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Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday October 6th, 2025 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater System

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

The October Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday October 6th, 2025 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 for the net.

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
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
https://www.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – https://twitter.com/wx1box
Subscribe on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@wx1box-nwsboston-amateur-radio

Clubs

W1DAN: “SIGSALY: ­Pioneering Digital Techniques in WWII” at Algonquin ARC Meeting, Marlborough, October 9, 2025

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

AARC logoThe next Algonquin Amateur Radio Club meeting will be held on September 9th at 7:30 pm in the library of the 1st Lt. Charles W. Whitcomb School, 25 Union St, Marlborough, MA. Enter from Agoritsas Drive next to the police station and use Door #1 at rear of building.

Dan Brown, W1DAN, will present: “SIGSALY: ­Pioneering Digital Techniques in WWII.”

Public Service

Volunteers Needed – Cystic Fibrosis Foundation “Cycle for Life” – October 4th, 2025

- by n1wbv - Leave a Comment

Alan, K1ALL, writes on the PART of Westford list:

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation “Cycle for Life” bicycle event is being held this year in our area (Lexington, Carlisle, Concord, Westford) and is in need a few more ham radio volunteers to provide safety communications along the routes (there are three routes — 65 miles, 30 miles, and 15 miles).  All that is needed is a 2 meter portable or mobile radio.  There are both fixed-position and mobile opportunities.  The event runs from 0700 to about 1200. I have volunteered for this event a number of times and it is a well-run and fun experience.  
 
If you are interested in volunteering. please contact the radio lead,  Dave Gilman (kc1ddh@gmail.com) for more information.
Foxhunting

MBTA Accessible Fox Hunt, Alewife-Cambridge Vicinity, September 27-28, 2025

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
MBTA logoEliot Mayer, W1MJ, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list and Boston ARC mailing list:
 
The W1MJ fox will be deployed this weekend (September 27-28) on public land near Alewife Station, which is on the MBTA Red Line and several bus routes.  
 
If coming by car, start at one of the following parking lots:
 
Hours of Operation:
Saturday:  10:00 AM until 7:00 PM
Sunday:  7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
 
Frequency:  147.54 MHz
 
The fox is running 4 watts to a roll-up J-pole antenna, so bring your attenuator.  Depending upon how well shielded your radio is, hunting with no antenna may prove helpful.  Hunting on the 3rd harmonic (442.62 MHz) may also be helpful when you get very close.  For more information about this fox, see https://www.w1mj.com/fox/.
 
Clubs / Flea markets & Conventions

Falmouth ARA Fest 2025

- by W1IZZ - Leave a Comment

FARA Fest is held annually at the Upper Cape Cod Regional Vocational School.   FARA Fest 2025 will be held on November 1, from 09:00 to 12:00.  The Fest provides and opportunity for local hams to buy, sell, or swap items of interest to amateur radio operators. VE license exam sessions are also held as part of the Fest. Flyers are distributed and available prior to each annual FARA Fest.  Food and coffee is available during the Fest, thanks to the school’s culinary program.

More information can be found at:  https://www.falara.org/activities/fara-fest

 

Organization

Section News Update, September, 2025

- by Jon McCombie - Leave a Comment

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.  

 

All

Massachusetts – Rhode Island STM Report for August 2025

- by kw1u - Leave a Comment

The August Section Traffic Manager’s report is now available at https://ema.arrl.org/massachusetts-rhode-island-stm-report-for-august-2025/. Note a reminder to all amateurs to support the current HOA legislation by simply adding your call sign to a letter to your senators and legislators. Also note info on CW traffic nets, a traffic tip of the month, and congrats to the regulars of HHTN.

Emergency Communications / Operating

Operation Shake Out / Did You Feel It – October 16th, 2025

- by n1wbv - Leave a Comment

Don, AB1PH states that there have been a number of requests for amateur radio participation in Operation Shake/Did You Feel It on Thursday, October 16th. Amateur Radio participation is a pretty simple and done via Winlink. If you are interested in participating, there are instructions for the amateur radio activity/EMCOMM training group activity online. 

The basic process on October 16th is to, as close to 10:16 AM as you can: Generate a Winlink message using the template: New Message > Select Template > Standard Templates > USGS > USGS DYFI.txt. Along with this, send a message to dyfi_reports_automated@usgs.gov with copies to Winlink addresses SHAKEOUT and, if you would like your form graded, to ETO-DRILL. Also please copy AB1PH on your submission so he can update his records.
Operating

Falmouth ARES Simplex Net looking for participants!

- by n1wbv - Leave a Comment

Mel, K1ELB, is looking for participants in the Falmouth ARES Simplex Net! The net is conducted on the third Thursday of each month, at 8:00PM ET on 146.580 MHz simplex (Alternatively, 147.420 MHz). The purpose of the net is to foster interest, awareness and training in simplex communications around the Upper Cape area, and to provide a means of communicating in the event that repeaters are not available for any reason.

Mel and Henry, K1WCC have been conducting the net for over four years, operating from their homes. However, they have recently started operating net control from Falmouth Hospital, which is one of the highest spots in Falmouth,  resulting in a larger footprint. They are hoping with the change in net control locations, that they will be able to increase our reach, and want to invite others outside the Upper Cape area (The New Bedford, Dartmouth, and Buzzards Bay area in particular) to participate. This is a worthwhile endeavor, providing information on what areas participants can reach in the event of an emergency, and repeaters aren’t available.

The net is a directed net and stations will be called by net control in call-up order. We ask participants to note the signal strength of each station they copy, and relay their signal report to Net Control. When the call-up is completed, net control will request that additional stations call in and be recognized. 

Operating / Public Information

AFSC Walk for Alzheimer’s Provincetown – October 12, 2025

- by n1wbv - Leave a Comment

W1LEM on the BarnstableARC mailing list writes:

This is a very worthwhile public service event, and another opportunity to learn and practice operating skills and to see how events are run.
We will have several operators along the route plus Net Control and the medical tent using 2 meter simplex on HTs.
Operators will report status and any issues that need to be addressed (medical, etc.).
We still have opportunities for operators–all experience and license levels are encouraged to join, it’s a great learning opportunity.
Interested parties should contact W1LEM directly. See the website for more details (and don’t be confused by the URL, it is for the Provincetown walk in 2025).
Regulation & Advocacy

Send-A-Letter Campaign: Ask Your Representative and Senators to Co-sponsor and Support H.R. 1094 and S. 459

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

ARRL logoYOU CAN HELP US CHANGE THE LEGAL RIGHTS OF AMERICAN HAMS

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.

Federal law — since 1996 — has guaranteed to every American — except Amateur Radio Operators — the right to erect antennas outside or on their residences for the purpose of TV reception, satellite TV and internet access, wireless internet access and even wireless internet redistribution. But Amateur Radio operators are denied the equal right to erect comparable antennas.

Since 2005 Federal law has also guaranteed to every American the right to proudly display the American Flag by installing flagpoles in their yards. But, despite that right to install vertical poles in their yards — American Radio Amateurs are denied the right to use those vertical flagpoles as vertical antennas.

We believe the denial — to licensed Amateur Radio Operators — of the rights guaranteed to all non-Amateur Radio licensed American homeowners — the right to install antennas on the land they own — is without justification and should not be permitted to continue.

To eliminate these private land use restrictions, the ARRL has worked over the past several years with our elected officials to draft Congressional legislation — H.R. 1094 in the U.S. House of Representatives and S. 459 in the U.S. Senate — that when passed will extend to all Hams the right to operate from their homes and the right to install antennas on the land they own. We have bipartisan support for this legislation.

BUT, WE NEED YOUR HELP TO PASS THIS LEGISLATION!

How can you help? By sending a letter to your Representative and Senators asking that they co-sponsor and support H.R. 1094 and S. 459.

How can you send these letters? It is easy.

Go to — https://send-a-letter.org/hoa/ — enter your call sign and click on “Send My Letters” and your letters will be delivered to our Washington legislative team for hand delivery to your Representative and Senators.

Does your individual letter matter? YES.

Your Representative and Senators need to know that the passage of this legislation is important to you.

Your letter could be the difference in whether we are able to pass H.R. 1094 and S. 459.  

Go to — https://send-a-letter.org/hoa/ — and help us by sending your letters to your Representative and Senators.

Clubs

KO8SCA: “Bouvet I. DXpedition” at Nashoba Valley ARC Meeting, September 18, 2025

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Nashoba Valley ARC logoThe Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club‘s September meeting is Thursday, September 18th (the day after tomorrow), at 7:30 PM at the Pepperell Community Center (in Pepperell). We start gathering at 7 PM to socialize before the meeting starts.

We have a real treat in store for you at the September meeting.  Adrian Ciuperca, KO8SCA, will talk about the upcoming Bouvet Island DXpedition.  In February 2026, an international team of very courageous amateur radio\ operators will land on Bouvet Island. Bouvet is a Norwegian overseas territory and lies in the South Atlantic Ocean, with 93% of its surface covered by ice and snow. It sets the record as the Most Remote Uninhabited Island  on Earth and currently ranks #10 on the Most Wanted DXCC listing at ClubLog.

I’m sure this will be a really interesting presentation.

If you need directions to the club meeting, please click  <http://binged.it/smoogg> here and put your own address in box “A”.

Thanks, and 73. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Bruce, K1BG
978-772-2773 or  <mailto:bruce.blain@charter.net> bruce.blain@charter.net

Clubs / Operating / Organization

Eastern MA New Hams Report for September 1, 2025

- by Jon McCombie - Leave a Comment

Here is the new ham report as of September 1, 2025, listing newly licensed hams. Club officials, please review the list and reach out to those in your footprint and invite, welcome them. To all: please welcome these folks when you hear them on local repeaters. Offer assistance as well!

Report for 2025-09-01

Amanda R Lamarche, KC1YFQ – FCC
1 Kayla Ln
Pepperell, MA 01463-4204

Corey M Lamarche, KC1YFM – FCC
1 Kayla Ln
Pepperell, MA 01463-4204

Adam Arthur, KC1YGF – FCC
73 Esterbrook Rd
Acton, MA 01720-5701

Daniel I Rubin, KC1YDR – FCC
106 Algonquin Trl
Ashland, MA 01721-1992

Ethan C Geil, AC1UX – FCC
60 Commerford Rd
Concord, MA 01742-1503

Marcus Muller, KC1YFJ – FCC
498 Strawberry Hill Rd
Concord, MA 01742-5436

Sophia M Carlone, KC1YEU – FCC
112 Stearns Rd
Marlborough, MA 01752-6042

Alexander Marrero, KC1YGJ – FCC
PO Box 5734
Marlborough, MA 01752-8734

Theodore B Pepe, KC1YEZ – FCC
9 Stag Dr
Billerica, MA 01821-4115

Christopher G Brock-Fisher, KC1YEX – FCC
19 Whippletree Rd
Chelmsford, MA 01824-1929

William T Ellis, KC1YEG – FCC
176 N Broadway
Haverhill, MA 01832-2917

Matthew D Quartararo, KC1YEY – FCC
40 Baremeadow St
Methuen, MA 01844-5206

Sarah D Carty, KC1YEQ – FCC
PO Box 324
N Billerica, MA 01862-0324

Akiyoshi O Kajita, KC1YGG – FCC
18 Evergreen Rd
Reading, MA 01867-1834

Brent Desilva, KC1YFX – FCC
55 W Park Dr
Wakefield, MA 01880-2619

Jason N Le, KC1YCY – FCC
11 Howe Rd
Nahant, MA 01908-1116

Aidan W Bouchey, KC1YEL – FCC
716 Columbus Ave
Boston, MA 02120-2111

John Sullivan, KC1YCZ – FCC
1218 Cambridge St Apt 2
Cambridge, MA 02139-1374

Ava Silver, KC1YFD – FCC
14 Murdock St Apt 2-5
Somerville, MA 02145-3525

Elias Bilal, KC1YFF – FCC
46 Professors Row
Medford, MA 02155-5807

Donald Luchini, KC1YEK – FCC
101 South St
Quincy, MA 02169-6852

Paul Cerra, KC1YDD – FCC
491 E Washington St
Hanson, MA 02341-1133

Frances H Gaffey, KC1YFC – FCC
47 James St
Holbrook, MA 02343-1807

Tara L Rogers, KC1YGK – FCC
288 Wareham St
Middleboro, MA 02346-2906

Kyle H Antonuccio, KC1YFW – FCC
29 Tip Top Ter
Waltham, MA 02452-8042

Eric G Tighe, KC1YGM – FCC
55 George St
Arlington, MA 02476-7202

Timothy A Duket, KC1YFR – FCC
165 Meetinghouse Rd
Eastham, MA 02642-3003

Enoch Savoie, KC1YDY – FCC
424 Park St
New Bedford, MA 02740-4254

 
Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Buzzards Bay Du/Tri – Sunday, September 14th

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

NM1B-Matt Brennan writes:

Hello to all…

We have a few Hams for this event but we could really use a few more. See event details below for this coming Sunday.

Thanks,
Matt

——————————–
Matt Brennan, NM1B

Hi Folks,

I’m looking for about fifteen hams to provide communications assistance for the Buzzard’s Bay Triathlon in Westport on Sunday, September 14th. It occurs from 9AM (hams will meet at 8AM) until about 1PM (some assignments should secure by noon). It will be held in Horseneck Beach State Park and includes a swim, bike and run that travels through the town of Westport. There is also a duathlon option. More info online: www.maxperformance online.com. It is a very scenic area.

If you are interested, please fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/cUAwfmfUygGdEfNGA

If you have any questions, please send a note to events@wect.org.

Thanks and 73
-Matt, NM1B

Clubs

K8ZT: “Technicians, Life Beyond Repeaters” at Minuteman Repeater Association Hybrid Meeting, September 17, 2025

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

MMRA logoMembership Meeting: Wednesday, 17 September 2025 ~7:30 – 9:30 pm

“Technicians, Life Beyond Repeaters,” Anthony Luscre, K8ZT

This is a Hybrid meeting: New England Sci-Tech + ZOOM
New England Sci-Tech, 16 Tech Circle, Natick, MA 01760

Members: log into your account on MMRA.ORG to obtain the ZOOM info.

The session will examine the historical and current status of Technician Class allocations and operating in the USA. We also explore operations beyond VHF/UHF Repeaters, including:

*  Technician HF Allocations: 10 M SSB & Data | 80, 40, 15 & 10 M CW
*  VHF/UHF Activities: Simplex (FM, SSB) | Digital (FT8/FT4, VARA FM)
*  Satellites | 6 Meters | EchoLink | APRS | Fox Hunting | EME (Earth-Moon-Earth)
*  Contesting
*  Amateur Radio Mash Ups

First licensed in 1981 as KA8NRC, Anthony has been a QRP operator from his very first QSO and became K8ZT in June 2000 after updating to Extra Class. His favorite Ham activity is operating! Whether it is contesting, DXing or rag chewing, satellites, etc. CW Phone or Digital, the QRP contacts have added up and now top 115,000. First drawn to contesting by his love of working DX, he has consistently finished in the top ten of various major contests and finished first in the World and US in both CQ Worldwide Phone and CW QRP categories multiple times. As a bonus, his QRP DXCC total recently topped the 328 mark, and he has completed 11-band WAS QRP.

Now retired, Anthony’s background includes 20 years as a Medical Technologist working in Clinical Microbiology and private computer consulting and 20 years as a Computer Technology Coordinator, most recently as a Technology Integration Specialist for 30 school districts. His retirement activities include volunteering as a Trainman on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. His small suburban lot is cramped with a modest array of antennas, proving that you can be competitive in contests without acres of aluminum if you choose your entry category carefully.

Anthony currently serves as ARRL Ohio Section Youth Coordinator. He enjoys sharing his Amateur Radio interests with others by maintaining a website, k8zt.com, writing articles for various publications, the D Engineering blog “On All Bands,” and developing an online course, “Introduction to Contesting,” for the ARRL. He has done over 400 club presentations and classes virtually in multiple states and countries.

In 2024, Anthony was awarded the Dayton Hamvention Special Achievement Award for his work in presentations to clubs around the world.

Clubs

Boston ARC’s Ham Radio Basics Series: “FT8 with W1DYJ,” September 18, 2025

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Boston ARC logoThe Boston Amateur Radio Club will hold its regular General Meeting on September 18, 2025, at both Artisans Asylum and Zoom. We will begin with a period of socializing at 7:00 and the meeting proper will begin at 7:30. 

Join us as veteran operator Larry Banks, W1DYJ, presents an engaging overview of FT8, one of the fastest-growing modes in amateur radio. Larry will cover the history of FT8, how to get started with WSJT-X, tips for interfacing your rig with your computer, and insights from logging nearly 6,000 FT8 contacts. Whether you’re new to digital modes or just curious about what makes FT8 so popular, this talk is for you!

[Contact Brendan Baldonado, NW1S for Zoom information]

Clubs / Youth

Northeastern Univ. Wireless Club Kickoff and College of Engineering Club Fair

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

From NU Wireless Club mailing list:

2025 NU Wireless Club College of Engineering Club Fair
Hey everyone and thank you for coming to our lively kickoff meeting last Thursday! It was great meeting new members and seeing our seasoned folks come back.

Yesterday, we also tabled at the College of Engineering Club Fair! Thanks to everyone who came by, even though they put us in the back corner 🙁 We’d love to see you again at our first speaker talk of the semester:

This week, we are proud to host Joe Chapman NV1W, the ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) Emergency Coordinator for the Boston Metro area, for a presentation on Emergency Communication. Join us at 7pm on Thursday in 503 Hayden Hall to learn about how amateur radio operators facilitate communication when the cell network and internet are not functional. Pizza will provided as always.