Hello to all…

..WX1BOX, the Amateur Radio Station at NWS Boston/Norton, will conduct an Amateur Radio VHF/UHF Communications Test this Saturday Afternoon/Evening 4/14/18 to test out the VHF/UHF Amateur Radio Gear at the NWS office..

Over the last 2 weeks, NWS Boston/Norton Electronics Technician staff installed and connected up the 2 VHF/UHF antennas for the WX1BOX Amateur Radio Station. On Thursday 4/14/18, a very brief test was run and proved that one of the antennas is in proper working order for at least VHF if not UHF.

For Saturday Afternoon into early this evening, two Amateur Radio Operators will be at the NWS Boston/Norton office. The purpose will be to do a full communications test and to look for any problems with the current installation and assess capabilities. An initial assessment is that there will be a slight reduction in coverage due to the fact that the new NWS office facility is at a somewhat lower elevation. The original facility was on top of a hill in the Myles Standish Industrial Park. The newer facility does not have the same height above sea level. The antenna tower is the same height (if not higher) than the prior facility. The antennas are on the top of the antenna tower.

We will be doing a rotation around various SKYWARN Amateur Radio repeaters to conduct testing. Due to the fact that we will likely be doing radio programming, potentially debugging any issues with the setup and doing other setup work as part of the communications test, we can’t commit to a set schedule for this testing, however, the rough time window of testing will likely be from 3-8 PM this evening. Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters are encouraged to monitor local SKYWARN frequencies per the WX1BOX Amateur Radio frequency listing via the link below:

http://beta.wx1box.org/node/37

We will announce that we are testing and feel free to answer back to us and give us signal reports. We will also try and post to our Facebook/Twitter feeds the frequencies we will be moving to as part of this testing.

The HF antenna installation is not complete yet. This will likely take place some time in May. When that is completed another communications test will be done specifically for the HF capability.

Depending on any issues detected in this VHF/UHF Communications test, we could potentially run another test once any issues that we cannot address on the Amateur Radio side is completed. Communications Test results will be posted if not over the weekend/Monday timeframe, by Thursday 4/19/18.

We appreciate everyone’s support of the NWS Boston/Norton overall SKYWARN program and the Amateur Radio component of the SKYWARN program.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org
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Hello to all…

..Unfortunately, Winter is not through yet with Southern New England with a period of light icing likely in portions of interior Southern New England tonight through Sunday Night..
..Boston Marathon Weather/Storm Coordination Messages will commence tonight due to the potential for heavy rainfall, strong winds and possibly an isolated thunderstorm..
..A Winter Weather Advisory is now in effect for Central Middlesex, Western Essex, and Southern Worcester Counties of Massachusetts from 8 PM Saturday Evening to 8 PM Sunday Evening for light icing and accumulations up to 0.10″ inches. This could result in slippery road conditions..
..A Winter Weather Advisory is now in effect for Franklin, Western Hampshire, Western Hampden, Northern Worcester and Northern Middlesex Counties of Massachusetts from 8 PM Saturday Evening through 5 AM Monday Morning for icing. Ice accumulations of 0.10-0.20″ could result in slippery road conditions. If 0.20″ or more of icing occurs, isolated pockets of tree and wire damage and isolated power outages may develop..
..The Weather for the Boston Marathon Monday will bring widespread rain with heavier rain during the late morning through early evening. Strong Wind gusts up to 40 MPH with isolated wind gusts of 40-50 MPH. These winds will occur around any heavier rainfall where the heaviest rainfall brings the strongest winds down to the surface or if an inversion in the atmosphere breaks down allowing better transport of the strongest winds to the surface. There is a chance of an isolated thunderstorm as well. Volunteers and runners should be prepared for wet and windy conditions and plan accordingly. Further details will be posted in the Saturday Evening Coordination Message..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor the icing conditions for this weekend. SKYWARN Activation and Ops at NWS Boston/Norton Plans for Marathon Monday will be detailed in future coordination messages. Below is the NWS Boston/Norton Winter Weather Advisory Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook, Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook and the Snow and Ice Maps..

NWS Boston/Norton Winter Weather Advisory Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus41.KBOX.html

NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook:

http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/box/ehwo

NWS Boston/Norton Snow/Ice Maps:
https://www.weather.gov/box/winter

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

 

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Hello to all…

..Strong to Damaging Winds expected across Southern New England as a strong cold front brings a line of showers with strong winds and possibly an isolated thunderstorms followed by strong to damaging post frontal winds..
..A High Wind Warning is now in effect from 2 PM Wednesday Afternoon to 4 AM Thursday Morning for Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Northern Worcester, and Northern Middlesex Counties of Massachusetts and Hartford County Connecticut for sustained winds of 25-35 MPH with gusts to 60 MPH with isolated higher wind gusts possible. These winds will cause isolated to scattered pockets of tree and wire damage and isolated to scattered power outages. The strongest winds are expected between 8 PM Wednesday and 2 AM Thursday..
..A Wind Advisory is now in effect from 2 PM Wednesday Afternoon to 4 AM Thursday Morning for the remainder of the NWS Taunton Coverage Area for sustained winds of 25-35 MPH with gusts to 55 MPH with isolated higher wind gusts possible. These winds will cause isolated to scattered pockets of tree and wire damage and isolated power outages. The strongest winds are expected between 8 PM Wednesday and 2 AM Thursday..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor the strong to damaging wind potential today. Below is the NWS Taunton High Wind Warning/Wind Advisory Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook and Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook..

NWS Taunton High Wind Warning/Wind Advisory Statement:

http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus71.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook:

http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/box/ehwo

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

 

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Hello to all…

..A storm system will pass close enough to Southeast New England for a period of accumulating snow briefly heavy with some slippery travel for the Monday Morning commute..
..A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 2 AM to 2 PM Monday for South Coastal Rhode Island and Southern Bristol and Southern Plymouth Counties of Massachusetts and has been expanded into Northern Connecticut and Kent and Bristol Counties of Rhode Island for 2-4″ of snow. Snow may briefly heavy with a short period of 1″ per hour snows possible. Heaviest snow is expected toward the middle and latter parts of the Monday Morning commute into late morning. Snow will accumulate heaviest on grassy surfaces and properly placed snow boards but some road accumulation is possible. Other parts of the region south of the Mass Pike will likely see a coating to 2″ of snow though Cape Cod and the Islands could see close to advisory level snow if it can fall heavy enough and stick on surfaces..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor this storm system. This will be the only update on this storm system unless another significant update to the situation occurs and time allows for an update. Below is the NWS Boston/Norton Winter Weather Advisory Statement, Special Weather Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook, Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook and Snowfall Maps..

NWS Boston/Norton Winter Weather Advisory Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus41.KBOX.html

NWS Boston/Norton Special Weather Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/offs/KBOX/1804021205.wwus81.html

NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/box/ehwo

NWS Boston/Norton Snowfall Maps:
https://www.weather.gov/box/winter

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

 

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Hello to all…

..A storm system will pass close enough to Southeast New England for a period of accumulating snow briefly heavy with some slippery travel for the Monday Morning commute..
..A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 2 AM to 2 PM Monday for South Coastal Rhode Island and Southern Bristol and Southern Plymouth Counties of Massachusetts for 2-4″ of snow. Snow may briefly heavy with a short period of 1″ per hour snows possible. Heaviest snow is expected toward the middle and latter parts of the Monday Morning commute into late morning. Snow will accumulate heaviest on grassy surfaces and properly placed whiteboards but some road accumulation is possible. Other parts of the region south of the Mass Pike will likely see a coating to 2″ of snow though Cape Cod and the Islands could see close to advisory level snow if it can fall heavy enough and stick on surfaces..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor this storm system. This will be the only update on this storm system unless a significant update to the situation occurs and time allows for an update. Below is the NWS Boston/Norton Winter Weather Advisory Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook, Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook and Snowfall Maps..

NWS Boston/Norton Winter Weather Advisory Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus41.KBOX.html

NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/box/ehwo

NWS Boston/Norton Snowfall Maps:
https://www.weather.gov/box/winter

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

 

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Hello to all…

NWS Boston/Norton issued a Public Information Statement on Friday 3/30/18 regarding the NOAA Weather Radio outage and that a couple more transmitters are back on air. Details can be seen at the following link:

http://beta.wx1box.org/local/PNS_noaa_wx_radio_move_3_30_18.txt

We will provide updates on the NOAA Weather Radio status as time allows. We’ll provide an update on the Amateur Radio station setup at the new NWS office building by the end of the weekend or Monday.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

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Hello to all…

NWS Boston/Norton issued a Public Information Statement regarding the NOAA Weather Radio outage and that a couple transmitters are back on air. Details can be seen at the following link:

http://beta.wx1box.org/local/PNS_noaa_wx_radio_move_3_28_18.txt

We will provide updates on the NOAA Weather Radio status as time allows. We’ll provide an update on the Amateur Radio station setup at the new NWS office building by this weekend.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

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Hello to all…

Amateur Radio will again be represented at the 2018 National Hurricane Conference which will be held this year in Orlando Florida. The conference theme is to improve hurricane preparedness as it has been in past years. All Amateur Radio sessions are free. For 2018, all the Amateur Radio sessions will be on Tuesday March 27th, 2018 from 1030 AM-1215 PM EDT and 130-500 PM EDT. Each presenter will not only give an overview of their respective group but also how their group handled the historic 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season. The session will be livestreamed and recorded. The live stream links follow below:

Amateur Radio presentations will be recorded and live streamed via Youtube. Livestream links below and these same links will serve as the links for the recorded session:

http://www.nsradio.org/stream

http://www.voipwx.net/files/stream.htm

Here is the session breakdown:

Detailed Schedule Outline – All Times (Eastern Daylight Time – EDT):

1030-1035 AM: Opening Remarks

1035-1105 AM: Importance of Amateur Radio Surface Reports (Dr. Ed Rappaport)

1105-1135 AM: Canadian Hurricane Centre and Hurricane Meteorological Topics (VE1MBR-Bob R)

1135 AM-1215 PM: ARRL “Force of Fifty Mission” and Caribbean Amateur Radio Response (KI1U)

—> NOTE: Speakers will be on a lunch break from 1215 PM-130 PM EDT

130-210 PM: WX4NHC Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center Overview (WD4R)

210-240 PM: Hurricane Watch Net Overview, Personal Weather Stations and Backup Power and Antenna Overview (KB5HAV)

240-310 PM: VoIP Hurricane Net Overview & Best Practices in SKYWARN for Tropical Systems (KD1CY)

—> NOTE: Speakers will be on a break from 310-330 PM EDT

330-415 PM: SATERN, Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network Overview (WB8BZH)

415-500 PM: Moderated Q & A session and Panel Discussion (All)

500-515 PM: Door Prize Raffles (In Person Audience Only)

We hope many of you can watch the livestream or see the recording of the Amateur Radio Workshop as the Atlantic Hurricane Season starts on June 1st. Thanks to all for their support of the Amateur Radio Workshop and the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN program.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

 

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Hello to all…

The National Weather Service Forecast Office has now moved to its new facility in Norton Massachusetts and has been renamed to the National Weather Service Forecast office Boston/Norton. A Public Information Statement and a few photos of the facility can be seen at the following link:

https://www.weather.gov/box/moveday

The Amateur Radio Station at the new weather office will be brought online likely over the next couple of weeks as there are still a few important communications issues that are still in the process of being resolved for NWS operations and they will take priority. Once those are resolved, the Amateur Radio Station will be brought online. On the nearest weekend or weeknight that work is completed, we will hold a communications test of the Amateur Radio equipment to test out the station.

It is very important to note that WX1BOX, the Amateur Radio station at NWS Boston/Norton, will feature all new Amateur Radios and antennas. The Eastern Region and national headquarters of NWS made it a point to get the new facility and our station, all new Amateur Radio equipment, as a thanks and in recognition to ongoing efforts to support the NWS Forecast Office during times of severe weather and understanding the high utilization that it has due to the dedicated volunteers that man the station and the thousands of Amateur Radio and non-Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters who report in during severe weather. This could not be done without your continued support.

We have renamed our WX1BOX Twitter to the Boston/Norton name and the Facebook name change to Boston/Norton is pending approval. We will also make appropriate changes to the static pages on the wx1box.org web site.

We will send out another special announcement when the new Amateur Radio station at the NWS Boston/Norton facility is on air. Thanks to all for their continued support of the now NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN program and thanks to the city of Taunton for their support over the last 25+ years.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

 

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