Weekly Update #5

Welcome back! Its been another long week. I have been put on a VERY long trip from El Paso, TX to Nogales, AZ then to Atlantic City, NJ. I have a fairly tight timeline so i have been putting in 11-12 hour days for the last few days, and will probably do so for the next few days as well.

I have been studying in my Basic Radio, Basic Electronics and Ham Radio for Dummies books but feel like I am spreading myself to thin, so I think I will ease back on two of them and focus on one until it is done. Not sure which one yet, but since Basic Electronics seems to be a good starting point, I am leaning toward that. I have been being lazy about learning morse code too so I have decided to put that in to the rotation, every other day for an hour. Lets see how it goes.

Noticing all the digital communications going on in the low part of 20 and 40 meters sparked an interest in me. So my next purchase, possibly next week but definitely before next month, will be a Tigertronics Signalink audio interface so that I can operate RTTY, PSK31, and other digital ham modes.

I don't know if I have ever mentioned it, but I bought a house that I have to rebuild but will eventually become my dream home. It is a large house so part of it will be my dream ham shack. I am going to ask for some advise from the other hams I know and the QRZ forums as to what should be included in this room, but I am sure a souped up electrical system, extra outlets and various connections for antennas and equipment will be included in my final design.

I have really fallen in love with HF and I don't believe I even turned my UHF/VHF rig on this week. I have also made the decision to sell my FT-2900 single bander. I may even trade it for some other items I have been wanting in the ham shack. I'll just have to see on that.

OH! Before I go! I have to tell everyone! I FINALLY placed an order for my QSL cards (pictured at the top of my blog.) They are being printed by Randy Dorman (KB3IFH) out in Maryland. Ironically, I will be driving within 50 miles of his QTH but won't have time to stop. His turnaround time is 2-3 weeks, but I asked him if he could rush and get them done in 1 week. I am going home in a week and would love to pick them up while i am there. He said he would do what he could, but couldn't make any promises. This is perfectly understandable. It is a slightly unreasonable request so we will see if he can pull off a miracle.

Well anyway, everyone have a good week, and thank you for reading!!


Contacts this week: K2JBX, K9IAC, WA1NRQ, KG4IGX, W0OOG, W6VAH, K0PAL

So until next time, DE WW1F 73