From sprinkies at excel.net Wed Sep 2 14:32:45 2009 From: sprinkies at excel.net (Todd Sprinkmann) Date: Wed Sep 2 14:33:13 2009 Subject: [WARC] 144 nets tonight, contest Sept. 12/13th Message-ID: <6CE0386DD2FB43839DA522C6FFE42D20@sprinkma35adeb> Lots of QST today. Of course, we have the 144 SSB nets tonight. We're there on 144 SSB every Wed., without fail. Get lots of guys from various directions -- even if you don't care to check into a net, at least tune around and see who you can hear from wherever. Solid progress has been made the past year in improving "weak-signal" activity levels on V/UHF. If you have any interest in V/UHF at all, then pay my website a visit. http://www.kc9bqa.com I can say more there than I do in these once-weekly emails. It's time to make plans for the ARRL Sept. VHF QSO Party, on Sept. 12/13th. More about that on my website. 146.43 FM net is also *ON* tomorrow night, (Thur.) at 8:30pm. 73, Todd KC9BQA http://www.kc9bqa.com For Frequent VHF/UHF Updates From ewbrom at hbci.com Wed Sep 2 16:42:22 2009 From: ewbrom at hbci.com (Erik Brom) Date: Wed Sep 2 16:43:55 2009 Subject: [WARC] Yaesu Dual band mobile for sale - almost new! In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <20090902164350.B64262781F6@mail.hbci.com> Due to purchasing the D-700 from Russ, I now have a Yaesu FT-8800R dual band mobile for sale. Includes the separation kit. I bought this new from Radio City last October. Its been in my car, but never fully installed. Includes all brackets, cables, paperwork, original box and packaging. $330.00 Erik Brom, WB0NIU ewbrom@hbci.com 452-5805 From ewbrom at hbci.com Wed Sep 2 19:38:24 2009 From: ewbrom at hbci.com (Erik Brom) Date: Wed Sep 2 19:39:58 2009 Subject: SOLD : [WARC] Yaesu Dual band mobile for sale - almost new! In-Reply-To: <20090902164350.B64262781F6@mail.hbci.com> References: <20090902164350.B64262781F6@mail.hbci.com> Message-ID: <20090902193952.4A6E52781E7@mail.hbci.com> The radio has been sold. At 11:42 AM 09/02/09, you wrote: >Due to purchasing the D-700 from Russ, I now have a Yaesu FT-8800R >dual band mobile for sale. Includes the separation kit. > >I bought this new from Radio City last October. Its been in my car, >but never fully installed. > >Includes all brackets, cables, paperwork, original box and packaging. > >$330.00 > > >Erik Brom, WB0NIU >ewbrom@hbci.com >452-5805 > >_______________________________________________ >WARC mailing list >WARC@lists.w0ne.org >http://lists.w0ne.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/warc From PSchumacher at winona.edu Wed Sep 2 19:47:02 2009 From: PSchumacher at winona.edu (Schumacher, Paul) Date: Wed Sep 2 19:47:25 2009 Subject: SOLD : [WARC] Yaesu Dual band mobile for sale - almost new! In-Reply-To: <20090902193952.4A6E52781E7@mail.hbci.com> References: <20090902164350.B64262781F6@mail.hbci.com>, <20090902193952.4A6E52781E7@mail.hbci.com> Message-ID: great! Paul L. Schumacher Prof, Computer Science Winona State University ________________________________________ From: warc-bounces@lists.w0ne.org [warc-bounces@lists.w0ne.org] On Behalf Of Erik Brom [ewbrom@hbci.com] Sent: 02 September 2009 14:38 To: Winona Amateur Radio Club general discussion Subject: SOLD : [WARC] Yaesu Dual band mobile for sale - almost new! The radio has been sold. At 11:42 AM 09/02/09, you wrote: >Due to purchasing the D-700 from Russ, I now have a Yaesu FT-8800R >dual band mobile for sale. Includes the separation kit. > >I bought this new from Radio City last October. Its been in my car, >but never fully installed. > >Includes all brackets, cables, paperwork, original box and packaging. > >$330.00 > > >Erik Brom, WB0NIU >ewbrom@hbci.com >452-5805 > >_______________________________________________ >WARC mailing list >WARC@lists.w0ne.org >http://lists.w0ne.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/warc _______________________________________________ WARC mailing list WARC@lists.w0ne.org http://lists.w0ne.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/warc From Litvan at acegroup.cc Thu Sep 3 12:52:30 2009 From: Litvan at acegroup.cc (Len Litvan) Date: Thu Sep 3 12:52:41 2009 Subject: [WARC] La Crosse National Weather Service - OPEN HOUSE Sep. 10 Message-ID: <4A9FBC0E.7030206@acegroup.cc> REMINDER - The La Crosse National Weather Service is holding an OPEN HOUSE = on = Thursday, September 10th, from 2-7 p.m. See our web site for more details = at weather.gov/lacrosse. Forwarded by Len KC0RSX -------------- next part -------------- Skipped content of type multipart/alternative From sprinkies at excel.net Thu Sep 3 19:38:40 2009 From: sprinkies at excel.net (Todd Sprinkmann) Date: Thu Sep 3 19:39:08 2009 Subject: [WARC] DX Galore last night on 144 SSB Message-ID: <7D377A2BD6964B1BB2738A995FDB1F59@sprinkma35adeb> You may want to read about how things went last night. We finally got lucky and hit a good opening in conjunction with a Wed. SSB net night. With this stagnant weather pattern, we may well have good conditions for a few days. Preferred times would be toward sundown and overnight into early/mid morning. Here's what I've been sending to various other groups today. It's all about getting more folks involved with V/UHF, and increasing their enjoyment. >>> In every ham group, there are a few who enjoy reaching out farther with their stations. I email a lot of hams to make sure I'm not missing anyone who feels the same way I do. A LOT of hams moan about how activity has gone downhill. That may be true, but I prefer to DO something about it. Conditions got very good for the SSB nets last night, especially later on. Several newer guys in the Milwaukee area worked grids such as EN47 (N. Minn) , EM27, EM29 and EM25 (SW Mo, K.C, Mo. and E Okla.) after 9-11pm. Yes, they have horizontal beams, but they don't have superstations. These were 400-600 mile paths on 144 SSB, and this sort of thing happens more often than 90% of hams realize. It was a good night to stay up and play VHF. Some details from last night are up on the website http://www.kc9bqa.com With no change in the weather pattern, it's a good bet that enhanced conditions will continue, especially in the later evening thru early-mid morning hours. Get on the air and enjoy it. It would be wonderful if we could have great propagation for parts of the ARRL VHF QSO Party on Sept. 12-13th. 73, Todd KC9BQA EN63ao 40 N of Milwaukee http://www.kc9bqa.com For Frequent VHF/UHF Updates From Litvan at acegroup.cc Fri Sep 4 17:17:46 2009 From: Litvan at acegroup.cc (Len Litvan) Date: Fri Sep 4 17:17:57 2009 Subject: [WARC] Reminder: NWS La Crosse Open House - Thurs.Sept.10 - 2-7 p.m. Message-ID: <4AA14BBA.7020500@acegroup.cc> Just wanted to make sure everyone knows about our upcoming *Open House = on Thursday September 10th, from 2-7 p.m.* (rain or shine) Please help = us spread the word. We'll have demonstrations of our AWIPS (Advanced Weather Interactive = Processing System) work stations, severe weather examples, information = about river monitoring, exhibits with emergency communications, and = hopefully Doppler radar tours. We are also conducting a food drive for the Hunger Task Force of La = Crosse during our open house so non-perishable food items will be = collected at the door. This is completely optional though. We have a news story on our web site at: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/news/display_cmsstory.php?wfo=3Darx&storyid=3D30099= &source=3D0 *THURSDAY, SEPT.10th - 2-7 p.m. We look forward to seeing you again. *p.s. - our last open house was in Sept.2006 when 966 people walked = through. = -- = Todd Shea /KB9YXS/ Warning Coordination Meteorologist (WCM) National Weather Service N2788 County Road FA La Crosse, WI 54601 Email: todd.shea@noaa.gov weather.gov/lacrosse -------------- next part -------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com = Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.75/2341 - Release Date: 09/02/09 = 05:50:00 -------------- next part -------------- Skipped content of type multipart/alternative From ewbrom at hbci.com Mon Sep 7 03:11:06 2009 From: ewbrom at hbci.com (Erik Brom) Date: Mon Sep 7 06:51:10 2009 Subject: [WARC] Help needed with Steam Train SP Daylight 4449 Oct 10/11 Message-ID: <20090907031237.0D5D42781C7@mail.hbci.com> Hi All, It is now official - our help has been requested for SP 4449's appearance in Winona Oct 10 and 11. For those of you new to the list: for several years now, steam locomotive Milw #261 has pulled fall color trips from St. Paul, stopping in Winona, and then going on to La Crescent. Some passengers get off and are replaced by local passengers. The first group explore Winona and then get back on for the return trip. The combined Winona Hams and Railfans have done a great job providing crowd control and security here in Winona. In exchange for our help, we can ride the trip to La Crescent if we wish. This year there are likely to be many more people around, due to the unusual engine. The operation this year is nearly the same as previous years, with one major exception: #261 is down for scheduled maintenance, but The Friends of the #261 is in a contract renewal dispute with the locomotive's owner, the National Railway Museum in Green Bay, WI. Work is halted until this is resolved. Instead, SP Daylight #4449 will be pulling these trips. 4449 normally lives in Washington State, but came east for a Steamfest in MI in July, and has hung around Mpls to pull our trips. 4449 is currently painted in its original bright orange scheme, but it actually passed through Winona in 1976 with the American Freedom Train. It was painted Red, White, and Blue for that trip. All help will be appreciated! Now to the details: Schedule: the train is supposed to leave Mpls Junction at 8:30 AM each day. It will be here between 11:45 and 12:00, then proceed to La Crescent where it is turned and watered. It will arrive in Winona at 2:15, and leave at 2:30. Its scheduled to arrive back in Mpls at 6:00. Adherence to schedule is of course subject to many things, including Amtrak's punctuality. Several times the steam train has actually arrived in Winona (from both directions) early. If its early, it usually stays here until the scheduled departure time. If late, it exchanges passengers as quickly as possible and the leaves. If tickets are still available for the La Crescent trip, they can be purchased from Judy Sandberg, who will be on-board the train, she will also have will-call tickets. She will be located near the middle of the train, on the platform. I'll try to let you know before the train arrives if there are any tickets available. There is a possibility that the train will be long enough that it won't fit on the platform. In this case there will be a "double spot" - that is, the train will stop, exchange some passengers, then move a short distance for the rest. Details probably won't be decided until the last minute, but I'll try to let you know what's going on. Our biggest tasks are to keep the main line clear when the train arrives, and also answer people's questions. The worst crowd control problem is always when the train returns from LaCrescent - passengers re-boarding in Winona want a picture of the engine, but the sun angle is best from the far side of the track. I'm hoping to organize a photo line, but I don't have the details together yet. SAFETY FIRST: Always expect a train on any track at any time in either direction. However, the only track likely to have movement while we are there is the mainline. That's the second track from the parking lot. If a freight train passes through, it will be going 30 MPH and can have stuff like steel bands hanging off. We need to keep everyone as far back as possible. At least a couple feet behind the wood planking of the first track. 4449 will be moving slower, but steam engines, especially this one, breath smoke, fire, steam, and hot oil. One clue that a westbound train is approaching is the block signal near Huff St. It will only light up when a train is in the block. SAFETY FIRST: The #261 has an impeccable safety record. One injury could bring the whole operation to a screeching halt, forever. We don't want to have the honor of doing that! Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Always expect a train on any track at any time in either direction! Members of the public don't understand this. You have to protect them as well. Hams please bring a 2m handheld. We will use 146.490. Everyone can listen to the CP on 160.770 and/or 146.490 if they have a scanner. We will try to intermix hams and non-hams, so that we can pass messages quickly. I would like everyone to wear a bright orange safety vest this year. Please bring your own if you have it. Otherwise, I have a limited number to lend out. We need to have sufficient people both days, so I need to know who is doing what each day. Please don't change your plans without asking me. Details of bathroom availability and the photo line are still being worked out. We are needed at two times each day: 11:00AM until approx. 12:05, and 1:30 until approx. 3:30. Please find me at the starting time for a quick job briefing. If you can help, please send me the following information: -Your name -Call sign if you are a Ham. -If you are a Ham, do you have a 2m handheld you can bring? -Your cell phone # if you have one -Your email address -Which day(s) can you help -Do you want to ride the train to LaCrescent. Which day to you prefer (apparently Sunday is not selling as fast as Sat, so may not be as crowded). -Do you have your own vest? If you have friends that are Hams or railfans and are responsible, they are welcome to help as well. Thanks to Steve Donahue for helping me set this up! He reports that the 4449's firebox is much hotter than 261's and, like 261, they usually let out a sideways burst of steam from both cylinders as they first start to move. We need to keep the public out of these areas. Please contact me with any questions. My info: cell phone is 507-452-5805, and my callsign in WB0NIU. Erik Hello Winona #261 security group, The fall trips are now scheduled for Oct 10 and 11. Please keep the date open, I think we will need a larger group of security people than usual, as this engine is likely to draw a big crowd. I'll let you know when our involvement is official. Erik ======================================= This is quite preliminary, and I don't know anything official, but my guess is our services will be needed again this year. Should be pretty neat if it happens! Check out the links in the message below. Erik "After Train Festival, no. 4449 will return to Minneapolis, where it will lay over until until fall, when the Friends of the 261 will feature it on their usual public excursions. No. 4449 will then return to Portand to fulfill its duty on "Holiday Express" trips. " >Apparently, in addition to appearing at train festival 2009, SP >Daylight 4449 will be used on excursions this fall from the Twin >Cities. It will be a stand in for the 261 on the fall color excursions. > >Go to www.steamcentral.com and click on "SP 4449 Rides Again" on the >right hand side to see the article. > >I am really looking forward to seeing this beautiful locomotive. > > > > > http://www.sp4449.com/trainfest.html > > > > > > >------------------------------------ > >Yahoo! Groups Links > ><*> To visit your group on the web, go to: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MNRailGroup/ > ><*> Your email settings: > Individual Email | Traditional > ><*> To change settings online go to: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MNRailGroup/join > (Yahoo! ID required) > ><*> To change settings via email: > mailto:MNRailGroup-digest@yahoogroups.com > mailto:MNRailGroup-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com > ><*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: > MNRailGroup-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > ><*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ From dgoltz at hbci.com Tue Sep 8 00:19:51 2009 From: dgoltz at hbci.com (Daniel L. Goltz) Date: Tue Sep 8 00:20:03 2009 Subject: [WARC] Help needed with Steam Train SP Daylight 4449 Oct 10/11 In-Reply-To: <20090907031237.0D5D42781C7@mail.hbci.com> References: <20090907031237.0D5D42781C7@mail.hbci.com> Message-ID: <20090907191951.17861qk2ttfceq07@webmail.hbci.com> Erik I would love to help this year as before but unfortunately I am scheduled to work that entire weekend. Very sorry I won't be available.If something should change I will let you know. Dan Quoting Erik Brom : > Hi All, > It is now official - our help has been requested for SP 4449's > appearance in Winona Oct 10 and 11. > > For those of you new to the list: for several years now, steam > locomotive Milw #261 has pulled fall color trips from St. Paul, > stopping in Winona, and then going on to La Crescent. Some > passengers get off and are replaced by local passengers. The first > group explore Winona and then get back on for the return trip. The > combined Winona Hams and Railfans have done a great job providing > crowd control and security here in Winona. In exchange for our > help, we can ride the trip to La Crescent if we wish. > > This year there are likely to be many more people around, due to the > unusual engine. > > The operation this year is nearly the same as previous years, with > one major exception: #261 is down for scheduled maintenance, but > The Friends of the #261 is in a contract renewal dispute with the > locomotive's owner, the National Railway Museum in Green Bay, WI. > Work is halted until this is resolved. Instead, SP Daylight #4449 > will be pulling these trips. 4449 normally lives in Washington > State, but came east for a Steamfest in MI in July, and has hung > around Mpls to pull our trips. 4449 is currently painted in its > original bright orange scheme, but it actually passed through Winona > in 1976 with the American Freedom Train. It was painted Red, White, > and Blue for that trip. > > All help will be appreciated! > > Now to the details: > > Schedule: the train is supposed to leave Mpls Junction at 8:30 AM > each day. It will be here between 11:45 and 12:00, then proceed to > La Crescent where it is turned and watered. It will arrive in > Winona at 2:15, and leave at 2:30. Its scheduled to arrive back in > Mpls at 6:00. Adherence to schedule is of course subject to many > things, including Amtrak's punctuality. Several times the steam > train has actually arrived in Winona (from both directions) early. > If its early, it usually stays here until the scheduled departure > time. If late, it exchanges passengers as quickly as possible and > the leaves. > > If tickets are still available for the La Crescent trip, they can be > purchased from Judy Sandberg, who will be on-board the train, she > will also have will-call tickets. She will be located near the > middle of the train, on the platform. I'll try to let you know > before the train arrives if there are any tickets available. > > There is a possibility that the train will be long enough that it > won't fit on the platform. In this case there will be a "double > spot" - that is, the train will stop, exchange some passengers, then > move a short distance for the rest. Details probably won't be > decided until the last minute, but I'll try to let you know what's > going on. > > Our biggest tasks are to keep the main line clear when the train > arrives, and also answer people's questions. The worst crowd > control problem is always when the train returns from LaCrescent - > passengers re-boarding in Winona want a picture of the engine, but > the sun angle is best from the far side of the track. I'm hoping to > organize a photo line, but I don't have the details together yet. > > SAFETY FIRST: Always expect a train on any track at any time in > either direction. However, the only track likely to have movement > while we are there is the mainline. That's the second track from > the parking lot. If a freight train passes through, it will be > going 30 MPH and can have stuff like steel bands hanging off. We > need to keep everyone as far back as possible. At least a couple > feet behind the wood planking of the first track. 4449 will be > moving slower, but steam engines, especially this one, breath smoke, > fire, steam, and hot oil. One clue that a westbound train is > approaching is the block signal near Huff St. It will only light up > when a train is in the block. > > SAFETY FIRST: The #261 has an impeccable safety record. One injury > could bring the whole operation to a screeching halt, forever. We > don't want to have the honor of doing that! Be aware of your > surroundings at all times. Always expect a train on any track at > any time in either direction! Members of the public don't > understand this. You have to protect them as well. > > Hams please bring a 2m handheld. We will use 146.490. Everyone can > listen to the CP on 160.770 and/or 146.490 if they have a scanner. > > We will try to intermix hams and non-hams, so that we can pass > messages quickly. > > I would like everyone to wear a bright orange safety vest this year. > Please bring your own if you have it. Otherwise, I have a limited > number to lend out. > > We need to have sufficient people both days, so I need to know who > is doing what each day. Please don't change your plans without > asking me. > > Details of bathroom availability and the photo line are still being > worked out. > > We are needed at two times each day: 11:00AM until approx. 12:05, > and 1:30 until approx. 3:30. Please find me at the starting time > for a quick job briefing. > > If you can help, please send me the following information: > -Your name > -Call sign if you are a Ham. > -If you are a Ham, do you have a 2m handheld you can bring? > -Your cell phone # if you have one > -Your email address > -Which day(s) can you help > -Do you want to ride the train to LaCrescent. Which day to you > prefer (apparently Sunday is not selling as fast as Sat, so may not > be as crowded). > -Do you have your own vest? > > If you have friends that are Hams or railfans and are responsible, > they are welcome to help as well. > > Thanks to Steve Donahue for helping me set this up! He reports that > the 4449's firebox is much hotter than 261's and, like 261, they > usually let out a sideways burst of steam from both cylinders as > they first start to move. We need to keep the public out of these > areas. > > Please contact me with any questions. > My info: cell phone is 507-452-5805, and my callsign in WB0NIU. > > Erik > > > > > Hello Winona #261 security group, > The fall trips are now scheduled for Oct 10 and 11. Please keep the > date open, I think we will need a larger group of security people > than usual, as this engine is likely to draw a big crowd. I'll let > you know when our involvement is official. > > Erik > > ======================================= > > > This is quite preliminary, and I don't know anything official, but > my guess is our services will be needed again this year. Should be > pretty neat if it happens! > > Check out the links in the message below. > Erik > > > "After Train Festival, no. 4449 will return to Minneapolis, where it > will lay over until until fall, when the Friends of the 261 will > feature it on their usual public excursions. No. 4449 will then > return to Portand to fulfill its duty on "Holiday Express" trips. " > > > >> Apparently, in addition to appearing at train festival 2009, SP >> Daylight 4449 will be used on excursions this fall from the Twin >> Cities. It will be a stand in for the 261 on the fall color >> excursions. >> >> Go to www.steamcentral.com and click on "SP 4449 Rides Again" on >> the right hand side to see the article. >> >> I am really looking forward to seeing this beautiful locomotive. >> >>> >>> http://www.sp4449.com/trainfest.html >>> >> >> >> >> >> ------------------------------------ >> >> Yahoo! Groups Links >> >> <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: >> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MNRailGroup/ >> >> <*> Your email settings: >> Individual Email | Traditional >> >> <*> To change settings online go to: >> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MNRailGroup/join >> (Yahoo! ID required) >> >> <*> To change settings via email: >> mailto:MNRailGroup-digest@yahoogroups.com >> mailto:MNRailGroup-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com >> >> <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: >> MNRailGroup-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com >> >> <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: >> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > > _______________________________________________ > WARC mailing list > WARC@lists.w0ne.org > http://lists.w0ne.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/warc > Daniel L. Goltz 274 E. 3rd St. Winona, MN 55987 From PSchumacher at winona.edu Tue Sep 8 00:44:40 2009 From: PSchumacher at winona.edu (Schumacher, Paul) Date: Tue Sep 8 00:48:17 2009 Subject: [WARC] Help needed with Steam Train SP Daylight 4449 Oct 10/11 In-Reply-To: <20090907031237.0D5D42781C7@mail.hbci.com> References: <20090907031237.0D5D42781C7@mail.hbci.com> Message-ID: I should be able to help both days. Would like to ride to La Crescent. Paul Schumacher ________________________________________ From: warc-bounces@lists.w0ne.org [warc-bounces@lists.w0ne.org] On Behalf Of Erik Brom [ewbrom@hbci.com] Sent: 06 September 2009 22:11 To: nelsonp@grinnell.edu; bill@billspitzer.org; jsherod@hbci.com; gp30cnw@charter.net; sdonahue@hbci.com; warc@lists.w0ne.org; charlest@hbci.com Subject: [WARC] Help needed with Steam Train SP Daylight 4449 Oct 10/11 Hi All, It is now official - our help has been requested for SP 4449's appearance in Winona Oct 10 and 11. For those of you new to the list: for several years now, steam locomotive Milw #261 has pulled fall color trips from St. Paul, stopping in Winona, and then going on to La Crescent. Some passengers get off and are replaced by local passengers. The first group explore Winona and then get back on for the return trip. The combined Winona Hams and Railfans have done a great job providing crowd control and security here in Winona. In exchange for our help, we can ride the trip to La Crescent if we wish. This year there are likely to be many more people around, due to the unusual engine. The operation this year is nearly the same as previous years, with one major exception: #261 is down for scheduled maintenance, but The Friends of the #261 is in a contract renewal dispute with the locomotive's owner, the National Railway Museum in Green Bay, WI. Work is halted until this is resolved. Instead, SP Daylight #4449 will be pulling these trips. 4449 normally lives in Washington State, but came east for a Steamfest in MI in July, and has hung around Mpls to pull our trips. 4449 is currently painted in its original bright orange scheme, but it actually passed through Winona in 1976 with the American Freedom Train. It was painted Red, White, and Blue for that trip. All help will be appreciated! Now to the details: Schedule: the train is supposed to leave Mpls Junction at 8:30 AM each day. It will be here between 11:45 and 12:00, then proceed to La Crescent where it is turned and watered. It will arrive in Winona at 2:15, and leave at 2:30. Its scheduled to arrive back in Mpls at 6:00. Adherence to schedule is of course subject to many things, including Amtrak's punctuality. Several times the steam train has actually arrived in Winona (from both directions) early. If its early, it usually stays here until the scheduled departure time. If late, it exchanges passengers as quickly as possible and the leaves. If tickets are still available for the La Crescent trip, they can be purchased from Judy Sandberg, who will be on-board the train, she will also have will-call tickets. She will be located near the middle of the train, on the platform. I'll try to let you know before the train arrives if there are any tickets available. There is a possibility that the train will be long enough that it won't fit on the platform. In this case there will be a "double spot" - that is, the train will stop, exchange some passengers, then move a short distance for the rest. Details probably won't be decided until the last minute, but I'll try to let you know what's going on. Our biggest tasks are to keep the main line clear when the train arrives, and also answer people's questions. The worst crowd control problem is always when the train returns from LaCrescent - passengers re-boarding in Winona want a picture of the engine, but the sun angle is best from the far side of the track. I'm hoping to organize a photo line, but I don't have the details together yet. SAFETY FIRST: Always expect a train on any track at any time in either direction. However, the only track likely to have movement while we are there is the mainline. That's the second track from the parking lot. If a freight train passes through, it will be going 30 MPH and can have stuff like steel bands hanging off. We need to keep everyone as far back as possible. At least a couple feet behind the wood planking of the first track. 4449 will be moving slower, but steam engines, especially this one, breath smoke, fire, steam, and hot oil. One clue that a westbound train is approaching is the block signal near Huff St. It will only light up when a train is in the block. SAFETY FIRST: The #261 has an impeccable safety record. One injury could bring the whole operation to a screeching halt, forever. We don't want to have the honor of doing that! Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Always expect a train on any track at any time in either direction! Members of the public don't understand this. You have to protect them as well. Hams please bring a 2m handheld. We will use 146.490. Everyone can listen to the CP on 160.770 and/or 146.490 if they have a scanner. We will try to intermix hams and non-hams, so that we can pass messages quickly. I would like everyone to wear a bright orange safety vest this year. Please bring your own if you have it. Otherwise, I have a limited number to lend out. We need to have sufficient people both days, so I need to know who is doing what each day. Please don't change your plans without asking me. Details of bathroom availability and the photo line are still being worked out. We are needed at two times each day: 11:00AM until approx. 12:05, and 1:30 until approx. 3:30. Please find me at the starting time for a quick job briefing. If you can help, please send me the following information: -Your name -Call sign if you are a Ham. -If you are a Ham, do you have a 2m handheld you can bring? -Your cell phone # if you have one -Your email address -Which day(s) can you help -Do you want to ride the train to LaCrescent. Which day to you prefer (apparently Sunday is not selling as fast as Sat, so may not be as crowded). -Do you have your own vest? If you have friends that are Hams or railfans and are responsible, they are welcome to help as well. Thanks to Steve Donahue for helping me set this up! He reports that the 4449's firebox is much hotter than 261's and, like 261, they usually let out a sideways burst of steam from both cylinders as they first start to move. We need to keep the public out of these areas. Please contact me with any questions. My info: cell phone is 507-452-5805, and my callsign in WB0NIU. Erik Hello Winona #261 security group, The fall trips are now scheduled for Oct 10 and 11. Please keep the date open, I think we will need a larger group of security people than usual, as this engine is likely to draw a big crowd. I'll let you know when our involvement is official. Erik ======================================= This is quite preliminary, and I don't know anything official, but my guess is our services will be needed again this year. Should be pretty neat if it happens! Check out the links in the message below. Erik "After Train Festival, no. 4449 will return to Minneapolis, where it will lay over until until fall, when the Friends of the 261 will feature it on their usual public excursions. No. 4449 will then return to Portand to fulfill its duty on "Holiday Express" trips. " >Apparently, in addition to appearing at train festival 2009, SP >Daylight 4449 will be used on excursions this fall from the Twin >Cities. It will be a stand in for the 261 on the fall color excursions. > >Go to www.steamcentral.com and click on "SP 4449 Rides Again" on the >right hand side to see the article. > >I am really looking forward to seeing this beautiful locomotive. > > > > > http://www.sp4449.com/trainfest.html > > > > > > >------------------------------------ > >Yahoo! Groups Links > ><*> To visit your group on the web, go to: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MNRailGroup/ > ><*> Your email settings: > Individual Email | Traditional > ><*> To change settings online go to: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MNRailGroup/join > (Yahoo! ID required) > ><*> To change settings via email: > mailto:MNRailGroup-digest@yahoogroups.com > mailto:MNRailGroup-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com > ><*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: > MNRailGroup-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > ><*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ _______________________________________________ WARC mailing list WARC@lists.w0ne.org http://lists.w0ne.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/warc From Litvan at acegroup.cc Mon Sep 14 22:36:40 2009 From: Litvan at acegroup.cc (Len Litvan) Date: Mon Sep 14 22:30:50 2009 Subject: [WARC] [Fwd: [La Crosse Hams] Swapmeet of the Riverland Amateur Radio Club] Message-ID: <4AAEC578.5000406@acegroup.cc> Fellow Hams, = Come and join us for our swap meet. = Date: This coming Saturday, September 19, 2009 Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Location: Church of Christ building 3506 S. 28th St. LaCrosse = No Fees = You may recall that this is the location we have used several times in = the past. The building is visible from Mormon Coulee Rd. Tables will be = available inside. Tailgating in the lot is welcome. It won't be huge, = but there usually are plenty of usable items. Bring those things that = you would to get out of your shack. We tried shifting the time a little = to better accommodate everyone. We do not plan to be closed up by noon. = Possibly a great opportunity for an eyeball contact. = E-mail questions to myself or Bill Wood, ke9xq@charter.net = Feel free to post this anywhere that others may find it interesting. = = KB9OFK -- = Dr. Mark Cassellius, D.C. //////// Forwarded by Len KC0RSX -------------- next part -------------- _______________________________________________ LaCrosseHams mailing list -- LaCrosseHams@qth.com http://mail.qth.com/mailman/listinfo/lacrossehams_qth.com Visit our Web Page: http://www.lacrossehams.org Mailing list and Web Site Courtesy of: http://www.qth.com -------------- next part -------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com = Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.93/2365 - Release Date: 09/12/09 = 06:37:00 -------------- next part -------------- Skipped content of type multipart/alternative From tom at galesvillefiredepartment.org Sun Sep 13 22:09:40 2009 From: tom at galesvillefiredepartment.org (Tom Peterson) Date: Tue Sep 15 02:19:18 2009 Subject: [WARC] Decorah Mound ARRL VHF QSO Party Sept 2009 Message-ID: <4AAD6DA4.5060500@galesvillefiredepartment.org> Thought I'd share. Working the ARRL September VHF QSO Party from the top of Decorah Mound. Rigs were an Icom 703+ and a Yaesu FT-817. Antennas were a dual band efactor for 2M/70CM and a simple wire dipole for 6M. Some of the stations heard in the background before and during the contest are K9WKW, W9RPM, and K9ZVZ. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr0U50kjRSw From sprinkies at excel.net Wed Sep 16 17:34:04 2009 From: sprinkies at excel.net (Todd Sprinkmann) Date: Wed Sep 16 17:34:30 2009 Subject: [WARC] Nets *ON* tonight + website updates Message-ID: <3A823628B070411CB36401D10A2891F5@sprinkma35adeb> It was a great VHF/UHF contest this weekend. On the SSB side of things, activity was very high and propagation was excellent. Especially on Saturday evening, when I worked into KY, NC and VA for the first time ever on multiple bands. I ended up making my best score in an ARRL Sept. contest. I posted a contest report to my website. It's about halfway down the main page. Check it out if you want to see how things went. I also did some contest updates in real-time, and those posts would be dated Sept. 12th and 13th. Hope to hear you on the nets, and get ready for the Fall VHF/UHF Sprints. The first one is 2 meters only, from 7-11pm local time, on Monday, Sept. 21st. That info is also up on the website. If you want to have more fun with VHF/UHF, it pays to visit my website a few times each week. Any comments or questions, email and I'll try to help. 73, Todd KC9BQA EN63 40 N of Milwaukee http://www.kc9bqa.com For Frequent VHF/UHF Updates From sprinkies at excel.net Wed Sep 16 20:57:31 2009 From: sprinkies at excel.net (Todd Sprinkmann) Date: Wed Sep 16 20:57:56 2009 Subject: [WARC] Link to WA5VJB Cheap Yagis for VHF/UHF Message-ID: <042A9BC291C642859AE148A0CB34CF26@sprinkma35adeb> A lot of guys who enjoy V/UHF report very good results with these yagis. They also like saving some serious $$. Imagine that. Both links I'm providing say the same thing, just in a bit of a different format. Choose the one that works best for your brain. http://www.fredspinner.com/W0FMS/CheapYagi/vjbcy.html http://www.wa5vjb.com/yagi-pdf/cheapyagi.pdf A lot of hams enjoy putting these together at club meetings or get-togethers. Makes for a good learning opportunity. Fair warning -- I am all thumbs, so I don't homebrew. I'm just the messenger here. :) Enjoy, 73, Todd KC9BQA EN63 40 N of Milwaukee http://www.kc9bqa.com For Frequent VHF/UHF Updates From Litvan at acegroup.cc Fri Sep 18 23:37:37 2009 From: Litvan at acegroup.cc (Len Litvan) Date: Fri Sep 18 23:37:38 2009 Subject: [WARC] [Fwd: Re: Re[2]: Emergency drill assistance needed] Message-ID: <4AB419C1.2010102@acegroup.cc> Hello all, There is a emergency preparedness drill scheduled tomorrow morning, = Saturday, September 19, in Rochester. The amateur radio group there has = asked if we in Winona could provide a few operators to assist. See the = details below. Sorry for the late notice, but I just received the confirmation that = some help would be needed last night (when I was in Rockford, IL) and = received the time and place information when I returned home this evening. If you will be participating, please e-mail to Bob AB0BW your name, call = sign, and cell phone number. His e-mail address is gerboafalcon@yahoo.com 73, Len Litvan -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: Re[2]: Emergency drill assistance needed Date: Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:44:23 -0700 (PDT) From: Bob W To: litvan@acegroup.cc We are meeting at the FED EX parking lot at or before 8am on Sat.... thanks for your help if you can send a couple my way.... --Bob-- AB0BW --- On *Thu, 9/17/09, litvan@acegroup.cc //* wrote: From: litvan@acegroup.cc Subject: Re[2]: Emergency drill assistance needed To: "Bob W" Date: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 8:52 PM Hello Bob, = I am in Rockford, IL tonight. The club meeting was earlier this evening (I wasn't there). I don't think we can get the help you are asking for at this late date. What time Saturday. = I will try to check e-mails here in the hotel lobby in the morning and ask any interested people to contact you direct for instructions. = 73, Len -------------------------------------------------------------------= ----- -----Original Message----- From: Bob W To: Litvan@acegroup.cc Date: 09/17/09 09:56 Subject: Re: Emergency drill assistance needed Hi Len, Looks like our number of volunteers have started coming in...like I knew they would the closer we came to the event...at this point, it looks like I'll need only 2 or 3 more... Mostly, the hams will be shadowing the VIPs of the event...at the airport...equipment needed is an HT with VHF...and an emergency vest if the ham has one...otherwise, I have a number of orange vests to hand out Sat morning... Let me know soon if you get anyone willing to come over so I can get them on the email list for this event... Thanks....--Bob-- AB0BW Olmsted Co. ARES EC --- On *Mon, 9/14/09, Len Litvan //* wrote: From: Len Litvan Subject: Re: Emergency drill assistance needed To: "Bob W" Cc: ab0bw@arrl.net, "Erik Brom" , "Clare Jarvis" , "Leslie Hittner" , "James Jarvis" Date: Monday, September 14, 2009, 4:21 PM Hello Bob, Please let us know the details of what is happening--times, place & type support requested, and perhaps we can scare someone up. Several local hams were planning to attend a swap fest in La Crosse that morning, though. So there are some conflicts for time. I will send an e-mail to local hams through our club reflector once some details of the drill are known. Also, the monthly club program is this Thursday. While I will not be able to attend personally this month, I will ask that the info is passed on to attendees and a response sent to you with name, call sign, and cell phone for any positive respondents as you requested. Sincerely, Len KC0RSX Bob W wrote: > Len and Erik, > We will be having a meeting with the officials of this airport drill this afternoon at 4pm....9/14...after which I will know more about what is needed...the privious email to you I mentioned I had 4 or 5 from my group...that number has grown to 12 ...but I'm thinking I'll need a handful more...if you group would like to help out on Sat...drop me a note with a list of 4 or 5 that have committed...have their name, callsign and cell phone number listed if available... > thanks....--Bob-- AB0BW Olmsted Co. ARES EC > > --- On *Mon, 9/7/09, Len Litvan />/* wrote: > > > From: Len Litvan > > Subject: Re: Emergency drill assistance needed > To: ab0bw@arrl.net > Cc: "E r ik Brom" > > Date: Monday, September 7, 2009, 10:28 AM > > Hello Bob, > > The e-mail from Erik WB0NIU was just received. How can we be of > assistance? > > Personally, I have three conflicting events on that Saturday > already, but if I can help arrange any needed support, please let > me know the specifics. > > Sincerely & 73, > Len Litvan KC0RSX > President, > Winona Amateur Radio Club > (507) 643-6057 > > > Eri k Brom wrote: > > On another public service note. I intercepted a conversation on > 64 between Ken and Bob, AB0BW. > > > > Bob is the EC for Olmstead County and is in need of Hams to > assist with a drill at the Rochester airport on Sept 19. > > > > I said I would help the two of you get in touch. = I've copied > him on this email, so you have his email address. > > > > Erik > > > = ------------------------------------------------------------= ------------ > > > > > > No virus found in this incom i ng message. > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: > 270.13.82/2351 - Release Date: 09/07/09 06:40:00 > > > > = > -----Inline Attachment Follows----- > > > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.82/2351 - Release Date: > 09/07/09 06:40:00 > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------= --------- > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.93/2365 - Release Date: 09/12/09 06:37:00 > > = ---- - Inline Attachment Follows----- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.93/2365 - Release Date: 09/12/09 06:37:00 -------------- next part -------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com = Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.101/2376 - Release Date: 09/16/09= 11:21:00 -------------- next part -------------- Skipped content of type multipart/alternative From jj at aprsworld.com Sat Sep 19 15:33:50 2009 From: jj at aprsworld.com (James Jarvis) Date: Sat Sep 19 15:34:18 2009 Subject: [WARC] Tower crane assembly animation Message-ID: <4AB4F9DE.2030405@aprsworld.com> As requested at Thursday night's meeting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB91Sm-kGJ8&feature=player_embedded -- -James Jefferson Jarvis APRS World, LLC +1-507-454-2727 www.aprsworld.com From sprinkies at excel.net Mon Sep 21 19:25:39 2009 From: sprinkies at excel.net (Todd Sprinkmann) Date: Mon Sep 21 19:26:03 2009 Subject: [WARC] 144 sprint tonight, + 144.240 net Wed. night Message-ID: <6C7D808B9D7343FDA920B20876E63745@sprinkma35adeb> Lots of VHF/UHF activity coming up... 1) 2 meter Fall Sprint tonight, 7-11pm. Spread the word, get a ham buddy on or have them observe. Here's the rules: http://www.svhfs.org/fall_sprint_rules_2009.pdf If it helps someone new get motivated, I have a good post at my website with 6 reasons why sprints are fun. Direct link is at http://kc9bqa.com/?p=953 I will be on for the sprints tonight and hope to work many of you, time and propagation permitting. 2) I sent out a detailed email Friday about WB9LYH Mark, in EN54 -- middle of Wisconsin -- taking over most of the 144.240 net duties. Hopefully it'll start this Wed. at the usual time, 7:15pm central or 0015 utc. What this means is that anyone in W IL, MO, KS, IA, MN, U.P. of MI and possibly also NE, Dakotas and VE-land will hear a lot more activity now on 144.240 on Wednesdays. Please make plans to get on and support this net, and enjoy WB9LYH's big signal. I am not abandoning nets in any way, shape or form. I will still send out reminder emails for all of my nets. The only difference you guys out to the SW, W, NW and N should notice is that it will be a lot easier to work WB9LYH than me. My other 144.250 net at 8:30pm central, 0130 utc remains unchanged. I look toward WC WI and SE MN about 8:40-50pm with that net. Any questions or comments, just email me, 73, Todd KC9BQA EN63 40 N of Milwaukee http://www.kc9bqa.com For Frequent VHF/UHF Updates From Litvan at acegroup.cc Tue Sep 22 13:21:00 2009 From: Litvan at acegroup.cc (Len Litvan) Date: Tue Sep 22 13:20:58 2009 Subject: [WARC] General Class Licensing Course - REGISTRATION DEADLINE - SUNDAY, SEP. 27!!! Message-ID: <4AB8CF3C.4070802@acegroup.cc> The Winona Amateur Radio Club is sponsoring a General Class license = course to run from early October to mid-November. The course will be = conducted Monday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 PM beginning on October 5 = and ending on November 9. A license testing session will be held on = November 16. The course is intended for persons who currently hold a = Technician Class license and wish to upgrade to General Class. The course fee of $24.95 is payable at the first session and includes a = copy of the ARRL General Class License Manual and other materials. In = addition, the current established cost for license testing is $15.00 to = be paid at the time of the license exam. The course and subsequent = license testing will be held at the Bluffview Montessori School, 1321 = Gilmore Avenue Winona, MN. The license testing session is open to = candidates for all classes of licenses =96 Technician, General, and = Amateur Extra. Interested persons should register for the course no later than Sunday, = September 27 by contacting Len Litvan at KC0RSX@arrl.net = , by phone at (507) 643-6057, or by US mail at = 25567 Miner Valley Road, Winona, MN 55987. For any questions regarding = the course or license testing please contact Len via the above means. -------------- next part -------------- Skipped content of type multipart/alternative From sprinkies at excel.net Wed Sep 23 19:23:57 2009 From: sprinkies at excel.net (Todd Sprinkmann) Date: Wed Sep 23 19:24:23 2009 Subject: [WARC] Strong and new net control for 144.240 tonight @7:15pm Message-ID: <94C261B2988A44E7A45B86A45D772E52@sprinkma35adeb> Exciting news... pleased to announce that WB9LYH Mark will start hosting the 144.240 net every Wed. at 7:15pm. WB9LYH is located in EN54cl (Wood Co. right in the middle of WI). He's got a great station and is 100 miles closer to most of you than I am. Since the long-term goal of the nets is to get more and more folks on the air, he's an excellent choice for any net that looks SW, W, NW and N of Wisconsin. Get on the air tonight, or any Wed. that's convenient for you and expect to hear far more signals from WI/MN/IA than you previously have heard. There could even be a few MO/KS/NE/Dakotas surprises with good propagation. Mark may have an occasional Wed. night where he's unavailable and when that happens, I expect to take the net, just like I have the past 14 months. I will continue to send out the reminder emails. I also will continue to run the 144.250 Badger Contesters net at 8:30pm every Wednesday. With that net, I start out looking south toward Milwaukee and Chicago where many of our check-ins typically are. I then swing a full 360, calling CQ and listening. I look SW, then W, NW, N, NE, etc. This means I look toward LSE and SE MN about 8:40-45pm. You are all welcome to listen along or check in to either net. The only purpose is to stir up activity on less-used portions of 2 meters. 73, Todd KC9BQA EN63ao 40 N of Milwaukee http://www.kc9bqa.com For Frequent VHF/UHF Updates From Litvan at acegroup.cc Fri Sep 25 19:52:58 2009 From: Litvan at acegroup.cc (Len Litvan) Date: Fri Sep 25 19:53:08 2009 Subject: [WARC] Fox Hunt Saturday - Winona, MN Message-ID: <4ABD1F9A.3000404@acegroup.cc> There will be an amateur radio fox hunt in Winona tomorrow, Sep. 26, = after breakfast at the McDonalds West restaurant (US-14/61 "west" of = K-Mart abt 1/3 mile). Breakfast at 8:15 plus or minus. Fox hunt to = begin at 8:45. Signal will be on 146.55 with call sign KB0THN/B. This should be a fun time, so please join in. Meet at McDonalds parking = lot at 8:45 AM. Sincerely & 73, Len KC0RSX -------------- next part -------------- Skipped content of type multipart/alternative From lindner1 at hbci.com Tue Sep 29 15:29:22 2009 From: lindner1 at hbci.com (Dick Lindner) Date: Tue Sep 29 15:29:23 2009 Subject: [WARC] James' tower raising Message-ID: <4AC227D2.5030408@hbci.com> Could someone please provide driving directions to the site of the grand tower raising? Dick W0RIF From jj at aprsworld.com Tue Sep 29 16:07:20 2009 From: jj at aprsworld.com (James Jarvis) Date: Tue Sep 29 16:07:50 2009 Subject: [WARC] James' tower raising In-Reply-To: <4AC227D2.5030408@hbci.com> References: <4AC227D2.5030408@hbci.com> Message-ID: <4AC230B8.3080905@aprsworld.com> Hi Dick and Group, The tower raising got pushed back a day. It is now happening tomorrow and potentially Thursday. My house is 0.3 miles north of Fremont. Coming from Winona, take the Lewiston exit off of I-90. Go south on county road 29. It will curve to the right (west). Follow that road about 1 mile to Fremont. Turn right at the first opprotunity (across from the Fremont Store). I will be third "house" on the left. You can reach me on my cell at 507-312-4437. I would imagine activity will start around 9AM tomorrow and conclude at dark. Activity at hand: using gin pole to erect 120 foot tower and install wind generator on top. The manufacturer of the wind generator and the tower will be directing the operation and running it as a training class for a handful of their customers. Any and all are welcome to come out and watch, but I am NOT asking for volunteer labor to erect the tower. -Jim Dick Lindner wrote: > Could someone please provide driving directions to the site of the grand > tower raising? > > Dick W0RIF > _______________________________________________ > WARC mailing list > WARC@lists.w0ne.org > http://lists.w0ne.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/warc -- -James Jefferson Jarvis APRS World, LLC +1-507-454-2727 www.aprsworld.com From sprinkies at excel.net Wed Sep 30 05:52:19 2009 From: sprinkies at excel.net (Todd Sprinkmann) Date: Wed Sep 30 05:52:46 2009 Subject: [WARC] 222 sprint report + 144 SSB nets *ON* tonight Message-ID: Ended up with 32 Q's and 18 grids. For flat conditions, I'd say that's a good turnout on 222 MHz. A short writeup is on the website. It's the 2nd post down. Make some time for the 432 sprint on Wed. Oct. 7th, from 7-11pm local time. Full link to the sprint rules is at http://www.svhfs.org/fall_sprint_rules_2009.pdf The 144 SSB nets for tonight are *ON*. The various options are listed on the website. Many of you will enjoy the 144.240 net from 0015-0130 utc, now called by WB9LYH Mark in EN54cl. This is right in the middle of WI. He has 500 watts, and stacked 17B2's from a dynamite QTH. He works into Kansas City and Indianapolis with ease. Both Mark and I can't wait for some Dakotas, Iowa, Nebraska, VE, and northern MN check-ins to test out his range. You guys that want more action need to say hello to WB9LYH. He starts out that 144.240 net by looking south thru ILL, right at 0015. From there, he swings clockwise. He looks west about 0030-45, and NW shortly after that. Both WB9LYH and I are hoping that Wed. night becomes a big night for 144 activity in various directions. As of now, we're using the Vhf QSO page at dxworld.com for better coordination. Feel free to follow along there, if you care to. We're exploring better chat options, and I may have a recommendation soon. If any of you already use the 6m chat at www.on4kst.com, you're already on the same page as I am. We're going to explore using their 144/432 MHz chat, starting tomorrow night. Registration at www.on4kst.com is quite painless and absolutely free. No obligation at all, and several thousand 6 meter nuts across the USA already enjoy it. 73, Todd KC9BQA EN63ao 40 N of Milwaukee http://www.kc9bqa.com For Frequent VHF/UHF Updates