Category Archives: From the OM

D-Star and the Icom IC-80AD

Posted on June 5, 2012 by robert

“I’d send it back if I were you” — was probably the best advice I received this past weekend, after voicing my frustration over setting up the Icom IC-80AD handheld to access my local D-Star repeaters.  (The manual is poorly … Continue reading →

Posted in D-Star, From the OM | 1 Comment

Obtaining a RI “Amateur Radio Operator Plate” from the new DMV

Posted on June 5, 2012 by robert

Let me begin by saying that Rhode Island has totally rebuilt their DMV — once the butt of thousands of jokes, and a prime example of government incompetence at its worst, it has morphed into an example that proves government … Continue reading →

Posted in From the OM | 1 Comment

KX3 in the CW CQ WPX Contest

Posted on May 28, 2012 by robert

Many things test the metal of receiver.  The ability of a receiver to survive a busy contest is certainly a key test. I had the opportunity to use my KX3 in the CW CQ WPX Contest this weekend.  20 and … Continue reading →

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Rocking the QRP World

Posted on May 6, 2012 by robert

So after a busy weekend I had 4 hours to mess with the KX3.  It is simply amazing.  Of course this is still very early in the product release cycle and parts of the firmware have yet to be completed, … Continue reading →

Posted in From the OM, Gear, QRP | 2 Comments

QRP Nirvana – the KX3 has landed!

Posted on May 4, 2012 by robert

After finishing work today, I was surprised to see a FedEx package from Elecraft — My KX3 had arrived.  I spent an hour getting used to things, checking out the sensitivity and filtering, determining the current consumption,  and figuring out … Continue reading →

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One of the many reasons I admire Elecraft

Posted on May 4, 2012 by robert

So how many CEOs do you know that send out an email like this one: Hi Bob,I see that your KX3 should be arriving at any time. I’m keeping close tabs on these early production units. Feel free to email … Continue reading →

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Diamond DXCC Challenge

Posted on April 6, 2012 by robert

Last week I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I have qualified for the 2012 Diamond DXCC Challenge, marking the 75th anniversary of the DXCC.  The objective is to contact as many modern day equivalents from the original 1937 DXCC … Continue reading →

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Some new sparkle…

Posted on March 31, 2012 by robert

A while back I had found  a 50+ year old Eimac 4-65A transmitting tube made back in 1960.  I figured it would make an interesting conversation piece, especially if I could mount it like a paperweight for my desk. — … Continue reading →

Posted in From the OM | 2 Comments

DXCC Arrives

Posted on March 27, 2012 by robert

The postman was nice to me yesterday.  Not only did he bring my new QSL cards, but he also brought my DXCC certificate, and pin. Frankly, I wasn’t expecting something quite so large.  I had trouble scanning it because of … Continue reading →

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My BuddiPole Configuration

Posted on March 22, 2012 by robert

Many folks are fans of the BuddiPole, and I’ve written about it before.  Buying one of their kits gives you an “erector set” of parts that you can mix and match in various combinations.  I’ve acquired so many parts it … Continue reading →

Posted in From the OM, Gear | 18 Comments