Dear Fellow Hams,       
Happy Spring, SJVARA! I don't know if winter is through with us yet, but the days are longer, and the temperatures are warmer. The snow banks are melting along the roads, and  snow on south facing slopes is subsiding. On the last day of winter, the roof  snow is dripping and just now a rumble signaled snow sliding off the south side of the roof.
I have been up to the .64 tower several times, on snowmobile and skis. The rope on the pulley at the top of the tower broke in the big March 3 wind. It has been pulled out of the snow. We'll have to think of a better way to rig it, if we replace it. We imagine it whipped against guy wires.
   
 
     

Can-Am Dog Race Communications were a success. There was some improvisation with relays and battery charging to get the job done. All those involved worked hard to keep us on the air. See page 3 for a list of those who made the communications a success. A Big Thank You to ALL who helped.    
   

Address comments, questions, or suggestions to: 
Gale Flagg,108 Franklin School Rd.
Fort Kent,  ME 04743
Phone: 207-834-6670
E-mail: galeflagg@sjv.net

Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 8, 7 PM,  Alumni Conference Room,  Nadeau Hall, UMFK

Called to Order: 18:25  In Attendance:  N1FG,  KW1C, N1KGS, N7GLR, KA7VNR

Secretary's Minutes :N7GLR motioned to accept. KW1C  seconded. Passed

Treasurer's Report: Submitted by N1CHF Feb. Balance: $878.39  + interest $.95 = March  Balalance $879.34

Old Business: The 146.64 Repeater:  Charging with the new generator worked during the dog races. Broken rope to top of tower reported.

The 146.715 Repeater:  Peak battery voltage sometimes lower than .64. Don't know why.

Can Am Communications Evaluation:

1. Start: N1FG could not receive from Net Control, but they could hear her.

2. Protocol Followed?  For the most part it was. There had to be a few reminders to keep transmissions to the minimum needed to impart the information to preserve batteries. A few people did not use the supplied traffic forms.

3. Schedule followed at Net Control:  Mostly, but when two of the second operators appeared they were told they were not needed. They should have been used, and those stepping in out of schedule should have been resting. If someone is signed up and makes the effort to come, they should be used. The purpose of the schedule is to keep any one person from getting over tired.

4. Coverage Saturday through Sunday is good. Sunday night and Monday are trouble spots. KC1SE was available after Machais to relieve Sandra at Allagash Monday. That was good.

5. Repeater Performance: Low battery voltage on both repeaters indicates the need for new batteries. They had ample charging before the race and did not hold up well.

6. Suggestions: Portage needs to be tested, and perhaps needs a better antenna, but it might be the new batteries will solve the problem. Better antenna at control center.

Change the Traffic form:  Callsign, Origin to be replaced with from, to. Use FRS radios between Net control and Can Am Center.  Courtesy tickets for operator for Sunday Breakfast.

New Business:
Nominations: KW1C moved, and N1KGS seconded a slate of officers the same as at present. 
Fort Kent EOC: N1FG reported that Town Manager Don Guimond says there is no formal EOC in Fort Kent. For Field Day we could set up in the town office conference room. N1KGS says we would have to operate from a recognized EOC and would be able to operate at the EOC at Loring.

Program: New ARRL 6 minute CD on Amateurs in Emergency Communications.  Thanks for Ruth's computer to show it. N7GLR showed us his Geiger Counter.

Next meeting: Tuesday, April 8,  7:00 PM Alumni Conference Room  in Nadeau Hall, UMFK

Adjourned:  20:05

Submitted by:  N1FG

N1KGS will present a Hybrid Emergency Communications Course Level I. Lessons air, test on line. Needs 15 to hold the course. Contact N1KGS if you are interested. 

To Larry French for helping count starting dogs and helping at Net Control. 

To Stan Flagg for hooking the generator up to .64 and charging the batteries during the race.

To KB1EBE, N1PMS, and N1FG for taking down antenna, and KB1EBE for driving it up to N1JHD's house.
 

Heavy duty 40' galvanized steel tower, 16" x 16" x 16". Includes mounting hardware. Best Offer. 
Heil BM-10 microphone boom set   $35.
MFJ 451X  keyer  $35 Contact Charles Zafonte N1FRX  834-6273