F E E D - P O I N T

The Official Newsletter of the St. John Valley Amateur Radio Association

July 1998 Vol.8 No.7 Letter From Our President

Dear Fellow Hams,

As I write it feels a bit like fall. It's a welcome change from the heat and humidity of the last few days. I have heard that DX contacts have been excellent on some evenings. We'd like to hear about your favorite DX contacts at the next meeting!

Summer is a busy time for everyone, so I'll keep this newsletter as short as possible!

We've had a couple of big events since the last newsletter. Field Day was enjoyable for all who participated. Pleasant weather helped, too. We had two radios set up, and 20 meters turned out to be the best band all day and all night. Miles made a lot of contacts after midnight and when he woke me at 02:00, told me things were really hopping. In the next two hours I made 40 contacts with less of a wait than during the day. It was easier to be heard through the pile ups. The night was a bit chilly, and I had two companions that apparently enjoyed the relative warmth of the big tent--a moth with tufts on its back, and a stonefly. Jessica came in before 07:00 to take over. Jessica made a lot of contacts both days. The hams not on HF regularly yet, including myself, really get excited about making distant contacts. Encouragement for the future! Steve (N1CHF) brought a little fox and some tried fox hunting.

Thanks to everyone who helped make Field Day a success. Marty, Miles, Gil Daigle, Steve, Peter, Jim, John (AA1CN), and Jeff all had a hand with transporting everything to Crocker Beach and/or setting up and taking down, or working on the generator or antennas. Cheryl, and Sandra were busy with food and the publicity table, as well as making lots of contacts for us. Charlie (N1FRX) joined for a while, too.????N1JHT

Our meeting on July 13th at the home of KC1SE was a most pleasant experience. Jim and Margaret put out a lovely feast for us and we thank them for their hospitality. Jim topped the meal off with a cake inscribed "St. John Valley Amateur Radio Association" and ice-cream. We all think it should become an annual event!

Address comments, questions, or suggestions to:

WRITE: Gale Flagg R.F.D.#3 Box 250

Fort Kent ME 04743

PHONE: 207-834-6670

E-MAIL: sgflagg @ ainop.com

73/ N1UYA Gale

Rocky Mountain

Update: KA1ZOE has made a substantial looking, well-insulated box to house the two batteries. N1CHF and N8VJM have made a new hatch cover for the tower.

Know anyone who wants to strengthen their leg muscles carrying gear up Rocky Mountain? Some students training for something? Speak up if you do. We still have to get the equipment up the trail and the tower. Hopefully, we'll have to face that challenge soon. N1HSQ is still struggling to get into .64 and only makes it about once a week.

Next Meeting

Monday, August 3 at 6:30 PM

Location unknown (see minutes)

Listen to the club nets on Sundays at 9PM for details of this meeting.

Schedule of Coming Events

Page 2 Feed-Point, July 1998