Wednesday, March 4, 2026

New Radio System coming for the New York State Thruway

The New York State Thruway Authority is in the process of upgrading their statewide radio communications system. NYSTA awarded L3Harris the contract for a 700/800 mhz P25 Phase 2 trunked system in January of 2025. The radio system supports the NYS Police Troop T, NYSTA maintenance and local tow truck operations.The present UHF system has been in service for over 50 years covering the 570 mile roadway. 

The new multiband L3Harris mobile radios will support communications on both the legacy UHF system and the new P25 network, which should allow a smooth transition for authority personnel. New equipment installations began last year and should be completed in 2027. 

PRESS RELEASE: 

L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) has received a contract award to upgrade the New York State Thruway Authority’s critical communications infrastructure, including voice and data connectivity, throughout its 570-mile jurisdiction.

L3Harris will deliver Two47 Base Stations to roughly 40 sites spanning New York City to the western border with Canada, delivering secure, interoperable communications through reliable, agile networks. L3Harris will also deliver more than 1,800 XL Series radios and provide maintenance and system support. The award followed a competitive procurement process and is potentially worth more than $150 million over 20 years.

“There is a significant need for high-speed voice and data communications throughout the Thruway system, particularly during periods of high traffic or adverse weather, and our solutions provide New York with the flexibility to meet its evolving needs over the next 20 years,” said Kevin Pietrzak, President, Public Safety and Professional Communications, L3Harris. “For three decades, Thruway communications have remained resilient through everything from terrorist attacks to natural disasters, and we look forward to continuing this support.”

This network, composed of L3Harris’ latest critical-communications solutions, provides an open-system architecture that enables transportation organizations the flexibility to tailor to regionally specific needs. It will enhance interoperability with transportation and emergency responders throughout the 570-mile system. (source: L3Harris press release)

References: March 2026 The Spectrum Monitor, L3Harris press releases, various LMR industry pubs


Sunday, March 1, 2026

Drumlins Hamfest - Sat 4/18/26

 *** Drumlins Hamfest 2026***

  • Palmyra VFW Post 6778, 4306 Route 31, Palmyra, NY
  • Vendors 7AM, Public 8AM-Till 1PM

Table Signup: Rich Hamill (315) 986-8589
Email: Hamfest@drumlinsarc.us



Friday, February 6, 2026

YL POTA Party - Spencerport NY - 3/7/26

 

On Saturday, March 7, women interested in amateur radio and portable operating are invited to spend the day together at Owens Lodge, Pineway Ponds Park along the Erie Canal in Spencerport, NY for a relaxed YL POTA Party.

Parks On The Air (POTA) is an amateur radio activity that encourages operators to set up portable stations in parks and make contacts from the field. The YL POTA Party is an exciting way for women of all ages to experience portable operating, learn by doing, and enjoy time on the air together. You do not need to be licensed to participate.

Starting at 9:00 AM, the day kicks off with setting up portable stations and getting on the air, with plenty of time to operate, chat, and enjoy food throughout the day (we just need to be out by 9 PM). Bring your own portable equipment or operate from ours.

Similar YL POTA parties are held each year around International Women’s Day, with gatherings planned worldwide to celebrate women’s contributions to radio and their involvement in the hobby.

Please RSVP to Angela N3ARB and Matt K2EAG by email at brown@brownbuffalo.com.

You can also visit us at upstatenypota.com. This is an unofficial event and is not sponsored by Parks On The Air.


Tuesday, January 27, 2026

3YOK Bouvet DXpedition - local connection, Adrian; KO8SCA

 The 2026 Bouvet Island DXpedition is set to take place in late February 2026, with a team of amateur radio operators planning to activate one of the most remote and coveted locations in the world. Presently scheduled to start around 2/21/26 2/28/26.

Central NY's own Adrian, KO8SCA is a co-leader on this DXpedition. Adrian, from Skaneateles is quite an experienced DXpeditioner. Check out his list on QRZ! 

This DXpedition has a $1.65 million budget, a rented icebreaker from IceTugs, and a helicopter for transport to get them back and forth to the support ship. This will be a three-week effort on Bouvet, with operations beginning as soon as weather allows. Two camps—including one dedicated to North America—will maximize QSOs, making this a must-work event for DXers worldwide.

Latest updates on the 3YOK Bouvet DXpedition: https://www.dx-world.net/3y0k-bouvet-2026/

Bouvet Island DXpedition website: https://3y0k.com/#news

3/3/26 update on the 3YOK Bouvet DXpedition:

3Y0K Bouvet

As of March 3, 14:45 UTC. 

Finally, a nice sunny day here on the island. Both camps are safe and secure with 8 tents in total. One camp is located at the NA focus location.

Equipment is - 10 ICOM 7610 radios and 10 amps in the camps- ACOM 2020s,1400s & 500s.

We have antennas for all bands in the air except 10m. We are operating 4 stations now from 500W to 1 kW+. Two yagis  for 20m + one for 17/12, 1 18m top-loaded 160m, 1 full size 80m verticals.

Tomorrow the 10m antennas will go up, with an another for 17/12.

Expect 160m every night as long as the antenna holds up. We do have spares!

Tonight we plan 160,80,40 & 30m.

Expected operation till March 18 or 20, weather dependent. 

See you in the pileups,

James, KB2FMH

Global pilot coordinator

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27 February 2026

Y0K Bouvet

''We arrived at Bouvetøya this morning, but the weather and sea state is still not favourable for us to start going onshore today. During our daily meeting today with the captain, pilots and expedition crew, we discussed the weather forecast. During the last few days, we have stayed in an area with adverse weather and waves up to 8-10 meter, which is the reason for us slowing down the speed. The vessel is handling the sea very well and we are all satisfied with that. We are now currently looking into a weather window on Saturday and Sunday, and as long as the conditions don’t change it is likely we will make an effort to go onshore this weekend. The pilots and crew are ready and confident in the machine, and we will now start our final preparations.

At this stage we cannot tell when we will be on the air. The main priority is to focus on the upcoming weather windows, get the gear and people onto the island and secure the camp with tents and provisions – before the radio/antenna installation starts. Our pilot James KB2FMH will inform when we are QRV.

We thank Daily DX, EA1CS DX Info and James who are the only sources providing you with reliable info directly from the team.

73, 3YØK


Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Niagara Radio Club - 85th anniversary


Congratualtions to the Niagara Radio Club as it is celebrates it's 85th anniversary in 2026!

First incorporated in 1941, the club has seen ham radio evolve into different modes and technologies.

We are planning special event club stations for 2026 (announcements will be forth coming).

For more information, please visit Www.niagararadioclub.com 


Thank you and 73's

James Laughlan, W2KYM

Niagara Radio Club



Friday, January 9, 2026

KLARA Hamfest - Sat. 2/7/26

 

WHEN: SATURDAY FEBRUARY 7, 2026@ 8AM

Join the Keuka Lake Amateur Radio Association (KLARA) for a fun, FREE hamfest in Almond, NY! Don’t miss this chance to trade gear, meet fellow hams, get your ham radio license, and celebrate amateur radio!

LOCATION:

Almond, NY Municipal Building – 1 Marvin Lane

Take Exit 33 off I-86, follow signs toward Alfred (1 mile from exit).

VENDORS

FREE flee market for vendors

Open for vendors at 7AM

Tables, chairs and power (as available)

FCC LICENSE TESTING

VE Testing at 10 AM ~ get your license or upgrade 

For reservations please email:   ve_testing@klara.us 


More info at: https://klara.us/


Friday, January 2, 2026

Winter Field Day 2026 - Jan. 24-25, 2026



Winter Field Day is an exciting annual event for amateur radio enthusiasts, taking place on the last full weekend of January. It offers a unique opportunity for radio operators to set up field operations in remote locations, enabling them to connect with other participants worldwide. You may choose to participate solo or get your your friends, family, or whole club involved. Winter Field Day is organized by the Winter Field Day Association. The association strongly believes that ham radio operators should practice portable emergency communications in winter environments. This is because freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and other hazards pose unique operational concerns.

The 30-hour operational period starts at 1600 UTC on Saturday (11 am EST), the 24th, and ends at 21:59 UTC on Sunday, the 25th (4:59 pm EST). Stations may begin setting up no earlier than 16:00 UTC (11 pm EST) on the Friday before.

The Winter Field Day event aims to help participants improve their preparedness for disasters and enhance their operational abilities in adverse conditions. Amateur radio operators have the freedom to use frequencies on the HF, VHF, or UHF bands while employing voice, CW, and digital transmissions. The event designates specific objectives to encourage a diverse range of activities, including the use of non-commercial power sources, the deployment of multiple antennas, establishing satellite contacts, and more.

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

Links to some WFD activity plans/examples:

https://www.n1fd.org/2025/12/11/winter-field-day-2026-6-band-multiplier-prep/

https://www.n4pow.com/parcwfd2026

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CANCELED!!! 1/24/26 - In anticipation of the massive winter storm on its way, Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday issued a state of emergency for all of New York. 

Due to the state of emergency the park and our cabin will be unavailable, thus canceling our plans for a WFD event. Please let others know if they planned to attend.

RaRa‘s Winter Field Day event has been cancelled.

Jeff Fuller, KE2ELI
RaRa Vice President

Rochester Winter Field Day with RARA (from Jan.2026 RARA Rag):

Location:  West Lodge at Mendon Ponds Park.

Map:   https://www.monroecounty.gov/files/parks/Maps/MPP.pdf

Directions:   https://www.google.com/maps/place/West+Lodge/@43.035263,-77.5647776,17z

If you have questions you can email Jeff at:  vicepresident@rochesterham.org and you can find more information about Winter Field Day Here:  https://winterfieldday.org/




Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Happy New Year!

Another year has come and gone! We wanted to reach out to say Thank You to the many individuals and clubs that send us information and corrections for the UpstateHam web site! Also thanks to our viewers for visiting and supporting our site.

Wishing you all health and Happiness in the new year!

73- From the folks at UpstateHam.com



Sunday, December 28, 2025

John Bartscherer, N1GNV - SK ("John Bee" of Quicksilver Radio)

We were sad to recently hear that John Bartscherer, N1GNV, better known in the amateur radio community as John Bee, owner of Quicksilver Radio Products, passed away on October 23rd, 2025. 

John was a familiar face at hamfests around Upstate NY as well as up and down the East Coast. His store, Quicksilver Radio Products had an online presense as well for over twenty years. John sold parts, accessories and cables for radio equipment, many of which John made himself. Online memorials to John mention that prior to starting Quicksilver Radio Products, John was the QST Advertising Manager for many years.



We bought a lot of "stuff" from John over the years. I remember him encouraging me to adopt Power pole connectors early in my "hammy carreer". I went on to buy crimpers, connectors and cable fom him at shows and online. He was always a very pleasant guy to talk to!


John is survived by his children, Elizabeth and Jay, and his brother Michael. According to the QSR website they are NOT closing and have re-organized. They are open for business as of this writing and planning on being at Hamfests in 2026.

https://www.qsradio.com/index.html








UPDATE 1/15/26    (just got this note from QSR's new owner)

Honoring the Legacy:

The Future of Quicksilver Radio


Hi anthony,

          A lot has happened and changed since the last Quicksilver newsletter was sent!  What hasn't changed is Quicksilver's dedication to serving the ham radio community.   In October 2025 John B passed away after a brief hospital stay and several years of health issues. John's vision, drive and passion for Quicksilver is the reason the company grew to where it is today. John and I (K3KMT) began earnestly discussing a business succession plan around the time of the Nutmeg Hamfest in 2024 in Meriden, CT. We attended several hamfests together and he would ask me each time "are you ready?"  I would laugh him off and tell him no.  Honestly I was intimidated by the thought of taking on such a large endeavor. He was persistent. He asked me to come spend a day with him at his shop before the 2025 Nutmeg Hamfest.  I traveled to CT and we spent all day together. He convinced me that the idea was feasible and could work.  Anyone that saw John at the hamfest in October knew it wasn't the John we were normally used to seeing.  John's health declined rapidly after that show.  I got "the phone call" the morning after he passed - less then two weeks after the Nutmeg Hamfest.  After taking some time and looking at several options the family made the difficult decision to sell the business. 
         The last month has been a whirlwind. We sent a team to CT to pack inventory, tooling and equipment. It was a difficult 2 days of packing and moving for me personally, I wish John would have been there to help. His knowledge, and his personality were missed.  More then anything, as the team at Quicksilver Radio moves forward, our goal is to honor John's legacy and the fond memories that the customers and his hamfest friends have.    

         So what does the future hold?  We are looking forward to meeting and seeing John's friends and past customers throughout the next year and especially at Hamcation in Florida in February. We are trying our hardest to get to as many hamfests as possible. PLEASE see the hamfest schedule by clicking this link.  Also be sure to check out the website, as we work on rebuilding it, and look for a fresh new look on the website - we hope by April.

        One new product that will be unveiled at Hamcation is a go box "Hammocan" featuring a LiFePO4 battery!  Other new innovative products are being explored and developed as well. 
     
Please don't forget Winter Field Day is January 24-25, just 9 days from now!  Its a great time to introduce someone to the magic of ham radio!  Get radioactive with your local club or invite a few buddies to a central location.

       Lastly, I ask for a bit of grace on your part. We are working our way thru bugs and kinks in the ordering system, the website and the email system. If we don't reply in 24 hours, we aren't intentionally ignoring you. Please feel free to call the store at 717-354-2200 and talk to a live person.
   
Ralph K3KMT
Team Quicksilver Radio



www.qsradio.com 

Thursday, December 25, 2025

Marathon Hamfest - 1/10/26 - Let the Hamfest season begin!

 First Upstate NY Hamfest of the year!


The Marathon Hamfest will be held on January 10 2026 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 hamfest (not VE) 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 9 AM. Pre-registration is recommended and may be done by clicking this link: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/689138b2503f62a1cfd8e393/1 You will receive a reply with basic information. The testing location is off-site, and requires a two minute walk. VE tests are provided by the TCARA VE team. For information on what to bring to the test click here: https://www.arrl.org/what-to-bring-to-an-exam-session
 
Food will be provided by the Marathon Area Historical Society.
 
Travel Directions:
 
From Syracuse, Cortland and the North: Use I-81 South to Exit 39. Turn Left on to Route 11 South. At the light, turn right on to 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 maplefest buildings. Note: Parking next to the building is handicapped only.
 
From Binghamton, Whitney Point and points South: I-81 to Exit 38. Turn Left on to route Route 221 West (East Main St), go straight through the light. 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 maplefest buildings. Note: Parking next to the building is handicapped only.
 
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 maplefest buildings. Note:  Parking next to the building is handicapped only.
 
-- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Andrew Slaugh KB2LUV
Secretary, Skyline Amateur Radio Club

Owner of the 145.490 PL 71.9 Repeater in Cortland, NY



Saturday, December 13, 2025

Christmas Shortwave Listening 2025

 ( misc. notes from the SWLing.com Post; www.SWLing.com

Marion’s Attic will be spinning upbeat, “Christmas Light”, 78 rpm Christmas records.  That will be show number 1,022, airs Sunday, December 14th, at 2200 UTC, on WBCQ 7.490 MHz.  

The following Sunday, December 21st, we will be airing show number 980, featuring “Traditional” Christmas music, from the collection of phonograph expert, Baron von Knight.

Show 980 did not air last year, due to transmitter difficulties, and a web server glitch.  We are pleased to air this fine program this Christmas season.

Lovingly,

Marion Webster

Marion’s Attic

WBCQ, the Planet

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Allan Roe's holiday shortwave list:

https://swling.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Holiday-Broadcasts-2025-v1.0-Issued-18-December-2025.pdf

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Radio Igloo's Christmas programme

Sunday, December 14, Radio Igloo will be on air with our brand new Christmas programme. Tune in to 1620 kHz (or a nearby free frequency) at 20:00 CET  (19:00 UTC).

Radio Igloo´s Christmas Show will  also  be transmitted on December 21 at 17.00 UTC on 6195 kHz with the help of Real Mix Radio in Finland

We will be playing Christmas songs that you don't hear every day on other radio stations or in large supermarkets. We will also talk a bit about special (strange?) Swedish Christmas traditions.

As always, correct reports, preferably with an audio clip of your reception, will be rewarded with our brand new e-QSL.

Contact: radioigloo@gmail.com

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Could we possibly hear Christmas Carols broadcasting from Antarctica on Christmas Eve this year?. The transmissions on 7995 kHz USB usually begin on Christmas eve, coordinated by McMurdo Communications Operations, also known as “The Voice of Antarctica.”

Each year, the station’s residents celebrate the holiday by singing Christmas Carols to those at remote Antarctic field camps. Participation will be from stations scattered throughout the Antarctic continent. Stay tuned!

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Greetings all SWLing Post community, here’s what the Imaginary Stations crew have for you next week. We’ve two shows celebrating the forth coming holiday period with a series of shows called WNTR, the first via shortwaveradio.de on Saturday 13th December 2025 at 1200 hrs UTC and then again on Sunday 14th December 2025 at 1000/1400 hrs UTC on 3975 kHz and 6160 kHz and 2200 UTC on 3975 kHz. Tune in and listen to the more eclectic side of yuletide/winter solstice programming featuring festive delights including holiday tunes, an eggnog recipe without using any eggs, a load of singing Santa’s in the studio, and we’ll be turning on the Plummet Mall Christmas lights live on shortwave (* All subject to availability of course).

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Any suggestions of SWL during the holidays? email us: UpstateHam@gmail.com