W1TU

Everyone is invited to visit our off-grid emergency communications exercise at the Trenton Elementary School, located across from the Bar Harbor Airport. Called “Field Day,” the event runs rain or shine, from 2:00pm on Saturday, June 27, straight through the night, ending around noon on Sunday, June 28. There will be stations operating Voice (called Phone), Morse code (called CW), Digital messaging, and Satellite contacts — with all communications sent across the air waves. This is a family-friendly event. There will be operators available to answer questions, as well as a special “Get On The Air” station available for anyone, kids included, who would like to try a voice contact. 

You can see more about previous Field Day Activities by clicking these links: 2025 Field Day and 2024 Field Day.

For those who not familiar with it, amateur radio, also called ham radio, is a popular service and hobby that uses various radio frequencies for non-commercial communication, experimentation, and public service. Many hams have radios and antennas at their homes, along with portable systems. Ham radio operators communicate locally, worldwide, and with satellites and astronauts, without relying on the internet or cell services. Exercises, such as Field Day, are helpful to practice our transmission skills and test our equipment in preparation for any real emergency. When needed during a disaster, operators work with local, state, and federal agencies to provide reliable communications when the normal infrastructure is unavailable.

Don’t be shy! We hope to see you at this year’s Field Day and Open House!
Written by Marion W1GRL

Congratulations to EAWA member Jeff KA1DBE on receiving the Maine Ham Radio Operator of the Year Award! His enthusiasm and dedication to this great hobby is evident to everyone who knows him. In a recent conversation Jeff said, “I’ve never really gotten bored with ham radio. There is always something to learn.” That statement, along with sharing and teaching what he’s learned, are clearly the primary sources of motivation and energy that keep him immersed in all things ham radio.

Over the years Jeff has built quite an impressive radio resume. When asked to name three or four of his most satisfying radio adventures, he began with the many years he worked entirely QRP (low power, usually 5 watts). His eyes lit up as he talked about the kits he built and/or used for QRP operating, including NorCal CW paddles, the wilderness radio version of the NorCal Sierra, an Oak Hills Research QRP Wattmeter, and a Heathkit HW-8. His primary radio in his QRP days was a Ten Tec Argonaut 509. 

Jeff welcomed the blending of computer and radio technologies, particularly the development of packet radio. His love of radio exploration found him activating many modes, including PSK-31, FLdigi, and WSJT-X. Also, after seeing a satellite demonstration at a Field Day event, he was motivated to learn more about satellite communications. The first time he heard his callsign returning from space while working a satellite was, for him, an “aha moment.” At the time, he was using an FT-726R and everything was done by hand.

Another set of satisfying experiences revolved around accomplishing WAS (Worked All States), DXCC (100 entities or countries), and 5BDXCC (100 entities on each of 5 bands). He also completed WAS and DXCC on Phone, Digital, and CW. He added, “All of these were accomplished with 100 watts or less and wire or vertical antennas.” Jeff has kept his first call sign, KA1DBE, and is proud to the be only one to have used that call while working toward these challenging awards.

When asked about his favorite yearly radio activities, he mentioned Winter Field Day, ARRL International DX CW, the Stew Perry Top Band Distance Challenge, the Milliwatt Sprint sponsored by the NCQCC, and Hoot Owl Sprints sponsored by the QRP Amateur Radio Club International.

Jeff first attended an EAWA meeting in 1978, before he was old enough to drive. His Elmer (mentor) Don Frost, K1WJY provided the rides. (Don is a silent key. EAWA member Chris Stanley, Don’s grandson, now has the K1WJY call.) Jeff earned his license in May 1979. Life took him elsewhere after high school, and he returned to the area and the club in 2015. He served as the club President for many years. Today Jeff serves as the Field Day Coordinator and the Director of our Annual Symposium. He is the founder of the Maine State POTA (Parks On The Air) Day and the head of the Maine Chapter of the NAQCC (North American QRP Club).

When asked what the near future holds, Jeff’s responses moved from traditional tube gear, as he is in the process of restoring a Heathkit 301/401 combo, to experimenting with moon bounce. He would also like to do more POTA and SOTA (Summits On The Air), as well as operate more on 160 meters.

Current EAWA President John KQ1P described Jeff as “curiosity driven,” highlighting the core theme of life-long learning, exploration, and experimentation in ham radio. As he shared stories about how radio technology and practice changed over time, Jeff continually put the emphasis on, “just try it.” His excitement and energy for ham radio is contagious. Receiving the 2026 Maine Ham Radio Operator of the Year Award is a small way to say “thank you” to one who has inspired, educated, and motivated many of us.
Written by Marion W1GRL

The Maine Parks On The Air (POTA) Day, held Saturday, May 16, is an annual event that many operators look forward to. Just like last year, the weather was a major influence. Unlike the rain we had last year though, this year it was the solar weather that proved to be a challenge. It’s a safe assumption that there were many EAWA members and friends who activated a park and/or were POTA hunting from home. Below are some activation summaries.

Rob W8HAP had a successful activation at Lamoine State Park, working CW on 20 meters.

Stan W1BOY and Marion W1GRL activated the Blueberry Hill area on the Schoodic Peninsula in Acadia National Park. They struggled for two hours to complete 10 phone contacts, moving between 40 and 20 meters. 

Joan W1DLC activated the Strong Wildlife Management Area. She also worked for two hours to complete 14 QSOs on 20 meters.

Barbara KC1SSY and Tracey AC1UN operated from two parks. Their first location was Lily Bay State Park. Struggling as everyone did, they worked for an hour and a half to complete 17 contacts. They also spent two hours at Spectacle Pond Wildlife Management Area, completing an additional 2 contacts. 

Matt KC1VLH and Sue activated Roque Bluffs State Park. Matt made 31 contacts on 20 meters. His signal made it out to Texas and Utah. 

Wes AA1CX managed 35 contacts over two and a half hours while activating Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park. He found more success operating CW than phone. During his activation Wes made contacts with Stan, Marion, and Rob.

Some operators gave a great effort, but in the end, technical challenges, poor solar weather, and difficult terrain won the day and prevented the activations. Jeff KA1DBE and Bernie KI4VCR made a valiant effort to activate Donnell Pond State Preserve. After many struggles, the adventure ended with a plate of Irish Nachos. John KQ1P also tried an activation. Between a limited time frame in a busy day and technical issues, he also had to abort the activity. 

It’s always a learning experience, and usually a fun one(!), when we set up to activate regardless of weather and environmental challenges. Whether it is a POTA, Field Day, a contest, or a net, all of these activities sharpen our skills and put our equipment through the paces. When it’s fun we call it “a hobby” and when it’s an emergency we call ourselves “ready and willing.”
Written by Marion W1GRL