Presenting a topic at Quartzfest 2019: Volunteers needed

[tx2sturgis]

I received this email and am publishing the link to it.

Quartzfest is a (mostly) ham radio related event in Quartzsite AZ that runs simultaneously  with the Big RV Tent Show in January. You don't have to be a licensed ham or even want to be one, everyone is welcome.

It is held on BLM ground and is free to attend. Camping is similar to RTR and other gatherings there. 

They are calling for people to give seminars and I know we have some knowledegable people here.

I think we know a prospector on this board, he pops up now and then, but anyone with knowledge they want to share would be welcome, I'm sure. 

Here is the email I received:

https://mailchi.mp/9014c5daed2c/quartzfest-2019-newsletter?e=f8cd689ff2

Here is the related website:

http://quartzfest.org/

 

[DannyB1954]

Thanks for the info. 73 to Ya.

 

[QinReno]

Cool, that looks like more fun than RTR (oops, sorry Bob). 

Do you know if Pipeline Rd goes all the way through to Dome Rock, or do you have to get on Hwy 95 and go through Quartzsite? (not seen a shortwave radio in years, -.-. --.-).

 

[tx2sturgis]

Cool, that looks like more fun than RTR (oops, sorry Bob). 

Do you know if Pipeline Rd goes all the way through to Dome Rock, or do you have to get on Hwy 95 and go through Quartzsite? (not seen a shortwave radio in years, -.-. --.-).

lol...umm....well both events are in the same area and you could attend the RTR then Quartzfest. 

In fact, we could do some kind of RTR attendees camp at Quartzfest.... hang out for a few days or whatever. One thing I like definitely like about Quartzfest, is that everyone is listening on 146.550 for updates and announcements. This makes it easy to know about seminars you want to attend, campfire gatherings, meals, potluck dinners, group rides into the desert, etc.

I dont know if Pipeline 'road' goes thru, I haven't tried to take that shortcut. 

And, CQ back at ya!

 

[QinReno]

I've been down that road from the Dome Rock access point to Rainbow Acres, and it looks like it's passable on google maps the rest of the way, but there is always possibility of deep sand or rough road.

I imagine the guy who invented the idea of a ham radio get together at (Quartz)site had his own crystal.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Yeah, probably quartz crystals, huh? Just a wild-ass guess. 

I'm thinking about something....

Suppose we arranged a broadcast at RTR, on one of the GMRS/FRS channels. Lots of campers carry these radios.

Maybe a small sign near the entrance, advising arrivals with those little handhelds to tune in to a specific channel. 

Daily announcements of seminars, get-togethers, etc. Maybe even broadcast live audio from the PA system in the seminar area. 

Hmmm....

 

[highdesertranger]

that's not a bad idea. I am assuming it's all legal? need to run it by Bob. how would you keep others from keying upon that frequency? highdesertranger

 

[QinReno]

How many people normally show up to Quartzfest? The page indicates Hundreds of Hams and their families. No doubt many fewer than RTR with 4000. It also says there will be a $3 ride service into town, cool idea, although Quartzfest is much closer to the highway than RTR, so not so much rough road to drive down in any case.
http://quartzfest.org/lodging.html
"This year the town of Quartzsite will also be offering transport services to and from QuartzFest".

 

[tx2sturgis]

How many people normally show up to Quartzfest? The page indicates Hundreds of Hams and their families. No doubt many fewer than RTR with 4000. 

I dont believe those numbers.

Hams who bother to register at the welcome tent for Quartzfest often don't list family members, and there was no BLM permit needed. At the RTR, I believe most people who registered probably listed the number of people in each vehicle, we can assume 1 or 2 in most cases. 

But, I drove around both events, and flew my drone over both events, and they looked to be roughy the same overall size in acreage. I would guess, and that's all it is, a guess, that RTR might have been twice the number of vehicles....maybe.

So it's hard to say....but 4 times the attendance...I don't really think so. But maybe. 

Quartzfest has been going on for over 20 years...it's a pretty big deal, and coincides with the Big RV Tent show, so it's likely that many are simply there for easy access to the show, and never register at the welcome tent.

 

[tx2sturgis]

that's not a bad idea.  I am assuming it's all legal?  need to run it by Bob. how would you keep others from keying upon that frequency? highdesertranger

It's techically doable, and there would be a 'talk-in' type of operation, two way, to help arrivals find a spot, or ask questions, whatever. We could keep the channel open most of the time. 

The sign at the entrance could say something like, "Tune in to channel FRS channel 7 (or whatever) between 9 AM and Noon for seminar updates and RTR information"

Volunteer operators at the main base unit could man that station during those hours, taking turns. Afternoons and evenings the frequency could be used by anyone as they wish. 

Just FYI, there are some nice 5 watt and 15 watt mobile units on the market now that are compatible with the typical handheld 'walkie talkies'. One of these could be set up in a central location, with the magnetic antenna up on a high roof van or trailer, and would have a range to the handhelds of at least a couple of miles.

Not everyone has to go out and buy a radio...although they dont cost much. They could still do it the old fashioned way and check out the published schedules on the bulletin board or website. Or if they see a neighbor using a handheld radio, they could walk over and say hey, when is the generator seminar (or whatever) and that person could call for the information. 

I dunno, it might all be an experiment...might work...might not. But maybe worth a shot. 

The 5 and 15 watt GMRS mobiles DO require a GMRS license. Mine has expired but would be easy to reinstate.

But the small handhelds are legal for anyone if used on FRS channels, and are compatible on several channels with the GMRS radios. 

The FCC GMRS and FRS rules changed in September of 2017 to allow all of this.

 

[tx2sturgis]

BTW, HDR, what about a propsecting perspective for Quartzfest?

Or land ops? What to do when you get stuck?  How about giving a short talk about 12v compressor fridges?

No pressure.

 

[highdesertranger]

actually 2 years ago Low Tech and I did a "Getting Unstuck" seminar at RTR. it was quite popular, good turn out. I don't know why we didn't do it last year.

as far as doing something for Quartzfest I would love to, however I am committed to take a group of RTRers on a prospecting expedition. after the RTR. I would have to clear it with all of them to see if they could delay, which could take some time and you said you need to know quick. that's why I didn't speak up.

so in short I would love to but I might not be able to give a yes for a month or maybe more. highdesertranger

 

[tx2sturgis]

 I would have to clear it with all of them to see if they could delay,  which could take some time and you said you need to know quick.  that's why I didn't speak up.

so in short I would love to but I might not be able to give a yes for a month or maybe more.  highdesertranger

Well that was in the email from Kriss, not me. I guess they need to start scheduling. I know from experience that sometimes a scheduled speaker is delayed or cancelled at the last minute....stuff happens...then they have to find someone to fill in.  

Thing is, you have expressed that ham radio is an interest of yours....what a great way to combine things. You could email them and explain what you might be willing to do, and what days might work for you. If it works for them and you, then cool beans.

If by chance you DO shoot off an email with an offer, and the issue of a callsign comes up, just say currently an SWL and possible future ham, that's well accepted in the ham community.

 

[DannyB1954]

To be completely legal one would have to stay on low power FRS channels even though most radios today will do the higher power GMRS channels. I think CB radios are becoming more popular once again. There is also an app to turn a cell phone into a walki talkie sort of thing.

 

[tx2sturgis]

My plan is to use a modified dual bander VHF/UHF radio, an echobox, and play loud bluegrass music, thru a 250 watt repeater amplifier, with 9db gain antenna at 125 feet.

Pirate radio, YES!

 

[QinReno]

My plan is to use a modified dual bander VHF/UHF radio, an echobox, and play loud bluegrass music, thru a 250 watt repeater amplifier, with 9db gain antenna at 125 feet.

I'll help. I have a 6-foot tall speaker mounted on my van, looks something like what you see here:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/gigsalad_media/s/shotgunblues/55a2b86fdc1f4_300_sq
Note the resonant waveguide on top.