Some thoughts about Islands on the Air from K1JSM

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Islands on the Air

Starting in 2012 and every year through 2020 a group of adventurous NCRC radio operators would pack up radio gear including antennas, grounding wires, batteries, chairs, tents, etc. and get into one or more boats and head to an island and get on the air.

Over that 9-year span:  11 members participated at one or more, and 60 islands were activated, most, if not all, for the first time.  The leader of this effort was Pete Lawson in his rigid inflatable named Goblin.  Peter could anchor his boat perfectly allowing us to easily disembark with all our gear.  He was usually accompanied by his wife Marshall.

Over that 9-year span:  NCRC activated 23 islands in both Florida and Rhode Island, activated 9 in Maine and 6 in Mass.

Many activations started at the Lawson’s home on the water with Pete’s signature Eggs Benedict and Bloody Mary’s.  At Pete’s urging, most activations ended with a “Proper Debrief”, which always included adult beverages.

Several of us, including Pete, had 50 or more activations.  Not once were we not successful in activating an island.

It was tremendous fun.  It was amateur radio at its best.

John Mills, September 15, 2024

 

Outdoor Adventure On a Perfect Day

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The Pete Lawson Outdoor Adventure (PLOA) was held this past Sunday September 15th at Colt State Park.  It was an absolutely stunning late summer day.  Unlike last year’s event, there was no threat of rain, and the temperature was a delightful 74 degrees.

Folks started arriving and things kicked off at noon.  Following a fantastic catered meal, we began the day reflecting on our history (Notes available here), and the club received a commendation from the ARRL New England Director Fred Kemmerer recognizing our 75 year history. Ed Gosling W1NQH, our longest serving member, received the award on behalf of the club (Ed has held every office for the club and his actual join date is much earlier that the club records indicate).  David Caine W1DEC, Silent Key, received recognition for his service to the club, which was accepted by his family members who traveled down from Vermont.

Drawings were held throughout the afternoon (DX Engineering provided several gift certificates, and the ARRL provided several publications as gifts), and many folks were able to view the custom radio trailer and satellite station built by Carl Dumas KC1NAM

Our thanks go out to the ARRL staff who joined us:

  • Fred Kemmerer AB1OC  (NE Division Director)
  • Phillip Temples K9HI  (NE Vice Director)
  • Kevin Beal K8EAL. (Director of Development)
  • Nancy Austin KC1NEK  (RI Section Manager)

Many thanks also to the committee members who put on the event:

  • Jim Sendrak KC1LYG
  • John Mills K1JSM
  • Willy Maclean W1LY
  • Jim Sammons KA1ZOU
  • Bob Beatty WB4SON

And of course the designer of the 75th logo and photographer extraordinaire Keith Henry KC1LPV whos photos can be seen below:

Jim KC1LYG  was the chairman of the PLOA

Folks attending the event

Willy W1LY recognizing the contributions of our SK, David Caine W1DEC

 

Possible Impact to SENE from Tropical Storm Debby

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Please keep an eye on the weather, as Tropical Storm Debby is anticipated to make a run up the eastern coast.  Still about 5 days from our area, some models are calling for it to strengthen to a weak Cat 1 hurricane and making another landfall between RI and MA.

Under the influence of rather weak steering currents, while forecasting its position 5 days out, there is a lot of uncertainty, but it is a good time to get your preparations completed just in case.

The last time RI had a hurricane was Hurricane Bob in 1991.  Wind isn’t usually the biggest threat in any event, and tropical storms have done major damage from storm surge and flooding from rain in our area.

Please Register for the Outdoor Adventure!!

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Details for the Outdoor Adventure have been posed under activities.  You can read about the day (Sunday September 15th) here:  https://w1sye.org/?page_id=7383

It would be most helpful if members would use the registration link so that the club knows how many members will be attending and can plan accordingly.

Again, you can read all about the Outdoor Adventure here:  https://w1sye.org/?page_id=7383