Category: Articles

Barbara KC1SSY, Stan W1BOY, and I (Marion W1GRL) attended the 41st Northeast HamXposition & ARRL New England Division Convention, held August 22 – 25, in Marlborough, Massachusetts. The short story is that we had a great time! 

For most of Friday, all day Saturday, and a bit on Sunday, there were 10-15 different activities, presentations, or meetings occurring each hour. Some of the presentations were linked by themes, such as such as POTA and EmComm, and others had a more unique focus, such as Linux, AMSAT, antenna phasing and matching, and even a merging of Minecraft and ham radio to become RadioCraft. There were continual Kit Building activities, a Tech in a Day session, and several VEC testing sessions. Many groups used this convention to schedule club and organizational gatherings, including the Young Ladies Radio League (YLRL) and the New England QRP Club. And as if that wasn’t enough, there was a Flea Market to browse. Obviously we had to pick and choose our sessions, so I asked Barbara and Stan if they would share their personal highlights. 

Barbara KC1SSY shared, in her words: This is my first time attending a larger ham radio conference and I had a great time. I met many other hams and had some great conversations with them and learned a lot from them. I attended many interesting seminars – the hardest part was picking between them on which ones to attend. I attended a seminar on Ham Radio support and the Boston Marathon which provided some useful tips for the EAWA’s support for the MDI marathon. I also enjoyed a presentation about the 13 Colonies Special Event and all the work that happens behind the scenes before, during and long after the event. The majority of my focus was related to EmComm, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), Skywarn, the National Traffic System and MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio Service) – I even signed up to start the approval process to become a MARS member. I find the important role that amateur radio enthusiasts have supporting so many missions of other groups fascinating. I was reminded that on those very bad days, when things are falling apart, ham radio operators are there to help.

Stan W1BOY shared, in his words: The highlight of the HamXposition for me was the Mini Contest University arranged and presented by DX Engineering, running 9am to 5pm on Friday.  Unlike the full Contest University which is held the Thursday before the Hamvention begins, the mini University is only a single track, not 4, and targeting beginning and causal contesters. Randy, K5ZD, started the day with my favorite talk titled, “Getting Started in Contesting.”  It was an information-packed hour discussing station readiness, building critical skills, logging, planning, and important tasks before the contest. He finished his hour with the following summary: Set goals, do your best, enjoy the journey, submit your log, and plan to improve for the next time. For me the Contest University was worth the trip to Marlborough, and that was just the first day. Then came the icing on the cake; other great talks, meeting YouTube and podcast celebs, banquet speakers, talking with FlexRadio people and other vendors, and of course the prizes. I’m already planning for next year.

For me (Marion W1GRL), the all-day Mini Contest University on Friday was also my top highlight. Including Randy’s presentation, sessions covered contest ethics, strategy, desk ergonomics, radios, antennas, remote operating, and FT8 contesting. My top take-aways were to get on the radio often in any contesting situation, set personal goals, and have fun! The HamXposition is large enough to bring in some of the best people in ham radio, and yet small enough that you can actually talk these amazing people. (I admit to going full “fan girl” by asking for selfies throughout the weekend.) Another impactful experience was the presentation by Dr. Tamitha Skov, WX6SWW, the Space Weather Woman. It’s clear she’s a teacher, understands ham radio, and is an expert with a far reach into many industries. After her presentation I’m energized to learn more about space weather. I also learned a few tips and tricks in the presentations on the 13 Colonies, Winter Field Day, and how to up-your-game in POTA Hunting.

I hope we have inspired you to consider attending the Northeast HamXposition next year. Our personal observations make it clear that you can choose the presentation to match your interests. The weekend was energizing, inspirational, and educational. Best of all, the convention increased our awareness of the new and growing areas in amateur radio and brought new people into our personal circles of acquaintances and friends.
Written by Marion W1GRL

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!

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!

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 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.

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

Happy 233rd Birthday, Sam!
Samuel Morse Meets Ellsworth Hams, Raspberry Pi, & Arduino

This year, in honor of Samuel Morse’s 233rd birthday, Ellsworth Amateur Wireless Association is conducting a symposium featuring not only Samuel Morse’s contribution to ham radio, but also other technologies such as a what a Raspberry Pi miniature computer can do for ham radio, packet radio demonstrations and much more.

Marion Mason, N3OA, will share some highlights from Samuel Morse’s distinguished life, including his passion for art as well as telegraphy. Morse code had a profound effect on communication around the world. The presentation will also include a look at how Morse code is being used today in amateur radio as well as in other innovative and surprising ways.

Ian Richards, KC1SZB, will introduce Arduino C+ programming and hardware using a few examples of audio processing.  The presentation also includes a demo of “Morse Code 2.0” or its working title “Radio Amplitude Display, Alphanumeric Function”.  The RAD-AF system combines the concepts of Morse code and Teletype to create a visual representation of RF signal whilst conveying legible information using a software defined radio’s waterfall feature.  

Club President Jeff Hanscom, KA1DBE, and Maine Section Manager Phil Duggan, N1EP, will give presentations and demonstrations on amateur (ham) radio applications for the Raspberry Pi computer.

Jerry Burns Jr, K1GUP, will talk about the Maine Seagull Net, now in its 85th year of operation!

There will also be demonstrations of packet radio by Steve Montague, W1DTX, which is still a valuable emergency communication tool.

Finally, there will be a ham radio “Go-Kit” competition. Anyone can enter a go-kit or go-bag that meets the following criteria:
Portable and safe.
Can be used in the field for fun events such as Field Day, Parks-On-The-Air, etc.
Useful at public service events or emergency communications.

The event will be at Meadow View Apartments Phase IV Dining Hall, 25 Tweedie Hall, Ellsworth from noon until 4pm on Saturday, April 27. Admission is by donation, which will benefit the host facility. There will be door prizes and refreshments. All are welcome. For additional information, Contact Phil Duggan 207-598-5397, of the Ellsworth Amateur Wireless Association.
Written by Marion W1GRL