   
May /
June 2013
Volume
3, Issue 3 |
WS1SM
Team Activates W1/AM-381 for Summits on the Air
Mt.
Agamenticus, York, ME
by
Tim Watson, KB1HNZ
YORK,
ME - On April 28th, the WS1SM team activated Mt. Agamenticus for
Summits on the Air. The day started out with breakfast at the Maine
Diner, and then it was off to the hilltop. Once on the summit, they
setup numerous antennas, including a BuddiPole and dipole for HF and a
pair of J-Poles for 144 and 220 MHz.
WSSM
Members Teach Course for O.O.B. / Saco Adult Education
Intro
to Ham Radio
by
Tim Watson, KB1HNZ
On May 5th, WSSM members taught a 3 hour course introducing Amateur
Radio to students of OOB / Saco Adult Ed. The course, held at the Old Orchard Beach High School, was
designed to launch students on the path toward earning their
first ham radio license.
QSL
Corner
We'll take a closer look at a collection of QSL's from historic expeditions to Clipperton Island.
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Introducing the Maine QSO Party HF Contest
www.maineqsoparty.com
by
Tim Watson, KB1HNZ
GORHAM,
ME - A few weeks ago, WSSM members asked a question over coffee:
"Wouldn't it be awesome if there was a twice around the clock HF
contest that emphasized contacts with Maine stations?" The result,
after several weeks of development, is the Maine QSO Party, which takes
place September 29th.
Field
Day Preview
Wassamki Springs Campground
by
Tim Watson, KB1HNZ
Its
that time of year again! On the weekend of June 22-23 join us for Field
Day at Wassamki Springs Campground. Special thanks to the Hillock
Family for once again providing an outstanding location to hold this
event. PSK-31 Code Gets ITU Official "Seal of Approval"
ITU Endorsement
by
Tim Watson, KB1HNZ
The
code behind the popular PSK-31 digital mode has now been officially
endorsed by the International Telecommunications Union and given its
own "recommendation" number.
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June 13th
- from
7PM-9PM at Wassamki Springs Campground
July 11th - from 7PM-9PM at Wassamki Springs Campground
August 8th - from
7PM-9PM at Wassamki Springs Campground
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Check
out the ads on page 2 to view items for sale, upcoming hamfests,
announcements, and wanted items.
The Wireless Society of
Southern Maine would like to welcome new members: Rick Fickett, K1OT,
Ulrich Mueller, DK4VW, Mauro Pregliasco, I1JQJ, Jerry Ricard, and
Virginia Price.
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From
the Editor's Desk
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RF Exposure and You
Before
I start talking about the benefits of roasting wierners on your yagi
elements, I'd like to congratulate Bert Dumont KB1ZLV, and Dakota
Dumont KB1YYC, on upgrading to General this past week! Great job, and enjoy your new privileges! In
the March/April issue, I commented on the possible impact that a Bill
in the Maine State Legislature may have on the amateur radio community,
but most recently its the actions of the FCC that deserve a little
scrutiny. The
FCC is aiming to modify some portions of the current RF exposure rules
which would eliminate the existing special exemptions from evaluation
in the Amateur Radio Service in Section 97.13 (c) of its rules. Among other things, this could severely impact the way amateurs transmit in public spaces. On March 27th, the FCC released a First Report and Order, Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Inquiry (ET Docket Numbers 13-84 and 03-137). Publication in the June 4, 2013 Federal Register started
the clock on a 90-day period for comments, making the deadline
September 3. There is an additional 60-day period for reply comments,
until November 1. The unusually long period for comments reflects the
complexity of the proceeding and underscores the Commission's desire
for specific information on the costs and benefits related to the RF
exposure issue. Minor rules changes adopted in the Report and Order section of the document take effect on August 5th. A summary of the document is available by clicking here.
I'd
like to urge everyone to become familiar with the proposed changes, and
make use of the comment period by contacting the FCC here with your questions or suggestions. It may also be beneficial to contact your representatives in Washington.
73,
Tim Watson
KB1HNZ
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