Internet Issues

A few weeks ago ran into major Internet problems with Verizon Fios, for a good 7 days my speed slowed to a crawl. I was barely able to stay connected, reminded me of the dial up days with AOL.

It all started when I could no longer send email with small pdf attachments. After six hours spent over two days with tech help online, 4 more hours with a tech at my location, problem was internal at one of the switching offices and a computer board. Verizon Fios provided wonderful service but I could not stay disconnected from the Internet any longer for work purposes so made the switch to Optimum Online.

I made the Optimum appointment with a sales guy who showed up at my house ASAP at 8:00PM that night with a handful of offers. As it turns out Fios called next day and got speeds back to normal but I did not want to cancel cable considering I called salesman direct.

Fios offers a faster speed with fiber but so far Optimum is holding its own in the house for streaming and my sons gaming.

This & That

Just a few interesting items to share.

Today was the last day for manufacturing the 75 watt light bulb per NBC news. Guess its time to get use to those LED bulbs. Pretty sure the price has come down since they first hit the store selves. As a holiday gift from a passive component company I deal with in my day job, I received two LED lights, great idea and will sure come in handy.

In the December 2012 CQ magazine, Irwin Math's column mentions years ago the tube testers available in drug stores to test your tubes and offered replacements for sale. I remember going with my father to test our tubes and purchase replacements. Thinking back times were sure much simpler, this must have been in the seventy's.

Now we are dealing with a cliff in Washington, what a mess!

CQ is a wonderful amateur radio magazine and every month always has a few good articles.

No big resolutions here, continue to try and lose a few pounds, get in better shape, and avoid stress if possible. Continue to make time for my tread mill and when it warms up walk at the local park.

Walking is great exercise that anyone can do. This past year I did many miles at the park and with the cold weather here I miss it big time.

Spend more "me" time on the radio in general and continue working low power but not always qrp, just enough to make the contact.

Last but not least, heat up the old soldering iron for more kit building fun and small project builds.

This & That

Hope everyone had a wonderful time with family and friends yesterday or if you were alone you made the day special in your own way.

We spent the day at my brothers house with plenty of food, desserts, and football on the tube in the background. It was a very nice Thanksgiving. Last night was sweatpants and relaxing with a beer or two.

Today is the big shopping day titled Black Friday. With the stores and highways packed it is a good day to stay at home, always some cleaning up to do in my garage and basement. Besides with free shipping online and great prices why fight the crowds.

I have a small fish pond in my yard, so while its still somewhat warm this afternoon, going to pack up the filters and pump and get ready for old man winter. No fun sticking your arm in a freezing cold pond in December.

Did a quick look this morning on Amazon for amateur radio products and this very affordable HT caught my eye.

BaoFeng UV-5R 136-174/400-180 MHz Dual-Band DTMF CTCSS FM HT. Prices start at 36.99 and up with free shipping, can't beat it. This would make for a great back up HT to keep in the car glove compartment or when running around. It feels like I spend hours in my car picking up my kids or waiting for them, most times with a good book. But a cheap HT would help pass the time.

OK time to go read a few blogs and maybe look for a deal or two.

Clap-Off Bra

The Clap-Off Bra from Randy Sarafan on Vimeo.

Just when you think you have seen it all, now comes the Clap-Off Bra.

This caught my eye this morning from the web site Instructables. The best part is you can build you own for the wife or girlfriend. I would also bet you won't see this item "AS Seen On TV" for sale anytime soon but who knows?

But keep in mind your constant clapping would get old very fast.

(PLEASE NOTE: Video is OK for all, I never use inappropriate content or language on this site, if your not going to say it at the dinner table with the family, I would not use it on a blog.)

Clean Up Clean Up...

Everybody do you share. I remember that song from years ago watching Barney that purple dinosaur on TV with my kids.

New basements windows are on order which means I am in the process of cleaning out my valuable items / stuff, never junk for the installer in a few weeks. Well that means all my radio and building items put away in plastic boxes I picked up at Lowe's this afternoon.

When the job is complete I am thinking of just leaving all the tools, meters, etc. in the boxes and take them out as needed, appearance is so much neater. Only problem is my radio cables are coming into bottom sill with two holes drilled, any new ideas are more than welcome regarding running cables into house and keeping the wife happy?

Time to check out my antenna books for a few ideas.

Busy Bee

I have been extremely busy with work related issues, updated to a new computer and data transfers, fun stuff.

With the spring season a few weeks away this Saturday might be a good time to get out of the house, pack up some radio gear, and go play radio. Even if I will be in the car making contacts at a cool location still beats the basement.

I even saw my first robin of the season in the yard, just as long as were done with the snow.

Summer Winds Down

As the hot summer of 2010 comes to an end, looking forward to the cooler temps in the fall. The leaves are just starting to turn and I see the squirrels are hard at work collecting acorns. You just can't beat the cooler days and crisp nights for sleeping.

It seems like I did not do many projects this summer being just so hot outdoors. In the next few weeks I want to get out for some radio adventure, a few cool operating spots are on my radar. Going to put off starting any kit builds until the cold season is here, but gathering up the components in the meantime.

Hoping for a nice fall season for all!

More QRP POWER

Yesterday I picked up More QRP Power book by ARRL.

A few easy circuits and interesting antenna ideas, makes for some nice back yard reading. Speaking of the yard, the sun just came out for a few minutes, if it stays dry going to set up and try my luck on the QRP hang outs with some SSB.

The family was going to head for the beach, some surf fishing for me, but they are calling for rain all day. We do need the rain big time! Its been a super hot summer.

Maybe some more computer work and than get motivated and head outdoors.

A lazy cloudy Sunday.

Around The Dial

Just spending the afternoon cruising the bands in search for QRP SSB action. I tried breaking into a few dx pile ups with my small 10W signal, no luck. A few stations run serious power, one guy was cranking out a kilowatt and said it was setting off the alarms in his house. Wonder what the neighbors are saying if he is coming over the TV. I have nothing against power but sometimes its over done.

I decided to park it on the QRP calling frequencies and see what happens. The beverage of choice is an Amstel Light, the weekend wrap up beer. I am thinking about running a cable upstairs and setting up an 857D in the family room and watching some Olympic hockey, tonight is USA vs Canada, should be good.

Now if I can only just make a few contacts, I would be set.

Calm Before The Storm

With the forecast calling for 12-18 inches tomorrow its going to be a mess. Blizzard warnings are out for blowing and drifting snow.

Shovels are ready, snow blower is gassed up. Sounds like a great day to take cover and build something, anything. Just start soldering!

The plan is just keep up and clean the side walks and driveway every few hours.

Fun stuff for skiers but I want spring already.

Saturday Errands

A typical Saturday running around taking care of the usually stuff, haircut, bank, and some bills to pay.

Looking forward to an afternoon on the radio, PSK, SSB, or CW. Nothing planned just make some contacts and have fun. It is a cold cloudy day in the garden state with a forecast for some rain and wet snow tonight, perfect inside type weather.

I did not start Christmas shopping yet, how many days left?

Summer Heat

Summer is finally here in New Jersey with the temps heading for the ninety's this afternoon and tomorrow.

Before it gets to hot out I am going to do some soldering on the picnic table and finish off the electronic kit started last weekend. Only a few more components to go and do the important smoke test.

I might even set up the Buddipole antenna and try few a few contacts on 40 meter CW before an afternoon drink or two.

Get outside and build something!

Welcome!

Thanks for stopping by and checking out the Melted Solder Blog.

This blog is a collection of kits, circuits, and home brewing stuff. Plus I find this is a great way to keep my notes and general electronic / radio junk in one convenient place.

I find in easier to update a blog on the fly than the meltedsolder.com web site.

Be sure to stop by for an afternoon coffee or Friday night beer.

Comments are always welcome.