N4EX/P - WA2USA SOTA

Photo from Wikipedia

Yesterday, I found N4EX/P participating in a special event with "Summits On The Air" He was transmitting from "Split Rock Mountain" (W2/GA-467)  in upper New York state. It appears to be a "first time activation" according to the SOTA website. His partner (WA2USA) wasn't on the key at the time, but I have a common connection with him because of his affiliation with "WW2LST".  If you look back on this blog, you will find me using the ships transmitter while it was docked on the Ohio River near my sisters home.

Living in West Virginia, mountains have a special appeal to me. From a radio operators perspective, mountains are the ultimate transmitting locations but I fear they are rapidly vanishing.

This video is a short explanation:

VA1CHP Nova Scotia

No DX today but I'm having fun with the Maritime stations. This one (VA1CHP) is in Shad Bay, Nova Scotia. Immediately followed by VE1RGB in Wellington, NS. Might pick up a few more tomorrow but time to stop for the day now. I've tried to work VE2RCN twice but no go. It's been fun...

W1NLS Nantucket Lightship ARC

I seem to be on a roll for Nautical stations today. You should look this one up on the QRZ.Com site (or cut and paste the call sign into the search engine on the right side my blog) to get all the specifics about this station. It's undoubtedly, one of the most famous lightships in the world. Millions of immigrants have depended on this lightship for critical navigation into America.

She was on the 20 QRP frequency of 14.060, A fine catch for me!

The ship is now moored in Boston Harbor.

Navy Contact K1USN

I was happy to work this old Destroyer (DD-8) celebrating the "International Museum Ships"  this morning. It jumped out at me when I heard the USN designation. (K1USN)

Here's a picture of the club building. It brings back a lot of memories for me. In the late '60's, I was a signalman on the USS Corry (DD-817). Speaking of that, I've been informed lately, that our ship was fortuitously sprayed with bug killer while we were in the middle of the Saigon River. I'm not going to dwell on that...

The Alabama QSO Party is also active today and I worked several of those stations. So far, I have KM4JA, N4JF and K4AB in the log book. Contesting isn't my thing, but I do like to work "Special Event Stations".

Earlier this morning, on 40 meters, I heard VE2RCN/ Warship  but couldn't work him. Instead, I had a nice talk with another QRP station in Kentucky. (always the most fun for me)

Norm, (K4YKI/ QRP)  had built his own K-1, many years ago, and we talked at length, about his station and antenna.

My New Vibroplex Square Racer

I've been using this new key long enough now to get a "feeling" for it. My decision to buy it was due to two things.

First, was my desire for a quality "magnetic action" key. 

Second, was my desire to have a "collectors item". 

There was nothing "wrong" with my old Iambic paddle, but I was selling off a lot of my old "two meter" gear, and I had a few spare bucks in my pocket.

I've found this key (paddle) to be faster than my former "spring action" paddle. It's increased my comfort level by several words per minute. I think the "magnetic" action begs for speed...

I rarely send faster than 17 wpm, but in a DX pile up, I can comfortably attain speeds in the mid twenties now.

But...all that said, a "paddle" is still "just a paddle". (spring action or magnetic action).

The real reason I bought this paddle is because I wanted a stalwart American made key. The Vibroplex Square Racer fits this category. Here's a picture of the new "trademark label" for this company.

I'm proud to be the new owner of the Vibroplex Square Racer # 113442.

It's a well made "solid" precision key which I hope to use for many many years.

The Bike in Hot Weather

I get plenty of exercise in the summer months, despite the HOT weather here in the valley. Most of my riding is done in the city limits, but occasionally, I get off the beaten path, a risk a ride into the country. Such was the case a few days ago when the temperature reached the mid 90's.

My ride ended at "Coonskin Park" which is near the landing strip for Yeager Airport. Taking the back roads allows me to avoid the busy highway which is the normal route into this area.

The round trip for this ride is about 20 miles. I had the "dog spray" in my pocket when I exited the city limits (this time)  because I took a "bite" when I failed to be prepared for these critters last year. This years ride was uneventful, and I enjoyed myself while sitting around the swimming pool and golf course at the park.

On the return trip, I rewarded myself with "ice cream" from the local "Farmer Market" in downtown Charleston.

For those who find "signs" interesting, I like this one.  

The Vandalia Gathering

It was a busy time this weekend at the state capitol. I played a bit (not on the video) and had a good time wandering around the  "Vandalia Gathering" This is a musical event featuring "old time music".

You can dance here too: 

Sometimes it's fun to just watch people. 

The temperature was in the sweltering 90's.