My apologies for this late posting of the February STM report. Thanks to those who submitted their reports in a timely manner. The basic report was submitted to HQ mid March.
As we begin to see signs of spring with early blooms poking their heads through what may remain of winter’s snow, propagation continues to improve and I’ve heard reports of 15.10 and 6 meters opening up. Traffic nets also continue to improve and the traffic handlers of Massachusetts continue to show their professionalism and dedication on the various traffic nets.
I am very pleased and privileged to announce the appointment of a second assistant to the STM. Training is a most important part of this job and Peter Doherty KC1HHO is now appointed as Assistant Section Traffic Manager (ASTM) for training. Peter has created a fun training program and has begun presenting to clubs, and I look forward to his contribution to this aspect of amateur radio. Of course Michael Ford WZ0C continues to serve as ASTM as liaison to ARES.
Joe Weiss W1HAI has announced a new link-up for the Heavy Hitters Traffic Net giving the folks in Central Mass the capability to access the net via RF. If you’re in Central Mass look for the Montachusett Amateur Radio Association 145.45 Fitchburg repeater with a PL of 74.4 linked to the Mohawk Amateur Radio Club Gardner 145.37 repeater PL 136.5. It is also hoped to have a link-up to Cape Cod in the near future. Many thanks to Joe for his efforts in expanding the coverage of this net which meets at 10 PM on the Minuteman Repeater Association linked repeaters. This is a good net for clearing the days remaining traffic as well as traffic going out of the local area for relay nationally the next afternoon.
Some of you will remember the Traffic Trivia program of a couple years ago. I’m pleased to announced Aaron Hulett K8AMH has reactivated this program and invites all traffic handlers to check out this site: https://www.ntstrivia.com. Not only is it a fun activity but a good way to practice radiogram messaging. Aaron says he will soon be reactivating the Traffic Thursdays program with link at https://www.trafficthursday.com. Watch for this in the next week or two.
The ICS 213 general form with its various adaptations is one which is used generally in emergency communications. As I have mentioned before, NTS 2.0 is working on upgrading the NTS program, fixing problems that currently exist and expanding the program to meet the communication needs of emergency service organizations. We encourage traffic handlers as well as ARES personnel to learn more about how this form can be adapted for national emergency communications via the NTS. There will be a training session on Tuesday April 4 on the Boston 145.23 repeater at 7:00 PM. More will be made available in the future.
Thanks to all for your participation and support of the traffic nets. The February report is below.
73, Marcia KW1U
STM EMA / WMA