Held at E. G. Simmons Park
The only requirement to participate is an interest in radio and comradery. Everything else is optional. Give us your feedback so we can see how much interest there is in QRP outings.
Here is a brief description of how QRP outings might work and what is required. Historically, we had one event a month. They are usually near a body of water, lake, pond, bay, or river in a picnic area, with shade, benches, tables or shelters.
The outing is like a mini, personal field day when you set up a portable antenna, and power source, then start making contacts. Operating at under 20 watts is normal for QRP. We coordinate the bands, frequency and distance between antennas to avoid interference. There is a lot of sharing of information, operating tips and equipment. Real pluses from these outings are improving your antenna system, portable power supply, and grounding techniques. Making a contact is considered a successful day. Quite often the event starts with breakfast or ends around a lunch outing. The events usually start at 8:30 to 9:00 and end around 11:30 to 12:00.
In the past we have operated HF SSB voice, but CW, UHF/VHF and digital modes are equally appropriate.
Any rig you choose qualifies, as long as its power can be under 20 watts. Typical places visited in the past are, Kings Point gazebo, Perry, Fl next to the little Manatee river, Apollo Beach Metro park. Ruskin city park, Sun City on HW 41 next to the river. Other places to consider are the rest area at the Skyway Bridge, and Simmons Park.