George Dobbs , G3RJV

Ireland's biggest-ever QRP gathering

George Dobbs , G3RJV will attend a huge QRP display at the Lough Erne Amateur Radio Club Rally on Sunday 11 April.

The Rally is in the SHARE centre on the shores of Lough Erne in Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.

The Erne islands abound with remains of ancient Celtic Christianity, one of George’s other keen interests. George will also give the afternoon talk.

George’s travelling companion will be Graham Firth, G3MFJ, who is another listed in the International QRP Hall of Fame. Graham is bringing his entire G-QRP Club stall, with lots of interest for low-power radio amateurs, and those intrigued by building their own rigs. It is also a great opportunity to join the world’s best QRP club, if you can afford the £6.00 annual fee. Graham will also tour the Erne’s historic Second World War flying boat sites, including the former RAF Killadeas site from which flew the Catalina that spotted the Bismarck.

On a second QRP stand, Dom Baines M1KTA will display home-built kits, receivers, transmitters and accessories, similar to his very popular exhibition at last autumn’s GQRP Rishworth Convention. This will be an excellent opportunity to examine, ask questions and get expert advice from a master kit-builder. The display’s active centre piece may be an SDR receiver.

A third and interestingly Irish display will be set up by Brendan Minish EI6IZ, from the aptly named Mayo Radio Experimenters Network. His stall will feature top quality Elecraft QRP kits from the USA, along with much good advice from Brendan for novice and experienced kit builders alike. Brendan’s aim is a focal spot for Elecraft enthusiasts to gather for a natter. Several have promised to be there with elegantly crafted rigs to show off and chat about.

For all radio amateurs and experimenters in Ireland, north and south, interested in today’s thriving and traditional heart of amateur radio, home construction and low power operation, the place to be on Sunday 11 April just has to be the Lough Erne Rally, near Lisnaskea.

There is B&B accommodation and lunch service at SHARE. Martin Gi7JGT will talk-in on Fermanagh Repeater, 145.7375 MHz. Details are on the usual rally lists and www.learc.eu .

Michael Clarke, Mi5MTC

Chairman Lough Erne ARC,
GQRP 9630.
Telephone 028/048-6862-1436.
Email mi5mtc@learc.eu