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Amplifier!

Published on: April 3, 2013 Author: Gary, WBØRUR

I’m picking up an amplifier at a hamfest this weekend.  Looking forward to having the ability to go QRO, if needed.  My  high power tuner is in place and working great.  Tried to work South Korea last night…but too many people on the coasts apparently had bigger signals.  BAH!

Categories: Chasing DX, EquipmentBookmark

Improvements to the Shack

Published on: March 25, 2013 Author: Gary, WBØRUR

I’m currently in the process of making several improvements to the shack.  In the middle of last week I received an LDG AT-1000 Pro II automatic antenna tuner in the mail.  Unfortunately, due to a business trip I’ve not been able to use it.  I hooked it up and made sure it worked….but other than that,… More »

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Triple Play Award, Space Station and HF Amplifiers

Published on: January 18, 2013 Author: Gary, WBØRUR

Today, I applied for the Triple Play Award.  I worked Wyoming on JT65 mode for my final needed state…and he confirmed the following day.  Several of my QSO confirmations were tied up in the recent LoTW snarl.  When they came “out”…it was like winning at the slots. There used to be a listing (with serial… More »

Categories: Awards, Equipment, OperatingBookmark

iPhone and Ham Radio

Published on: December 31, 2012 Author: Gary, WBØRUR

Over the holidays, I upgraded from the iPhone 3GS to the iPhone 4S.  It’s got quite a bit more horsepower, capability and…Siri.  In case you don’t know, Siri is a “personal assistant” that will carry out commands via your voice.  For example, if I want to send a text message to my son, I can… More »

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Joplin, Missouri Hamfest A Big Success!

Published on: August 25, 2012 Author: Gary, WBØRUR

The Joplin, Missouri Hamfest continues to be a better, bigger hamfest each year.  It must certainly be one of the largest in the region of southwest Missouri, northeast Oklahoma, southeast Kansas and northwest Arkansas.  Held at one of the city’s convention center, it always attracts a good crowd.  Today’s group seemed larger to me and… More »

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Morse Code Spotted On Mars!

Published on: August 6, 2012 Author: Gary, WBØRUR

My attention getting headline may have snared a few ham radio operators,  shortwave enthusiasts and others who are curious!  As you likely know, after a 36 week trip  the Mars Curiousity rover has successfully landed on Mars.    Here’s an interesting fact:  the tread pattern on the wheels on the Curiousity Rover imprint MORSE CODE into the Martian… More »

Categories: Equipment, General DiscussionBookmark

Drake TR-4C

Published on: July 12, 2012 Author: Gary, WBØRUR

After rearranging the shack a few weeks ago, I decided I would set up a “vintage” operating position.  I pulled the Drake TR-4C off the storage shelf and set it up.  Cleaned it and in no time it was powered up and glowing (tubes!).  After connecting it to my antenna system with some hastily made patch cables, it seems… More »

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New Gear and JT-65 Update

Published on: July 9, 2012 Author: Gary, WBØRUR

Surprise from a friend at church on Sunday. Jay N5RHJ gave me a couple of old Kenwood VHF radios that he found in his garage.  Jay has been inactive on the ham bands for a while…and said when he gets back on he’ll be buying new stuff.  So he gave me a TM-631a dual bander… More »

Categories: Digital Modes, EquipmentBookmark

New Equipment!

Published on: June 20, 2012 Author: Gary, WBØRUR

One of the many reasons I enjoy ham radio is because I love messing around with radio gear.  I like humming boxes with buttons, switches, knobs, meters and backlit displays.   One of these days, there will be a black box ham radio that is operated by “thought-waves”…and I’ll still be using my old “dip the plate, peak the grid”… More »

Categories: Equipment, Field Day 2012, OperatingBookmark