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Section Manager’s 2018 Field Day Message

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ARRL flagSunday, June 24 is Amateur Radio Day in Massachusetts:

In Massachusetts, at the urging of State Senator Bruce Tarr, N1UIU, Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker signed a proclamation declaring June 24 as “Amateur Radio Day” in the Bay State.

In addition, both the Massachusetts Senate and House have issued resolutions declaring Amateur Radio Week in Massachusetts coinciding with Field Day.

EMA Section Manager Visits:

Eastern Massachusetts Section Manager, Tom K1TW, and EMA Assistant Section Manager, Phil K9HI, are planning to visit several Field Day locations together on Saturday, primarily in Middlesex and Essex counties.

Safety:

Remember Safety First in every aspect of a field day operation. Go here for helpful guidance on keeping your field day safe: <https://ema.arrl.org/2018/05/23/field-day-safety-officer-checklist/>

Participate:

You can participate as an individual from home, or in the field, or through a local club. If you do not have a home station, then visit a club operation.

Find a club operation nearby:

Use the Eastern Massachusetts (EMA) Field Day locator at <http://fd.ema.arrl.org/>.

Add your club to the locator:

Make sure your club is listed on the Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Locator web site. Go to <http://fd.ema.arrl.org/> and enter your information so others can easily find you.

Earn extra points during Field Day:

Don’t forget you can earn extra points by sending a radio gram to the Section Manager, Tom K1TW or to the Section Emergency Coordinator, Greg KC1CIC. Here are the details on how to create and send a field day radiogram including the schedule of the traffic nets on Saturday June 23: <https://ema.arrl.org/field-day-traffic-tips/>

Wishing everyone in Eastern Massachusetts ARRL section a very enjoyable, safe, and successful Field Day.

73,

Tom Walsh K1TW

——————————————————————–
ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section
Section Manager: Thomas D Walsh, K1TW
k1tw@arrl.org
——————————————————————–

Public Service

North Attleboro Kid’s Day, Volunteers Requested, June 19-22, 2018

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Ray Cord, K2TGX writes on the Sturdy Memorial Hospital ARC mailing list:

After a very successful Norton Founders Day it is now on to the next Large Scale Public Event. North Attleborough Kids Day Thursday June 19th through Sunday June 22nd. While all the details are in Scott Bumpus’s email below,  it is important to note a few things:

1- It is a four day event

2- Hours of Operation are 11AM to 11PM Thursday-Saturday and 11AM to 6PM on Sunday.

3- There is a 5K Road Race on Sunday morning at 8AM-

4- EMA-CERT-MRC-HAM Volunteers have been asked to support Parking Lot operations.

5- There will Fireworks both Friday and Saturday

6- Meal Tickets will be available for Volunteers 

While we would love to have everyone volunteer to work the entire 12 hour shift Thursday through Sunday, we recognize that is both unrealistic and unhealthy. Past history has shown that the first hour and the last  hour each day is the slowest. Friday Saturday nights are the busiest because of the Fireworks at 9:15 PM. Having said that, we would like to have each Team pick a Day and a Time slot or more for their Team. If that is not practical because of work schedules,  then individuals can fill in as they see fit. We are looking at possible 12 Noon to 5:30 and 5:00PM to 10:30PM Schedules each of the days. The 8AM 5K Road race is only an hour or so on Sunday and should be easy to fill.

If you know of other Teams that did not get this email or an earlier one from MEMA please forward it to them.

Please do your best to help fill these hours. It is Fund raising  Event that helps the N.A. Firefighters Association support programs for needy children during the course of the year.

If you wish to help out for one shift or more (or even a partial shift) please send an email to scott.bumpus@nafirefighterskidsday.org with your schedule. Also please put me on copy so I can develop a Roster of Volunteers.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. There will be more info forth coming as we get closer.

Field Day / Public Information / Regulation & Advocacy

Massachusetts House Passes Resolution Proclaiming Amateur Radio Week

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MA House sealA resolution has been passed in the Massachusetts State House honoring Amateur Radio operators and proclaiming an “Amateur Radio Week” to coincide with Field Day. The resolution was introduced by Rep. Jonathan Hecht, who represents the 29th Middlesex District (Cambridge, Watertown).  It was signed on June 18, 2018 by Hecht, along with House Speaker Robert A. De Leo and House Clerk Steven T. James.

The language of the House bill is identical to the text in the counterpart Senate resolution. Copies of the resolution have been mailed to ARRL Eastern and Western MA Section Managers Tom Walsh, K1TW and Ray Lajoie, KB1LRL and should arrive in time for this weekend’s Field Day.

Edited: June 21, 2018

Operating / Youth

Natick High School High Altitude Balloon Launch, Florence, MA, June 20, 2018

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WA3ITR APRS trackDan Brown, W1DAN writes on the Wellesley ARS mailing list:

Charlie’s (WA3ITR) High Altitude Balloon project is currently hoping to launch on 6/20/2018 from Florence, MA around 1-2 PM.  It is hoped that the platform will be recovered in the Natick area around 6 PM or so.

Follow it on APRS!
 
See also: 
Public Service

Request For Operators, YMCA St. Peter’s Fiesta 5K Run, Gloucester, June 28, 2018

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Christopher Winczewski, K1TAT writes on the Cape Ann ARA mailing list:

We are looking for operators to staff the YMCA St Peter’s Fiesta 5K Run on Thursday, June 28 2018, 6:30pm be on location by 6:00pm Gloucester.

Please let me know if you can staff a communications check-point for the event by Thursday, May10th so I can plan staffing positions for the event.

Please let us know what type of equipment you plan to use. We need 50 watt mobile units (i.e.: mobile; HT; ¼-wave mag-mount; OEM rubber duck; etc.) so we have a better idea of where to locate you along the event course per the potential of your equipment.

St Peter’s Fiesta 5K Run Communications Team
Gloucester, Mass
Last Updated: 6/18//2018 10:00pm
Event date: June 28, 2018
On Location: 600:pm
Starts: 5K Run = 6:30 pm
Freq: W1GLO 145.130 – PL:107.2 Back up: Simplex 146.565

Emergency Communications / Public Information

KD1CY Featured in SKYWARN Interview on WILI AM 1400

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Rob Macedo, KD1CY featured on WILI SKYWARN interviewRob Macedo, KD1CY was featured in a radio interview on  radio station WILI AM 1400 in Willamantic, Connecticut on June 15. Macedo spoke on severe weather and the importance of trained SKYWARN observers. 

KD1CY is an Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator for Eastern Massachusetts and SKYWARN Coordinator for the National Weather Service office in Norton.

Emergency Communications / Public Information

WQ1O Interviewed About Emergency Communications by WCAI

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Photo of Cape Cod Multi-Agency Communications Center in HyannisFrank O’Laughlin, WQ1O writes on Facebook:

I was interviewed today by Kathryn Eident of NPR station WCAI today at our Barnstable County facility (used for the Multi-Agency Coordination Center) on Cape Cod.

We discussed ARES, agencies, volunteers and how basic simple equipment can often endure due to its lack of dependence on infrastructure. We gave her a live demonstration of digital modes and NBEMS sending files and ICS forms. We then had ARES member Jim, KC1KM send a digital image on VHF. It was of Kathryn’s own WCAI broadcast facility in Falmouth.

I think the interview went well. She is working in collaboration with the Cape Cod Times on a series about disaster preparedness and levels of communications. She will advise me when the final piece is ready to air, possibly in late July or early August. My thanks to Kathryn and WCAI for their interest in emergency communications.

Operating / Youth

Natick High Altitude Balloon–Successful Tethered Test

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Natick HS High Altitude Balloon tethered testDon Clements writes:
 
Successful tethered test! We didn’t launch (due to the cloud cover), but the test was great. With the large tank, the balloon filled quickly and easily. You can have pretty much any lift you want. We filled the balloon too much, and went off the 2 kg scale for lift. The last aspect we need to control is the amount of lift, and that’s pretty straightforward. At this point we’re ready to launch(!)
If you look at the picture full size you can see the parachute and instrument package up there. We had it 150ft up, and got good satellite and APRS data. 
 
To the Stars, and Beyond!
 
 
Field Day / Public Information / Regulation & Advocacy

Massachusetts Senate Proclaims Amateur Radio Week

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Massachusetts State Senate sealA Resolution has been received by the ARRL Eastern and Western MA Section Managers from Harriette L. Chandler (D-Worcester), President of the Massachusetts State Senate.  The Resolution, adopted on June 4, 2018, is entitled “Commemorating Amateur Radio Week and Honoring Amateur Radio  Operators as They Celebrate Field Day”:

 

WHEREAS,  Amateur Radio operators have made great contributions in developing world-wide radio communications; and

 

WHEREAS, over 13,500 Amateur Radio operators thrive in the Commonwealth, consistently displaying their value in public assistance; and

 

WHEREAS, Amateur Radio operators use their equipment and skills to unfailingly assist local and state officials in cases of tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and other emergencies; and

 

WHEREAS,  Amateur Radio operators in the Commonwealth have generously volunteered their time, equipment and knowledge to provide communications, support and technical training to local service clubs, organizations and interested citizens; and

 

WHEREAS, on June 23 and 24, Amateur Radio operators in the Commonwealth will join with other operators from around the country to participate in Field Day, a 24-hour simulated emergency highlighting Amateur Radio operators’ emergency response capabilities; now therefore be it

 

RESOLVED, that the Massachusetts Senate extends its appreciation to Amateur Radio operators as they celebrate  Amateur Radio Week and Field Day; and be it further

 

RESOLVED, that a copy of these resolutions be transmitted forthwith by the Clerk of the Senate to the Western and Eastern Massachusetts sections of the American Radio Relay League, the National Association for Amateur Radio.

 

Clubs / Field Day / Operating

Algonquin ARC Field Day 2018

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Algonquin ARA Field Day 2017 photoThe Algonquin Amateur Radio Association will conduct its Field Day operation June 23-24 at the Marlborough Emergency Operations Center at the Central Fire Station, 215 Maple St, Marlborough. The group will operate three stations–possibly four–in the “F” Category (Emergency Operations Center). 

 

 

Update: June 21, 2018:

David “Shack” Haralambou, W1SHK writes on the Algonquin ARC mailing list:

Here are the plans for Field Day at this moment:

  • We will be running 4 stations
  • We will be using N1MM Logger at each station
  • Setup will begin at 9 AM on Saturday at the Main fire station EOC room
  • Contesting begins at 2 PM
  • We WILL be running an overnight crew and be live on the air from 2 PM Saturday until Noon on Sunday
  • Cleanup will begin at Noon on Sunday
  • You are welcome to come down and operate/log anytime during the event (even if it is only for an hour)

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible this weekend!

Clubs / Field Day / Operating

Waltham ARA Picnic and Field Day 2018

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Waltham ARA logoWaltham Amateur Radio Association posts on its web site:

On Saturday, June 23, 2018, WARA will combine a club picnic and a four-hour operation in the ARRL Field Day.

Time:  12:00  – 6:00 PM
Location:  Sunset Shelter, Prospect Hill Park, Waltham (near the repeater site)

The club provides hamburgers, hot dogs, buns, condiments, and water.   Attendees may optionally bring other food items to share.

The FD operation is very laid back, and everyone is welcome to operate.

Clubs / Field Day / Operating

New England Amateur Radio Field Day 2018

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2018 Field Day logoNew England Amateur Radio, Inc. writes:

According to the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), Field Day is the most popular on-the-air operating event in Amateur Radio.  Always on the fourth full weekend of June, the event draws tens of thousands of amateur radio operators across the country to participate by setting up public demonstrations of the Amateur Radio service.

This is the big event you look forward to all year! Where we go “off-grid” for 24 hours and run on solar or generator power, operate from tents or vehicles, and make contacts all over North America!

Come join the fun at the headquarters of New England Amateur Radio, 16 Tech Circle, Natick, MA. We plan to have the NEAR Van again, the converted news truck, and a GOTA station where beginners and unlicensed people can “Get On The Air” and learn. There will be an exam session for anyone who wants to get a license or upgrade, and of course plenty of food and coffee.

WHERE: New England Amateur Radio Club on the site of New England Sci-Tech

WHEN:   Sat., June 23 to Sun., June 24, 2018
Public is welcome: Sat. 3 pm – 6 pm and Sun. 9 am – noon for tours, soldering workshop, hidden transmitter hunts, and license testing.
(Full Schedule will be posted soon)
A radio license test session will be held on Saturday at 6:30 pm.

Operating

DMR Simplex Mountaintop Activity Planned, June 17, 2018

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Gene Balinski, K1NR shared this photo of a summit on the air operationon the Algonquin ARC mailing list from Tim Watson, KB1HNZ:
 
I just wanted to get the word out that our club is planning a DMR Simplex activity for Sunday morning, June 17th. We will be having parties travel to the summits of Mt. Washington, NH, Mt. Equinox, VT, and Mt. Greylock, in Western Mass. We’re hoping to try for a couple of summit to summit contacts, but also, in order to make it a worthwhile [Summits On The Air] activation, we’d like to be able to work a few other stations besides each other. 

From past experience, calling CQ on DMR simplex doesn’t yield much, so please help spread the word!

The party on Mt. Washington will include KC1HBM and KC1XT.

Myself (KB1HNZ) and my wife, K1GJY will be traveling to the summits of Mt. Equinox and Mt. Greylock. The first stop will be Mt. Equinox, sometime between 8:30-9:00 AM.

We will be using 145.790 for VHF, and 446.075 for UHF. 

Clubs / Field Day / Operating

Boston ARC Field Day 2018

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Boston ARC logoJoe Harris, N1QD writes on the Boston ARC mailing list:

We are counting down the days to the 2018 edition of ARRL Field Day!! Setup will begin at 8:30AM on Saturday, June 23 at the Bare Cove Fire Museum. The plan is to repeat the 3A with a VHF setup that has been used the past few years. Logging will be done with N1MM+, and there will be opportunities for phone, CW, and digital ops. Will the stars finally align for a satellite QSO? Will 15 or 10 open? Will there be another 6 meter opening? Find out June 23 and 24!

The signup form for the 2018 Boston Amateur Radio Club Field Day is now live! If you are planning on attending Field Day, please let us know by filling out the signup form. It will help the club determine how much food to purchase, and give us an idea of how to best plan for setup and takedown.

Signup: https://goo.gl/forms/Q2jqlTMCUgfAMpW82

Clubs / Field Day / Operating

Quannapowitt RA Field Day 2018

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QRA“This year, QRA will be holding ARRL Field Day at the Overlook Park in Burlington. This is the site we held Field Day the last two years. All members and friends are invited to stop by and either operate or observe. There will be at least three stations operating with phone, CW and digital modes with a possibility of some satellite and 6 meter. Our plans are to start setting up around 12 noon on Saturday June 23, 2018. There are no plans for operating on Sunday. We’re hoping for warm sunny weather for the event.

“Directions to the site are: Route 128 either North or South to the WINN STREET exit, at the bottom of the exit, turn toward WOBURN CENTER. Take the 3 rd right at the Edward Sullivan Funeral Home on Harriett Ave. Climb the hill and at the end, turn left and enter the Burlington Recreation site. Follow the road to the left up the hill to the field day site. Come with or without equipment. Hoping for more exposure, QRA president Don Melanson, KA1MAP will be submitting an application for ARRL field day 2019 to be held somewhere near Wakefield Center on Lake Quannapowitt.”

Operating / Youth

Natick High School Balloon Launch Carrying Amateur Radio

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WA3ITR APRS track

Charlie Bures, WA3ITR reports he is involved with a Natick High School High Altitude Balloon (HAB) launch carrying an Amateur Radio Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) package. The project is funded by the AeroClub of New England via the David Frawley Foundation.  

“The launch will be soon,” said Charlie. “I’m working with the science teacher at Natick High School. We are currently doing tethered dry-run integration tests in preparation for our actual launch.  We are also monitoring the jet streams so that our balloon platform doesn’t go into the Atlantic but, hopefully, lands around the Natick area, or at least outside Route 128 away from congestion and major highways.” Charlie adds the launch will hopefully occur either “later this week or next.”

The balloon activity can be followed via http://aprs.fi. Charlie will use the call sign WA3ITR-7. 

Updated: June 14, 2018

Operating / Youth

ARRL Kids Day, June 16, 2018

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tin can toy phonesTwice per year in January and June for five hours, ARRL Kids Day promotes Amateur Radio to our youth.  Kids Day is designed to give the on-the-air experience to young people and foster interest in getting a license of their own.  It is also intended to give older hams a chance to share their station and love for Amateur Radio with their children.  Share the excitement with your kids, grand-kids, a scout troop, a church or the general public.  Suggested initial exchange is name, age, location and favorite color.  You can work the same station again if an operator has changed.  To draw attention, call “CQ Kids Day.”  All participants are eligible to receive a colorful certificate and feedback on your experiences are also welcome at the ARRL Kids Day page.