Boston ARC Parks On The Air Operation: Torbert Macdonald State Park, Medford MA, September 19, 2021

Boston ARC logoInspired by KM1NDYs recent club presentation on Parks On The Air (POTA) and portable radio operation, members of the Boston Amateur Radio Club are planning a last-minute POTA Activation this Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 2 PM.

BARC members will meet at Torbert Macdonald State Park, 4253 Mystic Valley Parkway, in Medford, MA–part of the Mystic River Reservation, K-8418, near the Wellington T station.

“Bring your own sandwich, bring your own rig and antennas, and as before if you don’t have power or an appropriate antenna bring a PowerPole adapter and/or a BNC feedline,” writes BARC Secretary Joe Chapman, NV1W.

Joe Chapman, NV1W, writes on September 19, 2021 at 8:25 AM:

 

One more thing: talk-around will be on the 146.640 MHz Waltham repeater, PL 136.5, and the BARC Simplex frequency, 147.420 in the vicinity of the Reservation.

VoIP Hurricane Net Lauded for Efforts During Hurricane Larry

voipwx.net logoFrom the ARRL Letter, September 16, 2021:

Amateur radio volunteers on the Voice over Internet Protocol Weather Network (VoIPWX), joined linked systems in Newfoundland, Canada, to collect ground-truth weather data for relay to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and Environment Canada, as Hurricane Larry hammered the Canadian province on September 11. The Category 1 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 85 MPH, was predicted to bring hurricane-force winds, dangerous storm surge, heavy seas, and heavy rainfall.

Scores of reports, including damage to schools and homes, power outages, and evacuations, were sent by a squad of hams that included Aaron Abbott, VO1IV, and Gareth Rowberry, VE3GJR.

More than 40 personnel hours of operation by Canadian and US radio amateurs were involved in providing the reports received on both systems.

Rob Macedo, KD1CY, Director of Operations for the VoIP Hurricane Net, said, “Through the exemplary efforts of VO1IV…and a number of amateur radio operators across Newfoundland and one amateur operator in Ontario who relayed a report from a non-amateur radio CANWARN Spotter [a volunteer organization of ham radio operators reporting severe weather to Environment Canada] in St. John’s, Newfoundland, reports of damage to trees, power lines, power outages (including roof damage to a school and a home) were relayed from amateurs in the region.”

The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) activated on September 10 on 20 and 40 meters.

WBZ 100th Anniversary Special Event Operation, September 17-19, 2021

WBZ 100th anniversary logoLarry Krainson, W1AST, writes:

Just a reminder that this weekend is the WBZ 100th Anniversary special event! There will be four special event stations (W1W, W1B, W1Z & WB1Z) in total and a very nice QSL card will be made available whether you work one station or all four. Be sure to get on the air and work these stations this weekend! The event starts at 1300z/9:00 AM EDT September 17 and ends at 0359z September 20/11:59 PM EDT September 19. There will be operations on SSB, CW, FT8 & digital modes and satellites as well as all bands and all modes. You should hear the stations on FM, DMR and D-star too.

There will be many opportunities to work one or all of the stations and earn a very special QSL card commemorating the 100th anniversary of WBZ’s first transmission on September 19, 1921.

More info on the event at https://nediv.arrl.org/wbz100/ and on the QRZ pages for the four callsigns.

KD1D: “Foxhunting” at Billerica ARS Meeting, October 6, 2021

Billerica ARS logoBARS Zoom Meeting: Wed, Oct. 6 at 7 PM

Alan, KD1D,  will make a presentation on locating hidden transmitters for hams [at the Billerica Amateur Radio Society meeting on October 6, 2021].  He’ll discuss “fox” transmitters and radiolocation methods for fun, radiosport and practical applications.  RF fox hunting is fun, provides us with physical and mental exercise and teaches us how to locate sources of interference like repeater trolls, stuck transmitters and unlicensed operation on our ham bands.

There are many Fox Hunting opportunities in our area.  This will get you started in this most fascinating aspect of amateur radio. Please join us for an evening of Amateur Radio excitement!

73,

Tom K1TW
Interim BARS President

[For Zoom conference details, email Tom Walsh, K1TW, at k1tw -at- comcast -dot- net.]
 

Barnstable ARC Exhibit at Harwich Cranberry Festival, September 18-19, 2021

Barnstable ARC logoThe Barnstable Amateur Radio Club (BARC) will conduct a special event this Saturday and Sunday, September 18 and 19, 2021 at the Harwich Cranberry Festival in Harwich Center on Cape Cod.  BARC will operate W1MA, the club’s new callsign, honoring BARC member Ed Lajoie who became a silent key on February 3, 2021. 

Operation is expected on 10, 15 and 20 meters with a tri-band beam on a tower.  The operators will engage the public at the entrance to the event.  Talk-in for any hams who would like to drop by will be on the W1MA 146.955 repeater (88.5 Hz tone).

 

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

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

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

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

Jamboree On The Air, October 15-17, 2021

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.

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

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.

HamXposition Expands Flea Market Start to Friday at 12 Noon

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

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

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

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

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.”

 

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

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

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

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!

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

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

QRP Club of New England Schedule of Activities at HamXposition

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>.

HamXposition Announces COVID Policy for 2021 Convention

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>.

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

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

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

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