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This Resources section has local area information, emergency communications references, archives of presentations from PART meetings, and the former PART newsletter "PARTicles." Click on the "Resources" tab above to access this information.

  Amateur License Exams

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The Billerica BARS VE team conducts Volunteer Examiner sessions on second
Thursday of every month. They are held in the church hall of The Chelmsford Bible Church, 128 Gorham St, East Chelmsford at 7pm. New license and upgrade tests. Walk-Ins, not a problem. No Reservations needed. For more information, contact: Gary W1GFF at 978-453-1100 Email Gary W1GFF

  Local Nets

146.955 Nets

  • Sunday night at 2000/8:00 PM Sunday Night PART Net
  • Sector 1C Emergency Communications Net – this net occurs the first Monday of every month (except if a holiday).
  • Skywarn and ARES Nets – these nets are spontaneous when local conditions warrant.

442.450 D-Star Nets

  • Sunday 8:00 PM Ozark Mtn D-STAR Net – Reflector 001C
  • Tuesday 8:00 PM New England Amateur D-STAR Net – Reflector 010C
  • Friday 8:00 PM CanNet D-Star Net – XRF103B

W. Middlesex ARES Net - 147.435 PL 110.9 Simplex

  • Second Tuesday 7:00 PM local
  • Operates from Stow Fire station
  • Remote base in Stow Center

Massachusetts Distracted Driving Law

The Massachusetts Distracted Driving law now prohibits the use of electronic devices, including cellphones and tablets, by the operators of motor vehicles unless the technology is being used hands-free. However, the law states that "a person may operate a motor vehicle while using a federally licensed 2–way radio or mobile telephone, except as provided in sections 8M, 12A and 13B, as long as 1 hand remains on the steering wheel at all times." Drivers who are under the age of 18 are not allowed to use any electronic devices.

References are:
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Distracted Driving Law. It's recommended that hams print this law and keep a copy in their vehicle along with a copy of their Amateur Radio license.
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Section 8M. No driver under the age of 18 may operate any electronic device.
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Section 12A. Applicable to operators of vehicles engaged in public transportation.
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Section 13B. No texting.

Note that this law applies only to Massachusetts. Most states have enacted similar laws with different restrictions.