MASSACHUSETTS – RHODE ISLAND STM REPORT FOR AUGUST 2024
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What a great time of year to be in New England. Temperatures have been comfortable with sunshine day after day and no storms in the area. The traffic nets continue to operate daily and while traffic numbers have been down you folks do a great job of faithfully checking in and handling all the listed traffic.
August Events
August was a busy month, beginning with the section-wide summer exercise, “Big Blow”. EM2MN,MARIPN and MARIDN were activated and our traffic handlers showed up to take care of any listed traffic. Thanks to net managers KC1HHO, N1LAH and N1ILZ for help in this effort.
We also enjoyed our annual traffic handlers picnic on Sunday, August 4 where 18 folks braved the weather predictions of potential storms to be present on what turned out to be a delightful afternoon.
Later in August I hope you were able to attend the Northeast HamXposition in Marlboro, one of the best ever. Of particular note was the NTS display put on by the Nashua (NH) Area Radio Society which included a demonstration of the new web-based Radiogram Portal. Here visitors could learn about amateur radio and its ability to relay messages when other means are unavailable, and they could actually send a radiogram to friends and family via the Portal. More information on this Portal can be found at https://nts2.arrl.org/radiogram/. In addition, on Saturday afternoon visitors could observe the operation of a live traffic net. The First Region Net was conducted remotely from the Nashua display via a station located in New Hampshire. Thanks to NCS John Gotthardt, K1UAF and participants of that net for putting on this demonstration.
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Upcoming Election for ARRL New England Division Director
This is an election year for ARRL New England Division Director and Vice Director. We have been fortunate to have Fred Kemmerer AB1OC as our Director for the past three years. During that time Fred has been a champion for NTS and message traffic handling. He has been largely responsible for the creation of the NTS 2.0 revitalization and enhancement of NTS project, which has involved traffic handlers from all over the country. As one who has worked with Fred on this project I have seen how hard he has worked not only for NTS but for amateur radio in general. Check out his website at https://ab1oc-4-director.org/. He is running opposite Tom Freneye, K1KI who has served as director in the past. Ballots will be sent out in October to all ARRL members in New England. If you are a member, PLEASE remember to VOTE. We’ve got the momentum. Let’s help keep it going! Phil Temples, K9HI Vice Director who was unopposed was reelected, and we are happy Phil will continue as our Vice Director for the next three years.
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NTS Training on Zoom – October 14, 2024
Interested in NTS and Traffic Handling? Join us Monday, October 14 at 7PM on Zoom and receive training. Hosted by Ray, AA1SE the WMA SM and joined by Marcia, KW1U the EMA, WMA and RI STM, Bob, KC1KVY and Shawn, N1CVO, we will provide training on the basics of proper handling of NTS traffic as well as participating on a net. This will be a combination of videos and open discussion to get started in this aspect of the hobby that’s been around for over 100 years. This is an important skill for anyone considering emergency communications. And by the way, it’s rewarding and it’s fun. All ham operators are invited to join whether you are experienced or not.
Please find the link for this training below. This will be first come-first served and limited to 100 participants. We hope to see you on Zoom. Any questions email Ray AA1SE at aa1se@arrl.net
Topic: NTS Traffic Training
Time: Oct 14, 2024 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86391167095?
pwd=EE7QXsDKRQPqzlUgZxc4HUfk27Ja9Z.1
Meeting ID: 863 9116 7095
Passcode: 346199
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+19292056099,,86391167095#,,,,*346199# US (New York)
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