Marion Mason

Clandestine Coffee on a Summer Day

July 25, 2024January 6, 2026 Marion MasonLeave a comment

Every Wednesday morning, starting around 9ish, a group of EAWA members and friends gather at Flexit Cafe, 142 Main Street in Ellsworth. The number of people varies from around 6 to around 15. Some are from nearby, while others drive a good distance to meet up. Some have coffee, others have breakfast, and still others have sweet treats. We appreciate and enjoy the genuine Flexit hospitality!

The conversations vary as much as the interests and time spent in the ham radio hobby. Around the table there are several who are new to ham radio and others who have been operating a radio for decades. Mentoring happens naturally. As the morning progresses, it’s common for folks to move to different chairs to join in new conversations and catch up with friends. People arrive and depart as they wish, with the last ones usually staying after 11am. This week I heard folks talking about antennas, which radios are best for Field Day, new DX contacts, the upcoming HamXposition, vanity call signs, and packet radio. Clandestine Coffee mornings at Flexit in the summer are just what they should be … the ham radio community coming together for good coffee, food and conversation. Perhaps we will see you there some time!

July Club Mtg: Field Day Reflections and More!

July 14, 2024January 16, 2025 Marion MasonLeave a comment

As one would expect after the largest event on the club calendar, this meeting centered on Field Day reflections and what’s ahead in the second half of the calendar year. It was clear from the personal stories and total points scored that Field Day 2024 was a great success. Those who were new to the event shared how they learned so much from the various stations. Those who are veterans focused on how well things came together — publicity, equipment, food, teamwork, effort, and focus. As for the scoring, we outperformed last year with a score of 6,645 points.

Among the other topics was the popular “13 Colonies Special Event” that catches the attention of many club members. It is an 8 day event requiring the hunter to find 13 stations and 3 extra bonus stations. Several people shared their hunting strategies, modes, and their ‘hardest to catch’ stations. This special event is part of a summer triad:
Lewis & Clark Trail On The Air, first two weeks of June
13 Colonies Special Event, first week of July
Route 66 On The Air, second week of September

A new program just getting off the ground is the EAWA Lend and Learn Library. We are encouraging club members to bring radio-related books they want to lend or give away to other members to the August club meeting. If successful and helpful, there are plans to make this a part of each August and January club meeting. Of course, sharing information is always a good thing and club members may exchange books at any club gathering.

Another announcement for the August 8th meeting, the program will be about GADGETS! All members and friends are encouraged to bring that radio-related gadget that makes a big difference in the workings of their shacks.

Finally, during the break between the business meeting and the program, Steve W1DTX shared some news. His station is now providing coverage for all of Maine and significant portion of neighboring Canada to the existing NVIS (Near-Vertical-Incidence-Skywave) Packet HF Forwarding Network. This allows packet message forwarding in and out of the state.

Field Day 2024: Celebrating Community and QSOs

June 24, 2024January 6, 2026 Marion MasonLeave a comment

Field Day 2024 saw the EAWA and friends working together through scorching heat for the set-up, frequent rain during operation, and the threat of lightening during the tear-down. As you scroll through the photos you will see the many stations and captains in set-up and early operation.

Upon entering the driveway of the Trenton Elementary School, visitors were greeted with smiles and information from the safety officer, Evie KA1BRA, and the Get-On-The-Air (GOTA) station, captained by Joan W1DLC. The GOTA station allows anyone (no license needed) to learn about amateur radio and, literally, get on the air!

*A key component of Field Day is welcoming visitors.*

Next in the circle of stations was the CW trailer, captained by Rob W8HAP. There are several operators who rotated through the 24 hour event.

Continuing along the elementary school’s ball fields to the dugout, visitors found the Satellite and Digital station, captained by Jeff KA1DBE. Various digital modes were employed, including FT8 and FT4.

From the dugout visitors worked their way to the UHF/VHF station captained by Ian KC1SZB. Whereas most of the stations were powered by generators, this station used solar power.

Last, but certainly not least, is the Phone or SSB station, co-captained by Mel W1MEB and Mark W1ABY. For visitors who have a license (at any level), this is the place to learn more about operating and perhaps join in the fun.

*The HF Phone station is usually the gathering place.*

The theme of Field Day varies from club to club. The EAWA enjoys the challenge of “getting it to work” and enduring for 24 hours. We also enjoy the opportunity to reconnect with old radio friends, hang-out, and meet visitors who are curious about our hobby.

*It was great to see new and old friends!*

Field Day 2024 proved to be both challenging and rewarding. It tested our skills, knowledge, and endurance. Much like any endurance sport — we look forward to it, love it and hate it at any given time during the 24 hours, probably vow to never do it again, and then the minute it’s over we are planning for the next year!
Written by Marion W1GRL

Join Us For Radio By The River

June 3, 2024January 16, 2025 Marion MasonLeave a comment

On Saturday, June 8, from 8am to noon, members and friends of the EAWA will meet at the gazebo at the Ellsworth Harbor Park and Marina. Bring your radio gear to operate or just stop by to see what’s set up and chat. This is a great way to see various portable radios and antennas as well as to meet club members. There is power at the gazebo, but it’s always a good idea to bring a power source too. The address is 413 Water Street in Ellsworth.

The Radio By The River is an event open to anyone interested in ham radio. It would be great to meet some new folks as well as catch up with some long-time EAWA members. If you have any questions, please contact W1KRP (good on QRZ) or send a message through this website. If we have lightning in the area or some other dangerous conditions, please check here for any cancellation and rescheduling of the event.

Written by Marion W1GRL

Hermon Hamfest: Friends & Finds

June 1, 2024January 16, 2025 Marion MasonLeave a comment

Beautiful weather graced the 36th Annual Hermon Hamfest. Several EAWA members and friends were spotted observing satellite communications and browsing the vendor’s tables. It was a great way to spend a Saturday morning!