Author Archives: Bob Beatty

QRP Labs QCX-mini

Posted on March 6, 2021 by Bob Beatty

I need another radio like a submarine needs a screen door.  That said, I couldn’t resist buying a QCX-mini from QRP Labs.  This is a $55 partial kit (all SMT devices already on the board), with a $20 case, making … Continue reading →

Posted in CW, Projects, QCX-mini, QRP | 1 Comment

Getting Ready for Winter Field Day

Posted on January 29, 2021 by Bob Beatty

The good folks that manage the Winter Field Day program, have made some changes that make the contest more appealing to folks that are remaining home, or in their backyards this year due to the pandemic.  With that in mind, … Continue reading →

Posted in AMSAT, Satellite, WFD | Leave a comment

Goals for 2021

Posted on January 1, 2021 by Bob Beatty

What a great way to start 2021 — I was on the air from the Charlestown Breachway State Beach, POTA K-7717, this fine New Year’s day.  Parks On The Air will be a major goal for me in 2021, but … Continue reading →

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Goal Review 2020

Posted on January 1, 2021 by Bob Beatty

Despite the lingering smell of a burning garbage, 2020 is finally behind us.  Like most of the planet, I found myself wishing the year would just end.  In my case, I’m quite blessed, as my immediate family is healthy and … Continue reading →

Posted in Activation, DX, Goals, POTA, Satellite, WAS | Leave a comment

Still loving POTA

Posted on December 16, 2020 by Bob Beatty

I’ve been blessed to be part of the Amateur Radio community during this insane year.  What a perfect pandemic hobby!  Parks On The Air have made it even more enjoyable and gives me a good reason to leave the house … Continue reading →

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Random Musings on POTA

Posted on November 17, 2020 by Bob Beatty

I started my Parks On The Air journey on October 2nd; my first activation with John K1JSM, Willy W1LY, and Richard KC1ARO at Brenton Point Park.  I quickly caught the bug, and have worked with them and other Newport County … Continue reading →

Posted in Antennas, Awards, Battery, Gear, POTA | Leave a comment

Typical LiFePO4 Battery Use for 100-watt SSB

Posted on October 25, 2020 by Bob Beatty

Because of my POTA activity, I’ve been able to keep track of my current consumption as I run my IC-7000 in SSB.  It is a fairly typical 100-watt rig, pulling about 1.4 Amps in RX at listening volume, and specified … Continue reading →

Posted in Battery, LiFePO4, POTA | Leave a comment

POTA Bronze Hunter

Posted on October 17, 2020 by Bob Beatty

Since my post on Oct 2 about activating Brenton Point Park, I’ve done another activation at Trustom Pond (K-0517) on October 9th along the southern coast of RI, and plan on going to a park in the Point Judith area … Continue reading →

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POTA – Brenton Point State Park

Posted on October 2, 2020 by Bob Beatty

I was lucky enough to get together with a few friends (John K1JSM, and Willy W1LY) today for a Parks On The Air (POTA) activation of Brenton Point State Park K-2870. John and Willy are avid activators, usually islands, but … Continue reading →

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MORSERINO Home Run with “Echo Test”

Posted on September 9, 2020 by Bob Beatty

In addition to my usual Technician Classes (a new set starting in a week), I’ve been spending a few hours a week teaching Morse Code to a neighbor of mine, who passed his General this June (Ryan KC1KUF).  Because of … Continue reading →

Posted in CW, Education, Instruction, Training | Leave a comment