Belmont CERT Members Receive SKYWARN Training

KD1CY presenting SKYWARN training to Belmont CERT members, 1 of 2Members of the Belmont Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) received training on how to recognize severe, violent, and unusual weather conditions. Rob Macedo, KD1CY, a 14-year veteran of the National Weather Service SKYWARN program presented to the attendees at Belmont High School on March 12.

Similar SKYWARN severe weather training will be held next month at the Dexter and Southfield Schools in Brookline.

KD1CY presenting SKYWARN training to Belmont CERT members, 2 of 2

Shown (right): CERT attendees; (left): Rob Macedo, KD1CY. Photos © 2009 Bill Ricker, N1VUX, reprinted with permission

Follow A 1000-foot Tower Climb via UHF on March 15, 2009

large towerRich Zack, K1RJZ writes on FraminghamARA-L:

Sunday night between 9PM and 1AM (or later), Kurt Jackson, W1OBQ will be climbing the WCVB microwave tower behind You-do-it electronics to the 1000ft level.  No elevator, just climb the hard it way.

If you want to listen in and have a scanner, he will be operating on the 450.4125 MHz which is normally the WCVB chopper freq repeater.

Climb #1 on Sunday will be to fix a bad copper control line and take up microwave gear to be installed on the next climb.  The microwave gear will be in backpacks.

Climb #2 is tba as two TV and one FM station again need to go dark for RF safety reasons. The will be to install the gear that went up in climb #1.

Boston ARC Assists In BAA 5K Race

Boston ARC logoBob Salow, WA1IDA writes:

For many years, on the day before the Boston Marathon, there was an informal run on the streets of Boston.  That all changed last year when Boston was awarded the US Olympic Women’s Marathon Trials.  The Boston Amateur Radio Club responded with communication support for the 26.2 mile event run in Boston and Cambridge.

This year, to keep the date and advance the running sport, the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) will hold a sanctioned 5K (3.1 miles) race followed by a series of 1 mile races for the state’s best high school runners.  All races will start near and finish at the Boston Marathon Finish line.

We have been asked to provide ham communications for these events.  The date is Sunday, 19 April, with hams assembling at 0700 near the Boston Public Library (more details later).  All events are expected to be over by 1100.

Note that there will be no interference with preparations for the Boston Marathon the next day.  If you can assist or have any questions, contact me at wa1ida@arrl.net or 508.650.9440.

Thanks, Boston ARC, The SPARC, March 2009

Call For Volunteers–Walk For Hunger, May 3, 2009

Project Bread logoEric Horwitz, KA1NCF writes:

Greetings! This is for Boston, MA area hams. It is that time again… Public Service season is here. We are now looking for help for this year’s Project Bread Walk for Hunger on Sunday, May 3, 2009.

This will be the 41st running of the event. We need people to provide communications support for the Project Bread Staff and volunteers along the 20 mile walk in Boston, MA.

If you are interested in helping out this year, go to http://wfh.mmra.org to log in and fill out the signup form.

If you have questions please send an email to: w4h@nsradio.org

73,
Eric – KA1NCF
Walk For Hunger 2009
Amateur Radio Communications Coordinator
Email: w4h@nsradio.org

New England Area Flea Markets, March 1, 2009

New England Area   Ham - Electronic  Flea Market  ***  DATES  *** 2009 P 1 of 2
All events are Ham Radio/ Electronic related except ~_____~

*******************************************************************************
2009 Contact Source
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7 March Feeding Hills MA MTARA @TurnvereinClb Cindy K1ISS 413 568 1175 W

8 Mar Hicksville NY LIMARC @LevitH $6@9+$20/T@7 Richard K2KNB 516 694 4937 W

14 Mar Rockport MA CAARA @PigeonCoveCtr $3@9 $10/T Dick KR1G 508 269 4941

21 Mar Pomfret CT ECARA @CommSch $2@8 $10/T Paul KE1LI 860 928 2456 F

22 March Southington CT SARA @HS $5@8 $20/T@6:15 Chet KA1ILH 860 628 9346 W

28 Mar Middletown NY OCARC @Wallkill ComCtr Donald AA2DS 845 342 2056 A

28 Mar Lewiston ME AARC ME Conv @Ramada $6@8 +8/T Cory N1URA 207 514 0202

28 Mar Laval PQ CRLL @PolyGeorgesVanier $5@9 $10/T@7:30 514 708 8033 W+

29 March Framingham MA FARA @KeefeSch $5@9 $25/T@7:30 Bev N1LOO 508 626 2012 F

29 Mar Henniker NH CVRC @CommSch Jim NS1E 603 428 7438 A

11 April Montreal PQ MARC @CanLegion $5@9 $10/T@8 James 514 697 7205 W+

18 Apr Manchester NH NEAntqRC @BingoCtr $10@7:30$3@8:30 Charlie 603 898 4821 F

18 Apr S Portland ME PAWA @AmLegion Bryce K1GAX 207 799 1116 A+

18 Apr Gales Ferry CT RASON @Firehse $2@10 Auction Gary WT1SND 860 884 4218 +

19 April Cambridge MA FLEA at MIT Nick 617 253 3776 F
Third Sunday April thru October

25,26 Apr Wakefield MA Photographica @AmericalCtr ~photo~ John 781 592 2553 W+

26 April Lagrangeville NY MtBARC @Tymor Pk James K2JIM 845 427 2702 A

1,2 May Deerfield NH NearFest @FG $10Fri@9 $5Sat@6 Mike K1TWF 978 250 1235 F

2 May Moncton NB TCARC @MapletonLodge @9 Bruce VE9YM W+

9 May Lindenhurst NY GSBARC @FiremanPk $6@8:30 $25/T John W2HCB 631 669 6321 W

9 May Rensselaer NY EGARA Thomas KC2FCP 518 272 1498 A

9 May Halifax NS H+DARC @ForumAnnex $4@9 Dave VE1NN 902 462 3945 W+

17 May Cambridge MA FLEA at MIT Nick 617 253 3776 F

23 May Vernon CT NARC @TolandAg Wayne N1GUS 860 487 1921 A+

*******************************************************************************
LAST UPDATE 3-1-09 de W1GSL http://swapfest.us P 1
List is normally updated twice a month – look for the latest version
*******************************************************************************
Additions/ Corrections via e-Mail w1gsl@mit.edu <- SUBSCRIBE
US Mail W1GSL POB 397082 MIT Br Cambridge MA 02139
(c)2009 unlimited reproduction permitted in entirety

New England Area Ham – Electronic Flea Market *** DATES *** 2008 P2 of 2
*******************************************************************************
2009 Contact Source
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
30 May Rochester NY RARA New Location Sat Only Len KC2PCD 585 671 2424 W+

30 May Goshen CT SoBerksARC @Fairground Rte 63 $3@8 Lee K1LEE 860 435 0051 +

30 May Quispamsis NB LCARC @MidSch $4@9:30 Sell@8:30 Phil VE1PGC W+

6 June Hermon ME PSARC @HS Rodger KA1TKS 207 848 3846 A+

7 June Queens NY HoSARC Stephen WB2KDG 718 898 5599 A+

13 June Windsor CT VR+C Mus 115 Pierson LN @8AM Tailgate John 860 673 0518 W

20 June Newington CT NARL @StMarySch Mary K1MMH 860 594 0397 W+

21 June Cambridge MA FLEA at MIT Nick 617 253 3776 F
Third Sunday April thru October

11 July Summerside PEI SPARC @WilmotComCtr $5@9 Bill VY2FF W+

19 July Cambridge MA FLEA at MIT Nick 617 253 3776 F

25 July N Haven CT @HI I91x12 $7@8 $15/T@6 $10/TG John N1GNV 203 440 4468 F+

8 Aug Gales Ferry CT RASON @VFD $4@9 $15/T@7 Wayne KB1NKK 206 350 3064

15 Aug Swamton VT STARC I89x21 @RavenInd $5@6 +$5/Sp Arn N1ARN 802 309 0666 F+

16 August Cambridge MA FLEA at MIT Nick 617 253 3776 F

11 Sept Windsor ME AARA @FG $5@8 Bill K1NIT 207 623 9075 +

12 Sept Ballston Spa NY SCRACES @FG $5@7 Al KA1IEG 518 677 3316

12 Sept Windsor CT VR+C Mus 115 Pierson LN @8AM Tailgate John 860 673 0518 W

13 Sept Newtown CT CARA@TownHall $6@8:30 $15/T$10TG@7 Joe AB1DO 203 938 4880 W+

19 Sept Forestdale RI RIFMRS @VFW rt146 8A flea+auct Rick K1KYI 401 864 9611

20 September Cambridge MA FLEA at MIT Nick 617 253 3776 F

11 Oct Wallingford CT Nutmeg Conv $20/sp $7@9 John N1GNV 203 440 4468

11 Oct Queens NY HoSARC Stephen WB2KDG 718 898 5599 A+

16,17 Oct Deerfield NH NearFest @FG Mike K1TWF 978 250 1235 W
*******************************************************************************
LAST UPDATE 3-1-09 de W1GSL http://swapfest.us P 2 of 2
List is normally updated twice a month – look for the latest version
Source F= Flyer T= tentative early info + = new info this month
A= ARRL R= RAC list W= web WR NV CQ QST = Mags
This list has been compiled from many sources. While we believe the info to
be accurate the author can not be responsible for changes or errors.
Check with the sponsoring organizations for more details. This list will be
posted monthly to USENET. Mailed copies are sent when additions are made.
*******************************************************************************
Additions/ Corrections via e-Mail w1gsl@mit.edu <- SUBSCRIBE
US Mail W1GSL POB 397082 MIT Br Cambridge MA 02139
(c)2009 unlimited reproduction permitted in entirety

New England Area Ham – Electronic Flea Market *** DATES *** 2009 -> ***
Page 3 Electronic distribution only. This page has the overflow if any P3
from the paper version.
*******************************************************************************
2009 Contact Source
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

17 Oct Manchester NH NEAntqRC @BingoCtr $10@7:30$3@8:30 Charlie 603 898 4821 F

18 October Cambridge MA FLEA at MIT Nick 617 253 3776 F
Third Sunday April thru October

24,25 Oct Wakefield MA Photographica @AmericalCtr ~photo~ John 781 592 2553 W+

31 Oct Waterford CT TCARC Auction @Oswegat Fire @10 Tom WA2RYV 860 464 6555

2 Nov Feeding Hills MA HCRA Auction @CongCh @6:30PM Jim KK1W 413 245 3228

7 Nov Londonderry NH IRS @Lions Sellers$15@6 $3@8 George N1NAZ 603 421 0940

7 Nov Bourne MA FARA @UpperCC VoTech $5@9 $10/S@7 Ralph N1YHS 508 548 0422 A+

5 Dec Windsor CT VR+C Mus 115 Pierson LN @8AM Indoor John 860 673 0518 W

*******************************************************************************
LAST UPDATE 3-1-09 de W1GSL P 3
List is normally updated twice a month – look for the latest version
Additions/ Corrections via Internet w1gsl@mit.edu
US Mail W1GSL POB 397082 MIT Br Cambridge MA 02139
(c)2009 W1GSL http://www.swapfest.us SASE for updated copy as issued.
unlimited reproduction permitted in entirety
*******************************************************************************

List is normally updated twice a month – look for the latest version

Be sure to check for the latest version as updating is under the control
of the page owner.

* You can have the list e-mailed directly to you as it is updated. *
* Just send a request to be added to the distribution to w1gsl@mit.edu *

73 Steve F
W1GSL

***********************************************************************
New England Area Ham – Electronic Flea Market *** DATES *** P4
Links to New England Hamfest Web Sites (c) 2009 W1GSL
***********************************************************************
This section is only included in the electronic distribution.

Cambridge MA Flea at MIT http://www.swapfest.us

Hopkinton NH Hosstraders RIP 🙁 http://www.qsl.net/k1rqg/

Adams MA N BerkshireARC http://www.nobarc.org/hamfest.htm

Boxborough MA NE ARRL Conv http://www.boxboro.org/

Dartmouth MA SEMARA http://www.semara.org/flea.htm

Falmouth MA FARA http://www.falara.org/

FeedingHills MA MTARA http://www.mtara.org/flea08.html

Framingham MA FARA http://www.fara.org/

Marlboro MA AARC http://www.qsl.net/n1em/FleaMarketFlier2008a.pdf

Newton MA Waltham ARA Auction http://www.wara64.org/auction/

S Dartmouth MA SEMARA http://www.semara.org/

Wakefield MA Photographica http://www.phsne.org/

Whately MA FranklinCARC http://www.fcarc.org/news.htm

Worcester MA WPI ACM http://acm.wpi.edu/swapmeet/

Gales Ferry CT RASON http://www.rason.org/

Goshen CT SBARC http://www.w1baa.org/hamfest.html

Enfield CT VHF/UHF Conf http://www.newsvhf.com/vhfconf.html

Newington CT NARL http://www.narlhamfest.org/

Newtown CT CARA http://www.danbury.org/cara/Hamfest.html

North Haven CT http://www.yankeehamfest.com +

Southington CT SARA http://www.chetbacon.com/sara.htm

Wallingford CT Nutmeg CT Conv http://www.nutmeghamfest.com

Windsor CT Vintage R Mus http://vrcmct.org/

Chelsea ME AARA http://www.w1tlc.com/

Hermon ME PSARC http://n1me.org/index.php?pr=Hamfest

Lewiston ME AARC http://www.mainearrl.org/convent.htm

S. Portland ME PAWA http://www.pawa-maine.org/

St. Albans ME PARC http://www.qsl.net/parc/hamfest/hamfest.html

Windsor ME AARA http://www.w1tlc.com/ +

Deerfield NH NEAR-Fest http://www.near-fest.com/

Henniker NH CVRC http://www.qsl.net/k1bke/

Manchester NH NEAntiqueRC http://www.nearc.net/

Rochester NH GBRA http://www.w1fz.org/

Bergen NJ BARA http://www.bara.org/

Sussex NJ SCARC http://www.scarcnj.org/www.scarcnj.org/flyer_2007.htm

Ballston Spa NY SCRACES http://wa2umx.net/_Hamfest_2008.html

LaGrangeville NY MtBARC http://www.wr2abb.org/

Lake Placid NY NNY ARA http://www.northnet.org/nnyham/hamfest_flyer2004.htm

Lindenhurst NY ToB ARES http://www.tobares.org/hamfest.html

Lindenhurst NY GSB ARA http://www.gsbarc.org/Hamfest.htm

Long Island NY LIMARC http://www.limarc.org/fest.htm

Middletown NY OCARC http://www.ocarc-ny.org/

Queens NY Hall of Science http://www.hosarc.org/

Rensselaer NY E Greenbush ARA http://www.w2egb.org/

Rochester NY AWA http://www.antiquewireless.org/

Rochester NY RARA http://www.rochesterham.org/hamfest.htm +

Wallkill NY OCARC http://www.ocarc-ny.org/

Greenwich RI Fidelity ARC http://users.ids.net/~newsm/dates.html

Essex Junction VT Burlington ARC http://www.vtstetson.net/fest02.pdf

Milton VT RANV VT Conv http://www.ranv.org/milton.html

Swanton VT STARC http://www.starc.org/ +

Moncton NB TCARC http://www.ve9tca.org/

Quispamsis NB LCARC http://www.lcarc.ca/ +

Drummondville PQ leCRdeD http://www.9bit.qc.ca/~ve2crd/hamfest/index.html

Greenwood PQ GARC http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/esmith/GARC/activities.htm

Laval PQ CRALL http://www.ve2crl.qc.ca/

Montreal PQ MARC http://www.marc.qc.ca/fest/fest.html

Montreal PQ WIARC http://shell.pubnix.net/~wiarc/hamfest.htm

Montreal PQ MS-SARC http://www.ve2clm.ca/articles.php?lng=fr&pg=120

Montreal PQ UMS http://www.ve2ums.ca/agenda/pub_2007_hamf.pdf

Sorel-Tracy PQ CRAS-T http://www.hamfest.qc.ca/

St Romuald PQ ARES http://www.aresqc.org/

St Therese PQ CRALL http://www.ve2crl.qc.ca/hamfest2002.htm

Summerside PEI SPARC http://www.summersidearc.com/fleamarket2009.htm +

Greenwood NS GARC http://greenwoodarc.org/

Halafax NS HARC http://www.halifax-arc.org/

Timonium MD GBHC http://www.gbhc.org/

Montreal Area MARC List http://www.marc.qc.ca/fest/festcal.html

Canada RAC List http://rac.eton.ca/events/upcoming.php

Phila. Area VARA List http://www.qsl.net/w2vtm/hamfest.html

USA ARRL List http://www.arrl.org/hamfests.html

*******************************************************************************
P4 LAST UPDATE 3-1-09 de W1GSL P 4
Additions/ Corrections via Internet w1gsl@mit.edu
US Mail W1GSL POB 397082 MIT Br Cambridge MA 02139
(c)2009 W1GSL http://www.swapfest.us SASE for updated copy as issued.
unlimited reproduction permitted in entirety
*******************************************************************************

Genesis ARS Technician Class: June 13, 20, 2009

Genesis ARS logoThe Genesis Amateur Radio Society‘s Education Officer reports that the tentative dates of June 13 and June 20 have been scheduled for a Technician class at the Plymouth Airport. The testing will take place on June 27.

VEs and instructor volunteers within the club ranks are requested. April 4 will be the cut-off date. April 11 will be a general meeting for the instructors, possibly at the airport. After Field Day, GARS plans to conduct a Morse code course. Those dates will be announced later.

Thanks, GARS Newsletter, February 2009

Cape Ann ARA To Hold License In A Day Course March 7, 2009

The Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association will conduct a Technician Class License in a Day course on Saturday, March 7, 2009 from 8:30 am until 4 pm. The course, led by Stan Stone, W4HIX, will be held at the Lanesville Community Center on 8 Vulcan Street in Gloucester, MA.

Anyone interested may register by e-mailing Stan at <stan@lanescove.us>. The course is free; however, the exam fee is $15.00.

MIT Radio Society (W1MX) Turns 100!

MIT Radio Society QSL/logoThe MIT Radio Society (W1MX) will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding this April 30th, 2009. In commemoration, the Society will be operating a special event station, W1MX/100, for a two week period beginning on April 30th and issuing a special QSL card.            

Additionally, the Society will be holding two events for Radio Society alumni at MIT during reunion week in June. Details are available on our website – http://web.mit.edu/w1mx/www/. Please spread the word! And if you are an alum, PLEASE get in touch with us at w1mx-100@mit.edu.

 

 

Hams Needed – Two Multiple Sclerosis Walks

Boston ARC logoThe Multiple Sclerosis Society has again organized two local events this year, but no longer on the same day. The “Boston MS Walk” will be on Sunday, 4 April, organized as it has been for the past several years. The “MS Journey of Hope,” will start and finish in Newton on Saturday, 5 April.

We have been asked to support communications for both. The “Boston MS Walk” will start and finish at the Harvard athletic facility on North Harvard St near Soldiers Field Rd in Brighton. The route of the walk will be on both sides of the river in Cambridge and Boston.

The “MS Journey of Hope” starts and finishes at Newton South High School with a 7.5 mile course. There will be several checkpoints, vehicles and medical coverage for us to support.

Each will be managed by a Net Control station, using both VHF and UHF repeaters. Your help is vital for these worthy causes. If you can lend a hand, contact Rick, KB1LYJ, at rpsavage@comcast.net or 781.289.7364.

–Thanks, Boston ARC’s The SPARC, February, 2009

ARRL Mobile Amateur Radio Policy Statement & SGL’s Response

ban cell phone logoOn January 30, 2009, the ARRL’s Executive Committee released its Mobile Amateur Radio Operation Policy Statement in response to proposed legislation springing up across the country regarding the use of cellular telephones while driving.

The full text of the Policy Statement, along with a response from EMA/WMA State Government Liaison Shawn O’Donnell, K3HI can be found on the EMA/WMA SGL web site.

KY1N List of Volunteer Exam Sessions, 02/14/09

                          The KY1N Memorial List
    Scheduled Amateur Radio Volunteer Examinations - CT MA ME NH RI VT
                                  2/14/09
                             Jim, WW1Y, Editor
Date     Time   Contact                        Location           Phone
02/16/09 19:00  Skip Denault, KB1CNB           Fall River      MA 774-644-3469
02/16/09 18:30  Francis D'auria, W1AD          Pittsford       VT 802-775-3033
02/17/09 19:00  Paul Lux, K1PL                 Portland        CT 860-635-1742
02/18/09 19:30  Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX        Cambridge       MA 617-253-3776
02/19/09 19:30  Louis Harris, N1UEC            Canton          MA 508-668-0858
02/23/09 09:00  William D Wilson, K1IN         Bloomfield      CT 860-869-1059
02/23/09 19:00  Walton G Congdon, W1ZPB        Northfield      MA 413-498-2729
02/25/09 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH              Shirley         MA 978-597-6535
02/27/09 18:00  David Cote, W1FAB              Holyoke         MA 413-575-2950
02/28/09 12:30  Mitch Stern, W1SJ              Colchester      VT 802-879-6589
02/28/09 09:00  Kenneth Carr, KB1AWV           Cranston        RI 401-828-1665
02/28/09 12:00 +Daniel Lee, W1DFL              Danvers         MA 978-352-4513
02/28/09 09:00  Jim Heedles, WW1Y              Nashua          NH 603-673-7395
03/08/09 12:00  Bob Quinn, WV1A                Gloucester      MA 978-283-4660
03/09/09 19:00  Jim Clogher, N1ICN             Brookline       MA 617-364-4658
03/10/09 19:00  Lawrence Polowy, KU1L          Thomaston       CT 860-283-4089
03/11/09 19:00  Bruce Anderson, W1LUS          Billerica       MA 978-851-2886
03/12/09 19:00  Louis Mester, W1CH             Providence      RI 401-263-6045
03/13/09 18:30  Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R      Burlington      VT 802-878-6454
03/14/09 08:45 *William J Needham, K1WN        Braintree       MA 781-843-4400
03/14/09 09:00  Ben Fleck, K2LYE               Falmouth        MA 508-540-2583

03/16/09 19:00  Skip Denault, KB1CNB           Fall River      MA 774-644-3469
03/17/09 19:00  Paul Lux, K1PL                 Portland        CT 860-635-1742
03/18/09 19:30  Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX        Cambridge       MA 617-253-3776
03/19/09 19:30  Louis Harris, N1UEC            Canton          MA 508-668-0858
03/21/09 09:00  Bill Wade, K1IJ                Marlborough     MA 617-699-3670
03/25/09 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH              Shirley         MA 978-597-6535
03/27/09 18:00  David Cote, W1FAB              Holyoke         MA 413-575-2950
03/28/09 12:00 +Daniel Lee, W1DFL              Danvers         MA 978-352-4513
03/28/09 09:00  Bob Jones, WB1P                Slatersville    RI 401-333-4787
03/29/09 09:00  William D Wilson, K1IN         Bloomfield      CT 860-869-1059
03/29/09 09:30  Michael Murphy                 Henniker        NH 603-382-6889
04/04/09 09:00  Don Tarbet, KD1XU              Bangor          ME 207-327-1453
04/04/09 10:30  Larry Houbre, AA1FS            Dartmouth       MA 508-991-6055
04/08/09 19:00  Bruce Anderson, W1LUS          Billerica       MA 978-851-2886
04/09/09 19:00  Louis Mester, W1CH             Providence      RI 401-263-6045
04/10/09 18:30  Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R      Burlington      VT 802-878-6454
04/11/09 09:00  Ben Fleck, K2LYE               Falmouth        MA 508-540-2583
04/12/09 12:00  Bob Quinn, WV1A                Gloucester      MA 978-283-4660
04/13/09 19:00  Jim Clogher, N1ICN             Brookline       MA 617-364-4658
04/14/09 19:00  Lawrence Polowy, KU1L          Thomaston       CT 860-283-4089
04/16/09 19:30  Louis Harris, N1UEC            Canton          MA 508-668-0858
04/18/09 09:00  Bill Wade, K1IJ                Marlborough     MA 617-699-3670
04/18/09 10:00  Bryce Rumery, K1GAX            South Portland  ME 207-799-1116
04/20/09 19:00  Richard Strycharz, KD1XP       Amherst         MA 413-665-2211
04/20/09 19:00  Skip Denault, KB1CNB           Fall River      MA 774-644-3469
04/21/09 12:00  Adam Woodbury, K1ADW           Bedford         MA 781-271-3062
04/21/09 19:00  Paul Lux, K1PL                 Portland        CT 860-635-1742
04/22/09 19:30  Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX        Cambridge       MA 617-253-3776
04/22/09 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH              Shirley         MA 978-597-6535
04/24/09 18:00  David Cote, W1FAB              Holyoke         MA 413-575-2950
04/25/09 09:00  Kenneth Carr, KB1AWV           Cranston        RI 401-828-1665
04/25/09 12:00 +Daniel Lee, W1DFL              Danvers         MA 978-352-4513
04/26/09 09:00  William D Wilson, K1IN         Bloomfield      CT 860-869-1059
05/08/09 18:30  Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R      Burlington      VT 802-878-6454
05/09/09 08:45 *William J Needham, K1WN        Braintree       MA 781-843-4400
05/09/09 09:00  Ben Fleck, K2LYE               Falmouth        MA 508-540-2583
05/10/09 12:00  Bob Quinn, WV1A                Gloucester      MA 978-283-4660
05/11/09 19:00  Jim Clogher, N1ICN             Brookline       MA 617-364-4658
05/13/09 19:00  Bruce Anderson, W1LUS          Billerica       MA 978-851-2886
05/14/09 19:00  Louis Mester, W1CH             Providence      RI 401-263-6045
05/16/09 09:00  Bill Wade, K1IJ                Marlborough     MA 617-699-3670
05/18/09 19:00  Skip Denault, KB1CNB           Fall River      MA 774-644-3469
05/19/09 19:00  Paul Lux, K1PL                 Portland        CT 860-635-1742
05/20/09 19:30  Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX        Cambridge       MA 617-253-3776
05/21/09 19:30  Louis Harris, N1UEC            Canton          MA 508-668-0858
05/22/09 18:00  David Cote, W1FAB              Holyoke         MA 413-575-2950
05/23/09 12:00 +Daniel Lee, W1DFL              Danvers         MA 978-352-4513
05/27/09 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH              Shirley         MA 978-597-6535
06/06/09 10:30  Larry Houbre, AA1FS            Dartmouth       MA 508-991-6055
06/08/09 19:00  Jim Clogher, N1ICN             Brookline       MA 617-364-4658
06/10/09 19:00  Bruce Anderson, W1LUS          Billerica       MA 978-851-2886
06/11/09 19:00  Louis Mester, W1CH             Providence      RI 401-263-6045
06/12/09 18:30  Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R      Burlington      VT 802-878-6454
06/13/09 09:00  Ben Fleck, K2LYE               Falmouth        MA 508-540-2583
06/14/09 12:00  Bob Quinn, WV1A                Gloucester      MA 978-283-4660
06/15/09 19:00  Skip Denault, KB1CNB           Fall River      MA 774-644-3469
06/16/09 19:00  Paul Lux, K1PL                 Portland        CT 860-635-1742
06/17/09 19:30  Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX        Cambridge       MA 617-253-3776
06/18/09 19:30  Louis Harris, N1UEC            Canton          MA 508-668-0858
06/20/09 09:00  Bill Wade, K1IJ                Marlborough     MA 617-699-3670
06/20/09 09:00  Jim Heedles, WW1Y              Nashua          NH 603-673-7395
06/24/09 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH              Shirley         MA 978-597-6535
06/26/09 18:00  David Cote, W1FAB              Holyoke         MA 413-575-2950
06/27/09 12:00 +Daniel Lee, W1DFL              Danvers         MA 978-352-4513
07/09/09 19:00  Louis Mester, W1CH             Providence      RI 401-263-6045
07/10/09 18:30  Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R      Burlington      VT 802-878-6454
07/11/09 08:45 *William J Needham, K1WN        Braintree       MA 781-843-4400
07/11/09 09:00  Ben Fleck, K2LYE               Falmouth        MA 508-540-2583
07/12/09 12:00  Bob Quinn, WV1A                Gloucester      MA 978-283-4660
07/13/09 19:00  Jim Clogher, N1ICN             Brookline       MA 617-364-4658
07/16/09 19:30  Louis Harris, N1UEC            Canton          MA 508-668-0858

                                  NOTES:
                       * = PREREGISTRATION MANDATORY
                    +  = PLEASE CALL TO GUARANTEE SEATING
                         T = Technician Exams only
                            Times are Local Time
     Please check with the contact person as some dates are tentative!
               For the latest examination information, check
                   http://www.ky1n.net/ky1n.html.
             If attending a session please remember to bring:
    1) One photo ID, or two non-photo ID's (one with address)
    2) Original FCC-issued license plus a photocopy (if already licensed)
    3) Original plus photocopies of all CSCE's you are claiming
    4) The 2009 test session fee: $15.00 for ARRL/VEC, $14.00 for W5YI Sessions
                  All VE Teams are invited to contribute.
  For additions/corrections contact Jim Heedles, WW1Y, 603-673-7395,
                      via email at ky1n@ky1n.net

ARRL Mobile Amateur Radio Policy Statement & SGL’s Response

On January 30, 2009, the ARRL’s Executive Committee released its Mobile Amateur Radio Operation Policy Statement in response to proposed legislation springing up across the country regarding the use of cellular telephones while driving.

Follows is a response from EMA/WMA State Government Liaison Shawn O’Donnell, K3HI:

 

QST MASSACHUSETTS AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS

The ARRL’s January 30, 2009 policy statement on mobile amateur radio operation is a timely contribution to the national debate over the safe use of communications devices by operators of motor vehicles.

Several states have already enacted laws limiting the use of mobile telephones and other communications devices while driving.  Many other states, including Massachusetts, have been considering such laws.

What’s the big deal?
An increasing number of studies show that it is risky to speak on a mobile telephone while operating a motor vehicle.  Some research shows that driver skills drop as much from talking on the phone as they do from driving while intoxicated.  Most state laws concerning cell phone use require hands-free operation, though the data appears to show that the source of driver distraction is not the cell phone hardware, but the conversation itself.  The ARRL made a wise choice not to challenge the cell-phone studies; instead, they pointed out that amateurs tend not to be as absorbed in communications as people using cell phones or PDAs.  Indeed, even the most long-winded hams spend more time listening rather than speaking–especially compared to the average cell phone user.  (Try and time-out AT&T or Verizon’s network the way you can a repeater!)  The ARRL’s choice to emphasize the lower level of distraction involved in ham radio operations is a sensible strategy.  And the League’s decision to focus on public service communications–especially emergency communications–makes their case strong.
Don’t FCC regulations preempt state regulation of amateur mobile operations?Yes, but only to the extent that the FCC regulates licensing, modes of operation, frequencies, etc.  The FCC does not regulate safe operation of motor vehicles–state governments do.  So if Massachusetts says we can’t drive while holding a mic in our hand, that’s the Commonwealth’s prerogative.

So what does the ARRL’s policy statement do for us?
The ARRL is a private organization, and its policy positions have no direct impact on federal or state policy.  But the ARRL’s opinions, especially with respect to emergency communications, do carry substantial weight with many state and federal officials.  This policy statement could help persuade law makers to grant amateurs special consideration in any future legislation.
What should Massachusetts amateurs do?
As of today, we know of no pending legislation on Beacon Hill concerning mobile cell phone operation.  But we are early in the current legislative session.  Given the steady flow of proposed cell phone/driving laws over the last decade, however, we can expect that several state representatives and senators will file such bills soon.  When the inevitable happens, Massachusetts amateurs should contact their representatives & senators with a request that they adopt the language of the ARRL policy statement in any future legislation.  That would help ensure our ability to continue providing valuable public service communications.
Stay tuned for updates.
73,Shawn, K3HI
EMA/WMA ARRL State Government Liaison