Back to school … Summer’s over … Fall back, spring ahead (Nov 1)
As the seasons shift from summer to autumn we hear these familiar phrases. Perhaps it’s also time to “fall back” into ham radio! Whether you are a new or returning ham, licensed or not, and no matter whether you are a member of the Ellsworth Amateur Wireless Association (EAWA) or not, there are several easy, relaxed events coming up that offer people in the area a way to learn about this amazing hobby. Most of these events can be found on the Regular Events page (here) on our website.
If you can make room in your schedule for Wednesday coffee gatherings, that would be one of the easiest ways to learn about ham radio and get to know some club members. Anywhere from ten to twenty EAWA members and friends meet at the Flexit Cafe in Ellsworth (142 Maine Street), from around 9:30am to 11:30am. When you walk in, we are at the long table to your right.
If you have your Technician license or higher, you can join us for our club’s weekly net Wednesday evenings at 7pm. More specifically, it is the W1TU repeater, 147.030 MHz, 100 Hz tone. Many of the EAWA members and friends join in the Hancock County EmComm Net on Tuesday evenings at 7pm. This is the KB1NEB repeater, 146.910 MHz, 151.4 Hz tone.
Our next club meeting will be held Thursday, September 10, 7pm, at Meadow View Apartments. You can find a detailed map with a link for directions on our Regular Events page (here). We meet the 2nd Thursday of each month. The first 30-45 minutes are given to a business meeting, followed by a brief break and a program.
The upcoming meeting also has a Lend and Learn Library feature. This is not the program, but a side activity that happens prior to and after the meeting. Twice a year we encourage those attending to look around for any books or items they would like to give away or lend out (no selling). This includes tools, equipment, books, and anything else ham radio related. We have found this to be a successful way to make another ham’s journey a little better.
During the fall and winter months we have Weekend Sessions. These occur twice a month, starting Sunday, September 13, in the same location at Meadow View Apartments. These are informal sessions, starting at noon and usually going until around 2pm, during which hams bring in items to work on, fix, get help with ideas or troubleshooting, or just show off something new. Often hams will arrange to meet at a weekend session for tutoring on some specialized software, help setting up a hand-held, with something from their radio workbench, or with something they found at a hamfest. EAWA members and friends also stop by just for the conversation (and they are curious as to what came through the door!). You can find the schedule for all the sessions by scrolling down the Regular Events page (here).
If you are waiting for an invitation — here it is! To all new hams, returning hams, current and previous members of the EAWA, and especially to anyone with a budding interest in ham radio, we invite you to join us! We are eager to see you!
Written by Marion W1GRL
W1TU 