Organization
Content pertaining to organizational structure, web- and email infrastructure
New Section Emergency Coordinator: Rob Macedo, KD1CY
Eastern Massachusetts Section Manager Tom Walsh, K1TW, has announced the appointment of Rob Macedo, KD1CY as Section Emergency Coordinator.
“Greg Bennett, KC1CIC, has found it necessary to step down as the SEC for EMA. Rob Macedo, KD1CY, has accepted the role of SEC going forward. Rob, because of his previous SEC experience will be able to step in immediately,” Walsh said.
KC1CIC will continue in a new role as an ARES District Emergency Coordinator for NTS liaison. “I extend my since thanks to both Greg and Rob for their ongoing significant contributions as volunteers in the Eastern Massachusetts section,” K1TW added.
Section Manager’s 2018 Field Day Message
Sunday, June 24 is Amateur Radio Day in Massachusetts:
In Massachusetts, at the urging of State Senator Bruce Tarr, N1UIU, Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker signed a proclamation declaring June 24 as “Amateur Radio Day” in the Bay State.
In addition, both the Massachusetts Senate and House have issued resolutions declaring Amateur Radio Week in Massachusetts coinciding with Field Day.
EMA Section Manager Visits:
Eastern Massachusetts Section Manager, Tom K1TW, and EMA Assistant Section Manager, Phil K9HI, are planning to visit several Field Day locations together on Saturday, primarily in Middlesex and Essex counties.
Safety:
Remember Safety First in every aspect of a field day operation. Go here for helpful guidance on keeping your field day safe: <https://ema.arrl.org/2018/05/23/field-day-safety-officer-checklist/>
Participate:
You can participate as an individual from home, or in the field, or through a local club. If you do not have a home station, then visit a club operation.
Find a club operation nearby:
Use the Eastern Massachusetts (EMA) Field Day locator at <http://fd.ema.arrl.org/>.
Add your club to the locator:
Make sure your club is listed on the Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Locator web site. Go to <http://fd.ema.arrl.org/> and enter your information so others can easily find you.
Earn extra points during Field Day:
Don’t forget you can earn extra points by sending a radio gram to the Section Manager, Tom K1TW or to the Section Emergency Coordinator, Greg KC1CIC. Here are the details on how to create and send a field day radiogram including the schedule of the traffic nets on Saturday June 23: <https://ema.arrl.org/field-day-traffic-tips/>
Wishing everyone in Eastern Massachusetts ARRL section a very enjoyable, safe, and successful Field Day.
73,
Tom Walsh K1TW
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ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section
Section Manager: Thomas D Walsh, K1TW
k1tw@arrl.org
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Important ARES Leadership Reorganization in Eastern Massachusetts Section
As part of a renewed emphasis on ARES throughout the Eastern Massachusetts section, Greg Bennett, KC1CIC has been appointed as Section Emergency Coordinator. The appointment was made on May 23, 2018 by Section Manager Tom Walsh. As Greg assumes his new role, Tom thanked outgoing SEC Marek Kozubal, KB1NCG for his service to the section for the past three years.
Greg brings a great amount of experience to the job. Greg is currently an Assistant Section Traffic Manager. KC1CIC has been a licensed amateur since 2014 and possesses over ten years of radio communications expertise learned in the military special forces.
Greg Bennett, KC1CIC, is active daily on the HF and VHF nets, and he is no stranger to emergency communications and public service. He constructed his own ‘Go Kit’. He’s an effective manager and the author of articles on digital communications and emergency power.
I have complete confidence that Greg will accomplish the goals I have set forth for the ARES program in Eastern Massachusetts. Those new goals include raising the profile of EMA ARES; developing a section emergency plan; restructuring our current leadership; revitalizing the program through new member recruitment; revamping instructional materials; and conducting regular section-wide Simulated Emergency Tests.
Please welcome Greg Bennett, KC1CIC, to his new Section Emergency Coordinator role and give him your support.
Tom Walsh K1TW
ARRL Section Manager
Eastern Massachusetts
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ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section
Section Manager: Thomas D Walsh, K1TW
k1tw@arrl.org
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APRIL 2018 SECTION NEWS
The April, 2018 Section Newsletter is now available at https://ema.arrl.org/april-2018-section-news/.
MARCH 2018 SECTION NEWS
The March, 2018 Section Newsletter is now available at https://ema.arrl.org/march-2018-section-news/.
N1BLF Now Recording Eastern MA Section Audio News
A Dartmouth amateur is now producing audio recordings of monthly Eastern MA Section News.
For over thirty years, Bob Zeida, N1BLF has volunteered his time with the Talking Information Center, a nonprofit reading service that broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, and special consumer information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to visually impaired and print-impaired listeners. Bob has also recorded ham-related materials from QST and CQ Magazine for the Courage Kenny Handiham System.
“It struck me that your section newsletter […] would be a nice opportunity for me to promote ham radio activities by inserting audio commentary about some of the local ham radio clubs throughout Massachusetts.” In addition to entire audio recordings, Bob will select certain materials from the section manager’s letter to include in his weekly TIC hobby program. “I would pick and choose by weekly broadcast time-frame those activities that would coincide with the audio airing date.”
N1BLF’s first recording of the January, 2018 Section News can be found online.
DECEMBER 2017 SECTION NEWS
EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS (EMA) SECTION NEWS – DECEMBER 2017
Find additional EMA Section News along with contact information for the EMA staff on our website <http://ema.arrl.org/>. News items for the EMA Section News may be submitted to <k1tw@arrl.org>
EVENTS:
Tuesday, January 16, 2018, 6:30-8:00 PM
Mike Corey, KI1U, the ARRL Emergency Preparedness Manager
Clay Center at Dexter Southfield School,
20 Newton St.
Brookline MA, top floor at the observatory.
Mike Corey, KI1U, the ARRL Emergency Preparedness Manager, will talk about how he led an expedition of 50 volunteers to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria to help with emergency communications. Please RSVP to: <bphinney@dextersouthfield.org>
Saturday, January 20, 2018, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
An Emergency Communications Workshop will be held at the Walpole Council on Aging at 135 School St., Walpole, MA.
This workshop is for active hams and is produced by the EMA ARES Section Staff. Topics will include:
* Overview of Eastern Massachusetts ARES-RACES-SKYWARN Programs
* Net Operations
* NTS Traffic Message Handling
* Basic Overview of the Incident Command System (ICS)
* Go Kits
Full details including registration information may be found at <http://ares.ema.arrl.org/node/767>
FLEA MARKETS
Saturday, January 20,2018, 9 AM – 1 PM, Whitman MA
Whitman Amateur Radio Club
<http://www.wa1npo.org/pics/WinterFestFlyer2018.pdf>
Saturday, February 17, 2018, 9 AM – 1 PM, Marlboro, MA
Algonquin Amateur Radio Club
<http://www.qsl.net/n1em/>
Sunday, April 8, 2018, 9 AM to 12 noon
Framingham ARA flea market at the Keefe Technical School.
Go to <www.fara.org/flea> for more info.
LICENSE CLASSES
Nothing to list this month.
CLUB NEWS
The Barnstable ARC is pleased to report the Dennis 146.47 repeater is now on the air and connected to the NEDECN Digital Mobile Radio network. “It has all the usual talk groups.” Info courtesy <https://barnstablearc.org/?q=node/368>
Billerica ARS (BARS): <http://www.w1hh.org/>
BARS will have an annual Yankee Swap and Holiday dinner instead of its regular meeting to greet the New Year on January 3 at the Great Wall Restaurant in Bedford.
The Billerica ARS conducts VE Sessions on 2nd Thursday of every month. They are held in the church hall of The Chelmsford Bible Church, 128 Gorham St, East Chelmsford at 7 PM. Walk-ins are welcome; no reservation is required. For more information, contact: Gary W1GFF at 978-453-1100 (Email <W1GFF@arrl.net>)
Boston Amateur Radio Club (BARC): <http://barc.org/>
BARC once again participated in SKYWARN Recognition Day, operating as WX1BHO from the Blue Hills Observatory on Saturday, December 2 from 9 AM-3 PM. Contacts were made on 40, 20 and 15 (Phone, CW, digital), as well as on 2-meter simplex and the NEDECN DMR network. Mark, KB1EKN reports that 40 people attended the event.
BARC will hold its holiday party at the Stockyard restaurant in Brighton beginning at 12:00 noon on Sunday, January 14. The club will award its Ham of the Year plaque to the deserving member.
Clay Center Amateur Radio Club (CCARC): <http://www.cc-arc.org/>
An evening with Mike Corey KI1U, the ARRL Emergency Preparedness Manager.
When: Tuesday, January 16, 2018, at 6:30-8:00 PM.
Where: The Clay Center at Dexter Southfield School, 20 Newton St. Brookline MA, top floor at the observatory.
Topic: Mike Corey, KI1U, the ARRL Emergency Preparedness Manager, will talk about how he led an expedition of 50 volunteers to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria to help with emergency communications.
Hosts: The officers and student members of the Clay Center Amateur Radio Club, a youth and family club of over 340 members and growing, and by New England Amateur Radio, NE1AR, facilitating ham radio education and public service.
Refreshments: Pizza and snacks.
Door Prize: Free pen/toolkit for first 100 people at the event.
RSVP: Email Bob K5TEC, club secretary, for more information or to register <bphinney@dextersouthfield.org>.
Genesis ARS (GARS): <http://www.genesisars.org/>
Genesis ARS Repeater N1ZIZ has been upgraded to an Icom IC-FR5000. The new technology includes, among many features, IDAS digital operation commonly referred to as NXDN as well as continuing legacy analog FM communication support.
Framingham ARA: <http://w1fy.org/default.aspx>
The Framingham ARA flea market will be held on Sunday, April 8, 2018 at the Keefe Technical School in Framingham from 9 AM to 12 noon. Tables are $20 in advance, and $25 at the door. There will be a VE session, refreshments and door prizes. Talk in on 147.15. Go to <www.fara.org/flea> for more info or to reserve tables or contact Andy, KC1DMM at 508-310-5913. (Information via Gordy, K1GB)
Quannapowitt Radio Association (QRA):
Congratulations to QRA on celebrating their 69th anniversary at the October meeting. Planning has begun for their 70th anniversary. The weekly QRA net is Tuesday at 7:30 PM on 147.075.
PART OF WESTFORD: <http://www.wb1gof.org/>
The PART monthly meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month at the Cameron Senior Center, 20 Pleasant Street in Westford, starting at 7:30 PM. The January 16 meeting features Philip Gladstone, N1DQ, with a presentation on PSK Reporter and the effects of FT8.
There was a great turnout for the of more than 40 people at the PART Christmas Holiday Party in December.
Wellesley ARS (WARS): <http://wars.krl.com/>
The Wellesley ARS has decided to change their January meeting. They will be joining other clubs at the Clay Center, 20 Newton Street Brookline, MA for a special evening with Mike Corey, KI1U, the ARRL Emergency Preparedness Manager on Tuesday, January 16, 6:30-8:00 PM.
Upcoming WARS meetings:
January 16: Special event at the Clay Center in Brookline
February 20: Digital Modes Part 2 Charlie, WA3ITR
March 20: Agostino’s dinner, 6:30 PM
April 17: Digital Mobile Radio by Dan, W1DAN
May 15: Ham Radio from EMA list or Don, KB1OTQ
June 19: Field Day planning and elections
Whitman Amateur Radio Club: <http://www.wa1npo.org/>
The first flea market of the year, “WinterFest 2018” hosted by the Whitman ARC will be on January 20, 2018 from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1195 Bedford St., Rt. 18, Whitman.
Zola Center ARC/Middlesex ARC
The Zola Center ARC in association with the Middlesex ARC held an introduction to soldering class on Saturday, December 23. According to Zola’s N1IBB, “a dozen hams—half of whom were blind—were introduced to soldering basics with the end project of building AM/FM radios.” Matt adds, “I’m pleased to report that no fingers were burned during this class.”
SECTION TRAFFIC MANGER:
Marcia, KW1U, serves both Eastern and Western Massachusetts sections as the Section Traffic Manager (STM). Contact Marcia directly at kw1u@arrl.net or join one of the nets below to learn more.
The National Traffic System (NTS) November Recognitions:
(1) Public Service Honor Roll (PSHR):
Recognition for November 2017: KC1CIC (150), KW1U (130), N1TF (115), N1IQI (110), N1SYC (106), W1RVY (100), N1LAH (100) and NV1N (85).
(2) Brass Pounder League (BPL):
Recognition for November 2017: KW1U.
See the monthly “Public Service” column in QST for more information about the BPL and PSHR recognitions.
NTS NETS (COMBINED EMA/WMA)
EMA/WMA NTS Nets are listed below. Please support the nets and check in.
EM2MN 145.230 MHz 8 PM Daily
MARIPN 3978 KHz 6 PM Tu, Th, Sa
HHTN MMRA Repeaters 10 PM Su, M, W, F
CITN 147.375 MHz 7:30 PM M, Tu, Th, Sa
MARI 3565 KHz 7 PM Daily
CM2MN 146.970 MHz 9 PM Daily
WMTN 146.910 MHz 10 AM Daily
WMTN 146.910 MHz 1 PM Daily
WMEN 3944 KHz 8:30AM Su
NEPN 3945 KHz 8:45 Su
FIRST REGION NET (1RN) NOVEMBER REPORTS (NTS)
Bill, W1KX, manages 1RN Cycle 4, the evening CW net. Bill reports in November there were 60 sessions, 188 check-ins, and the handling of 129 pieces of traffic.
Betsy, K1EIC, manages 1RN Cycle 2, the daytime SSB net. Betsy reports in November there were 59 sessions, 248 check-ins, and the handling of 106 pieces of Traffic
FROM OUR NEIGHBOR SECTION TO THE WEST
Western Massachusetts is looking for an SEC. Ray, KB1LRL, who starts on January 1 as Section Manager in Western Massachusetts reports that “Section Emergency Coordinator John N2YHK does not wish to continue in this position. I thank John for his tenure. He has made valuable contributions during his time. So, at this time, I will be looking for individuals to consider taking on this position. When a SEC is selected, we will work on firming up the county level DECs, local ECs and the rest of the WMA ARES organization.” (More information is at <https://wma.arrl.org/KB1LRL>)
SILENT KEYS
We are saddened to report that Lindsay, WA1GMT, of Westford was reported as a silent key on November 20, 2017. (Information via PART of Westford listserv).
Another loss: Jim Morris, K1UGM, of Wakefield, a longtime member of the Waltham ARA has become a silent key. He is survived by his wife Rhoda, N1CSI. (Info courtesy WARA and Eliot Mayer, W1MJ)
FINAL WORD
My final word this month is to wish all who read the Eastern Massachusetts section news a very happy and healthy New Year. May 2018 be safe and peaceful for all.
Until next month,
73,
Tom, K1TW
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ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section
Section Manager: Thomas D Walsh, K1TW
k1tw@arrl.org
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