Public Service

Amateur radio public service events

Emergency Communications / Public Service

Littleton Volunteer Corps

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Terry Stader, KA8SCP, writes on the PART-List:

Last night, Wed. May 8th, I had the privilege to speak to the Littleton Volunteer Corps at the Littleton Fire station to about 20 participants. This group will be serving as a team to work as CERT and MRC combined to support their community in various roles. Last night I spoke to them about the resource of Amateur Radio. Some of the attendees were hams, but most were not. Those not initially familiar became very interested and asked about what it takes to become a ham (Question: What does “ham” mean? was asked). Several of this team had been to SKYWARN training and learned how Amateur Radio and NWS work together in this program. We talked about ARES and RACES as well as the history of PART.

The take away from this meeting is a future evaluation and testing the communications challenges from several locations around the  community. Down the road, maybe the group will do a drill or exercise to test their ability to provide services needed.

So, Littleton hams (and others too), we may be looking for some of your time to work with this team and even become a contributor to providing your skills in communications.

 

Public Service

Brain Tumor Ride, Waltham, May 19, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
James Bradley, KB1JKJ <bradleyjab@gmail.com> writes:
 
It’s that time of year again, the Brain Tumor Ride is less than two weeks away so, I am looking for Volunteers.  The National Brain Tumor Society is planning their 2019 Boston fundraising bike ride and they’re looking for amateur radio volunteers. The ride takes place on Sunday, May 19, starting at 7:00 AM from 200 West Street in Waltham. Volunteers will work until the early afternoon, with lunch provided.
 
If you are available to SAG in your own vehicle  please send me your information:
 
  • Your call sign, full name, and name you prefer on the air
  • Your cell phone number, and any other number(s) you like to be reached at
  • Your shirt size
  • Do you have any needs or requests we should consider when making your assignment?
Thank you and 73.
Public Service

Request for Operators, YuKanRun Fast Half Marathon, Hamilton, May 11, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Chris Winczewski, K1TAT, writes on Cape Ann ARA list:

We are looking for operators to staff the YuKanRun Fast Half Marathon on Saturday, May 11 2019, 9:00 am be on Location by 8:30 Hamilton – Wenham High School 775 Bay Road South Hamilton, MA.

Please let me know if you can staff a communications check-point for the event by Thursday, May 9 so I can plan staffing positions for the event. 

Please let us know what type of equipment you plan to use. We Need 50-watt mobile units. (i.e.: mobile; HT; ¼-wave mag mount; OEM rubber duck, etc.) so we have a better idea of where to locate you along the event course per the potential of your equipment.

The course will be open and supported for three hours. 

Runner safety is everyone’s top priority. Local EMT crews and ambulances will be available for three hours to help ensure everyone enjoys the day and remains safe.

Chris Winczewski, K1TAT
k1tat@outlook.com

Public Service

Hurricane Awareness Tour, P3 Hurricane Plane at Quonset State Airport, North Kingstown, RI, May 6, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

From wx1box.org:

The National Weather Service Boston/Norton Massachusetts forecast office in coordination with the National Hurricane Center will be hosting the P3 Hurricane Hunter Aircraft and the C-130 Aircraft, part of the NOAA/National Hurricane Center Hurricane Awareness Tour, on Monday May 6th 2019 at the Quonset State Airport in North Kingstown RI. Public tours will be open from 200-500 PM. School, Media and VIP tours and presentations will occur between 915 AM-200 PM. This is similar to what was done in 2007 at Quonset State Airport in Rhode Island and 2011 at Otis Air Force Base in Falmouth, Massachusetts and this year’s event marks the first time in 8 years having the Hurricane Awareness Tour in Southern New England. 

[Full story]
Public Service

Amateur Radio Support for Hudson-Marlborough Hazardous Waste Day, April 27, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Algonquin ARC logoEric Williams, KV1J, writes on the Algonquin ARC mailing list:

Please join us as we support the biannual joint Hudson-Marlborough Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on April 27th.  Several have already signed up and we should have a good turnout.

Our support is a combined effort by the Algonquin Amateur Radio Club and the Marlborough Emergency Management Team.  Using our radio communications skills, we manage the traffic flow and validate residency for the approximately 400 cars that come to the event.  We use the Emergency Management’s UHF radios.  If you have them, please bring your UHF portable radio since we will use the club repeater output frequency as a backup.

Please also bring your EMA vest or EMA yellow jacket if you have them.  I will bring vests for those that do not have one.

We setup at 8 AM and the event runs from 9 AM to 1 PM.  The event is next to the Marlborough Resident Drop-Off Facility, located at 860 Boston Post Road East in Marlborough, behind the Half Way Café near Home Depot.

Event Flyer from the Marlborough City web:  https://www.marlborough-ma.gov/sites/marlboroughma/files/uploads/household_hazardous_waste_flyer_s2019.pdf 

Public Service

Marlborough High School Watch, May 24-June 8, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

AARC logoAnn Weldon, KA1PON, writes on the Algonquin ARC mailing list:

Volunteers are needed for School Watch. The time is 7-11 PM on many nights: May 24, 25, 26,27, 31 and June 1,2, 7, 8.  Please know this is to support the City [of Marlborough] and Marlborough High School who support  our radio club.  If you volunteer for the first few May dates, K1DIN will be in charge. Thank you for volunteering. Please respond to me at ALWMA2005@yahoo.com with dates you choose. 

Emergency Communications / Public Service

HF Operations on Marathon Monday

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Marc Stern, WA1R, writes:
 
The Massachusetts HF Net will open sign-on Monday morning at 6 a.m. in standby mode in support of Marathon operations and will remain in this mode until at least 1800 hours local time. Eastern Mass. ARES leadership has asked all amateurs not involved directly to also standby.
 
This year, like last year, there will likely be rain starting about the time runners gather for the morning’s run. Unlike last year, which was complicated by energy-sapping cold and rain, this year’s rain is supposed to be warm and there is a chance of thunderstorms and lightning that will potentially cause runners problems.
 
For HF operations, the Weather Service station, WX1BOS, will be on the air and MEMA HQ will be on the air under the call WC1MA. The HF net will operate on its primary frequency, 3.930.
 
Thanks in advance,
 
73,
 
Marc, WA1R
DEC-HF EMA ARES

HF Coord/MEMA

Emergency Communications / Public Service

Storm & Boston Marathon Weather Coordination Message #2 – Monday April 15th, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Rob Macedo, KD1CY, writes on wx1box.org:

.Strong Storm System will bring mild temperatures through Southern New England including along the Boston Marathon route along with the potential for rain and heavier downpours and potentially isolated thunderstorms with attendant lightning risk. There is also the potential for strong winds during Marathon Monday under any heavier rain showers and thunderstorms and then as a cold front pass through the area late Monday Afternoon as the marathon ends, through Monday Night and into early Tuesday Morning..

..Boston Marathon volunteers and runners should prepare for the rain and changeable temperatures with largely mild conditions but a slightly cool start and a cooler mid to late afternoon from west to east across the marathon route..

[Full story]

Public Service

Request For Operators, YuKanRun Twin Lights Half Marathon, Gloucester, April 27, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Christopher Winczewski, K1TAT, writes on the CAARA list:

It’s that time of the year again. Public service 2019 is starting with the YuKanRun Twin Lights on April 27, 2019.

CAARA has a great public service team. Come out and have some fun with us. Why?  You are using Amateur Radio to provide a needed public service to ensure the safety and smooth running of a public event in local communities.

“I would but I do not have a radio.” No excuse, we have loaner radios available with a magnetic mount that will work in your car just by just plugging it into the cigarette lighter socket. We have loaner hand held radios as well!

“I don’t have transportation.” No excuse, we will pick you up and drop you off at your house.

“I do not have the time to spare for a whole race.” Well, you can commit to a time slot for just two hours. We will bend over backwards to get you to participate.

YuKanRun Twin Lights Half Marathon. Good Harbor Beach April 27, 9:00am Half Marathon Start Thatcher Road, Gloucester, MA.

Please let us know what type of equipment you plan to use ( mobile; HT; ¼-wave mag mount; rubber duck, etc.) so we have a better idea of where to locate you along the event course per the potential of your equipment.

The course will be open and supported by CAARA  for four hours. Runner safety is everyone’s top priority.  Local EMT crews and ambulances will be available for three hours to help.

Thank you in advance for your participation!

Chris K1TAT

Twin Lights Communications Team.
Gloucester, MA. Good Harbor Beach.
Last Updated: 4/10//2019 9:50pm
Event date: April 27,
On Location: 8:30 am
Starts: Half Marathon Run = 9:00am
Freq: W1GLO Repeater 145.130 – PL:107.2 Back up:Simplex 146.565
Public Information / Public Service

KD1CY to Participate in 2019 National Hurricane Conference

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
Rob Macedo, KD1CY
Rob Macedo, KD1CY

Eastern Massachusetts ARRL field organization staffer Rob Macedo, KD1CY, will participate in the National Hurricane Conference Amateur Radio Workshop  in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 23, 2019.

According to Rob, “All Amateur Radio sessions are free. They will be on Tuesday April 23, 2019 from 11:30 AM-1:15 PM EDT (10:30 AM-12:15 PM CDT) and 2:30-6:00 PM EDT (1:30 PM-5:00 PM CDT). Each presenter will not only give an overview of their respective group but also how their group handled both the historic 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season and the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season.”

KD1CY is Section Emergency Coordinator and ARES SKYWARN Coordinator. He will present on “VoIP (Voice over IP) Hurricane Net and Best Practices in SKYWARN for Tropical Systems.”

Further details can be found at <http://wx1box.org/2019/04/10/special-announcement-national-hurricane-conference-in-new-orleans-louisiana-amateur-radio-workshop-to-be-livestreamed-tuesday-4-23-19-amateur-radio-workshop-1130-am-600-pm-edt-1030-am-500-pm-cdt/>.

Public Service

Westford Kiwanis Apple Blossom Parade, Ham Volunteers Requested, May 18, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

PART of Westford logoTerry Stader, KA8SCP, writes on the PART-L mailing list:

PART of Westford – WB1GOF for many years now has supported the Westford Kiwanis by providing communication support of their parade. So once again, PART been asked to provide communications for the Westford Kiwanis Apple Blossom Parade. This year the parade is on Saturday, May 18th, 2019.
 
The parade starts around 10 AM near the junction of Graniteville Rd and Main St. and ending at Abbot School. Volunteer hams will need to be available from 8:30/9:00 AM until 11:00 AM/noon at the latest. All you need to bring is a 2 meter handheld and some good walking shoes. We need about a dozen operators for this event.
 
Most volunteers will be assigned to “shadow” various members of the AB Parade committee. Our actual duty will not start till about 9:00 AM but we need to get into the center of town before the roads are closed and we need to establish our assignments by 8:30 AM or so.
 
If you’ve never done public service events, this is a great first time event. We will pair you up with a “veteran” ham so you get the chance to be part of a team. Parades are always fun… so why not join us on a Saturday morning, bring the kids and your XYL, bring mom and dad, enjoy.
 
Please contact me if you are interested and can assist or need more information.
 
Thanks in advance for your help.

MASSACHUSETTS TRAFFIC REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2019

Greetings All.  Below is the February Traffic Report,  just in time before we start on the March reports.  Your STM was distracted by a vacation, a computer hack while on vacation and a period of post vacation catch-up.  This traffic report was submitted to ARRL March 15 but due to an early QST deadline it will have to wait to make the next QST. 
 
Just a word about the use of pro-words and non pro-words.  Here is a link to our section website where you will find a list of common prowords and introductory words/phrases: https://ema.arrl.org/prowords-and-introductory-words-phrases/.  You will notice it is introduced with a quote from the “Methods and Practices Guidelines (MPG) available on the ARRL website.
“Do what the trained receiving operator expects and confusion and errors will be minimized.”  As our local and section nets are for training, let me stress that we are all learning and do not expect perfection.  Remember the goal is to learn how to do things better, more accurately and more efficiently.  I encourage all to refer to the information in this article.
 
Also in the interest of good practice and efficiency we strive to eliminate extraneous and unnecessary words or phrases, such as “check of”, “going to”, “break for text”, “and the signature is” , and perhaps most widely used “how copy”.  We should know the order of the format and shouldn’t need to introduce each part of the radiogram.  At the end we say “end no more” or “end more”.  If the receiving station needs fills he/she will ask.  If no fills are needed, he/she will respond with “roger”.
 
All on our nets are doing a great job and it is much appreciated.  These are just a few tips that can help us to do even better. 
 
Thanks for your support and 73,
 
Marcia KW1U STM
 
MA STM REPORT       February 2019    
               
NET SESSIONS QTC QNI QTR NM FREQ Net Time
WMTN C1 28 3 235 161 KD2JKV 146.91 10:00 Daily
WMTN C2 19 0 154 117 N1YCW 146.91 13:00 Daily
MARI 28 106 120 534 KW1U 3565 KHz 19:00 Daily
EM2MN 28 102 164 518 KC1CIC 145.23 20:00 Daily
CM2MN 19 21 111 164 KK1X 146.97 21:00 Daily
MARIPN 12 10 36 103 N1LAH 3978 KHz 18:00 Tu,Th,Sa
CITN 16 3 52 180 AC7RB 147.375 19:30 Tu,Th, F,Sa
HHTN 16 27 108 233 W1HAI MMRA Rptrs 22:00 Su,M,W,F
WMEN 4 0 113 80   3944 KHz 08:30 Su
WARPSN 4 8 71 NA N1IQI 147.225 08:30 Su
               
SAR ORG REC SENT DEL TOTAL BPL = 500+ pts  
N1IQI 0 157 470 4 631 X  
KW1U 1 263 251 2 517 X  
N1TF 0 33 46 5 84    
KC1CIC 0 46 22 3 71    
W1RVY 0 53 16 2 71    
WA1LPM 0 26 37 0 63    
KD2JKV 0 21 21 0 42    
KC1HHO 0 12 23 6 41    
N1LAH 0 20 19 0 39    
WA1VAB 0 13 6 11 30    
NV1N 0 4 13 0 17    
W1PLK 0 2 4 4 10    
K1BML 0 2 0 1 3    
               
PSHR (Min 70 Points) 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
KC1CIC 40 40 30 10 0 20 140
KW1U 40 40 30 0 0 20 130
N1TF 40 40 30 5 0 0 115
N1IQI 40 40 10 10 0 10 110
W1RVY 40 40 30 0 0 0 110
KD2JKV 40 40 30 0 0 0 110
N1LAH 40 39 20 0 0 0 99
WA1LPM 40 40 10 0 0 0 90
KC1HHO 28 40 10 0 0 0 78
               
DRS RCV FWD TOTAL        
KW1U 1011 1338 2349        
N1IQI 157 470 627        
KC1CIC 30 42 72        
KC1EGK 0 1 1        
W1RVY 0 0 0        
               
Marcia KW1U STM; Greg KC1CIC ASTM EMA; Peter KD2JKV ASTM WMA    
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
     
Emergency Communications / NTS / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net for Monday April 1 at 8:30pm

- by kc1cic - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

The monthly ARES Net is Monday April 1, at 8:30 PM on the MMRA Repeater system.

We had an issue with last months net but that has been resolved.

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:

http://www.mmra.org/repeaters/repeater_index_by_linkstate.html

We look forward to your participation and remember, we are always looking for Net Controls to run the ARES Net. As part of our relationship with MARS and our own situational awareness gathering we will be asking for any known infrastructure issues that you are aware of. The information must either be personally observed, or obtained “over the air” via amateur radio. Items considered to be infrastructure include but are not limited to: electrical power, water, medical facilities, sanitation, communications, and transportation. Examples of failure would be: small or large area power failure, water main breaks, hospitals’ ER closed, sewage issues, TV/radio station off the air (including public safety), interstate highway or major road closed. No known issues are just as important as reporting failures.

Additionally we are interested in relay of any weather information from airport ATIS/ASOS stations that you can directly receive via radio. These stations broadcast continuously in the 120.000 – 138.000 MHz frequency range using amplitude modulation. Information from the ATIS should include airport, temperature, altimeter (barometer), wind, precipitation, and visibility.A list of stations with their frequencies and a map can be found at: <https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/weather/asos/?state=MA>. A brief introduction to ATIS can be found at: <https://www.vatsim.net/pilot-resource-centre/general-lessons/understanding-atis>. We will have several interesting announcements for the net that evening and we look forward to everyone’s participation.

Updates will be posted via email and on the Eastern Massachusetts ARES Web Site at <https://ema.arrl.org/ares>. Thanks for your continued support of ARES!

Rob Macedo, KD1CYEastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator

Emergency Communications / Licensing Education & Training / Public Service

2019 SKYWARN Training Schedule Posted

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

SKYWARN logoRob Macedo, KD1CY, writes on WX1BOX.org:

The 2019 NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN Training Class Schedule for the spring season [has been posted]. Please distribute widely to anyone interested in becoming a SKYWARN Spotter! Additional SKYWARN Training classes are in planning. This includes a class in the Rowe/Charlemont, Mass area, Granby/Hartland, CT area, Western Hampshire County Massachusetts, Eastern Franklin County Massachusetts and potentially other locations in Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts. Another update will be posted to the schedule in one to two weeks. There will also be a slate of SKYWARN classes in the Fall of this year. [Full story]

Emergency Communications / Public Service

“Ham Operators Train for the Worst”

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

The Maynard Wicked Local online newspaper featured a story with numerous photos on March 18, 2019 entitled, “Ham Operators Train for the Worst.”

“Ham Radio operators from around the area held a drill Monday morning, March 18, 2019, to coordinate coverage in a simulated case of a tornado strike in Hudson, Maynard, Stow and Acton. With the Amature (sic) Radio Emergency Service base in the Stow Fire Department, participants logged in from towns around the area, thereby confirming the coverage available in times of emergency. “

Public Service

Run of the Charles, Volunteers Sought, April 28, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Brett Smith, AB1RL writes:

The annual Run of the Charles is a fundraiser for the Charles River Watershed Association to support river cleanup and research efforts. This year the event will have completely new routes. The longest route is 14 miles and begins at the Newton Boathouse. All routes end at Artesani Park in Brighton. There are assignments available at various times throughout the morning into the mid-afternoon along the river between Newton and Brighton.

To sign up, simply write me back and let me know:

  • Your cell phone number
  • Your shirt size
  • Any time or location constraints on your volunteer availability

If you have questions about either event, please feel free to ask. You can also call or text me at (859) 466 5915.

Public Service

MS Walk Boston Volunteers Needed, April 7, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

The annual MS Walk Boston raises funds for multiple sclerosis research and patient advocacy. The event uses amateur radio spotters to track participant progress and ensure their safety. This year’s event features a streamlined, more accessible route. The MS Walk Boston is on Sunday, April 7. You’ll check in at 8:00 AM and stay until the early afternoon. Lunch is available at the finish for volunteers.

To sign up, register online, then mail Rick Savage, KB1LYJ to let him know you’re on the team.

Clubs / Public Service

Groton Road Race Requests Amateur Radio Support, April 28, 2019

- by k9hi - 1 Comment

Ralph Swick, KD1SM writes in the March, 2019 issue of NVARC “Signal”:

Sunday, April 28 will be the 28th running of the Groton Road race. The Groton Police Department and the Race Committee are again formally requesting support from the Amateur Radio community for logistics and safety communications for this high-profile event. The Groton Road Race has been a major event for Amateur Radio in North Central Massachusetts. [The Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club] has been coordinating the ham participation since the second year of the event. Many NVARC members are 26-year (soon to be 27-year) veterans. Those of you who have joined us in past years know that the runners sincerely appreciate our presence. Many say so as they run past. This event is so large that Police Departments from several other communities come to assist the Groton PD. Part of our role is to provide the communications from the Groton Police to these out-of-town officers who come to help with the event. 

Contributing to the public good is one of the reasons Amateur Radio exists. Our public service events are a key opportunity for us to show our colors, volunteer our skills and equipment, and demonstrate why it is in the public’s interest to continue to allocate precious RF spectrum to our the Amateur Radio service. The Groton Road Race is a low-stress event and a great way to gain more experience with the public service aspect of Amateur Radio. Please consider joining us on the 28th. If you are interested in helping at events like this but are unsure of what is expected of you or what equipment you may need, please do not hesitate to ask Ralph KD1SM, Stan KD1LE, or John, KK1X. You can also find detailed information about the operations in previous years at <https://www.n1nc.org>.

Public Service

YuKanRun Fool’s Dual 5K Run, Gloucester, March 31, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Christopher Winczewski, K1TAT, writes on the CAARA list:

It’s that time of the year again. Public service 2019 is starting with the YuKanRun Fool’s Dual 5K on March 31.

CAARA has a great public service team. Come out and have some fun with us. Why?  You are using Amateur Radio to provide a needed public service to ensure the safety and smooth running of a public event in local communities.

“I would but I do not have a radio.” No excuse, we have loaner radios available with a magnetic mount that will work in your car just by just plugging it into the cigarette lighter socket. We have loaner hand held radios as well!

“I don’t have transportation.” No excuse, we will pick you up and drop you off at your house.

“I do not have the time to spare for a whole race.” Well, you can commit to a time slot for just two hours. We will bend over backwards to get you to participate.

YuKanRun Fool’s Dual 5K
March 31, 9:00 AM 
5K Race Start 10:00 AM Half Marathon
O’Maley Middle School
32 Cherry Street Gloucester, MA

Emergency Communications / Licensing Education & Training / Public Service

SKYWARN Training, Natick, May 4, 2019

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

SKYWARN logoThe National Weather Service (NWS) in Boston/Norton Massachusetts will be sponsoring a severe weather spotter training session, part of its SKYWARN program.

The session is open to the public at no charge. Amateur Radio operators, emergency managers, police, fire, and other first responders are encouraged to attend. Everyone age 16 and older who stays to complete the training will be able to become trained NWS weather spotters.

The training session includes a two-hour thirty-minute computer-based presentation, which discusses the development of thunderstorms, the criteria for “severe” thunderstorms, as well as the cloud features associated with severe thunderstorms and tornados. Additional information will be presented about winter storms and proper snow measurement and reporting of coastal flooding, river, stream, and urban flooding and rainfall measurements. The session will also present the procedure for reporting weather information to the National Weather Service. Safety procedures for the various forms of summer severe weather (severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and lightning), winter storms, and flooding will also be covered in the training session. Anyone attending should bring a pen or pencil and bringing a notebook is optional.

To register, visit <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/skywarn-training-class-natick-ma-tickets-57356953191?aff=ebapi>

Contact Rob Macedo, KD1CY, at rmacedo@rcn.com for any questions or further info on the SKYWARN training class.