 I
am pleased to report that the operation of ARRL Station W1AW/5 by Dallas
County REACT (DCR) at HamCom 2003 (Arlington, Texas, 20-22 June)
was a big success. DCR and REACT in general are featured on a web
page of Gap Antennas. Click
Here to see Gap's mention of DCR and five photos. One of the photos
shows DCR's John Riley (Unit 30) and Chris from Gap looking at the strangest
HF antenna I've ever seen. It looks like a rabbit cage! Gap set up this
antenna and it was used by one of our two HF stations. There are two photos
of DCR's step van and one of DCR's 32-foot communications trailer. The final
photo is of the Dallas Amateur Radio Club's step van (they helped out by
providing their van (and generator) used for CW communications).
 We
had hundreds of visitors, and dozens of folks actually operated W1AW/5.
Instead of DCR's older Icom IC-761, we used two Icom IC-756 Pro II HF
transceivers (their latest and greatest) lent by Icom America. We also
had two top-of-the line Heil microphones, loaned by the company for this
event.
In photo
to right, DCR president Brian McGee (AB5LQ) shows the Texas State REACT
Council Secretary Pat Knight (AD5BR) how they were logging W1AW/5 calls
and setting the radio up for her to make contacts on 17 meters. Because
W1AW/5 was always running under a control operator, we made no distinctions
or requirements between those with Extra Class, General or Tech licenses
or those with no license at all.
The event
was planned and executed by DCR President Bryan McGee (DCR 38, AB5LQ)
and VP-Communications Bernie Parker (DCR 112, K5BP). DCR Executive VP
Terry Allen (DCR 34, KC5BHR) coordinated volunteer assignments. We were
greatly assisted by Bob Jones (W5BJ) of the Garland Amateur Radio Club
who was tasked with operating the CW (i.e., Morse Code) operation. I suppose
I'm a bit prejudiced, but it gives me a good deal of pleasure, in my official
capacity as President of REACT International, to say "Good job, well
done!"
 Many
DCR members supported this event. Sgt-at-Arms J.L. Riley (DCR 42, KB5KBV)
was our official greeter and maintained the appointment register for those
wanting to operate W1AW/5. John Riley (DCR 30) and Vicki Riley (DCR 148)
assisted J.L. DCR PR Officer Trudy Steele (DCR 186, KD5RAY) prepared a
new DCR brochure and assisted in welcoming visitors to W1AW/5. Martin
Schneider (DCR 185, KD5PPZ) coordinated computer hookups. Thomas Brock
(DCR 180, K5TVB), Pat Hykkonen (DCR 45, N5NPL), Richard Bartlett (DCR
175, KE6LOU), Jan Coates (DCR 23, N5TID), Robert Jones (DCR 38, WA5ODG),
VP-Technical Bill McCutcheon (DCR 55, W5KDD), and Rick Short (DCR 59,
W5DFR)  all
assisted in various capacities during the four days (from setup Thursday
to teardown Sunday). VP-Maintenance Bob Hitch (DCR 14, WB5WUB) did yeoman
service in supervising our three built-in generators plus the DARC's trailer
mounted generator. I spent most of my time in the trailer (where it was
cool) getting the visitor's log signed, coordinating operator log sheets,
and printing operator certificates. Rick Albury (DCR 61, K4TTT) had his
own booth in the convention center touting Amateur Television (ATV) and
worked with us in setting up our ATV camera and displaying our picture
inside to HamCom attendees.
 And,
of course, DCR member Jim Haynie (DCR 143, W5JBP) presided over many ARRL
activities in his capacity as President of the American Radio Relay League
In photo
on left, Secretary Ron Castleman (Homeland Defense) and Jim Haynie shake
hands during presentation following the signing of ARRL/Homeland Defense
agreement.
 In
addition to the operation of W1AW/5 by DCR, REACT was represented
at HamCom by the Texas State REACT Council booth in the commercial
exhibits area. Bexar County REACT's Lee Besing (N5NTG, RI Secretary
and President of the TSRC) and spouse Pat Knight (AD5BR, TSRC Secretary)
arranged for and set up the booth. REACTer Editor Stuart DeLuca (KC5CFQ,
Travis County REACT), TSRC Executive VP Allan Tyler (Brazoria
County REACT), Alf Fronefield (KC5VCF, Bell County REACT),
Terry Parker (KC5EFD, Travis County REACT), and Vicki Riley (Dallas
County REACT) assisted in staffing the booth. Lee reported that
many booth visitors showed interest in the REACT program, and
in addition to individual interest, one Fort Worth-area ham club has requested
that REACT members visit a club meeting and assist the club in
affiliating with REACT International.
 Dallas
County REACT, and Texas State REACT Council, and REACT
in general received a lot of exposure and great PR at HamCom. Many hams
were shown that REACT is a lot more than CB these days, and most
were impressed with REACT's capabilities. Many thanks to everyone
who played a part in this event.
|
I
am pleased to report that the operation of ARRL Station W1AW/5 by Dallas
County REACT (DCR) at HamCom 2003 (Arlington, Texas, 20-22 June)
was a big success. DCR and REACT in general are featured on a web
page of Gap Antennas. Click
Here to see Gap's mention of DCR and five photos. One of the photos
shows DCR's John Riley (Unit 30) and Chris from Gap looking at the strangest
HF antenna I've ever seen. It looks like a rabbit cage! Gap set up this
antenna and it was used by one of our two HF stations. There are two photos
of DCR's step van and one of DCR's 32-foot communications trailer. The final
photo is of the Dallas Amateur Radio Club's step van (they helped out by
providing their van (and generator) used for CW communications).
