We’ve added a new page centering on Morse Code. This page provides a permanent location for the Morse Code Interpreter Strip requirements along with a number of links to online Morse Code training, including the Boys’ Life Morse Code Machine! You can see the page here.
Jamboree Ops Plan V8 Posted
The latest operations plan, version 8, has been posted here. We’ve also updated the staff listing here. We currently have 50 staff members which include 33 attending for the full Jamboree, 8 attending the first half, and 9 attending the second half. This means we still have 9 full time openings on the staff roster.
Check out the plan for a completely updated section on the K2BSA Demonstration Station, more information on the Dayton Drill @ cricket holler planned for the week of May 12, 2013, along with a number of other updates. You’ve read about ICOM America’s incredible transceiver and repeater sponsorship. We are also working with SteppIR on antennas, Heil Sound on headphones, and Array Solutions on bandpass filters. We have also packaged a complete 80 meter ARDF–Foxhunting kit for sponsorship. At this point, we expect to solicit donations for various items that can be purchased from the K2BSA treasury (tax deductible donations for this IRS 501c3 organization). We are also planning to sell the existing inventory of mono-band beam antennas that won’t be able to be put in use for the 2013 Jamboree.
We also had some fun creating what may very well be the first Call Sign Cloud of all the call signs presently on the K2BSA Jamboree staff. Check it out.
JOTA Website Update
It’s time to begin pulling your plans together for the 2012 Jamboree on the Air. I know that several of you have already registered your planned operations. For the rest, you can register your station here.
The National Radio Scouting Committee has been busy over the past several months working on additional support materials and information. The JOTA website has been updated as follows:
- New menu structure with top level categories and page links on the right side of the page here.
- New content has been added including a thought starter booklet and sample activity workbook, a JOTA sticker template, links to ICOM Comic Books as well as band plans and maps here.
- The recommended frequency listing has been updated here.
- The ICOM station loan program and application are here with a new photo added to help viewers better understand the equipment and the kit.
The station registration system has been operating the last several months and currently shows a list of 25 stations registered to date with nearly 1,500 expected participants. A simplified table of stations is shown here and the full spreadsheet of registered stations along with contact information can be downloaded on that same page.
I encourage you to consider the ICOM station loan program either for JOTA or Radio Merit badge workshops that you have coming up, or perhaps a long term loan to help you get a camp or council station up and running. Ray Novak, N9JA, at ICOM has 10 stations ready to go.
Walt Maxwell
It is with sadness that we report the passing of Walt Maxwell, W2DU, while at the same time celebrating a life that had a broad impact on technology, amateur radio, and Scouting. Walt was instrumental in obtaining the call sign K2BSA and setting up the club station at the Boy Scouts HQ in New Jersey. You can see his write up on K2BSA here.
More information on Walt can be found at ARRL’s website.
Rest in peace.
