Fox on the Run, Chelmsford, April 28, 2019
John Salmi, KB1MGI, writes on the foxhunting-list on April 28 at 9:46 AM:
I placed two meter 146.565 Fox Box in the Thanksgiving Forest.
Press DTMF tone 2 to activate.
Operating
Operating, on-the-air events and activities, contests, DXing
Armed Forces Cross-Band Test, May 11, 2019
Tom Kinahan, N1CPE, writes on the Wellesley ARS mailing list:
May 11 is the Armed Forces Day Cross-band Test, where Amateur stations listen on military HF frequencies, and use the split function of their HF radio to talk with these stations that are listening in the Amateur bands where we can talk.
I do recommend everyone that can to try this, to show that you can do it.
If you complete a contact, you can get a QSL card from the station, if you follow the directions in the link below.
Frequencies and times for the various stations are listed.
Faster, More Contest-Friendly FT4 Digital Protocol to Debut in a Week
From ARRL Web:
A new, speedier, more contest-friendly digital mode is just days away in beta version. WSJT-X Developers say serious work on the new FT4 protocol began shortly after the FT8 Roundup held last December 1-2. The goal was a mode that could compete with RTTY contesting in terms of contact rates, while preserving many of the benefits of FT8. [More]
ARRL and FCC Sign Memorandum to Implement New Volunteer Monitor Program
ARRL and the FCC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that paves the way to implement the new and enhanced Volunteer Monitor program. The memorandum establishes the Volunteer Monitors as a replacement for the Official Observers (OO) program. Current OOs have been encouraged to participate in the new program. [Full story]
W1HFN Fox “On the Loose” in Littleton, April 13, 2019
Barry Fox, W1HFN, writes on the foxhunting list on April 13, 2019 at 12:32 PM:
[The W1HFN fox is out] with the new 6AH battery pack, should run for two weeks.Freq is 146.565, 20 seconds of voice ID every 40 seconds, continuous running.
Location is Bumble Bee Park in Littleton.
Good luck,
Barry – W1HFN
A “Fox” is On the Loose Again, Chelmsford, April 12, 2019
John Salmi, KB1MGI, writes on the foxhunting list on April 12 at 6:13 PM:
The 2 meter 146.565 Fox box (is) somewhere in Westford.
To activate press dtmf tone 2 for two seconds.
The Fox is only 50 feet off the trail. No bushwhacking needed to walk to the hidden Fox.
If you want the parking area location, email me.
New England QSO Party, May 4-5, 2019
Tom Frenaye, K1KI, writes:- The NEQP is a great time to check out antenna systems and offers a moderately paced opportunity to work new states and countries. You’ll find a wide variety of participants, from newcomers to experienced contesters, all interested in making contacts with New England stations.
- We’re working to make sure that all of the New England counties are active again this year and would appreciate your help. Get on for at least an hour or two and join in on the fun. Please let me know if you can put in any time at all so we can work on activity from the rarest counties. Will you be QRV? Let us know which county you’ll be on from with a message to info@neqp.org.
- Oh yes, the NEQP is also lots of fun when mobile. Every time you cross a county line the action starts over again. It’s amazing what a 100 watt radio and mobile whip can do.
- The QSO Party is 20 hours long overall, in two sections with a civilized break for sleep Saturday night. It goes from 4pm Saturday until 1am Sunday, then 9am Sunday until 8pm Sunday. Operate on CW, SSB and digital modes on 80-40-20-15-10 meters. For each QSO you’ll give your callsign, a signal report and your county/state. Top scorers can earn a plaque and everyone who makes 25 QSOs and sends in a log will get a certificate.
- Last year we had logs from 166 New England stations and 387 more from around the country and world.
- The full NEQP rules are here -> http://www.neqp.org/rules.html
- The 2018 results are posted (and the results since 2002 are also available) -> http://www.neqp.org/results.
html - It’s just a few weeks until the 2019 NEQP. Please make some QSOs even if you don’t want to send in a log.
Fox Deployed, Chelmsford, April 6, 2019
John Salmi, KB1MGI, writes on April 6 at 10:53 AM:
A second Fox Box has been deployed somewhere in Chelmsford.
To Activate press DTMF tone 2 for two seconds on 146.565.
Remember you could activate 2 Foxes at the same time, and hear each one. Each one has different tone and in different directions. Have fun.
If you like the locations of the Foxes please email me.
Others have already asked for the location of the Westford Fox.
It saves a lot of time tracking down the location.
Fox Deployed in Westford, April 5, 2019
John Salmi, KB1MGI, writes on the foxhunting list on April 5, 2019 at 4:39 PM:I placed my 146.565 Fox Box somewhere in Westford.
Easy walk from parking spot. No bushwhacking.
To activate press DTMF tone 2 for two seconds for 15 minute 30 second 30 seconds.
If you like the location just email me for the location
Special Event Station W1MGY to Commemorate 104th Anniversary of HMS Titanic Sinking
Special events station W1MGY will operate at the old Coast Guard Station in Eastham on Cape Cod on April 13-14, 2019 to commemorate the tragic loss of the HMS Titanic.
Two stations will be set up and operated in approximately 4 hour shifts as follows:
- Saturday April 13, 6:30 am- 10:00 am ; 10:00 am- 2:00 pm ; 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm ; 6:00 pm- 10:00 pm (No operation over night)
- Sunday April 14, 6:30 am – 10:00 am ; 10:00 am- 2:00 pm ; 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm ; 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm ; 10:00 pm – 1:27 am on 15th
“I’m going to start set up on Wednesday, April 10 at 12 noon and finish up on Friday morning if necessary,” reports Barry Hutchinson, KB1TLR. “Coffee and munchies will be available. Come and join the fun. The old station is a unique place to operate from. Pick a time slot or slots and email me your choices so that I may set up a roster.” KB1TLR adds, “If you are a CW operator, you will have to supply your own key.”
The station will be open to the public on Saturday from 1-4 pm.
This event is sponsored by the Titanic / Marconi Memorial Radio Association of Cape Cod and hosted by the Cape Cod National Seashore.
(Info via KB1TLR, W1MGY trustee, and Falmouth ARA)
“Team Exuberance” to Take Over K3LR Superstation for CQ WW WPX
This weekend, Newton, Massachusetts native Marty Sullaway, NN1C, will be among the young voices heard from the K3LR Superstation, an 11-acre antenna farm of 13 towers in West Middlesex, Pennsylvania, owned by Tim Duffy, K3LR. Duffy reports that “Team Exuberance” members will operate from the station in the two-transmitter, multioperator (M2) category for the CQ World Wide WPX Contest (phone), March 30-31, 2019. [Details]
Waltham 146.64 “Live Stream” via Broadcastify
Scott Ehrlich, WY1Z, writes on the Waltham ARA mailing list:
With the coming spring/summer severe thunderstorm potential and SKYWARN, I have set up a live stream of the 146.640 repeater from my home via Broadcastify: https://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/30256
It will be taken down as the season ends, likely around September.
Enjoy!
VHF/UHF Activity Nights
Roger Coulson, WA1NVC, writes on the NEWSVHF list:
Please spread the word as we try to promote SSB activity on the VHF bands. Maybe some of the NEWS group members would like to join us for an old fashioned activity night.
Kim, WA1PBU, in Bolton MA and myself, WA1NVC, in Framingham MA are promoting the old activity nights: Monday – 2m, Tuesday – 1-1/4m, Wednesday – 70cm, Thursday – 33 cm, etc. I have been promoting repeater activity on “220 Tuesday” and “900 Thursday”. Now we are promoting SSB activity on Monday – 2m, and on Wednesday – 70 cm. Our schedule is as follows:
Monday 8 PM local time 144.195 USB
Wednesday 8 PM local time 432.100 USB
WA1PBU is at a much higher location and has much better coverage than I do. I am on the northeast side of a hill with poor coverage towards CT. I have good coverage east of I-495 and to the North, Northeast, and Southeast. Kim can reach easily into CT where I cannot.
We have had as many as 7 people on a Monday activity night. We have not been so luck on Wednesday activity night.
There are lots of people with multimode rigs so lets get them on the air. We have worked people on 2m SSB using a rig connected to a 6m vertical, an attic loop, a UHF mobile antenna, etc. Blow off the dust and give it a try.
Roger
WA1NVC
P.S. The equipment here is a Yaesu FT-736R, a Mirage B3016 amp, and a Cushcraft 215WB antenna at about 35′.
WCC Amateur Radio Association Active in Maritime Radio Day, April 14-15, 2019
The WCC Amateur Radio Association (WA1WCC) will be QRV for Maritime Radio Day, from 1200 UTC April 14 to 2200 UTC April 15. According to the club’s web site, “multiple ex-WCC and USCG radio operators will be on the air at WCC.”
KM1CC Marconi Birthday Special Event Operation, April 26-27, 2019
Bill Kretschmer, N2KNL, writes on Facebook:
Hello fellow KM1CC friends:
We are seven weeks away from the next Marconi radio event celebrating Guglielmo Marconi’s birthday, April 25, 1874. The event will be held at the Cape Cod National Seashore, Coast Guard Station, Eastham, on Saturday, April 27, 2019. Visiting hours are 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Operating hours are Sat. 0000 UTC thru 2359 UTC. (8:00 PM Friday until 8:00 PM Saturday).
Proposed Operating Frequencies are.
80M …3.660-3.860 SSB / 3.535 CW
40M …7.130-7.260 SSB / 7.035 CW
30M …10.110 CW
20M …14.260 SSB / 14.035 CW
17M …18.160 SSB / 18.080 CW
15M …21.360 SSB / 21.035 CW
DMR …2 Meter Digital FM 4FSK , ID: 3125281
… and maybe FT8.
There will be an Extra class-licensed operator present for the entire on-air event. Most or all SSB contacts will be in the General class portions of the HF bands.
All are welcome to attend.
73, Bill Kretschmer, N2KNL
KM1CC Trustee
Gloucester 440 Repeater on Wolf Pack Network
Brian Gudzevich, WO1VES, writes on the Cape Ann ARA mailing list:
I am happy to announce that I have the long awaited link from the Gloucester 443.700 Fusion repeater to the Wolf Pack Network up and running. This network currently features four repeaters that are either part time or full time linked. This includes:
Stoneham 147.075
Gloucester 443.700
Farmington NH 147.240
Methuen 443.825
There is also a YSF Reflector available for use with hotspots. You can connect your hotspot to “US WolfDen”. Echolink works as well; you can connect to “WO1VES-R”.
Note, this link is still in testing. Expect issues, and let me know if you encounter any problems.
I hope to be at the meeting on Saturday if anyone has any questions about the link.
Thanks, everyone. Comments are always welcome.
W1BSA Special Event Operation, USS Massachusetts, Fall River, April 27, 2019
Uncommon Service to Nautical Radio will host a special event operation W1BSA aboard the USS Massachusetts in Fall River, on Apr 27, 2019 from 1000-1600 ET. Look for W1BSA on 14.259 and 7.259.
“The Scouts stay overnight on the ship Friday and on Saturday nights,” writes Rick Emord, KB1TEE. “We have been doing this event since 2015 and have tried to showcase Amateur Radio.” Rick adds, “we have put some of the Scouts on the air and we look forward to seeing them and other visitors to Battleship Cove.”
Stations may QSL via USTNR c/o Rick Emord, 135 Wareham St., Middleboro, MA 02346.
NN1C Featured on Newsline: “Young Contesters of Team Exuberance Live Up to Their Name”
Newton teen Marty Sullaway, NN1C, was featured in the March 1, 2019 Amateur Radio Newsline broadcast in a segment entitled, “YOUNG CONTESTERS OF TEAM EXUBERANCE LIVE UP TO THEIR NAME.” He’s interviewed by the anchor about a group of youths working together as a multi-operator contest team for CQ WPX later this month.
Marty was also mentioned for the lead-in to the next story announcing nominations for the 2019 
Young Ham Of The Year Award:
NEIL/ANCHOR: A team of young hams is being assembled for the CQ Worldwide WPX contest March 30th and 31st. Co-leader Marty Sullaway, NN1C tells how it all started.
MARTY: The idea for this project came from Violetta, KM4ATT. Violetta was the one who approached Tim Duffy, K3LR, the owner of the K3LR superstation, to make this a go. She was inspired by her operations from PJ2T as part of the Dave Kalter Youth DX project, and wanted to continue her operating career.
NEIL: Planning is a major undertaking, but the team is fulfilling that role as well.
MARTY: Part of multi operator contesting is working together as a team to build the contest plan, as well as figuring out all the logistics for the actual contest operation. So as a youth team, we are internally handling all the logistics regarding flights, hotels, meals, contest scheduling, operator scheduing, station information and handbooks; and really making this a comprehensive effort. We are taking this extremely seriously, and we hope our diligent planning will pay off, all of this being handled by fantastic youth. So we’re really looking forward to that.
NEIL: Marty also talked to me about the goals of this event.
MARTY: We really view this as an excellent opportunity to get youth involved in amateur radio contesting, youth that already know how to contest get more experience, work together as a team, have fun (because we do this to have fun, right?), and gain skill. So this is an activity in skill building, team building, networking, having a lot of fun on the radio contesting… Hopefully this is the start of some bigger work to engage youth in contests in North America.
NEIL: To provide funding for some of the young hams to get to the K3LR superstation, a GoFundMe page has been set up. You can find it at TeamExuberance.org.
** IN SEARCH OF NOMINATIONS FOR THIS YEAR’S YHOTY AWARD
NEIL: Youthful exuberance is, in fact, one of the core criteria we look for in candidates for Young Ham of the Year. We just heard from Marty Sullaway NN1C who was Amateur Radio Newsline’s Young Ham of the Year for 2017. Last year’s winner was Bryant Rascoll, KG5HVO, of Montgomery, Alabama. We have opened up the nomination period once again and are in search of candidates who, like Marty and Bryant, have offered the amateur community the best of their talents. All information is available on our website, arnewsline.org, under the YHOTY tab. You’ll be able to download a nomination form which is due back to us before midnight on May 31st.
WRTC 2018 Movie Now Available Online
The official 2018 World Radiosport Team Championship documentary is now available for viewing online at <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwf-2f0cbjk&t=807s>. It is narrated in German and contains English captions. You’ll want to download this and show at a future club meeting.
“Many thanks to DM6WAN and his team for producing this beautiful piece of documentation of an unforgettable event,” writes WRTC 2018 President Chrisian Janen, DL1MGB.
March 2, 2019 Eastern MA Hospital Net
Hello Everyone,
Net Control for the March 2,2019 Eastern MA Hospital Net will be W1SSH, The South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club . The net will commence at the usual time of 10:AM using the following repeaters in the order listed.
1. Attleboro 147.195 Mhz tone 127.3
2. Boston 145.230 Mhz tone encode 88.5 decode 100.0
3. Plymouth 146.685 Mhz tone 131.8
4. Simplex 147.42 Mhz
The Net will then return to the Attleboro Repeater for 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.
Any hospital wishing to join the net that needs assistance with equipment or personnel should contact us at ssharc@gmail.com. We can assist you with getting your location on the air.
We are always looking for groups or organizations to try their hand at Net Control duties. If you are interested please let us know. Our goal is to rotate Net Control practice and the experience among as many groups as possible.
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 are 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.
REMINDER: The BARC Repeater is now using split tone. Boston 145.230 tone encode 88.5 tone decode 100.0
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
We look forward to hearing you all on the Net.
Respectfully,
John O’
K1JRO
—
South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club – W1SSH
55 Fogg Road, Box 42
South Weymouth, MA 02190