Inside This Issue:
🌬️ President’s Message – Doug Bruce, N1WRN, shares storm-proofing antenna tips after weathering a Fall Nor’easter, including lessons learned the hard way about stranded vs. solid copper wire. Doug also thanks net controllers Dave KC1TLF and Tim K1DC, and gives a well-deserved shoutout to editor Marla Wallace for her award-winning newsletters! Plus: NearFest October 2nd and great winter DX season ahead – Doug’s closing in on his 5-Band DXCC with just 80 meters to go.
🎙️ October Meeting (Hybrid): “What Do All Those Buttons, Knobs & Menus Actually Do?” – Anthony Luscre, K8ZT, returns for a third BARS appearance this year with a deep dive into modern rig controls. A must-see for anyone who’s ever stared at their radio’s front panel in confusion!
🔧 From the Editor’s Desk – Marla Wallace, WA1GSF, explores KiCAD, a free professional-grade PCB design tool, and shares her experience getting custom circuit boards made through DigiKey for a microcontroller-based astronomy project. Practical tips and an honest cost breakdown included!
📡 Feature: New England Digital Voice Traffic Net Launches – David Marcucci, KC1TLF, introduces NEDVTN, a new regional net bridging digital voice technology (System Fusion, DMR, EchoLink, AllStarLink, M17, HamsOverIP) with traditional NTS radiogram handling. Convenes Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 2045 local – open to traffic handlers and newcomers alike!
📣 Announcements
- EAS Nationwide Test – Tuesday, November 17th, 1420-1450 hours
- Bay State Marathon needs HAM volunteers – Sunday, October 18th, ~25 volunteers needed for this Lowell-area race
- Weekly Technician Licensing Course continues through October 15th
- Women’s Ham Radio Technician Class – Online via Zoom, Sept-Oct schedule
- Monthly PIXIE Net – Last Wednesday of each month
🗳️ Club Elections Coming in November – Doug steps down as President after his term concludes; cookies will be served! Dues must be current to vote – 34 members still need to renew.
📅 October Contest Calendar – Andy Wallace, KA1GTT, highlights CQ Worldwide DX Contest SSB (THE BIG ONE this month!), ARRL School Club Roundup, plus California, Arizona, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, New York, and Illinois QSO Parties. Also featured: the unusual Collegiate QSO Party and International HELL-Contest using vintage Hellschreiber mode!
📮 Photo Feature: From the Mailbag – A shortened but charming collection this month, including a hand-drawn card from IK0CHU, a creative photo-match card from JH8SIT, and an interesting SWL (shortwave listener) card from France – plus a primer on properly confirming SWL reception reports.
✅ Club News
- VE Session Results: 2 General upgrades
- Membership: 136 members, 34 renewals still needed
- Next VE exam session: October 8th
- Saturday breakfast gatherings continue at Stelio’s
Plus: HamStudy.org exam tips, Zoom Elmering, recurring CW contests, and a secretary’s report featuring an “inaudible” lighthouse update!
The complete October 2026 BARS Newsletter is now available. Great DX season is here – get on the air!
BARS – Billerica Amateur Radio Society
News For and By BARS Members
Editor: Marla Wallace, WA1GSF
