Operating
Operating, on-the-air events and activities, contests, DXing
Fox Hunters Meeting at 2022 HamXposition
George Allison, K1IG, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list:
The forum schedule for the Northeast HamXposition has been published, and theres a Fox Hunters meeting scheduled for Sunday, August 28, at 11:00 AM. Since our members are spread out around MA (and parts of NH), we haven’t had an opportunity to all get together in one place, so this is a great opportunity for us to:
- Meet each other in person
- Compare equipment
- Discuss techniques
- Discuss variations in types of hunts
- Look at ways to attract new hunters, especially non-licensed youth
We’ve got over a month to talk about topics. What would you like to see?
73,
George, K1IG
KC1OAV Fox is Out, Stow, July 16-17, 2022
Eric L. Johnson, KC1OAV, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list on July 15, 2022 at 6:11 PM:
Hello Fox Hunters:
The KC1OAV fox will be out tomorrow July 16 to Sunday July 17. This is my first fox deployment so I welcome any suggestions for improvement.
The fox is in Stow, MA, and may be heard from the Town Forest parking lot at the end of Bradley Lane in Stow, after 8:00 AM Saturday. I will retrieve it Sunday around 5:00 PM.
The fox broadcasts for 12 seconds every minute at 146.565 MHz, with a power output of 15 MW. There is a log book attached to the fox so you can sign in. This should be an easy* hunt. The fox will be just off a trail.
If you find the fox, or just want to ramble, be sure To explore the area near the Assabet River. From there you may see small aircraft at nearby Crow Island field, as well as some practicing trapeze artists.
Here is the map of Stow Town Forest:
https://www.stow-ma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif1286/f/uploads/town_forest_map_0.pdf
and a link to Stow regulations:
https://www.stow-ma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif1286/f/uploads/stow_conservation_land_regulations.pdf
Enjoy!
[ *Text or email for a clue. ]Eric L. Johnson KC1OAV
ericlee.johnson@gmail.com
978 501-2136
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday July 11th, 2022 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater System
Hello to all…
The July Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday July 11th, 2022 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater system. It is on the second Monday for this month due to US Independence Day last Monday, 7/4/22.
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 on upcoming events.
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 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
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Massachusetts RACES Nets – Monday 7/11/22 for HF, Region 2D VHF, NBEMS & Winlink – Times and Details Below
AB1PH-Don Rolph writes:
For July , the first Monday is July 4. Therefore the MEMA net will be held on the second Monday July 11, and this will be the date for the MEMA RACES nets.
The Races nets will be held on Mon July 11 at:
********************************************************************************
The HF net will start at 6:45 PM EDT: using the following frequency plan:
We will start at 3930 KHz moving up to 3955 KHz until there is a clear frequency,
Marc Stern WA1R will be net control.
*********************************************************************************
Region 2D VHF net:
7:30 PM EDT 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 Marden N1JCM will be net control.
********************************************************************************
HF NBEMS net:
7:00 PM EDT
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 Rolph AB1PH will be net control.
*********************************************************************************
Winlink Net:
To participate:
– create a checkin form using the Winlink standard checkin form
– send via winlink after 6 AM EDT Mon. July 11 and before 0000 EDT July 12 (any mode, but include mode in checkin form) to AB1PH
– Tues I will create the checkin report and send to all of you
*************************************************************************************
We look forward to you checking in to any or all nets!
—
73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph
_._,_._,_
KD1D RF Fox is out again, July 8, 2022
The KD1D Fox transmitter is hidden off of one of the trails near Kennedy Pond in Westford, MA. More information on the sits can be found at:
There is a parking area at the end of Trailside Way. You may find it easier to start from the other parking area near the end of Texas Road or to park on Vine Brook Road away from the cul de sac and walk in to the left of the dirt road barrier. There is an unofficial “No Trespassing” sign (MA law requires the name and address of the owner), but the land immediately to the left of the gate is Westford Conservation Land open to all. Be polite and don’t park in the circle if you choose this route.
If you need a hint, email me at kd1d@arrll.net.
Happy Hunting and 73 from KD1D
W1MJ Fox Deployment, Burlington Landlocked Forest, July 9-10, 2022
Eliot Mayer, W1MJ writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list:
My dog Noah and I plan to deploy our fox for the weekend in Burlington Landlocked Forest. Per Google Maps, the parking area is only 22 minutes from Westford and 17 minutes from Waltham.
Fox details:
- Callsign: W1MJ
- Start & End Times: Sat July 9 at 10:00 AM – Sun July 10 at 5:00 PM
- Frequency: 147.54 MHz
- Suggested Starting Point: Burlington Landlocked Forest Trailhead, close to 43 Turning Mill Rd, Lexington, MA. Lot is under the power lines, close to the Grimes Rd intersection.
- Directions from Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/19VYCvL9T8mEj26N7
73 DE W1MJ
W1HFN Fox Deployed, Littleton, July 5, 2022
Barry Fox, W1HFN, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list on July 5, 2022 at 2:01 PM:
The W1HFN Fox has been deployed. Dig out your old Latin textbook and go to “hymenoptera apidae bombini” park in Littleton. Frequency is 146.565 with a 20 second voice ID every 60 seconds. Batteries should last until the weekend (I hope). Please sign the log when you find it.
TNX / 73,
Barry – W1HFN
Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net – Saturday 7/9/22 – Moved from Saturday 7/2/22 Due to Long Holiday Weekend
Good evening,
Due to the first Saturday of July being the July 4th weekend we will be moving the Net to the following Saturday July 9, 2022, the South Shore Health Amateur Radio Group will hold an Eastern MA Hospital Net commencing at 10AM.
We realize that the usual locations for some individuals and groups are still unavailable due to ongoing COVID restrictions. We encourage everyone who is affected by these restrictions to utilize their home or mobile stations to check into the net.
We will use the following repeaters and NEDECN DMR system in the order listed.
1. Plymouth Repeater 146.685 tone 131.8
2. Falmouth Repeater 147.375 tone 110.9
3. DMR – EMHN Talkgroup 8851 Time Slot 1 on select NEDECN repeaters: Boston 449.175 CC1, Hingham 146.430 -1.5M CC1, Bourne 145.200 CC10, Dennis 146.470 -1.5M CC11, and Martha’s Vineyard 145.180 CC10 repeaters
4. Attleboro Repeater 147.195 tone 127.3 (SMH)
5. Return to 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.
Jeff N1SOM, Secretary, and the SSH group
N1SOM – W1SSH
South Shore Health Amateur Radio Group
55 Fogg Rd. Mail-Stop 42
South Weymouth, MA 02190
Double Fox Hunt This Weekend in Belmont and Waltham, June 18-19, 2022
Eliot Mayer, W1MJ, writes:
This weekend (June 18-19, 2022) K1MJC and I are putting our foxes out in the same general area.
Fox #1
Call: K1MJC
Frequency: 146.565 MHz
Location: Rock Meadow, Belmont, MA
On air now through Monday morning.
Fox #2
Call: W1MJ
Frequency: 446.075 MHz
Location: Beaver Brook Reservation North, Waltham, MA (accessible from Rock Meadow by foot bridge)
On air from 10 AM Saturday until 5 PM on Sunday
Best place to park for both foxes: Rock Meadow parking area on Mill St. in Belmont. If the lot is full, parallel parking on Mill St. is allowed.
The following link shows a map of the area containing both foxes. From Rock Meadow, the Western Greenway Trail crosses a wooden bridge into Beaver Brook Reservation North near back-left-corner (sorta) of Rock Meadow:
73,
Eliot, W1MJ
Blue Hill Observatory Wireless Society Communications with Mt. Washington, June 11, 2022
BlueHill Observatory (@bhobservatory) tweeted at 0:20 PM on Sat, Jun 11, 2022:
We are excited to have the inaugural event of the BHO&SC Wireless Society happening today. The hams are hoping to connect with Mount Washington as communications between BHO and Mount Washington Observatory were done over 70 years ago. They are also doing a ham contest today. https://t.co/DX8CNB3eXv
Bristol County RA Fox Hunt, June 11, 2022
Reminder: June 6th, 2022 MEMA RACES/ACS Communications Test Net
Mike Leger, N1YLQ, MEMA Region 2 RACES Radio Officer writes:
Hello to all,
This email is a reminder that this evening, June 6th, 2022 is the first non-holiday Monday of the month and, as such, is our RACES/ACS/Preparedness Net night. We will be holding our sector nets on the normally assigned frequencies.
As always, I am looking for Net Control stations to staff our sector nets for the evening. This month I will be able to run the Sector 2A net, but if anyone is interested in trying it out, please let me know. I am looking for NCS operators to lead the Sector 2B (Plymouth County) nets. Sector 2D has already arranged for an NCS operator for this month’s net and Sector 2C is now a Winlink only net on a monthly basis.
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 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 should send a note to 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 can not 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 checkin form using the Winlink standard checkin form
– send via winlink after 6 AM EST Mon. June 6 and before midnight EST June 7 (any mode, but include mode in check-in form) to AB1PH
I continue to ask that any operators who have the time, please try to check into sector nets from near-by sections. 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.
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: 53.31 has been reported to be having difficulties lately. The appropriate people are aware and working to remedy any issues. |
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 |
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 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: 386-566-7666
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday June 6th, 2022 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater System
Hello to all…
The June Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday June 6th, 2022 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 on upcoming events.
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 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
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Massachusetts RACES Nets – Monday 6/6/22 for HF, Region 2D VHF, NBEMS & Winlink – Times and Details Below
AB1PH-Don Rolph, Norfolk County ARES Emergency Coordinator writes:
For June, Monday June 6 is the first Monday of the month, and will be the date for the MEMA RACES nets.
The Races nets will be held on Mon June 6 at:
********************************************************************************
The HF net will start at 6:45 PM EDT: using the following frequency plan:
We will start at 3930 KHz moving up to 3955 KHz until there is a clear frequency,
Marc Stern WA1R will be net control.
*********************************************************************************
Region 2D VHF net: please note sector 2D net will be on Sharon Repeater
7:30 PM EDT 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 Rolph AB1PH will be net control.
********************************************************************************
HF NBEMS net:
7:00 PM EDT
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 Rolph AB1PH will be net control.
*********************************************************************************
Winlink Net:
To participate:
– create a checkin form using the Winlink standard checkin form
– send via winlink after 6 AM EDT Mon. June 6 and before 0000 EDT June 7 (any mode, but include mode in checkin form) to AB1PH
– Tues I will create the checkin report and send to all of you
*************************************************************************************
We look forward to you checking in to any or all nets!
—
73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph
Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net – Saturday 6/4/22 at 1000 AM
Jeff-N1SOM writes:
Good evening,
On Saturday June 4, 2022, the South Shore Health Amateur Radio Group will hold an Eastern MA Hospital Net commencing at 10AM. We realize that the usual locations for some individuals and groups are still unavailable due to ongoing COVID restrictions. We encourage everyone who is affected by these restrictions to utilize their home or mobile stations to check into the net.
We will use the following repeaters and NEDECN DMR system in the order listed.
1. W.Bridgewater Repeater 146.775 dcs 244
2. Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5
3. Plymouth Repeater 146.685 tone 131.8
3. DMR – EMHN Talkgroup 8851 Time Slot 1 on select NEDECN repeaters:
Boston 449.175 CC1, Hingham 146.430 -1.5M CC1, Bourne 145.200 CC10, Dennis 146.470 -1.5M CC11, and Martha’s Vineyard145.180 CC10 repeaters
4. Boston 145.230 tone enc. 88.5 dec (in) / dec (out) 100.0
5. Return to W.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.
Jeff N1SOM, Secretary, and the SSH group
N1SOM – W1SSH
South Shore Health Amateur Radio Group
55 Fogg Rd. Mail-Stop 42
South Weymouth, MA 02190
“Last Call” for K2H Operators
Contact Larry, W1AST at W1AST@arrl.net if interested BEFORE JUNE 1.
Larry, W1AST
- ARRL WMA ACC
- HCRA President
- Visit my Ham Radio club website at: www.HCRA.org
- Team K2H – 13 Colonies Massachusetts State Manager
- Project Big E 2022 Organizer
KB1MGI Fox is Active in Carlisle, May 21, 2022
John Salmi, KB1MGI, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list on May 21, 2022 at 10:40 AM:

MMRA Fox is Hiding, Stow, May 20, 2022
Bob Evans, N1BE, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list on May 20, 2022 at 3:56 PM:
The MMRA Fox Box is at the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge in Stow.
The Fox transmits on 145.63 MHz with a 146.2 Hz PL.
Transmissions repeat approx. every 165 seconds.
I plan to retrieve the Fox on Tuesday, May 24th.
Email me directly if you want a hint to help locate the fox.
Happy hunting,
Bob Evans, N1BE
Eastern MA Museum Ships Getting Ready for Museum Ships Weekend, June 3-5, 2022

Several museum ship stations in Eastern Massachusetts will be active during Museum Ships Weekend from 0000Z June 4 to 2359Z June 5, 2022.
The K1USN Radio Club station, K1USN, is signed up to participate. According to station trustee “Pi” Pugh, K1RV, “We plan a full scale activation and will be looking for operators on CW, SSB, and FT4/8 as we get closer.”
Two additional museum ship stations plan will be QRV and are looking for operators: the USS Salem, N1SLM; and the USS Massachusetts [Uncommon Service to Naval Radio], NE1PL.
Contact W1OF <w1of@nsradio.org> for the USS Salem, KB1TEE <kb1tee@verizon.net> for the USS Massachusetts, and K1RV <pi.k1rv@gmail.com> for the K1USN Radio Club.
For full details, visit <https://www.nj2bb.org/museum/>.


Mike Connelly, NA1XX, writes: