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November 2003 Vol. 13 No.11 |
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It was 50.9 yesterday morning, and 36 this morning. The snow from two snow storms, that left snow on the ground for more than a week each, has been washed away by abundant rain both times. I guess this is a yo-yo start to the winter. Up at the 146.640 repeater site, I had to replace the rubber cover once when it was torn part way off by the wind. I've sealed new plastic over the vents. Reflectors and reflective tape have been placed on the lowest guy wire that you come to first. We are going to be able to have some guy wire sleeves to put on the guy wires as soon as I pick them up. The reason for doing this is to give better visibility to the guys. ( The sleeves are now in place, thanks to Stan Flagg). |
On November 2 Andy Marquis,
Scott Guimond and I left for Rocky Mountain early. Those two non ham volunteers
each shouldered a 63 pound battery in a pack, and I took the replacement
window on my pack. We made it up the trail rather quickly. There are three
trees across the trail that will require some sawing, but we
were able to get around them. I had just time to take my pack off and get
the camera out to take a picture of Andy as he came in sight near the
top. He did say the battery was heavy! Scott, happy to be rid of his heavy
load, scrambled up the ladder to the cabin and threw down the rope. Andy
tied on the first battery and I held the tail rope. Fortunately there was
no wind. Andy climbed up to help haul the battery up. Then came down to tie
the second one on. The second battery went up to the cabin more smoothly
and quickly then the first. Practice makes perfect! Then the window was hauled
up. Address comments, questions or suggestions to: Gale Flagg 108 Franklin School RD Fort Kent ME 04743 Phone: 207-834-6670 E-mail: galeflagg@sjv.net Next Meeting: TUESDAY, December 9th, ALUMNI CONF RM., NADEAU HALL, UMFK , 6:00 PM Christmas Grab Bag: Small, inexpensive item |
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| Page 2 Feed-Point, November, 2003 |
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Called to
Order: 18:20
Treasurer's Report: None available. October Bal: $720.55 + $12.00 dues + ? interest = Nov. Bal:? Old Business: 2.
146.64 Report: Batteries getting quite low during all
the cloudy weather. 3. Other ?? There was a discussion again about the feasibility of linking 146.640 and 146.715 for better coverage in case of an emergency. It was suggested that perhaps an automatic close down of the link could be programmed in case of low batteries. N1CHF is already designing a linkage between our two repeaters. Also, does Presque Isle have any interest in linking to .64 for better emergency coverage? |
New Business: 1.
Sky Warn Recognition Day will take place on Dec. 6 this year. The National
Weather Service in Caribou is the place to be. It certainly is interesting
to see all the weather monitors, the launching of the weather balloon,
and the guys working on the forecasts. Besides that there is the contact
with other weather stations in the country.
2. There
was a discussion of ghosts. G0LDK in the UK 3. Morse Code: The comment period to the FCC ended Nov. 7. We await the outcome. Several plans were filed with the FCC, most of which kept Morse Code in some way. 4. N7GLR mentioned
the Leonid Meteor Shower. That meteor shower takes place around Nov. 17th. Program: Conclusion
of the Video: How The Planets were Formed. Adjourned: 19:05 |
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In Case You Are Interested
Geminid Meteor Shower -- Visible All Night Maximum Dec. 13-14 Originate in the NE 65 per hour |
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
Bert St. Onge 12-10
Steve Boomhower 1-22 |
| Page 3 Feed-Point, November, 2003 |
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THE NET ON NOV. 17th
Ten
minutes before the net on Nov.17th I heard someone speaking French on the
repeater. I could only hear one side of the conversation. I announced the
frequency would be need for a net in 3 minutes at 18:57. No response, no
letting up of the conversation. Must be a lift and coming from a Quebec
repeater. We held the net with gaps for the distant speaker. Though we
could talk over him, he was so loud it was intimidating to do so! We had
a check in from Mt. Chase that was loud and clear. Also W1BTP came
in loud and clear. After we concluded the net about 19:19, I monitored
the repeater until 8:45. N1QMC and N1JHD were listening from 8:30 to 9:30.
The guy just kept talking and talking and laughing. None of us were
ever able to catch a call sign ID. VE1PIN is checking into it for
us. Thanks, Bert.
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A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL! Thanks to all those who helped with
the repeaters this year. We had those who toted items, a technician worker,
window repairer, trail clearers, and a 146.640 checker for cover and dampness.
You all know who you are, and have been thanked as the jobs have been done,
but we say Thank you again. The hours and effort donated are much appreciated.
As I write this there is a planned trip to Rocky Mountain to install
the new batteries, bring down the old ones, replace the window, and add
some ferrite beads to try to fix the desense. N1JHD, N1CHF, and N1PMU thanks
to you for
tomorrow. (Nov. 22). The new batteries are installed and the ferrite beads in place! |
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Heavy duty 40' galvanized steel
tower, 16" x 16" x 16". Includes mounting hardware.
Best Offer. Contact Charles
Zafonte. N1FRX He would really like to have it go before deep snow. |
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| Page 4 Feed-Point 2003 |
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Published by the St. John Valley Amateur Radio Association and distributed free to members and friends of Amateur Radio. Officers President: Gale Flagg N1FG Vice President: Sandra Daigle, N1QMC Secretary: Rotating Treasurer: Steve Boomhower N1CHF Public Information: Charles Ames, N7GLR Technical Advisor: Steve Boomhower, N1CHF Editor/Publisher/Printer Gale Flagg - N1FG / Stan Flagg 834-6670 Associate Editor/Web Edition Steve Boomhower N1CHF Membership Information (Annual Dues): Regular Membership $ 12 Associate Membership $ 6 Articles: Articles may be submitted by anyone with a good idea, and may be re-printed only in their entirety and with credit going to this newsletter. |
FEED-POINT
108 FRANKLIN SCHOOL RD
FORT KENT ME 04743