Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Are you a ham

This is topic Are you a ham in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Tim Sherman (Member # 569) on 10-01-2001, 12:57 AM:

I was just curious to find out how many are on this forum that are ham radio operators. I am currently studing for my test and figured there would be alot of people in this field into amature radio. projectionist's like me and the techs. There is alot in the two fields that are interlinked in my opinion. Everyone could also maybe post their callsigns on this forum. Maybe it would be an easy way for some of the people to have some fun and talk with eachother.

------------------

http://www.autoramadrivein.com

come on out to the drive-in and spend a night out with the stars"
ME!!

Posted by Don Sneed (Member # 955) on 10-01-2001, 04:24 AM:

Hello Tim from KA5QQI, but I haven't got on the air since I work in Japan, & Guam....only 2-meters, I live in Texas City, Texas 40 miles south of Houston on the Gulf coast, When I'm home that is....

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 10-01-2001, 02:03 PM:

Nah....Just a radio station engineer trying to keep an old 10KW collins, and old 1KW ITA, and a Nautel Amfet 5 on the air. All are AM transmitters.

Paul

Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 10-01-2001, 11:31 PM:

N7FJF here, just a Technician Plus. 2m only, in and around Las Vegas, NV as of Thursday afternoon.

For what it's worth, I also have a General Radiotelephone with Ship Radar Endorsement. Never have used it (in broadcast TV I've always been a baseband, rather than RF, guy). But it's a nice credential to have anyway!

Cheers,

Paul

Posted by Peter Berrett (Member # 672) on 10-02-2001, 02:36 AM:

Up until recently I was VK3PZ (I have not renewed my license due to more interest in the Internet). I hold an AOCP (Amateur Operators Certificate of Proficiency which is Full Call theory and Morse.

Good luck with your exams Tim

cheers Peter

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 10-02-2001, 02:53 AM:

Dah Di Dah Dit, Dah Dah Di Dah.

Di Dha Dah Dit, Dit Dah, Dit Dit Dah, Di Dah Dit Dit

Jeeze, it has been a long time. For you hams, did I spell it right? If you don't use it, you'll lose it.

Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 10-02-2001, 10:33 PM:

.--. .- ..- .-.. -.. . -. --... ..-. .--- ..-.

Jeez

Isn't it funny how CW is so hard on the eyes to read,
but flows so easily to the ears once you get used to it
(at least at 13 WPM, about all I was ever good for).

--... ...--
73

N7FJF--Fat Japanese Flyer

Posted by Pete Naples (Member # 761) on 01-26-2004, 08:46 AM:

I passed my Foundation RAE over the weekend, don't know my callsign yet, but it's likely to be (unconfirmed at this stage)
Mike Three Sierra India November. Or MM3SIN with secondary locator for Scotland in use. This gives me basically all bands and modes, but limited to 10w.

Posted by Mark J. Marshall (Member # 1409) on 01-26-2004, 11:57 AM:

An old thread, but what the hell....

N3QNJ here. Tech plus. All 2 meters for me. Speaking of which, I need to renew this year I think!

Posted by William Hooper (Member # 71) on 01-27-2004, 12:47 AM:

Brace for the pictures of directional AM transmitter arrays.

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 01-27-2004, 06:28 AM:

I'm W9GY. Been on the air for 33 years now. Most of my operating these days has been using old boatanchors I've restored (the tubes add some warmth these winter nights). I operate phone & CW, and you can catch me on 40 phone in late afternoons around 7.190 +/-

73 Jeff

Posted by System Notices (Member # 2357) on 03-22-2005, 10:03 AM:

It has been 420 days since the last post.

Posted by Jarryd Beard (Member # 2543) on 03-22-2005, 10:03 AM:

(From the new thread I started. I searched, honest, no results came back. Is there a time limit on searches?)

I've had my technician class license since 1999. Please, anyone feel free to kick me in the ass to take the CW exam. Hopefully this summer, when I'm away from college life, I'll motivate myself. Anyway, I figure Ham radio must come as second nature to many of us "weird" projectionists.

KB3EFC

Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 03-22-2005, 12:11 PM:

What string did you use for your search Jarryd? I found this old thread using "ham radio".

Looks like I let my Technician Plus lapse back in 1999. Must say I didn't use it at all for quite a few years and hadn't realized it had expired. Maybe I'll study to get it back some day. I was N7FJF on 2m; also operated as Black Bear 138 or Northwind 7 on 148.15/143.9 and 4185 USB when talking for the USAF Auxiliary (CAP).

Morse is fun to learn, even if it is an all-but-dead medium these days. And I actually used it when I was flying. It's not a requirement to know it in order to fly, but it was nice not having to visually check the various navigation station IDs against the charts.

73

Posted by Jarryd Beard (Member # 2543) on 03-22-2005, 12:18 PM:

Well, I just tried "amateur" and then "ham". I didn't realize the search only displays a maximum of 300 results, or I would have narrowed it down. Oh well, thanks for finding this thread, Paul.

Posted by Mike Spaeth (Member # 524) on 03-22-2005, 02:00 PM:

No, I'm a Salami.

Posted by David Buckley (Member # 2600) on 03-22-2005, 03:39 PM:

Back when I lived in the UK, I was G1XRY.

Not licenced in NZ - yet.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 03-24-2005, 12:56 PM:

quote: Jarryd Beard
anyone feel free to kick me in the ass to take the CW exam

5 wpm is "no code". [Wink]

de KJ5KX

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 03-26-2005, 09:10 PM:

Not a ham. Am so old I have a "First Class Radiotelephone License" (same as General Radiotelephone) Worked at, ran, announced and built 50 Kw. fm.

Posted by Brent Neal Jones (Member # 1048) on 03-27-2005, 12:50 AM:

quote:
Are you a ham?

Well...I don't know...most people think so! [Wink]

Posted by System Notices (Member # 2357) on 05-04-2006, 03:37 AM:

It has been 403 days since the last post.

Posted by Pete Naples (Member # 761) on 05-04-2006, 03:37 AM:

Time to rake this up again.

Recently passed my full amateur radio exam, having been through the intermediate a few months ago. My callsign is now MM0VMP.

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 05-04-2006, 06:13 AM:

Congrats Pete, [thumbsup]

Welcome. It's a reat hobby.

73 Jeff W9GY

Posted by Pete Naples (Member # 761) on 05-04-2006, 07:18 AM:

Ta Jeff:)

I got into it when I about 15, only in the last 3 years have I got my foundation, intermediate and now full licence.

I use my radios mostly helping provide communications at outdoor events and so on, when time and funds allow I'll be erecting some antennas over the back garden. Over the winter I've restored an elderly Yaesu FT101 back to full working order, now looking to aquire all the other station accessories to go with it.

Posted by Peter Brown (Member # 3272) on 05-04-2006, 07:42 AM:

Afternoon all,

MW1BIJ here, though I seldom operate these days. I used to be active on HF RTTY and VHF packet - never quite got into using a mic!

73...

Posted by Stephen Furley (Member # 1277) on 05-04-2006, 08:17 AM:

No, but Scout was, in 'To kill a Mockingbird' [Smile]

Sorry.

Edit, I missed out the comma.

[ 05-05-2006, 10:54 AM: Message edited by: Stephen Furley ]

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 05-05-2006, 06:20 AM:

Pete, You can't go wrong with an FT-101. Lots of them out there. Pretty straight forward circuit and easy to keep running. Doesn't have all the "bells and whistles" of some of the modern stuff but will do a great job for you. Hope to catch you and the air one of these days when you get your antennas up.

73 Jeff W9GY

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-05-2006, 07:04 AM:

quote: Louis Bornwasser
Am so old I have a "First Class Radiotelephone License"

Louis,

Now you've made me feel old too! I have one from working in Broadcast TV back in the late 70's. That wan't all THAT long ago.

Mark

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 05-05-2006, 09:29 AM:

Congratulations, Pete! My first HF rig was an FT-101. Had the external VFO with it, too. A good hybrid outfit. It was old when I got it, but it was in decent shape. Even had the protective plastic on the front panels.

de KJ5KX

Posted by Dick Prather (Member # 1136) on 05-05-2006, 02:24 PM:

Licensed for 46 years and enjoying it more every day. Trying some of the digital modes but DX is still the favorite.
73's Dick, K7KTP

Posted by Josh Jones (Member # 447) on 05-06-2006, 12:36 AM:

No license, but I get to play with 100KW [Wink]

Quietly maintaining 5 FM's up here, and two AM's, one of which gets an endless stream of mail from the frozen north every winter.

JJ

Posted by Peter Berrett (Member # 672) on 05-07-2006, 06:56 AM:

Hi from VK3PB

Luck me - when I re-registered I was able to get a 2 letter call with my initials!

cheers Peter

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 01-06-2007, 10:54 PM:

Bringing back the ham thread!

I suddenly found myself interested in ham radio again this week, for some reason, after many years of inactivity (and, only to find out the FCC just issued an order eliminating the Morse code requirement! [Eek!]

). I dug out some of my old Amateur Radio stuff from the closet last night, and realized just how much fun all of it was. (Now... gotta get a new battery for that Yaesu HT of mine!) [Wink]

So, anyone going to Dayton this year? I'll probably be there shopping for a new HF rig. [Cool]

Hamvention, 2007!

CW 4-ever! [thumbsup]

de KJ5KX

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 01-07-2007, 06:48 AM:

Tim, Hope to go to Dayton Hamvention. I've only missed 4 since I started attending in 1973. About the only thing that will keep me away is a forecast of lousy weather. 73 Jeff W9GY

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 01-07-2007, 12:05 PM:

It's been 15 years since my last Hamvention, Jeff. [Eek!]

Too long. Maybe we can have an eyeball QSO there... and if other FT-ers can make it, we'll turn it into a mini-event. [Smile]

Posted by Peter Berrett (Member # 672) on 01-07-2007, 04:36 PM:

Saw this thread pop up again today.

Quite timely actually as last night I was listening to Suni Williams on the International Space Station talk to a group of Scouts at the Elmore Jamboree via ham radio (2M). It was quite interesting including the question - have you seen any aliens up there! I listened in via a webcast on Echolink so that I could hear both sides of the conversation.

Of course Suni denied seeing any as she like everyone else in the rest of NASA is part of the conspiracy [Smile]

cheers Peter

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 02-10-2007, 03:20 PM:

<bump>

I passed my Extra Class exam today! ARRL VEC session.

Sort of hated to let my Advanced go, since there are no longer any new ones being issued (and you could only get one by passing the 13wpm code test). But, my renewed interest in the hobby spurred me on.

Wouldn't mind having a 4-character call, either. [Wink]

See you at Dayton!

Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 02-10-2007, 04:54 PM:

I too haven't been active in years - let my Technician Plus accidentally expire back in 1999 (I was N7FJF Fat Japanese Flier) and never bothered to renew it.

Guess I'll have to read up on the new regs. Surprised that there is still an amateur Extra class but no new Advanced.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 02-10-2007, 08:44 PM:

Paul, there's only Tech, General, and Extra now. No more new Novice or Advanced-class tickets, but existing licensees can continue to renew them - and retain their privileges.

And, after the 23rd of this month, there will no longer be a Morse code requirement (it had already been dropped to 5wpm for all classes several years ago, when the Novice and Advanced-class licenses were dropped).

quote:
** N7FJF 05/23/99 **

Humm... if you get re-licensed, your old call is still available. You can get it back, if you want, under the vanity call sign program. [Wink]

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 02-12-2007, 06:54 AM:

Those that hold advanced class are grandfathered. Yeh, with code gone and all the Q & A's available in internet study info, there is no reason that anyone with an interest can't get a ticket. Jeff W9GY

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 02-12-2007, 05:42 PM:

US astronaut, Lisa Nowak, KC5ZTB, is accused of attacking a woman she considered competition for the affection of a shuttle pilot has been charged with attempted murder.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 02-16-2007, 08:44 PM:

It's official! As of today, I am an Amateur Extra!
From the FCC:

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 02-17-2007, 07:52 AM:

Hey Tim, Great! You might want to try some vintage AM operating. Lots of guys refurbishing old gear of the '50's (also old broadcast transmitters returned to life and high power home-brews). Nostalgic full-quieting broadcast quality AM signals are on the air daily. Give a listen around 1.885, 1.985, 3.880, 3.885, 7.290, 7.295 MHz. I think you will be quite impressed with what's going on. [thumbsup]

Jeff W9GY

Posted by Dick Prather (Member # 1136) on 02-18-2007, 02:52 PM:

In my area we have AM groups on 3880khz & 3870khz. I check in to the 3870 group when I can.

Using a Viking Ranger xmtr and a Hallicrafters SX-100 rcvr with a Johnson T/R switch and D-104 mike.

Lots of fun trying ham radio the 50's way.
73's Dick, K7KTP

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 02-19-2007, 06:43 AM:

Hi Dick, That's great. Ranger is a good old workhorse. I've used one with an amplifier for quite a few years. Now into homebrewing. Have built two rigs: 4-400 high level modulated by pair of 4-250's (about legal limit of 375 W), pair of screen modulated 4-400's (these do approx.300W of carrier and are loosely patterened off a Continental Electronics 1960's broadcast transmitter design) Jeff

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 02-20-2007, 09:04 PM:

I love AM and CW ...OH! AND classic vacuum-tube stuff!!!

My original Novice rig from JrHS... National NC-98 and Johnson Adventurer. (Still have both)

Then I got a Hammarlund HQ-110AC and a Heathkit DX-40. (Still have both)

Next was a Heathkit Mohawk and Apache. (Both long gone)

Then came a Hammarlund HQ-170AC (Still have) and a Hallicrafters HT-32A. (Long gone)

Now I have a HQ-170AC and a Ranger and a Ranger II and a YAESU something or another transceiver (FT-570???). (Still have all)

All are in pristine condition.

Over the years I've had the Heathkit HW-30 2-meter lunch box and the 6-meter Shawnee mobile...and too many others to remember.

Posted by Jerry D. Cox (Member # 701) on 02-21-2007, 11:20 PM:

Hi Been A HAM since 1956 I have had 3 differn calls,My call now is N4ZVO LOVE CW

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 02-22-2007, 06:25 AM:

Phil - neat vintage stuff.

The Heath Mohawk doesn't get good press these days. But I used one in the early 70's and thought it did a fine job. I think some folks nowadays object to the wider skirt selectivity with the 50 kc L/C IF's compared to what a crystal filter will do. I obtained another recently, and brought it back to life --- have confirmed my original feelings about this receiver.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 02-22-2007, 06:59 PM:

Heathkits were cool! My brother Bob, W4RAR, had an HW-101 years ago. I loved it!

I want one of these (in the spirit of Heath):
Elecraft Kit Transceivers

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 02-23-2007, 06:42 AM:

Ah yes Tim, the K2 is a very neat rig. I operated on on CW for field day a couple of years back. Quite nice. A couple of friends have built them and they have nothing but good to say about the design and ease of assembly. However, getting all the "bells and whistles" options can make this unit quite expensive.

I built an HW 101 kit in 1973. Had it for ten+ years...did quite a few interesting mods to it...worked 180 countries on it, too. A good piece of gear. [thumbsup]

Wish I still had one in my "collection".

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 02-24-2007, 09:43 AM:

A lot of guys had "Hot Water's" as their first rig. My brother kept his for a long time.

He said the same thing, Jeff, about the Elecraft. I'm seriously looking into that, but I'm also getting an Icom 706 MKIIG from my brother in a few weeks. That'll get me back on the air. Will definitely check into the vintage AM ops, too.

Countdown to Dayton: just 12 more weeks!

So, Phil... are you getting re-licensed, bro? [Smile]

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 03-10-2007, 09:18 AM:

Well, so long, KJ5KX... my callsign for the past 14 years. I got my new call today, to reflect my Extra Class license!! [thumbsup]

I'm now W3HR. It took quite a bit of work, but I was able to land a rare 4-character "W" call, and apply for it under the vanity callsign system.

Just in time, too, as there have been tons of upgrades now that the code requirement is gone. The ARRL has been swamped!

quote:
NEWINGTON, CT, Feb 28, 2007 -- The avalanche of Amateur Radio license and license upgrade applications prompted by the FCC's elimination of Morse code as a licensing requirement is well under way with no end in sight. ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, reports that paperwork from upward of 450 Amateur Radio exam sessions held since the new rules went into effect February 23 has arrived so far this week. The ARRL VEC, which typically receives paperwork from about 70 sessions each day, has had to add personnel and schedule extended hours to keep up with the workload.

"We've been seeing some of the largest brand-new Technician sessions ever," Somma said. "These examination sessions are huge, and a ton of new Technician license applications has been coming in -- sometimes 60 or 70 at a clip." Somma says license upgrade traffic also has been brisk, and, with some 650 examination sessions already on the calendar for March and more arriving daily, it doesn't look like the pace will slacken anytime soon.

This, of course, will translate into an increase in vanity applications. Competition for 4-character calls will be fierce. [beer]

73,
de W3HR
(Whiskey Three, Ham Radio!)

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 03-11-2007, 07:01 AM:

Hey Tim, great [thumbsup]

I didn't think there were any unused W x 2 callsigns available. You got a good one. I'll be looking for you on AM when you get your vintage setup together. 73 Jeff W9GY

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 03-11-2007, 09:57 AM:

Tim: there's a 500 watt tube transmitter on 1150 not being used in Mt. Sterling, KY! Louis

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 03-11-2007, 10:29 AM:

Haha! Thanks, Louis. [Wink]

quote: Jeff Stricker
I didn't think there were any unused W x 2 callsigns available. You got a good one.

Thanks, Jeff!

It's a SK call. I'm actually the 3rd guy to have it. The call's been sitting dormant since '98, but no one knew about it. That's where the all the work comes in, doing searches and checking against online databases. Makes it that much more satisfying when you do finally score a rare one! [Smile]

K4TR (expired) will be at the end of the FCC's mandatory 2-year wait period in June, and will then be available as a vanity call. I wanted that one because it has my initials and it's my hometown call area, but I decided the competition with be too heated for vanity calls by then, and I didn't want to lose the W3HR to someone else who might have discovered it, so I committed. [Cool]

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 05-10-2007, 01:50 PM:

Attention Amateurs! This is a QST.

Just one week until the Dayton Hamvention! See you there.

For those who can't make it, or who might be interested in what it's like at the world's largest hamfest, Tom Medlin, WA5KUB, will once again be streaming video and audio from the Dayton Hamvention. Tom's webcams were viewed by hams in more than 150 countries last year. Watch the crew walk around with the famous "helmet cam" and see what they see. As in previous years, they will stream the whole experience; even the entire 550 mile drive (live) from Memphis, TN to Dayton. I got a kick out of seeing this on Tom's website, as they wear the helmet cam into restaurants and when getting fuel and stuff. Silly. The live broadcast begins at 0800 CST on Wednesday morning May 16th and will continue until approx midnight on Sunday May 20th as they return home. The site will be running recorded video of Hamvention® 2007 when not in live mode.

Here's the link for WA5KUB helmet cam.

73, de W3HR

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 05-11-2007, 06:10 AM:

Hey Tim, I'm gonna be there! [thumbsup]

I've made every Hamvention since 1973, except about three or four years. Made arangements to go with a couple of local hams. Just a 2 hour drive for us. Fingers crossed for good wx. next Friday. 73 Jeff W9GY

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 05-11-2007, 12:57 PM:

Great, Jeff! I'll be lookin' for ya.

Keep an eye out for me. I still look pretty much like my member picture, and I'll be wearin' a callsign name tag with an ARRL logo on it - you won't be able to miss me, hihi. [Big Grin]

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 05-12-2007, 06:20 AM:

OK Tim, I'll be there only Friday (best day). My buddy has a flea market space #2162. I'll stop by there from time to time. No beard these days [Wink]

I've got my call letters on my "CBS Sports" hat. 73 Jeff

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 05-13-2007, 05:04 PM:

Aw, shucks, Jeff. I may still be in transit on Friday. Definitely be there Saturday and Sunday.

Hopefully, I'll get there earlier. Better to get that ticket in the prize barrel early, too! [Wink]

Btw, have you ever won any prizes at hamfests? My brother won grand prize at the Stricker's Grove hamfest, near Cincinnati, one year. It was an Icom 735!

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 05-14-2007, 06:34 AM:

Oh well, too bad on not being there Friday, Tim. [Frown]

Many, many years ago I won an Icom IC 04AT (440 MHz handheld) at a local hamfest. The old Cinci hamfest at Stricker's (no relation) Grove used to be the best. Original fest - once price included admission, and all you could eat/drink lunch, dinner, and beer. Hudepol on tap [beer]

I wonder if your brother remembers "Mr. Spoons" and his one-man band?

Have a great time at Dayton. I'm loooking to hear you on AM 3.885. 73 Jeff

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 05-22-2007, 08:43 PM:

Note to self: next year, go to Dayton all three days!

Sorry I missed ya, Jeff. We were there on Saturday and Sunday, and still didn't get to see everything. I brought back a bunch of stuff - including that Icom 706 MKIIG from my brother. We didn't get to see much of the fleamarket, though. [Frown]

I got to meet Bob Heil, Katie Breen and Maria Somma with the ARRL, Pietro Begali (who makes those high-precision magnetic code paddles) and the usual ham "celebrities". Gordon West was as goofy and fun as always.

I rode up with an old friend from Kentucky, KD4GOV. It was his very first Hamvention and, as luck would have it, HE WON A DOOR PRIZE! I couldn't believe it. He won a bag full of books: an ARRL Handbook, a Callbook, and a couple of other things thrown in for good measure. I figured it was worth at least $70. I told him lots of guys have been going to Dayton for 30 years or more and still haven't won anything, but here he hits something on his first trip. He should've played the lottery that night. [Big Grin]

We had a blast.

JUST A FEW PIX...

After missing this hamfest for 15 years, I didn't count on ever seeing Hara Arena again!

We be HAMS!

The fleamarket I missed. Hundreds and hundreds of spaces!

Dealers!

The main arena.

See ya there next year! [thumbsup]

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-23-2007, 08:24 AM:

Anyone ever make it to the Hamfest at Bryce Canyon? I believe its held in July every year. I plan on going this year.

Mark

Posted by Dick Prather (Member # 1136) on 05-23-2007, 05:06 PM:

10-10 International convention in Omaha this August 10th thru 12th this year. 10 meter group with chapters and certificates. Anybody going? Hope to see someone there from here. Dick - K7KTP

Posted by Mike Heenan (Member # 392) on 05-23-2007, 05:11 PM:

Tim, go back to the old 'do in your member pic... [evil]

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-23-2007, 05:53 PM:

Tim,

You REALLY need a new Barber [Eek!]

... that "Beatles look" went out in the 60's. Perhaps your Barber is ham'n it up.

Mark

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 05-24-2007, 06:35 AM:

Tim, If you are there Friday of next year's fest then I'll see you. I'm kinda at the mercy of other locals who want to make it a one day thing. Actually not that bad for me...I'm getting too old for the three and two day trips.

Most of my time is spent in te flea market since I'm into the boatanchors, AM and the like. [thumbsup]

Only spent $8 on junk, less than the snacks and beer cost!

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 05-24-2007, 06:49 AM:

Jeff, hope you got something useful. I'm planning for next year, for sure - all three days. I can still get around well enough to make the rounds, but my buddy who went up with me has to take his time due to health problems. He is hooked, though, and making plans for next year, too. [Wink]

Mike/Mark... haha, funny you should mention that. I AM thinking of changing hair cutters! She never cuts it short enough, so it reverts to the coonskin cap after about a week. [Big Grin]

Posted by Peter Berrett (Member # 672) on 05-24-2007, 08:06 AM:

Hi fellow hams

The next episode of Amateurlogic should feature some fooage of at the Daytona Hamvention.

You might even see some footage of an Australian hamfest featuring yours truly.

Also my Degen De-1103 (AKA Kaito KA1103) arrived from China and its a beauty! I hope to do a segment about it in the near future. Top radio. See reviews at Eham.

Finally I have been asked to do a video hookup with the guys using Skype for the show.

cheers Peter vk3pb
http://www.amateurlogic.tv

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 07-03-2007, 02:09 PM:

Congratulations, Peter, on becoming a reporter for AmLogic!

Dateline: QRZ.com

Amateur Logic TV

Peter Berrett VK3PB is a member of the Eastern & Mountain District Radio Club, a member of the Wireless Institute of Australia and is a keen ATV enthusiast famous for his electronic Fish Bowl on Melbourne’s VK3RTV repeater.

This month Peter joins the team at Amateur Logic TV as their Australian news presenter and Australian news reporter.

Amateur Logic TV is a Television program made by Radio Amateurs for Radio Amateurs. It is an IPTV program, which in simple terms means you download it from the internet and watch it on your PC.

You can download Amateur Logic edition 13 from the following web address.
http://www.amateurlogic.com/downloads.htm

In this latest edition of the show, two of the team members Tommy and Jim visit the Dayton Hamvention, the world's largest amateur radio gathering and brings back some great coverage of the event, including an interview with the infamous Tom, WA5KUB and his live helmet cam.

Peter Berrett brings to the show some Aussie content with footage of the Moorabbin and District Radio Club Hamfest held recently in Melbourne. The show also contains many practical do it yourself type tips with the current episode showing you how to building your own Homebrew Crimpers for RG213 and LMR400 cable...

All in all its 50 minutes of solid Amateur Radio television…
Visit the website today http://www.amateurlogic.com/downloads.htm

Posted by Peter Berrett (Member # 672) on 07-08-2007, 07:21 AM:

Thanks Tim

Readers may be interested to know about a segment I have filmed for the upcoming episode (14).

Here in Australia we have introduced a new class of license called the Foundation license. The license can be studied for and gotten in a weekend - the syllabus is quite simple. This gives 10 watts privileges across a range of HF and VHF bands. The UK and Australia have both introduced this system.

In a series of interviews totalling about 10 minutes I interview Robert Broomhead Director of the Wireless Institute of Australia, Brian Pliatsios President of the Eastern and Mountain Distriucts Radio Club and a new Foundation class licensee, Joe Chakravati. The interviews are insightful as to what the license is all about, the effect it has had on the hobby in Australia and the effect at both a club and personal level. For amateurs and non-amateurs in countries that have not yet introduced such a license the interviews are useful pointers about the way ham radio could or should go in the future.

Episode 13 can be downloaded from Youtube or www.amateurlogic.com

Regards Peter

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 01-07-2008, 12:27 AM:

Well, they're saying solar cycle 24 has begun! For non-hams, this means that sunspot activity (which creates atmospheric conditions that allow for the propagation of HF radio communications) should begin to increase over the coming year. The bands have been quiet for some time, due to the current 11-year cycle being at minimum.

The new year also signals that we're closing in on the 2008 Dayton Hamvention! It's just four months away, I can't wait. My buddy, KD4GOV, and I are planning on going all three days this year, so we'll be looking for other friends there.

Maybe we'll catch up with Jeff Stricker, W9GY, this time? [Smile]

73,
de Tim, W3HR

Posted by Pete Naples (Member # 761) on 01-07-2008, 01:24 AM:

Definitely! I've been hearing more and more DX stations over the last few days, which makes a change. My HF antenna is useless for ground wave signals, so it's been pretty quite for a while!

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 01-07-2008, 06:18 AM:

Looks like Friday for me Tim, if my buddies decide they are still a "go". I'll be in touch as we get closer.

BTW, the current low solar activity makes the lower frequency bands (80, 160) go "long" very early in the evening. Not the best for my AM ragchewing activities, but the DX boys must be having a great time!

Posted by Jerry D. Cox (Member # 701) on 01-08-2008, 03:28 PM:

Hi Tim,I have been on since 1956 had 3 diff. calls it is N4ZVO now.I like to work CW I have not been on in about a yr.When I get
on I like to work 20-in the afternoon and night and 15 early in the day use to like 75& 80 but it is bad now that I dont want to work it ,It is just like CB,40 YOU USE TO BE GOOD BACK IN THE OLD DAYS I have A beam 50 ft.up it will work 10 tru.40 also have A envertied VEE for 75&80 I was A raido opr. in service.CQ

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 01-09-2008, 01:12 PM:

Okay, Jeff. Let me know. We'll set up a sked for Dayton! [thumbsup]

I can't wait to jump in and make some contacts during this new solar cycle. I had a temporary station setup a few months ago and made a handful of marginal contacts with some big stations during a contest weekend, but after that - nothing. I had an indoor random wire strung up in the apartment here, but XYL put an end to that after a bit. [Wink]

N4ZVO! FB, Jerry! Sounds like a great station you have. I love CW, too, and worked it almost exclusively. Yes, I hear the cries of 75M being just like CB now. I knew it would eventually come down to that, since they've kept whittling down the exams and code requirements. [Frown]

So, being in Nashville, you're not terribly far from Dayton. You going to the Hamvention this year?

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 01-10-2008, 05:46 PM:

Tim, I started off as a novice in 1970 with a 40M dipole strung along the ceiling of a first floor apartment in a three story building. [Frown]

Yuck. My contact rate was about two QSOs/week! I'd call CQ all night long and no response. But, let me tell you, the guy above me sure had an RF sensitive Hi Fi set! He'd get going with a girlfriend up there and blast the stereo... but I could put a stop to the loud music with a few dits and dahs in short order! I think they'd then retire to the bedroom for more "quiet" activies. [uhoh]

Posted by Jerry D. Cox (Member # 701) on 01-11-2008, 11:54 AM:

Hi Tim,No I don't guss I will I would like to ,But I have A DR-

Posted by Jerry D. Cox (Member # 701) on 01-11-2008, 11:57 AM:

Hi Tim,No I don't guss I will I would like to ,But I have A DR-In
To run up in Ky.so I will not get to go,

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 01-20-2008, 12:45 AM:

Hey, Jerry, I know that drive-in! Last time I was through there it had been closed for a while. I checked out your website and the place looks absolutely fantastic! You've done a great job with it.

Btw, you could probably still hit Dayton this year... just have those kids run the place. [Wink]

Jeff...

With the exception of an inverted-vee I had when I lived in Texas back in the mid-80s, I've always had to settle for indoor antennas. [Mad]

I've made some good contacts on them, but like you before me, I've not had much luck with them being consistent performers.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 04-16-2008, 09:03 PM:

[bump]

Just 30 days until the greatest Amateur Radio gathering in the world!
Dayton Hamvention

I'll be there for all three days this year. A friend from Kentucky and I are going up on Thursday night, so we can catch the opening on Friday! [thumbsup]

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 05-09-2008, 11:32 PM:

[bump again, if anyone's following this]

Well, just a mere SIX DAYS until the Dayton Hamvention!! [thumbsup]

This is like Christmas for many ham radio operators every year - and I've been eagerly looking forward to this for several months. I can't wait to get back out there amongst the happy crowd, scope everything out, and bring back some good bargains. hihi

See you there! [Cool]

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 05-11-2008, 01:16 PM:

Tim, can't make it his year [Frown]

The usual gang I attend with are all off on vacations/trips, etc. and I will be going on a week-long vacation the following week so need to save a few bucks for that. You have a great time. Maybe we'll see you there next year. Long range forecast looks to be for dry weather, although somewhat cool. 73 Jeff W9GY

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 05-23-2008, 07:22 PM:

Sorry to hear you couldn't make it, Jeff. Friday morning started off with some drizzle, but it quickly left as Hamvention got underway. We ended up having dry weather all three days!

As bad luck would have it, I pulled a tendon in my leg while carrying our luggage to the room on Thursday, so I was limping until Saturday evening. But we were still able to cover the entire fleamarket this time, most of inside, and even managed to take-in a forum -- with a lot of breaks to sit down because of my leg, and my buddy's back. It was funny in a way. I told him we're like a couple of old men, all broken down.

Neither one of us won anything (though someone with a ticket just three digits off from mine won a door prize).

Hope to see you at Hamvention 2009!

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 06-01-2008, 06:59 AM:

Ouch Tim, sorry to hear about that. No fun limping over those great distances. I've heard some reports that there was lots of vintage stuff there this year with not too bad prices, either. Oh well. My guess is that my usual group will be available next year and we'll make the trek to the Hamvention. Meantime, hope you get some on-air activity going and we'll hear you on the radio. 73 Jeff W9GY

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 02-05-2009, 03:20 PM:

Well, just three short months until Hamvention 2009!

I can't wait! Hope our fellow Film-Tech hams can make it this year.

Posted by John Wilson (Member # 269) on 02-06-2009, 06:15 AM:

Be careful carrying the luggage this time, OK?

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 02-08-2009, 07:37 AM:

Don't know yet if I'll be attending, Tim. I'll keep you posted. Jeff W9GY

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 02-08-2009, 08:37 AM:

I say "Ham On 5 Hold The Mayo"! WOW! I bet Dayton becomes pocket protector central for a couple of days!

I'm not a Ham ... just an electronics guy who doesn't have time to be a ham. For you Hams that live out in the Western States there is a yearly Ham-Fest at Bryce Canyon... The wife and kids can go hike the canyon trails while you enjoy the fest! I've attended it a couple of times myself over the years... personally its a tough decision to go to the fest or hike down into the canyon so I decided last time to spend one day at the fest and one day down in the canyon!

Bryce Canyon Ham Fest

(Not my photos... just some I found on the web....)

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 02-08-2009, 05:16 PM:

quote: John Wilson
Be careful carrying the luggage this time, OK?

Heheh, I will. Thanks, John.

Jeff, yes, please let me know. Hope you can make it there this year, and we can set up an eyeball sked. [Smile]

Funny thing happened a couple weeks ago, fwiw. The ringtone on my company phone contains my callsign in Morse Code, and it calls "CQ" to me. I was in a booth working on an installation when my phone went off. I had my hands full, so it had to ring through the whole "CQ" sequence. Later, when I was out in the auditorium, a manufacturer's rep asked me if I was a ham. Forgetting about the ringtone, I asked him how he knew. He said he copied my callsign when my phone rang! I thought that was so cool! [Cool]

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 05-02-2009, 08:59 AM:

Just two weeks until Hamvention 2009!

American Radio Relay League

I got my tickets in the mail yesterday, and a hotel confirmed. My son and I are going with a ham friend of mine from KY, and my brother may go as well, so we should have a pretty good little group.

Ham it up! [Smile]

See you in Dayton!
73, de W3HR

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 05-03-2009, 06:12 AM:

Tim, no Dayton for me again this year. Maybe next year. Since 1972 I've only missed 4 or 5 years. Have fun. Everything including the kitchen sink is there!! 73, Jeff W9GY (still operating homebrew AM gear on 3880 and 1880 kHz)

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 05-03-2009, 10:03 AM:

ebay has a Western Electric 1kw 1938 transmitter suitable for 160 meters; good for authentic AM guys! Louis

Posted by Dick Prather (Member # 1136) on 05-04-2009, 03:39 PM:

I need to go to Dayton some year. Can't this year but will be going to the Ten-Ten convention in Orlando in late July

Have done some AM on 3870 with a West Coast AM group. Using a Hallicrafters SX-100 and a Johnson Ranger with a nice D-104. Sometimes adding a Dentron 160-10L amp to run about 250 watts.

73 to all and enjoy Dayton, Dick - K7KTP

Posted by Mark J. Marshall (Member # 1409) on 05-04-2009, 07:34 PM:

I wish I had some extra cash. I'd love to get some gear up and running again. Heck, I'd be happy getting the 2M back in my car.

Sigh.

[Frown]

Soon...

In the mean time, have fun out there whoever is going!

73

N3QNJ