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Emergency Communications

Eastern MA Hospital Net, April 4, 2020

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

John O’Neill, K1JRO, writes on the South Shore Hospital ARG mailing list:

I have an exciting announcement for the EMHN. Effective immediately, thanks to the generosity of the NEDECN Trustees, we have an EMHN Talk Group on the NEDECN network. The following NEDECN DMR repeaters now have TG#8851 TS#1 (EMHN) active: Boston, Hingham, Bourne, Dennis, and Martha’s Vineyard. Other repeaters may be activated in the future if necessary. This TG is for EMHN related use only. Please use their other TG’s for general communications. I will conduct a test of the NEDECN EMHN TG after the regular Net.

Also, starting with the May NET, I would like to incorporate digital message handling as part of the monthly EMHN using Winlink Express as the standard messaging platform on 145.01. I’ll provide more information on this as time get closer.

Net Control for the April 4, 2020 Eastern MA Hospital Net will be WB1GON, Bob from the Mansfield EOC. The net will commence at the usual time of 10: AM using the following repeaters / frequencies in the order listed:

Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5
Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67.0
Plymouth 146.685 tone 131.8
Simplex 147.42

The Net will then return to the Sharon Repeater for any 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. 

We are always looking for groups or organizations to try their hand at Net Control duties. If you are interested in giving Net Control a try please let us know. We can be reached by sending an email to ssharg@outlook.com. The goal is to rotate Net Control practice and the experience among as many individuals and groups as possible.

South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Group is seeking licensed Amateur Radio Operators to join their group. For information on joining them please contact Amy Parker in Volunteer Services at   AParker@southshorehealth.org 

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 is 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. 

Analog 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

DMR Repeaters
EMHN TG#8851 TS#1

Boston 449.1750 Offset -5.00 CC1
Hingham 146.4300 Offset -1.500 CC1
Bourne 145.2000 Offset -0.600 CC10
Dennis 146.4700 Offset -1.500 CC11
Martha’s Vineyard 145.180 Offset -0.600 CC10

 

We look forward to hearing from you all on the Net. 

Respectfully,

John O’Neill K1JRO
President, South Shore Health Amateur Radio Group
EMA ARES – DEC Healthcare Liaison 

 

All

List of New England Hamfests and Flea Markets, March 24, 2020

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Here is a list of New England area events and their current status as of March 24th 2020. Source:<http://forum.near-fest.com/index.php?topic=1480.0>

Canceled (check organization/club web site for reschedule information)

March 22:  Henniker NH CVARC https://k1bke.wordpress.com/
March 29:  Southington CT. Southington Amateur Radio Ass’n. Flea Market  http://www.chetbacon.com/sara.htm
April 4: Hampton NH Seacoast Amateur Radio Flea Market http://w1wqm.org/
April 10,11: Lewiston ME ARRL Maine State Convention http://w1npp.org/
April 17: Manchester CT.  Eastern VHF/UHF/Microwave Conference   http://newsvhf.com/conference/
April 18: Center Ossipee  NH Lakes Region Hamfest and Flea Market   https://www.w1bst.org/
April 19: Cambridge MA   Flea at MIT https://w1mx.mit.edu/flea-at-mit/
April 25: Gales Ferry CT   RASON Auction  http://www.rason.org/
April 16: Thompson CT    Eastern CT Amateur Radio Ass’n.  http://www.ecara.net/
May 1,2: Deerfield NH NEAR-Fest XXVII  https://near-fest.com
May 15-17 Xenia OH Dayton HamVention  https://hamvention.org/ 
May 17:  Cambridge MA   Flea at MIT https://w1mx.mit.edu/flea-at-mit/
Sept 11,12: Lewiston ME  Lewiston ME ARRL Maine State Convention  http://w1npp.org/

Scheduled (check before making plans, reservations)

May 16: Goshen CT: Southern Berkshire A R C    https://www.sberk.org/
June 21:  Cambridge MA   Flea at MIT   https://w1mx.mit.edu/flea-at-mit/
July 19:   Cambridge MA   Flea at MIT   https://w1mx.mit.edu/flea-at-mit/
July 24-26: Marlborough MA Northeast HamXposition (ARRL New England Convention) http://hamxposition.org/ Note: formerly Boxborough.
Aug 16:  Cambridge MA   Flea at MIT   https://w1mx.mit.edu/flea-at-mit/
Aug 23: Newtown CT Western CT Hamfest http://cararadioclub.org/
Sept 12: Windsor ME  Augusta Amateur Radio Ass’n    http://w1tlc.org/
Sept 20: Cambridge MA   Flea at MIT   https://w1mx.mit.edu/flea-at-mit/
Oct 16,17: Deerfield NH  NEAR-Fest XXVIII   https://near-fest.com/
Oct 18:  Cambridge MA   Flea at MIT   https://w1mx.mit.edu/flea-at-mit/

 

Clubs / Operating

Falmouth ARA 2M “Meeting Net” to Utilize NetLogger

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Falmouth Amateur Radio AssociationLarry Gray, W1IZZ, writes on the Falmouth ARA mailing list:
 
I thought the upcoming “over the air meeting” would be a good time to try out NetLogger.   Some of you may already use NetLogger, as a number of regular radio nets use NetLogger to help manage the net.
 
The use of NetLogger is NOT required.  No worries if you would rather not load it, or try it.   
 
For those members willing to try NetLogger during the meeting net, I attached the information needed to use NetLogger during the net.   As you will see, NetLogger is easy to use.
 
I will have the net open on NetLogger using the net name “FARA 2M Meeting”, as shown in the attachment.  Just “join” this net as shown in the attachment.
 
Again, using NetLogger is not required for the upcoming FARA 2M meeting net [on Wednesday, March 25 at 7:30 PM].  It is just an opportunity to try something new.  NetLogger is very useful for managing nets with a large number of check-ins.
 
 
Licensing Education & Training / Youth

Long Island CW Club Offering Free, Online Morse Code Instruction for Homebound Youngsters

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

From ARRL Web:

The Long Island CW Club in New York is offering free, online Morse code instruction for the “many youngsters at loose ends as a result of school closings due to COVID-19 concerns.” The club’s co-founder, Howard Bernstein, WB2UZE, pointed out that learning Morse code is “a fun and educational activity for children of all ages that can fill part of the gap left by the current unfortunate situation that has closed so many schools across the country.”

Ongoing classes will take place Monday through Friday, specifically for school-agers anywhere across the country or overseas, via Zoom online video conferencing. A computer equipped with a microphone and camera is required. Classes for elementary schoolers run 30 minutes starting at 1600 UTC, followed by 45-minute classes for middle- and high school-aged students starting at 1645 UTC. Parental permission is required through advance registration. Contact class instructor Rob Zarges, K2MZ, by e-mail or call 508-831-8248. — Thanks to Mel Granick, KS2G, ARRL New York City-Long Island Section Public Information Coordinator 

All

Lawrence Bacow, KA1FZQ, and Spouse Test Positive for COVID-19

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
The President of Harvard University, Lawrence Bacow, KA1FZQ,  announced this afternoon that he and his spouse have contracted COVID-19.

March 24, 2020:

Dear Members of the Harvard Community,

Earlier today, Adele and I learned that we tested positive for COVID-19. We started experiencing symptoms on Sunday—first coughs then fevers, chills, and muscle aches—and contacted our doctors on Monday. We were tested yesterday and just received the results a few minutes ago. We wanted to share this news with all of you as soon as possible.

Neither of us knows how we contracted the virus, but the good news—if there is any to be had—is that far fewer people crossed our paths recently than is usually the case. We began working from home and completely limiting our contact with others on March 14 in keeping with recommendations to adopt social distancing measures. In line with standard protocols, the Department of Public Health will be in touch with anyone with whom we have had close contact over the past fourteen days.

We will be taking the time we need to rest and recuperate during a two-week isolation at home. I am blessed with a great team, and many of my colleagues will be taking on more responsibility over the next few weeks as Adele and I focus on just getting healthy. Thanks, in advance, for your good wishes. Thanks also for your understanding if I am not as responsive to email as I normally am.

This virus can lay anyone low. We all need to be vigilant and keep following guidelines to limit our contact with others. Your swift actions over the past few weeks—to respond to the needs of our community, to fulfill our teaching mission, and to pursue research that will save lives—have moved me deeply and made me extraordinarily grateful and proud. I hope to see as few of you in our situation as possible, and I urge you to continue following the guidance of public health experts and the advice and orders of our government officials.

The world needs your courage, creativity, and intelligence to beat this virus—wishing each of you good health.

All the best,

Larry

 

____________________

Lawrence S. Bacow

President

Harvard University

Licensing Education & Training / Youth

New England Sci-Tech General Course On-Line, April 4-5, 2020

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New England Sci Tech logoFor anyone interested in wireless communications and electronics, this ON-LINE course will get you ready to take the Amateur Radio GENERAL license exam. Geared toward adults, as well as junior high, high school, and homeschool students.

Topics range from the science of radio electronics to the FCC rules governing the radio spectrum. Some preliminary preparation is necessary to get the best results from this course.

The GENERAL level course is offered ONLINE certain weekends and week days.
Current offerings:

Two day course: SAT-SUN April 4-5, 1-5pm each day

The FCC General test will be scheduled for an upcoming weekday evening or weekend, probably as an online test (TBA). Course is run by New England Sci-Tech, in cooperation of New England Amateur Radio Inc.

System Requirements: Computer or Chromebook capable of running ZOOM Meeting, either by Zoom app or through a browser, a built-in camera/mic, and a color printer.

Included with course fee: downloadable handouts and study guide, and a guest pass to the NEAR/STARS Radio Room and radio club meetings for 3 months (once our facility opens again). Advance registration and payment required.

Note that the standard $15 license test fee is NOT included and must be paid separately to whatever exam session you attend to take the test. (Price is $15 across the country.)

One additional member of the same family may take this course for the price of one, if sharing one computer, video screen, and materials.

For questions, e-mail bobphinney at nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.

Licensing Education & Training / Youth

New England Sci-Tech On-Line Technician Course, March 24-27, 2020

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

New England Sci Tech logoFor anyone interested in wireless communications and electronics, this ON-LINE course will get you ready to take the Amateur Radio TECHNICIAN license exam. Geared toward adults, as well as junior high, high school, and homeschool students.

Topics range from the science of radio electronics to the FCC rules governing the radio spectrum. Some preliminary preparation is necessary to get the best results from this course.

The TECHNICIAN level course is offered ONLINE certain weekends and week days.
Current offerings:

Four day course: Tu-W-Th-F March 24-27, 2:30-5pm each day

Two day course: SAT-SUN March 28-29, 1-5pm each day

Four day course: Tu-W-Th-F Mar 31-Apr 3, 2:30-5pm each day

The FCC Technician test will be scheduled for an upcoming weekday evening or weekend, probably as an online test (TBA). Course is run by New England Sci-Tech, in cooperation of New England Amateur Radio Inc.

System Requirements: Computer or Chromebook capable of running ZOOM Meeting, either by Zoom app or through a browser, a built-in camera/mic, and a color printer.

Included with course fee: downloadable handouts and study guide, and a guest pass to the NEAR/STARS Radio Room and radio club meetings for 3 months (once our facility opens again). Advance registration and payment required.

Note that the standard $15 license test fee is NOT included and must be paid separately to whatever exam session you attend to take the test. (Price is $15 across the country.)

One additional member of the same family may take this course for the price of one, if sharing one computer, video screen, and materials.

For questions, e-mail bobphinney at nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.

Foxhunting / Operating

Fox Box Hidden in Carlisle, March 21, 2020

- by k9hi - 1 Comment

John Salmi, KB1MGI, writes on NEMassFoxHunters list on March 21, 2020 at 1:04 PM:

I placed the 2-meter 146.565 Fox Box in Carlisle Mass. To activate press DTMF tone 2 for 2 seconds for 30 seconds on 30 seconds off for 15 minutes, repeat as needed.

If you want just a hint to narrow down the area of town Email me at KB1MGI55@Gmail.com.

If you want the parking location to save you time also email me.

Organization

Update to All ARRL Members from Interim CEO Barry J. Shelly, N1VXY re COVID-19

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Update from Interim CEO Barry J. Shelley, N1VXY

To ARRL Members

This message is to let our members know that the ARRL remains operational to meet the needs of our members during this Coronavirus outbreak. At the same time, we are taking steps to help protect the health and safety of ARRL Headquarters employees in line with the recommendations being provided by U.S. and Connecticut state health officials and governmental leaders.

We have arranged for many of our staff, depending on their job responsibilities and requirements, to work remotely during this unprecedented time. This helps the organization reduce the number of people in the building and improve our “social distancing” capabilities.

At the present time, all departments at ARRL Headquarters are functioning and customer service representatives remain available to answer your questions or direct you to the appropriate department to assist you. During this period, though, we strongly encourage members to use email as the preferred method of communication with ARRL in order to get you the timeliest response possible.

In particular, the ARRL’s VEC Department has been dealing with a higher-than-normal volume of emails and phone calls, and the staff there asks for your patience while they attempt to answer everyone as quickly as possible. There has been some significant disruption to VE exam schedules, given the restrictions that have been placed on gatherings in many locales. As with our employees, the health and safety of our Volunteer Examiners is a top priority and we have informed our VEs that they need to follow their local community’s guidelines and then use their best judgement when deciding whether to conduct, postpone, or cancel an exam session.

As previously reported, we have suspended all visits and tours of ARRL Headquarters and W1AW, so we have asked all volunteers to stay home until further notice.

All of these actions will remain in place until further notice. We will continue to monitor conditions from this outbreak and follow any additional guidelines provided by federal and state health professionals and government officials. We thank you for your understanding and patience during this difficult time.

73,
Barry J. Shelley, N1VXY
Interim Chief Executive Officer

Operating

Zola Net Meets March 19, 2020

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Matt Chao, N1IBB, writes on the Middlesex ARC mailing list:

Hi, Folks.  Hope none of you are getting cabin fever from being cooped up in your ham shacks.  Anyway, it’s that time of the week again – the Zola Net!  Check in tomorrow night  at 7:00pm on 147.36, with a PL of 67.0.  The purpose of the Net is to enable new and experienced hams the opportunity to participate in a controlled net environment.  Talk with you all tomorrow night.

Licensing Education & Training / Technical

HamSCI 2020 Workshop Retools as a Virtual Event

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Phil Erickson, W1PJE, of Haystack Observatory in Massachusetts will speak on “Amateur digital mode based remote sensing: FT8 use as a radar signal of opportunity for ionospheric characterization.”
 
From ARRL Web:
 

03/17/2020 – Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the March 20 – 21 HamSCI Workhop will go on, moving to an all-digital webinar workshop. Registration and participation will be free and open to all, organizer and University of Scranton  professor Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, said over the weekend. A tentative agenda has been posted. Participants may register online. The workshop will be presented using the Zoom webinar platform. Those planning to take part should visit the Zoom website, create a free account, and download the client software. Frissell encouraged participants to set up a Zoom account, so they can get familiar with the system.The theme of the 2020 workshop is “The Auroral Connection — How does the aurora affect amateur radio, and what can we learn about the aurora from radio techniques?” Oral presentations will be as originally scheduled and in the same format, as if they were being delivered at the in-person workshop. Instructions for the electronic poster session are now posted, Frissell said.

“There are some really good things that are coming out of this switch to an e-workshop format,” Frissell continued. “I think the best thing is that it will enable greater participation, especially from people who wanted to come but were unable to before.”

Frissell said Zoom has the necessary tools to run the workshop in a way that will allow large participation while still keeping things manageable. The system will allow up to 100 panelists to share video and audio, and at least 1,000 people to watch and actively participating by asking questions through a text chat system, he explained. Moderators will monitor the text chat system and relay questions to the presenters.

Frissell has had to scramble since the decision was made to call off the in-person event. “It’s taken us a few days to get this lined up, as Scranton’s IT department has just upgraded their contract with Zoom over the past couple days to enable this workshop and other events on campus,” he said.

The HamSCI workshop will include addresses by guest speakers, poster presentations, and demonstrations of instrumentation and software relevant to the theme. The workshop will serve as a team meeting for the HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station projectthat’s funded by National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to Frissell. The project seeks to harness the power of a network of radio amateurs to better understand and measure the effects of weather in the upper levels of Earth’s atmosphere.

Workshop speakers include Elizabeth MacDonald, the NASA researcher who founded and leads the Aurorasaurus citizen science project. James LaBelle, a professor of physics and astronomy at Dartmouth University and auroral radio physicist, will discuss radio signatures of the aurora. Phil Erickson, W1PJE, of Haystack Observatory in Massachusetts will speak on “Amateur digital mode based remote sensing: FT8 use as a radar signal of opportunity for ionospheric characterization.” David Hallidy, K2DH, a retired microwave engineer and well-known for his work in auroral mode propagation, will discuss his practical experiences of using the aurora for radio communication.

Contester and DX Engineering CEO Tim Duffy, K3LR, who was to be the banquet speaker, will talk on the topic, “Let’s Push the Exploration of the Ionosphere to the Next Level.”   

 
 
Emergency Communications

Packet Messaging on Eastern MA Hospital Net

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

John O’Neill, K1JRO, writes:

ANNOUNCEMENT: W1SSH is interested in including packet messaging as part of the monthly [Eastern MA Hospital] Net. For those participants capable of packet messaging on 2 meters this would entail sending and receiving a packet message to others so equipped. Due to its versatility, ease of use, and acceptance by many as the “standard” program of choice we would use Winlink (RMS) Express. If this is something you would be interested in also please let us know.

Also, we have Net Control openings for the first Saturday of the month for the remainder still available. April has already been claimed. There are only 8 left. If you would like to volunteer as Net Control please let us know. Claim your month now! Get them while they’re hot!

Stay safe, stay healthy, 
John O’ – K1JRO
All

Henniker, NH Flea Market Cancelled, March 22, 2020

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Via the NEQRP mailing list:

From the CVRC website, posted Sunday, March 15th:

Governor Sununu has ordered all schools in New Hampshire closed until a reassessment some time around April 3rd. This, of course, means that our Flea Market is cancelled for the 22nd and rescheduling is uncertain at this time. We certainly look forward to seeing you at some time in the future, but at this time, we wish to have you all be safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Steve Jones,  CVRC Secretary,     N1JHJ

All

Dayton Hamvention Cancelled

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

From arrl.org:

03/15/2020 – For the first time in its 68-year history, Dayton Hamvention® will not take place this year, due to concerns about the coronavirus outbreak. The glum news was not entirely unexpected, given widespread cancelations of public gatherings and a national state of emergency. 

“The Hamvention Executive Committee has been monitoring the COVID19 pandemic. We have worked very closely with our local and state health departments. It is with a very heavy heart the Hamvention Executive Committee has decided to cancel Hamvention for this year,” Hamvention General Chair Jack Gerbs, WB8SCT, said in announcing the cancelation on March 15. “This decision is extremely difficult for us, but with around 2 months until the Great Gathering we felt this action necessary. More specific details regarding the closure will soon be posted. Thank you for your understanding in this time of international crisis.” [Full story]

Emergency Communications

Billerica EMA Radio Test, March 15, 2020

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Kevin Fallon writes on the Billerica ARS mailing list on March 15, 2020, at 12:04 PM:

This afternoon Billerica Emergency Management will be conducting a radio test from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at some point between 1:00 and 2:00 pm. Time is a bit vague depending on when other tests conclude. Feel free to check in if you’d like. We’ll start on the Billerica repeater, .12

Thanks for the use of the repeater.
 
Kevin Fallon
Billerica Emergency Management

 

Foxhunting / Operating

Fox Box Deployed in Westford, March 14, 2020

- by k9hi - 1 Comment

John Salmi, KB1MGI, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list on March 14, 2020 at 10:08 AM:

I just placed out a 2 meter Fox Box in Westford on 146.565 Press DTMF tone two for 2 seconds for 15 minutes of 30 seconds on 30 seconds off. To reset again press DTMF tone 2 again.

I’ll leave it out for a week or until the batteries die.

If you want to know the location to save time, Email me: KB1MGI55@Gmail,com.