Category Archives: Uncategorized

I have been hemming and hawing about writing this one. My life was good, I was happy in my ignorance of coax, specifically LMR 400, and 240, and all the factors associated with it. Then Messi & Paoloni (M&P) Coax came into my life. (Cue Angels Singing) To say I am impressed is an understatement.Continue reading “Coax”

Well I rediscovered something I think I already knew. An antenna as close to resonant as possible say an SWR of 1.23 with a reflection of 15 dB is better without a tuner than with one. To test this hypothesis I connected my Cobweb antenna direct to the IC – 718. I am working FT8Continue reading “Tuner”

Last weekend I was able to attend a Technician class and cram session. I helped by proctoring the overflow room. Many thanks to SWIARC for letting me help. While observing the class I was reminded of reflection and how it can affect the amount of power being transmitted. I have a RigExpert AA-230 Zoom, pickedContinue reading “RE-Discovery”

Happy New Year to one and all. Goals for this year: To spend more time on the radio, balancing family time. To get more active with the club, and its activities as my work schedule allows. To get over my mike fright, making many more contacts. Think that’s enough. What are your goals? Christmas wasContinue reading “Happy New Year!!!!”

Well it has been a while, a quick synopsis, and possibly a rant. In September we went to my mother in-laws for 2 months. Just to check on her, making sure things were alright. She is her knowledgeable self. It was a good visit but I am glad to be home. How did we doContinue reading “Merry Christmas”

It has been a while so lets recount what’s happened. COVID: I had to go to California to get it, But get it we did. A week of fun filled breathing and general weakness. RADIO: Took the 817 but never got the chance to use it. Too many wires , a real possibility of injury.Continue reading “What a Long Journey”

After further reflection a few more lessons learned. I spent too much. I went bonkers and bought things I really did not need but now have. Like a 2000/4000 watt inverter. I mean really what am I going to do with it? At least right now it is excess baggage but lays the ground workContinue reading “More Lessons”

I made it to field day. This year the club was at Tripod Meadows for field day. It was a good spot, lots of room but a ways out of town. If gas prices go up any more I’ll have to stick closer to home for any future activations. Gas prices aside I had aContinue reading “Field Day 2022”

What are we getting ready for? FIELD DAY!!!!!! Man almost ready, trying to figure out everything I would need if no one else was going. The things that are occurring to me and the costs associated. Just thought I need a first aid kit, a way to setup my kite mast, get some practice settingContinue reading “Getting Ready”

MAY 7 – Passed the Extra test. I am now KF7SFU A/E . Might be time for a vanity call, maybe not I like this one. APR 17 – got the Cobweb up and tuned. It is so much better than the hamstick dipole. I heard Italy and Croatia, worked Serbia so far. Will probablyContinue reading “NEWS”