20070221.ba v04_n013.bam.20070221 >From ???@??? Tue Feb 20 19:54:06 2007 -0600 Date: Wed, 21 Feb 2007 01:53:10 GMT From: Old Tube Radios To: Old Tube Radios Subject: BOATANCHORS digest 4013 Message-Id: <20070221015313.3DE78187AEE@srvr1.theporch.com> BOATANCHORS Digest 4013 Topics covered in this issue include: 1) Re: Johnson Electronic T/R Switch. by W7QHO@aol.com 2) Re: Johnson Electronic T/R Switch. by Dan Arney 3) Re: Johnson Electronic T/R Switch. by W7QHO@aol.com 4) Re: Marty's suggestion on duct tape: by stuck in 50s 5) Re: Fw: ARRL End of Code Spl Event next week by stuck in 50s 6) Turner super sidekick by stuck in 50s 7) Re: Turner super sidekick by stuck in 50s 8) Re: Johnson Electronic T/R Switch. by stuck in 50s 9) Re: Johnson Electronic T/R Switch. by "Tom Rauch" 10) Re: Johnson Electronic T/R Switch. by "Ken Hickman" 11) Re: Johnson Electronic T/R Switch. by Garey Barrell 12) Re: Johnson Electronic T/R Switch. by "Tom Rauch" 13) Question on RCA AR8506-B by "Edward J White" 14) Re: MRCG 2007 by stuck in 50s 15) Re: [Milsurplus] Question on RCA AR8506-B by 16) Re: Fw: ARRL End of Code Spl Event next week by "Arden Allen" 17) Re: Turner super sidekick by "Arden Allen" 18) Re: MRCG 2007 (B-17?) by Jack Harper 19) Re: Fw: ARRL End of Code Spl Event next week by "Tom Rauch" 20) Re: ARRL End of Code Spl Event by w8au@sssnet.com 21) Re: ARRL End of Code Spl Event by Ralph Parker 22) Re: Fw: ARRL End of Code Spl Event next week by "Arden Allen" 23) Re: ARRL End of Code Spl Event by "Sandy W5TVW" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: W7QHO@aol.com Message-ID: Date: Mon, 19 Feb 2007 20:59:54 EST Subject: Re: Johnson Electronic T/R Switch. To: Old Tube Radios MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="part1_bc5.b07f051.330bb01a_boundary" --part1_bc5.b07f051.330bb01a_boundary Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable In a message dated 2/19/07 5:34:44 PM, spr@earthlink.net writes: > Note that a 6BL7 has a 6V 1.5A heater =3D 9W.=A0 In addition, the plates > together can dissipate 12W. 21W in a small box is a lot of heat. May > I recommend a few holes and a small fan? >=20 The 250-39 enclosure is fully perforated on the top, bottom and both sides. Dennis D. W7QHO Glendale, CA --part1_bc5.b07f051.330bb01a_boundary Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ---REMAINDER OF MESSAGE TRUNCATED--- * * This post contains a forbidden message format * * (such as an attached file, a v-card, HTML formatting) * * Mail Lists at theporch.com only accept PLAIN TEXT * * If your postings display this message your mail program * * is not set to send PLAIN TEXT ONLY and needs adjusting * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * --part1_bc5.b07f051.330bb01a_boundary-- ------------------------------ Message-ID: <45DA60C5.2070500@pacbell.net> Date: Mon, 19 Feb 2007 20:45:25 -0600 From: Dan Arney MIME-Version: 1.0 To: Old Tube Radios CC: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: Johnson Electronic T/R Switch. Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit As the old saying goes you CAN't TEACH OLD DOGS new tricks Dennis, All you have to do is call or email TS. TS MEANS TECH Support @aol.com and they will be more than happy to teach an OLD DOG a new trick of how to turn off truncated messages FOR FREE. Hank KN6DI/5 ------------------------------ From: W7QHO@aol.com Message-ID: Date: Mon, 19 Feb 2007 22:12:06 EST Subject: Re: Johnson Electronic T/R Switch. To: Old Tube Radios MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="part1_cb1.b5f83cf.330bc106_boundary" --part1_cb1.b5f83cf.330bc106_boundary Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable In a message dated 2/19/07 6:44:15 PM, hankarn@pacbell.net writes: > As the old saying goes you CAN't TEACH OLD DOGS new tricks Dennis, > All you have to do is call or email TS. TS MEANS=A0 TECH Support @aol.com > and they will be more than happy to teach an OLD DOG a new trick of how > to turn off truncated messages FOR FREE. > Hank > KN6DI/5 >=20 The sender has been provided with an appropriate reply off list. Dennis D. W7QHO Glendale, CA (Idiot message follows.) --part1_cb1.b5f83cf.330bc106_boundary Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ---REMAINDER OF MESSAGE TRUNCATED--- * * This post contains a forbidden message format * * (such as an attached file, a v-card, HTML formatting) * * Mail Lists at theporch.com only accept PLAIN TEXT * * If your postings display this message your mail program * * is not set to send PLAIN TEXT ONLY and needs adjusting * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * --part1_cb1.b5f83cf.330bc106_boundary-- ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 19 Feb 2007 22:41:46 -0500 (EST) From: stuck in 50s Message-Id: <200702200341.l1K3fked008787@fracas.netboobie.org> To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: Marty's suggestion on duct tape: If you commentators would go back & look at W8ZR's post on meter case repair, you'll note I suggested a two word treatment DUCK TAPE Down here in the south we use it seasonally to repair DUCT BLINDS Put on your Carhart khakis & ask for it at Bass Pro Shop. All the past dialog is reminiscent of gen-1 Saturday Night Live's Anna Rosanna Danna. Upon discovery of her reporting of a malappropism, she whould just throw up her hands & say NEVER MIND ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 19 Feb 2007 22:55:28 -0500 (EST) From: stuck in 50s Message-Id: <200702200355.l1K3tS8r008839@fracas.netboobie.org> To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: Fw: ARRL End of Code Spl Event next week You know many of us have just gone through a hobby lobotomy. An involuntary LICENSE DOWNGRADE Who's gonna be the first bunch to be photographed with spotted & mis-buttoned shirts, 5 o'clock shadows, rolled-back eyes, & J-38s held with outstretched palms. Ooops, regular hamfest gentry, never mind. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 19 Feb 2007 23:53:43 -0500 (EST) From: stuck in 50s Message-Id: <200702200453.l1K4rhKh009161@fracas.netboobie.org> To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Turner super sidekick I've used one on a G-76 & things for ages & it's just gone TU. Thing's an amplified desk mic It's amp takes several seconds to "come up.' In other wd.s, it's silent bob for a while after ptt pushed & then she goes. It's PCB has one transistor and an odd-duck tiny rectangular thing with parallel leads out either side of it's black plastic case. VOM shows semis inside Does anyone have a ckt. diag. for it's PCB? BAMA has a Turner up-hookage booklet. & Ebay snoop shows it's become a CB cult item judging from prices Tnx all Marty ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2007 06:30:49 -0500 (EST) From: stuck in 50s Message-Id: <200702201130.l1KBUnYv010391@fracas.netboobie.org> To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: Turner super sidekick On further thought, bet that little "H shaped" thing is an op-amp like a 741. Also, I'd forgotten to note there's a small xfrmr on the PCB. tnx / 'rm ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2007 06:46:41 -0500 (EST) From: stuck in 50s Message-Id: <200702201146.l1KBkfFX010480@fracas.netboobie.org> To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: Johnson Electronic T/R Switch. Ed u sed } Don't forget to install a Low Pass filter between the T/R switch } and the antenna, or you will be the bane of the TV-watching } neighborhood. I wonder how true this is. Back when TVs had IFs in the 15m band, maybe any little thing counted. & I'm not convinced, see below Electronic TRs work like limiters in FM sets. They're just at the point of saturation. IE big screen resistor if, say, a 50C5 tube. I've a giz here called a Lymar that uses a 6AH6. That Johnson with the 6BL7 a new twist - which I can't read fm BAMA on-screen. There is a clipping / rectification on the TR tube's grid on TX. & that's reason for choosing tube with a husky grid. But same grid so loosely coupled to xmt. line that I don't think spurs introduced by clipping / rectification do much. I sorta believe that we're propagaing a legend. I've a Navigator here and a '48 Arvin mag-def. 8 incher. Can't see a thing on the tube when Navi keyed. In closing, a Navi/2B/TR QSK lash-up a real CW picnic! 'rm ------------------------------ Message-ID: <049e01c754ea$2e47b400$640fa8c0@radioroom> From: "Tom Rauch" To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: Johnson Electronic T/R Switch. Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2007 07:25:09 -0500 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; reply-type=original Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > There is a clipping / rectification on the TR tube's grid > on TX. & that's > reason for choosing tube with a husky grid. But same grid > so loosely > coupled to xmt. line that I don't think spurs introduced > by clipping / > rectification do much. It's a very low value capacitance to a good hard limiter or rectifier, the tube grid. 10pF on 3.5 MHz is 4.5 k ohms. 10pF on 59.5 MHz is 1/17th that reactance, or about 264 ohms. Let's assume the feedline connection point impedance looks like 50j 0 (it probably won't) on 3.5 MHz and 60 MHz. The forward attenuation into a grid of a few pF and very high resistance (receive mode) would be only a couple dB on 3.5 MHz. The reverse attenuation of the second harmonic at the grid would be around -33dB. The reverse attenuation of the 17th harmonic at the grid would be around -16dB. The thing about that small cap is it couples the TVI producing harmonics very well compared to low frequency stuff.] Now what I like to use is a 120 volt light bulb obtained five finger discount from my neighbor's Christmas lights and a pair of back-to-back diodes on the receiver side. The light not only makes a dandy tuning indicator, it also comes with a free lifetime exchange warranty provided the failure is between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. 73 Tom ------------------------------ Message-ID: <006501c754ba$560a14e0$6b9c1f45@rtconline.com> From: "Ken Hickman" To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: Johnson Electronic T/R Switch. Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2007 06:42:48 -0000 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi 'rm & Ed, Back in the 50's, I used two different electronic t/r switches and both wrecked my neighbors' TV's. I'm sure their TV's were 4.5 mc. I.F.'s. I installed a Drake Low Pass filter and no more TVI! I'm still using that Drake. 73, Ken N5CM ------------------------------ Message-ID: <45DB00CC.3060707@mindspring.com> Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2007 09:08:12 -0500 From: Garey Barrell MIME-Version: 1.0 To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: Johnson Electronic T/R Switch. Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Marty - I had a Lynmar T/R switch (W3DM) back in the 50's. I had the version that mounted inside the transmitter, at the _input_ of the Pi-Net. It had a single 6AH6, and grabbed power from the transmitter power supply. Never had any TVI problems (Pi-Net took care of that) and the only downside was that when you changed bands, you had to at least change the transmitter band switch and peak the Pi-Net Tune and Load controls of the transmitter. I used mine in a Globe Chief 90 with my HQ-129X for a few years. The Lynmar's other claim to fame was that it used a SPECIAL _toroidal_ "broadband transformer", pretty unusual at that time! Article in June 1957 QST. The external T/R switches definitely had TVI problems though, which was one reason Johnson recommended mounting their switch as close as possible to the transmitter, preferably with a male-to-male coax connector. The severity of the problem was related to the length of coax between the tx and tr switch, so probably a matter of reflections to the transmitter PA. 73, Garey - K4OAH Atlanta Drake 2-B, 4-B & C-Line Service Supplement CDs stuck in 50s wrote: > Ed u sed > > } Don't forget to install a Low Pass filter between the T/R switch > } and the antenna, or you will be the bane of the TV-watching > } neighborhood. > > I wonder how true this is. Back when TVs had IFs in the 15m band, maybe > any little thing counted. & I'm not convinced, see below > > Electronic TRs work like limiters in FM sets. They're just at the > point of saturation. IE big screen resistor if, say, a 50C5 tube. > > I've a giz here called a Lymar that uses a 6AH6. That Johnson with > the 6BL7 a new twist - which I can't read fm BAMA on-screen. > > There is a clipping / rectification on the TR tube's grid on TX. & that's > reason for choosing tube with a husky grid. But same grid so loosely > coupled to xmt. line that I don't think spurs introduced by clipping / > rectification do much. > > I sorta believe that we're propagaing a legend. > > I've a Navigator here and a '48 Arvin mag-def. 8 incher. Can't see > a thing on the tube when Navi keyed. > > In closing, a Navi/2B/TR QSK lash-up a real CW picnic! > > 'rm > > > ------------------------------ Message-ID: <04fc01c75502$7567c920$640fa8c0@radioroom> From: "Tom Rauch" To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: Johnson Electronic T/R Switch. Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2007 10:18:53 -0500 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; reply-type=response Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > I had a Lynmar T/R switch (W3DM) back in the 50's. I had > the version that mounted inside the transmitter, at the > _input_ of the Pi-Net. The problem with bridging a T/R switch across the feedline with the transmitter connected is the transmitter output network, depending on component values and what the tube anode impedance looked like at rest, could look like anything from a few ohms to a very high impedance. In other words the transmitter could "short" the feedline and kill sensitivity. This problem could actually be aggravated when a long cable was added between the transmitter and the point where the T/R switch bridged the feedline, and the loading capacitor also would not help reduce TVI generated in the switch with a long cable. At the tube end of the tank we are always assured a high impedance, which is what the T/R tube grid and coupling circuit likes to see. The Lynmar system was much better for preventing "signal suck-out" problems common with the Johnson switch, and as Gary pointed out had fewer problems with TVI.. Despite having to tune the tank to receive it was a better overall method. But I liked my Christmas light system better than anything else in the world of course. 73 Tom ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2007 11:17:37 -0500 From: "Edward J White" Subject: Question on RCA AR8506-B To: Old Tube Radios Message-id: <000001c7550a$e623faa0$6401a8c0@wa3bzt> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1; reply-type=original Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Hi Gang: Is there any manuals and information on RCA AR8506-B I know there is a R-203 (RMCA AR8506-A) or R-213 that looks to be similar. Ed WA3BZT ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2007 11:41:00 -0500 (EST) From: stuck in 50s Message-Id: <200702201641.l1KGf0LZ011853@fracas.netboobie.org> To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: MRCG 2007 Dennis, et al Here's some fotos from a really big airborn "MV." Hint, there's two surplus "MRs" aboard FWIW, the cognescenti say an MV is a military vehicle - think motah poo. An MR is a gi radio. http://qsl.asti.net/waldo as in where & what's Waldo ------------------------------ Message-ID: <2491.148.64.6.99.1171992777.squirrel@samson.email.starband.net> Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2007 12:32:57 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: [Milsurplus] Question on RCA AR8506-B From: To: Old Tube Radios Cc: , MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit The AR-8506B and the R-203 are identical except for the front panel color and the ID tag. I have both models and both manuals. I'm not familiar with the R-213. 73, Meir WF2U Landrum, SC > Hi Gang: > Is there any manuals and information on RCA AR8506-B I know there is a > R-203 (RMCA AR8506-A) or R-213 that looks to be similar. > Ed > WA3BZT > > ------------------------------ Message-ID: <004001c7551d$2214f5c0$72e47443@KB6NAX> From: "Arden Allen" To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: Fw: ARRL End of Code Spl Event next week Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2007 10:11:46 -0800 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > You know many of us have just gone through a hobby lobotomy. Well, let's not let CW die just because the bureacrats want to be "with it." If there is a (somewhat) organized group of brass pounders that can attract a membership large enough to convince ARRL that they should still promote CW for all the fun and sense of accomplishement it affords hams then who gives a hoot if the Fictitious Communications Commision abandons real radio. I haven't been on CW for about 10 years now, too many other competing interests, but I'll be getting back to it one of these days now that I'm retired. Hope my fist still works, not that it was that great to start with.... Arden Allen KB6NAX ------------------------------ Message-ID: <004101c7551d$22b70220$72e47443@KB6NAX> From: "Arden Allen" To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: Turner super sidekick Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2007 10:16:24 -0800 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > On further thought, .... You might have to reenigne esrever the thing, Marty. Arden Allen KB6NAX ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2007 12:08:14 -0700 To: Old Tube Radios From: Jack Harper Subject: Re: MRCG 2007 (B-17?) Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Message-Id: <20070220190834.E154D187AE0@srvr1.theporch.com> Looks like the snapshot was taken out the right=20 side from the co-pilot's position of a B-17... Could use a spot of paint here and there :) Regards to the List. Jack, W=D8YJ (Friend to all things Hammarlund) At 09:41 AM 2/20/2007, you wrote: >Dennis, et al > >Here's some fotos from a really big airborn "MV." > >Hint, there's two surplus "MRs" aboard > >FWIW, the cognescenti say an MV is a military vehicle - think motah poo. >An MR is a gi radio. > > http://qsl.asti.net/waldo > >as in where & what's Waldo ------------------------------ Message-ID: <056b01c75523$50d9b610$640fa8c0@radioroom> From: "Tom Rauch" To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: Fw: ARRL End of Code Spl Event next week Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2007 14:12:42 -0500 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="Windows-1252"; reply-type=original Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit >> You know many of us have just gone through a hobby >> lobotomy. > > Well, let's not let CW die just because the bureacrats > want to be "with it." > If there is a (somewhat) organized group of brass pounders > that can attract > a membership large enough to convince ARRL that they > should still promote CW > for all the fun and sense of accomplishement it affords > hams then who gives > a hoot if the Fictitious Communications Commision abandons > real radio. The big problem I noticed with the changes are 2-5WPM guys in the high speed parts of the CW bands. This means they have no idea what the heck is going on, and there is no way to communicate back to them. You can tell them "QRL" at 5 WPM and they have no idea what you said or what it means. It's like suddenly allowing bicycles on the Interstate system. It's like letting someone who can't understand speech at all operate voice. The next thing you know we will have to have multi-language signs in stores and multi-language instructions on products and pay for teachers to teach in some language other than English in our schools. That would be terrible. 73 Tom ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2007 14:33:43 -0500 To: Old Tube Radios From: w8au@sssnet.com Subject: Re: ARRL End of Code Spl Event Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed Message-Id: <20070220193346.C6EE6187AE0@srvr1.theporch.com> At 01:11 PM 2/20/2007, Arden Allen wrote: >If there is a (somewhat) organized group of brass pounders that can attract >a membership large enough to convince ARRL that they should still promote CW >for all the fun and sense of accomplishement it affords hams then who gives >a hoot if the Fictitious Communications Commision abandons real radio. Don't think they're abandoning it. Their CW broadcasts and code proficiency runs will continue, and 8th region director mentioned something about the ARRL VE sessions offering CW proficiency tests & certificates beginning soon. It's the least they can do. :-) Perry w8au ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20070220121640.00f26da8@pop3.dccnet.com> Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2007 12:16:40 -0800 To: Old Tube Radios From: Ralph Parker Subject: Re: ARRL End of Code Spl Event Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" >The big problem I noticed with the changes are 2-5WPM guys >in the high speed parts of the CW bands. That too, but a worse threat (and I see it happening already) is the proliferation of digital modes throughout the 'traditional' CW part of the bands - operated, I'm sure, by newbies with their audio gains turned down, only watching their computer screens for digital activity, totally oblivious to CW stations. During the ARRL DX last weekend, I heard digital sigs in the middle of the 20m CW band, and CW operation up to about 14.115. I ask myself what brilliant idiot decided to put the digital ops around +/- 14.175 instead of up at 14.099, working down towards 14.000 as the operations dictated. 40m is already a mess. I recently saw a recommendation that put digital ops on 1.810 (more idiocy), and I've heard them at 1.820!! I'm dismayed at all the ARRL band plans. I feel like those old sandwich board guys in robes and sandals holding signs saying "The end is near!". Am I just a cranky old fart? >The next thing you know we will have to have multi-language >signs in stores and multi-language instructions on products... So you HAVE been to Canada, eh? VE7XF ------------------------------ Message-ID: <003701c75537$c1afbab0$d6e47443@KB6NAX> From: "Arden Allen" To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: Fw: ARRL End of Code Spl Event next week Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2007 13:38:59 -0800 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > The big problem I noticed with the changes are 2-5WPM guys > in the high speed parts of the CW bands. ........ Obviously, the avenue to a ticket has been abaondoned by the ARRL. They used to be the gospel about proper skills and operating, but obviously no more. Isn't Utopia great?? Arden Allen KB6NAX ------------------------------ Message-ID: <012c01c7555a$dc6a7390$e1a0cdd1@gateway> From: "Sandy W5TVW" To: Old Tube Radios Subject: Re: ARRL End of Code Spl Event Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2007 19:51:51 -0600 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; reply-type=original Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I've been grousing for years about the "digital threat"! A lot of newbies and some "oldies" too settling down just anywhere in the old CW sub-bands and operating. A great many of them not giving a damn as we CW types are obsolete, you know! How does a "no coder" even recognize the station on CW if he hasn't passed at least a 5 wpm exam? They should have kept that requirement so that those people would have no excuse for being rude. Now it is all forgiven and it is just a matter of time when the CW types will die off or be run from the spectrum space by digital and other QRM. Amateur Radio WAS.....I say again...WAS a nice hobby/vocation in past years. Welcome to the NEW "Citizens' Bands".......it is just a matter of time before the written exams are trimmed down and/or eliminated. The FCC form 610 will come with the radio you buy from YAESU/ICOM/Kenwood/Ten-Tec/Elecraft, etc. You just fill it in with a processing fee and or log in to the FCC website to claim your callsign. Credit cards and PayPal welcome! Yes, 40 meters....my former favorite CW and QRP band, is the pits now. Now 80 and 160 meters falling away from older traditions. What's an old timer to do? 73, Sandy W5TVW ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ralph Parker" To: "Old Tube Radios" Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2007 2:16 PM Subject: Re: ARRL End of Code Spl Event > >The big problem I noticed with the changes are 2-5WPM guys >>in the high speed parts of the CW bands. > > That too, but a worse threat (and I see it happening already) is the > proliferation of digital modes throughout the 'traditional' CW part of the > bands - operated, I'm sure, by newbies with their audio gains turned down, > only watching their computer screens for digital activity, totally > oblivious to CW stations. > > During the ARRL DX last weekend, I heard digital sigs in the middle of the > 20m CW band, and CW operation up to about 14.115. I ask myself what > brilliant idiot decided to put the digital ops around +/- 14.175 instead > of > up at 14.099, working down towards 14.000 as the operations dictated. 40m > is already a mess. > > I recently saw a recommendation that put digital ops on 1.810 (more > idiocy), and I've heard them at 1.820!! I'm dismayed at all the ARRL band > plans. > > I feel like those old sandwich board guys in robes and sandals holding > signs saying "The end is near!". Am I just a cranky old fart? > > >>The next thing you know we will have to have multi-language >>signs in stores and multi-language instructions on products... > > So you HAVE been to Canada, eh? > > VE7XF > > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.441 / Virus Database: 268.18.2/692 - Release Date: 2/18/2007 > 4:35 PM > > ------------------------------ End of BOATANCHORS Digest 4013 ******************************