Archive for 2009/10


Computer Magazine Touts Ham Radio

Computerworld, a computer trade magazine, is currently running the article, “Want to bone up on wireless tech? Try ham radio,” on its website. It’s saying what I’ve been saying all along that getting a ham radio license is a good thing for computer professionals, especially those involved with networking.
Here’s what the article has to [...]

How Many Hams in Your Grid Square?

When I contact other stations on HF, I like to look them up on QRZ.Com. If they’ve added some info on themselves, it’s a good way to get to know the other ham better, and doing this has sparked some good conversations.
Today, I noticed that they’ve added some features to their map. Not only is [...]

HUMOR: Improper Grounding a Safety Hazard

On the HamRadioHelpGroup someone asked:
I’m in a second floor apartment right now and thus do not have access to an efficient grounding possibility….Does a 100 what radio represent a significant hazard if not grounded properly?
To which, Mark, K5LXP, replied:
Yes. If it fell on the ground improperly it would break. Grounds are for AC shock protection. [...]

Second Arecibo Observatory activation – KP4AO November 1st

This from Angel, WP3GW, via the ARRL PR mailing list:
After the huge success of the first activation, the Arecibo Observatory Radio Club – KP4AO will be on-the-air again this next Sunday November 1st, 2009 to commemorate 46 years of operations of still the single largest radio telescope antenna in the world. Also they will commemorate [...]

CQ CQ CQ…Internet?

For some reason, the ARRL website is featuring an article on CQ100 and QSONet, a simulation of ham radio over the Internet. On the fpqrp mailing list, the overwhelming response was overwhelmingly, “Ugh.”
Now, I happen to like EchoLink and IRLP, which I think are great extensions to amateur radio, but I really don’t get [...]

Yet More QSLs

Here are two more that I’ve recently received:

I’ve also recently worked am looking forward to the QSLs of :

W7FLY, the club station of the Boeing Amateur Radio Club, and
VA2AM, Rejean in Quebec.

A Great Idea for QSLing

On the HamRadioHelpGroup mailing list, someone asked, “How do I ask someone for a QSL card without sounding like I am begging for it.”
Mark, K5LXP, replied, “Send them one first. If you really want one back, send an SASE. If you really want one, include a few green stamps (dollars).
“What I do is send the [...]

Learn Digital Logic on the Web

One topic that a lot of people have some trouble with when taking the Extra Class exam is digital logic. I think one of the reasons for this is that while it is electronics, the logic element is different from the other types of technology we deal with in ham radio.
To help students learn [...]

The Fun Theory

A frequent contributor, Ralph, AA8RK, forwarded to me a link to the Fun Theory website. According to the website, “…something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behaviour for the better. Be it for yourself, for the environment, or for something entirely different, the only thing that matters is that [...]

AM/FM/2m?

The C. Crane Company has for many years sold radios that they claim have superior AM band performance. They used to advertise a lot on the Coast to Coast AM radio show, touting how the radio was capable of pulling in the show, even if your local station didn’t carry it. They probably still do, [...]