Author: Jon McCombie

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!  I hope everyone had a fine time wearin’ o’ the green and being Irish for a day. Drinking Guinness, or Harp, or Jameson’s, or Bushmill’s. And ya’ know, I love a corned beef and cabbage dinner as much as the next guy, but I’ve had enough for a while – maybe a whole year! 

I hope you all made it through the Daylight-Saving Time transition. What a pain! Personally, I’d rather we just picked a time zone and stayed with it year-round, but that’s just me. For those of me that just can’t wake up early, I’m thrilled with the extra daylight in the late afternoon/early evening. And it gives me more operating time before the higher HF bands shut down for the night! Yay! 

* New Ham Report on EMA Website 

Please keep an eye out for the New Ham Report on the Eastern MA website. Monthly, around the 5th of the month, I will pull the report and post it on https://ema.arrl.org. When you hear these new licensees on your local repeater, reach out and make them feel welcome! 

* Ham Radio Open House Coming in April 

Ham Radio Open House is coming in April and clubs across the country are urged to participate. 

It’s now possible for a radio club or school to add their station open house to the ARRL Ham Radio Open House Locator. 

The Open House Locator is linked from the World Amateur Radio Day page at www.arrl.org/world-amateur-radio-day or go directly to the locator at www.arrl.org/open-house. 

Details about Ham Radio Open House are at World Amateur Radio Day (https://www.arrl.org/world-amateur-radio-day)  

 * Eastern MA Section Clubs Conduct Ham License Classes 

This month clubs in the EMA Section conducted several Ham License Classes: 

The Barnstable Amateur Radio Club (BARC) on Cape Cod, conducted another successful Technician class focused on First Responders. A week or so later, the Falmouth Amateur Radio Association (FARA) also on Cape Cod, did a training session for Public Service personnel. Details at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/03/17/fara-sponsors-ham-license-class-for-public-safety-personnel/ . And the Cape Ann ARA will conduct a tech-in-a-day session on April 19. Details at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/03/16/cape-ann-ara-tech-in-a-day-session-april-19-2025/ . Big kudos and thanks to all these clubs, helping keep the ham radio hobby alive! 

*  Virtual NTS Traffic Net Began March 5, 2025 

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 on Wednesdays at 7pm ET. The VNTN URL is: <https://bitl.to/3xj4>  

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 Section’s 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!   

 * 2025 Northeast HamXposition is Coming! 

Mark your calendars! The 2025 Northeast HamXposition is not too 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! More info at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/03/02/2025-northeast-hamxposition-ticketing-hotel-reservations-now-open/ 

 * N1ILZ for a Final   

Can you write a paragraph or two about what you’re up to, so I can publish it in the Section Update? Let me know via 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.  

Here is the new ham report as of March 1, listing newly licensed hams. 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!

Report for 2025-03-01

Keith Maynard, KC1WFW – FCC
179 Whitney Rd
Ashby, MA 01431-2218

Sai Subramanian, KC1WDS – FCC
2 Jennifer Path
Acton, MA 01720-4177

Gregory S Adkins, KC1WFE – FCC
40 Hillside Rd
Carlisle, MA 01741-1132

Tayler Pitkin, KC1WFQ – FCC
130 Prospect St
Carlisle, MA 01741-1826

Theodore P Fiust, KC1WIB – FCC
54 Fairview Ave
Natick, MA 01760-4269

Gabriel A Bolter, KC1WGK – FCC
PO Box 705
Sudbury, MA 01776-0705

Joseph S Campbell, AC1TR – FCC
65 Prospect St
Woburn, MA 01801-4341

Richard H Boyd, KC1WFN – FCC
3 Redgate Dr
Andover, MA 01810-5919

Ethan Norton, KC1WHH – FCC
4 Tennyson Rd
Reading, MA 01867-1650

Jacob D Boisclair, K9RAV – FCC
194 Fayette St
Lynn, MA 01902-2242

Scott Leblanc, K1WTN – FCC
PO Box 264
Danvers, MA 01923-0464

Liam R Crossen, KC1WEP – FCC
9 Woodholm Rd
Manchester, MA 01944-1041

Camden C Johnson, KC1WDQ – FCC
6 Summit Pl
Newburyport, MA 01950-3804

William F Waters, N1BAV – FCC
54 Gardner St
Peabody, MA 01960-1843

Michael S Sullivan, KC1WEZ – FCC
45 Daniels St
Salem, MA 01970-5657

Brian Bodiya, KC1WIH – FCC
133 Oak St
Franklin, MA 02038-1841

Austin G Swinney, KC1WIC – FCC
16 Stoney Beach Rd
Hull, MA 02045-3317

Peter McNaughton, KC1WHE – FCC
67 Pine St
Medfield, MA 02052-1309

Austin Russell, KC1WGT – FCC
100 Lovejoy Wharf Unit 8C
Boston, MA 02114-2149

Scott Abramson, KC1WGF – FCC
716 Columbus Ave
Boston, MA 02120-2111

Ryan Raschkovsky, KC1WDR – FCC
716 Columbus Ave
Boston, MA 02120-2111

Alicja Mahr, KC1WDN – FCC
7 Greylock Rd Apt 2
Allston, MA 02134-2577

Vera L Berger, KC1WHM – FCC
299 Vassar St
Cambridge, MA 02139-4310

David C Treff, KC1WFV – FCC
21 Mead St
Somerville, MA 02144-2443

Benjamin C Wirz, KC1WET – FCC
17 Palmer St
Medford, MA 02155-1118

Christopher Reeves, KC1WIL – FCC
80 Furnace Brook Pkwy
Quincy, MA 02169-2304

Luke Taylor, KC1WFU – FCC
95 Park Dr Apt B
Boston, MA 02215-5216

Daniel Sheehan, KC1WFS – FCC
1243 Pleasant St
Brockton, MA 02301-2845

Sean J Colby, KC1WEE – FCC
17 State Rd
Plymouth, MA 02360-5101

Sarah E Gregg, KC1WIG – FCC
42 Reynolds Ave
Randolph, MA 02368-3740

Walter Vincent, KC1WIQ – FCC
9 Colby Rd
Arlington, MA 02476-7903

Bright McConnell, KC1WHL – FCC
15 Knox St
Belmont, MA 02478-2644

Camryn M Neches, KC1WGG – FCC
632 Wellesley St
Weston, MA 02493-1066

David G Berube, KC1WEQ – FCC
PO Box 3018
Oak Bluffs, MA 02557-3018

Kathryn E Hautanen, KC1WEJ – FCC
84 Governors Way
Barnstable, MA 02630-1305

Patricia P Semple, WA1SWJ – FCC
67 Rosemary Ln
Brewster, MA 02631-2469

Jeffrey Gruenglas, KC1WEK – FCC
44 Nyes Neck Rd
Centerville, MA 02632-1732

John P Cashman, KC1WFG – FCC
18 Martin Rd
Dennis, MA 02638-2585

Bryan Bourbeau, KC1WEN – FCC
41 Ships Eagle Ln
Osterville, MA 02655-1465

David Nedell, KC1WGU – FCC
1330 Williams St
Dighton, MA 02715-1004

Scott D Kershaw, KC1WEO – FCC
742 Rock St
Fall River, MA 02720-3440

Mark M Oberg, KC1WED – FCC
256 Belleville Rd
New Bedford, MA 02745-5223

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!  I hope you all had a nice February, including, of course, Valentine’s Day. Staying warm and safe? I’m sorry this update is a little late – I try to get the monthly updates out around the 15th of each month – but the time just got away from me. On a happy note, the Section Manager email blast to all members in the section function is now BACK IN OPERATION so this monthly update is being sent direct to your email, no redistribution requests needed. Yay! 

* 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! More info at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/03/02/2025-northeast-hamxposition-ticketing-hotel-reservations-now-open/  

* New Ham Report on EMA Website 

I have started a new regular posting on the Eastern MA website: the New Ham Report. Monthly, I will pull the report and post it on https://ema.arrl.org. When you hear these new licensees on your local repeater, reach out and make them feel welcome! 

* MMRA Starts Monthly Elmer/Mentor Program 

Speaking of making new hams feel welcome, the Minuteman Repeater Association (MMRA) recently started a program that’s very cool: a monthly mentor program via Zoom. Need some help figuring out that new radio? Got questions about repeater etiquette or how to check in to a net? Or are you an experienced ham that wants to give back to the hobby? This is the perfect time/place to go. See https://ema.arrl.org/2025/02/13/mmra-elmer-mentor-forum-second-wednesday-of-each-month/  for details. 

*  Virtual NTS Traffic Net Began March 5, 2025 

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 will meet weekly, and held its inaugural session on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM ET. The VNTN URL is: <https://bitl.to/3xj4>  

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 Section’s 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   

Stay safe and warm out there!  We’re officially in meteorological Spring, but you’d never know, looking at the outside thermometer. But it’s only a matter of not too much time before things will get warmer, and it’ll be time to fix antennas. And plan for Field Day! Really. I remain hopeful. Stay warm and get ready for some great Spring fun! 

Can you write a paragraph or two about what you’re up to, so I can publish it in the Section Update? Let me know via 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.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  I’m sorry this Section News Update is late – the month just got away from me. And what a month it’s been! Warm weather and cold weather! Snow (but not snowmageddon – yet!). Bitterly cold wind chills! 

* Winter Field Day is NOW! 

Winter Field Day, sponsored by the Winter Field Day Association is TODAY and SUNDAY, January 25 and 26. There are at least 18 sites registered on the WFD site (https://winterfieldday.org/) in EMA, the vast majority of which are Public Locations (accepting visitors). If you’re participating in WFD, GREAT! Please try to get out and visit one or more of the Public Locations. Are you playing in WFD this year? Please write me a paragraph or two about your experience – did you have fun, and what did you learn – so I can publish it in the next monthly update! 

* Whitman ARC WInterfest Was a Success! 

The Whitman Amateur Radio Club held its Winterfest this past weekend, Saturday, Jan 18. I had a great time joining the fun! Though I didn’t find anything I couldn’t live without – my shack is pretty much full to bursting – there were many, many tables full of goodies. I’m sure lots of hams left with happy purchases. And a bunch of hams went home with raffle prizes – yay! 

* Marconi Day Special Event Station KM1CC on Sat, Jan 18 

On Saturday, January 18, the Marconi Cape Cod Radio Club operated Special Event Station KM1CC in Wellfleet, MA, grid FN51, celebrating the 122nd Anniversary of Marconi’s first transatlantic wireless message from the USA. A fun time was had by all, as they made many QSOs and sampled lots of good food! 

* New MA State Government Liaison Appointed 

I’m pleased to announce that WMA Section Manager Ray Lajoie, AA1SE, has appointed Steve Berian, KC1KEZ, to the position of State Government Liaison. Steve will serve both the EMA and WMA sections. KC1KEZ replaces Steve Boyson, N1VLG (SK). Though KC1KEZ is a Western MA appointment, he will serve both WMA and EMA sections.  

Please join me in welcoming KC1KEZ to the position and thanking AA1SE for filling this important position. 

* Still Recruiting a New Section Youth Coordinator  

Sadly, our Section’s 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   

Stay safe and warm out there!  I hope everyone has a great Winter season. Batten down the hatches and keep those salt larders full (for sprinkling on sidewalks and driveways).  

Can you write a paragraph or two about your ham radio New Year’s resolutions for 2025? Or just a few words about what you’re up to, so I can publish it in the Section Update? Let me know via 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.  

To all: Merry Christmas! Fantastic Festivus! Happy Hannukah! Kewl Yule! Wonderful Winter Solstice! Festive Kwanzaa! And if I missed your winter holiday, please forgive me and accept my heartfelt Season’s Greetings! Welcome to the December 2024 EMA Section Update! As for the past several updates, I’m publishing this to the EMA Section and NE Division websites and sending it to all clubs I have email addresses for. Please distribute this widely. The email-blast-to-all-section-members function is still down, a casualty of the cyber-attack on ARRL HQ; there is currently no ETA.   

Well, that unseasonably warm weather in November came to an end, and we’re back to seasonably chilly temperatures. Fortunately (from my perspective), we’re just now getting a tiny bit of snow here on Cape Cod, though I know some of us had a wintry blast a few weeks ago. Ah well, it’s winter in New England, and we’re from hearty stock so we can take it. I hope! Let’s keep our fingers crossed for not too much snow and not too many winter storms. It’s SUCH a pain to fix downed wire antennas when there’s snow on the ground!  

* Swampscott High School’s Permission for Fun Day!  

On Wednesday Nov 27, Swampscott High School hosted special event station W1B for the school’s 2024 Permission for Fun Day. Each year on the day before Thanksgiving break, the school holds a “Permission for Fun” day where teachers and students share their hobbies and interests and take part in fun and creative activities together. Great fun was had by all. Full details at https://ema.arrl.org/2024/11/27/swampscott-high-school-special-event-station-w1b-permission-for-fun-day-november-27-2024/  

* ARRL Sweepstakes Notes from the Field 

 Jack, W1WEF, kindly contributed his observations about ARRL SS this year. Jack writes: 

“Hi Jon.   I operated SS phone AND CW.  SS was the first contest I ever entered, in 1952 my first year licensed. The only reason I know I was in it is that I ran across a QSL with a Feb 1953 postmark (and a 2-cent stamp) from W1NY saying thanks for the Sweepstakes contact!   I always enjoyed SS because it takes me back to my NTS days in the 50’s, when I started out checking into WMN and working my way up to EAN NCS and TCC liaison. That was all CW and was where I learned to love CW.” 

Thanks for the reflections, Jack! 

* Recruiting Volunteer Webmaster(s) for the EMA Website   

Phil, K9HI has done a fantastic job of maintaining the https://ema.arrl.,org website. I (still) need to recruit some backup resources. If you have basic skills with WordPress and can help maintain the website – mostly posting new articles at the suggestion of me and others – please contact me at n1ilz@arrl.org. You’ll be helping me – and the League – immensely!  

* Recruiting a New Section Youth Coordinator  

 Sadly, our Section’s 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   

Stay safe and warm out there!  I hope everyone has a great Winter Holiday. Batten down the hatches just in case we have a killer Winter and have fun getting ready for Winter Field Day! 

Can you write a paragraph or two about your ham radio New Year’s resolutions for 2025? Or just a few words about what you’re up to, so I can publish it in the Section Update? Let me know via 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 is brought to you by Section Manager Jon N1ILZ.  

HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone!! Welcome to the November 2024 EMA Section Update! I am publishing this update to the EMA Section and NE Division websites and sending it to as many clubs as I have email addresses for. Please distribute this widely. The email-blast-to-all-section-members function is still down, a casualty of the cyber-attack on ARRL HQ; there is currently no ETA.  

Wow, that unseasonably warm weather we’ve been having this month is crazy, right? I’m not complaining, mind you – extra days for outdoor antenna projects and nice long walks are always welcome! I just wish we were not amid the driest 3-month period in recorded weather history.  I’m hearing stories of some cool POTA activations in the section.  Viva POTA! 

* Election for ARRL New England Division Director  

 By now I’m sure you’ve heard/seen the results of the election for new Division Directors.  In the New England Division, Tom Frenaye, K1KI (1,593 votes), of West Suffeld, Connecticut, was declared the winner, defeating incumbent Director Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC (1,452 votes). Thanks to all of you that voted in this important election. And congratulations to Tom on his return to the Board! I look forward to working with Tom in his new term. See also https://www.arrl.org/news/2024-arrl-board-of-directors-election-results  

* ARRL Sweepstakes Was Earlier This Month 

 The ARRL Sweepstakes – the oldest domestic ham radio contest – happens in November. ARRL Sweeps CW was Nov 2, 2024, 2100Z to Nov 4, 2024, 0300Z, and ARRL Sweeps SSB was Nov 16, 2024, 2100Z to Nov 18, 2024, 0300Z. Full details are at https://www.arrl.org/sweepstakes  

 Did you play in either of the sweepstakes? If you did, please email me at n1ilz@arrl.org to tell me about all the fun you had!  

* Eastern MA Simulated Emergency Test (SET) Saturday, Nov 9, 1000-1200 EST 

Eastern Massachusetts ARES conducted a section exercise and Simulated Emergency Test (SET) on Saturday 11/9/24 from 10 AM-12 PM dubbed “November Gale”. The exercise practiced skills like previous exercises conducted over the course of 2024 and will serve as a means of practice heading into the 2024-2025 winter season. 

 Full details at https://ema.arrl.org/2024/10/28/eastern-massachusetts-ares-simulated-emergency-test-set-operation-november-gale-saturday-11-9-24-10-am-12-pm-edt/  

* Cape & Islands ARES Sets Up AREDN Test Net for Served Agency Test 

 Members of the Cape and Islands Emergency Communications Network – Frank WQ1O, Bruce WA3SWJ, Al WW1RF, Rich KC1TCA, Rob K1UI, Chris WA1CMR, and Paul NM1Z –assisted Sandwich, MA Public Safety with a successful exercise, an important part of which including deploying an AREDN mesh network. More details at https://ema.arrl.org/2024/11/18/cape-and-islands-ares-aredn-test-nets-press-coverage-in-sandwichs-the-enterprise/  and https://ema.arrl.org/2024/11/15/cape-and-islands-ares-aredn-test-with-sandwich-public-safety/  

* Recruiting Volunteer Webmaster(s) for the EMA Website  

Phil, K9HI has done a fantastic job of maintaining the https://ema.arrl.,org website. I (still) need to recruit some backup resources. If you have basic skills with WordPress and can help maintain the website – mostly posting new articles at the suggestion of me and others – please contact me at n1ilz@arrl.org. You’ll be helping me – and the League – immensely! 

* Recruiting a New Section Youth Coordinator 

 Sadly our Section’s 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  
 
Stay safe and warm out there!  I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. Wrap up those Autumn antenna projects, and batten down the hatches just in case we have a killer Winter. 

Can you write a paragraph or two about what you’re up to, so I can publish it in the Section Update? Let me know via 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 is brought to you by Section Manager Jon N1ILZ. 

Jon N1ILZ writes:

As part of the Fall 2024 SET “November Gale,” we conducted a special session of the Massachusetts Rhode Island Digital Net (MARIDN). MARIDN is an affiliate of the National Traffic System (NTS) of the ARRL, convened to pass formal written traffic across MA and RI and to and from wherever third-party traffic is allowed, using the digital message-passing capabilities of the fldigi NBEMS software suite.

The MARIDN special session ran 1000-1203L (1500-1703Z). A total of 14 stations checked in, with a total of six pieces of traffic passed, including both Radiograms and ICS-213 messages. The exercise demonstrated passing traffic within the net and exchanging traffic with the greater National Traffic System (NTS).

N1ILZ was primary NCS. Special thanks to Don AB1PH for assisting as NCS. Thanks to the following stations for checking in to the special edition of MARIDN:

N1ILZ/NCS, WZ0C, AB1PH/NCS, N1RDN, KW1U, N1JCM, N1CPE, K1HRV, W1RVY, K1ELB, KX1C, KT1OK, NV1Y, AF1R

The special edition of MARIDN started on 80m. After 15-20 minutes it was clear that propagation was not in our favor – stations within ~25 mi of each other could relay traffic, but passing traffic from, say, Walpole, MA to Cape Cod was a non-starter, even with relays. MARIDN moved to its alternate 40m frequency and operations were much better.

The MARIDN team noted several lessons-learned, e.g., around net band-change and NCS handoff. These will be documented in a future document and incorporated into MARIDN processes.

Thanks again to all who participated!

73 de
—Jon N1ILZ

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! Welcome to the October 2024 EMA Section Update! I am publishing this update to the EMA Section and NE Division websites and sending it to all the clubs I have email addresses for. Please distribute this widely. The email-blast-to-all-section-members function is still down, a casualty of the cyber-attack on ARRL HQ; there is currently  – still – no ETA.  

 It’s now officially Autumn. That means the population of our Cape Cod communities has reverted to mostly normal. Many businesses have shuttered for the season. This is by far my favorite season, as the temperatures moderate, the traffic calms down, the leaves turn, and things quiet down. And I’ll take my beverages without pumpkin spice, thank you very much!  

* Election for ARRL New England Division Director  

Incumbent Director Fred Kemmerer AB1OC faces Director Emeritus Tom Frenaye K1KI in the upcoming election for ARRL Director, New England Division. You should have received an email and a USMail postcard with directions on how to vote electronically or to request a paper ballot. If you’ve already voted, thanks! If not, vote NOW! Voting ends at noon (ET), November 15, 2024. Whomever your choice is, I strongly encourage you to vote in this very important election! 

* ARRL Sweepstakes Coming Up 

A reminder: the ARRL Sweepstakes – the oldest domestic ham radio contest – is coming up in November. ARRL Sweeps CW is Nov 2, 2024, 2100Z to Nov 4, 2024, 0300Z. That’s THIS WEEKEND! And ARRL Sweeps SSB is Nov 16, 2024, 2100Z to Nov 18, 2024, 0300Z. I hope to work you in one or both of the contests! Full details are at https://www.arrl.org/sweepstakes  

* Police Amateur Radio Team (PART) of Westford, MA has Several POTA Activations  

The Police Amateur Radio Team (PART) of Westford, MA reports having tons o’ fun with POTA activations, both as a club activation and as a group of PART members gathering for POTA activations as individuals. They describe it as “a bunch of hams came together at Great Brook Farm State Park to have great fun together, enjoy the great weather, and make some QSOs.”  

Have you or your club activated some POTAs? Let me know, so I can give you a shout-out in the Section Update! 

* Eastern MA Simulated Emergency Test (SET Saturday, Nov 9, 1000-1200 EST 

Eastern Massachusetts ARES will conduct a section exercise and Simulated Emergency Test (SET) on Saturday 11/9/24 from 10 AM-12 PM dubbed “November Gale”. The exercise will practice similar skills as previous exercises conducted over the course of 2024 and will serve as a means of practice heading into the 2024-2025 winter season.  

Full details at https://ema.arrl.org/2024/10/28/eastern-massachusetts-ares-simulated-emergency-test-set-operation-november-gale-saturday-11-9-24-10-am-12-pm-edt/  

* Barnstable ARC members QRV for Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) 

Members of the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club (BARC) were active on the air for Scouting America’s (nee Boy Scouts of America) Jamboree on the Air (JOTA), an international event in which Scouts worldwide use Amateur Radio to chat with other scouts. BARC members demonstrated a wide variety of Amateur Radio technologies, including an ARES go-kit for VHF communications; HF voice, CW, and FT8; and DMR. A good time was had by all, and many JOTA badges were given away. More details at https://ema.arrl.org/2024/10/19/barnstable-arc-qrv-for-jamboree-on-the-air-october-19-2024/  

 Was your club active for JOTA or other Scouting America events? Let me know so I can give you some free publicity!

* Nationwide NTS Traffic Handling Zoom Training Session Held October 14, 2024 

On Monday, October 14 at 7:00 PM NTS luminaries held an interactive Zoom session to introduce the National Traffic System (NTS). This training incorporated videos and open discussion to get participants started with an exciting aspect of the hobby that’s been around for over 100 years! … 

* Recruiting Volunteer Webmaster(s) for the EMA Website 

 Phil, K9HI has done a fantastic job of maintaining the https://ema.arrl.,org website. I (still) need to recruit some backup resources. If you have basic skills with WordPress and can help maintain the website – mostly posting new articles at the suggestion of me and others – please contact me at n1ilz@arrl.org. You’ll be helping me – and the League – immensely! 

* Recruiting a New Section Youth Coordinator 

Last month I reported that our Section Youth Coordinator, Paul K1YUB, had stepped down from his position. I’m even more sad to report that Paul 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  
 
Stay safe and warm out there!  Autumn is here, the vehicular traffic is (mostly) calming down – at least in vacation areas – and the weather forecasters are predicting – well, who listens to those crazy long-term weather forecasters anyway?  Go pick some apples, go peep at some leaves, and enjoy all that New England Autumn has to offer! And get those outdoor antenna projects done before the snow starts flying fierce and it’s too cold to go out, proving a great excuse to stay by the space-heater – I mean linear amplifier – and make some QSOs! 

 Can you write a paragraph or two about what you’re up to, so I can publish it in the Section Update? Let me know via 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 is brought to you by Section Manager Jon N1ILZ. 

Don Rolph, AB1PH writes:

We will be holding a Zoom session to help people get configured with FLDIGI:

Welcome to the September 2024 EMA Section Update! I am publishing this update to the EMA Section and NE Division websites. The email-blast-to-all-section-members function is still down, a casualty of the cyber-attack on ARRL HQ; there is currently no ETA. I’m publishing the Update on the EMA website and sending it to all the clubs I have email addresses for, with a request to distribute it widely. Please spread the word.   

 It’s now officially Autumn. That means the population of our Cape Cod communities has reverted to mostly normal. Many businesses have shuttered for the season, with many more planning their last hurrah for shortly after Columbus Day. This is by far my favorite season, as the temperatures moderate, the traffic calms down, the leaves turn, and things quiet down. And I’ll take my beverages without pumpkin spice, thank you very much!  

* Election for New England Division Director  

Nominations are now closed for ARRL New England Division Director and Vice Director. Incumbent Vice Director Phil Temples K9HI was the only person to submit nominating paperwork for Vice Director, so he was declared elected for the next three-year term. Incumbent Director Fred Kemmerer AB1OC faces Director Emeritus Tom Frenaye K1KI in the upcoming election for Director, New England Division. Emails have already been sent to all ARRL members in the Division with instructions on how to vote. Whomever your choice is, I strongly encourage you to vote in this very important election! 

* HamXpo Was a Huge Success!! 

 In my not-so-humble opinion, HamXposition 2024, held this past August 22-25, was an unmitigated, smashing success. The vendor area was full to bursting, the list of seminars was broader and deeper than what one finds at HamVention (Dayton), and I believe a truly great time was had by all who attended. Please forward your HamXpo stories to me for inclusion in the next Section Update. The HamXposition website, https://hamxposition.org has thousands of photos, if you want to revisit the fun.  

 I’m already looking forward to next year!! Please mark your calendars for August 21-24, 2025, the dates for next year’s event. 

* Boston Area GMRS Club Seeks New Members 

 Gregg Lebovitz, KD1MU, writes on the Boston ARC mailing list: 

 I wanted to let fellow GMRS licensees know that we are now taking memberships for the Boston Area GMRS Club.  

The club is a not-for-profit 501c(3) corporation and focuses on two main areas 1) technology, operator proficiency, and emergency communications education and 2) building a GMRS infrastructure to aid agencies in their emergency communications efforts.  

More details at https://ema.arrl.org/2024/09/19/boston-area-gmrs-club/ 

* Successful Walpole EMA/CERT Amateur Radio Field Exercise Held on Sep 21, 2024  

 On Sat. Sept 21, the Walpole Emergency Management Agency and Community Emergency Response Team sponsored an amateur radio field exercise. Operating portable and despite the rain, nine stations were deployed, eight at Adam’s Farm in Walpole and one on High Rock in Foxboro. Full details at  

https://ema.arrl.org/2024/09/23/amateur-radio-field-exercise-on-sat-sep-21-sponsored-by-walpole-ema-and-cert-team/   

* Northeastern Wireless Club “Yagi Build” a “Fantastic Success” 

 Jonah Lefkoff writes on the Northeastern Wireless mailing list: 

 The Northeastern Wireless Club held a workshop on building tape measure yagi antennas that was a fantastic success. Attendees built many awesome antennas, and learned a bit about impedance matching and soldering along the way. Next step: use these new antennas in a fox hunt around campus. Full details at https://ema.arrl.org/2024/09/12/northeastern-wireless-club-yagi-build-a-fantastic-success/  

* NTS Traffic Handling Training Session, October 14, 2024  

Mark your calendars! Interested in NTS and Traffic Handling? Join us Monday, October 14 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. This training will incorporate videos and open discussion to get you started in an exciting aspect of the hobby that’s been around for over 100 years! Full details at https://ema.arrl.org/2024/09/09/nts-traffic-handling-training-session-october-14-2024/  

* Recruiting Volunteer Webmaster(s) for the EMA Website 

 Phil, K9HI has done a fantastic job of maintaining the https://ema.arrl.,org website. I (still) need to recruit some backup resources. If you have basic skills with WordPress and can help maintain the website – mostly posting new articles at the suggestion of me and others – please contact me at n1ilz@arrl.org. You’ll be helping me – and the League – immensely! 

* Recruiting a New Section Youth Coordinator 

Last month I reported that our Section Youth Coordinator, Paul K1YUB, had stepped down from his position. I’m even more sad to report that Paul 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  
 
Stay safe and warm out there!  Autumn is here, the traffic is (mostly) calming down, and the weather forecasters are predicting – well, who listens to those crazy long-term weather forecasters anyway?  Go pick some apples, go peep at some leaves, and enjoy all that a New England Autumn has to offer! And get those outdoor antenna projects done before the snow starts flying fierce and it’s too cold to go out (proving a great excuse to stay by the space-heater – I mean linear amplifier – and make some QSOs. 

 Can you write a paragraph or two about what you’re up to, so I can publish it in the Section Update? Let me know via 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 is brought to you by Assistant SM and Vice Director Phil Temples K9HI, and Section Manager Jon N1ILZ.