Barnstable ARC 443.500 Repeater Off The Air

Barnstable ARC logoThe Barnstable Amateur Radio Club‘s 440 repeater has been removed from service for an indefinite period of time, according to a recent article posted on the club’s web site.

Possible interference to the U.S. Air Force’s PAVE PAWS facility on Cape Cod prompted the BARC Board of Directors to remove the 443.500 MHz repeater from service until such time as the FCC makes a ruling on the matter.

According to Barnstable ARC Vice President Jim Bradbury, WA1KCC, “This is a voluntary move by the club; we have not been cited for any interference at this time.”

See also:
ARRL Submits Plan to Mitigate Repeater Interference to Military Radars
ARRL Aiding Effort to Mitigate Repeater Interference to Military Radars
NESMC PAVE PAWS/UHF Repeater Update

ARRL Submits Plan to Mitigate Repeater Interference to Military Radars

ARRL flagNEWINGTON, CT, May 11, 2007 (via ARRLWeb) — The ARRL has submitted an interference mitigation plan to the US Department of Defense (DoD) as part of an effort to resolve reported interference from dozens of 70 cm amateur repeaters to US military radar systems on both coasts. Since Amateur Radio is secondary to government users from 420 to 450 MHz, hams must not interfere with primary users and, under the rules, can be forced to cease operation. Earlier this year, the US Air Force asked the FCC to order dozens of repeater systems to either eliminate interference to its “PAVE PAWS” missile and satellite detection and tracking radars in Massachusetts and California or shut down. [Full story]

See also:
ARRL Aiding Effort to Mitigate Repeater Interference to Military Radars
NESMC PAVE PAWS/UHF Repeater Update

Framingham ARA Scholarship Awarded to Benjamin Bradley

Framingham ARA logoFramingham ARA President Gordy Bello, K1GB writes on FraminghamARA-L:

“It gives me great pleasure to announce that this year’s Framingham Amateur Radio Association Scholarship is awarded to Benjamin Bradley of Framingham High School. His teacher, Ms. Denise Barlow, who teaches electronics and computers, has selected Benjamin as he is the best student in her classes. He will be studying engineering at Wentworth College next fall.
FARA scholarship winner Benjamin Bradley (right), and Richard Walcek, head of Framingham High School's guidance department
The presentation of the scholarship will be made next Thursday evening at the Framingham High School awards ceremony by our scholarship chairman, Richard Cosma, AA1VI. We will also be inviting both Benjamin and Ms. Barlow to our June meeting. Please make every effort to attend and give them a warm FARA welcome, and to congratulate Benjamin on his accomplishments and future endeavors.”

Photo, courtesy WA1HAM: FARA scholarship winner Benjamin Bradley (right), and Richard Walcek, head of Framingham High School’s guidance department.

W1AA To Activate East, West Chop Light Houses

W1AA/  East Chop QSL cardW1AA/  West Chop QSL cardK1VV and N1DT plan to activate East Chop (USA 259) and West Chop (USA 877) Lighthouses on Martha’s Vineyard Island on Saturday May 12, 2007 from 7:00 AM EDT (1130 UTC) until about 2:00 PM EDT (1400 UTC).

Whitey, K1VV notes that he and Don, N1DT will begin operations on 75 meters around 3996 kHz plus/minus 5 kHz. On 40 phone, look for W1AA between the nets. “Tune for us between the nets, most likely around 7234,” writes K1VV. They’ll be on 20 phone later in the morning above 14310, or 17 meters above 18150. “We will return to 40 phone about 1530 to 1600 UTC, about noon local time.”

Morse code operation will be conducted roughly on the half hour, on 7035, 10116, 14035 and 18080 kHz, plus or minus QRM.

“We should be able to access the RF packet node so we will be posting our spots on the DX Summit. But we would appreciate any spots,” Whitey adds. See http://oh2aq.kolumbus.com/dxs/hfdx25.html .

DX QSLs are via the W1 Bureau and stateside are via W1AA please with an SASE. A photo of the lighthouse will be furnished. “Remember that the postal rates change on May 14, 2007. So make sure you have enough postage on your SASE,” writes K1VV.

The first lighthouse at West Chop was a 25-foot stone tower built in 1817 for $5000. In 1976, West Chop Light became automated. The original Fresnel lens is still in the lantern room. Today the active aid to navigation exhibits its white flash, visible for 15 miles. A red sector in the lens warns mariners away from two dangerous shoals.

The lighthouse and grounds are not open to the public, but you can easily view the station from West Chop Road or the ferries in and out of Vineyard Haven.

–Thanks, K1VV and Keep The Lights Shining

Boston ARC Upcoming Public Service Events

Boston ARC logoThroughout the year [the Boston Amateur Radio Club] coordinates numerous public service events. Most of these are open to hams who are new to helping at such events as well as experienced hams. Here is a general look ahead at some of the events in 2007 that we will be asked to support. Formal recruiting will not take place until closer to each event. Feel free to contact Bob Salow, WA1IDA, if you have any questions – wa1ida@arrl.net or 508.650.9440.

* Bikes Not Bombs – 3 June – Triple bicycle rides in Boston and suburbs.

* WGBH Ice Cream FunFest – September – Logistics management; ham radio public awareness in Boston.

* BAA Half Marathon – 7 October – 13.1 miles; 98% in Boston, 2% in Brookline.

* SKYWARN Recognition Day – 1 December – at Blue Hill Observatory, Milton.

Other events may jump in on short notice. Among our skills is the ability to apply our technical, organizational and staffing quickly and proficiently. Join our team and join in the fun and learning.

–Thanks, Boston ARC The Sparc, May 2007

HWC Garners Publicity in The Harvard Crimson

Harvard Wireless Club official shieldThe Harvard Wireless Club was the subject of an article and accompanying photo in the on-line edition of The Harvard Crimson campus newspaper.

Pictured is Clayton M. Nall, NF1R, a doctoral student at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and W1AF station manager.

The article covers some of the early history of the Harvard Wireless Club, including radio experimenter Professor George Washington Pierce. In addition, it describes the pioneering SETI efforts of Prof. Paul Horowitz, W1HFA. Also quoted in the article is New England Division Director Tom Frenaye, K1KI.

Framingham ARA’s “HF School” Underway

Framingham ARA logoThe Framingham Amateur Radio Assocation has begun an innovative “HF School” to help newcomers master the ins and outs of high frequency operation. According to FARA’s Leo Cantin, WA1HAM, the project is the brainchild of Sumner Weisman, W1VIV, with assistance from Ed Weiss, W1NXC.

“We want to get more of our members–the new ones in particular–to use our airways with the correct procedure. Ed [W1NXC] is offering to teach them the proper way to conduct themselves while in contact.”

Cantin adds that W1NXC plans to hold several informal classes for those who want to perfect their abilities. “This includes contesting, and just plain old calling ‘CQ.'”

The Framingham ARA holds radio shack open houses every Saturday morning at the Danforth Museum on Lexington Street in downtown Framingham. For more information, or to become involved in the HF School activities, email Ed Weiss, W1NXC at: w1nxc at arrl dot net.

Reminder: Monthly ARES Net for May

Hello to all….

A reminder that the monthly ARES Net for May is rapidly approaching.

The monthly ARES Net for May is Monday May 7th, 2007, at 8:30 PM on the MMRA Repeater system. This is after the RACES Nets earlier in the evening.

Make the first Monday of the month, “Emergency Communications Night” and check into your local RACES Net and then check into the ARES Net on the MMRA Repeater System. We look forward to your participation and remember, we are always looking for Net Controls to run the ARES Net.

We will have several interesting announcements for the net that evening and we look forward to everyone’s participation. Updates will be posted via email and on the Eastern Massachusetts ARES Web Site at http://ares.ema.arrl.org

Thanks for your continued support of ARES!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Pager #: (508) 354-3142
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 1-800-445-2588 Ext.: 72929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://users.rcn.com/rmacedo
1

Volunteers Sought For Apple Blossom Parade

PART of Westford logoThe Police Amateur Radio Team of Westford is seeking volunteers for the Apple Blossom Parade Communications Event on Saturday, May 12, 2007. According to PART’s Bo Budinger, WA1QYM, “A number of people have volunteered to assist, but we are still looking for additional help.”

The parade runs from 10 AM until 11 AM starting near the junction of Graniteville Road and Main Street and ending at Abbot School. Duty will be from 8:30/9:00AM until 11:00AM/noon at the latest. Adds Budinger, “You will need to bring a 2-meter walkie.”

If interested, please contact Terry Stader, KA8SCP at ka8scp at wb1gof dot org.

–Thanks, PART Particles, Volume 12, No. 3

14th Annual Martha’s Vineyard DX-Pedition is This Weekend

Fall River/BCRA logoRoland Daignault Jr., N1JOY writes on the BCRA-club mailing list:

“Just a reminder that the Fall River club (and friends) will be operating portable May 5-6, 2007 from adjacent the Gay Head lighthouse on Martha’s Vineyard this weekend for the 14th consecutive year. We’ll be operating during the New England QSO Party, and also working IOTA (Islands on the Air), and as much casual rag chewing as we can possibly squeeze in. The weather looks promising, and I hope to hear many of you on the air this weekend!

“We’ll be using the Fall River club call sign: W1ACT/P. Look for us on all bands and modes! (Sounds easy, right????)”

SEMARA Facilities Undergoing Major Renovation

Southeastern MA ARA logoThe Southeastern MA Amateur Radio Association in Dartmouth has undertaken the arduous task of replacing its aging Quonset hut housing the W1AEC club station.

According to club historical records on its web site, SEMARA “purchased three acres of land at the present location (54 Donald Street) in South Dartmouth, MA in 1955. […] The original Quonset hut club house formally was a restaurant called “Wally’s Hut” on Rockdale avenue just east of Dartmouth Street. It cost more to move it than to buy it!”

Club members recently pitched in at several work sessions to move all of the material from the hut to a storage trailer and the club’s main building housing its meeting room. A temporary W1AEC station has been set up in the latter facility.

According to SEMARA’s Buildings and Grounds Chairman, Mike Miller, N1ITQ, “The club should be realizing substantial savings in heating costs … the vents and ductwork had been repaired, and the heat had been shut off to the hut now that it is empty.”

New Building Chairman Dave Dean, K1JGV estimates that it will cost the club approximately $3400 for total removal of the hut and permits needed. Dean says he “has a commitment from a contractor to knock down and remove the debris from the property for $2500.” The rest of the expenditure would be for fees, and environmental inspections. The estimate for the total demolition of the buildings standing would be $9300.

SEMARA has held numerous discussions and special meetings to consider all opinions from the membership. Committee members stress that “no demolition would be actually undertaken” until the membership had voted on which proposal it wishes to ultimately pursue. A full proposal is expected to be presented to SEMARA members at its May meeting.

KY1N List of New England Volunteer Exam Sessions, May 1, 2007

                         The KY1N Memorial List
Scheduled Amateur Radio Volunteer Examinations - CT MA ME NH RI VT
5/01/07
Jim, WW1Y, Editor
Date Time Contact Location Phone
05/05/07 10:30 Larry Houbre, AA1FS Dartmouth MA 508-991-6055
05/05/07 11:00 Bruce Anderson, W1LUS Deerfield NH 978-851-2886
05/06/07 09:00 Richard Barton, N1NCZ Milford CT 203-877-5020
05/08/07 19:00 Lawrence Polowy, KU1L Thomaston CT 860-283-4089
05/09/07 19:30 Bruce Anderson, W1LUS Chelmsford MA 978-851-2886
05/09/07 19:30 *James Weckback, W1EQW Framingham MA 508-435-6487
05/10/07 19:00 Louis Mester, W1CH Providence RI 401-263-6045
05/10/07 19:00 Kevin Cellini, N1KGM Trumbull CT 203-268-5015
05/11/07 18:30 Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R Burlington VT 802-878-6454
05/12/07 08:45 William J Needham, K1WN Braintree MA 781-843-4400
05/12/07 09:00 Ben Fleck, K2LYE Falmouth MA 508-540-2583
05/12/07 09:00 Steven Ewald, WV1X Newington CT 860-594-0265
05/12/07 09:30 Ernest Laug, KA1NGG Stamford CT 203-348-3993
05/13/07 12:00 Bob Quinn, WV1A Gloucester MA 978-281-1408
05/14/07 19:00 Dick Doherty, KA1TUZ Brookline MA 617-527-2968
05/15/07 19:00 Paul Lux, K1PL Portland CT 860-635-1742
05/16/07 17:30 Donald R Smith, AE1Q Augusta ME 207-495-3891
05/17/07 19:30 Louis Harris, N1UEC Norwood MA 508-668-0858
05/19/07 09:00 William D Wilson, K1IN Bloomfield CT 860-869-1059
05/19/07 09:00 Bill Wade, K1IJ Marlborough MA 617-699-3670
05/19/07 09:00 *Peter Leather, AE2D Orleans MA 508-225-9581
05/19/07 09:00 Bob Jones, WB1P Slatersville RI 401-333-4787
05/21/07 19:00 Arthur Denault, KB1CNB Fall River MA 774-644-3469
05/23/07 19:30 Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX Cambridge MA 617-253-3776
05/23/07 19:00 Robert E Moreland, KA1ZMF Milford CT 203-934-4059
05/23/07 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH Shirley MA 978-597-6535
05/25/07 18:00 David Cote, WA1DC Holyoke MA 413-575-2950
05/26/07 12:00 Daniel Lee, W1DFL Danvers MA 978-352-4513
05/26/07 10:00 Walter Styslo, KA1DFH Farmington CT 860-529-8474
05/26/07 09:00 Bruce Howes, W1UJR South Portland ME 207-749-0111
05/28/07 19:00 Walton G Congdon, W1ZPB Northfield MA 413-498-2729
06/02/07 10:30 Larry Houbre, AA1FS Dartmouth MA 508-991-6055
06/02/07 09:00 *Don Tarbet, KD1XU Hermon ME 207-327-1453
06/02/07 08:00 Conrad Ekstrom, WB1GXM Newport NH 603-543-1389
06/02/07 10:30 Ron Manson, W1SSF Winslow ME 207-873-2071
06/03/07 09:00 Richard Barton, N1NCZ Milford CT 203-877-5020
06/07/07 19:00 Thomas Jaworski, WA1MJE Pittsfield MA 413-528-9002
06/08/07 18:30 Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R Burlington VT 802-878-6454
06/08/07 18:30 Albert Noble, AA1CZ Saco ME 207-642-8830
06/08/07 19:00 Kevin Cellini, N1KGM Trumbull CT 203-268-5015
06/09/07 11:30 Frank Sileo, N1PE Bethel CT 203-438-0218
06/09/07 09:00 Ben Fleck, K2LYE Falmouth MA 508-540-2583
06/09/07 09:00 Jack P Garforth, N1JK Middletown RI 401-683-2250
06/09/07 10:00 Bryce Rumery, K1GAX Topsham ME 207-799-1116
06/10/07 12:00 Bob Quinn, WV1A Gloucester MA 978-281-1408
06/11/07 19:00 Dick Doherty, KA1TUZ Brookline MA 617-527-2968
06/12/07 19:00 Lawrence Polowy, KU1L Thomaston CT 860-283-4089
06/13/07 19:30 Bruce Anderson, W1LUS Chelmsford MA 978-851-2886
06/14/07 19:00 Louis Mester, W1CH Providence RI 401-263-6045
06/16/07 09:30 Lawrence Polowy, KU1L Goshen CT 860-283-4089
06/16/07 09:00 Bill Wade, K1IJ Marlborough MA 617-699-3670
06/16/07 09:00 Jim Heedles, WW1Y Nashua NH 603-673-7395
06/16/07 09:00 *Peter Leather, AE2D Orleans MA 508-225-9581
06/18/07 19:00 Arthur Denault, KB1CNB Fall River MA 774-644-3469
06/19/07 19:00 Paul Lux, K1PL Portland CT 860-635-1742
06/20/07 19:30 Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX Cambridge MA 617-253-3776
06/20/07 19:00 Robert E Moreland, KA1ZMF Milford CT 203-934-4059
06/21/07 19:30 Louis Harris, N1UEC Norwood MA 508-668-0858
06/22/07 18:00 David Cote, WA1DC Holyoke MA 413-575-2950
06/23/07 09:00 William D Wilson, K1IN Bloomfield CT 860-869-1059
06/23/07 09:00 Kenneth Carr, KB1AWV Cranston RI 401-828-1665
06/23/07 12:00 Daniel Lee, W1DFL Danvers MA 978-352-4513
06/24/07 09:00 Richard Barton, N1NCZ Milford CT 203-877-6514
06/24/07 10:00 Bob Quinn, WV1A Rockport MA 978-281-1408
06/27/07 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH Shirley MA 978-597-6535
07/07/07 09:00 Bruce Howes, W1UJR South Portland ME 207-749-0111
07/08/07 12:00 Bob Quinn, WV1A Gloucester MA 978-283-4660
07/10/07 19:00 Lawrence Polowy, KU1L Thomaston CT 860-283-4089
07/12/07 19:00 Louis Mester, W1CH Providence RI 401-263-6045
07/12/07 19:00 Kevin Cellini, N1KGM Trumbull CT 203-268-5015
07/13/07 18:30 Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R Burlington VT 802-878-6454
07/14/07 08:45 William J Needham, K1WN Braintree MA 781-843-4400
07/14/07 09:00 Ben Fleck, K2LYE Falmouth MA 508-540-2583
07/14/07 09:00 Norm Smith, NY1B Union ME 207-354-6853
07/16/07 19:00 Richard Strycharz Jr, KD1XP Amherst MA 413-665-2211
07/16/07 19:00 Arthur Denault, KB1CNB Fall River MA 774-644-3469
07/17/07 19:00 Paul Lux, K1PL Portland CT 860-635-1742
07/18/07 17:30 Donald R Smith, AE1Q Augusta ME 207-495-3891
07/18/07 19:30 Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX Cambridge MA 617-253-3776
07/18/07 19:00 Robert E Moreland, KA1ZMF Milford CT 203-934-4059
07/19/07 19:30 Louis Harris, N1UEC Norwood MA 508-668-0858
07/19/07 18:30 John Ruggiero, N2YHK Worcester MA 508-982-0617
07/25/07 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH Shirley MA 978-597-6535
07/26/07 12:00 Adam Woodbury, K1ADW Bedford MA 781-271-3062
07/27/07 18:00 David Cote, WA1DC Holyoke MA 413-575-2950
07/28/07 09:00 William D Wilson, K1IN Bloomfield CT 860-869-1059
07/28/07 09:00 Kenneth Carr, KB1AWV Cranston RI 401-828-1665
07/28/07 12:00 Daniel Lee, W1DFL Danvers MA 978-352-4513
08/02/07 19:00 Walton G Congdon, W1ZPB Northfield MA 413-498-2729
08/05/07 09:00 Richard Barton, N1NCZ Milford CT 203-877-5020
08/09/07 19:00 Louis Mester, W1CH Providence RI 401-263-6045
08/09/07 19:00 Kevin Cellini, N1KGM Trumbull CT 203-268-5015
08/10/07 18:30 Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R Burlington VT 802-878-6454
08/11/07 09:00 Ben Fleck, K2LYE Falmouth MA 508-540-2583
08/11/07 09:30 Ernest Laug, KA1NGG Stamford CT 203-348-3993
08/11/07 10:00 Bryce Rumery, K1GAX Topsham ME 207-799-1116
08/12/07 12:00 Bob Quinn, WV1A Gloucester MA 978-281-1408
08/14/07 19:00 Lawrence Polowy, KU1L Thomaston CT 860-283-4089
08/15/07 19:00 Robert E Moreland, KA1ZMF Milford CT 203-934-4059
08/16/07 19:30 Louis Harris, N1UEC Norwood MA 508-668-0858
08/20/07 19:00 Arthur Denault, KB1CNB Fall River MA 774-644-3469
08/21/07 19:00 Paul Lux, K1PL Portland CT 860-635-1742
08/22/07 19:30 Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX Cambridge MA 617-253-3776
08/22/07 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH Shirley MA 978-597-6535
08/24/07 18:00 David Cote, WA1DC Holyoke MA 413-575-2950
08/25/07 09:00 William D Wilson, K1IN Bloomfield CT 860-869-1059
08/25/07 12:00 Daniel Lee, W1DFL Danvers MA 978-352-4513
08/25/07 09:00 Bob Jones, WB1P Slatersville RI 401-333-4787
09/08/07 08:45 William J Needham, K1WN Braintree MA 781-843-4400
09/08/07 09:00 Ben Fleck, K2LYE Falmouth MA 508-540-2583
09/09/07 12:00 Bob Quinn, WV1A Gloucester MA 978-283-4660
09/10/07 19:00 Dick Doherty, KA1TUZ Brookline MA 617-527-2968
09/12/07 19:30 Bruce Anderson, W1LUS Chelmsford MA 978-851-2886
09/13/07 19:00 Louis Mester, W1CH Providence RI 401-263-6045
09/14/07 18:30 Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R Burlington VT 802-878-6454
09/15/07 09:00 Bill Wade, K1IJ Marlborough MA 617-699-3670
09/18/07 19:00 Paul Lux, K1PL Portland CT 860-635-1742
09/19/07 19:30 Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX Cambridge MA 617-253-3776
09/20/07 19:30 Louis Harris, N1UEC Norwood MA 508-668-0858
09/22/07 12:00 +George Johnson, W1ZT Danvers MA 978-927-7211
09/26/07 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH Shirley MA 978-597-6535
09/28/07 18:00 David Cote, WA1DC Holyoke MA 413-575-2950
10/01/07 19:00 Dick Doherty, KA1TUZ Brookline MA 617-527-2968
10/06/07 10:30 Larry Houbre, AA1FS Dartmouth MA 508-991-6055
10/10/07 19:30 Bruce Anderson, W1LUS Chelmsford MA 978-851-2886
10/11/07 19:00 Louis Mester, W1CH Providence RI 401-263-6045
10/12/07 18:30 Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R Burlington VT 802-878-6454
10/13/07 09:00 Ben Fleck, K2LYE Falmouth MA 508-540-2583
10/14/07 12:00 Bob Quinn, WV1A Gloucester MA 978-283-4660
10/16/07 19:00 Paul Lux, K1PL Portland CT 860-635-1742
10/18/07 19:30 Louis Harris, N1UEC Norwood MA 508-668-0858
10/20/07 09:00 Bill Wade, K1IJ Marlborough MA 617-699-3670
10/24/07 19:30 Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX Cambridge MA 617-253-3776
10/24/07 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH Shirley MA 978-597-6535
10/26/07 18:00 David Cote, WA1DC Holyoke MA 413-575-2950
10/27/07 12:00 +George Johnson, W1ZT Danvers MA 978-927-7211

NOTES:
* = PREREGISTRATION MANDATORY
+ = PLEASE CALL TO GAURANTEE SEATING
T = Technician Exams only
Times are Local Time
Please check with the contact person as some dates are tentative!
For the latest examination information, check
http://www.ky1n.net/ky1n.html.
If attending a session please remember to bring:
1) One photo ID, or two non-photo ID's (one with address)
2) Original FCC-issued license plus a photocopy (if already licensed)
3) Original plus photocopies of all CSCE's you are claiming
4) The 2007 test session fee of $14.00
All VE Teams are invited to contribute.
For additions/corrections contact Jim Heedles, WW1Y, 603-673-7395,
via email at ky1n@ky1n.net