I think putting together a CARE package from SECC members to VU hams has a lot of merit.  It sounds like simple things like coax, antenna wire, and a rotor are hard to come by or not affordable.  What one ham didn’t need could be passed on to another ham.  Perhaps we could get several VU’s on during the major contests and with more potent signals.

I assembled the following things a person might use.  A triband beam might be nice, but for the time being we probably need to keep it to a size that’s easily transportable.  If anyone would like to make a donation of hardware or a small financial donation for the purchase of these items, I’m sure it would be appreciated (or perhaps split the cost of an item with someone).   I’m keeping my eye’s open for a hand tool set (occasionally they go on sale at Sears).   If you have any of these things in new or good condition, please drop Rick and myself a note.  If you have something that’s electronic, but not working, I’d be willing to invest some time on the repair bench to get it working.

We can figure out a way to get the items to VU2PEP once we get a critical mass together.

Thanks,

Jeff, W4DD

VP

ANTENNA HARDWARE

RG-213 coax - 100 ft rolls

RCS-8V or similar ant switch

Ham IV, II, M rotor

Rotor cable – 100ft roll

RG-58 jumpers (a few)

Ant. Wire 12/14 GA (a roll of 500ft would be nice)

Egg insulators (many)

PL-259 (many)

Barrel connectors (many)

UV Resistant cord – 100 ft rolls

RADIO HARDWARE

Paddle

Keyer

Mic/Headset

Foot Sw

MISC

Soldering gun

Soldering pencil

60/40 solder

VOM

Assorted Tools (wire cutters, pliers, Long Nose pliers, Screw drivers, Tape Measure)

3M Electrical tape (rolls)

GE Silicone seal

COMPUTER

Laptop Computer loaded with XP (Pentium 3?)

K1EA CW Interface (LPT1 since COM1 will be radio interface)

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I have another project under wraps that I wish to unveil here..its still in the planning stage...my recent rip to India showed me that we really have things that we take for granted...the population of India is over a Billion people...there are nearly 2000 hams in India...of the 2000, only 200 have HF privileges..of the 200, there are realistically only 80 or so who are truly active on the air...I was lucky enough to meet Paddy VU2PEP...he welcomed me into his meager apartment and I had the chance to listen and make a few qso's on 20m from India...truly an eventful meeting and opportunity...we take so much for granted...and his station and antenna were things he had scrounged and collected over many years...and some things were from other hams who had sent something to him...I am wondering if we might put together some sort of package to send him things that might be surplus to our needs, or maybe we might purchase some in-expensive tools etc and send to him...so far I have no real knowledge of a proper way to get things to Hyderabad, India...not sure if DHL goes there or not....and this is just in the talking stage...anybody else have any interest in helping get zone 2 active and workable for the next sunspot cycle??

I know I ramble a lot..so I hope I haven't offended anyone with this post....here's hoping that this next sun spot cycle brings lots of dx and contesting to all!

de Rick NQ4I