NTS

National Traffic System (NTS), traffic handling

Field Day / NTS

Field Day NTS training, the bare essentials

- by W1IZZ - Leave a Comment

I’ve been doing ‘virtual NTS training’  (https://groups.io/g/VNTN)  for the past couple of months over Zoom.  I thought that maybe I could help other clubs in the area by doing an abbreviated training session focused on Field Day radiograms.

I’ve put a web page at https://www.qsl.net/n1cvo/FDNTS.htm with the details.  These sessions are at 8pm on June 11th, 18th and possibly 25th. The Zoom sessions will be recorded and I’ll post the recording link to the FDNTS page the day after a session.

If you want a head start, there is a good intro to creating and voicing radiograms at: https://www.k8amh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/National-Traffic-System-and-Radiograms.pdf .

Shawn – N1CVO
Billerica Amateur Radio Society

 

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net (EMHN) – Saturday 6/7/25 – 1000 AM ET

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Jeff-N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH writes:

Good Evening,

On Saturday June 7, 2025 the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Group will hold an Eastern MA Hospital Net commencing at 10:00AM.

We realize that some locations, individuals, and groups may be subject to COVID restrictions. We encourage everyone who is affected by these restrictions to utilize their home or mobile stations to check into the net if possible. 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.

1. West Bridgewater repeater 146.775 dcs 244
2. Attleboro Repeater 147.195 tone 127.3
3. 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.
4. Sharon Repeater 146.865 tone 103.5
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.

73,

Jeff N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Volunteer Opportunity – Ride to End Alzheimer’s – June 14th

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

While technically in the New Hampshire ARRL section, it is close to the Eastern Massachusetts ARRL section and the coordinator of this public service event is based in the Eastern Mass ARRL Section.

K1DSL-Dan Loveman writes:

On June 14th, cyclists will return to Hampton Beach to begin their 2025 New England Ride To End Alzheimer’s, and I’m writing today to ask for your help in supporting them!

The event details are as follows:
Saturday, June 14th
Hampton Beach State Park, Hampton, NH
Volunteer roles vary and range from 6am-4pm

**SAG team members are asked to commit to the whole day, rest stop volunteers may have shorter shifts depending on where they are stationed.

If you’re able and willing, I’d like to invite you to join the Amateur Radio team for the 2025 Ride To End Alzheimer’s. You can find all the event details here and the direct registration link is here.

This is a very important event. The riders at this event are raising money to fund research that will one day put an end to Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Our job is to staff the communications network that helps keep them safe while they do it.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thanks and 73,
Dan Loveman /K1DSL
alz@k1dsl.net

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Reminder: June 2nd, 2025 MEMA RACES/ACS Communications Test Net

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment
Mike “Sparky” Leger, N1YLQ, ARES DEC – MEMA Region 2 RACES Radio Officer writes:
 
Hello to all,
 
    This email is the typical monthly message to let everyone know that Monday evening, June 2nd, 2025 is our first non-holiday Monday of the month and, as such, will be the next RACES/ACS/Preparedness Net night. 

     For those who participate in the WinLink net, please note that there is a different NCO noted for the WinLink net this month with messages being routed to KF1D with a copy to AB1PH. 

 
      For any operators interested in performing the duties of Net Control Station (NCS), there are materials available to make the task fairly simple and straight forward. The net pre-amble and role call lists are available at http://wc1mab.org/RACES_R2_Interim_Preamble.pdf and http://wc1mab.org/Month.php with the role-call lists on the left column near the bottom. If anyone is worried that they may mess up running a net, please remember that, in many cases, a less than perfect net is WAY better than no net at all! At the conclusion of any net, any operator that acted as Net Control Operator is asked to please send a note to WC1MAB@gmail.com <mailto:WC1MAB@gmail.com>  letting me know who ran the net and who checked in so that the proper numbers can be reported to our served agencies. We
cannot always count on our normal net control operators to be available in the event of a large scale emergency, so every RACES operator should be prepared to act as NCO if needed when disaster and emergency strikes!
 

The Region #2 and State Net Schedule for this evening is as follows:

Net Frequency/Offset Time
Sector 2A 147.00 /+0.60  PL 19:30 Local
Sector 2B 145.39/-0.60  PL 67.0 20:00 Local
Sector 2C Winlink Net Check-In – 

NCO: KF1D with copy to AB1PH

 6AM-Midnight Local Time
Sector 2D 146.865/-0.60  PL 103.5 19:30 Local
6-Meter State Net 53.31 / -1.0  PL 71.9  

 

Note: Net activity on this repeater has been hit and miss. Please report any activity.

 19:00 Local
MA RACES HF Net 3930 KHz LSB moving up to 3955 KHz until there is a clear frequency 18:45 Local
MA MEMA NBEMS Net Frequency:  3584.5 MHx, Center Frequency: 1500 Hz, Initial mode: THOR22 19:00 Local
Winlink Net Instructions From Don Rolph: 
 
*Winlink Net*
 
To participate:
– create a check-in form using the Winlink standard checkin form
– send via Winlink after 6 AM EST Mon. June 2nd and before midnight EST June 3rd
  (any mode, but include mode in check-in form) to KF1D with a copy to AB1PH.
 
   I continue to ask that any operators who have the time, please try to
check into sector nets from near-by sectors. This will allow our Net
Control Operators to practice fielding nets with a strong check-in count and
will also serve to help practice with relays or modified sector assignments
in the event that a single repeater is out of service.
 
   For those operators who serve as Net Control Operators, please try to
remember to send me a list of the stations and communities that check into
your nets. The numbers are reported to MEMA to show them our level of
participation. I am continuing to work on a graphical map based report to
show which parts of our section have strong coverage and which areas may
need a more targeted recruitment campaign to improve our ability to provide
back-up communications in an emergency.
 
    I appreciate you all answering the call to help our communities remain
prepared as we close out the year for RACES/ARES operations. Thank you all for helping us keep things on track and prove that we remain a consistent source of communication capability to the Commonwealth. This net provides a monthly reminder to our communities and served agencies that we stand ready with a quiet professionalism prepared to serve as a voice to whomever needs one to get help and resources to where they need to be.
 
 If you know someone who would benefit from being on this list, please have them contact me at   <mailto:WC1MAB@gmail.com> WC1MAB@gmail.com and I will add them to this distribution. Thank you all!
 
      If anyone has any questions or comments I can be reached by e-mail or
cell phone. Thanks for being a part of our team and I look forward to
hearing back on who can participate this month.
 
Sincerely,
 
Michael Leger (N1YLQ)
MEMA Region #2 RACES Officer
Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday June 2nd, 2025 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater System

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

The June Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday June 2nd, 2025 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater system.

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:
https://mmra.org/repeaters/repeater_linking.html (Click the ARES box to see the repeaters and other systems linked)

We look forward to your participation and remember, we are always looking for Net Controls to run the ARES Net. We will have several announcements for the net.

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
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
https://www.wx1box.org
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Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Massachusetts RACES Nets – Monday 6/2/25 for HF, Region 2D VHF, NBEMS & Winlink – Times and Details Below

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Don Rolph, AB1PH, Walpole area ARES Emergency Coordinator writes:

The MEMA RACES nets are held on the first Monday of the month, unless the first Monday is a holiday, when it is delayed one week. For June 2025, the MEMA RACES nets will be held on Mon June 2 at:

********************************************************************************
80 meter Voice net
6:45 PM
Frequency: 3930 KHz working up until the first free frequency

Jeff N1JCM will be net control

*********************************************************************************
Region 2D VHF net:
7:30 PM ET VHF net on 146.865 MHz PL 103.5 (Sharon Repeater)
We will have a general call up of any RACES, ARES, or other interested stations. If there is time, we will have a simplex test.

Don using WA1PLE will be net control.

********************************************************************************
HF 80 meters NBEMS net:
7:00 PM ET
Dial Frequency: 3584.5 MHx
Center Frequency: 1500 Hz
Initial mode: THOR22

We will have checkins, followed by an ICS-213 format message using FLMSG.
Don AB1PH will be net control

*********************************************************************************

Winlink Net:
Bryan KF1D will be net control.
Send a winlink checkin form to KF1D , copy AB1PH, between 0600 Monday June 2 and 2400 Monday June 2..

We look forward to you checking in!

—

73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Public Service Event Opportunity: Sunday June 8th, 2025 – Harvest Triathlon – Wareham, MA

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

MAX Performance has utilized the Worcester Emergency Communications Team (WECT) for various public service events including ones outside the Central Massachusetts area. WK1H, Gil Hayes, Western Massachusetts ARES Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator, has forwarded this information to see if local Amateur Radio Operators/ARES members in the Southeast Coastal Massachusetts area can assist in this public service event. Please see the info below:

K1LIA-Lia Davis from the Worcester Emergency Communications Team (WECT) writes:

Hi Folks,

We are looking for about fifteen amateur radio operators to assist with the Wareham, MA Harvest Triathlon, on Sunday June 8th. The event organizers are particularly eager for our assistance given the poor cellular coverage on the bike course.

The event occurs from 7:30 am to about noon. Hams would need to meet at around 6:30 am.

If you are interested, please fill out this short form: https://forms.gle/2qh8C3DA524bA5ue6

If you know anyone else who may be interested in volunteering, please forward this email to them.

More info online: www.maxperformanceonline.com

Details will follow a few days before the event.

If you have any questions, please contact events@wect.org

Thanks and 73,

Lia Davis, K1LIA

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Winlink Only Exercise for Saturday 5/10/25 Coincident With Cape Cod ARES Exercise & ETO Winlink Exercise

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

Eastern Massachusetts ARES will conduct a section Winlink only exercise to practice this radio digital email mode. The exercise involves sending 2 messages to different Winlink email addresses anytime on Saturday 5/10/25 between 500 AM-1159 PM and replies to your winlink messages will occur anytime on Saturday through 2 PM Sunday 5/11/25. Details on what messages to send can be seen in the following 1-page exercise document:

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Winlink Test Exercise 5-10-25

This exercise is coincident with the Cape Cod ARES District Exercise and the Winlink ETO exercise at the following links:

Cape Cod ARES District Exercise 5-10-25

https://www.emcomm-training.org/drills2.html#Assignment_5-10-25

Participation in the Cape Cod ARES District Exercise and Winlink ETO exercise is encouraged but not required. We appreciate your support of Eastern Massachusetts 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)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
https://www.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wx1box
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Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net (EMHN) – Saturday 5/10/25 at 10 AM

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Jeff-N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH writes:

Good Evening,

On Saturday May 10, 2025 the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Group will hold an Eastern MA Hospital Net commencing at 10:00AM.

We realize that some locations, individuals, and groups may be subject to COVID restrictions. We encourage everyone who is affected by these restrictions to utilize their home or mobile stations to check into the net if possible. 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.

1. West Bridgewater repeater 146.775 dcs 244
2. Attleboro Repeater 147.195 tone 127.3
3. 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.
4. Danvers Repeater 145.470 tone 136.5
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.

73,

Jeff N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Reminder: May 5th, 2025 MEMA RACES/ACS Communications Test Net

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment
Mike “Sparky” Leger, N1YLQ, ARES DEC – MEMA Region 2 RACES Radio Officer writes:
 
Hello to all,
 

    This email is the typical monthly message to let everyone know that Monday evening, May 5th, 2025 is our first non-holiday Monday of the month and, as such, will be the next RACES/ACS/Preparedness Net night. 

     For those who participate in the WinLink net, please note that there is a different NCO noted for the WinLink net this month with messages being routed to KC1VMZ with a copy to AB1PH. 

      For any operators interested in performing the duties of Net Control Station (NCS), there are materials available to make the task fairly simple and straight forward. The net pre-amble and role call lists are available at http://wc1mab.org/RACES_R2_Interim_Preamble.pdf and http://wc1mab.org/Month.php with the role-call lists on the left column near the bottom. If anyone is worried that they may mess up running a net, please remember that, in many cases, a less than perfect net is WAY better than no net at all! At the conclusion of any net, any operator that acted as Net Control Operator is asked to please send a note to WC1MAB@gmail.com <mailto:WC1MAB@gmail.com>  letting me know who ran the net and who checked in so that the proper numbers can be reported to our served agencies. We
cannot always count on our normal net control operators to be available in the event of a large scale emergency, so every RACES operator should be prepared to act as NCO if needed when disaster and emergency strikes!
 

The Region #2 and State Net Schedule for this evening is as follows:

Net Frequency/Offset Time
Sector 2A 147.00 /+0.60  PL 19:30 Local
Sector 2B 145.39/-0.60  PL 67.0 20:00 Local
Sector 2C Winlink Net Check-In – 

NCO: KC1VMZ with copy to AB1PH

 6AM-Midnight Local Time
Sector 2D 146.865/-0.60  PL 103.5 19:30 Local
6-Meter State Net 53.31 / -1.0  PL 71.9  

 

Note: Net activity on this repeater has been hit and miss. Please report any activity.

 19:00 Local
MA RACES HF Net 3930 KHz LSB moving up to 3955 KHz until there is a clear frequency 18:45 Local
MA MEMA NBEMS Net Frequency:  3584.5 MHx, Center Frequency: 1500 Hz, Initial mode: THOR22 19:00 Local
Winlink Net Instructions From Don Rolph: 
 
*Winlink Net*
 
To participate:
 
– create a check-in form using the Winlink standard checkin form
– send via Winlink after 6 AM EST Mon. May 5th  and before midnight EST May 6th
  (any mode, but include mode in check-in form) to KC1VMZ with a copy to AB1PH.
 
   I continue to ask that any operators who have the time, please try to
check into sector nets from near-by sectors. This will allow our Net
Control Operators to practice fielding nets with a strong check-in count and
will also serve to help practice with relays or modified sector assignments
in the event that a single repeater is out of service.
 
   For those operators who serve as Net Control Operators, please try to
remember to send me a list of the stations and communities that check into
your nets. The numbers are reported to MEMA to show them our level of
participation. I am continuing to work on a graphical map based report to
show which parts of our section have strong coverage and which areas may
need a more targeted recruitment campaign to improve our ability to provide
back-up communications in an emergency.
 
    I appreciate you all answering the call to help our communities remain
prepared as we close out the year for RACES/ARES operations. Thank you all for helping us keep things on track and prove that we remain a consistent source of communication capability to the Commonwealth. This net provides a monthly reminder to our communities and served agencies that we stand ready with a quiet professionalism prepared to serve as a voice to whomever needs one to get help and resources to where they need to be.
 
 If you know someone who would benefit from being on this list, please have them contact me at   <mailto:WC1MAB@gmail.com> WC1MAB@gmail.com and I will add them to this distribution. Thank you all!
 
      If anyone has any questions or comments I can be reached by e-mail or
cell phone. Thanks for being a part of our team and I look forward to
hearing back on who can participate this month.
 
Sincerely,
 
Michael Leger (N1YLQ)
MEMA Region #2 RACES Officer
C: 508_995_0203 
Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday May 5th, 2025 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater System

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

The May Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday May 5th, 2025 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater system.

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:
https://mmra.org/repeaters/repeater_linking.html (Click the ARES box to see the repeaters and other systems linked)

We look forward to your participation and remember, we are always looking for Net Controls to run the ARES Net. We will have several announcements for the net.

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
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
https://www.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – https://twitter.com/wx1box
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Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Massachusetts RACES Nets – Monday 5/5/25 for HF, Region 2D VHF, NBEMS & Winlink – Times and Details Below

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Don Rolph, AB1PH, Walpole area ARES Emergency Coordinator writes:

The MEMA RACES nets are held on the first Monday of the month, unless the first Monday is a holiday, when it is delayed one week. For May 2025, the MEMA RACES nets will be held on Mon May 5 at:

********************************************************************************
80 meter Voice net
6:45 PM
Frequency: 3930 KHz working up until the first free frequency

Jeff N1JCM will be net control
*********************************************************************************
Region 2D VHF net:
7:30 PM ET VHF net on 146.865 MHz PL 103.5 (Sharon Repeater)
We will have a general call up of any RACES, ARES, or other interested stations. If there is time, we will have a simplex test.

Don using WA1PLE will be net control.

********************************************************************************
HF 80 meters NBEMS net:
7:00 PM ET
Dial Frequency: 3584.5 MHx
Center Frequency: 1500 Hz
Initial mode: THOR22

We will have checkins, followed by an ICS-213 format message using FLMSG.

Don AB1PH will be net control

*********************************************************************************
Winlink Net:

Jon KC1VMZ will be net control.
Send a winlink checkin form to KC1VMZ , copy AB1PH, between 0600 Monday May 5 and 2400 Monday May 5.

We look forward to you checking in!

—

73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph
_._,_._,_

Field Day / Flea markets & Conventions / NTS / Operating

April 2025 Section Update

- by Jon McCombie - Leave a Comment

HAPPY TAX DAY!  And coming this weekend, the anniversary of “the shot heard ‘round the world,” the opening shot of the battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, which sparked the American Revolutionary War. This month’s stories are titled after Paul Revere’s ride (“The British are coming!”). Enjoy! 

 

 * Celebration of Marconi Day is Coming! 

Marconi’s 151st birthdate is April 25, 2025 (born 1874).  International Marconi Day this year is Saturday, April 26, 2024. Historic Marconi radio stations around the world go on the air to make two-way contacts with each other and other amateur radio operators. 

Where: Marconi Station Site, Wellfleet, MA      Saturday April 26 from 10 AM-3 PM.  

The Marconi Cape Cod Radio Club and the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club are partnering with Cape Cod National Seashore to serve as an official International Marconi Day Station. Please visit the site to learn about Marconi’s historic Wireless Station that is famous for sending the first wireless transatlantic message from the USA to Europe (1903) and its ship-to-shore messages.  HF radio operators will make live contacts around the world using Morse code and voice.  

For more information: 
Barbara Dougan, trustee Marconi Cape Cod Radio Club-KM1CC 
km1cc.capecod.fn51@gmail.com 

 

* NEAR-Fest is Coming! 

NEAR-Fest is coming VERY soon! Like May 2-3!  Join the crew this May as NEAR-Fest returns to its NEW home in New Boston, NH! 

The organizers have an incredible flea market lined up, packed with radios, electronics, unique finds (You never know what you might find!), and all the camaraderie that makes NEAR-Fest the legendary gathering it is. 

Whether you’re a seasoned ham, a first-time attendee, or love the thrill of the hunt, there’s something for everyone! 

Full details at https://near-fest.com/  

 

* NE QSO Party is Coming! 

The New England QSO Party, on May 3-4, is a great time to check out antenna systems and offers a moderately paced opportunity to work new states and countries. You’ll find a wide variety of participants, from newcomers to experienced contesters, all interested in making contacts with New England stations. 
 
Our goal is to get every one of the counties in New England on the air so we hope you will join in the fun! Even if you can join the fun for a couple of hours, contest organizers will appreciate it!  Will you be QRV? Let the NEQP team with a message to info@neqp.org. 

The New England QSO Party is 20 hours long overall, in two sections with a civilized break for sleep on Saturday night.  It runs from 4 pm Saturday until 1 am Sunday, then 9 am Sunday until 8 pm Sunday.  Operate on CW, SSB and/or digital modes on 80-40-20-15-10 meters.  For each QSO you’ll give your callsign, a signal report and your county/state.  Top scorers can earn a plaque and everyone who sends in a log with 25 QSOs or more will get a certificate.  The goal is to work stations anywhere in the world – and their goal is to work New England stations, so you’ll be very popular! 
 
For more information, visit the NEQP website at https://neqp.org 

* 13 Colonies Special Event is Coming!  

13 Colonies Massachusetts is looking for a few new ops to join Team K2H. 

13 Colonies takes place every July 1-7. We’re looking for volunteers who can operate for at least 2 hours per day for at least 4 of the 7 days. 

Operating as K2H is a blast. You become the DX, and stations want to work you. You don’t have to be a contest op to volunteer. Anyone interested and available is welcome. As part of team K2H for the past few years, we have made around 20,000 contacts.  

If you are interested, please contact Larry, W1AST, 13 Colonies Massachusetts state manager, at W1AST@arrl.net before May 15th. 

 

* Field Day 2025 is Coming! 

I hope you have started planning for Field Day 2025! It’s coming up quick – June 28-29 this year. The League has all manner of materials to help you and your club get started, including the FD site locator (please register your site!!), and the 2025 ARRL Field Day Public Relations Kit [PDF] at https://arrl.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0zMzEwNjY0JnA9MSZ1PTUyNDYxMTkzMiZsaT0zNzcwMTg1MA/index.html   to get you started – including a press release template that you can use for your activation. Full details at https://arrl.org/field-day  

 

* 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://hamxposition.org/   

 

* Recruiting IT/Website Talent to Help Maintain EMA Section Website 

Are you an IT person with some experience with WordPress? Could you volunteer an hour or two per week to help keep the EMA website? I’m looking for someone to provide some backup/relief for our tireless web site administrator, to keep an ear open for goings-on in the section, and to timely post short articles to the site, keeping the news fresh. If you are interested, please email me at n1ilz@arrl.org.  

 

*  Virtual NTS Traffic Net Going Strong 

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, and held its inaugural session on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET. The VNTN URL is: https://bitl.to/3xj4 The net will be changing time to 8 PM ET soon – stay tuned for details. 

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   

Spring has definitely sprung! Flowers are coming up, grass is turning green again, and it SEEMS like we’re done with snow. At least I hope so. What are your spring ham radio plans? Doing some antenna work? Tidying up the shack? Taking some of that extra equipment to NEAR-Fest to sell to its new happy owner? Stay warm and dry 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.  

 

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday April 7th, 2025 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater System

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

The April Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday April 7th, 2025 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater system.

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:
https://mmra.org/repeaters/repeater_linking.html (Click the ARES box to see the repeaters and other systems linked)

We look forward to your participation and remember, we are always looking for Net Controls to run the ARES Net. We will have several announcements for the net.

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
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
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Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Reminder: April 7th, 2025 MEMA RACES/ACS Communications Test Net

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment
Mike “Sparky” Leger, N1YLQ, ARES DEC – MEMA Region 2 RACES Radio Officer writes:
 
Hello to all,
 
This email is the typical monthly message to let everyone know that Monday evening, April 7th, 2025 is our first non-holiday Monday of the month and, as such, will be the next RACES/ACS/Preparedness Net night. 

For those who participate in the WinLink net, please note that there is a different NCO noted for the WinLink net this month with messages being routed to KF1D with a copy to AB1PH. 

 
Due to family constraints, I may not be able to reliably act as NCO for Sector 2A and I will be looking for someone to fill this role. 
 
For any operators interested in performing the duties of Net Control Station (NCS), there are materials available to make the task fairly simple and straight forward. The net pre-amble and role call lists are available at http://wc1mab.org/RACES_R2_Interim_Preamble.pdf and http://wc1mab.org/Month.php with the role-call lists on the left column near the bottom. If anyone is worried that they may mess up running a net, please remember that, in many cases, a less than perfect net is WAY better than no net at all! At the conclusion of any net, any operator that acted as Net
Control Operator is asked to please send a note to WC1MAB@gmail.com <mailto:WC1MAB@gmail.com>  letting me know who ran the net and who checked in so that the proper numbers can be reported to our served agencies. We
cannot always count on our normal net control operators to be available in the event of a large scale emergency, so every RACES operator should be prepared to act as NCO if needed when disaster and emergency strikes!

The Region #2 and State Net Schedule for this evening is as follows:

Net Frequency/Offset Time
Sector 2A 147.00 /+0.60  PL 19:30 Local
Sector 2B 145.39/-0.60  PL 67.0 20:00 Local
Sector 2C Winlink Net Check-In – 

NCO: KF1D with copy to AB1PH

 6AM-Midnight Local Time
Sector 2D 146.865/-0.60  PL 103.5 19:30 Local
6-Meter State Net 53.31 / -1.0  PL 71.9  

 

Note: Net activity on this repeater has been hit and miss. Please report any activity.

 19:00 Local
MA RACES HF Net 3930 KHz LSB moving up to 3955 KHz until there is a clear frequency 18:45 Local
MA MEMA NBEMS Net Frequency:  3584.5 MHx, Center Frequency: 1500 Hz, Initial mode: THOR22 19:00 Local
Winlink Net Instructions From Don Rolph: 
 
*Winlink Net*
To participate:
– create a check-in form using the Winlink standard checkin form
– send via Winlink after 6 AM EST Mon. March 7th and before midnight EST April 8th
  (any mode, but include mode in check-in form) to KF1D with a copy to AB1PH.
 
I continue to ask that any operators who have the time, please try to
check into sector nets from near-by sectors. This will allow our Net
Control Operators to practice fielding nets with a strong check-in count and
will also serve to help practice with relays or modified sector assignments
in the event that a single repeater is out of service.
 
For those operators who serve as Net Control Operators, please try to
remember to send me a list of the stations and communities that check into
your nets. The numbers are reported to MEMA to show them our level of
participation. I am continuing to work on a graphical map based report to
show which parts of our section have strong coverage and which areas may
need a more targeted recruitment campaign to improve our ability to provide
back-up communications in an emergency.
 
I appreciate you all answering the call to help our communities remain
prepared as we close out the year for RACES/ARES operations. Thank you all for helping us keep things on track and prove that we remain a consistent source of communication capability to the Commonwealth. This net provides a monthly reminder to our communities and served agencies that we stand ready with a quiet professionalism prepared to serve as a voice to whomever needs one to get help and resources to where they need to be.
 
 If you know someone who would benefit from being on this list, please have them contact me at   <mailto:WC1MAB@gmail.com> WC1MAB@gmail.com and I will add them to this distribution. Thank you all!
 
If anyone has any questions or comments I can be reached by e-mail or
cell phone. Thanks for being a part of our team and I look forward to
hearing back on who can participate this month.
 
Sincerely,
 
Michael Leger (N1YLQ)
MEMA Region #2 RACES Officer
C: 508_995_0203 
Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Massachusetts RACES Nets – Monday 4/7/25 for HF, Region 2D VHF, NBEMS & Winlink – Times and Details Below

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Don Rolph, AB1PH, Walpole area ARES Emergency Coordinator writes:

The MEMA RACES nets are held on the first Monday of the month, unless the first Monday is a holiday, when it is delayed one week. For Apr 2025, the MEMA RACES nets will be held on Mon Apr 7 at:

********************************************************************************
80 meter Voice net
6:45 PM
Frequency: 3930 KHz working up until the first free frequency
Matt KC1PFA will be net control

*********************************************************************************
Region 2D VHF net:
7:30 PM ET VHF net on 146.865 MHz PL 103.5 (Sharon Repeater)
We will have a general call up of any RACES, ARES, or other interested stations. If there is time, we will have a simplex test.
Jeff N1JCM will be net control.

********************************************************************************
HF 80 meters NBEMS net:
7:00 PM ET
Dial Frequency: 3584.5 MHx
Center Frequency: 1500 Hz
Initial mode: THOR22

We will have checkins, followed by an ICS-213 format message using FLMSG.
Alan WA1AR will be net control

*********************************************************************************
Winlink Net:
Bryan KF1D will be net control.
Send a winlink checkin form to KF1D , copy AB1PH, between 0600 Monday Apr 7 and 2400 Monday Apr 7.

We look forward to you checking in!

—

73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net (EMHN) – Saturday 4/5/25 – 1000 AM ET

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Jeff-N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH writes:

Good Evening,

On Saturday April 5, 2025 the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Group will hold an Eastern MA Hospital Net commencing at 10:00AM.

We realize that some locations, individuals, and groups may be subject to COVID restrictions. We encourage everyone who is affected by these restrictions to utilize their home or mobile stations to check into the net if possible. 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.

1. West Bridgewater repeater 146.775 dcs 244
2. Plymouth Repeater 146.685 tone 131.8
3. 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.
4. Sharon Repeater 146.865 tone 103.5
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.

73,

Jeff N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

USCG Auxiliary Radio Nets Sunday 30 MAR 25

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

K1UN-Joseph Fratto – USCG Coast Guard Auxiliary & FCC General Radiotelephone Operator writes:

The Sunday morning Division 5 / 12 radio net has been postponed indefinitely due to a lack of
participation and coverage of our repeaters.

The Sunday morning Auxiliary Net on the MMRA Minuteman Repeater Association network was held
at 1100 hrs. Auxiliarists on the net were advised of the upcoming training in April and the mandatory
TCO radio training. Hopefully there will be a Zoom media training presentation at a later date for all
those members who missed the required training presentation. The Net ended at 1230 hrs.

Checking into the MMRA network Auxiliary Net were the following:

N1DFL
KB1MWD
KB1WGK
KA1CUH
KA1SCS
KA1GFN
KC1VJH
KS1E
N1MSK
WB1EMS
KB1VXY
KC1URV
W1JVC
N1CVO
KC1DAA
N1UIO
KC1VZH
K1UVA
KC1WJP
K1HGT
KC1VXV
WA1APC
W1MJ
KC1PCC
KC1VHN
K1UN net control

Submitted: Joseph Fratto K1UN

Mentoring / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Virtual NTS Training Net Begins March 5, 2025

- by Jon McCombie - Leave a Comment

Phil, K9HI writes:

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 Training 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. 

VNTN will accept check-ins and radiogram traffic utilizing standard phonetics and prosigns; in short, participants will enjoy the same experiences as those who check into conventional “RF” traffic nets.  The net will incorporate a “hands-on” training approach in traffic procedures, radiogram creation, and relay.

It is our hope that new amateurs who participate in VNTN will be motivated to join section and region nets on HF after upgrading to a higher license class.

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