It's a dying hobby - there are'nt enough stupid old farts around anymore to keep it alive.

When you think about it CW is repititious - name, RST, QTH over and over again.
SSB - guys taking about antenna theory and their bladder removal in thick hick accents.
Digital is more interesting but people limit topics to mundane subjects - I'd like to discuss philosophy or religion on PSK-31 but have'nt come across anyone yet who would'nt QRT right out of there.

Most people are like programmed robots - they don't have any original thoughts nor do they have interesting insights. They are all brainwashed by the news media and the school systems - and the ones who are'nt (those who rebell) don't stay stay alive long enough to make a difference.

What this country needs is a good civil war - it will reenergize the population, kill off the extremists on both sides, reduce the population, and just basically make this country and it's people a hell of a lot better - better character, better strength, self discipline, and honor. I can't wait.  Kim

I couldn't figure out what to use in the exchange for my section or the year I was licensed - don't remember that far back so I made up a few. Contests take all the fun out of operating - it's more like a job. Could you imagine having a job doing ham contests?  I'd have to file for workman's comp after a few days of listening to all that noise - not to mention carpal tunnell syndrome from all the logging.  Kim

Thanks James - I'll do that.  Kim

CW is the easiest way to communicate between point A and B in an emergency situation with limited electronic parts available. Pure and simple - that's why tuna tin type radios with battery packs are so appealing. Kim

CW is to ham radio what sailboats are to boating. Simple, pure, basic, fun, requiring greater skills/abilities, and never obsolete! Kim AB7JK

I remember that. no banned countries any longer just the reminder to keep comment to a "general nature" which can be interpreted many ways hi.

It would be an interesting way to become infamous or notorious but the guy in the other country might end up with lead boots.  Kim

It was wrong to refer to the individuals at Ham Station "creeps" I apologize for that. Kim AB7JK

I'm not looking for sympathy, and I should have tested the radio during the ten day return period. I also did not ask for a refund.

Had I tested and discovered the rig non functioning on some bands I still would have lost shipping charges assuming the seller kept his word which seems less likely now. Had the seller tested the rig he wouldn't have offered the rig for sale at that price and I wouldn't have been put in that position.

My other point is the seller ignored my email when asked if the item had been tested.
To ignore (hide from) situations that make one unforfortable is because they feel guilty for selling the rig untested at a working rig price.

The individuals upset with my post are probably so because their principles are also lacking and their dealings with others are deceiving or not completely truthful.

Most hams today, like most individuals in general are lacking in character and so seldom stand up for themselves because they don't have the moral authority (or courage) to do so. Then they make excuses to justify their behavoir and run away (into their hobbies mostly).

If that's you take a look at yourself. I paid for my mistake. Kim AB7JK

......

What would happen if a ham discussed politics with a Cuban radio operator or discussed overthrowing the Cuban government with a Cuban op? What would happen? Get a knock on the door by the FBI, the FCC? Create an international incident? Don't plan to do it - hi - just wondering. Kim AB7JK

This post is a follow up to my previous post complimenting Ham Station for the TS-830S transceiver I purchased there. Trying out the radio for the first time on 15 and 10 meters I discovered it does not function on those bands.

I emailed Ham Station and have discovered that apparently they sold the transceiver on consignment but did not test it aside from making a qso or two on 20 meters.

I did not ask for a refund but rhetorically asked if they test their used equipment before selling it to which they chose not to reply - real smooth.

So the good guys turned out to be not so good after all and I can no longer recommend Ham Station. Just more creeps you want to avoid.  Kim AB7JK

Please see my new post "Ham Station comes through - NOT"
Kim AB7JK

I'm building a dipole antenna for 20 meters qrp. I want to feed it with twinlead. Question: How long a length of 300 ohn twinlead does it take to match the 50 ohm inpedance of the dipole? I know there is a formula for this somewhere on the net but I can't remember where.
Thanks,  Kim AB7JK

This is a follow up to my initial post on this subject:

All is well with the TS-830S until I tried it out on 15 meters today (for the first time)- it was non functional on that band plus all of 10 meters. I guess I should have tested it completely on all bands when it arrived a few months ago.

Anyway I sent an email to Ham Station and I'm awaiting a response. I'll keep everyone posted.  Kim  AB7JK

I want to use CW Type to key my TS-830S. Since this radio uses grid block keying none of the known interfaces are suitable for this.

One possible solution is to use no interface and run the soundcard audio directly to the mic input on the tranceiver and run the radio in SSB mode using VOX. Has anyone tried this? Are there any rules or regulation regarding running CW in SSB mode? Any zero beating issues? I've listened to the cw note of the soundcard output and it sounds acceptable. Any suggestions from someone who has tried this is appreciated.  Kim AB7JK