Salmoncon XIX, 2024

Salmoncon XIX is dedicated to the memories of Roger Steyart, K7RXV, and PJ Hicks, N7PH.   Both were long time members of our local group and joined us at many P&Cs and other events over the years.  

Roger was our go-to antenna guru and his talks and presentations were featured at many of our Salmoncon events.  He was a skilled engineer and experimenter, whose projects included building a transmitter small enough to be carried by a bumblebee and working as a consultant to tell builders of large antenna arrays where they could save money on copper based on the levels of current carried in the antenna elements.

PJ was an accomplished machinist as well as an avid kit builder and experimenter, who enjoyed building things such as keyer paddles out of solid brass, that he subsequently gave to various other members, and fly tying accessories that he gifted as well.  PJ was an avid and skilled fly fisherman, but had to stop getting into the streams in later years due to health issues.

Both are sorely missed.  RIP, Roger, K7RXV SK, and PJ, N7PH SK.

About Salmoncon

Salmoncon is an annual gathering of low power (QRP) ham radio operators held at beautiful Valley Camp in North Bend, WA.  Usually held the first full weekend after July 4th,except when the 4th falls in the middle of the week, the event provides a venue for QRP operators to share knowledge and experiences related to low power operating.  

Salmoncon XIX will be held over the weekend of July 13 and 14, 2024.   A few of the members will arrive as early as Wednesday, July 10, and our annual special event callsign, K7S, is active Wednesday, July 10 through Monday, July 15. 

2024 Event Schedule - The schedule is available for download below.  Double click on the schedule file and it will take you to the pdf.  You can then download as desired.

We try hard each year to line up a series of formal presentations that will be of interest to everyone.  This year's subjects  include the 4SQRP T41 kit and build, an update on the Elecraft KH1, an in depth look at SDR, a Mesh Network on the 33 CM band, a fresh look at the J-Pole antenna and RF Signal Triangulation.

In addition we hold a Tents On The Air Competition (TOTA) on Sunday afternoon with everyone using 5 Watts and a 51 Ohm resistor and three foot wire for their antenna. This was so much fun last year that it may well become a tradition with us.

Friday

·        Early arrivals check in with Teena and set up individual campsites and stations.

        Valley Camp offers unique opportunities for setting up and testing antennas, with its wide fields and surrounding trees.

·        The event schedule will be posted at the shelter entrance and we will have sign-up sheets and stick-on name tags there as well.  Please sign in with your callsign, name and home QTH. 

·        Each operator should keep their own digital log and at the end of the event email it to Bob, AF9W, at: af9w@arrl.net

·        On-the-air operation is encouraged and is a main feature of the    event.  

Operators should use the special event callsign K7S while operating from Valley Camp during Salmoncon.  Operators are encouraged to post their operation times and frequencies to http://www.qrpspots.com/ so as to make it easier for others to make contact us.

• SOTA operators are encouraged to get out to the summits on Friday, and coordinate with those in camp for contacts as well as with others elsewhere.

·        Evening Meal – A group effort meal is planned, check the main schedule for info.

Saturday  

There will be a mix of outdoor activities and formal presentation on both Saturday and Sunday.

    We start the day on Saturday with a welcome and info talk in the main shelter.  Then we roam the grounds hunting for hidden 30 Meter CW and 2 Meter FM transmitters.

In late morning a formal presentation is held in the main shelter.

    After lunch, other formal presentations follow.

There will be opportunities to roam the grounds and check out  individual operating stations at the various campsitesas well.

Sunday

    Sunday's format will be the same.  Again, check the main schedule for more detailed info.

Meals

    Each campsite or individual will provide their own food and drink,  except for the provided items for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening meals.  See the main schedule for info on evening meals.

Operating

    There is a tower and beam with rotator available for us, as well as tall trees with pulleys already installed, both near the group shelter and near the RV camp ground so we will have the opportunity to get several portable stations on the air.  There is a Triplexer also, which means that the beam can be used on 20, 15 and 10 at the same time.  Note that our special event call sign, K7S, is active beginning Wednesday, July 10 and is good through Monday, July 15. 

    Do bring either complete portable stations, antennas, favorite paddles, or any other radio related items that would help provide the variety of rigs, stations, and station equipment that we all enjoy seeing and trying out. 

Fees

    No fees are charged for the event other than camping fees for staying overnight at Valley Camp.  Donations are accepted and are especially encouraged so as to help cover the operating costs of Valley Camp.  A donation mailbox is located at the Group shelter.

Overnight Camping

    Valley Camp has tent and RV sites available.  Please make your reservations early with Teena at Valley Camp.  Information on Valley Camp facilities can be found at https://valleycamp.org/

Location

Valley Camp is located in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Valley outside of North Bend, WA.  The address is 49515 SE Middle Fork Road, North Bend, WA 98045.  The camp can be reached at 425-888-1852 or info@valleycamp.org

Photos

If you take photos during the event, or have photos of previous events, please email them to Bob, AF9W, af9w@arrl.net, so we can add some to this website for next year.  

See the Map to Valley Camp Below