Monthly Archives: July 2018

Tried WSJT-X in Hound Mode for the first time

Today I heard SO1WS in Western Sahara on 17-meters.  I noticed a very raspy FT-8 signal, and after checking the time offset, it turned out to be So1WS — however upon further review it was apparent that they were running … Continue reading

Posted in From the OM, FT8 | Leave a comment

Six Meters IS the Magic Band

If one were to take a look at the WSJT-X screen cap below, perhaps it wouldn’t seem too unusual.  Operating 6 meters, a few signals on.  It shows I was calling CQ around 141715 UTC, and was answered by N7BD.  … Continue reading

Posted in 6-Meters | 3 Comments

Someone Trying To Tell Me Something?

My Inverted L antenna begins its journey skyward at the base of an old oak tree.  A 600 watt remote tuner is installed there, along with multiple radials into the woods and yard.  The “L” wire comes down from a … Continue reading

Posted in Antennas, Computers, Operating | Leave a comment

Nice Day at RI ARES Beavertail Picnic

My thanks to Paul N1PSX, our RI SEC (Section Emergency Coordinator), and the ARES team for a nice time this Saturday at their annual picnic/get-together.  There were lots of folks from each corner of the state, most of them bringing … Continue reading

Posted in ILLW, IOTA, Operating, Portable, USIslands | Leave a comment

Musings on PC Clock Accuracy

As a digital mode and satellite operator, accurate time is essential.  The internet is a wonderful step forward in that Network Time Protocol (NTP) services give the potential for every PC to be accurate to within milliseconds.  Windows recognizes this … Continue reading

Posted in Computers, NTP, Time | 1 Comment

Shack PC Up and Running

After the fire last Sunday, I did some testing, and found a good hunk of my 10-year old PC was gone.  The cost to repair was going to be significant, and I’d be left with the guts of an old … Continue reading

Posted in Computers, LotW, WSJT-X | Leave a comment

“Emergency! There is smoke in the basement”

So I have a rule about keeping all my WB4SON Blog comments about radio.  Keeps me on topic and away from controversial subjects, which is a good thing.  In the very sad news department, my constant companion Lily, our 14-year … Continue reading

Posted in Computers, From the OM | 2 Comments

Thank you Baker Island Team!

It’s been a hectic couple of months here in WB4SON land, and my operating time has been severely curtailed.  But it pained me to think that I was about to miss an opportunity for a ATNO with the KH1/KH7Z DXpedition.  … Continue reading

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