Volunteers Needed – Gloucester Christmas Parade – November 30th, 2025

Eric, KA1NCF, writes on the North Shore Radio Association mailing list:
 
I would like to see if anyone is available to help with a Parade in Gloucester this Sunday 11-30-25
 
It starts at 3 pm in Gloucester and we have been notified at the last minute.
If you can volunteer, please contact Eric via e-Mail.
 
UPDATE (11/28): Eric states “I was just TOLD that the Parade for THIS WEEKEND has Been MOVED TO NEXT WEEKEND!!! Parade in Gloucester is NOW on Sunday 12-07-25”

MVARA looking for sites to support Interstate RF Links

Jay, K1EHZ, writes on the New England Mesh Networking mailing list:

MVARA has received a one-year extension to our ARDC grant to continue implementing a backbone microwave network linking DMR repeaters to alternate internet sites, and to interconnect emcomm-related organizations.
 
We would like to cover more DMR repeater sites which could be a component of a project increasing interstate RF links. Currently the NH RF network connects to one site in ME (Shapleigh), and to two sites in MA (Haverhill and Westford).
 
I wonder if there is interest among the NE Mesh Group in exploring a few more interstate RF links.
 
For example, propagation modeling shows potential for at least one NH site to reach Mt. Wachusett. Buck Hill, RI might reach Mt. Waschusett.  The Westford, MA site might also reach Mt Wachusett.
 
It’s not clear we could have access for equipment on Mt Wachusett. It is just an example. Perhaps there are other sites that could support interstate links.
 
If there is interest, this could be a good time for a conversation about specific sites where relationships with owners exist, or realistically could be developed soon. 
Do you know a site that would allow for Interstate RF links or know someone who would allow 5.8GHz WiFi equipment to be put on Mt. Wachusett? If so, contact Jay!

Ham Radio Linux Class – January 2026

Andy, of Andy’s Ham Radio Linux, is planning to hold a free Ham Radio Linux class in January 2026. He is looking for 4-6 enthusiastic students. The class will be based on Xubuntu Linux 24.04 and Andy’s Ham Radio Linux (either v26d or v26e). Previous Linux experiences will be helpful but not required. 

The location will be the Cameron Senior Center in Westford, MA on each Wednesday in January, from 12:30-3:30PM.

If you are interested, please send Andy an email directly.

Volunteers Needed – Cystic Fibrosis Foundation “Cycle for Life” – October 4th, 2025

Alan, K1ALL, writes on the PART of Westford list:

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation “Cycle for Life” bicycle event is being held this year in our area (Lexington, Carlisle, Concord, Westford) and is in need a few more ham radio volunteers to provide safety communications along the routes (there are three routes — 65 miles, 30 miles, and 15 miles).  All that is needed is a 2 meter portable or mobile radio.  There are both fixed-position and mobile opportunities.  The event runs from 0700 to about 1200. I have volunteered for this event a number of times and it is a well-run and fun experience.  
 
If you are interested in volunteering. please contact the radio lead,  Dave Gilman (kc1ddh@gmail.com) for more information.

Operation Shake Out / Did You Feel It – October 16th, 2025

Don, AB1PH states that there have been a number of requests for amateur radio participation in Operation Shake/Did You Feel It on Thursday, October 16th. Amateur Radio participation is a pretty simple and done via Winlink. If you are interested in participating, there are instructions for the amateur radio activity/EMCOMM training group activity online. 

The basic process on October 16th is to, as close to 10:16 AM as you can: Generate a Winlink message using the template: New Message > Select Template > Standard Templates > USGS > USGS DYFI.txt. Along with this, send a message to dyfi_reports_automated@usgs.gov with copies to Winlink addresses SHAKEOUT and, if you would like your form graded, to ETO-DRILL. Also please copy AB1PH on your submission so he can update his records.

Falmouth ARES Simplex Net looking for participants!

Mel, K1ELB, is looking for participants in the Falmouth ARES Simplex Net! The net is conducted on the third Thursday of each month, at 8:00PM ET on 146.580 MHz simplex (Alternatively, 147.420 MHz). The purpose of the net is to foster interest, awareness and training in simplex communications around the Upper Cape area, and to provide a means of communicating in the event that repeaters are not available for any reason.

Mel and Henry, K1WCC have been conducting the net for over four years, operating from their homes. However, they have recently started operating net control from Falmouth Hospital, which is one of the highest spots in Falmouth,  resulting in a larger footprint. They are hoping with the change in net control locations, that they will be able to increase our reach, and want to invite others outside the Upper Cape area (The New Bedford, Dartmouth, and Buzzards Bay area in particular) to participate. This is a worthwhile endeavor, providing information on what areas participants can reach in the event of an emergency, and repeaters aren’t available.

The net is a directed net and stations will be called by net control in call-up order. We ask participants to note the signal strength of each station they copy, and relay their signal report to Net Control. When the call-up is completed, net control will request that additional stations call in and be recognized. 

AFSC Walk for Alzheimer’s Provincetown – October 12, 2025

W1LEM on the BarnstableARC mailing list writes:

This is a very worthwhile public service event, and another opportunity to learn and practice operating skills and to see how events are run.
We will have several operators along the route plus Net Control and the medical tent using 2 meter simplex on HTs.
Operators will report status and any issues that need to be addressed (medical, etc.).
We still have opportunities for operators–all experience and license levels are encouraged to join, it’s a great learning opportunity.
Interested parties should contact W1LEM directly. See the website for more details (and don’t be confused by the URL, it is for the Provincetown walk in 2025).

KC1DSQ & W1IS win August 2025 QST Cover Plaque Award!

Congratulations to PART of Westford members Bob Rose, KC1DSQ & Bob Glorioso, W1IS for winning the August 2025 QST cover plaque award for their article “An All-Band 160-Meter OCF Antenna”. This article was voted the most popular and well liked article for the August 2025 issue by ARRL membership. This makes it their third cover plaque award!  Congratulations to the Bobs for the hat trick! 

NE1PL operating from USS Massachusetts – September 20, 2025

The Uncommon Service to Nautical Radio club, NE1PL, will be operating from the USS Massachusetts in Battleship Cove, Fall River, MA on September 20, 2025 from 10:00AM ET to 3:30PM ET to commemorate the 84th anniversary of the launching of “Big Mamie” on September 23, 1941. They are looking for people who would like to operate on board the ship. Please contact KB1TEE for more details.

W1WEF on QSO Today Podcast

Barnstable ARC and  ARRL Member Jack Schuster, W1WEF is the guest on the most recent edition of the QSO Today podcast!

In this episode of QSO Today, we sit down with Jack Schuster, W1WEF, whose amateur radio journey spans more than 73 years. From building his first crystal set at age 10 to contesting at the highest levels around the world, Jack shares stories of innovation, DX adventures, CW mastery, and a lifetime of dedication to the hobby. His perspective offers both history and inspiration, making this conversation a must-listen for hams of every generation.

Congratulations to Jack! 

Call for Volunteers for Harwich Cranberry Festival – September 12-14

Lemuel Skidmore, W1LEM, writes on the Barnstable ARC Mailing list that they are looking for volunteers for the Harwich Cranberry Festival – September 12-14:
 
We need people to help with setup and teardown, to meet and greet the public and discuss ham radio, to operate, and to have fun. Please let me know if you will be participating. Our location at the event is perfect: across from restrooms, next to the food trucks, and right at the entrance so we are very visible.
 
Event Location:
Harwich Community Center, 100 Oak Street
 
Tentative schedule:
Friday 9/12 10:00-14:00 (approximately) – Setup Part 1 (meet at the container, bring equipment and the tower trailer to the site, and set up as much as we can–maybe assemble the tribander)
Saturday 9/13 07:00-09:00 – Setup Part 2 (setup popup tent, radios, etc. maybe assemble the tribander, raise tower, etc.)
Saturday 9/13 09:00-16:00 – Operate, schmooze, and enjoy
Saturday 9/13 16:00-~16:30 – Shutdown for the day
Sunday 9/14 08:00-~16:00 – Setup, operate, schmooze, and enjoy
Sunday 9/14 16:00-~17:30 – Teardown, return equipment and tower trailer to the container
 
Staffing: 
Setup Parts 1 and 2:  5 to 6 people  minimum
Operation, etc.:  4 people on site at all times, preferably in 4 hour shifts (or whatever you are available to do
If interested, please contact Lem at BarnstableARC

WA3SWJ-10 RMS Gateway back online

Bruce Semple, WA3SWJ, writes on the Barnstable ARC Mailing list that his Winlink node is back online after a brief outage:

The WA3SWJ-10 RMS GW @ 145.030 is back online.
I’ve tested the bulk message send of 10 messages in the out box.
All 5 times WinLink Express would send them in groups of 5 at a time.

The problem turned out to be the mast mounted pre-amps T/R relay. For some reason (still to be investigated) is was not staying in transmit mode as long as it should have been. I was testing with a dummy load connected to the transmitter.
After removing the mast amp from the feedline all the bulk message test passed.

Bruce asks that if anyone is having issues to contact him.

PART: “Other Radio Services” – August 19, 2025

K1IG on the PART of Westford mailing list posts:

The August PART meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, beginning at 7:30 PM at the Cameron Senior Center, 20 Pleasant Street, Westford, MA, and via Webex video conference.
 
The topic for the August meeting is Other Radio Services. Well try to clear the air on the alphabet soup of FCC-designated services such as CB, MURS, FRS, GMRS, and even some others. Well also discuss how these services may (or may not) affect ham radio.
 
We should have time at the end of the presentation for a swap meet. If youve got any old gear that you think other members can use, bring it to the meeting. If youre bringing high-value items, it would be helpful to send an email to the club with a description and price range.
George requests that all attendees are encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food for the Westford Food Pantry. The Senior Center is made available to PART free of charge; they only ask that we donate to the Food Pantry.

Amateur Support Requested for Blackburn Challenge – July 19th, 2025

Eric, KA1NCF, writes on the NSRA Mailing list:

The Blackburn Challenge is coming up in just a few weeks, in Gloucester, MA and I need to find out how many hams I have that can help this year.
 
I have not found out yet how many boats they have that need ham radio communicators yet, but hope to know soon.  Then I can match operators with boaters, and support communications for the Backburn committee for the race.
 
Please let me know if you are available and would like to help on Saturday July 19th, the race starts around 7 am and runs until around 3 pm, although some boats are done earlier.
Eric can be contacted at ka1ncf@ka1ncf.org

SKYWARN Spotter Training at SEMARA – June 22, 2025

Rob Macedo, KD1CY, writes on the SEMARA Mailing List:

 I’ll be teaching a SKYWARN Training Class at SEMARA on Sunday 6/22/25 from 930 AM-1130 AM. Details are below:
 
Sunday June 22nd, 2025 – 930 AM-1130 AM:
SEMARA – Southeast Massachusetts Amateur Radio Association
54 Donald Street
South Dartmouth, MA 02748
Sponsored by: SEMARA – Southeast Massachusetts Amateur Radio Association
Taught by: Amateur Radio Coordinator
Rob also states the registration is required and information must be filled out to avoid going over capacity and to ensure that he has enough spotter cards for people in the class.

Volunteer Opportunity – Corpus Christi Procession – June 22nd

Friar John Mary, KC1QAP, is looking for communications support for our Corpus Christi Procession on Sunday, June 22nd, 2025 from 1:30PM to 4:30PM in New Bedford, MA:

Each Comm person would be assigned to a key figure person in the Procession in order to facilitate communications between them, thus ensuring that the Procession runs smoothly . The challenges in the past has been key figures having to run around looking for the one they need to communicate with or not even try because of the distance between them is too great. Walkie talkies in the past have not been too impressive.

If you are interested please contact Friar John via e-Mail.

New England APRS Net – June 9th, 2025

Dust off your APRS gear and check in next week to the New England APRS Test Net! This is a great opportunity to figure out the APRS functions on your latest HT or other APRS gizmo.

Why participate in the test net? During the first month, there were a number of reports of operators who tried to check in, but needed to figure out how to send a message or worse, realized they needed to update the firmware of their device. As Amateur Radio Operators, we often market ourselves folks who can send a message “when all else fails” so this is the perfect time for you to find out in a fun environment what isn’t working BEFORE you need to do something important!

KC1VMZ gives the details on the neaprs mailing list:

WHAT: NE APRS Test net 

WHEN: second Monday of the Month (for June, this is Monday June 9): 0600 ET – 2359 ET

WHERE: APRS

HOW: Destination Station = ANSRVR 

HOW: Message body = CQ [space] NEAPRS [space] “your text: check-in message of choice.”

 

Extra credit – send out a location beacon during the net time period as well.

Extra extra credit – Send “Q” to QUIZME and answer the question sent to you.  It will tell you if you got it right or not.  I may even get more questions added by then 🙂