KnightLites "Jones Lake Gathering '98"
Here is a word-and-picture report of the wonderful gathering of QRPers at
Jones Lake on November 14, 1998. Hams from the Grand Strand QRP Society and the
KnightLites shared a day of fellowship and radio fun!
Thanks to W3RDF for this great summary:
Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina...... especially if you
attended the first ever, CAROLINA'S QRP-FEST, at Jones Lake State Park in
Elizabethtown, NC on the 14th of November. Ah, so much fun and so little
time...Everyone left with a grin on their face
. In fact, we ran out of time and
had to cut some things short or leave them completely off the program.
Talks included such things as a demo of the "ammo box" rig, a self
contained station including the single band whip by Don Shipman,W3RDF; a super
explanation of solar panels and things to consider when selecting and using them
by Lyn Williams, W4WDN; and Bob Kellogg, AE4IC talked about the status of the
Elecraft K2 project, heightening the excitement and interest of many.
Bob shared his vast SMT experience giving a nice selection of parts to those who
wanted them, and talking about a few interesting surface mount projects to
consider.
Paul Stroud, AA4XX, led the antenna discussions captivating everyone's
attention. Paul placed twin inverted Vees in nearby trees and with his scope,
demonstrated the effects phase feeding with various phase shifts. His demo
enabled a clearer understanding of what it takes to build phasing networks and
it proved the effectiveness of phased antenna systems. He further showed how to
measure, evaluate and select proper cores, for making matching transformers, by
using RF analyzers and noise bridges. All-in-all a most fascinating
demonstration.
Our only regret was that we had so little time to enjoy the seven stations
set up around the main pavilion. Although, the rigs got some exercise during the
two hour lunch period. Several contacts were made.
Show and tell provided the perfect opportunity for everyone to demonstrate
their projects and tell of their experiences. The youngest member of the group,
Tommy Morgan, KF4HK, showed his construction talents while explaining ideas used
in customizing the family Emtech 30 meter rig. Lyn Williams, W4WDN gave a
comprehensive talk on storage batteries, covering their charge and discharge
characteristics. We'll reap the benefit from his talk as we consider our battery
needs. Ron Evans, K4KTB, of Hamburg Germany showed a slick little SMT power amp
picked up at the big German hamfest. The amp, designed to boost the output of
the Wilderness Sierra, could also be used with the 40-A.
Bill Weatherill, N2WG, showed his neatly packaged SST 20 meter rig with
companion Paddlette, impressing everyone with its neatnes and tiny size. Paul
Stroud, AA4XX told of his recent kite purchase (a box/delta design) and of his
experience in lifting light weight wire high above the beach. Don Shipman,
W3RDF, shared some construction tips, focusing on a two band version of the
(Gary Breed,K9AY) rig. He also demonstrated a home made "any-man" key
and a solar prism capable of delivering enough to power a Micro-30 receiver. Bob
Kellogg, AE4IC shared several SMT construction ideas while describing some
useful circuits. David Lauten, KF4HAW, ground sensing differential audio
amplifiers and other good items often found on sale at Radio Shacks. AA4XX and
AE4IC offered plenty of 9V batteries, leaded and SMT parts packages to anyone
who could use them.
Anita Williams, KF4WVI, did a superb job in the food department. Nobody went
away hungry.
Many in attendance had built LDG qrp autotuners, so information about their
usefulness was well expressed. One can never have too many rigs or too many
tuners. Lucky Bill, N2WG, walked away with another one. Thanks to LDG for this
major prize, Also, thanks to Doug Hendricks for the NorCal 20 and the
Compendium, David, KF4HAW, need not ask Santa for anything this year.
David also won the NorCal Proceedings in the show and tell drawing. KE4QOK, Bob
Roach won a SMiTe kit (donated by the Knite Lites) in the drawing of the
preregistered group and K4KTB, Ron Evans, won the Data Book given by Bill Kelsey
of Kanga U.S.
The Carolina's QRP-fest closed after a slide presentation by Lyn, W4WDN
showing the joy the Knights had on Core Banks Island Last March. .
Finally, We fired a QRPp beacon on or around 28.017 MHz inviting e-mail QSLs.
The beacon was situated at the center of a dipole between pines about 40' above
the ground.No stations reported hearing the beacon on Saturday so we ran it
again Sunday from North Myrtle Beach, SC using an end fed 150' wire. Of the ten
stations reporting, KL7JAF, Bruce Hopkins in Fairbanks, Alaska was clearly the
winner. Bruce will receive the prize, a Rainbow Tuner kit donated by N4BP.
Congratulations to Bruce who's now known in these parts as "Ear of the
Year", 600 mW from NMB, SC to Fairbanks generates a pretty good
miles/watts, Wouldn't you agree.
72s de "The Carolina's QRP-Fest Gang"
There were enthusiastic presentations
... lots of looking and learning:
..
.... and more learning and talking: ... and more talking and looking and learning!: |