Whitman ARC Amateur Extra Class Begins February 25, 2020

Whitman ARC logoThe Whitman Amateur Radio Club will hold a bi-weekly Amateur Extra license classes for eight sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning on February 25, 2020. Some classes will be held at the Whitman Police Station; others will be conducted at the Whitman United Methodist Church.  The course will wrap up with a volunteer exam session on March 19. Material will be based on the ARRL Amateur Extra Class License Manual.

The course is offered free of charge; however students are responsible for acquiring their own textbooks. Interested parties are asked to contact the course instructor, Ross Hochstrasser, W1EKG via email at bavarianradio@comcast.net or by phone at 781-447-9104 or visit http://www.wa1npo.org/training/training.htm for additional information.

Plans Underway to Celebrate NCRA’s 100th Anniversary

At their February meeting, members of the Norfolk County Radio Association plan to discuss ideas for celebrating the club’s 100th anniversary in 2021. According to NCRA president Dick Bean, K1HC, two ideas suggested are: a special event station, and a commemorative QSL card. 
 
The February NCRA meeting will be hosted by Jonathan, KC1FOR, on Wednesday, February 26 at 8 PM .  The meeting is for all NCRA members.
 

2020 Handiham Radio Camp Now Accepting Applications

Applications packages are now available for the Courage Kenny Handiham Radio Camp to be held July 21 – 28, 2020, at True Friends Camp Courage North in Lake George, Minnesota. 

Enjoy a week of ham radio fun and learning. Make new friends while building an on-air community that continues after you leave Radio Camp. Get a first ham radio license or learn new operating skills. Keep abreast of the latest radio and assistive technology. Wireless internet access is available. Instructors are experienced amateur radio operators from throughout the nation and sometimes other countries as well. Trained camp staff members provide basic personal care assistance. Campers requiring more advanced personal care assistance will bring their own caregivers. And, we leave plenty of time to take a break from studying and enjoy traditional camp activities for both campers and caregivers.
 
For more information or to get added to the list for an application, please call Pemdy at 612-775-2291 or email her at: handiham@allina.com.
 
April 15, 2020: Due to COVID-19, Radio Camp 2020 has been cancelled. Refunds are being processed for all applicants.

K1BG: “ARRL Affiliated Clubs” at Billerica ARS, March 4, 2020

Andy Wallace, KA1GTT, writes on the Billerica ARS mailing list:

Please join me in welcoming back Bruce Blain, K1BG, who is the newly appointed Eastern Massachusetts Affiliated Club Coordinator for the ARRL.

Bruce has been a popular speaker at BARS and other events and is well known for his ability to deep-dive into cause and effect – witness his recent work on the history of Incentive Licensing. As Club Coordinator, it will be very interesting to hear what Bruce plans to do to strengthen the clubs that exist in EMA. We are blessed to have 35 clubs to choose from here! As you can expect, they all bring unique politics, technical focus, membership interests, meeting facilities, etc. Bruce has his work cut out for him in herding these cats.

This will be an interesting presentation and I am sure you will have questions for Bruce about the club world surrounding BARS. See you there!

Meetings begin promptly at 7:00 PM, first Wednesday of the month. Our meeting location in Chelmsford is at:

Chelmsford Bible Church
128 Gorham St. (Route 3A)
Chelmsford, MA 01824

Please park in back and enter by the rear door. A map can be accessed by the “Club Meetings” notice on the right side of the website.

 

You-Do-It Arduino Day 2020, Needham, March 21

You-Do-It Electronics is sponsoring Arduino Day 2020 on March 21, 2020 from 11 AM-4 PM at its store at 40 Franklin Street, off Route 128 Exit 19B, in Needham. 

“Join us in celebrating Arduino Day a world wide birthday celebration of all things arduino. Here at “You-do-it” Electronics Center we want to bring people together to share their experiences and learn more about the open-source platform. Various exhibitors will share their knowledge and resources of arduino- what it is and what you can do. We will also have product related specials, raffles and more! If you were ever wondering what this open-platform micro controller is or network with like minded individuals, you don’t want to miss this event
 
“If you have an arduino project you would like to showcase or are a STEAM related organization interested in being an exhibitor at our event email events@youdoitelectronics.com to reserve a table.”

Cincinnati Youth on the Air Camp Application Deadline is March 15, 2020

UPDATE: 2020 Youth on the Air in the Americas Camp is Cancelled. The inaugural camp for radio amateurs in the Americas aged 15 through 25 has been put off until next year. It was set to take place June 21 – 26 at the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in West Chester Township (North Cincinnati, Ohio). It has been rescheduled for July 2021. [full story]

Youth on the Air Camp held June 21-26, 2020 in Cincinnati is for already licensed amateur radio operators between the ages of 15 to 25.  Have a license, but you don’t know what to do next?  Come to YOTA camp, and we’ll teach you all kinds of cutting edge technology that can be used with amateur radio and connect you to other young hams and mentors in North, Central, and South America.  Already an expert?  We’re looking for young hams to take their knowledge to the next level and share their previous knowledge with other young hams.

The camp will focus on building strong relationships with peers and mentors, and developing new radio skills.  The camp is being modeled closely after the popular Youngsters on the Air camps in IARU Region 1 (Europe/Africa/Middle East).

Some of the activities that are planned include workshops and hands on activities about:

  • Contesting – Learn how to operate from some of the top young contesters in the country, participate in an FM contest at an amusement park, and ways to practice with local contests
  • Digital VHF/UHF Modes – D-STAR: Get a D-STAR radio to use for the week, plus insight into how it works – APRS: Learn how to track stations and gather data using APRS
  • Kit building – Learn from world renowned builders by making your own receiver
  • Direction finding and orienteering – Learn how to track down signals
  • Antenna building – Learn how to make antennas from common household items
  • Satellite operations – Learn how to chase the birds with some of the best youth satellite operators
  • …and more!

New England Sci-Tech: “Building Electronic Gadgets: Beginning Soldering” at Girl Scout STEM Conference Workshop, March 14, 2020

New England Sci Tech logoNew England Sci-Tech members will participate in the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts 2020 STEM Conference Workshop on Saturday, March 14, 2020, from 9 AM to 5 PM on the campus of Framingham State College. 

New England Sci-Tech will present “Building Electronic Gadgets: Beginner Soldering.” The workshop will teach girl scouts how to solder electronic parts together to make their own blinking gadget to wear and impress friends. 

According to the Conference organizers, “Our dynamic workshop presenters, leaders in their STEM fields, are excited to share their knowledge with you! Workshops may include coding, toxicology, space science, wildlife conservation, biochemistry and much more. During the Expo, you’ll network with STEM professionals from local businesses and universities. It’s a fun, lively atmosphere where you’ll observe live demonstrations, participate in experiments, and collect free materials.”

Pilgrim Amateur Wireless Association Meets February 21, 2020

The Pilgrim Amateur Wireless Association will hold its next business meeting on February 21, 2020 at 7:00 PM in the Margaret Stone Conference Room, Morton Hospital, 88 Washington Street, Taunton.  Raffle tickets go on sale at 6:30 PM.

We will have discussions on new events, activities, and new ideas you may have along with items for sale by club members and new radio gear you may have.

Stop by to see what we have planned for the new year. New members are always welcome.  Check in for talk-ins along the way. You can find us on our club repeaters: 

  • 147.135 MHz – KA1GG
  • 145.280.00 MHz – WG1U – Nxdn
  • 145.320.00 – KC1JET – Nxdn

Have a safe week everyone, talk to you soon. Be safe in your travels.

73 de

P.A.W.A

Down Under Special Event Will Use Former Radio Australia Antennas

From ARRL Web:

Over the March 14 – 15 weekend, members of the Shepparton and District Amateur Radio Club (SADARC) in Australia will be on the air as VI3RA (Radio Australia), connecting their transceivers to the curtain array and rhombic antennas at the former Radio Australia site in Shepparton. Radio Australia ceased transmitting from the site in 2017. VI3RA will operate on 40, 30, 20, 17, and 15 meters. [Full story]

Nashoba Valley ARC “Tech Morning” Participants Engage in Interesting and Varying Discussions

Stan Pozerski, KD1LE, writes in the February, 2020 issue of The Signal:

“Tech Morning continues to meet every week at 10:15 AM, Mondays at the Pepperell Community Center.

“From week to week we engage in widely (and wildly) varying, ad hoc, discussions on topics of current interest. At times we have a major common project focus, as we had for many months with the Arduino Antenna Analyzer. Mostly though, we just ragchew on our radio interests and issues of the week.

“In a recent session we discussed a kit Peter, N1ZRG, found for building a nixie tube digital clock for those with a big time hankering to solder. It is made up of only discreet resistor-transistor and diode logic! Over 1,200 through-hole parts, with no IC’s.

“Another discussion we recently had was on propagation issues that are impacting our morning 40m CW nets. Since we are in relatively close proximity to each other (max ~17 miles), NVIS propagation is expected to be a determining factor in signal quality. As it is, George, KB1HFT, in North Chelmsford is barely heard by Peter, N1ZRG, in Pepperell, even though George is pumping 50 watts into a resonant Inverted V. George reports that on the same antenna his 1 watt 40 M WSPR signal has been heard in Antarctica by DP0GVN. Hmmm. No NVIS? We set out to investigate.”

Waltham ARA Meets February 26, 2020

Prospect Hill Intermod/WARA logoThe Waltham Amateur Radio Association will hold its monthly meeting at 7 PM on February 26, 2020 at the New York Life building, 201 Jones Road, Waltham, MA. 

Directions: From beautiful downtown Waltham, stay on Main St. where it forks right onto Route 117. Jones Rd. is the 2nd left after the bridge over Route 128/95. New York Life is a six story office building at the end of Jones Rd. Turn right immediately before the building into the main parking lot. If nobody is at the door to let you in, knock on the conference room window to the right of the door, or call us on 449.075 MHz. (Google Map)

Talk-in is available on the Waltham 449.075 or 146.640 MHz repeaters.

New England Sci-Tech Technician License in a Weekend, March 7-8, 2020

New England Sci Tech logoFor junior high and high school students, homeschool students, and adults interested in wireless communications and electronics, this fast-paced, two-day course will get you ready to take the Amateur Radio Technician license exam.

Topics range from the science of radio electronics to the FCC rules governing the radio spectrum. Some preliminary reading and study is necessary to get the best results from this course. Material will be sent a few days before the course.

The Technician level course runs on Saturday, 8:30 AM-5 PM and Sunday, 8:30 AM-1 PM, followed by the FCC Technician exam at 1:00, at New England Sci-Tech, 16 Tech Circle, Natick. [Full description]

“Members Short Subjects” at Nashoba Valley ARC, February 20, 2020

The Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club’s February meeting is Thursday, February 20th at 7:30 PM at the Pepperell Community Center (in Pepperell). That’s this coming Thursday.

This month’s meeting program is our annual “Members Short Subjects” night. If you have a short presentation, please let one of the Officers or Board Members know so we can plan the meeting accordingly (you can reply to this email or call me at the number below). Especially, please let us know if you need any particular equipment such as speakers. The regular presentation equipment should be there with a screen, VGA LCD projector, and computer. An HDMI to VGA adapter will be available if you want to use your own computer.

Remember, Members Short Subjects night relies on member participation. It’s your hobby; brag about it!

Need directions? Click here and put your own address in box “A”.

Thanks and 73. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Bruce, K1BG
978-772-2773 or bruce.blain@charter.net

 

Call for Speakers, 2020 Northeast HamXposition @ Marlborough

 

!!! NEW DATE AND VENUE !!!

Don’t just attend the 2020 Northeast HamXposition @ Marlborough—BE A PART OF IT! The HamXposition Committee seeks fresh and exciting presentations for this year’s ARRL New England Division Convention, July 24-26, 2020 . We’re looking for talks of both a technical and non-technical nature. As a HamXposition speaker, you will have the opportunity to share your subject and knowledge with Amateur Radio operators from around New England, surrounding states, and Canada.

In addition to forums throughout the day Saturday, we will feature Saturday evening entertainment, workshops on Friday, and a half-day Sunday program.

If you represent a regional club or organization (e.g. YCCC, NEQRP, WRONE, MARS, etc.) we can help facilitate open forums or closed meetings by providing you a meeting space.

Groups who wish to set up information tables should get your requests in early. While the tables are offered without charge, we ask for some volunteer time in return to assist us with ticket sales and other logistics during the convention.

To register as a speaker or presenter, please go to https://hamxposition.org/2020-early-speaker-signup or, email or call us if you have additional questions. 

We look forward to meeting all of you at the convention.

73,

Phil Temples, K9HI
Program Chair
HamXposition @ Marlborough
k9hi@hamxposition.org

 

[See also: Major Announcement: Northeast HamXposition (formerly Boxboro!) is MOVING!]

Bristol County RA VE Test Session on February 24, 2020

*** If a test session falls on a major holiday it will be delayed by a week. ***

Reminder: Bristol County Repeater Association VE Test Session

When: Monday, 17  24 February 2020, 7:00pm to 9:00pm, (GMT-05:00) America/New York

Where: Stop and Shop Somerset, MA Community Room 2nd Floor

Description: Come in the entrance on the Fall River side, near the Dunkin Donuts in the store, stairs and elevator will be on the right, go left on second floor. 

WO1VES: “Introduction to Digital Radio with Hotspots” at Framingham ARA, March 5, 2020

Framingham ARA logoThe Framingham Amateur Radio Association will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, March 5, 2020. Guest Brian Gudzevich, WO1VES, will be presenting on “Introduction to digital radio with Hotspots.”

Gudzevich is a repeater operator and self-employed technology specialist. He’s an avid fan of the digital radio modes and operates three repeaters in Stoneham, MA, one Fusion, one D-Star, and one Analog.  WO1VES also operates the hub of an Internet linked repeater system called “The Wolf Pack Network” with repeaters stretching from Northeastern Massachusetts to as far north as Ossipee, New Hampshire. 

FARA meets the first Thursday of the month (except in July and August), 7:30 pm at the Framingham Police Station, 1 William Welch Way (corner of William Welch Way and Union Ave) in the first floor training room. Enter through the front door on Union Ave. and the room is to the left.  All area hams and those not yet licensed but interested in amateur radio are welcome to attend.

 

Ham Volunteers Sought for ToughRuck, April 19, 2020

The Tough Ruck event has been postponed.  See https://ema.arrl.org/covid19-response/#Tough_Ruck_2020_Road_Race

Bruce Pigott, KC1US, writes:

A request for communications support has been made by the ToughRuck group for their event in Concord, Massachusetts on Sunday, April 19. This route will start in Concord and go into Lexington by way of the Minuteman National Park Trail, also known as the Battle Road Trail. The 1,000 participants will be carrying full military packs and will complete multiple loops to do a total of 26 miles. Public safety radio systems are unable to cover the full route.

We are looking for operators to be at water and aid stations along the course. The event starts at 7:20AM and runs for nine hours. Two meter repeaters will be used. Yes, this is the day before the marathon. Final details are in preparation.

Additional information about this event and a route map can be found at https://www.toughruck.org

If you are able to assist, please send a message to kc1us@dslextreme.com

Thank You,

Bruce KC1US