Cape Ann ARA To Hold License In A Day Course March 7, 2009

The Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association will conduct a Technician Class License in a Day course on Saturday, March 7, 2009 from 8:30 am until 4 pm. The course, led by Stan Stone, W4HIX, will be held at the Lanesville Community Center on 8 Vulcan Street in Gloucester, MA.

Anyone interested may register by e-mailing Stan at <stan@lanescove.us>. The course is free; however, the exam fee is $15.00.

MIT Radio Society (W1MX) Turns 100!

MIT Radio Society QSL/logoThe MIT Radio Society (W1MX) will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding this April 30th, 2009. In commemoration, the Society will be operating a special event station, W1MX/100, for a two week period beginning on April 30th and issuing a special QSL card.            

Additionally, the Society will be holding two events for Radio Society alumni at MIT during reunion week in June. Details are available on our website – http://web.mit.edu/w1mx/www/. Please spread the word! And if you are an alum, PLEASE get in touch with us at w1mx-100@mit.edu.

 

 

Eastern MA ARRL Web Of The Past

EMA ARRL web site, circa 1998Shown here is a snapshot of the old Eastern MA ARRL web site circa December, 1998. At the time, our site was hosted by QSL.NET. The site consisted of static HTML pages. Elaine Chase, N1GTB a former ACC for EMA, served for many years as the site’s webmaster.

Today’s EMA ARRL web site content is served up via a Drupal content management system from a MySQL database.

One may view archives from other dates of this site–or any other internet site–by visiting http://www.archive.org.

Marconi Day, Special “Old and New” Communications, Kids’ Activities, April 25, 2009

KM1CC QSL cardOn April 25, 2009 the Cape Cod National Seashore will have a full day of special old and new “communication” activities and programs to celebrate both International Marconi Day and National Junior Ranger Day. The event is free. A free shuttle bus will run between the sites in Eastham from 9:30 AM- 2 PM.

In celebration of International Marconi Day, the Marconi Cape Cod Radio Club, KM1CC, will operate from the Coast Guard Station, Eastham from 9 AM-4 PM.  This is a global event, radio operators from around the world will make contact with KM1CC to honor the birthday of the “Wizard of Wireless,” Guglielmo Marconi, on his birth date, April 25, 1874.  Morse code or continuous wave (CW), and voice operations will be used.

 

KM1CC Operating Plan for International Marconi Day, April 25, 2009  UTC

CW and Phone on the following bands (General and Extra Class allocations):

17M   18.160 SSB           18.080 CW        40M   7.130-7.260 SSB         7.035  CW
20M   14.260 SSB           14.035 CW        80M   3.660-3.860 SSB         3.535  CW 

From 10 AM-1 PM, to expand the celebration of communication history on Cape Cod beyond Marconi, additional park sites in Eastham and the Marconi Station Site, Wellfleet that relate to communication history will be open.  Eastham sites include: Nauset Lighthouse, Three Sisters Lighthouses, and the French Cable Hut at Nauset Light Beach.  Kids can participate in a variety of activities at each site as part of a Kids’ Signal Jam:  Talking and Texting with Wires and Without.” Activities will include:   keys to practice sending Morse Code messages, walkie-talkies, rescue with signals, lighthouse flashing activities, signal flags, and testing wired equipment related to the early French Cable that sent telegraph messages from the Eastham and Orleans area to France for 80 years, 1879-1959.

At 2 PM at the Salt Pond Visitor Center, NASA space educator Rick Varner will revisit the recent space communications advances and offer speculation on visions for the future.  Recently, NASA announced successful tests of software and satellite hardware that could essentially create an interplanetary internet.  Such a communication network will open the gateway to the development of more complex missions and reliable communications for astronauts living and working upon the surface of the moon.

For more information see the enclosed press release, kid’s schedule, or contact Barbara Dougan, KB1GSO at 508-255-3421 x16.

Enhancing Club Membership

Is your club membership dropping off?  Do you have fewer and fewer members attending club meetings?  Do meetings seem dull and contentious?  One of the sure fire signs that your club is not meeting the needs of your members and the local ham radio community is a slowly declining character of your club meeting.   But, alas, there is a sure fired way of  reversing these trends and making your monthly club meetings more exciting!  . 

 

Make sure you always have a speaker for your meetings!   Is it as simple as that…..well not quite  but close!   You say you do this already?   Well OK, but there are some good guidelines for choosing speakers.  First, you should plan to always have a speaker at your monthly meetings.  Get your members used to the fact that each meeting will have a speaker.  Speakers or presenters often provide one of the real needs of local ham radio operators.  Our hobby is a highly technical one with many different facets. A speaker who talks on a technical subject will have a bigger draw than no speaker at all. 

 

A club should have a designated person who has the job of securing speakers for future meetings.  They should be asked to speak often months in advance.  I have found that potential speakers are more willing to speak if approached by the president of a club.  Not only should you secure a speaker in advance but also publicize the subject and the speaker in advance of your meeting.

 

You say you are having trouble locating club meeting speakers?  Well there are many sources.  I have found that you can look within your club.  The key is to be in tune with the interests of the members and convince them they should speak on a topic that has high interest to them.  This almost always works…..but it takes effort !   There is also the ARRL EMA Speakers list posted and updated on this web site.  This is a fine list of potential speakers who have already given a talk at least once.  Use this list!   From a speakers standpoint giving the same talk to another ham radio club is easy.  You will seldom get turned down.  Your members can also be a great source of information and contact points for speakers from other local clubs.  The speakers are out there and willing to talk….its your job to make sure you always have one as the centerpoint of your monthly meeting.

 

Bo Budinger

WA1QYM

ARRL EMA ACC   

 

 

Hams Needed – Two Multiple Sclerosis Walks

Boston ARC logoThe Multiple Sclerosis Society has again organized two local events this year, but no longer on the same day. The “Boston MS Walk” will be on Sunday, 4 April, organized as it has been for the past several years. The “MS Journey of Hope,” will start and finish in Newton on Saturday, 5 April.

We have been asked to support communications for both. The “Boston MS Walk” will start and finish at the Harvard athletic facility on North Harvard St near Soldiers Field Rd in Brighton. The route of the walk will be on both sides of the river in Cambridge and Boston.

The “MS Journey of Hope” starts and finishes at Newton South High School with a 7.5 mile course. There will be several checkpoints, vehicles and medical coverage for us to support.

Each will be managed by a Net Control station, using both VHF and UHF repeaters. Your help is vital for these worthy causes. If you can lend a hand, contact Rick, KB1LYJ, at rpsavage@comcast.net or 781.289.7364.

–Thanks, Boston ARC’s The SPARC, February, 2009

ARRL Mobile Amateur Radio Policy Statement & SGL’s Response

ban cell phone logoOn January 30, 2009, the ARRL’s Executive Committee released its Mobile Amateur Radio Operation Policy Statement in response to proposed legislation springing up across the country regarding the use of cellular telephones while driving.

The full text of the Policy Statement, along with a response from EMA/WMA State Government Liaison Shawn O’Donnell, K3HI can be found on the EMA/WMA SGL web site.

KY1N List of Volunteer Exam Sessions, 02/14/09

                          The KY1N Memorial List
    Scheduled Amateur Radio Volunteer Examinations - CT MA ME NH RI VT
                                  2/14/09
                             Jim, WW1Y, Editor
Date     Time   Contact                        Location           Phone
02/16/09 19:00  Skip Denault, KB1CNB           Fall River      MA 774-644-3469
02/16/09 18:30  Francis D'auria, W1AD          Pittsford       VT 802-775-3033
02/17/09 19:00  Paul Lux, K1PL                 Portland        CT 860-635-1742
02/18/09 19:30  Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX        Cambridge       MA 617-253-3776
02/19/09 19:30  Louis Harris, N1UEC            Canton          MA 508-668-0858
02/23/09 09:00  William D Wilson, K1IN         Bloomfield      CT 860-869-1059
02/23/09 19:00  Walton G Congdon, W1ZPB        Northfield      MA 413-498-2729
02/25/09 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH              Shirley         MA 978-597-6535
02/27/09 18:00  David Cote, W1FAB              Holyoke         MA 413-575-2950
02/28/09 12:30  Mitch Stern, W1SJ              Colchester      VT 802-879-6589
02/28/09 09:00  Kenneth Carr, KB1AWV           Cranston        RI 401-828-1665
02/28/09 12:00 +Daniel Lee, W1DFL              Danvers         MA 978-352-4513
02/28/09 09:00  Jim Heedles, WW1Y              Nashua          NH 603-673-7395
03/08/09 12:00  Bob Quinn, WV1A                Gloucester      MA 978-283-4660
03/09/09 19:00  Jim Clogher, N1ICN             Brookline       MA 617-364-4658
03/10/09 19:00  Lawrence Polowy, KU1L          Thomaston       CT 860-283-4089
03/11/09 19:00  Bruce Anderson, W1LUS          Billerica       MA 978-851-2886
03/12/09 19:00  Louis Mester, W1CH             Providence      RI 401-263-6045
03/13/09 18:30  Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R      Burlington      VT 802-878-6454
03/14/09 08:45 *William J Needham, K1WN        Braintree       MA 781-843-4400
03/14/09 09:00  Ben Fleck, K2LYE               Falmouth        MA 508-540-2583

03/16/09 19:00  Skip Denault, KB1CNB           Fall River      MA 774-644-3469
03/17/09 19:00  Paul Lux, K1PL                 Portland        CT 860-635-1742
03/18/09 19:30  Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX        Cambridge       MA 617-253-3776
03/19/09 19:30  Louis Harris, N1UEC            Canton          MA 508-668-0858
03/21/09 09:00  Bill Wade, K1IJ                Marlborough     MA 617-699-3670
03/25/09 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH              Shirley         MA 978-597-6535
03/27/09 18:00  David Cote, W1FAB              Holyoke         MA 413-575-2950
03/28/09 12:00 +Daniel Lee, W1DFL              Danvers         MA 978-352-4513
03/28/09 09:00  Bob Jones, WB1P                Slatersville    RI 401-333-4787
03/29/09 09:00  William D Wilson, K1IN         Bloomfield      CT 860-869-1059
03/29/09 09:30  Michael Murphy                 Henniker        NH 603-382-6889
04/04/09 09:00  Don Tarbet, KD1XU              Bangor          ME 207-327-1453
04/04/09 10:30  Larry Houbre, AA1FS            Dartmouth       MA 508-991-6055
04/08/09 19:00  Bruce Anderson, W1LUS          Billerica       MA 978-851-2886
04/09/09 19:00  Louis Mester, W1CH             Providence      RI 401-263-6045
04/10/09 18:30  Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R      Burlington      VT 802-878-6454
04/11/09 09:00  Ben Fleck, K2LYE               Falmouth        MA 508-540-2583
04/12/09 12:00  Bob Quinn, WV1A                Gloucester      MA 978-283-4660
04/13/09 19:00  Jim Clogher, N1ICN             Brookline       MA 617-364-4658
04/14/09 19:00  Lawrence Polowy, KU1L          Thomaston       CT 860-283-4089
04/16/09 19:30  Louis Harris, N1UEC            Canton          MA 508-668-0858
04/18/09 09:00  Bill Wade, K1IJ                Marlborough     MA 617-699-3670
04/18/09 10:00  Bryce Rumery, K1GAX            South Portland  ME 207-799-1116
04/20/09 19:00  Richard Strycharz, KD1XP       Amherst         MA 413-665-2211
04/20/09 19:00  Skip Denault, KB1CNB           Fall River      MA 774-644-3469
04/21/09 12:00  Adam Woodbury, K1ADW           Bedford         MA 781-271-3062
04/21/09 19:00  Paul Lux, K1PL                 Portland        CT 860-635-1742
04/22/09 19:30  Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX        Cambridge       MA 617-253-3776
04/22/09 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH              Shirley         MA 978-597-6535
04/24/09 18:00  David Cote, W1FAB              Holyoke         MA 413-575-2950
04/25/09 09:00  Kenneth Carr, KB1AWV           Cranston        RI 401-828-1665
04/25/09 12:00 +Daniel Lee, W1DFL              Danvers         MA 978-352-4513
04/26/09 09:00  William D Wilson, K1IN         Bloomfield      CT 860-869-1059
05/08/09 18:30  Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R      Burlington      VT 802-878-6454
05/09/09 08:45 *William J Needham, K1WN        Braintree       MA 781-843-4400
05/09/09 09:00  Ben Fleck, K2LYE               Falmouth        MA 508-540-2583
05/10/09 12:00  Bob Quinn, WV1A                Gloucester      MA 978-283-4660
05/11/09 19:00  Jim Clogher, N1ICN             Brookline       MA 617-364-4658
05/13/09 19:00  Bruce Anderson, W1LUS          Billerica       MA 978-851-2886
05/14/09 19:00  Louis Mester, W1CH             Providence      RI 401-263-6045
05/16/09 09:00  Bill Wade, K1IJ                Marlborough     MA 617-699-3670
05/18/09 19:00  Skip Denault, KB1CNB           Fall River      MA 774-644-3469
05/19/09 19:00  Paul Lux, K1PL                 Portland        CT 860-635-1742
05/20/09 19:30  Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX        Cambridge       MA 617-253-3776
05/21/09 19:30  Louis Harris, N1UEC            Canton          MA 508-668-0858
05/22/09 18:00  David Cote, W1FAB              Holyoke         MA 413-575-2950
05/23/09 12:00 +Daniel Lee, W1DFL              Danvers         MA 978-352-4513
05/27/09 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH              Shirley         MA 978-597-6535
06/06/09 10:30  Larry Houbre, AA1FS            Dartmouth       MA 508-991-6055
06/08/09 19:00  Jim Clogher, N1ICN             Brookline       MA 617-364-4658
06/10/09 19:00  Bruce Anderson, W1LUS          Billerica       MA 978-851-2886
06/11/09 19:00  Louis Mester, W1CH             Providence      RI 401-263-6045
06/12/09 18:30  Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R      Burlington      VT 802-878-6454
06/13/09 09:00  Ben Fleck, K2LYE               Falmouth        MA 508-540-2583
06/14/09 12:00  Bob Quinn, WV1A                Gloucester      MA 978-283-4660
06/15/09 19:00  Skip Denault, KB1CNB           Fall River      MA 774-644-3469
06/16/09 19:00  Paul Lux, K1PL                 Portland        CT 860-635-1742
06/17/09 19:30  Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX        Cambridge       MA 617-253-3776
06/18/09 19:30  Louis Harris, N1UEC            Canton          MA 508-668-0858
06/20/09 09:00  Bill Wade, K1IJ                Marlborough     MA 617-699-3670
06/20/09 09:00  Jim Heedles, WW1Y              Nashua          NH 603-673-7395
06/24/09 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH              Shirley         MA 978-597-6535
06/26/09 18:00  David Cote, W1FAB              Holyoke         MA 413-575-2950
06/27/09 12:00 +Daniel Lee, W1DFL              Danvers         MA 978-352-4513
07/09/09 19:00  Louis Mester, W1CH             Providence      RI 401-263-6045
07/10/09 18:30  Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R      Burlington      VT 802-878-6454
07/11/09 08:45 *William J Needham, K1WN        Braintree       MA 781-843-4400
07/11/09 09:00  Ben Fleck, K2LYE               Falmouth        MA 508-540-2583
07/12/09 12:00  Bob Quinn, WV1A                Gloucester      MA 978-283-4660
07/13/09 19:00  Jim Clogher, N1ICN             Brookline       MA 617-364-4658
07/16/09 19:30  Louis Harris, N1UEC            Canton          MA 508-668-0858

                                  NOTES:
                       * = PREREGISTRATION MANDATORY
                    +  = PLEASE CALL TO GUARANTEE 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 2009 test session fee: $15.00 for ARRL/VEC, $14.00 for W5YI Sessions
                  All VE Teams are invited to contribute.
  For additions/corrections contact Jim Heedles, WW1Y, 603-673-7395,
                      via email at ky1n@ky1n.net

ARRL Mobile Amateur Radio Policy Statement & SGL’s Response

On January 30, 2009, the ARRL’s Executive Committee released its Mobile Amateur Radio Operation Policy Statement in response to proposed legislation springing up across the country regarding the use of cellular telephones while driving.

Follows is a response from EMA/WMA State Government Liaison Shawn O’Donnell, K3HI:

 

QST MASSACHUSETTS AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS

The ARRL’s January 30, 2009 policy statement on mobile amateur radio operation is a timely contribution to the national debate over the safe use of communications devices by operators of motor vehicles.

Several states have already enacted laws limiting the use of mobile telephones and other communications devices while driving.  Many other states, including Massachusetts, have been considering such laws.

What’s the big deal?
An increasing number of studies show that it is risky to speak on a mobile telephone while operating a motor vehicle.  Some research shows that driver skills drop as much from talking on the phone as they do from driving while intoxicated.  Most state laws concerning cell phone use require hands-free operation, though the data appears to show that the source of driver distraction is not the cell phone hardware, but the conversation itself.  The ARRL made a wise choice not to challenge the cell-phone studies; instead, they pointed out that amateurs tend not to be as absorbed in communications as people using cell phones or PDAs.  Indeed, even the most long-winded hams spend more time listening rather than speaking–especially compared to the average cell phone user.  (Try and time-out AT&T or Verizon’s network the way you can a repeater!)  The ARRL’s choice to emphasize the lower level of distraction involved in ham radio operations is a sensible strategy.  And the League’s decision to focus on public service communications–especially emergency communications–makes their case strong.
Don’t FCC regulations preempt state regulation of amateur mobile operations?Yes, but only to the extent that the FCC regulates licensing, modes of operation, frequencies, etc.  The FCC does not regulate safe operation of motor vehicles–state governments do.  So if Massachusetts says we can’t drive while holding a mic in our hand, that’s the Commonwealth’s prerogative.

So what does the ARRL’s policy statement do for us?
The ARRL is a private organization, and its policy positions have no direct impact on federal or state policy.  But the ARRL’s opinions, especially with respect to emergency communications, do carry substantial weight with many state and federal officials.  This policy statement could help persuade law makers to grant amateurs special consideration in any future legislation.
What should Massachusetts amateurs do?
As of today, we know of no pending legislation on Beacon Hill concerning mobile cell phone operation.  But we are early in the current legislative session.  Given the steady flow of proposed cell phone/driving laws over the last decade, however, we can expect that several state representatives and senators will file such bills soon.  When the inevitable happens, Massachusetts amateurs should contact their representatives & senators with a request that they adopt the language of the ARRL policy statement in any future legislation.  That would help ensure our ability to continue providing valuable public service communications.
Stay tuned for updates.
73,Shawn, K3HI
EMA/WMA ARRL State Government Liaison

Updates on FEMA ICS Training Classes

IS-700 National Incident Command System (NIMS), An Introduction will expire on Friday, February 13, 2009If you previously started the IS-700 course and need to take the final exam, you must complete the exam and obtain a passing score before February 13, 2009.  

FEMA/EMI Courses that have expired are:
IS-800 (expired)
IS-700 (expires on February 13, 2009)
I
S-200 (expired)
IS-100 (expired)
IS-100.LE (expired)

They have been replaced by:
IS-800.b (Course ID# 1011882)
IS-700.a (Course ID# 1016070)
IS-200.a (Course ID# 1016063)
IS-100.a (Course ID# 1016067)
IS-100.LEa (Course ID# 1016068) 

If you have previously completed one of the expired courses, you do NOT have to register and complete the updated courses.

For more information regarding FEMA/EMI course updates, visit http://training.fema.gov/ .  There, you may sign
up to receive updates via their free e-mail subscription service.

Eastern Area NTS Digital Report Jan 2009

Eastern Area NTS Digital Report January 2009
Station Received Forwarded TOTAL Function
W1GMF   3246     3246      6492  1RN DRS
WX4J    737      968       1705  4RN MBO
N2LTC   818      803       1621  2RN MBO
KW1U    404      648       1052  1RN MBO
W8UL    359      358       717   8RN MBO
W4UEF   257      275       532   NC  DRS
WA4ZXV  212      180       392   4RN MBO
WB2FTX  183      189       372   2RN MBO EADC
NM1K    127      131       258   1RN DRS
N1UMJ   69       168       237   1RN DRS
W4NBF   100      141       241   FL  DRS
N3SW    97       74        171   3RN DRS
KA4FZI  133      0         133   FL  DRS
VE3GT   1        53        54    EC  DRS
N2GS    40       6         46    NJ  DRS
VA3PM   20       20        40    EC  DRS
N1JX    1        14        15    NJ  DRS
W2MGT   1        4         5     NJ  DRS
KC8FWD  1        1         2     8RN DRS
TOTAL 14085

Cape Ann ARA Flea Market, March 14, 2009

Cape Ann ARA logoThe Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association will be holding an Amateur Radio flea market on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at the Pigeon Cove Circle Center. The Center is located at 6 Breakwater Avenue off of Route 127 North in Rockport Massachusetts, on the north side of the old tool and die factory.

The doors will open at 7:30 AM for sellers and 9:00 AM for everyone else. Vendors can reserve a table for $10.00 the day of the flea market or for $8.00 in advance. There will be a $3.00 admission fee for buyers. There will be door prizes and coffee and food will be available on-site.

Additionally there will be a club-run consignment table and donations will be negotiated.

Amateur Radio license testing will be available on-site during the flea market.

We ask that this flea market content be limited to Amateur Radio equipment and accesories only. We will not sell TV`s or orphan CRT monitors.

For contact information please e-mail Dick at dickc911@yahoo.com or call 1-508-269-4941. We will have talk-in on the CAARA repeater for the flea market on 145.13 MHz. There is no PL tone on the repeater.

Clarification on DTV Conversion Program

ARRL flag

Steve Ewald, WV1X, ARRL Field Organization Team Supervisor writes to all ARRL Section Managers:

In early December, the ARRL was contacted by Mr. George Dillon of the FCC and asked to aid in the DTV conversion program by providing technical education for communities.  We liked the idea and opportunities it presented.  But it has come to our attention that there is now some misunderstanding on the part of a few FCC field offices, state broadcaster’s associations, and other broadcast industry representatives about the scope of the ARRL/FCC program to assist in the digital television conversion. The issue is whether or not individual radio amateurs should or will do actual DTV converter box installation and programming. The installation and programming of DTV converter boxes in people’s homes is not, repeat not, part of the ARRL program.

As proposed to ARRL by FCC staff in Washington, the nature of the assistance to be provided by Amateur Radio clubs was that of information dissemination to individuals and groups. The FCC and ARRL believe that the well-known technical skill of radio amateurs is a valuable community resource that can help non-technical people get ready for the DTV conversion (the deadline for which is still not firm -it may be either February 17, 2009 or some time in June of 2009). When the FCC contacted ARRL about this program, they proposed that ham clubs might invite the public from their communities to their meetings, or sponsor a public gathering, to provide information about the program, answer questions, and perhaps offer a demonstration. ARRL views this program as beneficial in several respects. It helps the community; it introduces the public to the benefits of Amateur Radio; and it brings new people to Amateur club meetings who may wish to become licensed once they see what a great avocation we have. Finally, it provides a good topic for a program at a club meeting.

But no part of the program we agreed upon involves having hams going into people’s homes to hook up converter boxes, and ARRL is not asking hams or clubs to do so.

Recently, based on an apparent misunderstanding about the scope of the program, some FCC district offices have asked ham clubs to do DTV converter box installations. So have state broadcaster’s association representatives and some network or station affiliates. If an individual radio amateur wishes to volunteer to do a DTV converter box installation or program the device for a neighbor or friend, or for any member of their community, that is a decision that the individual radio amateur must make for himself or herself, but it is not part of the ARRL/FCC program.

Please also note, there are some state laws regulating low voltage electrical and electronic installations that might prohibit unlicensed individuals from doing this, even as a volunteer. There are also liability issues that should be considered. For that reason, the FCC in Washington specifically assured ARRL that no part of the ARRL’s assistance by radio amateurs in the DTV conversion process involves converter box installations or programming. The ARRL/FCC program is strictly in the nature of an educational effort in a public setting.

Meanwhile, many clubs and groups have been getting excellent publicity in their communities and on regional TV by discussing and showing information about the conversion.  >From community meetings to “information nights,” mall displays and daily spots on television (usually with the weather reports), the hams are being seen as technologically savvy and helpful people.

Pilgrim ARC License Class Produces New Hams

Pilgrim ARC logoThe Pilgrim Amateur Radio Club reported that a recent licensing class enrolled six youths and one adult.  According to  Dana Henrique, WA1KYU, “Three students passed the technician examination, and three students were scheduled to retake the exam at a later date. On the same date, two people plan to take the examination for the Amateur Extra class license.” Henrique exhibited some pictures of the class to club members at the meeting.

The Pilgrim ARC was founded in 1976. An ARRL affiliated club, it is dedicated to the maintenance and upgrading of the Provincetown Emergency Management Office communications system. The club meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Council on Aging (COA) building, 26 Alden Street, Provincetown, MA.

Reminder: Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net for February 2009

Hello to all… 

A reminder that the monthly ARES Net for February is rapidly approaching. The monthly ARES Net for February is Monday Ferbuary 2nd, 2009, at 8:30 PM on the MMRA Repeater system. This is after the RACES Nets earlier in the evening. For frequencies that will be linked into the ARES Net on the MMRA Network, please see the following link from the MMRA web site and the repeaters that will be linked in will be through Hub 1:

http://www.mmra.org/repeaters/map.html 

In addition, if the Echo-IRLP node on the MMRA hub is available, we will likely link that to the New England Reflector system on IRLP 9123/Echolink Conference *NEW-ENG* Node: 9123.

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

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://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org

 

Emergency Power Discussion At PART Of Westford, 2/17/09

Police Amateur Radio Team of Westford logoThe Police Amateur Radio Team of Westford will present a panel discussion on Emergency Power at its February Monthly Meeting. This panel discussion is a result of the numerous questions and comments that resulted from the ice storm in December and the extensive power outages (up to 5 days) that resulted. Many hams were well equipped to handle this power outage while some were not.

The panelists are: Ernie (N1AEW), Allison (KB1GMX), John (G3BVU) and Hugh (N1QGE). PART’s Vice President Andy (KB1OIQ) will moderate this panel. The panelists will focus mainly on generator backup power for the home but will also include emergency battery backup power for rigs. They will relate their experiences in dealing with the loss of conventional power. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers.

This meeting will be held at the Westford Police Station on Tuesday, February 17th at 7:30 PM. Directions to this meeting can be found on the PART web page at: http://wb1gof.org.

Bo Budinger, WA1QYM
President: PART of Westford
Eastern MA ARRL Affiliated Club Coordinator