TRIVIA, FRIENDSHIP AND MORE TRIVIA!

"The Sandia Net is for the enjoyment and education of its members (not to mention we have a really good time!)."

The Net begins at 0300Z (8 p.m. PDT, 7 p.m. PST) on 7294 primary and 3930 +,- secondary

The net is open to all General class and above amateur stations.

The Sandia Net was born 2 April, 1989 when Sibyl, (KA6RXX) and Don (XE2IOU/KA6HFG) where in QSO on 7294khz, at approximately 0400GMT.

Sibyl said something to the effect, "We have been using 7294 to keep in touch for so long, and there are a lot of Sandbaggers out there.. Why don't we start a net?"

Don asked, "What would you call it?"  Sibyl says "Don't know, does anyone out there have a good name for the net?  If any one has a good name for a net, I will send you a new ARRL directory."

Meanwhile, Curtis, (N5HDQ) Clint, (K5CGW) Mark, (N6UNX) and others (records were skimpy) were sandbagging.  Curtis, remembering Don saying he had a watermelon in the fridge, and knowing "Sandia" is Spanish for watermelon, and Don being in Mexico,  broke and offered "Sandia" as a name for the net.  At that time, he had never been on 2 meters, so not knowing about repeater directories, nor thinking about net directories, was reading "directory" as a call book, and smacking his lips over a new call book. (not having one)  When asked by Sibyl if he had a new directory, responded "No, I've never had a call book." and was subsequently graciously awarded a new call book for naming the net, for which he was ever thankful.  Then Mark broke, next Clint broke.  "Want to join the net?"  Bang - The "Sandia Net" was born.

For about three weeks, the net consisted of several stations together, at 0300Z, and it seemed to have "taken".  Sibyl one night suggested trivia questions, and from that time on the net really grew.

At this time, the net has handled about 60 H/W following the October '89 Bay Area earthquake, coordinated more than one Search and Rescue with the USCG, provides a means for numerous stations to have a contact frequency for informal and P/P traffic, has generated several "eyeball" QSO's between various members, and created many friendships.  The trivia session has (all in fun) resulted in an occasional "tar and feathering", and proven to be both educational and entertaining.

Thank you, Don and Sibyl

Aloha, Don

Editor's note:
A sad number of the good friends mentioned above are now silent keys.  To their credit, the net has continued to operate 7 days weekly, and has attracted many new members over the years.  It remains my favorite "place to be" on HF. - N7CXI

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2004 Annual
Sandia Net Picnic
When: September18th
Where: Wilton, CA
@ Brent (RIH's) QTH
Contact Brent or Jim (MM) for more info
or CLICK HERE

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See Mike's proposed "Kewpie Certificate"

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Sandia Net Opening
(for Net Controls)

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N6OKJ's Legal Notice

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Feed you need! Check out the new RECIPES page!

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Any inquiries or comments concerning this site can be emailed to:

Jim - N7CXI
or
Lori - KF6VFI