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Clubs / Field Day / Operating / Technical

Nashoba Valley ARC Members Participate in HamSCI Experiment During Field Day

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Photo of WX1P at the Nashoba Valley ARC Field Day 2018
Bob Reif, W1XP, sends a test transmission to the CASSIOPE satellite. 

The Nashoba Valley ARC participated in a Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSci) experiment with the Canadian CAScade, Smallsat and Ionospheric Polar Explorer (CASSIOPE) spacecraft over Field Day weekend.

Courtesy the HamSci web site:

 “’We’re really happy with our results this year’ remarked Dr. Gareth Perry, a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Calgary, CASSIOPE’s home institution. ‘The Radio Receiver Instrument (RRI) recorded plenty of chatter between Field Day participants, especially during our passes over the eastern and central United States on the evening of the 23rd’.

“Members of the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI) group coordinated with the Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club (NVARC, N1NC) and the Hoosier DX And Contest Club (N9NS) and the Indianapolis Radio Club to ‘direct traffic’ – asking their members to stick to pre-selected frequencies during the passes, and to record their transmitting logs.” 

The Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation project is a platform for the publicity and promotion of projects that:

  • Advance scientific research and understanding through amateur radio activities
  • Encourage the development of new technologies to support this research
  • Provide educational opportunities for the amateur community and the general public

 

Emergency Communications / Field Day / Operating

Severe Weather & Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend Coordination Message #2 – Saturday 6/23/18-Sunday 6/24/18 Weather Outlook/Severe Weather Potential

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SKYWARN logoHello to all..

..The following is the second in a series of messages on Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend and providing information on the weather during this period. This is a tradition spanning over 15 years for Amateur Radio Operators involved with Field Day and the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN Program..
..After quiet weather on Friday, unsettled weather is likely during Amateur Radio Field Day weekend. It will not be a complete washout but there will be the threat of widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms with heavier rainfall and urban and the potential of urban and poor drainage flooding as well as an attendant lightning risk Saturday into Saturday Night. As we move into Sunday…

[Full post]
Emergency Communications / Field Day / Operating

Severe Weather & Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend Coordination Message #1

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Hello to all.. 

..The following is the first in a series of messages on Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend and providing information on the weather during this period. This is a tradition spanning over 15 years for Amateur Radio Operators involved with Field Day and the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN Program.. 
..2018 Field Day weekend has quiet weather for Friday but looks unsettled with the potential for rain and possibly heavier rain and can’t rule out an isolated thunderstorm along with cooler temperatures on Saturday and then the potential of isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms with strong to damaging winds, hail, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall on Sunday Afternoon/Evening potentially when Amateur Radio Field Day sites are breaking down stations and wrapping up for this year’s event. Weekend weather will be monitored closely..
..Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend is an annual event where Ham Operators across the United States setup at Emergency Operations Centers, field locations, home locations etc. to operate and test their equipment and skills and make as many radio contacts as possible during the weekend. Many locations can be visited by the public and Amateur Radio Field Day can be a form of outreach to Ham and non-Ham Operators. It is also noted that several states have given proclamations to Amateur Radio/Ham Radio Operators for either an ‘Amateur Radio Day or Amateur Radio Week’ during the month of June or an ‘Amateur Radio Month’ for this month. It is both a fun/preparatory event for Ham Radio Operators for Emergency Communications scenarios.. 
..SKYWARN Activation on Saturday appears unlikely but will need to monitor for any potential for thunderstorms and attendant lightning risk and heavier rainfall. SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Boston/Norton are possible Sunday Afternoon/Evening for isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorm potential..

There are a large number of Amateur Radio Field Day sites across the NWS Boston/Norton Coverage Area and adjacent NWS Coverage Areas. Here are some links to information on these Amateur Radio Field Day Sites from across the region: 

Amateur Radio Field Day Information: http://www.arrl.org/field-day 
Amateur Radio Field Day National Locator: http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator 
Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Home Page: http://fd.ema.arrl.org/ 

The commonwealth of Massachusetts has declared this week to be Amateur Radio Week and Governor Baker has proclaimed Sunday June 24th, 2018 Amateur Radio Day in honor of the ARRL Field Day event. The details can be seen at the following links:

 
For Field Day weekend, Friday looks quiet weather wise with seasonable temperatures and dry conditions. As we get into Saturday, there could be general rain over Southern New England with cooler temperatures. There could also be heavier rainfall and the chance of an isolated thunderstorm though currently it looks more like a rain and heavier downpour situation versus a general thunderstorm concern but this will be monitored and updated again in the Friday Evening coordination message.
 
For Sunday, parameters could come together for isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms with strong to damaging winds, hail, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall in the Sunday Afternoon and Evening timeframe as Field Day operations end and field day sites are securing. We are still 2+ days from this event and this will be updated with greater details as we get closer to this timeframe. This concern is mentioned in the NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook.
 
Coordination messages later Friday and Saturday will help better define the outlook particularly for Sunday and the severe weather potential. Below are links to the NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook and NWS Boston/Norton Experimental Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:

NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook: 
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html 

NWS Boston/Norton Experimental Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/box/ehwo

Amateur Radio Field Day sites are still encouraged to bring a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio, monitor various cell phone weather apps where Amateur Operators may have those available and have a dedicated Ham Radio that can monitor their local SKYWARN Frequency for their area as a best safety and preparedness practice. Also sites that have mobile Internet capability can utilize that capability as a way to monitor for weather information. With Mobile Internet capability, utilizing Echolink to monitor the New England Reflector system on Echolink Conference *NEW-ENG3* Node: 9123/IRLP 9123 would be helpful as well. Please see the link below for the latest SKYWARN Frequency information for the region: 
http://www.wx1box.org/node/37

 

During setup and takedown of Amateur Radio Field Day sites and even while operating, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat accordingly. Also having a jacket or sweatshirt during evenings as conditions cool etc. may also be useful while operating this year’s Field Day. The link below features information on Heat Safety:
 
Given the threat for thunderstorms particularly on Sunday, lightning is a threat to any and all Amateur Radio Field Day sites. Remember your lightning safety tips and details on lightning safety can be seen at the following link:
 

The next Amateur Radio Field Day coordination message will be posted by 1000 PM Friday Evening.

Respectfully Submitted, 

Robert Macedo (KD1CY) 
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator 
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator 
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM) 
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM) 
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM) 
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com 
http://ares.ema.arrl.org 
http://www.wx1box.org 
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box 

Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box
All / Field Day / Organization

Section Manager’s 2018 Field Day Message

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ARRL flagSunday, June 24 is Amateur Radio Day in Massachusetts:

In Massachusetts, at the urging of State Senator Bruce Tarr, N1UIU, Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker signed a proclamation declaring June 24 as “Amateur Radio Day” in the Bay State.

In addition, both the Massachusetts Senate and House have issued resolutions declaring Amateur Radio Week in Massachusetts coinciding with Field Day.

EMA Section Manager Visits:

Eastern Massachusetts Section Manager, Tom K1TW, and EMA Assistant Section Manager, Phil K9HI, are planning to visit several Field Day locations together on Saturday, primarily in Middlesex and Essex counties.

Safety:

Remember Safety First in every aspect of a field day operation. Go here for helpful guidance on keeping your field day safe: <https://ema.arrl.org/2018/05/23/field-day-safety-officer-checklist/>

Participate:

You can participate as an individual from home, or in the field, or through a local club. If you do not have a home station, then visit a club operation.

Find a club operation nearby:

Use the Eastern Massachusetts (EMA) Field Day locator at <http://fd.ema.arrl.org/>.

Add your club to the locator:

Make sure your club is listed on the Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Locator web site. Go to <http://fd.ema.arrl.org/> and enter your information so others can easily find you.

Earn extra points during Field Day:

Don’t forget you can earn extra points by sending a radio gram to the Section Manager, Tom K1TW or to the Section Emergency Coordinator, Greg KC1CIC. Here are the details on how to create and send a field day radiogram including the schedule of the traffic nets on Saturday June 23: <https://ema.arrl.org/field-day-traffic-tips/>

Wishing everyone in Eastern Massachusetts ARRL section a very enjoyable, safe, and successful Field Day.

73,

Tom Walsh K1TW

——————————————————————–
ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section
Section Manager: Thomas D Walsh, K1TW
k1tw@arrl.org
——————————————————————–

Field Day / Public Information / Regulation & Advocacy

Massachusetts House Passes Resolution Proclaiming Amateur Radio Week

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MA House sealA resolution has been passed in the Massachusetts State House honoring Amateur Radio operators and proclaiming an “Amateur Radio Week” to coincide with Field Day. The resolution was introduced by Rep. Jonathan Hecht, who represents the 29th Middlesex District (Cambridge, Watertown).  It was signed on June 18, 2018 by Hecht, along with House Speaker Robert A. De Leo and House Clerk Steven T. James.

The language of the House bill is identical to the text in the counterpart Senate resolution. Copies of the resolution have been mailed to ARRL Eastern and Western MA Section Managers Tom Walsh, K1TW and Ray Lajoie, KB1LRL and should arrive in time for this weekend’s Field Day.

Edited: June 21, 2018

Field Day / Public Information / Regulation & Advocacy

Massachusetts Senate Proclaims Amateur Radio Week

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Massachusetts State Senate sealA Resolution has been received by the ARRL Eastern and Western MA Section Managers from Harriette L. Chandler (D-Worcester), President of the Massachusetts State Senate.  The Resolution, adopted on June 4, 2018, is entitled “Commemorating Amateur Radio Week and Honoring Amateur Radio  Operators as They Celebrate Field Day”:

 

WHEREAS,  Amateur Radio operators have made great contributions in developing world-wide radio communications; and

 

WHEREAS, over 13,500 Amateur Radio operators thrive in the Commonwealth, consistently displaying their value in public assistance; and

 

WHEREAS, Amateur Radio operators use their equipment and skills to unfailingly assist local and state officials in cases of tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and other emergencies; and

 

WHEREAS,  Amateur Radio operators in the Commonwealth have generously volunteered their time, equipment and knowledge to provide communications, support and technical training to local service clubs, organizations and interested citizens; and

 

WHEREAS, on June 23 and 24, Amateur Radio operators in the Commonwealth will join with other operators from around the country to participate in Field Day, a 24-hour simulated emergency highlighting Amateur Radio operators’ emergency response capabilities; now therefore be it

 

RESOLVED, that the Massachusetts Senate extends its appreciation to Amateur Radio operators as they celebrate  Amateur Radio Week and Field Day; and be it further

 

RESOLVED, that a copy of these resolutions be transmitted forthwith by the Clerk of the Senate to the Western and Eastern Massachusetts sections of the American Radio Relay League, the National Association for Amateur Radio.

 

Clubs / Field Day / Operating

Algonquin ARC Field Day 2018

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Algonquin ARA Field Day 2017 photoThe Algonquin Amateur Radio Association will conduct its Field Day operation June 23-24 at the Marlborough Emergency Operations Center at the Central Fire Station, 215 Maple St, Marlborough. The group will operate three stations–possibly four–in the “F” Category (Emergency Operations Center). 

 

 

Update: June 21, 2018:

David “Shack” Haralambou, W1SHK writes on the Algonquin ARC mailing list:

Here are the plans for Field Day at this moment:

  • We will be running 4 stations
  • We will be using N1MM Logger at each station
  • Setup will begin at 9 AM on Saturday at the Main fire station EOC room
  • Contesting begins at 2 PM
  • We WILL be running an overnight crew and be live on the air from 2 PM Saturday until Noon on Sunday
  • Cleanup will begin at Noon on Sunday
  • You are welcome to come down and operate/log anytime during the event (even if it is only for an hour)

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible this weekend!

Clubs / Field Day / Operating

Waltham ARA Picnic and Field Day 2018

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Waltham ARA logoWaltham Amateur Radio Association posts on its web site:

On Saturday, June 23, 2018, WARA will combine a club picnic and a four-hour operation in the ARRL Field Day.

Time:  12:00  – 6:00 PM
Location:  Sunset Shelter, Prospect Hill Park, Waltham (near the repeater site)

The club provides hamburgers, hot dogs, buns, condiments, and water.   Attendees may optionally bring other food items to share.

The FD operation is very laid back, and everyone is welcome to operate.

Clubs / Field Day / Operating

New England Amateur Radio Field Day 2018

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2018 Field Day logoNew England Amateur Radio, Inc. writes:

According to the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), Field Day is the most popular on-the-air operating event in Amateur Radio.  Always on the fourth full weekend of June, the event draws tens of thousands of amateur radio operators across the country to participate by setting up public demonstrations of the Amateur Radio service.

This is the big event you look forward to all year! Where we go “off-grid” for 24 hours and run on solar or generator power, operate from tents or vehicles, and make contacts all over North America!

Come join the fun at the headquarters of New England Amateur Radio, 16 Tech Circle, Natick, MA. We plan to have the NEAR Van again, the converted news truck, and a GOTA station where beginners and unlicensed people can “Get On The Air” and learn. There will be an exam session for anyone who wants to get a license or upgrade, and of course plenty of food and coffee.

WHERE: New England Amateur Radio Club on the site of New England Sci-Tech

WHEN:   Sat., June 23 to Sun., June 24, 2018
Public is welcome: Sat. 3 pm – 6 pm and Sun. 9 am – noon for tours, soldering workshop, hidden transmitter hunts, and license testing.
(Full Schedule will be posted soon)
A radio license test session will be held on Saturday at 6:30 pm.

Clubs / Field Day / Operating

Boston ARC Field Day 2018

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Boston ARC logoJoe Harris, N1QD writes on the Boston ARC mailing list:

We are counting down the days to the 2018 edition of ARRL Field Day!! Setup will begin at 8:30AM on Saturday, June 23 at the Bare Cove Fire Museum. The plan is to repeat the 3A with a VHF setup that has been used the past few years. Logging will be done with N1MM+, and there will be opportunities for phone, CW, and digital ops. Will the stars finally align for a satellite QSO? Will 15 or 10 open? Will there be another 6 meter opening? Find out June 23 and 24!

The signup form for the 2018 Boston Amateur Radio Club Field Day is now live! If you are planning on attending Field Day, please let us know by filling out the signup form. It will help the club determine how much food to purchase, and give us an idea of how to best plan for setup and takedown.

Signup: https://goo.gl/forms/Q2jqlTMCUgfAMpW82

Clubs / Field Day / Operating

Quannapowitt RA Field Day 2018

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QRA“This year, QRA will be holding ARRL Field Day at the Overlook Park in Burlington. This is the site we held Field Day the last two years. All members and friends are invited to stop by and either operate or observe. There will be at least three stations operating with phone, CW and digital modes with a possibility of some satellite and 6 meter. Our plans are to start setting up around 12 noon on Saturday June 23, 2018. There are no plans for operating on Sunday. We’re hoping for warm sunny weather for the event.

“Directions to the site are: Route 128 either North or South to the WINN STREET exit, at the bottom of the exit, turn toward WOBURN CENTER. Take the 3 rd right at the Edward Sullivan Funeral Home on Harriett Ave. Climb the hill and at the end, turn left and enter the Burlington Recreation site. Follow the road to the left up the hill to the field day site. Come with or without equipment. Hoping for more exposure, QRA president Don Melanson, KA1MAP will be submitting an application for ARRL field day 2019 to be held somewhere near Wakefield Center on Lake Quannapowitt.”

Clubs / Field Day / Operating

Nashoba Valley ARC Field Day 2018

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The Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club will conduct its Field Day operations on June 23-24 at the Heald Street Orchard at 110 Heald Street in Pepperell.  Talk-in will be provided on the 147.345(+), 100Hz and  442.900(+), 100Hz N1MNX repeaters. The Eastern MA ARRL Field Day pages contain detailed location information.  For more information, contact Jim Wilber at 617-314-7525 or email fd@n1nc.org. 

UPDATED June 20, 2018

 

Bruce Blain, K1BG writes:

 

Once again, the Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club will participate in this year’s ARRL Field Day, starting this Saturday, June 23th at 2 PM (setup beginning at 8 AM or shortly thereafter) and finishing on Sunday at 2 PM. We will be using the club callsign, N1NC. Plans are to have two transmitters operating simultaneously on amateur bands between 80 and 10 meters (and a third station on 6 and 2 meters as well). There will be plenty of opportunity for anyone who “walks up” to operate the stations and meet other members of the club. Feel free to help us set up, operate, or just have a look.

 

To get there, cut and paste this link https://binged.it/2ll0WA8 in your browser (clicking on it may have a problem). Feel free to click on “Directions” and put your own starting point in on line “A”. Point “B” on the map is where the gate is. Head south through the open gates onto an unpaved road for about 0.1 mile to the mowed parking area in the meadow.

 

I plan on being there most of the time, and I look forward to meeting YOU. Thanks and 73. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

 

Bruce, K1BG

978-772-2773 or bruce.blain@charter.net

Clubs / Field Day / Operating

Southeastern MA ARA Field Day 2018

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Southeastern MA ARA logoDon Rosinha, WA1BXY writes on the SEMARA mailing list:

Update for Field Day 2018:  We will be doing FD from the club house this year. Going to run 2E station; I will be doing CW and my wife, KC1BXY will be doing SSB. Looking for more ops for SSB and possible another CW op. Also looking for someone to take care of the third station which we hope to run as a GOTA station. So we are looking for unlicensed or newly licensed ops for the GOTA, or any licensed class op who has not operated in a year or more. 

We will have my grill there with burgers and dogs etc.   If you are planning to operate with us or plan to stop by, please send me a email that way I can kinda get a plan food-wise.   

FD runs 2pm Saturday to Sunday 2pm. I plan on being at club near the start not just after as my daughter has a dance recital that day. 

Thanks hope to see some new faces operating from the club.

Clubs / Field Day / Operating

PART of Westford Field Day 2018

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PART of Westford logoPART Field Day Chairman George Allison, K1IG writes on the PART of Westford mailing list:

Field Day is just a little over two weeks away!
   – Dates: Saturday, June 23 – Sunday, June 24.  Antenna setup is Friday, June 22, from noon to sunset.
   – Location: Concord Rod & Gun Club, 24 Strawberry Hill Road, Concord, MA
 
Field Day preparations are just about complete and it looks like this year’s event will be even better than last year’s!  We’ll have six stations up and running: CW, Phone, Digital, VHF, GOTA, and satellite, and of course, our award-winning meals in the clubhouse.  There may even be a few foxes hiding around the Field Day site.
 
Send an email to Bob, W1IS, w1is@arrl.net, if you can be on the antenna setup team on Friday, June 24. You don’t have to be there for the entire time.
 
If anyone has a presentation or training lecture they’d like to present to the club at Field Day, let me know by return email.  We can schedule one or two presentations before Field Day operations begin on Saturday.
 
Full details of Field Day plans, including a schedule of events, station operating instructions, and the all-important safety briefing, will be presented at the PART meeting on Tuesday, June 19, at the Cameron Senior Center in Westford, starting at 7:30 PM.
 
Clubs / Field Day / Operating

Framingham ARA Field Day 2018

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Framingham ARA logoSumner Weisman, W1VIV writes on the FARA mailing list:

The Framingham Amateur Radio Association (FARA) will hold their annual Field Day exercise this coming Saturday, June 23rd.   We have an excellent new location — the McAuliffe Library at 746 Water Street in Framingham, near the lights at Nobscot.  Look for us in the open area directly behind the library. 

Setup starts about 10:30 AM, and official operation will be from 2PM through 6 PM.  

Along with tables of operating radios, we will have a literature table for visitors.

Updated June 17, 2018