W6BSD: “Digital Voice Modes for Amateur Radio” at Waltham ARA Meeting Online, March 29, 2023

Waltham ARA logoThe next meeting of the Waltham Amateur Radio Association will be this Wednesday [March 29, 2023] at 7:00. (Zoom opens at 6:30.) The meeting will be held on-line with no in-person gathering this month. (zoom links below). After a short business meeting, Fred/W6BSD will be giving a presentation providing an overview of the various Digital Voice Modes: Digital Voice Modes for Amateur Radio.

You don’t need a General or Extra class license to enjoy QSOs with people worldwide. All amateur license classes can use Digital Voice (DV) modes such as Fusion, D-Star, DMR, and many others to connect with people throughout the US and other countries using digital repeaters or amateur hotspots. During his presentation, Fred will discuss the differences between the DV modes and how the backend infrastructure works.

[For meeting information, see https://walthamara.org/.]

HF Contest Training for New Ops in WPX Contest at New England Sci-Tech ARS, March 25, 2023

Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, writes on YCCC mailing list:

I have secured the use of the NE1AR callsign for WPX this weekend, and will be training brand new operators of the Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society at the New England Sci-Tech Makerspace in Natick, MA from 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturday [March 25, 2023].

Operation is intended to get newly licensed hams contesting on the air and having fun.  If you know of some ham that wants to dip their toes into the HF contesting waters, have them contact me via e-mail off list or text 617 922 8549 to coordinate.

WA5QGD, KM1P: “Management of AMSAT Orbital Elements Resources” at New England Sci-Tech ARS Meeting, March 21, 2023

New England Sci Tech logoThe New England Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society will meet on-line and in-person on March 21, 2023 at 7 PM and feature: “Management of AMSAT Orbital Elements Resources” by Ray Hoad, WA5QGD and Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P.”

Description: This presentation describes the history, format, preparation, and distribution process for Two Line Elements (TLE) satellite tracking data by the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT). This process supplies TLE on a weekly (or daily) basis to be used by radio amateurs to track and communicate via radio amateur satellites to other amateur radio stations. The source of TLE data is the U.S. Air Force SpaceTrack.org website.  

Bios: Raymond F. Hoad received B.S. and M.S. degrees in Electrical Engineering from Oklahoma State University in 1971 and 1973, respectively. After four years in the U.S. Air Force, he joined what is now ONCOR Electric Delivery, Fort Worth, Texas in 1977 as a System Protection Engineer. He retired as Consulting Engineer-Relay from the ONCOR System Protection Group in August 2014. He is currently a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas. He is a life member of ARRL and AMSAT-NA and currently serves as AMSAT-NA Orbital Data Manager. He holds an Amateur Extra License.

Joe Fitzgerald was originally licensed as KA1EMW in 1980 and is an active member of the HF contesting and amateur satellite community. His interest in amateur satellite telemetry has led him through two engineering degrees and he presently works managing the telemetry and control of electric grids around the world.

KA8SCP: “Digital Voice Using M17” at PART of Westford Hybrid Meeting, March 21, 2023

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

To All PART Members and Friends,

The March PART meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, beginning at 7:30 PM at the Cameron Senior Center, 20 Pleasant Street, Westford, MA, and via Webex video conference.  For those attending via 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. Bear in mind that internet connectivity from the senior center may be unreliable.

We’ve got several topics for the meeting. Andy Stewart, KB1OIQ, will give a short 20 minute talk about “Digital Voice using M17,” and there will be a live demonstration.  For more information about M17, click on this link: http://www.m17project.org. In preparation for Field Day, Ryan Leary, N1RL, is starting a CW course, and he’ll talk about the course and how you can become proficient enough in the next three months to make some CW contacts at the event. Speaking of Field Day, planning has begun and we’ll talk about what’s happening so far.

If your ARRL membership is going to run out in the next three months and you need to renew your membership, or if you’re not a member of ARRL and want to join to get all the benefits, fill out this application and bring it to the PART meeting along with your ARRL dues payment. Joining ARRL or renewing ARRL membership through PART helps support our club, and renewing early doesn’t penalize you in any way.

All members are encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food for the Westford Food Pantry.

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]

New England Wireless & Steam Museum “Yankee Tune Up,” E. Greenwich RI, July 22, 2023

Massie Wireless Station “PJ”
Massie Wireless Station “PJ”

Skip Youngberg, K1NKR, writes on the Algonquin ARA mailing list:

The New England Wireless and Steam Museum in East Greenwich, Rhode Island is having a Yankee Tune-Up on July 22, 2023. Come trade and sell your antique radios, vintage electronics and ham gear.

The entire museum will be open as well for your viewing pleasure. 

 

W6BI, KC1BHD, WZØC: “Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network” at Minuteman Repeater Association Hybrid Meeting, Natick MA, March 15, 2023

Tonight’s presentation will be Zoom-only; no in-person presence. 

MMRA logoMinuteman Repeater Association membership meeting: Wednesday, 15 March 2023 ~7:30—9:30 pm: Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network (AREDN). Orv Beach, W6BI; Jim Garner, KC1BHD; and Michael Ford, WZ0C. This is a Hybrid meeting at New England SciTech in Natick + ZOOM.
(Members: log into your account on MMRA.ORG to obtain the ZOOM info.
Non-members: send an email to contact@mmra to request the ZOOM info.

Learn what AREDN is all about, what it can be used for, and how you can get started with this technology. Orv, W6BI, will discuss how ham radio networking with AREDN software works and what you need to get started. He’ll also show some examples of user setups and things an AREDN network can be used for. Jim, KC1BHD, will give a demonstration of his AREDN go-kit prototype to be used in ARES activations, at disaster locations, or public service events. Michael, WZ0C, will talk about some of the AREDN efforts in New England along with the propagation testing he and Jim have been doing for this.

Orv, W6BI, was first licensed as WN6WEY in 1967. He’s been into digital ham radio all his life, starting with CW. He started messing around with ham radio networking in 2014, and is now an AREDN Ambassador, one who promotes using AREDN software and helps educate folks on its use. He’s helped deploy network digital radios in Ventura County and western Los Angeles County. He’s also active in coordinating the build-out and maintenance of the wider ham radio network which now spans from California’s central coast south to the Mexican border and east to Las Vegas, comprising over 550 nodes, both on hilltops and at ham QTHs.

Jim, KC1BHD, has always been interested in data transmission in general and for several years, AREDN mesh networking in particular. He lives near Worcester and envisions creating RF access to an AREDN mesh for hams across Massachusetts.

Michael, WZ0C, lives in Maynard and enjoys the amateur radio digital modes. Michael became interested in AREDN last year, connecting with Orv and Jim and learning about their efforts. Michael is hoping to use AREDN to increase the digital presence in Massachusetts. Michael will talk about some of the AREDN efforts in New England along with the propagation testing he and Jim have been doing for this.

Massasoit ARC “Show & Tell” at Bridgewater Public Library, April 1, 2023

The Massasoit Amateur Radio Association will conduct a “Show & Tell” presentation on April 1, 2023 from 1 to 3 PM with displays of Amateur radio equipment and portable “go-kits” that can be used to support Emergency Shelter operations when phone service is unavailable.

Ham Radio as STEM To Be Showcased at WooSox Games in July and August

pix of WooSox playersFrom New England Sci-Tech ARS News, March 14, 2023:

New England Sci-Tech/Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society (STARS) [in Natick, MA] has been invited to run a STEM activity table at [Minor League Worcester Red Sox (“WooSox”) games in Worcester, MA] both pre-game and during the game on July 26, Aug 9, and Aug 16. This is a great opportunity to showcase radio as a STEM activity. Bob, K5TEC, can help organize but cannot attend. Looking for two volunteers per game. Your travel, parking, and snacks allowance will be reimbursed.

Here are the details given to us:

“As far as placement in the ballpark, we have a decent amount of flexibility based on the types of activities and requirements you have. 

“We could place activities in more heavily trafficked areas of the concourse with people constantly coming through and stopping by for a few minutes; or we could place activities on Plymouth and Summit St., which fall within the ballpark on game days but provide more space and calm from the hustle and bustle of the concourse for a more in-depth showcase. And we would be able to provide tables and electricity if needed. 

“I think ideally we would love to provide both pregame and in-game activities if possible. I could easily imagine us planning a pregame showcase for a larger group of kids, and then perhaps some smaller tabling activations in a couple of places throughout the ballpark.

“All of this is to say that we are very flexible, and open to the ideas and expertise that you could provide!”

Amateur Communications Needed, Fools Dual Half Marathon & 5K Race, Gloucester MA, April 2, 2023

Fools Dual Half Marathon logoBrandon Hockle, NQ1W, writes on the Cape Ann ARA mailing list:
 
We are still looking for volunteers for the upcoming road race in Gloucester the morning of April 2nd.
 
Here is some basic information for the race:
 
 
Specifics as to our posts and the race course map will be forthcoming.  If you have preference for a position it will be first come first serve. So if you are keen on a certain post on the course please let Fred know as soon as you can!
 
The race season has snuck up on us this year. But, I hope we will still have an excellent turnout as always. Remember that those of you who contributed your time last season there is a CAARA race event t-shirt waiting for you with WA1ESU at the race start station.
 
Please let the special events leads know that you will be able to help out. Event communication members are asked to arrive at least a half hour before the start of the event to get final position and coordination from the leaders.
 
If you are interested or have questions please email wa1esu@comcast.net .
 
As always thank you for your participation, these events are so important to both CAARA and the Yukanrun team.
 
Regards,
Brandon Hockle NQ1W
President CAARA

Fox Deployed, North Chelmsford, March 5, 2023

Tim Miranda, W1MWS, writes on  NEMassFoxHunters at 12:59 PM on March 5, 2023:
 
Finally got my first fox transmitter. It’s somewhere in the Bill Edge Deep Brook Conservation Land, 124 Dunstable Road, North Chelmsford MA. You can hear it from the parking lot on 146.565 MHz, transmitting every 35 seconds or so. It should last through Friday.
 
Tim Miranda
W1MWS – EMA ARES ADEC
(978) 331-0930

Bob Glorioso, W1IS, Interviewed on “QSO Today” Podcast

Photo of W1IS in his ham shack“Robert ‘Bob’ Glorioso, W1IS [Stow, MA] had early beginnings in electronics and radio, encouraged by his father, led Bob to advanced degrees in engineering, a stint in the US Army, and opportunities to be on the cutting edge of technology throughout his career with major corporations and his own startup.  The consummate teacher, Bob has developed new hams through courses at the local ARES.  W1IS has been a frequent contributor to ham radio publications for over 50 years, is a contributor to the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, and my guest in this QSO Today.”

Project Big E 2023 is Ramping Up

Project Big E logoLarry Krainson, W1AST, writes:

Project “Big E” is back again and plans are underway to staff an amateur radio display booth this year. Changes will be made to how the booth will be arranged and presented to the public.

 This year, the dates are Friday, September 15 thru Sunday, October 1. We will be applying for another grant and if we get one, we will be able to provide admission tickets and parking reimbursement again this year.

Last year was a lot of fun for everyone and we hope you will join again for another Big E.

Stay tuned for updates at https://nediv.arrl.org/project-big-e/ as we get closer.

The volunteer registration form is at: <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YdW57tREYSlDdPp8YSKBYUqNkl6OVrAbpcVCclvT4Hw/>.

Cape Ann ARA “Tech In A Day” Class Produces Five New Hams

CAARA logoFive individuals passed their exams at a recent Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association “Tech In A Day” course and are now  Technician class amateurs:

Larry Swift – Gloucester, KC1SOV
Sander Schultz – Gloucester, KC1SOT
Mark Klemm – Danvillle, NH, KC1SOW
Andrew Traskos – Newton, NH, KC1SOU
Brian Lloyd – Gloucester, KC1SOO

“We invited them back to CAARA for their “Now You are Licensed” discussions on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 12 Noon,” reports CAARA VE Bill Poulin, WZ1L. “I want to present them to the board and the CAARA membership, and welcome them to Amateur Radio formally.”

Poulin says that they will discuss local repeaters, show them 10 meters, introduce them to Echolink, and, of course, answer any questions. 
 
“I will give a plug for ARRL membership.  I know a few of them took QST Magazines I had on the table.”
 
CAARA will offer the new amateurs a one-year membership. They’ve also been invited to participate in the club’s nets.
 
WZ1L believes that some will begin studying for their General class licenses.

 

AA1SE: “The BIG E Amateur Radio Display and ARISS Contact” at Algonquin ARC, March 9, 2023

AARC logoThe March Algonquin Amateur Radio Club meeting will feature Ray LaJoie, AA1SE, Section Manager for Western MA, speaking about the Amateur Radio display at The BIG E in the fall. Ray will talk about booth display planning as well as ARISS space station contact and how it all came together for the seventeen-day event.

The meeting will be held in­ person March 9, 2023 at 7:30 pm in the library of the 1st Lt. Charles W. Whitcomb Middle School, 25 Union Street, Marlboro, MA. Enter from Agoritsas Drive next to police station and use Door #1 at rear of building.

“Facing scrutiny like never before, New England’s amateur balloonists are feeling the pressure”

From The Boston Globe, February 28, 2023:

“In July, Seth Kendall and his 12-year-old son, Max, plan to fill a giant latex balloon with gas and then launch it into the Earth’s upper atmosphere.

“Once it leaves the ground it will reach a height of around 100,000 feet, where it will expand to more than 40 feet wide. Dangling underneath will be a payload of science experiments designed by students, a device that bounces radio signals for hundreds of miles, and a GoPro camera to capture footage of the curvature of the Earth.

“From there, it will be smooth sailing — at least, that’s their hope.

“A string of recent high-profile, balloon-related incidents, including the military shooting down a Chinese surveillance balloon and several other yet-to-be-identified flying objects, have fueled anxiety among amateur balloonists across the country. Here in New England, where hobbyists and scientists routinely launch balloons for scientific research or kicks — or often both — fears about the fate of their projects are reaching new heights.”

[Full story]

K1GGI: “Cape Cod’s Fabulous Radio History” at Barnstable ARC Hybrid Meeting, March 6, 2023

Barnstable ARC logoThe Barnstable Amateur Radio Club will meet in-person on March 6 at 7:00 PM at the Brewster Police Department Community Room, 631 Harwich Road (Rt 124), Brewster, MA 02631. In addition we will provide a Zoom link to the meeting. This month,  Ed Moxon, K1GGI, will present “Cape Cod’s Fabulous Radio History.”

[Contact Norm Cantin, WA1NLG, at norman.cantin@gmail.com for Zoom details.]

Whitman ARC Offering Amateur Extra Licensing Class

Recent licensing class held by the Whitman ARCBob Azanow, WA1Q, writes In K1USN Happenings, February 23, 2023:

[The Whtman ARC Amateur] Extra class started on Tuesday, February 21 […]. But there is no problem catching up if you would like to join; just give our training manager Ross, W1EKG, a call, email, and or show up at the Whitman Police Station on Thursday evening, February 23.

Classes will run Tuesday and Thursday each week until April 13. The VE session will be Tuesday, April 18 at 7 PM.

Sorry for the late notice on this. More info found at the training link including Ross’s phone number: http://www.wa1npo.org/training/training.htm.