Repeater updates (to the updates)

Folks a couple of new or back on the air repeaters that you
 may want to try out:

145.150 -  Pl 123.0, Lafayette, KD2SL
  (note the PL was changed to 123.0 on 8/23/14)
146.640 -  Pl 131.8, Clay, Bear Bait Radio Club, KD2CDY
444.250+  Pl 131.8, Clay, Bear Bait Radio Club, WA2DAD

If we get any more details on their equipment or future plans, we will post them here. (The original post was on 7/2/14)

Bear Bait Radio Club - Tailgate fest on 9/27

Bear Bait Radio Club is having a tailgate fest Saturday September 27th from 7am-1pm at the Town of Clay Welcome Center on Route 31.

Full details are on the club web site at: http://www.bearbaitradioclub.com/index.html

Also: Adirondack Hams - General Exam Class in Long Lake N.Y.
October 17, 18, & 19, 2014

Prerequisite: Tech Class Amateur Radio license
Course fee: FREE
Exam Fee: $14
Learn more at the Bear Bait Club web-site: http://www.bearbaitradioclub.com/index.html
or contact Scott WA2DTN at: kb2bdb@twcny.rr.com

Info from Nick - KD2ETO

New DX cluster and propagation tool - DXHeat.com

A friend asked me the other day if I had tried using the new DX reporting web site DXHeat.com. I told him I had not heard of it but that I would give it a try.

I am not a huge DX guy, but I occasionally like to quick check conditions and see if I can make some DX contacts. Well, I have tried it now and its pretty cool. Very nice user interface and it automatically updates with the latest beacons (no refresh needed). They also have several mobile versions for smart phones and tablets.

Give it a try: https://dxheat.com/dxc/

Balloon chase today!

Be listening this morning for the Cornell Amateur radio club out on another balloon chase. Launching from Cato NY around 10am today. You can listen to the chasers on the 147.000 linked system here in CNY or watch the APRS tracking at Aprs.fi. There is also a beacon radio you can listen for on 144.310 mhz.

Learn more about their balloon projects.
http://w2cxm.org/projects/balloon/balloonmark6

Predicted path:

International Lighthouse-Lightship Weekend

Amateur Radio Activation for International Lighthouse-Lightship Weekend - August 16-17

Update 8/13/14 From Fred, W2LGA:
After digging through a HUGE pile of politics, with the help of senator Griffo of Oneida, it appears the permit for me to set up a “special event” station, W2LGA, at the Verona Beach lighthouse is finally a reality. The Verona Beach Lighthouse Association has been a tremendous supporter of this endeavor and they are really looking forward to the event. I will be operating on August 16th by 10 am and continue through August 17th until 4pm. I will try to be on as many HF bands as propagation will allow. My set up will only consist of a 10 x 10 screen tent, 746pro, Spiro D-52 dipole, logging software, ..etc. I have made up a special event QSL certificate that can be obtained by making a contact and emailing W2LGA@arrl.net. I will have giveaway ICOM band plans and Gridmaps if anyone is out and about those days also. If anyone wants to join the festivities and “work the rig” … feel free to stop by and give me a break. Please let me know if you plan on working the rig so I can be sure no 2 hams are there at the same time to work it.

Looking forward to contacting all of you as well as the other 450+ ILLW lighthouses and lightships that are registered to participate ….More information can be obtained from W2LGA -Fred Legawiec at flegawiec1@twcny.rr.com. Operators for this event are needed and welcomed.

Background on the International Lighthouse-Lightship Weekend:

Each year, amateur radio organizations across the nation sponsor several activities to increase awareness of our lighthouse heritage. One of these events includes International Lighthouse-Lightship Weekend, which will be observed in 2014 from August 16 & 17. To celebrate this international heritage event, many clubs will activate temporary radio stations at many Lighthouse’s around the world. The main reason this event has become so popular is because it is NOT a contest. Its purpose is to promote public awareness of lighthouses and their need for preservation and restoration and to promote amateur radio as well. Lighthouses are becoming an endangered species with the advent of Global Positing Systems and automation. Hopefully this event will highlight this situation and help prevent further decay of the worldwide lighthouse system. The basic idea is to set up an Amateur station in or adjacent to a lighthouse. In this way, the station makes a visible presence to the passing public who may be visiting the lighthouse.  So if you have some time, tune in that weekend and see if you can make a contact.

ROC City Net picnic

The 1st annual ROC City Net Picnic will be September 20th at Mendon Ponds Park, south of Rochester, N.Y. Mendon Ponds is a beautiful Monroe County Park located just west of Victor. 

(Update on 8/12/14) Joe, K2QZR reports that they have rented the west lodge at Mendon Ponds Park. "We will be there all day. I am going to have burgers Italian sausage with peppers and onions and salads etc.We also will furnish beverages. (Please bring your own adult beverages.) I won't be having a specific time to eat we will be serving food mostly all day long. Also, we will have a hf  setup as well as a 2m setup with 145.110 as the talk in freq".

"There is no charge to attend or eat. We do ask however for early sign up for food.We are doing this to make sure there is enough for all who sign up. Even if you don't sign up you can still stop bye and enjoy the social activity and get on the air. We can't guarantee there will be food available if you don't get on the list.So far we have 20 sign ups and hope to get at least 40".

 Sign-up or questions - please contact Joe K2QZR, by e-mail at K2QZRatAOL.com 


.......and if you haven't stopped by yet, try the NET on either Sunday or Wednesday!

ROC City 2M net on the 145.110 repeater in Rochester - Sunday at 7:30pm - same great group!

ROC City HF net on 3.826 Mhz - Wednesday at 8pm - great group and interesting topics!


73 - Tony

RARA "Thrill before the Chill"

(from the July 2014 RARA Rag newsletter)

The Rochester Amateur Radio Association (RARA) has once again joined with the Damascus Shriners to produce their fourth annual Fall Fest and Tailgate Party. The Shriners will provide a first class location with ample parking, indoor bathroom facilities, a separate area for larger vehicles and RVs, a large covered picnic area to eat in, and a large deck to rest after all that shopping.

This event will be on Saturday, September 13, 2014 and will open at 7 AM for vendors and 8 AM for all others. It will go to around Noon. It is conveniently located off Rt.104 at 979 Bay Rd., Webster, N.Y. 14580.

Upon entering, the staff will ask for a $5 donation that will all go to help fund the Shriners Hospital for Children. Please spread the word and don‘t miss your last local flea market for buying and selling ham radio supplies in 2014.

Come have fun and Help the Kids!!!

Hope to see you all there! 73.

Monitoring Aircraft frequencies

Monitoring air traffic can be pretty interesting. The Air bands are available on many radios today. You will find its not just scanners but many Amateur radio transceivers have these bands available as well. You can monitor commercial airliners, private aircraft, as well as military aircraft. The closer you are to major commercial airport, the better your chances are. You can also listen to private aircraft around CNY on their UNICOM frequency of 122.800 MHz (AM). You can also see live aircraft tracking info on-line at http://flightaware.com/live/airport/KSYR . It is pretty cool to listen and watch the movements from on-line radar tracking.

Some basic guidance for Aircraft Monitoring

One-Sided Conversations:  Because aircraft fly high above the ground, their transmissions have much more range than the ground stations with whom they're talking. This means that only the airborne side of most conversations will be heard. Is this a problem? You miss very little in these conversations because pilots are required to repeat back to controllers any instructions or frequencies that they are given. In fact, hearing only the aircraft has tremendous advantages. It helps the listener to avoid mix ups among simulcast ground stations, and is a terrific help in isolating military aircraft from other traffic.

Frequency Bands Used:  Although the air band is 108-137 MHz, almost all civilian voice communications are above 118 MHz. In addition, the military has 138-150 MHz and 225-400 MHz. (remember AM)

Sources of Information:  The best place for you to get information is the same place where the pilots go. Web sites like fltpln.com, airnav.com and OurAirports.com give you frequencies and all kinds of other airport information.Other resources that will get you up to speed quickly:

Link to FlightPlan.com - Syracuse Hancock listing:  http://www.fltplan.com/airportinformation/SYR.htm

Link to a great overview of Air Traffic frequencies on Radio Reference.com: http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Finding_Air_Traffic_Frequencies

Link to Military Communications web page: http://www.milaircomms.com/

…and if you don’t have a radio that is capable of receiving these frequencies there is always the Internet! 

….…start here: http://www.liveatc.net/

Syracuse Airport frequencies (from flightPlan.com):

ATIS Frequencies (repeating weather and airport notices):

124.225

Tower Frequencies:  

120.3

239.0

Ground Operations Frequencies:

121.7

348.6

Clearance Delivery Frequencies:

125.05

257.775

Emergency Frequencies:

121.5

SYRACUSE Primary Approach Frequencies:  

126.125

Thanks to the following sources of reference information: N4JRI's Scanner Pages, Radio Reference.com, and the various flight planning web sites.

VE exam in Syracuse (Liverpool)

Amateur Radio VE Exams are being held on Saturday July 19, 2014 at noon, at the Liverpool Library, 210 Tulip Street, Liverpool N.Y. for licensed Ham Radio operators preparing to upgrade or  those working to obtain their new Ham ticket.

Registration: Sargent Room 12-1 p.m.  

You will need two forms of ID, one w/your picture, and $14 fee which is set by W5YI-VEC  cash or M.O.
Walk-ins are allowed. 

*Important Note for applicants preparing for your Technician Exam: The Technician Question Pool changes July 1,  2014.  When preparing for your Tech exam be sure you are referring to the correct "new" Question Pool.

Questions? -contact the Syracuse VE Team : VEexams@hotmail.com

Thank you. 

Viv, WA2PUU - Syracuse VE Team Contact 

The Syracuse VE Team conducts exams every quarter. Contact them at the e-mail address above if you have any questions.

Field Day Activities

Field Day is coming soon........June 28th and 29th, 2014

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 our area. 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: http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Field-Day/2013/2013%20FD%20Flier.pdf

Check out one of the following groups:

Central New York Contesters
Operating as KD2ETT.
Erie Canal Park, 5750 Devoe Road, Town of Camillus.
Class 4A with SSB, CW and Digital modes.
Setup begins 8am Saturday.
Website facebook.com/pages/CNY-Contesters/168426069924120?ref=hl

Fulton Amateur Radio Club
Operating as W2CXV.
With Oswego County RACES, operating from the Oswego County EOC Building in Fulton.
Website fultonamateurradioclub.org

Liverpool Amateur Repeater Club (LARC)
Operating as W2CM.
William Park, 7033 Lakeshore Road, Cicero, southern shore of Oneida Lake.
Class 4A with SSB, CW, and Digital modes plus a dedicated 6M station.
Setup begins ~8am on Saturday, food service begins at noon on Saturday.
Website w2cm.org or liverpoolamateurrepeaterclub.org

Madison-Oneida Amateur Radio Club (MOARC)
Operating as W2MO.
Oxbow Falls Park, 6919 Oxbow Road, Town of Lincoln.
Website moarc.com

Radio Amateurs of Greater Syracuse (RAGS)
Operating as W2AE.
Camillus Ski Club, next to 401 Blackmore Road, Town of Camillus.
Class 4A with SSB, CW, and Digital modes.
Setup begins ~8am on Saturday, food service begins at noon on Saturday.
Website ragsclub.org

The Rochester DX Association (RDXA)
Operating as ?
Webster Park, Webster NY.
Running SSB, CW, VHF and GOTA stations.
Setup begins Saturday AM.
Website: http://www.rdxa.com/index.php/

Rome Radio Club
Operating as W2OFQ.
Griffiss Institute, 725 Daedalian Drive, Rome, NY 13441.
Class 3A with SSB, CW and GOTA stations.
Setup begins ~9am on Saturday.
Website romeradioclub.com

Skyline Amateur Radio Club (SARC)
Operating as K2IWR.
4-H Camp Owahta, Syrian Hill Rd in Solon NY.
Likely Class 3A, GOTA station uncertain.
Setup begins 6pm on Friday, Picnic before 2pm on Saturday, all invited.
Website skylineradioclub.org

Squaw Island & Drumlins Radio Club
Amateur Radio Clubs
Field Day Announcement
Farmington Fire Department
1225 Hook Road, Farmington, NY 14425
(Hook Road at Route 96)
Everyone is invited to stop by and learn about amateur radio; maybe even pick up a microphone and talk on the radio. Hams love to talk about what they do.
Schedule:
Setup: 11AM – 2PM Saturday
Operation: 2PM Saturday afternoon & night until noon Sunday.
Takedown: Noon Sunday till ??
Facilities:
Three Ham radio stations will be setup in a large tent next to fire house.
Power will be supplied by generator to meet requirement for “class A” operation.
Fire hall restrooms will be available for over night and Sunday use.
Phone 315-727-7144 or 315-986-8589 for details http://www.drumlinsARC.us http://www.siarc.us

Balloon Chase

Many of you may have heard the repeater activity last Thursday 5/29 as a group of students, educators and Hams from Central & Western NY chased three hot air balloons over the Fingerlakes. This was a project of the Cazenovia High School Technology Class and Pittsford-Mendon High School . The balloons were equipped with Amateur radio APRS transmitters to allow tracking and recovery. One of the balloons traveled to an altitude over 100,000 feet! All three balloons were eventually recovered. Great job guys!

We will try to get some more detailed information to post here from the team, but for now take a look at some amazing video recorded by one of the balloons.

(update 7/30/14) Read the whole story in the July 2014 RARA Rag at: http://rags.rochesterham.org/e-RAGS/RAG_July_2014.pdf

Here is a you tube link to some video from one of the balloons:

http://youtu.be/SQ7S-ey-CX4

CNY Repeater List (2014)

Some favorite CNY Repeaters from www.UpstateHam.com 
(please send additions and corrections to upstateham@gmail.com)

see the latest updated list at: http://www.upstateham.com/p/denotes-linking-to-other-repeaters.html

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rev-A4  11/30/14

Output  Freq	Offset	Location	Call Sign	PL	County	Notes	Echolink
10 Meter
29.64	-	Layfayette	*KD2SL	94.8	Onondaga	Linked to 53.67
29.68	-	Rochester	N2HJD	94.8	Monroe	confirm???
6 Meter
52.525	S	FM calling	simplex	0.0
53.05	-	Auburn	K2INH	71.9	Cayuga
53.33	-	Rochester	N2HJD	123	Monroe
53.63	-	S Bristol	WR2AHL	110.9	Livingston
53.67	-	Syracuse	*KD2SL	103.5	Onondaga	Linked to 29.64
2 Meter
145.11	-	Bristol	*WR2AHL	110.9	Livingston	W2HYP	561744
145.15	-	Layfayette	KD2SL	123	Onondaga
145.17	-	Verona	KA2NIL	0.0	Oneida
145.21	-	Sauquoit	N2CNY	71.9	Onondaga	LARC
145.23	-	Auburn	W2QYT	103.5	Cayuga
145.25	-	PennYan	N2HLT	100	Seneca	N2HLT system
145.27	-	Pompey	WW2N	103.5	Onondaga
145.33	-	Remsen	*KB2AUJ	71.9	Oneida	Linked
145.41	-	Farmington	N2HJD	110.9	Ontario	N2HJD
145.45	-	Bristol	W2ONT	110.9	Ontario	Ont.Co.RACES
145.47	-	Clyde	*KA2NDW	0.0	Wayne
145.49	-	Cortland	KB2LUV	71.9	Cortland	SkylineARC
146.52	S	Nationwide	simplex			2 Meter Calling
146.61	-	Ithaca	W2CXM	103.5	Tompkins	Cornell Club
146.61	-	Rochester	N2MPE	0.0	Monroe
146.625	-	Camillus	N2PYK	103.5	Onondaga
146.64	-	Clay	KD2CDY	131.8	Onondaga
146.655	-	Boonville	WD2ADX	0.0	Oneida	BRVRA	796920
146.655	-	S Bristol	WR2ROC	110.9	Livingston	UofRMC
146.67	-	Syracuse	KD2SL	103.5	Onondaga
146.685	-	Sodus	WB2QKO	0.0	Wayne	Wyn RACES
146.745	-	Newark	WA2AAZ	0.0	Wayne	DrmlnsARC
146.76	-	Rochester	WR2ROC	110	Monroe
146.775	-	Lafayette	W2CNY	0.0	Onondaga	CNYARF
146.85	-	Fulton	K2QQY	0.0	Oswego	OswegoCEMO
146.88	-	Rome	W2OFQ	0.0	Oneida	Rome ARC
146.88	-	Rochester	K2RRA	110.9	Monroe		217959
146.895	-	Ithaca	K2ZG	107.2	Tompkins
146.91	-	Syracuse	W2CM	103.5	Onondaga	LARC
146.925	-	Naples	NO2W	0.0	Livingston	Telcourier
146.94	-	Ithaca	WA1KID	103.5	Tompkins	Tompk ARA	577796
146.995	-	Lowville	W2RHM	156.7	Lewis	BlackRiver	427886
146.97	-	Ithaca	*AF2A	103.5	Tompkins	Tompk ARA
146.97	-	Utica	WB2FAW	0.0	Oneida	RACOM
147.00	+	Auburn	W2QYT	71.9	Cayuga		9188
147.03	+	Cortland	WA2VAM	0.0	Cortland	FngrLksRA
147.09	+	Geneva	W2ONT	110.9	Ontario	OntarioCtyRACES
147.105	+	Syracuse	K2JVL	0.0	Onondaga
147.12	+	Rome	K2GVI	0.0	Oneida	Rome ARC
147.15	+	Fulton	W2OSC	0.0	Oswego	OswegoCEMO
147.18	+	Cortland	K2IWR	71.9	Cortland	SkylineARC
147.195	+	Skaneateles	WB2FOF	82.5	Onondaga
147.21	+	Syracuse	W2CM	103.5	Onondaga	LARC
147.225	+	Cortland	*KB2FAF	71.9	Cortland	Linked 147.00
147.24	+	Clinton	K2BRH	71.9	Oneida	RomeRadioC
147.27	+	Auburn	K2RSY	71.9	Cayuga	CayugaEMO
147.30	+	Syracuse	N2ACO	0.0	Onondaga	RAGS
147.345	+	Phoenix	W2ZC	151.4	Oswego
147.345	+	Rochester	WR2ROC	110.9	Monroe
147.375	+	Utica	K2GVI	0.0	Oneida	Rome ARC
147.39	+	Fulton	WN8Z	103.5	Oswego		7390
1.25M
223.50	S	Calling Freq	simplex			calling freq
224.12	-	Syracuse	KD2SL	103.5	Onondaga
224.26	-	Verona	KA2NIL	0.0	Oneida	(temp. off air?)
224.26	-	Webster	KE2MK	0.0	Monroe	Xerox Club
224.46	-	S Bristol	NR2M	110.9	Livingston
224.66	-	Utica	WA2CAV	0.0	Oneida
224.90	-	Newark	N2TKR	0.0	Wayne
70cm
442.1	+	Utica-Frankfort	KA2FWN	103.5	Oneida	*StateWide
442.2	+	S Bristol	W2ONT	110.9	Livingston	Ont.Co.RACES
442.35	+	Oswego	K2QQY	103.5	Oswego	*StateWide
442.4	+	Syracuse	W2QYT	103.5	Onondaga	*StateWide
442.85	+	Cortland	KB2FAF	71.9	Cortland		171371
443.1	+	Syracuse	WA2AUL	103.5	Onondaga	*StateWide
443.15	+	Syracuse	KB2FAF	127.3	Onondaga	linked to 147.00
443.3	+	Syracuse	W2CM	103.5	Onondaga	LARC
443.600	+	S Bristol	N2XFX	110.9	Livingston	*StateWide
443.85	+	Kirkland	KA2FWN	103.5	Madison	Link to Old Forge
443.95	+	Waterloo	N2HLT	100	Seneca	N2HLT system
444.15	+	Auburn	W2QYT	71.9	Cayuga	*StateWide
444.25	+	Clay	WA2DAD	131.8	Onondaga	Bear Bait Club
444.5	+	Auburn	N2HLT	100	Cayuga	location?
444.65	+	Auburn	K2INH	71.9	Cayuga
444.85	+	Fairport	WB2KAO	110.9	Monroe		78007
444.9	+	Fairport	N2BZX	0.0	Monroe
446.00	S	Calling Freq	simplex
449.025	-	Dryden	AF2A	103.5	Tompkins	TCARA
449.075	-	Clyde	KA2NDW	0.0	Wayne

* denotes linking to other repeaters
Standard Rptr offsets
29                    -0.100
50                    -1.00
145/146           -0.600
147                  +0.600
220                 -1.600
440                  +5.00
445                  -5.00

Thanks to the following contributors:
N2OP - Jim, K2RTG-Dave, N2MGU-Jim, KB2DIO-Chuck, WB2YGN-John, KD2SL-Kevin, W2GTX-Doug and many others for their own lists, suggestions and review.

Note - these are confirmed repeaters that are known to be active (as of the revision date) or temporarily off the air and are expected to return at a later date.

MOST needs Ham Volunteers!

 The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology (often referred to as the MOST) is a museum located in the Armory Square neighborhood of Downtown Syracuse, New York. The museum includes multiple exhibits, a gift shop and a domed IMAX movie theatre. It is located in the former Syracuse Armory.

The Most is in need of Volunteers to man the Amateur Radio station. It is open from Wednesday thru Sunday 10AM-5PM. Please have anyone interested contact N2OMK, Bob at: (315) 487-2650 or Andy Slaugh - KB2LUV at: KB2LUV@arrl.net

The Amateur Station consists of a Kenwood TS-870S as the main HF rig, a all mode 2M/70cm, another 2 meter mobile, and an Ten-Tec SDR receiver. We have several computers, a mock up Telegraph system, and many handouts and old rigs for viewing. Antennas consist of a 20/40 meter trap vertical, a 40 (tunes most 40-10) meter Inverted V, and an 80 meter dipole. The 2 meter mobile has a 3 element yagi, and the all mode is on a egg beater. the SDR is on a discone. We have great plans for the future of the station, but we need volunteers to make it happen.

Interested persons MUST be trained on the proper use of the equipment. They can not just come in and operate without being certified as a Volunteer of the MoST.

For more info on the museum and the station, see:

http://www.most.org/

http://www.most.org/2_ee_telecomlab.cfm

Skyline Amateur Radio Club Cortland Hamfest

Skyline Amateur Radio Club Cortland Hamfest & Technology Fair
Saturday, June 14, From 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
at the Cortland County Fairgrounds - Our 32nd year!

Talk-in on the 147.780/180 K2IWR repeater {PL 71.9}
www.skylineradioclub.org or e-mail kb2luv@arrl.net

Admission: $5.00 per person (12 and under free)
- Outdoor flea market included with admission -

Indoor Flea Market - $5.00 per 10’ plus admission
- Indoor flea market is first come, first served -
Dealer tables - $10.00 ea, plus admission—8’ space, includes electricity

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: 4849 Fairgrounds Dr. Cortland, NY 13045

VE tests start at 9:00AM—no late entry allowed.
Walk-ins welcome, although pre-registration is
appreciated. Please e-mail kb2luv@arrl.com;
indicate which test you wish to take

Advanced SKYWARN Class for Hams

There will be an Advanced SKYWARN Class for Amateur Radio Operators in North Syracuse. This course is for those individuals who have previously taken the Basic SKYWARN class.

Binghamton National Weather Bureau meteorologist Dave Morford will provide the training Saturday,  May 31, noon to 2:30 p.m. at the North Syracuse Community Center, 700 South Bay Road, North Syracuse, NY. You must pre-register for this class. 

Any Questions should be directed to David, W2DER: W2DER@yahoo.com

or see the full CNY Skywarn training schedule and register at:
http://www.weather.gov/bgm/outreachSKYWARNtraining