11/06/2007 | KD5MVU PACK 930 LaPorte, Texas JOTA 07 STORY: In regards to the JOTA 07 Pack 930 of LaPorte Texas participated for the first time that we know of. We planned an overnight camping trip to a local park, which fronted the Gulf of Mexico for the JOTA weekend. Two of our den leaders happened to be Ham Operators and provided the equipment and support. (Michael Mathis II KD5MVU and Harvey Smith KE5HJY) The rig set-up was a simple fifty (50) foot push up pole, a G5RV matched to an Icom 730 HF rig. Fifteen Scouts, one sibling, and a visitor were able to work both Local and DX stations during the weekend! We had forty-six confirmed contacts; with DX including Spain, Sweden, and Venezuela. Our contacts were made mostly on 20 meters, we did make a few on 80 meters, 17 meters, and several on 40 meters. The scouts had a blast. Besides the radios, we set up a Morse code keyer and encouraged the scouts to spell out their names and ages. The dits and dahs went on throughout the evening. In amidst the contacts we worked W9BSA and WB5BSA both on 20 meters. The scouts enjoyed asking questions from the weather to which types and how many pets each other had. This event has been received with great success. I have already been asked if we can do it again soon. -- KD5MVU