The November 2023 issue of the Maine Telegraph is available for viewing.
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NH Simulated Emergency Test, November 4, 2023
Dave Colter, WA1ZCN, writes on Twin State Radio Club mailing list:
The NH-AREs Simulated Emergency Test (SET) is scheduled for next Saturday, November 4, from 8am to 1pm. However, the actual time commitment is minimal.
If you didn’t see the original announcement several weeks ago (attached,) we’re doing a re-run of last year’s 1938 hurricane-based SET with a small expansion. For purposes of this exercise, we’re assuming that all repeaters are down, and that HF conditions are poor. That leaves us with mostly 2m simplex operations on 146.51 (no tone) which can require “high-point” relay stations, both for local coverage and a path to the State EOC (SEOC) and Red Cross in Concord. This year, we’re primarily concerned with the paths to the Bow Relay point on Quimby Hill in Bow, which has a commanding “view” of the capital region and points east and south, and seems to work well for long-haul paths (not Coos, of course.)
We have a state-wide list of known sites that have proven to have a path to Bow Relay, or have that potential. We are looking for even more sites, because you never know which ones will be accessible after a major hurricane. Attachment K, High Point Relay, is attached.
I’d like West Central ARES members to test all the sites on the list in in our area, as well as identify others. All this requires is attempting to contact Bow Relay (tactical call) from that location during the SET, which should only require a few minutes. If you live near one of these sites, of know of one with a good long eastern view (even your own home!,) please let me know. (We have a preference for “drive up” sites rather than “hike-in” for obvious reasons.) Just make contact with Bow Relay, and report the signal quality to me. I tested Bly Hill in Newbury last year, so I won’t be trying that one again.
Be aware that “hidden transmitter” syndrome will be a big issue with every active group in the state trying to reach Bow Relay as they test various sites. Listen for a while to be sure Pete W1FEA at Bow Relay isn’t talking to anyone else.
We’re a small group, so we need as many folks as possible to lend a hand with this test. If you have questions or site ideas you want to talk about, send me a note. Hope to hear you on the air!
73
Dave Colter WA1ZCN
Interim EC – West Central NH ARES
ASEC, Training – NH-ARES
www.nh-ares.org
Hamshack Hotline: Ext. 4806
DHS SHARES: NNA1DC
CT ARES Region 2 Drill, November 11, 2023
Douglas Sharafanowich,WA1SFH, writes on the ct-ares list:
Hello CT ARES members in REGION 2:
We will be holding a FUN FALL Drill in 2 Weeks.
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR for:
DATE: Saturday – Nov. 11
WHAT: A “DAM” Drill
HOURS: 1030 – 1200
More information about this “DAM” Drill is available at:
http://www.ctaresregion2.org/
—
73, Douglas Sharafanowich – WA1SFH
ARES District Emergency Coordinator (DEC)
Region 2 – Connecticut Section
email: wa1sfh “at” arrl “dit” net
ARRL Section Youth Coordinator – Connecticut Section
email: connecticutSYC “at” gmail “dit” com
ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR: “What’s New at ARRL” at Billerica (MA) ARS Meeting Online, November 1, 2023
From ema.arrl.org:
Doug Bruce, N1WRN, writes in the Billerica ARS November newsletter:
I am pleased to announce that our guest speaker for the November 1, 2023, club meeting via Zoom will be none other than Rick Roderick, K5UR, the current President of the ARRL!
Rick will give a talk on what’s new at the ARRL and will share valuable insights on our great hobby. You will definitely want to make sure and attend this Zoom Presentation to be given by a true pioneer in ham radio!
[For Zoom conference details, email Bruce Anderson, W1LUS, at w1lus -at- hotmail -dot- com.]
Nashua Area Radio Society Ham Bootcamp Online, November 11, 2023
The Nashua Area Radio Society (NARS) will host their Ham Bootcamp program on November 11, 2023, from 10 AM to 6 PM ET. This program includes a series of online demonstrations and tutorials designed to help newly licensed Technician, General, and Amateur Extra class license holders get on the air. It’s available to all licensed and prospective amateur radio operators.
Visit NARS’s Ham Bootcamp program web page to register and for additional information.
Maine Simulated Emergency Test Status
Keith Anoe, KE4UCW, writes on the Maine-Section ARES RACES mailing list:
Good morning all from Lisbon. We currently intend to hold the SET as planned.
With that said, be safe and follow all local guidance regarding to your safety. We plan for emergencies and hope to support our local agencies.
At this time, the Androscoggin ARES/RACES will operate from home. Please check with your team’s leadership on how to contribute to your team’s safely and SET.
If you feel that you cant participate that is totally exemptible, I ask that you let you leadership know.
The last thing—if you need something let someone know to include me. There is nothing wrong with asking; simply help each other.
Stay safe all!!
VR
—
Maine Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC)
https://groups.io/g/MaineSection-ARES-RACES/messages
Androscoggin County Emergency Coordinator (EC)
keith@anoe.us
(207)629-7197
60m Band Proposed Changes—File Your Comments with FCC!
Recently, the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) which effects Amateur Radio use of the 60m band. The FCC proposes to allocate 15 kHz of contiguous bandwidth between 5351.5 – 5366.5 kHz on a secondary basis with a maximum power of 15 W EIRP (equivalent to 9.15 W ERP). This allocation was adopted at the 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15).
The NPRM leaves open the question of whether the existing five 60m channels can still be used for Amateur Radio operation as well as if the 100w power level may still be used.
The FCC has requested comments relative to existing channel and power issue.
In 2017, the ARRL petitioned the FCC to keep the four 60-meter channels that fall outside the new band, as well as the current operating rules, including the 100 W ERP limit.
We need as many amateurs as possible to comment on this NPRM and urge the FCC to keep 1) the four existing channels and 2) the 100 w power limit.
Comments are due by October 30th, 2023 – ET Docket No. 23-120.
https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/express
https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/standard
Western Massachusetts ARES To Hold Annual Simulated Emergency Test, October 21-22, 2023
The Western Massachusetts Amateur Radio Emergency Service will hold its 2023 Simulated Emergency Test from 10:00 AM on Saturday, 21 October to 10:00 AM on Sunday, 22 October 2023. ARES members will attempt to receive and report airport weather information to the Department of Defense via the US Army Military Affiliate Radio System. [Details]