a field organization of the National Association for Amateur Radio®
Don Rolph, AB1PH sends along that the MS Ride the Rhode is coming up on Saturday June 13. This year it is only a one day event. Traditionally amateru radio teams operate to coordinate the the support and gear (SAG) wagons as well as coordinate rest stop operations. The MS team is hoping to enlist support again this year.
If you would like to participate please sign up and let AB1PH know as well so he can coordinate the team.
The Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club (NVARC) is offering a free amateur radio licensing course beginning on Monday, April 6th. The course will prepare students for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Technician licensing exam that will be offered at the completion of the course. The Technician level radio operator’s license is the first of three amateur licenses offered by the FCC. Each license has increased levels of operator privileges.
The course consists of twice weekly sessions, beginning on April 6th, and meeting on Mondays and Wednesdays for four weeks. The course will be held at the Grady Research building, 323 West Main St., in Ayer. Sessions will start at 7PM and last for 2 hours. An FCC license exam will be scheduled for the end of the sessions. The course is free, but there will be an FCC required $15 testing fee if you take the exam. The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, 5th edition, will be the study guide used for the class. These are available online from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) or Amazon.
This course is open to all, there are no age limits. Pre-registration is required, no walk-ins will be allowed. To register you must contact the instructor, Bruce Blain at (508) 341-5124 or via email at bruce.blain@charter.net.
The FCC Technician license exam covers basic regulations, operating practices and electronic theory, with a focus on VHF and UHF applications. The FCC exam consists of 35 multiple choice questions, chosen from a published list. The FCC no longer requires Morse code proficiency for an amateur radio license. This Technician licensing course is ideal for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members to quickly get their radio operator’s license.
NVARC has resources available to help new hams with equipment selection, set-up and getting on the air. There are handheld radios available for as little as $30 that will economically get you on the air and talking to other hams in your area.
Club meetings are held at 7:30PM on the third Thursday of each month at the Pepperell Community Center (see the club website or contact bruce.blain@charter.net for club meeting details).
The Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club has been meeting in Pepperell MA for over 30 years. It is an American Radio Relay League (ARRL) affiliated club that provides amateur radio training, licensing, and community service to communities surrounding Pepperell and Groton, MA. More information is available on NVARC’s web site, www.n1nc.org.
The February 2026 Section Traffic Manager’s report is now available at https://ema.arrl.org/massachusetts-rhode-island-stm-report-for-february-2026/. Note a new radiogram postcard service has been made available by the ARRL NTS committee, and it has been well-received by fellow traffic handlers. This is especially useful when phone numbers are incorrect or phones disconnected, or for sending a hard copy after leaving a voicemail or text message. The cost is around $1 per card including postage. Check it out at https://nts2.arrl.org/postcard-entry/.
I HOPE YOU HAVE GREAT ST. PADDY’S DAY PLANS! The wearing of the green, corned beef and cabbage dinner, and green beer (and greern hair?) are right around the corner. I hope everyone has a great – and safe – celebration. Maybe I’ll see you in the crowds at one of MA’s many parades? And this holiday means Spring is just around the corner. Thank goodness! I’m not sure how much more cold and snow I can take!
* Lessons Learned from the Blizzard of ‘26
Well, now, that was a doozy, wasn’t it?! We got 80+ MPH winds here on the Cape, and way too much snow. Downed trees, downed power lines, no commercial power or landline phones or internet for almost five days. From various ARES and other nets I’ve participated in since the blizzard, I’ve gleaned the usual reminders about charging HTs, making sure you have sufficient fuel on-hand (gasoline, propane, etc.). But a biggie for me: Entertainment. When the internet goes down, most computer, tablet, or phone games won’t work. Don’t count on cellular data – carriers prioritize bandwidth for government agencies. Lesson: before the storm hits, download e-books to your device, and download podcasts and video shows to watch. Or maybe stop by the local library before the storm and check out a few books.
Here is the new ham report as of March 1, 2026, listing newly licensed hams. Club officials, please review the list and reach out to those in your footprint and invite, welcome them. To all: please welcome these folks when you hear them on local repeaters. Offer assistance as well!
Steve Horowitz, KC1YYH – FCC
13 Allison Way
Natick, MA 01760-4179
Stephen J Doucette, KC1ZAE – FCC
24 Infield Ave
Dracut, MA 01826-3712
With the beginning of Daylight Savings Time, March 8, the First Region Net Cycle 2 now meets on 3950 kHz at 1445 and 1615 local time. This is to accommodate the Eastern Area Net which now meets at 1530 local time on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and at 1515 local time on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The EAN time change allows for more favorable propagation on 40 meters. EAN meets on 7243 kHz.
Jeff-N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH writes:
Good Evening,
On Saturday March 7, 2026 the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Group will hold an Eastern MA Hospital Net commencing at 10:00AM.
Home or alternative locations are also welcome to check into the net. Even if you cannot reach all the systems being used, please check-in on those you can.
We will use the following repeaters in the order listed.
1. West Bridgewater repeater 146.775 dcs 244
2. Attleboro Repeater 147.195 tone 127.3
3. DMR -Talkgroup 8851 Time Slot :1 on the following NEDECN repeaters: Boston 449.175 -5.M CC:1, Hingham 146.430 -1.5M CC:1, Sagamore 145.200 – 0.6M CC:10, Dennis 146.470 -1.5M CC:11, East Falmouth 145.210 -0.600 CC:9, Martha’s Vineyard145.180 -0.600 CC:10, and Walpole 145.380 -0.600 CC:12.
4. Sharon Repeater 146.865 tone 103.5
5. Simplex 147.420
We will then return to the West Bridgewater Repeater for Net closing.
NET Protocol: Please wait for Net Control to ask for Check-ins. When asked to check in please use the standard net check-in procedure which is: Here is.., un-key, wait 3 seconds to check for doubling, then give your or your facilities call sign, your first name, and your facility’s name.
We extend an invitation to any health care facility, EOC of any city or town as well as RACES or ARES members to check in during the NET.
We are always looking for groups or organizations to try their hand at Net Control duties. If you are interested in trying your hand at Net Control please let us know. We can be reached by sending an email to ssharg@outlook.com or replying to this message. The goal is to rotate Net Control practice and the experience among as many individuals and groups as possible.
We thank the repeater trustees for their generosity in allowing us to conduct these monthly nets and the use of their systems in an actual event.
We hope to hear you Saturday.
73,
Jeff N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH
Hello to all…
The March Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday March 2nd, 2026 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 our monthly 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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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 2026, the MEMA RACES nets will be held on Mon Mar 2 at:
********************************************************************************
80 meter Voice net
*** Note new frequency of 3942 Khz ****
This is to avoid another established net
6:45 PM
Frequency: 3942 KHz working up or down 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 tine, we will include a Simplex test.
Don using WA1PLE will be net control.
********************************************************************************
HF 80 meters NBEMS net:
7:00 PM ET
Dial Frequency: 3584.5 MHx
Center Frequency: 1500 Hz
Initial mode: THOR22
We will have checkins, followed by an ICS-213 format message using FLMSG.
Don AB1PH will be net control
*********************************************************************************
Winlink Net:
Brian KF1D will be net control.
Send a winlink checkin form to KF1D, copy AB1PH, between 0600 Monday Mat 2 and 2400 Monday Mar 2.
********************************************************************************
Experimental APRS net
Send an APRS message, between 0600 Monday Matr2 and 2400 Monday Mar 2.
To: ANSRVR
Contents: CQ MAARES <any check in message>
John KC1VMZ will be net control.
*********************************************************************
We look forward to you checking in!
—
73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph
Hello to all…
*** APOLOGIES FOR DELAYED ARES STAND-BY MESSAGE UPDATE ***
*** EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ARES STAND-BY WAS RECINDED THURSDAY AM 2/26/26 AS SHELTER OPERATIONS SUPPORTED BY CAPE COD ARES IN SANDWICH MA WAS COMPLETED***
Apologies for the delay in this update as we have been continuing to work on post storm damage assessment for the Blizzard of 2026 in parallel with monitoring any potential ARES operations. Eastern Massachusetts ARES is standing down from its standby status that began on Sunday Evening February 22nd at 800 PM. A Major Winter Storm/Blizzard impacted the region late Sunday Evening 2/22/26 through Monday Evening 2/23/26 with snowfall amounts over 3 feet in some area of Eastern Massachusetts and hurricane force wind gusts coupled with heavy wet snow causing widespread pockets of tree and wire damage and power outages across the section. Minor to moderate coastal flooding also occurred. At the height of the storm, close to 300,000 lost power in Massachusetts and mostly in Southeast Coastal Massachusetts including Cape Cod and the Islands with close to 50,000 without power in the Rhode Island section mostly in South-Central RI. Shelter operations took place in Sandwich, MA Monday Evening 2/23/26 through Wednesday Evening 2/25/26.
A National ARRL web-story on the ARES-SKWARN effort and the ARES operations in Sandwich, MA can be seen here:
https://www.arrl.org/news/view/hams-help-forecasters-with-real-time-data-on-northeast-blizzard
A more detailed article will be published by ARRL later next week in the ARRL Letter.
An updated Post Blizzard Coordination Message will be posted at https://www.wx1box.org later this weekend.
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!
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
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Terry, KA8SCP, writes on the PART of Westford Mailing list:
Hello fellow ham radio community members. It is that time of the year where we start pitching for ham radio support for the annual Westford Apple Blossom Parade. This year’s parade will be held rain or shine on Saturday, May 16th. The parade starts in Westford Center and ends at the Abbot School. It has been hosted by the Westford Kiwanis (https://westford.org/kiwanis/) and has a long history in town. PART has been providing comm support for many years. Parade starts at 10 AM, we usually muster around 8AM for any last minute updates and to insure adequate coverage. Parade is pretty much wrapped up around noontime. Your assignment could finish earlier.
All you need is a 2 meter FM handheld that works with the Westford 146.955 WB1GOF repeater. Some assignments are stationary at specific parade route locations, others may be to be a shadow to one of the Kiwanis Parade organizers. We are looking for 12 (minimum) to 16 hams for this event.
This is a GREAT event for a first time public service event participant.
Very laid back and calm event. It’s always fun to watch a parade!
If you’d like to sign up or need more information, please contact Terry, KA8SCP via e-Mail.
Hello to all…
***EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ARES PLACED ON STAND-BY FOR ALL AREAS EFFECTIVE 8:00PM SUNDAY EVENING 2/22/26 THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON 2/24/26 DUE TO POTENTIAL IMPACTS FROM FORECASTED BLIZZARD***
***BLIZZARD WARNINGS IN EFFECT IS IN EFFECT FOR THE ENTIRE EASTERN MA SECTION EXCEPT NANTUCKET FROM 4 PM SUNDAY THROUGH 7 AM TUESDAY.***
***COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FOR EASTERN PLYMOUTH/BARNSTABLE/DUKES/NANTUCKET COUNTIES FOR THE MONDAY AM HIGH TIDE CYCLE FOR MODERATE COASTAL FLOODING. COASTAL FLOOD WATCH FOR EASTERN ESSEX, SUFFOLK, EASTERN NORFOLK COUNTIES OF MASSACHUSETTS***
***WIND GUSTS UP TO 75MPH LIKELY ACROSS MOST OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS WITH the POTENTIAL FOR EVEN HIGHER HURRICANE FORCE WIND GUSTS POSSIBLE IN SOUTHEAST COASTAL NEW ENGLAND. A HIGH WIND WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR NANTUCKET DUE TO THESE WINDS***
*** PLEASE PLAN TO REPORT SKYWARN CRITERIA ACCORDING TO THE STANDARD SKYWARN OPERATING PROCEDURE. PICTURES OF STORM DAMAGE MAY BE SENT TO PICS@NSRADIO.ORG ***
*** ARES AVAILABITY REQUESTED THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING – PLEASE CONTACT YOUR DEC WITH AVAILABITY WITH A CC TO HURRICANE@W1MV.ORG ***
Models continue to agree a trend that brings a period of heavy snow and strong winds to the region starting some time Sunday Evening 2/22/26 and continuing heavy at times throughout the day before tapering off late Monday Evening 2/23/26 or early Tuesday AM 2/24/26. Widespread snowfall accumulation of 12-24+ inches is possible across much of Eastern Massachusetts with isolated higher amounts possible depending on where the heaviest snow bands set up over the area
Wind speeds in the blizzard warning area are forecasted to increase to 25-35mph sustained with gusts of 50-60mph likely across much of Eastern MA with gusts of 60-70mph and possibly higher gusts to hurricane force across Southeast coastal Massachusetts. Winds of this magnitude may cause power outages along with pockets of scattered damage. Travel during the storm is not recommended. Areas of East Coastal Massachusetts could see moderate coastal flooding over several high tide cycles Monday into Tuesday Morning. For further meteorological updates, including the latest Blizzard Coordination Message, please see the NWS Taunton SKYWARN home page at http://www.wx1box.org
While no immediate requests for support have been received, we are closely monitoring the situation for any activation of local or regional shelters.
SKYWARN activation will monitor the progress of the storm, and we appreciate any reports of measured snowfall, measured wind gusts 40 MPH, wet snow/wind damage / coastal flooding that you may have. If you have any pictures of the damage, please send them to pics@nsradio.org. 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/. In addition, here is a preliminary list of SKYWARN nets across the section and their start times at the following links:
Amateur Radio Tentative Net Schedule – Visual Format:
https://wx1box.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Amateur-Radio-Final-Net-Schedule-1.jpg
https://wx1box.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Amateur-Radio-Final-Net-Schedule-2.jpg
https://wx1box.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Amateur-Radio-Final-Net-Schedule-3.jpg
As we continue to progress through the storm, please advise your local EC/DEC/ADEC of your availability to support a potential deployment anytime from Sunday Evening 2/22/26 through Wednesday Evening, 2/25/26. We are creating a list of availability for ARESMAT 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 https://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. We ask that as you contact your DEC, please send a copy of the message to hurricane@w1mv.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!
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Jim Palmer (KB1KQW)
North Shore ARES District Emergency Coordinator
SEC/ASEC:
SEC – KD1CY – kd1cy.rob@gmail.com
ASEC – W1SHS – w1shs.stu@gmail.com
DECs:
Essex County – KB1KQW – kb1kqw@nsradio.org
Middlesex County – W1AHM – AMartin.MA.UltraNet@RCN.Com, W1MWS – tim.miranda@gmail.com
Metro-Boston – KB1EKN – emgmgt@comcast.net
Norfolk County – W1SHS – w1shs@arrl.net
Bristol County – N1XTB – n1xtb@powersrvcs.com
Plymouth County – N1XTB – n1xtb@powersrvcs.com
Cape & Islands – WQ1O – wq1o@comcast.net
The January 2026 STM report is available at https://ema.arrl.org/massachusetts-rhode-island-stm-report-for-january-2026/. Despite an abundance of snow and ice, traffic handlers diligently got the job done, moving the messages to their destinations. See a report from HHTN manager, KC1KVY. Also a note to Technician class licensees: opportunities for additional practice and experience. And a dedicated and beloved traffic handler on the mend with help from his ham radio club.
(I HOPE YOU HAD A ) HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
I hope everyone had wonderful and peaceful Thanksgiving and Winter Holidays. What a rollercoaster it’s been for the past several weeks, with the Patriots in the Big Game (a tremendous effort, it sucks that we lost, but the Pats are back!!) and the crazy storms and cold and snow and icy weather. I’m happy to say my town’s snow removal effort was pretty good, and we managed to not get completely snowed in. I hope you’re in a similar situation, thawing out and staying warm and safe. I am, for sure, looking forward to Spring, even if Punxsutawney Phil says it’s many weeks away. Oh well…
* YOU CAN STILL HELP US CHANGE THE LEGAL RIGHTS OF AMERICAN HAMS
Hey! This is important! The ARRL is focused on reducing legal restraints on the ability of American Amateur Radio Operators to engage in the active practice and enjoyment of Amateur Radio. One of the most insidious and increasing threats to the survival of Amateur Radio and our ability to serve our communities and Nation, as we are required to do by Federal regulation, is the proliferation of private land use restrictions that prohibit the installation of outdoor antennas and that sometimes actually deny Federally licensed Amateurs from operating any amateur radios, regardless of where their antennas are located — in their attics, hidden in trees, or mounted on their vehicles.
Please, PLEASE take 30 seconds and arrange for letters to be printed and delivered to your US Representative and Senators. You really can make a difference, and the effort is practically free! See https://www.arrl.org/current-legislation for details.
* 2026 ARRL Celebration of the USA 250 Semiquincentennial
Would you like to be part of the 2026 ARRL Celebration of the USA 250 Semiquincentennial Special Operating Event? This is part of the Year of the Club and the 100th Anniversary of the ARRL Field Organization, along with a yearlong Worked All States (WAS-250).
For two weeks in 2026, stations located in Massachusetts will operate as W1AW/1. ARRL membership is not required. The weeks are February 11-18 and August 12-21. Full story at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/12/30/2026-arrl-celebration-of-the-usa-250-semiquincentennial/
* Falmouth ARA Offers Tech-In-A-Weekend Class
Falmouth ARA will be offering a Technician license class in a weekend, March 20-22, 2026. If you’re on the Cape, sign up! If you’re looking for an excuse to visit the Cape before the Silly Season starts, come on down! The weather is pretty reasonable, and the traffic will be light! Full details at https://ema.arrl.org/2026/02/03/falmouth-ara-technician-class/
* 2026 Northeast HamXposition Call for Speakers
HamX is the ARRL New England Division Convention, and the largest amateur radio convention in the Northeast! With close to 1,800 attendees each year, HamX draws radio amateurs from all over and is an ideal venue to present your ideas and experiences. The organizers are recruiting speakers on topics of general interest to the amateur radio community. Full story at https://ema.arrl.org/2026/01/01/2026-hamx-call-for-speakers/
* Reminder: New Ham Report on Eastern MA Website
A reminder: every month around the 15th, I publish a list of newly licensed hams in the Eastern MA Section on our website, http://ema.arrl.org . Please reach out to these new Amateurs and make them feel welcome. If a different list format would be more useful – e.g., a PDF to be printed on Avery labels to be stuck on post cards – please contact me at n1ilz@arrl.org
* Linux and Ham Radio Class, by Andy, KB1OIQ
Andy, KB1OIQ recently finished teaching a 4-session class on “Linux and Ham Radio.” Five (5) local hams attended. They installed Xubuntu Linux followed by the “Andy’s Ham Radio Linux” software collection.
Over the 4 classes, among the many topics, students learned about generic Linux commands, graphical ways to maintain the system software, and several of the ham radio related programs.
As a class exercise, students brought their ham radios, dummy loads, and power supplies. They connected the computers and radios together and configured WSJT-X and had FT8 QSOs in the classroom using dummy loads (and one real antenna).
Andy and all his students had a great time. Andy looks forward to teaching it again if folks are interested. Follow up with Any, KB1OIQ, kb1oiq@arrl.net
* N1ILZ for a Final
I hope you’re all enjoying Winter. It’s been colder and snowier than average here on the Cape. But all that cold and snow is a Good Thing for folks who like to ski, snowboard, ice skate, etc. More power to ya!
Can you write a paragraph or two about what you’re up to, so I can publish it in the Section Update? Did you activate a POTA or a Special Event Station? Have great fun at Winter Field Day? Some other events? Shoot me an email at n1ilz@arrl.org!
* For always up-to-date news, please visit the EMA Section website at http://ema.arrl.org
This Section News Update was brought to you by Section Manager Jon N1ILZ.
Here is the new ham report as of Februarey 1, 2026, listing newly licensed hams. Club officials, please review the list and reach out to those in your footprint and invite, welcome them. To all: please welcome these folks when you hear them on local repeaters. Offer assistance as well!
Timothy A Williams, KC1YXG – FCC
1271 Richardson Rd
Ashby, MA 01431-2256
Matthew D Stofoflano, KC1YVG – FCC
62 Park St
Pepperell, MA 01463-1117
Justin Kennedy, KC1YWB – FCC
18 Peabody Rd
Shirley, MA 01464-2904
James Robison, KC1YWM – FCC
20 Belvidere Ave
Framingham, MA 01702-8060
Walid Alsharafi, KC1YUQ – FCC
355 Garfield Rd
Concord, MA 01742-4906
Henry N Smith, KC1YVF – FCC
115 S Main St
Natick, MA 01760-4913
Alyssa Bekai Rose, KC1YUW – FCC
46 Smith St
Chelmsford, MA 01824-1702
Daniel Bekai, KC1YUS – FCC
46 Smith St
Chelmsford, MA 01824-1702
Joseph W Bigos, KC1JWB – FCC
281 Colburn Ave
Dracut, MA 01826-2505
Gary P Brake, KC1YVV – FCC
94 Pond St
Dunstable, MA 01827-2305
Justin Giangrande, KC1YVL – FCC
4 Littles Hill Ln
Georgetown, MA 01833-2318
Christopher R Myers, KC1YVQ – FCC
161 King St
Groveland, MA 01834-2012
Christopher Kern, KC1YUB – FCC
580 Salem St Apt 1
Wakefield, MA 01880-1272
Elena Wu, KC1YUZ – FCC
7 Fernwood Dr
Westford, MA 01886-1137
Lawrence P Cogswell, KC1YXO – FCC
10 Tower Dr
Dover, MA 02030-1626
Elijah B Cogswell, KC1YWW – FCC
10 Tower Dr
Dover, MA 02030-1626
Matthew J Selmi, KC1YVY – FCC
84 Haven St
Dover, MA 02030-2131
Matthew J McMahon, KC1YWC – FCC
2 Richard Ln
Franklin, MA 02038-2832
James A Kemp, KC1YVO – FCC
38 Oriole Rd
Medfield, MA 02052-3311
Cameron Claiborne, KC1YUH – FCC
1 Longfellow Pl
Boston, MA 02114-2438
Aaron Z Berman, KC1YXR – FCC
1155 Tremont St
Boston, MA 02120-2013
Quyen T Vo, KC1YUX – FCC
126 Millet St
Boston, MA 02124-1814
Quinlan Blankinship, KC1YWN – FCC
211 Lake View Ave
Cambridge, MA 02138-2133
Erik Blankenship, KC1YWO – FCC
211 Lake View Ave
Cambridge, MA 02138-2133
Olivia Hagedorn, KC1YWQ – FCC
PO Box 398074
Cambridge, MA 02139-0034
Victoria Hagenlocker, KC1YWG – FCC
305 Memorial Dr
Cambridge, MA 02139-4303
Joy Xie, KC1YWH – FCC
500 Memorial Dr
Cambridge, MA 02139-4306
Jim Rao, KC1YWP – FCC
274 Brookline St Apt 4L
Cambridge, MA 02139-4828
Liam Gault, KC1YWF – FCC
3 Ames St
Cambridge, MA 02142-1367
Keira Boone, KC1YWE – FCC
3 Ames St
Cambridge, MA 02142-1367
Cassandra H Burgos, KC1YVI – FCC
11 Westminster St
Somerville, MA 02144-1629
Daniel Vogt, KC1YUG – FCC
56 Spring St
Medford, MA 02155-4838
Krishna Kaushik Nutalapati, KC1YXQ – FCC
231 Park Dr Apt 17
Boston, MA 02215-4722
Miguel Lucas, KC1YXL – FCC
1 Kingston Collection Way
Kingston, MA 02364-3083
Nikolaos Barkas, KC1YWJ – FCC
PO Box 650026
West Newton, MA 02465-0026
Peter D Macfarlane, KC1YWI – FCC
53 Randolph St
Arlington, MA 02474-6634
Davis Bachner, KC1YVR – FCC
29 Orange St
Nantucket, MA 02554-3718
Basil Tsefrekas, KC1YXD – FCC
9 Nicole Ave
West Yarmouth, MA 02673-2640
Jeff-N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH writes:
Good Evening,
On Saturday February 7, 2026 the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Group will hold an Eastern MA Hospital Net commencing at 10:00AM.
Home or alternative locations are also welcome to check into the net. 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
N1SOM writes on the EMHN mailing list:
On Saturday February 7, 2026 the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Group will hold an Eastern MA Hospital Net commencing at 10:00AM.
Home or alternative locations are also welcome to check into the net. 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.
- West Bridgewater repeater 146.775 dcs 244
- Plymouth Repeater 146.685 tone 131.8
- 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.
- Sharon Repeater 146.865 tone 103.5
- 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.
Dust off your APRS gear and check in next week to the New England APRS Test Net! This is a great opportunity to figure out the APRS functions on your latest HT or other gizmo.
Why participate in the test net? During the first month, there were a number of reports of operators who tried to check in, but needed to figure out how to send a message or worse, realized they needed to update the firmware of their device. As Amateur Radio Operators, we often market ourselves folks who can send a message “when all else fails” so this is the perfect time for you to find out in a fun environment what isn’t working BEFORE you need to do something important!
KC1VMZ sends the details on the neaprs mailing list:
WHAT: NE APRS Test net
WHEN: second Monday of the Month (for February, this is Monday February 9th): 0600 ET – 2200 ET
WHERE: APRS
HOW: Destination Station = ANSRVR
HOW: Message body = CQ [space] NEAPRS [space] “your text: check-in message of choice.”
Extra credit – send out a location beacon during the net time period as well.
Many hams use HamClock by Elwood Downey-WB0OEW. Due to Elwood’s recent death, HamClock will apparently stop working at the end of June.
Some enterprising folks have put together an updated version of HamClock, known as OpenHamClock. The version runs on Windows, Linux, or RPi and is open source. The software is housed in a GitHub repository that contains documentation. The URL for the repository is https://github.com/accius/openhamclock
I have loaded it on Windows, Linux, and RPi and found that it works well. The software is being updated regularly. It looks like a nice replacement for HamClock. A screenshot of OpenHamClock running in my shack is shown below.
Falmouth ARA will be offering a Technician license class in a weekend, March 20-22, 2026. See https://www.falara.org/exams-classes/license-classes for complete details. In addition to instruction and refreshments, the course fee includes the text, license exam, free handheld transceiver when you pass the exam, free admission to the next FARA Fest, and a one year membership in FARA.