Back in the Shack: 168 QSOs and a Wire Dipole! For those of you who know me, it’s no secret I’ve been away from the amateur radio scene for a few years. Sure I continued to use two meter handheld radios, but that doesn’t count. Life had a way of getting in the way, and…
Today I decided to throw a wire dipole up for 10 meters. I strung it up between trees in the backyard using some 20lb test braided fishing line. The band came alive once I got it up where I wanted it! The contacts were mostly from the Western United States. Among the contacts were: Don…
The static crackled, a symphony of distant voices swirling in the ether. It had been years since I last heard that sound, years since I’d last uttered the familiar “73” into the microphone. But today, the old antenna was pointed to the sky once more, and after a flurry of button presses and dial adjustments,…
Embracing the winter chill, I decided to embark on a radio adventure by breaking out my trusty Yaesu 857D. With the temperature hovering at a brisk 21 degrees Fahrenheit, I transformed my office/sunroom into a makeshift radio station. Armed with a Buddy Stick and the LDG YT-100 auto tuner, I eagerly set up my equipment…
Well, field day was an utter failure for me. I couldn’t seem to get my antennas set properly to even hear anyone , nevermind being heard. No matter what I did no one came in. But that’s all part of the fun, trying to find out what went wrong and what changes to make. Experimentation…
This weekend is the annual ham radio field day. Just an excuse for many to go mobile. I’ve decided that I really didn’t give 6 meters enough of a chance last week so I’m going to put in more of an effort this weekend. I’m still thinking of using the Yoyo Vee dipole for this.…
