Eyeball QSO with VU3PNT: A Memorable Lunch at Nalinbhai’s QTH

Yesterday, my brother and I had the pleasure of meeting Nalinbhai Parekh, VU3PNT, for an eyeball QSO that was nothing short of delightful. After months of connecting over the airwaves, we finally arranged to meet in person at his QTH (home) for lunch. It was a fantastic experience that highlighted the camaraderie of the amateur radio community.

Warm Welcome

As soon as we arrived at Nalinbhai’s home, we were greeted with warm smiles and handshakes that made us feel right at home. The atmosphere was friendly and inviting, a reflection of Nalinbhai’s passion for connecting with fellow hams. His shack was filled with radios, equipment, and memorabilia that showcased his journey in the world of amateur radio.

Lunch and Lively Conversation

We sat down to a delicious meal, and the conversation flowed effortlessly. We discussed everything from Nalinbhai’s favorite operating modes to the latest advancements in ham radio technology. He shared some of his most memorable on-air experiences, including tales of chasing DX and participating in contests.

What struck us the most was his enthusiasm for mentoring newcomers to the hobby. He passionately talked about the importance of community and how sharing knowledge can help foster a love for amateur radio in the next generation.

Exploring the Shack

After lunch, Nalinbhai gave us a tour of his shack. It was impressive to see his setup in person! From vintage equipment to modern rigs, each piece had its own story. He demonstrated some of his favorite gear, and we both got to try our hand at operating a few of the radios. It was a thrilling experience to make a few quick contacts!

A Special Gift

One of the most memorable moments came at the end of our visit when Nalinbhai surprised us with a generous gift: a KD5RVX Microvert Antenna! This thoughtful gesture not only touched us but also motivated us to dive deeper into our ham radio activities. We can’t wait to set it up and start experimenting, pushing our boundaries in the hobby.

Building Connections

Our meeting was not just about radios; it was about building connections. We discovered common interests outside of ham radio, such as our love for technology and travel. It reminded us of the unique bonds formed in this hobby—bonds that go beyond just exchanging call signs.

Looking Forward

As we left Nalinbhai’s QTH, we felt a renewed sense of community within the amateur radio world. Our eyeball QSO was not just a meeting; it was a celebration of friendship, knowledge-sharing, and the joy of connecting with others. We look forward to more such meetings and hope to inspire others to reach out and meet their fellow hams.

If you haven’t had an eyeball QSO yet, we highly recommend it. It’s a wonderful way to deepen your connections in the amateur radio community and share the passion we all have for this incredible hobby.

DE

VU3EFL

Umesh Tarsariya