Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Major Hamfests scheduled for 2022

 Two of the largest North American Hamfests have announced plans to have their events in 2022. Both events, which were canceled in 2021 because of the Covid-19 Pandemic, are now scheduled for February and May 2022.

HamCation®, and ARRL® has announced that Orlando HamCation will host the 2022 ARRL National Convention in Orlando, Florida, February 11-13th. The convention will mark the 75th anniversary of HamCation® — one of the largest annually held gatherings of radio amateurs in the US. 

Learn more about HamCation at https://www.hamcation.com/about.cfm


The Dayton Hamvention will be held May 20, 21 and 22, 2022 at the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Xenia, Ohio. 


Learn more about Dayton Hamvention 2022 at https://hamvention.org/event-details/general-info/



Saturday, December 4, 2021

Winter Field Day - 1/29-30/22

 Its not too soon to start thinking about Winter Field Day 2022 coming up on January 29th and 30th!


Metrologic Winter started this week and before you know it we will be through the holidays and into January. 


 Winter Field Day, sponsored by the Winter Field Day Association (WFDA), will take place over the January 29-30 weekend, and it can be a terrific time to prep for ARRL Field Day in June. The event, which got its start in 2007, is not restricted to North America. All Amateur Radio operators around the world are invited to participate “Don’t let those winter doldrums keep you locked up in the house,” the WFDA says. “Get out and play some radio!” The WFDA said it believes that maintaining operating skills should not be limited to fair-weather scenarios.

Learn more at : https://www.winterfieldday.com/

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

SKYWARN™ Recognition Day -2021

 

Skywarn Recognition Day will be December 4th, 2021

SKYWARN™ Recognition Day was developed in 1999 by the National Weather Service and the American Radio Relay League. It celebrates the contributions that SKYWARN™ volunteers make to the NWS mission, the protection of life and property. Amateur radio operators comprise a large percentage of the SKYWARN™ volunteers across the country. The Amateur radio operators also provide vital communication between the NWS and emergency management if normal communications become inoperative.

Skywarn RD website link: https://www.weather.gov/crh/skywarnrecognition

Skywarn RD Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/srd2021


Message from Micthell Gaines at the Binghamton NWS office on 12/3/21:

From all of us here at the National Weather Service in Binghamton we thank you for being weather spotters! Your service is invaluable for the community and for us at the NWS. Normally, we would have an event with HAM licensed radio operators. However, with ongoing circumstances we still wanted to reach out virtually this year. 

To represent your community you can register here https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/6af367236b8b499f8a3c40110e58a596

 If you have any questions you can reach myself mitchell.gaines@noaa.gov or Bryan.Greenblatt@noaa.gov anytime. 

Saturday, November 20, 2021

How to coil up coax cables

I was struggling to coil up a 100' of coax last weekend and remembered reading about the "over & under" method to keep twist out of cables for storage. I quickly looked up and found the article I had book marked about this sure fire coiling technique. (I also found a nice video to demonstrate it; see the link below)

The "over/under" name refers to the practice of twisting the cable in one direction to make the first coil, and un-twisting it to make the next, and repeating this until all the cable is neatly coiled. 

Steps to "over/under" coil your cables:

1: Grab your cable and start with an overhand loop.

2: Flip the cable, and roll it underhand to create the second loop.

3: Repeat overhand and underhand until the cable coils entirely in a circle.

4: Use a velcro tie or cable tie to secure the cable in place

Care should be taken to keep each end on its proper side of the roll when uncoiling otherwise a knot will appear with every other loop. This method works both clockwise and counterclockwise, for both right-handed or left-handed individuals.

Link to a very good video of coiling 100" of coax : https://qrznow.com/quick-tip-coiling-coax/

(Video link from QRZnow.com)


Saturday, November 6, 2021

RARA Amateur license courses

 Rochester Amateur Radio Association has upcoming licensing courses in Jan. 2022:


(from the Nov 2021 RARA Rag)


Upcoming Rochester VE testing sessions: https://hamstudy.org/sessions/laurel/14612/inperson

Friday, October 29, 2021

Halloween Listening for Pirate Radio

 

Chasing Pirate Radio can be a  lot of fun and Halloween weekend is one of the best times of the year to catch some Pirate radio on the low bands. Halloween is usually the peak broadcast day for unlicensed shortwave pirates, though major holidays always have quite a few stations coming out of the woodwork.

One of our favorite web sites; SWLing has a great primer for how and where to catch some Pirate Radio this Halloween! Check out their post and have some fun this weekend!

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Seeking Amateur Radio help to better understand Radio Propagation

 


From the RAC website:

The HamSCI Antarctic Eclipse Festival in December is seeking Amateur Radio participation.

As the shadow of the moon passes across Antarctica on December 4, it will generate traveling ionospheric disturbances that will, in turn, affect radio propagation.



The unusual geometry of this year’s eclipses will give researchers an opportunity to investigate complicated ionospheric dynamics over the poles as the long daytime of polar summer is briefly interrupted by the eclipse.

During this and other HamSCI eclipse festivals, Radio Amateurs and citizen-scientists are asked to collect Doppler-shift data from time-standard stations, such as WWV.

All that’s needed is an HF radio connected to a computer. A GPS-disciplined oscillator is helpful for collecting data, but it is not required. Data collection will run from December 1 through December 10, and the results will be made available for scientific analysis.

All Radio Amateurs and shortwave listeners are invited to join in, even those located far from the path of totality. In 2020, more than 100 individuals from 45 countries took part in eclipse festivals. The instructions are available in multiple languages.

Read the full article here: https://www.rac.ca/amateurs-invited-to-participate-in-the-antarctic-eclipse-festival-in-december/

Visit the HamSCI - Ham Science site at: https://hamsci.org/december-2020-eclipse-festival-frequency-measurement


Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Onondaga County RACES/ARES Training - 11/9/21

 RACES / ARES Training Session


Tuesday November 9, 2021 – 1900 Hours

Moyers Corners Fire Station #2

7697 Morgan Road (at Buckley Road), Liverpool, NY. ( Rear of Building ). 

TOPIC:  RACES/ARES Orientation, equipment review/evaluation, reviewing programmed frequencies, plan future training sessions. 

Contact:

John Perkins at : jp96166@gmail.com

RACES Radio Officer – Onondaga County


Monday, October 4, 2021

SKYWARN - Winter Training 2021

Winter SKYWARN Spotter Training Classes are coming!

Most upstate NY counties are conducting SkyWarn Training this Fall.


The training will be held at various area locations and on-line. This class is for beginners or anybody that has a general interest in weather (some advanced classes available). These classes train volunteers how to accurately observe and report hazardous weather to the National Weather Service. The classes are free and open to everyone; no age requirements, previous training, or equipment is required.

The SKYWARN program is a nationwide program that provides real-time severe weather reports to the National Weather Service. "Trained weather spotters provide valuable lifesaving information to the National Weather Service and we encourage those who have an interest in weather to participate in this critical program," said David Nicosia, Warning Coordination Meteorologist in Binghamton NY. "Despite all the technological advances, SKYWARN Spotter reports are still crucial to the National Weather Service in providing more accurate severe weather warnings," Nicosia continues.

See the full training schedules at:

Binghamton (Syracuse-CNY):  http://www.weather.gov/bgm/outreachSKYWARNtraining
Buffalo (Rochester-WNY): http://www.weather.gov/buf/Skywarn
Albany(ENY) :https://www.weather.gov/aly/skywarn

Learn more about SKYWARN and Amateur Radio at: http://www.upstateham.com/p/skywarn.html 

https://www.weather.gov/bgm/outreachSKYWARNtraining

Friday, October 1, 2021

Check it out...Amateur Radio License Map

 Quite a few folks talking about this web site. A neat little project of data mining by a fellow Ham. Type in a zip code and zoom in on the map to see licensed Hams in your area. Check it out and see what you think for yourself.

https://haminfo.tetranz.com/map

Learn more about how they get this data: https://haminfo.tetranz.com/ham-map-info

Friday, September 10, 2021

Pumpkin Patrol 2021 - Syracuse

 


The Liverpool Amateur Repeater Club (LARC), the Amateur Radio community and the New York State Police (Troop T) are again pleased to sponsor the 2021 Pumpkin Patrol.

This is a two night public service event to be held on October 30th and 31st from 19:00 to 21:00
hours. The chairman is seeking Amateur Radio Operators who can dedicate one or both evenings.
Operators are encouraged to work in pairs and non-ham friends, family or pets are encouraged to
accompany them. Teams will operate from their vehicles (no walking or standing required) and
repeater coverage (146.31/91) is generally okay for handheld use although mobile units are
encouraged.

If you are interested in participating for the Onondaga County portion of this event, please
contact Al May, WA2KFV at pumpkinpatrollarc@gmail.com or by phone at
315-633-9280. Please specify your availability for one night or two and provide a contact e-mail and
phone number. If you have a location preference, please let me know when you register,
assignments are made on a first-come, first served basis with consideration as to where you live and
what bridge you covered in the past.

Most upstate NY counties along the NYS Thruway are also participating in this event. Check with your local club to see if they are participating!

From the September LARC LongWire newsletter

Sunday, August 29, 2021

Roc City Hamfest - another huge success this year!

 Another successful 2021 Hamfest in Upstate NY! 

Joe; K2ZX and the Roc City Net gang did it again! Nice weather and a great turnout with 350+ attendees, with the furthest person coming from Detroit, Michigan! Rich from RW Antenna store reported more than twice the business over their 2019 visit there. 

There are still a few more Hamfests to enjoy this season! Don't forget the Elmira Hamfest on 9/25 - its also another one of our favorites!!!


More Pictures:

Friday, August 6, 2021

International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend 8/21-22

 





International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend 2021

Location: 

Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, 

70 Lighthouse St. Rochester, NY 14612


The Rochester Amateur Radio Association, (RARA) will set up HAM RADIO STATIONS for this weekend. They will be contacting other stations around the World and U.S. Come learn more about Ham Radio.






An annual event since 1998, ILLW began as the Scottish Northern Lights Award run by the Ayr Amateur Radio Group. The history of the event can be found at https://illw.net/. This event has grown to attract over 500 lighthouse entries located in over 40 countries. This is a great event for all experience levels. It is not a contest and there are no prizes.

Learn more about ILLW weekend sites at: https://illw.net/

Here is a little more about the history of our Rochester lighthouse:
Founded in 1983, the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse Historical Society’s mission is to preserve and maintain the Genesee Lighthouse Tower (1822), the Lighthouse Keeper's House (1863), and its historic acreage as an educational center. Open to the public, local residents and visitors from around the world can learn the story of the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, lock-ups of Charlotte, and saving Lives on Lake Ontario by the Government Agencies of Charlotte. There is also a display of Ontario Beach Park, marine history and the International Peace Garden. As commercial marine trade increased, so did the need to establish a lighthouse for safely guiding boat traffic into and out of the “Port of the Genesee” whose entrance was partially blocked by sandbars. In 1822 the United States Government acquired the choice bluff site and solicited proposals to build a lighthouse, lantern, dwelling house and well, at the mouth of the Genesee. Another larger dwelling house was constructed in 1863.

Sunday, July 25, 2021

Another Great Upstate NY Hamfest!

Hats off to Mike; W2JWW and his faithful assistant Lindsley; KM4ISJ for putting together the awesome Hamfest in Moravia, NY yesterday!


The Hamfest was well attended and blessed with a beautiful sunny day! There was lots of equipment for sale and quite a few faces we had not seen in a long time. Also thanks to the folks from Eastern NY who traveled 3+ hours up to CNY, along with a strong contingent from Rochester. Great to see everybody and enjoy some face-to-face communications.

More pictures below.....

Saturday, July 10, 2021

Batavia Hamfest – July 17th, 2021

 Batavia Hamfest  – 

Saturday July 17th, 2021

Alexander  Firemen Grounds   – 10708 Alexander Rd. (Route 98), One mile south of Rt 20, Alexander NY   14005   





Outdoor  Flea Market –  FREE Tailgating    6:00am – till
Buy/Sell   Ham radio gear

Everyone will be  required to follow
the New York State Mandate for outdoor guidelines
of social distancing and face masks, etc. 
 
Admission only $8.00 –
Talk In: 147.285  PL 141.3    Batavia repeater

Questions can be addressed to Luke N2GDU at: luke48@gmail.com

Thursday, July 1, 2021

RAGS Hamfest - July 10th, 2021, new flyer!

 


5/1 note from the RAGS Team:

Note we have the usual nice prizes, with the top prize being a $500 Gift Certificate to DX Engineering.  Universal Radio closed their storefront last fall, but they were gracious enough to donate a number of smaller prizes, again this year.


You can buy tickets online at www.ragsclub.org/hamfest and pay with any major credit card or PayPal.   We are still offering the 5 tickets/$20 group discount!!!

Also, Roger,WA2AEW, has tickets.

Jerry, NK2C

Thursday, June 24, 2021

"The Termination Event" .......more predictions on Solar Cycle 25



For the last year or so we have heard several predictions for Solar Cycle 25. Originally predicted to be a weak cycle by both NOAA and NASA, a new concept predicts something quite different. 

In this new concept in solar physics solar cycle 25 hasn’t even started yet. Scientists at the the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) predict that when oppositely-charged bands magnetism collide at the Sun’s equator, they obliterate each other and they “terminate.” Based on their research into previous solar cycles, it’s this event that determines the magnitude of the solar cycle, as well as when the cycle begins and ends.

If that “termination event” happens soon it could help validate this new theory and also see the new solar cycle 25 become one of the most active ever observed.

Learn more in this article from SpaceWeather.com: https://spaceweatherarchive.com/2021/06/11/the-termination-event/

NASA's official Cycle 25 prediction: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2020/what-will-solar-cycle-25-look-like-sun-prediction-model

Saturday, June 12, 2021

Hamfests are back!!! (Cortland/Skyline fest is a success!)

 Hats off to the Skyline Amateur Radio Club of Cortland on their awesome Hamfest today!

Unofficial tallies estimate more than 300 people and at least 60-80+ tailgaters! There was some obvious pent up demand after a year of Covid and even with a few rain drops at times, there were lots of smiles among the crowd. There were also plenty of deals and equipment exchanges among the hammies. 

(see the latest list of upcoming UpstateNY hamfests here: https://www.upstateham.com/p/2014-upstate-hamfests-that-i-have-heard.html )

Check out the 2021 Skyline Hamfest pictures below:









 


Sunday, June 6, 2021

Urgent Need - P/S Operators for Saturday June 12

We are short a few Public Service operators for the Y-Triathalon event this Saturday June 12the at Green Lakes State Park.  It is a fairly short morning event of about 3 hours.


Please contact Walt, N2IK, at n2ikwkb@gmail.com or Amir, K9CHP, at sarlabs@gmail.com if you can help.


Thanks,

Jerry, NK2C

Saturday, June 5, 2021

Field Day 2021

 Field Day is just a few weeks away........June 26th and 27th, 2021



If you want to meet some friendly hams or experience some different operating modes, why don't you stop by one of the many Field Day events taking place in Upstate NY. You will see various antenna and radio setups along with operators trying to share their knowledge and score some points making contacts through out the weekend.

 Its a lot of fun - so we hope to see you out there on field day!

What is Field Day?

Field Day is part educational event, part operating event, part public relations event – and ALL about FUN!  link:

ARRL Field Day locator:  http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator

Check out one of the following LOCAL Upstate groups below:
(*please also send us your groups listings to UpstateHam@gmail.com)


Thursday, May 27, 2021

Moravia Hamfest - 7/24/21

Moravia Hamfest - (sponsored by W2JWW)

Saturday July 24th - 6am until everyone is gone?

2214 State Route 38A, Moravia NY 13118. (Next to the Cayuga Correctional Facility)

No admission or tailgate fees!

50-50 raffle tickets will be sold to help cover expenses. 

Lots of vintage and newer radio equipment  on display for sale or trade!

ALSO....... Cruise in for cars, hot rods, tractors and trucks that will be featured next to tailgate vendors.  

Bring the kids, pets or what have you....we want everyone to have a good time!  

Picnic tables, chairs and bathrooms will be provided. 

Food offered by 10-10 Barbeque of Moravia - awesome barbecue!!! ( https://1010bbq.com/ )

Contact Mike; W2JWW on the Auburn repeaters with any questions

The fest is put on by Mike; W2JWW     

Everyone is welcome !!! 

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Cortland Hamfest - June 12th, 2021

 The Cortland Hamfest, sponsored by the Skyline Amateur Radio Club of Cortland, will be held
Saturday June 12 from 7 AM 'till noon!

Admission is $5.00 each, and includes outdoor flea market space. 25 indoor flea market spaces available at $5.00 per 10' space, first come first served.

VE testing will begin at 9 AM sharp. To register or for information about VE testing only, e-mail wa2kfv@twcny.rr.com

Breakfast will be available, provided by the 4-H Teen Council.

Talk-in on 147.180 + PL 71.9.

Covid 19 safety protocols will be in effect, including six foot social distancing and masks required on the fairgrounds, both indoors and outside!

For details e-mail k2iwr@arrl.net.

Travel directions {signs will be posted}: I-81 to exit 12; turn left on to Route 281 South. Turn left again on to Fisher Ave, (8/10 mile) then right on to Fairgrounds Drive.

From Ithaca: Route 13 North to Route 281 North. Turn right onto Fisher Ave, then right on to Fairgrounds Drive.

For your GPS: 4301 Fairgrounds Dr. Cortland, NY 13045

 


-- 
~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - 
Andrew C. Slaugh KB2LUV
Secretary, Skyline Amateur Radio Club of Cortland, NY
145.490 Repeater PL 71.9 Cortland, NY

Monday, May 17, 2021

Ham Census - check it out.....

 from Southgate Amateur Radio News



Ham Census (hamcensus.org) is inviting all hams to take part in a unique survey. The project’s founders are looking forward to responses from both the United States and the rest of the globe, notably from Canadian neighbors to the north, the large Japanese and Thai ham communities, and all other operators worldwide. Questions deal with operating preferences, gear, the shack, views on regulations, clubs and associations, and importantly, about the future of amateur radio.

K3MRI, co-admin of both Ham Census and Ham Community, says: “We wanted to give operators a louder voice to better inform club leaders, associations, manufacturers and also regulators.” He continues, “we all want the amateur radio community to grow organically and collaboratively, and for that we need to know what operators are thinking.” K3MRI and his team are counting on operators, clubs, organizations and even ham-related businesses, to spread the word ensuring there is a large sample of respondents of all ages, all interests, and all nationalities.

More info at: http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2021/april/amateur-radio-census.htm#.YJpxdZBKhPY

Ham Census site: https://hamcensus.org/









Saturday, May 15, 2021

MUSEUM SHIPS WEEKEND - June 5-6, 2021

 W2LGA will be having a remote amateur radio station set up on June 5th & 6th for the Museum Ship weekend at the H. Lee Maritime Museum in Oswego NY..

Learn more at: https://www.nj2bb.org/museum/





Saturday, May 8, 2021

2 Meter Simplex Challenge - Saturday 5/15/21

 


2021
Keuka Lake Amateur Radio Association
2 Meter Simplex Challenge

The purpose of this contest is to encourage amateurs to:
● learn the basics of contesting
● learn some new simplex operating techniques
● expand the scope of their 2 meter operating beyond that needed 
for repeater operations.

 More info and contest documentation at: https://klara.us/

It is open to any licensed amateur, the object being to make as many
contacts with as many different amateurs, in as many towns, using 2
meter simplex, as possible; during the four hour contest period.

Friday, May 7, 2021

Hamfest - Almond NY - Saturday June 5th, 2021

N1PTB/W2RMT Ham Radio & Electronic Yard Sale!

Randy Gudeahn  (N1PTB) and Rick Torrey (W2RMT) have rented the Community building in Almond N.Y. and plan to have a small Hamfest on June 5th. We will furnish one 8' x 30" table and chairs to each vendor. We have six Vendors signed up leaving 12 tables available.

 No charge to public but the cost to the Vendors will be an equal share of the rental fee. Expect to pay $15.00 or less to set up.

 Date: Saturday, June 5, 2021

Open to Vendors: 6:00 AM

Open to Public: 8:00 AM until early afternoon

Location: 1 Marvin Ln, Almond, NY 14804

 Coffee will be available.  No breakfast or lunch.

 COVID Rules - Masks required and a maximum 75 people at one time.

 If you would like to sell or have any questions, email me at rtorrey@xdrnet.com and let me know.

 73,

Rick Torrey – w2rmt




Friday, April 23, 2021

Updated Radio Frequency Exposure rules

From ARRL News - 04/12/2021

The FCC has announced that rule changes detailed in a lengthy 2019 Report and Order governing RF exposure standards go into effect on May 3, 2021. The new rules do not change existing RF exposure (RFE) limits but do require that stations in all services, including amateur radio, be evaluated against existing limits, unless they are exempted. For stations already in place, that evaluation must be completed by May 3, 2023. After May 3 of this year, any new station, or any existing station modified in a way that’s likely to change its RFE profile — such as different antenna or placement or greater power — will need to conduct an evaluation by the date of activation or change.

Read the full ARRL News story at:

http://www.arrl.org/news/updated-radio-frequency-exposure-rules-become-effective-on-may-3


Saturday, April 17, 2021

Zoom today: "Summits on the Air" strategy with the June VHF Contest?

 All are invited to attend today's Rochester VHF Group session at 11AM, on Zoom.  It is  geared to VHF FMers and narrowband SSB/CW operators alike!


What do you get when you mix a "Summits on the Air" strategy with the June VHF Contest?  F-U-N, while building orienteering, emergency communication, rovering, competition/sporting, and general operating skill.

Published author and nationally recognized amateur radio enthusiast Bob Witte (K0NR) will join us on Saturday, April 17 at 11:00 AM ET to share his experience and strategies with us.  As always, this will include audience Q&A, too!

All are invited!  You don't have to be a member of the VHF Group to attend.  Register now to get a link.


Regards,
Ev, W2EV
Rochester VHF Group