Hardy--Hare, Hare, Hare

Hardy…Hare, Hare, Hare!

Our recent visit to the ARRL League Headquarters in Newington, Conn. was nothing less than spectacular and our host and co-host were above and beyond the call of duty. Both Ed Hare – W1RFI and Bob Allison – WB1GCM made all QRP members who made the trek to Newington and in the conference room to feel right at home. The levity and bantering back and forth was second to none and as some called said, it was the “Ed and Dennis show!” Playful conversation directed by Ed Hare put the membership at ease and lead most of the technical discussions with high energy plus top-notch information. When Bob Allison was introduced, it was either Doctor Strange Love or Veterinarian Allison for his white smock preceded his affectation of accomplishments. The membership was “warmed up” and ready!

The meeting’s agenda covered NEScaf, MassCon, QRPp, LobsterCon, ARRL band plan, and more. Lengthy discussions were exchanged and many fine comments were made by all on hand. Overall, the majority of those who showed were from Connecticut and Rhode Island with “die hard” members from New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

The winner of the QRP ARRL publication door prize went to Jim Francoeur – KC1FB who had the ‘right’ answer according to Ed Hare. Also, all who attended received an official W1AW ARRL pen plus writing pad used to take notes during the meeting. Ed provided the materials for all who were there plus provided lunch with FOUR delicious pizzas (devoured within minutes.) All drinks and lunch were provided by Ed W1RFI and not the ARRL. As Ed mentioned, he is a part of the QRP community and wanted to help out and did! We certainly are appreciative for what Ed did for our visit to League Headquarters.

Ed and Bob took as many members who wanted to view the labs for a tour of the facilities and the ‘inside station.’ The W1HQ station was up and running and those who wanted to use the station with THEIR call, could do so. However, it was a different story when using the Hiram Percy Maxim station—W1AW, and the only addition to the call was…/QRP. At the time the membership wanted to use the W1AW station, there was a Florida QSO Party which dominated the CW bands making QRP QSOs difficult. BUT—that didn’t stop several members who gave points to those on the receiving end and a few Florida stations even questioned whether it was really W1AW they heard.

The next New England QRP Club meeting will be in the fall and a date and location will be forthcoming.

The following members were in attendance at the ARRL Headquarters April 25, 2009:

Ed Hare – W1RFI
Dennis Marandos – K1LGQ
Dave Karplej – K1THP
Lew Cowles – K1PYU
Jim Fitton – W1FMR
Keith Collins – WB1GGJ
Bud Valcourt – NY1Z
Carl Achin – WA1ZCQ
Bob Schmeichel – N1RXV
Dave Siegrist – NT1U
Jim Francoeur – KC1FB
Bob Allison – WB1GCM
Chuck Skolaut – K0BOG
D.R. (Ric) Haworth – WI6I
Ron Silvia – WB1HGA
Bill Schmidt – WV1N
Greg Algieri – WA1JXR
Joel Curneal – N1JEO
Mike Ryan – K1WVO
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April 25, 2009
Dennis—K1LGQ