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New England Electronic Flea Market List 12/01/03

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New England Area   Ham - Electronic  Flea Market  ***  DATES  *** 2003 P 1 of 2

All events are Ham Radio/ Electronic related except ~_____~

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2003                                                    Contact          Source

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

6 Dec Windsor CT VintgeR Museum @33MechanicsSt $1@9$15/T@8 John 860 673 0518

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2004                                                    Contact          Source

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17 Jan Nashua NH NE Antique RC $15/T@7 $2@9 @StStan's     Marty 603 938 5051 F


14 Feb Marlboro MA AARC @MS  $3@9  $15/T@7           Ann KA1PON 508 481 4988  


14 Feb Chelsea ME AARA                               Bill K1NIT 207 623 9075 A+


28 Feb Milton VT RANV+ARRL Vt Conv @HS $10@6:30 $5@8 Mitch W1SJ 802 879 6589 W


29 Feb Hicksville NY LIMARC @LevitHall $6@9 $25/T@8  Diane K2DO 631 286 7562 W


20 Mar Pomfret CT ECARC @ComSch Rt169+101 $2@8 $10/T Paul KE1LI 860 928 2456  


27,28 Mar Timonium MD GBARC @FG                      Doug N3VEJ 410 256 0257 F


17 April Nashua NH NE Antique RC $15/T@7 $2@9 @StStan's   Marty 603 938 5051 F


17 April S Portland ME PAWA @AmLeg $5@8 $10/T       Bryce K1GAX 207 799 1116 W+


17 April Montreal PQ MARC @RCLeg $4@7:30 $8/T@7:30  James VE2VE 514 697 7205 W+


18 April Cambridge MA        FLEA at MIT                   Nick 617 253 3776 F

                Third Sunday April thru October                               24-25 April Waltham MA Photographica @HS ~photo~        Ed Shaw 617 965 0807  +


25 April Southington CT SARA @HS $5@9 $18@6:30      Alex KB7HCO 860 214 3013 F


30 Ap, 1 May Hopkinton NH HossTraders @FG x7 I89      Joe K1RQG 207 469 3492  


16 May Cambridge MA          FLEA at MIT                   Nick 617 253 3776 F


4-6 June Rochester NY Atlantic Div Conv             Harold K2HC 585 424 7184 A


6 June Bethpage NY LIMARC                          Brian WB2YMC 631 286 7562 A


20 June Cambridge MA         FLEA at MIT                   Nick 617 253 3776 F


17 July Nashua NH NE Antique RC $15/T@7 $2@9 @StStan's    Marty 603 938 5051 F


18 July Cambridge MA         FLEA at MIT                   Nick 617 253 3776 F


15 August Cambridge MA       FLEA at MIT                   Nick 617 253 3776 F


11 Sept BallstonSpa NY SCRACES fri6P $5+5/T+15cmp Darlene N2XQG 518 587 2385  


18 Sept Forestdale RI RIFMRS @VFW rt146 8A flea+auct Rick K1KYI 401 725 7507

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LAST UPDATE 12-01-03 de W1GSL  http://mit.edu/w1gsl/Public/ne-fleas    P 1 of 2

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Additions/ Corrections via e-Mail   w1gsl@mit.edu   ***

Page 3 Electronic distribution only.  This page has the overflow if any    P3

from the paper version.

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2004                                                    Contact          Source

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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LAST UPDATE 12-01-03 de W1GSL                                             P 3

   List is normally updated twice a month - look for the latest version

Additions/ Corrections via Internet  w1gsl@mit.edu

                           US Mail  W1GSL POB 397082 MIT Br Cambridge MA 02139

(c)2003 W1GSL                                 SASE for updated copy as issued.

unlimited reproduction permitted in entirety

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This list has been posted... as a service of the individual home page

owners,  to the following WWW sites.                                         


        http://flealist.senie.com/

        http://mit.edu/w1gsl/Public/ne-fleas

        http://www.k1ttt.net/flea.html

        http://www.connix.com/~wz1v/ne-fleas.html

        http://www.k1dwu.net/flealist.html

        http://www.mmra.org/~mmra/flealist.htm

        http://www.qsl.net/vhfnews/ne-fleas.html

        http://uhavax.hartford.edu/~newsvhf/ne-fleas.html                    


  List is normally updated twice a month - look for the latest version       


Be sure to check for the latest version as updating is under the control

of the page owner.                                                           


* You can have the list e-mailed directly to you as it is updated.            *

* Just send a request to be added to the distribution to   w1gsl@mit.edu      *


                             73 Steve F

                                W1GSL


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New England Area  Ham - Electronic  Flea Market  ***  DATES  ***     P4

Links to New England Hamfest Web Sites                (c) 2003 W1GSL

***********************************************************************

This section is only included in the electronic distribution.


Cambridge MA    Flea at MIT     http://www.swapfest.us                      +


Hopkinton NH    Hosstraders     http://www.qsl.net/k1rqg/


Amherst MA      Mt. Tom ARC     http://www.mtara.org/hamfest/flea.html


Adams MA	N BerkshireARC	http://www.nobarc.org/hamfest                 


Boxborough MA   NE ARRL Conv    http://www.boxboro.org/


Framingham MA	FARA		http://www.fara.org/                          


Newton MA       Waltham ARA Auction    http://www.wara64.org/auction/


S Dartmouth MA  SEMARA          http://www.semara.org/flea/fleamkt.htm       +


Whately MA	FranklinCARC 	http://www.fcarc.org/flea.html                


Enfield CT      VHF/UHF Conf    http://www.newsvhf.com                       +


Southington CT  SARA            http://www.chetbacon.com/sara.htm


Wallingford CT  Nutmeg CT Conv  http://www.qsl.net/nutmeghamfest/


Lewiston ME     AARC		http://www.dlois.com/mainearrl/convent.htm


Portland ME     PAWA            http://www.qsl.net/pawa/fleamarket.html       +


Henniker NH     CVRC            http://www.qsl.net/k1bke/                     +


Bergen NJ	BARA		http://www.bara.org/


Lake Placid NY  NNY ARA	        http://www.geocities.com/nnyara/


Lindenhurst NY  ToB ARES 	http://www.tobares.org/hamfest.html           +


Long Island NY  LIMARC          http://www.limarc.org/fest.htm                +


Massapequa NY   GSB ARA	        http://www.gsbarc.org/flyermay03.pdf          +


Queens NY       Hall of Science http://www.qsl.net/hosarc/hamfest.html


Rochester NY 	AWA		http://www.antiquewireless.org/


Greenwich RI    Fidelity ARC    http://users.ids.net/~newsm/dates.html


Essex Junction VT   Burlington ARC  http://www.vtstetson.net/fest02.pdf


Milton VT       RANV VT Conv    http://www.ranv.org/milton.html


Montreal PQ     MARC            http://www.marc.qc.ca/fest/fest.html        +


Montreal PQ	WIARC		http://www.pubnix.net/wiarc/hamfest.htm       


Montreal PQ     MS-SARC         http://www.ve2clm.ca/hamfesta.htm


Sorel-Tracy PQ  CRAS-T		http://www.hamfest.qc.ca/                     


St Therese PQ	CRALL		http://www.ve2crl.qc.ca/hamfest2002.htm       


Canada          RAC List   http://rac.eton.ca/data/racfleas.taf?function=form


Phila. Area	VARA List	http://www.qsl.net/w2vtm/hamfest.html         +


USA             ARRL List       http://www.arrl.org/hamfests.html
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MMRA Fox Hunt December 6

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Minuteman Repeater Assoc. logoBill, N1QPR wrote on mmra-list:

“The MMRA will be having another fox hunt this Saturday, December 6 starting at 10:00 a.m. on the 146.61 repeater (PL 146.2).

“I will try to make this an easy hunt and would like to encourage any new hunters to come out and join us.

“On these hunts information about directions and signal strength are shared which should make it a little easier for those that don’t do lots of hunting.”
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Emergency Power Test for K1ARC RC Net

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============================================
Emergency Power Test for K1ARC Red Cross Net
============================================

American Red Cross Logo K1ARC American Red Cross Emergency Training Net

On Wednesday, December 3, is the next American Red
Cross K1ARC Emergency Training Net. This net is open
to any amateur radio operator who is interested in HF
emergency communications.

All stations are requested to use EMERGENCY POWER when
checking into the December 3rd Net as we will be
conducting a test in preparation for the winter’s
upcoming Nor-Easters snow storms. This request is
optional.

The net meets at 8:00 P.M. (local) on 3.915 MHz, plus
or minus 5 kHz, Voice/LSB on the FIRST Wednesday of
each month.

Are you ready to operate an Emergency HF Radio Station
during the next blizzard or ice storm to hit the
area?!?

Now is a great time to test your emergency power
supply for your station.

But, please remember… SAFETY FIRST!!!

Portable generators can kill by electrocution, fire,
and carbon monoxide poisoning. Acid storage batteries
can maim and burn. For example, a 12-volt/300-amp
lead-acid storage battery can mutilate a finger in a
fraction of a second by shorting it through a wedding
ring and handheld screwdriver. Ouch!

Use extreme caution, and again, SAFETY FIRST!!!

Please note that using emergency power is requested,
but is it NOT required. So, please check-in even if
you are unable to use emergency power.

TNX ES 73,
WB1DMK
K1ARC Net Control
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NOAA WX RADIO AWARENESS WEEK

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PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT…NOAA WEATHER RADIO AWARENESS WEEK

NWS Special Event Logo PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
515 PM EST TUE DEC 02 2003

…MASSACHUSETTS MARINERS URGED TO LISTEN TO THE GLOUCESTER
MARINE-ONLY NOAA WEATHER RADIO FOR MARINE INFORMATION…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICES IN NEW ENGLAND HAVE DECLARED
THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 1ST THROUGH 5TH AS NOAA WEATHER RADIO AWARENESS
WEEK. THIS IS THE SECOND IN A SERIES OF FIVE PUBLIC INFORMATION
STATEMENTS HIGHLIGHTING THE BENEFITS OF OWNING A NOAA WEATHER RADIO.

A NOAA WEATHER RADIO TRANSMITTER DEDICATED TO AN ALL MARINE
BROADCAST IS AVAILABLE FOR THE MARINE COMMUNITY. THE NEW
TRANSMITTER…WHICH BEGAN OPERATION IN FEBRUARY 2003…BROADCASTS
FROM THE COAST GUARD TOWER AT EASTERN POINT LIGHT IN GLOUCESTER
MASSACHUSETTS. IT BROADCASTS ON A FREQUENCY OF 162.425 MHZ (VHF
MARINE RADIO CHANNEL 4) WHICH CAN BE HEARD ON A SEVEN-CHANNEL NOAA
WEATHER RADIO. OLDER THREE-CHANNEL MODELS WILL NOT RECEIVE THIS
FREQUENCY.

THE GLOUCESTER NOAA WEATHER RADIO CAN BE HEARD ALONG MOST OF COASTAL
NEW HAMPSHIRE AND EAST COASTAL MASSACHUSETTS…FROM PORTSMOUTH TO
PLYMOUTH TO PROVINCETOWN. BROADCAST CYCLE INFORMATION INCLUDES AN
HOURLY WEATHER ROUNDUP…BUOY REPORTS…COASTAL AND OFFSHORE MARINE
FORECASTS…TIDAL INFORMATION…SHORT AND LONG TERM WATCH…WARNING
AND WEATHER STATEMENT INFORMATION PERTINENT TO THE MARINE
COMMUNITY.

IN AN EFFORT TO SHORTEN THE BROADCAST CYCLE ON THE BLUE HILL NOAA
WEATHER RADIO TRANSMITTER…AT A FREQUENCY OF 162.475 MHZ (VHF
MARINE RADIO CHANNEL 3)…MARINE FORECASTS WILL BE REDUCED TO TWICE
PER HOUR. THIS REDUCTION WILL BEGIN BY MID DECEMBER. MARINE
WEATHER INFORMATION WILL NOT CHANGE ON THE CAMP EDWARDS/HYANNIS
TRANSMITTER WHICH SERVES CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS ON A FREQUENCY OF
162.55 MHZ (VHF MARINE RADIO CHANNEL 1).

$$
GF/NS/FNNational Weather Service Taunton MA
530 AM EST Thu Dec 4 2003

NOAA Weather radio specific area message encoding (same)

The National Weather Service offices in New England have declared the week of December 1St through 5th as NOAA weather radio awareness week. This is the fourth in a series of five public information statements highlighting the benefits of owning a NOAA weather radio.

NOAA Weather radio is your direct link to weather warnings issued by the National Weather Service. When a warning is issued, a burst of digitally encoded information (known as same encoding) is sent just prior to the warning to activate same-Alerted weather radios so that the warning will be heard. This digital information identifies the issuing office, the type of watch or warning, and specific county or counties for which the warning is valid.

A same-Alert weather radio can be programmed to listen to one of the seven NOAA weather radio broadcast frequencies and activate only when the same encoding identifies that the message is for the specific county or counties of interest. For example, the regular tone alerted weather radios will alert for all severe thunderstorm warnings in about a 40-Mile radius of the transmitter site, but your same-Alerted radio can be programmed to only alert you for storms in counties upstream of where you live. In addition to location, some same radios can be programmed to activate for pre-Selected specific types of weather warnings, for severe thunderstorms but not winter storm warnings, as an example.

The specific area message encoding technology developed at NOAA is now also used in the nation’S emergency alert system (eas). although the emergency alert system is regulated by the federal communications commission and state emergency communications committees, most of the warning messages carried by the eas system are weather-Related and originate from a NOAA weather radio broadcast. Special decoding equipment at radio and television stations monitor the NOAA weather radio broadcasts for certain warnings and relay the information when a warning is received. however, depending on each state’S plan, only certain types of warnings, such as those with an imminent threat to life and property, are carried as emergency alert system messages.

In the case of certain warnings, seconds can make the difference between life and Death. Because there is a delay in receiving the warnings through the emergency alert system, the best way to receive weather warnings is through NOAA weather radio. Not only do you receive life-Threatening warnings faster, but you can hear all warnings, not just those carried by radio and television stations.

This year, give a holiday gift that will provide those you love with an additional level of safety for many years to come — give a NOAA weather radio. And during this holiday season, also consider purchasing a weather radio for places where people congregate such as work places, schools, recreational complexes, malls, movie theaters, and places of worship.

…CORRECTION TO INCLUDE MARINE CHANNELS

National Weather Service Taunton MA
515 PM EST Tue Dec 02 2003

Massachusetts Mariners urged to listen to the Gloucester marine-Only NOAA weather radio for marine information

The National Weather Service offices in New England have declared the week of December 1St through 5th as NOAA weather radio awareness week. This is the second in a series of five public information statements highlighting the benefits of owning a NOAA weather radio.

A NOAA weather radio transmitter dedicated to an all marine broadcast is available for the marine community. The new transmitter, which began operation in February 2003, broadcasts from the coast guard tower at eastern point light in Gloucester Massachusetts. It broadcasts on a frequency of 162.425 mhz (vhf marine radio channel 4) which can be heard on a seven-Channel NOAA weather radio. Older three-Channel models will not receive this frequency.

The Gloucester NOAA weather radio can be heard along most of coastal New Hampshire and east coastal Massachusetts, from Portsmouth to Plymouth to Provincetown. Broadcast cycle information includes an hourly weather roundup, buoy reports, coastal and offshore marine forecasts, tidal information, short and long term watch, warning and weather statement information pertinent to the marine community.

In an effort to shorten the broadcast cycle on the Blue Hill NOAA weather radio transmitter, at a frequency of 162.475 mhz (vhf marine radio channel 3), marine forecasts will be reduced to twice per hour. This reduction will begin by mid December. Marine weather information will not change on the camp edwards/Hyannis transmitter which serves Cape Cod and the islands on a frequency of 162.55 mhz (vhf marine radio channel 1).

National Weather Service Taunton MA
313 PM EST Mon Dec 1 2003

An introduction to NOAA weather radio

The National Weather Service offices in New England have declared the week of December 1St through 5th as NOAA weather radio awareness week. This is the first in a series of five public information statements highlighting the benefits of owning a NOAA weather radio.

Weather has always been an integral part of life in New England. weather conditions change rapidly and can quickly become dangerous. to keep the public informed of these changing conditions, NOAA’S New England area National Weather Service offices broadcast forecasts and warnings on a network of government operated radio stations, known collectively as NOAA weather radio. Currently, there are 34 NOAA weather radio transmitters in New England. During the past couple of years, four new transmitters have been commissioned in Southern New England, in Gloucester MA, Peterborough NH, Egremont MA, and cornwall CT. Nationwide, there are more than 860 transmitters which provide coverage to all 50 states and the adjacent marine areas. These transmitters provide the public with a constant source of up-To-Date weather forecasts and warnings.

NOAA Weather radio’S regular broadcasts are specifically tailored to the weather-Information needs of the people within the service area of the transmitter. In general, the broadcasts include the latest forecasts and observations, a summary of the weather conditions that will affect the area, and climatic information. for stations along the coast, the broadcast also includes marine forecasts and observations. In addition, special weather forecasts and statements, watches, warnings, and advisories are broadcast, as needed.

While the signal can be heard on some scanners, the best way to receive these broadcasts is with a NOAA weather radio. NOAA Weather radios can be purchased from many electronic and outdoor recreation stores or from web merchants. The newest models have 7 channels which allows you to be assured of receiving the maximum number of stations when traveling. Also, it is important to get one with a warning alarm tone that is triggered when severe localized storms are imminent. The most advanced models even allow you to program them to alert for specific counties or specific types of weather.

This year, give a holiday gift that will provide those you love with an additional level of safety for many years to come — give a NOAA weather radio. And during this holiday season, also consider purchasing a weather radio for places where people congregate such as work places, schools, malls, movie theaters, recreational complexes, and places of worship.

For more information on NOAA weather radio, visit the NOAA weather radio web site at (in lower case): http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr
All / Emergency Communications

SEMARA ARES Self-Activated

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New EMA ARES Hello to all…

SEMARA ARES was self-activated by ARES Assistant Emergency Coordinator, Tony Duarte-N1XRS, as a power outage gripped an area from the Plymouth area to Cape Cod and Islands and appeared to extended from roughly Dartmouth/Westport eastward across much of South Coastal Massachusetts.

The ARES Net was started at 6:30 PM and preempted a Swap Net that would typically be held at 7 PM that evening on the 147.000-Dartmouth Repeater. [Please read on by pressing link below – W1MPN]A total of 20 check-ins were recorded. Amateurs relayed information of where the power was out, any public safety issues and when power was restored to their specified areas. I was enroute home from work when the event occurred and when notified by Tony-N1XRS, I went to man the Southeast Massachusetts Amateur Radio Association (W1AEC) so that additional district coverage could be maintained from our affected area to other parts of the Eastern Massachusetts section. Southeastern Massachusetts district relay was done to the Metro Boston Area and the Cape Cod districts via the 146.685-Plymouth Repeater where contact was made with Metro Boston ARES District Emergency Coordinator, KB1EKN, Mark Duff and Cape Cod and the Islands District Emergency Coordinator, WQ1O, Frank O’Laughlin. Liaison was also maintained with ARES DEC’s and ARES Section Emergency Coordinator, Mike Neilsen, W1MPN via AOL Instant Messenger during the latter portions of the event.

Power started being restored across the area at approximately 7 PM and was fully restored to all areas by 8 PM with South Dartmouth, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard being some of the last areas where power was restored. Amateur Operators checked in from the area as power was restored and also reported if they still did not have power. With Frank, WQ1O, tied up talking with Emergency Management directors, I established contact with Nantucket Island RACES Radio Officer, N1NBQ-George Allen and he told us when power was restored for the island via the main line power cable.

The ARES Net was secured at 8:30 PM. The following Amateurs checked in on the 147.000-Dartmouth Repeater.

1.) KB1FYF-Brian
2.) K1AHA-Dick
3.) W1RJC-Rick
4.) W1AEC/KD1CY-Rob
5.) K1KID-Carl
6.) KB1HJL-George
7.) W1VRP-Joe
8.) N1XKD-Peter
9.) WA1CRA-Dick
10.) W1EAV-Chris
11.) W1GYL-Henry
12.) N1EBW-Ray
13.) KB1EVX-Ray
14.) W1DBX-Larry
15.) WA1ZCB-Ed
16.) K1IBR-Bill
17.) N1NBQ-George
18.) N1VDM-Bob
19.) N1ZZN-Jeff
20.) N1XRS-Tony (NCS)

Mike Neilsen-W1MPN, when informed of the ARES Self-Activation and the response of the Amateurs from the SEMARA club, was tremendously pleased and thankful for the efforts of the SEMARA ARES team. He stated that he was pleased that the workshop and exercises were increasing awareness and resulting in such a strong response to a real event and was very impressed with the fact that SEMARA ARES responded quickly to an event that had no advanced warning.

Please let me know if any check-ins were missed during this event or if there are any additional major points that should be included in this report. Thanks!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Southeast Massachusetts ARES District Emergency Coordinator
SEMARA ARES Emergency Coordinator
Pager #: (508) 354-3142
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 1-800-445-2588 Ext.: 72929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://users.rcn.com/rmacedo

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EMA Clubs Give Generously to Spectrum Defense

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power linesSeveral clubs in Eastern Massachusetts have been acknowledged for their contributions via the League’s Sectrum Defense “Honor Roll” in the recent November, 2003 QST. The defense includes “special campaigns for WRC-03 and against Broadband over Power Lines (BPL).”

The Falmouth Amateur Radio Association contributed funding for the cause after they were “treated to a ‘horror movie’—a video of ARRL tests run in various BPL trial areas which clearly demonstrated the dreadful, debilitating inferference caused by BPL,” according to Falmouth club president Bob Courtemanche, N1WAT.

The Billerica Amateur Radio Society, at a recent Board of Director’s meeting voted “to appropriate $100 to be donated to the ARRL Spectrum Defense Fund for BPL legal activities. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.”

The HP/Agilent/Philips ARC (with a local club chapter in Andover, MA) was also acknowledged on the Spectrum Defense Honor Roll.

These clubs join thousands of individual ARRL members who have contributed monies for spectrum protection efforts.

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Falmouth ARA Emergency Preparedness

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Falmouth ARA logoFalmouth’s Emergency Operations Center will soon have a wire antenna for 40- and 80-meter operation installed by Falmouth Amateur Radio Association, according to FARA president Bob Courtemanche, N1WAT. The wire antenna will complement an existing dual band antenna, according to Courtemanche. “Also, the Mashpee Fire Chief would like a list of people who would be available to help with emergency communiations in Mashpee,” noted N1WAT.

The Falmouth ARA recently purchased three APRS systems for use in emergency situations and for public service events. Saul Dinman, K1BI, brought one to a FARA meeting for members to see. The equipement was used during the Cape Cod marathon and gave “excellent coverage.”

—Thanks Falmouth Amateur Radio Association, Inc. newsletter, November 2003

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Holiday Greetings…

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Holiday Greetings to all….

Please accept my wishes for a joyous holiday for you and your family. Safe travels as well.

All repeaters have been restored to normal operations, and most of my staff and I will be in the area in case of any difficulties.

73,

s/Michael P. Neilsen
Michael P. Neilsen, W1MPN, EMa SEC
978.562.5662 Voice
978.389.0558 FAX/Secondary Voice
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
w1mpn@ema.ares.org

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DHS has issued an advisory

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Hello to all…

The Department of Homeland Security has issued an advisory concerning the
recent wave of Al Qaeda incidents abroad and the threat to US interests. See
link below:

http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/press_release/press_release_0300.xml

They are leaving the threat level at yellow currently. We should continue
monitor the news carefully regarding any further terrorist incidents abroad.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Southeast Massachusetts ARES District Emergency Coordinator

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Waltham and BARC Repeaters down

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***** Coverage while Waltham and BARC Repeaters down *****
***** Use MMRA Network during any Mobilization *****

Hello to all…

Word has it that both BARC repeaters will be undergoing maintenance all
weekend, and that the Waltham repeater will also be down for much of the
weekend as well.

If an a real world or weather incident requires use of those repeaters,
please use the MMRA network instead. If you are assigned to RACES Sections
1A and 1B, please visit the MMRA Network now to familiarize yourself with the
MMRA repeater closest to your location. Any MMRA member can link the
network to provide coverage comparable to the coverage of the Waltham
machine, including the SEC and DEC’s.

Please contact me by return email with any questions or concerns you may
have. 73,

s/ Michael P. Neilsen
Michael P. Neilsen, W1MPN, EMa SEC
978.562.5662 Voice
978.389.0558 FAX/Secondary Voice
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
w1mpn@ema.ares.org

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Metro Repeater Outages This Weekend

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Under construction logoSeveral Boston-area 2 meter and 440 MHz repeaters are scheduled to be down for maintenance this weekend, prompting concern from at least one active SKYWARN member.

Boston ARC Secretary Mike Ardai, N1IST announced yesterday that the BARC 145.23 and 447.175 repeaters would be off the air this weekend for building maintenance. Coincidental with this work, the Waltham ARA is planning a work party on Saturday to fix the feedline on the 146.64 Waltham repeater.

“Both [might be] down at once, in which case we’d have to ask MMRA to activate the net for ARES or SKYWARN?” asks Bill Ricker, N1VUX.

The 146.64 and 145.23 repeaters host primary and secondary nets for SKYWARN, RACES, or ARES activations in addition to regularly scheduled traffic nets.

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K1USN Veterans Day QSL

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K1USN Veterans Day QSL cardPi, K1RV wrote:

“I wanted everyone to see the special Veterans Day QSL we are issuing for K1USN contacts made on November 11, 2003.

“Thanks to K1VV for help producing the special QSL. On November 11th we made over 160 contacts on 40, 20 and 17 Meters SSB/CW between 1300-2000 UTC. We made additional contacts on IRLP and Echolink. Operators were W1YR, N1ZZN and K1RV. We were joined by K1GUG later in the afternoon.

“The K1USN Veterans Day operation has always been a most enjoyable time. Many Veterans enjoy getting an opportunity to make contact with the USS Salem and we wanted to be able to offer a special QSL card… The QRZ page has been updated to show our normal operating frequencies as well as the dates for the 2004 International Museum Ships Weekend on July 17-18, 2004. Please mark your calendars!”

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HPM Memorial Award Nominations Open

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ARRL flagDo you know of an exceptional young Amateur Radio operator in your club or community? Please consider nominating him or her for the prestigious ARRL Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Award! Nominations of Eastern Massachusetts candidates are due to Phil Temples, K9HI by March 31, 2004.

According to the ARRL web site, “The HPM Award goes each year to an enthusiastic and active amateur licensee aged 21 or younger whose contributions to Amateur Radio and to the community are of the most exemplary nature.”

ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section Manager Phil Temples, K9HI spoke of the qualities in a nominee. “Specific accomplishments may include involvement in public relations or public service, or exhibiting leadership to peers.” Temples added, “By honoring a young ham with this award, we are helping to promote the message that ham radio is a microcosm of the general public. Our hobby-service includes many fine young men and women.”

The winner of the Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Award will receive an engraved plaque and a check for $1500. Complete information is available on the ARRL HPM Award Web page, which includes a link to the nomination form.

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ARRL 2003 Frequency Measuring Test…

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is this week! (Nov 18, 2003) — The 2003 ARRL Frequency Measuring Test (FMT) will take place on Thursday, November 20 (UTC). It will be conducted using essentially the same format as last year’s FMT, although transmissions will be longer to give stations more time to take measurements. The 2003 FMT will run November 20 at 0245 UTC (that’s November 19 at 9:45 PM EST). Please visit the ARRL FMT Article for more details on the test.

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WF1F: ARISS Certification in Moscow

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Int'l Space StationMiles, WF1F (Chelmsford, MA) writes on BARS List:

“Hi Everyone:

This week I am in Moscow, trying to get past the next phase of testing new ham projects for the International Space Station. We are trying to get certification approvals for a new 2/440 station, new antennas, and Slow Scan TV. The 2/440 Kenwood D700 is currently on ISS. However, it can not be used until we finish a full systems test, which we just did.

All of the offical testing is going very well. I’ll send more details after I return.”

Miles

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W1BOS to Operate From Blue Hill Observatory for SKYWARN Recognition Day

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Boston ARC logoMembers of the Boston Amateur Radio Club will operate W1BOS/MQE on December 6th, from 9am to 4 pm on 20 and 2 meters from the Blue Hills Observatory in observance of SKYWARN Recognition Day.

According to Mark Duff, BARC Executive Committee member and ARES DEC, “For several decades, hams have assisted the National Weather Service by providing real-time reports of severe weather and storm conditions. Many NWS Offices including NWS Taunton have permanently installed Amateur Radio Equipment. To celebrate SKYWARN, Amateur Radio operators will set up radio stations at the National Weather Service (NWS) offices and other weather related locations and contact similar stations around the world.”
Amateur radio operators recently played a key role by providing communications during the hurricanes that affected the East Coast and Bermuda. Although the NWS operates a network of 120 Doppler radars to track severe storms, at greater ranges weather radar has a difficult time sampling conditions close to the ground. The information radio operators located near a storm provide plays a key role in aiding forecasters.Blue Hill Observatory

Stations who contact W1BOS/MQE are eligible to receive a commemorative QSL card. A complete list of participating SKYWARN Recognition Day stations is available via the NOAA web site.

According to the Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center “the observatory is located at the top of a scenic mountain range south of Boston and it is a unique American institution. Founded in 1885 by Abbott Lawrence Rotch as a private scientific center for the study and measurement of the atmosphere, it was the site of many pioneering weather experiments and discoveries. The earliest kite soundings of the atmosphere in North America in the 1890s and the development of the radiosonde in the 1930s occurred at this historic site. Today, the Observatory is a National Historic Landmark and remains committed to continuing its extensive, uninterrupted climate record with traditional methods and instruments.”

—Thanks, N1VUX, KB1EKN, BlueHill.org

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ARRL Eastern Mass SET a success!

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EMA ARES logo“THIS IS A DRILL. This is WX1BOX… the National Weather Service in Taunton. We have a Winter Storm Warning for interior sections of Southeastern Massachusetts. A High Wind Warning is in effect for interior Southeast Massachusetts and Cape Cod and the Islands. A low-pressure system has formed over the Atlantic, 25 miles southeast of Nantucket. The system brings with it, heavy wet snow with possible accumulations of 1-2 feet in the Winter Storm Warning area. Also expect strong, damaging winds of 40 to 50 mph with gusts to 60-65 MPH. The combination of strong gusty winds and heavy snow will cause power outages due to trees and power lines being knocked down. Coastal flooding is likely on all north and east facing beaches with the worst being Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and East Coastal Massachusetts. THIS IS A DRILL.”

No, this wasn’t TV Weather; it was Amateur Radio operator, Rob Macedo – KD1CY, who operates the Skywarn Amateur Radio equipment at the National Weather Service’s Taunton, MA office. Rob sends the word out to and compiles data from numerous Skywarn trained Amateur Radio Operators throughout Southern New England during severe weather events. Rob is also the ARRL District Emergency Coordinator for Plymouth and Bristol Counties. This advisory was the actual opening message for the ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section’s annual Simulated Emergency Test. The exercise, a test of ARES emergency communications capabilities and procedures, is held annually to practice and train ARES personnel. ARES Teams from many area Amateur Radio Clubs, amateur radio communications volunteers for the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and Massachusetts Emergency Management RACES radio operators, all take part in the drill. As noted in the NWS Announcement, a major Nor’easter was on the way! Station WC1MA at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency in Framingham liaised with Regional MEMA headquarters across the state, and with the ARES Metro headquarters station, W1MSA, at the Salvation Army in Boston. Several dozen pieces of message traffic were sent and received on HF and VHF. Operators at WC1MA included: State RACES Officer Tom Kinahan – N1CPE, RACES Operator, Dennis Brothers – KE6DPL, Eastern MA Section Emergency Coordinator, Mike Neilsen – W1MPN and Eastern MA Section Manager Phil Temples – K9HI. “I heard a lot of good on-air procedure throughout the morning,” said Section Manager Temples. “This SET underlined the importance of proper radiogram procedures. Knowing how to send written messages in a timely fashion that can be copied correctly the first time is crucial. And knowing how to properly ask for “fills” is even more important. We as Amateurs do this better than any public service agency. But there’s always room for improvement.”

Both RACES and ARES enjoy a close working relationship in the Commonwealth. The leadership of RACES and ARES hold regular meetings to coordinate their activities. “As many as 20 or more individual communities across the state opened their local EOC’s and simulated a response to a winter storm,” said Tom Kinahan, N1CPE. “Even though Massachusetts has 2 ARRL Sections, communities, ARES Groups, and individual hams from both sections took part in the SKYWARN, ARES and RACES components of the drill, as though it were a single event as would happen if it were real.” Region II – MEMA with Bob Mims – WA1OEZ at the controls, operated from 09:00 until 12:00, providing a link between the communities and state headquarters. Bob operated on 40 meters, 6 meters and 2 meters, contacting Western MA, State Headquarters in Framingham and several communities involved in the exercise. He also established communications with Nantucket, Hyannis and Sandwich on Cape Cod. Western Massachusetts also participated and the Worcester Emergency Communications Team, or W.E.C.T., tried their new “Send Word Now” activation system. Dick Bedard, W1FIX, Deputy Director of Worcester Emergency Management activated the system at approximately 11:00 AM and it sent multiple notifications to most of their key personnel. They were instructed to check in with the EOC by phone or radio. Of approximately 53 names on their roster, they received 42 responses and all within minutes! “One team member, who was traveling in California”, said Mark Rubin – WB1ARZ, Worcester RACES Radio Officer, “actually called in when he received the notification… now that’s dedication!”

“During the drill, we had an actual incident activating ARES in my district,” said Rob Macedo – KD1CY. “A major gas leak occurred in Bridgewater. This caused an evacuation of a 3 to 4 block area.” Carl Aveni – N1FY, ARES Emergency Coordinator for the area, was already at the Town of Bridgewater EOC with Phil McNamara – N1XTB. A shelter was opened and another Amateur Radio Operator was sent to the shelter. The situation was monitored until roughly 2:00 PM when the Emergency Management Director for the Town of Bridgewater, released the Amateurs from the activation at the shelter and the EOC. Frank Murphy – N1DHW, Eastern Mass. Section ACC and Massachusetts SATERN Coordinator, noted that the Boston SATERN team operated two Net Control Stations at the Boston Salvation Army EOC. ARES, RACES, SATERN, Red Cross and MEMA… a fine piece of work and a tremendous showing of dedication and teamwork. The November Eastern Mass Simulated Emergency Test was a total success thanks to the many dedicated and trained Amateur Radio Communications Volunteers.