Author: admin

NTS

GETTING STARTED WITH NTS DIGITAL

- by admin - Leave a Comment

NTS Digital, or NTSD, is a digital network operating parallel to the NTS.  It operates 24/7 on both HF Pactor and VHF Packet.  Using  autoforwarding, messages are relayed throughout the US and Canada and now also between the US and Germany and Great Britain with potential outlets to other European countries.  Note however that due to FCC regulations, messages between the US and Great Britain and European countries can only be from one amateur to another amateur. Station KW1U operates on both HF and VHF and amateurs are invited to use the station via either HF or VHF for relaying message traffic.

Greg KC1CIC has recently become a digital relay station (DRS) for this area, and now has experience in setting up a digital station for this type of relay.  Greg has written a great article on his experience and this can be found by clicking Getting_Started_with_NTS_Digital.

Many thanks to Greg.  Check it out and join us on NTSD.

73, Marcia KW1U

All / Emergency Communications

Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net – Saturday May 2nd 2015 at 1000 AM

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Net Control for the May 2, 2015 Eastern MA Hospital Net will be Peter Johnson W1OSO. He will be conducting the NET from the Brockton Hospital. The net will commence at the usual time of 10:00 AM using the following repeaters and Simplex frequency in the order listed.

1. Plymouth 146.685 tone 82.5
2. Fall River 146.805. tone 67.0
3. W. Bridgewater 146.775 dpl 244
4. Simplex 147.42

The Net will then return to the Plymouth Repeater for final comments and 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 the EOC of any city or town that is served by one of our participating hospitals to join the Net. We also extend an invitation to any RACES or ARES member to check in during the NET.

We are always looking for more groups or organizations to take Net Control duties. If you are interested please let us know. Our goal is to rotate Net Control practice and the experience among as many groups as possible.

Any hospital wishing to join the net that needs assistance with equipment or personnel should contact us at ssharc@gmail.com. We can assist you with getting your location on the air.

We thank the repeater trustees for their generosity in allowing us to conduct the monthly nets and the use of their systems in an actual event. The following list of repeaters are available for our use. Only a few systems are used each month with the selection of those used made by Net Control for that month.  More systems are being added to the list on a regular basis.

Attleboro 147.195 tone 127.3 (Sturdy Memorial Hospital)
Belmont 145.430 tone 146.2
Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67.0
Danvers 145.47 tone 136.5
Dartmouth 147.000 tone 67.0 
Fairhaven 145.490 tone 67.0   
Fall River 146.805. tone 67.0
Falmouth 147.375 tone 110.9
Mansfield EMA  446.925 tone 100.0
Mansfield 147.015 tone 67.0
Marshfield 145.390 tone 67.0     
Norwood 147.210 tone 100.00
Plymouth 146.685 tone 82.5
Salem 146.88 tone 118.8       
Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5   
Weymouth 147.345 tone 110.9 (South Shore Hospital)
W. Bridgewater 146.775 dpl 244
Wrentham 147.09 tone 146.2

We look forward to hearing you all on the Net.

Respectfully,

John O’
K1JRO

—

South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club – W1SSH

c/o Volunteer Services
55 Fogg Road,
South Weymouth, MA 02190

All / Emergency Communications

ARES Mobilization during the running of the 2015 Boston Marathon – Monday 4/20/15

- by admin - Leave a Comment

A special mobilization of EMA ARES personnel who are not involved with the operation of the event.  Details are in the document via the link below:

DO NOT RESPOND TO INCIDENTS WITHIN THE MARATHON ZONE OR INTERFERE WITH THEIR COMMUNICATIONS.  Our role would be to assist with problems happening elsewhere in the Section.

Many thanks in advance for your help


73,

Michael P. Neilsen, W1MPN
EMA Section Emergency Coordinator and Special Advisor to NWS Taunton CWA SKYWARN

Office Answering Service: 978.293.7858

******************************************************************

All / NTS

HEAVY HITTERS TRAFFIC NET (HHTN)

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Due to the passing of Dave Spalding N1LUM, HHTN currently has no manager and only one NCS who has been running the net on Friday evenings. Scott, N1SGB has faithfully been covering Friday evenings for some time and would like to see the net continue and hopefully rebuild.  Until further notice, this net will run only on Friday evenings on the MinuteMan Repeater Association linked repeaters at 10 PM.  If we can rebuild the net, we will increase the sessions accordingly.  HHTN has been in existance for longer than I can remember (and that is a long time).  It would be a shame to see it disappear altogether.  Please support Scott and check in on Fridays.  Hope to see you there.

73, Marcia KW1U, STM

All

DAVID SPALDING N1LUM SK

- by admin - Leave a Comment

It is with great sadness that I relay to you that our Dave Spalding N1LUM suffered a heart attack and became a silent key on March 3, 2015.

Dave was an active participant on the two meter traffic nets, serving as net control and message relay station, as well as manager of Heavy Hitters Traffic Net (HHTN).  He was also active on VHF packet handling messages via that means as well.  Dave was 55 years old. It was a great shock, and he will be sorely missed.  May he rest in peace. Below is a link to his obituary.

73, Marcia KW1U, Section Traffic Manager

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/norwichbulletin/obituary.aspx?n=david-spalding&pid=174355035

All / Emergency Communications

Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net – Saturday March 7 2015 at 1000 AM

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

The Net Control for the March 7, 2015 Eastern Mass Hospital Net will be the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club.  The net will commence at the usual time of 10:00 AM using the repeaters listed and the Simplex frequency in the order listed.

1. Plymouth 146.685 PL 82.5
2. Belmont 145.430 PL 146.2
3. Fall River 146.805 PL 67.0
4. Sharon  146.865  PL 118.8
Simplex 147.42

The Net will then return to the Plymouth Repeater for final comments and 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 the EOC of any city or town that is served by one of our participating hospitals to join the Net. We also extend an invitation to any RACES or ARES member to check in during the NET.

We are always looking for more groups or organizations to take Net Control duties. If you are interested please let us know. Our goal is to rotate Net Control practice and the experience among as many groups as possible.

Any hospital wishing to join the net that needs assistance with equipment or personnel should contact us at ssharc@gmail.com. We can assist you with getting your location on the air.

We thank the repeater trustees for their generosity in allowing us to conduct the monthly nets and the use of their systems in an actual event. The following list of repeaters are available for our use. Only a few systems are used each month with the selection of those used made by Net Control for that month.  More systems are being added to the list on a regular basis.

Attleboro 147.195 tone 127.3 (Sturdy Memorial Hospital)
Belmont 145.430 tone 146.2
Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67.0
Danvers 145.47 tone 136.5
Dartmouth 147.000 tone 67.0 
Fairhaven 145.490 tone 67.0   
Fall River 146.805. tone 67.0
Falmouth 147.375 tone 110.9 
Mansfield EMA  446.925 tone 100.0
Mansfield 147.015 tone 67.0
Marshfield 145.390 tone 67.0     
Norwood 147.210 tone 100.00
Plymouth 146.685 tone 82.5
Salem 146.88 tone 118.8       
Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5   
Weymouth 147.345 tone 110.9 (South Shore Hospital)
W. Bridgewater 146.775 dpl 244
Wrentham 147.09 tone 146.2

We look forward to hearing you all on the Net.

Respectfully,

John Barbuto

KS1Q

—

South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club – W1SSH
c/o Volunteer Services
55 Fogg Road,
South Weymouth, MA 02190

All / Emergency Communications

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Stand-By Beginning at 6 PM EST Monday 1/26/15 Through Wednesday Evening

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

***EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ARES PLACED ON STAND-BY FOR ALL AREAS EFFECTIVE 6:00PM MONDAY, JANUARY 26 THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING DUE TO POTENTIAL IMPACTS FROM FORECASTED BLIZZARD***
***BLIZZARD WARNINGS IN EFFECT FOR EASTERN MA COAST AND CAPE COD/MARTHAS VINEYARD FROM 7:00PM MONDAY THOUGH 1:00AM WEDNESDAY.  WINTER STORM WARNINGS/HIGH WIND WARNINGS UP FOR NANTUCKET***
***COASTAL FLOOD WARNINGS IN EFFECT FOR EASTERN MA COASTLINE INCLUDING CAPE AND ISLANDS FOR THE TUESDAY MORNING HIGH TIDE.  POCKETS OF MODERATE-MAJOR COASTAL FLOODING POSSIBLE.
***WIND GUSTS TO HURRICANE FORCE POSSIBLE ALONG THE IMMEDIATE COAST***
***SKYWARN OPS AT NWS-TAUNTON TO COMMENCE AT 6:00PM MONDAY***

Models have begun to consolidate on a trend which brings a period of heavy snow and strong winds to the region starting late tomorrow afternoon/evening and continuing through Tuesday.  Snowfall accumulation of 24-30 inches is possible across much of Eastern Massachusetts with 10-18 inches possible across the Cape/Islands.  Isolated higher amounts are possible depending on where the heaviest snow band set up over the area.

Wind speeds in the blizzard warning area are forecasted to increase to 25-35mph sustained with gusts possibly reaching hurricane force (60-70mph), especially along the immediate coast per the latest forecast.  Winds of this magnitude combined with the weight of the snowfall may cause power outages along with pockets of scattered damage.  Travel during the storm is not recommended.  For further meteorological updates, including the latest Blizzard Coordination Message, please see the NWS Taunton SKYWARN home page at http://www.wx1box.org

A coastal flood warning is also in effect for pockets of moderate to potentially major coastal flooding along the Eastern MA coastline.  High tide is anticipated at 5am Tuesday morning, and another high tide at 5pm Tuesday evening.

Preparations should be completed by early this evening based on the latest forecasts, and again to repeat, travel is not recommended once the storm has begun.

Storm pictures and video of snowfall measurements, wind and coastal damage will be very helpful for situational awareness/disaster intelligence purposes benefiting the National Weather Service, Emergency Management, the media, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). They can be sent via the WX1BOX Facebook, Twitter feed, or to pics@nsradio.org with credit given to the spotter for the pictures unless otherwise noted. Pictures can be sent during and after the storm. Please do not compromise safety to get these pictures and video.

In advance of the storm, please advise your local EC/DEC/ADEC of your availability to support a potential deployment anytime over the weekend. We are creating a list of availability for ARESMAT deployment if needed for various local EOC’s, Red Cross, Salvation Army, NWS Storm Survey Teams, and hospitals as required. Keep your situational awareness level high for any updates from ARES leadership by checking your email for updates and our ARES web site at http://ares.ema.arrl.org and monitoring local SKYWARN/ARES/RACES frequencies for any updates on this developing situation.

When sending your availability, please send the following: Name, Call-sign, License Class, Capability (HF / VHF / UHF), Availability, and any other special notes we should be aware of. Also, please let us know if you can do an ARESMAT to another part of the Eastern Massachusetts section (specifically East Coastal and Southeast Mass/Cape Cod) as this area looks to be particularly hardest hit by this anticipated blizzard. We ask that as you contact your DEC, please send a copy of the message to blizzard@nsradio.org where multiple members of the EMA ARES Leadership will be able to access your availability.

What is ARES Stand-By mode?

ARES stand-by mode is to alert Amateurs within ARES that a mobilization is possible on a wide-scale and that some localized mobilizations are or could be taking place in isolated areas. It means to take a look at your Go-Kit and have batteries and equipment ready to go and charged up and take care of any requirements at home in case a mobilization is required and you can participate. Do NOT self-deploy. Wait for guidance from leadership for any deployment. It is an honor to be ready even if you don’t deploy for the event. Hopefully, this is just another exercise of our preparedness and capabilities. If not, the ARES leadership looks forward to working with you if any wide scale mobilization is required after the impact of this major storm to the region is fully understood.

Thanks for your continued support of Eastern Massachusetts ARES!

Respectfully Submitted,

Steve Telsey – N1BDA
Acting Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator

Jim Palmer – KB1KQW
North Shore ARES District Emergency Coordinator
North Shore SKYWARN Coordinator

Public Service

CERT Class at the Winthrop EOC

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and ARES Members Kathy Savage (KB1LPW) & Rick Savage (KB1LYJ) will be running a CERT ( Citizens Emergency Response Training) January 31st, plus 4 evenings ( February 11th & 25th, & March 4th & 18th) at Winthrop’s EOC. Guest lecturers for the training include Brittany Collins (KB1ZPS) and Jim Palmer (KB1KQW). More information can be found on the website – http://www.region4bvolunteer.org and click the upcoming events button and look for the CERT class registration information under Upcoming Events.

Kathy Savage
KB1LPW

All / NTS

“QNI” – AN INDEPENDENT NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO PROMOTING NTS AND GENUINE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PREPAREDNESS

- by admin - Leave a Comment

“QNI” is an independent newsletter published by James Wades WB8SIW, who has worked as a professional telegrapher, and who has had a wealth of experience in message handling and emergency communications.  He has dedicated many years to NTS.  In September 2012 he began the “QNI” newsletter at the request of a group of traffic handlers and has published it approximately quarterly ever since.  This newsletter is dedicated to promoting NTS and genuine emergency communications preparedness.  In addition to NTS he has included very informative articles on NTSD, the digital side of NTS as well as “radio email”, a valuable tool for emergency communication.

I am including here a link to the Texas NTS Net Home Page http://www.k6jt.com/ which contains archives of all these newsletters.  When accessing this website just scroll down a short ways to find links to all the issues.  I encourage all readers to check out this very interesting and informative newsletter.  You may also find other articles of interest on this website which is maintained by W6JT the Central Area Staff Chair. If you wish to receive “QNI” as it is published, contact the editor James Wades at jameswades@gmail.com.

Happy New Year and happy reading.  See you on the nets.

Marcia KW1U

All

Upcoming Ham Radio License Class Sponsored by the Sturdy Memorial Hospital Amateur Radio Club

- by admin - Leave a Comment

K2TGX-Ray Cord Writes:

For those of you interested in Radio Communications and have thought about getting your Ham Radio License,

Here is the perfect opportunity during the doldrums of winter.

The Sturdy Memorial Hospital Amateur Radio Club will be sponsoring a Entry level (Technician) class that will almost insure a willing
student that you will get your FCC License. The class is an 8 week course one night per week for no more that 2 hours. This pace allows all the proper time to grasp concepts and procedures that are required. The end of the course will be a review and administration of the FCC Technician Class License Exam by Volunteer License Examiners. Upon passing the exam you will receive your license with your new FCC assigned Call sign. If for some reason you don’t pass you are eligible to retake the test at another session, you do not have to take the course again.

The Cost of the course is just the cost of the Training manual $30.00 and the cost of the FCC Final Exam $15.00. The manual is a must for the course and will be available at the class.
The class will start on Thursday Jan. 22nd at 7:00 PM in Conference Room A/B/C at Sturdy Hospital. It will run for 8 consecutive
Thursday nights at the same time. Be advised that due to scheduling the room number may change.  Conference Room A/B/C
is located on the Main Floor of the Hospital and may be accessed through the Emergency Room Entrance.

Please register in advance by sending an email listing your name, address, Home Telephone #, Cell Phone # and email address to Gary Powers KB1KA Club President at kb1ka@cox.net.  This info is necessary in case classes need to be changed due to the weather and also insure an adequate amount of supplies

Thank you for your interest! Happy New Year!

Ray K2TGX
Deputy Director
Norton EMA-CERT
70 East Main St
Norton, Ma. 02766
508-726-1054 cell

Emergency Communications

Metro-Boston ARES Meeting Saturday 10/25/14 10am at the Joseph A Fiorentino Community Center in Brighton Mass.

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Hello!

We will be holding an all hands meeting, which includes anyone in the Metro-Boston and surrounding areas interested in supporting Metro-Boston ARES, on Saturday, October 25th, 2014 at 10 am.  Current ARES membership is not required! The meeting will be held in the Josephine A. Fiorentino Community Center, 125 Antwerp Street, Brighton, MA.

A map with parking and bus information can be found at http://ares.ema.arrl.org/local/Metro-Boston-ARES-Meeting-Parking.jpg
There is also street parking available on Harvard St. 

Please RSVP to myself so we can estimate how many people to prepare for to kb1ncg@gmail.com and/or at the Facebook event: http://on.fb.me/1pT9xTQ

If you have not yet done so our Metro-Boston ARES survey is still open and can be found here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8V26FBB

Our meeting agenda will be:

1.) A visit and update from our new Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) Michael Neilsen, W1MPN, discussing his appointment and his plans for the Eastern MA ARES group.

2.) Winter is fast approaching, so we will be reviewing the SkyWarn winter reporting criteria, how and where to report, and go over the SkyWarn repeater list for the NWS Taunton area.

3.) A review and discussion of the results from the Metro-Boston ARES survey about where we should focus our efforts.

4.) Open discussion about future plans, training, and other topics of interest.

5.) Discussions on next meeting dates and topics.

Look forward to seeing you all at the meeting!

Marek Kozubal
Metro-Boston District Emergency Coordinator
Amateur Radio Emergency Service
kb1ncg@gmail.com

All / Emergency Communications

Reminder: Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net – Saturday October 4th, 2014 at 1000 AM EDT

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Net Control for the October 4, 2014 Eastern MA Hospital Net will be Charles Bresnahan K1CB. He will be conducting the NET from Falmouth Hospital. The net will commence at the usual time of 10am using the following repeaters in the order listed.

1. Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5
2. W. Bridgewater 146.775 dpl 244
3. Belmont 145.430 tone 67.0
Simplex 147.42

The Net will than return to the Sharon Repeater for final comments and 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 the EOC of any city or town that is served by one of our participating hospitals to join the Net. We also extend an invitation to any RACES or ARES member to check in during the NET.

We are always looking for more groups or organizations to take Net Control duties. If you are interested please let us know. Our goal is to rotate Net Control practice and the experience among as many groups as possible.

Any hospital wishing to join the net that needs assistance with equipment or personnel should contact us at ssharc@gmail.com. We can assist you with getting your location on the air.

We thank the repeater trustees for their generosity in allowing us to conduct the monthly nets and the use of their systems in an actual event. The following list of repeaters are available for our use. Only a few systems are used each month with the selection of those used made by Net Control for that month.  More systems are being added to the list on a regular basis.

Attleboro 147.195 tone 127.3
Belmont 145.430 tone 67.0
Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67.0
Danvers 145.47 tone 136.5
Dartmouth 147.000 tone 67.0 
Fairhaven 145.490 tone 67.0   
Fall River 146.805. tone 67.0
Falmouth 147.375 tone 110.9 
Mansfield EMA  446.925 tone 100.0
Mansfield 147.015 tone 67.0
Norwell 145.390 tone 67.0     
Norwood 147.210 tone 100.00
Plymouth 146.685 tone 82.5
Salem 146.88 tone 118.8       
Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5   
Weymouth 147.345 tone 110.9
W. Bridgewater 146.775 dpl 244
Wrentham 147.09 tone 146.2

We look forward to hearing you all on the Net.

Respectfully,

John O’Neill
K1JRO

—

South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club – W1SSH

55 Fogg Road, Mail Stop #25
South Weymouth, MA 02190

All / Emergency Communications

Reminder: Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net – Saturday September 6th, 2014 at 1000 AM EDT

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Net Control for the September 6, 2014 Eastern MA Hospital Net will be Charles Bresnahan K1CB. He will be conducting the NET from Falmouth Hospital. The net will commence at the usual time of 10am using the following repeaters in the order listed.

1. Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67.0
2. Dartmouth 147.000 tone 67.0
3. Falmouth 147,375 tone 110.9 
Simplex 147.42

The Net will than return to the Bridgewater Repeater for final comments and 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 the EOC of any city or town that is served by one of our participating hospitals to join the Net. We also extend an invitation to any RACES or ARES member to check in during the NET.

We are always looking for more groups or organizations to take Net Control duties. If you are interested please let us know. Our goal is to rotate Net Control practice and the experience among as many groups as possible.

Any hospital wishing to join the net that needs assistance with equipment or personnel should contact us at ssharc@gmail.com. We can assist you with getting your location on the air.

We thank the repeater trustees for their generosity in allowing us to conduct the monthly nets and the use of their systems in an actual event. The following list of repeaters are available for our use. Only a few systems are used each month with the selection of those used made by Net Control for that month.  More systems are being added to the list on a regular basis.

Attleboro 147.195 tone 127.3
Belmont 145.430 tone 67.0
Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67.0
Danvers 145.47 tone 136.5
Dartmouth 147.000 tone 67.0 
Fairhaven 145.490 tone 67.0   
Fall River 146.805. tone 67.0
Falmouth 147.375 tone 110.9 
Mansfield EMA  446.925 tone 100.0
Mansfield 147.015 tone 67.0
Norwell 145.390 tone 67.0     
Norwood 147.210 tone 100.00
Plymouth 146.685 tone 82.5
Salem 146.88 tone 118.8       
Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5   
Weymouth 147.345 tone 110.9
W. Bridgewater 146.775 dpl 244
Wrentham 147.09 tone 146.2

We look forward to hearing you all on the Net.

Respectfully,

John O’Neill
K1JRO
—
South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club – W1SSH
55 Fogg Road, Mail Stop #25
South Weymouth, MA 02190

All / NTS

TRAFFIC HANDLING AND TRAINING SYMPOSIUM

- by admin - Leave a Comment

New Hampshire Section Manager Pete Stohrer K1PJS has given permission to post the following.  Note that the symposium is open to all, and I encourage Massachusetts hams to sign up.  I plan to be there along with N1OTC and we hope to see some of you folks there too, whether you are new to traffic handling, interested in trying a new mode (ie CW or digital), or looking for a refresher.  73, Marcia KW1U

 

Attention Traffic Handlers and interested Amateurs

A Traffic Handling and Training Symposium is scheduled in Concord (NH) for August 30th from 9A until 1p, the meeting location will be at Concord Bible Fellowship, 25 Rockingham St.

The meeting will discuss the basics of traffic handling, radiogram structure, CW and voice traffic net protocols, the National Traffic System (NTS) and the National Traffic System Digital (NTSD).

Traffic Handling is a skill all Amateurs should be familiar with. During emergencies you may be called to help pass messages when the regular communication infrastructure is down.

The ARRL had its formation around Traffic Handling and it is a skill as much needed today as then.

Lunch will be provided. The symposium is open to all. If you would like to attend send an email to peter@k1pjs.com

73

Pete, K1PJS

NHSM

Peter J. Stohrer, K1PJS
ARRL NH Section Manager
9 Gladstone St.
Concord, NH 03301

603 345-1470(C)

peter@k1pjs.com
k1pjs@arrl.net

http://www.nharrl.org/

All / NTS

Good Food, Good Conversation: 2014 NTS Traffic Handlers Picnic

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Eastern MA Traffic Handlers Picnic, August, 2014Marcia Forde, KW1U writes:

The rain held off, at least until 3 PM and the cloud cover kept the temperatures comfortable as a good group enjoyed good food and good conversation at the 2014 Traffic Handlers picnic at the Senior Center in Raynham MA Sunday August 3. The day was only dampened by the news that one of our most regular attendees was and will be greatly missed as we learned that Byron, K1YCQ became a Silent Key. A moment of silence was held in honor of Byron.

Those present included KW1U, N1OTC, N1TF, KB1WXC, W1HL, WA1LPM, N1LKJ, N1UMJ, N1IQI, N1WCO, K9HI, KA1OCF, KB1ZWZ plus a few harmonics. We were sorry to miss Dan, KC1AXR who arrived shortly after we had all left due to the arrival of raindrops. I want to especially thank Jim, N1LKJ for obtaining permission to use this fine facility, and Jack N1OTC who was again the master grill chef and did a superb job. Thanks also to all the others who brought all kinds of goodies. Jack was also the winner of the drawing for the new Amateur Radio Handbook, and Bob, N1SYC won the new Public Service Handbook, both donated by our Section Manager Phil, K9HI. Many thanks to Phil. Those of you who were unable to attend missed a good time. We hope to see you next year.

Photo (left-right): KW1U, N1SYC, N1LKJ, WA1LPM, N1TF, N1IQI, N1OTC, N1UMJ

All

BYRON PIETTE K1YCQ SK

- by admin - Leave a Comment

It is with great sadness that I pass along the news that Byron Piette K1YCQ became a Silent Key this morning (August 3).  Byron had been quite ill for several weeks.  He was a very active traffic handler in addition to his work with ARES/RACES and the Hospital Nets and was a friend to all and a mentor to many.  He will be greatly missed.  May he rest in peace.  73 Byron  from KW1U and all your many friends.

Following are arrangements for wake and funeral:

Arrangements are:
Sullivan Waring Funeral Home
833 County St., Somerset, MA
Wednesday Aug. 6th, 4-7pm

http://www.dignitymemorial.com/waring-sullivan-home-of-memorial-tribute/en-us/index.page

Mass will be at St. Patricks Church, Thursday 10AM.

All / NTS

***TRAFFIC HANDLERS PICNIC AUGUST 3 2014***

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Mark the date SUNDAY AUGUST 3 2014 FROM NOON TO 4 PM.  We will gather again at the Senior Center in Raynham MA on King Phillip Street.  This facility has grills, picnic tables and restroom facilities.  Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided.  Bring your own drinks, but no alcohol please as this is not permitted on the grounds. Feel free to bring anything else to share although this is not required.  All traffic handlers and anyone interested in message handling are welcome.

Directions: From RT 24 North or South. Take exit 13 west towards Taunton RT 44.

Follow 44 1.5 miles to set of lights with Rite Aid Pharmacy on corner. Take right

on to RT 104 Raynham. Follow RT 104 ½ mile, take first left on to King Phillip St.

Follow King Phillip ¼ mile up to Raynham Senior Center on left. Pull right into

Parking lot. Picnic area on your left. Talk in will be on Bridgewater repeater

147.180 PL 67.

 

Emergency Communications / Organization

IMPORTANT CHANGES IN EASTERN MA ARES LEADERSHIP

- by admin - Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:

Phil Temples, K9HI
ARRL Section Manager,
Eastern Massachusetts Section
Tel: 617-331-0183
k9hi@arrl.org

July 21, 2014

IMPORTANT CHANGES IN EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS SECTION ARES LEADERSHIP

Effective Monday July 21, 2014, Mike Neilsen, W1MPN, will be appointed as Section Emergency Coordinator for the Eastern Massachusetts Section. Our current SEC, Rob Macedo, KD1CY, has decided to step down due to the demands of his professional work commitments.

I wish to thank Rob Macedo for all of his valuable contributions as our Section Emergency Coordinator. Rob has served three different Section Managers over nearly a decade, and he’s earned well-deserved accolades both locally and nationally–not only from the ARRL, but also, from the National Weather Service and several other served agencies.

We’re very fortunate to have Mike Neilsen, W1MPN back in the SEC role. Mike brings years of experience to the position, having previously served multiple terms as both our Section Emergency Coordinator and Section Manager. Mike Neilsen is retired from the US Navy, and an engineering and management consulting firm executive career. He’s a professional meteorologist by training, and he holds a degree in history.  W1MPN has over 45 years of military, maritime, and US Coast Guard communication operator experience. As a naval communications officer, Mike Neilsen was “responsible for all shipboard real time long haul HF communications with on-line cryptology, including the translation to satellite communication systems.”

Although we’re losing KD1CY as SEC, I’m pleased to report that Rob has agreed to accept an appointment as an Assistant SEC. Under Mike, Rob will continue in his leadership role with our SKYWARN program. He’ll also interface with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Please join me in welcoming Mike Neilsen, W1MPN, as our new Section Emergency Coordinator, and Rob Macedo, KD1CY as an Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator.

All / Emergency Communications

Reminder: Monthly Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net for July 2014

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

A reminder that the monthly ARES Net for July is rapidly approaching. The monthly ARES Net for July is Monday July 7th, 2014, at 8:30 PM on the MMRA Repeater system. This is after the MEMA Nets earlier in the evening. 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:

http://www.mmra.org/repeaters/repeater_index_by_linkstate.html

In addition, if the Echo-IRLP node on the MMRA hub is available, we will likely link that to the New England Reflector system on IRLP 9123/Echolink Conference *NEW-ENG* Node: 9123.

Make this first Monday of the month, “Emergency Communications Night” and check into your local RACES Net and then check into the ARES Net on the MMRA Repeater System. We look forward to your participation and remember, we are always looking for Net Controls to run the ARES Net.

We will have several interesting announcements for the net that evening and we look forward to everyone’s participation. Updates will be posted via email and on the Eastern Massachusetts ARES Web Site at http://ares.ema.arrl.org

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
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org

All / Emergency Communications

Reminder: Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net – Saturday June 7th, 2014 at 1000 AM EDT

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Net Control for the June 7, 2014 Eastern MA Hospital Net will be the Brockton Hospital.  The net will commence at the usual time of 10am using the following repeaters in the order listed.

1. Plymouth 146.685 tone 82.5
2. Falmouth 147.375 tone 110.9
3. Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5
And than conduct a simplex test on 147.42.

The Net will then return to the Plymouth Repeater for final comments and 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 the EOC of any city or town that is served by one of our participating hospitals to join the Net. We also extend an invitation to any RACES or ARES member to check in during the NET.

We are always looking for more groups or organizations to take Net Control duties. If you are interested please let us know. Our goal is to rotate Net Control practice and the experience among as many groups as possible.

Any hospital wishing to join the net that needs assistance with equipment or personnel should contact us at ssharc@gmail.com or Carl Aveni at caave@peoplepc.com. We can assist with getting your location on the air.

We thank the repeater trustees for their generosity in allowing us to conduct the monthly nets and the use of their systems in an actual event. The following list of repeaters are available for our use. Only a few systems are used each month with the selection of those used made by Net Control for that month.  More systems are being added to the list on a regular basis.

Attleboro 147.195 tone 127.3
Belmont 145.430 tone 67.0
Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67.0
Danvers 145.47 tone 136.5
Dartmouth 147.000 tone 67.0 
Fairhaven 145.490 tone 67.0   
Fall River 146.805. tone 67.0
Falmouth 147.375 tone 110.9 
Mansfield EMA  446.925 tone 100.0
Mansfield 147.015 tone 67.0
Norwell 145.390 tone 67.0     
Norwood 147.210 tone 100.00
Plymouth 146.685 tone 82.5
Salem 146.88 tone 118.8       
Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5   
Weymouth 224.580 tone 100.0
W. Bridgewater 146.775 dpl 244
Wrentham 147.09 tone 146.2

We look forward to hearing you all on the Net.

Respectfully,

John O’Neill
K1JRO

—

South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club – W1SSH
55 Fogg Road, Mail Stop #25
South Weymouth, MA 02190