Category Archives: From the OM

Unexpected Surprise

Posted on October 23, 2014 by robert

So a large envelope from the ARRL showed up in the mail today.  Not entirely unusual as I teach classes, and am a VE, plus life members, etc.  However I wasn’t expecting anything. Imagine my surprise when I opened it … Continue reading →

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DXCC Update

Posted on October 11, 2014 by robert

Several of my ham buddies (including one at the top of the Honor Roll), have described the DXCC process as easy to get the first 100, then more effort to get the next.  They have warned me that after 200, … Continue reading →

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W1AW/Portable 50 States Confirmed!

Posted on September 4, 2014 by robert

I was a bit surprised to find two QSLs arrived this morning at about 5 AM in LotW confirming contacts with W1AW/1 from Maine.  This was the final state that I need for WAS W1AW/Portable. Oddly enough, despite the LotW confirmation, … Continue reading →

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Zippy Battery Capacity Test After Eighteen Months of Storage

Posted on August 26, 2014 by robert

I had an opportunity to let my 4.2 AH Zippy battery sit unused after I last charged it on February 26 of 2013 — that was eighteen months ago. I had noted in earlier testing that the Zippy self-discharge seemed to … Continue reading →

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Julian Plowright, N1UNP, Silent Key

Posted on August 20, 2014 by robert

A dear radio buddy, Julian Plowright, N1UHP, passed away last night.  Julian was quite active in my club (Newport County Radio Club).  He participated in our Field Day activities, most recently upgrading to Extra Class prior to this year’s event. … Continue reading →

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Sixth Band Completed on WAS

Posted on August 16, 2014 by robert

W1AW/1 worked out to be the final QSL needed to finish 17 Meter WAS, completing WAS on six bands (80/40/20/17/15/10 meters).  Still have a bunch of work to get to 9BWAS:  8 more needed on 12 meters, 3 more on 30 meters, … Continue reading →

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A QSO with Joe Taylor, K1JT

Posted on July 31, 2014 by robert

So ever since I re-entered radio in 2011, and heard the strange (to me then) tones of JT65 on 80 meters, I’ve been hooked.  That mode, and JT9 that followed, enabled me to make WAS in a month on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Digital Mode, From the OM | 2 Comments

GoKit Phase 1 – A long time coming

Posted on July 29, 2014 by robert

After participating in a multi-agency shelter communication drill this past weekend (which went quite well), I decided it was time to dust off my GoKit components.  I had originally intended to make a VHF-only kit using a Yaesu FT-2900R, then … Continue reading →

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Field Day 2014 Satellite Passes

Posted on June 17, 2014 by robert

This is a list of satellite passes that occur between 1400 Local on Saturday June 28 and 1400 Local on Sunday June 29 for the Rhode Island (FN41) area is shown below.  AO-7 will only be usable during daylight hours. … Continue reading →

Posted in Contests, From the OM, Operating, Satellite | 2 Comments

I’m a Sucker For a New Key

Posted on April 25, 2014 by robert

Within moments of the email from the ARRL hitting my inbox several months ago, I had ordered a Vibroplex ARRL 100th Commemorative Iambic Paddle.  Serial number 213 arrived today, with WB4SON engraved into the base.  Guess this is a key … Continue reading →

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