It’s mid-April already! I hope everyone enjoyed the eclipse last week! It was very interesting out here on the Cape, though we only peaked at about 94% occlusion. The reports — and photos — from folks who travelled to VT or NH or NY to get the totality experience are spectacular. Everyone said it was worth it, even if they were caught in hours-long traffic jams coming home. I hope I’m still on the green side of the turf when the next total eclipse comes around in 20-ish years.
* Citizen Scientists Gathered Information During the Eclipse
Did you participate in the Solar Eclipse QSO Party? Please email me (n1ilz@arrl.org) a few words about your experience — did you notice any interesting band openings — or closings? I’d like to hear from you so I can publish a summary in next month’s Section Update.
* MA Operators Needed for 2024 Thirteen Colonies Special Event
The planning for the 2024 13 Colonies Special Event stations is in motion. Larry Krainson, W1AST, is looking for more ops for K2H Massachusetts. The event runs from July 1 to July 7 and is usable on all frequencies and all modes. You just need to keep a log that you can submit to W1AST right after the event ends. More details at https://ema.arrl.org/2024/04/01/operators-needed-for-2024-ma-thirteen-colonies-special-event-station/
* Club Grant Program Update
ARRL is ramping up for another round of the very popular Club Grant Program in 2024. As before, clubs will be invited to submit applications for grants of up to $25,000 for the purpose of outreach (especially to youth), STEM activities, etc. Stand by for more information as it comes available.
* International Marconi Day 2024 is April 27
This year, International Marconi Day (IMD) is on April 27. Italian inventor and electrical engineer Guglielmo Giovanni Maria Marconi was born on April 25, 1874, and is credited for inventing the radiotelegraph system, creating Marconi’s law, and sending the first wireless transmission over the open sea.
Stations in the United States, including Marconi Cape Cod Radio Club, KM1CC, in Massachusetts, are already registering for the event. KM1CC hosts several on-air events each year to keep the accomplishments and story of Marconi and his wireless station site in South Wellfleet alive. Come see us in person on the Cape or work us on the air! More details at https://nediv.arrl.org/2024/03/22/international-marconi-day-2024/
* Nashua Area Radio Society Ham Bootcamp Coming Up on May 11th
The Nashua Area Radio Society will be holding an online Ham Bootcamp on Saturday, May 11th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Eastern Time.
Ham Bootcamp is a program to help new, inactive, and prospective hams gain the skills and information that they need to Get On The Air. It is open to any interested Ham or Prospective Ham in the US and Canada and there is no charge to attendees. Full details at https://nediv.arrl.org/2024/04/06/nashua-area-radio-society-ham-bootcamp-coming-up-on-may-11th/
* Updated ARRL Library Book Program
I included this last month, but it’s worth repeating. Would you or your club like to donate Amateur Radio books to a local library, school, college, student radio club, etc.? ARRL has updated its Library Book Program. The set includes the most popular ARRL publications. Details at https://www.arrl.org/library-book-set
* N1ILZ for a Final
Stay safe and dry out there with all those April showers. It’s a wonderful time of year, as we all wake up from our winter snooze, and get to work on all those outdoor projects pent up from the past winter.
Can you write a paragraph or two about what you’re up to, so I can publish it in the Section Update? Let me know via email at n1ilz@arrl.org!
* For always up-to-date news, please visit the EMA Section website at http://ema.arrl.org
This Section News Update is brought to you by Section Manager Jon N1ILZ.
——————————————————————–
ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section
Section Manager: Jon W McCombie, N1ILZ
n1ilz@arrl.org
——————————————————————–