Welcome to Lakes Region Repeater Association (LRRA) – with web site at W1BST.org. We are the premier non-profit amateur ham radio association located in the rural Lakes Region of New Hampshire. We actively promote 2 way radio, also known as ham radio. Our 100 plus volunteer members are friendly and knowledgeable. If you are a first time visitor and are curious about this great hobby, we provide testing for ham licenses, have fun get-togethers (monthly breakfasts and monthly newsletters), and are ARES affiliated for emergency communications. We also are home to 6 repeaters. Three are located on Bennett Hill in Ossipee, one on Mt. Rowe in Gilford and two on New Durham Ridge, New Hampshire. Please join our great group of ‘ham radio enthusiasts’. Donations are always appreciated to help manage the maintenance and operation of the repeater network and other community service activities. Whatever the frequency you use, ‘Happy DX’ing and networking’. A hearty “73”

NEWS & EVENTS

( LRRA acknowledges privacy concerns and protections of private information and does not disseminate to any parties without permission.)

***We Do testing for ham licenses and upgrades. When you’re ready just contact us.***

Masonic Lodge Alton Circle, NH. Sunday March 16, The Radio Club enjoying a delicious breakfast and great conversation.

Spring Breakfast Schedule

Masonic Lodge, 35 Trotting Track Rd, Wolfeboro, April 13, 7:AM, $15 cash at door (price change)

_______________________

Vintage Electronics Flea Market

Smith River Canoe and Kayak Race

May 17, 2025

Smith River Canoe and Kayak Race.  LRRA provides communications support for this event.  It is an opportunity for us to use Ham radio in community service.

________________________________

Field Day 2025

June 28 & 29, 2025

Field Day!  LRRA will be at Castle in the Clouds
(https://www.castleintheclouds.org/), like Field Day in 2024, but in a slightly different area (more outreach-friendly).  Many thanks to Chuck Clark from Castle in the Clouds for working with LRRA again this year.  

The 2025 Field Day Committee is beginning preparations for the event.  Co-chair Tisha Hoaas/N1FRG is open to suggestions and ideas for how to make this event more social and welcoming to all levels of Hams (and visitors), as well as realistic emergency communication preparedness practice.

_______________________

Foreign Ministries and Active HF Radio Networks

Active HF (High Frequency) radio networks of foreign ministries are communication systems used by governments and diplomatic missions for secure and reliable long-distance communication. These networks typically operate in the HF radio spectrum (3–30 MHz), which allows for worldwide communication, especially in areas where satellite communications or internet connections may not be as reliable or secure.

Here’s a breakdown of how these networks are typically used and why they are important:

1. Secure Communication:

• Diplomatic Channels: Foreign ministries and embassies use HF radio networks for confidential communications. These networks allow for encrypted voice, data, and telex transmission, which ensures sensitive information can be exchanged securely.
• Alternatives to Other Communication Methods: HF radio networks offer an alternative to satellite communications, landline phones, and internet, which can sometimes be vulnerable to hacking or interference, especially in conflict zones or remote areas.

2. Global Reach:

• HF radio provides a global reach, enabling communication across continents without reliance on commercial communication infrastructure.
• This is especially useful in areas where the infrastructure is underdeveloped, unreliable, or unavailable, such as in war zones, remote embassies, or ships at sea.

3. Redundancy and Reliability:

• Backup Communication: Governments rely on HF radio as a backup communication system when other methods fail. For instance, during natural disasters or in situations where conventional communication systems (like satellite phones or the internet) are jammed or unavailable, HF radio can still work.
• Resilience in Crisis: HF networks are often more resilient to cyberattacks or electronic warfare, which may disrupt other communication channels.

4. Typical Networks:

• Global HF Networks: Many countries operate their own HF radio networks to maintain diplomatic communication with embassies, consulates, and missions around the world. For example, the U.S. State Department operates an HF radio system known as the “Diplomatic Radio Network” (DRN) to maintain secure communication with American embassies.
• Regional HF Networks: Some countries set up regional HF systems to ensure better communication with neighboring countries or specific global regions.

5. Communication Protocols:

• HF radio communications often follow strict protocols to ensure clarity, security, and effective use of the bandwidth.
• These protocols include encrypted transmissions, designated frequency bands, call signs, and standardized communication practices.

6. Use in Diplomatic and Military Contexts:

• While primarily used by foreign ministries for diplomatic purposes, military entities also rely on HF radio for communication with embassies, consulates, or military attachés, especially in deployed or conflict zones.
• Real-time Communication: These systems can provide real-time communication for issuing instructions or coordinating diplomatic missions during crises.

Examples of Use:

• U.S. State Department: As mentioned, the U.S. uses an HF system for diplomatic communication, which is connected to its Diplomatic Telecommunications Service (DTS), providing secure lines for voice and data transfer.
• UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: Similar to the U.S., the UK also maintains HF radio networks for its diplomatic missions globally.

Conclusion:

Active HF radio networks are a critical tool for foreign ministries and diplomatic missions, ensuring secure, reliable, and far-reaching communication for handling sensitive matters. They serve as a vital backup and primary communication channel in remote, challenging environments.

_______________

Beautiful photo submitted by member Linda Burns KC1LA

Association News

IRLP and 900 MHz Repeater: Check out the new page re our connection to the Internet Radio Linking Project, our 900 MHz repeater and associated links.

______________

UFB New England

Now the 442.100 on the digital side is linked part time to UFB as a test trial. Check it out! Many repeaters linked together in Maine and New Hampshire on Fusion.

WO1VES.com

The 442.100 on the digital side is linked part time to the Wolfe Den network during their net times (see newsletter). Check it out. Many repeaters linked together in Mass and NH on Fusion.