Tag: #arrl

It is October already and the leaves are turning bright colors.  Temperatures are beginning to fall and we are seeing changes in propagation, generally for the better, at least we hope that trend continues.  September saw the return of Bob N1SYC to his radio and we are very happy to hear him again and hear of his recovery.  Welcome back Bob.

October 6 saw the re-activation of the Mass Rhode Island Phone Net under the managership of Ralph N1LAH.  This net is meeting Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 6 PM on 3978 +/- qrm.  As mentioned previously NTS traffic will be handled at the beginning of the net after which time will be given to round table conversation.  We hope to attract folks from all of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, a good opportunity to get to know hams from outside your local area.

Also note the September 2015 issue of QNI Newsletter is available on the web.  Check out k6jt.com and scroll down to the QNI Archives.  Jim Wades WB8SIW puts together a very interesting quarterly newsletter with many articles on NTS.

The September traffic report for East and West Mass is below.  Thanks to all for your support of the nets.

Greetings all.  August was a busy month.  August 2 the weather was perfect for a traffic handlers picnic held in Concord.  It was good to see some familiar faces and to meet new folks.  Hamburgers, hot dogs and corn-on-the-cob was enjoyed by all.  Thanks to those who brought all the little “extras”.  If you missed it we hope you can attend next summer.

In mid August we enjoyed the ARRL New England Division Convention at Boxboro, where we were invited to have a booth dedicated to NTS.  Several of our traffic handlers helped to man the booth and make information available about NTS and local traffic nets to those who stopped by.  Thanks to those who helped out.  This convention will again take place at Boxboro next August, and if you missed this year, hopefully you can make it next year.

Traffic was down in August.  The KW1U MBO underwent a change in software and was also plagued with equipment failure.  It is back up now and we are beginning to see more traffic this month.  We have had some new folks chedking into the nets and this is always good to see.  Below is the traffic report for both East and West Mass for August.  Thanks to all who participated.  73, Marcia KW1U

Hope everyone is having a good summer.  One of our own is not, however.  Bob N1SYC, manager of EM2MN is still on the disabled list.  Recovery from his surgery has been very slow and he is unable to get on his radio.  Hope you will keep Bob in your thoughts and prayers.  Cards would be appreciated I’m sure.  Many thanks to Greg KC1CIC for assuming the job as interim manager in Bob’s absence

The Traffic Handler’s picnic was held August 2 in Concord.  Good food and fellowship was had by all who attended.  To those who couldn’t make it, we hope to see you next summer.

Heavy Hitters Traffic Net has seen a resurgence in checkins thanks to new manager Joe W1HAI.  Thank you Joe for your efforts.

Also thanks to Ralph N1LAH who has done a great job with the help of Joe W1HAI, of listening for times and frequencies for a Mass Rhode Island Phone Net.  We hope to have more definite information soon.  This net would begin with any listed traffic, followed by a social get together.  It will likely run on 75 meters either at 6 or 6:30 PM to allow for some to get to the CW net (MARI) by 7:00.  Stay tuned.

Boxboro convention is coming up August 21 through 23.  We hope to have an NTS table in the exhibition hall.  If all comes together, look for us there.  Any help would be much appreciated.

Below are the stats for July.  Thanks to all for your support.

Thanks to all for your support of the traffic nets.  We especially welcome Joe Weisse W1HAI as manager of HHTN, and our new ORS appointee Bob Holland N1SYC who has been admirably serving as EM2MN manager.  Bob underwent surgery and is currently in rehab, but looking forward to getting back to his radio and to the net.  Thanks especially to Greg KC1CIC for helping out with the extra NCS slots.  Anyone want to try NCS?  It’s good training, doing so in a relaxed setting where help is always available.  Contact Marcia KW1U or Bob N1SYC if interested.  HHTN is also looking for Net Control stations.  Contact W1HAI for more information.

We’re also looking into re-activating the Mass Rhode Island Phone net, but looking for interested hams.  While this would primarily be a traffic net, it could also be an opportunity to keep up with ham friends in the area as well as an opportunity for training in message handling and net operation. Contact Marcia if interesed.

73, Marcia KW1U

Below is the traffic report for April.  Many thanks to all for your support of the nets.  For anyone new to the SAR and PSHR, you can find information in the left hand column of this page under “SAR/PSHR Requirements”.  Note that the PSHR is not only for NTS traffic handlers, but for all who are involved in public service.  The requirement to be included on this honor roll is 70 points or more for the month but there are a variety of ways to receive points including participation in public service events.  Even those not active on the traffic nets can qualify and be listed in QST.  Send a radiogram with your points by category your section traffic manager KW1U.  Hope all are having an enjoyable spring after a rough winter.  73, Marcia KW1U

With apologies for being so late with this report.  We had a great vacation in Naples FL with a visit in Raleigh NC to see NC traffic handlers.  It is good to be back however and glad to see daffodils and forsythia blooming.  Hope all are having a good early spring and getting those antennas in order.  Thanks to all for your participation in the traffic nets.  73, Marcia KW1U

Greetings all traffic handlers and potential traffic handlers.  I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving.  The holiday season is upon us and traditionally this has been a time of increased activity on the nets. Sadly, as you know, the internet, instant messaging, etc. have changed the activity on the traffic nets.  We used to see many radiograms containing holiday greetings to family and friends. In recent times this activity has dropped off significantly.  What an opportunity however to introduce amateur radio to those friends and family members in a unique manner. Let’s keep the nets busy during December by spreading some holiday cheer and helping friends and family to know about this great hobby of ours. It can be a simple “arl sixty one” to a more personal greeting. See you on the nets.
73, Marcia KW1U