From computercare at comcast.net Sat Nov 2 17:30:11 2019 From: computercare at comcast.net (Larry Krainson) Date: Sat, 2 Nov 2019 17:30:11 -0400 Subject: [HCRA] HCRA Holiday Party Info Message-ID: Are you going to join us for the HCRA holiday party on Sunday, December 1 at 1 pm? It's being held at the K of C in Chicopee from 1 to around 5 pm. Great food, great company, raffle prizes and a great way to spend the afternoon. Bring your spouse and join us. Tickets are $20pp. Deadline is Wednesday, November 20th to purchase tickets. Contact Harold, N1FTP for tickets at: 478-7411 or N1FTP at yahoo.com I hope to see you there! From computercare at comcast.net Thu Nov 7 16:36:57 2019 From: computercare at comcast.net (Larry Krainson) Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2019 16:36:57 -0500 Subject: [HCRA] Never used 2m/440 mobile for sale Message-ID: I'm selling for a friend: Never used Yaesu FT-5100 dual band 2m & 440 mobile rig. Great little size, should be easy to mount anywhere. 50w/35w, box, manual, mounting bracket, spare fuses, power cable with power poles, microphone. Tested and received great audio reports. Easy to program, backlit display, PL tones & memories. Great deal at $100. Contact me if interested. Larry/W1AST From computercare at comcast.net Thu Nov 7 20:03:31 2019 From: computercare at comcast.net (Larry Krainson) Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2019 20:03:31 -0500 Subject: [HCRA] Fox Hunt Sunday! Message-ID: Fox Hunt News: The weather looks decent for Sunday morning. Let's try a fox hunt. Start at the southern end of the Holyoke Mall parking lot. 10 am. Hunt on 146.715 input = 146.115 (PL100.0) If you are going to attend, please email me your name and call. Base stations invited to use your home directional antennas or listen on the input and comment too. We'll do one or two practice hunts. I hope to see you Sunday. Larry, W1AST w1ast at arrl.net From computercare at comcast.net Sun Nov 10 07:47:06 2019 From: computercare at comcast.net (Larry Krainson) Date: Sun, 10 Nov 2019 07:47:06 -0500 Subject: [HCRA] Today's fox hunt is cancelled Message-ID: Cancelling today's fox hunt. We will try again in in the future. Larry Computer Care - www.oncallcomputerservice.com - 413-348-3289 - We Do On Site Service From computercare at comcast.net Mon Nov 11 10:39:17 2019 From: computercare at comcast.net (Larry Krainson) Date: Mon, 11 Nov 2019 10:39:17 -0500 Subject: [HCRA] Winter is Coming - Nothing to do with ham radio Message-ID: While this has nothing to do with ham radio, it is perfect for the upcoming weather headed our way. I have a snow blower for sale: - MTD Yard Machines - 5 HP - 2 stage - electric start - gasoline - 24 inch wide - self propelled - runs fine - $250 or or best offer Contact: Larry, W1AST for more info at w1ast at arrl.net or via phone/text at 413-348-3289. From computercare at comcast.net Tue Nov 19 19:11:32 2019 From: computercare at comcast.net (Larry Krainson) Date: Tue, 19 Nov 2019 19:11:32 -0500 Subject: [HCRA] Last Chance For Holiday Party Tickets Message-ID: Hello All, Tomorrow, Wednesday, November 20th is the very last day to purchase holiday party tickets. Cost is just $20 per person Date is Sunday afternoon December 1st Time is 1:00 pm Location is the Knights of Columbus in Chicopee Join us for good food in a warm environment and great company. There are many excellent door prizes. We have a guest speaker so you don't have to listed to the club presidents drone on and on! The guest speaker is scheduled to speak for just 30 minutes. He is Fred, K1VR who is the New England ARRL Division Director and a very interesting person to listen to. Contact Harold, N1FTP at n1ftp at yahoo.com or at 413-478-7411 for tickets. You snooze, you lose! From computercare at comcast.net Wed Nov 20 08:51:56 2019 From: computercare at comcast.net (Larry Krainson) Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2019 08:51:56 -0500 Subject: [HCRA] Call to Action for Massachusetts Hams - read Below Message-ID: Everyone now is the time to start writing and act upon this ASAP: *MA Distracted Driving Bill, Call to Action* Based on information we have recently received, it may be time to contact your State Representatives concerning the MA Distracted Driving Bill. Over the weekend, Ray, KB1LRL and Tom, K1TW posted on both the WMA and EMA websites the following news item: https://wma.arrl.org/ https://ema.arrl.org/2019/11/16/ma-lawmakers-announce-surprise-agreement-on-distracted-driving-legislation/ Concerns are being raised across the section's asking what the impact this bill has on amateur radio in the state. Since the hands-free bills were first filed, Eastern Massachusetts ARRL State Government Liaison, Hank W4RIG, has been closely coordinating with Senator Bruce Tarr, who is the Massachusetts Senate Minority Leader and a radio amateur. Previously the Senator?s office reported to Hank that Amateur Radio operation would not be impacted by earlier versions of the bill. With the hands-free bill finally clearing committee on the weekend and ready for a vote, I asked Hank to contact the Senators office once again. Hank reports he has been in touch with the staff at Senator Tarr?s office and with these most recent changes they can no longer confirm there will be no impact on amateur radio mobile operation. My understanding is the problem results from the substitution in the final text from committee of ?mobile electronic device? in place of ?mobile telephone?. In the original wording, the definition of a mobile telephone in Massachusetts General Law specifically excludes amateur radios and citizen band radios. The definition in Massachusetts General Law of ?mobile electronic device? does not contain any exclusion for amateur radios and citizen band radios. Senator Tarr?s office said they are trying to correct this. This may be an appropriate time to contact your Massachusetts Representative and Senator politely asking them to incorporate the same words to exclude amateur radio from the revised bill as was previously contained in the definition of mobile telephone. This website will help you find contact information for your State Legislators if you do not already have it: https://malegislature.gov/search/findmylegislator 73, Ray Lajoie, KB1LRL SM WMA Tom Walsh K1TW SM EMA -------------------------------------------------------------------- ARRL Western Massachusetts Section Section Manager: Raymond P Lajoie, KB1LRL kb1lrl at arrl.org From Rich at powder-hound.com Thu Nov 21 17:19:35 2019 From: Rich at powder-hound.com (Rich at powder-hound.com) Date: Thu, 21 Nov 2019 14:19:35 -0800 Subject: [HCRA] Call to Action for Massachusetts Hams - read Below Message-ID: <20191121141935.3F6386@m0117457.ppops.net> Hello Everyone, I'm all for taking the steps to ensure adequate protections exist for amateur radio operators. However, I don't think there is much of a issue here. The state cannot make two-way radios illegal to use while operating a motor vehicle. That would disrupt the operation of police, fire, ems, public transport, etc.... GPS navigation devices are excluded from the bill, so long as they are "mounted". Leave that up to interpretation. Never mind the fact that all new autos for sale today include screens integrated into the dash. There is always a need to be concerned about the unintended consequences of new legislation. Distracted driving, in general, is already covered adequately with existing legislation. Mainly the laws that dictate road rules and driving privileges as they relate to obtaining a drivers license. Overall, I think this is not a very good law. I understand the need but, the issues that exist as a result of smart-phones can be addressed with existing legislation. If anything, this law will probably create a hell of an obstacle for our friends in law enforcement.....it is pretty common practice for law enforcement to use cell phones vs radio...for what that's worth. In summary, I don't think we have to worry about radio operation. We are licensed operators and the equipment is intended and certified for the use. That said, distracted driving is a very real issue. If you are distracted by the use of amateur radio while operating a motor vehicle on a public road, well, you are not acting in the best interest of the common good and probably should be reprimanded. Those reprimands can be issued through existing laws. No need for new laws. Stay safe everyone. 73, KB1WDW --- computercare at comcast.net wrote: From: Larry Krainson To: HCRA Email List Subject: [HCRA] Call to Action for Massachusetts Hams - read Below Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2019 08:51:56 -0500 ______________________________________________ -------Hampden County Radio Association------- -----------e-mail list (reflector)------------- ______________________________________________ Everyone now is the time to start writing and act upon this ASAP: *MA Distracted Driving Bill, Call to Action* Based on information we have recently received, it may be time to contact your State Representatives concerning the MA Distracted Driving Bill. Over the weekend, Ray, KB1LRL and Tom, K1TW posted on both the WMA and EMA websites the following news item: https://wma.arrl.org/ https://ema.arrl.org/2019/11/16/ma-lawmakers-announce-surprise-agreement-on-distracted-driving-legislation/ Concerns are being raised across the section's asking what the impact this bill has on amateur radio in the state. Since the hands-free bills were first filed, Eastern Massachusetts ARRL State Government Liaison, Hank W4RIG, has been closely coordinating with Senator Bruce Tarr, who is the Massachusetts Senate Minority Leader and a radio amateur. Previously the Senator?s office reported to Hank that Amateur Radio operation would not be impacted by earlier versions of the bill. With the hands-free bill finally clearing committee on the weekend and ready for a vote, I asked Hank to contact the Senators office once again. Hank reports he has been in touch with the staff at Senator Tarr?s office and with these most recent changes they can no longer confirm there will be no impact on amateur radio mobile operation. My understanding is the problem results from the substitution in the final text from committee of ?mobile electronic device? in place of ?mobile telephone?. In the original wording, the definition of a mobile telephone in Massachusetts General Law specifically excludes amateur radios and citizen band radios. The definition in Massachusetts General Law of ?mobile electronic device? does not contain any exclusion for amateur radios and citizen band radios. Senator Tarr?s office said they are trying to correct this. This may be an appropriate time to contact your Massachusetts Representative and Senator politely asking them to incorporate the same words to exclude amateur radio from the revised bill as was previously contained in the definition of mobile telephone. This website will help you find contact information for your State Legislators if you do not already have it: https://malegislature.gov/search/findmylegislator 73, Ray Lajoie, KB1LRL SM WMA Tom Walsh K1TW SM EMA -------------------------------------------------------------------- ARRL Western Massachusetts Section Section Manager: Raymond P Lajoie, KB1LRL kb1lrl at arrl.org ______________________________________________________________ HCRA mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/hcra Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:HCRA at mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html From computercare at comcast.net Thu Nov 21 19:41:18 2019 From: computercare at comcast.net (Larry Krainson) Date: Thu, 21 Nov 2019 19:41:18 -0500 Subject: [HCRA] Call to Action for Massachusetts Hams - read Below In-Reply-To: <20191121141935.3F6386@m0117457.ppops.net> References: <20191121141935.3F6386@m0117457.ppops.net> Message-ID: Good points Rich. Larry Krainson *Computer Care - since 1991 - our 28th Year in Business!* * - Visit our new web site: **http://oncallcomputerservice.com/ * * - Schedule a Appointment: *https://calendly.com/oncallcomputerservice *- Larry at oncallcomputerservice.com * * - 413-348-3289* "We Do On Site Service" On Thu, Nov 21, 2019 at 5:19 PM Rich at powder-hound.com wrote: > Hello Everyone, > > I'm all for taking the steps to ensure adequate protections exist for > amateur radio operators. However, I don't think there is much of a issue > here. The state cannot make two-way radios illegal to use while operating a > motor vehicle. That would disrupt the operation of police, fire, ems, > public transport, etc.... > > GPS navigation devices are excluded from the bill, so long as they are > "mounted". Leave that up to interpretation. Never mind the fact that all > new autos for sale today include screens integrated into the dash. > > There is always a need to be concerned about the unintended consequences > of new legislation. Distracted driving, in general, is already covered > adequately with existing legislation. Mainly the laws that dictate road > rules and driving privileges as they relate to obtaining a drivers license. > > Overall, I think this is not a very good law. I understand the need but, > the issues that exist as a result of smart-phones can be addressed with > existing legislation. > > If anything, this law will probably create a hell of an obstacle for our > friends in law enforcement.....it is pretty common practice for law > enforcement to use cell phones vs radio...for what that's worth. > > In summary, I don't think we have to worry about radio operation. We are > licensed operators and the equipment is intended and certified for the use. > That said, distracted driving is a very real issue. If you are distracted > by the use of amateur radio while operating a motor vehicle on a public > road, well, you are not acting in the best interest of the common good and > probably should be reprimanded. Those reprimands can be issued through > existing laws. No need for new laws. > > Stay safe everyone. > > 73, > > KB1WDW > > > > --- computercare at comcast.net wrote: > > From: Larry Krainson > To: HCRA Email List > Subject: [HCRA] Call to Action for Massachusetts Hams - read Below > Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2019 08:51:56 -0500 > > ______________________________________________ > -------Hampden County Radio Association------- > -----------e-mail list (reflector)------------- > ______________________________________________ > Everyone now is the time to start writing and act upon this ASAP: > *MA Distracted Driving Bill, Call to Action* Based on information we have > recently received, it may be time to contact your State Representatives > concerning the MA Distracted Driving Bill. > > Over the weekend, Ray, KB1LRL and Tom, K1TW posted on both the WMA and EMA > websites the following news item: > https://wma.arrl.org/ > > https://ema.arrl.org/2019/11/16/ma-lawmakers-announce-surprise-agreement-on-distracted-driving-legislation/ > Concerns are being raised across the section's asking what the impact this > bill has on amateur radio in the state. Since the hands-free bills were > first filed, Eastern Massachusetts ARRL State Government Liaison, Hank > W4RIG, has been closely coordinating with Senator Bruce Tarr, who is the > Massachusetts Senate Minority Leader and a radio amateur. > Previously the Senator?s office reported to Hank that Amateur Radio > operation would not be impacted by earlier versions of the bill. With the > hands-free bill finally clearing committee on the weekend and ready for a > vote, I asked Hank to contact the Senators office once again. Hank reports > he has been in touch with the staff at Senator Tarr?s office and with these > most recent changes they can no longer confirm there will be no impact on > amateur radio mobile operation. > My understanding is the problem results from the substitution in the final > text from committee of ?mobile electronic device? in place of ?mobile > telephone?. In the original wording, the definition of a mobile telephone > in Massachusetts General Law specifically excludes amateur radios and > citizen band radios. The definition in Massachusetts General Law of > ?mobile electronic device? does not contain any exclusion for amateur > radios and citizen band radios. > Senator Tarr?s office said they are trying to correct this. This may be an > appropriate time to contact your Massachusetts Representative and Senator > politely asking them to incorporate the same words to exclude amateur radio > from the revised bill as was previously contained in the definition of > mobile telephone. > This website will help you find contact information for your State > Legislators if you do not already have it: > https://malegislature.gov/search/findmylegislator > 73, Ray Lajoie, KB1LRL SM WMA Tom Walsh K1TW SM EMA > -------------------------------------------------------------------- ARRL > Western Massachusetts Section Section Manager: Raymond P Lajoie, KB1LRL > kb1lrl at arrl.org > ______________________________________________________________ > HCRA mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/hcra > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:HCRA at mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > From kb1vky at gmail.com Fri Nov 22 11:00:21 2019 From: kb1vky at gmail.com (AB1WT Jeff) Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2019 11:00:21 -0500 Subject: [HCRA] Call to Action for Massachusetts Hams - read Below In-Reply-To: References: <20191121141935.3F6386@m0117457.ppops.net> Message-ID: so being in law enforcement, the first responder's and police will be exempted from the law do to the amount of peopel listening to scanners and they only way to communicate in private is through the cell phone and they will also exempt them in regards to the use of the radio and computers in the cruisers. so we still have to fight for proper wording on the use of radios by civilians. jeff ab1wt On 11/21/19, Larry Krainson wrote: > ______________________________________________ > -------Hampden County Radio Association------- > -----------e-mail list (reflector)------------- > ______________________________________________ > Good points Rich. > > > Larry Krainson > *Computer Care - since 1991 - our 28th Year in Business!* > * - Visit our new web site: **http://oncallcomputerservice.com/ > * > * - Schedule a Appointment: *https://calendly.com/oncallcomputerservice > > *- Larry at oncallcomputerservice.com * > * - 413-348-3289* > "We Do On Site Service" > > > > On Thu, Nov 21, 2019 at 5:19 PM Rich at powder-hound.com > > wrote: > >> Hello Everyone, >> >> I'm all for taking the steps to ensure adequate protections exist for >> amateur radio operators. However, I don't think there is much of a issue >> here. The state cannot make two-way radios illegal to use while operating >> a >> motor vehicle. That would disrupt the operation of police, fire, ems, >> public transport, etc.... >> >> GPS navigation devices are excluded from the bill, so long as they are >> "mounted". Leave that up to interpretation. Never mind the fact that all >> new autos for sale today include screens integrated into the dash. >> >> There is always a need to be concerned about the unintended consequences >> of new legislation. Distracted driving, in general, is already covered >> adequately with existing legislation. Mainly the laws that dictate road >> rules and driving privileges as they relate to obtaining a drivers >> license. >> >> Overall, I think this is not a very good law. I understand the need but, >> the issues that exist as a result of smart-phones can be addressed with >> existing legislation. >> >> If anything, this law will probably create a hell of an obstacle for our >> friends in law enforcement.....it is pretty common practice for law >> enforcement to use cell phones vs radio...for what that's worth. >> >> In summary, I don't think we have to worry about radio operation. We are >> licensed operators and the equipment is intended and certified for the >> use. >> That said, distracted driving is a very real issue. If you are distracted >> by the use of amateur radio while operating a motor vehicle on a public >> road, well, you are not acting in the best interest of the common good and >> probably should be reprimanded. Those reprimands can be issued through >> existing laws. No need for new laws. >> >> Stay safe everyone. >> >> 73, >> >> KB1WDW >> >> >> >> --- computercare at comcast.net wrote: >> >> From: Larry Krainson >> To: HCRA Email List >> Subject: [HCRA] Call to Action for Massachusetts Hams - read Below >> Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2019 08:51:56 -0500 >> >> ______________________________________________ >> -------Hampden County Radio Association------- >> -----------e-mail list (reflector)------------- >> ______________________________________________ >> Everyone now is the time to start writing and act upon this ASAP: >> *MA Distracted Driving Bill, Call to Action* Based on information we have >> recently received, it may be time to contact your State Representatives >> concerning the MA Distracted Driving Bill. >> >> Over the weekend, Ray, KB1LRL and Tom, K1TW posted on both the WMA and EMA >> websites the following news item: >> https://wma.arrl.org/ >> >> https://ema.arrl.org/2019/11/16/ma-lawmakers-announce-surprise-agreement-on-distracted-driving-legislation/ >> Concerns are being raised across the section's asking what the impact this >> bill has on amateur radio in the state. Since the hands-free bills were >> first filed, Eastern Massachusetts ARRL State Government Liaison, Hank >> W4RIG, has been closely coordinating with Senator Bruce Tarr, who is the >> Massachusetts Senate Minority Leader and a radio amateur. >> Previously the Senator?s office reported to Hank that Amateur Radio >> operation would not be impacted by earlier versions of the bill. With the >> hands-free bill finally clearing committee on the weekend and ready for a >> vote, I asked Hank to contact the Senators office once again. Hank >> reports >> he has been in touch with the staff at Senator Tarr?s office and with >> these >> most recent changes they can no longer confirm there will be no impact on >> amateur radio mobile operation. >> My understanding is the problem results from the substitution in the final >> text from committee of ?mobile electronic device? in place of ?mobile >> telephone?. In the original wording, the definition of a mobile telephone >> in Massachusetts General Law specifically excludes amateur radios and >> citizen band radios. The definition in Massachusetts General Law of >> ?mobile electronic device? does not contain any exclusion for amateur >> radios and citizen band radios. >> Senator Tarr?s office said they are trying to correct this. This may be an >> appropriate time to contact your Massachusetts Representative and Senator >> politely asking them to incorporate the same words to exclude amateur >> radio >> from the revised bill as was previously contained in the definition of >> mobile telephone. >> This website will help you find contact information for your State >> Legislators if you do not already have it: >> https://malegislature.gov/search/findmylegislator >> 73, Ray Lajoie, KB1LRL SM WMA Tom Walsh K1TW SM EMA >> -------------------------------------------------------------------- ARRL >> Western Massachusetts Section Section Manager: Raymond P Lajoie, KB1LRL >> kb1lrl at arrl.org >> ______________________________________________________________ >> HCRA mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/hcra >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:HCRA at mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> >> > ______________________________________________________________ > HCRA mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/hcra > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:HCRA at mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. From computercare at comcast.net Fri Nov 22 11:29:15 2019 From: computercare at comcast.net (Larry Krainson) Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2019 11:29:15 -0500 Subject: [HCRA] Call to Action for Massachusetts Hams - read Below In-Reply-To: References: <20191121141935.3F6386@m0117457.ppops.net> Message-ID: I got an email saying that a revision in response to hams complaining, is coming out with wording changed to make 2 way radios and ham radio exempt from the bill. Once I get the posting, I will post it on fb and the email list. Larry Krainson *Computer Care - since 1991 - our 28th Year in Business!* * - Visit our new web site: **http://oncallcomputerservice.com/ * * - Schedule a Appointment: *https://calendly.com/oncallcomputerservice *- Larry at oncallcomputerservice.com * * - 413-348-3289* "We Do On Site Service" On Fri, Nov 22, 2019 at 11:00 AM AB1WT Jeff wrote: > so being in law enforcement, the first responder's and police will be > exempted from the law do to the amount of peopel listening to scanners > and they only way to communicate in private is through the cell phone > and they will also exempt them in regards to the use of the radio and > computers in the cruisers. so we still have to fight for proper > wording on the use of radios by civilians. > jeff ab1wt > > On 11/21/19, Larry Krainson wrote: > > ______________________________________________ > > -------Hampden County Radio Association------- > > -----------e-mail list (reflector)------------- > > ______________________________________________ > > Good points Rich. > > > > > > Larry Krainson > > *Computer Care - since 1991 - our 28th Year in Business!* > > * - Visit our new web site: **http://oncallcomputerservice.com/ > > * > > * - Schedule a Appointment: *https://calendly.com/oncallcomputerservice > > < > https://calendly.intercom-mail.com/via/e?ob=1%2Bzktj181JdvMwJwSmbfbre9xAU4zB8JXn1Tf00nVX5B7WKMBKL7ut5Au2L6IisU&h=91e80739cf8b6d293b4aa47c7472ab9485c274a5-21207017822 > > > > *- Larry at oncallcomputerservice.com * > > * - 413-348-3289* > > "We Do On Site Service" > > > > > > > > On Thu, Nov 21, 2019 at 5:19 PM Rich at powder-hound.com > > > > wrote: > > > >> Hello Everyone, > >> > >> I'm all for taking the steps to ensure adequate protections exist for > >> amateur radio operators. However, I don't think there is much of a issue > >> here. The state cannot make two-way radios illegal to use while > operating > >> a > >> motor vehicle. That would disrupt the operation of police, fire, ems, > >> public transport, etc.... > >> > >> GPS navigation devices are excluded from the bill, so long as they are > >> "mounted". Leave that up to interpretation. Never mind the fact that all > >> new autos for sale today include screens integrated into the dash. > >> > >> There is always a need to be concerned about the unintended consequences > >> of new legislation. Distracted driving, in general, is already covered > >> adequately with existing legislation. Mainly the laws that dictate road > >> rules and driving privileges as they relate to obtaining a drivers > >> license. > >> > >> Overall, I think this is not a very good law. I understand the need but, > >> the issues that exist as a result of smart-phones can be addressed with > >> existing legislation. > >> > >> If anything, this law will probably create a hell of an obstacle for our > >> friends in law enforcement.....it is pretty common practice for law > >> enforcement to use cell phones vs radio...for what that's worth. > >> > >> In summary, I don't think we have to worry about radio operation. We are > >> licensed operators and the equipment is intended and certified for the > >> use. > >> That said, distracted driving is a very real issue. If you are > distracted > >> by the use of amateur radio while operating a motor vehicle on a public > >> road, well, you are not acting in the best interest of the common good > and > >> probably should be reprimanded. Those reprimands can be issued through > >> existing laws. No need for new laws. > >> > >> Stay safe everyone. > >> > >> 73, > >> > >> KB1WDW > >> > >> > >> > >> --- computercare at comcast.net wrote: > >> > >> From: Larry Krainson > >> To: HCRA Email List > >> Subject: [HCRA] Call to Action for Massachusetts Hams - read Below > >> Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2019 08:51:56 -0500 > >> > >> ______________________________________________ > >> -------Hampden County Radio Association------- > >> -----------e-mail list (reflector)------------- > >> ______________________________________________ > >> Everyone now is the time to start writing and act upon this ASAP: > >> *MA Distracted Driving Bill, Call to Action* Based on information we > have > >> recently received, it may be time to contact your State Representatives > >> concerning the MA Distracted Driving Bill. > >> > >> Over the weekend, Ray, KB1LRL and Tom, K1TW posted on both the WMA and > EMA > >> websites the following news item: > >> https://wma.arrl.org/ > >> > >> > https://ema.arrl.org/2019/11/16/ma-lawmakers-announce-surprise-agreement-on-distracted-driving-legislation/ > >> Concerns are being raised across the section's asking what the impact > this > >> bill has on amateur radio in the state. Since the hands-free bills were > >> first filed, Eastern Massachusetts ARRL State Government Liaison, Hank > >> W4RIG, has been closely coordinating with Senator Bruce Tarr, who is > the > >> Massachusetts Senate Minority Leader and a radio amateur. > >> Previously the Senator?s office reported to Hank that Amateur Radio > >> operation would not be impacted by earlier versions of the bill. With > the > >> hands-free bill finally clearing committee on the weekend and ready for > a > >> vote, I asked Hank to contact the Senators office once again. Hank > >> reports > >> he has been in touch with the staff at Senator Tarr?s office and with > >> these > >> most recent changes they can no longer confirm there will be no impact > on > >> amateur radio mobile operation. > >> My understanding is the problem results from the substitution in the > final > >> text from committee of ?mobile electronic device? in place of ?mobile > >> telephone?. In the original wording, the definition of a mobile > telephone > >> in Massachusetts General Law specifically excludes amateur radios and > >> citizen band radios. The definition in Massachusetts General Law of > >> ?mobile electronic device? does not contain any exclusion for amateur > >> radios and citizen band radios. > >> Senator Tarr?s office said they are trying to correct this. This may be > an > >> appropriate time to contact your Massachusetts Representative and > Senator > >> politely asking them to incorporate the same words to exclude amateur > >> radio > >> from the revised bill as was previously contained in the definition of > >> mobile telephone. > >> This website will help you find contact information for your State > >> Legislators if you do not already have it: > >> https://malegislature.gov/search/findmylegislator > >> 73, Ray Lajoie, KB1LRL SM WMA Tom Walsh K1TW SM EMA > >> -------------------------------------------------------------------- > ARRL > >> Western Massachusetts Section Section Manager: Raymond P Lajoie, KB1LRL > >> kb1lrl at arrl.org > >> ______________________________________________________________ > >> HCRA mailing list > >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/hcra > >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > >> Post: mailto:HCRA at mailman.qth.net > >> > >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > >> > >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > > HCRA mailing list > > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/hcra > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > > Post: mailto:HCRA at mailman.qth.net > > > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > > -- > All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do > nothing. > From kc1aeo at gmail.com Fri Nov 22 13:33:29 2019 From: kc1aeo at gmail.com (Richard Laviolette) Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2019 13:33:29 -0500 Subject: [HCRA] Call to Action for Massachusetts Hams - read Below In-Reply-To: References: <20191121141935.3F6386@m0117457.ppops.net> Message-ID: Several years ago the state of Vermont was one of the first New England states to implement the Hands Free law. The Vermont legislators did their due diligence in crafting their Hands Free bill. They specifically provided exemptions for public service, licenced amateur radio, and citizens band (still used by the trucking industry). A quick Google search to find this Vermont legislation and then a copy and paste would have been the proper course of action for Massachusetts' hands free law. But alas not. 73 Richard Laviolette KC1AEO ARES District Emergency Coordinator Hampden and Hampshire County, MA On Fri, Nov 22, 2019 at 11:00 AM AB1WT Jeff wrote: > ______________________________________________ > -------Hampden County Radio Association------- > -----------e-mail list (reflector)------------- > ______________________________________________ > so being in law enforcement, the first responder's and police will be > exempted from the law do to the amount of peopel listening to scanners > and they only way to communicate in private is through the cell phone > and they will also exempt them in regards to the use of the radio and > computers in the cruisers. so we still have to fight for proper > wording on the use of radios by civilians. > jeff ab1wt > > On 11/21/19, Larry Krainson wrote: > > ______________________________________________ > > -------Hampden County Radio Association------- > > -----------e-mail list (reflector)------------- > > ______________________________________________ > > Good points Rich. > > > > > > Larry Krainson > > *Computer Care - since 1991 - our 28th Year in Business!* > > * - Visit our new web site: **http://oncallcomputerservice.com/ > > * > > * - Schedule a Appointment: *https://calendly.com/oncallcomputerservice > > < > https://calendly.intercom-mail.com/via/e?ob=1%2Bzktj181JdvMwJwSmbfbre9xAU4zB8JXn1Tf00nVX5B7WKMBKL7ut5Au2L6IisU&h=91e80739cf8b6d293b4aa47c7472ab9485c274a5-21207017822 > > > > *- Larry at oncallcomputerservice.com * > > * - 413-348-3289* > > "We Do On Site Service" > > > > > > > > On Thu, Nov 21, 2019 at 5:19 PM Rich at powder-hound.com > > > > wrote: > > > >> Hello Everyone, > >> > >> I'm all for taking the steps to ensure adequate protections exist for > >> amateur radio operators. However, I don't think there is much of a issue > >> here. The state cannot make two-way radios illegal to use while > operating > >> a > >> motor vehicle. That would disrupt the operation of police, fire, ems, > >> public transport, etc.... > >> > >> GPS navigation devices are excluded from the bill, so long as they are > >> "mounted". Leave that up to interpretation. Never mind the fact that all > >> new autos for sale today include screens integrated into the dash. > >> > >> There is always a need to be concerned about the unintended consequences > >> of new legislation. Distracted driving, in general, is already covered > >> adequately with existing legislation. Mainly the laws that dictate road > >> rules and driving privileges as they relate to obtaining a drivers > >> license. > >> > >> Overall, I think this is not a very good law. I understand the need but, > >> the issues that exist as a result of smart-phones can be addressed with > >> existing legislation. > >> > >> If anything, this law will probably create a hell of an obstacle for our > >> friends in law enforcement.....it is pretty common practice for law > >> enforcement to use cell phones vs radio...for what that's worth. > >> > >> In summary, I don't think we have to worry about radio operation. We are > >> licensed operators and the equipment is intended and certified for the > >> use. > >> That said, distracted driving is a very real issue. If you are > distracted > >> by the use of amateur radio while operating a motor vehicle on a public > >> road, well, you are not acting in the best interest of the common good > and > >> probably should be reprimanded. Those reprimands can be issued through > >> existing laws. No need for new laws. > >> > >> Stay safe everyone. > >> > >> 73, > >> > >> KB1WDW > >> > >> > >> > >> --- computercare at comcast.net wrote: > >> > >> From: Larry Krainson > >> To: HCRA Email List > >> Subject: [HCRA] Call to Action for Massachusetts Hams - read Below > >> Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2019 08:51:56 -0500 > >> > >> ______________________________________________ > >> -------Hampden County Radio Association------- > >> -----------e-mail list (reflector)------------- > >> ______________________________________________ > >> Everyone now is the time to start writing and act upon this ASAP: > >> *MA Distracted Driving Bill, Call to Action* Based on information we > have > >> recently received, it may be time to contact your State Representatives > >> concerning the MA Distracted Driving Bill. > >> > >> Over the weekend, Ray, KB1LRL and Tom, K1TW posted on both the WMA and > EMA > >> websites the following news item: > >> https://wma.arrl.org/ > >> > >> > https://ema.arrl.org/2019/11/16/ma-lawmakers-announce-surprise-agreement-on-distracted-driving-legislation/ > >> Concerns are being raised across the section's asking what the impact > this > >> bill has on amateur radio in the state. Since the hands-free bills were > >> first filed, Eastern Massachusetts ARRL State Government Liaison, Hank > >> W4RIG, has been closely coordinating with Senator Bruce Tarr, who is > the > >> Massachusetts Senate Minority Leader and a radio amateur. > >> Previously the Senator?s office reported to Hank that Amateur Radio > >> operation would not be impacted by earlier versions of the bill. With > the > >> hands-free bill finally clearing committee on the weekend and ready for > a > >> vote, I asked Hank to contact the Senators office once again. Hank > >> reports > >> he has been in touch with the staff at Senator Tarr?s office and with > >> these > >> most recent changes they can no longer confirm there will be no impact > on > >> amateur radio mobile operation. > >> My understanding is the problem results from the substitution in the > final > >> text from committee of ?mobile electronic device? in place of ?mobile > >> telephone?. In the original wording, the definition of a mobile > telephone > >> in Massachusetts General Law specifically excludes amateur radios and > >> citizen band radios. The definition in Massachusetts General Law of > >> ?mobile electronic device? does not contain any exclusion for amateur > >> radios and citizen band radios. > >> Senator Tarr?s office said they are trying to correct this. This may be > an > >> appropriate time to contact your Massachusetts Representative and > Senator > >> politely asking them to incorporate the same words to exclude amateur > >> radio > >> from the revised bill as was previously contained in the definition of > >> mobile telephone. > >> This website will help you find contact information for your State > >> Legislators if you do not already have it: > >> https://malegislature.gov/search/findmylegislator > >> 73, Ray Lajoie, KB1LRL SM WMA Tom Walsh K1TW SM EMA > >> -------------------------------------------------------------------- > ARRL > >> Western Massachusetts Section Section Manager: Raymond P Lajoie, KB1LRL > >> kb1lrl at arrl.org > >> ______________________________________________________________ > >> HCRA mailing list > >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/hcra > >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > >> Post: mailto:HCRA at mailman.qth.net > >> > >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > >> > >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > > HCRA mailing list > > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/hcra > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > > Post: mailto:HCRA at mailman.qth.net > > > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > > -- > All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do > nothing. > ______________________________________________________________ > HCRA mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/hcra > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:HCRA at mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html From computercare at comcast.net Fri Nov 22 16:33:59 2019 From: computercare at comcast.net (Larry Krainson) Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2019 16:33:59 -0500 Subject: [HCRA] A follow up to my post from a few days ago Message-ID: Follow up to my post a few days ago: ARRL Members Only Web site The outpouring of concern statewide from the Amateur Radio Community regarding the impact of the Distracted Driving Law has gotten the attention of our Legislators on Beacon Hill in Boston. Ray, KB1LRL, and Tom, K1TW, wish to thank all the ARRL members in both Western and Eastern Massachusetts who communicated our concerns so effectively as a community to the Senators and Representatives and staff across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This afternoon Tom Walsh, K1TW, Eastern Massachusetts Section Manager was contacted by the General Counsel of the Joint Committee on Transportation. After discussing these concerns, Ray and Tom were asked to convey the following guidance to our members in both Eastern and Western Massachusetts sections. This guidance is intended to assure everyone that the new law ?permits use of a ?federally licensed 2?way radio? provided that ?1 hand remains on the steering wheel at all times.?. Clearly this is good news. We are pleased to receive this opinion in writing which states ?that a person may operate a motor vehicle while using a federally licensed 2?way radio or mobile telephone, except as provided in sections 8M, 12A and 13B, as long as 1 hand remains on the steering wheel at all times?. This statement above appears in the first sentence of Section 13, of the Massachusetts General Laws as referenced in the final bill. Below is the full text as received today from the General Counsel of the Joint Committee on Transportation. It is the best clarification we have in writing at this point that the law will not apply to a 2-way mobile radio operation. Ray Lajoie, KB1LRL, ARRL Section Manager Western Massachusetts Tom Walsh, K1TW ARRL Section Manager Eastern Massachusetts From gilwk1h at gmail.com Fri Nov 22 16:57:05 2019 From: gilwk1h at gmail.com (Gil Hayes) Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2019 16:57:05 -0500 Subject: [HCRA] A follow up to my post from a few days ago In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: This has also been posted to https://wma.arrl.org/ as well. On Fri, Nov 22, 2019, 16:34 Larry Krainson wrote: > ______________________________________________ > -------Hampden County Radio Association------- > -----------e-mail list (reflector)------------- > ______________________________________________ > Follow up to my post a few days ago: ARRL Members Only Web site > The outpouring of concern statewide from the Amateur Radio Community > regarding the impact of the Distracted Driving Law has gotten the attention > of our Legislators on Beacon Hill in Boston. Ray, KB1LRL, and Tom, K1TW, > wish to thank all the ARRL members in both Western and Eastern > Massachusetts who communicated our concerns so effectively as a community > to the Senators and Representatives and staff across the Commonwealth of > Massachusetts. This afternoon Tom Walsh, K1TW, Eastern Massachusetts > Section Manager was contacted by the General Counsel of the Joint Committee > on Transportation. After discussing these concerns, Ray and Tom were asked > to convey the following guidance to our members in both Eastern and Western > Massachusetts sections. This guidance is intended to assure everyone that > the new law ?permits use of a ?federally licensed 2?way radio? provided > that ?1 hand remains on the steering wheel at all times.?. Clearly this is > good news. We are pleased to receive this opinion in writing which states > ?that a person may operate a motor vehicle while using a federally licensed > 2?way radio or mobile telephone, except as provided in sections 8M, 12A and > 13B, as long as 1 hand remains on the steering wheel at all times?. This > statement above appears in the first sentence of Section 13, of the > Massachusetts General Laws as referenced in the final bill. Below is the > full text as received today from the General Counsel of the Joint Committee > on Transportation. It is the best clarification we have in writing at this > point that the law will not apply to a 2-way mobile radio operation. Ray > Lajoie, KB1LRL, ARRL Section Manager Western Massachusetts Tom Walsh, K1TW > ARRL Section Manager Eastern Massachusetts > ______________________________________________________________ > HCRA mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/hcra > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:HCRA at mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html From ZED.group at comcast.net Fri Nov 22 22:22:04 2019 From: ZED.group at comcast.net (Z.) Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2019 22:22:04 -0500 Subject: [HCRA] Call to Action for Massachusetts Hams - read Below In-Reply-To: References: <20191121141935.3F6386@m0117457.ppops.net> Message-ID: I sent the following letter to my Senator (Adam Hinds) and my Representative (Lindsay Sabadosa) and got supportive replies from both.? See the following. *From:*Z. [mailto:ZED.group at comcast.net] *Sent:* Thursday, November 21, 2019 10:04 PM *To:* Hinds, Adam (SEN) *Subject:* [External]: Distracted Driving Bill -- NEEDS HELP!!! Hello, Senator Hinds; I am a Massachusetts Medical First Responder and Volunteer Firefighter in the Town of Westhampton, and a member of Easthampton CERT, and a Licensed Amateur Radio Operator.? In general use, and especially cases of emergency, I could and would (and do) use my Mobile Radio as issued by my various Departments, and could -- in an emergency -- use my Mobile Radio under my Amateur License to communicate. I am very concerned about what I have read about the final version of the *Massachusetts Distracted Driving Bill (the so-called "Hands Free" Bill). *I am in particular concerned about the impact that this final version will have on Public Safety Operations and Amateur Radio Operations. It was previously reported that Amateur Radio operation would not be impacted by this bill, which was evidently true for the earlier versions of the bill.? But with the version of the hands-free bill finally clearing committee on the weekend and ready for a vote, evidently the language in the Bill has been changed and it is no longer assured that there will be no impact on amateur radio mobile operation. The critical problem evidently results from the substitution in the final text from committee of the wording ?mobile electronic device? in place of ?mobile telephone?.? In the original wording, the definition of the text used, of a "mobile telephone", in Massachusetts General Law /specifically excludes amateur radios and citizen band radios/.? In the final revised wording for the Bill, the definition of the text used, of a ?mobile electronic device? in Massachusetts General Law /does not contain any exclusion for amateur radios and citizen band radios/. I do not know if it is too late to make this change or not, but I /urge /you to make sure that the final Bill as passed into Law incorporates the same wording to exclude amateur radio from the revised bill as was previously contained in the definition of "mobile telephone".? Otherwise you are putting all of us in the Public Safety, Responder and Amateur Radio communities at risk of being in violation of the law when we are communicating. Thank you very much for your cooperation, John Zimmerman 48 North Road Westhampton, MA? 01027-9605 [phone numbers]? - land-line/office/answ. mach. [phone numbers] - mobile/cellular KC1CXD - mobile/amateur radio 67-X-21 - Westhampton F.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The reply from Hinds office is also attached here (following).? I hope that is correct information. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - John, Thanks for being in touch. Senator Hinds forwarded me your message and asked that I respond. Others have raised this concern about the hands-free driving bill and, after consulting with the leaders of the Conference Committee, we are confident that it will not impede the use of radio communications. Specifically, I?d refer you to the statute below: Section 13. No person, when operating a motor vehicle, shall permit to be on or in the vehicle or on or about his person anything which may interfere with or impede the proper operation of the vehicle or any equipment by which the vehicle is operator or controlled, except that a person may operate a motor vehicle while using a federally licensed 2?way radio or mobile telephone, except as provided in sections 8M, 12A and 13B, as long as 1 hand remains on the steering wheel at all times. I hope this addresses your concerns, but please be in touch if there are any other questions we can answer. Best, Christian *Christian P. Kelly* Legislative Aide Office of Senator Adam G. Hinds /Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin & Hampden/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - But I can also imagine Volunteer Firefighters responding and getting the "page" (call out) on their cell phone and answering it and getting pulled over by the police.? It will be interesting. Thanks for the help and interest, all! John Z. KC1CXD - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On 11/22/2019 11:29 AM, Larry Krainson wrote: > -------Hampden County Radio Association------- ??? -----------e-mail list (reflector)------------- > I got an email saying that a revision in response to hams complaining, > is coming out with wording changed to make 2 way radios and ham radio > exempt from the bill. Once I get the posting, I will post it on fb and > the email list. ??? Larry Krainson From computercare at comcast.net Mon Nov 25 18:18:21 2019 From: computercare at comcast.net (Larry Krainson) Date: Mon, 25 Nov 2019 18:18:21 -0500 Subject: [HCRA] HCRA 10m Net Tonight Message-ID: Everyone is invited to participate in tonight's 10m net on 28.375 Mhz at 7:30 pm local time. I hope to hear you on! Larry/W1AST From nt1k at nt1k.com Wed Nov 27 13:13:36 2019 From: nt1k at nt1k.com (Jeffrey Bail - NT1K) Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2019 13:13:36 -0500 Subject: [HCRA] FREE Amateur Radio Examination - West Springfield (Dec 16th) Message-ID: Hello, Just letting area hams know that there will be a FREE (that's right FREE!!) amateur radio examination taking place at the West Springfield Public Library on Monday, December 16th at 6:00pm. We will be testing for all FCC amateur radio licenses (tech, gen, extra). This is sponsored by the Pioneer Valley VE Team (PVVET). Anyone who would like to take an exam will be required to pre-register at our website. It's very easy, secure any only takes minutes. That way you can focus on the exam instead of paperwork (we'll do it for you!). Sorry, we do not accept walk-ins. http://pvvet.org/register If you know of anyone that is looking to obtain and/or upgrade their amateur radio license, please let them know. If you have any questions, please refer to the FAQ section on our website. http://pvvet.org/faq Thank you and have a happy thanksgiving! - Jeffrey Bail (NT1K) Pioneer Valley VE Team Https://pvvet.org 413-238-1992 P.O. Box 0484 West Springfield MA, 01090-0484 From computercare at comcast.net Fri Nov 29 12:56:15 2019 From: computercare at comcast.net (Larry Krainson) Date: Fri, 29 Nov 2019 12:56:15 -0500 Subject: [HCRA] BEWARE OF SPAM/SCAMS?PHISHING Message-ID: Hello HCRA members and friends, On this day after Thanksgiving I have been alerted to emails that have my name or other board members names on it but with a bogus email address. This email asks that you buy something as a favor to me or another board member. This is FAKE. Please forward a copy to me at W1AST at arrl.net and put your name and call on it and a short note and then delete it from your email. If it looks real, it is not! I hope to see everyone at the Holiday party on Sunday afternoon. Enjoy the weekend and stay safe on the roads with many crazy shoppers all over the roads! 73, Larry/W1AST