Geoff Allsup, W1OH Silent Key

Geoff Allsup, W1OH, became a "silent key" (SK) on March 23, 2023.  The term "silent key" is used by amateur radio operators (hams) to denote a ham who has died.  The term refers to the sending key used to send Morse Code (CW), which becomes silent upon a ham's death.

Geoff was a life-long ham who was licensed for nearly 60 years, being first licensed at the age of 12.  His interest in building and experimenting with radios led him to a career as a engineer working in research and development in the oceanographic field.

Geoff was a member of FARA for nearly 40 years.  He was a past President and a Board of Directors member for many years.  Geoff captained the GOTA (Get On The Air) station for several Field Days, introducing ham radio to the public.  He was particularly interested in encouraging young people to become licensed. 

Geoff was a "ham's ham", always willing to offer help or mentoring to less experienced hams.  He was a very active FARA member who made substantial contributions to the continuing success of the club.

Geoff, W1OH, SK, will be sorely missed by all of us.  

Titanic Special Event Operation - April 12-14, 2023

From Barry, KB1TLR:

I'm trying to put a Titanic Special Event Station together for April 12, 13, & 14 at the National Seashore Visitors Center in Eastham. I have calls in and have filled out an application. We will be restricted in the hours that we can operate.  I'm planning on operating on April 12-14 from 9 am until 4 pm EDT.  Operations will continue into the early hours on April 15 when she sank.  Those of us close enough to the operating site can finish up the event at home and send me the logging files.

I plan on setting up on the afternoon of the 11th, around 3 pm.  I could use some help. I will use an off center dipole 80-10 m and an R5 which covers 10, 12, 15, 17 & 20 m. For radios, we will be using 2 stations, both ICOM 7300's with power supplies, tuners, linked computers, foot switches (or hand pushbuttons) and headsets.  We will also have additional headsets available for extra loggers if necessary. 

This was originally a CW operation, so I am especially looking for CW operators.  SSB operators are always welcome. If you are CW operators you will need to supply your own keys or paddles.

Shifts each day will be 9-12, 12-2, & 2-4. I plan to be there all day each day.  I will operate as needed and also be a "tour guide" as it is a school vacation week.  We will have displays setup relating to the Titanic and the disaster. Take down will be after 4 pm on the 14th.

Contact Barry, KB1TLR, (w1mgycc@gmail.com) if you are interested in helping or operating during the event.

FARA Demo's Amateur Radio at Mashpee Maker's Fair

BARC (Barnstable Amateur Radio Club) and FARA members attended the Maker's Fair held at Mashpee High School on March 25 to provide demonstrations of amateur radio to Fair attendees.

Two ARES GO Kits were brought in for display by Henry, K1WCC and Jon, N1ILZ.  Jon’s portable antenna mounted on a commercial speaker stand was used to make contacts.  The antenna is one of  Frank O'Laughlin's, WQ1O, many creations. Visitors to the Fair were able to try the radios and make contacts with club members via the local repeaters.

Thanks to everyone who supported this event.

Photos courtesy of Chris, WA1CMR and Jon, N1ILZ

Booth Activity	Booth Activity
Go Kit	Go Kit
Go Kit Using a Small Cooler	Cooler Go Kit Ready to Go