Double Fox Hunt On the Air in Belmont, September 1, 2023

Eliot Mayer, W1MJ, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list at 11:01 AM on September 3, 2023:

Due to technical difficulties, the double fox hunt in Beverly has been terminated early.

This was Mike’s first deployment of this new fox design, and it is likely that the low-battery cutoff setting was too high for his battery.  My fox became intermittent, apparently due to a bad cable going to the radio (or, hopefully not, a bad jack in the radio). 

We will address these issues and try again.  For now, go find the W1MWS fox in North Chelmsford.

 

Eliot Mayer, W1MJ, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list at 6:00 PM on September 1, 2023:

K1MJC and I have both put foxes on the air in the Rock Meadow Conservation Area in Belmont, MA for the holiday weekend. 

Map and directions from Google Maps:  https://goo.gl/maps/6sYA2FXTKBXSdJXv7

Both foxes transmit once per minute between the hours of 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.  They will be on the air until 5:00 PM on Monday, Labor Day.

The K1MJC fox is on 147.54 MHz, and has a log book to sign when you find it  

The W1MJ fox is in 147.57 MHz, and has no log book; please email your report to fox@w1mj.com.

73 DE W1MJ

W6NBC: “2m – 70cm Satellite Dish Slot Antennas” at Sci-Tech ARS Hybrid Meeting, August 29, 2023

New England Sci Tech logoThe New England Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society will meet on-line and in-person on August 29, 2023 at 7 PM and feature: “2m – 70cm Satellite Dish Slot Antennas” by John Portune, W6NBC.

Description: Have you ever wondered if you could hide a 2m – 70 cm base antenna in a television satellite dish?  By cutting a slot antenna into the reflector of a TV satellite dish, neighbors and homeowner associations are unlikely to notice it and, even if they do, federal Law prevents them from telling you to take it down.

Bio: John is a native of Los Angeles, CA and was first licensed in 1965. He has a Bachelor’s degree in physics from Oregon State University and, before he retired, was a broadcast television engineer and instructor. John is a ham magazine author and has published more than 25 articles to date in QST. He is active on HF, VHF, UHF – SSB, FM, digital modes, ham satellites and his other hobbies include steam railroading and pipe organs. John is married to KF6OEB and has three children and 12 grandchildren. 

W1HFN Fox is Out, Littleton, August 24, 2023

Barry Fox, W1HFN, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list at 6:04 PM on August 24, 2023:

Finally got a chance to deploy my fox.  Too much rain this summer.  My favorite spot, Hartwell Family Memorial Preserve in Littleton.  Freq 146.565 MHz with a 20 second voice ID every minute.  Please sign the log when found.  I doubled up the battery, so should run until at least next week.

73,
Barry, W1HFN

Minecraft Ham Radio Mod Unveiled at HamXposition

Minecraft screenshotThe Minecraft ham radio mod “RadioCraft” will be introduced at the 2023 Northeast HamXposition / ARRL New England Division Convention in Marlboro, MA, on August 25-27, 2023.

RadioCraft will enable simulation of ham radio in the Minecraft game. Game players will be able to build and operate a variety of radios on HF and VHF, with customizable antennas, and realistic simulations of propagation, QRM and QRN, diurnal solar effects, and band conditions. Eventually the project hopes to simulate the full range of ham radio activities including phone, CW, APRS, VHF repeaters, and even fox hunting.

“There will be a continuous demonstration in the convention center lobby,” writes PART of Westford President George Allison, K1IG. “At 11:00 AM on Saturday we’ll have a one-hour presentation by Lucas (W1BTR) and me in the Sterling Room. The presentation will include a live demo of the program, and we’ll talk about how the mod could affect the growth of ham radio.”

If successful, the RadioCraft project could potentially introduce Amateur Radio to millions of young gamers. Every convention-goer is strongly encouraged to attend the presentation and see what the RadioCraft project has accomplished.

“Our goal is to use this simulation to introduce ham radio to the world-wide Minecraft gaming community and then get them licensed so they can participate in the real-world hobby.”

For more information, visit http://wb1gof.org/RadioCraft/.

SKYWARN Training Classes, Booth at HamXposition, Marlboro, August 25-27, 2023

Eastern MA Section Emergency Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY, writes on the SKYWARN_Announce list:
 
The regional Amateur Radio show known as Northeast HamXposition will feature many forums on Emergency & Public Service Communications as well as the traditional NWS Norton SKYWARN Training class for newly interested spotters and those seeking to update their SKYWARN training. The basic SKYWARN Class is Friday Afternoon 8/25/23 at 200 PM.
 
An Advanced Topics in SKYWARN Class on Saturday 8/26/23 at 300 PM is an Amateur Radio driven course on how Amateur Radio and non-Amateur Radio SKYWARN spotters can provide additional support during times of severe weather and will cover some facets of radar meteorology. Details on the advanced topics in SKYWARN class and other forums including an overview presentation of the Amateur Radio VoIP Hurricane Net being held at Northeast HamXposition can be seen at the following link:
 
 
In addition, an ARES/RACES/SKYWARN booth will be setup inside the HamXpo Exhibit Hall for those interested. We hope to see many of you at the various forums and/or at the ARES/RACES/SKYWARN booth. Thanks to all for their support!
 

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
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Region One ARDF International Class Referee Nomination Vote Underway for Vadim Afonkin, KB1RLI

Voting is underway to nominate an Eastern Massachusetts amateur as a Region 1 ARDF (“Radio Orienteering”) International Class Referee.

Buzzards Bay, MA, resident Vadim Afonkin, KB1RLI, has expressed his desire to serve as an International Class Referee . The ARRL’s ARDF Committee is currently accepting votes from its committee members. According to co-USA ARDF Coordinator Charlies Scharlaus, NZØI,  “six ‘yes’ votes are required for his nomination to carry.”

Ken Harker, WM5R, has indicated his support for Vadim’s nomination and his willingness to request that his nomination be put on the agenda for the 45th Plenary Meeting of the IARU Region 1 ARDF Working Group to be held at the IARU 21st World ARDF Championship, Liberec, Czech Republic, August 30, 2023 at 14:30h.
 
“Vadim Afonkin is an experienced ARDF athlete who embarked on his ARDF journey at the age of 14 in Moscow, Russia. Remarkably, he clinched his inaugural ARDF title in 1982, marking the inception of his triumphant path in the sport. Vadim’s commitment to ARDF continued to shine as he represented Team USA (ARRL) at the World Championships since 2004, demonstrating his prowess on the global stage and securing an impressive collection of three Gold medals for the Team at these esteemed Championships.

 
“Upon establishing himself in the United States, Vadim’s dedication to ARDF extended beyond competition. He took on the role of a gracious host, overseeing two US ARDF Championships and orchestrating a captivating Region 2 Championships. Notably, his most recent accomplishment was the successful organization of the ARDF World Cup Black Sea event in Bulgaria, a testament to his leadership and collaborative efforts alongside the BFRA.
 
“Vadim’s journey in ARDF is a testament to his enduring passion, remarkable achievements, and unwavering dedication to fostering the growth and success of the sport on both national and international platforms.”
 
For more information about Radio Orienteering, visit https://arrl.org/ro.
 

Algonquin ARC, Volunteers Sought for Marlborough Labor Day Parade, September 4, 2023

AARC logoKen Horton, KA1GFN, writes on the Algonquin ARC mailing list:

Algonquin ARC will provide radio communications for the Town’s Labor Day Parade along the parade route.  If you are able volunteer contact Ann, KA1PON.

There will be a change to the parade route this year due to the road work along Main Street which therefore cannot be used. The parade will take the usual route down W. Main Street but will then turn onto the south side of Granger Blvd. It will then continue up to the Verizon building and then onto Maple Street. Therefore, volunteers will be needed at each intersection along Granger Blvd. There will probably be the need for more volunteers than we have needed in previous year.

Volunteers On The Air, W1AW/1 Activators Sought, November 1-7, 2023

Volunteer On The Air logoAre you interested in becoming an activator for the ARRL VOTA Fall operating week? The dates for the fall schedule are November 1 through 7.

There are currently 14 ops signed up and room for more.

We’re looking for people that can spend time getting on the air and making contacts. All modes of operation are welcome. During the Spring VOTA, Massachusetts made over 9000 QSOs. We’d like to beat that this time around. Would you like to be part of that?

To find out more, contact ARRL VOTA MA State Manager Larry Krainson, W1AST, at W1AST@arrl.net by October 1st.

Larry, W1AST
ARRL WMA Affiliated Club Coordinator
HCRA President
Visit my Ham Radio club website at: www.HCRA.org
Team K2H – 13 Colonies Massachusetts State Manager
Project Big E 2022 & 2023 Organizer
Proud Member of ARRL, FCARC & YCCC
413-348-3289
W1AST@arrl.net

Volunteers Requested, Cystic Fibrosis Cycle For Life, September 30, 2023

Ethan Hansen, KC1OIP, writes on the Boston ARC mailing list:

Dave Gilman, KC1DDH, is looking for volunteers to help out with the upcoming Cystic Fibrosis Cycle For Life on September 30th, 2023. Please see below and reach out to Dave directly with any questions.

The 26th annual Cystic Fibrosis Cycle for Life will be held on Saturday September 30, 2023.
The Cystic Fibrosis foundation has raised millions of dollars toward finding a cure for this debilitating and often deadly disease and they are once again asking for our help.

The Massachusetts Cycle for Life consists of 3 routes. 12, 30 & 65 miles traversing several Metro-West towns.
I am reaching out to you today to initiate recruitment of Amateur Radio personnel to provide SAG vehicles and rest stop communications.
If you are able to help out please fill out this survey form and save the date. https://forms.gle/r3qjetZ4NPH6BKcCA

I am also always looking to recruit new people so please share this email and event with anyone you know that may be interested in this, or other Amateur Radio Public Service events.

Thank you,
Dave Gilman, KC1DDH
Coordinator, course safety & communications
Cycle for Life Massachusetts
KC1DDH@gmail.com

73,
Ethan Hansen, KC1OIP
BARC Public Service Chair

Project Big E 2023 is Looking for your Support

Project Big E logo

The Big E is a 17-day New England fair that takes place from September 15th to October 1st this year. The start is just 4 weeks away!

It attracts attendees from all over New England, northern NJ and eastern NY. The fair takes place in West Springfield, MA.

Last year the Big E had over 1.6 million attendees from all over the northeast!

In 2022, we ran a ham radio booth at the Big E and we are doing one again this year. Twelve clubs and over 100 individuals volunteered last year. We need your help again this year!

We have been provided with a free booth that normally costs $6,000. It’s located in the Better Living Center. It attracts the most visitors and it’s the largest building on the fairgrounds.

The Ham Radio Booth aims to introduce ham radio to the public and demonstrate that the hobby is still relevant in today’s world. By getting a taste of amateur radio, we hope that some members of the general public will sign up for classes and earn their license. Afterward, we hope they will join a local club where they live. This will benefit all ham radio clubs in New England!

We learned a lot from last year, and are changing the way we do things for 2023. For example, we will staff just 3 people in the booth for each six-hour session versus 4 to 6 people last year.

We encourage clubs to reserve a 6-hour session or a full 12-hour day. The booth must be staffed from 10 am through 10 pm. We ask that volunteers for the first session of each day staff the booth from 9:30 am through 4 pm; for the second session, 3:30 pm through 10 pm to provide some overlap.

Clubs may bring banner, handouts, class information and demonstrations to show and use during their time in the booth.

We are also looking for individuals to volunteer. You do not have to be part of a club.

There is an admission fee ($15) and a parking fee ($10 per car) to the fair. We have been awarded an ARDC grant and will be reimbursing those fees to everyone who participated after the fair has ended. The reimbursements will be mailed to your qrz.com address.

We need your support to make this a success!

Please go to this link to sign up:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvo1vUzuuJTHbTtDLeApQQD1m4ZzX9kVe_hF2416e6apho3g/viewform

If you would like further information, please visit: https://nediv.arrl.org/project-big-e.

For more information, feel free to contact Larry Krainson, W1AST at: W1AST@arr.net.

WD5AGO: “QRP Operating on the Microwave Bands” at New England Sci-Tech ARC Hybrid Meeting, August 15, 2023

New England Sci Tech logoThe New England Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society will meet on-line and in-person on August 15, 2023 at 7 PM and feature: “QRP Operating on the Microwave Bands” by Tommy Henderson, WD5AGO.

Bio: Thomas (Tommy) Henderson, WD5AGO, of Broken Arrow, OK was first licensed at his high school ARC in Sand Springs, OK. Interest in EME developed and at 21, he made his first 2m EME QSO. He is currently active on 70, 23, 13, and 6 cm EME and HF QRP. Tommy has helped the CSVHFS since the early 90’s with their noise figure measuring contest. Professionally, Tommy is the associate professor and coordinator for the Electronics program at Tulsa Community College and is adjunct associate professor for Oklahoma State University. He developed their ARC and IEEE clubs, of which he is a senior member. They have built EV’s and held a world record in the ¼ mile of 9.75s at 130+ MPH. Tommy received his Masters of Engineering Technology degree from Pittsburg State University and was awarded the CSVHFS Mel Wilson award in 2007 and the 2001 ARRL Professional Instructor of the Year award.

NCØB: “Transceiver Testing” at Billerica ARS Online Meeting, August 2, 2023

Billerica ARS logoDoug Bruce, N1WRN, writes on the Billerica Amateur Radio Society website:

I am excited to inform the [Billerica Amateur Radio Society] that I have secured Rob Sherwood, of Sherwood Engineering to be our Guest Speaker for the August 2, 2023 Club Meeting via Zoom. Here is Bob’s bio, which is quite impressive. Bob is the Gold Standard with regard to review and testing of all Amateur Radio receivers. Please join us on August 2, 2023 at 7:00 PM for this presentation, which is sure to be very informative!

Ham radio began for me in 1961 in Cincinnati, Ohio, as both a novice and general-class operator. After graduating college in 1969 with a degree in physics, I moved to Denver and worked for KOA radio as an engineer until 1987. While at KOA, I maintained their 50 KW AM and FM transmitters, microwave links and studio equipment.

1974 saw the beginning of Sherwood Engineering, offering roofing filters and upgrade kits for the Drake R-4C. In 1976 I started measuring receiver performance on dozens of radios, since reviews in QST did not correlate with actual on-air observations at crunch time in CW contests. In 1977 “ham radio magazine” published the first of several of my articles on receiver problems and cures, vertical antenna ground systems and mobile antenna efficiency. Those articles are available on my web site as PDF files. Receiver test data is now web based with 150 transceiver and receiver listings.

www.nc0b.com/table.html

In the 80s I was invited to be a forum speaker at the Dayton Hamvention on several occasions, discussing both receiver and antenna performance issues. In 2004 I returned to the Dayton Contest Forum, giving a talk on the status of receivers both old and new, with special emphasis on the Orion and the Icom 7800. In 2007 the Drake Forum had me present a talk on the pros and cons of the new batch of DSP transceivers. In 2009 I made a presentation at the Dayton Hamvention Antenna Forum on ground systems for vertical antennas.

2016 included a presentation at the Visalia DX Convention. In 2017 & 2023 I spoke at ARRL Hamcon in Wyoming. Also two appearances at the Duke City Hamfest in Albuquerque, NM. Contest University 2023 will be my 16th annual presentation at this great event.

Other speaking invitations at ham events have included WØDXCC, W9DXCC, W4DXCC, YCCC, New Orleans, Austin, Huntsville, Tucson & St. Louis. Locally around Colorado I have discussed receiver performance at the Boulder Amateur Radio, Northern Colorado Amateur Radio, Colorado QRP, and 285 TechConnect Radio Clubs.

Sixteen years ago, my XYL encouraged me to build my dream contest station on 10 acres east of Ft. Collins, Colorado on the Pawnee Grassland. This has made it possible to evaluate top transceivers in major contests in a real-world environment to augment my laboratory data. This rural setting has allowed me to focus my interest on effective antennas. Six towers support 9 mono-band HF Yagis, plus 6m, 2m and 70cm, and wire antennas for 160, 80/40 and 30 meters.

I use WSJT X on the 475 kHz band with a 630 meter transverter manufactured in Australia driven with an IC-7610. I use my 160-meter Marconi T antenna with a separate tuner on 475 kHz. My 630m log of 38 states, including Hawaii, Alaska and Maine using JT9 & FST4. My best DX on 475 kHz is over 8000 miles between Colorado and Australia, having worked Roger, VK4YB,
three times.

In person presentations for 2023 so far have been Winterfest in Collinsville, IL, and Contest University the day before Hamvention in Xenia Ohio. I often have Zoom club meetings every month or two in the US and periodically in the UK.

BARS will announce the link to join the Zoom meeting before the meeting, but it will be posted to the BARS email list and
should not be shared outside our Club. Are you on the email list? If not, please send an email to bars-subscribe@w1hh.org and then simply reply to the robot response from the server and you will be subscribed.

Observing our Zoom meeting requires only a web browser and headphones/speakers. You do not need a webcam or microphone
unless you want to speak or be seen.

Before our meeting date, please go to https://zoom.us/test and see if it will function for you. If you have problems, we can try to
assist – feel free to ask questions on the BARS email list.

We are looking forward to “seeing” many of you on Wednesday 8/2 here at 1900.

Doug, N1WRN

WD5AGO: “QRP Operating on the Microwave Bands” at New England Sci-Tech ARS Hybrid Meeting, August 15, 2023

New England Sci Tech logoThe New England Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society will meet on-line and in-person on August 15, 2023 at 7 PM and feature: “QRP Operating on the Microwave Bands” by Tommy Henderson, WD5AGO.

Bio: Thomas (Tommy) Henderson, WD5AGO, of Broken Arrow, OK was first licensed at his high school ARC in Sand Springs, OK. Interest in EME developed and at 21, he made his first 2m EME QSO. He is currently active on 70, 23, 13, and 6 cm EME and HF QRP. Tommy has helped the CSVHFS since the early 90’s with their noise figure measuring contest. Professionally, Tommy is the associate professor and coordinator for the Electronics program at Tulsa Community College and is adjunct associate professor for Oklahoma State University. He developed their ARC and IEEE clubs, of which he is a senior member. They have built EV’s and held a world record in the ¼ mile of 9.75s at 130+ MPH. Tommy received his Masters of Engineering Technology degree from Pittsburg State University and was awarded the CSVHFS Mel Wilson award in 2007 and the 2001 ARRL Professional Instructor of the Year award.

W1MJ “Fox 2” On the Air, Waltham, July 30, 2023

Eliot Mayer, W1MJ, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list on July 30, 2023 at 10:09 AM:

The updated W1MJ fox is on the air from Beaver Brook Reservation North in Waltham, MA. It makes a transmission on 147.54 MHz every 60 seconds between the hours of 8:00 AM and 8:00PM daily.

Parking is available at Rock Meadow on Mill St in Belmont and at Elsie Turner Field in Waltham.

This second-generation fox is still running a Baofeng UV-5R at full power (4 watts), but has a few new features:

It conserves battery power by only transmitting during scheduled daytime hours (above).
It periodically announces its battery voltage, and will stop transmitting if the battery goes too low.
The messages start to repeat every 20 minutes (vs. 10 minutes in original fox)

I plan to retrieve the fox after 5 PM on Wednesday (August 2).

73,

Eliot, W1MJ

Introduction to the Massachusetts Rhode Island Digital NTS Net (MARIDN)

The Massachusetts Rhode Island Digital NTS Net (MARIDN) is a Section-Level net of the National Traffic System (NTS) of the ARRL. MARIDN meets weekly for the purpose of passing NTS messages within, into, and out of the sections of Eastern and Western MA and RI. MARIDN is supplemental to the Massachusetts Rhode Island Phone Net (MARIPN) and Massachusetts Rhode Island CW Net (MARICW). MARIDN uses digital modes rather than voice or CW, particularly the fldigi suite of software.

How to Participate in MARIDN

Participants in MARIDN use the fldigi software suite, particularly fldigi and flmsg. This introduction assumes the user has downloaded, installed and configured fldigi to run in their environment, and has a basic understanding of how to use the software, including the ability to receive and send using  fldigi, and send a message using flmsg. There are countless YouTube videos and other helpful documents to assist a new user with downloading and configuring fldigi; how to install and configure one’s fldigi setup is beyond the scope of this introduction.

MARIDN meets at 1800 local time every Tuesday. MARIDN may run additional sessions as needed, e.g., during declared emergencies and for ARES exercises.

To get started, set your system as follows:

Transceiver:

3583 kHz, USB (or USB-Data); Squelch off; AGC fast; Noise Reduction off; Noise Blanker off; Audio (Speech) Processing off;

fldigi: Mode: THOR22; center-point 1500 Hz; AFC off; RsID on for receive and transmit;

flmsg: application running; open the “Received Messages” window (Utilities -> Received Messages) and position the window to be easily visible

The Net Control Station (NCS) will call the net, including instructions for checking in. All stations are encouraged to check in, whether or not they have traffic.

When a station sends a message, fldigi will decode the message and pass it to flmsg for display. Each received message will create a new row in the Received Messages window. Select (click on) a row, then click the View button to see that message in flmsg and also in a browser window.

Other Thoughts

MARIDN participants run a Zoom call simultaneous with the net, to help with coordination. We encourage stations to connect to the Zoom, especially the first few times they check in to the net. For more information about MARIDN, including the Zoom link, please contact Net Manager Jon N1ILZ at n1ilz@arrl.org.

Conclusion

MARIDN is an officially sanctioned net within the National Traffic System (NTS). Operators use the fldigi software suite to pass messages. In addition to traditional Radiograms, flmsg can natively send a wide variety of other forms, including ICS-213. We believe this can and will be an important part of NTS going forward. We encourage stations from all over Massachusetts and Rhode Island to join the fun!

HamXposition is Less Than 30 Days Away!

HamXposition logo

HamXposition 2023 (a.k.a. ARRL New England Division Convention) is coming August 25-26-27 – less than 30 days away. 

Our forum schedule is now available!    Come visit our website to browse over 100 forums, seminars, and workshops available at the convention.

Two new additions on Friday – an AREDN mesh networking workshop where you will be building your own working MESH node and a NanoVNA seminar – learn to use this small but powerful device to analyze antennas and other RF devices.

Our Friday  DXCC dinner will feature Don Greenbaum, N1DG. Don will present “DXpeditioning with a RIB”. Don will describe the genesis of the “Rig in a Box” (RIB) from the 2018 Baker Island expedition to implementation on C6AGU, FO/N1DG and the recently completed VP6A DXpedition to Ducie Island.

Our Saturday grand banquet features special guest “Chip” Cohen, W1YW, an inventor, scientist, and retired professor. Chip will talk about his amusing background, ‘ham-genuity’, and some the pitfalls and pleasures along that tortuous path of invention.

Come meet some old or new friends and maybe learn something new about our hobby!

Do you know someone who really should get their license?  Bill, WZ1L is back this year with his “Tech-in-a-Day” study course, and as always, VE exams are available.

If you wish to stay overnight, discounted hotel rates are available through August 1st – so there are only a few days left to grab the discounted rate.

Visit our website for all details and to purchase tickets in advance:

https://hamxposition.org

Dinner ticket purchasing closes August 20th.

All online ticketing closes August 23rd.

73,

Bob – K1IW
HamXposition 2023

Forums Fri-Sat-Sun
Flea Market Hours: Fri 12-5, Sat 9-5, Sun 9-1
Exhibit Hall Hours: Sat 9-5, Sun 9-1

“An ARRL Membership Challenge”

ARRL logoMost of you have already heard of the ARRL board’s decision to increase membership dues and make changes in the way we receive magazines, such as QST. If not, I invite you to read ARRL President Rick Roderick’s (K5UR) letter dated July 23, 2023, in an ARRL bulletin. It is available on the ARRL web site.

For the past year or so, our division director and other League officials have been warning us about the serious financial situation that the ARRL has been in the past few years caused primarily by inflation, especially the rampant cost increases of print media such as QST. In May, members were asked to take the membership dues survey. About 20% of ARRL membership answered that call and the Board has taken the results of that survey and made the tough choices.

Like many of you, I do not relish the idea of a dues increase, and I especially do not like that the print magazines will no longer be part of the membership benefits (you still get the digital versions of all the magazines free with membership). Now, to receive a printed QST, On The Air, NCJ, or QEX magazine, you will have to subscribe separately. I am one of those that still likes to hold onto a paper book or magazine.

But then, I think how much the ARRL, ham radio clubs (most of them ARRL-affiliated) and my fellow amateur radio operators mean to me. It boils down to people, to friendship, and camaraderie. If not for the ARRL and for all the clubs and ham radio events, I would miss out on the great friendships forged through the past 30+ years. My relationship with the League, affiliated clubs and all the individuals I have met through them has had a tremendous positive impact on my life. I love the coffee meets, hamfest gatherings, convention get-togethers, club suppers, and all the ham radio nets where we get to chat, laugh, innovate, maybe even instigate, and otherwise socialize.

There is no doubt in my mind that this amazing hobby and service would not exist as it is today without the ARRL. The League’s advocacy and lobbying is why we have so many amateur radio bands and modes. Many commercial entities want some of our spectrum; it is a constant battle that continues today. What chance would we have to keep our frequency privileges without the ARRL’s effort? Very little in my opinion.

The ARRL is much, much more than “just” a magazine subscription. For instance, New England Division Director Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC, reminds us that the ARRL provides:

• Spectrum Defense
• Advocacy in local, national, and international regulation and policymaking
• Support from restrictive antenna regulation & zoning
• Volunteer Monitor Program
• Promoting amateur radio to the public
• ARRL Teacher’s Institute programs to promote STEM learning through amateur radio

There are dozens of additional services and programs available to members. ARRL VEC program, Logbook Of The World, ARRL Learning Center, Training, Webinars, National Traffic System, EmComm and the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®), and ARRL lab and technical support/RFI. In January the Board passed a motion to create an ARRL Ham Bootcamp, and the League is also working to promote six- and ten-meter operation for Technician class amateurs. The list goes on!

The last membership rate hike was in 2016, and before that, 2001. For our more senior members (age 70+) who might be stressed financially due to fixed incomes, the ARRL is planning a monthly payment option.

Instead of seeing these dues increases and other changes at the ARRL as a negative, let’s instead support the League even further. Last year the ARRL lost about a million dollars. This year that figure is expected to more than double. Dues increases alone will not make up for all of that.

If you can afford it, I challenge you to do one or more of the following:

Become a Diamond Club member. The additional financial support will help close the gap and get the League into better financial health.

Donate to one of the ARRL funds, such as Spectrum Defense, Education & Technology, W1AW Endowment, or the General fund. See https://home.arrl.org/action/Donate

If you are a Life Member, consider making a monthly or annual donation.

Some may think the ARRL has not been a good steward of our membership money. While any business, including the League, can benefit from frequent analysis of expenditures and “tightening of the belt,” I do not believe the ARRL is wasting our money. As Eastern MA section manager, I have met and continue to meet many League officials in person and on-line and they are doing their best in a difficult inflationary time.

When my membership expiration nears, I will renew AND join the Diamond Club. I will adapt and get used to reading QST on my iPad. I appreciate all that the League continues to do, and I am thankful for all the friendships I have made because of the ARRL and affiliated clubs and nets. Please, if you can afford to do so, accept my challenge. Turn a negative into a positive!

73,

——————————————————————–
ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section
Section Manager: Jon W McCombie, N1ILZ
n1ilz@arrl.org
——————————————————————–

YouKanRun Triple Threat Half Marathon and 5K, Rockport, August 6, 2023

Christopher Winczewski, K1TAT, writes on the CAARA list:

We are looking for operators to staff the YuKanRun Triple Threat Half Marathon and 5K on Sunday, August 6, 2023, Please be on Location at your Check Point by 8:00. Starts At Rockport High School. 24 Jerdens Lane. Rockport, MA 01966

Please let us know if you can staff a communications checkpoint for the event so we can plan staffing positions for the event.

While CAARA’s repeater performance has greatly improved the northern regions of this course may still experience some difficulty with communications especially with low-powered HTs, so we’ll be looking for higher powered equipment to staff those areas

Please let us know what type of equipment you plan to use (ie: 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.

The course will be open and supported By CAARA. for Four hours We do not cover the one-mile event on this day. Runner safety is everyone’s top priority.

Local EMT crews and ambulances will be available for three hours to help.

Thank you in advance for your participation!

Fred WA1ESU

5K Race
An aid station with water will be available near mile 2. Water and refreshments will be served at the finish as well.

Half Marathon

There will be six aid stations with water approximately every two miles. RiteFuel sports drink and energy gel will be available on course as well. A portable restroom will be available along the course near miles 4.5 & 8.

 

YuKanRun Triple Threat Communications Team.  
Rockport, Mass  
Last Updated: July 27/2023 1:05 am  
Event date: Sunday, August 6, 2023  
On Location: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm  
Starts: 5K Run = 8:00 am Half Marathon Run = 9:00 am  
Frq: W1GLO Repeaters 145.130 – PL:107.2 Back up: 443.700 + PL:107.2  
       

VE Session Announcement, Gardner MA, August 5, 2023

From Western MA ARRL Members List:

The Western Mass Train and Test Team will be having a VE session on Saturday August 5 at 10 AM at the Gardner Police Station, 200 Main St. Please have positive ID, 15 dollars, and FRN number from the FCC. Bring copy of license if upgrading. Please pass this along to those interested in taking the test.

Any questions contact aa1se@arrl.org. Thanks.

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ARRL Western Massachusetts Section
Section Manager: Raymond P Lajoie, AA1SE
aa1se@arrl.org
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AB6A: “Satellite Tracking Using Astronomy Telescope Mounts” at New England Sci-Tech Hybrid Meeting, July 25, 2023

New England Sci Tech logoThe New England Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society will meet on-line and in-person on July 25, 2023 at 7 PM and feature: “Satellite Tracking Using Astronomy Telescope Mounts” by Dwayne Sinclair, AB6A.

Description: Dwayne’s presentation will cover the use of amateur astronomy GOTO mounts as amateur radio satellite and EME “rotators.” Such astronomy mounts provide both “off the shelf” and portable solutions for satellite and EME operations.

Bio: Dwayne is a passionate amateur radio enthusiast, beginning in high school in New Zealand where he became an active member of the “Radio Club,” deepening his knowledge and skills in radio and electronics. Dwayne’s professional background as an IT Infrastructure Specialist, together with hobbies including astronomy, have allowed him to bring a unique perspective to the amateur radio community. Dwayne’s interests in the hobby include HF DXing, balloons, satellite operations, battleships (NI6BB), and EME. These diverse interests keep him engaged and constantly exploring the endless possibilities of amateur radio.