I USED to love the making new acquaintances and expanding my knowledge of other cultures, etc... but anymore it seems like all anyone wants to do is say "thanks your 5/9... QRZ".  So very hard to find nice leisurely QSOs anymore.

Instead of trying to "stick" labels on everything, why not just provide the probate attorney with a listing of all the items.  Include on that list:   Item name, physical description, item use, serial number, current physical condition.  you might also include a "comments" column as to HOW you acquired the item.. (Bought at xxx Hamfest,  purchased from W4xxx on date, Traded ______ for it,  Price Paid, Etc. Etc.  Are you afraid of other family members using YOUR stuff to add to the value of the estate ?  Were either of your parents Amateur Radio Operators who would have a reason to "HAVE" this stuff for their own ?  (as an example: why would your parents need a 7 foot equipment rack with a high precision frequency counter and a 12volt 40amp power supply bolted into it ? ) if this is not the case, then why would anyone question your claim of ownership of the items ?  The other side of that coin is if you think someone (else) is going to try to prove ownership, then have THEM provide their proof of ownership. (this is even more impressive if YOU already have the list (as above).
Good Luck...

Yep, me too. Saddens me to see all the deceit, even though some of it, I understand, is presented in a humorous vein, and does NOT reflect true situations.  She's an Amateur Extra Class Op (the KNOW CODE KIND - albeit the SLOW CODE Extra) She's the one I have to rein in when it comes to NEW purchases of ham gear.  We spent many Pizza Hut dinner night with me drawing schematics and other graphic diagrams on napkins to explain the theory to her, so she could pass her tests. Guess bottom line though is: I awakened an interest she always had for electronics and techie stuff.  We BOTH have fun at Field Day... We BOTH load up the camper and travel (short distance) to put a GRID on the air that is normally devoid of ham activity. She LOVES to wander the tailgate sales and look at the junque with me, and gives the disapproving wife "LOOK" when I purchase some little thing. Next HAMFEST, I think I'll have her 'ham' it up with a loud "disapproving wife show" when I want to buy a (used) large ticket item, and maybe the seller will REDUCE the price just so I can "show my wife who is boss"... We'll have great fun laughing and reminiscing about that as we BOTH use the new item in the shack.
 

It sounds like something is "polling" some other something for it's status... like a position or speed sensor on a weather instrument ?  An "invisible fence" ?  a Motion detector ? These don't have to be on your property.  TWO blocks down from me is a "smart" battery charger that makes a slow pulsed "Buzz" that sweeps UP in frequency (tone), only to stop and repeat.  Luckily, the offender shuts off after the battery is charged, but "CHECKS" back with itself about once every five minutes or so with a burst that lasts about 10 seconds. (I think just to see if anything is still connected). THAT interference is fairly quiet (about an S 2-3), and it's fairly narrow in bandwidth... I can even notch it out (mostly).  You will find your problem noise ... just be patient, and unrelenting. 

Sure go right ahead and let the kids talk... as long as you (or another licensed operator) are there to supervise.  RIGHT THERE, not in the next room, not in the back yard mowing the lawn, etc.) 

not meaning to hijack this thread, but the scouting program has an excellent event called JOTA (Jamboree on the Air).  Our club hosts several groups of Girl Scouts, who of course talk to the Boy Scouts.  A year or so back we had teenage girls talking to group of teenage boys in Australia.  We had "sample exchanges and conversation starters printed out so the girls could refer to it if necessary.  One young lady decided to go "OFF SCRIPT", and ad-libed "ARE YOU CUTE?"  this caused quite a few giggles on both sides of the globe, and finally one DIFFERENT boy (in Australia) grabbed the mic and answered, "YES HE IS !". This set the entire group of our girls into an altogether DIFFERENT mind set, (because of the "way" the other boy answered) and... well let's just say LOCALLY, things went down hill rapidly after that.... but we recovered, and finished the QSO.   
Guess the point is kids can STILL find fun, make friends, and enjoy Amateur Radio, if only you provide the fulcrum to pry the iPod™ out of their grasp.  (and provide supervision too, I might add)
 

I agree with AD4U.... Bright and early some morning (Mondays  might be best) take a dozen doughnuts into your local motor repair shop. Ask them if you could pick their brains for a minute. Ask the same questions you've asked here.  Don't take a lot of their time. Just ask, receive, and leave. You may even score some "free" parts (in exchange for your yummy doughnuts).  Can't beat one on one, face to face elmering as opposed to internet queries.
Good Luck restoring your saw.

Just use a light-weight TV antenna rotator.  It uses a stepper motor (sort-of) the only down side is the CLICK CLICK CLICK (very noisy) from the control box. You can find them used at garage sales, and NEW from many sources.  Maybe even Radio Shack still sells them.  I've got on on my 5 element 6 meter beam that's been up for about 5 years, with NO problems other than a burnt out indicator bulb in the control head.  (and I might add it's survived 60MPH wind gusts, and still CLICKS away just fine.  I got mine for $15.00 at a garage sale, so even if it FAILS, five bucks a year was a good investment. Good Luck finding what you need.

Yep. I agree.  POWERPOLE^tm connectors have everything you're looking for and more, including the mounting plates, multi-connector blocks, and much much more. Once you've tried them, you won't be sorry. Check into this versitile product.

I ALWAYS reference both TIME and DATE to UTC when logging contacts.
For me "tomorrow" happens at MY 17:00 local (0000 UTC).  I think that is the standard convention.
If everyone uses UTC DATE info, then there are no chance of errors or omissions when it comes to logs.

You obviously don't really WANT to give up on the hobby, since you keep returning hoping to find solutions to your problems. SO...
If you've asked locally for help, and been told your (apartment) situation is hopeless, which I doubt is the case, consider the following:  Before you entirely give up on the hobby, why not do what hundreds of others (who for one reason or another cannot operate from the comfort of their home) and do most of your operation "MOBILE".  Don't let apartment rules "rule" you. One of my friends operates exclusively from his mobile... a lot of the time by just sitting in his parking space out side his apartment. Granted it's not the "same" as a huge antenna at 70 feet up, but he has worked all states, and has many DX contacts... especially significant since he is a "MOBILE" station. If a high noise level cant be mitigated in your immediate area, take a drive into a more rural area (or at least a less noisy urban location). Don't get trapped into thinking a small antenna on your vehicle is all there is to mobile operation.  Build a dipole antenna you can throw up in some trees or other supports, and try that as well.  I can park at a location and within 20 min have a multi-band dipole strung up at 25 feet... even higher if there are trees or other supports nearby.  You can do likewise, and enjoy working the world on your completely portable HF station.  Having recommended that, I also need to explain that there are other small roadblocks to overcome most easily handled. . . and some downright FUN to figure out.   I realize at the moment you cant get your radio to even receive a usable signal, but as has been stated, if you are just starting out... a rank beginner.... the radio you have "CAN" be a bit overwhelming. If you can find a local club or even just ask another ham to suggest someone who might help you understand your radio's operation.  Also if you could give us your callsign... or at the very minimum WHERE you are located, it would be a lot easier to ascertain methods of assisting you.  Hope you get things cleared up and working, as this is a wonderful hobby with LOTS of rewarding activities.
Good luck.. let us know how it goes.

At last (reported) count there were well over 1100 QSL CARDS sent to KA0XTT. There are 3 videos posted on youtube, with more videos produced as time and received cards allow.  Yep. My wife's and my callsigns are both in the video. Watched all the videos, and saw quite a few callsigns we've either worked, or who are friends.
This is a great boost for the hobby... I've heard the main character, Mike, in future episodes will even give a bit of promotion to the the emergency aspects of the hobby.. ("When All Else Fails").  Send in your cards and get a QSL card in return -  autographed by Tim Allen.  The address is good in QRZ for the callsign KA0XTT.  The show's producer and seven members of the STAFF that work on the show all have Amateur Radio Callsigns.
Visit KA0XTT's Facebook page for lots of history about the show, and the connection with Amateur Radio.

WD-40 is NOT a long term, nor quality lubricant. Use a high quality oil specifically made for the purpose. WD-40 is among the WORST things to apply in cases like this. Oh, and by the way, soaking the bearings with WD-40 sounds like a violation of warranty in my book.  Or, if the noise goes away after just a few minutes, just leave the darn thing ON ! My supply has been on 24/7 for the past four years. WHY even have it located where the noise causes you such consternation? Hide the supply away where the brief, momentary power-on noise doesn't cause you such grief.  My power supply has happily run continuously sitting on the floor tucked under a bench waaay at the back of my shack. The fan could sound like a hair dryer, and it still wouldn't be objectionable at the operating position. Should the squeal become continuous (which it very well might, since you washed any lubricants away with the WD-40) then seek replacement, but don't expect MFJ to pay for YOUR mistake.  Don't get me wrong, WD-40 is GREAT STUFF.  I swear by it for it's intended purpose.

First Seven entries in URBAN DICTIONARY^tm confirm this unfortunate change in the the current vernacular.  There's probably no way for we hams to "reclaim" our original use of the term, especially with those of a certain age or culture.  All the more reason to migrate to using the term "Amateur Radio", I guess.  Then again, do you suppose there is any chance of luring new blood (young people) into the hobby by their implied understanding of the term "HAM" ?  (and would we WANT those that use their meaning of "HAM" in the hobby in the first place?
Maybe SOME of us Amateur Radio Operators already go "all HAM" during contests, Field Day, Etc. (hihi)

Sometimes just RELOCATING (re-positioning) the computer or radio will help or cure the noise also...  (move the screen from the left side of the radio to the right)...but YES more details are needed. Conventional CRT or LCD /LED / PLASMA display ?  Just like in finding power line noise, turn off or better yet disconnect any peripheral devices and if that cures the problem, then add them one at a time and note which one causes noise... then you have an idea where to start to mitigate your noise.  Sure was a lot simpler when you just logged on paper and didn't have so many micro processor controlled devices in the shack and the home.  Good Luck ! 

WOW ! the doctor missed his calling... he could write science fantasy novels.  I strongly feel that predators such as this should be tarred, feathered, and shown the road out of town. Hopefully there will be a "special place" for those who prey on the infirmities of others for personal profit... which is include 89% of congress, but I digress...  Having stated my convictions, I also have to accept proven and documented cases of people being totally cured or had maladies significantly reduced by nothing more than their own mindset... (placebos) have proven to be beneficial to SOME individuals, with no further treatment needed... so perhaps, if this charlatan's ruse helped even a very small percentage of his "customers" then there is something that should be taken into account at whatever "judgement" awaits the creep.  I sincerely hope your wife was among those helped, or that she has found relief from other sources.