K1USN To Hold Open House, August 5

K1USN stationThe K1USN Radio Club will participate in an open house event on Saturday, August 5th from 10 AM-2 PM at the Watson Library and Research Center on Quincy Avenue in Braintree. Light refreshments will be served. The Braintree Historical Society plans to show area residents the progress made with renovations at the Center. The official grand opening should take place during the month of September.

According to K1USN’s Harold L. “Pi” Pugh, Jr., K1PV, “All are welcome to attend and we plan to have K1USN on the air for some HF and VHF demonstrations at our new location.” Pi invites all interested parties to drop by and say hello and/or operate.

For more information, visit http://www.qsl.net/k1usn.

[See also: USS Salem RC Has A New Home At Watson Library]

Hams Answer Westford Shelter Comms Request

Police Amateur Radio Team of Westford logoOn August 2, Terry Stader, KA8SCP received a request for Amateur Radio communications assistance for a shelter in Westford during the recent heat emergency. Stader sought at least two people to staff two shifts, six-to-eight hours in length. He polled members of the Police Amateur Radio Team of Westford and others in the area. A total of five amateurs volunteered: WI1R, AA1VS, WA1VIE, K1LJN and KA8SCP. “Coincidently, these folks are also Community Emergency Response Team members in the Merrimack Valley,” writes KA8SCP.

“Shelter ops were conducted at the Cameron Senior Center on only one night–Tuesday night,” according to Stader. “I got the phone call late Tuesday night around 10:15 PM that there was an elderly woman from the Graniteville side of town who was without power and was going to be transported to the senior center.”

Stader adds that it was originally “only going to be for a couple of hours” but ended up being all night. Once the electric company repaired the outage, the woman was transported back home and the shelter operation was closed about 4:45 AM.

“I’ve been asked to pass on thank you from Chief Rochon, Tim Whitcomb and Captain Joe Targ to those that offered to assist,” adds KA8SCP. “I, too, would like to thank those of you that offered to help and stood by ready to go to Cameron if needed. Fortunately we were only called to action the one night.”

Head Of The Charles Regatta, Oct. 20-22, 2006

Head Of The Charles Regatta photoJeff Arnold, N1FWV writes:

It is that time once again to announce the Head of the Charles Regatta on October 20, 21, 22. On behalf of the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay I would like to invite you to join us once again this year as the ham radio support for this great event.

Please let me know the following:

Name, Call sign, Address, Phone, Cell, Email address, Jacket size, What day or days you would like to work

Friday, Oct 20 noon – 6:30
Saturday, Oct 21 8am – 6:30
Sunday, Oct 22 7am – 5:30

Please also let me know if you CANNOT help us out this year but would like to remain on our list

If you agree to work a day, please plan on being there the whole time. it is very difficult to do a shift change in the middle of the day.

For those who come from afar, we have allowed you to come in a bit late, but as you know, parking can be difficult and roads close early.

Hope to hear from each of you.

Jeff, K1EMS (old call N1FWV)
RWJeffa@comcast.net

Special Fessenden Commemorative Operation, August 4, 2006

W1AA/Fessenden QSL cardAmateurs will help commemorate the 100th anniversary of Reginald A. Fessenden’s first voice and music broadcast with a special events operation from the Governor Winslow House in Marshfield, MA on August 4, 2006 from 1500-2100 UTC.

W1AA will operate on 7225-7270, above 14310, and on 17 meters, above 18150. The station will operate on cw 40 khz up from the bottom of the bands, plus or minus QRM.

Stations contacting W1AA will receive a special commemorative QSL card. Please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Watch the DX Summit for W1AA Spots, at http://oh2aq.kolumbus.com/dxs/hfdx25.html.

For further information, contact Dave Riley, AA1A at nmf.marshfield@verizon.net.

[See also: http://www.959watd.com/fessenden.asp]

W1AA To Activate Boston and Graves Light, August 5, 2006

W1AA/ Boston and Graves Lighthouse QSL cardN1DT and K1VV plan to activate Boston and The Graves Light under the call W1AA for the National Lighthouse Weekend 2006 on August 5, 2006 from 7:00 AM EST (1100 UTC) until about 5:00 PM EST (2100 UTC).

National Lighthouse Weekend is held annually to promote public awareness of ham radio and lighthouses; to contribute to the recognition that lighthouses, lightships, and their keepers deserve.

Whitey, K1VV notes that he and N1DT will begin operations on 75 meters, above 3980 kHz. “Check 3996.” On 40 phone, look for W1AA between the nets, most likely below 7270, down to 7225. Whitey says they’ll also use 20 phone later in the morning above 14310, or 17 meters above 18150. “We will return to 40 phone about 1530 to 1600 UTC, about noon local time.”

Morse code operation will be conducted roughly on the half hour, on 7035, 10116, 14035 and 18080 kHz, plus or minus QRM.

“We will be posting our spots on the DX Summit. but we would appreciate any and all W1AA spots by the members.” He adds, “DX QSLs are via the W1 Bureau and stateside are via W1AA please with an SASE. A photo of the lighthouse will be furnished.”

The Graves Light is located in Outer Boston Harbor. It can be seen from points along the shore in Winthrop (Shore Drive), Hull (Nantasket Beach), and Nahant, but is best seen by boat. It was established in 1905. With a height of 113 feet, it exhibits two white flashes every 12 seconds. Its fog signals two blasts ever 20 seconds.

Boston Light is located on Little Brewster Island in Outer Boston Harbor. The station was initially established in 1716. The current lighthouse tower was built in 1783. Constructed of stone with brick lining, the tower stands 89 feet high. The lighthouse flashes white every 10 seconds. Its fog signals one blast every 30 seconds.

Lowell Folk Festival Volunteers Sought

Lowell Folk Festival logoTerry Stader, KA8SCP writes on PART-L:

We are still looking for volunteers for the Lowell Folk Festival which runs from Friday, July 28th through Sunday, July 30th. A couple of people have signed up but we are looking for people for Saturday evening and Sunday.

The Emergency Management “bus” will be used as a “station” for information, basic first aid and a general all around resource center.

We would like to have at least 2 volunteers for each shift, the shifts tentatively look like:

Friday – 6:00 to 10:00 PM

Saturday – 12:00 (noon) to 5:00 PM
5:00 to 10:00 PM

Sunday – 12:00 (noon) to 4:00 PM
4:00 to 7:00 PM (event closes at 7 PM)

If you are available and would like to participate, please call Mark’s office at 978-459-5552 and leave a message with your name, your telephone number and what day and time you’d like to assist. You can also send an email message to Mark at mboldrig@ci.lowell.ma.us.

The Lowell Folk Festival web page can be found at http://www.lowellfolkfestival.org/.

Thank you.

Communications Help Sought For Cranberry Country Triathlon

Cranberry Country Triathalon logoTony Duarte, N1XRS is seeking volunteers to help with communications for the 5th annual Cranberry Country Triathlon in Lakeville on August 26, 2006.

“I would like to have people there for 7AM as it starts at 8AM,” writes Duarte, who can be contacted via email at tdduarte@comcast.net.

The Cranberry is based at the Ted Williams Camp on Rte. 18 in Lakeville, less than an hour from Boston. The swim goes around Loon Pond, the bike takes you over scenic roads and the run includes shady sections and plenty of water stations. For complete information on the race visit http://www.cranberrycountrytri.com/.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Ted Williams Camp, the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute, the West Bridgewater Drama Club and the West Bridgewater Music Club.

New England Division Cabinet Meeting Notes On-line

New England division logoMeeting notes from the July 16, 2006 New England Division Cabinet Meeting in Portland, Maine have been posted on-line for your reading pleasure. The bi-annual meetings are held approximately one week before regular ARRL Board of Director meetings to allow Section Managers, Assistant Directors, Advisory Committee members and Affiliated Club Presidents the opportunity to voice their opinions and provide feedback to the Director and Vice Director. [See also: ARRL New England Division Cabinet Meeting 7/16/06]

Framingham ARA Receives SSC Renewal

ARRL SSC logoThe Framingham Amateur Radio Association has been officially renewed as a Special Service Club by ARRL Headquarters.

“Through the work of its members, [Framingham ARA] is recognized for its continued efforts on behalf of Amateur Radio and services to its community.” wrote ARRL Club Assistant Rose-Anne Lawrence, KB1DMW in a July 20, 2006 letter to FARA’s President Gordy Bello, K1GB, Eastern MA Affiliated Club Coordinator Phil Temples, K9HI, Section Manager Mike Neilsen, W1MPN, and New England Division Director Tom Frenaye, K1KI.

“Extraordinary clubs like FARA actively pursue all aspects of Amateur Radio: new ham development and training, public relations, emergency communications, school club support, technical advancement and operating activities,” commented K9HI.

More information about Special Service Clubs can be found at http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/club/#ssc_program

Help Promote Boxboro On Your Club Web Site!

Boxboro logoAttention radio club webmasters: there’s an easy and effective way for your club to promote the upcoming Boxboro/ARRL New England Division Convention. Please consider placing a Boxboro logo or button on your web site. It’s easy to do! There are some example images and accompanying snippets of HTML code on http://ema.arrl.org/mod.php?mod=userpage&page_id=55.

With Boxboro less than five weeks away, we need everyone’s help to ensure this convention is the best-attended, most successful Boxboxo yet!

Harvard, MIT Mount Joint IARU Contest Operation

HWC shieldW1MX QSLThe Harvard Wireless Club and the MIT Radio Society ran a joint effort in the IARU HF World Championship from W1MX on July 8-9, 2006.

“We finished with about 1200 QSOs,” writes HWC member Clayton Nall, NF1R. The joint operation saw participation by five operators at the W1MX shack at MIT in Cambridge.

Interestingly, HWC member and Harvard alum Fred Hopengarten, K1VR of Lincoln, MA heard the MIT/Harvard team while participating in the event from Brazil. “W1MX had a good, but not great, signal. I was the referee for the Estonian team, using the callsign PW5K.”

W1AA To Activate Clark’s Point Lighthouse July 15

W1AA/ Clark's Point Lighthouse QSL cardN1DT and K1VV plan to activate Clark’s Point Lighthouse (ARLHS USA 174) in New Bedford under the call W1AA on Saturday, July 15, 2006 from 10:30 UTC (6:30 AM EST) until 18:00 UTC (2:00 PM EST).

“You all are the reason we activate these lights,” writes Robert “Whitey” Doherty, K1VV. “See you all on Saturday. Please be there.”

Whitey notes that he and Don will begin operations on 75 meters, above 3980 kHz. In the past, 3997 has been used. “On 40 phone, tune for us between the nets, most likely below 7270, down to 7225.” Whitey says they’ll also use 20 phone later in the morning above 14310, or 17 meters above 18150. “We will return to 40 phone about 1530 to 1600 UTC, about noon local time.”

Morse code operation will be conducted roughly on the half hour, on 7035, 10116, 14035 and 18080 kHz, plus or minus QRM.

“We will be posting our spots on the DX Summit. but we would appreciate any and all W1AA spots by the members.” He adds, “DX QSLs are via the W1 Bureau and stateside are via W1AA please with an SASE. A photo of the lighthouse will be furnished.”

Located at Fort Taber at the entrance to New Bedford Harbor and the Acushnet River, the lighthouse was originally established in 1797. The current tower, built in 1869, is not open to the public.

SKYWARN Busy as Thunderstorms, Large Hail, Flash Flooding Hit New England

Flooding on Walnut St., Peabody. Photo courtesy KB1KQWThe ARRL Headquarters web site carried a news story about SKYWARN activities during Tuesday afternoon’s severe weather in Eastern MA and other portions of New England.

“An outbreak of severe weather in New England July 11 kept SKYWARN nets in Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire busy fielding reports of high winds, large hail, flooding and even possible tornadoes. Amateur Radio SKYWARN coordinators assisted with damage assessment well into the evening. More severe weather is forecast for today.

“‘We haven’t had a severe weather outbreak like this in quite some time,’ said ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section Emergency Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY.” [Full story]

SKYWARN Training Schedule Update For July Sessions

SKYWARN logoRob Macedo, KD1CY writes in SKYWARN Newsletter #230:

We have two additional SKYWARN training sessions upcoming for the month of July. One will be in Boston/Cambridge and the other will be in Bedford, NH. Below are the dates and particulars for the training:

07/15/2006 1030 AM-1:30PM MIT Tang Center, E51-345, Cambridge Room

Sat. 70 Memorial Drive

Cambridge, Mass.

-Parking available on Memorial Drive and in lot on Amherst Street.

-Easy Access from I-93, Route 3, I-90 via Memorial Drive Westbound,
Wadsworth to Amherst, or Main to Ames to Amherst Street.

-Also easy access from MBTA Red Line (Kendall MIT), short walk from
MBTA #1 bus.

-Maps available at http://whereis.mit.edu/map-jpg?mapterms=E51 and http://tinyurl.com/n2q24

For more information contact Bill Ricker N1VUX, n1vux@arrl.net

07/26/2006 6:30-9:30 PM Bedford, NH Safety Complex

Wed. Bedford, NH

For more information contact Jeff Des Rosiers-N1OOL at n1ool@comcast.net or Hillsborough County NH SKYWARN Coordinator Jim Blaine-WD4JZO at jtblaine@verizon.net

The 2006 SKYWARN training session has been very successful to date and we look forward to having more trained spotters after these final two sessions in the month of July. Thanks to all for their continued support of the 2006 SKYWARN program.

Framingham ARA To Offer Bi-monthly VE Sessions

Framingham ARA logoThe Framingham Amateur Radio Association will offer bi-monthly VE sessions on a pre-registration basis beginning in September, according to FARA president Gordy Bello, K1GB.

“If it appears that we have sufficient activity, then we will consider having monthly sessions with both pre-registered and walk-in candidates,” writes Bello.

The sessions will be held on the second Wednesday of the scheduled month.

K1GB requests all parties to please “spread the word.” Details of the sessions will also be posted on the ARRL website.

USS Salem RC Has A New Home At Watson Library

K1USN new club shack at Watson LibraryWatercolors illustrated by Mr. Watson on display

Members of the USS Salem Radio Club have a new home for their club shack: the historic Watson Library and Research Center in Braintree.

“Watson was very interested in all sorts of pastimes, industrial, and scientific endeavors,” writes club member William O’Hara, N1EY. “The Musuem has an actual recording of Mr. Watson, which is in the process of being archived.”

Thomas A. Watson founded what became the Fore River shipyard, but he is better known as the recipient of the first-ever telephone call. The Watson library was built on the site of Watson’s first shipyard building.

Shown here: The new K1USN shack featuring (l-r): W1AY and K1RV. Also, watercolours illustrated by Mr. Watson, on display. Photos courtesy N1EY.

W1XAL Information?

W1XAL QSL cardPaul McDonough, ex-WA1WYZ writes on Boatanchors@mailman.qth.net:

I’m looking for anyone who remembers the shortwave station W1XAL in Boston. I’d like to write an article about it.

I thought the Boatanchors group would be appropriate since there are a lot of older hams on it. No flames please.

I’ve found out that W1XAL started transmitting on shortwave from 70 Brookline Ave in Boston in 1931. It broadcast educational and cultural programs by professors from Harvard, Tufts, BU, etc.

Does anyone have ANY photos/stories/anything about this station back then?

In 1936, the antenna (antennas?) were moved to Scituate, MA.

In 1939, the station became WRUL. Later it became WNYW, then WYFR. It left Scituate in the 1970’s.

I’d like any info on W1XAL that I can get. All I have is a photocopy of a QSL card. I’m just amazed that a shortwave station broadcast from inside Boston. (I was born and raised in Boston).

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks.

Paul McDonough
formerly WA1WYZ
Natick, MA