Cubes in Space/New England Sci-Tech NASA Balloon Launch, August 16, 2022

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Cubes in Space NASA balloon launch pixTo our Cubes in Space Students and Friends of New England Sci-Tech:

NASA Balloon Launch attempt will be TOMORROW morning – Tuesday, 16 August 2022, from NASA’s Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in New Mexico.

TWO TEAMS of NESciTech students have Cubes-in-Space projects on board to fly.

Video of inflation should begin around 5-5:30 AM EDT (-4GMT).

Launch attempt between 7-9 AM EDT (-4GMT).

NASA says: “Tomorrow we have a VERY small window before monsoonal moisture and winds move in after late morning. Next attempt COULD be Friday if models are correct in predicting a small window of opportunity. It’s going to get rainy and windy in southwest Texas and New Mexico.”

For live location and coordinates: https://towerfts.csbf.nasa.gov/Maps/ConvGPS721NT.htm.

For live stream video: https://video.ibm.com/channel/nasa-csbf-ldsd

Our other two teams’ projects have already flown on the sounding rocket successfully launched from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in June. Congratulations to those teams!

Don’t forget – NESciTech students will be doing a “Space Chat” with the astronauts at the BIG E state fair in September. We have room for two more students to join our contact with the International Space Station. Call me ASAP to participate. INFO FLYER HERE: https://nescitech.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Poster-for-ARISS-RADIO.pdf

Best regards,
Bob

Bob Phinney, K5TEC, President

New England Sci-Tech Inc.
16 Tech Circle
Natick MA 01760
508-720-4179
www.NESciTech.org

Algonquin ARC Leaders Interviewed on WMCT Cable TV

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AARC/Marlborough Minute video screenshotFrom ema.arrl.org:

Algonquin Amateur Radio Club [Marlborough, MA] President Ann Weldon, KA1PON, and AARC Emergency Operations Center Liaison Eric Williams, KV1J, were featured on a recent edition of “Marlborough Minute” on cable station WMCT-TV.

Ann and Eric presented a basic overview of Amateur Radio, in addition to describing the club and the club members’ involvement with emergency communications.

New England Wide SKYWARN Net Meets Weekly on NEDECN DMR System

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New England SKYWARN Net collageJames Geschwindner, N1PZP, writes:

Calling all weather fans.

Every Thursday night there is a New England Wide SKYWARN Net which is held for the purpose of training and education and weather awarness in the New England Area.

The net meets at 7:30pm on the NEDECN DMR System Talkgroup #759 SKYWARN and also uses the K1QVC-L Echolink Node which requires authorization from the owner. Send an Email to Bill, NE1B.

We will soon be approaching our fiftieth net.

Each week we will try to have a brief presentation, as well as your observations which are not required to check in and, of course, questions and comments and a weather related trivia question. We also have a Facebook page called “THE NEW ENGLAND WIDE SKYWARN NET.”

Your net managers are James G, N1PZP and Kevin L, N1WSD.

Remote Ham Radio to Donate Remote Station Access to Project BIG E Special Event Station N1E

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Remote Ham Radio logoProject BIG E Coordinator Larry Krainson, W1AST, has announced a new sponsor of the BIG E booth and special event station: Remote Ham Radio (RHR). RHR has offered a donation of 17 days of RHR service for the N1E station at the booth in West Springfield, MA.

 
“From the beginning, Remote Ham Radio has strived to promote on-air activity by making operating more accessible than ever before,” writes Rockwell Schrock, WW1X. “Given the technical challenges and compromises involved in setting up an on-site station at the fairgrounds, a fully-remote station is a pragmatic solution to give a voice to the special event station. We are happy to support the Big E project and expose thousands of attendees to this cutting-edge facet of Amateur Radio.”
 

The QRPer: “The Big E Exposition: Radio Club Seeks Scheduled Contacts with POTA and SOTA Activators”

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The QRPer coverMany thanks to Mark (K8LSB) who shares the following announcement: Sharing POTA/SOTA with the Public Greetings POTA/SOTA activators, This year the Big E (exposition)—a “combined” state fair for the six New England states (CT MA, ME, NH, RI, VT)—will run for 17 days: from September 16 to October 2. In the past, 1.5 million people […] [Full story]

Newport County Radio Club to Support Two JOTA Locations in Portsmouth & Rockville (RI), October 16, 2022

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1. Jamboree on the Air (JOTA)
WHEN – Friday, October 14th – Sunday, October 16th, 2022, with our focus on Saturday October 15th
PURPOSE – Provide a HAM/Radio experience to the scouts and interface with the community.  Provide an opportunity for the Scouts BSA to earn the Radio Merit Badge.
 
WHERE – There will be two locations that will be supported by NCRC:  
The Glen, off Glen Rd, Portsmouth, RI
Yawgoog Scout Reservation, 61 Camp Yawgoog Rd, Rockville, RI
Note:  John is working with other HAMs/Scouters to get two other locations to run similar to how NCRC has operated the Glen over the last few years.  The goal is to provide a maximum opportunity for the Scouts to Get on the Air!

INTRODUCTION – Jamboree on the Air – Jamboree on the Internet (JOTA-JOTI) promotes a Scout’s sense of belonging to the worldwide Scout Movement and builds cultural awareness, develops tolerance, advocates sharing and collaboration as well as demonstrates teamwork. It provides exciting opportunities for young people to explore technology and to develop technical skills including fostering innovation and creativity through communicating with other Scouts. A wide range of activities using communication technology are the chief methods of attaining these goals. JOTA-JOTI strives for a meaningful engagement of as many young people from as many parts of the world as possible annually on the third weekend in October. This weekend is also an occasion to celebrate Scouting and to generate positive energy to support the development of the Scout Movement. The event seeks to promote quality Scouting in a manner faithful to the purpose, principles and method of Scouting and consistent with the needs and aspirations of young people in today’s world. The JOTA-JOTI programme shall be a reflection of the Promise, Law, Principles and Method of Scouting, as defined by the WOSM Constitution, and shall also reflect the most up-to-date policies and initiatives of WOSM relating to youth programmes for all ages. For more information please visit the event website: www.world-jotajoti.info

Adventure at the Fort (Jamboree)
WHEN – Friday, October 21st – Sunday, October 23rd, 2022
PURPOSE – Provide a HAM/Radio experience to the scouts and interface with the community.

WHAT –  Join Narragansett Council at Fort Adams this fall for the first Council Jamboree in 20 years! The Narragansett Council is excited to bring Scouts and families together for a weekend of fun and adventure. Join thousands of Scouts from across New England, for an event like no other! Stay for the weekend with your troop or join us for the day on Saturday. The programs will be non-stop, highlighting unique scout activities, and opportunities you will only find at the 2022 Adventure at The Fort. We’ll be joined by program partners including youth programs, colleges, universities, military, historical groups, environmental organizations, nautical clubs, and so many more! You won’t want to miss the scout-led activities, food trucks, Sunday Services, trading post, and a full-scale Saturday Night stage show!
The Narragansett Council Jamboree is open to the public for day programs on 10/22, Scouts will not want to miss this chance to bring their friends. Adventure at The Fort is a can’t miss event for every Scout.
Weekend Camping for Scouts BSA Troops (11-18 years old)
All-day programs for Cubs on 10/22 (6-10 years old)
Public welcome on 10/22
Troops registered to camp will arrive on Friday evening, participate in all Saturday programs and depart on Sunday. Troops are responsible for their own meals, propane stoves are allowed, food trucks are available all-day Saturday. No fires.
Setup antennas prior to the event.  Operated through the weekend (Scouts BSA) with a focus on activities on Saturday for Scouts BSA, Cubs, families, and the community!
Make it FUN!
WHERE – Fort Adams State Park – 90 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI 02840
WHY – Adventure at the Fort is the largest, most exciting, Narragansett Council event in years. Scouts will participate in activities not offered at summer camp or a typical scout Camporee! Meet scouts from across New England, camp in a one-of-a-kind 19th-century coastal fort located on the shore of beautiful Narragansett Bay. Bring your friends and family, show them all the awesome things that Scouts do. Join us Saturday Night for a stage show celebrating the fun and fellowship of Scouting. Food trucks! Sailing! Climbing! and More!

 
 

Simultaneous Operations of APRS and Voice Repeater now a Reality on ISS

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ARISS logoARISS is pleased to announce that starting yesterday, August 11, simultaneous operations of the ARISS Voice Repeater and digital APRS communications on the International Space Station (ISS) is now a reality.  Current ARISS operations include voice repeater transmissions with the JVC Kenwood D710GA in the Columbus module and APRS packet operation from an identical radio in the Service Module (Zvezda).  Packet operations are on 145.825 MHz.

The ARISS Russia and USA teams have been working for several weeks to prepare the Service Module radio for APRS operations.  ARISS Russia team member Sergey Samburov, RV3DR, led the effort, working with Russian mission controllers and the on-board ISS cosmonauts to configure the Service Module radio for APRS ops.  On August 11, final checkouts were completed and the APRS packet mode was switched on for amateur radio use.

ARISS-International Chair Frank Bauer, KA3HDO states, “Simultaneous operation of APRS and the voice repeater on ISS is transformative for ARISS and represents a key element of our ARISS 2.0 initiative, providing interactive capabilities 24/7 that inspire, engage and educate youth and lifelong learners—especially life-long learning in ham radio operations.”  Bauer continues, “Our heartfelt thanks to Sergey Samburov, RV3DR, for making this crucial ARISS 2.0 initiative become a reality.”

The Columbus Module radio uses the callsign NA1SS and the new Service Module radio uses RS0ISS.  Aside from the callsigns, the radios are identical and packet operations are the same as before.  You can use RS0ISS, ARISS, or APRSAT as the packet path.  Also, both radios are expected to be on full time, except during educational contacts, EVAs, and dockings or undockings.

You can find operational status and expected downtimes of the ISS radios at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.

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.

 

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Upcoming Ham Radio Conventions Emphasize Learning and Youth

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From arrl.org:

08/12/2022—Two major ham radio events in August will host Division Conventions for ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio®. On August 20 – 21, the Huntsville Hamfest will be the host of the ARRL Southeastern Division Convention at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama. On August 26 – 28, the Northeast HamXposition will host the combined ARRL New England and Hudson Division Conventions at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts.

“Both conventions include an exceptional amount of programming to encourage and instruct radio amateurs across a variety of interests,” said ARRL Education and Learning Manager Steve Goodgame, K5ATA. Goodgame, who used his recent experience as a school teacher to help high school students earn their ham radio licenses, will participate in both events. He will lead forums to share ways for engaging youth and offer tools and tips for approaching schools about including amateur radio in their programs and curriculum.

The Huntsville Hamfest will also include a Youth Lounge where young and prospective hams can participate in hands-on activities and demonstrations, including kit building, fox hunting (find the hidden transmitter), and opportunities to get on the air.

Other forums at the conventions will cover topics geared toward inspiring attendees to get more active and involved in amateur radio. Forums at the Huntsville Hamfest include “Arduino: The Next Generation,” with ARRL author Glen Popiel, KW5GP; “Grounding and Bonding,” with ARRL editor and author Ward Silver, N0AX; “Fox Hunting 101,” with co-presenters Joe Domaleski, KI4ASK, and Mary Catherine Domaleski, KI4HHI, and “Kit Building Techniques for Success,” presented by ARRL Handbook contributor Joe Eisenberg, K0NEB. Eisenberg is also the speaker for the Saturday Grand Banquet at the Northeast HamXposition.

A similar lineup of forums has been organized for the Northeast HamXposition, including “How to Solve Radio Frequency Interference,” “Linux in Your Ham Shack,” and “Playing Radio ‘Outside’.”

ARRL will have exhibits at both conventions, where attendees can connect with membership program representatives and elected volunteers from the Board of Directors and Field Organization. ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, and CEO David Minster, NA2AA, will attend the Huntsville Hamfest. Minster will give the opening Keynote Address on Saturday morning at the Northeast HamXposition.

The convention exhibit halls will also include the participation of manufacturers and equipment resellers — an opportunity for attendees to browse and shop in person for the latest in amateur radio equipment and accessories. Among the confirmed exhibitors for the Huntsville Hamfest are ABR Industries, BridgeCom Systems, Diamond® Antenna, DX Engineering, Elecraft, FlexRadio Systems, GigaParts, Ham Radio Outlet, Icom America, MFJ Enterprises, N3ZN Keys, RT Systems, SteppIR Communication Systems, and Yaesu USA. Exhibits at Northeast HamXposition will include, among others, Elecraft, Ham Radio Outlet, Momobeam, and Quicksilver Radio Products. Both conventions include a flea market.

Audrey McElroy, KM4BUN, an 18-year-old student who recently started her studies at Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), will be presented with the 2022 Bill Pasternak WA6ITF Memorial Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year award at the Huntsville Hamfest. In July, the ARRL Foundation awarded McElroy a $25,000 scholarship, sponsored by Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC).

Proceeds from the Northeast HamXposition go to the FEMARA Scholarship fund, which helps students attend a college or trade school of their choice. Scholarships are administered by the ARRL Foundation Scholarship Program.

Visit the official convention websites for advance tickets and a complete listing of activities:

  • Huntsville Hamfest, hosting the ARRL Southeastern Division Convention; Huntsville, Alabama | August 20 – 21, 2022
  • Northeast HamXposition, hosting the ARRL New England and Hudson Division Conventions; Marlborough, Massachusetts | August 26 – 28, 2022

A list of all ARRL-sanctioned hamfests and conventions is published at www.arrl.org/hamfests and includes these upcoming events: