LAST UPDATE 02/15/20

Exam information also available at:

http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session

Below you will find a list of EXAM and HAMFEST DATES. We will do our best to keep this list up-to-date. Please send along any additions and corrections to Joy Lynne Foss, Public Information Coordinator at k1sew@arrl.net  and 

All web page links are posted on the Maine Section web page or you can email Joy email K1SEW@arrl.net

 

TESTING SESSIONS

 

Thursday February 20th 7 pm  Gorham Recreation Dept Ste 175 South St Gorham Walk-ins are Welcome Sponsor: Wireless Socierty of Southern  Maine Contact: Timothy Watson  831-8132 kb1hnz@yahoo.com

 

Monday, February 24th 5 pm University of Maine Room 225 Barrows Hall Room 225 keepware Lab Orono Walk-ins are welcome Sponsor: University Of Maine ARC Contact: Richard O. Eason 581-2242 reason@maine.edu

  

UP COMING TESTING SESSIONS

Saturday March14th 9 am Brewer

Friday March 20th 6 pm Houlton

 

These are tentative dates only. Please check with the contact person before traveling to verify date, time, location and exams being offered.  Bring two forms of identification, including a photo I-D as well as the original and photocopies of all current FCC licenses and certificates of successful completion of exam. The photocopies will not be returned. Persons needing special accommodations should check with the contact person in advance of the exam date.

REMINDER -- When preparing for an exam, be sure you are studying the current question porewerol.

*Technician Class (Element 2) question pool has been in effect since July 1, 2018, and will be valid until June 30, 2021

**General Class (Element 3) question pool has been in effect since July 1, 2019, and will be valid until June 30, 2023. 

***Amateur Extra Class (Element 4) question pool has been in effect since July 1, 2016, and will be valid until JUNE 30, 2020. 

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******Amateur Extra Class (Element 4) question pool has been in effect since July 1, 2016, and will be valid until JUNE 30, 2020

 

CLUB MEETINGS COMING UP

PARC  Next Regular Meeting will be Tuesday, February 25th, at the Milo Town Hall at 7PM.

Greater Kennebec Valley Wireless, Caffeine, Donut, Muffin, & Marching Society - Every Wednesday, 7:00 a.m.,at Dave's Diner, Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner

 

EVENTS AND NEWS

The Maine Bi-centennial Special Event committee has been organized an amateur radio Special Event that recognizes the Original 9 Counties of the State of Maine.  There will also be 3 other special stations for Jameson Tavern in Freeport, the Town of Portland, and Boston, in recognition of their contributions to Maine's Statehood.  

Participants can choose to operate at their convenience by signing up on a spreadsheet on the event website: https://maine200specialevent.com 

Operations will take place on HF, 6m, 2m, and 70cm.  Modes include CW, SSB, and Digital. This allows all Maine Amateur Radio operators to participate in some form. 

Certificates will be available for chasers and operators. We'll also need logs to corroborate what is sent in. More details can be found on the event website. which is on the Maine Section Web Page

If you need help or if you have any questions, please send an email to:  ws1sm@yahoo.com. Be sure to title your message as: Maine 200 Special Event.

The Maine 200 Special Event Stations are listed on the Maine Section Web Page:

Cumberland: W1C

Hancock: W1H

Kennebec: W1K

Lincoln: W1L

Oxford: W1O

Penobscot: W1P

Somerset: W1S

Washington: W1W

York: W1Y

Jameson Tavern: K1J

Town of Portland: K1P

City of Boston: K1B

We look forward to having you take part in this Special Event for Amateur Radio in Maine!

 

If you would like a visit from Bill Crowley, K1NIT ARRL Maine Section Manager please email him at k1nit@arrl.org or call him at 512-0312.   

 

The Southern Maine Packet Group. Has revisied Maine Packet Maps 

This is dedicated for, ARES and RACES.  If you are interested in Emergency Communications and packet radio, please join in.  The Southern Maine Packet Group uses the excellent BPQ32 packet switching software which is well documented and easy to use Sponsored by the York County Amateur Radio Club. Contact: Roger Pience, N1XP  ws1sm@yahoo.com.

 

 HANDS FREE LAW

The revision of Maine's hands-free driving law is working its way through the Legislature.  While the process is a lot cumbersome, it is expected to pass.  The new statute would clarify that amateur radio operation is exempt from the limitations originally imposed last year.  But just in case, contact your local State Representative and State Senator to voice your support.

 

The Northeast HamXposition (formerly Boxboro!) is MOVING!

The 2020 Northeast HamXposition will be held in July at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center, conveniently located in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Division-wide ARES Academy at the ARRL Convention ARRL New England Division Convention,

Given the new date and location, we will begin look for speakers and presentations on or around FEBRUARY 24th

Phil From the ARRL is hoping to design a full day of ARES/SKYWARN/NTS programming at the upcoming convention. In order to successfully achieve this goal, Phil is looking for in put from Hams in the New England Area Please visit the web site listed on the Maine Section Web Pag

 

https://doodle.com/poll/v6q7wsciri7qapty 

 

Please respond as soon as possible with times/dates for a teleconference that will work for you. for more information please contact Phil Temples K9HI, Program Chair, ARRL New England Division Convention, k9hi@hamxposition.org

 

ARISS program

The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Program is seeking formal and informal US education institutions and organizations, individually or working together, to host an Amateur Radio contact with a crew member on board the ISS. ARISS has  opened a proposal window from February 1st - March 31st

For more details www.ariss.org.  Please direct any questions via email listed on the maine section web page ariss.us.education@gmail.com

 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! to the  New England Radio Discussion Society and the Sea Road School They  received approval for their ARISS contact.

 

 ARRL Bulletin 5  ARLB005

From ARRL Headquarters  

Newington CT  February 5, 2020

To all radio amateurs 

ARRL HF Band Planning Committee Seeks Comments on Recommendations

The ARRL HF Band Planning Committee is seeking comments and suggestions to it's report to the ARRL Board. At the Board's January meeting, the committee presented its specific recommendations.The goal of increasing harmony on the HF bands, particularly between CW and digital users.

The Committee would like comments by February 19th.  Comments may be filed online at, http://www.arrl.org/bandplan .

 

 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Derrick Ouellette is in need of voleenters for the CAN - AM dog sled races Fort Kent. It starts on Saturday February 29th The race usually is finished by late Monday or Tuesday morning.  Anyone that can help for any amount of time is needed.They really need help in portage lake and Allagash (both indoors assessments) and the  more help on the start Saturday morning and someone to watch a road crossing times and days very. Info can be found on the club the web page. under can- am guides.

Links are listed on the ARRL Maine Section Web Page

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B4DWj4KSUX25RGlnYWpvTXkzSFU?usp=sharing

for more information you can also contact Derrick Ouellette at anytime via email at KW1A@ARRL.NET or 231-2556

 

 

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National Weather Service-Caribou, Maine  

http://www.weather.gov/car/Outreach_Spotters             

National Weather   Service-Gray, Maine   https://www.weather.gov/gyx/skywarn

 Weather Spotter Training - Free and open to the public. Sessions Run  1 hr - 2 hr 

Skywarn Recognition Day

SKYWARN MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE AREAS

Skywarn- for NWS Gray area Western/Southern/Coastal Maine and New Hampshire. 

http://www.ws1sm.com/SKYWARN.html

 

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ARRL’s new bimonthly magazine On the Air for beginner and intermediate ham All ARRL members can access the digital edition through the new ARRL Magazines app.

Podcast is now available. Topics focus on building the ground-plane antenna featured  New "On the Air" podcast episodes are available each month.

 

SUPPORT THE ARRL THROUGH AMAZON SMILE.

Just make ARRL as your charity of choice on the Amazon web page. With every purchase you make Amazon will make a contribution to ARRL www.smile.amazon.com

 

 K1BXI (SK)

John Phillips, K1BXI, passed away on February 7th at his home in Skowhegan from complications as the result of a severe stroke he suffered several years ago.  John, a master carpenter by trade, will be remembered for his extensive knowledge of amateur radio and amateur radio operation. 

He conducted "audio clinics" on 75 meters for anyone who asked, studied propagation to the point of predicting band openings and closings, advised others on building gear, and generally got involved in all aspects of the hobby.  He WILL be missed.

 

PUBLICIZE YOUR EVENT

If you are responsible for testing session, ham fest, club meetings or would like a copy of a link.  Please make sure to send your listing in as soon as you have the date and other info. Plese send all information to Joy Lynne Foss, Public Information Coordinator

Joy Lynne Foss, K1SEW, Public Information Coordinator k1sew@arrl.net  948-6222  

 

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Youth in Amateur Radio Resource links... All addresses are post on the Maine Section Web Page.

The Kids Radio Zone- www.ztlearn.com/radio-kids

Teacher Radio Zone- www.ztlearn.com/radio-teachers

Ham Radio Youth Resources Handout- tiny.cc/hry

Tri-fold STEM brochure “Ham Radio- The Original Maker Movement”- tiny.cc/hr-makers

Scouting & Amateur Radio- tiny.cc/ar-scout 

Ham Radio Quick Start Guide- tiny.cc/new-ham

K8ZT Amateur Radio Resources- www.k8zt.com

K8ZT Amateur Radio Education Outreach Column Collection - tiny.cc/ar-ed-out

ARRL Bulletin 9  ARLB009

From ARRL Headquarters  

Newington CT 

March 15, 2019

To all radio amateurs   

Commenting Electronically on FCC Proceedings  

Those interested in posting brief comments on Petitions for Rulemaking (PRMs) to the FCC, such as the ARRL using the Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) should access FCC Electronic Comment Filing System Express at,     https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/express 

In the "Proceeding(s)" field, enter the number of the PRM, complete all required fields, and enter brief comments in the box provided. You may review your post before filing. All information you provide, including name and address, will be publicly available once you post your comment(s).  Visit "How to Comment on FCC Proceedings" for additional information at https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/how-comment .

 

 

***Check out the SWAP NET on Sunday Evenings at 6:30 pm on the link system with Miriam, kc1aih as your net contol, You never know what bargins you can find.  Looking for something put it on the swap net someone just might have it. .Just listening check in anyway to let Miriam know you are there***

 New Repeater up and running!!

The new repeater at the bunker is on the air! Time to give it a try--a workout actually. please do a report of your experience with it day or night mobile or fixed. 449.225, negative offset, with a 103.5 TS for more information and send a report Contact: Pete, KC1DFO connectme2pw@gmail.com 

NEWCOMERS ROUND TABLE NET 

Check out a great net on every Sunday at 6:45 pm on the 147.090 W1QUI ( 100+pl)  repeater in Falmouth. New or long time hams are all welcome to join in the  newcomers round table net. Interesting topics are always discussed. Your net controller is Paul Courchene. KJ6JBH

NEW REPEATER ON - THE AIR

Livermore ME at Tim WT1A's residence.146.895MHz - 103.5Hz(input AND output) Like the Lewiston 146.610MHz-88.5Hz and Poland 147.135MHz+103.5Hz this is a Yeasu Fusion C4FM Digital/Analog Repeater. check for channel activity in other modes before transmitting

Maine Packet Group
https://groups.io/g/MainePacketRadio/topics


1st and 2nd Wednesday 4pm Mt. Washington Repeater 146.655MHz- 100.0MHz HARP Net -Hospital Amateur Radio Program http://gblakesl.net/N1GB/N1GB_HARP.html

 

Lewiston Net on 146.610MHz-88.5Hz Repeater every Thursday, currently is at 7pm. As of January 3rd it will be held at  it's new time 7:30pm.

 

Interested in the skywarn program and need more information for your area please email Eric Emery KC1HJK@MAINE.RR.COM for more details on training, reporting information, questions, updates, events, and skywarn net questions or drills and schedules! please put "SKYWARN" in the subject line of your email.