Phil Temples

Amateur Radio in Ukraine Ordered Off the Air in State of Emergency

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Ukrainian flagFrom ARRL Web:
 
02/24/2022 – A state of emergency was declared in Ukraine just prior to the Russian military invasion. Among other things, the February 24 decree from President Volodymyr Zelensky will remain in effect at least for 30 days and may be extended. As published on the website of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s unicameral legislative body, the state of emergency includes regulation of TV and radio activities and “a ban on the operation amateur radio transmitters for personal and collective use.”The decree also imposes a ban on mass events and on strikes and authorizes checking the documents of citizens, and if necessary, conducting searches on persons, vehicles, cargo, office space, and housing. A curfew could be imposed. “The situation changes rapidly,” IARU Region 1 Secretary Mats Espling, SM6EAN, said. “IARU Region 1 continues to monitor the development and expect all radio amateurs to follow their national laws and regulations.” 

 
 

FCC: Amateur Service Licensees May Not Use Radio Equipment to Commit Criminal Acts

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FCC sealFrom ARRL Web:
 
02/24/2022 – The FCC Enforcement Bureau has re-issued an earlier reminder that licensees in the Amateur Radio Service, as well as licensees and operators in the Personal Radio Services are prohibited from using radios in those services to commit or facilitate criminal acts. The FCC did not indicate what, if anything, prompted the renewed Enforcement Advisory or if it was just a routine announcement.“The Bureau recognizes that these services can be used for a wide range of permitted and socially beneficial purposes, including emergency communications and speech that is protected under the First Amendment of the US Constitution,” the FCC said. “Amateur and Personal Radio Services, however, may not be used to commit or facilitate crimes.”

As it did in advisories in 2021, the Enforcement Bureau is reminding amateur licensees that they may not transmit, “communications intended to facilitate a criminal act” or “messages encoded for the purpose of obscuring their meaning.”

“Likewise, individuals operating radios in the Personal Radio Services, a category that includes Citizens Band radios, Family Radio Service walkie-talkies, and General Mobile Radio Service, are prohibited from using those radios “in connection with any activity which is against Federal, State or local law.

“Individuals using radios in the Amateur or Personal Radio Services in this manner may be subject to severe penalties, including significant fines, seizure of the offending equipment, and, in some cases, criminal prosecution.

“To report a crime, contact your local law enforcement office or the FBI,” the FCC advised.

 

 

Blackstone Valley (RI) CW Classes

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Blackstone Valley ARCBob Beaudet, W1YRC, writes in the March 2022 issue of  Blackstone Valley ARC’s The Messenger:

The FCC, sometimes called the friendly candy company, dropped all Morse code proficiency testing from any of the Amateur radio exams administered after Feb. 23, 2007. Understandably, some rejoiced but some were disappointed because they wanted to learn code and use it on the air. At the time, some interpreted FCC’s action as ending all use of CW. Of course, that was never FCC’s intent.

Shortly after that date, there rose a small demand by some to learn CW after being licensed with a General or Extra class license. Responsible clubs that always try to provide service to their members and the community in which it resides, developed classes and taught Morse code to Extras and Generals who wanted to know and use the code. The classes also facilitated obtaining code practice material and keys.  Statistics taken from submitted logs indicated strangely that the use of CW increased by about 15% nationwide in the years following FCC’s dropping the code exam requirement. We’re not sure why.

BVARC organized its third CW class in January, 2022 and unlike past classes, BVARC’s instructor, Bob, W1YRC, selected those who were “high pots” or high potentials to fill the class. On Feb. 16th, the fourth weekly class session was held in Bob’s kitchen. The actual learning of the Morse alphabet and numerals, together with a few pro signs and punctuation was learned at home by each student after the initial session which set down the format and expectations. Bob explained that there is no possible way that he can learn the code for the students. It’s like learning basic verbs in French or Latin. There’s no possible way that the teacher can learn it for the students.

However, once the 26 letters, 10 numbers and about 10 pro signs and Q signals are learned. Bob worked on the students’ smoothness in sending code. To add interest to the classes, the second half of each session is used to “show and tell” related topics; code keys, oscillators, QRP radios, dummy loads, etc. In order to maintain the students’ energy and interest, fresh baked apple, blueberry and pumpkin pies are usually offered along with a variety of other good things. I apologize for the few added pounds that seem to make their way into the CW bag. All our students are very happy that they have added a valuable tool to their tool box, a tool that will help them add plenty of DX to their log.

Students in the latest class are: Joe Campbell, KC1OPD; Marc Caouette, W1MCX; Mickey Callahan, K1WMC; Mike Kenney, K1ETA; Byron Kinniburgh, K1CYQ; Patty Vilnit, W1AUT and Ray Vilnit, KC1HQB. All are now able to copy and send at least 10+ wpm. They need more practice to smooth out their rhythm and feel more comfortable at the key. At least half participated in the recent ARRL CW DX Contest.  If there is interest, another class will be formed and run through the program. Remember, accuracy transcends speed.

AB1OC Helps Prepare Students for ARISS Contact at Sussex County Charter School for Technology, Sparta, NJ, February 23, 2022

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ARISS logoNew England Division Director Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC, writes:

“It’s been my pleasure to work with the Sussex County Charter School for Technology (SCCST), as their ARISS Mentor, to prepare for their contact. The school has partnered with the Sussex County Amateur Radio Club to build a ground station which they will use to make their contact. Club members have also worked closely with the school to provide many Amateur Radio activities for SCCST students. The school has formed an Amateur Radio club at the school and conducted Amateur Radio activities as part of an outstanding STEM learning program. Working with a school such as SCCST is a great way for a local amateur radio club to build a strong, ongoing relationship with a group of young people interested in Amateur Radio.”

The downlink from the astronaut may be heard in New England on 145.800 MHz. The livestream will start at 9:50 AM and the ISS pass will start at 10:31 AM.

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ARISS News Release No. 22-11
Dave Jordan, AA4KN
ARISS PR
aa4kn@amsat.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ARISS Contact is Scheduled for Students at Sussex County Charter School for Technology, Sparta, NJ, USA

February 21, 2022—Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has received schedule confirmation for an ARISS radio contact with astronauts. ARISS is the group that puts together special amateur radio contacts between students around the globe and crew members with ham radio licenses on the International Space Station (ISS).

This will be a direct contact via amateur radio between students at the Sussex County Charter School for Technology, Sparta, New Jersey and Astronaut Mark Vande Hei, amateur radio call sign KG5GNP. Students will take turns asking their questions. Local Covid-19 protocols are adhered to as applicable for each ARISS contact. The downlink frequency for this contact is 145.800 MHz and may be heard by listeners that are within the ISS-footprint that also encompasses the radio relay ground station.

Amateur radio operators, using the call sign KD2YAQ, will operate the ham radio ground station for this contact.

The ARISS radio contact is scheduled for February 23, 2022 at 10:31 am EST (New Jersey), (15:31 UTC, 9:31 am CST, 8:31 am MST and 7:31 am PST).

Sussex Charter School for Technology (SCCST) is a STEM-focused, rural middle school in Sparta, NJ, serving 225 students. In preparation for this ARISS contact, through hands-on activities and class instruction, students worked with the local HAM radio club, high school, and university Physics departments to learn more about radio communications and solar influence on such communications. Members of the Sussex County Amateur Radio Club are supplying the direct contact equipment and will be conducting the ISS radio contact. New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) has partnered with the school to introduce modules on space weather, solar cycles and ionospheric phenomena into their curriculum. Faculty members of NJIT’s amateur radio club, K2MFF, are founding members of HamSCI, and will lead the NJIT-SCCST collaboration and assist in the ARISS event and follow-up activities. Sussex County Technical School is their neighboring vocational/technical high school, and will provide filming and streaming capabilities.

The public is invited to watch the live stream at: https://youtu.be/dQpyK-uyzPU

As time allows, students will ask these questions:

  1. Do you have any telescopes on the ISS and, if so, how far can they see?
  2. In the event of space debris, asteroids, or solar flares collisions, what are the safety protocols or systems to ensure the astronaut’s/cosmonaut’s safety in situations like that?
  3. How do you exercise on the space station if there’s no gravity?
  4. What science experiments are you working on that will have an impact on the future?
  5. How do you feel about private space companies trying to make space travel open to civilians?
  6. What is the best space food you’ve eaten, and do you notice any improvement in the quality of the food since the Deep Space food challenge started?
  7. How often do you need to communicate with the Earth (Mission control)?
  8. What would you do if the communication with Mission Control broke down and you couldn’t communicate with Earth?
  9. Being that you see 16 sunrises and sunsets in each day, how do you regulate your sleep schedule?
  10. What steps are taken on the ISS to shield you from the pathway of the Sun’s radiation?
  11. How do astronauts control the robotic arm on the outside of the space station? Do you use a computer program or use a joystick like on a game controller?
  12. Who put the first pieces of the International Space Station together and will any of it be reused after the mission ends?
  13. How do astronauts maintain good hygiene on the ISS if there are no showers?
  14. What happens if an astronaut gets a serious virus or other illness while they are on the ISS?
  15. What is your least favorite chore or dangerous task that you do in space?
  16. What are the legal parameters followed in regards to the fly zones? If something should go wrong, while over a country other than the U.S., what fly zone rules are followed for legal purposes?
  17. How did your parents react when you arrived at the space station or when you left them?
  18. Considering the limited amount of your own items you can bring along with you from Earth, can you share with us one of the items you brought?
  19. What are the negative physical impacts on your body of being in space and does it go back to normal when you’re back on Earth?
  20. Would you let your own young kids, nieces, or nephews go to space if young people were given an opportunity to do so?
  21. If you could change one thing about space travel what would that be?

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.

HamXposition to Host New England and Hudson Division Conventions

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HamXposition logo

 

In what may well be a “first,” the Northeast HamXposition is proud to announce that it will host both New England and Hudson division conventions this year.  HamXposition will be held on August 26 – 28, 2022, in Marlborough, MA.

FEMARA, the organization that runs HamXposition, voted on February 17 to officially approve the unique arrangement. Attendees included: Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC, New England Director; Ria Jairam, N2RJ, Hudson Division Director; Phil Temples, K9HI, New England Vice Director; Mike Raisbeck, K1TWF, ARRL 1st Vice President and FEMARA President; and Bob DeMattia, K1IW, HamXposition General Chairman. Director Jairam was officially appointed to the HamXposition Committee.

Proceeds from the convention will be directed to scholarships for both New England and Hudson Division students.  Volunteers and speakers will be drawn from both divisions.  Other details will be worked out as things progress.

“It certainly has been a while since the Hudson Division has had a convention” said Ria, N2RJ. “By joining forces with the New England Division for a joint convention, we can bring back a sense of nostalgia and community.” 

“We are excited to have the Hudson Division join with New England to support and grow the 2022 HamXposition event.” said Fred, AB1OC. “It’s a great opportunity to expand HamXposition participation, programs, and work to provide support for the scholarships to young hams in both divisions.”

“Joining the two division events into one convention offers expanded opportunities for attendees, League members, and vendors alike” commented Mike, K1TWF.  “We anticipate larger attendance than we have seen in many years.”

The Northeast HamXposition, formerly known as “Boxboro,” features a Saturday morning keynote address, Friday and Saturday evening banquet dinners with special guest speakers, a large outdoor flea market along with an ample indoor commercial vendor space. The convention’s impressive three-day program of forums and speakers is one of the best in the country.

Bob, K1IW
General Chair, HamXposition 2022

Fox Hunt, Wallingford, CT Vicinity, February 19-20, 2022

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Dave Tipping, NZ1J, writes on the ctfoxhunter list:

Instead of our usual ‘live’ Fox Hunt, this weekend we’ll have a Fox Box hidden somewhere in Wallingford.  The box will transmit 1 watt on 146.565MHz for 45 seconds, each time it is activated via a DTMF ‘1’, also on 146.565MHz

The box will be switched on at noon on Saturday and will be switched off at 11am on Sunday.

Upon locating the box, please announce on 146.565 that you have found it.  (Rob has been known to linger in the vicinity of a Fox Box.  Who is to say who might be nearby and watching you and the box at any given time?)

Good Luck,

Dave NZ1J

Update on New Hampshire HB1644 update February 18, 2022

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NH State House, ConcordNew Hampshire Section Manager Pete Stohrer, K1PJS, writes to the NH ARRL Members List:

On Thursday February 17th the NH House voted 245 to 104 to send HB1644 to interim study. This effectively kills the bill for this legislative session. The bill would have required 5G telecommunication antenna to be placed at least 1,640 feet from residentially zoned areas, parks, playgrounds, hospitals, nursing homes, day care centers, and schools. In addition, an online registry would have been created to allow residents who are experiencing biological symptoms from wireless radiation exposure to list their relevant information.

Although the bill was aimed primarily at wireless 5G applications, enough ambiguity in the wording raised legitimate concerns of the unintended consequences to other non 5G radio services including amateur radio.

Interim study will take a serious look at the problems with the bill and NH Leadership will be ready to offer testimony to protect amateur radio interests if needed. Further information will be made available to our NH ARRL membership as it becomes available. Section would like to thank the many NH amateur operators who provided written testimony to their legislators against HB1644

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ARRL New Hampshire Section
Section Manager: Peter J Stohrer, K1PJS
k1pjs@arrl.org
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Last Call for Boston Marathon Volunteers, Deadline is February 18, 2022

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From ema.arrl.org:

The Boston Marathon Amateur Radio team is still in need of about 50 additional volunteers to fill our nearly 300 assignments.  The BAA volunteer registration deadline is this Friday, February 18 at 5:00 PM EST.  The BAA has told us that this is a firm deadline for this year.

If you are still undecided, we encourage you to register now; you can discuss any questions you may have with us and if you decide this is not for you this year you can withdraw between now and the end of March.

If you have not previously volunteered and want to chat about what we do, what is expected of us, and what equipment you might need, please do not hesitate to drop us an email.

Registration Links:
BAA registration can be accessed via the BAA web site specifically in the “Athletes’ Village” section.

https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/volunteer/volunteer-registration

Step by Step Sign Up Guide: 
https://hamradioboston.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/44002294773-2022-volunteer-registration-step-by-step-guide

If you have any questions about the upcoming volunteer registration period, or the 2022 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.

We look forward to seeing everyone again soon.

Thank you, and 73,

Boston Marathon Communications Committee
contact@HamRadioBoston.org

Please make sure to whitelist volunteer@baa.org and contact@HamRadioBoston.org to make sure you receive BAA and ARO committee communications.

New England Division Town Hall Meeting Deemed a Success

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ARRL logoLast night’s New England Division Town Hall meeting presentation was well attended. Out of 255 people who registered for the call, 211 attended. 

125 attendees responded to the post-Town Hall survey. Of those, 98 percent of the responders rated the Town Hall as “very or somewhat informative and useful” and 88 percent indicated that they would be interested in attending additional Town Hall meetings. 

Slide presentation (in PDF format).