a field organization of the National Association for Amateur Radio®
Algonquin Amateur Radio Club President Ann Weldon, KA1PON, and AARC Emergency Operations Center Liaison Eric Williams, KV1J, were featured on a recent edition of “Marlborough Minute” on cable station WMCT-TV.
Ann and Eric presented a basic overview of Amateur Radio, in addition to describing the club and the club members’ involvement with emergency communications.
Rob Leiden, K1UI, writes:
Nico Bezzerides, KC1PNP, writes on the Sci-Tech ARS mailing list at 9:10 AM on August 7, 2022:
This is Nico B., KC1PNP. I’ve been an amateur radio operator for about a year and had my general ticket for about 10 months now.
I recently got the opportunity, due to some very generously donated equipment from Bruce Tinkler N9JBT, to operate at the Bug Light lighthouse (USA 1235) up in Maine today for the National Lighthouse-Lightship Weekend. I’m very excited about it!
If we manage to get over there safely (I’m on an island, and the water looks a bit rough today w/ higher winds), then I’ll be operating QRP SSB from there from about 10am onwards, EST. If you hear me (I’ll probably be on the upper end of the 20m band most of the time, please work me! It would be great to make some contacts with STARS members.
Hope to see you on the air!
Good evening,
On Saturday August 6, 2022, the South Shore Health Amateur Radio Group will hold an Eastern MA Hospital Net commencing at 10AM. We realize that the usual locations for some individuals and groups are still unavailable due to ongoing COVID restrictions. We encourage everyone who is affected by these restrictions to utilize their home or mobile stations to check into the net.
We will use the following repeaters and NEDECN DMR system in the order listed.
1. Sharon Repeater 146.865 tone 103.5
2. W. Bridgewater Repeater 146.775 DCS 224
3. DMR – EMHN Talkgroup 8851 Time Slot 1 on select NEDECN repeaters:
Boston 449.175 CC1, Hingham 146.430 -1.5M CC1, Bourne 145.200 CC10, Dennis 146.470 -1.5M CC11, and Martha’s Vineyard145.180 CC10 repeaters
4. Return to Sharon 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.
Jeff N1SOM, Secretary, and the SSH group
N1SOM – W1SSH
South Shore Health Amateur Radio Group
55 Fogg Rd. Mail-Stop 42
South Weymouth, MA 02190
From nediv.arrl.org:
Amateur Radio will be on public display like never before at The BIG E in West Springfield, MA from September 16 – October 2, 2022. Over a million people will visit the Fair over the 17-day period. We need ham radio “Goodwill Ambassadors” to staff the booth and promote our hobby-service to the public and potential licensees.
Who: Amateurs like you who enjoy interacting with the public
What: You’ll be demonstrating ham radio contacts and sharing Amateur Radio information with the public (talking points will be provided)
When:
Two shifts per day, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (first session) and 3:30 PM -10:00 PM (second session) on some days
Dates/times available:
Where: Booth #103 inside Door 6 of the Better Living Center
How:—Sign up via the following link, which will list currently-available sessions:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9_iH1ZucHuCFCNwreEuVPWnmLOT5D_s92vHPuEUASS78Tew/viewform
SEE YOU THERE!
The New England Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society will meet on-line and in-person on August 9, 2022 at 7 PM and feature: “Ham Radio as it Pertains to Drones” by Richard Bruce, KC1PBG.Hello to all…
The August Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday August 1st, 2022 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. Our main announcements will be regarding the Saturday August 6th, 2022 Eastern Massachusetts ARES exercise and upcoming plans for Northeast HamXposition – Friday August 26th-28th, 2022. The information on the 8/6/22 Eastern Massachusetts ARES exercise can be seen here:
Eastern_Mass_ARES_Operation_Whirlwind_Drill_with_CCARES
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 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
https://www.wx1box.org
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Michael “Sparky” Leger-N1YLQ-MEMA Region 2 RACES Radio Officer and ARES Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator writes:
Hello to all,
This email is a reminder that this evening, Augist 1st, 2022 is the first non-holiday Monday of the month and, as such, is our RACES/ACS/Preparedness Net night. We will be holding our sector nets on the normally assigned frequencies.
As always, I am looking for Net Control stations to staff our sector nets for the evening. This month I will be able to run the Sector 2A net, but if anyone is interested in trying it out, please let me know. I am looking for NCS operators to lead the Sector 2B (Plymouth County) nets. Sector 2D has already arranged for an NCS operator for this month’s net and Sector 2C is now a Winlink only net on a monthly basis.
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 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 should send a note to 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 can not 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!
Winlink Net Instructions From Don Rolph:
*Winlink Net*
To participate:
– create a checkin form using the Winlink standard checkin form
– send via winlink after 6 AM EST Mon. Aug 1st and before midnight EST Aug 2nd (any mode, but include mode in check-in form) to AB1PH and KF1D
I continue to ask that any operators who have the time, please try to check into sector nets from near-by sections. 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.
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 | 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: 53.31 has been reported to be having difficulties lately. The appropriate people are aware and working to remedy any issues. |
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 |
I appreciate you all answering the call to help our communities remain prepared. 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 WC1MAB@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: 386-566-7666
Don Rolph-AB1PH-Walpole area ARES Emergency Coordinator writes:
The first Monday of the month, unless the first Monday is a holiday, is the date for the MEMA nets. If the first Monday is a holiday then the nets are delayed for one week.
For Aug, the first Monday of the month is Aug 1 and this will be the date for the MEMA RACES nets.
The Races nets will be held on Mon Aug 1 at:
********************************************************************************
The HF net will start at 6:45 PM EDT: using the following frequency plan:
We will start at 3930 KHz moving up to 3955 KHz until there is a clear frequency,
Marc Stern WA1R will be net control.
*********************************************************************************
Region 2D VHF net:
7:30 PM EDT 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.
Jeff Marden N1JCM will be net control.
********************************************************************************
HF NBEMS net:
7:00 PM EDT
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.
Alan Richard WA1AR will be net control.
*********************************************************************************
Winlink Net:
To participate:
– create a checkin form using the Winlink standard checkin form
– send via winlink after 6 AM EDT Mon. Aug 1 and before 0000 EDT Aug 2 (any mode, but include mode in checkin form) to Bryan Marcotte KF1D
*************************************************************************************
We look forward to you checking in to any or all nets!
—
73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph
Hello to all…
In collaboration with the Cape Cod ARES group, Eastern Massachusetts ARES will have an exercise “Operation Whirlwind” on Saturday 8/6/22 from 1000 AM-1200 PM. Details on frequencies and modes and start and end times for the various ARES teams (some groups will start a little later and end a bit earlier) can be seen in the Eastern Massachusetts ARES exercise document at the following link:
Eastern_Mass_ARES_Operation_Whirlwind_Drill_with_CCARES
This exercise document may be updated once more by Thursday Evening 8/4/22. If no update is given, this document can be treated as the final document. Only minor changes are expected (there may be an update on additional VHF/UHF frequencies used for the exercise in the section and a couple updates specific to the Cape Cod district).
We appreciate everyone’s support of this exercise as we use it as practice for any potential issues as we approach the main portion of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season from later August through October. Thanks to all for their continued 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)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
https://www.wx1box.org
Now that you know what it isn’t, come to the next Billerica ARS meeting and hear what it is from HamXposition Program Chair Phil Temples, K9HI.
Phil will highlight some of the exciting talks and presentations lined up on the three-day program, as well as discussing some of the less-known activities that will occur at the Convention on August 26-28, 2022 at the Best Western Royal Plaza & Trade Center in Marlborough.
(By the way, it’s okay to forget and call it “Boxboro.” Phil does it occasionally, too!)
Phil Temples is ARRL Vice Director for the New England Division and a former Eastern MA Section Manager. A ham for over fifty years, he’s a Life Member of the ARRL and QCWA.
[For Zoom conference details, email Bruce Anderson, W1LUS, at w1lus -at- hotmail -dot- com.]
Mike Cormier, K1MJC, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list at 4:01 PM on July 29, 2022:
Yes, the K1MJC Fox is out, It must’ve been a little bit too hot in the cage, and he needed a little fresh air.
I noticed he was gone this Friday, afternoon but I’ll leave it to you as to how much of a risk looking you would like to take in this kind of weather … It’s probably better to go out in the morning, and hydrate hydrate hydrate!
The fox is in somewhere in an area within the City limits of Waltham, MA.
I think he’s roaming around the “Storer Conservation Area” again; seems he likes to hang out there.
As usual, it will be retrieved before Sundown Sunday.
One of The maps on this page would prove useful!
https://walthamlandtrust.org/
Mike C. 73
Oop’s
Forgot to mention, 146.565 MHz
Mike C. K1MJC 73
The Barnstable Amateur RadioClub will meet in-person at the Brewster Police Department Community Room, 631 Harwich Road (Rt 124), Brewster, MA 02631. In addition we will provide a Zoom link to the meeting.
This month, Jon, N1ILZ and Lem, W1LEM will review and demo EmComm tools, including NBEMS, WinLink, NTS.
[Contact Norm Cantin, WA1NLG, at norman.cantin@gmail.com for Zoom details.]The Whitman Amateur (Ham)
Radio Club is offering an introductory, Technician level course to the public.
The opportunities are endless.
The course will prepare you with the knowledge to pass the 35-question multiple choice exam offered at the end of the course.
The class will start on Thursday, September 1, 2022 at 7:00 pm in the community room at the Whitman Police Station and run the following Tuesdays and Thursdays until the exam on Thursday, September 29. Although a good idea, one does not have to make all of the classes to participate. You may visit us at our information booth at the Marshfield Fair or for further information on the course, contact Ross, W1EKG, at 781-447-9104 or warc.training@gmail.com.
The New England Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society will meet on-line and in-person on July 26, 2022 at 7 PM and feature: “Cubes in Space: Testing Vibrational Energy Harvesting on a Sounding Rocket” by Max Kendall, W0MXX. The Whitman Amateur Radio Club will sponsor a ham radio booth and special events station at the Annual Marshfield Fair August 19-28, 2022, from 1200-2000 ET. The booth will located behind the grandstand, just up from the first aid station and next to the blacksmith.
The club will operate under the call sign NN1MF on 20 meters. The station will also be active on the Whitman ARC repeater (147.225 MHz +PL67) and on EchoLink .
“We will also be conducting a program at 15:00 (3pm) and 18:00 (6pm) on “Introduction to Ham Radio, how to get on the air,” writes WARC’s Jack Foley, N1QE. “Stop by and find out all that is available to you with your NEW ham radio license! Licensed hams stop by and inquire about our educational licensed advancement classes. Or just to talk Ham stuff.”
I am Jim Bradley, KB1JKJ, of the North Shore Radio Association. We have been asked to help ensure the safety of the riders and make this American Diabetes event a success. I am coordinating hams and we need your help.
This is a new post-COVID regional Tour de Cure New England Charity Ride starting in Lexington, MA at the office of Fractyl Health.
We need hams for sag and rest stops on Sunday, August 21, 2022. There are 4 routes: 15-mile, 30-Mile, 62-Mile, and 100-mile. All rides start and finish at the Fractyl Health parking lot in Lexington, MA. For more information on the routes https://donations.diabetes.or
SAG (Support and Gear) Drivers
DESCRIPTION
Location: On Routes, beginning at Fractyl Health, 17 Hartwell Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421
Hours 5:30am – 4:00pm
• You must provide your own vehicle which has the capacity to easily transport a cyclist and bicycle.
• Pick up cyclists and bicycles for transport to the nearest rest stop or available bike mechanic.
• Respond to calls and directions from the Command Center to aid cyclists who need road assistance. SAG drivers may be accompanied by mobile ham radio volunteers.
• Patrol route watching for injured riders, mechanical troubles, and signage problems. Relay information to the Command Center.
Please sign up at https://signup.com/client/in
If you would like to be stationary at a rest stop please email me directly.
Our ham supported public service events are interesting and fun experiences. The communication load is light, but safety and support for the participants are always primary. If you are new to this facet of ham radio, and want to get more public service experience, this is an excellent opportunity to learn the ropes. If you are an experienced public service volunteer, we definitely need your help.
I will get the assignments and more details to you as before the event. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
73,
Jim Bradley, KB1JKJ
As part of its educational offerings for youths, New England Sci-Tech now offers an Entrepreneurship Club on Saturdays 9 AM-noon.The Massachusetts STM Report for June 2022 has been posted at the following link: https://ema.arrl.org/massachusetts-traffic-report-for-jun-2022/
Note information on the Traffic Handlers Picnic August 7 in Concord MA beginning at noon. Note also a link on how to get set up for operating VARA sound card mode especially for help with digital message traffic on the KW1U MBO. Information is also being shared regarding recent work on an update of NTS for the 21st century, we call NTS 2.0, to be shared with those interested via Zoom July 23 and 30.