Do You Actually Own A Radio?

[K2WH]

Just a comment and observation about the QRZ members of this part of QRZ.

While I am here from time to time, it is my growing impression that many of you have decided voluntarily to make QRZ your total ham radio experience.

My question, do any of you own a radio, and if so, do you ever get on the air? I know I do, every day on many different bands. This site, is a sometimes diversion for me, but I notice there are individuals that seem to be here 24 hours a day. I see the same call letters on many different postings about many different subjects but most of them are political which there is never any agreement.

So, do you guys actually ever get on the air and take a break from this crap?

K2WH

[K1OU]

That's quite an observation! Truth is, I got married earlier this year and live on a postage stamp lot fraught with power lines. We are in the process of finding some land, so with any luck, I'll be back on the air before long.

To me, QRZ.com is nothing more than radio masturbation.

[KA9VQF]

Yes, I own and operate several different radios. I’m not on HF nearly as much as I probably should be but I’m on 2M everyday on the drive home from work.

Most of my HF operating is done on weekends.

I’m fortunate enough that I have my computer right next to my rigs these days. I used to only have one working computer and it had to be down stairs so my daughter could use it for homework and stuff. My shack was in the unfinished upstairs part of my house that I call the attic.

I have moved most of my gear downstairs near the heat and air-conditioning. This make operating much more pleasant for me.

And thank you for your concern.

[N9XR]

Indeed. It is like some people don't realize that some hams live on property with above ground power lines. Some days there is no noise, but often, plus 9 noise levels adorn my radio S meter.

I have downloaded ARRL papers on trying to get that shift fixed, but there has to be a power company involved who is willing to actually fix the problem. I have not found one.

I work with a guy who has buried power lines. He rarely has noise problems. He is on the radio alot, and spends thousands on the hobby. I am happy for those guys being able to do that.

So, let's demean those less fortunate. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[al2n]

Got a VHF rig only at the moment. Sold my HF to pay medical bills last fall. I get on the air when driving home, but since I have been taking the bus to save gas money, my on air time is limited these days.

I troll this forum and several others from work at night. I sit in a big room full of parts and wait for a plane to break. Troll volume is proportional to the amount of aircraft breakage that night.

When at home I don't visit here much. So even when I do get another HF rig, I will still be a forum troll during working hours. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Man I miss those digital modes! RTTY rocks!

[al2i]

K2WH,

Since you show up at a social gathering and spew random insults at everyone present, I am assuming you are having a bad day.

I hope your day gets better, and maybe we'll see you again at this time next month.

73,
Dave/al2i

[K1OU]

Quote[/b] (al2i @ Aug. 24 2006,07:21)]K2WH,

Since you show up at a social gathering and spew random insults at everyone present, I am assuming you are having a bad day.

I hope your day gets better, and maybe we'll see you again at this time next month.

73,
#Dave/al2i
ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!

[KA9VQF]

Things will probably change a bit once the solar cycle picks up a bit more.

[al2n]

Quote[/b] (KA9VQF @ Aug. 24 2006,07:35)]Things will probably change a bit once the solar cycle picks up a bit more.
Ding ding ding!!!!

We have a winner!!!!

[al2i]

Quote[/b] (al2n @ Aug. 24 2006,06:36)]Quote[/b] (KA9VQF @ Aug. 24 2006,07:35)]Things will probably change a bit once the solar cycle picks up a bit more.
Ding ding ding!!!!

We have a winner!!!!
Actually, I had about 600 DX contacts last year on the bottom of 20 meters, so if that is as bad as it gets, then that is not so bad. All you need is a massive amplifier. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[WN4M]

I got an Nice award certificate in the mail last week from QST for Major points on the 160 meter band in 2004.

Strange, I didnt have a radio in 2004...... I guess I am overactive. I must talk in my sleep or something. I can't remember being on 160 meters since 1979.

[KD6NIG]

I have a radio in each of my mobiles and 2 at home. Few HT's, and a 24/7/365 packet node and mailbox always on the air.

I usually try to get on the radio daily. Even if its just an ID on the local machine. But lately with my work schedule, I definetely haven't been as active on the air, or on here for that matter.

6m has died down also. I'm usually constantly monitoring that or 2m SSB when I'm at home. Both have been pretty quiet lately, though I think getting home later than usual is probably affecting that.

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Honestly it is none of your business, but to be nice about the question ---yes I have a 2 meter mobile, 2 202 handheld 2 meter rigs, a 450 kenwood for hf, and a realistic 242 for 2 meter use in the shack.

But...since you are out of repeater range of me for 2 meters, no need in talking on it much...and since the HF bands are dead, no need in trying to talk on it ( plus jammers / etc )...so this is about the only reliable means of communication. Plus you get to read this at your leisure, and again if needed, where as with the radio you have only ONE chance to hear my words, and then never get another chance.

Understand ? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[ai4ep]

Plus...if the radio is so great , fine & dandy, why are you here ? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[kl7aj]

Quote[/b] (al2n @ Aug. 24 2006,07:36)]Quote[/b] (KA9VQF @ Aug. 24 2006,07:35)]Things will probably change a bit once the solar cycle picks up a bit more.
Ding ding ding!!!!

We have a winner!!!!
Actually, last winter was the best 160 operation I've seen in 30 years.

[al2n]

Quote[/b] (kl7aj @ Aug. 24 2006,08:07)]Quote[/b] (al2n @ Aug. 24 2006,07:36)]Quote[/b] (KA9VQF @ Aug. 24 2006,07:35)]Things will probably change a bit once the solar cycle picks up a bit more.
Ding ding ding!!!!

We have a winner!!!!
Actually, last winter was the #best 160 operation I've seen in 30 years.
I have never heard a thing on 160.

But then again my antenna is only decent for 40 meters on up. I could do 80, but not very well at all.

Got some power lines nearby that make life interesting on the low bands.

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif k2wh ---and besides...you have well over ONE THOUSAND posts, where as I have less than 100...so just WHO is on the radio & who is on the keyboard ??

justapickinatcha !!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[al2i]

Quote[/b] (ai4ep @ Aug. 24 2006,07:18)]http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif k2wh ---and besides...you have well over ONE THOUSAND posts, where as I have less than 100...so just WHO is on the radio & who is on the keyboard ??

justapickinatcha !!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif
http://www.davemcgraw.com/Images/lolcano.gif

[KA9VQF]

Some folks just have way too much time on their hands.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[n1ydx]

Just came back on the air after a 10 year break. Using a Knwd TS430S / Knwd TS570D & an Omni VI with a Double Bazooka for 40 and a 10-80 5BTV Vertical.

Must be doing something cuz ditty-dahhed with Cuba, Israel, France and Azores, not counting the 80 meter Nets and 40 Meter nets and operating CW in the Novice Bands to meet new Hams.

But then again, I run two web sites and surf the net and run my United States Power Squadron as Commander and work Part Time. When I'm not doing that, I take the 19 foot center console out fishing.

Wonder if my boat batteries will hold the TS430s so I can work MM ?

N1YDX - Sarge
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[WB2WIK]

I'm pretty active on the air, mostly HF CW & SSB, probably 10 hours a week or so.

Usually fill a logbook about every 12-16 weeks. (The old ARRL spiral-bound logbooks...have 'em all going back to #1, 41 years ago. On #329 or something now.)

Last night 20m was still well open when I had to QRT for dinner around 0230 UTC...

WB2WIK/6

[N2RJ]

I operate mostly mobile.

My VHF/UHF rig is working fine. Used it yesterday evening for our club net.

My HF rig is in the shop. I expect to get it back sometime next week.

[N7RJD]

Quote[/b] (n9xr @ Aug. 24 2006,01:19)].......but there has to be a power company involved who is willing to actually fix the problem. #I have not found one.
I feel for you on this one. I can't even get our power company to replace the overhead lines where the insulation wore off years ago. I have been hounding them since it first started peeling. It has since gone for starting to peel to hanging down where one could touch it from street level to being broken off.

In the last few years they have increased their rates nearly 200% and shown very inflated profits to their shareholders but still can't seem to fix what's broken. I would have thought somewhere in the last 12 years since I first brought this problem to their attention they would have done something but I guess their system just doesn't work that way.

As to the original question. I own a variety of radios and spend what time I can on the air. This amounts to two days each week. Yes, that's right, I work for a living and have to put my wife and kid's quality of life before a hobby. During the week when I am out of town working it is either this or allow you to go the week without hearing from me. I just can't bring myself to let you off that easy so here I am.

[KC0W]

I try to make at least 3 -4 HF CW QSO's from the car every day. With a 60+ hour a week work schedule, I find it rather tough for a lot of amateur radio fun. I really have quite the massive station at home, it pains me when it goes for days at the time unused. During a contest weekend, 1,000 QSO's is not a big deal.

I have been averaging over 12,000 QSO's per time from my yearly DXpeditions that I have been going on for the past three years now. I guess the 40,000+ QSO's during the last 3 years must account for something.

I'm hoping to set a personal best QSO record next spring/summer when I operate from central Africa. My goal of 20,000 QSO's should be quite achievable for this DXpedition.

Once again, this will be a one man (me) operation. Listen for me next spring/summer from either Zaire, Angola, Chad or Rwanda.


Tom kcØw

[al2i]

Quote[/b] (KE7DLG @ Aug. 24 2006,08:36)]I can't even get our power company to replace the overhead lines where the insulation wore off years ago. I have been hounding them since it first started peeling. It has since gone for starting to peel to hanging down where one could touch it from street level to being broken off.
They sound like BP. BP handed out enormous bonus checks to employees for holding costs down during the 90s.

[WB2WIK]

Quote[/b] (KC0W @ Aug. 24 2006,09:39)]Listen for me next spring/summer from either Zaire, Angola, Chad or Rwanda.
>Listen for me next spring/summer from either Zaire, Angola, Chad or Rwanda.<

::Can I name the expedition?

"Zaire, there and everywhere..." (one of my favorite Beatles songs) would be cool.

"Don't sweat(er) working Angola!" would be neat, too.

And of course, "Help me Rwanda!" (Beach Boys).
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

WB2WIK/6

[WB2WIK]

Crap, I forgot

"The Chad and Jeremy Expedition."

[n0jaa]

I have a radio (of course!), actually two, HF and VHF/UHF. I am on the radio at various times of the day, and I check into the SATERN net just about every day at 1400Z and occasionally the Maritime Mobile Service Net.

Then there are days when I don't want to talk to anyone, so the radio stays off those days.

Just received a gel-cell battery and charger to use as emergency power for my HF rig.

[k4kyv]

When the summer QRN recedes.

I check the lightning storm map every evening. If it is full of red spots all around me I don't even bother to turn on the receiver.

https://thunderstorm.vaisala.com/tux/jsp/explorer/explorer.jsp

[k0ews]

I at the very least check into the section traffic nets each day, and depending on my schedule, I like to get on the air when I can. I have some noise issues in the neighborhood on 20 meters right now, but before that, was really enjoying that band.
But, to answer the question, yes, I do get on as often as I can.

[KC0W]

Quote[/b] (WB2WIK @ Aug. 24 2006,16:59)]Crap, I forgot

"The Chad and Jeremy Expedition."
Either that or the "hanging Chad."


Tom kcØw

[W0UZR]

Nope. I have about 10 radios, and I got my license so I can talk on QRZ here.

Didn't you know you have to have a license to be able to talk on here?

No, I didn't get my license to talk on here. I have 10 radios or so. I bought all the radios I've always wanted to try but never could afford at the time they were new. So I have to settle with VERY good use condition.
I just got done running MidCars for an hour and was giving relays the rest of the time. And later this afternoon I have to run a net at 3:30. I live on 40 meters.
Come down and see me sometime.......

[WB2WIK]

Quote[/b] (w0uzr @ Aug. 24 2006,10:33)]I live on 40 meters.
Come down and see me sometime.......
Wish I could, but my rig only has one meter.

Soon as I can figure out where to put the other 39, I'll be right with ya.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[N0CTO]

Yeah, I have a pretty cool shack. It's the radio room of a Destroyer. I got hf, uhf, vhf, satcom (voice and data), teletype, IP, etc. etc. Some of it's connected to a LAN and we can do all kinds of neat stuff like type this post right here. It's pretty cool. You should check it out. Come visit sometime. You might get some tax-free out of it.

The only only think I don't have is over 1000 posts. I'm such a bad ham. I think I'll just go build an HF circuit now.

One of these days I'll downgrade to my nice little mobile in the truck. I'll be much happier.

[KB3LIX]

Quote[/b] (al2i @ Aug. 24 2006,10:39)]Quote[/b] (al2n @ Aug. 24 2006,06:36)]Quote[/b] (KA9VQF @ Aug. 24 2006,07:35)]Things will probably change a bit once the solar cycle picks up a bit more.
Ding ding ding!!!!

We have a winner!!!!
Actually, I had about 600 DX contacts last year on the bottom of 20 meters, so if that is as bad as it gets, then that is not so bad. #All you need is a massive amplifier. # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Massive Amplifier.....

Don't need NO STINKIN MASSIVE AMPLIFIER !!!!

Sunspot cycle low or not, the stations are out there, you just have to devote some time to find them. Using 100 watts into 2-42' pieces of copper wire, set up as an inverted V with the apex at 20' above ground, I have approx 2250 contacts since Feb 1, 2006. And worked 125 DXCC entities, mostly in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean & South America. A few in the Pacific/Asia/Oceania too.
That's a mixture of DX, contest, Special Event, and net operations. I try to make at least 1 or 2 DX contacts each day.

So, Yes, I am on the air, and ENJOY the HELL out of it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

(But it sure would make things a wee bit easier with a MASSIVE AMPLIFIER !!!)

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[k9kxq]

Quote[/b] (KB3LIX @ Aug. 24 2006,15:43)]Quote[/b] (al2i @ Aug. 24 2006,10:39)]Quote[/b] (al2n @ Aug. 24 2006,06:36)]Quote[/b] (KA9VQF @ Aug. 24 2006,07:35)]Things will probably change a bit once the solar cycle picks up a bit more.
Ding ding ding!!!!

We have a winner!!!!
Actually, I had about 600 DX contacts last year on the bottom of 20 meters, so if that is as bad as it gets, then that is not so bad. #All you need is a massive amplifier. # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Massive Amplifier.....

Don't need NO STINKIN MASSIVE AMPLIFIER !!!!

Sunspot cycle low or not, the stations are out there, you just have to devote some time to find them. Using 100 watts into 2-42' pieces of copper wire, set up as an inverted V with the apex at 20' above ground, I have approx 2250 contacts since Feb 1, 2006. And worked 125 DXCC entities, mostly in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean & South America. A few in the Pacific/Asia/Oceania too.
That's a mixture of DX, contest, Special Event, and net operations. I try to make at least 1 or 2 DX contacts each day.

So, Yes, I am on the air, and ENJOY the HELL out of it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

(But it sure would make things a wee bit easier with a MASSIVE AMPLIFIER !!!)

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
What! no Henry?

kxq

[KB3LIX]

Sadly Jim, (KXQ)

No Henry......But, it sure would help !

Hey Tom, KC0W,
Make sure we all get the 'poop' on your African DXpedition, I'll sure listen for you.
It was a hoot working 'ya in Martinique.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[al2i]

I'm just not used to sub-kilowatt DX. I assume it is similar to super-kilowatt DX except the signals are weak. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[G0GQK]

Cheeky monkey !!!

G0GQK

[NA4BH]

WHOA!!! Hold on just a minute, they make radios you can talk on? Nobody told me that. What will they come up with next, a box that projects a picture and sound? Yeah,like that will ever happen...........

[N4AUD]

What's a radio? You guys keep talking about them, but no one has really explained that point.

[WB2WIK]

Quote[/b] (K1ALK @ Aug. 24 2006,15:00)]What's a radio? You guys keep talking about them, but no one has really explained that point.
"Someone found a letter you wrote me, on the radio
And they told the world just how you felt
It must have fallen out of a hole in your old brown overcoat
They never said your name
But I knew just who they meant.

I was so surprised and shocked, and I wondered, too
If by chance you heard it for yourself
I never told a soul just how I've been feeling about you
But they said it really loud
They said it on the air

On the radio
Whoa, oh, oh
On the radio
Whoa oh oh oh
On the radio
Whoa, oh, oh
On the radio
Whoa, oh, oh"

-Donna Summer, 1980

She must be a ham, always talking about the radio. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[w5klb]

<----- See avitar.

[n0ov]

Quote[/b] (K2WH @ Aug. 23 2006,08:06)]Just a comment and observation about the QRZ members of this part of QRZ.

While I am here from time to time, it is my growing impression that many of you have decided voluntarily to make QRZ your total ham radio experience.

My question, do any of you own a radio, and if so, do you ever get on the air? I know I do, every day on many different bands. This site, is a sometimes diversion for me, but I notice there are individuals that seem to be here 24 hours a day. I see the same call letters on many different postings about many different subjects but most of them are political which there is never any agreement.

So, do you guys actually ever get on the air and take a break from this crap?

K2WH
Do I own a radio? Nope, when ever I decide I want to get on the air, I rent a Icom 706 from my local CB shop.

There's your sign http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[ai4ep]

...:p why do we need a radio..we are already communicating real good with these computers...and no license / test required. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[kf6rdn]

Ray dee oh.. I've heard of that.

I think in another thread.

I'm not on much, in a condo, conditions being what they are, my Aunt Enny isn't very good. But I get on now and then.
Trying to pick up my CW to be actually operable. I would do better at this if I didn't lose keys at field days.

[n8yx]

Quote[/b] ]do any of you own a radio

At last count, about 50. I'm not kidding. And that's just HF equipment.

Quote[/b] ]do you ever get on the air?

Are you nuts? I spend all of my time fixing equipment! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Quote[/b] ]So, do you guys actually ever get on the air and take a break from this crap?

Right now it's bike season - busy playing around with two-wheelers. When I put them up for the year I'll be a lot more active on the air, as will my XYL.

[kc7jty]

I have a 2 meter FM radio and I talk to friends most nights.

[kf6rdn]

For the last time, "Dude," you can *not* pick up "bitchin' tunes" with
a radio telescope!
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[WF7A]

Alas, no radios here anymore—the Wifoid's medical expenses ate up all of our savings and then some. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif However, now that we're almost on top of the bills maybe we can set aside some $$$ next year so I can afford a modest HF rig.

I know! I'll stand by a highway on-ramp with a cardboard sign that says, "Need money for an SDR-1000."

[ka5piu]

Hello.

Radio, lets see, the Kenwood TH-f6a, the Yaesu VX-7r.
Does that radio shack scanner count? or the Thales talkie?
Now, there is a full duplex radio, the cell phone, but wait, is not the WiFi card a radio? lemmie see, it CAN do the ham band! 802.11b,.
For HF, there IS the HR2510, but that is usually just a super CB.
So, yes, I DO have radios here, just nothing really exciting at the moment, but wait! there is more.
You COULD donate a radio to everybody, that way you could be SURE everyone has a radio, that is it!

[W0JBC]

Bill, it seems as though you do a lot of posting here ...

Over a thousand.... Get on HF.....





JB

[WA5KRP]

Quote[/b] (K2WH @ Aug. 24 2006,09:06)]Just a comment and observation about the QRZ members of this part of QRZ.....#

.....So, do you guys actually ever get on the air and take a break from this crap?

K2WH
DAAAAAAAAAANG! You think you're SY or sumpthin? Congratulations on having the stoneware to start a truly provocative apolitical thread. At first I wanted to rattle off my OTA activities and detail my shack, then tell you to KMA.

But your points are valid so why should I do that?




WA5KRP
Texas

[G8ADD]

What's all that about kilowatt amplifiers? The only kilowatt amp I use is in my microwave oven!

I run an FT817 and it takes me about 18 months to fill a logbook, so perhaps I do spend too much time on here......but then, I am at work right now!

73

Brian G8ADD

[al2i]

Quote[/b] (G8ADD @ Aug. 25 2006,00:35)]What's all that about kilowatt amplifiers? The only kilowatt amp I use is in my microwave oven!

I run an FT817 and it takes me about 18 months to fill a logbook, so perhaps I do spend too much time on here......but then, I am at work right now!

73

Brian G8ADD
I have an 817 also Brian. When the power went out, I checked into the net with the 817 and got better signal reports with my 5 watts than I had ever had. But then again, the band was finally quiet during the power outage. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[KB3LIX]

This evening would have been a GOOD time for that referenced MASSIVE AMPLIFIER. There was a German station (DK8) operating portable in Nairobi Kenya. Try as I did, there was no breaking that pile-up.
Perhaps he will be back tomorrow.
Another chance.
I did hear one QRZer work him though.

[WS2L]

Yes I am active on the bands.

Unfortunately for the past 15 months I have lived in an apartment and can only get on 2 meters and 70cm. I am moving into a house back in my home state (NJ) and will be able to put some serious wire in the air so I will probably be on 40 meters and not even bother with 2 meters and 70cm unless I'm mobile.

There's nothing worse than having a TS2000 and all you can operate is some local repeaters because the only antenna I could manage is a mag mount on the balcony.

[w8cbc]

I was about to type a reply to this mess yesterday evening when I heard someone calling in 160 metres. So I wound up playing 'round in mediumwave all night. That should answer the question.

'SL - if you weren't moving I'd suggest running a zigzag of #22 across the open face of the balcony with counterpoise on the floor. It worked well for me in 30 metres and shorter and got me into Europe in 40.

The 350 ft. of #12 out the back of the house I'm in now works nice in 160.

[W8EFA]

In Midwest Ohio we have these things called Winters and Summers.

I don't get on the Radio much in the Summer as that is the time Ohioans come out in the light. In the Winter when we semi-hibernate I get on HF a lot.

[ad4mg]

Quote[/b] (K2WH @ Aug. 24 2006,10:06)]So, do you guys actually ever get on the air and take a break from this crap?

K2WH
No. QRZ is my life.

[W0LPQ]

2WH, twice I have tried to call you on 7258 when you were pounding into central Indiana...guess you could not hear me, so I went to 17M.

Bill, W0LPQ

[nq6v]

Just work H.F. C.W. mostly on 40 and 80, sometimes on the others, and only in winter. Just got my Drake tr-4c out of the shop, and have been buying some serious store bought stuff like dipole antenna, antenna tuner and this winter I will have a bitichin signal. Maybe I will stick to C.W. or maybe not.I have a W.W.II jeep whip with a couple of extra pieces so it goes up over 18 feet in lenght. I plan to remove the mount I have for it to the side of my trailer to a short mast with counterpoise copper guys on the roof of my trailer. But then again, I might accept a better paying job in central calif. and have to move. Or accept the job and get to stay where I am at. I am at a turning point right now, and have to wait to see what happens. But I plan on utilizing the upgrades I have planned for the time being.

[WB2WIK]

Aww, where were all you guys tonight?

Just got off 20m SSB, it was still wide open at 0330 UTC, the world's pounding in.

Had to QRT for chow and an internet break. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

'Sfunny, I turn on the computer just to check for e-mail (I am expecting some important stuff from relatives) and then the ham radio websites beckon for a few mins. Can't get away from it. Go from radio to computer and it's still ham radio.

Damn.

But the XYL just returned from Blockbuster with some new movies, so popcorn here we come.

[KC9ECI]

I just finished up playing with some SSTV and an XE1.

[KC0W]

Quote[/b] (WB2WIK @ Aug. 27 2006,04:02)]Aww, where were all you guys tonight?
It's now 11:12 PM CST on Saturday night. I'm still at work. I started my day at 5:30 AM this morning. Having the Internet at work makes the days go by A LITTLE faster............This will be a 78 hour work week for me. Nothing new there.

Now if I could only find a way to get a HF radio & antenna into this building. Talk about time really flying by then.

Who says government workers are not dedicated to their jobs? I'm either dedicated or crazy........Not sure which. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Only 2 more hours to go.


Tom kcØw

[KC9ECI]

Quote[/b] (WB2WIK @ Aug. 26 2006,23:02)]Aww, where were all you guys tonight?
Besides, last time I tried to talk to you on the air you brushed me off in favor of going to eat your supper. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[wa4brl]

Let's see now:

Eico 753 (yeah, I've still got it AND it's stil operable)
Heathkit SB-301 / SB-401 pair
Heathkit SB-102
Yaesu FT-101
Icom IC-730 (my mobile rig)

And that's just on HF. Mostly CW -- even from the mobile.

I also have 2M fixed & mobile installations, and various HT's. I don't find VHF FM nearly as stimulating though. That's for utilitarian local conntacts and ECOM capability. I would like to get into some weak-signal VHF work, though. That sounds like great fun.

[NO8M]

I dunno what all this talk is about the bands being dead. I worked a modest emergency-powered 15meter station in Hawaii during Field Day (call KH6J) and we were getting nailed by the western half of the U.S. in the morning and early afternoon. By late afternoon, the band opened up to the east coast and we were pulling contacts up and down the Atlantic sea board.

Alas, being the poor government employee that I am, I haven't had the dinero to buy an HF rig yet (of course next year's tax return will yield me an IC-7000 and accessories).

But, uh....what I really have to know........does our chatting on here impact your life in such a way that you feel a verbal attack is warranted? Just curious......

[VE7NOT]

Some guys have more stuff to do besides hamming all day http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Between Family, work, religion, and helping neighbours we have that thing called 'time'. That is most often for me early afternoon and nightime.

Well it's too bad Tom didn't get my cq sstv when he was monitoring 14.230 earlier this afternoon. Cause I was there.

Right now i'm amazed at how clear 160m is. No noise at all http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

But in truth for hamming I am 90% rx and 10% tx. And keep in mind my favorite thing to do is start at 50KHz and with different radios listen up to 960MHz. You would be amazed at the stuff on the spectrum.

Prehps I'm a better swl then a ham txer but that's where I enjoy it the most.

In answer to the original question I own several ham radios some are just 2m. some are 10m, one is hf+6m and on loan right now is a great hf rig (ts440)

So yeah I have a radio but truthfully I ignore 15-10m cause most hams don;t hang out here when it's open. Since I'm a late afternoona nd night op 160- 17m are my spots. 2m is for local (as is 11m since the hams hang out there too) Don't have 70cm.

73
Sim ...- . --... -. --- -

[n2nh]

It's a troll-a-palooza! Oh, well, yes I have a rig. No I don't have an antenna. Do you need electricity to run one of dem rigs? 'Cause I'll have to work on that. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[W0UZR]

Quote[/b] (WA5KRP @ Aug. 25 2006,01:06)]Quote[/b] (K2WH @ Aug. 24 2006,09:06)]Just a comment and observation about the QRZ members of this part of QRZ.....#

.....So, do you guys actually ever get on the air and take a break from this crap?

K2WH
DAAAAAAAAAANG! #You think you're SY or sumpthin? #Congratulations on having the stoneware to start a truly provocative apolitical thread. #At first I wanted to rattle off my OTA activities and detail my shack, then tell you to KMA. #

But your points are valid so why should I do that?




WA5KRP
Texas
Hmmm,

Out of character for you.....

You give up too easy.....

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[WA5KRP]

Quote[/b] (NO8M @ Aug. 26 2006,23:47)]I dunno what all this talk is about the bands being dead. I worked a modest emergency-powered 15meter station in Hawaii during Field Day (call KH6J) and we were getting nailed by the western half of the U.S. in the morning and early afternoon. #
HOLY SHOUT..........I worked KH6J with 100W on 14.252 at 05:40Z. That's 12:40am here in San Antonio.

20M isn't dead. There's a lot of hams just not trying.




WA5KRP
Texas