Author: k9hi

Clubs / Operating

Wellesley Amateur Radio Society POTA Event, November 2, 2024

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Parks On The Air logoDATE : Saturday, Nov 2, 2024 (rain date – Sun 11/3)
 
TIME : 11am – 3pm
 
PLACE : Elm Bank Reservation – Lot B
                900 Washington St.
                Wellesley, MA
 
Talk-in Frequency : 146.55 MHz
 
 
Join the fun of operating outdoors in the crisp fall air ! We are meeting in Lot B which is opposite Lot A at the top of the first hill where the road bends. Turn right into Lot B.
 
We’ll be using the club radio, antennas, and coax, but feel free to bring your own gear to operate. Leandra has graciously offered to setup our club station callsign (W1TKZ) for POTA operation.
 
The October SparkGap has a GREAT checklist on Page 11 of some things you may wish to bring.
 
SEE YOU THERE FOR POTA FOTA – Fun-On-The-Air !
Clubs

N1DQ: “PSK Reporter” at Nashoba Valley ARC Meeting, October 17, 2024

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Nashoba Valley ARC logoBruce Blain, K1BG, writes:

The Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club’s October meeting is TOMORROW, Thursday, October 17th at 7:30 PM at the Pepperell Community Center (in Pepperell). We start gathering at 7 PM to socialize before the meeting starts.

For October, our guest speaker will be Phil Gladstone, N1DQ, author of PSK Reporter. PSK Reporter is an amateur radio signal reporting and spotting network which allows hams to see where their radio signals are being received. The platform works by collecting digital signal reports from software clients like WSJT and FLDIGI, then mapping them to show which stations are being heard by other clients.

I personally can’t wait to hear this presentation!

Come and join the fun!

Need directions? Click 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 bruce.blain@charter.net

 

Licensing Education & Training

Nashoba Valley ARC Amateur Radio Course, Ayer, Starting November 4, 2024

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Nashoba Valley ARC logoBruce Blain, K1BG, writes:

The Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club (NVARC) is offering a free amateur radio licensing course beginning on November 4th. The eight night course will prepare students for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Technician licensing exam that will be offered at the completion of the course. The Technician level radio operator’s license is the first of three amateur licenses offered by the FCC. Each license has increased levels of operator privileges.

The course consists of twice weekly sessions beginning on Monday, November 4th, and meeting on Mondays and Wednesdays for four weeks (with a break on Thanksgiving week ). The course will be held at the Grady Research building, 323 West Main St., in Ayer. Sessions will start at 7PM and last for 2 hours. An FCC license exam will be scheduled for the end of the sessions. The course is free, but there will be an FCC required $15 testing fee if you take the exam. The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, 5th edition, will be the study guide used for the class. A limited number of study guides may be purchased from the instructor for $30 or online from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) or Amazon.

This course is open to all, there are no age limits. Pre-registration is required, no walk-ins will be allowed. To register you must contact the instructor, Bruce Blain at (508) 341-5124 or via email at bruce.blain@charter.net.  

[Course announcement]
Clubs

K3DRE: “Lessons Learned as a Ham for Broadcast RF and vice versa” at Sci-Tech ARS, Natick, October 8, 2024

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New England Sci Tech logoThe Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society will meet on-line and in-person on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 7 PM and feature: “Lessons Learned as a Ham for Broadcast RF and vice versa” by Doug Evans, K3DRE.  

Description: From broadcast radio into ham radio and back. Doug will share with us lessons learned in professional radio and how they led him into ham radio. From there, he’ll move to the things he learned as a ham that helped his career. Doug’s been to a lot of places and has seen some very interesting things, but found that the basics of RF always apply. Today’s modern digital broadcasting owes a lot to early hams.

Bio: Doug received his first FCC license (a third class radiotelephone operator, with broadcast endorsement) after he graduated from high school. The day after he graduated, he started working with his first rig, a 3000 watt FM transmitter, at the now defunct WMSP FM. After several years in commercial radio, Doug went to work for Public Broadcasting in Hershey, PA. After 23 years there, Doug left as a Producer/Director, having done a number of other roles as well. He then took a job doing HD wireless cameras and support communication and control for broadcast networks, and remained in that role for a number of years. Since Doug retired, he volunteers at ultra marathon special events and is a ham radio operator for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. 

Clubs / Operating

PART Group-Club POTA US-2435, Carlisle, October 14, 2024

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PART of Westford logoAdam Smith, AA1N, writes on the PART of Westford mailing list:Hi PART’ers – 
 

I took some time to read through the POTA web site again.  Under the rules we can either do multiple individual activations, or a club/group activation. 

As a group, all activity from a single callsign from the same park in the same (UTC) day would count toward the activation (but it’s possible to log the operator for each QSO under a shared call – and ops get some credit).   If we wanted to do this (for this or future ops) then we’d want to register a group call with POTA – not sure if WB1GOF is registered, or if there’s a protocol for approving use of the club call for events?

 
If acting as individuals:
* each individual calling CQ POTA will need to have a POTA.app account, and to submit their own log of contacts after the event.
* each individual in this case could have a successful activation (10 contacts), or not
* we can share radios and “pass the mic”, or run separate radios (technical & interference concerns notwithstanding)
 
References:
General POTA Rules: 

   https://docs.pota.app/docs/rules.html

   See in particular rules #4 and #5 under Logging Requirements, and the “Clubs and Multiple Operators” section under “Guidelines, Interpretation, and Intent”.
The latter section refers to another doc, Guide for Clubs/Groups: 
   https://docs.pota.app/docs/activator_reference/activator_guide_clubs.html
 
Hope to see folks in a week, I’m planning to be there with an HF radio, probably to run primarily voice/SSB.  The area they asked us to operate in has some good open space – finding decent shade may be more of an issue.   From what Neice said, we should park at the lot off of Lowell Road (set GPS for Great Brook Ski Touring Center), rather than the lot off of North Road nearer the ice cream / dairy farm.  See attached pic from Google Maps – the lot at the left and field toward the Park HQ marker.  Carlisle center is south on Lowell Road from this view.  I went by this weekend, it’s a large lot and the field to the south is fairly flat and very open.  Bring your own antenna support, and maybe sun cover.
 
73,
Adam / AA1N
 
Technical

New AREDN Node on 5 GHz in Dartmouth

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AREDN antennaBen Jackson, N1WBV, writes on the Bristol Co. Radio Association mailing list:

If you have ever thought about becoming involved with AREDN (https://www.arednmesh.org/) but also wondered “Well it sounds interesting, but who would I communicate with around the South Coastal MA Area?” I am happy to report that I have established an outdoor node just a touch N/NNE of UMass in FN41lp.

What is AREDN? AREDN is the Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network which provides a way for Amateur Radio operators to create high-speed ad-hoc data networks for use in emergency and service-oriented communications.  This is often done via consumer or “pro-sumer” 802.11 wireless networking gear running custom software. Currently, there are mesh networks in Rhode Island and they reach as far as Tiverton, and there is an emerging effort on Cape Cod.

As I am always over engineering things I have also opted to make my node 100% solar powered and I’ve also put it up at 20ft AGL. Right now, I am putting it in “open Beta” and I want to let people know about it, however, I will expect it to randomly go down for testing as I am still hammering out bugs.

So if you have a 5GHz directional WiFi Access Point, please point it my way on Channel 149 of your 5GHz dial; and if you WANT to grab a 5GHz directional access WiFi Access Point, (especially if you have a tower!) please just let me know and I would be happy to point you in the right direction. I am also working out a full Bill of Materials (BOM) for what I assembled my node for.

73

Ben, N1WBV

All / Clubs

K6KJN: “Twenty Things I’ve Learned While Curating the Digital Library of Amateur Radio & Communications” at Framingham ARA Meeting, October 3, 2024

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John Iwuc, KB1VXY, writes on the Framingham ARA mailing list:
 
Please register for our October 3 meeting. We will forgo our usual business meeting and start promptly at 7 pm at the McAuliffe Library and on Zoom.
  1. Tom Frenaye, K1KI, who is one of the contenders for the New England Division Director of the ARRL, will talk for the first 10 minutes or so.
  2. After that Kay Savetz, K6KJN, will talk about  “Twenty Things I’ve Learned While Curating the Digital Library of Amateur Radio & Communications”
  3. We are planning on having Fred Kemmerrer, AB1OC, current New England Director of the ARRL, talk about his work at a special meeting probably on 10/10/24, stay tuned.
Please register whether or not you will attend on Zoom.
 
John
Clubs

K9TAD: “Sunspots and Radio Propagation” at Billerica ARS Meeting, October 2, 2024

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Billerica ARS logoBillerica ARS President Doug Bruce, N1WRN, writes:

We are pleased to announce that Terry Dennison, K9TAD, will be our Guest Speaker via Zoom on Wednesday Night, October 2, 2024. Terry will give a talk on Sunspot and Radio Propagation.

Here are some biographical details about Terry:

  • FCC Extra Class Amateur Radio License (2010), First Licensed in 2007 Callsign: K9TAD.
  • Memberships: American Radio Relay League (ARRL); Volunteer Examiner (VE) – authorized to participate in Amateur Radio License Examinations, Accredited to the Greater Los Angeles Amateur Radio Group (GLAARG) VEC, VE # 3208E.
  • Associated with: the AD4VE team Southern California DX Club; Southern California Contest Club; PAPA System (Southern California FM/DMR/D-Star Repeater Club); AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation); G-QRP Club (UK Low-Power QRP Club).

We will announce the link to join the Zoom meeting before the meeting, but it will be posted to the BARS email list and should not be shared outside our Club. Are you on the email list? If not, please send an email to bars-subscribe@w1hh.org and then simply reply to the robot response from the server and you will be subscribed.

Observing our Zoom meeting requires only a web browser and headphones/speakers. You do not need a webcam or microphone unless you want to speak or be seen.

Before our meeting date, please go to https://zoom.us/test and see if it will function for you. If you have problems, we can try to assist – feel free to ask questions on the BARS email list.

I am looking forward to “seeing” many of you there on Wednesday 10/2 at 1900.

Public Information

“Foxboro family makes worldwide connections with ham radio”

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Joanne McLaughlin, KB1FVNFrom The Foxboro Reporter, September 26, 2024:

A local woman found a unique skill to be helpful to the community and beyond.

Joanne McLaughlin of Foxboro, a retired teacher, has been a licensed amateur radio operator since October 2000 when the Federal Communication Commission issued her call sign, KB1FVN.

McLaughlin said she started the hobby because she saw first hand some family members who are licensed amateur radio operators. Amateur radio operators can talk across town or across the world without a phone or internet.

“It also allowed me to learn something new and share a hobby with my husband and son,” she said.

[Full story]
Operating

Parks On The Air: Hopkinton State Park, September 29, 2024

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Parks On The Air logoMichael Powell, W1KU, writes on the Algonquin ARC mailing list:

I’m planning on activating Hopkinton State Park on Sunday 9/29 in the morning and early afternoon.  Joe KA1GDQ is planning to join me around 10:00.

I plan to field-test some of my own radio, antenna, and power equipment.  I expect to set up for SSB and FT8 on bands between 10m and 40m, depending on conditions.  My plan is to set up at picnic tables in this area of the park — https://maps.app.goo.gl/zJ1fNgyazpv5giQD6 — but that is subject to change. 

If you are interesting in “activating” the park yourself,  you are welcome to join and use my setup to make some QSOs under your call.   An official activation requires 10 QSOs under your callsign (any band/mode but no earth-based repeaters).  You can sign up for POTA online and upload your log to POTA for activation credit after the activation.

This activation is not a formal AARC event, just a chance to get out and enjoy the weather and band conditions.  If you are planning to join, please send me an email.  I also will keep a handheld on the N1EM repeater while I am at the park.  If I need to cancel, I’ll send a follow-up email to AARClist.

To learn more about Parks on the Air, see https://parksontheair.com/.

All

Boston Area GMRS Club

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Gregg Lebovitz, KD1MU, writes on the Boston ARC mailing list:

I wanted to let fellow GMRS licensees know that we are now taking memberships for the  Boston Area GMRS Club.
 
The club is a not-for-profit 501c(3) corporation and focuses on two main areas 1) technology, operator proficiency, and emergency communications education and 2) building a GMRS infrastructure to aid agencies in their emergency communications efforts. Membership is open to licensees and their families. We encourage families to join the effort of learning to be better operators and contributing to the art of emergency communications.
 
Membership is set at $25 per year and is fully tax deductable. We also encourage both members and interested parties to contribute to the repeater fund. In line with FCC rules, repeaters are operated by individuals who hold a GMRS license. The club operates under part 95E sections on individual ownership and leasing of repeater equipment. The club members collaborate in the funding and maintenance of repeater sites. Repeaters are open to non members.
 
The main focus of any club is to have fun. The BA GMRS Club activities are meant to bring individuals and families together.
 
Membership fees and donations can be made online using our club website www.bagmrsclub.org. Just click the join button.
 
By-laws for the club are available upon request.
Clubs

AB1OC: “ARRL” at the Boston Amateur Radio Club, September 19, 2024

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Boston ARC logoThe Boston Amateur Radio Club will have its regular General Meeting Thursday, September 19, at both Artisans Asylum and Zoom. We will begin with a period of socializing at 7:00 and the meeting proper will begin at 7:30.

Our speaker will be Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC, the Director for the New England Division of the American Radio Relay League.

A Zoom link will be posted on the www.barc.org website on the day of the meeting.

73,

Joseph Chapman, NV1W

Secretary, Boston Amateur Radio Club

Foxhunting

KB1MGI Fox is QRV, Carlisle, September 15, 2024

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Jahn Salmi, KB1MGI, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters on September 15, 2024 at 6:30 PM:
 
I placed my 146.565 Fox Transmitter at the Towle Land off RT 225 in Carlisle.
 
See attached Map
 
To activate the Fox ID your call sign then press DTMF tone 2. Fox transmits for 30 second on 30 seconds off. for 15 minutes.
 
You will find the signal strength can vary greatly due to the hidden Fox Box location as you travel.
 
75 feet off a trail. No bush whacking needed
Sign the log book with call sign and how long it took you to find it.
 
I’ll leave it out until Friday
 
John, KB1MGI
Towle Land map
Clubs / Technical / Youth

Northeastern Wireless Club “Yagi Build” a “Fantastic Success”

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Jonah Lefkoff writes on the Northeastern Wireless mailing list:

Yesterday’s workshop was a fantastic success. We built a ton of awesome tape measure yagi antennas, and learned a bit about impedance matching and soldering along the way. This Thursday we’ll be using them in a fox hunt around campus. I look forward to a fun night of searching for hidden transmitters!

Next week we begin our adventure towards developing a full PCB. It all starts with schematic capture, a critical component of the electrical design process. I hope to see you all there. 

Cheers,
Jonah Lefkoff, KFØINONWC members showing their constructed yagisKF0INO

Operating

Holliston 300th Anniversary Special Event Operation, September 21, 2024

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Welcome to Holliston siignMeg Johnson writes on the the Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society mailing list:

What: Celebrate Holliston/300th Anniversary

Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024, Rain Date September 28, 2024.

Time: Main portion 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Setup much earlier due to parade (will verify)

Location: Goodwill Park in Holliston

Details: Celebrate Holliston is a well-attended community event, and this year will be even bigger because it’s the town’s 300th Anniversary!

Oliver (KC1TCM) and mom, Meg, are setting up a booth (10×10) to provide information and outreach about amateur radio to the broader community, and aim to spark youth interest (since Oliver is 12 yo himself) and catalyze involvement. 

Current booth plans involve:

  • General information about ham radio and practical applications
  • A GOTA station (under auspices of STARS/Oliver, KC1TCM, and other licensed volunteers)—with electrical available.
  • Equipment on display such as yagi antenna and radio-related DIY projects Oliver and others have completed to spark interest

What we need help with:

  • Booth/equipment setup and troubleshooting (especially with antennae)
  • Engaging with the public at the booth
  • Packing up at the end of the day

Note: Parade starts at 9:00 AM and goes through downtown, so there may be traffic issues.

Can you make it? Sign up here!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTMOwVT-srysmGfw67mDsLmPojTpCpR0duy0C4PNeRyO-4rQ/viewform?usp=sf_link 

Best,

Meg

NTS

NTS Traffic Handling Training Session, October 14, 2024

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Interested in NTS and Traffic Handling? Join us Monday, October 14 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. This training will incorporate videos and open discussion to get you started in an exciting aspect of the hobby that’s been around for over 100 years!

Your hosts: Western MA Section Manager Ray LaJoie, AA1SE; MARI Section Traffic Manager Marcia Forde, KW1U; Bob Sparkes, KC1KVY; and Shawn Dodds, N1CVO, will discuss NTS traffic handling basics and traffic net procedures.

All amateurs are invited to join, regardless of experience level. This will be first come, first served event and limited to 100 participants. We hope to see you on Zoom. Any questions? Email Ray, AA1SE at aa1se@arrl.net.

Topic: NTS Traffic Training
Time: Oct 14, 2024 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86391167095?pwd=EE7QXsDKRQPqzlUgZxc4HUfk27Ja9Z.1
Meeting ID: 863 9116 7095
Passcode: 346199

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