Topic: Schedule of Events

[GuinnessJohn]

NEAR-Fest XX Schedule of Events   

Friday, October 14 2016.

6:00 AM: Fairgrounds Gate 'G' opens for Pink (Staff) and Yellow (Commercial Vendors) ONLY.  Commercial buildings open and set up commences. 

7:00 AM: Fairgrounds Gate 'G' opens for Clubs & Associations passholders only to occupy their traditional spaces.  NO "FOR SALE" ITEMS DISPLAYED OR SELLING IS PERMITTED UNTIL 9:00AM!

9:00 AM: Pre-Paid Entry, Gate 'F' opens for RED ticket and passholders only.    Once the Pre-Paid entry line has entered the General Admission line will enter through Gate 'E'.  Flea Market and Tailgating buying and selling commences.  Please note our flea market parking policy:

NEAR-Fest Flea Market Parking Policy

This is the ENTERTAINMENT BUILDING, see map for location.

10:30 AM: 'How To Build and Use a Simple Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR)' With Tony Brock-Fisher, K1KP.
A "TDR" is a valuable test instrument.  From something as basic a cable fault detection to more detailed applications, Tony is here to show us how to use this highly useful piece of test gear!  Join us for our opening session at Nearfest XX! (Located in the Entertainment Building, see map)

12:00 PM: Kit Building with Joe Eisenberg K0NEB  
As kit building editor for CQ magazine, we are very fortunate to have one of the best minds in kit building with us this fall showing us how it is done.  We are delighted to have Joe with us and I'm sure that those of you interested in trying a kit for the first time or if you go back to the Heathkit days, you will enjoy this presentation. (Located in the  Entertainment Building, see map)

1:30 PM: Remote Rig Operation by Dennis Egan W1UE   As you may have seen at the recent New England ARRL convention.  The special event stations were all remote controled radios.  You will hjave a chance to learn more about this method of operating.    (Located in the Entertainment Building, see map)

3:00 PM: Tax Exempt Status For Radio Clubs By Lynn Baxter CPA, W0LTB   The application process for IRS tax exempt status also known as a 501(c)(3) for smaller non-profit organizations like radio clubs has become much easier and less costly than in the past.  We are pleased to have Lynn with us this time to give clubs that are currently non-profit entities details on the new application process and IRS annual filing requirements.  This event is a must for any club who wants to look into taking advantage of the benefits afforded by obtaining a tax exempt determination letter from the IRS.  However it does not replace consulting with a tax professional who can advise you according to your club's or organization's particular situation.  This is an informational session designed to give you the basic concepts and to get you started thinking about applying for Tax Exempt status and how to determine whether or not your organization may or may not qualify by using materials provided by the IRS for that purpose. (Located in the Entertainment Building, see map)

4:30 PM: More fun with George Rancourt, K1ANX.     
What would NEAR-Fest be without George?  No one has ever told me that they have ever been disapointed by a talk from George so it's fitting that he is with us for our twentieth installment of the fester!  Look forward to a talk about complete alingment of the R390A and for radio things military and spy related, this fall George will have on display radios that helped win the air Battle for Brittan.  These rare radios will be here and will be considered his special guest!  You will have to attend the talk to see what they are but I'm safe to say for most, this will be a once in a lifetime chance. (Located in the Entertainment Building, see map)

7:00 PM: NEAR-Fest's Legendary Ad-Hoc "Ham-Jam Session"
(Located in the Entertainment Building, see map).

For full details see:http://forum.near-fest.com/index.php?topic=1302.0

Saturday, October 15 2016.

9:00 AM: ?DMR New England Update? moderated by Bill Barber, NE1B New DMR repeaters continue to pop up all over New England.  Now with NEW DMR radios available for close to $100 and a wide assortment of surplus commercial equipment easially found, more and more people are getting active in this interesting mode.  Bill Barber, NE1B, the contact for New England Digital Emergency Communications Network (NEDECN) will be back this fall, by popular demand, to give us updates? and there is lots of news? on whats going on in the DMR world and what you need to do to get involved. (Located in the Entertainment Building, see map)[/size]

10:30 AM:   Power Line Sourced Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) with Tom Murphy W6TOM      Just retired after 29 years with Pacific Gas and Electric Tom has seen it all!  Working in several aspects of radio at the utility Tom was the the go to guy for RFI complaints.  Learn about the causes and how to best work with your local utility to solve the problem  (Located in the Entertainment Building, see map)


10:30 AM:Volunteer Exam Session conducted by Bruce Anderson, W1LUS and the NEAR-Fest VE Team  The exam session is located in the Meeting Room (in the Arts & Crafts Building) right across from the flagpole.  The entrance is around the back of the building, (see map)
The Volunteer Examination session begins at 10:30 sharp.  Be sure to have two forms of identification (one with photo), original and one copy of your Amateur license (if you have one), documentation and $15.00 exam fee ready.  For more information on the Volunteer exams or if you are a ARRL accredited VE wishing to help, please contact the VE Coordinator at w1lus@verizon.net.  Despite what it says on the ARRL Web site, pre-registration is not required.  Just show up and give it your best shot.  Try the higher level exams even if you don't feel you are ready - you never know..........at least you'll know what to expect the next time.  Good luck!

2:00 PM: Closing Ceremony, Awards and Door Prize Drawing (Located in the Relaxation Grove, see map)

More than simply a prize drawing, this is the time we honor individuals, present updates to the NEAR-Fest mission, and provide a little insight as to what lies ahead. See a list of past LIFETIME PASS recipients:

See you all at Deerfield bright and early Friday morning!

73,

John Flood, N1JAF,
Forums Chairman