Inside This Issue:
❄️ President’s Message – Doug Bruce, N1WRN, shares post-Blizzard of 2026 antenna safety tips, details his innovative tree-mounted antenna system, and highlights exciting DX opportunities including the new DXCC Trident Award for CW, Phone, and FT8 achievements!
📻 March Meeting: “Restoring and Repairing Antique Radios” – Guest speaker Andy Stewart, KB1OIQ, presents on restoring vintage radios, including his impressive 1920s regenerative receiver project. Plus: flea market tables return at the back of the hall – bring your excess gear to sell or give away!
💻 Feature Article: The Future of HamClock – David Marcucci, KC1TLF, explores OpenHamClock, the community-driven replacement for the beloved HamClock dashboard. Learn about browser-based access, direct rig control, and how this open-source solution ensures no single point of failure. Two ways to use it: instant browser experience or powerful local installation with hardware integration!
LATE BREAKING NEWS: After publication of the article above a new solution for HamClock was announced. See https://github.com/BrianWilkinsFL/open-hamclock-backend for more information.
🎉 Special Events & Opportunities
- Westford Apple Blossom Parade – May 16th, volunteers needed for comm support (great first-time public service event!)
- USA 250 W1AW/1 Operation – August 12-21, operate the special event station from Massachusetts
- HamSCI Workshop – March 14-15 at CCSU, includes exclusive ARRL headquarters tours
- HamX Call for Speakers – Submit your talk proposal for the Northeast’s premier ham convention
📅 March Contest Calendar – Andy Wallace, KA1GTT, highlights the biggest contests including ARRL International DX Contest (SSB), CQ WW WPX Contest (SSB), Novice Rig Roundup (dust off those vintage tube rigs!), and numerous state QSO parties.
🏠 Photo Feature: Our Shacks – This month’s QSL card theme showcases ham shacks from around the world – from modest corner desk setups to impressive multi-operator stations. See how fellow hams display their pride in their radio rooms!
✅ Club News
- VE Session Results: 2 new Technicians, 2 General upgrades – welcome KC1ZAL and KC1ZAD!
- Membership update: 142 members, 45 renewals still needed
- ARRL membership renewals through the club earn BARS $5 per renewal
- Saturday breakfast gatherings continue at Stelio’s
Plus: FCC email address reminders, Zoom Elmering opportunities, recurring CW contests, OpenHamClock installation guide, and much more!
The complete March 2026 BARS Newsletter is now available. Don’t miss the full details on all these stories and the latest amateur radio news!
Download your copy at https://www.w1hh.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BARSMarch2026Newsletter.pdf
BARS – Billerica Amateur Radio Society
News For and By BARS Members
Editor: Marla Wallace, WA1GSF
