Inside This Issue:
📣 President’s Message – Doug Bruce, N1WRN, announces he is stepping down as President after a memorable tenure, citing a desire for new club leadership. He praises VP Dave KC1TLF’s website work and Field Day Director Tim K1DC’s expertise, and shares a thrilling gray line contact with the Easter Island 3G0YM DXpedition. Doug will remain as Net Manager – and is still chasing 5 Band DXCC!
🎙️ July Meeting (Zoom Only!): “The Bouvet Island 3Y0K DXpedition” – Max Freedman, N4ML, shares his firsthand account of the 2026 expedition to the most remote island on Earth. First licensed at age 12, Max is a 2026 WRTC competitor, ARRL Education Specialist, and possibly the youngest person ever to set foot on Bouvet Island. Not to be missed!
🏕️ Field Day 2026 Wrap-Up – Tim Carter, K1DC, reports Field Day is in the books! Thanks go to the dedicated crew who stayed for tear-down, and a very special thank you to host Nan NK1A for her generosity – and her legendary smiley face pancakes! Full contact summary and bonus activity report coming next month.
🚨 Emergency Alert: Protect 7135 kHz – Back-to-back magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck Venezuela, killing at least 164 people. IARU Region 2 requests all amateurs keep 7135 kHz clear for emergency communications while Venezuelan hams coordinate relief efforts on battery power.
🎪 HamX 2026 Preview – August 13-16, Marlborough – The official 2026 ARRL New England Division Convention features a magic show Thursday night, keynote speaker Everton Henriques KD2ZZT on STEM and ham radio, Max N4ML at the Friday DX/Contest Banquet, and rising star Katie Campbell KE8LQR at the Saturday Grand Banquet. Plus outstanding sessions, indoor flea market, vendor exhibits, and ARRL-sanctioned prize drawings!
🗺️ Special Events & Opportunities
- USA 250 W1AW/1 Operation – August 12-21, Massachusetts hams wanted
- July & August meetings are Zoom only – mark your calendars!
- Next exam session: July 9 at Chelmsford Bible Church
📅 July Contest Calendar – Andy Wallace, KA1GTT, highlights the RAC Canada Day Contest, CQ Worldwide VHF (SSB/CW and Digital), North American QSO Party RTTY, FOC Old School Classic 1960s QSO Party, and Alabama QSO Party. A quiet summer month – great time for cookouts and relaxing!
✅ Club News
- VE Session Results: 2 new Technicians (Michael KC1ZBT, Jason KC1Z??), 1 General upgrade, 1 Extra upgrade
- Membership: 139 members, 35 renewals still needed
- No QSL card column this month – Tim’s PC is surviving the heat wave!
- Saturday breakfast gatherings continue at Stelio’s
Plus: Zoom Elmering, recurring CW contests, and a groan-worthy HOA/antenna pun in the Parting Shot!
The complete July 2026 BARS Newsletter is now available. Stay cool and get on the air!
BARS – Billerica Amateur Radio Society
News For and By BARS Members
Editor: Marla Wallace, WA1GSF
Download your copy of BARSJuly2026Newsletter.pdf
