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THE AM BULLETIN BOARD => QSO => Topic started by: W1GFH on March 13, 2005, 06:34:13 PM



Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: W1GFH on March 13, 2005, 06:34:13 PM
I'm sorry, but I find this a sad state of affairs.:cry:

Quote

New QST Column Aims to Take Mystery Out of Modern Ham Gear

A new QST column, "Getting to Know Your Radio" debuts in the April edition of QST. Author and ARRL Product Review Editor Joel Hallas, W1ZR, says the column "basically talks about what all those knobs do" on modern equipment.

"The idea is to acquaint users with the typical features of modern radios." Hallas says there was a time when radio receivers were pretty easy to understand--in some cases not all that much different from the broadcast set in the kitchen or living room--so most new amateurs could quickly learn their way around the front panel. It's a new world now.

"It's fair to say that modern transceivers have come a long way since the boat anchors of the 1950s and earlier," he says. "Many transceiver makers seem to sell their wares by claiming the most and newest features." As a result, modern ham transceivers can be pretty intimidating, making operation daunting for newcomers and veterans alike.

The first installment of "Getting to Know Your Radio" will cover the now-popular--and common--passband tuning feature. Hallas says a column on audio compression systems is in the works.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: N8YE on March 13, 2005, 06:46:40 PM
Remember, Qst usually has an "April fool" article. hi
...Steve..N8YE


Title: QST Knowing your Radio, Whatever
Post by: W1QWT on March 13, 2005, 06:51:35 PM
Well let me say this about that.
QST has degenerated into less than a technical publication, in my opinion. I guess QEX picks up the slack but in the olden daze ya didn't need another pub to present things in a physics manner.

However, on the bright side maybe they will do an expose on the "AM" button. Then maybe more people will know what Amplitude Modulation means. Ofcourse I suspect that there are some who press the LSB or USB button don't know really what is happening.


Title: Re: QST Knowing your Radio, Whatever
Post by: k4kyv on March 13, 2005, 07:26:07 PM
Quote from: W1QWT
I guess QEX picks up the slack but in the olden daze ya didn't need another pub to present things in a physics manner.


More like a ripoff.  QEX evolved from the old "Experimenter's Section" of QST.  You paid your dues, and got the magazine, which included the editorials, product reviews, ads, FCC happenings, articles for beginners and technical articles.  Then someone decided to pull most of the technical articles from QST and put them in another publication that you have to pay extra for.  So the rag is still full of contest drivvel and construction articles on field strength meters and a.c. power line monitors and silly little novelties like qrp cw transmitters built into empty match boxes, but those with technical interests are singled out to pay extra for articles of interest in their speciality.

Recently I heard an old timer pissing and moaning about the fact that  he purchased a life memership sometime back in the 70's, and shortly afterwards, QEX was created.  He felt cheated out of what he thought he had paid for.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Pete, WA2CWA on March 13, 2005, 08:04:14 PM
Quote
Recently I heard an old timer pissing and moaning about the fact that he purchased a life memership sometime back in the 70's, and shortly afterwards, QEX was created. He felt cheated out of what he thought he had paid for.


He paid for a Life Membership to the ARRL not for a life subscription to QST.


Title: Re: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Pete, WA2CWA on March 13, 2005, 08:21:32 PM
Quote from: W1GFH
I'm sorry, but I find this a sad state of affairs.:cry:

Quote

New QST Column Aims to Take Mystery Out of Modern Ham Gear

A new QST column, "Getting to Know Your Radio" debuts in the April edition of QST. Author and ARRL Product Review Editor Joel Hallas, W1ZR, says the column "basically talks about what all those knobs do" on modern equipment.

"The idea is to acquaint users with the typical features of modern radios." Hallas says there was a time when radio receivers were pretty easy to understand--in some cases not all that much different from the broadcast set in the kitchen or living room--so most new amateurs could quickly learn their way around the front panel. It's a new world now.

"It's fair to say that modern transceivers have come a long way since the boat anchors of the 1950s and earlier," he says. "Many transceiver makers seem to sell their wares by claiming the most and newest features." As a result, modern ham transceivers can be pretty intimidating, making operation daunting for newcomers and veterans alike.

The first installment of "Getting to Know Your Radio" will cover the now-popular--and common--passband tuning feature. Hallas says a column on audio compression systems is in the works.


I don't find this hard to believe. I've been handling quick reference guides and mini-manuals for the last several years so users of new rigs can get more usability, functionality, and a better understanding of all the bells and whistles.  Most of the documentation for the more recent crop of rigs is confusing, difficult to understand, and vague in describing all the features and functions in the rigs. Quite popular, even with some of the members of this board.

(http://www.niftyaccessories.com/images/QR-Hand2.jpg)
 
or this

(http://www.niftyaccessories.com/images/TS-480-5in.jpg)


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Steve - WB3HUZ on March 13, 2005, 08:41:50 PM
Not just anyone can understand these radios. There are crystals and filters and things in there......


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Pete, WA2CWA on March 14, 2005, 03:29:46 AM
Quote from: Steve - WB3HUZ
Not just anyone can understand these radios. There are crystals and filters and things in there......


...And the menus and my favorite, " hold down the blue button for no more than 2 seconds and no less than 1 second and press button 1 and button 8 to switch between option A1 and A2 if dial 2 is set to VFO A/B or A/B1 but not A1/B or A1/B1 etc. etc. etc.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: WA1GFZ on March 14, 2005, 10:06:53 AM
The reason hams don't undersatnd the modern radio is because you can get a license with 3 box tops.
Heck it took real talent to make a radio with a box of tubes. Today the modern LSI integrated circuits make it easy. When was the last time you temperature compensated an oscillator.
QEX is great no wasted pages on crap. The high price should come with a
membership though.  I'm not going to pay twice myself.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: W1UJR on March 14, 2005, 11:06:17 AM
Costs the League nothing to send QEX as a email, saved in PDF attachement. They could do that for free, and those who want to pay can have the paper copy.

Between you, me and the lamp post, I am more than a bit embarrassed by the League's new funding raising scheme.
This Diamond Club, Maxim Society and other such things leaves some members feeling like second class citizens.

Yes, I understand the League needs money, and despite being a capitalist swine, I find something wrong about the entire process. Reminds me of the way that Congress operates now, the people don't have a real voice when the special interests throw down big bucks.

https://www.arrl.org/forms/development/donations/diamondclub/benefits.html

http://www.arrl.org/development/maxim.html

Do I hear a amen?


.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: WA1GFZ on March 14, 2005, 11:26:53 AM
AMEN,
I walked into the ARRL on a Saturday in about '72 and was greeted by
Lew McCoy. I was bummed out because I couldn't buy a ferrite rod for
my linear project anywhere. He said hang on and walked into the cage
and came out with one. It was like getting a Christmas gift.
There was a big lab with a little office area.  Yup I joined then.
Years later I visited my cousin Joe and got the cooks tour. I observed
many suits.
Yes running a business takes money but as in today's business positions are generated for plenty of bean counters running up the bill to support the empire.
W1RFL turned the flame up when I suggested PDF. I don't get QST because it generates a big pile of paper filled with small ammounts of useful information. I save QEX but would prefer to have it on CD.
28 years in the same QTH has the basement at critical mass for old books and rags. I try to limit the intake and increase the exhaust.
If the ARRL was smart they would put QST and QEX on CD lower printing costs and lower dues to get more members. It would be another option
to get more members. You want the paper you pay extra.
I suppose the rice box pushers have the bigger vote since they actually pay for printing. Maybe that glossy paper brings in custormers better.
There must be a MBA class on that somewhere.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Steve W8TOW on March 14, 2005, 12:05:13 PM
Can you imagine writing a "cheat sheet" users guide for  a boatanchor like a Globe King or home brew tx???
Man it would be two pages long, followed by a warning "Don't put your hands inside when transmitting!"
73 steve


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Pete, WA2CWA on March 14, 2005, 12:44:05 PM
Quote from: Steve w8tow
Can you imagine writing a "cheat sheet" users guide for  a boatanchor like a Globe King or home brew tx???
Man it would be two pages long, followed by a warning "Don't put your hands inside when transmitting!"
73 steve

Probably half a page if you wrote big


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Pete, WA2CWA on March 14, 2005, 01:08:44 PM
Quote
Costs the League nothing to send QEX as a email, saved in PDF attachement. They could do that for free, and those who want to pay can have the paper copy.

Between you, me and the lamp post, I am more than a bit embarrassed by the League's new funding raising scheme.
This Diamond Club, Maxim Society and other such things leaves some members feeling like second class citizens.

It's difficult to generate Ad revenue with a CD. Publications like QST and CQ relieve manufacturers of having to generate their own mass mailings to hawk their products. The publication side of the ARRL house is their major revenue generation to fund all their other activities. Generating monthly CD's or e-mails of the publication(s) would not drive a decent revenue stream. And why put a QEX type section in QST when it's not in the major amateur membership interest.  QST has to appeal to the broader spectrum of the amateur population not to the technical technie, "I need to build complicated widgets every month" type of amateur.

Fund raising is common and an accepted practice in a lot of organizations. I'm not sure why you would feel embarrassed by it. If you feel strongly about the organization, and the work that it does, and want to help additionally with some cash, what's the problem. I take my hat off to people who can afford to do it.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Glenn K2KL on March 14, 2005, 03:57:52 PM
.....and switches and chips and stuff!!!


Quote from: Steve - WB3HUZ
Not just anyone can understand these radios. There are crystals and filters and things in there......


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: W1GFH on March 14, 2005, 04:36:18 PM
Granted, the modern rig's pushbutton menus are complex, but what's the big deal? Transceiver's come with an operating manual - that's where I found the "secrets" of my Icom's controls - with no help from QST.

Oy. If you can't beat the new, dumbed-down ARRL, maybe it's time to join 'em. The following are some ideas I had for future QST articles:

YOUR RIG'S AC CORD - Plugging your transceiver's AC line cord into a wall outlet can be a daunting experience. In this groundbreaking article, noted safety expert W1GFH takes you through the process, step-by-step, and provides helpful, full-color diagrams to show you the 1-2-3 method.

YOUR MICROPHONE - HOW TO USE IT - Which end do you talk into? What's that switch do? Why are all those wires in the cord? Navigating the modern microphone can be scary, but acclaimed microphone expert W1GFH shows you the in's and out's of using your transceiver's mike - PLUS a handy clip-n-save checklist of operating tips.

IS THERE ELECTRICITY IN THIS STUFF? - Celebrated author W1GFH answers the new Extra Class ham's most pressing questions.

BUTTONS - PUSHING TECHNIQUES - Pushing those menu buttons on your rig can be a chore. Now, revered button guru W1GFH walks you through the basic methods for fighting "finger fatigue".


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Pete, WA2CWA on March 14, 2005, 05:57:43 PM
Quote
YOUR RIG'S AC CORD - Plugging your transceiver's AC line cord into a wall outlet can be a daunting experience. In this groundbreaking article, noted safety expert W1GFH takes you through the process, step-by-step, and provides helpful, full-color diagrams to show you the 1-2-3 method.


You should add a section on the perils of using dual fused plugs as found on many boatanchor rigs.

Quote
YOUR MICROPHONE - HOW TO USE IT - Which end do you talk into? What's that switch do? Why are all those wires in the cord? Navigating the modern microphone can be scary, but acclaimed microphone expert W1GFH shows you the in's and out's of using your transceiver's mike - PLUS a handy clip-n-save checklist of operating tips.


Make sure you have a section about the 12 button keypad on the back and the several buttons on the top of some microphones.


Should be a good set of articles since not everyone is as smart as a "techie".


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: k4kyv on March 14, 2005, 06:32:16 PM
Quote from: Pete, WA2CWA
And why put a QEX type section in QST when it's not in the major amateur membership interest.  QST has to appeal to the broader spectrum of the amateur population not to the technical technie, "I need to build complicated widgets every month" type of amateur.


Experimentation and technical pursuits is one facet of amateur radio.  It used to be the predominant interest.  You could say the same about contesting, DX'ing, repeaters, or any of the major facets, that any one of these appeals to a select group and not a single one is the major interest of the amateur community.  So why is the aspect of amateur radio that happens to be the fundamental essence of the hobby (or service or whatever you want to call it), from its very inception, singled out to be relegated to a separate publication that costs extra?

The last copy of QEX that I saw, a few years ago, was only a dozen or so pages  long, and if I recall correctly, it was published bimonthly.  It would not add tremendously to the size of QST to include that material in the main publication, as indeed they did for decades.  Maybe some of the appliance operators that QST seems to now be geared towards, would find seme topic of interest and might even decide to pursue amateur radio beyond the contest drivvel and which button to push on their ricebox.  

The contest, traffic net and repeater operators get to have their primary interests represented in the magazine, so why do those who have serious interest in the technical aspects of radio have to pay extra money to get articles regarding their primary interest, in a publication from the League to which  they already pay dues?


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: W1GFH on March 14, 2005, 07:56:47 PM
Quote from: Pete, WA2CWA
Quote
YOUR RIG'S AC CORD - Plugging your transceiver's AC line cord into a wall outlet can be a daunting experience. In this groundbreaking article, noted safety expert W1GFH takes you through the process, step-by-step, and provides helpful, full-color diagrams to show you the 1-2-3 method.


You should add a section on the perils of using dual fused plugs as found on many boatanchor rigs.

Quote
YOUR MICROPHONE - HOW TO USE IT - Which end do you talk into? What's that switch do? Why are all those wires in the cord? Navigating the modern microphone can be scary, but acclaimed microphone expert W1GFH shows you the in's and out's of using your transceiver's mike - PLUS a handy clip-n-save checklist of operating tips.


Make sure you have a section about the 12 button keypad on the back and the several buttons on the top of some microphones.

Should be a good set of articles since not everyone is as smart as a "techie".


Pete, I was attempting to be satirical, however my satire obviously failed because it was TOO CLOSE TO ACTUAL REALITY.  :(


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Pete, WA2CWA on March 14, 2005, 07:58:25 PM
Quote
So why is the aspect of amateur radio that happens to be the fundamental essence of the hobby (or service or whatever you want to call it), from its very inception, singled out to be relegated to a separate publication that costs extra?


Maybe the "fundamental essence" of the majority of the membership has changed. Maybe highly technical articles have little interest and only target a select "techie" group.

I've read several QEX articles in the past and the majority of them are so in depth to "technical beating to death" to the point of nausea, that I find them boring and lose interest quickly.

Quote
so why do those who have serious interest in the technical aspects of radio have to pay extra money to get articles regarding their primary interest, in a publication from the League to which they already pay dues?

Could be they are in the minority of the membership. If a greater portion of the membership were thristing or beating on the door for more highly technical articles, maybe more would be written and published in QST. As I said in an earlier post, QST has to appeal to all the member's interests.

And, in my case, highly technical articles, in my stage of life, bore the heck out of me. I don't mind technical articles but some of the QEX articles take it to the extreme.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Pete, WA2CWA on March 14, 2005, 08:21:06 PM
Quote
Pete, I was attempting to be satirical, however my satire obviously failed because it was TOO CLOSE TO ACTUAL REALITY.


Not to worry; here's some past reality:
QST Sept. 1945, How Microphones Work
CQ Mar. 1970 All About Microphones
73 July 1978 Factors in Choosing a Microphone

Can't find anyone in the past writing about line cords in depth. Looks like an untouched topic with lots of possibilities. "We" all take it for granted, the brown ones, black ones, round ones, flat ones, wierd plug ends depending where you are and the voltage, two wire, three wire, single phase, 3 phase, twistlocks, etc. etc. etc.  We need a good indepth line cord article, if not for QST, maybe for ER.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: W1GFH on March 14, 2005, 08:27:42 PM
Quote from: Pete, WA2CWA
Quote
Pete, I was attempting to be satirical, however my satire obviously failed because it was TOO CLOSE TO ACTUAL REALITY.


Not to worry; here's some past reality:
QST Sept. 1945, How Microphones Work
CQ Mar. 1970 All About Microphones
73 July 1978 Factors in Choosing a Microphone

Can't find anyone in the past writing about line cords in depth. Looks like an untouched topic with lots of possibilities. "We" all take it for granted, the brown ones, black ones, round ones, flat ones, wierd plug ends depending where you are and the voltage, two wire, three wire, single phase, 3 phase, twistlocks, etc. etc. etc.  We need a good indepth line cord article, if not for QST, maybe for ER.


In defense of my satirical stylings may I point out that my proposed articles were not by any stretch of the imagination in-depth. They concentrated on "how to" plug the modern AC line cord into the wall, or "how to" talk into the right end of the modern ricebox mike.... :D


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Pete, WA2CWA on March 14, 2005, 08:58:38 PM
Quote
They concentrated on "how to" plug the modern AC line cord into the wall, or "how to" talk into the right end of the modern ricebox mike....


Go for it; it's untapped info.

Back when I worked for Lafayette Radio, I sold a stereo system to a married couple. Provided the speaker wire and showed them how to hook up the silver and copper colored speaker wires to the proper terminals on the back of the speakers and the stereo receiver. About 3 hours later, got a call from them wanting to know what to do with the brown cord with the pins on the end that was dangling from the receiver........

Ya never know


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: KA1ZGC on March 15, 2005, 11:29:05 AM
Quote from: Pete, WA2CWA

Back when I worked for Lafayette Radio, I sold a stereo system to a married couple. Provided the speaker wire and showed them how to hook up the silver and copper colored speaker wires to the proper terminals on the back of the speakers and the stereo receiver. About 3 hours later, got a call from them wanting to know what to do with the brown cord with the pins on the end that was dangling from the receiver........


Well, don't leave us hanging, Pete! What'd ya tell them?  :D

--Thom
Kilowatt Amplifier One Zero Grid Current


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: WD8BIL on March 15, 2005, 12:04:32 PM
Quote
Maybe highly technical articles have little interest and only target a select "techie" group.


Sad state of affairs when a technical hobby has only "a group" of techies !!!

Ya said a mouthful there pal.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: 2ZE on March 15, 2005, 12:34:21 PM
Quote
Sad state of affairs when a technical hobby has only "a group" of techies !!!


No Buddly, you just said a mouthful!

2ZE


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: KA1ZGC on March 15, 2005, 12:40:16 PM
Quote from: WD8BIL
Quote
Maybe highly technical articles have little interest and only target a select "techie" group.


Sad state of affairs when a technical hobby has only "a group" of techies !!!

Ya said a mouthful there pal.


The fact that so few people think there's anything strange about that is the part that always gets me.

It's wierd talking to some of the new guys you hear on VHF, who actually say things like "why should I learn anything about the innards of my radio when it doesn't interest me?" People with ham tickets actually say that these days!

Think about that: if the innards of your radio don't interest you, why did you get a ham ticket? What did you think ham radio was when you got your ticket? Why, when I suggest you fix the frayed cable in your MFJ speaker-mic, do you run from any hint of knowledge and defend your unwillingness to learn?

I've gone off on this old buzzard transmission a thousand times by now: it all comes back to a yawning lack of elmers. None of the newbies have anyone to learn from except other newbies. This is why the ARRL now has to publish real brain food like Understanding Your Power Switch and LSB vs. USB: An In-Depth Comparison.

If I were handing out ham radio Cliff's Notes, they'd say things like this:

 :arrow: "QSL?" means "Can you send written confirmation", "QSL" means "I will send written confirmation". No matter how many times you hear people doing it, "QSL" does not mean "10-4".

 :arrow: The correct order is: ask if the frequency is in use, then spend ten minutes going "yaaaaay" and calling your dog.

 :arrow: When you feel yourself nodding off, take off the VOX headset.

 :arrow: When you are on 146.52, and nothing goes "beep" when you unkey, the radio IS NOT BROKEN.

...and so on, and so on.

But hey, I'm just a techie, what do I know?

--Thom
Kraft Advertisement One Zesty Grated Cheese


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: W1RKW on March 15, 2005, 05:01:30 PM
I've got a stack of QST's going back to the mid '70's with breaks in between years. I became a regular member in the 80's but then I quit ARRL 10 or so years ago cause the ticked me off. Occasionally I bought QST off the stand because of articles of interest.  If I put all of the publications together that I have saved going back to '79 one can definitely see the transition from techie magazine to "dumbed down idiot I can't connect my antenna to an SO-239 connector" type magazine.  There's a definite de-evolution.  Disappointing to say the least.  I did rejoin the ARRL in Jan of 05 only because I felt they could use the funding to fight this BPL crap but I think my membership will be short lived.  In December I will make my decision to continue or discontinue. It will depend on the turn of events obviously.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: W1GFH on March 15, 2005, 05:51:56 PM
Quote from: KA1ZGC
Quote from: WD8BIL
Quote
Maybe highly technical articles have little interest and only target a select "techie" group.


Sad state of affairs when a technical hobby has only "a group" of techies !!!

Ya said a mouthful there pal.


The fact that so few people think there's anything strange about that is the part that always gets me.


Rite on, brutha. I don't consider myself a "techie" but I always considered ham radio a technical hobby. And if you're bitten by the radio bug, learning the technical side is not a chore, it's a passion. The fact that the majority of present day hams balk at technical articles in QST says a lot.  It tells me they are really not interested in radio, but rather, in operating.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Jack-KA3ZLR- on March 15, 2005, 05:57:30 PM
Evening fellas,

 I like to read, I read alot, and if it comes to the door I read it...I like books of all subjects...I'm not gona sit here and come down on a league publication, i'm not gona do it..I read it , i cut out or copy what i want for quick reference , if anything, and the rag goes in the collection...That's it from me...


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Pete, WA2CWA on March 15, 2005, 07:45:17 PM
Quote
Well, don't leave us hanging, Pete! What'd ya tell them?

After my initial shock (sort of a 2 to 3 second stare at the handset), I explained it's use. Male person who called, laughed said how dumb he was, thanked me and hung up. Two months later we received a "mystery shopper" report and guess who the mystery shopper was. Previous shopper report on me hadn't gone that well. On a Saturday morning with head pounding after a Friday night of drink and merriment, store and counter full of people, customer comes to me and quietly asks for the cheapest slide switch we had in stock. Went to check stock, came back to the counter entrance and yelled over to him "if 9 cents was cheap enough for him". He nodded, bought the switch, and left. The mystery shopper report was less than flattering. Life and times at the retail level.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Pete, WA2CWA on March 15, 2005, 07:49:12 PM
Quote from: WD8BIL
Quote
Maybe highly technical articles have little interest and only target a select "techie" group.


Sad state of affairs when a technical hobby has only "a group" of techies !!!

Ya said a mouthful there pal.


If you believe the current amateur radio service is a "technical hobby", you're not looking hard enough.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Pete, WA2CWA on March 15, 2005, 08:05:35 PM
Quote from: W1RKW
I did rejoin the ARRL in Jan of 05 only because I felt they could use the funding to fight this BPL crap but I think my membership will be short lived.  In December I will make my decision to continue or discontinue. It will depend on the turn of events obviously.


Would you have rejoined the ARRL to support the only organization that tries to continually support all the members of the amateur radio service if they had no magazine??

In general, join or not going to join, based on a magazine content is silly. There is no other organization whose sole purpose is to support the entire amateur radio service. You join to help fund and support the work they try to do. If you don't believe they are supporting the entire amateur radio service and your interests, you go it alone and/or sit on the sidelines.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Pete, WA2CWA on March 15, 2005, 08:15:09 PM
Quote
="W1GFH  
Rite on, brutha. I don't consider myself a "techie" but I always considered ham radio a technical hobby. And if you're bitten by the radio bug, learning the technical side is not a chore, it's a passion. The fact that the majority of present day hams balk at technical articles in QST says a lot.  It tells me they are really not interested in radio, but rather, in operating.


Nothing wrong with having a technical side to an evolving amateur radio service. But many people may have only an interest in communicating with other people locally or in distant countries. The interest is communications/operating and radio is the tool. Radio is not the passion. Therefore technical articles have little interest.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Ian VK3KRI on March 16, 2005, 05:20:54 AM
Quote from: Pete, WA2CWA


Maybe the "fundamental essence" of the majority of the membership has changed. Maybe highly technical articles have little interest and only target a select "techie" group.


Maybe most of the advertising dollars come from companies selling large expensive rigs, rather than those selling solder and parts ?   I'm not sure if the US has endorsed entry level licences that require type approved transmitters but is occuring elewhere and I can't help but feel its the beginning of the end.
                                                              (Geez now I really feel like an old Fart!)
                                                                       Ian VK3KRI


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Jack-KA3ZLR- on March 16, 2005, 05:47:22 AM
Well, Have some children then and share your knowledge with them and their friends.

There's alot that can be done at your local churches.

The better part of the Internet is sharing knowledge.

There's always Possibilities.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: W1RKW on March 16, 2005, 03:22:13 PM
Quote from: Pete, WA2CWA


Would you have rejoined the ARRL to support the only organization that tries to continually support all the members of the amateur radio service if they had no magazine??

In general, join or not going to join, based on a magazine content is silly. There is no other organization whose sole purpose is to support the entire amateur radio service. You join to help fund and support the work they try to do. If you don't believe they are supporting the entire amateur radio service and your interests, you go it alone and/or sit on the sidelines.


Hi Pete,
I rejoined because of some of todays issues confronting the amateur radio service, not for their magazine.  QST is irrelevant.  I can get that off the stand anytime.  But the ARRL seems to be the only game in town when it comes to the political junk.  

BPL is headed for two areas in the Shelton, CT area on a trial basis and that's as close as I'd like to see it near me.  If the ARRL is fighting it then they get my monetary support.  If the battle flops before December rolls around I will have some thinking to do about my membership.  If they're still fighting it I will continue support.  That's all I was trying to say.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Pete, WA2CWA on March 16, 2005, 05:49:40 PM
Quote
BPL is headed for two areas in the Shelton, CT area on a trial basis and that's as close as I'd like to see it near me. If the ARRL is fighting it then they get my monetary support. If the battle flops before December rolls around I will have some thinking to do about my membership. If they're still fighting it I will continue support. That's all I was trying to say.


Bob:
Understand your point and I agree.  You should contact the ARRL and find out what their plans are for these trials.  Mustering the local hams and clubs in the area to be aware of the pending trials probably would help. As far as I can tell, they been fighting this stuff all over the country.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: k4kyv on March 16, 2005, 07:36:52 PM
Quote from: Pete, WA2CWA
But many people may have only an interest in communicating with other people locally or in distant countries. The interest is communications/operating and radio is the tool. Radio is not the passion.


Wouldn't a cell phone or internet voice chat be a better choice of tool if that's the extent of your interest?


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: W1GFH on March 16, 2005, 08:35:05 PM
Quote from: Pete, WA2CWA

Nothing wrong with having a technical side to an evolving amateur radio service. But many people may have only an interest in communicating with other people locally or in distant countries. The interest is communications/operating and radio is the tool. Radio is not the passion. Therefore technical articles have little interest.


A "de-volving amateur radio service" is more accurate.

Quote

Part 97 : Sec. 97.1 Basis and Purpose
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The rules and regulations in this part are designed to provide an amateur radio service having a fundamental purpose as expressed in the following principles:

(a) Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications.

(b) Continuation and extension of the amateur's proven ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio art.

(c) Encouragement and improvement of the amateur service through rules which provide for advancing skills in both the communication and technical phases of the art.

(d) Expansion of the existing reservoir within the amateur radio service of trained operators, technicians, and electronics experts.

(e) Continuation and extension of the amateur's unique ability to enhance international goodwill.



Paragraphs B, C and D suggest that the technical component in the ARS was not intended to be "optional". If, as you say, ham radio is evolving toward a non-technical hobby, the basis and purpose will have to be revised.

It's clear the above basis and purpose was drafted long before the advent of the internet, cell phones, and $29 FRS radios. Ham radios contribution to emergency comms (while still active) is in steady decline. The advancement of the communication art is no longer the province of the basement experimenter. And the internet is positioned to be a more effective tool for enhancing international goodwill (if there is any international goodwll to enhance).

So OK, ham radio isn't what it used to be, and no amount of P+M'ing will change that.  And to its credit I believe QST isn't actually dropping technical content entirely, but balancing it with more operating and lifestyle features. However, I'm sure you'll agree that it would be a mistake to tip the balance too far in the nontechnical direction.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Pete, WA2CWA on March 17, 2005, 12:14:34 PM
Quote from: k4kyv
Wouldn't a cell phone or internet voice chat be a better choice of tool if that's the extent of your interest?


It's hard to do "CQ South Africa" or "CQ Contest" on your cell phone.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: w3jn on March 17, 2005, 12:32:13 PM
Not hard at all, Pete.  Getting an answer, on the other hand....


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: SidebandPat on March 18, 2005, 10:46:39 AM
Dear High and Mighty AM'ers:  Excuse me, but there were many times that I see AM guys asking questions like: How do I wire an antenna relay to my Johnson Ranger.  How do I load an amplifier to use with my DX-60.  How can I fit an R-390A AM filter into my 75A4.

This is all relative.

There are just as many "dumb-question" uninformed AM'ers as there are those needing assistance on their new radio's.

Time to get real here.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: K1JJ on March 18, 2005, 11:17:22 AM
In a sense, the new modern surface mount radios ARE too gawd damned complex to repair and service. I'll bet there's barely a dozen guys in the country who are equipped and knowlegable enuff to find and fix a bad LSI chip in a modern ICOM 756 Pro, etc.

What has happened is that the ham "techies" have gravitated towards rigs that they CAN modify and repair - the older stuff - like AM gear or older riceboxes. And these same guys also build their own linears, antennas and sometimes modify their riceboxes. And build PW rigs, of course.  Just like in any other hobby there's always a smaller core of do-it-your-selfers, while the majority pulls up driving the lastest store bought ricebox.

I think the throw-away, not fix-it  mentality caused by computers and modern appliances is what has given the new guys this mindset. With good reason.

But, there is hope.  For example, I've been hanging out lately with a mixed group of newbies [tech plus guys] and OT's on 6M.  It's a matter of giving them the carrots. Months ago these guys were talking about model numbers and how much stuff cost. Last night we were talking about the dimensions of some new Yagis two of the guys were building from stratch. Another guy has started building up two new linears, etc.  They just need some direction - but it takes time and effort - if we are into it.

I think most hams would love to work on their own gear and build if they had the exposure to it by their peers. But most don't and take the easiest path.

T


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: WA1GFZ on March 18, 2005, 11:35:21 AM
Tom,
Another problem is parts change so fast you can't even repair a rice box a few years old even if you know the problem. This forces you to buy a new rig. Circuit board quality sucks even in the high end stuff so it becomes very easy to damage a PC board.
I got interested in MIL radios of the 80s and 90s for this reason.
The parts are common to industry so you can repair them for ever.
Or at least as long as your eyes work. Circuit boards are mil quality
so they can take the heat.
Old tube rigs are hard to beat because of quality of construction and ease
of repair.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: w3jn on March 18, 2005, 11:50:44 AM
Absolutely, Frank.  ICOM circuit boards are worse than an old $2 transistor radio.... just TRY and remove a part without lifting a circuit board trace - even with professional vacuum desoldering tools.

While our old buddy Sideband Pat has dashed in, dropped his load, and run away again, what he says has some truth to it.  But Pat has told people that they are "stupid" for asking questions.  Everyone's gotta start somewhere, and gain confidence as they go.  And a knowledgeable Elmer, like Tom Vu coaching/motivating his newbies on 6 meters, does wonders for their confidence.  

Nobody is born with an innate understanding of how passband tooning works, for example.  For this reason, newby articles are useful.  Give these guys some knowledge, confidence, and motivation and they'll come along.  Much like many guys who have stumbled across AMers and the fertile technical discussions therein, and have gone on to build Big Rigs, etc.

73 John

73 John


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: WA1GFZ on March 18, 2005, 12:24:08 PM
Sideband Pat can remind me how stupid I am all he wants. It just confirms what I know to be true.
"But at least I'm enjoying the ride"  (JG)


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: k4kyv on March 18, 2005, 07:29:32 PM
Quote from: WA1GFZ
Tom,
Another problem is parts change so fast you can't even repair a rice box a few years old even if you know the problem. This forces you to buy a new rig.


Ever notice the Catch-22 clause in obtaining replacement parts?  When a product is new on the market, the manufacturer has replacement parts available.  But as soon as the unit gets a few years on it, and you begin to NEED to replace components, the replacement parts are no longer available because the manufacturer DISCONTINUED them just about the time things in the original units started to break.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Pete, WA2CWA on March 18, 2005, 07:49:58 PM
Quote from: k4kyv
Quote from: WA1GFZ
Tom,
Another problem is parts change so fast you can't even repair a rice box a few years old even if you know the problem. This forces you to buy a new rig.


Ever notice the Catch-22 clause in obtaining replacement parts?  When a product is new on the market, the manufacturer has replacement parts available.  But as soon as the unit gets a few years on it, and you begin to NEED to replace components, the replacement parts are no longer available because the manufacturer DISCONTINUED them just about the time things in the original units started to break.


Many times the "finished goods" manufacturer has no control over a part manufacturer discontinuing certain parts especially if it's a low or no demand part over some period of time. This is common practice and makes good sense from their side of the house. My Black and Decker weed trimmer was bought 4 years ago and discontinued about 2 years ago. Motor developed a bearing problem so I wanted to buy a new motor. No longer available and the new motors for the weed trimmers won't fit into my housing.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: W2VW on March 18, 2005, 08:12:14 PM
Quote
="Pete, WA2CWA My Black and Decker weed trimmer was bought 4 years ago and discontinued about 2 years ago. Motor developed a bearing problem so I wanted to buy a new motor. No longer available and the new motors for the weed trimmers won't fit into my housing.


Listen Pete, that might work with the XYL but the rest of us aren't going to accept any excuses when the weeds get too long. You will have to think up something better like: "I'll cut the weeds down on a weekend when there are no good hamfests"


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: WA1GFZ on March 24, 2005, 03:31:34 PM
It is even worse than that. In the fine state of cuntedickcit you pay taxes on anything in stock including your machines.  There is no motivation to stock anytrhing so we operate on J.I.T. just in time and I add just in time to be late. change a part in a new design or go for a custom part and it is like a fart in church.
I designed a filter around last Thanksgiving with a custom common mode choke and the bean counters are still going crazy 5 months later.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: k4kyv on March 24, 2005, 05:28:49 PM
Quote from: K3MSB
When a product is manufactured, it is designed with a definite life span in mind.  Parts are chosen by the manufacturer so as to guarantee they'll be around during that life span.  This is even more critical for special parts, low volume parts, etc.    If the manufacturer is worth his salt, he'll monitor the updated time (from the parts vendor) when a part goes end of life.  Most vendors will give you a "last buy" option, wherein the manufacturer has sufficient time to buy the special parts (in quantity) prior to their becoming obsolete.  


But what's the point of stocking all those replacement parts when the units are still relatively new and replacement parts are unlikely to be needed.  With most manufacturered items, things start to break down after about 5 years of use.  That's just about the same time frame in which the supply of replacement parts starts to dry up because they have been "discontinued".

A few years ago I had to junk a Japanese-made $750 vented kerosene room heater because an essential $10 part had been discontinued by the manufacturer in Japan, and no replacement could be found anywhere at any price.  The heater was about 10 years old and with suitable replacement parts, could have lasted another 15-20 years.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: GEORGE/W2AMR on March 25, 2005, 05:03:53 AM
Quote from: SidebandPat
Dear High and Mighty AM'ers:  Excuse me, but there were many times that I see AM guys asking questions like: How do I wire an antenna relay to my Johnson Ranger.  How do I load an amplifier to use with my DX-60.  How can I fit an R-390A AM filter into my 75A4.

This is all relative.

There are just as many "dumb-question" uninformed AM'ers as there are those needing assistance on their new radio's.

Time to get real here.

Quack Quack


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: W3SLK on March 25, 2005, 09:13:05 AM
I have two points here:
 1) With respects to 'SidebandPat's quote:
Quote
Dear High and Mighty AM'ers: Excuse me, but there were many times that I see AM guys asking questions like: How do I wire an antenna relay to my Johnson Ranger. How do I load an amplifier to use with my DX-60. How can I fit an R-390A AM filter into my 75A4.

This is all relative.

There are just as many "dumb-question" uninformed AM'ers as there are those needing assistance on their new radio's.

Time to get real here.

I think these are very good and technical queries. Especially since an R-390's mechanical filter has a slightly different IF then the A4. How many of the new Extra classes know what an IF section IS let alone what it DOES and how it operates.

 2) Has anyone confirmed the fact that was asked at the initiation of this thread, it being the April issue and the ARRghL has put an April's Fool article out every year for as long as I can recall?


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: K1JJ on March 25, 2005, 11:28:26 AM
"How do I wire an antenna relay to my Johnson Ranger. How do I load an amplifier to use with my DX-60. How can I fit an R-390A AM filter into my 75A4.  There are just as many "dumb-question" uninformed AM'ers as there are those needing assistance on their new radio's. "

Yes, no doubt these are GOOD questions.

1) The Ranger uses a 110AC keying output. [if I remember correctly]  Hook it to any of the common low voltage DC antenna relays and they will burn up or just buzz at best.

2) As Mike said, the 390 has different IF input/output charactoristics from the 75A4 and requires a different matching network for the filter for optimum performance.

3) Loading a linear amplifier is critical. Load it too lightly or over drive it and the splatter police will smoke your ass...   :D  

Bottom line: No question is too dumb if it helps someone progress to the next level..  Read MY "dumb" JN questions in the last paragraph from April, 1966 below:

Mike asked:
"Has anyone confirmed the fact that was asked at the initiation of this thread, it being the April issue and the ARRghL has put an April's Fool article out every year for as long as I can recall?"

Mike, back in April 1966, QST ran an article about using "invisible paint" for painting towers and antennas. As a 13 year old JN I thought this was the answer to my neighbor/tower problems. I tried to cornvince the OM to buy some and he laughed. I called the local paint store and axed them to order some. The salesman thought I was trying to pull a joke on him... but I was Johnny Novice serious, caw mawn.   :lol:

T


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: W3SLK on March 25, 2005, 11:33:32 AM
As P.T. Barnum once said, "No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public."


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: k4kyv on March 25, 2005, 12:15:18 PM
Actually,  there was an April Fool article in QST this year, in that front section with all the photos, as I recall.

The difference between the R-390A mechanical filters and 75A4 ones is mechanical configuration and the input capacitance required to resonate.  The best solution is to build an adaptor for the filter, and replace the 100pf fixed micas beneath the chassis in the A4 with 350pf mica trimmers.  Some of the earlier 390A's also used fixed  micas, about 300pf (see schematic for exact values). Later ones used variable trimmers.

But that's the kind of question I would like to see more of in QST.

Another good one would be an explanation of how to zero-beat.  With the advent of plastic radios, zero-beating has become a  lost art.  Many plastic-radio AM operators and ex-plasticradio operators with newly acquired vintage equipment don't know how to do it, and sometimes join an AM QSO 2-5 kc/s off frequency.  That IS a waste of spectrum space... and we don't need to give the slupbucketeers more ammunition to use against us.

Another one would demonstrate that the bandwidth of a signal appears across the receiver dial as the sum of the receiver bandwidth and signal bandwidth.  I have had plastic radio operators tell me something was wrong with my signal because my carrier was 4 kc/s wide!  With a typical SSB plastic radio, a 7 kc/s wide AM signal will appear over about 11 kc/s of dial space.  With a good AM filter in line, the signal will cover more like 15 kc/s of dial space.

Yet another one would be to explain how to load up a linear amp for AM operation, and set the audio level while leaving enough headroom in the amplifier output for the positive peaks, and why you can't just tune it up for maximum carrier output and expect to get good AM.

I'm sure the AM community could think of dozens of good questions to be answered.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: W1DAN on March 25, 2005, 12:32:35 PM
Hi All:

some very good comments here.

I feel QST should have the beginners info. Ham radio demographics is becoming less technical, whether we like it or not.

However my real pet peeve is....

I strongly disagree with the ARRL's decision to separate QEX (and I guess the contest journal) from QST. I do not care what the financial situation of the ARRL is. It is not my problem. When I became a Life member, I was joining the organization to receive all of the benifits of the organization's output AND THAT INCLUDES QEX!

But I do not receive it as I would have to PAY EXTRA! While I love the tech articles, I will not subscribe under principle. It is like my town that charges taxes for it's services. And then a couple of years ago they started to charge "pay as you throw" garbage pickup. Gee, I thought I paid taxes for that!

Now go and read your phone bill....

73
Dan
W1DAN



Just put all the info in QST.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: WD8BIL on March 25, 2005, 12:52:56 PM
K1JJ wrote:

Quote
Yes, no doubt these are GOOD questions.


But that still doesn't tell me where I can BUY a dipole for 75 meters.
Can I make one at home. How ??? What do I use ???


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: K1JJ on March 25, 2005, 03:08:19 PM
Quote from: WD8BIL


Quote
Yes, no doubt these are GOOD questions.


But that still doesn't tell me where I can BUY a dipole for 75 meters.
Can I make one at home. How ??? What do I use ???

I wish it were that easy. What I mean by that is I wish guys axed those questions right away - after talking about buying one. It would make my job easy.

Back to the 6M local newbie guys.....   About 5 months ago that's all they talked about. Buying a M2 6M5X antenna, Lunar Link commercial amplifiers, buying things as simple as phasing harnesses and Yagi power dividers that you can make yourself outa coax.

At first I got resistance with comments like, "I don't have the time or patience to build stuff"... or  "I'm not a hands on kinda guy"....  I'm happy with what I have now" - but then immediately start talking about BUYING something bigger.  All excuses not to learn something new.

I simply steered them to the local aluminum yard, sent them some Yagi computer designs and answered questions how to fabricate the antennas. Then told them how easy it is to build their own linears. Well, one guy has gutted and stripped three SB-230's and converted them to 6M. A start.  Another is talking of building a big triode for 6M from scratch.

I just listened to them last night and was amazed at how the talk was very technical with a "can-do" attitude.  Next two weekends will see antenna/tower parties where these guys are raising up new Yagis and stacks. Most "buyers" simply need direction to break out of their "buying" ruts.

So, whenever the magic words are uttered, " Can I make one at home. How ??? What do I use ?",  I get excited, like in my QSL below... :lol:   :lol:
T

The HUZ Photoshop strikes again:
(http://home.comcast.net/~k1jj/wsb/media/254120/site1009.jpg)


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Jack-KA3ZLR- on March 25, 2005, 04:19:45 PM
:lol: .............Massa Vu, ..-,-...,-...-, --.--.LOL........................


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: W1GFH on March 25, 2005, 04:27:01 PM
Quote from: K1JJ

The HUZ Photoshop strikes again:
(http://home.comcast.net/~k1jj/wsb/media/254120/site1009.jpg)


LOL!!!!!!

(porno music track) CHICKA-BOW-CHICKA-BOWW-BOWWW!


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Jack-KA3ZLR- on March 25, 2005, 04:52:17 PM
So Muscular and Verile....LOL........I almost spit my Beer on the keyboard... on this one... :D


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: WA1GFZ on March 28, 2005, 08:45:04 AM
Tom Vu,
Pictures like that could get you mike Jackson status of ham radio.
Hey sonny wanna be a ham?


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: K1JJ on March 28, 2005, 12:20:58 PM
Quote from: WA1GFZ
Tom Vu,
Pictures like that could get you mike Jackson status of ham radio.
Hey sonny wanna be a ham?



Naw, wrong target audience, Frank. That's Fabio's body HUZ used. All of the [thousands of]  women AMer hams out there are drooling on their keyboards right now, caw mawn.

T


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: WA1GFZ on March 28, 2005, 12:32:35 PM
Gee I wonder where the YL am window is located all I get is the same
ugly mofos like myself.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: k4kyv on March 28, 2005, 06:36:23 PM
Quote from: WD8BIL

But that still doesn't tell me where I can BUY a dipole for 75 meters.
Can I make one at home. How ??? What do I use ???


I get a chuckle sometimes when I hear guys over the air describe their stations, "...antenna is a HOMEBREW dipole..."


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Glenn K2KL on March 31, 2005, 08:53:39 AM
Man, if you can't make your own dipole  :?  :?

Store bought dipoles.... a sign of the times!  :oops:  :oops:


Quote from: k4kyv
Quote from: WD8BIL

But that still doesn't tell me where I can BUY a dipole for 75 meters.
Can I make one at home. How ??? What do I use ???


I get a chuckle sometimes when I hear guys over the air describe their stations, "...antenna is a HOMEBREW dipole..."


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: wa2zdy on April 02, 2005, 12:03:17 PM
How many of y'all remember when the Ten Tec Century 21 CW only rig was introduced?

I remember the Ten Tec ads in QST and 73 for the rig.  They were basically a tutorial on how to read the dial.  The ads trumpeted how much electricity would be saved by not having to power a digital readout, and literally how to take the bandswitch and add to that the dial reading, right down to the details of counting dial divisions.

I remember thiking then, how far have we come?

Now of course the newbies on the air talk about frequencies: one four six DOT five two.  The decimal point seems to have been lost to history, or maybe I'm just an old fart as I've been accused.


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: Jack-KA3ZLR- on April 02, 2005, 03:11:44 PM
Great Rig, both versions.

 Never an Old fart Chris, just a More seasoned contributor... :D


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: k4kyv on April 02, 2005, 07:15:05 PM
Quote
Now of course the newbies on the air talk about frequencies: one four six DOT five two.  The decimal point seems to have been lost to history, or maybe I'm just an old fart as I've been accused.


You would be surprised how many high school kids don't know how to read an analog clock.  Some even don't understand when you call 6:35 "twenty-five to seven."  They only know it as "six thirty-five."


Title: QST's "Getting to Know Your Radio" Column
Post by: k4kyv on April 10, 2005, 09:29:05 AM
On another bulletin board, the following question was posted by an Extra Class ham:

Quote
Just a question that I have wondered about for years.  Why don't medium wave broadcsters use inverted vees or dipoles instead of vertcals?   Our experience on the ham bands have been that low dipoles are better for close in operation than vertically polarized low angle radiators.  Could it be frequency dependant?
AMfone - Dedicated to Amplitude Modulation on the Amateur Radio Bands