Organization

ARRL’s push to pass the bill has great momentum, but we need EVERY radio amateur in the United States to send their letters.

Your participation can make the difference in passing this legislation.

It only takes seconds. If you’re a licensed ham in the US, go to https://send-a-letter.org/hoa/, enter your call sign, validate your address, and click the red SEND MY LETTERS button. It really is that easy!

In less time than it takes to make a single QSO, your letters will tell Congress to remove the legal restraints on hams living in restrictive HOAs to put up an antenna.

Follow the link at https://send-a-letter.org/hoa/ to send your letter now!

What it is:

The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act (see ARRL News 02/07/2025) is a pair of bipartisan bills — H.R.1094 in the House and S.459 in the Senate – which are designed to prevent restrictive homeowners’ association (HOA) rules that currently prohibit or severely limit the installation of amateur radio antennas, even when such antennas are hidden in trees, placed in attics, mounted on vehicles, or look like flagpoles.

Se Habla Español – Pasar el proyecto de ley

Si su lengua materna es el español, ARRL ha creado instrucciones y una página web para que envíe sus cartas al Congreso.

Descargue las instrucciones aquí:

https://send-a-letter.org/espanol/

HAPPY AUTUMN/FALL!   We’re three games into the NFL season, and it looks like the Patriots are not awful: a slow start on the season opener, but a good time in game two, but not so great for game three. I still have high hopes for the season, but I’m not betting anything on any team. 

I’m pleased to report that vehicle traffic here on the Cape has settled down to a dull roar, and with the passage of Labor Day, we’ve regained our ability to turn left onto Rte. 6. OK, folks, NOW is the time to head to the Cape! Lower prices! Less traffic! Plenty of goodness still to be had! If you’re heading my way, please email me so we can maybe have an eyeball QSO over lunch or a beverage (that’s the liquid refreshment, not an antenna 😊 ). 

* YOU CAN HELP US CHANGE THE LEGAL RIGHTS OF AMERICAN HAMS 

Hey! This is important! The ARRL is focused on reducing legal restraints on the ability of American Amateur Radio Operators to engage in the active practice and enjoyment of Amateur Radio.  One of the most insidious and increasing threats to the survival of Amateur Radio and our ability to serve our communities and Nation, as we are required to do by Federal regulation, is the proliferation of private land use restrictions that prohibit the installation of outdoor antennas and that sometimes actually deny Federally licensed Amateurs from operating any amateur radios, regardless of where their antennas are located — in their attics, hidden in trees, or mounted on their vehicles. 

Please, PLEASE take 30 seconds and arrange for letters to be printed and delivered to your US Representative and Senators. You really can make a difference, and the effort is practically free! See https://ema.arrl.org/2025/09/18/send-a-letter-campaign-ask-your-representative-and-senators-to-co-sponsor-and-support-h-r-1094-and-s-459/ for details. 

* Barnstable ARC Activates SES for Harwich Cranberry Festival  

Members of the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club (BARC) operated Special Event Station W1MA on Saturday-Sunday, September 13-14. The team deployed the club’s antenna tower trailer, which can elevate a 3-element tri-bander to some 40 ft up – an impressive conversation starter for passers-by, and an excellent performer in the worked-all-Europe contest last weekend! Shorter – and cooler –0 days  

* KC1DSQ & W1IS Win August 2025 QST Cover Plaque Award! 

Congratulations to PART of Westford members Bob Rose, KC1DSQ & Bob Glorioso, W1IS for winning the August 2025 QST cover plaque award for their article “An All-Band 160-Meter OCF Antenna.” This article was voted the most popular and well-liked article for the August 2025 issue by ARRL membership. This makes it their third cover plaque award!  Congratulations to the Bobs for the hat trick! 

* 2025 Northeast HamXposition was a Tremendous Success! 

I had a fantastic time at the Northeast HamXposition this past august. I got to chat with scads of folks, meet some folks face-to-face that I only get to see once per year, and I attended some fantastic presentations and seminars. I’m already looking forward to – and planning for – next year’s HamX. 

* KD1CY Honored for 20 Years of VoIP Hurricane Net Service at HamX 

Speaking of HamX, ARES SKYWARN Coordinator and Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) Rob Macedo, KD1CY, was awarded with a surprise plaque for 20 years of service to the Voice over IP (“VoIP”) Hurricane Net. Congratulations and thank you to Rob!  Full story is at https://hamxposition.org/2025/08/30/kd1cy-honored-for-20-years-of-voip-hurricane-net-service-at-hamx/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kd1cy-honored-for-20-years-of-voip-hurricane-net-service-at-hamx 

* Still Recruiting a New Section Youth Coordinator  

Sadly, our 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   

I hope you’re all enjoying the joys that Autumn brings, including lighter traffic, milder temperatures, and – still my personal favorite – ice cream!! Get out there and get those new antennas up or fix the damage from the ravages of winter. Stay cool and – especially – stay hydrated. Most of all, get on the air and have fun! 

Can you write a paragraph or two about what you’re up to, so I can publish it in the Section Update? Did you activate a POTA or a Special Event Station? Some other event? Shoot me an 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.  

HAPPY SUMMER, AGAIN!   Well, we’re deep into Summer. Hot days, warm nights. Lots of sun. High humidity.  But we love it, ‘cause we know that in a few months we’ll be whining about cold weather and snow. Oh well! And we even have Patriots pre-season games to watch now (with apologies to those who think of those games as “fake football”) 

* Barnstable ARC Activates Chatham Lighthouse US-0158 

The Barnstable Amateur Radio Club (BARC) activated Chatham Light the weekend of August 9 and 10 using three operating positions, 1-VHF and 2-HF, for 8 hours both days.  Setting up on the grounds of Coast Guard STACHATHAM adjacent to the heavily travelled walkway in front of the station, operators greeted the public and explained how amateurs have an annual lighthouse event, both in the USA and worldwide, where hams at lighthouses exchange greetings on the radio.  This was an excellent Public Relations opportunity. Full story at https://nediv.arrl.org/2025/08/11/barnstable-arc-activates-chatham-lighthouse-us-0158/  

Did you activate a lighthouse for Lighthouse Day? Let me know so I can give you a shout out in the Section Update! 

* Eastern MA Section Ham of the Year 

The ARRL New England Division is pleased to announce the results of the 2025 Ham of the Year Awards. The nominating committee and judges consisted of all seven Section Managers with New England Director Tom Frenaye, K1KI, and Vice Director Phil Temples, K9HI, participating as non-voting members.   

The judges selected one nominee from each New England ARRL Section. In Eastern Massachusetts, Max Kendall, W0MXX was nominated for this prestigious honor.   

Max serves as vice-president of the STARS radio club at New England Sci-Tech, teaches Arduino, PCB design, and coding classes at New England Sci-Tech, and is the founder of the New England Weather Balloon Society.  He recently organized a high-altitude balloon (HAB) hackathon for students from all over the world, and he has designed and fabricated a four-layer printed circuit board (PCB) implementing a new Radio Frequency (RF) telemetry module that has been successfully used in the field now for many HAB launches. Max has also given public talks sharing his interest in high altitude ballooning and engineering projects at radio clubs and HamXposition for several years.    

Please join me in congratulating Max on his award as Eastern MA Ham of the Year! The New England Division Ham of the Year awardee will be revealed at the ARRL Forum at HamXposition. I hope to see you there! 

More details at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/08/04/2025-eastern-ma-section-ham-of-the-year-announced/  

* 2025 Northeast HamXposition is Coming! 

OK, last reminder: The 2025 Northeast HamXposition is coming NEXT WEEKEND: August 21-24, 2025, in Marlborough, MA. This is New England’s premier ham gathering. I hope to have an eyeball QSO with YOU at HamX! Full info at https://hamxposition.org/  

PS: HamX still needs volunteers. Volunteers get perks:

• If you work 2 x 2 hr shifts: 
  • Free admission (or) 
  • Lunch voucher for Friday or Saturday (no lunch on Thursday or Sunday) (or) 
  • Another ticket for the Sunday drawings 
• If you work additional 2 x 2 hr shifts, you can get one additional lunch voucher-if you haven’t taken the admission option. 

Volunteer at https://registration.hamxposition.org/volunteer/ ) 

* Still Recruiting a New Section Youth Coordinator  

Sadly, our 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   

I hope you’re all enjoying the joys that Summer brings, and – my personal favorite – ice cream!! Get out there and get those new antennas up or fix the damage from the ravages of winter. Stay cool and – especially – stay hydrated. Most of all, get on the air and have fun! 

Can you write a paragraph or two about what you’re up to, so I can publish it in the Section Update? Did you activate a POTA? Some other event? Shoot me an 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.  

Please join us for an ARRL update Webinar on Thursday, August 7th at 7pm. We’ll be able to give you a summary of actions taken at the July ARRL Board meeting as well as activities in Newington, and by some of the Board committees.

We’ll also have plenty of time for your questions and input.

Here is the link to use to connect to the Webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81014888314?pwd=Czx9fr3buMAoc8zM8PDiSY7agcPUXi.1

Hope you will join us next week!

Tom Frenaye/K1KI
ARRL New England Division Director

Phil Temples/K9HI
ARRL New England Division Vice Director

——————————————————————–
ARRL New England Division
Director: Thomas Frenaye, K1KI
k1ki@arrl.org
——————————————————————–

HAPPY SUMMER, AGAIN!   Here on the Cape, we’re deep into left-turns-only-at-traffic-lights season (yes, it really is that bad!). As much as possible, we estivate (https://www.dictionary.com/browse/estivate). But that’s just me HIHI. On the Cape beach webcams, I see plenty of folks having a grand time, and I’m happy for them. 

With more hours of sunlight and a hyperactive Sol, propagation has gotten squirrely. I participate in a daily, first call district on 40m. One day, the net only worked with the help of a gracious ham in South Carolina who acted as a relay, since none of us could hear each other, but he could hear everyone! Crazy! Please, send me your “crazy band conditions” stories, for inclusion in the next Section Update. OK, on with it! 

* Field Day 2025: SM’s Report 

Field Day 2025 has come and gone, and I believe it was an unqualified success. I hope you had as much fun as I had! Over the FD weekend, I visited 10 FD sites, from Cape Ann to Cape Cod, and a bunch of them in between. What a rush! I’m proud of – and thrilled by – ALL the clubs in our section. I wish I could use the Starship Enterprise transporter to visit every one of you, and not just for FD. A few highlights: 

The Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association has an outstanding clubhouse that doubles as an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), enabling them to operate FD as Class F. What a fantastic setup! 

New England Sci-Tech is (at least) one of the crown jewels of our section, if not the entire USA. As always, the team hosted a fantastic Field Day experience. The fully decked-out emergency communications trailer was in use and on display, and there were countless younger hams – and their parents – enjoying Field Day. What a treat! 

And finally, a tip o’ the hat to the Brooksby Village Amateur Radio Club, who mounted a Field Day 2025 operation. Brooksby Village is a senior living community located in Peabody, MA. Hams at Brooksby are re-energizing their club after the passing of the club’s president. Clubs like this one are an important part of keeping the hobby alive. Well done, gents! 

* FD Proclamation 

Once again, a big tip o’ the hat and a serious thank-you to our State Government Liaison (SGL) Steve KC1KEZ, for his efforts to get an official Proclamation from MA’s governor, Maura Healey, officially recognizing June 28-29 as Amateur Radio Field Day in MA. I took an original copy of the proclamation with me on my FD site visits, and it was a big hit. Thanks again, Steve! 

* 2025 Northeast HamXposition is Coming! 

Mark your calendars! The 2025 Northeast HamXposition is coming SOON: August 21-24, 2025, in Marlborough, MA. This is New England’s premier ham gathering. I hope to have an eyeball QSO with YOU at HamX! Full info at https://hamxposition.org/  

PS: HamX still needs volunteers. Volunteers get perks: 

• If you work 2 x 2 hr shifts: 
  • Free admission (or)
  • Lunch voucher for Friday or Saturday (no lunch on Thursday or Sunday) (or)
  • Another ticket for the Sunday drawings
• If you work additional 2 x 2 hr shifts, you can get one additional lunch voucher-if you haven’t taken the admission option. 

Volunteer at https://registration.hamxposition.org/volunteer/ ) 

* Still Recruiting a New Section Youth Coordinator  

Sadly, our 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   

I hope you’re all enjoying the joys that Summer brings, and – did I mention this last time? – ice cream!! Get out there and get those new antennas up or fix the damage from the ravages of winter. Stay cool and – especially – stay hydrated. Most of all, get on the air and have fun! 

Can you write a paragraph or two about what you’re up to, so I can publish it in the Section Update? Do you have fun stories and pictures from Field Day? Did you activate a POTA? Some other event? Shoot me an 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.  

Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC, writes:

Hello everyone,

Many of you have probably noticed that several ARRL online services and the HQ phone system have been down. The ARRL is working as quickly as possible to restore all services, and progress is being made. You can see the current status of the restoration at this link –

http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-systems-service-disruption

You can check this link periodically for further updates. It will likely take some time to get everything fully back up and running. We appreciate your patience.

——————————————————————–
ARRL New England Division
Director: Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC
ab1oc@arrl.org
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The March 2024 Section Newsletter is now available at https://ema.arrl.org/march-2024-section-news.

The February 2024 Section Newsletter is now available at https://ema.arrl.org/february-2024-section-news.

The January 2024 Section Newsletter is now available at https://ema.arrl.org/january-2024-section-news.

New England Division Director Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC, writes:

Phil Temples K9HI, our Assistant Directors, and I will hold our next New England Division Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, November 8th at 7 pm ET.

The purpose of the meeting will be to provide you with an ARRL update, get your thoughts on what we should be focusing on, and answer any questions that you might have about the ARRL and what we are doing on behalf of ARRL members here in New England.

We plan to spend a good deal of our time together answering your questions. If you’d like to send us a question in advance, you can do so via an email to ab1oc@arrl.org, or you can just plan to ask your questions during the Town Hall Meeting.

We will hold our Town Hall Meeting via a Zoom Webinar. You can get a personal link to join the Town Hall Meeting via the following link (paste the link in your browser to register) –

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8kLEzMthRxmxlljwEQsaqQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

We hope to see you on November 8th!

——————————————————————–
ARRL New England Division
Director: Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC
ab1oc@arrl.org
——————————————————————–

From nediv.arrl.org:

ARRL Chief Financial Officer Diane Middleton, W2DLM writes:

Dear ARRL Affiliated Club,

ARRL is aware that some amateur radio clubs who had been insured by Marsh/AIG, a previous provider of the ARRL Club Liability Insurance Program, are receiving notices that their club liability insurance is not being renewed. ARRL discontinued its relationship with Marsh/AIG in 2011, but some clubs who had previously enrolled in the policies were still renewing with the old provider — and not in the current ARRL program.

The current program administrator (since 2015) for the ARRL-sponsored Club Liability Insurance Program is Risk Strategies. ARRL has a strong relationship with the current administrator who understands the importance of local amateur radio clubs and will help clubs seek new policies. Risk Strategies also administers the ARRL Equipment Insurance Plan for members.

Clubs that are affected by the loss of coverage from the previous provider are encouraged to contact Risk Strategies. Please visit Risk Strategies online at arrlinsurance.com or by phone at 1-866-819-0209 (please leave a message and your call will be returned).

Diane Middleton, W2DLM
Chief Financial Officer
ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio®
225 Main Street
Newington, CT  06111
(860) 594-0225

Most of you have already heard of the ARRL board’s decision to increase membership dues and make changes in the way we receive magazines, such as QST. If not, I invite you to read ARRL President Rick Roderick’s (K5UR) letter dated July 23, 2023, in an ARRL bulletin. It is available on the ARRL web site.

For the past year or so, our division director and other League officials have been warning us about the serious financial situation that the ARRL has been in the past few years caused primarily by inflation, especially the rampant cost increases of print media such as QST. In May, members were asked to take the membership dues survey. About 20% of ARRL membership answered that call and the Board has taken the results of that survey and made the tough choices.

Like many of you, I do not relish the idea of a dues increase, and I especially do not like that the print magazines will no longer be part of the membership benefits (you still get the digital versions of all the magazines free with membership). Now, to receive a printed QST, On The Air, NCJ, or QEX magazine, you will have to subscribe separately. I am one of those that still likes to hold onto a paper book or magazine.

But then, I think how much the ARRL, ham radio clubs (most of them ARRL-affiliated) and my fellow amateur radio operators mean to me. It boils down to people, to friendship, and camaraderie. If not for the ARRL and for all the clubs and ham radio events, I would miss out on the great friendships forged through the past 30+ years. My relationship with the League, affiliated clubs and all the individuals I have met through them has had a tremendous positive impact on my life. I love the coffee meets, hamfest gatherings, convention get-togethers, club suppers, and all the ham radio nets where we get to chat, laugh, innovate, maybe even instigate, and otherwise socialize.

There is no doubt in my mind that this amazing hobby and service would not exist as it is today without the ARRL. The League’s advocacy and lobbying is why we have so many amateur radio bands and modes. Many commercial entities want some of our spectrum; it is a constant battle that continues today. What chance would we have to keep our frequency privileges without the ARRL’s effort? Very little in my opinion.

The ARRL is much, much more than “just” a magazine subscription. For instance, New England Division Director Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC, reminds us that the ARRL provides:

• Spectrum Defense
• Advocacy in local, national, and international regulation and policymaking
• Support from restrictive antenna regulation & zoning
• Volunteer Monitor Program
• Promoting amateur radio to the public
• ARRL Teacher’s Institute programs to promote STEM learning through amateur radio

There are dozens of additional services and programs available to members. ARRL VEC program, Logbook Of The World, ARRL Learning Center, Training, Webinars, National Traffic System, EmComm and the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®), and ARRL lab and technical support/RFI. In January the Board passed a motion to create an ARRL Ham Bootcamp, and the League is also working to promote six- and ten-meter operation for Technician class amateurs. The list goes on!

The last membership rate hike was in 2016, and before that, 2001. For our more senior members (age 70+) who might be stressed financially due to fixed incomes, the ARRL is planning a monthly payment option.

Instead of seeing these dues increases and other changes at the ARRL as a negative, let’s instead support the League even further. Last year the ARRL lost about a million dollars. This year that figure is expected to more than double. Dues increases alone will not make up for all of that.

If you can afford it, I challenge you to do one or more of the following:

Become a Diamond Club member. The additional financial support will help close the gap and get the League into better financial health.

Donate to one of the ARRL funds, such as Spectrum Defense, Education & Technology, W1AW Endowment, or the General fund. See https://home.arrl.org/action/Donate

If you are a Life Member, consider making a monthly or annual donation.

Some may think the ARRL has not been a good steward of our membership money. While any business, including the League, can benefit from frequent analysis of expenditures and “tightening of the belt,” I do not believe the ARRL is wasting our money. As Eastern MA section manager, I have met and continue to meet many League officials in person and on-line and they are doing their best in a difficult inflationary time.

When my membership expiration nears, I will renew AND join the Diamond Club. I will adapt and get used to reading QST on my iPad. I appreciate all that the League continues to do, and I am thankful for all the friendships I have made because of the ARRL and affiliated clubs and nets. Please, if you can afford to do so, accept my challenge. Turn a negative into a positive!

73,

——————————————————————–
ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section
Section Manager: Jon W McCombie, N1ILZ
n1ilz@arrl.org
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The June/July 2023 Section Newsletter is now available at https://ema.arrl.org/june-july-2023-section-news.