Boston Marathon Needs Your Help

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Ray Lajoie, KB1LRL, writes on the WMA ARRL Members Only List:

Hi there, I’m sure you have seen the request around the media, This is the third extension as there is shortage of volunteers. Please consider if you have the time.

Thanks.  Ray KB1LRL

Communications for the Boston Marathon is provided by local amateur radio operators. Due to COVID, the 2021 Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, October 11th. Additional operators are still needed. Volunteers will be able to register until this coming Friday.

Don’t delay! Volunteer registration has been extended for a final time and closes on Friday August 6th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Help us get the word out by forwarding this message to your club and other amateur radio operators who wish to volunteer. Most volunteers first learn about the event through word of mouth. If you know new licensees who might like to join us, please make sure to let them know about it. Please forward this to your club email lists, announce on your repeaters and nets, etc.

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ARRL Western Massachusetts Section
Section Manager: Raymond P Lajoie, KB1LRL
kb1lrl@arrl.org
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Maine MESH Networking Working Group Formed

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MESH topology symbolCory Golob, KU1U, writes in the August 2021 issue of the Maine Telegraph Newsletter:

The first MESH Network Working Group meeting was held on Wednesday, July 28th. In attendance were Bill Richardson, NG1P; Brad Brown, Jr., KC1JMH; Cory Golob, KU1U; Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC; Leo Langelier, KH6JKQ; Phil Duggan, N1EP and Steve Jordan, KD1OM. We discussed a plan and vision to expand the MESH Network that NG1P started between Topsham and Brunswick on 5.8 GHz and how we can expand it in Maine and hopefully throughout New England.

We believe that getting back to our roots with RF linking is crucial as we have seen more dependence on internet linking over the past few years. This MESH Network has many possibilities including repeater linking, high speed data transfer and voice/video capabilities. The applications can be valuable for EMCOMM, Public Service Events and casual chatting.

This project will not be without any challenges as Maine has quite the topography, but we are excited to see how the adventure will unfold and benefit the hams in our state. With 5.8 GHz being threatened, it is more important now than ever that we show how well SHF can be utilized by amateur radio operators.

West Connecticut Hamfest & Swap, Newtown, CT, August 29, 2021

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Electronics and Amateur Radio Hamfest: August 29, 2021

Sponsored by the Candlewood Amateur Radio Association

Contact: John Morelli

Telephone: 203-417-0160

Email: W1JGM@arrl.net

Website: hamfest.cararadioclub.org

We are back for 2021, Candlewood Amateur Radio Association (CARA) will be hosting the Western Connecticut Hamfest and Swap meet on August 29th from 8 am till 1PM. This annual event is held at the Edmond Town Hall, at 45 Main Street, Newtown, CT. This is “The Biggest Little Hamfest in Western CT” and is sure to have plenty for all electronics, maker, and Amateur Radio enthusiasts.

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 about emergency communication and the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) at 10:30AM. Get those books out and get, or upgrade, your FCC Amateur 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, tailgating, 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.

There are still spaces available for tailgate sales spots or tables in our indoor area. At $15 and $20, respectively, these spots include one admission each. 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 $7 at the door ($1 discount with the flyer, available at our website). Kids under 12 are free!

For further information go to hamfest.cararadioclub.org or contact John Morelli W1JGM at W1JGM@arrl.net<mailto:W1JGM@arrl.net> or 203-417-0160.

Burlington (VT) ARC Members Activate Sand Bar State Park (K-3140), Milton, VT, July 31, 2021

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POTA Activation, Sand Bar State Park, Milton VT 7/31/21Ed, W1OKH, writes on the Burlington ARC Facebook page:
 
Bob, K1BIF activated POTA (Parks on the Air) this past Saturday, July 31st from 10:00 until late afternoon at the Sandbar State Park in Milton, VT. Carl, AB1DD assisted along with several visiting hams including KB1FRW, W1FP, W1HRG and myself. Operation started on 20 Meter SSB but then switched to 40 meters due to poor conditions. Here is the link to Bob’s video of the POTA event which was a lot of fun. Hopefully we can do more of these going forward.
 
Ed / W1OKH
73 de BARC

Tally Ho! A Fox is Loose in Bedford, NH Vicinity, July 31, 2021

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Al Grant, KB1HYL, writes on the Granite State ARA mailing list at 11:44 AM on July 31, 2021:

Just to let you know, the fox is loose.  Since the power output is so low (15 milliwatts) and not easy to receive with an omnidirectional antenna, I’ll tell you that the fox is somewhere in Earl Legacy Park in Bedford, NH.

Sorry it took me so long to get started today, but the fox will be loose until about 6 or 7 Sunday afternoon.  I’ll get more efficient as I do this more often.

73

Wayne – KB1HYL

Fox is Hiding in the Manchester, CT Vicinity, July 30, 2021

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Rod Bungard, N1RUU, writes on the ctfoxhunter list at 5:21 PM on July 30, 2021:

Greetings Fox hunters,
 
Fox #5 PL 123.0
 
Is out hiding, the fox is running 1.5 watts into a 18 inch antenna. Since there is no starting place for finding the hidden transmitter, all you can do is while going about your travels, periodically try to activate the hidden transmitter. Your first try may be from home. You do this by going on the 2 meter simplex frequency of 146.550 MHz (PL 123.0), key your transmitter, ID and then send a DTMF “1”. If the FoxBox can hear you and you can hear it, you will hear its very distinctive sound. It will transmit for 30 seconds, ID and then go back to sleep. You can make it transmit as often as necessary to find it.

Once someone has been able to bring it up and hear it, please report that information to the other fox hunters. Feel free to reply to the group. Do not reveal its location, just a location (and direction if possible) from which you are able to hear it. This then becomes a starting point for the other fox hunters to use.

You do not actually have to touch the box to claim finding it. If you hunt the Fox please log to this group even if you don’t find it.

Hint: Can be heard from Lowe’s in Manchester. Location, after you find the box look at the Sassafras growing in the area.  The plants have different shaped leaves on the same plant.

Good luck.

Rod N1RUU

St. Albans ARC Hamfest, August 7, 2021

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Paul Gayet, AA1SU, writes on the Vermont ARRL Members Only list:

I would like to invite you to the St Albans Amateur Radio Club (STARC) Hamfest on Saturday, August 7 from 8 AM to Noon.  It will be held at the VFW on 335 Lake Street in St Albans.  Admission is $5.  This includes buyers, tailgaters, or inside sellers.  Under 18 years old is free admission.

There will also be Ham Radio License testing at 9 AM.  Bring $15 cash, FRN from the FCC, and email your address.

The talk-in repeater will be 145.230 -100 Hz.

Here is a link to the official flyer: https://www.starc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/STARC-Hamfest-2021-scaled.jpg

After the Hamfest, you are invited to the Radio Amateurs of Northern Vermont (RANV) summer picnic.  This is just down the road at Kamp Kill Kare State Park in St Albans Bay.  RANV pays the admission.  Just tell the Ranger you are with the Ham Radio people, and he/she will point the way.  The club will supply some drinks and charcoal.  You bring your own food and bathing suit (optional).  The hours are from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Getting to the park is fairly easy.  You just stay on the same road as the VFW, and head towards the lake (2.5 miles?).  At the lake, the road turns right.  Go north for 0.7 miles. After the small bridge turn left on Hathaway Point Road.  Go 3 miles down the curvy road to the park entrance.

I hope to see you there.

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ARRL Vermont Section
Section Manager: Paul N Gayet, AA1SU
aa1su@arrl.org
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