Mark KC1VUX (left), Max W0MXX (right), and Joe KM1P (not pictured) worked on the satellite tracking system over the weekend. Max finalized the details for rotor control parts and filed an order with Digi-Key.  In the photo above, Mark and Max mount the 70cm antenna along side its 2m brother for fit checks.   Once the rotor control parts arrive and are assembled, we will move this monstrosity out of the shack and into it final location on the roof.

ONLINE and IN-PERSON Meeting: Tuesdays, 7:00 pm. Come meet at NEST! 

PIZZA and Light Refreshments TONIGHT - sign up on the Event Calendar

3:00-7:00 - Radio room open; GET CHECKED OUT for the radio room. (Email on GroupsIO first.)

TUE April 29, 7:00 PM: “RF PCB Design” by Max Kendall, W0MXX.

8:30: Adjourn (but stay as late as you like!)

To join the STARS Meeting, link to https://zoom.us/j/231170127 Pw: STARS, or phone in: +1 929 205 6099, Meeting ID: 231 170 127, Pw: 192621

Opt out? Please don't leave us! Just "Update Profile" at the bottom of this page or send a note to info@nescitech.org. You are currently enrolled for Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society (STARS) mailings.

Tue, April 29: “RF PCB Design” by Max Kendall, W0MXX.

Descrip: RF PCB design is often considered one of the more challenging aspects of electronics engineering due to the high frequencies involved and the sensitivity of signal integrity. In this presentation, Max will dive into the core principles that underpin effective and reliable RF board design. He will explore the importance of using a 4-layer PCB stackup, which allows for better isolation, dedicated ground and power planes, and improved signal performance. Topics will include the role of copper pours in managing return paths and minimizing interference, as well as how to achieve proper impedance matching for critical RF components and transmission lines. Max will also walk through best practices for feedline routing, highlighting techniques for minimizing signal loss, avoiding crosstalk, and ensuring consistent characteristic impedance throughout the board.

Bio: Max is an 8th grader at Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School. He is the president of STARS radio club at New England Sci-Tech, the president of the 4-H Science Explorers, a mentor at the Medway Library Arduino club and STEAM classes, and founder of the New England Weather Balloon Society. He is also the founder of habtronics. He earned his Extra license in 2021. Max enjoys working with robotics and electronics, and has been tinkering since he was a toddler. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge with other kids and adults alike. He teaches many classes and workshops at New England Sci-Tech, an educational non-profit. He also enjoys reading classics, math, Latin, and climbing. https://mpkendall.com

STARS RADIO SPEAKER SERIES

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! See full details below.

Tue, April 29: “RF PCB Design” by Max Kendall, W0MXX.

Tue, May 13: “Locating Power Line Noise and other RFI” by Jeff Stuparits, W4DD.

Tue, May 27: “FreeDV Digital Voice” by Leandra MacLennan, AF1R.

OTHER NEWS - Morse Code Classes

LAST CALL – Wed, Apr 30: Morse Code Workshop with Rusty Moore K1FVK. Six Wednesdays 7:30-8:30 on zoom, free for members.

Sign up here!

HamX Ticketing and Hotel Reservations now open - https://hamx.org

June 3 is STARS Annual Meeting and election of officers. Would you like to run for a position or nominate someone?

Joe KM1P reports: STARS has some equipment for sale including two HF transceivers. Watch https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?&_ssn=nescitech for deals and help support New England Sci-Tech!

Sat, July 12: Whitman Amateur Radio Club will host an Amateur Radio open house on July 12th between 8 AM and noon at the Knights Of Columbus, 1195 Bedford Street, Whitman MA. This is an indoor/outdoor event which will include operating demonstrations, equipment displays, and general information about “Ham Radio.” There will be several clubs participating and refreshments will be available. STARS has been invited to participate with a table or booth. Would anyone like to go? Email Ross W1EKG at bavarianradio@comcast.net or visit wa1npo.org for more information.

SCOUT WORKSHOPS FOR MERIT BADGES!

Are you or a family member a scout? Did you know that NEST offers many scout workshops that help earn scout merit badges? Check out our extensive listings and reserve a weekend scout block before they are all gone. LEARN MORE

Tue, May 13: “Locating Power Line Noise and other RFI” by Jeff Stuparits, W4DD.

Description: Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) can be generated from many different devices and can decrease or totally eliminate your ability to hear stations on your HF or VHF radio.  In today’s modern world of numerous electronic devices in and around our homes, it’s not a matter of if you have RFI, but of how many devices are generating it and how significantly is it interfering with your Ham Radio receiving ability.  RFI can also affect other services like AM radio, FM radio, Over-the-Air TV, DSL Internet, public safety communications, and even cellular telephones.  Jeff became interested in RFI about fifteen years ago when it affected his ability to enjoy ham radio for contesting, weak signal work, and QSO’s.  In addition to providing information on locating RFI, he will also have a few pieces of hardware for show and tell and discuss how he approaches RFI problems. 

Bio: Jeff is retired from Verizon Wireless where he worked in the Advanced Technology Group on spectrum issues, including cellular spectrum optimization and FCC spectrum auctions.  In addition to his 20 years in cellular, earlier in his career he worked in Telephone Operations and Air Defense Communications.  Jeff’s background includes a EE, an MBA, and he is a licensed PE.  Additional information about Jeff can be found on his QRZ web page or in the August 2022 QST Member Spotlight.

IN-PERSON VOLUNTEER EXAMINERS NEEDED

VEs and potential VEs: We need you! We offer exams on alternate Tuesdays at 6 pm and Sundays at 1 pm. All-electronic exams - easy! We have VE Training workshops you can join by zoom.

SPECIAL STARS SURVEY

Hello all current and former STARS members! We would love to get your feedback. The survey should take between 5-15 minutes. Here's the link! Thank you! SURVEY LINK

Contribute to STARS’s Master List of Videos to Watch/Discuss in Meetings

The idea here is to build a list of videos which we can volunteer to lead the club through at future meetings when we do not have live speakers, other topics, or activities planned. To help build a list of excellent videos you think STARS members would benefit from watching together, please help populate this Google Sheet. Note that the first time you access the Google Sheet, “View only” will appear at the top. You should click on "View only" and then select “Request edit access.” Access will generally be granted to you later that same day. 

RADIO ROOM CHECKOUTS AND OPEN HOURS

Do you want to use the radio room during open hours? Get checked out so you can operate unsupervised. Checkouts by appointment. Email info@nescitech.org.

Radio Room Open Hours generally are Tu-Th-Fr 3-9 pm, Sat 9am-3pm, Sundays 12:30-3:30 pm. Late nights by appointment.

• TECHNICIAN - GENERAL - AMATEUR EXTRA - MORSE CODE - and more.

GROUPS.IO COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM FOR STARS ACTIVITIES

• You can chose to receive direct emails, or daily/weekly digests.
• Subscribe to the NEST Main group first: main+subscribe@nescitech.groups.io
• Subscribe to STARS group second: stars-radio+subscribe@nescitech.groups.io
• You can send emails to stars-radio@nescitech.groups.io to talk to the group.

Club Repeaters

Please get on the air! Try any time of day. IRLP and ECHOLink enabled - W1STR-R.

Natick UHF: 446.325 PL 146.2 at New England Sci-Tech (linked)

Milton UHF: 449.125 PL 146.2 at Blue Hill Science Center (linked)

Milton VHF: 146.985 PL 88.5 at Blue Hill Science Center (linked)

Hopkinton UHF: 448.025 PL 88.5 in Hopkinton (not linked)

South Natick UHF: 447.025 PL 146.2 (portable, on air, not linked, can be used for events)

JOIN STARS:

Membership privileges include use of the amateur radio facilities of New England Sci-Tech in Natick, attendance at STARS meetings on Tuesdays, 7:00 pm, newsletters, and invitations to club events and activities. Any member of New England Sci-Tech can join STARS for free, or you can join the club separately. See membership options.

Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society

16 Tech Circle, Natick MA 01760

508-720-4179 -- info@STARS.radio