HAPPY AUTUMN/FALL! We’re three games into the NFL season, and it looks like the Patriots are not awful: a slow start on the season opener, but a good time in game two, but not so great for game three. I still have high hopes for the season, but I’m not betting anything on any team.
I’m pleased to report that vehicle traffic here on the Cape has settled down to a dull roar, and with the passage of Labor Day, we’ve regained our ability to turn left onto Rte. 6. OK, folks, NOW is the time to head to the Cape! Lower prices! Less traffic! Plenty of goodness still to be had! If you’re heading my way, please email me so we can maybe have an eyeball QSO over lunch or a beverage (that’s the liquid refreshment, not an antenna 😊 ).
* YOU CAN HELP US CHANGE THE LEGAL RIGHTS OF AMERICAN HAMS
Hey! This is important! The ARRL is focused on reducing legal restraints on the ability of American Amateur Radio Operators to engage in the active practice and enjoyment of Amateur Radio. One of the most insidious and increasing threats to the survival of Amateur Radio and our ability to serve our communities and Nation, as we are required to do by Federal regulation, is the proliferation of private land use restrictions that prohibit the installation of outdoor antennas and that sometimes actually deny Federally licensed Amateurs from operating any amateur radios, regardless of where their antennas are located — in their attics, hidden in trees, or mounted on their vehicles.
Please, PLEASE take 30 seconds and arrange for letters to be printed and delivered to your US Representative and Senators. You really can make a difference, and the effort is practically free! See https://ema.arrl.org/2025/09/18/send-a-letter-campaign-ask-your-representative-and-senators-to-co-sponsor-and-support-h-r-1094-and-s-459/ for details.
* Barnstable ARC Activates SES for Harwich Cranberry Festival
Members of the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club (BARC) operated Special Event Station W1MA on Saturday-Sunday, September 13-14. The team deployed the club’s antenna tower trailer, which can elevate a 3-element tri-bander to some 40 ft up – an impressive conversation starter for passers-by, and an excellent performer in the worked-all-Europe contest last weekend! Shorter – and cooler –0 days
* KC1DSQ & W1IS Win August 2025 QST Cover Plaque Award!
Congratulations to PART of Westford members Bob Rose, KC1DSQ & Bob Glorioso, W1IS for winning the August 2025 QST cover plaque award for their article “An All-Band 160-Meter OCF Antenna.” This article was voted the most popular and well-liked article for the August 2025 issue by ARRL membership. This makes it their third cover plaque award! Congratulations to the Bobs for the hat trick!
* 2025 Northeast HamXposition was a Tremendous Success!
I had a fantastic time at the Northeast HamXposition this past august. I got to chat with scads of folks, meet some folks face-to-face that I only get to see once per year, and I attended some fantastic presentations and seminars. I’m already looking forward to – and planning for – next year’s HamX.
* KD1CY Honored for 20 Years of VoIP Hurricane Net Service at HamX
Speaking of HamX, ARES SKYWARN Coordinator and Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) Rob Macedo, KD1CY, was awarded with a surprise plaque for 20 years of service to the Voice over IP (“VoIP”) Hurricane Net. Congratulations and thank you to Rob! Full story is at https://hamxposition.org/2025/08/30/kd1cy-honored-for-20-years-of-voip-hurricane-net-service-at-hamx/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kd1cy-honored-for-20-years-of-voip-hurricane-net-service-at-hamx
* 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 Autumn brings, including lighter traffic, milder temperatures, and – still my personal favorite – ice cream!! Get out there and get those new antennas up or fix the damage from the ravages of winter. Stay cool and – especially – stay 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? Did you activate a POTA or a Special Event Station? Some other event? 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.