March 2020 Section News Available
The March, 2020, Section Newsletter is now available at https://ema.arrl.org/march-2020-section-news/.
Month: March 2020
Yankee Clipper Contest Club Post-WPX SSB Virtual Get-together, March 31, 2020
Jim Idelson, K1IR, writes on the YCCC mailing list:
Great online meetings are no accident. With some planning, our meeting tonight [March 31, 2020] can be a lot of fun for all. Here’s what it takes to make our on-line meeting a success.
Plan to join and participate! More participants means more content and more value to the club.
Get setup for Zoom in advance. I will be in the Zoom room 30 minutes ahead to help people get going. When the meeting is underway at 7, we want to focus on WPX, not Zoom.
Bring interesting content – something for the group to see or hear. Start with a short story to tell. Add a picture of your shack. Show how you have your logger screen setup. The antenna project that generated some extra points. An audio clip of a great experience in the contest. Tell me in advance, and we’ll make sure you can share it ok.
Videoconferencing is more than just a phone call. Done well, an online meeting can be even better than an in-person meeting.
Help With Online Technician-to-General Class
Chris Hart, K1ZG, writes on the Billerica ARS mailing list:
A few weeks ago when this pandemic started, I got a crazy idea to put together an online Technician to General class for younger hams. With the help of some fellow hams we were able to launch. The class is in full swing now! BUT I had a teacher back out (for understandable reasons) however we are still short.
Would you consider helping?
Classes are 1.5 hours with a break at 45 minutes, starting at 2 PM ET. The outline and PowerPoints for each class are already done. One chapter can be done in two sessions. Zoom is easy to learn.
All the coordinating, organization, and background work is covered, and I will be online with you. I just need folks with knowledge to share! Experience teaching a class like this is helpful. [I’m asking for] a commitment of 3 hours. (One section done in two classes is ideal). If you would be willing and able please reach out!
Pilgrim AWA Monday Night 2-Meter Net, March 30, 2020
On 3/30/20 we will be hosting our Monday Night 2 Meter Net on our 147.135 MHz KA1GG club repeater at 7:00 pm. We will have more details to follow. Everyone is welcome to join us. We are always glad to hear you in there. For Updates – Club Events – Activities, listen for announcements on our 147.135 MHz KA1GG club repeater. Check in with us here on our Pilgrim Amateur Wireless Association Facebook page. And stop by to visit our ARRL club page.
Take care, be safe, stay healthy everyone from all of us here at the Pilgrim Amateur Wireless Association.
Framingham ARA: Additional Nets and Frequencies to Consider
John Iwuc, KB1VXY, writes on the Framingham ARA mailing list:
[The Framingham Amateur Radio Association] has added a Wednesday night net Health and Wellness check-in net at 7:30 in addition to our usual Sunday 7:30 pm net.
We may consider using ZOOM for our meeting this Thursday. Tune into the net tonight and Wednesday for details from Morris, N1AVP. Alternatively, we may just check in for the meeting on Thursday on the the W1FY repeater.
The Central Mass Amateur Radio Association (CMARA) is running an additional “Breakfast” net each morning at 9:00 am on the Paxton, MA repeater 146.970 PL 114.8
They also run the George’s Old Timer’s Net at 7:30 pm daily, all are welcome. I am net control on Tuesdays.
They follow this at 10 am by a 75-meter net on or about 3982 KHz daily.
There is quite a bit of activity on 10 meters, starting at the calling frequency of 28.400 MHz upper side-band, but also checking 28.350, 28.420 and 28.430 MHz for different groups.
And don’t forget the Yankee 6-Meter Single Side-band Net each Sunday at 9:30 am on 50.272 MHz upper side band. I am the net control on alternate weeks. Six meters had good local coverage so test out your equipment.
New England Sci-Tech Weekday Technician Course, March 31-April 3, 2020
For anyone interested in wireless communications and electronics, this ON-LINE course will get you ready to take the Amateur Radio TECHNICIAN license exam, the FIRST of three certification levels. Geared toward adults, as well as junior high, high school, and homeschool students.
Topics range from the science of radio electronics to the FCC rules governing the radio spectrum. Some preliminary preparation is necessary to get the best results from this course.
The TECHNICIAN level course is offered ONLINE certain weekends and week days.
Current offerings:
Four day course: Tu-W-Th-F Mar 31-Apr 3, 2:00-5:00 pm each day
Four day course: Tu-W-Th-F Apr 7-10, 2:00-5:00 pm each day
The FCC Technician test will be scheduled for an upcoming weekday evening or weekend, probably as an online test (TBA). Course is run by New England Sci-Tech, in cooperation of New England Amateur Radio Inc.
System Requirements: Computer or Chromebook capable of running ZOOM Meeting, either by Zoom app or through a browser, a built-in camera/mic, and a color printer.
Included with course fee: downloadable handouts and study guide, and a guest pass to the NEAR/STARS Radio Room and radio club meetings for 3 months (once our facility opens again). Advance registration and payment required.
Note that the standard $15 license test fee is NOT included and must be paid separately to whatever exam session you attend to take the test. (Price is $15 across the country.)
One additional member of the same family may take this course for the price of one, if sharing one computer, video screen, and materials.
A few hours before the session you will receive an email with a Zoom link and ID. If you don’t see the email, check your spam filter. If you still don’t see it, call 508-720-4179 for help.
For questions, e-mail bobphinney at nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.
New England Sci-Tech Amateur Extra Weekday Crash Course, March 30-April 15, 2020
For anyone interested in wireless communications and electronics, this ON-LINE course will get you ready to take the AMATEUR EXTRA Radio license exam. Geared toward adults, as well as high school and homeschool students.
Topics range from the science of radio electronics to the FCC rules governing the radio spectrum. Some preliminary preparation and regular practice between classes is necessary to get the best results from this course. NOTE: You must have a thorough understanding of the Technician and General material before taking this course. If you are already a licensed Tech or General but have been away from radio for a while, you may request to audit (at half price) one of our Tech and/or General courses to catch up.
The AMATEUR EXTRA level course is offered ONLINE certain weekends and week days.
Current offerings:
WEEKDAY CRASH COURSE – complete in 8 days.
Mon-Wed-Fri, Mar 30, Apr 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15.
Take the exam after you review and practice for a few days.
The FCC Amateur Extra test will be scheduled for an upcoming weekday evening or weekend, probably as an online test (TBA). Course is run by New England Sci-Tech, in cooperation of New England Amateur Radio Inc.
System Requirements: Computer or Chromebook capable of running ZOOM Meeting, either by Zoom app or through a browser, a built-in camera/mic, and a color printer.
Included with course fee: downloadable handouts and study guide, and a guest pass to the NEAR/STARS Radio Room and radio club meetings for 3 months (once our facility opens again). Advance registration and payment required.
Note that the standard $15 license test fee is NOT included and must be paid separately to whatever exam session you attend to take the test. (Price is $15 across the country.)
One additional member of the same family may take this course for the price of one, if sharing one computer, video screen, and materials.
For questions, e-mail bobphinney at nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.
20th USA Amateur Radio Direction Finding Championships, Boston, MA, Cancelled
March 28–The ARRL ARDF Committee has determined that the 20th USA ARDF Championships scheduled for June 9-14, 2020 near Boston, MA must be cancelled due to the COVID-19 situation. With events surrounding COVID-19 developing rapidly, along with the obvious need for urgent steps to contain its spread, the need to cancel the championships has become apparent. The 20th USA Amateur Radio Direction Finding Championships will be rescheduled for a future date.USA ARDF Championships are open to everyone – there is no previous ARDF experience required, nor are competitors required to have an amateur radio license. There are usually several days of practice events followed by four days of competitions. The best radio athletes in the USA compete for spots on Team USA while others get their first taste of the sport. Stay tuned to messages from this group for all the latest announcements and information, or visit http://arrl.org/ardf.
Field Day 2020 — A Time to Adapt
From ARRL Web:
Many individuals and groups organizing events for Field Day 2020 have been contacting ARRL for guidance on how to adapt their planned activities in this unprecedented time of social distancing and uncertainty.
“Due to the unique situation presented this year, this can be an opportunity for you, your club, and/or group to try something new,” ARRL Contest Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE, said. “Field Day isn’t about doing things the same way year after year. Use this year to develop and employ a new approach that is in line with the current circumstances.” [Full story]
CQ WPX SSB Contest, March 28-29, 2020
The WPX Contest is based on an award offered by CQ Magazine for working all prefixes. Held on the last weekend of March (SSB) and May (CW), the contest draws thousands of entries from around the world. [Full rules]
Eastern MA Hospital Net, April 4, 2020
John O’Neill, K1JRO, writes on the South Shore Hospital ARG mailing list:
I have an exciting announcement for the EMHN. Effective immediately, thanks to the generosity of the NEDECN Trustees, we have an EMHN Talk Group on the NEDECN network. The following NEDECN DMR repeaters now have TG#8851 TS#1 (EMHN) active: Boston, Hingham, Bourne, Dennis, and Martha’s Vineyard. Other repeaters may be activated in the future if necessary. This TG is for EMHN related use only. Please use their other TG’s for general communications. I will conduct a test of the NEDECN EMHN TG after the regular Net.
Also, starting with the May NET, I would like to incorporate digital message handling as part of the monthly EMHN using Winlink Express as the standard messaging platform on 145.01. I’ll provide more information on this as time get closer.
Net Control for the April 4, 2020 Eastern MA Hospital Net will be WB1GON, Bob from the Mansfield EOC. The net will commence at the usual time of 10: AM using the following repeaters / frequencies in the order listed:
Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5
Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67.0
Plymouth 146.685 tone 131.8
Simplex 147.42
The Net will then return to the Sharon Repeater for any final comments and Net closing.
NET Protocol: Please wait for Net Control to ask for Check-ins. When asked to check in please use the standard net check-in procedure which is: Here is.., un-key, wait 3 seconds to check for doubling, then give your or your facilities call sign, your first name, and your facility’s name.
We extend an invitation to any health care facility or EOC of any city or town that is served by one of the participating hospitals to join the Net. We also extend an invitation to any RACES or ARES member to check in during the NET.
We are always looking for groups or organizations to try their hand at Net Control duties. If you are interested in giving Net Control a try please let us know. We can be reached by sending an email to ssharg@outlook.com. The goal is to rotate Net Control practice and the experience among as many individuals and groups as possible.
South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Group is seeking licensed Amateur Radio Operators to join their group. For information on joining them please contact Amy Parker in Volunteer Services at AParker@southshorehealth.org
We thank the repeater trustees for their generosity in allowing us to conduct the monthly nets and the use of their systems in an actual event. The following list of repeaters is available for our use. Only a few systems are used each month with the selection of those used made by Net Control for that month. More systems are being added to the list on a regular basis.
Analog Repeaters
Attleboro 147.195 tone 127.3 (Sturdy Memorial Hospital)
Belmont 145.430 tone 146.2
Boston 145.230 tone encode 88.5 tone decode 100.0
Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67.0
Danvers 145.47 tone 136.5
Dartmouth 147.000 tone 67.0
Fall River 146.805. tone 67.0
Falmouth 147.375 tone 110.9
Mansfield EMA 446.925 tone 100.0
Mansfield 147.015 tone 67.0
Marshfield 145.390 tone 67.0
Norwood 147.210 tone 100.00
Plymouth 146.685 tone 131.8
Salem 146.88 tone 118.8
Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5
Weymouth 147.345 tone 110.9 (South Shore Hospital)
W. Bridgewater 146.775 DCS 244
Wrentham 147.09 tone 146.2
DMR Repeaters
EMHN TG#8851 TS#1
Boston 449.1750 Offset -5.00 CC1
Hingham 146.4300 Offset -1.500 CC1
Bourne 145.2000 Offset -0.600 CC10
Dennis 146.4700 Offset -1.500 CC11
Martha’s Vineyard 145.180 Offset -0.600 CC10
We look forward to hearing from you all on the Net.
Respectfully,
John O’Neill K1JRO
President, South Shore Health Amateur Radio Group
EMA ARES – DEC Healthcare Liaison
NEAR-Fest XXVII Officially Cancelled
Mike Crestohl, W1RC writes on http://forum.near-fest.com/index.php?topic=1470.msg3468#msg3468:
“We have been cancelled by Executive Order:
https://wgme.com/news/coronavirus/new-hampshire-issues-statewide-stay-at-home-order.
The NVARC Monday Night Net is reconvening on 16 March.List of New England Hamfests and Flea Markets, March 24, 2020
Here is a list of New England area events and their current status as of March 24th 2020. Source:<http://forum.near-fest.com/index.php?topic=1480.0>
Canceled (check organization/club web site for reschedule information)
March 22: Henniker NH CVARC https://k1bke.wordpress.com/
March 29: Southington CT. Southington Amateur Radio Ass’n. Flea Market http://www.chetbacon.com/sara.htm
April 4: Hampton NH Seacoast Amateur Radio Flea Market http://w1wqm.org/
April 10,11: Lewiston ME ARRL Maine State Convention http://w1npp.org/
April 17: Manchester CT. Eastern VHF/UHF/Microwave Conference http://newsvhf.com/conference/
April 18: Center Ossipee NH Lakes Region Hamfest and Flea Market https://www.w1bst.org/
April 19: Cambridge MA Flea at MIT https://w1mx.mit.edu/flea-at-mit/
April 25: Gales Ferry CT RASON Auction http://www.rason.org/
April 16: Thompson CT Eastern CT Amateur Radio Ass’n. http://www.ecara.net/
May 1,2: Deerfield NH NEAR-Fest XXVII https://near-fest.com
May 15-17 Xenia OH Dayton HamVention https://hamvention.org/
May 17: Cambridge MA Flea at MIT https://w1mx.mit.edu/flea-at-mit/
Sept 11,12: Lewiston ME Lewiston ME ARRL Maine State Convention http://w1npp.org/
Scheduled (check before making plans, reservations)
May 16: Goshen CT: Southern Berkshire A R C https://www.sberk.org/
June 21: Cambridge MA Flea at MIT https://w1mx.mit.edu/flea-at-mit/
July 19: Cambridge MA Flea at MIT https://w1mx.mit.edu/flea-at-mit/
July 24-26: Marlborough MA Northeast HamXposition (ARRL New England Convention) http://hamxposition.org/ Note: formerly Boxborough.
Aug 16: Cambridge MA Flea at MIT https://w1mx.mit.edu/flea-at-mit/
Aug 23: Newtown CT Western CT Hamfest http://cararadioclub.org/
Sept 12: Windsor ME Augusta Amateur Radio Ass’n http://w1tlc.org/
Sept 20: Cambridge MA Flea at MIT https://w1mx.mit.edu/flea-at-mit/
Oct 16,17: Deerfield NH NEAR-Fest XXVIII https://near-fest.com/
Oct 18: Cambridge MA Flea at MIT https://w1mx.mit.edu/flea-at-mit/
Falmouth ARA 2M “Meeting Net” to Utilize NetLogger
Larry Gray, W1IZZ, writes on the Falmouth ARA mailing list:I thought the upcoming “over the air meeting” would be a good time to try out NetLogger. Some of you may already use NetLogger, as a number of regular radio nets use NetLogger to help manage the net.
The use of NetLogger is NOT required. No worries if you would rather not load it, or try it.
For those members willing to try NetLogger during the meeting net, I attached the information needed to use NetLogger during the net. As you will see, NetLogger is easy to use.
I will have the net open on NetLogger using the net name “FARA 2M Meeting”, as shown in the attachment. Just “join” this net as shown in the attachment.
Again, using NetLogger is not required for the upcoming FARA 2M meeting net [on Wednesday, March 25 at 7:30 PM]. It is just an opportunity to try something new. NetLogger is very useful for managing nets with a large number of check-ins.
Long Island CW Club Offering Free, Online Morse Code Instruction for Homebound Youngsters
From ARRL Web:
The Long Island CW Club in New York is offering free, online Morse code instruction for the “many youngsters at loose ends as a result of school closings due to COVID-19 concerns.” The club’s co-founder, Howard Bernstein, WB2UZE, pointed out that learning Morse code is “a fun and educational activity for children of all ages that can fill part of the gap left by the current unfortunate situation that has closed so many schools across the country.”
Ongoing classes will take place Monday through Friday, specifically for school-agers anywhere across the country or overseas, via Zoom online video conferencing. A computer equipped with a microphone and camera is required. Classes for elementary schoolers run 30 minutes starting at 1600 UTC, followed by 45-minute classes for middle- and high school-aged students starting at 1645 UTC. Parental permission is required through advance registration. Contact class instructor Rob Zarges, K2MZ, by e-mail or call 508-831-8248. — Thanks to Mel Granick, KS2G, ARRL New York City-Long Island Section Public Information Coordinator
Lawrence Bacow, KA1FZQ, and Spouse Test Positive for COVID-19
The President of Harvard University, Lawrence Bacow, KA1FZQ, announced this afternoon that he and his spouse have contracted COVID-19.
March 24, 2020:
Dear Members of the Harvard Community,
Earlier today, Adele and I learned that we tested positive for COVID-19. We started experiencing symptoms on Sunday—first coughs then fevers, chills, and muscle aches—and contacted our doctors on Monday. We were tested yesterday and just received the results a few minutes ago. We wanted to share this news with all of you as soon as possible.
Neither of us knows how we contracted the virus, but the good news—if there is any to be had—is that far fewer people crossed our paths recently than is usually the case. We began working from home and completely limiting our contact with others on March 14 in keeping with recommendations to adopt social distancing measures. In line with standard protocols, the Department of Public Health will be in touch with anyone with whom we have had close contact over the past fourteen days.
We will be taking the time we need to rest and recuperate during a two-week isolation at home. I am blessed with a great team, and many of my colleagues will be taking on more responsibility over the next few weeks as Adele and I focus on just getting healthy. Thanks, in advance, for your good wishes. Thanks also for your understanding if I am not as responsive to email as I normally am.
This virus can lay anyone low. We all need to be vigilant and keep following guidelines to limit our contact with others. Your swift actions over the past few weeks—to respond to the needs of our community, to fulfill our teaching mission, and to pursue research that will save lives—have moved me deeply and made me extraordinarily grateful and proud. I hope to see as few of you in our situation as possible, and I urge you to continue following the guidance of public health experts and the advice and orders of our government officials.
The world needs your courage, creativity, and intelligence to beat this virus—wishing each of you good health.
All the best,
Larry
____________________
Lawrence S. Bacow
President
Harvard University
ARRL Headquarters is Closing
03/23/2020: ARRL Headquarters will comply with an executive order from Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont that all non-essential businesses and not-for-profit entities reduce in-person workforces by 100% no later than March 23, 2020, at 8 PM. ARRL will equip as many Headquarters staffers as possible to work remotely. [Full story]
New England Sci-Tech General Course On-Line, April 4-5, 2020
For anyone interested in wireless communications and electronics, this ON-LINE course will get you ready to take the Amateur Radio GENERAL license exam. Geared toward adults, as well as junior high, high school, and homeschool students.
Topics range from the science of radio electronics to the FCC rules governing the radio spectrum. Some preliminary preparation is necessary to get the best results from this course.
The GENERAL level course is offered ONLINE certain weekends and week days.
Current offerings:
Two day course: SAT-SUN April 4-5, 1-5pm each day
The FCC General test will be scheduled for an upcoming weekday evening or weekend, probably as an online test (TBA). Course is run by New England Sci-Tech, in cooperation of New England Amateur Radio Inc.
System Requirements: Computer or Chromebook capable of running ZOOM Meeting, either by Zoom app or through a browser, a built-in camera/mic, and a color printer.
Included with course fee: downloadable handouts and study guide, and a guest pass to the NEAR/STARS Radio Room and radio club meetings for 3 months (once our facility opens again). Advance registration and payment required.
Note that the standard $15 license test fee is NOT included and must be paid separately to whatever exam session you attend to take the test. (Price is $15 across the country.)
One additional member of the same family may take this course for the price of one, if sharing one computer, video screen, and materials.
For questions, e-mail bobphinney at nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.
New England Sci-Tech On-Line Technician Course, March 24-27, 2020
For anyone interested in wireless communications and electronics, this ON-LINE course will get you ready to take the Amateur Radio TECHNICIAN license exam. Geared toward adults, as well as junior high, high school, and homeschool students.
Topics range from the science of radio electronics to the FCC rules governing the radio spectrum. Some preliminary preparation is necessary to get the best results from this course.
The TECHNICIAN level course is offered ONLINE certain weekends and week days.
Current offerings:
Four day course: Tu-W-Th-F March 24-27, 2:30-5pm each day
Two day course: SAT-SUN March 28-29, 1-5pm each day
Four day course: Tu-W-Th-F Mar 31-Apr 3, 2:30-5pm each day
The FCC Technician test will be scheduled for an upcoming weekday evening or weekend, probably as an online test (TBA). Course is run by New England Sci-Tech, in cooperation of New England Amateur Radio Inc.
System Requirements: Computer or Chromebook capable of running ZOOM Meeting, either by Zoom app or through a browser, a built-in camera/mic, and a color printer.
Included with course fee: downloadable handouts and study guide, and a guest pass to the NEAR/STARS Radio Room and radio club meetings for 3 months (once our facility opens again). Advance registration and payment required.
Note that the standard $15 license test fee is NOT included and must be paid separately to whatever exam session you attend to take the test. (Price is $15 across the country.)
One additional member of the same family may take this course for the price of one, if sharing one computer, video screen, and materials.
For questions, e-mail bobphinney at nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.