Newport County Radio Club to Support Two JOTA Locations in Portsmouth & Rockville (RI), October 16, 2022

1. Jamboree on the Air (JOTA)
WHEN – Friday, October 14th – Sunday, October 16th, 2022, with our focus on Saturday October 15th
PURPOSE – Provide a HAM/Radio experience to the scouts and interface with the community.  Provide an opportunity for the Scouts BSA to earn the Radio Merit Badge.
 
WHERE – There will be two locations that will be supported by NCRC:  
The Glen, off Glen Rd, Portsmouth, RI
Yawgoog Scout Reservation, 61 Camp Yawgoog Rd, Rockville, RI
Note:  John is working with other HAMs/Scouters to get two other locations to run similar to how NCRC has operated the Glen over the last few years.  The goal is to provide a maximum opportunity for the Scouts to Get on the Air!

INTRODUCTION – Jamboree on the Air – Jamboree on the Internet (JOTA-JOTI) promotes a Scout’s sense of belonging to the worldwide Scout Movement and builds cultural awareness, develops tolerance, advocates sharing and collaboration as well as demonstrates teamwork. It provides exciting opportunities for young people to explore technology and to develop technical skills including fostering innovation and creativity through communicating with other Scouts. A wide range of activities using communication technology are the chief methods of attaining these goals. JOTA-JOTI strives for a meaningful engagement of as many young people from as many parts of the world as possible annually on the third weekend in October. This weekend is also an occasion to celebrate Scouting and to generate positive energy to support the development of the Scout Movement. The event seeks to promote quality Scouting in a manner faithful to the purpose, principles and method of Scouting and consistent with the needs and aspirations of young people in today’s world. The JOTA-JOTI programme shall be a reflection of the Promise, Law, Principles and Method of Scouting, as defined by the WOSM Constitution, and shall also reflect the most up-to-date policies and initiatives of WOSM relating to youth programmes for all ages. For more information please visit the event website: www.world-jotajoti.info

Adventure at the Fort (Jamboree)
WHEN – Friday, October 21st – Sunday, October 23rd, 2022

PURPOSE – Provide a HAM/Radio experience to the scouts and interface with the community.

WHAT –  Join Narragansett Council at Fort Adams this fall for the first Council Jamboree in 20 years! The Narragansett Council is excited to bring Scouts and families together for a weekend of fun and adventure. Join thousands of Scouts from across New England, for an event like no other! Stay for the weekend with your troop or join us for the day on Saturday. The programs will be non-stop, highlighting unique scout activities, and opportunities you will only find at the 2022 Adventure at The Fort. We’ll be joined by program partners including youth programs, colleges, universities, military, historical groups, environmental organizations, nautical clubs, and so many more! You won’t want to miss the scout-led activities, food trucks, Sunday Services, trading post, and a full-scale Saturday Night stage show!
The Narragansett Council Jamboree is open to the public for day programs on 10/22, Scouts will not want to miss this chance to bring their friends. Adventure at The Fort is a can’t miss event for every Scout.
Weekend Camping for Scouts BSA Troops (11-18 years old)
All-day programs for Cubs on 10/22 (6-10 years old)
Public welcome on 10/22
Troops registered to camp will arrive on Friday evening, participate in all Saturday programs and depart on Sunday. Troops are responsible for their own meals, propane stoves are allowed, food trucks are available all-day Saturday. No fires.
Setup antennas prior to the event.  Operated through the weekend (Scouts BSA) with a focus on activities on Saturday for Scouts BSA, Cubs, families, and the community!
Make it FUN!
WHERE – Fort Adams State Park – 90 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI 02840
WHY – Adventure at the Fort is the largest, most exciting, Narragansett Council event in years. Scouts will participate in activities not offered at summer camp or a typical scout Camporee! Meet scouts from across New England, camp in a one-of-a-kind 19th-century coastal fort located on the shore of beautiful Narragansett Bay. Bring your friends and family, show them all the awesome things that Scouts do. Join us Saturday Night for a stage show celebrating the fun and fellowship of Scouting. Food trucks! Sailing! Climbing! and More!

 
 

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

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.

 

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Upcoming Ham Radio Conventions Emphasize Learning and Youth

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”

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

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.”

Fox Hunt, Wallingford, CT, August 7, 2022

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

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

AC1LC Appointed New Hampshire Public Information Coordinator

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.

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