Month: August 2022

Simultaneous Operations of APRS and Voice Repeater now a Reality on ISS

by

ARISS logoARISS is pleased to announce that starting yesterday, August 11, simultaneous operations of the ARISS Voice Repeater and digital APRS communications on the International Space Station (ISS) is now a reality.  Current ARISS operations include voice repeater transmissions with the JVC Kenwood D710GA in the Columbus module and APRS packet operation from an identical radio in the Service Module (Zvezda).  Packet operations are on 145.825 MHz.

The ARISS Russia and USA teams have been working for several weeks to prepare the Service Module radio for APRS operations.  ARISS Russia team member Sergey Samburov, RV3DR, led the effort, working with Russian mission controllers and the on-board ISS cosmonauts to configure the Service Module radio for APRS ops.  On August 11, final checkouts were completed and the APRS packet mode was switched on for amateur radio use.

ARISS-International Chair Frank Bauer, KA3HDO states, “Simultaneous operation of APRS and the voice repeater on ISS is transformative for ARISS and represents a key element of our ARISS 2.0 initiative, providing interactive capabilities 24/7 that inspire, engage and educate youth and lifelong learners—especially life-long learning in ham radio operations.”  Bauer continues, “Our heartfelt thanks to Sergey Samburov, RV3DR, for making this crucial ARISS 2.0 initiative become a reality.”

The Columbus Module radio uses the callsign NA1SS and the new Service Module radio uses RS0ISS.  Aside from the callsigns, the radios are identical and packet operations are the same as before.  You can use RS0ISS, ARISS, or APRSAT as the packet path.  Also, both radios are expected to be on full time, except during educational contacts, EVAs, and dockings or undockings.

You can find operational status and expected downtimes of the ISS radios at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.

About ARISS:

Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the ISS National Lab-Space Station Explorers, Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) and NASA’s Space communications and Navigation program. The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics topics. ARISS does this by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students. Before and during these radio contacts, students, educators, parents, and communities take part in hands-on learning activities tied to space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org.

 

Categories All

Upcoming Ham Radio Conventions Emphasize Learning and Youth

by

From arrl.org:

08/12/2022—Two major ham radio events in August will host Division Conventions for ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio®. On August 20 – 21, the Huntsville Hamfest will be the host of the ARRL Southeastern Division Convention at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama. On August 26 – 28, the Northeast HamXposition will host the combined ARRL New England and Hudson Division Conventions at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts.

“Both conventions include an exceptional amount of programming to encourage and instruct radio amateurs across a variety of interests,” said ARRL Education and Learning Manager Steve Goodgame, K5ATA. Goodgame, who used his recent experience as a school teacher to help high school students earn their ham radio licenses, will participate in both events. He will lead forums to share ways for engaging youth and offer tools and tips for approaching schools about including amateur radio in their programs and curriculum.

The Huntsville Hamfest will also include a Youth Lounge where young and prospective hams can participate in hands-on activities and demonstrations, including kit building, fox hunting (find the hidden transmitter), and opportunities to get on the air.

Other forums at the conventions will cover topics geared toward inspiring attendees to get more active and involved in amateur radio. Forums at the Huntsville Hamfest include “Arduino: The Next Generation,” with ARRL author Glen Popiel, KW5GP; “Grounding and Bonding,” with ARRL editor and author Ward Silver, N0AX; “Fox Hunting 101,” with co-presenters Joe Domaleski, KI4ASK, and Mary Catherine Domaleski, KI4HHI, and “Kit Building Techniques for Success,” presented by ARRL Handbook contributor Joe Eisenberg, K0NEB. Eisenberg is also the speaker for the Saturday Grand Banquet at the Northeast HamXposition.

A similar lineup of forums has been organized for the Northeast HamXposition, including “How to Solve Radio Frequency Interference,” “Linux in Your Ham Shack,” and “Playing Radio ‘Outside’.”

ARRL will have exhibits at both conventions, where attendees can connect with membership program representatives and elected volunteers from the Board of Directors and Field Organization. ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, and CEO David Minster, NA2AA, will attend the Huntsville Hamfest. Minster will give the opening Keynote Address on Saturday morning at the Northeast HamXposition.

The convention exhibit halls will also include the participation of manufacturers and equipment resellers — an opportunity for attendees to browse and shop in person for the latest in amateur radio equipment and accessories. Among the confirmed exhibitors for the Huntsville Hamfest are ABR Industries, BridgeCom Systems, Diamond® Antenna, DX Engineering, Elecraft, FlexRadio Systems, GigaParts, Ham Radio Outlet, Icom America, MFJ Enterprises, N3ZN Keys, RT Systems, SteppIR Communication Systems, and Yaesu USA. Exhibits at Northeast HamXposition will include, among others, Elecraft, Ham Radio Outlet, Momobeam, and Quicksilver Radio Products. Both conventions include a flea market.

Audrey McElroy, KM4BUN, an 18-year-old student who recently started her studies at Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), will be presented with the 2022 Bill Pasternak WA6ITF Memorial Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year award at the Huntsville Hamfest. In July, the ARRL Foundation awarded McElroy a $25,000 scholarship, sponsored by Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC).

Proceeds from the Northeast HamXposition go to the FEMARA Scholarship fund, which helps students attend a college or trade school of their choice. Scholarships are administered by the ARRL Foundation Scholarship Program.

Visit the official convention websites for advance tickets and a complete listing of activities:

  • Huntsville Hamfest, hosting the ARRL Southeastern Division Convention; Huntsville, Alabama | August 20 – 21, 2022
  • Northeast HamXposition, hosting the ARRL New England and Hudson Division Conventions; Marlborough, Massachusetts | August 26 – 28, 2022

A list of all ARRL-sanctioned hamfests and conventions is published at www.arrl.org/hamfests and includes these upcoming events:

“The BIG E and Amateur Radio—Early Years”

by

Betsey Doane, K1EIC, writes:

In the early 1990s, Larry Buck, K1HEJ, Luck Hurder, formerly KY1T (now WA4STO) and Betsey Doane, K1EIC, decided to make a plan for demonstrating Amateur radio at The BIG E. So we embarked on getting computer/modem accounts to communicate. And that we did.

There were literally loads of messages passed back and forth to plan the event. Larry was in charge of communicating with the exhibition leaders to be sure we would comply with all requirements.

We recruited many volunteers and opened our first booth which provided lots of Amateur radio information, good conversation among the visitors and hams attending, a full traffic handling area using 2 meter FM and packet and an HF station which we used as we could. Remember, there was no Windows OS, no small computers, and no RMS. But packet was extremely popular at that time. The CT N1DCS and later N4GAA packet nodes were among the largest, if not the largest in the country handling thousands of messages. The W1EDH, K1EIC and W1HAD nodes also assisted in the relay of traffic.

The young people who came up enjoyed writing messages to their families and friends. Thoroughly also enjoyed using the key to write their name as instructed by the chart provided. They had fun, the adults
enjoyed it and so did we.

We did this event every year for close to 25 years adding what we could with the constraints at the fair. Volunteers came from Connecticut, Western Mass and, I think, Rhode Island. We knew we had to staff it fully so there were backups planned.

Connecticut operators are proud to have been an exhibitor at The BIG E for so many years. We were well received. We are truly excited that so many New England amateurs and radio clubs are participating in this year’s BIG E exhibit, and that our New England Division Director, Vice Director, and Assistant Directors are helping to organize The BIG E Space Chat.  

2022 Great Maine Getaway for Multiple Sclerosis

by

Kathy Savage, KB1LPW, writes on Facebook:

Start of Day 2 Great Maine Getaway for MS with Rick Savage, [KB1LYJ], Ross Chapman, [KB1MGD], and others.

From the MS Society’s website:  “Enjoy the stunning beaches and charming coastal towns along Maine’s iconic coastline on this two-day ride from Biddeford Pool to Kennebunkport with a community of riders dedicated to changing the world for people with MS.”

298383136_10159805492184242_7108155041345446863_n
298170640_10159805492689242_4886697237262781051_n
298281909_10159805492559242_6933688976930476915_n

Fox Hunt, Wallingford, CT, August 7, 2022

by

Rob Cichon, K1RCT, writes on the ctfoxhunter list August 6, 2022: 

Starting at 09:45 in Wallingford (I have a meeting earlier).

1FIAB, a 1W beacon on 145.7
2FIAB, 700mW DTMF-1 controlled-on, 145.605
3FIAB, a 12mW beacon on 145.3
4FIAB, a 1W DTMF-1 controlled-on, 145.2

The Fox Boxes will cease transmission at 11:15.

Hints may be available on 146.36-r, 162.2 PL.

A smart hunter should always listen for the Fox even though it’s earlier or later than the proscribed hour.

73,

de Rob, K1RCT

Western Connecticut Hamfest, Danbury, CT, September 11, 2022

by

Candlewood ARA logoElectronics and Amateur Radio Hamfest: September 11, 2022 

Sponsored by the Candlewood Amateur Radio Association 

We are back for 2022, In a NEW LOCATION and DATE!

 

The Candlewood Amateur Radio Association (CARA) will be hosting the Western Connecticut Hamfest and Swap meet at a NEW location! on Sunday, September 11 from 8 AM till 1 PM. Rain or shine. Location is at Police Athletic League, 35 Hayestown Road, Danbury, CT.  This is “The Biggest Little Hamfest in Western CT” and is sure to have plenty for all electronics, makers, and Amateur Radio enthusiasts. This is an IN-DOOR and Tailgating event. 

Every year, enthusiasts from the greater Danbury area and surrounding states gather to swap gear, knowledge, and stories.  This year there will be an Amateur Radio License testing session (9:30 am) as well as a presentation by the Fred Kemmerer, ARRL New England Director, we will also have the Region 5 Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) forum at 10:30AM.  Get those books out and take your first FCC Amateur Radio License or upgrade your Radio license, at the same time you look around and find that piece of tech you can’t go home without. 

There will be electronics and radio equipment vendors, demonstrations, and refreshments as well.  Door prizes will be announced periodically, you are entered with your admission ticket.  Raffle tickets will be sold for some great gear as well. 

Spaces are available, at $20/spot, bring your own table and chair, each spot include one admission. Get rid of that gear you don’t use anymore.  There is sure to be someone there interested in your unused computer, electronic or radio gear. Regular admission is $8 at the door ($1 discount with the flyer, available at our website). Don’t forget Kids under 12 are free! 

For further information go to http://www.hamfest.cararadioclub.org or contact John Morelli W1JGM at www.hamfest.cararadioclub.org or call 203-417-0160. 

73

John G. Morelli (W1JGM)
VP Candlewood Amateur Radio Association (CARA)
Chairman; Western Connecticut Hamfest
cararadioclub.org Club Call W1QI

We Need YOU at the Amateur Radio Booth at The BIG E!

by

Amateur Radio will be on public display like never before at The BIG E in West Springfield, MA from September 16 – October 2, 2022. Over a million people will visit the Fair over the 17-day period. We need ham radio “Goodwill Ambassadors” to staff the booth and promote our hobby-service to the public and potential licensees.

Who: Amateurs like you who enjoy interacting with the public

What: You’ll be demonstrating ham radio contacts and sharing Amateur Radio information with the public (talking points will be provided)

When:

Two shifts per day, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (first session) and 3:30 PM -10:00 PM (second session) on some days

Dates/times available:

  • September 16 (Military Appreciation Day), second session, 1-2 more people needed
  • September 17 (Maine Day), second session, 2 more
  • September 19, first session, 2 more
  • September 20 (Rhode Island Day), first and second sessions, 3-4 more
  • September 22 (Massachusetts Day), second session, 2 more
  • September 24 (Vermont Day), first and second sessions
  • September 25, second session
  • September 26, first and second sessions
  • September 28, first and second sessions
  • September 29, first and second sessions
  • September 30, first and second sessions
  • October 1, first and second sessions
  • October 2, first and second sessions

Where: Booth #103 inside Door 6 of the Better Living Center

How:—Sign up via the following link, which will list currently-available sessions:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9_iH1ZucHuCFCNwreEuVPWnmLOT5D_s92vHPuEUASS78Tew/viewform

SEE YOU THERE!

AC1LC Appointed New Hampshire Public Information Coordinator

by

NH iconPete Stohrer, W1FEA, writes on the New Hampshire ARRL Members List:

I am pleased to announce that Raul “Skip” Camejo, AC1LC, has been appointed as Public Information Coordinator for the NH Section of the ARRL.

Skip’s background and experience in law enforcement with the State of Connecticut and Public Information Officer dealing with multiple media organizations will be of great value to the NH Section.

Skip will be available to assist the PIO’s in the amateur radio clubs and ARES groups throughout the Section with the overall goal to promote interest in Amateur Radio to the non-ham population within NH.

Skip’s contact information;

Email  AC1LC@outlook.com
Phone (603) 707-9848

Please join me in welcoming Skip to the NH ARRL Field Organization.

Categories All

FEMA, NTS Cooperation Lauded

by

NTS logo[Charlie Rocheleau, W1CPR, is a FEMA Communications Specialist in the MAssachusetts Task Force 1 (MA-TF1.]

Thanks so much for the follow up with our [radiogram] traffic.  The dedication and skill of the NTS members is without parallel.  I believe it to be a national treasure that must be maintained and strengthened during these very uncertain world events.  ALL of our traffic is sent HF using PACTOR and no infrastructure. 

We appreciate your hard work. 

During a lengthy meeting with Washington a few months ago, HQ asked us to investigate any and all methods of contacting team members during a catastrophic communications failure.  MATF ran tests with NTS a few months ago.  We put almost 250 radiograms through the system and they were extremely successful.  We learned some lessons and everyone got great practice.

The Alerts I sent out today were real world alerts as the task force MA-TF1 (FEMA US&R) is on stand-by for a deployment to Kentucky.  Steve Hanson, KB1TCE, runs a digital hub in Owls Head, Maine and has been my go-to person for injecting these messages quickly into the NTS system.

Best to you and your team,  and thanks for passing the traffic!

-Charlie Rocheleau, W1CPR

 

Postscript:

Winlink messages received at KB1TCE for insertion into DTN are forwarded to KW1U MBO for distribution through the DTN network. Having received an alert from W1CPR that 40 Priority messages would be coming this way, I alerted key MA traffic handlers to be ready and these folks did a fantastic job of getting them out. KC1MSN took a total of 11 off the board for EM2MN, W1RVY took and delivered one and I delivered one to Maynard and distributed most of the rest via First Region Net to K1UAF, WX1T and KC1KVY who either delivered or distributed further. W1LEM also took Cape Cod traffic off the board. Kudos to all the folks who helped get all 40 out in one day.
 
Marcia KW1U