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