Providence Radio Association President David Tessitore, K1DT and fellow W1OP club members attended the final Rhode Island in-person NOAA NWS Skywarn Training offered Tuesday April 30, 2024.
Last Tuesday’s in-person Skywarn Training by NOAA-NWS meteorologist Bryce Williams at Newport’s CCRI was a success. This was the final in-person training in RI planned for 2024, and was attended by about 60 motivated people – including at least a dozen radio amateurs from the Providence Radio Association (PRA), Newport County Radio Club (NCRC), Fidelity Amateur Radio Club, Blackstone Valley Amateur Radio Club (BVARC), and RI-ARES leadership.
Please note: “NEW FOR 2024: NWS Boston is no longer issuing individual SKYWARN numbers or requiring re-training every 5 years in order to remain a spotter. While we encourage spotters to retrain periodically, it is not required to continue to provide reports.” https://www.weather.gov/box/skywarn
Huge shout-out to Danny Bright, age 18, who drove 2 hours from Boston to attend. He is a dedicated lifelong weather spotter and was thrilled to be able to meet NOAA-NWS weather officials and be at this in-person training. Danny will be attending U Mass Lowell’s respected program in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science next fall. He is not yet a licensed radio amateur, and I encourage clubs in the Boston/Lowell area to reach out.
Future meteorologist Danny Bright (left) drove from Boston to attend this NOAA NWS Skywarn training. The final in-person class was conducted at CCRI Newport on April 30, 2024 by Bryce Williams (shown right). Rhode Island thanks you for your commitment and service.
Bryce Williams presentation was fact-filled, used helpful videos, and was engaging with wide-ranging comments. These included:
Lightening is the #2 weather-related killer; #1 is heat.
Radar does not provide truth at the ground level, and about 1/3 of decisions are made based on ground-truth reporting. Being a weather spotter matters!
Like many Millenial meterologists, Bryce Williams was first motivated toward this career path after watching the 1996 movie, Twister. A sequel is due out soon, and they can’t wait!
To learn more about emergency preparedness for you, your family and community, as well as the public service mission of amateur radio, please join RI-ARES. This upcoming Wednesday’s RI-ARES monthy meeting will cover some topics raised here, as well as the new ARES course released by ARRL.
We hope to meet you there, or during an ARES or Skywarn net.
For more information, please join us at RIARES.org https://riares.org/ . Or reach out to Teri DiIorio, W1PUP, ARRL RI Assisant Section Emergency Coordinator.
Active FEMA, Red Cross Shelter, CERT, PEMA, and RI-ARES volunteer leader Teri, W1PUP (left) attended from North Providence. Along with Dan Masterson, KC1KXE from Coventry.
Scott Tillotson, WX1X wrote about his recent visit to see the Samuel F.B. Morse statue in New York City’s Central Park East: 5th Ave and E. 72nd St.
Scott, WX1X wrote:
This statue was unveiled in April 1871 in celebration of his 80th birthday. Samuel Morse was there at the time and took the occasion to “broadcast” a telegraph message across the country and to thank all the telegraph operators who gave their donations for this statue for this occasion.
His left hand is on a morse code-tape printing machine and his right is holding a portion of the tape output.
Samuel B. Morse statue in NYC. Photos courtesy of Scott Tillotson, WX1X (longtime RI-ARES Net Manager).
Naldy Medina, KP4AMC: “I got my job because of ham radio.”
He was 24, and his hiring manager confirmed his applied electromagnetic spectrum experience as a ham helped seal the deal.
Naldy, KP4AMC, now 29, credits his Dad for first sparking his interest and expresses gratitude to the many mentors who continue to help and inspire.
Today, Naldy gives back as an active member of the Newport County [RI] Radio Club (NCRC), while also pursuing a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Johns Hopkins University, and working full-time as an engineer in NUWC Division Newport’s Undersea Warfare Electromagnetic Systems Department.
The proven impact of ham radio on Naldy’s growth-mindset career pathway is not unique.
I often ask licensed radio amateurs: how did ham radio shape your career path? For many, like Naldy KP4AMC or Chris Lirakis, AA9AL, the connections are crystal clear. Yet almost every ham can point out transferable job skills and technical or team competencies supported by the volunteer, civic-minded, cross-generational learning community that is amateur radio. This defining, catalyzing track record is something all of us, at every age can contribute to as both learners and mentors. As they say, it takes a village.
How can we better amplify this message? Especially now as the spectrum privileges we too-often take for granted are becoming ever more crowded critical infrastructure. And yet, amateur radio offers proven entry pathways into timely 21st c. wireless and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) careers. Let’s get the message out.
Another active Newport County Radio Club (NCRC) member, Greg, WA1VUG agrees that “Ham Radio: Pathway to Career/Employment” is definitely a topic to discuss: “It certainly has offered this path to many people (myself included).” And the mentoring and networking matters. After connecting with the ARRL Technical Lab early in his career, Greg Bonaguide is now the National Application Engineer, RF & Microwave Components, at Rohde & Schwarz Inc. In his spare time, Greg joined the NCRC in part to participate in the NCRC’s successful $8K 2023 ARRL Club Foundation grant advancing an experimental ARTEN mesh microwave and sensor project. Giving back as a mentor, and in-person networking among hams still matter, amidst all the benefits of remote communication. So, I was not surprised to see Greg WA1VUG again offering a Super Test Lab up to 122 GHz for hams gathering at the April 2024 Microwave Conference.
I often ask licensed radio amateurs: how did ham radio shape your career path? For many, like Naldy KP4AMC or Chris Lirakis, AA9AL, the connections are crystal clear. Yet almost every ham can point out transferable job skills and technical or team competencies supported by the volunteer, civic-minded, cross-generational learning community that is amateur radio. This defining, catalyzing track record is something all of us, at every age can contribute to as both learners and mentors. As they say, it takes a village.
How can we better amplify this message? Especially now as the spectrum privileges we too-often take for granted are becoming ever more crowded critical infrastructure. And yet, amateur radio offers proven entry pathways into timely 21st c. wireless and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) careers. Let’s get the message out.
Another active Newport County Radio Club (NCRC) member, Greg, WA1VUG agrees that “Ham Radio: Pathway to Career/Employment” is definitely a topic to discuss: “It certainly has offered this path to many people (myself included).” And the mentoring and networking matters. After connecting with the ARRL Technical Lab early in his career, Greg Bonaguide is now the National Application Engineer, RF & Microwave Components, at Rohde & Schwarz Inc. In his spare time, Greg joined the NCRC in part to participate in the NCRC’s successful $8K 2023 ARRL Club Foundation grant advancing an experimental ARTEN mesh microwave and sensor project. Giving back as a mentor, and in-person networking among hams still matter, amidst all the benefits of remote communication. So, I was not surprised to see Greg WA1VUG again offering a Super Test Lab up to 122 GHz for hams gathering at the April 2024 Microwave Conference.
NCRC member and professional RF engineer Greg, WA1VUG offered a Super Test Lab up to 122 GHz for hams at the recent April 2024 Microwave Conference in CT, near the ARRL HQ.
Again, how do hiring managers see a ham radio license?
Other experienced hiring managers I discussed this with include respected hams in their 30s-50s with ties to RPI (Rensselaer Polytechnic) whom I met at the recent 47th Eastern VHF/UHF/Microwave Conference. All were eloquent about the qualities they consistently find in job candidates, interns, and new hires who present with ham radio among their skillset.
These tech professionals look to hire someone with a growth mindset and a demonstrated ability to show up and be energized applying what they’ve learned (persisting through set-backs and challenges). They consistently find amateur radio offers curious learners the chance to showcase their problem-solving skills, persistence, and talent for coming up with creative solutions for solving a challenge. Hiring managers and supervisors take note of how candidates or interns balance self-initiative and yet are self-aware enough to turn to more experienced mentors to get the answers they need to get over the next speedbump. Equally important are the so-called “soft” or “power skills”: Do they listen? How do they manage through conflict resolution? Team building? Budget and resource constraints? Do they bring inclusive leadership skills to the table to support the digital transformation every business is facing?
One hiring manager mentioned he is always open to offer internships to those with no degrees – or to hiring smart engineering school dropouts who didn’t do well as students. He finds this motivated pool of applicants often show remarkable bias for action when challenged on the job with real-world problems.
Of course, some hams want to bypass school and the hiring manager altogether and prioritize being self-employed entrepreneurs. During this same recent Microwave Conference, papers were presented by innovators – regardless of academic credentials. For example, check out the SDR Radio talk given by N4EME of SDR Switch. As a learning community, ham radio has been ahead of the curve offering to grow talent in distributed local clubs where anyone can jump in, get mentored and in turn, get a seat at the table to explore, find where they belong, and contribute personally and professionally. To degree or not to degree, we are all here to inspire together.
One repeated throughline is the opportunity amateur radio offers for hands-on experiential learning in a growth-mindset community of diverse thinkers. Where do you want to start exploring? Don’t attempt to boil the ocean, but do be comfortable exploring the breadth of the hobby, as you eventually dig deeper in a few areas of your choice.
After observing the noticeable number of young diverse professionals from RPI, along with their alumni RPI mentors – all of whom took the time to gather at this Microwave Conference – our discussion pivoted to the ARRL School Club Roundup. The RPI alums were delighted to brag and let me know that RPI’s W2SZ Radio Club is one of the oldest continuously active radio clubs in the country. https://w2sz.org/about/ It is well-funded, and serves as another indicator of how this engineering school understands the sense of lifelong community and professional connecting that the ham radio community builds.
ARRL School Club Roundup K-Grads + Alumni > Winter Field Day & JOTA
I look forward to helping promote this kind of ham radio investment in Rhode Island and among the over 250 institutions of higher education in the New England Division. (Stay tuned for more info on how to get involved, with updates and a talk planned for the August 2024 New England Division HamXposition.) https://hamxposition.org/
“ARRL School Club Roundup – an untapped New England Division Youth Force Multiplier“
Presenters: Nancy Austin, KC1NEK – Rhode Island Section Manage; Career Coach and Collegiate Educator
Description: Rhode Island’s participation in the February 2024 ARRL School Club Roundup (SCR) was a great demonstration of why this long-standing twice a year event should be on more club calendars. It’s simple, easy, and fun. With minimal effort, we can all reach out and make QSOs across the country encouraging new young operators, as we support K-12 amateur radio educator outreach, and mentor the revitalization of Amateur Radio collegiate clubs in the New England Division – home to more than 250 colleges and universities. These are important initiatives for so many reasons, from joining a growth-mindset mentoring community, to workforce development skill building in wireless technologies, radio spectrum engineering, and adjacent team careers, to raising awareness of the many radio amateur related college scholarships available: https://www.arrl.org/scholarship-descriptions
You do NOT need to be an official student-run school club to participate. Join in with your club mentoring a K-12 after-school bootcamp for the week; help pilot the revitalization of a K-12 or collegiate club with a School Roundup special-event call sign; or make QSOs as an individual operator. Leverage the timing to have the Fall School Club Roundup be a natural followup to the Scouting community excitement that is Jamboree on the Air (JOTA).
Join us at HamXpo as we share Rhode Island’s experience, and how you can get started this October 21-25, 2024 following JOTA (October 18-20, 2024) and February 12-16, 2025 following Winter Field Day.
You Can Get There From Here
In my experience as an educator and talent development career coach, the Amateur Radio community offers so much that the L&D (Learning and Development) field can learn from when it comes to transforming learning and talent retention.
Naldy Medina, KP4AMC at the 2024 NCRC Winter Field Day being mentored by the ARRL RI Technical Coordinator, Dave Neal, W2DAN – himself an avid contestor, tireless mentor, veteran, and by day – a Motorola radio professional. Shown also with fairly new ham Nolan Byrnes, K1PRU who prioritized being there to watch and learn more.
We are radio amateur’s – Let’s keep connecting silos.
For example – here’s an opportunity. Did you know?
I continue to see Ham Radio as an under-appreciated on-ramp into a career in cybersecurity – building a portfolio of skills so you can actually get from here to there.
For some time I have participated in NIST NICE working groups tasked with finding better ways to transform cybersecurity learning pathways and retain diverse cyber talent once in the workforce. At an April 2024 NIST NICE monthly working group meeting, Josh Reiter, Department of the Navy, called out a few things I’d like to share here and amplify for the radio amateur community as we strategize best ways to explain why ham radio is more relevant than ever in 2024.
The consensus is growing that degrees matter for some roles, but what employer partners are really looking for in candidates is never the degree. It’s the demonstrated willingness to learn. Along with communication skills and the ability to work productively with a diverse team.
He then called out the Cisco CISO’s June 2023: NICE Conference Keynote called: Working Together to Widen Cyber Security Career Path Through Experiential Learning
From about minutes 12-27 in her talk, she accurately offers the reality-check gap analysis that adjacent skill building will get you to the 90 yard line, but will not get you hired. We need to be honest here about this gap. It is not about a credential but a different ability:
Can you take the theory, recognize the reality of the problem in front of you. and do the translation?
Even then – plan on the following timeline as you build proof of competency and discover where you can best contribute:
Years 1-3: Generalist Apprentice, Rotating for Breadth
Years 3-5: Specialist Traveler
Years 6-10: Generalist Expert
None of this is going to happen overnight, and it is disingenuous to claim otherwise. Her ideal job description would have these parts:
Know a technical area well
Demonstrate the ability to apply classroom learning to the applied context at hand
Don’t be horrible to work with, ie. the hard Soft or Power Skills
Have access to diverse talent; walk the talk of inclusive leadership
The distributed ham radio community is already set up to mentor and coach at scale in a welcoming community that is all about applied experiential learning and right-size challenges. Everyone has a role to play.
As we face an uncertain and changing world, the ham community is ideally suited to be one of the best feeder pathways for in-demand careers requiring spectrum aware candidates. There’s even a major grant to consider for future collaboration: (Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate (RAMPS) cybersecurity education and workforce development:https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNIST/bulletins/399a44a
It’s an exciting time to be in ham radio, helping shape the future.
Thank you for all you are already doing. Thank you for supporting the ARRL mission.
I look forward to seeing you at the Skywarn Training tonight, during this weekend’s NE-QSO party, and at Field Day.
And if you are in Newport, RI this Saturday, I’m supporting Jane’s Walk Newport to share some of the ways ham radio helps build community:
Mike Umbricht, W9GYR, Curator of the Ladd Observatory at Brown University, spoke March 26, 2024 at the Providence Radio Club (W1OP)
Spider Webs, Telescopes and Time Standards
Did you know telescope cross-hairs (as shown above from the 1880s) were made out of spider web silk, raised at scale? Get hams talking and you will always learn something new and unexpected like this. It’s a community interested in technology, standards, and yet also able to find welcoming storylines for new stakeholders seeking a seat at the table.
Thank you to PRA President David Tessitore, K1DT for inviting me to this truly fascinating and wide-ranging presentation. Links were provided to explore more of the topics covered:
“Starting in 1893, Ladd Observatory at Brown University began transmitting time signals from precision pendulum clocks that were synchronized to observations of stars. A “time signal” was then sent to a central station in Providence and distributed via telegraph wire to clocks in the area. The signals were used by local businesses such as jewelers, factories, railroad operations, and for navigation. The signals were also transmitted to the fire stations throughout Providence, which sounded signals at exactly noon and 8:30 p.m. daily for the public to set their clocks.
Of particular interest to amateur radio enthusiasts is the Ham SCI project. The eclipse will cause changes in the Earth’s ionosphere.
Reception reports of ham radio communication will help scientists understand these changes. https://hamsci.org/
More ambitious is Radio JOVE. It uses a software defined radio to measure radio emissions from Jupiter and the Earth’s ionosphere. It can also be used for Solar observations. This is esp. important during an eclipse.
For more information on the Providence Radio Association, see their impressive new website: https://w1op.com/
Club News – Stay Tuned
BVARC – April 6, 2024
In conjunction with National Library Week, Blackstone Valley Amateur Radio Club (BVARC) is again offering its popular Get on the Air demo at the nearby EMA Bellingham (MA) Public Library, https://www.bellinghamma.org/library
“The Blackstone Valley Amateur Radio Club (BVARC) will conduct an amateur radio demonstration Sat., April 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bellingham Public Library, 100 Blackstone St.The club will operate two radio stations outside the library as an introduction to ham radio. An indoor display will feature the history of ham radio, its purpose, the benefits of the ham radio hobby and the public service hams render during national emergencies and natural disasters. Some vintage radio equipment will be displayed as well as a continuous Morse code demonstration. Experienced hams will be present to welcome visitors, explain the day’s proceedings and answer questions regarding their hobby.”
Questions may be directed to Mickey Callahan, K1WMC, at [email protected] or Teri DiIorio, W1PUP, ARRL RI-ASEC.
Stay tuned for more information about the strategic alliances the new club president has forged to connect amateur radio skills and workforce development opportunities for disabled RI veterans in Kent County. A permanent ham shack in West Warwick is in the works – if I got this right. https://k1nqg.wordpress.com/
Thank you to the two clubs who have already posted their plans to ARRL. Lots of planning underway for this major annual Amateur Radio showcase now less than 3 months away.
NEQP Contesting & Clubs – May 4-5, 2024
It’s the New England QSO Party! Plan now to be part of this congenial regional warm-up to Field Day. https://neqp.org
If you hear a “KC1″x3 call sign with a suffix starting with a “T” or “U”, ask if the caller is a newly licensed ham and send CONGRATS! WELCOME!!!
From the ARRL “New License Report” for 2024-02-05
Ricardo Ferrer, KC1UEZ – Cumberland – Great to hear you on an ARES net. Welcome!
Continuing Kudos to these 16 new RI hams from the ARRL “New License Report” previously posted 2024 and 2023-12-05. Need help getting started? Please reach out!
Herbert Peterson, KC1TZK – Barrington
Patrick Foster, KC1TYM – Newport
Ruben Morawicki, KC1UBS – Warwick
Geovanny Maldonado, KC1UBF – Warwick
Shana Saunders, KC1UBA – Westerly
John Macvittie, KC1TVX – Coventry
David Walker, KC1TVM – East Greenwich
Richard Tucker, AC1QR – Lincoln
John Flanders, KC1TVQ – Saunderstown
Edward Dufresne, KC1TVR – Warren
Michael O’Neil, KC1TUR – Warwick
Darrell Wood, KC1TXB – Woonsocket
Jose Sandoval, KC1TWM – Providence
Frank Saccoccio, KC1TWB – Johnston
Scott Vigneau, KC1TTH – Warwick
Aaron Sucov, KC1TRG – Cranston
Congrats to the FOUR LATEST RI License Upgrades
From the ARRL “New License Upgrade Report” for 2024-02-05
Maggie Heaney, KC1TOQ – Chepachet
Jeremy S Taylor, K1JST – Extra, Coventry
Douglas E Pierini, N1DZS Pawtucket
Jack W Cole, K1JWC – Warwick
Continuing Kudos to these 6 RI hams from the ARRL “New License Upgrade Report” previously posted for 2024 & 2023-12-05.
Mark W Beezer, W1NZR – Jamestown
Stephen Crawford, AI1IA – Westerly
Michael Vincent, KB1EVH – Chepachet
Dennis Hobert, KC1OYW – Harrisville
Matthew Sarasin, KB1HEG – Warren
Alfred J Watterson, KC1TGV – Warwick
Get licensed! Upgrade? Upcoming RI In-person VE Sessions
Blackstone Valley ARC (BVARC) on Saturday at 9am May 11, 2024 (Woonsocket, RI) Location: Our Saviour’s Parish (Pre-registration via email preferred; Walk-ins allowed)
Newport County Radio Club (NCRC | W1SYE.org) on Saturday at 10AM June 8, 2024 in Middletown, RI at the Middletown Police Station (No Walk-ins / Register ahead, info here: https://w1sye.org/?page_id=151)
Online via Zoom Classes on six consecutive Tuesday nights, followed by a review session, then the exam on the following Saturday. Please Register Here: https://forms.gle/yyBU7DWSxvLhBnLGA
General/Extra Class – APRIL 26 – May 31, 2024 (6 weekly sessions via Zoom; VE session follows) Times: 7-9 PM. Free! Instructor – Paul Fredette, K1YBE
License Exam Prep via HamStudy.org. License prep and/or review has never been easier than with this transformational learning platform offering self-paced study and practice tests. Available on demand, for free.
See also the new post by John Brewer, N1SXB – the RI Section Affiliated Club Coordinator (ACC) and new Extra Class license holder:
“How the ARRL website helped me pass the Extra exam” (March 15, 2024) by N1SXB
The recent 2024 National Hurricane Conference in Orlando revealed the endless ways ham radio operators provide critical ground truth situational awareness “when all else fails”. See especially tales told by Julio Ripoll, WD4R in the YouTube video link in the blog post. See especially 1:25-1:33. (And shout out to the wire antenna!)
Thank you to the 8 RI amateur radio operators that responded to the March FEMA R1 Winlink preparedness test:
AA1VV Jason, K1JST Jeremy, K1NPT Mike Cullen, KC1NEJ Mike Rousseau, KC1NEK Nancy, KE1AK Corry, N1SXB John, W1PUP Teri.
Shout out also to new ham KC1TJG, Steve who continues to work to get this capability in his toolkit.
Individual initiative matters. It was a good learning curve for me. Let’s keep working to improve our operating skills and ease at completing a given Winlink task. Thank you again for participating, despite any challenges you might have had to work through.
There is much to learn starting out with the Winlink Android app, WoAD, available on the Google Play Store with all served agency templates ready to explore. See also: https://woad.sumusltd.com/download/.
Let’s move the RI participation rate up to double digits as we continue to build blue-sky collaborative relationships across the state and region.
Its a data-driven world
As an external professional coach for mostly tech companies, I’m here to confirm that the competitive, data-driven need to demonstrate business value is unlikely to go away anytime soon. It’s an epoch-defining time of continued digital transformation. Our FCC-granted personal amateur radio license spectrum privileges exist as part of this real world context – whether we like it or not.
Let’s support the efforts of Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, Director of Emergency Management, ARRL HQ as he continues to use data to advocate for all of us during times of tight resource constraints. How to do this?
Join RI ARESand, among many other things, help RI Section Emergency Coordinator, Jeremy Taylor, K1JST capture and report as much of our RI radio activity as possible to report up to Josh. Jeremy has put together reporting forms to make this as easy as possible. Please be part of our shared goal.
Reporting your Public Service initiatives as part of RI ARES is being part of the solution for all of us as we collectively justify spectrum allocation for amateur radio.
For example, there are 71 ARRL geographic Sections in the US and its territories, and 15 ARRL Divisions. With only about half the sections still getting up to speed on this new data-gathering, Josh Johnston, KE5MHV can already report that amateur radio volunteers have delivered at least $2,622,479 in short order. This kind of data will matter as ARRL continues to make the case for why our hobby matters and deserves to preserve its incredibly valuable spectrum privileges.
Thank you to our volunteer RI SEC, Jeremy K1JST for raising awareness about this initiative, providing training to RI leaders, and for giving us incredibly simple to use Google forms for reporting after each relevant activity. This accounting aspect is only going to get more important, so thank you, K1JST, for humanizing this and explaining why it matters so much.
Rhode Island is now actively reporting significant hours to this national effort. For more information on how to participate at the RI level, please reach out via email to [email protected] or [email protected].
Please help and be part of the solution. ARES is an ARRL program and reporting your Public Service initiatives up to ARRL HQ this way matters and will have outsize impact.
Amateur Radio – Strategic Context to help set priorities (in process)
Here’s the thing: our community is a living body that ebbs and flows. We honor Silent Keys with a last call; VEs license and clubs warmly welcome and mentor new hams. People move in and out of state. Contesting or POTA or ARES or rag chewing may be the shore we explore most. We join clubs; we drift away; we refocus, as do clubs. The shifting responsibilities of an adult life might mean there are years or even decades when the passion to play radio has to be set aside – temporarily, until another time, but always ready to be picked up again after the pause.
As we head deeper into Spring 2024, strategic parameters continue to get clearer to me, your still-new Rhode Island Section Manager. I’m listening. Looking at data. Diving into the history of standards and the still evolving spectrum policy too. The technology matters, but so do the people who collaborated and negotiated the context we operate in.
Here are some of the things I’m taking in:
Riveting commentary by Dan Henderson, N1ND in “FCC Rules and Regulations for the Amateur Radio Service, 4th Edition”
Available from the ARRL online shop for $7.95. Written by the former ARRL Regulatory Information Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, who retired in June 2021 after nearly 23 years on the ARRL staff.
How does he introduce the Amateur Radio Spectrum?
“The electromagnetic spectrum is a limited resource. Every kilohertz of the radio spectrum represents precious turf that is blood sport to those who lay claim to it…Every minute of every hour of every day, we have a fresh chance to use the spectrum intelligently.”
“Although the radio spectrum has been used in a certain way in the past, changes are possible.”
“Amateur radio is richly endowed with a wide range of bands starting at 1.8 MHz [160m] and extending above 300 GHz.”
Where do the rules come from? – International Regulation of the Spectrum: “Amateur radio frequency band allocations don’t just happen.”
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
“The origins of the ITU trace back to the invention of the telegraph in the 19th century. To establish an international telegraph network, it was necessary to reach agreement on uniform message handling and technical compatibility….”
As a result of the 1865 Conference, the International Telegraph Union, the predecessor to the modern ITU, was founded as the first international standards organization. The Union was tasked with implementing basic principles for international telegraphy.
This included: the use of the Morse code as the international telegraph alphabet, … and the right of everybody to use the international telegraphy
The name was changed to Telecommunications c. 1932 to to reflect its expanded responsibilities over radio and the telephone.
Global Governance: The ITU is one of the oldest international organizations still in operation,… since post WW2 (1947/49) it is a specialized agency within the United Nations system.
This ITU history reminded me:
of an unusual talk given at Harvard during the April 2016 New England Security Day (NESD) Conference. Amidst the cutting-edge technology talks, she presented the ITU founding as an example of the possibility for people to come together to negotiate and agree upon global governance standards. Despite great skepticism and odds. The problem was not the technology; the challenge was people agreeing to a negotiated standard. She offered the formation of the ITU an example of a time when it did happen.
The Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) … is a licensed amateur radio operator. Doreen Bogdan-Martin KD2JTX took office on 1 January 2023. https://www.arrl.org/news/doreen-bogdan-martin-kd2jtx-is-elected-as-next-itu-secretary-general
The standard language they use has changed from IT to ICT = Information & Communication Technology
“Information and communications technology (ICT) is an extensional term for information technology (IT) that stresses the role of unified communications and the integration of telecommunications (telephone lines and wireless signals) and computers, as well as necessary enterprise software, middleware, storage and audiovisual, that enable users to access, store, transmit, understand and manipulate information.
This has important workforce development implications. Especially if one goal of a sustainable Amateur Radio community is to be understood as a vital partner of the STEM pathway for a changing workforce. For example, see the upcoming sponsored ITU – Girls in ICT to be held 25 April 2024. This year’s theme is on the critical role of mentoring and leadership to make progress on inclusive workforce development goals. https://www.itu.int/women-and-girls/girls-in-ict/
Workforce development opportunities are growing out of each of the 3 ITU Sectors: Standards, Radiocommunications,Development.
Development (ITU-D).This sector was established in 1992, and helps spread equitable, sustainable and affordable access to information and communication technologies (ICT). It is concerned with technology and culture problems like digital divide and equitable broadband access. (KD2JTX came from this career pathway. Amateur radio could be an inspiration for any number of cross-functional STEM career pathways, broadly conceived.)
The ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) is one of the three sectors (divisions or units) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and is responsible for radio communications. Its role is to manage the international radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbit resources and to develop standards for radiocommunication systems with the objective of ensuring the effective use of the spectrum. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITU-R
ITU Standardizationencompasses Interoperability and the interworking of Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Cities and Communities (SC&C) applications and services. There is much more to say about this another time.
Where do the rules come from? – the United States Regulation of the Spectrum:
After laying out how the ITU governs international spectrum standards and policies, Dan Henderson, N1ND then reviews the three main Federal bodies responsible for some area of telecommunication policy in the United States, and how this policy is enacted as law in the Code of Federal Regulations. Again, the Amateur Radio service is governed by the FCC, but the FCC is only one of three players here. It was helpful for me to better understand how the NTIA governs Federal Spectrum Use, among other things.
NTIA
For example, the NTIA is busily concerned about where the future RF engineering workforce is going to come from.
The recent NTIA Spectrum Policy Symposium (September 19, 2022) and the Aspen Institute’s Toward A National Spectrum Strategy (September 2022) position spectrum as a national asset “foundational to meeting our national goals of economic growth and leadership in the information economy”.
IMO, the Amateu Radio community has much to contribute here, and I look forward to continuing to learn and assess how to communicate everything our community is already doing well and might contribute as best practices.
I have been following the education and workforce implications of SpectrumX as we brainstorm what are the compelling stories about why Amateur Radio for the new generations I hear everywhere we must connect with: https://www.spectrumx.org/research-and-education/education/
Chapter 1: Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Subchapter D: Safety and Special Radio Services
Part 97: Amateur Radio Service
Subpart A—General Provisions
97.1 Basis and purpose.
The rules and regulations in this part are designed to provide an amateur radio service having a fundamental purpose as expressed in the following principles:
(a) Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communication service,particularly with respect to providing emergency communications.
(b) Continuation and extension of the amateur’s proven ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio art.
(c) Encouragement and improvement of the amateur service through rules which provide for advancing skills in both the communication and technical phases of the art.
(d) Expansion of the existing reservoir within the amateur radio service of trained operators, technicians, and electronics experts.
(e) Continuation and extension of the amateur’s unique ability to enhance international goodwill.
97.3 Definitions.
a) The definitions of terms used in part 97 are:
(1) Amateur operator. A person named in an amateur operator/primary license station grant on the ULS consolidated licensee database to be the control operator of an amateur station.
(2) Amateur radio services.The amateur service, the amateur-satellite service and the radio amateur civil emergency service
(4) Amateur service. A radiocommunication service for the purpose of self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried out by amateurs, that is, duly authorized persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest. ….
(37) Radio Regulations. The latest ITU Radio Regulations to which the United States is a party.
(38) RACES (radio amateur civil emergency service). A radio service using amateur stations for civil defense communications during periods of local, regional or national civil emergencies.emergency service.
I found it interesting to compare this with a look at the current FCC organizational chart. Amateur Radio is under Wireless Telecommunications – a place with lots of opportunities IMO.
But then you get to this contemporary language about Wireless > Mobility > Amateur Radio
Amateur Radio:
“The amateur and amateur-satellite services are for qualified persons of any age who are interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest. These services present an opportunity for self-training, intercommunication, and technical investigations. Twenty-nine small frequency bands throughout the spectrum are allocated to this service internationally. Some 1,300 digital, analog, pulse, and spread-spectrum emission types may be transmitted.
Millions of amateur operators in all areas of the world communicate with each other directly or through ad hoc relay systems and amateur-satellites. They exchange messages by voice, teleprinting, telegraphy, facsimile, and television.In areas where the FCC regulates the services, an amateur operator must have an FCC or Canadian license. FCC-issued Reciprocal Permits for Alien Amateur Licensee are no longer needed. Reciprocal operation in the U.S. is now authorized by Section 47 C.F.R. § 97.107.
All frequencies are shared. No frequency is assigned for the exclusive use of any amateur station. Station control operators cooperate in selecting transmitting channels to make the most effective use of the frequencies. They design, construct, modify, and repair their stations. The FCC equipment authorization program does not generally apply to amateur station transmitters. …”
This is an opportunity. It’s the context we need to understand to set our priorities and be effective. Even here in the smallest state. Among other things, I am more convinced than ever that the ARRL’s advocacy mission deserves our support as we band together our Personal Spectrum Licenses to be heard and work together to shape the future.
Communicating how amateur radio mentoring has a proven track record and stands ready to deliver both the technical skills and inclusive leadership people skills seems like something we could achieve. Step by step.
Wonderful presentations from today’s lively Amateur Radio Workshop at the 2024 National Hurricane Conference in Orlando reveal the endless ways ham radio operators provide critical ground truth situational awareness “when all else fails”.
Especially check out the keeper stories by Julio Ripoll, WD4R in the YouTube video link below. See especially 1:25-1:33. (And shout out to the wire antenna!)
Many thanks to the conference organizers and videographer Jim Palmer KB1KQW for providing remote access and a YouTube recording to share widely:
2024 National Hurricane Conference Presenters and Moderator: • Moderator: Rob Macedo, KD1CY, VoIP Hurricane Net
• John Cangialosi, Senior Hurricane Specialist, National Hurricane Center
• Special guest speaker Bob Robichaud, VE1MBR, Canadian Hurricane Center
• Special guest speaker Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, Director of Emergency Management, ARRL HQ • Julio Ripoll, WD4R, WX4NHC Assistant Amateur Radio Station Coordinator
• Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) Manager
• Joe Bassett, W1WCN, SATERN, Salvation Army Team Emergency Response Radio Network
• Rick Palm, K1CE, ARRL ARES E-Letter Editor/Public Service Columnist
• Rob Macedo, KD1CY, Director of Operations, VoIP Hurricane Net & ARRL ARES Eastern Mass SEC
• Jim Palmer, KB1KQW, VoIP Hurricane Net (Videographer)
YouTube screenshot 1:26:42
Sign up for RHODE ISLAND SKYWARN Training April 30, 2024
Contributed by John Brewer, N1SXB – the RI Section Affiliated Club Coordinator (ACC) and new Extra Class license holder
John, N1SXB writes:
One of the best resources for new hams is the ARRL website at www.arrl.org. There is a wealth of information available to all hams whether you are an ARRL member or not.
A resource on the site that I found extremely valuable when it was time for me to upgrade my General Class license was the ARRL Exam Review for Ham Radio section that can be found at https://www.arrl.org/examreview.
This section is available to both non-members and members, and simply requires you to create an account which is free. The section covers all three license classes, Technician, General and Extra, and setting up your personal account allows you to track your progress.
Once you indicate the license grade you wish to review for, the section has three options:
Review for Exam
Take Practice Exam and
Print Practice Exam
If you use the ARRL license manuals to study for the test, the Review for Exam option allows
you to review exam questions by chapter, following the same topics that are laid out in the
manual. This was the feature I found most helpful – after I read a section in the Extra Class manual, I would review the questions in that section until I could answer all of the questions.
You can also review by subelement if you want to review by following the FCC topics.
Once I was done with all of the chapters, I took practice exams to gauge how well I knew the
material, and once I was able to obtain passing grades on the practice exams, I signed up for
a VEC session and passed the exam.
Jeremy Taylor, K1JST
Section Emergency Coordinator
Rhode Island ARES® [email protected]
www.riares.org
March 4, 2024
Re: Open Letter to All Amateur Radio Operators, Clubs, Groups and Associations in the Rhode Island Section
Greetings,
As the Section Emergency Coordinator I have two very important duties that I need your assistance with. The first is to promote and encourage the development of local ARES groups. Contrary to popular belief, RI ARES is not a club, nor would I like to see it promoted as one. ARES should provide training, organize and coordinate activities. We are happy to assist people who are interested in learning and improving their operating abilities, but I am by no means an expert. There are many Amateurs who have vast amounts of experience and knowledge they can share with less experienced amateurs. I know there exist many clubs, groups and associations of amateurs in RI (hereafter referred to as clubs), and most have a subset of members who are interested in Public Service. What I propose is that these clubs form a local ARES group as part of their club. This would create an opportunity for people to work together to become better operators and expand their capabilities, making us better prepared to assist during Public Service activities, events, emergencies and disasters. Many of the activities that clubs are already doing together are great ways to improve operating skills that are useful for public service. The ARRL is adding a listing for ARES groups on their website, similar to the ARRL Affiliated Clubs list. Should your club opt to form an ARES Group we can facilitate adding it to the list. Local ARES group members are not required to sign up for RI ARES, but it is encouraged.
Another responsibility I have as SEC is to collect reports of public service related activities in our section and assemble them into a report to the League each month. I understand that some people might not support the League for various reasons, but one thing I think we all can agree on is that the ARRL is advocating for Amateur Radio. The public service activity report that each SEC submits each month is used to calculate the value of the time the Amateur Radio community dedicates in service to the public. Our public service function is the very first principle listed in Part 97.1 Basis and purpose of the Amateur Radio Service. Our ability to assist the public is a very important part of how we justify the spectrum allocated to Amateur Radio, which we all know would sell for billions of dollars on the FCC auction block. There are many schools of thought around these reports, but the ARRL’s Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnson KE5MHV and I are of the opinion that these reports should be liberal in their application and include not just activities that are official “ARES” activities, but all activities in the Amateur Radio Community that are applicable.
I am requesting that each club nominate at least one liaison to ARES (even if you don’t opt to form an ARES group) that can report the information and club’s activities each month that fall under the following categories:
Participants
The total number of ARES participants in your group (it’s ok if this is only the liaisons, activities still count, though we welcome everyone with an interest)
Nets (total number of each)
ARES group or other club Training, Practice or Emergency Preparedness Nets held
Includes repeater or simplex nets on any band or mode
Formal, Directed, or Informal nets
Nets that test equipment, coverage, exchange info, handle messages, or practice skills
Of those nets, how many included a NTS liaison
Total number of participants of those nets for the month
Activities (number and total person hours in each)
Exercises (can report local exercises or participation in other exercises)
Training Events (including the training and practice nets reported above, and club activities)
Public Service Events
Community Service Events
Emergency Events (any activation in service to an emergency)
SKYWARN Events (any activation in service to SKYWARN)
ARES group meetings (or the portion of your club meetings spent discussing related activities)
Unclassified Events
Narrative
A brief summary of any activities and any administrative or other comments
We will provide training on what and how to report, but I have devised two methods of reporting. Liaisons can either complete a brief online form to report each activity and I will compile the totals, or they can compile an online summary report form for the month. Liaisons that do a thorough job, report on time each month, regularly participate in statewide practice nets, training, and/or and exercises, and are working towards completing their ARES task books would be eligible for appointment as an Assistant Emergency Coordinator or even Emergency Coordinator. Also, ARRL Affiliated Club stations that regularly participate in ARES practice nets, exercises and activations would be eligible to apply for designation as an Official Emergency Station.
I really appreciate your willingness to help in this matter. One of my goals is to ensure that Rhode Island is accurately reporting data that can be used to advocate for our rich and diverse hobby.
On February 22, 2024 the W1AQ-Associated Radio Amateurs of Southern New England (an ARRL affiliated club since 1931 with their own clubhouse in Rumford, RI) gathered hams from across RI clubs to hear avid DXer and contester Charlie Morrison, N1RR to hear his deep dive on the NOAA Space Weather Enthusiasts Dashboard. N1RR walked us through this free on-line tool, introducing how to use on-line, real-time data to figure out what bands are best for where you want to work. From the Solar Lasco C3 panel to the Solar Wind panel, on to the Aurora forecast and the Ionosphere panel’s D-region absorption prediction tool to leverage real-time information as you become a better operator. Charlie Morrison, N1RR reminded us of the ancient awareness of sunspots, as well as reviewing the scientific understanding of sunspots after Galileo’s telescope experiments began in 1609 (with public demonstration from the Janiculum in Rome, 1611). https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/sciences/sunspots1.asp
Reach out too W1AQ Club Officer for more information: Doug Troughton, N2RDF, via [email protected]
Reach out to Bob, WB4SON with questions or comments: WB4SON at gmail.com
Please also know Bob WB4SON will be running a free Zoom Technician class series from April 23 until June, with the opportunity to take your exam June 8th, 2024. I recommend his class highly!
Please sign up as soon as possible for either here:
Bob’s Technician classes begin April 23, 2024 at 6 PM.
Rhode Island’s participation in the February 2024 ARRL School Club Roundup (SCR) was a great demonstration of why these twice a year SCR weeks should be on more ham calendars. FYI – the next ARRL School Roundup is scheduled for M-F October 21-25, 2024. You do NOT need to be an official school club to participate. Join in as a School or make QSOs as an individual operator. Find out more about Special Event Callsigns here: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/amateur-radio-service/special-event-call-signs
For backstory on this unfolding story in Rhode Island, please see:
In 2023, only 1 New England university participated (Northeastern) and only 1 New England individual operator (from NH) turned in logs. As the ham community seeks to engage next gen hams, this SCR seems like a ready-made solution to leverage and support.
Rhode Island is now well-positioned to have this winter’s SCR be a marker for revitalizing both the URI and Brown Amateur Radio Clubs. This is important for many reasons, especially as we continue to prioritize communicating why the ham radio community can deliver value building RI’s next gen workforce skills.
With minimal effort, we can all reach out and make QSOs across the country with young operators, as we support K-12 amateur radio educator outreach, and mentor the revitalization of Amateur Radio collegiate clubs in Rhode Island. These are important initiatives for so many reasons, from joining a growth-mindset mentoring community, to future workforce development skill building, to raising awareness of the many radio amateur related college scholarships available: https://www.arrl.org/scholarship-descriptions
N1ASA – STEM Charter School
Mike Cullen’s middle school students had a blast and reported this: 25 QSOs to 12 States and 10 Schools for a score of 1,600. Time operating: about 40 min a day for 3 days, after school 3-4:30. Success was clear hearing the student’s enthusiasm.
Brown University 2024 pilot participation as K1D
School QSOs getting started: KC1NEK operating as Brown, K1D only on Th, Fri. With Digital QSOs from results thanks to team Jose, Jeremy, Adam. (They had some tech challenges and both Jeremy and Adam were sick and/or out of work with sick children.
Brown University K1D first entry score for Feb 2024: 4,972
School to School QSOs: 18, including Purdue (W9YB); U of North Dakota (K0UND); (WA4AUG) in Augusta (GA) University.
W1KMV, University of Rhode Island (URI) Amateur Radio Club
Thanks again to URI Faculty Brian Maynard, K1NW, for helping launch the W1KMV URI ARC revitalization project during this recent ARRL School Roundup. I can’t wait to see the impact of this momentum by next October’s School Roundup. His 75 minutes of dedicated operating put the URI club on the map this year with a respectable score of 3,131. I look forward to seeing how many other New England Universities participated in Feb 2024 because in 2023 the only one was Northeastern. In any case, this first mission-driven effort was amazing with proof that even a little more than an hour of operating as a URI School call was noted far and wide. Huge thanks to all who helped get this revitalization campaign started.
Individuals can also log in support of the ARRL School Roundup.
KC1NEK was a first time Individual operator M-W operating for only about an hour over 3 days M-W. max time per session about 30 min. (Not a big ask.): Individual score 1,184
16 QSOS, all with Schools (13 unique across 4 bands 2m Simplex, 20m, 40m, 15m PH)
9 US States: CO, GA, IN, MI, OK, RI, SC, TX, WI
13 unique schools: 4 University clubs – URI (W1KMV), Purdue (W9YB), Michigan State (W8SH), U of Wisconsin (W9YT)
3 High Schools in CO, OK, IN and six Middle Schools in RI, SC, GA, TX
Standby: RI Collegiate Clubs Joint Technical Talks & the upcoming local Citizen Science Eclipse projects
Meanwhile, hope to see the Brown and URI Collegiate Clubs doing well, with hams stepping up to help. Stay tuned for planned SME technical talks in the works for Spring 2024, and open to all.
(RWU) Roger Williams University’s Adria Updike, KC1LOK & Physics Dept plans for the Solar Eclipse Monday April 8th
Adria Updike KC1LOK, Physics has enthusiastically agreed to do what she can to promote an Amateur Radio Club at RWU. (Possibly joining the Astronomy Club, for now.) Adria, KC1LOK previously had her students build and launch a weather balloon. One idea is to do outreach for an RWU Amateur Radio Club on Monday April 8th 1-5pm when she is already set for a campus demo around during the solar eclipse. Her teaching/outreach includes workshops on: build your own sensors, APRS tracking for gathering balloon data, Arduinos, SDR, electronics, etc. Let’s see how we can collaborate to help build out a robust RWU amateur radio club. Want to get involved? Reach out to Dr. Updike, KC1LOK.
Blackstone Valley ARC (BVARC) on Saturdays at 9am March 9, 2024 (Woonsocket, RI) Location: Our Saviour’s Parish (Pre-registration via email preferred; Walk-ins allowed)
License Exam Prep via HamStudy.org. License prep has never been easier than with this transformational learning platform offering self-paced study and practice tests. Available on demand, for free.
OR: check out the respected WEEKEND ZOOM License Class boot camps being offered all-remote this winter/spring by The Nashua Area Radio Society (N1FD) https://www.n1fd.org/amateur-radio-license-class/
Upcoming Regional Remote Amateur Radio License Class Weekend Bootcamps
General License Class – March 16th and 17th, 2024
Extra License Class – April 19th, 20th, and 21st, 202
For more information see: https://www.n1fd.org/amateur-radio-license-class/
Get on the Air!
Showcase your GOTA station at Field Day, June 22-23, 2024
THANK YOU! TO W1OP for sponsoring the GOTA station at the upcoming New England Division HamXpositionAugust 22-25, 2024 in nearby Marlborough, MA
The new RI ARES Net Control Manager is Jim Ferrantes, N1ZJI. Reach out if you are interested in joining the Net Control Training via Zoom that he has rescheduled for this Monday, March 4, 2024 at 7pm.
ARES Net Schedule
An updated RI ARES Practice and Training Net Schedule can be found here: https://riares.org/nets
ARES Practice and Training Nets are normally held at 19:30 local time and are open to all licensed operators. These are Directed Nets, the Net Control Station will control all communication on the net.
1st Tuesday of the month – Repeater Net
2nd Tuesday of the month – Simplex Net
3rd Tuesday of the month – Repeater Net
4th Tuesday of the month – Repeater & Digital Net
5th Tuesday of the month (when there is one) – TBA
Every Wednesday at 7:30pm – RI ARES SKYWARN Training Net
Winlink & the Local Weather Template EXERCISES
The February 27, 2024 RI ARES net included a rapid test exercise where members were asked to fill out the Local Weather Template with the requested information and send it to the RI EMA, with the flag EXERCISE. This was a successful small scale test exercise as the RI SEC, Jeremy Taylor, K1JST continues positive collaborations with the RI EMA and WA1USA to plan a Spring Simulated Emergency Test for RI ARES members. Great to see the people making time to participate here and on the Wednesday night Skywarn nets as we develop best practices and mutual support
FEMA Region One continues to send out an unannounced monthly Winlink test that interested hams must self-monitor. The February exercise required the time sensitive Winlink Local Weather template to be filled out and sent as requested. Across New England, 50 Amateurs responded, with only 5 from RI this month. (CT reponse 25 and MA 19). Many thanks to these NCRC radio amateurs who responded: John Brewer N1SXB; Corry Thibault KE1AK; Mike Rousseau KC1NEJ; Mike Cullen K1NPT; and myself, Nancy Austin KC1NEK. The next unannounced test will occur sometime in March 2024.
Andrew Staub, KC1OKI appointed ARRL Rhode Island Section Government Liaison (SGL)
I am thrilled to announce attorney Andrew Staub KC1OKI is now available to serve in this role. Further, Andrew’s RI Section Government Liaison team will include the remarkable North Kingstown High school student and blind ham, Ryan Lukowicz, KC1KUF. Ryan previously served in the RI State House as the youngest Page ever. https://ri-arrl.org/youth/
Andrew Staub, KC1OKI of Barrington, is a results-driven litigation attorney with a strong background in managing complex cases and a passion for applied technology, particularly unmanned aerial systems involving first person view and analog radio transmission.
He is a skilled communicator adept at distilling concepts and unifying people around practical concepts. At the present time he is transitioning from a successful career in civil litigation and pursuing opportunities in developing technology advocacy by leveraging knowledge in both legal and technological domains.
U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island
Rhode Island State Bar
Andrew is a drone advocate who builds and flies his own drones. He became a ham to comply with the Technician-class requirements of flying FPV drones. His public service includes presentations on drones to the Newport County Radio Club, and discussing drone technical capabilities with Ray Perry, KC1IPC and the Portsmouth, RI EMA Communications team.
At this week’s New England Division Mesh Networking group, Andrew was right at home discussing open-source software with John Jobin McAuliffe, KD2ZWN, the new Digital RF Engineer at the ARRL. Conversation with Andrew is always dynamic as he raises awareness about the many ways a Technician Amateur Radio license is a key to understanding emerging aspects of the microwave bands and wireless communications. There is an urgent need for informed conversation as we shape viable regulation and legislation to leverage future business and education opportunities in this rapidly developing technology space.
Despite Tuesday’s blizzard, Rhode Island stations got on the air to participate daily, Monday to Wednesday February 12-14, 2024. Here are updates and what to expect before this Roundup wraps on Friday 7pm February 16, 2024.
W1KMV – University of Rhode Island
Special thanks to URI amateur radio club call sign trustee, Brian Maynard, K1NW for operating as W1KMV during Tuesday’s storm and then again Wednesday to make QSOs with dozens of schools and individuals. Highlights included contact with the Cornell Club station, W2CXM, where he was station master for several years in the 1980s. Brian, K1NW reported having a great time contacting young operators at several school stations, mostly on 20m with excellant band conditions. (W1KMV may be back on the air Th/Fri to bring this ARRL School Roundup to the finish line. Standby! Keep an eye on https://www.dxwatch.com/)
URI Faculty Brian Maynard, K1NW operated the URI call sign during Tuesday’s heavy snowstorm.
All Saints STEAM Academy (Middletown, RI) M to Th 3-4:30pm
After-School Club Lead: Mike Cullen, K1NPT operating as N1ASA
Thanks to its lively Middle School amateur radio club enthusiastically led for a decade by Newport’s Mike Cullen, K1NPT, the All Saints STEAM Academy in Middletown, Rhode Island is a long-time ARRL Club Roundup participant. This year was no exception. Mike, K1NPT really understands how to match the exuberant curiosity of middle school students to radio hands-on learning puzzles.
Many thanks to the RI hams who reached out to make an “Individual” Roundup QSO with these eager students on Monday and Wednesday. (School was canceled Tuesday due to snow.)
TODAY is Thursday Feb 15th, and it’s not too late to listen for their N1ASA CQ at 4pm on 2m SIMPLEX 146.550. Or look for N1ASA on a dx spotting site on 20m or 40m SSB today between 3-4:30pm. Huge thanks to the RI hams who took time to chat with these confident, cheerful young operators who sounded like they were having SO much fun!
Interested in helping Mike K1NPT mentor youth in radio across the state? Reach out to Mike Cullen here: [email protected]
Individual Roundup Operator Experience
This was my first time participating in any ARRL School Club Roundup, and it’s easy to see why this is such a beloved opportunity to encourage youth and college clubs. Operating from my home QTH for about an hour each day (mostly between 3pm to 6pm on 20m, 40, 15m SSB and 2M FM Simplex) it was great fun to talk with experienced student operators at college clubs including University of Wisconsin, W9YT and Michigan State, W8SH. And also the many Middle and High School new operators across the country (CO, SC, TX, IN, OK, GA, RI). A surpise to me was the opportunity to log a QSO with the almost 40% of Middle or High student operators I contacted who were young women.
K1D -Brown University Radio Amateur
The snowstorm, sickness and technical difficulties contributed to the challenges getting this call sign on the air before the expected Brown University, K1D ARRL School Roundup activation push planned for Thursday 3pm to Friday 7pm. Keep an eye on https://www.dxwatch.com/
As a Brown alum, my plan is to be out there offering QSOs on 20m and 40m SSB to support this initiative. So don’t be surprised to hear Nancy, KC1NEK operating briefly today and tomorrow as K1D as we plan forward revitalizing the Brown Amateur Radio Club.
Interested in helping revitalize the Brown University student Amateur Radio Club? Reach out to Jose Sandoval, KC1TWM, a Brown student and the club revitalization contact: [email protected]
Meanwhile, hope to see the Brown and URI Collegiate Clubs doing well, with hams stepping up to help. Hope to hear you on the air, even today, as we mentor and offer encouragement to others.
