Barry Porter, KB1PA, Appointed as Section Manager in Southern Florida

photo of Barry Porter, KB1PAA former Eastern Massachusetts Section Manager is back in a familiar leadership role:  Barry Porter, KB1PA, has been appointed to serve as Section Manager for Southern Florida beginning October 1st. 

A resident of Delray Beach, Barry is a native of Milton, Massachusetts. He was licensed in 1984 and was one of the founding members of the Aleppo Shrine Amateur Radio Club and the Boston Computer Society’s Amateur Radio Group.

“I was very active promoting the melding of ham radio and computing, and did a lot of packet radio. Through packet radio, I got involved with public service activities, and worked nine Boston Marathons. I became involved  with Massachusetts Civil Defense and RACES and later I was appointed as a District Emergency Coordinator and Section Emergency Coordinator.”

Barry succeeded Luck Hurder, KY1T, as the Eastern Massachusetts Section Manager, filling out the remainder of Luck’s term. KB1PA would go on to serve two additional terms of his own.

Barry was involved with emergency communications during hurricanes Gloria and Bob.  “During this period I was a very active traffic handler and a net control.”  

KB1PA moved to Florida in 2004. While living in four-land, he’s been an Assistant Section Manager, an Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator, and an Emergency Coordinator. Barry was the only nominee for the position after Jeff Beals, WA4AW, announced that he would not seek a new term of office after serving since 2014.

Congratulations to Barry Porter, KB1PA in his new role as the Southern Florida Section Manager!

 

Genesis ARS Fox Hunt Training and Antenna Building, September 8, 2018

Jack Buckley, W1AKN writes in the Genesis ARS Newsletter:

Please plan to attend the fox hunt training session planned for Saturday, September 8 at 9AM at the Genesis ARS Meeting Room, Plymouth Airport.  This training session is in preparation for the fox hunt on September 15 following the GARS Breakfast.
 
We have ordered several 2-meter tape measure beam kits that will be available for purchase and will help you to build the kits at the training session.
 

Boxboro! Advance Ticket Registration, Hotel Room Deadline

Bob DeMattia, K1IW, writes on August 22:
 
There are only a few more days left before we close payments by US mail.  If you wish to use this option, please make sure to visit our website by this coming Friday.  We will continue to accept PayPal payments until September 5th.
 
If you are planning to stay overnight, rooms are available at the convention discount rate of $99/night.  Friday night is now sold out at this rate.  There are still a few rooms left on Saturday.  Call 978-263-8701 and use the discount code NEHAM!
 
 
See you there!
 
Bob – K1IW
Chairman – Boxboro 2018!

Flea at MIT, August 19, 2018 in Cambridge, MA

This Coming Sunday, the August Flea at MIT

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Summary: Buy Sell SWAP    Ham Radio    Electronics Computers    9AM – 2PM  ***

!!!!  In our Traditional GARAGE  !!!!!  ****
          so come rain or shine or super heat the Flea is on !!!

Outdoor space is questionable for this month, call ahead if your will not fit in 6′ 8″ height.

Due to changes in the construction crane, we may have some street space for
oversize trucks for the next couple months.   Call for details.

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Summary: Buy Sell SWAP    Ham Radio    Electronics Computers    9AM – 2PM

*** !!!!  In our Traditional GARAGE   !!!!  ****
         so come rain or shine or super heat the Flea is on !!!

*********  $1  buyers discount with hardcopy of this notice ********

COMPUTERS – ELECTRONICS – HAM RADIO – COMPUTERS – ELECTRONICS – HAM RADIO

                          FLEA all SUMMER at MIT
                         Sunday August 19th 2018
                                   9AM-2PM

Come to the city for a great flea – plenty of free parking.

        MIT’s  electronics and ham radio flea will take
        place on the third Sunday of each month this summer,
        April thru October.

        There is tailgate space for over 300 sellers!

        Buyers admission is $6  (you get $1 off if
        you’re lucky enough to have a copy of our ad)
        and sellers spaces are $20 for the first and
        $15 for each additional at the gate.

        Early Bird Buyers admission is $15, allows
        entry after the prepaid sellers ~ 7:15AM
        See registration form for season rate.

        The flea will be held at the corner of Albany and
        Main streets in Cambridge; right in the Kendall
        Square area from 9AM to 2PM, with sellers set-up
        time starting at 7AM.

        SEASON PASS + Advance Discounts

        A sellers discount season pass is available which
        offers a 30% discount. By prepaying you get a
        discount and earlier admission. See the registration form
        for full seller info.

        *** Attention Sellers ***
                Prepaid vendors.. Season Pass or monthly,
                will be admitted FIRST.
                Separate lines will form prior to gate opening
                for prepaid and nonprepaid vendors

        !! RAIN or SHINE !!  Have no fear of rain, a covered
        well illuminated tailgate area is available for all
        sellers (6’8″ clearance).

        Talk-in: 145.23- (PL 88.5) W1BOS/R  and
                 W1XM/R-449.725/444.725 (PL 114.8/2A).

        Sponsors: MIT Electronics Research Society
                  MIT UHF Repeater Association (W1XM)
                  MIT Radio Society (W1MX)
                  Harvard Wireless Club (W1AF)

        For more info / advanced reservations 617 253 3776

********** $1  buyers discount with hard copy of this notice ************

Mail the coupon below by the July 5th for advanced reservations.

           FLEA at MIT     2018 Rates

SELLERS

To use your spaces the named vendor MUST be present.
Rates include one admission per space.

Season Pass     $99 First Space – includes $70 for Cambridge Vendor Licenses
                  $70 Each additional space

Advance         $17 First space – includes $10 Cambridge Vendor License
                  $12 Additional Spaces
                        Must be received by the 5th of the month.

Gate Admission  $20 First Space – includes $10 Cambridge Vendor License
                  $15 Additional Spaces
                      Admission is after the prepaid vendors

Early Bird Buyer -Admission after the prepaid vendor line is admitted. ~ 7:15AM
                ** You may not sell. **
                $15 per person at the gate.
                $70 Season Early Bird Buyer

   cut and return
**************************************************************************
FLEA at MIT 2018       Advance Space Application

   _____ 1st Season Pass @ $99   _____ Additional Season Spaces @ $70

   ____April    ____May    ____June   ____ July  ____Aug   ___Sept   ____Oct
          @ $17  for the first each month  + $12 each additional

   _____ Season Early Bird Buyer   @ $70   ** NB You may not sell. **

Name    ________________________     Call  __________        $ Included______

Address ________________________     Phone  __________     Make Check to
                                                                                       The MIT Radio Society
City  ____________________ State  _______  Zip  _______       PO Box 397082
                                                                                       Cambridge MA 02139
E-mail  _____________________________________________

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Steve Finberg                              W1GSL                              w1gsl@mit.edu
PO Box 82 MIT Br           Cambridge MA  02139-7082             617 258 3754
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2018 Boxboro! Forum Schedule Posted

Information on forums and presentations at the 2018 Boxboro! New England Division Convention September 7-9, 2018 is now on-line, according to Boxboro Program Chair Phil Temples, K9HI. This year’s program spans three days, beginning on Friday, September 7 at 10:00 AM with a special ARES/SKYWARN track and concluding on Sunday, September 9 at 1:00 PM with the main prize drawing and convention wrap-up.

See http://boxboro.org/forums-and-classes/forum-schedule for program presenters, titles, times, room locations, and abstracts. 

Boston Marathon Article Featured in September QST

September 2018 QSTThe September, 2018 issue of QST features a full-length article entitled “Public Service in Action at the Boston Marathon.” Authored by Assistant Editor Caroline Kenney, the story describes Amateur Radio communications at one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious sporting events:

“There are radio operating teams in all aspects of the complex system surrounding the starting line… transport and parking, aiding elite or disabled runners, attending to the volunteer core of 1,000 people, and working the information booths. “

Mark Richards, K1MGY, and Eastern MA Section Emergency Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY, are quoted in the article. 

The September edition of Digital QST is available at http://www.arrl.org/news/the-september-edition-of-digital-qst-is-now-available-1.

Bulk Traffic Handling Policy

Section Traffic Manager Marcia Forde, KW1U writes:

Hello to all Massachusetts traffic handlers,

Those who were able to attend the annual traffic handlers picnic last Sunday, which included ASTMs, Net Managers and those who handle a large number of radiograms, were involved in a discussion regarding the disposition of what has come to be called “bulk” or “spam” traffic, arriving on Massachusetts traffic nets. As mentioned in the enclosed document, there has been an increasing proliferation of radiograms originated by traffic handlers throughout the US and addressed to other amateurs  whose call signs, names and addresses were acquired from an FCC database list. In most cases the originators are unknown to the intended recipients and these messages have often not been welcomed by the recipients thus causing an increasing number of potential delivering stations to have turned away from the nets. While we don’t wish to discourage the origination of messages which help keep the nets viable, it has become a problem for the health of the nets.

Bulk Traffic Handling Policy” is a summary of that discussion and attempts to set guidelines for Massachusetts traffic handlers. It primarily affects those on local nets and not section nets or above, as local VHF nets are generally the final destination points for delivery of messages. Any messages on section nets not picked up for delivery can often be brought to the local nets as needed.

We would like to implement these guidelines as soon as possible after allowing a brief period for dissemination of this information.   If anyone has comments, positive or negative, they may send them to me kw1u@arrl.net. These guidelines will be implemented effective Friday, August 17.

Thanks to all for your support of the nets.

73, Marcia KW1U

STM EMA/WMA

Lightship Nantucket To Be Activated for International Lightship/Lighthouse Weekend, August 19, 2018

Nantucket LightshipMike Rioux, W1USN and Bob Reiser, AA1M, will operate onboard the Lightship Nantucket on Sunday, August 19 as part of International Lightship/Lighthouse Weekend
 
“Anyone who is interested in operating or just coming down to check the ship out is welcome.  Bring friends if you like and we’ll give a tour,” says Bob.
 
If you need info or directions, email Bob, AA1M, at aa1m@yahoo.com.
 
International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend (ILLW) began  in 1998 as the Scottish Northern Lights Award sponsored by the Ayr Amateur Radio Group. ILLW is a popular Amateur Radio event that takes place on the third full weekend in August each year. It attracts over 500 lighthouse entries in over 40 countries.
 
 

WQ1O and Cape Cod ARES Receives Certificate of Recognition From Barnstable County Commissioners

Certificate of Recognition awarded to WQ1O on August 1, 2018Frank O’Laughlin, WQ1O, and the Cape Cod ARES team  received high praise from the Barnstable County Commissioners for his hard work during the intense storms that impacted the Cape in March.

The ARRL Cape Cod and Islands ARES District Emergency Coordinator and the Cape Cod ARES team were awarded a Certificate of Recognition from Commissioners Ronald Beaty, Mary Pat Flynn, and Leo Cakounes at a Regional Emergency Planning Committee Meeting on August 1, 2018.

“I want to give thanks to all and especially to my crew who worked hard and long hours last winter during storm operations. Our group devoted several hundred person-hours to the operations,” writes WQ1O. “As Cape and Islands ARES insists on self sufficiency, our volunteers are self-equipped regardless if there is equipment on scene. This helps guarantee redundancy.”

 

ARRL Board of Directors’ Committee Seeks Input for Proposed ARES Strategic Plan

The Public Service Enhancement Working Group (PSEWG) has contacted all ARRL Section Managers and Section Emergency Coordinators seeking comments and suggestions regarding the proposed ARES Strategic Plan via an online form. The deadline is October 31, in order to give the PSEWG sufficient time to review the comments and suggestions, formulate any necessary revisions, and submit the revised document to the Board for consideration at its January meeting.  [Full story]

 

[Note: please forward comments and suggestions about the strategic plan  to Eastern MA Section Emergency Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY.]

Marlborough Labor Day Parade, September 3, 2018

AARC logoThe Algonquin Amateur Radio Association is looking for volunteers to assist in the Marlborough Labor Day parade on September 3. The parade is one of the club’s highest profile public service events. 

According to AARC’s Ed Fitzgerald, K1DIN, “The early recruiting for this year’s parade and the great response may give us the opportunity to try some operational upgrades. Each year that we’ve filled our roster, we have made some changes which seem to have worked well.”

Jim Babish, K1UUM, has agreed to assist Ed as his assistant team organizer “so that he might learn all the steps to getting the parade team ready.” Says K1DIN: “Of similar importance, we need to continually ‘deepen our bench’ so that in years when some of our volunteers have other commitments for parade day, we still can have complete coverage… We have a few experienced volunteers who have been able to fill in for folks who have last minute emergencies, for which I will be forever grateful.”

Those wishing to volunteer should contact K1DIN at: edfitz1@earthlink.net.

SEMARA Contest College, September 9, 2018

Southeastern MA ARA logoThe South Eastern Massachusetts Amateur Radio Association (SEMARA) will host a presentation entitled Contest College @ SEMARA on September 9, 2018 at approximately 12 PM.
 
This hands-on presentation will cover:
 
* different styles of contesting
* achieving a respectable score with 100 W
* operating various modes during a contest
* home-brewed  antennas for contests
 
There will also be on-air operation, listening and/or making contacts during the Worked All Europe SSB contest.
 
The organizers request an approximate head count, so lunch time pizza can be ordered.  Email Don if you are interested and plan to attend at: wa1bxy [at] hotmail [dot] com.
 
The SEMARA club house is located at: 54 Donald Street, S. Dartmouth, MA 02748; club phone number for messages: 508-997-7070

ARRL Headquarters Gets On AM!

On July 14, 2018, Eastern MA Technical Coordinator Dan Brown, W1DAN, traveled to ARRL Headquarters along with Tim, Smith, WA1HLR, and Steve Cloutier, WA1QIX, to help get the lab station, W1INF, on AM… in a big way!

The ARRL Headquarters lab is in possession of a tube-based Gates BC1T AM broadcast transmitter from the late 1950s. On loan from the Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut, this transmitter was designed to make 1 kilowatt on the AM broadcast band, and was not meant for ham use. Product review engineer Bob Alison, WB1GCM, and lab manager Ed Hare, W1RFI, greeted us at a closed ARRL. We got a very quick tour, and went to work. Tim installed a transmit/receive (T/R) relay inside the transmitter, which he had previously modified for 160- as well as 80 meters. The power was also reduced to FCC limits. Steve installed his software modulation monitor and I installed two audio limiters as well as an audio distribution amplifier.

After a tasty lunch provided by Ed, all work was done by mid-afternoon. Bob was making contacts with other hams on the AM mode on 75 meters.

The W1INF lab station also includes a Flex 5000 transceiver, and a K7DYY Super Senior. The station will be on the air for AM events and contests, as well as occasional lunch break contacts by the staff.

The lab’s test gear is truly state of the art. It also holds the museum exhibit that once was in the lobby of headquarters. Ed runs the lab, and Bob does the product reports you see in QST. The lab staff also includes RFI engineer Mike Gruber, W1MG, and senior lab engineer Zach Lau, W1VT.

Dan, W1DAN

ARRL Technical Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts Section

 

 

Framingham ARA Field Day Featured on “Access Framingham TV”

Screenshot of "Framingham Beat" featuring story about FARA Field DayThe Framingham Amateur Radio Association‘s recent Field Day operation at the McAuliffe Library was featured on Framingham’s community access channel accessfram.tv. According to FARA’s Glenn Axelrod, KC1HPZ, the coverage “is expected to be part of Access Framingham’s ‘Framingham Beat’ news magazine show at 7:30 PM on August 2.”

“Sumner, W1VIV, was featured prominently… his explanation of Field Day became the narration for the video that KC1HPZ shot and AFTV’s staff edited.”

Access Framingham can be viewed on RCN 3, Comcast 9, or Verizon 43. It can also be live-streamed on the web at accessfram.tv/watch.

UPDATE: the program can also be found on YouTube: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZjHmHfIP90>.

W1VIV Article Featured in CQ Magazine

June, 2018 CQ Magazine table of contents pageAn article by Sumner Weisman, W1VIV, of Framingham, appears in the June, 2018 CQ Magazine entitled, “Wireless Ham Radio for the Hearing Impaired.”

“I am pretty hard of hearing, where one ear is completely gone and the other is about half gone,” writes Sumner. “I use a hearing aid in my ‘good’ ear.  I like to do a few contests each year, and the earphones blasting into my hearing aid really abused my hearing.”

Sumner’s article tells how to use Bluetooth to stream the audio from your ham transceiver directly into your hearing aid, for very clear and pleasurable radio reception.

USS Massachusetts “Big Mamie” 77th Birthday Special Event Operation, September 22, 2018

NE1PL QSL cardThe USTNR (Uncommon Service To Nautical Radio) club will operate from the USS Massachusetts museum ship at Battleship Cove in Fall River on September 22, from 0900-1500 or 1400Z-2000Z. 
 
“We will be celebrating the 77th birthday of ‘Big Mamie’ operating as NE1PL,” according to USTNR trustee Rick Emord, KB1TEE. QSL information can be found on the “Contacts” page of the USTNR website . 
 
Rick says this is the first time they are commemorating the famous battleship’s anniversary. He “hopes to continue long into the future.” 

YCCC Members Attend Lithuanian Hamfest

W1UE at 2018 Lithuanian Hamfest
Dennis, W1UE, conveyed greetings to the hamfest participants from the Yankee Clipper Contest Club in New England. Simonas, LY2EN, is on the right.

Dennis Egan, W1UE, Fred Hopengarten, K1VR, and Rich Assarabowski, K1CC, represented the Yankee Clipper Contest Club at the 2018 LRMD (Lithuania) Hamfest held on July 27-29, 2018.

The event was held in Miego Klinika, a rural resort on a small lake in the middle of a forest in the northern part of Lithuania. Dennis, Fred, and Rich traveled to LY-land following the 2018 World Radiosport Team Championship in Germany.  (See also: https://ema.arrl.org/2018/07/06/yccc-well-represented-at-wrtc2018-july-12-16-2018/)

“The tradition of summer radio amateur meetings in Lithuania goes back to 1989. This was at the end of the Soviet occupation, when the country was a republic in the Soviet Union. This year, Lithuania is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its independence right after the First World War. This was a turning point for many European nations. It looks like the Lithuanian Amateur Radio is going through a very active and successful period right now.”

For the complete story, visit https://dxnews.com/lithuanian-hamfest-2018/.

Previous Year’s Boxboro Program Videos Now On-line

The Boxboro Committee is pleased to announce the creation of a video collection of talks and presentations at the 2017 Boxboro – New England Division Convention.  The collection can be found at https://archive.org/details/femarainc.  (FEMARA, Inc. is a Massachusetts non-profit corporation which sponsors and runs the ARRL New England Division Convention.) 
 
The Committee plans to add future videos to the collection as well as older programs.
 
Contact committee member Kayla Creamer, W2IRY, if you have questions about the videos.
 

2018 Boxboro! Program Schedule Announced

The 2018 Boxboro! New England ARRL Division Convention has released its program schedule of forums, meetings and presentations on September 7-9, 2018. 

“We’ll feature a wide variety of technical and non-technical talks and presentations throughout the weekend,” said Phil Temples, K9HI, Boxboro Program Chair. “Everything from: SKYWARN Training, AMSAT and MARS forums, Easy RF Fingerprinting, along with several sessions on Youth STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and much, much more.”

The entire schedule is now available for viewing on the Boxboro web site at: http://boxboro.org/forums-and-classes.