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Announcement Archive
Hollingsworth to Stay Put at FCC
 Posted: Tuesday, October 30, 2007
  The ARRL reports that Riley Hollingsworth, Special Counsel for the FCC's Enforcement Bureau, has decided not to retire; he had announced last week that he would leave the FCC in January 2008. "After spending the entire weekend thinking about the decision [to retire], it became more and more clear to me that it just isn't the right decision for me right now. There are several issues on the table that I want to continue to work through with the amateur community."
The Enforcement Bureau is the primary organizational unit within the Federal Communications Commission that is responsible for enforcement of provisions of the Communications Act, the Commission's rules, Commission orders and terms and conditions of station authorizations, as well as enforcement of Amateur Radio rules (Part 97).
FCC's Riley Hollingsworth to Retire
Posted: Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Riley Hollingsworth, Special Counsel in the FCC's Enforcement Bureau, announced his retirement this week, effective Friday, January 3, 2008. While his successor has not been named, Hollingsworth was quick to point out that the FCC's Amateur Radio enforcement program will continue.
Hollingsworth told the ARRL: "After about a year of thinking about the 'if not now, when?' question, I decided to retire January 3. I love working for the FCC and I've always had great jobs, but this one involving the Amateur Radio Service has been the most fun and I have enjoyed every day of it."
October SCMARG Dinner Meet
Posted: Monday, October 1, 2007
SCMARG schedules informal monthly gatherings called Dinner Meets. These meets are at a different restaurant each month as determined by the members present at the prior meet. Our next SCMARG dinner meet will be held on Friday, October 12th, 7:00pm at Davy's Locker, 1480 East Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford, MA. No formal agenda is planned. Both members and guests are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there!
Rest In Peace 443.800
Posted: Tuesday, September 10, 2007
 For the past several months, the ARRL has been working closely with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to mitigate interference caused by amateur repeaters to the PAVE PAWS radar system at Otis AFB on Cape Cod. Dan Henderson, N1ND of the ARRL sent notifications to several 440 MHz repeater owners (including SCMARG) on Wednesday, September 5th informing each owner how much signal reduction needed to be seen in order to eliminate the interference.
For SCMARG's 443.800 Dartmouth Repeater, it meant running the repeater with less than one watt. Due to this finding, SCMARG has made the a decision not to return the repeater to the air. Richard J. Cabral, W1RJC, primary trustee of the former repeater, will be selling the system.
Pictured: One of the phased array antennas that makes up PAVE PAWS radar.
September SCMARG Dinner Meet
Posted: Thursday, August 30, 2007
 SCMARG schedules informal monthly gatherings called Dinner Meets. These meets are at a different restaurant each month as determined by the members present at the prior meet. Our next SCMARG dinner meet will be held on Friday, September 14th, 7:00pm at Friendly's, 307 State Road, Dartmouth, MA. No formal agenda is planned. Both members and guests are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there!
443.800 Dartmouth Repeater: Tower Work
Posted: Friday, August 17, 2007
 On the morning of Monday, August 13, 2007, Richard J. Cabral, W1RJC and Stephen J. Saunders, K1NET of SCMARG delivered the new RFS Super Stationmaster™ 1151-2N repeater antenna, the NRG Comet CX-333 remote base antenna and various hardware to the new tower site. Alan M. Costello, KB1EAG of Netcom (the tower installer) was supposed to meet them there to begin the project, but needed to reschedule to Thursday due to an emergency.
On Thursday, August 16, 2007 at 7:30am, Cabral and Joseph P. Frois, W1VRP of SCMARG met Costello and another tower installer, Richard F. Dudley of DTS Communications at the site. The 1-5/8" and 1/2" heliax along with the two antennas were raised. The two antennas were not permanently mounted yet, as Costello needed to modify the side arms. He promised to return to the site within the next two days to complete the install, however the hardest part is completed.
As of this posting, we still have not secured the shelter in which the repeater rack will be housed. The paperwork is pending approval and could be completed any day now, however it could take as long as another month or two. Once we get the official word, the repeater rack will be delivered and 443.800 will finally be restored.
Another possible show-stopper is the on going PAVE PAWS issues. We have our fingers crossed that the 440 MHz band will not be restricted from use in our area. If this does happen however, we will move this repeater to the 220 MHz band. As always, stay tuned to this site for the latest as this project progresses.
- Pictured: [Left photo] Joseph P. Frois, W1VRP guides the two hardlines up the tower as Richard F. Dudley (background) operates a motorized rope used to hoist the hardline up the tower. [Right photo] Richard F. Dudley (left) and Alan M. Costello, KB1EAG (right) prepare the Super Stationmaster™ to be hoisted.
Volunteers Needed For Triathlon - Sunday, August 26th
Posted: Tuesday, August 7, 2007
SCMARG is looking for volunteers to help with the Cranberry County Triathlon 2007. This event is scheduled for Sunday, August 26st and is based out of Ted Williams Camp on MA Route 18 in Lakeville, MA. Amateur radio operators are needed to monitor racers along a 24.9 mile bike course and a 6.2 mile run. After the event, there will be a fabulous barbecue, plus a DJ and live music.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Antone D. Duarte, N1XRS by email or by calling him at (508) 889-1174. Both SCMARG and the Acushnet EMA were contacted by Eric Averill (director of the event) and will be jointly participating.
443.800 Dartmouth Repeater: Returning Soon
Posted: Wednesday, July 25, 2007
The 443.800 Dartmouth Repeater may be back on the air as soon as mid-August! We have secured two dates to have the master and remote base antennas erected at the new site. We are aiming for Monday, August 13, 2007 with a rain date of Wednesday, August 15, 2007.
We are in the process of ordering the two antennas and getting the hardline ready, however we have not secured which shelter the equipment rack will be housed. If this is not finalized by August 13th, there could be a delay on bringing the system back online (even though the antennas will be ready).
August SCMARG Dinner Meet
Posted: Wednesday, July 25, 2007
SCMARG schedules informal monthly gatherings called Dinner Meets. These meets are at a different restaurant each month as determined by the members present at the prior meet. Our next SCMARG dinner meet will be held on Friday, August 10th, 7:00pm at Mike's Restaurant, 390 Huttleston Avenue, Fairhaven, MA. They specialize in Italian, seafood and prime rib. Both members and guests are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there!
July SCMARG Dinner Meet
Posted: Thursday, July 5, 2007
SCMARG schedules informal monthly gatherings called Dinner Meets. These meets are at a different restaurant each month as determined by the members present at the prior meet. Our next SCMARG dinner meet will be held on Friday, July 13th, 7:00pm at Friendly Pizza & Seafood, 216 Russells Mills Road, Dartmouth, MA. No formal agenda is planned. Both members and guests are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there!
443.800 Dartmouth Repeater: New Site!
Posted: Thursday, June 21, 2007
 SCMARG co-trustee Richard J. Cabral, W1RJC gained permission to place the repeater on a 150 foot tower located on Wilbur Avenue in Dartmouth, MA (pictured). The master antenna will be near 145 feet, while a 2m/222/440MHz remote base antenna will be near 95 feet. The height above sea level at the master antenna will be approximately 60 feet higher than its old location. Internet will also be installed for the EchoIRLP node.
We are currently waiting to hear back from the tower installer in order to schedule a date for the work to be completed. Once a date is set, an update will be posted here on the web site. SCMARG has received several donations from several individuals who wish to remain anonymous including:
- 1 run of 1-5/8" Heliax and connectors for the repeater antenna.
- 1 run of 1/2" Heliax and connectors for the remote base antenna.
- 2 polyphasers.
- Coax grounding kits for both cables.
- 1/2" Superflex jumper cables.
- Coax clips for both sizes of cable.
- Funding to purchase a new Super Station Master antenna.
- Funding to purchase a new remote base antenna.
- Funding to pay for the tower work to be completed.
Cabral would like to thank all individuals who made donations for this project. Since he is the primary trustee of this repeater, all expenses ultimately are his responsibility. With the amount of donations received to date, out of pocket expenses are greatly reduced. Stay tuned to this web site for more information as this project progresses.
440 MHz Threatened By PAVE PAWS
Posted: Friday, June 1, 2007
PAVE PAWS is a United States' Air Force Space Command radar system operated by three 21st Space Wing squadrons for missile warning and space surveillance. Operational PAVE PAWS radars are located at the Cape Cod Air Force Station, Massachusetts, Beale Air Force Base, California and Clear Air Force Station, Alaska.
Since early 2006, the USAF has claimed that amateur radio repeaters operating within a certain distance of Otis AFB and Beale AFB are causing unacceptable interference to the PAVE PAWS radar system. Since the radar is classified, little to no details have been released on how to remedy the problem thus far. This leaves the future status of 440 MHz in our area in question.
Pictured: One of the phased array antennas that makes up PAVE PAWS radar.
SKYWARN Training - Thursday, June 14th
Posted: Monday, May 21, 2007
 SKYWARN is the NWS volunteer weather spotting program where public citizens send reports to weather meteorologists to help them make a precise prediction to protect life and property. The Acushnet EMA is sponsoring a SKYWARN Training session on Thursday, June 14th, 7:00pm at the Acushnet Community Center, 232 Middle Road, Acushnet, MA. This session is open to the public, free of charge and runs about three hours.
A video presentation will show cloud features associated with severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. It will also stresses what types of phenomena should be reported. Upon completion of the training, identification cards will be handed out along with a special phone number for reporting directly to the National Weather Service.
June SCMARG Dinner Meet
Posted: Friday, May 11, 2007
SCMARG schedules informal monthly gatherings called Dinner Meets. These meets are at a different restaurant each month as determined by the members present at the prior meet. Our next SCMARG dinner meet will be held on Friday, June 1st, 7:00pm at T.K. O'Malley's Resturant, 227 State Road (US Route 6), Dartmouth, MA. No formal agenda is planned. Both members and guests are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there!
Volunteers Needed For Triathlon - Sunday, July 1st
Posted: Thursday, May 3, 2007
 SCMARG is looking for volunteers to help with the Patriot Half Iron 2007 Triathlon. This event is scheduled for Sunday, July 1st and is based out of Cathedral Camp in Freetown, MA. Amateur radio operators are needed to monitor racers along a 28 mile bike course and a 13.1 mile run. All volunteers will receive a race tee-shirt and a fabulous pasta meal from Riccardi's, who is catering the event.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Richard J. Cabral, W1RJC. Both SCMARG and the Acushnet EMA were contacted by Eric Averill (director of the event) and will be jointly participating. Eric has also provided a map of the race course; click here to view it.
May SCMARG Dinner Meet
Posted: Friday, April 13, 2007
 SCMARG schedules informal monthly gatherings called Dinner Meets. These meets are at a different restaurant each month as determined by the members present at the prior meet. Our next SCMARG dinner meet will be held on Friday, May 11th, 7:00pm at Riccardi's Italian Restaurant, 38 Sconticut Neck Road, Fairhaven, MA. Please note that this is the Riccardi's in Fairhaven and not New Bedford. Both members and guests are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there!
NEAR-Fest: It's Official!
Posted: Sunday, March 18, 2007
 It was officially announced this week by Michael Crestohl, W1RC that the New England Amateur Radio Festival (NEAR-Fest) will hold its first ever get-together and flea market on Friday, May 4th and Saturday, May 5th at the Deerfield Fairgrounds, Highway 43 in Deerfield, New Hampshire.
This festival is not to be confused with Hosstraders that was formerly held in Hopkinton, NH (and several other locations). Thirty-three years ago Norman B. Blake, W1ITT, Joseph M. Demaso, K1RQG and Robert V. Tiffany, W1GWU started what has become a highly popular and much beloved New England amateur radio institution. The NEAR-Fest was instituted to retain this wonderful tradition.
- Read the full story now on the new NEAR-Fest web site.
Technical Excellence Award: VE7LTD
Posted: Sunday, March 11, 2007
 The Dayton Hamvention's Technical Excellence Award goes each year to a person who has made an outstanding technical advancement in the field of Amateur Radio. This year, David Cameron, VE7LTD was named the recipient of the Technical Excellence Award for his work developing the Internet Radio Linking Project (IRLP).
The award announcement said Cameron "was instrumental in development of the software, hardware, and technology" to permit worldwide radio and repeaters linking via the Internet Radio Linking Project. "His work literally transformed FM repeater communication from a local entity into a worldwide communication network that has been of immense value in emergencies and has helped unite the world's radio amateurs over the Internet and radio," the award nomination said.
NEAR-Fest: The Next Hosstraders?
Posted: Wednesday, March 7, 2007
 New England hams feeling the void of the now defunct Hosstraders may have some hope after all. According to a post by Michael Crestohl, W1RC on The AM Forum site, things look very promising for two new events in the tradition of Hosstraders. These events will tentatively be on May 4th and 5th as well as October 12th and 13th (both on Friday and Saturday).
Where will this new event be held? Mike comments that "Right now I am not at liberty to reveal the venue [...] It will offer all the amenities we have become used to having and more." How about a name for this event? Mike adds "I have decided [to] tentatively call the event the New England Amateur Radio Festival, which produces a nice acronym; NEAR-Fest."
- Read Mike's full post now on the AM Fone web site.
April SCMARG Dinner Meet
Posted: Friday, March 2, 2007
SCMARG schedules informal monthly gatherings called Dinner Meets. These meets are at a different restaurant each month as determined by the members present at the prior meet. Our next SCMARG dinner meet will be held on Friday, April 13th, 7:15pm at UNO Chicago Grill, 214 Huttleston Avenue, Fairhaven, MA. This meet is on the 2nd week of April due to Good Friday, and no formal agenda is planned. Both members and guests are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there!
Amateur Radio Enters A New Era
Posted: Friday, February 23, 2007
 A new Amateur Radio Service regime now is in place. The requirement to demonstrate Morse code proficiency to gain HF privileges officially disappeared from the FCC's Part 97 rules today at 12:01 AM Eastern Time. At the same time, some 200,000 Technician licensees without Morse code exam credit acquired HF privileges equivalent to those available to Novice licensees. The League is marking the occasion with a W1AW special event aimed at welcoming newcomers to the HF bands.
Hosstraders Discontinued
Posted: Friday, February 9, 2007
 It is with deep regret that we report the end of a fond New England tradition. Each May and October, hams from all over New England, New York and nearby Canada would gather for a fun filled weekend tailgate party. This hamfest/fleamarket was called Hosstraders (a play on words for the way New Englanders pronounce "horse traders").
The event featured raffles, concessions, ham radio dealers and several fun filled eyeball QSOs. Norman B. Blake, W1ITT along with Joseph M. Demaso, K1RQG and Robert V. Tiffany, W1GWU had done a fine job with the event since 1973. It was last held in Hopkinton, NH at the Hopkinton Fairgrounds, with previous homes in Seabrook, Deerfield, Kingston and Rochester over the years.
- Read the official announcement now on the Hosstraders web site.
William M. Miller, Jr., K1IBR - SK
Posted: Monday, February 5, 2007
The South Coast lost a friend in amateur radio on February 5, 2007. William M. Miller, Jr., K1IBR passed away just before 2:00am after a brief illness. Without a doubt, no one can deny that Bill did a lot for the amateur radio community. He touched many people's lives with his vast knowledge and dedication. He was a longtime member of the Southeastern Massachusetts Amateur Radio Association, Inc. (SEMARA) where he served as Technical Committee Chairman for several years. Bill was always willing to help others with technical projects without asking for anything in return. He will be missed.
- To read more, please follow this link to the K1IBR Tribute on the SEMARA web site.
March SCMARG Dinner Meet
Posted: Friday, February 2, 2007
SCMARG schedules informal monthly gatherings called Dinner Meets. These meets are at a different restaurant each month as determined by the members present at the prior meet. Our next SCMARG dinner meet will be held on Friday, March 2nd, 7:15pm at Riccardi's Italian Restaurant, 901 Hathaway Road, New Bedford, MA. No formal agenda is planned. Both members and guests are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there!
Morse Code Requirement Ending
Posted: Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Circle Friday, February 23, on your calendar. That's when the current 5 WPM Morse code requirement will officially disappear from the Amateur Radio Service Part 97 rules in accordance with the FCC's Report and Order (R&O) in the "Morse code proceeding," WT Docket 05-235. Beginning on that date, applicants for a General or Amateur Extra class Amateur Radio license no longer will have to demonstrate proficiency in Morse code. They'll just have to pass the applicable written examination. Publication of the new rules in the January 24 Federal Register started a 30-day countdown for the new rules to become effective.
February SCMARG Dinner Meet
Posted: Friday, January 5, 2007
SCMARG schedules informal monthly gatherings called Dinner Meets. These meets are at a different restaurant each month as determined by the members present at the prior meet. The next dinner meet will be on Friday, February 2nd, 7:15pm at Me & Ed's Family Restaurant, 30 Brock Avenue, New Bedford, MA. SCMARG would like to thank Tim, N1TI for making reservations for us to utilize the small upstairs function room upstairs. No formal agenda is planned. Both members and guests are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there!
January SCMARG Dinner Meet
Posted: December 25, 2006
SCMARG schedules informal monthly gatherings called Dinner Meets. These meets are at a different restaurant each month as determined by the members present at the prior meet. The first ever dinner meet will be on Friday, January 5th, 7:15pm at T.K. O'Malley's Resturant, 227 State Road (US Route 6), Dartmouth, MA. We have a small agenda of items to discuss, but nothing of major importance. Both members and guests are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there!
443.800 Dartmouth Repeater: Off The Air
Posted: Saturday, November 11, 2006
The SCMARG 443.800 Dartmouth Repeater was temporarily removed from service today. It was co-located at SEMARA, Inc. along with their 147.000 repeater since October 1996. The repeater will remain off the air indefinitely while a new site is located.
SCMARG is currently in talks with a couple different tower owners and hopes to make an announcement soon on its new home. All nets that were carred on 443.800 have been moved to the SCMARG 145.490 Fairhaven Repeater.
- For a current list of all nets carried on SCMARG systems, see our new Nets & Events section.
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