Christmas List
Tom Bosscher (K8TB)
on
November 16, 2006
View comments about this article!
So it is that time of year when my wife and my grown children are hammering me for a "Christmas List".
They have given up on getting me tools. The restaurant and movie gift cards are nice, but the kids want to give something more personal.
So I thought I would put it out there, what do you think would be a nice Christmas gift, for $10-100? (Basically pertaining to ham radio.)
Any special books out there?
Any special magazines?
Any really cool gadgets, toys, and/or tools?
Any electronic kits?
And I thank you!
Tom K8TB
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Christmas List
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by KI6BYJ on November 16, 2006
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I'd like a Byonics MicroTrak300 in my stocking http://www.byonics.com/microtrak300/ as well as a TinyTrack4 and associated cables for my mobile http://www.byonics.com/tinytrak4/
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RE: Christmas List
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by K7LRB on November 17, 2006
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by N0AH, " MFJ to implode- "
GOOD GRIEF! The man asked for suggestions for a "ham radio" oriented Christmas list and you come up with this completely asinine, irrelevant, childish, idiotic, lamebrained statement. If anyone wonders why "flame wars" get started on these posts, there is a prime example. I suggest that if MFJ causes you so much pain and suffering, you stop buying it. You owe Tom, and all of us, an apology. At least you picked the last two letters of your callsign appropriately!
GET A LIFE!
de
Larry
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RE: Christmas List
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by K3EY on November 17, 2006
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MFJ to implode-
I feel the same way about Ten Tec. Buy something on their 30 day return policy. If you return it you are now banned for life from buying anything they sell, except you can still use their service department as I was told. I am not alone with this insanity. For Christmas I wish some sanity would take over TT and they dump that moronic policy and the morons who made it. Long live MFJ, a REAL USA company with SANE policies.
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RE: Christmas List
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by K3EY on November 17, 2006
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GOOD GRIEF!
You just opened a can of worms so don’t be surprised they slither down your throat Mr. Genius.
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RE: Christmas List
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by TUBEGUY on November 17, 2006
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Next thing you know,this will be a code/no code war. Oh I forgot...that's already another thread. If you don't like Ten Tec or MFJ,whine about it somewhere else,not here. Last time I checked this was a Christmas wish list thread,not a whining party!!
GROW UP!!! Both of you!!! (sounds like I'm yelling at my adolescent kids!!)
I'll take anything ham-related for Christmas,I'm not fussy!!
Merry Christmas to All !!
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RE: Christmas List
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by W9OY on November 17, 2006
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I don't know how many grown children you have, but if they can pool the money this is a great device:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/5981
Fun to build and very useful
73 W9OY
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RE: Christmas List
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by K3EY on November 17, 2006
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Maybe eHam like Ten Tec banned others and myself will ban Bryon and myself for not towing and the line listening to the police want-to-be freaks on here....Merry Christmas.
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RE: Christmas List
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by TUBEGUY on November 17, 2006
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I'm a "freak"?? I'm not the one ranting here. You're the one getting off topic.
I quote" Bite the big one" ?? Big WHAT?? You've got issues. Get help
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RE: Christmas List
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by K8MHZ on November 17, 2006
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Books.
The ARRL, W5YI and many others have some great ham radio books.
Thumb drives.
Keep ALL your manuals, pictures, logs and even a program or two on a very inexpensive thumb drive and have it with you.
The CD "Seek You" by the Ham Band
Or an Icom IC-7800 :)
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by W4LGH on November 17, 2006
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The Christmas Key is a GREAT xmas gift for the Ham that has everything, and a family that doesn't know what to get him. My wife got me one back in 2003 and I have enjoyed it very much.
http://www.mtechnologies.com/xmas/
In celebration of the Season...
Morse Express has commissioned its sixth annual Christmas Key.
With the 2006 Christmas Key we have chosen an antique European style-- a tiny key equally at home in the radio shack, at the beach, or decorating a Christmas tree.
The Morse Express Christmas Key is a fully operational telegraph key, hand machined from solid brass, under-plated with nickel and finished in 18 carat gold. The 2006 key measures 2" by 1" at the base and weighs 3-1/4 ounces.
All of the usual adjustments (trunnion bearing tension, lever spring tension, and contact spacing) are available by means of gold plated screws with matching locknuts, and the hand-turned ebony knob is very comfortable to use. The pre-attached shielded cable has a molded 1/8" mono plug.
The machining and assembly processes were done by hand. The result is a beautiful little key that will make an excellent Christmas tree decoration or stocking stuffer, but is also a fully functional key. It’s one of the smallest practical keys we’ve ever seen, so it will be very handy for QRP portable operations. It will also add something special to Straight Key Night.
The base of each key is engraved with the Morse Express “Speedy Key” logo and “Christmas 2006.” This is a LIMITED EDITION of 150 keys, and each key bears an engraved serial number on the base.
The Morse Express 2006 Christmas Key is $69.95 (plus s/h).
73 de W4LGH Alan
http://www.w4lgh.com
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RE: Christmas List
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by W4LGH on November 17, 2006
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The Christmas Key is a GREAT xmas gift for the Ham that has everything, and a family that doesn't know what to get him. My wife got me one back in 2003 and I have enjoyed it very much.
http://www.mtechnologies.com/xmas/
In celebration of the Season...
Morse Express has commissioned its sixth annual Christmas Key.
With the 2006 Christmas Key we have chosen an antique European style-- a tiny key equally at home in the radio shack, at the beach, or decorating a Christmas tree.
The Morse Express Christmas Key is a fully operational telegraph key, hand machined from solid brass, under-plated with nickel and finished in 18 carat gold. The 2006 key measures 2" by 1" at the base and weighs 3-1/4 ounces.
All of the usual adjustments (trunnion bearing tension, lever spring tension, and contact spacing) are available by means of gold plated screws with matching locknuts, and the hand-turned ebony knob is very comfortable to use. The pre-attached shielded cable has a molded 1/8" mono plug.
The machining and assembly processes were done by hand. The result is a beautiful little key that will make an excellent Christmas tree decoration or stocking stuffer, but is also a fully functional key. It’s one of the smallest practical keys we’ve ever seen, so it will be very handy for QRP portable operations. It will also add something special to Straight Key Night.
The base of each key is engraved with the Morse Express “Speedy Key” logo and “Christmas 2006.” This is a LIMITED EDITION of 150 keys, and each key bears an engraved serial number on the base.
The Morse Express 2006 Christmas Key is $69.95 (plus s/h).
73 de W4LGH Alan
http://www.w4lgh.com
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RE: Christmas List
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by KT8K on November 17, 2006
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If you haven't got an ARRL Handbook from the past ten or fifteen years, that's a good idea, as is a copy of ON4UN's "Low Band DXing", the ARRL Antenna Handbook, or Jerry Sevick's "Baluns and Ununs". Those are all essential to my shack (and I have found I can browse/read through them for hours on end). Those with CC&Rs might enjoy a book on stealth antennas.
If you don't have a nice set of ham-maps on the wall yet, those make a great, simple, and inexpensive xmas gift. Even MY kids could afford something like that.
Then again, I wouldn't turn down a new Orion II or something ... I could use a "spare" rig. ;-)
73 & best luck in '07 de kt8k - Tim
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RE: Christmas List
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by KC8VWM on November 17, 2006
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I was thinking of placing one of these under a tree this year:
http://www.spasalon.com/kb8rq/Pictures/array.jpg
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RE: Christmas List
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by W5TD on November 17, 2006
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APRS and Echolink to implode.
I have had good luck with MFJ so far.
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RE: Christmas List
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by WW0H on November 17, 2006
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Hmm, a Christmas list. Remember, this is a wish list:
1. Icom 7800 w/ PW-1
2. Force 12 antennae (I have several in mind)
3. Tower/s to mount said antennae
4. A non/CCR area to build my retirement house/shack for all those towers
5. Digital mode gear (my station is so old I doubt any of the new stuff would even connect to it)
6. Mobile / portable gear for vacations/emergencies/ just having fun.
7. Maps, logging software, the fastest internet connection available.
8. I like to get on all modes, so all the assorted accessories to make that possible would be nice. My present key is in such a condition that I can send faster by touching the wires together than tapping out code with the key.
How's that for a starter? Santa will need to make a special trip just for me :)
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RE: Christmas List
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by K3EY on November 17, 2006
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http://www.spasalon.com/kb8rq/Pictures/array.jpg
I remember reading about that, not for your average bear
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RE: Christmas List
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by KC8VWM on November 17, 2006
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"My present key is in such a condition that I can send faster by touching the wires together than tapping out code with the key."
----
I have a key like that. The spring adjustment sticks or something. Especially when sending the "...-" part of my callsign. I just hope people don't start thinking i'm KC83WM.
www.qrpj38.com - "cute" You can tell my wife that I prefer the black matte to the wood grain finish myself. :)
73 de KC83WM
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RE: Christmas List
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by WI7B on November 17, 2006
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"Ham Radio's Technical Culture"
The book will soon be released and can be pre-ordered on Amazon.com.
73,
---* Ken
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RE: Christmas List
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by KE5LDO on November 17, 2006
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Re-Teach vendors what customer service is all about. I am including ALL vendors, in and out of Ham radio. remind them that without customers they go broke.
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Christmas List
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by OKC on November 17, 2006
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Dear K8TB,
I think it would be very cool to ask your family to purchase a few Technician license training books, code oscillator kits, code keys, Ham maps and the like and donate them in your name to a school system in your area.
You could then back up such a gift with personal action and volunteer your time to introduce Amateur Radio to students.
Something tells me that a gift like that would have effects that reach far beyond Christmas day for the students and for you.
Merry Christmas!
Graham Welch - OKC
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RE: Christmas List
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by KG6AMW on November 17, 2006
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Dear Santa, please bring me a 1)FT 9000 Contest radio, 2) 50 foot US tower, 3) A Steppir 3 element beam, 4) QRO 2000 amplifier.
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RE: Christmas List
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by KC8VWM on November 17, 2006
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Morse code breakthrough. It's so easy even a dog can use CW:
http://www.eham.net/data/spotlight/images/0008f712726f17ddc9087c8decbf8954.jpg
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RE: Christmas List
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by KG6WLS on November 17, 2006
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Christmas list:
IC-7800
IC-7000
Larger desk for IC-7800 & 7000
New desk chair
Boom mike
Bencher BY-1 Gold w/ dust cover
Band openings
PL-259's (hey, I get bored sometimes)
*******************OR********************
How about peace on earth, and an end to the "no code - know code" threads until it actually happens (or not).
Happy Thanksgiving
&
73 de Mike
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RE: Christmas List
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by WB2WIK on November 17, 2006
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Extend your subscription to eHam.net so people can keep poking fun at you for years to come-?
:-)
I like the "books" idea.
My kids know how to buy me ham radio related books from the ARRL Bookstore at arrl.org, and they've done it on line. Not bad.
WB2WIK/6
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For what?
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by W1DUD on November 17, 2006
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RE: Christmas List Reply
by KC8VWM on November 17, 2006 Mail this to a friend!
I was thinking of placing one of these under a tree this year:
http://www.spasalon.com/kb8rq/Pictures/array.jpg .......Why Chucky so you can hit your local 2 meter repeater? W1DUD
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What I want?
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by KA4KOE on November 17, 2006
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1. Time and Energy to put up aerials at our new home.
2. Time and Energy to clean up the mess incurred via number 1.
3. Time and Energy to finish the restoration of Jordan's BC348P.
4. Time, Energy, and Lucre to finish my tube type traditional Mark Keppinger design theremin.
Feeleeep
KA4KOE
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RE: For what?
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by W5JON on November 17, 2006
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WOW, it really must be getting close to Christmas. Here is a topic that has been on EHAM for more then one hour and W9WHE has not in some way attached or blamed the ARRL for something.
Maybe this will be the one topic on EHAM or QRZ, where we not have to read about his one man, one topic agenda.
How about you make a New Year's resolution for 2007 to give it a rest. I for one would consider that my Christmas present.
73,
John W5JON
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RE: Christmas List
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by KE3HO on November 17, 2006
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<< An ARRL membership for W9WHE! >>
And a copy of EZNEC for Vito!
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RE: Christmas List
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by WA7NCL on November 17, 2006
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How about the start of a new sunspot cycle!
This one's getting really old.
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Christmas List
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by WA1RNE on November 17, 2006
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How about these:
> A Headset w/boom mic;
> For the Phone operator, an Audio EQ/Processor
> Antenna Analyzer;
> Peak Reading Wattmeter Kit;
> Magazine subscription;
> Transceiver options, i.e. CW or SSB filters, mics, etc.
> Keyer paddle
> Great Circle World Map......(hint hint, I need a new one)
> Various radio kits
WA1RNE
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Christmas List
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by HA5RXZ on November 17, 2006
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It would be nice if some of you could read the original post, these are meant to be presents that the kids could buy. So.....
1) A new logbook for the shack. Create the logbook form on a PC and insert pictures on random pages of the family.
2) A mug full of pens. Look around your shack right now, how long does it take you to find a pen?
3) A clock or inside/outside thermometer.
4) A certificate promising to help Pop with the next antenna project
Come on you lot, get the imagination working instead of complaining so much.
HA5RXZ
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RE: Christmas List
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by KC8VWM on November 17, 2006
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Why Chucky so you can hit your local 2 meter repeater?
W1DUD
-------------
Would it ok with you if I completely ignore that comment?
73 de EME Station KC8VWM EM89kw
QRV 144.127 CW / JT65B
Member - Moon Net.
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Christmas List
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by VA3YTR on November 17, 2006
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For starters, how about:
- Icom 756 Pro III
- Yaesu FT-8900
- LDG DTS-4 Coax Switch
- Yaesu VL-1000 Quadra Amp
- Diamond V-2000 6m, 2m, 70cm base antenna
- Diamond HV-7A mobile antenna (for the FT-8900)
- 1000' of tpe 9086 coax
- A pair of Motorola HT1550-XLS
- Carolina Window 160 (radioworks.com)
- Space to mount said antennas
- Ham Desk
- Elcom's USB uTNT Plus TNC
- TinyTrak4
- Rig Runner 4010S
- Dell XPS 700 for a main operating station
- Dell PowerEdge server for web & AX.25 experimentation
I can dream, right?
All the above could keep me busy at least until Easter... :)
73 de Marc VA3YTR
see ya on 20m PSK
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RE: Christmas List
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by NS6Y_ on November 17, 2006
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Leatherman .... anything!
The Morse Express "christmas key" - there's a new one each year
A sub to QST and RadCom
A stocking full 'a' RF adaptors, can't have too many of those!
The ARRL ham radio software library CD - lots of neat stuff on there
the Astron of their choice
And..... drumroll please......AN ORANGE VEST!
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RE: Christmas List
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by NS6Y_ on November 17, 2006
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K3EY - those are my Xmas wishes too, for MFJunk and Ten-Wreck to both putter out. Junkmeisters both!
I actually have a slightly softer place in my heart for MFJunk because they don't pretend to be producing the Cadillac of whatever they're making, and their cheap stuff is used by an awful lot of hams. A lot of their stuff works OK once you go through it and resolder here, tighten there, etc. and MFJunk will honor the odd return.
But Ten-Wreck is just the worst. High priced stuff which works great sometimes and doesn't work sometimes but to state that 2nd observation earns their emnity for life, I'm sure I'm not the only person with a lifetime ban by them on buying their gear, and that's because of a couple of reviews on here. Ten-Dreck refuses to sell in regular ham stores, too afraid the demo equipment won't stand up to being "loved" like the faithful Icoms, Yaesus, and Kenwoods we all paw fondly at the local candy store. Noooo...... you have to buy it sight-unseen by mail and then if you don't like it, you're stuck with it and put on a blacklist too. But Caity says TT's outstanding!
Um, so, Xmas list. Get 'em a Watkins-Johnson.
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RE: For what?
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by WB2WIK on November 17, 2006
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>RE: For what? Reply
by W5JON on November 17, 2006 Mail this to a friend!
WOW, it really must be getting close to Christmas. Here is a topic that has been on EHAM for more then one hour and W9WHE has not in some way attached or blamed the ARRL for something.
Maybe this will be the one topic on EHAM or QRZ, where we not have to read about his one man, one topic agenda.
How about you make a New Year's resolution for 2007 to give it a rest. I for one would consider that my Christmas present.<
::It's all the League's fault. Last night my car wouldn't start and I discovered it was out of gas. Damned League, I know they had something to do with this.
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RE: Christmas List
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by AE6RO on November 17, 2006
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1). An unbuilt brandnew Heathkit SB102 with HP-23B power supply, matching speaker and D104 microphone. Then a triband beam up about 100 feet.
2). License, experimental or otherwise to operate on 500 KC.
AE6RO
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RE: Christmas List
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by WD6GLA on November 17, 2006
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I hope Santa fills my stocking with MFJ and TenTec goodies!
Some of you loosers should wish that your psychiatrist ups your script of medications . Same people ...same whining . Give it a break , if you don't like their stuff dont buy it . Are you stupid , or just retarded ??
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RE: Christmas List
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by VA3TR on November 17, 2006
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Thanks to KC8VWM. Showed my wife the link:
http://www.spasalon.com/kb8rq/Pictures/array.jpg
Now I can get any ham toy I want OTHER than that!
;-)
73
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Christmas List
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by N0AH on November 17, 2006
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Dear Mr. WD6GLA:
I want an MFJ WD6GLA Gas Lamp- Lights up with 27MHz signals bouncing out of his transmitter used for DX and traffic reports-
BOO!
p.s. You have something against bipolar people? Or do you just throw terms around regarding mental health like slurs against Santa Clause??? You know, he is real- My cookies and milk are always gone every Christmas morning-
Santa-
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Christmas List
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by KE4DRN on November 17, 2006
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Hi,
this one is a tall order but here it is anyway...
elimination of tower restrictions
73 james
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Christmas List
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by WA8VBX on November 17, 2006
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Well I could say good will to man, but reading some of the comments that is out the window. Peace on earth, hmmmm until we get out of Iraq that one is not possible.
How about the month of November without a contest taking up all of 20 or 40 meters.
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RE: Christmas List
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by W5ONV on November 17, 2006
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How about a partridge in a pear tree so the little bird can take my dipole pull string up a little higher into the tree. 73 and Merry Christmas, Jim
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RE: Christmas List
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by K6AER on November 17, 2006
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I’ll keep my Christmas list basic;
IC-7800
Alpha 9500
Monster SteppIR 40-6 meters
190 foot Rohn 45 rotating tower.
“I need three dB more signal”
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RE: Christmas List
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by W4CNG on November 17, 2006
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Books are good, can stand to read more books (those I choose), wishing for less W6TH and N0AH, they post too much junk not relevant to the string, Hey how about a short rope off a long plank for them!!! I'm good to go in the equipment area. Everyone have a "Merry Christmas", not doing the "Happy Holidaze" thing any more, not politicaly correct...
Steve W4CNG
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RE: Christmas List
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by WA2JJH on November 17, 2006
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7800 w/henry 3K amp. A new roof to support a hygain high tower. 4W 535nm laser.
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Christmas List
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by KE0ZT on November 17, 2006
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Tom, I enjoyed "Arthur Collins -- Radio Wizard" by Ben W. Stearns. A new ARRL handbook might be nice too. An unofficial gift certificate for spending on ebay might be good....I'd love to be let loose on ebay!
73s
Norm
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RE: Christmas List
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by NS6Y_ on November 17, 2006
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OK now folks it's not OUR lists, it's the original poster's list, and the budget is $10-$100.
Amazing how many of us recommend the Morse Express Christmas Key.....
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Christmas List
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by N0AH on November 17, 2006
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Dear W4CNG:
Steve, in 40 years as a ham, you have done nothing but make a walkie talkie QSO accross swamp grass. Why is it that Georgia produces more pig farmers on the band than anywhere else? You VHF repeater guys always seem to have an attic dipole. Maybe you should wish to make at least on JA contact on 20M this year and go from there- You can hang me from your single wide trailer, but that would not work because I am six feet tall, one foot taller than your refirbished streamline trailer with an antenna in it's attic- I know another pig farmer in Geogia that designs MFJ equipment and has vested interests in the company. You can find him on 160M. Tell him hello on your 2M closed repeater. Onk-
Santa
p.s. Why all the dorky club memberships?
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RE: Christmas List
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by W2IRT on November 17, 2006
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* Room to put up a handful of beverage antennas.
* Second tower for 6m and up.
* Bigger primary tower, with a 2el 40m yagi in addition to my C31XR and WARC antenna.
* Replace my Yaesu G-1000 DXA rotor with ProSisTel.
* Tri-feed the C31XR and get ICE bandpass filters in.
* 1000' of good coax and 500' of #4 bare copper ground wire.
* Couple of extra guys to help get the 160m antenna up, all the radials down and grounding in.
* Ap-index of 0 for a few weeks straight.
* A great 160 season this year.
* Triple-digit Solar Flux numbers next year.
* A clone of Riley Hollingsworth working for the Italian government's equivalent of the FCC.
* DXpeditioners with a clue.
* Frequency cops' radios to implode upon keydown.
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RE: Christmas List
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by AD7DK on November 18, 2006
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The removal of antenna restrictions in CC&Rs would be a great present.
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RE: Christmas List
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by NI0C on November 18, 2006
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Because 'tis more blessed to give than to receive:
A Ten Tec Omni 6 for NS6Y, and an MFJ-784B for N0AH.
I'm confident these gifts would make them stop their complaining.
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RE: Christmas List
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by W6TH on November 18, 2006
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KE3HO on November 17, 2006
An ARRL membership for W9WHE!
And a copy of EZNEC for Vito!
No thanks as I have the original book of John D. Kraus (SK) and others of years gone by.
I find it more educational and easily read than by punching a few keys and not fully understanding the real truth to the matter.
As for W9WHE, if I may answer, one does not have to be a member of ARRL to purchase any ARRL books of knowledge. How many have you purchased?
Don't choke on your turkey.
W6TH the non vanity call.
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RE: Christmas List
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by WR8D on November 18, 2006
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I wish everyone could just get along like we used to.
I wish the chickenband ham would leave his cb talk on 11 meters and stop trying to turn our hobby into a version of "his".
Wish all of you could have a shack like mine, i'm perfectly satisfied, although i must admit some of you would probably kill your sorry selves with rf alone. "lol".
Have the "minority" leave the hams in "majority" alone and stop trolling. You sheep know what i'm getting at.
Have a wonderful Happy Thanksgiving, i'm gonna eat turkey dumplings, smoked ham and all the trimmings till it works out my ears...then burn a hole in the ozone layer right above Gilbert, Wv. and i'm not talking about doing it via a gastric disturbance either. Thought i'd better add that last part for some of you weird types. hi hi.
John, WR8D
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by KY6R on November 18, 2006
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Something from thinkgeek.com
And a special filter to turn the Scrooge replies listings into something that sounds more like a Monty Python skit . . . (i.e The Cheese Skit)
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by NA4IT on November 18, 2006
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For the packet / APRS guru...a TNC-X with USB and case options...under $100.
NA4IT
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by N0AH on November 18, 2006
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I wish those who claim to love MFJ would do emperical research on their product ratings here on Eham and figure out that they really do make trash-
Merry Christmas Martin-
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by KX0R on November 18, 2006
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There are some great radio kits out there that would be nice Christmas presents. Some of them are less than $100 and are great values! Here are a few links to see:
Black Widow Paddles Kit:
http://www.w5jh.net/Black_Widow.htm
BLT tuner and QRP radio kits:
http://www.qrpkits.com/index.html
SCAF-1 audio filter and Logikit keyers:
http://www.idiompress.com/index.htm
Low-cost keyer kits:
http://k1el.tripod.com/
QRP radio kits:
http://www.smallwonderlabs.com/
WM-2 wattmeter and QRP kits:
http://www.ohr.com/
All these sites have amazing little jewels for sale that will amaze and delight you. I think this is what the original thread was after...
KX0R
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by K7BON on November 18, 2006
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Whats more personal than an OAK CALL SIGN? Get one at: http://www.k7bon.com
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RE: Christmas List
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by K3EY on November 18, 2006
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I wish those who claim to love MFJ would do emperical research on their product ratings here on Eham and figure out that they really do make trash-
Merry Christmas Martin-
-------------------------------------------------
I could name certain other vendors who IMO make even a better form of junk than MFJ does with NO return policies yet we have all kinds of accolades from hams dripping from the mouth they are so taken by their perceived treasures.
I have used MFJ products since 1982 and never had a problem with them. Go ahead and hate all you want, it won’t do you any good, if you even really hate MFJ at all, or maybe it's just your signature now-a days, your badge to notoriety. Whatever it is I enjoy reading your twisted humor because I too have a twisted mind.
Merry Christmas
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by KG4RUL on November 18, 2006
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I wish those who claim to love MFJ would do emperical research on their product ratings here on Eham and figure out that they really do make trash-
Merry Christmas Martin-
====================
OK, what about BUXCOMM! The absolute model of how customer service is NOT done!
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by W6TH on November 18, 2006
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.
N0AH on November 18, 2006
I wish those who claim to love MFJ would do emperical research on their product ratings here on Eham and figure out that they really do make trash-
Merry Christmas Martin-
I have several MFJ tuners, the 961, 962, 941B, 949E and others. I find no fault except a little high on their prices.
Majority of those that complain either have a very poor mismatch antenna or not reading the specs. By not reading these chaps arc and burn the contactrs on the switches, etc.
Running a high impedance antenna such as a half wave has very high voltage at the ends of the antenna, this should take care in the adjustments of the tuning. First tune at lower power and then increase to the rated power or below. As you increase the power the vswr may change, if below 1;1.5 let it go.
The same goes with any gadget, if you abuse it, you may lose it.
Merry Christmas.
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by W6TH on November 18, 2006
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.
Now for my Christmas list:
Throughout the years I have gained all my wants and for Christmas I just want my needs and nothing else.
Food, Shelter and Clothing are my needs. For this I am thankful to my family.
HO, HO, HO to all and a Very Merry Christmas.
W6TH
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by WR8D on November 18, 2006
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Hey Vito, my dad once told me i was old enough that my wants would'nt hurt me, and a big ole Merry Christmas and HO HO HO right back. hi hi, but first lets all not forget those little pilgrims and a Big Ole Happy Thanksgiving this coming thursday. 73 John WR8D
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by W6TH on November 18, 2006
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.
but first lets all not forget those little pilgrims and a Big Ole Happy Thanksgiving this coming thursday. 73 John WR8D.
John, one time I will never forget and what they went through for their freedom.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving and will think of you as I enjoy mine.
73, W6TH.
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by N0AH on November 18, 2006
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I want an MFJ-1704 antenna switch after reading these reviews on Eham!
I would not use these switches for VHF or UHF operation.
VE6XL
www.ve6xl.ca
DF5EY Rating: 1/5 Aug 27, 2005 10:40 Send this review to a friend
Not reliable Time owned: more than 12 months
Have my 1704 now for 2 years in operation.
Operation means 90% with 100W and 10% with 750W.
Now one of the four contacts failed. For my luck this happend during receiving period and not during tx period. After opening of the box i found a shortcircuit with ground. In future i will not leave the life of my TX Amplifiers to this switch.
Edgar
DF5EY
KG4TBQ Rating: 0/5 May 13, 2005 15:19 Send this review to a friend
More F Junk Time owned: more than 12 months
I bought it because it said it would work up to the 450mhz. When I switched to that band it lost most of the input. I had to disconnect it to hear signals.It also had recieve loss on the other bands after further trial and observation. Like a couple of others said the SO 239's came loose.It would make a good anchor to throw over a tree for stringing up a dipole,it's got enough weight for that.
KB4QLZ Rating: 0/5 Nov 4, 2004 18:47 Send this review to a friend
Heavy Duty Paper Weight Time owned: 0 to 3 months
Total junk.
Spend a few more bucks, and buy a Daiwa, or the Alpha-Delta 4 position switch.
Mark
N9QZD Rating: 3/5 Mar 14, 2004 04:15 Send this review to a friend
Mediocre at best Time owned: 6 to 12 months
Poor design. SO239 connectors loosen up since they are held in place with a set screw. You can't tighten them up much or it just crushes the connector. Alpha Delta switches do not have this problem. Other than the connector problem, they work fine, at least at HF frequencies.
N4OZI Rating: 2/5 Feb 10, 2004 22:23 Send this review to a friend
So so Time owned: more than 12 months
I've got one of these switches and it has a rather strange problem. The center conductor of all the so239 connectors is too large in diameter. So it doesn't make a good contact with the PL-259 plug. The only fix I could do was to put solder on the PL-259 plugs and then file them down to where they could make a good fit. The only thing I could make of it was the MFJ got a bad batch of so239 connectors when they made this one that I have. I mean I'm not trying to bash MFJ on this but it's the truth.
W6EZ Rating: 3/5 Feb 10, 2004 16:11 Send this review to a friend
ok, but... Time owned: more than 12 months
I have a few of these switches that I have had in service since 1991.
My only complaint is the way the so239 connectors are held in by a single set set screw. I have had repeated problems with these connectors coming loose when the switch(s) were not mounted securly and just allowed to rest on the shack desktop when using full size coax. When the switches were moved to a place on the wall, as they are now and have been for several years, there were no problems with anything being loose of falling off. The switchs are still positive and work well.
I would rate them higher, but the loose connectors drove me mad for a bit and I still haven't forgotten that.
Wow! A three rating...............Santa, sign me up!!!!
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by N0AH on November 18, 2006
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Wait Santa!! I want a new tuner!!!! From MFJ! MFJ962D?
KA3WED Rating: 0/5 Apr 8, 2002 03:27 Send this review to a friend
Don't Buy!!! Time owned: 0 to 3 months
Just went to a local hamfest and bought a brand
new MFJ-962 tunner. What a piece of junk. First
off, case was warped. hooked it up to the rig and the meter didn't work. Turned on my AL 811 Amp at
300 watts and blew a diode. being very upset and
lucky it was a two day hamfest I returned this peice of junk and got back my money. Please read
the reviews and trust your fellow hams. Stay away from this tunner.
N4RNM Rating: 1/5 Apr 1, 2002 21:05 Send this review to a friend
Beware.... Time owned: months
This tuner seemed to work great for the first few months, however this evening I attempted to use it with a ladder-line fed dipole. This is the same dipole that I had been feeding with coax. Using the same Ameritron 500-watt solid-state amp I have been using, the tuner began to arc at the bandswitch. Upon opening the case, I was shocked to find what appears to be the same coax switch used in the "300 watt" tuners. It was burnt beyond repair, and I'll now have to temporarily hard wire the switch to await a replacement from MFJ. I should have known, after a few bad experiences with the MFJ tuners rated to handle 100 watt transceivers, that this so-called "1.5 KW Roller Inductor Antenna Tuner" could not even handle 500 watts. I will let you know how MFJ handles this problem.
Now we know where the elfs go to work in the summer-That is, the elfs who are missing half of their brains-
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by N5YPJ on November 18, 2006
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Another fun year of PSK-31 & Olivia and some more new friends made on these modes.
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RE: Christmas List
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by WR8D on November 18, 2006
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This thread is about to start looking like a ford and chevy debate. Believe me, chevy builds a much better truck. JW Miller built the best auto tuner in the world AT-2500 auto tune. Icom are the best rigs, lightning bolt was the best quad...gotta go watch a fight on ppv. Everyone have a great weekend and up coming holiday. 73, John WR8D
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by WA8MEA on November 18, 2006
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I gave up on getting my family to buy me anything ham radio for Father's Day, my Birthday or Christmas. This started as a teenager. My parents got me neat stuff for Christmas AS A CHILD....that eventually got me involved in ham radio: Channel 14 walkie-talkies, crystal radio kits, Radio Shack portable aircraft and police radios, etc. But starting in my teen years, they stopped giving me these radio goodies!
So I started my own tradition of getting MYSELF something ham radio for Christmas. It might have been something as simple as a copy of White's Radio Log or the WRTVH.
Today, I buy A LOT of MFJ stuff to give myself for Christmas! (I couldn't resist!)
I just bought one of their 30 meter folded dipoles, after owning two other folded dipoles over the years with EXCELLENT results. I also bought a code reader, which is kind of cool. And I bought a porta-iambic keyer that is super! I also bought one of their new "replacement" hand microphones. I put it on the rig and never tell anybody that I'm using it. If I said it was an MFJ, 90% of the people would say I sounded like crap. But when I just ask for a signal and audio report, they tell me the rig sounds terrific!
Last year I bought an 80 meter MFJ Cub CW transceiver. That was the best toy I bought myself IN YEARS!
Oh, and I bought an MFJ Digital Clock for my birthday a few years back....
73, Bill - WA8MEA
http://HamRadioFun.com
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by NS6Y_ on November 18, 2006
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N!0C Sure, I'll always take a free ten-wreck, make sure the bugger powers up without trying to burn the house down, verify that any HT with HF recieve has a better reciever, then sell the "white elephant" to some TT nut on Ebay for the big bucks - let him deal with the failing capacitors, lack of spare parts, and flakey inter-board connections. A win all around!
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by W4CNG on November 18, 2006
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Wait, N0AH (know some great phonetics for that) you and W6TH just post too much NEGATIVE stuff here on Eham and I am not the only one tired of it. Connect that to a large positive charge (out in California) and both of you can get thogether all the time. My attic antennas are way above anything in your home, and there are no pigs anywhere near my house. You two need to really take a chill pill and enjoy the Christmas Season (Holiday season for the Politically In-Correct) and wait for the upside of the current sun cycle.
See you on the air, from DC to Light!
Steve W4CNG still having lot's of fun on the air everywhere.....
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by N0AH on November 18, 2006
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MFJ 90 Series QRP Radio........I want one now thanks to all the suggestions of getting a MFJ QRP RIG!!!!!
WA0ZZG Rating: 3/5 Sep 7, 2006 10:53 Send this review to a friend
Consider it a project Radio Time owned: more than 12 months
The MFJ 90 series radios are based on a good design, but not the best for a production radio. It can be made to be stable, sensitive, filter QRM, and produce a clean CW signal, but it also requires some component selection and tweaking. The factory does an inconsistant job of both. The alignment section, in the manual, is accurate, but is incomplete. There are service notes on the internet to help you complete alignment. Do not expect a factory aligned radio to function properly. That doesn't mean you don't have a good radio. It can produce one of the best CW notes you have ever heard. If you find an inexpensive source, and don't mind the bench time, it can be made into a good instrument. See you on 40M. WA0ZZG
G7IDJ Rating: 2/5 Jan 13, 2006 06:22 Send this review to a friend
Not the best - Time owned: 6 to 12 months
I bought the 9020 and wanted something not too expensive to leave in the car. The main problem is that it picks up any interference. RF immunity seems to be right down.
I know that the ignition in my 20 years old car is a a little bit noisy but using other rigs I can still use them providing the incoming signal is reasonably strong. With the 9020 no chance, all I hear is the sound of the ignition.
So I tried to use it at home. The problem: computer noise and other emc related things.
I think it may be ok to used in the field providing the engine is not running or you have got a reasonably clean ignition system and not too many sources of emi around.
I would not buy it again and I am thinking to trade it in now and give it up as a bad job. Pity the design concept is quite good. A nice simple no frills functional rig yet the inside doesn't meet demands or at least my demands.
If you consider buying it make sure you are going to use it in an emi free environment.
WA2JJH Rating: 2/5 Feb 2, 2005 02:43 Send this review to a friend
another MFJ pizza-sheet Time owned: 0 to 3 months
Went nuts on ebay. I got a bunch of MFJ STUFF.
build your own for $50! Then it is a good value!
a real pizza-sheet for young and old a like!
I would rather though it out, then let someone else think they got a rig.
I could buy an eico 753 ssb/cw rig for less!
KC0PWS Rating: 3/5 Aug 4, 2004 23:31 Send this review to a friend
Think twice about MFJ-9020 Time owned: 6 to 12 months
I purchased an MFJ-9020 about a year ago, despite warnings that it was overpriced. I was desperate for a rig, and didn't have money for much else. While I can't say that I regret buying it---it has provided me with some fun---I have gotten frustrated with the frequency drifting during OSOs. Also, my meter light went out about a month ago. Isn't that a little early considering I only use the rig for about an hour each day?
K6AER Rating: 2/5 Feb 9, 2004 22:02 Send this review to a friend
Not the greatest Time owned: 3 to 6 months
I have bought and owned a 20 and 30 meter version of this radio. Frequency drifts quiet a bit and receiver performance is poor at best. From all indications the MFJ cub is a better design and you can get them in a kit or prewired.
The 90XX design needs some improvements.
SEE, THIS IS THE DEAL....ALL YOU WANTABE'S MFJ SUPPORTERS CAN'T READ EHAM REVIEWS....I'M JUST TRYING TO SAVE HAMS MONEY FROM SINKING $$$ INTO MFJ GARBAGE FOR X-MAS. READ THE REVIEWS- AND YES, THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS, BUT LOOK AT THE AVERAGE SCORES AND YOU WILL SEE MFJ MAKES JUNK. THE RETURN POLICY IS ONLY STRUCTURED THE WAY IF IS BECUASE IT COSTS THEM LESS TO SEND YOU A NEW PIECE OF JUNK VERSUS TRYING TO FIX THE OLD PIECE OF JUNK YOU BOUGHT. AND LIKE REBATES, NOT EVERYONE GOES THROUGH THE HEADACHE OF SENDING THE JUNK BACK IN. I DO LIKE SOME HAM GEAR THE MAKE, IE: ANTENNA MFJ 259 ANALYZER BUT OUT OF THE HUNDREDS OF PRODUCTS THEY MAKE, MAKING ONLY 3 OR 4 THAT HAVE A GOOD REPUTATION IS NOT IT-
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by KB9RQZ on November 18, 2006
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well if yourt are really asking all I would realy like is the delevery of the Pronised R&O from the FCC that would make it ia lklot easier to do so pratical and ham related whenafter I finish dealing with whatever my my cleinet from urgent to risk me billying them for my time by geting me up in the middle of the night (0254 edt as I type after answering the phone spealkking for a a few minutes and noting it in my billing files
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by KB2FCV on November 19, 2006
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Lets see, Keeping within the $10-100 range
Porta-Paddles
www.americanmorse.com
That Christmas Key
(Site has already been published)
Rockmite
http://www.smallwonderlabs.com/Rockmite.htm
QRP Wattmeter
http://www.ohr.com/wattmeter.htm
Plenty of useful things to find here in the range.. mini-modules!
http://www.elecraft.com/
Then there's always..
http://www.ebay.com - find that bargain boatanchor to restore!
73's
KB2FCV
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by NI0C on November 19, 2006
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N0AH:
Did it ever occur to you that your fellow hams can read the reviews and make informed decisions on their own ? Your vendetta against one manufacturer reflects poorly on you, a ham who has otherwise accomplished a lot. Why not just let it go-- what do you get out of railing against MFJ?
73,
Chuck NI0C
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by N0IU on November 19, 2006
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Since we have no idea what your amateur radio interests are, how can we possibly make suggestions as to what you might like for Christmas?
Since you don't seem to have a clue as to what you want either, why not just have your family make a donation in your name to a charitable organization?
Scott N0IU
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by WA2JJH on November 19, 2006
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I want to get round the clock B.J's from a supermodel while operating a 7800 :)
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by WA2JJH on November 19, 2006
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I want to get round the clock B.J's from a supermodel while operating a 7800 :)
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by WA8MEA on November 19, 2006
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I betcha there are hams that hate MFJ so much....they would use the callsigns of silent keys and post negative "reviews" on Eham....just to get "even".
After all, people are "rewarded" for posting positive reviews on Eham. I know of one company right now that is doing just that. So much off your next purchase if you go to Eham.net and post a positive review about there product(s).
73, Mr. Bill - WA8MEA
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by NO6E on November 19, 2006
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I heartily recommend the Solder-It Pro-100,
which is advertised on eHam.
If you're tired of your Weller PS-100K or
Wahl rechargeable, this is the portable
soldering tool for you.
$69 from Solder-It. Can't be beat!
73 and Merry Christmas
Andy NO6E
Lafayette, CA
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by KC8VWM on November 19, 2006
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There are some instances that MFJ equipment is just perfect.
Let me give you an example.
I keep one of thier wattmeters in my toolbox and use it as the preferred workhorse on my outdoor antenna projects. It goes camping with me, gets rained on, it gets banged around on the floor of mobiles, I dangle it next to antenna mastpipes when tuning antennas on towers, it gets dropped on occasion, it even has a few scrapes on it.
In other words, would it be better if I pay more money for a more expensive Bird wattmeter and put it in my toolbox to do the job instead?
You can pay top dollar and use the higher end stuff if you like, just pray it doesn't get broken. I prefer to use MFJ "junk" in these instances myself.
73
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by NS6Y_ on November 19, 2006
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Better read the reviews for that Solder-It thing, experiences with those "cold solder" toys have been uniformly bad.
IF you're buying a soldering iron, only buy Weller or Iso-Tip or Ungar, it has to be American made and in business for more than 30 years ok? Save yourself the grief.
MFJunk *is* good for things you don't care about, an example is the Greenelee DMM I keep in the car, it's a piece of junk, but if I lose it I'm only out $17, I'm not losing a good Fluke meter. And it works "well enough". I recently got an MFJunk antenna analyzer, one of the early ones, for something like $20 at Pacificon. The reviews here tell me I need to open it up and check all connections, may have to do some soldering and repair, but it may be good for some routine antenna experimenting, for when I don't want to endanger my $1000 AntennaSmith.
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by N0AH on November 19, 2006
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Chuck-
I made a four word statement.
Then I got the old "MFJ" is my friend gooo and Paul is blind, well, I just responded! And yes, you are right. Hams can read reviews here on Eham but some do so with rose colored glasses until the MFJ item they waste their money blows up- or melts into a pink slim. My opinion-
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by WA8MEA on November 19, 2006
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I sometimes wonder if people just have a bad "karma" with a particular product or company. My dad constantly had trouble with Alliance TV Antenna rotors. He finally bought two, so he could alternate when one was in the shop. He never had any problems after that....
I used that same approach with one of my customers. This poor young lady just couldn't keep her TinyTenna running. So I finally sent her two, with one to keep while the other was being replaced. She has reported no problem since.
Then there is my neighbor. He is CONSTANTLY chewing me out for buying Sears products. He says they are crap, and anything he's ever bought from Sears craps out and turns into pink gooooo....just like the anti-MFJ guy said. Me, I have NEVER had a problem! I've got a Sears push mower...going on its 14 season without a repair. We have a Kenmore fridge, many years old that works perfectly. I've got all kinds of Craftsman tools that work great. Even the auto stuff is problem free. I have a Sears Timing Light and a Dwell/Tach from 1974 that's still in perfect operating condition.
Even my Sears shirts, ties, pants, sport coats, shoes, watches....and my wedding band! (24 years of wedded bliss.) No problems at Sears.
Now I will say this about MFJ: I DO NOT like the way they are starting to steal other company's products. They really don't need to trek down that road. They make enough unique stuff, they don't need to get greedy and take another's product and re-package it. (Bug Catcher, Ham-sticks, several B&W products come to mind....)
73, Bill - WA8MEA
http://HamRadioFun.com
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by WR8D on November 20, 2006
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Since some of us seem to be on our high horses now i honestly have to put a plug in here for ten tec. Honestly, not trolling but i bought a new jupiter a few years back when they first came out. That little rig has been flawless and i love the heck outa operating it. Some weirdo's locally tried to laugh at me and their attempts at humor were. When you press the power button you've got to be careful not to shove the rig off the bench and dumb stuff like that. My reply was i'll keep it stuffed up against one of these 5k amplifiers i own or this 750pound collins transmitter. When it comes to amateur radio my wife is also a ham and i have no problems laying down the cash for something if i need it for the shack. Many are in the mindset that you've got to pay thousands for the rig our it's just no good. Well i've paid thousands for some of them myself as well as thousands for some of these amplifiers i own, but i'll tell you this. That little jupiter can hold its own with just about anything i've put it up against. Hi Hi, i know this kills some of you. The jupiter is the only ten tec rig i own but i'm looking at this new omni they're coming out with and betcha thats gonna be one hell of a rig too. The orion just doesn't do anything for me, i've not even tried some hands on with it for some reason. Another thing about them i'll add here. I got a phone call from them, after i had bought the jupiter, dayton hamfest came up. The wife and i were there and i walked over to the tentec booth and we were shouting over the counter at each other because of how big and loud the crowd was. A few weeks after dayton i was out in the garage pranking around and the wife came out with the phone all big eyed and said it was some guy from ten tec wanting to talk to me. It was the same guy i had tried to talk to at dayton. He called me at his expense to make sure i had gotten all my questions answered about the jupiter. We talked i guess for about a half hour and then after he was sure he had answered every question i'd ask he said good bye and that was it. Never in all my years of being a ham had a company called me. I've never seen folks so nice as those in tenn at ten tec. Now not bragging on my shack but i've got some big bucks in here, i'll put my little jupiter in any pileup, it works real well with even with a pair of 1200a7s as a reflector, or just by its self. Happy Thanksgiving! John WR8D
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RE: Christmas List
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by W6TH on November 20, 2006
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.
by W6TH
Wait, N0AH (know some great phonetics for that) you and W4CNG just post too much NEGATIVE stuff here on Eham and I am not the only one tired of it. Connect that to a large positive charge (out in Georgia) and both of you can get to gether all the time. My attic antennas are way above anything in your home, and there are no pigs anywhere near my house. You two need to really take a chill pill and enjoy the Christmas Season (Holiday season for the Politically In-Correct) and wait for the upside of the current sun cycle.
See you on the air, from DC to Light!
Vito W6TH still having lot's of fun on the air everywhere...
.:
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RE: Christmas List
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by WA2JJH on November 20, 2006
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2 recommended books for xmas gifts
1)Man of High Fidelity-biography of the true inventor of FM and FM stereo
2)Biography of Hiram Percy Marx--first ham perhaps. Also invented a machine gun used in WW-1
Visa-vi MFJ...They do make a good item sometimes.
Their 300W ATU is great.
If your going to buy an MFJ tuner for a new ham....
1)Advise that 300W rating is bull!
2)Reduce your TX power to 25 watts while tuning with a high SWR.
3)Do not ever use the built in balun!
4)Use a seperate coax switch.
Happy holidays to all. 73 DE MIKE
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RE: Christmas List
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by N1XBP on November 20, 2006
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Good lord, look at how many of you didn't take the time to read or comprehend the original post. Go back up and take a look.. we'll wait down here for you. See that? $10-$100? So your family can support the hobby you love without bankrupting little Bobby? "I'm sorry little Samantha but Daddy won't love you if I don't see an IC-7800 under that tree."
-If you've got kids, ask them to pick out a kit *THEY* like.. and build it together (gasp, quality time?)
-How about one of those photograph mouse pads? Great to set your wrist on when using a key if you don't have a mouse to put on it.
-QSL cards!
-Study materials
-Books.. there are too many to mention
-How about a spool of wire? Do you ever really have enough?
-Something with your callsign on it.
-A family picture to hang in the shack.. maybe taken in the shack itself?
-A good calendar.
-A 24 hour clock.
-A new map (relevant to your type of radio)
-A really nice pen (or if you're like me, one with a chain on it :) )
-how about some engraved plates to place on your rig or key? You can get those at the mall!
-a home made log book (mentioned above).. what a cool idea!
-QSL card holders/displays/books
-Registered version of software you like?
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RE: Christmas List
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by KC9JVT on November 20, 2006
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The book or mag subscription idea is always nice.
Accessories that don't break the bank are cool too! like:
Meters, mics, batteries, chargers, cabling, Maybe filters or a TXCO option if applicable in the radio, Radio options are always cool.
Or best yet... a set of 1 day "get out of jail free" cards to allow un-interupted time in the shack :)
Chad
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RE: Christmas List
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by KC8VWM on November 20, 2006
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Accessories that don't break the bank are cool too! like:
Meters, mics, batteries, chargers, cabling,
-------------
Other common "accessories" hams like to collect for some reason:
A box of dead Motorola Radios, What ham shack is complete without some of these?
120 volt electrical cords cut off lamps and many other electronic devices. ("just in case" electrical cords.. You guys know who you are!)
A unique collection of walwarts you have absolutely no idea what they were originally intended for. This is a "must have" for all hams.
Various collection of clocks. No ham in existence can live without a collection of various clocks for some reason.
Used dead batteries. Every ham loves getting used dead battery collectibles. Especially if they are torn out of something and are somehow rechargeable.
HT antenna collections. Hams collect these like they are rare vintage baseball cards.
Obsolete computers running obsolete operating systems. What ham is complete without one of these relics?
Ham radio mags. Must have collection of old ham mags placed in the living room, the bathroom, on the deck, in the car, in the garage, in the shack and beside the bed while you are sleeping.
Soldering iron collection. Why have one soldering iron when you can have many soldering irons and just use one "favorite" soldering iron all the time? I know that concept makes absolutely no sense to anyone else except another ham. :)
Want to give a ham cheap affordable entertainment for the holidays? Invite a ham operator over this holiday season and tell them your satellite dish isn't working right. This provides hams with many enjoyable hours of gratifying personal entertainment during get togethers with family and friends. :)
73 and Happy Holidays.
Charles - KC8VWM
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RE: Christmas List
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by W5GNB on November 20, 2006
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Dear Santa,
Please give me a DAVEMADE Amp and a MOON RAKER antenna. I will ONLY use it on TEN METER CW of course!!!!
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Christmas List
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by 3CX800A7 on November 20, 2006
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A practical solution is a gift certificate of a nominal denomination ($20 to $100) from a dealer of your choice: Amateur Electronic Supply, Universal Radio, Giga Parts, Ham Radio Outlet, Antique Radio Supply, etcetera.
This takes the pressure off of your family, as they are most likely fearful of picking out the "wrong" present for you. To someone that is not an amateur radio operator, even the nomenclature of part numbers seems exotic and completely alien.
I know this suggestion isn't glamorous or exciting. However, it alleviates anxiety that your non-licensed loved ones may experience. Also, it gives you the freedom to choose what you really want.
May everyone reading this have a blessed and wonderful winter season.
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Christmas List
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by 3CX800A7 on November 20, 2006
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Tom,
Please accept my apologies. My reading comprehension is shot. You wrote:
> The restaurant and movie gift cards are nice, but
> the kids want to give something more personal.
My prior post mentioned a gift certificate to a ham radio store, which is a bit impersonal perhaps.
The perennial favorite of a magazine subscription suggested by others in this thread is good. How about some of the less mainstream journals? Do you have a sub-specialty?
Amateur Television Quarterly
Electric Radio Magazine
"The Low Down" (Long Wave Club of America)
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RE: Christmas List
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by WA2JJH on November 21, 2006
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1)Jean Sheppard books
2)Coffee mug with call sign on it.
3)Cheapo QSL cards done with print shop and glossy stock.
For that nasty ham hating neighbor... A gift certiicate
for DR Jack Kavorkian.
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RE: Christmas List
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by KE5BNO on November 22, 2006
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Seems like it is hard for non-hams to interpret the technical descriptions when trying to buy ham gear for Christmas for the hams in their families. I found a great website that will allow the ham in the family to make a "wishlist' with the appropriate desired items compiled in a "wishlist" from which the non-ham family members can choose. It's called "Kaboodle" and the link to it is http://www.kaboodle.com. It takes a little work to get your "wishlist" set up, but once you do---all you have to do is refer your non-ham gift givers to it on the web. The nice thing about kaboodle.com is that they allow you to search anywhere on the web and add items to your wishlist instead of restricting you to the items sold by the website. Give it a try---your family and you both will be glad you did.
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RE: Christmas List
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by WA2JJH on November 25, 2006
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Cannot go wrong with a 24H shack clock. For $75, one can get a WWV time base corrected clock. The clock will run local as well as UTC time.
The RX's in those clocks do not rcv 7.335 CHU/WWV most of the time. However, you only have to sync up a few times a year. So you will have the correct time plus or minus a few seconds per year.
They also have versions with alarms,multiple time zones, and temperature.(Shack temp?, no external outside thermister)
I like the one that uses ultra bright LEDS to project the time on a wall. In a dim room the large display looks cool.
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RE: Christmas List
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by G3LBS on November 25, 2006
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A table lamp made from a duff 3-500Z with a superbright LED inside, to create a Christmas Star through its anode on the ceiling.
I have been waiting for one to go duff in my Heathkit SB-220 for 20 years. I have tried every sort of overdriving to bust one.
Could one of you guys make me one please, since I am a guest in your country? I appreciate recycling.
Buffalo Gil W2/G3LBS Allegany NY
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RE: Christmas List
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by KD7LTN on November 27, 2006
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Well I'll just say that if they are old enough having them get their 'ticket' to enjoy the hobby with you.
Another thing amongst the many more personal items, would be clothing(hat's, shirts, jackets with your call sign on them or even a nametag with your call sign <10$ at your local engraving shop). or one combination would be a couple of t-shirts with your call-sign on front and picture of the "XYL and harmonics" on the back.
If you have younger children, let them make some homemade projects with your callsign on them and/or pictures of them with a homemade frame to place in the shack with all those clocks/maps/qsl cards..
and along the 'get out of jail free cards' line of thinking, they can make a couple of cards for helping clean the shack or promisory notes of spending time in the shack with you dx'ing or etc.. where it is just you and them individually.
There are many good suggestions in here when you read through the 'flame' awards.....
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Christmas List
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by K7FD on November 28, 2006
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Dear Santa,
Please bring back good band conditions. After that, work on world peace.
73 John K7FD
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Christmas List
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by W9ZXT on November 29, 2006
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Nice, very imformative. Glad to see this hobby growing in respect for one another. I guess all the changes within this hobby really do make a difference. Keep it up fellas!!
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RE: Christmas List
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by KL7IPV on November 29, 2006
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I would give it all back and pass up anything new for Christmas if it would get my wife her health back. You guys complain about MFJ, Ten-Tec and others. It is hard to enjoy any of them when other bigger concerns exist. Merry Christmas. I wish you all good health for the new year.
Frank
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Christmas List
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by W9ZXT on November 30, 2006
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Frank, you and your wife are in our prayers. Hope you have a Blessed Christmas. Keep the Faith Brother. Best 73 ES God Bless!!
Nick
W9ZXT
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Christmas List
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by KB2QQM on December 3, 2006
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Is there anything in ham radio that is sold for under $100? Christmas is not about getting what you want.. it's getting useless gifts from relatives that you would rather not get, but instead trading it in on cash to buy that new "key", "radio" or "Book" Ba-humbug !
I tried giving my family some had radio ideas...they just looked at me like, 'we' are not buying you radio 'crap' we are going to get you a 'normal' gift.
I would rather go down and work a new one on cw..for dxcc. Anything you really want, you have to buy it for yourself. Nobody understands, they don't get it.
Like the key I am scrimping for now..a new key by http://www.i2rtf.com/html/keys_paddles.html
ps..when I win the lottery...I am buying everybody a vertical by N9ZV.. www.zerofive-antennas.com
Greg
KB2QQM
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RE: Christmas List
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by WD6GLA on December 3, 2006
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Frank ,
I hope everything works out for your wife , my thoughts and prayers go out to her .
73 and God Bless , Bob WD6GLA
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