a field organization of the National Association for Amateur Radio®
Terry, KA8SCP, writes on the PART of Westford Mailing list:
Hello fellow ham radio community members. It is that time of the year where we start pitching for ham radio support for the annual Westford Apple Blossom Parade. This year’s parade will be held rain or shine on Saturday, May 16th. The parade starts in Westford Center and ends at the Abbot School. It has been hosted by the Westford Kiwanis (https://westford.org/kiwanis/) and has a long history in town. PART has been providing comm support for many years. Parade starts at 10 AM, we usually muster around 8AM for any last minute updates and to insure adequate coverage. Parade is pretty much wrapped up around noontime. Your assignment could finish earlier.
All you need is a 2 meter FM handheld that works with the Westford 146.955 WB1GOF repeater. Some assignments are stationary at specific parade route locations, others may be to be a shadow to one of the Kiwanis Parade organizers. We are looking for 12 (minimum) to 16 hams for this event.
This is a GREAT event for a first time public service event participant.
Very laid back and calm event. It’s always fun to watch a parade!
If you’d like to sign up or need more information, please contact Terry, KA8SCP via e-Mail.
N1SOM writes on the EMHN mailing list:
On Saturday February 7, 2026 the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Group will hold an Eastern MA Hospital Net commencing at 10:00AM.
Home or alternative locations are also welcome to check into the net. Even if you cannot reach all the systems being used, please check-in on those you can.
We will use the following repeaters in the order listed.
- West Bridgewater repeater 146.775 dcs 244
- Plymouth Repeater 146.685 tone 131.8
- DMR -Talkgroup 8851 Time Slot :1 on the following NEDECN repeaters: Boston 449.175 -5.M CC:1, Hingham 146.430 -1.5M CC:1, Sagamore 145.200 – 0.6M CC:10, Dennis 146.470 -1.5M CC:11, East Falmouth 145.210 -0.600 CC:9, Martha’s Vineyard145.180 -0.600 CC:10, and Walpole 145.380 -0.600 CC:12.
- Sharon Repeater 146.865 tone 103.5
- Simplex 147.420
We will then return to the West Bridgewater Repeater for 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 any health care facility, EOC of any city or town as well as RACES or ARES members to check in during the NET.
We are always looking for groups or organizations to try their hand at Net Control duties. If you are interested in trying your hand at Net Control please let us know. We can be reached by sending an email to ssharg@outlook.com or replying to this message. The goal is to rotate Net Control practice and the experience among as many individuals and groups as possible.
We thank the repeater trustees for their generosity in allowing us to conduct these monthly nets and the use of their systems in an actual event.
We hope to hear you Saturday.
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 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 sends the details on the neaprs mailing list:
WHAT: NE APRS Test net
WHEN: second Monday of the Month (for February, this is Monday February 9th): 0600 ET – 2200 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.
The Algonquin Amateur Radio Club will be holding its annual Hamfest at Whitcomb Middle School at in Marlborough, MA on Saturday, February 14th, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. General admission is $5 and includes a chance at the $200 Cash Door Prize.
For more information check out the official flyer.
For this weekend’s ARRL VHF Contest, Steve K1STK and his Scott KA1QAS are heading out roving as KA1QAS/R in FN51, FN41, and FN42.
They plan on being in FN51av on Saturday from 2:00PM ET until 8:00PM ET or so. Then Sunday morning they will be in FN41, and in the afternoon they’ll land closer to their homes in FN42. Each grid square change allows them to work stations again from our new location!
They will be operating on 6m, 2m, 70cm, and 23cm all modes. They will also be on 220 MHz and 900 MHz with FM.
Throughout the contest they will be listening to 146.52, 446.00, and 927.50 FM simplex. Give them a shout! They’re eager to test the mobile station they have been building, so they hope to hear from anyone, anywhere, from all the grids!
Hopefully you can also track them on APRS at K1STK-7 and KA1QAS.
They welcome skeds! e-Mail Scott KA1QAS at ka1qasradio@gmail.com
John Rokicki, KC1VMZ reminds us on the NEAPRS mailing list that tomorrow is the New England APRS Test Net:
Extra credit – send out a location beacon during the net time period as well.
Extra Extra credit – Help John test out a new APRS net technology – Net Central. To participate, send a message “CI” to one of two different callsigns NEAPRS-1 or NEAPRS-2. John will be running two setups – one internet-connected (-1), one RF only (-2). The RF-only setup will rely on iGates, but the local setup will only talk via RF. You can send “CO” for check out at any time, or wait until the net ends at 2200 and be sent a message letting you know that the net has ended. If you just want to be “in and out”, you can do that! Just send “CI CO” (Charlie India space Charlie Oscar).
I would like to see if anyone is available to help with a Parade in Gloucester this Sunday 11-30-25It starts at 3 pm in Gloucester and we have been notified at the last minute.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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 StreetTentative 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 enjoySaturday 9/13 16:00-~16:30 – Shutdown for the daySunday 9/14 08:00-~16:00 – Setup, operate, schmooze, and enjoySunday 9/14 16:00-~17:30 – Teardown, return equipment and tower trailer to the containerStaffing:Setup Parts 1 and 2: 5 to 6 people minimumOperation, etc.: 4 people on site at all times, preferably in 4 hour shifts (or whatever you are available to do
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.
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.” We’ll try to clear the air on the alphabet soup of FCC-designated services such as CB, MURS, FRS, GMRS, and even some others. We’ll 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 you’ve got any old gear that you think other members can use, bring it to the meeting. If you’re bringing high-value items, it would be helpful to send an email to the club with a description and price range.
Volunteers are needed for the 2025 Cape Cod MS Challenge Walk from September 5th, to September 7th!
There are three routes: