Eastern Massachusetts ARRL

N1DT 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.

Tony 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.

Members of the Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club participated in the Longsjo Classic in Fitchburg on July 2, 2006.

Shown here (l-r): N1UZ, KD1SM and K1JHK receiving their assignments. Photo courtesy KD1SM

–NVARC Signal, July, 2006

Meeting 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]

The 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

The annual Eastern MA traffic handlers’ picnic will be held August 6, 2006 from 12 noon until 4:00 p.m. at the Raynham Senior Center picnic area in Raynham, MA. [Full story]

The 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.”

N1DT 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.

The 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.

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.

Paul 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

N1DT and K1VV plan to activate Butler Flats Lighthouse (ARLHS USA 099) under the call W1AA on Saturday, July 1, 2006 from 10:30 UTC (6:30 AM EST) until 18:00 UTC (2:00 PM EST).

“Conditions have been less than ideal. If you do not hear us on a posted frequency, hang in there–the bands are ever changing,” 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 Butler Flats Lighthouse will be furnished.”

Located in New Bedford at the mouth of the Acushnet River, Butler Flats Lighthouse can be seen from the shore along East Rodney French Boulevard, and from the ferries leaving New Bedford for Martha’s Vineyard and Cuttyhunk. The station was established in 1898. The current lighthouse tower was built in 1898 and automated in 1978. The brick and cast iron structure is 53 feet high, and features a white light that flashes every four seconds.

[See also: Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society]

The Police Amateur Radio Team of Westford has voted to decommission its 146.52 emergency station. The historic public service operation will come to a halt after almost 26 years of operation, writes PART’s President “Bo” Budinger, WA1QYM. PART voted 10-to-5 for the change at its June, 2006 meeting.

PART still provides emergency phone patch facilities directly into the Westford Police Department (WFD), the Massachusetts State Police, the New Hampshire State Police, and police departments in several of the surrounding towns via their 2 meter and 440 repeaters.

“We are only decommissioning the 146.52 direct operation,” stresses Budinger. “We have not had a call into WB1GOF for ages. The .52 station will remain in the dispatch area for use in emergency communications between the WPD and PART.”

Budinger adds that he is forming a committee to facilitate the station’s decommissioning. AA1VS has volunteered to be a committee member; WA1QYM is looking for more people to join.

“Our job will be to see that the PART signs on I-495 and Route 3 as well as on the local Westford streets come down and are disposed of properly.” He adds that the club also needs to notify the greater Boston Amateur Radio community of the decommissioning.

“I envision a formal closing ceremony for this historic public service operation,” Budinger adds.

Members of the Framingham Amateur Radio Association are planning a special field trip to ARRL Headquarters in Newington, Connecticut on July 28, 2006.

“We’ll be going ‘caravan style,'” writes FARA President Gordy Bello, K1GB. “We will stop for a break along the way. When we are done with our visit, we’ll have dinner at Rein’s Deli.”

K1GB reminds those attending to bring copies of their current ham license if they wish to operate the W1AW station after the tour.