming.
- What do we do at a repeater site during a thunderstorm? You can’t go disconnect all the antennas!

This meeting should be extremely interesting. I hope you will be able to join us!

73, Dee, KU4GC, 1/1/22Funeral Mass Friday February 18, 2022 10:30 AM St. Thomas More Catholic Church 940 Carmichael Street Chapel HIll, NC 27514

December Meeting - The DFMA Christmas Party

What: See title.
When: Tuesday, December 7th, 6pm
Where: Bullock's Barbecue!! (once inside, head for the big room to the left)
What else: Good food. Good cheer. Your fellow hams.

Continuing a tradition of having the DFMA pick up the tab for members at our December Christmas Dinner Meeting, we will meet at Bullock's Barbecue Restaurant in Durham starting at 6:00pm. You will be able to order from the menu. This meeting is for paid-up members and each member can bring one guest -- bring your spouse or friend!

(For the safety of all attendees, we ask that you give this a pass if you have not been able to get vaccinated. Last meeting we had, and for future meetings we plan to have, an outgoing video feed of the program with a live chat for all unable to physically attend. Since there is no “program” as such, we will not be generating streaming video of this meeting.)

This is our Christmas Meeting -- In that spirit and tradition you may (optionally):
+++ Bring a new Christmas gift to be distributed to needy children through Toys for Tots. If wrapped, mark gender and age range on the outside. If not wrapped, that's fine too. If you have one -- a gift bag would work too.
+++ The Club will make its annual donation, splitting it between the Urban Ministries of Durham and the Food Bank of Eastern and Central North Carolina. We will be “passing the hat" for personal contributions. Cash contributions will also be split between the two organizations.

In past years some people have dropped a check in the hat. You can make it out to any charity you like. We can forward it and the canceled check can be handy at tax time.

But, if you are not in a position to donate anything this year, please come anyway. Or if you are making a special effort through your church or at the office, don’t feel pressured to do more than you really should. Your presence at this dinner is a gift to all of us.

Your Ham New Year’s Resolution

Another traditional feature of our Christmas Party is the making of a Ham New Year’s Resolution. So, one thing we’ll do is go around to everyone and, if you made a resolution last year, we’ll read it to the group and you can report on how you did. Then, you can make a resolution for next year. And, it can be a lot of fun for all. It’s easy to make a joke of this and I guess that’s OK. However, I urge you to come up with well thought out ham-related goals for yourself. Set yourself some fairly realistic goals and see if you can achieve them. Of course, each year we have a lot of “misses” from last year but that can be reality check and a lot of fun for all.

But as last year, I urge you to think about some goals for the DFMA as well. Feel free to voice them when you make a resolution for yourself. Or, let the Board members know if there are things we could improve. Better yet, get involved and volunteer to help us meet those goals. The DFMA’s success depends on your involvement and help in the future. It’s your move.

73, Dee, KU4GC, 12/3/21

Bill Sims, W4AK, sk

The program at our first in-person meeting of the DFMA was a summary of the history of our repeaters. I presented this program as I was one of the charter members of DFMA. I mentioned that when I moved to Durham in 1970, there was a repeater in Durham on 146.34-146.94. It was owned and operated by Bill Sims, K4RUQ. The 146.34 receiver was at his house in Parkwood. He used a 440 MHz. radio link to the 146.94 transmitter on TV Hill in north Durham. This “split-site” repeater did not require a duplexer which was very expensive, even in 1970. Bill used tube type radios made by Motorola, General Electric, Dumont, and others. These were retired from commercial two way radio service and were relatively cheap.

Bill was a bit “cantankerous” with the users of his repeater. It seemed as if he monitored it 24 hours a day. He would frequently interject his comments into conversations. Annoyingly, one could “kerchunk” the repeater at midnight or 3 am, and he would instantly say “you got it, talk on it”. In the early 70’s, most converted Motorola or GE radios had only one or two channels. Most radios were on 34-94 for repeaters and 146.52 for simplex. To minimize key-ups from nearby 34-94 users, Bill implemented a system called “whistle-up” for access to his repeater. To use his repeater, one had to whistle into the mike (increasing the frequency like trying to call the dog) and hoping to hit the frequency of the decoder. When his repeater was whistled up, it stayed available for a conversation.

After a while I decided that Durham needed a ham club with its own repeater. Thirteen hams attended the first meeting and the DFMA was formed. Bill did not attend. A repeater on 449.1-444.1 was DFMA’s first repeater. After 50 years, DFMA has 100 members and 7 repeaters at 3 sites: Hillsborough, the Durham VA Hospital, and TV Hill. Our current TV Hill tower is on land adjacent to Bill’s original 146.94 transmitter site.

The week following our DFMA meeting, I saw the obituary for Bill. He died on October 4, 2021 at the age of 89. W4AK (formerly K4RUQ) SK. 73 Bill.

- de Charlie, NC4CD, 12/1/21

November 2 Meeting - BACK AT BULLOCK'S

Program: Our Repeater Manager, Charlie, NC4CD, will update us on what has been going on with the DFMA's Repeater System. While Covid may have shut down most of our activities, Charlie has been busy working and upgrading the DFMA's capabilities.

What: The November DFMA Meeting!
When: Tuesday, November 2nd, 6pm to eat, 7pm meeting
Where: Bullock's Barbecue!! (once inside, head for the big room to the left)
What else: Door prizes! New directories for members!

You read that right, we're finally going to meet in person for the first time since March of 2020! Charlie, NC4CD has graciously agreed to present an update of the DFMA repeater system. While everything else has stopped, progress on the repeaters has continued!

Vaccinations will be required of all attendees. While we know that you'll need to take off your mask to eat, please wear a surgical mask or better when not eating to help us mitigate transmission risk as much as possible.

The meeting will be live-streamed for those who are unable to attend. Jack (KM4MBG) will send more info about that.

I hope you will be able to join us!

73, Lenore (KF4PAB) DFMA President, 10/28/21

Free General Class Course Available - On Zoom

I will be offering a General Class licensing course on Zoom beginning Thursday, October 28. It wee mee weekly running through Thursday, January 13 (9 sessions plus 3 weeks off for the holidays in November and December.) Sessions will start at 6:30 pm eastern time, and run for 3 hours. These are the classes sponsored by the National Electronics Museum that we have been holding for years. Please publicize this with anyone you know that you think would be interested. Those wishing to sign up should email me at roland.anders@comcast.net.

Thanks,

Rol, K3RA

Posted on the behalf of Roland Anders - Dee, KU4GC, 10/19/21

Funeral Mass Friday February 18, 2022 10:30 AM St. Thomas More Catholic Church 940 Carmichael Street Chapel HIll, NC 27514 October 5 Meeting - DFMA Meeting on the Air

Program: A formal program, using the video system, was planned but things didn’t work out as was hoped. As we did in some past months, we'll have a meeting net. This will be at 7pm on October 5th, our usual meeting slot, on the 145.45- repeater (PL tone of 82.5). You can also check-in over the Internet via Echolink/SVXLink to the WR4AGC-R node. The format of the net will be check-ins (in place of our usual introductions), officer reports, a door prize(!), and a rag chew round table discussion.

73, Dee, KU4GC, 10/3/21

September 7 Meeting - Live Stream Video
Instructions

I hope that you'll be able to join us tonight, September 7th at 7pm. In order to join us, please do the following:

Go to https://dfma-meeting.km4mbg.org in your browser. On that page, you will see a widget for the meeting video beside a widget for the chat. To start watching the video, click on the triangle button. To join the chat, change the Nick (short for nickname) from "GuestDD" (where the D's are digits) to your name and/or callsign. Spaces are not allowed, so something like Jack-KM4MBG would be a good choice. Leave "I have a password" unchecked, and the channel as #dfma. Once you have your nick filled in, click "Start" to join the chat.

Tonight's presentation will be by Chuck Till, KF4RGN, on the new RF safety requirements for amateur radio.

Hope you'll join us!

73, Jack, 9/7/21

Tonight's presentation will be by Chuck Till, KF4RGN, on the new RF safety requirements for amateur radio.

Hope you'll join us!

73, Jack, 9/7/21

September 7 Program: Live Stream Video
New FCC Rules on RF Safety in Amateur Radio

By: Chuck Till, KF4RGN

Most of you have likely read about the new rules requiring hams to evaluate their home station for RF safety. Chuck's presentation should give you a nice assist to meeting those requirements. Chuck, K4RGN was first licensed in 1970. He has a Bachelor's and a Master's in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech. Prior to retirement, he worked in international marketing for telecom companies. His main interests in ham radio are digital modes. He's also a volunteer announcer at WCPE The Classical Station 89.7.

Unfortunately, we won't be getting together in person for our September meeting as planned. Instead, we'll use the streaming configuration we used last month. This time though, the live video part will be limited to the president and me, and everyone else will be able to participate by watching a live video stream and adding your comments to the web chat.

Please join us Tuesday, September 7th at 7pm at https://dfma-meeting.km4mbg.org.

73, Jack, KM4MBG, 9/5/21

Combined OCRA/DFMA Meeting with NASA Presentation
Monday August 9th

Given the latest CDC information regarding the spread of Covid-19, now containing the Delta variant, the OCRA Board of Directors has made the decision to postpone the return in August to our regular in-person meetings at the Efland Baha’i Center.

The upcoming club meeting on Monday August 9th will be a special meeting as a combined OCRA/DFMA Over-the-Air Club Net and Zoom Meeting with NASA guest presentations, Monday evening August 9th beginning at 7pm.

Note the following time and agenda changes for this special meeting:

- The Over-the-Air Club Net check-in will begin at 7pm instead of the usual 7:30 on the 442.150 mHz repeater to get callsigns & names of the meeting attendees for the club meeting minutes and any brief club announcements.
- The OCRA Zoom Video Conference will available starting at 6:45pm for any last minute video/audio testing by attendees, check-ins by attendees not having UHF radio capability, and for all to join in for the NASA guest speaker presentation starting at 7:30pm .
- Our guest speaker will be Al Feinberg, the Strategic Content and Media Advisor for NASA Space Communications & NASA Television Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
- The radio net will be secured at 7:30pm and then the Zoom video conference will continue with speaker introductions.
- Questions any attendee would like to ask the presenters can be posted in the Zoom chat window.

Al’s presentation will be on “Space Communications in Support of NASA”.

The timing of these presentations could not be better as November 9, 2021 will be the 20th Anniversary of International Space Station contact from Barbara Pedersen’s science class room at Chapel Hill Phillips Junior High School. Club member Barbara, KE4JZM was instrumental in the planning, coordination with NASA and with additional club volunteers, the building of the amateur radio station in her science class room that was used for the successful contact.

The Zoom access link, Login ID & password has been distributed by email to all OCRA members and to the DFMA members via the DFMA Link Newsletter email list.

Dan, KR4UB, 8/7/21

August 3 Meeting - Live Stream Video
Detailed Instructions

I hope that you'll be able to join us tonight, August 3rd at 7pm. In order to join us, please do the following:

Go to https://dfma-meeting.km4mbg.org in your browser. On that page, you will see a widget for the meeting video beside a widget for the chat. To start watching the video, click on the triangle button. To join the chat, change the Nick (short for nickname) from "GuestDD" (where the D's are digits) to your name and/or callsign. Spaces are not allowed, so something like Jack-KM4MBG would be a good choice. Leave "I have a password" unchecked, and the channel as #dfma. Once you have your nick filled in, click "Start" to join the chat.

Joining the chat is an important part of tonight's meeting because that is how we will be collecting votes for our board election. If you are having technical difficulties, Dee, KU4GC, will be providing support on the 145.45 repeater. The stream will start up around 6:40pm EDT, but the business part of the meeting won't start until 7pm.

Our agenda for tonight is as follows:
* President's Corner, LIVE!
* Officer Reports
* Elections (voting instructions will be provided during the meeting)
* Show and tell

Thanks to all in advance for staying with us as we followed COVID mitigation guidance and had a last minute change of formats.

Jack, KM4MBG, 7/2/21

P.S.
For those who are technically inclined, you may join the chat in another browser window (e.g. if you want to watch the video full-screen on one monitor and chat it another) by going directly to https://web.libera.chat/#dfma You can also join #dfma on libera.chat in your favorite IRC client.

The video can be watched outside of a browser by playing https://dfma-meeting.km4mbg.org/hls/dfma.m3u8 in a media player (e.g. VLC) that supports HLS.

This extra information is provided for those to whom it might be useful, but don't worry about trying to follow it, the website works great!

Jack

Auguse 3 Program: Club Meeting and Elections
(7:00pm, Live Streaming Video)

Unfortunately, we won't be getting together in person for our August meeting as planned. Instead, we'll use this as an opportunity to do a test of the streaming configuration we hope to use when we are able to return to in-person meetings. This time though, the in-person part will be limited to just me, and everyone else will be able to participate by watching a live video stream and adding your comments to the web chat.

We're saving our planned August presentation for a future date, but we will be holding the DFMA Board election! Voting will take place via the chat. I al27516so plan to do a little bit of show and tell about what I've been up to during the pandemic. If you'd like to participate in the show and tell by recording a short, less than 5 minute video, I can include it in the stream if you send it (or a link to it) to me in advance of the meeting.

Please join us Tuesday, August 3rd at 7pm at https://dfma-meeting.km4mbg.org. I'm still getting everything set up, so don't be alarmed if the site isn't up before Tuesday. Best,

Jack, KM4MBG, 7/2/21

July 6 Program: DFMA Meeting on the Air

As we did in past months, instead of our usual monthly meeting at Bullock's, we'll have a meeting net. The net will be at 7pm on July 6th, our usual meeting time, on the linked 145.45- repeater (PL tone of 82.5). You can also check-in over the Internet via Echolink/SVXLink to the WR4AGC-R node. The format of the net will be check-ins (in place of our usual introductions), officer reports and a rag chew round table discussion.

Best,

Jack, KM4MBG, 7/2/21

June 14: NASA Talk Canceled

Word has just been received from Rosalie K1STO, the presenter that was going to cover both NASA presentations tonight, has had to postpone due to computer problems that developed over the weekend.

We received word last week that Al, the other planned NASA presenter, had to cancel out due to a death in his extended family.

The format and time for tonight's OCRA meeting will revert back to the 442.150mHz Over-the-Air Net/Meeting and Zoom Conference starting at 7:30pm with Dave, W4SAR as Net Control.

73, Dee, KU4GC, 6/14/21

How to Participate in the NASA Presentation

As many of you already know, the NASA presentation is scheduled in the regular OCRA Meeting time slot. So, some of the procedures described below deal specifically with the OCRA Meeting. Also, described below are help sessions for people who have not used Zoom before. If you are an experienced Zoom user, you may want to omit some of them.

Please join this special combined OCRA/DFMA Over-the-Air Club Net and Zoom Meeting with NASA guest presenters Al Feinberg and Rosalie White, K1STO Monday evening on June 14th. Special thanks go to Wilson, W4BOH for the initial contact with the guest presenters to make this opportunity possible.

Note the following time and agenda changes for this special meeting:

  - The Over-the-Air OCRA Club Net check-in will begin at 7pm instead of the usual 7:30 on the 442.150 mHz repeater to get callsigns & names of the meeting attendees for the club meeting minutes and any brief club announcements.
  - The OCRA Zoom Video Conference will available starting at 6:45pm for any last minute video/audio testing by attendees, check-ins by attendees not having UHF radio capability, and for all to join in for the NASA guest speaker presentation starting at 7:30pm .
  - Our guest speakers will be Al Feinberg, the Strategic Content and Media Advisor for NASA Space Communications & NASA Television Headquarters in Washington, D.C. and Rosalie White, K1STO, ARISS US Delegate. Al’s presentation will be on “Space Communications in Support of NASA” and Rosalie’s presentation will be “Celebrating 20 Years of Continous Amateur Radio Operations on the ISS”.

Here are a some additional details about the meeting:

  - The radio net will be secured prior to 7:30pm and then the Zoom video conference will continue with speaker introductions.
  - Questions any attendee would like to ask the presenters can be posted in the Zoom chat window.
  - Lastly, to assist anyone who has not participated in previous OCRA Zoom meetings, several options are available to test your setup.
      o A practice video conference session will be opened Sunday June 13th from 2pm to 4pm so any attendee needing to test their computer, tablet or cell phone device can do so prior to the Monday Meeting.
      o The Zoom conferences open during weekly OCRA Monday night 8pm 10 meter nets uses the same conference ID, password and join link listed below. The Monday night net (June 7th) prior to the June 14th meeting provides opportunities to check in and test your setup.
  - Click on the “Instructions for Participating in an OCRA Radio Net from Zoom” link below for additional setup information and self testing options provided by Zoom that you can use.

Dan, KR4UB, adapted by Dee, KU4GC, 6/7/21

June 14 Special NASA Presentation vi Zoom
Co-sponsored by OCRA and DFMA

A joint OCRA/DFMA sponsored program by NASA is being offered on Monday, June 14th at 7:30pm. The NASA presentation will be on the Zoom video platform with details to be published later.

There will actually be two presentations. One of the speakers is Al Feinberg, the Strategic Content and Media Advisor for NASA Space Communications & NASA Television Headquarters in Washington, D.C. His presentation will be on “Space Communications in Support of NASA”

The other speaker is Rosalie White, K1STO, ARRISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) US Delegate. Her presentation will be “Celebrating 20 Years of Continuous Amateur Radio Operations on the ISS”. Some of you may remember the space station communication from the Phillips Middle School in Chapel Hill. That happened almost 20 years ago and was quite a media event. The teacher of the class involved, Barbara Pederson, KE4JZM, had an HF station in her classroom. (Barbara was also active in the Civil Air Patrol.)

Watch the OCRA-DFMA@groups.io mailing list for additional information. The latest information will also be placed on the this website and there will probably be a direct mailing to DFMA members just before the event.

Many thanks to the presenters. Also, special thanks goes to Wilson, W4BOH, for arranging this program and to Dan, KR4UB, who is doing much of the logistical support and making sure that Zoom help is available to anyone that needs it.

73, Dee, KU4GC, 6/6/21

June 1 Program: DFMA Meeting on the Air

As we did in past months, instead of our usual monthly meeting at Bullock's, we'll have a meeting net. The net will be at 7pm on June 1st, our usual meeting time, on the linked 145.45- repeater (PL tone of 82.5). You can also check-in over the Internet via Echolink/SVXLink to the WR4AGC-R node. The format of the net will be check-ins (in place of our usual introductions), officer reports and a rag chew round table discussion.

Best,

Jack, KM4MBG, 5/28/21

May 10 Special NASA Presentation Canceled

In both the May Link and in the cover note we announced that there would be a special program on space communications originating with NASA. This was being sponsored by both OCRA and the DFMA and was scheduled during OCRA's regular monthly meeting slot - Monday, 5/10 at 7:30pm.

Unfortunately Donna Ruth Green, the wife of John Green, KX4P, passed away a few days ago. The visitation at the Donaldson Funeral Home in Pittsboro has been scheduled for Monday at 6-8pm and a number of our members would like to attend. Therefore it was felt best to cancel the special program and the abbreviated on-line OCRA monthly meeting that was to meet at 7pm.

Our condolences to John (who is a member of both clubs and who has presented some excellent programs for our meetings) and his family.

73, Dee, KU4GC, 5/9/21

May 4 Program: DFMA Meeting on the Air

Until outbreak conditions improve, the DFMA will not be having in-person meetings. As we did in past months, instead of our usual monthly meeting at Bullock's, we'll have a special net. The net will be at 7pm on May 4th, our usual meeting time, on the linked 145.45- repeater (PL tone of 82.5). You can also check-in over the Internet via Echolink/SVXLink to the WR4AGC-R node. The format of the net will be check-ins (in place of our usual introductions), officer reports and a rag chew round table discussion.

Best,

Jack, KM4MBG, 5/1/21

April 6 Program: DFMA Meeting on the Air

Until outbreak conditions improve, the DFMA will not be having in-person meetings. As we did in past months, instead of our usual monthly meeting at Bullock's, we'll have a special net. The net will be at 7pm on April 6th, our usual meeting time, on the linked 145.45- repeater (PL tone of 82.5). You can also check-in over the Internet via Echolink/SVXLink to the WR4AGC-R node. The format of the net will be check-ins (in place of our usual introductions), officer reports and a rag chew round table discussion.

Best,

Jack, KM4MBG, 4/6/21

March 2 Program: DFMA Meeting on the Air

Until outbreak conditions improve, the DFMA will not be having in-person meetings. As we did in past months, instead of our usual monthly meeting at Bullock's, we'll have a special net. The net will be at 7pm on March 2nd, our usual meeting time, on the linked 145.45- repeater (PL tone of 82.5). You can also check-in over the Internet via Echolink/SVXLink to the WR4AGC-R node. The format of the net will be check-ins (in place of our usual introductions), officer reports and a rag chew round table discussion.

Best,

Jack, KM4MBG, 2/27/21

February 2 Program: DFMA Meeting on the Air

Until outbreak conditions improve, the DFMA will not be having in-person meetings. As we did in past months, instead of our usual monthly meeting at Bullock's, we'll have a special net. The net will be at 7pm on February 2nd, our usual meeting time, on the linked 145.45- repeater (PL tone of 82.5). You can also check-in over the Internet via Echolink/SVXLink to the WR4AGC-R node. The format of the net will be check-ins (in place of our usual introductions), officer reports and a rag chew round table discussion.

Best,

Jack, KM4MBG, 1/30/21

Joanna Marie George, KE4QOZ, sk
January 2, 2021

Joanna at a DFMA Board Meeting
in 2009 Image courtesy of KU4GC

Hillsborough, North Carolina - Joanna Marie George, 80, passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at her home. She was born in Durham, the daughter of the late Charles Oral Huffer and Sarah Isenhour Huffer. Mrs. George is predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Dr. Rhett T. George, Jr.

Mrs. George worked at Duke University with the University Research Council. At Duke, she met Rhett and they married in 1961. Mrs. George retired from Wilmore Electronics as an Electronic Technician. Together with Rhett, she helped promote safe boating through the United States Power Squadron. She was very active in retirement as part of the Orange County Board of Elections, with the Orange County VITA Tax Program, and especially quilting. A lifelong artist, she worked in a variety of mediums over the years but fabric arts was her true passion. She was in the Cherry Creek Lane Quilters, in the Durham Orange Quilt Guild, and in the Tuesday Donations Quilts Group at the Passmore Center.

Mrs. George is survived by her son, Charles R. George (Dawn); sister, Susan Huffer Gay (Curtis); and grandchildren, Caitlin George Kalen (Alex) and Ashlee George.

The family would like to thank the many people who helped us and prayed for our family during this difficult time. We especially want to acknowledge the thoughtful, caring assistance provided from Mrs. George's quilting friends, Visiting Angels of Carrboro, and staff of Duke HomeCare and Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to McMannen United Methodist Church, 4102 Neal Road, Durham NC 27705. The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.

Taken from The Herald Sun on Jan. 10, 2021.

Joanna, KE4QOZ -- In Appreciation

In January, the ham community lost the other half of the George duo, following Rhett’s (KE4HIH) passing by about a half of a month. Joanna and Rhett were among the most faithful attendees of our monthly club meetings. I met Joanna at DFMA meetings soon after I got my ticket in 1997. Joanna was first licensed in 1994, following Rhett by about a year. Joanna was active in the club in various ways. She served a period as DFMA secretary. She actively supported the club at the annual DurHamFests. In the last decade or so she managed the DFMA Club Table and tried to make sure that Rhett didn’t take home much more than he had brought. She and Rhett also hosted the DFMA’s annual Picnic for many years. Often that included access to their swimming pool (not to forget Rhett’s trains).

In addition, Joanna will be remembered for her many other activities. She was an avid quilter and had a room at home dedicated to her extra large quilting frame. For years she worked with the Orange County Board of Elections as a precinct official. This did mean that Rhett often had to attend the November DFMA meeting alone. She and Rhett were very active in supporting the U S Power Squadron promoting safe boating. Joanna was also very active in VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) for low income clients.

Joanna was an accomplished cook and hostess. In addition to the DFMA Picnic, she and Rhett annually hosted a Procrastinator's Christmas Party in the following new year. There were always many interesting guests. (Parking them on their steep hillside property was Rhett’s specialty). However Joanna’s coleslaw was eagerly anticipated at the annual Field Day activities.

But, of course, her other major interest was Rhett. They did many things together. They even had his and hers electric tractors (vintage GE Electraks employing 6V golf cart style batteries). And they had fun: you all will probably remember that during self-introductions at meetings Joanna would give her base as “Hillsborough” while Rhett gave his as “Scarlett’s Ridge”.

Dee, KU4GC 1/28/2021

January 5 Program: DFMA Meeting on the Air

Until outbreak conditions improve, the DFMA will not be having in-person meetings. As we did in past months, instead of our usual monthly meeting at Bullock's, we'll have a special net. The net will be at 7pm on January 5th, our usual meeting time, on the linked 145.45- repeater (PL tone of 82.5). You can also check-in over the Internet via Echolink/SVXLink to the WR4AGC-R node. The format of the net will be check-ins (in place of our usual introductions), officer reports and a rag chew round table discussion.

Best,

Jack, KM4MBG, 1/2/21