Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Syracuse/Rochester area GMRS repeaters

 Lots of interest lately in GMRS with the reduced cost of licensing. 

Some Syracuse/Rochester area GMRS repeaters:

462.550     Auburn, PL 136.5 - est. 5-15 mile coverage

462.550     Fulton, PL 136.5 - est. 5 mile coverage, City of Fulton

462.550     Cazenovia, PL 162.2 - est. 35 mile coverage

462.575    Bristol, Alliance, PL141.3 - est. 70 mileage coverage

462.600    Syracuse, ADD, PL 151.4 - est. 70 mile coverage

462.625    Locke, PL 71.9, est. 10 mile coverage (Owasco Valley?)

462.725    Bristol, Covert, PL-TBD (ask), est. 80 mile coverage

Some info about getting licensed and using the GMRS radio service - see links below:

https://www.mygmrs.com/help/about-gmrs

https://www.nysgmrsalliance.com/considering-gmrs

http://www.usagmrs.com/usgmrsassociation.html

https://woofthebeatenpath.com/quick-start-guide-to-gmrs-radio-for-beginners/

https://www.retevis.com/blog/a-guide-for-new-gmrs-radio-comers

GMRS/FRS Frequencies:

https://www.rightchannelradios.com/blogs/newsletters/gmrs-radio-frequencies-and-channels

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Operators needed - Syracuse St. Patrick's Day parade on Sat. 3/16

 We still need a few more operators to help with communications at the parade on March 16. Long range forecast is for 52F, so it will be balmy.  Please help if you can.... RAGS has loaner radios if needed.  Please contact Walt, N2IK at n2ikwkb@gmail.com or 315-243-0736. 

Jerry, NK2C

Monday, March 4, 2024

WNY Ham radio support for 4/8 Solar Eclipse


To:   All WNY Ham Radio Clubs

From:  Vince Harzewski N2JRS, Emergency Coordinator, Erie County ARES/Assistant Radio Officer, Erie County RACES
 
Re: April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
The Erie County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
has requested the assistance of amateur radio operators in conjunction
with the total solar eclipse on April 8.
 
Amateurs will be asked to provide critical information on the day of the
eclipse:
 
All Amateurs from any county are invited to participate.
 
Hams working with Emergency Services will establish communications in
the Emergency Operations center in Cheektowaga NY and will take reports
from amateurs on location, traffic, weather and amount of people
gathering during the key times of the eclipse on the 8th.
 
They will also establish cross border communications with Canadian
amateurs to test viability of passing traffic across the pond.
 
Hams in the EOC will establish communications with the state EOC with HF
voice and WINLINK connectivity.
 
Amateurs from Erie County ARES/RACES will be positioned at certain areas
of interest in the county that are deemed possible points where traffic
leading up to and at the end of the eclipse might become a problem if an
emergency arises and will provide reports to the EOC throughout the
duration of the event.
 
Amateurs in Erie County will also establish 2 quick deployment teams and
station them in the north and south in the county should the need arise
to setup and operate until other county resources can assist and Erie
County RACES will provide an operator to Buffalo Fire in their
respective EOC for a link back to the county EOC and to test the
viability of using us as a backup to inter EOC communications.
  

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Help needed for the Syracuse St. Patrick's Parade

 


St. Patrick's Parade Sign-up

We are in need of commitments from operators for the Parade on March 16.  Please go to https://www.ragsclub.org/public-service  and sign-up.   This is a fun, long term activity for RAGS Public Service and our help is greatly appreciated by the community.  

If you  have difficulty with the site, contact Walt, N2IK directly at n2ikwkb@gmail.com.

ThanKs, Jerry NK2C

Sunday, February 11, 2024

EchoLink has a web browser version

Most folks are familiar with EchoLink. Its been around as a Amateur Radio PC application along with both IPhone and Android apps for many years.

EchoLink® software allows licensed Amateur Radio stations to communicate with one another over the Internet, using streaming-audio technology.  The program allows worldwide connections to be made between stations, or from computer to station, greatly enhancing Amateur Radio's communications capabilities.  There are more than 350,000 validated users worldwide — in 159 of the world's 193 nations — with about 6,000 online at any given time.

What is EchoLink Web?

EchoLink Web is an edition of EchoLink that runs entirely within a Web browser. It runs on various browsers and OS platforms and doesn't require any app to be installed — just click and go.

Learn more here: https://www.echolink.org/faq_webapp.htm



Sunday, February 4, 2024

New APRS tracking web site


Very interesting new APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) tracking site that is hosted right here in CNY by Steve White N2RWE.

The new URL is https://aprs.to 

Learn more about APRS here: http://www.aprs.org/

Saturday, January 13, 2024

Winter Field Day 1/27-28, 2024




 Winter Field Day - January 27th & 28th, 2024





What is WFD?


Winter Field Day is a communications exercise. WFD is held on the last full weekend in January. WFD can be worked from the comfort of your home or in a remote location. You can participate by yourself or get your friends, family, or whole club involved. Winter Field Day is open to participants worldwide. Amateur radio operators may use frequencies on the HF, VHF, or UHF bands and are free to use any mode that can faithfully transmit the required exchange intact. Similar to the ARRL’s Field Day, bonus points are earned in several ways, including using non-commercial power sources, operating from remote locations, satellite contacts, and more.


More info at: https://winterfieldday.org/

Monday, January 8, 2024

First Upstate event of the 2024 Hamfest season - Sat. 1/13/24

 

The Marathon Hamfest will be held on January 13 2024 at the Marathon NY Civic Center, Brink St in Marathon NY from 7 AM until Noon. Admission is $6.00 each, under 12 free. for information check out skylinehamradioclub.org or e-mail Pat at pdunn5@gmail.com
 
Tables are available at $10.00 per 8' space. To reserve tables contact Pat at pdunn5@gmail.com.
 
VE tests will be given beginning at 10 AM. Walk-ins welcome. For information on VE tests (only) or to pre-register (recommended) e-mail bsoltis@gaultauto.com. The testing location is off-site, and requires a two minute walk.
 
Food will be provided by the Marathon Area Historical Society.
 
Travel Directions:
From the North or South: I-81 to Exit 9. Take Route 221 West (East Main St). Immediately before the steel deck bridge, turn left on to Peck St. In one block the Civic Center is on your left. Parking for the Civic Center is in the rear of the buildings.
From Ithaca: Route 13 North to Dryden. Take Route 38 South to Harford, then Route 221 East to Marathon. Turn right immediately after the steel deck bridge on to Peck St., the Civic Center is on your left. Parking for the Civic Center is in the rear of the buildings.
 
-- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
from:
Andrew Slaugh KB2LUV
Secretary, Skyline Amateur Radio Club
Owner of the 145.490 PL 71.9 Repeater in Cortland, NY