Month: March 2022

KA1GJU to Offer Remote HF Stations on RCForb Network

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Kriss Kliegle, KA1GJU, writes on the PortCity (NH) ARC mailing list:

For those of you that would like to get on HF and have problems with antennas, towers, HOA’s, etc… you can still enjoy the hobby! As discussed in my presentation at the meeting and via Zoom, I think we will go forward with running RemoteHams software, called “RCForb.” You will need a username (your call sign in small letters, not caps) and a password (that cannot have your call in it) to get on the servers. Registration is instant, via a code sent to your email address provided.

Then download the latest ‘Client’ software, not the ‘Server’ software… unless you want to place your own radio online for you or select friends. The server software is very programmable as is what users can do (RX only, Tune, TX and RX, etc).  The ‘Client’ application uses the same GUI for all radio manufacturers, so it’s rather simplistic but very easy to use. There are over 320 radios available on the network, not all are open to the public. Many are radio clubs, that will ask you to join the club to obtain access.

Your entrance to the world of remote HF, VHF, and UHF radios starts here: https://www.remotehams.com/ Just follow the three steps!

Once you are all registered search the list of servers and look for the two with my call sign (KA1GJU). If you right click on them (one at a time) you can make them a favorite, and they will appear at the top of the list all the time.

As of today, there’s an IC-7300 at the clubhouse on the 40/80M fan dipole which gives you two bands to operate on. Obviously it will RX on other bands, but will be beyond the limits of the onboard auto tuner. There’s another IC-7300 at my QTH on an inverted vee for 75M. Currently the antenna is resonant at 3.980 thru 4.000 MHz, the auto tuner will handle the mismatch for operations below the upper end of the band (i.e. 3.895, 3.900, 3.925 MHz).

I have my servers set to have users be registered before they can ‘spin the knob’, so send my a PM if you want your call on the user list for privileges.

Both are in the ‘experimental’ stages (been online for three days only) and I got most of the big issues taken care of. Now it’s where can I place them as to not interfere with my own operating schedule. I host numerous remote SDR servers for people to use, and I try to keep QRM to a minimum. So distance has to be placed between RX only antennas and the many TX antennas I have.

Feel free to email me with any questions you may have. I’m still learning how to use the software after day three! The same website posted above also give you access to the forum, and you can get answers there too.

73 Kriss KA1GJU

ARISS is Accepting Proposals for ISS Amateur Radio Contacts with Astronauts on the ISS

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The next proposal window for US schools and educational organizations to host an Amateur Radio contact with a crew member on board the ISS opened on February 21, 2022, for contacts to be scheduled for January 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023. Proposals are due to ARISS by March 31, 2022, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Kathy Lamont, KM4TAY and Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC, held an orientation session to help groups who want to apply for a contact to learn about the ISS contact process and to help them to prepare their applications. You can view the orientation session by clicking on the video below.

Working with a school or youth group to host an Amateur Radio Contact with the ISS is a great way for Amateur Radio Club to build a relationship with a school around STEM learning through Amateur Radio.

You can learn more about how to prepare a contact proposal and download the contact proposal template. You can also contact Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC, at ab1oc@arrl.org if you have questions about applying for or hosting an Amateur Radio contact with astronauts on the ISS.

 

 

Dan Norman, N0HF Appointed Assistant Director for Youth Outreach

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ARRL logoNew England Division Director Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC, has announced the appointment of Dan Norman, N0HF, Preston, Connecticut, as Assistant Director for Youth Outreach.

“I am pleased to have Dan Norman, N0HF join the ARRL New England Division team,” said Fred. “Dan’s experience and accomplishments in engaging young people in Amateur Radio activities and learning makes him a great choice for this role.”

Dan has served as an Elmer at BARC Jr. (Boulder Amateur Radio club for kids), NØQCX, by providing guidance with balloon launches, license preparation, contesting, Field Day, fox hunts, Dayton Youth Forum prep, and CW proficiency.  He managed many equipment donations and hamfest activities to fund the BARC youth club. Dan served as the club trustee for BARC (ham radio club WØDK) and maintained repeater systems for the group. Dan also served as president of his college Amateur Radio club, W1PTC, in Boston. He enjoys HF and VHF contesting in all modes.

Dan joins three other talented New England amateurs who serve as Assistant Directors in the division.

[See also: “New Assistant Director Appointments“]

SourceForge Open Source Excellence Awarded to “Andy’s Ham Radio Linux” Collection

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SourceForge Excellence logoAndy Stewart, KB1OIQ, Westford, Massachusetts, recently received an award from the SourceForge website for his work on the “Andy’s Ham Radio Linux” software collection. Andy has created and maintained the collection for the past ten years. In that time, it has been downloaded 100,000 times.

SourceForge recognized the project for:

* Community Leader
* Community Choice
* Open Source Excellence
* SourceForge Favorite

PART of Westford President George Allison, K1IG, wrote, “Congratulations on the award from SourceForge! I know that your software collection has significantly influenced the adoption and use of Linux by ham radio operators worldwide.”

“This was quite unexpected,” said KB1OIQ. “I am very pleased that the project has been so well accepted by our ham radio community.  Both the Linux and ham radio communities have a tradition of helping others, and I have benefited greatly from their combined patience and tutelage.  This is my way of saying ‘thank you’ to those communities.”

ARRL Forum at HAM-CON, VT State Convention

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Horace Clark, N1HC with Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC
L-R: Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC with Horace Clark, N1HC at HAM-CON

New England Division Director Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC and Vice Director Phil Temples, K9HI presented at the ARRL Forum at HAM-CON and the Vermont State Convention on February 26, 2022. Also attending the hybrid forum were Assistant Directors: Rob Leiden, K1UI; Cory Golob, KU1U; and Anita Kemmerer, AB1QB. 

The New England Division team provided an update on ARRL activities, introduced New England Assistant Directors and their planning activities, and shared plans for improving communications with the Division. Director Kemmerer attended the event in-person on Saturday and enjoyed the opportunity to meet with and speak with HAM-CON attendees.

Western MA March 2022 Section Managers Report

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WMA Section logoWestern MA Section Manager Ray Lajoie, AA1SE, writes on the WMA ARRL Members list:

Happy March everyone! Spring is almost here. My March report is now online at <https://wma.arrl.org/blog/2022/02/28/section-managers-report-march-2022/>.

Keep your clubs healthy, get involved! Volunteer, teach, mentor.

The Marlboro Convention web is now online. Ticket are on sale May 1st.

Hope to see you at the Mt. Tom Hamfest.

Have a great month

73, Ray AA1SE

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ARRL Western Massachusetts Section
Section Manager: Raymond P Lajoie, AA1SE
aa1se@arrl.org
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Joe Reisert, W1JR, Wins the February 2022 QST Cover Plaque Award

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Feb. 2022 QST coverFrom ARRL Web:

02/28/2022 – The winning article for the February 2022 QST Cover Plaque award is “12- and 17-Meter Antenna Design,” by Joe Reisert, W1JR [from Amherst, New Hampshire].

The QST Cover Plaque Award — given to the author or authors of the most popular article in each issue — is determined by a vote of ARRL members on the QST Cover Plaque Poll web page. Cast a ballot for your favorite article today!