With the weather showing hopeful signs that winter will soon be behind us I’m hearing all the usual discussion of great antenna plans. Others are getting out and inspecting existing antennas to see how they’ve weathered. It’s all part this fun hobby. For sure the HF bands have been less than ideal, but when you’re having an antenna problem be sure to check everything before you assume it’s outdoor issue. Recently I thought my 40m delta loop was down or something terrible had happened to the coax. I couldn’t hear a thing and the tuning was impossible. Then I checked the coax fittings on the tuner. The tuner has connectors for 2 different antennas and I usually connect the loop to COAX 1. But this time I found I had connected it to COAX 2! An “a ha” moment. I had been desperately trying to tune 40 with a 10 meter vertical- and it was never going to happen. The lessen: check everything from rig out before you assume an antenna issue and drag out the ladder. You could get lucky.
Is it summer yet?
I’m looking forward to having more fun with CW QRP this summer. It’s a great kick to sit under the stars and work the world — or somebody. Last year I logged several states. Of course, everything is a learning experience and last year I learned that smart outdoor QRPers probably carry mosquito repellent. Those welts lasted for awhile.
If you’d like to give CW QRP a try, I just learned about a neat multi-band transceiver kit that sells for about 40 dollars! I’ll feature it in a future post.
I’ll be bringing my little 10 watt Yaesu FT-817 to the next meeting for show and tell.
We had good attendance at our first meeting of the year and we all learned a great deal about a variety of matters like solar eruptions that effect HF propagation and, in particular, DX. If time permits, at a future meeting we’ll have a short program on some related issues.
At our February 20th meeting we will nail down the topics you would like covered in upcoming programs. The list for consideration has begun but there is room for your ideas. We hope you can join us, but if you can’t please email me with your suggestions.
Roster to be finalized March 1st
If your dues is not current you’ll not be listed on our roster. Of course, if you do not wish to be on the published roster, just let us know. We think the roster is a convenient tool to have on hand in the event a member wishes to notify you. So I hope you’ll take advantage of it. Once the roster is published, the e-minder will only go to paid members or newly interested persons.
Time for another great hamming adventure
The chartered bus provided by CARS is a great way to travel in comfort to the Hamvention. The world famous hamfest is at an all new venue this year in Xenia. This bus fills fast so reserve your seat now.
Thanks to Dwaine, K8ME for the 2017 Dayton Hamvention bus flier. It’s full color and suitable for framing! Dayton Hamvention 2017 bus
Hal Rogers K8CMD, President
Communications Director