Eastern Massachusetts ARRL

Jeff-N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH writes:

Good Evening,

On Saturday March 7, 2026 the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Group will hold an Eastern MA Hospital Net commencing at 10:00AM.

Home or alternative locations are also welcome to check into the net. Even if you cannot reach all the systems being used, please check-in on those you can.

We will use the following repeaters in the order listed.

1. West Bridgewater repeater 146.775 dcs 244
2. Attleboro Repeater 147.195 tone 127.3
3. DMR -Talkgroup 8851 Time Slot :1 on the following NEDECN repeaters: Boston 449.175 -5.M CC:1, Hingham 146.430 -1.5M CC:1, Sagamore 145.200 – 0.6M CC:10, Dennis 146.470 -1.5M CC:11, East Falmouth 145.210 -0.600 CC:9, Martha’s Vineyard145.180 -0.600 CC:10, and Walpole 145.380 -0.600 CC:12.
4. Sharon Repeater 146.865 tone 103.5
5. Simplex 147.420

We will then return to the West Bridgewater Repeater for Net closing.

NET Protocol: Please wait for Net Control to ask for Check-ins. When asked to check in please use the standard net check-in procedure which is: Here is.., un-key, wait 3 seconds to check for doubling, then give your or your facilities call sign, your first name, and your facility’s name.

We extend an invitation to any health care facility, EOC of any city or town as well as RACES or ARES members to check in during the NET.

We are always looking for groups or organizations to try their hand at Net Control duties. If you are interested in trying your hand at Net Control please let us know. We can be reached by sending an email to ssharg@outlook.com or replying to this message. The goal is to rotate Net Control practice and the experience among as many individuals and groups as possible.

We thank the repeater trustees for their generosity in allowing us to conduct these monthly nets and the use of their systems in an actual event.

We hope to hear you Saturday.

73,

Jeff N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH

Hello to all…

The March Eastern Massachusetts ARES section net will be Monday March 2nd, 2026 at 830 PM on the MMRA Repeater system.

For frequencies that will be linked into the ARES Net on the MMRA Network, please see the following link from the MMRA web site detailing the repeaters that will be linked in through Hub 1:
https://mmra.org/repeaters/repeater_linking.html (Click the ARES box to see the repeaters and other systems linked)

We look forward to your participation and remember, we are always looking for Net Controls to run the ARES Net. We will have several announcements for our monthly net.

Thanks for your continued support of ARES!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
https://www.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – https://twitter.com/wx1box
Subscribe on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@wx1box-nwsboston-amateur-radio

Don Rolph, AB1PH, Walpole area ARES Emergency Coordinator writes:

The MEMA RACES nets are held on the first Monday of the month, unless the first Monday is a holiday, when it is delayed one week, For Mar 2026, the MEMA RACES nets will be held on Mon Mar 2 at:

********************************************************************************
80 meter Voice net
*** Note new frequency of 3942 Khz ****

This is to avoid another established net
6:45 PM
Frequency: 3942 KHz working up or down until the first free frequency

Matt KC1PFA will be net control

*********************************************************************************
Region 2D VHF net:
7:30 PM ET VHF net on 146.865 MHz PL 103.5 (Sharon Repeater)

We will have a general call up of any RACES, ARES, or other interested stations. If there is tine, we will include a Simplex test.
Don using WA1PLE will be net control.

********************************************************************************
HF 80 meters NBEMS net:
7:00 PM ET
Dial Frequency: 3584.5 MHx
Center Frequency: 1500 Hz
Initial mode: THOR22

We will have checkins, followed by an ICS-213 format message using FLMSG.

Don AB1PH will be net control

*********************************************************************************

Winlink Net:
Brian KF1D will be net control.

Send a winlink checkin form to KF1D, copy AB1PH, between 0600 Monday Mat 2 and 2400 Monday Mar 2.

********************************************************************************
Experimental APRS net
Send an APRS message, between 0600 Monday Matr2 and 2400 Monday Mar 2.
To: ANSRVR
Contents: CQ MAARES <any check in message>

John KC1VMZ will be net control.

*********************************************************************

We look forward to you checking in!

—

73,
AB1PH
Don Rolph

Hello to all…

*** APOLOGIES FOR DELAYED ARES STAND-BY MESSAGE UPDATE ***
*** EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ARES STAND-BY WAS RECINDED THURSDAY AM 2/26/26 AS SHELTER OPERATIONS SUPPORTED BY CAPE COD ARES IN SANDWICH MA WAS COMPLETED***

Apologies for the delay in this update as we have been continuing to work on post storm damage assessment for the Blizzard of 2026 in parallel with monitoring any potential ARES operations. Eastern Massachusetts ARES is standing down from its standby status that began on Sunday Evening February 22nd at 800 PM. A Major Winter Storm/Blizzard impacted the region late Sunday Evening 2/22/26 through Monday Evening 2/23/26 with snowfall amounts over 3 feet in some area of Eastern Massachusetts and hurricane force wind gusts coupled with heavy wet snow causing widespread pockets of tree and wire damage and power outages across the section. Minor to moderate coastal flooding also occurred. At the height of the storm, close to 300,000 lost power in Massachusetts and mostly in Southeast Coastal Massachusetts including Cape Cod and the Islands with close to 50,000 without power in the Rhode Island section mostly in South-Central RI. Shelter operations took place in Sandwich, MA Monday Evening 2/23/26 through Wednesday Evening 2/25/26.

A National ARRL web-story on the ARES-SKWARN effort and the ARES operations in Sandwich, MA can be seen here:
https://www.arrl.org/news/view/hams-help-forecasters-with-real-time-data-on-northeast-blizzard

A more detailed article will be published by ARRL later next week in the ARRL Letter.

An updated Post Blizzard Coordination Message will be posted at https://www.wx1box.org later this weekend.

What is ARES Stand-By mode?

ARES stand-by mode is to alert Amateurs within ARES that a mobilization is possible on a wide-scale and that some localized mobilizations are or could be taking place in isolated areas. It means to take a look at your Go-Kit and have batteries and equipment ready to go and charged up and take care of any requirements at home in case a mobilization is required and you can participate. Do NOT self-deploy. Wait for guidance from leadership for any deployment. It is an honor to be ready even if you don’t deploy for the event. Hopefully, this is just another exercise of our preparedness and capabilities. If not, the ARES leadership looks forward to working with you if any wide scale mobilization is required after the impact of this major storm to the region is fully understood.

Thanks for your continued support of Eastern Massachusetts ARES!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
https://ares.ema.arrl.org
https://www.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – https://twitter.com/wx1box
Subscribe on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@wx1box-nwsboston-amateur-radio

Hello to all…

***EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ARES PLACED ON STAND-BY FOR ALL AREAS EFFECTIVE 8:00PM SUNDAY EVENING 2/22/26 THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON 2/24/26 DUE TO POTENTIAL IMPACTS FROM FORECASTED BLIZZARD***

***BLIZZARD WARNINGS IN EFFECT IS IN EFFECT FOR THE ENTIRE EASTERN MA SECTION EXCEPT NANTUCKET FROM 4 PM SUNDAY THROUGH 7 AM TUESDAY.***

***COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FOR EASTERN PLYMOUTH/BARNSTABLE/DUKES/NANTUCKET COUNTIES FOR THE MONDAY AM HIGH TIDE CYCLE FOR MODERATE COASTAL FLOODING. COASTAL FLOOD WATCH FOR EASTERN ESSEX, SUFFOLK, EASTERN NORFOLK COUNTIES OF MASSACHUSETTS***

***WIND GUSTS UP TO 75MPH LIKELY ACROSS MOST OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS WITH the POTENTIAL FOR EVEN HIGHER HURRICANE FORCE WIND GUSTS POSSIBLE IN SOUTHEAST COASTAL NEW ENGLAND. A HIGH WIND WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR NANTUCKET DUE TO THESE WINDS***

*** PLEASE PLAN TO REPORT SKYWARN CRITERIA ACCORDING TO THE STANDARD SKYWARN OPERATING PROCEDURE. PICTURES OF STORM DAMAGE MAY BE SENT TO PICS@NSRADIO.ORG ***

*** ARES AVAILABITY REQUESTED THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING – PLEASE CONTACT YOUR DEC WITH AVAILABITY WITH A CC TO HURRICANE@W1MV.ORG ***

Models continue to agree a trend that brings a period of heavy snow and strong winds to the region starting some time Sunday Evening 2/22/26 and continuing heavy at times throughout the day before tapering off late Monday Evening 2/23/26 or early Tuesday AM 2/24/26. Widespread snowfall accumulation of 12-24+ inches is possible across much of Eastern Massachusetts with isolated higher amounts possible depending on where the heaviest snow bands set up over the area

Wind speeds in the blizzard warning area are forecasted to increase to 25-35mph sustained with gusts of 50-60mph likely across much of Eastern MA with gusts of 60-70mph and possibly higher gusts to hurricane force across Southeast coastal Massachusetts. Winds of this magnitude may cause power outages along with pockets of scattered damage. Travel during the storm is not recommended. Areas of East Coastal Massachusetts could see moderate coastal flooding over several high tide cycles Monday into Tuesday Morning. For further meteorological updates, including the latest Blizzard Coordination Message, please see the NWS Taunton SKYWARN home page at http://www.wx1box.org

While no immediate requests for support have been received, we are closely monitoring the situation for any activation of local or regional shelters.

SKYWARN activation will monitor the progress of the storm, and we appreciate any reports of measured snowfall, measured wind gusts 40 MPH, wet snow/wind damage / coastal flooding that you may have. If you have any pictures of the damage, please send them to pics@nsradio.org. SKYWARN will be running various nets across our section on the assigned SKYWARN repeaters, and the list of SKYWARN repeaters can be found at: http://wx1box.org/southern-new-england-skywarn-frequency-list/. In addition, here is a preliminary list of SKYWARN nets across the section and their start times at the following links:

Amateur Radio Tentative Net Schedule – Visual Format:
https://wx1box.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Amateur-Radio-Final-Net-Schedule-1.jpg
https://wx1box.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Amateur-Radio-Final-Net-Schedule-2.jpg
https://wx1box.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Amateur-Radio-Final-Net-Schedule-3.jpg

As we continue to progress through the storm, please advise your local EC/DEC/ADEC of your availability to support a potential deployment anytime from Sunday Evening 2/22/26 through Wednesday Evening, 2/25/26. We are creating a list of availability for ARESMAT deployment if needed for various local EOC’s, Red Cross, Salvation Army, NWS Storm Survey Teams, and hospitals as required. Keep your situational awareness level high for any updates from ARES leadership by checking your email for updates and our ARES web site at https://ema.arrl.org/ares and monitoring local SKYWARN/ARES/RACES frequencies for any updates on this developing situation.

When sending your availability, please send the following: Name, Call-sign, License Class, Capability (HF / VHF / UHF), Availability, and any other special notes we should be aware of. We ask that as you contact your DEC, please send a copy of the message to hurricane@w1mv.org where multiple members of the EMA ARES Leadership will be able to access your availability.

What is ARES Stand-By mode?

ARES stand-by mode is to alert Amateurs within ARES that a mobilization is possible on a wide-scale and that some localized mobilizations are or could be taking place in isolated areas. It means to take a look at your Go-Kit and have batteries and equipment ready to go and charged up and take care of any requirements at home in case a mobilization is required and you can participate. Do NOT self-deploy. Wait for guidance from leadership for any deployment. It is an honor to be ready even if you don’t deploy for the event. Hopefully, this is just another exercise of our preparedness and capabilities. If not, the ARES leadership looks forward to working with you if any wide scale mobilization is required after the impact of this major storm to the region is fully understood.

Thanks for your continued support of Eastern Massachusetts ARES!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator

Jim Palmer (KB1KQW)
North Shore ARES District Emergency Coordinator

SEC/ASEC:
SEC – KD1CY – kd1cy.rob@gmail.com
ASEC – W1SHS – w1shs.stu@gmail.com

DECs:
Essex County – KB1KQW – kb1kqw@nsradio.org
Middlesex County – W1AHM – AMartin.MA.UltraNet@RCN.Com, W1MWS – tim.miranda@gmail.com
Metro-Boston – KB1EKN – emgmgt@comcast.net
Norfolk County – W1SHS – w1shs@arrl.net
Bristol County – N1XTB – n1xtb@powersrvcs.com
Plymouth County – N1XTB – n1xtb@powersrvcs.com
Cape & Islands – WQ1O – wq1o@comcast.net

Jeff-N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH writes:

Good Evening,

On Saturday February 7, 2026 the South Shore Hospital Amateur Radio Group will hold an Eastern MA Hospital Net commencing at 10:00AM.

Home or alternative locations are also welcome to check into the net. Even if you cannot reach all the systems being used, please check-in on those you can.

We will use the following repeaters in the order listed.

1. West Bridgewater repeater 146.775 dcs 244
2. Plymouth Repeater 146.685 tone 131.8
3. DMR -Talkgroup 8851 Time Slot :1 on the following NEDECN repeaters: Boston 449.175 -5.M CC:1, Hingham 146.430 -1.5M CC:1, Sagamore 145.200 – 0.6M CC:10, Dennis 146.470 -1.5M CC:11, East Falmouth 145.210 -0.600 CC:9, Martha’s Vineyard145.180 -0.600 CC:10, and Walpole 145.380 -0.600 CC:12.
4. Sharon Repeater 146.865 tone 103.5
5. Simplex 147.420

We will then return to the West Bridgewater Repeater for Net closing.

NET Protocol: Please wait for Net Control to ask for Check-ins. When asked to check in please use the standard net check-in procedure which is: Here is.., un-key, wait 3 seconds to check for doubling, then give your or your facilities call sign, your first name, and your facility’s name.

We extend an invitation to any health care facility, EOC of any city or town as well as RACES or ARES members to check in during the NET.

We are always looking for groups or organizations to try their hand at Net Control duties. If you are interested in trying your hand at Net Control please let us know. We can be reached by sending an email to ssharg@outlook.com or replying to this message. The goal is to rotate Net Control practice and the experience among as many individuals and groups as possible.

We thank the repeater trustees for their generosity in allowing us to conduct these monthly nets and the use of their systems in an actual event.

We hope to hear you Saturday.

73,

Jeff N1SOM and the South Shore Hospital Group W1SSH