Announcements

SEE NEWS & EVENTS PAGE FOR ADDITIONAL NEWS AND INFORMATION

•   BoatUS Foundation's Top Picks For On-the-Water Weather Services:

  A Look at Cell Phone, Smart Phone, Chartplotter, and Computer-based Weather Service

  ANNAPOLIS, Md., August 12, 2010 - On the afternoon of July 25th, a fast moving storm packing 70 mph winds, rain and lighting swept across the Chesapeake Bay. Over the next two hours, US Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, MD, received 37 calls from mariners in distress. Unfortunately many boaters and anglers, unaware of the supercell's fury, were caught unprepared. But it didn't have to be this way.

  Today there are dozens of hi-tech ways to receive up-to-the-minute weather information aboard your boat. The BoatUS Foundation recently reviewed 28 products and services to see which provided mariners with the best information and has issued its recommendations for its top "picks."

  "Sometimes bad weather can approach with few visual signs," said Program Manager David Carter. "Having these resources available can complement your VHF radio's weather broadcast."

  The review, which covered satellite and phone-based weather services for the coastal inshore and inland boater, included free cellular phone text messaging services to fee-based subscription services that display weather information on a chartplotter. Each weather service includes hardware, such as a standard flip phone, smart phone, computer or chartplotter, as well as the software designed to present the information.

  Foundation staff limited their focus to the actual content and depth of weather information provided. This included the ability to deliver local, land-based weather information (current conditions such as temperature, wind or barometric readings), hazardous weather warnings, radar imagery, land and marine forecasts, and NOAA buoy reports.

  The BoatUS Foundation's weather service "picks" are:

  Best Free Flip Phone Option: NOAA's mobile.weather.gov
  Best iPhone App:   MarineCast
  Best Blackberry App:   Mobile Mariner
  Best Free App:   WeatherBug
  Satellite Weather:   XM WX Weather

  To view the full report and details on each pick's features, Foundation Findings #49 - Weather to Go, go to BoatUS.com/foundation/Findings/49.

•   WRCC Discussion Board!: Our club has an online board available for just about any topic you wish! Click on 'Discussion Board' button, above left, to enter the board. Only Waterway Radio & Cruising Club members may post and reply in the forums. Registration is quick and easy. After your registration is approved, you may go to any forum and reply to, or create any topic you wish, within the practical guidelines we've set forth. Ask questions, offer solutions, discuss anything ham radio or boating related, sell/trade stuff . . . whatever!   Have fun!



•   Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning: A person who is drowning doesn't usually look like the typical 'drowning victim' that you see on TV. A crew member who falls overboard and appears to be OK, could actually be drowning! An excellent article by Mario Vittone that explains this can be found here.



•   CW Net Changes Frequency: As a result of the Chilean earthquake rescue efforts using the 7.050 MHz for their communications, our own CW Net has moved it's operation to the 7.047 MHz frequency until further notice.
  Update (4-7-2010): Members of the CW Net have voted to use 7.047 MHz as their normal meeting frequency.



•   Ham Radio Interest on Increase: According to ARRL VEC Manager AB1FM, in 2009 the FCC issued more than 30,000 new ham radio licenses. "In 2009, the demand for Amateur Radio exam sessions remained elevated and is still running at a higher rate than before the FCC's restructuring of the license requirements in 2007," Somma said. "This high level of exam session activity has produced an elevated influx of new applications, far outpacing recent years." A total of 30,144 new licenses were granted in 2009 -- an increase of almost 7.5 percent from 2008. In 2005, 16,368 new hams joined Amateur Radio's ranks; just five years later, that number had increased by almost 14,000 -- a whopping 84 percent! (From ARRL web site 1-7-10)
  

  "2009 was a record year for DXCC with over 8,000 applications received!" the ARRL says. In 2009 "IOTA Online, introduced in August 2007, saw another milestone passed as the 7000th person registered for access to the application web facility."

  IOTA (Islands On The Air run by RSGB) reports 2009 had a 10% increse of island claims over 2008 and a 20.4% increase of applications. The ARRL Field Day 2009 set an all time record 2642 entries filed (many do not file) with 37,592 participants. From ARRL Contest Newsletter Dec 23,09: "With a 36% increase in participation in the November Sweepstakes, 66% increase in the RTTY Roundup and a 25% increase in the ARRL DX contest over the last five years, the increase in interest is nothing short of phenomenal, especially when you factor in the prolonged lack of sunspots!

  Since its inception on September 15, 2003, more than 30,000 hams have signed on to Logbook of The World (LoTW), ARRL's online logging program -- an increase of more than 7000 hams since 2008. These 30,000 hams have made upwards of 250 million QSOs -- more than 58 million QSOs in 2009 alone. In 2009, there was an increase of more than 24% for both the number of registered users and the number of QSOs over 2008.

  Some reasons the ham numbers should be going up:
  Ham exams are easier and now no code;
  Radios are smaller, better and some cheaper;
  Info abt ham radio easier to get on line, via emails etc.

  - Submitted by Chuck, ND7K:

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  Now this just isn't right!

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•   USCG CFL Lamp Warning: The US Coast Guard has issued a Marine Safety Alert on the newer CFL fluorescent lamps, saying that they could cause RF interference with certain communication and navigation equipment. The USCG alert is not clear, whether it refers to the AC or 12v DC type of lamp (or both). The type of lamp in question should have the following statement printed somewhere on the packaging: "This product may cause interference to radio communications and should not be installed near maritime safety communications equipment or other critical navigation or communication equipment operating between 0.45-30 MHz."



•   Bahamas Reciprocal License Info: Anyone who has an existing Bahamas reciprocal license, or those wishing to obtain one should check out the URCA website. According to Carolyn, C6AGG, URCA, Utilities Regulation & Competition Authority, requires all current license holders to complete and submit a "Full Details Form" no later than 30th November 2009, with a $10 fee. Licensees that expire before 30th November 2009 must submit an application for a new license at the same time with the $25 annual fee. URCA is encouraging all existing licensees to file an application for a new license at the same time as returning the 'Full Details Form". Both, the 'Full Details Form' and license application form can be downloaded from the link, above.



•   "Site Search" Added: I've added a Site Search button on the navigation bar on the upper left of this page. Try it out! Just type any key word(s), etc., in the small window above the button, press "Enter" (or click on the button). Another window will open, showing every occurrence of your search that appears on our web site. This should make it very easy to find any subject, article, etc. - Bill, N4UMS.



•   New Florida Anchoring Provision Is Now Law!: House Bill #1423 and other related information can be found HERE.




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•   Conficker Virus Attack: If you are concerned about the Conficker/Downadup computer problem that's been in the news, make sure you have the XP update, KB958644. You can check this by clicking on XP's "Start" button, then clicking on "Set Program Access and Defaults". After this window pops up, click on "Change or Remove Programs". Make sure "Show Updates" box is checked at top of page. After this window populates itself, scroll down near the bottom and look for the above update. Also, depending on which anti-virus program you run, I'd check the web site of that product to see if you're covered. Recently, I noticed a pop-up from my A-V program, Avast, telling me that I was protected for the Conficker event. For now, it appears that Vista may not be affected by this one. For what it's worth, I believe this will be a non-event, but it pays to be cautious. If you want more information on this, go to this Microsoft site. LATE ADDITION: BitDefender is offering a Conficker/Downadup removal tool here.



•   Thank you for your kind donations:

  In Memory of Bob Thompson, KD3DV:
  

  Charles Sadler
  Andy and Nancy Anderson
  Tom and Silvia Collins
  Donna Bousquet
  Lila J. Taylor
  
  In Memory of Jean Freeman, KC4BGQ
  Lila J. Taylor
  In Memory of Bill Marsh, K9SGH
  Sam & Lee Ulbing
  
  The Waterway Radio & Cruising Club

  We would also like to thank those who have donated funds, in addition to their annual dues, in order to help with our club's finances. Donations are always welcome and should be addressed to Sec/Treas (Club address on Club Info page).
  
  
  
•   Lake Okeechobee Water Levels:
  You may still want to check with lockmasters, etc., to determine local conditions.
  
  Okeechobee Water Levels. (Army Corps of Engineers)
  Latest info (Oct, 2009) is that the "rim" route is open.
  
  
  
•   Masses of Sting Rays Found!: Dr. Jim, K4TCV, sent these photos of sting rays during their migration near the Yucatan Peninsula. Sandra Critelli, an amateur photographer, took these amazing photos. The population in the Gulf of Mexico migrates, in schools of as many as 10,000, clockwise from western Florida to Yucatan.
  



•   Switlik Life Raft Recall: Marti, KF4TRG sends notice that the Switlik Parachute company has a recall for it's marine life rafts. For more information, visit this website.



•   WRCC Recruitment Flyer: Download this flyer (right), print it out, and post it at your nearest marina, marine supply store (West Marine, Boat U.S., etc.,) even Radio Shack. You could also use it as a handout at your local ham radio club. The Waterway Radio & Cruising Club is conducting a recruitment campaign for new members and this flyer is just another way to get the word out. With the recent dropping of the morse code requirement, more and more boaters will be getting their licenses; we need to let them know what services the Club provides. You will need Acrobat Reader to view and print this flyer. Download pdf flyer (236kb).



•   Join the fun! The Waterway Radio & Cruising Club is holding a membership recruitment campaign. If you, or someone you know, would like to become a member, please go to the Club Info page and download a membership form. Only requirement is that you hold a valid amateur radio operator's license. Of course, to participate on the Net, you must have a General class or above, license. Owning a boat is not required; only the love of boating. Waterway Net members are known for their love of the water, boating and ham radio. For the cruising boater, the Net is also a great way of keeping in touch with other boaters while offering a safer transit, through our daily weather reporting and position reports. Also, every fall, we hold a combination picnic/flea market in Melbourne, FL.



•   Maine in the fall:  Jay, AE4MZ, has some beautiful photos from his recent Maine trip. This one is sunset over Eggemoggin Reach from Wooden Boat School anchorage. Check them all out on his web site.
  
  



•   Fly your WRCC Burgees! WRCC members should fly the club's burgees whenever possible. This lets other members know if you're in their anchorage, marina, etc. Flying the burgee also is a means of showing others that you are a member of a very special group of boaters/ham radio operators.
  If you don't have one of our heavy-duty burgees, now is the time to purchase one!



•   Notes from the Webmaster - N4UMS
  Members: Your input is necessary to keep our web site current and interesting - please feel free to send news items, articles for the Technical Corner, corrections, updates, suggestions, problems and complaints to the
  73, Bill - N4UMS