NTS

Spring is a wondrous time of year with plants blooming, trees leafing and grass growing. There is a renewal of spirit too after the long winter doldrums. On the traffic nets we are seeing a renewal of sorts in the interest of amateurs in learning the art and skill of message handling.  Your local and section nets are the place to learn and practice these new skills and we are seeing an increase in interest on the part of net check-ins.  I just want to remind folks there is information on our website ema.arrl.org as well as the arrl.org website …

During this time of constant news of increasing cases of covid19, social distancing, stay at home orders, loss of employment for many, it is a time to stay close and be there for one another.  From what I’m seeing on the radio I think we as hams are doing just that.  Certainly participation on our traffic nets has increased and we are happy to hear from our many radio friends and hope that they are staying safe and well.   The following traffic report shows our activity for March.  Peter KC1HHO reports that the EM2MN net on the Boston repeater …

Greetings All,   As I looked through the announcements on the home page of this website I observed many cancellations due to the Coronavirus.  This is unprecedented in my lifetime of recollections and while the situation is upsetting in many ways, we want to keep our friends and loved ones safe. As hams we can help make the most of the situation by keeping in touch via amateur radio.    For those who may be somewhat new to the traffic nets, there are resources available on the National Traffic System page of this website.  We welcome all to participate on …

If anyone is looking for the afternoon sessions of the First Region Net, it is now meeting daily at 1445 and 1615 local time, effective March 9.  It continues to meet on 3948 Khz.  The time change allows for the interface with the Eastern Area Net which now meets on 7222 Khz at 1515 Monday, Wednesday and Friday and at 1530 all other days.  This change will remain in effect until the return to Eastern Standard Time in November.  (per K1EIC, FRN Manager).  

Sorry for the late posting folks.  Vacations can sometimes get in the way, but mine surely was enjoyable.  My thanks to all who helped fill in while I was away.  We have a great group of traffic handlers in MA!  Peter KC1HHO reports EM2MN has a new ORS in Bob KC1KVY.  Bob has also taken on a regular NCS slot and doing a great job.  Peter also reports Joe WB1EMS had perfect attendance on the net. Thank you Joe for your great support.    MARI CW net folks are doing a fantastic job dealing with the vagueries of low sunspot …

With many thanks to all participants for all your great efforts and support!! Section Nets   Sessions Traffic CheckIns Time MARI CW Daily 1900 3565 Khz 364 1185 1436 5387 MARIPN TuThSa 1700 3978 Khz 152 168 503 1340               EMA Local Nets           CITN TuThFSa 1930 147.375 Mhz 195 83 799 2457 EM2MN Daily 2000 145.230 Mhz 365 1195 2669 7351 HHTN SuMWF 2200 MMRA Network 207 425 1583 3403 WARPSN Su 0830 147.225 Mhz 52 104 826 NA               WMA Nets   …

Greetings All,   2019 has come to an end and I hope all had a great holiday season.  I wish all of you the best of health and happiness in 2020.   Winter is here and with fewer outdoor distractions (unless the snow falls) perhaps there is more time for amateur radio.  Thanks to all who helped to support the traffic nets.  Perhaps in the new year others will make the effort to learn more about message handling and net operation.  There is information on our section website (ema.arrl.org), admirably managed by Phil Temples, K9HI.  We wish to thank Phil …

My apologies yet again for the delay in posting the November Massachusetts traffic and net report.  It did go into HQ in time to make QST but life got in the way of posting to all you great traffic handlers and net participants.  I hope you all had a very enjoyable holiday season and maybe Santa brought you some new radio gear.  It has been a good year, although with some sadness including the passing of Jim Ward N1LKJ and Greg Bennett KC1CIC, but now we look forward to 2020.  I wish all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. …

Ralph, N1LAH, MARIPN Net Manager, writes: Thanks to all who responded to my email about changing the time of the Massachusetts Rhode Island Phone Net (MARIPN) from 6:00 PM in the hope that propagation will be more favorable at an earlier time. All who responded indicated that 5:00 and  5:30 were equally acceptable. Hoping for even slightly better propagation 5:00 seems like the better choice. In consultation with the Section leadership I have decided, at least temporarily, to change the net time to 5:00 PM, starting with the first net day of the New Year, Thursday, January 2, 2020. A …