Emergency Communications

Emergency communications and the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®)

Emergency Communications

ARRL Board of Directors’ Committee Seeks Input for Proposed ARES Strategic Plan

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The Public Service Enhancement Working Group (PSEWG) has contacted all ARRL Section Managers and Section Emergency Coordinators seeking comments and suggestions regarding the proposed ARES Strategic Plan via an online form. The deadline is October 31, in order to give the PSEWG sufficient time to review the comments and suggestions, formulate any necessary revisions, and submit the revised document to the Board for consideration at its January meeting.  [Full story]

 

[Note: please forward comments and suggestions about the strategic plan  to Eastern MA Section Emergency Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY.]
Emergency Communications

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Region II Office Closed

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
RACES logoRob Macedo, KD1CY writes:
 
MEMA’s Region II office and Regional EOC (REOC) in Bridgewater have closed and have temporarily relocated to other space while a search for a new permanent office and Regional EOC is conducted. The radio tower at the site remains operational. 

For the next several months, MEMA’s Region II staff is working in conference and office space that has been provided by the Plymouth Police Department, and the REOC has been moved to MEMA headquarters in Framingham. Contact information for Region II staff and the REOC remain the same — the phone numbers for the former Bridgewater office and Regional EOC are being forwarded to Headquarters.

 
 
Emergency Communications / Organization

New Section Emergency Coordinator: Rob Macedo, KD1CY

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

ARRL flagEastern Massachusetts Section Manager Tom Walsh, K1TW, has announced the appointment of Rob Macedo, KD1CY as Section Emergency Coordinator.

“Greg Bennett, KC1CIC, has found it necessary to step down as the SEC for EMA.  Rob Macedo, KD1CY, has accepted the role of SEC going forward.  Rob, because of his previous SEC experience will be able to step in immediately,” Walsh said. 

KC1CIC will continue in a new role as an ARES District Emergency Coordinator for NTS liaison.  “I extend my since thanks to both Greg and Rob for their ongoing significant contributions as volunteers in the Eastern Massachusetts section,” K1TW added.

Emergency Communications

Eastern MA Hospital Net, July 7, 2018

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

We hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July week. This coming Saturday being the first Saturday of the month the Eastern MA Hospital Net will be conducted.

Net Control for the July 7, 2018 Eastern MA Hospital Net will be the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club – W1SSH. The net will commence at the usual time of 10:00 AM using the following repeaters in the order listed. 

  1.  Plymouth 146.685 tone 131.8 (Note: new tone effective 4-1-18)
  2.  Boston 145.230 tone encode 88.5 tone decode 100.0
  3.  Falmouth 147.375 tone 110.9  

Simplex 147.42

The Net will then return to the Plymouth Repeater for 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 yours 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.

Any hospital wishing to join the net that needs assistance with equipment or personnel should contact us at ssharc@gmail.com. We can assist you with getting your location on the air.

We are always looking for groups or organizations to try their hand at Net Control.  If you are interested please contact us at the email address listed above.  Our goal is to rotate Net Control throughout the year among as many 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 are 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.

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  (Note: new tone effective 4-1-18) 
Salem 146.88 tone 118.8        
Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5    
Weymouth 147.345 tone 110.9 (South Shore Hospital)
Bridgewater 146.775 dcs 244 
Wrentham 147.09 tone 146.2

We look forward to hearing you all on the Net.

Emergency Communications / Field Day / Operating

Severe Weather & Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend Coordination Message #2 – Saturday 6/23/18-Sunday 6/24/18 Weather Outlook/Severe Weather Potential

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SKYWARN logoHello to all..

..The following is the second in a series of messages on Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend and providing information on the weather during this period. This is a tradition spanning over 15 years for Amateur Radio Operators involved with Field Day and the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN Program..
..After quiet weather on Friday, unsettled weather is likely during Amateur Radio Field Day weekend. It will not be a complete washout but there will be the threat of widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms with heavier rainfall and urban and the potential of urban and poor drainage flooding as well as an attendant lightning risk Saturday into Saturday Night. As we move into Sunday…

[Full post]
Emergency Communications / Field Day / Operating

Severe Weather & Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend Coordination Message #1

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Hello to all.. 

..The following is the first in a series of messages on Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend and providing information on the weather during this period. This is a tradition spanning over 15 years for Amateur Radio Operators involved with Field Day and the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN Program.. 
..2018 Field Day weekend has quiet weather for Friday but looks unsettled with the potential for rain and possibly heavier rain and can’t rule out an isolated thunderstorm along with cooler temperatures on Saturday and then the potential of isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms with strong to damaging winds, hail, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall on Sunday Afternoon/Evening potentially when Amateur Radio Field Day sites are breaking down stations and wrapping up for this year’s event. Weekend weather will be monitored closely..
..Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend is an annual event where Ham Operators across the United States setup at Emergency Operations Centers, field locations, home locations etc. to operate and test their equipment and skills and make as many radio contacts as possible during the weekend. Many locations can be visited by the public and Amateur Radio Field Day can be a form of outreach to Ham and non-Ham Operators. It is also noted that several states have given proclamations to Amateur Radio/Ham Radio Operators for either an ‘Amateur Radio Day or Amateur Radio Week’ during the month of June or an ‘Amateur Radio Month’ for this month. It is both a fun/preparatory event for Ham Radio Operators for Emergency Communications scenarios.. 
..SKYWARN Activation on Saturday appears unlikely but will need to monitor for any potential for thunderstorms and attendant lightning risk and heavier rainfall. SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Boston/Norton are possible Sunday Afternoon/Evening for isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorm potential..

There are a large number of Amateur Radio Field Day sites across the NWS Boston/Norton Coverage Area and adjacent NWS Coverage Areas. Here are some links to information on these Amateur Radio Field Day Sites from across the region: 

Amateur Radio Field Day Information: http://www.arrl.org/field-day 
Amateur Radio Field Day National Locator: http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator 
Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Home Page: http://fd.ema.arrl.org/ 

The commonwealth of Massachusetts has declared this week to be Amateur Radio Week and Governor Baker has proclaimed Sunday June 24th, 2018 Amateur Radio Day in honor of the ARRL Field Day event. The details can be seen at the following links:

 
For Field Day weekend, Friday looks quiet weather wise with seasonable temperatures and dry conditions. As we get into Saturday, there could be general rain over Southern New England with cooler temperatures. There could also be heavier rainfall and the chance of an isolated thunderstorm though currently it looks more like a rain and heavier downpour situation versus a general thunderstorm concern but this will be monitored and updated again in the Friday Evening coordination message.
 
For Sunday, parameters could come together for isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms with strong to damaging winds, hail, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall in the Sunday Afternoon and Evening timeframe as Field Day operations end and field day sites are securing. We are still 2+ days from this event and this will be updated with greater details as we get closer to this timeframe. This concern is mentioned in the NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook.
 
Coordination messages later Friday and Saturday will help better define the outlook particularly for Sunday and the severe weather potential. Below are links to the NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook and NWS Boston/Norton Experimental Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:

NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook: 
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html 

NWS Boston/Norton Experimental Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/box/ehwo

Amateur Radio Field Day sites are still encouraged to bring a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio, monitor various cell phone weather apps where Amateur Operators may have those available and have a dedicated Ham Radio that can monitor their local SKYWARN Frequency for their area as a best safety and preparedness practice. Also sites that have mobile Internet capability can utilize that capability as a way to monitor for weather information. With Mobile Internet capability, utilizing Echolink to monitor the New England Reflector system on Echolink Conference *NEW-ENG3* Node: 9123/IRLP 9123 would be helpful as well. Please see the link below for the latest SKYWARN Frequency information for the region: 
http://www.wx1box.org/node/37

 

During setup and takedown of Amateur Radio Field Day sites and even while operating, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat accordingly. Also having a jacket or sweatshirt during evenings as conditions cool etc. may also be useful while operating this year’s Field Day. The link below features information on Heat Safety:
 
Given the threat for thunderstorms particularly on Sunday, lightning is a threat to any and all Amateur Radio Field Day sites. Remember your lightning safety tips and details on lightning safety can be seen at the following link:
 

The next Amateur Radio Field Day coordination message will be posted by 1000 PM Friday Evening.

Respectfully Submitted, 

Robert Macedo (KD1CY) 
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator 
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator 
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM) 
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM) 
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM) 
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com 
http://ares.ema.arrl.org 
http://www.wx1box.org 
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box 

Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box
Emergency Communications / Public Information

KD1CY Featured in SKYWARN Interview on WILI AM 1400

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Rob Macedo, KD1CY featured on WILI SKYWARN interviewRob Macedo, KD1CY was featured in a radio interview on  radio station WILI AM 1400 in Willamantic, Connecticut on June 15. Macedo spoke on severe weather and the importance of trained SKYWARN observers. 

KD1CY is an Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator for Eastern Massachusetts and SKYWARN Coordinator for the National Weather Service office in Norton.

Emergency Communications / Public Information

WQ1O Interviewed About Emergency Communications by WCAI

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Photo of Cape Cod Multi-Agency Communications Center in HyannisFrank O’Laughlin, WQ1O writes on Facebook:

I was interviewed today by Kathryn Eident of NPR station WCAI today at our Barnstable County facility (used for the Multi-Agency Coordination Center) on Cape Cod.

We discussed ARES, agencies, volunteers and how basic simple equipment can often endure due to its lack of dependence on infrastructure. We gave her a live demonstration of digital modes and NBEMS sending files and ICS forms. We then had ARES member Jim, KC1KM send a digital image on VHF. It was of Kathryn’s own WCAI broadcast facility in Falmouth.

I think the interview went well. She is working in collaboration with the Cape Cod Times on a series about disaster preparedness and levels of communications. She will advise me when the final piece is ready to air, possibly in late July or early August. My thanks to Kathryn and WCAI for their interest in emergency communications.

Emergency Communications / Licensing Education & Training / Public Service

ARRL to Sponsor the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season Webinar, June 11, 2018

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Rob Macedo, KD1CY writes on SKYWARN_Announce:
 
The ARRL will be sponsoring the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season Webinar on Monday 6/11/18 at 800 PM EDT. Details on how to register for this very interesting webinar can be seen at the following link:
 
 

The webinar will go through an overview of the historic 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season, lessons learned from the season, key Amateur Radio group’s preparedness for the new season and how Amateur Radio operators and SKYWARN spotters can become involved. These Amateur Radio Groups include, WX4NHC, the Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center, which is now in its 37th year of service, the Hurricane Watch Net, the VoIP Hurricane Net, SATERN (the Salvation Army Team Emergency Response Network) and the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). Also, an Amateur Radio operator who is the Warning Preparedness Meteorologist at the Canadian Hurricane Centre will be giving the meteorological overview of the 2018 season.

We hope many folks can join the 2018 ARRL Hurricane Webinar!

Emergency Communications

2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins

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MEMAMASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

June 1, 2018

Today marks the start of the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs through November, 2018.  To encourage preparedness for the next tropical storm or hurricane, MEMA issued the following press release earlier this morning.  Additionally, we also have included an update that the National Hurricane Center issued this morning on its resources and changes to its forecast products for this hurricane season.  

 

MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 1, 2018

 

CONTACT
Christopher Besse, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

christopher.besse@state.ma.us

 

2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins

Start of Hurricane Season is a Reminder to Prepare

 

 

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Today, June 1st, marks the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season which runs through November 30th.  While historically the majority of tropical storms and hurricanes that have impacted our region occurred during the months of August and September, now is the time to begin preparing yourself, your family, your home and your business.  Throughout hurricane season, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will share important preparedness information to help residents be aware of, and prepare for, the impacts of tropical storms and hurricanes.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) seasonal outlook predicts a near, or above-normal number of hurricanes this season. Regardless of how many storms develop this year, it only takes one storm to severely impact an area.  In 2011, Tropical Storm Irene produced devastating flooding in Central and Western Massachusetts.  Irene was a reminder that hurricanes and tropical storms can impact the entire Commonwealth, not just coastal regions, and that all Massachusetts residents need to prepare for the possibility of hurricane impacts this season. To learn more about the hazards associated with hurricanes and tropical storms, visit MEMA’s hurricane webpage: www.mass.gov/mema/hurricanes.

“Now is the time for all residents of the Commonwealth to prepare for the impacts of a tropical storm or hurricane,” said MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz.  “As hurricane season begins, residents should learn if they live or work in a hurricane evacuation zone, make an emergency plan, assemble an emergency kit, and stay informed.”

Know Your Evacuation Zone

Massachusetts has defined hurricane evacuation zones, designated as Zone A, Zone B and Zone C, for areas of the state at risk for storm surge flooding associated with tropical storms or hurricanes. If evacuations are necessary because of a tropical storm or hurricane, local or state officials will use the hurricane evacuation zones to call for people living, working or vacationing in these areas to evacuate. Even areas not directly along a coastline may be at risk for storm surge flooding during a tropical storm or hurricane. Find out if you live, work or vacation in a hurricane evacuation zone by visiting the ‘Know Your Zone’ interactive map located on MEMA’s website at www.mass.gov/knowyourzone.  

 

Make an Emergency Plan

Develop a plan with the members of your household to prepare for what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in a tropical storm or hurricane. An emergency plan should include:

•                  Meeting Locations

•                  Emergency Contact Information

•                  Evacuation Plans

•                  Shelter-in-Place Plans

•                  Considerations for Family Members with Access and Functional Needs, and Pets

For more information, see: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/make-a-family-emergency-plan.    

Build an Emergency Kit

Build an emergency kit containing items that will sustain you and your family in the event you are isolated for three to five days without power or unable to go to a store. Emergency kits are particularly important during hurricane season, as there is the threat of extended power outages, flooding, and impassable debris-covered roads. While it is important to customize your kit to meet the unique needs of you and your family, every emergency kit should include bottled water, food, a flashlight, a radio and extra batteries, a first aid kit, sanitation items, and clothing. Depending on your family’s needs, emergency kits should also include medications, extra eyeglasses, medical equipment and supplies, children’s items such as diapers and formula, food and supplies for pets and service animals, and other items you or your family members might need during a disaster. For a complete emergency kit checklist, visit:https://www.mass.gov/service-details/build-an-emergency-kit.  

Stay Informed

Receiving advance warnings and timely emergency alerts and information from public officials  is critical to staying safe during a tropical storm or hurricane. Every family should have multiple methods for receiving emergency alerts. Learn more about different types of alerting and information tools including the Massachusetts Alerts Smartphone App, the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, Social Media & Traditional Media, 2-1-1 Hotline, Local Notification Systems. For more information, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/be-informed-and-receive-emergency-alerts. 

MEMA Hurricane Season Preparedness Activities

In preparation for the 2018 hurricane season, MEMA has begun hurricane preparedness activities which will continue throughout the season:

  • In early May, MEMA, FEMA and the National Hurricane Center hosted a “Hurricane Preparedness for Decision Makers” class for New England officials to learn about tropical cyclones, forecasts and evacuation decision making.
  • In May, MEMA hosted hurricane preparedness webinars for 350 local, state, federal, private sector and non-profit partners to share information from the National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service, FEMA and MEMA about hurricane forecasting and emergency planning.
  • In June, MEMA will convene 12 functional hurricane preparedness working groups with representatives of the state’s Emergency Support Function (ESF) partner agencies to focus on air operations, distribution of critical commodities, communications, debris management, electricity restoration, evacuations, fuel supplies and distribution, sheltering, mass feeding, impact assessments, search and rescue, and operation of base camps and staging areas.

 

 

About MEMA

MEMA is the state agency charged with ensuring the state is prepared to withstand, respond to, and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters, including natural hazards, accidents, deliberate attacks, and technological and infrastructure failures. MEMA’s staff of professional planners, communications specialists and operations and support personnel is committed to an all hazards approach to emergency management. By building and sustaining effective partnerships with federal, state and local government agencies, and with the private sector – individuals, families, non-profits and businesses – MEMA ensures the Commonwealth’s ability to rapidly recover from large and small disasters by assessing and mitigating threats and hazards, enhancing preparedness, ensuring effective response, and strengthening our capacity to rebuild and recover. For additional information about MEMA and Emergency Preparedness, go towww.mass.gov/mema.

 

Continue to follow MEMA updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MassEMA; Facebook at www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA; YouTube at www.youtube.com/MassachusettsEMA.

 

Massachusetts Alerts: to receive emergency information on your smartphone, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from MEMA, download the free Massachusetts Alerts app. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit:www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.

 

###

  

From: National Hurricane Center 
Sent: Friday, June 01, 2018 7:33 AM
Subject: 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season

2018 HURRICANE SEASON
Today marks the start of the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through November 30th. Forecasts for storms and their impacts are available at www.hurricanes.gov.

Below are recent changes to NHC products, resources, and a list of the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season names. 

If there is any assistance that we can provide, please don’t hesitate to contact the Hurricane Liaison Team (HLT).
TROPICAL STORM WIND ARRIVAL GRAPHIC
These graphics have become operational in 2018 and depict when tropical storm winds could begin for individual locations given forecast uncertainties.

a.      Most Likely Arrival Time

b.      Earliest Reasonable Arrival Time
 
 
PUBLIC ADVISORY
The Public Advisory includes information about watches and warnings, anticipated hazards, and previously, was limited to a 48 hour discussion of the forecast. 

This year, Public Advisories will discuss the track and intensity forecast routinely through 72 hours, and allow the flexibility to discuss the forecast through 5 days when conditions warrant.
 
STORM SURGE WATCH AND WARNING
The Storm Surge Watch and Warning will highlight areas along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of the United States that are most at risk for life-threatening storm surge. 

Storm Surge Watch and Warning are available as:

  1. Graphic: NHC website
  2. Text products: NWS Hurricane Local Statements and the NHC Public Advisory
 
 
POTENTIAL TROPICAL CYCLONES
The NHC can initiate advisories for systems that are not yet Tropical Cyclones, if they could bring Tropical Storm or Hurricane conditions to land within 48 hours. 

These “Potential Tropical Cyclones” will have the same suite of forecast products as other Tropical Cyclones.
 
CONE GRAPHIC WITH INITIAL WIND FIELD
Last season, the NHC added the initial wind field to the forecast cone graphic. This change reinforces that the forecast cone is not an impact graphic and hazards can occur well outside the cone.
 
IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS 
–Hurricane Watch–
Hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours of the onset of tropical storm force winds.
–Hurricane Warning– 
Hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area, generally within 36 hours of the onset of tropical storm force winds. 

 

–Storm Surge Watch–
There is the possibility of life-threatening inundation generally within 48 hours.


–Storm Surge Warning–
There is a danger of life-threatening inundation generally within 36 hours.

 

Ø  Tropical Depression 
Sustained winds are less than 39 mph

Ø  Tropical Storm 
Sustained winds are between 39 and 73 mph

Ø  Hurricane 
Sustained winds are 74 mph or greater

Ø  Major Hurricane 
Sustained winds are 111 mph or greater
 
 
HURREVAC
The current desktop software version will be available and supported this season, and a web-based prototype (called HVX) will also be available for testing. For more information, please visit www.hurrevac.com.
 
2018 ATLANTIC NAMES
(Pronunciations)

  1. Alberto       (al-BAIR-toe)
  2. Beryl          (BEHR-ril)
  3. Chris          (Kris)
  4. Debby        (DEH-bee)
  5. Ernesto      (er-NES -toh) 
  6. Florence     (FLOOR-ence)   
  7. Gordon       (GOR-duhn) 
  8. Helene       (heh-LEEN)
  9. Isaac         (EYE-zik) 
  10. Joyce         (joys)
  11. Kirk           (kurk)
  12. Leslie         (LEHZ-lee) 
  13. Michael      (MY-kuhl) 
  14. Nadine      (nay-DEEN)
  15. Oscar         (AHS-kur) 
  16. Patty         (PAT-ee)
  17. Rafael       (rah-fah-ELL)
  18. Sara          (SAIR-uh)
  19. Tony         (TOH-nee)
  20. Valerie      (VAH-lur-ee)
  21. William      (WILL-yum)

 
 

This message has been sent from MEMA’s Private Sector Listserv.

To unsubscribe from this listserv, call MEMA Operations at (508) 820-2000.

Private Sector

Attachments area

Emergency Communications

Eastern MA Hospital Net, June 2, 2018

- by kc1cic - Leave a Comment

John Barbuto, KS1Q writes on the South Shore Hospital ARC mailing list:

Net Control for the June 2, 2018 Eastern MA Hospital Net will be W1SSH, The South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club . The net will commence at the usual time of 10:00 AM using the following repeaters in the order listed.

1.Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5
2 Marshfield 145.390 tone 67.0
3.Dartmouth 147.000 tone 67.0

Simplex 147.42

The Net will then return to the Sharon Repeater for 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 yours 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.
Any hospital wishing to join the net that needs assistance with equipment or personnel should contact us at ssharc@gmail.com. We can assist you with getting your location on the air.

We are always looking for groups or organizations to try their hand at Net Control. If you are interested please contact us at the email address listed above. Our goal is to rotate Net Control throughout the year among as many 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 are 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.

REMINDER: The BARC Repeater is now using split tone. Boston 145.230 tone encode 88.5 tone decode 100.0

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 Barbuto
KS1Q

—
South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club – W1SSH
Box 42
55 Fogg Road,
South Weymouth, MA 02190

Emergency Communications / Organization

Important ARES Leadership Reorganization in Eastern Massachusetts Section

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

ARRL flagAs part of a renewed emphasis on ARES throughout the Eastern Massachusetts section, Greg Bennett, KC1CIC has been appointed as Section Emergency Coordinator. The appointment was made on May 23, 2018 by Section Manager Tom Walsh. As Greg assumes his new role, Tom thanked outgoing SEC Marek Kozubal, KB1NCG for his service to the section for the past three years.

Greg brings a great amount of experience to the job. Greg is currently an Assistant Section Traffic Manager. KC1CIC has been a licensed amateur since 2014 and possesses over ten years of radio communications expertise learned in the military special forces.

Greg Bennett, KC1CIC, is active daily on the HF and VHF nets, and he is no stranger to emergency communications and public service.  He constructed his own ‘Go Kit’. He’s an effective manager and the author of articles on digital communications and emergency power. 

I have complete confidence that Greg will accomplish the goals I have set forth for the ARES program in Eastern Massachusetts. Those new goals include raising the profile of EMA ARES; developing a section emergency plan; restructuring our current leadership; revitalizing the program through new member recruitment; revamping instructional materials; and conducting regular section-wide Simulated Emergency Tests. 

Please welcome Greg Bennett, KC1CIC, to his new Section Emergency Coordinator role and give him your support.

Tom Walsh K1TW
ARRL Section Manager
Eastern Massachusetts
——————————————————————–
ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section
Section Manager: Thomas D Walsh, K1TW
k1tw@arrl.org
——————————————————————–

Clubs / Emergency Communications / Field Day / Operating / Public Information

Eastern MA 2018 Field Day Directory

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ARRL Field Day 2018 logoThe 19th Annual Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Directory contains some of the most comprehensive Field Day resource pages of its kind.

According to Bill Ricker, N1VUX, the Directory offers both detailed historical and current information on individual field day club operations along with the complete event operating rules and helpful safety tips. The Directory’s software will automatically compute your field day site’s Maidenhead Grid locator for VHF recommended ‘Grid Chase’ extra exchange. “We report third level, six-character grid; for example, LL99ii–which is useful for some microwave aiming tools–but you only need four (LL99) in the on-air exchange.”

“Clubs which are reactivating a previous Class A or F site can confirm to the EMA Directory by simply putting their pin in at the ARRL Field Day Locator – also conveniently linked from our directory. I’ll pick that up and mark them confirmed. I would appreciate an email from new clubs in Class A or F, clubs with new sites, clubs whose details on their EMA directory need updating, or who are definitely not using the site they had last year.”

The Directory also links to updated information on how to handle NTS radiogram traffic, and score bonus points during the event.

“A major goal always has been helping (and encouraging) EMA ARRL staff and leadership to plan visits to nearby field day sites, as is our custom — and helping us hit as many different ones as possible. From the staffs’ comments last year about how many sites they didn’t find, I’d like to suggest that if your big banner isn’t visible from the road, place some Realtors(tm)-style foamcore and wire signs at the entrance and leading visitors through the maze.” Bill adds, “‘Public Welcome’ and an arrow are recommended. If you’re not conducting a 24-hour operation, a statement of hours would be good on both the sign and on the EMA FD Directory and Headquarters Locator.”

N1VUX also invites you to post your comments and memories from field day on the ARRL Soapbox. “We’ll link them in the Directory for history. If your club has memories on a website or Facebook page that we don’t have linked, send me the link and I’ll make sure it’s included.”

The Eastern MA Field Day Directory can be viewed at http://fd.ema.arrl.org.  N1VUX can be reached at his arrl.net address.

Emergency Communications

MEMA Region 2 RACES/ACS Drill Night, May 7, 2018

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

On Sunday, May 6, 2018, MEMA Region 2 RACES/ACS <wc1mab@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello to all,

I am writing to remind everyone that tomorrow Monday May 7th, 2018 is the first non-holiday Monday of the month and, as such, is our monthly RACES/ACS drill night.  I would like to thank all operators who assisted with the Boston Marathon operations in April and those who participated in the ARES standby for the day. As you probably already know, the event was a great success, both for the BAA and from an Amateur Radio perspective. Everyone performed impressively under very adverse conditions.   

While we are a separate entity from ARES, we often do have ARES operators check into our nets for training and awareness purposes. I would like to ask all Net Control Operators to continue to ask any ARES operators to identify themselves when checking in and annotate on the net log which stations did. I can pass this information along to their local EC’s and DEC’s to show them that their operators are indeed staying active and current which can be a challenge in the winter months. 

I will again attempt to activate an APRS station as WC1MAB-1 from Region #2 HQ tomorrow night and I invite operators who have APRS capabilities to send me a message during the communications test activities. Any operators who are able, please attempt to make contact to help test our capabilities with this tool.

I have continued to be contacted by individuals who are very interested in getting RACES “on-line” in their communities. This is a fantastic thing! I am working with the MEMA Region #2 staff to try to get these operators connected with willing EMDs to continue growing our net community. 

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 146.955/-0.60  PL 88.5 20:00 Local
Sector 2D 146.865/-0.60  PL 103.2 19:30 Local
6-Meter State Net 53.31 / – 1.0  PL 71.9 19:00 Local
MA RACES HF Net 3930 KHz LSB moving up to 3955 KHz until there is a clear frequency      18:45 Local

For the Region 2 operators and Net Control team members, I would like to know who may be available to assist from the Region 2 bunker or who may be able to assist as a NCO from home. Any operators who would like to take a net, please respond and let me know if and how you might be participating. While we do try to keep a log at Region 2 Headquarters, it would be very helpful for Net Control Stations to please e-mail their net reports to me at WC1MAB@gmail.com in the days following the nets.

As always, if anyone has been interested in participating as Net Control Stations, the call for operators is an open one. This is a great skill to practice and can be a big help for our region in the event that the State EOC is operating in lieu of the Region Office, but communications still need to happen. If any local RACES operators who have participated in nets recently are interested in acting as NCO please let me know and we will see how we can get you into the fray. As always, if anyone is receiving this note and does not wish to receive further messages of this kind, please reply and let me know. Also, if you know someone who would benefit from being on this list, please have them contact me at WC1MAB@gmail.com and I will add them to this distribution. Thank you all!

If anyone has any questions or comments I can be reached by e-mail or cell phone. Thanks for being a part of our team and I look forward to hearing back on who can participate this month.

Sincerely,

Michael Leger (N1YLQ)
MEMA Region 2
Emergency Communications Officer
C: 386-566-7666

Emergency Communications

Eastern MA Hospital Net, May 5, 2018

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

John Barbuto, KS1Q writes on the South Shore Hospital ARC mailing list:

Net Control for the May 5, 2018 Eastern MA Hospital Net will be Greg Bennett, KC1CIC.  The net will commence at the usual time of 10:00 AM using the following repeaters in the order listed. 

  1. Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67
  2. Sharon146.865 tone 103.5
  3. Boston 145.230 tone encode 88.5, tone decode 100.0  

There will not be a simplex test this month.

The Net will then return to the Bridgewater repeater for 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.

Any hospital wishing to join the net that needs assistance with equipment or personnel should contact us at ssharc@gmail.com. We can assist you with getting your location on the air.

We are always looking for groups or organizations to try their hand at Net Control duties. If you are interested please let us know. Our goal is to rotate Net Control practice and the experience among as many 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 are 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.

REMINDER: The BARC Repeater is now using split tone. Boston 145.230 tone encode 88.5 tone decode 100.0

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.

Emergency Communications

Eastern MA Hospital Net, May 4, 2018

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

The South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club will not be able to participate in the May 4, 2018 Eastern MA Hospital Net due to problems with our antenna/cable. We would appreciate it if another Hospital Group or EOC would take Net Control duties for the May Net. Please let us know if you are able to do so.

Below are the repeaters we have available for our use. Let us know which three  or four repeaters you would like to use and we will make all the notifications. We’ll also send you a copy of our net preamble if you desire which you may modify for your own use.

Thank you,

John, KS1Q

John Barbuto

– – – –

South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club – W1SSH
Box 42
55 Fogg Road,
South Weymouth, MA 02190

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. tond 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 82.5
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 dpl 244
Wrentham 147.09 tone 146.2

Emergency Communications / Licensing Education & Training

SKYWARN Training at Sturdy Memorial Hospital ARC, May 15, 2018

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

SKYWARN logoSKYWARN training will be offered at the Sturdy Memorial Hospital ARC on May 15 from 7-9 PM.

According to SMHARC’s Ray Cord, K2TGX, “This is both training for new SKYWARN spotters as well as re-certification training for existing spotters.

The training is in lieu of the regular ARES and general club meetings. It will be conducted by the Amateur Radio SKYWARN Coordinator in the Sturdy Memorial Hospital Rice-Webb Auditorium, 211 Park Street, Attleboro.