K1WCC: “Parks On The Air” at K1USN Radio Club Online Meeting, August 4, 2020

July 31, 2020 - by k9hi - Leave a Comment

N1DC, K1RV, K1WCC, N1NS posing at KM1CC POTA — N1DC, K1RV, K1WCC, N1NS @ KM1CC POTA

“Pi” Pugh, K1RV, writes on the K1USN RC mailing list:

I just wanted to let everyone know that we have confirmed our next K1USN Zoom session for this upcoming Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at 7:30 PM.

This session will feature Henry, K1WCC speaking about the ARRL Parks on the Air (POTA) program. I’m certain that several of you have heard or worked a number of these operations over the past few years. Henry will have a Q & A session following his presentation.

If you would like to join the K1USN Zoom list, send a request to k1rv@arrl.net to be added to our growing list. Those who have signed up and received previous invitations are already on this list! The official invitations will be sent out on Sunday evening.

Feel free to pass along this announcement, but in order to preserve the security of our sessions we ask that the login information not be shared. We ask that anyone interested in attending please send us an e-mail request beforehand.

73,

Pi, K1RV

K1USN

Organization

July 2020 Section News Now Available

July 31, 2020 - by k9hi - Leave a Comment

ARRL flag The July, 2020, Section Newsletter is now available at https://ema.arrl.org/july-2020-section-news/.

Emergency Communications / Public Service

Eastern MA Hospital Net, August 1, 2020

July 31, 2020 - by k9hi - Leave a Comment

John O’Neill, K1JRO, writes:

We would like to thank the group at Mansfield EMA for once again stepping up and offering to be Net Control for the Eastern MA Hospital Net. The August 1, 2020 Eastern MA Hospital Net will from the Mansfield EMA and the Net Control Operator will be Bob, WB1GON.

The Net will commence as usual at 10 AM.

He will use the following repeaters in the order listed, followed by a simplex test on 147.420, and then return to the Mansfield repeater for net closing:

Mansfield 147.015 / tone 67
Bridgewater 147.180 / tone 67
Attleboro 147.195 / tone 127.3

Regards,

John O’ – K1JRO

Clubs

Waltham ARA “Unofficial” Summer Meeting Show and Tell, July 29, 2020

July 28, 2020July 30, 2020 - by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Ron Senykoff, KG1T, writes on the Waltham ARA mailing list:

We normally cancel meetings during the summer. However many expressed interest in keeping something going online.

Agenda: Show and Tell

Bring something to talk about, some photos to share. This is online so you could easily screen share some pictures, or just hold items up to the camera to talk about them!

[Contact Ron Senykoff, KG1T, at rsenykoff -at- gmail -dot- com for conference details.]

Licensing Education & Training

Reminder: Remote Volunteer Exam Sessions Available Nationwide

July 27, 2020 - by k9hi - Leave a Comment

During this COVID-19 pandemic, VE teams are conducting remote examinations almost daily over the internet. For a current schedule, visit https://hamstudy.org/sessions.

Licensing Education & Training

Southeastern MA ARA In-Person VE Session, August 1, 2020

July 25, 2020July 25, 2020 - by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Members of the Southeastern MA Amateur Radio Association (SEMARA) Volunteer Exam team will hold an in-person ARRL-sponsored Volunteer Exam session on August 1, 2020 at their club house at 54 Donald Street, Dartmouth, MA.

According to VE team leader Fred Bacon, N1TF, “Masks are required and social Distancing is practiced. So far I have two signed up for the Technician exam. We do limit the number of candidates to six in the building at one time but have not reached the limit yet.”

For further information, visit http://semara.org/exams/, email exams [at] semara [dot] org or call 508-748-0047.

Operating

ARRL Band Planning Committee Recommends New Band Plan

July 24, 2020August 4, 2020 - by k9hi - Leave a Comment

From ARRL Web:

The ARRL Board of Directors met on Friday, July 17, 2020 in a remote session, using the Zoom videoconferencing platform During this session, the Board accepted the final recommendations of the Band Planning Committee. Committee chair and ARRL First Vice President Mike Raisbeck, K1TWF, introduced the motion to adopt the plan. An earlier draft of the plan was introduced at the Board’s in-person January meeting. After the January Board meeting, the Committee received and considered hundreds of comments from interested amateurs. The final band plan can be viewed on the ARRL website.

Licensing Education & Training

ARRL Members to Lead New 30-Minute Amateur Radio Webinar Series

July 23, 2020 - by k9hi - Leave a Comment

From ARRL Web:

07/22/2020 – ARRL is launching a new webinar series to help introduce more members to the variety of activities and opportunities that radio amateurs enjoy. The ARRL Learning Network will offer live presentations by member-volunteers, for members. Like hamfest forums and radio club presentations, the webinars are intended to help participants get more active, involved, and engaged in amateur radio.

Presentations are 30 minutes each, making them easy to fit into a lunch break or as a short evening activity. A 15-minute question-and-answer period follows each presentation for those who can participate longer. The webinars will be hosted initially using GotoWebinar. Webinars will be recorded, and some presentations will be available for future viewing by members and ARRL-affiliated radio clubs as part of an ARRL Learning Network library.

A running list of upcoming live presentations is available. The web page is the place to register to attend each webinar and requires members to log onto the ARRL website.

Relay Stations and the Art of Traffic Handling

Aaron Hulett, K8AMH, ARRL North Texas Section Traffic Manager

Tuesday, July 28, 2020, 10 AM PDT / 1 PM EDT (1700 UTC)

Fun with Digital Signal Modes FT4 and FT8

Anthony Luscre, K8ZT

Thursday, July 30, 2020, 12:30 PM PDT / 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)

Introduction to Digital FM Modes

Korey Chandler, Sr., WA5RR

Tuesday, August 11, 2020, 5 PM PDT / 8 PM EDT (0000 UTC on Wednesday, August 12)

Introduction to Computer Logging

Steven Lott Smith, KG5VK

Thursday, August 13, 2020, 12:30 PM PDT / 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)

Capture the Magic of 6 Meters

Jim Wilson, K5ND

Tuesday, August 18, 2020, 10 AM PDT / 1 PM EDT (1700 UTC)

The Sport of Finding Hidden Transmitters on Foot

Robert Frey, WA6EZV, ARRL Amateur Radio Direction Finding Committee

Thursday, August 20, 2020, 12:30 PM PDT / 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)

The webinars continue a string of new ARRL benefits introduced in 2020 that has included On the Air magazine, expanded member access to all ARRL digital magazines, and the new On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts.

“The ARRL Learning Network puts experienced member-volunteers at the forefront as a regular source of knowledge-sharing in amateur radio,” ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager Kris Bickell, K1BIC, said. “We hope members participating in the ARRL Learning Network — including presenters — will find it particularly rewarding to share experiences and learning that will motivate more of our community toward lifelong journeys as radio amateurs.”

Members who would like to be considered for future ARRL Learning Network webinars should have experience in delivering presentations, including familiarity with online webinar technology, live video, and screen sharing. Prospective presenters may complete a Call for Speakers form.

Youth

ARRL Foundation Announces 2020 Scholarship Awards

July 23, 2020 - by k9hi - Leave a Comment

From ARRL Web:

The ARRL Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2020 scholarship awards. There were 103 awards this year, totaling $144,450. The non-profit Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) has generously awarded a grant to the ARRL Foundation to match each scholarship award on a dollar-for-dollar basis, lifting the grand total of scholarships awarded to $288,900.

Several Eastern Massachusetts youths were the recipients of scholarship awards:

The Androscoggin Amateur Radio Club Scholarship

Megan G. Wagner, KC1FGH, of Westford, Massachusetts

The CTRI/Chris Seeber, KA1GEU, Memorial Scholarship

Julie Knappik, KB1YTT, of Raynham, Massachusetts

The FEMARA Scholarship

Yettive S. Crestohl, K1YTV, of Marblehead, Massachusetts
Joseph F. Murray, KC1EGK, of Braintree, Massachusetts

The Alfred E. Friend, Jr., W4CF, Memorial Scholarship

Martin S. Sullaway, NN1C, of Waban, Massachusetts

A full list of recipients nationwide can be found at <http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-foundation-announces-2020-scholarship-awards>.

Licensing Education & Training / Youth

New England Sci-Tech General Course Online, July 21-24, 2020

July 21, 2020July 21, 2020 - by k9hi - Leave a Comment

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.

Licensing Education & Training / Youth

Four New England Sci-Tech Technician Courses Online Throughout August, 2020

July 21, 2020July 21, 2020 - by k9hi - Leave a Comment

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 pre-test practice 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 or buying a book.

Current offerings:

2 day course: SAT-SUN Aug 1-2, 2:00-8:00 pm each day Eastern Time
4 day course: Mon-Tu-W-Th Aug 3-6, 3:00-6:00 pm each day Eastern Time
2 day course: SAT-SUN Aug 15-16, 2:00-8:00 pm each day Eastern Time
4 day course: Mon-Tu-W-Th Aug 17-20, 3:00-6:00 pm each day Eastern Time

You may schedule your FCC Technician test 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.

Note that the standard $15 license test 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.)

An additional member of the same family may join this course at no extra charge, if sharing one computer and zoom screen.

A day or so 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 or email us.

For questions, e-mail bobphinney at nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.

Licensing Education & Training / Youth

New England Sci-Tech Amateur Extra Course Online Beginning July 22, 2020

July 21, 2020July 21, 2020 - by k9hi - Leave a Comment

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 who already have a GENERAL license.

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 offering:

ONLINE for 8 days, Wednesdays July 22 – Sept 9, 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.

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.

Clubs

K1OA: “Ham Radio Awards” at Billerica ARS Meeting Online, August 5, 2020

July 20, 2020 - by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Andy Wallace, KA1GTT, writes on the Billerica ARS website:

I am pleased to announce that our own [Billerica Amateur Radio Society] Secretary, Scott Ginsburg, K1OA, will be our speaker for the August meeting.

Scott sent me a sneak preview of his PPT slide deck for Ham Radio Awards and wow, there are some awards available to us that I had no knowledge of. Why go for awards? Well lots of us are already doing the heavy lifting – MAKING QSOs – so why not have a nice plaque or certificate to commemorate your hard work?

If you are curious about ARRL DXCC, Worked all States, Worked All Continents, Worked all Zones, the incredible USA Counties award (guess how many there are?), and others, you will want to see this presentation. Even if you are a casual operator or DXer you will enjoy hearing about these awards. You never know, someday your totals will qualify you for one.

We will announce the link to join the Zoom meeting before the meeting, but it will be posted to the BARS email list and should not be shared outside our Club. Are you on the email list? If not, please send an email to bars-subscribe@w1hh.org and then simply reply to the robot response from the server and you will be subscribed.

Observing our Zoom meeting requires only a web browser and headphones/speakers. You do not need a webcam or microphone unless you want to speak or be seen.

Before our meeting date, please go to https://zoom.us/test and see if it will function for you. If you have problems, we can try to assist – feel free to ask questions on the BARS email list.

I am looking forward to “seeing” many of you Wednesday 8/5/20.

Andy

KA1GTT

All / Field Day

Interim Field-Day-@Home Update

July 19, 2020 - by Bill Ricker - Leave a Comment

Eastern Mass Section summary from ARRL Contest Branch logs-received as of 7/19

Deadline for FD logs is as usual one month, so 7/28. Clubs can check for members’ logs via Contest Branch Logs Received.

As of today, there are 150+ FD logs citing EMA as the section, with 19 clubs with 2+ entries (total 117 stations), plus a handful of single club home stations and representing clubs spanning multiple sections, and a couple dozen 28 claiming no club affiliation. Compared to 39 station logs in 2019, this is a very successful COVID-19 Field Day @Home for EMA.

Status (as of 7/19)
140 Complete
17 Pending documents

count Club
28 (blank)
1 3730 GROUP
6 Algonquin Amateur Radio Club
1 ARASNE
5+1 Barnstable Amateur Radio Club; Barnstable ARC
6 Billerica Amateur Radio Society
2 Blackstone Valley ARC
3 Boston ARC
3+1 Cape Ann ARA, Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association (W1GLO)
1 Charlotte Amateur Radio Society, Inc.
18 FALMOUTH AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION
8+1 Framingham Amateur Radio Association, 1 Framingham ARA
4 K1USN Radio Club
1 Long Island CW Club
1 Montachusett ARA
6 Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club
2 Nashua Area Radio Society
2 Providence RA
1 QRP Amateur Radio Club International
1 Quannapowitt Radio Association – W1EKT
1 Ski Country ARC
1 Southborough Rod & Gun ARC
1 Southeastern Massachusetts Amateur Radio Association (SEMARA)
5+1 Sturdy Mem Hospital ARC, STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL ARC
3 The Whitman Amateur Radio Club
4 “W1HP”
5 Waltham ARA
17 WB1GOF
6+1 WELLESLEY AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY, Wellesley ARS
7+1 Whitman Amateur Radio Club, Whitman ARC
1 Yankee Clipper Contest Club

Stations needing to adjust Club spelling by 7/28 to roll up cleanly –
AK1MD Complete Wellesley ARS 1D EMA
K1UR Complete Framingham ARA 1D EMA
KD0IHJ Pending documents STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL ARC 1D EMA
N1STV Complete Whitman ARC 1D EMA
W4RIG Complete Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association (W1GLO) 1D EMA
W1LEM Pending documents Barnstable ARC 1D EMA

(That’s remarkably good conformity in spelling. I’m guessing the fullcaps vs lowercase is a result of using different logging software ?? )

count Class/Category
1 3A
5 1B1
5 1B1B
1 1B2B
106 1D
5 2D
1 3D
31 1E
1 4E

The proportion of 1E, 1B stations on emergency or battery power at home is gratifying, keeping the spirit of Field Day alive.

EMA Stations with Transmitters > 1 (while safely social distancing, we hope) –
K1IR 3D Billerica Amateur Radio Society
K1WMC 2D Blackstone Valley ARC
KA1YQC 2D
KC1KZB 2D
N1EM 3A Algonquin Amateur Radio Club
W1FM 2D Yankee Clipper Contest Club
W1SRG 2D Southborough Rod & Gun ARC
WA1QZK 4E

Kudos to Ron WA1QZK who forwarded his 4E social distancing plan that included hand-sanitizer station at cellar exterior door and dispersed operating desks.

Clubs

N1BIM: “DMR Radios” at K1USN Radio Club Meeting Online, July 21, 2020

July 19, 2020 - by k9hi - Leave a Comment

“Pi” Pugh, K1RV, writes on the K1USN mailing list:

Joe Zaks, N1BIM, will be giving us a presentation about how to get started with DMR Radio at our upcoming K1USN Zoom session to be held this upcoming Tuesday evening, July 21, 2020 at 7:30 PM. We should have plenty of opportunity for questions, comments, etc after his talk. I’m sure that many of you have already had some experiences with DMR and will be willing to share them with the group.

[Contact pi.k1rv -at- gmail -dot- com for Zoom conference details. -ed.]

Operating

International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend on Track for 2020

July 17, 2020July 17, 2020 - by k9hi - Leave a Comment

The Nantucket Amateur Radio Association hopes to operate in International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend at Sankaty Head Light once again.

According to NARA’s Jerry Horton, W2JH: “We kicked off planning last Sunday during our weekly outreach video conference. We will operate at least two HF rigs on Saturday [August 22, 2020] from about 10 AM to 4 PM, with Sunday serving as the rain date. We are exploring the possibility of streaming our station; at a minimum we want to capture plenty of video and lots of photos for after-the-fact posting. The whole gang is involved, sharing assorted tasks: readying equipment, obtaining access to the lighthouse, site prep, publicity, handouts, etc. Should be fun!”

From ARRL Web:

Registrations for this year’s popular International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend (ILLW) appear to have been largely unaffected by the current COVID-19 pandemic. The event will take place this year over the August 22 – 23 weekend. By mid-July, more than 200 entries had been received, and some 400 are expected to have signed up by the event weekend.

New to this year’s event is Corsica at Phare d’Alistro, which for ILLW purposes carries the French number of FR0030. Two lighthouses in Ghana will be on the air for the first time, as well as Buck Island Lighthouse in the US Virgin Islands (VI0001). Germany is well in the lead with 54 entries, followed by Australia with 29 entries, and the US with 27 entries.

This event is designed as a fun weekend to encourage exposure to amateur radio and lighthouses to the visiting public, and ILLW stresses contacts should be more than just an exchange of signal reports. All participants are urged to observe local COVID-19 safety guidelines. —Thanks to Kevin Mulcahey, VK2CE

Clubs

WU3C: “An Introduction to Synchronization in Modems” at Nashoba Valley ARC Meeting Online, July 16, 2020

July 15, 2020 - by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Bruce Blain, K1BG writes:

The Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club’s July meeting is tomorrow, Thursday, JuLY 16th at 7:30 PM . Under normal circumstances, NVARC does not have meetings in July or August. But this summer, NVARC’s board of directors has decided to extend our on-line meetings through the summer. This meeting will be conducted via WebEx. Meeting details are below. Thanks to Jim Hein, N8VIM, and Medtronics for the WebEx conference.

The meeting will feature Jessica, WU3C, who will give us “An Introduction to Synchronization in Modems.”

I also expect there will be a report on NVARC’s recent participation in the ARRL Field Day at the end of June.

Again, WebEx details are below.

Thanks and 73. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Bruce, K1BG

978-772-2773 or bruce.blain@charter.net

[Contact Bruce Blain for WebEx details. -ed.]

Public Service

2020 Head of the Charles Regatta Cancelled

July 15, 2020 - by k9hi - Leave a Comment

This premiere rowing event, attracting competitors from all over the world, relies upon Amateur Radio communications for coordination and medical support of both land and boat-based services along the beautiful Charles River.

From Boston.com:

“Organizers of the Head of the Charles Regatta, a two-day [October 17-18, 2020] annual event drawing thousands of rowers from around the world, announced the cancellation of the 2020 event Wednesday, citing the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“’As you know, our top priority has always been holding a regatta that is safe, competitive and fun,’ Head of the Charles executive director Fred Schoch wrote in a Facebook post announcing the cancellation. ‘While we are deeply disappointed that health and safety conditions throughout the world prohibit us from doing that this year, our team is hard at work developing a global remote event to be held this October.’” [Full story]

All

Mark Your Calendars for the DXE Virtual Hamfest and DX Academy, July 25, 2020

July 14, 2020 - by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Join the Elmers at DX Engineering and a host of Ham Radio luminaries on Saturday, July 25, 2020, for the first DXE Virtual Hamfest and DX Academy—two online events combined into a full day of fun, learning, and drawings for DX Engineering gift cards.

Both events are free and open to all. Once signed up, you will receive a link to access the events in real-time on the Zoom webinar platform, or you can watch live on the DX Engineering YouTube channel.

The day kicks off with the DXE Virtual Hamfest, featuring presentations from top contributors to OnAllBands (DX Engineering’s blog site), and the latest news and answers to your questions about recent and upcoming products, including the RF-KIT RF2K-S Linear Amplifier (sold exclusively in North America by DX Engineering), the RT-4500HD Heavy-Duty Rotator, and the Ladder Line Surge Protector. [Full story]

Public Service

2020 Baystate Marathon Cancelled

July 14, 2020 - by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Terry Stader, KA8SCP, writes on the PART of Westford mailing list:

From the Lowell OEM folks:

After speaking with the Lowell Cultural Affairs Special Events office they confirmed that these events have been cancelled for this year. I just wanted to send a courtesy update everyone involved each year.

Hopefully we will resume in 2021:

Asian Water Festival (August)
Kinetics Race (September)
Bay State Marathon (October)
River Regatta (October)