Author: Marion Mason

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

For the second year, EAWA members and friends teamed up with the Hancock County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) to provide race communications for the Sea of Blue Autism Awareness Walk/5K/10K. Directors Matt and Susan Heel do an amazing job organizing all aspects of the event, including welcoming the race communications team. (Learn more about Sea of Blue here.)

The morning of Saturday, April 25th, started early for the operators setting up the equipment in the EMA trailer. Special thanks goes to Andrew W1AXS for authorizing use of the Hancock County EMA trailer. The warm, sunny day put everyone in a great mood! At 7:30am, in a cozy room at the Neighborhood House in Northeast Harbor, Barbara KC1SSY started the pre-race briefing. The Sea of Blue race directors graciously provided coffee and donuts, along with special race communications shirts. Also, as a gift of gratitude, the operators received coffee mugs with both the Autism Awareness logo and the EAWA club logo.

Following the meeting, the operators moved into their assigned positions. Joan W1DLC began the official net at 9:00am, with each station checking in using tactical callsigns. Each of the seven stations was ready to go when the event started. Those who were walking in the event started at 9:30am, and those running started at 10:00am.

Race communications ran smoothly through net control. Stations reported on the first three runners of each race and the last runner. In the net control trailer, Jesse KC1YSY, noted on a white board the locations of the lead runners and the last as they moved beyond each station. Thankfully there were no emergencies and all went as planned.

As the last runner passed each station, operators packed up equipment and relocated to either another station or the central hub, the Neighborhood House. Along with the walkers and runners, the operators were treated to sandwiches, cookies, and other snacks at the finish line.

Community service and emergency preparedness are critically important to the EAWA and the Hancock County EMA. Thanks again to Barbara KC1SSY, Joan W1DLC, and Matt KC1VLH, for your many hours of thoughtful planning and leadership. While all of the operators enjoyed the camaraderie with other operators and the festivities, there is a serious side to this exercise. The race event presents an opportunity to hone our skills, put our equipment through the paces, and practice the art of moving information along radio channels in an accurate and timely manner.

Community service, emergency practice, good food, and warm, sunny weather — we couldn’t have asked for anything better!
Written by Marion W1GRL

The annual EAWA Ham Radio Symposium, held on Saturday, April 18, offered attendees five presentations, several information tables, a raffle, light refreshments, and wonderful conversation. The event started at noon with greetings from John KQ1P, the President of the Ellsworth Amateur Wireless Association, and Jeff KA1DBE, the Symposium Coordinator. Below is a quick review of the presentations and photos of special interest groups represented at the symposium.

The first presenter, Marion W1GRL, shared ways to get the most from a free app called “HamAlert.” The app sends notifications when certain callsigns or locations are active. She demonstrated how to set conditions using several examples, including setting alerts for when a friend is activating a POTA park on a particular band, a needed state for WAS (worked all states) for a particular band and mode, specific needed POTA parks are activated, and when needed DXCC entities are active. One item she emphasized is the use of the spotters’ locations, choosing spotters that make it more likely a ham can hear the other station. A second item was the value of connecting ClubLog to HamAlert.

The second presenter, Gerry W1VE, demonstrated how easy it is to use a remote radio connection to make a QSO. He shared stories to illustrate the value of remote radio, and busted the myth that remote radio is always an expensive operation. The information he presented can be found at https://remote.radio. Gerry also shared an app he created to show operators where propagation is in their favor, the RBN S-Meter. This app is found at https://rbsm.rm.gl/.

The third presentation, given by David and Dakota, was an introduction to MaineMesh, an off-grid Mesh Network. They shared reasons why this off-grid communication system is useful, and why they chose Meshtastic over Meshcore for their needs. For someone who would like to be a part of the mesh network, they shared tips on choosing mobile and base station hardware, and filters, as well as ways to configure the settings. You can learn more at MaineMesh.org. The pair highly recommended the Discord to find more information.

Greg KC1RID was the fourth presenter, sharing tips for 3D printing ham radio-related items. He summarized some of the evolution of 3D printers, comparing previous high cost/early development printers to the current wide-ranging cost points and capabilities available today. The talk began with an introduction for anyone unfamiliar with 3D printing, moved to equipment and CAD software considerations, and then explored ham-radio related projects. Greg brought many actual examples of the items he discussed in his slide presentation. His primary message was that with current capabilities and resources, anyone can master the basics of 3D printing for ham radio-related items.

The fifth and final presentation was given by Jeff KA1DBE, highlighting the various uses for APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System). The primary focus of the talk was to show that APRS can be used for messaging as well as tracking. He reviewed how to send messages and bulletins, check your inbox, and use QRX and APRSLink.

Between sessions, attendees had an opportunity to browse several information tables as well as talk with presenters and enjoy some snacks. Members of three special interest groups set up information tables and stayed close to answer any questions.

The 2026 annual symposium ended with a 50/50 raffle drawing and many declarations of success! Special thanks goes out to Jeff KA1DBE for taking the lead on this event, the presenters, and the many helpers who made this special afternoon possible. All who attended left with new knowledge and inspiration to try some new things. It’s clear why the annual symposium is a highlight in the yearly schedule of the EAWA.
Written by Marion W1GRL