Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday December 2nd, 2024 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater System

Hello to all…

We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday weekend and we are thankful for your support of Eastern Massachusetts, ARES, SKYWARN, RACES and public service! The December Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday December 2nd, 2024 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 SKYWARN Recognition Day (SRD) 2024 information which is on Saturday 12/7/24 – 0000-2400 UTC (Friday Evening 12/6/24 7 PM EST-Saturday Evening 12/7/24 at 7PM EST) and volunteer registration for the 2025 Boston Marathon will be opening on Monday 12/9/24.

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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Massachusetts RACES Nets – Monday 12/2/24 for HF, Region 2D VHF, NBEMS & Winlink – Times and Details Below

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 Dec 2024, the MEMA RACES nets will be held on Mon Dec 2 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.

Jim WJ1R 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 Dec 2 and 2400 Monday Dec 2.

We look forward to you checking in!

73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph

Swampscott High School Special Event Station W1B “Permission for Fun Day,” November 27, 2024

Swampscott High School logoEric Cottrell, WB1HBU, writes on the Billerica ARS mailing list:

Swampscott High School , MA, USA . SPECIAL EVENT

Listen for us on the on the Air today Wed 11/27 as W1B

2024 Permission For Fun Day! Wed 27 Nov, 2024

Each year on the day before Thanksgiving break, our school holds a “Permission for Fun” day where teachers and students share their hobbies and interests and take part in fun and creative activities together.

This year we will be hosting an amateur radio station using the special event 1×1 callsign, W1B and having students try their hand at making contacts around the globe!

Control operator for the station is Brian, KC1OOH, a Chemistry/AP Environmental Science/Earth Sciences teacher at the school.

We will be operating voice on 10m SSB (possibly 17m, and 20m) depending on band conditions and propagation.

Some local VHF/UHF possible too.

No digital modes

USCG Auxiliary Division 5 / 12 Radio Net 17 NOV 24

Joseph Fratto-K1UN – FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License writes:

The USCG Auxiliary Division 5 / 12 Radio Net was held this Sunday 17 NOV 24 at 1015 hrs.

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

Net Control: Radio Waltham NCS

Traffic: Stations were able to radio test their facilities. Mobile 5F and Mobile 5G were at the beach
in the Hull area working on servicing their boat. Radio Winthrop’s boat has been put away
for the winter. Radio Wilmington’s boat is also out of the water and in the shop for service.

The Auxiliary Net on the MMRA is going strong and we increase our check ins weekly.
This is a fellowship unofficial net on Ham Radio with a lot of interest. We depend on Hams
to help us out if needed with communications.

Check Ins: WB1EMS
N1DFL
KB1WGK
KC1VHN
K1UVH
KB1NZZ
K1HGT
KC1VJH
KB1ZSW
N1MSK
KB1MWD
W1JVC
KC1VMG
N1KMX
KA1GFN
KW1W
WA1APC
WV1D
KC1LNQ
KC1VPU
N1WRN
N1JSM
KS1E
KA1GFN
KB1OQA
KA1GDQ
W1ATO
K1UN

Keeping these stations on our network is a good way for testing the performance of the linked
repeater network. The only traffic for the net was for the Thanksgiving Parade coming up on the
23 NOV 24 at 0800 Muster and Marching from 1000 to 1200 hrs. Contact your FC or Don Zidik
for further info. The New England Boat Show is coming up on JAN 8 to 12 at the Boston Convention
and Exhibition. Any interest in working the show please contact your FC or Don Zidik directly.

We mentioned the Military Auxiliary Radio System, a DOD sponsored Ham Radio Auxiliary servicing
DOD. Attached is a short video on USAF MARS which I am an emeritus member of.

Submitted: Joseph Fratto
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License

Reminder: November 4th, 2024 MEMA RACES/ACS Communications Test Net

Hello to all,
 
   This email is the typical monthly message to let everyone know that Monday evening, November 4th, 2024 is our first non-holiday Monday of the month and, as such, will be the next RACES/ACS/Preparedness Net night. 

  I will be unable to act as NCO for the Sector 2A net as this month’s net falls on my work shift and I cannot guarantee that I will have ready access to a radio at the scheduled net time. If anyone is interested in taking on the Net Control duties for this sector net this month, please reach out to me and let me know.  
 
   In our recent monthly nets, Sector 2B has had very low turnout. While we do not have many RACES operators for the communities in this sector at the moment, it would be appreciated if operators from other, nearby sectors would also check into this sector net to help maintain our NCOs net management skills and to make the net at least a little more fun and interesting or all those involved. A net with 2 people participating on a regular basis is really not something that many of us would look forward to taking the time to check into. With this in mind, hats off to WA1ZLQ and WA1BEE for their dedication in maintaining the presence of the Sector 2B net on a monthly basis even with so few other participants. 
 
      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!
 
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. November 4th and before midnight EST November 5th
  (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. 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.comWC1MAB@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 

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday November 4th, 2024 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater System

Hello to all…

The November Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday November 4th, 2024 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 updated information for the Eastern Massachusetts ARES Simulated Emergency Test (SET) on 11/9/24 from 10 AM-12 PM, the Western Massachusetts ARES Simulated Emergency Test (SET) for Sunday 11/10/24 and 2024 SKYWARN Recognition Day slated for Saturday 12/7/24 from 0000-2400 UTC.

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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Massachusetts RACES Nets – Monday 11/4/24 for HF, Region 2D VHF, NBEMS & Winlink – Times and Details Below

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 Nov 2024, the MEMA RACES nets will be held on Mon Nov 4 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 using WA1PLE will be net control.

********************************************************************************

HF 80 meters NBEMS net:
7:00 PM ET
Dial Frequency: 3584.5 MHx
Center Frequency: 1500 Hz
Initial mode: THOR22
We will have checkins, followed by an ICS-213 format message using FLMSG.

Don AB1PH will be net control

*********************************************************************************

Winlink Net:
Bryan Marcotte KF1D will be net control.
Send a winlink checkin form to KF1D, copy AB1PH, between 0600 Monday Nov 4 and 2400 Monday Nov 4.

We look forward to you checking in!

73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph

USCG Auxiliary Divisions 5 / 12 Radio Net 3 NOV 24

Joseph Fratto-K1UN – FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License writes:

The USCG Auxiliary Divisions 5 / 12 Radio Net was held this Sunday 3 NOV 2024 at 1015 hrs.

Check Ins: Radio Wilmington
Radio Roslindale

Net Control: Radio Waltham NCS

Traffic: The net was held. Stations were able to radio test their facilities. Signals were
L / C on the Roslindale repeater.

Auxiliarist Don Zidik acting ASC for Sector Boston sent an update of upcoming
events.

Parades: Veterans Day – Boston 9 NOV 24 muster by 1030 and marching
1200 to 1400.

Thanksgiving Day – Plymouth MA. 23 NOV 24 muster by 0800
marching 1000 -1200 further info to follow.

Please be advised that the Boston CGX is not handling laundry and tailoring as a
new contract with a vendor was not renewed.

Uniform inspections are due by 31 DEC 24 please contact your FC.

The Division 5 Change of Watch is scheduled for Saturday 25 JAN 2025 at 1800
at the Old Colony YC in Dorchester.

Boat Crew Training is available please contact your FC or Flotilla FSO-MT for further
info.

There are opportunities to assist the active duty side on the FRC’s and Stations. Please
contact Auxiliarist Zidik for further information and point of contact.

The ID machine is still down. If you need a temporary paper ID to get on the base please
contact Charles in DIRAUX office.

The NE Boat Show will be held on JAN 8 – 12 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition
Center. If you want to volunteer please contact Donald Zidik more info to follow as soon
as the contract is signed.

The “Auxiliary Net” on Ham Radio is going strong. Every Sunday at 1100 following the
USCG Auxiliary Nets. The Auxiliary Net is on the MMRA Minuteman Repeater Association
repeater network on Ham Radio. The net is going strong with a lot of check ins. This net
has been a great public relations tool for the District 1 North COMMS Program.

During the upcoming winter months the Division 5 Radio Net will be activating for the
purpose of SKYWARN as needed. We will try to schedule a SKYWARN training update
with National Weather Service NWS on Zoom conference.

The Net thanks all the members for their participation on all our various radio nets. As we
have said in the past the USCG Auxiliary COMMS are the only “Auxiliary” radio group that
is credentialed, vetted, has a security clearance, is uniformed, assigned a robust suite of
exclusive federal government frequencies, has a chain of command, trained, tested and
is part of Team Coast Guard.

Submitted: Joseph Fratto
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License

Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net (EMHN) – Saturday 11/2/24 – 1000 AM ET

Jeff N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH writes:

Good Evening,

On Saturday November 2, 2024 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.

Also we will be using our repeater (147.345 tone 110.9) this month as a test after having some maintenance done and I would be seeking footprint/coverage information from net check ins.

We will use the following repeaters in the order listed.

1. Plymouth Repeater 1146.685 tone 131.8
2. West Bridgewater Repeater 1146.775 dcs 244
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. Falmouth Repeater 147.375 tone 110.9
5. Simplex 147.420

We will then return to the Plymouth 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

Wellesley Amateur Radio Society POTA Event, November 2, 2024

Parks On The Air logoDATE : Saturday, Nov 2, 2024 (rain date – Sun 11/3)
 
TIME : 11am – 3pm
 
PLACE : Elm Bank Reservation – Lot B
                900 Washington St.
                Wellesley, MA
 
Talk-in Frequency : 146.55 MHz
 
 
Join the fun of operating outdoors in the crisp fall air ! We are meeting in Lot B which is opposite Lot A at the top of the first hill where the road bends. Turn right into Lot B.
 
We’ll be using the club radio, antennas, and coax, but feel free to bring your own gear to operate. Leandra has graciously offered to setup our club station callsign (W1TKZ) for POTA operation.
 
The October SparkGap has a GREAT checklist on Page 11 of some things you may wish to bring.
 
SEE YOU THERE FOR POTA FOTA – Fun-On-The-Air !

UPDATED: Eastern Massachusetts ARES Simulated Emergency Test (SET) – Operation November Gale – Saturday 11/9/24 – 10 AM-12 PM EDT

Hello to all…

Eastern Massachusetts ARES will conduct a section exercise and Simulated Emergency Test (SET) on Saturday 11/9/24 from 10 AM-12 PM dubbed “November Gale”. The exercise will practice similar skills as previous exercises conducted over the course of 2024 and will serve as a means of practice heading into the 2024-2025 winter season.

The detailed drill document can be seen at the following link: https://ema.arrl.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/EasternMA-ARES-Fall-Exercise-2024-V2.0-11-03-24.pdf This document will likely be final but will be updated if necessary by Friday 11/8/24 for any last minute changes.

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.  We will also discuss the SET on the November Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net.

Thanks in advance for your support of this SET 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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USCG Auxiliary Division 5 / 12 Radio Net 20 OCT 2024 at 1015 AM

Joseph Fratto-K1UN – FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License writes:

The USCG Auxiliary Combined Divisions 5 / 12 Radio Net was held on Sunday 20 OCT 2024 at 1015 hrs.

Check Ins: Radio Wilmington
Vessel 323088
Mobile 5F
Mobile 5G
Radio Roslindale

Net Control: Radio Waltham NCS

Traffic: Facility radio tests were made. The repeater located in Falmouth MA. was shut down and
removed. We are looking for another location in Falmouth. This location would service a
number of stations operating on Cape Cod. Hopefully LCDR Wilcox may have a spot on
his tower to support the repeater.

Traffic included several announcements including the Division 5 meeting is Thursday and
it will be online. ID cards for D1 are on hold as the ID machine is undergoing technical
upgrades. The D1 Conference will be held on APR 2025 25, 26 and 27. The Boat Show in
Boston is coming soon and very early. The dates are JAN 9, 10, 11, and 12. If you wish to
participate please contact your FC or await further info to come out.

Auxiliarist Jim Healy is still on the mend and recuperating.

The Auxiliary Net held on the MMRA network is now averaging 20 participants weekly. The
MMRA has extended our net time until 1230 hrs to accommodate our check ins. We asked
that the Barnstable VHF repeater located in Hyannis be tied into the Auxiliary Net to allow
Hams and Auxiliarists on Cape Cod to be able to participate. This request is going through
the process.

Non Ham members can listen to the Auxiliary Net on their police scanner radio. The frequency
is 146.820 or 146.670. You can tune in and listen or become a Ham by taking a very easy
entrance level exam and getting your callsign. Amateur Radio or Ham Radio exams are given
at numerous locations and times during the month. You can even make arrangements to take
exams online in the comfort of your home. Hams can use the Echo-Link system to check into
the Auxiliary Net on the MMRA network.

Several stations mentioned that they are working on antennas today. Being a very nice WX
day it is perfect for antenna repairs. Now is the time to do those repairs. Don’t wait for the
cold and snow.

Stations are reminded to monitor the 5 Mhz 60 Meter channels during emergency conditions.
The 5 Mhz channels are the best frequencies for Ham radio operators to contact federal stations.
On the Auxiliary Net today we explained the SHARES Net. SHAred RESources Net. The net
was established right after the Cuban missile crisis by President Kennedy. The USCG had a
major role in getting the SHARES net off the ground and operational. If you Google Shared
Resources SHARES National Communications System you will find an old video that shows
the SHARES network in operation.

Submitted: Joseph Fratto
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License

AREDN Comes to Dartmouth

N1WBV-Ben Jackson on the Southeast Mass Amateur Radio Association Email list writes:

Hi Everyone:

If you have ever thought about becoming involved with AREDN (https://www.arednmesh.org/) but also wondered “Well it sounds interesting, but who would I communicate with around the South Coastal MA Area?” I am happy to report that I have established an outdoor node just a touch NNE of UMass in FN41lp.

What is AREDN? AREDN is the Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network which provides a way for Amateur Radio operators to create high-speed ad-hoc data networks for use in emergency and service-oriented communications. This is often done via consumer or “pro-sumer” 802.11 wireless networking gear running custom software. Currently, there are mesh networks in Rhode Island and they
reach as far as Tiverton, and there is an emerging effort on Cape Cod.

As I am always over engineering things I have also opted to make my node 100% solar powered and I’ve also put it up at 20ft AGL. Right now, I am putting it in “open Beta” and I want to let people know about it, however, I will expect it to randomly go down for testing as I am still hammering out bugs.

So if you have a 5GHz directional WiFi Access Point, please point it my way on Channel 149 of your 5GHz dial; and if you WANT to grab a 5GHz directional access WiFi Access Point, (especially if you have a tower!) please just let me know and I would be happy to point you in the right direction. I am also working out a full Bill of Materials (BOM) for what I assembled my node for.

73

Ben, N1WBV

FLDIGI/NBEMS Training On-Air and via Zoom

Jon N1ILZ writes

We will be holding two Zoom sessions to help people get familiar with FLDIGI using NBEMS to pass formatted messages (Radiograms, ICS-213s, etc.); and net operations, specifically how to check-in to and interact with the Massachusetts/Rhode Island Digital (NTS) Net (MARIDN). 

Thursday October 17, focused on the NBEMS programs FLMSG, FLAMP for message passing, and 

Thursday October 24, focused on how to interact with a digital NTS Traffic Net, specifically, the Massachusetts/Rhode Island Digital Net (MARIDN). 

Both sessions are 7:00 PM – ~8:30 PM or until finished. Zoom coordinates (below) are the same for both sessions. 

A PREREQUSIITE for these courses is to have the FLDIGI suite configured and operational at your station (computer and radio). If you successfully completed the FLDIGI session with Don AB1PH on October 10, you have met the prerequisite. 

You will be attending a Zoom session from the PC controlling your station.  The training host will transmit several messages over the air in different formats. We will work with you to ensure that you successfully copy the messages.  If there are failures, we will work to debug them via screen sharing during the Zoom session.   In some cases, issues will be resistant to debugging during the session and we will deal with these individuals in one-on-one sessions later. 

To participate effectively in the Zoom session, your Zoom session and FLDIGI connected to your radio should be running on the same computer. 

The Zoom invitation follows:

 

Join Zoom Meeting 
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89342243637?pwd=RfasbGHaXGLU2xdhUDXQfIVBkBpPGx.1 
 
Meeting ID: 893 4224 3637 
Passcode: 013058 
 
 

Please contact Jon N1ILZ (n1ilz@arrl.org) with questions. 

 

USCG Auxiliary Divisions 5 / 12 Radio Net – Sunday 13 OCT 2024 at 1015 AM

Joseph Fratto-K1UN – FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License writes:

The USCG Auxiliary combine Divisions 5 / 12 Radio Net was held on Sunday 13 OCT 2024 at 1015 AM.

Check Ins: Wilmington Radio
Vessel 323088
Mobile 5F
Mobile 5G

Net Control: Waltham Radio NCS

Traffic: Radio tests were made of all radio facilities. It was announced that Flotilla elections are
forthcoming. January 10th is the Boat Show. Discussions of the Hurricane Milton and
Hurricane Helene events. Amateur Radio did a great job helping with communications.

Our Auxiliary Net held on the MMRA amteur radio network is going strong. This morning
we had 17 check ins. K1UVH Mike from Holbrook, a retired firefighter gave an account of
his assistance with Hurricane milton. Mike was on scene in the area at a IAFF convention
and volunteered his time working with their fire departments. He worked there for a week.
In addition to rescues they had several large working building fires to deal with.

Florida has a very progressive state and local government system and they did a great
job. It seems they were on top of everything and the fatality count was low. I saw a news
clip of the USCG Helo working a rescue. A gentleman’s boat went down during the storm
and the survivor was able to cling to a large ice cooler. He stayed afloat all night through
the storm until spotted by the USCG and rescued the following morning.

The D7 USCG Auxiliary COMMS. Team assisted the USCG and State government with
radio communications assistance throughout the storm. Hopefully we will continue on
through the month of November with NO more storm activity. I think it will show that the
tornados did more destruction and caused more loss of life than the hurricanes.

Emergency Ham radio communications for the hurricane are still on Broadcastify APP.
Use the N2GE repeater network on the APP.

Submitted: Joseph Fratto
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License

CAARA ARES/ARRL Emergency Communications Planning Meeting – Saturday 11/2/24 – 12 PM at CAARA Clubhouse

KB1PGH-Dean Burgess, Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association (CAARA) ARRL/ARES Emergency Coordinator writes:

There will be an ARRL/ARES Emergency communications planning meeting for the Cape Ann area at the CAARA clubhouse at 6 Stanwood street in Gloucester on Saturday November 2nd at noontime. This meeting is open for all those who are interested in attending. This will be a first in a series of informal meetings as we start to plan out a ARRL emergency communications group on Cape Ann. The meeting will be run by ARRL/ARES emergency coordinator Dean Burgess KB1PGH and ARRL/ARES assistant emergency coordinator Bill Morris W1WMM.

PART Group-Club POTA US-2435, Carlisle, October 14, 2024

PART of Westford logoAdam Smith, AA1N, writes on the PART of Westford mailing list:Hi PART’ers – 
 

I took some time to read through the POTA web site again.  Under the rules we can either do multiple individual activations, or a club/group activation. 

As a group, all activity from a single callsign from the same park in the same (UTC) day would count toward the activation (but it’s possible to log the operator for each QSO under a shared call – and ops get some credit).   If we wanted to do this (for this or future ops) then we’d want to register a group call with POTA – not sure if WB1GOF is registered, or if there’s a protocol for approving use of the club call for events?

 
If acting as individuals:
* each individual calling CQ POTA will need to have a POTA.app account, and to submit their own log of contacts after the event.
* each individual in this case could have a successful activation (10 contacts), or not
* we can share radios and “pass the mic”, or run separate radios (technical & interference concerns notwithstanding)
 
References:
General POTA Rules: 

   https://docs.pota.app/docs/rules.html

   See in particular rules #4 and #5 under Logging Requirements, and the “Clubs and Multiple Operators” section under “Guidelines, Interpretation, and Intent”.
The latter section refers to another doc, Guide for Clubs/Groups: 
   https://docs.pota.app/docs/activator_reference/activator_guide_clubs.html
 
Hope to see folks in a week, I’m planning to be there with an HF radio, probably to run primarily voice/SSB.  The area they asked us to operate in has some good open space – finding decent shade may be more of an issue.   From what Neice said, we should park at the lot off of Lowell Road (set GPS for Great Brook Ski Touring Center), rather than the lot off of North Road nearer the ice cream / dairy farm.  See attached pic from Google Maps – the lot at the left and field toward the Park HQ marker.  Carlisle center is south on Lowell Road from this view.  I went by this weekend, it’s a large lot and the field to the south is fairly flat and very open.  Bring your own antenna support, and maybe sun cover.
 
73,
Adam / AA1N
 

Reminder: October 7th, 2024 MEMA RACES/ACS Communications Test Net

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, October 7th, 2024 is our first non-holiday Monday of the month

and, as such, will be the next RACES/ACS/Preparedness Net night. 

 Due to the news reports and reports from operators out of the North Carolina area and other 

Areas impacted by Hurricane Helene, I would like to highlight our WinLink net and I would
Like to encourage operators to learn about and try to check in via this net even if it is only
The internet side of it and not via an RF link. Familiarity with this Amateur Radio tool seems to be
Paying serious dividends in areas hit hard by Hurricane Helene and I think we should make a strong
Effort to make sure this tool is one we all have in our toolboxes moving forward. 
 
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/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!
 
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. October 7th and before midnight EST October 8th
  (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. 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.comWC1MAB@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 

USCG Auxiliary Division 5 / 12 Radio Nets – Sunday 6 OCT 24 & Sunday 29 SEP 2024

Joseph Fratto-K1UN – FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License writes:

The combined Divisions 5 / 12 Radio Net was called on the Roslindale repeater 6 OCT 24 at 1015 hrs.

Check Ins: Radio Wilmington
Radio Roslindale
Vessel 323088
Mobile 5F
Mobile 5G

Net Control: Radio Waltham NCS

Traffic: Stations were able to radio check their equipment. I spoke to the Comms people in D7.
D7 Florida area will be implementing their Emergency Communications Nets starting on
this Tuesday. Another hurricane will be hitting Florida on Wednesday. They have noticed
how we have had good luck using Ham radio assets in D1N. They will in addition to USCG
Auxiliary channels be using the Florida SARNET a robust Amateur Radio Network that
covers their whole state. The D7 area Auxiliary has one high site Auxiliary repeater in
Stuart Florida. This is a wide area coverage repeater.

In addition D7 will be utilizing the SHARES network. DHS has not activated the SHARES
net for Hurricane helene. D1N HF stations will be able to assist D7 on their 14 meg nets.
Any SHARES station is authorized to activate a SHARES net when needed. The SHARES
ALE network will also be in play on Tuesday.

D1N stations are reminded to continue to monitor the 5 Mhz 60 meter channels for any
distress calls. 5 Mhz is clearly heard in New England during the evenings.

The Auxiliary net is going strong on the MMRA network. We had 17 stations checked in today.
Anyone using a police scanner radio can tune us in on 146.82 or 146.69 Mhz to hear the net.
Again we are asking all members to consider getting their Amateur Radio License to be able
to participate.

Submitted: Joseph Fratto
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License

The Sunday morning Divisions 5 / 12 Combined Radio net was held on Roslindale repeater – 29 SEP 2024 at 1015 hrs.

Check Ins: Radio Wilmington
Radio Roslindale
Vessel 323088
Mobile 5F
Mobile 5G
Radio Harvard

Net control: Radio Waltham NCS

Traffic: Radio tests were conducted. Flotilla elections are coming up. Hurricane
Helena is threatening the Southeast coast of the country. The Florida
Governor has reported that up to 1.2 million homes and businesses are
without power.

The Hurricane Net on 7.268Mhz was very busy handling emergency
requests and health and welfare radio traffic. HF assets are reminded
If the USCG is quiet and the Auxiliary is not needed please join in on
the Hurricane Net, Salvation Army Net (SATERN) or the Red Cross
activated nets.

Even though you reside in New England, HF covers the world and you
will be appreciated for helping these nets handle and move traffic. As a
reminder during Hurricane Katrina the SATERN radio Hams handled
over 50,000 Health and Welfare messages. A number of these messages
were for people in need of emergency rescues. I counted over 100 calls
for rescue that came to the SHARES HF network.

We operate a valuable resource that can be of real assistance in times of
emergency. At the least perform increased monitoring of the 5 Mhz 60M
channels for emergency calls.

The Auxiliary Net is held on the MMRA Minuteman Repeater Association
and is going well. We had 17 check ins this morning. The Auxiliary Net
starts at 1100 hrs every Sunday morning. Scanner radios can receive the
Net on 146.82 or 146.67 Mhz. Tune in or get your Ham Radio Technician
license and join us. A question came up on the Net as to joining RACES,
the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service. RACES is a federally spon-
sored and authorized Ham radio Network. RACES is locally managed by
Emergency Management Director of a city or town.

When and if the president of the United States were to impose the War
Powers Act, Amateur Radio or Ham radio as we know it would be shut
down. The only Ham radio stations allowed to operate and transmit would
be RACES stations. RACES stations have to be designated and authorized
by EM Agencies for Official Business Only. Federal stations such as the
Auxiliary would continue to operate as usual for official business.

Submitted: Joseph Fratto
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License