QRP In The Heat

The game plan today is set up my Ten-Tec R40/20 QRP rig in the yard under the umbrella. The only problem is the heat and temperature racing to another 100 degree day.

From the National Weather Service,

Warning: EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING in effect until Saturday July 23, 8:00PM.

Yesterdays high in Newark, NJ at 3:00PM was a baking 108 degrees. So depending how I feel in the heat will determine if I give it a try.

Tomorrow is going to cool down to 90 degrees, wonderful.

Hazy, Hot, & Humid

The heading just about says it all for the next few days.

Per AccuWeather the high temperature for my location in New Jersey was a very sticky 102F. This is not a good day to stay outside for very long.

The forecast:

Friday 100 deg F (real feel will be 110)
Saturday 96 deg F
Sunday 93 deg F

I am still looking forward to setting up in the yard on Saturday to make a few contacts on the radio, in the shade of course.

Stay Cool!

WorldRadio Online

On my face book page I am a fan of CQ magazine and received a posting that the August edition of WorldRadio Online is up and ready for downloading.

I use to be a subscriber of the print edition, it was always rolled up in my back pocket when I took my kids to martial arts classes. Now I try and read it every month when I remember to go to the website.

Two articles of interest caught my eye this month,

Trial-Friendly Radio: Adventure in the Colorado Rockies. I always enjoy QRP outdoor adventures.
A nice Morse code write up and the Novice 40 meter band.

A must read every month is the Aerials section by Kurt N. Sterba, always keeping them honest.

Be sure to check out WorldRadio Online and support the advertisers.

Can't beat a Free Amateur Radio magazine but I still miss the printed copy to carry around.

http://www.worldradiomagazine.com/

Memories of W.P.I.X in NY

Here is a wonderful video I came across, Memories of W.P.I.X channel 11 in New York.

No matter where you live I am sure you have seen these classics.

Compared to what is on the tube these days, I will take the reruns any day.

Enjoy your weekend!

Back Yard Radio

Spent most of the yesterday afternoon between playing radio under the umbrella to jumping in the pool, turned out to be a perfect summer day.

The anteena I set up was my trusted Buddi-Pole, 20 meters tuned up nice for a 1.3 on the swr meter. It just feels better when you have confidance in the anteena system, which I certainly have in the Buddi-Pole. I started the afternoon with the R40/20 qrp rig hooked up scanning the usual hang outs but could not find a connection calling cq. So much for the confidence I mentioned.

After dinner and the barbaque was closed up I decided to switch over to my Yaesu FT-857 and check out the ssb action. The 20 meter band was in fine shape with a few state side contacts, Cuba and Argentina. I did have to crank up the power to 100W to get in for Argentina, that is why I like the option available for more power if needed. I used my Werker 12V 10Ah battery for the power requirements.

Overall it was a pleasant day to be outside and make a few contacts.