Sat, 12 May 2012 20:56:00 -0600 http://www.barnstablearc.org/ BARC, Cape Cod, MA en-us http://www.barnstablearc.org/images/ http://www.barnstablearc.org/ site-admin@barnstablearc.org http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=182 The newest trend in American communication isn't another smartphone from Apple or Google but one of the elder statesmen of communication: Ham radio licenses are at an all time high, with over 700,000 licenses in the United States, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/11/17/radio-days-are-back-ham-radio-licenses-at-all-time-high/#ixzz1gvQj5j7K Sun, 18 Dec 2011 14:52:24 -0700 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=180 Fox Hunts are now every other Friday, please see the events calendar for more info and exact dates. More info will be posted soon regarding the hunts but for now please review the rules page, rules and an overview of the hunt. Never done a Fox Hunt? Come and we will show you how. Most hunters will be in teams and there will be some teams that may have room for a ride along for anyone interested in seeing how it's done. You do NOT need any expensive equipment a lot of our hunters only use signal strength on an HT or mobile radio. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:24:33 -0700 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=175 A mobile hidden transmitter hunt (fox hunt) will be held Friday September 16 at 6:00pm. Meet at the Patriot Square parking lot in Dennis. We will be meeting in the usually empty section of the parking lot by to Rt 134. OR by the empty Pizza Hut depending is there is a car show. (just look for cars with antennas not parked in the parking spaces) Participants are asked to show up least 15 min. before the start time to check in and have any questions answered. The hunt will terminate at 8:00 pm and a gathering at a location of the fox's choosing will follow. This is mobile hunt! You will be using your vehicle to cover the search area and find the fox. The RULES HAVE CHANGED, please have a look. Rules and an overview of the hunt. Never done a Fox Hunt? Come and we will show you how. Most hunters will be in teams and there will be some teams that may have room for a ride along for anyone interested in seeing how it's done. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:05:04 -0600 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=171 Come join fellow Hams for a cookout and Fox Hunt on August 20 at Woodsong Farm in Brewster. The events are open to any amateur that would like to participate. For anyone that is reading this and asking what Fox hunting and Amateur radio have in common let me explain. Fox hunting is a term used to describe ARDF, Amateur Radio Direction Finding. Basically we will be hunting down a hidden transmitter located in the woods of Nickerson State Park. The Fox hunt and cookout are at different times, if you cant make each or don't want to participate in the hunt please join us for the cookout later on in the afternoon The cookout will have hamburgers and hot dogs grilled to order, all participants are encouraged to bring a small item to go along with the them. Please contact Barbara Leiden (may be e-mailed at, secretary "at" barnstablearc.org) to arrange you item. The events are free to all BARC Members and family. If you would like to joint us and are not a BARC member that is not a problem, you have two options; 1.) Bring a pre arranged food item approved by Barbara Leiden (may be e-mailed at, secretary "at" barnstablearc.org) 2.) Pay $5.00 cash or check to BARC at event (we will not have change, so please bring exact amount) 12:30 Gather for the Hunt (please be on time) 16:00 End of Fox Hunt / Start of Cookout Talk In - 146.955 Repeater Items to Bring: Direction finding antenna(s) (more info on antennas in the forum) 2m HT with S meter Attenuator(s) if you have them Appropriate clothing, long pants if it's not super hot, you will be in the woods. Orienteering compass USGS Map or Orienteering map of Nickerson State Park. As far as the compass goes, you are looking for one that will allow you to orientate you map and take bearings. One like this is what you are looking for. The round flip top military style are a lot more frustrating to use. Rules of the hunt: There are some.. All participants going on the hunt must check in and be recorded in the log book at Woodsong Farm. This is the only way we have to know who is on the hunt. When you find the Fox it will have numbered cards with it for you to take. The cards are sequentially numbered. The first person to find the fox will get the #1 card, second person the #2 card and so on. If the cards have instructions on them FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS. Restrictions: NONE... Fined the fox any way you wish, on foot, bike, car, boat or plain. As long as it is permitted by the park you can do it.   Directions to Woodsong Farm or you can look at the map For more information on Fox Hunting search "ARDF Fox Hunting" on Google or YouTube. Any questions please contact Mark Avery - N1ZPO Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:16:59 -0600 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=170 A mobile hidden transmitter hunt (fox hunt) will be held Friday July 29 at 6pm. Meet at the Patriot Square parking lot in Dennis. We will be meeting in the usually empty section of the parking lot by to Rt 134. (far East section if looking at the map) Participants are asked to show up about 15 min. before the start time to check in and have any questions answered. The hunt will terminate at 8:00 pm and a gathering at a location of the fox's choosing will follow. This is mobile hunt! You will be using you vehicle to cover the search area and find the fox. Rules and an overview of the hunt. The fox for this hunt will be Paul - W1NP Never done a Fox Hunt? Come and we will show you how. Most hunters will be in teams and there will be some teams that may have room for a ride along for anyone interested in seeing how it's done. Sun, 17 Jul 2011 22:16:03 -0600 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=169 BARC finally has a photo gallery! Thu, 14 Jul 2011 22:36:35 -0600 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=167 Amateur Radio Class Technician Level (Element 2) This class has been canceled due to lack of participants. There will be another class in the fall. Anyone interested in attending any class should contact Dana or BARC. Dates: July 9, 10, 16, & 17, 2011 Time: 1 - 5 PM each day Registration Deadline: June 20, 2011 - contact Dana at 508-432-1383 or dana@barnstablearc.org Location: Dennis Police Dept., Tom Martin Community Room 90 Bob Crowell Rd., S. Dennis, MA 02660 Duration: 4 sessions of 4 hours each License Exam: Offered at end of last class. Allow 1 to 2 hours for exam & grading.     Fee: The class is offered free of charge. Instructors give their time, knowledge, and materials without pay. Donations are always welcomed but not required. Materials:Please purchase a copy of the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual #0977 and have it in your possession well in advance of the first class. It is available from the ARRL for $29.95. Call: 1-888-277-5289 or check Amazon.com. Age: People of any age may hold an Amateur Radio license but a certain level of ability, knowledge, and concentration are necessary to pass the test. Those 12 years old & up generally do well. It’s possible a younger child could pass the exam given sufficient desire to do so, commitment, and ability to learn. Parents: Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. You will be expected to attend the classes with your child so plan on making this an activity you do together. No parent/guardian, no class, no exceptions. Pre-study:Before attending the first session, the student will be expected to have read and memorized the questions in Chapters 1, 6, 7, and 8. These chapters are: Welcome to Amateur Radio”, “Communicating with Other Hams”, “Licensing Regulations”, and “Operating Regulations”. Class time won’t be devoted to these topics, other than to answer specific questions someone may have at the start of the first class. You will need to know this material in order to pass the license exam. Plan to stay an extra hour or two on the final day to complete the exam process. Instructor: Dana S. Henrique, WA1KYU. Dana holds an Extra Class Amateur Radio License and a commercial General Radiotelephone Operator License. He’s an ARRL registered instructor, as well as a certified volunteer Examiner for both the ARRL and Laurel Amateur Radio Club. He’s a member of ARRL, Pilgrim Amateur Radio Club, Barnstable Amateur Radio Club, and Greater Orleans Amateur Radio Club. You may contact him at 508-432-1383 or email dana@barnstablearc.org Co-instructor: Paul Laconto, W1NP. Paul holds an Extra Class Amateur Radio License and is a certified Volunteer Examiner for both the ARRL and Laurel Amateur Radio Club. He’s well known for excellent work with the Boy Scouts and is a member of ARRL, Pilgrim Amateur Radio Club, Barnstable Amateur Radio Club, and Greater Orleans Amateur Radio Club. You may contact him at 508-430-0109 or email w1np@barnstablearc.org Sun, 22 May 2011 20:30:55 -0600 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=165 A mobile hidden transmitter hunt (fox hunt) will be held Friday April 15 at 6pm. Meet at the Patriot Square parking lot in Dennis. We will be meeting in the usually empty section of the parking lot by to Rt 134. (far East section if looking at the map) Participants are asked to show up about 15 min. before the start time to check in and have any questions answered. The hunt will terminate at 8:00 pm and a gathering at a location of the fox's choosing will follow. This is mobile hunt! You will be using you vehicle to cover the search area and find the fox. Rules and an overview of the hunt. The fox for this hunt will be Mark - N1ZPO Never done a Fox Hunt? Come and we will show you how. Most hunters will be in teams and there will be some teams that may have room for a ride along for anyone interested in seeing how it's done. Sat, 26 Mar 2011 19:33:09 -0600 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=163 Sat, March 26, 12pm – 2pm Where: Cape Cod Super Buffet, West Yarmouth (map) Come Join BARC for a all you can eat buffet lunch! Open to all family members and guests if accompanied by a BARC member. A fee of $10.00 per person paid to BARC is required and includes all food and a fountain drink. Advanced registration is requested, but not required. We need to give the restaurant a accurate number of participants so they will have the proper staffing and food for the lunch. please RSVP to clublunch@barnstablearc.org. Sun, 13 Mar 2011 19:39:49 -0600 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=161 By Keir Thomas, PCWorld Could you live without your satellite navigation system? If we're to believe a new pressure group called Coalition to Save our GPS, it won't be long until we find out. The group consisting of GPS manufacturers, airline trade organizations, and other concerned parties, claims that a 4G LTE service is on the brink of breaking Global Positioning Systems for the population at large, including emergency responders such as ambulances and police. The problem relates to the frequencies a startup called LightSquared intends to use for its 4G LTE phone service. Earlier this year the Federal Communications Commission approved LightSquared's plans to operate in the frequency range of 1525 to 1559MHz. GPS operates in the neighboring 1559-1610MHz band and--depending on who you speak to--it's all a little too close for comfort, not least because cell phone signals from towers are an order of magnitude stronger than GPS signals. A few weeks ago GPS device manufacturer Garmin set up an experimental transmitter broadcasting on LightSquared's proposed frequencies. It caused havoc for several Garmin products. An aviation device lost its GPS fix at just under 14 miles away from the transmitter and was totally jammed five and a half miles away. One of Garmin's most popular consumer devices lost its fix just over half a mile away. Scary. The coalition points out that LightSquared plans to built up to 40,000 ground stations, potentially creating an equivalent number of GPS dead spots miles in diameter. Sat, 12 Mar 2011 20:09:16 -0700 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=159 Nicole Muller of the Register newspaper recently ran a story about the Cape Cod Amateur Radio Explorer Post 73. You may view it here... You may also visit the Posts website at post73.org Sun, 27 Feb 2011 18:15:56 -0700 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=154 BARC will have its Annual Holiday Party on Saturday December 4 at 6 PM at the Red Cross Chapter House in Hyannis. The chapter is fixing the front door step. Everyone needs to enter through the wheelchair access ramp on the RIGHT side of the chapter Barb Leiden is coordinating the food for the Pot Luck Dinner. All are asked to contact her with ideas for dishes to bring. We already have two main course dishes ID'd and one appetizer so factor that into your ideas. As always, utensils, drinks, etc. are needed so let us know if that will be your contribution (in case cooking isn't your thing.) We're also looking for ideas for activities to have at the party this year (a raffle, an auction, a sing-a-long, etc.) so email Rob at k1ui@arrl.net with any suggestions. Let's make this one the best ever! 73 de Rob K1UI Thu, 11 Nov 2010 19:06:37 -0700 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=153 Field day results are in... BARC did well this year scoring 6th in Eastern Mass and 2nd in our category 3A. Our call sign was N1UI and our GOTA call was W1EXP #CallScoreCategoryQSOsPower MultGOTA CallSectionParticipantsClub 1NS1RA13,6665A3,7072KB1PALEMA70North Shore RA 2K1RK6,1962A1,6682 EMA42Falmouth ARA 3N1NC5,8023A1,3112 EMA57Nashoba Valley ARC 4W1HP5,6182A1,3792KD1NAEMA20Philips ARC 5W1MX5,1562A1,3322W1AFEMA16MIT Radio Society & Friends 6N1UI5,0943A1,4072W1EXPEMA23Barnstable ARC 7W1CLA5,0002A1,4002W1MHLEMA28Clay Center ARC & Waltham ARA 8W1ACT4,3103A1,2112N1JOYEMA12Bristol County RA 9N1M3,4383F7582 EMA25Algonquin ARC 10W1GLO2,9343A4662KB1PGHEMA41Cape Ann ARA 11W1SMH2,6142A6602 EMA20Sturdy Memorial Hospita ARC 12W1N2,3625A6142 EMA34Whitman ARC, Inc. 13W1BOS2,2144A6352 EMA15Boston ARC 14KA1GG1,5322F6312 EMA8Pilgrim Amateur Wireless / SE MA AR Group 15N1ZIZ1,4943A1522KB1FVREMA26Genesis ARS 16KB1JJE1,0621F2012 EMA8Mansfield EMA Comm Group 17KD1HF8902A2602 EMA3  18K1ZZN8762F1882 EMA3Raymond J. Levesque Memorial ARC 19W1SRG7461D2822 EMA2  20N1MV6363A182 EMA25Mystic Valley ARG 21KB1PBA6301B1B485 EMA1  22N1NBQ5162A742 EMA5Nantucket ARA 23W1TKZ5062A622 EMA21Wellesley ARS 24W1BBV4822A412 EMA5Brookby ARG 25N1NN3861D842 EMA1  Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:16:01 -0600 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=152 2 Meter GE Mastr Exec. II Repeater By Micro Computer Concepts This is a complete 40W repeater ready to go into service, including controller and CTCSS tone encode / decode board. Repeater runs off 13.8V and will need an external power supply. Price $600.00 Sat, 30 Oct 2010 19:24:21 -0600 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=150 The repeater controller will be getting a firmware update on the evening of September 25th. During that time the system will be down. Fri, 24 Sep 2010 21:42:20 -0600 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=149 Dana Henrique will be offering another Technician Amateur Radio License in a weekend course to be taught Friday - Sunday of 2010 Thanksgiving weekend. Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:28:34 -0600 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=147 BARC had its first annual summer picnic and foxhunt today, August 22 Sun, 22 Aug 2010 21:30:09 -0600 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=144 Come join fellow Hams for a cookout and Fox Hunt on August 22 at Woodsong Farm in Brewster. The events are open to any amateur that would like to participate. For anyone that is reading this and asking what Fox hunting and Amateur radio have in common let me explain. Fox hunting is a term used to describe ARDF, Amateur Radio Direction Finding. Basically we will be hunting down a hidden transmitter located in the woods of Nickerson State Park. The Fox hunt and cookout are at different times on Sunday, if you cant make each or don't want to participate in the hunt please join us for the cookout later on in the afternoon The cookout will have hamburgers and hot dogs grilled to order, all participants are encouraged to bring a small item to go along with the them. Please contact Barbara Leiden (may be e-mailed at, secretary "at" barnstablearc.org) to arrange you item. The events are free to all BARC Members and family. If you would like to joint us and are not a BARC member that is not a problem, you have two options; 1.) Bring a pre arranged food item approved by Barbara Leiden (may be e-mailed at, secretary "at" barnstablearc.org) 2.) Pay $5.00 cash or check to BARC at event (we will not have change, so please bring exact amount) 12:30 Gather for the Hunt (please be on time) 16:00 End of Fox Hunt / Start of Cookout Talk In - 146.955 Repeater Items to Bring: Direction finding antenna(s) (more info on antennas in the forum) 2m HT with S meter Attenuator(s) if you have them Appropriate clothing, long pants if it's not super hot, you will be in the woods. Orienteering compass USGS Map or Orienteering map of Nickerson State Park.   As far as the compass goes, you are looking for one that will allow you to orientate you map and take bearings. One like this is what you are looking for. The round flip top military style are a lot more frustrating to use. Rules of the hunt: There are some.. All participants going on the hunt must check in and be recorded in the log book at Woodsong Farm. This is the only way we have to know who is on the hunt. When you find the Fox it will have numbered cards with it for you to take. The cards are sequentially numbered. The first person to find the fox will get the #1 card, second person the #2 card and so on. If the cards have instructions on them FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS. The only restriction is that this is an on foot hunt, no vehicles.. Other than that any equipment is usable. Directions to Woodsong Farm or you can look at the map For more information on Fox Hunting search "ARDF Fox Hunting" on Google or YouTube. Any questions please contact Mark Avery - N1ZPO Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:28:01 -0600 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=140 It's back up! We replaced the antenna again today, taking down the Bozak that we put up yesterday. The VSWR was 10:1 ! The UHF to N adapter seams to be the major culprit with this problem, it was tested on the ground after it was taken down and had a good VSWR, and about 3:1 with the adapter. A new X50NA was reinstalled, this antenna has a N connector already on it. We are still looking into the random noise problem. Sat, 10 Apr 2010 22:21:57 -0600 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=138 The 146.955 repeater will be down for testing/service today starting after 11:00am. It will be back on the air tonight. Sat, 10 Apr 2010 08:35:32 -0600 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=135 Henry Fales KZ1V passed away on 2-15-2010. No service has been scheduled as of yet. He was a VE and was very instrumental in licensing many hams on and off Cape Cod. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:18:56 -0700 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=134 BARC is oppose passage of H-4475 unless it is amended to protect amateur radio, for example, so that the passage in Chapter 90, Section 13 which exempts Citizen Band radio also include an exemption for amateur radio operators. Our concerned that the law might be interpreted so as to make mobile amateur radio operations illegal. An exemption for FCC-licensed amateurs in the law would allow us to continue training for & providing emergency & public service communications to our communities. Amateur radio operators perform many public service activities ranging from mobile emergency reporting to the National Weather Service and emergency management agencies during storms to support of charity road races and we couldn't do that if amateur radio operators weren't allowed to communicate while on the road. We request that H-4475 not be passed unless amended as requested. Please contact your senator and inform them of your view on passage of this bill. Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:58:52 -0700 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=129 We are aware of the problems with the repeater, it appears to be an antenna related problem. :( (again!) More detailed info can be found in the repeater log section. (members only) Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:30:50 -0700 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=125 Amateur Radio ClassTechnician Level Dates: November 27 - 29, 2009. Time: 1 - 5 PM Registration Deadline: November 7 Location: Meeting Room - Stop & Shop, E. Harwich Duration: 12 Contact hours - 3 sessions of 4 hours each. Everyone planning to take the class needs to email their registration info to Dana by or before November 7. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:42:52 -0700 http://www.barnstablearc.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=124 For Sale: Turn-Key ready GE Mastr-Exec II 440MHz Repeater with Micro Computer Concepts add-ons professionally installed inside the case plus duplexer and antenna. All manuals included. Add RF cables and 13.8v Power supply and your on the air. Sold.... Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:37:35 -0600