Monday, July 29, 2013

Monitoring Times

Just saw on the Monitoring Times homepage that the December 2013 issue will be the last.

http://www.monitoringtimes.com/

After 33 years Bob Grove will be retiring this fine magazine. I was a subscriber many years ago and still pick up a copy on the newsstand every so often. This was one of my favorites reads to bring on the beach during vacation. The July edition features The Heathkit Legacy.

I hate to see radio/electronic magazines going away.

In this day and age they may never be replaced.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Rough Waves on 20

20 meters SSB has been up and down this afternoon with signals coming and going fast. As one operator said 20 is pretty rough and I have to agree with him. Heard 40 is not much better.

The stations I am hearing are putting out some serious power. Of course I always call CQ with a my mighty 10 watts just for the heck of it.

My antenna is a Par 20M end fed between a push up painters pole to a maple tree in the yard and an Icom 718 rig of various powers set up in my garage. We had a few drops of rain earlier but it has been mostly dry. The sun popped out for a few minutes and I was tempted to bring the station outside but that did not last long before the clouds came back.

The plan is to hang out on 20 into early this evening and see if the band opens up.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Win an Apple iPad

Be sure to enter the NTE Electronics contest for an iPad.

http://nte01.nteinc.com/webforms.nsf/Sweepstake+Entry?openform

Contest open to US & Canada.
You know what they say, "Have to be in it to win it"

On the home front not much to report besides work and more work. The new J-Tron website is up and running and is a work in progress.

http://www.j-tron.com/store/cart.php

If you need any kits or components please keep us in mind.

Today was a nice sunny day, ended up washing two cars and waxing one. I was able to do a few miles on the bike this afternoon, need the exercise.

Tomorrow sounds like a rain out so it will be a good day to work on that oscillator that has been on the project back burner, hoping for good band conditions for Sunday afternoon.

In the background as I write this UFC fighting is on TV, these fighters are tough, WOW!

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Summertime in July!

Well today is suppose to hit 98 F here in New Jersey with a real feel of 100-105 F.


Hope everyone finds a cool place to hide and drink plenty of water. The heatwave is going to last until Saturday night before a cold front arrives.

Watching TV the other day and the weatherman said:

"Go to the mall or a movie to stay cool, anyone see how much movie tickets cost these days"...($$)

Monday, July 15, 2013

Hot Week!

This week will be a good test for the air conditioners with the temps in the ninety degrees range and hearing on Wednesday 95 F. This is a good time to hide indoors and stay cool.

For the past two Saturdays I have been volunteering with my son on a field clean up and an event for physically challenged kids. The event was a wonderful experience and the kids had a ball. It was fun to help out will be back next year.

Sunday took off for a few hours of fly fishing and trail hiking. Caught one rock bass, it was nice to be by the waters edge and get away for some quiet time. In the afternoon I set up the Buddipole in the yard and checked out 40 meters with the Ten-Tec R4020 QRP rig. Not one contact in my limited time operating in the shade but always nice cruising the bands checking out the conditions.

Stay cool everyone!

Friday, July 5, 2013

Small Portable Power Supply

Here is a  small power supply for testing and powering up items for a quick check when your on the go.


This circuit is as easy as it gets with common parts.
I am a big fan of simple circuits!