Author: k9hi

Clubs

W1VE: “Remote Amateur Radio Station Setup and Operation” at Nashoba Valley ARC Meeting, February 20, 2025

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Nashoba Valley ARC logoThe Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club’s February meeting is Thursday, February 20th at 7:30 PM at the Pepperell Community Center (in Pepperell). We start gathering at 7 PM to socialize before the meeting starts. NVARC has an awesome speaker for February. Gerry Hull, W1VE, is an expert on remote amateur radio station setup and operation. Gerry has personally set up stations such as ZF9CW, 7Q6M, VY1AAA, VE4YH, VE9XX, and others for remote operation, and he has remotely operated these stations. Attend and discover how easy it is to either operate someone else’s station remotely or set up your station for remote operation.

If you need directions to the club meeting, please click <http://binged.it/smoogg> here and put your own address in box “A”.

Thanks, and 73. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

 
Bruce, K1BG
978-772-2773 or  <mailto:bruce.blain@charter.net> bruce.blain@charter.net

BTW, if you would prefer to not get these announcements, please let me know
and I will take you off the list!

 
 
Youth

Sci-Tech ARS Hosts Millis Boy Scout Troup

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Pix of Boy Scout uniformFrom Sci-Tech ARS News, February 11, 2025:

Many thanks to Joe, KM1P, for hosting the Boy Scouts Troop 15 from Millis, MA, this past Saturday. They arrived for a radio room visit, demonstrations, and GOTA activities while studying for the Radio Merit Badge. By the time they left, many had expressed interest in getting their Amateur Technician license.

Public Information

AG1A Interview on HamNation Podcast

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

George Allison, K1IG, write on the PART of Westford mailing list:

PART member Wayne, AG1A, is a featured guest on the latest episode of the bi-weekly HamNation video podcast. Wayne is interviewed about the home seismograph he built that recorded the earthquake that occurred off the coast of Maine last week, but then he also discusses his ham radio activities, horses, and of course, his DeLorean.

You can view the show at this link; Wayne’s interview starts at the 43:40 point.
 
73,
George, K1IG
 
Wayne AG1A, on HamNation
Public Service

2025 Boston Marathon Amateur Radio Volunteers Needed

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

BAA MarathonRob Macedo, KD1CY, writes:

We need Amateur Radio Volunteers for the 2025 Boston Marathon. We still could utilize approximately 80 additional Amateur Radio Operators for race day. In addition, there will be no volunteer deadline extensions unlike past years so if you are even considering to register, please register before the listed deadline below of Friday 2/7/25.

In addition, there is a continued need for medical volunteers for the 2025 Boston Marathon and those interested in volunteering as a medical or general volunteer can use the register.hamradioboston.org link and they will be brought to the general volunteer page which can be utilized for those that are not Amateur Radio Operators to volunteer. It is possible if we resolve the email server/SKYWARN list issue that has not allowed our messages to reach all SKYWARN list participants that we will post this message again before the volunteer deadline to insure we reached everyone on the email list. Further details for Amateur Radio volunteers follow below:

Volunteer registration for the 2025 Boston Marathon is open and ongoing.  If you’ve already registered to volunteer at the 2025 Boston Marathon, we’d like to thank you for your interest in joining our team!

For anyone who hasn’t yet, please don’t delay! Volunteer registration closes on Friday, February 7.

Registration Link (for new and returning volunteers):
https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/volunteer/volunteer-registration

Step by Step Sign Up Guide:
https://hamradioboston.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/44002570599-2025-volunteer-registration-step-by-step-guide

A few notes for volunteers:

Almost all amateur radio positions are single person assignments.  We are not able to group people on a single assignment, but we will try to accommodate which segment you are assigned to in order to allow for similar start/end times.

We’d like to extend our sincerest congratulations to the winner of the Boston Marathon ARO bib lottery, Hector Cruz, KB3ZOO. We’re looking forward to cheering you on!

Final documentation is generally released during the first week of April. Before this can happen, we need the final logistical details from the various area coordinators for Start, Course, Finish, and Transportation. Where possible, we will release documents as they become available. In this case, look out for emails from the committee and your Team Captain.

As always, we appreciate your help in getting the word out to prospective volunteers. Please send this to hams or clubs that you think may be interested in joining us on the amateur radio team for the 2025 Boston Marathon!

If you have any questions about the content of this message or about volunteering at the marathon in general, please don’t hesitate to send them to contact@HamRadioBoston.org.

We’re looking forward to seeing you all again soon!

Thank you, and 73,

Boston Marathon Communications Committee
contact@HamRadioBoston.org

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
Like us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – https://twitter.com/wx1box
Subscribe on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@wx1box-nwsboston-amateur-radio

Clubs / Operating

Boston ARC Winter Field Day, January 25-26, 2025

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Ponkapoag AMC Cabin
Ponkapoag AMC cabin

From K1USN Happenings, 1/23/25:

Winter Field Day is an exciting annual event for amateur radio enthusiasts, taking place on the last full weekend of January. It offers a unique opportunity for radio operators to set up field operations in remote locations, enabling them to connect with other participants worldwide. You may choose to participate solo or get your your friends, family, or whole club involved. Winter Field Day is organized by the Winter Field Day Association. The association strongly believes that ham radio operators should practice portable emergency communications in winter environments. This is because freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and other hazards pose unique operational concerns.

Several local groups are planning Winter Field Day activation and encourage you to visit, participate and enjoy some brisk Ham Radio fun.

Scott – K1SU has extended an invitation to all K1USN members to join the winter FD crew @ Ponkapoag AMC – https://ponkapoagcamp.org/

Boston ARC Winter Field Day Crew
Boston ARC Winter Field Day Crew

The Boston Amateur Radio Club is delighted to announce that we will be resuming our operations at AMC Ponkapoag this year. If your schedule permits and you find yourself in the vicinity, we cordially invite you to visit us at the distinguished Marion cabin. Contact Scott – K1SU for details – shellback1998@gmail.com

Organization

New MA State Government Liaison Appointed

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Jon McCombie, N1ILZ, writes:
 
I’m pleased to announce that WMA Section Manager Ray Lajoie, AA1SE, has appointed Steve Berian, KC1KEZ, to the position State Government Liaison. Steve will serve both the EMA and WMA sections. KC1KEZ replaces Steve Boyson, N1VLG (SK). Though KC1KEZ is a Western MA appointment, he will serve both WMA and EMA sections. 
 
Please join me in welcoming KC1KEZ to the position and thanking AA1SE for filling this important position.
 
73 de Jon McC.,  N1ILZ 
Eastern MA Section Manager
Clubs

“Coast Guard Auxiliary Communications” at Sci-Tech ARS Hybrid Meeting, January 7, 2025

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

New England Sci Tech logoTuesday, January 7: “Coast Guard Auxiliary Communications” by Harlan Doliner, NE1HD.

Description: This presentation will focus on how the Coast Guard Auxiliary utilizes VHF, HF and other frequencies in working independently and with both Active Duty Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reservists. This work involves standing radio watches, participating in search & rescue, performing comms in other surface, air and ground missions, supporting safety education for the recreational boating public, as well as other areas. The presentation is aimed at ham radio operators and includes some information on non-secure USCG frequencies which hams can monitor.

Bio: Harlan was first licensed as a ham in 2014, upgrading to Extra in 2016. He focuses mostly on HF DX and local VHF nets. Harlan has been in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary since 2001 and his current duties include pre-arrival screening of foreign flag vessels for Sector’s Port State Control. Harlan is qualified as an Auxiliary Telecommunications Operator and in 2004 was a member of one of the Auxiliary teams representing the United States in the International Search and Rescue Competition, where he was the team member in primary charge of comms. He lives with his wife in Holliston.

Clubs

AED Refresher at Southeastern ME ARA

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Southeastern MA ARA logoRichard A. Netinho, AC1JG writes on the SEMARA mailing list:

On Sunday 01/19/25 at 11:30AM [SEMARA] will be hosting  an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) refresher course at the club. Everyone is welcome to attend. The class will be conducted right after Sunday coffee.

Try to let us know if you plan to attend. Prior registration is not required. We would just like an idea of how many people will be attending.

Thank you,

Richard A. Netinho

Emergency Communications

MEMA RACES Net Control Stations Sought

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
RACES logoDon Rolph, AB1PH writes:
 
Happy New Year to all!
 
A number of amateur operators have been volunteering to be net controls for the monthly Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) RACES nets,  However to ensure continuity and stability in operation of these nets we need more volunteers to be net control stations.
 
We have the following nets for which we need volunteers:
 
1) 80 meter voice net 6:45 PM
 
2) 80 meter NBEMS net 7 PM
 
3) Sector 2D VHF net 7:30 PM
 
4) Sector 2A VHF net
 
5) Sector 2B VHF
 
6) Sector 2C VHF net
 
7) Winlink net
 
If  you are able to assist here:
 
– we have preambles and instructions
 
– we can assist you with coaching
 
Do try to volunteer if you can so we can have a strong base of operators as we enter the 2025 MEMA exercises.
 
Thanks!
 

—

 

73,

AB1PH
Don Rolph
_._,_._,_
All

Capa Ann ARA Volunteer Exam Sessions in 2025

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

CAARA logoFrom CAARA Facebook page:

For those who wish to get their license or upgrade, here’s a list of testing times at the CAARA Clubhouse at 6 Stanwood St, in Gloucester, MA.

Test Sessions registered with ARRL VEC for first half of Calendar Year 2025:

Jan 12, 2025. 10am-12 Noon
Feb 9, 2025. “” “”
Mar 9, 2025. “” “”
Apr 13, 2025. “” “”
May 11, 2025.** “” “”
Jun 8, 2025.** “” “”

Anyone considering a new license or an upgrade is welcome to test with us. If you will be taking a test, please bring 2 forms of ID and $15.00 for the testing fee.
[View directions and a map to our clubhouse](https://caara.net/main/?page_id=183).

Clubs / Youth

“Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s antenna laboratory, Software Radio Design course, and STEM in general at WPI” at Sci-Tech ARS, December 17, 2024

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

New England Sci Tech logoTue, December 17, 2024 at 7 PM: “Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s antenna laboratory, Software Radio Design course, and STEM in general at WPI” by Alexander M. Wyglinski, WPI Professor & Associate Dean of Graduate Studies. 

Bio: Dr. Wyglinski is an internationally recognized expert in wireless communications, cognitive radio, spectrum coexistence, 5G/6G, connected vehicles, software-defined radio, dynamic spectrum access, satellite communications, and vehicular technology. Dr. Wyglinski is a Full Professor of Electrical Engineering and Robotics Engineering as well as the Director of the Wireless Innovation Laboratory (WILab) at WPI. Throughout his academic career, Dr. Wyglinski has published nearly 50 journal papers, over 120 conference papers, nine book chapters, and three textbooks. Dr. Wyglinski is a Senior Member of the IEEE, as well as a member of Sigma Xi, Eta Kappa Nu, and the ASEE.

Operating / Public Information

Swampscott High School Special Event Station W1B “Permission for Fun Day,” November 27, 2024

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Swampscott High School logoEric Cottrell, WB1HBU, writes on the Billerica ARS mailing list:

Swampscott High School , MA, USA . SPECIAL EVENT

Listen for us on the on the Air today Wed 11/27 as W1B

2024 Permission For Fun Day! Wed 27 Nov, 2024

Each year on the day before Thanksgiving break, our school holds a “Permission for Fun” day where teachers and students share their hobbies and interests and take part in fun and creative activities together.

This year we will be hosting an amateur radio station using the special event 1×1 callsign, W1B and having students try their hand at making contacts around the globe!

Control operator for the station is Brian, KC1OOH, a Chemistry/AP Environmental Science/Earth Sciences teacher at the school.

We will be operating voice on 10m SSB (possibly 17m, and 20m) depending on band conditions and propagation.

Some local VHF/UHF possible too.

No digital modes

Clubs

Nashoba Valley ARC: W1 QSL Bureau Sort, Pepperell, November 21, 2024

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Nashoba Valley ARC logoBruce Blain, K1BG, writes:

The Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club‘s November meeting is Thursday, November 21st at 7:30 PM at the Pepperell Community Center (in Pepperell). We start gathering at 7 PM to socialize before the meeting starts. The November meeting is traditionally our W1 QSL Bureau night where the club sorts several thousand QSL cards for the bureau.  Eric Williams, KV1J, the bureau manager, will give a short presentation on how the bureau works. Pizza and soft drinks follow the card sort.  It is, by far, my favorite club meeting of the year.  It’s a social experience you won’t want to miss, and it’s a lot of fun.  I personally can’t wait to hear this presentation!

As always, feel free to bring a friend

Come and join the fun!

If you need directions to the club meeting, please click <http://binged.it/smoogg> here and put your own address in box “A”.

Thanks and 73. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Bruce, K1BG
978-772-2773 or  <mailto:bruce.blain@charter.net> bruce.blain@charter.net

Emergency Communications / Public Information

Cape and Islands ARES AREDN Test Nets Press Coverage in Sandwich’s “The Enterprise”

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Screenshot from Sandwich's "The Enterprise"Lem Skidmore, W1LEM, writes on the Barnstable ARC mailing list:
 
Members of the Cape And Islands Emergency Communications Network–Frank WQ1O, Bruce WA3SWJ, Al WW1RF, Rich KC1TCA, Rob K1UI, Chris WA1CMR, and Paul NM1Z–assisted Sandwich Public Safety with a successful exercise.
 
Here’s some press coverage of the event (focus is on the Sandwich personnel, which is where it should be):
 
 
Licensing Education & Training

Minuteman Repeater Association “Elmer Forum” Meets Monthly on Zoom

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Ken  Horton, KA1GFN, writes on the Algonquin ARC mailing list:

Starting in December, the Minuteman Repeater Association (MMRA) will start an Elmer Forum on Zoom on the second Wednesday of each month. There are currently four scheduled dates. The first of which is December 11th.

All are welcome to attend whether an MMRA member or not.

This is being started because statistics have shown that many new hams never get on the air and their license eventually expires without being renewed. These statistics have been presented to both the MMRA and Algonquin ARC by Fred, AB1OC.

See attached PDF for more information.

There is no need to respond if you plan to attend or not. If there is something important worth noting, then I will forward it on.

MMRA Elmer Forum
Emergency Communications

Cape and Islands ARES AREDN Test with Sandwich Public Safety

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Frank O’Laughlin, WQ1O, posts on the Cape and Island ARES Facebook page:

Several of the ARES guys in the CAIECN mesh group conducted a meshnet localized test with Sandwich Fire Chief Burke and Sandwich public safety/emergency management. We linked their warming center with the fire and police buildings. We tested video, IP phone, document transfer and data upload to an incident webpage. All of this was self contained and did not utilize any public internet or phone systems. We used VHF radio as additional support with our portable kits.

My thanks to all our guys for their time and efforts in making this happen. We will soon be working with Chief Burke for our next steps.

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[Show slideshow]
Public Service

CQ Licensed Amateurs and Current Volunteer Race Staff: Additional Volunteers Needed for Happy Holidays Half-Marathon, Gloucester, December 8, 2024

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
race mapGreat News! We are fully staffed for the November 3rd Ocean View Half-Marathon.
 
We still need 2 additional volunteers for the December 8th Happy Holidays Half-Marathon
Volunteers needed for Checkpoints 1 & 4.
 
This race is always difficult to staff as it’s so close to the holidays. If you can, please consider volunteering!
 
Email me to sign up, W1TAT@outlook.com
Many thanks & 73,
Chris, W1TAT