Last summer I had the privilege of speaking to several local ham radio clubs about the joys of QRP. Besides meeting some wonderful hams and making some new friends, I was asked by some of the members if there was a way they could have someone build a QRP radio kit for them because they were unable (for whatever reason) to build it themselves. Time, ability, knowledge sometimes catches up with all of us eventually, I suppose, and sometimes all it takes is someone to help us along to get a running start in the homebrewing activity.

Well, in order to help these guys get into this QRP-thing we all do, I made a pitch to the QRP-L mail list and had a bunch of takers: guys were willing to build a kit (Sierra, NC40A, OHR, ZM-2, etc) in a number of ways. Some were willing to do it for free in their spare time, others just wanted to be paid a small fee, and others still were interested in even contributing the kit and having the requesting ham pick up the cost of mailing! Very generous indeed!

I collected the initial list of names and email addresses of those offering their services and I forwarded the list to the requesting hams. From this point forward the requesting ham selects which "deal" best suites his needs and he establishes contact directly with the guy offering the services. Sounds confusing, but the idea right now is to keep anonymity with the list of potential builders (per many of their requests).

So here's the deal ...

If you are interested in having someone build a kit for you, please contact me and I'll provide you with a list of possible construction artists who may be able to help you out. You'll be on your own then to contact them and negotiate whatever kind of deal suites you both best.

or ...

If you would like to get your name on a list for others to consider selecting your services, please contact me direct and I can get your details placed onto this anonymous list of "suppliers". Then you'll be among those considered as a possible builder the next time someone needs a kit done for them or their friends.

So either way, let us know what you think of this service. We'll be helping some our hams less fortunate than us get into QRP operation, and perhaps give them the excitement and encouragement to give it a try themselves next time.

72,

--George N2APB, n2apb@amsat.org