Clubs

Naval Sub Base K1SSN Update

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USS NautilusHarrison Solt, N1FAM, writes on the Radio Amateur Society of Norwich (CT) mailing list:

I recently toured the MARS/K1SSN shack on the Subbase [in Groton, CT] with the MARS Team (Ted, K1YON and Bob, N2XN).  Trustee Rich Courtney, N9HL, and Dick, KF6UF, were also on site.  While the shack is serviced by a very robust antenna farm it has sparse gear.  There is a Kenwood TS-440S HF transceiver.  There is also an external power supply and a MFJ tuner.  The shack needs gear.  Some solid-state gear, even vintage solid-state gear, would be nice.  Also needed is a computer with a logging program.

The MARS team and the Trustee are trying to involve and work with the Base to rebuild the station.  But reconstitution of the Base shack and eventually a Base Ham Club will require help.  They have reached out to the Base command structure and hope to involve the MWR office and Emergency Command Center as allies in moving things along.  Right now, the goal is to establish a solid presence and a viable operating station for Hams stationed on or near the Base.

The purpose of this post is to update you on this project and seek individual and organizational support, be it in word or deed, to support the effort.  I.E.  Many times, individually or organizationally we come into gear via Ham estates or through upgrade of personal or club shacks.  When this happens consider offering any excess gear and equipment to the K1SSN shack.  Help from local Hams and Clubs can go far to get K1SSN up and running again.  Plus, local organizational support and involvement can result in new members for one or more of the local Clubs.  Let us all be Elmers and help when and where we can.  The Trustee Rich can be reached at rcourtney@mars-mil.us.  MARS lead Ted can be reached at k1yon@juno.com.

[See also: K1SSN Sub Base Radio Station Needs Help]

YCCC Qualifications for 2022 WRTC

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Yankee Clipper Contest Club logoDave Malley, W1VEM, writes on the YCCC mailing list:

Congratulations to Bob, WA1Z, and Randy, K5ZD, for qualifying as Team Leaders for the 2022 Italia WRTC championship!

Congratulations also to Dave, K1ZZ; Paul, K1XM; Ed, N1UR; Marty, NN1C; Dennis,W1UE; Gene,W3UA and Robert, WA1FCN.

Nine YCCC members is terrific & my apologies if I missed anyone!

Greater Bridgeport (CT) ARC Parks On The Air Event, October 16, 2021

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Greater Bridgeport ARC loogoGBARC Parks on the Air
16 October 2021 – 9am to 5pm

GBARC will hold a multi-station Parks on the Air event that will see us setting up stations in four State Parks.  The parks include:

  • Sherwood Island SP (Park K-1715)
  • Silver Sands SP (Park K-1716)
  • Osbornedale SP (Park K-1709)
  • West Rock SP (Park K-1727) (2 stations)

The goal is to provide some community outreach for ham radio, and to help train our new operators.  We will divide our efforts into four teams who will each take four parks.  

During the POTA Event we will be participating in the CT ARES Simulated Emergency Test.  During the SET we will be using simplex VHF/UHF as well as DMR for contacts.

Hampden County RA/Franklin County ARC Potluck/Foxhunt/SOTA Event, September 19, 2021

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The Hampden County Radio Association is holding a Potluck/operating event at South Sugarloaf Mountain on Sunday, September 19, 2021 from 10:30 AM until 2:30 PM. 

“All members and friends of the Franklin County ARC and Hampden County Radio Association are welcome. Bring your spouse.  It’s a fun place for kids too.  Dogs are permitted on leash,” writes Larry Krainson, W1AST, HCRA President.

“Bring your [foxhunting] gear to Sunday’s Picnic & Radios. I plan on hiding a foxbox on the mountain somewhere. Foxbox 2 will be on 147.550 with a PL of 151.3. Pressing #1 on your keypad for a moment will activate the foxbox.  Take a picture of the foxbox or one with you in it and find me (W1AST) and show me.”

Parking on the summit is limited.  If you need a ride up, call on 146.52. RSVP to: <bc@councilman.com>.

“Please consider bringing something for the potluck.  We’ll be cooking burgers and hotdogs; bacon for the cheeseburgers while it lasts.  Also, please bring your favorite beverage (no alcohol).  Plenty of ice available,” Larry adds.

At 652′, South Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the most accessible and popular scenic outlooks in the region. SOTA enthusiasts might want to activate nearby Pocumtuck Rock. <https://sotl.as/summits/W1/MB-015>.

Additional information about Mt Sugarloaf State Reservation can be found at: <https://www.mass.gov/locations/mount-sugarloaf-state-reservation>.

K1SSN Sub Base Radio Station Needs Help

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USS NautilusHarrison Solt, N1FAM, writes on the Radio Amateur Society of Norwich (CT) mailing list:

While the [U.S. Naval Submarine Base, located in Groton, Connecticut] station has been reestablished and their towers and antennas restored, they recently lost their callsign (K1SSN) custodian/trustee.  Bob, K1RJV, of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, was the custodian for many years.  For the past couple of years Rich, NL9H, of Green, Rhode Island, was the custodian. 

Currently the station is maintained by Air Force MARS members led by Ted, K1YON of Hartland, Connecticut (NW corner of the state).  Ted and his team are about two hours from the base.  Ted is looking for help from a local ham or one of the local clubs to pick up the call and assist/manage the station.  The individual does not need to be military.  Access to the base is not an issue.  If help is not found, the callsign will be lost and the equipment surplussed.

This is an idea opportunity for one of the local clubs to partnership with the base and very likely grow both clubs (the local club and the base club).  If not one of the clubs, perhaps someone out there is interested in coming to the aid of this historic station.  There are many possibilities here.  Can you help?  If so please answer this post and contact Ted, K1YON at k1yon@juno.com.  This is an important issue that needs help.