Request for Volunteers Twin Lobster #2, Gloucester, June 4, 2023

Christopher Winczewski, K1TAT, writes on the CAARA list:

[Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association] Has A Great Public Service Team. Come Out And Have Some Fun With Us. Why?

You are using amateur radio to provide a needed public service to ensure the safety and smooth running of a public event in local communities.

If you are unable to be there for the whole race, any amount of time you can give would be helpful. If you don’t have a radio, we have loaner radios available with a mag mount that will work in your car by just plugging it into the cigarette lighter socket. We have loaner handheld radios as well!

Please let me know if you can staff a communications checkpoint for the event so I can plan staffing positions.

Please let us know what type of equipment you plan to use ( Mobile; HT; ¼-Wave Mag-Mount; Rubber-Duck; etc.) so we have a better idea of where to locate you along the event course per the potential of your equipment.

The course will be open and supported By CAARA. For Four hours Runner safety is everyone’s top priority.

Local EMT crews and ambulances will be available for three hours to help.

Thank you in advance for your participation!

Twin Lobster Communications Team.
Gloucester, Mass.
Last Updated: 5/30/2023. 02:19 pm
Event date: Sunday June 04 2023
On Location: 7:45 am
Starts: Half Marathon Run = 8:00am
Freq: CAARA W1GLO 145.1300 – PL:107.2 Back Up. 443.700 + PL:107.2

Billerica ARS Field Day Announcement, June 24, 2023

Billerica ARS logoBillerica ARS Vice President Mark Nelson, KA1INE, writes:

I’m proud to announce that the Billerica Amateur Radio Society is having its annual field day on June 24, 2023 at 2:00 PM at 67 Alexander Road in Billerica.

The goal of the event is to set up portable radio stations to simulate an emergency situation and to make contact with other hams around the world. It’s a fun day of making new friends and exploring this exciting hobby.

We hope the public can join us to see what amateur radio is about. There will be a BBQ at meal time and plenty of water and coffee to keep everyone nourished.

If there are any questions, feel free to write to me at KA1INE@ARRL.net.

Mark Nelson
KA1INE

K1MJC Fox is Out, Belmont, May 26, 2023

Mike Cormier, K1MJC, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list at 2:05 PM on May 26, 2023:

Yes, the K1MJC Fox is out ….

I put it out today, Friday afternoon, and it will be picked up in the afternoon Monday. 

The Fox is in somewhere in an area within the Rock Meadow  conservation area in Belmont. 

It’s a 15 milliwatt Fox transmitting on 146.565 MHz. 

Also, there is a logbook you can sign in with if you wish.

There are a few places to enter Rock Meadow on either Concord Avenue or Mill Street; the parking area for Rock Meadow is off of Mill Street.

One of The maps on this page would prove useful!

Trail Guides

Happy hunting!

Mike C , K1MJC, …… 73!

Ops Needed at WW2MAN for Museum Ships Weekend Event, June 3-4, 2023

WW2MAN QSL cardMichael Davis, WA1MAD, writes:

I am still in PEI Canada and will be during the two-day [Museum Ships Weekend] event on June 3 and 4. I am the trustee for WW2MAN, the two-man mini sub at the Quincy shipyard. It’s in front of the USS Salem.

As of this moment, Henry Brown, K1WCC ( former trustee), K1WCC@comcast.net, has agreed to operate on Saturday and be the “go to” guy in my absence. So I’m looking for another (or more) ops for Saturday and Sunday. As little as a few hours or for the day, either Saturday or Sunday. 

Thanks and 73.

WA6EZV: “Radio Orienteering” at Sci-Tech ARS Hybrid Meeting, May 23, 2023

New England Sci Tech logoTue, May 23 at 7:00 PM: “Radio Orienteering” by Bob Frey, WA6EZV

Description: Radio Orienteering combines the skills of Orienteering, the equipment and expertise of Radio Direction Finding, and the athleticism of cross country running and combines them into a fun and competitive sport. Besides an introduction into basic orienteering using topographical maps, this presentation will cover how to get started in Radio Orienteering/ARDF (Amateur Radio Direction Finding) focusing on 2M hunts. Discussion will include how Radio Orienteering differs from classic orienteering, and what equipment is required for 2M and 80M hunts. A variety of receivers, different attenuators, and an inexpensive Yagi antenna for 2M ARDF/RO along with some basic transmitters and an inexpensive controller will also be discussed. Suggestions for practice events and where to get additional information will also be covered.

Bio: Bob holds an Extra Class license and was first licensed in 1968. He has been active in Foxhunting for over 50 years and has been a speaker for the Foxhunt/ARDF forum at Dayton Hamvention for nearly 30 years. Bob sets ARDF practice courses, including at the YOTA Camp in 2021 and 2022. He has competed in 20 U.S. National ARDF Championships, and is a four time champion. He has co-chaired three championships and participated in four World Championships. Bob’s ARRL appointments include ARRL Volunteer Examiner, DXCC Field Checker, HF Awards Manager, and Member of ARRL RO/ARDF Sub-Committee.

Cape Cod Amateurs Assist in Alzheimer’s Spring Walk

On May 20th the Cape Cod ham community came together to assist the Alzheimer’s Family Foundation in the annual running of their Spring walk along the Cape Cod Canal fundraising event. The walk took place at Scusset Beach State Reservation in Bourne MA.

Eight ham operators from the Barnstable Am. Radio Club, Falmouth Amateur Radio Association and an unaffiliated ham from Plymouth joined together to help out.

The joint communications team set up a 2 meter simplex directed net using mobile, portable, and HT radios. They coordinated a pair of six-person golf carts and supported a course staff of more than 20 people, over a walk venue covering more than a mile. The weather was threatening all morning and the rain finally came, but the event went off without a hitch.

The Cape Cod ham radio community did a great job working as a single team drawn from various clubs and towns in southeastern Massachusetts, and helped a worthy charity do their important work. Thanks to all who participated! We look forward to helping again when the foundation runs their annual walk in Provincetown this fall.

There are lots of things to do with our communications skills and equipment. Perhaps the most satisfying is when we help out our neighbors in support of their invaluable efforts to meet the needs of the greater community.

Jake McGill, W1JKM

BARC Club Secretary
and Alzheimer’s Walk Comms Team Captain

ARRL Survey Reminder

ARRL logoOn May 1st, ARRL began a survey for members to provide feedback on some changes it’s considering to ARRL dues and membership.  The ARRL survey will remain open until May 31st.  It is very important that you take a few moments and share with the League your opinions how changes could be made to ensure the long-term viability of ARRL.  Raising dues is not something any organization enjoys doing, but this will mark only the second time in 22 years that ARRL is considering it.

Your input is very important to the League.  The decisions ARRL leadership is considering should be influenced by all members. If you have already taken the survey, thank you! If you haven’t yet, please do so soon.

The results from the survey will be tabulated and shared with members on the ARRL website in June.  Responses will ultimately help guide the future of ARRL.  The survey is only available to ARRL members.  Why?  Because you have a stake in the outcome! 

Please make sure you log into www.arrl.org to participate.

Thank you for being an active member, and for your ongoing support of amateur radio and ARRL.

AA1SE: “The BIG E” at Nashoba Valley ARC Meeting, May 18, 2023

Nashoba Valley ARC logoThe Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club’s May meeting is Thursday, May 18th at 7:30 PM at the Pepperell Community Center (in Pepperell). We start gathering at 7 PM to socialize before the meeting starts.

May’s speaker will Ray Lajoie, AA1SE, who will speak to us regarding “The BIG E.” The BIG E (short for the Eastern States Exposition) is the largest agricultural event on the eastern seaboard and the filth-largest fair in the nation. The BIG E represents all six New England States and features entertainment, unique foods, competitive livestock shows, shopping, a circus and much more. In 2022, Amateur Radio got top billing at the BIG-E, and plans are underway for 2023. I’m sure this will be an interesting talk. Please join us.

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

Early Speaker Callout, HamXposition / New England Division Convention, August 25-27, 2023

HamXposition logoHamXposition Programs Committee Chair Phil Temples, K9HI, writes:

Don’t just attend the 2023 Northeast HamXposition @ Marlborough—BE A PART OF IT! 

The HamXposition Committee seeks fresh and exciting presentations for this year’s ARRL New England Division Convention, August 25-27, 2023. We’re looking for talks of both technical and non-technical natures. As a HamXposition speaker, you will have the opportunity to share your subject and knowledge with amateur radio operators from around New England, the surrounding states, and Canada.

In addition to workshops on Friday, we will feature forums throughout the day Saturday, Saturday evening entertainment, and a half-day Sunday program.

If you represent a regional club or organization (e.g. YCCC, NEQRP, WRONE, MARS, etc.) we can help facilitate open forums or closed meetings by providing you a meeting space.

Non-profit groups who wish to set up information tables should get your requests in early. While the tables are offered without charge, we ask for some volunteer time in return to assist us with ticket sales and other logistics during the convention.

To register as a speaker or presenter (or if you’d like to suggest someone), please go to https://hamxposition.org/speaker-form-t.html or email if you have additional questions.

We look forward to seeing you at the Convention.

N1CPE: “US Army Military Auxiliary Radio System” at North Shore Radio Association Meeting, May 15, 2023

North Shore Radio Association logoThis month we have an IN PERSON Speaker!!
 
Tom Kinahan will talk about the US Army Military Auxiliary Radio System.
 
Meeting [Monday, May 15, 2023] starts at 7:30 pm, doors open at 7 pm at Peabody Municipal Light Plant.
 
NOTE: To get to the meeting location of the Peabody Municipal Light Plant, Warren St Ext. for the next few months, you MUST turn right on to Endicott St from Rte 114; Endicott Street at Lowell Street has been closed.
 
Hope to see you there.
 
Eric Horwitz, KA1NCF

North Shore Radio Association

ETO WinLink Exercise – Friday Evening 5/12/23-Early Monday Morning 5/15/23 & Cape Cod ARES District Test Exercise – “Spring Comm” – Saturday 5/13/23 1000 AM-1200 PM EDT

Hello to all…
 
The Emergency Training Organization (ETO) WinLink Exercise begins this Friday Evening 5/12/23 through early Monday Morning 5/15/23 where participants have a wide range of time to send a Winlink message via ETO instructions from 800 PM EDT – Friday Evening 5/12/23 through 259 AM EDT Monday Morning 5/15/23. We encourage all Amateurs in the Eastern Massachusetts and surrounding sections who have Winlink capability to participate in this exercise. Details are available at the following link: https://ema.arrl.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Semi-Annual-Drill-05-13-2023-ICS-213-v1_6.pdf
 
Coincident to the WinLink Exercise, Cape Cod and Islands ARES will hold its Cape Cod ARES District Test Exercise – “Spring Comm” Saturday 5/13/23 1000 AM-1200 PM EDT. Amateur Operators outside of the Cape Cod ARES district are welcome to participate. The Cape Cod ARES Exercise plan and supporting documents can be seen at the following links:
 
Cape Cod ARES Test Exercise – “Spring Comm” Plan:
 
We hope folks who are available can participate in the ETO Winlink Exercise and Cape Cod ARES District Test Exercise “Spring Comm”. Thanks to all for their support!
 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
https://www.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wx1box

 

Joint, Marlborough – Stow Mass Local ARES Drill & WinLink Training – 06 May 2023

Marlborough Emergency Management – Amateur Call N1EM
Report of Communications Drill – 06 May 2023
Location – EOC – Central Fire Station – Maple St, Marlborough

This was a drill to activate the EOC, test radio communication setup, train new operators and partner with the Stow/ West Middlesex team. The Stow net information will be in the Stow report.

Setup – 9:30 AM to 10 AM
Drill – 10 AM to 12 Noon

Participants at the EOC:
Geroge Conrad N1ABC
Glenn Ghidaleson WA2KRS
Susan Benua WB2OSY
Frank McInnis K1IX
Eric Williams KV1J
EMA Director Fred Flynn
Participants at the Crow Island auxiliary location:
Ron Lahti N1CNG
Steve Babbitt KC1LPZ
Howard Shpegel AC1MN

VHF – 147.435 MHz (W. Middlesex Net) – 1000 -1030 hrs:
Checked into the net using the W1STO remote base. Jeremy, W1NJD, was the net control from the Stow Fire Station.

UHF – 446.675 MHz (N1EM/R Marlborough) – 1030 – 1045 hrs:
George N1ABC ran the net for area check-ins.
There were a total of 13 check-ins.

VHF – 147.240 MHz (KV1J/R Marlborough) – 1045 – 1100 hrs:
Glen WA2KRS ran the net for area check-ins.
There were a total of 12 check-ins.

HF Radio – 75 Meters – 3930 KHz:
Radio – IC-7300 into the Off-Centered Dipole.
Frank K1IX called for stations. Contacted WG1V, KC1RP and W1STO, all in Stow MA

HF Radio – 60 Meters – 5330.5 KHz:
Radio – IC-7300 into the Off-Centered Dipole.
George N1ABC called for stations. Contacted K1QAR in Fairhaven MA and K1OF in Westport CT.

HF Radio – 6 Meters – 53.310 MHz Mt Wachusett Repeater
Radio – IC-7300 and IC-706 into the Off-Centered Dipole.
Heard W1IS, WG1V and N1WSD. Had problems with the memory setting on the PL tone on the IC-7300 and by the time we had it switched to the IC-706 the stations were gone. The action is that we need to get the memory channels for 75, 60 and 6M programmed in the new IC-7300.

Radios – Non-Amateur:
MEMA State Control was contacted on the State/MEMA 800 MHz frequency for a radio test.

EOC Computer Capability:
We logged into the MEMA WebEOC system. Information was projected on the EOC large display.

We met all our objectives of activating, testing the different communications systems at the Marlborough EOC and collaborating with the Stow ARES team. For our operators running the two nets on UHF and VHF it was a first time for them operating at the EOC. They were given an assignment with no prewarning or preparation and needed to figure out how to make it happen with a minimal instruction. This simulates the reality that we will face when we get called in to assist with communications during an incident especially in an environment that we are not familiar with. Thank you George and Glenn!

After lunch, Carl, WG1V, gave an excellent presentation on Winlink Basics. There were 15 attendees. His slides and more information are on the web at – www.wg1v.org

Submitted by – Eric Williams KV1J
Communication Officer – Marlborough EMA

From Jeremy, W1NJD, with a few comment by Bob, W1IS

The West Middlesex ARES Net was opened at 1000 hours (All times reported as local time) on May 6, 2023. 
Net Control was Jeremy (W1NJD) with Bob (W1IS) assisting, operating from the Stow Fire Station through the remote base, W1STO. 

The following stations checked in:
(1) Stations with Emergency or Priority Traffic:  None
(2) Senior Neighborhoods:  None
(3) New Hams / Newcomers:  None

(4) Portable / Mobile:
W1DJR, Colin, Portable, Crescent St., Stow, All Is Well
W1IS, Bob, Mobile, Parking lot of Stow Fire Station, Stow, No Traffic
KC1LPZ, Steve, Mobile, Stow Cafe, Stow
KC1RP, Mike, Packard Rd, Stow, All is well
KA1GFN, Ken, Mobile, Bolton
N1CNG, Ron, Crow Island, Stow, Erected station for today’s exercises
WB2OSY, Sue, Mobile, Hudson

(5) Others:
WG1V, Carl, Birch Hill, Stow
KB1HKN, Dirk, Lake Boon, Stow, Battery Power
N1EM, Marlborough Emergency Management, Marlborough Fire Station
W1RBO, Glenn, Gleasondale, Stow

Announcements:
[W1STO] – Today’s drill will continue with Marlborough EMA nets at 1030-1045 hrs on N1EM repeater (446.675 MHz, PL 88.5 Hz), 1045-1100 hrs on KV1J repeater (147.240 MHz, PL 71.9 Hz). Followed by HF tests at 1100-1200 hrs on 75 meters (3930 or 3940 Khz+-), 60 meters (5330.5 KHz), and 6 meters through the Mt Wachusett MEMA repeater WC1MA (53.310 MHz, PL 71.9 Hz). At 1200 hrs. We welcome people to travel to Marlborough Fire Station for a 1 – 2 pm presentation about Winlink presented by Carl, WG1V.

The West Middlesex ARES closed the net at 1015 hrs

After the net, W1STO continued operations in the drill with checkins on nets hosted by Marlborough Emergency Management (N1EM) from the following repeaters:
Checked into N1EM repeater (UHF: 446.675 MHz) 1030-1045 hrs.
Checked into KV1J repeater (VHF: 147.240 MHz) 1045-1100 hrs.

75 meter, 60 meter and 6m operations and tests 1100-1200:
Since we’ve had problems interfering with the PA and alert system in the Stow Fire Station we ran only 30 watts on HF.
The noise level from equipment in the building was S-9 making it nearly impossible to hear most stations including N1EM.
Check in was only possible with a relay through WG1V..  The hunt for the noise source will continue.

75 meters (3930 KHz)
60 meters (5330.5 KHz)
6 meters Mt Wachusett Repeater (HF:53.310 MHz) – Checked into N1EM, We ran a 5 watt HT into a tri-band vertical at 25 ft.  Signals were dead full quieting, very much different from HF!

Several of us then traveled to the Marlboro EOC for lunch and an excellent presentation by Carl, WG1V, on WinLink.

73, Jeremy (W1NJD), Bob (W1IS)

Upcoming Solar Eclipse Educational Opportunities for STARS and NEST

New England Sci Tech logoRusty Moore, K1FVK, writes on the New England Sci-Tech mailing list:

As seen from Natick, the October 2023 annular eclipse will present about 18% obscuration of the sun, and the April 2024 total eclipse will reach 92.6%. Both are good opportunities for special public astronomy events. Using solar projection and the Lunt solar scope on [New England Sci-Tech]’s new observing deck, NEST could be the go-to spot for Natick residents to get good, safe views of the eclipses and educational content. NEST could (should) also participate in HamSCI’s Solar Eclipse QSO Parties (https://hamsci.org/eclipse) using amateur radio to collect scientific data in front of the public, making for a perfect opportunity to teach about celestial mechanics, astronomical scale, solar physics, space weather, and radio communications all at once. Radios could be operated out of the new STEM outreach trailer and inside the radio room simultaneously. News outlets could (should) be invited to the event as well.

The National Science Teachers Association has collected a bunch of resources for teaching with the upcoming eclipses. Here’s the link to those: https://www.nsta.org/eclipse.

MS Ride the Rhode 2023: June 10/11: request for volunteers

AB1PH-Don Rolph writes:
 
MS Ride the Rhode will be happening again this year on: Sat/Sun Jun 10/11.
 
We again hope you will volunteer to participate either as:
– amateur operators in SAG wagons
– operators at Rest Stops
– net control
 
If you would like to sign up go to:
 
and select: – amateur radio operator for Sat/Sun or both
 
 
This year tMS society is providing trackers, so the amateur equipment is simplified.  We anticipate you will bring your own equipment.
 
If you need us to provide amateur radio equipment let us know.
 
Please email me if you sign up as an amateur radio volunteer so I can create the communications plan.
 
Thanks for your assistance in the past and we look forward to your assistance this year!
 


 

73,

AB1PH
Don Rolph

The Ride to End ALZ, Amateur Radio Volunteers Needed, Hampton Beach NH, June 3, 2023

Dan Loveman, K1DSL, writes on the North Shore RA mailing list:
 
The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research. The Ride to End ALZ is a major fundraiser from which 90% of all funds raised go directly toward research. Amateur Radio Operators provide communications support for the event by staffing rest stops and SAG vehicles.
 
This year’s Ride to End Alzheimer’s will be held on Saturday, June 3rd at Hampton Beach State Park, Hampton, NH. Click here for more information.
 
If you are interested in volunteering, registration instructions are as follows:
 
– Scroll down to “Amateur Radio Operator” and select “Sign-Up”
– Select “Save & Continue” at the bottom of the page
– Complete the Volunteer application and click “Sign Up Now” at the bottom
 
Please let me know if you have any questions.
 
Thanks and I hope to see you on June 3rd!
 
73,
Dan
 
Dan Loveman / K1DSL

USS Salem ARC, N1SLM, QRV for Museum Ships On The Air, June 2-4, 2023

N1SLM Museum Ships On The Air Flyer 2023The USS Salem ARC N1SLM, will be on the air during Museum Ships On The Air, June 2 from 0000Z (8 PM ET) until June 4 2359Z (3:59 PM ET). 

The event will feature license exams onboard, Sunday, June, June 4 at 11 AM.

The USS Salem is located at the US Naval Shipbuilding Museum, 549 South Street, Pier 3, in Quincy. 

For a QSL card, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to USNSM, PO Box 165, Quincy MA 02170.

Andy’s Ham Radio Linux Version 25a Released

linux penguin logoAndy Stewart, KB1OIQ, writes:

Hi Everybody,

I have released a new version of the “Andy’s Ham Radio Linux” (AHRL) software collection: version 25a

The previous version (v25) had over 10,100 downloads in about a year.

AHRL is based on Xubuntu 22.04. All of your favorite software has been updated, and a few things have been added, including:

* GridTracker
* some software from the M17 Project
* SDRangel
* Arduino 2.1.0

For more information, and a download link: https://sourceforge.net/projects/kb1oiq-andysham/

I’m really looking forward to seeing folks and giving a talk about AHRL at Hamvention 2023.

Have fun (!) and 73,

Andy