Dear Fellow Hams,

    I seem to write these letters during inclement weather. It is snowing today again (4/16). Coltsfoot and crocuses are struggling to bloom. They open on the warm sunny days, and then close or collapse when hit by temperatures in the teens or 6" of snow. It was too warm too early, making us hopeful for an early spring. The signs of spring are many, so hang in there everybody! 

     We had a good testing session on April 1st in the conference room at Rock's Motel. We had nine people testing and six  VEs to help with all the paper work. Many thanks to Dave Bishop, Mike Tardif, John Therriault, Marty Bernstein and Charles Ames for their help. Thanks to all the good help, the results were mailed at the Post Office directly after the session. N7GLR coordinated the forms that were to be sent in to ARRL. KW1C made a special trip to get paper clips, and to copy everyone's license. AA1CN, N1UYA, N1FCW, KW1C, and N1POK  scored tests and signed 605's and CSEs. KW1C counted the fees collected so we could send in the proper amount. Because we had VEs and test candidates from St. Frances, Madawaska, Grand Isle, and Stockholm, we also collected money and took care of the forms for the April 16 Administrative Session for the upgrades  valid after the April 15th restructuring changes.

The ARRL advises that because of the large number of test candidates you will have to wait longer than usual for your new licenses.
Remember to use "temporary AG "(general) and "temporary AE" (extra) for your new operating privileges until you receive your new license from the FCC. If using CW with new operating privileges it is call sign/AG or /AE.
 

                                      73, N1UYA
 
 

Address comments, questions, or suggestions to: 
Gale Flagg  R.F.D.#3  Box 250
Fort Kent  ME 04743 
Phone: 207-834-6670
E-mail: galeflagg@sjv.net

Called to Order: 18:38 by N1UYA

In Attendance: N1UYA, N1CGV, N1JHD,   N1FCW, N1QMC, N1FRX, N1CHF, N8VJM, Marsha Bishop.

Secretary's Minutes: 

Minutes read by N1UYA. Motion to pass by N1QMC,  seconded by N1CGV.   Motion passed.

Treasurer's Report (N1CHF):   Balance: $497.56;  income: Interest, $1.05, .99, Dues collected $84.00, $8.00 donation. Expenses: $32.50 crystals for .64. New Balance: $559.10. Moved to accept by N8VJM, seconded by N1CGV, and passed.

Old Business: 

Rocky Mountain Report: Batteries at 14.17 volts, Temperature 35F. 

Can-Am Communications Review:  By N8VJM   Communications the best ever. Noise and (public) pestering the control operators are the biggest problems. Also, some operators did not follow protocol. It was suggested that next year we hold a training session for the operators. Also, non-ham runners should be present at all 

       N1UYA reported that Can Am Directors are aware of noise problem and have agreed to solve the problem with sound insulation or a separate trailer for communications.

New Business: 

Field Day- It was decided not have a club field day, but individuals may want to take part.

146.33--Gil Burgoin will be getting this back on the air soon.

Next meeting:  MON 1 May 2000, 1830 EST  Grindle Conference Room, UMFK

Adjourned @ 19:55 EST by N1UYA with no objection from the floor.

Program: Spring Check-up of Mobile Rigs by N1UYA.

Submitted by: N8VJM with notes from N1UYA.

 The Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool: All this in a pocket tool--Good pliers with a cutting edge, awl, screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, a good file, a ruler, and a knife. K4QG says this tool has saved his "bacon" many times while dangling on a high tower. Made of high quality stainless steel, it has a 25-year guarantee.
Model TSS100A--@$40.  1-800-847-8665

Jennifer Boomhower                                  5-20

   At  the testing session on April 1,  light hearted teasing produced the term "Light Extra" for the extras getting licenses after April 15, 2000. 

   I thought everyone might appreciate a few highlights from the March 2000 QST editorial, by K1ZZ.

   In 1965 the extra exam had 100 questions, including 10 that required the drawing of diagrams. They also had to send and receive  one minute of perfect copy at 20 wpm CW. But they did not know anything about packet, slow scan TV, satellites, RF exposure, repeaters, semiconductors, nor solid state.

   However, today's Advanced Exam is at least as challenging as the old Extra Exam, and more difficult than today's Extra. The new Extra test will combine questions from the Advanced/Extra pool and will cover a broader field than any previous FCC amateur exam.

   Back in the good old days, as now, passing a challenging test is not the end of learning. We should continue to learn, to keep up with new technology, extending our education beyond the requirements of licensing. 

   "Earning a license is not the end of the road. It's just the beginning. The measure of a ham is what one does  with the license".

   There were 53 nets with 365 check ins.  The fewest number of check ins was 2. The greatest number was 15. The average was 6.8 per net! 

   There were also several weather nets held at the request of the National Weather Service.

   Next time there will be a list of who checked in how many times.

   I don't know if any of you have heard this, but Iridium, LLC is bankrupt! Weren't they the guys that wanted to grab some of our frequencies?  they are de-orbiting their satellites.  Browse to: 
http://www.heavens-above.com/

   They also have complete information on ham radio satellite passes. (73 de N8VJM)

Heavy duty 40' galvanized steel tower, 16" x 16" x 16". Includes mounting hardware. Best Offer.

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

Here are some  ads that make you wonder from Richard Lederer:

  If any piece proves defective we will replace it with one of similar quality.

  Rebel Lube Service Center...Free Earwash with Lube & Oil Change Only.

  Don't break your back taking care of your lawn. Let us do it for you!

  Our vacuum cleaner sucks.