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Exit, head west on rt 30. Route 30 will merge with Route 9. Follow route 9 until the first exit, marked Framingham State College but take an immediate left on the ramp so that you take a U turn and head east on route 9. Be advised that taking a left turn at the Lights at Walgreen's is Illegal. Held now East on Route 9, until just after the State Police Headquarters, turn into MEMA Headquarters.
The facility we'll be meeting in is an underground bunker, with a set of doors controlling access. You can't miss the three 180 foot radio towers on the premises.

New Temporary License Class
In an unprecedented event, on Tuesday this past week, all amateur radio vendors, and many national electronic chain outlets, in an effort to shore-up the sagging radio sales picture, were given the authority to issue amateur radio call signs to new radio purchasers. The ruling from the FCC in docket APR-001 allows for the call sign block of "WT" along with the district #, for all vendors to issue. These "try before you study" licenses will be issued for a thirty day on-air trial period at the general class level. It works like this: a potential ham who doesn't know if the hobby is worth the effort of all the study time, is authorized to operate for a period of one month along with the purchase of a radio. The new operator will be authorized at the General class level with a "WT" call sign i.e. WT2XYZ. At the end of the trial period, the new ham can enroll in a class, or take their exam from a local VEC or from the vendor, which is also now authorized to give radio exams. If the operator decides the hobby isn't worth the aggravation they find on the HF bands, he/she can return the radio for a full refund.

DXpedition to New Island

Worldradio will be sending a select group of amateurs to a new island that has appeared due to volcano activity.  This will be a grand opportunity for those selected to make Amateur Radio history by activating a new island.
The new island is located in the South Pacific at 30 degrees South latitude and 130 degrees East longitude.  The island is claimed by Australia and has been named "Batguano Island."
We will be operating using the call WR6WR/V4026R with operation in the 2 Meter, 220 and 440 bands, using a 96 element Quad antenna on a 485 ft boom with 5 watts of power.  Frequencies will be 143.890, 221.990 and 419.990, all simplex frequencies.
Amateurs interested in being a part of this event should be able to earn DXCC on all three bands within 12 hours. We are encouraging applications from all amateurs, regardless of license class. For more information call 1-800-555-0000 or see web information at: http://www.IamAnAprilFool.com

both nets will continue to coordinate this single net. By checking into one net instead of two, it is hoped that people's time will be utilized more efficiently. Give it a try and let your club know what you think of these changes. Suggestions are always welcome.

FARA Membership Dues are Due !!

by Martin, AA1ON
Club Treasurer

So far 103 FARA dues payments have been received, but many 1997 members have not yet renewed.
We have tried to ensure that your Circuit address labels accurately show your membership status, if a "98" is shown, we have received your payment. Since this month's newsletter will be the last we will send to members who have not yet paid, please check the label and, if appropriate, send your payments to the Club PO Box.

Red Cross Training for Hams

Submitted by Marc, WA1R

On Saturday, May 16th, from 1pm to 4pm, A training seminar on Red Cross Damage Assessment for Amateur Radio Operators will be presented by Kevin O'Connell, the Emergency Services Director for the Massachusetts Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross. The Training will be held at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Headquarters facility in Framingham.
This training is intended to allow amateur radio operators to participate as part of the Damage Assessment team in a large scale disaster, rather than solely as communicators.
From my personal experience with the NO NAME storm a few years back, can be one of the most interesting facets of your public service experiences.
No registration is required.
Directions:
MEMA Headquarters is on Route 9 Eastbound in Framingham, just west of route 126. From the west, take the Mass Pike to the first Framingham exit. Head east on Route 9, until just after the State Police Headquarters turn into the fenced in area. From the east, take the Mass Pike and exit at the first Framingham

Hams to provide support for "Framingham Cleanup Day"

One of the ways that the club pays its "rent" for its facility is through its community support. Each  year, FARA supports walkathons, road races and the many other events that occur here. April is an especially busy month for the club this year as there are many events occurring in a two-week period, starting April 8 and ending April 26.
On April 8, Skywarn spotter training is planned while on April 20, club members will participate in one role or another in the Boston Marathon. Crews will be supporting not only the Red Cross, but also the town's emergency response/communications effort by manning the town Emergency Operations Center during the event.
On April 21-22, the town may participate in Response 98, a statewide emergency preparedness exercise, while on April 25, the club will support "Framingham Cleanup  Day." April 26 is WalkAmerica Sunday.
On April 25, hams will be needed to help coordinate a townwide cleanup effort that is planned by various organizations. Full details will be provided at the meeting, but, approximately 15 or 20 hams will be needed to make sure that cleaning crews and supplies are dispatched and picked up and that relief crews and materials are sent to the proper spot.
If you are interested in helping in any of these events, please contact WA1R, at the number listed in the Club Information box on this newsletter. Or, you can send e-mail to [email protected].