TC - Bob DeMattia, K1IW

Bob DeMattia, K1IW
PO Box 198
Berlin, MA 01503-0198
Tel: (508) 393-4148
Email: k1iw@[removethisbeforesending]mmra.org

Biographical Information

First licensed in 1979 as N1AMF, my first radio was a Henry Radio VHF-One plus 2m transceiver. Due to space and budget limitiations, I was first active mostly in VHF communications. Finally, a friend let me borrow a Ten-Tec Triton V transceiver, so I could get a taste of HF. On the VHF bands, some may remember me as a net control on the Heavy Hitters Traffic Net, or as cofounder of the "Radio Amateurs Interstate weather Net (RAIN)". This net had quite a following, and often got mentioned on the WBZ-TV evening weather forecasts. I also took an interest in building repeaters and built the first controller for the 145.23 Boston Repeater.

I attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where I was president of the WPI Wireless Association from 1982 to 1984. Here, I and several others put the first version of the 449.000 MHz W1YK repeater on the air (it has since moved up 25 KHz). I hold a B.S. and M.S. in electrical engineering from this school, as well as an M.B.A. from Babson College.

After my stint at WPI, I moved to Maryland where I was active in the Anne Arundel Radio Club based in Davidsonville, MD. While there, I built the 145.45 Glen Burnie repeater (now on 147.075).

Now residing in Massachusetts, I operate the 447.875 and 927.7000 repeaters in Marlborough. I am also president of the Minuteman
Repeater Association and president/2m coordinator for  the New England Spectrum Management Council, which is the frequency coordination organization for RI, MA, NH, and ME.  My hat closet is full!

In spite of all this VHF and UHF stuff, I do have an operational HF station, capable of 160 through 10m. I mostly operate CW in the 20 and 15m bands when the conditions are right. I have worked professionally for a variety of high tech companies. Data General, Sperry, Honeywell, United Technologies, GEC Plessey, Texas Instruments and Intel are all on my resume. Currently, I am a senior engineer ASIC project manager for Conexant Systems in Waltham. Our division designs integrated circuits with millions of transistors for the home and office automation market.

The ARRL Technical Coordinator (TC) is a section-level official appointed by the Section Manager to coordinate all technical activities within the section. The Technical Coordinator must be an ARRL Full member holding a Novice class (or higher) amateur license. The Technical Coordinator reports to the Section Manager and is expected to maintain contact with other section-level appointees as appropriate to insure a unified ARRL Field Organization within the section. The duties of the Technical Coordinator are as follows:

1. Supervise and coordinate the work of the section's Technical Specialists (TSs).

2. Encourage amateurs in the section to share their technical achievements with others through the pages of QST, and at club meetings, hamfests and conventions.

3. Promote technical advances and experimentation at vhf/uhf and with specialized modes, and work closely with enthusiasts in these fields within the section.

4. Serve as an advisor to radio clubs that sponsor training programs for obtaining amateur licenses or upgraded licenses in cooperation with the ARRL Affiliated Club Coordinator.

5. In times of emergency or disaster, function as the coordinator for establishing an array of equipment for communications use and be available to supply technical expertise to government and relief agencies to set up emergency communications networks, in cooperation with the ARRL Section Emergency Coordinator.

6. Refer amateurs in the section who need technical advice to local TSs.

7. Encourage clubs to develop, and TSs to serve on, RFI and TVI committees in the section for the purpose of rendering technical assistance as needed.

8. Be available to assist local technical program committees in arranging suitable programs for ARRL hamfests and conventions.

9. Convey the views of section amateurs and TSs about the technical contents of QST and ARRL books to ARRL HQ. Suggestions for improvements should also be called to the attention of the ARRL HQ technical staff.

10. Work with the appointed ARRL TAs (technical advisors) when called upon.

11. Be available to give technical talks at club meetings, hamfests and conventions in the section.

Recruitment of new hams and League members is an integral part of the job of every League appointee. Appointees should take advantage of every opportunity to recruit a new ham or member to foster growth of Field Organization programs, and our abilities to serve the public.

FSD-109 (2/97)