Trying a New Mode
I recently started using a new digital mode on HF bands. It's called FT8 and is intended for weak signal contact verification.
In my opinion it is not a human communication experience. The only purpose is to establish that two amateur radio stations (not operators) were able to exchange a verified minimal exchange of station call signs and minimal report data such as location code and signal strength. I have yet to see the operator name included in the exchange.
Found Something Extra
Found this in my mailbox. I must have ordered it. Yeah, I think I did. Getting old...
Ha! Just kidding. I am only as old as I want to believe.
I was thinking of an aniversary coming up next year. Fifty years as an amateur radio operator and station owner. It about time I do something Extra. To me that means qualify for the Extra Class amateur radio ticket. It's only a 50 question exam these days.
It’s the Small Things
My computer interest is turning back to the small microchip processor such as the Parallax products. Writing small computer code and having total control what it does has always been one of my best life experiences. From the very early days of my computer experience, this is what is most enjoyable.
I don’t get as much enjoyment from running just a store-bought application. I enjoy using the computer but the MOST enjoyment is seeing you own thought processes being executed. Tweaking the basic code to do exactly what is personally desired.
Dusting and Cleaning
An update to the station computer has been completed. It is a Linux Ubuntu OS and is named "Sandbox". Linux asks for a computer name when first installed.
A new video card was added to the system. The onboard (built-in) video has been used since day one. It was and can do everything needed as far as a station computer. But I share the computer with my 8 year old granddaughter when she visits and she (and I) play Minecraft with it.
ARS W5EHS
I am a FCC licensed Amateur Radio operator since 1969. I have held the call signs WN8EHS, WB8EHS, W8EHS and currently hold W5EHS. Only the five (5) call W5EHS is active.
I was first licensed as a novice (WN8EHS) in 1969 in Boardman, Ohio. Special thanks to John Petrek, W8BNO (SK) who gave me my Novice test.
W5EHS - Dan Kautz
