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NH Governor Kelly Ayotte Issues Proclamation Designating June as “Amateur Radio Month”

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For further information, contact NH ARRL Section Public Information Coordinator Skip Camejo
 
In public recognition of the valuable service that amateur radio operators provide to their communities at no cost, Governor Kelly Ayotte issued a formal proclamation designating June as “Amateur Radio Month” in New Hampshire. 
 
Amateur radio operators, also known as ham radio operators, offer their services to their communities in time of emergency to assist local, state and federal public safety agencies in providing auxiliary communication capabilities to allow regular public safety communication systems to concentrate on the emergency.  In particular, NH-ARES (New Hampshire Amateur Radio Emergency Service) has groups and members situated throughout the state to provide assistance as needed.  ARES is an emergency communication organization sponsored by the ARRL (American Radio Relay League), the leading non-governmental amateur radio organization in the United States.  In addition to ARES, the ARRL sponsors the NTS (National Traffic System) which routinely transmits message traffic by radiogram, similar to telegrams, throughout the country.  In the event of an emergency the NTS would be available to provide long distance communication capabilities to responding agencies as well as health and welfare messages to or from the disaster area to family members outside the area when conventional communication systems are not functioning.  To practice their radio communication skills, amateur radio operators participate in an annual event called Field Day.  This event is held every June and involves operators setting up their radios in sometimes remote locations to practice and train for emergency communication.  Many local amateur radio clubs set up public demonstrations and encourage members of the public to try their hand at amateur radio.  This year Field Day will be held the weekend of June 28-29, 2025.
 
This year NH-ARES entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Emergency Services and Communications that designates NH-ARES as the sole organization providing amateur radio communications support to the state. 
As witnessed in weather disasters such as Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina, hurricanes in Florida and tornadoes throughout the midwest, cellular systems and public safety radio systems can become inoperable due to infrastructure damage. The use of amateur radio provides an auxiliary communication system utilizing trained and federally licensed radio operators to support the missions of the state’s public safety agencies.  In addition to emergency communication capabilities, amateur radio operators routinely assist their communities by providing communication services at events such as marathons, bicycle races, canoe races and other similar events. These public service radio communication assignments help train radio operators and fine tune the abilities of NH-ARES members to adapt to changing radio and weather conditions.

 
 
NH Amateur Radio Proclamation 2025

Is Your Club on the Map?

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ARRL-FD-locator-NEUse the ARRL Field Day Site Locator to make in-person connections during the event! 
 
With a little more than a month to go until the big weekend, there are almost 650 sites listed on the locator. To search for a site near you, just go to the map and zoom in on your area. Click on the red map pins for details about each site. To add information to the locator, click on “Add a Station”
 

2025 13 Colonies Special Event Recognizes Ken Villone, KU2US

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2018 K2K QSL card
13 Colonies K2K New Hampshire, 2018

Bob Josuweit, WA3PZO, writes:

In just a few weeks, one of the most popular summer operating events kicks off – The 13 Colonies Special Event. Now in its 17th year, the event has grown from Special Event Stations making approximately 12,000 contacts to last year making 292,496 contacts around the world. The Event runs from July 1 9:00 AM—July 7 Midnight Eastern (July 1 1300 UTC—July 8 0400 UTC).

This year, event organizers are recognizing the 13 Colonies Special Event founder Ken Villone, KU2US, who is passing the torch on to Tony Jones, N4ATJ. For the past 16 years, Villone has lead the event by working with state and bonus station coordinators. Then after the event he would print out individual certificates for thousands of people who made contact with the special event stations.

The Special Event consists of one station operating in each of the 13 Colonies (K2A – K2M) and three bonus stations (WM3PEN – Philadelphia, GB13COL – England, TM13COL – France) each representing their city, state, or countries role in America’s Colonial period.   

Villone describes how the event got started:

“I had just finished participating in the ARRL Sweepstakes in 2008, and remarked how fun it was. I could not figure out why there were not more of these type special events on the air. So I decided to try my luck and create one for one year only to see what happened and to have some fun. I knew we had to offer a special QSL card and/or certificate, plus have on hand a printer and supplies. The hard part was deciding what the event would commemorate and when to do this. I needed a theme that ALL could relate to! Also, the event would have to be the type with multiple event stations involved, like the ARRL Sweeps. 

“Then it hit me! 13 Colonies states, during the 4th of July week, and offer a certificate with the theme for the year. I made sure the theme was different each year with a different certificate design to make it interesting and to also make the certificate collectable. The theme would  highlight some event or thing connected to the American Revolution. The event was held July 1st to the 4th, 2009, 4 days with no advertising except on QRZ. I had a hard time getting 13 different Ops, one from each Colony state, but it worked out. All in all, it was a success! We made over 12,000 contacts the first year. I decided we had a good thing going, so I recruited another Op from each state and ran the event the followning year.We did over 32,000 contacts in 2010, and had a total of 26 state operators. There was a 13 Colonies special event in 1962 but only lasted one year, according to my research. (I was 13 years old).”

Ham radio operators and SWLs can participate in the event. Complete information about the call for each colony station and the bonus stations can be found on the event website 13colonies.us and they can follow us on Facebook – 13 Colonies Special Event Community. Stations need only make one contact with one of the participating stations, or they can go for a Clean Sweep and work all 13 Colony stations and the three bonus stations. Each station offers a special QSL card for the event as well as a different certificate each year. Operators can keep an eye out for the special event stations by watching many of the DX spotting networks, such as DXSummit.fi.

 

Authors Track at HamXposition

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book iconLarry Krainson, W1AST, writes:
 
I’m tinkering with the idea of having an “Authors Track” or “Meet the Authors” at this year’s HamXposition.
 
Calling all hams in New England who are book authors! Your books do not have to include ham radio, but it would be fun if they did.
 
If you are interested in learning more, please contact Larry, W1AST, at W1AST@HamX.org with your name and call.
 
 

Julio Ripoll – Founder & Coordinator of National Hurricane Center Amatuer Radio Station – WX4NHC Receives Prestigious Dayton Hamvention Special Achievement Award

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From WX1BOX.org:

WD4R-Julio Ripoll, founder and Amateur Radio Coordinator for WX4NHC, the Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center in Miami FL, which has been active during landfalling New England tropical systems received the prestigious Dayton Hamvention Special Achievement Award. Further details including a picture of Julio receiving the award can be seen below:

Special Announcement: WD4R-Julio Ripoll – Founder & Coordinator of National Hurricane Center Amatuer Radio Station – WX4NHC Receives Prestigious Dayton Hamvention Special Achievement Award

2025 HamXposition Prizes Announced

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From Northeast HamXposition.org:

Major prizes have been announced at the 2025 Northeast HamXposition. 

“Our website lists the door prizes that have been both donated by vendors and purchased by the committee,” explains Prize Chair Larry Krainson, W1AST.

“One of our top prizes — the FT-891 and ATAS-120 — go together as a complete HF mobile station. I think people will be excited by our offerings.”
 
For the full list of major prizes offered at the Friday evening DXCC-Contest Banquet, Saturday morning Keynote Address, Saturday afternoon hourly drawings, Saturday evening Grant Banquet, and Sunday Closing Ceremony, visit https://hamxposition.org/prizes.
 
2025 HamX prizes

“Message From A Freshly Licensed Ham”

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Franklin Land Trust News & Views banner

 

From Franklin (County, MA) Land Trust E-News & Views, May 15, 2025:

“For many years, we have relied on the generous support of volunteer amateur radio operators (Hams) during D2R2. These Hams, mostly members of the Franklin County Amateur Radio Club (FCARC), provide communication support between D2R2’s home base in Deerfield and checkpoints scattered across the Hilltowns where there is little to no cell service. Last year, when I began planning a new event that would also require support from FCARC (Edge Hill Trail Race), the club’s membership gently hinted that it would be helpful if a few of FLT’s staff and volunteer community became Hams themselves. Flash forward to spring of this year and two of our staff members, including Alex Wahlstrom (callsign KC1WTM) and me (callsign KC1WTW), and five other community members have received FCC-license to operate amateur radio equipment.

“For four Mondays in April, we transformed our conference room into a classroom. A group of interested community members came to learn the material required to get on the air from FCARC members Bob, Chris, and Lad, including understanding the physics of radio waves, electrical components, the pros and cons of different radio frequencies, basic safety, and government regulations. This culminated in a Technician exam which took place earlier this week.

“Now that I’ve passed the test, I am looking forward to learning how to use a radio to communicate with people nearby and thousands of miles away, talk to astronauts on the International Space Station, and even bounce radio signals off the moon. Most of all, though, I’m excited to be able to serve the needs of my community. In the rural Hilltowns where cell service is limited, Ham radio is an important skill in emergencies and can serve as a communication tool in most situations where cell phones are not an option for those who wish to learn the skill.

“Thank you to the Franklin County Amateur Radio Club, the Shelburne Cultural Council, and the Laurel Volunteer Examination Team for help making this event possible.

“I’ll see you on the radio!”

Liam Cregan,
Land Conservation Specialist

[Note: congrats to Liam and six other new hams thanks to Franklin County ARC’s efforts!]

Eastern MA Section News, May 2025

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EMA ARRL logoHAPPY 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 – ev en 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.

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ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section
Section Manager: Jon W McCombie, N1ILZ
n1ilz@arrl.org
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