Hi Paul,
I wanted to include you on an initiative that has been brewing for several
months.
I have been in discussions with a number of hams in Vermont about the lack
of CW activity and the desire that many folks have to improve their CW
skills. I am aware that CWOPS sponsors slow speed contest activities but
many people are not interested in contest exchange-type QSO's. There are
also some slow speed traffic nets but the type of traffic being handled
these days is mostly "make work" and does not feel inherently interesting
and important to people. It is entirely unlike the health and welfare
traffic that we frequently handled during the 1960-70's.
I have about ten people interested in forming a CW "gathering" that will
allow people to rag chew on CW at a speed that is comfortable for them. My
hope is that this will evolve into a statewide or regional frequency where
folks can get to know one another over time.
I have attached my original email describing this effort. Please send me
your comments and suggestions. If you are personally interested, I will
include you in future mailings. Please let anyone else know who might be
interested.
Other matters:
Things are starting to solidify on the RACES/ARES nets. The 160 meter SSB
net became moribund over the summer and it shows no signs of revival. The
75 meter net also has withered away. The active nets remain on VHF/UHF. I
am personally unable to reach the VHF net based on the Mount Mansfield
repeater, but I understand it is going well. The UHF linked repeater net
appears to have some connection issues between repeaters, but it is
operating weekly. The VHF linked repeater net has been active and
functions well.
There is also a nacient HF digital net weekly on 3.570 MHz using Thor 22
(and Thor 11 when conditions are worse). At most there have been 4
participants but I am hopeful that more people will occasionally check in.
Personally, I knew nothing about digital operations and my comfort and
enthusiasm for digital modes has increased as my setup becomes more
stable. I still need to work on my typing skills. Given that I am always
tinkering with my very complex radio setup, I have purchased an older radio
to use as a dedicated digital station since I keep screwing up the
configuration when I try to use my K3s. It will also be usable as a
portable station should the need arise.
Given that the VHF nets have taken shape, I think it is now time to appoint
net managers as you suggested long ago. Do you want to go over the names
before I approach people?
I hope you are well and have avoided the Covid-19 mess. Karen and I are
lucky that we can stay close to home most of the time.
73,
Alan
K1MZM
On Fri, Nov 19, 2021 at 6:32 PM Paul N. Gayet AA1SU <AA1SU@xxxxxxxx> wrote:
SB QST @ ARL $ARLB027
ARLB027 ARRL Announces Director Election Results
ZCZC AG27
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 27 ARLB027
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT November 19, 2021
To all radio amateurs
SB QST ARL ARLB027
ARLB027 ARRL Announces Director Election Results
The ARRL New England and Roanoke Divisions will have new Directors
on January 1. The results of these three-way contested elections for
Director were announced on November 19, after ballots were tallied
at ARRL Headquarters.
In the New England Division, incumbent Fred Hopengarten, K1VR,
received 1,054 votes, past Director Tom Frenaye, K1KI, received
1,026 votes, and challenger Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC, received 1,147
votes. *Mr. Kemmerer was declared the winner.*
In the Roanoke Division, incumbent George W. "Bud" Hippisley, W2RU,
received 809 votes, past Director Dr. Jim Boehner, N2ZZ, received
1,612 votes, and challenger Marvin Hoffman, WA4NC, received 1,294
votes. Dr. Boehner was declared the winner.
All newly elected officials take office at noon on January 1, 2022.
NNNN
/EX
