Month: July 2021

Fox Hunt today, Norwich, CT, July 24, 2021

by

Mark Noe, KE1IU, writes on the ctfoxhunter list:

We will have a live foxhunt beginning at 1 PM today.  Start from anywhere in Norwich, CT.  You can download a map that could be useful (for those wishing to use a paper map) at this link: https://d85bc6ea86296c327d7f-fc14fae93feb1cf1ff31873061ee8f7d.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/62/1641/Norwich2016Reduced.pdf.  Page 2 has a complete map of Norwich, which I think you will find helpful.

There will be three transmitters running – on the following frequencies:

146.330 MHz – 1 mW (KE1IU Fox H listed on our website)

145.910 MHz – 10 mW (KE1IU Fox I listed on our website)

146.550 MHz – 0.5 W (KE1IU Fox J listed on our website)

Our website is https://rason.org

These transmitters will be hidden – possibly by some junior hams at the site (KC1IVR and KC1LXO) – so you can hunt for them when you arrive.  

In addition, I will have a mobile rig tuned to the N1NW repeater (146.730 MHz, PL 156.7), so you can track me from the input.  Listen for me on 146.130.  I will transmit on request, and we will also use this frequency for hints.

All hunters should check in so that I can end the hunt when the last person has found me.  

Let me know if you have any questions.

ARRL Board of Directors Creates Emergency Communications and Field Services Committee

by

From the ARES Letter:

At its just-concluded July 2021 meeting, the ARRL Board of Directors approved By-Law changes creating a third Standing Committee that joins the existing Administration and Finance Committee and Programs and Services Committee.

The charter of the new Emergency Communications and Field Services Committee (EC-FSC) is to develop and recommend new or modified Board policy and programs for emergency communications through the Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) and National Traffic System™ (NTS™) entities.

The committee also will offer enhanced support for its Field Organization leadership volunteers, including Section Managers, and an increased focus on ARRL-Affiliated Clubs.

The EC-FSC will further provide guidance to the CEO in translating Board policy into prioritized tasking, funding, and staffing of programs, services, and training in support of amateur radio emergency communications, field organization volunteers, and recruitment and retention of new and existing members through assistance to Affiliated and Special Service Clubs.

The EC-FSC will have additional responsibility for monitoring and assessing trends in emergency communications technology and participant skills worldwide, and for identifying “best practices” for voluntary emergency communications provided by ARES and NTS, coordinating and cooperating with other amateur radio national societies as appropriate. — Thanks to The ARES Letter

2021 Boston Marathon Amateur Radio Volunteer Registration Extended

by

From ema.arrl.org:

Amateur Radio Volunteers for the 2021 Boston Marathon. Amateur Radio volunteer registration has been extended to Friday July 30th, 2021 at 500 PM EDT as there is still a need for more Amateurs to register to reach the required number of volunteers. Registration information is below:
 
On behalf of the BAA Amateur Radio Communications Committee, we hope everyone has stayed safe and healthy through the COVID-19 pandemic. After last year’s race was moved to a virtual only event, we are now approaching the 125th live running of the Boston Marathon.

Volunteer registration has been open for the Marathon since Wednesday June 16, 2021 at 10:00 AM and the Amateur Radio volunteer registration deadline has been extended to Friday July 30th, 2021 at 500 PM EDT.  The race itself is taking place on Monday, October 11, 2021.

For Returning Volunteers:
The BAA sends out an email which provides you with a direct link once registration is open. This email will also include your loyalty number, which is required for sign up. New for this year is that returning volunteers will need to setup an account via the BAA Athlete’s Village.

For New Volunteers:
If you haven’t previously volunteered, or have a friend who would like to volunteer, please go directly to the Volunteer Registration page and follow the instructions for new volunteers which will include setup of an account via the BAA Athlete’s Village.

Don’t delay! Volunteer registration has been extended and closes on Friday July 30th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Help us get the word out by forwarding this message to your club and other amateur radio operators who wish to volunteer. Most volunteers first learn about the event through word of mouth. If you know new licensees who might like to join us, please make sure to let them know about it. Even just a quick mention at your club meeting can be a big help.

 
We understand that with the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing and the continued fluid situation on how it will affect the 2021 Boston Marathon, you may have questions about requirements and what COVID mitigations will be required for volunteers. If you have any questions regarding COVID mitigations, about the upcoming volunteer registration period, or the 2021 Marathon generally, please get in touch anytime. Volunteering at the Marathon is a big job and we appreciate the time and effort everyone puts into it. We’re happy to do what we can to make your work fun, comfortable, and effective. With respect to COVID-19 mitigations, we will do our best to answer questions but appreciate everyone’s patience, flexibility, and understanding that mitigation efforts and plans remain very fluid and could change based on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic as we get closer to the fall.

We look forward to seeing everyone again soon.

Thank you, and 73,
Boston Marathon Communications Committee
contact@hamradioboston.org

 

KD1CY: “Boston Marathon Organization Make Up” on RATPAC Online, July 22, 2021

by
RATPAC logoThursday, July 22, RATPAC Zoom Presentation 

Starts 9:00 PM AST / 9:00 PM EDT / 8:00 PM CDT / 7:00 PM MDT / 6:00 PM PDT / 5:00 PM AKDT / 3:00 PM HST

TOPIC:  Boston Marathon Organization Make up

Speaker/Presenter: Rob Macedo KD1CY

Be sure to see future RATPAC scheduled presentations below

  • This meeting will be recorded. By participating you consent to being recorded. 
  • Please change your display name to Your First Name, Call Sign and Location, e.g. Dan K7REX Idaho. 
  • Please stay muted until ready to speak. Your space bar works like a PTT for unmuting
  • You may ask questions in chat; please stay on topic while using chat.

Join Thursday Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2128884758?pwd=eVZ6VDZDc2kwWnFDVE41QlkrV1FKQT09

Meeting ID: 212 888 4758
Passcode: THURSDAY

One tap mobile
+13462487799,,2128884758#,,,,*47672675# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,2128884758#,,,,*47672675# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Meeting ID: 212 888 4758
Passcode: 47672675

ARRL 2020 Annual Report Now Available to Download

by

ARRL logoFrom ARRL News:

The ARRL 2020 Annual Report has been posted and is available to download. The report summarizes ARRL program and fiscal activity for the year.

In his introductory remarks, ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, said that 2020 was a difficult and challenging year for ARRL. “The coronavirus pandemic changed everything, from the way we socialized, to the way we worked, to the way students learned,” Roderick wrote. “Events we look forward to every year were canceled and the future seemed uncertain. Hamfests, club meetings, and other gatherings looked different, as videoconferencing became the new way to conduct business and get together.” [Full story]

 

90 speakers, Buildathons, Prizes at August 2021 QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo

by

QSO Today Ham Expo logoThe next QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo is a month away, Live from August 14-15, 2021 and then on-demand for 30 days.  It’s a great experience for those that want to improve their amateur radio knowledge and get exposed to new ideas, cutting edge ham radio technology, and practical techniques.  And no need to travel – anyone can participate from their home or office!  Information can be found at https://www.qsotodayhamexpo.com.  

At the Expo, you can listen and engage with almost 100 internationally recognized ham radio luminaries on approximately 18 different topic areas – there is something for everyone. 

Topics include: Antennas and Transmission Lines, Build-A-Thons, Contesting/DX, Controllers, Digital Voice Mode, Emergency Communications, Filters and Tuned Circuits, Future of Amateur Radio, Ham History, HF Digital Modes, New License – Now What?, Power Amplifiers, Propagation, Radio Astronomy, Software and Services, Space and Satellites, Test and Measurement, and Youth in Amateur Radio.

Here are a few examples of speakers you’ll want to listen to:  (a complete list of speakers can be found at https://www.qsotodayhamexpo.com/spkrlist.html)

 

“Antennas and Transmission Lines” Track:

  • Small Transmitting Loop Design Project:  Learn about STLcalc, an open-source program providing a flexible design aide for STL and Magnetic Loop antennas that can respond to user’s changing needs and design goals. (August Hansen, KB0YH)
  • Compromise Beverage Antennas Hear Better Than You Think!  Don’t give up easily on trying a Beverage receiving antenna.  Discover how to overcome non-ideal terrain and space limitations.  (Geoffrey Mendenhall, W8GNM)
  • Fun with HF QRP Pedestrian Mobile:  A look at two antennas for HF pedestrian mobile and the results possible.  (Peter Parker, VK3YE)
  • N4KC’s Top 5 Get-On-The-Air-Quick Antennas:  Recommendations for the top five simplest, most effective antennas to consider for your station.  (Don Keith, N4KC)

 

“New License – Now What” track:

  • HF Noise Mitigation:  Learn about the various sources of noise, and how to mitigate noise using a variety of techniques.  (Mike Ritz, W7VO)
  • How to Hammer your Next Ham Exam:  Discover the steps to take to master the material and excel in your next ham exam. (Michael Burnette, AF7KB)
  • Six Winning Ways to Get Contacts on HF:  Get tips on six winning ways to make HF contacts. (Peter Parker, AK3YE)
  • Technician Licensees, Life Beyond Local Repeaters:  Explore the world of activities, modes and bands available beyond local repeaters.  (Anthony Luscre, K8ZT)

Watch as many presentations as you want!  A big limitation of in-person events is that you can’t watch many of the presentations (you can only be in one room at a time).  At the Expo, return anytime within 30 days to view any of the presentations that you missed as well as explore exhibitor offerings.  At our last Expo, our 7,500 attendees downloaded 100,000 presentations during the 30 day on-demand period. 

ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio® in the United States, is a QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo Partner.  FlexRadio is the Expo’s Platinum Sponsor.  Gold Sponsor’s are Elecraft and RFinder.

Early Bird Tickets are just $10 and then $12.50 “at the door”.  Access to only the Exhibitor area is free.  And save thousands of dollars since you won’t spend on travel, food, and lodging.  For more information, go to https://www.qsotodayhamexpo.com.  

 

Categories All