All / NTS

Heavy Hitters Traffic Net To QSY To MMRA Network

- by admin - Leave a Comment

leftleftBob DeMattia, K1IW, MMRA President writes:

Effective January 1, 2006, the Heavy Hitters Traffic Net, which is a National Traffic System affiliated net for passing formal written messages between hams and non-hams, will be operating nightly at 10PM on the Minuteman Repeater Association network. Their nets generally run about 30 minutes. The following repeaters will automatically link at 9:50 pm:

146.61, 146.67, 146.715, 146.820, 147.270, and all 222 and 440 repeaters.

The repeaters will return to their normal state at 11:50pm. On Tuesdays, the repeaters will link as they always have at 7:50 pm for the TIOS net, but will remain linked until 11:50pm.

Note that the 146.790 repeater in Weston will NOT link for HHTN, so it will remain on the previous schedule of 7:50 pm link, 9:50 pm unlink on Tuesdays only.

Although the net will not begin until January 1st, the scheduler setpoints have been programmed and the automatic linking will begin starting this evening. This gives us a week and one half to make sure
everything is running smoothly.
All / Emergency Communications

Eastern MA ARES, SKYWARN Efforts Acknowledged on ARRLWeb

- by admin - Leave a Comment

EMA ARES logoSKYWARN logoEastern MA ARES and SKYWARN members received a nice write-up on the ARRL national website describing their efforts in the wake of last week’s nor’easter in which “near-blizzard conditions and high winds” prompted ARES and SKYWARN teams to activate in Eastern Massachusetts on December 9.

The article quotes Section Emergency Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY describing the damage caused by the storm. Macedo acknowledged the superb communications efforts put forth by several dozen Amateurs throughout the region.

“The quick-hitting nature of the storm tested the ability of Eastern Massachusetts ARES and SKYWARN to react quickly to a rapidly intensifying winter storm that brought hurricane force winds and near blizzard conditions to the region,” said KD1CY.

The full story can be viewed at http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2005/12/15/2/?nc=1.

All / Emergency Communications

Eastern MA ARES, SKYWARN Efforts Acknowledged on ARRLWeb

- by admin - Leave a Comment

EMA ARES logoSKYWARN logoEastern MA ARES and SKYWARN members received a nice write-up on the ARRL national website describing their efforts in the wake of last week’s nor’easter in which “near-blizzard conditions and high winds” prompted ARES and SKYWARN teams to activate in Eastern Massachusetts on December 9.

The article quotes Section Emergency Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY describing the damage caused by the storm. Macedo acknowledged the superb communications efforts put forth by several dozen Amateurs throughout the region.

“The quick-hitting nature of the storm tested the ability of Eastern Massachusetts ARES and SKYWARN to react quickly to a rapidly intensifying winter storm that brought hurricane force winds and near blizzard conditions to the region,” said KD1CY.

The full story can be viewed at http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2005/12/15/2/?nc=1.

All

Framingham ARA To Operate In ARRL Kids Day

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Framingham ARA logoSumner Weisman, W1VIV writes on FraminghamARA-L:

There has been lots of talk among [Framingham Amateur Radio Association] members about how we need to attract more young people to our radio club. Here is one way to do it.

ARRL Kid’s Day is coming Sunday afternoon, January 8th. I will be at the FARA shack, operating the rig, from 1 to 5pm. My 9-year-old grandson Tim will be there also.

Last year we did it at my QTH, but this year I would like to invite other parents and grandparents to the FARA shack, with their kids and grandkids. We will put the kids on the air, talking to other kids around the country. We hope that it will help to develop an interest in pursuing a ham license in the future. You can read more about Kid’s Day on the ARRL website.

Please e-mail or call 508-877-1565 and let me know if you are coming. If you can bring some refreshments to share, that would be great. (Cookies, brownies, soda, etc.)

All

K1XM, KQ1F Highlighted In Globe West Column

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Paul Young, K1XM and Charlotte Richardson, KQ1F were featured in the December 4, 2005 Boston Globe West “People” column. The chatty article describes the Hudson couple’s DXpeditions and contesting efforts over the years to places like Sao Tome and Principe, Malaysia, and Bermuda. KQ1F was quoted, saying Massachusetts travel agents have stopped returning their calls: “They told us that we have too many unusual requirements.”

The article also included the URLs for the ARRL web site, and the Eastern MA ARRL site.

All / Clubs / Youth

Townsend Middle School Makes ARISS Contact!

- by admin - Leave a Comment

ARISS crew at Hawthorne Brook School in TownsendMembers of the Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club helped facilitate a contact between astronauts aboard the International Space Station and youths at the Hawthorne Brook Middle School in Townsend, Massachusetts on November 29.

Shown here: Marilyn Richardson, N1CSH (left) and her twenty student ARISS participants. KD1LE photo

[See also: ARRL Web, ARISS release, (archive.org copy of “ARISS release”),The Community Journal: “Hawthorne Brook Middle School makes contact”, Nashoba Valley ARC newsletter, ARISS contact at Hawthorne Brook Middle School]
All

Kuss Middle School ARISS Project Featured In Providence Journal

- by admin - Leave a Comment

ARISS logoParticipants in the Kuss Middle School’s Amateur Radio on International Space Station (ARISS) project received positive PR in a recent Providence (R.I.) Journal story entitled “Kuss Middle School students will talk directly to International Space Station astronauts.”

According to the story, school officials have announced that students at the Fall River middle school will have their second opportunity in four months to talk directly to astronauts aboard the International Space Station on January 19, 2006.

Kuss Middle School’s science curriculum director, Pamela Tickle is quoted in the story, saying, “Fall River is one of the few communities across the country to host such an event and it’s the only school in Massachusetts that has ever hosted a downlink.”

“Fall River Mayor Edward M. Lambert Jr. said the selection of Kuss shows ‘in this working-class community, there’s no reason why these kids can’t reach for the stars.'”

All

Billerica ARS One-day Tech Class “A Great Success”

- by admin - Leave a Comment

BARS logoThe Billerica Amateur Radio Society one-day Tech Class was “a great success,” according to BARS’ Bruce Anderson, W1LUS.

“Thirty-three signed up for the class and 23 people actually showed up. Nineteen of the 22 people passed the Technician test.” Anderson explains that one of the original 33 actually passed the exam before the class. “After reading the ARRL book “Now You’re Talking” she decided to try the exam before the class. She is now KB1MSV.”

The class participants are now all BARS members and Anderson hopes to see them at future BARS meetings. He also encourages club members to greet the “new faces” and welcome them into the club and to Elmer them.

W1LUS credits his fellow instructors for the class: WO1N, N1HTS, AA1VS, and K1TWF, in addition to assistance from KB1CIC and KB1DMO. He also acknowledges the VEs who conducted the examination at the conclusion of the class: WO1N, K1LJN, K1TWF, AA1VS, N1HY and N1HTS.

“It took a lot of work to administer 35 exam elements,” says Anderson. “It was a very long day for the students and the instructors, but well worth it. Now I remember why we only do this once a year.”

—Billerica ARS Newsletter, December 2005

All / Emergency Communications

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net Tonight at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater System

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Hello to all….

A reminder that the monthly ARES Net for December is rapidly approaching. The monthly ARES Net for December is Monday December 5th, 2005, at 8:30 PM on the MMRA Repeater system. This is after the RACES Nets earlier in the evening.

Make tonight, “Emergency Communications Night” and
check into your local RACES Net and then check into the ARES Net on the MMRA Repeater System. We look forward to your participation and remember, we are
always looking for Net Controls to run the ARES Net.

We will have several interesting announcements for the net this evening and we look forward to everyone’s participation. Updates will be posted via email and on the Eastern Massachusetts ARES Web Site at
http://ares.ema.arrl.org

Thanks for your continued support of ARES!
Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section 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
1

All / Licensing Education & Training

KY1N List of New England Volunteer Exams – 12/2/05

- by admin - Leave a Comment 
                        The KY1N Memorial List

   Scheduled Amateur Radio Volunteer Examinations - CT MA ME NH RI VT

                                 12/02/05

                            Jim, WW1Y, Editor

Date     Time   Contact                     Location           Phone

12/03/05 11:30  Frank Sileo, N1PE           Brookfield      CT 203-438-0218

12/03/05 10:30  Larry Houbre, AA1FS         Dartmouth       MA 508-991-6055

12/03/05 09:00 *Alan Shuman, N1FIK          Manchester      NH 603-487-3333

12/03/05 09:00  Jim Heedles, WW1Y           Nashua          NH 603-672-4035

12/03/05 08:45  Conrad Ekstrom, WB1GXM      Newport         NH 603-543-1389

12/06/05 19:00  Richard Strycharz Jr, KD1XP Northampton     MA 413-665-2211

12/06/05 19:00  Joel T Curneal, N1JEO       Wallingford     CT 203-634-4444

12/08/05 19:00  Louis Mester, W1CH          Providence      RI 401-231-6045

12/08/05 19:00  Kevin Cellini, N1KGM        Trumbull        CT 203-268-5015

12/09/05 18:30  Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R   Burlington      VT 802-878-6454

12/10/05 09:00  Don Tarbet, KD1XU           Bangor          ME 207-327-1453

12/10/05 10:00  Bryce Rumery, K1GAX         Bath            ME 207-799-1116

12/10/05 08:45  William J Needham, K1WN     Braintree       MA 781-843-4400

12/10/05 09:00  Joanne Reid, N1LNE          Falmouth        MA 508-548-1121

12/10/05 09:00  Jack P Garforth, N1JK       Middletown      RI 401-683-2250

12/10/05 09:00  Steven Ewald, WV1X          Newington       CT 860-594-026512/11/05 12:00  Bob Quinn, WV1A             Gloucester      MA 978-283-4660

12/12/05 19:00  Dick Doherty, KA1TUZ        Brookline       MA 617-527-2968

12/12/05 19:00  Mike Ardai, N1IST           Brookline       MA 781-321-7939

12/13/05 19:00  Lawrence Polowy, KU1L       Thomaston       CT 860-283-4089

12/14/05 19:30  Bruce Anderson, W1LUS       Chelmsford      MA 978-851-2886

12/15/05 19:30  Louis Harris, N1UEC         Norwood         MA 508-668-0858

12/17/05 09:00  William D Wilson, K1IN      Bloomfield      CT 860-869-1059

12/17/05 09:00  Bill Wade, K1IJ             Marlborough     MA 617-699-3670

12/19/05 19:00  Arthur Denault, KB1CNB      Fall River      MA 774-644-3469

12/20/05 19:00  Paul Lux, K1PL              Middletown      CT 860-635-1742

12/21/05 19:30  Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX     Cambridge       MA 617-253-3776

12/21/05 19:00  Robert E Moreland, KA1ZMF   Milford         CT 203-933-9587

12/23/05 18:00  David Cote, WA1DC           Holyoke         MA 413-592-4978

12/24/05 12:00 +Warren Hartman, W1LN        Danvers         MA 978-927-1015

12/28/05 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH           Shirley         MA 978-597-6535

12/31/05 09:00  Bob Jones, WB1P             Slatersville    RI 401-333-4787

01/07/06 10:30  Larry Houbre, AA1FS         Dartmouth       MA 508-991-6055

01/07/06 09:00  Darryl Del Grosso, WA1DD    New London      CT 860-443-7799

01/08/06 12:00  Bob Quinn, WV1A             Gloucester      MA 978-283-4660

01/09/06 19:00  Dick Doherty, KA1TUZ        Brookline       MA 617-527-2968

01/09/06 19:00  Mike Ardai, N1IST           Brookline       MA 781-321-7939

01/10/06 19:00  Lawrence Polowy, KU1L       Thomaston       CT 860-283-4089

01/11/06 19:30  Bruce Anderson, W1LUS       Chelmsford      MA 978-851-2886

01/12/06 19:00  Louis Mester, W1CH          Providence      RI 401-231-6045

01/13/06 18:30  Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R   Burlington      VT 802-878-6454

01/14/06 08:45  William J Needham, K1WN     Braintree       MA 781-843-4400

01/14/06 09:00  Joanne Reid, N1LNE          Falmouth        MA 508-548-1121

01/18/06 17:30  Donald R Smith, AE1Q        Augusta         ME 207-495-3891

01/18/06 19:30  Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX     Cambridge       MA 617-253-3776

01/19/06 19:30  Louis Harris, N1UEC         Norwood         MA 508-668-0858

01/21/06 09:00  Bill Wade, K1IJ             Marlborough     MA 617-699-3670

01/21/06 09:00  Bruce Howes, W1UJR          South Portland  ME 207-443-2140

01/25/06 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH           Shirley         MA 978-597-6535

01/27/06 18:00  David Cote, WA1DC           Holyoke         MA 413-575-2950

01/28/06 12:00 +Warren Hartman, W1LN        Danvers         MA 978-927-1015

02/04/06 10:30  Larry Houbre, AA1FS         Dartmouth       MA 508-991-6055

02/08/06 19:30  Bruce Anderson, W1LUS       Chelmsford      MA 978-851-2886

02/09/06 19:00  Louis Mester, W1CH          Providence      RI 401-231-6045

02/10/06 18:30  Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R   Burlington      VT 802-878-6454

02/11/06 08:45  William J Needham, K1WN     Braintree       MA 781-843-4400

02/11/06 09:00  Joanne Reid, N1LNE          Falmouth        MA 508-548-1121

02/12/06 12:00  Bob Quinn, WV1A             Gloucester      MA 978-283-4660

02/13/06 19:00  Dick Doherty, KA1TUZ        Brookline       MA 617-527-2968

02/13/06 19:00  Mike Ardai, N1IST           Brookline       MA 781-321-7939

02/14/06 19:00  Lawrence Polowy, KU1L       Thomaston       CT 860-283-4089

02/15/06 19:30  Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX     Cambridge       MA 617-253-3776

02/16/06 19:30  Louis Harris, N1UEC         Norwood         MA 508-668-0858

02/18/06 10:00  Bryce Rumery, K1GAX         Bath            ME 207-799-1116

02/18/06 09:00  Bill Wade, K1IJ             Marlborough     MA 617-699-3670

02/22/06 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH           Shirley         MA 978-597-6535

02/24/06 18:00  David Cote, WA1DC           Holyoke         MA 413-575-2950

02/24/06 09:00  Mitch Stern, W1SJ           Milton          VT 802-879-6589

02/25/06 12:00 +Warren Hartman, W1LN        Danvers         MA 978-927-1015

02/25/06 09:00  Jim Heedles, WW1Y           Nashua          NH 603-673-7395

03/04/06 10:30  Larry Houbre, AA1FS         Dartmouth       MA 508-991-6055

03/08/06 19:30  Bruce Anderson, W1LUS       Chelmsford      MA 978-851-2886

03/09/06 19:00  Louis Mester, W1CH          Providence      RI 401-231-6045

03/10/06 18:30  Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R   Burlington      VT 802-878-6454

03/11/06 08:45  William J Needham, K1WN     Braintree       MA 781-843-4400

03/11/06 09:00  Joanne Reid, N1LNE          Falmouth        MA 508-548-1121

03/12/06 12:00  Bob Quinn, WV1A             Gloucester      MA 978-283-4660

03/13/06 19:00  Dick Doherty, KA1TUZ        Brookline       MA 617-527-2968

03/13/06 19:00  Mike Ardai, N1IST           Brookline       MA 781-321-7939

03/14/06 19:00  Lawrence Polowy, KU1L       Thomaston       CT 860-283-4089

03/15/06 17:30  Donald R Smith, AE1Q        Augusta         ME 207-495-3891

03/16/06 19:30  Louis Harris, N1UEC         Norwood         MA 508-668-0858

03/18/06 08:45  William J Needham, K1WN     Braintree       MA 781-843-4400

03/18/06 09:00  Bill Wade, K1IJ             Marlborough     MA 617-699-3670

03/18/06 09:00  Bruce Howes, W1UJR          South Portland  ME 207-443-2140

03/22/06 19:30  Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX     Cambridge       MA 617-253-3776

03/22/06 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH           Shirley         MA 978-597-6535

03/24/06 18:00 *Mitch Stern, W1SJ           Essex Junction  VT 802-879-6589

03/24/06 18:00  David Cote, WA1DC           Holyoke         MA 413-575-2950

03/25/06 12:00 +Warren Hartman, W1LN        Danvers         MA 978-927-1015

04/01/06 10:30  Larry Houbre, AA1FS         Dartmouth       MA 508-991-6055

04/08/06 08:45  William J Needham, K1WN     Braintree       MA 781-843-4400

04/08/06 09:00  Joanne Reid, N1LNE          Falmouth        MA 508-548-1121

04/09/06 12:00  Bob Quinn, WV1A             Gloucester      MA 978-283-4660

04/10/06 19:00  Dick Doherty, KA1TUZ        Brookline       MA 617-527-2968

04/12/06 19:30  Bruce Anderson, W1LUS       Chelmsford      MA 978-851-2886

04/13/06 19:00  Louis Mester, W1CH          Providence      RI 401-231-6045

04/14/06 18:30  Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R   Burlington      VT 802-878-6454

04/15/06 09:00  Bill Wade, K1IJ             Marlborough     MA 617-699-3670

04/19/06 19:30  Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX     Cambridge       MA 617-253-3776

04/20/06 19:30  Louis Harris, N1UEC         Norwood         MA 508-668-0858

04/22/06 12:00 +Warren Hartman, W1LN        Danvers         MA 978-927-1015

04/26/06 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH           Shirley         MA 978-597-6535

04/28/06 18:00  David Cote, WA1DC           Holyoke         MA 413-575-2950

05/06/06 10:30  Larry Houbre, AA1FS         Dartmouth       MA 508-991-6055

05/06/06 09:00  Bill Studley, AA1OC         Hopkinton       NH 603-424-2857

05/08/06 19:00  Dick Doherty, KA1TUZ        Brookline       MA 617-527-2968

05/10/06 19:30  Bruce Anderson, W1LUS       Chelmsford      MA 978-851-2886

05/11/06 19:00  Louis Mester, W1CH          Providence      RI 401-231-6045

05/12/06 18:30  Ralph T Stetson III, KD1R   Burlington      VT 802-878-6454

05/13/06 08:45  William J Needham, K1WN     Braintree       MA 781-843-4400

05/13/06 09:00  Joanne Reid, N1LNE          Falmouth        MA 508-548-1121

05/14/06 12:00  Bob Quinn, WV1A             Gloucester      MA 978-283-4660

05/18/06 19:30  Louis Harris, N1UEC         Norwood         MA 508-668-0858

05/20/06 09:00  Bill Wade, K1IJ             Marlborough     MA 617-699-3670

05/24/06 19:30  Nick Altenbernd, KA1MQX     Cambridge       MA 617-253-3776

05/24/06 19:00 *Paul Upham, KD1YH           Shirley         MA 978-597-6535

05/26/06 18:00  David Cote, WA1DC           Holyoke         MA 413-575-2950

05/27/06 12:00 +Warren Hartman, W1LN        Danvers         MA 978-927-1015


                                 NOTES:

                      * = PREREGISTRATION MANDATORY

                   +  = PLEASE CALL TO GAURANTEE SEATING

                        T = Technician Exams only

                           Times are Local Time

    Please check with the contact person as some dates are tentative!

              For the latest examination information, check

                  http://www.ky1n.net/ky1n.html.

            If attending a session please remember to bring:

   1) One photo ID, or two non-photo ID's (one with address)

   2) Original FCC-issued license plus a photocopy (if already licensed)

   3) Original plus photocopies of all CSCE's you are claiming

   4) The 2005 test session fee of $14.00

                 All VE Teams are invited to contribute.

 For additions/corrections contact Jim Heedles, WW1Y, 603-672-4035,

                     via email at ky1n@ky1n.net
All

LAFD + Ham Radio = An Exciting Opportunity

- by admin - Leave a Comment

John Salmi, KB1MGI posts:

http://lafd.blogspot.com/2005/12/lafd-ham-radio-exciting-opportunity.html

Thursday, December 01, 2005

The Los Angeles Fire Department has been chosen by the City’s Emergency Operations Organization to oversee its amateur radio program under the Auxiliary Communication Service (ACS) agreement with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

LAFD Auxiliary Communications Service (LAFD ACS) volunteers provide essential communications support to the Los Angeles Fire Department during disasters and at LAFD-supported public service events, such as the recent Hollywood Christmas Parade.

In a strong show of support for the program and evidence of its importance, Fire Chief William Bamattre has authorized the LAFD ACS to enroll up to 500 licensed radio amateurs (ham radio operators) to supplement the Department’s existing communications network as needed.

If you are a licensed radio amateur, we welcome you to join or support the efforts of the LAFD ACS, a local Fire Corps program.

Not a Ham?

The LAFD ACS has a mentoring program designed to assist members of our community who desire to become FCC licensed Amateur Radio Operators. You can learn more by visiting the LAFD ACS website:

http://www.lafdacs.org

Submitted by Brian Humphrey (KG6IVD), Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

# posted by LAFD Media and Public Relations : 12/01/2005 03:07:00 PM

All

South Coast Repeater Archiving Project On The Web

- by admin - Leave a Comment

WAV waveformA Mattapoisett ham has created a unique web site that can be used to access archived audio content of local repeaters. “SCRAP”, the South Coast Repeater Archiving Project consists of two dedicated PCs that record audio files compressed in wav format, playable on most multimedia systems. Each file is recorded using SCANREC from Sagebrush Systems, a VOX-operated audio recorder with time and date stamp capabilities.

Tim Smith, N1TI explains that the audio archives of local repeater activity is interesting “for a variety of reasons including repeater abuse, performance checks, station audio critiques and nostalgia.” Smith says the content includes “complete on-air audio archives of all W1AEC [repeater] activity starting beginning on November 9, 2005.”

“This site was established primarily to record events of repeater abuse but produced an interesting side-effect: the ability to reflect on past events.”

N1TI’s web site also contains audio archives from the W1RJC repeater. “I’ve not had the time to review W1RJC’s files with the same level of scrutiny,” he adds.

Users may request a password from Smith for full access to the archive by emailing him at rt_smith@yahoo.com. In addition, the SCRAP web site contains various repeater resource links.

All

SEMARA Members QRV For SKYWARN Recognition Day

- by admin - Leave a Comment

SEMARA logoSoutheastern MA Amateur Radio Association members plan to staff the club’s station, W1AEC and operate in Skywarn Recognition Day on December 3, 2005.

“I plan to be at the club on Saturday morning about 10 a.m. and remain until the last person leaves or has had enough fun,” writes Ron Silvia, WB1HGA.

Silvia says there will be two stations available for folks to operate. Plans call for both SSB and Morse code operation at W1AEC.

“This year I am adding something different: PSK 31 will be available for use during this event. I will bring my HF station set up for this mode. So depending on what goes, we may have as many as 3 stations running!” WB1HGA adds.

[See also: WX1BOX QRV For SKYWARN Recognition Day and Boston ARC To Operate in SKYWARN Recognition Day, December 3, 2005]
All

Nashoba Valley ARC “Sort Up A Storm” For W1 Buro

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Nashoba Valley ARC QSL sorting meetingMembers of the Nashoba Valley ARC sorted their way through thousands of W1 QSL cards at NVARC’s October club meeting. In all, 17,000 cards were pre-sorted in just two hours. The cards were arranged into piles according to the first letter of the call sign suffix. They were then repackaged for delivery back to the W1-bureau, for final sorting by various volunteers across New England.

Volunteers included: KB1JKL, KB1HDO, K1LGQ, WA1TAC, W1JMM, W1XP, KB1ESR, AB1DS, KB1LZH, KB1MBR, KD1SM, K1LK, KD1LE, W1ZBT, N1SV, and K1NKR.

—Nashoba Valley ARC Signal, November, 2005

All

WX1BOX QRV For SKYWARN Recognition Day

- by admin - Leave a Comment

SKYWARN logoSKYWARN Recognition Day 2005 begins Friday December 2nd at 7 PM and ends on Saturday December 3rd at 7 PM. NWS Taunton, WX1BOX, will be on the air from 7 PM-12 AM on Friday Night and from 7 AM-7 PM Saturday.

At the time of this newsletter writing, 96 National Weather Service Offices are participating across the country for this year’s event. It is a nationwide event where certificates can be achieved for working a variety of endorsements that are available by working certain NWS Offices. It is a tremendous opportunity to contact NWS Offices as the National Weather Service recognizes all the Amateur Radio Operators who support the SKYWARN program with timely severe weather reporting into NWS for the protection of life and property. The endorsement checklist will be posted to the web-site on SKYWARN Recognition Day Web Site on Friday. Here is the link to the SKYWARN Recognition Day Web Site:

http://hamradio.noaa.gov/

The *WX_TALK*, EchoLink Conference Server Node# 7203/IRLP Reflector 9219 will be utilized between 11 AM-Noon EST (1600-1700 UTC) by WX4NC-NWS Raleigh, North Carolina and WX4NHC, the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida will utilize the system from 4-6 PM EST (2100-2300 UTC). NWS Taunton will most likely be on this system during at least a couple of timeframes. We will also utilize the New England Network (*NEW-ENG* EchoLink Node#: 9123/IRLP Reflector 9058) for most if not all of this timeframe so that people can have access to us on that system or via WX-TALK/IRLP Reflector 9219. Further details will follow in a subsequent update or two as SKYWARN Recognition Day draws closer.

In addition, Amateur Radio will be active for SKYWARN Recognition Day from the Blue Hill Observatory under call-sign W1BOS/MQE. [See BARC To Operate In SKYWARN Recognition Day.] This station is being sponsored by the Boston Amateur Radio Club (BARC) and will be on the air on 2 Meters and 20 Meters. Further details will be posted as received and a web site link is posted with further information as its own topic later in this newsletter.

The following is a tentative schedule that will be followed over the course of the SKYWARN Recognition Day event. It is hoped to make contact with many of the hardworking SKYWARN Spotters from across the NWS Taunton County Warning Area and around the country to thank them for their support of the SKYWARN program. Some forecasters from NWS Taunton have volunteered to go on the air and either give announcements or speak to certain spotters directly.

Below is a schedule that we will be on for 2 Meter/440 Repeaters that we will attempt access during the course of SKYWARN Recognition Day. We will also be on at random on 6 Meters, 20 Meters, 40 Meters and 80 Meters. If time and band conditions allow, 10 and 15 Meters will be utilized. We will also be on VoIP full time utilizing the New England Network and the *WX-TALK*/9219 Reflector system as we work HF and VHF/UHF modes. If we are not on one system, please try the other system though we should have capability to monitor both systems simultaneously. The goal is to hit as many repeaters and networks within range of NWS Taunton at least once possibly twice where possible. Some SKYWARN repeaters such as repeaters in Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts are not reliably reachable from NWS or have other repeaters on those frequencies so they cannot be reached. We will also try Simplex 2 Meters at several points within the schedule as it will be a good test of our capabilities and a fun experiment to try during this event. The tentative schedule of where we will monitor is listed below.

Friday December 2nd, 2005:

7:00-7:30 PM: 146.595 Simplex
7:30-8:00 PM: 147.000-Darmouth Repeater
8:00-8:30 PM: 145.490-Fairhaven Repeater
8:30-9:00 PM: 147.180-Bridgewater Repeater
9:00-9:30 PM: 146.79-Vernon, CT Repeater (linked via IRLP.)
9:30-10:00 PM: 147.225-Killingly, CT Repeater
10-10:30 PM: 146.760-Scituate, RI Repeater
10:30-11:00 PM: 146.970-Paxton Repeater
11:00-11:30 PM: 145.470-Danvers Repeater
11:30 PM-12:00 AM: 146.640-Waltham Repeater

**Will Attempt to monitor both the New England Network and the *WX-TALK*/IRLP Reflector 9219 systems during this entire timeframe.

**It is possible we may switch off to different repeaters or simplex during time slots if we run out of contacts.

Saturday December 3rd 2005:

7:00-9:00 AM: 146.595 Simplex
9:00-9:30 AM: 145.230-Boston Repeater
9:30-10:00 AM: 146.640-Waltham Repeater
10:00-10:30 AM: 146.79-Vernon, CT Repeater (linked via IRLP.)
10:30-11:00 AM: 147.225-Killingly, CT Repeater
11:00-11:30 AM: 145.470-Danvers Repeater
11:30 AM-Noon: 146.895-Walpole Repeater
Noon-2:00 PM: 146.595 Simplex
2-2:30 PM: 146.955-Barnstable Repeater
2:30-3:00 PM: 146.955-Westford Repeater
3:00-3:30 PM: 146.970-Paxton Repeater
3:30-4:00 PM: 147.165-Exeter, RI Repeater
4:00-4:30 PM: 146.760-Scituate, RI Repeater
4:30-5:00 PM: 145.490-Dartmouth Repeater
5:00-5:30 PM: 147.180-Bridgewater Repeater
6:00-6:30 PM: 146.895-Walpole Repeater
6:30-7:00 PM: 147.000-Dartmouth Repeater

**Will Attempt to monitor both the New England Network and the *WX-TALK*/IRLP Reflector 9219 systems during this entire timeframe.

**It is possible we may switch off to different repeaters or simplex during time slots if we run out of contacts.

We look forward to this fun event and will hope that Mother Nature will not bring forth another large snowstorm like in 2003, which featured the biggest snowstorm of the 2003-2004 Winter. Thanks and we look forward to a fun event, another update will be posted either Thursday Night December 1st or Friday Morning December 2nd.

—from SKYWARN Newsletter #228

All

PART Members “Root” For Lowell Lock Monsters

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Police Amateur Radio TEAM logoAn Eastern MA ARRL-affiliated club is promoting a unique social activity this holiday season. Members of the Police Amateur Radio Team of Westford plan to attend a Lowell Lock Monsters hockey game against the Providence Buins at the Tsongas Arena on December 3, 2005.

“We currently have eleven people signed up for the game,” writes Charles Suprin, AA1VS. Suprin is attempting to recruit one more attendee to acheive a group ticket rate. “With the group package we will get PART’s name in lights on the Jumbotron,” he adds.

“The Lock Monsters are promoting their ‘Teddy Bear Toss Night’ at the game,” says AA1VS. “Fans are encouraged to bring new or ‘gently used’ teddy bears and to toss them onto the ice when the Lock Monsters score their first goal of the night. The teddy bears will benefit the pediatric unit at Lowell General Hospital and other local charities.”

Suprin requests that PART members interested in attending notify him by November 27.

Licensing Education & Training

N1BLF To Retire From Question Pool Reading

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Bob Zeida, N1BLFA North Dartmouth ham has received praise from the Minnesota-based Courage Center Handiham Program. Volunteer reader Bob Zeida, N1BLF has announced that he will retire from reading the FCC question pools beginning in 2006.

Zeida, who is also a member of the Southeastern MA Amateur Radio Association, has read all of the current pools on behalf of Handiham members. He is a familiar voice to many blind amateurs studying for their Technician, General, and Extra Class licenses.

“His measured, clear delivery is appreciated by those of us who must make our way through the huge number of questions during our studies,” writes Handiham Manager Pat Tice, WA0TDA. “We thank Bob for his wonderful service to Handiham members who listen to his reading around the world!”

Although N1BLF will not be reading the pools, he will continue reading the monthly magazine digests. Bob also reads for blind listeners via the Massachusetts Talking Information Center. —Thanks, Handiham World Weekly E-Letter, November 23-30, 2005

[See also: N1BLF CD Recordings for the Blind]
All / Public Information / Regulation & Advocacy

"Town Meeting" PR Efforts Gain Ground

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Seal of the Commonwealth of MassachusettsA representative from the Governor’s office has reached out to the Amateur Radio community in the wake of last week’s perceived “snubbing” of Amateur Radio emergency communications efforts in comments made by the Governor in a televised “Town Meeting.”

According to Eastern MA Section Emergency Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY, Pam Hickman from the Governor’s Office of External Relations telephoned Macedo yesterday. “Hickman stated the Governor’s Office would like to the ‘make the situation right,'” explained KD1CY.
Macedo told Hickman that he and the ARRL/ARES leadership are seeking a “short visit” with the Governor so that they might “describe Amateur Radio and its benefits to the community.” KD1CY says he’d like to use the opportunity to push for an Amateur Radio proclamation during the June, 2006 timeframe, which coincides with the ARRL’s annual Field Day operating event.

“I gave a brief description of Amateur Radio and what we do and tried to give her a flavor of our organization,” noted Macedo. “Hickman has requested pamphlets and information be sent to her office. I will begin working on that as one of my highest priorities.”

KD1CY expects to have a package consisting of ARES/ARRL pamphlets, sample articles from the ARES E-newsletters, a writeup on the Whittenton Pond Dam operation, and other relevant materials sent to Hickman no later than Friday.

“Depending on time constraints, I may also provide a brief, high-level PowerPoint presentation, leveraging material used from the MEMT meetings where we’ve discussed ARES and RACES.”

In a related development, District Emergency Coordinator Steve Schwarm, W3EVE contacted his state representative regarding the Governor’s comments in the Town Meeting program. “[Steve’s] representative sent a response, saying he was going to be contacting the Governor’s office,” reports Macedo. “This is the first I’ve heard of a state rep getting involved with making contact as well.”

All / Public Information / Regulation & Advocacy

“Town Meeting” PR Efforts Gain Ground

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Seal of the Commonwealth of MassachusettsA representative from the Governor’s office has reached out to the Amateur Radio community in the wake of last week’s perceived “snubbing” of Amateur Radio emergency communications efforts in comments made by the Governor in a televised “Town Meeting.”

According to Eastern MA Section Emergency Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY, Pam Hickman from the Governor’s Office of External Relations telephoned Macedo yesterday. “Hickman stated the Governor’s Office would like to the ‘make the situation right,'” explained KD1CY.
Macedo told Hickman that he and the ARRL/ARES leadership are seeking a “short visit” with the Governor so that they might “describe Amateur Radio and its benefits to the community.” KD1CY says he’d like to use the opportunity to push for an Amateur Radio proclamation during the June, 2006 timeframe, which coincides with the ARRL’s annual Field Day operating event.

“I gave a brief description of Amateur Radio and what we do and tried to give her a flavor of our organization,” noted Macedo. “Hickman has requested pamphlets and information be sent to her office. I will begin working on that as one of my highest priorities.”

KD1CY expects to have a package consisting of ARES/ARRL pamphlets, sample articles from the ARES E-newsletters, a writeup on the Whittenton Pond Dam operation, and other relevant materials sent to Hickman no later than Friday.

“Depending on time constraints, I may also provide a brief, high-level PowerPoint presentation, leveraging material used from the MEMT meetings where we’ve discussed ARES and RACES.”

In a related development, District Emergency Coordinator Steve Schwarm, W3EVE contacted his state representative regarding the Governor’s comments in the Town Meeting program. “[Steve’s] representative sent a response, saying he was going to be contacting the Governor’s office,” reports Macedo. “This is the first I’ve heard of a state rep getting involved with making contact as well.”