Adventures in Radio by K3OQ

This weekend I finally got around to working with the new Signalink USB. After setting and checking the jumbers, I connected it to the radio and then the computer. On receive, it performed extremely well...however, so far I have not been able to get the PTT circuit to perform. I am a member of both the Tigertronics and IC706MKIIG groups on Yahoo and do have some good suggestions on things to check out.

I did notice that during the 6 meter sprint on Saturday evening, I had was transmitting VERY low audio via the microphone when the Signalink USB was connected and then it returned to normal when I disconnected it. But that troubleshooting will have to come after the trip to Dayton this year.

A quick reminder....I will be blogging and posting photos from the HamVention© this year. For those that can't make it, I hope you enjoy it. And for those that can make it I hope to see you there.

- Jeff -

This was recently posted on The League's website. This looks to be a neat little tool for us to play with. Over the weekend, I hope to see what it can do and what information it can provide me on the ionosphere.

The article is here.

- Jeff -

It has been just over a week before my unit arrived from Tigertronics. It has also been a fairly busy with work and other activities so I haven't had a chance to play with it yet. I am planning on doing that on Wednesday evening after work. It's a shame that one has to schedule things such as this...but such is life.

Now for my last thought on CW Skimmer. As I mentioned in a previous post about CW Skimmer I have nothing against advances in technology. One point that was brought to my attention on one of the mailing lists that I am on by a friend. Frank (W3LPL) that I had not really thought about. That point was this....what does CW skimmer do to improve the skill of CW contest operators? The more I thought about it...the more I have to agree...absolutely nothing. In fact given the point that our society is now, I believe it would encourage operators not to learn CW, or become proficient in it. We tend to take the path of least resistance...and CW Skimmer provides little if any. That being said, I do believe that I will change my opinion on it's use in contests. I think that skimmer should NOT be permitted. That being said, I challenge those who do read this blog to find someone that is interested and teach them to become proficient in CW. Sometimes all it takes is some enthusiasm.

- Jeff -

After watching the contesting reflector go on…and on….and on with many opinions about using CW Skimmer in a contest, I have decided that perhaps it is time that I expressed my feelings on the subject.

Ham Radio, by its very nature is a technical hobby and as such we do not need to stifle advances in technology. Because of this I am very intrigued by CW Skimmer and am looking forward to seeing how it works. By contrast we also seem to be somewhat traditionalists. We, or at least I, want to remember the past and the historical strides that ham radio has made over the years. In fact when I became a ham some 20 + years ago, the technology at the time (packet radio on HF and terminal interfaces for computers like the Commodore VIC20 and C-64) are the things that I call the ‘good ole days’. I would venture to guess that newer hams will consider current times as their ‘good ole days’.

Back to the topic…I am all for the advances in technology such as those found in CW skimmer…and I really have no objection in its use in contests or QSO parties. I firmly believe that it is up to the various sponsors of contests as to whether this puts the operator in a separate class. And it is us to the operator to be honorable and follow whatever rules are set forth in by the contest sponsor. Basically, it will come down to the intent of the individual operator and how he uses technology during contests. There will always be those that will find a way to willingly cheat…and they will always be around. But, what value can one put on a trophy…or certificate that was achieved by cheating. Perhaps there is, but I fail to see it.

I urge all software, and hardware developers to continue to make improvements in ham radio and I urge operators to do the right thing with those advances and not to be taken aback when others don’t feel as you do about advances in the ‘radio art.’ Finally I urge contest sponsors to make sound decisions and changes in rules to accommodate these advances.

- Jeff -

Last night I tested successfully for the next step in my martial arts journey. It did indeed turn out to be a rather long evening, but well worth the effort. I can now wear a purple belt (rokyu, or 6th kyu) in Uechi-ryu. Many Thanks to my Sensei, Rik Lostitto, and to all the other students who helped me along at my dojo.

- Jeff -

Folks,

I am preparing my gear for the trip to Dayton. I plan on providing blogs and photos for FDIM this year along with other activities at Dayton. Dave (WA3OFF) and I will arrive Wednesday afternoon/evening and hopefully I will have the first set of pics and content up by Wednesday night.

I am really looking forward to the trip and visiting with friends from around the globe.

16 days and counting.

- Jeff -

It appears that yesterday an Indian PSLV-C9 rocket lifted off and took with it some 10 or so Amateur Radio satellites for us to play with.

If you are interested in reading more about this check out The League's website.

Another amateur satellite resource can be found at AMSAT's website.

- Jeff -

Our ham radio friends in Japan have recently been granted more privileges in the 75/80 meter band. This could make the DX contests this fall more interesting.

Read more about it on The League's web site.

- Jeff -

17 Days to go until Four Days In May (FDIM). Since I missed last year due to a new job and since Atlanticon never made it to fruition this year I am especially looking forward to the trip to Dayton and visiting with old acquaintances and hopefully meeting with some new ones.

For those new to the HamVention, take a look at an earlier entry on Dayton Preparations.

And, it looks like The League has some activities scheduled too.

Again, hope to see you there.

- Jeff -

It appears that some of the shenanigans that have been going on around the implementation of BPL have been found.

More can be read on The League's Web Site.

- Jeff -

Spent about 45 minutes in the 432 Spring Sprint this evening. Running 5 watts to a pair of stacked loops in the attic I was pleased with the following results.

8 Qs to 5 grids for a score of 40 points.

Best DX for me once again was K4QI in FM06 from FM19. His ears never cease to amaze me. And that distance with 5 watts CW to attic antennas ain't to shabby.

- Jeff -

This was just reported on the Buddipole Yahoo Group by Jack Stone of www.antennex.com.

It is with a heavy heart and infinite sadness I report the passing of
LB Cebik, a friend to us all.

I had called the local Sheriff in Knoxville, TN to go check on him
since I hadn't heard from him in over 5 days (either email or phone),
which is highly unusual.

The Sheriff called back to tell me this sad, devastating news. He was
like family to me and was loved and respected by so many. I remain in
shock as I tell you this.

RIP OM

- Jeff -

While browsing The League's website this morning, I came across an article about a large discone antenna at an old Titan Missile site. And, they allow hams to bring a rig and hook up and play. Read more about it here.

- Jeff -

Back in January on the GQRP club mailing list there was mention of a fairly new book by John Naish. The title of the book was “Enough”. Although I haven’t read the book yet, I am looking forward to Rev. George Dobbs, G3RJV, to bringing me a copy from the U. K. on his trip to FDIM. While arranging for this book to be brought over, George emailed me a link to the London Times with and excerpt from the book. The link is here.

I feel that this book is in line with the QRP community in that we use, or at least try to use, what we have instead of wanting more. Don’t get me wrong, if I read the excerpt right the book will be much deeper than just this. It delves into how we have become programmed to “Want More, NOW”…and how we seem to be chasing the next best thing and not achieving happiness in life as a result of it. The good news is that this programming can be undone and with time we will all live simpler lives…and be happier.

- Jeff -

About a week or so ago I was browsing L. B. Cebik's website. Having taken a look at the site, I have the hankering to to build one and experiment with it. Having said that, I took a quick trip to Lowe's and Home Depot to price the parts needed. It looks like I will be able to put one together for under $20 ... and have it together in time for the VHF contest in June. I am looking at using either 3/8" or 1/2" copper tubing and before soldering the right angle elbows, making any adjustments for tuning it. If all goes well, and I have enough materials left, I might do one for 70cms as well.

- Jeff -