Equipment Cults

[KL7AJ]

From time to time within "hamdom" there arises a strange phenomenon. #Some piece of hardware, for some inexplicable reason, obtains a mystical aura, with all kinds of magical, mysterious qualities attributed to it. #The most notable of these is, of course, the G5RV, but there are others. #Hams seem to swoon at the very name G5RV, which is....a piece of wire. #Now, G5RV is a very fine gentleman, I'm sure, but if he were dead, I'm sure he'd be spinning in his grave to hear all the hogwash attributed to his creation.

The same thing happened to the Lecher Wire. #Anyone who's been around a while knows the famous wavelength measuring instrument. #It used good basic physics for measuring wavelegth and demonstrating standing waves. #I use it all the time in classes I teach on electronics. #But guess what? #A group of New Age wack jobs have "discovered" that the Lecher Wire is....get this....a DOUSING ROD! # In fact, this perverse "application" of the instrument is the first thing that comes up if you Google Lecher Wire. #Ernst Lecher is SURELY spinning in his grave.

Now....I wonder what I could create that could be misused, misinterpreted, and misapplied, to which I could attach my good name KL7AJ to. # I'm not complaining that there's a sucker born every minute....I just want my cut of the action. #Any suggestions?

Eric

[N8YX]

Quote[/b] (kl7aj @ Jan. 15 2008,12:26)]Now....I wonder what I could create that could be misused, misinterpreted, and misapplied, to which I could attach my good name KL7AJ to. I'm not complaining that there's a sucker born every minute....I just want my cut of the action. Any suggestions?
See "Radio Mart"...

[WA9CWX]

Quote[/b] (n8yx @ Jan. 14 2008,13:29)]
Quote[/b] (kl7aj @ Jan. 15 2008,12:26)]Now....I wonder what I could create that could be misused, misinterpreted, and misapplied, to which I could attach my good name KL7AJ to. # I'm not complaining that there's a sucker born every minute....I just want my cut of the action. #Any suggestions?
See "Radio Mart"...
[QUOTE]

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

Not bad....

Ok, how about the various descriptions of SIMPLE devices that hit the 'occult' market from time to time....

I'm having trouble remembering any 'brand' names...but the one that comes to mind was the 'Dream synchronizer'...It focused your mind by timing it with a series of 'Alpha wave' pulses to enhance your altered consciousnes... NOW, that IS based on science...BUT, this 'special device, scientificly aligned', or whatever, sold for some $1000.00 or so.

Yes, thats right, a pair of LEDS, mounted on plastic sunglasses, hooked to a 9 volt battery and a tiny transistor pulsing timer.....probably $5.00 worth of parts, including the sunglasses....

Frank

[KA4DPO]

Eric, yes, Mr. Varney passed away but I'm sure he is spinning. #Also, I have found water (very successfully I might add) using my G5RV. #The G5RV is as you know, a modern miracle of science. #It will match any radio on any frequency with zero SWR, that's right, Zero SWR. #

We really should begin manufacturing the G6RV, next generation. #Who knows it could work.... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

John.

[N8CPA]

I don't know. I'm thinking WL2K might be an equipment cult. I think their version of Poseidon rises out of the sea, not with the classical trident, but a triad of Shakespeare marine antennas.

[KM5FL]

Quote[/b] (kl7aj @ Jan. 15 2008,13:26)]I wonder what I could create that could be misused, misinterpreted, and misapplied, to which I could attach my good name KL7AJ to. # I'm not complaining that there's a sucker born every minute....I just want my cut of the action. #Any suggestions?

Eric
The wheel hasn't been patented yet... You might look into that.. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif


KM5FL

[K4AX]

I find it funny that you say hams swoon at a G5RV, I find it to be quit the opposite with some bursting into a QSO to let the user know how horrible his G5RV antenna is. I don't think I have EVER heard anyone talk about how great it is, except for the fact that it has a bit of gain on 20m and tunes up on all the bands with no fuss and is fed with coax.

[N8CPA]

Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Jan. 15 2008,17:45)]http://01792.org/halo/art/uploaded/iproduct.jpg
The other night, MadTV had an hilarious parody of the "Apple Song" from the iPod commercial. One line lamenting the price drop of iPhone after she bought the first run, complained, "I got i-screwed."

[K4KYV]

Quote[/b] (kl7aj @ Jan. 15 2008,19:26)]The same thing happened to the Lecher Wire. Anyone who's been around a while knows the famous wavelength measuring instrument. It used good basic physics for measuring wavelegth and demonstrating standing waves. I use it all the time in classes I teach on electronics. But guess what? A group of New Age wack jobs have "discovered" that the Lecher Wire is....get this....a DOUSING ROD! In fact, this perverse "application" of the instrument is the first thing that comes up if you Google Lecher Wire. Ernst Lecher is SURELY spinning in his grave.
It depends on whether or not the Lecher wire is made using oxygen-free copper.

And don't forget, any kind of copper wire must be broken in (http://www.cardas.com/content.php?area=insights&content_id=12&pagestring=Cable+Break-In) first, for best results. For a measly $649.00, you can purchase a device (http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0404/audioharma.htm) that will do it for you.

But then, I am sometimes called a Lecher (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lecher) myself, particularly by attractive young girls. So any cable in my station or shack must be made of Lecher Wire. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[WA9CWX]

Holy crap, these audio people are nuttier than WE are in the details they look for......

I will NEVER AGAIN criticize myself for being picky about the weights on my bug....

[VK6ZGO]

This is not confined to ham radio,as I have run into this way of thinking in work situations as well.

My term for it is "Voodoo Electronics"

One of the main symptoms is complete disregard #of basic theory.
Its proponents prefer to rely on unsubstantiated rumour & fantasy.

One example is where quite ordinary components in quite ordinary circuits are treated as "high tech" because they are associated with #equipment which in itself may be reasonably sophisticated.


One place I worked delayed production for 2 days until they got some 1.1k # resistors .They had hundreds of 1.0k & 1.2k #in stock,but because the original designer used 1.1k they wouldn't change them.
The cct was a RC integrating network using 47 uf electrolytics ( +- 20%).

Another case was the same circuit ,but someone used tants instead of electros, again because of being out of stock.They were made to remove them & wait for the electros.
(I'm not real fond of tants myself,but in this application they would have been OK)

The problem in a lot of cases is the design engineer uses components that happen to be lying around,assuming people further down the food chain have enough knowledge to make #sensible sustitutions if necessary. The original values get "set in stone" & cause the types of situations referred to above.

They were #very hot on "Intellectual Property" & at one time wouldn't let us see circuit diagrams.(They didn't like it when I pointed out that most of the intellectual property on their boards belonged to National Semiconductor!)

At one time I felt like "Public Enemy #1" because I queried the party line.

I eventually left because I couldn't bite my tongue every time one of the "Technical Specialists" came up with some fatuous remark.

You can see I have some issues here! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

73 VK6ZGO

[WA6MHZ]

As far as equipment CULTS, the biggest 2 are Collins and Heathkit. With Drake and Swan close behind. OH, lots of Johnson freaks and many Gonset fans too. But Collins and Heath lead by a mile. The difference is money, big money! Extremely wealthy hams buy Collins and have a whole room full of it. Meanwhile, Impoverished hams like myself do the samething with Heathkit. Buy Everything with the Heathkit name on it. Just because it says Heathkit is good enough reason to have it. I even wear a Tshirt that says Heathkit too, but I also have a Swan, Hallicrafters and Johnson shirt as well. There is just something about Heathkits that has a magnetism to it. Maybe because I didn't get enough of them when I was 16, I have to have all them now. It is just Madness!!! Even bought a xacto knife kit (though I have dozens of those) JUST because it had a Heathkit logo on the box. So the same thing is happening with Collins. Make a beer mug with a Collins logo on it and you will sell them by the million! (I have a Heathkit mug)

[K5FH]

Do ya think the Cable Cooker will work on coax cables, too? #Somebody on Channel 7 told me that you have to "age" a new coax cable before you transmit through it or the SWRs will be high, 10-4? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

- sarcasm mode OFF -

The guy who came up with the Cable Cooker is missing a great opportunity. #He needs to offer an adapter for the Cooker to "cook" coax cables and market the Cooker to all the new no-code noobs. #Bet he sells a bunch of them. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

According to the manufacturer's website, the factory-direct price of the Audiodummy Cable Cooker is now up to $689 for the standard version, $789 for the pro version (plus $15 for shipping!). #Inflation, dontcha know.

Barnum is laughing in his grave...

[kd5kfl]

You work in an electronics intensive job. 100 employees, 70 of them electronics technicians.

You're sitting in a restaurant with some coworkers. Talking about RF stuff. Harmonics, intermediate frequencies, crystals, sidelobes, wavelengths et cetera.

During a pause in the conversation a coworker notices the ladies in the next booth. Starry eyed and enraptured. New Age moonminds, headed for a "Harmonic convergence". Wearing crystals with healing wavelengths.

They just knew we were kindred spirits, speaking their language.

Peddle a sidelobe enhancer to the crystal crowd. They will buy anything.

[W5HTW]

Git urself one of them thar ole amplified Plus Forty D-104 Lollipop modidulator sticks, and you kin be sure you is gonna git rich. Jest pick the right market.

[W5HTW]

Quote[/b] (k4kyv @ Jan. 15 2008,15:27)]
Quote[/b] (kl7aj @ Jan. 15 2008,19:26)]The same thing happened to the Lecher Wire. Anyone who's been around a while knows the famous wavelength measuring instrument. It used good basic physics for measuring wavelegth and demonstrating standing waves. I use it all the time in classes I teach on electronics. But guess what? A group of New Age wack jobs have "discovered" that the Lecher Wire is....get this....a DOUSING ROD! In fact, this perverse "application" of the instrument is the first thing that comes up if you Google Lecher Wire. Ernst Lecher is SURELY spinning in his grave.
It depends on whether or not the Lecher wire is made using oxygen-free copper.

And don't forget, any kind of copper wire must be broken in (http://www.cardas.com/content.php?area=insights&content_id=12&pagestring=Cable+Break-In) first, for best results. For a measly $649.00, you can purchase a device (http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0404/audioharma.htm) that will do it for you.

But then, I am sometimes called a Lecher (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lecher) myself, particularly by attractive young girls. So any cable in my station or shack must be made of Lecher Wire. :D :D
OR -- you can just wash it with "Screaming Billy" Oxyclean, just $19.95 plus shipping and handling. Ear plugs optional.

Ed

[KA4DPO]

Quote[/b] (W5HTW @ Jan. 15 2008,20:25)]
Quote[/b] (k4kyv @ Jan. 15 2008,15:27)]
Quote[/b] (kl7aj @ Jan. 15 2008,19:26)]The same thing happened to the Lecher Wire. #Anyone who's been around a while knows the famous wavelength measuring instrument. #It used good basic physics #for measuring wavelegth and demonstrating standing waves. #I use it all the time in classes I teach on electronics. #But guess what? #A group of New Age wack jobs have "discovered" that the Lecher Wire is....get this....a DOUSING ROD! # In fact, this perverse "application" of the instrument is the first thing that comes up if you Google Lecher Wire. #Ernst Lecher is SURELY spinning in his grave.
It depends on whether or not the Lecher wire is made using oxygen-free copper.

And don't forget, any kind of copper wire must be broken in (http://www.cardas.com/content.php?area=insights&content_id=12&pagestring=Cable+Break-In) first, for best #results. #For a measly $649.00, you can purchase a device (http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0404/audioharma.htm) that will do it for you.

But then, I am sometimes called a Lecher (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lecher) myself, particularly by attractive young girls. #So any cable in my station or shack must be made of Lecher Wire. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
OR -- you can just wash it with "Screaming Billy" Oxyclean, just $19.95 plus shipping and handling. #Ear plugs optional.

Ed
But wait, we're not done yet. We'll give you two D layer ionizers plus the cable cooker and the Oxyclean all for one low price of 499.99.

And if you act right now we'll throw in a G5RV and a real current Balun made from real Balun material. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[KD8HMO]

Hopefully soon the only place we will hear morse code is at the nursing homes when these guys tap out code on the nurse buzzer that they need another can of Ensure...

[KD8HMO]

or their Depends changed...

-. ..- .-. ... . / .. / -.. .. -.. / .--. --- --- .--. -.-- / .. -. / -- -.-- / -.. .-. .- .-- . .-. ... / --.- ... .-..

[KA0GKT]

You could market a Goubau-line, AKA a G-Line (not to be confused with a G-String). A single-wire, low-loss transmission line for UHF and above. The small signal folks on 70cm ought ot go mad for it!.

Do a search on Goubau line, the thing is actually real!

73 DE KAØGKT/7

--Steve

[KD8HMO]

Thats an idea, invent a new type of nurse buzzer that has memory presets that send code to the nurses station... And the console at the nurses station could repeat the code in voice so the no-code nurses will know what they need...

[VK2TIL]

I had never heard of a Cable Cooker so I Googled; Good grief, Charley Brown!!!!

I stumbled-on this site by accident some years ago; it is filed in my Favourites/Bookmarks under Humour;

http://www.molochsorcery.com/Index.html

I suggest that AJ form a partnership with this bloke; there will be no limit to the possibilities.

[K9XR]

If we ignore it, will it go away?

[NA0AA]

Quote[/b] (k9xr @ Jan. 15 2008,23:04)]If we ignore it, will it go away?
There were SO many good lines on the cable cooker, but I liked best, paraphrasing:

"If you have already wasted more than $10K on everything else we sell, you might as well knock down for this fancy do nothing box because you just might be able to tell the difference. Why, I was, even though I listened two days apart to the system while I 'cooked' the cables"

Never fails to amaze me, but from what I see at Best Buy, they seem to have a captive audience. I don't know where the real audiophiles hang out anymore.

[VK2AKG]

Quote[/b] (KM5FL @ Jan. 15 2008,23:45)]
Quote[/b] (kl7aj @ Jan. 15 2008,13:26)]I wonder what I could create that could be misused, misinterpreted, and misapplied, to which I could attach my good name KL7AJ to. I'm not complaining that there's a sucker born every minute....I just want my cut of the action. Any suggestions?

Eric
The wheel hasn't been patented yet... You might look into that.. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif


KM5FL
Hmm, well actually it has though like so many other breakthrough inventions it took an Aussie to do it.

wheel patent story (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1418165.stm)

link basically says:


Quote[/b] ]An Australian man has registered a patent for a "circular transportation facilitation device" - more commonly known as the wheel.

There was/is also a patent for putting mummified bodies in pyramids.

The system which allows such absurd patents to be issued is probably based on the (quite reasonable) assumption that the invalidity of a patent has little impact on its value as a weapon when it is wielded by a sufficiently large organisation against a smaller organisation or individual.

There is still hope while well meaning lawyers apply for ever more ridiculous patents in the, to date vain, hope that one day the emperor will see that he is unclothed.

73 Frank

[AB9LZ]

Quote[/b] (KD8HMO @ Jan. 15 2008,22:11)]Hopefully soon the only place we will hear morse code is at the nursing homes when these guys tap out code on the nurse buzzer that they need another can of Ensure...
Looks like the FCC messed up when they issued your call, there should be another O after the H.

[N2NH]

This is my favorite, The iRack (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTOoXpeNwMI&feature=related)

[KA4DPO]

Quote[/b] (KD8HMO @ Jan. 16 2008,00:11)]Hopefully soon the only place we will hear morse code is at the nursing homes when these guys tap out code on the nurse buzzer that they need another can of Ensure...
You must be a no coder....

[KL7AJ]

Quote[/b] (ka0gkt @ Jan. 15 2008,22:27)]You could market a Goubau-line, AKA a G-Line (not to be confused with a G-String). #A single-wire, low-loss transmission line for UHF and above. #The small signal folks on 70cm ought ot go mad for it!.

Do a search on Goubau line, the thing is actually real!

73 DE KAØGKT/7

--Steve
I've used G-lines before. Perfectly good system

[N4AUD]

Quote[/b] (KA4DPO @ Jan. 16 2008,14:45)]
Quote[/b] (KD8HMO @ Jan. 16 2008,00:11)]Hopefully soon the only place we will hear morse code is at the nursing homes when these guys tap out code on the nurse buzzer that they need another can of Ensure...
You must be a no coder....
And a troll.

[N8CPA]

Quote[/b] (KA4DPO @ Jan. 16 2008,14:45)]
Quote[/b] (KD8HMO @ Jan. 16 2008,00:11)]Hopefully soon the only place we will hear morse code is at the nursing homes when these guys tap out code on the nurse buzzer that they need another can of Ensure...
You must be a no coder....
You insensitive lout! Can't you see the poor fellow suffers from one the worst cases of NCCI* ever experienced?

You should heed his cries and suffer with him.

In fact, let's start a foundation to find a cure for the disease. We can have telegraphathon in hopes of wiping out No Code Chip Irritation. Participants will send the dollar amount they're willing to pledge to purchase analgesics for the shoulders of him and his fellow sufferers.

With work and hope, we can wipe out that terrible affliction! What's Jerry Lewis doing now? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[AB9LZ]

Quote[/b] (N8CPA @ Jan. 16 2008,12:03)]You insensitive lout! #Can't you see the poor fellow suffers from one the worst cases of NCCI* ever experienced?
Yes it's quite obvious by looking at his avitar.

NCCI ? is that when the chip falls off the shoulder and becomes lodged in the underpants?

[N8CPA]

Quote[/b] (ab9lz @ Jan. 16 2008,15:12)]
Quote[/b] (N8CPA @ Jan. 16 2008,12:03)]You insensitive lout! #Can't you see the poor fellow suffers from one the worst cases of NCCI* ever experienced?
Yes it's quite obvious by looking at his avitar.

NCCI ? is that when the chip falls off the shoulder and becomes lodged in the underpants?
Exactly!

And you have to get it out before it becomes brass pucker--like those guys who just couldn't sit through Element one.

[K9STH]

GKT:

The "G Line' was marketed for UHF television installations back in the 1960s and 1970s. Also was used by a number of amateur radio operators on 432 MHz and higher frequencies. It does a pretty good job.

The only problem with using it on lower frequencies is the size of the "launchers" that have to be used at each end of the transmission line.

Glen, K9STH

[KA4DPO]

I think most of what's being discussed here is just too esoteric for little Dickie to handle so he makes stupid comments to hide his lack of technical knowledge.

Come on Dickie, bow out and let the big boys boys talk about grown up stuff.

[AB9LZ]

Quote[/b] (K9STH @ Jan. 16 2008,12:20)]The "G Line' was marketed for UHF television installations back in the 1960s and 1970s. #Also was used by a number of amateur radio operators on 432 MHz and higher frequencies. #It does a pretty good job.
My neighbor had one when I was a little kid, he fed a tower some 100 yards from the house via a single wire with cone shaped feedhorns (432 "megacycles" I think) on either end. I suppose it was more efficient, a perhaps quite a bit cheaper than using the coax of the day.

I was always getting my kite hung up in that thing.

73 m/4

[KD8HMO]

Why do you people have to dis the people that didnt have to take the code test? I had no say in the matter, and I dont really care. I got my license by taking the same test as everyone else, and thats all that counts. Im not taking a special code test just to keep a few whinepots on here happy. You all seem to think code is some kind of miracle filter to keep out screwballs or some magic rite of passage to become a ham. Obviously, the FCC thinks otherwise.

[AB9LZ]

Quote[/b] (KD8HMO @ Jan. 16 2008,12:35)]Why do you people have to dis the people that didnt have to take the code test?
So tell us... why do you dis people that did take the code test?

[KL7AJ]

Quote[/b] (ab9lz @ Jan. 16 2008,12:44)]
Quote[/b] (KD8HMO @ Jan. 16 2008,12:35)]Why do you people have to dis the people that didnt have to take the code test?
So tell us... why do you dis people that did take the code test?
Good point. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[KD8HMO]

Quote[/b] (ab9lz @ Jan. 15 2008,13:44)]
Quote[/b] (KD8HMO @ Jan. 16 2008,12:35)]Why do you people have to dis the people that didnt have to take the code test?
So tell us... why do you dis people that did take the code test?
Im not dissing anyone that took the test. When I found this forum a few weeks ago, it took about 5 mins of reading to see all the whining, crying and insults directed at "no-code" hams, who arent responsible for the rule change. You seem to equate anyone that takes the test now with screwball cbers and freebanders. Or some of you talk down to new people like they are two years old. Face it, morse code is here, but not a driving force like it once was. Its not my fault, and I am not going to be insulted because I wasnt required to take a test.

[N4AUD]

Quote[/b] (KD8HMO @ Jan. 16 2008,15:53)]
Quote[/b] (ab9lz @ Jan. 15 2008,13:44)]
Quote[/b] (KD8HMO @ Jan. 16 2008,12:35)]Why do you people have to dis the people that didnt have to take the code test?
So tell us... why do you dis people that did take the code test?
Im not dissing anyone that took the test. When I found this forum a few weeks ago, it took about 5 mins of reading to see all the whining, crying and insults directed at "no-code" hams, who arent responsible for the rule change. You seem to equate anyone that takes the test now with screwball cbers and freebanders. Or some of you talk down to new people like they are two years old. Face it, morse code is here, but not a driving force like it once was. Its not my fault, and I am not going to be insulted because I wasnt required to take a test.
Well, uh, you started with insults toward everyone who uses code OM. Dish it out but can't take it? Or should I say "dis" it out but can't take it?

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

[AB9LZ]

Quote[/b] (KD8HMO @ Jan. 16 2008,12:53)]
Quote[/b] (ab9lz @ Jan. 15 2008,13:44)]
Quote[/b] (KD8HMO @ Jan. 16 2008,12:35)]Why do you people have to dis the people that didnt have to take the code test?
So tell us... why do you dis people that did take the code test?
Im not dissing anyone that took the test. When I found this forum a few weeks ago, it took about 5 mins of reading to see all the whining, crying and insults directed at "no-code" hams, who arent responsible for the rule change. You seem to equate anyone that takes the test now with screwball cbers and freebanders. Or some of you talk down to new people like they are two years old. Face it, morse code is here, but not a driving force like it once was. Its not my fault, and I am not going to be insulted because I wasnt required to take a test.
Just about everyone here, the infamous Charlie included, could care less if you took the code test or not. It's when those folks who didn't take it and go out of their way to shoot their mouths off about how code sucks, (btw the CB avatar doesn't help your case any) and the folks that use it must be stupid and old... well the responses you see are a natural reaction, we suspect that you enjoy this sort of baiting.

Ham radio much more of a technical hobby than most folks realize at first blush. Operating, especially if all you do is phone, is only a small part of what's available to you. Relying on others to help you sift through the complexities and take advantage of the full breadth of the hobby is a long tradition, take advantage of it, don't waste this valuable resource with ignorance.

73 m/4

[N8CPA]

Quote[/b] (KD8HMO @ Jan. 16 2008,15:53)]
Quote[/b] (ab9lz @ Jan. 15 2008,13:44)]
Quote[/b] (KD8HMO @ Jan. 16 2008,12:35)]Why do you people have to dis the people that didnt have to take the code test?
So tell us... why do you dis people that did take the code test?
Im not dissing anyone that took the test. When I found this forum a few weeks ago, it took about 5 mins of reading to see all the whining, crying and insults directed at "no-code" hams, who arent responsible for the rule change. You seem to equate anyone that takes the test now with screwball cbers and freebanders. Or some of you talk down to new people like they are two years old. Face it, morse code is here, but not a driving force like it once was. Its not my fault, and I am not going to be insulted because I wasnt required to take a test.
Simple quid pro quo. You're a fairly new ham. Welcome.

But don't insult a language or art you do not understand, or a mode you do not use, or the people who do. Be humble enough to keep a low profile until you know what questions to ask but don't give opinions you don't have experience to possess.

You have made far more than your share of comments, particularly related to the age of brass pounders. Very rude in any social context.

It's like a hive. If you don't want to be stung, or if you're allergic to the stings, don't poke the hive.

Now get rid of that chip!

[K9XR]

Quote[/b] (KD8HMO @ Jan. 15 2008,22:11)]Hopefully soon the only place we will hear morse code is at the nursing homes when these guys tap out code on the nurse buzzer that they need another can of Ensure...
Why do insist on starting the code/no code crap when it hasn't a thing to do with the thread? Then you cry "I don't know why everyone is dissin' me." #If you would just quit trying to start crap, nobody would even know what an arrogant newbie you really are.

[N2RJ]

Quote[/b] (KD8HMO @ Jan. 16 2008,14:35)]Why do you people have to dis the people that didnt have to take the code test? I had no say in the matter, and I dont really care. I got my license by taking the same test as everyone else, and thats all that counts.
But if you didn't take the code test, you didn't take the same test that many of us did.

We took a code test, you didn't, so the test you took was different.

Not that I care, but I'm just pointing out this bit of silliness.

[KA4DPO]

Back to the subject at hand. It is weird how certain items no mater how good they actually are acheive cult status.

I recently saw where someone was making the AMECO transmitter kits again in limited production for a huge price. I remember those as a novice, they were like 30 bucks complete and put out about ten watts on 80, maybe seven on 40 if you had a hot tube. You could build the same thing for 10 or 15 bucks if you were a good scrounge so no one wanted to buy them. That's why they're rare now.

Now you can't get one for less than $100.00 and that's a rusty one.

[KB8RYA]

Check this one out..This guy is basking in the Bahamas
hi
http://www.dvdrewinder.com/index.p....ts_id=1 (http://www.dvdrewinder.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1)

Eric,

You mentioned the G5RV antenna but I think the poster child your looking for is closer to the Comet CHA-250B. Amazing what one can do with some tubing and a 6 dB power pad.

http://www.cometantenna.com/newPro_detail.php?ID=234

73,

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

Edit: P.S the price meets your goal also.

[KL7AJ]

Quote[/b] (kb8rya @ Jan. 16 2008,13:55)]Check this one out..This guy is basking in the Bahamas
hi
http://www.dvdrewinder.com/index.p....ts_id=1 (http://www.dvdrewinder.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1)
Love it. :)P

[N8CPA]

Quote[/b] (kb8rya @ Jan. 16 2008,16:55)]Check this one out..This guy is basking in the Bahamas
hi
http://www.dvdrewinder.com/index.p....ts_id=1 (http://www.dvdrewinder.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1)
I should get that for my stepson. He'd get the joke. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[N4AUD]

Quote[/b] (kb8rya @ Jan. 16 2008,16:55)]Check this one out..This guy is basking in the Bahamas
hi
http://www.dvdrewinder.com/index.p....ts_id=1 (http://www.dvdrewinder.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1)
ROFLMAO!!!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[KJ3N]

Check some of the reviews on the CHA-250 on eham.

Priceless...

[VE2NSM]

Quote[/b] ]It's pretty clear (unless you are one of those self-appointed iconoclasts proclaiming "break-in is a myth") that most wires with no playing time tend to sound edgy, dynamically and spatially constricted, and relatively monochromatic.

ROTFLMAO!!!! I want some of the stuff you're smoking buddy 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

[KA0GKT]

Quote[/b] (KD8HMO @ Jan. 16 2008,12:35)]Why do you people have to dis the people that didnt have to take the code test? I had no say in the matter, and I dont really care. I got my license by taking the same test as everyone else, and thats all that counts. Im not taking a special code test just to keep a few whinepots on here happy. You all seem to think code is some kind of miracle filter to keep out screwballs or some magic rite of passage to become a ham. Obviously, the FCC thinks otherwise.
So, what you're saying is that the latest influx of screwballs into Amateur Radio had nothing to do with the elimination of the Morse Code requirement nor the dumbing down of the written test?

Interesting, since the increase seems to have coincided with the relaxation of the test...I wonder what else might have caused it? # It can't be the Old Farts, they've been around forever.

OBTW, You most certainly didn't take the same test as I did, nor the test which many did. My last test was takeu under the watchful eye of an F.C.C. engineer-in-charge, and it consisted of a group of questions which make today's extra class exam look like something broadcast on Ding-Dong-School (or for the younger set, Romper-Room).


Curmudgeonly yours, http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
73 DE KAØGKT/7

--Steve

[WA7KKP]

EDUCATION.

Something the US freely funded system has failed at . . . over the last 30+ years.

Gary WA7KKP

[K4KYV]

Quote[/b] (KG6WOU @ Jan. 16 2008,06:16)]There were SO many good lines on the cable cooker... but from what I see at Best Buy, they seem to have a captive audience. I don't know where the real audiophiles hang out anymore.
Looks like audiophoolery is creeping into the mainstream.

I went to the local store the other day looking for a short piece of audio cable with RCA plugs attached to both ends. I wanted to avoid the hassle of attaching the plugs to the shielded cable myself. If anything sucks about electronic construction, it is attaching any kind of connector to any kind of coax or other type of shielded cable, except maybe old fashioned 1/4" phone plugs.

The cheapest one they had in the store had golden coloured plating on plugs and was priced at $24.95!