Quote from: cockpitbob on May 01, 2013, 11:30:20 PM

Quote from: KK0G on May 01, 2013, 09:15:48 PM
Thanks for hanging in there Bob. I hated having to fire up TS-2000 with it's power sucking 100 watts but unfortunately it just wasn't gonna happen with QRP. My multiple mistakes were from quickly throwing a different keyer in line once I gave up on the KX1, it kept trying to add extra dahs where I didn't want them, sorry bout that.
Let's do it again soon, hopefully QRP next time. In the meantime I'm still in the shack if anyone wants to try another one this evening.

Chris,
When you were using the KX1 I could occasionally hear the faintest tones in my S7 noise.  Not copyable, but I could tell someone was sending and figured that was you.  Thanks for wimping out and firing up the big gun!  Don't appologize for the keying mistakes.  At least you had a reason.  My situation (problem) is that I've spent all my time learning to copy and very little time getting on the air.  My shack is in the basement and it was just wasn't a fun place to be this winter, but it's warmed up now.  Thanks for putting up with my inexperienced fist, and yes, let's do that again!

I've got a few road trips planned for the summer, so after I signed off and got the kids in bed I spent almost 2 hours running wires from the back of my SUV to the front seat center console (gawd, I hate how modern cars are built).  I'm mounting my FT-857 on the wall in the back and using the remote mount kit to put the head on a gooseneck at the center console.  And yes, in addition to running the speaker and mic cables I'm running a cable for the key up there 8) .  I would never try to send code while moving, but I'm not above pulling over for a QSO. ;D

It's interesting to see how conditions change.  A while ago Gil was talking 800 miles on 4W and tonight we had trouble going 1,200 miles on 100W.  All part of the fun.

What are you going to run for an antenna? I just got a ATAS 120A off of QRZ and will pick it up locally on Saturday.

Quote from: kk0g on April 24, 2013, 08:26:37 PM
Thanks for the warm welcome guys, and yes it does appear we all have pretty similar interests.

To answer a few of the questions; No I'm not a pilot, I just really like aircraft and the Corsair is pretty damn sexy 8). Becoming a pilot is definitely on my bucket list.......... someday. Between guns, shooting, reloading, instructing, machine tools and amateur radio there's not much time or money left over for expensive flight lessons.

Yes I'm a disciple of the crazy bald guy known as Pincus. I'd starve to death if I had to rely on my instructing to make a living but I enjoy doing it and Combat Focus Shooting is an awesome program. If anyone is interested in more info check out my webpage http://www.efficientcombattraininginc.com/

We have a few instructors up here in the NE that are CFS instructors and as far as they are concerned and act it is the only training anyone should be doing.

Glad to see you are both into radio and shooting.

Are you a Pincus disciple?

I respect the Glock!!

Awesome he went blue. I hear those are great machines. I stick to a turret press for reloading long range stuff for high power.

First match of the year for me is on Sunday and i'm looking forward to it.

Quote from: gil on April 23, 2013, 10:45:46 AM
I would be worried about spatter and ricochets...

Gil.

defiantly a concern but i would rather some splatter than a direct to the chest. got a buddy testing a combination of materials to add to steel plates that would eliminate splatter.

I got a set of heavys they are solid. We took one, not one of mine, and put easily 4k rounds on it as a target and barely dented the plate.

Pavelow, hamstudy.org is also a great practice site. After getting my Tech i was able to get my general after a couples hours of studying and nailing a few practice tests.

We should make this thread productive and talk about the Reloader you set up Wes

Internet loses inflection and tone when you are banging away in the keys. It might be better to assume everyone is being peaceful and respectful first until blatantly obvious they are not at which time I'm sure Gil will deal with them appropriately.

No one was ripping on CB, but we are quick to correct disinformation when we see it.

How does cb to worldwide? I assume it has the same chararistics as the 10 meter band and 10 is far from reliable. I think cb has its place but it is no means be all end all.

Ray,
Still available?
Thanks.
Matt



Ray, actually all set. Going to use the programs Gil suggested.

Two guys from my local EM group volunteering for the race made it home safety last night.

I thought about logging on to echolink but i didn't have the ability to provide support and i didn't want to walk on potentially critical info during my login.

Quote from: cockpitbob on April 03, 2013, 06:59:07 PM
I'm lucky enough to have a Ham Radio Outlet 30min away in Salem, New Hampshire.  Good place.  Can't complain about it, and it's nice to see the rigs operating right in front of you.

It's only ten minutes from work, I've spent a few lunches there.

I have an 857 and its a great radio. The KX3 looks like a sweet ride. Remember there are pluses and minuses to to every rig but there is a rig out there that will fit your needs. Just be honest with yourself and pay once to get the right radio.

Quote from: Geek on March 28, 2013, 09:26:37 AM
I have discovered one other feature of the VX-6R worth noting.  There is an available battery pack replacement that uses AA batteries.  This would make the problem of recharging in an emergency much easier to solve.  I've ordered one battery pack to test.

Looking at ads I don't see this as an available accessory for any of the cheap Chinese radios.  If anyone is aware of such a capability on one of the inexpensive Chinese models, please let me know.

Nice feature to have, keep in mind you will have reduced power capabilities with the AA. I would look for a 12V option that you can plug into the radio. I use an energizer back up battery that comes with a plug that will fit the VX-6. Like this:

http://www.energizerpowerpacks.com/us/products/xp8000a/index.html

I also have a solar panel that feeds the XP800 and then to the radio.

Quote from: Geek on March 24, 2013, 06:13:08 PM
The VX-6R is also supposed to be waterproof, or to use their term "submersible".  As a scuba diver I don't take that seriously.  I can destroy anything underwater.  :-)

Exactly, I see it as "not gonna die if I'm caught in a down pour"