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Reminder: Monthly Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net for June 2014

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Hello to all…

A reminder that the monthly ARES Net for June is rapidly approaching. The monthly ARES Net for June is Monday June 2nd, 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: Monthly Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net for May 2014

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Hello to all…

A reminder that the monthly ARES Net for May is rapidly approaching. The monthly ARES Net for May is Monday May 5th, 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

Metro-Boston ARES Meeting 5/17/14

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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 May 17, 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.

This meeting will have a slightly different format. The main meeting will start at 11 am, and we will be doing a presentation for the community about what amateur radio is all about from 10 to 11. Anyone from that presentation will be welcome to stay through the main meeting if they’re interested.

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.

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.) From 10 – 11 am we will be presenting an introduction to non-hams about what amateur radio is all about. Topics will include basics of the hobby, equipment, getting licensed, emergency, and skywarn operations.
2.) The main ARES meeting will start at 11 am.
3.) Are you prepared for an emergency? We will discuss best practices for your home readiness kit.
4.) So you are an amateur radio operator, what else beyond the standard kits will you want? We’ll discuss radio-centric aspects to prep-kits and go-kits.
5.) Open discussion about future plans, training, and other topics of interest.
6.) Discussions on next meeting dates and topics.

We will be serving coffee and will provide pizza for lunch.

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 May 3rd, 2014 at 1000 AM EDT

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Hello Everyone,

Net Control for the  April 3, 2014 Eastern MA Hospital Net will be the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club. They will be conducting the NET from South Shore Hospital.  The net will commence at the usual time of 10am using the following repeaters in the order listed.

1. Plymouth 146.685 cts 82.5
2. W. Bridgewater 146.775 dcs 244
3. Belmont 145.430 cts 67.0

We will NOT be conducting a simplex test this month.

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

All / Emergency Communications

Reminder: Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net – Saturday May 3rd, 2014 at 1000 AM EDT

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Hello Everyone,

Net Control for the  April 3, 2014 Eastern MA Hospital Net will be the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club. They will be conducting the NET from South Shore Hospital.  The net will commence at the usual time of 10am using the following repeaters in the order listed.

1. Plymouth 146.685 cts 82.5
2. W. Bridgewater 146.775 dcs 244
3. Belmont 145.430 cts 67.0

We will NOT be conducting a simplex test this month.

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

All

Whitman ARC To Sponsor Amateur Radio General License Upgrade Class

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Beginning May 6, 2014 the WARC will be conducting another General upgrade class which will be held at the Whitman Police Station Conference Room starting at 6:00 PM.

The classes will be help each Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm to 8:45 PM. Classes will run for three weeks and testing on May 27, 2014. A VE teat will be coming in from the Norwood Amateur Radio Club to conduct the testing. The only costs for the course will be $15.00 for the test and you MUST purchase the Gordon West General test book. The course is based upon the Gordon West book and CD’s.

Upgrade to General Class with NO Morse Code test required.
Live High Frequency equipment demonstrations.
Fixed and Mobile antenna construction and operations.
Learn how to put up ”hidden” antennas and work stations worldwide.
Discussions on which worldwide radios to purchase from $599.00 and up.
Learn high frequency net operating procedures.
Go from technician to general in just three weeks.

For more information call Charlie Amico W1CBR at (774) 203-6905 or e-mail at sfccamico@gmail.com  If you call Please call before 8:00 PM. To enroll in the course please call Charlie at the above number or e-mail also. In addition to Charlie you can also contact Bill Hart W1ACO at (781) 294-0602 or e-mail at pembaco@aol.com

Here is your chance to upgrade before the summer sets in and when you travel you will be able to set-up your HF station anywhere and make contacts you only dreamed about. We have a program laid out to will gain your interest and motivate you to go even further in ham radio as the possibilities are unlimited. There is no age requirement to take the course, you just need your FCC Call Letters.

All / Emergency Communications

Boston Marathon Eastern Massachusetts ARES Standby and Weather Coordination Message #1

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Hello to all..

While this may be a bit off topic for some SKYWARN Spotters, Amateur Radio Operators and Red Cross volunteers, many of which are SKYWARN Spotters, will be involved in the Boston Marathon on Monday April 21st. To reach out to the highest level of Amateur Radio Operators involved in the event, this coordination message is being sent out to the SKYWARN email list and posted to the various Amateur Radio lists. We appreciate everyone’s patience with this message. This is likely to be the only coordination message on the Marathon unless a significant change in the weather forecast occurs. See information below:

Eastern Massachusetts ARES members not participating in the Boston Marathon are requested to be on standby for marathon activities on Monday April 21st from 12 AM-8 PM for any significant issues outside of the Boston Marathon that may require Amateur Radio Emergency Communications support and for any unexpected issues on the Boston Marathon route. With over 300 Amateur Radio Operators staffing the Boston Marathon route, the start line and the finish line, if an issue arises needing Amateur Radio support outside of the Marathon route or an unexpected issue arises in marathon operations, it is important that any ARES members not involved in the marathon can help with any response that is required. There will be two backup communication centers including the Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net Control Center at the town of Bridgewater EOC.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) at the SEOC (State Emergency Operations Center) will be active for the Boston Marathon. Amateur Radio Operators will be at the SEOC to support Amateur Radio communications while many agencies will be there performing primary operations for the marathon.

With all of the significant security provisions and additional resources being provided for 2014, this should greatly reduce the chance of an issue along the Boston Marathon route. Nonetheless, being one year after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings and the fact that even more resources are being deployed to the Boston Marathon route, placing Eastern Massachusetts ARES on standby for any possible significant issue along the Boston Marathon route or any issue within the Eastern Massachusetts section outside of the Marathon route is prudent given the situation.

The weather outlook for the Boston Marathon is one that should be favorable for volunteers and slightly warm for the runners. The Weather Forecast across the Boston Marathon is for mostly sunny conditions throughout the day. There will be a 5-10 MPH breeze with isolated higher gusts. Temperatures will range in the mid 30s across the inland portion of the Boston Marathon route to mid-40’s in the Boston area early in the morning warming to the 55-60 degree range by mid to late morning to the mid to upper 60s by afternoon. This means that conditions for the runners should be reasonable with an ‘average’ amount of ambulance requests along the route versus some prior years where warmer weather conditions resulted in some of the highest amounts of ambulance requests since Amateur Radio Operators have handled the event. It is noted that conditions this year are slightly warmer than last year but still fairly comfortable for the runners.

For Amateur Radio, Red Cross and all other volunteers along the route, it is recommended that you dress in layers for this event so that you can put on or take off clothes as needed for comfort. Be sure to drink liquids and eat properly during the event and that you are self-sufficient so that you can be of full help to the function and not distract everyone from the main purpose of supporting the runners by having a health issue on your end that can be avoided. No rain is expected at this time so there should be no need for rain gear.

For those people that are planning to go to the Boston Marathon as spectators, the following link details guidelines for spectators given the tragedy that occurred at the 2013 Boston Marathon:
http://www.mass.gov/eopss/docs/mema/baa-spectator-and-participant-information.pdf

Barring a significant change in the weather forecast, this will be the only coordination message on the Boston Marathon. We appreciate everyone’s support in this event and hope those that volunteer enjoy themselves and feel the self-satisfaction of supporting this historic event and those that are monitoring the Marathon or events outside of the Marathon realize that the monitoring is an important function as well and is a testament to being able to scale other incidents beyond the marathon if required. Thanks to all for their support!

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
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

All / Emergency Communications

Reminder: Monthly Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net for April 2014

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Hello to all…

A reminder that the monthly ARES Net for April is rapidly approaching. The monthly ARES Net for April is Monday April 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 April 5th, 2014 at 10 AM EDT

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Hello Everyone,

Net Control for the April 5, 2014 Eastern MA Hospital Net will be the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club. They will conduct the NET from South Shore Hospital commencing at the usual time of 10am. The following repeaters will be used in the order listed.

1. Plymouth 146.685 tone 82.5
2. W. Bridgewater 146.775 dpl 244
3. Belmont 145.430 tone 67.0
4. Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5
5. 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 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.  Thanks to the generosity of their Trustees 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   
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: Monthly Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net for March 2014

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Hello to all…

A reminder that the monthly ARES Net for March is rapidly approaching. The monthly ARES Net for March is Monday March 3rd, 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 / Organization

NH ARES Academy for Saturday March 29th, 2014 Now Open to Amateur Radio Operators in Other Sections

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Hello to all..

Per the New Hampshire ARES Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator for Operations & Training, Dave Colter-WA1ZCN, there are seats available for the NH ARES Academy for Saturday March 29th, 2014 for Amateur Radio Operators outside of the New Hampshire section. Those interested can get more information on the NH-ARES Academy via the link below:

http://www.nh-ares.org/academy.php

Thanks!

73,Rob-KD1CY.
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator

All / Emergency Communications

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Stand-by Message for Saturday 2/15/14-Sunday Morning 2/16/14 Anticipated Blizzard

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Hello to all…

***EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ARES PLACED ON STAND-BY FOR ALL AREAS EFFECTIVE 4:00PM SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING DUE TO POTENTIAL IMPACTS FROM FORECASTED BLIZZARD***

***BLIZZARD WARNINGS IN EFFECT FOR EASTERN MA COAST FROM 4:00PM SATURDAY THOUGH 5:00AM SUNDAY. WINTER STORM WARNINGS UP FOR REMAINDER OF SECTION***

***WIND GUSTS TO HURRICANE FORCE POSSIBLE ALONG THE IMMEDIATE COAST***

***SKYWARN OPS AT NWS-TAUNTON TO COMMENCE AT 4:00PM SATURDAY***

As the snow begins to fall across southern New England, models have begun to consolidate on a trend which brings a period of heavy snow and strong winds to the region starting late this afternoon and continuing overnight. Snowfall accumulation of 6-10 inches is possible across much of Eastern Massachusetts with over 12 inches possible across southeastern MA and 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 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

For the remainder of the Eastern MA section, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect for snowfall of 6-12 inches along with winds 15-25mph gusting to near 45-50 mph. These conditions will also create isolated pockets of tree/power line damage.

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 hurricane@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,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator

KD1CY / KB1KQW

 

All / Emergency Communications

Reminder: Monthly Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net for February 2014

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Hello to all…

A reminder that the monthly ARES Net for February is rapidly approaching. The monthly ARES Net for February is Monday February 3rd, 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 February 1st, 2014 at 10 AM EDT

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Net Control for the February 1,2014 Eastern MA Hospital Net will be Rick Diaz KD4OFZ. He will be conducting the NET from the Plymouth EOC. 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. Dartmouth 147.000 tone 67.0
3. Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67.0
4. Falmouth 147.375 tone 110.9 
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 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 
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   
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

*** MASS RHODE ISLAND CW NET UPDATE ***

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The MARI CW Net has now expanded to seven evenings a week, all on 3565 Khz at 7:00 PM.  The net has been gaining in participation and it is hoped this will allow those who work during the week to be able to check in on the weekends, in addition to providing additional outlets for traffic.  The net continues to run at slow speeds, but if anyone needs NCS to slow down, the appropriate “Q” signal is QRS.  Anyone wishing information or help with CW net operation can contact Marcia KW1U@arrl.net.  Also for help with CW skills, check out the CWOPS (http://www.cwops.org/cwacademy.html).  It’s a lot of fun!

All / Emergency Communications

Cape Cod ARES Exercise: Operation "Glacier Bay" – Saturday January 25th, 2014 from 1000 AM-1200 PM

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Hello to all..

Cape Cod ARES will be hosting an exercise for their district, “Operation Glacier Bay”. The exercise will be held Saturday January 25th, 2014 from 1000 AM-1200 PM and will feature VHF/UHF simplex operations, HF NVIS and NBEMS (Narrow Band Emergency Messaging System) operations.

Interested Hams are invited to participate in the exercise. The operations document for the exercise can be seen at the following link:
http://ares.ema.arrl.org/local/CCARESdrill_50V1.1Doc01-05-14.pdf

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: Monthly Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net for January 2014

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Hello to all…

A reminder that the monthly ARES Net for January is rapidly approaching. The monthly ARES Net for January is Monday January 6th, 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

Next Metro-Boston ARES Meeting Saturday 1/11/14

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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 January 11, 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 here.

Please RSVP to myself so we can estimate how many people to prepare for to kb1ncg@gmail.com.

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.) An overview of the ARES membership database.  Topics will include how to enter your basic information to join ARES, how to enter additional information like equipment lists and training records.  We will also discuss some how ARES leadership uses the database.
2.) 2013 year in review. A summary of activations, deployments, and activities of the EMA ARES and Skywarn teams.
3.) A review of training requirements we would like our members to have.
4.) We will bring a few computers so that new and current members can update or sign up and create their ARES information in the database with help from myself and other members of the ARES leadership.
5.) Open discussion about future plans, training, and other topics of interest.
6.) Discussions on next meeting dates and topics.

We will be serving coffee and will provide pizza for lunch.

Look forward to seeing you all at the meeting!

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

All

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holidays to All!

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Hello to all..

On behalf of the Eastern Massachusetts ARES staff, we’d like to take a moment to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holiday season! We have appreciated the support of all Amateurs who assisted in the mobilization for the Blizzard of 2013 in early February particularly in portions of Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod and the Islands which were particularly hard hit during the blizzard. We also want to thank all Amateur Radio Operators who assisted during the Boston Marathon and the bombings that occurred at the finish line including those Amateurs who answered the short fused call on availability to mobilize if necessary as the bombings unfolded. While there are always lessons learned from such incidents, Amateur Radio played a critical role during this tragedy both on the course and finish line and the 2014 Boston Marathon will be an even bigger event because of it likely requiring earlier volunteering from Amateur Radio Operators as well as potentially more Amateur Radio volunteers for the event.

We also thank all Amateur Operators whether they are in ARES or not who supported all the Public Service Events throughout the year as well. We also thank all the RACES Radio Operators and Officers for their support of their local city and town emergency management as well as state emergency management. In addition, a thank you to all Amateur Radio Operators who are continuing to support the Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net that has had regular participation from the South Coast Hospital group, hospitals on Cape Cod, Brockton Hospital and the lead hospital supporting the operation, the South Shore Hospital and South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club. For those Amateur Operators that support SKYWARN whether they are in ARES or not, a separate holiday message has been posted via the following link:

http://www.wx1box.org/node/3391

As we move into 2014, we have had a few district meetings, specifically on the south coast of Massachusetts and Greater Boston area along with regular district meetings on Cape Cod and in Northern Middlesex County. We’d like to continue to expand the district meetings across the section and get back into the section emergency communication workshops similar to past years and plan for one to two exercises as we get towards the middle of 2014. Due to some changes in my own personal status that are ongoing, I’m going to continue to be looking toward our ARES Assistant SECs and DECs to be doing more in their respective districts including more localized training sessions, meetings and exercises to provide additional and more localized support to ARES across our section. We will also be continuing to support hospitals and Non-Governmental Organizations such as the Red Cross and Salvation Army building upon the work done in 2013. We also encourage those involved in emergency communications or those that have an interest in weather to become SKYWARN trained to support the National Weather Service for those interested.

Again, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holidays to all! We look forward to working with everyone during 2014 and 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 December 7th, 2013 at 10 AM EST

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Hello Everyone,

Net Control for the December 7,2013 Eastern MA Hospital Net will be the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club. They will be conducting the NET from South Shore Hospital. The net will commence at the usual time of 10am using the following repeaters in the order listed.

Plymouth 146.685 tone 82.5
Belmont 145.430 tone 67.0
Dartmouth 147.000 tone 67.0 
Falmouth 147.375 tone 110.9
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 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 
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   
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