Mark Pride, K1RX writes:

Hello from the WRTC 2014 organizing committee!

Thanks too all of you who have stepped forward and volunteered to help with the WRTC testing effort we’re planning for this July (trial run). And for those that yet to sign up, please review the following with your fellow club members and contact me if you can volunteer for this July (or beyond).

We’re interested to making sure that the sites we have approval to use will work as well as we hope they will (and are not too good or too bad), and we need to work through the process of setting up and taking down stations using the configuration we are planning to use in 2014.

There are three parts of the process:

Station set-up Operating Station tear-down

Full details on WRTC 2014 can be found at: http://www.wrtc2014.org/

Station Set-Up

The set-up process is currently estimated to take 5-6 hours, and would take place on Thursday or Friday. A team of at least four people will be needed for each location.

Each site runs independently, with a 1kw generator, tent, table, etc. We have successfully tested a tilt-over Rohn 25 tower with tri-bander and 40/80m dipoles. All of this should fit in a pick-up truck and weighs roughly 350 pounds.

The tower/antennas use the falling-derrick method to get them up – no climbing needed (nor wanted).

Once installed, we will need someone to spend the night to monitor the equipment until the contest starts (Saturday morning at 8am).

Operating

The contest runs from 8am Saturday until 8am Sunday. We would like to see the station active for the full time period if possible. For 2012 we are only envisioning one station and one operator but if you want to be ambitious and plan for two, go for it. You will need a triplexer if there are two stations using the tribander.

During the contest we will be monitoring all stations .

Two demonstration events are planned leading up to the July, 2012 trial run.

1. May 4 and 5, 2012 at the NEARfest event in Deerfield, NH

2. At the QTH of Mark, K1RX in Kensington, NH on June 2 (directions and RSVP can be found at the YCCC.org web site)

I am inviting participation from ALL New England based amateur radio clubs to join us at the NEARfest or at my place on June 2 to get first hand training and experience with every aspect of the tower and antenna assembly and operation.

Note also that the towers, generators, antennas will be offered to clubs that help in this significant undertaking at a considerable discount. More details to follow on this opportunity to help the local clubs in New England.

You can get your FCC Amateur Radio License in One Day

(Note: Morse code is no longer needed for any amateur radio license)

How?
If you can spare one Saturday, chances are very good you can get your amateur radio Technician license in one day. Don't worry if you're not technically inclined, this method depends more on short-term memory than technical knowledge or background. By spending six hours studying the question pool, you'll remember enough to pass the exam given at the end of the class. We provide the study material. The test is 35 multiple-choice questions. You only need 26 correct to pass. This method has worked with teenagers to senior citizens.

Why?
With a Technician license, you can use VHF and UHF amateur radio bands, when the phones go dead and your cell phone doesn't get reception, you will be able to get a message out with a simple hand-held radio. For emergency workers, adding Amateur Radio capability adds to your communications abilities. And best of all, it is great fun and there are many interesting people to meet.

Help?
So after I get my license, what's next? Members of the Quannapowitt Radio Association are ready and willing to teach you the practicle matters of getting "on the air". We will answer your questions on how to get on the air and help with what radio to buy, etc.

Schedule
Date: Saturday, May 5th, 2012
Time: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (includes exam)
Place: Meeting Room at: Reading Police Department, 15 Union Street, Reading, Mass.
To Save Your Spot Contact
Jim Fisk 978-475-7284 – JIMBOGRQ@verizon.net
Tim McNulty 978-535-1259
Cost & Requirements
Fee: $5 (includes materials & snacks)
Test Cost: @15 (requires by FCC)
Bring photo ID, Social Security Number and 2 pencils.

Jim Bradley, KB1JKJ writes:

For the second year, hams are needed for the Boston Brain Tumor Society bicycle rides on Sunday, 20 May 2012. We have been asked to help ensure the safety of the riders and make this event a success. There are three routes: a 10 miles, 25 miles, and 50 miles. All rides start and finish at the front parking lot of Reservoir Woods, Waltham, MA.

Ride starting times are between 0800 and 1000, and and will end in the early afternoon. The routes have similarities and have paths in Waltham, Lincoln, Concord, Carlisle, Acton, Westford, and Weston. Ham assignments will be at water stops, in sweep and recovery vehicles, and shadows. Hams are asked to be at the various assignments between 0700 and 1000. There will food and entertainment available afterward at Reservoir Woods.

A 2-meter, 5 watt hand-held radio is satisfactory for this event. A better antenna then the “rubber duck” antenna that came with your radio is desirable, and a magnetic mount antenna would be helpful if you are assigned to a vehicle.

Our ham supported public service events are interesting and fun experiences. The communication load is light, but safety and support for the participants are always primary. If you are new to this facet of ham radio, and want to get more public service experience, this is an excellent opportunity to learn the ropes. If you are an experienced public service volunteer, we definitely need your help.

If you are available for this event, please reply to me with all of the following information as soon as possible. Reply by email is the best method. If you know other hams who would like to volunteer, ask them to send the following information to me.

Your assistance is valuable. Please let me know promptly if you can help. I will get the assignments and more details to you as soon possible. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Full name

On-air name

Call sign

Postal mailing address (including 9-digit ZIP code)

Evening phone

Day phone

Cell phone

Email address

Does your 2-meter radio have CTCSS (PL)?

Do you have a dual-band radio?

Do you have a magnetic mount antenna?

T-shirt size

73,

Jim Bradley, KB1JKJ
kb1jkj@arrl.net
978.663.7114

N1WCO writes on Facebook:

The Southcoast CERT Collaborative comprised of the Emergency Management Agencies from the communities of Dartmouth, Freetown, New Bedford and Westport will be conducting TWO Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training courses in our area beginning next month. The first class to be held in New Bedford will start on Wednesday 02 May and every Wednesday until the 27th of June. The New Bedford class will run from 18:30 hrs (6:30pm) to 21:30 hrs (9:30pm) and will be held at the Brooklawn Park Senior Center, 1997 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford.

The second class will be held at the Westport Fire Headquarters located at 54 Hix Bridge Road, Westport and will start on Thursday 03 May and will continue every Thursday evening from 18:30hrs to 21:30hrs through the 28th of June. Participants must attend all sessions to be eligible for a Certificate of Completion.

THE 24+ HOUR BASIC CERT TRAINING COVERS:

Disaster Prepardness
Disaster Medical Operations Part 1- Triage and Treating life
threatening Injuries
Disaster Medical Operations Part 2- Assesment and Treatment of Common
Injuries
Light Search and Rescue
Terrorism Awareness
Fire Safety Disaster Psychology
Course Review and Disaster Simulation

There is no cost for this training the CERT Classes are FREE!

Rick Savage, KB1LYJ writes:

The Multiple Sclerosis Journey of Hope Walk on Saturday, 12 May 2012, is a 7.5 mile course which starts and finishes at Natick High School, with the course on the streets of the town. We have been asked again to help make the event safe for the walkers, spectators and staff. We will assign hams to key intersections and as shadows for staff and medical support.

The communication load for this event is light and is an excellent opportunity for those who are new to ham public service. For those who have done this before – your help is needed again more than ever.

Hams are asked to assemble at 0800 and our assignments should be complete by early afternoon. Lunch will be provided for all participants and volunteers. The Natick High School is located at 15 West St in Natick, MA

A 2-meter and 70-cm, 5 watt dual band hand-held is required for this event. A better antenna than the “rubber duck” antenna that came with your radio is best for public service events. Be sure to have sufficient batteries to last the day.

We need your assistance to help make this event successful. If you can help with this event, please reply to me with all of the following information as soon as possible. Email is the best method.

Full name
On-air name
Call sign
Postal mailing address (including 9-digit ZIP code)
Evening phone
Day phone
Cell phone
Email address
Do you have a dual-band radio?
Do you have a magnetic mount antenna?
T-shirt size

If you know other hams who would like to volunteer, ask them to send the above information to me. If you are new and want to get public service experience, let me know and you will be accommodated as best we can.

Please let me know promptly if you can help. Assignments and more details will be sent shortly before the event. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

73,

Rick Savage, KB1LYJ
rpsavage@comcast.net
781.289.7364 (H)
617.905.9686 (C)

The Algonquin Amateur Radio Club, N1EM, recently donated five 2012 editions of the "ARRL Library collection" books to libraries of the metro west towns of Hudson, Bolton, Stow, Northborough, and the 1st Lt. Charles W. Witcomb Middle school in Marlborough.

Shown here (L-R): K1DIN, W1UE, Don Cusson, KB1WTO, KB1WTB, KV1J, WB6VVA, KA1OS, W1SHK, N1ZCD, N1QQP, KA1HIH and K1IX.

The 2012 Run of the Charles races canoes and kayaks from Needham to Allston. Once again, we have been asked to provide safety and administrative communications for the 30th running of this exciting event on Sunday, 29 April.

There are nine dams that require portaging by the paddlers and other hazards to be monitored. All races finish at Artisani Park (across from the WBZ studio) on Soldiers Field Road in Allston. Our assignment start times vary from 0700 to 1100 and should complete from 1000 to 1500, depending on location.

Safety and support for the participants is our primary concern, but a good dose of wet excitement is built in (for the racers, usually not the hams). Your ham communication help is essential.

A 2-meter, 5 watt hand-held is satisfactory but a dual-band radio is preferred. An antenna better than the “rubber duck” that came with your radio is essential. Be sure to charge your radio’s battery and have enough battery backup to last the day.

If you are new to ham public service or have limited experience and want to support this event don’t be concerned. Assignment difficulties vary and they can be based on experience. All hams, regardless of experience, are encouraged to volunteer for this event. For those who have done this before, your help is needed more than ever.

Ham public service is interesting and offers fun experiences, but the safety and support for the participants are always our primary concern. If you can help with the 2012 Run of the Charles on Sunday, 29 April, please reply with all of the following information as soon as possible. Email is the best method.

Full name

On-air name

Call sign

Postal mailing address (including 9-digit ZIP code)

Evening phone

Day phone

Cell phone

Email address

Does your 2-meter radio have CTCSS (PL)?

Do you have a dual-band radio?

Do you have a magnetic mount antenna?

T-shirt size

Let me know if you have volunteered for this event before and would like the same assignment. While I cannot guarantee it, I will try to give you the assignment you want. If you know other hams who would like to volunteer, ask them to send the above information to me. If you are new and want to get more public service experience, this is an excellent event to get your feet wet (figuratively). This event is an opportunity to learn the ropes.

Your assistance is valuable. Please let me know promptly if you can help. Assignments and more details will be sent as soon as available. If you have already volunteered, bear with me and also reply to this message.

Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

73,

Bob Salow, WA1IDA
wa1ida@arrl.net
508.650.9440

W1S is currently seeking operators and loggers for the station, as well as volunteers to help with the setup. Technician class licensees may operate under supervision of higher class licensees. Advice on antennas, etc. also appreciated. We need your presence, your ideas, and your expertise.

On May 12-13, 2012, the City of Waltham, Massachusetts and the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation host “Watch City Festival, Waltham: the Original Steampunk City,” with a projected attendance of 15,000. More information on the festival is available at:

http://www.crmi.org/events-2/international-steampunk-city

http://watchcityfestival.com

W1S, sponsored by the Waltham ARA, will be part of the festival, showcasing ham radio to the public and local emergency management.

For more information or to volunteer, Contact:

Bill McIninch, KA1MOM/E

KA1MOM@aol.com

617-254-5963

All volunteers are asked to include which day and what hours they will be available; minimum time requested is 2 hours. Victorian/steampunk attire not required, but some appropriate items will be made available for station staff.

Tentative details of the operation:

Transceiver will be disguised in a simulated sparkgap station based on the Massie station at the New England Wireless and Steam Museum. Operations on SSB on 14.280 MHz (locked in due to deadline for listing in CQ)

SCHEDULE: 1300-2300Z (0900-1900 EDT) May 12 and 13..

ANTENNA: zepp or fat dipole.

Tom Frenaye, K1KI writes:

Greetings!

The New England QSO Party is coming in just one month - the weekend of May 5-6 - and we'd sure appreciate it if you would spread the word within your club through your newsletter or at the next meeting and help us to encourage activity from Eastern Massachusetts. Last year we had 222 different stations from all Eastern Massachusetts counties on the air, and we'd like to have more activity this year.

The NEQP is a great way to test your antennas on 80-10 meters and to be the focus of a lot of activity as stations from around the world look for Eastern Massachusetts stations.

Here is a summary of the New England QSO Party rules:

Object: To contact as many New England stations (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont) in as many New England counties as possible on 80-40-20-15-10m. (New England stations work anyone)

Date: First full weekend of May. (May 5-6 in 2012)

Contest Period: 2000Z Saturday until 0500Z Sunday (4pm EDT Saturday until 1am EDT Sunday) and 1300Z Sunday until 2400Z Sunday (9am EDT Sunday until 8pm EDT Sunday).

Categories: Single-operator high power, low power(150w or less) and QRP(5w or less) categories, plus multi-operator, single transmitter. Same four categories for mobiles. Single-operator stations using assistance during the contest (packet or Internet spotting nets, etc.) will compete in the multi-single category.

Contest Exchange: Send signal report and state/province (DX stations send signal report and "DX"). New England stations send signal report, county and state.

QSO Points: Count one point per phone QSO, two points per CW (includes digital modes)QSO.

Multiplier: Stations outside of New England use counties as multipliers for a total of 67 (CT/8 MA/14 ME/16 NH/10 RI/5 VT/14). New England stations use states(50)(Count DC as MD), Canadian provinces(14) and DXCC countries as multipliers.

Scoring: Total score is QSO points times the multiplier. Mobiles count QSO points per county and multipliers from all counties (counted once).

Suggested frequencies: CW - 3540 7035 14040 21040 28040, SSB - 3850 7280 14280 21380 28380. ** Now that the broadcast stations are mostly out of 7125-7200, try 7180 on 40m SSB.**

Reporting: Logs should indicate times in UTC, bands, modes, calls and required contest exchange. All stations include your club's name in the log header or summary. Entries must be submitted within 30 days and sent to NEQP, P.O.Box J, West Suffield CT 06093 or via e-mail to logs@neqp.org (Cabrillo format preferred).

Awards: Certificates will be awarded to the top scorers (25 QSO minimum) in each New England county, U.S. state, Canadian province and DXCC country. A number of special plaques will also be awarded to top scorers.

Additional details can be found on the NEQP web site at http://www.neqp.org

See if you can have a competition within your club for the top scorer. Several Massachusetts clubs are challenging each other for the best club score.

We're especially looking for mobile stations to put the rarest counties on the air. In Eastern Massachusetts, that's Suffolk and Nantucket.

If you think you might be on for at least a short time in the NEQP, let us know with a brief message to us at info@neqp.org

Thanks!

--
Tom/K1KI for the NEQP Committee

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New England QSO Party - http://www.neqp.org - May 5-6, 2012

The National Parks Traveler has published an article mentioning the Amateur Radio activities planned at the Cape Cod National Seashore on April 13-15, entitled Sinking Of Titanic, Role of Marconi Wireless Station In Rescue Cross Paths At Cape Cod National Seashore.

[See also: Titanic One Hundred Years Amateur Radio Event, Operators Needed.]