Message from KN6RBP
Very early on Steve suggested that I give running the Elmer Net a try. Tabitha had been doing it over echo link. With a interactive net such as Elmer it’s very challenging. So with her blessing, I started doing the Elmer. Thank you Tabitha. It’s kinda given me a front row seat in the classroom if you will. The Elmer Net has been a great vehicle for us to learn and grow in the hobby. Steve you are there every week. You give detailed answers and are always calling out the do’s and don’ts. Your experience and knowledge is awesome. But the thing I appreciate most is your way of nudging us in directions that we may not always appreciate in the moment, but often do later.
HF did not come easy to me. My first antenna was a 10M hamstick mounted on my fence.
The SWR was terrible. Steve came out with his antenna analyzer. He determined that the antenna was bad. Know, What Steve didn’t know, before tonight, is that I had him connect to the wrong coax. He was connected to a marine antenna. Just put a pin in that for a moment.
Steve had me follow him back to his place. He said he had an antenna that I could use. It was a cushcraft R5. That’s what got me on the Eagle Net. Steve, when I realized what I had done I really didn’t want to admit it to you. I ordered my Nana VNA that night. I still use that ham stick. It did need to be tuned.
With winter field 2022 day was right around the corner, Steve said hey Rick, you really need to check out FT8 it’s very popular and I think, it would get some attention on field day. So with Fisherman’s 991a and my laptop I made my first FT8 contact on Winter field day. It was on 10 meters in Aruba. I was hooked. 10 months later I have over 2900 QSO’s and 67 countries.
Steve is net control for our digital only net most weeks. This net is the reason I build these pi-stars. Steve’s been having some trouble lately with his radio. His 70D is getting tired. When we tried 2 meter C4 FM simplex he really wasn’t getting out. We determined that his radio was failing at 2 m. He’s been running the net and getting by mostly because the repeater input is so sensitive. Steve I wanted to give him something you could use. Now purchasing a 70 D was a little more than I could afford so I got some help from our secretary & treasurer. I know you’ve gone and bought a FT350. I’m sure you’re going to enjoy it. I thought you would still like to have a fresh 70 D. This way you have a back up, and a working version of what you’re used to.
Steve I want to personally thank you for your support and friendship. And with Karen and Larry’s help I’d like to give you this radio. May it back you up as well you’ve back me up this year.
Steve, your dedication to this club, Elmer teaching skills, generosity, and support of our members. You inspire us to try new things and expand our knowledge and capability. Thank you Steve, for your support of the LDARC & for your leadership and commitment, to ham radio and our club.
