Don't Panic! [042]

The amateur's Guide to the radioverse...

HERE

At my desk, back from a dog walk where I hopped onto the local repeater where we talked about the usual and unusual. From local interference and things we regret leaving on aeroplanes. For me it was a Geiger counter. It belonged to a friend and would have really come in hands as I was about to land in Ukraine before heading into Chernobyl’s exclusion zone.

Now with an empty page before me i’m wondering how I can tie the number 42 into this issue. I can but try.

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THERE

In the whimsical universe of amateur radio, where signals effortlessly traverse the vast expanse, there exists an enchanting parallel to the enigmatic concept of the Infinite Improbability Drive from Douglas Adams' "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." It's a journey through the peculiar realm of radio waves, where randomness and unpredictability reign supreme.

Just as the Infinite Improbability Drive propels spacecraft to improbable locations, amateur radio operators harness the magic of radio waves, transcending borders, continents, and oceans with each transmission. But unlike the precise calculations and structured routes of interstellar travel, radio propagation embraces the art of randomness.

Radio waves, those invisible emissaries of communication, set forth on a grand adventure through the atmosphere. They encounter boundless particles, indifferent weather systems, and capricious ionospheric layers, with no regard for the most direct path. Like the Infinite Improbability Drive, they seek the path of least resistance, often leading to unexpected destinations.

Imagine an amateur radio operator stationed in a cozy corner of the world, diligently calling CQ into the ether. The call echoes outward, dancing among the whims of atmospheric conditions. On some days, it bounces off the ionosphere, propelled skyward to meet the stars before descending thousands of miles away to greet a fellow operator on foreign soil. Other times, it meets an elusive aurora, teasingly refracting the signal like a cosmic mirror, amidst breathtaking displays of the Northern Lights and serendipitously finding distant radios.

The Infinite Improbability Drive, in its fickle nature, would undoubtedly appreciate the chaos and chance that govern radio propagation. Just as Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect found themselves in zany predicaments during their travels, so too do radio waves. As they also take unexpected turns, defying prediction models and leave us radio operators in awe.

Amidst the quest to contact rare and distant locations, amateur radio operators embrace this randomness. They thrill in the uncertainty, knowing that each transmission holds the potential for a serendipitous rendezvous. With the spirit of adventure in their hearts, they rejoice when an elusive island or remote mountain peak responds to their calls.

And yet, amidst the randomness, there is an undeniable sense of connection. Like the interstellar travelers aboard the Heart of Gold, amateur radio operators foster a global community bound together by a shared passion. The echoes of radio waves carry not just signals but also camaraderie and friendship across borders and cultures.

So, as we rotate the dial, we do so with a dash of optimism, embracing the Infinite Improbability Drive of radio propagation. With each call, we venture into the unknown, welcoming the delightful surprises that the radio cosmos has in store. In the end, it's the journey through the randomness that makes amateur radio an extraordinary and enchanting endeavor, much like the escapades chronicled within the pages of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy."

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GEAR

OK, i’m now going to attempt to come up with a few reasons why a towel belongs amongst your amateur radio gear.

1. Improvised Antenna Insulator: When setting up temporary antennas, a towel can be used as an insulator between the antenna and nearby trees or structures. It helps prevent unintended electrical contact and interference, ensuring better antenna performance.

2. Comfortable Operating Seat: During field ops or portable activities, a towel can serve as a comfortable cushion for operators, providing protection against wet park benches or grass.

3. Sunshade or Rain Shelter: Out in the open, amateur radio operators might need protection from the elements. A towel can be draped over equipment or used as an impromptu sunshade or light rain shelter to shield operator or gear.

4. Cleaning and Drying Equipment: Radio equipment occasionally needs cleaning or drying, especially when used outdoors. A towel can help wipe down damp gear or remove dust and debris from coax and connectors.

5. Protective cover: When transporting delicate radio equipment, a towel can be folded and used as protective padding to prevent damage during transportation.

6. Portable Operating Surface: When operating in areas without suitable tables or surfaces, a towel can serve as an impromptu operating surface, keeping equipment off the ground.

If you can think of any other uses for a towel while operating please drop a comment below.

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I have a new transceiver. Not the best photo I know.

Here is the box showing it better.

Despite initially having one with a fault the company quickly swapped it out and I think the Spitz AX is a great bit of kit. The amazon link will give you the full spec but the back end if super easy to navigate. Unless like me you needed to flash the modem firmware in an attempt to fix a seemingly unfixable fault and don’t know much Bash. In which case you need M5KVK on the other end of the phone to talk you through. Thanks Gareth. I really thought it had worked for a bit. Then it dropped the sim again.

The company were really quick to send out another though and that worked straight out of the box with no issue. It’s currently flashing away at the other side of the shack.

My unlimited data sim is capped at 100Mbps and that’ll do me fine for £20/week.

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There is a lot in this video including a look at the iCom 905. It does so much but still no 4m. Harumph.

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I just got back from watching the new Mission Impossible film (3/5), without giving any spoilers. They are unable to use digital comms so switch to analog which involves (and keep an eye out for it) the worlds smallest antenna-less (Skywave) HF radio that fits in your ear. Yeah...right.

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ONAIR

While turning on the radio for the photo at the top of this post, I happened to hear GWPOA running the NRC net on 7.130. I was only on 5 watts but we got to have a short chat at the end of the net. I didn't even need to tune. I love a bit of accidental radio.

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ELSEWHERE

• There are some interesting comments on this post discussing the meaning behind some radio names and how they are pronounced.

• Save the date: EMFCamp 2024 is May 30 - June 2 2024! See you in the Ham radio village? EMF Camp.

• Either this is a very honest video showing a (not so) stealth loop under performing in bad conditions. Or it’s just not that good. Too big for my needs but interesting to see the 710 in action as i’d quite like one.

• Ham Nation’s George Thomas Explores the Radio Possibilities with the IC-7000

• This is my other more regular, slightly more eclectic email.

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FINALS

Thanks for reading and I hope subscribing.

Please share this wherever you think it might resonate. At time of writing there are 264 subscribers to this email. You are some of the more curious people in radio ;-) And I thank you.

Over

73 de Christian G5DOC

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