Youth

Careers / Clubs / Operating / STEM / Youth

ARRL School Roundup Updates

- by Nancy Austin

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.

Interested in helping revitalize the URI student Amateur Radio Club? Reach out to Brian Maynard here: https://web.uri.edu/pse/meet/brian-maynard/

N1ASA – RI STEM Middle School

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]

Fall ARRL School Roundup & JOTA synergy?

The next ARRL School Roundup is scheduled for M-F October 21-25, 2024 (The third full school week of October2024.) This would seem like a synergistic  follow-up to the weekend of amateur radio upskilling planned for the annual Scouting Jamoboree on the Air (JOTA), taking place “the third full weekend in October” – or Sat/Sun October 19-20, 2024.

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.

73, Nancy Austin, KC1NEK – RI Section Manager ([email protected])

Careers / Clubs / Operating / STEM / Youth

Support URI, Brown, & Steam Academy during ARRL School Roundup QSO Week

- by Nancy Austin

ARRL School Roundup Feb 12-15, 2024

Momentum is underway revitalizing Rhode Island’s collegiate clubs and K-12 after school amateur radio clubs. Please hunt these ARRL School Roundup call signs this week and spread the word. Let’s put RI innovators on the map. Help hunt all schools participating. Check for “School Club Roundup” on DX spotting websites, like https://www.dxwatch.com/

RI Best Dates/Times – possible frequencies- but check https://www.dxwatch.com/ 

  • Tues Feb 13, 2024 3:30-4:30pm + Wed 3-6pm
  • 20m (14.250-280 MHz) & 40m (7.225-255 MHz) – per ARRL
    Phone (MHz): 1.855-1.865; 3.850-3.880; 7.225-7.255; 14.250-14.280; 21.300-21.330; 28.440-28.460  [check https://www.dxwatch.com/ ]
  • Monday update: Lots of schools participating, especially on 20m.

Exchange: (Plan is to use “S” for School) So expect this exchange: N1ASA or W1KMV or K1D,  Signal report, Class (“School”), U.S. State = RI (Multi-operator group stations must choose one call sign to use for the whole operating period.)

Scoring: Stations may be contacted once per band and mode | Multiplier: [Number of U.S. States plus Canadian Provinces/Territories plus DX countries/entities] plus 2× [Number of Clubs contacted] plus 5× [Number of Schools contacted].

N1ASA

All Saints STEAM Academy (Middletown, RI) M*,T*,W,Th 3-4:30pm –  N1ASA
  • Team Lead: Mike Cullen, K1NPT operating as N1ASA
  • Confirmed 12-15 Feb (Mon*, Tues*, Wed, Thurs) each day in the 3PM to 430PM window., SSB on 40M and 20M.  (* Possible only elementary school students students Monday; * likely no ops on Tues due to expected snow closure)
    Can you please get the word out to RI hams that each day Feb 12, 13, 14, 15  at 4PM,   the students will call CQ on 146.55 simplex and I’ll have students track the RI towns contacted.
  • Other:  Send us a small (10Kb or less) picture of your  operations via Winlink  and we’ll send one in return.  Use Winlink address of K1NPT.
  • Monday Feb 12th update: Day #1 a success on 20/40m and calling CQ at 4pm on Simplex across the state/region to map this form of resilient radio communicaton. Tuesday ops canceled due to the snowday and storm. Will be back Wed!

W1KMV

UNIVERSITY of RHODE ISLAND (URI), Confirmed T Feb 13, 2024 3:30-4:30pm + Wed 4:30-6pm / 20m (14.250-280 MHz) & 40m (7.225-255 MHz) – W1KMV
  • Team Lead: Brian Maynard, K1NW operating as W1KMV – URI Faculty & Call Sign Trustee
  • Asa McQueen, KE0HFF operating as W1KMV – former & future URI Physics Dept student and ongoing member of the 102nd Cyber Ops Squadron at Quonset
  • Chris Lirakis, AA9AL operating as W1KMV – Adjunct Faculty, Physics Dept (Quantum)

Favorite Sound Byte : “Quantum is just engineered RF (radio frequency) pulses and ham radio is an enabling way to learn … just so much!”  Chris Lirakis, AA9AL 

“Ham Radio is a Gateway to Technology”

K1D

BROWN University, Providence RI –  T Feb 13, 2024 3:30-4:30pm + Wed 4:30-6pm / 20m (14.250-280 MHz) & 40m (7.225-255 MHz) – K1D
  • Team Lead: Jose Sandoval, KC1TWM, operating as K1D – Brown student and club revitalization contact 
  • Adam Paul, KC1KCC, operating as K1D – Linux Admin, Brown staff
  • Jeremy Taylor, K1JST,  operating as K1D – ARRL RI Section Team SEC and mentor
  • Don Stanford KV4DN, operating as K1D – Brown Faculty and Brown Alum 


New Technician-class licensed radio amateur Jose Sandoval, KC1TWM operating during Winter Field Day January 2024. Brown University double major in Computer Science and Portuguese & Brazilian Studies.  Please reach out to Jose, KC1TWM if you want to get involved revitalizing the Brown Amateur Radio Club now!

STANDBY!

Rhode Island and Regional collaborative inspiration underway.  It’s not too late to see if your school can act quickly to participate and join the fun! Do you know who among students, faculty, staff, and alum are the licensed amateur radio operators – always ready to get on the air and help with communications? 
NEW – Bridgewater State (MA) Physics and Optical Engineering Dept – [K1YBE]
  • Team Lead: Paul Fredette, K1YBE (NCRC VP & BSU Adjunct Physics Faculty) 
  • Confirmed Wed Feb14 from  3-5pm on likely 20m (14.250-280MHz) & 40m (7.225-255) – CHECK  https://www.dxwatch.com/ ]
Drones / Operating / Youth

Racing FPV micro drones in a Classroom

- by Nancy Austin

What’s motivating younger generations to get licensed and learn more about the Amateur Radio Technician-class bands? There is a whole community out there passionate about DIY building and flying First Person View (FPV) tiny drones (whoops) with streaming analog video. For more, keep an eye on https://ri-arrl.org/drones/

Today, Andrew Staub, KC1OKI shared this:

“This is a great fpv pilot flying tiny whoops in a classroom environment for fun.  I believe they are using analog video based on the Orca goggle and antennas.”

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

Ham Outreach / Scouting / Youth

Scouting Special Event Station for “Turkey-in-the-Dirt 2023”

- by Nancy Austin

Mike Cullen K1NPT organized a wonderful Special Event last weekend using the K2BSA/1 callsign.  He writes:

This is BSA Troop 3 Newport’s annual pilgrimage to historic Yawgoog Scout Reservation, 1800 acres of forest in Rockville, Rhode Island (Washington County). The Camp is currently celebrating its 106th season.

Scouts dig a deep pit, line it with hot coals, and then cook 2-3 turkeys for several hours. Families and guests enjoyed an early Thanksgiving meal on Saturday night, November 11th.

Stations were invited to receive a picture of our activities that we sent via Winlink using VARA FM. 

Mike Cullen, K1NPT organized the Special Event Call Sign K2BSA/1 for the RI Narragansett Council Scouts 2023 “Turkey-in-the-Dirt” family cookout.
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]