Solar Cycle 23
Just what is Solar Cycle 23? Well, according to the experts, the start of a new solar cycle heralds the beginning of improved conditions for, among others, us hams. That's the good news. The bad news is that it is a little late getting here! Original predictions were that things would start hopping by the end of 1997, and by later this year DX conditions on 10 meters (you do remember 10 meters, don't you?) would be buzzing right along. Well, they goofed! Now the revised prediction has slipped about five months, with March 2000 being the new estimate of the mid-range smoothed maximum.
So what does al this mean for you and me? Well, for one, you have a little more time to prepare for the "good old days." Dust off that old 10 meter beam if you have one, and get it back up in the air. Or, if you're relatively new at the game or not presently on 10 meters, you have a little breathing time to get ready. Don't forget, as 10 goes, so will the other bands. In other words, 20,17,15, and 12 meters will also show some marked improvement as 10 meters improves. For the newer licensed hams, a wide-open 10 meter band sure can be a lot of fun. And you don't need a super station, either. A modest antenna and a 100 watt rig can provide you with world-wide coverage. But, don't wait too long. Remember, these are only predictions ( and they were wrong before!) , so it could come sooner than later. So, like the Boy Scouts ... be prepared!
One final comment on propagation. While solar cycle 22 was ebbing and 23 is just getting started, the lower bands...40 and even 80 meters...have been quite good for DX contacts. Just goes to show - there's something for everyone. 73, N2FY
The certification that applicants must now sign reads: "I have READ and WILL COMPLY with sections 97.13(c) of the commission's rules regarding RADIO-FREQUENCY (RF) RADIATION SAFETY and the amateur service section of OST/OET bulletin 65". Amateur licensees will be expected to demonstrate their knowledge of the FCC guidelines through examinations. Questions will be added to the written examination elements for Novice , Technician, and General licenses involving RF safety.
Recent articles in QST provide additional information about the new rules. (See QST Oct. 1997, p. 51 and Jan. 1998 p. 50. A sample of the new form 610 is in Jan 1998 QST, p. 93.) More information is available on the Internet under ARRL& FCC.
These rules require that each operator take a good look at their operation and decide if any corrective action can be taken. If necessary, an "evaluation" must be made. This "evaluation" can be done in several ways. The simple approach involves a consideration of the several factors that contribute to RF radiation such as station power, duty cycle, antenna type/gain and antenna location (Height and distance from operator or other people.) With this data in hand tables provided in QST and FCC publications can be used to determine if the station falls in the "safe" category.
Most amateur stations do not have to be evaluated! This is because their power level is so low that the stations are presumed to be safe or "in compliance."
-Stations using power levels (PEP input to the antenna) less than the wattage
shown in the table below are exempted from evaluation:
| 160, 80, 75, & 40 Meters | 500 watts |
| 30 Meters | 425 watts |
| 20 Meters | 225 watts |
| 17 Meters | 125 watts |
| 15 Meters | 100 watts |
| 12 Meters | 75 watts |
| 10,6,2 & 1.25 Meters | 50 watts |
REMINDER:
It's renewal time again. Dues are due 1 January with a
grace period of 60 days.
Dues are $20.00 for full membership, $15.00 for full membership if
over 65 Years of age, $10.00 for family mebership.
Make checks to "BRARS, Inc." and send to: Attention
Secretary, BRARS Inc., PO Box 6751, Greenville, SC 29606.
Check your mailing label. The four digit number
is your current membership card number. If the four digit number
begins with "8", then you're paid up for 1998. if it
begins with a "7", then you are not paid up and will be dropped from membership
as of 2 March, 1998.
Also...Send corrections of Address, Name, Call, or recent number changes
to attention of the Secretary.
REMEMBER: From the Bylaws, Section 1, Membership:
(e.) Membership renewals received after 60 day grace
period will be handled as a new membership application.
So, Don't Delay !!!!
| For | Against | Abstain | |
| Section 1, Membership (j.) | 30 | 11 | 1 |
| Section 1, Membership (k.) | 34 | 8 | 0 |
(j.) Persons who have been removed from the membership may not, even as a guest, participate in any club functions, attend meetings, or use club equipment.
(k.) Applicants for a new membership
must be sponsored by two existing members who have been members in good
standing of the Society for a minimum of two (2) years. The
two sponsoring members shall sign the new applicant's Society Application
Form in the places provided. The Society Application Form shall be
revised to provide a place for the two sponsors to sign. All new
Members will be subject to a one (1) year probation.
Applications submitted for Membership Approval to be addresses at the 2 March 1998 meeting:
1. KF4KCZ, R.G.
(Bob) Watson, 501 Ferguson St. Clinton, SC, 29325
2. KF4SVM, G.W.
(Geraldine) Hawkins, PO Box 41, Pelzer, SC 29669
Submit any comments on submitted applications in writing to:
Attention: Board of Directors, BRARS, Inc. P.O. Box 6751,
Greenville, SC 29606-6751
John E. Chism, ND4N
Secretary, BRARS, Inc.
Any comments, suggestions, articles, etc. regarding the
newsletter should be sent to livewire@brars.org
The Livewire Editor is Dr. Carl Rogers, WA4ULE
and this webpage is maintained by Jonathan
Nalley, KE4ZVU who is a member of the
Send your comments or inquiries to: brars@brars.org
©1998 Blue Ridge Amateur Radio Society, Inc.