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Re: Love me some OLD QRP

 

Brian:

Always keep trying. The XYL's antenna restrictions here make an HOA pale by comparison, but my "invisible" EFHW works, but I have dead zones to South America and Japan. I'm reminded of the Japanese QRP-er who used 500 milliwatts to get DXCC. What most people have forgotten, however, it that he was using a dipole draped out of his window on the 66th floor of a high-rise in Tokyo. Still, if you're having fun, who cares?

Jack, W8TEE-

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 12:12:00 PM EDT, Brian KB9BVN via groups.io <kb9bvn@...> wrote:


Jerry,

I got my ticket in 1987...because I was interested in Packet.? Also the same year eldest son joined the Cub Scouts.? Also the same year my wife and I became Cub Scout leaders...in 1991 my son crossed over to the Boy Scouts.? Wife retired from Cub Scouts, and I became a Boy Scout leader.? In the meantime, ham radio had to take a back seat...between raising kids, working, and scout leading there was not much time for radio.? In 1995 first son earned Eagle, in 1999 other son earned Eagle.? (yes I'm bragging) BUT in late 1998 a buddy stopped by, he had just passed his General and was getting into CW with a Ten Tec Scout.? I was still licensed, and I had passed the 5 wpm test back in 1987...the idea of HF CW seemed like a good thing to do...so I bought a Norcal 40A kit, a ZM-2 tuner, and made a antenna of sorts and got on the air.? QRP seemed less expensive, building my own antenna was cheap, so I went that way.? Put the attic dipole up in 1999 after discussing it with my QRP Elmer Mac AF4PS at length.? He had a pretty successful attic dipole so I followed his plans.? Luckily my house is 58 feet wide in the attic.? So my 40m dipole is up there with 4 feet on each end turned 90 degrees.? That crazy antenna helped me WAS in 1999 on the Norcal 40A.? Insert hook in mouth...QRP CW had me.? It's been up there ever since and when I am operating from home it's usually what I use.?? Most of my operating these days is with my KX-2 and doing POTA.?

Now I will say...1999-2002 or so we had some GREAT band conditions.? It helped.? Attic dipole was installed not because of HOA...but Mrs. BVN said NO WAY to an external antenna in her yard.? We've been married for 46 years this month.? I do have 67 confirmed DXCC entities on that antenna...over 26 years.? May never get to 100.

de KB9BVN
Brian
?



On 5/6/2025 9:39 AM, Gerald KI4IO via groups.io wrote:
There need to be a special place? in heaven for those QRP'ers who, for whatever reason, must used attic antennas.
Good on you...
?
KI4IO
Jerry
Warrenton, VA


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72 de KB9BVN


Re: FDIM 2025 Updates

 

开云体育

Hey Dan...you're on the list...not sure I have your email address correct.

Send it to membership@...

Thanks!

de KB9BVN
Brian



On 5/6/2025 12:12 PM, Dan KB9JLO via groups.io wrote:

I sure wish I could be there. Maybe next year.?
?
I wanted to check on the "remote" attenders - all going well? I know you will be sending the link later. Just wanted to check in.?


--
72 de KB9BVN


Re: FDIM 2025 Updates

 

I sure wish I could be there. Maybe next year.?
?
I wanted to check on the "remote" attenders - all going well? I know you will be sending the link later. Just wanted to check in.?


Re: Love me some OLD QRP

 

开云体育

Jerry,

I got my ticket in 1987...because I was interested in Packet.? Also the same year eldest son joined the Cub Scouts.? Also the same year my wife and I became Cub Scout leaders...in 1991 my son crossed over to the Boy Scouts.? Wife retired from Cub Scouts, and I became a Boy Scout leader.? In the meantime, ham radio had to take a back seat...between raising kids, working, and scout leading there was not much time for radio.? In 1995 first son earned Eagle, in 1999 other son earned Eagle.? (yes I'm bragging) BUT in late 1998 a buddy stopped by, he had just passed his General and was getting into CW with a Ten Tec Scout.? I was still licensed, and I had passed the 5 wpm test back in 1987...the idea of HF CW seemed like a good thing to do...so I bought a Norcal 40A kit, a ZM-2 tuner, and made a antenna of sorts and got on the air.? QRP seemed less expensive, building my own antenna was cheap, so I went that way.? Put the attic dipole up in 1999 after discussing it with my QRP Elmer Mac AF4PS at length.? He had a pretty successful attic dipole so I followed his plans.? Luckily my house is 58 feet wide in the attic.? So my 40m dipole is up there with 4 feet on each end turned 90 degrees.? That crazy antenna helped me WAS in 1999 on the Norcal 40A.? Insert hook in mouth...QRP CW had me.? It's been up there ever since and when I am operating from home it's usually what I use.?? Most of my operating these days is with my KX-2 and doing POTA.?

Now I will say...1999-2002 or so we had some GREAT band conditions.? It helped.? Attic dipole was installed not because of HOA...but Mrs. BVN said NO WAY to an external antenna in her yard.? We've been married for 46 years this month.? I do have 67 confirmed DXCC entities on that antenna...over 26 years.? May never get to 100.

de KB9BVN
Brian
?



On 5/6/2025 9:39 AM, Gerald KI4IO via groups.io wrote:

There need to be a special place? in heaven for those QRP'ers who, for whatever reason, must used attic antennas.
Good on you...
?
KI4IO
Jerry
Warrenton, VA


--
72 de KB9BVN


[QRPLabs] CW Practice / Rag Chew

 

开云体育


On May 06 I had a CW practice / rag chew session on 20 and 30 meters. I worked three stations:



Conditions were not great with lots of QSB. SSN = 108, SFI = 159, A = 29, K = 3. I was using my Elecraft K3 at 100 watts with my 100 foot sloped doublet. I started out on 20 meters but switched to 30 hoping for better conditions. They were a little better but not much.

My next CW practice session will be May 07 at 18:00 EDT / 22:00 UTC on 30 meters. Anyone and everyone is welcome. This practice is intended for operators who are new to CW or they need some practice. IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW POOR YOUR CW IS. Mistakes are OK. Poor fists are OK. Slow speed is OK. Really slow speed is OK. This practice is meant for you to improve your CW. I will do my best to adjust to your skill level. Operate at any power level. If several stations show up, I will operate as a round-table control station. I will do it as a round-table so everyone gets a chance to transmit. Please listen to my directions.

Details:
Date - May 07 2025
Time -
18:00 EDT / 22:00 UTC
Band - 30 meters

How to find me - I will find a clear frequency and call CQ. Go to the Reverse Beacon Network and search for my call sign AB8DF.


That will tell you what frequency I am on. Tune your station to that frequency and if you hear me give me a call. If there is a QSO in progress, please wait for a break in the action. Then send your callsign. If I hear you, I will invite you to join the QSO and start a round-table QSO.

Reply to this email if you have questions.

IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW POOR CW IS

Ed
AB8DF


Re: Love me some OLD QRP

 

There need to be a special place? in heaven for those QRP'ers who, for whatever reason, must used attic antennas.
Good on you...
?
KI4IO
Jerry
Warrenton, VA


Re: ARS Spartan Sprint - Tonight!

 

Due to work obligations I will unfortunately miss this month but I have been meaning to ask… is combining the event with a POTA/SOTA activation still within the spirit of the rules? I understand it is a casual event but I would hate to break convention by self-spotting POTA, for instance.?


Re: Love me some OLD QRP

 

开云体育

Hi Jeff,

FDIM 2002 was at the world famous Ramada Inn.? The sounds, the sights, THE SMELLS...Hamvention was at the trusty and rusty Hare Arena.

I bought my K2 from Don sometime around 2004 I think.? So I have a K1, K2, and a KX-2 I use for POTA.? Good goods to last this long.

I have a Norcal 40A I built in 1998, that still works 100%.? Good for a solid watt, with the KC-1 keyer.? I bust it out a couple times a month to keep it warmed up.

Time flies when we're having fun.

de KB9BVN
Brian Murrey



On 5/5/2025 8:20 PM, Jeff, KE9V via groups.io wrote:

Brian,

I'm pretty sure I remembered when you bought that K1. Time flies. Was FDIM down the road south of Dayton that year?

I still have a K1 along with a K2 (#524) that I built in 1999. I need to push both of those back into service for a month this summer.

Old QRP is the best QRP!

--?
Jeff, KE9V

On Monday, May 5th, 2025 at 6:18 PM, Brian KB9BVN via groups.io <kb9bvn@...> wrote:
I was messing around in the garage last night and found my old SMK-1 transceiver from 2001. So I bought it in to my office and connected a battery, a speaker, antenna, and a key and was pleasantly surprised that it fired up, and was putting out about 300 milliwatts on 7040+/- !

The SST was going on last night so I answered a call from Illinois and worked AD9CA Mike in Newton IL. He heard me. He asked me to repeat my call so I did, and we had an exchange. I got 449 for 300 milliwatts, and he was a solid 579 here.

So that was about 145 miles from the old attic dipole antenna, and I was very happy. See for more details.

Then tonight I pulled my old K1 (Ser #1250) and tuned it up on 40m. My battery must be low because I can only get about 3w out on 7052.5 and the attic dipole. I heard WA9WFV calling CQ from up in Wisconsin so I answered him and we had a great 20 minute QSO. He was at a park with his FT 897 and running 20w with a battery powering the station...but NOT POTA. Mike was just there in a park enjoying the great weather....60 and sunny. While here is was cloudy and 55 with rain on the way.

I built this K1 in May 2002 right after I got home from Dayton with it. It's been a great little radio. Maybe my almost 50 yr old HW-8 will get tried next.

You all have fun at the Hamvention and FDIM next week! I hope to get back there in 2026.

de KB9BVN
Brian Murrey




--
72 de KB9BVN



--
72 de KB9BVN


Re: Love me some OLD QRP

 

Brian,

I'm pretty sure I remembered when you bought that K1. Time flies. Was FDIM down the road south of Dayton that year?

I still have a K1 along with a K2 (#524) that I built in 1999. I need to push both of those back into service for a month this summer.

Old QRP is the best QRP!

--?
Jeff, KE9V

On Monday, May 5th, 2025 at 6:18 PM, Brian KB9BVN via groups.io <kb9bvn@...> wrote:

I was messing around in the garage last night and found my old SMK-1 transceiver from 2001. So I bought it in to my office and connected a battery, a speaker, antenna, and a key and was pleasantly surprised that it fired up, and was putting out about 300 milliwatts on 7040+/- !

The SST was going on last night so I answered a call from Illinois and worked AD9CA Mike in Newton IL. He heard me. He asked me to repeat my call so I did, and we had an exchange. I got 449 for 300 milliwatts, and he was a solid 579 here.

So that was about 145 miles from the old attic dipole antenna, and I was very happy. See for more details.

Then tonight I pulled my old K1 (Ser #1250) and tuned it up on 40m. My battery must be low because I can only get about 3w out on 7052.5 and the attic dipole. I heard WA9WFV calling CQ from up in Wisconsin so I answered him and we had a great 20 minute QSO. He was at a park with his FT 897 and running 20w with a battery powering the station...but NOT POTA. Mike was just there in a park enjoying the great weather....60 and sunny. While here is was cloudy and 55 with rain on the way.

I built this K1 in May 2002 right after I got home from Dayton with it. It's been a great little radio. Maybe my almost 50 yr old HW-8 will get tried next.

You all have fun at the Hamvention and FDIM next week! I hope to get back there in 2026.

de KB9BVN
Brian Murrey




--
72 de KB9BVN


CW Practice / Rag Chew

 

开云体育


On 4/29/25 I had a CW practice / rag chew session on 17 meters. I worked four stations:



Conditions were OK with some QSB. SSN = 134, SFI = 154, A = 4, K = 1.

My next CW practice session will be May 06 at 0900 EDT / 13:00 UTC on 20 meters. Anyone and everyone is welcome. This practice is intended for operators who are new to CW or they need some practice. IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW POOR YOUR CW IS. Mistakes are OK. Poor fists are OK. Slow speed is OK. Really slow speed is OK. This practice is meant for you to improve your CW. I will do my best to adjust to your skill level. Operate at any power level. If several stations show up, I will operate as a round-table control station. I will do it as a round-table so everyone gets a chance to transmit. Please listen to my directions.

Details:
Date - May 06 2025
Time -
0900 EDT / 13:00 UTC
Band - 20 meters

How to find me - I will find a clear frequency and call CQ. Go to the Reverse Beacon Network and search for my call sign AB8DF.


That will tell you what frequency I am on. Tune your station to that frequency and if you hear me give me a call. If there is a QSO in progress, please wait for a break in the action. Then send your callsign. If I hear you, I will invite you to join the QSO and start a round-table QSO.

Reply to this email if you have questions.

IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW POOR CW IS

Ed
AB8DF


Love me some OLD QRP

 

开云体育

I was messing around in the garage last night and found my old SMK-1 transceiver from 2001.? So I bought it in to my office and connected a battery, a speaker, antenna, and a key and was pleasantly surprised that it fired up, and was putting out about 300 milliwatts on 7040+/- !

The SST was going on last night so I answered a call from Illinois and worked AD9CA Mike in Newton IL.? He heard me.? He asked me to repeat my call so I did, and we had an exchange.? I got 449 for 300 milliwatts, and he was a solid 579 here.

So that was about 145 miles from the old attic dipole antenna, and I was very happy.? See for more details.

Then tonight I pulled my old K1 (Ser #1250) and tuned it up on 40m.? My battery must be low because I can only get about 3w out on 7052.5 and the attic dipole.? I heard WA9WFV calling CQ from up in Wisconsin so I answered him and we had a great 20 minute QSO.? He was at a park with his FT 897 and running 20w with a battery powering the station...but NOT POTA.? Mike was just there in a park enjoying the great weather....60 and sunny.? While here is was cloudy and 55 with rain on the way.

I built this K1 in? May 2002 right after I got home from Dayton with it.? It's been a great little radio.? Maybe my almost 50 yr old HW-8 will get tried next.

You all have fun at the Hamvention and FDIM next week!? I hope to get back there in 2026.

de KB9BVN
Brian Murrey




--
72 de KB9BVN


Re: QRP Quarterly Mailing

 

FYI: QQ arrived today in WV

73 de Seth - W8FG?

On Mon, May 5, 2025 at 10:02?AM Brian KB9BVN via <kb9bvn=[email protected]> wrote:
Thanks Mike.? I was mistaken.?

Brian



On 5/5/2025 10:01 AM, Mike WA8MCQ via wrote:
Brian, they are NOT sent out by first class mail in the US.? I can guarantee that. Yours probably is, due to your position, but the rest of us get them by "periodicals" mail and I can send a photo of my envelope if you want proof.

On Friday, May 2, 2025 at 06:23:36 PM EDT, Brian KB9BVN via <kb9bvn@...> wrote:


The April 2025 issue of the QRP Quarterly was mailed out on April 14th, 2025.

We send them out first class mail to the US and use a 3rd party mailing company for the DX issues.?

The US Postal system is responsible for delivery.

18 days to deliver first class mail seems to be more commonplace than ever. I don't know why.

If your copy has not arrived by May 14th, let us know and we will see what we can do on the shipping end.

73 de KB9BVN
Membership Manager





--
72 de KB9BVN


--
72 de KB9BVN


ARS Spartan Sprint - Tonight!

 



Mark Prather - WB9HFK

Celebrating my 54th year as an Amateur Radio (Ham) Operator.


FDIM 2025 Updates

 

Good Morning, everyone!
FDIM is only a week and a half away, and we are working diligently to wrap up all last minute details.
?
1.? We have no more vendor tables available for Vender Night.? If you missed out, check with me Thursday evening, there is always the possibility of a cancellation or no-show.
2.? We always experience a large number of walk-in registrations, and anticipate maxing out the capacity of the Ballroom on Thursday.? The Fire Code limits the capacity of the Ballroom to 300, and if our walk-in registrations reach this number, we will unfortunately be forced to turn away any more walk-ins.??
3.? One of the bonuses of FDIM Symposium attendance is a FREE lunch - beginning at Noon.? Don't miss it!
4.? Make sure you bring your Homebrew projects for the Homebrew Contest on Friday night!
5.? We will have door prize drawings both Thursday during the Symposium and Saturday evening at the Banquet.? Thursday door prizes will be presented by the Symposium speakers who donated them!
6.? We will have our Hall of Fame Ceremony Saturday after the Banquet - see who the latest inductee(s) will be!
7.? We will have our thrill-packed Logic IC Power Challenge on Friday evening, starting at 8:00PM.? Come see who lets the smoke out!
8.? Our Raffle prize will be an IC-705, tickets will be available through the weekend, and the winner will be drawn after the Banquet.
?
As I always say, this is the opportunity to see the friends you get to see once a year.? Be safe in your travels, and see you next week!
?
?
?
?
?


Re: QRP Quarterly Mailing

 

开云体育

Thanks Mike.? I was mistaken.?

Brian



On 5/5/2025 10:01 AM, Mike WA8MCQ via groups.io wrote:

Brian, they are NOT sent out by first class mail in the US.? I can guarantee that. Yours probably is, due to your position, but the rest of us get them by "periodicals" mail and I can send a photo of my envelope if you want proof.

On Friday, May 2, 2025 at 06:23:36 PM EDT, Brian KB9BVN via groups.io <kb9bvn@...> wrote:


The April 2025 issue of the QRP Quarterly was mailed out on April 14th, 2025.

We send them out first class mail to the US and use a 3rd party mailing company for the DX issues.?

The US Postal system is responsible for delivery.

18 days to deliver first class mail seems to be more commonplace than ever. I don't know why.

If your copy has not arrived by May 14th, let us know and we will see what we can do on the shipping end.

73 de KB9BVN
Membership Manager





--
72 de KB9BVN


--
72 de KB9BVN


Re: QRP Quarterly Mailing

 

Brian, they are NOT sent out by first class mail in the US.? I can guarantee that. Yours probably is, due to your position, but the rest of us get them by "periodicals" mail and I can send a photo of my envelope if you want proof.

On Friday, May 2, 2025 at 06:23:36 PM EDT, Brian KB9BVN via groups.io <kb9bvn@...> wrote:


The April 2025 issue of the QRP Quarterly was mailed out on April 14th, 2025.

We send them out first class mail to the US and use a 3rd party mailing company for the DX issues.?

The US Postal system is responsible for delivery.

18 days to deliver first class mail seems to be more commonplace than ever. I don't know why.

If your copy has not arrived by May 14th, let us know and we will see what we can do on the shipping end.

73 de KB9BVN
Membership Manager





--
72 de KB9BVN


Re: QRP Quarterly Mailing

 

I am confused. Is QQ now available in digital format? I quit subscribing to the print edition because my eyes strain reading small fonts. With a digital magazine I can adjust the magnification to whatever is comfortable. I'll resubscribe if a digital edition is available.


Re: QRP Quarterly Mailing

 

I receive QQ right on time in my email every month from Bill N8ET.? I forward the email directly to my Kindle account.? I can then instantly read it very easily under any light conditions, at any magnification I want, on my Kindle App for Android.? It's wonderful.? It's completely read before the print version arrives.? Highly recommended.

I wish QST would do the same.? Their reader is basically unusable, and I have quit reading that magazine.

Paul
N0GN


Re: QRP Quarterly Mailing

 

Saturday March 3, 2025 LaSalle,IL?
Today I received my QQ. Occasionally it comes in 2-3 days, but usually longer. I am not upset, just happy to get it :)?
?
And I Voted, before perusing the rest of the QQ. I determined two Candidates that I really align with and submitted my Vote right away.?
?
Best Wishes to all, and Please Vote after you carefully consider them.
?
I hope those attending FDIM really enjoy it. I may be able to attend next year. I hope someone can Video the IC TX Challenge and Post it.?
?
Those attending "Club Night" please stop by the Michigan QRP Club Table, and say Hi!? If you have a Michigan Mitey Mite, why not take it along and show them.Tell them KC said Hi.
?
72 de KC9IH #5435
?
Mailing Info should Shipper be interested.
Tray 21-1? ?1211? ?Zip 61301?
Mail Sorted in St Louis, shipped to Peoria, then to Northern IL for Delivery.
As previously Stated, I'm not upset.
?


Re: QRP Quarterly Mailing

 

开云体育

Dave -

We spent about 10 winters in the Phoenix area from mid November to mid April. ?While the USPS will forward first class and above mail for at least 12 months, you can expect a 7 to 12 day delay, sometimes more and now even longer. ?Magazines are forwarded for only 60 days. ?Since we were there for 5 to 6 months each year, we decided to change our mailing address to our place in AZ. ?It was a pain to change all the magazines and bills, but it made a huge difference. ?Two weeks before we left, we changed everything back. ?This ended after we got stuck in AZ for 9 months in 2020 due to Covid (wife refused to stay in hotels on the drive back, so we finally flew home and shipped our car). ? In 2021, we decided to sell our place there. ?Now it would be easier because almost all financial transactions are done online and magazines and newspapers we get are all digital. ?Meds were not a problem as we used a local CVS for short RXs and the military RX at Luke AFB for long term meds.

90% of our regular mail is now spam. ?I have a heavy duty shredder that gets lots of use.

If you need to know why mail takes so long, it’s a result of the now gone Postmaster General Louis DeJoy whose goal was to privatize the USPS. ?Total conflict of interest as he had significant holdings in companies that would profit from the privatization.


Steve, N4EUK

On May 3, 2025, at 04:07, David Wilcox K8WPE via groups.io <Djwilcox01@...> wrote:

?Still don’t have mine in Traverse City, MI. ?

We stopped mail forwarding when we are in Florida for the winter a few years ago because NO MAGAZINES WERE FORWARDED. We now use a family member to review our mail weekly and send the important things in a separate envelope sometimes using UPS because it’s quicker. ?Try and get your meds forwarded if you get your meds via the mail service. ?Our relative had to lie and tell the post office that it was NOT pills (medication) because it’s illegal for them to forward medication. ?UPS has no problem with it. Mail “service” is a joke. Our local postperson can’t even get the correct mail in the correct mail box on our route anymore. But the trash mail comes faithfully and on time (advertising).

Dave K8WPE


On May 2, 2025, at 6:23?PM, Brian KB9BVN via groups.io <kb9bvn@...> wrote:

? The April 2025 issue of the QRP Quarterly was mailed out on April 14th, 2025.

We send them out first class mail to the US and use a 3rd party mailing company for the DX issues.?

The US Postal system is responsible for delivery.

18 days to deliver first class mail seems to be more commonplace than ever. I don't know why.

If your copy has not arrived by May 14th, let us know and we will see what we can do on the shipping end.

73 de KB9BVN
Membership Manager





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72 de KB9BVN