June 2023 Maine eNews

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ARRL logoKQ1L Memorial Service

You probably heard that one of Maine’s most well-known hams passed away recently, Dave Hawke KQ1L, from Augusta.  Dave’s Celebration of Life is scheduled for June 17 at 1 pm at North Monmouth Community Church, 151 N Main St, North Monmouth. Finger sandwiches, sweets & drinks to follow at the church.

LD-697 Update

The effort by many of Maine’s amateur radio operators to get an exemption for amateur radio and public safety communications in LD-697: “Resolve, to Study the Effects of 5G and Other Non-ionizing Radio Frequency Radiation-emitting Technology on Bird, Bee, Insect and Other Wildlife Populations and the Effects of Long-term Exposure on Children” unfortunately failed. 

However, the bill is currently tabled, and because of its far-reaching objectives and fiscal requirements, may stay tabled until the January legislative session, or it could be taken off the table and be voted on by the full legislature in the next few days. Since all of amateur radio transmissions are categorized as “non-ionized” radio frequency emissions, it is in our best interest, in many hams’ opinions, that this bill not be approved. It couldn’t hurt if each Maine ham wrote a short polite email to their Maine state representative and state senator asking them to oppose LD-697. If it were to pass and the “independent” commission determined that RF emissions affect birds, bees, wildlife and children, then legislation would likely follow that would restrict and regulate all wireless communication services, including ham radio. Maine ARRL State Government Liaison Peter Hatem, KC1HBM, and I have both talked to legislators in the past couple days who feel there is not the appetite to pass such a broadly written bill at this time, but you never know!

You can find out who your state representative and senator is and their contact info here: https://legislature.maine.gov/.

Field Day 2023!

Yay! Field Day is just about here! June 24-25 is the Field Day weekend.  Some clubs will setup on Friday. You can check out the Field Day Locator on the ARRL web site here: https://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator. Hopefully all Maine clubs/groups have listed their FD here so folks can find them.

Clubs/groups can send the section manager/section emergency coordinator message (100 bonus points) to N1EP or KE4UCW on the Maine Seagull Net Saturday at 5pm on 3940 kHz or on the Maine Public Service Net same frequency Sunday morning at 9am. If N1EP or KE4UCW are not on the net (may be traveling to different FD sites) then another designated ham will take the traffic for them. Alternatively, you can send the messages via Winlink as long as it leaves the FD site via RF.  n1ep@winlink.org or ke4ucw@winlink.org. If you can find a packet radio path Downeast, then you could also send it to me that way, my packet mailbox is n1ep-1.

Field Day DMR.  Even though QSO points are not awarded for repeater/internet contacts, it doesn’t mean we can’t link up on Sunday, June 25 at 10am and check into the Maine Dirge DMR Net and see if we can link up hams at FD sites and other locales from Fort Kent to Kittery! Let’s break the net’s record!

VE Exams

Even though it is not required, all Volunteer Examiner groups in Maine that are scheduling ARRL VE sessions should post the info on the VE session locator https://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session and also share that info with N1EP so that it can also be posted on the Maine ARRL web and Facebook pages. It is very frustrating to a person who travelled quite a distance to take an exam only to find out one had just been given in their area but the clubs/VE teams do not publicize it for some reason. This actually happens quite a bit in Maine. Everyone benefits if the sessions are posted and promoted.

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ARRL Maine Section
Section Manager: Philip W Duggan, N1EP
n1ep@arrl.org
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June 2023 Rhode Island Section News

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ARRL logoGreetings ARRL members and friends:

This will be my final monthly report to you after about 250 of them since 2002. Challenger Nancy Austin KC1NEK received more votes than I in the recent  election, so now I may truly retire on July 1st. It has been an honor to serve you and I hope that I was able to represent you well and make your ARRL membership fruitful. Thank you for your support of ARRL. They cannot function without it. 

As your current SM, I shall try to visit as many of our club Field Day sites as I can since my term ends at the end of June when I can truly retire. I was appointed to serve the remaining term of SM K1FLD who became a Silent Key in office and as his Assistant SM, ARRL tapped me to serve his remaining 18 months. I had never expressed any wish to be an SM. At the time, I had just retired after 42 years at Raytheon and my wife was concerned that she would trip over me if I was in the house all day with nothing to do. No one ever ran against me. So now, I can really retire. Thank you all. 

ARRL Bulletin ARLX005 reports that Phillip J. Beaudet, N6PJB, of Burney, California was fined $24,000 for jamming a net and failing to identify.  He has my last name but is not related to me as far as I know. He violated a major rule and must pay the fine. Details may be seen at http://www.arrl.org/news/licensee-hit-with-24-000-fine-for-jamming-net-failure-to-id-fcc.

A major player in ham radio became a Silent Key unexpectedly. Chip Margelli, K7JA of Garden Grove, CA touched many lives in his 60 years licensed. Like hundreds of others, I knew Chip personally and admired his skill on the air. He was a GREAT CW operator and a winning contester. Read http://www.arrl.org/news/he-touched-so-many-lives-chip-margelli-k7ja-sk for his extensive bio. When he was a VP at Yaesu, he talked me out of buying their just released and highly promoted FT-1000 Field HF radio and getting their FT-1000D instead. He knew that I would be happier with the older 1000D which was a ten year old design at the time. He was totally right and I still have the radio 21 years later. 73 my friend and I hope propagation is good where you are now. 

While on the subject of Silent Keys, I want to let you know that I shall continue my long time practice of reporting all Silent Keys who come to my attention, whether I know them personally or not. The form that ARRL wishes us to use may be accessed at https://www.arrl.org/files/file/VEs/SK_Report%20a%20Silent%20Key_Interactive%202023.pdf. Since I won’t be able to do it, when my time comes, I would appreciate very much for someone to take the time to report my passing to the SK desk. Anyone may do it, ham license not required. You should have the obit from the newspaper or other source. I truly would appreciate it and thank you. In my opinion, doing that shows our respect for the person as well as for our great hobby. It’s OK to duplicate, so don’t worry about sending in multiple reports. 

Complying with RF exposure regulations is now mandatory for all amateurs. See details at http://www.arrl.org/rf-exposure-calculator . You must check your station to assure that you are not endangering yourself or others close to your antenna. No amateur is exempt. I checked my station and it complies on all bands. 

Applications for grants from the ARRL Foundation until June 30. More details may be seen at http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-foundation-accepting-applications-for-grants-in-june . Many club programs and ideas could have merit for consideration.  Please review the Foundation and see if your inspiration might win. 

I plan to remain active on the HF bands mainly using FT8 and CW but occasionally using SSB. Thank you again for your support over the last 21 years. It has been a pleasure and honor to serve you. I know that you will support our new Section Manager, KC1NEK. 

73,

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ARRL Rhode Island Section
Section Manager: Robert G Beaudet, W1YRC
w1yrc@arrl.org
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ARLB011 Legislation to Remove Private Land Use Restrictions on Amateur Radio Introduced in Congress

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ARRL logoQST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 11 ARLB011
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT June 14, 2023
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB011
ARLB011 Legislation to Remove Private Land Use Restrictions on Amateur Radio Introduced in Congress

Congressmen Bill Johnson (OH-06) and Joe Courtney (CT-02) reintroduced a bill in the US House of Representatives on June 12 – H.R.4006 – to remove private land use restrictions that prohibit, restrict, or impair the ability of Amateur Radio operators from operating and installing reasonable antennas on property that they own or control. Similar legislation, H.R. 9670, was introduced by Congressman Johnson in 2022.

The full text of the bill can be found in PDF format at, https://billjohnson.house.gov/uploadedfiles/amateur_radio_emergency_preparedness_act_signed_bill_text.pdf

“I reintroduced the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act to remove barriers to disaster and emergency communications and training, and to promote education in STEM subjects related to critically needed wireless technology,” Congressman Johnson said in a release. “Passage of this bill will promote developing and sustaining our nation’s wireless future and facilitate and encourage amateur radio operations as a public benefit.”

“As their actions during recent natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy proved, amateur radio operators in Connecticut can be a critical component of disaster response and emergency management. It is in our communities’ best interest that we give them the capabilities to operate at the highest level, and with the re-introduction of this bill, we’ve taken a strong step in that direction,” said Congressman Courtney.

The exponential growth of communities bound by private land use restrictions that prohibit both the operation of Amateur Radio and the installation of amateur station antennas has significantly restricted the growth of the Amateur Radio Service.

The ARRL continues its multi-year efforts to eliminate private land use restrictions that prevent Amateur Radio operations and has pledged to strongly support Congressman Johnson and Congressman Courtney in their efforts on behalf of Amateur Radio.

Rick Roderick, K5UR, President of ARRL, on behalf its Members and America’s Amateur Radio community extended his thanks and appreciation for the leadership of Congressman Johnson and Congressman Courtney in their tireless efforts to support and protect the rights of all Amateur Radio Operators and to further STEM education and the advancement of American expertise in wireless technology.

NH Thirteen Colonies K2K Preparatory Meeting and Cookout, Merrimack NH, June 17, 2023

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Attention New Hampshire Radio Operators,

The annual Thirteen Colonies event is fast approaching. From July 1st to July 5th, the airwaves will once again buzz with activity from the founding 13 states of the US. Representing New Hampshire, K2K invites all operators, whether seasoned champions or enthusiastic novices, to participate in this lively event.

This year heralds a change in management, and we’re eager to introduce new methods for coordinating multi-station activity. Our goal? To ensure K2K once again stands as the leading contender. If you can dedicate a few hours or even a few days to operate as K2K on any band from 160 up to UHF/SHF, we’d be thrilled to have you. Whether you’re comfortable using CW, Phone, or any digital mode, or if you prefer to employ regular propagation, satellites, Moon bounce, or something more unconventional, your contribution will be appreciated.

The K2K Steering Committee cordially invites prospective operators to a meeting on Saturday, June 17th, in Merrimack. Further details can be found at https://hamlog.online/cookout17.php. If you wish to attend, please RSVP to k2k@hamlog.online before June 15th to assist us in our preparations. The meeting will cover strategic planning, software tools, and, of course, the opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Even if you’re unable to operate as K2K, your interest in our new cloud-based ham radio logger and collaboration tool would be most welcome. We’d be delighted to have you join us.

For those who are keen to operate K2K but are unable to attend the meeting in Merrimack on June 17th, additional training via Zoom will be provided. To be included in these meetings, please reach out to k2k@hamlog.online.

73,

Eugene W1UAA (K2K 2023 Trustee and QSL Manager)
Anna W1AAU (K2K Website Designer and CW Team Leader)
Gene W3UA (Chief Troublemaker)

Update on NTS 2.0 Modernization Project

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NTS logoMarcia Forde, KW1U, writes:
 
The following update on the NTS 2.0 modernization project was recently sent to all ARRL Section Managers and Section Traffic Managers for dissemination to traffic handlers in their areas. More information can be found on the new website nts2.arrl.org under the Standards and Procedures tab. Information on handling instructions and numbered radiograms is available now and information on the encapsulation radiograms for emergency communications will be there soon. There is also a tab To Contribute Your Ideas if you wish to contribute those.  
 
Greetings to all STMs and SMs, 
 
It was brought to my attention that little to nothing has been disseminated regarding progress on the part of the NTS 2.0 teams. My apologies for not keeping folks better up to date.
 
You are aware that we held briefings throughout the various ARRL divisions during the latter part of 2022, and enlisted the help of 35 to 40 volunteers. Each was assigned to one or more of five implementation teams who have met weekly since the beginning of 2023. We have been able to secure a page on the ARRL website to inform you of the ongoing projects, but it is only recently that we are now able to share some results of these teams’ work. 
 
1. An article on NTS has been published in the July issue of QST which you may have received already. We are grateful to the editors of QST for highlighting this program and look forward to more articles in the future.
 
2. Perhaps highest on the minds of most folks is an update to the Net Directory. This is a major undertaking as the current directory has not been updated in recent times and the software has not been felt by many to be very user friendly. While we don’t have a finished product to show you at this time, it is important for folks to know that one of our NTS 2.0 implementation teams has drawn up a set of requirements we think various groups will want to see implemented and this has been forwarded to the IT department at ARRL. Emergency manager Josh Johnston KE5MHV and the IT department have been pleased with our work and are now working with us to develop a product we hope you will find informative and easy to use. It will take a little time yet before you will see a finished product as the entire website at ARRL is in the process of being updated. We want you to know however that definite progress is being made, so we ask for your patience and hope you will be happy with the new net directory once it has been completed. 
 
3. In accord with renewed interest in emergency communications preparedness on the part of amateur radio and the ARRL in particular, several of our teams have been working on encapsulation of the forms used by emergency service organizations. Forms such as the ICS-213, ARC-213, HICS-213 and the Texas STAR Form originated by emergency personnel must be deliverable exactly as sent, and to accomplish this these forms must be encapsulated within a radiogram for transmission via the National Traffic System. A great deal of thought and testing have gone into this product which will be revealed on the ARRL’s website (nts2.arrl.org). Documentation and training will be provided. While we recognize such emergency traffic will likely be sent via digital means where available, we feel it is important that voice and CW circuits must be capable and practiced in the event they are needed.
 
4. Because of the above mentioned use of emergency type traffic, there are some additional requirements which are important. You will find these on the above noted website as additional handling instructions and ARRL numbered radiograms.
 
Two new handling instructions are being added. One is HXI which indicates an encapsulated message is included which must be relayed so as to be deliverable in a particular format. The second is HXR, which requires the delivering station to notify the originator of the message confirming that the recipient has personally received the message. This is a frequent requirement from served agencies. This is different from the HXC instruction, which is sent by the delivering station instead to the station of origin, whose call sign is in the header. Where HXC notifies the station of origin of delivery (such as the message being deposited in a mailbox) of their Radiogram, HXR confirms to the sender that the recipient has the message in-hand.
 
A new ARRL numbered radiogram has been added as “ARL FORTY ONE”. This is to be used with an HXD handling instruction where tracing a message is important to find any possible breaks in the relay chain. You will find a number of blanks to be filled in a service reply. This standardization of the HXD reply will allow for more efficient tracking and better understanding of the process. 
 
While we understand change can be hard, we hope you will find value in the above. The teams continue to work diligently to make improvements and we welcome feedback from the NTS community. Please share with net participants in your sections.
 
73, Marcia KW1U
NTS 2.0 Implementation Teams

June 24, 2023 Proclaimed as “Amateur Radio Day” in Massachusetts

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A proclamation issued by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy  proclaims June 24, 2023 as “Amateur Radio Day” in the Commonwealth.
 
The document recognizes the “significant role in developing worldwide radio communications” by the “approximately 13,000 amateur radio operators that dedicate their time, equipment, and knowledge to assist their communities.”
 
The proclamation was secured thanks to the efforts of MA State Government Liaison Steve Boyson, N1VLG.
 
Paper copies of the proclamation will be distributed to Western MA Section Manager Ray Lajoie, AA1SE, and Assistant Section Manager Tom Walsh, K1TW. Ray and Tom will display the proclamation while visiting various Field Day visits throughout the sections.
 
The proclamation will be listed along with other proclamations across the country on the ARRL Headquarters website at <http://www.arrl.org/proclamations>.
 
 
Image of MA Amateur Radio Day 2023 proclamation

AB1BY Receives 2023 NEAR-Fest Scholarship

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ARRL Foundation logoAbigail Findchum, AB1BY, of Nashua, New Hampshire, has been selected “from an outstanding group of applicants” for the New England Amateur Radio Festival Scholarship in the amount of $2,000. 

In a letter dated June 1, 2023, from ARRL Foundation President David Norris, K5UZ, to NEAR-Fest’s Michael Crestohl, W1RC, Norris thanked NEAR-Fest for making the scholarship possible and “for aiding a student Amateur Radio operator in his/her pursuit of their higher education.” [NEAR-Fest NH Facebook page]

 

Amateur Radio Month in New Hampshire Proclaimed by Governor Sununu

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NH State House, ConcordPaul Stohrer, W1FEA, writes on the NH ARRL members list:

 

AMATEUR RADIO MONTH JUNE 2023

WHEREAS, Amateur Radio represents an organized, volunteer communications public service asset, duly authorized by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission; and

WHEREAS, Through research and experimentation, Amateur Radio has contributed to the advancement of radio technology; and

WHEREAS, The New Hampshire Section of the American Radio Relay League (NH-ARRL) has a Memorandum of Understanding with New Hampshire’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management to provide backup communications capabilities in times of disaster; and

WHEREAS, Licensed Amateur Radio operators in New Hampshire, using skills developed through practice and radio equipment built or purchased themselves, form a vital communications network under the auspices of the American Radio Relay League — New Hampshire Amateur Radio Emergency Service (NH-ARES) program; and

WHEREAS, The Amateur Radio Emergency Service continues to work toward providing critical communications assets for the public good, in times of local and national emergencies and at numerous non-profit public service events held throughout the year; and

WHEREAS, Beyond providing public emergency assistance, New Hampshire’s\ Radio Amateurs contribute to international friendship and goodwill by way of their daily communications throughout the world in pursuit of their education and skill; and

WHEREAS, During the weekend of June 24-25, New Hampshire Amateur Radio operators will join thousands of other amateurs throughout the United States and the world in sharpening their operating skills under emergency conditions in an annual preparedness exercise known as “Field Day;”

NOW, THEREFORE, I Chris Sununu, GOVERNOR of the State of New Hampshire, do hereby proclaim the month of JUNE 2023 as AMATEUR RADIO MONTH in New Hampshire and call this to the attention of all citizens.

—
Raul “Skip” Camejo – AC1LC
Public Information Coordinator
ARRL New Hampshire Section
PO Box 206
Ashland, NH 03217
603-707-9848

ac1lc@outlook.com
ac1lc@arrl.net

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ARRL New Hampshire Section
Section Manager: Peter J Stohrer, W1FEA
w1fea@arrl.org
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