Summary of event from Frank K2SQS:

• I just wanted to share my own opinion about Saturday’s technology day.  It was the best club event in a long time.  Why?

• First, the weather was nearly perfect for an outdoor event.  I arrived just before 9 am and stayed until nearly 3 pm, 3 hours past the scheduled end time, and several others remained well after noon as well.  The day began with coffee and refreshments to accompany social rag chewing about a variety of ham radio topics mixed in with some good natured cage rattling.  Everyone was in a good mood.  A little past the scheduled start time we gathered inside for a brief but well prepared presentation by Joe w2jjg outlining the POTA program .  What it is and how to participate, including some practical examples, followed by a question and answer period which demonstrated the interest generated in POTA by Joe.  Everyone was now anxious to get outside for some hands-on experience.

• Bill Kb2mmi however paused the imminent stampede for a great reminder about the New Jersey QSO Party coming up September 12.  Bill outlined the NJQP rules and explained how to participate.  That generated a number of questions also.  While not on the agenda this was another ham radio topic.

• Outside we went.  Joe had a table set up with everything one needed to operate in the field (including some borrowed coax!).  And explained to all each item.  Jack WA2RHJ used that time to set up his station in his car and afterwards demonstrated its use.  Some newer hams then made their very first HF QSO under Jack’s guidance.  A milestone I’m sure they will remember.

• At the same time, Bonnie kd2nim (KILO DELTA TWO NOVEMBER INDIA MIKE) set up her brand new rig and antenna with able(?) assistance from a few other members.  Tuned up the antenna and successfully copied several stations on 20 and 40 meters.  But wait she wasn’t done yet!  After some detective work identified a bad power connector, Bonnie turned down the power to 50 watts and on 20 meters USB successfully worked a POTA station in the mid west who was activating a 4 fer (4 parks simultaneously)!  So a group worked together to check out a new xcvr and antenna, solved some problems along the way, learned new equipment and made a QSO.

• That’s why it was a great day.  A satisfying blend of ham radio conversations, some technical and operating learning, some “firsts”, all interspersed with social camaraderie.

• This is why I joined a ham radio club.

• Thanks to everyone who put this day together.  I enjoyed it!  Let’s do this again soon.

73, Frank K2SQS