FEEDBACK: Our Readers Write

Editor, The ARS Sojourner,

I’ve ALWAYS been interested in portable outdoor operation. I just wish there had been a group like ARS when I became a ham nine years ago. I didn’t really have an Elmer and I couldn’t afford expensive gear. So I bought a QRP transceiver kit, built it, and started experimenting.

My efforts weren’t totally in vain, but a little help and advice from some experienced folks would have been VERY MUCH appreciated. I’ve already learned a TON from the ARS website and from articles and postings by its members on other sites.

I just purchased a used ZM-2 tuner (which would have saved me a LOT of headaches a few years ago) and I’m planning to get a QRP station up and running in my dorm room at school.

I have one question: Does the highest sky-scraper in a given area count as a legitimate “Top of the World” destination? I just thought perhaps operating from the roof.

Michael Danchi, KE4TSA
Cary, NC

(Editor’s note: “Top of the World” locations have been determined as the highest NATURAL elevation in each state and Canadian province. So man-made structures do not generally qualify. However, even though a site does not qualify for “Top of the World,” we encourage ARS operators to venture to any location they consider “beautiful” or “remarkable” – within the guidelines of safety, of course – to operate there and to write about it, photograph it and document it for ARS’ permanent publication of record: The ARS Sojourner.)

Editor, The ARS Sojourner,

Thank you very much for accepting me in ARS. I am a radio ham since 1972 (ON6NW) and an associate member of ARRL since 1974 (when I was at Harvard).

I always enjoyed radio, sports and the outdoors although the northern part
of Belgium (Flanders) is a very crowded part of the world with absolutely no
wilderness left and green space at a premium.

In the south of Belgium (Ardennes) there is still plenty of room for walking, cycling and QRP-field-day-style-radio. I also participated and co-organized some adventurous IOTA-expeditions to various beautiful Irish islands.

If you find the time, please take a look at my ham-radio website <www.qsl.net/on6nw>.

73 and a very Happy 2004 to all!
Walter Nonneman, 0N6NW
Kruibeke, Belgium B-9150

Editor, The ARS Sojourner,

Wanted you to know that for those interested QRPers who have problems doing soldering or assembly such as surface mount chips, etc., or QRP companies who just need their kits made up or preassembled, I have started a company called “Kit Builders.”

In recent years up to now I have been doing kitting, soldering, surface mount assembly and now pre-assembly for QRP companies such as Dave Benson / Small Wonder Labs (PSKs, DSW), George Heron / New Jersey QRP Club (now AmQRP), HC908s and now for hundreds of single QRPers to have their SMT chip soldered onto their DDS Daughtercard board and returned by mail (Ref. www.amqrp.org see kits, NJQRP Club Kits, DDSDaughtercard Kit, “Resource for soldering.”

I really hope that my service will make the difference for people who love QRP but hate the idea soldering. By the way, as far as credentials go, I am the Operations Depot Manager for Northrop Grummans Electronic Systems Division is San Jose, CA, and have been with this company for 27 years.

Mike Huffstetler, WA6OUW
Kit Builders
1134 Cobblestone St.
Salinas, CA. 93905

Editor, The ARS Sojourner,

I am going on a 10 day fishing / hunting trip to Manitoba in June of 2004. The outpost camp has no electricity. Communications are limited to satellite-phone for urgent / emergency use. There is plenty of room for wire between the trees but I do need to be careful of weight limitations as we are landing on the lake in a small plane.

Many different rigs and kits have been suggested as well as power ideas (ie: recharge with solar panels). I sure would appreciate other comments.

Ed Granato, WA2JXI
Yonkers, NY
docgman@msn.com