Schenectady Amateur Radio Association

K2AE Repeaters

General Meeting Monday February 4, 2019 at 7:00PM

by

David Hochfelder, N2HTA

“World War II Radio Propaganda”

Abstract: This talk will explore why American civilians listened to shortwave radio broadcasts from Germany and Japan. Some listened out of curiosity. Others, however, listened to obtain the names of American soldiers and airmen who were taken as prisoners of war. Listeners formed monitoring clubs, with schedules, newsletters, and listening tips in order to send messages to families of POW’s.

About the Speaker: David Hochfelder is associate professor of history at University at Albany, SUNY. He is the author of The Telegraph in America: 1832-1920 (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2012). He is also an avid AM broadcast band and longwave beacon DXer, and is a licensed amateur radio operator (N2HTA).

Meeting Location
Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church
603 State Street, Schenectady

Directions to First United Methodist Church:
Parking lot address is 610 (Google shows it as 650) Chapel Street Schenectady NY 12305.
Chapel St is a One Way street from Nott Terrace to Lafayette Street. If this lot is full, park across the street. Enter the building through double doors, take an immediate right, go through another set of double doors, turn right then left and the Fellowship Hall is on your right (follow signs).

From the East (Colonie, State St Rt 5):
Turn Right onto Nott Terrace then take your first Left onto Chapel Street. Parking lot is on Left.

From the West (Scotia, Glenville, Eire Blvd):
*THERE IS NO LEFT TURN FROM STATE STREET TO NOTT TERRACE*
Take State St (Rt 5) to Lafayette St and turn right then immediately turn Left to continue up State St. At Veeder Ave (Traffic Light) turn Left. Cross over State St (Rt 5) then take the first Left onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

From the South (I-890 Exit 5, Broadway, Rotterdam):
Take Broadway North to Millard St and turn Right, First Traffic Light. Millard St becomes Veeder Ave at Hamilton St (Schenectady FD on Left). Continue over Veeder take first left after State St onto Chapel St. Parking is on left.

From the North (Union Collage, Niskayuna, Union St):
From Union St, take Nott Terrace South and turn Right onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

 

General Meeting Monday January 7, 2019 at 7:00PM

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Dean Poeth, K8TM

“Text communication before email, texting, or the internet: Radio Teletype”

Abstract: Dean will share his passion for the teletype.

Dean Poeth, K8TM, has been a licensed amateur radio operator since 1974.
Early in his career he was the Chief Engineer at WRFD radio, a 5,000 watt commercial radio station in Columbus, Ohio, where, among his other duties, he maintained the station’s Associated Press Wire Service Model 15 teletype.

Currently he is an adjunct professor at Clarkson University. Dean recently retired from Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, where he was a subject matter expert in operations research and productivity improvement.

Meeting Location
Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church
603 State Street, Schenectady

Directions to First United Methodist Church:
Parking lot address is 610 (Google shows it as 650) Chapel Street Schenectady NY 12305.
Chapel St is a One Way street from Nott Terrace to Lafayette Street. If this lot is full, park across the street. Enter the building through double doors, take an immediate right, go through another set of double doors, turn right then left and the Fellowship Hall is on your right (follow signs).

From the East (Colonie, State St Rt 5):
Turn Right onto Nott Terrace then take your first Left onto Chapel Street. Parking lot is on Left.

From the West (Scotia, Glenville, Eire Blvd):
*THERE IS NO LEFT TURN FROM STATE STREET TO NOTT TERRACE*
Take State St (Rt 5) to Lafayette St and turn right then immediately turn Left to continue up State St. At Veeder Ave (Traffic Light) turn Left. Cross over State St (Rt 5) then take the first Left onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

From the South (I-890 Exit 5, Broadway, Rotterdam):
Take Broadway North to Millard St and turn Right, First Traffic Light. Millard St becomes Veeder Ave at Hamilton St (Schenectady FD on Left). Continue over Veeder take first left after State St onto Chapel St. Parking is on left.

From the North (Union Collage, Niskayuna, Union St):
From Union St, take Nott Terrace South and turn Right onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

 

General Meeting Monday December 3, 2018 at 6:00PM

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December Social Event

December’s meeting will be held at the United Buffet, 2320 Watt Street, Schenectady NY.

Get out of the “Shack” for a night and come join us for an all you can eat buffet and great company!

Place: United Buffet, 2320 Watt Street, Schenectady (we have reserved the “back room”)
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $16.59 (one price). Prices include meal, drink, tax & tip. Please pay at the front desk when you arrive, head to the “back room”, and hang on to your receipt.

Since the dinner format is a buffet, members are welcome to arrive at 6:00 p.m. (or any time after 6:00 p.m.), and stay as long as they want. No speeches, but plenty of time to share your latest stories with your amateur radio friends!!

Happy Holidays from SARA

santa radio

General Meeting Monday November 5, 2018 at 7:00PM

by

David Galletly, KM2O

“ARES 3.01”

This program will cover recent and future developments in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), including the introduction of ARES Connect, a new communications tool for groups in scheduling and managing events. The program will also describe a planned restructuring of the ARES program nationally, which includes a new tiered membership system and training standards.

David Galletly, KM2O is Section Emergency Coordinator for the ARRL Eastern New York Section. He is currently also a member of the organizing committee of Capital Region Organizations Active in Disaster CROAD) which is a coalition of groups coordinating disaster and long term recovery in the region.

Meeting Location
Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church
603 State Street, Schenectady

Directions to First United Methodist Church:
Parking lot address is 610 (Google shows it as 650) Chapel Street Schenectady NY 12305.
Chapel St is a One Way street from Nott Terrace to Lafayette Street. If this lot is full, park across the street. Enter the building through double doors, take an immediate right, go through another set of double doors, turn right then left and the Fellowship Hall is on your right (follow signs).

From the East (Colonie, State St Rt 5):
Turn Right onto Nott Terrace then take your first Left onto Chapel Street. Parking lot is on Left.

From the West (Scotia, Glenville, Eire Blvd):
*THERE IS NO LEFT TURN FROM STATE STREET TO NOTT TERRACE*
Take State St (Rt 5) to Lafayette St and turn right then immediately turn Left to continue up State St. At Veeder Ave (Traffic Light) turn Left. Cross over State St (Rt 5) then take the first Left onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

From the South (I-890 Exit 5, Broadway, Rotterdam):
Take Broadway North to Millard St and turn Right, First Traffic Light. Millard St becomes Veeder Ave at Hamilton St (Schenectady FD on Left). Continue over Veeder take first left after State St onto Chapel St. Parking is on left.

From the North (Union Collage, Niskayuna, Union St):
From Union St, take Nott Terrace South and turn Right onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

 

General Meeting Monday October 1, 2018 at 7:00PM

by

Ria Jairam N2RJ

Candidate for Hudson Division Director

Abstract: There are two candidates for ARRL Hudson Division Director, Mike Lisenco N2YBB and Ria Jairam.

Mike spoke at the SMARA meeting on September 20, 2018.

This is your opportunity to hear from Ria. Additional candidate information at https://hudson.n2rj.com/

Please attend this meeting and bring your questions!

Meeting Location
Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church
603 State Street, Schenectady

Directions to First United Methodist Church:
Parking lot address is 610 (Google shows it as 650) Chapel Street Schenectady NY 12305.
Chapel St is a One Way street from Nott Terrace to Lafayette Street. If this lot is full, park across the street. Enter the building through double doors, take an immediate right, go through another set of double doors, turn right then left and the Fellowship Hall is on your right (follow signs).

From the East (Colonie, State St Rt 5):
Turn Right onto Nott Terrace then take your first Left onto Chapel Street. Parking lot is on Left.

From the West (Scotia, Glenville, Eire Blvd):
*THERE IS NO LEFT TURN FROM STATE STREET TO NOTT TERRACE*
Take State St (Rt 5) to Lafayette St and turn right then immediately turn Left to continue up State St. At Veeder Ave (Traffic Light) turn Left. Cross over State St (Rt 5) then take the first Left onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

From the South (I-890 Exit 5, Broadway, Rotterdam):
Take Broadway North to Millard St and turn Right, First Traffic Light. Millard St becomes Veeder Ave at Hamilton St (Schenectady FD on Left). Continue over Veeder take first left after State St onto Chapel St. Parking is on left.

From the North (Union Collage, Niskayuna, Union St):
From Union St, take Nott Terrace South and turn Right onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

 

General Meeting Monday September 10, 2018 at 7:00PM

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Meeting Location: First United Methodist Church, 603 State St, Schenectady NY 12305

Nine DXpeditions to DXCC “Ten Most Wanted”

DVD Presentation

Abstract: From 1993 through 2010, this DVD presents highlights of nine adventures to the “Rarest of the Rare” DXCC entities!!

Producer: Bob Allphin K4UEE

These nine DXpedition video excerpts tell compelling stories of fear, frustration, and sheer joy as DX traveler Bob Allphin, K4UEE and his teammates recount the highlights (and low-lights) of their most heralded trips, most named “DXpeditions of the Year” — and all to the rarest-of-the-rare DXCC entities.

DXpeditions Included:

  • 3YØX, Peter One — nearly 90,000 Qs from the bottom of the world
  • A52A, Bhutan — the mysterious and exciting Kingdom nestled in the Himalayas
    (footage contributed by James Brooks, 9V1YC)
  • AH1A, Howland Island — where Amelia Earhart disappeared
  • K5D, Desecheo Island – so rare, so near, yet so far
  • PJ6A, Saba – first contacts from a brand new DXCC entity
  • VKØIR, Heard Island — with its ominous and active volcano rising to 8,000ft
  • VP8GEO, South Georgia — the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton
  • VP8THU, South Sandwich — nearly 30,000 Qs in a three-day strike
  • VU7RG, Lakshadweep — from the #2 most wanted DXCC entity

Please plan to attend this meeting.

General Meeting Monday June 4, 2018 at 7:00PM

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Meeting Location: First United Methodist Church, 603 State St, Schenectady NY 12305

“Broughton Memorial Field Day 2018”

Speakers: Tim Long W2UI and James MacMurray N2UZQ

Abstract: SARA and SMARA will again be joining forces for Field Day 2018. Tim and James will present preparations and plans for this unique event. Please read the message from the President to get a flavor of what is in store for us during Field Day!

About our speakers:

Tim Long first got his start in amateur radio in 1961 when he passed his Novice exam given by his scoutmaster WA2FFJ and received call WN2KHQ. That call sign became WB2KHQ, then WA4DXR, then WB2SPN, and now W2UI. Tim has served SARA in various positions including many years as Secretary, two stints as Vice President, two tours as President, and countless years as Treasurer (dues cheerfully accepted). Tim holds BSEE and MSCS degrees and is employed by Bechtel Marine Propulsion Corp. in West Milton. Besides ham radio antenna work and Field Day, Tim enjoys golf.

James MacMurray was born in 1972 and grew up in Scotia. Licensed in 1993 and received his Extra while going to college for Data Communications. Currently the President of SARA, Radio Room Officer for SMARA, and Emergency Coordinator for Schenectady County ARES. He has served as a Director for SARA for the previous 3 years and served SMARA as a past President, Vice President, and Treasurer. Currently working full time as an Employee Retirement Examiner 3 for the State of New York Office of the State Comptroller. James has interests in VHF/UHF weak signal, HF phone, and HF Digital contesting.

psst…Please feel free to bring your SARA dues with you to Field Day!!

The June meeting is also our annual business meeting, including our annual election of Board Members and Officers. Officers and Board of Directors Nominations for 2018–2019 are as follows:

  • President: JR Hotaling N2PEQ
  • Vice President: Jim Silva KC2ZVK
  • Secretary: Jim Stewart K2PK
  • Treasurer: Tim Long W2UI
  • Board Member: Paul Siemers WY2F
  • Board Member: Bob Saltzman WB2ARK
  • Board Member: Skip Evans W2YJL
  • Board Member: James MacMurray N2UZQ

Please plan to attend this meeting.

General Meeting Monday May 7, 2018 at 7:00PM

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Meeting Location: First United Methodist Church, 603 State St, Schenectady NY 12305

“Care and Feeding of your Section Manager”

Speaker: John Fritze K2QY, ARRL Section Manager for Eastern NY

Abstract: In his talk, John will describe his duties as the ARRL Section Manager, and speak on several additional topics including the following:

  • The value of ARES to the public (especially the ENY Section)
  • Major changes in the ENY Section (including the ENY.ARR.ORG web site updates)
  • The New Public Service Event Planning Procedure
  • The new “ARES Connect”
  • Recognition and awards the Section Manager may issue
  • Sympathy cards and the aging populace of hams
  • Youth Outreach program
  • Comments regarding recent league issues

About our speaker: John received his first ham license in 1977 as WA2TQW, then KB2CR, and he has been K2QY since 2003. He has served as President and Director of the Albany Amateur Radio Association (AARA) multiple times in the 1980s and 2010-2013, and is currently on the board of directors of AARA. He was President of the Albany County Amateur Communications Emergency Services 2014-2017. He is Radio Officer of Albany County RACES. He has received ARRL and FEMA training to the management level and is SkyWarn trained. He has served as Emergency Coordinator for Albany County and Northern District Emergency Coordinator for Eastern NY. John was one of the first VEs in the country (1984), and is currently an instructor for amateur radio license classes (CARES). He has served as ARRL Hudson Division Assistant Director, chairperson for Digital Communications for ARES/RACES in ENY, and ARRL Field Instructor/Examiner/VE. He has served as ARRL Section Manager for Eastern NY since 2017.

John’s ham radio interests include casual DXing, contesting, all digital modes, APRS, Satellite, and International Space Station (ISS). He has taught every license class since 1978. He was the ISS school contact in 2011 for Donald P. Sutherland School –East Greenbush. He is the repeater owner and servicer for both ACACES 146.64 and a portable Fusion emergency repeater. He enjoys participating in Direction Finding (Fox Hunting), Summits on the Air, and National Parks on the Air. He has undertaken DXpeditions to Newfoundland, Barbados, Saint Martin, and Saint Maarten.

John’s ham interests also include Mobile and Backpack Mobile HF, Home Brewing /Experimenting, EMCOMM, and public awareness.

John participates extensively in public Service events either as NCS or Support operation.

General Meeting Monday April 2, 2018 at 7:00PM

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Meeting Location: First United Methodist Church, 603 State St, Schenectady NY 12305

When “UHF” Equipment Was Simple: The Original Transceivers

Speaker: James R. Stewart, K2PK

Abstract: It might be hard to imagine today, but in the years surrounding World War 2 one of the attractions to going on “UHF” (then near our present 6 and 2 meter bands) was the ability to build and use very simple equipment. These were the original transceivers using 2 or 3 tubes. All the component parts were used for both receiving and transmitting. In addition to amateur casual operating and emergency communications, transceivers of this kind were used in the Army during World War 2 and on the home front in the War Emergency Radio Service. RCA even made a commercially produced version for amateur use. These transceivers will be contrasted with the design of one of the simplest sets of the 1960’s, the Heathkit “calibrated lunch box.” An Army radio, an RCA radio, and the later Heathkit will be on display at the meeting.

About our speaker: Jim has been a member of SARA for 40 years. He is past president and vice president of SARA and is currently board secretary. He was first licensed in 1954 as WN3ZIR with later calls W3ZIR, K2PKK and now K2PK. While the bulk of his professional life was in the electric power industry, first at Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation and then in Schenectady at Power Technologies Inc., he also has had a hand in commercial radio at two AM broadcast stations and one FM station. Jim is a Fellow of the IEEE and is on the ARRL CW DXCC Honor Roll.

General Meeting Monday March 5, 2018 at 7:00PM

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Meeting Location: First United Methodist Church, 603 State Street, Schenectady
Thanks to Rudy Dehn W2JVF and Darrin Nash KD2LCH, this year’s SARA meetings will be held in the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church.

Unmanned Aerial Systems (a.k.a. “Drones”)
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Speaker: Gary J. McPherson, P.E., W2GJM

Abstract: The presentation will give an overview of the current FAA rules and regulations (Parts 107 and 101) and will focus on what you need to know before flying your UAS (a.k.a. drone). There will be several UAS platforms at the presentation to show attendees the various capabilities and currently available technology/payloads and options. This presentation will also describe some of the current completed missions utilizing drones along with footage from various missions and projects, and will discuss anti-drone technology.

About our speaker: Gary has been a licensed amateur radio operator since the late 80’s and operated club calls while in attendance at HVCC and Union College. He graduated from Union College in ’93 with a BS in Civil Engineering. He is a professional engineer and has been with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for the last 20+ years. Gary began flying airplanes well before drones. He started flying at the age of 15, soloed at 16, and obtained his private pilot license in 1991. In 2016, he became the first FAA-certificated UAS remote drone pilot in New York State. On top of Gary’s standard engineering duties he assisted in the formation of the NYSDEC UAS program and is one of the department’s UAS pilots and instructors. Gary utilizes UAS on various missions, including emergency response, environmental water, forest and wildlife assessments, mapping missions, and has provided aerial assistance for the Governor. Gary also owns and operates a photography business and has integrated the use of UAS to add a unique visual perspective.