Operating Events

Operating / Operating Events

Historic W1BB Callsign Returns to the Air for International Museums Weekend, June 20, 2026

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

The historic W1BB callsign, long associated with amateur radio pioneer and ARRL icon Stew Perry, will return to the air on June 20, 2026, as part of International Museums Weekend. Operators Eric Pfeifer, N1JUR, and Shannon Gibney, KC1OHT, will activate a special event station from the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation in Waltham, Massachusetts, celebrating both the rich history of amateur radio and the legacy of one of its most influential figures.

Known worldwide as “Mr. 160 Meters,” Stew Perry, W1BB, helped shape low-band operating and remains a respected figure in amateur radio history. His contributions to the hobby continue to be recognized through the Stew Perry Topband Distance Challenge and the countless operators he inspired throughout his lifetime. The special event station will provide visitors and amateur radio operators an opportunity to learn about Perry’s contributions, the history of the W1BB callsign, and the role amateur radio has played in technical innovation and public service.

Members of the public are encouraged to visit the museum, follow along online, or listen for W1BB on the air during the event. Additional information about the activation, Stew Perry’s history, and operating details can be found at n1jur.com/w1bb. For questions or media inquiries, please contact Eric Pfeifer, N1JUR, at eric@n1jur.com.

W1BB Station event

Clubs / Flea markets & Conventions / Operating Events / Organization / Public Information

April 2026 Section Update

- by Jon McCombie - Leave a Comment

I hope you made it past Tax Day without too much trauma. I think of it as “that’s something I won’t have to deal with for another year.” I hope it’s the same for you. 

Spring has officially sprung! I’m seeing daffodils and crocuses and tulips and all manner of beautiful flowers poking their heads through the leaves. Oh, and the temperatures are consistently well above freezing (yay!). Traffic on the Cape is starting to pick up (boo!) but our favorite seasonal restaurants are getting ready to open (yay!). So… happy Spring to all! And on with the show! 

 

 * Congratulations to EMA’s Newest Special Service Club, STARS 

Earlier this month, I took great pleasure in approving the Special Service Club application from the ham radio club at New England Sci-Tech, the Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society (STARS), Special Service Clubs (SSC) exist to go above and beyond for their communities and for Amateur Radio .  They are the leaders in their Amateur Radio communities who provide active training classes, publicity programs, and actively pursue technical projects and operating activities. STARS does all this and more. Please join me in congratulating them on their new designation. 

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Operating Events / Public Service

Volunteers Needed – Bike MS: Ride the Rhode – June 13th, 2026

- by n1wbv - Leave a Comment

Don Rolph, AB1PH sends along that the MS Ride the Rhode is coming up on Saturday June 13. This year it is only a one day event. Traditionally amateru radio teams operate to coordinate the the support and gear (SAG) wagons as well as coordinate rest stop operations. The MS team is hoping to enlist support again this year.

If you would like to participate please sign up and let AB1PH know as well so he can coordinate the team.

Operating Events / Public Service

Seeking Hams for Communications Support for Santa Parade

- by Jon McCombie - Leave a Comment

Dean, KB1PGH from the Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association writes

Our club and the North Shore Radio Association (NSRA)  are providing communications for the Gloucester Mass Santa Parade which will be held on this upcoming Sunday Dec 7th at 3 PM and we are short operators so we are looking for more hams to help us out filling spots along the parade route. So if anyone is interested they can contact Eric Horowitz KA1NCF at KA1NCF@nsradio.org .

Clubs / Operating / Operating Events

NE1PL operating from USS Massachusetts – September 20, 2025

- by n1wbv - Leave a Comment

The Uncommon Service to Nautical Radio club, NE1PL, will be operating from the USS Massachusetts in Battleship Cove, Fall River, MA on September 20, 2025 from 10:00AM ET to 3:30PM ET to commemorate the 84th anniversary of the launching of “Big Mamie” on September 23, 1941. They are looking for people who would like to operate on board the ship. Please contact KB1TEE for more details.

Operating / Operating Events / Public Information / Technical

Call for Volunteers for Harwich Cranberry Festival – September 12-14

- by n1wbv - Leave a Comment
Lemuel Skidmore, W1LEM, writes on the Barnstable ARC Mailing list that they are looking for volunteers for the Harwich Cranberry Festival – September 12-14:
 
We need people to help with setup and teardown, to meet and greet the public and discuss ham radio, to operate, and to have fun. Please let me know if you will be participating. Our location at the event is perfect: across from restrooms, next to the food trucks, and right at the entrance so we are very visible.
 
Event Location:
Harwich Community Center, 100 Oak Street
 
Tentative schedule:
Friday 9/12 10:00-14:00 (approximately) – Setup Part 1 (meet at the container, bring equipment and the tower trailer to the site, and set up as much as we can–maybe assemble the tribander)
Saturday 9/13 07:00-09:00 – Setup Part 2 (setup popup tent, radios, etc. maybe assemble the tribander, raise tower, etc.)
Saturday 9/13 09:00-16:00 – Operate, schmooze, and enjoy
Saturday 9/13 16:00-~16:30 – Shutdown for the day
Sunday 9/14 08:00-~16:00 – Setup, operate, schmooze, and enjoy
Sunday 9/14 16:00-~17:30 – Teardown, return equipment and tower trailer to the container
 
Staffing: 
Setup Parts 1 and 2:  5 to 6 people  minimum
Operation, etc.:  4 people on site at all times, preferably in 4 hour shifts (or whatever you are available to do
If interested, please contact Lem at BarnstableARC