Author: k9hi

Public Service

Request For Operators: Ride to Defeat ALS, September 19, 2021

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Matt Brennan, NM1B, writes on the MMRA Public Service Events List:

We are looking for volunteers for Sunday 9/19 for the Ride to Defeat ALS. This is a low key event with the primary focus being on charity rather than racing. The 70 mile bicycle course begins at the Longfellow Club in Wayland and continues through several towns with rest stops in Hudson, Bolton, Acton, Concord, and Sudbury.

– While the event runs from 6 AM to 2 PM, some stations open as late as 9 AM and some close as early as 11 AM
– Operators working at a course station can report directly to their station
– We will attempt to locate you at a station closer to your home if possible.
– There will be two roving race vehicles that will require a mobile radio
– We will have both 2m and 70cm repeaters linked for this event

If you are able to help, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/WBSrVMNm1FGKH7br5

If you have any questions, please contact events@wect.org.

Thanks and 73,
Matt, NM1B

Public Service

Request for Operators, YuKanRun Half-By-The-Sea Half Marathon, Manchester By the Sea, September 19, 2021

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YouKanRun Manchester-by-the-SeaChris Winczewski, K1TAT, writes on the CAARA mailing list:

 

We really need a trail/ tail vehicle for this event! Please help if you can.

Come out and have some fun with us. We have loaner radios if you need one. Come out and join the event. Just contact us and we will set you up with a radio.

We are looking for operators to staff the YuKanRun Half-By-The-Sea Half Marathon By the Sea on September 19, 2021, 10:00am start time at Manchester Essex Memorial Elementary School, 43 Lincoln Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944.

Please let me know if you can staff a communications check-point for the event by September 11th so I can plan staffing positions for the event.

While CAARA’s repeater performance has greatly improved the we may still experience some difficulty with communications especially with low-powered HT s, 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 ( 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!

Half by the Sea Communications Team
Manchester, Mass
Last Updated: 9/13//2021 8:22 pm
Event date: Sunday, September,19, 2021
On Location: 9:45 AM
Starts: Half Marathon Run = 10:00 AM
Freq: W1GLO Repeater 145.130 – PL:107.2 Back up 146.505 Simplex

Operating / Youth

Jamboree On The Air, October 15-17, 2021

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JOTA-JOTI logoFrom the JOTA-JOTI website:

JOTA-JOTI (Jamboree-on-the-Air-Jamboree-on-the-Internet) is the world’s largest digital Scout event taking place on October 15-17, 2021, on the Internet and over the airwaves. Held every year in October, the event connects millions of young people around the world for a full weekend of online activities that promote friendship and global citizenship. JOTA-JOTI enables young people and volunteers to participate in fun and engaging group activities over the Internet and amateur radio focused on developing 21st century skills through Scouting. 

JOTA-JOTI 2020 took place from 15 to 17 October. The dynamic program comprised a variety of non-formal education activities, including webinars, global campfires, talent shows, live shows, fun challenges and more through an interactive 3D campsite. JOTA-JOTI aims to support young people of all ages to learn about communications technology, the values of global citizenship, and their role in creating a better world.

Clubs

N1DCH: “Shortened 80 Meter End Fed Half Wave Antenna” at Minuteman Repeater Association Meeting, September 15, 2021

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MMRA logoFrom the Minuteman Repeater Association newsletter:

Membership Meeting Wednesday, 15 September 2021 7:30—9:30 pm
Dave Hornbaker – N1DCH Shortened 80m End Fed Half Wave Antenna

Location: New England Sci-Tech, Natick + Zoom Teleconference

Dave will discuss his Shortened 80-meter End Fed Half Wave Antenna. He will start with an overview of End Fed Antennas then, move onto the End Fed Half Wave. Dave will talk about how to feed an End Fed Antenna, counterpoise, and grounding. He also will discuss the design of his two End Fed Half wave antennas, the differences and performance, as well as design of the transformers and the common mode choke. He will also delve into the need for a counter- poise and common mode choke.

David’s interest in radio began when he was a kid and hung around the shack of his uncle Myron Hornbaker, W0GFU (SK), Fowler, Kansas. He got his First-Class Radiotelephone License in 1975 (now, General Radio- telephone Operator License). He was employed by a local telephone company as an installer of IMTS telephones in automobiles. Later, he went to work for Wichita, Kansas television station KAKE-TV as a master control operator.

David owns and is president of DCH Consulting Services, an Information Technology company. He has worked in the computer industry for over 40 years, most recently with the Microsoft Corporation. David is a graduate of University Massachusetts Lowell. BS, MS, Information Technology.

Flea markets & Conventions

HamXposition Expands Flea Market Start to Friday at 12 Noon

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Roger Coulson, WA1NVC, writes on the Waltham ARA mailing list:

The HamXposition (New England Division Convention) Flea Market is open on FRIDAY this year!

This is new having the FLEA MARKET starting at Noon on FRIDAY!

The Flea Market Hours are:

– Friday:  12 PM to 5 PM
– Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM
– Sunday:   9 AM to 1 PM

https://hamxposition.org/flea-market

See you on FRIDAY at HamXposition!

Roger
WA1NVC

Foxhunting / Operating

KB1OIQ Fox On the Loose in Westford, September 4, 2021

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Andy Stewart, KB1OIQ, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list at 12:05 PM on September 4, 2021:

Hello Fox Hunters,

The KB1OIQ 2m 146.565 MHz fox is on the loose in the town of Westford.

The clue:  Peace be with you

Enjoy the nearby bench and the view as your reward for finding the fox.

There is no log book.  Take a photo if you wish, and email it to me…..or not, as you choose.  🙂

Have fun, and 73,

Andy

Public Information / Technical

ARRL Responds to Story of Radio Amateur Told to Remove His Antenna

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From ARRL Web:

09/02/2021 – ARRL has responded to an Orlando, Florida, news story on August 23, 2021 by WFTV Channel 9 alleging a radio amateur was told to remove his antenna by the management of his subdivision following a complaint made by a neighbor.

“The news story appears to stem from a 2-year-old complaint from a neighbor who believed her insulin pump had malfunctioned due to the radio amateur’s operations ‘a few doors down,’” said ARRL Laboratory Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI. “The story is lacking any details or timeline, so I contacted the radio amateur involved for information, and volunteered ARRL’s assistance.”

Hare explained that medical devices such as insulin pumps are regulated by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) purposes and are expected to be capable of operating in all the RF environments likely to be encountered by consumers. FDA published guidance for its staff and industry defines EMC with respect to electrically powered medical devices “as the ability of a device to function safely and effectively in its intended electromagnetic environment, including immunity to electromagnetic disturbance (interference).” FDA review of EMC information submitted with a device for approval “is based on the risk associated with EMC malfunction or degradation of the device under review, as well as the use of appropriate FDA-recognized standards or appropriate consensus standards.”

Hare noted there is an FDA recall for the model number of the insulin pump in question, in approximately the same time frame. “But with so few details, there is no way of knowing whether that recall applies to the serial number used or whether the exact unit has the mechanical defect indicated in the recall notice that could cause the malfunction,” explained Hare.

It also became apparent that there is no actual evidence connecting the amateur’s transmissions to operation of the insulin pump. Hare was told that the amateur agreed to run tests to establish whether there was a cause and effect, but the neighbor declined. 

Hare commented, “While there are no requirements for a radio amateur to stop transmitting due to alleged interference to a non-radio device, the preferred path with any complaint is for neighbors to work together.”

 

Foxhunting / Operating

KD1D Fox is Hiding Indoors in Westford, September 3, 2021

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Alan Hicks, KD1D, writes on NEMassFoxHunters list on September 3, 2021 at 6:39 PM: 
 

George, K1IG, suggested setting up a Fox at a residence or public building, that would simulate an interfering or unlicensed transmitter (that wasn’t hidden in the woods in a tick nest, for example).  

As of 6:00 pm EDT, the KD1D Fox is in such a location in Westford.  If you take some initial readings from Hildreth Hills (Monadnock Drive and surroundings), you should get a hint of where it might be.  (It can also be heard from Kimball’s, but it might be best to save that for a reward at the end of your quest).

As usual, the KD1D Fox operates on 146.565 MHz FM with a message that repeats every 60 seconds

There is no logbook and hunters should avoid going on private property.  Be aware of your surroundings, especially traffic. To log your find, just send an email  with the (suspected) street address and/ or a( small) photo to kd1d@arrl.net.
Happy Hunting!

73 de KD1D

Foxhunting / Operating

K1MJC Fox is On the Loose in Waltham, September 3, 2021

- by k9hi - 1 Comment

Mike Cormier, K1MJC, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list at 2:32 PM on September 3, 2021:

Yes, the K1MJC fox is out yet again!

Here are two clues:

As you know, there are not very many “prospect”-ive places in my home city of Waltham to hide the fox.

Wow, after all this hard work of finding a location for the fox and putting it there I think I’ll need to replenish my energy by going to the corner store and picking up:

 “A candy bar introduced in 1936, consisting of peanut butter crunch layers enrobed in chocolate. “ Mmmmm!

P.S. – There are only three entrances to this area; only two are active at this time due to construction concerns. The fox is close to only one of the entrances of the location in question. 

One of the maps on this page would prove useful!

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

Happy hunting!

73‘s Mike C.  K1MJC

Forgot to mention, the K1MJC Fox is transmitting on 146.565 just in case some were wondering.

I’ll have to brush up on my Map & Compass skills for the KD1D Fox!

Public Service

Volunteers Sought for Cystic Fibrosis Cycle for Life, Holliston, October 2, 2021

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Bruce Pigott, KC1US, writes on the MMRA Public Service Events list:

“Good day, I am David Gilman and I have taken over as the course safety and communications head for the Cystic Fibrosis Cycle for Life charity bicycle ride on Saturday October 2nd 2021.

I am seeking additional volunteers to drive SAG (Support & Gear) vehicles as well as staffing the rest stops.

The ride starts and finishes at Fatima Shrine, 100 Summer St Holliston MA.
There are 3 routes measuring 12, 30 & 65 miles.

Could you please pass on my request to your membership and if they are interested in helping out please reach out to me at KC1DDH@gmail.com

Thank you,
Dave Gilman KC1DDH
KC1DDH@Gmail.com

Flea markets & Conventions

QRP Club of New England Schedule of Activities at HamXposition

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NE QRP logoThe QRP Club of New England (NEQRP) has published a schedule of activities for its members at the Northeast HamXposition, September 10-12, 2021. 

Activities include: Early Birds Meet ‘N Greet, QRP Vendors Night, Night Owls Gathering, QRP Symposium of Talks and more. 

For the full schedule, see <https://ema.arrl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/NEQRPatNortheastHamXposition2021.pdf>.

Flea markets & Conventions

HamXposition Announces COVID Policy for 2021 Convention

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The Northeast HamXposition Convention Committee has announced its policy to address appropriate COVID precautions for the ARRL New England Division Convention to be held on September 10-12, 2021 in Marlborough, Massachusetts. 

Masks will be required to be worn in all indoor areas, but may be removed for the purpose of eating. Masks will not be required in outdoor areas. The Committee will provide free masks to attendees. In addition, seating capacity will be limited in most rooms.

To view the complete policy, visit <https://hamxposition.org/covid>.

Flea markets & Conventions / Operating

W1A/N6A Special Event Station: “Discover the HF Experience Event,” Elmer Call Up

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Gerry Hull, W1VE, writes on the YCCC list:

Hi Folks,

For those who are planning to attend the Northeast HamXposition Sept 10-12, we are planning, as usual, a special event station.  Marty, NN1C and I will be spearheading the effort.

Rather than just a drop-by-and-say-hi/Quick QSO moment, we thought it would be great to turn this into another “Discover the HF Experience” activity.  If you remember, this was done in the past by both YCCC and a group of contest clubs at the Dayton Hamvention.  It was a great success. 

So, this year, at HamXposition, we will have three operating positions.  Two of the stations will be remote, and the third will be a local station at the Xposition, with dipole antennas.

We are excited to show hams what shortwave radio is, and especially what it is like in 2021.  We would like to give new hams/non-hams at least a taste for what HF radio is, and why we get so excited about it.   We have two fantastic superstations for our remote operations, and they should excite both old and new!

What we need is some of your expertise and time.  A new ham or someone interested in the hobby can read books till they are blue in the face — but what they can learn from an Elmer will stay with them forever.

I have a sign-up sheet for Elmers.  You sign up for any of the three stations in half-hour increments.  We will have another public signup sheet for those new-hams/non-hams/shy-ops wishing to participate.    Perhaps you will come and just explain what HF is all about, perhaps make a QSO or two, or just enjoy some operating time.   However, explaining what we do and how we do it should be our primary focus.

If you do not want to operate — come by and be an ambassador for our hobby.

We will be setting aside some specific times where we will simply talk to the crowd, and answer lots of specific questions. What’s SSB?  What’s CW?  What’s Digital?  What are the HF bands? What is a remote station? Etc. 

Here is the sign-up sheet:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1k9z9-oM0copOynmLGlQI4-Nh_HDLYS_n5-MWUkz14xU/edit?usp=sharing

(It is only open to YCCC mail members.  If you can figure out how to share publicly, let me know.)

The hours are:

  • Friday 6pm – Midnight
  • Sat: 9am – Midnight
  • Sun: 9am – 12 noon

About the stations:

The local station will be a 100w station with low dipoles, located on the property, signing W1A.

W1A@W1KM Cape Cod, Massachusetts Remote:

Greg has graciously given us permission to use his station.  It is one of the premiere HF contest stations on the east coast, with antennas literally sitting on the Cape Cod bay. 

N6A@WA6TQT Anza, California Remote:

My good friends who are the owners/supporters of WA6TQT (ex W6BH Radio Ranch) have graciously offered the Anza Superstation for this special event.   It has a commanding signal into the pacific (worldwide, actually) on 160-10m.

Please help!  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

73,

Gerry W1VE

Foxhunting / Operating

K1MJC Fox is On the Loose in Waltham, August 27, 2021

- by k9hi - 1 Comment

Mike Cormier, K1MJC, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list at 4:40 PM on August 27, 2021:

The K1MJC fox is out…!

It is located in a conservation area within the city of Waltham Massachusetts.

Frequency: 146.565

Here are the clues:

The name of the conservation area may be considered another polite name for a person who is a “hoarder“!

There are two entrances, one is a “paine“, but I would not want to … “school“ …  you on the better entrance!

Here is a link to some good conservation maps of the area, it is one of these map’s you need:

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

Happy hunting.

K1MJC Mike C. 73s

Organization

Three-Way Races for Director Set in New England and Roanoke Divisions

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ARRL logovia ARRL Web:

08/26/2021 – ARRL members in the New England and Roanoke Divisions will choose among three candidates running for Director in each Division. The candidates include two incumbents. Those are the only contested races in this year’s election cycle for Director and Vice Director.

In the New England Division, the candidates for Director are the incumbent, Fred Hopengarten, K1VR, of Lincoln, Massachusetts; past New England Director Tom Frenaye, K1KI, of West Suffield, Connecticut, and Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC, of Hollis, New Hampshire.

New England Vice Director Phil Temples, K9HI, of Watertown, Massachusetts, was uncontested and has been declared elected.

In the Roanoke Division, the candidates for Director are the incumbent, George “Bud” Hippisley, W2RU, of Penhook, Virginia, and challengers James Boehner, N2ZZ, of Aiken, South Carolina, and Marvin Hoffman, WA4NC, of Boone, North Carolina.

No one challenged Roanoke Division Vice Director Bill Morine, N2COP, of Wilmington, North Carolina, and he has been declared elected for a new term. 

Incumbent Directors and Vice Directors in the ARRL Central, Hudson, and Northwestern Divisions also had no challengers and have been declared elected. In the Central Division, Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Vice Director Brent Walls, N9BA, of Greenfield, Indiana, will continue in their respective posts.

In the Hudson Division, Director Ria Jairam, N2RJ, of Sussex, New Jersey, and Vice Director Bill Hudzik, W2UDT, of Gillette, New Jersey, are unchallenged in this election cycle and have been declared elected. In the Northwestern Division, Director Mike Ritz, W7VO, of Scappoose, Oregon, and Vice Director Mark Tharp, KB7HDX, of Yakima, Washington, also faced no challengers in their re-election bids.

Full ARRL members of the New England and Roanoke Divisions who are in good standing as of September 10, 2021, will receive a ballot in the mail no later than October 1, 2021. Completed ballots must be received at the designated PO Box in the envelope provided by noon Eastern Time Friday, November 19, 2021.

Clubs / Youth

AB1OC: “Programs Helping Hams and Young People to Develop New Skills and Get on The Air” at New England Sci-Tech ARS Meeting, August 31, 2021

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 New England Sci Tech logoOn Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 7:00 PM, Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC, will present “Programs Helping Hams and Young People to Develop New Skills and Get on The Air” at the New England Sci-Tech ARS (STARS) meeting.

For Zoom conference information, email Bob Phinney, K5TEC, at bobphinney -at- nescitech -dot- org or call 508-720-4179.

Licensing Education & Training

“Build and Tune a UHF Antenna” Course at New England Sci-Tech

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New England Sci Tech logoNew England Sci-Tech in Natick is holding an innovative course that teaches students how to build and tune a UHF (70cm), 1/4 wave vertical antenna with ground plane using simple, off-the-shelf materials and a nanoVNA.

According to their website, the project will have two goals:

  • To teach the practical use of the nanoVNA to make measurements on RF components and systems, with an emphasis on antenna measurements, and
  • To have each participant build, tune, and test a (hopefully) weather-proof ground-plane antenna suitable for base-station use at home, or for portable use in outdoor ham activities.

Cost of the activity will be minimal, just enough to cover the hardware.  Participants are asked to purchase their own nanoVNA (cost ~$60 to $90) and bring it to the session. 

[The course is currently sold out, but the group intends to offer it again in the near future.]
Emergency Communications / Public Service

South Shore SKYWARN Net Meets Every Saturday on the Bridgewater 147.18 Repeater

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N4NMFBarry Kennedy, N4NMF, writes on the Massasoit ARA Facebook page:

Please join us for our South Shore SKYWARN Net tonight and every Saturday evening at 8:00 PM on our W1MV – 147.180, PL 67.0 MARA repeater. You can check in with the weather in your local area–be it just the temperature or a more comprehensive report. Hope to hear you on!

73 de Barry, N4NMF