Survey Comments
Shack computer
Mine is loaded with logging programs, CW programs, and equipment programming and operating programs. Not to mention Echolink.
Posted by
W4ABX on 2004-10-29
Beer, Cats, and Amps
Remember when we were young, and you and your buds and me and my buds and I had one of those Big amps we built that had the screen that you looked through to see the 4-1000 glowing white hot.....oh yea you had to have a buffer amp to make it glow white hot, but I degress. Never being one for very tidy homebrewing the Xfmr ( 6.5KV) was kinda sitting on the basement floor and the plate wires were just kinda hanging off it and led to the power supply circuitry. You get the picture, it probably happened at your place too when you were say 15-17 years old and girls were interesting but not over the "smell of radio". And oh yea.... you had to sneak a few cold 807s from "dad's stash" on a Saturday night to work some DX with the new AMP you cobbled together from the handbook. Yup, good to know you could fire up on any freq on 14 Mhz and work 'em like the big guys. And being on CW they didn't know you were just a kid. That was the best part. Going to a club meeting and bragging about the DX you beat the old guys too. Yea the good ol' days, .......then the cat walks in and wants to cozy up to the nice warm transformer!!!!!!!
Posted by
WX0B on 2004-10-19
Beer, Cats, and Amps
Remember when we were young, and you and your buds and me and my buds and I had one of those Big amps we built that had the screen that you looked through to see the 4-1000 glowing white hot.....oh yea you had to have a buffer amp to make it glow white hot, but I degress. Never being one for very tidy homebrewing the Xfmr ( 6.5KV) was kinda sitting on the basement floor and the plate wires were just kinda hanging off it and led to the power supply circuitry. You get the picture, it probably happened at your place too when you were say 15-17 years old and girls were interesting but not over the "smell of radio". And oh yea.... you had to sneak a few cold 807s from "dad's stash" on a Saturday night to work some DX with the new AMP you cobbled together from the handbook. Yup, good to know you could fire up on any freq on 14 Mhz and work 'em like the big guys. And being on CW they didn't know you were just a kid. That was the best part. Going to a club meeting and bragging about the DX you beat the old guys too. Yea the good ol' days, .......then the cat walks in and wants to cozy up to the nice warm transformer!!!!!!!
Posted by
WX0B on 2004-10-19
MY W2IHY EQ
I voted for my computer but my Best Ham Shack Accessory is my W2IHY 8 band audio EQ. It is so versatile! I can get any microphone to work and work well! Not only that but it’s great for vox and it can tailor my audio to best suite the radio and band conditions!!
I LOVE IT!!! THANKS W2IHY >>>
Posted by
VO1AAC on 2004-09-08
Best Ham Shack Accessory
My Bird...
"Piou" open French repeaters (1750Hz).
And fell good in ATV!
Cat is a no-Piou... My Bird hate them...
HI!
73
Posted by
F4EGX on 2004-08-13
cat is a dx magnet
my cat has esp and hears dx before it appears on hf.helps me get first crack on rare dx
cat at
http://www.thebarbecuemaster.com
Posted by
N2CTZ on 2004-08-05
Coffee pot
I suggest you add coffee pot to the survey list. My shack is my computer room and according to my wife, "You spend way too time in there". When I come out the kids say, "Oh Dad is home. We didn't know you were here". I now know what they look like.
Posted by
N2VLS on 2004-07-31
Cat
She isn't a lap cat -- she prefers to lay down on my shoulders -- but she is indespensible in my shack. Thank God for my Lucy!
Posted by
KA0YKO on 2004-06-19
There's nothing like....
The smell of wax paper caps warming up in an
old tube radio- helps to warm the shack in
the winter, helps riminisce about years gone
by. But the "best accessory" was the
question.... hmmmm.... I'd say the computer!
I use it to:
A. Locate radio equipment for sale on
the 'net.
B. Keep a logbook during contesting.
C. I can make up a club newsletter on it if
I had to (used to do that years ago).
D. Find DX on spotting website that I would
not have known was there.
E. Can find great beer recipes to make my
own for when I want beer in my shack.
F. I can keep tabs on my ham friend via e-
mail that are not that active on the air
anymore.
G. I never have to buy callbook software or
paper callbooks any longer thanks to eHam
and QRZ websites (and other calbook websites
that I don't frequent as often).
H. I can use it to update my license.
I. I can use it to design antennas to build.
J. Software exists that can model a repeater
system to determine coverage so you don't
waste your time building something that
won't do what you want.
K. I can locate the cheapest price on rigs,
amps, and accessories so I can save money
and buy MORE rigs, amps, and accessories!
I could keep going, but I guess I've made my
point...
-KR4WM
Posted by
WY3X on 2004-06-14
There's nothing like....
The smell of wax paper caps warming up in an
old tube radio- helps to warm the shack in
the winter, helps riminisce about years gone
by. But the "best accessory" was the
question.... hmmmm.... I'd say the computer!
I use it to:
A. Locate radio equipment for sale on
the 'net.
B. Keep a logbook during contesting.
C. I can make up a club newsletter on it if
I had to (used to do that years ago).
D. Find DX on spotting website that I would
not have known was there.
E. Can find great beer recipes to make my
own for when I want beer in my shack.
F. I can keep tabs on my ham friend via e-
mail that are not that active on the air
anymore.
G. I never have to buy callbook software or
paper callbooks any longer thanks to eHam
and QRZ websites (and other calbook websites
that I don't frequent as often).
H. I can use it to update my license.
I. I can use it to design antennas to build.
J. Software exists that can model a repeater
system to determine coverage so you don't
waste your time building something that
won't do what you want.
K. I can locate the cheapest price on rigs,
amps, and accessories so I can save money
and buy MORE rigs, amps, and accessories!
I could keep going, but I guess I've made my
point...
-KR4WM
Posted by
WY3X on 2004-06-14
How about your brain
I think one thing was missing from this survey . The organic computer the Brain. With out this we would have even less of a clue of what we where doing with are gizmos. My first choice from the supplied list would be Pen & paper and second choice would be MFJ after all this is Amateur Radio i'snt it and Martin does give you the option to try and fix it yourself. Try that with your new Icom ,Kenwood , Yaesu!!
Posted by
VE7LGT on 2004-06-13
Best Ham Shack Accessory
Its gotta be the puter, AND pen & paper. Can't forget my cat who thinks this is HER chair,and gives me a IF LOOKS could KILL look. Also, being in FL. don't forget the LIZARDS. 73 all.
Mark KI4CRA
Posted by
KI4CRA on 2004-06-12
Best Ham Shack Accessory
Cold Mickeys of course!
Closely followed by my cats. I call them my
kids. They are not allowed on my Ham Shack
table! Number 3 would have to be my computer
to look up pertinent information.
KE5AIX
Posted by
KE5AIX on 2004-06-11
I voted for my computer, but...
I voted for my computer, but... there were other choices that weren't offered.
I love accessories made by Mizuho, from my manual antenna tuner to my audio processor.
I don't have a dog or a cat but our latest rescue ferret, Chin Soon, loves to sleep in my lap. She is definitely more precious than any computer :) Of course, awake she'd try to pull of the knobs and buttons and play with the computer keyboard. She might also decide the the hand mics. were good for wrestling and playing with, and anything she could run off with would get hidden away. Ferrets in the ham shack are generally not a great idea :) I love her anyway, and yes, she's been in the shack, as have the other five ferrets.
73,
Caity
K7VO
Posted by
K7VO on 2004-06-11
observation
first of all,i wonder how many readers made the connection,ONL10619 made about beer and the microwave oven in the (uk)? i own 4 pieces of mfj,equiptment and they do what they were designed to do.the (mfj,986)tuner is the best,althogh in 46 years,i never ran more than 100 watts.im a qrp,op.i agree with the gentleman who said his vibroplex bug was it.i also ran a bug for many years.now using a bencher paddle,with the icom 746.also use a jj-38 and a j-38.hate to admit this but i play around with the (mfj)morse keyboard when i get bored.one of our repeaters has gone politically correct.so i spend more time on CW.and no one is allowed in the shack,man or beast,only the xyl when its time to take out the trash.keep your sense of humour,dont get mad just stay happy.remember the alamo,ciao,rock (es)roll
happy kwanza,shalom,adios amigo,73& 88.see you on the low end. lou de angelo.
Posted by
KG3QABC123 on 2004-06-11
A Cold Beer and a Warm Pussycat
Beer---it's not just for breakfast anymore!!
Posted by
K3BZ on 2004-06-10
MANUALS
The most important accessories are manuals for the equipment. If you buy used equipment that doesn't have manuals, you should track them down and buy them if need be.
Posted by
N8UZE on 2004-06-08
The only REAL ham accessory
The computer is standard in any house (well, most houses). The computer is the accessory of my choosing, and when used properly it compliments amateur radio. But some folks like to live in the dark ages I guess.
Posted by
KE4RWS on 2004-06-08
The Cat
My cat comes into my office/shack whever he hears me talking to someone. He'll jump up on my lap or lay on the log when Im trying to put in that 'new one'. DX wouldnt be the same without fur RF! - Eric
Posted by
KJ7XJ on 2004-06-07
Beer AND MFJ
Yes, beer is good. About 10-12 of them. Then take the cover off of your AL-1500, use duct tape to defeat all the interlocks and feel around to find out what parts might be overheating, because "this amplifier uses the herculean Eimac 3CX1500/8877 ceramic tune." And, "it's just loafing because the power supply is capable of 2500 Watts PEP." And if the power supply is just loafing something else might be getting hot you are pushing 2500 watts into that HF6V Butternut vertical.
Posted by
VE1DX on 2004-06-06
cat
gotta be the cat..
Posted by
KE1MB on 2004-06-01
keys & paddles
Keys and paddles aren't accessories - they're mandatory equipment! :)
Posted by
N8IK on 2004-06-01
keys & paddles
Keys and paddles aren't accessories - they're mandatory equipment! :)
Posted by
N8IK on 2004-06-01
MFJ?
MFJ=JUNK
Posted by
AD5JN on 2004-06-01
Cold Beer!
A must have in my shack. I was even thinking about putting a small fridge below the amp...
A must have for people from ON land is french fries with mayoneese (yuck!) ;-).
Cats? Never! They are everywhere here using my garden as a toilet. I'm awaiting for one trying to climb my dipole. I'll key down the 400W with pleasure HI HI...
Posted by
M0NIQ on 2004-05-27
KILLER AMP!!!
See those meters go ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT!!!!!!!!
Posted by
LEGALLIMITPLUS on 2004-05-27
JUNK
I LIKE BEING SURROUNDED BY MY JUNK.
Posted by
AA3WS on 2004-05-26
MJF?
Reasonable stuff for good (low) prices.
Never had any QC problems.
Posted by
PE1NPG on 2004-05-26
best ham shack accessory
i said comfortable chair, because the chairs have a tendancy to get hard after a while.
cats and dogs are good, they don't critisize, rare, cuss, moan,groan, belittle, find fault and don't think themselves better than others,and don't look down their noses at anyone.
don't drink beer, but Coffee is really good and on hand mostly.a good cupa Joe, right stout is the ticket
ag4hy
Posted by
AG4HY on 2004-05-25
Besr Ham Shack Accessory
The cat hands down.Only problem is those darn hairballs.
Posted by
W9GRN on 2004-05-23
Not Cats !
Cats ?. I hate cats. They poo in my garden, chase & kill the birds I feed & make horrid screeching noises in the night !.
Posted by
G1YGJ on 2004-05-23
shak idems
Beer just makes a ass out of to manny people when thek start drinking i never drink beer in the shack w0drb
Posted by
W0DRB on 2004-05-23
I Miss the Cat
Just had to send to cat to its maker a few days ago.
Darn animal loved to interupt me whenever there was a big band opening on VHF/UHF.
She will be missed.
Posted by
K7DWI on 2004-05-23
Beer?
If I sit in my big comfy chair, the dog snoozing at my side and I drink enough beers, I loose the urge to reach over and turn on that big amp, or for that matter throw a hammer at anything MFJ in the shack.
Nothing like having a beer as your Elmer !
Posted by
W6PMR3 on 2004-05-21
Beer
24 hours in a day. 24 bottles of beer in a case. Coincidence?
Posted by
KB5DPE on 2004-05-21
Beer
24 hours in a day. 24 bottles of beer in a case. Coincidence?
Posted by
KB5DPE on 2004-05-21
Cat Wins!
The best thing on a lazy sunday morning in the shack would have to be a cat.
That is until that rare dx enity pops up:)
Posted by
KD7ZRO on 2004-05-21
Various things
What computer? This is my terminal for PSK31 and other digital modes. I really don't think beer is low carb so I need to stay away from that. Pens and pencils - can't read my own handwriting - that's why I use a computer.
Posted by
K0RGR on 2004-05-20
survey
My cats have all been trained to recognize their names in CW. Usually it just their initials. They always come the shack when they hear any CW, however. Great way to call them in at night also. I live in the country and they tend to travel far in search of rodent meals!
Posted by
KK7WN on 2004-05-20
Beer
"Mmmmmmmmm...Beeeerrrrr" - H. Simpson
Posted by
AC9TS on 2004-05-19
MFJ Stuff
I guess I'm lucky with MFJ. I currently have their 1664 manual screwdriver, 902 travel tuner, 259B antenna analyzer, 4103 switching power supply, 4225 switching power supply, 4125 switching power supply, and their 2-port and 4-port coax switches. In the past I've had their 989C tuner, 945 tuner, 9420 transceiver and 9020 transceiver. Never had any problems, never had to return anything.
Phil - AD5X
Posted by
AD5X on 2004-05-19
Cat on my lap
I have always a cat around ... when he or she is in the shack I make the most rare connections ....
73 es 55 de pa3gyb
Posted by
PA3GYB on 2004-05-18
Best Ham Shack Accessory?
I don't own anything MFJ (thank God) and amps drive up the electric bill far too much. My quicksand chair with a cold one and my dog is staple around here. The 'puter is here, but I don't consider it part of my ham radio equipment. I always keep a pad of paper and a pen around. I log on paper and transfer it to the 'puter later.
73 from DUALGATEMOSFET
aka
"The Epitaxial One"
Posted by
DUALGATEMOSFET on 2004-05-18
Cable entry system
Because with a lot of cables, you can have a lot of antennas, preferably large ones up high.
The only station accessories I sink money into are antennas.
Posted by
WB2WIK on 2004-05-18
MFJ is the “Wal-Mart” of ham radio. If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to afford half the stuff we have. I have a MFJ 986 tuner that needs attention from time to time.
So what if you have to fix something once in a while? Isn’t this supposed to be a hands on hobby? A few years ago, a box that would do what the MFJ antenna analyzer can, weould have cost more than a new, tricked up car.
Cold beer and a BIG amp are the best accessories. I have a Drake L4-B and a Ameritron AL-1500. But I also have a HW-7 that I use almost as much. Mostly CW, because I don’t like some of the “people” on SSB.
To those who look down their noses at this, remember: I can beat you in a pile up with or without the amp! Oh yeah... I'm not ashamed of my call...
Gene, K1ZF
Posted by
K1ZF on 2004-05-18
MFJ?Computer, Pen/Paper...
Well, all MY MFJ stuff works great!
I have a 2 position coax switch.
A Thermometer/Clock.
A 993 I've yet to test out but I'm crossing my fingers.
One of those DC power pole busses, that's been on back order 3 weeks now, so I guess I don't yet have it.
I thought actually, Pen/Paper the biggest things I use. But no, I can pull up a Wordprocessor/Pad of some kind in lieu of writing. My log is on computer.
I'd be lost at station, without my PC.
Posted by
W3DCG on 2004-05-18
My favorite shack accessory?
Your girlfriend at MY ham shack?
Posted by
AD7DB on 2004-05-18
Telegraph Key!
Too bad there's only seven choices -- I had to pick "pen and paper", but in reality it's one of my telegraph keys! :^)
Posted by
AB7RG on 2004-05-17
Best Accessory?
How about NONE OF THE ABOVE!
My nominees:
A. Sony MDR-7506 phones,
B. Logikey K-1 (or K-3) Keyer,
C. Any Astron linear power supply,
D. A GOOD, low-loss, wide range antenna matching unit.
I'll let others suggest, and argue about, the best paddle and microphone :-)
Posted by
K3YD on 2004-05-17
Accessories
#1-pen and paper---
Can't have too many pens or too much paper. I take notes, copy code, fill out QSL cards and
Do my contest logs with pen and paper. I don't need no stinkeen cabrillo files.---
#2-favourite comfy chair---
Very important. If you are in the shack a lot, Why not be comfy? I still remember the folding metal chair days.---
#3-Everything MFJ---
Every MFJ product I hve ever purchased has performed up to expectations. The only problem I have ever encountered is the metering circuit on my 16 year old MFJ Versa Turner II 962B is a bit out of calibration.---
#4-lap dog/cat---
Have Evie the Sheltie and Chocolate Chip the cat who always seem to be in the shack when I am down there. Good company!---
#5-shack computer---
As someone else mentioned, good for when the bands get boring or conditions shut them down. Ok for playing on EchoLink or PSK32 but not for log keeping, including contests, as I am much faster with a pen or pencil and paper.---
#6-cold beer---
Don't drink much beer, but the Iced Tea is always good.---
#7-BIG amp---
Never felt the need for an amp on HF and never owned one.---73, George K3UD
Posted by
K3UD on 2004-05-17
I voted for beer, even though it isn't an accessory, it's a necessity.
--... ...--
Doug
Posted by
K1RDD on 2004-05-17
There you have it.
Beer is more important to have in the shack than a BIG linear amplifier!
Posted by
KC8VWM on 2004-05-17
MFJ
Well...my 989C works now that I've fixed it. I only use 500 watts max with my SG-500 amp, and never use it on 160. The binding inductor really sets the "feel" of it as poor quality.
Since MFJ was a selection in the choices, it's fair game here, judging from previous posts.
73 KG5JJ (Mike)
Posted by
KG5JJ on 2004-05-17
best accessory
i have a cat that loves cw! as i use the key, she puts her head next to my arm and touches my hand with her paw as i key away!
so if you talk with n5ivz, you are also making contact with starbuck the cat.
is the fcc going to get me for this?? :}
fred mann n5ivz,mcallen,texas
Posted by
N5IVZ on 2004-05-16
Dog
I would have voted for my dog, but at 65 pounds, she's not a lap dog (so much for closed-ended questions in a survey). She has her own bed in the shack and whenever I say "shack" she's ready to go. I think she can decode PSK-31 all on her own.
Posted by
K0RFD on 2004-05-16
No problem.......
Okay, guys! I own quite a few products made by MFJ and they all work just as they're supposed to! Sure, I had to tighten the SO-239's on my antenna switcher but so what? I did it and that was that!!
Posted by
AF4KK on 2004-05-16
MFJ?
No problems with my VersaTuner, but the build Quality is a bit variable from what I've seen.Some of the design details are 'curious'. For example, the UHF Analyser could have had the power for the UHF part as a stud on the Range Switch; couldn't it?
Posted by
G8UYZ on 2004-05-16
Best Hamshack Accessory
Of the choices given, MFJ wins hands down, and the only computer in my shack is packet only. Most used shack accessory is either the MFJ-269 or my soldering station. Pets and alcoholic beverages are VERBOTEN! Amps are too expensive, and everybody has a logbook/paper and a pen/pencil. Mighty Fine Junk, as I've heard it referred to, has served me well, with no problems.
KD7EZE
Posted by
KD7EZE on 2004-05-16
Got to be the CPU.
I've had a Commodore 64, then an Apple IIc. When I got my ticket in 1990, I broke down and got an IBM. Yep a new Arche 286 Turbo screaming along at 12 MHz. clock speed (yes, megahertz). Couldn't spring for the $3200.00 386 at the time, so setlled for the 286 at a bargain rate, $1200.00! I don't remember which dump its in now, but it served me well for a while, doing basic logging and basic packet. That was back when we used to " live keyboard" with all the guys most every night! Now I run a few CPUs in the shack, and they do everything from satellite tracking, antenna automation, extensive logging and database management, even CPU generated digital comms with the soundboard. My first two IBM's didn' even have soundboards! (Back when building was cheaper than buying) Today's specialized digi modes allow modest stations to participate in moon-bounce! The CPU gives you a cheap any effective digital signal proccessor, a spectrum analyzer, oscilloscope and more.It gets better all the time, the best shack accesory, the computer.
73 de Shawn, N1HOQ.
Posted by
N1HOQ on 2004-05-16
Computer
My computer is my best friend in my shack. Most of the ham/band activity is so boring, I need something to do while the rig is on.
The only thing more boring than listening to a ham radio round table is watching 25 minutes of commerical load per hour on Cable TV.
If I didn't have a computer as a diversion in the shack, I'd most likely be out of the hobby by now.
Posted by
WPE9JRL on 2004-05-16
Amps and Cats
I voted for a nice BIG amp but I still enjoy my cats being in the shack with me..
Craig - N7UQA
Posted by
N7UQA on 2004-05-16
MFJ?
Martin does make some interesting products, things that most hams would build themselves if they could, but he does have a SERIOUS QC problem. Until this is addressed, his products will continue to be the butt of many jokes.
Perhaps the QC issue is why he makes products cheaper then many many imports.
Posted by
OBSERVER11 on 2004-05-15
MFJ
I have never had a problem with an MFJ product. Your mileage may vary.
Posted by
KG4RUL on 2004-05-15
Cold beer
Cold beer? Surely the people from G land will want a microwave oven along with it ;-)
Posted by
ONL10619 on 2004-05-15
Best Ham Shack Accessory
Vibroplex......of course.
http://www.csun.edu/~skatz/johnpage/cw.html
Posted by
WA6BOB on 2004-05-15
MFJ Who?
MFJ? Are you Motherf--kers crazy?
Posted by
KU4UV on 2004-05-15
Pen and paper
A ham can get by without everything on that list, but pen and paper. I don't own anything made by MFJ, and don't want to.
Posted by
VA3SWS on 2004-05-15
Time to move on
OK....we can move on to the next question now.
W4JFR
Posted by
W4JFR on 2004-05-15
I gotta admit, Martin is sure a workhorse himself. I saw him busting his butt at their booth at the Dayton Hamvention on Saturday. I, too, have had several QC problems with their products, but once fixed, everything I have has worked fine. You get what you pay for!!!
Posted by
KR4BD on 2004-05-15