Seminar Schedule

The seminar schedule for the upcoming 2012 Yuma Hamfest & ARRL SW Division Convention is as follows. Seminars last one hour each, with 20 minute gaps between them. The seminars run in parallel in two separate seminar rooms, either in the Fine Arts Building, directly opposite the Theater Building on the fairgrounds, or the Newcomer Building in the northeast corner of the Fairgrounds.


We are fortunate to have Norm Fusaro here from ARRL headquarters in Newington, Connecticut. Norm administers the Logbook of The World program for the ARRL and is Assistant Manager of the Member and Volunteer Programs (MVP) department. You don't want to miss his seminars!
Fine Arts Building
Time
Seminar/Speakers
Seminar Description
Friday Feb. 17

1:00pm-2:00pm
How To Pass The Ham Exams

Rick Paquette (W7RAP)
This presentation is a MUST for first-timers planning on taking an amateur radio exam. It answers all the questions newcomers have about Where, When, What, and What-If. It provides a method of studying for the tests that optimizes the success of the taker. It is particularly beneficial for non-technical or younger candidates. The material identifies traps and mistakes commonly made at testing sessions and gives ways to avoid them. The presenter is the ARRL VE Liaison Coordinator and Assistant Section Manager for Arizona. A question and answer session will follow the presentation.
Friday Feb. 17

2:20pm-3:20pm
Mobile & Portable Antenna Basics

Woody Woodhams (K6WDY)
This is a general discussion regarding installation tips and things to watch out for when it comes to mobile or portable antennas. Different mount options for antennas like Hamsticks and screwdriver antennas are discussed and the pros and cons of each.
Friday Feb. 17

3:40pm-4:40pm
Amateur Radio Ballooning

Jack Crabtree (W7JLC)
Learn about amateur radio "near space" balloon launches by Arizona Near Space Research (ANSR), a group promoting science and education through such launches. Most of ANSR's 65 balloon flights have carried student-built payloads, exposing students to the design, building and testing of scientific payloads which fly literally to the edge of space. Learn what amateur radio ballooning is, the experiments conducted, new altitude records, transcontinental and trans-Atlantic flights, and how ham radio operators can become involved in this exciting aspect of amateur radio.
Saturday Feb. 18

9:00am-10:00am
Personal Preparedness – What Does It Really Mean?

Jeff Lewis (KJ7TX)
Learn how to be prepared for emergencies in your everyday life with this "Fireside Chat" style discussion regarding the Who/What/Where/When/Why/How of personal preparedness. Time will be set aside for questions and audience participation.
Saturday Feb. 18

10:20am-11:20am
Software Defined Radio

Greg Jurrens (K5GJ)
Ever wondered what all this "Software Defined Radio" stuff is all about? Come get schooled in SDR-101. We'll hit the ABC's of I&Q, DDC, FFT, and other SDR acronyms and then apply them to different SDR hardware and software implementations. Next, we'll look at everything from experimenter kits to high performance DX/contest rigs. Finally, we'll conclude with a live demo of Software Defined Radio in action.
Saturday Feb. 18

11:40am-12:40pm
Logbook of The World

Norm Fusaro (W3IZ)
Logbook of The World is the fastest and most secure way to validate contacts made on the air and apply for operating awards. Norm administers the LoTW program for the ARRL and will show you how to create a new account and get the most from this sophisticated operating tool.
Saturday Feb. 18

1:00pm-2:00pm
The DXCC Awards Program

Norm Fusaro (W3IZ)
The DXCC (DX Century Club) all started with a suggestion in 1935 and has grown into the most participated game in Amateur Radio. DXCC represents a lifetime achievement in Amateur Radio, symbolizing integrity as well as operating skill. Whether you are working on your initial DXCC award or are near top of the honor roll, you will find this forum interesting and informative.
Saturday Feb. 18

2:20pm-3:20pm
Choosing the Right Coaxial Cable

Marty Woll (N6VI)
What is the best coax to use for that UHF antenna or that long run to an HF wire antenna? Marty will discuss cable characteristics, losses versus operating frequency, connector choices and more. There's a little math, but the talk is more strategic than technical. Connector choices and proper installation are also discussed.
Saturday Feb. 18

3:30pm-5:00pm
ARRL Forum

Dick Norton (N6AA)
Dick Norton (N6AA), Director of the ARRL's Southwestern Division, and other ARRL officers will lead the ARRL Forum. The forum is an opportunity for hams to find out about new developments within the ARRL, and to get their questions answered by their ARRL leadership.



Newcomer Building
Time
Seminar/Speakers
Seminar Description
Friday Feb. 17

1:00pm-2:00pm
D-STAR Low-Speed Data

Gene Swiech (WB9COY)
This presentation will be centered around the utilization of the low-speed D-STAR data port. Specific details will be given about how the radio works with the low-speed data port along with its application to SMTP mail services, GPS and chat software. Over-the-air emails will be exchanged between stations using Microsoft Live Mail and Microsoft Outlook without the use of the Internet. D-STAR enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their laptops and radios and be part of the demo.
Friday Feb. 17

2:20pm-3:20pm
Hams and the Incident Command System (ICS)

Rick Goodman (W5ALR)
Where do amateur radio operators fit into the Incident Command System (ICS) structure? Any emergency where the federal government is involved requires use of ICS; often state and local agencies do as well. It is vital that incident responders understand how ICS works and where they fit into the system. If you ever plan to assist in an emergency, this seminar is a must. The instructor has taught over 2000 students throughout the US and Canada in the proper use of the ICS.
Friday Feb. 17

3:40pm-4:40pm
Straight Talk on Antennas

Tom Schiller (N6BT)
"Just put up a new antenna and having trouble working anyone." Sound familiar? It could be the problem is Unknown Antenna Disorder (UAD). Learn about debugging antenna issues and expand your practical knowledge on antennas. This presentation is based on 20 years of designing and manufacturing more than 24,000 antennas. N6BT is the founder of Force 12 and nb6t.com, co-founder of the record-setting Team Vertical, plus the author of the antenna book Array of Light.
Saturday Feb. 18

9:00am-10:00am
12-Volt Lighting for Hams

Sam Penny
Low-power 12-volt LED lighting let's you keep sending and receiving 24/7. Learn the basics of LED lighting and how to use LEDs in the field, in your RV and with your radio equipment. 12-volt LED lighting options will be demonstrated and discussed. The group will be encouraged to tell what they need in the way of LED lighting and applications they have solved with LEDs on their field trips.
Saturday Feb. 18

10:20am-11:20am
Propagation Physics

Kristen McIntyre (K6WX)
At times RF propagation seems mysterious and strange. However it can be modeled using our current understanding of electromagnetics. This talk explains propagation as we understand it, what factors govern it, and how it interacts with the environment and ionosphere. Amateur radio operators can, using this information, make better choices for more efficient RF propagation and make predictions about how propagation will unfold.
Saturday Feb. 18

11:40am-12:40pm
Quick Deployment Antennas

Chip Margelli (K7JA)
One of the essential capabilities of amateur radio is our ability to take to the field and establish communications in a hurry. Chip will demonstrate antenna and mast construction techniques, including details of the renowned "K7JA Rocket Launcher" mast support system, that will make your next Field Day a lot easier and quicker to deploy. Both HF and VHF antennas are covered.
Saturday Feb. 18

1:00pm-2:00pm
D-STAR 101 & Programming Hints

Pat Marcy (W7PZ)
Digital communication is now commonplace. Learn about the innovations of digital D-STAR technology developed in Japan and now implemented throughout the United States and globally. D-STAR concepts, ideas, activity, networks and repeaters across the nation will be discussed. Learn how your call sign will find an amateur operator on the D-STAR network just by entering their call sign, how to connect to the Internet from your radio, and programming tips.
Saturday Feb. 18

2:20pm-3:20pm
EmComm using D-RATS Software

Pat Marcy (W7PZ)
Learn how to provide communications during an emergency using D-STAR technology and a communications tool called D-RATS. This free open-source software supports instant-messaging style chat, file transfers, and email support. The data bandwidth is large compared to traditional amateur modes, and using D-RATS, you could transfer documents, images, and spreadsheets in reasonable periods of time.
Saturday Feb. 18

3:40pm-4:40pm
Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) Update

Grant Hayes (WB6OTS)
This presentation will be an update on the status of the Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS), a D.O.D. sponsored program in which amateur radio operators assist the military with contingency communications.



Hospitality Area
Theater Building
Time
Seminar/Speakers
Seminar Description
Friday Feb. 17

2:00pm-3:00pm
How to Perform Continuous Chest Compression CPR

Mike Erfert, Yuma Fire Department
A practical explanation of the current CPR technique, called Continuous Chest Compressions, is given. There will be a short video and then a demonstration of this revised approach to providing aid in the event of cardiac arrest. There is audience participation using a mannequin. For a person in cardiac arrest, "your hands are their heart."
Saturday Feb. 18

1:30pm-2:30pm
Crops in Pots

Stacey Bealmear, Urban Horticulture Agent
Container gardening is a great hobby for everyone no matter how much space you have. With a few simple supplies you can grow delicious and healthy vegetables like lettuce and radishes as well as herbs. Learn the simple setup and maintenance of container gardening. Other gardening-related questions will be taken.
Saturday Feb. 18

2:30pm-3:30pm
Outdoor Decorating on a Recession Budget

Diane Hunt, Interior Designer
Local designer Diane Hunt will present simple solutions for porches, patios and entries that need a pick-me-up. She'll share some ideas for repurposing your "stuff" and adding some pizazz to your exterior spaces.
Saturday Feb. 18

3:30pm-4:30pm
Three Simple Soups and Foolproof Focaccia Bread

Karla Billdt, Professional Chef
Join us for a lively hour with chef Karla sharing her culinary secrets for delicious and easy meals that anyone can master. Karla's Kreations is Yuma's own personal chef service, providing private dinner parties and group catering. The popular "Yuma's Best" list voted her Best Catering Service for 2009 and 2010. Karla also contributes "foodie" articles for the Yuma Sun newspaper and is involved with the Celebrity Chef event in Yuma in February. In 2008, she received the Golden Whisk award at that event.