Author Archives: Gilbert Hayes

Section Manager’s Report. Nov 2021

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Hi everyone, yet another busy month here and lot’s going on. First thing is to write this email down, clubs@arrl.org. this email will be used for anything club related. Resources, inquiries. The other thing it will be used for is to edit your club information. If you need to change things such, as contact or update your annual filing, give it to them. There has been some hanky-panky going on and the editing has gone inhouse. The other thing is there will be a club newsletter from the league starting around the middle of this month similar to the ARRL letter, Contest Letter, etc. They will be looking for news items about club activities, events, club tips, etc. If you have anything send them to the email above. You can get the club letter by going into your profile on the league’s website and check the box.

I do want to send my apologies to everyone as one of the things I said I would do is put the new ham list here. I have not done this for a while. This and other things I may have slipped on please poke me. I am going to make a better effort on the listings.

Another thing I have been working on is taking charge of a club that is on the verge of ending after 70 years. This is proving to be a real challenge as getting the few to put in the effort to revive it and get interest back. I have reached out to some people to assist and consult and hopefully, in time, I can write a success story and not an obituary.

October 23rd, I held a “Play Radio” event at Sholan Farms. The event went fairly well with eleven people stopped to visit. I even had four from the Franklin Club visit. This was very much appreciated. People did say it was enjoyable and look to have more like this. Maybe I’m on to something. Thanks to Brad W1BCC!

Gil Hayes WK1H reached out and asked for help for Worcester County ARES and also some Club Coordinator things as well. Here is the info:


WMA ARES in Worcester County recently had a number of ECs move out of the area. We’re looking for a few more ECs, especially in central and southern Worcester County. The role of the EC is to be the on-the-ground leadership of ARES in their local area, to build up the ARES membership in the area including training and direction, and to establish and maintain relationships with local served agency leadership. If interested, please contact Southern Worcester County District EC Hisham Al-Beik KB1JLW at kb1jlw@gmail.com or Worcester County ASEC Gil Hayes WK1H at wk1h@arrl.net.

Additionally, we’re updating the WMA Club Presenters List. The list is for the benefit of club officers, to try to give them some good ideas for presentations at monthly club meetings. If anyone has a presentation you’ve given at an event and want to be included on the list, please contact WMA Affiliated Club Coordinator Gil Hayes WK1H at wk1h@arrl.net.


With that I can additionally add the request for other section and ARES help. We need a PIC and a Government Liaison among others. Please consider volunteering for any of these. We are going to get very busy soon.


Stay tuned, I feel November will be just as busy with the League ramping up it’s emphasis on Clubs and membership, maybe a new director and contests galore. Also, add a little Thanksgiving to the mix. Yep, the silly season is upon us again.


I hope to see you soon somewhere, if not, I do want to wish you a fabulous Tanksgiving!

73, Ray KB1LRL

September new ham list

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Report for 2021-10-06

Henry M Jones, KC1PXC
PO Box 443
Brimfield, MA 01010-0443

Jason R Leduc, KC1PWK
280 Munger Hill Rd
Westfield, MA 01085-4584

David M Thomas, KC1PWL
244 Poplar Ave
West Springfield, MA 01089-2929

Adrian Piris, KC1PXB
146 Endicott St
Springfield, MA 01118-2324

Brendan A Mcevilly, KC1PUM
305 Reservoir Rd
Lunenburg, MA 01462-1532

Aniket A Tadepalli, KC1PUD
6002 Avalon Dr
Northborough, MA 01532-2287

Mike Tartaglia, KC1PVT
296 Lake St
Shrewsbury, MA 01545-3960

Richard J Martunas, KC1PVM
41 Lakeshore Dr
Spencer, MA 01562-2905

Thomas R Gauvin, KC1PVO
12 Stone School Rd
Sutton, MA 01590-2942

Michael E Shatz, KC1PWE
7 Admirals Ln
Southborough, MA 01772-1836

Report for 2021-09-02

Beizong Chen, KC1PQO
1C Brandywine
Amherst, MA 01002-4009

Donald L Hubbard, KC1PTG
PO Box 104
Barre, MA 01005-0104

Angelina L Hubbard, KC1PTC
PO Box 1004
Barre, MA 01005-1004

Jonathan X Hubbard, KC1PTI
PO Box 1004
Barre, MA 01005-1004

Salvatore J Puliafico, KC1PTS
PO Box 174
Hardwick, MA 01037-0174

John G Fortin, KC1PTW
418 Alvord Pl
South Hadley, MA 01075-1373

Mario Colucci, KC1PTX
5 Jered Ln
Southwick, MA 01077-9202

Chester G Motyka, KC1PRG
PO Box 53
Three Rivers, MA 01080-0053

David J Ennulat, KC1PTF
360 Royalston Rd
Phillipston, MA 01331-9408

Seth R Norton, KC1PTL
65 Regwood Dr
Phillipston, MA 01331-9737

Ayden J Dubuque, KC1PTD
29 Limerick St
Gardner, MA 01440-2924

Crystal M Nilsson, KC1PTE
70 Limerick St
Gardner, MA 01440-2941

Seomas M Lizotte, KC1PTM
9 Olney St
Gardner, MA 01440-3313

Andrew Irwin, KC1PRK
86 Flaggler Rd
Leominster, MA 01453-1720

Jeremy J Sperry, KC1PQS
4 Elliott Dr
Charlton, MA 01507-1279

Updating ARES Membership Roster – Your Help Needed!

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WMA ARES is in the process of updating our registered Members roster. Below you will find a list of those members who are currently registered as of 10/27/2021.

If you are a member of WMA ARES and do not appear below or need a correction, please drop me a note at k1yo@arrl.net with your name, callsign, and email and I will make the appropriate changes.

Conversely, if you are in the list but want to be removed, please notify me at the same email above.

Thanks in advance and 73!

Bob Meneguzzo – K1YO
SEC – WMA ARES

Last NameFirst NameCallsign
AckleyGwenN1XYZ
AddisonAaronkf1g
AdeltCoryN1XWS
Al-BeikHishamKB1JLW
AlexanderToddKC1OKD
ALVESTOBYKB1CJT
ArchamboScottNot Provided
BarnettDylanNot Provided
BournJoshuaN1ZGA
CannataNickW1NJC
CyrAdamKO4GCH
DaviesTimothyK1RN
DeChristopherMikeN1TA
DionKenKD1KU
DunlapCharlesK1II
ElkinsMaryKB1ME
EwellJohnN1JIE
FarringtonSamuelKC1ENA
FOLEYDAVIDW1TTT
HABERMANNALEXANDERKC1NHG
HayesGilbertWK1H
HicksAmyNot Provided
KinahanTomN1CPE
LavioletteRichardKC1AEO
LosawPaulN1PUA
LukeJeffreyN1NWQ
MauriceBasilKB1PQZ
MeneguzzoBobK1YO
MoralezEdwinKC1BTX
MyersChristopherKb1nek
OborneTomKC1TAO
OquendoVanessaW1IRL
PalmerWilliamKC1PNR
PyraJacobW1JJP
RiceBradleyNot Provided
RichardsonKyleNot Provided
SaccoMatthewKC1JPU
SantanielloJosephKC1PNX
SegersonPhilipNot Provided
SmithCharlesKC1IKA
SmithGaryNot Provided
SpencerLarryN1LWS
St GermainChristopherKC1MAO
StephanGeorgeK1GXS
TarbellJohnKC1GRU
TorresBryanKB2UZY
WindykaKenKB1PKI
WoodhullAlbertN1AW
WyattDaveNot Provided
YoungAdamW1ACY

Upcoming Activities – Western Massachusetts ARES

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Hello Western Mass Amateurs!

This is just a quick note to explain some of the things related to Emergency Services that we will be putting into place shortly.

First, we are going to focus heavily on training and practice for our net operations. Charlie (Smitty) Smith, KC1IKA has accepted a position as Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator and is taking over responsibility for Section net operations. The plan is to establish regularly-occurring training nets, both for simplex and repeater VHF/UHF operations. This will provide a forum for persons interested in participating on nets to learn the proper operational procedures in an environment specifically setup for learning and practice.  This should also be a good entry point for those interested in becoming a Net Control Station (NCS).

Additionally, we are initiating training in digital modes (JS8Call, FLDigi, and WinLink) to enable their use in passing messages as required on HF and VHF. Practice nets will be established and operate on a regularly scheduled ongoing basis for those interested in this type of communications. The training will also focus on getting the proper hardware and software setup and configurations to ensure you have the optimal configuration of your own equipment to operate effectively.

A link to a registration form for digital training will appear on this website so that you could choose which digital mode(s) you would be interested in … we will post a short announcement here on how to access that on the menu choices at the top of the main web page.

Operating nets properly and effectively is of prime importance in an emergency situation. I am currently investigating the communication needs of several agencies within the Section to ensure that what we can provide fits their specific needs. We are planning to hold frequent SET-type events involving those agencies to provide ongoing opportunities to fine tune and focus our combined efforts.

Finally, we intend to reach out – through the individual clubs – for assisting in communications with local public service events of various agencies. This has been a very common activity in the past and it would be great to see it rekindled.

Please watch this website for further developments for all the above.

Stay safe and well !

Vy 73

Bob Meneguzzo – K1YO
Section Emergency Coordinator, WMA ARES
K1yo@arrl.net

Section Manager’s Report October 2021

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   Hello once again! The switch got flipped and fall is here. It’s nice that the temps have calmed down some, but I don’t like what looms ahead. This is the perfect opportunity to get your antenna projects completed before that white stuff shows up. A huge shout out and thanks got to Larry W1AST and Chris W1TRK from HCRA for coming to my QTH and fixing my tri-bander and replacing the rotator. Chris demonstrated some good skills in prep, safety in climbing the tower. Well done!

   On Sept 19, I visited the Picnic and Radio’s event held by the Franklin Co. club on top of Mt. Sugarloaf in S. Deerfield and was treated to great weather, good fellowship and food. There was over 30 people there from 2 clubs and also an unexpected bonus as there were some hams on the observation tower doing the 10 ghz contest. That was interesting to see. Passers by stopped and asked questions and it kept some busy especially Aaron KF1G with technical assistance and general questions while working the POTA event. 

   The above event has inspired me to do something similar as one club is struggling at this time and I am trying to get it back on its feet. On October 23rd I am having a Play Radio Day at Sholan Farms in Leominster. Anyone nearby is welcome to stop by and support our effort. It will run from 10-3. 

   There are clubs still having meetings via Zoom still as some facilities have not opened up their facilities. Others are live once again and are simulcasting with Zoom which helps out and shows a greater versatility in their meetings especially with presentations. A little imagination can go a long way to boost your club.

   Ballots are now hitting mailboxes for the Division election. Please read what the candidate’s messages have and VOTE. We have not seen an election like this in a long time. Speaking of elections, yours truly was re-elected for another two years by another landslide. You guessed it, no one else applied for nomination. It really is hard to determine if this is a result in my doing a good job or that no one really cares. I hope it’s not the latter. When I started this journey, my hopes is to get this area interested in participating in whatever capacity it is. This is still a struggle to this day. Everyone can help in promoting radio, teaching, mentoring, and getting them licensed and active. Making them welcome is a HUGE part of it as well.

   It was great to see everyone at the Convention in Marlboro. It was determined the event was a success despite the fall out of presenters and commercial vendors. The Friday flea market was a huge success in my eye!

   Whew! I had a mouthful to say. Remember I am here still. Questions, comments, etc. Just shoot me an email. I am your representative to the League.

73 All

Ray KB1LRL

Section Manager’s Report Sept. 2021

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   Hello one and all! It has been an interesting month overall with activities and the weather. I will not labor on the weather. Anyone who poked their head out the window lately knows!

   Looking forward to HamExposition! I am getting my goodies ready and will be out there to “lighten the load” and to get to see everyone there. Look at the link https://hamxposition.org/covid for up-to-date information on Covid policies. 

   The Director elections are still going strong. The ballots are going out at the end of the month or beginning of October. As I had mentioned before, please review each candidate and make an informed decision as to who you want for the next 3 years. They have been busy visiting social events and club meetings.

   The Franklin Club came up with a swell idea. Brad Councilman, W1BCC set up an operating event called Coffee and Radios at Apex Orchards in Shelburne. This was treated to great weather, scenic view, and treats. This was well received and everyone there participated in operating, and answering questions to curious onlookers. Club people, this can be a great thing to do to promote radio and participate in activities. It doesn’t have to be public service events at all! Great job Brad!

   One thing that has been scarce is VE sessions in our area. One person Ken WB8PKK from Westminster looked to improve on that and became a VE and with the help of some seasoned people and the league, helped Ken put together a VE session in Gardner, MA. Eight people helped administer the test and 13 passed their Tech and 2 got upgraded to extra. 6 of them were school age kids! Thanks to Ken and the team for putting it all together. Next one will be Oct 30.

   Just a reminder there are a number of positions open for my section staff, both for myself and for ARES. I had hoped things were further along than what we have now. We are doing much better but getting the extra help will help in many ways. Contact myself or Bob K1YO for more information. Also, we have a Western Massachusetts ARRL Facebook page that is there to get more information on things. It can be used to promote events you may have.

   I hope to see you soon in whatever fashion. As always drop an email and let me know what’s going on.

73

Ray KB1LRL

VE Session for Sunday August 22 postponed.

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CMARA Logo.png
Ken WB8PKK wants everyone to know that the open VE session scheduled for tomorrow, Sunday August 22 at the Masonic Lodge, 42 Central St., Gardner is being postponed for one week for safety reasons.
The session is scheduled for Sunday, August 29 at 10am. You can go for your Tech, General or Extra license!
Sunday Sunday Sunday August 29 10am at the Masonic Lodge, 42 Central St.!
www.cmara.org
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Communications for two events in our area

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The Franklin County Amateur Radio Club will provide communications for two events soon to take place in our area. We welcome licensed amateurs who would like to join us.

On 21 August, the Franklin County Land Trust will host an off the beaten path bicycle tour, called the Deerfield Dirt Road Rondonee (D2R2). It is part of their fund raising efforts. As the name of the tour suggests, it is mostly over dirt roads, in rural towns of western Franklin County and up into southern Vermont. Radio communications are necessary for key points along the tour where cell phone service is not available. At those points, our communicators will be the only way the Franklin Land Trust staff can send or receive messages to and from the base for the race in Deerfield.

The tour consists of three routes: 100k, 160k, and 180k. The first group of riders start at 6 AM, and the last rider may return as late as 6 PM. We will not cover that entire time period. We will ask radio volunteers to work in shifts. Volunteers may occasionally be asked to bring equipment, water, or food to remote stops along the way

On 29 August, the Connecticut River Conservancy and the Sugarloaf Mountain Athletic Club sponsor a traditional, 26 mile marathon. It starts at the campus of the former Marlboro Community College, in Marlboro, VT, and follows a path along the banks of the Green River, over mostly dirt roads. Our club members, with help from others, will help with the needs of the race staff, many positioned at water stops along the way. We are also there to call for help if needed by runners in distress.

For the D2R2, contact Al Woodhull, N1AW, at aswoodhull@yahoo.com, or 413-773-3522.
For the Green River Marathon, contact Chris Myers, KB1NEK, at camyers@protonmail.com, or 413-625-0344
More information on the Groups.IO site, at FCARC-MA, in the FILES section.

WBZ’s 100th anniversary

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The Billerica Amateur Radio Society, along with the Hampden County Radio Association in Springfield, will be commemorating WBZ’s 100th anniversary by conducting a special operating event starting at 1300z/9:00 AM EDT September 17 and ending at 0359z September 20/11:59 PM EDT September 19. Amateurs using the callsigns W1W, W1B, W1Z, and WB1Z will make two-way contact with other amateurs across all bands on SSB, AM, CW, and digital modes. A special QSL card will be sent to anyone who contacts one or more of the special event stations and sends a card accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

If you or someone you know might be interested in operating one of the special stations, please contact Larry Krainson, W1AST, at wb1dby@comcast.net. Seeking New England operators only at this time.

More information on this event at https://nediv.arrl.org/wbz100/

Emergency Radio Communications personal enrichment course

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MWCC Noncredit Personal Enrichment Course
Instructor Name: Paul Topolski
Name of Course: Emergency Radio Communications
Dates: Thursdays, September 9 to October 28, 2021
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Where: Gardner Campus
Cost: $169
Description of Course:
A course for everyone who uses or wants to use two-way radios professionally, as part of their emergency
preparedness efforts, on-board air and water craft, to help their community during disasters or special events, or
as a hobby.

Public safety professionals such as police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, hospital nurses, and more,
depend heavily on two-way radios to request and receive vital information. More importantly, the radio is the
critical link to safety and getting help. Unfortunately, little if any time is spent in training academies on how radios
work, why they will not work, and how to resolve communications failure issues on the fly. Students will learn
about the different types of radio system systems such as repeaters, simplex, trunk systems, analog and digital
systems.

The prepper community knows all too well the importance of communications and they have a large variety radio
services to choose from. Learn what radio services best suits the type of communications needed. Which service
is best, FCC Part 95 CB, MERS, FRS, GMRS products, or a Part 97 Amateur Radio license? This course will help you
sort it all out.

Are you interested in learning about new things, emerging technologies, nature, physics, and electronics? Are you
interested in communicating locally or internationally, without the aid of expensive infrastructure such as the
internet, cable provider, cell phone or landline telephone systems? How about having a casual conversation with
an astronaut aboard the International Space Station? STEM students will find this course exceedingly helpful in
their studies.

This course, based on the FCC Technician Class Amateur Radio examination criteria. The material provides
answers and solutions to the questions above. At the end of the class, students will have an option to take the
exam and apply for a Technician Class License. The course fee includes the required text and materials. Not
included is an optional exam fee of $15 and FCC license application fee of $35.

Text and Materials required:

  • The ARRL Technician Class License Manual
  • An inexpensive digital multimeter
  • A Texas Instrument TI-30xa Scientific Calculator
  • Access to one of the many free on-line exam practice sites such as www.qrz.com