NTS

National Traffic System (NTS), traffic handling

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.  

 

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday April 7th, 2025 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater System

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

The April Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday April 7th, 2025 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.

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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Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Reminder: April 7th, 2025 MEMA RACES/ACS Communications Test Net

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment
Mike “Sparky” Leger, N1YLQ, ARES DEC – MEMA Region 2 RACES Radio Officer writes:
 
Hello to all,
 
This email is the typical monthly message to let everyone know that Monday evening, April 7th, 2025 is our first non-holiday Monday of the month and, as such, will be the next RACES/ACS/Preparedness Net night. 

For those who participate in the WinLink net, please note that there is a different NCO noted for the WinLink net this month with messages being routed to KF1D with a copy to AB1PH. 

 
Due to family constraints, I may not be able to reliably act as NCO for Sector 2A and I will be looking for someone to fill this role. 
 
For any operators interested in performing the duties of Net Control Station (NCS), there are materials available to make the task fairly simple and straight forward. The net pre-amble and role call lists are available at http://wc1mab.org/RACES_R2_Interim_Preamble.pdf and http://wc1mab.org/Month.php with the role-call lists on the left column near the bottom. If anyone is worried that they may mess up running a net, please remember that, in many cases, a less than perfect net is WAY better than no net at all! At the conclusion of any net, any operator that acted as Net
Control Operator is asked to please send a note to WC1MAB@gmail.com <mailto:WC1MAB@gmail.com>  letting me know who ran the net and who checked in so that the proper numbers can be reported to our served agencies. We
cannot always count on our normal net control operators to be available in the event of a large scale emergency, so every RACES operator should be prepared to act as NCO if needed when disaster and emergency strikes!

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: KF1D with copy to AB1PH

 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 3930 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
Winlink Net Instructions From Don Rolph: 
 
*Winlink Net*
To participate:
– create a check-in form using the Winlink standard checkin form
– send via Winlink after 6 AM EST Mon. March 7th and before midnight EST April 8th
  (any mode, but include mode in check-in form) to KF1D with a copy to AB1PH.
 
I continue to ask that any operators who have the time, please try to
check into sector nets from near-by sectors. This will allow our Net
Control Operators to practice fielding nets with a strong check-in count and
will also serve to help practice with relays or modified sector assignments
in the event that a single repeater is out of service.
 
For those operators who serve as Net Control Operators, please try to
remember to send me a list of the stations and communities that check into
your nets. The numbers are reported to MEMA to show them our level of
participation. I am continuing to work on a graphical map based report to
show which parts of our section have strong coverage and which areas may
need a more targeted recruitment campaign to improve our ability to provide
back-up communications in an emergency.
 
I appreciate you all answering the call to help our communities remain
prepared as we close out the year for RACES/ARES operations. Thank you all for helping us keep things on track and prove that we remain a consistent source of communication capability to the Commonwealth. This net provides a monthly reminder to our communities and served agencies that we stand ready with a quiet professionalism prepared to serve as a voice to whomever needs one to get help and resources to where they need to be.
 
 If you know someone who would benefit from being on this list, please have them contact me at   <mailto:WC1MAB@gmail.com> 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 RACES Officer
C: 508_995_0203 
Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Massachusetts RACES Nets – Monday 4/7/25 for HF, Region 2D VHF, NBEMS & Winlink – Times and Details Below

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Don Rolph, AB1PH, Walpole area ARES Emergency Coordinator writes:

The MEMA RACES nets are held on the first Monday of the month, unless the first Monday is a holiday, when it is delayed one week. For Apr 2025, the MEMA RACES nets will be held on Mon Apr 7 at:

********************************************************************************
80 meter Voice net
6:45 PM
Frequency: 3930 KHz working up until the first free frequency
Matt KC1PFA will be net control

*********************************************************************************
Region 2D VHF net:
7:30 PM ET VHF net on 146.865 MHz PL 103.5 (Sharon Repeater)
We will have a general call up of any RACES, ARES, or other interested stations. If there is time, we will have a simplex test.
Jeff N1JCM will be net control.

********************************************************************************
HF 80 meters NBEMS net:
7:00 PM ET
Dial Frequency: 3584.5 MHx
Center Frequency: 1500 Hz
Initial mode: THOR22

We will have checkins, followed by an ICS-213 format message using FLMSG.
Alan WA1AR will be net control

*********************************************************************************
Winlink Net:
Bryan KF1D will be net control.
Send a winlink checkin form to KF1D , copy AB1PH, between 0600 Monday Apr 7 and 2400 Monday Apr 7.

We look forward to you checking in!

—

73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net (EMHN) – Saturday 4/5/25 – 1000 AM ET

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Jeff-N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH writes:

Good Evening,

On Saturday April 5, 2025 the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Group will hold an Eastern MA Hospital Net commencing at 10:00AM.

We realize that some locations, individuals, and groups may be subject to COVID restrictions. We encourage everyone who is affected by these restrictions to utilize their home or mobile stations to check into the net if possible. 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

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

USCG Auxiliary Radio Nets Sunday 30 MAR 25

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

K1UN-Joseph Fratto – USCG Coast Guard Auxiliary & FCC General Radiotelephone Operator writes:

The Sunday morning Division 5 / 12 radio net has been postponed indefinitely due to a lack of
participation and coverage of our repeaters.

The Sunday morning Auxiliary Net on the MMRA Minuteman Repeater Association network was held
at 1100 hrs. Auxiliarists on the net were advised of the upcoming training in April and the mandatory
TCO radio training. Hopefully there will be a Zoom media training presentation at a later date for all
those members who missed the required training presentation. The Net ended at 1230 hrs.

Checking into the MMRA network Auxiliary Net were the following:

N1DFL
KB1MWD
KB1WGK
KA1CUH
KA1SCS
KA1GFN
KC1VJH
KS1E
N1MSK
WB1EMS
KB1VXY
KC1URV
W1JVC
N1CVO
KC1DAA
N1UIO
KC1VZH
K1UVA
KC1WJP
K1HGT
KC1VXV
WA1APC
W1MJ
KC1PCC
KC1VHN
K1UN net control

Submitted: Joseph Fratto K1UN

Mentoring / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Virtual NTS Training Net Begins March 5, 2025

- by Jon McCombie - Leave a Comment

Phil, K9HI writes:

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 Training 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. 

VNTN will accept check-ins and radiogram traffic utilizing standard phonetics and prosigns; in short, participants will enjoy the same experiences as those who check into conventional “RF” traffic nets.  The net will incorporate a “hands-on” training approach in traffic procedures, radiogram creation, and relay.

It is our hope that new amateurs who participate in VNTN will be motivated to join section and region nets on HF after upgrading to a higher license class.

The Net will meet weekly, and hold its inaugural session on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM ET. The VNTN URL is: <https://bitl.to/3xj4>.

 

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday March 3rd, 2025 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater System

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

The March Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday March 3rd, 2025 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.

Thanks for your continued support of ARES!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
https://www.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – https://twitter.com/wx1box
Subscribe on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@wx1box-nwsboston-amateur-radio

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Massachusetts RACES Nets – Monday 3/3/25 for HF, Region 2D VHF, NBEMS & Winlink – Times and Details Below

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Don Rolph, AB1PH, Walpole area ARES Emergency Coordinator writes:

The MEMA RACES nets are held on the first Monday of the month, unless the first Monday is a holiday, when it is delayed one week. For Mar 2025, the MEMA RACES nets will be held on Mon Mar 3 at:

********************************************************************************
80 meter Voice net
6:45 PM
Frequency: 3930 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. If there is time, we will have a simplex test.

Don 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:
Jon N1ILZ will be net control.
Send a winlink checkin form to N1ILZ , copy AB1PH, between 0600 Monday Mar 3 and 2400 Monday Mar 3.

We look forward to you checking in!

—

73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

USCG Auxiliary Division 5 / 12 Radio Net 9 FEB 25

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

K1UN-Joseph Fratto – USCG Coast Guard Auxiliary & FCC General Radiotelephone Operator writes:

The Division 5 / 12 Radio net was held this morning 9 FEB 25 at 1030 hrs on the Roslindale repeater.

Check Ins: Radio Roslindale
Radio Harvard
Radio Wilmington
Mobile 5F
mobile 5G

Net Control: Radio Waltham NCS

Traffic: Traffic consisted of radio checks and a few administrative messages. The Auxiliary Net
on the MMRA system went very well. We had 19 check-ins this morning on the net.
The SKYWARN network was activated on the MMRA and several other amateur radio
repeaters. This was due to the overnight snowfall. The National Weather Service NWS
was looking for snow totals and wind reports. There was very little if any damage to the
electric grid or internet infrastructure. Stations that checked into the Auxiliary net were
given the opportunity to give a report to NWS stations.

This is good radio net practice. The Auxiliary net serves as a force multiplier for a number
of agencies. The Prudential Building repeater will be down for at least six weeks. It was
determined that a new antenna is needed. The antenna used is imported from Ukraine.

Check Ins: KB1WGK
KA1CUH
N1CVO
W1HAI
KA1GFN
WA1SCS
N1WEN
KC1VJH
KB1NZZ
N1JSM
WB1EMS
N1DFL
N1MSK
W1JVC
KC1VZH
KB1MWD
N1STE
KC1VHN

Net Control: K1UN

Submitted: Joseph Fratto
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License.

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday February 3rd, 2025 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater System

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

The February Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday February 3rd, 2025 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 including a reminder on volunteer registration for the 2025 Boston Marathon which closed on Friday February 7th, 2025 at 5 PM ET.

Thanks for your continued support of ARES!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
https://www.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – https://twitter.com/wx1box
Subscribe on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@wx1box-nwsboston-amateur-radio

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Massachusetts RACES Nets – Monday 2/3/25 for HF, Region 2D VHF, NBEMS & Winlink – Times and Details Below

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

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 2025, the MEMA RACES nets will be held on Mon Feb 3 at:

********************************************************************************
80 meter Voice net
6:45 PM
Frequency: 3930 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. If there is time, we will have a simplex test.
Don 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 Rokicki KC1VMZ will be net control.
Send a winlink checkin form to KC1VMZ , copy AB1PH, between 0600 Monday Feb 3 and 2400 Monday Feb 3.

We look forward to you checking in!

—

73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net – Saturday 2/1/25 at 1000 AM

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Jeff-N1SOM & the South Shore Hospital Group writes:

Good Evening,

On Saturday February 1, 2025 the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Group will hold an Eastern MA Hospital Net commencing at 10:00AM.

We realize that some locations, individuals, and groups may be subject to COVID restrictions. We encourage everyone who is affected by these restrictions to utilize their home or mobile stations to check into the net if possible. 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. Falmouth Repeater 147.375 tone 110.9
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

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

FINAL UPDATE – Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Exercise – Operation Clear Ice – Saturday 2/1/25 – 10 AM-1200 PM EST

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

Eastern Massachusetts ARES will conduct a section exercise on Saturday 2/1/25 from 10 AM-12 PM dubbed “Clear Ice”. The exercise will practice similar skills as previous exercises conducted over the course of 2024.

The final detailed drill document can be seen at the following link:
https://ema.arrl.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/EasternMA-ARES-Winter-Exercise-2025-V1.5-01-31-25.pdf

The key document changes were to highlight that the 146.955-Westford Repeater net will start call-ups at 1030 AM and the availability of the N1ABC-10 Marlborough RMS Node for Winlink messages.

While we encourage participation by Eastern Massachusetts ARES members, RACES/AUXCOMM/USCG Auxiliary Operators and Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters, all are welcome to participate including those outside of the Eastern Massachusetts section.

Thanks in advance for your support of this exercise and Eastern Massachusetts ARES!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
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Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Reminder: January 6th, 2025 MEMA RACES/ACS Communications Test Net

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment
Hello to all,
 
I hope this note finds everyone well as we start the New Year! This email is the typical monthly message to let everyone know that Monday evening, January 6th, 2025 is our first non-holiday Monday of the month and, as such, will be the next RACES/ACS/Preparedness Net night. 

For any operators interested in performing the duties of Net Control Station (NCS), there are materials available to make the task fairly simple and straight forward. The net pre-amble and role call lists are available at http://wc1mab.org/RACES_R2_Interim_Preamble.pdf and http://wc1mab.org/Month.php with the role-call lists on the left column near the bottom. If anyone is worried that they may mess up running a net, please remember that, in many cases, a less than perfect net is WAY better than no net at all! At the conclusion of any net, any operator that acted as Net Control Operator is asked to please send a note to WC1MAB@gmail.com <mailto:WC1MAB@gmail.com>  letting me know who ran the net and who checked in so that the proper numbers can be reported to our served agencies. We cannot always count on our normal net control operators to be available in the event of a large scale emergency, so every RACES operator should be prepared to act as NCO if needed when disaster and emergency strikes!

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 3930 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
 
Winlink Net Instructions From Don Rolph: 
 
*Winlink Net*
 
To participate:
– create a check-in form using the Winlink standard checkin form
– send via Winlink after 6 AM EST Mon. January 6th and before midnight EST January 7th
  (any mode, but include mode in check-in form) to KF1D
 
I continue to ask that any operators who have the time, please try to check into sector nets from near-by sectors. This will allow our Net Control Operators to practice fielding nets with a strong check-in count and will also serve to help practice with relays or modified sector assignments in the event that a single repeater is out of service.
 
For those operators who serve as Net Control Operators, please try to remember to send me a list of the stations and communities that check into your nets. The numbers are reported to MEMA to show them our level of participation. I am continuing to work on a graphical map based report to show which parts of our section have strong coverage and which areas may need a more targeted recruitment campaign to improve our ability to provide back-up communications in an emergency.
 
I appreciate you all answering the call to help our communities remain prepared as we close out the year for RACES/ARES operations. Thank you all for helping us keep things on track and prove that we remain a consistent source of communication capability to the Commonwealth. This net provides a monthly reminder to our communities and served agencies that we stand ready with a quiet professionalism prepared to serve as a voice to whomever needs one to get help and resources to where they need to be.
 
 If you know someone who would benefit from being on this list, please have them contact me at   <mailto:WC1MAB@gmail.com> 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 RACES Officer
C: 508_995_0203 
Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

USCG Auxiliary Radio Net 5 JAN 2025

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

K1UN-Joseph Fratto – USCG Coast Guard Auxiliary & FCC General Radiotelephone Operator writes:

The USCG Auxiliary Radio Net was held 5 JAN 2025 at 1030 AM on the Roslindale repeater.

Check Ins: Radio Roslindale
Radio Wilmington
Mobile 5F
Mobile 5G
Radio Winthrop

Net Control: Radio Waltham NCS

Traffic: Just routine radio test traffic was held. Radio Roslindale discussed plans for
installing a radio tower at his location. A call was put out on the Auxiliary net
on MMRA and KC1DD supplied Dan with an antenna installer from NH that
he has used in the past.

Cold weather will persist in New England for at least the next week or so.
Members are also reminded in addition to weather warnings to be very
vigilant when out and about due to the increased terrorism warnings. Always
stay alert to potential problems. The FBI has predicted more motor vehicle
attacks in the coming weeks.

Remember the saying “If you see something – Say something”

The MMRA Ham Radio Auxiliary net on the MMRA network went well this week.
The following Hams checked into the Net this morning:

N1STE
KB1WGK
KS1E
KA1CUH
W1ATO
WB1EMS
K1UVH
KC1VJH
N1DFL
KB1MWD
N1MSK
W1JVC
KC1DD
KA1GFN
K1HGT

K1UN NCS

Stations are reminded to tell other members who are Hams to come on the Sunday
Auxiliary Net on the MMRA at 1100 hrs. All they need is a Ham Radio License. Our
members that listen on their scanners can receive the MMRA on 146.67 Mhz or a
few other frequencies listed on the mmra.org website.

Also in the event of extreme weather conditions we will activate our SKYWARN net
on the Roslindale repeater.

Submitted: Joseph Fratto
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday January 6th, 2025 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater System

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

We hope everyone had a great time over the Christmas/New Year/Holiday period and we are thankful for your support of Eastern Massachusetts, ARES, SKYWARN, RACES and public service! The January Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday January 6th, 2025 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 including an Eastern Massachusetts ARES exercise for Saturday 2/1/25 and volunteer registration for the 2025 Boston Marathon which remains open through Friday February 7th, 2025 at 5 PM ET.

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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Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Massachusetts RACES Nets – Monday 1/6/25 for HF, Region 2D VHF, NBEMS & Winlink – Times and Details Below

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

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 2025, the MEMA RACES nets will be held on Mon Jan 6 at:

********************************************************************************
80 meter Voice net
6:45 PM
Frequency: 3930 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. If there is time, we will have a simplex test.

Don 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:

Bryan Marcotte KF1D will be net control.

Send a winlink checkin form to KF1D, copy AB1PH, between 0600 Monday Jan 6 and 2400 Monday Jan 6.

We look forward to you checking in!

—

73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net – 1/4/25 at 10 AM ET

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Good Evening,

On Saturday January 4, 2025 the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Group will hold an Eastern MA Hospital Net commencing at 10:00AM.

We realize that some locations, individuals, and groups may be subject to COVID restrictions. We encourage everyone who is affected by these restrictions to utilize their home or mobile stations to check into the net if possible. Even if you cannot reach all the systems being used, please check-in on those you can.

We will use the following repeaters in the order listed.

1. West Bridgewater repeater 146.775 dcs 244
2. Attleboro Repeater 147.195 tone 127.3
3. DMR -Talkgroup 8851 Time Slot :1 on the following NEDECN repeaters: Boston 449.175 -5.M CC:1, Hingham 146.430 -1.5M CC:1, Sagamore 145.200 – 0.6M CC:10, Dennis 146.470 -1.5M CC:11, East Falmouth 145.210 -0.600 CC:9, Martha’s Vineyard145.180 -0.600 CC:10, and Walpole 145.380 -0.600 CC:12.
4. Danvers Repeater 145.470 tone 136.5
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