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March / April 2012                                                                                                                          Volume 2, Issue 2
Soldering in Gorham
Roger Pience, N1XP, teaches hands-on soldering workshop
by Tim Watson, KB1HNZ
Soldering
For the February topic, Roger Pience, N1XP, gave a hands-on demonstration of soldering. He began by going over some of the equipment required, and explained what soldering tips, flux, and solder works best in certain applications. From there, many of those on hand gave it a try for themselves, soldering components on printed circuit boards. 
Amateur Radio Finally Jumps on the Maker Bandwagon
 A Look at the DIY Movement
 by Dan Romanchik, KB6NU

Over three years ago, I wrote that amateur radio should do more to associate itself with the Maker, or "do it yourself" (DIY) movement (www.kb6nu.com/lets-get-on-the-maker-bandwagon/)  Well, it finally looks like it is going to do just that.

QSL Corner

QSK card
Here's the latest QSL cards received for club station WS1SM. To view more, visit the QSL Gallery page on our website.
Results Are In! 
Maine 2 Meter FM Simplex Challenge
by Tim Watson, KB1HNZ
2012 Maine 2 Meter FM Simplex Challenge
The results from this year's Maine 2 Meter FM Simplex Challenge are official! We're happy to announce that this year's overall  winner was Stephen Curry, KD1O, of Knox, Maine. Stephen had 71 contacts in 60 cities for a total of 4260 points! For a full summary and all the class winners, please click the link below.

Product Review
Radio Dust Covers
 
by Thom Watson, W1WMG
Dust Covers
Recently, I ordered two dust covers for my rigs - one for my Icom IC-7000 and one for my Drake TR-4C.  These covers were made by Stan Clewett, W6ON, of Redding, CA. Stan did a wonderful job for me, and I can't recommend these covers enough. I would say that the Elite covers are the best you can buy.  The Elite model costs a little bit more, but they are definitely worth the extra money. They fit perfectly. The craftsmanship is beautiful, and they are made of quality materials. Shipping was very quick. I had mine in five days - which was an unexpected surprise, and that included mailing in the payment! The embroidered logo on the front is very nicely done, and really adds to the station while also providing protection for the rigs. If you are looking for covers for your radios, order them from Stan. You won't be sorry. Visit:
 http://www.radiodustcovers.com/index.html


Skywarn Class
Scheduled for April 5th

For anyone interested in getting a Skywarn spotter number, or if you just want to brush up on your weather spotting skills, stop by the Gorham Recreation Department on April 5th, for a Cumberland County Skywarn class. The class will start at 6:30PM. For more information about Skywarn, click here.

Upcoming Meetings April 12th - from 7PM-9PM at the Gorham Recreation Department.
May 10th - from 7PM-9PM at the Gorham Recreation Department.
Welcome New Members The Wireless Society of Southern Maine would like to welcome Samuel Webber, N1WIG and Sean Binette, W1GFD as our newest members.
Classifieds Click here to view ham radio gear for sale, events, and other ads in our classified section. Remember this FREE feature when you have announcements or items for sale. 
Brags Rumor has it that one of our club members has won the prestigious Worked All Small European Countries (W.A.S.E.C.) award, presented by the Association des Radio-Amateurs de Monaco. 
 
typewriter

From the Editor's Desk
Well, spring is finally inching closer, and many of us can't wait to get out and enjoy the nice weather, though it can be unpredicatable this time of year. There's been a lot of talk lately about getting out to do a special event somewhere, but nothing's been firmed up yet.

Just after our last newsletter went out, we hosted the 2nd Annual Maine 2 Meter FM Simplex Challenge. Participation was up overall and some huge point totals were put up by the overall and class winners. In all, it was a lot of fun, and a great experience. Can't wait till next year.
   
This weekend, stop by our booth at the Maine State ARRL Convention, which takes place at the Ramada Convention Center in Lewiston, Maine, on Friday, March 23rd, from 7PM-9PM and Saturday, March 24th, from 8AM-12PM. Click here for more info, and directions.


Remember, if anyone is interested in contributing, just send along a story, idea, brag, or picture to [email protected]  As always, I also welcome any comments or suggestions on how to improve The Radiogram for future issues.

-  Tim Watson, KB1HNZ
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