What new ham toys did Santa bring?

[KV6O]

I got myself, uh, I mean Santa got me a SignaLink USB interface - MUCH better (cleaner) than the intergrated laptop audio I was using.

What new ham related toys did you get? :D

Steve
KV6O

[XU7XXX]

I read a review regarding the SignaLink interface in an amateur radio magazine last week. Sounds like NOT using the computers sound card & going with the external one built into the SignaLink is the way to go...........I have NO interest in the digi modes, but if I ever do I will look into the SignaLink interface.

No new amateur gear for me. Even trying to find a PL-259 here is an adventure in itself!!!

I have located a source for RG8X though. They want $4 a meter for it It's made in China & the build quality of the jacket alone makes Radio Shack's RG8X look like the Rolls Royce of all coax..............I can only guess what Hardline would go for if they get $4 a meter for Chinese made RG8X.



Tom XU7XXX

[N8CPA]

Nothing Amateur related for me.

But, we had the family gift exchange at the home of N8XE. At one point he went into his shack in the next room to putz around with his collection of keys and he left a rig on.

We started hearing sporadic openings on 6M, so he went in and made a couple of quick contacts on CW and SSB. They were his first with Colorado on VHF. So I guess a 6M opening to CO from OH is a gift, isn't it?

[W4GPL]

New ARRL handbook.

Though it seems like a few CBers got new HF rigs today. I've never heard so many pirates on 10 meters before. :(

[N0AZZ]

New Yaesu Quadra amp and a MFJ mic console for running 2 mics to 2 radios and a AARL book on top band DXing. Santa was good to me this year.

73 Fred
N0AZZ

[N0NB]

Nothing, yet. Although, I'm thinking of a Signallink USB unit for my FT-817 as a portable digi-modes station.

Then there is the new LDG Z-817 tuner that would look good paired with my '817.

Actually, all I want for Christmas are some sunspots!

[AD5WI]

My lovely bride surprised me with a shiney new FT-817ND, been having a ball with it at 2.5 watts. And she helps with antenna work. Yep, she's a keeper.

73, Mark AD5WI

[WD4CHP]

I was naughty and saved Santa a trip. :D

[K8ERV]

Vanna musta gotten delayed.

TOM K8ERV Montrose Colo

[KC0OFZ]

Some tools and some money to buy what ever I desire. I did not need too much though. I have quite enough to be comfortable and it was about the children. It was a ball watching my 3 year old and 4.5 year old open their gifts.
Arend

[W4GPL]

Actually, all I want for Christmas are some sunspots!That'd be better than my two front teeth!

[KB0YYO]

Our oldest son and his wife shared Christmas with us.Turned out to be a GREAT time.

Mrs Santa gave to me one MFJ 209 HF VHF SWR Analyzer.

A tiny Trac4 W/ GPS2
Because she said she heard me talking about APRS.
She didn't know she had to order the cable betweeen the radio and the TT4 and a cable for between the computer and the TT4.

She doesn't know much about ham radio but I bet she would pass her Tech test if she took it.

Stocking stuffers are big around our house. I think I will find a bigger stocking to hang with care , a lot of neat stuff can fit into those things.


Happy New Year to ALL

Gordon
KB0YYO

[CU2JT]

toothache and an Elecraft K3

[K5RCD]

I was a mighty good boy this past year. :)

Yup, MIGHTY good.

In fact, I was SO good that Santa came a couple weeks early and brought me: An Icom 756 Pro III and an Ameritron ALS 600 Amp.

http://www.andrewscom.com.au/images/products/amateur/icom/icom-ic-756pro3.jpg http://www.eham.net/data/reviews/images/603.jpeg



Last Christmas Santa brought me : A lump of COAL :eek:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/varsitytimesinsider/images/2007/11/17/lump_of_coal_3.jpg
I sure learned MY lesson ! :rolleyes:

[WA6MHZ]

I thought I was SKUNKED this year until I went to the ELKS club yesterday for Christmas Dinner. My good wife had made a whole WOK full of FLIED LICE and everyone just thoroughly enjoyed it. After dinner, some of the lodge members came over to me with a gift bag and said "Merry Christmas!!!" Inside was an authentic Shawne Merriman number 56 Chargers Jersey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will be wearing it Sunday night when the Denver Donkeys come to town to be thoroughly humillated and give up the AFC West Crown to the San Diego Chargers!!!!

[W4HAY]

Just in time for SKN, a Junker (http://www.mtechnologies.com/junker/jugray_s.jpg).

[W6ONV]

Nothing at all radio related. Although I considered buying my son, who's 3 years old a Icom 756 Pro III. Somehow I didn't figure that would go over with the XYL.

[K4AX]

Was it a surprise present?


My lovely bride surprised me with a shiney new FT-817ND, been having a ball with it at 2.5 watts. And she helps with antenna work. Yep, she's a keeper.

73, Mark AD5WI

[KR2D]

A K1EL WinKeyer2 USB kit. Hope to get it built today and use it in the Stew Perry contest this weekend. My antenna is nearly useless on 160m, but it will be fun anyway.

Also, a box of postcard stock for printing QSL cards.

For an early gift, I got quiet bands on Christmas Eve. It was raining hard, and the S9 buzz I've been hearing on all bands for the past month was gone. The rain proved my suspicion that it is a power line issue, so at least I know where to focus my efforts to resolve it.

[AF6LJ]

I was hoping Santa would help those good folks out at MFJ and get my order straightened out. Still waiting for my ladder line.
I wanted to be working 20 this morning :mad:

[AB8XA]

My XYL got me a MFJ-802B Field Strength meter and a replacement antenna for the bent one on my IC-T7H. :)

[KA0SOG]

Dec. 13th I got a Wireless Set No. 19 and most of its various supporting accessories. The radio was originally manufactured in 1942. Yep reconditioning it is my wifes way of keeping me busy this winter.

She got a washer and dryer although she insisted they be new ones. Only thing I can't figure out. What's the deal with the pedestals? These sit on boxes. I went along with it but still don't get the idea of your washer and dryer being on stilts.

[K3ACE]

Not sure if it counts, but I had a pepper Ham sandwhich on potato bread with a few slices of Swiss, sweet pickles and some honey mustard for lunch on Christmas day.

[K2JNC]

My Dad got me an Alinco DJ-175 2 meter handheld... we've been looking at them for a while on the Universal Radio website, and figured for under $100, it was a hell of a buy for either a first HT or as a backup HT (as it is for me)...

I was pleasantly surprised... I bought him a new Heil Traveler headset for his 706MKIIG.

A few ham radio goodies on Christmas is a good thing. :)

[WA4D]

I picked up maybe the best Ham Radio "deal" of this Holiday this afternoon.

$687 out the door Yaesu FT-450 at HRO in Burbank. Strapped it on my scooter and took it home!

http://mewcomm.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8342092d553ef0105369d7caa970c-pi

[KJ4GKS]

I purchased the VX8-R. I am now trying to figure out how the damn thing works.

[K8ERV]

What's the deal with the pedestals? .

I think these just make room for all the water that leaks out.

TOM K8ERV Montrose Colo

[N7RJD]

I will be wearing it Sunday night when the Denver Donkeys come to town to be thoroughly humillated and give up the AFC West Crown to the San Diego Chargers!!!!

I'll be counting on that one. I'm not a Chargers fan, just an anti Broncos fan.

[AD5WI]

Surprise-ish. If she couldn't see all the hints I left for her she's blind - hi hi

[KI4WCA]

Time to try the digital modes.PSK should be fun!

[N5TDA]

I got a LDG Z-100 auto tuner. Non-radio Cleaning kit for everything from .17 to 12ga. and a new popcorn popper.:)

Me happy:D

Rex

[W5ZAK]

In front of the tree on Christmas morning was a Yaesu FT-950, an Astron RS-35M power supply, and a black Vibroplex iambic keyer. Santa did GOOOOD this year!

[KA0SOG]

Not sure if it counts, but I had a pepper Ham sandwhich on potato bread with a few slices of Swiss, sweet pickles and some honey mustard for lunch on Christmas day.

I think I'll go make one for myself.

[K8JD]

I mentioned to my XYL and 3 sons that a MFJ Cub kit for 40 M would be nice coming from Santa. She could not remember the "MFJ " part so I ended up oredring it for myself. Nice companion to the 80 M version I built last summer.
Worked 25 states with the 3 watt rig on 80 so far, hope to get the other 25 on 40 now.

[N1UAD]

Icom IC-703

Cobra Ultralite Senior Multiband Wire Antenna

ARRL Handbook 2009

[K7GFH]

Santa didn't have much of a choice as I bought a new FC-40 wire tuner and put "from Santa" on the package. Then I opened before Christmas. Santa new I was naughty anyways. I have been making a few contacts with it and have noticed less suburban noise with the wire as compared to my OCF. Listening to JE1LET coming in 5-8!

Merry Christmas

JR

Edit: Just worked JE1LET, nice signal and 5-9 both ways.

[WA7OET]

IC 746 PRO and power supply.
That Mrs. Claus is something!

[K7MH]

I got a LDG Z-100 auto tuner. Non-radio Cleaning kit for everything from .17 to 12ga. and a new popcorn popper.:)

Me happy:D

Rex

Rex that new popcorn popper is just the thing to have while reading some of the threads here on the Zed!! I am jealous!! :D

[KB3PXZ]

Got an Icom AH-4 tuner. I wonder if it will tune a string of christmas lights????

[W4INF]

Wii.

Well, its my daughters. :rolleyes:

I can do a callsign lookup with the internet channel. WooT

Andrew

[NI7I]

Santa has arranged for an older 28 ft Airstream to serve as a shack. This will be my first ham shack at home for 25 or so years. Just retired from a career as merchant marine radio officer. Did my hamming from aboard ship, earlier on with ship gear. Latter, when they took out the commercial gear, with ham stuff. Santa also got me a TS2000, a Henry 3k desk model, a High Q mobile and a butternut vertical. He is, I'm told, shopping for some kind of QRO coupler... All \in all, Santa was nice to me.

73
Lee
NI7I

[AC0FP]

I got myself, uh, I mean Santa got me a SignaLink USB interface - MUCH better (cleaner) than the intergrated laptop audio I was using.

What new ham related toys did you get? :D

Steve
KV6O

I told the wife no ham toys this year, as I'm expecting a serious downturn in the economy in 2009!

It's kind of funny you asked because I walked into the local amateur radio store a couple of days before Christmas and the clerks first question was "where's your wife"?

If I need something I will just have to build it myself! :p

73,

:)

[NM5TF]

I got myself, uh, I mean Santa got me a SignaLink USB interface - MUCH better (cleaner) than the intergrated laptop audio I was using.

What new ham related toys did you get? :D

Steve
KV6O

wwellllll....he didn't bring the Collins KW-1...guess it just didn't fit in the toy sack :(

[KB9BIT]

Santa brought me a new IC-718 the week before Christmas and a QSL from 9L1X the day after. Both are nice.

[N8CPA]

On Christmas Eve, some unidentified son of a grinch gave me the necessity to buy a new rural mailbox.

True, there had been some freezing rain and sleet the day before, but by noon of the 24th--when it happened--it was all melted away and the pavement was dry. But, to be generous, I suppose it's possible that he was just distracted by visions of sugar plums dancing in his head or, more likely, hallucinatory reindeer in the middle of the road. He swerved, jumped the curb and sideswiped my mailbox.

I happened to be under my desk evicting some dust bunnies at the time, When from out on the lawn, I heard more of a thump than a clatter. But by the time I crawled from under the desk and looked out the window, the culprit had driven on without leaving so much as a lump of coal by way of apology. All I saw was the mailbox post was snapped like a gamma shaped candy cane, and the mailbox, loading door face down over the gutter.

And with Christmas and return day, I didn't get around to fixing it until Saturday. I sent my wife to Home Depot with a few item numbers. Then, I loaded a bag full of tools onto my wheelchair, and pushed it out to the curb. And I sat there like the neighborhood Tiny Tim, removing hardware from the old post so we could slide a new sleeve mounted mailbox over it, as I muttered most unseasonal curses on the--well, I'll just say 'person of undocumented sireage.'

But I'm sure Home Depot and Rubbermaid are happy. A new mailbox of their brand now decorates my curb. I have to admit, the color scheme goes with the house.

And some pusillanimous Scrooge still owes me a hundred bucks. And I don't mean reindeer!
:mad:

[WM3O]

i asked for propagation and sunspots, all i got was socks.

-Steve, WM3O

[K3ACE]

and with the onslaught of Global warming, the socks will be useless too. :rolleyes:

[W9MAV]

Santa brought me Computer components!!!!!

A new Motherboard
XFX 9800GT Graphics Card
XION 2 Case
4 GB of Ram


Which is the ultimate gaming system!

[KC9JWA]

Nuttin ham related for me, but god gifts, i got hubby a nice gift, first it became trouble i tohught i got him a gift from he**, hehe, we spent bit more and finally it all worked out, nuttin ham related for either of us, but good enough.:)

[AC0FP]

i asked for propagation and sunspots, all i got was socks.

-Steve, WM3O

So your the guilty party!:p latest sunspot report is zero sunspots and no forecast of an improvement, the sun is "blank"! :eek::(

They have mentioned that the lack of sunspots has now reached an "unusually long period"! :rolleyes:

73,

Frank :cool:

[KN4DS]

No ham toys here this year (don't really need any... next year may be another story... we'll see)...

Santa did bring me a digital SLR (Canon Rebel XS)... so now instead of my old Minolta film camera and 7 year old Olympus digital point-and-shoot, I'm now able to join the digital photography age in a much bigger way.

Some of you got to see some of those images on SSTV over the weekend.

[KD0FBK]

I received the 2009 ARRL Handbook

[W6GQ]

Got another FT-857D, I just cannot get away from those radios

[A71AN]

I got myself, uh, I mean Santa got me a SignaLink USB interface - MUCH better (cleaner) than the intergrated laptop audio I was using.

What new ham related toys did you get? :D

Steve
KV6O

he did get me, 80,40,20 and 17M antennas from High Sierra, they should reach Qatar this morning.

Happy New Year my friend

[KD0DKI]

My Wife and Kids got me an HT Icom IC-T7H 2m/440 I love it!

I took my mobile out of my jeep because it's been so cold. I can put this in my coat pocket ;-) and use it once the interior temp is above -12 like it was this morning.