Sure, why not. Probably get a base-loaded vertical and converted old Heathkit or surplus. John

It seems strange to go to all that trouble to use a sophisticated computer program to predict a pass, then use complicated, expensive equipment to attempt to work the bird. Why not just send a text message? Besides, the satellites' orbits will decay faster than planned due to the unusually low Solar activity. See you on 40 M!  73, John

So what about the Los Angeles, CA. area? Is it worthwhile getting something up in the air for 2 meter weak-signal SSB? 73, John

It used to be that 200 watts of CW was alot! Even more with PSK 32, I have heard. So what's the big deal? I'm not on 30 meters, so how has the propagation been lately (;->)? John

I'm with the gentleman who suggested 40 thru 160 and a snowblower. This would be working with and adapting to this new reality.

 Cycle 24 is not a normal cycle, and the preceding cycle 23 is the longest on record.

Although it makes sense to pretend otherwise. We wouldn't want the sheep to riot. 73, John

One of the best swapmeet finds I ever made was an overly modified junked Twoer for $1.00. I parted it out over several years. Whenever I needed an odd part, it was there.

This circuit was built into it. Always wondered about it. I thought it was an SWR "meter." I scavanged it for the lightbulbs. 73, John

Lots of people make spellig mistakes. It's kind of a cheap shot to call anyone on it. 73, John

I have had this problem with cellphones. Probably you need to use contact spray cleaner on the contacts. Only God (or Someone further down) knows they get that way.
   You can spray the charger plug that goes into the radio. Also the contacts in the radio, being careful not to use too much and get it inside the radio.
   If that doesn't work take the battery out and spray the contacts on the battery and the mating contact on the radio.
   Then give it a good solid charge. If that doesn't do it, throw it away and buy another battery. Or a new radio. A more Earth friendly, and dare I say it more green RoH compliant radio. To celebrate the return of sunspots and Cycle 24.
   After all, 2012 only has two years to go!  73, John

After you throw your microwave oven in the trash, toss in that ol' cellphone or crackberry too. They work on similar frequencys. John

For some reason the Solar flux is creating solar flares, not heating the ionosphere. That, I believe, is the solar flux anomaly. 73, John

Tenants. Can't live with them. Can't live without them-- without their rent, that is. Am I right? John

Might makes right. 73, John

If the noise is coming in even with the receiver off, it could be the power supply.

Back in the day (1975) I had a longwire antenna which was about 235 feet long. On 40 meters it was like a telephone line to Canada every night(from Pasadena CA). It also picked up a horrible buzz every 10 KHz or so. Made receiving pretty impossible.

Never found out what it was, but I think it was a neighbor's TV. Just out of curiousity, how do you know for sure your tenants' sat reciever is to blame?

I seem to remember there were several replies to this yesterday... 73, John

So, tell us, please, about some of those "other things going on" with the Sun.  Especially now with Cycle 24 so late in coming. Or the Solar Flux anomaly. 73, John

It sounds like your tenants aren't on as good terms with you as might be thought (snort!).

Maybe someone gave them a noisemaker for 160 just to bug the landlord to whom they are obliged to pay rent.

I mean, why wouldn't they just love their landlord.

Used to get some odd interference on 6 meters from someone else's tenant. Good Lord! 73 and lottsa luck,
John