May 2019: EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS (EMA) SECTION NEWS
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Welcome to the Eastern Massachusetts ARRL section newsletter.
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To see the complete monthly section news, which is updated regularly, visit <https://ema.arrl.org/>.
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UP FRONT
We recently added this “Up Front” section to the monthly section news. In it we hope to highlight significant and interesting news about amateur radio. Our “Up Front” section will usually be focused on the joy and fun of amateur radio. However, this time our thoughts and concerns must turn first to our neighbors and hams in Ohio who have just been dealt a severe blow by mother nature.
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OHIO ARES ACTIVE IN WAKE OF TORNADOES THAT BADLY DAMAGED HARA ARENA
ARRL reports “Hara Arena, in Trotwood, Ohio, which served as the home for Dayton Hamvention® for more than six decades, was among the structures damaged when tornadoes swept through the Dayton area on Memorial Day. According to a report from WHIO TV, Hara Arena suffered extensive damage. Drone video showed that the roof and side of the structure had been blown off in several places. Hamvention relocated to the Greene County Fairgrounds and Exhibition Center in 2017, after Hara Arena shut down the previous year.”. Read more on the ARRL web site at: <http://www.arrl.org/news/ohio-ares-active-in-wake-of-tornadoes-that-badly-damaged-hara-arena>
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MASSACHUSETTS HANDS-FREE MOBILE DEVICE LEGISLATION UPDATE
Hands-free mobile device legislation moved one step closer to becoming law, passing in the Massachusetts House on May 16. But by all accounts, Amateur Radio operation while driving will remain unaffected.
Eastern Massachusetts section staff who have been in touch with legislative aides in both the House and Senate have learned the language that defines mobile devices will continue to exempt “federally-licensed 2-way radios.”
“MGL Chapter 90 Section 13 provides for the use of a federally licensed 2-way radio while driving. The hands-free bill being considered (House Bill 3793) does not alter this provision,” according to a staffer in Rep. Ferrante’s office. Another staffer from Rep. Hecht’s office also confirmed the preservation of the existing language in Chapter 90 Section 13 pertaining to federally licensed 2-way radios.
The full text of the H.3793 can be found at <https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H3793>.
The text of General Law Part I, Section XIV, Chapter 90, Section 13 can be found at <https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section13>.
The Massachusetts Senate is expected to take up the measure in June.
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LOCAL AMATEURS PARTICIPATE IN REGIONAL JOINT AMERICAN RED CROSS, FEMA EXERCISE
Eastern Massachusetts Assistant Section Traffic Manager and District Emergency Coordinator Greg Bennett, KC1CIC; Section Traffic Manager Marcia Forde, KW1U; Peter Doherty, KC1HHO; along with dozens of hams along the US East Coast demonstrated Amateur Radio’s ability to deliver messages without commercial power, infrastructure, or permanently established stations for officials of the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The full story can be read at <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/25/local-amateurs-participate-in-joint-american-red-cross-fema-exercise/>.
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EMA FIELD DAY DIRECTORY
The 20th Annual Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Directory at <https://ema.arrl.org/field_day> contains some of the most comprehensive Field Day resource pages of its kind.
According to Bill Ricker, N1VUX, the Directory offers both detailed historical and current information on individual Field Day club operations along with the complete event operating rules and helpful safety tips. “It was originally intended as an ARES function for Y2K and SKYWARN preparation,” writes Bill. “If any clubs run across records of their Field Day operations before 1997 (or not formally reported to ARRL Contest Branch since then), I’d be happy to include them in the historical catalog.”
More details can be found at <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/13/20th-annual-field-day-directory-now-available/>.
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Eastern MA Speakers List:
https://ema.arrl.org/2018/04/16/eastern-ma-club-speakers-list/
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FLEA MARKETS:
June 16, Flea at MIT, Cambridge, MA http://w1mx.mit.edu/flea-at-mit/
July 21, Flea at MIT, Cambridge, MA http://w1mx.mit.edu/flea-at-mit/
August 10, STARC @ Elks, St. Albans, VT http://www.starc.org
August 18, Flea at MIT, Cambridge, MA http://w1mx.mit.edu/flea-at-mit/
August 25, CARA @ Town Hall, Newton, CT http://cararadioclub.org
Sept. 6-8, Northeast HamXposition (a.k.a “Boxboro”), Boxboro, MA https://hamxposition.org
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PUBLIC SERVICE EVENTS:
June 2, Twin Lobster 1-Mile/Half Marathon, Gloucester. Contact: Chris Winczewski, K1TAT
June 15, Norton Founders Day, Norton. Contact Ray Cord, K2TGX
June 16, YMCA Father’s Day 5K, Rockport. Contact Chris Winczewski, K1TAT
YMCA St. Peter’s Fiesta 5K, Gloucester. Contact Chris Winczewski, K1TAT
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SPECIAL OPERATING EVENTS:
June 1-2, Museum Ships Weekend, USS Cassin Young, WW2DD, Boston National Historical Park, Charlestown
June 1-2, Museum Ships Weekend, German Seehund U-5075, WW2MAN, Quincy
June 1-2, Museum Ships Weekend, USS Massachusetts, NE1PL, Battleship Cove, Fall River
June 1-2, Museum Ships Weekend, K1USN Radio Club, Quincy
June 1-2, Museum Ships Weekend, USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. NB1CR, Battleship Cove, Fall River
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NEWS FROM EMA.ARRL.ORG:
Each day on the section web site we bring you news and information from Eastern Massachusetts and beyond. Here’s a selection from this past month:
PART of Westford Field Day, Final Countdown <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/26/part-of-westford-field-day-final-countdown/>
Eastern MA Hospital Net, June 1, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/26/eastern-ma-hospital-net-june-1-2019/>
Local Area Activity for Museum Ships Weekend, June 1-2, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/25/lots-of-local-area-activity-for-museum-ships-weekend-may-31-june-2-2019/>
Chelmsford Fox On the Loose, May 25, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/25/chelmsford-fox-on-the-loose-may-25-2019/>
K1USN QRV for Museum Ships Weekend, May 31-June 2, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/25/k1usn-qrv-for-museum-ships-weekend-may-31-june-2-2019/>
New England Sci-Tech to Partner with MIT Lincoln Labs for Field Day <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/24/new-england-sci-tech-to-partner-with-mit-lincoln-labs-for-field-day/>
Operators Requested, YuKanRun Twin Lobster Half-Marathon, Gloucester, June 2, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/24/operators-requested-yukanrun-twin-lobster-half-marathon-gloucester-june-2-2019/>
USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. NB1CR, QRV for Museum Ships on the Air, June 1-2, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/19/uss-joseph-p-kennedy-jr-nb1cr-qrv-for-museum-ships-on-the-air-june-1-2-2019/>
Sturdy Memorial Hospital ARC Field Day 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/19/sturdy-memorial-hospital-arc-field-day-2019/>
Call for Volunteers, Norton Founders Day, June 15, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/19/call-for-volunteers-norton-founders-day-june-15-2019/>
Volunteers Sought for YuKanRun Twin Lobster Half Marathon, Gloucester, June 2, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/18/volunteers-sought-for-yukanrun-twin-lobster-half-marathon-gloucester-june-2-2019/>
KA8SCP Receives Kiwanis Person of the Year Award <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/15/ka8scp-receives-kiwanis-person-of-the-year-award/>
KD1CY on ARRL Public Service Communications Panel Discussion, Hamvention®, May 17, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/15/kd1cy-on-arrl-public-service-communications-panel-discussion-hamvention-may-17-2019/>
MIT Swapfest, May 19, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/15/mit-swapfest-may-19-2019/>
N1DCH: Intro to Radio Hotspots, Minuteman Repeater Association, May 15, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/14/n1dch-intro-to-radio-hotspots-minuteman-repeater-association-may-15-2019/>
WA1VVH on Shortwave Station HCJB, Nashoba Valley ARC Meeting, May 16, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/13/wa1vvh-on-shortwave-station-hcjb-nashoba-valley-arc-meeting-may-16-2019/>
Request for Operators, Motif No. 1 Day Arts 5K Fun Run, Rockport, May 18, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/10/request-for-operators-motif-no-1-day-arts-5k-fun-run-rockport-may-18-2019/>
Request for Operators, YMCA Back Shore 5K, Gloucester, May 16, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/10/request-for-operators-ymca-back-shore-5k-gloucester-may-16-2019/>
Carlisle Fox Hunt, May 10, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/10/carlisle-fox-hunt-may-10-2019/>
Littleton Volunteer Corps <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/09/littleton-volunteer-corps/>
Brain Tumor Ride, Waltham, May 19, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/09/brain-tumor-ride-waltham-may-19-2019/>
W1HFN Fox is QRV, Littleton, May 8, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/08/w1hfn-fox-is-qrv-littleton-may-8-2019/>
Dan’s Tech Night: TRL-SDR and Miscellany, Ayer, May 9, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/08/dans-tech-night-trl-sdr-and-miscellany-ayer-may-9-2019/>
N1FMV: Ham Radio for the Visually Impaired, Wellesley ARS, May 21, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/08/n1fmv-ham-radio-for-the-visually-impaired-wellesley-ars-may-21-2019/>
Brown Bag Learning Series: “The Fascinating Hobby of Amateur Radio” at Framingham Library, June 7, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/07/brown-bag-learning-series-the-fascinating-hobby-of-amateur-radio-at-framingham-library-june-7-2019/>
New England Sci-Tech Technician License Course, June 1-2, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/07/new-england-sci-tech-technician-license-course-june-1-2-2019/>
Fox Deployed, Westford, May 4, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/04/fox-deployed-westford-may-4-2019/>
Request for Operators, YuKanRun Fast Half Marathon, Hamilton, May 11, 2019 <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/05/02/request-for-operators-yukanrun-fast-half-marathon-hamilton-may-11-2019/>
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EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ARES
To see all the recent news on Eastern Massachusetts ARES please visit <https://ema.arrl.org/category/emcomm/>. This site is constantly maintained with the latest happenings by our EMA SEC, Rob, KD1CY.
To find out more about EMA ARES visit <https://ema.arrl.org/ares/>.
If you are interested in joining Eastern Massachusetts ARES, visit <https://secure1.ema.arrl.org/qilan/ares/EMA/ARES_about>.
The first Monday of every month is a test of the Massachusetts RACES and ARES communication capabilities. The monthly ARES VHF Net is at 8:30 PM on the MMRA Repeater system.
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Section Traffic Manager (STM), Marcia KW1U reports:
Find the list of all NTS daily nets in Massachusetts here: <https://ema.arrl.org/national-traffic-system/net-schedule/>.
To see news on Eastern Massachusetts Traffic Handling and Nets visit <https://ema.arrl.org/category/nts/>.
NTS RECOGNITIONS:
Details on these recognition programs is found every month in QST Field Organization column along with a listing of the nationwide recipients.
Public Service Honor Roll (PSHR):
Congratulations to the following Massachusetts folks who qualified for the Public Service Honor Roll (PSHR) in April 2019: KD2JKV, W1RVY, KC1CIC, KW1U, N1TF, N1IQI, N1LAH, KC1HHO, WA1LPM.
BPL in April was achieved by N1IQI and KW1U.
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NET REPORTS
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FIRST REGION NET (1RN) REPORT (CW)
Eric, W1RVY, manager of 1RN Cycle 4, the evening CW net reports that in April there were 59 sessions, 79 pieces of traffic handled and 186 check-ins.
FIRST REGION NET (FRN) REPORT (SSB)
Betsey, K1EIC, manager of FRN Cycle 2, the daytime SSB net reports that in April there were 60 sessions, 130 pieces of traffic handled and 268 check-ins.
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SILENT KEYS
It is with deep regret we report the passing of the following radio amateurs:
Marvin Grossman, W1AZG, Newton
Paul F. McCaffrey, W1BJ, Dracut
John W. Hathaway, W1CAN, Westford
Alfred R. Prudhomme, Jr., W1DUW, Chelmsford
Lowell Bursch, KB1FHJ, Natick
Harold Hyman, W1IZQ, Acton
Jess Rhoden, W4EIR, Maynard
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WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THAT RADIO CLUB?
Please visit <https://ema.arrl.org/affiliated-clubs/radio-clubs-of-yesteryear/> and send any information you might have to our Assistant Section Manager (ASM) Phil Temples, K9HI, at <k9hi@arrl.org>.
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Section website: <https://ema.arrl.org/>
Section Facebook page: <https://www.facebook.com/easternmaarrl/>
Section Leadership: <https://ema.arrl.org/organization/#Section_Leadership>
Section Public Service List: <https://ema.arrl.org/2019/03/05/ema-public-service-list/>
Section Speaker List: <https://ema.arrl.org/2018/04/16/eastern-ma-club-speakers-list/>.
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FINAL WORD
June means Field Day to me and to many amateurs across the USA and Canada. I have always been amazed at the breadth of operations from coast-to-coast. Clubs, groups, and individuals all setting up stations for a 24-hour exercise with a very serious purpose–to demonstrate the ability of Amateur Radio to establish effective communications on short notice in times of emergency.
Many state governments, including Massachusetts, issue proclamations declaring Amateur Radio weeks recognizing the contributions of radio amateurs. Sure, Amateur Radio is fun, but it also has a serious purpose which is fulfilled everyday by thousands of federally licensed hams. Look at a map of North America on June 22-23. Then, envision in your mind points on that map indicating a Field Day setup and you will realize the fantastic scope of Field Day.
If you prefer, ARRL has already done this for you at <http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator>.
Our section can also help you find a nearby field day club operation that will welcome your visit at <https://ema.arrl.org/field_day/>.
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ACKOWLEDGEMENT
This May section news has been jointly produced by K9HI and K1TW. I would like to thank Phil Temples, K9HI for his many contributions to the EMA section, and particularly to this May Newsletter.
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ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section
Section Manager: Thomas D Walsh, K1TW
k1tw@arrl.org
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