Falmouth ARA Planning for October Jamboree On The Air

Falmouth Amateur Radio AssociationThe Falmouth Amateur Radio Association plans to sponsor a Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) event in the fall. This is the largest scouting event in the world and is held annually on the third full weekend in October. JOTA uses amateur radio to link scouts and hams around the world, around the nation, and in local communities.

The club plans to set up at the Falmouth Recreation Center “probably in the large room with a lot of windows.” Interested club members should contact Glen, KC1GKT at glen.dowden@gmail.com. More information to follow.

New Technician Class Element 2 Exams Will Take Effect for Exam Sessions Beginning July 1, 2018

From the ARRL VE Newsletter, June, 2018:

The newly revised pool, released in January 2018 (updated and re-released February 12, 2018) by the Question Pool Committee (QPC) of the NationalConference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC), must be in use starting July 1. There are three graphics required for this pool and 423questions in this pool, down slightly from 426 in the previous pool.

With the Technician class exam questions changing July 1, new test designs must be used effective that day. Previous ARRL VEC supplied Technician class exam booklet versions (2014 series) and computer-generated Technician class exams created from the 2014 question pool are only valid until midnight June 30, 2018. At that time VE Team leaders should destroy or throw away the old versions of the Technician exams (do not return them to VEC).To avoid a mix-up at the session, do not save old exam versions!

Two ARRL Foundation Scholarships Awarded to Eastern MA Amateurs

ARRL Foundation logoThe ARRL Foundation has announced the 2018 recipients of the scholarships it administers. 

Two Federation of Eastern Massachusetts Amateur Radio Associations (FEMARA) Scholarships have been awarded to George E. Falardeau III, KC1ANB, of Saugus and Julie Knappik, KB1YTT, of Raynham. 

A third FEMARA scholarship went to Shefali Janorkar, KD2FIW, of Staten Island, New York.

“FEMARA Inc. is a Massachusetts non-profit corporation that sponsors and runs the ARRL New England Division Convention. The group, which has been in existence for over 30 years, began as a consortium of area radio clubs. Its goals are twofold; to offer the richest and most diverse ARRL Convention in the country, and to support the ARRL Foundation‘s scholarship program.”

Congratulations to all! 

New England Wolf Pack Fusion Net, June 29, 2018

Brian, WO1VES writes:
 
This is a reminder that tonight at 8:00 PM I will once again be hosting the New England Wolf Pack Fusion Net.  This is a Yaesu System Fusion net open to all ham radio operators.  There are multiple ways to connect:
 
Direct to the Stoneham repeater: 147.075 with your Fusion radio
 
Through a Wires-X connected repeater or node: Connect to Wolf-Den, room 28941
 
Through your hotspot: Connect to the YSF reflector US Wolf Den
 
Through Echolink: No Fusion Radio?  Connect to WO1VES/R on Echolink
 
Through your DMR radio into your hotspot. SharkRF Openspot and MMDVM based devices can link DMR radios to YSF reflectors.  Just connect to US Wolf Den.
 
Work is still underway to full time link the Gloucester 443.700 Fusion repeater, but it is still not ready yet. I will also be adding an FCS reflector to the link.  I also encourage any other New England area Fusion repeaters to link in for the net.
 
Thanks everyone!
 
Brian – WO1VES

How to Clean After Corroded Batteries

pix of corroded batteriesJerry Woodworth, N1DD writes on the YCCC mailing list:

I forgot to remove batteries from a measuring instrument. AA Panasonic batteries cracked and some kind of fluid came out. On visual the damage does not appear to be fatal. However there is considerable white residue left. Any hints on what will remove the residue?

Greg Zenger, N2GZ replies:

Flush with de-ionized water and then dry with alcohol.

I avoid vinegar (acetic acid) as it can do more damage than good. Sure it neutralizes the alkali, but diluting it with water is just as effective at reducing the alkalinity and doesn’t leave an acid residue.   If there is a lot of leaked battery electrolyte  you can wipe it up with a cotton swab and then neutralize with vinegar before putting it in the trash, but don’t put the vinegar on your electronics.

De-ionized water readily dissolves the contamination and washes it away, the process can be sped up by scrubbing with a cotton swab. You can get de-ionized water at the grocery store in gallon jugs.

I prefer methanol for use on electronics, but isopropyl (rubbing alcohol) is commonly available and will work just fine. Look for a high percentage for best results. Medical isopropyl is often only 70-90%. 99% or greater is what you want. A gallon can of it from the hardware store is generally the cheapest way to get it. Water content in the alcohol slows down the evaporation time and can get left behind in little crevices like under chips or in through vias.

Flushing with pure alcohol washes away residual water and then quickly evaporates leaving nothing behind.

You may need to use a dental pick or some emery cloth to remove any corrosion that has increased the contact resistance of the battery terminals. 

Fox Activated, Wilmington, June 27, 2018

Nick Mollo, KC1DKY writes on the Fox Hunters mailing list at 6:54 PM ET on June 27, 2018:

Attention Fox Hunters!

The KC1DKY FOX is out and about in Wilmington on town conservation land. Set your transceiver to 146.565 MHz, press your PTT, give a DTMF of 2, and if you are close enough, you’ll hear it beep back at you. Don’t forget to ID with your call sign when you attempt to activate it.

If you are new to fox hunting, there are several websites with good info, that include:
http://www.homingin.com/equipment.html
http://www.w0qe.com/transmitter_hunting_basics.html

I use my Baofeng with no antenna when I’m close enough and I go off frequency.  You gotta know your equipment.

SPOILER ALERT!  The location for anyone stuck (backwards)

daor llim – setatse eilyk

73!

Nick
KC1DKY

Request For Operators: Norwood Fourth of July Parade

Norwood ARCBarry Devine, K1BFD writes on the Norwood ARC mailing list:

Our next support event is the July 4th Parade (hot event) in Norwood. Lou, me, Keith, Jeff, and Chris  are already on board for this event. However, we could still use a few more hands.

This event is a joint effort with Commonwealth REACT and is critical to the town of Norwood. Basically, we are responsible for staging and dispatching the parade acts from the staging point in South Norwood. We also staff the reviewing stand at the Norwood Commons, and provide forward spotters to identify the acts before they arrive at the reviewing stand. This information is passed on to the PA and cable TV announcers.

The majority of our support is needed in South Norwood. However, we can still use another body or two for the reviewing stand. If you are available and have a couple of hours to help us out, let me know by e-mail (barry@barryfdevine.org) or phone (781 591 2331).

Thank you for your support.

Request for Operators: YuKanRun Parker River Half Marathon, Byfield, July 8, 2018

Christopher Winczewski, K1TAT writes:

We are looking for operators to staff the YuKanRun Parker River Half Marathon on Sunday July 8, 2018 , 8:00 am be on Location by 7:30 at Triton High School, 112 Elm Street, Byfield, MA.

Please let me know if you can staff a communications check-point for the event by  the 6th of July so I can plan staffing positions for the event.

Please let us know what type of equipment you plan to use.  (i.e.: mobile; HT; ¼-wave mag mount; OEM rubber duck; etc.) so we have a better idea of where to locate you along the event course per the potential of your equipment.

The course will be open and supported by CAARA for four hours. Runner safety is everyone’s top priority. Local EMT crews and ambulances will be available for three hours to help ensure everyone enjoys the day and remains safe.

Parker River Communications Team

Byfield, MA

Last Updated: 6/28//2018 10:00pm
Event date: July 8, 2018
On Location: 7:30 am
Starts: Half Marathon Run = 8:00 am
Freq: K1KKM West Newbury 146.625 PL:131.8 Back up: Simplex 146.565

Free Radio Wave Propagation Course

Eric Horwitz, KA1NCF writes on the North Shore RA mailing list:

Here is a good refresher (perhaps better to have been sent BEFORE Field Day) for the club membership (some of who are not DXers).  This came from the FEMA Urban Search & Rescue Comm group that I’m on and was sent for widest dissemination.  Please forward to the club as a whole, to include the FD distro list, and anyone else you think appropriate.  Thanks.


Greetings,

The COMET Program is pleased to announce the publication of the new lesson, “Radio Wave Propagation“. As a society we have become dependent on satellite communications, but satellites fail with alarming frequency. Before the advent of satellites, long distance communications were carried out with high frequency (HF) radio transmissions. This 1-hour lesson examines the factors that control long-distance radio communications, with an emphasis on refraction in the ionosphere, frequency selection, and the effects of solar radiation.

The intended audience for Radio Wave Propagation is any potential radio operator who communicates across long distances using HF frequencies. This can include members of the U.S. DoD, emergency management, and amateur radio operators.

We welcome any comments or questions you may have regarding the content, instructional approach, or use of this lesson. Please e-mail your comments or questions to Alan Bol (alanbol AT ucar.edu). For technical support, please visit our Registration and Support FAQs .

 

Natick HS High Altitude Balloon Group Project a Success

wa3itr-7 aprs trackCharlie Bures, WA3ITR writes:

On Wednesday, June 20, the Natick HS High-Altitude-Balloon Group launched their platform at 4:07pm from the Hatfield Elementary School, near Northampton in the middle of Massachusetts. The APRS tracking device used Charlie’s callsign (WA3ITR) with a dash-7.

From the APRS track shown below, the HAB was up to 45,000 feet over Worcester traveling east at over 85 pmh! It circled over South Natick & Framingham, reaching up to 91,953 feet before it burst. It continued toward the Atlantic as it parachuted back to the ground. Although the plan from the simulations was to land in the Natick area, that wasn’t going to happen as it sped to the east.

The chase team couldn’t go that fast ! The last APRS point was in East Weymouth at about 500 feet above the ground (AGL) at 6:38pm . The Natick group hoped to find it, since the 3 GoPro cameras were only recording photos to their internal micro-disks. Luckily, they spotted it around 7:10pm in a farmer’s field in Hingham and he gave them permission to recover it. Now, we will be checking the 3 cameras to see if there are any photos and, if so, making a short video or photo album.

Weekend General License Course Offered, Natick, July 13-15, 2018

New England Sci Tech logoFor high school students and adults who already have a Technician level license, this fast-paced, two-day course will get you ready to take the GENERAL license exam. Topics range from the science of radio electronics to the FCC rules governing the radio spectrum.  Some preliminary reading and study is necessary to get the best results from this course. Material will be sent approximately a week before the course.

The GENERAL level course runs Friday, July 13, 6:00-9:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 14, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by theFCC General examat 3:00 p.m., at New England Sci-Tech, 16 Tech Circle, Natick. The $85 course fee covers exam fee, cold cuts and salad lunch, coffee and snacks, and printed materials. Advance registration and payment required.

For questions, e-mail bobphinney at nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179 or visit <https://www.nescitech.org/product/weekend-general-class/>.

KH1/KH7Z Baker Island DXpedition Has a “Local” Connection

KH1/KH7Z QSL cardA Scituate ham is playing a key role in the upcoming KH1/KH7Z Baker Island DXpedition.

“Don Mikes, AA1V, who is the pilot for the upcoming Baker Island DXpedition KH1/KH7Z team wants to let everyone know that he is in daily satellite phone communication with them as they sail/motor to Baker Island from Fiji. 

“They cast off 24 hours ago and are experiencing good sailing conditions. Be sure to check their website for the latest updates and to also track their progress via GPS – https://share.garmin.com/K6TD

–Courtesy “Pi” Pugh, K1RV, from the K1USN Radio Club mailing list

Severe Weather & Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend Coordination Message #2 – Saturday 6/23/18-Sunday 6/24/18 Weather Outlook/Severe Weather Potential

SKYWARN logoHello to all..

..The following is the second in a series of messages on Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend and providing information on the weather during this period. This is a tradition spanning over 15 years for Amateur Radio Operators involved with Field Day and the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN Program..
..After quiet weather on Friday, unsettled weather is likely during Amateur Radio Field Day weekend. It will not be a complete washout but there will be the threat of widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms with heavier rainfall and urban and the potential of urban and poor drainage flooding as well as an attendant lightning risk Saturday into Saturday Night. As we move into Sunday…

[Full post]

Severe Weather & Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend Coordination Message #1

Hello to all.. 

..The following is the first in a series of messages on Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend and providing information on the weather during this period. This is a tradition spanning over 15 years for Amateur Radio Operators involved with Field Day and the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN Program.. 
..2018 Field Day weekend has quiet weather for Friday but looks unsettled with the potential for rain and possibly heavier rain and can’t rule out an isolated thunderstorm along with cooler temperatures on Saturday and then the potential of isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms with strong to damaging winds, hail, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall on Sunday Afternoon/Evening potentially when Amateur Radio Field Day sites are breaking down stations and wrapping up for this year’s event. Weekend weather will be monitored closely..
..Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend is an annual event where Ham Operators across the United States setup at Emergency Operations Centers, field locations, home locations etc. to operate and test their equipment and skills and make as many radio contacts as possible during the weekend. Many locations can be visited by the public and Amateur Radio Field Day can be a form of outreach to Ham and non-Ham Operators. It is also noted that several states have given proclamations to Amateur Radio/Ham Radio Operators for either an ‘Amateur Radio Day or Amateur Radio Week’ during the month of June or an ‘Amateur Radio Month’ for this month. It is both a fun/preparatory event for Ham Radio Operators for Emergency Communications scenarios.. 
..SKYWARN Activation on Saturday appears unlikely but will need to monitor for any potential for thunderstorms and attendant lightning risk and heavier rainfall. SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Boston/Norton are possible Sunday Afternoon/Evening for isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorm potential..

There are a large number of Amateur Radio Field Day sites across the NWS Boston/Norton Coverage Area and adjacent NWS Coverage Areas. Here are some links to information on these Amateur Radio Field Day Sites from across the region: 

Amateur Radio Field Day Information: http://www.arrl.org/field-day 
Amateur Radio Field Day National Locator: http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator 
Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Home Page: http://fd.ema.arrl.org/ 

The commonwealth of Massachusetts has declared this week to be Amateur Radio Week and Governor Baker has proclaimed Sunday June 24th, 2018 Amateur Radio Day in honor of the ARRL Field Day event. The details can be seen at the following links:

 
For Field Day weekend, Friday looks quiet weather wise with seasonable temperatures and dry conditions. As we get into Saturday, there could be general rain over Southern New England with cooler temperatures. There could also be heavier rainfall and the chance of an isolated thunderstorm though currently it looks more like a rain and heavier downpour situation versus a general thunderstorm concern but this will be monitored and updated again in the Friday Evening coordination message.
 
For Sunday, parameters could come together for isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms with strong to damaging winds, hail, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall in the Sunday Afternoon and Evening timeframe as Field Day operations end and field day sites are securing. We are still 2+ days from this event and this will be updated with greater details as we get closer to this timeframe. This concern is mentioned in the NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook.
 
Coordination messages later Friday and Saturday will help better define the outlook particularly for Sunday and the severe weather potential. Below are links to the NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook and NWS Boston/Norton Experimental Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:

NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook: 
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html 

NWS Boston/Norton Experimental Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/box/ehwo

Amateur Radio Field Day sites are still encouraged to bring a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio, monitor various cell phone weather apps where Amateur Operators may have those available and have a dedicated Ham Radio that can monitor their local SKYWARN Frequency for their area as a best safety and preparedness practice. Also sites that have mobile Internet capability can utilize that capability as a way to monitor for weather information. With Mobile Internet capability, utilizing Echolink to monitor the New England Reflector system on Echolink Conference *NEW-ENG3* Node: 9123/IRLP 9123 would be helpful as well. Please see the link below for the latest SKYWARN Frequency information for the region: 
http://www.wx1box.org/node/37

 

During setup and takedown of Amateur Radio Field Day sites and even while operating, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat accordingly. Also having a jacket or sweatshirt during evenings as conditions cool etc. may also be useful while operating this year’s Field Day. The link below features information on Heat Safety:
 
Given the threat for thunderstorms particularly on Sunday, lightning is a threat to any and all Amateur Radio Field Day sites. Remember your lightning safety tips and details on lightning safety can be seen at the following link:
 

The next Amateur Radio Field Day coordination message will be posted by 1000 PM Friday Evening.

Respectfully Submitted, 

Robert Macedo (KD1CY) 
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator 
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator 
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com 
http://ares.ema.arrl.org 
http://www.wx1box.org 
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box 

Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

Section Manager’s 2018 Field Day Message

ARRL flagSunday, June 24 is Amateur Radio Day in Massachusetts:

In Massachusetts, at the urging of State Senator Bruce Tarr, N1UIU, Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker signed a proclamation declaring June 24 as “Amateur Radio Day” in the Bay State.

In addition, both the Massachusetts Senate and House have issued resolutions declaring Amateur Radio Week in Massachusetts coinciding with Field Day.

EMA Section Manager Visits:

Eastern Massachusetts Section Manager, Tom K1TW, and EMA Assistant Section Manager, Phil K9HI, are planning to visit several Field Day locations together on Saturday, primarily in Middlesex and Essex counties.

Safety:

Remember Safety First in every aspect of a field day operation. Go here for helpful guidance on keeping your field day safe: <https://ema.arrl.org/2018/05/23/field-day-safety-officer-checklist/>

Participate:

You can participate as an individual from home, or in the field, or through a local club. If you do not have a home station, then visit a club operation.

Find a club operation nearby:

Use the Eastern Massachusetts (EMA) Field Day locator at <http://fd.ema.arrl.org/>.

Add your club to the locator:

Make sure your club is listed on the Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Locator web site. Go to <http://fd.ema.arrl.org/> and enter your information so others can easily find you.

Earn extra points during Field Day:

Don’t forget you can earn extra points by sending a radio gram to the Section Manager, Tom K1TW or to the Section Emergency Coordinator, Greg KC1CIC. Here are the details on how to create and send a field day radiogram including the schedule of the traffic nets on Saturday June 23: <https://ema.arrl.org/field-day-traffic-tips/>

Wishing everyone in Eastern Massachusetts ARRL section a very enjoyable, safe, and successful Field Day.

73,

Tom Walsh K1TW

——————————————————————–
ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section
Section Manager: Thomas D Walsh, K1TW
k1tw@arrl.org
——————————————————————–

North Attleboro Kid’s Day, Volunteers Requested, June 19-22, 2018

Ray Cord, K2TGX writes on the Sturdy Memorial Hospital ARC mailing list:

After a very successful Norton Founders Day it is now on to the next Large Scale Public Event. North Attleborough Kids Day Thursday June 19th through Sunday June 22nd. While all the details are in Scott Bumpus’s email below,  it is important to note a few things:

1- It is a four day event

2- Hours of Operation are 11AM to 11PM Thursday-Saturday and 11AM to 6PM on Sunday.

3- There is a 5K Road Race on Sunday morning at 8AM-

4- EMA-CERT-MRC-HAM Volunteers have been asked to support Parking Lot operations.

5- There will Fireworks both Friday and Saturday

6- Meal Tickets will be available for Volunteers 

While we would love to have everyone volunteer to work the entire 12 hour shift Thursday through Sunday, we recognize that is both unrealistic and unhealthy. Past history has shown that the first hour and the last  hour each day is the slowest. Friday Saturday nights are the busiest because of the Fireworks at 9:15 PM. Having said that, we would like to have each Team pick a Day and a Time slot or more for their Team. If that is not practical because of work schedules,  then individuals can fill in as they see fit. We are looking at possible 12 Noon to 5:30 and 5:00PM to 10:30PM Schedules each of the days. The 8AM 5K Road race is only an hour or so on Sunday and should be easy to fill.

If you know of other Teams that did not get this email or an earlier one from MEMA please forward it to them.

Please do your best to help fill these hours. It is Fund raising  Event that helps the N.A. Firefighters Association support programs for needy children during the course of the year.

If you wish to help out for one shift or more (or even a partial shift) please send an email to scott.bumpus@nafirefighterskidsday.org with your schedule. Also please put me on copy so I can develop a Roster of Volunteers.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. There will be more info forth coming as we get closer.

Massachusetts House Passes Resolution Proclaiming Amateur Radio Week

MA House sealA resolution has been passed in the Massachusetts State House honoring Amateur Radio operators and proclaiming an “Amateur Radio Week” to coincide with Field Day. The resolution was introduced by Rep. Jonathan Hecht, who represents the 29th Middlesex District (Cambridge, Watertown).  It was signed on June 18, 2018 by Hecht, along with House Speaker Robert A. De Leo and House Clerk Steven T. James.

The language of the House bill is identical to the text in the counterpart Senate resolution. Copies of the resolution have been mailed to ARRL Eastern and Western MA Section Managers Tom Walsh, K1TW and Ray Lajoie, KB1LRL and should arrive in time for this weekend’s Field Day.

Edited: June 21, 2018

Natick High School High Altitude Balloon Launch, Florence, MA, June 20, 2018

WA3ITR APRS trackDan Brown, W1DAN writes on the Wellesley ARS mailing list:

Charlie’s (WA3ITR) High Altitude Balloon project is currently hoping to launch on 6/20/2018 from Florence, MA around 1-2 PM.  It is hoped that the platform will be recovered in the Natick area around 6 PM or so.

Follow it on APRS!
 
See also: 

Request For Operators, YMCA St. Peter’s Fiesta 5K Run, Gloucester, June 28, 2018

Christopher Winczewski, K1TAT writes on the Cape Ann ARA mailing list:

We are looking for operators to staff the YMCA St Peter’s Fiesta 5K Run on Thursday, June 28 2018, 6:30pm be on location by 6:00pm Gloucester.

Please let me know if you can staff a communications check-point for the event by Thursday, May10th so I can plan staffing positions for the event.

Please let us know what type of equipment you plan to use. We need 50 watt mobile units (i.e.: mobile; HT; ¼-wave mag-mount; OEM rubber duck; etc.) so we have a better idea of where to locate you along the event course per the potential of your equipment.

St Peter’s Fiesta 5K Run Communications Team
Gloucester, Mass
Last Updated: 6/18//2018 10:00pm
Event date: June 28, 2018
On Location: 600:pm
Starts: 5K Run = 6:30 pm
Freq: W1GLO 145.130 – PL:107.2 Back up: Simplex 146.565