This is the end

I'm not going to publish any more posts. To all my faithfull readers, thank you. I gave it a try and decided that I need to concentrate on things at home and use my time in that way.

73 to all

DE W4MY SK

Begali Simplex

Pictured at the right is my Begali Simplex paddle (well, actually, that's the canned picture from the Begali site.) I have had it for almost 3 years now. Is it ever a nice paddle.

Begali is an Italian maker of CW paddles and keys. Mr. Piero Begali specializes in magnetic "spring less" keying devices, but this is a conventional design on the "low end" with no magnets.

You'd never know this is the "low end" version. At $133 plus shipping to the USA (about $20) it was a great value considering the superb quality of the unit. I think now it sells for $148 plus shipping, still a very good value.

I can honestly say I adjusted it once initially the way I liked it, and have not touched the adjustments since, nearly 3 years being carted around and used for Field Day, Mobile contesting (Winner NCQSO Party Mobile/2007) the little plastic cover is a bit tattered, but it has done its job as the sacrificial part to protect the key from dust, dirt and grime.

My next key will be (when I get some extra dough) the "Magnetic Traveler" which comes in at about $248. Have a look at it and you will see why it makes a great companion for mobiling or portable (Field Day) paddle.

I know for the purists the N2DAN Mercury original may be the best paddle ever, but I can't honestly say how, from a purely functional viewpoint, it could be better from even this simple low end paddle. I understand the Mercury's story so it may be worth $2500 to someone for its artistic and mystique value.

But speaking from a purely functional viewpoint, Begali is the last paddle you will ever need. And it is very nice looking to boot.

It will be making the CW from W4DCG Field Day Site this weekend! Be there of be square!

73 de Marty / W4MY

NU5DE

From the "Where in the heck did this come from" department:

"Special Events" column of July 2007 QST:

Jul 11 - Jul 15, 1800Z-2200Z, Austin, TX. Naturist Amateur Radio
Club, NU5DE. Nude Awareness Celebration - Nude Recreation Week.
21.365, 14.265, 7.256,. QSL, Naturist Amateur Radio Club, PO Box 200812,
Austin, TX 78720-0812. http://www.nu5de.org/

Reminds me of a Saturday night live skit. Who would have thought of combining these two hobbies? Good thing Amateur Radio is RADIO! I'm still laughing.

I don't know about you, but most clubs I've belonged to have 96% old men (of which I am included) and the thought of a similar demographic in this club send shivers up my spine! Here's something: Our Field day operation requests everyone have their own headset/boom mic and we standardised on Icom partly because of this. I'm guessing guys in this club bring their own chair? I could go on, but I'll quit while I'm ahead!

If you don't think I should have this on my blog, hey, I got this from QST magazine!

Preparing for Field Day

Lots of little things are coming together. I got the Red Cross generators today from Fred Winner. Fred will not be at field day this year as he has a prior obligation.

Ray, WA4WGA, is off in Ohio making preparations for his move in late summer up there. He has already gotten hooked up with a group up there running 4A and is already invited to operate.

Been keeping an eye on the "Kaz" group over in Franklin party as to their preparations. Wish them well in their effort, I know they will rack up a good score. I guess we can kiss NC Section first place in 2A good-bye! No worries, we are all in it for the fun anyway, right? Right!

In the house keeping department, there will be no blog entry from June 22-25. It will either be preparing for Field Day, Field Day, or recovering from Field Day.

See ya 73 Marty

DP in the Morning

Local FM commercial radio station WZAX (Zax '99.3) morning drive guy is "DP in the Morning" Dave Perkins. One of his features just after the morning prime time drive is "RBC Centura Spotlight on the Community" Each weekday at 8 a.m. he brings in a guest until about 9 a.m. All kinds of subjects are discussed of local interest in between the news, contests, commercials, music, etc. I'd say there probably is about 20 minutes of actual conversation that takes place during that hour.

Dave has invited the Tar River Amateur Radio Club to come and discuss Field Day on his show this coming Friday morning, June 22. What a treat! I was selected to represent our group and will have Daniel Joyner, KI4QXS, join me. Need to figure a way to "roll tape" and get a recording of this. Ray, WA4WGA, usually does this but he is away in Ohio right now on family business. I'll ask Dave about that.

Here are some things I'm going to suggest to Dave (DP) to ask us:

• What and where is Field Day and its purpose?






• How many hams participate in Field Day and why?






• Why is ham radio "needed" when there are far more modern ways to communicate?






• What is the origin of the term "Ham"? Who are some famous hams?






• Can just anyone get a ham radio license? How do you get one?






• How far can one ham talk to another via amateur radio?






• Isn't ham radio out dated? What are the modern aspects of ham radio?

KE9V

On the left hand side of this is a link to KE9V's blog. I look at it often and think its the best I've seen so far on ham radio related blogs. Almost every entry is like reading a well researched magazine article. How does he do that?


In addition KE9V also has a podcast of which I subscribe and enjoy listening to those. I recommend you check out the series on WW2 as it related to ham radio activity of that time. It was a series that I enjoyed very much.

Currently he is doing a 2 part podcast on H. P. Maxim of the ARRL. Great stuff, I encourage everyone to check it out.

Have a great weekend, see you Monday. (Field Day next weekend, Yea!) ...Marty / W4MY

Rare Situation

Here's a rare situation....

DX station sending me a QSL request with an SASE and green stamp!

Thanks, Vi c, glad to QSL! Now if I only got about 50 of these a month I could defray my own QSL expenses!

How much is a first class stamp to England now? 90 cents? I'll have to look that up on the USPS site.