Large Scale Central

Amateur radio

Other Hobbies
#1

Three to four years ago I was finding that my Ham radio hobby was at a low ebb due to poor propagation of signals worldwide. It was at this time that I discovered large scale trains. My railroading totally ousted my interest in radio. One of my transmitting antennae became damaged and I did not effect its repair.

Two weeks ago (after a little voice inside kept nagging, as I watched my coal train in my back yard, " fix your antenna, fix your antenna"). I duly did so. Radio conditions are much better now and so with Fall and soon the onset of winter I should be able to do my radio hobby and get some structures built for my RR at the same time.

Great plans: I hope they get done! lol

I know there are lots of Hams who are also railroad aficionados.

#2

My brother-in-law is also an amateur radio operator living in Gogledd Cymru - I bleeve we spoke about it in our last chat!

About five years ago I pursuaded him to use some of his pretty large backyard to build a railway - last month he bought his first steam loco!

Besp

tac
www.ovgrs.org

#3

All I have left are a 6 meter rig, a 2 meter/440 and a 2meter HT. My tower is 30 feet long 10 inches high right now. I should get it vertical just in case the SHTF.

#4

I’ve always had an interest in amateur radio but never really pursued it. I have a really really old shortwave radio that looks like it’s been through a war but actually works rather well. I took it to school last year and tried to teach a class about radios to the kids… But even after hearing a South American station broadcasting in Spanish they didn’t show any interest. I gave it up… I also use scanners to listen to the police and fire departments in the area at night and carry a couple when we go rail fanning or hang out at the airport. It’s fun stuff.

Jon.

#5

An aspect of Ham radio I didn’t mention is Echolink.

This is a pc programme for Hams. Using this programme I am able to talk twice a day with a fellow Ham who is traveling to work in Milwaukee in his truck. Quite often we are joined in the afternoon meet by others Hams who live in the area.

Ham purists, rather like railroad rivet counters, say that the pc system is not the real McCoy. Maybe, maybe not, but I enjoy my daily chats whatever.

#6

I’ve been a ham since the mid 80’s - currently W1KBW. I just noticed my license has lapsed, so I’ll have to take care of that.

Like Alan my interest in trains has overshadowed the Ham Radio hobby. I haven’t warmed a tube in probably 4 years. I really enjoyed working the Russian LEO satellites on 10 and 2 Meters. I had just figured out how to work European DX on RS-10 when it decided to return to earth.

Is the sun-spot cycle on the way up or down now? If up, I may just get back on 10 meters and see if I can finish my all 10M DXCC this winter.

#7

We’re at solar minimum right now. Things have been creepy still on the Sun for a while. You can use www.spaceweather.com to see what’s going on realtime.

Jon.

#8

After reciting two letters of the alphabet, “C” & “Q”, without making a mistake, (although having to rely on a teleprompter), President Obama will receive coveted “Ham of the Year” awards from the ITU and ARRL!

#9

David - You sir continue to prove that you are just an asshole. What was the purpose of that comment? Never mind don’t answer. I won’t bother to read it anyway.

#10
Jon Radder said:
David - You sir continue to prove that you are just an asshole. What was the purpose of that comment? Never mind don't answer. I won't bother to read it anyway.
Lighten up and put down the Kool-Aid. It was simply a joke referring to the odd awarding of a Nobel Peace Prize to someone who has done nothing to deserve it. Or aren't jokes about your Messiah permitted?

73

Subject Closed!

#11
David Hill said:
Jon Radder said:
David - You sir continue to prove that you are just an asshole. What was the purpose of that comment? Never mind don't answer. I won't bother to read it anyway.
Lighten up and put down the Kool-Aid. It was simply a joke referring to the odd awarding of a Nobel Peace Prize to someone who has done nothing to deserve it. Or aren't jokes about your Messiah permitted?

73

Subject Closed!


David,
Politics are not permitted. Jokes or otherwise. I don’t like the rule. But to disregard the rule is disrespectful to our host, Bob.

Jon,
Two wrongs don’t make a right.

Just my opinion. I don’t wish to alienate either of you.
Ralph

#12

Thread over.