Author: k9hi

Operating

Marconi Commemorative Event Contact, December 12, 2021

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KM1CC – Marconi Cape Cod Radio Club writes on its Facebook page:

Today, December 12, 2021 is the 120th anniversary of the first transatlantic signal- the letter S. In 1901 Marconi’s Poldu, UK Wireless Station sent the letter S: Marconi received the letter S by flying a kite at Signal Hill, Saint Johns, Newfoundland.
 
To commemorate the anniversary the Newfoundland Marconi Radio Club – VO1MRC, scheduled contacts with KM1CC and other early-historic- Marconi Stations. Messages were exchanged between stations, and the letter S was sent in CW by the Poldhu Station GB2GM as they did 120 years ago.
 
KM1CC will be on the air Tuesday, January 18, 2022 for the 119th anniversary of Marconi’s first USA to UK/Europe transatlantic message. More details will be posted closer to January 18.
 

KM1CC Commemorative Event, Dec. 12, 2021Shown here: KM1CC members K1RTA and N1NS on the air for the 120th anniversary event of the letter S. The two operated from a home station near the historic Marconi station site.

Foxhunting / Operating

K1MJC Fox is On the Loose in Waltham, December 10, 2021

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Mike Cormier, K1MJC, writes on the Waltham ARA list and NEMassFoxHunters list at 3:49 PM on December 10, 2021:

Yes, the K1MJC Fox is out on a December Bonus outing!

I checked the weather, it’s supposed to be in the 60s Sat & Sun and decided to take a chance. 

 It is looking like wind and rain early on Sat (best time after 11:00AM ) but Sunday should be the better day, maybe a bit chilly In the mid 40’s.

I put it out today, Friday, but I’ll leave it to you as to how much of a risk you would like to take in this kind of weather … l take no responsibility!

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

I’ve gone to “School” on making the experience a bit more difficult, if you chose to look for it, you’ll see what it is I had in “store” for you, and how long it takes you to find it will determine how successful I was.

As usual, it will be retrieved before Sundown Sunday.

One of The maps on this page would prove useful!

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

Happy hunting!

 
Clubs

Algonquin ARC Flea Market, Marlborough, February 19, 2022

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AARC logoThe Algonquin Amateur Radio Club will hold its Marlborough Flea Market on February 19, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the 1Lt Charles W. Whitcomb School, 25 Union St., Marlborough, MA. Talk-in is on the MMRA repeater, 147.27+ (PL 146.2). Any COVID-related updates will be carried on the AARC website at http://n1em.org.

A VE session will be held beginning at 9:00 AM. General admission is $5. Vendor tables are $15 before February 9, 2018, or $20 at the door if space is available. Each table includes one admission.

For more information, contact Tim Ikeda, KA1OS at 508-251-9317 (before 9:00 PM), email fleamarket@n1em.org or visit https://www.qsl.net/n1em/2022_flier.pdf.

Emergency Communications

Eastern MA Hospital Net Status

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John O’Neill, K1JRO, writes on the Eastern MA Hospital mailing list:

I am writing regarding participation in the Eastern MA Hospital Net.

We at SSHARG are fortunate that we can return to our “shack” at the hospital. We realize that most everyone is still facing restrictions or complete “lockouts” due to the ongoing Covid situation.  

Last month we held a Net and only had one participant, the Mansfield Emergency Management Agency.

For us to gather at South Shore Hospital, set-up our gear, and hold a net takes time and effort not to mention the cost of transportation these days. If we (you), the Eastern MA Hospital Net Group are not ready to resume regular Nets that’s fine. We will put our Nets on hold until such time as we are ready.

This coming Saturday [December 4, 2021] is the first Saturday of the month when we would regularly hold a Net. In advance of that I’m querying the group to see who can and will participate if we hold a NET this Saturday. If we don’t at least have a handful of members who will commit to participating we will simply not hold a NET this month and hopefully things will be better in January.

I look forward to any responses or comments.

73,

John O’Neill, K1JRO

South Shore Health Amateur Radio Group

Clubs

Quannapowitt Radio Association Comes to an End

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QRADon Melanson, W1DM, writes on the QRA website:

It is sad news that I report that the Quannapowitt Radio Association ( QRA ) has ended.

At the October Board of Directors meeting the Board of directors recommended dissolution of the Association due to the number of factors as explained to the remaining QRA membership in a recent letter. The membership subsequently unanimously voted to dissolve the Association at the November Membership Meeting.

The membership also voted to distribute the remaining QRA treasury toFEMARA to support its scholarship programs.

It was also noted the the QRA dissolved on exactly their 73rd Birthday.

I would like to thank all Members, Board of Directors ( both present and Past ) and all others who supported the QRA in its 73 years of service to the Amateur Radio Field. We made a lot of friends both Nationally and Locally. Friends we will never forget. Hopefully we will catch each other on the bands.

73s de

Don Melanson W1DM

QRA President

Foxhunting / Licensing Education & Training / Operating

Fox Hunting Video Conferences Over the Winter Months Proposed

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George Allison, K1IG, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list:

As the snow season arrives, we’ll be taking a hiatus from our outdoor fox hunting events. To keep our expertise up, though, what is the interest in having one or more video conferences over the winter to show off equipment and techniques? I can host the conferences with a Webex account (very similar to Zoom).

Possible meeting agendas could include fox and fox-finding equipment demos, photos of memorable hunts, discussions of hunting techniques, and improvements or variations to our events.

Depending on interest, the first video conference could be held in December or January. 

Please reply to the group to let us know if you’re interested. Tell us your preferred day(s) of the week, suggested agenda items, and when you want the first meeting (specific date not required; preferred month is fine). When I get the info I can send out some date choices.

73,
George K1IG

Clubs

K1BG: “Amateur Radio CW Software Demonstration” at the Billerica ARS Online Meeting, December 1, 2021

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Billerica ARS logoTom Walsh, K1TW, writes on the Billerica ARS mailing list:

Bruce Blain, K1BG,  will give an amateur radio software demonstration at the Billerica Amateur Radio Society meeting on December 1,  2021 at 7 PM. 

Bruce, W1LUS, will distribute the zoom link separately.

Bruce, K1BG, will join us with another one of his great presentations. This time Bruce will focus on a couple of software programs (i.e., RufzXP and Morse Runner), along with a demonstration of their use.  “Rufz” is the abbreviation of the German word “Rufzeichen-Hören”, which means “Listening to Callsigns”. RufzXP is an excellent training software for improving code speed and CW practice. Morse Runner is a Windows-based contest simulator developed by Alex Shovkoplyas, VE3NEA. Tools are also available to run Morse Runner on Mac computers.

Both programs are one of the many instruction tools used by CW Ops and CW Academy.

Following the presentation, we will invite the members to offer other suggestions of software they use on a regular basis to enhance their amateur radio pleasure. And, if there is interest, we can look into providing demonstrations at future meetings.

The business meeting and open discussion on any other topics will conclude the evening. So please join us for another friendly and informative BARS meeting.

About our evening speaker:

Bruce K1BG is an instructor for CW Academy, Bruce has recently been elected as President of the Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club which meets in Pepperell, MA. He is also the Affiliated Club Coordinator (ACC) in the Eastern Massachusetts ARRL section.

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

W1JAR: “Digital Voice Modes” at Framingham ARA Meeting Online, December 2, 2021

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Framingham ARA logoArt Lipatov, W1JAR, will present on “Digital Voice Modes” at the December 2, 2021 meeting of the Framingham Amateur Radio Association.

– DMR, Yaesu System Fusion, D-Star, advantages, shortcomings of each. There are many more modes, but these are the “main” ones
– Internet linked digital voice, talkgroups / rooms / reflectors. NEDECN DMR network (New England Digital Emergency Comm Network)
– Hotspots, connecting to digital voice internet rooms from your shack without a repeater.

Also, Ron, WO1E, will do a shack and equipment visit

Members will receive a zoom invitation.  Non-members may request an invitation by sending an email to John at president@w1fy.org.

Foxhunting / Operating

KD1D Fox “Out for One Last Hunt Before Hibernation,” November 27, 2021

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Alan Hicks, KD1D, writes on NEMassFoxHunters list on November 27, 2021 at 11:33 AM:
 

The KD1D  RF Fox  is out for one last hunt before hibernation.  

The KD1D Fox operates on 146.565 MHz FM with an output power of about 50 milliwatts and is currently located somewhere in Littleton.  It can be heard in the area  on Route 119 /2A between Route 110 (Littleton Common) and Route 27 (where the rail trail crosses).  If you’re not familiar with the area, check out the expandable map on

https://littletonconservationtrust.org/trail-guide/

Clues:   A small three-leaved plant and one of the Disney chipmunks.

73 and good hunting de KD1D Alan

The trail may be a bit wet in spots.  Boots are advised.

Awards / Clubs

Nashoba Valley ARC Recognized by W1 QSL Bureau for 25 Years of Service

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The Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club was recognized for its long service to the W1 QSL Bureau at a NVARC QSL sorting party on November 18.  Eric Williams, KV1J, W1 QSL Bureau Co-manager, awarded the club a beautiful plaque, which read:

“Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club – In appreciation of 25 years of service to the W1 QSL Bureau – 2021”

Accepting the award on behalf of NVARC was club president Bruce Blain, K1BG.

K1BG plans to bring the plaque to the club’s December club meeting to show those members who were unable to attend the sorting party.

“NVARC should be proud of the support we have given the bureau over the years,” writes Bruce. “Thank you to all the club members and guests who have supported the sorting effort during this time, and I look forward to sorting cards with you for many years to come.”

Left: NVARC commemorative plaque awarded by W1 QSL Bureau;  (l-r): W1 QSL Bureau Co-manager Eric Williams, KV1J; NVARC President Bruce Blain, K1BG.

NVARC commemorative plaque from W1QSL Bureau

Public Service

Request For Operators YuKanRun Happy Holidays Half MerryThon, Gloucester, December 5, 2021

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Christopher Winczewski, K1TAT, writes on the CAARA list:

CAARA has a great public service team. Come out and have some fun with us.

You are using amateur radio to provide a needed public service to ensure the safety and smooth running of a public event in local communities.

We are looking for operators to staff the YuKanRun Happy Holidays Half Marathon on Sunday December 5, 2021 at 9:00 AM for a 10:00 AM start time. Start, finish at Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester, MA 01930.

Please let me know if you can staff a communications check-point for the event so I can plan staffing positions for the event.

Please let us know what type of equipment you plan to use ( mobile; HT; ¼-wave mag mount; 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. 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!

Public Information

Whitman ARC to Operate at Plimoth Patuxet, November 27-28, 2021

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Whitman ARC logoMembers and friends of the Whitman Amateur Radio Club will operate amateur radio at the Plimoth Patuxet [formerly known as Plimoth Plantation]. Setup time is scheduled for 10 AM on Friday, November 26. The group will operate on Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 3 PM.

“We really need anyone who is going to please email us this weekend the days and times you can be there,” writes WARC president Bob Azanow, WA1Q. “I would like to submit the schedule to Plimoth Patuxet on Monday [November 22].”

Technical / Youth

New England Sci-Tech “Cubes In Space™” Program Begins in December, 2021

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New England Sci Tech logoSpecial Note: The students in the 2019 cubes program had their projects accepted for flight. One project flew on a NASA rocket in June and one flew on a high altitude balloon in September. The 2020 program was cancelled due to COVID. The 2021 project did not fly because of a shipping problem with the carrier, so that project will fly in June 2022. 

CUBES IN SPACE™ – Now accepting 2021-2022 applications

A specialized activity of NE SciTech’s Space Science Club, specifically for students ages 11-17, Cubes in Space™ (CIS), a program by idoodledu inc., teaches students about the atmosphere, rocketry, high-altitude balloons, general laws of physics, and space science. Students work in teams to design and propose experiments to launch into space or a near space environment on a NASA sounding rocket and zero-pressure scientific balloon. Students then submit their proposals and could have a chance to fabricate and fly their projects. Space is limited.

Students attend regular educational CIS curriculum workshops and team meetings in the fall, winter, and spring. GROUP 1 meets on specific Friday evenings 6:30-7:30 pm. GROUP 2 meets on specific Saturday afternoons 3:30-4:30 pm. Regular meetings are usually every other week from December through March. For teams with projects that have been selected to fly, there will be additional prep and build meetings in April and May. The rocket flies in June. The hi-alt balloon flies over the summer, usually in August. We will schedule additional CIS meetings in the fall for students to examine their flown projects when recovered from NASA.

This CIS program is free for student members* of New England Sci-Tech, with a small lab fee** of $45 to cover printed materials and general supplies. Having experience in physics, electronics, or amateur radio is helpful, but not required. Space is limited.

Cubes in Space™ (CIS), a program by idoodledu inc., is a global competition. Out of thousands of entries worldwide, under a hundred get picked to fly. However, our mentors, running this program for the past five years, have had a 100% success rate for CIS projects accepted each year.

Students who successfully complete the program and successfully fly a project will receive an official CIS certificate and may list their CIS success in personal resumes, school transcripts, and college applications.

ORIENTATION MEETING

Get to know you, CIS preliminary overview, and registration:
Attend either Friday November 19, 6:30 pm, or Saturday November 20, 3:30 pm.

FRIDAY WORKSHOPS

Eight Fridays, 6:30-7:30 pm:
Lesson 1 – Dec 3, Lesson 2 – Dec 17, Lesson 3 – Jan 7, Lesson 4 – Jan 21, Lesson 5 – Feb 4, Lesson 6 – Feb 11, Lesson 7 – Mar 4, Lesson 8 – Mar 18.

For those projects chosen to fly, there will be 6 additional prep and build days, some optional:
Apr 1, 8, 29, May 13, 20, Jun 3.

For anyone who will need to miss a Friday lesson, you may attend the same lesson on Saturday. Please plan ahead.

SATURDAY WORKSHOPS

Eight Saturdays, 3:30-4:30 pm:
Lesson 1 – Dec 4, Lesson 2 – Dec 18, Lesson 3 – Jan 8, Lesson 4 – Jan 22, Lesson 5 – Feb 5, Lesson 6 – Feb 12, Lesson 7 – Mar 5, Lesson 8 – Mar 19.

For those projects chosen to fly, there will be 6 additional prep and build days, some optional:
Apr 2, 9, 30, May 14, 21, Jun 4.

For anyone who will need to miss a Saturday lesson, you may attend the same lesson on the previous Friday. Please plan ahead.

[Visit https://nescitech.org/product/cubes-in-spacetm/ for more information.]
Organization

ARRL Announces Director Election Results

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ARRL logo11/19/2021–The ARRL New England and Roanoke Divisions will have new Directors on January 1. The results of these three-way contested elections for Director were announced on November 19, after ballots were tallied at ARRL Headquarters.

In the New England Division, incumbent Fred Hopengarten, K1VR, received 1,054 votes, past Director Tom Frenaye, K1KI, received 1,026 votes, and challenger Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC, received 1,147 votes. Mr. Kemmerer was declared the winner.

In the Roanoke Division, incumbent George W. “Bud” Hippisley, W2RU, received 809 votes, past Director Dr. Jim Boehner, N2ZZ, received 1,612 votes, and challenger Marvin Hoffman, WA4NC, received 1,294 votes. Dr. Boehner was declared the winner.

All newly elected officials take office at noon on January 1, 2022.

Operating

New “EMA Outdoor Hams” Groups.io List Started

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Mindy Hull, KM1NDY, writes:
 
Joe Chapman, NV1W, started a reflector for outdoor hams in the Eastern MA ARRL region to keep track of radio adventures, and he is inviting everyone to join and wanted me to pass this on to you guys!
 
From Joe:
 
“Friends: By popular request, I have created a mail reflector for local hams who participate in the OTAs (POTA, SOTA, IOTA) and similar programs, or who just operate outdoors while backpacking or the like. I did a minimum amount of fussing with the account settings, and I have no idea how much traffic the list will get; we’ll just have to see how it goes. I’m a member and a former officer of the Boston Amateur Radio Club, but this is an independent project. Feel free to forward this message to anyone whom you think would be interested.”
 
Clubs

K1KI: “2022 New England QSO Party” at North Shore RA Meeting, November 15, 2021

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North Shore Radio Association logoEric Horwitz, KA1NCF, writes:
 
Sorry for the late notice.
 
The November 15, 2021 North Shore Radio Association meeting will feature Tom Frenaye, K1KI, presenting on the 2022 New England QSO Party.
 
[Zoom conference information will be sent via the NSRA groups.io mailing list.  Contact Eric, KA1NCF, at ka1ncf -at- nsradio -dot- org to be added to the groups.io list.]