   
November / December
2014
Volume 4, Issue 6
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WSSM Year in Review
2014 Events and Activities
by
Tim Watson, KB1HNZ
GORHAM,
ME - In the beginning of 2014, we were just coming off a very
successful year, which saw membership double, and impressive results in
on air activities, including a first place in the CQWW VHF contest, but
despite being pleased, we weren't quite satisfied. 2014 saw an
environment emerge where members took pride in the details and shared
an initiative to make things even better.
Maine QSO Party Winners Announced!
Gorham, ME
by
Tim Watson, KB1HNZ
GORHAM, ME - The Wireless Society of Southern Maine
is proud to announce the winners of the 2014 Maine QSO Party, which
took place September 27-28. Thanks to everyone who participated and
especially to those who supported the contest by writing and testing
updates to contest logging programs, and helping to promote the MEQP
throughout the year!
QSL
Corner
Here's
a QSL card received for an August 1999 SWL report from the MIR space station.
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WS1SM Number 1 in Maine for 2014 Field Day!
Scarborough, ME
by Tim Watson, KB1HNZ
SCARBOROUGH,
ME - The 2014 Field Day results are in, and WS1SM is 1st place in Maine
- all categories! In only our 4th year competing, this is a huge
accomplishment! Thanks to everyone who put in such an amazing effort.
WS1SM tallied 1052 QSOs, and 4910 points, operating in the 3A category.
WSSM Announces Technician Class Course
& Exam
Starting January 14
by
Tim Watson, KB1HNZ
GORHAM,
ME - WSSM members will teach a Technician Class course and host an exam
session Wednesday
nights starting in January, at the National Weather Forecast
Office, in Gray, ME. There will be three classes followed by a VE exam.
For more information, please contact Tim Watson KB1HNZ at: [email protected]
Germany Nominated to Host WRTC 2018
World Radio Team
Championship
by Tim Watson, KB1HNZ
On Sunday, October 5, 2014, the World Radio Team Championship (WRTC)
Sanctioning Committee selected Germany as the host country for the WRTC
2018. This nomination followed an initiative of DARC, BCC, and RRDXA,
initiated during the ham radio fair Friedrichshafen at the end of June
2014. A small team, headed by Christian Janssen, DL1MGB, was setup in
order to explore the option to hold this event in Germany.
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January
8th - from
7PM-9PM at the Gorham Recreation Department
February
12th - from
7PM-9PM at the Gorham Recreation Department
The Wireless Society of Southern Maine
would like to welcome the following new members: Michael Courtenay, KB1DBL, from Warren, ME, and Tom Berman, N1KTA,
from Portland, ME.
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Check
out the ads on page 2 to view items for sale, upcoming hamfests,
announcements, and wanted items.
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From the Editor's Desk
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Spinning the Dial
The bands
have been much improved the last few weeks, especially 10 and 12
meters, which have been open to Europe during days and Asia in the late
afternoons. With many of us having time off for the holidays, this is
promising news, especially if you're still needing some new ones on 24
and 28 MHz.
Also, keep an eye out for "Holiday-style" DXpeditions, as folks venture to warmer climes, and don't leave their radios behind.
These are usually low-powered, often CW-only, expeditions, operated for
short periods of time from portable locations on beaches and patios.
There's been a number of
special event stations on the air as well, especially Christmas-related
ones from places like Lapland (OF9X and OH9SCL), K9C in Rudolph, WI,
andWX3MAS in Nazareth and Bethlehem, PA.
Speaking
of the holidays, I'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy
Hanukkah, and a joyous New Year, before leaving you with these
thoughts:
Amateur
radio is as much about people as it is about meters, transmitters and
zener diodes. Its a community, diverse in its interests, talents, and
age, but similar nonetheless, because we're all connected by a common
passion. I'm grateful for the many people I've met and the friends I've
made and continue to make because of this hobby.
And
so, as I dream about the various gadgets or radios I'd like to find in
my stocking Christmas morning, I can't help but to think about how
little they'd mean if I didn't have these folks to share them with. The
fun, afterall, is about trying out new things and seeing what
works, and having good people there to steer you in the right direction
when they don't.
73,
Tim Watson
KB1HNZ
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