We are about 8 weeks away from the first QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, and have started in earnest to sell exhibitor booths to pay for this event. As I write this, FlexRadio and RT Systems have signed to be the first Gold Sponsors after Icom's Platinum position. These companies will lead the way for the rest of the exhibitors so that we can create an amazing and memorable event for the ham radio community. Brad, Emanuela, and I  are making calls and demonstrations of the unique platform that we are using to make this event. Its fun and on the edge.

I told a well known ham and business person in the ham radio community as I was making a demonstration for his company, that my first vision of a pioneer is the American settler with his face down in the dust of the Great Plains with a few arrows in his back. Its hard to be first and you hope that the arrows are not deep enough to hurt.

When I need a ham radio logo or QSL Card, my first choice is always Jeff Murray, K1NSS. Jeff was kind enough to do a spectacular job on the "Expo" logo with our name inside of a magnetic loop antenna.  Its a beautiful representation (above) of what I wanted to express and besides it will look good on coffee cups and hats.  

I had a great conversation with Tim Carter, W3ATB, who is my guest this week.  Tim is a relatively new ham, but an old hand in being a media personality.  Tim was the first full time remodeling guy with a radio talk show, years ago.  Since then he has created a great media business around his building interests.  When he became a ham, his first act was to find a mentor to get him to success fast.  That is why I called this message from Zero to 60 in four seconds.  Tim says in the show that a ham radio mentor is the fastest way to success and enjoyment of the hobby.  I can't agree more.  

Thanks for listening. Stay safe and be careful out there.

73, Eric 4Z1UG

Beginning last week, the restrictions on our movement in Israel began to loosen up with the opening of malls, outdoor markets, and health clubs.  My wife's schools are saying that a limited number of kids can return to school, no more than 17 per class, and they don't have to wear masks inside the classroom with the teacher, only outside.  Huh? The XYL is not required to return until she is ready and comfortable with the situation.

Being older and perhaps in a higher risk group for the Covid-19 virus, our strategy is to add two weeks to whatever is going on outside.  If nobody is getting sick at school after two weeks, then we can exit our isolation and get on with our lives until the next crisis.  If on the other hand the opening is premature, then we hold for a while. Being unable to see the grandchildren has been the most difficult part of this isolation. Hopefully in a few weeks, that separation will also end.

In the meantime, me and my team are working on the QSO Today Virtual Ham Radio Expo. The dates are set for August 8 and 9th. We are using a virtual reality platform that will give us a full convention experience with exhibit hall, speaker auditoriums, and hospitality rooms. George, KJ6VU, from the Ham Radio Workbench podcast is helping me with the list of speakers, now close to 40 in 5 subject tracks. I’m excited.

I need a small favor. Please complete my survey by clicking on the button on the Expo page of the QSO Today website. This survey will give you a FREE ticket to both days of the event in August. Your registration will also show potential exhibitors that this project has your support. If you have already filled out this survey, then you have your free ticket.  I am truly grateful for this support. In a few weeks I will contact you with your registration.

I wish you a happy and healthy week and that you enjoy this episode 301 with Rick Dubbs, WW9JD. Rick learned to “social distance” while spending four years at sea in a US Navy nuclear submarine. He shares this and the rest of the story in this QSO Today.

73, Eric 4Z1UG