Category Archives: From the OM

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 →

Posted in Alternative Power, From the OM | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in From the OM, Operating | Leave a comment

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 →

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

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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Cute Card From Coventry Technician Class

Posted on April 21, 2014 by robert

I had an opportunity to teach a Technician class to a wonderful group of folks from Coventry and West Warwick, who were EOC, Shelter, and CERT volunteers.  We held the usual 6-week Technician Class every Wednesday (dodging snow storms), and 14 of … Continue reading →

Posted in From the OM, Instruction | Leave a comment

When it rains it pours?

Posted on April 15, 2014 by robert

Man its a wet spring with more rain on the way (16+” year-to-date), but I’m not talking about the weather — I’m talking about DXCC Confirmations. Today I finally broke the 200 mark in LotW, with confirmations for QSOs from … Continue reading →

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Mellish Reef DXpedition and DX Summary

Posted on April 7, 2014 by robert

I was very fortunate to work Mellish Reef on 20 Meter CW around 0800Z April 4th.  While there was some discussion about them abandoning the reef due to very bad weather, they were still plugging away.  Propagation charts indicated that … Continue reading →

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