Menu

Show posts

This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.

Show posts Menu

Messages - gil

#2881
Morse Code / Re: Vibroplex, Bencher & Katsumi paddles
September 30, 2012, 07:22:14 PM
I'm using this one right now:

It's not great but it works. I got it off Ebay. It's a "Ham Key" made in St. Louis. I know nothing about it.
Not sure what I'll get next, but I am probably too slow right now to appreciate anything better...

Gil.
#2882
The last few nights, I was going to sleep at 2-3am after hours of reading.. When I got to the exam session, it felt like I had forgotten most of it! The first two went well, but the last one, I thought I had failed. The thing is, I think that my reading helped me make a lot of educated guesses... The first key is to read the questions entirely, slowly and precisely. The second key is to not care about the results (gee, I sound like I'm teaching martial arts students) ;D If you don't get Extra, no big deal. Just make sure you DO go to the next session!

Gil.
#2883
General Discussion / Re: Introducing myself
September 30, 2012, 05:40:05 PM

LOL!
Gil.
#2884
Ah, sorry, the Extra manual has been donated. I still have the General one..

Gil.
#2885
Well, it's simple really... If you want to shorten an antenna, you place a coil somewhere on the wire(s). Of course there is a bit of math involved there, as to where to place the coil, how many turns, what diameter, what type of core, and wire diameter.. Stuff I don't ever want to get into.. I usually browse the web until I find someone who has done the work for me and published it! Note that coils mean losses.. The bigger the wire diameter the better in that regard..

Tim, read the book I traded that hot chocolate for with you and just give it a shot, you never know.. I didn't think I would pass all three exams, honestly. Do a lot of practice exams on QRZ.com, that will help you memorize the most difficult answers. A lot of the stuff is common sense. The cool thing is, you also learn a lot of stuff and you'll be ahead for the next session.

Gil.
#2886
Morse Code / Re: Vibroplex, Bencher & Katsumi paddles
September 30, 2012, 05:28:46 PM
I'll just have to try and post a review then  ???

Gil.
#2887
General Discussion / Re: Introducing myself
September 30, 2012, 05:09:59 PM
I use the DCP paddle from American Morse; works just fine when affixed to a base.
The K1 is not all that hard to build. The manual is exemplary, it's just a matter of following directions. If you get one, DO get the backlit option, trust me on that!
You'll see one come up on Ebay once in a while. Mine will NEVER be for sale, that's for sure!
The Weber Tri-Bander is also a good option: http://qrpkits.com/tribander.html
Not as many features but much cheaper!


Gil.
#2888
Morse Code / Re: Vibroplex, Bencher & Katsumi paddles
September 30, 2012, 05:03:58 PM
WA4STO, what's your take on magnetic return paddles. I've been wanting to buy the VibroCube "standard upgraded" model, but the $220 price tag has kept me away. That's why I'm looking at the magnetic "Code Warrior Jr" for $110. I don't like the transparent finger pieces, but those can be replaced..

Gil.
#2889
Technical Corner / Re: The Power Pot
September 30, 2012, 03:25:37 PM
You can't get much from a thermopile... Sure, they work, but 15W? I doubt it... I could be wrong though... A solar panel might serve you better, for the same price.

Gil.
#2890
Tim, that's the vertical antenna itself here that has the coils, not the mast. You shouldn't have any coils for a dipole, except if it was shortened, and then the coils would be on the radiating wires...

Gil.
#2891
General Discussion / Re: Introducing myself
September 30, 2012, 03:17:54 PM
Hello Nick.

Great, first, Morse was, and still is very hard for me. Don't despair, stick to it, you will see progress soon or later.
I used "Ham Morse" on my iPod, as well as http://lcwo.net, great resources.
As far as paddles, check out http://www.vibroplex.com and http://www.americanmorse.com
They both have very good affordable paddles.
As far as radios, in my opinion, nothing beat an Elecraft K1! http://www.elecraft.com/k1_page.htm

Gil.
#2892
General Discussion / Re: A question for all prepper hams
September 30, 2012, 03:12:44 PM
Probably true, but if the EMP is strong enough, like: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_storm_of_1859
it won't matter.. Everything with transistors, chips, etc. will fry if not protected.
Here are my two EMP containers. I hope it is enough!

I plan on doubling the protection with Faraday bags anyway..

Gil.
#2893
General Discussion / Re: Call Sign OPSEC...
September 30, 2012, 11:07:36 AM
Quoteif you ever want to get in QSO with me for training purposes

I will take you up on that! CW, any time you're willing  :)
I need to get from 8wpm copy to 20...

Gil.
#2894
I like the look of those coils. Nice and big, low losses.

I tried to sway Tim to Morse code, even showed him my Rock-Mite... To no avail  ::) LOL.

Gil.
#2895
General Discussion / Re: Introducing myself
September 29, 2012, 06:40:01 PM
Congratulations Nick on both the license and the health decisions! Two big steps in the right direction! Now you can learn Morse code and we can chat on 40m  ;)

Gil.