At our monthly club meetings we have a short 5 minute “look-see” at new cool products (or old products that are still cool). If you have any suggestions for future CPR items to be shared during our meetings, drop a line to Dave Wickert, AE7TD dwickert@hotmail.com
Previous CPRs are:
March 2017:
First, some “fun stuff” for you:
- http://www.hamcrazy.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=35&products_id=326 (Hitch cover w/ monitoring frequency or call sign $13)
- http://www.hamcrazy.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_21&products_id=199 (a copy of your license for your wallet $13)
Second, clean up your shack to your XYL’s expectations:
Don’t break through walls . . .
- http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/antsup/2750.html (for side-opening windows, 0.5dB loss)
- http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-4602 (for vertical windows, several models from MFJ, look at 3:15 min mark in video)
Cable management: (make sure you have separate runs for RF and power/etc.)
- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013X0H4JI/
- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TBMTM2A/
- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B7CUX9M/
- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KVF7GK0/ (maybe too small for some antenna cables)
Power management:
- http://www.westmountainradio.com/product_info.php?products_id=rr_4007u (great for mobile as well)
- http://www.westmountainradio.com/rigrunner.php (many models of RigRunners)
- http://k9jeb.com/PDC.aspx (locally designed and built in Redmond — John also has very cool J-poles reviewed earlier)
Antenna storage:
- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NDEXHOQ/ (yellow sample in-person)
- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012B5MB2G/ (larger size)
Finally, while travelling, have some additional organization:
February 2017:
- https://www.amazon.com/Ham-Radio-Dummies-Ward-Silver/dp/1118592115/ Book: Ham Radio for Dummies — the best source for answering the age old question: “Why Ham Radio?”
Antennas: (wire and accessories)
- http://www.2wayelectronix.com/ (Slim Jim j-pole using ladder line) — great for a portable VHF/UHF emergency antenna, particularly for getting extra range out of your HT
- http://k9jeb.com/JPole.aspx (just mount it at the top of a PVC pole) This is the way that we mounted our antennas at WashJam along with furniture-grade PVC poles from http://www.formufit.com/
- http://www.lnrprecision.com/store/#!/EF-QUAD/ (Great multi-band end-fed antenna)
- http://hamcall.net/7bandocf.html (Buckmaster Off-Center Fed OCF Dipole) if you have room for a full length dipole, but would like multiple bands
- http://www.alphadeltacom.com/pdf/prices_switches-3.pdf (3-way coax antenna switch with gas discharge tube, aka fuses). For more detailed info on GDTs, look here for a February 2017 QST article. A cheaper “little brother” is available from MFJ here.
Fun stuff:
- http://www.hamthreads.com/ (cool clothing and ARES gear — particularly the neon yellow hat)
January 2017: (our first session)
Trends in Radios:
- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LYIDJI3/ (20-50W Chinese mobile radios break into the market for sub-$100)
- https://www.amazon.com/BTECH-UV-5X3-Watt-Tri-Band-Radio/dp/B01J2W4JUI/ (BaoFeng tri-band version of 5R5 $60)
- https://www.gigaparts.com/kenwood-th-d74a.html (New Kenword tri-band w/ DSTAR $610)
- https://www.gigaparts.com/icom-id-51a-plus.html (While supplies last, $365; not PLUS2 $510)
Stuff to store/transport your radio:
- http://www.tac-comm.com/ (nice carrier for equipment)
- http://www.nrs.com/product/28572/aquapac-small-vhf-classic-228 (waterproof bag)
- http://www.proclipusa.com/ (solid mobile mounting brackets for car/truck)
- http://www.niftyaccessories.com/ (radio stands but also radio guides, band guides, books, etc.)
Knick knacks and fun stuff:
- http://www.hamcrazy.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9&products_id=3 (Acrylic call sign)
- http://www.hamcrazy.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=194 (FCC license frame w/ signature)
- http://www.hotpresstshirts.com/hat%20embroid%20thumbs.htm (ham hat w/ name and city)