Thomas K4SWL: The QRPer | Sofas on the Air Ep. 15

In Episode 15 of Sofas on the Air, hosts Ara (N6ARA) and Mark (KD7DTS) fly in their very first Patreon-funded guest: QRP Amateur Radio Club International Hall of Famer, QRPer.com founder, and Ham Radio Workbench co-host Thomas Witherspoon (K4SWL). Accompanied by tasty beverages, the Sofa journeys through Thomas’s portable operating journey, his appreciation for the unique experiences of both Parks on the Air (POTA) and Summits on the Air (SOTA) activations, and insights from his recent radio trip to England. The hosts also answer Patreon supporter questions, conduct a giveaway powered by radioactivity, dive into their favorite non-radio YouTube channels, and reflect on operating strategies for shifting solar cycles, all while sharing updates on new field gear and manufacturing projects like the N6ARA TinyFilter. As always, the Sofa was captained by Mark KD7DTS and Ara N6ARA.PATREONWe strongly believe that in-person chats are more fun! Want to help us fly SOTA icons out for in-person interviews? Join our Patreon (and Discord) community!https://www.patreon.com/c/SofasOnTheAirSHOW NOTES Thomas’ Menagerie of Ham Topicshttps://swling.com/https://qrper.com/https://www.youtube.com/@ThomasK4SWLhttps://www.hamradioworkbench.com/https://www.patreon.com/qrpswlCHAPTERS0:00 How Ya Doing?22:42 New word: commensality36:19 Topic 1: The Ara & Thomas Origin Story1:14:02 Topic 2: Patreon Questions1:31:12 Topic 3: Thomas’ trip to England2:01:30 Topic 4: The NR7Y 'Sheng Giveaway2:21:05 Topic 5: Tangent! Favorite YouTube Channels2:41:25 Topic 6: The Next Solar Cycle3:01:18 Manufacturing the N6ARA TinyFilter - an update!3:12:40 Thanks to our Patreons & OutroTHANKS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSUmesh KK6TXI - outro musicDi KO6BTM - intro/outro graphics and cover art