a field organization of the National Association for Amateur Radio®
Norm Cantin, WA1NLG, writes on the Barnstable ARC mailing list:[For Zoom conference details, contact Rich Cady, N1IXF, at recady -at- att -dot- net.]
The April 27, 2021 RF Exposure Rules Zoom Discussion by Eastern MA Technical Coordinator Dan Brown, W1DAN, has been posted to the Eastern MA ARRL website at: <https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_qIGZhHyMrha-axJt87Dcu0UZuJO0t8F>.
The discussion was a huge hit. The maximum number of 100 connections for the call was reached just as the discussion started; many late arrivals were disappointed to be turned away, but W1DAN plans to hold at least one additional online discussion before the May 3 deadline using a larger “Zoom room.”
Watch this space for details.
Henry Brown K1WCC, Falmouth CERT Communications Officer, writes:
Falmouth (MA) CERT Team has so far assisted Barnstable County with operations at six vaccination clinics set up at the Barnstable County Fairgrounds in East Falmouth.
The clinics usually run from 1000 to 1600 local time, with over 500 people being vaccinated in most cases.
Falmouth CERT Team has been given the use of a retired Town of Falmouth ambulance as a Responder vehicle. The Responder is equipped with Falmouth Fire/Police communications gear as well as a 2 meter amateur transceiver and handheld radios. CERT members supervise incoming and outgoing vaccine patient vehicles, since the clinic is “drive through”, patients getting their shots in their cars.
Having the Responder on-site is a great advantage, as it gives the Team a place to take a quick break as well as holding the necessary comms and safety gear.
In addition to unlicensed CERT members, Falmouth CERT consists of nine licensed hams, including Henry, K1WCC; Mel, KC1ELB; Dan, KC1MUA,;Andy, K7ADA; Bob, K1MJJ; Lauren,W1LKF; Gene, KX1C; George, K1GRH and Jean, KC1JLO. During shelter activations on Cape Cod, Falmouth CERT is responsible for operating the shelter as well as setting up shelter communications with Falmouth ARES.
AK1WI will present “Adventures in Home Brew SDR Design” at the New England Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society on April 27, 2021 at 7:00 PM.
In this talk, Derek will describe his multi-year project to develop the hardware and software for a stand-alone SDR system using the “Teensy” family of microcontrollers from PJRC. In particular, it uses the Teensy Audio Library structure, hence its name “AudioSDR.” The software is now freely available from GitHub.
Derek will describe the origins of the project from a graduate course he was teaching in 2010, and how it was not initially intended for ham radio, but rather as an exercise in applied DSP (digital signal processing). He will describe in very broad terms the structure and operation of the system. Math will be kept at a minimum.
The talk will also cover the associated hardware for the RF front-end and the LCD display, as well as how the system is controlled, and the software structure for the Teensy Audio Library coding. We will look at (extremely) over-simplified seudo-code to demonstrate concepts of real-time software. We will write such code for an SDR version of the humble crystal-set – the simplest of all radios.
Derek will also discuss current developments and future enhancements for AudioSDR, including the addition of a transmit function to make it a true transceiver.
If feasible we will have a demonstration of the operation, or at a minimum, pre-recorded sound clips of the output.
Eastern MA Technical Coordinator Dan Brown, W1DAN, writes:
QST!
The new FCC RF exposure rules become effective May 3, but do not fret! I will explain what we should do. Please forward this invite to anyone you may think is interested.
Dan
W1DAN
EMA-ARRL Technical Coordinator
—
Dan Brown is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: RF Exposure
Time: Apr 27, 2021 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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The Bristol County Repeater Association / Fall River ARC will conduct a tape measure antenna build party on May 1, 2021 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the South Swansea Baptist Church in Swansea. The club asks for $20.00 to cover materials. They will supply the tape measures, 1/2″ PVC pipe and fittings, clamps, and a connection for your radio.
For more information visit the club web site at <https://bcra.club/bcrawprel/2021/04/06/fox-hunting-antenna-build/>.
The Army Military Auxiliary Radio System will host this year’s Armed Forces Day (AFD) Crossband Test, scheduled for May 7-8, 2021. This annual event is open to all licensed amateur radio operators, and will not impact any public or private communications. For more than 50 years, military and amateur stations have taken part in this event, which is only an exercise scenario, designed to include hobbyist and government radio operators alike.Alan Hicks, KD1D, writes on NEMassFoxHunters list on April 23, 2021 at 1:43 PM:
The KD1D Fox is out for its first run of the spring operating on 146.565 MHz (FM) with a 30 second transmission at one-minute intervals.
To find it, try heading out of the Westford Common Area in the direction of the Westford Knight and an educational institution that may remind you of the leader of a monastery. You should start hearing the signal within a 1/4 mile or less.
More clues will be available upon request.
If you find it, be sure to sign the logbook and record the time and date or send a photo to my callsign at arrl.net.
The audio seems to be down a bit and it may transmit a few “clicks” between messages. I hope to iron out these minor problems next time around.
Happy hunting and 73 DE KD1D (Alan)
ARLB013:
On April 20, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau issued a new Enforcement Advisory, repeating the admonishments contained in a January Advisory that no licensee or user of the Amateur or Personal Radio Services may use any radio equipment in connection with unlawful activities of any nature.
The Enforcement Advisory can be found online in PDF format at https://docs.fcc.gov/public/at
The Commission specifically cautioned that individuals found to have used radios in connection with any illegal activity are “subject to severe penalties, including significant fines, seizure of the offending equipment, and in some cases, criminal prosecution.”
In addition, licensees should be aware that illegal operation in any service or band, including completely outside the amateur allocations, could potentially disqualify a person from holding any FCC license in any service, not just the Amateur Service.
Any amateur observing a suspicious infraction that might be of illegal or criminal nature should report it to their local law enforcement office or the FBI.
George Allison, K1IG, writes on the PART of Westford mailing list:The presentation will be “Giant Antennas of the Navy” given by George, K1IG. When you’ve got to maintain continuous world-wide communications with ships and submarines, ordinary antennas just won’t work. The Navy’s antenna dimensions are measured in miles, not meters (this includes the vertical dimension), and handle megawatts of power. You may recognize some of the designs, but they’re bigger, a LOT BIGGER, than any ham has used. Attend our meeting and see what they look like!
The next Barnstable Amateur Radio Club meeting is April 20, 2021 at 7 PM on Zoom.
Following the brief meeting, one of our newest members Don, KC1JPS, will speak about his experience resurrecting a 1990s GE Orion VHF public service radio to operate in the 2-meter amateur bands. The talk includes where they can found, how expensive they are, what is involved in programming them, adjusting them, etc.
For Zoom conference details, contact Rich Cady, N1IXF, at recady -at- att -dot- net.
ARRL Learning Network with Paul Cianciolo, W1VLF, will show how you can deal with Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). Paul is ARRL’s resident expert on eliminating RFI and he will share what he knows about finding and fixing this common problem.
The biggest sources of interference are solar power systems, utility lines and grow lights for indoor gardening. Paul will cover those and a lot more, including LED lights, digital computing devices, and even battery chargers. Technology has enhanced our daily lives, but this comes at a price for hams. Learn how to find and fix RFI in today’s world in this webinar on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 1 pm EDT.
The ARRL RFI Book. The book is written by highly trained experts who have compiled the best advice available on every type of Radio Frequency Interference. Whether it’s cars, television, computers, audio equipment or telephones, you’ll find a solution for eliminating problematic interference. All this information in one handy book! Order your copy now while supplies last.
Don Melanson, W1DM, writes:
Last night’s [April 15, 2021] Quannapowitt Radio Association Zoom meeting featuring the W1AW Video Tour turned into a surprise for a few of our members. As the meeting was about to take place another ham operator signed into the meeting. His name is Skip Y. Sugimoto, JE2HCJ, from Japan.
It’s a funny story, according to Bob Reiser, AA1M, QRA club secretary. It seems when Bob was sorting his personal contacts for one of his upcoming ARRL awards he added Skip’s e-mail to our Zoom meeting invite without really knowing it. So Bob was quite surprised when Skip asked for the login.
Nothing was said to any of the members until Skip signed in. Skip started his day off by watching the video and then answered a few questions from some of the members. It was a very enjoyable evening by all the members and guests who attended. Skip was very impressed with the video and was welcomed by all. Skip promised to keep in touch and possibly attend the next month’s meeting before he had to log out to go to work .
The QRA would like to thank the ARRL, Jeff Fox, K1GF, and W1AW Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, for making the video. It makes a W1AW tour possible for those unable to physically visit.
The North Shore Radio Association will hold its next meeting on April 19, 2021 at 7 PM. Steve Schwarm, W3EVE, will present on Public Service opportunities.
Zoom conference information will be sent via the NSRA groups.io mailing list. Contact Eric, KA1NCF, at ka1ncf -at- nsradio -dot- org to be added to the groups.io list.
Bruce Blain, K1BG, writes:
The Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club’s next meeting is April 15 at 7:30 PM. This meeting will be conducted via Zoom. Meeting details are below. Thanks to Jim Hein, N8VIM, and Medtronics for the Zoom conference.
The April meeting will feature Frank Donovan, W3LPL, who will talk about the Centennial of the 1921 Transatlantic Tests. This was a historic achievement for Amateur Radio. I’m sure this will be an interesting meeting, and I for one am looking forward to it.
April is also significant because the club holds elections for club officers and board members. Skip, K1NKR and I are on the nomination committee. If you are interested in volunteering for office, please contact Skip or myself. Nominations are open, and will be accepted until the elections take place.
Thanks and 73. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Bruce, K1BG
978-772-2773 or bruce.blain@charter.net
From the Titanic Marconi Memorial Radio Association Of Cape Cod (W1MGY) QRZ.com website:
The Titanic event for 2021 is fast approaching. We will be operating for more time this year from stations of TMMRACC members. Hopefully CW, SSB & FT8 modes will all be covered.
Operating times as operators available:
Sunday Apr. 11th 13:30 Zulu (9:30 EDT) – 02:00 Zulu (12TH) (10:00 pm EDT)
Monday Apr. 12th 10:00 Zulu (06:00 am EDT) – 02:00 Zulu (13th) (10:00 pm EDT)
Tues. Apr. 13th 10:00 Zulu (06:00 am EDT) – 02:00 Zulu (14th) (10:00 pm EDT)
Wed. Apr. 14th 10:00 Zulu (06:00 am EDT) – 06:20 Zulu ( 01:20 EDT) 15th
Operating is being done in two-hour shifts. A high percentage of shifts are covered, but not all. If you would like to operate in a time slot for this event, please contact W1MGY trustee Barry, KB1TLR. We will make all particulars known to operators.
This year the Grid Square is FN41xr.
This is a relatively new radio group to promote and preserve radio history by preserving the memorial call sign of the HMS Titanic.
We urge you to check out the many facets of this disaster especially as it relates to the significance of radio today and possible links to current emergency radio services. There is a wealth of information available on line about Jack Phillips ( senior radio operator of the Titanic) and the disaster itself. In researching, it is amazing how much relates to radio practices today.
Come explore and enjoy. And hopefully we’ll meet on the air waves, 73
If you live or visit the Northeast and would like to join the Association or participate in special events, send your name, call sign, mailing address, e-mail and contact phone number to w1mgycc@gmail.com. You can, of course, e-mail it. We will keep you advised as to events. Thanks for your interest, 73.
From the NUWC mailing list:
Fox hunting is the sport of using a directional antenna to locate a hidden transmitter. We are going to embark on a series to build our own fox hunting antennas in person, and complete a live fox-hunt on campus. For our build session, all needed materials will be provided, and the workshop will last about an hour. Get ready to measure some PVC, cut some tape measures, and leave with your very own Yagi antenna. We will hold a discussion and introduction to fox hunting and then build our own antennas. The date to do the fox hunting and test out your antennas is currently TBD. We will keep you updated after the date.
Again we will be meeting Thursday 4/15/21 at 16:00 PM
Barry Fox, W1HFN, deployed his hidden transmitter in Northeast Massachusetts on April 7. His fox transmits on 146.565 with a 20-second voice ID every minute.
Barry decided to make it a real puzzler. The only clue he gave for a location was: GC1AV7V.
“It should be easy enough in this computer age, but if you get stuck, email me.”
On April 12, Barry wrote, “Retrieved the fox today. The finders were: Bob, W1FDR; George, K1IG; and Eliot, W1MJ.” He adds, “Watch this spot for more fox hunt adventures!”
From the QRA website:
The upcoming zoom meeting on April 15, 2021 at 7 PM of the Quannapowitt Radio Association will show the W1AW tour video. It’s approximately 14 minutes long and a very informative video for those who have never visited W1AW. It is presented by Jeff Fox, K1GF, and W1AW Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q. Please join us for this tour.
As always please e-mail Bob, AA1M at QRAW1EKT@GMAIL.COM or 781-272-6219 for Zoom Meeting ID and Password.
This ONLINE ham radio license course will get you ready to take the Ham Radio AMATEUR EXTRA license exam, the THIRD of three certification levels. Geared toward adults, as well as junior high, high school, and home-school students. Yes, we give online ham radio exams, too! (See below)
This is a FULL course taught by a 40-yr veteran teacher, not a discussion group or video service. You will learn much more than just watching a video or buying a book.
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 level material before taking this course. If you are already a licensed General but have been away from radio for a while, you may request to audit (at reduced price) one of our Tech and General courses to catch up.
Amateur radio (or “ham radio”) is used by people all over the world to communicate over radio waves. Some people use ham radio for emergency preparedness, to provide communications support for community events, to report on severe weather and natural disasters, as a social activity, and even occasionally to contact crew members on the International Space Station!
ONLINE HAM RADIO COURSE FOR AMATEUR EXTRA LICENSE
Relaxed Course: 3-hour classes, 8 Sundays April 25 – June 13, 6:00-9:00pm Eastern time.
Included with course: You will get downloadable lecture study guides and charts, free access to our weekly Online Radio Shop Talk sessions, and a guest pass to the NEAR/STARS Radio Rooms and ONLINE radio club meetings for 3 months, online or in-person. You may also have a free pass to one of our Morse Code courses.
Family Free: Additional members of the same family may join this course at no extra charge, if sharing one computer and zoom screen.
System Requirements: Computer or Chromebook capable of running ZOOM Meeting, either by Zoom app or through a web browser, a web camera/mic, and a printer.
Zoom Link: A few days before the session you will receive an email with instructions to the course details, documents, and Zoom link. If you don’t see the email, check your spam filter. If you still don’t see it, call or email us.
Please be aware of our Cancellation and Refund Policies. For questions, e-mail info@nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.
LICENSE EXAMS
YES, our exam team is authorized to give ONLINE exams, so you can schedule your FCC AMATEUR EXTRA exam within a few days of finishing the course. Note that we must collect the standard $15 exam fee for the ARRL VEC separately. (Fee is $15 across the country.)
We administer ham radio exams both online and in-person, having proctored nearly 2,000 exams over the past decade. We’ve taught amateur radio classes for over 15 years with tremendous success. Hundreds of people have taken our classes with 99% having passed the exam to become licensed operators. We offer classes for all three levels of ham radio licenses: Technician, General, Amateur Extra, as well as Morse Code.