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Clubs / Public Information / Youth

Harvard Wireless Club Table at Student Involvement Fair, September 7, 2018

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Harvard Wireless Club official shieldThe Harvard Wireless Club will participate in the Harvard Student Involvement Fair on Friday, September 7, 2018 at Tercentenary Theater in Harvard Yard, Cambridge.

“We will be at Table 719. Just look for the Alex Loop antenna on the 19-foot tripod, which is usually the tallest thing at the fair,” remarks W1AF station manager Bill Collins, W1PL.  Bill is requesting HWC members come by and help recruit new people. The crew will conduct talk-in on the MIT repeater, 449.725/444.725 -, PL 114.8. 

The first meeting of the Harvard Wireless Club will be held on Tuesday, September 11 at 6 PM. Adds W1PL, “We will have free pizza. Hopefully,  new recruits will be there.”

Public Information / Youth

Boxboro Convention to Feature Amateur Radio Exposition For Young People

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Nashua Area Radio Society High Altitude Balloon DisplayThe 2018 Boxboro! ARRL New England  Division is pleased to announce that the Nashua Area Radio Society (NARS) will be presenting an Amateur Radio Exposition for Young People on September 8-9, 2018. This exposition will include many hands-on activities, videos, and displays about amateur radio and wireless communications, including:

  • Software Defined Radios
  • High-Altitude Balloons
  • Portable and Mobile stations
  • Emergency Communications
  • Fox-hunting

In addition to the displays, the exposition will also feature a kit building activity. For a small cost ($20), you can purchase a kit and build it using NARS’s equipment and help from their mentors. The kit is a fully functional Morse code touch keyer and practice oscillator. It is available on a walk-up basis anytime on Saturday or Sunday that the Exhibitor hall is open.

The exposition will also include a computer-controlled satellite ground station. Using this satellite ground station, folks can communicate with other amateur radio operators using satellites in space.

For more information, please visit https://www.boxboro.org/exposition-for-young-people.

Clubs / Youth

Massachusetts Maritime Academy ARC Granted ARRL Affiliation Status

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The Massachusetts Maritime Academy Radio Club has been granted ARRL Affiliation status. 

In a letter dated July 31, 2018  from ARRL’s Norm Fusaro, W3IZ,  Field Services and Radiosport Department Manager to MMAARC club trustee Andrew Perron, AB1YN, Fusaro writes: “It gives me great pleasure to advise you that the ARRL has approved your club’s application for affiliation with the ARRL.  The Massachusetts Maritime Academy Radio Club is hereby declared a duly affiliated society.” 

The League will generate a “handsome” charter and send to the club in the near future. 

Fusaro added, “Your club is now eligible for the benefits of ARRL affiliation; we hope you will make full use of our services. ”

Congratulations to the officers and members of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Amateur Radio Club for this important milestone!

 

Operating / Youth

Falmouth ARA Planning for October Jamboree On The Air

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Falmouth Amateur Radio AssociationThe Falmouth Amateur Radio Association plans to sponsor a Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) event in the fall. This is the largest scouting event in the world and is held annually on the third full weekend in October. JOTA uses amateur radio to link scouts and hams around the world, around the nation, and in local communities.

The club plans to set up at the Falmouth Recreation Center “probably in the large room with a lot of windows.” Interested club members should contact Glen, KC1GKT at glen.dowden@gmail.com. More information to follow.

Licensing Education & Training / Youth

Natick HS High Altitude Balloon Group Project a Success

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wa3itr-7 aprs trackCharlie Bures, WA3ITR writes:

On Wednesday, June 20, the Natick HS High-Altitude-Balloon Group launched their platform at 4:07pm from the Hatfield Elementary School, near Northampton in the middle of Massachusetts. The APRS tracking device used Charlie’s callsign (WA3ITR) with a dash-7.

From the APRS track shown below, the HAB was up to 45,000 feet over Worcester traveling east at over 85 pmh! It circled over South Natick & Framingham, reaching up to 91,953 feet before it burst. It continued toward the Atlantic as it parachuted back to the ground. Although the plan from the simulations was to land in the Natick area, that wasn’t going to happen as it sped to the east.

The chase team couldn’t go that fast ! The last APRS point was in East Weymouth at about 500 feet above the ground (AGL) at 6:38pm . The Natick group hoped to find it, since the 3 GoPro cameras were only recording photos to their internal micro-disks. Luckily, they spotted it around 7:10pm in a farmer’s field in Hingham and he gave them permission to recover it. Now, we will be checking the 3 cameras to see if there are any photos and, if so, making a short video or photo album.

rachel_and_max
Natick_group
countdown

[Show slideshow]
Licensing Education & Training / Youth

Weekend General License Course Offered, Natick, July 13-15, 2018

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New England Sci Tech logoFor high school students and adults who already have a Technician level license, this fast-paced, two-day course will get you ready to take the GENERAL 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 approximately a week before the course.

The GENERAL level course runs Friday, July 13, 6:00-9:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 14, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by theFCC General examat 3:00 p.m., at New England Sci-Tech, 16 Tech Circle, Natick. The $85 course fee covers exam fee, cold cuts and salad lunch, coffee and snacks, and printed materials. Advance registration and payment required.

For questions, e-mail bobphinney at nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179 or visit <https://www.nescitech.org/product/weekend-general-class/>.

Operating / Youth

Natick High School High Altitude Balloon Launch, Florence, MA, June 20, 2018

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WA3ITR APRS trackDan Brown, W1DAN writes on the Wellesley ARS mailing list:

Charlie’s (WA3ITR) High Altitude Balloon project is currently hoping to launch on 6/20/2018 from Florence, MA around 1-2 PM.  It is hoped that the platform will be recovered in the Natick area around 6 PM or so.

Follow it on APRS!
 
See also: 
Operating / Youth

Natick High Altitude Balloon–Successful Tethered Test

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Natick HS High Altitude Balloon tethered testDon Clements writes:
 
Successful tethered test! We didn’t launch (due to the cloud cover), but the test was great. With the large tank, the balloon filled quickly and easily. You can have pretty much any lift you want. We filled the balloon too much, and went off the 2 kg scale for lift. The last aspect we need to control is the amount of lift, and that’s pretty straightforward. At this point we’re ready to launch(!)
If you look at the picture full size you can see the parachute and instrument package up there. We had it 150ft up, and got good satellite and APRS data. 
 
To the Stars, and Beyond!
 
 
Operating / Youth

Natick High School Balloon Launch Carrying Amateur Radio

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WA3ITR APRS track

Charlie Bures, WA3ITR reports he is involved with a Natick High School High Altitude Balloon (HAB) launch carrying an Amateur Radio Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) package. The project is funded by the AeroClub of New England via the David Frawley Foundation.  

“The launch will be soon,” said Charlie. “I’m working with the science teacher at Natick High School. We are currently doing tethered dry-run integration tests in preparation for our actual launch.  We are also monitoring the jet streams so that our balloon platform doesn’t go into the Atlantic but, hopefully, lands around the Natick area, or at least outside Route 128 away from congestion and major highways.” Charlie adds the launch will hopefully occur either “later this week or next.”

The balloon activity can be followed via http://aprs.fi. Charlie will use the call sign WA3ITR-7. 

Updated: June 14, 2018

Operating / Youth

ARRL Kids Day, June 16, 2018

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tin can toy phonesTwice per year in January and June for five hours, ARRL Kids Day promotes Amateur Radio to our youth.  Kids Day is designed to give the on-the-air experience to young people and foster interest in getting a license of their own.  It is also intended to give older hams a chance to share their station and love for Amateur Radio with their children.  Share the excitement with your kids, grand-kids, a scout troop, a church or the general public.  Suggested initial exchange is name, age, location and favorite color.  You can work the same station again if an operator has changed.  To draw attention, call “CQ Kids Day.”  All participants are eligible to receive a colorful certificate and feedback on your experiences are also welcome at the ARRL Kids Day page.

Youth

High Altitude Balloon Launch, Nashua, New Hampshire, June 3, 2018

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Nashua Area Radio Society high altitude balloon launch screenshotAnita Kemmerer, AB1QB writes on the PART of Westford mailing list:
 
The Nashua Area Radio Society will be launching a high altitude balloon tomorrow morning, June 3rd, from Hollis Brookline High School.  We are working with students from World Academy in Nashua, NH and Hudson Memorial School in Hudson, NH.  
 
Here is some information on how to track our flight:  https://www.n1fd.org/2018/06/01/hab-3-launch/
Licensing Education & Training / Youth

Amateur Radio Technician License in a Weekend Course, Natick, June 29-30, 2018

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NE1AR logo“For high school students and adults, this fast-paced, two-day course will get you ready to take the 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 approximately a week before the course. The TECHNICIAN level course runs Friday, June 29, 6:00-9:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 30, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.”

[More information]
Licensing Education & Training / Youth

Week-long Beginner Level Amateur Radio Course for Youth and Families, Natick, June 25-29, 2018

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NE1AR logo“The Clay Center Amateur Radio Club (CC-ARC) is a Youth Club, and as such strives to provide educational opportunities for students as well as parents.  We have teamed up with New England Amateur Radio Inc to offer a radio Technician Class course for adults, children, and child-parent pairs to facilitate their successful completion of the FCC radio license test.  Children who pass the test receive a free membership in the Clay Center Amateur Radio Club, the largest youth-oriented radio club in New England.  Yes, this course is geared toward children!”  (Ages 11 and up.) ” 

[More information]
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.”

 

Licensing Education & Training / Youth

Technician License in a Weekend Course, Natick, June 1-2, 2018

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For high school students and adults, this fast-paced, two-day course will get you ready to take the 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 approximately a week before the course.

The Technician level course runs Friday, June 1, 6:00-9:00 PM and Saturday, June 2, 8 AM to 3 PM, followed by the FCC Technician exam at 3:00 PM, at New England Sci-Tech, 16 Tech Circle, Natick. The $85 course fee covers exam fee, cold cuts and salad lunch, coffee and snacks, and printed materials. Advance registration and payment required. 

NOTE: Another Technician course will be offered June 29-30, if you can’t make this one.

For questions, see http://www.ne1ar.org/event/amateur-radio-license-in-a-weekend-course-technician-level/ or e-mail bphinney at nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.

Operating / Youth

Harvard Wireless Club QRV for New England QSO Party, May 5-6, 2018

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Harvard Wireless ClubBill Collins, W1PL writes on the Harvard Wireless Club mailing list:

Hi all,

W1AF will be activated this weekend [May 5-6] for the New England QSO Party.  Our President Benjamin Lee, K7JS and Treasurer Allen Liu, KC1HBB are tentatively scheduled to operate on Saturday. The fun on Saturday will be working four QSO parties: New England, Area 7, Indiana, and Delaware. I will also be doing some operating on Sunday.

If anyone else is interested, please come over and make at least a few contacts and we can enter you in the log. Sunday will be a little easier because it will only be New England. You can be on the air with me with only your Technician license. I know a lot of students will be busy with finals, but if you can make it that would be great!

Send me an email if you would like to stop by, and I will send you my cell phone number to open the door at 6 Linden Street [in Cambridge].

Also, the NEQP “School Club” category allows ANYONE to operate:  Harvard alumni, former employees, and even non-affiliates.

Hope to see you there! 

Youth

New England Tech Trek Special Events Station N1T QRV at NEAR-Fest, May 4-5, 2018

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Bill Barber, NE1B writes on YCCC mailing list:

New England Tech Trek logoNETT @ NEAR-Fest is sponsoring N1T for the *New England Tech Trek* this weekend.  This is the youth-focused Science and Technology Expo.  Operation will be Friday beginning at 10 AM thru 6 PM, then Saturday from  9 AM thru 3 PM.  Operators will be Youth-On-the-Air at the two HF GOTA stations (2 Flex w/ Maestros) and on a Satellite GOTA station on 2m/70 cm.

If you are at NEAR-Fest, stop by the Arts & Crafts Building with the NETSquared signs!

[See also: NE(T)² New England Tech Trek]

 

Youth

Camp Squanto Scouts Ham Radio Demo Logistics, May 5, 2018

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Jack Foley, N1QE writes on the Genesis ARS list:
 
Anyone that is headed over to Camp Squanto this weekend, and after the VE session you are welcome to join us, I will provide lunch, but please let me know if you are coming for lunch, beyond six or so.
 
There are TWO road races scheduled in the park on Saturday, so if you are joining us in the morning, setup starts anytime after 0730, our station opens for business at 0900, plan for delays in getting into the camp with associated traffic.
 
Thanks again to all, appreciate your support of Camp Squanto and W1CSQ.
 
BIG NEWS!
 
W1CSQ has been given the green light to set up a ham/communication shack at Camp Squanto!  We have a room in a building to be our permanent location, YEAH!  On Saturday, I would appreciate input into layout of our room, antenna logistics etc.
 
<…>
 
73,
N1QE

 
Public Information / Youth

Volunteers Requested, Ham Radio Demo at Boy Scout Camp Squanto, May 5, 2018

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camp squanto signJack Foley, N1QE is requesting 6-12 hams to assist with an Amateur Radio “emergency communications information station” at Camp Squanto on Saturday, May 5 from 9 AM to 4 PM.

Foley is a former Scoutmaster and currently serves as a District Commissioner. He’s also the trustee of the BSA Camp Squanto Radio Club, W1CSQ. The Camp is located in Plymouth.

“This would be one of a dozen or so stations dealing with treating wounds, first aid, etcetera. Ours would deal with emergency communications.”

If you can help in demonstrating ham radio and talking to scouts about emergency communications, please contact Jack Foley, N1QE at jackm.foley@proforma.com.