LAST UPDATE: 3/08/2014

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 K1NIT at k1nit@arrl.net.

 

 

 

March 19 - 5:30 p.m., Kennebec County Government Center, 125 State St., Augusta.  Sponsor: Augusta Amateur Radio Association; Contact: W1SSF 207-702-4255 or email w1ssf@roadrunner.com.

March 29 - 12:30 p.m., after the ARRL Convention and Hamfest, Ramada Inn, 490 Pleasant St, Lewiston.  Bring a photo ID.  Sponsor: Androscoggin ARC; Contact: N1OXA, 207-577-5152 or email ilazure@roadrunner.com.

April 15 - 6:30 p.m., Baptist Church, 1268 Main St., Washburn (across from park).  Sponsor: Aroostook ARA; Contact: N1NXU 207-764-6630.

April 19 - 10:00 a.m., Stewart Morrill American Legion Post, 513 Broadway, South Portland.  Sponsor: Portland Amateur Wireless Association; Contact: W1JLB 207-776-2288 or email jbogner1@maine.rr.com.

 

These are tentative dates only. Please check with team leader 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 accomodations should check with the contact person in advance of the exam date.

 

REMINDER -- The current Technician Class (Element 2) question pool has been in effect since July 1, 2010, and will be valid until June 30, 2014.  The current General Class (Element 3) question pool has been in effect since July 1, 2011, and will be valid until June 30, 2015.  The current Amateur Extra Class (Element 4) question pool has been in effect since July 1, 2012, and will be valid until June 30, 2016.  When preparing for an exam, be sure you are studying the current question pool.

 

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HAM EVENTS FOR 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

FUTURE EVENTS:

 

White Mountain ARC hamfest, March 15, North Conway, NH.  www.w1mwv.com

ARRL Maine State Convention, March 28-29, Lewiston.  www.w1npp.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLUB MEETINGS COMING UP:

 

 

St. John Valley ARC - Tuesday, March 11, 6:00 p.m., Northern Door Inn, 336 West Main St., Fort Kent.

Wireless Society of Southern Maine - Thursday, March 13, 7:00 p.m., Gorham Recreation Department, 75 South St., Gorham.

Greater Kennebec Valley Wireless, Caffeine, Donut, Muffin, & Marching Society - Every Wednesday, 6:00 a.m., Dave's Diner, Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner.

 

 

 

 

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 CLASSES & TRAINING

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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GENERAL NOTICES 

PISCATAQUIS ARC SIMPLEX TEST

As part of a statewide VHF/UHF simplex initiative, the Piscataquis County Amateur Radio Emergency Service and Piscataquis ARC are conducting a special simplex test centered from the Emergency Operations Center bunker in Milo on Wednesday, March 26 at 2000 on 146.400.

Even if you are quite a few miles away from Milo, try tuning in; you might be surprised at how far 2-meter simplex can reach with a good antenna, height, and favorable band conditions. Anyone with 2-meter privileges may check in to the net, and relays are welcome.

Help Milo area hams determine their simplex range. In the event of a disaster that could cause repeater outage, coupled with poor HF propagation, simplex may be the only means of emergency communications. Conducting periodic simplex events may also encourage other hams to pick up their microphones and become active again. There is also the potential to spark people's interest in our great hobby, and a hosting club or ARES group might even pick up a few more Field Day participants as a result of the simplex events.

For questions concerning the test, contact WA1JMM at 207-441-6112. For more information on the Maine Simplex Initiative and how your group can schedule an event, contact w1kmg@qsl.net or visit www.qsl.net/hrde

AUBURN REPEATER BACK OPERATIONAL

Androscoggin ARC's 146.610 repeater has been returned to operational status following repairs. It requires an 88.5 Hz subaudible tone, and there is no courtesy beep.

 

W1AW/1 MAINE OPERATION INFO AT ANDYFEST

As part of the ARRL Centennial observation, the W1AW/1 special event operation is coming to Maine for the weeks of 8/27/14 to 9/3/14 and 12/3/14 to 12/10/14.  K1DG was appointed  by ARRL Headquarters to be the Maine coordinator and to set up the schedule for the event.  He will be at the ARRL Maine State Convention and Hamfest on Saturday, March 29, to discuss the W1AW/1 special event and how to sign up to operate as W1AW/1 from your station.

 

ARRL MAINE STATE CONVENTION AND ANDYFEST

Androscoggin ARC will present the 2014 ARRL Maine State Convention and Andyfest Hamfest at the Ramada Convention Center, 490 Pleasant St, Lewiston, on Friday March 28, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday March 29, from 8:00 a.m. to noon.  The major door again this year is a $500 gift certificate to Ham Radio Outlet. Admission is $7.00 for adults and free for under 18 yrs old. ". 

Tables are $7.00 for each in advance and $8.00 on Saturday. For clubs or non-profit groups, your registration gives you one free table with one free admission to promote your club or group. If you want to sell items, then additional tables are $8 each and $7 for each person working the tables.  Contact K1WTX at 207 225-3886. or e-mail: wxman46@megalink.net

Ramada Inn is again having a hamfest special of $65.00 per night, single or double.  This includes an indoor heated pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. Call (207) 784-2331 for reservations and mention "ARRL Convention."

  

AREA HAMS COME TO AID OF AA1PN AND N1WTO

Over the weekend of Valentine's Day, Maine hams pitched in to assist Clarence and Arlene Rider, AA1PN and N1WTO, respectively, at two functions.  The Riders were burned out of their home in Exeter last month, losing everything; they had no insurance.

On Saturday at the Augusta Amateur Radio Association's annual WinterFest hamfest, the group conducted a 50-50 drawing that took in more than $500, with the intent to give the club's half to the Riders.  When the winner was drawn, he said to give his half to them, too.  At the same event, the Yankee Amateur Radio Club conducted a raffle for a new Kenwood TM-281A two meter rig, collecting more than $800 in ticket sales.  The winner, KA1MEE, gave the rig to Clarence to get him back on the air.  Finally at the hamfest, K1GDI conducted an auction of donated items that did not sell during the flea market, resulting in another $60 in cash.

On Sunday, the local Girl Scouts conducted a spaghetti supper and dessert auction in Corinna, collecting more than $1000 for the relief fund.  The project was supported by the Piscataquis Amateur Radio Club under the leadership of KB1UAS, with assistance by WA1JMM, WA1SBI, WA1AKV, WA1PBR, W1FLV, and WA1LFW.

Cash donations can still be made to the Arlene Rider Fund, c/o Camden National Bank, P.O. Box 280, Corinna, ME 04427.

To all, a good job well done!

  

TALKS NEEDED FOR ARRL STATE CONVENTION

Androscoggin ARC is soliciting forum talks for the 2014 ARRL Maine State Convention, to be held March 28 and 29 at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  Anyone interested in making a presentation should contact KU1U at 207-514-0202 or email cory.m.golob@gmail.com to arrange scheduling.

 

SEAGULL NET CELEBRATES DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY

The Maine Sea Gull Net (SGN) marks its 75th anniversary in 2014, making it the oldest or among the oldest nets still in service. "We are celebrating throughout the year with various activities," Net Manager Jerry Burns, K1GUP, of Carmel, Maine, told ARRL. "A month ago on the net I played a recording from 1989 of a QSO I had with the net's founder, Win Ramsdell, W1FBJ (SK), in which he recounted the beginnings of the net and his election as Maine's first 'phone man' Section Communications Manager -- when CW reigned as the mover of traffic. He also told about the net's involvement in the fires of 1947." Burns recently ran a session on AM, "netting" 38 check-ins, all but two on AM. "It was so much like the 'good old days!'" he said. Burns invited past net control operators and visitors to check in anytime. At hamfests he'll offer net certificates with a 75th anniversary ribbon attached, and down the road he'll air a tape of a 1978 net. The Sea Gull Net meets at 5 PM ET, Mondays through Saturdays, on 3940 kHz.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

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MAINE ARES & EMERGENCY NETS

Androscoggin ARES/RACES Net Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on the 146.610 MHz (no PL) repeater. Backup frequency 146.450 MHz simplex.  Monthly meeting on the third Wednesday at 6 p.m., Androscoggin Unified EMA Office, basement of Central Fire Station, 2 College St., Lewiston http://w1npp.org/pages/aresraces.html

Aroostook Emergency Net Monday at 8:00 p.m. on the 146.730  (no PL) repeater

Cumberland County ARES Net meets every Sunday night at 7:30 p.m. on the 147.730 (PL 100 HZ) machine.

Franklin County ARES Net meets every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. on the 147.180  (PL 123 HZ) Farmington repeater.  The team meets on the first Wednesday at the Franklin County Courthouse, 140 Main Street, Farmington, at 6:00 p.m.  All are welcome.

Hancock County EMCOMM (ARES) Net Every Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., on the 146.910 (PL 151.4 HZ) repeater. All licensed operators are welcome and encouraged to check-in and participate.

Kennebec County ARES Net Sunday at 7:00 p.m. on the 145.390 repeater (PL 100 HZ).

Lincoln County ARES Net Sunday at 7:00 p.m.on the 146.985 MHz (no PL) repeater

Maine Emergency Communications Net Sunday at 4:30 p.m.on 3940 KHz (alternate freq. 7180 KHz).  K1JJS, Net Manager.

Maine Public Service Net Sunday at 9:00 a.m., 3940 KHz..  N1KAT, Section Manager, conducts administrative duties as Net Control the last Sunday of each month. FMI contact Al Sirois, N1MHC, Net Manager and Lincoln County ARES Emergency Coordinator.

Midcoast ARES Net Monday at 7:30 p.m.on the 147.210 repeater (PL 100 Hz).

Oxford County ARES Net second, third, fourth, (fifth) Monday at 7:30 p.m.on the KQ1L 146.88 (PL 100 Hz) repeater

Penobscot County ARES Net second and fourth Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. on the 146.940 MHz repeater (PL 100 Hz).

Piscataquis County ARES Net Wednesdays, following the Piscataquis ARC on-the-air weekly meeting (which starts at 7:00 p.m.), 147.105 MHz repeater (PL 103.5).

Somerset County EmComm Net first and third Mondays on the 146.970 (PL 100 HZ) Sugarloaf repeater and on the second, fourth, and fifth Mondays on the 146.730 (PL 91.5 Hz) Madison repeater. All nets start at 7:30 p.m.

Twelve County Emergency Net opens around 9:30 a.m. (at the close of the Public Service Net on 75 meters) each Sunday, on the KQ1L linked  repeater system. Net manager: KA1RFD.

Waldo County ARES/RACES Net Monday (except the first Monday) at 7:30 p.m.on the 147.27 (PL 136.5 HZ) repeater.

Washington County ARES on-the-air meeting Monday on the 147.330 (PL 118.8 Hz) repeater at 7:00 p.m. All licensed amateurs are invited to check in.

York County ARES Net weekly training net on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. on the Mt. Hope  repeater, 145.210 (PL 156.7 Hz).

28/88 VHF ARES Traffic Net  Sunday at 8:00 p.m. on KQ1L linked repeater system.  Join W1LWT in learning and sharing information to build your knowledge and skill about emergency preparedness and message handling

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OTHER MAINE NETS OF INTEREST

Central Maine Swap Net Sunday 7:00 on the KQ1L link system.  Buy, sell, or trade ham and computer gear.  KB1GVS net manager.

Chimes Net Daily at 8:00 p.m. on the 147.060 (PL 91.5) repeater

Maine Seagull Net Monday thru Saturday at 5:00 p.m., 3940 KHz, LSB. Handling traffic into, out of, and throughout the State of Maine.  K1GUP net manager.

Maine Slow Speed Net  Monday thru Friday, 6:00 p.m. 3585 KHz.  Traffic handling at slow speeds.  N1NGM net manager.

Maine Swap Net Sunday 7:00 p.m. on the KQ1L link system.  W1SSF net control.  Buy, sell, or swap amateur radio and computer items.

Maine Pine Tree Net  Daily at 7:00 p.m. on 3596 KHz. Traffic into and out of the State of Maine.  W1KX net manager.

Midcoast NBEMS (Narrow Band Emergency Messaging System) VHF Digital Net Sunday at 7:00 on the 147.060 (PL 91.5) repeater. This net is for practice in using W1HKJ's Fldigi, Flwrap and Flmsg applications for the transmission of messages and files

New England Party Line Net Daily at 7:00 a.m. on 14.293 Mhz USB.  W1UZR net manager

New England Weather Net  Daily 5:30 a.m. 3905 KHz LSB.  www.newn.org N1MHC net manager

Piscataquis ARC On-Air Meeting Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. on 147.105 repeater (PL103.5)

Radio Adventurers of Maine Sunday, 8:00 p.m., KIQ1L link system.  W1LWT net manager

Southern Aroostook Repeater Group Thursday, 7:00 p.m., KQ1L link system.

SSTV Net, KQ1L Link System; Friday at 7:30 p.m.  Send and receive Slow Scan TV Pictures (Martin 2 format).  W1SSF net manager

Waterville Area Wireless Association (WAWA) Net Wednesday 7:30 p.m. on the KQ1L system. Bulletins, club news and activities. Everyone welcome.

Wide Area Amateur Radio Network Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. on the 145.210 repeater (PL 156.7). www.wa1arn.net/cmgmnt/

WX1GYX Skywarn Training Net  Wednesday at 8:00 p.m and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., KQ1L Link System. K1WTX net manager. Please visit and bookmark the NEW http://www.wx1gyx.org/ web site and discussions at: http://groups.google.com/group/gyx-skywarn

YL Net every Thursday at 8:00 p.m. on the KQ1L linked repeater system. The net is open to all hams, but especially YLs, and has a rotating group of net control stations and weekly topics of interest.

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MAINE AMATEUR RADIO CLUB WEB SITES

Maine has many amateur radio clubs which support the repeaters, run the VE test sessions, play mentor, assist with events, etc. These clubs can use your membership dollars to help support their activities, as well as advance ham radio in Maine. Help boost ham radio --SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL AMATEUR RADIO CLUB.  Check with other hams in your area to find out about the clubs near you and around the state, or ask about clubs on a repeater; you're bound to get a reply.

 

Androscoggin Amateur Radio Club www.w1npp.org/

Aroostook Amateur Radio Association http://k1fs.org/

Hancock County EMCOMM Blog hancockcountyemcomm.blogspot.com

Merrymeeting Amateur Radio Association www.ks1r.org

Pen Bay Amateur Radio Club www.penbayarc.org

Penobscot County ARES www.penobscotcountyares.weebly.com/

Pine State Amateur Radio Club www.n1me.org

Piscataquis Amateur Radio Club (PARC)  www.k1pq.org/

Piscataquis County ARES www.piscataquisares.org

Portland Amateur Wireless Assoc. www.qsl.net/pawa

St Croix Valley Amateur Radio Club   www.stcroixvalleyamateurradioclub.org

St John Valley ARA www.sjvara.com 

Waldo  County ARA www.wcara.org/

Waterville Amateur Wireless Association www.wa1wa.net

Wide Area Amateur Radio Network (WAARN) www.wa1arn.net/cmgmnt/

Wireless Society of Southern Maine www.qsl.net/ws1sm

Yankee Amateur Radio Club www.yarcme.org

Yarmouth Radio Club www.YarmouthRadioClub.org

York County ARES www.yorkcountymaineares.blogspot.com/

 

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PUBLICIZE YOUR EVENT

If you are responsible for a hamfest or other event, please make sure to send your listing in as soon as you have the date and other info. All info to: Bill Crowley @ arrl.net.  Have a ham-related picture for posting??  forward a .JPEG image to me, with some basic info (who or what the pic is; where taken, who shot it, etc.)  I'll get it posted to this site.

 

Bill Crowley, K1NIT

150 Maple Street

Farmingdale, ME 04344

207-512-0312 (cellular)

k1nit@arrl.net

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