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Strangeness
19 June 2013 | by While the rest of the blogosphere and Amateur Radio world seems to be having a spit-feckled nutty about Heathkit zombies, I decided to get on the air tonight (only after replacing the towel rack in the XYL’s bathroom, mind you).
On 40 Meters, I had a pleasant, but rather taxing QSO with Bruce W1CVE from Providence, RI. Summertime conditions were the rule for 40 Meters with lots of band noise, QRM, QRN and QSB. Despite it all, Bruce and I had a pleasant chat. He was 579 here and I received a 559 in return – not terrible.
On 20 Meters, I had a brief QSO with EW1DJ in Belarus. Alex was 599 here, and I received an honest report of 579 in return (not the automatic 599 DX report that you usually get). For this one instance, the haul from NJ to Belarus was far easier than the haul from NJ to RI. Go figure.
A word about last night’s post regarding the tuner and amp for the KX3. In no way did I mean to disparage anyone who has already ordered, or is considering ordering these pieces for their KX3s. If the KX3 is your only radio and you have the funds to afford these, then I am heel clicking, somersault tumbling, high fiving happy for you! I was commenting on my own situation and was not attempting to cast sour grapes upon the Amateur Radio landscape.
73 de Larry W2LJ
QRP – When you care to send the very least!
One Response to “Strangeness”
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Larry,
Great contacts and I’m glad to hear that you were on the air while everyone else was on email talking it up about Heathkit! I really like what they’re doing and hope that they can make it survive!
As for the KX3 conversation, I am one of the “pre-orders” that you’re talking about, but in no way was I offended by your comments. I clearly understood that it was your situation you were referring to. For me, I have a TS-590 as well, but plan on making the KX3 my only HF rig — doing the portable QRP and base QRO setup. On certain outings, I might take the amp along for the ride, but not every single one.
I love my TS590, but I have a buyer already for it, and he’s waiting for me to say so and then he’ll jump at it. The KXPA-100 has been a dream since getting the KX3, and I also plan on the 2 meter module when it’s available. I certainly admire your tenacity with getting on the air, as well as blogging about it!
With two young kids (both under 4 years old), it’s kind of difficult for me to get away for radio time. So I tend to live vicariously through posts such as yours. So, please keep up the excellent work and keeping me informed about what’s happening! I’ll be back on the air, but it’s tough to tell when with so much “life” going on right now!
Best of 73
Brian
WD4DX