Organization

August 11, 2025

CONTENTS
– Northeast HamXposition 2025
– FUN with POTA (Parks On The Air)
– Hurricane Season (Update)
– When All Else Fails®
– SKYWARN: On-Line Spotter Training
– Getting the Message Through (NTS)
– New Eastern CT Traffic Net Manger
– New PIOs Wanted
– CT Section Manager Cabinet Openings.

NORTHEAST HAMXPOSITION 2025
& ARRL New England Division Convention

This is THE BIGEST HAMFEST in the North East.
You don’t want to miss it!

Dates: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Aug. 21 – 24
Hours: Varies per Day (Big days are Saturday & Sunday)
Place: Best Western Marlborough, MA
181 Boston Post Road W.
Marlborough, MA 01752
Website: http://hamxposition.org

Great Fun! PLAN TO BE THERE! Lots of exciting and informative Forums and Presentations and Outdoor Swapfest at this Hamfest. see Schedule https://registration.hamxposition.org/Schedule/

NEW AWARD:

New England Division’s “Ham of The Year”. This will be presented during the ARRL Forum on Saturday.

As part of the festivities, I will be hosting 2 meetings: the CT Section Manager Meeting on Saturday @ 4pm, and a fast paced, interactive workshop: “The First 15 Minutes” (Saturday, Time TBA – see program schedule)

FUN with POTA (Parks On The Air)

If you have not discovered the fun of POTA, you are missing out! Since the last newsletter, I have teamed up with two groups activating CT State Parks.

The first was over at Gardner Lake State Park (Salem) – see video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YuKbnZej2s And, the second was at Dennis Hill State Park (Norfolk).

Today, Monday 8/11, I will be at 2 parks that sit next to each other up in Danielson: Ross Pond SP and Old Furnace SP Also, today, a group of 6 stalwart fellows are planning to activate 3 islands in the Connecticut River.

Hurricanes

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR HURRICANE SEASON 2025? Our Hurricane Season typically starts in late August. That means we all now have 3 Weeks (+/-) to Get Ready (e.g. Home Prep, Radio Prep)

When All Else Fails®

Amateur radio operators use their ARES® training, skills, and equipment to provide communications during emergencies When All Else Fails®. Hams serve our communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure, including cell towers, and wired and wireless networks. Amateur radio can function completely independently of the internet and phone systems. An amateur radio station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes. Hams can quickly raise a wire anten na in a tree or on a mast, connect it to a radio and power source, and communicate effectively with others.

To learn more about ARES check out: https://www.arrl.org/files/file/ARES%20Fact%20Sheet_Final.pdf

To learn more about CT ARES, and CT ARES Training and Organization, go to: https://ctares.org/

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

2025 CT ARES “Simulated Emergency Test” (SET) date has been announced. It will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

SKYWARN: Spotter Training Course now On-Line (FREE!)

Peter Cimino – K1PCN, our new District Emergency Coordinator (DEC) for CT ARES -Region 1 recently wrote:

Are you interested in Weather, Ham Radio, and helping your community? I invite you to become a SKYWARN Spotter The National Weather Service now offers free online, anytime available, – Spotter Training via their Comet MedEd Platform. Link: https://www.weather.gov/chs/skywarn. This course is available to ANYONE interested in weather. For More Information, please read his post at: https://tinyurl.com/3sfcjcmz.

Getting the Message Through The National Traffic System (NTS) During disasters or other emergencies, radiograms are used to communicate information critical to saving lives or property, or to inquire about the health or welfare of a disaster victim.

The current National Traffic System is comprised of dedicated, well trained and practiced operators in the art of Traffic Handling. They participate in Nets at the Local, Section, Region, and Area levels 365 days per year. – AND, YOU CAN BE ONE OF THEM. Find more information about CT Traffic Nets at: https://ctares.org/nets/.

HOT NEWS

New Eastern CT Traffic Net Manager

Please welcome H. Kevin Harkins – KA6PDG, who has been newly appointed as Eastern Connecticut (East Conn) Traffic Net Manager.

Public Information Of ficers (PIOs) WANTED

ARRL Public Information Officers (PIOs) are appointed by their Section Manager and report to their ARRL section Public Information Coordinator (PIC). The Section Manager may, at his/her discretion, delegate this appointment power to the section PIC. PIOs are generally recommended by an affiliated club for appointment consideration and must be full ARRL members.

If you have Public Relations experience or are interested in learning more, contact Georg Papp – K1YBO (CT Public Information Coordinator) k1ybo@arrl.net

CT Section Manager Cabinet Openings

I still have need of 2 people to complete my CT Section Cabinet Roster.

The work is simple and the pay is “unbelievable” (LOL!) Contact, your friendly CT Section Manger: WA1SFH@arrl.org.

– Section Youth Coordinator (SYC)

Helping to get YOUTH exposed to Amateur Radio, and next steps.

– Affiliated Club Coordinator (ACC)

Keeping in touch with Affiliated Clubs, and encouraging other Clubs to become ARRL Affiliated Clubs

Ham Radio is FUN !
GET RADIO ACTIVE !
See YOU.. ON THE AIR !

——————————————————————–
ARRL Connecticut Section
Section Manager: Douglas E Sharafanowich, WA1SFH
wa1sfh@arrl.org
——————————————————————–

Please join us for an ARRL update Webinar on Thursday, August 7th at 7pm. We’ll be able to give you a summary of actions taken at the July ARRL Board meeting as well as activities in Newington, and by some of the Board committees.

We’ll also have plenty of time for your questions and input.

Here is the link to use to connect to the Webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81014888314?pwd=Czx9fr3buMAoc8zM8PDiSY7agcPUXi.1

Hope you will join us next week!

Tom Frenaye/K1KI
ARRL New England Division Director

Phil Temples/K9HI
ARRL New England Division Vice Director

——————————————————————–
ARRL New England Division
Director: Thomas Frenaye, K1KI
k1ki@arrl.org
——————————————————————–

HAPPY SUMMER, AGAIN! Here on the Cape, we’re deep into left-turns-only-at-traffic-lights season (yes, it really is that bad!).  As much as possible, we estivate (https://www.dictionary.com/browse/estivate). But that’s just me HIHI.  On the Cape beach webcams, I see plenty of folks having a grand time, and I’m happy for them.

With more hours of sunlight and a hyperactive Sol, propagation has gotten squirrely. I participate in a daily, first call district on 40m.  One day, the net only worked with the help of a gracious ham in South Carolina who acted as a relay, since none of us could hear each other, but he could hear everyone! Crazy! Please, send me your “crazy band conditions” stories, for inclusion in the next Section Update. OK, on with it!

* Field Day 2025: SM’s Report

Field Day 2025 has come and gone, and I believe it was an unqualified success. I hope you had as much fun as I had! Over the FD weekend, I visited 10 FD sites, from Cape Ann to Cape Cod, and a bunch of them in between. What a rush! I’m proud of – and thrilled by – ALL the clubs in our section. I wish I could use the Starship Enterprise transporter to visit every one of you, and not just for FD. A few highlights:

The Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association has an outstanding clubhouse that doubles as an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), enabling them to operate FD as Class F. What a fantastic setup!

New England Sci-Tech is (at least) one of the crown jewels of our section, if not the entire USA. As always, the team hosted a fantastic Field Day experience. The fully decked-out emergency communications trailer was in use and on display, and there were countless younger hams–and their parents—enjoying Field Day. What a treat!

And finally, a tip o’ the hat to the Brooksby Village Amateur Radio Club, who mounted a Field Day 2025 operation. Brooksby Village is a senior living community located in Peabody, MA. Hams at Brooksby are re-energizing their club after the passing of the club’s president.  Clubs like this one are an important part of keeping the hobby alive.  Well done, gents!

* FD Proclamation

Once again, a big tip o’ the hat and a serious thank-you to our State Government Liaison (SGL) Steve KC1KEZ, for his efforts to get an official Proclamation from MA’s governor, Maura Healey, officially recognizing June 28-29 as Amateur Radio Field Day in MA. I took an original copy of the proclamation with me on my FD site visits, and it was a big hit. Thanks again, Steve!

* 2025 Northeast HamXposition is Coming!

Mark your calendars! The 2025 Northeast HamXpos ition is coming SOON: August 21-24, 2025, in Marlborough, MA. This is New England’s premier ham gathering. I hope to have an eyeball QSO with YOU at HamX! Full info at https://hamxposition.org/.

PS: HamX still needs volunteers. Volunteers get perks:

If you work 2 x 2 hr shifts:

Free admission (or) Lunch voucher for Friday or Saturday (no lunch on Thursday or Sunday) (or) Another ticket for the Sunday drawings If you work additional 2 x 2 hr shifts, you can get one additional lunch voucher-if you haven’t taken the admission option.

Volunteer at https://registration.hamxposition.org/volunteer/.

* Still Recruiting a New Section Youth Coordinator

Sadly, our 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 Summer brings, and – did I mention this last time? – ice cream!! Get out there and get those new antennas up or fix the damage from the ravages of winter. Stay cool and – especially – stay hydrated. 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? Do you have fun stories and pictures from Field Day? Did you activate a POTA? Some other event? Shoot me an 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.

———————— ——————————————–

ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section

Section Manager: Jon W McCombie, N1ILZ

n1ilz@arrl.org

——————————————————————–

Jon McCombie, N1ILZ, writes on the Eastern MA ARRL members list:

HAPPY SUMMER!  Wow, time has really flown by quickly. It’s hard to believe it’s officially Summer, 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 deluge of tourists has begun. It’s now nearly impossible to make left turns, with the increased traffic. But our favorite restaurants have awakened from their winter slumber and are open once again. Let Summer begin! 

* Field Day is June 28-29 – SOON! 

I hope your plan for Field Day 2025 is coming along! It’s coming up quickly – 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  

I am finalizing my plans to visit as many Field Day sites in person as I can fit in. I’ll be starting Saturday morning in northeast MA, 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! If you especially want me to stop by your FD site, please email me at n1ilz@arrl.org and let me know where you’ll be and your hours of operation. 

* Governor’s FD Proclamation 

A big tip o’ the hat and a serious thank-you to our State Government Liaison (SGL) Steve KC1KEZ, for his efforts to get an official Proclamation from MA’s governor, Maura Healey, officially recognizing June 28-29 as Amateur Radio Field Day in MA. I will have an original copy of the proclamation with me on my FD site visits, as will WMA Section Manager Ray AA1SE, and New England Division Vice Director Phil K9HI. 

* 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/  

* 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! Full info at https://hamxposition.org/  

* Thanks to N1WBV and W1IZZ for Help Maintaining EMA Section Website 

A huge thank you to Ben N1WBV and Larry W1IZZ for answering my call for help with keeping the EMA website up to date. Between them they’re connected to just about every club in Eastern MA, and they’ve been doing a fantastic job keeping the EMA website fresh with news and current events. Thanks again, guys!  

*  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 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 Summer 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. Stay cool and hydrated. 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? Shoot me an 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.  

 

HAPPY 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.

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

Section Manager Newsletter – May 2025
Douglas Sharafanowich – WA1SFH
ARRL Section Manager, Connecticut

May 11, 2025

CONTENTS

– Comment
– Upcoming Hamfests
– CT Section Cabinet Needs YOU!
– ARRL Field Day 2025
– Public Service Events
– National Weather Service: SKYWARN Spotter Training Classes

HELLO!

Yesterday (Sat. 5/10), I attended the North East Weak Signal Group’s 2025 Conference in Windsor. And, let me tell you that if you were not there, you missed something good.

For example, one of the presentations was on Light Communications with Paul W1VLF and Fred K1FMS using LED transmitters and photo-receptor receivers in the 940 nm frequency range. Among other things they reported using a 1 LED bulb transmitter and getting 4 mile Line Of Sight transmissions. They also reported making successful Cloud Bounce communications with a multiple LED transmitter over 2 0 miles between stations. This made me think of our NVIS communications exercises in CT ARES.

So, if you are bored with Ham Radio, there is ALWAYS something new,
different, and exciting to explore.

Upcoming Hamfests

If you are not going to the Dayton Hamvention® in Xenia (Ohio), join me at the Goshen Hamfest this coming Weekend. Bring your surplus gear to sell, Find good deals on gear that you NEED…and/or Want. And let’s talk about how we can get more hams and the general public “excited” and active in the hobby.

What: Goshen Hamfest
Date: Saturday, May 17
Time: 8 am – 1 pm
Sponsor: Southern Berkshire Amateur Radio Club (SBARC)
Place: Goshen Fairgrounds
116 Old Middle Street, Goshen CT
(Just south of the Traffic Circle on Route 4)
Flyer: https://www.sberk.org/sobarc-2025-hamfest/

WHAT: Northeast H amXposition 2025
& ARRL New England Division Convention
Dates: Thursday, Aug. 21 – 24
Hours: Varied per Day
Place: Best Western Marlborough, MA
181 Boston Post Road W.
Marlborough, MA 01752
Website: http://hamxposition.org
Note: Special hotel room pricing for HamXposition attendees.
Don’t wait! Order your HamXposition tickets and book your room. (These rooms fill up fast)
PS: I will be there for the weekend starting on Friday afternoon, with my XYL – Catherine The Great. 😉

CT Section Cabinet Needs YOU!

Each SM appoints a cabinet of leaders who are in charge of ARRL programs within the Section. Appointees to the Field Organization must be ARRL members. Confucius say: “Many hands make light work.” Right now I am looking for 3 qualified individuals to fill vital positions in the CT Section Manager’s Cabin et. The work is simple, fun, and the pay for our “volunteers” is unbelievable.(LOL!)

Please read the following position descriptions and, if you think one of them is something that you can handle, then contact me and let’s talk.

Affiliated Club Coordinator (ACC)

The ACC reports to the SM and keeps track of club listings, club officers, club activities, and encourages Special Service certification. The ACC is the key point of contact for affiliated clubs, and clubs seeking designation as an ARRL Affiliated Club.

Public Information Coordinator (PIC)

Reporting to the SM, the PIC promotes publicity about Amateur Radio in the Section and appoints Public Information Officers (PIOs). If you are interested in communicating with the Media in your area, you can become a PIO with some additional training.

Section Youth Coordinator (SYC)

The role of the SYC is to: assess youth activity within AR RL affiliated clubs, promote youth related on-air activities, encourage youth related programs and activities within clubs and, provide youth related ideas and resources to Amateur Radio Clubs within the Section. The SYC will need to build a small team of Assistants to make it happen across the state.

Good news: The previous SYC established relationships with the 4 CT based Councils of Scouting America (previously known as: Boy Scouts of America) over the past 7 years. So, you won’t be starting from Zero.

ARRL FIELD DAY 2025 is COMING!

Just 1.5 months away!
Date: June 28 – 29

I hope that your plans for ARRL Field Day (FD) 2025 are well underway. If you are a member in a Club, I encourage you to take an active role and participate – The More, The Merrier! However, if you operate solo or in a small team, now is the time to start organizing and planning where you will be, getting site permission, etc.

Info about ARRL FD 2025 can be found at: https://www.arrl.org/field-day

PROMOTING FIELD DAY and AMATEUR RADIO

A) You can now order ARRL FD Shirts, Patches, Pins, Caps, etc.. at the ARRL STORE https://tinyurl.com/426zfnp2

B) Look for a PUBLIC location where you can get a good amount of visitors.
– Easy access, parking, and lots of signage is key.

C) DON’T KEEP YOUR FD SITE A SECRET!! Whether you are a Club or will be operating independent of a Club, please don’t delay.
– Put your site on the ARRL FD Locator Map…TODAY!

Congratulations to the following Amateur Radio Clubs in getting this done:

Greater Bridgeport Amateur Radio Club (GBARC),
Stratford Amateur Radio Club (SARC),
Northville Amateur Radio Association (NARA),
Eastern Connecticut Amateur Radio Association (ECARA)

Please be sure to post your operating site on the FD Locator Map, and let us see where you are operating. Map Link: https://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator

The FD Locator Map is a powerful tool in promoting Amateur Radio and encouraging Hams and Non-Hams (including Municipal and State officials) to visit.

In addition, posting FD Posters around town (Library, Grocery Store, etc), Youth groups (e.g. Scouting America, Girl Scouts, etc.), Schools (e.g. High School Math and Physics Departments – Public, Private), Home School Groups.

USE the ARRL Field Day 2025 Poster
Order Packs of 25, or use the PDF LINK: https://home.arrl.org/action/Store/Product-Details/productId/2025251254

Volunteering at Public Service Events (PSEs)

Bike-Athons, Run-Athons, Walk-Athons, Swim-Athons, etc). are great FUN,
provide opportunities to help out a worthy cause, and practice your
hobby in a real world situation requiring communications support.
New to PSEs? Don’t worry! Mo st groups welcome hams new to Public
Service Events to participate and will pair them with an experienced
operator to help get started right.

May
Sunday. May 18 (7 am – 3 pm)
Bloomin’ Metric Bike Ride
Sherwood Island State Park,
Westport, CT
Sign Up at:
https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/50450772081/false#/invitation

Sunday, May 18 (9 am) — No Event if it Rains
Baystate Trail Riders Horse Event
Thompson, CT
Contact: Brian – N1BAM horne.bt@gmail.com

June
Sunday, June 8 – Litchfield Hills Road Race (11 am)
Litchfield, CT
Contact: Paul – KB1TOR paulgibb@optonline.net

National Weather Service: SKYWARN Spotter Training
Radio amateurs participating as SKYWARN volunteers assist the NWS with real-time observations of adverse weather conditions that pose an imminent threat to life and property. Those alerts may include tornadoes, waterspout s, damaging hail, blizzard conditions, sleet, strong winds, heavy rainfalls and flooding, dust storms, damage assessment, and other significant anomalies. NWS personnel can utilize information from ham radio operators to issue alerts or assess threat levels to areas that may be affected by abnormal conditions.

Thursday May 8th, 2025
6 pm – 8 pm EDT:
Mashantucket Police Department
100 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket, CT 06338
Taught by: NWS Forecaster
Registration Required:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBOyyaQLmM5fupa2_pkoXvhaWOhvtE6d3NK8Wg6uIeBLyLCQ/viewform

Tuesday June 17th, 2025
6pm – 8 pm PM EDT:
Vernon Public Safety Building
280 West St, Vernon, CT 06066
Taught by: NWS Forecaster
Registration Required:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_SKwP0NjpObpoYB3cpkICYejZgxWdzkuAk-wktJqqFlcmfQ/viewform

SEE YOU ON THE AIR!

——————————— ———————————–
ARRL Connecticut Section
Section Manager: Douglas E Sharafanowich, WA1SFH
wa1sfh@arrl.org
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The May, 2025 Western MA Section Newsletter is now available at https://wma.arrl.org/blog/2025/05/04/section-managers-report-may-2025/.

 

 

May is full of ham radio events which Maine hams can partake and enjoy.  This weekend is the New England QSO Party in which I am sponsoring an award plaque for the top Maine scorer in the single op, qrp category.  Last year only three Maine hams submitted logs in this category!  Hopefully more will participate AND make log submissions this year.  There are other categories like high power, multi-op, etc. Scroll down to see Tom Frenaye’s (K1KI) article on this awesome and fun event.

Hermon Hamfest May 31

Take note of the date change for the Hermon Hamfest which is Saturday May 31 from 8am until noon at the Hermon High School.

Maine-Wide POTA

Saturday, May 17, all Maine hams radio clubs and individuals are encouraged to put a qualified Maine park on the air. This is the brain child of Assistant Maine Section Manager Jeff Hanscom KA1DBE. Last year’s inaugural event we nt great. Let’s start a tradition! Check parksontheair.com for details.

NEQP by Tom Frenaye K1KI
NEQP.org

The New England QSO Party on May 3rd and 4th is a great time to check out antenna systems and offers a moderately paced opportunity to work new states and countries. You’ll find a wide variety of participants, from newcomers to experienced contesters, all interested in making contacts with New England stations.

Our goal is to get every one of the counties in New England on the air so we hope you will encourage your members to join in the fun! Even if you can join the fun for a couple of hours, we’d appreciate it!  Will you be QRV? Let us know with a message to info@neqp.org

The New England QSO Party is 20 hours long overall, in two sections with a civilized break for sleep on Saturday night.  It runs from 4 pm Saturday until 1 am Sunday, then 9 am Sunday until 8 pm Sunday.  Operate on CW, S SB and/or digital modes on 80-40-20-15-10 meters.  For each QSO you’ll give your callsign, a signal report and your county/state.  Top scorers can earn a plaque and everyone who sends in a log with 25 QSOs or more will get a certificate.  The goal is to work stations anywhere in the world – and their goal is to work New England stations, so you’ll be very popular!

Last year we had logs from 212 New England stations and 516 more logs from around the country and world.
Please make some QSOs even if you don’t want to send in a log!
Thanks!
73 Tom/K1KI

The 48th Eastern VHF Conference, May 9-11 in Windsor CT

Three Members of the Contoocook Valley Radio Club are involved with procuring Door Prizes for the VHF Convention:  Don Twombly, W1FKF, Lanette Twombly, KA1NKD, and myself, W1MKY.  This is my 17th year to be Co-Chair of the Door Prize Committee.  We usually collect around $8,000 dollars worth of Prizes, and have a big extravaganza giving out Prizes at our Saturday Night Banquet.  – I try to make it so you win something that at least equals the cost of your Banquet Ticket.  Why do I do this year after year?  The attending Hams approach the Podium with their winning tickets. They are so excited that they look like kids approaching the Christmas Tree!  Their big smiles make me want to ask Radio and Electronics Companies to provide Door Prizes!

Dale, AF1T, will present his new Talk, “Looking at Loops: A visual Survey of Loop Antennas”.  There will be lots of other good talks, all day, on Saturday, May 10th.  Banquet that evening. Flea Market at the great Vintage Radio Museum, (also in Windsor, CT) on Sunday morning.  Conference Registration is $40.00.  Hotel rooms at The Hilton Garden Inn are $149.00. Code: NEWEEK”.  The Northeast Weak Signal Group puts the Conference on each year.  Would someone else  like to present?   Write to: w1ghz.q@gmail.com

If you are interested in VHF Radio, this is the Conference for you!  You are invited!  Look on: www.newsvhf.com  to see the latest schedule, the Hotel

Information and to see who is coming.

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ARRL Maine Section
Section Manager: Philip W Duggan, N1EP
n1ep@arrl.org
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Hello members of WMA.

On our website, https://wma.arrl.org/ you will see posted the recent list of people that recently got their licenses. I want to remind you to view the list and try to reach out to them and welcome them to the hobby and offer assistance to get on the air, and also to invite them to your local club. This is important as new hams may drift away they do not know how to get started. Your clubs can benefit greatly by getting new members. VE team leads can also help by getting the email address from the successful candidate and sending it to the club for outreach. Sample magazines, brochures, etc you can give them is a great start. Check our website regularly as we will post these every month.

Thanks and 73
Ray AA1SE

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ARRL Western Massachusetts Section
Section Manager: Raymond P Lajoie, AA1SE
aa1se@arrl.org

Greetings! I hope this finds you well… and RADIO ACTIVE. 🙂

CONTENTS
– Getting New Hams Started “Right”
– CT Section Manager Cabinet Openings
– Volunteering at Public Service Events
– Upcoming Hamfests
– ARRL Field Day 2025
– National Weather Service: SKYWARN Spotter Training

Getting New Hams Started “Right”

With more people getting their License, why do so many New Hams drop the hobby after 1 year? Is it because of fear, ignorance, sheer frustration, or being overwhelmed? Every NEW HAM Needs Support.

Amateur Radio is all about building friendships and helping others. In ham radio we call that person an “Elmer”. So, if you see a New Ham, make a friend and offer to help him get started right. Help them Get On The Air and bring them to ham events. Your kindness will go a long way and will be greatly appreciated by the New Ham.

Clubs: Here’s an idea! Consider creating a roster of Ham Buddies pair to New Hams – especially when they pass their first license test at your VE Testing Site.

Section Manager (SM) Cabinet Openings

Each SM appoints a cabinet of leaders who are in charge of ARRL programs within the Section. You will always find a list of these leaders on the Section page of the ARRL web site. Our leaders train and recommend operators to the Section Manager for an ARRL appointment once the operator has the requisite skill set. ** Appointees to the Field Organization must be ARRL members. **

Due to Covid and the normal course of retirements and relocations, your new Section Manager is looking for a few sharp individuals to assist on the SM Cabinet We are currently looking to fill the following 4 positions:

State Government Liaison (SGL)

The SGL reports to the SM and keeps up with legislation that affects Amat eur radio in Connecticut at the State level. He recommends others for appointment as Local Government Liaisons (LGLs) and coordinates their activi ties. Together, this team informs the Amateur Radio community about legislation, and recruits support for bills that will enhance our service.

Affiliated Club Coordinator (ACC)

The ACC reports to the SM and keeps track of club listings, club officers, club activities, and encourages Special Service certification. The ACC is the key point of contact for affiliated clubs, and clubs seeking designation as an ARRL Affiliated Club.

Public Information Coordinator (PIC)

Reporting to the SM, the PIC promotes publicity about Amateur Radio in the Section and appoints Public Information Officers (PIOs). If you are interested in communicating with the Media in your area, you can become a PIO with some additional training.

Section Youth Coordinator (SYC)

The role of the SYC is to: assess youth activity within ARRL affiliated clubs, promote youth related on-air activities, encourage youth related programs and activities within clubs and, provide youth related ideas and resources to Amateur Radio Clubs within the Section. The SYC will need to build a small team of Assistants to make it happen across the state.

Good news: The previous SYC established relationships with the 4 CT based Councils of Scouting America (previously known as: Boy Scouts of America) over the past 7 years.

Volunteering at Public Service Events

These events (Bike-Athons, Run-Athons, Walk-Athons, Swim-Athons, etc) are great opportunities to help out a worthy cause and practice your hobby in a real world situation requiring communications support. Right now, I have the following events listed:

April
Sunday – 4/13 (7 am)
Cheshire Half Marathon & 5K
Cheshire High School
Contact: Eric – KB1JL kb1jl@pm.me

Saturday – 4/19 (8:45 am)
Niantic Boardwalk 5K
Niantic, CT
Contact: Harrison – W1HAF w1haf@yahoo.com

May
Sunday. 5/18
Bloomin’ Metric Bike Ride
Sherwood Island State Park,
Westport, CT
Contact: TBA

Sunday, May 18 (9 am)
Baystate Trail Riders Horse Event
Thompson, CT
Contact: Brian – N1BAM

June
Sunday, 6/8/25 – Litchfield Hills Road Race (11 am)
Litchfield, CT
Contact: Paul – KB1TOR paulgibb@optonline.net

CT Hamfests

We have 3 Hamfest coming soon. You really don’t want to miss them! – Grab a few Ham buddies and carpool up together and have a great time.

Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
What: SECARS Amateur Radio Fleamarket/Hamfest
Sponsor: SouthEastern Connecticut Amateur Radio Society
(https://secars.org)
Place: Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall,
1650 CT Route 1 2, Gales Ferry
Time: 8:30 am – 2 pm

Date: Fri./Sat./Sun., May 9 – 11
What: 48th Eastern VHF/UHF/Microwave Conference
Sponsor: The North East Weak Signal Group
Place: Hilton Garden Inn
Corporate Drive, Windsor
(I-91 Exit 38 to Day Hill Rd.)
Time: See Flyer
Flyer: https://www.newsvhf.com/conference/

Date: Saturday, May 17
What: Goshen Hamfest
Sponsor: Southern Berkshire Amateur Radio Club (SBARC)
Place: Goshen Fairgrounds, 116 Old Middle Street, Goshen CT
(Just south of the Traffic Circle on Route 4)
Time: 8 am – 1 pm

ARRL FIELD DAY 2025 is COMING!

June 28 – 29
Time is starting to get short on planning your ARRL Field Day (FD) 2025. If you are a member in a Club, I encourage you to take an active role and participate – The More, The Merrier! However, i f you operate solo or in a small team, now is the time to start organizing and planning where you will be, getting site permission, etc. Info about ARRL FD 2025 can be found at: https://www.arrl.org/field-day

PROMOTING FIELD DAY and AMATEUR RADIO

A) You can now order ARRL FD Shirts, Patches, Pins, Caps, Etc at the ARRL STORE https://tinyurl.com/426zfnp2

B) Look for a PUBLIC location where you can get a good amount of visitors walking by. – Easy access, parking, and lots of Signage is key.

C) Don’t keep your FD site a secret! Put your site on the ARRL FD Locator Map…TODAY! Please be sure to post your operating site on the FD Locator Map, and let us see where you are operating. Map Link: https://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator

The FD Locator Map is a powerful tool in promoting Amateur Radio and encouraging Hams and Non-Hams (including Municipal and State officials) to visit.

National Weather Service: SKYWARN Spotter Training

Radio amateurs participating as SKYWARN volunteers assist the NWS with real-time observations of adverse weather conditions that pose an imminent threat to life and property. Those alerts may include tornadoes, waterspouts, damaging hail, blizzard conditions, sleet, strong winds, heavy rainfalls and flooding, dust storms, damage assessment, and other significant anomalies. NWS personnel can utilize information from ham radio operators to issue alerts or assess threat levels to areas that may be affected by abnormal conditions.

Thursday May 8th, 2025
600-800 PM EDT:
Mashantucket Police Department
100 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket, CT 06338
Taught by: NWS Forecaster
Registration Required:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBOyyaQLmM5fupa2_pkoXvhaWOhvtE6d3NK8Wg6uIeBLyLCQ/viewform

Tuesday June 17th, 2025
600-800 PM E DT:
Vernon Public Safety Building
280 West St, Vernon, CT 06066
Taught by: NWS Forecaster
Registration Required:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_SKwP0NjpObpoYB3cpkICYejZgxWdzkuAk-wktJqqFlcmfQ/viewform

SEE YOU ON THE AIR!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
73, Douglas Sharafanowich – WA1SFH
ARRL Section Manager, Connecticut
Cell: 203-494-3885
wa1sfh@optimum.net