Club History

Harry Crawford, W6TJ

Harry Crawford, W6TJ

Our club station call was the call of a former member of RCARA, Harry H. Crawford, W6TJ. Crawford died on June 16, 1959, and the club acquired his call around 1960.

Shortly after graduating from Glendale High School in 1923, Harry went to work as a linotype operator for the Riverside Daily Press, the ancestor of the present Press-Enterprise. He continued to work for the Press, except for periods of military service, for the next 32 years, until shortly before his death.

W6TJ was a real old-timer, and had a considerable reputation as a DX man. He was originally licensed at age 14 in 1918 as “6TJ” (with no prefix) in Glendale, CA. (New and renewed U.S. calls were issued with prefixes for the first time in 1928.) ARRL originated the DX Century Club award in October, 1937. Early in 1939, W6TJ became the 114th station in the world to be issued the DXCC award. He was also the 11th station in the 6th call area to earn DXCC, at a time when the 6th district included Arizona, Nevada and Utah, in addition to California. Famed DXer Don Wallace, W6AM, had only 77 countries confirmed when W6TJ made DXCC.

The accompanying photo (courtesy of Dave Leaven, WI6J) shows the W6TJ shack around 1927. The transmitter, the wood-frame job on the right, appears to be using a 204-A tube, good for about half a kilowatt output on CW. (The power supply was probably under the operating bench.) The two-dial breadboard affair on the left is evidently the receiver. All home-built, of course.

Arlo Myers WA6UDR

(1/22/2008 – Updated with information provided by Gaye Funk, Harry Crawford’s Niece)

 

Harry Crawford on Guadalcanal Island during World War II
Harry Crawford’s, W6TJ, Shack

 

 

 

 

 

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Downtown Riverside circa 1955 – 1960

Field Day 2016

Some of the “Stars” from Field Day 2016

In spite of the intense heat wave, several brave souls ventured out to this year’s Field Day event at the
California Citrus State Historical Park. The location proved to be most satisfactory and the
accommodations served our purpose quite well.

There was a large covered shelter and plenty of picnic tables, tall trees and several flat areas. The
restrooms were clean and in close proximity to the set ups. The park rangers were very cooperative and
made every effort to make the event pleasant.

Several volunteers showed up on Friday to set up two stations, a GOTA station and a satellite station.
On Saturday, the Boy Scouts from Troop #2 opened the official Field Days with a flag ceremony and the
Pledge of Allegiance which added a colorful touch.

We had plenty of cold water, soda and gator aid to keep everyone well hydrated. The club provided
lunch on Friday for the volunteers and as usual, members and guests donated a wide variety of culinary
delights for Saturday’s Pot Luck.

There are so many to thank for their donations of time, equipment and assorted other necessities.
In no specific order, we are grateful to the following:

Larry WA6PMY, Field Day Chair and his able committee

Thomas Junker who was a major player in handling the heavy lifting and being an excellent “gopher” as
needed.

Bob KG6NIB and Chris KQ6UP who set up the stations, antennas and satellite station with the able
assistance of Jim AG6JN, Ed KF6BNQ, Brad N6GTC as well as several others

The Boy Scouts from Troop #2 and their able leader Mike N6TKR

The EmComm Group: Rick KK6CTT, Ray N6KZM, Chaplin Dave and several others who set up and
maintained the GOTA station and provided overnight security

Jeff KW6MOT brought his unique bicycle mobile and helped with overnight security and loaned us the
portable PA system. He also served as Safety Officer which added points

West Coast Battery donated 3 12 volt batteries, facilitated by Tom WW7T who made the initial contact
and helped secure the batteries

Big Five Sporting Goods donated several door prizes and we thank Rick KK6CTT for his part in obtaining
the items.

Riverside City Fire Department, Captain Tim supplied and delivered coolers and ice throughout the event

Donna KK6UDF donated 5 cases of water and helped with the pot luck set up

Juan KK6LJK brought a cooler full of ice and gator aid

Mike KA6VPW loaned us 2 of his personal generators, fuel cans and a heavy duty extension cord

Jim AG6EA supplied the loan of his personal generator, fuel and a battery charger

Mathew Thurman did an excellent job of photographing the event all three days and was my right hand assistant in loading, moving equipment and other duties as needed

Kay KCOSMH from Country Village who assisted with the pot luck set up and much needed support
Bob Randleman N6CEU who spent a lot of time making contacts

Everyone else who attended and contributed to the success of this event. I apologize if I have left
anyone off the list … it certainly was not intentional

The Yaesu FT-60R HT raffle prize was won by Bob KG6NIB. Congratulations Bob and thank you to all
who supported this endeavor.

In conclusion, I ask that you send me your thoughts, suggestions and observations so that we can make
improvements where necessary for future events. Constructive criticism is welcome.

 

Picture highlights from Field Day 2016;

  • Field Day 2016 at the California Citrus State Historic Park
  • Welcome to Field Day 2016
  • Scouts presenting the Flag
  • Scouts lead the Pledge of Allegiance
  • A 2 Meter Magnetic Mount Antenna
  • More Antennas
  • Bicycle Mobile
  • Battery Power setup
  • Raffle prizes
  • Bob (KG6NIB) and Larry (WA6PMY). Winning the raffle is good thing!
  • Cache Talk In Radio
  • Campers
  • Cert Booth
  • Scouts at the GOTA station
  • Giving a lesson on Ham Radio
  • Drone demonstration
  • Food!
  • More Food!
  • Launching an Antenna
  • Logging Software
  • Morse Code Paddles
  • Odyssey Battery Booth
  • Rick (KK6CTT) starting the grill
  • Old Glory
  • Satellite tracking

Here is the original Field Day 2016 PDF Page