Mass bay Radio Communications Association

We are a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing community‑based Radio Communications across three core domains: GMRS, Ham Radio, and Mesh Networking.

Our members participate in technical education, local and regional communication, and the development of resilient emergency‑communications capabilities.

We actively support:

– GMRS Radio — family and community communication, technical learning, and emergency readiness

– Ham Radio — licensing, training, experimentation, and public‑service communications

– Mesh Networking — deployment, education, and innovation using MeshCore and related technologies

Your contributions directly support our mission:

– Expanding education in all three radio‑communication disciplines.

– Strengthening community participation in emergency communication.

– Deploying and maintaining critical radio and mesh‑network infrastructure

Together, we build a stronger, more connected, and more resilient communications community.

Emergency Communications

Responding properly to emergencies requires education and planning. Otherwise, chaos ensues. We believe GMRS operators who wish to participate in emergency response need proper training. In addition, to participate in FEMA, MEMA, EMA, and ARES activities, operators must be trained and certified.

Most of Eastern Massachusetts is underserved by repeaters. Our goal is to fund repeaters in these areas through the purchase of high end and portable repeater equipment. The Club currently owns a Vertex 7000 along with a 4-loop dipole antenna, and 2 Retevis RT97 portable repeaters along with high gain antennas, LiFePO4 batteries for emergency communications.

Repeater Infrastructure

Most of Eastern Massachusetts is underserved by repeaters. Our goal is to fund repeaters in these areas through the purchase of high end and portable repeater equipment. The Club currently owns a Vertex 7000 along with a 4-loop dipole antenna, and 2 Retevis RT97 portable repeaters along with high gain antennas, LiFePO4 batteries for emergency communications.

Training and Education

While GMRS is not meant to be a technical service, it still requires knowledge of electronics and procedure for communications to work smoothly. Clubs can provide this training and aid. Whether you are learning how to use your radio, a repeater, or install a proper antenna, Mass Bay Radio Communications Association will have training to help.

CLUB NEWS

Next Meeting will be:

Wednesday September 9, 2026 at 7:30pm

Why a GMRS focused club in the Boston Area?

  • There isn’t one
  • Not enough repeater coverage
  • Limited emergency and disaster planning
  • No forum for meeting with other GMRS operators
  • Hard to find help
  • Limited coordination of repeater placement.

Club Activities

Emergency Comms Training

Robert Millette is preparing both online and in person training classes to meet the requirements of FEMA, MEMA, EMA, and ARES. You will need this training to participate in emergency activities.

Constructing a Repeater

Several club members are involved in the activity of testing a club repeater and finding a high location for the repeater installation. The goal is to secure a site that gives a large number of members access to a club repeater.

Meetings in Person

We will be holding our first club in person get together at Dave and Buster’s in Braintree. Our plan is to meet once a month at a different location around Eastern Mass to give everyone a chance to attend.

Technology News

Read Our Latest Posts

Here you’ll find Club, GMRS, MeshCore/Meshtastic and Radio Industry news.

  • What Ever Happened to CB Radio?

    CB Radio (Citizens Band Radio) (11 Meter) never fully disappeared, it just went from a massive 1970’s cultural craze to a practical niche tool that is still used today, especially by truckers, off-roaders, rural users, and emergency-prep folks. The Boom (1970s) CB radio, introduced by the FCC in the late 1940s/1950s as a short-range…

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  • What is a GMRS Radio Net?

    Definition of GMRS Radio Net A GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radio net is a structured communication system that allows users with GMRS radios to connect and share information, especially during emergencies. It typically involves regular meetings where participants check in, practice communication skills, and coordinate responses to various situations. Goals of GMRS Radio…

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  • Choosing a repeater site

    When searching for a repeater site, here are key considerations to keep in mind: 1. Elevation • Higher elevations offer better line-of-sight, which is crucial for GMRS. Look for sites on hilltops, towers, or high-rise buildings to maximize the range. 2. Accessibility • Ensure the site is accessible for installation, maintenance, and emergency access.…

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