Field Day

All things Field Day

Clubs / Field Day / Public Information

The Acton Exchange: “Anyone out there? Ham radio operators participate in nationwide field day”

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

PART of Westford logoThe American Radio Relay League (ARRL) hosted its annual Field Day over the June 28-29 (2025) weekend at the Concord Rod and Gun Club on Strawberry Hill Road, within handheld radio broadcasting distance from the Acton town line. Around 40,000 amateur radio operators, also known as “hams,” participate each year over the fourth weekend of June in the most popular on-the-air event in North America. The event has been running since 1933, interrupted only by World War II, and the operators who set up at the Concord site are members of the PART (Police Amateur Radio Team) of Westford club. [Full story]

Field Day

Falmouth ARA Field Day 2025

- by W1IZZ - Leave a Comment

FARA’s Field Day (FD) began on Friday, 27 June. The setup group met at the club storage container, which holds the club’s FD materials. The group loaded up and transported the towers, beams, coils of coax cables, dipoles, tools, tables and related items to the FD location at the Morse Pond School.

Once at the FD location, the primary tasks were to setup the communications trailer and generators, assemble and test three beams, setup three towers with beams and dipole halyards, and run coaxial cable between the towers and the trailer. The goal was to have the towers ready to raise on Saturday. Setup went smoothly and was quickly done.

On Saturday morning, the SSB and CW stations were setup in the communications trailer. The towers were raised. The generators were started early to allow for testing. The GOTA station was setup under the fixed shelter to be more publicly accessible. A VHF station, primarily for use for Winlink message traffic, was also setup under the fixed shelter. In addition, a VHF/UHF station for satellite operation was setup when satellite passes were available.

Operations commenced at 1400 local time and continued until 1400 on Sunday, 29 June. The SSB station operators made 839 contacts and the CW station operators made 1,439 contacts. Contacts were made with all US ARRL sections and nine of the fourteen Canadian sections. Two DX contacts were made via CW.

The GOTA station had one youth operator who made eleven contacts. Messages were sent via Winlink to the EMA section manager and to ten local and state officials. Two satellite contacts were also made during FD.

FARA’s total contact points, which include a 2X multiplier for CW contacts and another 2X power multiplier for all contacts, are 7,434 points. We also qualified for bonus points totaling 1,625 points. FARA’s total claimed score is 9,059–a great score.

We had a nice cookout on Saturday with hot dogs, burgers, and sausages. A sausage, hash browns, and egg breakfast was served on Sunday morning for the overnight crew and anyone else that attended. Mike, KC1HKW, kept us all well fed and hydrated throughout the FD weekend.

Sunday afternoon, the teardown crew took everything down, packed it into vehicles and transported the equipment to the storage container. The container was loaded and locked by approximately 1600–a very quick and efficient disassembly operation!

A gallery of photo’s taken by Ralph, N1YHS and Larry, W1IZZ can be viewed at this link:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/rbASMK1z3iH2Eaxx8

Field Day / Foxhunting

W1MJ Fox at Nashoba Valley ARC Field Day, Pepperell, June 28-29, 2025

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Eliot Mayer, W1MJ, writes on NEMassFoxHunters:
 
I will be deploying my fox this morning in the Heald Street Orchard in Pepperell, MA.  I hope to get it on the air by 10 AM, and leave it on until 2 PM on Sunday.  It will sleep from 9 PM to 7 AM.
 
The fox transmits once per minute on 147.540 MHz.  It outputs 4 watts to a roll-up J-pole.
 
If there is cell service at the orchard, I will send a brief follow up here to confirm deployment.
 
This fox hunt is a side activity of the Nashoba Valley ARC’s Field Day.  If you come to hunt, please stop by the FD site in the orchard to say hi.  You can even make a few contacts if you’d like.  If you are not an HF operator, visit the “Get on the Air” station, set up specifically for you.
 
Clubs / Field Day

Cape Ann ARA Field Day, 12 Noon-5 PM, June 28, 2025

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Cape Ann ARA logoOn behalf of the Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association (CAARA), I’m excited to announce our participation in the 2025 ARRL Field Day, a nationwide annual event that showcases the fascinating world of amateur radio. We invite the public to join us on Saturday, June 28th, 2025, from Noon to 5:00 p.m., at our clubhouse, located at 6 Stanwood Street in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

What is Field Day?

Field Day is more than just an event for ham radio operators; it’s an emergency preparedness exercise and a chance to highlight the vital role amateur radio plays in our communities, especially during times of crisis. When traditional communication systems fail, amateur radio operators, or “hams,” can provide crucial communication links.

During Field Day, CAARA members will operate our radio stations, attempting to make as many contacts as possible with other amateur radio stations across North America. This simulates operating under challenging conditions, honing our skills in effective communication.

Join Us!

We welcome everyone, from curious onlookers to aspiring hams, to visit our clubhouse on Saturday afternoon. You’ll have the opportunity to:

  • See amateur radio in action: Observe experienced operators making contacts around the country.
  • Learn about emergency communications: Understand how ham radio can be a lifeline when other systems are down.
  • Try your hand at transmitting: Under the guidance of a licensed operator, you can even get on the air and make a contact!
  • Discover the hobby: Learn about licensing, different modes of operation, and how to get involved in amateur radio.

ARRL Field Day is a fantastic opportunity to see firsthand the dedication and ingenuity of amateur radio operators. We look forward to sharing our passion with the community and demonstrating the value of this essential public service.

For more information about CAARA or the Field Day event, please visit our website at http://caara.net or contact us at info@caara.net.

Sincerely,

Brandon Hockle, NQ1W

President, Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association

Clubs / Field Day

Wellesley Amateur Radio Society Field Day, June 28-29. 2025

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Wellesley ARS logoCourtesy Needham Patch:

Wellesley, MA – 6/20/2025 – The Wellesley Amateur Radio Society (WARS) will participate in the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day exercise on 28-29 June 2025, at the Needham Memorial Gazebo, 92 Rosemary St, Needham, MA 02492, demonstrating the critical role amateur radio plays in emergency communications and public service. The public are invited to visit our demonstration between 2-6 pm on Saturday and 9 am – 12 noon on Sunday to learn about amateur radio Field Day and the WARS club.

Field Day is amateur radio’s premier annual event, bringing together thousands of radio operators across North America to test their emergency preparedness and showcase their ability to communicate without relying on traditional infrastructure. During the 24-hour exercise, participants operate from temporary outdoor locations using emergency power sources to simulate real-world disaster conditions. Clubs compete with each other on Field Day, by earning points based on the number of contacts made and bonus points for emergency preparedness activities. The real value, however, lies in the training, fellowship, and public education that Field Day provides.

“Many members of WARS will be participating in Field Day by erecting antennas, connecting radios, and making contacts around the US” said Club President Charlie Bures. “The public is warmly invited to stop by and see amateur radio in operation. We’ll be most happy to demonstrate our operations and

answer any questions. We expect to have at least 3 stations operational in various modes, such as voice, Morse code, and the newer digital modes.”

Amateur radio operators, known as “hams,” are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission and have a long history of providing emergency communications during disasters. Recent examples include support operations during Hurricane Ian, the Texas winter storm of 2021, and numerous wildfire evacuations across the western United States. Locally our club assisted in the Boston Marathon by providing communications infrastructure.

The WARS Club meets every third Tuesday of the month at Kingsbury Room of the Wellesley Police Station, 485 Washington St. (Rte 16), in Wellesley. For more information about amateur radio or the club’s activities, visit the WARS club website: https://ema.arrl.org/wellesley-amateur-radio-society/ or contact the Club President by email: c.bures@comcast.net

About Amateur Radio 

Amateur radio is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. People use ham radio to talk to friends, conduct emergency communications, experiment with electronics, and even communicate with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Information about amateur radio is available from the American Radio Relay League at www.arrl.org.

About Wellesley Amateur Radio Society 

The WARS club is celebrating its 75th anniversary in the upcoming year, having served the local community and greater ham community. Currently the club has over 50 members and the Club’s radio callsign is W1TKZ.

https://ema.arrl.org/wellesley-amateur-radio-society/

https://www.arrl.org/field-day

https://ema.arrl.org/field_day/ClubDetail.php?club=WARS

https://maps.app.goo.gl/q99xCh5ygyahznMU7

Field Day / Organization

June 2025 Section Update

- by Jon McCombie - Leave a Comment

HAPPY SUMMER!   Wow, time has really flown by quickly. It’s hard to believe it’s officially Summer, but the temperatures are getting reasonable, the flowers are blooming, the pollen level is beyond crazy, and allergy meds have become a required part of the daily regimen! And here on the Cape, the inevitable deluge of tourists has begun. It’s now nearly impossible to make left turns, with the increased traffic. But our favorite restaurants have awakened from their winter slumber and are open once again. Let Summer begin! 

* Field Day is June 28-29 – SOON! 

I hope your plan for Field Day 2025 is coming along! It’s coming up quickly – June 28-29 this year. The League has all manner of materials to help you and your club get started, including the FD site locator, and the 2025 ARRL Field Day Public Relations Kit [PDF] at https://arrl.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0zMzEwNjY0JnA9MSZ1PTUyNDYxMTkzMiZsaT0zNzcwMTg1MA/index.html   to get you started – including a press release template that you can use for your activation. Full details at https://arrl.org/field-day  

I am finalizing my plans to visit as many Field Day sites in person as I can fit in. I’ll be starting Saturday morning in northeast MA, then making my way through the section over Saturday and Sunday. Please, PLEASE register your FD site on the FD site locator on the ARRL website so I can plan my journey. I’m very much looking forward to seeing so many of you! If you especially want me to stop by your FD site, please email me at n1ilz@arrl.org and let me know where you’ll be and your hours of operation. 

* Governor’s FD Proclamation 

A big tip o’ the hat and a serious thank-you to our State Government Liaison (SGL) Steve KC1KEZ, for his efforts to get an official Proclamation from MA’s governor, Maura Healey, officially recognizing June 28-29 as Amateur Radio Field Day in MA. I will have an original copy of the proclamation with me on my FD site visits, as will WMA Section Manager Ray AA1SE, and New England Division Vice Director Phil K9HI. 

* Boy Scout Camp Greenough Amateur Radio Station Grand Opening 

The Barnstable Amateur Radio Club is very excited to announce the Grand Opening of the newly constructed Camp Greenough Amateur Radio Station scheduled for Saturday May 31st starting at 2PM, in conjunction with the Chuck Wagon Event.  The station is located in the basement of the Maushop Lodge.   

This station is the culmination of the efforts by members of the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club, contributions of the American Radio Relay League, and many local businesses and the support of the Cape and Island council leadership. More details at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/05/07/camp-greenough-amateur-radio-station-grand-opening-yarmouth-port-may-31-2025/ 

* 2025 Northeast HamXposition is Coming! 

Mark your calendars! The 2025 Northeast HamXposition is not that far away: August 21-24, 2025, in Marlborough, MA. This is New England’s premier ham gathering. I hope to have an eyeball QSO with all of you at HamX! Full info at https://hamxposition.org/  

* Thanks to N1WBV and W1IZZ for Help Maintaining EMA Section Website 

A huge thank you to Ben N1WBV and Larry W1IZZ for answering my call for help with keeping the EMA website up to date. Between them they’re connected to just about every club in Eastern MA, and they’ve been doing a fantastic job keeping the EMA website fresh with news and current events. Thanks again, guys!  

*  Virtual NTS Traffic Net Going Strong 

Many Technician class amateurs miss out on fun and skills learning of traffic handling because they reside in areas of the country where local traffic nets on VHF repeaters don’t exist. The Virtual NTS Traffic Net (VNTN) seeks to address this problem with the creation of a Zoom-based local traffic net that can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection.   

The Net meets weekly, and held its inaugural session on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET. The VNTN URL is: https://bitl.to/3xj4 The net will be changing time to 8 PM ET soon – stay tuned for details. 

Full details at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/03/05/virtual-nts-traffic-net-begins-march-5-2025/  

* Still Recruiting a New Section Youth Coordinator  

Sadly, our former Section Youth Coordinator, Paul K1YUB, is now a Silent Key. I need to fill this important position on the EMA Section Staff. The SYC requirement and job description is at https://www.arrl.org/section-youth-coordinator  If you are interested in this volunteer position, please contact me at n1ilz@arrl.org  – I’ll appreciate it greatly!  

* N1ILZ for a Final   

I hope you’re all enjoying the joys that Summer brings, with warmer weather, no more snow, and – lest I forget – ice cream!! Get out there and get those new antennas up or fix the damage from the ravages of winter. Stay cool and hydrated. Most of all, get on the air and have fun! 

Can you write a paragraph or two about what you’re up to, so I can publish it in the Section Update? 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.  

 

Clubs / Field Day

2025 Nashoba Valley ARC Field Day Press Release

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Nashoba Valley ARC logoMark it on your calendar – ARRL Field Day is just two weeks away!  Once again this year, the Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club will participate from the Heald Street Orchard in Pepperell (entrance is adjacent to 112 Heald Street).  We will be setting up Saturday, June 28th after 9 AM, with operation from 2 PM Saturday June 28 th through Sunday June 29th at 2 PM.

We will feature four operating stations – an HF phone station (primarily for voice operation), an HF CW station (primarily for Morse code and data operation), a VHF/UHF station (which will also communicate via satellite), and a GOTA station.  GOTA stands for “Get-on-the-Air”.  This station is specifically set aside for unlicensed operators (operating under the supervision of a licensed operator), newly licensed hams, and generally inactive hams.

Besides the Field Day stations, there will be educational activities, social activities, food, etc.  Something for everyone!  Please come and join us.  Bring your family, friends, kids, and grandchildren.  Everyone is welcome.

Attached is the official press release which will give you more information.

I look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Bruce, K1BG

978-772-2773 or bruce.blain@charter.net

Field Day / NTS

Field Day NTS training, the bare essentials

- by W1IZZ - Leave a Comment

I’ve been doing ‘virtual NTS training’  (https://groups.io/g/VNTN)  for the past couple of months over Zoom.  I thought that maybe I could help other clubs in the area by doing an abbreviated training session focused on Field Day radiograms.

I’ve put a web page at https://www.qsl.net/n1cvo/FDNTS.htm with the details.  These sessions are at 8pm on June 11th, 18th and possibly 25th. The Zoom sessions will be recorded and I’ll post the recording link to the FDNTS page the day after a session.

If you want a head start, there is a good intro to creating and voicing radiograms at: https://www.k8amh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/National-Traffic-System-and-Radiograms.pdf .

Shawn – N1CVO
Billerica Amateur Radio Society

 

Field Day

2025 Field Day Locator – Please Register

- by W1IZZ - Leave a Comment

If your club is planning to participate in Field Day, please consider listing YOUR club’s Field Day location on the ARRL Field Day Locator page: https://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator. 

If your club is already listed, Thank You!

If you know of any clubs or individuals who are not ARRL Affiliated who will be operating Field Day stations, please encourage them to use the Field Day Locator page.

Field Day

Is Your Club on the Map?

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
ARRL Field Day locator map Use the ARRL Field Day Site Locator to make in-person connections during the event! 
 
With a little more than a month to go until the big weekend, there are almost 650 sites listed on the locator. To search for a site near you, just go to the map and zoom in on your area. Click on the red map pins for details about each site. To add information to the locator, click on “Add a Station”
 
 
Field Day / Operating

Next “On The Air (OTA) Live” is Next Week

- by Jon McCombie - Leave a Comment

In addition to the magazines the League publishes (QST, QEX, National Contest Journal, On the Air), the League produces On the Air Live, a live webinar targeted at hams who want to explore new-to-them operating modes and generally how to get on the air. The next OTA Live will be Tuesday May 27, 2025 at 8pm EDT. NOTE: you must pre-register to receive the link to join.

Event description:

Discover how to setup WSJT-X for FT8 and FT4 along with homebrew 10 and 15 meter antennas to participate in this year’s ARRL Field Day.

We’ll cover:

  • WSJT-X installation and setup
  • How to operate FT8 and FT4
  • Demonstration of each with a homebrew 10 meter antenna as featured in the May/June On the Air Magazine
  • WSJT-X specific setup for ARRL Field Day

To register, click this link: https://learn.arrl.org/webinars/82925 

 

Field Day / Flea markets & Conventions / NTS / Operating

April 2025 Section Update

- by Jon McCombie - Leave a Comment

HAPPY TAX DAY!  And coming this weekend, the anniversary of “the shot heard ‘round the world,” the opening shot of the battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, which sparked the American Revolutionary War. This month’s stories are titled after Paul Revere’s ride (“The British are coming!”). Enjoy! 

 

 * Celebration of Marconi Day is Coming! 

Marconi’s 151st birthdate is April 25, 2025 (born 1874).  International Marconi Day this year is Saturday, April 26, 2024. Historic Marconi radio stations around the world go on the air to make two-way contacts with each other and other amateur radio operators. 

Where: Marconi Station Site, Wellfleet, MA      Saturday April 26 from 10 AM-3 PM.  

The Marconi Cape Cod Radio Club and the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club are partnering with Cape Cod National Seashore to serve as an official International Marconi Day Station. Please visit the site to learn about Marconi’s historic Wireless Station that is famous for sending the first wireless transatlantic message from the USA to Europe (1903) and its ship-to-shore messages.  HF radio operators will make live contacts around the world using Morse code and voice.  

For more information: 
Barbara Dougan, trustee Marconi Cape Cod Radio Club-KM1CC 
km1cc.capecod.fn51@gmail.com 

 

* NEAR-Fest is Coming! 

NEAR-Fest is coming VERY soon! Like May 2-3!  Join the crew this May as NEAR-Fest returns to its NEW home in New Boston, NH! 

The organizers have an incredible flea market lined up, packed with radios, electronics, unique finds (You never know what you might find!), and all the camaraderie that makes NEAR-Fest the legendary gathering it is. 

Whether you’re a seasoned ham, a first-time attendee, or love the thrill of the hunt, there’s something for everyone! 

Full details at https://near-fest.com/  

 

* NE QSO Party is Coming! 

The New England QSO Party, on May 3-4, is a great time to check out antenna systems and offers a moderately paced opportunity to work new states and countries. You’ll find a wide variety of participants, from newcomers to experienced contesters, all interested in making contacts with New England stations. 
 
Our goal is to get every one of the counties in New England on the air so we hope you will join in the fun! Even if you can join the fun for a couple of hours, contest organizers will appreciate it!  Will you be QRV? Let the NEQP team with a message to info@neqp.org. 

The New England QSO Party is 20 hours long overall, in two sections with a civilized break for sleep on Saturday night.  It runs from 4 pm Saturday until 1 am Sunday, then 9 am Sunday until 8 pm Sunday.  Operate on CW, SSB and/or digital modes on 80-40-20-15-10 meters.  For each QSO you’ll give your callsign, a signal report and your county/state.  Top scorers can earn a plaque and everyone who sends in a log with 25 QSOs or more will get a certificate.  The goal is to work stations anywhere in the world – and their goal is to work New England stations, so you’ll be very popular! 
 
For more information, visit the NEQP website at https://neqp.org 

* 13 Colonies Special Event is Coming!  

13 Colonies Massachusetts is looking for a few new ops to join Team K2H. 

13 Colonies takes place every July 1-7. We’re looking for volunteers who can operate for at least 2 hours per day for at least 4 of the 7 days. 

Operating as K2H is a blast. You become the DX, and stations want to work you. You don’t have to be a contest op to volunteer. Anyone interested and available is welcome. As part of team K2H for the past few years, we have made around 20,000 contacts.  

If you are interested, please contact Larry, W1AST, 13 Colonies Massachusetts state manager, at W1AST@arrl.net before May 15th. 

 

* Field Day 2025 is Coming! 

I hope you have started planning for Field Day 2025! It’s coming up quick – June 28-29 this year. The League has all manner of materials to help you and your club get started, including the FD site locator (please register your site!!), and the 2025 ARRL Field Day Public Relations Kit [PDF] at https://arrl.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0zMzEwNjY0JnA9MSZ1PTUyNDYxMTkzMiZsaT0zNzcwMTg1MA/index.html   to get you started – including a press release template that you can use for your activation. Full details at https://arrl.org/field-day  

 

* 2025 Northeast HamXposition is Coming! 

Mark your calendars! The 2025 Northeast HamXposition is not that far away: August 21-24, 2025, in Marlborough, MA. This is New England’s premier ham gathering. I hope to have an eyeball QSO with all of you at HamX! More info at https://hamxposition.org/   

 

* Recruiting IT/Website Talent to Help Maintain EMA Section Website 

Are you an IT person with some experience with WordPress? Could you volunteer an hour or two per week to help keep the EMA website? I’m looking for someone to provide some backup/relief for our tireless web site administrator, to keep an ear open for goings-on in the section, and to timely post short articles to the site, keeping the news fresh. If you are interested, please email me at n1ilz@arrl.org.  

 

*  Virtual NTS Traffic Net Going Strong 

Many Technician class amateurs miss out on fun and skills learning of traffic handling because they reside in areas of the country where local traffic nets on VHF repeaters don’t exist. The Virtual NTS Traffic Net (VNTN) seeks to address this problem with the creation of a Zoom-based local traffic net that can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection.   

The Net meets weekly, and held its inaugural session on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET. The VNTN URL is: https://bitl.to/3xj4 The net will be changing time to 8 PM ET soon – stay tuned for details. 

Full details at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/03/05/virtual-nts-traffic-net-begins-march-5-2025/  

 

* Still Recruiting a New Section Youth Coordinator  

Sadly, our Section’s former Section Youth Coordinator, Paul K1YUB, is now a Silent Key. I need to fill this important position on the EMA Section Staff. The SYC requirement and job description is at https://www.arrl.org/section-youth-coordinator  If you are interested in this volunteer position, please contact me at n1ilz@arrl.org  – I’ll appreciate it greatly!  

 

* N1ILZ for a Final   

Spring has definitely sprung! Flowers are coming up, grass is turning green again, and it SEEMS like we’re done with snow. At least I hope so. What are your spring ham radio plans? Doing some antenna work? Tidying up the shack? Taking some of that extra equipment to NEAR-Fest to sell to its new happy owner? Stay warm and dry and get ready for some great Spring fun! 

Can you write a paragraph or two about what you’re up to, so I can publish it in the Section Update? Let me know via 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.  

 

Field Day

Eastern MA Section Manager Field Day 2024 Trip Report

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Jon McCombie, N1ILZMy favorite job as Section Manager is touring Field Day sites. This year was no exception! 
 
I got started Saturday morning and headed directly to the FD site for the NorthEast Amateur Radio Club (N1ERC), in the beautiful Fourth Cliff recreational area in Humarock, MA. When I arrived, they were just finishing setup, and waiting for the fun to start at 1400.  The site provides an especially dramatic view overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Unfortunately for me, the fog was in, so no views for me. Maybe next year? 
 
Next was a visit with the Braintree Emergency Management group (KC1KWC) set up as a field site in the garage/storage area given by the Town of Braintree. Nice setup there, gents! Well done! 
 
Next on the visit list was Sci-Tech in Natick. Congrats to Bob Phinney and the crew at Sci-Tech for creating and running an operation I consider to be one of the crown jewels of the Section; really of the whole country. 
 
My next visit was the Boston ARC (W1BOS), set up in Westwood, MA. For the last several years, they’ve set up FD at the same campsite, providing shelter from wind and rain and plenty of trees for antennas. Very nice! 
 
My first stop on Sunday was the Whitman ARC (WA1NPO) site in the YMCA campgrounds in E. Bridgewater. Another outstanding selection for FD site: a shelter from wind and rain, plenty of antenna supports in a convenient location. 
 
Next on the list was a visit to the Falmouth Amateur Radio Association (FARA) site in Falmouth, MA. FARA had a fantastic setup, with three towers erected, a few dipoles, and their crown jewel, the FARA communications trailer. The trailer provides at least three operating positions and has a patch-panel to connect radios to antennas. What an outstanding example of engineering! Well done, Ralph, N1YHS, and FARA! 
 
Alas, traffic leaving Falmouth was horrendous, so I couldn’t get to the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club (BARC) before they had finished breaking down after FD. 
 
This was a great – if tiring – Field Day for me. I’m very much looking forward to visiting FD sites next year. Did you have a great FD? Could you write a few paragraphs about your setup and how you did FD? Have some pix to publish? Send ‘em my way, and I’ll see about getting it on the EMA Section website! 
Field Day

Severe Weather & Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend Coordination Message #2, June 21-23, 2024

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Rob Macedo, KD1CY, writes on SKYWARN_Announce:
 

Hello 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 20 years for Amateur Radio Operators involved with Field Day and the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN Program..

..This year’s Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend will feature the risk for Isolated to Scattered Strong to Severe Thunderstorms for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It will remain warm and humid over most of Southern New England with some relief in Northeast Massachusetts Friday Afternoon into Saturday before warm and humid conditions resume there for Sunday. A Heat Advisory remains in effect through 7 PM for Northern Connecticut, Hampden, Hampshire Counties of Massachusetts for heat indices to 95 degrees.
..The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has placed Western and Central Massachusetts, Connecticut and interior Rhode Island in a Marginal Risk for severe weather Friday. Threat timeframe between 1-8 PM Friday. SPC has placed Western, Central and interior Northeast Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut in a marginal risk for severe weather Saturday. Threat timeframe 1-8 PM Saturday as well. SPC has placed all of Southern New England in a marginal risk for severe weather. Timing will be better known for Sunday’s severe weather potential on Saturday..
..Strong to damaging winds, hail, frequent lightning and heavy downpours leading to urban and poor drainage flooding are the main threats this weekend..
..At this time, not every Field Day site will see a shower, thunderstorm or severe weather and a widespread washout is not expected. Some Field Day sites could be dry all weekend but other Field Day sites could be quite wet depending on where showers and thunderstorms develop. This will be monitored throughout the weekend..
..Any thunderstorms have lightning potential which is a safety hazard for all Amateur Radio Field Day sites. Amateur Radio Field Day sites are encouraged to guard their local Amateur Radio SKYWARN frequency and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts during the course of this Field Day weekend including by cell phone/Internet and NOAA Weather Radio..
..Conditions will be warm and humid Friday through Sunday though not as hot as earlier this week particularly in areas of Northeast Massachusetts which will have less heat and humidity Friday and into Saturday before becoming warm and humid again. Portions of Western Massachusetts, Northern Connecticut and Northern Rhode Island may continue to have heat similar to the previous days through Friday before conditions cool slightly Saturday but remain warm and humid over this time period..
..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..

..SKYWARN Self-Activation with Amateur Radio Call-Up Nets are likely Friday Afternoon and Evening in interior Southern New England for the severe weather and flood potential and possible Saturday through this weekend. SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor conditions throughout Field Day weekend and activate as needed to guard Amateur Radio Field Day sites to provide weather information as well as to gather reports meeting SKYWARN reporting criteria throughout this weekend..

Here are some links to information on these Amateur Radio Field Day Sites from across the region.

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

 
On Wednesday, severe weather activity which was expected to stay north of Southern New England spilled into Northwest and North-Central Massachusetts with pockets of wind damage and flooding noted across parts of Franklin, Hampshire and Northwest Worcester Counties. See the Amateur Radio Report log and Local Storm Report info below:
 
WX1BOX Amateur Radio Log:
 
NWS Boston/Norton Local Storm Report:
 
Thursday saw the severe weather coverage increase in area with pockets of wind damage and hail across Western, North-Central and Northeast Massachusetts. See the Amateur Radio Report log and Local Storm Report info below:
 
WX1BOX Amateur Radio Report log:
 
NWS Boston/Norton Local Storm Report:
 
For Friday as we enter into Amateur Radio Field Day weekend, the thunderstorm and greatest severe weather potential will be across Western and Central Massachusetts, Northern Connecticut and North-Central Rhode Island. For Saturday, the greatest severe weather potential is Western, Central and interior Northeast Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut and for Sunday all of Southern New England has the potential for thunderstorms and severe weather. Here is a breakdown of potential hazards by each day:
 
Friday Afternoon and Evening:

The Severe Thunderstorm potential maybe a bit more isolated, perhaps similar to Wednesday of this week. It will be dependent on the frontal position that will bring cooler air into Northeast Massachusetts and amount of shear that overlaps with greater instability in the marginal risk area. Threat timeframe is 1-8 PM. In addition to the severe weather and lightning potential, flooding from very heavy downpours will bear close watching for flooding issues in areas that get repeated downpours.

Saturday Afternoon and Evening:

This will depend on what occurs Friday and if the front that will be over the region separating warmer and more humid air from somewhat cooler air shifts northeast or holds its current position. If it shifts northeast, much of Southern New England would have thunderstorm and severe weather potential. If it doesn’t shift much, the current area of Marginal Risk denoted by SPC will be the impacted area and this will be updated in future updates. Threat timeframe is 1-8 PM like Friday.

Sunday Afternoon and Evening:

This could be a day where much of Southern New England has severe weather potential but will depend on prior day’s convection, cloud debris, frontal position/triggering mechanism etc. and will be better known as we get to Saturday. Wind shear profiles appear a bit stronger for Sunday. All of Southern New England has a marginal risk for severe weather per SPC. Hazard timing will be better known on Saturday.

 
While not as hot as earlier in the week, it will still be warm and humid for outdoor activities over the Field Day weekend period so Field Day sites should have plenty of liquids on hand and a place nearby to cool down whether it be a building or cars with AC to stay cool from the heat. Heat tips and safety guidelines are also included in this message. Northeast Massachusetts will have the most relief from the heat Friday into Saturday but the heat will return there as we get into Sunday.
SKYWARN Self-Activation with Amateur Radio Call-Up Nets are likely Friday Afternoon and Evening in interior Southern New England for the severe weather and flood potential and possible Saturday through this weekend. SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor conditions throughout Field Day weekend and activate as needed to guard Amateur Radio Field Day sites to provide weather information as well as to gather reports meeting SKYWARN reporting criteria throughout this weekend. Below are links to the NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion, Hazardous Weather Outlook, Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook, SPC Day-1, Day-2 and Day-3 Convective Outlooks and NWS Norton Heat Advisory Statement:
NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion:
NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/erh/ghwo?wfo=box
 
SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook:
 
SPC Day-2 Convective Outlook:
 
SPC Day-3 Convective Outlook:
 
NWS Boston/Norton Heat Advisory Statement:
 
Amateur Radio Field Day sites are 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 as there is a threat for thunderstorm development and any thunderstorm can be a threat to the safety of Amateur Radio Field Day sites. 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:
https://wx1box.org/southern-new-england-skywarn-frequency-list/During setup and takedown of Amateur Radio Field Day sites and even while operating, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat accordingly. The link below features information on Heat Safety:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat

With the thunderstorm threat for this weekend, now is the time to remind folks that 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 and we have also added a link from last year’s NWS Boston/Norton Lightning Safety Awareness Week and Public Information Statements on Lightning Safety and will update with this year’s statements in a future coordination message. See links below:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning

The next Severe Weather & Amateur Radio Field Day weekend coordination message will be posted by 10 AM Saturday Morning due to likely SKYWARN Operations this afternoon and evening. We hope the Amateur Radio community participating in Field Day has a great weekend!
Respectfully Submitted,Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
https://www.wx1box.org
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Field Day

Field Day Touring Support

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

ARRL Field Day 2024 logoBill Ricker, N1VUX, writes:

Greetings of the season.

I have posted GPS zip, KML, CSV extracts for use by Eastern Mass Field Day tourists. (Download link https://fd.ema.arrl.org/field_day/history/GPS_files_FD24.zip is on Tours page https://fd.ema.arrl.org/field_day/history/tours.html below the 2024 logo.   If there are any updates Friday, I’ll repost and re-email.)

If any Leadership Tourists have specific plans, I’d be happy to post plans ahead of time (including touring elsewhere in NE Div). (As usual I’ll be visiting Scituate Fourth Cliff, not committing to any other visits.)

 -73-
Bill    n1vux@arrl.net
editor https://ema.arrl.org/field_day/ 25th Annual EMA Field Day Directory

Field Day / NTS

Bonus Points For NTS Traffic During Field Day

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

ARRL Field Day 2024 logoPeter Doherty, KC1HHO, writes:

As ARRL Field Day approaches please keep in mind that you or your group can earn up to 200 Bonus Points by sending NTS Radiogram traffic from your Field Day site.

Relay stations will be calling out on the local Eastern MA repeaters and simplex calling frequency throughout the event asking for traffic.  You can also bring your traffic to a local traffic net, please see link below for net information.

Please review the rules 7.3.5 and 7.3.6, printed below as well as the address information for the Section Manager and Section Emergency Coordinator and links to other vital information and resources

7.3.5. Message Origination to Section Manager: 100 bonus points for origination of a formal message to the ARRL Section Manager or Section Emergency Coordinator by your group from its site. You should include the club name, number of participants, Field Day location, and number of ARES operators involved with your station. The message must be transmitted during the Field Day period and a copy of it must be included in your submission in either standard NTS or ICS-213 format (or have the equivalent content) or no credit will be given. The message must leave or enter the Field Day operation via amateur radio RF.

The Section Manager message is separate from the messages handled in Rule 7.3.6. and may not be claimed for bonus points under that rule. Available to all Classes.

Use the following address for the Eastern Massachusetts ARRL SECTION MANAGER

JON W MC COMBIE N1ILZ
ARRL SECTION MANAGER EMA
EASTHAM, MA 02642
Email: n1ilz@arrl.net

Use the following address for the Eastern Massachusetts ARRL Section Emergency Coordinator.

ROBERT D MACEDO KD1CY
ARRL SECTION EMERGENCY COORDINATOR EMA
NEW BEDFORD, MA 02740
Email: rmacedo@rcn.com

For messages sent under rule 7.3.6 please ensure your “send to addresses”  contain full name, address, telephone and or email including zip code.  They can be sent to anyone, not just amateur radio stations.

Below you will also find links to the 2024 ARRL Field Day Rule (complete) ,a link to the NTS Radiogram form and link to EMA traffic Nets.

7.3.6. Message Handling: 10 points for each formal message originated, relayed or received and delivered during the Field Day period, up to a maximum of 100 points (ten messages). Copies of each message must be included with the Field Day report. The message to the ARRL SM or SEC under Rule 7.3.5. does not count towards the total of 10 for this bonus. Messages claimed under this bonus must be in either standard NTS or ICS-213 format (or have the equivalent content). All messages claimed for bonus points must leave or enter the Field Day operation via amateur radio RF. Available to all Classes.

Rules

2024 ARRL Field Day Rules

Radiogram

RADIOGRAM-2011.pdf (arrl.org)

EMA NTS page (Scroll down to NTS Nets in Massachusetts)

https://ema.arrl.org/national-traffic-system/

We are looking forward to making your field day a full amateur radio experience.  Hope to hear from you. 73

Peter KC1HHO
Asst Traffic Manager EMA
Eastern MA 2 Meter Traffic Net Manager
Official Relay Station

Field Day

Nashoba Valley ARC Field Day Press Release

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Nashoba Valley ARC logoNEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
For additional information contact:
John Bielefeld
19 Ernie Drive
Littleton, MA 01460
Cell: 508-254-5863
Email: jeb2117@gmail.com
 
Ham Radio Operators On the Air for Nationwide Event June 22nd – 23rd
 
Ham radio operators from the Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club in Pepperell and surrounding towns will be participating in a national amateur radio exercise from 2PM] on Saturday until 2PM on Sunday, June 22nd – 23rd. The event is ARRL Field Day (www.arrl.org/FieldDay), an annual amateur radio activity organized since 1933 by ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio in the United States.
 
Hams from across North America ordinarily participate in Field Day by establishing temporary ham radio stations in public locations to demonstrate their skill and service. Their use of radio signals, which reach beyond borders, bring people together while providing essential communication in the service of communities. Field Day highlights ham radio’s ability to work reliably under any conditions from almost any location and create an independent, wireless communications network.
 
Some hams from New England will also use the radio stations set up in their homes or taken to their backyards and other locations to operate individually or with their families. Many hams have portable radio communication capability that includes alternative energy sources such as generators, solar panels, and batteries to power their equipment.
 
This year’s event is also noteworthy given that a particularly active hurricane season is predicted. “Hams have a long history of serving our communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure, including cell towers,” said John Bielefeld (call sign K1JEB), NVARC’s Field Day chairperson. “Ham radio functions completely independently of the internet and phone systems and a station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes. Hams can quickly raise a wire antenna in a tree or on a mast, connect it to a radio and power source, and communicate effectively with others,” Bielefeld added.
 
During Field Day 2021, more than 26,000 hams participated from thousands of locations across North America. According to ARRL, there are more than 750,000 amateur radio licensees in the US, and an estimated 3 million worldwide.
 
Among the tenets of the Amateur Radio Service is developing and practicing skills in radio technology and radio communications, and even contributing to international goodwill. Hams range in age from as young as 9 to older than 100. A self-study license guide is available from ARRL: The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual (www.arrl.org/shop/Ham-Radio-License-Manual) and for Kindle (https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B07DFSW94G). For more information about ARRL Field Day and ham radio, contact John Bielefeld at jeb2117@gmail.com and visit www.arrl.org/what-is-ham-radio.
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