Author Archives: robert

Patriot’s Day Bombing

Posted on April 16, 2013 by robert

I hesitate to write this, as it isn’t directly related to ham radio, but it did have an indirect impact as my technician class gladly stood down for a night as the Red Cross started their efforts to plan their … Continue reading →

Posted in From the OM | Leave a comment

Taking the exam for ARRL Volunteer Examiner

Posted on April 12, 2013 by robert

I took the ARRL-VEC Exam, which is an open-book 40-question yes/no, fill-in-the-blank, mini-essay type exam taking 3 pages.  Add a page long application and a copy of your license, plus postage for 2 ounces applied to the envelope, and the … Continue reading →

Posted in From the OM, Operating, Public Service | 3 Comments

Double-Peak For Cycle 24?

Posted on April 11, 2013 by robert

“Almost” as predicted, propagation is starting to get interesting.  The past few days have been outstanding with decent openings on 10 m and 12 m.  15-meters has been open the clock as well.  China, Vietnam, Thailand  South Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippians have … Continue reading →

Posted in DX | Tagged | Leave a comment

Honoring a Mentor

Posted on April 6, 2013 by robert

(Receiving John ‘s comment yesterday about his first QSO, reminded me that I needed to do something similar for mine) I have misplaced my original license and logs (I will find them and put them online in eQSL and LotW … Continue reading →

Posted in From the OM, History | Leave a comment

A QSL from the distant past…

Posted on April 5, 2013 by robert

I received a post-comment from John Boyd who mentioned that he recalled working a WN4SON back in the day.  While I’ve misplaced my log and original license (I know they are packed in a box from one of my moves), … Continue reading →

Posted in From the OM, History | Leave a comment

Class Begins…I pity the students

Posted on April 1, 2013 by robert

I’m teaching a Technician Class on behalf of the Newport County Radio Club, and the first class begins tonight. Over the years I’ve taught many classes in various different subjects (micro-controller applications, celestial navigation, boy scout merit badges, boating safety, etc.) .  But … Continue reading →

Posted in From the OM, Instruction, Public Service | Leave a comment

XT2TT Confirmation completes TWO goals for 2013

Posted on March 22, 2013 by robert

I just received LotW confirmations from XT2TT, Burkina Faso, that included a RTTY digital contact.  That confirmation actually completes my first goal for the year; getting 175 countries confirmed in LotW.  It also completes a second goal; getting Digital DXCC … Continue reading →

Posted in DX, From the OM, Operating | Leave a comment

15-Meter WAS: Thanks Steven, W3SFG

Posted on March 20, 2013 by robert

In the march toward 5BWAS, 15-meters was crossed off the list this morning when W3SFG, Steven in Maryland, confirmed our contact made 10 days prior. I had been watching LotW closely, waiting for that contact to be confirmed, and became … Continue reading →

Posted in From the OM, LotW, Operating | Leave a comment

A Clean Sweep for Clipperton TX5K

Posted on March 8, 2013 by robert

I have been spending a bit of time since Monday trying to work the Clipperton Island DXpediton, TX5K, on all bands and modes.  I was finally able to accomplish that during lunch today, with a 10-meter CW contact completing the … Continue reading →

Posted in DX, From the OM, Operating | Leave a comment

A Repeater Finder App for IOS and Android (and the web)

Posted on March 8, 2013 by robert

While I had programmed every repeater in my local area into my IC880H before installing it in the truck, I had no idea exactly where the repeaters were located, and I discovered that I was not able to bring all … Continue reading →

Posted in D-Star, From the OM, Gear, Operating | Leave a comment