Police Amateur Radio Team
of Westford, Massachusetts
An ARRL Special Service Club
WB1GOF
Winter Storm Warning
The WB1GOF analog repeater (146.955 pl 74.4) is a primary SKYWARN asset. Monitor this repeater and use it for SKYWARN reports.
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A winter storm warning is in effect for much of New England from 4:00 PM Sunday, February 22, to 7:00 AM Tuesday, February 24. Heavy snow is expected. Total snow accumulations of 10 to 20 inches.
The National Weather Service will be looking for SKYWARN reports to refine the forecast starting Sunday. Listen for the local SKYWARN net on the Westford Repeater, 146.955 MHz, 74.4Hz tone. Also, if in the vicinity of Stow, please monitor simplex 147.435 MHz, 110.9 Hz tone, starting Sunday morning for local reports and for potential activation should our assistance be needed.
SKYWARN Self-Activation with Amateur Radio Call-Up Nets are likely Sunday through Tuesday for this significant storm system. ARES/RACES Groups in Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island should closely monitor the progress of this system and seek advice from local leadership. Pictures and videos of snowfall, wind damage and coastal flooding when the event unfolds can be sent as a reply to the message or to the email address pics@nsradio.org. Below is the NWS Boston/Norton Winter Storm Watch Statement, Snowfall Maps and Area Forecast Discussion:
NWS Boston/Norton Winter Storm Watch Statement & Snowfall Maps:
https://www.weather.gov/box/winter
NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion:
https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=BOX&product=AFD&issuedby=BOX
——————————————
A winter storm warning is in effect for much of New England from 4:00 PM Sunday, February 22, to 7:00 AM Tuesday, February 24. Heavy snow is expected. Total snow accumulations of 10 to 20 inches.
The National Weather Service will be looking for SKYWARN reports to refine the forecast starting Sunday. Listen for the local SKYWARN net on the Westford Repeater, 146.955 MHz, 74.4Hz tone. Also, if in the vicinity of Stow, please monitor simplex 147.435 MHz, 110.9 Hz tone, starting Sunday morning for local reports and for potential activation should our assistance be needed.
SKYWARN Self-Activation with Amateur Radio Call-Up Nets are likely Sunday through Tuesday for this significant storm system. ARES/RACES Groups in Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island should closely monitor the progress of this system and seek advice from local leadership. Pictures and videos of snowfall, wind damage and coastal flooding when the event unfolds can be sent as a reply to the message or to the email address pics@nsradio.org. Below is the NWS Boston/Norton Winter Storm Watch Statement, Snowfall Maps and Area Forecast Discussion:
NWS Boston/Norton Winter Storm Watch Statement & Snowfall Maps:
https://www.weather.gov/box/winter
NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion:
https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=BOX&product=AFD&issuedby=BOX
Welcome to PART of Westford, an ARRL Special Service Amateur Radio club serving Eastern Massachusetts! We have monthly meetings, breakfasts, kit-building sessions, and many operating and social events throughout the year, and we welcome everyone with an interest in Amateur Radio, whether licensed or not.
Our diverse membership has interests ranging from public service support and community outreach, to radio contesting, equipment construction, radio fox hunting, and more. In fact, it is the diversity of our interests that has kept the club strong and vibrant throughout its 45+ year run.
If you have an interest in ham radio but don't know how to get started, please join us at one of our club meetings, either in person, or online. To get on the invitation list for our meetings, including a link for the video-conference, just join our email group (instructions at the bottom of this page).
It's easy to become a PART member. Just scroll to the bottom of this page to the "Join PART" section and fill out an application.
Click on the menu tabs at the top of this page to learn more about us.
Our diverse membership has interests ranging from public service support and community outreach, to radio contesting, equipment construction, radio fox hunting, and more. In fact, it is the diversity of our interests that has kept the club strong and vibrant throughout its 45+ year run.
If you have an interest in ham radio but don't know how to get started, please join us at one of our club meetings, either in person, or online. To get on the invitation list for our meetings, including a link for the video-conference, just join our email group (instructions at the bottom of this page).
It's easy to become a PART member. Just scroll to the bottom of this page to the "Join PART" section and fill out an application.
Click on the menu tabs at the top of this page to learn more about us.
Club News
- The presentations on FreeDV and Hamclock alternatives given at the February 2026 PART meeting are available in the Club Presentations tab.
- Congratulations to PART member Jim, AA1BA, upon making 1,000 contacts and qualifying for the POTA Kilo award at US-8405 (Charles River State Reserve)! Note that this was accomplished during record cold in February 2026!
- PART has been recertified as an ARRL Special Service Club as of December 20, 2025. Congratulations to all PART members for their contributions to our success!
- In January, 2026, Andy, KB1OIQ, conducted a four-part Ham Radio Linux course for PART members at the Cameron Senior Center in Westford that included software installation and actual FT-8 contacts. Shown in the photo above are (standing) Len, KC1HLU, Andy, KB1OIQ, Rich, AB1HD, Jeff, KC1QFD, and (sitting) Rick, W1RAG. If there is sufficient interest Andy can conduct the course again.
- The presentation “DX Hints and Tips” given at the January 2026 PART meeting by Joe, W8GEX, and Bill, AJ8B, has been posted in the Club Presentations tab. You can see it here.
- Congratulations to PART member Matt, KC1UBH, for being named Youth Coordinator for the Eastern Massachusetts section! Matt holds an Amateur Extra class license and is a student at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School where he founded the school’s amateur radio club. He is very active in his club and with Amateur Radio in general. Matt is very much looking forward to working with his age-peer group to get them active with the hobby
- Congratulations to POTA-loving PART members on achieving "Kilo" awards for making 1,000 contacts from a single park. Receiving the award are Michelle, KC1UML (US-11589, Delaney Wildlife Management Area), Steven, KC1UBT (US-11590, Dunstable Brook Wildlife Management Area), Chris, W1YTQ (US-0745, Minute Man National Historical Park), and Will, WJ1WJ (US-2435 Great Brook Farm State Park - 3K!).
- Welcome to new PART members Rick, W1OLU, North Billerica, Jeff, KC1VZN, Tyngsboro, Greg, WA1EMG, Acton, Neil, KC1VUA, Chelmsford, Mark, N1OS, Chelmsford, Ellen, KB1OKN, Burlington, Mike, KB1WIV, Burlington, Jay, AC1SN, Chelmsford, Ed, KC1LLV, Chelmsford, Minoru, KC1TFK, Windham, NH, Dan, K1GLV, Chelmsford, and Ash, KC1YLD, Chelmsford!
- The presentation "Logbook of the World — Under the Hood" presented by George, K1IG, at the November 2025 PART meeting has been posted in the Club Presentations tab.
- At the November 2025 PART meeting, a new slate of officers was elected. Our officers for 2026 are: President: Adam, AA1N, Vice-President: Andy, KB1OIQ, Secretary: Kevin, KC1TJD, Treasurer: Alan, W1AHM. Shown above are outgoing president George, K1IG, and new president Adam, AA1N.
- Congratulations to the two Bobs: PART members Bob, W1IS, and Bob, KC1DSQ, for winning their third QST Cover Plaque Award! Their article, An All-Band 160-Meter OCF Antenna, appeared in the August 2025 issue. This design also won first place in the 160 Meters, LF or VLF category of the 2024 QST Antenna Design Competition. Shown above is Bob, W1IS, receiving the Cover Plaque award from Phil, K9HI, New England Division Vice Director at the October PART meeting. This is the fifth cover plaque award received by PART members.
- The presentation given by Adam, AA1N, on Radio-Controlled Model Airplanes, has been posted in the Presentations section.
- On Friday, September 26, 2025, PART held a VE session at the Al-Hamra Academy in Shrewsbury, MA, and three students passed the license exam (two Technicians and one General). Thanks to Geoff, W1GCF, for leading this effort!
- The two presentations given at the September PART meeting, DX-Pedition to Peru, by Aaron, KC1PQX, and My Ham Radio Journey, by Kevin, KC1TJD, have been posted in the Presentations section.
Club Meetings
Weekly Two Meter Net
Every Sunday 8 PM
146.955 (-) pl 74.4
Echolink: WB1GOF-R
Every Sunday 8 PM
146.955 (-) pl 74.4
Echolink: WB1GOF-R
Monthly club meetings are conducted in-person at the Cameron Senior Center, and online via video conferencing. A link for joining the meeting is sent to everyone on our email list a few days before the meeting. Join the list and attend a meeting no matter where you live! Attendees are requested to bring donations of non-perishable food for the Westford Food Pantry.
Upcoming Meetings:
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Mark, KE1IU, will give a presentation on Amateur Radio Picoballooning.
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Mark, KE1IU, will give a presentation on Amateur Radio Picoballooning.
Nightly 10 Meter Net
Every night (especially Wednesday) there's an informal rag-chew on 28.400 MHz SSB. If you don't hear anyone, put out a call and see who's there!
Every night (especially Wednesday) there's an informal rag-chew on 28.400 MHz SSB. If you don't hear anyone, put out a call and see who's there!
WB1GOF Repeater Status
There are three WB1GOF repeaters: a 2 meter analog repeater, and two D-Star repeaters. For full info on repeater frequencies, access, new antennas, and coverage, click here.
To monitor the WB1GOF analog repeater on your computer or smartphone, click here.
To monitor the WB1GOF analog repeater on your computer or smartphone, click here.
All repeaters are operational
Echolink is UP
WB1GOF-R Echolink Node: 380789
Join the WB1GOF D-Star users group here.
Join the WB1GOF DMR users group here.
Please send signal reports to repeater@wb1gof.org
Heavy Weather and Emergencies
During periods of heavy weather (snowstorms, blizzards, hurricanes) and public emergencies, monitor the WB1GOF 2-meter analog repeater (146.955 -, pl 74.4) for information and SKYWARN reporting. In the vicinity of Stow, MA, monitor simplex 147.435 MHz, 110.9 Hz tone.
All hams are encouraged to get SKYWARN training. For information on SKYWARN and SKYWARN training, click here.
All hams are encouraged to get SKYWARN training. For information on SKYWARN and SKYWARN training, click here.
Upcoming Events
Boston Marathon
Planning is well underway for the 2026 Boston Marathon scheduled for Monday, April 20! The BAA volunteer registration is now open.
Returning volunteers should have received an email from the BAA with details about how to register.
A step-by-step sign-up guide is here.
If you have any questions about the upcoming volunteer registration period, or the 2026 Marathon generally, please get in touch anytime via the email address: contact@hamradioboston.org
Planning is well underway for the 2026 Boston Marathon scheduled for Monday, April 20! The BAA volunteer registration is now open.
Returning volunteers should have received an email from the BAA with details about how to register.
A step-by-step sign-up guide is here.
If you have any questions about the upcoming volunteer registration period, or the 2026 Marathon generally, please get in touch anytime via the email address: contact@hamradioboston.org
Westford Apple Blossom Parade: Saturday, May 16
PART has provided communications support for the Westford Apple Blossom parade for many years. The parade starts in Westford Center and ends at the Abbot School and is hosted by the Westford Kiwanis (https://westford.org/kiwanis/). The parade starts at 10 AM and we usually muster around 8AM for any last minute updates and to insure adequate coverage. The parade is pretty much wrapped up around noontime. Your assignment could finish earlier.
All you need is a 2 meter FM handheld that works with the Westford 146.955 WB1GOF repeater. Some assignments are stationary at specific parade route locations, others may be to be a shadow to one of the Kiwanis Parade organizers. We are looking for 12 (minimum) to 16 hams for this event.
This is a GREAT event for a first time public service event participant.
Very laid back and calm event. It's always fun to watch a parade!. To sign up, contact Terry, KA8SCP, at this link.
PART has provided communications support for the Westford Apple Blossom parade for many years. The parade starts in Westford Center and ends at the Abbot School and is hosted by the Westford Kiwanis (https://westford.org/kiwanis/). The parade starts at 10 AM and we usually muster around 8AM for any last minute updates and to insure adequate coverage. The parade is pretty much wrapped up around noontime. Your assignment could finish earlier.
All you need is a 2 meter FM handheld that works with the Westford 146.955 WB1GOF repeater. Some assignments are stationary at specific parade route locations, others may be to be a shadow to one of the Kiwanis Parade organizers. We are looking for 12 (minimum) to 16 hams for this event.
This is a GREAT event for a first time public service event participant.
Very laid back and calm event. It's always fun to watch a parade!. To sign up, contact Terry, KA8SCP, at this link.
License Training & Testing
The ARRL Learning Center on YouTube now offers online training for the Technician class license. This series of videos features Dave Casler, KE0OG, QST’s “Ask Dave” columnist, who leads viewers through The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual. These videos supplement the manual and provide an overview of the sections you’ll be studying, along with a few videos on how things work. The Technician training videos are available here.
Several organizations offer both in-person and online testing for Amateur Radio license exams. Click on the links to these websites for details:
Several organizations offer both in-person and online testing for Amateur Radio license exams. Click on the links to these websites for details:
- HamStudy has a listing of sites around America
- WM7X offers online testing
- MIT Radio Society offers in-person and online testing
- Billerica Amateur Radio Society offers in-person testing
- MMRA offers in-person testing at several locations in Marlborough
Join PART
Would you like to become a member of PART? You can fill out the application and mail it to: PART of Westford, PO Box 503, Westford, MA 01886, or you can join at any PART club meeting.
Annual Dues
Annual Dues
- Full member: $25.00
- Family membership: $30.00
- Full-time Student member under 25: Free
- Senior member (over 64): $15.00.
- Associate member (non-Hams only): $10.00
- First year free for anyone first licensed less than a year prior to joining!
Subscribe to PART Email
PART uses Groups.io for club email and notifications. Groups.io gives us a lot of capability to manage email to members, and additionally provides space for files, photos, and even a wiki. Signing up and using the system is easy; go here and request to join. Be sure to put your call sign on the request to join.
ARRL Membership & Renewal
Does your ARRL membership expire in the next three months, or are you interested in joining ARRL (The National Association for Amateur Radio) and getting all the benefits? If so, fill out this application and bring it to the next PART meeting along with your ARRL dues payment. Joining ARRL or renewing ARRL membership through PART helps support our club.
PART Supports These Organizations
Westford Food Panty
The Westford Food Pantry provides services for individuals and families in the local community and surrounding towns with emergency, short and long-term needs for quality fresh and dry foods along with personal care and household items. You can donate food at five drop-box locations in Westford and at the Food Pantry itself. For a location list, go here.
The Westford Food Pantry provides services for individuals and families in the local community and surrounding towns with emergency, short and long-term needs for quality fresh and dry foods along with personal care and household items. You can donate food at five drop-box locations in Westford and at the Food Pantry itself. For a location list, go here.
Do you want to get an Amateur Radio license and participate in the world's greatest hobby? The American Radio Relay League licensing website is the place to start (click here), then come to a PART club meeting to get more information!
PART of Westford
PO BOX 503
Westford, MA 01886
PO BOX 503
Westford, MA 01886
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