NTS

It seems at this writing that summer has abruptly come to an end and winter has begun. Not only has the temperature changed, but so has propagation affecting communication on the traffic nets. I suspect we will face challenges on the HF nets as we have the past few winters as we dip further into the solar minimum. However Massachusetts traffic handlers are up to the challenge and we will perservere. If anyone is capable of getting on 160 meters, we will surely appreciate your help there.

Of particular note, at our NTS Forum at Boxboro in September, Bill Mann W1KX, manager of the cycle 4 (evening) First Region Net (1RN) mentioned his desire to step down as manager after serving for the past seven years. Eric Wilhelm W1RVY, frequent participant of our MARI CW section net and 1RN CW net, has offered to take leadership of 1RN. Eric is well qualified and will take over effective November 1 2018. Congrats and many thanks to Eric. We look forward to working with you.

I would also like to mention that Greg KC1CIC gave a very informative presentation on digital message handling at Boxboro, and recently presented this same program via Skype to a club in Western Mass. Many thanks to Greg for all his efforts and expertise. If any other clubs are interested in learning more about this very relavant subject let Greg know. Training in general message handling is also available by contacting your Section Traffic Manager.

Attached below is the September traffic report for the combined sections of East and West Mass.
73 to all, Marcia KW1U STM

Earlier in September we saw a nice NTS presence at the ARRL Convention at Boxboro MA. At an NTS Forum we had a good turnout and some good discussion with traffic handlers from all over New England, as well as some ARES folks. We also had an excellent presentation on digital messaging for both NTS and ARES by Greg KC1CIC. Anyone who missed that can contact Greg for more information. On Sunday there were two presentations by W1YSM of CT on how to be an effective net control as well as some of the “nuts and bolts” of formal message traffic.

It is also encouraging to note in the new ARRL Strategic Plan reference to how NTS and ARES can work together. I encourage all to read this plan which can be found on the ARRL website, keyword Strategic Plan, and refer any comments by October 31 to K1TW or KD1CY in East Mass or to KB1LRL or N2YHK in West Mass before this plan becomes finalized. Note too that in East Mass Greg KC1CIC, our Assistant Section Traffic Manager, has been appointed as District Emergency Coordinator for NTS on our Section Emergency Coordinator’s staff.

Happy fall to all. Time to get those antennas ready for winter. See you on the nets.

73, Marcia KW1U

July and the first half of August have been busy ones.  As many of you know I was privileged to go on a cruise to Alaska late July into early August.  While Massachusetts had heat and rain, we had perfect weather in Alaska, at least perfect for us tourists but no so for those who live there.  Southeast Alaska is a rain forest and they hadn’t had rain in over a week!  The sun shone every day we were there and temperatures were in the 70s and 80s.  The scenery in Alaska is fabulous in itself, and to add to that my friend and I enjoyed zip-lining and a helicopter ride up to a glacier where we went dog sledding in the snow!  The nets while I was gone were in the capable hands of ASTM Greg and all our great net managers.  Thanks to all!

In Western Mass I have appointed an Assistant Section Traffic Manager, Peter KD2JKV.  Peter has been managing one of the West Mass Two Meter nets and I look forward to working with him as I do with Greg KC1CIC our East Mass ASTM.  Peter has been living in Albany NY but is in the process of moving to Pittsfield MA.

The Cape and Islands Traffic Net (CITN) has a new manager.  Bob Holland N1SYC has resigned and Mark Pereira AC7RB has agreed to assume the manager position.  We thank Bob for his years of dedicated service to NTS and wish him well.  Our thanks to Mark for stepping up.

Shortly after my return from vacation we held our annual Traffic Handlers Picnic on August 12 in Concord.  We had a good group of around 15 folks, and had plenty of food and good conversations.  It is always a highlight of my year to be able to meet face to face with the traffic handlers in our state. Pictures are on the EMA Facebook page.

One of the discussions we had centered around the proliferation of “bulk” traffic and how it might be managed.  We came up with a summary of the discussion in a document now on our website.  It has been slightly edited since it was initially posted.  I encourage all to check it out.  You will see it under “News Flash – Bulk Traffic Handling Policy”.  Note this applies to Massachusetts only at this time.  Any comments positive or negative can be directed to kw1u@arrl.net.

A reminder the annual Boxboro Convention will be held September 7-9.  Information on this event can be found at boxboro.org.  There will be an NTS Forum at 1:00 Saturday where folks can meet and talk about nets and issues of concern to NTS folks. This will be followed by a presentation by our own Greg KC1CIC on “Digital Messaging with Winlink for NTS and Emcomm”.  With growing interest in digital comms this should be a very interesting forum.  There will also be a “nuts and bolts” pair of forums on Sunday morning.  These will be presented by W1YSM of CT.  Anyone just beginning message handling and traffic nets will want to check that out.

73 to all and hope to see you at Boxboro!

Marcia KW1U STM EMA and WMA

Greetings all traffic handlers,

Attached is the May traffic report for the combined sections  of East and West Mass.  Thanks to all for your support, and as always a special thanks to Greg KC1CIC for compiling the report and to all who make the deliveries, whether by phone, email, USPS or bicycle.  As some of you know Dan N1AXR is back on the nets and hand-delivering messages by travelling around the area on his bike. As you can see, there is no end of possibilities in message handling.

Just a reminder that Field Day is this coming weekend June 23-24.  I hope many of you will be able to participate.  Additional points are given for formal radiograms sent to the SM K1TW or SEC KC1CIC in EMA, SM KB1LRL or SEC N2YHK in WMA as well as up to 10 additional messages sent throughout NTS at 10 points per message.  Make sure your club is taking advantage of this opportunity and offer to help there as needed.

Also a reminder that the annual traffic handlers picnic will be held Sunday August 12 from noon to 4 PM in Concord MA at the KW1U QTH.  Any traffic handler or would-be traffic handler in New England is invited.  A head count would be appreciated if you plan to attend so we have enough food.  Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided.  More details will follow next month.

73, Marcia KW1U

STM EMA and WMA

RULES FOR FD EXTRA POINTS FOR NTS MESSAGES

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.
Available to all Classes. All messages claimed for bonus points must leave or enter the Field
Day operation via amateur radio RF

Below is the April traffic report for the combined sections of East and West Mass.  As always we are indebted to Greg KC1CIC for compiling these reports.  Thanks also to all those who submitted their reports.  Our sections are doing very well. Anyone is welcome to submit a Station Activity Report (SAR) and/or a Public Service Honor Roll report (PSHR) but remember to be counted on the Honor Roll you must have attained 70 points or higher.  Information is on the website ema.arrl.org/national-traffic-system.  Note that points are given for various aspects of public service, not just traffic related functions.

It is good to see more folks handling traffic and some are even reaching out to become net control stations.  Some are also learning how to handle messages using packet and pactor.  Speaking of messaging using digital modes, save the weekend of September 8 and 9 (weekend after Labor Day).  Greg and I will be giving a presentation on messaging using Packet and Pactor and the Winlink software for both NTS and Emcomm.  The schedule is not yet available but stay tuned.

I am fortunate this spring to be able to attend Dayton Hamvention, one might call the “Mecca” of ham conventions.  This year the emphasis is on public service.  It should be interesting.  If anyone has a chance to attend I’m sure you will enjoy it.

Happy spring to all and see you on the nets.

73, Marcia KW1U

STM East and West Mass

Massachusetts traffic handlers were busy at work in 2017. These dedicated folks regularly check into traffic nets and handle message traffic, not only as a fun aspect of the hobby where friends are made, but for learning and practicing the skills of handling record message traffic and net operation. These folks have shown to be a valuable asset in the event of a disaster situation. Those interested in emergency communications are welcome and encouraged to learn from these traffic nets. Below is a summary of the activity of these message handlers in 2017.  Note 14,986 check-ins handling 3,733 messages over the 12 months. The digital traffic total reflects the fact that KW1U operates a regional 24/7 scanning hub on HF pactor as well for messages going nationwide and to European amateurs. This report was compiled by and with thanks to Greg KC1CIC ASTM