Author: k9hi

Clubs / Licensing Education & Training / Youth

StratoScience Lab Balloon Launches, New England Sci-Tech, Natick, August 14, 2024

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StratoScience banner
 
Seth Kendall, KC1PZY, writes on the New England Sci-Tech ARS mailing list:
 
Hey everyone,
 
Just wanted to let you all know we are aiming to launch two separate StratoScience Lab balloons THIS WEDNESDAY 8/14 from NEST.  That means we’ll actually be filling up and releasing the balloon from the NEST parking lot.  Exact time is not nailed down yet, but release will most likely be sometime between 10am and 2pm.  We’ll update here the night before or morning of.  Since it is taking place at NEST, we also may be able to run the STARS Zoom meeting and have flight prep and the releases going live on Zoom.  We will update on that as well.  We will have a HamXposition presentation detailing all the projects, and maybe we can do a version of this at a STARS meeting, but just to give you a preview of what will be flown this week:
 
StratLab 2024 A:
  • Solar Tracking Rotator (Roy Y.)
  • Spectroscopy Sensor (Timmy B.)
  • Servo Heating System (Elias D.)
  • IMU Recorder and Downward Camera (Ewoud V.)
  • BFCCPS Humidity Sensor Experiment (NEWBS / BFCCPS School)
  • RunCam Split 4 Selfie Camera (Seth K. / NEWBS)
  • Tiny4FSK (Max K. / NEWBS) – 432.620 MHz
  • RS41 (Max K. / NEWBS) – 432.625 MHz
  • [maybe] Test version of altitude-based rocket igniter board (Dawid F.)
 
StratoSoar 2024 A:
  • Autonomous Glider (Charlie N.)
    • Planned separation at ~1600m
    • Also contains a Tiny4FSK (Max K. / NEWBS) – 432.630 MHz
  • RS41 (Max K. / NEWBS) – 432.635 MHz
  • RunCam Split 4 Downward Camera (Seth K. / NEWBS)
 
This means we will also have 3 separate recovery sites, so if anyone would be interested in helping to recover a payload, please let us know!  We could use all the help we can get.  Even if you’re only available after work hours.  All 3 trackers should hopefully be trackable on https://amateur.sondehub.org/
 
Best,
Seth KC1PZY and Max W0MXX
 
Clubs / Operating

Boston ARC POTA Event, Medford, August 10, 2024

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Parks On The Air logoBrendan Baldonado, NW1S, writes on the Boston ARC mailing list:
 
Following the great success of our POTA event in July we’re hosting another in August. 
 
We are planning August 10th at the Mystic Lakes Playground area. It is a little out of the city but there are a few Purple line stations nearby for those that are public transport dependent. We are also hoping to coordinate carpools with anyone that may need that too. 
 
So Shannon Beach at Mystic lakes has a large parking lot, although I imagine on weekends it gets very busy. (Satellite pictures included below) There are two more lots south of the main lot, and they may expand the parking I’m not sure. Mystic Lakes is between Arlington and Winchester just east of route 3. The parking lot is off of the Mystic Valley Parkway which can have terrible traffic at all times of the day. 
 
This is our first time going to this location so it’s going to be a bit scrappier than normal. As always we will use the .23 BARC repeater for coordinating onsite. There are only a few tables so bringing a table and chairs will be useful. 
 
So Bring a radio, and an antenna and power, if you need one you can borrow someones radio usually and we can all take turns. Bring your own lunch and snacks as you see fit. The plus side of this location is that if you want to bring family or kids there is a playground and a beach for swimming. 
 
If we get enough interest maybe we can bring a propane grill and have a cookout. So make your interest known now! 
 
Important information:
 
What: BARC Summer POTA 2!
 
Where: Shannon Beach Playground, Mystic Lakes State Park 
481 Mystic Valley Pkwy, Medford, MA 02155
 
When: August 10th, at 10 a.m to 2 p.m.
 
Who: Anyone that wants to join.
 
Bring: Food, Water, Sunscreen, and your portable operating station. (Radio, Antenna, Coax, Power)
 
 
 
 
 
Flea markets & Conventions

Want to Help Out at the Biggest Ham Event in the Northeast?

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Barbara Irby, KC1KGSThe Northeast HamXposition boasts a cadre of dedicated volunteers who make this convention possible. But we can still use more volunteers.  Your smiling faces and eagerness to help makes a difference to the attendees. From selling tickets, assisting presenters, supervising the flea market, setting up the rooms, handling parking signage, supervising the flea market, and taking it all down and packing it up for next year— you make it happen!

If you’d like to help us at the 2024 Northeast HamXposition, please register at https://registration.hamxposition.org/volunteer/ or contact our Volunteer Chair Barbara Irby, KC1KGS, at kc1kgs@hamxposition.org. 

[See also: https://hamxposition.org/2024/07/23/meet-hamxposition-volunteer-chairperson-barbara-irby-kc1kgs/]
Foxhunting

Fox to be Deployed in Hamilton, August 10, 2024

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Jim Barber,  K1TT, writes on NEMassFoxHunters at 11:29 AM on August 5, 2024:
 
WHEN: Saturday, August 10th at 1 PM. Rain date Sunday the next day, same time. We may need the rain date! 
 
WHERE: John J. Donovan Reservation & Sagamore Hill Conservation Area, 473 Sagamore Street, Hamilton MA
 
This is a wonderful Greenbelt property. The paths are gravel road or mowed grass with some hills. There are a lot of open fields. It is a very popular spot for dog walking, horseback riding, and bird watching. Dogs are welcome at this reservation off leash when away from the parking lot.
 
The Fox will be right next to a path or road, No need for bushwhacking.
 
The fox will transmit on 146.565 MHz at 0.5 watt. The third harmonic is 439.695 The fox will play tones followed by my call sign in CW for 30 seconds on and 60 seconds off.
 
Map of Reservation: For Map Click Here
 
This is our first attempt at running a walking fox hunt. Your support would be greatly appreciated. Watch this space or Radio Active Cape Ann – Facebook page for weather updates. 
 
Happy hunting! 
 
Jim Barber K1TT
Operating

Boston ARC Parks On The Air Activation, July 27, 2024

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Boston ARC logoBrendan Baldonado, NW1S, writes on the Boston ARC mailing list:
 
The BARC Summer POTA event is this Saturday!
 
What: 2024 BARC POTA event
Where: Herter Park / Charles State Reserve
When: 10 am on July 27th
 
Bring yourself and a radio if you have one, and lunch and refreshments.
 
I am planning to Park at the parking lot labeled Christian Park Parking, the address is 1075 Soldiers Field Road. When coming from Downtown or Easterly routes, It is the third parking lot after the set of lights  after the Arlington/Route 3 split near the Elliot Bridge. From Westerly routes it’s the third parking lot after making the reverse direction on Soldiers field road. We will plan to be East of the Herter Park amphitheatre. Any changes will be posted via this thread on the morning of. 
 
 
We will meet around 10 am and set up, for any new people to POTA we can help you activate your first park. I will plan to be there for a while for anyone that can’t make 10 am. Let me know when you can be there and I’ll make sure to stick around. 
 
We can all go for some adult beverages at the Owls nest around the corner after. 
 
A review of the POTA website for rules is encouraged, https://parksontheair.com/
 
Otherwise the goal is to have some fun, play some radio, get on and learn HF if you’ve never done so before.
 
Questions and Comments can be answered here or in a less public way with a direct email to me, nw1s.brendan@gmail.com
 
Reply if you are planning on or thinking of coming to the POTA event!
 
Thanks and see you all there.
 
 
Brendan – NW1S
Clubs / Foxhunting

Cape Ann Fox Hunt, July 27, 2024

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CAARA logoBrandon Hockle, NQ1W, writes on the Cape Ann ARA mailing list:

On Saturday, July 27,/2024, Jim Barber, K1TT, will host Cape Ann Radioactive FB Group’s first fox hunt by car.

Participants will meet at 668 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA, at 11 AM, rain or shine.

The fox will be in Jim’s car (everyone will see it at the start) parked on a public road or parking area viewable from the road.

The fox will be on Cape Ann proper, Gloucester and Rockport, no need to cross the bridges over the Annisquam River.

The fox will transmit on 146.565 MHz at 0.5 watts. With such low transmitting power the fox may not be heard at all until the hunter is within a quarter mile. The fox will play tones followed by my call sign in CW for 30 seconds on and 30 seconds off.

We will have a two hour time limit on finding the fox. If everyone does so quickly we will attempt a second hunt. Sorry, no prizes, just bragging rights, as this is our first hunt. At sometime in the near future we will also have a hunt on foot.

Because fox hunts do not require transmissions by the hunters, an amateur radio license is not required to participate. we have a few handheld radios we can lend out to unlicensed folks who wish to play. 

Questions?

Contact Jim Barber, K1TT, by checking out Radio Active Cape Ann or email: capeann@hotmail.com.

Cheers de K1TT

Foxhunting

KD1D Fox QRV in Littleton/Ayer Area, July 19, 2024

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Alan Hicks, KD1D, wites on the NEMassFoxHunters list at 7:50 PM on July 19, 2024:

The KD1D Fox is out again on this much milder weekend. 

 
To find it, you’ll need to travel on Route 110 (between Littleton Common and the Ayer line).   You will likely hear the transmitter when you get to the intersection of Route 110 (King Street) with I-495.
 
The KD1D Fox  transmits a 25 second voice message every 60 seconds on 146,565 MHz FM simplex with an out power of about 50 milliwatts.
 
When you find it, please enter your 1st name, callsign date and time in the logbook, as usual.
 
The transmitter location is less challenging physically than some of the previous hiding spots.  I plan to retrieve the Fox on Monday afternnon.
 
If you have questions or need a hint, drop me an email at kd1d@arrl.net
 
You can also try the Westford PART repeater  (146.955 MHz – PL 74,4) for information on the area or foxhunting hints.
Happy Hunting and 73 DE KD1D (Alan)
Clubs / Public Information / Youth

Amateur Radio Presentation to Middle Schoolers, Mass Maritime, July 15, 2024

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Barnstable ARC logoLem Skidmore, W1LEM, writes on the Barnstable ARC mailing list:

[Barnstable Amateur Radio Club] members will be presenting to  approximately 200 seventh and eighth graders at Mass Maritime on Monday, July 15, 2024.  This is a two-week program for “very smart” junior high schoolers. Evening programs are presentations o a variety of topics–ours will be Amateur Radio.

We will present from 6 PM to about 7 PM, then do Q&A and demonstration. We will be on 2m (both the BARC 146.955 repeater, and the FARA 147.375 repeater as well as HF on 10m on 28.300 and upwards, depending on band activity, and 20m 14.225 and upwards. We should be on from about 7 PM to about 8 PM .

Please look for W1MA on the air. We did this last year and the students loved it. In particular, the female students enjoyed talking with Shannon, K1WIT, on VHF, so it would be great if some of our women members could join us.

Operating / Technical

New Amateur Satellites Expected to Launch on July 2, 2024

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AMSAT logoJoe Fitzgerald, KM1P, writes on the Sci-Tech ARS mailing list:
 
Several satellites carrying Amateur radio payloads are expected to launch next week.    While launches are often delayed due to technical and weather issues, presently the launch is scheduled 0403 UTC July 2, or slightly after midnight local time.  New England Sci-Tech and its crack team of orbital analysts stands ready to supply the amateur radio community with the Two Line Elements, AKA TLEs that describe the orbit of an earth satellite via daily bulletins.  TLEs are used by tracking software to determine exactly when satellites will pass overhead, and where to point your antennas.

The satellites in this mission are designed to be in a “sun synchronous” orbit which takes advantage of the slight bulge of the earth at the equator nudge the orbit the orbit such that it passes over ground stations  at approximately the same times every day.    Since this launch is at 9 pm local time, we expect these satellites to pass over us at about 9AM and 9PM daily .   This orbit was chosen in part to assure that these spacecraft are always in sunlight reducing the need for on board batteries.    If you don’t want to stay up to watch the launch, don’t despair, you can listen for the new baby satellites on Tuesday morning once the rotation of the earth places us under the orbital plane of these birds.    Below is a summary of the satellites transmitting in the amateur satellite service, more details of these and other payloads transmitting in other services are available.

MESAT-1 has a 30 kHz wide V/U Transponder plus a 1k2 BPSK telemetry downlink. Telemetry downlink 435.800 MHz with transponder downlink 435.810-435.840 MHz, and transponder uplink 145.910-145.940 MHz   Note:   the ham radio equipment on this spacecraft was provided by NEST partner AMSAT.
 
Serenity has a  4k8 FM with AX25 on 437.100 MHz
 
CatSat UHF downlink using 9k6 or 38k4 GMSK but will also relay WSPR and FT8 signals from HF. Downlinks on 437.185 MHz and 10470.00 MHz
 
KubeSat 1 UHF downlink using 9k6 GMSK. A downlink on 437.085 MHz
 
SOC-i UHF downlink using 4k8 GMSK. downlink 437.125 MHz
 
 
-Joe KM1P
Field Day

Eastern MA Section Manager Field Day 2024 Trip Report

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Jon McCombie, N1ILZMy favorite job as Section Manager is touring Field Day sites. This year was no exception! 
 
I got started Saturday morning and headed directly to the FD site for the NorthEast Amateur Radio Club (N1ERC), in the beautiful Fourth Cliff recreational area in Humarock, MA. When I arrived, they were just finishing setup, and waiting for the fun to start at 1400.  The site provides an especially dramatic view overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Unfortunately for me, the fog was in, so no views for me. Maybe next year? 
 
Next was a visit with the Braintree Emergency Management group (KC1KWC) set up as a field site in the garage/storage area given by the Town of Braintree. Nice setup there, gents! Well done! 
 
Next on the visit list was Sci-Tech in Natick. Congrats to Bob Phinney and the crew at Sci-Tech for creating and running an operation I consider to be one of the crown jewels of the Section; really of the whole country. 
 
My next visit was the Boston ARC (W1BOS), set up in Westwood, MA. For the last several years, they’ve set up FD at the same campsite, providing shelter from wind and rain and plenty of trees for antennas. Very nice! 
 
My first stop on Sunday was the Whitman ARC (WA1NPO) site in the YMCA campgrounds in E. Bridgewater. Another outstanding selection for FD site: a shelter from wind and rain, plenty of antenna supports in a convenient location. 
 
Next on the list was a visit to the Falmouth Amateur Radio Association (FARA) site in Falmouth, MA. FARA had a fantastic setup, with three towers erected, a few dipoles, and their crown jewel, the FARA communications trailer. The trailer provides at least three operating positions and has a patch-panel to connect radios to antennas. What an outstanding example of engineering! Well done, Ralph, N1YHS, and FARA! 
 
Alas, traffic leaving Falmouth was horrendous, so I couldn’t get to the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club (BARC) before they had finished breaking down after FD. 
 
This was a great – if tiring – Field Day for me. I’m very much looking forward to visiting FD sites next year. Did you have a great FD? Could you write a few paragraphs about your setup and how you did FD? Have some pix to publish? Send ‘em my way, and I’ll see about getting it on the EMA Section website! 
Clubs / Public Information

Harwich Brooks Park Craft Fair, Harwich, July 13-14, 2024

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Barnstable ARC logoLem Skidmore, W1LEM, writes on the Barnstable ARC mailing list:

We will be setting up HF and VHF stations for GOTA and general contacts. 

The objectives are: public awareness of BARC and Amateur Radio, operating practice, team building, and fellowship.

We will need [Barnstable ARC] members to set up Saturday AM and teardown Sunday PM, as well 4-hour shifts all all day Saturday and Sunday to operate, and to meet and greet the public.

Please contact Mark, K4LFL, the event leader.

Field Day

Severe Weather & Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend Coordination Message #2, June 21-23, 2024

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Rob Macedo, KD1CY, writes on SKYWARN_Announce:
 

Hello to all…

..The following is the second in a series of messages on Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend and providing information on the weather during this period. This is a tradition spanning over 20 years for Amateur Radio Operators involved with Field Day and the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN Program..

..This year’s Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend will feature the risk for Isolated to Scattered Strong to Severe Thunderstorms for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It will remain warm and humid over most of Southern New England with some relief in Northeast Massachusetts Friday Afternoon into Saturday before warm and humid conditions resume there for Sunday. A Heat Advisory remains in effect through 7 PM for Northern Connecticut, Hampden, Hampshire Counties of Massachusetts for heat indices to 95 degrees.
..The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has placed Western and Central Massachusetts, Connecticut and interior Rhode Island in a Marginal Risk for severe weather Friday. Threat timeframe between 1-8 PM Friday. SPC has placed Western, Central and interior Northeast Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut in a marginal risk for severe weather Saturday. Threat timeframe 1-8 PM Saturday as well. SPC has placed all of Southern New England in a marginal risk for severe weather. Timing will be better known for Sunday’s severe weather potential on Saturday..
..Strong to damaging winds, hail, frequent lightning and heavy downpours leading to urban and poor drainage flooding are the main threats this weekend..
..At this time, not every Field Day site will see a shower, thunderstorm or severe weather and a widespread washout is not expected. Some Field Day sites could be dry all weekend but other Field Day sites could be quite wet depending on where showers and thunderstorms develop. This will be monitored throughout the weekend..
..Any thunderstorms have lightning potential which is a safety hazard for all Amateur Radio Field Day sites. Amateur Radio Field Day sites are encouraged to guard their local Amateur Radio SKYWARN frequency and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts during the course of this Field Day weekend including by cell phone/Internet and NOAA Weather Radio..
..Conditions will be warm and humid Friday through Sunday though not as hot as earlier this week particularly in areas of Northeast Massachusetts which will have less heat and humidity Friday and into Saturday before becoming warm and humid again. Portions of Western Massachusetts, Northern Connecticut and Northern Rhode Island may continue to have heat similar to the previous days through Friday before conditions cool slightly Saturday but remain warm and humid over this time period..
..Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend is an annual event where Ham Operators across the United States setup at Emergency Operations Centers, field locations, home locations etc. to operate and test their equipment and skills and make as many radio contacts as possible during the weekend..

..SKYWARN Self-Activation with Amateur Radio Call-Up Nets are likely Friday Afternoon and Evening in interior Southern New England for the severe weather and flood potential and possible Saturday through this weekend. SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor conditions throughout Field Day weekend and activate as needed to guard Amateur Radio Field Day sites to provide weather information as well as to gather reports meeting SKYWARN reporting criteria throughout this weekend..

Here are some links to information on these Amateur Radio Field Day Sites from across the region.

Amateur Radio Field Day Information: https://www.arrl.org/field-day
Amateur Radio Field Day National Locator: https://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator
Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Home Page: https://ema.arrl.org/field-day/
Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Directory: https://ema.arrl.org/field_day/

 
On Wednesday, severe weather activity which was expected to stay north of Southern New England spilled into Northwest and North-Central Massachusetts with pockets of wind damage and flooding noted across parts of Franklin, Hampshire and Northwest Worcester Counties. See the Amateur Radio Report log and Local Storm Report info below:
 
WX1BOX Amateur Radio Log:
 
NWS Boston/Norton Local Storm Report:
 
Thursday saw the severe weather coverage increase in area with pockets of wind damage and hail across Western, North-Central and Northeast Massachusetts. See the Amateur Radio Report log and Local Storm Report info below:
 
WX1BOX Amateur Radio Report log:
 
NWS Boston/Norton Local Storm Report:
 
For Friday as we enter into Amateur Radio Field Day weekend, the thunderstorm and greatest severe weather potential will be across Western and Central Massachusetts, Northern Connecticut and North-Central Rhode Island. For Saturday, the greatest severe weather potential is Western, Central and interior Northeast Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut and for Sunday all of Southern New England has the potential for thunderstorms and severe weather. Here is a breakdown of potential hazards by each day:
 
Friday Afternoon and Evening:

The Severe Thunderstorm potential maybe a bit more isolated, perhaps similar to Wednesday of this week. It will be dependent on the frontal position that will bring cooler air into Northeast Massachusetts and amount of shear that overlaps with greater instability in the marginal risk area. Threat timeframe is 1-8 PM. In addition to the severe weather and lightning potential, flooding from very heavy downpours will bear close watching for flooding issues in areas that get repeated downpours.

Saturday Afternoon and Evening:

This will depend on what occurs Friday and if the front that will be over the region separating warmer and more humid air from somewhat cooler air shifts northeast or holds its current position. If it shifts northeast, much of Southern New England would have thunderstorm and severe weather potential. If it doesn’t shift much, the current area of Marginal Risk denoted by SPC will be the impacted area and this will be updated in future updates. Threat timeframe is 1-8 PM like Friday.

Sunday Afternoon and Evening:

This could be a day where much of Southern New England has severe weather potential but will depend on prior day’s convection, cloud debris, frontal position/triggering mechanism etc. and will be better known as we get to Saturday. Wind shear profiles appear a bit stronger for Sunday. All of Southern New England has a marginal risk for severe weather per SPC. Hazard timing will be better known on Saturday.

 
While not as hot as earlier in the week, it will still be warm and humid for outdoor activities over the Field Day weekend period so Field Day sites should have plenty of liquids on hand and a place nearby to cool down whether it be a building or cars with AC to stay cool from the heat. Heat tips and safety guidelines are also included in this message. Northeast Massachusetts will have the most relief from the heat Friday into Saturday but the heat will return there as we get into Sunday.
SKYWARN Self-Activation with Amateur Radio Call-Up Nets are likely Friday Afternoon and Evening in interior Southern New England for the severe weather and flood potential and possible Saturday through this weekend. SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor conditions throughout Field Day weekend and activate as needed to guard Amateur Radio Field Day sites to provide weather information as well as to gather reports meeting SKYWARN reporting criteria throughout this weekend. Below are links to the NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion, Hazardous Weather Outlook, Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook, SPC Day-1, Day-2 and Day-3 Convective Outlooks and NWS Norton Heat Advisory Statement:
NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion:
NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/erh/ghwo?wfo=box
 
SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook:
 
SPC Day-2 Convective Outlook:
 
SPC Day-3 Convective Outlook:
 
NWS Boston/Norton Heat Advisory Statement:
 
Amateur Radio Field Day sites are encouraged to bring a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio, monitor various cell phone weather apps where Amateur Operators may have those available and have a dedicated Ham Radio that can monitor their local SKYWARN frequency for their area as a best safety and preparedness practice as there is a threat for thunderstorm development and any thunderstorm can be a threat to the safety of Amateur Radio Field Day sites. Also sites that have mobile Internet capability can utilize that capability as a way to monitor for weather information. With Mobile Internet capability, utilizing Echolink to monitor the New England Reflector system on Echolink Conference *NEW-ENG3* Node: 9123/IRLP 9123 would be helpful as well. Please see the link below for the latest SKYWARN Frequency information for the region:
https://wx1box.org/southern-new-england-skywarn-frequency-list/During setup and takedown of Amateur Radio Field Day sites and even while operating, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat accordingly. The link below features information on Heat Safety:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat

With the thunderstorm threat for this weekend, now is the time to remind folks that lightning is a threat to any and all Amateur Radio Field Day sites. Remember your lightning safety tips and details on lightning safety can be seen at the following link and we have also added a link from last year’s NWS Boston/Norton Lightning Safety Awareness Week and Public Information Statements on Lightning Safety and will update with this year’s statements in a future coordination message. See links below:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning

The next Severe Weather & Amateur Radio Field Day weekend coordination message will be posted by 10 AM Saturday Morning due to likely SKYWARN Operations this afternoon and evening. We hope the Amateur Radio community participating in Field Day has a great weekend!
Respectfully Submitted,Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
https://www.wx1box.org
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Field Day

Field Day Touring Support

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ARRL Field Day 2024 logoBill Ricker, N1VUX, writes:

Greetings of the season.

I have posted GPS zip, KML, CSV extracts for use by Eastern Mass Field Day tourists. (Download link https://fd.ema.arrl.org/field_day/history/GPS_files_FD24.zip is on Tours page https://fd.ema.arrl.org/field_day/history/tours.html below the 2024 logo.   If there are any updates Friday, I’ll repost and re-email.)

If any Leadership Tourists have specific plans, I’d be happy to post plans ahead of time (including touring elsewhere in NE Div). (As usual I’ll be visiting Scituate Fourth Cliff, not committing to any other visits.)

 -73-
Bill    n1vux@arrl.net
editor https://ema.arrl.org/field_day/ 25th Annual EMA Field Day Directory

Field Day / NTS

Bonus Points For NTS Traffic During Field Day

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ARRL Field Day 2024 logoPeter Doherty, KC1HHO, writes:

As ARRL Field Day approaches please keep in mind that you or your group can earn up to 200 Bonus Points by sending NTS Radiogram traffic from your Field Day site.

Relay stations will be calling out on the local Eastern MA repeaters and simplex calling frequency throughout the event asking for traffic.  You can also bring your traffic to a local traffic net, please see link below for net information.

Please review the rules 7.3.5 and 7.3.6, printed below as well as the address information for the Section Manager and Section Emergency Coordinator and links to other vital information and resources

7.3.5. Message Origination to Section Manager: 100 bonus points for origination of a formal message to the ARRL Section Manager or Section Emergency Coordinator by your group from its site. You should include the club name, number of participants, Field Day location, and number of ARES operators involved with your station. The message must be transmitted during the Field Day period and a copy of it must be included in your submission in either standard NTS or ICS-213 format (or have the equivalent content) or no credit will be given. The message must leave or enter the Field Day operation via amateur radio RF.

The Section Manager message is separate from the messages handled in Rule 7.3.6. and may not be claimed for bonus points under that rule. Available to all Classes.

Use the following address for the Eastern Massachusetts ARRL SECTION MANAGER

JON W MC COMBIE N1ILZ
ARRL SECTION MANAGER EMA
EASTHAM, MA 02642
Email: n1ilz@arrl.net

Use the following address for the Eastern Massachusetts ARRL Section Emergency Coordinator.

ROBERT D MACEDO KD1CY
ARRL SECTION EMERGENCY COORDINATOR EMA
NEW BEDFORD, MA 02740
Email: rmacedo@rcn.com

For messages sent under rule 7.3.6 please ensure your “send to addresses”  contain full name, address, telephone and or email including zip code.  They can be sent to anyone, not just amateur radio stations.

Below you will also find links to the 2024 ARRL Field Day Rule (complete) ,a link to the NTS Radiogram form and link to EMA traffic Nets.

7.3.6. Message Handling: 10 points for each formal message originated, relayed or received and delivered during the Field Day period, up to a maximum of 100 points (ten messages). Copies of each message must be included with the Field Day report. The message to the ARRL SM or SEC under Rule 7.3.5. does not count towards the total of 10 for this bonus. Messages claimed under this bonus must be in either standard NTS or ICS-213 format (or have the equivalent content). All messages claimed for bonus points must leave or enter the Field Day operation via amateur radio RF. Available to all Classes.

Rules

2024 ARRL Field Day Rules

Radiogram

RADIOGRAM-2011.pdf (arrl.org)

EMA NTS page (Scroll down to NTS Nets in Massachusetts)

https://ema.arrl.org/national-traffic-system/

We are looking forward to making your field day a full amateur radio experience.  Hope to hear from you. 73

Peter KC1HHO
Asst Traffic Manager EMA
Eastern MA 2 Meter Traffic Net Manager
Official Relay Station

Public Service

Amateur Radio Assistance Requested, Blackburn Challenge, Gloucester Vicinity, July 13, 2024

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North Shore Radio Association logoEric Horwitz, KA1NCF, writes on the North Shore RA mailing list:
 
It is that time again for NSRA to help out the Cape Ann Rowing Club
 
They again are putting on Blackburn Challenge a 16-mile ayak race around Cape Ann.
 
Date: 07-13-24
Time: between 7 am and 3 pm
Location: Around Gloucester, MA
 
We are looking for a bunch of hams to spend their day on case boats for health and welfare communications.
 
Come enjoy a day on the water, and do some ham radio on the side.
 
I know it seems early to be asking for an event in July, But I am going away for the week before, so I want to have all the paperwork done before I leave. That way I know we are all set for event day!
 
Please email me at: ka1ncf@nsradio.org if you can HELP us!
 
Thanks

 
Eric Horwitz, KA1NCF
Cell: 978-828-0460
Public Service

American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure charity ride, Lexington, August 18, 2024

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

My name is Jim Bradley, KB1JKJ, from the North Shore Radio Association. We’ve been asked to assist with the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure charity ride in Lexington, MA on Sunday, August 18th, and we need your help to make it a success!

We’re looking for ham radio operators to fill two important roles:

  • SAG (Support and Gear) Drivers: Use your own vehicle to transport cyclists and their bikes if needed, and patrol the route to assist riders with any issues.
  • Rest Stop Communications: Help us maintain communication with the Command Center, providing updates on rest stop status and any assistance needed.

The event details are as follows:

Whether you’re a seasoned public service volunteer or looking to gain experience in this area, we welcome your participation! This is a great opportunity to support a worthy cause and learn more about the public service aspect of ham radio.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please email me with your preferred role (SAG driver or rest stop communications) and sign up on the volunteer website. https://signup.com/go/2024NewEnglandTour. 

I’ll send out more details and assignments closer to the event date.

Thank you for your support, and we hope to see you there!

73, Jim Bradley, KB1JKJ 
Vice President
North Shore Radio Association

Flea markets & Conventions

NEAR-Fest Moving to Hillsborough County (NH) Fairgrounds

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

NEAR-Fest logoFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phil Brooks, KA1PXZ, Chief of NEAR-Fest, is pleased to announce that, effective October 4th, 2024, the New England Amateur Radio Festival, known as NEAR-Fest, will be held at the Hillsborough County Agricultural Society Fairgrounds and Youth Center located at New Boston NH, approximately 15 miles west of Manchester.

The reason for the permanent change in venue is due to ongoing scheduling conflicts with other events at the Deerfield (NH) Fairgrounds, NEAR-Fest’s home for the past eighteen years.

The hard decision to move the popular New England hamfest was taken by a unanimous vote of NEAR-Fest’s Board of Directors on May 17th, 2024.

In endorsing the decision NEAR-Fest’s Benevolent Dictator Emeritus, Michael Crestohl, W1RC, aka “Mister Mike” commented: “This was inevitable. The Deerfield Fairgrounds is becoming more and more popular with exhibitors and, as a designated agricultural fairgrounds, they have to give priority to agricultural events. We had a fabulous eighteen-year run. I am confident that Phil and Kelley, along with their team, will take NEAR-Fest forward at our new location for many years to come.”

Other than the location nothing else will change. It is still the same NEAR-Fest we have all known and loved since 2007!

NEAR-Fest XXXVI will be held Friday October 4th and Saturday October 5th, 2024 at the Hillsborough County Agricultural Society Fairgrounds, located at 17 Hilldale Lane, (Route 13) New Boston NH. GPS Coordinates 42.9842430, -71.6793460.

See you there!

NEAR-Fest (The New England Amateur Radio Festival, Inc.)

PO Box 172, Barton VT 05822 (781) 639-9172

World Wide Web: www.near-fest.com E-mail: ka1pxz@near-fest.com

Map of Hillsborough Co. fairgroundsMap of NEAR-Fest QTH in Hillsborough Co.