a field organization of the National Association for Amateur Radio®
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.
I hope everyone was able to dig out from the recent snow storms with no serous negative effects! Thank you to the stations that checked in and particularly those that took on Net Control Duties in January and submitted their reports! Those are very helpful in showing MEMA and the ARRL that we remain prepared and active for emergency operations in Southeastern MA.
This email is the typical monthly message to let everyone know that Monday evening, February 2nd, 2026 is our first non-holiday Monday of the month and, as such, will be the next RACES/ACS/Preparedness Net night. For those who check into the 80m Net, please note the change in frequency for the net this evening. This was necessary due to frequent net collisions during our planned net night/time.
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 |
The Algonquin Amateur Radio Club will be holding its annual Hamfest at Whitcomb Middle School at in Marlborough, MA on Saturday, February 14th, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. General admission is $5 and includes a chance at the $200 Cash Door Prize.
For more information check out the official flyer.
Hello to all…
The February Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday February 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 Feb 2026, the MEMA RACES nets will be held on Mon Feb 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
Jeff N1JCM will be net control
*********************************************************************************
Region 2D VHF net:
7:30 PM ET VHF net on 146.865 MHz PL 103.5 (Sharon Repeater)
We will have a general call up of any RACES, ARES, or other interested stations. If there is time, we will 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 KC1VMZ, copy AB1PH, between 0600 Monday Feb 2 and 2400 Monday Feb 2.
We look forward to you checking in!
—
73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph
_._,_._,_
The December STM traffic report is available at https://ema.arrl.org/massachusetts-rhode-island-stm-report-for-december-2025/. The report includes impressive year-end totals for all reporting nets. Special note: Two new Official Relay Station (ORS) appointees: Dan Rabinowitz, KC1RMD and Dave Marcucci, KC1TLF and a new Digital Traffic System (DTN) relay station covering the four westernmost counties of Massachusetts, Alan Dove, AB1XW.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I hope everyone had wonderful and peaceful Thanksgiving and Winter Holidays. Merry Christmas! Happy Hannukah! Festive Kwanzaa! And Happy Festivus (my personal favorite)! Winter is in full swing, on the Cape and throughout the area. We’ve been getting more than our usual share of snow here on the Cape, and, it seems, throughout the region. Oh well, I guess it’s payback for a few relatively light Winters. We’re New Englanders – we will survive! And the Patriots have made a remarkable comeback this year. Let’s hope we can defeat the Texans this weekend and keep moving on!
* 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/
* 2026 Boston Marathon Still Needs Volunteers
Volunteer registration for the 2026 Boston Marathon is open and ongoing. If you’ve already registered to volunteer, thank you for your interest in joining the team!
For anyone who hasn’t yet, please don’t delay! Volunteer registration closes on Friday, February 6. Full story at https://ema.arrl.org/2026/01/05/2026-boston-marathon-amateur-radio-volunteer-registration-remains-open-volunteers-still-needed-deadline-friday-2-6-26/
* 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/
* New 60-Meter Frequencies Available as of February 13
The new 60-meter frequencies approved by the FCC in December will become available to amateurs as of February 13, 2026, along with new power restrictions on those frequencies. It’s a bit confusing, as different rules apply to different segments of the band. The changes result from the FCC’s action to approve a worldwide 60-meter amateur allocation made by the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2015 (WRC-15). Full story at https://www.arrl.org/news/new-60-meter-frequencies-available-as-of-february-13
* Our Section Has a New Section Youth Coordinator (SYC)!
I’m thrilled to introduce Matt KC1UBH, our section’s new Section Youth Coordinator. Matt holds an Amateur Extra class license. He is a student at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School and founded the school’s amateur radio club. He is very active in his club and with Amateur Radio in general. Matt is very much looking forward to working with his age-peer group to get them active with the hobby. If you hear Matt on the air, please welcome him!
* 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 January 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!
Colin Fraser, KC1YTK – FCC
16 Woodridge Ln
Ashland, MA 01721-1119
David Ziehler, KC1YTM – FCC
136 Acton St
Carlisle, MA 01741-1436
Carter J Scanlan, KC1YRV – FCC
3 Wintergreen Ln
Westford, MA 01886-4033
Josiah Neiderbach, KC1YQN – FCC
95 Samoset Ave
Mansfield, MA 02048-2329
Peter M Sienkiewicz, KC1YSK – FCC
34 Acorn St
Scituate, MA 02066-3325
Nabil Hasrouni, KC1YQO – FCC
58 Wyvern St
Roslindale, MA 02131-2134
Lynnette P Ramsay, KC1YSD – FCC
80 Lanark Rd # 1
Boston, MA 02135-7843
Charles Anumonwo, KC1YRU – FCC
8 Museum Way Apt 506
Cambridge, MA 02141-1880
Sheamus D Higgins, KC1YRS – FCC
136 Gerald Rd
Milton, MA 02186-4749
Timothy M Fitzpatrick, KC1YSJ – FCC
1300 Pleasant St
East Weymouth, MA 02189-2733
John M St Hilaire, KC1YTJ – FCC
102 Fayette St
Watertown, MA 02472-3853
Alexander Wong, KC1YQA – FCC
70 Livermore Rd
Belmont, MA 02478-3844
Jorge Fleisher, KC1YRY – FCC
14 Mackintosh Ave
Needham, MA 02492-1219
Samuel J Delgado, KC1YRZ – FCC
78 Oakwood Ave
Falmouth, MA 02540-2856
John N Walker, KC1YTI – FCC
22 Mayflower Rd
Mashpee, MA 02649-2407
Constantine N Mitrokostas, KC1YPI – FCC
PO Box 506
South Yarmouth, MA 02664-0506
John-Paul Deroy, KC1YQY – FCC
204 Main Rd
Westport, MA 02790-4236
For this weekend’s ARRL VHF Contest, Steve K1STK and his Scott KA1QAS are heading out roving as KA1QAS/R in FN51, FN41, and FN42.
They plan on being in FN51av on Saturday from 2:00PM ET until 8:00PM ET or so. Then Sunday morning they will be in FN41, and in the afternoon they’ll land closer to their homes in FN42. Each grid square change allows them to work stations again from our new location!
They will be operating on 6m, 2m, 70cm, and 23cm all modes. They will also be on 220 MHz and 900 MHz with FM.
Throughout the contest they will be listening to 146.52, 446.00, and 927.50 FM simplex. Give them a shout! They’re eager to test the mobile station they have been building, so they hope to hear from anyone, anywhere, from all the grids!
Hopefully you can also track them on APRS at K1STK-7 and KA1QAS.
They welcome skeds! e-Mail Scott KA1QAS at ka1qasradio@gmail.com
The BAA Amateur Radio Communications Committee Writes:
Volunteer registration for the 2026 Boston Marathon is open and ongoing. If you’ve already registered to volunteer at the 2026 Boston Marathon, we’d like to thank you for your interest in joining our team!
For anyone who hasn’t yet, please don’t delay! Volunteer registration closes on Friday, February 6. It would help our planning processes if you could complete your registration by Friday, January 30.
Registration Link (for new and returning volunteers):
https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/info-for-volunteers/
Step by Step Sign Up Guide:
https://hamradioboston.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/44002570599-2026-volunteer-registration-step-by-step-guide
A few notes for volunteers:
Almost all amateur radio positions are single person assignments. We are not able to group people on a single assignment, but we will try to accommodate which segment you are assigned to in order to allow for similar start/end times.
We’d like to extend our sincerest congratulations to the winner of the Boston Marathon ARO bib lottery, Sparsh Bansal, KC1MGP. We’re looking forward to cheering you on!
Final documentation is generally released during the first week of April. Before this can happen, we need the final logistical details from the various area coordinators for Start, Course, Finish, and Transportation. Where possible, we will release documents as they become available. In this case, look out for emails from the committee and your Team Captain.
As always, we appreciate your help in getting the word out to prospective volunteers. Please send this to hams or clubs that you think may be interested in joining us on the amateur radio team for the 2026 Boston Marathon!
If you have any questions about the content of this message or about volunteering at the marathon in general, please don’t hesitate to send them to contact@HamRadioBoston.org.
We’re looking forward to seeing you all again soon!
Thank you, and 73,
Boston Marathon Communications Committee
contact@HamRadioBoston.org
Hello to all…
The January Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday January 5th, 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 the net and we will be requesting snowfall measurements from a light snow event that will be affecting portions of the section Monday PM/Evening.
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
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I hope this note finds everyone well in the new year and that everyone had wonderful year-end holidays! Thank you to the stations that checked in and particularly those that took on Net Control Duties in December and submitted their reports! Those are very helpful in showing MEMA and the ARRL that we remain prepared and active for emergency operations in Southeastern MA.
This email is the typical monthly message to let everyone know that Monday evening, January 5th, 2026 is our first non-holiday Monday of the month and, as such, will be the next RACES/ACS/Preparedness Net night. For those who check into the 80m Net, please note the change in frequency for the net this evening. This was necessary due to frequent net collisions during our planned net night/time.
The Region #2 and State Net Schedule for this evening is as follows:
| Net | Frequency/Offset | Time |
| Sector 2A | 147.00 /+0.60 PL | 19:30 Local |
| Sector 2B | 145.39/-0.60 PL 67.0 | 20:00 Local |
| Sector 2C | Winlink Net Check-In –
NCO: KC1VMZ |
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 |
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 Jan 2026, the MEMA RACES nets will be held on Mon Jan 5 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 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. Due to scheduling conflicts there will be no simplex test this month.
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 KC1VMZ, copy AB1PH, between 0600 Monday Jan 5 and 2400 Monday Jan 5.
We look forward to you checking in!
—
73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph