Category Archives: Section

Section Manager’s Report Jan. 2026

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Hello and Happy New Year! Yes, it did take me a couple of tries to get the right year on the title! It’s only a few weeks of winter and I’m already tired of it.

   Speaking of winter, Winter Field day is approaching on the fourth weekend. This event has been gaining in popularity and activities are being planned both individually and with clubs. If you tolerate the colder temps (I don’t) give it a try. This year I will be traveling to warmer climates in Arizona and attending Quartzfest. This is one of the bucket list things for me. Quartzfest is held in Quartzite, AZ out in the desert. 7 days of radio, fellowship, presentations, cast iron cooking and potluck. Gordon West will likely be there and around 750 others. I will be driving there so I’m sure the sights will be great.

   With the New Year the ARRL has now launched the “Year of the Club” https://www.arrl.org/year-of-the-club theme for the year. One event is the W1AW/x event to celebrate the nations 250th anniversary and promote operating award for WAS for the event. Larry, W1AST our WMA Club Coordinator sent word out to the clubs in EMA and WMA to get clubs to participate in this. I am disappointed to report that NO clubs in all of Massachusetts responded! Larry is now looking for individual time slots from operators. Our first one will be in February. Please contact Larry at w1ast@arrl.net to participate and for more information, go to www.arrl.org to see what they have planned.

   It is now Jan 1st and today I am starting a new term as your SM. I have been at this for eight years now. There have been some improvements during this time although slower than I hoped for. All this time not one challenged me for this position. (I call it a “landslide” victory) This is your section too! You should try and make our section lively and active. Not taking Geritol and napping in your well-worn chair. Get your club to do a POTA activation, be a mentor, have activities that will create an interest in your club and in ham radio. There are lots of stuff out there at your disposal. If you need assistance drop me an email.

   That’s all for now. Stay warm and safe. Remember, glowing tubes creates heat, and also contacts. Take advantage and use it also to promote radio to the future generations. I hope 2026 is really good to you!

73, Ray AA1SE Your Western Mass. Section Manager

Section Manager’s Report Dec.2025

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   2025 is coming to a close. A lot happened during the year. Some things I’m still scratching my head over. Some things I am very happy about. I guess everyone goes through that.

   I made a visit to the HCRA auction they had. There was a good crowd and if you need stuff for the flea market table that was the place to be. Stuff was going out the door CHEEP! I think there was one doing just that. I actually walked out with some treasures myself. It was a fun time overall. Only thing I would recommend to those going to these is BRING MONEY!

   The next week I was back in Holyoke and attended a tower take down for a ham that is now in assisted living. The lucky recipient has a 75 foot crank up/tilt over powered tower and tribander that was in really nice shape. It really amazes me what a collaboration of people in ham radio does for the soul especially when the temperatures were on the cold side. One person there who is a current student in my tech class came over and got a ton of mentoring and to his surprise he now has a Kenwood TS 570 and some other things at a really great deal thanks to the owner’s son. People complain about the shrinking numbers in our hobby. This is what we need to do and more of it. Getting them involved, collaborating, offering a great startup rig, making them welcome is what it takes. He is now more determined to pass that test.

   The league is going through some personnel changes with the sudden departure of Mike Walters N8ZY the Field Service Mgr. who was my boss. Josh Johnston KE5MHV the EMCOMM Mgr. is taking that role along with his current one. I guess we will have to see how that move shakes out. Leona Adams, W1LGA who has been assisting Steve Ewald and Mike has now retired after 25 years there. We wish her well in her future endeavors.

   One thing I have observed lately is three clubs have a renewed and increased level of cooperation between them. There has been a renewed resurgence in activity and is sharing resources in hopes to make each other stronger. I know there are a couple of individuals (or more) that have been the heavyweights and I see it infecting others to chip in also to help them. I am watching this with interest. Could this be an answer for other clubs who have become stagnant?

   So now that December is here again, what are you hoping to get from Santa-Ham. Love, Peace? A new IC7300 MK2, a 7610, a K4? There are a few things I would like. Don’t know if I’ll ever get them but it’s nice to dream. One thing we can hope for is love and peace. We ALL can give that freely with Ham Radio and I wish that for all this Holiday Season.

   Be well! 73!

Ray AA1SE

Section Manager Report Nov. 2025

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Oh-Oh! Here we go again! Another silly season is upon us. Those of you who complained about the heat can now switch over to the cold side of it.

   Oct 4 was our WMA ARES SET. Chuck WS1L posted an After-Action Report and I will post it on this site. This highlights the fact that we can communicate in an actual event, but this also identified some areas that need a lot of improvement from. Particularly in digital ICS 213 messaging. Also suggested that an Areden mesh network should be developed and utilized to bridge those gaps that the terrain can hinder our performance. Overall, I am encouraged that participation in this activity was better than last year, but we have a lot of work ahead of us. Getting current ARES members to be active more and to get others to join ARES especially where there are dry spots of coverage. The more we improve on this increases our capabilities that will be appealing to our served agencies. Huge thanks to Chuck for the efforts in this activity.

   As most of you know, the league launched the letter writing for the Emergency Preparedness Bill. Efforts are still ongoing and still need your help in sending your letter in and talking it up to ALL hams. Clubs also need to send the prepared letter as well. Don’t procrastinate on this one. The current shutdown should not be a reason for doing it later. I visited a number of clubs to visit and promote this as well.

   It’s nice to see club’s engaging in activities to create activity among the members. The Montachusett Club had a POTA event in Townsend which a number of members participated. The Hampden club has an Auction on Nov. 7 and they are having a Foxhunt build session to make attenuators and antennas. Last month I reported the CMARA club is having an ARISS event in March. There has been a lot of emphasis on club development and hopefully it leads to renewed interest in increase in participation and membership.

   The League has announced in July that 2026 will be The Year of the Club. Two contests have been announced. First one is the newsletter contest.    https://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-year-of-the-club-newsletter-contest-call-for-submissions The other is the Website contest. https://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-year-of-the-club-website-contest-call-for-submissions A new website for YOTC is online at https://www.arrl.org/year-of-the-club. It has also been announced that the W1AW-x state events is coming back. It will be the 100th anniversary of the affiliated clubs for the league. More details coming for this one.

   Lots of stuff going on! I hope all clubs take advantage of the upcoming activities to get more members and get noticed. And especially to get on the air, mentor new hams, have fellowship with others and to have FUN!

   I hope everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving. Stuff your face and then stuff the airwaves. (After the turkey induced nap! 😊)

   73, de 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

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

Membership Challenge

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Ed: This post originated from the Maine Section Manager, whom has approved this version being released here.

Many of you have already heard of the ARRL board decision to increase membership dues and make changes in the way we receive magazines, such as QST.  If not, I invite you to read ARRL President Rick Roderick’s (K5UR) letter dated July 23, 2023 in an ARRL bulletin. It is available on the ARRL web site.

For the past year or so, our division directors and other League officials have been warning us about the serious financial situation that the ARRL has been in the past few years caused primarily from inflation, especially the rampart cost increases of print media such as QST.  In May, members were asked to take the membership dues survey. About 20% of ARRL membership answered that call and the Board has taken the results of that survey and made the tough choices.

Like many of you, I do not relish the idea of a dues increase, and I especially do not like that the print magazines will no longer be part of the membership benefits (you still get the digital versions of all the magazines free with membership). Now, to receive a printed QST, On The Air, NCJ, or QEX magazine, you have to subscribe separately. I am one of those that still likes to hold onto a paper book or magazine. Do I personally like it? No, I don’t, but I also don’t like spending 4 dollars a gallon for fuel oil or 3 dollars for a head of lettuce either.

But then, I think how much the ARRL, ham radio clubs (most of them ARRL-affiliated) and my fellow amateur radio operators mean to me. It boils down to people, to friendship, and camaraderie.  If not for the ARRL and for all of the clubs and ham radio events, I would miss out on the great friendships I have forged through the past 20 years. It is my relationship with the League, affiliated clubs and all the individuals I have met through them that has made such a positive impact on my life. I love the coffee meets, hamfest gatherings, convention get-togethers, club suppers, and all the ham radio nets where we get to chat, laugh, innovate, maybe even instigate, and otherwise socialize.

There is no doubt in my mind that this amazing hobby and service would not exist as it is today without the ARRL. The League’s advocacy and lobbying is why we have so many amateur radio bands and modes. There are many commercial entities that want some of our spectrum. It is a constant battle that continues today. What chance would we have in keeping our frequency privileges without the ARRL’s effort?  Very little in my opinion.

Instead of seeing these dues increases and other changes at the ARRL as a negative, let’s instead support the League even further. Last year the ARRL lost about a million dollars. This year that figure is expected to more than double. Dues increases alone will not make up for all of that. 

If you can afford it, I challenge you to do one or more of the following:

  1. Become Diamond Club member. The additional financial support will help close the gap and get the League into better financial health.
  2. Donate to one of the ARRL funds, such as Spectrum Defense, Education & Technology, W1AW Endowment, or the General fund. https://home.arrl.org/action/Donate
  3. If you are a Life Member, consider making a monthly or annual donation.

Some may think the ARRL has not been a good steward of our membership money. While any business can benefit from frequent analysis of expenditures and tightening of the belt at times, I do not believe the ARRL is wasting our money. As Western Massachusetts section manager, I have met and continue to meet many League officials in person and on-line and they are doing their best in a difficult inflationary time.

In the past ten or so years ago, prior CEOs tried to close the gap by cutting spending which left many programs underfunded and unsupported which caused an erosion in confidence by the members and a downturn in membership. The League has now invested sums of money to hire new staffing and managers and to restore programs and invent new ones to move the ARRL into the future.

Yes, we do ask for donations. These donations go to programs which use a large sum on money and could wipe out any budget in a second. Another way to donate to the cause is time. Volunteer and participate in field positions, club activities, EMCOMM, mentoring new hams, etc. Your time invested will help secure the future by inspiring interest to the new and prospective hams. Being positive and understanding the real value we have with the ARRL is something we need to embrace.

73,
Ray Lajoie AA1SE
WMA Section Manager

Section Manager’s Report May 2020

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   Hello! We made it through another month. Being busy make it move quickly. Springtime has certainly sprouted activity out here. Question is…where are you? 

   I write this after a little “recovery” from Near-Fest. It was so great to see you all out there. I was there at 0530 waiting to get in to secure my favorite spot. It was great to have Brad W1BCC and Aaron KF1G and his family there alongside me and provided some assistance. Gary K1YTS and crew stopped by for a visit along with Barry W1HFN from MARA. It really is more fun when you are with friends. Next one is October 14 and 15. Hope you can make it then.

   Larry, W1AST has started the promotion of the BigE radio event planned in September. There is so much to do before then. See the flyer below and consider volunteering for some of it. This event does need a lot of people from ALL of New England.

   Some time ago I acquired a bunch of old QST’s that I have been going through and I came across several articles going back over 25 years and more concerning the state of Ham Radio and new ham mentoring and the “old timers” attitude towards new licensees, also with the general lack of participation in clubs. This kind of struck a nerve as I have been a strong advocate for some time now about the very thing. I am sure all of you who read this are probably tired of me preaching about it. The above statement says it all as to why I do! Sadly, I still hear reports of new hams not feeling welcome when they try to join in. I literally heard a comment stating they should be doing more but “I’m too lazy,” In a room of brand-new hams. My question is what had changed in the last 25 plus years? Not much I guess, just the people and the dynamics. To those that are active in many aspects of the hobby, do not let this discourage you, stay with it. If we can get more positives in the mix, it will drown the negatives out. Don’t be afraid to lean on others for ideas, encouragement, etc. This is a hobby of many investments, not just radio’s, antenna’s etc. You invest in people, community, the hobby. Believe me when I say this, I have to remind myself of this every day!

   Clubs at this time are now focusing their meetings on elections and field day. New(er) hams can benefit from this as they can develop skills at field day and grow in the hobby. It can help develop good relations to the club they participate with. Clubs are also looking for leaders to take them into the future. Some clubs have been successful in dusting it off and adding new things to make it lively again inspiring others to join in. There is a huge pool of people inside and out who are willing to help those who take on those positions. Give it a try, you can be a gamechanger.

   That’s about it for now, better get off the soapbox before it caves in hi-hi! Seriously, if I can do it, you can do it. I am by no means a rocket scientist. I utilize my imagination and my resources around me. Joe Dirt (re: the movie) said it best. Life’s a garden….dig it!

Till next month!

Ray AA1SE

Big-E-recruitment-1Download