Category Archives: Section

Section Manager’s Report. Sept 2025

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Did you hear a loud scream lately? That was August flying by! Wow, Fall is just a few weeks away. It was a busy month for sure.

   Earlier this month I made a road trip and visited the NOBARC hamfest. Saw a number of people there and some treasures getting bought. I did not go there to sell. Instead, I was sitting in on their VE session which is now using the ExamTools web app for administering the tests. This is going to be the new standard as the ARRL is no longer producing any printed materials. Running the test electronically allows for the tests to be graded using your cellphone camera or any camera for that matter which I thought was pretty slick. Also, the paperwork and test results are instantly uploaded directly to the league for FCC processing. It is important before you start is get registered on ExamTools website as you need to get verified as an examiner, get a signature uploaded and a couple of other things. Embrace the future folks! Fear not! You can print out forms and test questions if needed. There are groups that can assist if needed.

   Of course, the big one was last weekend in the HamXposition convention. I don’t have the numbers but what I did hear was the inside vendors was sold out, there were over 60 forums which is more than Dayton and the flea market looked nearly sold out. I was running the flea market this year and with the help of my friend N1MGO, and the volunteers for the entrance. It ran pretty smooth. (I guess I did not goof it up too much! 😊) I did hear a fair amount of positive feedback and a good time was had there. I look forward to next year where I hope to see more growth and variety.

   With September here is the time clubs will be meeting again after their summer break. The ARRL has announced that 2026 will be celebrated as “The Year of the Club” There will be activities surrounding this and they are cooking up some incentives to encourage clubs to operate under their club callsign among other things. Details are in the works so stay tuned. This is a great tool to use to try to build up your club. People want more out of their club than just the usual old business, new business and who’s presenting what. Members need to participate and engage others to be creative and have some great fun. Don’t get discouraged if one thing flops, try something else. Keep trying and you may find that winning solution. What works for one may not work for the other. Invite your neighboring club along too!

   Chuck, WS1L is getting the plans for an upcoming SET for October. This is a great test of how your skills are in an emergency. It also helps to identify what or where we need to improve on. Contact Chuck with any questions or how to participate. I would love to see some good participation from all parts of Western Ma.

   What are your goals for the upcoming season? Upgrading your license? Mentoring a new ham? Learn to handle traffic? POTA activations? The possibilities are many. As they say…Be Radio-active!

   Have a great month!

73

Ray AA1SE

Section Manager’s Report Aug. 2025

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   “I’m melting, melting!” That seems to have been the theme for this month. Pretty sad you have to walk around carrying a meat thermometer with you! And to top it off, I have been dealing with a sore back. Ok, bad news and complaining out of the way.

   So, if you haven’t heard, the board meeting from the league had announced 2026 will be celebrated as the year of the club. There is a committee with Mike Walters, W8ZY that will be coming up with activities and incentives to get clubs more active and on the air especially with the club call signs. Should be interesting and more to follow on that later. The league has also submitted to the FCC it’s comments on the request for the 70cm band by AST & Science. You can post comments to the FCC by Aug. 5.

   Something else I saw which was a surprise was that SteppIR had folded their tents! This will take place on Aug.31. To see the announcement, go to https://consumer.steppir.com/ They cited “Due to emerging factors.”

   So, the big event is close at hand, HamXposition. Lots of people have been looking forward to this including me. This year I will not be having a forum. One reason is the attendance does not really support it and I will also be taking on a new role there as the head of the flea market…OH BOY! 😊 I guess certain people want to see me roast out there more. Yep, I need to take precautions more. So, you will see something different out there but I will still have my treasures out there. Look forward to seeing you all out there. There are a TON of forums that weekend and the prize kiddie is really good. That group did a good job of putting that part together. They really are trying to make this one of the premier conventions next to Dayton, Hamvention, Huntsville.

   Just prior to that, if you want to take a nice ride in the country is the NOBARC Hamfest which will be August 17 at 371 Old Columbia St in Adams. I plan on going, likely just to visit.

   Something new that is starting in the New England Division is the New England and Section Ham of the year awards which will be awarded at the convention. It will be on a separate posting to learn more.

   Hopefully when the weather cooperates a little more and there is a break between events, definitely get out there and play some radio. I need to do the same thing as I need to work on some set ups outside. My tri-bander is junk and need to get that squared away.

   Ok blink your eyes and it will be September and cooler. Then you will complain about the cold! Hi-Hi

Have a great August!

73, Ray AA1SE

Section Manager’s Report June 2025

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   I think you would agree with me that most of these weekends you should be operating maritime mobile. My hopes is the weather changes before field day and we get some great weather. Last year was interesting as storms were threatening and occurred during the event.

   Speaking of Field Day, don’t forget to go to the leagues website and enter your event in the Field Day Locator. https://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator As I previously mentioned, I will be visiting the sites and hope to visit all of them in my section.   

   The July’s edition of QST will announce nominations for Section Manager to serve for the next two years starting in January. I encourage anyone interested to visit http://www.arrl.org/section-terms-nomination-information to learn more. Yep, Western Mass is up. Do you feel the need to boot me off the throne? 😊

   As clubs are anticipating summer activities, the theme of the season are POTA parties. Some clubs have had one with great success and others are in the works. They are not hard to put together either. It’s a great way to get the new ham involved with the club and radio.

   Clubs will be wrapping up their meeting season this month which usually involves elections for officers. I have seen some clubs struggle with getting members to fill in the positions. It adds a greater burden to those still in office and it snowball’s, leading to continued erosion of what was once a vibrant club. Don’t let this happen to your club. Get involved! It’s really not rocket science.

   I hope everyone has a successful Field Day and a fabulous, safe Summer. See you at FD or at the convention in Marlboro in August.

73, Ray AA1SE

Section Manager’s Report May 2025

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Hi there, yes, I am a little late this month as I wanted to give a report on Near-Fest that was just held. Despite the few showers that kept our tarps busy, overall, the event went well. I cannot tell you that even where I was which I called the “Cheap Seats” It is really encouraging to see many people stop at my table and say hi to me. I did and do receive feedback and constructively use it. And I believe I mentioned it before here but having the table gives me the opportunity to mentor hams in a big way. (It also helps me from spending money too!) 😊Next adventure is the convention in Marlboro. https://hamxposition.org/ August 21-24. Hope to see you there!

   The nice weather is upon us and with that our thoughts turn to Field Day. Plans are underway fast and furious. I do plan on doing the tour again. Always a fun time to visit the sites and see everyone in action. If there is a site I do not know of please let me know so I can stop over.

   License classes and test sessions are plenty. Every time I poke around the net or email, I see another new one spring to life. I will not say much but do not miss the opportunity to welcome and mentor those that have succeeded and help those that want to come onboard. To those that put these together, THANK YOU!

   The Hampton County Radio Assn. https://hcra.org/ is having a Share the Knowledge session on Foxhunting May 17 at 10 AM At the Holyoke Medical Center, 575 Beech Street Holyoke, Ma. Any Ham regardless of experience or membership can join in. HCRA has had some big Foxhunt events in the past. Go to the website or Facebook for more. If your club has an event coming up, let me know and I can post it on the WMA website.

   There have been a number of Hams that have become Silent Key lately. One of note was Jack Noble W1JWN. In my early days as a Ham, it was Jack that I heard on the Western Mass Emergency Net. (Sundays at 0830 on 3944 KHz) He had done that and was involved with the Red Cross and other EMCOMM functions. I have heard a bunch of things that Jack has done throughout his time. He will be missed by many. 73’s and rest well, Jack.

   That’s it for this month. Hope to see you soon live or on the airwaves.

73

Ray AA1SE

Section Manager’s Report April 2025

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Helloooo Spring! This is the transitional time where we stop complaining about the cold and start complaining about the heat! 😊 It’s true!

   April brings also the awakening of outdoor activities, antenna maintenance, hamfest’s, POTA activation’s and more. Take advantage and enjoy the outdoors.

   The league has an event on April 18 in Ham Radio Open House which coincides with the IARU World Amateur Radio Day https:/https://www.arrl.org/world-amateur-radio-day/www.arrl.org/world-amateur-radio-day This is designed for clubs and others to go out and showcase amateur radio to the public, students, etc. Go to the site to learn more.

   On the 21st approximately 300 hams will arrive in Boston in the wee hours and get ready to do our part in the Boston Marathon. We work with all the agencies to help keep this event, safe and smooth running. I will be there likely in a medical sweep van doing the route. This is a huge logistical event to make sure the 26 miles run smoothly. Hope to see you there.

   I have observed that there has been an increase in radio license classes and exam sessions. This is excellent and hope all involved does well. I have just concluded a general class course on Zoom which had 15 students participate. VE’s, this is a great opportunity to start mentoring from the handing of the CSCE. Don’t give them the congrat’s and handshake and just let them go. Take the time to talk to them, invite them to a club, give them mentor contact information, give them handouts, make them feel welcome and happy they made the decision to become part of this hobby. If you want a guide you can customize go to this link: https://wma.arrl.org/western-massachusetts-section-mentoring-program/ You can download this and make it your own. Put all your contact information for the clubs in your area, repeaters mentors and more. Give that newbie a good start!

   And of course, we cannot forget a now traditional event and that’s Near-Fest https://near-fest.com/ coming May 2 & 3 at the new location at the Hillsborough Cty. Fairgrounds 14 Hilldale Lane New Boston NH. Can you believe it’s been 18 years when Mr. Mike started it?  Wow! I hope the weather gods will work with us this year.

   Speaking of Hamfest’s, I was at the Mt. Tom https://mtara.org/ hamfest earlier this month and saw the same attendance fall-off as with Algonquin’s in Feb. I wonder what the other hamfest’s are seeing. I know some prices have gone up (like everything else!) I do not know if that is what’s driving it. Support your hamfest event. For some clubs it finances worthy projects and keeps their club running. It was nice to see everyone there.

   I hope everyone has a great April and take that radio outdoors and have fun!

73 Ray AA1SE

Section Manager’s Report Mar. 2025

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Well, another month gone. Not like I’ll miss it. It was challenging with the snow and cold we had. Hopefully the worst is over and the good stuff will return,

   A shout out goes to the NOBARC club in Pittsfield. They have ramped up Tech classes, and VE sessions to boost their club. Eric KA1SUN, Cory N1XWS, and Chuck WS1L and others have been working on boosting the hobby in them thar hills 😊and their efforts are evident! Other clubs can benefit from this as the evidence is showing favorably that outreach and mentoring is working and benefits YOUR club! It does take some effort by all members to make it happen!

   As usual, I was at the Algonquin Hamfest in Marlboro and it was a good one despite the attendance was a bit off. I think the weather scared off some people as a storm was approaching. I know I was quite busy the whole time and I Did spend time doing some mentoring to some newbies. An added bonus to having tables with goodies there. Try it out sometime! The next one is on March 1 in Chicopee for the Mt. Tom club. Hopefully we will have a dandy crowd there. See flyer elsewhere.

   With any luck the function of sending an email via the league to the section members is fixed. YAY! Only been 9 months. Gee a rebirth! I will try it when this gets published.

   Phil, K9HI, Jon K1ILZ the Eastern Ma Section MGR., myself along with other’s have continued to work on the revitalization of NTS. We are currently regrouping and rearranging things to move things forward more. Anyone can go to nts2.arrl.org and see information user accessible video’s, trainings, and more highlighting our efforts. If you want to get involved we would love to hear from you. Just email myself or k9hi@arrl.org to find out more.

   The New England Convention is making some noise as August will be fast approaching. They are looking for speakers and passing out flyers. They were actually at the Marlboro Flea market promoting the event.

   At this point all I can say to end this is COME ON SPRING!!!!!

73

Ray AA1SE  

WMA ARES 2024 Simulated Emergency Test Plan

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Introduction

The following is the Simulated Emergency Test for the Western Massachusetts Section for the calendar year 2024.  The test period will run from 0830 to 1200 local (1230-1700 Zulu) Sunday, 10 November 2024. 

SITUATION (What is happening?)

Tropical Storm Hiram formed in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and rapidly intensified before making landfall as Hurricane Hiram on the west coast of Florida.  Weakening again to Tropical Storm strength it moved rapidly northeastward towards New England. 

As it approached the area Canadian high pressure blocked its further movement and heavy rainfall over the Western Massachusetts area began to fall on soil already saturated from prior storms. 

Over the course of 24 hours rainfall totals across the area range from 11 to 31 inches.  The resulting damage to infrastructure has left many areas isolated.  Cellular, landline, roads and power are destroyed in many areas.  Water systems are damaged or contaminated in many areas.

MISSION (What are we going to do about it?)

Amateur radio operators will check in to our regular Sunday ARES Nets and report damage in their immediate area using a simplified reporting system that accounts for building damage, flooding and transportation status.  An example of a report might be:

“This is a drill. K1FFK, Berkshire County, North Adams, Notch Road. Two buildings severely damaged.  One building moderately damaged.  Three buildings with basement flooding.  No buildings with first floor flooding.  Our road is passable.  This is a drill”

Net Control Stations will collect reports from their check-in stations and forward this data out of the affected area.  This can be done via email over WinLink or Telnet, internet email, a web reporting tool, via HF or DMR, or any other method that moves traffic out of the impacted area.

EXECUTION (How are we going to do it?)

Amateur operators may generate a simulated damage report using the table below.  This table is based upon the primary color of houses on your street or block.  If you live in an apartment or development with the same color scheme, you may use the colors of vehicles parked to right and left of your own.  The goal is to generate simulated numbers to represent damage for this exercise reporting.

RedBuilding severely damaged/uninhabitable
GreenBuilding moderately damaged/habitable
BrownBuildings with first floor or greater flooding
BlueBuildings with basement flooding
YellowRoad is blocked with debris

For example, your street has ten homes on it.  Three are mostly red, four are mostly blue, two are mostly brown and one is green.  None are yellow.  You would check in to your local ARES net and your report for the SET would be:

“This is a drill. WS1L, Berkshire County, North Adams, Church Street. Three buildings severely damaged.  One building moderately damaged.  Four buildings with basement flooding.  Two buildings with first floor flooding.  Our road is passable.  This is a drill”

For another example, you live in a condo where all the buildings are a shade of grey.  When you park your vehicle the vehicles around it include one red vehicle, three green vehicles, two blue vehicles and three yellow vehicles.  You would check in to your local ARES net and your report for the SET would be:

“This is a drill.  W1AW, Franklin County, Charlemont, Main Street. One building severely damaged.  Three buildings moderately damaged.  Two buildings with basement flooding.  Our road is blocked with debris.  This is a drill.”

If you are able, please consider operating on emergency or backup power, or operating from a portable set up, or from a location away from home.  Any of these adds realistic challenges to overcome. 

Sunday ARES Nets

  • 3.944 Western MA Emergency Net Sundays at 0830
  • 0845 Mt Tom 146.940 127.3 Hamden/Hampshire County ARES Net
  • 0850 Worcester 147.210 88.5 SW Worcester ARES Net
  • 0900 Fitchburg, MA 145.450- 74.4 W1GZ repeater. Montachusett Amateur Radio Association ARES Net  (Linked with Gardner 145.37 pl 136.5 and IRLP9127)
  • 0900 Greylock, MA 146.910- 162.2 Western Massachusetts ARES Net
  • 0915 Paxton, MA 146.970- 114.8 Worcester County ARES Net
  • 0915 Mt Tom 443.200 127.3 Hamden/Hampshire UHF ARES Net
  • 0915 Paxton 146.970 114.8 Worcester ARES net
  • 0930 Greylock, MA 53.23-/162.2 Western Massachusetts ARES Net
  • 0945 Greylock, MA 449.425-/162.2 Western Massachusetts ARES Net
  • 1000 Greylock, MA 224.10 out, 222.5 in, PL 162.2 Western Massachusetts ARES Net

Please join us on Sunday, November 10th on your local ARES net!

2024 WMA ARES Simulated Emergency Test Tentatively Scheduled

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The Western Massachusetts ARES Section will be holding a Simulated Emergency Test next month.  The tentative date is Sunday, 10 November though that is subject to change.  The test will involve stations reporting damage after a severe storm and flooding.

Further information will follow on the WMA ARES email list and on normally scheduled WMA ARES nets.

Thanks and 73,
Chuck Chandler WS1L
WMA ARES Section Emergency Coordinator

ARRL New England Division Director Elections

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Greetings all,

As you know, we have an election for the division director to serve the next three years here in New England. Fred Kemmerer AB1OC is the incumbent and Tom Frenaye K1KI is the challenger. Below I have an message from Phil Temples K9HI as to the elections with instruction on voting as it will be electronic with a mail option. Please read.

Your vote counts and I urge you to do your research in your selection for New England’s Director.

Thank you!

73,
Ray AA1SE
WMA Section Manager

Within the next week or so, you should be receiving voting instructions for the ARRL New England Director election. ARRL has contracted with Election Services Corporation (ESC) to conduct the election, and for the first time we’ll be able to vote online. ESC will send postcards to eligible members with the instructions on how to use their online voting site to access candidate statements, photos, and the electronic ballot. The postcard will also have instructions for requesting a paper ballot if preferred. Members with an email address on file with ARRL will receive the postcard and an email message from ESC. Members without an email address on file will receive only the postcard.

ESC provides the online voting website, collects and processes electronic and paper ballots, and computes the election results. If you require assistance or have questions, ESC will provide help. You can contact ESC at (866) 720-4357, or via email: ARRLElection@ElectionServicesCorp.com.

To ensure you get a ballot, you should review the email and mailing addresses associated with your ARRL membership by going to www.arrl.org/myARRL. You must be logged in to the ARRL website to view your account.

Ballots (paper or electronic) must be received by noon on November 15, 2024.

73,
Phil Temples, K9HI

Western Massachusetts Amateur Radio Emergency Service to hold annual emergency test

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UPDATE 10/15 08:51 AM: ICS form download updated to version 3.

The Western Massachusetts section of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service will hold their 2023 Simulated Emergency Test from 10:00 AM local time on Saturday, 21 October to 10:00 AM local time on Sunday, 22 October 2023.  This test will involve ARES members attempting to receive and report airport weather information to the Department of Defense via the US Army Military Affiliate Radio System.  

The Simulated Emergency Test (SET) Situation is as follows:

“Repeated patterns of wet weather have been experienced throughout the Western Massachusetts section, leaving soils saturated and incapable of absorbing additional rainfall.  Several instances of flooding have already led to road washouts impacting the transportation sector.
The first arctic cold front of the season approaches with a large pressure differential producing a sudden onset of high winds.  With root systems already weakened in soft soil, large numbers of trees are felled throughout the section.  Multiple roads become impassible.  Wire and cable damage has lead to degradation of the Public Switched Telephone and cellular networks.  Calls placed without GETS/WPS are taking up to one hour to complete.
Resource requests for high priority items are ready to transport via air to local airports but with no ability to receive local weather conditions at those airports ARES has been tasked with reporting local airport weather information.”

The ARES Mission for the SET is as follows:

“WMA ARES members will attempt to receive local airport weather information broadcast on the VHF-AM Aviation Band of 119-136 MHz.  Any weather reports received will be transcribed for later reporting.  WMA ARES members will report the information received during ARES nets to be held within the 24-hour exercise period.  US Army MARS stations will attempt to check in to these nets and receive these reports.  Reports may also be sent via WinLink.”

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment, with their local ARES leadership, for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes.  For more information, visit wma.arrl.org.

Important Exercise Documents for Download

2023-SET-ICS-Forms-V3Download
SET-Ops-OrderDownload