|
Newsletter of the Binghamton Amateur Radio Association
Spring
is bringing a full calendar of events for BARA, from operating activities to
educational opportunities.
This month highlights Autism Awareness,
HF opportunities for Technicians, VHF roving, and several chances
to get involved both on the air and in
the community.
VHF Roving with Andrea K2EZ
Held after the business portion of our
March meeting via Zoom
|
|
At our March meeting, we welcomed Andrea, K2EZ, an accomplished
rover and electrical engineer whose mobile contest station spans 50 MHz
through 3.4 GHz. Her interest in VHF/UHF/microwave contesting began during
a 2015-road trip and quickly grew into a passion that earned her national first-
place finishes in both the Limited and Classic Rover categories.
|
Andrea
introduced the essentials of weak-signal VHF operating, shared an overview of
contesting, and
walked us through the design of her
impressive rover station. Her presentation provided and an engaging
look into a fascinating part of amateur
radio.
Click
here to view Andrea’s presentation: https://youtu.be/V6W7gbo3WDw
Ten Meter High Frequency (HF) for Technicians
Monday, March 30th • 7:00
pm – 8:30 pm • Via Zoom
Many
newly licensed Technicians tend to stay on familiar ground using local 2
meter and 440 repeaters, missing the opportunity to experience worldwide
communication on the HF bands. The 10-meter band offers voice, data, and CW
privileges and is currently providing exciting long-distance openings due to
strong solar activity.
To
help operators take advantage of these conditions, a special online session will
cover equipment, antennas, operating techniques, and practical tips in an
easy-to-understand format, followed by a Q&A session.
Preregistration
for the Zoom link: https://tiny.cc/rp-tt
World Autism Awareness /
Acceptance Week
Wednesday, April 1st through Tuesday,
April 7th • On-the Air Worldwide
Amateur
radio operators around the globe will once again be on the air to share the
message:
“It’s OK to be
Different.” The primary call will be W2A, used by All US operators with
dozens of other calls
from our volunteers around the world. While
Human modes are preferred to engage the callers, this year
FT4/8 will be accepted, as those
contacts will help direct callers to the various QRZ pages for the calls used.
If
you would like to be a volunteer operator, Contact James Gallo, KB2FMH at:
[email protected]
Free Amateur Radio Operating Course
Live Classes on Zoom • Thursdays
at 6:30 pm • April 2nd through June 18th
This
free online course is a welcoming way to explore the world of amateur radio from
the comfort of home. Weekly Zoom sessions will guide participants through
practical topics like DXing, digital modes, satellites, emergency
communications, and more. Whether you're brand new or looking to sharpen your
skills,
you'll learn from experienced
instructors in a friendly, community-oriented setting.
To
register, contact Rol Anders, K3RA, at: [email protected]
CVARA Bullthistle Hamfest
Saturday, April 11th • 7:00 am – Noon
St Bartholomew’s
Parish Center Parking Lot, 10
Sheldon St, Norwich, NY
Talk in Frequency: 146.52
Simplex or 146.685 Repeater ( -600 ) PL 110.9 Hz
Hosted
by the Chenango Valley Amateur Radio Association, this long running regional
event attracts
amateur radio operators, electronics enthusiasts, and curious visitors from
across central New York.
It is an ideal opportunity to browse equipment, move surplus gear, and
connect with fellow hobbyists.
More info: https://cvara.net/our-events/bullthistle-hamfest/
Volunteer Exam (VE) Test
Session
Wednesday, April 15th • 6:00
pm – 7:00 pm
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, 698 Underwood Rd, Vestal, NY
|
|
While our exams are offered free of charge,
the FCC requires a $35
fee for new licenses,
license renewals, and
vanity call sign requests.
This fee is not collected at the VE test session
and must be paid
directly to the FCC.
After
you successfully complete your exam and
your application is
processed, the FCC will send
you an email with
detailed instructions for
submitting the required
payment.
|
Held one hour before our monthly meetings, our VE Test
Sessions are an excellent opportunity for
anyone to earn their
amateur radio license or upgrade their existing privileges. Walk-ins are
welcome.
More
info: https://larc-vec.org/displayteam.php?team=BARA
BARA Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, April 15th • 7:00
pm – 8:30 pm
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, 698 Underwood Rd, Vestal, NY
Join
us this month as we welcome James Gallo, KB2FMH, for an engaging presentation on his journey
through amateur radio, DXpeditions, and
his roles in the Parks on the Air (POTA) program.
James will let us know how he first became involved
with ham radio and what early experiences shaped
his interest in the hobby. He then
takes us into the world of DXpeditions, sharing memorable, instructive,
and unexpected moments from his
international activations.
Unable to
attend in person? https://qsl.net/bara/zoom
Doug's Fish Fry Fundraiser
Thursday, April 16th • 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tractor Supply Co., 154
Vestal Pkwy West, Vestal, NY
 
Support BARA by
enjoying a delicious meal from Doug’s ToGo! Fish, shrimp, scallops,
fries, and more.
Click here to download a poster and help spread the word: https://qsl.net/bara/dougsfishfry/
Breakfast Get Together
Saturday, April 18th • 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Blue Dolphin Diner, 7670 NYS
Route 434, Apalachin, NY
|
|
Join us for good food
and great company at the
Blue Dolphin, a long-standing BARA tradition.
On the third Saturday
of each month, we gather
for breakfast at the Blue Dolphin Restaurant.
Breakfast begins
around 9:00 am and continues
until the last conversation wraps up.
|
International
Marconi Day
Saturday, April 25th • 9:30
am – 4:00 pm
Marconi Tower, 45 Lewis Street, Binghamton, NY
|
|
BARA proudly continues its annual tradition of
participating in Marconi Day by operating the special event station K2M
from the historic Marconi Tower located in downtown Binghamton. This annual
event, held on the Saturday closest to Marconi’s birthday, celebrates
his pioneering work in wireless communication with stations around the
world transmitting from sites connected to his life and career.
|
By operating from this landmark, BARA connects our community
to a global celebration of radio’s past and present. We look forward to
another engaging Marconi Day and to sharing the story of the Marconi Tower
with visitors and
passersby heading to the Rumble Ponies baseball game at Mirabito Stadium.
A brief sign-up survey will be sent soon for members
interested in operating or assisting on site.
Greater
Binghamton Bridge Run
Sunday, May 3rd • 7:30 am – 11:00 am
Mirabito Stadium, 211 Henry
Street, Binghamton, NY
|
|
Organized by the Triple Cities Runners Club, this
annual event has become a popular tradition in the local running community.
Amateur radio operators are needed to assist with communications.
Please contact Ford AB2HS, if you would like to help.
|
Antenna Activity Day
Saturday, June 6th • Noon
– 3:00 pm • Weather Permitting
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, 698 Underwood Rd, Vestal, NY
Plans are in the works for an “Antenna Activity Day”
where all members are encouraged to stop by, lend a hand, or simply enjoy the
chance to learn something new. Whether you’re looking to build your
first antenna, tune up an existing design, or compare notes with others, this
will be a relaxed, collaborative day focused on practical skills and shared
experimentation. More details to follow as we get closer, but for now, mark
your calendar and plan to join us for a fun and productive club gathering.
General Class License Workshop
Tentatively planned for sometime this
fall at Vestal Volunteer Fire Department Station 2.
Strong
member interest has been expressed, and planning is underway using ARRL
materials including both the study manual and presentation resources, and
will follow a structure similar to last year’s successful Technician
class, including registration and bulk ordering of materials.
|
Calendars
|
|
Analog and Digital Voice Nets
|
Ham Radio Calendars
|
Upcoming Local Events
|
|
|
|
Local Amateur Radio Nets
|
|
Radio Net
|
Schedule
|
Frequencies
|
|
Morning
Net
|
Weekdays
& Saturday at 8:00 am
|
146.865
-.600 MHz PL 146.2 Ingraham Hill
|
|
BARA Net
|
Wednesday
at 8:00 pm
except for Club Meeting Wednesdays
|
|
BRAT Net
|
Binghamton
Amateur Radio Technical Net
Sunday at 8:00 pm
|
|
Early
Bird Net
|
Weekdays
at 5:30 am
|
146.730
-.600 MHz PL 100.0 Binghamton
|
|
STAR Net
|
Southern
Tier Amateur Radio Net
Daily at 6:30 pm
|
|
Six Meter
Net
|
Wednesdays
at 9:00 pm
|
50.200 MHz
USB
|
|
NYS RACES
|
Sunday at
9:00 am
|
3.993 or
7.281 MHz LSB
|
|
STNYDV Net
|
Southern
Tier Digital Voice Net
Sunday at 7:00 pm
|
BM TG
31367, Wires-X 83721 & On Zoom
|
|
Southern Tier Fusion Net
|
Sunday at
8:00 pm
|
Requires a
Yaesu C4FM Digital Radio
Click Here for Connection
Entry Points
|
|
TTDTN
|
Third
Tuesday of the Month
|
Twin Tiers
Digital Training Net on Zoom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amateur Radio Licensing
Interested in obtaining or upgrading your Amateur
Radio License? Learn about the
different license classes, the requirements and how
to get started on your journey.
|
|
|
ARRL Membership for Students
Full-time students aged 21 years or younger have the
opportunity for a no-cost,
student membership. As an ARRL member, you will learn
skills and make connections
that may advance your education and future career
goals.
|
|
|
BARA Brochures
The club has printed out about 100 BARA Brochures
to help spread the word about our organization.
|
|
|
BARA Discord Server
Discord is a platform that lets you communicate
through voice and video calls, text messaging and media sharing. You can
chat privately or join virtual communities called 'servers,' made up of
chat rooms and voice channels.
Join us on the BARA Discord Server and be part of the conversation.
|
|
|
BARA Logbooks
We have a special offer for our members. Each member
can receive a FREE Logbook
as a gift from BARA. This offer is limited to one
logbook per member, not annually.
Families get one for each licensed member. See Steve,
KA2YRA to claim your copy.
|
|
|
BARA Stickers
Show your support for BARA with our exclusive BARA
Stickers.
Priced at just $3.50 each or 3 for $10.
See our Treasurer to get yours.
|
|
|
Broome County Live Scanner
Feed
Stay connected to Broome County’s emergency
services with ScannerNerds.com.
Listen to live Motorola P25 transmissions from local
police, fire departments and emergency services, delivering real-time,
accurate and timely audio directly from
the first responders who protect our community.
|
|
|
Callsign Light Displays
Discover these beautifully engraved and colorful
callsign light displays crafted by
our very own Bill Jakaitis, KB2SIN and other
fantastic ham radio-related gifts.
|
|
|
New Ham Cheatsheet
Alongside the QRZ Jumpstart Program, Frank Heaney
W2FJH has developed a
“New Ham Cheatsheet.” This handy guide is
designed to help newly licensed hams
get started on their amateur radio journey with ease.
|
|
|
New Ham Jumpstart Program
Are you a new ham who obtained your amateur radio
license within the last 6 months?
Apply now for the QRZ Jumpstart Program and receive a
fantastic welcome package.
You will get an Explorer QRZ-1 5W VHF/UHF handheld
transceiver, RT Systems software
and programming cable for just $17.99 (plus tax and
shipping).
|
|
|
Seven 3 Dot Net
A social network for hams by hams started in the
Southern Tier of New York as a means for hams to spread the word about anything
and everything ham radio related without the need to locate a club or site
administrator.
|
|
|
Swap and Shop
Here, you can buy, sell or trade ham radio equipment
with fellow enthusiasts.
Discover the latest listings and snag some fantastic
deals.
.
|
|
