a field organization of the National Association for Amateur Radio®
Lem Skidmore, W1LEM, writes on the Barnstable ARC mailing list:Ken Horton, KA1GFN, writes on the Algonquin ARC mailing list:
Starting in December, the Minuteman Repeater Association (MMRA) will start an Elmer Forum on Zoom on the second Wednesday of each month. There are currently four scheduled dates. The first of which is December 11th.
All are welcome to attend whether an MMRA member or not.
This is being started because statistics have shown that many new hams never get on the air and their license eventually expires without being renewed. These statistics have been presented to both the MMRA and Algonquin ARC by Fred, AB1OC.
See attached PDF for more information.
There is no need to respond if you plan to attend or not. If there is something important worth noting, then I will forward it on.
Joseph Fratto-K1UN – FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License writes:
The USCG Auxiliary Division 5 / 12 Radio Net was held this Sunday 17 NOV 24 at 1015 hrs.
Check Ins: Radio Wilmington
Radio Roslindale
Radio Winthrop
Mobile 5F
Mobile 5G
Net Control: Radio Waltham NCS
Traffic: Stations were able to radio test their facilities. Mobile 5F and Mobile 5G were at the beach
in the Hull area working on servicing their boat. Radio Winthrop’s boat has been put away
for the winter. Radio Wilmington’s boat is also out of the water and in the shop for service.
The Auxiliary Net on the MMRA is going strong and we increase our check ins weekly.
This is a fellowship unofficial net on Ham Radio with a lot of interest. We depend on Hams
to help us out if needed with communications.
Check Ins: WB1EMS
N1DFL
KB1WGK
KC1VHN
K1UVH
KB1NZZ
K1HGT
KC1VJH
KB1ZSW
N1MSK
KB1MWD
W1JVC
KC1VMG
N1KMX
KA1GFN
KW1W
WA1APC
WV1D
KC1LNQ
KC1VPU
N1WRN
N1JSM
KS1E
KA1GFN
KB1OQA
KA1GDQ
W1ATO
K1UN
Keeping these stations on our network is a good way for testing the performance of the linked
repeater network. The only traffic for the net was for the Thanksgiving Parade coming up on the
23 NOV 24 at 0800 Muster and Marching from 1000 to 1200 hrs. Contact your FC or Don Zidik
for further info. The New England Boat Show is coming up on JAN 8 to 12 at the Boston Convention
and Exhibition. Any interest in working the show please contact your FC or Don Zidik directly.
We mentioned the Military Auxiliary Radio System, a DOD sponsored Ham Radio Auxiliary servicing
DOD. Attached is a short video on USAF MARS which I am an emeritus member of.
Submitted: Joseph Fratto
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License
Frank O’Laughlin, WQ1O, posts on the Cape and Island ARES Facebook page:
Several of the ARES guys in the CAIECN mesh group conducted a meshnet localized test with Sandwich Fire Chief Burke and Sandwich public safety/emergency management. We linked their warming center with the fire and police buildings. We tested video, IP phone, document transfer and data upload to an incident webpage. All of this was self contained and did not utilize any public internet or phone systems. We used VHF radio as additional support with our portable kits.
My thanks to all our guys for their time and efforts in making this happen. We will soon be working with Chief Burke for our next steps.
The October Section Traffic Manager Report can now be viewed at https://ema.arrl.org/massachusetts-rhode-island-stm-report-for-october-2024/. Note NTS Trivia and Treasure Hunt update; 850 radiograms relayed to ARRL field appointees,; NTS involvement in “November Gale” exercise; MA and RI Digital Traffic Net; and the APRS-DTN Gateway.
Jon N1ILZ writes:
As part of the Fall 2024 SET “November Gale,” we conducted a special session of the Massachusetts Rhode Island Digital Net (MARIDN). MARIDN is an affiliate of the National Traffic System (NTS) of the ARRL, convened to pass formal written traffic across MA and RI and to and from wherever third-party traffic is allowed, using the digital message-passing capabilities of the fldigi NBEMS software suite.
The MARIDN special session ran 1000-1203L (1500-1703Z). A total of 14 stations checked in, with a total of six pieces of traffic passed, including both Radiograms and ICS-213 messages. The exercise demonstrated passing traffic within the net and exchanging traffic with the greater National Traffic System (NTS).
N1ILZ was primary NCS. Special thanks to Don AB1PH for assisting as NCS. Thanks to the following stations for checking in to the special edition of MARIDN:
N1ILZ/NCS, WZ0C, AB1PH/NCS, N1RDN, KW1U, N1JCM, N1CPE, K1HRV, W1RVY, K1ELB, KX1C, KT1OK, NV1Y, AF1R
The special edition of MARIDN started on 80m. After 15-20 minutes it was clear that propagation was not in our favor – stations within ~25 mi of each other could relay traffic, but passing traffic from, say, Walpole, MA to Cape Cod was a non-starter, even with relays. MARIDN moved to its alternate 40m frequency and operations were much better.
The MARIDN team noted several lessons-learned, e.g., around net band-change and NCS handoff. These will be documented in a future document and incorporated into MARIDN processes.
Thanks again to all who participated!
73 de
—Jon N1ILZ
Sincerely,
Michael Leger (N1YLQ)
MEMA Region #2 RACES Officer
C: 508_995_0203
Hello to all…
The November Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday November 4th, 2024 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater system.
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:
https://mmra.org/repeaters/repeater_linking.html (Click the ARES box to see the repeaters and other systems linked)
We look forward to your participation and remember, we are always looking for Net Controls to run the ARES Net. We will have several announcements for the net including updated information for the Eastern Massachusetts ARES Simulated Emergency Test (SET) on 11/9/24 from 10 AM-12 PM, the Western Massachusetts ARES Simulated Emergency Test (SET) for Sunday 11/10/24 and 2024 SKYWARN Recognition Day slated for Saturday 12/7/24 from 0000-2400 UTC.
Thanks for your continued support of ARES!
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
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Don Rolph, AB1PH, Walpole area ARES Emergency Coordinator writes:
The MEMA RACES nets are held on the first Monday of the month, unless the first Monday is a holiday, when it is delayed one week, For Nov 2024, the MEMA RACES nets will be held on Mon Nov 4 at:
********************************************************************************
80 meter Voice net
6:45 PM
Frequency: 3930 KHz working up until the first free frequency
Jeff N1JCM will be net control
*********************************************************************************
Region 2D VHF net:
7:30 PM ET VHF net on 146.865 MHz PL 103.5 (Sharon Repeater)
We will have a general call up of any RACES, ARES, or other interested stations. If there is time, we will have a simplex test.
Don using WA1PLE will be net control.
********************************************************************************
HF 80 meters NBEMS net:
7:00 PM ET
Dial Frequency: 3584.5 MHx
Center Frequency: 1500 Hz
Initial mode: THOR22
We will have checkins, followed by an ICS-213 format message using FLMSG.
Don AB1PH will be net control
*********************************************************************************
Winlink Net:
Bryan Marcotte KF1D will be net control.
Send a winlink checkin form to KF1D, copy AB1PH, between 0600 Monday Nov 4 and 2400 Monday Nov 4.
We look forward to you checking in!
—
73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph
Joseph Fratto-K1UN – FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License writes:
The USCG Auxiliary Divisions 5 / 12 Radio Net was held this Sunday 3 NOV 2024 at 1015 hrs.
Check Ins: Radio Wilmington
Radio Roslindale
Net Control: Radio Waltham NCS
Traffic: The net was held. Stations were able to radio test their facilities. Signals were
L / C on the Roslindale repeater.
Auxiliarist Don Zidik acting ASC for Sector Boston sent an update of upcoming
events.
Parades: Veterans Day – Boston 9 NOV 24 muster by 1030 and marching
1200 to 1400.
Thanksgiving Day – Plymouth MA. 23 NOV 24 muster by 0800
marching 1000 -1200 further info to follow.
Please be advised that the Boston CGX is not handling laundry and tailoring as a
new contract with a vendor was not renewed.
Uniform inspections are due by 31 DEC 24 please contact your FC.
The Division 5 Change of Watch is scheduled for Saturday 25 JAN 2025 at 1800
at the Old Colony YC in Dorchester.
Boat Crew Training is available please contact your FC or Flotilla FSO-MT for further
info.
There are opportunities to assist the active duty side on the FRC’s and Stations. Please
contact Auxiliarist Zidik for further information and point of contact.
The ID machine is still down. If you need a temporary paper ID to get on the base please
contact Charles in DIRAUX office.
The NE Boat Show will be held on JAN 8 – 12 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition
Center. If you want to volunteer please contact Donald Zidik more info to follow as soon
as the contract is signed.
The “Auxiliary Net” on Ham Radio is going strong. Every Sunday at 1100 following the
USCG Auxiliary Nets. The Auxiliary Net is on the MMRA Minuteman Repeater Association
repeater network on Ham Radio. The net is going strong with a lot of check ins. This net
has been a great public relations tool for the District 1 North COMMS Program.
During the upcoming winter months the Division 5 Radio Net will be activating for the
purpose of SKYWARN as needed. We will try to schedule a SKYWARN training update
with National Weather Service NWS on Zoom conference.
The Net thanks all the members for their participation on all our various radio nets. As we
have said in the past the USCG Auxiliary COMMS are the only “Auxiliary” radio group that
is credentialed, vetted, has a security clearance, is uniformed, assigned a robust suite of
exclusive federal government frequencies, has a chain of command, trained, tested and
is part of Team Coast Guard.
Submitted: Joseph Fratto
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License
With the change from Daylight Savings to Standard Time, the afternoon sessions of the First Region Net (FRN) now meet daily at 1400 and 1600 local time on 3950 Khz . Alternate frequency is 7243 Khz. The Eastern Area Net (EAN) continues to meet on 7243 Khz daily but now at 1430 EST. Any traffic going beyond the New England region should be brought to the earlier session of FRN whenever possible to allow for faster delivery via the Eastern Area Net at 1430.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! Welcome to the October 2024 EMA Section Update! I am publishing this update to the EMA Section and NE Division websites and sending it to all the clubs I have email addresses for. Please distribute this widely. The email-blast-to-all-section-members function is still down, a casualty of the cyber-attack on ARRL HQ; there is currently – still – no ETA.
It’s now officially Autumn. That means the population of our Cape Cod communities has reverted to mostly normal. Many businesses have shuttered for the season. This is by far my favorite season, as the temperatures moderate, the traffic calms down, the leaves turn, and things quiet down. And I’ll take my beverages without pumpkin spice, thank you very much!
* Election for ARRL New England Division Director
Incumbent Director Fred Kemmerer AB1OC faces Director Emeritus Tom Frenaye K1KI in the upcoming election for ARRL Director, New England Division. You should have received an email and a USMail postcard with directions on how to vote electronically or to request a paper ballot. If you’ve already voted, thanks! If not, vote NOW! Voting ends at noon (ET), November 15, 2024. Whomever your choice is, I strongly encourage you to vote in this very important election!
* ARRL Sweepstakes Coming Up
A reminder: the ARRL Sweepstakes – the oldest domestic ham radio contest – is coming up in November. ARRL Sweeps CW is Nov 2, 2024, 2100Z to Nov 4, 2024, 0300Z. That’s THIS WEEKEND! And ARRL Sweeps SSB is Nov 16, 2024, 2100Z to Nov 18, 2024, 0300Z. I hope to work you in one or both of the contests! Full details are at https://www.arrl.org/sweepstakes
* Police Amateur Radio Team (PART) of Westford, MA has Several POTA Activations
The Police Amateur Radio Team (PART) of Westford, MA reports having tons o’ fun with POTA activations, both as a club activation and as a group of PART members gathering for POTA activations as individuals. They describe it as “a bunch of hams came together at Great Brook Farm State Park to have great fun together, enjoy the great weather, and make some QSOs.”
Have you or your club activated some POTAs? Let me know, so I can give you a shout-out in the Section Update!
* Eastern MA Simulated Emergency Test (SET Saturday, Nov 9, 1000-1200 EST
Eastern Massachusetts ARES will conduct a section exercise and Simulated Emergency Test (SET) on Saturday 11/9/24 from 10 AM-12 PM dubbed “November Gale”. The exercise will practice similar skills as previous exercises conducted over the course of 2024 and will serve as a means of practice heading into the 2024-2025 winter season.
* Barnstable ARC members QRV for Jamboree on the Air (JOTA)
Members of the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club (BARC) were active on the air for Scouting America’s (nee Boy Scouts of America) Jamboree on the Air (JOTA), an international event in which Scouts worldwide use Amateur Radio to chat with other scouts. BARC members demonstrated a wide variety of Amateur Radio technologies, including an ARES go-kit for VHF communications; HF voice, CW, and FT8; and DMR. A good time was had by all, and many JOTA badges were given away. More details at https://ema.arrl.org/2024/10/19/barnstable-arc-qrv-for-jamboree-on-the-air-october-19-2024/
Was your club active for JOTA or other Scouting America events? Let me know so I can give you some free publicity!
* Nationwide NTS Traffic Handling Zoom Training Session Held October 14, 2024
On Monday, October 14 at 7:00 PM NTS luminaries held an interactive Zoom session to introduce the National Traffic System (NTS). This training incorporated videos and open discussion to get participants started with an exciting aspect of the hobby that’s been around for over 100 years! …
* Recruiting Volunteer Webmaster(s) for the EMA Website
Phil, K9HI has done a fantastic job of maintaining the https://ema.arrl.,org website. I (still) need to recruit some backup resources. If you have basic skills with WordPress and can help maintain the website – mostly posting new articles at the suggestion of me and others – please contact me at n1ilz@arrl.org. You’ll be helping me – and the League – immensely!
* Recruiting a New Section Youth Coordinator
Last month I reported that our Section Youth Coordinator, Paul K1YUB, had stepped down from his position. I’m even more sad to report that Paul is now a Silent Key. I need to fill this important position on the EMA Section Staff. The SYC requirement and job description is at https://www.arrl.org/section-youth-coordinator If you are interested in this volunteer position, please contact me at n1ilz@arrl.org – I’ll appreciate it greatly!
* N1ILZ for a Final
Stay safe and warm out there! Autumn is here, the vehicular traffic is (mostly) calming down – at least in vacation areas – and the weather forecasters are predicting – well, who listens to those crazy long-term weather forecasters anyway? Go pick some apples, go peep at some leaves, and enjoy all that New England Autumn has to offer! And get those outdoor antenna projects done before the snow starts flying fierce and it’s too cold to go out, proving a great excuse to stay by the space-heater – I mean linear amplifier – and make some QSOs!
Can you write a paragraph or two about what you’re up to, so I can publish it in the Section Update? Let me know via email at n1ilz@arrl.org!
* For always up-to-date news, please visit the EMA Section website at http://ema.arrl.org
This Section News Update is brought to you by Section Manager Jon N1ILZ.
Jeff N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH writes:
Good Evening,
On Saturday November 2, 2024 the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Group will hold an Eastern MA Hospital Net commencing at 10:00AM.
We realize that some locations, individuals, and groups may be subject to COVID restrictions. We encourage everyone who is affected by these restrictions to utilize their home or mobile stations to check into the net if possible. Even if you cannot reach all the systems being used, please check-in on those you can.
Also we will be using our repeater (147.345 tone 110.9) this month as a test after having some maintenance done and I would be seeking footprint/coverage information from net check ins.
We will use the following repeaters in the order listed.
1. Plymouth Repeater 1146.685 tone 131.8
2. West Bridgewater Repeater 1146.775 dcs 244
3. DMR -Talkgroup 8851 Time Slot :1 on the following NEDECN repeaters: Boston 449.175 -5.M CC:1, Hingham 146.430 -1.5M CC:1, Sagamore 145.200 – 0.6M CC:10, Dennis 146.470 -1.5M CC:11, East Falmouth 145.210 -0.600 CC:9, Martha’s Vineyard145.180 -0.600 CC:10, and Walpole 145.380 -0.600 CC:12.
4. Falmouth Repeater 147.375 tone 110.9
5. Simplex 147.420
We will then return to the Plymouth Repeater for 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 any health care facility, EOC of any city or town as well as RACES or ARES members to check in during the NET.
We are always looking for groups or organizations to try their hand at Net Control duties. If you are interested in trying your hand at Net Control please let us know. We can be reached by sending an email to ssharg@outlook.com or replying to this message. The goal is to rotate Net Control practice and the experience among as many individuals and groups as possible.
We thank the repeater trustees for their generosity in allowing us to conduct these monthly nets and the use of their systems in an actual event.
We hope to hear you Saturday.
73,
Jeff N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH
Great News! We are fully staffed for the November 3rd Ocean View Half-Marathon.
DATE : Saturday, Nov 2, 2024 (rain date – Sun 11/3)Hello to all…
Eastern Massachusetts ARES will conduct a section exercise and Simulated Emergency Test (SET) on Saturday 11/9/24 from 10 AM-12 PM dubbed “November Gale”. The exercise will practice similar skills as previous exercises conducted over the course of 2024 and will serve as a means of practice heading into the 2024-2025 winter season.
The detailed drill document can be seen at the following link: https://ema.arrl.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/EasternMA-ARES-Fall-Exercise-2024-V2.0-11-03-24.pdf This document will likely be final but will be updated if necessary by Friday 11/8/24 for any last minute changes.
While we encourage participation by Eastern Massachusetts ARES members, RACES/AUXCOMM/USCG Auxiliary Operators and Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters, all are welcome to participate including those outside of the Eastern Massachusetts section. We will also discuss the SET on the November Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net.
Thanks in advance for your support of this SET and Eastern Massachusetts ARES!
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
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Joseph Fratto-K1UN – FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License writes:
The USCG Auxiliary Combined Divisions 5 / 12 Radio Net was held on Sunday 20 OCT 2024 at 1015 hrs.
Check Ins: Radio Wilmington
Vessel 323088
Mobile 5F
Mobile 5G
Radio Roslindale
Net Control: Radio Waltham NCS
Traffic: Facility radio tests were made. The repeater located in Falmouth MA. was shut down and
removed. We are looking for another location in Falmouth. This location would service a
number of stations operating on Cape Cod. Hopefully LCDR Wilcox may have a spot on
his tower to support the repeater.
Traffic included several announcements including the Division 5 meeting is Thursday and
it will be online. ID cards for D1 are on hold as the ID machine is undergoing technical
upgrades. The D1 Conference will be held on APR 2025 25, 26 and 27. The Boat Show in
Boston is coming soon and very early. The dates are JAN 9, 10, 11, and 12. If you wish to
participate please contact your FC or await further info to come out.
Auxiliarist Jim Healy is still on the mend and recuperating.
The Auxiliary Net held on the MMRA network is now averaging 20 participants weekly. The
MMRA has extended our net time until 1230 hrs to accommodate our check ins. We asked
that the Barnstable VHF repeater located in Hyannis be tied into the Auxiliary Net to allow
Hams and Auxiliarists on Cape Cod to be able to participate. This request is going through
the process.
Non Ham members can listen to the Auxiliary Net on their police scanner radio. The frequency
is 146.820 or 146.670. You can tune in and listen or become a Ham by taking a very easy
entrance level exam and getting your callsign. Amateur Radio or Ham Radio exams are given
at numerous locations and times during the month. You can even make arrangements to take
exams online in the comfort of your home. Hams can use the Echo-Link system to check into
the Auxiliary Net on the MMRA network.
Several stations mentioned that they are working on antennas today. Being a very nice WX
day it is perfect for antenna repairs. Now is the time to do those repairs. Don’t wait for the
cold and snow.
Stations are reminded to monitor the 5 Mhz 60 Meter channels during emergency conditions.
The 5 Mhz channels are the best frequencies for Ham radio operators to contact federal stations.
On the Auxiliary Net today we explained the SHARES Net. SHAred RESources Net. The net
was established right after the Cuban missile crisis by President Kennedy. The USCG had a
major role in getting the SHARES net off the ground and operational. If you Google Shared
Resources SHARES National Communications System you will find an old video that shows
the SHARES network in operation.
Submitted: Joseph Fratto
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License
Robert “Bob” Evans, AB2NE / G3ZFJ, will present, “Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS): What Is It and What Can It Do?” at the Framingham ARA Hybrid Meeting, November 7, 2024 at 7 pm at the McAuliffe Library and on Zoom. 