W1TU

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!

Saturday, May 18, found several Ellsworth Amateur Wireless Association (EAWA) members and friends out in area parks for the Maine-Wide Parks on the Air Day. The event was organized by the Assistant Section Manager for Maine and EAWA President Jeff Hanscom KA1DBE. 

The largest group of EAWA members gathered at Thompson Island, part of Acadia National Park (US-0001). Bob AB1EP completed his first POTA activation on phone, while Mark W1ABY activated the park using FT8. Greg KC1RID and Barbara KC1SSY also took turns operating phone. Dick W1KRP, the one behind the camera, played a critical role in keeping the operation running smoothly.

Egypt Bay Wildlife Management Area (US-8498) was activated by both Jeff KA1DBE on CW and Andrew N1WMR on phone. Fighting overgrowth by bushwhacking their way in, and then feeling the assault of mosquitos, they persevered for the 10 QSOs each.

Joan W1DLC, operating phone, activated Rangeley Lake State Park (US-2406). Scout assisted with the antenna. As was the case with several activations, rainy weather encouraged operating from inside a vehicle. (On Sunday Joan completed her first CW activation at Strong Wildlife Management Area, US-8478).

Rob W8HAP operated CW QRP to activate Lamoine State Park (US-2393), using his KX3 and a 17’ vertical antenna. 

Marion N3OA, with her husband Stan K3PW doing the logging, completed her first POTA activation at Fort Point State Park (US-2389). Frequent rain showers kept the operation in the vehicle. 

John KQ1P battled the poor conditions sending CW QRP from Sandy Point Wildlife Management Area (US-8446).

It’s likely a few operators were missed in this review. Also, it’s a safe bet that there were numerous hunters as well. This was a great day to celebrate Maine parks, Maine amateur radio operators and introduce a few EAWA members to activating. Even though both the weather and band conditions were challenging, it was great fun. As the organizer, Jeff KA1DBE said, “All in all I think it was a success!”
Written by Marion W1GRL