Norwood ARC Meets Over the Air, May 28, 2020
The Norwood Amateur Radio Club meets on Thursday, May 28th, 2020 at 7:30 PM over the air (due to COVID restrictions) via RF, EchoLink, and IRLP via the 147.20 repeater (PL 100).
Month: May 2020
Field Day: “A Difference Experience in the COVID-19 Environment”
Rick Palm, K1CE, writes in the ARRL ARES Letter, May 20, 2020:
ARRL Field Day is my favorite operating event of the year. For most radio clubs and large groups, it’s going to be a different experience this year in light of the COVID-19 environment. With CDC protocols in place, many will not gather in their usual Field Day locations. ARRL offered some tips and suggestions to help you plan this year’s operation — ARRL Suggests Taking a Creative Approach to Field Day 2020. A few of them applied to my own recent operating experiences and thought I would share as possible inspiration.
My personal, longtime Field Day experience revolves around my recurrent entry class: 1E – home station on emergency power, yes, the “couch potato” class. It’s easy to look down on us E class operators but every year I learn something new about my station and operation, usually dealing with 12V power management and solar panel efficiency, etc. “Remember, Field Day is a non-adjudicated operating event and not a ‘full speed ahead’ contest,” says ARRL.
The League also suggests not forgetting about 6 meters: FD is not an HF-only event. Summer propagation on the “Magic Band” can be interesting and sometimes thrilling. This past year, I have used my 40-meter dipole to work local stations on 6 meters. I just ordered a three element 6 meter Yagi. I’m looking forward to trying it for FD (and the preceding June VHF Contest) for openings.
Recently I have had a blast discovering FT8 and the underworld (under the noise-level world, that is) of weak signal work. A suggestion from colleague Mike Corey, KI1U, and the WSJT suite of weak signal software opened this door to excitement for me. I’m not sure how to configure it for Field Day yet, but that will give me something fun to learn and apply before next month’s event. The software reportedly does support the ARRL Field Day exchange.
It strikes me that derivatives of FT8 will render high value modes for emergency/disaster response communications when conditions are less than optimal, its essence. See, for example, JS8Call. JS8Call is a digital mode built on the popular FT8 protocol; however, it instead offers real-time keyboard-to-keyboard messaging as well as store-and-forward capabilities and other similar features.
Remember: In Field Day, “a premium is placed on developing skills to meet the challenges of emergency preparedness as well as to acquaint the general public with the capabilities of Amateur Radio.” – ARRL Field Day Rules
“We don’t rise to the level of our expectations. We fall to the level of our training.” – Archilochus
North Shore Radio Association Meets Online, May 18, 2020
Rick Savage, KB1LYJ, writes on the North Shore RA mailing list:
“We have a Zoom meeting set up for our May meeting. It will be on Monday, May 18th. The link is open at 7:00 if you want any pre-meeting discussions. Please share this information with the members on any and all formats available web page, email, Facebook etc.
Rick Savage is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: NSRA Meeting May 18th
Time: May 18, 2020 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
[Contact kb1lyj at nsradio dot org for Zoom meeting URL]
Meeting ID: 851 8789 8833
Password: [Contact kb1lyj at nsradio dot org for password]
KE5AL: “JJ Flex Radio” at Zola Center Amateur Radio Club Online Meeting, May 23, 2020
Frank Ventura, N1FMV, writes on the Middlesex ARC mailing list:
Dear all,
The next meeting of the Zola amateur radio group will be online only, no in person component.
Date: Saturday, May 23, 2020
Time: 11 AM to 1 PM Eastern
Our very special guest speaker will be Jim Shaffer, KE5AL, developer of JJ Radio and JJ Flex Radio. He will join us in speaking about the origins of the blind-friendly CAT software, JJRadio, to operate his Flex-Radio and field our questions. All are welcome for this month’s meeting. Please use to conference information below my signature.
For conference URL and password, contact Frank at frank.ventura -AT- littlebreezes -DOT- com.
Please join us every Thursday evening at 7PM Eastern for our weekly net. We can be found at 147.360 MHz with a PL of 67.0 Hz tone, or on Echolink at call sign W1LJO-R node number 462341.
New England Sci-Tech General Course Online, July 21-24, 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.
This is a FULL course taught by a 40-yr veteran teacher, not a discussion group or video service. You will learn so much more than just watching a video.
Current offering:
Four day course: Tu-W-Th-F July 21-24, 3:00-6:00 pm Eastern Time each day.
The FCC General test will be scheduled for an upcoming weekday evening or weekend, as an online test, run by our VE team which has authorization to run online tests.
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 lecture study guide and charts, free access to our weekly Online Radio Shop Talk sessions, and a guest pass to the NEAR/STARS Radio Rooms and radio club meetings for 3 months once the facility reopens.
Note that the standard $15 license exam fee is NOT included and must be registered separately; our VE team is authorized to give ONLINE exams, so you can schedule an exam within a week of the course. (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 Course Begins June 1, 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.
This is a FULL course taught by a 40-yr veteran teacher, not a discussion group or video service. You will learn so much more than just watching a video.
Topics range from the science of radio electronics to the FCC rules governing the radio spectrum. Recommended text: ARRL Extra Class License Manual, 12th edition, for exams through June 30, 2024, (purchase on ARRL website). Regular practice and study 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.
Current offerings:
ONLINE for 8 days, Mondays June 1 – July 20, from 6:00-9:00pm Eastern time. (Content is NEW AE material for the July 2020-2024 exams)
The FCC Amateur Extra test must be registered separately; our VE team is authorized to give ONLINE exams, so you can schedule an exam within a week of the course.
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 lecture study guide and charts, free access to our weekly Online Radio Shop Talk sessions, and a guest pass to the NEAR/STARS Radio Rooms and radio club meetings for 3 months once the facility reopens.
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.
Wellesley Amateur Radio Society Meeting Online, May 19, 2020
Dan Brown, W1DAN, writes on the Wellesley ARS mailing list:
QST!
I hope you are healthy.
Our next [Wellesley Amateur Radio Society] meeting will be online via Zoom next Tuesday [May 19, 2020] at 7:30PM. Here we will vote to have online elections due to COVID-19, and then I will give a non-amateur radio talk about the Boston DTV transmission.
I will send out a Zoom meeting invite Tuesday.
Be well and 73,
Dan W1DAN
ARRL Announces New Life 70+ Membership
The ARRL Board of Directors recently voted to create a special Life Membership opportunity for individuals who are at least 70 years old. Starting on June 1, the Life 70+ Membership will be available to individuals who have turned 70 and have a combined 25 years of paid annual ARRL membership.
Life 70+ Members receive all benefits of an annual membership, including their choice of print magazine delivery (QST or On the Air), and digital access to these publications, plus the digital versions of QEX and National Contest Journal (NCJ). In addition, each Life 70+ Member will receive a Life Member pin and a window decal and may purchase an exclusive Life Member plaque. [Full story]
K1USN Radio Club Holds First Zoom Session
“Pi” Pugh, K1RV, writes on the K1USN mailing list:
Tuesday evening we launched our inaugural K1USN Zoom session. It was a great success with 27 check-ins. Future sessions will be announced and we will send out invitations to those who have indicated that they wish to participate.
Drop me a e-mail if you wish to be added to our K1USN Zoom list. Send it to pi.k1rv@gmail.com.
Looking for presentations for upcoming K1USN ZOOM meetings. Already have several planned by Rick – N1DC.
Possible subjects of interest:
- Reverse Beacon Network
- Contesting
- Antennas
- CWOPs and CW Academy
- Propagation
- Station Logging Software – HRD, Logic, others?
- Contest Logging Software – N1MM+, Writelog
- DMR
- HT Programming
- IRLP
- SDRPLAY
- Flex Radios
- DX Cluster Filtering
- Satellite Operation
- Operating Aides – DX Atlas, Ionoprobe, VE3SUN DX Monitor, CW Skimmer, etc
If you have knowledge in any of these areas and would like to help or can think of additional subjects of interest, let me know.
Sturdy Memorial Hospital ARC “Virtual” May Meeting on the 147.195 Repeater
Ray Cord, K2TGX, writes on the Sturdy Memorial Hospital ARC mailing list:
“Since our first try at a virtual club meeting was such a success, we have decided to give it a go again. Tuesday, May 19th is our meeting night and the meeting net will start at 8:00 PM on the [K1SMH 147.195] repeater. Hope you can all make it.”
KD1CY Featured on Ham Radio Live! May 7, 2020
Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, Julio Ripoll, WD4R, Eastern Massachusetts Section Emergency Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY, and Lloyd Colston, KC5FM from the Hurricane Watch Net and the VoIP Hurricane Net were guests on Ham Radio Live! to discuss Hurricane Preparedness Week, Weather Observers Day, the 55th anniversary of the Hurricane Watch Net, and the 40th anniversary of the amateur radio station at the National Hurricane Center, WX4NHC.
The nationwide podcast and live call-in talk radio show is hosted by Neil Rapp, WB9VPG. The weekly show is also simulcast on shortwave station WTWW on 5.830 MHz. If you missed tuning in the episode, you can hear a recording by visiting https://www.spreaker.com/show/ham-talk-live and clicking on Episode #211.
Final Reminder: Contest University Online, May 14, 2020
John Dorr, K1AR, writes on the Yankee Clipper Contest Club mailing list:
Good morning everyone!
Just a final reminder that CTU On-Line will be held this Thursday, May 14. Be especially sure to stay connected at the end of the day as there will be a very special presentation of great interest to YCCC members.
Check out https://www.contestuniversity.
and be ready to go!
PART of Westford Meets May 19, 2020
“The May 19 PART of Westford meeting will be held online via video conference, starting at 7:30 PM. Details will be sent to members via Groups.io. Our guest speaker at the May meeting will be Terry, KA8SCP, who will talk about recent repeater antenna upgrades.
“During this time of “social distancing,” there’s a new PART net on 10 meters. We meet occasionally at 7:30 PM local time on 28.400 MHz. There’s usually someone listening, so if you don’t hear anyone, just announce that you’re on frequency or call CQ. Thanks to Bob, W1IS, for setting this up.” -PART of Westford web site
W1DYJ: “Antenna Modeling” at Minuteman Repeater Association Meeting Online, May 20, 2020
The Minuteman Repeater Association will hold its May membership meeting and annual elections via Zoom teleconference on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 beginning at 7:30 PM. MMRA will feature guest speaker Larry Banks, W1DYJ, who will present, “Antenna Modeling Using TLW, YW, and HFTA.”
All are welcome to join the meeting. If you would like to attend, email contact@mmra.org to request conference information.
K1USN Saturday Morning Net Moves to W1ATD 145.39 Repeater
“Pi” Pugh, K1RV, writes:We have been given the opportunity to have our K1USN Saturday morning net on the W1ATD – 145.39 ( 67 Hz ) repeater in Marshfield. I wish to thank the repeater trustee, Jeff, AJ1L, for making this possible.
The repeater has wide coverage and should give some additional K1USN members an opportunity to check in. As many of you might already be aware; the W1ATD repeater has a wide range of digital mode capabilities which we may try accessing in the future, but at the present time the digital modes will be disabled during our Saturday morning net from 9 AM to approximately 10:30 AM to eliminate any confusion while we make the transition over to 145.39.
COVID Impact to ARRL Awards Program
The following correspondence was posted on the ARRL-Awards mailing list on May 8, 2020 in response to a query about a pending award:
Congratulations on your achievements.
Our return to HQ is dictated first by the Governor of CT, and then by consideration for safety of staff and how best to manage that.
Returning to HQ (even with minimal staff to ensure social distancing safety) is definitely still a few weeks out, and getting caught up on even the pre-shutdown backlog may take some weeks after that. Following that are the shutdown receipts, which at this point are an unknown in part as they come from many applicants by mail – mail that has yet to be reviewed.
ARRL Awards are printed on high quality certificate stock – not a PDF printed on to paper. We know that (through this week) we have more than 1,000 Award Certificates near ready/pending printing, which will get our attention once we can safely return staff to the HQ Building.
We ask that everyone continue to be understanding and patient as we and the global community work to come out of this pandemic.
73,
Bart Jahnke, W9JJ
Radiosport and Field Services Manager
ARRL – The national association for Amateur Radio®
Framingham ARA Meets Online, May 7, 2020
Sumner Weisman, W1VIV, writes on the Framingham ARA mailing list:
Thursday, May 7, 2020, is the date for our usual FARA monthly meeting. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, we are not holding our meetings at the Framingham Police Station. Instead, we will be holding a virtual club meeting on Zoom. We welcome you to join us at 7:30 PM, and enjoy our meeting from the comfort of your home. All are probably familiar with Zoom by now. If you are not, just click on the link below and you will be in the meeting. You will need a computer with a camera and microphone. If you do not have that, you can still join the meeting by calling one of the phone numbers shown below, where you will have audio but of course no video. We hope to see you there!
73,
Sumner Weisman, W1VIV, Director
Pilgrim Amateur Wireless Association Meets On The Air, May 8, 2020
Hi everyone,
Stop by 5/8/20 to join us for our next upcoming On The Air Event: the PAWA Friday Night 2 Meter Net 5 /8/20 at 7:00 PM on our 147.135 MHz KA1GG club repeater. Everyone is welcome to check in to join us
This week:
- Trivia question: What type of antenna you would use for your portable ham radio station
- Projects you have been working on
- The weather in your area
We are always glad to have you with us
___________________________________________
For Updates – Club Events – Activities
Stop by to listen for announcements on our 147.135 MHz KA1GG Club Repeater. Check in with us here on our Pilgrim Amateur Wireless Association Facebook Page. Visit us on our ARRL Club Page
Take care, be safe, please stay healthy
73 de PAWA
K1IR: “Tower Safety” at Algonquin ARC, May 14, 2020
The next [Algonquin Amateur Radio Club] meeting will be held on May 14 at 7:30 PM online. Stay tuned for the conference link and access information.
For our presentation, Jim Idelson, K1IR, will be speaking on tower safety. This presentation was originally scheduled for our March meeting.
Monthly Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net Reports for April and May 2020
Hello to all…
Here are net reports for the monthly Eastern Massachusetts ARES Nets for April and May 2020:
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net for April 6th, 2020:
KD1CY-Rob-New Bedford, MA (Net Control Station)
WA1OEZ-Bob-Taunton, MA- Army MARS Liaison
W1SHS-Stu-Franklin, MA
KB1OQA-Tom-Wayland, MA
K1LXV-John-Mendon, MA
KA1NMA-Bob-Plymouth, MA
W1HAI-Joe-Natick, MA
W1RVY-Eric-Southbridge, MA
WB1EMS-Joe-Milton, MA
N8TFD-Steve-Cincinnati, OH, ARES DEC For District 4 Ohio
KC1FUH-Patrick-Arlington, MA
KI4SZF-Chris-Sarasota FL
N1YLQ-Sparky-Burlington, MA
KB1NZZ-Chet-Quincy, MA
N1JCM-Jeff-Walpole, MA
N1UMJ-John-Taunton, MA
W1HFP-Jason-Hudson, MA
KC1MCW-Wayne-Milford, MA
AE1EI-Kevin-Bellingham, MA
W3EVE-Steve-Wrentham, MA
KC1FUN-Joe-Arlington, MA
KC1MSN-Bernie-Milton, MA
Including NCS 22 stations in 46 minutes.
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net May 4th, 2020 Net Report
W1HAI-Joe-Natick, MA -Net Control Statation
KD1CY-Rob-New Bedford, MA
KB1OQA-Tom-Wayland, MA
N1OSG-Andy-Quincy, MA
AC2IR-Ted-Lincoln, MA
KC1BOO-Ernie-Norton, MA
W1SHS-Stuart-Franklin, MA
W3EVE-Steve-Wrentham, MA
KV1J-Eric-Marlboro, MA
KB1OKU-Gabriel-Haverhill, MA
N1XTB-Phil-Middleboro, MA
KC1MSN-Bernie-Milton, MA
KC1GFY-Garrett-Andover, MA
N1WEN-Bill-Natick, MA
KI4SZF-Chris-Sarasota FL
KC1FTJ-John North Chelmsford, MA
KC1FUT-Jessie-Blackstone, MA
KA1RSY-Ed-New Bedford, MA
KB1QAT-Gary-Concord, MA
KB1NZZ-Chet-Quincy, MA
Including NCS – 20 stations in 44 minutes.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES 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
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