Many of you know that I have been going for my Amateur Extra license for the last couple of weeks. Well… this morning, I passed my test! The circumstances really couldn’t have been any more appropriate. Continue reading Amateur Extra License Upgrade!
Announcing the Activation of a new Transceiver feature!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
It is not well known but for many years the major manufacturers of HF transceivers, have quietly fitted them with a special circuit that would cause your transceiver to internally combust should you use it to exhibit poor operating practices. Like maintaining a nuclear deterrent, they have always lived in hope that they would never be forced to activate this circuit. However manufacturers have been concerned for some time with the poor behavior of many operators when using their equipment and what they have heard during the current Tromelin Island DXpedition has forced them to act. Therefore on 0000z Saturday 15 November 2014 a coded message will be sent to all transceivers they have sold activating this circuit. Continue reading Announcing the Activation of a new Transceiver feature!
Selective Courtesy
The other night, I was scrolling around 40m when I came across a familiar YL voice that had quite the pile up going! She was handling it like a pro, and why not? It was Kay Craigie, N3KN, the ARRL President! Continue reading Selective Courtesy
What time is it?
So… what time is it? Well, I might know now cause of my watch, computer, atomic clock on the wall or just by turning on the TV, but what if I needed to know the time if I were away from all of these luxuries? And even if I did have a watch on my wrist, just how accurate is it? Continue reading What time is it?
Meeting People at the Hamfest!
Hope everyone had a great time in Marietta at the Kennehoochee / Atlanta Hamfest! I know I had a blast at the antenna launcher contest and just browsing around at the different tables. Continue reading Meeting People at the Hamfest!
Does anyone have any manners these days?
I have spent quite a few hours on HF lately now that I have an awesome antenna in the air. Mostly listening and getting familiar with the different bands and such but I have been making several attempts to break through some pileups and make some contacts. In my brief experience, I either break through in the first or second call or it takes a while to finally get through. Not a whole not of middle ground is to be found. What makes things worse is the conduct of other operators trying to get through the piles ups as well. Continue reading Does anyone have any manners these days?
Antenna Support Failure (Updated)
So last night, I am on 20 meters and made 3 DX contacts including European Russia, Norway and Israel. I’m getting through the pileups well and I’m still very happy with the antenna in the air.
As I am getting ready for work this morning, the YL advises me that a limb came down in the back yard. This isn’t too abnormal just due to the massive trees that we have on our property. They tend to self prune their selves. We did have some rain come through yesterday but it was far from any bad storms or high winds. So I told her that I’d look at it when I got home from work. She said, “No, it’s a BIG limb and I think it is on your antenna!” This is reason to take a look! This is what I saw. Continue reading Antenna Support Failure (Updated)
Ham Radio on Fox News
This is a story that originated in the Atlanta area. In fact, one of the radio operators interviewed, Barry Thomas Sr, K4BWT, is a friend that I talk to on a regular basis over the local repeaters! It’s nice to see the hobby with national attention.
Here’s the link to the story and video: Ham radio: Old technology gets new respect
RONALD L WILLIAMSON, JR “Tad”, WF4W, SK
It was a difficult email to read last night when I learned that Tad, WF4W, passed away. He was in the hospital experiencing heart related issues and was expecting possible heart surgery any day. His family was keeping the local clubs up to date on his progress and had the difficult task of sharing the news of his unfortunate passing. Continue reading RONALD L WILLIAMSON, JR “Tad”, WF4W, SK
RF Identity Crisis
My trade, I am a paramedic. In this hobby, I am an amateur radio operator. The use of RF is found in both activities along with different sets of radio etiquette. I was doing well at first but I have had a few slip-ups on the air. Here is a story about 2 of them. Continue reading RF Identity Crisis