Author: k9hi

Clubs

K9HI: “HamXposition: It’s Not Your Father’s Boxboro” at Billerica ARS Meeting, August 3, 2022

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Billerica ARS logoNow that you know what it isn’t, come to the next Billerica ARS meeting and hear what it is from HamXposition Program Chair Phil Temples, K9HI.

Phil will highlight some of the exciting talks and presentations lined up on the three-day program, as well as discussing some of the less-known activities that will occur at the Convention on August 26-28, 2022 at the Best Western Royal Plaza & Trade Center in Marlborough.

(By the way, it’s okay to forget and call it “Boxboro.” Phil does it occasionally, too!)

Phil Temples is ARRL Vice Director for the New England Division and a former Eastern MA Section Manager. A ham for over fifty years, he’s a Life Member of the ARRL and QCWA.

[For Zoom conference details, email Bruce Anderson, W1LUS, at w1lus -at- hotmail -dot- com.]

 
Foxhunting / Operating

K1MJC Fox Has “Escaped,” July 29, 2022

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Mike Cormier, K1MJC, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list at 4:01 PM on July 29, 2022:

Yes, the K1MJC Fox is out, It must’ve been a little bit too hot in the cage, and he needed a little fresh air.

I noticed he was gone this Friday, afternoon but I’ll leave it to you as to how much of a risk looking you would like to take in this kind of weather … It’s probably better to go out in the morning, and hydrate hydrate hydrate!

The fox is in somewhere in an area within the City limits of Waltham, MA.

I think he’s roaming around the “Storer Conservation Area” again; seems he likes to hang out there.

As usual, it will be retrieved before Sundown Sunday.

One of The maps on this page would prove useful!

https://walthamlandtrust.org/trail-guides/

Mike C. 73

Oop’s

Forgot to mention, 146.565 MHz

Mike C. K1MJC 73

Clubs

N1ILZ, W1LEM: “EmComm Tools” at Barnstable ARC Hybrid Meeting, August 1, 2022

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Barnstable ARC logoThe Barnstable Amateur RadioClub will meet  in-person 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, Jon, N1ILZ and Lem, W1LEM will review and demo EmComm tools, including NBEMS, WinLink, NTS.

[Contact Norm Cantin, WA1NLG, at norman.cantin@gmail.com for Zoom details.]
Licensing Education & Training

Whitman ARC “Introductory Course” Set to Begin September 1, 2022

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The Whitman Amateur (Ham)Whitman ARC logo Radio Club is offering an introductory, Technician level course to the public.

  • Communicate locally or the world
  • Bounce your signal off the moon or through ham radio satellites
  • Check in while you are driving
  • Operate maritime mobile while on your boat
  • Participate in disaster relief communications

The opportunities are endless.

The course will prepare you with the knowledge to pass the 35-question multiple choice exam offered at the end of the course.

The class will start on Thursday, September 1, 2022 at 7:00 pm in the community room at the Whitman Police Station and run the following Tuesdays and Thursdays until the exam on Thursday,  September 29. Although a good idea, one does not have to make all of the classes to participate. You may visit us at our information booth at the Marshfield Fair or for further information on the course, contact Ross, W1EKG, at 781-447-9104 or warc.training@gmail.com.

All / Youth

W0MXX: “Cubes in Space: Testing Vibrational Energy Harvesting on a Sounding Rocket” at Sci-Tech ARS Hybrid Meeting, July 26, 2022

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New England Sci Tech logoThe New England Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society will meet on-line and in-person on July 26, 2022 at 7 PM and feature: “Cubes in Space: Testing Vibrational Energy Harvesting on a Sounding Rocket” by Max Kendall, W0MXX. 
 
Max will show photos and discuss the planning, building, and launch of his recent Cubes in Space project. The rocket reached a maximum altitude of ~300k feet, and while the experimental hypothesis was proven false, a great deal was accomplished and learned from the engineering process involved. 
 
Bio: Max is a rising 6th grader at Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School. He is the president of the 4-H Science Explorers, a mentor at the Medway Library Arduino club, and founder of the New England Weather Balloon Society. He currently holds an Extra Class license. Max enjoys working with robotics and has been tinkering ever since he was a toddler. He also enjoys eating sushi, playing Minecraft, reading novels, and climbing!
Public Information

Annual Marshfield Fair Amateur Radio Exhibit, August 19-28, 2022

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Whitman ARC logoThe Whitman Amateur Radio Club will sponsor a ham radio booth and special events station at the Annual Marshfield Fair August 19-28, 2022, from 1200-2000 ET. The booth will located behind the grandstand, just up from the first aid station and next to the blacksmith.

The club will operate under the call sign NN1MF on 20 meters. The station will also be active on the Whitman ARC repeater (147.225 MHz +PL67) and on EchoLink . 

“We will also be conducting a program at 15:00 (3pm) and 18:00 (6pm) on “Introduction to Ham Radio, how to get on the air,”  writes WARC’s Jack Foley, N1QE. “Stop by and find out all that is available to you with your NEW ham radio license! Licensed hams stop by and inquire about our educational licensed advancement classes. Or just to talk Ham stuff.”

Public Service

Ham Assistance Requested: Tour de Cure New England Charity Ride, Lexington, MA, August 21, 2022

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I am Jim Bradley, KB1JKJ, of the  North Shore Radio Association.  We have been asked to help ensure the safety of the riders and make this American Diabetes event a success.   I am coordinating hams and we need your help. 

This is a new post-COVID regional Tour de Cure New England Charity Ride starting in Lexington, MA at the office of Fractyl Health. 

We need hams for sag and rest stops on Sunday,  August 21, 2022.  There are 4 routes: 15-mile, 30-Mile, 62-Mile, and 100-mile.  All rides start and finish at the Fractyl Health parking lot in Lexington, MA. For more information on the routes https://donations.diabetes.org/site/TR?pg=informational&fr_id=13438&type=fr_informational&sid=26840

SAG (Support and Gear) Drivers
DESCRIPTION

Location: On Routes, beginning at Fractyl Health, 17 Hartwell Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421

Hours 5:30am – 4:00pm

• You must provide your own vehicle which has the capacity to easily transport a cyclist and bicycle.

• Pick up cyclists and bicycles for transport to the nearest rest stop or available bike mechanic. 

• Respond to calls and directions from the Command Center to aid cyclists who need road assistance. SAG drivers may be accompanied by mobile ham radio volunteers.

• Patrol route watching for injured riders, mechanical troubles, and signage problems. Relay information to the Command Center.

Please sign up at  https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/75698315274408604/false#/invitation

If you would like to be stationary at a rest stop please email me directly.

Our ham supported public service events are interesting and fun experiences.  The communication load is light, but safety and support for the participants are always primary.  If you are new to this facet of ham radio, and want to get more public service experience, this is an excellent opportunity to learn the ropes.  If you are an experienced public service volunteer, we definitely need your help. 

I will get the assignments and more details to you as before the event.  Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. 

73,

Jim Bradley, KB1JKJ

Youth

New England Sci-Tech Now Offers Entrepreneurship Club

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New England Sci Tech logoAs part of its educational offerings for youths, New England Sci-Tech now offers an Entrepreneurship Club on Saturdays 9 AM-noon.
 
According to its leadership newsletter:
 
“As a logical extension of the Saturday mornings Youth Inventors Workshop, we will offer the same assistance in developing ideas for marketing and business development.
 
“The Club welcomes the professional expertise of Joseph Sliwkowski.
 
“Joseph has an MS EE from MIT with extensive engineering, management, and consulting experience. He also has 9 patents including one of the first software patents ever granted; started his own company in electronic design automation and created a new division for an established robotic automation company. Joe finished his career with 12 years of teaching & tutoring students in math and physics. “
Flea markets & Conventions / Foxhunting / Operating

Fox Hunters Meeting at 2022 HamXposition

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George Allison, K1IG, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list:

The forum schedule for the Northeast HamXposition has been published, and theres a Fox Hunters meeting scheduled for Sunday, August 28, at 11:00 AM. Since our members are spread out around MA (and parts of NH), we haven’t had an opportunity to all get together in one place, so this is a great opportunity for us to:

  • Meet each other in person
  • Compare equipment
  • Discuss techniques
  • Discuss variations in types of hunts
  • Look at ways to attract new hunters, especially non-licensed youth

We’ve got over a month to talk about topics.  What would you like to see?

73,
George, K1IG

Flea markets & Conventions

Northeast HamXposition Update, July 20, 2022

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Two items of note, per HamXposition General Chairman Bob DeMattia, K1IW:

The hotel discount deadline has been extended to August 5, 2022.  
 
Also, the preliminary forum schedule is now on the website. You can download a PDF copy at <https://hamxposition.org/HamXposition-Schedule.22.07.20.pdf>.
 
Finally, don’t forget to enroll in the KØNEB kit-building workshop on Friday afternoon.
 
 
Public Information / Youth

BIG E Space Chat Leadership Team

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Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC, writes on nediv.arrl.org:

International Space Station

New England school students will be making live radio contact with an astronaut on the International Space Station from The BIG E during the week of September 26th – October 1st. The “BIG E Space Chat” is part of a program to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) educational activities and Amateur Radio learning activities for young people.

NEST Science Space Club for Youth flyer

New England Sci-Tech is sponsoring a 12-month STEM education program free of charge to all students grades 4 through 12 and Scouts in New England as part of the contact program. The program will provide hands-on learning about Space Science, Radio Communications, Electronics, Satellites, Rocketry, Astronomy, Amateur Radio, and more. Ten students participating in the Sci-Tech educational program will be chosen to make contact and chat live with an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) from the BIG E.

The contact and the associated educational program are a result of a partnership between The BIG E, New England Sci-Tech (a STEM education group in New England), Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS), Black Helicopter Creative LLC, the New England Division of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), and local Amateur Radio organizations.

Execution planning has been underway for some time, and we are pleased to announce the addition of Ray Lajoie AA1SE, ARRL Western Massachusetts Section Manager, to the contact leadership team. Ray will be responsible for working with the BIG E team and our content production partner Black Helicopter to set up, test, and facilitate the development and delivery of a pre-contact program.

Ray joins and rounds out the existing BIG E space chat planning team consisting of:

  • Bob Phinney K5TEC – Education Planning and Execution
  • Phil Temples K9HI – Publicity and Promotion
  • Ray Lajoie AA1SE – Venue and Program Planning and Execution
  • Fred Kemmerer AB1OC – ARISS Mentor

The BIG E planning team is being assisted by Dylann Keaney, President of Black Helicopter Creative LLC, Barbara Irby, KC1KGS, Dan Norman, N0HF, and Larry Krainson, W1AST, in planning what expect will be a major Amateur Radio event in New England. You can learn more about the BIG E space chat here.

Fred Kemmerer AB1OC
ARRL New England Division Director

Clubs

W1IS: “End-fed Wire Antennas” at PART of Westford Hybrid Meeting, July 19, 2022

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PART of Westford logoGeorge Allison, K1IG, writes on the PART of Westford mailing list:

The July PART meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, beginning at 7:30 PM at the Cameron Senior Center, 20 Pleasant Street, Westford, MA, and via Webex video conference.  For those attending via video conference, a meeting link is below; just click on the green button to join in.  You can join the conference any time after 7:00 PM to check out your gear or just rag chew until the meeting starts. Bear in mind that internet connectivity from the senior center may be unreliable.

The meeting agenda includes a presentation on end-fed wire antennas by Bob, W1IS, and the famous Field Day wrap-up, complete with maps and awards.

Attendees are reminded to bring donations for the Westford Food Panty. Items such as canned soups and Dinty Moore beef stew are always appreciated.

See you Tuesday!
 
George, K1IG
President, PART of Westford
 
[To request conference login information, contact George Allison, K1IG, at k1ig -at- arrl -dot- net]
Foxhunting / Operating

KC1OAV Fox is Out, Stow, July 16-17, 2022

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Eric L. Johnson, KC1OAV, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list on July 15, 2022 at 6:11 PM:

Hello Fox Hunters:

The KC1OAV fox will be out tomorrow July 16 to Sunday July 17.  This is my first fox deployment so I welcome any suggestions for improvement.

The fox is in Stow, MA, and may be heard from the Town Forest parking lot at the end of Bradley Lane in Stow, after 8:00 AM Saturday. I will retrieve it Sunday around 5:00 PM. 

The fox broadcasts for 12 seconds every minute at 146.565 MHz, with a power output of 15 MW. There is a log book attached to the fox so you can sign in. This should be an easy* hunt. The fox will be just off a trail. 

If you find the fox, or just want to ramble, be sure To explore the area near the Assabet River.  From there you may see small aircraft at nearby Crow Island field, as well as some practicing trapeze artists.

Here is the map of Stow Town Forest:

 https://www.stow-ma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif1286/f/uploads/town_forest_map_0.pdf

and a link to Stow regulations:

  https://www.stow-ma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif1286/f/uploads/stow_conservation_land_regulations.pdf

Enjoy!

[ *Text or email for a clue. ]

Eric L. Johnson KC1OAV
ericlee.johnson@gmail.com
978 501-2136

Clubs

K1GGI: “Cape Cod’s Fabulous Radio History: Facts to Remember, Fictions to Forget” at Sci-Tech ARS Hybrid Meeting, July 12, 2022

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New England Sci Tech logoThe New England Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society (NEST) will meet on-line and in-person on July 12, 2022 at 7 PM and feature  “Cape Cod’s Fabulous Radio History: Facts to Remember, Fictions to Forget” by Ed Moxon, K1GGI.
 
The Cape has some truly interesting radio history that has been told and retold, sometimes getting better or worse in the process. In this presentation we will take a look at some local radio lore and sort out a few “mythconceptions” that have become common knowledge thanks to some imaginative contributors. Chatham Marconi Maritime Center, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation that operates the Marconi / RCA Wireless Museum in Chatham, MA, on Cape Cod.
 
Ed, K1GGI, has a Ph.D. from MIT and is a Director and former Secretary of the corporation. He is also Trustee of the Radiomarine Commemorative Association amateur station WA1WCC.
 
[For Zoom conference information, email Bob Phinney, K5TEC, at bobphinney -at- nescitech -dot- org or call 508-720-4179.]
Flea markets & Conventions

MIT Swapfest, July 17, 2022

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MIT Swapfest signThe MIT Radio Society, in conjunction with the MIT UHF Repeater Association, the MIT Electronics Research Society, and the Harvard Wireless Club, sponsors a Swapfest on the third Sunday of each month, April through October. This is a place to buy, sell, and swap amateur radio, electronic, and computer equipment. Hams and non-hams alike are welcome. The next Swapfest will take place on July 17, 2022.

For more information, see the online copy of our Swapfest flyer (pdf, or text only). Print out a copy of the flyer and bring it with you for a discount on the buyer’s admission. Want to sell? Here’s an online copy of the seller’s registration form. Remember to send it in by the 5th of the month for the advanced seller discount. Still need more info? Call 617-253-3776 during business hours.

The Swapfest is held at MIT’s Albany Street Garage on Albany St between Main Streets and Mass Ave in Cambridge. The gate opens for buyers at 9am. There is a small admission fee.

Foxhunting / Operating

KD1D RF Fox is out again, July 8, 2022

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Alan Hicks, KD1D, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list on July 8, 2022 at 3:54 PM:
 

The KD1D Fox transmitter is hidden off of one of the trails near Kennedy Pond in Westford, MA.  More information on the sits can be found at:

https://westfordconservationtrust.org/tws_holding/nashoba-brook-watershed/

 There is a parking area at the end of Trailside Way.  You may find it easier to start from the other parking area near the end of Texas Road or to park on Vine Brook Road away from the cul de sac and walk in to the left of the dirt road barrier.  There is an unofficial “No Trespassing” sign (MA law requires the name and address of the owner), but the land immediately to the left of the gate is Westford Conservation Land open to all.  Be polite and don’t park in the circle if you choose this route.   

The fox transmits on 146.565 MHz FM for about 25 seconds repeating once a minute.  It was set loose around 15:00 EDDT on Friday July 8 and will be retrieved sometime after noon on Monday, July 11. 

If you need a hint, email me at kd1d@arrll.net. 

Happy Hunting and 73 from KD1D

Foxhunting / Operating

W1MJ Fox Deployment, Burlington Landlocked Forest, July 9-10, 2022

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Eliot Mayer, W1MJ writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list:

My dog Noah and I plan to deploy our fox for the weekend in Burlington Landlocked Forest.  Per Google Maps, the parking area is only 22 minutes from Westford and 17 minutes from Waltham.

Fox details:

  • Callsign:  W1MJ
  • Start & End Times:  Sat July 9 at 10:00 AM  –  Sun July 10 at 5:00 PM
  • Frequency:  147.54 MHz
  • Suggested Starting Point: Burlington Landlocked Forest Trailhead, close to 43 Turning Mill Rd, Lexington, MA.  Lot is under the power lines, close to the Grimes Rd intersection.
  • Directions from Google Maps:  https://goo.gl/maps/19VYCvL9T8mEj26N7

73 DE W1MJ

All

ARRL Foundation Announces 2022 Foundation Scholarship Recipients

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ARRL Foundation logoThe ARRL Foundation Board of Directors has approved the recipients of the 2022 ARRL Foundation Scholarships as recommended by the Scholarship Committee. Foundation Scholarships totaling $921,250 will be awarded to 139 deserving radio amateurs pursuing higher education. Individual scholarship awards range from $500 to $25,000. Several young radio amateur recipients reside in Eastern Massachusetts:

 

The East Coast Amateur Radio Service (ECARS) Scholarships, $2,500 each:

  • Julie Knappik, KB1YTT, of Raynham, Massachusetts
  • Matthew MacKenzie, KC1PXL, of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts

The FEMARA Scholarships, $2,000 each:

  • Simon Schwartz, KC1PYK, of Newton, Massachusetts
  • Megan Wagner, KC1FGH, of Westford, Massachusetts

The New England Amateur Radio Festival (NEAR-Fest) Scholarship, $1,500:

  • Yettive Crestohl, K1TG, of Marblehead, Massachusetts

A full list of scholarship recipients can be viewed at <http://arrl.org/news/arrl-foundation-announces-2022-scholarship-awards>.

Congratulations to all the recipients, and best wishes for success in their higher educational pursuits.