Category: Articles

EAWA members and friends will share in a club Parks On The Air (POTA) activity on Saturday, October 11th, from 10am to 1pm, at Lamoine State Park. There will likely be several stations set up using different modes, such as SSB (voice), FT8 (digital), and CW (Morse code). Everyone is invited to stop by and participate as they choose:
**Come hang out with other hams
**Check out what equipment hams brought
**Get on the air, even if you don’t have a license
**Bring your go bag and set up! 

Parks On The Air, usually referred to as POTA, is one of the biggest programs in all of ham radio, spreading around the world. Several members and friends of the EAWA will tell you that POTA is one of their most favorite ham radio activities! For many hams in this region, being outdoors in the natural beauty of Maine and operating the radio at the same time is Win-Win!

Even if you have never operated from a park, you probably have QSOs on the Parks On The Air website. Why? Because as a hunter (operating from home or mobile but not in a park) you don’t need to submit anything to any log. The park activators send in the logs. You can go to the Parks On The Air website, make a free account, and then check your stats. You may have won some awards!

Once on the website you can find the parks in your area, and see who has activated them. Chances are, you’ll see some EAWA members and friends’ call signs there.

There is a chance of rain for October 11th, so check on this website if you think there’s a chance the event has been cancelled. With this drought, who can argue with some much needed rain? Either way, with rain or POTA, the day will be a success. Chances are that we’ll be there, and we hope to see you there too!
Written by Marion W1GRL

Several EAWA members, both on site and off, contributed to the activities at the Tremont First Responders Day, held on Saturday, September 13, from 9am to 1pm. This community event, sparked by the anniversary of 9/11, was hosted by the Tremont Fire Department, Southwest Harbor/Tremont Ambulance Service, A Climate to Thrive, and Healthy Acadia. Many people stopped by to ask about ham radio, our equipment, and the skills and capabilities we may provide in an emergency. 

Thanks to Jeff KA1DBE and Barbara KC1SSY for organizing this special event. As Jeff said, “From planning to execution to engagement, all went really well.” The EAWA is proud to be able to share the many facets of amateur radio with the broader community.
Written by Marion W1GRL

Yes, of course we do! The challenge is often in getting these two parties together. For Elmering or mentoring to occur, there are a few things we need: An experienced operator (Elmer), someone who wants to learn or get help with something (Newbie), a way to meet up, and maybe some equipment. First, we need some people:

To anyone interested: If you have questions about anything ham radio related, including equipment, it’s likely there is an Elmer for you in the EAWA. Sometimes it’s hard to speak up, especially if you think your question is too basic. Well, here is YOUR PERSONAL INVITATION to speak up!

To the experienced ham who is interested in a new area: If you let it be known that you are interested in exploring an area of ham radio or some specialized equipment or software, it’s likely you will find someone in the EAWA who has some knowledge and experience in that area. Here’s a chance to get going on SOMETHING NEW for the winter months.

To EAWA members and friends who are willing to share: These upcoming gatherings offer a place for you to share knowledge, experience, books, tools, gadgets, and any other ham radio related things. DO YOU HAVE TOO MUCH STUFF? Maybe this is the week to clean up the shack.

Second, to give these relationships a chance to be successful, we need a location and possibly some equipment. Here are some upcoming opportunities:

** Lend & Learn Library, Sept 11, gathering around 6:30pm, Club Meeting at 7pm
Bring any books, magazines, equipment, or gadgets you are willing to loan or give away at the September club meeting. Prior to the meeting, during the break, and after the program we will have time to share items. Learn more about the Lend & Learn Library Program by clicking here. (Map to location, click here.)

** Weekend Sessions, twice a month, starting Sept 14 at noon
This is the place to get hands-on help with any equipment, software, gadgets, license exam questions, or anything else radio-related. All are invited to come hang out and see what others have brought. You can read more about a typical Weekend Session (click here). (Map to location and future dates, click here.)

** Club POTA Demonstration, October 11, 10am – 1pm, Lamoine State Park
This is a unique opportunity to see several Parks On The Air (POTA) stations in action. It’s likely you will see several different radios and antennas, as well as SSB/Voice, Morse Code/CW, and Digital/FT8 in action. Like Field Day, anyone may get on the radio (under supervision, using the supervisor’s call sign). You can see photos and read about our club POTA from last year (click here). (Location, click here.)

At its core, ham radio involves two people in some way exchanging information via radio waves. The more we see experienced operators share what they know, and the more those who are interested feel empowered to ask questions, the brighter the future of this great hobby. Don’t be shy! The opportunities are here, just waiting for you.
Written by Marion W1GRL

Two members of the EAWA, Phil N1EP and Barbara KC1SSY, had a great time at the recent Northeast HamXposition (HamX) and ARRL New England Division Convention (August 21-24, Marlborough, MA). Phil reported that the convention was well attended and well supported with vendors, booth displays, tailgaters, and presenters. Some of the program topics that caught his attention were satellite communications, loop antennas, and end-fed wire antennas. One of Phil’s highlights was to meet fellow Seaguller Jim KC1TQN. Jim is a regular check-in to the Seagull Net sessions that Phil leads on Wednesday evenings.

Barbara KC1SSY also reported strong attendance and commented on the hard choices to made between the many informative presentations and activities. Some of the presentations Barbara attended focused on the SKYWARN Storm Spotter Program, FEMA Region 1, an Antarctica expedition, contesting with a modest station, and MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System). One of Barbara’s highlights was to meet up with Barbara KC1KGS, the District One Chair for the YLRL (Young Ladies Radio League) and attend the YL Meet-Up. Barbara KC1KGS has grown familiar with active women in the EAWA through the YLRL monthly newsletter. She often says she wishes she lived closer to us so she could join in our supportive, vibrant group.

Phil and Barbara enjoyed the speakers at the banquets and the morning gathering. Barbara was particularly taken with the presentation given by Thomas K4SWL. He reminded the attendees that we represent the global ham radio community, and of the importance of being welcoming. Thomas’s community was devastated by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. This experience and others are prompting him to share, as he did in the keynote address, the need to be empathetic and focus on the present moment.

Both Phil and Barbara remarked on the joy of seeing old friends and meeting new hams. These kinds of gatherings, as well as Hamfests, Field Days, and other shared radio activities strengthen our world-wide ham community. Speaking of gatherings, mark your calendars:
**Windsor Hamfest, September 6
**Alexander Hamfest, September 20
**NEAR-Fest, October 3-4
If you see Phil or Barabara, ask them about ‘Marlborough’ — they may just talk you in to attending next year!
Written by Marion W1GRL

What an exciting journey it has been over these last 18 months! As the primary blogger here, I’m usually writing about someone else. It feels odd to write about myself, but I must say THANK YOU to all who have inspired and helped me along my radio journey. I’ve felt the joy of being part of an active club, support from an extensive YouTube and social media community, inspiration and encouragement from radio friends, the thrill of POTAs and contesting, and strengthened companionship with my husband, Stan W1BOY, as we share this hobby. 

When I became active in ham radio, January 1, 2024, I decided to keep a radio journal. After browsing my entries it’s clear that three things about this hobby have been foundational to my radio journey:
Continued personal challenges
Involvement in the EAWA
Engaging the world-wide ham radio community.

I’ll spare you the task of reading a resume or brag sheet of my modest accomplishments. I’ve learned that the more I invest in the art and science of amateur radio, the more enjoyment and sense of accomplishment I gain from it. The more I engage in the world-wide radio community, the more my circle of radio friends grows and the more opportunities come my way.

There are too many people to name and too many stories to tell in this short space. Again, thanks to everyone who has been a part of this amazing journey, particularly W1BOY.

Written by yours truly, Marion W1GRL