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Emergency Communications / Organization

Important ARES Leadership Reorganization in Eastern Massachusetts Section

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ARRL flagAs part of a renewed emphasis on ARES throughout the Eastern Massachusetts section, Greg Bennett, KC1CIC has been appointed as Section Emergency Coordinator. The appointment was made on May 23, 2018 by Section Manager Tom Walsh. As Greg assumes his new role, Tom thanked outgoing SEC Marek Kozubal, KB1NCG for his service to the section for the past three years.

Greg brings a great amount of experience to the job. Greg is currently an Assistant Section Traffic Manager. KC1CIC has been a licensed amateur since 2014 and possesses over ten years of radio communications expertise learned in the military special forces.

Greg Bennett, KC1CIC, is active daily on the HF and VHF nets, and he is no stranger to emergency communications and public service.  He constructed his own ‘Go Kit’. He’s an effective manager and the author of articles on digital communications and emergency power. 

I have complete confidence that Greg will accomplish the goals I have set forth for the ARES program in Eastern Massachusetts. Those new goals include raising the profile of EMA ARES; developing a section emergency plan; restructuring our current leadership; revitalizing the program through new member recruitment; revamping instructional materials; and conducting regular section-wide Simulated Emergency Tests. 

Please welcome Greg Bennett, KC1CIC, to his new Section Emergency Coordinator role and give him your support.

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

“Salutations from Roatan Island – HR9”

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map of Roatan I., HondurasNote: several Eastern Massachusetts amateurs are currently participating in a DXpedition to Roatan I. [NA-057] in Honduras.

Dennis Egan, W1UE/HR9 writes on the Yankee Clipper Contest Club list:

Salutations from Roatan Isalnd, Honduras!

Our HR9 operation is well underway.  Sunday, we built the elements for the DXE Skyhawk.  That endeavor took most of the day.  The temperature here isn’t bad- 84F- but it is the relentless humidity that takes it out of you.  There is also little relief at night, as the temp drops to maybe 78F.  I guess that’s life in the Caribbean!

Monday, the 50ft aluminum tower went up.  We were able to rig the rotor, mast, and feedlines to the tower before it was pushed up.  It took the 4 of us, with 2 Honduran helpers, to lift it into place.  I took a few pix until the tower got to the 30deg up, when all hands were needed to get it up the rest of the way.  Still, once everything was rigged, the actual lift- while pretty exhausting- didn’t take an hour.  We also brought the Skyhawk to the back lawn and began the process of finishing the antenna.

Tuesday, Paul K1XM and Charlotte KQ1F spent his morning finishing the antenna assembly, when Rudy N2WQ took the manual and a tape measure and rechecked every dimension of the antenna to make sure there were no errors.  Once that was completed, Paul climbed the tower and we spent about 2 hours rigging up the ropes to tram the antenna to the top.  We rigged up two pulleys to get a 2:1 mechanical advantage on the tram, and 1.5 hours later the antenna was on the mast at the top of the tower!  Again, we have very few pix of this happening, as all 4 of us were actively involved in the tramming.  Charlotte and I lifted, Paul was on the tower, and Rudy played the tie line.  Seeing as the tramming area was little bigger than the beam, I thought it was a great job by all, especially Paul, who spent 3+ hours at the top of an unguyed 50ft aluminum tower!  While they were checking over the antenna, I put together the antenna switching/BPF/Triplexer board.

It was most gratifying to put the antenna analyzer on the end of the coax, and see the SWR dips in the ham bands pretty much where we wanted them! The linears will be happy with this antenna!

I know some of you worked us Tuesday night.  FYI, we were  barefoot with 100 watts.  We were surprised when 15m was still open to the states- the stations that called us were loud, but there just weren’t many of them. 20m was also fun, as stations in zones 14-15-16-17-18-19-25 were all easily worked.

Today we’ll be working on getting the low band antennas up.  Expect to see us on 40/80/160 tonight, hopefully with a KW.  There is more work to be done in the shack with running coax to the antenna switching board, and running control cables/coax to the operating positions.

If any YCCCer needs us for DXCC band/countries, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate.  We won’t have much of an antenna for 12 or 17M, but any other band we should be good on.

PS:  Remember, its HQ9X,  NOT SQ9X.  Even though we religiously sent the call correctly, and sent Zone 7 with each exchange, there were still over 200 ops that miscopied us in CQWW CW.

Public Service

Volunteers Sought for YuKanRun Twin Lobster Half Marathon, June 3, 2018

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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 3 2018, Th event begins at 8:30 AM; be on Location by 8:00  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. We need 50 watt mobile units. (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.

YuKanRun has a one-mile warm up race at 8:00 that we will not be covering so if you see runners out you are not late. they have a short warm up for the Twin Lobster.

I will not be able To make this e doing the Emailing and setup but will not be able to make it on race day. We Will need net control for the Twin Lobster I will be out of the city that Weekend.

Chris, K1TAT

Clubs / Public Service

“Groton Road Race–Wet But Successful”

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Continuing this year’s pattern of rainy foot races, Sunday April 29 challenged the 27th running of the Groton Road Race with threats of rain. That did not seem to affect participation much, however. Perhaps the runners were basking in the relative warmth compared to Marathon Monday.

The Groton Road Race is hosted by the Squannacook River Runners. NVARC has been providing radio communications for this event since its second year; this is our 26th “run”. The race committee and the Groton Police Department consider Amateur Radio to be a vital component of this event. This year thirty-six Amateur Radio operators turned out to provide the event communications. [Many police departments participate and they don’t all use common frequencies, so we’re the “glue” that holds the race together. Ed.] 

A change introduced this year seems to have been met with appreciation. The race committee moved the start times of the 5k and 10k races 90 minutes earlier. According to Race Director Ryan McMeniman this was done to avoid interfering with kids’ afternoon activities. At least one of our radio operators confirmed that as soon as we were secured from race duty he was off to a soccer game. Groton Police Deputy Chief Jim Cullen noted also that as several main roads through town are closed for the race the earlier timing was also a plus. 

If you missed us this year, please consider joining the radio team in 2019. We’ve always had a rewarding time regardless of the weather. Mark April 2019 on your calendars. In recent years the Groton Road Race has been on the last Sunday of April. We’ll await word on the exact date of next year’s Race.

The Squannacook River Runners and the Groton Police Department thank everyone who volunteered: AB1CV, AB1PM, AB1WQ, K1JHC, K1JKR, K1NKR, K1RAU, K1YTS, K9AEN, KB1HFT, KB1KTP, KB1LRL, KB1NMJ, KB5JR, KC1EIV, KC1IGD, KD1LE, KD1SM, KK1X, KW2T, KX1M, N1ALO, N1HTS, N1ICB, N1KLK, N1MOR, N1QDZ, N1RKO, N1SPA, N1YFK, N8VIM, NA1T, NF1A, NW1U, W0TJP, WA1VVT, and WY1X.

—Ralph, KD1SM, from the Nashoba Valley ARC’s Signal, May 2018

Clubs / Field Day / Operating

Falmouth ARA Field Day 2018

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Falmouth Amateur Radio AssociationThe Falmouth Amateur Radio Association is preparing big-time for Field Day June 22-24. 

According to FARA Field Day Coordinator Larry Gray, W1IZZ, “We’re filling positions for: Field Boss; Station Captains for the SSB, CW, VHF, and GOTA stations; Food Captain, Media Publicity Coordinator, Public Information Table Coordinator, Set Up and Tear Down Coordinators” to name just a few.  “There is an opportunity for everyone, regardless of experience or physical condition.”

FARA will set up in their usual location at the Barnstable County Fairgrounds, 1220 Nathan Ellis Highway, in East Falmouth.

For more information about Falmouth ARA’s Field Day site, see http://www.falara.org/announcements/farafieldday2018opportunities.

See also: http://fd.ema.arrl.org/ClubDetail.php?club=Fal.

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New England Wireless and Steam Museum Hours, Summer 2018

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Massie Wireless Station "PJ"
Massie Wireless Station “PJ”

Looking for a great field trip for your family or radio club? The New England Wireless and Steam Museum in East Greenwich, Rhode Island will be open three Saturday mornings this summer from 9 AM til 12 noon, according to its website.  The museum bills itself as “an electrical and mechanical engineering museum emphasizing the beginnings of radio and steam power, and honoring engineers who achieved greatness and served the public good by analyzing and solving tough engineering problems.”

Visitors are welcome to come on June 16, July 21, and August 25 and tour the wireless and steam exhibits and the Massie Station.  Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students, and free for children age 6 and under. Proceeds support museum programs. The museum staff invite advance notice but walk-ins are also welcome.

The radio exhibit features equipment from a variety of manufacturers, including: Atwater Kent, Marconi, RCA, Siemens Luftwaffe, and Westinghouse.

Special museum visits may be arranged on Thursdays between 9 AM and 12 noon. The New England Wireless and Steam Museum is entirely volunteer. “Our efforts are mainly directed to hosting scheduled groups such as school classes, engineering societies, club or association meetings.” 

The New England Wireless and Steam Museum is located at 1300 Frenchtown Rd, East Greenwich, Rhode Island.

 

Operating

WX4NHC Annual Station Test, May 26, 2018

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WX4NHC logoRob Macedo, KD1CY writes on the SKYWARN mailing list:

Please see the following information from WD4R-Julio Ripoll, Assistant WX4NHC Coordinator on the 2018 WX4NHC On-Air Communications Test which will be held this Saturday May 26th, 2018 from 9 AM-5 PM EDT (1300-2100 UTC) across various bands and modes on Amateur Radio. We encourage Amateur Radio Operators in our region to participate.

Announcement from WX4NHC – Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center, Miami Florida

WX4NHC will be On-The-Air for the Annual Station Test

Saturday, May 26th, 2018 from 9AM-5 PM EDT (1300z- 2100z)

This will be our 38th year of public service at NHC.

The purpose of this event is to test Amateur Radio Station equipment, antennas and computers prior to this year’s Hurricane Season, which starts June 1stand runs through November 30th.

This event is good practice for Ham Radio Operators world-wide as well as NWS Staff to become familiar with Amateur Radio communications available during times of seer.

We will be making brief contacts on many frequencies and modes, exchanging signal reports and basic weather data exchange (“Sunny”, or “Rain”, etc.) with any station in any location.

WX4NHC will be On-The-Air on HF, VHF, UHF , 2 & 30 meter APRS and WinLink wx4nhc@winlink.org subject must contain “//WL2K”.

We will try to stay on the Hurricane Watch Net frequency 14.325 MHz most of the time.

Due to space and equipment limitations, we will have 2 operators per shift, we cannot be on all frequencies or on every mode at the same time.

You may be able to find us on HF by using one of the DX Spotting Networks,

Such as the DX Summit Web Site: http://www.dxsummit.fi/Search.aspx 

We will also be on VoIP Hurricane Net 4pm-5pm EDT (2000-2100z)

(IRLP node 9219 / EchoLink WX-TALK Conference node 7203). http://www.voipwx.net/

Florida Statewide SARNET and local VHF & UHF Repeaters will be contacted.

QSL Cards are available via WD4R.

Please send your card with a S.A.S.E.

Please do NOT send QSLs directly to the Hurricane Center address, as it will get delayed.

Due to security measures: 

NO VISITORS will be allowed entry to NHC without prior clearance from NHC PIO and Security.

Only WX4NHC Operators on the pre-approved operating schedule will be allowed entry. 

For more information about WX4NHC, please visit our website

www.wx4nhc.org

Thank you for your participation in the WX4NHC Annual Station Test event.

 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Julio Ripoll Architect WD4R
WX4NHC Amateur Radio Asst. Coordinator
www.wx4nhc.org
Celebrating 38 years at the National Hurricane Center
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov

Operating

New Fox Hunting Listserv Now On-line

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A new fox hunting listserv is now on-line, according to PART of Westford‘s Dave Welsh, WI1R.

“This list is explicitly not just for PART members.  Anybody who is interesting in fox hunting, especially in the general area of Westford and the surrounding towns, is more than welcome to participate,” reports PART of Westford president Andy Stewart, KB1OIQ. “Please forward this email to any friends who may also be interested in fox hunting.”

The goal of fox hunting–otherwise known as Amateur Radio Direction Finding–is to find a hidden radio transmitter.  Typically, a transmitter would be hidden in conservation land well out of sight of passersby, and not in overly damp or other sensitive areas. 

“Make sure there is safe access to the fox.  Always be aware of your surroundings and your abilities.  Be safe and have fun!”

KB1OIQ invites fox box owners who deploy/hide their foxes to announce it via the list.   “Let us know when you’ve retrieved the fox so we’ll stop looking for it.  If there is a logbook, let us know who successfully found your fox.”

To sign up for the fox hunting list, go to http://lists.wb1gof.org/listinfo.cgi/foxhunting–wb1gof.org and complete the form.  As a subscriber to the mailing list, you may post messages to foxhunting@wb1gof.org.  If you have questions or require assistance in joining the list, contact Dave Welsh, WI1R at wi1r@wb1gof.org. 

Public Service

Volunteers Requested for C.A.T.S. Dogtown Trail Run, May 20, 2018

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The Cape Ann ARA is requesting hams to assist with staffing for the Cape Ann Trail Stewards Dogtown Trail Run on Sunday, May 20, 2018. 

“Please let us know if you can staff a communications checkpoint for the event by Thursday, May 17 so we can plan staffing positions.  I will supply you with an information packet by email on Friday morning.  Accessing checkpoint locations may require up to a mile of walking over varying terrain and are not accessible by vehicles,” writes Chris Winczewski, K1TAT.

“I have made up .KMZ files (Google Earth) of pertinent positions and access trails.  These can be accessed on most modern GPS plotters and Smart-phones to guide you to the check-points.  I will also provide paper maps and directions in the information for each check-point in the information packets which you can print out.

“Radio operations will be on the Gloucester 443.700 MHz repeater (+ Shift, PL 107.2).  Note the new PL tone on this repeater.  Please let us know if you need help programming the repeater information into your radios.

“This event starts at the Dogtown Road parking lot off of Cherry Street at 09:00 and runs through trails in the heart of historical Cape Ann.  There will be a support meet-up at the Dogtown Road parking lot at 07:00.  There you will be teamed up with medical first responders and other event staff to man your checkpoint.  Checkpoint operators will proceed to their stations after the meeting.  The run will start at 09:00 and support cut-off time will be about  four hours.

“Radio propagation to the [Cape Ann ARA 440 MHz] repeater tested good along the entire route of the run.  Accessing the checkpoint locations will require some physical effort, mainly the ability to hike over varying terrain for upwards of a mile and back. Make sure to bring hydration, wear loose clothing and good hiking shoes.”

“Please let us know what type of equipment you plan to use (i.e.; HT; OEM rubber duck; 440 MHz capability, etc.) so we have a better idea of where to locate you along the event course per the potential of your equipment.  Also please provide me with your cell-phone number for reference.  This may present a good opportunity to test your go-kit plan.”

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NWS: “Damage at NEAR-Fest the Result of a Tornado”

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picture of tornado on radar screenLarry Caruso writes on the Pentucket RA mailing list:

“As reported on WMUR Channel 9 this morning: the National Weather Service confirmed the wind event that damaged our tent at NEAR-fest was an EF1 tornado. It traveled at 50 mph for 36 miles.

“That helps explain the loud sound we heard as it approach and why other nearby sites weren’t damaged.”

See also: https://www.facebook.com/easternmaarrl/posts/588283388194369

 

Operating / Public Information

Commemorative Marconi Radio Contact with Newfoundland Planned, May 31, 2018

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CORRECTION:

 

Barbara Dugan, N1NS writes on May 29, 2018:

 

Contact is scheduled for 1145 local BOSTON time which is 1545 UTC time.

Sorry for my mistake. My iphone was giving me London time- wrong setting, needed UTC time. London is UTC plus 1.

Signal Hill, St. Johns, Newfoundland Canada, Marconi receiving site
Signal Hill, St. John’s, Newfoundland, the site where Marconi received the very first Transatlantic Wireless Message on December 12, 1901.

KM1CC signA two-way amateur radio contact with the Society of Newfoundland Radio Amateurs (SONRA) VO1AA in St. Johns, Canada is planned during the  upcoming visit of Princess Elettra Marconi to station KM1CC and the Cape Cod National Seashore on May 31, 2018. 

[See: Invitation to Meet and Greet Marconi’s daughter, Princess Elettra Marconi, May 31, 2018].

“Signal Hill in St. John’s, Newfoundland is where Guglielmo Marconi received the letter ‘S’ from his Poldhu Station in 1901 in the U.K. by flying a kite antenna,” according to Barbara Dugan, N1NS. Dugan is trustee of the Marconi Cape Cod Radio Club (KM1CC) and a National Park Service employee.

VO1AA and KM1CC  will try to make contact on 14.224 MHz USB +/- between 1645-1700 1545-1600 UTC.  “The Princess could be behind schedule, so we must be flexible,” adds N1NS.

Amateurs and SWLers are invited to listen on the frequency at those times for the commemorative QSO featuring the Princess. Chris Hillier, VO1IDX will serve as the net control so SONRA members can call in to the Princess.  Someone from KM1CC will stay on the air with VO1AA  should the Princess need to depart; afterwards, KM1CC will take calls from anyone who wishes to contact them in grid square FN51.

Their Society of Newfoundland Radio Amateurs Facebook page is at:  https://www.facebook.com/sonranfld/.

Public Service

“Run of the Charles a Success Despite Rapid Currents”

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Brett Smith, AB1RL writes in the Boston Amateur Radio Club’s, The Sparc, May 2018:

April is always a jam-packed month for public service events, and we always close it with the Run of the Charles. This is a really unique and fun event, a series of canoe and kayak races to support the Charles River Watershed Association. The organization works to protect the natural ecology of the Charles River, and keep it safe and clean for people to enjoy as well.

At this event, we handle on-site registrations, reports of rules violations, and of course we’re always keeping an eye on participants’ safety. All the rain over the week prior made for strong currents, which unfortunately led to a lot of boats capsizing, including one that got stuck on a bridge and required emergency assistance. That didn’t seem to dampen anyone’s spirits, though; we handled 24 registrations throughout the day, which is in line with most years, and everyone had a safe race.

Thanks to all twenty volunteers who came out to support this event and the Charles River: Jeff PinterParsons, W5UVO; Alan Lewis, K1ALL; Mark Richards, K1MGY; David Cantrell, WH6DSN; Henry Brown, K1WCC; Rick Savage, KB1LYJ; Kathy Savage, KB1LPW; Gary Schwartz, N1ZCE; Bill Bridgham, N1RYT; Keilin Bickar, KE1LIN; Cheyenne Greatorex, N1QZS; Dave Allen, KC1GEQ; Jim Clogher, N1ICN; Ed Curley, KC1CLA; Lyman Smith, W1LKS; Lela Smith, KC1ACV; John Marcus III, W1JWM; Dave Gilman, KC1DDH; Brian Mallory, KB1WZU; and Thomas Achtemichuk, KC1TA.

Public Service

National Brain Tumor Ride Volunteers Requested, Waltham, May 21, 2018

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Brett Smith, AB1RL writes:

The National Brain Tumor Society is planning their 2017 Boston fundraising bike ride and they’re looking for amateur radio volunteers. The ride takes place on Sunday, May 21, starting at 7:00 AM from 200 West Street in Waltham. Volunteers will work from until the early afternoon, with lunch provided.

Jim Bradley, KB1JKJ, is organizing the hams for this event. To volunteer, please write him with the following information:

  • Your preferred assignment: SAG in your own vehicle; SAG in another person’s vehicle; or rest stop
  • 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
  • The transmit band(s) of your radio(s), and other equipment you could bring
  • Do you have any needs or requests we should consider when making your assignment?

Jim can also answer any questions you have about the event.

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Flea at MIT, Cambridge, May 20, 2018

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Flea at MIT signThe MIT Radio Society, in conjunction with the MIT UHF Repeater Association, the MIT Electronics Research Society, and the Harvard Wireless Club, sponsors a Swapfest on the third Sunday of each month, April through October. This is a place to buy, sell, and swap amateur radio, electronic, and computer equipment. Hams and non-hams alike are welcome.

For more information, see the online copy of our swapfest flyer (pdf, or text only). Print out a copy of the flyer and bring it with you for a discount on the buyer’s admission. Want to sell? Here’s an online copy of the seller’s registration form. Remember to send it in by the 5th of the month for the advanced seller discount. Still need more info? Call 617-253-3776 during business hours.

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 9am. There is a small admission fee.

Public Information / Youth

Amateur Radio at Scituate Science Fair, April 5, 2018

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Amateur radio display at Scituate Science Fair
Scituate Science Fair ham display, 2017.

Richard Hoffman, K1DJ and Greg Bennett, KC1CIC demonstrated Amateur Radio to youths at the Sixth Annual Scituate Science Fair on April 5, 2018. This was the second year K1DJ and KC1CIC participated in the two-hour event that focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) topics. 

Richard conducted a CW demonstration in which the kids learned to send their own names on a telegraph key.  “The kids had a lot of fun with it, and he was great with them,” according to Greg, KC1CIC.  “I brought one of my Go Boxes to demonstrate digital communications. To my surprise the kids were very interested in the construction of the Go Box itself.”

Greg demonstrated Anderson Powerpole connectors, allowing the children to connect and disconnect them.

“Richard and I had a great time with the kids and their parents. We look forward to doing it again.”