SKYWARN Training in Middletown May 12

We are very fortunate to have the National Weather Service offer their SKYWARN training in the East Bay area.  Not only is the topic of weather spotting fascinating, but the information that is gathered on the ground is critical for validating forecasting models and can have an impact on the ability of our towns to recover some of their expenses incurred as a result of a major weather event.  Having trained SKYWARN spotters that are also hams is an extra bonus, as we can get the ground reports to the NWS via Amateur Radio when other means are inoperable.

The Newport Daily News had an article a couple of days ago concerning SKYWARN.  See page 1 here, page 2 here

The SKYWARN training is free, and takes about 2.5 hours.  But you must register as space is limited.  Details are below:

Saturday May 12th, 2018 – 1000 AM-1230 PM:
Middletown Fire Department – Community Room
239 Wyatt Road
Middletown RI
Taught by: Amateur Radio Coordinator
Registration Required via the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/skywarn-training-class-middletown-ri-tickets-44373833330

NCRC Meeting Monday March 12, 7 PM, at KVH

Just a reminder that the NCRC Meeting is tomorrow night, Monday March 12th, at 7 PM at KVH.  We were a bit concerned about the weather but it appears that any snow our area gets will not begin until after 10 PM on Monday and we should all be home before then.

The program for Monday will be given by John King on VHF repeaters.

On another topic, please be aware that The Consortium meeting at the Asia Grille (622 George Washington Hwy, Lincoln) covering Antenna Analyzer use has been rescheduled for Monday March 19th so that NCRC members can attend.  The presentation starts at 6:30 PM, but many folks arrive around 5 PM so they can enjoy a dinner.  The concept for The Consortium was featured on page 67 of the April QST.

Scratch that itch to learn about programming!

This month’s Modulator features a story written by Jim KA1ZOU about Mike (K1NPT) & Beth Cullen’s ongoing STEAM (Science Technology Engineering, Arts and Math) education initiatives here in RI.  Both Jim and Mike are actively engaged in teaching activities that involve a programming “language” called SCRATCH that is designed to hide some of the pesky details usually required to learn to program, while providing a fun learning environment targeted at kids.

As the Modulator article (you can find it here) points out, not only can the program be designed on the easy-to-use PC screen, it can also live and run on an inexpensive “micro:bit” board.

Check out the Modulator article for more details!