90 speakers, Buildathons, Prizes at August 2021 QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo

QSO Today Ham Expo logoThe next QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo is a month away, Live from August 14-15, 2021 and then on-demand for 30 days.  It’s a great experience for those that want to improve their amateur radio knowledge and get exposed to new ideas, cutting edge ham radio technology, and practical techniques.  And no need to travel – anyone can participate from their home or office!  Information can be found at https://www.qsotodayhamexpo.com.  

At the Expo, you can listen and engage with almost 100 internationally recognized ham radio luminaries on approximately 18 different topic areas – there is something for everyone. 

Topics include: Antennas and Transmission Lines, Build-A-Thons, Contesting/DX, Controllers, Digital Voice Mode, Emergency Communications, Filters and Tuned Circuits, Future of Amateur Radio, Ham History, HF Digital Modes, New License – Now What?, Power Amplifiers, Propagation, Radio Astronomy, Software and Services, Space and Satellites, Test and Measurement, and Youth in Amateur Radio.

Here are a few examples of speakers you’ll want to listen to:  (a complete list of speakers can be found at https://www.qsotodayhamexpo.com/spkrlist.html)

 

“Antennas and Transmission Lines” Track:

  • Small Transmitting Loop Design Project:  Learn about STLcalc, an open-source program providing a flexible design aide for STL and Magnetic Loop antennas that can respond to user’s changing needs and design goals. (August Hansen, KB0YH)
  • Compromise Beverage Antennas Hear Better Than You Think!  Don’t give up easily on trying a Beverage receiving antenna.  Discover how to overcome non-ideal terrain and space limitations.  (Geoffrey Mendenhall, W8GNM)
  • Fun with HF QRP Pedestrian Mobile:  A look at two antennas for HF pedestrian mobile and the results possible.  (Peter Parker, VK3YE)
  • N4KC’s Top 5 Get-On-The-Air-Quick Antennas:  Recommendations for the top five simplest, most effective antennas to consider for your station.  (Don Keith, N4KC)

 

“New License – Now What” track:

  • HF Noise Mitigation:  Learn about the various sources of noise, and how to mitigate noise using a variety of techniques.  (Mike Ritz, W7VO)
  • How to Hammer your Next Ham Exam:  Discover the steps to take to master the material and excel in your next ham exam. (Michael Burnette, AF7KB)
  • Six Winning Ways to Get Contacts on HF:  Get tips on six winning ways to make HF contacts. (Peter Parker, AK3YE)
  • Technician Licensees, Life Beyond Local Repeaters:  Explore the world of activities, modes and bands available beyond local repeaters.  (Anthony Luscre, K8ZT)

Watch as many presentations as you want!  A big limitation of in-person events is that you can’t watch many of the presentations (you can only be in one room at a time).  At the Expo, return anytime within 30 days to view any of the presentations that you missed as well as explore exhibitor offerings.  At our last Expo, our 7,500 attendees downloaded 100,000 presentations during the 30 day on-demand period. 

ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio® in the United States, is a QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo Partner.  FlexRadio is the Expo’s Platinum Sponsor.  Gold Sponsor’s are Elecraft and RFinder.

Early Bird Tickets are just $10 and then $12.50 “at the door”.  Access to only the Exhibitor area is free.  And save thousands of dollars since you won’t spend on travel, food, and lodging.  For more information, go to https://www.qsotodayhamexpo.com.  

 

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Niantic Bay Trialthlon, Assistance Requested, August 8, 2021

Tim Rodgers KC1TWR, writes on the Radio Amateur Society of Norwich (CT) mailing list:

Communicators are needed.  Several checkpoints need to be covered.

The 2021 [Niantic Bay Triathlon] (NBT) is scheduled for Sunday, August 8.  Report time at the Region 4 MCU, which will be located in the lower parking lot of McCook Park in Niantic (Columbus Ave. and Atlantic St.) is between 0615 and 0645. The swim portion of the NBT starts at 0700 from the Hole in the Wall beach. The bike and run courses are the same as the 2019 NBT.

If you never participated before please know that this event starts early and ends before noon. You will be sent a Comm Plan that includes a map of where the checkpoints are, and a table with the street intersection information. Before the event we ask that you visit the location of your checkpoint to get familiar with the setting, and where you will park your vehicle. We do not direct traffic, we are emergency communications for those that  want a ride back, need bike repair, are hurt, or any other incident. More information will be sent before the event date. 

Please include your cell and home phone numbers for the COMM Plan even if you have sent them for previous events.  Include your T-Shirt size as well.

 
If you are available please send an email to:  TimKC1TWR@gmail.com
 
73,
Tim, KC1TWRTim Rodgers KC1TWR
CT ARES Region 4 DEC
Email: TimKC1TWR@gmail.com
Cell and Text: 860-460-7360

ARRL Re-Opening Ceremony Featured Dignitaries, Full Board and Newington Staff, July 15, 2021

Members of the ARRL Board of Directors, staff, and politicians were in attendance for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at ARRL Headquarters in Newington, Connecticut on July 15, 2021.  The re-opening coincided with the bi-annual Board of Directors meeting in Windsor, Connecticut. 

Attendees included:  U.S. Representative John B. Larson of Connecticut’s 1st congressional district; State Sen. Matt Lesser; State Rep. Gary Turco; Beth DelBuono, Mayor of Newington; and Town managers; Glenn Field, KB1GHX, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at NOAA / National Weather Service in Taunton, Massachusetts; a local American Red Cross representative.  New England Director Fred Hopengarten, K1VR, and Vice Director Phil Temples, K9HI, were among the attending board members.

Photo: Rep. John Larson awarding ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA, with a commemorative plaque.
U.S. Rep. John Larson awarding ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA, with a commemorative plaque during the ribbon-cutting. -K9HI photo

Greater Bridgeport (CT) ARC Fox Hunt, July 18, 2021

Greater Bridgeport ARC loogo[The Greater Bridgeport ARC] will hold its monthly fox hunt  this month on Sunday July 18 starting at 11 AM.  This fox hunt will be a special treat for everyone because it will be slightly easier.  This month will be hosted by GBARC President N1DID and will cover a slightly larger area.  See our Fox hunts Wiki page for additional information, a map, and radio frequencies in use.

WB4APR: “Appalachian Trail Golden Packet Event & Energy Choices for the Radio Amateur,” Maine July Virtual Talk, July 14, 2021

Maine ASM Cory Golob, KU1U, writes:
 
Maine July Virtual Talk
 
Here is a reminder of tonight’s two-part virtual talk by Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
 
Topic: WB4APR, Bob Bruninga – Two-Part Virtual Talk
 
Time: Jul 14, 2021 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
 
Part 1 (6:30 PM): As author of APRS He will talk about the the annual Appalachian Trail Golden Packet Event Scheduled for July 17. which consists of APRS individuals with portable APRS radios on 15 separate peaks from Georgia to Maine to demonstrate emergency APRS traffic handling and text messages along the 2000 mile length of the Appalachian mountains.
 
Part 2 (7:00 PM): As author of the ARRL publication, Energy Choices for the Radio Amateur. he will detail his 50 year experiences in emergency power options for hams and more recently the whole new world of solar, wind, electric cars, whole house batteries and energy choices for the radio amateur as well as the common denominator of high voltage DC that can tie them all together for the homeowner.
 
Meeting ID: 826 5780 7021
Passcode: 250212
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