Details count

No matter how expensive a rig is, it always lacks a well weighted tuning knob. N8BX tried to change that and created a small company (www.73cnc.com) making weighted knobs as an alternative to original ones for many known rigs.

I was tempted to buy one for my FTdx 5000.The replacement is very easy and the result is fantastic. The inertia of the new weighted knob gives sensitivity and excellent feeling in tuning procedure. It is a knob that FTdx 5000 truly deserved it in the first place. Just to compare: the new knob weights 700gr instead of 250gr the original one.

original (plastic)                         N8BX knob (full metal)

 

Our thoughts with you Bill

Everybody of us, who had been involved in DXCC award, knows who he is. The ARRL DXCC chief award manager of course! Even though  our acquaintance was established through emails, questions and answers about the awards matters our feelings for him are quite strong. He was so friendly,  patient and kind with all of us that nobody was heard complaining. And we all suddenly  have been struck by the bad news: 

  “DXCC Manager Bill Moore, NC1L, was seriously injured in an automobile accident about two weeks ago.  His neck was broken, leaving him paralyzed from his upper body down, with limited movement of his arms.  Recovery will be difficult and slow, and is not expected to be total.  Bill would like to hear from his friends.  He is currently in the Mount Sinai Rehab Hospital in Hartford, but cards and well wishes should be sent to

92 Reservoir Rd, Newington, CT 06111″.

If wishes could do any help we have a pile up of them to send you. We need you back on duty soon dear Bill, healthy and smiling as ever.

Paper proof…

KH7Y responded qsling! He gave me an official paper proof of the  most extraordinary QSO I have ever done in magic band. CFM also in LOTW. Aloha dear Fred.

Happy Ham Radio day!!!

KH7Y on magic band!

What a day! Today I was a very lucky old man working Hawaii on 6m. Fred (KH7Y) was coming LP with a signal of 57  with a lot of flutter in a half an hour opening. It was a really thrilling experience.

Here they are some post-party comments on ON4KST chat.

Cheers…to you all.

Equinox and 6m respond

Last night was a very interesting one of 6m. It was a kind of celebration of spring equinox. It was a party actually. F2 propagation offered the drinks and south America countries among other were   invited. It started about 21:00z and lasted more than two hours (I do not know exactly  when ended because I got to bed early). South Europe enjoyed it the most.

UPTATE: VP8NO came late to the party! Worked today afternoon. Long live magic band.

New old kid on the block

A new era rises! This is the brand new ULTRABEAM (20-6m) of SV3KH, a very good friend of mine. Since yesterday is warming ionosphere with its portion of radio waves. Well done Nick!