LAST UPDATE: 12/04/2013

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.

 

Saturday, December 7 - 10:00 a.m., Winslow Public Library, 136 Halifax Street, Winslow.  Sponsor: Waterville Area Wireless Assocation; Contact: W1SSF 207-702-4255.

Wednesday, December 18 - 5:30 p.m., Emergency Management Office, Lewiston Fire Station, 2 College Avenue, Lewiston.  Sponsor: Androscoggin ARA; Contact: N1OXA 207-577-5152.

 

 

 

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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 2013

 

 

 

 

 

FUTURE EVENTS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLUB MEETINGS COMING UP:

 

 

 

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

 

SKYWARN RECOGNITION DAY DECEMBER 7 

WX4NHC, the Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, will be on the air for SKYWARN Recognition Day, Saturday, December 7, 1400 until 2300 UTC. Hurricane season officially ends today

“This will be our 15th year of participation in the SRD, and our 33rd year of public service at NHC,” said Julio Ripoll, WD4R, the WX4NHC Amateur Radio assistant coordinator. “The purpose of this event is to test the Amateur Radio Station operations and equipment between NWS Office nationwide and is sponsored by NOAA. This event is excellent practice for ham radio operators as well as NWS staff to become familiar with the unique communication skills available during times of severe weather. It is also a fun event.”

WX4NHC will take advantage of the occasion to conduct operator training. The station will make contacts on various frequencies and modes, to exchange signal reports and basic weather data, such as “sunny” or “rainy” between WX4NHC, ham stations at other NWS offices, and stations throughout the US.

WX4NHC will be on HF, VHF, UHF, APRS (2 meters and 30 meters), and WinLink (subject should contain //WL2K). “We will try to stay on the recognized Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) frequency 14.325 MHz most of the time and announce when we QSY,” Ripoll said.

Ripoll said that due to space and equipment limitations at the NHC, plans call for having two to three operators on duty per shift. “We cannot be everywhere and on every mode at the same time,” he explained. “You may be able to find us on HF by using one of the DX spotting networks, such as the DX Summit website."

WX4NHC operators also will be active on the VoIP Hurricane Net, from 2100 until 2300 UTC (IRLP node 9219 / EchoLink WX-TALK Conference node 7203). South Florida area VHF and UHF repeaters will be part of the mix as well.

QSL cards are available via WD4R, with an SASE. Do not send QSLs directly to the National Hurricane Center.

Due to security measures, no visitors will be allowed in the NHC without prior clearance from the NHC PIO and Security. Only WX4NHC operators on the approved operating schedule will be allowed entry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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GENERAL NOTICES 

 

NEW LEADER AT FCC'S WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS BUREAU

Sworn into office November 4, Tom Wheeler, the new FCC chairman, has
named current Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Chief Ruth Milkman
as his chief of staff. Replacing Milkman as acting Wireless Bureau
chief will be Roger Sherman, a communications attorney with strong
links to the Democratic Party. The WTB oversees Amateur Radio within
the FCC.

 

FCC DENIES EXPANDED TECH PRIVILEGES ON TEN METERS

The FCC has dismissed a Petition for Rule Making that sought to
expand Technician privileges in the 10 meter band. The Toledo Mobile
Radio Association (TMRA) had asked the Commission last June to
expand the spectrum available to Technician licensees on 10 meters
to include operating privileges in the FM portion of the band, from
29.520 to 29.700 MHz. Novice and Technician licensees now may
operate on 10 meters from 28.000 to 28.500 MHz.

"We conclude that TMRA has not presented grounds for the Commission
to revisit the question of operating privileges for Technician class
licensees," the FCC said October 17 in denying the petition. The FCC
said that Technicians may transmit through repeaters licensed to a
General class or higher licensee that have an output channel in the
29.5 to 29.7 MHz segment, as long as the repeater has a 2 meter or
70 centimeter input.

 

 

 

NEW FCC HEAD GETS INITIAL APPROVAL

Tom Wheeler, President Barack Obama's nominee for chairman of the
Federal Communications Commission, this week received the approval
of the Senate Commerce Committee. Reuters reported that some
Republicans on the committee wanted to hold up the nomination of a
new Democrat to head the FCC until the President also named a
Republican to fill the remaining vacancy on the five-member
commission. Wheeler got the okay by voice vote July 30. It's
expected that the communications industry insider and former
lobbyist will be confirmed by the full Senate after Congress returns
from its August recess. Congressional staffer Michael O'Rielly is
said to be the likely Republican nominee for the FCC. Wheeler would
replace former FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski.

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

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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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