Since 2006, amateur radio operators, electronics hobbyists and camping enthusiasts have been making the pilgrimage to New England to experience an interesting two day long event known as "NEAR-FEST"
Held twice annually, every spring and fall at the the Deerfield Fairgrounds has been the home of a unique event called NEAR-FEST.
The October 2018 edition was no exception with those spotted from Quebec, Ontario, Virginia, Florida, Ohio, Japan, Haiti, Puerto Rico and of course the entirety of the North Eastern United States!
You can also try one of the "unlicensed" channels for FRS and MURS in order to include your not yet licensed amateur radio friends. A great radio for events like this are the Xiaomi Mijia with smart location sharing reviewed in the past on HVDN.
Time To Learn & Get Edu-ma-cated...
An exciting addition to NEAR-FEST recently is the second annual New England Tech Trek or NE(T)².
This mostly hands on educational event engages children as young as 8 years old all the way up to and beyond the age of 80 years old.
For those not familiar with amateur radio and its infinite list of complexities, NE(T)² helps capture some of what amateur radio is all about to prospective "hams", existing hams or those newly licensed thanks to exam sessions also available at NEAR-FEST.
Friday October 12th and Saturday October 13th were the planned days for attendees to enjoy the event and rain only impacted part of Saturdays festivities before the event officially came to a close at 3:00 PM Eastern Time.
Inside three buildings were vendors of brand new equipment and small components. Outside and scattered between various food stalls were tail gate and "tent gate" vendors selling everything from surplus "militaria", antennas, computers, rechargeable batteries, VHF/UHF radios, HF amplifiers, microphones and test equipment.
Some of the commercial vendors or service providers at NEAR-FEST XXIV included:
There also were organizations focused on various parts of amateur radio visibility scattered throughout these rain proof building to help raise awareness of different parts of the amateur radio community that are built upon like minded members.
Was the ARRL there?
Aside from the expected ARRL attendance via a small table, other leadership and influencers were at NEAR-FEST also making a much larger presence known.
Key organizations present included one of the longest operating female oriented amateur radio clubs called YLRL which showcased its bi-monthly newsletter called YL Harmonics.
Niece, KA1ULN was enthusiastic to engage with those who braved the weather to attend NEAR-FEST XXVI and it was great to meet her in person.
Booths for various geographic focused clubs such as White Mountain Amateur Radio Club, Nashua Area Radio Society, and the New England Digital Emergency Communications Network to name just a few helped make this a great way to decide who else to spend precious "membership" dollars with too.
Many of these organizations use NEAR-FEST as a great way for its membership to see each other in person as well as to raise funds for club activities through the sale of surplus member equipment, spare parts and even member driven projects.
Pictures, please!
The mixed smell of pine needles and grilled pepper & sausage sandwiches permeated the damp fall air across the fair ground which added to the overall great atmosphere by a well run and planned event by those responsible.
Most Curious Antenna Award
At the fall NEAR-FEST of 2016, Steve K2GOG (Co-Founder of HVDN) was seen walking around with a high gain 2.4 GHz antenna which attracted a lot of attention. For the asking price of $5, it was hard to pass that up. This can be found on his QRZ.com profile page
This year, he was on the look out for something else very interesting to add to the antenna collection, but decided to pass on this 900 MHz corner reflector antenna based on its size and price. This could have been easily modified for 440 MHz, 1.2 GHz or maybe even a lawn chair!
Best Convergence Hobby Tailgate Vendor Award
There is much to say about this photo ranging from the precision GPS antenna attached to the roof of the Toyota RAV4 with the license plate of "Hiker" to the bumper sticker that could relate to the load of vintage test equipment or his other favorite activity that is not ham radio
Most Popular NE(T)² Discussion Topic Award
Anything to do with satellite operation was a big topic of interest inside the NE(T)² as well as outside. The impressive antenna array used for satellite communication demo that made use of crossed polarization 14 element 435 MHz Yagi, 7 element 145 MHz Yagi and a 20 element 1200 MHz Yagi on a azimuth/elevation rotator. This is one impressive (and expensive) antenna system!
On a much more simple and cheaper scale was the Elk Log Periodic antenna found inside the NE(T)² building. T\
This much less expensive but effective antenna can be used to make contact through low earth orbit satellites such as those covered in the popular "Amateur Satellite Basics: Where, When & What to listen for" article from March 2018.
Digital Mobile Radio Robustness Network Award
The New England Digital Emergency Communications Network connects over 80 different repeater sites over much of the north eastern United States in order to create a very robust communications network. The KM3T and W1RCF repeaters located on the fun to (mis)pronounce Mount Uncanoonuc are part of DMR-MARC which is a different network than the popular Brandmeister network.
Both DMR networks are mostly able to talk to one another though due to great interoperability between those responsible for these tremendous contributions to modern amateur radio communities globally. NEDECN had many radios on display such as the popular Anytone AT-D868UV along with some Motorola equipment for sale by one of NEDECN's members.
Any time a number of amateur radio enthusiasts gather is the time to see who has the largest antenna on a car. Here is one example of an HF mobile operator with a 8 foot long vertical antenna on a station wagon. License plates have been blanked out to protect the identity of this super ham-heros!
The Not Just Ham Radio Presentation Award (Tie!)
Computer and Maker enthusiasts were represented by a presentation about what can be done with a Raspberry Pi.
And, for those looking to get out and do something fun with a Raspberry Pi or antenna project can experience hidden transmitter locating or "Fox Hunting".
The Last Picture Award
With the weather getting a little more wet on Saturday, even the "hard core" military ham radio crowd started to pack up early.
Mystery Picture Award
Care to take a guess as to what this is? Sound off in the comments...
 |
| What is under the tarp you ask? Some interesting electronics with a military history for sale at the 24th NEAR-FEST in Deerfield, NH on October 12-13th 2018 |
Held twice annually, every spring and fall at the the Deerfield Fairgrounds has been the home of a unique event called NEAR-FEST.
Part electronic swap meet, educational session, casual gathering, food destination and opportunity to purchase brand new and interesting radio related equipment offers a little of something for everyone in the family.Over the years, the New England Amateur Radio Festival has attracted those from both far and wide.
The October 2018 edition was no exception with those spotted from Quebec, Ontario, Virginia, Florida, Ohio, Japan, Haiti, Puerto Rico and of course the entirety of the North Eastern United States!
Event attendees can camp on site in a tent, roll up in an RV or camper or stay at any number of area hotels.This makes it a very convenient "ham fest" as compared to other amateur radio or even "maker" oriented events.
 |
| New England Tech Trek gives another reason to not leave NEAR-FEST too early if you are not interested in purchasing something which is one of the top reasons to go to a "fester" like this bi-annual event |
There is no need for every attendee to contend with an early morning drive or risk there getting late out of fear vendors will pack up early. Once someone is at NEAR-FEST, they are generally there for a while.
Everything from food, ATM machines and restrooms are available to prevent people from leaving
Helpful NEAR-FEST Tips
It is recommended however, to bring a backpack to hang on to anything acquired at the "fester". A bottle of water, comfortable shoes, various batteries, rain repellent are recommended to have on hand too.
 |
| Need a rain jacket before going to NEAR-FEST? L.L Bean h as you covered at its various nearby outlet locations. |
Most of these "forgotten" supplies however can be purchased at an L.L Bean Outlet in nearby Concord or Nashua. This may be especially of interest to those with interests such as QRP kayak portable, SOTA or other converged ham radio/other stuff sort of activities.
Over the past years, more commercial vendors both at NEAR-FEST and other similar events take credit card payment, so save your cash to support the tail gate community.
Also, if going with friends, agree on what "secret channel" to use and program a few options in advance to your hand held radio of choice. All of the common "simplex" channels may be in use, but its still good to have those programmed too.
Frequency Suggestions for NEAR-FEST
If you have a DMR radio, the NEDECN has pre-populated code plugs for all area repeaters of interest to NEAR-FEST attendees.
All you need to add are your simplex and "secret" channels along with configuring them in the correct zone, scan list or receive group. Some "amateur radio" suggestions include:
All you need to add are your simplex and "secret" channels along with configuring them in the correct zone, scan list or receive group. Some "amateur radio" suggestions include:
- Standard FM analog frequencies such as 146.520, 146.535, 146.550, 146.580, 446.000 and 446.500 with no PL tone.
- Digital voice DMR frequencies such as 145.510, 145.790, 446.075 and 445.925 saved with TG 99, TS1, CC1.
- Your own "secret channel" using FM analog, DMR or some other mode like Fusion or D-Star on 433.0125, 433.920, 147.030 or 223.500
 |
| Various DMR radios by Anytone, TYT, Vertex, Motorola and a few others can easily be programmed for NEAR-FEST thanks to NEDECN's informative website |
You can also try one of the "unlicensed" channels for FRS and MURS in order to include your not yet licensed amateur radio friends. A great radio for events like this are the Xiaomi Mijia with smart location sharing reviewed in the past on HVDN.
This inexpensive radio not only is a great discussion topic, but also serves dual purpose for both amateur radio and unlicensed operation in one friendly looking design. No internet is needed for this to work, compared to trying to share location with Google Maps or verbally explaining your location over the radio.
An exciting addition to NEAR-FEST recently is the second annual New England Tech Trek or NE(T)².
This mostly hands on educational event engages children as young as 8 years old all the way up to and beyond the age of 80 years old.
For those not familiar with amateur radio and its infinite list of complexities, NE(T)² helps capture some of what amateur radio is all about to prospective "hams", existing hams or those newly licensed thanks to exam sessions also available at NEAR-FEST.
This year, New England Tech Trek showcased a range of well known habits of the amateur radio hobby that have seen modern changes as well as purely new and innovative applications and technologies relevant to any communications focused hobbyist.NEAR-FEST XXIV Report
Friday October 12th and Saturday October 13th were the planned days for attendees to enjoy the event and rain only impacted part of Saturdays festivities before the event officially came to a close at 3:00 PM Eastern Time.
Inside three buildings were vendors of brand new equipment and small components. Outside and scattered between various food stalls were tail gate and "tent gate" vendors selling everything from surplus "militaria", antennas, computers, rechargeable batteries, VHF/UHF radios, HF amplifiers, microphones and test equipment.
Some of the commercial vendors or service providers at NEAR-FEST XXIV included:
- KJI Electronics
- Quick Silver Radio
- Radio Oasis
- Dave's Small Parts of Shokan, NY
- Tune Up Clinic by Andy WA2CDL
- Ham Radio Outlet
- GEMOTO
- Connect Systems Inc
- Plus about 30 more....
There also were organizations focused on various parts of amateur radio visibility scattered throughout these rain proof building to help raise awareness of different parts of the amateur radio community that are built upon like minded members.
 |
| The Nashua Area Radio Society was just one of the organizations that made the NE(T)2 event possible at NEAR-FEST XXVI |
Was the ARRL there?
Aside from the expected ARRL attendance via a small table, other leadership and influencers were at NEAR-FEST also making a much larger presence known.
 |
| One of the non-commercial sellers had a monitor that said "My wife said to take all reasonable offers" |
Key organizations present included one of the longest operating female oriented amateur radio clubs called YLRL which showcased its bi-monthly newsletter called YL Harmonics.
Niece, KA1ULN was enthusiastic to engage with those who braved the weather to attend NEAR-FEST XXVI and it was great to meet her in person.
 |
| A national women's only amateur radio organization promoting the hobby since 1934 |
Booths for various geographic focused clubs such as White Mountain Amateur Radio Club, Nashua Area Radio Society, and the New England Digital Emergency Communications Network to name just a few helped make this a great way to decide who else to spend precious "membership" dollars with too.
Many of these organizations use NEAR-FEST as a great way for its membership to see each other in person as well as to raise funds for club activities through the sale of surplus member equipment, spare parts and even member driven projects.
 |
| Craig, N1SFT, oversaw some VYL (Very Young Ladies) complete a small kit that required soldering |
Pictures, please!
The mixed smell of pine needles and grilled pepper & sausage sandwiches permeated the damp fall air across the fair ground which added to the overall great atmosphere by a well run and planned event by those responsible.
Thank you for all your hard work and effort for yet another NEAR-FEST!Here are some further photos and commentary related to the event.
Most Curious Antenna Award
At the fall NEAR-FEST of 2016, Steve K2GOG (Co-Founder of HVDN) was seen walking around with a high gain 2.4 GHz antenna which attracted a lot of attention. For the asking price of $5, it was hard to pass that up. This can be found on his QRZ.com profile page
This year, he was on the look out for something else very interesting to add to the antenna collection, but decided to pass on this 900 MHz corner reflector antenna based on its size and price. This could have been easily modified for 440 MHz, 1.2 GHz or maybe even a lawn chair!
Best Convergence Hobby Tailgate Vendor Award
There is much to say about this photo ranging from the precision GPS antenna attached to the roof of the Toyota RAV4 with the license plate of "Hiker" to the bumper sticker that could relate to the load of vintage test equipment or his other favorite activity that is not ham radio
 |
| Hiker Trash: Certainly, you wont win any feather-lite pack tips if trying to take any of this gear out on the trail |
Anything to do with satellite operation was a big topic of interest inside the NE(T)² as well as outside. The impressive antenna array used for satellite communication demo that made use of crossed polarization 14 element 435 MHz Yagi, 7 element 145 MHz Yagi and a 20 element 1200 MHz Yagi on a azimuth/elevation rotator. This is one impressive (and expensive) antenna system!
 |
| This impressive satellite communications array is capable of receiving very weak signals as well as for transmitting very high power for long range line of site communication |
On a much more simple and cheaper scale was the Elk Log Periodic antenna found inside the NE(T)² building. T\
This much less expensive but effective antenna can be used to make contact through low earth orbit satellites such as those covered in the popular "Amateur Satellite Basics: Where, When & What to listen for" article from March 2018.
 |
| Not to be left out with all the satellite communication focus is a high altitude balloon presentation at the right of the small crowd. |
Digital Mobile Radio Robustness Network Award
The New England Digital Emergency Communications Network connects over 80 different repeater sites over much of the north eastern United States in order to create a very robust communications network. The KM3T and W1RCF repeaters located on the fun to (mis)pronounce Mount Uncanoonuc are part of DMR-MARC which is a different network than the popular Brandmeister network.
Both DMR networks are mostly able to talk to one another though due to great interoperability between those responsible for these tremendous contributions to modern amateur radio communities globally. NEDECN had many radios on display such as the popular Anytone AT-D868UV along with some Motorola equipment for sale by one of NEDECN's members.
NEDECN did a fantastic job or promoting DMR at NEAR-FEST and they even operated a repeater for NEAR-FEST communications.Reach For The Sky Award
Any time a number of amateur radio enthusiasts gather is the time to see who has the largest antenna on a car. Here is one example of an HF mobile operator with a 8 foot long vertical antenna on a station wagon. License plates have been blanked out to protect the identity of this super ham-heros!
The Not Just Ham Radio Presentation Award (Tie!)
Computer and Maker enthusiasts were represented by a presentation about what can be done with a Raspberry Pi.
And, for those looking to get out and do something fun with a Raspberry Pi or antenna project can experience hidden transmitter locating or "Fox Hunting".
A very effective directional antenna can be constructed out of PVC pipes, hose clamps and a measuring tape.
The Last Picture Award
With the weather getting a little more wet on Saturday, even the "hard core" military ham radio crowd started to pack up early.
Mystery Picture Award
Care to take a guess as to what this is? Sound off in the comments...
No comments:
Post a Comment
We really do not want to moderate comments, so lets keep it easy to use until it becomes an issue.