Author: k9hi

Operating

K1USN QRV for Museum Ships Weekend, May 31-June 2, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Pi Pugh, K1RV, writes:
 
As of today there are now 106 ships/museums listed as active participants and K1USN will be on the air beginning Friday evening, May 31st at 0000 UTC (8:00 PM EDST).  Check out the list at  http://www.nj2bb.org/museum/.
 
We want to stay on the air as much as possible during the entire 48 hour weekend event. Operators are needed to help keep our three HF stations on the air. We are looking for operators for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Drop me a note at pi.k1rv@gmail.com. Please let me know if you are available to spend some time during the weekend.
 
Remember that K1USN was the originator of this fantastic operating event that is now sponsored by the crew onboard the Battleship New Jersey. They have done a wonderful job promoting this event and continue to issue special certificates to stations that manage to work 15 participants during the weekend.
 

You can check out the current list of ships/museums on their website – http://www.nj2bb.org/museum/index.html

 

Field Day

New England Sci-Tech to Partner with MIT Lincoln Labs for Field Day

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

New England Sci Tech logoNew England Sci-Tech (NEST) is partnering with MIT Lincoln Labs to host ARRL Radio Field Day on June 22-23, 2019, which involves participants all over North America. We will operate stations in tents and vans and run off generators and solar power to simulate emergency conditions. The public will be invited to learn about radio and try out some contacts. It will be a good day to show off NEST and Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society (STARS) and attract new members. We hope that many of our leadership team can help.  [NEST website]

Public Service

Operators Requested, YuKanRun Twin Lobster Half-Marathon, Gloucester, June 2, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Christopher Winczewski, K1TAT writes on the Cape Ann ARA mailing list:

We are looking for operators to staff the YuKanRun Twin Lobster Half Marathon at Gloucester High School on Sunday, June 2, 2019. The event begins at 9:00 AM; be on location by 8:30  AM.

Please let me know if you can staff a communications check-point for the event by Thursday, May 30th so I can plan staffing positions for the event.

Please let us know what type of equipment you plan to use (i.e.: mobile; HT; ¼-wave mag mount; OEM 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 for four hours. Runner safety is everyone’s top priority. Local EMT crews and ambulances will be available for three hours to help ensure everyone enjoys the day and remains safe.

I will not be able to make this event. I will be doing the emailing and setup but will not be able to make it on race day. We will need a net control for the Twin Lobster. I am doing another event that weekend.

Chris, K1TAT

Regulation & Advocacy

Massachusetts Hands-free Mobile Device Legislation Update

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

MA State HouseHands-free mobile device legislation moved one step closer to becoming law, passing in the Massachusetts House on May 16. But by all accounts Amateur Radio operation while driving will remain unaffected.

Eastern Massachusetts section staff who have been in touch with legislative aides in both the House and Senate have learned the language that defines mobile devices will continue to exempt “federally-licensed 2-way radios.”

“MGL Chapter 90 Section 13 provides for the use of a federally licensed 2-way radio while driving. The hands-free bill being considered (House Bill 3793) does not alter this provision,” according to a staffer in Rep. Ferrante’s office. Another staffer from Rep. Hecht’s office also confirmed the preservation of the existing language in Chapter 90 Section 13 pertaining to federally licensed 2-way radios.

The full text of the H.3793 can be found at
<https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H3793>.

The text of General Law Part I, Section XIV, Chapter 90, Section 13 can be found at <https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section13>.

The Massachusetts Senate is expected to take up the measure in June.

Operating

USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. NB1CR, QRV for Museum Ships on the Air, June 1-2, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Ed Fitzgerald, K1DIN, writes on the Algonquin ARC mailing list:
 
There are roughly fifteen days before the AARC will send operating teams to put the Destroyer Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. on the air for the 2019 Museum Ships weekend June 1 and 2. Ship museums from all over the world will have ham operators on ships of all kinds for this special event. Hams all over the world will be contacting as many ships as they can and collecting QSL cards from each. As of this writing, there are 104 ships are listed for the event. For a list and full details: https://www.qsl.net/w/wa2tvs//museum/
 
AARC will operate on 40, 20, 17. (No points for same ship on different bands.) Join the fun.
 
As team participants, we do occasionally get pile ups and dead spots, but, we also get to chat with “Tin Can Sailors” who served on ships in Fall River and elsewhere. And, of course, there are the excited first timers who really want to tell us that we are their “Number 30” and, certainly, we enjoy contacting the other ships on the air.
 
The Radio Room on the JPK, Jr. is big enough to house three stations comfortably. Normally, at his time of the year, we have two of our bands open at the same time most of our relatively short days. We try to operate from 10-4 on Saturday and 10-3 on Sunday (need to be packed up and out the gate by 5 on both days). Teams have been meeting at the Middle School at 8 AM to pool as much as possible to Battleship Cove each day. We enter the Cove all at the same time.
 
Team size each day usually ranges from 3 to 6 so that loggers (hand logging) and operators can swap duties. So far, most operators have preferred to do their own logging.
 
If you would like to be part of a team, please let me know what day or days you can attend, and I will get back to you to confirm. 
 
I will send a sheet to team members with specifics about the trip (route, operating procedure, etc.) when I complete the roster for each day.
 
(BTW: You can bring your own food for lunch and snacks, but there is food concession in the mess hall on the USS Massachusetts.
 
(There will be a local radio club operating from the USS Massachusetts.)
 
 
73,
Ed
 
K1DIN
774 245-2788
Field Day

Sturdy Memorial Hospital ARC Field Day 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Sturdy Memorial Hospital ARCJust a reminder that Field Day is the weekend of June 22nd and 23rd [at World War I Memorial Park in in North Attleboro]. Setup will begin at about 9 AM on Saturday. Operation will start at 2 PM. Operation will stop at 2 PM on Sunday and tear down will finish up at about 4:30 PM.

If you have not been able to attend the club meetings this is your chance to get involved again. If you would like to help setup or tear down and all help is welcome please come on down. If you would like to operate please let me know by return email what day and times you are available.

Keep in mind that if you are not licensed for HF you can still operate with a higher licensed operator as control operator.
We will even have the opportunity for unlicensed visitors get on the air with control operators.

Talk in will be on the K1SMH 147.195+ 127.3 repeater.

Come on down and have some fun and get back into the swing of things.

Tnx 73 
Ray K2TGX
SMHARC Secretary

Public Service

Call for Volunteers, Norton Founders Day, June 15, 2019

- by k9hi - 1 Comment

Ray Cord, K2TGX, writes on the Sturdy Memorial Hospital ARC list:

This is the Official call for EMA, HAM, CERT and MRC Volunteers to help at Norton Founders Day

Those Agencies that are supplying equipment have been contacted separately for Mutual Aid 

WHAT: Norton Founders Day- An Evening long Family Town Picnic with Games, Music, Vendors,  Classic Cars Cruise Night
           Food Court Bands and ending with Fireworks at Dark

WHEN: Saturday June 15th from 5:00PM to 9:00PM

WHERE: H.A. Yelle School Campus, 64 East Main St., Norton, across from Honey Dew Donuts.

WHO: Everybody. Volunteers can bring their families and friends

THE MISSION: Starting at about 1:00PM the Committee will start setting up the Food Court, Vendor Booths, Games and Command Post
While we will need a handful of Volunteers with this portion of the setup, the bulk of the Volunteers are being asked to report at 4:00PM.

The Shift will be 4:00PM to 9:30/10:00PM depending on how long it takes to get the cars out of the lots.

There will be a supper (Pizza and soda/water) served at about 7:30PM and breaks (Hydration) will be provided as needed.

NEMA is responsible for providing Light and Power to the Food Court and Various Venues on Campus

Our Mission is to manage the on campus Parking Lots and assist the Police with Pedestrian safety both before, during and after the Fireworks. During the Fireworks we will assist the Fire Dept with Cold Zone Perimeter Security and Hot fireworks patrol as needed.

After the Fireworks we will assist the Police Detail in safely getting cars from the Parking Lots to the Street and make sure that 
Pedestrians and Cars don’t mix.

We recognize that this is a long event but would appreciate what ever time you can give us. If you have mobility issues we can put you where you are not on your feet (EMA/CERT Info Booth etc) or bring a lawn chair.

Please reply to this email ASAP to give us the time shift you can work so that we may start plugging people into ICS positions

 Thank You 
Ray Cord Deputy Director
Norton EMA
508-726-1054

Public Service

Volunteers Sought for YuKanRun Twin Lobster Half Marathon, Gloucester, June 2, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Christopher Winczewski, K1TAT writes on the Cape Ann ARA mailing list:

We are looking for operators to staff the YuKanRun Twin Lobster Half Marathon at Gloucester High School on Sunday, June 2, 2019. The event begins at 9:00 AM; be on location by 8:30  AM.

Please let me know if you can staff a communications check-point for the event by Thursday, May 30th so I can plan staffing positions for the event.

Please let us know what type of equipment you plan to use (i.e.: mobile; HT; ¼-wave mag mount; OEM 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 for four hours. Runner safety is everyone’s top priority. Local EMT crews and ambulances will be available for three hours to help ensure everyone enjoys the day and remains safe.

I will not be able to make this Event. I will be doing the emailing and setup but will not be able to make it on race day. We will need a net control for the Twin Lobster. I am doing another event that Weekend.

Chris, K1TAT

All

KA8SCP Receives Kiwanis Person of the Year Award

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Retired Veterans Service Officer Terry Stader (KA8SCP) has been named the Kiwanis Person of the Year, an annual award bestowed on members of the community who have made significant contributions.

Stader has always had a strong commitment to giving back, whether serving his country or serving his community. Early in his career Stader was Senior Chief Petty Officer for the Navy. During his time in the Navy he was decorated with many awards including the Navy Commendation Medal with gold star and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star. He was also named Sailor of the Year for Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region One. This set the pace of hard work and commitment to public service that brought Stader and his family to Westford in 1993. [Full story]

(Terry Stader is a member of PART of Westford, and serves as an ARRL District Emergency Coordinator.)

Emergency Communications

KD1CY on ARRL Public Service Communications Panel Discussion, Hamvention®, May 17, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Eastern Massachusetts Section Emergency Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY, will participate in an ARRL Public Service Communications panel discussion at the Dayton Hamvention® on Friday, May 17 from  2:25 to 3:40 PM in Room 3. Those attending the panel discussion will hear from representatives from Amateur Radio’s largest organizations active during times of disaster and emergency.

According to the ARES E-Letter, “An update will also be given on the new ARES Plan and changes that were asked for by volunteers and partner agencies on training, reporting, identification, leadership development, and more. Sponsored by ARRL, this forum will feature Rob Macedo, KD1CY, VOIP WX Net and VOIP Hurricane Net; Paul English, WD8DBY, US Army MARS; David Stapchuk, KD9DXM, US Air Force MARS; Bill Feist, WB8BZH, SATERN; Ross Merlin, WA2WDT, Department of Homeland Security, SHAred RESources (SHARES); Ted Okada, K4HNL, Chief Technology Officer, FEMA; and Malcolm Kyser, KG4G, Chief of Communications, Civil Air Patrol.”

The Dayton Hamvention® in Xenia, Ohio, is host to this year’s ARRL National Convention.

All

MIT Swapfest, May 19, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Swapfest (The flea at MIT) is an event to buy, sell, and swap amateur radio equipment, components, used computers, electronics, instruments and audio equipment, tools, and a plethora of other items. Includes vendors specializing in odd, rare, and antique electronics and other pieces of technology.

Swapfest occurs on the third Sunday of each month, April through October, and has been running for almost 40 years. Hosted by the MIT Radio Society, in conjunction with the MIT UHF Repeater Association, the MIT Electronics Research Society, and the Harvard Wireless Club.

The Swapfest is held at MIT’s Albany Street Garage on Albany St between Main Streets and Mass Ave in Cambridge. The gate opens for buyers at 9 am. There is an admission fee of $6. Free with an MIT or Harvard student ID.

For more information, see the online copy of our Swapfest flyer. Print out a copy of the flyer and bring it with you for a discount on the buyer’s admission: http://web.mit.edu/w1mx/www/swapfest/swapfest-2019.05.pdf

For information on (free) parking, becoming a seller, and for all other questions, visit  http://w1mx.mit.edu/flea-at-mit/

Clubs / Technical

N1DCH: Intro to Radio Hotspots, Minuteman Repeater Association, May 15, 2019

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The Minuteman Repeater Association will feature Dave Hornbaker, N1DCH, who will present on “Introduction to Hotspots” at itsMMRA logo annual meeting on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 7 PM.

The presentation will cover different hot spot options with emphasis on MMDVM based hotspots and Pi-Star. 

The meeting will be held at New England Sci-Tech, Inc., 16 Tech Circle, Natick, MA. Directions

 

Field Day

20th Annual Field Day Directory Now Available

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

The 20th Annual Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Directory contains some of the most comprehensive Field Day resource pages of its kind.

According to Bill Ricker, N1VUX, the Directory offers both detailed historical and current information on individual field day club operations along with the complete event operating rules and helpful safety tips.  “It was originally intended as an ARES function for Y2K and  SKYWARN preparation,” writes Bill. “If any clubs run across records of their Field Day operations before 1997 (or not formally reported to ARRL Contest Branch since then), I’d be happy to include them in the historical catalog.”

“Clubs which are reactivating a previous Class A or F site can confirm to the EMA Directory by simply putting their pin in at the ARRL Field Day Locator – also conveniently linked from our directory. I’ll pick that up and mark them confirmed. I would appreciate an email from new clubs in Class A or F, clubs with new sites, clubs whose details on their EMA directory need updating, or who are definitely not using the site they had last year.”

N1VUX explains why the Directory exists even with the ARRL Field Day Locator page: “Operating at a smaller scale, we can provide a more detailed site description, somewhat curated club and site links, and a cumulative history of public Field Day sites in Eastern Massachusetts section.”

The Directory also links to updated information on how to handle NTS radiogram traffic, and score bonus points during the event.

“A major goal always has been helping (and encouraging) EMA ARRL staff and leadership to plan visits to nearby field day sites, as is our custom — and helping us hit as many different ones as possible.

N1VUX also invites you to post your comments and memories from field day on the ARRL Soapbox. “We’ll link them in the Directory for history. If your club has memories on a website or Facebook page that we don’t have linked, send me the link and I’ll make sure it’s included.”

The Eastern MA Field Day Directory can be viewed at https://ema.arrl.org/field_day.  N1VUX can be reached at his arrl.net address.

 
 
 
 
 
Clubs

WA1VVH on Shortwave Station HCJB, Nashoba Valley ARC Meeting, May 16, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Bruce Blain, K1BG, writes:

The Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club’s May meeting will be Thursday, May 16th at 7:30 PM at the Pepperell Community Center (in Pepperell).

This month’s speaker will be Harry Chase, WA1VVH. He will be talking about his memories of shortwave station HCJB in Ecuador. He made several trips there as a volunteer to set up broadcasting equipment, help with technical issues, and eventually help decommission the stations.

Public Service

Request for Operators, Motif No. 1 Day Arts & 5K Fun Run, Rockport, May 18, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Chris Winczewski, K1TAT writes on the Cape Ann ARA mailing list:

Motif No.1 Day Arts Fest & 5k Fun Run May 18th The Annual 5k and 1 mile fun run for the Rockport Public Schools Health and Wellness Programs.
Location: Harvey Park in Downtown Rockport

Dates: Saturday, May 18, 2019, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Address: 4 High Street, Rockport, MA 01966

Please let me know if you can staff a communications check-point for the event by May17th so I can plan staffing positions for the event. 
 
Please let us know what type of equipment you plan to use. (i.e.: Mobile; HT; ¼-Wave Mag-Mount; OEM Rubber-Duck; etc.) so we have a better idea of where to locate you along the event course per the potential of your equipment.

 

  
Motif #1 Day 5K
Rockport, Mass
Last Updated: 5/7//2018 6:00 am
Event date: Saturday, May 18. 
On Location: 8:30 am
Starts: 9:00 AM  
Frq: 145.130 – PL:107.2 Back up: 146.585 Simplex
     
Public Service

Request for Operators, YMCA Back Shore 5K, Gloucester, May 16, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

CAARA logoChristopher Winczewski, K1TAT writes on the Cape Ann ARA mailing list:

CAARA has a great public service team.  Come out and have some fun with us. Why?
 
You are using amateur radio to provide a needed public service to ensure the safety and smooth running of a public event in local communities.
 
“I would but I do not have a radio.” No excuse, we have loaner radio’s available with a mag mount that will work in your car just by just plugging it into the cigarette lighter socket. We have loaner hand held radios as well!
 
“I don’t have transportation.” No excuse, we will pick you up and drop you off at your house.
 
“I do not have the time to spare for a whole race.” Well, you can commit to a time slot, for just two hours. We will bend over backwards to get you to participate.
 

YMCA Back shore 5K Thursday, May 16th, 6:00pm:, Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester

  • Start at Harbor Rd & Nautilus Rd
  • Go straight on Nautilus Rd
  • Bear left on Atlantic Rd (TCP1)
  • (Water stop is on Atlantic Rd near Grapevine Rd)
  • Right on Grapevine Rd
  • Right on Harriett Rd
  • Right on High Popples Rd (TCP2)
  • Left on Atlantic Rd (TCP3)
  • Continue straight on Nautilus Rd

Chris Winczewski, K1TAT
k1tat@outlook.com

Operating

Carlisle Fox Hunt, May 10, 2019

- by k9hi - 1 Comment

John Salmi, KB1MGI, writes on the foxhunting list on May 10, 2019 at 1:59 PM:

I placed the 2 meter Fox transmitter in Carlisle on146.565 press  DTMF tone 2 to activate 30 seconds on 30 seconds off, run time 15 minutes.

(No Bushwacking)  If you choose the wrong trail you will tricked and you will end up bushwacking a long way to find the Fox and that could be wet.
 
Choose the correct trail and it only 50 feet off the trail and (No bushwacking at all).
 
If you want to know the location and receive a map Email me at: KB1MGI55@Gmail.com
Emergency Communications / Public Service

Littleton Volunteer Corps

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Terry Stader, KA8SCP, writes on the PART-List:

Last night, Wed. May 8th, I had the privilege to speak to the Littleton Volunteer Corps at the Littleton Fire station to about 20 participants. This group will be serving as a team to work as CERT and MRC combined to support their community in various roles. Last night I spoke to them about the resource of Amateur Radio. Some of the attendees were hams, but most were not. Those not initially familiar became very interested and asked about what it takes to become a ham (Question: What does “ham” mean? was asked). Several of this team had been to SKYWARN training and learned how Amateur Radio and NWS work together in this program. We talked about ARES and RACES as well as the history of PART.

The take away from this meeting is a future evaluation and testing the communications challenges from several locations around the  community. Down the road, maybe the group will do a drill or exercise to test their ability to provide services needed.

So, Littleton hams (and others too), we may be looking for some of your time to work with this team and even become a contributor to providing your skills in communications.

 

Public Service

Brain Tumor Ride, Waltham, May 19, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
James Bradley, KB1JKJ <bradleyjab@gmail.com> writes:
 
It’s that time of year again, the Brain Tumor Ride is less than two weeks away so, I am looking for Volunteers.  The National Brain Tumor Society is planning their 2019 Boston fundraising bike ride and they’re looking for amateur radio volunteers. The ride takes place on Sunday, May 19, starting at 7:00 AM from 200 West Street in Waltham. Volunteers will work until the early afternoon, with lunch provided.
 
If you are available to SAG in your own vehicle  please send me your information:
 
  • Your call sign, full name, and name you prefer on the air
  • Your cell phone number, and any other number(s) you like to be reached at
  • Your shirt size
  • Do you have any needs or requests we should consider when making your assignment?
Thank you and 73.