CW Net QSY

CW net controller Bob, VE3OQM has called for a frequency change. Drop down 5, to 14.302 MHz.

The time remains unchanged: Sunday at 9:30AM Eastern Time.

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 7, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Welcome to a lull in the sun spot cycle--none all last month with excellent lousy propagation.

This Sunday it was requested we talk about "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome," but since it is a syndrome and not a disease and so little is known about the combination of symptoms have decided to put it on the burner for now.

Instead, we will discuss "Should men over 75 have a PSA test?" Because of the complications of treatment in older men there has been some uneasiness about messing around with these folks because only 1 in 4 die of the disease which is mostly slow-growing over 10 years or more, outliving their life expectancy.

What is your opinion?

We will also discuss the latest treatments for BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertropy) which almost all men get while the women get fibroids of the uterus.

Should be fun....tune in 14.307, 10 a.m. Eastern time Sunday.

Grand Rounds Audio Archives are online

If you missed a session of the Ground Rounds on the Air we have archived the net for your online pleasure. Be patient as these MP3 files will take 2-5 minutes with high speed Internet service for these files to download and start playing. If you left mouse click the file they will download and open up and play using the audio player that you use by default on your own computer.

To listen on your iPod just right click, save to your iTunes directory and sync your iPod.

Thanks to Chip, N5RTF, for recording and archiving these mp3 files. Thanks to Warren, KD4GUA, for listing the topics of each week. Most sessions starting from October 8, 2006 are available at www.marco-ltd.org.

- Jay, AA4FL (member of the Web committee, along with Chip N5RTF and Bruce KM2L)

How about a MARCO book??

MARCO member David Rathke, KI5NG is compiling members' experiences for a book

This idea got rolling when Smitty W6CS posted a satirical piece to the email reflector, involving a man bargaining with his dentist for the best price on a tooth extraction. Several others contributed their real life experiences to the conversation. Then Chip N5RTF opined:

I would imagine every practitioner could write a book about bizarre and unreasonable requests from patients.

One night on call as a resident, I got a call from the ER: "We have a patient here who wants to kill a psychiatrist. Will you come see him?"

That prompted David to respond:

And, with the best collected, could make a good one. So, let's write one! People love the bizarre but true, not to mention laughing at themselves.

Chapters could be classified by specialty (a la Richard Lederer's Anguished English: An Anthology of Accidental Assaults Upon Our Language)

Profits go to MediShare. How about it?

Smitty quickly nominated David to be in charge, so here is the assignment for MARCO members:

Sure. That will be easy and fun to compile and classify.

And, certainly, all stories are welcome. The more, the better.

Feel free to send them directly to me at ki5ng@arrl.net ...but it might jog some memories if we keep at least some on the listserv. I remember such things much better when reading about some else's experiences.

I can't wait to read a copy!

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 24, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday 14.307, 10 EST we will discuss "Omega-3." This is not an undercover agent, it is a fatty acid that is gaining momentum as a nutritional giant.

Change is afoot...

MARCO's Internet presence is about to change.

After hosting our listserv for about 10 years, the State University of New York at Buffalo has invited us to leave. After September 15, they will be supporting only email lists that relate directly to the business of the University. At this time the Internet Committee (AA4FL, N5RTF and KM2L) and the officers are testing a mailing list hosted through Google Groups. We expect to go "live" in a week or so. The new arrangement will offer additional features that we didn't have before, such as archiving and the ability to post files for other members to download.

Although the University has not asked us (yet) to remove our web site, we are in the process of relocating it. The url will remain the same: http://www.marco-ltd.org but the files will reside on a server at Godaddy.com.

Jay, AA4FL, has been hard at work enhancing the look and function of the MARCO web site. We will soon have better contact information, a page for students, and an on-line events calendar.

Look for even more goodies in the weeks to come.

-KM2L

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 17, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

It was requested that we discuss "Lawyers & Insurance companies." This is such a broad subject that we will attempt something new. Those born in an even months will be the customers and those born in an odd month will be the lawyers and insurance men.

Since I was born in an even month I will be the first customer.

You must take part--none of this hop-skip-and jump business. If you check in you will probably be called on for an opinion so don't get bored--get rattled. Tune in Sunday, 14.307, 10 a.m. EST

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 10, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday 14.307, 10 a.m. EDT, we will finish up the discussion on "Get your Lab test Now," (without seeing a doctor). This should be short and sweet so we will then move on to the advocation for mandatory menu-board labeling of calories as a means to address obesity, whereas national and local restaurant associations have mobilized to block these efforts. Researchers have found that almost ALL restaurant food is excessive in calories--fat tastes good!

How about trying Wendy's "Spinach Burger" with free low-cal water.

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 3, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will reflect on a new trend taking place with an outfit called "Any Lab Test Now." This fast growing direct to consumer will by-pass the doctor when the patient requires lab testing.

The concept is legal because the company contracts with physicians in the states it does busines, to sign off on all the tests. All it requires is one venipuncturer and a store front. The blood is then transferred to legitimate labs and results are sent out the next day. Price for lab testing drops about 30% + does not require a doctor visit. Franchise? Only $30,000.

Tune in--another shocker--is it good or bad?

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 13, 2008

Sorry for the late posting. I was on the road.
-KM2L

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will snore our way through SLEEP APNEA #2. We had a lot of fun with it last week, it should be better this week...since all you fellows are sound sleepers! 10 a.m. Sunday, 14.307.

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 6, 2008

Sorry for the late posting - I was on the road.
-KM2L

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday, as requested, we will talk about SLEEP APNEA. We almost all SNORE so we are all possible victims of this noisy disease--GASP!

Tune in, should be fun, 14.307, 10 a.m EDT.

The deadline for our Newsletter Aether is coming up for the August edition. If you want to contribute, get it in the mail pronto. Still haven't received CANADA NEWS from Bob VE3OQM. Bruce KM2L is on vacation so I have improvised his "20 years ago in MARCO" column. Danny crossed the press time ribbon okay.

Anything you want to sell or buy? Send to Marco, P.O. Box 127 Indian Rocks, FL 33785.

MARCO Grand Rou nds for June 22, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Metabolic Syndrome." Over 30% of adult Americans have it and don't know it--until--they suddenly become aware when a prominent newsman passes. Did he have Metabolic Syndrome? Do you and I have it? What can we do about it?

This is a tough nut to crack. Instead of correcting a mistake, most just keep on making it worse. Soon 51% of Americans will have metabolic syndrome and then it will become "normal" because "normal" is the behavior of the majority! Then we will start treating abnormal (healthy) people who are not sick thinking we are doing the right thing.

What a mess--yes, even dogs get it--bow wow!

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 15, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will continue the discussion of the GAMMA KNIFE. This is an amazing device that is changing neurosurgery. It is limited however to the brain and neck.

Tune in, should be fun

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 8, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will follow through on the Kennedy brain tumor story by discussing THE GAMMA KNIFE. This will be an update from the lecture on July 20, 2003. The Gamma Knife is becoming more available and its benefits are outstanding.

Tune in, 14.307, Sunday, 10 a.m. Eastern time.

"Aether" went into the mail yesterday so you should be receiving it shortly. There are too many members delinquent so check your renewal label, we don't want to lose you.

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 1, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss BRAIN TUMORS in light of the findings on Senator Kennedy. He is one of 9,000 people in the U.S. who will find out this year they have this fast growing brain cancer and few treatment options.

It was my opinion that headache was not a prime symptom until the late stages but apparently this has changed recently.

Tune in should be fun????

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 25, 2008

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday's topic will be "DAYTON 2008." Those of us who attended will inform those that missed the annual event, as several important points were brought up which can affect Marco in the future.

Those who attended and took photos should send them to Aether for publication.

Harry, WB9EDP, our new President, and his wonderful wife Ellen KC9ARN, were there but there stay was shortened because of a practice responsibility. President-elect for 2010-is Linda KE5BQK. Linda will be Marco's first woman president.

Live From Dayton, May 17 2008

MARCO's annual meeting has come to a successful close.

The booth remained a highly active place, with crowds attracted by Paul N6DMV's Dr. Pepper-can model of a satellite, suitable outfitted with a blinking LED. I have nominated Paul for the post of official MARCO sculptor.

With Arnold delivering his convincing sales pitch, we signed up four new members today. They are:

Matt Myszkowski KD8HMX
Tom Brewer W0RPH
Carlyle Rowland N0ARN
John Kalotai N1OLO

Honors for the major HamVention purchase of the day went to Chip N5RTF for his new March magnetic paddle. The best flea market artifact was definitely the control yoke from a B52!

Late in the afternoon, Bruce KM2L did an interview with Information Radio 1660 AM. They had a booth at HamVention and broadcast throughout the event. He put in a good word for MARCO, for MediShare International and for amateur radio in general. This interview will be available on the Web. I will supply the link once I review it to be sure that it is not a complete embarrassment.

Unfortunately, Harry WB9EDP and Ellen KC9ARN had to return to Chicago, as Harry had to go to work following the riot at Cook County Jail.

MARCO's banquet at the Holiday Inn North was well-attended. Marc Weinberg K9PET of Casual Dx presented an account of the ham radio trip to Antarctica he hosted with Lindblad/National Geographic. What an adventure!!

Tomorrow we go our separate ways until next year's meeting. See you in a week on 14.307 MHz.

Dayton, Friday May 16

It had rained overnight, and the day dawned gray and cold so we knew that it must be Dayton. Conditions improved progressively, so by afternoon it was very pleasant.

MARCO's members attended the annual meeting in the morning, with the exception of WA3ZZU who was compelled to hit the flea market early. The minutes of this meeting aer contained in the previous posting. We were excited and heppy to be treated to he company and participation of "first-timers" Linda KE5BQK, Bernie KD5QHV, Ellen KC9ARN, Harry WB9EDP, and John WB2MXJ.

In the afternoon it was off to HamVention! Your scribe has not yet made it to the flea market, but hears that it is smaller than in past years. Indoors was jumping. As usual the hat embroiderers, Flex Radio and Piero Begali drew enthusiastic crowds all day.

A couple of new software-defined radio products were on display. The Perseus SDR direct-sampling HF receiver looks particularly interesting. A Japanese vendor was showing a "do-it-yourself" radio. He supplies the cabinet, chassis, dial and mechanisms, and blank copper-clad PC boards. You design and build the radio.

Jeff K6JW was the clear winner in terms of money spent, as he is now the proud owner of a new Begali Graciela paddle and a high-power MFJ autotuner. I have been a relatively good boy thus far, purchasing only a balun from DX Engineering.

There were several visitors to the MARCO booth, many attracted by N6DMV's Dr. Pepper can sculpture of a satellite. We signed up new members Bryan KY4MD and Mark N8CPR (dude, you forgot to pay). Current members Mike NR3C and Yoshi JH1URT stopped by to say "Hello" and to renew their memberships.

In the evening at Roger's W8CRK urging most of us shuttled to Caffe Anticoli on north Main Street for a good time and pretty decent Italian fare.

On Saturday a full day is planned at Hara Arena, although some members may peel off for a visit to the Air Force Museum.

Stay tuned...

Minutes of the 2008 MARCO Annual Meeting

Minutes of the MARCO 2008 Annual Meeting

Members in attendance: Arnold WB6OJB, Bruce KM2L, Chip N5RTF, Danny W4DAN, Warren KD4GUA, Lou WA1HGE, Tom W3GAT, Linda KE5BQK, Bernie KD5QHV, Paul N6DMV, John WD8NMV, Roger W8CRK, Rich K9CIV, Jay AA4FL, Jeff K6JW, Keith N3IM, Joe WB2MXJ, Harry WB9EDP, Ellen KC9ARN, Lionel 4X1LL, Dave KT8E.

The meeting was called to order at 8:30 AM EDT by President WB6OJB.

WB6OJB thanked KD4GUA, W4DAN, WA1HGE and KM2L for their help and support of the organization.

Danny W4DAN read the minutes of the 2007 annual meeting. These were approved.

Lou WA1HGE presented the Treasurer's report. Dues income is down about $1000 from last year, but the MARCO balance is holding steady. The MediShare account is down to $1194.11 due to expenditure for the Sri Lanka VHF radio project. The Treasurer's report was approved.

Bruce KM2L proposed the formation of a Internet Committee to tap into the considerable expertise present in the organization, and to ensure the ability to access and edit Web pages should anyhting happen to a single member of the group. The formation of a committee was approved, with AA4FL, N5RTF, N3IM and KM2L appointed as members. AA4FL proposed the consolidation of MARCO's various accounts into a single account with one hosting service. For ease of access and editing at a reasonable price he suggested GoDaddy.com. These suggestions were approved.

W4DAN reported that MARCO has 186 active members and 24 additional who are delinquent on their dues. We recruited 18 new members in 2007 and three so far in 2008. The Secretary's report was accepted.

Warren KD4GUA requested input on improving the Newsletter. He would like to receive more technical information for publication. W4DAN questioned whether it would be better to simply post a .pdf copy of the Newsletter on the Web site rather than emailing it to everyone. After some discussion, it was decided to maintain the status quo.


Chip N5RTF reported that he is continuing to provide Internet streaming audio of Grand Rounds, and can accommodate about 20 simultaneous listeners. Several of those in attendance indicated that they had accessed or attempted to access the audio stream. Chip is planning to make hardware changes that will allow users to download archived audio by means of passive ftp.

Jeff K6JW reported that he helped Hemantha Gamage 4S7HG obtain an Icom IC-718 transceiver. Several MARCO members made contributions. Hemantha wrote an article about the Sri Lanka VHF radio project. Jeff made revisions and edits, and inserted favorable publicity about MARCO/ MediShare. This article has been accepted for publication in QST.

Nominations were taken for President Elect. Bernie KD5QHV, Roger W8CRK and Linda KE5BQK were nominated. Bernie and Roger declined the position. Linda was elected unanimously.

The other officers were re-elected to their current positions:
Secretary Danny W4DAN
Treasurer Lou WA1HGE
Newsletter Editor Warren KD4GUA

The current Directors were re-elected with the following changes:

2nd Call Area - Bruce KM2L
3rd Call Area - Keith N3IM
7th Call Area KA7LOT (although he is currently living in Mississippi)
9th Call Area Bill WB9HIR

There was considerable discussion of the MediShare Chairperson position. The Bylaws were reviewed, and it is clear that MediShare functions as an arm of MARCO, with the Chairperson and Advisory Board responsible to the MARCO Board of Directors. It was decided that Smitty W6CS be thanked for his years of exemplary service to MARCO and be awarded the title of MediShare Chairperson Emeritus. Arnold WB6OJB will become MediShare Chairperson. The Board approved these changes.

New Business:

The question of moving the CW portion of the Sunday morning net to a frequency in the CW sub band of 20 meters was brought up. After some discussion, the consensus was to remain on 14.307 MHz.

KD4GUA raised the possibility of starting Grand Rounds one hour later. Propagation is better at that time, and it would make it easier for west coast members to join the discussion. We would have to change frequencies. N5RTF proposed that after the net next week (5/25/08) we QSY to 14.311 MHz and do a roll call. K9CIV seconded. With the additional understanding that any changes will be publicized in the Newsletter and on the listserv, this motion was passed.

N6DMV presented a model of a DSP-23 satellite he had worked on.The model is cleverly constructed from Dr. Pepper cans and is now part of the MARCO display at our booth.

The acquisition of MARCO stickers or stamps for QSL cards was discussed, but without clear resolution.

W4DAN relayed Carl WA3ZZU's request that the annual meeting take place on Saturday so that people could get to the flea market early. It was decided to continue to meet on Friday morning.

For information it was noted that Marc WA3QWA has established an Echolink node named "MARCO."

N5RTF and WB2MXJ were invited to present a brief update on the status of New Orleans. Neighborhoods are very slowly coming back, although the French Quarter and area along the river are in good shape. Health care is struggling and crime is wide spread.

4X1LL reported that amateur radio in Israel is very active. He had attempted to start a European MARCO net last year and sent emails to every known MARCO member in Europe. He received no replies, however.

The meeting was adjourned at 11 AM.

Live , From Dayton

There is a large and active contingent of MARCO members at the Dayton Hamvention this year. Your scribe endured an absolutely terrible drive down from western New York, but made it about an hour behind schedule. The Ohio Department of Transportation has every road in the state under construction, or or so it seems.

We formed a large clot in the bar of the Holiday Inn North. There were drinks, then more drinks, and eventually some food as well.

Present and accounted for were Danny W4DAN and spouse Carolyn, Arnold WB6OJB and spouse Joan, Chip N5RTF, Rich K9CIV and spouse Marcia, Warren KD4GUA, Lou WA1HGE, Linda KE5BQK and Bernie KD5QHV, Keith N3IM, Roger W8CRK, John WD8NMV, Paul N6DMV, Jay AA4FL and spouse, Jeff K6JW, and yours truly, KM2L. If I have omitted anyone, blame the beer.

Tomorrow mornign we will get down to business with the annual meeting, and hten repair to HARA Arena.