Author: k9hi

Clubs / Technical / Youth

KC1LOM: “History of Titanic’s Radio” at New England Sci-Tech ARS (Online), April 14, 2020

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Mark Rudd, KC1LOM
Mark Rudd, left, with Wayne Hanson, who will show an antique spark transmitter during the program. Presentation will cover Titanic’s “Marconi Radio” and related radio broadcast history.

Bob Phinney, K5TEC, writes:

 
“The STARS Radio Lecture Series is 7 pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. 
 
4/14/20: Mark A. Rudd KC1LOM: HISTORY OF TITANIC’S RADIO (and Related Broadcast Theory)
 
Guest Speaker:
Mark A. Rudd, KC1LOM,  is a retired Electrical Engineer and enjoys being a Technology Instructor for young and old students alike. Relevant to ham radio clubs, Mr. Rudd served as a radar engineer or “Lab Rad” at the USAF Rome Laboratory between 1985 to 1995.
 
After retiring as a Federal Engineer, Mr. Rudd always wanted to teach. So Mark served as a Sci&Tech Instructor at the King’s Co-Op since 2008, plus has been the Computer Tutor at the Tiverton Senior Center, both in Rhode Island.
 
To join the STARS Meeting at 7:00 pm just link your computer to https://zoom.us/j/231170127 Password: (email info@nescitech.org for password), or phone in: +1 929 205 6099, Meeting ID: 231 170 127, Password: (email info@nescitech.org for password).
Operating

North American SSB Sprint, April 4, 2020

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Randy Thompson, K5ZD, writes on the YCCC reflector:

The SSB sprint is tonight (April 4 2020).  It is four hours (8-12 PM local) on 20, 40, and 80 M. The easiest way to participate is just to search and pounce to find someone calling CQ.  You’ll copy his number, name and state.

Then you give:

  • His call
  • QSO number
  • Your name
  • Your state
  • *Your call

At the end of the QSO, you may have someone call you.  The exchange is the same but you give your call as the second item rather than the last.

  • His call
  • *Your call
  • QSO number
  • Your state
  • Your call

QSY and find someone else calling CQ. Tips and tricks are here.  https://ssbsprint.com/tips-tricks/

Licensing Education & Training / Organization

ARRL VEC Update

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ARRL VEC logo/bannerFrom ARRL Web:

(04/02/2020) – We know many examiners have canceled amateur radio license exam sessions to meet the requirements and recommendations of national and local government and of health officials. The health and safety of examinees and our Volunteer Examiners (VEs) is first and foremost in any decision-making process. The ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) does not offer video-supervised online amateur radio licensing exams at the present time. We are aware, however, that some VE teams are exploring alternative formats on a local basis. Please use ARRL’s License Exam Search to find scheduled exam sessions in your area and verify with the local exam team that the session is still being held.

The ARRL VEC is continuing to process license examination materials from VEs who have completed exam sessions, although some delays may occur under the circumstances. The ARRL VEC electronically forwards all required data to the FCC for qualified examinees. [Full story]

Clubs

Yankee Clipper Contest Club Meets April 11, 2020

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Dennis Egan, W1UE, writes on the YCCC mailing list:

The April YCCC Meeting will be held via Zoom starting at 1 PM on Saturday, April 11.  This will be my first attempt at running a Zoom meeting, so please bear with me.  I will try and open the meeting room 10 minutes before the start.

In the meantime, if you have not already loaded Zoom into your computer, it would be good to do so.

The April meeting is traditionally our yearly elections; if someone is interested in any of the officer positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer, please let yourself be known.  I’m not sure exactly
how we’re going to vote if we have contested positions, but we’ll figure it out if it’s necessary.

 By Friday, 4/10, we’ll put out the information on the Meeting ID#, and another blurb on the topics of the meeting.

Clubs

W1PJE: “Innovations at the Speed of Radio: A Century+ of Amateur Radio Contributions to the Scientific and Technical Arts ­ and a Bright Future” at Algonquin ARC, April 9, 2020

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The next [Algonquin Amateur Radio Club] meeting will be held on April 9, 2020 at 7:30 PM via conference call. [Contact Mike Powell, W1KU <mdpowell@dmpowell.net> for access information], as well as information provided for connecting to FreeConferenceCall.

The presentation that evening will be “Innovations at the Speed of Radio: A Century+ of Amateur Radio Contributions to the Scientific and Technical Arts ­ and a Bright Future,” P. J. Erickson, W1PJE, MIT Haystack Observatory.

Abstract:

From the earliest discoveries of Edwin Howard Armstrong to 21st century radio science innovations, amateur radio both then and now is intimately connected to scientific and technical achievements at the highest levels, benefitting both our electronically driven life and also advancing public welfare. This presentation will begin by giving an overview of outstanding ham contributions to modern scientific discoveries and inventions. I will then describe a modern effort to forge new discoveries about the natural world through the international HamSCI initiative (https://hamsci.org), connecting professional scientists and advanced amateurs for pioneering studies of our complex upper atmosphere and near­Earth space. Finally, HamSCI is now developing a Personal Space Weather Station for networked, “big data” information at your QTH about the propagation and atmospheric environment affecting RF signals, and I will close by giving a brief overview of that project, its status, and ways the community can participate.

Operating

International Marconi Day 2020 Cancelled

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Marconi photoFrom ARRL Web:

The annual International Marconi Day (IMD) ham radio operating event that was set to take place on April 25 has been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. The 24-hour amateur radio event celebrates the birth of Marconi on April 25, 1874. Sponsored by the Cornish Radio Amateur Club, which operates as GB4IMD, International Marconi Day features participating stations operating at sites having a personal connection to Marconi, including places where he set up transmitting and receiving stations.

Given the fact that the National Seashore is closed to the public, a “Marconi Event” on April  25 had been planned from the home of Barry, KB1TLE, along with several other home stations.   -thanks, Falmouth ARA

 

Clubs / Operating

Yankee Clipper Contest Club Post-WPX SSB Virtual Get-together, March 31, 2020

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Jim Idelson, K1IR, writes on the YCCC mailing list:

Great online meetings are no accident. With some planning, our meeting tonight [March 31, 2020] can be a lot of fun for all. Here’s what it takes to make our on-line meeting a success.

Plan to join and participate! More participants means more content and more value to the club.

Get setup for Zoom in advance. I will be in the Zoom room 30 minutes ahead to help people get going. When the meeting is underway at 7, we want to focus on WPX, not Zoom.

Bring interesting content – something for the group to see or hear. Start with a short story to tell. Add a picture of your shack. Show how you have your logger screen setup. The antenna project that generated some extra points. An audio clip of a great experience in the contest. Tell me in advance, and we’ll make sure you can share it ok.

Videoconferencing is more than just a phone call. Done well, an online meeting can be even better than an in-person meeting.

Licensing Education & Training / Youth

Help With Online Technician-to-General Class

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Chris Hart, K1ZG, writes on the Billerica ARS mailing list:
 
A few weeks ago when this pandemic started, I got a crazy idea to put together an online Technician to General class for younger hams.  With the help of some fellow hams we were able to launch. The class is in full swing now! BUT I had a teacher back out (for understandable reasons) however we are still  short.

Would you consider helping?

Classes are 1.5 hours with a break at 45 minutes, starting at 2 PM ET. The outline and PowerPoints for each class are already done. One chapter can be done in two sessions.  Zoom is easy to learn. 
 
All the coordinating, organization, and background work is covered, and I will be online with you.  I just need folks with knowledge to share! Experience teaching a class like this is helpful.  [I’m asking for] a commitment of 3 hours. (One section done in two classes is ideal).  If you would be willing and able please reach out!
 
Clubs / Operating

Pilgrim AWA Monday Night 2-Meter Net, March 30, 2020

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On 3/30/20 we will be hosting our Monday Night 2 Meter Net on our 147.135 MHz KA1GG club repeater at 7:00 pm. We will have more details to follow. Everyone is welcome to join us. We are always glad to hear you in there. For Updates – Club Events – Activities, listen for announcements on our 147.135 MHz KA1GG club repeater. Check in with us here on our Pilgrim Amateur Wireless Association Facebook page. And stop by to visit our ARRL club page.

Take care, be safe, stay healthy everyone from all of us here at the Pilgrim Amateur Wireless Association.

Clubs

Framingham ARA: Additional Nets and Frequencies to Consider

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John Iwuc, KB1VXY, writes on the Framingham ARA mailing list:
 
[The Framingham Amateur Radio Association]  has added  a Wednesday night net Health and Wellness check-in net at 7:30 in addition to our usual Sunday 7:30 pm net.  
 
We may consider using ZOOM for our meeting this Thursday.  Tune into the net tonight and Wednesday for details from Morris, N1AVP.  Alternatively, we may just check in for the meeting on Thursday on the the W1FY repeater.
 
The Central Mass Amateur Radio Association (CMARA) is running an additional “Breakfast” net each morning at 9:00 am on the Paxton, MA repeater 146.970 PL 114.8   
 
They also run the George’s Old Timer’s Net at 7:30 pm daily, all are welcome.  I am net control on Tuesdays.
 
They follow this at 10 am by a 75-meter net on or about 3982 KHz daily.
 
There is quite a bit of activity on 10 meters, starting at the calling frequency of 28.400 MHz upper side-band, but also checking 28.350, 28.420 and 28.430 MHz for different groups.
 
And don’t forget the Yankee 6-Meter Single Side-band  Net each Sunday at 9:30 am on 50.272 MHz upper side band.  I am the net control on alternate weeks.   Six meters had good local coverage so test out your equipment.
Licensing Education & Training / Youth

New England Sci-Tech Weekday Technician Course, March 31-April 3, 2020

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New England Sci Tech logoFor anyone interested in wireless communications and electronics, this ON-LINE course will get you ready to take the Amateur Radio TECHNICIAN license exam, the FIRST of three certification levels. Geared toward adults, as well as junior high, high school, and homeschool students.

Topics range from the science of radio electronics to the FCC rules governing the radio spectrum. Some preliminary preparation is necessary to get the best results from this course.

The TECHNICIAN level course is offered ONLINE certain weekends and week days.
Current offerings:

Four day course: Tu-W-Th-F Mar 31-Apr 3, 2:00-5:00 pm each day

Four day course: Tu-W-Th-F Apr 7-10, 2:00-5:00 pm each day

The FCC Technician test will be scheduled for an upcoming weekday evening or weekend, probably as an online test (TBA). Course is run by New England Sci-Tech, in cooperation of New England Amateur Radio Inc.

System Requirements: Computer or Chromebook capable of running ZOOM Meeting, either by Zoom app or through a browser, a built-in camera/mic, and a color printer.

Included with course fee: downloadable handouts and study guide, and a guest pass to the NEAR/STARS Radio Room and radio club meetings for 3 months (once our facility opens again). Advance registration and payment required.

Note that the standard $15 license test fee is NOT included and must be paid separately to whatever exam session you attend to take the test. (Price is $15 across the country.)

One additional member of the same family may take this course for the price of one, if sharing one computer, video screen, and materials.

A few hours before the session you will receive an email with a Zoom link and ID. If you don’t see the email, check your spam filter. If you still don’t see it, call 508-720-4179 for help.

For questions, e-mail bobphinney at nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.

Licensing Education & Training / Youth

New England Sci-Tech Amateur Extra Weekday Crash Course, March 30-April 15, 2020

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New England Sci Tech logoFor anyone interested in wireless communications and electronics, this ON-LINE course will get you ready to take the AMATEUR EXTRA Radio license exam. Geared toward adults, as well as high school and homeschool students.

Topics range from the science of radio electronics to the FCC rules governing the radio spectrum. Some preliminary preparation and regular practice between classes is necessary to get the best results from this course. NOTE: You must have a thorough understanding of the Technician and General material before taking this course.  If you are already a licensed Tech or General but have been away from radio for a while, you may request to audit (at half price) one of our Tech and/or General courses to catch up.

The AMATEUR EXTRA level course is offered ONLINE certain weekends and week days.
Current offerings:

WEEKDAY CRASH COURSE – complete in 8 days.

Mon-Wed-Fri, Mar 30, Apr 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15.
Take the exam after you review and practice for a few days.

The FCC Amateur Extra test will be scheduled for an upcoming weekday evening or weekend, probably as an online test (TBA). Course is run by New England Sci-Tech, in cooperation of New England Amateur Radio Inc.

System Requirements: Computer or Chromebook capable of running ZOOM Meeting, either by Zoom app or through a browser, a built-in camera/mic, and a color printer.

Included with course fee: downloadable handouts and study guide, and a guest pass to the NEAR/STARS Radio Room and radio club meetings for 3 months (once our facility opens again). Advance registration and payment required.

Note that the standard $15 license test fee is NOT included and must be paid separately to whatever exam session you attend to take the test. (Price is $15 across the country.)

One additional member of the same family may take this course for the price of one, if sharing one computer, video screen, and materials.

For questions, e-mail bobphinney at nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.

Operating

20th USA Amateur Radio Direction Finding Championships, Boston, MA, Cancelled

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March 28–The ARRL ARDF Committee has determined that the 20th USA ARDF Championships scheduled for June 9-14, 2020 near Boston, MA must be cancelled due to the COVID-19 situation. With events surrounding COVID-19 developing rapidly, along with the obvious need for urgent steps to contain its spread, the need to cancel the championships has become apparent. The 20th USA Amateur Radio Direction Finding Championships will be rescheduled for a future date.
 
USA ARDF Championships are open to everyone – there is no previous ARDF experience required, nor are competitors required to have an amateur radio license. There are usually several days of practice events followed by four days of competitions. The best radio athletes in the USA compete for spots on Team USA while others get their first taste of the sport. Stay tuned to messages from this group for all the latest announcements and information, or visit http://arrl.org/ardf.
 

 

Field Day / Organization

Field Day 2020 — A Time to Adapt

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From ARRL Web:

Many individuals and groups organizing events for Field Day 2020 have been contacting ARRL for guidance on how to adapt their planned activities in this unprecedented time of social distancing and uncertainty.

“Due to the unique situation presented this year, this can be an opportunity for you, your club, and/or group to try something new,” ARRL Contest Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE, said. “Field Day isn’t about doing things the same way year after year. Use this year to develop and employ a new approach that is in line with the current circumstances.” [Full story]

Emergency Communications

Eastern MA Hospital Net, April 4, 2020

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John O’Neill, K1JRO, writes on the South Shore Hospital ARG mailing list:

I have an exciting announcement for the EMHN. Effective immediately, thanks to the generosity of the NEDECN Trustees, we have an EMHN Talk Group on the NEDECN network. The following NEDECN DMR repeaters now have TG#8851 TS#1 (EMHN) active: Boston, Hingham, Bourne, Dennis, and Martha’s Vineyard. Other repeaters may be activated in the future if necessary. This TG is for EMHN related use only. Please use their other TG’s for general communications. I will conduct a test of the NEDECN EMHN TG after the regular Net.

Also, starting with the May NET, I would like to incorporate digital message handling as part of the monthly EMHN using Winlink Express as the standard messaging platform on 145.01. I’ll provide more information on this as time get closer.

Net Control for the April 4, 2020 Eastern MA Hospital Net will be WB1GON, Bob from the Mansfield EOC. The net will commence at the usual time of 10: AM using the following repeaters / frequencies in the order listed:

Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5
Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67.0
Plymouth 146.685 tone 131.8
Simplex 147.42

The Net will then return to the Sharon Repeater for any final comments and Net closing.

NET Protocol: Please wait for Net Control to ask for Check-ins. When asked to check in please use the standard net check-in procedure which is:  Here is.., un-key, wait 3 seconds to check for doubling, then give your or your facilities call sign, your first name, and your facility’s name. 

We extend an invitation to any health care facility or EOC of any city or town that is served by one of the participating hospitals to join the Net. We also extend an invitation to any RACES or ARES member to check in during the NET. 

We are always looking for groups or organizations to try their hand at Net Control duties. If you are interested in giving Net Control a try please let us know. We can be reached by sending an email to ssharg@outlook.com. The goal is to rotate Net Control practice and the experience among as many individuals and groups as possible.

South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Group is seeking licensed Amateur Radio Operators to join their group. For information on joining them please contact Amy Parker in Volunteer Services at   AParker@southshorehealth.org 

We thank the repeater trustees for their generosity in allowing us to conduct the monthly nets and the use of their systems in an actual event. The following list of repeaters is available for our use. Only a few systems are used each month with the selection of those used made by Net Control for that month.  More systems are being added to the list on a regular basis. 

Analog Repeaters
Attleboro 147.195 tone 127.3 (Sturdy Memorial Hospital)
Belmont 145.430 tone 146.2
Boston 145.230 tone encode 88.5 tone decode 100.0
Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67.0
Danvers 145.47 tone 136.5
Dartmouth 147.000 tone 67.0  
Fall River 146.805. tone 67.0
Falmouth 147.375 tone 110.9
Mansfield EMA 446.925 tone 100.0
Mansfield 147.015 tone 67.0
Marshfield 145.390 tone 67.0
Norwood 147.210 tone 100.00
Plymouth 146.685 tone 131.8
Salem 146.88 tone 118.8
Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5
Weymouth 147.345 tone 110.9 (South Shore Hospital)
W. Bridgewater 146.775 DCS 244
Wrentham 147.09 tone 146.2

DMR Repeaters
EMHN TG#8851 TS#1

Boston 449.1750 Offset -5.00 CC1
Hingham 146.4300 Offset -1.500 CC1
Bourne 145.2000 Offset -0.600 CC10
Dennis 146.4700 Offset -1.500 CC11
Martha’s Vineyard 145.180 Offset -0.600 CC10

 

We look forward to hearing from you all on the Net. 

Respectfully,

John O’Neill K1JRO
President, South Shore Health Amateur Radio Group
EMA ARES – DEC Healthcare Liaison