a field organization of the National Association for Amateur Radio®
CAARA is looking for a couple more hams to help provide communications for the Gloucester Horribles parade coming up on Thursday July 3rd at 6 PM. If you can help, please contact Dean Burgess KB1PGH at dburg101@aol.com . Any and all help will be greatly appreciated!
To all Field Day participants, best of luck for good weather, good propagation and good fun this weekend. And don’t forget those extra points for NTS radiograms sent from your FD site.
The May STM report for Massachusetts and Rhode Island is now available at https://ema.arrl.org/massachusetts-rhode-island-stm-report-for-may-2025/. Great to see new ARRL Official Relay Station (ORS) appointments for N1HAN, KC1SJK, KC1VXV, AC1TR and W1VEG. who have taken the training and are handling radiogram messages quite professionally on the traffic nets. Also remember the annual Traffic Handlers Picnic in Concord MA on Sunday August 3. Come see the folks you talk to on the traffic nets and join the camaraderie.
On behalf of the Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association (CAARA), I’m excited to announce our participation in the 2025 ARRL Field Day, a nationwide annual event that showcases the fascinating world of amateur radio. We invite the public to join us on Saturday, June 28th, 2025, from Noon to 5:00 p.m., at our clubhouse, located at 6 Stanwood Street in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
What is Field Day?
Field Day is more than just an event for ham radio operators; it’s an emergency preparedness exercise and a chance to highlight the vital role amateur radio plays in our communities, especially during times of crisis. When traditional communication systems fail, amateur radio operators, or “hams,” can provide crucial communication links.
During Field Day, CAARA members will operate our radio stations, attempting to make as many contacts as possible with other amateur radio stations across North America. This simulates operating under challenging conditions, honing our skills in effective communication.
Join Us!
We welcome everyone, from curious onlookers to aspiring hams, to visit our clubhouse on Saturday afternoon. You’ll have the opportunity to:
ARRL Field Day is a fantastic opportunity to see firsthand the dedication and ingenuity of amateur radio operators. We look forward to sharing our passion with the community and demonstrating the value of this essential public service.
For more information about CAARA or the Field Day event, please visit our website at http://caara.net or contact us at info@caara.net.
Sincerely,
Brandon Hockle, NQ1W
President, Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association
Courtesy Needham Patch:
Wellesley, MA – 6/20/2025 – The Wellesley Amateur Radio Society (WARS) will participate in the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day exercise on 28-29 June 2025, at the Needham Memorial Gazebo, 92 Rosemary St, Needham, MA 02492, demonstrating the critical role amateur radio plays in emergency communications and public service. The public are invited to visit our demonstration between 2-6 pm on Saturday and 9 am – 12 noon on Sunday to learn about amateur radio Field Day and the WARS club.
Field Day is amateur radio’s premier annual event, bringing together thousands of radio operators across North America to test their emergency preparedness and showcase their ability to communicate without relying on traditional infrastructure. During the 24-hour exercise, participants operate from temporary outdoor locations using emergency power sources to simulate real-world disaster conditions. Clubs compete with each other on Field Day, by earning points based on the number of contacts made and bonus points for emergency preparedness activities. The real value, however, lies in the training, fellowship, and public education that Field Day provides.
“Many members of WARS will be participating in Field Day by erecting antennas, connecting radios, and making contacts around the US” said Club President Charlie Bures. “The public is warmly invited to stop by and see amateur radio in operation. We’ll be most happy to demonstrate our operations and
answer any questions. We expect to have at least 3 stations operational in various modes, such as voice, Morse code, and the newer digital modes.”
Amateur radio operators, known as “hams,” are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission and have a long history of providing emergency communications during disasters. Recent examples include support operations during Hurricane Ian, the Texas winter storm of 2021, and numerous wildfire evacuations across the western United States. Locally our club assisted in the Boston Marathon by providing communications infrastructure.
The WARS Club meets every third Tuesday of the month at Kingsbury Room of the Wellesley Police Station, 485 Washington St. (Rte 16), in Wellesley. For more information about amateur radio or the club’s activities, visit the WARS club website: https://ema.arrl.org/wellesley-amateur-radio-society/ or contact the Club President by email: c.bures@comcast.net
About Amateur Radio
Amateur radio is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. People use ham radio to talk to friends, conduct emergency communications, experiment with electronics, and even communicate with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Information about amateur radio is available from the American Radio Relay League at www.arrl.org.
About Wellesley Amateur Radio Society
The WARS club is celebrating its 75th anniversary in the upcoming year, having served the local community and greater ham community. Currently the club has over 50 members and the Club’s radio callsign is W1TKZ.
https://ema.arrl.org/wellesley-amateur-radio-society/
https://www.arrl.org/field-day
Courtesy New England Sci-Tech News:
Bob Phinney, K5TEC, Director of New England Sci-Tech, was recently interviewed by The Entrepreneurs’ Guild, a podcast hosted by Thom Stimpel and Tom Fleury. You can listen to the podcast HERE, or visit the Guild webpage and listen to Episode 173.
H
i gang,
Summer Solstice approaches!
Check out the latest K1USN news and get ready for Field Day!
73,
Pi – K1RV / K1USN
Tuesday, June 17: “Aircraft Tracking using SDR” by Peter Morrison, AC1KY.
Description: In this presentation, Peter Morrison will discuss how anyone can use low cost software-defined radios to track aircraft using ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast) signals. He will provide some history of the development of ADS-B and will also talk about aircraft patterns around Beverly.
Bio: Peter was first licensed in 1960 in Montreal and still holds a Canadian call sign, VE3IDX. He moved to the U.S. in 1981 and acquired U.S. call sign AC1KY several years ago. Peter is a retired EE who specialized in computer design. His former employers include Raytheon, Wang, Digital, and Intel. For many years Peter travelled back to Canada to join a group of friends to operate for Field Day. Computers currently occupy a fair chunk of his time.
Please note: Peter will be presenting in person at [New England Sci-Tech], but you can also choose to participate over Zoom, as always.
Dean Burgess, KB1PGH, writes on the Cape Ann ARA mailing list:
I would like to take this time to ask some more [CAARA] members to help us with the Gloucester Horribles parade communications coming up on Thursday, July 3rd at 6 PM. We have a few people signed up, but we could really need a few more members to join us make it work to cover spots along the entire parade route, so any help would be greatly appreciated. The City of Gloucester requests CAARA`s presence every year to help the parade organizers. If you can join us, please mail me back.
73, Dean Burgess KB1PGH
Rob Macedo, KD1CY, writes on the SEMARA Mailing List:
I’ll be teaching a SKYWARN Training Class at SEMARA on Sunday 6/22/25 from 930 AM-1130 AM. Details are below:Sunday June 22nd, 2025 – 930 AM-1130 AM:
SEMARA – Southeast Massachusetts Amateur Radio Association
54 Donald Street
South Dartmouth, MA 02748
Sponsored by: SEMARA – Southeast Massachusetts Amateur Radio Association
Taught by: Amateur Radio Coordinator
HAPPY SUMMER! Wow, time has really flown by quickly. It’s hard to believe it’s officially Summer, 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 deluge of tourists has begun. It’s now nearly impossible to make left turns, with the increased traffic. But our favorite restaurants have awakened from their winter slumber and are open once again. Let Summer begin!
* Field Day is June 28-29 – SOON!
I hope your plan for Field Day 2025 is coming along! It’s coming up quickly – 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
I am finalizing my plans to visit as many Field Day sites in person as I can fit in. I’ll be starting Saturday morning in northeast MA, 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! If you especially want me to stop by your FD site, please email me at n1ilz@arrl.org and let me know where you’ll be and your hours of operation.
* Governor’s FD Proclamation
A big tip o’ the hat and a serious thank-you to our State Government Liaison (SGL) Steve KC1KEZ, for his efforts to get an official Proclamation from MA’s governor, Maura Healey, officially recognizing June 28-29 as Amateur Radio Field Day in MA. I will have an original copy of the proclamation with me on my FD site visits, as will WMA Section Manager Ray AA1SE, and New England Division Vice Director Phil K9HI.
* 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/
* 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! Full info at https://hamxposition.org/
* Thanks to N1WBV and W1IZZ for Help Maintaining EMA Section Website
A huge thank you to Ben N1WBV and Larry W1IZZ for answering my call for help with keeping the EMA website up to date. Between them they’re connected to just about every club in Eastern MA, and they’ve been doing a fantastic job keeping the EMA website fresh with news and current events. Thanks again, guys!
* 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 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 Summer 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. Stay cool and hydrated. 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? Shoot me an 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.
Mark it on your calendar – ARRL Field Day is just two weeks away! Once again this year, the Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club will participate from the Heald Street Orchard in Pepperell (entrance is adjacent to 112 Heald Street). We will be setting up Saturday, June 28th after 9 AM, with operation from 2 PM Saturday June 28 th through Sunday June 29th at 2 PM.
We will feature four operating stations – an HF phone station (primarily for voice operation), an HF CW station (primarily for Morse code and data operation), a VHF/UHF station (which will also communicate via satellite), and a GOTA station. GOTA stands for “Get-on-the-Air”. This station is specifically set aside for unlicensed operators (operating under the supervision of a licensed operator), newly licensed hams, and generally inactive hams.
Besides the Field Day stations, there will be educational activities, social activities, food, etc. Something for everyone! Please come and join us. Bring your family, friends, kids, and grandchildren. Everyone is welcome.
Attached is the official press release which will give you more information.
I look forward to seeing you there!
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Bruce, K1BG
978-772-2773 or bruce.blain@charter.net
Charlie Bures, WA3ITR, writes:
We have had a beautiful stretch of sunny, warm days but, (of course) the nice weather is ending Friday night. Rain is forecast for Saturday in the morning and day.
After discussions with others and various weather outlets, it is not looking good [to hold a Parks On The Air event]. There will be other opportunities this summer.
73, Charlie
Friar John Mary, KC1QAP, is looking for communications support for our Corpus Christi Procession on Sunday, June 22nd, 2025 from 1:30PM to 4:30PM in New Bedford, MA:
Each Comm person would be assigned to a key figure person in the Procession in order to facilitate communications between them, thus ensuring that the Procession runs smoothly . The challenges in the past has been key figures having to run around looking for the one they need to communicate with or not even try because of the distance between them is too great. Walkie talkies in the past have not been too impressive.
If you are interested please contact Friar John via e-Mail.
Here is the new ham report as of June 1, 2025, listing newly licensed hams in the Eastern MA Section. 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!
Darin E Larabee, KC1WVQ – FCC
55 Karen Rd
Framingham, MA 01701-2609
Kristofer E Elbing, KC1WSI – FCC
187 Pelham Island Rd
Wayland, MA 01778-2509
Ariana Rydzkowski, KC1WTB – FCC
PO Box 271
Burlington, MA 01803-0471
Joseph M Erickson, KC1WVS – FCC
109 Pine St
Andover, MA 01810-1721
Mathilde P LaGro, AC1UL – FCC
72 Billerica Rd
Chelmsford, MA 01824-3158
Amaury V Gomez, KC1WVK – FCC
36 Golf Ave
Methuen, MA 01844-6237
Xin Ling A Chen, KC1WVM – FCC
36 Main St Apt 11
North Reading, MA 01864-2245
Frederick Van Magness, KC1WSQ – FCC
28 Kieran Rd
Reading, MA 01867-1041
Larson M Rogers, KC1WVP – FCC
16 Edgehill Rd
Swampscott, MA 01907-1104
John R Whitmarsh, KC1WTD – FCC
49 Sherwood Ave
Danvers, MA 01923-2322
Tom U Kadala, KC1WSK – FCC
PO Box 372
Manchester, MA 01944-0372
James F Sullivan, KC1WVW – FCC
41 Carrier St
Bellingham, MA 02019-2706
Tamara Martin, KC1WVC – FCC
12 Longmeadow Dr
Westwood, MA 02090-1079
Daniel J Hepworth, KC1WUW – FCC
101 Beverly St Apt 6U
Boston, MA 02114-2180
Jill Levien, KC1WWD – FCC
24 Grozier Rd
Cambridge, MA 02138-3315
Quinton G Henthorne, KC1WUV – FCC
39 Orient St
Malden, MA 02148-2701
Paul M Amato, KC1WVX – FCC
53 Irving St
Revere, MA 02151-5232
Olivier D Laplante, KC1WTA – FCC
80 Doris Dr
North Weymouth, MA 02191-2002
Max Willer, KC1WUA – FCC
88 Princeton Ave
Waltham, MA 02451-3135
Martin J Colwell, KC1WVV – FCC
74 Bacon St Apt 2
Waltham, MA 02451-4378
Jonathan Millstein, KC1WVG – FCC
92 Cross St
Belmont, MA 02478-3153
The 14th Falmouth Soldier Ride took place on Friday, June 6th, 2025. Fifty Wounded Warriors from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan rode from the start of the Shining Sea Bikeway in North Falmouth down to Woods Hole and back. The twenty mile round trip on the bike path allowed lots of room to find a spot to cheer the Warriors on as they rode.
Three Falmouth ARA members (Ralph-N1YHS, Mel-K1ELB, and Matt-KB1MLP) manned net control, which was located in the FARA Communications Trailer at North Famouth.
Eight Falmouth ARA members (Barry-KB1TLR, Jeremy-WA1JRC, Jay-WB4KYW, Steve-KC1TMJ, Harold-N1ZTV, Phil-KB1DOS. Henry-K1WCC, and Larry-W1IZZ) manned stations located along the Bikeway, providing rider location and status updates. Henry was assisted by his grandson Sterling acting as scribe.
Community groups were present at the various Bikeway street crossings and at the Woods Hole end of the Bikeway. Members of Coast Guard Group Woods Hole were also on hand in Woods Hole. The groups put together colorful displays and cheered the riders as they passed.
