Sláinte Gaelach!

Utica Shelby Emergency Communications Association
A
Volume 28 Number 3 March 2012
The Real Saint Patrick
t the mention of ‗Saint Patrick‘s Day‘ your mind will, doubtless, be flooded with images of green
beer, crowded bars, leprechauns, shamrocks, corned beef and cabbage, and the sounds of
really bad fake Irish accents. But, who is the real man behind the feast day? Below is an article
found on Catholic.org.
Apostle of Ireland, born at Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton, in Scotland, in the year 387; died at Saul,
Downpatrick, Ireland, 17 March, 461. Along with St. Nicholas and St. Valentine, the secular world
shares our love of these saints. This is also a day when everyone's Irish.
There are many legends and stories of St. Patrick, but this is his story: Patrick was born around 385
in Scotland, probably Kilpatrick. His parents were Calpurnius and Conchessa, who were Romans
living in Britain in charge of the colonies.
As a boy of fourteen or so, he was captured during a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave to
herd and tend sheep. Ireland at this time was a land of Druids and pagans. He learned the language
and practices of the people who held him.
Click on the above image
to learn more about
Saint Patrick
Patrick's captivity lasted until he was twenty, when he escaped after having a dream from God in
which he was told to leave Ireland by going to the coast. There he found some sailors who took him
back to Britain, where he reunited with his family.
He began his studies for the priesthood. He was ordained by St. Germanus, the Bishop of Auxerre, whom he had studied under for
years. Later, Patrick was ordained a bishop, and was sent to take the Gospel to Ireland. He arrived in Ireland March 25, 433, at
Slane. One legend says that he met a chieftain of one of the tribes, who tried to kill Patrick. Patrick converted Dichu (the chieftain)
after he was unable to move his arm until he became friendly to Patrick.
Patrick began preaching the Gospel throughout Ireland, converting many. He and his disciples preached and converted thousands
and began building churches all over the country. Kings, their families, and entire kingdoms converted to Christianity when hearing
Patrick's message.
So, is corned beef and cabbage really an
Irish meal? Well, half of it is, anyway.
Click on the Irish Culture and Customs
logo to the left to learn just what is the
truth, and what is blarney!
Sláinte Gaelach
Gaelach!!
Click HERE to enjoy a little Irish music while you‘re reading The Express!
NEXT MEETING :March 12, 2012
Click Here for a Map of our location
O ur 28 th Year !
1
The USECA Express
Officers and Committees
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Larry Stocking / W8SOX (586) 294-7718
Vice Pres. Ken Coughlin, N8KC [email protected]
Recording Secretary Rob Lifton / NY8W (248) 797-2264
Treasurer Gary Simms / WA8FEA (586) 322-2134
Membership Sec. Ray Anderson/ K8RDJ (586) 979-4456
Board Member Walt Gracey / WB8E (586) 596-9547
Board Member Larry Boggs/WB8SJD [email protected]
Board Member Chuck Perushek / N8ZA (586) 557-4983
Past President Bill Chesney / N8SA (586) 468-0106
COMMITTEES
ARRL Liaison Bill / N8SA
Awards Manager Bob / N8ZY (586) 978-1682
Door Prizes –OPEN–
Editor Pete/ AA8GK (248) 433-7724 [email protected]
Field Day Chair Bill / N8SA, Steve / N8XO
Health & Welfare Rob / NY8W (248) 816-2222
Historian Jerry / K8CFY (586) 791-4484
Net Manager Bob / N8ZY (586) 978-1682
Photographer Wes / KD8DHS
Program Director Ken Coughlin, N8KC
Public Relations Officer Gary / N8WTT
Refreshments Walt / WB8E
Repeater Trustee Ken Coughlin / N8KC
Swap Director Larry / WB8SJD [email protected]
Technical Director Jim / W1IK (586) 771-4135
Technicians N8SA, W1IK, N8ZA, K8RDJ, W1SKU
VE Testing Alec / NF8X (586) 873-8841 [email protected]
Webmaster Bob / N8ZY (586) 978-1682
CONTROL OPERATORS (*Phone #’s Above)
Jim / WY8I
Alec / NF8X
Rob / NY8W Chuck / N8ZA Jim / W1IK
Dan / N8ZBA
PROGRAMMERS
Jim / W1IK Brad / N8VI
USECA VE Testing
VHF / UHF Nets
DAY
TIME
NET
FREQ
SUN
1:00 PM
USECA / Information
147.180 +100 PL
SUN
8:00 PM
USECA / Traders/Tech Support Net
147.180 +100 PL
SUN
9:00 PM
HPARC / Info
146.640 +100 PL
SUN
9:00 PM
Garden City ARC
146.860 +100 PL
SUN-SAT
10:15 PM
S. E. Michigan Traffic Net
146.76 +100 PL
MON
7:30 PM
SATERN
147.180 +100 PL
MON
8:00 PM
MECA / Info
147.200 +100 PL
MON
8:00 PM
GMARC
443.075 +123 PL
TUE
8:00 PM Digital
TUE
9:00 PM
Motor City Radio Club
THU
8:00 PM
Macomb County RACES / ARES
THU
8:30 PM
LCARC / Info
SAT
145.600
147.240
147.200 +100 PL
147.080
11:45 PM USECA Hoot Owl Net
147.180 +100 PL
H F N ets
DAY
TIME
NET
FREQ
MON
7:30 PM
LCARC / 15 Meter CW
21.165
MON
8:30 PM
LCARC / 15 Meter Phone USB
21.395
TUE
2300 UTC USECA / 75 Meter Phone LSB
WED
7:00 PM
USECA / 6 Meter Phone USB
50.140
THU
7:30 PM
LCARC / 10 Meter Phone USB
28.435
THU
9:00 PM
USECA / 15 Meter CW
21.140
FRI
9:00 PM
USECA / 80 Meter CW
3.570
FRI
10:00 PM
USECA / 10 Meter Phone USB
28.425
3.830 +/- QRM
Click here for
the ARRL
audio news.
Testing will be the THIRD Monday of the
month from September thru June. Alec,
NF8X, is the Contact VE.
Pre-registration
is encouraged. Test fee is $14.00 cash
(exact change only). Examinees need to
bring Xerox copies of current license and
un-expired CSCE's, if any. There is no copy
Support the local businesses that support our club!
machine at the test site. Official starting time
is 7:00 PM. Walk-ins are welcomed. Test
site is at the Mt.Clemens Elks Club (179
S.Main St. in Mt.Clemens). Other VE test
sessions can be arranged— contact the
Contact VE for details at [email protected].
Now, get studying!
Assembly Technologies International, Inc. 1177 West Maple Road,
Clawson, MI 48017-1059 (248) 280-2810
O ur 28 t h Year !
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The USECA Express
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our tick
CL
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RE to O
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H
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IC
ets
our tick
CL
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CLICK HERE FOR A GOOGLE MAP OF HARA ARENA
O ur 28 t h Year !
3
The USECA Express
Assembly Technologies International, Inc. 1177 West Maple Road, Clawson, MI 48017-1059 Main Line - (248) 280-2810
YES!!!! BUY MICHIGAN, Michigan!!!!
Through the generosity of Assembly
Technologies International, USECA has
received an American Beauty soldering
station! Unbelievable! Yep. This station is
more than most of us would ever need in
terms of capability, but what makes it even
better? It‘s sold by a MICHIGAN company!
Let‘s face it, times have been tough, gang.
Let‘s keep our brother and sister Michiganders working. Please, the next time you need
soldering supplies or equipment (and, when
don’t we, really?), consider making your
purchase from a great organization that is
supporting us now! Thanks, Assembly
Technologies International! You guys rock!
Click on the image to the left to learn more!
―Give a man a fish, and he‘ll eat for a day. Teach a man to solder, the
duct tape companies will go out of business…. ― , or something like
that. Check out the great American Beauty soldering videos by
clicking the above image. You might be surprised how much you
don’t know!
Click on the links to the left to learn about American Beauty products
O ur 28 t h Year !
4
The USECA Express
Mobile Station Installs and Operation:
Critical Issues and Concerns
By Pete, AA8GK
I
don‘t know a single USECA member –or ham in general for that matter– that doesn‘t have a mobile
station, either VHF/UHF or HF/VHF/UHF. Whenever you hear someone on our repeater, it seems
they‘re always driving here or there. For that reason, there are a number of safety issues that must be
considered.
Distracted driving has gained much interest in the news recently, as well it should. Here are some
sobering statistics from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration):
In 2009, 5,474 people were killed on U.S. roadways and an estimated additional 448,000
were injured in motor vehicle crashes that were reported to have involved distracted driving
(FARS and GES).
Of those injured in distracted-driving-related crashes, 24,000 involved reports of a cell phone
as a distraction (5% of injured people in distraction-related crashes).
Sixteen percent of fatal crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving
―Ahhhh‖, you‘re thinking to yourself. ― These accidents involve distracted driving due to cell phone use! This
doesn‘t have anything to do with ham radio!‖ Really? If you think about it, ham operators are probably more distracted than the average cell phone user. Think how often we QSY from one frequency to another while driving,
how we‘ll kerchunk a repeater every so often (legally identifying, of course!) just to make sure we‘re within range
of the machine, then watching the signal strength meter after we do so. Nooooooo! We‘re not distracted
(INSERT SARCASTIC TONE HERE). Then, there are those times when hams are driving at 7080 MPH, and fumbling blindly in the car to find the microphone (because no microphone hanger
has been attached to the dashboard). And, don‘t tell me this has never happened. I‘ve heard
plenty of stuck open mics on the repeater to know full well somewhere there‘s a ham sitting on it
while driving!
―Yeah, yeah, yeah‖, you say. ―So, how does all of this affect me?‖ Well, unless you‘ve been living in
a cave in Tibet for the last year, you‘ve doubtless seen a number of distracted driving laws enacted
around the country, including Michigan. If you‘ll notice, it is a primary offense in Michigan to textand-drive. This means if a law enforcement officer sees you doing it, you can be stopped and cited
without committing any other kind of infraction. The City of Troy is just one city that has adopted an
ordinance against distracted driving. I‘ve often heard it said that law enforcement will find it
extremely difficult to enforce these laws. After all, who would text-and-drive while there was a
police car anywhere within a hundred yards of them? You‘d be surprised. In the course of my
employment, I‘ve driven parallel to drivers who were doing just that, and I mean for hundreds
of yards before they figured out a fully marked ‗gun boat‘ was driving next to
them! How is that possible? Easy: they‘re driving distracted.
Click on the
link to the left
O ur 28 t h Year !
5
The USECA Express
(Continued from page 5)
So, what do we do? First and foremost, your first priority is to drive safely! There is no radio contact you have to
make that is worth causing an accident and injuring someone. Here are some ideas that, hopefully, will lessen
the chances of you being distracted and getting into an accident:
MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS WITHIN THE CAR: Think of all the things now inside a car that can take your
attention off of driving: there‘s the GPS, AM/FM radio, eating, and cell phones, just to name a few. And, now
we‘ve added a two-way radio into the mix! Good grief! Consider shutting things off, especially if you already
find yourself engrossed in a conversation on your radio. Your #1 job is to drive the vehicle safely!
DON’T MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO YOUR RADIO WHILE DRIVING: I read that texting-and-driving can be
even more hazardous than driving under the influence of alcohol. In a way, that seems to make sense. While
someone who is intoxicated is an enormous hazard to everyone‘s safety, driving-while-distracted is the
equivalent of flying blind. Taking your eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, can have tragic consequences, and here‘s why:
At a modest 35 MPH, you are traveling 51 FPS (feet per second). If you took your eyes off the
road for only 2 seconds, you will have traveled 102 feet! A lot can happen in this distance, and
you won‘t ever see it coming. The truly scary part is that anyplace that has a 35 MPH speed
limit usually has lots of pedestrians, bicyclists, etc. Trust me, hitting one of these at 35 MPH is
an almost guaranteed kill for your victim.
Now, let‘s say you are traveling at 50 MPH. If you take your eyes off the road for 3 seconds to
look at your radio to QSY to a different repeater, you will have traveled almost 220 feet! That‘s
more than 2/3 of the length of a football field!
At legal freeway speeds, 70 MPH, you will cover 102 FPS. The three seconds that it takes you
to lean over and look for the microphone that has fallen onto the floorboard will burn up 306
feet, and perhaps cost someone else their life because you weren‘t paying attention. This
scenario brings us to our next safety tip...
SECURE ALL RADIO EQUIPMENT WITHIN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT!: Having radios
and microphones sitting on the seat or floor of a car is just inviting a distracted driving accident.
Radios, control heads, microphone holders, etc, should all be firmly secured in the passenger
compartment. Further, all non-factory equipment in the vehicle MUST be out of the deployment path
of any airbags in the car. Given that an airbag completely deploys in about 1/20 of a second, any
radio or GPS unit mounted in its path may well turn into a deadly projectile. When in doubt, check
with the manufacturer of your vehicle to see exactly where these deployment paths are. Otherwise,
you may become the first person in history whose cause of death will be listed as ―ICOM
706MKIIG‖.
WARNING!: Neither the editor of The Express, Pete, AA8GK, nor the USECA organization can guarantee that
following any of these tips will keep you from getting into an accident. This article is written to provide the
reader a starting point from which to learn more about the subject. The reader is strictly responsible for operating their motor vehicle in a safe, legal manner, and for installing equipment in accordance with the motor
vehicle code of their respective state, as well as the recommendations of their vehicle‘s manufacturer.
O ur 28 t h Year !
6
The USECA Express
USECA BOARD MEETING MINUTES
February 2012
Meeting called to order @ 6:58
PM by Larry, W8SOX
Gary, N8WTT, was able to get a
Club Officers
donated soldering station to be raffled off
President, Larry
Membership Sec., Ray
Board Member, Walt
W8SOX
K8RDJ
WB8E
at March's general meeting. The board
Vice President, Ken
Recording Sec, Rob
Board Member, Chuck
discussed how it and future items should
N8KC
NY8W
N8ZA
be raffled off. Chuck moved that the raffle
Board Member, Larry
Treasurer, Gary Simms Past President, Bill
N8SA
WB8SJD
WA8FEA
tickets should cost $5.00 for 6 tickets.
Gary seconded and the motion passed.
NOTE: Name in RED indicates absent
In addition, thanks to N8WTT efforts,
the club received a donation of 250.00 to buy a two meter station to be raffled off in April.
With no corrections to the January Board Meeting minutes, Ken made a motion to accept
them as they appeared in the Express. Larry, WB8SJD, seconded and the motion
passed.
Gary read the Treasurer's report. Rob made a motion to accept the Treasurer‘s Report,
Ray seconded and the motion passed.
Bill made a motion to approve a $65 expenditure for the Michigan QSO Party. Ken
seconded and the motion passed.
Ray reported that as of tonight‘s meeting there were 126 paid members.
W1IK Jim gave a tech report. Jim has opened up the Detroit link chassis and cleaned it
out. Jim also purchased 2 replacement fans. The bench test indicates more testing is in
order. Our Utica site occasionally drops people out very briefly (under a second). It seems
that this does not happen with everyone. Jim needs to do further testing.
Trustee‘s Report: Ken informed the board that our repeater‘s TDS was accepted with the
Waterford site‘s status as being temporarily offline.
Health and Welfare: N8YBY, Leonard‘s, mother passed away. A condolence card was
circulated among the board members as well as the other attendees.
Winter Field Day: We raised $450 for the camp. These funds were collected from the
attendees at a rate of $10.00 each.
New Business: Gary discussed our annual budget.
Bill would like to look into holding a pig roast at Field Day.
Pete printed up some tri-fold brochures to hand out at various events such as lark in the
park and other public events.
Pete also found us a source for USECA name badges.
Chuck found a source for USECA Jackets.
Respectfully Submitted by Rob Lifton NY8W Recording Secretary
Have a concern or a complaint about The Express? CLICK HERE
O ur 28 t h Year !
7
The USECA Express
O ur 28 t h Year !
8
The USECA Express
FOR SALE
The Icom IC-R7000 VHF-UHF receiver
covers from 25 to 999 and 1025 to 2000
MHz in the following modes: AM, AM-W,
FM, FM-W, FM-N, USB and LSB. The
IC-R7000 covers nearly 2000 MHz of
spectrum to include low band, VHF civil
NOT ACTUAL RADIO
and military aeronautical bands, marine,
business, FM, amateur, government and TV bands. 99 memories store frequency and mode and may be selected by simply pressing the memory
switch, then rotating the memory channel knob or by direct keyboard entry.
Scan modes include full-scan, programmed-scan, mode-scan, selected-scan,
priority-scan and auto write programmed-scan. By depressing the Auto-M
switch, the receiver automatically memorizes frequencies in use while the unit
is in the scan mode. Modes include: FM-Wide, FM-Narrow, AM, USB and
LSB. Six tuning speeds: 0.1, 1.0, 5, 10, 12.5 or 25 kHz. Requires 117/240
VAC. Specifications guaranteed from 25-1000 MHz and 1260-1300Mhz.
ASKING $400.00, O.B.O.
NEXT: Icom IC-R71A
Shortwave Communications Receiver
The Icom R71A receiver tunes from 100
kHz to 30 MHz and tunes in 10 Hz steps,
with a 100 Hz digital display. Modes
include: AM, CW, USB, LSB, RTTY (and
FM with optional board, not supplied).
NOT ACTUAL RADIO
This Icom R71A includes the manual.
This unit has the PBT . ASKING $250.
If interested, please contact Chuck at: [email protected]
Click on the Shamrock to the right for a little
more Irish music while you read The Express!
O ur 28 t h Year !
9
The USECA Express
USECA GENERAL MEETING MINUTES
February 2012
Meeting called to order @ 7:30 p.m.
W8SOX Larry
Club Officers
A round of applause for Walt & the kitchen
President, Larry
Membership Sec., Ray
Board Member, Walt
crew.
W8SOX
K8RDJ
WB8E
The microphone was passed around and
Vice President, Ken
Recording Sec, Rob
Board Member, Chuck
N8KC
NY8W
N8ZA
all attendees introduced themselves.
Board Member, Larry
Treasurer, Gary Simms Past President, Bill
First timers were recognized
N8SA
WB8SJD
WA8FEA
New licensees and upgrades were recogNOTE: Name in RED indicates absent
nized
With no corrections, John, N8KAN, made
a motion to accept the January general meeting minutes as published in the Express. Jim,
W1IK, seconded and the motion passed.
59 attendees and guests signed in
In Gary's Absence, Larry, W8SOX, read the treasurer's report. Walt made a motion to accept the
Treasurer‘s Report. Ken, N8UO, seconded and the motion passed.
Ray reported that as of tonight's meeting we have 128 paid members.
N8ZY Bob gave his webmaster's report: The latest net points are up.
Tech director's report given by Jim, W1IK: Jim brought the Downtown Detroit link controller to
the meeting. There is a new UHF transmitter. Jim also discussed options for filtration or getting
air intake from the outside. There is also a strange muting problem with the main site which Jim
thinks he is close to a fix. Jim also put up a poll on Facebook asking if anyone would like the service monitor to be set up to test our 2 meter mobile equipment.
Field Day: we have the design for our Field Day shirts, which are expected to sell for around
$15.00.
Siren Testing in Macomb County takes place on the first Saturday of the month from March
through November at 12:30 to 1:30. Participation takes place on 147.200 MHz.
Alec, NF8X, reminded everyone that VE testing will take place next Monday and as well as the
third Monday of each month.
Bill has a number of Technician study guides free to anyone who can make use of one.
Old Business: Larry, W8SOX, thanked those who helped out and participated in Winter Field
Day.
New Business: Larry announced that N8WTT Gary is our new Public Information Officer. He got
us a donated soldering station from American Beauty, for us to raffle off. He also got us a cash
donation to buy a two meter mobile station to raffle off.
Following the business portion of the meeting, there was a ―show & tell‖ of vintage amateur radio
equipment.
Respectfully Submitted,
Rob Lifton, NY8W, Recording Secretary
O ur 28 t h Year !
10
The USECA Express
An Update on Smart Meters:
What You Should Know
By Dave LaBarge
Smart meters are designed to give customers information about their energy use, allow
utilities to pinpoint outages, and eliminate meter reading by handling that function remotely.
Yet, some customers fear these meters will intrude on their privacy, health and even their
wallets. Here's what you should know.
By the second quarter of 2012, DTE Energy expects to complete the installation of about 800,000
wireless digital electric smart meters in Oakland County, on Harsens Island, on Grosse Ile, and the Ann
Arbor area. Over 650,000 meters have been installed to date.
It will take several years to replace or modify the nearly four million residential and commercial electric and gas meters in
DTE Energy‘s service territory. But once fully implemented, this state-of-the-art metering technology, paired with our SmartCurrents program, will provide DTE Energy customers with information that can help them make cost-saving choices on
their energy use.
Bob Sitkauskas, manager of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) for DTE Energy, has been working on this project
since its inception in 2008. Below, he provides answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions about smart
meters.
Q: First, why did DTE Energy get involved with this?
A: Smart meters and smart meter systems are being deployed by utilities throughout the world to improve grid reliability,
promote energy efficiency and provide improved services to customers. DTE Energy started in 2008 with a pilot in Grosse
Ile, followed by the Harsens Island area in 2009. We have since expanded the program and are completing larger
installations throughout our service area.
Q: Who is paying for our smart meter installations – and who actually owns the meters?
A: Costs are being absorbed primarily by DTE Energy. They are covered in our existing rates, and the benefits will flow back
to our customers resulting in a net long term savings for customers. We also received a grant from the federal government
to share some of the program costs. These meters are owned by DTE Energy, not by the customers at whose homes and
businesses they are installed.
Q: What are the benefits of smart meters?
A: These meters provide a set of tools that are unavailable with analog meters. We can read meters by way of a radio signal
instead of a visit by a meter reader. The readings occur at regular intervals and are more accurate. Reading doesn't require
access to a yard or a homeowner to restrain a dog. To support customers moving in or out, we can remotely turn service on
or off. And when a power outage occurs, the meter notifies us of the situation. The customer doesn't have to call unless, of
course, they have a wire down at their site.
We also have the ability to "ping" the meter – send a signal to it – to verify its operating status. This can be completed from a
desktop today and in the near future by a lineman at the work site from a truck computer.
Through our website, customers with smart meters can also get access to personalized energy usage data. They can find
not only their monthly usage, but also their daily and hourly usage the next day.
We're all working on solutions that meet the needs of our customers, while giving them and us new tools for service
improvements and cost savings. We want customers to understand and embrace the benefits this product will bring.
(Continued on Page 12)
O ur 28 t h Year !
11
The USECA Express
(Continued from Page 11)
Q: Why does DTE Energy believe smart meters are a good idea?
A: For us, it's a better way to manage costs and serve the customer. For customers,
these meters are energy-management tools – not just amount-used recorders. When
in-home or in-business control devices become part of the smart-meter experience,
customers will be able to use this information to take advantage of new optional rates
that better serve their usage patterns.
Q: The “controversy” about smart meters seems to be coming from a vocal minority that has raised multiple issues.
Let's run through some of the objections – and perhaps you can explain what the "science" indicates.
First, what about health worries from radio-frequency emissions?
A: These meters use very low-power radio frequency (RF) waves to transmit electricity usage data to DTE Energy. Cell
phones and several devices found in most homes – televisions, microwave ovens, baby monitors and cordless phones – emit
RF waves.
Based on years of study and research, the Federal Communications Commission has adopted Maximum Permissible Exposure limits for radio transmitters of all types, including smart meters. This standard includes a conservative margin of safety
just in case some health effects are too subtle to have been found. Even so, advanced meters operate significantly below the
limit.
Comparing RF outputs, a microwave oven produces 550 times more RF waves than a smart meter. A person standing two
feet from an active smart meter is exposed to up to 1,100 times fewer RF waves than a person speaking on a cell phone. And
it's important to note that these devices all operate below federal guidelines for their safe use.
We have reports from Itron, our meter supplier, and from industry experts that readily depict the RF outputs from these meters
as well below FCC and their safety standards. You can find some of these reports via links on DTE Energy‘s AMI Web site
Q: What about security worries? Since the technology is computer-based, what can prevent hackers from disrupting
service or tapping into customers' computers or phones?
A: Installing these meters adds new components to our system, but the meters, communications and information management
are subject to the same Department of Energy and company security standards that keep the grid secure. For manufacturers
and providers of this equipment, the challenge is to constantly improve and stay ahead of potential harms. DTE Energy and
our suppliers work continuously toward that end.
Q: On the issue of privacy, opponents to smart meters object that utilities know "what I'm using and when I'm using it
when it's none of their business" – and they could sell this knowledge to marketers and make money from their
"spying."
A: In general, smart meters will tell a utility what an entire household's energy usage is, not how or where electricity or gas is
being used inside the home or business. The benefit of smart meters comes from energy-use information that can be conveyed to people where the meters are installed. DTE Energy has established a corporate policy that prohibits us from selling
usage information to another entity.
Q: What about the belief that electric bills will go up, because smart meters are "calibrated" to collect more revenue
for the utilities than the former analog meters? What evidence do you have of cost changes before and after smart
meters have been installed?
A: Every smart meter installed has been thoroughly tested for accuracy at the factory, using calibrated reference standards,
then is installed by a trained professional. Like all electric meters, smart meters measure the energy used in a home or business, and the meter itself has no impact on an electricity rate or energy used.
(Continued on Page 13)
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12
The USECA Express
(Continued from Page 12)
Q: What about allegations that DTE Energy will force customers with these meters to use specific rates – or that
these meters cause fires? Are these true?
A: Absolutely not. Customers will not be forced to be on any specific rate, although they must select a rate for service from
DTE Energy. The particular rate is based on their choice and qualifications.
As to fires caused by smart meters, we have not had this situation occur. In fact, these meters have a remote-disconnect
mechanism that we can activate when police or fire respond to emergencies and need a quick shutoff to save lives.
Safety comes first – and it's also important to note that our team has installed more than 650,000 meters without a single
Occupational Health and Safety Administration recordable event. I want to commend them for that.
Q: On the issue of choice, why not allow customers to say "yes" or "no" the meters?
A: This is an interesting question and we are looking at the possibilities. As a company – from our plants, to transformers,
lines, poles and meters – we are charged with providing the most efficient, reliable and affordable service. AMI is part of
this process.
Some of the benefits of the program – including cost savings - will be delivered only through economies of scale. For
example, our reading rate for smart meters is above 99.5 percent, compared with about 96 percent for meters that are
manually read. If customers decline smart meters, we could see the rate for estimated bills versus actual reads increase,
our ability to provide service options decrease, and early notification of power outages at homes or businesses cease.
On Jan. 12, the Michigan Public Service Commission requested that DTE Energy and all regulated state electric utilities
submit details regarding deployment, costs and savings expected from smart meters, including whether we intend to
allow customers to opt out of having a smart meter and how the costs of an opt-out program would be recovered. We're
working on a response, which is due March 16.
Q: What has been the reaction to smart meters in neighborhoods where they have been installed?
A: In our service area, the vast majority of customers have not been concerned. We plan to continue our meter installations per our timetable. We've had several customers contact our call center and express a "wow" for our ability to provide
remote service to them - for turning on their power and analyzing their bills. These experiences have certainly been good.
But despite DTE Energy‘s assurances about these meters, Shelby Township, Royal Oak, Brighton Township, Warren,
Southfield, Rochester, Rochester Hills and Sterling Heights have passed resolutions urging further study and options for
customers.
DTE Energy's position on smart meters has not changed since we began our AMI pilots – and we know that other utilities,
including San Diego Gas and Electric, Houston-based CenterPoint Energy, Hydro One in Canada and Southern California
Edison, are facing similar challenges.
is article
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Thanks to Bi
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“There’s something wrong with the repeater! I can’t even hear
the Detroit receive site!” - Anonymous
O ur 28 t h Year !
13
The USECA Express
o ne
E ver y
Be Careful: Someone is Listening!
By Pete, AA8GK
I
love amateur radio! It‘s amazing how you can start a conversation
with a complete stranger you‘ve just met on the bands and end up
talking about so many things! In some ways, it‘s very akin to a long
flight; two strangers might find themselves spilling their guts to the
stranger sitting right next them (funny how that happens!).
But, there is a downside to this, too. Remember, amateur radio communications are open
to anyone in the public to intercept. For that reason, it‘s probably not a good idea to
discuss a number of things while on the radio:
Property in your home (especially firearms and high-value items)
The age of your children and where they attend school
When your family is taking their next vacation
Etcetera
Your callsign is public information. If you doubt this, go ahead and Google your call. You
might be amazed how much of your personal information gets belched back at you.
There is a concept in the military known as ‗COMSEC‘ (communications security). Essentially, it means only putting out information you have to, and not transmitting information
that could be used against you. Let‘s all practice good COMSEC from now on!
You Just Can’t Fix Stupid
E
very now and again, some good buddy just can‘t
help himself and makes a bunch of illegal transmissions on our repeater, trying to interrupt our communications. Keep up the good work by IGNORING it, checking
the repeater input, then report the incident when you get
the chance to one of the control operators for further
action. However, contact a control operator (via phone)
immediately if obscene language or racial epithets are
used. Page 2 of this Express has the list of the USECA
control operators. Better yet, program their phone
numbers into your cell phone, just in case!
Thank you, USECA!!!
O ur 28 t h Year !
14
The USECA Express
Reward for Help With Finding Originator of False
Distress Calls in Lake Erie
1/30 - Cleveland, Ohio – The Coast Guard Investigative Service,
in partnership with Crime Stoppers of Michigan, are offering a
reward of up to $3,500 for information leading to the identification
and conviction of the person(s) responsible for communicating a
series of false distress calls to the Coast Guard.
The series of false distress or "mayday" calls have been transmitted over marine band radio, VHF-FM Channel 16, the international
hailing and distress frequency, since 2010. The calls, which
feature a person or persons claiming to be in distress on a plane or boat in Lake Erie, are believed to
have
originated from the Bolles Harbor region south of Monroe, Michigan.
The following .MP3 files are being made available, which contain portions of the false distress calls.
Authorities hope someone will recognize the voice on the audio clips.
Click the below links to play the audio samples, in .MP3 format:
Sample Audio 1
Sample Audio 2
"The Coast Guard and other emergency response organizations must take all distress calls seriously —
the maritime environment can be far too dangerous to do otherwise," said Chief Petty Officer Gabriel
Settel, Coast Guard Sector Detroit Command Center supervisor.
"False distress calls are dangerous because they put those mariners who are actually in danger at added
risk because crews are preoccupied with needless searches," said Settel. "Additionally, the maritime
environment is inherently dangerous, so false distress calls put emergency responders at unnecessary
risk. Finally, these hoax calls waste taxpayer dollars."
Anyone with information concerning these false distress calls are urged to contact the U.S. Coast Guard
at 313-568-9560 or Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 1-800-SPEAKUP.
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he CAN be prosecuted
- Editor
Do you have what it takes?
USECA is looking for highly-motivated, dedicated, and
reliable operators to run some of our nets. Now is
a great time to step up to the plate and do
something for your club! It won‘t cost you anything, besides some time. If you have these
qualities, along with a desire to serve others,
contact Chuck, N8ZA.
O ur 28 t h Year !
15
The USECA Express
Concealed vs. Open Carry
By Pete, AA8GK
I
recently found myself engrossed in a conversation with a good friend concerning the merits of legal open
handgun carry versus legal concealed carry. I thought I would cut the rest of you in to the content of our
conversation.
For a number of reasons I would much rather legally carry concealed rather than in the open:
1. Carrying in the open will subject you to instant and intense scrutiny, possibly causing
anxiety from business or property owners who have every right in the world to ask you to
leave the premises or to secure your weapon in the car before entering. Remember, property
and business owners have rights, too. Further, the chances are very good you will have
numerous contacts with law enforcement because of it. If you are truly concerned about your
personal safety, why draw attention to yourself?
2. Carrying in the open can make you a target. Let‘s say a bad guy sees the handgun you‘re
advertising and decides he wants it more than you do. If just killing you is all he has to do to
get it, you‘ll probably never see it coming. Announcing that you are carrying doesn‘t
necessarily make you safer. As another police officer put it, legal concealed carry is your Ace.
Just like when playing poker, you only throw down the Ace when going in for the kill on a
particular hand, thus taking your opponents by surprise when they can do nothing about it.
Carry in the open and you have no surprise card to play.
3. Carrying in the open is more restrictive than if you legally carried under the conditions
of a concealed pistol license. Remember, as an open carrier, you CANNOT legally drive with
the weapon on your person; it must be locked in the trunk or in a lockable container. Further,
you CANNOT enter any store where package alcohol is sold (such as Kroger, Meijer‘s,
Walgreen‘s, CVS, etc.). And, these are just a couple of examples of the restrictions.
It is my hope this will give you some food for thought. Remember, before you carry legally (either
concealed or in the open) it is incumbent upon YOU to be completely conversant with the laws that
pertain to these activities. Also, do not become so focused upon exercising your rights that you
completely neglect to learn about your responsibilities. Once you‘ve broken the law, ignorance will be no
defense. At that point, you‘ll be on the wrong side of the law.
Be safe. Be responsible. Respect and obey the law.
When someone does right by me, I have to give them a plug. I ordered a holster for my Springfield XDM from The Gun Store Online. The holster they sent me ended up not being for my
pistol at all, so I sent it back. Within a few days, I had the correct holster (along with their profuse
apologies) PLUS they sent me a beautiful magazine holster at no charge! HOLY COW! I
definitely wasn‘t expecting that! I would definitely recommend these guys if you are looking for a
holster. Outstanding products, great prices, and superb service! CLICK ON ABOVE LINK to see
what they have for you! - Pete, AA8GK
O ur 28 t h Year !
16
The USECA Express
"My Winter Field Day Experience"
by, Jim K8LFE.
I
have to say first off that anyone who didn‘t go to Winter Field Day missed out on the best time USECA
club members have had in quite a few years! The bands were open, and I was running 10 meter phone,
making so many contacts that I just couldn't believe who was answering my CQ's! Saturday, the majority
of my contacts were from the west coast (6 & 7 land). Just about all of them were 59 signal reports. Many
stations were not aware of the Winter Field Day event, so I had to explain what it was all about. However,
it was fun talking to so many people, and telling them about the contest. I made many new friends, and I
think I am going to send them QSL cards for the event.
T
he band died around 9 PM but came alive again on Sunday around 9 AM, and many foreign stations
were already coming in. I was so proud to make contacts with South Africa, Germany, England, the
Netherlands, Italy, Brazil, and many others! I wish the contest didn't have to end at Sunday noon. Why
don't more of our club members participate? I have been telling many other clubs about this event and
many people have expressed an interest. However, I haven't seen anybody from other clubs in the last
3 years!
I
t‘s hard to believe that just $10 can give one so much fun! The food was great too. I tried to maintain my
Weight Watchers diet, but I think I may have added a pound or two. Oh, well! It was worth it! The
weather was good too. There were snow showers while driving up on Saturday, but it wasn‘t that bad. I
had to drive through snow showers all the way home on Sunday, but it was worth it. Lake Huron wasn‘t
frozen like previous years and I actually saw 2 freighters out on the lake.
I
f you haven't experienced Winter Field Day, then you have to come up next year! I had only previously
participated in Field Day with the L'Anse Creuse group, but I am thinking about giving USECA a shot
this year, if there is a 10 meter phone vacancy. As most USECA members know, I belong to 3 other ham
radio clubs. I must say that USECA falls very close to L'Ance Creuse in terms of the members and the fun
I have. I really can‘t decide between the two clubs... But, who says I have to?
Are YOU Prepared?
The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta started an
interesting marketing campaign aimed at emergency
preparedness and piggybacking upon the popularity of
zombies in popular culture.
Essentially, were you prepared for a zombie apocalypse, you‘d be ready for anything else. After all, the
only thing worse than relatives coming to visit is dead
relatives coming to visit!
Click on the photo to the left to learn more from the
CDC on what you can do to be better prepared for
emergencies.
O ur 28 t h Year !
17
The USECA Express
What a Winter Field Day! Wow! Where do I start?
First, just like an army, USECA travels on its stomach. Huge, HUGE thanks to Randy,
KD8UHK, and his beautiful wife, Kelly, for all of their round-the-clock hard work to keep us
all fed! Compared to them, the rest of us had it easy!
Then, there are the station Clydesdales, the mighty horses who pulled the wagon like no
one else. Specifically, I‘d like to recognize:
Ken, N8KC and Walt, WB8E, for their amazing, almost around-the-clock, multiband CW operation. Okay, okay….they did take a two-hour nap during the contest (the lazy slobs)!
Dan, N8ZBA for his stellar performance on 20 meter phone. Do you realize that he (almost
single handedly) racked up more than 200 points on Saturday afternoon? Aside from being a
first class contest op, Dan‘s just a fine person and always a pleasure to have around.
Ray, K8RDJ, Gary, KD8MOO, Phil, KD8RFR, Gary, N8WTT, Brian, KD80YS. This was another
around-the-clock station, despite the fact that 40 isn‘t always so hot in the day. That didn‘t stop
team 40 Phone, though! Oh, no! The mighty Moo kept up the fight until the last second of the
contest, until 40 Phone racked up more than 450 contacts! WOW! Well done, lads!
This is
KD8Moooooooooooooo!!!!!
Probably, all of us have been blessed with
healthy children. Other parents, however, find
they are locked in a battle for their child‘s life.
St. Jude‘s Children‘s Research Hospital is on
the front line of this war on cancer. They help
children regardless of the family‘s ability to
pay, and it‘s all possible because of people
like you who have become Partners in Hope.
Hope
CLICK
HERE
O ur 28 t h Year !
These kids don‘t need a lucky
shamrock - they need YOU! Click
on the image to the left to save
the life of a child.
18
The USECA Express
Real Thai Fried rice!!!
B
efore the February meeting, Dr. Cindy, Dave‘s
(WD8IFL) wife gave us a genuine taste of
Thailand. Better still, she showed us how we can
take that great taste home with us! I was really
surprised that is was as simple as it was! She also
showed us how great food is truly a language all
people know!
Here‘s how to make this amazing, authentic Thai
dish:
Start with cooked rice, white or brown. Be sure to
strain the rice to get ride of the excess starch.
Put a large frying pan onto medium-high heat.
The frying pan should be as deep as possible to allow mixing all of the ingredients once added.
Add enough oil (of your choice) into the pan. Dr. Cindy used Canola oil. The oil should be about 1/2‖ deep.
Add whatever meat you‘d like (chicken, pork, shrimp, beef, etc) and start cooking it. Add a teaspoon or two
of black soy sauce and a teaspoon or two of oyster sauce. Once the meat is about half-cooked, add the rice
that you cooked previously.
On the sides of the pan, break four or five eggs and allow them to cook against the walls of the pan. Once
the yokes start firming up, start mixing them into the rice.
Add another teaspoon or two of soy sauce and oyster sauce to the rice. You‘ll see the rice now turning a
deeper brown color. Add salt, if so desired. We asked Dr. Cindy to not add any, and it was perfect. Usually,
soy sauce has plenty of sodium in it, anyway.
Continue to mix the ingredients, adding in a teaspoon of finely chopped garlic, if desired. A little goes a long
way!
Once the meat is thoroughly cooked, your rice is ready!
Enjoy!
This is a good time to add the rice. Waiting much
longer might cause the meat to dry out and toughen by
the time the rice is finished cooking.
O ur 28 t h Year !
19
The USECA Express
Too funny! These old salts were actually listening to music
while working CW!!! Talk about multi-tasking!
WARNING: DO NOT get between ZBA and his
rig! Sticking your arm in a wood chipper would
be much safer, instead!!!
O ur 28 t h Year !
20
The USECA Express
No biker in the world will give Gary any trouble while he‘s
wearing THESE colors!
O ur 28 t h Year !
21
The USECA Express
Team 40 Phone: Ray, K8RDJ, Gary, N8WTT, Gary, KD8MOO,
and Gary, WA8FEA.
O ur 28 t h Year !
22
The USECA Express
Annual Membership Dues: Regular: $25, Family $35, New Member
applications may be mailed to the below address or hand carried to
one of our monthly membership meetings
USECA, P.O. Box 46331,
Mt. Clemens, MI 48046
MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: USECA
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing
USECA reserves the right to accept or reject
New or Renewal Memberships
Upcoming 2012 ARRL Contests
Mar 3-4
International DX Contest-Phone. Work as many DXCC stations as possible. More info HERE.
Apr 15
Rookie Roundup—SSB. Contact as many hams licensed for 3 years or less. More info HERE
Jun 9-10
VHF QSO Party. Work as many stations in as many 2 degrees x 1 degree grids. More info HERE
Jun 16
Kids Day!!! A great chance for us to welcome new blood into the hobby! More info HERE
Jun 23-24 FIELD DAY!!!! Like you need to read a description of this amazing event! More info HERE
The USECA EXPRESS is published monthly (except July and August), by the UTICA SHELBY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION ASSOCIATION, INC., of
Macomb County, Michigan. Club meetings are held on the second Monday of each month (except July and August), 7:30 p.m., local time, at the Elks Club, 179 S.
Main (between Church and Robertson), Mt. Clemens, Michigan. Visitors are always welcome. Articles for THE EXPRESS should be submitted to the editor no
later than one week before the club meeting for publication in the following month‘s edition. The articles within are those of the author and not necessarily endorsed by USECA. Material contained in THE EXPRESS may be reprinted provided credit is given to the USECA EXPRESS and the author, except material published by permission of a copyright holder.
O ur 28 t h Year !
23
The USECA Express
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
Easter Sunday is on Sunday, April 8, 2012
Passover from Friday, April 6, 2012, to evening of Saturday, April 14, 2012.
Whoaaaa! Where are you going?
Please STOP and take a moment to help us clean up the meeting room
after our General Meeting! Throw out trash (even if it‘s not yours),
stack a few chairs, and do whatever else needs doing. Please don‘t
leave it to the small handful that always gets stuck straightening up.
Thanks!
Macomb County Siren Net
Siren testing will begin on the first Saturday of March 2012. The net will start 12:30pm
running until about 1:30pm. The goal is to check each siren in Macomb county at least
once each year. The last test of the year will be on the first Saturday of November.
Macomb County Emergency Management is working with the Amateur Radio Public
Service Corp to identify and coordinate this endeavor. We will be using the 147.200 MHz
(+100 PL) repeater.
Non - Stop
The USECA EXPRESS
First Class Car, Seat 07A
$25/yr reg. Memb., $35/yr Family Membership
This ticket for The USECA EXPRESS entitles the holder to another non-stop adventure in Amateur
Radio via the next issue. The holder of this ticket is not, however, restricted from participating
in one of the many great activities sponsored by the USECA organization!!!
1
st
Class
WARNING: Eating this ticket may cause injury or death. Offer not valid in Hawaii, Ohio, or North Korea.
Use only as prescribed. Your mileage may vary. Call your doctor immediately if your enthusiasm for
amateur radio lasts longer than 4 hours after reading The Express. Amateur radio and amateur radio
equipment may cause dizziness, euphoria, dry mouth, hyperventilation, profuse sweating, hot flashes,
bankruptcy and / or divorce. But, WHO CARES? After all, IT’S RADIO!!!
147. 180 MHz +100 PL
Please email me at [email protected] as soon as possible with your contact information so I can assign
the siren closest to you. Thank you for your help.
73,
Andrew Young, KB8MUA
THE END THE END THE END THE END THE END THE END THE END THE END THE END THE END