Reminder: Monthly EMA ARES Net 6/5 8:30pm

Hello to all…
We will be continuing our monthly ARES Net in June. The monthly ARES Net for June is Monday the 5th, at 8:30 PM on the MMRA Repeater system. This is after the MEMA Nets earlier in the evening. 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


Make this first Monday of the month, “Emergency Communications Night” and check into your local RACES Net and then check into the ARES Net on the MMRA Repeater System. 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.ivao.aero/training/documentation/books/PP_ADC_ATIS.pdf
A more detailed introduction to ATIS/ASOS can be found at: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/ASOS-book.pdf

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 http://ares.ema.arrl.org

Thanks for your continued support of ARES!

Marek Kozubal, KB1NCG
EMA Section Emergency Coordinator

Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net – Saturday June 3rd, 2017 at 1000 AM EDT

Good Evening Everyone,

Net Control for the June 3, 2017 Eastern MA Hospital Net will be KB1JJE, Mansfield Emergency Management Agency. The net will commence at the usual time of 10:AM using the following repeaters in the order listed.

1. Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67.0
2. Falmouth 147.375 tone 110.9
3. Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5
Simplex 147.42

The Net will than return to the Bridgewater Repeater for final comments and Net closing.

NET Protocol: Please wait for Net Control to ask for Check-ins. When asked to check in please use the standard net check in procedure which is:   Here is.., un-key, wait 3 seconds to check for doubling, then give your or your facilities call sign, your first name, and your facility’s name.

We extend an invitation to the EOC of any city or town that is served by one of the participating hospitals to join the Net. We also extend an invitation to any RACES or ARES member to check in during the NET.

Any hospital wishing to join the net that needs assistance with equipment or personnel should contact us at ssharc@gmail.com. We can assist you with getting your location on the air.

We are always looking for groups or organizations to try their hand at Net Control duties. If you are interested please let us know. Our goal is to rotate Net Control practice and the experience among as many groups as possible.

We thank the repeater trustees for their generosity in allowing us to conduct the monthly nets and the use of their systems in an actual event. The following list of repeaters are available for our use. Only a few systems are used each month with the selection of those used made by Net Control for that month.  More systems are being added to the list on a regular basis.

REMINDER: The BARC Repeater is now using split tone. Boston 145.230 tone encode 88.5 tone decode 100.0

Attleboro 147.195 tone 127.3 (Sturdy Memorial Hospital)
Belmont 145.430 tone 146.2
Boston 145.230 tone encode 88.5 tone decode 100.0
Bridgewater 147.180 tone 67.0
Danvers 145.47 tone 136.5
Dartmouth 147.000 tone 67.0 
Fairhaven 145.490 tone 67.0   
Fall River 146.805. tone 67.0
Falmouth 147.375 tone 110.9 
Mansfield EMA  446.925 tone 100.0
Mansfield 147.015 tone 67.0
Marshfield 145.390 tone 67.0     
Norwood 147.210 tone 100.00
Plymouth 146.685 tone 82.5
Salem 146.88 tone 118.8       
Sharon 146.865 tone 103.5   
Weymouth 147.345 tone 110.9 (South Shore Hospital)
W. Bridgewater 146.775 dcs 244
Wrentham 147.09 tone 146.2

We look forward to hearing you all on the Net.

Respectfully,

John O’
K1JRO

South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Club – W1SSH
c/o Volunteer Services
55 Fogg Road,
South Weymouth, MA 02190

Eastern MA 2017 Field Day Directory

The 18th Annual Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Directory contains some of the most comprehensive Field Day resource pages of its kind.

According to Bill Ricker, N1VUX, the section Field Day pages offer detailed information on individual field day club operations along with the complete event operating rules and helpful safety tips.

“Clubs which are reactivating a previous Class A or F site can confirm to the EMA Directory by simply putting their pin in at the ARRL Locator – conveniently linked from our directory. I’ll pick that up and mark them confirmed. I would appreciate an email from new clubs in Class A or F, clubs with new sites, clubs whose details on their EMA directory need updating, or who are definitely not using the site they had last year.”

The site also links to updated information on how to handle NTS radiogram traffic, and score bonus points during the event.

“A major goal always has been helping (and encouraging) EMA Field Staff & Leadership to plan visits to nearby field day sites, as is our custom — and helping us hit as many different ones as possible.”

Email n1vux at his arrl.net address.

 

 

 

Two SKYWARN Training Sessions in Lowell & Peabody

SKYWARN logo The National Weather Service in Taunton is offering two SKYWARN training sessions in the coming weeks in our area:

Tuesday May 23rd, 2017 – 630-900 PM:
University Crossing – Room 158
220 Pawtucket Street
Lowell, MA
Taught by: NWS Taunton Forecaster
Registration: Required – Pre-register via email to Rob Macedo-KD1CY at rmacedo@rcn.com

 

Thursday June 8th, 2017 – 700-930 PM:
Portuguese American War Veterans Building
103 Tremont Street
Peabody, MA
Taught by: Amateur Radio Coordinator
Registration: None Required

BAA 10K, Ham Volunteers Sought, June 25, 2017

Boston ARC logo Brett Smith, AB1RL writes:

Volunteer registration is open for the BAA 10K on Sunday, June 25. I know, I know—as usual, it’s on Field Day Sunday. But it just takes the morning (assignments run from approximately 6:00 AM to noon), and the summer weather means we’ve usually got work to do supporting the event medical teams. Come take a break from the rush for contacts, and join us to send some substantive traffic over the air.

All you need to help out is a dual band (2m and 70cm) handheld, preferably with a gain antenna. To volunteer for the 10K, sign up with the BAA directly following the instructions below.

Go to the BAA 10K volunteer site and press the “Volunteer Now” button.

There are separate buttons for “Returning” and “First Time” Volunteers. If you’ve volunteered at a BAA event before, select “Returning Volunteer.” If you don’t know your BAA Volunteer Loyalty Number, use the button labeled “Retrieve Your Volunteer Loyalty Number” to look it up. If it returns a Volunteer Loyalty Number for you, fill that in where prompted.

If the system does not provide you with a Volunteer Loyalty Number, or if you have not volunteered at a BAA event before, go through the “First Time Volunteers” button on the first page.

Complete the personal information.

Group status: Ham volunteers don’t need to join any group. You can answer “No” to both questions.

Assignment request: Select “Ham Radios” from the top pulldown menu on the page. You are not required to make any selections on the lower menus.

Complete the remainder of the application and make note of your application acknowledgment number. Seeing a acknowledgment number on the page is your indication that you have successfully completed the online application.

If you have any questions about the event or the sign-up procedure, feel free to get in touch with me at ab1rl@brettcsmith.org or (859) 466 5915.

Thank you, and 73,

Brett Smith, AB1RL
Public Service Coordinator, Boston Amateur Radio Club

SKYWARN Training in Plymouth, June 10, 2017

SKYWARN logo Ed Caron, KA1RSY writes on Facebook:

PLYMOUTH SKYWARN CLASS

This class is open to anyone who is interested in becoming an official National Weather Service Spotter. Also this would be good refresher for anyone who hasn’t attended a SKYWARN class in a few years, there is no charge to attend. The class conveniently located right over the bridge so hope to see you all there. You must pre-register in order to attend.

Saturday June 10th, 2017 – 1000 AM-1230 PM:
Plymouth Community Room (co-located with the fire station)
2209 State Road
Plymouth (Cedarville), MA
Note: The EOC/community room is located in the back of the fire station with the main entrance on the lower parking level
Taught by: Amateur Radio Coordinator
Registration: Required – Pre-register via email to Rob Macedo-KD1CY at rmacedo@rcn.com

Wellesley Veterans Parade, Amateur Volunteers Needed, May 21, 2017

David Wolfe, KG1H writes:

The Wellesley Veterans Parade will be held on Sunday, May 21 and we hope you will be able to help.

The time commitment is: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 21st in Wellesley.

We meet at 11 a.m. at the Wellesley Community Center at 219 Washington Street.

The duties are to get the 125 units in order. The units arrive at Noon and they are told prior to arrival to go to a specific street and location. We need to check off that the unit has arrived and that it is in the proper location. Then we need to start the parade at 1 p.m. and key the units in order down the street.

A radio communications plan has been developed.

Are you able to help?

Please let Carl Nelson know if you can join the team. His email is cnelson111@comcast.net His cell phone is 781-929-9095.

Thank you for your service and help to our veterans.

Carl Nelson

Yukan Run “Fast Half” Marathon, Ham Assistance Requested, May 13

CAARA logoBob Spanks, Jr., WA1UCG writes on the CAARA list:

The Cape Ann ARA (CAARA) is still looking for volunteers to help at this Saturday’s (May 13) “Yukan Run Fast Half” Marathon starting at the Hamilton-Wenham High School.

CAARA has supported this event for the last several years. So if you are available to help out, please contact CAARA’s Road Race Chairman Chris, K1TAT, at k1tat@outlook.com.

Remember: CAARA has radio equipment for your use if you do not have any equipment.

The race begins at 9:00 AM so I would suggest you be on the course by 8:30 AM. You will complete your assignment by noon at the latest.

73,

Bob Spanks, Jr.

Ham Volunteers Sought for National Brain Tumor Society Walk, May 21, 2017

The National Brain Tumor Society is planning their 2017 Boston fundraising bike ride and they’re looking for amateur radio volunteers. The ride takes place on Sunday, May 21, starting at 7:00 AM from 200 West Street in Waltham. Volunteers will work from until the early afternoon, with lunch provided.

Jim Bradley, KB1JKJ, is organizing the hams for this event. To volunteer, please write him with the following information:

  • Your preferred assignment: SAG in your own vehicle; SAG in another person’s vehicle; or rest stop
  • 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
  • The transmit band(s) of your radio(s), and other equipment you could bring
  • Do you have any needs or requests we should consider when making your assignment?

Jim can also answer any questions you have about the event.

Thank you, and 73,

Brett Smith, AB1RL
Public Service Coordinator, Boston Amateur Radio Club

Reminder: Monthly EMA ARES Net 5/1 8:30pm

Hello to all…
We will be continuing our monthly ARES Net in May. The monthly ARES Net for May is Monday the 1st, at 8:30 PM on the MMRA Repeater system. This is after the MEMA Nets earlier in the evening. 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


Make this first Monday of the month, “Emergency Communications Night” and check into your local RACES Net and then check into the ARES Net on the MMRA Repeater System. 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.ivao.aero/training/documentation/books/PP_ADC_ATIS.pdf
A more detailed introduction to ATIS/ASOS can be found at: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/ASOS-book.pdf

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 http://ares.ema.arrl.org

Thanks for your continued support of ARES!

Marek Kozubal, KB1NCG
EMA Section Emergency Coordinator

NASA Chooses Six Local Student Projects

Clay Center ARC logoBob Phinney, K5TEC writes in the Clay Center ARC mailing list:

Six student projects were chosen by NASA to fly in a rocket or high-altitude balloon this summer. As part of the activities offered by the Clay Center Amateur Radio Club (CC-ARC) at Dexter Southfield School, students designed projects for the NASA “Cubes in SpaceTM” program, the only program in the world to provide students (ages 11-18) with a free opportunity to design experiments to be launched into space on a NASA rocket or balloon.

Lead members include Julie KC1GMW, Morgan KC1GRZ, Nathan KB1RD, Hardy KC1ESU, Raif KC1GRX, Jason KC1GBV, Conrad KC1GBW, Rishi KC1BKX, and Sean K3FAY. Thanks to adult supervisors Christy KC1GAF, Bruce N9JBT, John AB1ZV, Ted KB1NTJ, Marlene Schwarz, and Dan Sage.

 

 

 

ARRL New England Division Convention, Call for Speakers

Boxboro logoDon’t just attend Boxboro 2017—BE A PART OF IT! The Boxboro Committee seeks fresh and exciting presentations for this year’s ARRL New England Division Convention, September 8-10, 2017. We’re looking for talks of both a technical and non-technical nature. As a Boxboro speaker, you will have the opportunity to share your subject and knowledge with Amateur Radio operators from around New England, surrounding states, and Canada.

In addition to forums throughout the day Saturday, we will feature Saturday evening entertainment, workshops on Friday, and a half-day Sunday program.

If you represent a regional club or organization (e.g. YCCC, NEQRP, WRONE, MARS, etc.) we can help facilitate open forums or closed meetings by providing you a meeting space.

Groups who wish to set up information tables should get your requests in early. While the tables are offered without charge, we ask for some volunteer time in return to assist us with ticket sales and other logistics during the convention.

To register as a presenter, please go to http://boxboro.org/forums-and-classes or email or call us if you have additional questions.

We look forward to meeting all of you at the convention.

73,

Phil Temples, K9HI
Program Chair
Boxboro! ARRL New England Division Convention
k9hi@boxboro.org

Volunteers Sought for Groton Road Race, April 30, 2017

Ralph Swick, KD1SM writes:

The April First snow shall not delay the 2017 Groton Road Race. I’m told by a reliable source at National Weather Service that we’re unlikely to still have snow on the ground (or road) by April 30 when the 26th Annual Groton Road Race will be held.

As we’ve done for the past 24 years, the race committee is again asking the Amateur Radio community to provide the logistics and safety communications for the Race.

This is our major event for Amateur Radio in North Central Massachusetts. Those of you who have joined us in the 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 and other public safety agencies 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 this event.

The change in 2015 to run the 5k and 10k races simultaneously will be repeated this year. This change increases the number of radio operators needed but also allows us to secure all stations earlier in the afternoon. The courses themselves will be the same as the last two years. The maps, etc from previous years are available on the NVARC Public Service Events page.

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 30th.

If you are interested in helping at these events but unsure of what is expected of you or what equipment you may need, please ask me, Stan KD1LE, or John KK1X.

The Squannacook River Runners and the Groton Police Department repeatedly praise and express their appreciation for your assistance in providing communications for this event. I do hope you will be able to join us this year; please let me know.

Thanks and 73,

Ralph KD1SM
kd1sm@arrl.net

Reminder: Cape Cod ARES Technical Drill April 22. 1000 – 1200 ET

Cape and Islands Exercise #58

Update: Falmouth EOC, Barnstable County MACC, Falmouth Hospital EOC, Falmouth EOC, Nantucket EOC, Joint Base Cape Cod station K1AIR are confirmed to be participating in the drill.

The Cape Cod and Islands Amateur Radio Emergency Service District will conduct a technical test exercise in order to test its capability in establishing communications between one of its primary regional shelters and other fixed sites. Such sites include the Multi Agency coordination Center (MACC), EOCs, Hospital stations, home stations etc. The technical test exercise called “Operation Shelter Hop” will test the ability of several fixed stations to provide communications coverage in our operational district and beyond. This will also be a drill to test some of our on/off Cape EOC’s, primary stations and other ARES member home stations. The exercise will attempt to build upon the lessons learned from our past operational exercises.

The Primary objectives of this exercise are as follows:

  • Deploy a crew and operate from the Falmouth Regional shelter (Falmouth High School)
  • Deploy a crew and operate from the Multi Agency Coordination Center Station (MACC) at the Barnstable County Facility in Barnstable.
  • Establish and conduct a tactical net on simplex 2m FM
  • Establish contact with Town RACES EOC’s
  • Establish contact with other ARES districts and their EOCs where possible
  • Test and evaluate communications with Home Stations
  • Communicate with the Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard ARES/RACES stations
  • Conduct an HF contact on Cape for statewide practice and participation
  • Test communications from Falmouth Club station on Joint Base Cape Cod
  • Test communications from Falmouth Fire Station EOC

Further details are available in the attached updated PDF file at https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-POKHfGoNRKVkk0aEM1UE5USzQ/view?usp=sharing

ARES Drill April 22nd 10am ~ 12 noon.

Good Morning Everyone,

 

Cape Cod ARES will be holding a drill on April 22nd from 10 AM – 12 noon.

 

This is an ideal opportunity for EOC’s and hospital’s to take part in an ARES drill and test their ability to communicate with Stations on the Cape. South Shore Hospital will be participating in the drill. In today’s day and age, you never know where you may be needed, and where you may need to communicate to or from.

 

The Drill Details are as follows:

 

Cape and Islands Exercise #58

The Cape Cod and Islands Amateur Radio Emergency Service District will conduct a technical test exercise in order to test its capability in establishing communications between one of its primary regional shelters and other fixed sites. Such sites include the Multi Agency coordination Center (MACC), EOCs, Hospital stations, home stations etc. The technical test exercise called “Operation Shelter Hop” will test the ability of several fixed stations to provide communications coverage in our operational district and beyond. This will also be a drill to test some of our on/off Cape EOC’s, primary stations and other ARES member home stations. The exercise will attempt to build upon the lessons learned from our past operational exercises.

The Primary objectives of this exercise are as follows:

  • Deploy a crew and operate from the Falmouth Regional shelter (Falmouth High School)
  • Deploy a crew and operate from the Multi Agency Coordination Center Station (MACC) at the Barnstable County Facility in Barnstable.
  • Establish and conduct a tactical net on simplex 2m FM
  • Establish contact with Town RACES EOC’s
  • Establish contact with other ARES districts and their EOCs where possible
  • Test and evaluate communications with Home Stations
  • Communicate with the Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard ARES/RACES stations
  • Conduct an HF contact on Cape for statewide practice and participation
  • Test communications from Falmouth Club station on Joint Base Cape Cod
  • Test communications from Falmouth Fire Station EOC

The simplex frequency that will be used is 146.580.

 

John O’Neill

K1JRO

EMA DEC – Healthcare Liaison

NEAR-Fest XXI, May 5-6, 2017

NEAR-Fest logoNEAR-Fest XXI will be held on May 5-6, 2017 at the Deerfield Fairgrounds in Deerfield, New Hampshire. “NEAR-Fest is an international event run by and for all radio hobbyists and enthusiasts, including ‘hams,’ short-wave listeners, scanner buffs, vintage/antique radio fans, etc. NEAR-Fest is held twice annually, spring and fall, rain or shine, at the Deerfield Fairgrounds, Deerfield NH beginning on Friday at 0900 and ending Saturday at 1500 hours.

“Admission is $10. Persons under 18 and over 80 are admitted free of charge upon presentation of government-issued ID. Inside parking is available for $10 and includes a ‘reasonable amount of flea market selling space’ for PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS selling their own personal property. Commercial vendors must register and pay applicable fees. If you are wondering if you are a ‘commercial vendor’ you probably are. One complimentary inside commercial space is available for clubs, estates and other ‘non-profit organizations’ on an “as available” basis.”

For additional information, visit http://near-fest.com.

 

 

Cape & Islands ARES Drill, April 22, 2017

Cape Cod ARES logo

John O’Neill, K1JRO writes on the South Shore Hospital ARC mailing list:

Cape Cod ARES will be holding a drill on April 22nd from 10 AM – 12 noon.

This is an ideal opportunity for EOCs and hospitals to take part in an ARES drill and test their ability to communicate with stations on the Cape. South Shore Hospital will be participating in the drill. In today’s day and age, you never know where you may be needed, and where you may need to communicate to or from.

The Drill Details are as follows:

–Cape and Islands Exercise #58

The Cape Cod and Islands Amateur Radio Emergency Service District will conduct a technical test exercise in order to test its capability in establishing communications between one of its primary regional shelters and other fixed sites. Such sites include the Multi Agency coordination Center (MACC), EOCs, hospital stations, home stations etc. The technical test exercise called “Operation Shelter Hop” will test the ability of several fixed stations to provide communications coverage in our operational district and beyond. This will also be a drill to test some of our on/off Cape EOCs, primary stations and other ARES member home stations. The exercise will attempt to build upon the lessons learned from our past operational exercises.

The Primary objectives of this exercise are as follows:

Deploy a crew and operate from the Falmouth Regional shelter (Falmouth High School);
Deploy a crew and operate from the Multi Agency Coordination Center Station (MACC) at the Barnstable County Facility in Barnstable;
Establish and conduct a tactical net on simplex 2m FM;
Establish contact with Town RACES EOCs;
Establish contact with other ARES districts and their EOCs where possible;
Test and evaluate communications with home stations;
Communicate with the Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard ARES/RACES stations;
Conduct an HF contact on Cape for statewide practice and participation;
Test communications from Falmouth Club station on Joint Base Cape Cod;
Test communications from Falmouth Fire Station EOC.

The simplex frequency that will be used is 146.580.

John O’Neill
K1JRO
EMA DEC – Healthcare Liaison