May 2025 Section News Update

HAPPY SPRING!  And this weekend, HAMVENTION (Dayton/Xenia)! Wow, the time is really flying past. It’s hard to believe it’s Spring already, but the temperatures are getting reasonable, the flowers are blooming, the pollen level is beyond crazy, and allergy meds have become a required part of the daily regimen! And here on the Cape, the inevitable trickle of tourists has begun. It’s getting harder daily to make left turns, with the increased traffic. And some of our favorite restaurants are awakening from their winter slumber. Let Spring begin! 

 

* HAMVENTION is Just Around the Corner! 

Sadly, I won’t be attending HamVention this year – maybe next year – but here’s a hearty “safe travels” to all from Eastern MA heading to Xenia. When you get back, please email with stories – even better with pictures! Tell us about that great deal you scored or that long time radio buddy you finally got to have an eyeball QSO with. I love having new material to post on the Section website and in this newsletter. 

 

* Field Day is June 28-29 

I hope your plan for Field Day 2025 is coming along! It’s coming up quick – June 28-29 this year. The League has all manner of materials to help you and your club get started, including the FD site locator, and the 2025 ARRL Field Day Public Relations Kit [PDF] at https://arrl.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0zMzEwNjY0JnA9MSZ1PTUyNDYxMTkzMiZsaT0zNzcwMTg1MA/index.html   to get you started – including a press release template that you can use for your activation. Full details at https://arrl.org/field-day  

This year I intend to visit as many Field Day sites in person as I can fit in. I’ll be starting Saturday morning in northeast MA (Cape Ann ARA, I’m lookin’ at you), then making my way through the section over Saturday and Sunday. Please, PLEASE register your FD site on the FD site locator on the ARRL website so I can plan my journey. I’m very much looking forward to seeing so many of you!  

 

* Boy Scout Camp Greenough Amateur Radio Station Grand Opening 

The Barnstable Amateur Radio Club is very excited to announce the Grand Opening of the newly constructed Camp Greenough Amateur Radio Station scheduled for Saturday May 31st starting at 2PM, in conjunction with the Chuck Wagon Event.  The station is located in the basement of the Maushop Lodge.   

This station is the culmination of the efforts by members of the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club, contributions of the American Radio Relay League, and many local businesses and the support of the Cape and Island council leadership. More details at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/05/07/camp-greenough-amateur-radio-station-grand-opening-yarmouth-port-may-31-2025/  

 

* EMA Hams Developing Ham/STEM Course for Local Private School 

Geoff, W1GCF, is developing a ham course for Al Hamra Academy. Al Hamra is a private school that promotes itself as an “Islamic progressive STEM school.”   The progressive part includes interlocking courses with ambitious curricula.  So, for example, there is an architectural physics course where the instructor will be talking about resonance in structures and the importance of damping it.  Geoff and Andy, KB1OIQ, made a presentation to the school that was very well received. 

The course Geoff is developing is not a typical license course. Most of the course is about introducing students to the concept of Electromagnetism along with underlying electronics and test gear.  The focus is hands on experience rather than requiring too much of the math.  Getting licensed is part of the course, but this is a graded academic course on the physics of electromagnetism.  Contact Geoff at w1gcf@arrl.net with questions and for more information. 

 

* New Version of Andy’s Ham Radio Linux (AHRL) Available 

Andy’s Ham Radio Linux (AHRL) v26d has been released.  Several software packages were updated (enumerated in the CHANGES file).  Support was added for LMDE6.  For more info and a link to download it: 
 
https://sourceforge.net/projects/kb1oiq-andysham/  

 

* Reviving the Harvard Wireless Club 

Leo Koerner W1SSS is trying to revive the Harvard Wireless Club, a group of amateur (“ham”) radio enthusiasts. Unlike the student DJs at WHRB, Koerner’s crew operates two-way radios: essentially superpowered, imprecise walkie-talkies. Harvard’s ham radio station is the sixth oldest in the country, founded in 1909. Full story at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/04/29/small-talk-from-afar/  

 

* 2025 Northeast HamXposition is Coming! 

Mark your calendars! The 2025 Northeast HamXposition is not that far away: August 21-24, 2025, in Marlborough, MA. This is New England’s premier ham gathering. I hope to have an eyeball QSO with all of you at HamX! More info at https://hamxposition.org/  

 

* Recruiting IT/Website Talent to Help Maintain EMA Section Website 

Are you an IT person with some experience with WordPress? Could you volunteer an hour or two per week to help keep the EMA website? I’m looking for someone to provide some backup/relief for our tireless web site administrator, to keep an ear open for goings-on in the section, and to timely post short articles to the site, keeping the news fresh. If you are interested, please email me at n1ilz@arrl.org 

 

*  Virtual NTS Traffic Net Going Strong 

Many Technician class amateurs miss out on fun and skills learning of traffic handling because they reside in areas of the country where local traffic nets on VHF repeaters don’t exist. The Virtual NTS Traffic Net (VNTN) seeks to address this problem with the creation of a Zoom-based local traffic net that can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection.   

The Net meets weekly, and held its inaugural session on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET. The VNTN URL is: https://bitl.to/3xj4 The net will be changing time to 8 PM ET soon – stay tuned for details. 

Full details at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/03/05/virtual-nts-traffic-net-begins-march-5-2025/  

 

* Still Recruiting a New Section Youth Coordinator  

Sadly, our Section’s former Section Youth Coordinator, Paul K1YUB, is now a Silent Key. I need to fill this important position on the EMA Section Staff. The SYC requirement and job description is at https://www.arrl.org/section-youth-coordinator  If you are interested in this volunteer position, please contact me at n1ilz@arrl.org  – I’ll appreciate it greatly!  

  

* N1ILZ for a Final   

I hope you’re all enjoying the joys that Spring brings, with warmer weather, no more snow, and – lest I forget – ice cream!! Get out there and get those new antennas up or fix the damage from the ravages of winter. Most of all, get on the air and have fun! 

Can you write a paragraph or two about what you’re up to, so I can publish it in the Section Update? Let me know via email at n1ilz@arrl.org!     

* For always up-to-date news, please visit the EMA Section website at http://ema.arrl.org   

This Section News Update was brought to you by Section Manager Jon N1ILZ.  

 

KC1HHO: “Introduction to the National Traffic System” at Boston ARC Hybrid Meeting, May 15, 2025

Boston ARC logoThe next [Boston Amateur Radio Club] general meeting will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 7:30 pm, at Artisans Asylum in Allston and on the Zoom teleconferencing platform.

This month’s speaker is Peter, KC1HHO, presenting Introduction to National Traffic System and the Radiogram.

This will be an interactive talk so be sure to attend in person if you can. As always, the meeting will be preceded with a half hour of social time beginning at 7:00

Eastern MA New Amateur Report for May 1, 2025

Here is the new ham report as of May 1, listing newly licensed hams. Club officials, please review the list and reach out to those in your footprint and invite, welcome them. To all: please welcome these folks when you hear them on local repeaters. Offer assistance as well!

Report for 2025-05-01

John H Knowles, KC1WPH – FCC
49 Walnut St
Devens, MA 01434-5072

Edward C Maloney, KC1WQB – FCC
130B Groton Rd
Shirley, MA 01464-2359

Rocco R Diverdi, KC1WQD – FCC
1718 Wedgewood Cmn
Concord, MA 01742-2834

Don J Lee, KC1WOV – FCC
416 Harrington Ave
Concord, MA 01742-4034

Gerard Dwan, KC1WSG – FCC
3 Kimberly Way
Haverhill, MA 01830-1460

Katelyn E Gilleo, KC1WSA – FCC
28 North St
Georgetown, MA 01833-2018

Andrew J Jerz, KC1WPC – FCC
28 Wentworth Ave
Lowell, MA 01852-2916

William J Bowhers, AC1UA – FCC
3 Hillside Ave
Amesbury, MA 01913-2213

Michael Sussman, KC1WQK – FCC
13 Youngs Rd
Gloucester, MA 01930-1337

Carla J Saco, KC1WRQ – FCC
11 Estes St
Ipswich, MA 01938-2105

David W Hostetter, KC1WRF – FCC
78 Overlook Rd
Marblehead, MA 01945-1446

Richard H Thibedeau, KC1WRK – FCC
9 Glover Sq
Marblehead, MA 01945-3509

Michael E McTeague, KC1WRE – FCC
200 Central St
Rowley, MA 01969-1316

Nathan M Kerns, KC1WPG – FCC
44 Baron Rd
Franklin, MA 02038-2774

Benjamin E Leith, KC1WNI – FCC
13 Pheasanthill Rd
Norfolk, MA 02056-1735

Roy Levien, KC1WPZ – FCC
24 Grozier Rd
Cambridge, MA 02138-3315

Nicholas Beauchemin, KC1WPR – FCC
74 Putnam Ave
Cambridge, MA 02139-2951

Robert L Pringle, KC1WRL – FCC
485 Foley St Unit 319
Somerville, MA 02145-1268

Robert C Day, KC1WOL – FCC
65 Meredith Way
Weymouth, MA 02188-3507

Jason W Thomson, KC1WQZ – FCC
48 Ruth Rd
Brockton, MA 02302-2512

Thomas J Landi, KC1WOT – FCC
50 Joyce Dr
Plymouth, MA 02360-2368

Ronnie Andersson, KC1WRI – FCC
25 Thoreau Rd
Lexington, MA 02420-1941

Tobias J Chang, KC1WNZ – FCC
3 Apollo Cir
Lexington, MA 02421-7002

Lucas Neves, KC1WRP – FCC
22 Hall St Apt 2
Waltham, MA 02453-5214

Michael J Maxwell, KC1WQQ – FCC
112 Wetherbee Rd
Waltham, MA 02453-7627

Julian M Goldman, KC1WSH – FCC
57 Everett St
Newton, MA 02459-1926

Victoria P Nassikas, KC1WRM – FCC
61 Sheffield Rd
Newton, MA 02460-2120

Martin D Kemp, KC1WRR – FCC
93 Mayflower Rd
Needham, MA 02492-1109

Matthew H Trask, N1AVI – FCC
3 Plantes Lndg
Buzzards Bay, MA 02532-3707

Scott A Bushway, WA1JRR – FCC
3 Longfellow Rd
East Falmouth, MA 02536-7428

Mark W Rogers, KC1WPO – FCC
30 Fieldwood Dr
Sagamore Beach, MA 02562-2321

Michael Tellier, KC1WRY – FCC
7 Weaver St # B
West Wareham, MA 02576-1307

Jack R George, KC1WOD – FCC
25 Beach Rd
West Yarmouth, MA 02673-3702

Edward L Boren, KC1WRD – FCC
52 Baker Lane Ext
East Freetown, MA 02717-1133

Keith J Witherell, KC1WNN – FCC
992 Lees River Ave
Somerset, MA 02726-1339

Scott P McGuire, KC1WOW – FCC
463 High St
North Attleboro, MA 02760-1014

Maeve Carrigg, KC1WPP – FCC
176 American Legion Hwy
Westport, MA 02790-4804

W4DD: “Locating Power Line Noise and other RFI” at Sci-Tech ARS Hybrid Meeting, May 13, 2025

New England Sci Tech logoJeff Stuparits, W4DD, will present “Locating Power Line Noise and other RFI” at the Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society hybrid meeting on May 13, 2025 in Natick and online.

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.

N1SV: “Chasing Operating Awards and LotW” at Nashoba Valley ARC Meeting, May 15, 2025

Nashoba Valley ARC logoThe Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club‘s May meeting is Thursday, May 15th at 7:30 PM at the Pepperell Community Center (in Pepperell). We start gathering at 7 PM to socialize before the meeting starts.

May’s speaker will be Les Peters, N1SV.  Les will speak on Chasing Operating Awards and Logbook of the World.  We will also discuss plans for Field Day and some recent events like the Boston Marathon, the Groton Road Race, NearFest, & the Eastern VHF / UHF conference.

If you need directions to the club meeting, please click <http://binged.it/smoogg> here and put your own address in box “A”.

Thanks, and 73. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Bruce, K1BG
978-772-2773 or  bruce.blain@charter.net

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Winlink Only Exercise for Saturday 5/10/25 Coincident With Cape Cod ARES Exercise & ETO Winlink Exercise

Hello to all…

Eastern Massachusetts ARES will conduct a section Winlink only exercise to practice this radio digital email mode. The exercise involves sending 2 messages to different Winlink email addresses anytime on Saturday 5/10/25 between 500 AM-1159 PM and replies to your winlink messages will occur anytime on Saturday through 2 PM Sunday 5/11/25. Details on what messages to send can be seen in the following 1-page exercise document:

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Winlink Test Exercise 5-10-25

This exercise is coincident with the Cape Cod ARES District Exercise and the Winlink ETO exercise at the following links:

Cape Cod ARES District Exercise 5-10-25

https://www.emcomm-training.org/drills2.html#Assignment_5-10-25

Participation in the Cape Cod ARES District Exercise and Winlink ETO exercise is encouraged but not required. We appreciate your support of Eastern Massachusetts ARES!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
https://www.wx1box.org
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Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net (EMHN) – Saturday 5/10/25 at 10 AM

Jeff-N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH writes:

Good Evening,

On Saturday May 10, 2025 the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Group will hold an Eastern MA Hospital Net commencing at 10:00AM.

We realize that some locations, individuals, and groups may be subject to COVID restrictions. We encourage everyone who is affected by these restrictions to utilize their home or mobile stations to check into the net if possible. Even if you cannot reach all the systems being used, please check-in on those you can.

We will use the following repeaters in the order listed.

1. West Bridgewater repeater 146.775 dcs 244
2. Attleboro Repeater 147.195 tone 127.3
3. DMR -Talkgroup 8851 Time Slot :1 on the following NEDECN repeaters: Boston 449.175 -5.M CC:1, Hingham 146.430 -1.5M CC:1, Sagamore 145.200 – 0.6M CC:10, Dennis 146.470 -1.5M CC:11, East Falmouth 145.210 -0.600 CC:9, Martha’s Vineyard145.180 -0.600 CC:10, and Walpole 145.380 -0.600 CC:12.
4. Danvers Repeater 145.470 tone 136.5
5. Simplex 147.420

We will then return to the West Bridgewater Repeater for Net closing.

NET Protocol: Please wait for Net Control to ask for Check-ins. When asked to check in please use the standard net check-in procedure which is: Here is.., un-key, wait 3 seconds to check for doubling, then give your or your facilities call sign, your first name, and your facility’s name.

We extend an invitation to any health care facility, EOC of any city or town as well as RACES or ARES members to check in during the NET.

We are always looking for groups or organizations to try their hand at Net Control duties. If you are interested in trying your hand at Net Control please let us know. We can be reached by sending an email to ssharg@outlook.com or replying to this message. The goal is to rotate Net Control practice and the experience among as many individuals and groups as possible.

We thank the repeater trustees for their generosity in allowing us to conduct these monthly nets and the use of their systems in an actual event.

We hope to hear you Saturday.

73,

Jeff N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH

UPDATE: Whitman ARC Open House Postponed to July 19

Ross W1EKG writes

The Whitman ARC Open House originally scheduled for July 12, 2025 between 8 AM and noon has been postponed to July 19. 

Location is (still) the Knights Of Columbus, 1195 Bedford Street in 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. Come and learn about Amateur radio and sign up for our Technician license class  which starts in September. Please email  Ross W1EKG at bavarianradio@comcast.net   or visit our website wa1npo.org for more information. 73

 

UPDATE: Wellesley ARS May 10 POTA CANCELED

 

Regrettably, this Saturday’s forecast looks soggy thru the morning until noon or so – –  After discussion with Leandra and others, we are cancelling it – –
 
No reschedule because many are not around the next few weekends in May – –

 

Charlie Bures, WA3ITR, writes:

Wellesley ARS logo[The Wellesley Amateur Radio Society‘s] POTA is rescheduled from April 26 to May 10. We have had a beautiful stretch of sunny, warm Spring days but, (of course) the nice weather is ending Friday night. Rain is forecast for Saturday in the morning and evening.

We are rescheduling the WARS POTA from Saturday April 26 to Saturday, May 10  11 AM to 2 PM.

Elm Bank Reservation, 900 Washington St., Wellesley, MA. Park in the first parking area after the road turns left and crests the hill.

Talk-in frequency: 146.58 MHz simplex (range about 2 miles)

https://www.mass.gov/locations/elm-bank-reservation

 

Camp Greenough Amateur Radio Station Grand Opening, Yarmouth Port, May 31, 2025

Barnstable ARC logoBarnstable Amateur Radio Club Press Release:

GRAND OPENING ANNOUNCEMENT – CAMP GREENOUGH AMATEUR RADIO STATION

We are very excited to announce the Grand Opening of the newly constructed Camp Greenough Amateur Radio Station scheduled for Saturday May 31st starting at 2PM, in conjunction with the Chuck Wagon Event.  The station is located in the basement of the Maushop Lodge.  Today’s amateur radio is a mix of cutting-edge computer technology and broadcast engineering offering a chance for Scouts to get a start on a science or engineering career.

This station is the culmination of the efforts by members of the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club, contributions of the American Radio Relay League, and many local businesses and the support of the Cape and Island council leadership.

The station provides an opportunity for scouts to experience and learn about the wonders and excitement of Amateur Radio also known as Ham Radio.  Volunteers from the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club will be providing Radio Merit Badge training and Amateur Radio Licensing courses on an ongoing basis.

Amateur radio is grounded in wireless communications, community service and technology experimenting.  There are endless opportunities to explore the many facets of radio from talking across town, around the world and even to astronauts on the International Space Station.

Please join us to experience this exciting new learning opportunity for Scouts and find out more about today’s amateur Radio.  We will have refreshments and live on-air demonstrations.

Joint Boston ARC / Sci-Tech ARS Meeting, Natick, May 6, 2025

Boston ARC logoThe Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society (STARS) and Boston Amateur Radio Club (BARC) will hold a joint gathering/meeting at NESciTech at 16 Tech Circle, Natick, MA with light refreshments. Our usual Zoom link will be operational if you cannot attend in person. Optional: Bring a dessert, salad, or anything you would like to contribute. Regardless, please bring yourselves in person if possible. If you have not already registered for this event, please be sure to register ASAP today on the Event Listing so we will know how much food to order.

STARS members will conduct tours of the facility for those arriving early. Light refreshments will be served prior to the formal meeting at 7:00 PM.

The agenda includes:

o Around-the-room so everyone can introduce themselves, their role in the club, and what they’re into in the amateur radio realm.

o Significant projects on which each club is working (e.g., Trailer, satellite station; courses being taught).

o Informal brainstorming and idea sharing re ways to grow our clubs and the hobby as well as issues (e.g., Attracting younger members; getting more people to volunteer to lead club activities), etc.

New England Sci Tech logo

 

 

 

Reminder: May 5th, 2025 MEMA RACES/ACS Communications Test Net

Mike “Sparky” Leger, N1YLQ, ARES DEC – MEMA Region 2 RACES Radio Officer writes:
 
Hello to all,
 

    This email is the typical monthly message to let everyone know that Monday evening, May 5th, 2025 is our first non-holiday Monday of the month and, as such, will be the next RACES/ACS/Preparedness Net night. 

     For those who participate in the WinLink net, please note that there is a different NCO noted for the WinLink net this month with messages being routed to KC1VMZ with a copy to AB1PH. 

      For any operators interested in performing the duties of Net Control Station (NCS), there are materials available to make the task fairly simple and straight forward. The net pre-amble and role call lists are available at http://wc1mab.org/RACES_R2_Interim_Preamble.pdf and http://wc1mab.org/Month.php with the role-call lists on the left column near the bottom. If anyone is worried that they may mess up running a net, please remember that, in many cases, a less than perfect net is WAY better than no net at all! At the conclusion of any net, any operator that acted as Net Control Operator is asked to please send a note to WC1MAB@gmail.com <mailto:WC1MAB@gmail.com>  letting me know who ran the net and who checked in so that the proper numbers can be reported to our served agencies. We
cannot always count on our normal net control operators to be available in the event of a large scale emergency, so every RACES operator should be prepared to act as NCO if needed when disaster and emergency strikes!
 

The Region #2 and State Net Schedule for this evening is as follows:

Net Frequency/Offset Time
Sector 2A 147.00 /+0.60  PL 19:30 Local
Sector 2B 145.39/-0.60  PL 67.0 20:00 Local
Sector 2C Winlink Net Check-In – 

NCO: KC1VMZ with copy to AB1PH

6AM-Midnight Local Time
Sector 2D 146.865/-0.60  PL 103.5 19:30 Local
6-Meter State Net 53.31 / -1.0  PL 71.9  

 

Note: Net activity on this repeater has been hit and miss. Please report any activity.

19:00 Local
MA RACES HF Net 3930 KHz LSB moving up to 3955 KHz until there is a clear frequency 18:45 Local
MA MEMA NBEMS Net Frequency:  3584.5 MHx, Center Frequency: 1500 Hz, Initial mode: THOR22 19:00 Local
Winlink Net Instructions From Don Rolph: 
 
*Winlink Net*
 
To participate:
 
– create a check-in form using the Winlink standard checkin form
– send via Winlink after 6 AM EST Mon. May 5th  and before midnight EST May 6th
  (any mode, but include mode in check-in form) to KC1VMZ with a copy to AB1PH.
 
   I continue to ask that any operators who have the time, please try to
check into sector nets from near-by sectors. This will allow our Net
Control Operators to practice fielding nets with a strong check-in count and
will also serve to help practice with relays or modified sector assignments
in the event that a single repeater is out of service.
 
   For those operators who serve as Net Control Operators, please try to
remember to send me a list of the stations and communities that check into
your nets. The numbers are reported to MEMA to show them our level of
participation. I am continuing to work on a graphical map based report to
show which parts of our section have strong coverage and which areas may
need a more targeted recruitment campaign to improve our ability to provide
back-up communications in an emergency.
 
    I appreciate you all answering the call to help our communities remain
prepared as we close out the year for RACES/ARES operations. Thank you all for helping us keep things on track and prove that we remain a consistent source of communication capability to the Commonwealth. This net provides a monthly reminder to our communities and served agencies that we stand ready with a quiet professionalism prepared to serve as a voice to whomever needs one to get help and resources to where they need to be.
 
 If you know someone who would benefit from being on this list, please have them contact me at   <mailto:WC1MAB@gmail.comWC1MAB@gmail.com and I will add them to this distribution. Thank you all!
 
      If anyone has any questions or comments I can be reached by e-mail or
cell phone. Thanks for being a part of our team and I look forward to
hearing back on who can participate this month.
 
Sincerely,
 
Michael Leger (N1YLQ)
MEMA Region #2 RACES Officer
C: 508_995_0203 

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday May 5th, 2025 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater System

Hello to all…

The May Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday May 5th, 2025 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater system.

For frequencies that will be linked into the ARES Net on the MMRA Network, please see the following link from the MMRA web site detailing the repeaters that will be linked in through Hub 1:
https://mmra.org/repeaters/repeater_linking.html (Click the ARES box to see the repeaters and other systems linked)

We look forward to your participation and remember, we are always looking for Net Controls to run the ARES Net. We will have several announcements for the net.

Thanks for your continued support of ARES!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
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Massachusetts RACES Nets – Monday 5/5/25 for HF, Region 2D VHF, NBEMS & Winlink – Times and Details Below

Don Rolph, AB1PH, Walpole area ARES Emergency Coordinator writes:

The MEMA RACES nets are held on the first Monday of the month, unless the first Monday is a holiday, when it is delayed one week. For May 2025, the MEMA RACES nets will be held on Mon May 5 at:

********************************************************************************
80 meter Voice net
6:45 PM
Frequency: 3930 KHz working up until the first free frequency

Jeff N1JCM will be net control
*********************************************************************************
Region 2D VHF net:
7:30 PM ET VHF net on 146.865 MHz PL 103.5 (Sharon Repeater)
We will have a general call up of any RACES, ARES, or other interested stations. If there is time, we will have a simplex test.

Don using WA1PLE will be net control.

********************************************************************************
HF 80 meters NBEMS net:
7:00 PM ET
Dial Frequency: 3584.5 MHx
Center Frequency: 1500 Hz
Initial mode: THOR22

We will have checkins, followed by an ICS-213 format message using FLMSG.

Don AB1PH will be net control

*********************************************************************************
Winlink Net:

Jon KC1VMZ will be net control.
Send a winlink checkin form to KC1VMZ , copy AB1PH, between 0600 Monday May 5 and 2400 Monday May 5.

We look forward to you checking in!

73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph
_._,_._,_

KB1OIQ: “Andy’s Ham Radio Linux” at Billerica Amateur Radio Society Hybrid Meeting, May 7, 2025

Billerica ARS logoDavid Marcucci, KC1TLF, writes on the Billerica ARS Facebook page:

I am pleased to announce that our Guest Speaker for the May 7, 2025, club meeting will be Andy Stewart, KB1OIQ.

Andy (KB1OIQ) is an extra class licensee who has been in the hobby since 2007 and will present on the history of the “Andy’s Ham Radio Linux” software collection, where to get it, and an overview of the available programs.  Andy is a past president of PART of Westford.  He retired in August 2024 from a career as a digital logic verification engineer.  Andy also enjoys repairing antique radio receivers and chasing DX.

After the meeting, the recording and any shared content made available to BARS will be added to this post. The meeting will be in-person, at the Chelmsford Bible Church, 128 Gorham St, Chelmsford, MA, and online via Zoom.

As always, the link to join the Zoom meeting will be posted to the BARS email list and should not be shared outside our Club. Are you on the email list? If not, subscribing is as easy as emailing bars-subscribe@w1hh.org and then replying to the robot response to confirm your subscription.

Watching our Zoom meetings requires only a web browser and headphones or speakers. You do not need a microphone or webcam unless you want to speak or be seen. Please go to https://zoom.us/test to test your setup anytime before the meeting. If you have problems, feel free to ask questions on the BARS email list for assistance.

We look forward to “seeing” many of you there on Wednesday at 1900 local time.

Volunteer Opportunity: Boston 10K, June 22, 2025

Ethan Hansen, KC1OIP, writes on the BostonARC mailing list:
 
It’s that time of year again! Volunteer registration for the Boston 10K is open and they are looking for Amateur Radio operators on Sunday, June 22nd, 2025. If you have volunteered at a BAA event in the past the process is very similar and you should see a banner once you log in. If you have not volunteered at a BAA event in the past follow these steps:

  1. Go to https://www.baa.org/races/baa-10k/volunteer/volunteer-registration and follow the link to sign up for an Athletes’ Village account.
  2. After creating your account and logging in you should see a 2025 B.A.A Volunteer Program banner with a button that says “To Volunteer Click Here”. Click the button
  3. Go through the steps and fill in your information and then continue
  4. For Job Type choose “General”
  5. Choose “Yes, I am an Amateur Radio Operator” and fill in your callsign and equipment when prompted
  6. Choose “Apply as an individual” when prompted
  7. Choose “Amateur Radios, Boston Common — Sunday, 06/22/2025”

You should get a confirmation number and an email shortly after. Registration closes June 1st at 5pm Eastern so don’t delay.

 
73,
Ethan KC1OIP

WØMXX: “RF PCB Design” at Sci-Tech ARS Hybrid Meeting, April 29, 2025

New England Sci Tech logoMax Kendall, WØMXX, will present “RF PCB Design” at the Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society hybrid meeting on April 29, 2025 in Natick and online.

Description: 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

“Small Talk, From Afar”

W1AF ham shack

From Harvard Magazine, May-June 2025:

“As Leo Koerner ’26 trudged upstairs with Declan Deady ’27, a three-minute timer started in his head. Once Koerner opened the door to the “radio shack,” its walls paneled with wood veneer and plastered with Soviet-era maps, he had just a few moments to convince Deady that this endeavor was magical.

“Koerner is trying to revive the Harvard Wireless Club, a group of amateur (“ham”) radio enthusiasts. Unlike the student DJs at WHRB, Koerner’s crew operates two-way radios: essentially superpowered, imprecise walkie-talkies. Harvard’s ham radio station is the sixth-oldest in the country, founded in 1909. But this 116-year-old club is at risk of disappearing. Few young people express interest in amateur radio, with waves (generally) full of old men. Can Koerner keep this time capsule alive?”

[Full story]

 

UPDATED: World Amateur Radio Day Open House and Club POTA at PART of Westford, May 3, 2025

PART of Westford logo

Courtesy PART of Westford website:

 

Due to inclement weather, the PART POTA event scheduled for April 26 has been moved to May 3, 2025. All other details remain the same.

World Amateur Radio Day is Friday April 18th, celebrating the founding of the IARU 100 years ago.  ARRL has suggested that member clubs hold “open house” events in April in recognition of the event, and in collaboration with HamSCI and SciStarter for “One Million Acts of Science” in April.

Conveniently, PART POTA [Parks On The Air] activators had been looking for a time to hold a first Club POTA activation, so we’re combining the events on a Saturday in April (weather permitting).   Given our past activation experience, we’ll activate Great Brook Farm State Park (US-2435), at the area near the ski barn / ski touring center parking lot at 1018 Lowell Road, Great Brook Farm State Park, Carlisle, MA

We anticipate setting up three stations at the Park, to welcome both club members and the public to the Open House and POTA events. 

[More]