Organization

HAPPY NEW YEAR!   

I hope everyone had wonderful and peaceful Thanksgiving and Winter Holidays. Merry Christmas! Happy Hannukah! Festive Kwanzaa! And Happy Festivus (my personal favorite)! Winter is in full swing, on the Cape and throughout the area. We’ve been getting more than our usual share of snow here on the Cape, and, it seems, throughout the region. Oh well, I guess it’s payback for a few relatively light Winters. We’re New Englanders – we will survive! And the Patriots have made a remarkable comeback this year. Let’s hope we can defeat the Texans this weekend and keep moving on! 

 * YOU CAN STILL 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://www.arrl.org/current-legislation  for details. 

* 2026 ARRL Celebration of the USA 250 Semiquincentennial 

Would you like to be part of the 2026 ARRL Celebration of the USA 250 Semiquincentennial Special Operating Event? This is part of the Year of the Club and the 100th Anniversary of the ARRL Field Organization, along with a yearlong Worked All States (WAS-250). 

For two weeks in 2026, stations located in Massachusetts will operate as W1AW/1. ARRL membership is not required. The weeks are February 11-18 and August 12-21. Full story at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/12/30/2026-arrl-celebration-of-the-usa-250-semiquincentennial/  

* 2026 Boston Marathon Still Needs Volunteers 

Volunteer registration for the 2026 Boston Marathon is open and ongoing. If you’ve already registered to volunteer, thank you for your interest in joining the team! 

For anyone who hasn’t yet, please don’t delay! Volunteer registration closes on Friday, February 6.  Full story at https://ema.arrl.org/2026/01/05/2026-boston-marathon-amateur-radio-volunteer-registration-remains-open-volunteers-still-needed-deadline-friday-2-6-26/  

* 2026 Northeast HamXposition Call for Speakers 

HamX is the ARRL New England Division Convention, and the largest amateur radio convention in the Northeast!  With close to 1,800 attendees each year, HamX draws radio amateurs from all over and is an ideal venue to present your ideas and experiences. The organizers are recruiting speakers on topics of general interest to the amateur radio community.   Full story at https://ema.arrl.org/2026/01/01/2026-hamx-call-for-speakers/  

*  New 60-Meter Frequencies Available as of February 13 

The new 60-meter frequencies approved by the FCC in December will become available to amateurs as of February 13, 2026, along with new power restrictions on those frequencies. It’s a bit confusing, as different rules apply to different segments of the band. The changes result from the FCC’s action to approve a worldwide 60-meter amateur allocation made by the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2015 (WRC-15). Full story at https://www.arrl.org/news/new-60-meter-frequencies-available-as-of-february-13  

* Our Section Has a New Section Youth Coordinator (SYC)! 

I’m thrilled to introduce Matt KC1UBH, our section’s new Section Youth Coordinator. Matt holds an Amateur Extra class license. He is a student at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School and founded the school’s amateur radio club. He is very active in his club and with Amateur Radio in general. Matt is very much looking forward to working with his age-peer group to get them active with the hobby. If you hear Matt on the air, please welcome him! 

* N1ILZ for a Final   

I hope you’re all enjoying Winter. It’s been colder and snowier than average here on the Cape. But all that cold and snow is a Good Thing for folks who like to ski, snowboard, ice skate, etc. More power to ya! 

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? Have great fun at Winter Field Day? Some other events? 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.  

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
——————————————————————–

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.