Author: k9hi
August, 2017 Section News is now available at “Snow Goose” Special Event Operation, So. Weymouth, August 20, 2017
W1OD writes:
W1NAS had another successful Special Event Station yesterday. Due to the Museum being smack in the center of a major site reconstruction program at the former Naval Air Station, we were fortunate enough to be operating from the K1USN Radio Club in nearby Braintree, MA. We made more than 75 contacts on CW and phone, despite the horrible band conditions. We actually made more phone contacts than CW for a change! Visiting board members from the Shea Naval Aviation Museum stopped by and enjoyed the event and took many pictures.
This was the 59th anniversary of the flight of the blimp Snow Goose from NAS South Weymouth to Resolute Bay, as indicated above. Next year will be the 60th anniversary and we’re already thinking about what we’ll do and how we’ll do it. We’re hoping all the site work will be completed around the Museum and that we’ll be back open to the public once again. For those wishing a high-quality QSL for yesterday’s event, please send a SASE to Steve, W1OD.
Many thanks to all those who assisted in yesterday’s SES: K1RV, Pi; N1VH, Marty, W1VP, Larry; KA1KIJ, Bob; W1TPB, Ted; WK1D, Jeff; K1WN, Bill; N1DC, Rick; WA1TPC, Bob; and a few others whose names I forget at the moment.
[courtesy http://qrz.com/db/w1nas]IMPORTANT MESSAGE: AMATEUR RADIO PARITY ACT (ARPA)
August 8, 2017
Dear ARRL Member: Based on feedback I’ve received, it seems to me that some members still don’t fully understand certain features of the Amateur Radio Parity Act (ARPA) and what it is meant to do. To make things clearer, we have developed an FAQ in the format of questions and answers. Please take a few minutes and read the FAQ to learn more about the ARPA.
Here is the direct link: http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Regulatory/The%20Amateur%20Radio%20Parity%20Act%20FAQ.pdf
Here is another link with additional information: http://www.arrl.org/amateur-radio-parity-act
Thanks to those of you who have written your Senators in support of the ARPA. If you have not done so, please do so by clicking on the link below. It only takes a minute.
https://arrl.rallycongress.net/ctas/urge-us-senate-to-support-amateur-radio-parity-act
Thanks. Let’s keep the effort moving!
73,
Rick – K5UR
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Rick Roderick, K5UR
President
ARRL – The national association for Amateur Radio®
Jimmy Fund Walk, BAA Half Marathon Events This Fall
Brett Smith, AB1RL writes:
With August here and summer winding down, I’m starting to turn my attention to our fall public service events. I wanted to make sure you know about the dates and start gauging early interest.
The first is the Jimmy Fund Walk on Sunday, September 24. This is the Jimmy Fund’s annual fundraising walk along the Boston Marathon route. There are positions available to work with a medical team at each rest stop along the route, so there’s a variety of locations and volunteer times available. Tell your friends, too—we’re really eager to build up the team size for this year, especially along the earlier parts of the route. If you’re interested, all you have to do is let me know by e-mail, and I’ll get you on the roster.
The second is the BAA Half Marathon on Sunday, October 8. As usual for BAA events, we’ll work with medical teams at different points along the route to provide them with any necessary communication, including EMS dispatch requests if necessary. Volunteer registration for this event will be through the BAA’s web site, and it will open up on Tuesday, August 15. You’ll get an announcement from them, and me, when that happens.
Your work at these events really makes a difference. At both of these events in recent years, we’ve handled emergency dispatch calls to get participants, and sometimes even spectators, prompt treatment. Those calls wouldn’t be as quick or as effective without the communications expertise you bring by showing up. Please join us to make a couple more events that much more successful.
If you have questions about either event, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll be on vacation next week, so I might be slow to respond, but I will get back to you.
Thanks for all that you do, and 73,
If interested, please contact:
Brett Smith, AB1RL ab1rl-pubserv@brettcsmith.org
Public Service Coordinator, Boston Amateur Radio Club
Ham Volunteers Sought for YMCA Run, Marblehead, July 4, 2017
Eric Horwitz, KA1NCF writes:
I have been asked to see if I can get a couple of people to help with a YMCA Run in Marblehead, MA.
It should be a quick one.. 7:30 am to … it is only a 4 mile run.
If you can help please email me and I will send you more information.
Thanks
Eric Horwitz, KA1NCF
North Shore Radio Association – Public Service Coordinator
“Finish At The Fifty” Amateur Radio Help, July 3
The Finish at the Fifty is a unique event on the public service calendar. It’s a combined 5K and 10K on the evening of July 3. The finish line for both races is the 50-yard line of Gillette Stadium, and there’s a free fireworks show after. It’s got a lot of energy, and particular challenges for runner safety (they go up and down the ramps of the stadium!). Given the size of the course, the medical team relies on amateur radio volunteers for communications support and to keep extra eyes on runners.
Recruiting for this event is always a challenge because of the date. A lot of people have travel plans, which I understand. Because of that, please join our team if you’re able. Chris Troyanos is the medical coordinator for this event. He would always like to have more coverage, and he would love to have our support especially.
To sign up, just write me back with your call sign, cell phone number, and t-shirt size. Plan to be there from around 4:30 to 8:30 PM. All you need is a dual band handheld and any accessories that will keep you comfortable. Further instructions will follow.
If you have questions about the event, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by e-mail or phone (859) 466 5915.
Thank you, and 73,
Brett Smith, AB1RL
Public Service Coordinator, Boston Amateur Radio Club
Boxboro 2017 Tickets Now On Sale
Bob Di Mattia, K1IW writes:
Hello All,
Just a quick note that we have opened ticketing on the Boxboro website. Boxboro! The ARRL New England Convention is held annually at the Boxboro Regency, just of I-495, in Boxborough, Mass.
This year, the convention is on September 8, 9, and 10. Friday the 8th is special forum day with emergency management, SKYWARN, and other special-topic forums. Friday wraps up with the DXCC/Contesting dinner where this year our speaker is Jeff Briggs, K1ZM. He will be telling us all about the 7O6T DXpedition to Yemen.
The convention gets into full swing on Saturday and Sunday when the exhibit hall and flea is open, along with an excellent set of forums, VE exams, License-is-a-Day, and other goodies.
Our Saturday Grand Banquet features Paul Stoerzer, N8HM, of AMSAT. He has racked up all sorts of awards based on a small apartment-based station and will be letting on about his tricks or the trade.
Learn more about the convention, and purchase general admission, flea spaces and banquet tickets at http://www.boxboro.org.
General admission tickets (only) are also available at Ham Radio Outlet in Salem, NH, and at Electronics Plus! in Littleton, MA.
73,
Bob – K1IW
Boxboro 2017! Publicity Chair
MA Governor, Senate & House Issue Amateur Radio Proclamations
Proclamations have been sent to ARRL Eastern and Western MA Section Managers from the Massachusetts Governor’s Office, the State House of Representatives, and the MA Senate, respectively. These proclamations coincide with the annual ARRL Field Day event on June 24-25, 2017.
The proclamation from the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts declares June 24th, 2017 to be Amateur Radio Day:
“WHERE AS, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has approximately 14,000 amateur radio operators, who continually demonstrate their value in public assistance;”
“Therefore, I, Charles D. Baker, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim June 24th, 2017 to be, Amateur Radio Day , and urge all the citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance”
A Resolution of the Massachusetts Senate states in part:
Senate Resolution Title: “Celebrating the National Amateur Radio Field Day of the American Radio Relay League”
Excerpt from the resolution: “WHEREAS, The American Radio Relay League Serves more than 725,000 Licensed Radio Amateurs in the United States and will hold its Annual Field Day on June 24 and June 25, 2017;”
“WHEREAS The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has approximately 13,000 Amateur Radio operators that dedicate their, time, equipment and knowledge to assist their communities and the American Radio Relay league has provided a free public communications service to the communities during disaster for more than 100 years;”
“RESOLVED, That the Massachusetts Senate hereby commends the American Radio Relay League’s National Amateur Radio Field Day;”
Eastern MA 2017 Field Day Directory
The 18th Annual Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Directory contains some of the most comprehensive Field Day resource pages of its kind.
According to Bill Ricker, N1VUX, the section Field Day pages offer detailed information on individual field day club operations along with the complete event operating rules and helpful safety tips.
“Clubs which are reactivating a previous Class A or F site can confirm to the EMA Directory by simply putting their pin in at the ARRL Locator – conveniently linked from our directory. I’ll pick that up and mark them confirmed. I would appreciate an email from new clubs in Class A or F, clubs with new sites, clubs whose details on their EMA directory need updating, or who are definitely not using the site they had last year.”
The site also links to updated information on how to handle NTS radiogram traffic, and score bonus points during the event.
“A major goal always has been helping (and encouraging) EMA Field Staff & Leadership to plan visits to nearby field day sites, as is our custom — and helping us hit as many different ones as possible.”
Email n1vux at his arrl.net address.
Two SKYWARN Training Sessions in Lowell & Peabody
The National Weather Service in Taunton is offering two SKYWARN training sessions in the coming weeks in our area:
Tuesday May 23rd, 2017 – 630-900 PM:
University Crossing – Room 158
220 Pawtucket Street
Lowell, MA
Taught by: NWS Taunton Forecaster
Registration: Required – Pre-register via email to Rob Macedo-KD1CY at rmacedo@rcn.com
Thursday June 8th, 2017 – 700-930 PM:
Portuguese American War Veterans Building
103 Tremont Street
Peabody, MA
Taught by: Amateur Radio Coordinator
Registration: None Required
BAA 10K, Ham Volunteers Sought, June 25, 2017
Brett Smith, AB1RL writes:
Volunteer registration is open for the BAA 10K on Sunday, June 25. I know, I know—as usual, it’s on Field Day Sunday. But it just takes the morning (assignments run from approximately 6:00 AM to noon), and the summer weather means we’ve usually got work to do supporting the event medical teams. Come take a break from the rush for contacts, and join us to send some substantive traffic over the air.
All you need to help out is a dual band (2m and 70cm) handheld, preferably with a gain antenna. To volunteer for the 10K, sign up with the BAA directly following the instructions below.
Go to the BAA 10K volunteer site and press the “Volunteer Now” button.
There are separate buttons for “Returning” and “First Time” Volunteers. If you’ve volunteered at a BAA event before, select “Returning Volunteer.” If you don’t know your BAA Volunteer Loyalty Number, use the button labeled “Retrieve Your Volunteer Loyalty Number” to look it up. If it returns a Volunteer Loyalty Number for you, fill that in where prompted.
If the system does not provide you with a Volunteer Loyalty Number, or if you have not volunteered at a BAA event before, go through the “First Time Volunteers” button on the first page.
Complete the personal information.
Group status: Ham volunteers don’t need to join any group. You can answer “No” to both questions.
Assignment request: Select “Ham Radios” from the top pulldown menu on the page. You are not required to make any selections on the lower menus.
Complete the remainder of the application and make note of your application acknowledgment number. Seeing a acknowledgment number on the page is your indication that you have successfully completed the online application.
If you have any questions about the event or the sign-up procedure, feel free to get in touch with me at ab1rl@brettcsmith.org or (859) 466 5915.
Thank you, and 73,
Brett Smith, AB1RL
Public Service Coordinator, Boston Amateur Radio Club
SKYWARN Training in Plymouth, June 10, 2017
Ed Caron, KA1RSY writes on Facebook:
PLYMOUTH SKYWARN CLASS
This class is open to anyone who is interested in becoming an official National Weather Service Spotter. Also this would be good refresher for anyone who hasn’t attended a SKYWARN class in a few years, there is no charge to attend. The class conveniently located right over the bridge so hope to see you all there. You must pre-register in order to attend.
Saturday June 10th, 2017 – 1000 AM-1230 PM:
Plymouth Community Room (co-located with the fire station)
2209 State Road
Plymouth (Cedarville), MA
Note: The EOC/community room is located in the back of the fire station with the main entrance on the lower parking level
Taught by: Amateur Radio Coordinator
Registration: Required – Pre-register via email to Rob Macedo-KD1CY at rmacedo@rcn.com
Wellesley Veterans Parade, Amateur Volunteers Needed, May 21, 2017
David Wolfe, KG1H writes:
The Wellesley Veterans Parade will be held on Sunday, May 21 and we hope you will be able to help.
The time commitment is: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 21st in Wellesley.
We meet at 11 a.m. at the Wellesley Community Center at 219 Washington Street.
The duties are to get the 125 units in order. The units arrive at Noon and they are told prior to arrival to go to a specific street and location. We need to check off that the unit has arrived and that it is in the proper location. Then we need to start the parade at 1 p.m. and key the units in order down the street.
A radio communications plan has been developed.
Are you able to help?
Please let Carl Nelson know if you can join the team. His email is cnelson111@comcast.net His cell phone is 781-929-9095.
Thank you for your service and help to our veterans.
Carl Nelson
Yukan Run “Fast Half” Marathon, Ham Assistance Requested, May 13
Bob Spanks, Jr., WA1UCG writes on the CAARA list:
The Cape Ann ARA (CAARA) is still looking for volunteers to help at this Saturday’s (May 13) “Yukan Run Fast Half” Marathon starting at the Hamilton-Wenham High School.
CAARA has supported this event for the last several years. So if you are available to help out, please contact CAARA’s Road Race Chairman Chris, K1TAT, at k1tat@outlook.com.
Remember: CAARA has radio equipment for your use if you do not have any equipment.
The race begins at 9:00 AM so I would suggest you be on the course by 8:30 AM. You will complete your assignment by noon at the latest.
73,
Bob Spanks, Jr.
Ham Volunteers Sought for National Brain Tumor Society Walk, May 21, 2017
The National Brain Tumor Society is planning their 2017 Boston fundraising bike ride and they’re looking for amateur radio volunteers. The ride takes place on Sunday, May 21, starting at 7:00 AM from 200 West Street in Waltham. Volunteers will work from until the early afternoon, with lunch provided.
Jim Bradley, KB1JKJ, is organizing the hams for this event. To volunteer, please write him with the following information:
- Your preferred assignment: SAG in your own vehicle; SAG in another person’s vehicle; or rest stop
- Your call sign, full name, and name you prefer on the air
- Your cell phone number, and any other number(s) you like to be reached at
- Your shirt size
- The transmit band(s) of your radio(s), and other equipment you could bring
- Do you have any needs or requests we should consider when making your assignment?
Jim can also answer any questions you have about the event.
Thank you, and 73,
Brett Smith, AB1RL
Public Service Coordinator, Boston Amateur Radio Club
NASA Chooses Six Local Student Projects
Bob Phinney, K5TEC writes in the Clay Center ARC mailing list:
Six student projects were chosen by NASA to fly in a rocket or high-altitude balloon this summer. As part of the activities offered by the Clay Center Amateur Radio Club (CC-ARC) at Dexter Southfield School, students designed projects for the NASA “Cubes in SpaceTM” program, the only program in the world to provide students (ages 11-18) with a free opportunity to design experiments to be launched into space on a NASA rocket or balloon.
Lead members include Julie KC1GMW, Morgan KC1GRZ, Nathan KB1RD, Hardy KC1ESU, Raif KC1GRX, Jason KC1GBV, Conrad KC1GBW, Rishi KC1BKX, and Sean K3FAY. Thanks to adult supervisors Christy KC1GAF, Bruce N9JBT, John AB1ZV, Ted KB1NTJ, Marlene Schwarz, and Dan Sage.
ARRL New England Division Convention, Call for Speakers
Don’t just attend Boxboro 2017—BE A PART OF IT! The Boxboro Committee seeks fresh and exciting presentations for this year’s ARRL New England Division Convention, September 8-10, 2017. We’re looking for talks of both a technical and non-technical nature. As a Boxboro speaker, you will have the opportunity to share your subject and knowledge with Amateur Radio operators from around New England, surrounding states, and Canada.
In addition to forums throughout the day Saturday, we will feature Saturday evening entertainment, workshops on Friday, 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.
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 presenter, please go to http://boxboro.org/forums-and-classes or email or call us if you have additional questions.
We look forward to meeting all of you at the convention.
73,
Phil Temples, K9HI
Program Chair
Boxboro! ARRL New England Division Convention
k9hi@boxboro.org