“All the news...”

• 2008 Dues are due!

Memberships run on a calendar year, so '08 is now due. Most of us paid at the Annual Meeting, but those who didn't, and haven't yet, should drag out their long-suffering checkbooks and re-enlist. You'll get an invite to next year's Annual Meeting and can vote in the elections for '09. You also get a spiffy, handmade club ID button with your call sign, as soon as your re-enlistment hits the headlines. Use the printable form and send along with your check to Treasurer Jim Dunn (address on the form; also note how check needs to be made out, per bank requirements).

 

• SkyWarn/WeatherWatch Program

March 5, 2008—ACARA will be hosting a SkyWarn/WeatherWatch presentation by the National Weather Service, in the Conference Room at the New Haven Vermont State Police barracks at 7:00PM on March 5. The program is free, lasts about 1.5 hrs, and provides an opportunity to become a certified weather spotter. Handouts and, of course—refreshments!

 

• Milton Hamfest

The Milton Hamfest is rapidly approaching—Feb. 23 to be exact. Mitch/W1SJ of RANV does the planning and programing for this 1-day (8AM to 1:00PM) event and has a bunch of cool forums and events on the docket. As VT’s best-attended hamfest this is something that really deserves the support of all of us. It also happens to be the Vermont ARRL Convention. Furthermore, it’s fun! Besides that—the little (or big) piece of ham equipment that you’ve been drooling over may be settin’ right there, waiting for you. You can’t just leave it there, homeless!

We'll be car pooling from the Vergennes and Bristol areas. Use the form to let us know if you're interested. We'll confirm details with you once we know who's going.

 

 

• Members’ Annual Dinner & Meeting

December 1, 2007—Twenty-two members and guests attended the annual Holiday Party at Roland’s Place in New Haven on Saturday, December 1. After an hour of socializing, followed by a good meal, the club reviewed activities from 2007. These included: the Vermont QSO party in February, the General Licensing Course and VE session in the spring, Field Day at Chimney Point in June, the ham radio demonstration at the Vermont State Police Public Safety Day, the summer BBQ, and a host of mutual aid projects ranging from mobile installation to tower installation.

Robin/KB1ODP, described the Vermont ARES SET held in November. A small contingent of 3 ACARA members and a local operator participated, setting up a small simplex net, and making some limited contact through the repeater, as well as check-ins to the official ARES net on HF.

Paul/K1PJM, presented a report provided by Duane, WA1NRA on the repeater improvements he's been working on. We had a short discussion on the need for upgrades and the expense involved. Overall, the feeling is that a solidly working repeater is a necessity. The communication difficulties encountered during the SET, while not insurmountable drove home the need to get this project done.

For 2008, there is interest in participating, once again, in the Vermont QSO Party on February 1, and doing another Field Day event in June, at Chimney Point. Several ideas were voiced for future meetings, for example, a hands-on construction meeting to build a small project in one session. Paul will explore the possibility of a regular meeting location for social gatherings

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Jim/N1BCL, gave the treasurer’s report. The club has little money in its account. The group unanimously voted to raise dues in 2008 to $10, to cover increases in Field Day tent rental and build a reservoir for the repeater. Dues checks should be sent to N1BCL (good in QRZ.com) made out to “James Dunn, for ACARA.”

The following officers were elected for 2008:

• President: Bob/WE1P
• Vice-president: Paul/K1PJM
• Secretary: Robin/KB1ODP
• Treasurer: Jim/N1BCL

 

• Mast Installs

November 23, 2007 —Picking one of the most miserable days to date, a crew of 9 erected an 80' titaneum-aluminum mast (aka the “wet noodle”) at the home of Bob/WE1P in Monkton. After several hours in the frigid, blustery weather, and after a couple of guying experiments, the mast stands tall, sort of straight, and ready for attachment of its 60 radials. After a most welcomed lunch and de-thawing, 5 members hit the road for a second install at Henry/KT1J’s, in Panton. Perhaps—we thought—it’s just a figment of our imaginations, a trick of the failing end-of-day light, but that floppy noodle seemed as if it were a section shorter, installation was almost too easy —or maybe it was just having the morning’s experience under our belts. Both masts will be used for 160. The crew included Bob/WE1P, Henry/KT1J, Phillip/AK1H, Paul/K1PJM, Elizabeth/KB1LII , Michael/KB1KXE, Catherine/KB1JMF, Robin/KB1ODP, and Anna/KB1KXT.

 

• NEAR-Fest !

October 12–13, 2007 —Tickets are $10, camping extra, gates open at 9 AM on Friday the 12th. Planners say it will be bigger nad better than ever, with numerous workshop/seminars, lots of vendors, and some surprises among all the usual hamfest “stuff.” Visit their website for directions, ticket info, vendor lists, and more. (http://www.near-fest.com). Here is Press Release forwarded by Paul Gayet/AA1SU, ARRL Vermont Section Manager:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

With less than four weeks to go until the New England Amateur Radio Festival, anticipation and excitement is beginning to build all over the Northeast and Canada as radio enthusiasts are turning their thoughts towards the trek to Deerfield NH once again.

"NEAR-Fest I in May was an unqualified success, beyond our wildest dreams," reports Mister Mike, W1RC, General Chairman of the semi-annual event. We promise you NEAR-Fest II is going to be bigger and even better! if that's possible." "We have several new activities and events to offer besides the huge tailgate swap-meet. There will be something for everybody at Deerfield."

The big news this time is that the proceeds from NEAR-Fest II will go to funding a fully operational amateur station at the CHRISTA McAULIFFE PLANETARIUM in Concord NH. The planetarium staff are very excited at the prospect of having a radio station they can exhibit and operate with which they can communicate directly with the International Space Station and other NASA facilities. They are currently building a new addition and have already pledged a permanent location for this purpose. A local area radio club has offered to represent NEAR-Fest and assist Planetarium staff members become licensed and proficient in the use of the equipment. A presentation to Planetarium officials will be made at the Prize Drawing ceremony at 2:00PM on Saturday October 13th.

Some of the new attractions include a number of technical symposia and workshops such as the R-390 Workshop moderated by George Rancourt, K1ANX, a fascinating lecture on the WW-II German ENGIMA machine and its derivatives presented by Professor Tom Perera W1TP and "DXing 101" hosted by Neil Kaltman, K6SMF. Neil is travelling all the way from Los Angeles California to be with is at NEAR-Fest. The current ARRL DXCC Honor Roll list shows K6SMF with 352 Confirmed contacts so he knows his subject very well.

In addition Mister Mike is pleased to announce the addition of more food vendors and washroom facilities as well as three buildings with over 30 commercial exhibitors, including several well-known ham radio equipment dealers. This promises to be the largest commercial electronics shopping mall in the Northeast!

Another new feature is overnight camping/parking facilities are available at the Fairgrounds. Join us for the pre-hamfest festivities. However this area is not located inside the tailgate area so early setup & shopping is not an option. The fee is $20.00 per vehicle and includes hookups. The camping area opens at 3:00PM.

Tickets are $10.00 for Friday and Saturday. Admission is reduced to $5.00 at 6:00 AM Saturday. The entry fee for vehicles entering the flea market is $10.00 with the exception of campers, RVs and trailers who pay a $20.00 charge which includes all hookup charges. Advance tickets are available and those holding them will be admitted first. Furthermore, there will be two special door prizes drawn exclusively for advance ticket holders. Mister Mike promises that these prizes won't be insignificant either.

The Deerfield Fairgrounds is located on Route 43 approximately 15 miles NE of Manchester NH. Please note that Fair Association rules and local ordinances prohibit any alcohol and open fires anywhere on the grounds. Charcoal grills, barbeques, gas grills are okay! A "Pack it in - Pack it out" philosophy regarding garbage is highly recommended because it helps us keep down the costs of hosting this event. The now-traditional NEAR-Fest policy regarding abandoning unsold junk and trash will be strictly enforced. Offenders will be sorry!

The NEAR-Fest Team looks forward to seeing you all at Deerfield on October 12th & 13th.

Tentative 2008 Schedule: May 2nd/3rd and October 10th/11th.

 

• Public Safety Day

August 25, 2007 —ACARA and ARES will be providing ham radio emergency communications demonstrations at the Public Safety Day Open House being held at the New Haven Public Safety Building on Rte 7 in New Haven, Addison County headquarters of Vermont State Police Troop C. The event showcases many of the organizations involved in, and available to assist with, public safety issues in Addison County. Stop by!

 

• Field Day Recap

June 23 & 24, 2007 —Beautiful site on the edge of Lake Champlain, thanks to the Chimney Point Museum; beautiful weather—warm, sunny, gentle breezes, no bugs!—thanks to Mother Nature. Attendance was very strong at this year’s Field Day operation at Chimney Point, with lots of members, associates, regional hams, and other visitors stopping by our station.

First the stats: We made 387 contacts with 51 of the 71 U.S. sections and 5 of the 9 Canadian sections. We worked 42 states, including Hawaii.

More important, many people, with a wide variety of experience, participated in getting those points. Operators included: Randy/KA1LEX, Henry/KT1J, Steve/KB1IVE, John/N1NRA, Robin/KB1ODP, Carl/AB1HC, Elizabeth/KB1LII, Catherine/KB1JMF, Michael/KB1KXE, Mark/N1VCG, John/N1MEB; and Bob/WE1P. Phillip/AK1H and Pete/WB2GFU were also on hand for set up, in addition to KB1IVE, KA1LEX, KT1J, and WE1P.

N1FS activated the Champlain Memorial Lighthouse (Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society #207) during the weekend for the benefit of lighthouse hunters.

We signed on four members to ACARA during the weekend: Randy/KA1LEX, Dick/AI1C, Ralph/N1DXU, and Elaine/N1IJW.

In addition, we had visits from Dave/W1UMB, Ed/WX2R, Charles/W1CHG, Mike/ KF2HI, and Paul/N1KDN. Tim Boutin from the Addison County Emergency Planning Committee and Ray Lalumiere, Leicester Emergency Manager, stopped by to observe the activities. Several kids visited, including Alex from Leceister, Jack from New Orleans, and Gowan from Shoreham. Everybody had a chance to get on the air!

All in all, Field Day was a big success. Thanks to everyone who participated!

 

• Update on the ACARA Repeater

June 16 —ACARA officers met with Duane/WA1NRA to discuss options and plans for the club's repeater. The officers, on behalf of the members, thank Duane for his innovation, dedication, and hard work for over 18 years.

 

• Field Day Fast Approaching

ACARA will once again be set up at Chimney Point on June 23/24, courtesy of the Chimney Point Museum, for the annual ARRL Field Day. Setup will take place at our site near the Champlain Bridge on the very edge of the Lake, on Saturday morning. Field Day itself runs from 2PM Saturday through 2PM Sunday. We hope you can stop in!

 

• ACARA Classes Yield New General Class Licensees

May 23, ’07—Thanks to the generosity of several VE’s who made the journey to our exam site, we now have several new General Class licensees in the club! Many thanks to Ralph/KD1R, Carl/AB1DD, Frank/W1AD, and Dick/AI1C, for making the journey to our test site. We congratulate Mark/N1VCJ, Ed/N1JFG, Paul/K1PJM, Elizabeth/KB1LII, Michael/KB1KXE, and Robin/KB1ODP.

 

• General Class Scheduled

April 25–May 16—Four classes, Wednesdays from 7–9PM at the Addison Firehouse (4/25; 5/2, 9, 16). We’ll use the ARRL General Class instruction book. Contact Bob/WE1P for info or to sign up.

 

• ACARA To Hold General Class

April, ’07—We’ve decided to help those who want to upgrade their Technical license to General, in light of the recent Morse Coide requirement elimination, by holding our own General class. We expect to be able to get you ready to pass (with flying colors, of course) after 8 to 10 hours of class time. We’re still working out details (all in 1 day or split into 2 sessions, dates[s], location, etc) and hope to have a VEC team for the exam at the close of the class. Stay tuned for details!

 

• Deb/NN1C moves to Wyoming

March, ’07—Word has come that Deb/NN1C, the much-respected president of the Green Mountain Wireless Society, Rutland, has moved to Cody, Wyoming. Many know Deb from her EmComm work and general involvement in many aspects of ham radio. Deb served many important functions for ARRL in Vermont over the years. Her move leaves a big hole in the Vermont ham radio community—definitely Wyoming’s gain. Those wishing to keep in touch can do so via her call (at) ARRL.net address.

 

• Holiday Dinner & Annual Meeting held December 1 at Gloria’s; review of year’s activities, membership signup, new officers elected. Click to expand text and read Catherine’s meeting recap.

 

• ACARA Website

December ’06—Zach/K1ZK, has passed the webmaster reins to Robin/KB1ODP. Many, many thanks to Zach for his several years of webmastership, and for doing all the initial design of the site. Hopefully he’ll check in with us periodically as he wends his way through law studies at Vermont Law in Randolph.

 

• Field Day Recap

Chimney Point, June 24 & 25, ’06—What a great weekend! ACARA demonstrated emergency communication abilities during Field Day, June 24 and 25, 2006. The annual ARRL event challenges stations to operate from portable locations to simulate emergency conditions, using only generators, batteries, or solar power. More than 30,000 amateur radio operators participate around the country for this event.

We established the station at Chimney Point in Vermont, in the shadow of the Champlain Bridge. Click to expand text to read more...

• Field Day Is Coming

Spring, ’06—A group of us has been exploring the possibility of putting N1FS on the air for Field Day, this coming June 24 and 25. Click to expand text to read more...