Field Day 2024

FARA Field Day 2024 was very successful, despite hot, wet weather and relatively poor propagation conditions.  The CW (Morse code) team managed 1,408 contacts, or about 59 contacts per hour!  The SSB (voice) team made 773 contacts, including 17 GOTA (Get On The Air) contacts.  The efforts of several members resulted in bonus points totaling 1,435.  FARA's claimed FD2024 total score is 8,613 points, a significant improvement over the FD2023 score of 6,976 points.

Setup started on Friday, 21 June, at about 1000 at the FARA storage container.  A group of about 9 members showed up, several with trucks.  The equipment was loaded and transported to the Morse Pond School field day location, and unloaded at the trailer and tower sites.

The GOTA antennas and tower were setup.  The CW and SSB tower bases were set and the beam antennas used with those towers were assembled.  The field day area was cordoned off from the rest of the field with a temporary fence and all trip hazards were clearly marked.  Due to the heat, further setup work was postponed until Saturday morning.   

On Saturday morning, the CW and SSB towers were fully raised, dipoles were staked in "inverted V", configuration, coaxial cables were run, and SWR checks were completed.  Jim-KC1KM, "Killer Mouse Electric", brought his generators, which were connected to the trailer.  Field Day operation began at 1400 and continued until 1400 on Sunday, 23 June.

Contacts were made with all ARRL sections, except the US Virgin Islands.  Contacts were also made with 10 of 14 Canadian sections and 9 countries, including China.  FARA's field day performance is a clear demonstration of the ability of amateur radio to effectively communicate over long distances from self-contained, portable stations.

State Representatives David Vieira-KB1QND and Steven Xiarhos visited and "got on the air".  Frank O'Laughlin-WQ1O, Cape Cod ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) DEC also visited.

Rich-KC1TCA, setup an AREDN (Amateur Radio Emergency Digital Network) demonstration.  AREDN is a relatively new amateur radio activity, making use of amateur radio frequencies and re-purposed Wi-Fi equipment to create ad hoc data networks.

Mike-KC1HKW, provided food enough for the cookout on Saturday afternoon/evening and lunch on Sunday.  Gene-KX1C, assisted by Charlie-K1CB did the cooking.  Jim-KC1KM, provided his traditional sausage and egg breakfast early Sunday morning, which was greatly appreciated by the night crew.

Thirty-six people signed-in on one or more days.  Thanks to their efforts, FARA had another great Field Day:

K1CB-Charlie, K1COD-Paul, K1GAY-Elliot, K1GRH-George, K1RCO-Randy,K1VJ-Martha, K1WCC-Henry, KB1WLY-Will, KC1ELB-Mel, KC1HKW-Mike, KC1KM-Jim, KC1TCA-Rich, KC1TMJ-Steve, KC1TMK-Chris, KC1TNX-Irish, KX1C-Gene, N1BCN-Fred, N1BOG-Barbara, N1GJ-George, N1JCT-Don, N1LYN-Lyn, N1MF-Al, N1MZO-Paul, N1TB-Tom, N1YHS-Ralph, N1ZTV-Harold, W1EEB-Earl, W1FX-Marinna, W1IZZ-Larry, W1KM-Greg, W1NCH-Brent, W1TCD-Tim, W5IPA-Jason, WA1CMR-Chris, WB4KYW-Jay, WX1K-John

Thirteen people submitted Field Day photo's, which were used to create the slideshow on the left lower corner of the FARA website "home" page:

Martha-K1VJ, Will-KB1WLY, Rich-KC1TCA, Steve-KC1TMJ, Chris-KC1TMK,

KX1C-Gene, Lyn-N1LYN, Ralph-N1YHS, Larry-W1IZZ, Tim-W1TCD, Chris-WA1CMR, Frank-WQ1O

Thanks to everyone who contributed to another successful, and fun, FARA Field Day.

2024 Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride

 2024 is the 13th year we have been honored to have the Soldier Ride come to Falmouth.  Warriors from the most current conflicts took part in this rehabilitative bicycling ride on Cape Cod, as part of the Wounded Warrior Project’s National Soldier Ride. 

The Warriors come from all parts of the country. Approximately 40 brave Warriors rode specially adapted bicycles on the Shining Sea Bike Path starting in North Falmouth, traveling to Woods Hole and then returning to North Falmouth.  

 A number of people came out at various points along the bike path with flags and other patriotic symbols to cheer the riders.  The local Coast Guard facility was well represented, greeting the riders at the Woods Hole turnaround.  Falmouth's public safety agencies provided traffic control, escorts, and paramedic support.  Falmouth's Elks Lodge provided refreshments at the turnaround.

Falmouth Amateur Radio Association (FARA) members, along with the FARA Communications Trailer, provided communication support along the bike path.  Thanks to members: Mel-KC1ELB, Ralph-N1YHS, Matt, KB1MLP, Gene-KX1C, Irish-KC1TNX, Jay-WB4KYW, Randy-K1RCO, Harold-N1ZTV, Phil-KB1DOS, and Henry-K1WCC, for helping to make this event a success.

(Photos from: Randy, Larry, Mel, Sandy, Henry, Ralph)

The Finish	Cheering riders on	Cheering riders on
Woods Hole turnaround	Coast Guard greeters	Riders approaching Woods Hole
FARA Communications Trailer	K1WCC's grandson on duty	Heading out at start
Coming in at the end of ride	Crossing Ter Huen Drive	Under the Palmer Av Bridge
Under the Palmer Av Bridge	Comm Trailer Operating Station	Ralph, N1YHS, Net Control

Communications Support for Dave Birtwell Walk for Alzheimer's

 On Saturday, May 18th, ham radio operators from FARA and BARC provided communications support for the Dave Birtwell Walk for Alzheimer's, held at the Scusset Beach State Reservation in Sandwich. 

Jon-N1ILZ was net control and Irish-KC1TNX staffed the Med Tent.  Doug-N1OEI and Stephen-KC1QEM provided comm for two golf carts. Rich Fox-KC1TCA and John Grullon-KC1SAT worked water stops. Barry-KB1TLR monitored the walk turn-around, keeping folks on course. Chris-WA1CMR teamed up with Jamie Crowell, the Walk Captain, in a third golf cart to monitor the course.  

Despite the inclement weather we got the job done. We have received numerous thanks from the walk organizers and compliments on our professionalism. Well done team! 

Chris WA1CMR

Falmouth Soldier Ride 2024 - June 7

Falmouth Amateur Radio Association (FARA) will provide communication support for the 2024 Falmouth Soldier Ride.  A group of wounded veterans will ride the Shining Sea Bikeway, starting in North Falmouth, riding to the Steamship parking lot in Woods Hole and returning to North Falmouth. 

There will be a refreshment stop in Woods Hole.

FARA volunteers, coordinated by Mel - KC1ELB, will staff positions along the path.

Mark your calendar and plan to come out and support our veterans.

CHIRP Radio Programming Class

Ralph, N1YHS and Chris, WA1CMR,  are offering a CHIRP radio programming class at 11:00am on Saturday, May 11 at the Falmouth Fire Headquarters on Main St. in Falmouth.

They will review downloading and setting up CHIRP, creating a channel file and programming your radio. They request that participants bring a laptop, their radio and a programming cord. 

They will have laptops, some cords and preset channel files available.  

Everyone is welcome. 

International Marconi Day Special Event

Date:   Saturday, April 27, 2024

What:  International Marconi Day  - Honoring Marconi on his 150th Birthday

Marconi’s 150th birthdate is April 25, 2024 (born 1874).  To celebrate his contributions to wireless, simply turn on a radio and give a nod and a smile to Marconi for his lifetime efforts in advancing wireless.

International Marconi Day is Saturday, April 27, 2024. Historic Marconi radio stations around the world go on the air to make two-way contacts with each other and other amateur radio operators. 

Where:  Marconi Station Site, Wellfleet, MA      Saturday April 27 from 10 AM-3 PM.  (The event will be held inside the Salt Pond Visitor Center, Eastham in case of inclement weather.) 

Who:  The Marconi Cape Cod Radio Club and the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club are partnering with Cape Cod National Seashore to serve as an official International Marconi Day Station.  

The public is invited to visit the site to learn about Marconi’s historic Wireless Station that is famous for sending the first wireless transatlantic message from the USA to Europe (1903) and its ship-to-shore messages.  High frequency radio operators will make live contacts around the world using Morse code and voice. A radio talk in station is planned for visitors to make local radio contacts and learn how to become amateur “ham” radio operators.  Weather permitting, a kite antenna will be used for some radio contacts.

For more information:
Barbara Dougan, trustee Marconi Cape Cod Radio Club-KM1CC
km1cc.capecod.fn51@gmail.com

Field Day 2024

Hard to believe, but there are less than 100 days to Field Day 2024.  We have the Morse Pond School field reserved, with a tentative plan of operating two stations and a GOTA (Get On The Air) station.

Field Day is the weekend of June 22 and 23.  Save the date and stay tuned for further updates.