From Andy; KB2LUV
Just letting you know that the Hamfest scheduled for January 9th, 2021 in Marathon NY has been cancelled. Although we notified the ARRL, it is in the December QST as happening; which is not the case.
We hope conditions will be favorable for our summer hamfest on June 12th at the Cortland County Fairgrounds, and that we will see you there!
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Andrew Slaugh KB2LUV
kb2luv@arrl.net
Secretary, Skyline Amateur Radio Club
As winter weather starts to arrive in Upstate NY, its time to start thinking about Winter Field Day! This can be a fun opportunity to make some contacts from inside or out. Winter Field Day, sponsored by the Winter Field Day Association (WFDA), will take place over the January 28-29 weekend. The event’s stated purpose is to encourage emergency operating preparedness in the winter, but it’s also an excuse to get out of the house and enjoy the great outdoors.
“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.The event is not restricted to North America. All Amateur Radio operators around the world are invited to participate, and there are three entry categories — indoor, outdoor, and home.
More info at: https://www.winterfieldday.com/
Story from the Science Daily:
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| "Official" NASA prediction |
The article points out the evolving science and new studies that look to better understand the sunspot cycle. "Scientists have struggled to predict both the length and the strength of sunspot cycles because we lack a fundamental understanding of the mechanism that drives the cycle," said NCAR Deputy Director Scott McIntosh, a solar physicist who led the study. "If our forecast proves correct, we will have evidence that our framework for understanding the Sun's internal magnetic machine is on the right path.
Things could be looking up for those of us who enjoy the fruits of a more active sunspot cycles for enhancing our amateur communications. Read more about these new predictions below.
Link to the Science Daily article: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/12/201207142308.htm
NASA's Cycle 25 official prediction: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2020/what-will-solar-cycle-25-look-like-sun-prediction-model
The article shares stories of several area Hams and also that the Syracuse MARS team is one of the most active in New York state.
The Military Auxiliary Radio System is run by the Air Force and Army, and manned by civilian amateur radio operators who donate their time and talents to maintaining an emergency short-wave radio communications system to back up traditional communications network
According to Master Sgt. Linda Walker, 174th Radio and Spectrum Non-Commissioned Officer, hosting the MARS station is beneficial to the 174th Attack Wing because they will be able to provide communication in any type of emergencies including nuclear attacks and natural disasters.
“We’d be happy to train up anybody on how to use the equipment,” said Bridges. “If there was enough interest, we’d even teach classes for people to get their amateur radio license.
If interested in joining a USAF MARS team, contact their hotline at (888)778-6277(MARS) or send an email to join@afmars-mil.us
Read the full article: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/384757/mars-civilian-volunteers-stand-ready-emergencies-syracuse
Pete Thomson (KE5GGY), of The 3916 Nets, commented on The 3916 Santa Net. He said, "Christmastime and Santa Net are the best time of the year on 3916. We enjoy helping young people and their families have a shared Christmas experience that they'll always remember. And we get to introduce young people to the magic of amateur radio."
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 should connect over 800 children with Santa Claus."
Prior to each night's Santa Net, pre-net check-ins can be made at www.cqsanta.com Third party rules and regulations apply.
The Santa Nets are presented annually by The 3916 Nets. The Rag Chew Crew, The Tailgaters and The Freewheelers are all amateur radio nets that meet on 3.916 MHz nightly. For more information on The 3916 Nets, go to http://www.3916nets.com For more information on The Santa Net, email KE5GGY at Gmail dot com.
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from the SkyWarn Jacksonville Fla. Team:
00 -24 UTC December 5th, 2020
On behalf of the SRD Planning Team, I want to take a little of your time to formally announce that Skywarn Recognition Day 2020 (SRD 2020) is a go.
However, like all things 2020, expect significant changes and a ‘new normal’.
NWS Offices will be out of play this year. Due to the staffing constraints related to COVID, running base stations from NWS offices have been removed from the picture.
So, what are we doing?
This will be open to all Skywarn Spotters including amateur radio and non-amateur radio operators.
Certificating and Logging procedures are still being worked out – so check the SRD webpage frequently!
I have received a few questions and the most common are included here:
“Can we operate the NWS Amateur Station from a remote location?”
“Is there a cost for participation?”
“I don’t have an amateur radio license, can I still participate?”
Skywarn Recognition Day Webpage – www.weather.gov/crh/skywarnrecognition
Skywarn Recognition Day Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/groups/2670993076293359
Skywarn Recognition Day Notification List – SRD+subscribe@groups.io (put “Subscribe” in the subject line
What is Skywarn and learn about using it in Upstate NY: https://www.upstateham.com/p/skywarn.html
Folks its that time again!
