Project Big E to Highlight Modern Amateur Radio

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Project Big E is a 17-day amateur radio exhibit to be held at the 2022 Big E from September 16-October 3, 2022 in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Western Massachusetts ARRL Affiliated Club Coordinator and Hampden County Radio Association president Larry Krainson, W1AST, is the Project Big E General Chairman.

The Big E, formerly known as The Eastern States Exposition, is billed as “New England’s Great State fair.” It is the largest agricultural event on the eastern seaboard and the sixth-largest fair in the nation. In 2021, the Big E had 1.5 million visitors, and over 1.6 million visitors in 2019. [Wikipedia.org]

Planning for Project Big E is underway. An impressive ham radio booth will showcase the many aspects of modern ham radio, and provide an avenue for people to sign up for information and courses in their local area.

Features proposed for Project Big E will include:

  • an EmComm display
  • DMR and/or other digital mobile mode demo
  • Digital HF modes on a big screen
  • A special event station (N1E) with unique QSL cards
  • SSB, CW and digital modes
  • Demonstrations of portable stations for field operation (i.e., Parks On The Air, Summits On The Air)
  • A live ARISS contact

Project Big E can succeed only if there is a sufficient number of volunteers and radio clubs who agree to participate in the event.  A web page has been created at https://nediv.arrl.org/ProjectBigE.

Also, a special Groups.io mailing list group has been established. To join, send an email to ProjectBigE+subscribe@groups.io.

To volunteer for specific days/hours, go to the special Google form signup sheet and register.

New England Division Town Hall Meeting

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Hello Everyone,

We are planning our second New England Division Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, June 15th at 7:30 pm ET. All ARRL members in the New England Division are invited to attend. Our planned topics for this meeting include:

  • An ARRL Update – Fred AB1OC and Phil K9HI
  • Updates from our Assistant Directors – Anita AB1QB, Cory KU1U, Dan N0HF, and Rob K1UI
  • Q&A

We are planning 90 minutes for this meeting. Please register via the following link and we’ll send you a link to join our Town Hall Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zfiGGX_CTIK7xvq9vmuXzw

This is the second of our planned three Town Hall Meetings in 2022. You
can view the recording from our last meeting here –

https://nediv.arrl.org/2022/02/17/new-england-division-town-hall-meeting-deemed-a-success/

We hope that you will join us on June 15th!

Best and 73,

——————————————————————–
ARRL New England Division
Director: Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC
ab1oc@arrl.org
——————————————————————–

Section Manager’s Report June 2022

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Hi gang! Well, it’s that time of year again. The sound of “CQ Field Day, CQ Field Day” Is dancing in our heads. Load up the radio’s, coax, antennas, and just as important, the grill. June 27 – 29 is the date. So, where will you be? With a club? In your backyard? Mobile? It’s all good. Remember 100-watt max. going forward. Also, the rules the last couple of years still apply. As usual, I will be touring the countryside looking for those elusive club sites. If you want to be found, put yourself in the League’s locator site. As of this writing, there are no clubs in my section posted on it. Please do all you can to invite new hams, make them feel welcome and get them on the air. Remember, there are points to be had for an information table, GOTA and also the educational activity bonus.

My apologies for not posting the new ham list. When the FCC had their issues, the new hams have not been getting processed and the ARRL has not got them. Hopefully when it comes back it will be a BIG list.

Our section has again been stung with resignations. Bob, K1YO and Aaron, KF1G have left their positions. This effectively leaves ARES in ashes again. I will support what is still in place as best I can. This and many positions are continuing to left be unfulfilled and other positions are filled and absent from their duties. I’m looking for new volunteers to these positions that can bring some energy to the mix and help really take us to the next level. Positions are open. Email me if you’re interested or just want to discuss these positions.

It is good to see that there is an uptick in VE sessions and license classes going on again. I cannot underscore enough that mentoring will play a big role in getting them active in the hobby. New hams are the continuation of our hobby. The league is well aware of it now and new programs are starting to aid in clubs being successful. Reach out to myself, Larry W1AST the ACC for assistance.

Last week I had the pleasure of going to my first Hamvention in Dayton. I actually drove there. (13 hours) which from what I heard was a good thing as some people had flight issues on the return. I spent part of the time working the ARRL booth for memberships and the clubs. We were treated to some toasty weather and a lot of people. It is hard to imagine the scope of the event and its size until you go there. This was actually the 70th one they had, and it was reported to bring in 30 million dollars to Dayton’s economy. Believe it or not, I didn’t even see the outdoor flea market! (Too much to do) When people advise you about your feet and foot care, pay attention, trust me!

There is an awful lot going on with upcoming events. There is the 13 Colonies special event in July, HamXposition in Marlboro in August, and the Big E in September. There is a big need for people to help out in these events. Visit their websites to learn more or email me. Please consider donating some time. It cannot be done by themselves!

That’s all for me. Definitely not bored at all. With all that I wrote, I said nothing about what I’m doing personally for the section and for the hobby. I can do it, so wake up Van Winkle or Jiminy Cricket and pitch in!

Till next time,

73

Ray AA1SE

13 Colonies Special Event

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This is the last call for any hams in Massachusetts that may want to be a 13 Colonies Team K2H Massachusetts operator.

The Special Event runs from July 1 through July 7.

We currently have 28 K2H ops and if you would like to join the team, please contact me before June 1 at W1AST@arrl.net.

Operators will spot themselves and wait for the pileups to start. It’s a heck of a lot of fun.

Contact Larry, W1AST at W1AST@arrl.net if interested before June 1.

Section Manager’s Report May 2020

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   Hello! We made it through another month. Being busy make it move quickly. Springtime has certainly sprouted activity out here. Question is…where are you? 

   I write this after a little “recovery” from Near-Fest. It was so great to see you all out there. I was there at 0530 waiting to get in to secure my favorite spot. It was great to have Brad W1BCC and Aaron KF1G and his family there alongside me and provided some assistance. Gary K1YTS and crew stopped by for a visit along with Barry W1HFN from MARA. It really is more fun when you are with friends. Next one is October 14 and 15. Hope you can make it then.

   Larry, W1AST has started the promotion of the BigE radio event planned in September. There is so much to do before then. See the flyer below and consider volunteering for some of it. This event does need a lot of people from ALL of New England.

   Some time ago I acquired a bunch of old QST’s that I have been going through and I came across several articles going back over 25 years and more concerning the state of Ham Radio and new ham mentoring and the “old timers” attitude towards new licensees, also with the general lack of participation in clubs. This kind of struck a nerve as I have been a strong advocate for some time now about the very thing. I am sure all of you who read this are probably tired of me preaching about it. The above statement says it all as to why I do! Sadly, I still hear reports of new hams not feeling welcome when they try to join in. I literally heard a comment stating they should be doing more but “I’m too lazy,” In a room of brand-new hams. My question is what had changed in the last 25 plus years? Not much I guess, just the people and the dynamics. To those that are active in many aspects of the hobby, do not let this discourage you, stay with it. If we can get more positives in the mix, it will drown the negatives out. Don’t be afraid to lean on others for ideas, encouragement, etc. This is a hobby of many investments, not just radio’s, antenna’s etc. You invest in people, community, the hobby. Believe me when I say this, I have to remind myself of this every day!

   Clubs at this time are now focusing their meetings on elections and field day. New(er) hams can benefit from this as they can develop skills at field day and grow in the hobby. It can help develop good relations to the club they participate with. Clubs are also looking for leaders to take them into the future. Some clubs have been successful in dusting it off and adding new things to make it lively again inspiring others to join in. There is a huge pool of people inside and out who are willing to help those who take on those positions. Give it a try, you can be a gamechanger.

   That’s about it for now, better get off the soapbox before it caves in hi-hi! Seriously, if I can do it, you can do it. I am by no means a rocket scientist. I utilize my imagination and my resources around me. Joe Dirt (re: the movie) said it best. Life’s a garden….dig it!

Till next month!

Ray AA1SE

Big-E-recruitment-1Download

Groton Road Race

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The Groton Road Race is back! May 15 will be the 29th running of this event. The Groton Police Department and the Race Director have again requested our support this year.

The planned event schedule this year is the same as 2019; the two main races (5k and 10k) will start 90 minutes earlier than in the years before 2018 to allow people with other afternoon activities to participate by having these races end earlier. The communications support that we provide starts around 9am and we should be done shortly after 1pm. The courses themselves will be the same as recent years.

In addition, I now have confirmation from the Race Committee that they do not have any COVID restrictions in place at this time. That is, they are not requiring volunteers to be vaccinated or to wear masks. You are certainly welcome to wear a mask and/or maintain distancing if you wish.

The Groton Road Race continues to be a major event for Amateur Radio in North Central Massachusetts. Those of you who have joined us in previous years know that the runners sincerely appreciate our presence. Many say so as they run past. This event is so large that Police Departments and other public safety organizations from several communities come to assist the Groton PD. Part of our role is to provide the communications from the Groton Police to these out-of-town officers who come to help with this event.

Contributing to the public good is one of the reasons Amateur Radio exists. Our public service events are a key opportunity for us to show our colors, volunteer our skills and equipment, and demonstrate why it is in the public’s interest to continue to allocate precious RF spectrum to our the Amateur Radio Service. The Groton Road Race is a low-stress event and a great way to gain more experience with the public service aspect of amateur radio. Please consider joining us on the 15th.

If you are a new Ham or know of another Ham who is interested in helping at these events but unsure of what is expected or what equipment may be needed, please do not hesitate to introduce the to me.

The Race Committee and the Groton Police Department repeatedly praise and express their appreciation for our assistance in providing communications for this event for many years. I do hope you will be able to join us this year; please let me know.

Thanks and 73,
Ralph Swick
ralph@kd1sm.net

New England QSO Party

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The New England QSO Party will be held on May 7th and 8th.  Now’s your chance to be the sought after stations instead of the other way around!

The NEQP is a great time to check out antenna systems and offers a moderately paced opportunity to work new states and countries. You’ll find a wide variety of participants, from newcomers to experienced contesters, all interested in making contacts with New England stations.

We’re working to make sure that all of the New England counties are active again this year and would appreciate your help. Get on for at least an hour or two and join in on the fun. Please let me know if you can put in any time at all so we can work on activity from the rarest counties. Will you be QRV? Let us know by email which county you’ll be on from.

Oh yes, the NEQP is also lots of fun when mobile. Every time you cross a county line the action starts over again. It’s amazing what a 100w radio and mobile whip can do.

The QSO Party is 20 hours long overall, in two sections with a civilized break for sleep Saturday night. It goes from 4pm Saturday until 1am Sunday, then 9am Sunday until 8pm Sunday. Operate on CW, SSB and digital modes on 80-40-20-15-10 meters. For each QSO you’ll give your callsign, a signal report and your county/state. Top scorers can earn a plaque and everyone who makes 25 QSOs and sends in a log will get a certificate.

The full NEQP rules are here.  The 2021 results are posted and the results since 2002 are also available here.

2022 World Amateur Radio Day: “Celebrating Amateur Radio’s Contribution to Society”

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World Amateur Radio Day, held on April 18 each year, is celebrated worldwide by radio amateurs and their national associations which are organized as member-societies of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). It was on this day in 1925 that the IARU was formed in Paris. American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Co-Founder Hiram Percy Maxim was its first president.

On World Amateur Radio Day, all radio amateurs are invited to take to the airwaves to enjoy our global friendship with other amateurs, and to show our skills and capabilities to the public.

The IARU Administrative Council has chosen “Celebrating Amateur Radio’s Contribution to Society” as the theme for World Amateur Radio Day, Monday, 18 April 2022. 

We have provided a poster for World Amateur Radio Day. Any club may download it and use it to promote WARD in their area. The poster comes in two sizes: 61cm x 91cm and a small (A4) flyer.

More info on World Amateur Radio Day is available and the ARRL HQ website.

Department of Defense Zoominar for Communications Exercise, April 21, 2022

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Tom Kinahan writes:

On Thursday 21 April at 8 pm ET representatives from the US Army Network Enterprise Technology Command will give an unclassified presentation to review the concept of the upcoming DoD Exercise 22-2 which will take place from 2-7 May.

Army representatives will briefly describe the concept of the exercise and how amateurs and Auxiliary communications personnel can participate in this training event.

Zoom info:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86398593554?pwd=OHhCR0xZOXNvb3M2bGphdXFzbVNHZz09

For more information connect to:

https://www.dodmars.org/mars-comex-information-website/dod-comex-22-2-zoominar-information

Tom Kinahan

US Army Military Auxiliary Radio System
Region One Director
aaa1rd at usamars.us

NEAR-Fest XXXI

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ATTENTION….. Two weeks to go!   New England’s premier radio hobby event……Both days ….huge flea market, forums,  ARRL officials in attendance.  Friday:  AMers W1IA Celebration, “HamJam,” Saturday: VE Exams 10:00 AM. ……… Big door prizes both days (Two Yaesu FT-891s, two SDRplay radios, one each day)……Fun for all!  NEAR-Fest XXXI Friday April 29th and Saturday April 30th 2022, Deerfield NH Fairgrounds Highway 43, Deerfield NH. 

. Last chance NOW to get advance tickets and save $5.   Advance admission tickets $10  ($15 at the gate), Inside parking (flea market) $10.  Mail by Wednesday April 20th in order to get them in time.  PLEASE ENCLOSE SASE!   Mail to W1RC, 316 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead MA 01945. More info www.near-fest.com.  Camping passes available onsite.