FT8 Users MUST Upgrade to WSJT-X Version 2.0.0 Quickly

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Observant users of WSJT-X versions 1.9.1 and older may have observed decreased decodes in the past couple of days.  This is because the International Standard for FT8 was changed on December 10th.  The new standard is NO LONGER COMPATIBLE with the old program versions.

Go to the WSJT-X website and upgrade to 2.0.0 quickly.  You must stop using the older versions by the end of this year.

Once that change is made, your decode rate will shoot up as the majority of the users are using the latest version 2.0.0.

New easy FM Sat in orbit, Fox1-Cliff (AO-95)

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AMSAT launched another Fox FM Cubesat, Fox-1Cliff, on December 3.  It’s downlink is 145.920 MHz (Uplink 435.300 with a 67.0 Hz tone).  The satellite is still being tested and is not available for use yet, but you can easily hear the voice beacon every 2 minutes when it is overhead saying “Fox1-Cliff Safe Mode”.

I understand the best-guess object # is 43774, and it is showing up in various tracking programs as Fox1Cliff, AO-95, or object 43774.  (So many satellites were launched at the same time, 60+, that is too early to tell them apart.)

Check out the tracking program above and you should be able to hear the voice beacon (only on for about 14 seconds every 120 seconds).

Reminder: 1st Thursday Breakfast at Rome Point Cafe in NK

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Just a reminder for the Thursday breakfast crowd that usually gets together at Chelsea’s.  On the FIRST THURSDAY of the month some of us will be having breakfast at Rome Point Cafe in North Kingstown to give the West Bay folks a chance to not drive so far once a month.  We get there around 7:45-8 AM and usually are eating by 8:15 AM.

Folks are welcomed to join us!

Reminder: Deadline for Dinner Reservations

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Just a reminder that we need to turn in a count for the dinner in a week.  You can pay online if you go to the “Dinner Party” tab which has all the details about the party.

If you plan on paying at the door (cash or check), please let Jim Sammons know so we can be sure to have enough food on hand.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, if you aren’t going, please send Jim an email saying you can’t attend.  This will avoid interrupting you with further emails or phone calls.

Please contact Jim at   jimsa@cox.net

NCRC Officers for 2019

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The following officers were elected by the membership during the regular November 12 meeting:

  • President Dick Bianco KC1IPJ
  • Vice President Jim Sammons KA1ZOU
  • Secretary Bob Beatty WB4SON
  • Treasurer Ted Wrobel W1GRI
  • Director (ex President) Paul Fredette K1YBE
  • Director Willy MacLean W1LY
  • Director Paul Wynn AC1DW

Thanks to all for agreeing to serve, and congratulations!