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!
From the POTA website you can find the parks in your area along with many useful details for planning an activation. The yellow dots represent parks in or near Maine.
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!
This is one of the first awards hams receive for hunting POTAs. Awards are given for activating, hunting, and contacts other parks while activating, called Park-2-Park. As you move up, the awards become much more colorful and elaborate.
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.
In the right-hand column, you can see that Matt KC1VLH, Joan W1DLC, and Barbara KC1SSY, have recently activated Fort Knox State Historic Site in Bucksport. If you scroll down on the live page, you’ll see that Joan and Matt are tied in 3rd place for the most activations, and Matt is in 3rd place for the most activator QSOs.
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.
Stan W1BOY, Joan W1DLC, Rob W8HAP, Jeff KA1DBE, Barbara KC1SSY, Matt KC1VLH, and behind the camera, Marion W1GRL, were there to kick off the event.Rob W8HAP and Barbara KC1SSY organized the radios in the Hancock County Emergency Management Agency trailer for making contacts via the 91 repeater, while Joan W1DLC organized the Welcome Table and greeted visitors.Most of the equipment displays and antennas were set-up by Jeff KA1DBE and Matt KC1VHL.During the 10am repeater demonstration, Dick W1KRP, set up his portable operations at the site of the new facilities for the Hancock County Emergency Management Agency to call in to the Tremont event. Others who checked include Andrew KB1NEB, Mel W1MEB, Chuck AC1BS, Matt KC1VLH, and Joan W1DLC.
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
As the EAWA grows in membership and energy, the list of fun opportunities and activities grows as well. While every EAWA member has their favorite radio activities, as a club we tend to focus on ways to share our own radio skills with the others in the club and the wider community. At the September meeting we had both important announcements of ways to share with the community and examples of ways we mentor each other.
The Lend & Learn Library, which also includes free items, is always worthy of browsing. Several hams left with books and various bits of equipment.
First, here are some opportunities you may want to join in:
Tremont First Responders Day, Saturday, September 13, 9am-1pm Listed among the many presentations and demonstrations (click here) is “On the Air: Amateur Radio with Hancock County Emergency Management.” That’s us! EAWA members and friends will be on hand to share the world of amateur radio to all who stop by. In addition to go-kits and an information table, the Hancock County Emergency Management Agency trailer and tables will be set up with radios and antennas to use in the way a special events station would operate, using W1TU. There are several ways you can participate. **If you would like to join several EAWA members as part of the demonstration team, please arrive at 7am for set-up and a brief organizational meeting. **Stop by, encourage those working the station, perhaps get on the air, and maybe chat with visitors who want to know more about ham radio. **Bring a go-kit for display. **If you are not on site, you can help by checking in on the 146.91 repeater at 10am for a net demonstration, or any other time to show activity. **If you are not on site, send a WinLink message to the server that will be set up on site. **Stop by at 1pm to help folks who have been there since 7am pack things up.
Weekend Sessions, Sundays Sept 14 and 28, Noon-2pm, at Meadow View Apts (map here) Bring your gear to show off, learn to use new gear, or repair equipment. Bring your laptop for help with software, such as setting up WinLink, programming your handheld, or logging software. Come hang out to see what everyone else is doing. Weekend sessions are free-flowing, hands-on, radio workshop events.
Amateur Radio Demonstration, Sunday October 5, Camp Beech Cliff Matt W1HRM asked for volunteers to present amateur radio to a group during the Camp’s Fall Outdoor Skills Day. Please contact Matt W1MRH (contact via QRZ) if you are interested.
Race Communications for the MDI Marathon, October club meeting, Thursday October 9 Unlike other EAWA activities, race communications requires participation in planning meetings. If you would like to participate but cannot attend the next club meeting, please contact Barbara KC1SSY (contact via QRZ).
EAWA Parks on the Air (POTA), Saturday October 11, 10am-1pm, Lamoine State Park You can participate in this as you like. Bring your equipment and operate, check out the many radios and antennas, listen to others operate and get to know POTA better, or just hang out with some really cool people!
Simulated Emergency Test, October 25, 8am-noon Barbara asked for volunteers to participate in a networking exercise, using standard equipment most of us have. Basically volunteers need to be available to receive a message and send back a response to it. Although it sounds simple, it is critical that lines of communication are practiced, reliable, and working smoothly. Contact Barbara KC1SSY if you would like to volunteer.
Even though the evening’s agenda was full, there’s always time for chatting with friends.
Second, after the brief business meeting, Jeff KA1DBE shared an informative presentation on Introduction to WinLink 2000. While WinLink started back in the 1980s as a way for sailors to send email to the mainland, today it’s also used extensively as a way to send data via the airwaves. It was first used widely in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, sending data out from devastated areas. Jeff shared how WinLink has developed to support many standard templates and forms used in emergency situations. For those not familiar with the process, it resembles sending email or filling out a digital form. He also showed how easy it is to set up an account, fill out a message, and select the routing path for that message. In an emergency, when there is no internet or cell service, operators can send precise information, such as someone’s medication needs, through a portable WinLink set-up.
Many thanks to Jeff KA1DBE, for sharing his knowledge of WinLink. For those who haven’t used it, he explained it well and made it seem easy.
We packed a tremendous amount of information, announcements, useful knowledge, and sharing via the Lend & Learn Library in that 90 minute meeting! If you are a not a regular attender, perhaps you will join us at our next club meeting, Thursday, October 9, at 7pm. If you are newly licensed, your club membership is free for the first year! That said, you don’t need to be a club member to attend. We hope to see you at some of these many events. 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!
Weekend Sessions often involve teaching, mentoring, and help with set-ups and repairs. Here is Mel W1MEB watching Dick W1KRP program a Baofeng handheld radio.
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.)
Items brought in to loan or give away always draw a crowd at the Lend & Learn Library table before the club meeting.
** 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.
Jim KC1TQN and Phil N1EP at their “eyeball” QSO.
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.
Barbara KC1SSY and Barbara KC1KGS pose for a photo.
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.
Tim Duffy K3LR, CEO of DX Engineering and owner of a contest-winning mega-station, Thomas Witherspoon K4SWL, founder of the QRPer blog and YouTube channel (QRPer.com), and Dr. Nathaniel Frissell W2NAF, founder of HamSci, the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation program (hamsci.org), were the keynote speakers.
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
W1TU 