A few weeks ago Frank G8BME and I attended the Red Rose QRP Festival at Atherton, Its not the largest rally on the calender but ticks all the right boxes for what I am interested in. The only weak point in the journey was the lack of information on route eg. we did not notice any signs on the road pointing us in the right direction. Parking was good for us.
The cost to enter the rally was £2 which was a fair price, and the food and drink on offer was good and well priced.
As always it was good to meet up with old friends and make new ones. I introduced Frank to Francis and it was not long before they found some common ground, they were both classic car owners.
Gordon G3ZFZ, Frank G8BME and Jim G4PPG
Both Gordon and Jim enjoy CW as their main mode of communication.
It was good to see Ian G4VAP at the rally, this being one of a number of events he goes to throughout the year. Ian is a keen CW man who has been responsible for for many people getting through their 12wpm morse exam including Ian G0VGS and Linda G0YLM. G4VAP is also a keen and well respected constructor whose pet hate is any project using Dyno tape to mark controls.
As mentioned earlier the rally had plenty to offer despite its size with displays on for D-Star, there was a good variety of stands and equipment.
Exhibitors included:
WMRC, GQRP, RSGB, UK FM Group(Western) Warrington, D-Star Project, RSARS, Fyle ARS (Silent Key Sale)
Traders included:
AM Tools, Bowood Electronics, Jackson Elec. P&D Howell, Kanga Products,G4VAP, G8LMF, G4KKI, Media Electronics, Dave Austin, Snowdonia Radio, Cross Country Wireless and Laurence Cook.
My first stop was to the stand of Francis Norris a collector and restorer of vintage wireless and audio equipment. I first met Francis at this rally last year and since then we have kept in touch. I was able to pick up a part for my 1155, but it was also a good excuse to see what he had on his stand this year.
The Layfaette KT-200 looked a nice set from reading information on the net it was also badged with the Trio emblem amongst others and could be bought in kit for or ready built. You will find plenty of information and pictures on the net so I have just included one link below.
http://rigreference.com/rig/3545-Lafayette_HE_10_KT_200
US Signals Transmitter Tuning Unit
This is an American Signals Transmitter Tuning Unit Model No. TU 5B although I have not been able to find out any information on it.
This is a Windsor All Wave Signal Generator model C-65
I don't really need to say a great deal about the 1155R
Now to the serious stuff
QRP sets have been built in some strange boxes over the years, but this entry I bought at the rally makes other housings pale into insignificance. If the Oner lets you down you can always kick the bucket
This set along with quite a few others built in standard tins was built by Peter Howell who lives in Burnley. I thought it was quirky and fun and bought it for the knockout price of £2. And they say its expensive to get on the air!
A little more expensive but not outlndishly so was the Hi Mound BK-100
Those who know the key will have noticed the gray cover protecting the working parts from dust does not look right. The cover should be in clear plastic and this cover was was until it developed a few fractures and cracks, at which point the owner sprayed the cover....
The good news is that replacement covers are still available from the USA at a price.
This is a quality key made in Japan and marketed under a number of names including Radio Shack.
I bought the Key at a very good price and mine contained no brand with the word Japan stamped into the plastic and an orange base which on closer inspection appears to be a roofing ties to add weight to the key. It also has sucker feet to help keep the key steady whilst in use.
Frank G8BME bought himself a Grundig radio to add to his collection.
We both had a great time at the rally and we'd like to thank the organisers and exhibitors for an enjoyable rally.
73
Brian
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