6:00 AM: Fairgrounds Gate 'G' opens for Blue (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 new flea market parking policy:
This is the ENTERTAINMENT BUILDING, see map for location.
Many of us have seen or remember the wonderful 'senior' Collins gear from the 1940s-50s in its dark St James Gray wrinkled cabinets. If you were a ham in the 50s using this equipment, you had the best equipment money could buy and were the envy of many a fellow amateur. More likely it was the equipment we dreamed about, and finally came to see and own later in life.
This presentation covers the history of the KWS-1 and 75A-4, differences in the product lines from early to late models, collecting and refurbishing tips, and modifications.
W1LSB has been a member of the Collins Collectors Association since 1998, and has attended many of their national meetings. He has written numerous articles, his most recent in Electric Radio outlined simple but effective improvements to the 75A-4 AGC and muting circuits.
The Collins Radio 75A-5/KWS-1 "Gold Dust Twins" Station. Cost a fortune in the 'Fifties; still worth plenty today.
4:30 PM:WWII German Radios with George Rancourt, K1ANX (Located in the Entertainment Building, see map)Known to most for his expansive knowledge of the R-390A, George also has a passion for a variety other interesting sets including covert radio equipment, early wireless gear, and WWII sets, to name a few. This presentation will focus on several WWII radios used by the German military. George will be displaying and discussing the following: Lorenz Lo40K39D U-Boat transmitter from the Kriegsmarine (Navy) service; Telefunken KWEA receiver listening post receiver from the Wermacht (Army); FuG10k3 aircraft system consisting of the E10K receiver and S10K transmitter used in patrol and bomber aircraft like the JU-88, HE-111 from the Luftwaffe (Air Force) as well as several others.
If you're interested in the history surrounding radio, this is an excellent opportunity to see some of it first hand along with George's interesting stories.
E10K Receiver section of the FuG10
8:00 PM: NEAR-Fest's Legendary Ad-Hoc "Ham-Jam Session"
(Located in the Entertainment Building, see map) For full details see:
http://near-fest.com/index.php?topic=783.0Saturday, April 30th 2011.
9:00 AM: Introduction to SDR with Gene Risi, W1EBR. (Located in the Entertainment Building, see map)Software Defined Radio (SDR) has been a rising star in amateur radio in recent years. Have you heard about SDR and wondered what it is, or heard about it but not known how to get more information? If the answer to either of the questions is YES, then this should be an hour well spent. Gene, W1EBR has only been a ham for a few years but has been an electronics enthusiast since he first started disassembling his parents' appliances. Gene's hope is that this presentation will get you eager to start playing with software defined radio, or help resolve any initial frustration you may have had with it previously. After the presentation there will be several demos and a Q&A session.
This is perfect primer for those thinking about taking the plunge, but not sure where to start!
The face of 21st century amateur radio through software defined radio
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!
10:30 PM: Safe & Legal Generator Connections presented by Tom Richardson, AB1CL
(Located in the Entertainment Building, see map)Many of us have installed or own a standby generator to be used in times of extended power outages. Yet few likely realize the potential safety and even legal issues involved with their use, however. Would your homeowner's insurance pay for damages caused by improper installation or usage? Could your installation cause injury or even death to others?
Tom's presentation deals with the correct methods and equipment for connecting generators to homes. This is a rapidly expanding field that has out-paced electrical codes, code enforcement officials and most electricians. As well as holding his amateur license for over 20 years, Tom has also been a licensed Master Electrician for 25 years, has attended many seminars and classes for code enforcement officials, and spent 30 years with the Durham NH Fire Dept. You'll get the information you need from a highly-qualified person with actual experience in this area.
A typical portable generator for home use.
12:00 PM: GE-MOTO Forum: D-Star LoadFest at NearFest
(Located in the Entertainment Building, see map) Special indoor meeting hosted by several organizations to cover
