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  • Ham Radio Classes For Tech General and Extra

    Are you or do you know someone that wants to get into Amateur Radio? Do you currently hold a Technician or General license and want to upgrade?

    This is the perfect chance to get your license or upgrade your current license. No reservations are required. Details are below, but if you have questions, please fill out the form at the bottom of this post

    -=-
    DATES:

    Two Tuesday nights (January 15th and 22nd) from 7 to 9PM
    and all day Saturday (January 26th) 9 AM to 6:PM, including VE exam.
    -=-
    LOCATION:
    Auxiliary Conference Center
    Holyoke Medical Center
    575 Beech Street
    Holyoke Mass, 01040-2223
    -=-
    COST:
    $0 (Zero Dollars)
    ARRL Manuals (optional, but highly recommended) available for sale at the class.
    -=-
    VE EXAM:
    Time: After 3:00 PM on Saturday January 26.
    Cost: $15.00 USD

    Please Check Back For Any Changes/Cancellations
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  • T minus 22.5 hours and counting…

    Until what you say? Why this weekend’s 10 meter contest – that’s what!

    Will you represent HCRA in this contest, score 100K points and win a $10 DD gift card for your efforts? Or will you do something boring like go shopping? The choice is in your hands but only YOU can make the choice.

    There’s been a lot of chatter about the contest to date and I don’t want to repeat what’s already been posted. Not sure what I’m talking about, then click here and here to learn more. Besides getting on the air, operating and having fun there’s a few important things to remember. In order of importance they could be:

    1. Your shack must be able to be QRV (on the air) on 10 meters? (don’t worry, if you don’t have an HF setup we’ve got you covered – just keep reading)
    2. Have a Novice (remember those), Technician class license or above. (that’s everyone!)
    3. Be familiar with the ‘rules of the game’. They can be found here.
    4. Send in your log (read the rules) and don’t forget to put “Hampden County Radio Association” in the club field of your entry. (you must also be a member of HCRA).
    5. Contact either Matt/W1MSW or myself if you have any questions – we’re here to help.

    That’s all there is to it. The contest starts at 7:00 PM Friday evening (0000Z December 8th) and ends at 7:00 PM Sunday evening (0000Z December 10th). A possible 48 hours of fun but because it is 10 meters you’ll have time to sleep in between – it is unusual for the band to be open past midnight.

    But wait, I don’t have an HF station, or I’m not sure how to operate, or….

    That’s OK. There’s at least one shack open to our members for guest operation this weekend. Come on over to the KK1W station and we will get you on the air. Phone or CW, we can do both. A decent radio, good antenna, KW amplifier and comfortable shack will make it fun. We’ll be operating under our club call, WB1Z and will be QRV for the entire contest. Ed/KB1NWH and Frandy/N1FJ have signed on but we need more. More ops, more company, more BS – it all means more fun!

    Please call or email me ahead of time so I can be prepared for the rush. I guarantee you’ll have a good time and hopefully learn something about contest and/or HF operation at the same time. See you this weekend!

    ’73…
    Jim/KK1W

  • From the Shack – December 2012

    Holiday Party – December 10th

    If you’re planning on going – and you haven’t bought your ticket yet – you’re almost out of time. Don’t miss out on a chance to spend a fun evening with your ham friends from both MTARA and HCRA this holiday season. It isn’t possible for us to sell tickets at the door because we need to provide the restaurant with a head count a week prior to the party. If you still want to go here’s what you need to do.

    Contact either me or Marty/W1MJB and let of us know  you will be attending. We will add your name to the list and make sure there’s food for you when you get there! You can contact us via the links on the website or call me directly at 413.237.4666. At this point in time there isn’t any other way. We don’t want anyone to miss out so get it done now!

    DON’T SEND CHECKS TO THE PO BOX! It is too late for that and it may not be checked in time for the party. Call us instead and we will make it happen for you. More info on the party by clicking here!

    ONE MORE REMINDER…

    There is no regular club meeting in December. This was mentioned in last month’s ‘from the shack’ but it bears repeating. Instead of the meeting we’re having our gala Holiday Party event – that’s a good trade off I think? If you show up the first Friday of December and we’re not there don’t say you weren’t warned!

    Are you ready for an ARRL 10 Meter Contest Challenge?

    Earlier this month we posted the 2012 challenge goal of 100K points.  Make or exceed the goal and you will receive a Dunkin’ Donuts gift card for your efforts. Why are we doing this? Because we want YOU to be on the air (QRV) and having fun while we can still enjoy the Cycle 24 peak. Ten meters has been open a lot over the last few weeks and we all have our fingers crossed it will be hopping on December 10th. You can find more information about how to operate, the 2012 rules, the 2012 challenge and past scores simply by clicking the hot links.

    The 10 meter contest is a great way to introduce new or inexperienced operators into HF operating and/or contesting. It offers both voice or CW so new ops can try a different modes if they so desire. Adding to the fun is all our individual scores count as a club score – how cool is that? In order to get new folks on the air we’re looking for folks willing to open their home station to visiting (guest) operators. Please comment below if you have time and station resources to help someone get excited about HF! It need not be for the entire contest. Even if you only host for a few hours Saturday or Sunday afternoon think what that means to someone that hasn’t had the opportunity to play radio on HF, or may not even have an HF station. Those few hours of your time could make a huge difference in someone’s amateur radio excitement for years to come.

    Putting my station where my mouth is I will be opening my station for guest ops throughout the contest. If you would like to spend some time on the air using our club call WB1Z from my shack drop me a note so I can get you on the schedule. The station is competitive with an Icom Pro-2, amp and beam antenna. Come on over, I guarantee you’ll have some fun and kick some contest butt at the same time! And if the band isn’t open we can do what all good hams do – shoot the bull, find something else to play with or break and still have fun.

    Notes from the cluster:

    Cycle 24 is still working! I just finished up a weekend of contesting in the CQWW-CW event this past weekend. The bands were hopping. 10 meters was open quite a bit, and early in the morning. 15 meters was just amazing! I ran QRP (5 watts) and worked 99 countries over the weekend. Lots of DX including Japan, Micronesia, Guam, Asiatic Russia and more, all with only 5 watts! Like everything else, Cycle 24 will soon start a downturn. Don’t miss your chance to have fun on the HF bands. Get on the air and operate. Whether in a contest, a rag chew, casual DX’ing it makes no difference. It’s all good and if you miss it another eleven years will have to pass to get back to where we are today. Don’t be an ‘armchair amateur’, get in front of the rig and have fun!

    Field Day Planning has begun.  It is in your hands!  If you have some thoughts about what we should (or shouldn’t) do for FD now is your chance to speak up. For years now our FD has been one of HCRA’s ‘Big Events’ and attracts more members than anything except perhaps the Holiday Party. If you’ve been attending you know why. If you haven’t been attending we want to know why. What would excite YOU enough to participate? Have ideas, that’s great – just be prepared to back them up with some ‘sweat equity’ to make it happen 🙂

    Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season – 73…
    Jim/KK1W

  • DX Bulletin 48

    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT  November 21, 2012
    To all radio amateurs

    SB DX ARL ARLD048
    ARLD048 DX news

    This week’s bulletin was made possible with information provided by CX3AL, N4QX, NC1L, VU2DSI, The Weekly DX, QRZ DX, the OPDX Bulletin,
    425 DX News, The Daily DX, DXNL, Contest Corral from QST and the ARRL Contest Calendar and WA7BNM web sites.  Thanks to all.

    TUNISIA, 3V.  Ash, 3V4-002 will be QRV as 3V8BB from Bir El Bay, Tunis in the CQ World Wide DX CW contest as a Single Op/All Band/Low Power entry.  QSL via LX1NO.

    ITU HQ, 4UxITU.  Serge, VA3SB, Brennan, N4QX and possibly others will be QRV as 4U1ITU during the CQ World Wide DX CW contest.  They may also be active as time permits until November 28.  QSL via the HB QSL bureau.

    CYPRUS, 5B.  Jack, R2AA will be QRV as P3N during the CQ World Wide DX CW contest as a Single Op/All Band/High Power entry.  QSL via RW3RN.

    WEST MALAYSIA, 9M2.  Champ, E21EIC will be QRV as 9M2/E21EIC from November 23 to 27.  This includes being a Single Op/All Band/Low Power entry in the CQ World Wide DX CW contest.  JA stations QSL via JR5XPG and all others to home call.

    CHINA, BY.  Jack, BA4ALC will be QRV as BY5CD in the CQ World Wide DX CW contest as a Single Op/All Band entry.  QSL via BD4HF.

    BAHAMAS, C6.  Brian, ND3F will be QRV as C6AQQ from Nassau, IOTA NA-001, in the CQ World Wide DX CW contest as a Single Op/All Band/Low Power entry.  Outside the contest, he will be active on 17 and 12 meters, and possibly 160 and 80 meters as well.  QSL via operator’s instructions.

    URUGUAY, CX.  Look for operators CW5W, CX2DK, CX3AL, CX5TR, CX7CO and CX7ACH to be QRV in the CQ World Wide DX CW contest as various entry types.  QSL to home calls.

    BELARUS, EU.  Valentin, EU1AA will be QRV in the CQ World Wide DX CW contest as a Single Op/All Band/QRP entry.  QSL to home call.

    HONDURAS, HR.  Hiro, JA6WFM, will be QRV as HQ2N from San Pedro Sula in the CQ World Wide DX CW contest as a Single Op/Single Band/10 meter entry.  QSL via EA5GL.

    THAILAND, HS.  Dej, E21YDP, will be QRV as a Single Op/All Band/Low Power entry in the CQ World Wide DX CW contest.  QSL to home call.

    JAN MAYEN, JX.  Svein, LA9JKA is QRV as JX9JKA until around April 11, 2013.  Activity is on the HF bands, including 60 meters, using SSB and various digital modes.  QSL direct to home call.

    FRANZ JOSEF LAND, R1/F.  Eugene, UA4RX will be QRV as RI1FJ in the CQ World Wide DX CW contest as a Single Op/Single Band/Low Power/15 meter entry.  QSL direct via UA2FM.

    PALAU, T8.  Naotsugu, JA1MML is QRV as T8NS until November 26.  This includes being a Single Op/All Band entry in the CQ World Wide DX CW contest.  QSL via operator’s instructions.

    INDIA, VU.  Special event station AU2JCB will be QRV from November
    24 to December 10 to celebrate the scientist Aacharya Jagadish Chandra Bose.  Activity will be on 40 to 10 meters using SSB and FM on 6 meters.  QSL via VU2DSI.

    THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO.  The CQ Worldwide DX CW Contest, QRP CW Fox Hunt and NCCC Sprint are all scheduled for this upcoming weekend.  Please see November QST, page 91 and the ARRL and WA7BNM Contest websites for details.

  • HCRA 10M Contest Challenge!

    Yep, it’s back again this year – the HCRA Challenge. Last year we offered a Dunkin’ Donuts gift card to any member scoring over 77,000 points. Many members blew past the 77K goal and scored well over 100K! So, what’s the goal for 2012 you ask?

    Using the same formula as last year (total club score/participants) that would work out to 73,626 points. I don’t know about you but a goal, especially considering present solar conditions, shouldn’t be less than last year’s, do you? Therefore I’m proposing the following:

    Challenge Score: 100,000 points

    If you score 100K points or higher in the 2012 ARRL 10 meter contest you will win a $10 Dunkin’ Donuts gift card courtesy of HCRA for your efforts. In order to qualify for your ‘prize’ you have to notify me via email with your entry category and claimed score AND submit your log to ARRL for processing. When submitting your log don’t forget to put “Hampden County Radio Association” in the affiliated club line of your entry. The 10M Challenge is open to members HCRA, if you’re not a member you can’t submit a club entry, sorry.

    Are there any folks interested in opening up their station for a multi-operator effort? Please post a comment either here or on facebook if you can, it is a fantastic way to get new folks excited about HF operating.

    ’73…,
    Jim/KK1W

  • ARRL 10 Meter Contest Tutorial

    Adapted from Jim – KK1W’s tutorial from the original HCRA website

    The ARRL Ten Meter Contest starts the Friday of the second full weekend of December at 0000 UTC (7:00PM local time) and runs through 2359 UTC (6:59PM) Sunday. If you have a chance to get on I hope you make a few contacts.

    The fun part of this contest is you can play and send in your own personal score as well as participate as a club. All you need to do is put ‘Hampden County Radio Association’ in the club line on your entry form. You get your score and the club score is the combination of everyone that sends in a log with HCRA identified.

    Are you new to contesting and want to give it a try? This is the perfect contest for starting out. The band is not crowded, the pace is relatively slow and it’s unlikely the band will be open for more than 10 to 12 hours out of the possible 48 hours. So now we know it won’t be stressful, let’s see how easy it is.

    First off, it is worth a glance at the rules.  Click here for the latest rules and take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with them.  It’s not complicated, but can be a bit daunting when you first look at them.

    Now that you’ve read them, lets see how easy it actually is. The whole idea is to work (talk to) as many different stations as possible on the 10 meter band. You get points for each station, each state (or country) and each mode (CW or phone). When all is said and done you add up all your QSO points (2 for phone contacts, 4 for CW), add up your states & countries and multiply them. That’s your score. There are additional QSO points for different power levels and station types. I’m guessing most of us will be operating low power (up to 100 watts), and as a single operator. The contest runs for 48 hours, starting at 7:00 PM Friday evening and ending at 7:00 PM Sunday evening.

    Where to operate? Most of the activity will be on phone, between 28.300 and 28.500 MHz. If the band gets really busy and crowded activity will creep higher than 28.500. If you want to take a stab at CW then look between 28.000 and 28.060.

    Who do you talk to and what to you say? The best way to start is to tune your rig to 28.300 and start tuning slowly upward. You will probably come across some loud stations calling CQ. These are the dedicated contesters and the best ones to make your first contacts as they have good stations and are competent operators. Here’s an example of what your first QSO might sound like:

    Sending station: CQ CQ CQ, this is K1KI calling CQ contest, CQ CQ CQ contest, QRZ

    You transmit your call: KK1W

    Sending station: KK1W you are 59, CT (charlie tango)

    You transmit: K1KI you are 59, MA (mike alpha).

    Sending station: Thanks!, QRZ contest…

    And then the next station calls K1KI

    That is the exchange. Signal strength (always 59!) and your state (DX stations will send a serial number). If you’re not sure of the state be sure you ask the station to repeat so you don’t make a mistake. That’s all there is to it, write it down in your log and start tuning for the next station. Remember as you go up in the band if you are a Technician you can only go as high as 28.500!

    As you log more contacts, especially if the band is busy, it gets more difficult to remember if you have worked a station before.  You can manually keep a ‘dupe sheet’ or resort to using a logging program on your computer.  There are many out there, but a really good one (and free too) is N1MM logger.  Take a look at: www.n1mm.com. Using a logging program makes the contest fun and easy, and really takes the sting out of submitting your log when the contest is over.  you can export your log to a ‘Cabrillo’ file and simply email it to ARRL when you’re done.  For some people using a contest logger can be addictive, kind of like a video game.

    So that’s it – not hard, lots of fun and a good way to spend time this weekend. You really didn’t want to go out and shovel snow or go to the mall, did you?

    So have fun, send in your log when you’re done and don’t forget to put ‘Hampden County Radio Association’ in the club field when you’re done.  Oh, and please send Matt – W1MSW a copy of your score so we can post it on the HCRA website too.  If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to drop an email to Matt – w1msw (at) arrl (dot) net.

    Don’t forget, its all about the fun!

  • November Member Profile: Nick – K1MAZ

    Nick - K1MAZName: Nick Maslon

    Town: Three Rivers

    Callsign: K1MAZ

    Previous Callsigns: KB1VYZ (never used on the air)

    License Class: Extra

    Main station equipment: Kenwood TS-450 (borrowed from NE1C) with a G5RV and 160m inverted L

    Favorite Band(s): 17m, 15m

    Favorite Mode(s): SSB

    Year you were first licensed and license class: 2011 General

    How did you become interested in amateur radio?

    I became interested in amateur radio through exposure from Kx1x and NE1C at various Scout functions.  Although I did the radio merit badge in 2003 with John at scout camp, it wasn’t until last year that it really peaked my interest.  I took my license test and made to General in the first go.  I then upgraded to Extra two months later.

    What are some of your favorite aspects of the hobby?

    I enjoy contesting, both from my house and at stations such as K1TTT as well as casual DXing.  I’ve recently become involved with Summits on the Air which is an excellent way to combine my love of the outdoors with my love of radio.

    What is your most memorable experience in the hobby?

    My most memorable experience in the hobby would have to be opening a packet from the ARRL expecting membership solicitations but finding a certificate for first place in the 2011 phone Sweepstakes for single operator low power in Western Mass.  This goes to show that anyone can win a contest with a piece of wire in the air and a little effort.

    If different from the above question, what was your most memorable contact on the radio?

    I would say that I have two most memorable contacts.  The first was with KC3FL in Florida.  He originally lived up here and we spent quite some time ragchewing about the area.  The second was my first ZL contact which was on 20m past midnight.  After a couple calls, I was ecstatic when I heard my call come back to me.

    What do you feel ham radio operators must do to help ensure the future of the hobby?

    There are two big things, in my opinion, that ham operators need to use to ensure the future of the hobby.  First of all, proper manners on the air will go a big way.  Following rules like the DX Code of Conduct will not only help make the airwaves a more pleasant place to be but will help to make large pileups less intimidating for new users.  Second of all, elmers can really make a big difference.  I wouldn’t be as involved in the hobby as I am without the support, encouragement, and ideas from a lot of the elmers in the community and HCRA.  Being receptive and supportive of new and/or novice hams as well as interested individuals can play a big role in the survival of the sport, especially since the younger generation is the future of the hobby.

  • Fred Hopengarten, K1VR to speak on antenna zoning at FCARC meeting Monday night

    Posted on  by 

     

    Antenna Zoning for the Radio Amateur

    Is there a tower and antenna in your future? Applying for a Permit? On November 19 the Franklin County Amateur Radio Club (FCARC) speaker will be Fred Hopengarten, K1VR, telecommunications lawyer. Fred is author of the definitive book,Antenna Zoning for the Radio Amateur. Fred has represented many amateurs in conflicts with local zoning authorities about antennas and towers, including in Franklin County. His book is published in cooperation with the ARRL and he will probably have a few copies on hand.

    This is a not-to-be-missed meeting ! 

    The meeting will be at the usual time and place, Greenfield High School, Lenox Ave (off Silver St.) at 7:15 p.m. (coffee at 7:00).

    Directions to Greenfield High School: From the center of Greenfield go north on Federal St. (Rtes 5 and 10) about 1.5 miles, at Silver St. (stop light) turn left. From North or South on I-91, take Exit 27, Route 2 East, then the first exit, Bernardston Rd (Routes 5 and 10 South). The Silver St. intersection is about 0.3 mile south of Rte 2, turn right at the stop light. On Silver St. look for a sign for the High School on the left, about 0.3 mile from Federal St. (Click here for a Google map.)

  • Holiday Party December 10, 2012

    There will be no HCRA meeting Friday, December 7, 2012. Our annual Holiday Party will be at the Steaming Tender in Palmer on Monday, December 10, 2012. See below:

  • More links from the November 2nd meeting

    Here are the sources for antenna supports I use for portable operation. Usable height is usually less than claimed height. We have found that anything over 20 feet or so works well on a summit activation.

    28′ carbon fiber pole, about $100 including shipping, strong and light and compact: 

    http://www.allfishingbuy.com/Fishing-Pole/Pole-A1-65-2-8615.htm

    31′ Jackite fiberglass pole, $68.95 including shipping, strong and heavy and big:

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/31-Fiberglass-Pole-Radio-Antenna-Jackite-/160561593904?pt=US_Radio_Comm_Antennas&hash=item2562377e30

    – Frandy, N1FJ