Month: February 2022

QSO Today Ham Expo 2022 to Feature Two Build-a-thons

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Joe Reynolds, KA1GDQ, writes on the Algonquin (MA) ARC mailing list:

Two prominent Maine amateurs–Rex Harper, W1REX,  and Stephen Houser, N1SH, will join the QSO Today Ham Expo 2022 for a fourth time with two new Build-a-thons, allowing Expo ticket holders to build kits with them, in real time, with demonstrations and mentoring.  Since the interaction is two-way video webinar format, builders can ask questions and get help. Once the Build-a-thon session ends, the recordings will be put up in the Expo library for future reference.

There are two Expo Build-a-thons:

Beginners Build-a-thon
Level: Beginner
Kit: WBB Transmitter
Click here to go to QRPme to purchase this kit

Another slightly more difficult LIVE Build-a-thon
Level: Intermediate
Kit: Tuna Can Switch Inductor Tuner
Click here to go to QRPme to purchase this kit

For more information:

https://www.qsotodayhamexpo.com/#buildathon

Ham Expo information:  https://qsotodayhamexpo.com

Expo Tickets: https://qsotoday.vfairs.com/en/register-form 

The 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, and Elecraft is the Gold Sponsor. 

Build-A-Thon kits are provided by QRPme directly and not purchased through the Expo. You must have an Expo ticket to participate in the Build-a-Thons.

photos of two qrp kits

Amateur Radio Volunteers Wanted for Hartford Marathon Foundation O’Niantic 5k Race, March 19, 2022

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Tim Rodgers, KC1TWR, writes on the RASON and TriCity ARC mailing lists:
 
Connecticut ARES Region 4 and local amateur radio operators have been requested once again to assist with the 2022 Hartford Marathon Foundation O’Niantic 5K Race on Saturday March 19, 2022. 
 
Report time will be between 8:15 and 8:30 AM at the East Lyme Town Hall Parking Lot.  Most checkpoints are released by 11 AM. 
The Kids Wee Mile races start at 9:00 AM, and the 5K starts at approximately 9:45 AM. 
 
This is a great low-key event for new amateur radio operators, or new to volunteering at checkpoints!  Feel free to recruit!  
 
Please let me know if you are available to volunteer for this event. 
 
Thanks and 73,
Tim KC1TWR

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Tim Rodgers KC1TWR

Cell/Text:  860-460-7360

New Hampshire HB1644 follow-up, February 10, 2022

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NH State House, ConcordNew Hampshire Section Manager Peter J Stohrer, K1PJS, writes on the NH ARRL Members List:

A bill (HB1644) limiting the use of 5G applications in certain areas of NH along with the creation of a RF Radiation Exposure Registry was recently introduced to the NH House. Because of the confusing nature of the bill and conflicting testimony the Science, Technology and Energy Committee overseeing the bill voted 17 to 4 to recommend to the House that the bill be sent to interim study.  If this recommendation is adopted by the full House, likely next week, this bill will be dead for all intents and purposes for this biennium.  A committee will be established, conduct a review, and receive public testimony over the summer and make a recommendation whether legislation of this nature is warranted or not. NH ARRL Leadership will be attending the meetings.

 HB1644 in its current form will have unintended consequences far beyond 5G applications impacting all forms of wireless communications including amateur radio. NE Director Kemmerer, the NH Section Manager, and State Government Liaison met to discuss the issue and we encourage League members to contact their state representative to support the committee recommendation to send the bill to interim study. You can locate the email address of your representative by going to the following link:

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house/members/

The full House meets on February 16th so now is the time to contact your legislator.

You can read the bill in its entirety:

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1725&inflect=2

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ARRL New Hampshire Section
Section Manager: Peter J Stohrer, K1PJS
k1pjs@arrl.org
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Legislative Support Requested for Connecticut Amateur Radio Call Plates for Classic Vehicles

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Conn. Classic Vehicle License Plate sampleMike Gruber, W1MG, writes:

“I’ve been working with my Connecticut State Senator to help make Amateur Radio call plates (and Purple Heart plates) available for Classic Vehicle plates in Connecticut. 

“At this point, he has sent this to the General Assembly’s Transportation Committee for consideration.  This is a joint committee of legislatures, and they would be responsible for drafting the required amendment. The General Assembly (Connecticut’s legislature) meets in February so time is of the essence. 

“At this point, the Senator’s aide has suggested that interested and concerned persons should contact members of the Transportation Committee to voice their support for this amendment.  I had hoped to get some publicity for this from the ARRL but so far haven’t heard anything. <…> If there is any interest at the ARRL in this, please let me know.”

Interested parties are encouraged to contact their CT state representatives–especially if they sit on the Transportation Committee.

[Please see Mike Gruber’s synopsis and  Sen. Kissel’s letter to the Committee leadership.]

Contoocook Valley Radio Club 2022 Indoor Ham Radio Flea Market, March 20, 2022

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Contoocook Valley RC logoNew Hampshire Section Manager Peter J Stohrer, K1PJS, writes on the NH ARRL Members List:

CVRC 2022 Indoor CVRC
Ham Radio Flea Market
Sunday March 20, 2022
The Henniker Community School
Henniker, NH (West of Concord)

Talk-in: Call K1BKE 146.895 (-600 kHz, PL: 100Hz)
Doors open at 8:00 AM (7:00 AM for sellers) and close at 2:00 PM
Grand Prize Raffle drawing at 1PM for Yaesu 2980 2 meter mobile.
Need not be present to win, just fill out your address on the back of your ticket

Admission: $5 for buyers, $10 for sellers.
Please note: There is no smoking on school property.
Admission price for sellers includes a free table, extra tables are $10 each. There is a limited supply of tables Electrical outlets will be on a
1st come,1st served basis. Questions or Table Registrations please

email Fest@k1bke.org

The V.E. session starts at 9:30 AM
(Registration starts at 9:00) No admittance after 9:30 AM
Contact John Moore (603)496-4482
Candidates must bring the current ARRL-VEC test fee of $15.00, FCC FRN, one photo ID, and one non-photo ID or a valid passport and the original and one photocopy of any amateur license or CSCE that you currently hold.

Refreshments Available!

Special Programs From

Pete Stohrer K1PJS
ARRL Forum 9a-10a

Bob Sletton KB1QV
Self Driving Cars 10a-11a

Dale Clement AF1T
Antennas 11a-12p

Directions from Concord
I-89 north to 202-9 exit left to 114 off ramp left on Rt 114 go to center of town turn right at flashing light. The school is the 5th building on the left. Use entrance in the rear of the school.

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ARRL New Hampshire Section
Section Manager: Peter J Stohrer, K1PJS
k1pjs@arrl.org
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Ham Radio Comms Requested for Can-Am Crown Sled Dog Races, Aroostook County, Maine, March 5-6, 2022

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Can-Am Crown Sled Dog Races logoMaine Section Manager Phil Duggan, N1EP, writes:

I would like to ask for your help in providing ham radio communications to the CanAm Crown Sled Dog Races in Aroostook County Mar 5 – 6.  If you are up to a challenge to head “North to Aroostook” and partake in an awesome public service event, then contact Maine Assistant Section Manager Derrick Ouelette, KW1A email KW1A@arrl.net and he can provide the details.

 

Thanks & 73,

Phil Duggan, N1EP, Maine SM

ARRL New England Division Facebook Page Debuts

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fb.com/nediv.arrl.org screenshotThe ARRL New England Division now has a Facebook social media page.  Facebook users are encouraged to visit the page at <https://facebook.com/nediv.arrl.org> and “Like” it. 

“We hope to mirror many of the posts that appear on our main website but we encourage others to contribute content from their respective clubs and personal pages that might be of interest to the New England community,” writes New England Division Vice Director Phil Temples, K9HI.

The Vermont State Convention Feb. 26, 2022

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Bob Beaudet W1YRC, writes on the RI ARRL Members list:

Greetings fellow RIers:

ARRL has asked me to blast this information to our small but mighty section. Vermont has lots of snow and possibly the ski fans here can justify heading to Vermont for the 26th and take in the convention as well as spending some time in lots of snow. Have fun.  73, Bob W1YRC

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HAM-CON, the ARRL Vermont State Convention,  February 26

The ARRL Vermont State Convention, known as HAM-CON, will be held Saturday, February 26, at 8AM-1PM live in Colchester, VT and On-Line at HAM-CON.ORG.

If you are in our primary coverage area of Vermont, Northern NH, Northern NY and Southern Quebec, we hope to see you in person. However, anyone, anywhere can take part in HAM-CON. On-Line attendees will get to participate in the forums, will see the flea market room, will get to converse with other attendees in separate video rooms and even watch our special event station W1V.

We have a super line-up planned for this year! ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA, will start things off by telling us about 2021 happenings at ARRL and what to look forward to in 2022.  Our newly elected New England Director, Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC, will detail accomplishments made and planned for in his first 100 days in office. Dave Casler, KE0OG, author of the “Ask Dave” column in QST, will be on hand to answer all of your technical questions. Ed Hare W1RFI will focus on current issues in radio frequency interference to ham radio operations. We’ll have other great forums on technical and operating topics, plus a totally fun forum never seen before. You won’t want to miss it!

Advanced admission to HAM-CON is only $6, available right on the web site http://www.ham-con.org. If you are not sure of your plans, buy your ticket now and it can be used live or on-line. The price jumps up to $10 on February 20, so don’t wait! Details on early vendor admission and table reservations can also be found on the site.

HAM-CON is one of the first Conventions of each year and the only New England Convention held in the first quarter. Be sure to join us to keep connected with other ham radio operators from the North Country and learn why we are considered the “best little hamfest in the world.” Hope to see you there, live or on camera!

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ARRL Rhode Island Section
Section Manager: Robert G Beaudet, W1YRC
w1yrc@arrl.org
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Youth Preparedness Council Applicants Sought

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Youth Preparedness Council videoThe Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) was created in 2012 to bring together youth leaders interested in supporting disaster preparedness and making a difference in their communities by completing disaster preparedness projects nationally and locally.

The council supports FEMA’s commitment to involve America’s youth in preparedness-related activities. It also provides young people an opportunity to present their perspectives, feedback, and opinions to FEMA staff.  Members regularly meet with staff and attend the annual Youth Preparedness Council virtual summit. [Full story]