Exercise / Operating / RI ARES

RI ARES and FEMA Winlink exercises in January

- by Nancy Austin
[updated, including comments/photo at end, 25Jan2024]
RI ARES Winlink Exercise

The RI ARES weekly net for January 23, 2024 was a Winlink challenge prompt exercise. Who could respond quickly to a request to provide situational awareness information within a five hour window? Unannounced exercises like this help demonstrate an ARES member’s self-initiative and readiness to take follow-through action despite short notice, and capably provide the desired structured communication.  We have the shared goal of building a community of prepared RI ARES radio amateurs.

Jeremy Taylor, K1JST – the RI ARES Section Emergency Coordinator – offered the Winlink challenge exercise net as a further opportunity for RI hams to develop their Winlink skills and ask for futher mentoring if needed.  Here is the request K1JST sent out yesterday to the RI ARES mailing list:

“Send a WINLINK message to K1JST [@winlink.org] with the following information:

  • Subject: RI ARES Digital Net Check-in
    Body: Exercise – Exercise – Exercise
    Call Sign
    Current Location (City)
    Current Outdoor Temperature
    Source of your Current Outdoor Temperature
    How you are sending this message. Include Application, Radio and Band/Mode or specify Telnet (that’s ok too).

I’ll also announce this net on the repeater Network at 7:30pm tonight. … Check-ins received after midnight tonight will be considered late check-ins.”

The successful check-ins included two from Newport County – including Mike Cullen K1NPT from his reinstalled VARA-FM node at All Saints Academy. (Maybe a follow-up tour? See Post update at end). Two stations were from Kent County, and two from neighboring Massachusetts.

If you would like to join the RI ARES mailing list for future net exercise “heads-up” announcements, please send an email to: https://riares.org/membership 

FEMA Region One 2024 Winlink Exercise Underway

Gaining awareness of Winlink capabilites in Rhode Island (and across FEMA Region One) was the motivation behind a new 2024 series of monthly unannounced “thunderbolt” Winlink exercises that FEMA Region One began earlier this month for the amateur radio community.

During the initial January exercise, 47 stations signed up and almost 90% responded to the unannounced request for secific situational awareness information. Rhode Island amateurs represented almost 20% of those stepping up in the time window assigned.

Shout out to: Jason AA1VV;  Mike K1NPT;  Mike KC1NEJ; Nancy KC1NEK; Corry KE1AK; John N1SXB; Teri W1UP; Michael KB5RWX.

For those interested in joining this training opportunity now before the February exercise, here is a repost of the original:

“FEMA Region 1 will begin conducting monthly Winlink tests starting January 2024. The purpose of this test is to exercise the Regional PACE plan, Winlink is part of the “Emergency” category of the plan. We would like to include Amateur Radio and SHARES stations in New England in this test. Here are the details:

Testing Procedure: Each month FEMA Region 1 Disaster Emergency Communications Branch will generate a Winlink message to participating stations. The message will be sent via Winlink through an Amateur Radio or SHARES gateway. The message will contain simple instructions on how to reply – which form to use, information requested, response time, etc. The receiving stations will reply to FEMA Region 1 via Winlink with the requested information within a set timeframe. The date and time of the monthly test will vary.

Participating Stations – Open to Amateur Radio or SHARES stations in New England. Stations must have Winlink capability and a valid Winlink email address. Participating operators should be aware that this test is conducted without announcement, so it is important that Winlink messages are checked regularly.

How to Sign Up – Stations wishing to participate can sign up online at https://forms.gle/sTibzJjZhftHXR4J9

Please feel free to share the above information with those who may be interested in participating. Any questions, let me know.

Thanks, Mike

Mike Corey – Emergency Management Specialist | Disaster Emergency Communications, Response Division | FEMA Region I

[email protected]

Federal Emergency Management Agency
fema.gov

Blog Post Update Thursday January 25, 2024

Mike Cullen, K1NPT shared this additional information about Winlink Stations in RI:

Important architecture “factoids” for more RI hams to understand:

  • three VHF gateways continue to operate 24 hrs/day on 145.050
  • they’ve been running since early 2021
  • they use VARA-FM, not Packet, and can be selected by Winlink clients as VARA FM digipeaters
  • WB4SON-10 North Kingstown
  • N1ASA-10 Middletown (photo attached) – solar-powered
  • K1NPT-10 Newport

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.”

Operating / POTA / PRA

PRA & POTA’s Support Your Parks weekend

- by Nancy Austin
Intrepid Dave Steussie, W3DRE mentoring during last weekend’s POTA Support Your Parks.

The Providence Radio Association’s Dave Steussie, W3DRE is hooked on POTA and last weekend’s bitter cold didn’t stop him from offering his monthly Providence Radio Association POTA (Parks on the Air) Meet-Up. Indeed, when I joined the group near the RI-CT border at Pulaski State Park (K-7508), he and Dom Mallozzi,  N1DM were toasty in their heated tent and almost sweating as they racked up QSOs. As we look ahead to Winter Field Day, it was impressive to see the care Dave had taken to make portable operating enjoyable – in a park, or on a summit.  I’d be interested to hear more about a talk Dave, W3DRE gave on this topic to his club, the Providence Radio Association (PRA). Meanwhile, he shared stories about how visitors enjoy seeing the worldwide map of the QSOs he logs in real time using HAMRS.  His tent is warmed with a portable propane heater, but he also makes sure to have a carbon monoxide monitor to be safe. For this activation, W3DRE set up an EndFedz wire off of a 40′ telescoping Spiderbeam mast. But he is also prepared to do quick activations from his truck if that makes more sense.

The park was a winter wonderland with people cross-country skiing, dog walking, and active outdoors. Dave’s Eskimo tent and antenna drew curious visitors, and became an impromptu GOTA station. It’s a fabulous way to strike up a conversation with an inactive ham who suddenly thinks – wait! I want to get active on the air again so I can join in. Thank you, Dave, for your welcoming leadership on a chilly weekend.

Your inspiring example made a difference.

73, Nancy, KC1NEK

ARES / Public Service

Upcoming Boston Marathon Still Seeking Amateur Radio Volunteers

- by Nancy Austin

Robert Macedo, KD1CY shared this opportunity and Feb 2nd deadline to register: 

We appreciate everyone’s patience as we make an off-topic post on the need for Amateur Radio Volunteers for the 2024 Boston Marathon. In addition, there is a continued need for medical volunteers for the 2024 Boston Marathon and those interested in volunteering as a medical or general volunteer can use the register.hamradioboston.org link and they will be brought to the general volunteer page which can be utilized for those that are not Amateur Radio Operators to volunteer. Further details for Amateur Radio volunteers follow below:

Volunteer registration for the 2024 Boston Marathon is open. Returning volunteers have received an email from the BAA that included registration instructions. In order to make registration as smooth as possible, we are providing specific instructions for our Amateur Radio Operator (ARO) volunteers.

If you haven’t previously volunteered, or have a friend who would like to volunteer, please go directly to the Volunteer Registration page and follow the instructions for new volunteers.

Step by Step Sign Up Guide:
https://hamradioboston.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/44002497536-2024-volunteer-registration-step-by-step-guide

A few notes for volunteers:

Almost all amateur radio positions are single person assignments. We are not able to group people on a single assignment, but we will try to accommodate which segment you are assigned to in order to allow for similar start/end times.

Don’t delay! Volunteer registration closes on Friday, February 2 at 5:00 PM EST. It would help our planning processes if you could complete your registration by Friday, January 26.

Help us get the word out by forwarding this email to your club and other amateur radio operators who might wish to volunteer. Most volunteers first learn about the event through word of mouth. If you know new licensees who might like to join us, please make sure to let them know about it. Even just a quick mention at your club meeting can be a big help!

If you have any questions about the upcoming volunteer registration period, or the 2024 Marathon generally, please get in touch anytime. Volunteering at the Marathon is a big job and we appreciate the time and effort everyone puts into it. We’re happy to do what we can to make your work fun, comfortable, and effective.

We look forward to seeing everyone again soon.

Thank you, and 73,

Boston Marathon Communications Committee
[email protected]

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)

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

RI Section Manager Newsletter

Welcome to your RI Section Newsletter for December 31, 2023 – New Year’s Eve of 2024

- by Nancy Austin

Exploring a data-driven approach to discover opportunities and help set priorities for the RI Section in 2024

The Rhode Island Section within the New England Division

I wrongly assumed Rhode Island was the smallest of the six states that make up the ARRL New England Division in terms of these three categories: geographic size, population, and also number of licensed amateur radio operators. 

Yes, Rhode Island geographically is the smallest state in the United States, covering an area of 1,214 square miles, with distances North to South at 48 miles and East to West 37 miles. 

Yes, Rhode Island has the fewest number of FCC licensed amateurs in New England. But no, Vermont’s population is smaller. Who knew?

Surprisingly, Rhode Island is both the most densely populated New England state, and yet has among the fewest per capita hams in not only New England, but also in the United States. Rhode Island’s ham per capita ranking is down there with Puerto Rico and Louisiana – places where one might expect the value of hard lessons learnt about resilient communication to inspire folks to join our community. What is that about? 

On the other hand, it was a delightful surprise to discover that the Rhode Island Section currently ranks second in the New England Division for ARRL membership per licensed amateurs.  Congrats on that! 

So, Rhode Island may have far fewer hams per capita than its neighbors, but these hams are more likely to belong to the ARRL. 

Add this in: only a fraction of Rhode Island radio amateurs belong to a club. Despite the strong club options at hand. Why is this? Are they mostly inactive hams who got licensed but lost interest? That explanation only gets us so far.

Surprisingly (to me), Rhode Island’s almost 1900 licensed hams include many many loyal and dedicated ARRL members who do not participate in RI club life at all. Many more Rhode Island hams belong to ARRL than belong to a club. (Although, by definition, ARRL-affiliated clubs have more than half their voting membership belonging to ARRL.)  Is this about raising awareness of what the strong existing clubs are doing and have to offer, each in their own way? Perhaps it involves promoting how most RI clubs now have established remote/hybrid options for club meetings? 

Maybe this means getting better at identifying Section-wide opportunities to meet other RI hams informally and get involved. From Parks on the Air Meet & Greets to a revitalized ARES hub of connecting to RI SME talks, tours or profiles on say advanced topics in emerging radio technologies. How can the Section better meet this group’s needs and celebrate their enthusiasm and contributions? 

In the September RI Section Newsletter I shared the six-month data on new RI hams and upgrades. Here’s an update: from April 5, 2023 to December 5, 2023 the Rhode Island amateur radio community welcomed 37 new hams and congratulated 37 license upgrades. Congrats again, and welcome! Thank you to everyone involved in mentoring to make this happen and keep the journey going forward. (See below for aligned January calendar events.) 

How might this data dive help inform our Rhode Island Section radio amateur strategy in 2024 and help strengthen our state? Are we communicating the right message about why amateur radio? Why both join and join in? It seems ever clearer to me that participating locally, regionally and nationally in support of the ARRL is foundational for the continued success of amateur radio, now and into the future of our endlessly fascinating gateway hobby of a lifetime. 

Here’s the data

FCC licensed amateurs in the six New England Division states as of December 30, 2023:

MA 13,300 | CT 7176 | NH 5695 | Maine 4467 |VT 2095 | RI 1896 source: https://www.arrl.org/fcc-license-counts

New England population census data as of July 1, 2023: MA 7,001,399 | CT 3,617,176 | NH 1,402,054 | Maine 1,395,722 | RI 1,095,962 | VT 647,464 source: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/VT,RI,NH,ME,MA,CT/PST045222

estimate of Hams per Capita as of Dec 30, 2023: NH .406% | VT .324% | ME .320% | CT .198%  | MA .190% | RI .173%

This might suggest that in each of the six New England states, population has increased faster than licensing new amateurs per this 2021 comparison of US States and territories hams/capita: #6: NH  0.416% | #11: ME  0.342% | #12: VT 0.335% | #32: CT 0.211% | #38: MA 0.196% | #45: RI 0.181%  source for 2021 data – hams per capita: https://k8vsy.radio/2021/09/ham-radio-licenses-us-states-per-capita.html

But wait: population decreased in RI and MA. So either hams relocated, dropped away or became Silent Keys. In any event, there remains an elusive replacement benchmark everyone seems to be trying different tactics to achieve. Note that the RI population over 65 is roughly equal to that 18 and under. (18.9% to 18.6%, leaving 62.5% of the RI population ages 19-64. And, yes, almost 51% are female.) So, lots of opportunities to connect with the right message and messenger at the right time. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/VT,RI,NH,ME,MA,CT/PST045222

Insights for 2024

How to scale engagement? We definitely have a capacity issue and a top priority remains to identify and recruit new talent and empower them with inclusive leadership opportunities to take on a project and see it through to benefit the whole Section. Great to see unfolding plans happening with ARES, Skywarn, NTS, POTA, and the New England mesh infrastructure collaboration. 

Another recommended priority program focus is on revitalizing now-inactive clubs at Rhode Island superb colleges and universities. The ARRL’s Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, Director of Marketing and Innovation, is doing remarkable things in this space, and we welcome opportunities to collaborate (- And we have the teams identified and ready to take action.) Future postings will share more about the ARRL’s CARP initiative. “Since the ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Program (CARP) was established in 2017, we’ve been growing our community of participating students and ham radio clubs at colleges and universities. CARP holds monthly Zoom meetups and makes connections through our CARP Facebook group and Discord.” See for example: https://www.hamcation.com/forums-speaker-info?event=71 and https://www.arrl.org/collegiate-amateur-radio 

Another plan for reaching more hams is to revisit RI’s many companies in the electronics, wireless, tech, defense contractors, and now blue economy sector that might have once hosted small ham clubs on site, but have not made this a thing post-pandemic. Company “Ham Communities of Interest” or small clubs are not a new idea, but maybe it’s time to explore what this might look like in 2024. What do people think? It would further validate radio literacy as part of a successful career path and reach/support the young 20s-50s professional demographic during a busy time of work/life. 

Yes, 2024 will be a time of challenge, opportunity, and change. I would like to thank the Rhode Island Section for the support I’ve received in my first six-months as your new Section Manager. Let’s make the most of the year ahead, and look back in twelve months and know we did the best we could to come together as a growing, vital amateur radio community. 

January 2024 Section Calendar Invites to GOTA, Skill Build, and/or Meet & Greet other RI hams

January 1-7: POTA national New Year’s Week GOTA https://parksontheair.com/  Click on POTA Spots and then sort by Region to contact RI operators

January 3: Join our RI ARES Zoom call, 7:30-8:30pm and get involved as RI SEC Jeremy Taylor, K1JST offers another skill building challenge.

  • Details on the RI ARES website calendar https://riares.org/
  • Learn more about participating in a FEMA Region 1 Winlink test to be conducted in January without announcement.

January 8: The Consortium –  “All About Vertical Antennas” 

  • 7-9pm in person at 250 High St., Manville RI. Check the BVARC website for details. 
  • All are welcome. 

January 20-21: RI POTA Meet & Greet NW & SE & maybe even in-between?  

  • Yes, its POTA – Support Your Parks weekend and a great chance to welcome all
  • RI POTA mapping representative Jim Garman, KC1QDZ is bringing the community together for a Meet & Greet. Stay tuned for location details. All are welcome. Likely Southern location Sunday at new Gull Cove Park k-19541 with its wild dx possibilities. https://pota.app/#/park/K-10541
  • Dave, W3DRE of the Providence Radio Association has already announced plans for a PRA club activation up North on Saturday, Jan 20, 2024, 9am-Noon, at K-7508, Pulaski Park, West Glocester, RI. Great opportunity for new connecting and mentoring. Stay tuned!
  • Are you or your club interested in spreading the POTA spirit this weekend? Share your plans with Jim, KC1QDZ via email at KC1QDZ at gmail.com

January 27-28: Winter Field Day 2024 https://winterfieldday.org/

  • Please register your planned WFD activation location to the WFD map and let people know if you are open for visitors: https://winterfieldday.org/register-location.php
  • WFD Simplex Option for Solo or Field Operators: Using my own call sign, my plan is to again offer to operate from my QTH as a 2m/70cm Simplex for anyone interested in using WFD as even a basic chance to test their local HT Simplex capabilities. I and hopefully others will be monitoring the RI-ARES Simplex frequency for set periods, likely Saturday 2-4pm and Sunday Noon-2pm.  
    • RI-ARES VHF Simplex frequency: 147.420 MHz. 
    • Get a band multiplier by also making a UFH contact on or near the 70 cm National Calling frequency of 446 (+/-25kHz). [ie. 446.025, 446.050, 446.075 but likely 446.1] Confirm you can program your HT for Simplex? 
  • Take on a right-size radio challenge for you this January 2024. 

Get licensed! Upgrade? Upcoming RI In-person VE Sessions 

Many thanks to these RI Clubs offering in-person VE sessions during Q1 2024 (walk-ins welcome). https://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session

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. 

Prefer to study with a class? Check out the ARRL listing for classes here, and check back often as 2024 classes get posted: https://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-class

Clubs & Upcoming Club Anniversaries in 2024 

TWO of the Rhode Island Section’s eleven ARRL Affiliated Clubs have anniversaries in 2024. NCRC celebrates its 75th and NB1RI celebrates its 20th!

Let’s help them celebrate and support all our Section clubs. (Don’t forget the ARRL Club Foundation major Club Revitalization Funding opportunity that will be open for application in Spring 2024.) 

For your review, here are the 11 RI Section clubs (and club call sign) by date of ARRL affiliation

  1. THE PROVIDENCE RADIO ASSN, INC. (W1OP) Affiliation Date: 1921 > 103 yrs!!!
  2. ARA OF S NEW ENGLAND (W1AQ) Affiliation Date: 1931 > 93 yrs
  3. NEWPORT COUNTY Radio Club (W1SYE)  Affiliation Date: 1949-07-18 =75 yrs in 2024! Congrats!
  4. Blackstone Valley Amateur Radio Club (W1DDD) Affiliation Date: 1956 > 68 yrs
  5. Fidelity Amateur Radio Club (K1NQG) Affiliation Date: 1966 > 58 yrs
  6. Brown Univ Radio Club (K1AD) 1975-05-14 = 49 in 2024 UPCOMING 50th in 2025!
  7. Ocean State AR Group Inc (K1OS) Affiliation Date: 1988 > 36 yrs
  8. Connecticut Rhode Island Contest Group (KE1S) Affiliation Date: 1996 > 28 yrs
  9. Narragansett Bay Amateur Radio Club (NB1RI) Affiliation Date: 2004-07-30 = 20 yrs in 2024! Congrats
  10. PEMA RACES (KK1PMA) Affiliation Date: 2015-02-13 =9 yrs in 2024 UPCOMING 10th in 2025!
  11. RICOMU (WA1USA) Affiliation Date: 2022  > 2 yrs

VOTA wraps

Many thanks to Mike Corey, KI1U for leading the VOTA RI effort for 2023!

Special thanks to all the clubs and operators who participated in this team contest. Stay tuned for the final results.  

Currently W1AW/1 is in 7th place OVERALL on the Leaderboard.

https://vota.arrl.org/leaderboard.php

Congrats also to these top 20 RI VOTA Leaders as of December 31, 2023 shown below.
source: https://vota.arrl.org/leaderboard.php?state=RI&submit=Filter+by+State

Experimental Radio News 10: HF Trading updates, Crypto & new satellite experiments, the Rockettes embrace drones

Highly recommend the latest issue of Experimental Radio News.  Check this out here. (Free to subscribe.) https://www.experimentalradio.news/experimental-radio-news-10/?ref=experimental-radio-news-newsletter

Here’s to embracing change: “New York City’s famous Rockettes dancers received WW9XDQ for sophisticated drones used in shows at Radio City Music Hall.”

Who knew?

https://gizmodo.com/how-a-swarm-of-blinking-drones-ended-up-in-the-rockette-1830738603

“If you haven’t seen the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, you can probably picture the iconic line of dancers kicking in unison, like a salute to American entertainment from a century ago. Well, this year the show got a surprising update: drones.

Dozens of tiny autonomous quadcopters built by Intel float over the Rockettes during the finale of the new show, and the effect is almost magical. Each little drone is essentially an airborne LED light that, from the audience’s perspective, seems to blend in with the set before bursting out over the dancers. In the final minutes of the near century-old show in Radio City Music Hall, the stage seems to come alive with flying robots. 

This sort of thing would have melted the brains of the folks who saw the first holiday show with the Rockettes back in 1933. 

Yet, here we are.”

BEST WISHES & HAPPY 2024 NEW YEAR

73, Nancy Austin KC1NEK – RI Section Manager 

 https://ri-arrl.org/2023-12-ri-section-newsletter/ ‎

ARES / Situational Awareness / SKYWARN / Weather

5 ways to up your Weather Game

- by Nancy Austin

1. Prep to be a SKYWARNⓇ Weather Spotter

Follow Rob Macedo, KD1CY and the Boston NWS

https://wx1box.org/

Get familiar with the material covered by KD1CY in his 2-hour SKYWARN Training and Review video from 2023 posted there: https://youtu.be/19AQfzxO648?feature=shared 

2023 Virtual SKYWARN Weather Spotter Training

“This is the recording of the 2023 Virtual SKYWARN Weather Spotter Training from Saturday May 13th 2023. This presentation helps support taking and passing the online quiz to become a new SKYWARN Spotter or to refresh your SKYWARN training to support the retraining requirement every 5 years. This virtual training was taught by Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator & SKYWARN Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY.”

Stay tuned for virtual and in-person 2024 training options.

Learn how to provide critical situational awareness and support your community.

2. FREE Cloud Charts

Plus great interactive learning tips for every age. 

Have you looked at clouds from both sides now and still not sure what you are seeing?  Start here!

https://www.noaa.gov/jetstream/clouds/nws-cloud-chart

Did you know? “In the United States today, the 27 cloud symbols are no longer plotted on surface maps. Weather observations became computerized in the 1990s, and these automated observing systems can only detect cloud height, not cloud type. However, weather observations by humans continue in most of the world and include the ‘state of the sky’ using these symbols.”

https://www.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/cloudchart-front.pdf

3. Go Deeper: Storm Spotting and Amateur Radio 3rd Edition

by Mike Corey, KI1U (RI Assistant Section Manager – among so many other things) with contributing editor Rob Macedo, KD1CY

ISBN: 978-1-62595-141-0. Available from ARRL or Amazon.  Highly recommended.

“During severe weather events, thousands of ham radio volunteers provide real-time information to partners like emergency management and forecasters at the National Weather Service. Storm Spotting and Amateur Radio can help you become one of those volunteers, providing ground-truth information when it is needed most.” 

 

4. Invest in a High or Low Tech Weather Station

High-Tech – The Weather Flow Tempest Weather Station – Amazon $339 

Classic Professional Grade: Davis Vantage Pro Weather Station, runs over $1500

Entry Level Weather Station options are many from $50-$300

Low-Tech – CoCoRaHS Rain Gauge.  – Participate daily in the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network https://cocorahs.org/

5. Join a SKYWARN Net 

The RI SKYWARN Net meets every Wednesday at 19:30 on the NB1RI Network.

During severe weather events the net activates at least daily at 19:30 and more often as needed. The SKYWARN net is open to all licensed operators and welcomes new participants.  Net Manager – Martin N1JMA

For more on SKYWARN and RI ARES nets hosted on the linked NB1RI Repeater network, see: 

RI ARES & SKYWARN Nets: https://riares.org/nets

NB1RI repeater network: https://nb1ri.net/

 

Did you know …. that fog melts snow faster than rain?  

meteorological wisdom courtesy of Peter Bartram, KQ1X 

Are you a meteorology-minded ham? A confused beginner? 

Join the SKYWARN net Wednesdays at 7:30pm.

Let’s mentor one another before the storm

 

Awards / BVARC / Clubs

BVARC honors Marc Caouette, W1MCX

- by Nancy Austin

This weekend the Blackstone Valley Amateur Radio Club (BVARC) held its annual Holiday Party in northern RI, with good cheer all around. BVARC club president Ken Trudel, N1RGK recounted a few club highlights from the year, including news of BVARC’s steadily growing membership to now around 70. Amateur radio is alive and well in Rhode Island!

An Awards plaque was presented to Marc Caouette, W1MCX for his years of service as BVARC Vice President and ARRL Assistant Section Manager to Bob Beaudet, W1YRC.

Marc is a working IT professional looking forward to a new chapter of adventures in amateur radio.  Can’t wait to see where your journey takes you!

Marc Caouette, W1MCX (center) with his service award from BVARC.  Shown with TeriDiIorio, W1PUP – BVARC/RI ARES  and John Brewer, N1SXB – ARRL Affiliated Club Coordinator. (2Dec2023)

 

Consortium / Ham Outreach / Operating

“How to Set Up Your First Ham Shack” at The Consortium Dec 4, 2023

- by Nancy Austin

The Consortium is an informal free class on ham fundamentals that is held monthly. Everyone is welcome. The Consortium was founded about 20 years ago by Bob Beaudet W1YRC, and the classes are run by BVARC’s award-winning Elmer, Jim Johnson K1GND.

December’s topic will be a demo on “How to Set Up Your First Ham Shack“. This is sure to be of interest to many.  Hope to see you there as the RI amateur radio community continues to build connections across our small state.

What: The Consortium  | When: Monday December 4, 2023 7pm.  | Where: The Sportsmen’s Club at 250 High St., Manville

Consortium website:  http://www.w1ddd.org/consortium.html 

Posts on The Consortium include:

https://ri-arrl.org/the-consortium-continues-free-ham-training-in-manville-ri

https://ri-arrl.org/how-to-set-up-your-first-ham-shack-at-the-consortium-dec-4-2023

RI Section Manager Newsletter

Welcome to Our November 2023 RI Section Newsletter

- by Nancy Austin
Here’s my riffs and rabbit hole research over the month on the sound byte going around about the average ham being aged 75.

It’s an arresting data point, but what do we really know when we know that? Are we asking the right questions to get to our shared goal? 

Let’s look first at the six generations alive today:

  • “The Silent Generation”, born 1925-1945 and in 2023 ages 98-78;
  • “Boomers”, born 1946-1964 and in 2023 ages 77-59;
  • “Gen X”, born 1965-1980 and in 2023 ages 58-43;
  • “Millennials / Gen Y”, born 1981-1996 and in 2023 ages 42-27;
  • “Gen Z” – digital natives, born 1997-2012 and in 2023 ages 26-11;
  • “Alphas” – all born in the 21st c to (mostly) Millennial parents and will be the largest generation in human history, born 2013-c.2025. Tech-savvy, diverse, screen-age natives. 

So, for context, this means a 75-year old ham is an older “Baby Boomer”.  

The math means there is a gap of three generations, or over 50 years (a half-century) between our average 75-year old ham and a High School student, aged 14-18. 

The good news is that if a general goal is to bring young people into the hobby, then the audience is vast. …Although we might want to clarify: younger than who? 

The request could be said to cover all generations. 

Notably including: 

  • families of digital-native Alphas & Gen Zs, and their tech-savvy Millennial parents; 
  • the 30% of American households now headed by solo adults, aged 20s to 90s; 
  • hobbyist social identity groupings untethered to age

As a call to action, “young people” feels incredibly imprecise. What is the problem we are trying to solve? Who is the “we”? Should each generation be tasked with mentoring the next one?

Interestingly, I think I heard that the average age of a newly licensed ham was now 50!?

If true, this would suggest that Boomers are indeed mentoring the next generation, as requested. Just as the Silent Generation mentored them. 

Or maybe we should just all be coaching everyone we can, regardless of age? Co-creating that give & take space of risk and slow but steady learning? How would you say the amateur radio community is doing to invite everyone to jump in, give learning something new a try, and keep at it until they can contribute and eventually lead?

Right now, I’m listening in on how to become an NTS Traffic handler on the nightly MA-RI phone net. It’s a great daily reminder of what’s involved to put yourself out there doing something you know very little about. Starting and stumbling with hands-on practice to get better in another one of radio’s many many skill building challenges. As they say, every journey starts with an intention and the first tentative steps. I want to send a huge thank you to the net controls for letting me learn in my own way and pace. A year ago, I sent a one-off Radiogram for an EMA SET. Now, a year later, I’m taking the measure of what it would mean to really get better at traffic handling, and the commitment I would need to make. Radio is such a big tent, and the opportunities are there for hams to give things a trial run before you set your priorities. Beta test if the mentoring safety net you will likely need is there for you. But again, the first steps you risk in just showing up to try can ofen be the hardest. I encourage you: give it a try, anyhow.  (And, FYI, the age of the net participants never comes up.)

Reddit is an online discussion forum with 130K members in the r/amateurradio community. LOTS of candid perspectives are posted there on the “younger people” question. For example, there was an informative thread on the question the community posed: 

Is Amateur Radio Facing a Demographic Cliff?

https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/yhm5nf/is_amateur_radio_facing_a_demographic_cliff/

It was humorous to see this reply:  “I remember seeing someone had posted an article in this sub about like pre-1950s saying ssb rag chewing is going to kill the hobby lol. Edit: Here’s the link. https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/iri3ab/from_2020_nope_this_is_the_june_1927_issue_of_qst/“

[Headline: From 2020? Nope, this is the June 1927 issue of QST, when old-timers were already saying amateur radio was doomed and this new-fangled “rag-chewing” was destroying the hobby.]

Another reddit comment shared:

“For many years, 12-18k new licenses were issued each year, except in 2007 when 24k new licenses were issued.

  • In 2020, thirty three thousand new licenses were issued.
  • In 2021, it was thirty five thousand.
  • 2022 is on track to meet or exceed 2021.”

So: maybe the data point about the average age of a ham being 75 is meant to drive home a change-is-coming message that is driven by the financial realities of a changing market? If so, then what is the time frame to relaunch a new message? And who is the intended audience capable of funding this in the timeline given?  We are all here to help reach the shared goal of a vital Amateur Radio community thriving into the next century. Let’s talk with one another.

As your new RI Section Manager, I have heard A LOT of push-back about messaging that many felt focused too exclusively on “young people”.  

Here’s my suggestion towards a shared definition of an inclusive, age-blind ham community culture. Definitely an ongoing conversation with lots of listening needed all around. 

  • An amateur radio operator walks the talk of a growth-mindset spirit that transcends age. Mentoring is a given. There is a bias toward being a Maker / Hacker, curious and experimental. (Are you surprised to hear that many pioneers of AI neural networks began as radio tinkerers?) 
  • Amateur radio is the hobby of a lifetime because it is a big tent with endless areas to explore. Priorities and perspectives mentioned on tech-oriented discussion forums include:
    • “Do NOT lead with “you can talk all over the world”. No one cares about that. The internet is the penultimate wide reaching network to anyone born after 1980. It’s the tech that they want. SDR’s, coding, IP, digital modes, bridging the internet to ham radio…” “computer hobbyists – local robotics, long range drone, linux user groups, things like that.”
    • “Focus on competitive and field elements of the hobby like SOTA & POTA, especially travel light modes like FT8 and CW.”
    • “POTA, because it feels like an EmCom drill every time, hike out to a remote location, set up antennas and power, try to make contacts. It’s been fun, learning and experimenting..” 
    • “ham radio is a wireless technology and radio science sandbox that is not only a really fun ultra-multifaceted hobby, but it’s also a prime extracurricular opportunity for young people (relative to the average amateur radio operator – a 55 year old white American).” https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=28803690
  • Getting started can be hard. Ideally, Amateur Radio offers right-size challenges for hands-on experiential  learning in a welcoming community that wants every ham to succeed. The right attitude helps here, all around. With best intentions hoped for. 
Please welcome our SIX new RI Hams & License Class Upgrades Oct 6- Nov 6, 2023

NEW Technicians

  • Maggie Heaney, KC1TOQ – Chepachet 
  • Nicholas Rodrigues, N1RRW – Lincoln 

NEW + Upgrade (1 General, 1 Extra)

  • Sean M Foley, KC1TNA – Woonsocket (Technician 10-3-2023 > General 10-24-2023)
  • Mark S Barabas, N2IRY – Saunderstown (Technician 10-2023 > Extra 11-2023) 

Upgrade

  • George R Archambault, WA1IWJ – North Smithfield (Technician > General )
  • Luis M Lopes, AJ1NL – Riverside (General > Extra )
Volunteers on the Air: W1AW/1

Do you want to get on the air and operate the iconic call sign W1AW/1?

Rhode Island is the host state operating the call sign for Volunteers on the Air from November 29th to December 6th. For information on how to sign up as a RI operator, please email Mike Corey, KI1U at [email protected]

Here’s the top 25 on the VOTA Leaderboard as of 30 November 2023.  https://vota.arrl.org/leaderboard.php?state=RI&submit=Filter+by+State

Congrats to all, with a special shout out to the Providence Radio Association, W1OP, for ongoing strong club commitment to VOTA 2023. Thank you!

Mesh Networking Infrastructure Collaboration Across New England 

Please consider joining the [email protected] and attending the lively, technically informative monthly gatherings of SMEs across New England (and the US) currently collaborating on building out an interconnected mesh network across New England. 

Use cases include:

  1. NTS traffic and EmComm with multi-media and work tool integration.
  2. Use of mobile mesh nodes to supplement coverage needed regardless of location.
  3. Remote video and spectral monitoring of repeater and network node sites including fire towers.
  4. Better integration with Government and Served Agency internet and office work tool partner processes.
  5. Independence from commercial power-dependent internet connectivity (with nodes equipped for extended operation following commercial power interruption.)

For more information, contact Rob Leiden, K1UI – the ARRL Assistant Director for Spectrum Protection & Utilization. https://nediv.arrl.org/spectrum-protection-utilization/

Slow Scan TV apps at next RI ARES meeting, December 6th at 7:30pm

Jeremy Taylor, K1JST (RI-SEC) will convene the next monthly RI ARES meeting on December 6, 2023 via Zoom to talk about Slow Scan TV apps and why he considers this a basic ham skill to add to your toolkit. 

If you are interested in learning more about RI ARES, please fill out this form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfy-vr-MtgU6kbqcjailbvXVsmJhWoMUpY-vnp3aaF5NTurtg/viewform