I am going to be studying abroad in Moscow, Russia next fall and am looking to have a reciprocal Russian license.  I have already looked into the information given by the ARRL at <<http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/io/recip-info_p.html#ua-ui>> Does anyone else have any information that could help me obtain a Russian license or have any advise for operating in Russia?  I intend to bring my 2m/70cm HT and would like to find a place to operate on HF if possible.  Of course, this is all far in advance, but I didn't want to leave this for the last minute!
73s and spasiba (Cyrillic doesn't show up here!),
Mark, KB9YTQ

I'm currently an international studies/Russian studies student at American University in Washington, DC.  For my latest research paper, I thought I'd combine my hobbies and academic interest by writing about Radio Moscow as a tool of Soviet foreign policy during the Cold War.  Now, I distinctly remember reading an article a number of years ago about an AM station in the Southern US that would record Radio Moscow broadcasts (1950s or 1960s?) and then rebroadcast them the next night with American commentary.  It seems to me that it was in Popular Communications or something.   I really think that this could really help me, so does anyone have any idea where I read that?  Or am I crazy?  Sorry I can't give any more information, but that's all I can remember.  Any information about Radio Moscow, however, is greatly appreciated.  Thanks so much!
73,
Mark, KB9YTQ

I'm getting disgusted with my current ISP and am looking into getting Clearwire, a 2.4GHz based provider up here in Northern Wisconsin/Minnesota.  They sell (as accessories) these little things called "ClearPlugs" that plug into the modem and then into the wall socket, allowing the internet signal to be broadcasted through the home wiring to another ClearPlug in a more adventageous spot for your computer (for a better explanation, see <<http://www.clearwire.com/support/accessories.php>>).  With all the talk about BPL, I am concerned that this could also cause interference with my HF rig.  Does anyone know about this Clearwire accessory and if it could cause a problem for me should I purchase it?  I would just like to be sure I know what I'm getting into.  Thanks!
73,
Mark, KB9YTQ

I'm from northern Wisconsin but often travel to Minneapolis/St. Paul during the year.  Usually I'm in the area of Richfield and Bloomington, near the airport.  What are my best bets for open repeaters in the area in terms of reception and traffic?
73s
Mark, KB9YTQ

I just noticed today that I have a big crack in the plastic on the Volume/Frequency Knob on my Yaesu VX-1R.  I've had the radio for about 2 years now, and it's been a great starter radio for me.  I'd like to get a new knob, but I understand that the VX-1R has been discontinued. Does anyone know of a place where I can get a replacement and how much it would cost?  The radio is no longer under warranty, and I am in the process of checking repair/replacement prices at Universal Radio and AES (where I originally purchased it).  Thanks for the help.
73s,
Mark, KB9YTQ

I know another ham who believes that his ham license also covers GMRS usage.  While I have could care less about GMRS, I don't want him to get in trouble with the FCC for operating unlicensed.  Does a tech license cover GMRS usage too, or do you still have to pay the $75 for the 5 year license?

73s,
KB9YTQ

This doesn't fall under the ham catagory, but I know that some of you would know.  I always heard that disc jockies and other such personalities on local AM/FM broadcast stations were required to hold at least a Third Class Radiotelephone License.  Now, according to the FCC site, these licenses have been discontinued.  Do people still require FCC licenses to be on the air?
Thanks.
73s,
Mark, KB9YTQ

Next week (07/27/2003) i will be attending a Global Young Leaders Conference in Washington D.C. and New York.  I really don't know how much time I'll have to be on the bands (I have a dual-band Yaesu VX-1R)in the area, but I don't go anywhere without the radio.  I seem to remember reading somewhere about certain frequency restrictions on the 2m/70cm bands in the Metro Washington area.  Is this true, and if so, what are they and where can I find them.  Also, I'll be staying at Mount Vernon College in Washingon.  Is there an open repeater near there thats pretty active?  Thanks for the info!
73s,
Mark, KB9YTQ

I use the VX-1R and am quite happy with it.  However, there are times when using it as my base (I'm a 16 year old, so I don't have much of a budget) when I want to get out more than 500mW/1W.  I have looked at the Mirage series of amps.  Can anyone out there give me some advise on what I should look for in an amp and give me some suggestions on models and brands?  Thanks!
73's,
Mark, KB9YTQ

I am interested in the Icom IC-706MKIIG or Yaesu FT-100D for my first HF rig.  Does anyone out there own either and what do you think of them?  I appreciate any thoughts or opinions. Thanks!
73s,
KB9YTQ

As well as being a ham, I am also an SWL'er.  Many times I come across RTTY and stuff like that.  I found the MFJ-462B CW/RTTY/ASCII/AMTOR Decoder in an ad in Popular Communications.  Is there anyone out there who has used the product?  If so, I'd like to know if it works well and if it would be worth the $180.  It's info can be found at http://www.mfjenterprises.com/products.php?prodid=MFJ-462B
Thanks and 73's
Mark, KB9YTQ

I'm in 10th grade this year in high school.  I'd love to start an amateur radio club but don't know how. There is an old rusty dipole at school, but I don't know if I could use it.  How do I get equipment? Got any suggestions?
73's
KB9YTQ

I'm trying to learn CW for my 5 WPM test.  Now I know, you older hams think that's too easy. Well, do you have any tips for learning the code without tapes and while trying to master French at the same time?  I'd appreciate your help.
73's,
KB9YTQ

Any advise for a prospective builder of a copper cactus (double j pole) antenna for 2m/70cm?

I'm just curious, but why is 6m forbidden around Paris??
73,
KB9YTQ