The March meeting started with introductions and the question, “Do you use any digital modes?” The question brought many laughs, and responses from “all the time” to “only as a last resort” to a tongue-in-cheek “never heard of it.” The meeting was packed with information. Among the highlights was further discussion of the Emergency Communications plan for the Sea of Blue Autism Awareness Walk & Run, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, in Northeast Harbor. There are slots for more operators if you would like to volunteer. Contact Barbara KC1SSY via QRZ or the Contact Us on this webpage.
Also coming soon is the EAWA Ham Radio Symposium scheduled for Saturday, April 5, from noon to 4:00. You will find a story about the symposium on this blog from February 21st. Updates and the final schedule will be posted here and many other ham radio websites and Facebook groups.
Maine-wide POTA Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 17th. As many of the EAWA members enjoy POTA, last year the consensus was that each member would participate individually. If there is interest, there may be a club gathering for POTA on that day. If you are new to POTA, a club event would be a great way to get acquainted with this popular radio activity.
For the featured website, Marion W1GRL showed the ARRL Learning Center (https://learn.arrl.org). This is a free service for all ARRL members. There are many courses available for studying for your first or next license, learning about emergency communications (both introductory and intermediate), designing lesson plans for classrooms, and understanding basic electronics.
Following the business meeting, the program was a presentation on the CQ DX Marathon Program (https://dxmarathon.com), given by the Program Administrator, Mark WC3W. This is the current version of a long-standing contest once promoted by CQ Magazine. While this a program with many categories and awards, the program is also a way to track how you are doing in terms of contacting DX entities and CQ Zones. Mark emphasized fairness in terms of the creating level playing field categories, such as competing with those who have similar antennas and power outputs, and also in terms of honesty in reporting. Club competitions, including the most improved club score over the previous year, are gaining popularity.
Last fall, Marion W1GRL and Stan W1BOY gifted the sponsorship of the winner’s plaque in a new category in the name of the EAWA. The new Formula Unlimited category is for those of us with more modest antennas who want to use our amplifiers. Mark thanked the club for sponsoring this new winner’s plaque.
The March meeting was full of information and motivation to remain or get active with our diverse hobby. From emergency communications to POTA to DXing, there is always another avenue of ham radio to explore.
Written by Marion W1GRL
W1TU 