a field organization of the National Association for Amateur Radio®
Use the ARRL Field Day Site Locator to make in-person connections during the event! MAX Performance has utilized the Worcester Emergency Communications Team (WECT) for various public service events including ones outside the Central Massachusetts area. WK1H, Gil Hayes, Western Massachusetts ARES Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator, has forwarded this information to see if local Amateur Radio Operators/ARES members in the Southeast Coastal Massachusetts area can assist in this public service event. Please see the info below:
K1LIA-Lia Davis from the Worcester Emergency Communications Team (WECT) writes:
Hi Folks,
We are looking for about fifteen amateur radio operators to assist with the Wareham, MA Harvest Triathlon, on Sunday June 8th. The event organizers are particularly eager for our assistance given the poor cellular coverage on the bike course.
The event occurs from 7:30 am to about noon. Hams would need to meet at around 6:30 am.
If you are interested, please fill out this short form: https://forms.gle/2qh8C3DA524bA5ue6
If you know anyone else who may be interested in volunteering, please forward this email to them.
More info online: www.maxperformanceonline.com
Details will follow a few days before the event.
If you have any questions, please contact events@wect.org
Thanks and 73,
Lia Davis, K1LIA
Brandon Hockle, NQ1W, writes:
Larry Krainson, W1AST, writes:Bruce Semple, WA3SWJ, writes on the BARC mailing list:
The Barnstable Amateur Radio Club has created an amateur radio display at the Brewster Ladies Library. The display case can be found on the right after you enter the door. The library is located at 1822 Main Street in Brewster.
In addition to the magazines the League publishes (QST, QEX, National Contest Journal, On the Air), the League produces On the Air Live, a live webinar targeted at hams who want to explore new-to-them operating modes and generally how to get on the air. The next OTA Live will be Tuesday May 27, 2025 at 8pm EDT. NOTE: you must pre-register to receive the link to join.
Event description:
Discover how to setup WSJT-X for FT8 and FT4 along with homebrew 10 and 15 meter antennas to participate in this year’s ARRL Field Day.
We’ll cover:
To register, click this link: https://learn.arrl.org/webinars/82925
The April STM report for Eastern and Western Mass and Rhode Island can be found at https://ema.arrl.org/massachusetts-rhode-island-stm-report-for-april-2025/. Note recognition of new Official Relay Stations and traffic handling trainees, with a special congratulations to Bob Sparkes, KC1KVY for achievement of BPL (Brass Pounders League – for over 500 message points during April; Also note the Radiogram Portal and Field Day NTS messages, NTS Treasure Hunt, annual traffic handlers picnic, and message delivery tips.
We need your help publicizing HamX and urging your members to attend.
Thank you for your help promoting your New England Convention!
HAPPY SPRING! And this weekend, HAMVENTION (Dayton/Xenia)! Wow, the time is really flying past. It’s hard to believe it’s Spring already, but the temperatures are getting reasonable, the flowers are blooming, the pollen level is beyond crazy, and allergy meds have become a required part of the daily regimen! And here on the Cape, the inevitable trickle of tourists has begun. It’s getting harder daily to make left turns, with the increased traffic. And some of our favorite restaurants are awakening from their winter slumber. Let Spring begin!
* HAMVENTION is Just Around the Corner!
Sadly, I won’t be attending HamVention this year – maybe next year – but here’s a hearty “safe travels” to all from Eastern MA heading to Xenia. When you get back, please email with stories – even better with pictures! Tell us about that great deal you scored or that long time radio buddy you finally got to have an eyeball QSO with. I love having new material to post on the Section website and in this newsletter.
* Field Day is June 28-29
I hope your plan for Field Day 2025 is coming along! It’s coming up quick – June 28-29 this year. The League has all manner of materials to help you and your club get started, including the FD site locator, and the 2025 ARRL Field Day Public Relations Kit [PDF] at https://arrl.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0zMzEwNjY0JnA9MSZ1PTUyNDYxMTkzMiZsaT0zNzcwMTg1MA/index.html to get you started – including a press release template that you can use for your activation. Full details at https://arrl.org/field-day
This year I intend to visit as many Field Day sites in person as I can fit in. I’ll be starting Saturday morning in northeast MA (Cape Ann ARA, I’m lookin’ at you), then making my way through the section over Saturday and Sunday. Please, PLEASE register your FD site on the FD site locator on the ARRL website so I can plan my journey. I’m very much looking forward to seeing so many of you!
* Boy Scout Camp Greenough Amateur Radio Station Grand Opening
The Barnstable Amateur Radio Club is very excited to announce the Grand Opening of the newly constructed Camp Greenough Amateur Radio Station scheduled for Saturday May 31st starting at 2PM, in conjunction with the Chuck Wagon Event. The station is located in the basement of the Maushop Lodge.
This station is the culmination of the efforts by members of the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club, contributions of the American Radio Relay League, and many local businesses and the support of the Cape and Island council leadership. More details at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/05/07/camp-greenough-amateur-radio-station-grand-opening-yarmouth-port-may-31-2025/
* EMA Hams Developing Ham/STEM Course for Local Private School
Geoff, W1GCF, is developing a ham course for Al Hamra Academy. Al Hamra is a private school that promotes itself as an “Islamic progressive STEM school.” The progressive part includes interlocking courses with ambitious curricula. So, for example, there is an architectural physics course where the instructor will be talking about resonance in structures and the importance of damping it. Geoff and Andy, KB1OIQ, made a presentation to the school that was very well received.
The course Geoff is developing is not a typical license course. Most of the course is about introducing students to the concept of Electromagnetism along with underlying electronics and test gear. The focus is hands on experience rather than requiring too much of the math. Getting licensed is part of the course, but this is a graded academic course on the physics of electromagnetism. Contact Geoff at w1gcf@arrl.net with questions and for more information.
* New Version of Andy’s Ham Radio Linux (AHRL) Available
Andy’s Ham Radio Linux (AHRL) v26d has been released. Several software packages were updated (enumerated in the CHANGES file). Support was added for LMDE6. For more info and a link to download it:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/kb1oiq-andysham/
* Reviving the Harvard Wireless Club
Leo Koerner W1SSS is trying to revive the Harvard Wireless Club, a group of amateur (“ham”) radio enthusiasts. Unlike the student DJs at WHRB, Koerner’s crew operates two-way radios: essentially superpowered, imprecise walkie-talkies. Harvard’s ham radio station is the sixth oldest in the country, founded in 1909. Full story at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/04/29/small-talk-from-afar/
* 2025 Northeast HamXposition is Coming!
Mark your calendars! The 2025 Northeast HamXposition is not that far away: August 21-24, 2025, in Marlborough, MA. This is New England’s premier ham gathering. I hope to have an eyeball QSO with all of you at HamX! More info at https://hamxposition.org/
* Recruiting IT/Website Talent to Help Maintain EMA Section Website
Are you an IT person with some experience with WordPress? Could you volunteer an hour or two per week to help keep the EMA website? I’m looking for someone to provide some backup/relief for our tireless web site administrator, to keep an ear open for goings-on in the section, and to timely post short articles to the site, keeping the news fresh. If you are interested, please email me at n1ilz@arrl.org.
* Virtual NTS Traffic Net Going Strong
Many Technician class amateurs miss out on fun and skills learning of traffic handling because they reside in areas of the country where local traffic nets on VHF repeaters don’t exist. The Virtual NTS Traffic Net (VNTN) seeks to address this problem with the creation of a Zoom-based local traffic net that can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection.
The Net meets weekly, and held its inaugural session on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET. The VNTN URL is: https://bitl.to/3xj4 The net will be changing time to 8 PM ET soon – stay tuned for details.
Full details at https://ema.arrl.org/2025/03/05/virtual-nts-traffic-net-begins-march-5-2025/
* Still Recruiting a New Section Youth Coordinator
Sadly, our Section’s 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 Spring brings, with warmer weather, no more snow, and – lest I forget – ice cream!! Get out there and get those new antennas up or fix the damage from the ravages of winter. 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? 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 was brought to you by Section Manager Jon N1ILZ.
The next [Boston Amateur Radio Club] general meeting will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 7:30 pm, at Artisans Asylum in Allston and on the Zoom teleconferencing platform.
This month’s speaker is Peter, KC1HHO, presenting Introduction to National Traffic System and the Radiogram.
This will be an interactive talk so be sure to attend in person if you can. As always, the meeting will be preceded with a half hour of social time beginning at 7:00
Here is the new ham report as of May 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!
John H Knowles, KC1WPH – FCC
49 Walnut St
Devens, MA 01434-5072
Edward C Maloney, KC1WQB – FCC
130B Groton Rd
Shirley, MA 01464-2359
Rocco R Diverdi, KC1WQD – FCC
1718 Wedgewood Cmn
Concord, MA 01742-2834
Don J Lee, KC1WOV – FCC
416 Harrington Ave
Concord, MA 01742-4034
Gerard Dwan, KC1WSG – FCC
3 Kimberly Way
Haverhill, MA 01830-1460
Katelyn E Gilleo, KC1WSA – FCC
28 North St
Georgetown, MA 01833-2018
Andrew J Jerz, KC1WPC – FCC
28 Wentworth Ave
Lowell, MA 01852-2916
William J Bowhers, AC1UA – FCC
3 Hillside Ave
Amesbury, MA 01913-2213
Michael Sussman, KC1WQK – FCC
13 Youngs Rd
Gloucester, MA 01930-1337
Carla J Saco, KC1WRQ – FCC
11 Estes St
Ipswich, MA 01938-2105
David W Hostetter, KC1WRF – FCC
78 Overlook Rd
Marblehead, MA 01945-1446
Richard H Thibedeau, KC1WRK – FCC
9 Glover Sq
Marblehead, MA 01945-3509
Michael E McTeague, KC1WRE – FCC
200 Central St
Rowley, MA 01969-1316
Nathan M Kerns, KC1WPG – FCC
44 Baron Rd
Franklin, MA 02038-2774
Benjamin E Leith, KC1WNI – FCC
13 Pheasanthill Rd
Norfolk, MA 02056-1735
Roy Levien, KC1WPZ – FCC
24 Grozier Rd
Cambridge, MA 02138-3315
Nicholas Beauchemin, KC1WPR – FCC
74 Putnam Ave
Cambridge, MA 02139-2951
Robert L Pringle, KC1WRL – FCC
485 Foley St Unit 319
Somerville, MA 02145-1268
Robert C Day, KC1WOL – FCC
65 Meredith Way
Weymouth, MA 02188-3507
Jason W Thomson, KC1WQZ – FCC
48 Ruth Rd
Brockton, MA 02302-2512
Thomas J Landi, KC1WOT – FCC
50 Joyce Dr
Plymouth, MA 02360-2368
Ronnie Andersson, KC1WRI – FCC
25 Thoreau Rd
Lexington, MA 02420-1941
Tobias J Chang, KC1WNZ – FCC
3 Apollo Cir
Lexington, MA 02421-7002
Lucas Neves, KC1WRP – FCC
22 Hall St Apt 2
Waltham, MA 02453-5214
Michael J Maxwell, KC1WQQ – FCC
112 Wetherbee Rd
Waltham, MA 02453-7627
Julian M Goldman, KC1WSH – FCC
57 Everett St
Newton, MA 02459-1926
Victoria P Nassikas, KC1WRM – FCC
61 Sheffield Rd
Newton, MA 02460-2120
Martin D Kemp, KC1WRR – FCC
93 Mayflower Rd
Needham, MA 02492-1109
Matthew H Trask, N1AVI – FCC
3 Plantes Lndg
Buzzards Bay, MA 02532-3707
Scott A Bushway, WA1JRR – FCC
3 Longfellow Rd
East Falmouth, MA 02536-7428
Mark W Rogers, KC1WPO – FCC
30 Fieldwood Dr
Sagamore Beach, MA 02562-2321
Michael Tellier, KC1WRY – FCC
7 Weaver St # B
West Wareham, MA 02576-1307
Jack R George, KC1WOD – FCC
25 Beach Rd
West Yarmouth, MA 02673-3702
Edward L Boren, KC1WRD – FCC
52 Baker Lane Ext
East Freetown, MA 02717-1133
Keith J Witherell, KC1WNN – FCC
992 Lees River Ave
Somerset, MA 02726-1339
Scott P McGuire, KC1WOW – FCC
463 High St
North Attleboro, MA 02760-1014
Maeve Carrigg, KC1WPP – FCC
176 American Legion Hwy
Westport, MA 02790-4804
Jeff Stuparits, W4DD, will present “Locating Power Line Noise and other RFI” at the Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society hybrid meeting on May 13, 2025 in Natick and online.
Description: Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) can be generated from many different devices and can decrease or totally eliminate your ability to hear stations on your HF or VHF radio. In today’s modern world of numerous electronic devices in and around our homes, it’s not a matter of if you have RFI, but of how many devices are generating it and how significantly is it interfering with your Ham Radio receiving ability. RFI can also affect other services like AM radio, FM radio, Over-the-Air TV, DSL Internet, public safety communications, and even cellular telephones. Jeff became interested in RFI about fifteen years ago when it affected his ability to enjoy ham radio for contesting, weak signal work, and QSO’s. In addition to providing information on locating RFI, he will also have a few pieces of hardware for show and tell and discuss how he approaches RFI problems.
Bio: Jeff is retired from Verizon Wireless where he worked in the Advanced Technology Group on spectrum issues, including cellular spectrum optimization and FCC spectrum auctions. In addition to his 20 years in cellular, earlier in his career he worked in Telephone Operations and Air Defense Communications. Jeff’s background includes a EE, an MBA, and he is a licensed PE. Additional information about Jeff can be found on his QRZ web page or in the August 2022 QST Member Spotlight.
The Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club‘s May meeting is Thursday, May 15th at 7:30 PM at the Pepperell Community Center (in Pepperell). We start gathering at 7 PM to socialize before the meeting starts.
May’s speaker will be Les Peters, N1SV. Les will speak on Chasing Operating Awards and Logbook of the World. We will also discuss plans for Field Day and some recent events like the Boston Marathon, the Groton Road Race, NearFest, & the Eastern VHF / UHF conference.
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
Hello to all…
Eastern Massachusetts ARES will conduct a section Winlink only exercise to practice this radio digital email mode. The exercise involves sending 2 messages to different Winlink email addresses anytime on Saturday 5/10/25 between 500 AM-1159 PM and replies to your winlink messages will occur anytime on Saturday through 2 PM Sunday 5/11/25. Details on what messages to send can be seen in the following 1-page exercise document:
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Winlink Test Exercise 5-10-25
This exercise is coincident with the Cape Cod ARES District Exercise and the Winlink ETO exercise at the following links:
Cape Cod ARES District Exercise 5-10-25
https://www.emcomm-training.org/drills2.html#Assignment_5-10-25
Participation in the Cape Cod ARES District Exercise and Winlink ETO exercise is encouraged but not required. We appreciate your support of 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
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
Jeff-N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH writes:
Good Evening,
On Saturday May 10, 2025 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.
We will use the following repeaters in the order listed.
1. West Bridgewater repeater 146.775 dcs 244
2. Attleboro Repeater 147.195 tone 127.3
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. Danvers Repeater 145.470 tone 136.5
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
Ross W1EKG writes
The Whitman ARC Open House originally scheduled for July 12, 2025 between 8 AM and noon has been postponed to July 19.
Location is (still) the Knights Of Columbus, 1195 Bedford Street in Whitman MA. This is an indoor/outdoor event which will include operating demonstrations, equipment displays, and general information about “Ham Radio”. There will be several clubs participating and refreshments will be available. Come and learn about Amateur radio and sign up for our Technician license class which starts in September. Please email Ross W1EKG at bavarianradio@comcast.net or visit our website wa1npo.org for more information. 73
Regrettably, this Saturday’s forecast looks soggy thru the morning until noon or so – – After discussion with Leandra and others, we are cancelling it – –No reschedule because many are not around the next few weekends in May – –
Charlie Bures, WA3ITR, writes:
[The Wellesley Amateur Radio Society‘s] POTA is rescheduled from April 26 to May 10. We have had a beautiful stretch of sunny, warm Spring days but, (of course) the nice weather is ending Friday night. Rain is forecast for Saturday in the morning and evening.
We are rescheduling the WARS POTA from Saturday April 26 to Saturday, May 10 11 AM to 2 PM.
Elm Bank Reservation, 900 Washington St., Wellesley, MA. Park in the first parking area after the road turns left and crests the hill.
Talk-in frequency: 146.58 MHz simplex (range about 2 miles)
https://www.mass.gov/locations/elm-bank-reservation
Barnstable Amateur Radio Club Press Release:
GRAND OPENING ANNOUNCEMENT – CAMP GREENOUGH AMATEUR RADIO STATION
We are very excited to announce the Grand Opening of the newly constructed Camp Greenough Amateur Radio Station scheduled for Saturday May 31st starting at 2PM, in conjunction with the Chuck Wagon Event. The station is located in the basement of the Maushop Lodge. Today’s amateur radio is a mix of cutting-edge computer technology and broadcast engineering offering a chance for Scouts to get a start on a science or engineering career.
This station is the culmination of the efforts by members of the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club, contributions of the American Radio Relay League, and many local businesses and the support of the Cape and Island council leadership.
The station provides an opportunity for scouts to experience and learn about the wonders and excitement of Amateur Radio also known as Ham Radio. Volunteers from the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club will be providing Radio Merit Badge training and Amateur Radio Licensing courses on an ongoing basis.
Amateur radio is grounded in wireless communications, community service and technology experimenting. There are endless opportunities to explore the many facets of radio from talking across town, around the world and even to astronauts on the International Space Station.
Please join us to experience this exciting new learning opportunity for Scouts and find out more about today’s amateur Radio. We will have refreshments and live on-air demonstrations.
The Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society (STARS) and Boston Amateur Radio Club (BARC) will hold a joint gathering/meeting at NESciTech at 16 Tech Circle, Natick, MA with light refreshments. Our usual Zoom link will be operational if you cannot attend in person. Optional: Bring a dessert, salad, or anything you would like to contribute. Regardless, please bring yourselves in person if possible. If you have not already registered for this event, please be sure to register ASAP today on the Event Listing so we will know how much food to order.
STARS members will conduct tours of the facility for those arriving early. Light refreshments will be served prior to the formal meeting at 7:00 PM.
The agenda includes:
o Around-the-room so everyone can introduce themselves, their role in the club, and what they’re into in the amateur radio realm.
o Significant projects on which each club is working (e.g., Trailer, satellite station; courses being taught).
o Informal brainstorming and idea sharing re ways to grow our clubs and the hobby as well as issues (e.g., Attracting younger members; getting more people to volunteer to lead club activities), etc.
This email is the typical monthly message to let everyone know that Monday evening, May 5th, 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 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.
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 | 3930 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 |