Featured, General, Newsletter

Boston Marathon Needs More Hams

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This just came out today from the BAA concern Amateur Radio operator help with the Boston Marathon.  Here’s a copy of the BAA e-mail.

This is a great opportunity for NARS members including recent graduates of our Tech License classes (and others) to get involved and help.

– Ed

Volunteer Appeal
This year we have worked hard to build up our volunteer numbers so that the mission may be accomplished.  Unfortunately, we’ve been met with lower than hoped for volunteer applications.  So here’s our urgent appeal for help.

Please spread the word, personally, that comms volunteers are needed at the Marathon.  In particular, we are seeking Amateur Radio communications for Course Medical tents, Hydration stations, Transportation medical Sweep and Express buses, and operators in the Course Net Control Operations Center.

Please tell your local Amateur Radio clubs and your licensed friends about the need.

To volunteer, send the following information immediately to [email protected]:

  • Full Name
  • Address
  • Amateur Radio Call Sign
  • Do you have a current Red Cross or other CPR certification
  • What is your jacket size (Male/Female)
  • What is your assignment area preference

THANK YOU for stepping up as a volunteer.  You are a vital part of a highly-trained, able team of Amateur Radio communications specialists who are making a huge, and very positive impact on this complex and expansive event.  We cannot possibly thank you enough and simply cannot do the job without everyone’s enthusiasm, energy, and super volunteer spirit!

Also:

Training for these assignments is coming right up.  Anyone planning to volunteer should attend this, whether or not you’re already on the roster.

Training
A reminder that in-person training is ON for next Saturday, March 7, 2020:

Date: Saturday, March 7, 2020
Time: Report for registration by 0800
Location: Joseph P Keefe Technical High School
750 Winter St, Framingham, MA 01702, USA
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/iY5LmDQ5sfUrrnTTA
Parking: Plenty of free and easy parking available.
It is requested that you park at the Fountain Street side of the building.  The main entrance we are asked to use is around the corner.

Even if you are an experienced volunteer, there are several big changes that this training will prepare you for.  For those new, this training is vital!  Nothing beats being there, asking questions, meeting your colleagues, and learning together.  So please be there!  For those folks who cannot attend due to distance or other factors, please let us know.

Jack, W1PK

Activities, Education and Training, Featured, General

Ham Bootcamp Starts on February 29th

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The Nashua Area Radio Society will be holding a Ham Radio Bootcamp this Spring.  This is a program to help new or inactive hams to gain the skills they need to get on the air.   You are invited to join us for the first session, which will be held on Saturday, February 29th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  A light lunch will be provided.

First HF Contact at Bootcamp
First HF Contact at Bootcamp

Here is the planned schedule for the Fall Ham Radio Bootcamp.  Mark these dates on your calendar!

  • Session 1: February 29th
  • Session 2: March 7th
      • How to set up your 1st HF station
      • HF Operating
      • Digital Operating
      • Ground Plane Antenna Kit
  • Session 3: Date TBD
      • Building and tuning up HF Wire Antennas

We will also be scheduling a 4th Ham Radio Bootcamp session, which will be a trip to Ham Radio Outlet in Salem.  Stay tuned to the forums for details.

HamXposition
Dan and Kenzie Satellite Intro at Bootcamp

For more information on Ham Radio Bootcamp, see the articles from previous sessions held locally and at Boxboro.

If you are interested in attending, RSVP to Anita, AB1QB at [email protected].  If you would like to participate in the HT programming session, please send your HT make and model.

Hope to see you on February 29th!

Anita, AB1QB

DX, Featured, Field Day, General, Newsletter, On The Air

Winter Field Day Roving on VHF+ Bands

This year we added a new activity,  VHF+ Winter Field Day Roving.  This involved mobile operators contacting Winter Field Day stations from outside of any Winter Field Day station.

We were able to make contacts on all of the above bands using Phone, Digital, and CW.  Many of the contacts were our first on the bands.

We used transceivers for Winter Field Day Roving to operate on the following VHF bands: 2m, 1.25m, 70cm, 33cm and 23cm.  We used a laptop running Fldigi to add Digital and CW modes to Phone mode.

Thanks to Randall, N1KRB and Miguel, KC1LKO for operating as Rovers for Winter Field Day.

Winter Field Day Rover Test
Winter Field Day Rover Test

Thanks to Jerry, K1OKD and Jon, AC1EV for testing the Rover hardware and software prior to Winter Field Day.

Anita, AB1QB

 

 

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