Category: Club News

The meeting started with introductions and a question, “Are you equipped to operate your radio when the electricity is out?” As is the case in most all EAWA monthly meetings, the agenda flowed through old and new business.  Of note were three items. First, a reminder that the Maine QSO Party is September 28, Second, In the name of the club, Stan W1BOY and Marion W1GRL donated sponsorship money for the winning plaque in the Formula High Power category of the upcoming 2025 CQ DX Marathon contest. They wanted to honor the club by having “Sponsored by the Ellsworth Amateur Wireless Association” on the first place plaque.

The third item of note was an overview of the emergency communications efforts for the MDI Marathon on October 20. Barbara discussed what volunteers should bring, including equipment, weather protection, food, and water. She also discussed the need to be prepared for any type of injury or emergency, including the extreme, such as a runner being hit by a cyclist or car. The radio coverage of the race is highly organized into teams with precise instructions. If you are interested in participating but have not yet contacted someone in the EAWA, it is critical that you do so immediately and plan to attend the next club meeting on October 10.

Following the business meeting and an intermission for some sweet treats (thanks Bernie KI4VCR), Phil N1EP gave a presentation on the National Traffic System and Radiograms. He shared some of the history of the program and the new NTS 2.0. (See https://www.arrl.org/nts/ and https://nts2.arrl.org/ for more information.) Within the NTS system we are in the Eastern Area Net, and more specifically 1RN or the 1st region. Phil provided details for the primary Maine Nets: Maine Seagull Net (voice), Pine Tree Net (cw), Maine Public Service Net (voice), and Maine Slow Speed Net (cw). Time and frequencies for these are in a photo below. The heart of Phil’s presentation centered around how to record a message (traffic) on the ARRL Radiogram form. He concluded with several funny examples to make some key points. 

The meeting topics were good reminders that, particularly with winter on the way, now is the time to make sure we are prepared to use our radios in difficult conditions.
Written by Marion W1GRL

Questions and conversation started as soon as folks began putting out their gadgets and books prior to the start of the meeting. Jeff KA1DBE, who always has a question with the introductions, asked each of us to tell the number of years we have had a ham license. After going around the room, he tallied 461 years of experience! Among the notable announcements were that Barbara KC1SSY has agreed to coordinate the EAWA communications involvement in the MDI Marathon on October 20. Thanks to both Evie KA1BRA for your many years of coordinating this, and to Barbara KC1SSY for accepting this important position. Another notable announcement was that Dick W1KRP is working to set up the Weekend Sessions for the fall/winter season. Dates will be posted once they are available.

Jeff KA1DBE started the program off by telling stories of his poor man’s bug, a Vibroplex champion, the desk callsign plate he made in high school (with accompanying photo), a handy way to use magnets to hold your CW key on a clipboard, and his first crystal.

From Zoom, Joe WA4OVO shared one of his favorite gadgets, an MFJ 269 antenna analyzer. Next up was Phil N1EP who brought several books for lend and give away, along with the tiniest handy talkies as a prank gift for Jeff KA1DBE and Bernie KI4VCR. Stan K3PW showed off a tiny midi controller, the CTR2-MIDI, that he uses as a CW interface and to move across frequencies on the pan adapter via SDR software. Also in the photo collage below, John KQ1P, showed the value of using a capacitance/inductance meter to test capacitors you might find in bulk at a hamfest.

The next group started with Barbara KC1SSY who brought many books to loan as well as a kit to build an AM/FM superset radio. Ian KC1SCB shared a clever set of 2 BaoFeng radios in a box. The radios were placed so that the output from one speaker would be taken in by the other microphone, thus producing a cross band repeater. He also demonstrated a directional antenna that would be great for radio fox hunting and determining the source of radio interference. Jack W1IU shared a 70cm version of a home-brew antenna based on one found in the 2010 version of the ARRL Antenna Designer’s Notebook. He also brought some old Russian radio maps for anyone to take.

Just as the conversations and questions started prior to the meeting, many stayed around afterwards for more demonstrations. It was clear from the 461 years of experience and the diversity of gadgets and books, the EAWA members bring many varied areas of experience and expertise to the table. Ham radio is often called ‘a hobby of a thousand hobbies’. This meeting highlighted that we are all experts and novices, experienced and beginners, depending on the radio topic. It also reminded us of how much we can learn from each other.
Written by Marion W1GRL

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. 

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

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!