New Antenna Plus QRP

On Saturday afternoon I decided to go with a ultra stealth mode antenna which is just a roll of Philmore Mfg 30 AWG magnet wire, part number 12-1230.

Total antenna length about 35 feet, one end attached to a fence on the corner of my property with a small plastic bottle cap as an insulator, other end straight up to the second floor window. With the help of the antenna tuner and a good solid ground, this has the makings of an easy end fed wire antenna.

If anyone is looking for a hidden stealth wire antenna, I would recommend magnet wire all the way, appearance with a cloudy background yesterday and bright blue skies today, the wire is almost invisible unless you focus you eyes and look for it (of course I did not have my glasses on). It looks like part of a long spider web from the ground.

Regarding the strength test, time will tell but later this week the call is for rain in the forecast. It will be interesting if its still airborne. The roll of magnet wire consists of over 1,600 feet, so if it comes down it's no big deal, plenty left over to rewire if I have to and it only takes a few minutes.

EA8UP

I was very happy with the results last night on 20 meters, I put my call out to a CQ from Chano, EA8UP and was answered, 10 watts SSB to the Canary Islands, my signal was a 5-4. I was just excited to make the contact.

That made my Saturday big time!
QRP is fun!!

License Renewed

Just renewed my license and the new expiration date is year 2022. Is it just me but looking at these future dates is just plan scary? Wish I was still in high school!

First day of fall today, going apple picking with the family, a fun day for sure. Might even have to pick up an apple pie but trying not to add the extra pounds. They go on easy but are a killer to get rid of.

Enjoy your weekend!

MAKE Presents: The Transistor

Over the past few days I have been reading up on the transistor and came across this simple video from Make Magazine. It even includes an easy transistor circuit to wire up with a hand full of components.

Make has a series of easy informative online videos describing various electronic components. Might have to put up a new component video once a week as a refresher for myself.

11 Years Ago

We always have to remember what took place on a September day 11 years ago.

Today has the same feel as that day with a clear cool day and blue sky's overhead.

Have a nice day everyone!

Unofficial Summer End

 

Labor day is the unofficial end of summer even if the calendar says we still have a few more weeks left.

School is back in session on Tuesday and Wednesday for both my kids, time flies as your having fun and of course getting older. The family did have a few days at the Jersey shore, ocean temps around 78 deg., nice. I also was able to cast a line into the ocean as my son was the camera man. But the wonderful part was the family time together on the beach and the backyard picnic we had with the parents, brothers, and kids that make it all so very special.

I am looking forward getting outside and play radio before the super cold weather pays us a visit. Plus the bonus is the parks and beaches have less people. My goal this fall is set up and operate a station on the beach, that would be very cool.

First day of fall is September 22, not ready to let summer go yet.