KLARA Hamfest - Sat. Feb. 1st

 

more info at: https://klara.us/

Great Radio E-magazine - The Spectrum Monitor!

 

I recently received my January issue of The Spectrum Monitor (TSM). I really look forward to getting this  publication each month! I am a charter subscriber since its beginning in 2014. It is very similar to the former Monitoring Times magazine which discontinued publication back in 2013.

Check out TSM on their web site at: http://www.thespectrummonitor.com/index.aspx

TSM is usually around 100 pages and is packed with the latest on Amateur Radio, Shortwave, Scanning, Satellites, Radio/TV, Vintage radio, etc. The news and articles are always up to date and relevant. TSM is available only in PDF format and can be read on any device capable of opening a PDF file. I read TSM both on my tablet and PC. I also occasionally print out interesting articles that I might need for future reference in the shack. It's probably the Best $36.00 that we spend each year on this hobby!

The TSM publisher, Ken Reitz KS4ZR, is the former managing editor, features editor, columnist and feature writer for Monitoring Times. As well as a former feature writer and columnist for several other publications. TSM has some very experienced and talented writers that do a great job of covering many interesting topics each month! (learn more about the TSM staff here: http://www.thespectrummonitor.com/about-us.aspx )

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!

Winter Field Day 2025

 

Winter Field Day - January 25th & 26th, 2025

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.

Send us your plans and or pictures and we will share them with our readers!

more info at: https://winterfieldday.org/index.php

Marathon Hamfest 2025 - Sat. 1/11/25

 Skyline’s Winter Hamfest

The Skyline Amateur Radio Club Winter’fest will be January 11, 2025 at the Marathon Civic Center, 16 Brink St in Marathon NY from 7 AM to noon. 

Admission $6.00. 

35 indoor tables available at $10.00 / 8ft. 

Reserve tables with Pat KC2BQZ at pdunn5@gmail.com.

VE Testing will be available

More info at: https://www.arrl.org/hamfests/sarc-winter-hamfest

Christmas Season Shortwave listening - 2024

 There is still quite a bit of shortwave to listen to out there.....tune around the bands, you might be surprised! 

SAQ on-the-air Christmas eve. 

On Christmas Eve morning, Tuesday December 24th 2024, SAQ Grimeton is scheduled to be on the air, to send out the traditional Christmas message to the whole World, using the 200kW Alexanderson alternator from 1924, on 17.2 kHz CW. More info at: https://alexander.n.se/saq-to-air-on-christmas-eve-morning-dec-24th-2024/

Alan Roe’s 2024 Holiday Programmes on Shortwave list. 

Check out this exstensive list of Christmas season shortwave listening. Here: https://swling.com/blog/2024/12/alan-roes-2024-holiday-programmes-on-shortwave-version-3-0/

Anniversary of Fesenden first voice broadcast

 What has become an annual LF listening event, WI2XLQ (an FCC Experimental Callsign) will once again be QRV for a recreation of the alleged first voice transmission made by Reginald Fessenden in 1909. Transmission on 486kHz in full carrier AM will start at 22:00z on Dec 24th and run for 24hrs. In keeping with tradition, a repeat transmission will take place on Dec 31st at 22:00z and run for 24hrs. More info at: https://swling.com/blog/2024/12/wi2xlq-brian-justins-annual-longwave-broadcast-starting-christmas-eve-and-new-years-eve/

Texas Radio Shortwaves Christmas programming: https://swling.com/blog/2024/12/texas-radio-shortwaves-christmas-programs/

Don't forget Pirate radio staions for some unique, unusal Chrsitmas fare. The holidays bring out all kinds of unique broadcasts. Start with this list of possible frquencies you can search on: https://www.hfunderground.com/wiki/List_of_Pirate_Radio_Frequencies

Pirate spots on the HFunderground forum: https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php

Merry Christmas from all of us at UpstateHam.com!

25th Anniversary Skywarn Recognition Day - 12/7/24

 CQ CQ CQ... WE'RE UNDERWAY for the 25th Anniversary Skywarn Recognition Day (0000Z to 2359Z Dec 7, 2024)!  This event was developed in 1999 by the NWS and the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), celebrating the contributions that Skywarn volunteers make to the NWS mission:  The protection of life and property.  

Amateur radio operators are a significant portion of Skywarn volunteers/spotters across the country.  When everything else fails, ham radio is the last line of communications (as just occurred with Hurricane Helene when many hundreds of cell towers were knocked out in the Southeast as well as fiber cuts).

While Skywarn Recognition Day features amateur radio contacts being made all over the country, ANY SKYWARN SPOTTERS, FEEL FREE TO "CHECK IN" HERE in the comments section.  https://www.facebook.com/NWSBinghamton

more info: https://www.weather.gov/crh/skywarn_operating_procedures

We love our trained spotters!  You provide a critical service in getting the word out of the ground truth of what is really happening, also leading to better warnings and forecasts.  

Thank you! 

NWS Binghamton NY

Santa Nets - Christmas 2024

 

Santa Net is back on 3.916 MHz for the 19th year! Starting Friday, November 29th, good girls and boys can talk to Santa Claus, via amateur radio, nightly starting at 7:00 PM (Central). The Santa Net will run every night through Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024.

Pete Thomson (KE5GGY), of The 3916 Nets, commented on The 3916 Santa Net. He said, "Christmastime is a very special time for our nets every year. We enjoy helping young people and their families have a shared Christmas experience that they'll always remember. And we're thrilled to introduce young people to the excitement of amateur radio."

About The 3916 Santa Net:

Youngsters can talk to "Santa at The North Pole" via strategically placed operators who relay the voice of Santa. Thomson said that The Santa Net is a team effort that involves the efforts of a number of 3916 Net members. He said, "In our first year, we connected 10 kids to Santa on Ham Radio and it's grown steadily since. This year, we're expecting over 1,000 children to participate."

Prior to each night's Santa Net, pre-net check-ins can be made at https://www.cqsanta.com/

100th anniversary of Grimeton Radio Station transmission - 12/1/24

 

On December 1st, 1924, the VLF transmitter, with call sign "SAQ" at Grimeton Radio Station, was put into commercial operation, with transmissions across the Atlantic ocean, to the receiving station at Riverhead and the replying transmitter station at Rocky Point, both on Long Island, NY, USA.

On December 1st 2024, one hundred years later, SAQ will air to commemorate this event. The unique Alexanderson alternator from 1924, with the call sign SAQ, is scheduled for one transmission over the antenna on VLF 17.2 kHz CW.

Program & transmission schedule:

10:00 CET (09:00 UTC) The doors to the transmitter hall will open.

10:20 CET (09:20 UTC) Live YouTube broadcast begins.

10:30 CET (09:30 UTC) Start-up of the Alternator.

11:00 CET (10:00 UTC) Transmission of a message

Background: In 1895 the Italian physicist and later Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi (1874-1937) had realised wireless telegraphy, i.e. the possibility of transmitting information with the help of radio waves.

The communication across the Atlantic did not function well during World War I and the need of telegram traffic with America was great. The Swedish Parliament therefore decided in 1920 that a Swedish long wave transmitting station and a receiving station should be built under the direction of the “Telegrafverket”.

Important for the location of the establishment was that the wave propagation path was run across open waters – south of Norway and north of Denmark and Scotland. In Grimeton, east of Varberg, the open landscape gave free way for the radio waves out towards the Western Sea and besides, the name was easy to pronounce for Americans.

The Great Radio Station was built during the years 1922-1924.

More info at: https://grimeton.org/en/100-years-of-communication/

Emergency Preparedness Class - Syracuse - 11/20/24

 The Bear Bait Radio Club is sponsoring a Emergency Preparedness Class given by the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. It will be held on Wednesday November 11th at 7pm at Town of Clay Highwaty Dept. Garage on Rt. 31. Registration is required. 

Register here: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/citizen-preparedness-training-calendar

New low cost Handheld radio with lots of modern features

 I just recently picked up a couple of TIDRADIO TD-H3 handheld radios. We had heard a lot of very positive "chatter" online about this radio over the last few months. So we decided that we needed to try these out. Amazon had quite a few options for buying, so we ordered and had them delivered within a few days. 

So far I am pretty impressed. USB C charging and data port, Bluetooth programming, Air band reception, HAM and GMRS capable. Some impressive features and capabilities for a low-cost, modern, throw away radio. Its not perfect but I don't think you can't beat it for the price of ~$35.00. Just remember; "your mileage may vary!"  :)

Check out a few of the reviews that we have listed below. Let us know what you think in the COMMENTS section. We will also try to post some TD-H3 tips and tricks here in the future. (Also check out the H8 model - also very nice and a little bigger in your hand.)

Some specs: AM: 108-136MHz Rx; FM: 50-76MHz Rx, 76-108MHz Rx; VHF: 136-174MHz Tx/Rx, 174-350MHz Rx,350-400MHz Rx; UHF: 400-470MHz Tx/Rx, 470-600MHz Rx.

TD-H3 Reviews:

Good review at John's Tech Blog:https://hagensieker.com/2024/04/27/tidradio-td-h3-review/

Another pretty good TD-H3 review: https://www.worldwidedx.com/threads/tidradio-td-h3-vhf-uhf-ht-review.268700/

YouTube H3 video review by KD6SAY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S5uSJmWsdg

Miklor review: https://www.miklor.com/COM/Review_TDH3.php

Bear Bait Club License class - Nov. 16-17, 2024 - Clay NY

 

The next Tech VE class is Novemeber 16th and 17th 2024 at the Clay Highway Building at 4483 RT 31 in Clay.  From 8 Am to 5 PM each day. Testing Sunday around 5 PM.   No charge for the class, open VE testing will be held immediately after the last class for a nominal fee of $14. Contact Scott WA2DTN by email; wa2dtn@arrl.net for questions

Winter Skywarn Training

 CNY/PA WINTER SKYWARN 2024

• Wed Oct 16 600-730 PM:  Onondaga Co. - Hosted by Highway Dept/Bear Bait Radio Club, 4483 NY-31, Clay, NY - Register
• Thu Oct 24 700-830 PM: Virtual- Register
• Tue Oct 29 630-8 PM: Susquehanna Co. - Hosted by Susquehanna Emergency Management 210 Public Way Suite 3, New Milford, PA - Register 
• Mon Nov 18 700-830 PM: Virtual- Register 

Binghamton NWS Skywarn training info at: https://www.weather.gov/bgm/outreachSKYWARNtraining

Buffalo NWS Skywarn training info at: https://www.weather.gov/buf/Skywarn

Albany NWS Skywarn training info at: https://www.weather.gov/aly/skywarn

learn more about the Skywarn program: https://www.upstateham.com/p/skywarn.html

Zello PTT: A Versatile Backup Tool for Amateur Radio

(from the October 2024 RARA Rag)

Public Service Report: Mike Moore, KC2NM, RARA Public Service Coordinator 

Zello PTT has become a popular mobile phone application, offering a reliable and efficient platform for real-time voice communication. While primarily used for personal and professional purposes, Zello can also serve as a valuable backup tool for amateur radio operators. 

We used this app to a limited degree on Tour de Cure and MS Roc the Ride Great Great Lakes this year. 

Key Features for Amateur Radio Use: 

• Push-to-Talk Functionality: Zello's core feature, push-to-talk (PTT), mirrors the operation of traditional amateur radio transceivers. Simply press and hold the PTT button to transmit your voice. 

• Channel-Based Communication: Zello organizes users into channels, similar to amateur radio repeaters. You can join various channels based on your interests, location, or specific events. 

• Global Reach: Zello's network extends worldwide, allowing you to connect with amateur radio enthusiasts from different countries and regions. 

• Text Messaging: In addition to voice communication, Zello also supports text messaging within channels. This can be useful for sharing information or coordinating activities. Best Practices for Amateur Radio Use: 

• Backup Battery: Ensure you have a backup battery or power source to keep your device charged during extended use. 

• Headset: Using a headset can improve audio quality and reduce background noise. 

• Data Plan: If using Zello for mobile data, be mindful of your data usage limits. 

• Emergency Procedures: Establish procedures for using Zello in emergency situations, such as coordinating rescue efforts or providing updates. 

Zello can be downloaded to your phone using the Google Play or Apple Apps store. Create a personal account and test your phone using the echo channel. Account event channel credentials will be distributed via a QR code and password on an event ICS 205 form. Jim plans to demonstrate Zello as a tech tip at the October RaRa meeting. For more information, see the Android User Guide https://support.zello.com/hc/en-us/articles/17954095093389-Android-User-Guide

or the iOS User Guide https://support.zello.com/hc/en-us/articles/17578715747981-iOS-User-Guide

By leveraging Zello PTT as a backup tool, amateur radio operators can enhance their communication capabilities and stay connected in various scenarios

more info at: https://blog.zello.com/zello-individual-or-business

Pumpkin Patrol 2024

The 2024 Pumpkin Patrol will take place on Wednesday and Thursday October 30-31st for Bridges on the New York State Thruway.

This event contributes to the safety of travelers on the New York State Thruway. It is a statewide event and is held in cooperation with the New York State Troopers and Amateur radio groups.

The Pumpkin Patrol was initiated as a volunteer effort in 1976 by Katherine St. Jacques in Fort Johnson, Montgomery County.  Ms. St. Jacques was talking to a truck driver on her citizens band radio when the windshield of his vehicle was struck by an object thrown from an overpass.  The driver sustained injuries from the broken glass of his windshield.  St. Jacques and two companions decided to stand watch on the three over passes that crossed the Thruway in the Fort Johnson area. The State Police assumed control of the Pumpkin Patrol in 1990 as part of the State Police crime prevention effort.  More than 300 volunteers will participate in this year’s safety efforts.

Upstate NY Counties participating:

Erie (Buffalo area): https://ecarham.org/announcements/

Monroe (Rochester area): The RARA Pumpkin Patrol event captain, Ed Wilkonski, K1EM is preparing for this year's event. Please see his article elsewhere in this month’s Rag. For more information or to register for this month's events, see our Public Service page at https://rochesterham.org/public_service.htm for more information and to volunteer.

 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdr-KssQziuUPpDSEgn5SzqNZPIxgbGd9VmAmA-78UDttsTkg/viewform

Onondaga (Syracuse area): https://www.w2cm.com/public-service/

PLEASE SEND US YOUR GROUPS PLANS FOR 2024 to: UpstateHam@gmail.com