6:45 am ( Read more... )

This week my mind hovered in a state of disorientation. I had all kinds of thoughts leaping all over the place! I needed some time to step back, reflect, and refocus ( Read more... )

I recently rearranged my room. In the process, I left the maps and whiteboard where they were, so now there's a blank wall over my desk. The only color on that whole wall is my ARRL amateur radio band chart. It looks rather out of place amidst the green, nail-marked wall.

I decided to decorate the empty wall with QSL cards. These are the ( Read more... )

I've been spending more time with ham radio these days. Yesterday I hooked a straight key into my radio to see if I could send code with it. I learned to send morse code on what they call a paddle.


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I got my rig mostly assembled this evening. I was receiving CW on 40 meters through the little whip antenna, but I haven't quite figured out what I will use for transmitting. I suppose I could try the whip, though I probably ought to get a counterpoise hooked up in that case. Ideally, my best bet is to go outside and operate from the table in my ( Read more... )

My ham radio has been a little lonely the past few months. I plan to put the receiver to good use tomorrow evening: Capitals hockey game broadcast! It's going to be fun :)

This weekend was my first phone contesting experience (not counting field day 2008 where I made a handful of SSB contacts at the GOTA station). This weekend was CQWW SSB - an international amateur radio contest. The goal was for everyone around the world to contact as many different amateur stations as possible in 48 hours. Stations received ( Read more... )

Today I attended W3LPL's open house. Now I can see why his station is one of the most impressive amateur radio stations in the world. I had a lot of fun learning about the antennas and meeting many PVRC members. I'll be seeing a lot of them next weekend for Field Day.

I couldn't help but snap a couple photos today...( They are behind the cut here )

Remember how I once said that my call sign had kind of a lilt at the end with the G and W? Well, it also has a lilt in braille, though it is with the R and W:


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So far, it's been an interesting morning ( Read more... )