Author: Phil Temples

Hamfests, Flea Markets & Conventions

Providence Radio Association To Sponsor 2024 Official HamXposition station W1XPO

- by Phil Temples

The Providence Radio Association, Inc. (PRA) is proud to sponsor and staff the official station of this year’s Northeast HamXposition and ARRL New England Convention. W1XPO will be open at various times through the convention for all to operate and will utilize the FEMARA club call sign W1XPO (“hamXPOsition”). Mentors from the PRA will be on hand to assist in operating and to encourage new amateurs to Get on the Air.

A few PRA members who manned the 1956 and 1958 New England Convention station will be present. “The equipment has changed in 68 years. We will not be using the E.F. Johnson Viking II transmitter and Hammarlund HQ-140-XA, but the thrill and excitement of Amateur Radio will be the same,” writes PRA President “Tess” Tessitore, K1DT.

“This year we’re conducting a massive outreach to all Technician class amateurs across New England through the ASCEND Program and inviting them to attend HamXposition,” writes New England Vice Director Phil Temples, K9HI. “We’re especially grateful to PRA and its members who are willing to assist newly licensed or inactive hams to experience firsthand the joys of operating on the HF bands.”

A recent W1A Convention operation from 2018
A recent W1A Convention operation from 2018

 

W1OP, the official station of the 1956 ARRL New England Convention, Cranston, RI
W1OP, the official station of the 1956 ARRL New England Convention, Cranston, RI

 

Licensing, Education & Training / Youth

Navy Sea Cadets Navigate the Waves of Knowledge at Cape Ann (MA) Amateur Radio Association

- by Phil Temples

From ema.arrl.org:

Brandon Hockle, NQ1W, writes:

Amateur radio enthusiasts at Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association (CAARA) opened their refurbished training space in Gloucester to a group of eager Navy Sea Cadets. This event, made possible by CAARA (an Eastern MA Special Service Club operating since 1977 ) and a grant from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), aimed to provide the Sea Cadets with comprehensive education for their Technician Class amateur radio license.

Navy Sea Cadets are young men and women aged 10 through the end of high school who train in a disciplined environment and advance through ranks that mirror the Navy and Merchant Marines. They participate in a wide variety of training opportunities to introduce them to the maritime services and a variety of career fields.

CAARA has a long-standing relationship with the Sea Cadet program in Gloucester, and was ready to provide a day of hands-on experience in its new education center. The space, reimagined and modernized thanks to the ARRL grant, provided an optimal environment for this large group’s session.

On December 3rd, 2023, the training room buzzed with excitement as nearly two dozen Sea Cadets, donned in their uniforms, arrived ready to delve into the world of ham radio. The training covered essential topics, including radio operation, regulations, and practical skills necessary for obtaining their Technician Class licenses.

Paul Krueger N1JDH, a seasoned ham radio operator and instructor, led the Sea Cadets through the intricacies of radio communication. His wealth of knowledge and passion for amateur radio were evident as he engaged the cadets in a dynamic learning experience.

The refurbished training space, a result of the ARRL grant, offered modern amenities and up-to-date equipment, enhancing the learning experience for both the Sea Cadets and CAARA members. The collaboration between the ARRL and CAARA showcased the dedication to fostering education and community within the amateur radio sphere.

Throughout the day, Sea Cadets had the opportunity to practice their new skills under the guidance of experienced CAARA members. The camaraderie and mentorship displayed during the event reflected the heart of the amateur radio community – sharing knowledge and fostering the next generation of radio enthusiasts.

As the event concluded, the Sea Cadets left with not only a deeper understanding of amateur radio but also a sense of accomplishment. The Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association, supported by the ARRL grant, succeeded in creating a vibrant space for learning and collaboration, ensuring the continued growth of amateur radio in the community.

The success of this training session highlights the positive impact that collaboration between organizations like the ARRL and local radio clubs can have on fostering education and enthusiasm for amateur radio. The waves of knowledge continue to ripple through CAARA, leaving a lasting impact on the Sea Cadets and the amateur radio community at large.

Photo of Sea Cadets at Cape Ann ARA

Clubs

Providence RA Adds Storage Space

- by Phil Temples

PRA W1OP logoFrom nediv.arrl.org:

Kudos to members of the Providence Radio Association in Johnston, RI, Wrapping up 2023, the PRA completed a challenging project: providing additional long term storage at the W1OP clubhouse.

A foundation was carefully measured and constructed by volunteers. Then a multi-purpose container and was delivered to the site and installed on the foundation.

Writes PRA President Dave “Tess” Tessitore, K1DT, “Thanks to all who worked on this project for several weeks, especially our House Chair [Bob Hart], KC1NAB!”

(via Facebook, photos by Gil Brown, N1BBM)

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Licensing, Education & Training

You’re Invited to the Consortium

- by Phil Temples

Teri Diiorio, W1PUP, writes on the RI-ARES mailing list:

The Consortium is a monthly free class run by Jim Johnson, K1GND, and Bob Beaudet, W1YRC. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other hams, find information and get recommendations of all things ham related!

The Consortium has been operating for over 19 years, and everyone is welcome.

The topic on November 6, 2023, will be “The Importance of Grounding.” The location is the Sportsmen’s Club at 250 High Street, Manville at 7:00 PM.

More details at http://www.w1ddd.org/consortium.html.

Jim, K1GND and Bob W1YRC support the Consortium.

This is a separate program from BVARC, supported by a few members who thought it was a good idea.

See you at the Consortium.

Uncategorized

2023 Li’l Rhody Runaround, November 19, 2023

- by Phil Temples

Jim Creamer, KB1MAO, writes on the RI-ARES mailing list:

We have another trail run coming up that needs ham radio assistance.  We would like to have 15 hams for this race due to the amount of area covered.  This run, the Li’l Rhody Runaround, is in the Burlingame State Park in Charlestown RI on Sunday, November 19, 2023.  There are two courses: a 4 mile and an 8 mile.  Both courses start and end in the vicinity of the Burlingame Picnic Grove.

Course Description:  The terrain of the course is primarily dirt trails, with some dirt and asphalt roads.  In order to minimize bunching up at the trail entrance, the race will first run just under one mile on Sanctuary Road, a quiet dead-end dirt road with very little traffic.

The 8-mile course will branch to the right and follow single-track trails counter clockwise around Watchaug Pond, finishing back at the picnic area parking lot.  The 4-mile course will continue straight on Sanctuary Road, before branching off to trails in the DEM-owned Kimball Preserve, making a loop through Burlingame State Park Campground, and returning to same start/finish via Sanctuary Road.

Hams will be providing safety communications along the course and will need to walk or ride a bicycle short distances carrying their equipment to their posts.  The area is heavily forested and has multiple elevated areas that can disrupt radio signals.  Good radios, antennas and power supplies are essential.  We completed our testing of radio coms on the course and determined that simplex works well throughout the area.  A minimum of a 5-watt hand held radio with an aftermarket approximately 19 inch long antenna with the appropriate connector for your radio, is required.  Any set up for POTA or SOTA will work as well.  Just remember what gets carried in must get carried out.  The Info sheet has the current comm plan, which may change with further testing.

Please let me know if you are available or not and pass this on to your clubs, family and friends that might be interested.

Requirement:

Each participant and volunteer must wear at least 200 square inches of orange.  Anyone not wearing orange will not be allowed to race per State of RI DEM mandate.

 

Below are the responses I have so far.  If I missed you pleas let me know

 

Call Sign First Name  

Y/N/M
KB1MAO Jim N
AB1TT Owen Y
K1SDB Sean Y
KB1RHD Sally Y
AB1DA David Y
N1SMX John Y
K1PRA Phil Y
KC1MEW Susan Y
K1 PRA Phil Y
NOCALL Sue Y
NOCALL Geof Y

Thank you,

Jim Creamer, KB1MAO
Westerly Amateur Radio Team
2 David Ave.
Westerly, RI 02891
P: 401-596-2720
C: 401-864-4510

Public Service

2023 Li’l Rhody Run Around

- by Phil Temples

Jim Creamer, KB1MAO, writes on the ri-ares list:

We are in need of several Hams for another Trail Run. This run, the Li’l Rhody Run Around, is in the Burlingame State Park in Charlestown RI on Sunday 19 November 2023.

There are 2 courses, a 4 mi and an 8 mi. Both courses start and end in the vicinity of the Burlingame Picnic Grove.

Course Description: The terrain of the course is primarily dirt trails, with some dirt and asphalt roads. In order to minimize bunching up at the trail entrance, the race will first run just under one mile on Sanctuary Road, a quiet dead-end dirt road with very little traffic.

The 8-mile course will branch to the right and follow single-track trails counter clockwise around Watchaug Pond, finishing back at the picnic area parking lot. The 4-mile course will continue straight on Sanctuary Road, before branching off to trails in the DEM-owned Kimball Preserve, making a loop through Burlingame State Park campground, and returning to same start/finish via Sanctuary Road.

Hams will be providing safety communications along the course and will need to walk or ride a bicycle short distances carrying their equipment to their posts. The area is heavily forested and has multiple elevated areas that dan disrupt radio signals. Good radios, antennas and power supplies are essential. We are still testing radio coms on the course. The Info sheet has the current comm plan, which may change with further testing.

Please let me know if you are available or not.

Requirement:

Each participant and volunteer must wear at least 200 square inches of orange. Anyone not wearing orange will not be allowed to race per State of RI DEM mandate.

Thank you,

Jim Creamer, KB1MAO

Westerly Amateur Radio Team
2 David Ave.
Westerly, RI 02891
P: 401-596-2720
C: 401-864-4510

Youth

ARISS Contact With Covenant Christian Academy, West Peabody MA, October 13, 2023

- by Phil Temples

ARISS logoFrom ARISS.org:

October 9, 2023—Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has received schedule confirmation for an ARISS radio contact between an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and students at the Covenant Christian Academy (CCA) in West Peabody, MA. ARISS conducts 60-80 of these special amateur radio contacts each year between students around the globe and crew members with ham radio licenses aboard the ISS.

CCA is a private school that serves over 430 students, Pre-K through12th grade. To prepare for this ARISS contact CCA integrated space-themed aspects into its STEM program and STEM-related activities. The physics and chemistry students hosted “Space Week” where they put together interactive displays on everything from the physics of black holes, Doppler shift, life on the ISS, to the chemistry of astronaut cuisine. STEM-related activities engaged students in their newly instituted Rocketry Club, Women in STEM Club, and a robotics lab. Amateur radio activities, such as learning about ham radio and radio communications, are being provided during after-school programs by members of area amateur radio clubs.

This ARISS contact will allow students to ask their questions of Astronaut Loral O’Hara, amateur radio call sign KI5TOM. The downlink frequency for this contact is 145.800 MHz and may be heard by listeners within the ISS footprint that encompasses the amateur radio ground station in West Peabody, MA.

Amateur radio operators using call sign N1DQF will operate this radio station to establish and maintain the ISS connection.
The ARISS radio contact is scheduled for October 13, 2023 at 9:47 am EDT (MA) (13:47 UTC, 9:47 am EDT, 8:47 am CDT, 6:47 am PDT). The public is invited to watch the live stream at: https://vimeo.com/event/3761617.
_______________________________
As time allows, students will ask these questions:

1. What happens with all the trash on the ISS?
2. What is the best part and worst part about living in space?
3. Is the wifi and internet connection better in space?
4. How do you get your supplies delivered to the space station?
5. Do you play games in space? If so, how are they different from the games you play on earth?
6. What is your favorite workout to do for two hours each day to keep your muscles in shape?
7. What has been one of your hardest or scariest moments on the ISS?
8. How do you train your bodies to fall asleep on the ISS since your circadian rhythm can’t be regulated to the earth’s rotation on its axis?
9. Does time feel different on the ISS?
10. Is there any research that you are currently involved in? If so, how does it benefit the earth?
11. What is your favorite meal or snack to eat in outer space?
12. What types of jobs do you do while on the International Space Station?
13. How do you fix the solar panels on the space station?
14. Do you have any animals on the ISS right now? What are they?
15. What happens when someone gets sick on board the ISS?
16. When you come back to earth from space, do you feel the pressure of gravity, and if so, how much does this affect you?
17. What was the most challenging part of your training that prepared you to work on the International
Space Station?
18. What’s the most amazing thing you have seen from space?
19. Has living on the ISS changed any of your perspectives on life?
20. Is all the training, preparation, and hardship you endure to be an astronaut on the ISS worth it?

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 American Radio Relay League (ARRL), Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC), Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation program (SCaN) and the ISS National Lab—Space Station Explorers.

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 http://www.ariss.org.

Media Contact:

Dave Jordan, AA4KN
ARISS PR

Find us on social media at:

X: ARISS_Intl
Facebook: facebook.com/ARISSIntl
Instagram: ariss_intl
Mastodon: [email protected]

Public Information

Project BIG E—Urgent Request for Additional Volunteers, September 23, 2023

- by Phil Temples

Project BIG E logoLarry Krainson, W1AST, writes:

We need at least one extra person for the first session from 9:30 to 4:00 pm and the second session from 3:30 pm to 10:00 pm.

Can you please help? Saturdays are very busy days and at least three people are needed in the booth.

You will be reimbursed for admission and parking after the Big E has ended.

Contact Larry Krainson, W1AST, at <[email protected]>.

[See https://nediv.arrl.org/project-big-e/ for details]
Public Service

Amateur Volunteers Sought for Grills Preserve Trail Run, October 28, 2023

- by Phil Temples

Jim Creamer, KB1MAO, writes on the RI-ARES list:

I am looking for hams to support the Grills Trail Run on the morning of Saturday 28 October 2023. This race is not your regular race we have supported in the past. This race is 2 courses, a 10 K and a 10mi, through the woods of the Grills Preserve in Bradford, RI. Both courses showcase Grills Preserve in Westerly, and the 10-Mile course also features beautiful trails, bridges, and riverfront in the Grills Wildlife Sanctuary in Hopkinton. The course is a mix of about 80% single-track and 20% double-track. Last year was the first time we supported the race and found it was more challenging than the usual races on roads. Last year’s hams reported enjoying the new challenges and the race organizers and participants were happy to have the hams providing that additional piece of mind. Most supporting hams will need to be able to walk short distances and have good portable equipment including antennas. GPS is a plus even though the course is well marked. I will provide GPS files as we get closer to the event.

I am looking for hams that ride off road bicycles for this event to act as SAG. You may also ride to your post on a bicycle if you want, just let me know.

This is an excellent way to improve your emergency communicating skills as well as your equipment.

Please mark your calendars and save the date.

Share this with your clubs and friends.

Here is the link to the race web site: http://www.westerlytrackclub.org/grills.html?rand=2250

Jim Creamer
Westerly Amateur Radio Team
2 David Ave.
Westerly, RI 02891
P: 401-596-2720
C: 401-864-4510

Public Service

The Surftown Half Marathon and 5K Needs More Amateur Volunteers, September 10, 2023

- by Phil Temples

Surftown Half Marathon logoJim Creamer, KB1MAO, writes on the RI-ARES mailing list on September 1, 2023:

I can still use a few more hams. This is a large event and requires a substantial number of hams.  Non hams are welcome also because they are a great help to the hams providing the communications.  See the attachments for details.  If you are available please let me know.

The Hartford Marathon Foundation’s web address for the event is:  https://www.hartfordmarathon.com/surftown-half-marathon-5k/