Public Service / Youth

“Going the extra mile: the radio operators who connect all 26.2 miles of the Boston Marathon”

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

NUWC members assisting at Boston MarathonMembers of the Northeastern Univ. Wireless Club were featured in the Northeastern student newspaper for their work at Monday’s Boston Marathon:

“Early in the morning April 15, thousands of volunteers and athletes began to check-in and start the race that constitutes one of the biggest days in sports: the Boston Marathon. Among them were a cadre of unseen — but vital — amateur radio operators who kept a constant loop of communications for the duration of the race.” 

[Full story]
Clubs

N1SV: “VP9I: Operating from Bermuda” at Nashoba Valley ARC Meeting, April 18, 2024

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Nashoba Valley ARC logoThe Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club’s April meeting is Thursday, April 18th (the day after tomorrow) at 7:30 PM at the Pepperell Community Center (in Pepperell). We start gathering at 7 PM to socialize before the meeting starts.

April’s presentation will be “VP9I – Operating from Bermuda.”

As you may or may not know, Les Peters, N1SV, regularly operates SSB DX Contests from the island of Bermuda (VP9). Many of us have worked Les from this DX location, and I’m always excited to get him in my log (and get credit for the new country multiplier in the contest!). Les will talk about his Amateur Radio operating adventures from Bermuda – VP9.

I’m looking forward to this presentation!

Other items on the agenda –

NVARC Elections!
NEARFest April 25th and 26th
New England QSO Party May 4 – 5
The Groton Road Race May 5th
Dayton Hamvention May 17-19
Northeast HamXposition August 22-25 

Need directions? Click here and put your own address in box “A”.

Thanks and 73. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Bruce, K1BG

978-772-2773 or bruce.blain@charter.net

 

 

 

 

Public Service

Amateur Assistance Sought for Fast Half Race, Hamilton, April 21, 2024

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Chris Winczewski, W1TAT writes on the Cape Ann ARA mailing list:

We are still a bit short of volunteers headed into the next race weekend, the April 21st FAST HALF half-marathon on Sunday morning.
 
Please consider volunteering for this race and Email me to sign up, W1TAT@outlook.com.
 
Check the staffing sheet for open checkpoints for this race and future races on the race website.
 
 
Many thanks & 73,
 
Chris, W1TAT
 
April 17: The event is now “fully staffed.” Thank you, volunteers!
Operating

Titanic Event and POTA Operation Update, April 12-14, 2024

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
W1MGY QSL cardBarry Hutchinson, KB1TLR, writes on the Barnstable ARC mailing list:

 

The Titanic event for 2024 has been delayed and set with stumbling blocks. We originally planned as operating as a POTA station, but after month of attempts never got final approval from the headquarters of the Cape Cod National Seashore. We have operated from the visitors center as well as from the old Coast Guard station in the past. They are new people in charge and new rules.

NOTE: Members of the club will be operating from home stations, 05:00 UTC – 17:00 UTC on the 12th and 13th. On the 14th we will operate from 05:00 UTC until 22:40 UTC and then relay a memorial message.

If you would like to operate in a time slot for this event please contact W1MGY trustee- Barry / KB1TLR. Calling or texting my phone at 508-237-3429 would be the best way at this time. I do not want to smother the bands with operators. I was thinking in terms of 3 hour shifts. CW, SSB, or FT8.

I’d like the option of giving an operator two or three bands to work in his/her time slot, in case conditions are poor. If you are working different modes that would not be a problem. I need digital logging that can be merged to a master file. We will make all particulars known to operators. You will also receive a certificate of Appreciation from W1MGY.

This is the 112th anniversary of the loss of the Titanic and over 15 hundred lives. I don’t really have time for a history lesson, but you can readily look up pertinent info on the web.

Looking forward to operating with some or most of you.

73, Barry / KB1TLR; Trustee / W1MGY

[See also: Titanic Event and POTA Activation, April 12-14, 2024]
Field Day / Public Information

Boston ARC Field Day Promotional Story

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Boston ARC field day photoFrom the Westwood Minute:

Amateur Radio “Field Day” June 24 and 25, 2023, Demonstrates Science, Skill, and Service.

The public is invited by the Boston Amateur Radio Club to view the proceedings on Saturday from 2 to 8 PM and on Sunday from 10 to 1 PM at Hale Reservation, 80 Carby Street, Westwood, MA. Drop by to see them in action, learn how to join in on the hobby.

Free

Hale Reservation
80 Carby Street
Westwood, MA 02090

[Story]

 

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net (EMHN) – Saturday 4/6/24 at 1000 AM ET

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Jeff N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH writes:

Good Evening,

On Saturday April 6, 2024 the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Group will hold an Eastern MA Hospital Net commencing at 10:00AM.

We realize that some locations, individuals, and groups may be subject to COVID restrictions. We encourage everyone who is affected by these restrictions to utilize their home or mobile stations to check into the net if possible. Even if you cannot reach all the systems being used, please check-in on those you can.

We will use the following repeaters in the order listed.

1. West Bridgewater Repeater 146.775 dcs 244​
2. Dartmouth Repeater 147.000 tone 67.0​
3. Sharon Repeater 146.865 tone 103.5​
4. Simplex 147.420

We will then return to the West Bridgewater Repeater for Net closing.

NET Protocol: Please wait for Net Control to ask for Check-ins. When asked to check in please use the standard net check-in procedure which is: Here is.., un-key, wait 3 seconds to check for doubling, then give your or your facilities call sign, your first name, and your facility’s name.

We extend an invitation to any health care facility, EOC of any city or town as well as RACES or ARES members to check in during the NET.

We are always looking for groups or organizations to try their hand at Net Control duties. If you are interested in trying your hand at Net Control please let us know. We can be reached by sending an email to ssharg@outlook.com or replying to this message. The goal is to rotate Net Control practice and the experience among as many individuals and groups as possible.

We thank the repeater trustees for their generosity in allowing us to conduct these monthly nets and the use of their systems in an actual event.

We hope to hear you Saturday.

73,

Jeff N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH

Clubs

K6JEY: “Test Equipment for Hams, including Vector Network Analyzers Explained” at the Billerica ARS Meeting, April 3, 2024

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Billerica ARS logoThe April 3, 7:00 PM Billerica Amateur Radio Society meeting will be in person, at the Chelmsford Bible Church, 128 Gorham Street, Chelmsford, and  on Zoom.  […]
 
We are pleased to announce that our guest speaker for this meeting will be Douglas Bruce Millar, K6JEY. He is a retired electrical engineer with over 50 years of experience in the field. He will give a presentation entitled “Test Equipment for Hams, including Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs) Explained.” In his presentation, Doug will discuss the different types of test equipment available to hams, emphasizing vector network analyzers. He will explain what VNAs are, how they work, and how they can be used to characterize components and troubleshoot circuits. 
 
Doug got his novice ticket in 1957. He has always liked VHF and up, and he has EME stations on 2m, 70cm, and 23cm. But Doug doesn’t stop there. He also has microwave stations on 10, 24, 47, and 79 GHz, and he’s well on his way to completing a station for 140 GHz. Doug enjoys HF DXing especially boat anchors and HF AM. He usually checks in to the AMI West Coast net on Wednesdays at 8 PM, on 3870 kHz. 
 
Due to the inclement weather forecast for tonight, the Board of Directors has decided that tonight’s club meeting at 7:00 PM ET WILL BE ZOOM ONLY! We are doing this because we hold the safety of our members as the highest priority. 

[For Zoom conference details, email Bruce Anderson, W1LUS, at w1lus -at- hotmail -dot- com.]

 
Clubs / Technical

Boston ARC QDX Build Class Begins April 18, 2024

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Boston ARC logoBoston ARC President Brendan Baldonado, NW1S, writes on the BARC mailing list:
 
I am excited to announce that the Boston Amateur Radio Club is teaching a QDX building class. 
 
What is a QDX, you ask? Well it’s a digital ham radio transceiver, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, that operates at 5 watts on the 10 meter amateur radio band. 
 
This class is going to be geared towards Technician class licensees, newer hams with limited experience in soldering, antenna concepts and digital modes. So, if that sounds like you, we encourage you to take the class.
 
This offering of the QDX build class has been sponsored by an Amateur Radio Digital Communications grant, and the materials cost, a $110 value, has been completely covered by that grant. The class still has a nominal fee of $75 which is being donated to Artisans Asylum for their continued support and help of the Boston Amateur Radio Club.
 
The class will be on Thursday evenings, beginning on April 18th, for 5 sessions. 
 
A quick class description:
 
This class is a brief introduction to basic electronic circuits, building toroids, soldering, building antennas, and operating on amateur radio digital modes. We will be building a QRP Labs 10m QDX-M single band radio and a QRP Guys No-Tune end-fed half wave antenna.
 
The class will consist of five sessions, every Thursday at 6pm, beginning on April 18th, held at the Artisans Asylum Holton St. building.
 
During the class we will:
Build a small portable antenna
Learn about some basic electronic components
Learn how to solder
Learn to make toroids
Build a small 5 watt radio for the ten meter band
 
Learn to operate on digital modes
While this class does not have any prerequisites, we are building a radio for use on amateur radio frequencies, so a Technician class amateur radio license is preferred (but not required) to take the class and keep the radio. Be advised that in order to transmit using your radio outside of class meeting times, you will need an amateur radio license issued by the FCC.
 
For more information on licensing and a schedule of test sessions contact the Boston Amateur Radio Club at w1bos@arrl.net.
 
The class listing is here if you wish to sign up: 
 
If you have experience with soldering and building kits but wish to take the class, we would ask that you wait and give those newer to the hobby and kit building a chance to sign up for the class. In a week or so if there are spots left I will resend a email for all others that may be interested.
 
Any questions please email me, Brendan at nw1s.brendan@gmail.com. 
 
Thanks everyone!
 
 
Brendan
 
Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Reminder: April 1st, 2024 MEMA RACES/ACS Communications Test Net

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all,

    This email is the typical monthly message to let everyone know that Monday evening, April 1st, 2023 is our first non-holiday Monday of the month and, as such, will be the next RACES/ACS/Preparedness Net night. I would like to thank the stations that checked into our nets last month as well as those stations that participated in the section emergency exercise that occurred this past weekend.

      As always, I am looking for Net Control stations to staff our sector nets for the evening. This month I am on my 24 hour Fire/EMS shift and I may not be able to run the Sector 2A net. As such, I am looking for any interested operator that may want to take that net to prevent the net from not occurring. If there is no Net Control Operator at the start of the net I strongly encourage any of the on-frequency stations to take over as NCO and run the net and submit a net report via email. If anyone would like to act as NCO, for the 2A net please let me know! As always I am looking for NCS operators to lead the Sector 2B (Plymouth County) net. Sector 2D has already arranged for an NCS operator for this month’s net and Sector 2C is a Winlink only net on a monthly basis.

              For any operators interested in performing the duties of Net Control Station (NCS), there are materials available to make the task fairly simple and straight forward. The net pre-amble and role call lists are available at http://wc1mab.org/RACES_R2_Interim_Preamble.pdf and http://wc1mab.org/Month.php with the role-call lists on the left column near the bottom. If anyone is worried that they may mess up running a net, please remember that, in many cases, a less than perfect net is WAY better than no net at all! At the conclusion of any net, any operator that acted as Net Control Operator is asked to please send a note to WC1MAB@gmail.com letting me know who ran the net and who checked in so that the proper numbers can be reported to our served agencies. We cannot always count on our normal net control operators to be available in the event of a large scale emergency, so every RACES operator should be prepared to act as NCO if needed when disaster and emergency strikes!

Winlink Net Instructions From Don Rolph: 

*Winlink Net*

To participate:

– create a check-in form using the Winlink standard checkin form

– send via Winlink after 6 AM EST Mon. April 1st and before midnight EST April 2nd  (any mode, but include mode in check-in form) to KF1D

   I continue to ask that any operators who have the time, please try to check into sector nets from near-by sections. This will allow our Net Control Operators to practice fielding nets with a strong check-in count and will also serve to help practice with relays or modified sector assignments in the event that a single repeater is out of service. 

   For those operators who serve as Net Control Operators, please try to remember to send me a list of the stations and communities that check into your nets. The numbers are reported to MEMA to show them our level of participation. I am continuing to work on a graphical map based report to show which parts of our section have strong coverage and which areas may need a more targeted recruitment campaign to improve our ability to provide back-up communications in an emergency.

The Region #2 and State Net Schedule for this evening is as follows:

Net Frequency/Offset Time
Sector 2A 147.00 /+0.60  PL 19:30 Local
Sector 2B 145.39/-0.60  PL 67.0 20:00 Local
Sector 2C Winlink Net Check-In 6AM-Midnight Local Time
Sector 2D 146.865/-0.60  PL 103.5 19:30 Local
6-Meter State Net 53.31 / -1.0  PL 71.9  

 

Note: Net activity on this repeater has been hit and miss. Please report any activity.

 19:00 Local
MA RACES HF Net 3930 KHz LSB moving up to 3955 KHz until there is a clear frequency 18:45 Local
MA MEMA NBEMS Net Frequency:  3584.5 MHx, Center Frequency: 1500 Hz, Initial mode: THOR22 19:00 Local

    I appreciate you all answering the call to help our communities remain prepared. Thank you all for helping us keep things on track and prove that we remain a consistent source of communication capability to the Commonwealth. This net provides a monthly reminder to our communities and served agencies that we stand ready with a quiet professionalism prepared to serve as a voice to whomever needs one to get help and resources to where they need to be.

 If you know someone who would benefit from being on this list, please have them contact me at  WC1MAB@gmail.com and I will add them to this distribution. Thank you all!

      If anyone has any questions or comments I can be reached by e-mail or cell phone. Thanks for being a part of our team and I look forward to hearing back on who can participate this month.

Sincerely,

Michael Leger (N1YLQ)

MEMA Region #2 RACES Officer

C: 508_995_0203 

Operating

Operators Needed for 2024 MA Thirteen Colonies Special Event Station

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Larry Krainson, W1AST, writes:
 
The planning for the 2024 13 Colonies Special Event stations is in motion.  I am looking for more ops for K2H Massachusetts. The event runs from July 1 to July 7 and is usable on all frequencies and all modes. You just need to keep a log that you can submit to me right after the event ends.
 
To be an op, you just need to volunteer AND be able to get on the air for a few hours most of the 7 days. Also, you need to be able to log on to a computer, no paper logs accepted.
 
Have you ever wondered or wanted to be that rare DX that everyone is calling? That’s what it’s like being a K2H op. It’s a rush and a ton of fun.
 
Last year, K2H made 19,209 contacts. With band conditions good, we hope to exceed that and possibly beat our 21,374 from 2022.
 
Are you interested? 
 
Please contact Larry, W1AST at wb1dby@gmail.com for more info by May 1.
 
73,
 
Larry, W1AST
 
 
 
 

Larry, W1AST

  • ARRL WMA Affiliated Club Coordinator
  • Northeast HamXposition Committee Member
  • HCRA President
  • Visit my Ham Radio club website at: www.HCRA.org
  • Team K2H – 13 Colonies Massachusetts State Manager
  • Proud Member of ARRL, FCARC & YCCC
  • 413-348-3289
  • Hamop.W1AST@gmail.com
Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Reminder: Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday April 1st, 2024 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater System

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

The April Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday April 1st, 2024 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater system.

For frequencies that will be linked into the ARES Net on the MMRA Network, please see the following link from the MMRA web site detailing the repeaters that will be linked in through Hub 1:
https://mmra.org/repeaters/repeater_linking.html (Click the ARES box to see the repeaters and other systems linked)

We look forward to your participation and remember, we are always looking for Net Controls to run the ARES Net. We will have several announcements for the net and we will continue the NTS practice message that we started doing in these nets in October 2023.

Thanks for your continued support of ARES!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
https://www.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – https://twitter.com/wx1box
Subscribe on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@wx1box-nwsboston-amateur-radio

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Massachusetts RACES Nets – Monday 4/1/24 for HF, Region 2D VHF, NBEMS & Winlink – Times and Details Below

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Don Rolph, AB1PH, Walpole area ARES Emergency Coordinator writes:

The MEMA RACES nets are held on the first Monday of the month, unless the first Monday is a holiday, when it is delayed one week, For Apr 2024, the RACES nets will be held on Mon Apr 1 at:

********************************************************************************
The HF net will start at 6:45 PM ET: using the following frequency plan:
We will start at 3930 KHz moving up to 3955 KHz until there is a clear frequency,

Marc Stern WA1R will be net control.

*********************************************************************************
Region 2D VHF net:
7:30 PM ET VHF net on 146.865 MHz PL 103.5 (Sharon Repeater)
We will have a general call up of any RACES, ARES, or other interested stations. If there is time, we will have a simplex test.
Jeff Marden N1JCM will be net control.

********************************************************************************
HF 80 meters NBEMS net:
7:00 PM ET
Dial Frequency: 3584.5 MHx
Center Frequency: 1500 Hz
Initial mode: THOR22
We will have checkins, followed by an ICS-213 format message using FLMSG.
Don Rolph AB1PH will be net control.

*********************************************************************************
Winlink Net:
Bryan Marcotte KF1D will be net control.
Send a winlink checkin form to KF1D, copy AB1PH, between 0600 Monday Apr 1 and 2400 Monday Apr 1.

We look forward to you checking in!

—

73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph

Public Service

Ham Assistance Requested, Westford Apple Blossom Parade, May 18, 2024

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Photo of Westford Apple Blossom Parade volunteersTerry Stader, KA8SCP, writes on the PART of Westford mailing list:

Hello fellow ham radio community members. It is that time of the year where we start pitching for ham radio support for the annual Westford Apple Blossom Parade. This year’s parade will be held rain or shine on Saturday, May 18th. The parade starts in Westford Center and ends at the Abbot School. It has been hosted by the Westford Kiwanis (https://westford.org/kiwanis/) and has a long history in town. PART has been providing comm support for many years. Parade starts at 10 AM, we usually muster around 8AM for any last minute updates and to insure adequate coverage. Parade is done usually before noon. Your assignment could finish earlier.

All you need is a 2 meter FM handheld that works with the 146.955 WB1GOF repeater. Some assignments are stationary at specific parade route locations, others may be to be a shadow to one of the Kiwanis Parade organizers.

If you’d like to sign up or need more information, please contact me, Terry KA8SCP ka8scp@arrl.net.

Terry M Stader KA8SCP
WB1GOF Repeaters/D-STAR Admin

Emergency Communications / Public Service

Eastern MA Amateurs Attend 2024 National Hurricane Conference, Orlando FL, March 26, 2024

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
National Hurricane Conference logoRob Macedo, KD1CY, writes on the SKYWARN_Announce list:
 
Amateur Radio will again be represented at the 2024 National Hurricane Conference which will be held this year in Orlando Florida (https://www.hurricanemeeting.com). This year, the workshop will be done both live at the conference and over a livestream so this will be a “hybrid workshop”.  The conference theme is to improve hurricane preparedness as it has been in past years. After the workshop is completed, the Amateur Radio Workshop will be uploaded to Youtube for those that can’t attend the sessions live. For 2024, all the Amateur Radio sessions will be on Tuesday March 26th, 2024 from 130-300 PM EDT and from 330-500 PM EDT.  Here is the session breakdown:

NHC Session #1 – 130 PM-300 PM EDT: John Cangialosi, Senior Hurricane Specialist, from the National Hurricane Center will also present on the importance of Amateur Radio surface reporting. Bob Robichaud-VE1MBR from the Canadian Hurricane Centre will provide a video on a Canadian Hurricane Centre Overview and a few meteorological topics via a video recording. Julio Ripoll-WD4R will present WX4NHC Operations and Bobby Graves-KB5HAV will present an overview on the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN).

NHC Session #2: 330 PM-500 PM EDT: Rob Macedo-KD1CY will present on the VoIP Hurricane Net and best practices in SKYWARN Tropical Systems presentation, Joe Bassett-W1WCN will provide a SATERN (Salvation Army Team Emergency Response Radio Network) overview video. Josh Johnston-KE5MHV will give an ARRL update and K1CE-Rick Palm will present on his personal Hurricane Idalia experience. This will be followed by a Q & A session and raffle prizes will be offered.

Amateur Radio presentations will be recorded and posted to Youtube after the workshop within the month of April. The Amateur Radio presentations will also be livestreamed via Youtube as a best effort. It is noted that Internet connectivity can be a challenge at hotel locations for livestreaming but we will do our best to livestream the workshop but please note technical difficulties could affect the livestream so please be patient if you watch the livestream and we will have recordings available post workshop. The YouTube livestream link is: https://www.youtube.com/live/-43X6wVrqwA?si=xK5F6F2I6m1Vu1dQ.

2024 National Hurricane Conference Presenters and Moderator:
•    Moderator: Rob Macedo, KD1CY, VoIP Hurricane Net
•    John Cangialosi, Senior Hurricane Specialist, National Hurricane Center
•    Special guest speaker Bob Robichaud, VE1MBR, Canadian Hurricane Center
•    Special guest speaker Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, Director of Emergency Management, ARRL HQ
•    Julio Ripoll, WD4R, WX4NHC Assistant Amateur Radio Station Coordinator
•    Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) Manager
•    Joe Bassett, W1WCN, SATERN, Salvation Army Team Emergency Response Radio Network
•    Rick Palm, K1CE, ARRL ARES E-Letter Editor/Public Service Columnist
•    Rob Macedo, KD1CY, Director of Operations, VoIP Hurricane Net & ARRL ARES Eastern Mass SEC
•    Jim Palmer, KB1KQW, VoIP Hurricane Net (Videographer)

Detailed Schedule Outline – All Times (Eastern Daylight Time):
130-135 PM:  Opening Remarks
135-210 PM:  Hurricane Surface Reports and 2023 Season Review (John Cangialosi)
210-220 PM:  Canadian Hurricane Centre Overview and Meteorological Topics Video (VE1MBR-Bob R)
220-250 PM:  WX4NHC Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center (WD4R)
250-310 PM:  HWN Overview (KB5HAV)
310-330 PM:  Break
330-400 PM:  VoIP Hurricane Net Overview & Best Practices in SKYWARN for Tropical Systems (KD1CY)
400-410 PM:  SATERN – Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network Overview Video (W1WCN)
410-430 PM: ARRL Update (KE5MHV)
430-450 PM: Florida Hurricane Response & His Personal Hurricane Idalia Story (K1CE)
450-500 PM: Moderated Q & A session and Panel Discussion (All)
500-510 PM: Door Prizes (All)

 

We hope folks can attend the conference live and in person for those in and around the Orlando FL area or attending the conference and that those outside of the area can participate in the livestream. For those can’t see it live, the workshop video will be posted online via Youtube within a week or two after the conference if not sooner. Thanks to all for their support of Amateur Radio and the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN program.
History / Operating

International Marconi Day, 2024

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

KM1CC logoFrom ARRL News:

03/22/2024—This year, International Marconi Day (IMD) is on April 27. Italian inventor and electrical engineer Guglielmo Giovanni Maria Marconi was born on April 25, 1874, and is credited for inventing the radiotelegraph system, creating Marconi’s law, and sending the first wireless transmission over the open sea.

IMD was created to honor Marconi and is hosted annually by the Cornish Radio Amateur Club, GX4CRC. The purpose of the day is for amateur radio enthusiasts around the world to contact historic Marconi sites using communication techniques similar to those that he would have used.  

The 24-hour event will operate from 0000 UTC to 2359 UTC, and registration is required. Participants can register at GX4CRC’s registration web page.  

Stations in the United States, including Marconi Cape Cod Radio Club, KM1CC, in Massachusetts, are already registering for the event. KM1CC hosts several on-air events each year to keep the accomplishments and story of Marconi and his wireless station site in South Wellfleet alive. In 1975, the Wellfleet station was listed as a National Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places and is now part of Cape Cod National Seashore, a unit of the National Park Service. When possible, KM1CC sets up a temporary radio station inside the park. More information about KM1CC is available on their Facebook page.

All

Massachusetts – Rhode Island STM Report for February 2024

- by kw1u - Leave a Comment

The February traffic report for the combined sections of East and West Mass and Rhode Island can be found at https://ema.arrl.org/massachusetts-rhode-island-stm-report-for-february-2024/.  Highlighted are two section nets including  special commendation to MARIPN for highest number of check-ins and traffic, as well as MARI CW, then and now. Come join both friendly groups. We would love to hear from you.

Clubs

K9HI: “Project ASCEND” at Nashoba Valley ARC Hybrid Meeting, March 21, 2024

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Nashoba Valley ARC logoBruce Blain, K1BG, writes on the Nashoba Valley ARC mailing list:

The Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club’s March meeting is TONIGHT, March 21st at 7:30 PM at the Pepperell Community Center (in Pepperell). We start gathering at 7 PM to socialize before the meeting starts.

For our March meeting, Phil Temples, K9HI, will give a presentation on “Project ASCEND.” Project ASCEND (“Amateurs Supporting a Collaborative Environment for New ham Development”) is a comprehensive program designed to advance the Amateur Radio experience for the Technician class amateur and provide the needed mentoring and connection with the active ham community. It is a multi- faceted, high-touch program that leverages the time- honored tradition of mentoring – but with the goal to support and nurture hundreds to thousands of new and inactive hams.

We will also have a report on the Bromfield School Science Fair judging, and talk about the upcoming Groton Road Race.

Need directions? Click here and put your own address in box “A”.

Thanks and 73. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Bruce, K1BG

978-772-2773 or bruce.blain@charter.net

 

 

 

History / Operating

International Marconi Day Honoring Marconi on his 150th Birthday, April 27, 2024

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

KM1CC logoFor more information:
Barbara Dougan, trustee Marconi Cape Cod Radio Club-KM1CC
km1cc.capecod.fn51@gmail.com

Date:   Saturday, April 27, 2024

What:  International Marconi Day  – Honoring Marconi on his 150th Birthday

Marconi’s 150th birthdate is April 25, 2024 (born 1874).  To celebrate his contributions to wireless, simply turn on a radio and give a nod and a smile to Marconi for his lifetime efforts in advancing wireless.

International Marconi Day is Saturday, April 27, 2024. Historic Marconi radio stations around the world go on the air to make two-way contacts with each other and other amateur radio operators.

Where:  Marconi Station Site, Wellfleet, MA      Saturday April 27 from 10 AM-3 PM.  (The event will be held inside the Salt Pond Visitor Center, Eastham in case of inclement weather.)

Who:  The Marconi Cape Cod Radio Club and the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club are partnering with Cape Cod National Seashore to serve as an official International Marconi Day Station. 

The public is invited to visit the site to learn about Marconi’s historic Wireless Station that is famous for sending the first wireless transatlantic message from the USA to Europe (1903) and its ship-to-shore messages.  High frequency radio operators will make live contacts around the world using Morse code and voice. A radio talk in station is planned for visitors to make local radio contacts and learn how to become amateur “ham” radio operators.  Weather permitting, a kite antenna will be used for some radio contacts.

Bust of Marconi
For the 100th Anniversary of Marconi’s birthdate-April 25, 1974, a large ceremony was held to dedicate a Marconi sculpture at the historic Marconi Wireless Station Site. (NPS files)

 

 

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VE6HQ: “VHF-UHF Test Bench Equipment—A Practical and Cost-Effective Approach” at Sci-Tech ARS Hybrid Meeting, March 19, 2024

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New England Sci Tech logoThe Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society will meet on-line and in-person on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 7 PM and feature: “”VHF-UHF Test Bench Equipment—A Practical and Cost-Effective Approach” by Don Westacott VE6HQ, 

Description:

Amateur radio operators are sometimes faced with the challenge of making effective test measurements while limiting investment in a large range of expensive test equipment. This presentation is aimed at practical and cost-effective methods that provide useful results for testing radio equipment operating at VHF and UHF frequencies.

Bio:

Don has pursued a lifelong interest in science and engineering beginning as a youth in western Canada, receiving his first amateur radio license at the age of 15. Don has a degree in Electrical Engineering and has worked in the Energy Exploration industry in Canada, the United States, Europe, South America, the Middle East and the Far East. He is the holder of numerous U.S. patents, has been a guest lecturer at the Colorado School of Mines, and received the prestigious Hart Energy Innovators Award. After more than 50 years, he rejoined the amateur radio ranks and is currently active on 20 meters and VHF / UHF bands.