Author: k9hi

Licensing Education & Training / Youth

Weekend General License Course Offered, Natick, July 13-15, 2018

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New England Sci Tech logoFor high school students and adults who already have a Technician level license, this fast-paced, two-day course will get you ready to take the GENERAL license exam. Topics range from the science of radio electronics to the FCC rules governing the radio spectrum.  Some preliminary reading and study is necessary to get the best results from this course. Material will be sent approximately a week before the course.

The GENERAL level course runs Friday, July 13, 6:00-9:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 14, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by theFCC General examat 3:00 p.m., at New England Sci-Tech, 16 Tech Circle, Natick. The $85 course fee covers exam fee, cold cuts and salad lunch, coffee and snacks, and printed materials. Advance registration and payment required.

For questions, e-mail bobphinney at nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179 or visit <https://www.nescitech.org/product/weekend-general-class/>.

Operating

KH1/KH7Z Baker Island DXpedition Has a “Local” Connection

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KH1/KH7Z QSL cardA Scituate ham is playing a key role in the upcoming KH1/KH7Z Baker Island DXpedition.

“Don Mikes, AA1V, who is the pilot for the upcoming Baker Island DXpedition KH1/KH7Z team wants to let everyone know that he is in daily satellite phone communication with them as they sail/motor to Baker Island from Fiji. 

“They cast off 24 hours ago and are experiencing good sailing conditions. Be sure to check their website for the latest updates and to also track their progress via GPS – https://share.garmin.com/K6TD”

–Courtesy “Pi” Pugh, K1RV, from the K1USN Radio Club mailing list

Emergency Communications / Field Day / Operating

Severe Weather & Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend Coordination Message #2 – Saturday 6/23/18-Sunday 6/24/18 Weather Outlook/Severe Weather Potential

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SKYWARN logoHello to all..

..The following is the second in a series of messages on Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend and providing information on the weather during this period. This is a tradition spanning over 15 years for Amateur Radio Operators involved with Field Day and the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN Program..
..After quiet weather on Friday, unsettled weather is likely during Amateur Radio Field Day weekend. It will not be a complete washout but there will be the threat of widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms with heavier rainfall and urban and the potential of urban and poor drainage flooding as well as an attendant lightning risk Saturday into Saturday Night. As we move into Sunday…

[Full post]
Emergency Communications / Field Day / Operating

Severe Weather & Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend Coordination Message #1

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Hello to all.. 

..The following is the first in a series of messages on Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend and providing information on the weather during this period. This is a tradition spanning over 15 years for Amateur Radio Operators involved with Field Day and the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN Program.. 
..2018 Field Day weekend has quiet weather for Friday but looks unsettled with the potential for rain and possibly heavier rain and can’t rule out an isolated thunderstorm along with cooler temperatures on Saturday and then the potential of isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms with strong to damaging winds, hail, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall on Sunday Afternoon/Evening potentially when Amateur Radio Field Day sites are breaking down stations and wrapping up for this year’s event. Weekend weather will be monitored closely..
..Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend is an annual event where Ham Operators across the United States setup at Emergency Operations Centers, field locations, home locations etc. to operate and test their equipment and skills and make as many radio contacts as possible during the weekend. Many locations can be visited by the public and Amateur Radio Field Day can be a form of outreach to Ham and non-Ham Operators. It is also noted that several states have given proclamations to Amateur Radio/Ham Radio Operators for either an ‘Amateur Radio Day or Amateur Radio Week’ during the month of June or an ‘Amateur Radio Month’ for this month. It is both a fun/preparatory event for Ham Radio Operators for Emergency Communications scenarios.. 
..SKYWARN Activation on Saturday appears unlikely but will need to monitor for any potential for thunderstorms and attendant lightning risk and heavier rainfall. SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Boston/Norton are possible Sunday Afternoon/Evening for isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorm potential..

There are a large number of Amateur Radio Field Day sites across the NWS Boston/Norton Coverage Area and adjacent NWS Coverage Areas. Here are some links to information on these Amateur Radio Field Day Sites from across the region: 

Amateur Radio Field Day Information: http://www.arrl.org/field-day 
Amateur Radio Field Day National Locator: http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator 
Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Home Page: http://fd.ema.arrl.org/ 

The commonwealth of Massachusetts has declared this week to be Amateur Radio Week and Governor Baker has proclaimed Sunday June 24th, 2018 Amateur Radio Day in honor of the ARRL Field Day event. The details can be seen at the following links:

 
For Field Day weekend, Friday looks quiet weather wise with seasonable temperatures and dry conditions. As we get into Saturday, there could be general rain over Southern New England with cooler temperatures. There could also be heavier rainfall and the chance of an isolated thunderstorm though currently it looks more like a rain and heavier downpour situation versus a general thunderstorm concern but this will be monitored and updated again in the Friday Evening coordination message.
 
For Sunday, parameters could come together for isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms with strong to damaging winds, hail, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall in the Sunday Afternoon and Evening timeframe as Field Day operations end and field day sites are securing. We are still 2+ days from this event and this will be updated with greater details as we get closer to this timeframe. This concern is mentioned in the NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook.
 
Coordination messages later Friday and Saturday will help better define the outlook particularly for Sunday and the severe weather potential. Below are links to the NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook and NWS Boston/Norton Experimental Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:

NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook: 
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html 

NWS Boston/Norton Experimental Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/box/ehwo

Amateur Radio Field Day sites are still encouraged to bring a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio, monitor various cell phone weather apps where Amateur Operators may have those available and have a dedicated Ham Radio that can monitor their local SKYWARN Frequency for their area as a best safety and preparedness practice. Also sites that have mobile Internet capability can utilize that capability as a way to monitor for weather information. With Mobile Internet capability, utilizing Echolink to monitor the New England Reflector system on Echolink Conference *NEW-ENG3* Node: 9123/IRLP 9123 would be helpful as well. Please see the link below for the latest SKYWARN Frequency information for the region: 
http://www.wx1box.org/node/37

 

During setup and takedown of Amateur Radio Field Day sites and even while operating, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat accordingly. Also having a jacket or sweatshirt during evenings as conditions cool etc. may also be useful while operating this year’s Field Day. The link below features information on Heat Safety:
 
Given the threat for thunderstorms particularly on Sunday, lightning is a threat to any and all Amateur Radio Field Day sites. Remember your lightning safety tips and details on lightning safety can be seen at the following link:
 

The next Amateur Radio Field Day coordination message will be posted by 1000 PM Friday Evening.

Respectfully Submitted, 

Robert Macedo (KD1CY) 
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator 
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator 
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM) 
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM) 
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM) 
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com 
http://ares.ema.arrl.org 
http://www.wx1box.org 
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box 

Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box
All / Field Day / Organization

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