Returning Soon

I should have been on my flight to France today. However it was cancelled because of the air-controllers strike in France. Disruptions for most airlines, French domestic and international. I hope to leave the 14th and arrive the 15th. Naturally the French rail system will be on strike when I arrive. Fortunately, I won't have to catch a train. My YL should be at CDG and the car in the parking lot.

My next worry is the weather in New York City. Bad storms with very high winds will probably delay my departure. Hopefully, no cancellation.

I did very little operating from here. Conditions plus the antenna made for very disappointing radio-stay. However, I wasn't here for amateur radio. This may be the last time visiting my mother. Twice a week visits with my sister accompanying me. Very sad to see mom (95 years old)  in susch a state, physically, mentally, and morally. I believe there is such a thing as living too long when life is without joy, with mind plus body barely functioning.

I have some comfort looking at old photots of her and dad. He with his pencil-moustache, she in bobbie-sox and saddle-shoes. Both in their mid-20's.

73
Dick

Not much happening

I really haven't done much radio operating worthy of comment. My rigs are packed in the Pelican case ready for the trip back to France the second week of June. I do have my HW-8 on the table and have been using it almost exclusively. Results have been poor. Not because the rig is horribly deficient, but one-watt to a Buddistick out the window leaves much to be desired. So not the fault of the one-watt, but a poor antenna as it is displaced.

I did get on 20-meters for this past weekend's cw contest. I didn't try to work USA stations, but rather any DX that I could hear. I did work Bermuda, Cayman, Nicaragua, Saba, and France. I heard other DX stations but couldn't raise them.

The HW-8 is not a contest rig on a crowded band. Since it is direct-conversion, "double" the stations are effectively heard. Not to mention the christion bc station bleeding through, intent on saving me after relieving me of my spare change. Never-the-less, I really do like the rig and may end up mailing it to myself in France before I leave here.

My sister and I have been visiting our mother in the nursing home quite frequently. I will be going again tomorrow by myself as sister is tied-up. At 95 years of age and failing, this may be the last time.

The weather has, generally, been awful, cold and raining. However there appears to be a change coming as blue skies prevail today; the wind is down, and temperatures will moderate as the day progresses. It will be even warmer later in the week.

73
Dick

No DX 2X but surprised by Reverse Beacon tonight

I have not worked any DX since my one contact into Finland some days ago. That is still the case though I have had a number of USA contacts. I tend to be strongest into the south including deep south. However, I was quite surprised when looking at the Reverse Beacon on the computer tonight after a QSO into Kansas.

 I found this. Though the ZL only gave a 6 db, still rather amazing.

OL5Q	N2UGB	14058.5	CW CQ	22 dB	13 wpm	0206z 17 May
ZL2HAM	N2UGB	14058.5	CW CQ	6 dB	14 wpm	0202z 17 May
EA4TX	N2UGB	14058.5	CW CQ	17 dB	13 wpm	0202z 17 May

The rig was the HW-8, power 1 watt and the Buddistick out the window.
I am really going to enjoy this rig back in France when I have access to my wire antenna again.

73
Dick

First DX from here

I've had several QSOs from my USA QTH. All were domestic, Florida, Alabama, and a few others.

This evening was first DX. OG6N a contester from Finland. I wasn't on the HW-8 but the OHR100A. 20 meters and about 3 watts output to the Buddistick.

What a difference in noise level when operating a non-digital, simple transceiver. So much quieter. No digital, microprocessor hash, even with a switching power supply.

If you have high QRM/QRN at your QTH, try a borrowed rig such as a Cub or other non-digital QRP radio and see if you notice any difference. You might, just might be amazed.

73 Dick

Back in the USA for a month

Good trip into JFK New York. Rental car to upstate cost a fortune. Weather was warm at 80F. Didn't expect this heat as I was wearing a sweater and leather jacket. Now cooler here in Amsterdam with showers expected.

Set up the HW-8 to the Buddistick out the window ledge. Very poor set-up as usual. Not Par EF quality because of placement, essentially. Operated for a bit on 20 meters. Was monitored in several states and Germany on the Reverse Beacon. One QSO with an operator in Oklahoma. Several Euro stations heard but not worked.

The HW-8 output was one watt.

Now that I have auto insurance and plates on the car again, I will be off to visit my mother in the nursing home. Sunday will be Mother's Day in the USA so it will be a day busy with visitors.

I miss my YL and will be glad to get back to Benodet to my real hearth and home.

My operating here will be sporadic and most often near 14.060 +/-.

73
Dick

Big money not required

I thought you might be interested in this French amateur radio video produced by the UFT a fine organization devoted to the practice and promotion of CW.

f6cpi-qrp - Vidéo Dailymotion

The video illustrates that a great deal of money is not required to participate in the amateur radio hobby. A simple one-band, home-brew, CW transceiver, with basic key, and a wire antenna can put a ham on-the-air. And, with the right conditions be making contacts.  I have a little difficulty with the minimal cost suggested, but it is not too far off even today. The Oak Hills Research 100A transceiver kit is $150 and is highly rated. There are others from several companies of the same price...and cheaper.

As ready cash becomes scarce for many, young and old, it is good to remember that one can still participate in this wonderful hobby with a very minimal outlay of available funds. Just don't read all the advertisements.

I have been packed for several days now and will be leaving for my short stay in the USA early next week.  I hope to get on 20 meters from there occasionally and perhaps work Europe. Not a pleasure trip but I should find some time.

73 Dick

The weather has been great these past few days with flowers in bloom.

A first for me

Worked several Euro stations, including eastern Russia, but haven't been very active lately.

I did make a new contact this evening, though. A45XR in Oman was calling CQ cw on 20-meters. Chris drew a small crowd but I did get through to him. It would appear he is now a full-time resident there.

5-watts to the Par.

Beautiful summer day here but a drop of 10-12 degrees expected tomorrow.

73 Dick