Whitman ARC Technician Course Begins March 15, 2022

Whitman ARC logoFrom K1USN Happenings, Feb. 24, 2022:

The next license class [the Whitman Amateur Radio Club] will be offering will be for the Technician (beginner) amateur radio license. Ross, W1EKG, will be starting the class on March 15th, with classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7 to 9 PM at the Whitman Police station. If you are interested, please email WARC.Training@gmail.com. A VE exam session will be offered at the end of the class.

For questions or to sign up for the class, please Email Ross, W1EKG, at bavarianradio@comcast.net or warc.training@gmail.com or call Ross at 781- 447-9104

 

KM1NDY: “Parks On The Air” at Billerica ARS Meeting, March 2, 2022

Billerica ARS logoTom Walsh, K1TW, writes on the w1hh.org website:

Next [Billerica Amateur Radio Society] Meeting: Wed. March 2, 7PM on Zoom

Speaker: Mindy Hull, KM1NDY

Topic: Parks on the Air (POTA)

The next Billerica Amateur Radio Society (BARS) Zoom meeting on Wednesday, March 2 will feature Mindy Hull, KM1NDY, presenting on Parks On The Air (POTA). Mindy has organized many local club POTA operations in the Boston Area. Please join us for a look at this fun activity and how to get involved as a club.

BARS will announce the link to join the Zoom meeting before the meeting, and 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.

[For Zoom conference details, email Bruce Anderson, W1LUS, at w1lus -at- hotmail -dot- com.]

WB6IQN: “History of DBJ and TBJ VHF/UHF Antenna Development” at Framingham ARA Meeting Online, March 3, 2022

Framingham ARA logoThe March 3, 2022 meeting of the Framingham Amateur Radio Association will feature Ed Fong, WB6IQN, who will present on the “History of DBJ and TBJ VHF/UHF Antenna Development.”  
 

Ed Fong is the inventor of the DBJ-1 and DBJ-2 antenna that was featured in the February 2003 and March 2007 QST.    His most recent antenna was the TBJ-1 – a tri-band base antenna that was published in March 2017 QST.  The DBJ-1 is a highly effective dual band VHF/UHF base station antenna and the DBJ-2 is the portable roll up version.   The DBJ-2 won the QST Plaque of the Month Award. Both of these antennas are featured in the ARRL VHF antenna Handbook and also in the ARRL Antenna Classic Handbook.  There are over 30,000 of these antennas in use today.   About half are used by hams and the other half by government and commercial agencies.

Ed will give a history on how these antennas were developed and the theory on how and why they work so well.  There is no “black magic” to antennas.  He will explain in a non-mathematical manner to convince you for overall performance and simplicity his approach is one of the most practical.

Members will receive a zoom invitation. Non-members may request an invitation by sending an email to John president@w1fy.org.

HamXposition to Host New England and Hudson Division Conventions

 
 

HamXposition logo

From nediv.arrl.org:

In what may well be a “first,” the Northeast HamXposition is proud to announce that it will host both New England and Hudson division conventions this year.  HamXposition will be held on August 26 – 28, 2022, in Marlborough, MA.

FEMARA, the organization that runs HamXposition, voted on February 17 to officially approve the unique arrangement. Attendees included: Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC, New England Director; Ria Jairam, N2RJ, Hudson Division Director; Phil Temples, K9HI, New England Vice Director; Mike Raisbeck, K1TWF, ARRL 1st Vice President and FEMARA President; and Bob DeMattia, K1IW, HamXposition General Chairman. Director Jairam was officially appointed to the HamXposition Committee.

Proceeds from the convention will be directed to scholarships for both New England and Hudson Division students.  Volunteers and speakers will be drawn from both divisions.  Other details will be worked out as things progress.

“It certainly has been a while since the Hudson Division has had a convention” said Ria, N2RJ. “By joining forces with the New England Division for a joint convention, we can bring back a sense of nostalgia and community.” 

“We are excited to have the Hudson Division join with New England to support and grow the 2022 HamXposition event.” said Fred, AB1OC. “It’s a great opportunity to expand HamXposition participation, programs, and work to provide support for the scholarships to young hams in both divisions.”

“Joining the two division events into one convention offers expanded opportunities for attendees, League members, and vendors alike” commented Mike, K1TWF.  “We anticipate larger attendance than we have seen in many years.”

The Northeast HamXposition, formerly known as “Boxboro,” features a Saturday morning keynote address, Friday and Saturday evening banquet dinners with special guest speakers, a large outdoor flea market along with an ample indoor commercial vendor space. The convention’s impressive three-day program of forums and speakers is one of the best in the country.

Bob, K1IW
General Chair, HamXposition 2022

W1BOF: “Apollo Communications” at North Shore RA Meeting Online, February 21, 2022

North Shore Radio Association logoTime: Feb 21, 2022 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
        Every month on the Third Monday 
 
 

Please join us again on Zoom!

George Whitehead, W1BOF, will present on Apollo communications.  George is one of the few remaining radio engineers who worked on the design of the Apollo mission communications radios. 

[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.]

 

ARLB032 ARRL to Oppose Forest Service Administrative Fees for Amateur Facilities

NOTE: THE DEADLINE DATE FOR FILING COMMENTS OPPOSING THE IMPOSITION OF FEES ON AMATEUR RADIO USERS IS FEBRUARY 22, 2022

ARRL Bulletin 32  ARLB032
From ARRL Headquarters 
Newington CT  December 28, 2021
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB032
ARLB032 ARRL to Oppose Forest Service Administrative Fees for Amateur Facilities

The US Forest Service is proposing to implement a statutorily required annual fee for new and existing communications use
authorizations to cover the costs of administering its authorization program. ARRL plans to vigorously oppose the imposition of the proposed fees on Amateur Radio.

The Forest Service proposal results from requirements set forth in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (aka “the Farm Bill”). Specifically, section 8705(c)(3)(b) of the Farm Bill directs the Forest Service to issue regulations that require fees for issuing communications use authorizations based on the cost to the Agency for maintenance or other activities to be performed by the Agency “as a result of the location or modification of a communications facility.”

The Forest Service is responsible for managing Federal lands and authorizes the use and occupancy of National Forest System (NFS) lands for communications facilities that provide communications services for adjacent rural and urban communities. The Agency said in its proposal that it administers more than 3,700 special use authorizations on NFS lands for infrastructure that supports more than 10,000 wireless communications uses at 1,367 communications sites.

According to the Forest Service Notice published in the December 22, 2021 issue of the Federal Register, revenues from the proposed fee, “would provide the funds necessary to support a more modernized, efficient, and enhanced communications use program,” and will “cover the costs of administering the Agency’s communications use program.” Costs, as laid out in section 8705(f)(4) of the Farm Bill, may include expenditures for such things as “on-site reviews of communications sites, developing communications site management plans, hiring and training personnel for the communications use program, conducting internal and external outreach for and national oversight of the communications use program, and obtaining or improving access to communications sites on NFS lands.”

ARRL encourages Amateur Radio licensees to file comments opposing the imposition of the proposed administrative fee on Amateur Radio users. Comments must be received in writing by no later than February 22, 2022.

Comments may be submitted online at the Federal Rulemaking Portal at, https://www.regulations.gov/ , or via USPS mail to Director, Lands & Realty Management Staff, 201 14th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250-1124, and must include the identifier “RIN 0596-AD44.”

EM2MN Back-up Repeater

ATTENTION ALL NTS RELAY STATIONS – EASTERN MA 2 METER TRAFFIC NET
The net is going to attempt and utilize the alternate repeater for the net.  The alternate repeater is Sharon Repeater 146.865 mHz – PL 103.5.  All EM2MTN sessions will continue to meet or start on the Boston Repeater.  Depending on traffic volume and propagation stations may be asked to QSY to Sharon to pass traffic and return to Boston.  There are no plans to totally move the net to Sharon.  If anyone has any questions please contact EM2MTN Manager Peter KC1HHO, either on air during a net session or email kc1hho@arrl.com  .73 

Last Call for Boston Marathon Volunteers, Deadline is February 18, 2022

The Boston Marathon Amateur Radio team is still in need of about 50 additional volunteers to fill our nearly 300 assignments.  The BAA volunteer registration deadline is this Friday, February 18 at 5:00 PM EST.  The BAA has told us that this is a firm deadline for this year.

If you are still undecided, we encourage you to register now; you can discuss any questions you may have with us and if you decide this is not for you this year you can withdraw between now and the end of March.

If you have not previously volunteered and want to chat about what we do, what is expected of us, and what equipment you might need, please do not hesitate to drop us an email.

Registration Links:
BAA registration can be accessed via the BAA web site specifically in the “Athletes’ Village” section.

https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/volunteer/volunteer-registration

Step by Step Sign Up Guide: 
https://hamradioboston.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/44002294773-2022-volunteer-registration-step-by-step-guide

If you have any questions about the upcoming volunteer registration period, or the 2022 Marathon generally, please get in touch anytime. Volunteering at the Marathon is a big job and we appreciate the time and effort everyone puts into it. We’re happy to do what we can to make your work fun, comfortable, and effective.

We look forward to seeing everyone again soon.

Thank you, and 73,

Boston Marathon Communications Committee
contact@HamRadioBoston.org

Please make sure to whitelist volunteer@baa.org and contact@HamRadioBoston.org to make sure you receive BAA and ARO committee communications.

N1SV: “Six and 2-Meter Meteor Scatter” at Nashoba Valley ARC Hybrid Meeting, February 17, 2022

Nashoba Valley ARC logoThe Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club’s February meeting is Thursday (Tomorrow), February 17th at 7:30 PM at the Pepperell Community Center (in Pepperell). Doors will open at 7:10 PM.

We will also “simulcast” this meeting via Zoom (details are below), giving people who live outside the local area or who have concerns about meeting in person an opportunity to participate. Masks will be available for those who meet in person.

This month’s meeting subject will be “6 and 2 Meter Meteor Scatter,” presented by our own Les Peters, N1SV. Meteor scatter is an interesting propagation mode that VHF/UHF aficionados use to enhance their enjoyment of those bands. I’m sure it will be an interesting presentation.

Need directions? Click here and put your own address in box “A”.

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

Bruce, K1BG

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

PS. Thanks to the Pepperell Community Center for the use of the building, and thanks to Jim Hein, N8VIM and his employer, Medtronics, for the use of the Zoom account.

 

NE1PL Special Events, April-May, 2022

NE1PL QSL cardFrom Massasoit ARA “MARANews” February 2022:

NE1PL USTNR

We will be on the USS Massachusetts April 23, 2022 remembering The Doolittle Raid, also known as the Tokyo Raid, an air raid on 18 April 1942 by the United States on the Japanese capital Tokyo and other places on Honshu during World War II.

May 14th 1000-1400 Armed Forces Day activation: We are looking for operators for this event. This is in addition to our four annual events. I don’t have all the details at this time. Please email me if you can make it. kb1tee@gmail.com.

Thank you,

Rick

Hunt for W1MJ Fox, Waltham, February 26, 2022

Pat Whitney, K1PJW, writes on NEMassFoxHunters:
 

Hello fellow fox hunters!

Myself, Eliot, W1MJ, and Mike, K1MJC, are having a classic mobile fox hunt on Saturday, February 26th from 10 am to 1 pm.  

Starting point:
Prospect Hill Park, 314 Totten Pond Rd, Waltham, MA 02451

Time:
February 26th at 10:00 am until 1:00 pm

Fox Frequency:
147.54

Fox Description:
Blue Honda Fit with license plate W1/MJ.  The fox will be parked somewhere on a public road or parking lot within the Waltham city limits.

We’ll be on the WARA 2m repeater beforehand (146.64 PL 136.5).  

Please join us if you like!

73 and happy hunting!
-Pat  K1PJW

NOTE:  this is a rescheduling of the 02/19 fox hunt originally mentioned in the WARA Intermod Winter 2022 newsletter

 

Massachusetts Traffic Report for January 2022

The Massachusetts STM traffic report for January is now available at the following link: https://ema.arrl.org/massachusetts-traffic-report-for-jan-2022/

Note this month a couple upcoming Zoom meetings New England NTS folks may want to take note.  Also a report from CITN manager W1TCD regarding new trainees on that net.  My traffic topic for this month is concerning the potential use of the ICS-213 form by NTS traffic handlers.  With future emphasis on Emergency Communications is this a viable option?  

Blue Hill Observatory Radio Club Forming

Blue Hills Observatory logoNew England Sci-Tech writes on its website:

New England Sci-Tech and New England Amateur Radio are working with Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center to establish an educational amateur radio club. You can be a charter member!

The Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory has a long history of amateur radio going back to the turn of the last century. We are working to help BHO establish a new club that can meet occasionally on top of Blue Hill and more regularly in locations around greater Boston.

If you are interested in finding out more, please fill out the form below. Be patient as we  send out updates occasionally. The main building and weather tower are closed for renovations, so it will be a while before the radio club will have a permanent home. [Full story]

Algonquin ARC Flea Market is Still On! February 19, 2022

Tim Ikeda, KA1OS, writes on the Algonquin ARC mailing list:
 
This is just a notice for your club members that our ham radio flea market in Marlborough MA is still on for Saturday, February 19, 2022. It will be held at the Marlborough 1Lt Charles W. Whitcomb School (formerly Marlborough Middle School) on 25 Union St. in Marlborough. Vendor check in begins at 6:30 am and we open for general admission at 9:00 am.
 
Please note:
With the event being held at a public school, state law requires all participants wear a mask inside the building.
 
More details are available on our website:
 
Thank you!
 
Tim Ikeda – KA1OS
Algonquin Amateur Radio Club – Secretary
 
 

Matt Zullo: “U.S. Navy Telegraphic Code” at PART of Westford Meeting Online, February 15, 2022

PART of Westford logoGeorge Allison, K1IG, writes on the PART of Westford mailing list:
 

The February PART meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, beginning at 7:30 PM via Webex video conference.  A meeting link is below; just click on the green button to join in.  You can join the conference any time after 7:00 PM to check out your gear or just rag chew until the meeting starts. We will NOT be meeting in person at the Senior Center until further notice.

 
Our speaker for the February meeting is Matt Zullo, a retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, who authored two books covering the history of the On The Roof Gang. His books “The US Navy’s On The Roof Gang – Prelude to War” Volume 1 and “The US Navy’s On The Roof Gang – War In The Pacific” Volume 2, tell the story of story of the 176 Sailors and Marines who learned the Japanese katakana telegraphic code and how to intercept Imperial Japanese Navy communications, setting in motion events that would lead to the birth of the US Navy’s communications intelligence organization. He’ll be talking about the origins of the Naval Security Group and how these people intercepted and broke the Japanese naval codes during WW2.
 
See you Tuesday!
 
73,
George K1IG
President, PART of Westford
 
[To request conference login information, contact George Allison, K1IG, at k1ig -at- arrl -dot- net]
 

ARRL Foundation Grant Program Accepting Proposals

From ARRL Web:

The ARRL Foundation grants program awards limited funding to organizations for eligible amateur radio related projects and initiatives, particularly those with a focus on educating, licensing, and supporting Amateur Radio activities.  Youth-based projects and initiatives are especially encouraged. The ARRL Foundation grants program accepts proposals on a cyclical model three times a year.

Grant proposals are accepted from:

  • February 1 – February 28
  • June 1 – June 30
  • October 1 – October 31

All proposals will be reviewed by the Grant Committee at the close of each cycle. Once the Committee agrees on the proposals to fund, they will be sent to the full Foundation Board for a formal vote. Awardees will be notified approximately one month after the closing of each cycle. [Full story]

KW1U: “National Traffic System (NTS) & Message Handling” at New England Sci-Tech ARS Meeting, February 8, 2022

New England Sci Tech logoThe New England Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society (NEST) will meet on-line and in-person on February 8, 2022 at 7 PM and feature “National Traffic System (NTS) & Message Handling” by Marcia Forde, KW1U.
 
Description: In this talk, Marcia Forde, KW1U will be discussing message handling in general, how the National Traffic System came to be, how and why we do what we do, and a brief glimpse into the future.
 
Bio: Marcia was first licensed as KA1GBS in 1980. She was introduced to ham radio when her  son Dale (now K1WU) was 13 years old and attended a summer school class in Morse code taught by a local ham. Dale and friends went on to get licensed in 1973. It took seven years for Marcia to get up the courage to take the Novice exam but she has been hooked ever since. She upgraded to General in 1982 and Extra in 1984. She has been an active traffic handler in the ARRL’s National Traffic System since 1981, participating at all levels from local and section to region, area and Transcontinental Corps (TCC) on both CW and SSB. She operates a 24/7 scanning Pactor 1, 2 and 3 MBO on HF and a connecting VHF Packet station for the Digital Traffic Network (DTN), formerly NTSD. She recently added VARA HF capability as of November 2021.  She is a registered Winlink user and can accept Winlink traffic for import into the DTN, and is working to help coordinate use of  the NTS with ARES for handling long haul messaging. Marcia’s station consists of a Kenwood TS590SG, a G5RV multi-band antenna up around 45 to 50 feet, a 160 meter dipole, and a tri-bander at 45 feet, which currently needs a tower climber and a tree trimmer to make it functional again.  She has a PTC IIe Pactor modem, and a Yaesu FT 7900 and Kam plus modem for packet into a 13 element two meter beam up around 50 feet. She also has an Ameritron AL811H amplifier.  Around 2011 when appointed Section Traffic Manager for both Eastern and Western Mass, Marcia re-activated a combined section CW traffic net (MARI) which meets on 3565 Khz daily at 7:00 PM ET. CW is still her favorite mode and she is happy to see increasing interest in this mode.  Marcia operates a hub station on the RRI Digital Traffic Network (DTN) and scans multiple bands on HF accessible via Pactor 1, 2, and 3 and VARA.  Message traffic can be moved via her MBO to anywhere in the US and Canada and also internationally wherever it is permitted. Check with Marcia at kw1u@arrl.net for frequency information.  Her VHF Packet station sits on 145.09 and is available to feed messages into the DTN.  Marcia can also be reached at kw1u@winlink.org.
 
Come meet at NEST! We usually have pizza! (Face masks still required, please.)
 
5:00-7:00: radio room open; informal radio activities.
 
For Zoom conference information, email Bob Phinney, K5TEC, at bobphinney -at- nescitech -dot- org or call 508-720-4179.