LAST UPDATE: 2/28/2015

 

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

TESTING SESSIONS 

Saturday, March 14th - 4:00 pm Machias Savings Bank 581 Wilson Street Brewer Walk-ins are Welcome Sponsor: Pine State ARC Contact: Ryan P. Stankevitz ryan@kb1uas.com

Sunday, March 15th - 3:00 pm Weapon Craft 27 Industrial Park Road Saco Walk-ins are welcome Sponsor: Wireless Society Southern Me Contact: Thomas Watson 839-0402 w1wmg@yahoo.com

Thursday, March 26th - 5:30 pm Manchester Fire Station, 18 Readfield Rd.(Route 17), Manchester. Walk-ins are Welcome please come early. Sponsor: Augusta ARA  Contact: Ron Manson, W1SSF,  332-6660, e-mail w1ssf@hotmail.com

Saturday, March 28th - 12:30 pm Maine State Convention at the Ramada Convention Center at 490 Pleasant St, Lewiston Walk-ins are welcome Sponsor: Androscoggin ARC Contact: Ivan Lazore, N1OXA, n1oxa@arrl.net

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 pool.

*Technician Class (Element 2) question pool has been in effect since July 1, 2014, and will be valid until June 30, 2018.

**General Class (Element 3) question pool has been in effect since July 1, 2011, and will be valid until June 30, 2015. 

***Amateur Extra Class (Element 4) question pool has been in effect since July 1, 2012, and will be valid until June 30, 2016. 

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*****Web site addresses for today’s announcements are on the ARRL Maine Section Web Page as a Link for your convenience. *****

 

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.

 

FUTURE EVENTS:

WA1SAZ MAKES COVER OFQST

Congratulations to Nate Marvin, WA1SAZ, of Camden for his picture of his antenna farm on the cover of the January 2015 QST.  He's the first Maine ham in recent history to greet the ARRL worldwide membership.

 

 CLASSES & TRAINING

Starting Thursday, March 12th - 7-9 pm There is a Technician class being held at the Milo Town Hall. 6 Pleasant Street, Milo  Sponsor: Piscataquis Amateur Radio Club

There will be twelve sessions, Monday and Thursday evenings (ending
April 20th). We will be using the ARRL approved license manual. Cost for the class is $25 which includes the book. An exam session will be scheduled to follow the class so students can get their FCC Amateur Radio license. The exam fee is $15.

Anyone wishing to sign up for the class should contact club President Ben Kittredge at 943-2849 or email parc@k1pq.org 

Complete information can be found at our web site: http://www.k1pq.org/

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Weather Spotter Training -

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

Training Classes

Wednesday March 25th 7:00 pm Lewiston-Auburn Airport Terminal
80 Airport Drive Auburn Contact: Mike Cempa,  mike.cempa@noaa.gov 

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CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT
 NET NEWS 

HAMFESTS 2015

 MAINE STATE CONVENTION is coming up on Friday, March 27th and Saturday, March 28th. Admission is $7 for 18 yrs. and older, free for under 18 yrs old. Door Prizes are a $300 Cert. to Universal Radio and a  $100 from Ham Source

 

Accommodations

Ramada Conference Center is again having their Hamfest Special of $65 (plus tax) per day, single or Double. This includes indoor heated pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. Call (207) 784-2331 for reservations and mention  ARRL Convention”.

 

Tables

Tables at the Hamfest are $7 for each table in advance, till Saturday, March 21st and $8 after the 21st. 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. More information Contact: Ivan Lazure, N1OXA, Hamfest Chairman  n1oxa@arrl.net or http://w1npp.org

 

GENERAL NOTICES

  ARRL Bulletin 11  ARLB011
From ARRL Headquarters 
Newington CT  February 26, 2015
To all radio amateurs

Seeks Member Input on Draft HF Band Plan Proposals

The ARRL is asking members to comment by April 19 on possible
changes to the League's HF Band Plans suggested by the HF Band
Planning Committee. The survey is part of the committee's efforts to
tweak the band plans for the RTTY/data/CW portions of 80 through 10
meters - excepting 60 meters.

ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ ARRL CEO's article detailing the
committee's suggestions will appear in the April edition of QST.

Band by Band Draft Recommendations

The HF Band Planning Committee recommends that the League petition
the FCC to move the boundary between the 80 meter RTTY/data band and
the 75 meter phone/image band from 3600 to 3650 kHz and restoring
that segment to General and Advanced class licensees. Members are
asked to comment on this proposal, as well as on whether or not the
ARRL should petition the FCC for other changes. 

Please see the ARRL Maine State Section Web Page for the other proposed changes.

*  Shift the ACDS band segment from 3585-3600 to 3600-3615 kHz,
consistent with the IARU Region 1 and 2 band plans.

*  Extend the current Novice/Technician CW segment of 3525-3600 kHz
to 3650 kHz.

*  Add 80 meter RTTY/data privileges for Novices and Technicians.

The committee proposes aligning the band plan with the "Considerate
Operator's Frequency Guide," with wide data modes - outside of ACDS
- at 7115-7125 kHz. The "Guide" shows 7070-7125 kHz for RTTY/data,
while the ARRL band plan shows 7080-7125 kHz. The FCC mandates that
ACDS be confined to the 7100-7105 kHz segment.

On 30 meters, the committee recommends confining wide data modes to
10.140-10.150 MHz, separated from other RTTY/data at 10.130-10.140
MHz.

On 20 meters, the committee recommends using the 1 kHz IARU/NCDXF
beacon network frequency (14.0995-14.1005 MHz) as a line in the sand
between wide ACDS in the 14.1005-14.112 MHz segment, and narrow ACDS
in the 14.095-14.0995 MHz segment.

The committee recommends 14.070-14.095 MHz for RTTY and narrowband
data, noting that so-called "weak-signal" data modes often are used
between 14.070 and 14.078 MHz.

On 17 meters, the committee recommends confining wide data modes to
the FCC-mandated ACDS segment of 18.105-18.110 MHz, separated from
narrow RTTY/data at 18.100-18.105 MHz. FCC rules do not permit
RTTY/data above 18.110 MHz, limiting options for this band.

On 15 meters, the committee recommends that 21.070-21.090 MHz for
narrow RTTY/data modes, the FCC-mandated ACDS segment of
21.090-21.100 MHz for both narrow and wide automatically controlled
data station activity, and above 21.100 MHz for any additional wide
data activity. The ARRL Board also wants members to comment on the
desirability of adding RTTY/data privileges for Novices and
Technicians in their existing 15 meter segment, where they're now
limited to CW.

On 12 meters, the committee recommends confining wide data to the
FCC-mandated ACDS segment, 24.925-24.930 MHz, separated from narrow
RTTY/data operation at 24.920-24.925 MHz. FCC rules do not permit
RTTY/data operation above 24.930 MHz, limiting options for this
band.

On 10 meters, the committee recommends that wide data be confined to
the FCC-mandated ACDS segment, 28.120-28.189 MHz, separated from
narrow RTTY/data modes at 28.070-28.120 MHz.

How to Comment

The League has set up a web page to record members' preferences and
comments at, http://www.arrl.org/bandplan . Those wishing to offer
more detailed comments may e-mail ARRL at, bandplan@arrl.org . The
comment deadline is April 19. The HF Band Planning Committee will
deliver its final report at the ARRL Board of Directors' July
meeting.
 

 

Leonard Daigle, N1ZDG (SK)

Leonard Daigle, N1ZDG  (SK) from Ellsworth passed away on February 14th at the age of 59.  Lenny is survived by his wife, Jeanne Daigle, and two daughters, Jade Daigle and Deanna Anderson and his grandson, Antoine Hayden, and 4 sisters

Lenny was a dedicated charter member of both the Elks Lodge, chapter 2473, and the Moose Lodge, chapter 2698.

“It seems like yesterday but it was so long ago, I wish I didn’t know now what I didn’t know then, but I’m older now and I still find myself running against the wind.”  These lyrics by Bob Seger are the words Lenny left behind as he departed from this world.  Lenny will be missed on the Air waves.

http://www.ellsworthamerican.com/obituary/page/2/

 

Dear Amateur Radio Operators

Don’t forget to support ARRL by Shopping at AmazonSmile! Just make ARRL as your charity of choice on the amazon web page. www.smile.amazon.com With every purchase you make Amazon will make a contribution to ARRL.

 
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Androscoggin ARES/RACES Net Thursday 7 pm 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 146.730 - (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 Monday nights 1900 on Dick Glidden's k1nyy repeater 147.39+ 179.9 pl tone Backup is  on the w1pbr system 147.06+ and 145.49- 91.5 pl Jose, kb1tcd is the coordinator

Maine Emergency Communications Net Sunday at 5:00 p.m. on 3940 KHz (alternate freq. 7180 KHz).  John Goran K1JJS, Net Manager.

Maine Public Service Net Sunday at 9:00 a.m., 3940 KHz..  K1NIT, 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 fourth Wednesdays, 7pm local time on the 145.450 (WA1RES) repeater (pl tone is 67.0).  We do monitor the N1ME repeater in case someone cannot reach the WA1RES repeater. Kevin 'Doc' Badger, N0UKM American Red Cross ME region Communications Lead, Penobscot County ARES Emergency Coordinator,  Penobscot County RACES County Radio Officer

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. Has Announcements read. 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.

Waldo County Emergency Management Agency's RACES/ARES HF digital training net every Wednesday at 1930 on 3.583 MHz. Early check-ins are taken at 1915. The net opens with Olivia 8-500, then switches to
Thor 50x1, both centered at 1000Hz on the waterfall. This is a training net and amateurs new to the digital modes are encouraged to check-in and will be “elmered”. We use the 147.270 (+,PL 136.5) Aborn Hill repeater for coordination. For those who cannot hit Aborn, we use the instant messaging program SPARK. For details on SPARK, the net and other digital “how-to” see www.midcoastdigiham.belljar.net

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 Training Net, Thursday, 7:00 p.m., Mt. Hope repeater (145.210 MHz, 156.7 pl tone).  Group meets first Thursday, 6:00 p.m., York County Government Building, 149 Jordan Springs Rd. (Route 4), Alfred.

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OTHER MAINE NETS OF INTEREST

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

Elmer Net/Class Somerset County EMCOM/ARES team will be doing an Elmer net on the Madison repeater (146.730 PL tone 91.5). The net will run every other Wednesday. It will be moderated by Steve KA1C steverod@myfairpoint.net and Net Control is Dave, W1DSA w1dsa@beeline-online.net, All amateurs are welcome, from newcomers to oldtimers. Questions and comments will be welcome during the net.

Maine NBEMS VHF Net every Sunday at 1900 on the KQ1L linked repeater system, KB1TCE net manager. This net is a continuation of the Midcoast NBEMS Net that met on the Waldo County W1EMA 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.  W1JX net manager.

Maine Swap Net Sunday Swap Net 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.

New England Party Line Net Mondays and Thursdays 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)

Somerset County EMCOM/ARES team will be doing an Elmer net on the Madison repeater (146.730 PL tone 91.5). The net will run every other Wednesday. It will be moderated by Steve KA1C.

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

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 testing session, hamfest, club meetings or other events, please make sure to send your listing in as soon as you have the date and other info. All info to: Joy Lynne Foss, Public Information Coordinator K1SEW@arrl.net. 207-948-6222 (home)

Have a ham-related picture for posting. Forward a .JPEG image to Joy Lynne Foss, Public Information Coordinator,  K1SEW@arrl.net and include some basic info (who or what the pic is; where taken, who shot it, etc.) get it posted to Maine Section web page to share.

 

Joy Lynne Foss, K1SEW

Public Information Coordinator

P.O. Box 59

20 Leonard Ln

Burnham ME 04922

207-948-6222

k1sew@arrl.net

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Sponsor: Pine State ARC
Date: Mar 14 2015
Time: 4:00 PM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: Ryan P. Stankevitz
Email: ryan@kb1uas.com
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: Machias Savings Bank
581 Wilson St
Brewer ME 04412-1418