You have probably heard something about recent efforts to develop a special “FT8 DXpedition Mode” in WSJT-X. This message aims to bring you up-to-date on our progress, and generally to make our plans more widely known.
It looks like some of the major DXpeditions are beginning to embrace FT8. This will certainly create a need to handle “pileups” in FT8 mode and to make it possible to make many contacts in the shortest period of time possible. It appears that Joe Taylor, K1JT is working on an update to WSJT-X to create a variation of FT8 tailored for DXpedition use. Also, we will also need to update our copies of WXJT-X to take advantage of the new FT8 DXpedition mode. The link above is an article by Joe which gives more information about his new FT8 DXpedition mode and the software which will support it.
It appears that the APRS packet digipeater on the International Space Station is down. The article talks about what is being done to try to correct the problem as well as plans for a more permanent solution.
I wanted to take a moment to recap some of the many great memories from 2017 and outline our 2018 plans.
We updated our Constitution and By-Laws and became the Nashua Area Radio Society this year. These changes reaffirm and strengthen our commitment to education, skills development, and STEM learning through Amateur Radio.
We also continued our ARRL Kids Day and other programs which introduce young people and new Hams to Amateur Radio and help them to get on the air and have fun.
We also continued to update and expand our Field Day Operation in 2017 with the addition of a third tower, a new satellite station, and a remote SDR operating setup.
We had many memorable programs at our membership meetings and some really cool Tech Nights!
Nashua Area Radio Club “Tech Night” at the KC1XX Contest Station
We increased our presence on social media in 2017 and we are now active on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest. We also began live streaming video from many of our events.
Live stream of Abby, AB1BY running a pileup during our Kid’s Day event (play and right-click to unmute)
Our website content grew tremendously in 2018. We now have a total of 325+ member articles about all things Amateur Radio and 2,100+ posts in our forums. Our website, n1fd.org, enjoys a growing worldwide following with the Amateur Radio Community.
Worldwide n1fd.org Visitors in 2017
The Nashua Area Radio Society has accomplished a great deal in 2017 and we grew to over 160 members this past year. There are probably many other activities and special moments that we enjoyed in 2017 – there are just too many to list them all here.
Looking Ahead To 2018
What’s Ahead in 2018?
Given all that we’ve done and accomplished together, its pretty challenging to top 2017 in 2018. Our Executive Committee has been working on a set of goals and plans for 2018 and we wanted to share some of what we are planning.
First, we will continue to improve and build upon what is working. This includes all of the projects and activities outlined above. Our focus will remain centered on encouraging education, skill building, and STEM learning through Amateur Radio. Our planned activities for 2018 include:
Continuing our license classes in the spring and fall of 2018 (Technician, General, and Extra for a total of 6 classes)
Developing our library of Amateur Radio Skill development and learning material through our Tech Night Program
Expanding our STEM outreach to young people through our High-Altitude Balloon Program and related GOTA programs in schools and other public places
Continuing our involvement and support for ARRL Kid’s Day, ARRL Rookie Roundups, and the 13 Colonies Special Event
Introducing a new program tailored for Ham Fests where we will provide a unique, hands-on Amateur Radio experience tailored for young people and prospective Hams
Hosting a fresh series of operating activities as well as our old favorites. Plans include activating All Things OTA (POTAs, SOTAs, and IOTAs). We are also looking at some NARS competitions around these activities.
Continuing to chase our multiplying Foxes throughout 2018 to build our Radio Direction Finding Skills
A 2018 Field Day EMCOM activity which will be bigger and better than ever!
Our Repeater and HF Nets will continue as will our monthly breakfast
Some new Public Service/Emergency Communications activities for 2018
We are also planning to complete our path to becoming a Federal 501c(3) non-profit. This will increase our ability to raise funds to support our many educational activities.
On behalf of the entire Executive Committee, I’d like to thank all of our members and friends for their hard work and contributions to making the Nashua Area Radio Society the wonderful organization that it is. Together, we are making tremendous contributions to young people’s and Amateur Radio operator’s education and skills development.
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