Ellsworth Ham Radio Symposium

Stan Mason, K3PWLeave a comment

Saturday, April 27, the Ellsworth Amateur Wireless Association sponsored another ham radio symposium celebrating the 233rd birthday of Samuel Morse.

Marion Mason, N3OA, started the celebration with a presentation on Samuel Morse’s life, including his passions for art and communication. She talked about Morse Code, not only in ham radio, but also several ways it’s been employed in current scientific research.

Jerry Burns Jr, K1GUP, gave an entertaning talk about the Maine Seagull Net now in its 85th year.

Jeff Hanscom, KA1DBE, talked about the development of the Raspberry Pi single board computer and discussed some of his recent ham radio projects using the RPi.

Ian Richards, KC1SZB, discussed his project which uses multiplexed RF transmitters to produce visual alphabetic characters on a standard SDR receiver spectrum display.  He also demonstrated a operational prototype.

Joan Hildreth, W1DLC, and Barbara MacPike, KC1SSY, tied for first place in the Go-Kit competition by presenting comprehensive well planned kits.  During breaks between the presentations and demonstrations there was lots of opportunity for social and snack times.

Finally, we want to give a special thanks to Phil Duggan, N1EP, for planning, organizing, and promoting this great event. It would not have happened without his efforts.

Ham Radio Symposium, Sat., April 27, Noon-4:00pm

Marion Mason, N3OALeave a comment

Happy 233rd Birthday, Sam!
Samuel Morse Meets Ellsworth Hams, Raspberry Pi, & Arduino

This year, in honor of Samuel Morse’s 233rd birthday, Ellsworth Amateur Wireless Association is conducting a symposium featuring not only Samuel Morse’s contribution to ham radio, but also other technologies such as a what a Raspberry Pi miniature computer can do for ham radio, packet radio demonstrations and much more.

Marion Mason, N3OA, will share some highlights from Samuel Morse’s distinguished life, including his passion for art as well as telegraphy. Morse code had a profound effect on communication around the world. The presentation will also include a look at how Morse code is being used today in amateur radio as well as in other innovative and surprising ways.

Ian Richards, KC1SZB, will introduce Arduino C+ programming and hardware using a few examples of audio processing.  The presentation also includes a demo of “Morse Code 2.0” or its working title “Radio Amplitude Display, Alphanumeric Function”.  The RAD-AF system combines the concepts of Morse code and Teletype to create a visual representation of RF signal whilst conveying legible information using a software defined radio’s waterfall feature.  

Club President Jeff Hanscom, KA1DBE, and Maine Section Manager Phil Duggan, N1EP, will give presentations and demonstrations on amateur (ham) radio applications for the Raspberry Pi computer.

Jerry Burns Jr, K1GUP, will talk about the Maine Seagull Net, now in its 85th year of operation!

There will also be demonstrations of packet radio by Steve Montague, W1DTX, which is still a valuable emergency communication tool.

Finally, there will be a ham radio “Go-Kit” competition. Anyone can enter a go-kit or go-bag that meets the following criteria:
Portable and safe.
Can be used in the field for fun events such as Field Day, Parks-On-The-Air, etc.
Useful at public service events or emergency communications.

    The event will be at Meadow View Apartments Phase IV Dining Hall, 25 Tweedie Hall, Ellsworth from noon until 4pm on Saturday, April 27. Admission is by donation, which will benefit the host facility. There will be door prizes and refreshments. All are welcome. For additional information, Contact Phil Duggan 207-598-5397, of the Ellsworth Amateur Wireless Association.

    Highlights, April Club Meeting

    Marion Mason, N3OALeave a comment

    Stories of the eclipse, peppered with eclipse ham radio activations, were the first topics of the evening. Announcements included reminders of the upcoming QRP to the Field on April 20, the Ham Radio Symposium on April 27, and the Maine Parks on the Air (POTA) Day on May 18. A special round of applause was given to Matt W1MRH for attaining the monumental 5 band DXCC. A special welcome was also given to several first-time attendees.

    The program on Contest Logging with N1MM, presented by Stan K3PW, continued the theme of exploring logging software over several previous club presentations. Following an introduction to explain how and why contest logging software is unique, Stan introduced “the least you need to know” basics. He also shared insights into the more sophisticated capabilities of N1MM and how some of those features might be used to improve Field Day performance. He demonstrated some of these features using two networked laptops with one connected to his ICOM IC-705.

    April Club Meeting

    Marion Mason, N3OALeave a comment

    The April EAWA club meeting will start at 7pm at the Meadow View Apartments (see map here). Following a short business meeting, the program for the evening will focus on contest logging using N1MM. This continues a theme for the 2024 monthly programs building on an introduction to basic radio activities and contests (January), to explorations of logging software in general, and more specifically Fldigi (February), N3FJP (March), and N1MM this month. All are welcomed to attend, whether licensed or not.

    The EAWA would like to extend a special invitation to those who passed their exams last Saturday. Congratulations to the 5 new Technician Class, 3 General Class, and 1 Amateur Extra Class Operators!