Hi!

Thanks to the 14 stations in the western parts of the USA and Canada for making contacts with WD9EWK during my demonstration for the Tri-City Amateur Radio Association in Goodyear, Arizona, on AO-51 tonight. A special thank-you goes out to Rick WA4NVM - sorry we could not hook up and complete a QSO, which could have been the 15th during the demonstration. You were the easternmost station I heard on that pass, and I did mention that to the crowd during the demo. Clint K6LCS, who seems to have a never-ending lineup of demonstrations on various weeknights around southern California, took time to drop in on the pass and say hello to the group. Thanks! With you and other experienced satellite operators showing up, that helps make a good impression on those who have had little or no exposure to satellite operating before tonight.

Even though the demonstration came before, and not after, the presentation I gave to the club - it all worked out very well. The club moved its meeting location to this spot in grid DM33tk, which looked out over an open field to the west. The club also requested that members show up an hour or so earlier than the normal starting time for their monthly meetings, to take in the satellite demonstration. Their flexibility to accomodate an AO-51 demonstration is great, and thanks also have to go to AMSAT's AO-51 Operations Group for ensuring a V/U FM voice repeater would be available for this evening.

After the meeting and presentation, I followed several members to a post-meeting gathering at a nearby restaurant. I stayed there for an hour or so, until the gathering began to break up. It was a fun time to keep chatting with the club members about satellite operating and other radio-related topics.

Time for bed... 73!

Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/