Twin Lights Race, Gloucester-Rockport, May 4, 2025
Chris Winczewski, W1TAT, writes on the Cape Ann ARA mailing list:
a field organization of the National Association for Amateur Radio®
Amateur radio public service events
Chris Winczewski, W1TAT, writes on the Cape Ann ARA mailing list:
From Nashoba Valley ARC Signal, April 2025:
The Groton Road Race Committee has requested the assistance of the Amateur Radio community for the Race on May 4. NVARC and the ham community have been providing situational awareness, health and safety communication for this event for over three decades.
The course circles Groton Hill, starting and ending at the Groton Hill Music Center. This is the third year the Race has followed this course. The planned event schedule this year is similar to 2024; the two main races start shortly after 10am. The communications support that we provide is expected to start around 9am and we should be done shortly after 1pm.
The Groton Road Race continues to be a major event for Amateur Radio in North Central Massachusetts. Those of you who have joined us in previous years know that the runners sincerely appreciate our presence. Many say so as they run past. This event is so large that Police Departments and other public safety organizations from several communities come to assist the Groton PD. Part of our role is to provide the communications from the Groton Police to these out-of-town officers who come to help with this event.
Contributing to the public good is one of the reasons Amateur Radio exists. Our public service events are a key opportunity for us to show our colors, volunteer our skills and equipment, and demonstrate why it is in the public’s interest to continue to allocate precious RF spectrum to our the Amateur Radio Service. The Groton Road Race is a low-stress event and a great way to gain more experience with the public service aspect of amateur radio. Please consider joining us on the 4th.
If you are a new Ham or know of another Ham who is interested in helping at these events but unsure of what is expected or what equipment may be needed, please do not hesitate to introduce yourself (or them) to me.
The Groton Road Race Committee and the Groton Police Department repeatedly praise and express their appreciation for our assistance in providing communications for this event for many years. I do hope you will be able to join us this year; please let me know.
Thanks and 73,
Ralph, KD1SM
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
https://www.wx1box.org
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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.
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 |
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
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
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
Chris Winczewski, W1TAT, writes on the Cape Ann ARA mailing list:
The Saturday April 5th Fools Dual Half-Marathon in Gloucester is less than 3 weeks away and we are still short volunteers to staff this race.
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>.
Hello to all…
The March Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday March 3rd, 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
Subscribe on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@wx1box-nwsboston-amateur-radio
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 Mar 2025, the MEMA RACES nets will be held on Mon Mar 3 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 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 N1ILZ will be net control.
Send a winlink checkin form to N1ILZ , copy AB1PH, between 0600 Monday Mar 3 and 2400 Monday Mar 3.
We look forward to you checking in!
—
73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph
K1UN-Joseph Fratto – USCG Coast Guard Auxiliary & FCC General Radiotelephone Operator writes:
The Division 5 / 12 Radio net was held this morning 9 FEB 25 at 1030 hrs on the Roslindale repeater.
Check Ins: Radio Roslindale
Radio Harvard
Radio Wilmington
Mobile 5F
mobile 5G
Net Control: Radio Waltham NCS
Traffic: Traffic consisted of radio checks and a few administrative messages. The Auxiliary Net
on the MMRA system went very well. We had 19 check-ins this morning on the net.
The SKYWARN network was activated on the MMRA and several other amateur radio
repeaters. This was due to the overnight snowfall. The National Weather Service NWS
was looking for snow totals and wind reports. There was very little if any damage to the
electric grid or internet infrastructure. Stations that checked into the Auxiliary net were
given the opportunity to give a report to NWS stations.
This is good radio net practice. The Auxiliary net serves as a force multiplier for a number
of agencies. The Prudential Building repeater will be down for at least six weeks. It was
determined that a new antenna is needed. The antenna used is imported from Ukraine.
Check Ins: KB1WGK
KA1CUH
N1CVO
W1HAI
KA1GFN
WA1SCS
N1WEN
KC1VJH
KB1NZZ
N1JSM
WB1EMS
N1DFL
N1MSK
W1JVC
KC1VZH
KB1MWD
N1STE
KC1VHN
Net Control: K1UN
Submitted: Joseph Fratto
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License.
Hello to all…
The February Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday February 3rd, 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 including a reminder on volunteer registration for the 2025 Boston Marathon which closed on Friday February 7th, 2025 at 5 PM ET.
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
Subscribe on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@wx1box-nwsboston-amateur-radio
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 Feb 2025, the MEMA RACES nets will be held on Mon Feb 3 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 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:
John Rokicki KC1VMZ will be net control.
Send a winlink checkin form to KC1VMZ , copy AB1PH, between 0600 Monday Feb 3 and 2400 Monday Feb 3.
We look forward to you checking in!
—
73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph
Jeff-N1SOM & the South Shore Hospital Group writes:
Good Evening,
On Saturday February 1, 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. Falmouth Repeater 147.375 tone 110.9
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
Rob Macedo, KD1CY, writes:
We need Amateur Radio Volunteers for the 2025 Boston Marathon. We still could utilize approximately 80 additional Amateur Radio Operators for race day. In addition, there will be no volunteer deadline extensions unlike past years so if you are even considering to register, please register before the listed deadline below of Friday 2/7/25.
In addition, there is a continued need for medical volunteers for the 2025 Boston Marathon and those interested in volunteering as a medical or general volunteer can use the register.hamradioboston.org link and they will be brought to the general volunteer page which can be utilized for those that are not Amateur Radio Operators to volunteer. It is possible if we resolve the email server/SKYWARN list issue that has not allowed our messages to reach all SKYWARN list participants that we will post this message again before the volunteer deadline to insure we reached everyone on the email list. Further details for Amateur Radio volunteers follow below:
Volunteer registration for the 2025 Boston Marathon is open and ongoing. If you’ve already registered to volunteer at the 2025 Boston Marathon, we’d like to thank you for your interest in joining our team!
For anyone who hasn’t yet, please don’t delay! Volunteer registration closes on Friday, February 7.
Registration Link (for new and returning volunteers):
https://www.baa.org/races/
Step by Step Sign Up Guide:
https://hamradioboston.
A few notes for volunteers:
Almost all amateur radio positions are single person assignments. We are not able to group people on a single assignment, but we will try to accommodate which segment you are assigned to in order to allow for similar start/end times.
We’d like to extend our sincerest congratulations to the winner of the Boston Marathon ARO bib lottery, Hector Cruz, KB3ZOO. We’re looking forward to cheering you on!
Final documentation is generally released during the first week of April. Before this can happen, we need the final logistical details from the various area coordinators for Start, Course, Finish, and Transportation. Where possible, we will release documents as they become available. In this case, look out for emails from the committee and your Team Captain.
As always, we appreciate your help in getting the word out to prospective volunteers. Please send this to hams or clubs that you think may be interested in joining us on the amateur radio team for the 2025 Boston Marathon!
If you have any questions about the content of this message or about volunteering at the marathon in general, please don’t hesitate to send them to contact@HamRadioBoston.org.
We’re looking forward to seeing you all again soon!
Thank you, and 73,
Boston Marathon Communications Committee
contact@HamRadioBoston.org
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/
Follow us on Twitter – https://twitter.com/wx1box
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Hello to all…
Eastern Massachusetts ARES will conduct a section exercise on Saturday 2/1/25 from 10 AM-12 PM dubbed “Clear Ice”. The exercise will practice similar skills as previous exercises conducted over the course of 2024.
The final detailed drill document can be seen at the following link:
https://ema.arrl.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/EasternMA-ARES-Winter-Exercise-2025-V1.5-01-31-25.pdf
The key document changes were to highlight that the 146.955-Westford Repeater net will start call-ups at 1030 AM and the availability of the N1ABC-10 Marlborough RMS Node for Winlink messages.
While we encourage participation by Eastern Massachusetts ARES members, RACES/AUXCOMM/USCG Auxiliary Operators and Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters, all are welcome to participate including those outside of the Eastern Massachusetts section.
Thanks in advance for your support of this exercise and 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
Follow us on Twitter – https://twitter.com/wx1box
Subscribe on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@wx1box-nwsboston-amateur-radio
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 | 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 |
K1UN-Joseph Fratto – USCG Coast Guard Auxiliary & FCC General Radiotelephone Operator writes:
The USCG Auxiliary Radio Net was held 5 JAN 2025 at 1030 AM on the Roslindale repeater.
Check Ins: Radio Roslindale
Radio Wilmington
Mobile 5F
Mobile 5G
Radio Winthrop
Net Control: Radio Waltham NCS
Traffic: Just routine radio test traffic was held. Radio Roslindale discussed plans for
installing a radio tower at his location. A call was put out on the Auxiliary net
on MMRA and KC1DD supplied Dan with an antenna installer from NH that
he has used in the past.
Cold weather will persist in New England for at least the next week or so.
Members are also reminded in addition to weather warnings to be very
vigilant when out and about due to the increased terrorism warnings. Always
stay alert to potential problems. The FBI has predicted more motor vehicle
attacks in the coming weeks.
Remember the saying “If you see something – Say something”
The MMRA Ham Radio Auxiliary net on the MMRA network went well this week.
The following Hams checked into the Net this morning:
N1STE
KB1WGK
KS1E
KA1CUH
W1ATO
WB1EMS
K1UVH
KC1VJH
N1DFL
KB1MWD
N1MSK
W1JVC
KC1DD
KA1GFN
K1HGT
K1UN NCS
Stations are reminded to tell other members who are Hams to come on the Sunday
Auxiliary Net on the MMRA at 1100 hrs. All they need is a Ham Radio License. Our
members that listen on their scanners can receive the MMRA on 146.67 Mhz or a
few other frequencies listed on the mmra.org website.
Also in the event of extreme weather conditions we will activate our SKYWARN net
on the Roslindale repeater.
Submitted: Joseph Fratto
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License