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President's Message
What's so important about January 23, 2001?
Exactly a hundred years ago, at 4:30 p.m. local time, Italian-born radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi sent the first ever long-distance wireless transmission from the Isle of Wight to Cornwall on the British mainland.
Although Marconi had, over the previous five years, been sending messages over increasingly long distances, the January 23 transmission marked a milestone in the development of long-distance communication.
Not only was it the furthest wireless transmission ever made -- 186 miles (299 kilometres) -- but it also proved that radio waves could be transmitted across the horizon, something the majority of the scientific establishment had insisted was impossible.
Most of us living in Massachusetts know of the "Marconi site" on the Cape Cod National Seashore in Wellfleet. I wonder how many know that Marconi not only invented radio, he went on to build a business that held a global monopoly on wireless in the early 1900s. Marconi not only patented his invention, he built a business around it. If you wanted radio communication on your ship, you rented the equipment from the Marconi company, and hired their operators to run it. The company is still in business. An aside is that, due to lack of support in his native Italy, he founded his company in England.
Peter, KA1AXY
Message from the Treasurer
By Sumner, W1VIV
FARA members: A few of you still have not paid your Year 2001 dues. You know who you are. Your radio club uses dues income for a number of worthy purposes: We award annual college scholarships (four each year to deserving young people); we set up a large Field Day station every year, providing operating experience, fun, and food for a large number of hams; we have a great summer picnic each year; and we hold a meeting every month with interesting, entertaining, and educational programs. In addition there are many more worth-while activities and services, including our unique License-in-a-Weekend program, code classes, and VE sessions as needed, and an outstanding newsletter. You get more than your money's worth with FARA membership.
If you are not sure whether you are paid up-to-date, call me (508-877-1565) or e-mail me at [email protected], and I will look it up for you. Please support your radio club, and send your dues check NOW to FARA, PO Box 3005, Framingham, MA 01705.
Field Day 2001
By Martin, AA1ON
Now is the time to mark your calendars for Field Day 2001. This years event will take place on the weekend of June 23 - 24.
In order to maximize your Field Day pleasure, FARA would like to get your input on the plans for this years effort. There will be a brief discussion at the February Club meeting and a schedule for planning meetings will also be made at that time.
Last year FARA operated in the 3A category, but scaled back the complexity of the
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