[W1SMH] Fwd: Reminder: February 1st, 2021 MEMA RACES/ACS Communications Test Net

[Ray Cord]

From: MEMA RegionTwoRaces <wc1mab at gmail.com>
Date: Sunday, January 31, 2021
Subject: Reminder: February 1st, 2021 MEMA RACES/ACS Communications Test Net
To: WC1MAB <WC1MAB at gmail.com>


  

Hello to all,

   I hope this message finds everyone safe and healthy as we continue to make our way through the brunt of our New England winter. We continue to keep a close watch on the CoVID-19 numbers as we are now firmly in the time of year that health authorities have indicated may be particularly challenging in the control of the illness.
     Tomorrow, February 1st 2021 is the first non-holiday Monday of the month (and year!) and, as such, is our RACES/ACS/Preparedness Net night. We will be holding our sector nets on the normally assigned frequencies. With the impending winter storm, Rob Macedo (KD1CY) has asked that our RACES nets aid in collecting valuable weather data for the National Weather Service. Stations that are able are asked to collect storm related data including any measured temperature, measured wind gusts, snow fall conditions and depth measurements (including the time of the measurement if it is not at net time), precipitation type and any recent  changes in precipitation type. These reports can be gathered in lieu of the normal monthly simplex test this month at the discretion of the Net Control Operator. The information can be forwarded to me at WC1MAB at gmail.com along with the normal net attendance report and I will forward them promptly to KD1CY.

     One item of note that remains in effect is that the Sector 2D net will continue to meet on the WALPOLE REPEATER instead of the SHARON REPEATER due to the Sharon Repeater being temporarily off the air. The net will be hosted at its normal time (19:30 EDT) on 146.895 Mhz PL 123.0. As there are other users on the Walpole repeater close to our Net Time, the Sector 2D net will be an abbreviated net with no simplex test being held. We very much appreciate the Walpole Repeater Trustees allowing us to use their repeater to support our preparedness activities!       As always, I am looking for Net Control stations to staff two of the four sector nets for the evening. Sector 2D is already covered as it always is.  I am looking for NCS operators to lead the Sector 2B (Plymouth County) & 2C (Cape and Islands.) Sector 2B has been handled primarily by George KA1PS for quite a long time and it would be helpful for someone to begin stepping in to assist and also to learn the ropes. While retirement from NCO is not in George's near term plans, he has pointed out that due to his increasing age, having other NCOs in the pipeline would be a good plan in case he finds himself unable to support net nights at some point in the future. Please let me know if you are available and interested in helping out.   
   I continue to ask that any operators who have the time, please try to check into sector nets from near-by sections. This will allow our Net Control Operators to practice fielding nets with a strong check-in count and will also serve to help practice with relays or modified sector assignments in the event that a single repeater is out of service. 

   For those operators who serve as Net Control Operators, please try to remember to send me a list of the stations and communities that check into your nets. The numbers are reported to MEMA to show them our level of participation. I am continuing to work on a graphical map based report to show which parts of our section have strong coverage and which areas may need a more targeted recruitment campaign to improve our ability to provide back-up communications in an emergency.

The Region #2 and State Net Schedule for this evening is as follows:

| Net
 | Frequency/Offset
 | Time
 |
| Sector 2A
 | 147.00 /+0.60  PL
 | 19:30 Local
 |
| Sector 2B
 | 145.39/-0.60  PL 67.0
 | 20:00 Local
 |
| Sector 2C
 | 146.955/-0.60  PL 88.5
 | 20:00 Local
 |
| Sector 2D
 | 146.895/-0.60  PL 123.0
 | 19:30 Local
 |
| 6-Meter State Net
 | 53.31 / - 1.0  PL 71.9  
Note: 53.31 has been reported to be having difficulties lately.The appropriate people are aware and working to remedy any issues.
 | 19:00 Local
 |
| MA RACES HF Net
 | 3930 KHz LSB moving up to 3955 KHz until there is a clear frequency
 | 18:45 Local
 |


    I appreciate you all answering the call to help our communities remain prepared even when things are uncertain and tough to manage for everyone individually. Thank you all for helping us keep things on track and prove that we remain consistent. This net provides a monthly reminder to our communities and served agencies that we stand ready with a quiet professionalism prepared to serve as a voice to whomever needs one to get help and resources where they should be.
 If you know someone who would benefit from being on this list, please have them contact me at   WC1MAB at gmail.com and I will add them to this distribution. Thank you all!

      If anyone has any questions or comments I can be reached by e-mail or cell phone. Thanks for being a part of our team and I look forward to hearing back on who can participate this month.

Sincerely,Michael Leger (N1YLQ)MEMA Region #2 RACES OfficerC: 386-566-7666