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President's Message
The horrific events of the past month have brought out the best in many Americans. Hams are not excluded from this group. Many Amateur Radio operators from Massachusetts volunteered to help provide communication in New York City, working in less than desirable conditions. Our own Vice President, Steve, AA1IZ, volunteered to spend a week but was turned down because the organizers had already collected enough volunteers. I have been told that the number of Hams offering their assistance numbered in excess of 400. Perhaps other FARA members were among those volunteering their services.
Locally, Tom Kinahan, N1CPE, and his group at the MEMA bunker remained on alert throughout the crisis. At the same time, the SKYWARN guys were watching the formation of a tropical storm down south and the possible impact of this storm on New England. This is what Ham Radio is all about and this is why we are privileged to have valuable radio spectrum assigned to our class of service. I know Tom can use all the help he can get. Please call him if you want to get involved with Amateur Radio related activities at the Bunker. FARA members Karen, K1KEB, and Dennis, KE6DPL, have been very active in Tom's group for years, as have other FARA members.
Marc, WA1R, will be starting up his weekly emergency net again. We'll announce it on the web site and on the reflector. This, along with the FARA Net, is a great chance for you to exercise your radio on a weekly basis and is really a nice way for new, microphone-shy, hams to get on the air. FARA public service activities organized by Bev, N1LOO, Jim, W1EQW, and others, always require radio operators. Again, another fine way to get new Hams on the air. And - can you believe it? - this stuff is fun!
The bottom line here is to remember your public service responsibilities as an Amateur Radio Operator. A day or two a year at the Bunker or providing communication for a marathon or parade is a good way to remind the public that our radio frequencies are used not only for fun and worldwide good will but also for the good of the populace.
Many of us may not be flying in airliners for some time and I'm sure few, if any of us, have a trip planned to the islands of the South Pacific. This month's world-class, dxpedition presentation by Paul, K1XM, and Charlotte, KQ1F, will take us to the islands of the Federated States of Micronesia without leaving the ground. We are very fortunate to have Paul and Charlotte here this month, along with all of their expensive presentation equipment. Why not join us this Thursday and take a trip to the Pacific?
Bob, W1RH
October Upgrade Classes
By Ed, W1NXC
Last call for the October upgrade classes! Sign up now for General or Extra License "cram" courses to be held at the Club shack on Saturdays, 9:30 am to noon. No text required-No fee-Anyone who wants to upgrade to General or Extra and who plans to take the exam at the coming flea market Nov 4 should attend one or more of these classes.
Do you know the frequency limits for the General class licensee for the 12 , 24 and 30 meter bands? Are you up to date on the new RF safety standards for all Ham operators? How about Thevenin's theorem? Are you familiar with mosfets? How about the characteristics of a three terminal regulator? Can you tell the difference
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