Simple Ham Radio Antennas

I've just finished reading a truly inspiring article by James Deane, KD7QDG, in the 12 November 2010 edition of http://www.eham.net/ .  James penned a tale of his path from General to Extra entitled "General to Extra Class--learning a lot."  James does a good job explaining why he made the final plunge into the "Extra" pool.  What moti- vated his journey was the desire to learn more about amateur radio from a more technical point of view.  Many of us have made the same trip through the license structure.  My 33 years in this wonderful hobby has visited every license class except for Tech Plus.  Like James, I wanted to learn more and took up the challenge to master the math and regulations necessary to get the Extra. Besides, I wanted  the Extra for my own sense of ac- complishment.  Of course, the additional 25 kHz at the bottom of most bands meant some new DX and a perfect way to polish my meager CW skills.  If you want to attain the Extra Cl

Veterans Day on Hawaii Island has been quiet. The day provided a welcom respite from the usual "crisis by the minute" routine found in the radio station news room.  I even had a few listeners thank me for my past military service--that was a surprise, considering the reception I received when I returned from active duty in the early 70's.  Those were the days. As soon as I wrap up the day's news coverage, I'll head for the home station and some time "pounding the brass" until my daily jog with the XYL, dinner, and a slow retreat under the covers.  I trust your day was a good one. 'Til next time, 73 es Aloha from Hawaii Island. KH6JRM.

Veterans Day will be observed on Thursday--a time to remember those who served our nation in both peace and war.  In my former life as an Air Force Officer and before I became an amateur radioi operator, I was aware of the vital service provided by MARS operators.  I even used this service a few times to contact family at home.  I am indebted to those ham and military operators who kept our morale up and provided a lifeline to our loved ones.  The tradition continues, as MARS operators and other radio amateurs provide support to our military personnel around the world.  The technology, of course, has improved, but the mission is still there.  I will not forget your service to those who serve our nation. So, on the advent of this Veterans Day, I wish all amateur and military operators a deep thankyou for your dedication and ability to keep our spirits up in difficult times.  Aloha, 73 de KH6JRM.

What a busy series of weeks.  First there was the rush of holiday promotions, high school games, and the busy cycle of the news day.  Then add the hype surrounding the mid-term elections.  The negativity and hypebole surrounding the transfer of legislative power were  more scary than Halloween.  Sandwiched between this sped up news cycle was a few hours of amateur radio--what a relief to just sit down in front of the old Kenwood 520, pound some brass, and rag chew with a few friends.  I'm still  altering some of the antenna farm as Hawaii's salt air and acid rain (from the Kilauea Volcano) does its work of digesting wire and connectors.  All of this keeps me busy and out of the shopping malls.  Besides, the exercise gained from tilling the family garden and lugging around pvc pipe, wire, and twin lead has some benefit for the ole waist0 line.  My XYL and I manage to keep in shape with a simple, nutritious diet and daily walks.  Time before the rig gives the mi

This has been another busy week at the radio station news room.  With the approach of the holiday season, all of us in the "media circus" are busy with the Thanks- giving and Christmas programs, not to mention the remotes, haunted houses, and whatever else is attached to the Halloween festiviites.  No rest for the "wicked" until after the New Year.  Between all of this, I will squeeze in some quality time on the amateur bands.  Most of the simple repairs to my rapidly aging radio collection are done.  A few touchups to the ole "antenna farm" will bring the station into operating con- dition.  I'm still having fun with the Kenwood 520 I acquired a few months ago--nice rig and very for- giving of us who have forgotten the ritual of tune and dip.  If you have a chance to get an older rig from the major manuafacturers, please do so.  What they lack in convenience is compensated by the sheer pleasure of rag-chewing on the hollow-state tecno