NTS

National Traffic System (NTS), traffic handling

NTS

First Region Net Time Change

- by kw1u - Leave a Comment

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

 

MASSACHUSETTS TRAFFIC REPORT FOR JANUARY 2020

Sorry for the late posting folks.  Vacations can sometimes get in the way, but mine surely was enjoyable.  My thanks to all who helped fill in while I was away.  We have a great group of traffic handlers in MA! 
Peter KC1HHO reports EM2MN has a new ORS in Bob KC1KVY.  Bob has also taken on a regular NCS slot and doing a great job.  Peter also reports Joe WB1EMS had perfect attendance on the net. Thank you Joe for your great support. 
 
MARI CW net folks are doing a fantastic job dealing with the vagueries of low sunspot activity on HF.  We welcomed Fred N1TF back from vacation.  We surely missed him while he was away.  Brian N1BBT has been checking in regularly representing the Cape and we certainly welcome his presence.  Some years ago Brian sailed with the Mass Maritime Academy on their summer cruises and kept daily CW skeds with several of the East Mass traffic handlers relaying messages between cadets and crew and their families and friends back home.  It was a great time enjoyed by all involved, including myself.
 
In Western Mass, there have been some changes effective March 1.  The Cycle 1 Net will meet at 1:00 PM and the Cycle 2 Net at 4:00 PM  Bruce N1YCW will manage the Cycle 1 Net and Peter KD2JKV will manage the Cycle 2 Net.  Both nets meet on the Mount Greylock repeater.  Peter also reports they should have Echolink back on that repeater within a week or so which will allow some Eastern Mass folks to participate. Look for K1FFK on Echolink.
 
Below is the STM report for January.  Thanks to all for your support.
 
73, Marcia KW1U
STM EMA and WMA
 
MASSACHUSETTS STM REPORTS 2020        
                 
NET SESSIONS QTC QNI QTR NM FREQ Net Time  
                 
WMTN C1 26 3 211 133 KD2JKV 146.91 10:00 Daily  
WMTN C2 27 5 222 151 N1YCW 146.91 13:00 Daily  
MARI 31 84 101 390 KW1U 3565 KHz 19:00 Daily  
EM2MN 31 135 248 732 KC1HHO 145.23 20:00 Daily  
CM2MN 16 9 85 127 KK1X 146.97 21:00 Daily  
HHTN 18 35 128 307 W1HAI MMRA Rptrs 22:00 Su,M,W,F  
CITN 18 7 62 197 AC7RB 147.375 19:30 Tu,Th, F,Sa  
MARIPN 13 6 53 124 N1LAH 3978 KHz 17:00 Tu,Th,Sa  
WARPSN 4 8 69 NA N1IQI 147.225 08:30 Su  
WMEN 4 0 104 80 W1JWN 3944 KHz 08:30 Su  
  188 292 1283 2241        
                 
SAR ORG REC SENT DEL TOTAL BPL BPL = 500+ points
                 
N1IQI 0 159 606 4 769 X    
KW1U 0 390 377 1 768 X    
W1RVY 0 56 19 0 75      
KE1ML 0 13 30 2 45      
WA1LPM 0 19 26 0 45      
N1LAH 0 18 22 1 41      
KC1HHO 0 32 6 3 41      
KD2JKV 0 20 20 0 40      
W1PLK 0 18 8 13 39      
KC1KVY 0 12 18 3 33      
WA1VAB 0 15 11 2 28      
NV1N 0 7 21 0 28      
N1TF 1 8 14 4 27      
W1JWM 0 0 2 0 2      
                 
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  
KE1ML 40 40 10 0 0 10 100  
KC1HHO 30 40 20 0 0 0 90  
N1TF 23 27 30 5 0 0 85  
KC1KVY 40 33 10 0 0 0 83  
WA1LPM 28 40 10 0 0 0 78  
                 
DRS RCV FWD TOTAL          
                 
KW1U 524 952 1476          
N1IQI 159 606 765          
W1RVY 0 0 0          
NTS

MASSACHUSETTS TRAFFIC SUMMARY FOR 2019

- by kw1u - Leave a Comment

With many thanks to all participants for all your great efforts and support!!

Section Nets   Sessions Traffic CheckIns Time
MARI CW Daily 1900 3565 Khz 364 1185 1436 5387
MARIPN TuThSa 1700 3978 Khz 152 168 503 1340
             
EMA Local Nets          
CITN TuThFSa 1930 147.375 Mhz 195 83 799 2457
EM2MN Daily 2000 145.230 Mhz 365 1195 2669 7351
HHTN SuMWF 2200 MMRA Network 207 425 1583 3403
WARPSN Su 0830 147.225 Mhz 52 104 826 NA
             
WMA Nets          
WMN C1 Daily 1000 146.91 Mhz 335 33 3119 2336
WMN C2 Daily 1300 146.91 Mhz 296 54 2307 1832
CM2MN Daily 2100 146.97 Mhz 222 155 1233 1688
WMEN Su 0830 3944 Khz 48 0 1186 NA
             
TOTALS     2236 3402 15661 25794

MASSACHUSETTS TRAFFIC REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2019

Greetings All,
 
2019 has come to an end and I hope all had a great holiday season.  I wish all of you the best of health and happiness in 2020.
 
Winter is here and with fewer outdoor distractions (unless the snow falls) perhaps there is more time for amateur radio.  Thanks to all who helped to support the traffic nets.  Perhaps in the new year others will make the effort to learn more about message handling and net operation.  There is information on our section website (ema.arrl.org), admirably managed by Phil Temples, K9HI.  We wish to thank Phil for all his hard work for our benefit.  In addition your section traffic manager and all your net managers are always ready to help and provide guidance in learning the important skills of message handling and net operation so that we can be prepared should a need arise.  Many will tell you that in the midst of an emergency is not the time to learn.
 
I hope to have a year end report soon.  For now here are a few December stats of interest.  For 10 nets reporting, Massachusetts traffic nets held 171 sessions, with 1147 stations checking in, handling 295 messages in 2193 minutes. What dedication!!  Thanks to all for your support.
 
73, Marcia KW1U
STM East and West Mass
 
MA STM REPORT Dec-19            
                 
NET SESSIONS QTC QNI QTR NM FREQ Net Time  
                 
WMTN C1 28 4 252 215 KD2JKV 146.91 10:00 Daily  
WMTN C2 15 6 112 69 N1YCW 146.91 13:00 Daily  
MARI 31 85 95 441 KW1U 3565 KHz 19:00 Daily  
EM2MN 31 126 240 730 KC1HHO 145.23 20:00 Daily  
CM2MN 11 8 67 107 KK1X 146.97 21:00 Daily  
HHTN 18 43 121 287 W1HAI MMRA Rptrs 22:00 Su,M,W,F  
CITN 15 3 45 164 AC7RB 147.375 19:30 Tu,Th, F,Sa  
MARIPN 13 10 36 95 N1LAH 3978 KHz 17:00 Tu,Th,Sa  
WARPSN 5 10 72 NA N1IQI 147.225 08:30 Su  
WMEN 4 0 107 85 W1JWN 3944 KHz 08:30 Su  
  171 295 1147 2193        
                 
SAR ORG REC SENT DEL TOTAL BPL BPL = 500+ points
                 
N1IQI 0 97 504 4 605 X    
KW1U 0 304 300 0 604 X    
W1RVY 0 59 15 0 74      
KD2JKV 0 30 30 0 60      
N1LAH 0 25 26 3 54      
KC1HHO 0 36 9 8 53      
WA1VAB 0 18 6 18 42      
KE1ML 0 8 25 2 35      
NV1N 0 8 19 0 27      
W1PLK 0 8 4 6 18      
W1JWM 0 1 1 1 3      
N1TF No Report       0      
                 
PSHR (Min 70 Points) 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL  
                 
W1RVY 40 40 30 45 0 0 155  
KW1U 40 40 30 0 0 20 130  
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 24 40 20 15 0 0 99  
KE1ML 34 35 10 0 0 10 89  
N1TF No Report           0  
                 
DRS RCV FWD TOTAL          
                 
KW1U 542 874 1416          
N1IQI 97 504 601          
W1RVY 0 0 0          
                 
Clubs / NTS

KW1U: “Message Handling: An Important Skill in Emergency and Disaster Situations” at Algonquin ARC, January 9, 2020

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Algonquin ARC logoThe Algonquin Amateur Radio Club meeting on January 9, 2020, will feature Marcia Forde, KW1U, who will present on “Message Handling: An Important Skill in Emergency and Disaster Situations and the Role of the National Traffic System.” 

AARC’s January newsletter can be read at: <https://www.qsl.net/n1em/QRZ/AARC_Jan_2020.pdf>.

Club meetings are held at 7:30 PM in the library of the 1st Lt. Charles W. Whitcomb Middle School in Marlborough, 25 Union Avenue. Use Door #1 at rear of building.

Emergency Communications / NTS / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Stand-By – Sunday December 29th, 2019 2300 Local Until Further Notice for Late December 2019 Ice Storm Potential

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

*** EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ARES PLACED ON STAND-BY FOR ALL AREAS EFFECTIVE 2300 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 UNTIL CANCELED DUE TO POTENTIAL IMPACTS FROM FORECAST ICE STORM IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN MA ***
*** ICE STORM WARNINGS ARE IN EFFECT FOR NORTHERN WORCESTER / NORTHEERN MIDDLESEX IN CENTRAL MA AS WELL AS WESTERN FRANKLIN/HAMPSHIRE/HAMPDEN COUNTIES AND BERKSHIRE COUNTY IN WESTERN MA UNTIL 7AM TUESDAY ***
*** ICE ACCRETION OF AT LEAST ½ INCH IS EXPECTED IN THE WARNING AREA. SOME AREAS COULD APPROACH ¾ INCH OF ICE ACCRETION ***
*** WINTER WEATHER ADVISORIES ARE IN EFFECT FOR THE REMAINDER OF WESTERN/CENTRAL/NORTHEAST MA UNTIL 7AM FOR UP TO ONE INCH OF SNOW AND A GLAZE TO 0.4” OF ICE ACCRETION ***
*** ICE ACCRETION OF ½ INCH OR GREATER HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT TREE AND WIRE DAMAGE AND WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGES LASTING FOR 24 HOURS OR MORE. ICE ACCRETION OF ¼ TO ½ INCH HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE ISOLATED INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUES. ***
*** SKYWARN OPS AT NWS-NORTON TO COMMENCE AROUND 0530 MONDAY ***

A significant winter storm is taking shape across the northeast with the potential to cause ice accretion greater than ½ inch across portions of the Ice Storm warning area, particularly in higher elevations where there is the highest risk. This would create the potential of significant and possibly prolonged power outages to those areas with the highest accretion. Areas that are under the Winter Weather Advisory have the potential to see anywhere from a glaze to 0.4” of ice accretion which can result in isolated power outages and tree damage. An inch of snow or sleet is also possible in these areas. Please refer to the SKYWARN storm coordination message below for further information on the storm.

SKYWARN activation will take place starting at 0530 Monday to monitor for damage and ice accretion reports. SKYWARN will be running various nets across our section on the assigned SKYWARN repeaters, and the list of SKYWARN repeaters can be found at: http://wx1box.org/southern-new-england-skywarn-frequency-list/

The latest SKYWARN coordination message for this storm (as of 2200, December 29) is at: http://wx1box.org/2019/12/30/storm-coordination-message-4-sunday-evening-12-29-19-through-tuesday-afternoon-12-31-19-wintry-mix-ice-storm-potential/

For the latest bulletins please visit http://wx1box.org/

Due to the potential of prolonged power outages and the possibility of communications support needed for isolated areas, Eastern MA ARES has been placed on stand-by effective 2300 on Sunday and lasting until cancelled. Please notify ARES leadership of availability to deploy for any post storm support. All amateurs during the storm are asked to shelter in place and monitor their local SKYWARN repeaters to help relay damage; infrastructure issues; ice accretion; change over between freezing rain/sleet/snow; and any other pertinent information. ARES members are advised to continue to maintain readiness at home and check your emergency power and antenna situation.

In advance of the storm, please advise your local EC/DEC/ADEC (SEC/DEC listed below) of your availability to support a potential deployment anytime over the next 48 hours. We are creating a list of availability for ARESMAT (ARES Mutual Aid Team) deployment if needed for various local EOC’s, Red Cross, Salvation Army, NWS Storm Survey Teams, and hospitals as required. Keep your situational awareness level high for any updates from ARES leadership by checking your email for updates and our ARES web site at http://ema.arrl.org/ares and monitoring local SKYWARN/ARES/RACES frequencies for any updates on this developing situation.

When sending your availability, please send the following: Name, Call-sign, License Class, Capability (HF / VHF / UHF), Availability, and any other special notes we should be aware of. Also, please let us know if you can do an ARESMAT to the Western Massachusetts sections as most of the impacts will be experienced in Central and Western MA for this anticipated ice storm. We ask that as you contact your DEC, please send a copy of the message to blizzard@nsradio.org where multiple members of the EMA ARES Leadership will be able to access your availability.
What is ARES Stand-By mode?

ARES stand-by mode is to alert Amateurs within ARES that a mobilization is possible on a wide-scale and that some localized mobilizations are or could be taking place in isolated areas. It means to take a look at your Go-Kit and have batteries and equipment ready to go and charged up and take care of any requirements at home in case a mobilization is required and you can participate. Do NOT self-deploy. Wait for guidance from leadership for any deployment. It is an honor to be ready even if you don’t deploy for the event. Hopefully, this is just another exercise of our preparedness and capabilities. If not, the ARES leadership looks forward to working with you if any wide scale mobilization is required after the impact of this major storm to the region is fully understood.

Thanks for your continued support of Eastern Massachusetts ARES, as well as Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you all!

Respectfully Submitted,
Jim Palmer (KB1KQW)
North Shore ARES District Emergency Coordinator

SEC/ASEC:
SEC – KD1CY – rmacedo@rcn.com
ASEC – N1YLQ – mpleger@comcast.net

DECs:
Essex County – KB1KQW – kb1kqw@nsradio.org
Middlesex County – KB1KQW – kb1kqw@nsradio.org
Metro-Boston – KB1KQW – kb1kqw@nsradio.org
Metro-Boston – K1BTH – bthaskell@gmail.com
Norfolk County – W3EVE – w3eve@arrl.net
Bristol County – N1YLQ – mpleger@comcast.net
Plymouth County – N1YLQ – mpleger@comcast.net
Cape & Islands – WQ1O – wq1o@comcast.com

MASSACHUSETTS TRAFFIC REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2019

My apologies yet again for the delay in posting the November Massachusetts traffic and net report.  It did go into HQ in time to make QST but life got in the way of posting to all you great traffic handlers and net participants.  I hope you all had a very enjoyable holiday season and maybe Santa brought you some new radio gear.  It has been a good year, although with some sadness including the passing of Jim Ward N1LKJ and Greg Bennett KC1CIC, but now we look forward to 2020.  I wish all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
73, Marcia KW1U, STM EMA and WMA

MA STM REPORT Nov-19            
                 
NET SESSIONS QTC QNI QTR NM FREQ Net Time  
                 
WMTN C1 22 4 177 161 KD2JKV 146.91 10:00 Daily  
WMTN C2 24 3 162 158 N1YCW 146.91 13:00 Daily  
MARI 29 119 94 502 KW1U 3565 KHz 19:00 Daily  
EM2MN 30 97 216 634 KC1HHO 145.23 20:00 Daily  
CM2MN 18 2 89 133 KK1X 146.97 21:00 Daily  
HHTN 16 49 107 274 W1HAI MMRA Rptrs 22:00 Su,M,W,F  
CITN 14 4 49 166 AC7RB 147.375 19:30 Tu,Th, F,Sa  
MARIPN 11 1 18 64 N1LAH 3978 KHz 18:00 Tu,Th,Sa  
WARPSN 4 8 63 NA N1IQI 147.225 08:30 Su  
WMEN 4 0 119 88 W1JWN 3944 KHz 08:30 Su  
                 
SAR ORG REC SENT DEL TOTAL BPL BPL = 500+ points
                 
N1IQI 0 102 506 4 612 X    
KW1U 0 300 279 0 579 X    
N1TF 0 41 49 2 92      
KD2JKV 0 39 39 0 78      
W1RVY 0 56 13 1 70      
WA1VAB 0 18 8 18 44      
KC1HHO 1 32 3 7 43      
N1LAH 0 18 22 1 41      
W1PLK 1 16 8 13 38      
KE1ML 0 11 21 2 34      
NV1N 0 3 9 0 12      
W1JWM 0 3 0 3 6      
                 
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  
W1RVY 40 40 30 0 0 0 110  
KD2JKV 40 40 30 0 0 0 110  
N1LAH 40 40 20 0 0 0 100  
KE1ML 39 34 10 0 0 10 93  
KC1HHO 24 40 20 0 0 0 84  
                 
DRS RCV FWD TOTAL          
                 
KW1U 540 896 1436          
N1IQI 102 506 608          
W1RVY 0 0 0          
                 
NTS

Massachusetts Rhode Island Phone Net Time Change

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Ralph, N1LAH, MARIPN Net Manager, writes:

Thanks to all who responded to my email about changing the time of the Massachusetts Rhode Island Phone Net (MARIPN) from 6:00 PM in the hope that propagation will be more favorable at an earlier time. All who responded indicated that 5:00 and  5:30 were equally acceptable. Hoping for even slightly better propagation 5:00 seems like the better choice.

In consultation with the Section leadership I have decided, at least temporarily, to change the net time to 5:00 PM, starting with the first net day of the New Year, Thursday, January 2, 2020.

A couple of us have been monitoring around 3.978 MHz for a while. There has been regular activity at 3.983 MHz and 3.969 MHz but not much in between – at least not much heard under current conditions. It seems that we can stay on the net frequency of 3.978 MHz.
 
Please help spread the word about MARIPN and the new net time. Thanks again.
 
Starting on Thursday, January 2, and on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays thereafter the Massachusetts Rhode Island Phone Net will meet:
 
  • At 5:00 PM (2200 UTC)
  • On or about 3.978 MHz
Thanks again for your net participation and support.
 
73 and holiday greetings,
 
Ralph, N1LAH, MARIPN Net Manager
 
Ralph Devlin, N1LAH
1 Caulfield Road
Wayland, MA 01778-4611
n1lah@arrl.net
(H) 508-655-0112
(C) 508-259-5126

MASSACHUSETTS TRAFFIC REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2019

Below is the combined October STM traffic report for Eastern and Western Massachusetts.  A special thanks to all net managers for a fine job of keeping the nets running smoothly, as well as all those who help relaying and delivering the messages.  A special thanks to Bob KC1KVY who handled his first messages this past month and has continued to do a very commendable job. We are always happy to see the many other participants who are most welcome to join us at any time.  We would of course like to see more jump in and take advantage of the training and practice in message handling for which NTS is noted. If interested please contact either your respective net manager or Section Traffic Manager KW1U.
 
Holiday Greetings to All and 73,
Marcia KW1U
STM EMA and WMA
 
MA STM REPORT Oct-19            
                 
NET SESSIONS QTC QNI QTR NM FREQ Net Time  
                 
WMTN C1 20 1 199 82 KD2JKV 146.91 10:00 Daily  
WMTN C2 24 4 173 170 N1YCW 146.91 13:00 Daily  
MARI 31 95 120 395 KW1U 3565 KHz 19:00 Daily  
EM2MN 31 102 217 566 KC1HHO 145.23 20:00 Daily  
CM2MN 15 10 71 101 KK1X 146.97 21:00 Daily  
HHTN 17 42 133 302 W1HAI MMRA Rptrs 22:00 Su,M,W,F  
CITN 16 4 60 188 AC7RB 147.375 19:30 Tu,Th, F,Sa  
MARIPN 14 27 53 148 N1LAH 3978 KHz 18:00 Tu,Th,Sa  
WARPSN 4 8 62 NA N1IQI 147.225 08:30 Su  
WMEN 4 0 94 82 W1JWN 3944 KHz 08:30 Su  
                 
SAR ORG REC SENT DEL TOTAL BPL BPL = 500+ points
                 
KW1U 82 245 299 7 633 X    
N1IQI 0 95 425 4 524 X    
N1TF 0 39 55 1 95      
W1RVY 0 67 18 7 92      
KC1HHO 0 36 8 14 58      
KE1ML 0 16 20 8 44      
N1LAH 0 22 18 1 41      
KD2JKV 0 18 18 0 36      
WA1LPM 0 10 16 1 27      
WA1VAB 0 7 13 7 27      
NV1N 0 7 13 1 21      
W1PLK 0 6 5 6 17      
                 
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  
W1RVY 40 40 30 0 0 0 110  
KC1HHO 25 40 20 20 5 0 110  
KD2JKV 40 36 30 0 0 0 106  
N1LAH 40 40 20 0 0 0 100  
KE1ML 33 40 10 0 0 10 93  
WA1LPM 39 27 10 0 0 0 76  
                 
DRS RCV FWD TOTAL          
                 
KW1U 747 961 1708          
N1IQI 95 425 520          
W1RVY 1 13 14          
                 

MASSACHUSETTS TRAFFIC REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2019

Below is the traffic report for both Eastern and Western Massachusetts.  I hope everyone is enjoying fall in New England with all its many colors.  It has been quite gorgeous this year.  Lots of public service events going on and also time to get those antennas ready for  a winter I hear could be quite cold and snowy.  If you haven’t tried handling a formal message we hope you will give it a try.  It isn’t that hard, it is fun, and some day you may be called upon to handle a  message in an emergency.  Training and help is always available.  Just ask, me, your net manager or any of the net control stations.
 
Thanks to all for your support of the nets and 73,
Marcia KW1U
STM EMA and WMA
 
MA STM REPORT Sep-19          
               
NET SESSIONS QTC QNI QTR NM FREQ Net Time
               
WMTN C1 25 0 215 73 KD2JKV 146.91 10:00 Daily
WMTN C2 30 4 141 62 N1YCW 146.91 13:00 Daily
MARI 30 116 131 430 KW1U 3565 KHz 19:00 Daily
EM2MN 30 89 238 628 KC1HHO 145.23 20:00 Daily
CM2MN 16 6 98 118 KK1X 146.97 21:00 Daily
HHTN 18 21 122 255 W1HAI MMRA Rptrs 22:00 Su,M,W,F
CITN 16 7 58 157 AC7RB 147.375 19:30 Tu,Th, F,Sa
MARIPN 12 9 39 98 N1LAH 3978 KHz 18:00 Tu,Th,Sa
WARPSN 5 10 77 NA N1IQI 147.225 08:30 Su
WMEN 4 0 73 57 W1JWN 3944 KHz 08:30 Su
               
SAR ORG REC SENT DEL TOTAL BPL BPL = 500+ points
               
KW1U 0 272 264 0 536 X  
N1IQI 0 46 252 4 302    
W1RVY 0 65 20 0 85    
N1TF 0 22 32 8 62    
KC1HHO 0 36 8 14 58    
KE1ML 0 10 19 13 42    
WA1LPM 0 16 24 0 40    
KD2JKV 0 18 18 0 36    
WA1VAB 0 9 9 9 27    
N1LAH 0 12 12 0 24    
NV1N 0 6 12 0 18    
W1PLK 0 8 3 6 17    
               
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
KE1ML 40 40 10 0 10 10 110
N1IQI 40 40 10 10 0 10 110
W1RVY 40 40 30 0 0 0 110
KD2JKV 40 40 30 0 0 0 110
KC1HHO 25 40 20 20 5 0 110
WA1LPM 40 40 10 0 0 0 90
N1LAH 34 24 20 0 0 0 78
               
DRS RCV FWD TOTAL        
               
KW1U 623 644 1267        
N1IQI 46 252 298        
W1RVY 0 6 6        
               
NTS / Public Information

KW1U Featured on Pittsfield Community TV, WTBR-FM, September 18, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Marcia Forde, KW1U, in the WTBR-FM studio

Massachusetts Section Traffic Manager Marcia Forde, KW1U, was the featured guest on Ham On! (episode 3), simulcast on Pittsfield Community Television and WTBR-FM 89.7. The early morning program was produced and moderated by Western MA Assistant Section Traffic Manager Peter Mattice, KD2JKV. Marcia discussed the ARRL National Traffic System and her experiences with message handling.

The 60-minute program can be viewed online at <http://www.pittsfieldtv.net/CablecastPublicSite/show/32638?channel=1>.

[Ed. note: the video may not play properly in all browsers.]

MASSACHUSETTS TRAFFIC REPORT FOR AUGUST 2019

Greetings All,  Below you will find the August net and traffic report for Eastern and Western Mass.  

Last weekend I enjoyed the annual ARRL New England Division convention, otherwise now known as Northeast HamXposition in Boxboro MA.  It was great to see so many friends there.  I enjoyed some of the interesting forums including one on message handling and net control by our own Doc Kinne KE1ML who gave an excellent and very lively presentation.  If you missed the convention this year I hope you will be able to attend next year, again the weekend after Labor Day.

Peter Doherty KC1HHO, manager of the EM2MN has announced he will be beginning a training program for new hams and older ones who haven’t had the courage to actually handle traffic and control a net. Thanks to Peter for stepping up to this project.  I hope folks will take advantage of this very worthwhile opportunity on the EM2MN which meets daily at 2000 hours on the Boston 145.230 repeater, PL 88.5.  This is a very important aspect of amateur radio as well as a very fun one.

On Wednesday morning September 18 I will be in Pittsfield MA participating in a local TV program conducted by Western Mass ASTM Peter Mattice KD2JKV.  Peter’s TV series will be promoting Amateur radio and on September 18 he will be interviewing me about  the various aspects of message handling and NTS and my experiences there.

As previously mentioned, the ARRL’s Public Service Enhancement Working Group (PSEWG) has begun to turn its attention to the NTS and we look forward to more information on this in the coming months.  Among other things, there will be efforts made to effect greater coordination between the ARES and NTS programs.  I encourage folks to take part in upcoming public service events as well as the online emergency courses offered by ARRL so that we can be better prepared to help out as needed.  Hopefully in time the two programs can help support one another.

Happy Fall to all.

73, Marcia KW1U  STM EMA/WMA

MA STM REPORT Aug-19            
                 
NET SESSIONS QTC QNI QTR NM FREQ Net Time  
                 
WMTN C1 31 1 278 203 KD2JKV 146.91 10:00 Daily  
WMTN C2 26 2 194 87 N1YCW 146.91 13:00 Daily  
MARI 31 127 135 497 KW1U 3565 KHz 19:00 Daily  
EM2MN 31 90 237 649 KW1U 145.23 20:00 Daily  
CM2MN 19 11 101 152 KK1X 146.97 21:00 Daily  
HHTN 17 35 141 308 W1HAI MMRA Rptrs 22:00 Su,M,W,F  
CITN 18 10 87 234 AC7RB 147.375 19:30 Tu,Th, F,Sa  
MARIPN 14 9 47 113 N1LAH 3978 KHz 18:00 Tu,Th,Sa  
WARPSN 4 8 58 NA N1IQI 147.225 08:30 Su  
WMEN 4 0 91 78 W1JWN 3944 KHz 08:30 Su  
                 
SAR ORG REC SENT DEL TOTAL BPL BPL = 500+ points
                 
N1IQI 0 100 435 4 539 X    
KW1U 0 242 157 8 407      
W1RVY 0 97 37 0 134      
KE1ML 0 46 46 6 98      
N1TF 0 41 50 4 95      
WA1LPM 0 19 37 0 56      
WA1VAB 0 16 16 16 48      
NV1N 0 11 32 1 44      
KC1HHO 0 24 11 8 43      
KD2JKV 0 21 21 0 42      
N1LAH 0 13 17 0 30      
W1PLK 0 6 4 1 11      
W1JWM 2 2 4 1 9      
K1BML 0 0 0 0 0      
                 
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  
KE1ML 40 40 10 0 15 10 115  
N1IQI 40 40 10 10 0 10 110  
W1RVY 40 40 30 0 0 0 110  
KD2JKV 40 40 30 0 0 0 110  
N1LAH 40 30 20 0 0 0 90  
KC1HHO 25 40 20 0 5 0 90  
WA1LPM 40 40 10 0 0 0 90  
NV1N 29 40 10 0 0 0 79  
                 
DRS RCV FWD TOTAL          
                 
KW1U 691 1084 1775          
N1IQI 100 435 535          
W1RVY 3 29 32          

MASSACHUSETTS TRAFFIC REPORT FOR JULY 2019

As noted last month we lost two of our fellow traffic handlers and friends in the month of July. Jim Ward N1LKJ and Greg Bennett KC1CIC are both greatly missed.
 
The nets continue on however and we welcome Peter Doherty KC1HHO as the new net manager of the EM2MN.  Peter is interested in training and we plan to incorporate that into the net.  We welcome all to participate in this net as we do all our traffic nets, but we feel it is important for fellow amateurs to have the skills in accurate message handling and net operation and we hope to see folks take advantage of this training.
 
Part of the fun of these nets is the fellowship and camaraderie among its participants. On Sunday August 4 we experienced this at a picnic in Concord MA where 25 folks enjoyed plenty of food, demonstrations and conversation including a discussion of NTS today and what is ahead. Pictures and an article about this picnic written by Doc Kinne KE1ML can be found elsewhere on this website.
 
Our next big event will be at the HamXposition in Boxboro MA Friday September 6 through Sunday September 8.  There will be a presentation on traffic handling by Doc Kinne KE1ML followed by an NTS Forum conducted by Betsey Doane K1EIC, former CT Section Manager for many years and current manager of the First Region SSB Net.  This forum will be a chance to meet other traffic handlers and take part in discussions about topics of current interest to traffic handlers.  We hope to see you there.
 
Thanks to all for your support.  The July traffic report for Massachusetts follows below.
73, Marcia KW1U STM
 
MA STM REPORT Jul-19          
               
NET SESSIONS QTC QNI QTR NM FREQ Net Time
               
WMTN C1 29 3 291 219 KD2JKV 146.91 10:00 Daily
WMTN C2 27 7 225 191 N1YCW 146.91 13:00 Daily
MARI 31 114 136 502 KW1U 3565 KHz 19:00 Daily
EM2MN 31 126 248 685 KW1U 145.23 20:00 Daily
CM2MN 20 6 62 84 KK1X 146.97 21:00 Daily
HHTN 18 25 143 263 W1HAI MMRA Rptrs 22:00 Su,M,W,F
CITN 16 5 74 199 AC7RB 147.375 19:30 Tu,Th, F,Sa
MARIPN 12 12 49 126 N1LAH 3978 KHz 18:00 Tu,Th,Sa
WARPSN 4 8 59 NA N1IQI 147.225 08:30 Su
WMEN 3 0 65 60 W1JWN 3944 KHz 08:30 Su
               
SAR ORG REC SENT DEL TOTAL BPL BPL = 500+ points
               
KW1U 0 336 290 7 633 X  
N1IQI 0 82 261 4 347    
N1TF 0 23 45 3 71    
W1RVY 0 59 9 0 68    
KE1ML 0 23 30 10 63    
WA1VAB 1 13 11 13 38    
NV1N 0 11 21 4 36    
N1LAH 0 10 16 0 26    
KC1HHO 0 12 6 6 24    
W1PLK 0 9 6 8 23    
WA1LPM 0 6 15 1 22    
KD2JKV 0 7 7 0 14    
W1JWM 1 3 4 3 11    
               
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
KE1ML 40 40 10 0 15 10 115
N1IQI 40 40 10 10 0 10 110
W1RVY 40 40 30 0 0 0 110
N1LAH 40 26 20 0 0 0 86
KD2JKV 40 7 30 0 0 0 77
KC1HHO 28 24 10 0 10 0 72
WA1LPM 40 22 10 0 0 0 72
               
               
DRS RCV FWD TOTAL        
               
KW1U 477 566 1043        
N1IQI 82 261 343        
W1RVY 0 0 0        
NTS

“Traffic Handlers Converge on Concord”

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

NTS traffic handlers converged at the home of Eastern MA Section Traffic Manager KW1U for the Eastern MA Traffic Handler’s Picnic on August 4, 2019 in Concord, MA. Twenty-five individuals–including regular traffic handlers and net control stations, three Section Managers, and the New England Division Director–were in attendance.  Doc, KE1ML, describes the event. 

Traffic handlers picnic group photo
Bottom row: KB1LRL, N1IQI, KE1ML, Audrey Wilhelm (W1RVY harmonic), KC1HHO, W1JWM; Top row: K1TW, N1LAH, W1HAI, WA1LPM, NV1N, K1UAF, N1PZP, K1VR, KE1CN, W1FX, N1MF, KW1U, W1RVY, WA1VAB, N1TF; Not shown: KB1ZFP
Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net – Saturday August 3rd, 2019 – 1000 AM EDT

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Good evening,

Since we do not have a Net Control Volunteer for the upcoming August Net, the South Shore Health Amateur Radio Group – W1SSH will once again act as Net Control.

The net will commence at the usual time of 10:00 AM using the following repeaters and simplex frequency in the order listed.

Please note: The simplex frequency for this month’s net has changed. Because we will be using the frequency in simplex mode, without tone, if it is not already programmed into your radio, the frequency can easily be entered into your radios “VFO” channel without the need for regular channel programming.

1. Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5
2. Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67.0
3. Norwood 147.210 tone 100.00
4. Simplex 146.580 MHz

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 seeking groups or organizations to try their hand at Net Control duties. If you are interested in joining the group 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.

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.

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

We look forward to hearing you all on the Net.

Respectfully,

John O’Neill – K1JRO
President – SSHARG
ARES – DEC – Hospital Liaison

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

NTS

NEW MANAGER FOR EASTERN MASS 2 METER TRAFFIC NET

- by kw1u - Leave a Comment

We were saddened to lose the services of Greg Bennett KC1CIC as net manager of the Eastern Mass 2 Meter Traffic Net.  Greg did a terrific job over the past few years and is certainly missed.  Notice of his passing with link to his obituary can be found elsewhere on this website.

We now welcome the services of Peter Doherty KC1HHO as new net manager effective August 1, 2019.  Peter has been a regular participant as Net Control and handler of many messages.  I know Peter will do a fantastic job as Greg did welcoming all who wish to participate in message handling and net operation.  Our thanks to Peter for taking on this important job.  Join us on EM2MN at 8:00 PM daily on the Boston 145.230 repeater PL 88.5.

73, Marcia KW1U Section Traffic Manager

NTS

ANNUAL TRAFFIC HANDLERS PICNIC SUNDAY AUGUST 4, 2019

- by kw1u - Leave a Comment

The annual traffic handlers picnic will be held Sunday August 4 beginning at noon at the home of KW1U in Concord MA.  All traffic handlers and anyone interested in message handling is welcome to attend.  As usual hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided.  Bring your beverage of choice, a lawn chair if you have one (I do have some if you don’t), and anything you might want to share with the group although this is a suggestion and not required.  I have requested no rain on that date and for the most part the weatherman has come through :-).  I look forward to seeing you here at 44 Raymond Rd, Concord MA.  Please let me know if you plan on coming so I can have an approximate head count  for planning food.  Thanks and 73,

Marcia KW1U STM

MASSACHUSETTS TRAFFIC REPORT FOR JUNE 2019

This month of July saw the passing of two of our own in NTS, Jim Ward N1LKJ and Greg Bennett KC1CIC.  Both were great supporters of NTS and both were great men who cared not only for NTS and message handling but cared for those folks who particpated and were always ready to help.  We will miss them both very much.  73 Jim and Greg!
 
We will have our annual traffic handlers picnic Sunday August 4 beginning at noon at the home of KW1U in Concord MA.  As usual hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided.  Bring your beverage of choice, a lawn chair if you have one (I do have some if you don’t), and anything you might want to share with the group although this is a suggestion and not required.  I have requested no rain on that date and for the most part the weatherman has come through :-).  I look forward to seeing you here.
73, Marcia KW1U STM
 
MA STM REPORT       June 2019    
               
NET SESSIONS QTC QNI QTR NM FREQ Net Time
WMTN C1 30 5 288 258 KD2JKV 146.91 10:00 Daily
WMTN C2 25 8 241 266 N1YCW 146.91 13:00 Daily
MARI 30 97 112 475 KW1U 3565 KHz 19:00 Daily
EM2MN 30 98 284 703 KC1CIC 145.23 20:00 Daily
CM2MN 13 10 89 104 KK1X 146.97 21:00 Daily
MARIPN 11 12 46 109 N1LAH 3978 KHz 18:00 Tu,Th,Sa
CITN 15 10 68 203 AC7RB 147.375 19:30 Tu,Th, F,Sa
HHTN 16 13 131 239 W1HAI MMRA Rptrs 22:00 Su,M,W,F
WMEN 4 0 100 83 W1JWN 3944 KHz 08:30 Su
WARPSN 5 10 87 NA N1IQI 147.225 08:30 Su
               
SAR ORG REC SENT DEL TOTAL BPL BPL = 500+ points
N1IQI 0 102 501 4 607 X  
KW1U 0 319 252 11 582 X  
KC1CIC 0 27 37 11 75    
W1RVY 0 60 11 0 71    
KE1ML 0 14 16 9 39    
N1TF 0 11 13 2 26    
KC1HHO 1 6 12 6 25    
WA1VAB 0 7 9 7 23    
WA1LPM 0 5 17 0 22    
N1LAH 0 14 8 0 22    
NV1N 0 4 13 0 17    
W1PLK 0 5 2 3 10    
KD2JKV 0 2 2 0 4    
               
PSHR (Min 70 Points) 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
KC1CIC 40 40 30 35 0 10 155
KW1U 40 40 30 0 0 20 130
N1IQI 40 40 10 10 0 10 110
W1RVY 40 40 30 0 0 0 110
KE1ML 40 39 10 0 10 10 109
N1TF 24 26 30 5 0 0 85
N1LAH 40 22 20 0 0 0 82
KD2JKV 40 4 30 0 0 0 74
KC1HHO 26 25 10 0 10 0 71
               
DRS RCV FWD TOTAL        
KW1U 780 906 1686        
N1IQI 102 501 603        
KC1CIC 19 9 28        
W1RVY No Activity 0 0        
               
MARCIA KW1U STM     GREG KC1CIC ASTM EMA     PETER KD2JKV ASTM WMA  
NTS

GREG BENNETT KC1CIC SK

- by kw1u - Leave a Comment

I was shocked to learn today of the passing of Greg KC1CIC on July 19, 2019.  Greg had been very active in NTS activities in Eastern Mass, serving as Net Manager of EM2MN and as Assistant Section Traffic Manager.  He was invaluable in many ways, not only on the nets, handling traffic and assisting new participants, but with his technical background was especially helpful with digital messaging.  Greg also served with the South Shore Hospital group and was a DEC in ARES for helping to coordinate NTS and ARES activities.  He was always ready to help when asked and that included keeping the antennas in the air at station KW1U.  Greg last checked into the EM2MN Tuesday July 16 indicating that he was relocating to Florida.  His health issues were known but not the extent.  As his obituary states he left “on his own terms”.  Greg will be very greatly missed as a fellow ham and as a great friend.  The link to his obituary can be found here: https://keohane.com/services/gregory-a-bennett/ 

Rest in peace Greg!!

73, Marcia KW1U