Rod Dinkins, AC6V, who's great web site www.ac6v.com is the "Google" of Ham Radio
passed away around 10 AM at Tri-City Hospital in Oceanside.
Amateur Radio and Internet resources has lost "One of the Most Resources Individuals of the World". I was luck to meet and talk to Rod, one time. I will never forget that time. I always counted on Rod's web site system for answers to questions and information, that I came across in my time in Amateur Radio career.
R.I.P. Rod
Cliff, N6CTW
I've known Rod and his wonderful wife for many years, since they lived only a few miles from me.
Rod was a member of a select group of local hams who informally, tongue-in-cheek, called themselves the "Kilowatt Alley DX Club". It was really a play on words and none of us really worked any DX. It was an excuse to come together periodically at the local HRO store and afterward to visit a local restaurant for food and more chat.
One time Rod proudly presented each of the 4-5 "members" with a copy of one of his newest books at that time, "FX101x". He went on to produce additional titles which are in use in ham shacks nationwide today.
Rod was a warm, whitty, extremely helpful guy who spent many hours on the local 2-meter repeaters trying to help new hams by answering their questions about radio and antennas.
I was stunned when I heard the news of his passing and I will miss Rod very much. He was a real ham, and although he was not active much on HF due to the local housing restrictions of, as he put it, the "clipboard nazis", he could be reached by repeater and by landline. He was a true communicator.
RIP, Rod. You have earned it, my friend.
Vince
I was greatly saddened to hear of Rod's passing. I consider Rod to be my first "Elmer".
His performance running the fire information net during the 2003 Firestorm here in San Diego was outstanding. For over three days he and a small group of local hams just about single-handedly ran the net, providing information not available from any other government or media outlet to hundreds of people. He could quiet the most anxious of callers with his calm voice and reassuring manner. His example encouraged many, myself included, to upgrade our licenses and get more involved in emergency communications.
Later, working with Rod at our local club's Field Day GOTA station, I was struck with how infinitely patience he was with new hams. He encouraged the shy and gently corrected mistakes - while allowing them to make mistakes in the first place. There was no better way to be introduced to ham radio than to be guided by AC6V.
Rod's now Upstairs in his own version of Ham Heaven, on one of the "Charcoal Islands Somewhere In The Barbecues", with the biggest, baddest antenna farm you've ever seen...
Rest In Peace, My Friend - May You Always Have Fair Winds And Following Waves.
Rod was a fine gentleman who always had a pleasant word for all who took the time to seek him out. We had many short discussions at the Visalia International DX Convention and shared a love for working DX under challenged conditions. He will no longer have to worry about the "clipboard Nazis" and his propagation will be unlimited. 73 Old Friend --- Doug, W6HB
Rod helped me get on the air on HF last year. I passed my General and Extra tests in April and May of 2007 and did not know where to go from there. I sent Rod an email and he asked me to call him on the phone. He was quite helpful and reassuring, and made several suggestions I followed and made my first HF contact with a station in Texas. I never met him in person, but he was patient, knowledgeable, and open. Though my encounter with him was brief, I'll never forget his kindness. Amateur radio has lost a great ambassador, and an example of what we all should be. Thanks Rod, and RIP
Rod was the best! He loved ham radio more than any other person I have ever met. He was always there to encourage the newcomer or patiently explain to the uninitiated. His popular book, FM-101X grew out of his on-the-air experiences helping new hams negotiate the ins-and-outs of using repeaters. The devotion he showed in single-handedly creating and maintaining his world famous web page www.AC6V.com was unsurpassed.
Rod loved to accompany me to hamfests and conventions. People from all over the world would come to visit him at our booth, expressing their gratitude for his books and web page. No matter how many came or how long they stayed, Rod had time for everyone. He was great company to have along and provided me with much needed encouragement. 73 Rod, de N6FN
I only know Rod because he was my first amateur contact after getting my Technician ticket in 2005. He was very encouraging during our breif QSO on 2 meters. Then in 2006?, at the Southwest Division Convention held in San Diego, my son and I ran into him in the hallway - he struck up a conversation with my then 11 year old son and encouraged him to get licensed. Like others have said, ham radio has lost a fine ambasador.
I am saddened by Rods passing. We have lost another of the "GREATS"..
Visalia will not be the same.
I learned lots from him
Wow, I just found out a few minutes ago about Bill Edwards (Omega Electronics) had died, and see that AC6V has died! I did not know him personally but visited his webpage many time for digital info. Ham radio has lost 2 great hams.