NTS

National Traffic System (NTS), traffic handling

MASSACHUSETTS TRAFFIC REPORT FOR AUGUST 2020

Greetings to all. I hope you had a great summer in spite of all the pandemic restrictions. Now that we are getting into fall perhaps there is time to consider some why’s and wherefores of handling message traffic on voice nets.

We have some very good training programs on the nets but I would also like to call attention to the Methods and Practices Guidelines (MPG) available on the arrl.org website (http://www.arrl.org/files/file/NTS_MPG2014.pdf) with link also on the ema.arrl.org website (https://ema.arrl.org/national-traffic-system/nts-resources/) under NTS Resources. This is not meant to be a training manual but rather a resource document covering various topics regarding message handling. It is not a set of rules but rather guidelines based on best practices, derived from many years of experience during a wide variety of propagation and band conditions particularly on HF. It is what has been found to help get messages through accurately and efficiently even in the worst of conditions. It was compiled by some of the most experienced traffic handlers. While those who handle messages on a VHF voice net may not experience such conditions it is good to practice in the event you may some day be called upon to pass traffic when there is atmospheric and man-made interference which often exist on the HF bands.

I call your attention especially to Chapter 2 on ‘Sending Messages on Voice’. This chapter is 58 pages long, but it is certainly not necessary to know it all before participating. As you participate however and get more practice you can apply more and more of these “tricks of the trade” and become an expert traffic handler, feeling a real sense of accomplishment when you successfully relay a message during particularly difficult band conditions.

I think the folks in our section are doing a fantastic job handling messages. I am proud of you all. We can however all (including your STM) work on learning more and improving our skills. Thanks to all you great folks for your support.  Below is the August traffic report.

73, Marcia KW1U

MASSACHUSETTS STM REPORTS 2020 Aug-20    
               
NET SESSIONS  QTC QNI QTR NM FREQ Net Time
               
WMTN C1 24 1 277 175 N1YCW 146.91 1300 Daily
WMTN C2 25 6 270 239 KD2JKV 146.91 1700 Daily
MARI 31 134 165 555 KW1U 3565 KHz 1900 Daily
EM2MN 31 121 351 884 KC1HHO 145.23 2000 Daily
CM2MN 18 5 66 114 KK1X 146.97 2100 Daily
HHTN 18 33 281 489 W1HAI MMRA Rptrs 2200 Su,M,W,F
CITN 17 7 100 200 AC7RB 147.375 1930 Tu,Th,F, Sa
MARIPN 13 21 74 170 N1LAH 3978 KHz 1700 Tu,Th,Sa
WARPSN 5 10 84 NA N1IQI 147.225 0830 Su
WMEN/HF 4 0 83 80 N1CPE 3944 KHz 0830 Su
WMEN/VHF 4 0 62 53 N1PUA 146.91 0900 Su
  190 338 1813 2906      
               
SAR ORG REC SENT DEL TOTAL BPL BPL = 500+ points
               
N1IQI 0 58 471 4 533 X  
KW1U 0 267 237 0 504 X  
N1TF 0 42 53 11 106    
W1RVY 1 66 25 0 92    
KC1HHO 0 45 17 4 66    
WA1LPM 0 20 44 0 64    
KC1KVY 0 23 34 4 61    
N1LAH 0 22 22 1 45    
KE1ML 0 12 24 2 38    
NV1N 0 7 21 1 29    
KD2JKV 0 14 14 0 28    
WA1VAB 0 9 10 5 24    
W1TCD 0 8 9 4 21    
KC1MSN 0 7 7 6 20    
W1JWM 0 9 6 4 19    
W1PLK 0 8 8 3 19    
AJ1DM 1 4 1 4 10    
KC1NBI 0 3 3 1 7    
AB1ZS 0 1 3 0 4    
               
PSHR  (Min 70 Points) 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
               
KW1U 40 40 30 0 0 20 130
N1TF 40 40 30 5 0 0 115
N1IQI 40 40 10 10 0 10 110
KD2JKV 40 40 30 0 0 0 110
W1RVY 40 40 30 0 0 0 110
N1LAH 40 40 20 0 0 0 100
KE1ML 40 36 10 0 0 10 96
KC1HHO 31 40 20 0 0 0 91
KC1KVY 40 40 10 0 0 0 90
WA1LPM 38 40 10 0 0 0 88
NV1N 34 29 10 0 0 0 73
               
DRS RCV FWD TOTAL        
               
KW1U 799 714 1513        
N1IQI 58 471 529        
W1RVY 1 6 7        
W1JWM 2 3 5        
Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday 9/14/2020 at 830 PM EDT

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

The September Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday September 14th, 2020 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:

http://www.mmra.org/repeaters/repeater_index_by_linkstate.html

We look forward to your participation and remember, we are always looking for Net Controls to run the ARES Net. For tonight’s ARES Net, the focus will be on several announcements on upcoming events and documentation forthcoming along with the posting of exercise reports via email and the Eastern Mass ARRL/ARES section web site which were delayed due to numerous ARES-SKYWARN activations during August. We will also give a brief COVID-19 update.

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 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org
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MASSACHUSETTS TRAFFIC REPORT FOR JULY 2020

Greetings all traffic handlers and would-be traffic handlers. I hope you are all staying safe and cool. My apologies for not hosting the annual traffic handlers picnic this year, but the current pandemic situation was a primary factor. I hope to be able to have one here next year.

I have mentioned in the past that the Public Service Enhancement Working Group of the ARRL was turning their attention to NTS this year. Unfortunately that has been on hold due in part to the search for an emergency communications manager, one who would also be overseeing the role of the NTS. Yesterday August 12 the hiring was announced on the ARRL website and quoting in part:

“In his new role, Gilbert (KE5ZW) will manage a team responsible for supporting ARRL Emergency Communications (EmComm) programs and services, including the Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) and National Traffic System (NTS), as well as lead the continued modernization of those programs in consonance with the future emergency communications needs of the public and ARRL’s key partners.”

The role of message handling is still very much needed so we wait to see what comes next.

Meanwhile the nets are doing a great job handling traffic and training new folks. EM2MN now has three “graduates” from net manager KC1HHO’s training program and another is in the process of training.  MARI CW net now has a regular check in from Rhode Island, John AJ1DM, and we are very happy to have him especially after a long period of no representation from that state. John has been involved as a mentor for the CWOPS CW Academy and has become interested in handling traffic. We welcome and thank John for his participation.

MARIPN, the section phone net has picked up participation since it’s move from 6:00 to 5:00. It seems to be a better time for most folks. Net Manager Ralph N1LAH would welcome more participation from any folks on HF. The net meets Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays on or about 3978 Khz.

Below is the traffic report for both Eastern and Western Mass for the month of July. Thanks to all for your support.

73, Marcia KW1U STM

MASSACHUSETTS STM REPORTS 2020 Jul-20    
               
NET SESSIONS  QTC QNI QTR NM FREQ Net Time
               
WMTN C1 30 8 358 235 N1YCW 146.91 1300 Daily
WMTN C2 30 4 292 282 KD2JKV 146.91 1700 Daily
MARI 31 145 157 544 KW1U 3565 KHz 1900 Daily
EM2MN 31 135 331 932 KC1HHO 145.23 2000 Daily
CM2MN 15 1 76 89 KK1X 146.97 2100 Daily
HHTN 18 41 243 428 W1HAI MMRA Rptrs 2200 Su,M,W,F
CITN 18 7 98 240 AC7RB 147.375 1930 Tu,Th,F, Sa
MARIPN 12 24 72 165 N1LAH 3978 KHz 1700 Tu,Th,Sa
WARPSN 4 8 81 NA N1IQI 147.225 0830 Su
WMEN/HF 4 0 88 80 N1CPE 3944 KHz 0830 Su
WMEN/VHF 4 0 80 47 N1PUA 146.91 0900 Su
  197 373 1876 2995      
               
SAR ORG REC SENT DEL TOTAL BPL BPL = 500+ points
               
KW1U 0 283 268 1 552 X  
N1IQI 0 44 239 4 287    
N1TF 0 40 61 3 104    
W1RVY 1 58 16 1 76    
KC1KVY 0 24 40 5 69    
WA1LPM 0 29 35 0 64    
N1LAH 0 30 31 0 61    
KC1HHO 0 39 13 4 56    
WA1VAB 0 16 12 14 42    
KE1ML 0 12 26 3 41    
KD2JKV 0 20 20 0 40    
KC1MSN 0 17 15 7 39    
NV1N 0 15 22 1 38    
W1TCD 0 9 8 7 24    
KC1NBI 0 11 10 0 21    
W1JWM 0 4 4 0 8    
AJ1DM 1 2 2 1 6    
W1PLK 0 1 2 1 4    
               
PSHR  (Min 70 Points) 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
               
KW1U 40 40 30 0 0 20 130
N1TF 40 40 30 5 0 0 115
N1IQI 40 40 10 10 0 10 110
KD2JKV 40 40 30 0 0 0 110
W1RVY 40 40 30 0 0 0 110
N1LAH 40 40 20 0 0 0 100
KC1HHO 32 40 20 0 5 0 97
KE1ML 34 40 10 0 0 10 94
KC1KVY 40 40 10 0 0 0 90
WA1LPM 40 40 10 0 0 0 90
NV1N 27 38 10 0 0 0 75
KC1MSN 35 39 0 0 0 0 74
               
DRS RCV FWD TOTAL        
               
KW1U 1204 1610 2814        
N1IQI 44 239 283        
W1RVY 2 3 5        
W1JWM 4 0 4        

MASSACHUSETTS TRAFFIC REPORT FOR JUNE 2020

Greetings all. Hope summer and the partial reopening of activities in the Commonwealth is finding all you great folks doing well.

June was a very active month as far as the traffic nets and message handling was concerned. From Peter KC1HHO, manager of EM2MN: the training program has been going well and three new traffic handlers, Bernie KC1MSN, Scott N1KMX and Steve KC1NBI are becoming quite proficient and are on the road to becoming Official Relay Stations. Peter’s training has included radiograms containing Trivia questions which require a radiogram response in proper format and transmitted according to standard NTS protocol per the Methods and Practices Guidelines (MPG). This program was initiated by Peter and supported by this station. Good going Peter.

From Joe W1HAI, manager of HHTN:  the net has been expanding its network to include most of Massachusetts. The Plymouth repeater (146.685 PL 131.8) has been added to the network to allow more check ins from the South Shore and Cape Cod. Now also the Mt Greylock repeater (146.91 PL 162.2) is linked allowing access to the western part of the state. Joe says they are still looking for a link to the North Shore. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Please contact KW1U or W1HAI.

The MARI CW net had a banner month with a total of 197 messages passed and 171 check ins. We are happy to have added Cape Cod station W1TCD Tim and Rhode Island station AJ1DM John. We’re still welcoming anyone who would like to try CW message handling. We will slow down to your speed, whatever that may be. Ask any of our CW folks, it is a lot of fun.

Attached is the June traffic report. Great job all and thanks for your support.
73, Marcia KW1U STM

MASSACHUSETTS STM REPORTS 2020   Jun-20    
               
NET SESSIONS  QTC QNI QTR NM FREQ Net Time
               
WMTN C1 26 4 236 190 KD2JKV 146.91 1300 Daily
WMTN C2 25 1 324 116 N1YCW 146.91 1700 Daily
MARI 30 197 171 751 KW1U 3565 KHz 1900 Daily
EM2MN 30 204 402 1169 KC1HHO 145.23 2000 Daily
CM2MN 19 13 99 142 KK1X 146.97 2100 Daily
HHTN 17 47 187 335 W1HAI MMRA Rptrs 2200 Su,M,W,F
CITN 17 7 84 225 AC7RB 147.375 1930 Tu,Th,F, Sa
MARIPN 12 29 74 187 N1LAH 3978 KHz 1700 Tu,Th,Sa
WARPSN 4 8 81 NA N1IQI 147.225 0830 Su
WMEN/HF 4 0 109 80 N1CPE 3944 KHz 0830 Su
WMEN/VHF 4 0 70 48 N1PUA 146.91 0900 Su
  188 510 1837 3195      
               
SAR ORG REC SENT DEL TOTAL BPL BPL = 500+ points
               
KW1U 0 414 382 8 804 X  
N1IQI 0 139 501 4 644 X  
N1TF 0 86 73 18 177    
W1RVY 1 87 29 5 122    
WA1LPM 0 31 46 1 78    
KC1KVY 0 30 38 7 75    
KC1HHO 0 44 21 10 75    
WA1VAB 0 24 18 20 62    
KD2JKV 0 28 28 0 56    
KC1MSN 0 26 11 18 55    
W1JWM 0 26 26 0 52    
W1TCD 0 23 9 19 51    
N1LAH 0 22 25 0 47    
KE1ML 0 29 7 1 37    
NV1N 0 10 22 2 34    
AJ1DM 1 7 5 5 18    
KC1NBI 0 7 7 0 14    
W1PLK 0 5 4 4 13    
               
PSHR  (Min 70 Points) 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
               
KW1U 40 40 30 0 0 20 130
N1TF 40 40 30 5 0 0 115
N1IQI 40 40 10 10 0 10 110
KD2JKV 40 40 30 0 0 0 110
W1RVY 40 40 30 0 0 0 110
N1LAH 40 40 20 0 0 0 100
KE1ML 40 37 10 0 0 10 97
KC1HHO 31 40 20 0 0 0 91
KC1KVY 40 40 10 0 0 0 90
WA1LPM 40 40 10 0 0 0 90
KC1MSN 35 40 0 0 0 0 75
               
DRS RCV FWD TOTAL        
               
KW1U 1407 1253 2660        
N1IQI 139 461 600        
W1JWM 16 9 25        
W1RVY 4 2 6        
               
Field Day / NTS

Eastern MA Traffic Handlers Enjoying Field Day 2020

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Joe Thomas, WB1EMS, reports a group of 20 hams from the South Shore area participated in Field Day at Great Hill in Weymouth overlooking Boston Harbor. Many of this group have been regular participants on the East Mass Two Meter Net on the Boston 145.23 repeater. Mike, K1UVH, was the event coordinator putting much of the setup together along with Peter, KC1HHO and Scott, N1KMX. Other EM2MN regulars included: Bernie, KC1MSN; Chet, KB1NZZ; and Alex, KC1NBT.

The group operated simplex, repeaters, two-meters, HF, six-meters, digital, packet, and APRS. Joe reports that N1KMX made 45 contacts via simplex contacting local stations and stations in Maine, New Hampshire, the Blue Hill Weather Observatory, and several mobile contacts, including a mobile aeronautical station aboard a US Coast Guard helicopter!

Joe says a fun day was had by all and they hope to do it again soon.  –Marcia Forde, KW1U

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Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday July 6th 2020 at 830 PM EDT

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

The July Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday July 6th, 2020 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:

http://www.mmra.org/repeaters/repeater_index_by_linkstate.html

We look forward to your participation and remember, we are always looking for Net Controls to run the ARES Net. For tonight’s ARES Net, we will do a brief review of severe weather events that have affected the section particularly in the last week and provide a brief COVID-19-Update as we continue to monitor this health emergency from a communications needs perspective and what you can do as ARES volunteers or general Amateur Radio Operators during this health emergency to prepare for any communications issues during this time. A link to a document that we had created for ARES awareness in April 2020 is available at the following link:

https://ema.arrl.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Eastern-Massachusetts-ARES-COVID-19-Update.pdf

A reminder that a report on the Eastern Massachusetts ARES exercise will be available by Monday July 13th 2020 and will be posted via email and on the Eastern Massachusetts ARES Web Site at https://ema.arrl.org/ares. 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 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org
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Licensing Education & Training / NTS

Eastern Massachusetts 2 Meter Traffic Net announces New Traffic Handler training program

- by kw1u - Leave a Comment

The Eastern Massachusetts 2 Meter Traffic Net (EM2MN) an official net of the ARRL/National Traffic System (NTS) is actively seeking additional stations to become involved with traffic handling. For those of you not familiar with the EM2MN we meet on the 145.230 MHz pl 88.5 W1BOS Repeater every day at 2000 hrs local.  We pass formal written traffic into and out of the Eastern Massachusetts coverage area of the Repeater.

My name is Peter Doherty KC1HHO and I am the manager of this Net. Traffic Net is open to all licensed amateur radio stations and is a great opportunity to operate on a regular or daily basis.

A proactive approach to getting new licensees and established stations involved has recently been implemented.

The creation of training radiograms for new traffic relay stations that want to learn about the correct procedures and practices involved with traffic handling is now integrated into the normal passing of official traffic during every Net. This is something that has never really been done in the past and in its infancy has attracted a few new stations already.

The training radiograms are simply trivia questions that a new relay station would copy and eventually answer via radiogram to the station they received it from during the Net a day or 2 later. They are simple, fun and most are very short. Using this process you will be able to understand and use the important procedures, phrases and technics that are essential to proper handling of radiogram traffic. Reciting the written contents of a radiogram is a serious endeavor.  Radiograms are to be delivered to the recipients exactly as they are written and recited. The fine nuances of the proper way to copy and create and read radiograms over the air can often be intimidating and not something that at first appearance seems to be enjoyable. But if you learn to understand and appreciate the practices and methods involved you will realize that having this skill will make your amateur radio hobby experience more enjoyable and rewarding. Using trivia for these training radiograms the student traffic handler will be able to learn about and experience the actual methods without fear of making mistakes that could be detrimental. This training program is intended to attract operators that want to utilize their stations for public service and at the same time get an enjoyable experience from the hobby.

Traffic handling of course is not for everyone but the person who decides that is you. We are here for all amateur stations and are committed to teaching this important service of amateur radio to any operator that wants to get involved.  The first step you can take is tune in and listen for a few days, then check in and introduce yourself to the group.  If you want to get involved you’ll be advised as to what websites can give you reading material that further explains the program and soon after that you’ll be able to check in “requesting training”.  If you determine traffic handling isn’t for you, no matter, you are still welcome to check in and participate.

To become proficient and adequately knowledgeable about the NTS takes a few months of regular attendance and upon the recommendations of the Net manager the Section Traffic Manager will appoint you as an Official Relay Station.  The future could also hold Net Control Station duties.  Again, only you can decide.

With all the things you can do with ham radio; contesting, aprs, rtty, ft8, hf, cw, ragchewing, wires-x, dmr, I’m certain to have missed a lot of modes, NTS traffic handling has stiff competition for your allotted radio time.  With the new training program underway getting involved with NTS is easier and more understandable than ever before. Please join us. For more information contact Peter KC1HHO at KC1HHO@arrl.net.

MASSACHUSETTS TRAFFIC REPORT FOR MAY 2020

Happy June and happy beginning of summer.  Happiness is also seeing sun spots for a change,  giving operation on HF a bit of a boost.  Also nice to be able to get out more although hoping folks will remain careful, safe and healthy.

It has been exciting to see an uptake in the number of check-ins to the traffic nets with a number of those requesting training in handling message traffic. Peter KC1HHO, manager of EM2MN on the Boston repeater has been using radiograms with Trivia questions requiring a radiogram response to promote training in proper message origination and over-the- air transmission. This has been catching on and new hams have been taking advantage of this venture. If anyone would like to learn more about this and the how-to of message handling I’m sure Peter would love to hear from you.

We also handle messages digitally, using Packet on VHF and Pactor on HF. John W1JWM has been taking a lead in helping others to get set up on Packet and if anyone is interested in this aspect of message handling, contact John who is regularly found on EM2MN.

Field Day is almost upon us and while folks will generally be operating from home, I believe there are still extra points for originating NTS messages. For more information check arrl.org, ema.arrl.org or contact KW1U for help.

Below is the May traffic report for all Massachusetts traffic nets and traffic handlers who have submitted reports, including information on where and when to find traffic nets. Anyone wishing to be included in future reports please contact KW1U for more information.

73, Marcia KW1U
STM Eastern and Western Mass

MASSACHUSETTS STM REPORTS 2020 May-20      
                 
NET SESSIONS  QTC QNI QTR NM FREQ Net Time  
                 
WMTN C1 24 3 253 97 KD2JKV 146.91 1300 Daily  
WMTN C2 24 2 224 190 N1YCW 146.91 1700 Daily  
MARI 31 138 162 551 KW1U 3565 KHz 1900 Daily  
EM2MN 31 161 437 1120 KC1HHO 145.23 2000 Daily  
CM2MN 15 12 83 113 KK1X 146.97 2100 Daily  
HHTN 18 35 244 390 W1HAI MMRA Rptrs 2200 Su,M,W,F  
CITN 18 6 93 224 AC7RB 147.375 1930 Tu,Th,F, Sa  
MARIPN 13 32 81 195 N1LAH 3978 KHz 1700 Tu,Th,Sa  
WARPSN 5 10 110 NA N1IQI 147.225 0830 Su  
WMEN/HF 4 0 107 75 N1CPE 3944 KHz 0830 Su  
WMEN/VHF 4 0 93 40 N1PUA 146.91 0900 Su  
  187 399 1887 2955        
                 
SAR ORG REC SENT DEL TOTAL BPL BPL = 500+ points
                 
KW1U 0 318 298 0 616 X    
N1IQI 0 100 461 4 565 X    
N1TF 1 46 50 5 102      
W1RVY 1 74 22 2 99      
KC1KVY 0 26 31 17 74      
N1LAH 0 27 27 2 56      
WA1LPM 0 17 36 0 53      
KC1HHO 0 36 12 3 51      
KE1ML 0 15 24 5 44      
WA1VAB 0 12 14 12 38      
NV1N 0 13 23 1 37      
KD2JKV 0 14 14 0 28      
W1JWM 2 11 3 5 21      
W1PLK 0 3 3 2 8      
KC1HOQ 0 1 5 1 7      
                 
PSHR  (Min 70 Points) 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL  
                 
KW1U 40 40 30 0 0 20 130  
N1TF 40 40 30 5 0 0 115  
N1IQI 40 40 10 10 0 10 110  
KD2JKV 40 40 30 0 0 0 110  
W1RVY 33 40 30 0 0 0 103  
N1LAH 40 40 20 0 0 0 100  
KE1ML 40 40 10 0 0 10 100  
KC1HHO 33 40 20 0 0 0 93  
KC1KVY 40 40 10 0 0 0 90  
WA1LPM 40 40 10 0 0 0 90  
NV1N 27 37 10 0 0 0 74  
                 
DRS RCV FWD TOTAL          
                 
KW1U 705 601 1306          
N1IQI 100 461 561          
W1RVY 0 7 7          
W1JWM 2 6 8          
                 
Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

June Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net Canceled

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

John O’Neill – K1JRO writes:

Good Evening Everyone,

My apologies for the late notice. I was hoping that one of the members from the SSHARG would be able to take the net this month. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Therefore, the June 6 EMHN is cancelled.

I believe that with the next phased re-opening on June 8th, Massachusetts health care facilities will be asking their locked-out volunteers to return. Once this happens, we can all get back into our shacks. If all goes well, SSHARG will be able to include Winlink and DMR testing in the monthly net soon.

73’s Stay Safe,
John O’Neill – K1JRO

South Shore Health Amateur Radio Group – W1SSH
55 Fogg Road, Box 42
South Weymouth, MA 02190

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday 6/1/2020 at 830 PM EDT

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

The June Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday June 1st, 2020 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:

http://www.mmra.org/repeaters/repeater_index_by_linkstate.html

We look forward to your participation and remember, we are always looking for Net Controls to run the ARES Net. For tonight’s ARES Net, we will discuss the start of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season and provide a brief COVID-19-Update as we continue to monitor this health emergency from a communications needs perspective and what you can do as ARES volunteers or general Amateur Radio Operators during this health emergency to prepare for any communications issues during this time. A link to a document that we had created for ARES awareness in April 2020 is available at the following link:

https://ema.arrl.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Eastern-Massachusetts-ARES-COVID-19-Update.pdf

We will also review the recent training and exercise activities during the month of May. Reports on those events will be posted via email and on the Eastern Massachusetts ARES Web Site at https://ema.arrl.org/ares. 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 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org
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Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

UPDATED: Eastern Massachusetts ARES to Participate in National Red Cross Exercise and WX4NHC On-Air Test – Saturday May 30th 2020

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

**SECTION EXERCISE PLAN UPDATED WITH ADDITIONAL FREQUENCY INFORMATION – REMAINDER BELOW IS UNCHANGED**

Eastern Massachusetts ARES will participate in a National Red Cross exercise on Saturday May 30th, 2020 from 1000 AM-1200 PM (setup time starting as early as 900 AM). The exercise is split into two parts with Part A being the ARES component and Part B being handled by a small number of ARES members who are also part of Red Cross.

The exercise has been adapted to allow for a partial weather scenario to encourage Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters to participate and to allow participation in other modes used traditionally in the section including Echolink and IRLP. A high-level Eastern Massachusetts section plan has been generated and is available here:

RedCross-Eastern MA-ARES Exercise 1.7 05-28-20

Section wide frequency and Echolink/IRLP plans are in the section plan. For local frequency information, please reach out to your ARES DEC/ADEC or EC for this info and their contact info is available at the following link:

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Page

As Eastern Massachusetts ARES SEC, I can also be reached for questions as well as needed but we would like to drive interaction with other ARES leadership as part of exercise preparation.

We realize we have posted this exercise information on fairly short notice. Part of that is intentional to simulate a scenario where a potential ARES activation could occur with just a few days notice. We have also built the preparation process for the exercise in a way to push ARES member to ARES EC/ADEC/DEC leader interaction ahead of the exercise.

Also occurring on Saturday May 30th is the WX4NHC On-Air Communications Test done annually prior to each Atlantic hurricane season. We encourage all Amateurs to participate in this test as well and we may get WX4NHC operators to participate briefly in our exercise as well. Details on the WX4NHC On-Air Test can be seen at the following link:

WX4NHC On-Air Test – Saturday May 30th 2020 9 AM-5 PM EDT Information

Many thanks to folks that can participate and thanks for your continued 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)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
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Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts ARES to Participate in National Red Cross Exercise and WX4NHC On-Air Test – Saturday May 30th 2020

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

Eastern Massachusetts ARES will participate in a National Red Cross exercise on Saturday May 30th, 2020 from 1000 AM-1200 PM (setup time starting as early as 900 AM). The exercise is split into two parts with Part A being the ARES component and Part B being handled by a small number of ARES members who are also part of Red Cross.

The exercise has been adapted to allow for a partial weather scenario to encourage Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters to participate and to allow participation in other modes used traditionally in the section including Echolink and IRLP. A high-level Eastern Massachusetts section plan has been generated and is available here:

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Exercise Plan for National Red Cross Exercise

Local frequency plans are not in the current section plan though we are building a list and will update the plan one last time on Friday 5/29/20. Section wide frequency and Echolink/IRLP plans are in the section plan. For local frequency information, please reach out to your ARES DEC/ADEC or EC for this info and their contact info is available at the following link:

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Page

As Eastern Massachusetts ARES SEC, I can also be reached for questions as well as needed but we would like to drive interaction with other ARES leadership as part of exercise preparation.

We realize we have posted this exercise information on fairly short notice. Part of that is intentional to simulate a scenario where a potential ARES activation could occur with just a few days notice. We have also built the preparation process for the exercise in a way to push ARES member to ARES EC/ADEC/DEC leader interaction ahead of the exercise.

Also occurring on Saturday May 30th is the WX4NHC On-Air Communications Test done annually prior to each Atlantic hurricane season. We encourage all Amateurs to participate in this test as well and we may get WX4NHC operators to participate briefly in our exercise as well. Details on the WX4NHC On-Air Test can be seen at the following link:

WX4NHC On-Air Test – Saturday May 30th 2020 9 AM-5 PM EDT Information

The Eastern Mass ARES section plan for the ARES/Red Cross national exercise will be updated again on Friday 5/29/20. Many thanks to folks that can participate and thanks for your continued 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)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
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MASSACHUSETTS TRAFFIC REPORT FOR APRIL 2020

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 under the National Traffic System.  Use this link https://ema.arrl.org/national-traffic-system/nts-resources/ to find articles including a Fillable Radiogram form you can download and print. There is a list of the ITU Phonetic Alphabet which is the global standard for voice message handling.  You will also find a list of Prowords and Introductory Words and Phrases we use when voicing a radiogram.  These are important to the receiving station in copying a message accurately. You will also find a list of ARL Numbered Radiograms which are optionally used to shorten messages and increase accuracy.  Message Handling Instructions are an optional part of the Header of a Radiogram but it is important to know what they mean when you receive one.  To get more of an overview of NTS you can read the NTS Manual (2015), and of course there is what is often referred to as the NTS Bible known as the MPG (Methods and Practices Guidelines) which can be found at www.arrl.org/appendix-b-nts-methods-and-practices-guidelines.  This is a resource guide compiled from years of experience in message handling, which is well indexed for looking up information and finding examples. Check with your net manager regarding training, check the online resources and/or email me at kw1u@arrl.net.
The April traffic report for Massachusetts is found below.  See you on the nets.
 
MASSACHUSETTS STM REPORTS 2020 Apr-20      
                 
NET SESSIONS QTC QNI QTR NM FREQ Net Time  
                 
WMTN C1 17 3 186 114 N1YCW 146.91 1300 Daily  
WMTN C2 24 0 375 67 KD2JKV 146.91 1700 Daily  
MARI 30 108 165 477 KW1U 3565 KHz 1900 Daily  
EM2MN 30 114 410 946 KC1HHO 145.23 2000 Daily  
CM2MN 15 1 116 127 KK1X 146.97 2100 Daily  
HHTN 17 44 220 344 W1HAI MMRA Rptrs 2200 Su,M,W,F  
CITN 17 6 92 223 AC7RB 147.375 1930 Tu,Th F,Sa  
MARIPN 13 14 77 161 N1LAH 3978 KHz 1700 Tu,Th,Sa  
WARPSN 4 8 90 NA N1IQI 147.225 0830 Su  
WMEN/HF 4 0 115 80 W1JWN 3944 KHz 0830 Su  
WMEN/VHF 4 0 81 52 N1PUA 146.91 0900 Su  
  171 298 1846 2539        
                 
SAR ORG REC SENT DEL TOTAL BPL BPL = 500+ points
                 
N1IQI 0 103 522 4 629 X    
KW1U 0 285 301 0 586 X    
N1TF 0 40 58 6 104      
KC1KVY 0 27 40 11 78      
WA1LPM 0 30 36 0 66      
W1RVY 0 51 12 0 63      
KD2JKV 0 23 23 0 46      
KE1ML 0 11 31 3 45      
WA1VAB 0 19 14 10 43      
KC1HHO 0 28 3 0 31      
N1LAH 0 14 16 0 30      
NV1N 1 2 13 1 17      
W1PLK 0 1 1 0 2      
                 
PSHR (Min 70 Points) 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL  
                 
KW1U 40 40 30 0 0 20 130  
N1TF 40 40 30 5 0 0 115  
W1RVY 40 40 30 0 0 0 110  
N1IQI 40 40 10 10 0 10 110  
KD2JKV 40 40 30 0 0 0 110  
KE1ML 40 40 10 0 0 10 100  
N1LAH 40 30 20 0 0 0 90  
KC1KVY 40 40 10 0 0 0 90  
WA1LPM 40 40 10 0 0 0 90  
KC1HHO 32 31 20 0 0 0 83  
                 
DRS RCV FWD TOTAL          
                 
KW1U 816 731 1547          
N1IQI 103 522 625          
W1RVY 0 2 2          
                 
Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Monthly Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net Reports for April and May 2020

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

Here are net reports for the monthly Eastern Massachusetts ARES Nets for April and May 2020:

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net for April 6th, 2020:

KD1CY-Rob-New Bedford, MA (Net Control Station)
WA1OEZ-Bob-Taunton, MA- Army MARS Liaison
W1SHS-Stu-Franklin, MA
KB1OQA-Tom-Wayland, MA
K1LXV-John-Mendon, MA
KA1NMA-Bob-Plymouth, MA
W1HAI-Joe-Natick, MA
W1RVY-Eric-Southbridge, MA
WB1EMS-Joe-Milton, MA
N8TFD-Steve-Cincinnati, OH, ARES DEC For District 4 Ohio
KC1FUH-Patrick-Arlington, MA
KI4SZF-Chris-Sarasota FL
N1YLQ-Sparky-Burlington, MA
KB1NZZ-Chet-Quincy, MA
N1JCM-Jeff-Walpole, MA
N1UMJ-John-Taunton, MA
W1HFP-Jason-Hudson, MA
KC1MCW-Wayne-Milford, MA
AE1EI-Kevin-Bellingham, MA
W3EVE-Steve-Wrentham, MA
KC1FUN-Joe-Arlington, MA
KC1MSN-Bernie-Milton, MA

Including NCS 22 stations in 46 minutes.

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net May 4th, 2020 Net Report

W1HAI-Joe-Natick, MA -Net Control Statation
KD1CY-Rob-New Bedford, MA
KB1OQA-Tom-Wayland, MA
N1OSG-Andy-Quincy, MA
AC2IR-Ted-Lincoln, MA
KC1BOO-Ernie-Norton, MA
W1SHS-Stuart-Franklin, MA
W3EVE-Steve-Wrentham, MA
KV1J-Eric-Marlboro, MA
KB1OKU-Gabriel-Haverhill, MA
N1XTB-Phil-Middleboro, MA
KC1MSN-Bernie-Milton, MA
KC1GFY-Garrett-Andover, MA
N1WEN-Bill-Natick, MA
KI4SZF-Chris-Sarasota FL
KC1FTJ-John North Chelmsford, MA
KC1FUT-Jessie-Blackstone, MA
KA1RSY-Ed-New Bedford, MA
KB1QAT-Gary-Concord, MA
KB1NZZ-Chet-Quincy, MA

Including NCS – 20 stations in 44 minutes.

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)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
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Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday 5/4/20 at 830 PM ET

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

The May Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday May 4, at 8:30 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:

http://www.mmra.org/repeaters/repeater_index_by_linkstate.html

We look forward to your participation and remember, we are always looking for Net Controls to run the ARES Net. For tonight’s ARES Net, we will be providing another update on COVID-19, what we are doing to monitor this health emergency from a communications needs perspective and what you can do as ARES volunteers or general Amateur Radio Operators during this health emergency to prepare for any communications issues during this time. A link to a document that we had created for ARES awareness last month is available at the following link:
https://ema.arrl.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Eastern-Massachusetts-ARES-COVID-19-Update.pdf

We will also have some announcements on training and exercise opportunities in the month of May. Updates on those events will be posted via email and on the Eastern Massachusetts ARES Web Site at https://ema.arrl.org/ares. 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 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
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Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

May 04 2020 – MEMA RACES / ACS / Emergency Communications Net

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Mike “Sparky” Leger-N1YLQ, MEMA Region 2 RACES Radio Officer writes:

Hello to all,

I hope that everyone and your families and friends are continuing to stay healthy! Trying to remember what day it is has been a challenge as the normal workweek and routines have long since gone out the window as we distance socially from others… and temporally from our daily routines to make things work as best we can.

Tomorrow, May 4th 2020 is the first non-holiday Monday of the month and, as such, is our RACES/ACS/Preparedness night. We will be holding our sector nets on the normally assigned frequencies. As with last month, many EOCs and Community operating points are not accessible by our operators, so I continue to ask those who cant get to their EOC or normal RACES operating post to please check in from home or a mobile rig if possible.

As always, I am looking for Net Control stations to staff two of the four sector nets for the evening. Sector 2D is already covered as it always is. I can run the Sector 2A net from my home QTH in Acushnet (though if someone else wants to act as NCS for 2A for some practice, I am more than happy to let them have at it.) I am looking for NCS operators for Sector 2B (Plymouth County) and 2C (Cape and Islands.) Please let me know if you are interested,

For the net we will once again be working with the form AR-2 AR2 SHORT FORM INSTRUCTIONS and collecting information from our RACES operators. I have attached the AR 2 Short Form for reference. I will be looking for the following data items from the Form AR-2 during what would normally be our simplex test…

Items 1, 2 (If still activated), 3 (If still activated), 4, 5, 6, and 17.

Any requests or updates that do not fall within the AR-2 parameters can be sent using NTS formatted messages.

I am asking that all Net Control Stations please record the information from the AR-2 in a spreadsheet that you can e-mail or on a piece of notebook paper that you can scan or send to me as a photo.

I continue to ask that any operators who have the time, please try to check into sector nets from near-by sections. This will allow any 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.

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

Sector 2A
147.00 /+0.60 PL
19:30 Local

Sector 2B
145.39/-0.60 PL 67.0
20:00 Local

Sector 2C
146.955/-0.60 PL 88.5
20:00 Local

Sector 2D
146.865/-0.60 PL 103.2
19:30 Local

6-Meter State Net
53.31 / – 1.0 PL 71.9

Note: 53.31 has been reported to be having difficulties lately.
The appropriate people are aware and working to remedy any issues.
19:00 Local

MA RACES HF Net
3930 KHz LSB moving up to 3955 KHz until there is a clear frequency
18:45 Local

I appreciate you all answering the call to serve even when things are uncertain and tough to manage as they can be right now. Thank you all for helping us keep things on track and prove that we remain consistent. This net provides a monthly reminder that we stand ready with a quiet professionalism prepared to serve as a voice to whomever needs one to get help and resources where they should be.

If you know someone who would benefit from being on this list, please have them contact me at 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 Hospital Net – Saturday 5/2/20 at 1000 AM EDT

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

EMA ARES – DEC Healthcare Liaison – K1JRO-John O’Neill writes:

Thanks to the Allan and the group at the Mansfield EOC for stepping up and taking Net Control for 2 months in a row.

At the conclusion of the regular analog net, after the net closes, I would like to try the DMR Net once again. Plea​se see the bottom of this note for the DMR details. NEDECN (NEDECN.ORG) is graciously supporting the EMHN by providing us with our own Talkgroup on a number of their repeaters covering Eastern MA. I would ask that those interested in DMR to consider a donation to NEDECN and / or becoming a member. Their network of linked repeaters throughout New England is extensive.

Net Control for the May 2, 2020 Eastern MA Hospital Net will be the Mansfield EOC. The net will commence at the usual time of 10: AM using the following repeaters / frequencies in the order listed.

1. Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5
2. Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67.0
3. Plymouth 146.685 tone 131.8
Simplex 147.42

The Net will then return to the Sharon Repeater for any final comments and 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 or EOC of any city or town that is served by one of the participating hospitals to join the Net. We also extend an invitation to any RACES or ARES member 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 giving Net Control a try please let us know. We can be reached by sending an email to ssharg@outlook.com. The goal is to rotate Net Control practice and the experience among as many individuals and groups as possible.

South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Group is seeking licensed Amateur Radio Operators to join their group. For information on joining them please contact Amy Parker in Volunteer Services at AParker@southshorehealth.org

We thank the repeater trustees for their generosity in allowing us to conduct the monthly nets and the use of their systems in an actual event. The following list of repeaters is available for our use. Only a few systems are used each month with the selection of those used made by Net Control for that month. More systems are being added to the list on a regular basis.

Analog Repeaters
Attleboro 147.195 tone 127.3 (Sturdy Memorial Hospital)
Belmont 145.430 tone 146.2
Boston 145.230 tone encode 88.5 tone decode 100.0
Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67.0
Danvers 145.47 tone 136.5
Dartmouth 147.000 tone 67.0
Fall River 146.805. tone 67.0
Falmouth 147.375 tone 110.9
Mansfield EMA 446.925 tone 100.0
Mansfield 147.015 tone 67.0
Marshfield 145.390 tone 67.0
Norwood 147.210 tone 100.00
Plymouth 146.685 tone 131.8
Salem 146.88 tone 118.8
Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5
Weymouth 147.345 tone 110.9 (South Shore Hospital)
W. Bridgewater 146.775 DCS 244
Wrentham 147.09 tone 146.2

DMR Repeaters
NEDECN DMR Repeaters supporting EMHN
Boston 449.1750 Offset -5.00 CC1
Hingham 146.4300 Offset -1.500 CC1
Bourne 145.2000 Offset -0.600 CC10
Dennis 146.4700 Offset -1.500 CC11
Martha’s Vineyard 145.180 Offset -0.600 CC10

All repeaters: EMHN Talkgroup #8851 Time slot #1

We look forward to hearing from you all on the Net.

Respectfully,

John O’Neill K1JRO
President, South Shore Health Amateur Radio Group
EMA ARES – DEC Healthcare Liaison

South Shore Health Amateur Radio Group – W1SSH
55 Fogg Road, Box 42
South Weymouth, MA 02190

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern MA Hospital Net, May 2, 2020

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Good Morning Everyone,
 
I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy.  The members of the South Shore Hospital Radio Group are still prohibited from entering the hospital as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. I imagine other hospitals are practicing the same precautions.  This Saturday, being the first Saturday of the month is the Eastern MA Hospital Net. We are seeking an individual to volunteer as Net Control for the month of May as well as volunteers for next few months until we can all get back to our hospital shacks. 
 
If you have access to an EOC, Home Station, or know of a location where you can reach a few repeaters from your vehicle that’s all you need. We will provide a Net Preamble that has been slimmed down taking into consideration the current environment. Attached is the list of repeaters available for our use. Select 3 you can reach from your location and I will send out the monthly notice. 
 
Thanks,
John O’ – K1JRO
 
South Shore Health Amateur Radio Group
South Shore Hospital
55 Fogg Rd. Mail-Stop 42
South Weymouth, MA 02190

—

Eastern Mass Hospital Net
Repeater and Simplex Frequencies

May 2020

Repeaters:
Attleboro 147.195 tone 127.3 (Sturdy Memorial Hospital)
Belmont 145.430 tone 146.2
Boston 145.230 tone encode 88.5 tone decode 100.0
Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67.0
Danvers 145.47 tone 136.5
Dartmouth 147.000 tone 67.0
Fall River 146.805. tone 67.0
Falmouth 147.375 tone 110.9
Mansfield EMA 446.925 tone 100.0
Mansfield 147.015 tone 67.0
Marshfield 145.390 tone 67.0
Norwood 147.210 tone 100.00
Plymouth 146.685 tone 131.8
Salem 146.88 tone 118.8
Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5
Weymouth 147.345 tone 110.9 (South Shore Hospital)
W. Bridgewater 146.775 dcs 244
Wrentham 147.09 tone 146.2
Primary Repeater: Plymouth 146.685 tone 131.8
Secondary Repeater: W. Bridgewater 146.775 dcs 244

Simplex Frequencies:
Primary: 147.420
Secondary: ? (TBD)

MASSACHUSETTS TRAFFIC REPORT FOR MAR 2020

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 had 44 different amateurs checking in with a total of 330  for the month.  While this is a traffic net and any message traffic is handled first, there has been a tradition to have a round of comments with an opportunity to share our various activities.  It seems a number of folks have been joining us and hopefully learning something about message handling and net operation in the process.
 
The MARI CW net welcomes a new traffic handler, Tim KC1HOQ who lives on Cape Cod.  He has been a welcome addition as an outlet for Cape traffic and has already handled his first message on this net.
 
To those in the western part of the state, there has been a change in net times for their 2 meter nets on the Mt Greylock repeater.  They now meet at 1300 and again at 1700 to provide outlets into and out of the First Region Net.
 
As always we appreciate all the efforts of the other traffic nets in Massachusetts.  Thanks for your support and keep up the good work.
 
73, Marcia KW1U STM
 
MASSACHUSETTS STM REPORTS 2020 Mar-20      
                 
NET SESSIONS QTC QNI QTR NM FREQ Net Time  
                 
WMTN C1 30 2 198 148 N1YCW 146.91 13:00 Daily  
WMTN C2 30 0 287 87 KD2JIV 146.91 17:00 Daily  
MARI 31 114 138 465 KW1U 3565 KHz 19:00 Daily  
EM2MN 31 122 330 842 KC1HHO 145.23 20:00 Daily  
CM2MN 22 7 143 213 KK1X 146.97 21:00 Daily  
HHTN 18 32 198 309 W1HAI MMRA Rptrs 22:00 Su,M,W,F  
CITN 14 3 88 210 AC7RB 147.375 19:30 Tu,Th, F,Sa  
MARIPN 13 19 63 151 N1LAH 3978 KHz 17:00 Tu,Th,Sa  
WARPSN 5 10 87 NA N1IQI 147.225 08:30 Su  
WMEN 5 0 145 95 W1JWN 3944 KHz 08:30 Su  
  199 309 1677 2520        
                 
SAR ORG REC SENT DEL TOTAL BPL BPL = 500+ points
                 
N1IQI 0 114 554 4 672 X    
KW1U 0 313 298 2 613 X    
W1RVY 0 70 14 0 84      
WA1LPM 0 30 47 1 78      
WA1VAB 2 26 20 8 56      
N1LAH 0 20 27 1 48      
KC1HHO 0 33 2 2 37      
N1TF 0 14 16 5 35      
KC1KVY 0 12 20 2 34      
KE1ML 0 5 23 3 31      
NV1N 0 8 15 0 23      
W1PLK 0 9 1 7 17      
KD2JKV 0 8 8 0 16      
                 
PSHR (Min 70 Points) 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL  
                 
KW1U 40 40 30 0 0 20 130  
W1RVY 40 40 30 0 0 0 110  
N1IQI 40 40 10 10 0 10 110  
KD2JKV 40 40 30 0 0 0 110  
N1LAH 40 40 20 0 0 0 100  
KC1HHO 32 37 20 10 0 0 99  
KE1ML 40 35 10 0 0 10 95  
N1TF 20 35 30 5 0 0 90  
WA1LPM 40 40 10 0 0 0 90  
KC1KVY 40 34 10 0 0 0 84  
                 
DIGITAL REPORT            
                 
DRS RCV FWD TOTAL          
                 
KW1U 915 801 1716          
N1IQI 114 554 668          
W1RVY 0 0 0          
                 
Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday 4/6/20 at 830 PM ET – COVID-19 Communications Status Update Main Topic for Tonight’s Net

- by admin - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

The April ARES net will be Monday April 6, at 8:30 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:

http://www.mmra.org/repeaters/repeater_index_by_linkstate.html

We look forward to your participation and remember, we are always looking for Net Controls to run the ARES Net. For tonight’s ARES Net, we will be providing information on COVID-19, what we are doing to monitor this health emergency from a communications needs perspective and what you can do as ARES volunteers or general Amateur Radio Operators during this health emergency to prepare for any communications issues during this time. A link to a document that we have created for ARES member and general Amateur Radio Operator awareness is available at the following link:
Eastern Massachusetts ARES COVID 19 Update – 4/6/20

Updates will be posted via email and on the Eastern Massachusetts ARES Web Site at <https://ema.arrl.org/ares>. 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 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
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