Alan Weisman (W5ALW)
1938-2008
“The inventor of the ‘T’ - top”

Alan Weisman, W5ALW, died on March 1, at age 70. He was a creative, accomplished inventor and the community servant. Among his inventions, Weisman was known for patenting the ‘T’- top found on American sports cars such as the Corvette. After college, Weisman was employed by the automobile manufacturer Saab before experiencing a work related accident. The following years of physical therapy, Weisman and his wife made their home in Richmond California where he undertook entrepreneurial ventures before establishing a second home in Tularosa, New Mexico near the White Sands Missile Range. At various times, he worked on projects for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), designed and built one of the earliest flight simulators for the Bushnell Corporation, constructed working robots for use in Hollywood films, developed self-assembly methods for ‘growing’ tools, designed devices for preventing carpal tunnel syndrome, and most recently, worked on building a new type of hybrid engine. Weisman was involved in various community activities including serving on the Marin Amateur Radio Society board, acting as a Volunteer Examiner for amateur radio, and serving as a City of Richmond Commissioner as part of the sister city program with Shimada, Japan.

Weisman was an avid automotive hobbyist, whose accomplishments included building an electric motorcycle that eventually set a world land speed record for that type of vehicle. Al also enjoyed restoring classic cars. Weisman is survived by his wife, Sherry Hines, his brothers Howard Weisman and Bruce Weisman, three nephews and niece, and for grand nieces and grandnephews. An outgrowth of his work with NASA, Weisman’s dream was to have his ashes flown into space.

Randy Jenkins, KA6BQF

Vice President, VE Liason & Public Service Coordinator
Marin Amateur Radio Society
www.w6sg.net

Hosted by:

• East Bay Amateur Radio Club (EBARC)
• Oakland Radio Communication Association (ORCA)
  
• Amateur Radio Club of Alameda (ARCA)
  

EBARC, ORCA and ARCA are pleased to inform you of our upcoming Technician level class scheduled to begin Tuesday April 8th, 2008.

This class is not your typical “Ham Cram” style class, but instead will provide the opportunity to learn about Amateur Radio as well as preparing you for the entry level technician License.

Start Date: Tuesday, April 8th, 2008

Time: 1900 to 2130 local time

Frequency: Weekly

Duration: 5 weeks

Location: Alvarado School - 5625 Sutter Ave., Richmond, CA 94804 (map)

Phone: 510-559-2660

Text: The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual (Technician) (Available from the American Radio Relay League, Ham Radio Outlet - Oakland,  or at the first class)

Cost: Class is free, ARRL manual is $25

Registration: On site at the first session

Test Session: 7pm (PDT), Tuesday May 13th, 2008 at Alvarado School, 5625 Sutter Ave., Richmond CA 94804 (map)

Test Fee: $14

Contact: Randy Jenkins, KA6BQF (ka6bqf@arrl.net) 510 526-4089

Here are 8 Reasons your family members should belong to ARRL. After all, adding a family member to your ARRL membership is Only $8…

1. Family members get their own membership card, arrl.net email forwarding address, and members-only web access.

2. Is there someone in the house interested in continuing education? Members receive significant discounts for ARRL online courses.

3. Got DX? Each member can use the ARRL Outgoing QSL Bureau.

4. Is your harmonic starting to drive? ARRL members qualify for members-only group insurance with MetLife. Many members are saving $$$.

5. Are you a ham radio contesting household? Each family member can apply for ARRL Awards.

6. Strength in numbers! Each new member strengthens the Voice of Amateur Radio in government.

7. It’s only $8 per year !!

8. It’s easy! Log-on to www.arrl.org/join

Each year the ARRL Board of Directors has the opportunity to select recipients for a number of awards in various categories that honor Amateur Radio operators.

The nomination period is now open for the 2007 ARRL awards that are designed to recognize educational pursuits in Amateur Radio and honor a young Amateur Radio operator. Suggestions on who to honor and supporting information, including the endorsement of ARRL affiliated clubs and elected or appointed League officials, should be submitted to your respective Section Manager (see page 16).  Section Managers, in turn, then make the formal nominations by forwarding the information to ARRL Headquarters.  Nominations are due by March 31, 2008.

The Hiram Percy Maxim Award is for a licensed radio amateur under age 21 whose accomplishments and contributions are of the most exemplary nature within the framework of Amateur Radio activities.

The ARRL Herb S. Brier Instructor of the Year Award goes to a volunteer Amateur Radio instructor, and the ARRL Professional Educator of the Year Award is given to a professional teacher who has incorporated Amateur Radio into his or her class curriculum. The ARRL Professional Instructor of the Year Award is presented to a paid, non state-certified ham radio instructor – such as those teaching classes offered through adult education programs.

The ARRL Excellence in Recruiting Award honors a ham radio operator who exemplifies outstanding recruiting enthusiasm and technique and has gone the extra mile to introduce other to Amateur Radio.

More information and nomination forms are available at www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/award or by contacting Steve Ewald, WV1X, at ARRL HQ, wv1x@arrl.org or 860-594-0265.

EMCOMMWEST® 2008
ARRL Nevada Section Operating Specialty Convention
Friday-Saturday-Sunday
May 2-3-4, 2008

Featuring Riley Hollingsworth K4ZDH, Banquet Speaker and Session Presenter on “Regulatory Concerns of Emergency Communications” and Dennis Dura K2DCD, Keynote Speaker, ARRL Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager

Location:
Circus Circus Hotel and Casino
500 N. Sierra Street
Reno,Nevada 89503
http://www.circusreno.com/

Talk-in: 146.610(-) PL 123.0; 147.030(+) PL 123.0

Friday Night BBQ . Saturday Ham Swap Meet
Commercial Vendor Booths . Saturday Night Banquet
Free Licensing Exams . Great Speakers and Sessions
Fantastic Door Prizes

Event Information:
http://emcommwest.org
E-Mail info@emcommwest.org
EMCOMMWEST is a Registered Servicemark of EMCOMMWEST, Inc.