John Heartney 
Our own Gil Thompson, KM4OZH, came in second as a Limited Rover in our Roanoke division. The Roanoke division consists of the states of Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. In addition, Gil came in fifth in the Southeast Region which consists of Delta, Roanoke and Southeast Divisions of the ARRL. You can find him listed as KM4OZH/R on page 80 of the December 2019 QST. A Limited Rover is limited to the lowest four bands – 6M, 2M , 220 and 440. In addition, a Limited Rover has the same power limits as the single operator low power category: 200 watts on 6M and 2M and 100 watts on 220 and 440. Gil also operated in the September VHF contest and expects to place high in that … Read more >>
On October 19, OVH supported the JOTA event at Camp Snyder in Haymarket. Modes included: DStar, 2 meter FM, FT8, HF SSB and QRP SSB on a loop. Scouts contacted Germany, France, Portugal and Belgium as well as many stations in the U.S. We also had an oscilloscope on display and morse code keys with sound for the scouts. Duane, KK4BZ, was on horseback in the battle field and worked many of our scouts on 2 meters. We do not get a lot of horseback mobiles ! Scout Leader Rob, W4FSK, is a member of our club and was our sponsor at Camp Snyder. We got a scout lunch of hot dogs and baked beans. Participants included Rob, W4FSK; Al, KB4BHB; Don, WA2SWX; Duane, KK4BZ; Theresa , KG4TVM; Cat , … Read more >>
On October 14, 2019, a number of club members went target shooting together at the Fairfax Rod and Gun Club. Since this club is only open to members and guests, two OVH members who are also gun club members sponsored the rest of us as guests. Thanks very much George, K4GVT and Phil, AC4PL. The event was thought up and organized by Cat, KM4PBD. The gun club has several ranges. We were at one that had a 220 yard rifle range as well as a pistol range and a .22 range. The 220 range had reactive steel plate targets that fell over as we shot them. The pistol range also had reactive steel circles that could be reset at the pull of a rope. George, K4GVT, brought his tracking … Read more >>
On September 29, The Ole Virginia Hams provided communications support for the 4th annual half marathon which also included a 10 mile and 5K race. Over 1500 runners participated, which gave the community a very visible example of our community service. During the race, we kept track of the male and female race leaders and also kept track of the Tail End Charlies. There were instances of a runner exhausted or down, and we responded and called for transport or medical help, which did arrive. Wayne, N7QLK , was the chair for the fourth time and did an excellent job. We had 22 club members participate. This is over 25 percent of our total club members, some of whom do not live in the area. The members participating and their … Read more >>
In late August, Butch, W4HJL, got a call asking that a beam and tower of a deceased member be taken down – IN ONE DAY. The beam and tower had belonged to Milt, N4SN, a long time member of OVH. His estate was selling the house and was going to closing. The OVH got the beam and tower down in one day. The crew consisted of Gil, KM4OZH, Al, KB4BHB, John, KG4NXT, and Bob, W4HJF. Gil did the tower work and the rest were ground crew. Gil had never operated a Gin pole before but did a superb job. A Gin pole is a pole the clamps to the tower with a pulley on top to lift off the beam and tower segments one at a time. There was … Read more >>
On Sunday, September 29, the OVH will again be running communications for the 4th Annual Prince William Half Marathon. Last year, the race had 1400 runners and an additional 500 runners for an included 5K race. The OVH had 18 members participating. The event can be done either with a 2 meter handheld or with a mobile. Loaners are available. Please save the date and volunteer to Wayne Phillips , N7QLK at (571) 237-0520 or at w99phi@gmail.com.
Over the 4th of July week, many club members participated in the 13 colonies special event. The object was to work some or all of the 13 colonies special event stations. Our own David Morris, KK4ZUU, was one of the Virginia operators with call K2B. There were bonus stations for the Liberty Bell (WM3PEN) and England ( GB13COL) click the image for a bigger picture.
After decades at the fairgrounds, we moved the hamfest to the Manassas Park Community Center and to a new date – June 15. After a lot of hard work and some weather luck, it was a big success. Special thanks to the parking crew headed by Jim O’Rourke, KM4SXM, and the food crew headed by Phii, AC4PL.
Continue reading for pictures by Pinkie and Cat, KM4PBD: