from my USAF days (and foggy memories), believe the primary rescue radio (not a beacon as such)in the early 60's was the dual-channel AN/URC-64, rock-bound to 121.5 and 243.0; unit had extendable dipole antenna (extended full length for VHF, shortened for UHF) plus a separate cable-connected battery. Can't recall the nomenclature and details on the next one that was a combo HT and battery (URC 74?) The URC-64 had a matching vest which predated the later survival vests introduced dueing the Vietnam war - balanced the load of radio plus battery; otherwise, it was packed into the seat-mounted survival kit for fighter aircraft. International Orange/Dayglo flight suits were usually restricted to Air Defense Command (ADC) aircrew members, Air Rescue (ARS)crew members and Alaska Air Command (AAC)crews- ostensibly, these high(er) visibility suits (and reversible flight jackets with orange linings) would enhance search, rescue and recovery.

Frank Nollette, CMSgt, USAF, Ret'd
KH6TX/7

Check with your city/county planning or building code dept and see how/if 'external structure' is defined or referenced. Also check your existent CCRs and any POA design guidelines or such for same; if not defined in these sources, you may be able to recommend definitions and wording to your POA that will preserve your existing tower [?grandfather same and other existing 'structures' of yours or your neighbors?] or allow same IF in compliance with city/county codes.

Good luck es 73

Frank
KH6TX/7

36" lead from the AH-4 to the antenna may be a major culprit -- most mobile installations use markedly shorter runs, e.g., 3"-4" - think I read that on another site that the shorter the lead, the better.

FWIW

73 de KH6TX/7, Frank
Tucson AZ

Another great benefit of a comprehensive log (handwritten or computer-based) is to resolve complaints of interference (RFI, etc.)from the neighbors.  Although I've not been active on HF of late, the presence of my long-wire antenna generated visits from a couple of neighbors alleging that I was creating RFI in their home entertainment equipment.  When asked for dates/times, I had only to flip open my (manual) log in their presence to the approximate date/time and show that I had not been on the air at those times (or for a few weeks on each side of same!). Should such complaints prompt a 'nastygram' from the FCC, a comprehensive log goes a long way in resolving the issue (if indeed you were not on at the dates/times alleged.)

73,

Frank, KH6TX
Tucson AZ

Can appreciate the problems in writing out the code -- trying to get back into CW after a very long layoff, and the G4FON progam is a superb way to get back into it!

A long-gone SK who had done commercial, military and maritime CW for years offered this idea to me if you're set on writing out what you hear:  write it out in longhand/script BUT use a felt tip pen with a very soft/flexible tip.  This minimizes the effort to write the characters/words which you face when using a pencil or ball-point pen. You can literally drag the pen across the paper without having to push -- he also recommended that you NOT look at the paper as you write -- just stare at the radio or into 'space' and let the ear/hand coordination take over. With this method, as your ear/brain/hand synapses start firing, you'll find less need to write anything beyond esentials such as call-sign, QTH, name or complex words and thoughts.

73,

Frank, KH6TX/7
Tucson Arizona

Saw an announcement in the October 2004 "Government Technology" mag about the (new?) foil-covered, cardboard parabolic antenna designed for WiFi applications.  Try a Google search of "Flatenna" and see what you think.  Could have some applications in higher UHF realms?

73,

Frank, KH6TX/7
Tucson AZ

Would much appreciate recommendations on improving current antenna set-up.  

Existing antenna arrangement is approx 55' of wire parallel to the ridge-pole (about 1 meter above roof), with a 14 foot 'down lead' section to an outside-mounted ICOM AH-4 tuning unit.  Wire runs (roughly) north/south. AH-4 is grounded to an 8' copper-clad rod into undisturbed soil, with coax from tuner through the exterior wall to the ICOM IC-718.  This in/on a manufactured home, all wood/composition construction above the floor level.  Parallel to long axis on both sides are aluminum-topped awnings, which likely is not a good situation if I were going to try open-wire feeders to a diole/fan-dipole -- station is at north end of home, so feedline length for such would be about 40'. Ground or roof-top mounted Tower/tripod-mount option a non-player (CCRs!)

Primary interest is in 60 thru 10 meters, SSB & CW. (have 20-foot conduit mast topped with a 144/440 vertical; this is also north-end support mast for the long wire).  Haven't been on much at all, due to time and work constraints and propagation, but hoping winter will bring improved conditions!

Considered dropping more wire off 'south' end in a 'Z" configuration to capture more signals at different angle or at least add to electrical length of current wire. Likely could get about an additional 25' that way, but not that sure if it would improve things.

Would much appreciate your recommendations, etc., via response here or direct to KH6TX at ARRL.NET.

73 and many thanks!

Frank, KH6TX/7
Tucson AZ

For what it's worth -- try your local/university library for either microfiche or bound copies of "73" -- here in Tucson, the U of Arizona's library has about 5 or six bound volumes of "73" - can't check them out (they're in the Reference section).  Could likely photocopy pertinent pages if you can find the bound versions.

73,
Frank
KH6TX/7

There's a major Motorola site that can give you the particulars on M products and modifications, including ham-band conversions, etc. Most folks posting to site (and sub-sites) are Motorola specialists, technicians, etc., and many are hams to boot.

http://batboard.batlabs.com

73,
Frank, KH6TX/7

The USAF Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB OH might be interested in the book and clipping, particularly with the references to the Norden Bomb Sight.  Don't have their e-mail address at hand, but a Google-search should turn up the correct site and sub-section dealing with potential contributions.

73,
Frank, KH6TX/7
Chief Master Sgt, USAF, Retired
Tucson AZ

Looking for info from folks who have incorporated amateur radio topics [ideally leading to the kids gaining - and USING - their amateur tickets!] into a home schooling program.  

ARRL provided minimal info, since their educational efforts are directed more towards incorporating ham topics into more traditional classroom environments, typically led/taught by full-time professional educators.

Have four grandkids (ages 5-14) in Las Vegas being home-schooled with outstanding success, and from exposure to me, they are getting the "amateur bug."  I'll be providing them the latest edition of "Now You're Talking" plus some materials from my footlocker-library and will likely spring for their first rig to keep the interest going if/when at leat one gains their ticket. [Believe their Mom and Dad are likewise intrigued with amateur radio, and have expressed an interest in it.] Will also point them towards some of the Las Vegas area ham clubs once they get started into this area, hopefully to find some Elmers to bolster the parent's schooling efforts.

Any assistance, success stories or potential web-sites would be much appreciated, posted here or direct to my e-mail address [KH6TX at arrl.net]

Many thanks, and 73

Frank, KH6TX/7; Tucson AZ

Basically, all you'd need would be a power supply providing the appropriate voltage/amperage to match your rig, appropriate power cable between power supply and rig, plus a suitable antenna.

73,

Frank, KH6TX/7
Tucson AZ

Dave -- can you share details on your installs in the Santa Fe?  I've got a 2002 SF, and getting set to install my ICOM 2340H VHF/UHF, with an eye towards HF later on -- especially interested in how you powered your rig AND antenna cable routing from the hitch to the tuner/rig.

Many thanks in advance,

Frank
KH6TX/7
Tucson AZ