Month: May 2019

All

KA8SCP Receives Kiwanis Person of the Year Award

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Retired Veterans Service Officer Terry Stader (KA8SCP) has been named the Kiwanis Person of the Year, an annual award bestowed on members of the community who have made significant contributions.

Stader has always had a strong commitment to giving back, whether serving his country or serving his community. Early in his career Stader was Senior Chief Petty Officer for the Navy. During his time in the Navy he was decorated with many awards including the Navy Commendation Medal with gold star and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star. He was also named Sailor of the Year for Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region One. This set the pace of hard work and commitment to public service that brought Stader and his family to Westford in 1993. [Full story]

(Terry Stader is a member of PART of Westford, and serves as an ARRL District Emergency Coordinator.)

Emergency Communications

KD1CY on ARRL Public Service Communications Panel Discussion, Hamvention®, May 17, 2019

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Eastern Massachusetts Section Emergency Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY, will participate in an ARRL Public Service Communications panel discussion at the Dayton Hamvention® on Friday, May 17 from  2:25 to 3:40 PM in Room 3. Those attending the panel discussion will hear from representatives from Amateur Radio’s largest organizations active during times of disaster and emergency.

According to the ARES E-Letter, “An update will also be given on the new ARES Plan and changes that were asked for by volunteers and partner agencies on training, reporting, identification, leadership development, and more. Sponsored by ARRL, this forum will feature Rob Macedo, KD1CY, VOIP WX Net and VOIP Hurricane Net; Paul English, WD8DBY, US Army MARS; David Stapchuk, KD9DXM, US Air Force MARS; Bill Feist, WB8BZH, SATERN; Ross Merlin, WA2WDT, Department of Homeland Security, SHAred RESources (SHARES); Ted Okada, K4HNL, Chief Technology Officer, FEMA; and Malcolm Kyser, KG4G, Chief of Communications, Civil Air Patrol.”

The Dayton Hamvention® in Xenia, Ohio, is host to this year’s ARRL National Convention.

All

MIT Swapfest, May 19, 2019

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Swapfest (The flea at MIT) is an event to buy, sell, and swap amateur radio equipment, components, used computers, electronics, instruments and audio equipment, tools, and a plethora of other items. Includes vendors specializing in odd, rare, and antique electronics and other pieces of technology.

Swapfest occurs on the third Sunday of each month, April through October, and has been running for almost 40 years. Hosted by the MIT Radio Society, in conjunction with the MIT UHF Repeater Association, the MIT Electronics Research Society, and the Harvard Wireless Club.

The Swapfest is held at MIT’s Albany Street Garage on Albany St between Main Streets and Mass Ave in Cambridge. The gate opens for buyers at 9 am. There is an admission fee of $6. Free with an MIT or Harvard student ID.

For more information, see the online copy of our Swapfest flyer. Print out a copy of the flyer and bring it with you for a discount on the buyer’s admission: http://web.mit.edu/w1mx/www/swapfest/swapfest-2019.05.pdf

For information on (free) parking, becoming a seller, and for all other questions, visit  http://w1mx.mit.edu/flea-at-mit/

Clubs / Technical

N1DCH: Intro to Radio Hotspots, Minuteman Repeater Association, May 15, 2019

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The Minuteman Repeater Association will feature Dave Hornbaker, N1DCH, who will present on “Introduction to Hotspots” at itsMMRA logo annual meeting on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 7 PM.

The presentation will cover different hot spot options with emphasis on MMDVM based hotspots and Pi-Star. 

The meeting will be held at New England Sci-Tech, Inc., 16 Tech Circle, Natick, MA. Directions

 

Field Day

20th Annual Field Day Directory Now Available

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The 20th Annual Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Directory contains some of the most comprehensive Field Day resource pages of its kind.

According to Bill Ricker, N1VUX, the Directory offers both detailed historical and current information on individual field day club operations along with the complete event operating rules and helpful safety tips.  “It was originally intended as an ARES function for Y2K and  SKYWARN preparation,” writes Bill. “If any clubs run across records of their Field Day operations before 1997 (or not formally reported to ARRL Contest Branch since then), I’d be happy to include them in the historical catalog.”

“Clubs which are reactivating a previous Class A or F site can confirm to the EMA Directory by simply putting their pin in at the ARRL Field Day Locator – also conveniently linked from our directory. I’ll pick that up and mark them confirmed. I would appreciate an email from new clubs in Class A or F, clubs with new sites, clubs whose details on their EMA directory need updating, or who are definitely not using the site they had last year.”

N1VUX explains why the Directory exists even with the ARRL Field Day Locator page: “Operating at a smaller scale, we can provide a more detailed site description, somewhat curated club and site links, and a cumulative history of public Field Day sites in Eastern Massachusetts section.”

The Directory also links to updated information on how to handle NTS radiogram traffic, and score bonus points during the event.

“A major goal always has been helping (and encouraging) EMA ARRL staff and leadership to plan visits to nearby field day sites, as is our custom — and helping us hit as many different ones as possible.

N1VUX also invites you to post your comments and memories from field day on the ARRL Soapbox. “We’ll link them in the Directory for history. If your club has memories on a website or Facebook page that we don’t have linked, send me the link and I’ll make sure it’s included.”

The Eastern MA Field Day Directory can be viewed at https://ema.arrl.org/field_day.  N1VUX can be reached at his arrl.net address.

 
 
 
 
 
Clubs

WA1VVH on Shortwave Station HCJB, Nashoba Valley ARC Meeting, May 16, 2019

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Bruce Blain, K1BG, writes:

The Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club’s May meeting will be Thursday, May 16th at 7:30 PM at the Pepperell Community Center (in Pepperell).

This month’s speaker will be Harry Chase, WA1VVH. He will be talking about his memories of shortwave station HCJB in Ecuador. He made several trips there as a volunteer to set up broadcasting equipment, help with technical issues, and eventually help decommission the stations.

Public Service

Request for Operators, Motif No. 1 Day Arts & 5K Fun Run, Rockport, May 18, 2019

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

Motif No.1 Day Arts Fest & 5k Fun Run May 18th The Annual 5k and 1 mile fun run for the Rockport Public Schools Health and Wellness Programs.
Location: Harvey Park in Downtown Rockport

Dates: Saturday, May 18, 2019, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Address: 4 High Street, Rockport, MA 01966

Please let me know if you can staff a communications check-point for the event by May17th 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.

 

  
Motif #1 Day 5K
Rockport, Mass
Last Updated: 5/7//2018 6:00 am
Event date: Saturday, May 18. 
On Location: 8:30 am
Starts: 9:00 AM  
Frq: 145.130 – PL:107.2 Back up: 146.585 Simplex
     
Public Service

Request for Operators, YMCA Back Shore 5K, Gloucester, May 16, 2019

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

CAARA has a great public service team.  Come out and have some fun with us. Why?
 
You are using amateur radio to provide a needed public service to ensure the safety and smooth running of a public event in local communities.
 
“I would but I do not have a radio.” No excuse, we have loaner radio’s available with a mag mount that will work in your car just by just plugging it into the cigarette lighter socket. We have loaner hand held radios as well!
 
“I don’t have transportation.” No excuse, we will pick you up and drop you off at your house.
 
“I do not have the time to spare for a whole race.” Well, you can commit to a time slot, for just two hours. We will bend over backwards to get you to participate.
 

YMCA Back shore 5K Thursday, May 16th, 6:00pm:, Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester

  • Start at Harbor Rd & Nautilus Rd
  • Go straight on Nautilus Rd
  • Bear left on Atlantic Rd (TCP1)
  • (Water stop is on Atlantic Rd near Grapevine Rd)
  • Right on Grapevine Rd
  • Right on Harriett Rd
  • Right on High Popples Rd (TCP2)
  • Left on Atlantic Rd (TCP3)
  • Continue straight on Nautilus Rd

Chris Winczewski, K1TAT
k1tat@outlook.com

Operating

Carlisle Fox Hunt, May 10, 2019

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John Salmi, KB1MGI, writes on the foxhunting list on May 10, 2019 at 1:59 PM:

I placed the 2 meter Fox transmitter in Carlisle on146.565 press  DTMF tone 2 to activate 30 seconds on 30 seconds off, run time 15 minutes.

(No Bushwacking)  If you choose the wrong trail you will tricked and you will end up bushwacking a long way to find the Fox and that could be wet.
 
Choose the correct trail and it only 50 feet off the trail and (No bushwacking at all).
 
If you want to know the location and receive a map Email me at: KB1MGI55@Gmail.com
Emergency Communications / Public Service

Littleton Volunteer Corps

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Terry Stader, KA8SCP, writes on the PART-List:

Last night, Wed. May 8th, I had the privilege to speak to the Littleton Volunteer Corps at the Littleton Fire station to about 20 participants. This group will be serving as a team to work as CERT and MRC combined to support their community in various roles. Last night I spoke to them about the resource of Amateur Radio. Some of the attendees were hams, but most were not. Those not initially familiar became very interested and asked about what it takes to become a ham (Question: What does “ham” mean? was asked). Several of this team had been to SKYWARN training and learned how Amateur Radio and NWS work together in this program. We talked about ARES and RACES as well as the history of PART.

The take away from this meeting is a future evaluation and testing the communications challenges from several locations around the  community. Down the road, maybe the group will do a drill or exercise to test their ability to provide services needed.

So, Littleton hams (and others too), we may be looking for some of your time to work with this team and even become a contributor to providing your skills in communications.

 

Public Service

Brain Tumor Ride, Waltham, May 19, 2019

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James Bradley, KB1JKJ <bradleyjab@gmail.com> writes:
 
It’s that time of year again, the Brain Tumor Ride is less than two weeks away so, I am looking for Volunteers.  The National Brain Tumor Society is planning their 2019 Boston fundraising bike ride and they’re looking for amateur radio volunteers. The ride takes place on Sunday, May 19, starting at 7:00 AM from 200 West Street in Waltham. Volunteers will work until the early afternoon, with lunch provided.
 
If you are available to SAG in your own vehicle  please send me your information:
 
  • Your call sign, full name, and name you prefer on the air
  • Your cell phone number, and any other number(s) you like to be reached at
  • Your shirt size
  • Do you have any needs or requests we should consider when making your assignment?
Thank you and 73.
Technical

Dan’s Tech Night: TRL-SDR and Miscellany, Ayer, May 9, 2019

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Dan Pedtke, KW2T, writes:

Hello past TechNighters,

It’s TechNight week again.  TechNight is this Thursday, May 9th, 2019, Grady Research Building in Ayer.  We’re going to talk about the RTL-SDR dongle (again, was a previous tech night, but now there’s a new one), and some other miscellaneous stuff, and the TechNight Radio.  The other stuff might include interesting things I bought at NEARFest last weekend.

See DansTechNight.com for details and directions.  A newer schematic and the PCB layout are posted for the TechNight Radio.

One of the issues with me talking about the Dongle is that it’s all about software, and I’m running LINUX and I think most others are running Windows, so I’ll try to get a couple things running in Windows as well, and bring both laptops.  Been kinda busy with work this week so I’m not so prepared, but so what, we’ll have fun anyway, and the cookies and coffee will be good.

Hope to see you there.

Licensing Education & Training / Youth

New England Sci-Tech Technician License Course, June 1-2, 2019

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NE1AR logoFor junior high and high school students, homeschool students, and adults interested in wireless communications and electronics, this fast-paced, two-day course will get you ready to take the Amateur Radio Technician 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 a few days before the course.

The Technician level course runs on Saturday, 9 AM-4 PM and Sunday, 9 AM-1 PM, followed by the FCC Technician exam at 1:00, at New England Sci-Tech, 16 Tech Circle, Natick. [Full description]

 

Organization

“Put Howard to Work” Operating Event Cancelled

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ARRL flagFrom the ARRL Web:

Earlier this week, ARRL announced that ARRL CEO Howard Michel, WB2ITX, would be on the air at W1AW on Monday, May 13, giving ARRL members a chance to chat with the CEO and get to know him better as a ham. An issue was raised, however, that this event may pose a potential FCC rule violation.

The particular rule is §97.113: “A station is also not allowed to transmit communication in which the station licensee or control operator has a pecuniary interest, including communications on behalf of an employer.” [Full story]

 

Public Service

Request for Operators, YuKanRun Fast Half Marathon, Hamilton, May 11, 2019

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Chris Winczewski, K1TAT, writes on Cape Ann ARA list:

We are looking for operators to staff the YuKanRun Fast Half Marathon on Saturday, May 11 2019, 9:00 am be on Location by 8:30 Hamilton – Wenham High School 775 Bay Road South Hamilton, MA.

Please let me know if you can staff a communications check-point for the event by Thursday, May 9 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.

The course will be open and supported for three 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.

Chris Winczewski, K1TAT
k1tat@outlook.com