January gave us another beautiful cool, clear day to stuff our faces and talk QRP. We were delighted to have Dwain, KØLOA back along with George, KR5C and James, KC5DSP and a newcomer, Andy, KD5LZQ. Welcome Andy! All together we had ten attendees:
The winter winds swept a couple new rigs and a new antenna into our January meeting. Bill, K5JHP, brought his newly completed K1. Bill put together a complete portable station, including K1, antenna, key, and 7 AH battery into a industrial strength mil surplus signal generator case. It will make a very nice package for the upcoming Field Day.
Chuck, W5USJ, brought his newly completed Manhattan style Tuna Tin 2. Chuck recently purchased one of the Harbor Freight punches and this was the first rig he built after receiving the tool. Chuck's a VHF/UHF kinda guy (in addition to HF) so he put a small SMA output connector on the rig rather than the traditional phono jack.
And, after much procrastination, Lew, N5ZE, finally completed his SMK1. Lew modified his rig with a drop-in surplus output transistor (FZT651) that gives him 470mW out. Lew's first QSO was with Tom, AC5JH in Oklahoma at 300mW (before the modification)
Chuck, W5USJ, became the proud owner of one of Vern Wright's (W6MMA?) PW-1 antennas. What a nicely built portable/mobile antenna. Chuck bolted it to the table so we could all check out the new antenna.
George, W5YR has taken the job of door prize promoter. We seem to be doing a pretty good job clearing out our junk boxes and "sharing the wealth". Thanks George, we all look forward to it!
And that wraps up another great meeting. We'd love to have you visit anytime you're in the area. The front page of our website, www.netxqrp.org, always has the latest information on our meetings. Please stop by!