Recap and Pix from 3/99

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The March Meeting: Initial "Wet Run" for QRP Station KR6LP

The LPQS dry run exercise -- a preliminary foray into setting up a QRP station at the swap meet turned out to be a "wet run" what with some clouds and early morning rain. Nonetheless, Sam, KF6ML, and Gody, AC6UV, showed up at dawns early light and were able to get up a fan dipole for 40 and 20 meters, a table (and an umbrella), and a station. K6WHP followed along with his OHR 100A, a couple of chairs, and a ton of towels. Surprisingly, the station was operating in less than 20 minutes (Gody and Sam are real pros at this) and Gody had KR6LP checked into the Saturday morning net on 7.040. Also on hand to lend help and moral support were Dick, WB6JDH, Norm, KQ6SD, and Veda, KF6JHC.

"Click" on image for full size view

Barry AD6HR

 Despite the gloomy skies, precipitation, and sparse attendance, the operation attracted quite a bit of attention. A number of spectators expressed an interest in QRP and were added to the mailing list as potential members. One shudders to think of the response on a fair, crowded Saturday.

Bill K6WHP
 

Jim AD6CW

 An interesting side effect of the damp weather was that each rig seemed to "lock up" by sending repeated dits. At first K6WHP thought it was his Bencher paddles (that had a propensity to do this in the shack), but when the problem recurred with Sam's Scout, it was assumed that the dampness caused the paddle contacts to arc over (mental note: remember this for any similar damp outings).

Sam KF6ML
 

Gody AC6UV

 We spoke with the CMRA officials (who operate the swap meet) and will be getting a permanent slot with a prime location (#44 if all goes well) for the upcoming events. Come on out and kibbutz or operate.

Veda, KF6JHC
 

Group Shot

 When the swap meet adjourned understandably early, the hardy souls beat feet for Hudson's up the road and warm dry surroundings. Joining the group were Roger, KD6CC, Jim, AD6CW, and Barry, AD6HR. Roger immediately went to work photo-documenting the current crop of projects brought for the show'n'tell (see the web site) and the rest of the group busied themselves with screwdrivers, disassembling the works of art -- the Glowbug QRP rig and power supply and "oner" rig -- that Roger brought. In addition we had the pleasure to see first hand, Sam's incredible complete Qrp station in a box. Sam designed into the box a Tic Keyer, a wire antenna with antenna tuner, a 38 special modified to 40 meters, and a set of paddles. EVERYTHING one would need for an impromptu Qrp session in the woods. Barry shared his Tixie transceiver, the smallest rig in the bunch, and Jim brought along his QRP+, and all band self-contained QUALITY Qrp rig. Godi brought along his recently completed NorCal 20 Transceiver that is the current rave on QRP-L..

Group Shot
  Jim talked for a bit on starting a concurrent FISTs chapter and took membership applications for the same. He also said that he would apply for the club call and petition for the club FISTs number when the application is honored by the FCC. Roger made an excellent suggestion: A contest called the "KR6LP Fishing Derby". Basically, we would offer certificates for those working any KR6LP members and each of the membership would be able to provide a contact with an "endorsement" sticker. It was suggested that the first person to work five or ten of the members could win a prize -- maybe a Small Wonders Lab kit or something relatively nominal. In any event, it is a super idea and one that will really put us on the map. Barry, AD6HR, has invited all of us to help him with the Diamond Bar 10th anniversary commemorative station -- they need strong backs to help raise the tower for the N6T station on April 17th. The fruits of our labors would be to stick around and operate. So, come on by and help or just sidewalk supervise.

April 24th is QRP TTF and Gody and Sam proposed we set up down in the San Diego area close to the border so we could give out two countries and double out points. We should kick this one around more -- sounds like a great idea. No matter what, we should see about getting out for the day if, for no other reason, than to prepare for FD.

Speaking of which, we will go to Chilao again this year but there will be significant additions to our team: Sam will be there and will *assist* with the chow situation (he did a great job for the Zuni Loopers in past years -- but we should give him an opportunity to have some ham fun too), Norm, KQ6SD, wants to operate 20 phone with his solar-powered SWL White Mountain rig (bonus points) and Veda, KF6JHC, is going to try to become a satellite pro and get us a few contacts (*more* bonus points)..

Before we knew it, 2:00 rolled around and we had to leave but look for us next month -- again, slot #44 and then at Hudson's. ..and for goodness sakes, bring your projects to brag about. BCNU
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From Sam, KF6ML
In spite of the rain, we all had a good wet time at the swapmeet. Surprising to see all the visitors who stopped and stayed to watch and hear what we were doing. Our new spot should provide an even better exposure and I'm looking forward to next month. Good to have so many show up at Hudson's. I believe much was accomplished and it looks like a great beginning for Lake Perris gang. I think the Fishing Tournament will be a nice event to get others to know the Southern California group. I was so happy to see so many "builders" in our midst. I'd better stop goofing off and get busy on my projects.
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From Jim, AD6CW
Once again, I really enjoyed yesterday's meeting of LPQS/FISTS. Enjoyed seeing Gody again, and meeting Norm and Vida. Traffic was miserable going back to the San Bernardino area, but the gathering was well worth the hassle. Next month, I think I'll try going back via the Pomona Freeway, instead of the San Bernardino. I was just joking, Roger, about getting the pictures of yesterday's gathering on your web page by today. They came out great! Thanks for taking the time to do the photography. For those who weren't there, check out Roger's KR6LP web site at: www.qsl.net/kr6lp/ for the individual and group photos, and of the gear that we brought for show-and-tell.

Also, we took the first step toward bringing the local chapter of FISTS into being. The next step is to apply for a club license, then for a vanity callsign. Once we get the club license, I will apply for a FISTS club number, which we hope can be 6600, and will also apply for a vanity callsign. We are calling ourselves "Inland Empire FISTS," with Roger (KD6CC) as President, and I'll be the trustee for the club license.

Thanks again to Bill and all, for allowing the local FISTS chapter to meet with LPQS each month. Looking forward to seeing everyone next month.
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From Roger, KD6CC

WOW! Am I excited. It is truly a pleasure to be in the company of so many motivated and enthusiastic individuals. If we can carry on with these things, we are bound to have a successful club. The QPRTTF activity sounds like a winner, as it will give us the opportunity to practice and organize for Field Day, 1999. I'm planning on this club setting some records and/or bringing home the title. How 'bout you?

A big "ATTABOY" to the Bill, Godi, and Sam for planning, and successfully implementing the Qrp Station at the Swap meet. For those of us not yet FISTS members, please contact Jim AD6CW for further information. Jim will be placing more information on our web page soon.

If you have projects in the works or completed, we would love to show case them on the web. Take your pictures and send them to me for scanning, or if you have a scanner, you can send them with an email. We missed our members who could not make it to this meeting. We all know how tight individual schedules can be but I urge you, if you can at all swing it, plan on attending our next meeting after the Cal Poly Swap meet. If you are excited about Amateur Radio and Qrp, you'll find instant camaraderie at the luncheon. If not, you will be.
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