Happy Holidays !
Happy Holidays !
December 2024
December 2, 2024
In person & ZOOM Meeting 7:00pm EDT (1900)
- Review of VHF radios in remote sites in Oxford County
- Rejoining the Hospital Net HARP Net
- Year in review
- Planning for 2025
December 3, 2024
LEPC Meeting at the EMA
December 7, 2024 25th Annual SKYWARN Recognition Day
SKYWARN Recognition Day is December 7, 2024. The annual event is celebrating its 25th anniversary. SRD was established in 1999 by the National Weather Service and ARRL® to commemorate the contributions of SKYWARN volunteers.
There will be a SRD special event from 0000 – 2359 UTC on the day. The objective is for all amateur stations to exchange QSO information with as many Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters and National Weather Service Stations as possible on the 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6, 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands.
December 7, 2024
Remembrance Of Pearl Harbor Hawaii is preparing for the 83rd commemoration of the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. The 83rd anniversary of Pearl Harbor theme of "Forging Ahead" emphasizes not only the historical significance but also the vital role of the younger generation in preserving and honoring this legacy. This year’s event will take place December 07, 2024, 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM HST at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, HI. The event will also be live streamed. ARRL requested, and has received, a waiver from the Federal Communication Commission’s Part 97 rules to communicate with military stations as part of Pearl Harbor Day commemorations December 7 – 8.
December 9, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the K1EM, W1IF and W1OCA repeaters Net Control
December 16, 2024
- On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the K1EM, W1IF and W1OCA repeaters Net Control
December 23, 2024
- On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the K1EM, W1IF and W1OCA repeaters Net Control
December 30, 2024
- On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the K1EM, W1IF and W1OCA repeaters Net Control
January 2025
January 3, 2025 Signup Deadline for Digital Meeting in Waldo County
January 6, 2025 Zoom and Eyeball meeting
This will be our first meeting of 2025.
At 17:00 (5:00 pm) Dinner at Applebees in Oxford.
At 18:30 Set up and testing of HF and UHF/VHF radios
At 19:00 Monthly Meeting - combination of an in person meeting and Zoom meeting . If you aren't traveling to South Paris and want to participate, please make sure you have the Zoom invite from Wayne.
At 20:00 (8:00 pm)
- Tenative 160m test from EMA to a Zoom participant
- Test IC 7300 on 80m and 40m (see January agenda email for frequencies)
- Test simultaneous operation of IC 756 and IC7300 on different bands
- ensure clear comms
- eliminate interference between both HF stations
If the in-person meeting is snowed out, we will use Zoom to cover the agenda portion of the meeting. On January 13 we will include the radio tests at the EMA at 19:00 (7:00 pm) before the regular weekly net.
January 7, 2025 Aroostook, Penobscot, and Waldo County EMA/RACES Meeting
- Meeting starts at 1100 and will go to 1300 or longer
- If you are interested in attending RSVP is required by 3 Jan - see Oxford ARES/CERT comm email
The session will cover: - Near Vertical Incidence Skywave propagation,
- digital modes (JS8Call, VARA HF, VarAC, Winlink),
- equipment requirements, and training.
January 13, 2025
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the Oxford County Repeater system.
January 20, 2025
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the Oxford County Repeater system.
- 160 meter county wide radio test on 1.935 (plus or minus 5KC)
January 25-26, 2024 - Winter Field day
ARRL Winter Field day is always on the last full weekend of January, beginning at 19:00 UTC on Saturday and running though 18:59 on Sunday.
You can operate on the 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meter HF bands and all bands above 50 MHz.
To be considered for scoring, all participants must submit their log entries before 11:59 UTC on March 1st . All logs must be submitted in the Cabrillo formation and contain the proper exchange data. Late entries cannot be accepted.
WFD participation and results are tallied and posted on the website for future reference. Winter Field Day team goal is to have logs scored by May 30th and posted the first week of June.
January 27, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the Oxford County Repeater system.
Other Events and Nets
New England ARES Academy YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsMzRyHawnFlIQ0j4CbXPVQ
SKYWARN GYX Virtual
Winter Spotter Training
New Hampshire & Western Maine https://www.weather.gov/gyx/skywarn
***
***
Hospital Amateur Radio Program Net
1st and 2nd Wednesdays 1600LMt. Washington, NH Repeater 146.655MHz-100.0Hz
4th Wednesday 1600LBuckfield, ME 146.880MHz-100Hz
FYI: http://gblakesl.net/N1GB/N1GB_HARP.html
***
Have you finished the FEMA online courses? If not login today!
***
February 2024
February 5, 2024 - Monthly Meeting
Dinner at Applebee's in Oxford at 5:00pm EST( 17:00 R)
In person & ZOOM Meeting 7:00pm EDT (1900 ) at 9 Western Prom EMA Conference Room next to the ARES/CERT comm radio room.
February 10, 2024 -EXAM SESSION
Sponsor: Augusta ARA
Date: Feb 10 2024
Time: 9:30 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: Joseph G. Devonshire
(207) 549-0061
Email: trainbee@aol.com
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: Le Club Calumet
334 West River Rd
Augusta ME 04330
The free FCC Registration Number (FRN) is required for ALL examinees.
Go to the fcc.gov web page to get your free FRN number.
February 10, 2024 -Augusta Maine Boat Anchor Hamfest
The Calumet HamFest - will held on Feburary 10th, 2024
at the Calumet Club
334 West River Road
Augusta, Maine 04330
Doors open from 8 AM to Noon
Website: http://W1TLC.ORG
Sponsor: Augusta Amateur Radio Association
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 146.52
Public Contact: George Szadis, K1GDI
Augusta, ME
Phone: 207-530-6357 cell
Email: GRSZADIS@AOL.COM
On I-95 travling either North or South take the right at Augusta exit 113 on to Rt 3. Head East to Belfast to the first set of lights. At the lights take a right and within a quarter mile the Calumet club is on right top of the hill.
February 12, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the W1IF and W1OCA repeaters -160 meter test following the net 1.935 (+ or - 5)
February 17, 2024
Work Session:
- Installation of Fusion Radio
- Checking 160 m antenna and IC756
February 19, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the W1IF and W1OCA repeaters Following the net at 7:45 pm (19:45R) we will test 2 meters on the 146.550 Mhz to be followed on our secondary frequency 147.435 Mhz.
February 26, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the W1IF and W1OCA repeaters. Following the regular 2 meter net at 7:45 pm (19:45R), we will run:
- a 10 Meter and a 6 Meter test on:
- 28.375 Mhz (+or – 5khz) USB (Please note that this is in the Technician portion of the 10 meter band).
- 51.20 Mhz (+or – 5khz)USB &
- 52.54 FM (Simplex Calling).
March 2024
March 4, 2024 ARES/CERT ZOOM and In-person Monthly Meeting
Meeting 7:00pm (1900)
Dinner at Applebee's at 5:00pm (17:00)
Meeting Agenda - some highlights:
- Presentation by Horses Across Maine
- Review of communications tests from February
- Progress on new facility
- Updates on radios in the EMA
March 11, 2024 - Day Schedule
Work Day with N1MRE and N1GZB setting up WinLink at the EMA.
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the W1IF, N1BBK, W1OCA repeaters
The final test will be for:
- 40 meters at 7.262 ( and the frequency is subject to change depending on time of day and foreign broadcasters on frequency.)
- The 60 meter test will be on voice channel 2 (5.3465 Mhz USB) with a backup of channel 3 (5.3570 Mhz USB) - Please note the current EMA HF radios DO NOT have 60M capability unless someone physically hooks up the backup HF radio Kenwood TS440S.
March 14, 2024 Pi Day -This Announcement from The ARRL
Pi Day is on the menu for amateur radio on March 14, 2024.
Pi Day, 3/14, is a day when mathematicians, scientists, and math lovers around the world celebrate the mathematical sign pi, which is a never-ending number.
The David Sarnoff Radio Club (DSRC) will operate special event station N3P on March 14 from 0000Z to 2359Z, in conjunction with Princeton University's Pi Day celebration and the Einstein Birthday Party held in Princeton, New Jersey. Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879.
When contacting N3P, make sure to say, "happy Pi Day" and include the state, province, country, and/or grid square from which you are celebrating.
The operating frequencies will be:
- 14.031,
- 14.314,
- 7.031, and
- 7.227 MHz.
If propagation allows, contacts can also be made 10 and 80 meters.
DSRC's local repeater will also be operative on 146.46 +1 MHz, PL 131.8, and 443.4 MHz. Look for N3P on standard FT8 and FT4 frequencies.
There may be additional activity on PSK31 around
- 7070+ and
- 14070+,
- or even RTTY.
For more information, see DSRC's special event page.
March 18, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the W1If, N1BBK, W1OCA Repeaters
March 25, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the W1IF, N1BBK, W1OCA repeaters
April 2024
April 1, 2024
ZOOM Meeting and inPerson Meeting 7:00pm EDT (1900)
April 8, 2024 - Statewide ARES activation
On Air Net 1:00 pm (13:30) to 5:00 pm (17:00) local time
April 8, 2024 - Solar Eclipse
A total solar eclipse that will be seen across North America will occur on Monday, April 8th. It will be the last of its kind in the US for the next 20 years.
The 2017 Great American Eclipse. [Sierra Harrop, W5DX, photo.]
Hams across North America are asked to participate in a study about how the ionosphere functions by getting on the air to help scientists in a series of ionospheric experiments.
Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI) has presentations for hams interested in participating on Wednesday, March 27 at 8;00 PM (Eastern) - 5:00 PM (Pacific)*, and that same day at 10:00 PM (Eastern) - 7:00 PM (Pacific)*. Both 30-minute presentations will held on Zoom and they will feature HamSCI's Festivals of Eclipse Ionospheric Science (FoEIS). The presenters will take your questions during the presentations.
Here is the link to the presentations.
The program will start by covering HamSCI's basis and purpose, and quickly move into why they are conducting experiments, how hams and shortwave listeners (SWLS) can participate, and what they hope to learn from the event. Along the way, they will discuss why the science behind the event is important to users of the high-frequency radio spectrum - including amateur radio operators!
Learn about the HamSCI's eclipse-focused operating events:
- Solar Eclipse QSO Party (SEQP)
- Gladstone Signal Spotting Challenge (GSSC)
- Medium Wave Recording Event
- Time Delay of Arrival (TDOA) Event
- Grape 1 Doppler Receiver Project
Maritime Mobile Planned
During the solar eclipse, John Landrigan, KA4RXP, will be operating in the SEQP as a maritime mobile off the coast of Mazatlán, Mexico, at the beginning of the total solar eclipse as it transits the Maritime provinces of Canada.
Look for KA4RXP/MM around 14.265 MHz.
April 8, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the W1IF and W1OCA repeaters
April 9, 2024
10:00 am Work Day at the Comm Trailer
April 15, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the N1BBK, W1IF and W1OCA repeaters
April 22, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the N1BBK, W1IF and W1OCA repeaters
April 25-26, 2024 NEAR- FEST Note day Change!
Thursday and Friday at Deerfield Fairgrounds Gates open 9 am Friday and 7 am Saturday.
April 29, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the N1BBK, W1IF and W1OCA repeaters
May 2024
MAY 2, 2024 -Technician License Class- 5:00pm to 6:30 pm
For Thursdays in the Month of May 2024
Technician License Class- 5:00pm to 6:30 pm The first class is Thursday May 2nd at the Oxford County EMA building on 9 Western Prom, South Paris, Maine
Books are available at
- AMAZON (today $31.30 that includes tax and shipping) and the
- ARRL (32.95 +tax+shipping).
- A Kindle edition is available through AMAZON as well for roughly 10 dollars less.
- The class itself is "free".
Books and licensing will be the only required expense.
If Ordering the book please order the :ARRL Ham Radio License Manual 5th Edition – Complete Study Guide with Question Pool to Pass the Technician Class Amateur Radio Exam Spiral-bound – June 16, 2022 for Exams from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2026.
Licensing fees are $35.00 paid directly to the FCC and a $15.00 exam fee paid to the VEC.
If interested, please contact Wayne N1YIS at wstrout2008 at gmail.
MAY 6, 2024
In-Person & ZOOM Meeting 7:00pm EDT (1900)
Pre Meeting Dinner at Applebee's in Oxford at 5:00pm (17:00)
MAY 9, 2024 -Technician License Class- 5:00pm to 6:30 pm
At the Oxford County EMA building on 9 Western Prom, South Paris, Maine
We will review Chapters 1 & 2 then work through Chapter 3.
MAY 13, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30 local)
MAY 16, 2024 - Technician License Class- 5:00pm to 6:30 pm
At the Oxford County EMA building on 9 Western Prom, South Paris, Maine
MAY 20, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time
MAY 23, 2024 - Technician License Class- 5:00pm to 6:30 pm
At the Oxford County EMA building on 9 Western Prom, South Paris, Maine
MAY 27, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the W1IF repeater
MAY 28, 2024 - LEPC Meeting Rumford
MAY 28, 2024 - Work Morning/Afternoon at the Communications Trailer
MAY 29, 2024 The 2024 Maine Preparedness Conference -Response Vehicle Display
The large parking area to the right of the Augusta Civic Center as you drive in. Viewing and visiting time will be in the morning from 8:00 am till Noon.
This a large-scale display for our participants and first responders attending The Preparedness Conference at the Civic Center. Wayne N1YIS is hooking up the trailer at 5:30 am and leaving South Paris at 6:00 am.
MAY 30, 2024 Technician License Class- 5:00pm to 6:30 pm
At the Oxford County EMA building on 9 Western Prom, South Paris, Maine
June 2024
June 1, 2024
Hermon Hamfest 8:00am EDT Hermon High School, Hermon Maine Test site for License and upgrades-
License testing: all classes at 10:00 AM ***
No Walk-Ins for ham testing***
Register at hamstudy.org
June 3, 2024
Monthly Meeting in person and -Zoom 7:00pm EDT (1900)
Dinner at Applebee's 5:00 pm
June 6, 2024 - 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Technician License Class
Review of material
June 10, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) . A 6 & 10 Meter SSB test to follow at the close of the regular net.
June 13 to 16, 2024
Trek Across Maine
June 17, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30)
June 22-23, 2024 Field Day Oxford ARES / CERT Comm
Field Day - Will be held at the "Green" house - 9 Western Promenade in South Paris, EMA office.
We will be operating One stations(1F), two stations (2F) or three stations (3F) from this location. Actual number of stations and designator will be determined at 2:00 PM (14:00R).
Due to the narrowness of the road - there will be no parking on Western Promenade.
Parking in the driveway at the green house and in the upper parking lot that is to the left of the courthouse on Western Avenue.
Overflow parking is in the large lower Western Avenue parking lot in front of the courthouse. It is nearby and a short walk to the house.
More on parking details to follow on our Facebook page.
Please check the Oxford CERT Facebook page for updates as well.
June 24, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30)
July 2024
July 1, 2024 - Monthly Meeting
In Person and ZOOM Meeting 7:00pm EDT (1900)
PreMeeting Supper at 5:00pm at Applebee's Oxford ME
New agenda will be emailed to group.
July 5,6-7, 2024 HORSES ACROSS MAINE
Set up on July 5th the Communications Trailer at the Fairgrounds
July 6th and 7th Communications for the Event
that goes from North Waterford ME to Sweden Maine along ATV/snowmobile trails/ old abandon RR beds.
The event could use a few more volunteers to cover:
- operations at the comm trailer and
- at locations along the course.
Equipment recommended at this time(May 5,2024):
- Mobile radio 25 to 50+ watts
- Vertical antenna with gain on a mast with good quality coax
- Battery or battery with solar panels -gas generator may be too loud for the site and the horses
- Bug spray, sunscreen, snacks (some of the locations are in the woods.)
Contact Wayne N1YIS if you are able to assist
Thank you Norm KA1SG, George W2GPJ, Susan KC1DSO and Travis KB1ZID for all your work on this event!!!
July 8, 2024 - On air net
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the W1IMD 449.025 repeater (-5MHz offset 82.5 tone)
July 15, 2024 - On air net
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the W1IMD 449.025 repeater
July 22, 2024 - On air net
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the W1IMD 449.025 repeater
July 29, 2024 - On air net
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the W1IMD 449.025 repeater
August 2024
August 5, 2024 - Monthly Meeting
In Person at EMA Office and ZOOM Meeting 7:00pm EDT (1900)
August 6, 2024 - CERT training
ZOOM Meeting link at
Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 Time: 7pm Duration: 2 Hours
Agenda:
- Communication in Emergencies
- Integration with CERT
- Setting Up and Using Ham Radios
- Establishing Communication Networks
- Field Operations
- Training and Exercises
- Benefits of Ham Radio in CERT Operations
- Resources for Integration
Registration Link:
https://www.train.org/connecticut/course/1120854/compilation7:00pm
Please have your FEMA SID ready. It is the ID that you would have used for any of the FEMA-DHS on line classes or training in the last few years. Also the federal site will undergoing maintenance from 5 pm to 8 pm EDT and will not be usable.
August 8, 2024 Workday at the Comm trailer
8am breakfast and planning session at The Square restaurant
9 am until Noon(?) Remove old mast from trailer and install new mast
August 12, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the KE1M, W1IF and W1OCA repeaters
August 13-16, 2024
Work Day at the Communications Trailer to reinstall the mast mount. More Information on the 7:30pm (19:30 local) Oxford ARES Net August 12th.
August 19, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the KE1M, W1IF and W1OCA repeaters
August 20, 2024 19:30 local (7:30 PM)
Ron Tomo's Haiti Earthquake Mission Presentations
RONALD A. TOMO, MPA, CSP, CNARegion Two Director, US ARMY MARSTO: ALL RECIPIENTS OF THIS EMAIL INCLUDING:Family, Friends, Students, US ARMY & US AIR FORCE MARS Members, Ham Operators,ARES/RACES Members, Radio Clubs, EOC Staff, NY Guard, US Coast Guard Aux. Flotilla 13-13
NOTE: Feel free to invite your friends….
This is a variation of all previous Haiti Earthquake Mission Presentations
The focus is more geared towards dealing with Mass Casualty Events in the Field.
EMCOMM will be covered.
Time: Tuesday, August 20, 2024 19:30 Eastern Time (7:30 PM
August 23-25, 2024 - Northeast HamXposition, ARRL New England Division Convention
Marlborough, MA
Location: Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, 181 Boston Post Rd.
Marlborough, MA 01752
Website: http://hamxposition.org/
Sponsor: FEMARA
Type: ARRL Convention
August 26, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the KE1M, W1IF and W1OCA repeaters
September 2024
September 2, 2024
In- person & ZOOM Meeting 7:00pm EDT (19:00)
Dinner at Applebee's in Oxford at 5:00pm EDT (17:00)
September 7, 2024 -Windsor Hamfest
Augusta Amateur Radio Association, Windsor Fairgrounds, 82 Ridge Rd. Windsor, ME 04363
Talk-In: 146.67 100
Contact: Bill Crowley, K1NIT
150 Maple St. Farmingdale, ME 04344
Phone: 207-512-0312
Email: k1nit@arrl.org
September 9, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the W1IF and W1OCA repeaters Net Control
September 16, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the W1IF and W1OCA repeaters Net Control
September 21, 2024 St. Croix Valley Amateur Radio Club Hamfest
Alexander Elementary School
1430 Airline Rd.
Alexander, ME
Talk-In: 147.330 + 118.8
Public Contact: Roger Holst , W1LH
70 Cooper Road Alexander, ME 04694
Phone: 207-214-9260
Email: holst@midmaine.com
September 21, 2024 Dempsey Challenge
Dempsey Challenge- Paul Leonard KE6PIJ contact
at paul(use the @ symbol when typing the address) ke6pij.org
At this update (September 7 2024 midnight) 10 more amateur radio operators are needed for the event. If you receive no response either email me or use facebook
to contact me via the Oxford County CERT Communication Unit group page.
September 23, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the W1IF and W1OCA repeaters Net Control
September 30, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the W1IF and W1OCA repeaters Net Control
October 2024
September 29, -October 6, 2024
Fryeburg Fair
October 4 & 5, 2024 NEAR-Fest XXXIII
NEAR-Fest XXXIII Hillsborough County Agricultural Society Fairgrounds, 17 Hilldale Lane, New Boston, NH
October 7, 2024
In Person and ZOOM Meeting EMA Office South Paris 7:00pm EDT (1900)
October 14, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on theK1EM, W1IF and W1OCA repeaters
October 21, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the K1EM, W1IF and W1OCA repeaters
October 26, 2024 - Maine SET -Simulated Emergency Test
Maine SET will start at 8:00 am and run until noon
October 28, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the K1EM, W1IF and W1OCA repeaters
November 2024
November 4, 2024
In Person and ZOOM Meeting 7:00pm EST(1900)
Pre Meeting Dinner @ 5:00pm (1700)
November 11, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the K1EM, W1IF and W1OCA repeaters Net Control
November 18, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on theK1EM, W1IF and W1OCA repeaters Net Control
November 25, 2024
On Air Net 7:30 pm (19:30) local time on the K1EM, W1IF and W1OCA repeaters Net Control