Here are a few interesting QSL Cards I received
Current Propagation Information
Solar Flux and Sunspots
QSO Map
Friday, January 22, 2010
QSL Cards
I'm currently working on a project to put some of my better QSL contacts onto my new blog page and web page that is on the way. Right now I will have to scan these pictures and cards onto my computer then distribute them. So wish me luck!! Thanks and 73s.
Amateur Courtesy
I'm going to get into a topic that will probably aggravate a few people but its of amateur radio courtesy. I've never quite understood the need for some hams to start to talk over other stations trying to have a QSO or work DX. Especially when in many cases there are plenty of openings on each band unless its contest time or an emergency.
Good amateur practice and FCC rules state that there should be 3 khz spacing between every conversation and contact on the amateur bands. Yet somehow, some amateurs think that they should move 1.5 khz away from another QSO and start firing up the radio and either tuning up or trying to hold a contact or group.
My personal opinion is that you must listen prior to starting your conversation or at least ask if anyone is using the frequency. If there is no contact for a couple of minutes prior to your attempts, then by all means feel free to throw your call and comments out there.
Recently on 20 meters, I was in the middle of a QSO with a station in South Carolina and a call from the 5 call area here in the USA was involved in being very close to the conversation I was having as his station was splattering all over the established contact I was having. When I moved over to his frequency to ask what was going on, all I heard was no response even though signal wise he was easily being received at my QTH. After about 5 minutes of asking and being polite, he decided to finally act like he was hearing my comments. Strange that basic common sense and decency can't be practiced by all amateurs. It's a great hobby but there are some who seem to be bothered with following basic rules.
Good amateur practice and FCC rules state that there should be 3 khz spacing between every conversation and contact on the amateur bands. Yet somehow, some amateurs think that they should move 1.5 khz away from another QSO and start firing up the radio and either tuning up or trying to hold a contact or group.
My personal opinion is that you must listen prior to starting your conversation or at least ask if anyone is using the frequency. If there is no contact for a couple of minutes prior to your attempts, then by all means feel free to throw your call and comments out there.
Recently on 20 meters, I was in the middle of a QSO with a station in South Carolina and a call from the 5 call area here in the USA was involved in being very close to the conversation I was having as his station was splattering all over the established contact I was having. When I moved over to his frequency to ask what was going on, all I heard was no response even though signal wise he was easily being received at my QTH. After about 5 minutes of asking and being polite, he decided to finally act like he was hearing my comments. Strange that basic common sense and decency can't be practiced by all amateurs. It's a great hobby but there are some who seem to be bothered with following basic rules.
Operating Conditions
Here at the new QTH, the operating conditions are as such. Using a IC-718 for most of my radio work although sometimes using a vintage Tempo One transceiver. The IC 718 does a great job as a receiver. Also have a FT-450 from Yaesu at the new QTH. Not as much flexibility as one would like but still good performance from 75-10 meters minus the WARC band. Looking to find a good FT-101EE or a TS-520S to use as a backup rig. Currently don't have a mobile setup running with the automobile I currently have but I can see having one once I purchase a truck somewhere down the road.
Antennas at the QTH now are using Hustler whips which give quality performance especially for DX work on 75 through 10 or even the local ragchew. Have been experimenting with various antennas that can be used inside without disturbing the neighbors or anyone else. Power usage is about 50 watts so not even running full power on the transceiver. I find that excessive power is only to be used when you're trying to make that contact that you can't make with minimal power.
Antennas at the QTH now are using Hustler whips which give quality performance especially for DX work on 75 through 10 or even the local ragchew. Have been experimenting with various antennas that can be used inside without disturbing the neighbors or anyone else. Power usage is about 50 watts so not even running full power on the transceiver. I find that excessive power is only to be used when you're trying to make that contact that you can't make with minimal power.
Monday, January 18, 2010
What Makes Amateur Radio Great
My interest in amateur radio spans a period of about 19 years of which I received a license 10 years ago and was a listener and observer prior to that time frame. In my opinion what makes amateur radio a great hobby is the people and wide variety of people you can talk to on the various bands. Not only that, but its a failsafe way of generally communicating within a few hundred miles or even a few thousand. It is not dependent on the technology of the cellular phone towers or even a mains electrical grid. Many amateurs have the ability to set up a station just using a transceiver, antenna, and either a generator or battery power. Therefore we could be working each other from say the Eastern USA and talk to someone 2000 miles away.
The people are a great component of the hobby, you might be talking to a firefighter, computer tech, truck driver, teacher, or any wide variety of people in many countries. I can currently count over 75 countries as contacts and thousands of people that I've had contacts with.
While my main avocation with amateur radio is DX work with long distance stations, I don't mind the occasional ragchew conversation with someone just a couple of states away. However, I do love the challenge of working DX to faraway lands in Asia, Africa, or South America. Some of my best and hardest won contacts came from such locations. Some of these contacts include Tanzania on 15 meters, New Zealand on 40 meters, and Siberia on 20 meters. I could also count many countries on all bands including 40 meters, 20 meters, 17 meters, and 15 meters. Such as Australia, Japan, Russia, Galapagos Islands, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Reunion Island, Mali, etc. Someday I'll put up a world map somehow to show my contacts if I get time and expertise.
Amateur radio can be used from anything such as communicating with faraway lands or friends in the next town or even further in states hours away. It's a great way to talk to people of other cultures and make many friends. I certainly encourage both young and old to get involved in the hobby and be able to participate and learn. Learning about electronics, repair of electronics, antenna systems, operating protocol, and many other elements is a great thing. I'm currently studying for my Extra Class ticket and trying to pass the exam sometime in the spring of 2010. Definitely looking forward to the increased band privileges and operating capacity.
Being able to communicate with friends and acquaintances is a wonderful thing. Although, I can do it with a cell phone, I find it much more magical to be able to do it with technology that doesn't require the phone company or electric company. Although I do use indoor electric for much of my operations, I can also run outside and fire up a generator or battery pack and make contacts. The best part is to communicate and have fun while keeping in the spirit of amateur radio. For this blog post, I have to say 73s and we'll catch you down the log. 73s de W9SUN Audio Streamed by the BroadWave Streaming Audio Serverby NCH Software.
The people are a great component of the hobby, you might be talking to a firefighter, computer tech, truck driver, teacher, or any wide variety of people in many countries. I can currently count over 75 countries as contacts and thousands of people that I've had contacts with.
While my main avocation with amateur radio is DX work with long distance stations, I don't mind the occasional ragchew conversation with someone just a couple of states away. However, I do love the challenge of working DX to faraway lands in Asia, Africa, or South America. Some of my best and hardest won contacts came from such locations. Some of these contacts include Tanzania on 15 meters, New Zealand on 40 meters, and Siberia on 20 meters. I could also count many countries on all bands including 40 meters, 20 meters, 17 meters, and 15 meters. Such as Australia, Japan, Russia, Galapagos Islands, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Reunion Island, Mali, etc. Someday I'll put up a world map somehow to show my contacts if I get time and expertise.
Amateur radio can be used from anything such as communicating with faraway lands or friends in the next town or even further in states hours away. It's a great way to talk to people of other cultures and make many friends. I certainly encourage both young and old to get involved in the hobby and be able to participate and learn. Learning about electronics, repair of electronics, antenna systems, operating protocol, and many other elements is a great thing. I'm currently studying for my Extra Class ticket and trying to pass the exam sometime in the spring of 2010. Definitely looking forward to the increased band privileges and operating capacity.
Being able to communicate with friends and acquaintances is a wonderful thing. Although, I can do it with a cell phone, I find it much more magical to be able to do it with technology that doesn't require the phone company or electric company. Although I do use indoor electric for much of my operations, I can also run outside and fire up a generator or battery pack and make contacts. The best part is to communicate and have fun while keeping in the spirit of amateur radio. For this blog post, I have to say 73s and we'll catch you down the log. 73s de W9SUN Audio Streamed by the BroadWave Streaming Audio Serverby NCH Software.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)