Dear Fellow Hams,

Autumn is officially here. The foliage colors have been brilliant this year. On September 22-25, I was in the Deboullie area with the 7^th graders of the region. From the top of Deboullie Mountain the panoramic view of the bright colors awed the youngsters.

On the 25^th I transmitted from the top of Deboullie with my Yaesu, J-pole antenna, and gel pack. A rapt group of students sat around me as I talked to N1CGV in Presque Isle, N1CHF in Fort Kent, N1YQU in Washburn, and two hams in Canada, one in Woodstock and one in Fredricton. We also listened to the weather forecast from Caribou. I think we might have some future hams in that group. When called for their group picture, several of them said they didn't want to leave the radio! Does anyone have an idea for a prompt follow up? Perhaps some program in the school? Would someone be willing to work with me on such a program?

Our September meeting at UMFK was a pleasant affair, with an interesting presentation by Dr. Robert Pinette on edible and toxic mushrooms. His descriptions of the various toxins in fungi and their actions on our bodies probably impressed all present with the need to be very cautious when trying wild mushrooms. Never eat them raw and be sure you know what species you have.

After the program, I was surprised with a birthday cake. My thanks for the cake, the birthday song, and a very appropriate birthday card about group effort.

The Rocky Mountain Repeater is definitely a group effort for this club. As I write this letter on Sept. 27, N1CHF, N8VJM, NIFCW, and NILON are up at Rocky Mountain installing the Club Repeater! We are waiting to hear the first transmission from 146.700!

Address comments, questions, or suggestions to:
 
 
 

The plea for help in the last newsletter was answered on Sept. 6 by N1RDE, NIPMS, NICHF, N8VJM, N1CGV,N1JHT, N1UYA, Susan Cline, and Debbie Bouffard. Thanks to all of them! The dreaded job of moving heavy equipment up the mountain was accomplished - batteries, cabinet, solar panels, and assorted other items. On Sept. 7^th N1LON and N1CHF went to Rocky Mountain to do some more painting and assemble the equipment. Definitely a Group Effort!
 

Page 2 Feed-Point, September 1998

Minutes of September SJVARA Meeting

Called to Order: 19:45 EDT by N1UYA.

In Attendance: N8VJM, N1CHF, N1CGV, N1ZBY,N7GLR, N1FCW, N1FRX, KA7VNR, N1UYA, Susan Cline, Nancy Martin, Evelyn Martin, Aaron Stakewicc, Lyn Wilkinson

Program: Dr. Robert Pinette of UMPI--Edible and Poisonous Mushrooms.

Secretary's Minutes: motion to dispense by N1FRX, second by N1FCW, passed.

Treasurer's Report (N1CHF): previous balance $321.13, +$0.58 (interest), ending balance $321.71. Motion to accept by N1CGV, second by N1FRX, passed.

N1UYA called for a report of progress on the Rocky Mountain repeater project after giving a summary of the work party wherein all of the equipment (save for the actual repeater components) were moved to the tower. N1CHF gave details of the following day's work wherein he and N1LON installed the solar panel, reiterated features of the controller, and pointed out the wisdom of moving the repeater to 146.715 (-) because there are no repeaters on that frequency located near enough to cause interference or to be interfered with. He also reminded us that when the repeater is ready, a ride will be needed to the base camp because the ATV permit expires 15 September.

N1CGV is organizing the harvest get together at Lakeview for SUN 25 OCT 98 @ 14:00 H. She will send an invitation to AARA.New Business:

N1UYA pointed out the need to raise money and N8VJM suggested life memberships. This was discussed with N1FCW stating that he believes that the club would gain more by yearly dues. Other ideas discussed were donations and raffles. N1CGV suggested a another class be taught with $5.00 being added to the cost of materials with the extra funds going to the club. She asked for assistance teaching this class and N8VJM offered to co-instruct. Class is tentatively scheduled for spring. Note from President: Donations would be welcome from anyone, and if they come in, perhaps no fund raising would be needed.

N1CHF made a motion that we buy a No-Code Tech Study Guide for the gatekeeper (of Dickey Gate). N1CGV seconded, passed.

Next Meeting: MON 5 OCT 98 18:30 H @ Davis Conference Room (UMFK).

Adjourned: 20:26 EDT by N1UYA with no objection from the floor.

Submitted by N8VJM, secretary.

October

4 Good EME Conditions

10-11 ARRL International EME Competition
 

Please wish the following a Happy Birthday:

Pair of stacked 7-element beams for 10 meters. Best Offer.

Heil BM-10 microphone boom set-$35.

MFJ 451X keyer- $35

Contact Charles Zafonte N1FRX-834-6273
 

A rather thorough examination of the new ARRL Licensing Proposal and the FCC Restructuring Plan appears in the October CQ/VHF. One interesting point brought up in the editorial is that we have more licensed hams today than ever before, and the numbers have doubled in the past 20 years. The real problem seems to be that half of the hams are inactive.

The editor thinks restructuring is only one step to encouraging the inactive hams to get involved. Do you know any inactive hams? Can you encourage them? Tell them about under $200 HT's, the new sunspot cycle that should open up DX, and all the new things that can be done with VHF. If they complain about rotten attitudes of other hams, "prove to them that hose hams are in the minority-be a friend, loan out a radio, help put up an antenna, demonstrate something new and different...." or anything you can think of that would help them get back on the air.

Here are some proposed band changes.

One is to broaden the DX window on 6 meters by moving the SSB calling frequency to 50.200 from 50.125. The suggestion is that hams operating on 6 meters voluntarily move up to 50.200 to avoid a rule change to that frequency.

The Central States VHF Society is petitioning for banning of wide-band transmissions (such as FM and high speed packet) from 50.100 to 50.300, 144.100 to 144.300, 222.000 to 222.150, and 431.800 to 432.500. Though these frequencies are traditional weak-signal areas in the bands, Central States believes interference is getting so great that they need to be written into the FCC rules.

The No-Code Tech study book for the gatekeeper was purchased and delivered to her on Sept. 27^th, when the work crew went to Rocky Mountain with THE Repeater.

At approximately 16:00, Sept. 27th, the first transmission from the SJVARA repeater was heard! Some further adjustments are needed, but the repeater is on the air! Good Work everyone!