a field organization of the National Association for Amateur Radio®
My 2m fox on 146.565 is currently running in the Lime Kiln Quarry, 151 Littleton Rd, Chelmsford, MA.
Tonight’s presentation will be Zoom-only; no in-person presence.
Minuteman Repeater Association membership meeting: Wednesday, 15 March 2023 ~7:30—9:30 pm: Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network (AREDN). Orv Beach, W6BI; Jim Garner, KC1BHD; and Michael Ford, WZ0C. This is a Hybrid meeting at New England SciTech in Natick + ZOOM.
(Members: log into your account on MMRA.ORG to obtain the ZOOM info.
Non-members: send an email to contact@mmra to request the ZOOM info.
Learn what AREDN is all about, what it can be used for, and how you can get started with this technology. Orv, W6BI, will discuss how ham radio networking with AREDN software works and what you need to get started. He’ll also show some examples of user setups and things an AREDN network can be used for. Jim, KC1BHD, will give a demonstration of his AREDN go-kit prototype to be used in ARES activations, at disaster locations, or public service events. Michael, WZ0C, will talk about some of the AREDN efforts in New England along with the propagation testing he and Jim have been doing for this.
Orv, W6BI, was first licensed as WN6WEY in 1967. He’s been into digital ham radio all his life, starting with CW. He started messing around with ham radio networking in 2014, and is now an AREDN Ambassador, one who promotes using AREDN software and helps educate folks on its use. He’s helped deploy network digital radios in Ventura County and western Los Angeles County. He’s also active in coordinating the build-out and maintenance of the wider ham radio network which now spans from California’s central coast south to the Mexican border and east to Las Vegas, comprising over 550 nodes, both on hilltops and at ham QTHs.
Jim, KC1BHD, has always been interested in data transmission in general and for several years, AREDN mesh networking in particular. He lives near Worcester and envisions creating RF access to an AREDN mesh for hams across Massachusetts.
Michael, WZ0C, lives in Maynard and enjoys the amateur radio digital modes. Michael became interested in AREDN last year, connecting with Orv and Jim and learning about their efforts. Michael is hoping to use AREDN to increase the digital presence in Massachusetts. Michael will talk about some of the AREDN efforts in New England along with the propagation testing he and Jim have been doing for this.
The Massasoit Amateur Radio Association will conduct a “Show & Tell” presentation on April 1, 2023 from 1 to 3 PM with displays of Amateur radio equipment and portable “go-kits” that can be used to support Emergency Shelter operations when phone service is unavailable.
From New England Sci-Tech ARS News, March 14, 2023:
New England Sci-Tech/Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society (STARS) [in Natick, MA] has been invited to run a STEM activity table at [Minor League Worcester Red Sox (“WooSox”) games in Worcester, MA] both pre-game and during the game on July 26, Aug 9, and Aug 16. This is a great opportunity to showcase radio as a STEM activity. Bob, K5TEC, can help organize but cannot attend. Looking for two volunteers per game. Your travel, parking, and snacks allowance will be reimbursed.
Here are the details given to us:
“As far as placement in the ballpark, we have a decent amount of flexibility based on the types of activities and requirements you have.
“We could place activities in more heavily trafficked areas of the concourse with people constantly coming through and stopping by for a few minutes; or we could place activities on Plymouth and Summit St., which fall within the ballpark on game days but provide more space and calm from the hustle and bustle of the concourse for a more in-depth showcase. And we would be able to provide tables and electricity if needed.
“I think ideally we would love to provide both pregame and in-game activities if possible. I could easily imagine us planning a pregame showcase for a larger group of kids, and then perhaps some smaller tabling activations in a couple of places throughout the ballpark.
“All of this is to say that we are very flexible, and open to the ideas and expertise that you could provide!”
Brandon Hockle, NQ1W, writes on the Cape Ann ARA mailing list:
“Robert ‘Bob’ Glorioso, W1IS [Stow, MA] had early beginnings in electronics and radio, encouraged by his father, led Bob to advanced degrees in engineering, a stint in the US Army, and opportunities to be on the cutting edge of technology throughout his career with major corporations and his own startup. The consummate teacher, Bob has developed new hams through courses at the local ARES. W1IS has been a frequent contributor to ham radio publications for over 50 years, is a contributor to the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, and my guest in this QSO Today.”
From nediv.arrl.org:
Larry Krainson, W1AST, writes:
Wanted: Designer for the 2023 13 Colonies Massachusetts K2H QSL card. The card has a theme that follows the other 13 Colonies states.
Anyone that may be interested please contact Larry, W1AST, at W1AST@arrl.net
Larry Krainson, W1AST, writes:
Project “Big E” is back again and plans are underway to staff an amateur radio display booth this year. Changes will be made to how the booth will be arranged and presented to the public.
This year, the dates are Friday, September 15 thru Sunday, October 1. We will be applying for another grant and if we get one, we will be able to provide admission tickets and parking reimbursement again this year.
Last year was a lot of fun for everyone and we hope you will join again for another Big E.
Stay tuned for updates at https://nediv.arrl.org/project-big-e/ as we get closer.
The volunteer registration form is at: <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YdW57tREYSlDdPp8YSKBYUqNkl6OVrAbpcVCclvT4Hw/>.
The February, 2023 Section Newsletter is now available at https://ema.arrl.org/february-2023-section-news/.
Five individuals passed their exams at a recent Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association “Tech In A Day” course and are now Technician class amateurs:
Larry Swift – Gloucester, KC1SOV
Sander Schultz – Gloucester, KC1SOT
Mark Klemm – Danvillle, NH, KC1SOW
Andrew Traskos – Newton, NH, KC1SOU
Brian Lloyd – Gloucester, KC1SOO
“We invited them back to CAARA for their “Now You are Licensed” discussions on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 12 Noon,” reports CAARA VE Bill Poulin, WZ1L. “I want to present them to the board and the CAARA membership, and welcome them to Amateur Radio formally.”
The March Algonquin Amateur Radio Club meeting will feature Ray LaJoie, AA1SE, Section Manager for Western MA, speaking about the Amateur Radio display at The BIG E in the fall. Ray will talk about booth display planning as well as ARISS space station contact and how it all came together for the seventeen-day event.
The meeting will be held in person March 9, 2023 at 7:30 pm in the library of the 1st Lt. Charles W. Whitcomb Middle School, 25 Union Street, Marlboro, MA. Enter from Agoritsas Drive next to police station and use Door #1 at rear of building.
From The Boston Globe, February 28, 2023:
“In July, Seth Kendall and his 12-year-old son, Max, plan to fill a giant latex balloon with gas and then launch it into the Earth’s upper atmosphere.
“Once it leaves the ground it will reach a height of around 100,000 feet, where it will expand to more than 40 feet wide. Dangling underneath will be a payload of science experiments designed by students, a device that bounces radio signals for hundreds of miles, and a GoPro camera to capture footage of the curvature of the Earth.
“From there, it will be smooth sailing — at least, that’s their hope.
“A string of recent high-profile, balloon-related incidents, including the military shooting down a Chinese surveillance balloon and several other yet-to-be-identified flying objects, have fueled anxiety among amateur balloonists across the country. Here in New England, where hobbyists and scientists routinely launch balloons for scientific research or kicks — or often both — fears about the fate of their projects are reaching new heights.”
[Full story]
The Barnstable Amateur Radio Club will meet in-person on March 6 at 7:00 PM at the Brewster Police Department Community Room, 631 Harwich Road (Rt 124), Brewster, MA 02631. In addition we will provide a Zoom link to the meeting. This month, Ed Moxon, K1GGI, will present “Cape Cod’s Fabulous Radio History.”
Bob Azanow, WA1Q, writes In K1USN Happenings, February 23, 2023:
Classes will run Tuesday and Thursday each week until April 13. The VE session will be Tuesday, April 18 at 7 PM.
Sorry for the late notice on this. More info found at the training link including Ross’s phone number: http://www.wa1npo.org/training/training.htm.
Daniel Sheen, KC1EPN, writes:
The folks over at W1MX have been organizing an amateur radio class for high schoolers with Beaver Works at MIT for the spring. It starts on March 4th and we still have space for more people, I was wondering if any of your members know anyone who might be interested?
The signup link is here: https://mit-bwsi.formstack.com
Thanks.
After a fantastic President’s day weather and excellent 10M propagation, it is time to think about Charlie WA3ITR’s talk on FT8 Tuesday night!
Topic: Wellesley Radio February Meeting!
Time: Feb 21, 2023 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
[Contact WARS President Dan Brown, W1DAN, for Zoom meeting invite link.]
Next meeting is Wed Feb 22nd at 7:00 pm
(zoom opens at 6:30)
The next meeting of the Waltham Amateur Radio Association will be this Wednesday [February 22, 2023] at 7:00. The meeting will be held on-line with no in-person gathering this month. (zoom links below). After a short business meeting, Fred, W6BSD, will be giving a presentation providing an overview of the various Digital Voice Modes:
Digital Voice Modes for Amateur Radio
You don’t need a General or Extra class license to enjoy QSOs with people worldwide. All amateur license classes can use Digital Voice (DV) modes such as Fusion, D-Star, DMR, and many others to connect with people throughout the US and other countries using digital repeaters or amateur hotspots. During his presentation, Fred will discuss the differences between the DV modes and how the backend infrastructure works.
[For meeting information, see https://walthamara.org/.]
From ARRL VEC Newsletter, February 2023:
General Class Element 3 Question Pool Errata Released
The NCVEC Question Pool Committee (QPC) has released the latest errata for the 2023 – 2027 General Element 3 question pool, which goes into effect on July 1, 2023. Nine questions were modified (G1B01, G1C01, G1C02, G5C02, G7C10, G9B05, G9C09, G9D09, and G9D10) and two questions (G9C06 and G9D13) were withdrawn from use.
The pool is available as a Microsoft Word document and PDF. These changes are reflected in the new General Pool download file dated February 1, 2023.
New General Examinations will take effect for exam sessions on July 1, 2023
The newly revised general pool must be used starting July 1, 2023. VECs and VEs will have new test designs available starting on that date. Previously supplied versions of ARRL VEC General-class exam booklets (2019 series) and computer-generated General-class exams from the 2019 question pool are valid until midnight on June 30, 2023. The ARRL VEC will supply its officially appointed, field-stocked VE teams with new General exam booklet designs around mid-June.