Clubs

K1BG: “Radio Contesting for Beginners” at Nashoba Valley ARC Meeting, October 16, 2026

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Nashoba Valley ARC logoBruce Bain, K1BG, writes:

The Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club’s October meeting is TOMORROW, Thursday, October 16th at 7:30 PM at the Pepperell Community Center (in Pepperell). We start gathering at 7 PM to socialize before the meeting starts.

Yours truly, Bruce, K1BG, will give a presentation on Radio Contesting for Beginners.  Due to our recent license classes, we have a lot of new hams in the club who are discovering what amateur radio is all about.  The presentation will focus on what amateur radio contesting is, show everyone how they can participate, and remove any misconceptions or reservations they might have.  There should be something for everyone – experienced or not – during the talk.

I look forward to seeing you there.

If you need directions to the club meeting, please click  <http://binged.it/smoogg> here and put your own address in box “A”.

Thanks, and 73. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Bruce, K1BG
978-772-2773 or  bruce.blain@charter.net

Organization

Pass the Bill! Have you Sent Your Letters?

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

ARRL logoARRL’s push to pass the bill has great momentum, but we need EVERY radio amateur in the United States to send their letters.

Your participation can make the difference in passing this legislation.

It only takes seconds. If you’re a licensed ham in the US, go to https://send-a-letter.org/hoa/, enter your call sign, validate your address, and click the red SEND MY LETTERS button. It really is that easy!

In less time than it takes to make a single QSO, your letters will tell Congress to remove the legal restraints on hams living in restrictive HOAs to put up an antenna.

Follow the link at https://send-a-letter.org/hoa/ to send your letter now!

What it is:

The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act (see ARRL News 02/07/2025) is a pair of bipartisan bills — H.R.1094 in the House and S.459 in the Senate – which are designed to prevent restrictive homeowners’ association (HOA) rules that currently prohibit or severely limit the installation of amateur radio antennas, even when such antennas are hidden in trees, placed in attics, mounted on vehicles, or look like flagpoles.

Se Habla Español – Pasar el proyecto de ley

Si su lengua materna es el español, ARRL ha creado instrucciones y una página web para que envíe sus cartas al Congreso.

Descargue las instrucciones aquí:

https://send-a-letter.org/espanol/

 

Clubs

N1QD: “Digital Mobile Radio” at Boston ARC Hybrid Meeting, October 16, 2025

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

Boston ARC logoThe Boston Amateur Radio Club’s Ham Radio Basics speaker series continues in October with Joe Harris, N1QD, giving a presentation on Digital Mobile Radio (DMR). The talk will cover an overview of digital voice for ham radio as well as a discussion on how to program your radio to work with the club’s 449.175 DMR repeater.

The BARC general meeting will be held on Thursday October 16th at 7:30 pm at the Artisans Asylum and on Zoom.

[Email w1bos@arrl.net for Zoom information.]
Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts Hospital Net (EMHN) – Saturday 10/11/25 – 1000 AM EDT

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Jeff-N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH writes:

Good Evening,

On Saturday October 11, 2025 the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Group will hold an Eastern MA Hospital Net commencing at 10:00AM.

Home or alternative locations are also welcome to check into the net. Even if you cannot reach all the systems being used, please check-in on those you can.

We will use the following repeaters in the order listed.

1. West Bridgewater repeater 146.775 dcs 244
2. Whitman Repeater 147.225 tone 67.0
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. Sharon Repeater 146.865 tone 103.5
5. Simplex 147.420

We will then return to the West Bridgewater 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

Mentoring / Public Information

New Amateur Report for October 1, 2025

- by Jon McCombie - Leave a Comment

Here is the new ham report as of October 1, listing newly licensed hams. Club officials, please review the list and reach out to those in your footprint and invite, welcome them. To all: please welcome these folks when you hear them on local repeaters. Offer assistance as well!

Report for 2025-10-01

James F Jones, KC1YGY – FCC
5 Lilac Ln
Ayer, MA 01432-1592

Brayden Rodriguez, KC1YGZ – FCC
4 Shagbark Dr
Townsend, MA 01469-1210

John F Connors, KC1YGT – FCC
68 Harmony Ln
Marlborough, MA 01752-1620

Daniel Tang, KC1YHA – FCC
8 Kimball Ct Apt 701
Burlington, MA 01803-3851

Davis Gardner, KC1YHI – FCC
21 Ferren Dr
Billerica, MA 01821-3213

Michael D Hall, KC1YHT – FCC
108 Bouchard Ave
Dracut, MA 01826-2208

Kartik P Patel, KC1YHU – FCC
114 Bridle Path Ln
Methuen, MA 01844-1575

Michael Fairbank, KC1YJK – FCC
505 Prospect St
Methuen, MA 01844-5149

Ronald Lapat, KC1YHV – FCC
15 Trails End Rd
Westford, MA 01886-1751

Jonathan D Hughes, KC1YHQ – FCC
7 Blue Ridge Rd
Westford, MA 01886-1910

William Gallagher, KC1YGS – FCC
1 Homestead Dr
Medfield, MA 02052-2805

John C Dalco, KC1YJW – FCC
206 Lincoln St
Norwell, MA 02061-1224

Frank Corrao, KC1YIR – FCC
PO Box 161
Sheldonville, MA 02070-0161

Carter M Turnbaugh, KC1YIU – FCC
100 Lovejoy Wharf Unit 8L
Boston, MA 02114-2160

Sakthivel Ponnampalayam Sivaku, KC1YHE – FCC
31 Juniper St
Boston, MA 02119-1750

Bradley Wright, KC1YIV – FCC
77 Turner St Apt 1
Boston, MA 02135-2889

Rishabh Kothari, KC1YIS – FCC
16 Park Ave Apt 1
Somerville, MA 02144-2062

Eric A Doucette, KC1YGQ – FCC
84 Campbell St
Quincy, MA 02169-1417

James Dolio, KC1YGN – FCC
200 Quarry Hills Dr Apt 1210
Quincy, MA 02169-3818

Will B Malec, KC1YKB – FCC
33 Bradford Rd
Milton, MA 02186-4703

Robert J Carr, KC1YJT – FCC
231 Thatcher St
Brockton, MA 02302-3949

Stephen A Currie, KC1YJV – FCC
412 Thompson St
Halifax, MA 02338-1600

Melindo S Towne, KC1YIA – FCC
290 Summit Rd
Abington, MA 02351-1267

Donald Gunther, KC1YJG – FCC
64 Station Dr Apt 2425
Plymouth, MA 02360-5756

David Wurtzburg, KC1YIQ – FCC
11 McAuliffe Rd
Randolph, MA 02368-3846

Evan W Coutts, KC1YJU – FCC
671 Washington St Apt 1
Whitman, MA 02382-1376

Wesley D Halliwell, KC1YJX – FCC
151 Parker St
Newton, MA 02459-2546

Douglas Stephens, KC1YGW – FCC
12 Westland Ter
West Newton, MA 02465-1524

Michael Axman, KC1YJY – FCC
66 Buena Vista Rd
Arlington, MA 02476-7537

Thomas W Trefny, KC1YJH – FCC
38 Harbor Hill Dr
Bourne, MA 02532-3868

Mark A Rogers, KC1YIE – FCC
175 Sam Turner Rd
East Falmouth, MA 02536-3912

Derwood K Lifgren, KC1YJQ – FCC
37 Tasina Dr
East Falmouth, MA 02536-7749

John G Carroll, KC1YJP – FCC
4 Woodrise
Falmouth, MA 02540-2504

Douglas H Borden, KC1YJF – FCC
126 Clark Rd
Sagamore Beach, MA 02562-2619

Kathleen L Lambert, KC1YJA – FCC
39 Meadowspring Dr
South Dennis, MA 02660-2756

Lucas M Hutchins, KC1YHN – FCC
35 Coach Rd
Plainville, MA 02762-5065

Richard Fearn, KC1YJR – FCC
5 Lewin Ln
Swansea, MA 02777-3633

 
Clubs / Youth

KC1TCM: “Summer Field Trips in Ham Radio, Computers, and Engineering” at Sci-Tech ARS Hybrid Meeting, October 7, 2025

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
KC1TCM at YOTA 2025
Oliver Johnson, KC1TCM at the YOTA-Junior campus at the Voice of America station

Join by Oliver Johnson, KC1TCM, for  “Summer Field Trips in HAM Radio, Computers, and Engineering” at the Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society hybrid in-person/Zoom meeting, 16 Tech Circle in Natick, MA at 7 PM on October 7, 2025. [Email info@nescitech.org for Zoom details]

Description:

Oliver was one of twelve young hams to attend the first-ever YOTA-Junior camp in summer 2025 at the Voice of America Museum in West Chester, Ohio. YOTA and YOTA-Junior campus are focused on increasing youth engagement with Ham radio. Oliver will present photos and experiences from YOTA-Junior and lessons for increasing youth engagement. He will also present other radio and computer summer experiences including Try Engineering Camp at University of Pennsylvania, a visit to the Wright-Patterson Air Force museum and a visit to the National Electronics Museum and Computer Systems Source in Hunt Valley, Maryland.

Bio: 

Oliver Johnson, KC1TCM, went from Tech to Amateur Extra at age 13 via New England Sci–Tech (NEST) classes. He regularly participates in STARS, operates at W1STR, and performs projects at NEST. In 7th grade he ran a fundraiser to buy soldering stations and kits and start an electronics club at Holliston Middle School, so far teaching more than a dozen students to solder and build kit projects. Andrew Johnson, KC1TDZ, has published more than 250 scientific papers and is a Tenured Professor in Biomedical Sciences, but mainly he’s just Oliver’s Dad and along for the ride.

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Reminder: October 6th, 2025 MEMA RACES/ACS Communications Test Net

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment
Mike “Sparky” Leger, N1YLQ, ARES DEC – MEMA Region 2 RACES Radio Officer writes:
 
Hello to all,
 
This email is the typical monthly message to let everyone know that Monday evening, October 6th, 2025 is our first non-holiday Monday of the month and, as such, will be the next RACES/ACS/Preparedness Net night. For those who check into the 80m Net, please note the change in frequency for the net this evening. This was necessary due to frequent net collisions during our planned net night/time.
 
I will be unable to reliably be NCO for the Sector 2A net due to work requirements, so I am looking for someone to act as the Sector 2A NCO for the night. If no one is able to be NCO, I can try from my mobile radio in my vehicle as our town’s 9-1-1 system allows. 

For those who participate in the WinLink net, please note that there is a different NCO noted for the WinLink net this month with messages being routed to KC1VMZ with a copy to AB1PH. 
 
For any operators interested in performing the duties of Net Control Station (NCS), there are materials available to make the task fairly simple and straight forward. The net pre-amble and role call lists are available at http://wc1mab.org/RACES_R2_Interim_Preamble.pdf and http://wc1mab.org/Month.php with the role-call lists on the left column near the bottom. If anyone is worried that they may mess up running a net, please remember that, in many cases, a less than perfect net is WAY better than no net at all! At the conclusion of any net, any operator that acted as Net Control Operator is asked to please send a note to WC1MAB@gmail.com <mailto:WC1MAB@gmail.com>  letting me know who ran the net and who checked in so that the proper numbers can be reported to our served agencies. We cannot always count on our normal net control operators to be available in the event of a large scale emergency, so every RACES operator should be prepared to act as NCO if needed when disaster and emergency strikes!
 

The Region #2 and State Net Schedule for this evening is as follows:

Net Frequency/Offset Time
Sector 2A 147.00 /+0.60  PL 19:30 Local
Sector 2B 145.39/-0.60  PL 67.0 20:00 Local
Sector 2C Winlink Net Check-In – 

NCO: KC1VMZ with copy to AB1PH

 6AM-Midnight Local Time
Sector 2D 146.865/-0.60  PL 103.5 19:30 Local
6-Meter State Net 53.31 / -1.0  PL 71.9  

 

Note: Net activity on this repeater has been hit and miss. Please report any activity.

 19:00 Local
MA RACES HF Net 3942 KHz LSB moving up to 3955 KHz until there is a clear frequency 18:45 Local
MA MEMA NBEMS Net Frequency:  3584.5 MHx, Center Frequency: 1500 Hz, Initial mode: THOR22 19:00 Local
Winlink Net Instructions From Don Rolph: 
 
*Winlink Net*
 
To participate:
– create a check-in form using the Winlink standard check-in form
– send via Winlink after 6 AM EST Mon. October 6th and before midnight EST October 7th
  (any mode, but include mode in check-in form) to KC1VMZ with a copy to AB1PH.
 
I continue to ask that any operators who have the time, please try to
check into sector nets from near-by sectors. This will allow our Net
Control Operators to practice fielding nets with a strong check-in count and
will also serve to help practice with relays or modified sector assignments
in the event that a single repeater is out of service.
 
For those operators who serve as Net Control Operators, please try to
remember to send me a list of the stations and communities that check into
your nets. The numbers are reported to MEMA to show them our level of
participation. I am continuing to work on a graphical map based report to
show which parts of our section have strong coverage and which areas may
need a more targeted recruitment campaign to improve our ability to provide
back-up communications in an emergency.
 
I appreciate you all answering the call to help our communities remain
prepared as we close out the year for RACES/ARES operations. Thank you all for helping us keep things on track and prove that we remain a consistent source of communication capability to the Commonwealth. This net provides a monthly reminder to our communities and served agencies that we stand ready with a quiet professionalism prepared to serve as a voice to whomever needs one to get help and resources to where they need to be.
 
 If you know someone who would benefit from being on this list, please have them contact me at   <mailto:WC1MAB@gmail.com> WC1MAB@gmail.com and I will add them to this distribution. Thank you all!
 
If anyone has any questions or comments I can be reached by e-mail or
cell phone. Thanks for being a part of our team and I look forward to
hearing back on who can participate this month.
 
Sincerely,
 
Michael Leger (N1YLQ)
MEMA Region #2 RACES Officer
C: 508_995_0203 
Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Massachusetts RACES Nets – Monday 10/6/25 for HF, Region 2D VHF, NBEMS & Winlink – Times and Details Below

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

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 Oct 2025, the MEMA RACES nets will be held on Mon Oct 6 at:

********************************************************************************
80 meter Voice net
*** Note new frequency of 3942 Khz ****
This is to avoid another established net
6:45 PM
Frequency: 3942 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:
John KC1VMZ will be net control.
Send a winlink checkin form to KC1VMZ, copy AB1PH, between 0600 Monday Oct 6 and 2400 Monday Oct 6.

We look forward to you checking in!

—

73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph

Emergency Communications / NTS / Operating / Public Service

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Net – Monday October 6th, 2025 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater System

- by kd1cy - Leave a Comment

Hello to all…

The October Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday October 6th, 2025 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.

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
https://www.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – https://twitter.com/wx1box
Subscribe on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@wx1box-nwsboston-amateur-radio

Clubs

W1DAN: “SIGSALY: ­Pioneering Digital Techniques in WWII” at Algonquin ARC Meeting, Marlborough, October 9, 2025

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

AARC logoThe next Algonquin Amateur Radio Club meeting will be held on September 9th at 7:30 pm in the library of the 1st Lt. Charles W. Whitcomb School, 25 Union St, Marlborough, MA. Enter from Agoritsas Drive next to the police station and use Door #1 at rear of building.

Dan Brown, W1DAN, will present: “SIGSALY: ­Pioneering Digital Techniques in WWII.”

Public Service

Volunteers Needed – Cystic Fibrosis Foundation “Cycle for Life” – October 4th, 2025

- by n1wbv - Leave a Comment

Alan, K1ALL, writes on the PART of Westford list:

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation “Cycle for Life” bicycle event is being held this year in our area (Lexington, Carlisle, Concord, Westford) and is in need a few more ham radio volunteers to provide safety communications along the routes (there are three routes — 65 miles, 30 miles, and 15 miles).  All that is needed is a 2 meter portable or mobile radio.  There are both fixed-position and mobile opportunities.  The event runs from 0700 to about 1200. I have volunteered for this event a number of times and it is a well-run and fun experience.  
 
If you are interested in volunteering. please contact the radio lead,  Dave Gilman (kc1ddh@gmail.com) for more information.
Foxhunting

MBTA Accessible Fox Hunt, Alewife-Cambridge Vicinity, September 27-28, 2025

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment
MBTA logoEliot Mayer, W1MJ, writes on the NEMassFoxHunters list and Boston ARC mailing list:
 
The W1MJ fox will be deployed this weekend (September 27-28) on public land near Alewife Station, which is on the MBTA Red Line and several bus routes.  
 
If coming by car, start at one of the following parking lots:
 
Hours of Operation:
Saturday:  10:00 AM until 7:00 PM
Sunday:  7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
 
Frequency:  147.54 MHz
 
The fox is running 4 watts to a roll-up J-pole antenna, so bring your attenuator.  Depending upon how well shielded your radio is, hunting with no antenna may prove helpful.  Hunting on the 3rd harmonic (442.62 MHz) may also be helpful when you get very close.  For more information about this fox, see https://www.w1mj.com/fox/.
 
Clubs / Flea markets & Conventions

Falmouth ARA Fest 2025

- by W1IZZ - Leave a Comment

FARA Fest is held annually at the Upper Cape Cod Regional Vocational School.   FARA Fest 2025 will be held on November 1, from 09:00 to 12:00.  The Fest provides and opportunity for local hams to buy, sell, or swap items of interest to amateur radio operators. VE license exam sessions are also held as part of the Fest. Flyers are distributed and available prior to each annual FARA Fest.  Food and coffee is available during the Fest, thanks to the school’s culinary program.

More information can be found at:  https://www.falara.org/activities/fara-fest

 

Organization

Section News Update, September, 2025

- by Jon McCombie - Leave a Comment

HAPPY AUTUMN/FALL!   We’re three games into the NFL season, and it looks like the Patriots are not awful: a slow start on the season opener, but a good time in game two, but not so great for game three. I still have high hopes for the season, but I’m not betting anything on any team. 

I’m pleased to report that vehicle traffic here on the Cape has settled down to a dull roar, and with the passage of Labor Day, we’ve regained our ability to turn left onto Rte. 6. OK, folks, NOW is the time to head to the Cape! Lower prices! Less traffic! Plenty of goodness still to be had! If you’re heading my way, please email me so we can maybe have an eyeball QSO over lunch or a beverage (that’s the liquid refreshment, not an antenna 😊 ). 

 

* YOU CAN HELP US CHANGE THE LEGAL RIGHTS OF AMERICAN HAMS 

Hey! This is important! The ARRL is focused on reducing legal restraints on the ability of American Amateur Radio Operators to engage in the active practice and enjoyment of Amateur Radio.  One of the most insidious and increasing threats to the survival of Amateur Radio and our ability to serve our communities and Nation, as we are required to do by Federal regulation, is the proliferation of private land use restrictions that prohibit the installation of outdoor antennas and that sometimes actually deny Federally licensed Amateurs from operating any amateur radios, regardless of where their antennas are located — in their attics, hidden in trees, or mounted on their vehicles. 

Please, PLEASE take 30 seconds and arrange for letters to be printed and delivered to your US Representative and Senators. You really can make a difference, and the effort is practically free! See https://ema.arrl.org/2025/09/18/send-a-letter-campaign-ask-your-representative-and-senators-to-co-sponsor-and-support-h-r-1094-and-s-459/ for details. 

 

* Barnstable ARC Activates SES for Harwich Cranberry Festival  

Members of the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club (BARC) operated Special Event Station W1MA on Saturday-Sunday, September 13-14. The team deployed the club’s antenna tower trailer, which can elevate a 3-element tri-bander to some 40 ft up – an impressive conversation starter for passers-by, and an excellent performer in the worked-all-Europe contest last weekend! Shorter – and cooler –0 days  

 

* KC1DSQ & W1IS Win August 2025 QST Cover Plaque Award! 

Congratulations to PART of Westford members Bob Rose, KC1DSQ & Bob Glorioso, W1IS for winning the August 2025 QST cover plaque award for their article “An All-Band 160-Meter OCF Antenna.” This article was voted the most popular and well-liked article for the August 2025 issue by ARRL membership. This makes it their third cover plaque award!  Congratulations to the Bobs for the hat trick! 

 

* 2025 Northeast HamXposition was a Tremendous Success! 

I had a fantastic time at the Northeast HamXposition this past august. I got to chat with scads of folks, meet some folks face-to-face that I only get to see once per year, and I attended some fantastic presentations and seminars. I’m already looking forward to – and planning for – next year’s HamX. 

 

* KD1CY Honored for 20 Years of VoIP Hurricane Net Service at HamX 

Speaking of HamX, ARES SKYWARN Coordinator and Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) Rob Macedo, KD1CY, was awarded with a surprise plaque for 20 years of service to the Voice over IP (“VoIP”) Hurricane Net. Congratulations and thank you to Rob!  Full story is at https://hamxposition.org/2025/08/30/kd1cy-honored-for-20-years-of-voip-hurricane-net-service-at-hamx/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kd1cy-honored-for-20-years-of-voip-hurricane-net-service-at-hamx 

 

* Still Recruiting a New Section Youth Coordinator  

Sadly, our former Section Youth Coordinator, Paul K1YUB, 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   

I hope you’re all enjoying the joys that Autumn brings, including lighter traffic, milder temperatures, and – still my personal favorite – ice cream!! Get out there and get those new antennas up or fix the damage from the ravages of winter. Stay cool and – especially – stay hydrated. Most of all, get on the air and have fun! 

Can you write a paragraph or two about what you’re up to, so I can publish it in the Section Update? Did you activate a POTA or a Special Event Station? Some other event? Shoot me an 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 was brought to you by Section Manager Jon N1ILZ.  

 

All

Massachusetts – Rhode Island STM Report for August 2025

- by kw1u - Leave a Comment

The August Section Traffic Manager’s report is now available at https://ema.arrl.org/massachusetts-rhode-island-stm-report-for-august-2025/. Note a reminder to all amateurs to support the current HOA legislation by simply adding your call sign to a letter to your senators and legislators. Also note info on CW traffic nets, a traffic tip of the month, and congrats to the regulars of HHTN.

Emergency Communications / Operating

Operation Shake Out / Did You Feel It – October 16th, 2025

- by n1wbv - Leave a Comment

Don, AB1PH states that there have been a number of requests for amateur radio participation in Operation Shake/Did You Feel It on Thursday, October 16th. Amateur Radio participation is a pretty simple and done via Winlink. If you are interested in participating, there are instructions for the amateur radio activity/EMCOMM training group activity online. 

The basic process on October 16th is to, as close to 10:16 AM as you can: Generate a Winlink message using the template: New Message > Select Template > Standard Templates > USGS > USGS DYFI.txt. Along with this, send a message to dyfi_reports_automated@usgs.gov with copies to Winlink addresses SHAKEOUT and, if you would like your form graded, to ETO-DRILL. Also please copy AB1PH on your submission so he can update his records.
Operating

Falmouth ARES Simplex Net looking for participants!

- by n1wbv - Leave a Comment

Mel, K1ELB, is looking for participants in the Falmouth ARES Simplex Net! The net is conducted on the third Thursday of each month, at 8:00PM ET on 146.580 MHz simplex (Alternatively, 147.420 MHz). The purpose of the net is to foster interest, awareness and training in simplex communications around the Upper Cape area, and to provide a means of communicating in the event that repeaters are not available for any reason.

Mel and Henry, K1WCC have been conducting the net for over four years, operating from their homes. However, they have recently started operating net control from Falmouth Hospital, which is one of the highest spots in Falmouth,  resulting in a larger footprint. They are hoping with the change in net control locations, that they will be able to increase our reach, and want to invite others outside the Upper Cape area (The New Bedford, Dartmouth, and Buzzards Bay area in particular) to participate. This is a worthwhile endeavor, providing information on what areas participants can reach in the event of an emergency, and repeaters aren’t available.

The net is a directed net and stations will be called by net control in call-up order. We ask participants to note the signal strength of each station they copy, and relay their signal report to Net Control. When the call-up is completed, net control will request that additional stations call in and be recognized. 

Operating / Public Information

AFSC Walk for Alzheimer’s Provincetown – October 12, 2025

- by n1wbv - Leave a Comment

W1LEM on the BarnstableARC mailing list writes:

This is a very worthwhile public service event, and another opportunity to learn and practice operating skills and to see how events are run.
We will have several operators along the route plus Net Control and the medical tent using 2 meter simplex on HTs.
Operators will report status and any issues that need to be addressed (medical, etc.).
We still have opportunities for operators–all experience and license levels are encouraged to join, it’s a great learning opportunity.
Interested parties should contact W1LEM directly. See the website for more details (and don’t be confused by the URL, it is for the Provincetown walk in 2025).
Regulation & Advocacy

Send-A-Letter Campaign: Ask Your Representative and Senators to Co-sponsor and Support H.R. 1094 and S. 459

- by k9hi - Leave a Comment

ARRL logoYOU CAN HELP US CHANGE THE LEGAL RIGHTS OF AMERICAN HAMS

The ARRL is focused on reducing legal restraints on the ability of American Amateur Radio Operators to engage in the active practice and enjoyment of Amateur Radio.  One of the most insidious and increasing threats to the survival of Amateur Radio and our ability to serve our communities and Nation, as we are required to do by Federal regulation, is the proliferation of private land use restrictions that prohibit the installation of outdoor antennas and that sometimes actually deny Federally licensed Amateurs from operating any amateur radios, regardless of where their antennas are located — in their attics, hidden in trees, or mounted on their vehicles.

Federal law — since 1996 — has guaranteed to every American — except Amateur Radio Operators — the right to erect antennas outside or on their residences for the purpose of TV reception, satellite TV and internet access, wireless internet access and even wireless internet redistribution. But Amateur Radio operators are denied the equal right to erect comparable antennas.

Since 2005 Federal law has also guaranteed to every American the right to proudly display the American Flag by installing flagpoles in their yards. But, despite that right to install vertical poles in their yards — American Radio Amateurs are denied the right to use those vertical flagpoles as vertical antennas.

We believe the denial — to licensed Amateur Radio Operators — of the rights guaranteed to all non-Amateur Radio licensed American homeowners — the right to install antennas on the land they own — is without justification and should not be permitted to continue.

To eliminate these private land use restrictions, the ARRL has worked over the past several years with our elected officials to draft Congressional legislation — H.R. 1094 in the U.S. House of Representatives and S. 459 in the U.S. Senate — that when passed will extend to all Hams the right to operate from their homes and the right to install antennas on the land they own. We have bipartisan support for this legislation.

BUT, WE NEED YOUR HELP TO PASS THIS LEGISLATION!

How can you help? By sending a letter to your Representative and Senators asking that they co-sponsor and support H.R. 1094 and S. 459.

How can you send these letters? It is easy.

Go to — https://send-a-letter.org/hoa/ — enter your call sign and click on “Send My Letters” and your letters will be delivered to our Washington legislative team for hand delivery to your Representative and Senators.

Does your individual letter matter? YES.

Your Representative and Senators need to know that the passage of this legislation is important to you.

Your letter could be the difference in whether we are able to pass H.R. 1094 and S. 459.  

Go to — https://send-a-letter.org/hoa/ — and help us by sending your letters to your Representative and Senators.