In many ways it felt like Murphy’s Law, “anything that can go wrong, will go wrong” was the theme for the EAWA Field Day 2026. There were numerous equipment, networking, logging, weather (lightning), and personnel issues that presented daunting challenges across the weekend. That said, we persevered! The community of operators and visitors at Field Day worked to find the best solutions and work-arounds to keep the operation running. While the challenges will remain in our memories, so too will the successes and highlights!
Welcome to Field Day 2026! Joan W1DLC is assisting with hanging the banner.The Get-On-The-Air Station (GOTA), with Joan W1DLC as Captain, is the entrance and introduction point for the entire Field Day event. It is a social place where many visitors relax and learn about amateur radio.(Marion W1GRL is posing by the station.)A highlight of GOTA station was guiding John (seated) KC1WNY and Jesse KC1YWY through their first HF Phone contacts! Congratulations to both! The GOTA station was primarily staffed by Joan W1DLC and Matt KC1VLH.The 6 meters station, with Barbara KC1SSY as the Captain, was a bonus station for the event. That station, primarily staffed by Barbara and Stan W1BOY, ran several modes throughout the weekend.The 6 meter station was also a hub for socializing, education about 6 meters, and some serious, hard-won QSOs. Tracey AC1UN and Barbara KC1SSY worked to get the tent up and items arranged. Matt KC1VLH and others stopped by.Building and raising the hex beam for the SSB (Voice) Station always takes a group effort. Below the raised hex beam is a 3 element yagi for the 6 meters station. In the last photo, Jeff KA1DBE is ready to launch a wire to use in putting up a dipole for the SSB station.The SSB (Voice) station was primarily staffed by Mark W1ABY (Captain), Mel W1MEB, Bob AB1EP, and Marion W1GRL. Although it got off to the latest start, once functioning, it was cranking out the QSOs.Preparation for the CW (Morse Code) Station involves setting up the Hancock County Emergency Management Agency trailer and several antennas. The Captain of the CW station was Rob W8HAP.The CW (Morse Code) Station had numerous operators across the event. Seen here are Gerry W1VE, John KQ1P, Howard K2AAU, and Steve W1DTX.Friday evening and Saturday morning set-up at the Digital & Satellite Station. Captain for this station was Jeff KA1DBE.The Digital & Satellite Station was primarily staffed by Jeff KA1DBE, Matt W1MRH, and Bill KC2NMK.
As in previous years, Barbara KC1SSY, club member and Hancock Country Emergency Coordinator, gave us a safety briefing covering everything from marking tripping hazards with bright tape to fire extinguishers to hydration. Bob AB1EP gave an educational program on grounding while we enjoyed some freshly-delivered pizza.
Little did we know when we had our Safety Briefing, and later our Educational Program on Grounding, that around 3:00am lightning would light up the skies!Thanks to Joan W1DLC, Bernie, KI4VCR, Barbara KC1SSY, and our resident chef Matt KC1VLH for keeping us happily fed and hydrated across the weekend.At Field Day there is always time to greet friends and have some fun!A special THANK YOU goes to our Field Day Coordinator, Jeff KA1DBE, for working tirelessly to keep us connected, networked, and functioning.
This Field Day, more than ever, the club members pulled together to tackle a number of difficult situations. We have to wait to see our scores and how we placed in Maine, but that’s secondary to the many victories and highlights. We had around 20 visitors and guests, two people made their first HF contacts, several people joined the club, and every QSO was hard won! One of the fun things about Field Day events is that each year has its own unexpected, yet memorable themes. In 2025 it was rain. In 2026 it was Murphy’s Law. What will 2027 be? Perhaps you will join us and find out! Written by Marion W1GRL
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 may have seen this flyer posted around the community.
You can see more about previous Field Day Activities by clicking these links: 2025 Field Day and 2024 Field Day.
Look for this banner at the Trenton Elementary School, 51 School Road, Across from the Bar Harbor Airport.
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.
Phil N1EP, the ARRL Section Manager for Maine, presented the award to Jeff at the EAWA monthly meeting on May 14.
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.
On a warm afternoon, Marion W1GRL and Stan W1BOY met Jeff to talk about his radio life. He brought a few of his favorite items to share.
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.
Jeff said, “One experience that took me the longest was to have a confirmed contact with Antartica. That continent had always escaped me. Finally, 46 years later in 2025, I had it confirmed!”
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.
Jeff’s 5BDXCC and the Trident Award (confirmed contacts with 100 countries and territories on Phone, CW, and Digital).
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).
Jeff’s first QSO was with his mentor K1WJY! Jeff shared this and a few additional early QSL cards.
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.
Whether it is a club POTA, symposium, monthly meeting, Field Day, or other special events, Jeff can be counted on for full participation and effort.
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.
Stan W1BOY and Marion W1GRL at US-0001
Joan W1DLC activated the Strong Wildlife Management Area. She also worked for two hours to complete 14 QSOs on 20 meters.
Joan W1DLC at US-8478
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.
Barbara KC1SSY and Tracey AC1UN at US-2394 and US-8445
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.
Matt KC1VLH and Sue at US-2408
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.
Wes AA1CX at US-2391
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 Race Communications Team, from left to right: Tracey AC1UN, Dick W1KRP, Stan W1BOY, Mel W1MEB, Greg KC1RID, John KQ1P, Mark W1ABY, Rob W8HAP, Bernie KI4VCR, Jeff KA1DBE, Joan W1DLC, Steve KD1O, Alex KC1ZBO and his daughter, Eve, Barbara KC1SSY, Bill KC2NMK, Andrew W1AXS, Jesse KC1YWY, and Judy holding Gigi, our canine support pup.
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.
The gathering started with passing out shirts and mugs. Once the pre-race briefing began, it was time to get serious.
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.
Joan W1DLC, Stan W1BOY, Jesse KC1YSY, and Rob W8HAP handled communications in the net control trailer.
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.
Some of the stations shared photos: Top left, Barbara KC1SSY, Tracey AC1UN, and Matt KC1VLH (race director) at Station 2, and top right, Steve KD1O at Station 4. Bottom left, Jeff KA1DBE and Bernie KI4VCR at Station 5, and Dick W1KRP stationed as a liaison between the net control trailer and the race directors, shown chatting with Jeff and Bernie.
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.
The operators enjoyed swapping stories while enjoying snacks and the festivities.
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.
Random scenes from the day. The last two photos are yours truly, Marion W1GRL, running the 10K.
Community service, emergency practice, good food, and warm, sunny weather — we couldn’t have asked for anything better! Written by Marion W1GRL
W1TU 