W1TU

In the business part of the meeting attendees received updates on the program for the upcoming Ham Radio Symposium on April 27, a licensing exam session to be held on April 6, weekly net controls, and upcoming contests. Discussion topics included ways we have promoted ham radio recently and activities related to the upcoming solar eclipse. In recognition of her first HF contact, Barbara KC1SSY was presented a certificate from Phil N1EP, the Maine Section Manager, as he was her first contact.

The program, “Introduction to Logging,” was presented by Phil N1EP. He began with pencil-and-paper logs, emphasizing the important pieces of information to include in a log. He shared bits from his personal logs, including contacts with other club members. Phil then moved to a quick overview of popular computer logging programs, with a special focus on N3FJP.

On Friday, March 8, three women from the Ellsworth Amateur Wireless Association, Joan W1DLC, Barbara KC1SSY, and Marion N3OA, operated from the Fabbri Picnic Area in Acadia National Park as part of the International Women’s Day YL POTA Party. The team made 70 QSOs reaching as far as Poland, Italy, and Germany in DX, and in the states reaching Wisconsin, Colorado, Texas, and Florida.  We used a Yaesu FT891, 25 watts, with a 40-20-15 meter end-fed half wave antenna. The weather, although chilly, was sunny and inspiring for early March. It was a memorable way to honor the achievements of women in amateur radio. #YL_POTA_PARTY

Clandestine Coffee last Wednesday had an attendance of 14 across the morning hours at Flexit Cafe in Ellsworth. Some of the discussion centered around recent wind damage to antennas. On Saturday the Weekend Session, always a surprise as to what people bring in, focused on trouble-shooting packet radio configurations, setting up an N1MM network on two laptops, and the workings of a new antenna tuner.

The EAWA members, both in person and on zoom, shared highlights and lessons from Winter Field Day, reviewed the Ellsworth Radio Symposium plans for April, and shared announcements. Much of the business meeting was spent on the unveiling of the new http://www.w1tu.org website you see here. Stan, K3PW, and Marion, N3OA, gathered information and build the new site in January.

Presentation – Contesting with FLDIGI by Jeff, KA1DBE

Many of us are aware of Fldigi software as a way of transmitting and receiving many different digital modes. But, very few of us are aware of its contest capabilities. Jeff gave an excellent presentation showing how to setup and this software in a contest situation.

The contesting features includes dupe checking, logging, and managing the contest exchange including serial numbers, rig control, and macros. One surprising feature is Fldigi’s abilities to transfer log entries to traditional contest loggers like N3FJP and N1MM on a contact by contact basis. What a great feature for a multi-mode and multi-op operations.

Thanks for a great presentation, Jeff.