ARRLWeb: ARRL On-Line Auction Preview Up and Running; Bidding Starts Wednesday

This radio was featured in the March 2007 issue of QST. You can read the Product Review here.

Long Road Out of Eden is the Eagles’ first album of all new material since 1979. The winner of this item will receive the CD set autographed by all the members of the Eagles. Donated by Joe Walsh, WB6ACU.

This 45 RPM record is autographed by the real Peggy Sue made famous in the song by Buddy Holly. Donated by Peggy Sue Gerron, K5PSG.

How lucky do you feel? While only the ARRL Lab knows what’s in each of the infamous “Junque Boxes,” you will definitely be the lucky one if you are one of the winning bidders!

This 75 W transmitter has been lovingly restored by John Dilks, K2TQN, author of the popular QST column, “Old Radio.”

Are you a ham who is interested in Emergency Communications? Is your Go-Kit ready? Do you even have a Go-Kit? If not, this is a great way to start one. Each kit contains an ICOM IC-V82 Sport handheld transceiver, package of six AA batteries, a black tote bag to hold all your gear, a reflective vest, an ARRL Repeater Directory and an ARES Field Resources Manual.

The Second Annual ARRL On-Line Auction went "almost live" this week with more than 160 items to gawk at, gaze on and drool over. Bidding for these items, with more to be added as the auction progresses, will start Wednesday, October 24, with the final gavel sounding Friday, November 2. No bids can be placed during the preview week.

ARRL Business Services Manager Deb Jahnke, K1DAJ, encourages everyone to come and peruse the wide variety of offerings: "Browse through the Web site frequently, as items will be added on a daily basis. We also encourage you to look through the 'Help' and 'About Us' sections. You'll find useful information about bidding, FAQs and a host of other facts. To ensure an enjoyable experience, please be sure to read all policies under the 'About Us' section," she said.

"Due to many requests last year, all product review items in the On-Line Auction include a link to a PDF file of the actual Product Review, as well as a reference to the QST issue that the review appeared in," Jahnke said.

There are many one-of-a-kind items in the auction, too. Joe Walsh, WB6ACU, guitarist for the rock band the Eagles, has donated an autographed copy of the new Eagles album, Long Road Out of Eden; if you are the winner, each member of the band will autograph the album cover. This is the Eagles' first album of all new material since 1979. Another rock-and-roll legend is part of this year's Auction: Peggy Sue Gerron, K5PSG, the "Peggy Sue" from the famous Buddy Holly song. This item, a framed 45 RPM record of "Peggy Sue," signed by the real Peggy Sue, can be yours if you are the winning bidder.

One of the most popular items from last year's ARRL On-Line Auction is making another appearance this year -- the famous ARRL Lab Junque Boxes. These boxes have a starting bid of $50 and have almost anything you could ever possibly imagine in them. No one, except the ARRL Lab staff, knows what exactly is inside each box, but it is guaranteed to be full of things that the Lab staff consider valuable (but keep in mind that they collect just about anything).

John Dilks, K2TQN, author of QST's "Old Radio" column, donated a Tuned-Grid Tuned-Plate 75 W Transmitter. This is truly a collector's piece with its restored new knobs, new 52 tube, tube socket and new trim moldings -- even the transmitter has been restored. You can download the November 2007 "Old Radio" column to read about this great piece of vintage equipment.

If you are interested in Emergency Communications, then the ARRL On-Line Auction has a great deal for you: Emergency Starter Go Kits. These great kits include an abundance of everything today's amateur needs when heading out to assist served agencies. Each kit contains an ICOM IC-V82 Sport handheld transceiver, package of six AA batteries, a black tote bag to hold all your gear, a reflective vest, an ARRL Repeater Directory and an ARES Field Resources Manual. Opening bids for these kits is $105.

If you would like to do a little DXing or just get away from it all, then you will definitely want to check out the vacation spot on St Croix, donated by Vicky Thorland Oster and George Oster, NP2N (air and ground transportation not included). This premier Amateur Radio station is equipped with multiple transmitters/receivers, amplifiers, antennas and on-site electrical generation capability and is located about 100 meters above sea level with wonderful antenna views to EU, USA and Asia. There are three operating stations with a triband beam for 10, 15 and 20 meters, and a dipole on 40, 80 and 160 meters. Internet access is available, so feel free to bring your laptop. The "Pro Station" is a station for the serious operator and contesters; it features an ICOM 757 and Ameritron AL1280. The "DX Station" is a fun station for the operator who wants ease of operation, combined with the fun of operating as DX and features a Kenwood TS-440. The "Fun Station" features an Alinco DX70 and is the place to be if you just want to have fun, try out QRP from a DX location or spend as many hours as you wish rag chewing around the world.

Do you imaging lounging around by the pool underneath swaying palm trees sipping an umbrella drink? Or do you long for the thrill of DX? Why not have the best of both worlds and bid on this fabulous St Croix tropical get-away?

Accommodations include a one-bedroom cottage that is decorated with island flair, and a huge dining/family room adds to the spaciousness. There are vaulted ceilings throughout the cottage, which is cooled by ceiling fans. The family room is also equipped with a sofa sleeper for two. You'll be able to enjoy spectacular sunset views from your private deck and in the evenings watch the lights from the valley below. Other features include a full kitchen, supply of dishes, pots and pans, bed linens and towels, a washer/dryer and cable television. You'll also find "clean-up" basics and the on-site manager will make sure that you are stocked with "first breakfast" staples -- milk, juice, cereal and bread to tide you over until you go shopping. Other supplies for your use include snorkeling equipment, coolers and two beach chairs for your beach adventures. You'll also have use of the estate's magnificent 40 foot pool and lounge area. Landscaped with palm trees and green grass, it's an ideal setting to relax in. All this for an opening bid of $1000.

Members and non-members may place bids, but each bidder must register with the site. To maximize security, if you are an ARRL member who is registered at the ARRL Web site, you will still need to create a new registration and new Username and Password to log into the ARRL On-Line Auction site. If you participated in last year's auction, and still have your Auction User Name and Password, you are free to re-use them if you choose.