March 16, 2008 (.818)
Kenneth Harris WA8LLM (304) 679-3470 wa8llm@yahoo.com
WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS, P.O. BOX 3328, PARKERSBURG, WV 26103 http://www.wc8ec.com
DAREN News, are articles and information about the Digital Amateur Radio "Emergency" Network of WV, which operates on 145.69 MHz. Anyone having any information about DAREN, or Amateur Radio in general, and would like to share it with others, may send it to WA8LLM @ PKBGWV on 145.69 MHz, or to my E-Mail: wa8llm@yahoo.com. A State Wide DAREN NET is operated every Saturday from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and lately, before and after those hours. The DAREN Net Announcement, showing the MAIN NCS, ALTERNATE NCS, NODEs accessible to both, and the previous week's check-ins, are posted by Thursday on most of the Main county DAREN PBBS'. The DAREN News can also be found on the wc8ec.com website.
Have you registered your FRN (Federal Registration Number)? This past week I've been helping some of those who's Amateur Radio License has either expired, or about to expire, to get them renewed. One of the first things that I've found out is that most of them haven't registered their FRN. If you are a new licensee, or one who hasn't yet had to renew your license yet, this paragraph's for you. If you ever plan to move, change your last name, or renew your Amateur Radio License on the internet, you first need to make sure that you have registered, or applied for your FRN. Without your FRN and a PSQ (Personal Security Question) registered, you won't be able to do any of the above on line. Up until a few years ago, you had to register for an FRN, but now the FRN is assigned when you get your license. You can still have the above information done by having one of the VEC's (Volunteer Examination Coordinator), such as W5YI or the ARRL do it, but it will cost a small fee. I think they are charging about 7 dollars at this time. If you need to register for an FRN, need to register your PSQ, or just RESET your Password, it only takes a few minutes and will save you a few dollars. Besides I think you will feel a lot better knowing that you have a little more control over what you can do yourself. With the new E-911 addressing happening everywhere, you need to keep your address up to date with the FCC, or you're taking a chance of having your Amateur Radio License cancelled. If you look at the Question Pool for Technician License, Number T1D09, you will find the FCC may revoke or suspend a license if the mailing address of the holder is not current with the FCC. If you need to register for an FRN, or update your FRN, just connect to the website of: http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=home
If you don't not have an FRN click on REGISTER. If you need to register your FRN and PSQ, click on UPDATE. In either case you will need to follow the instructions. You will also be asked for your Social Security Number in some places. I know a lot of people don't like putting their SSN on the web, but somewhere in the process, whether you do it, or you have a VEC organization do it, your SSN will be on the web. You can also call a telephone number on the website and maybe talk to a real person. You'll receive an E-Mail from the FCC, when you have succeeded. Once you have received your FRN, answered the PSQ, and reset your password, you're ready to handle all changes and modifications to your license without ever giving your SSN again, unless you forget your password and you have to do it all again. To renew your license, change your last name, or change your address, connect to the FCC website: wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=home and follow those instructions. It's not that bad. Now you're set for another 10 years. Maybe by the time you have to do it again, the FCC will make Amateur Licenses issued for lifetime; I've seen them do stranger things.
There were 62 check-ins to this week's State Wide DAREN Net. John Peterson, K8ZPR, who's been participating in the net since April 23, 1994, has completed 700 check-ins, and will be receiving his certificate. My son Kevin Harris, KC8OXY, needs only one more check-in to make 400. There was one new station that checked into the net this week, and that was Lee Mairs, KM4YY, from Romney, WV. I want to welcome Lee to the net, and the DAREN system and hope that he will check in as often as possible.