All
Section Update for May 2026
Goodness, how I love Spring! The weather is warmer and the chance of snow is nil. April showers are bringing May flowers, which always makes me smile. Traffic on the Cape is starting to pick up, but it’s still mostly manageable.
NEARFest-Spring has come and gone. I’ve heard from many folks that went for one day or the other, and all report having a really good time. And HamVention (Dayton) wraps up tomorrow (Sunday). To all those who are going, have fun and please email me updates on all the fun you had!
* New Version of Andy’s Ham Radio Linux Released
Andy KB1OIQ is pleased to announce the release of version 27 of “Andy’s Ham Radio Linux.” This popular software collection contains roughly 90 programs which are Free Software, Open Source Software, or equivalently licensed. One can download the software from:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/kb1oiq-andysham/
PS: If you’re going to HamVention (Dayton), drop in on Andy’s talk!
Massachusetts – Rhode Island STM Report for April 2026
The Massachusetts – Rhode Island STM Report for April 2026 is now available at https://ema.arrl.org/massachusetts-rhode-island-stm-report-for-april-2026/. Please take note of traffic-related events coming up in the next few months. Also thoughts about CW and Winlink traffic.
New Ham Report for May 1, 2026
Here is the new ham report as of May1 2026, listing newly licensed hams in the Eastern MA Section. 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!
Report for 2026-05-01
Jason Lasorsa, KC1ZJR – FCC
PO Box 11
Ashby, MA 01431-0011
Mark J Meninger, KC1ZIQ – FCC
67 Maplewood Dr
Townsend, MA 01469-1381
Daniel A Coburn, KC1ZHN – FCC
536 Old Stone Brk
Acton, MA 01718-1008
Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net (EMHN) – Saturday 5/9/26 at 1000 AM
Jeff-N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH writes:
Good Afternoon,
On Saturday May 9, 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
MEMA Region 1 RACES Net Control Stations (NCS) Needed
KA8SCP-Terry Stader, Middlesex County MA ARES DEC & Region 1 RACES Radio Officer writes:
We are currently looking for NCS stations for MEMA Region 1 “sectors” both as primary and backup NCS. Region 1 has multiple “sectors” as shown below.
Our nets run on the first Monday of every month, except when it’s a holiday where they are the following Monday. These sector nets start at 1930 local time. The sector nets are conducted on repeaters that are shown at the top of each column below. Nets are generally less than 30 minutes in duration.
Primary need is for the Sector 1A/B. Need backups the other sectors.
If you have any questions, please reach out to me directly.
| 146.640 (136.5) /146.79(146.2) | 146.955(74.4) | 147.120 (146.2)/146.715(146.2) | 146.625(PL 156.7) /145.490(131.8) | 147.390 (162.2 in/127.3 out)/147.285 (100.0) | |||
| Sector 1A/B | Sector 1C | Sector 1D | Sector 1E | Sector 1F | |||
| Arlington | Acton | Bedford | Amesbury | Beverly | |||
| Ashland | Ashby | Billerica | Andover | Chelsea | |||
| Belmont | Ayer | Burlington | Boxford | Danvers | |||
| Brookline | Boxborough | Everett | Georgetown | Essex | |||
| Cambridge | Carlisle | Lexington | Groveland | Gloucester | |||
| Framingham | Chelmsford | Lincoln | Haverhill | Hamilton | |||
| Holliston | Concord | Lynnfield | Ipswich | Lynn | |||
| Hopkington | Dracut | Malden | Lawrence | Manchester | |||
| Marlborough | Dunstable | Medford | Merrimac | Marblehead | |||
| Natick | Groton | Melrose | Methuen | Middleton | |||
| Newton | Hudson | N Reading | N Andover | Nahant | |||
| Sherborn | Littleton | Reading | Newbury | Peabody | |||
| Sudbury | Lowell | Somerville | Newburyport | Revere | |||
| Waltham | Maynard | Stoneham | Rowley | Rockport | |||
| Watertown | Pepperell | Tewksbury | Salisbury | Salem | |||
| Wayland | Shirley | Wakefield | Topsfield | Saugus | |||
| Weston | Stow | Wilmington | W Newbury | Swampscott | |||
| Townsend | Winchester | Wenham | |||||
| MEMA SEOC | Tyngsboro | Woburn | Winthrop | ||||
| Boston | Westford | ||||||
| MBTA | |||||||
| DCR | |||||||
| NOTES: | |||||||
| MEMA HQ to Area Net – 53.31(-) MHz | |||||||
| Area 1 to Sector Net – 53.69(s) MHz | |||||||
| Sector frequencies in BOLD are Primary | |||||||
| Bold is Primary Net Control Station | |||||||
| Bold/Italics is Alternate Net Control Station | |||||||
Thank you for considering this opportunity to be a NCS or participant in the nets.
R/
Terry
Terry M. Stader – KA8SCP
MEMA Region 1 RACES Officer
ARRL ARES Eastern MA District Emergency Coordinator for Region 1 RACES
Reminder: May 4th, 2026 – MEMA RACES/ACS Communications Test Net
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 | 3942 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 |
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday May 4th, 2026 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater System
Hello to all…
The May Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday May 4th, 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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Massachusetts RACES Nets – Monday 5/4/26 for HF, Region 2D VHF, NBEMS & Winlink – Times and Details Below
Don Rolph, AB1PH, Walpole area ARES Emergency Coordinator writes:
The MEMA RACES nets are held on the first Monday of the month, unless the first Monday is a holiday, when it is delayed one week. For May 2026, the MEMA RACES nets will be held on Mon May 4 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
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 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:
John KC1VMZ will be net control.
Send a winlink checkin form to N1ILZ, copy AB1PH, between 0600 Monday May 4 and 2400 Monday May 4.
********************************************************************************
Experimental APRS net
Operators who wish to participate must send the message “CI” (Charlie Indigo or Check In) to MAARES-1.
This can be done via RF or Internet by any APRS-capable device or software.
Sending “H” for help will provide more commands that you can perform while checked into the net.
Be sure to beacon your location as well so it is logged as part of the net.
To check out of the net, send “CO” (Charlie Oscar or Check Out),
This net will be available from 0600 to 2100 Eastern time.
Questions can be sent to kc1vmz@gmail.com at any time.
*********************************************************************
We look forward to you checking in!
—
73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph
_._,_._,_
Cape Ann ARA Seeks Volunteers for Upcoming Public Service Events
Are you looking for a practical way to use your amateur radio skills while supporting the community?
At the Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association (CAARA), we provide amateur radio support for half marathons in and around Cape Ann throughout the year (roughly one/month, March through December). We are looking for volunteers to join us in our race support activities. You do not need to be a member of CAARA to participate!
Events are on Saturday or Sunday mornings, with a typical race start time of either 8am or 9am. Radio operators are on site about 30 minutes before the race starts, and are generally finished up around noon. For most races we like to have six checkpoints on the course, plus a lead and tail vehicle.
Volunteering for these activities is a great way to get started with amateur radio public service. You get a chance to experiment with field operation of your equipment, you get to interact with other radio amateurs, and you get to support the runners participating in these events. We can pair you with an experienced volunteer, and we can provide you with a radio if you don’t own one of your own. You can volunteer for a single event or you can become a regular member of our
volunteer team.
We have available positions in all of our upcoming races. You can find the schedule of events at https://sites.google.com/view/caararaces; take a look, pick an unstaffed checkpoint location, and email Kevin Lyons, K1KL, at <kevinlyonsk1kl@gmail.com> if you would like to participate.
—
Lars Kellogg-Stedman <lars@oddbit.com> | larsks @ {irc,twitter,github}
http://blog.oddbit.com/ | N1LKS
Massachusetts – Rhode Island STM Report for March 2026
The Section Traffic Manager’s report for March 2026 is now available at https://ema.arrl.org/massachusetts-rhode-island-stm-report-for-march-2026/. Important dates to be added to your calendars for annual Traffic Handlers Picnic and the New England HamXposition and the annual Traffic Handlers Meet and Greet. Also a new web-based app for logging and radiogram management now available for testing. And a refresher on prowords, introductory words and phrases and why they are important.
April 2026 Section Update
I hope you made it past Tax Day without too much trauma. I think of it as “that’s something I won’t have to deal with for another year.” I hope it’s the same for you.
Spring has officially sprung! I’m seeing daffodils and crocuses and tulips and all manner of beautiful flowers poking their heads through the leaves. Oh, and the temperatures are consistently well above freezing (yay!). Traffic on the Cape is starting to pick up (boo!) but our favorite seasonal restaurants are getting ready to open (yay!). So… happy Spring to all! And on with the show!
* Congratulations to EMA’s Newest Special Service Club, STARS
Earlier this month, I took great pleasure in approving the Special Service Club application from the ham radio club at New England Sci-Tech, the Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society (STARS), Special Service Clubs (SSC) exist to go above and beyond for their communities and for Amateur Radio . They are the leaders in their Amateur Radio communities who provide active training classes, publicity programs, and actively pursue technical projects and operating activities. STARS does all this and more. Please join me in congratulating them on their new designation.
New Ham Report for April 1, 2026
Here is the new ham report as of April 1 2026, listing newly licensed hams in the Eastern MA Section. 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!
Report for 2026-04-01
Benjamin Gross, KC1ZGW – FCC
400 Longley Rd
Groton, MA 01450-1029
Ken A Alba, KC1ZGD – FCC
276 Main St Apt 1C
Acton, MA 01720-3722
Alex Barstow, KC1ZEA – FCC
166 Harrington Ave
Concord, MA 01742-4025
Westford Apple Blossom Parade – Saturday May 16 2026 Needs Amateur Radio Volunteers
KA8SCP-Terry Stader – MEMA Region 1 RACES Officer/ARES District Emergency Coordinator writes:
Hello fellow ham radio communicators.
We are still looking for ham radio support for the annual Westford Apple Blossom Parade. The 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 done usually before noon. Your assignment could finish earlier. When you finish you can make your way down to the carnival and get that sausage, peppers and onions sub you missed as Hosstraders/NEAR-Fest!
This is a laid back event. Great for a newcomer to the ranks and just fun watching a parade. 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 assigned to shadow one of the Kiwanis Parade organizers. We are looking for 12 (minimum) to 16 hams for this event. This is a public service event, so we will count this as EMA section ARES and RACES credit.
If you’d like to sign up or need more information, please contact me, Terry KA8SCP ka8scp@arrl.net
Terry M. Stader – KA8SCP
MEMA Region 1 RACES Officer
ARRL ARES Eastern MA District Emergency Coordinator for Region 1 RACES
International Marconi Day – April 25th, 2026
Lem, W1LEM, writes on the Barnstable ARC mailing list that International Marconi Day is fast approaching on April 25th!
Barbara N1NP has a group operating from the Marconi Site in Wellfleet. She is well-staffed except for setup (~0730) and teardown (~1600). All are welcome to observe and to help with meeting and greeting.
Operators Sought for MA 13 Colonies Special Event, July 1-7, 2026
Larry Krainson, W1AST, writes:
I’m looking for volunteers to serve as special event station operators for 13 Colonies 2026. It runs July 1-7.
If you would like to experience what it’s like to be the “DX” in a pileup and enjoy the rush of making contacts, become a 13 Colonies K2H op.
Your transmitter MUST be in Massachusetts at all times.
This year’s theme is the Declaration of Independence, which was officially proclaimed and read for the first time in Massachusetts on July 18, 1776, from the balcony of the Old State House in Boston.
This is a fun operating event. You can be one of approximately 20 ops in MA. Last year we made close to 20,000 QSOs in just seven days.
The deadline to sign up is May 30th, 2026. If you’re interested in becoming an op for K2H, please contact:
Larry, W1AST
FunHamRadio@gmail.com
2026 World Soccer Tournament Coming to Foxborough!
Larry Krainson, W1AST, writes:
The 2026 World Soccer Tournament is coming to Massachusetts. There will be special event stations running each of the following days. This is a worldwide event with games held here in Massachusetts.
There are seven games being played at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro.
Hams are needed every day to run a special event station with the call sign W1C. A special QSL card will be available. All modes and bands can be active.
The dates operators are needed:
Sat, June 13
Tue, June 16
Fri, June 19
Tue, June 23
Fri, June 26
Mon, June 29
Thur, July 9
If you are available to operate any or all of these dates, please contact:
Larry, W1AST
FunHamRadio@gmail.com
Reminder: Monday April 6th, 2026 – MEMA RACES/ACS Communications Test Net
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 | 3942 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 |
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday April 6th, 2026 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater System
Hello to all…
The April Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday April 6th, 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
Like us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wx1box
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Massachusetts RACES Nets – Monday 4/6/26 for HF, Region 2D VHF, NBEMS & Winlink – Times and Details Below
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 2026, the MEMA RACES nets will be held on Mon Apr 6 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
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 tine, we will include a Simplex test.
Jim WJ1R 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:
Jon N1ILZ will be net control.
Send a winlink checkin form to N1ILZ, copy AB1PH, between 0600 Monday Apr 6 and 2400 Monday Apr 6.
********************************************************************************
Experimental APRS net
Operators who wish to participate must send the message “CI” (Charlie Indigo or Check In) to MAARES-1.
This can be done via RF or Internet by any APRS-capable device or software.
Sending “H” for help will provide more commands that you can perform while checked into the net.
Be sure to beacon your location as well so it is logged as part of the net.
To check out of the net, send “CO” (Charlie Oscar or Check Out),
This net will be available from 0600 to 2100 Eastern time.
Questions can be sent to kc1vmz@gmail.com at any time.
*********************************************************************
We look forward to you checking in!
—
73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph

