News Page

Decided to add a Notice Board to the site. This will be used for News, Announcements, Classified Adds, Debates, Polls, Reviews etc etc etc.

Will let you all know when its up and running. Should be in the 1st week of the new year.

I had my 1st contact with a Summits On The Air station today. He was using the SCARBOROUGH SPECIAL EVENTS GROUP call sign GX0OOO. Operator John and own call sign was G4YSS. He was on the summit of Rogan Seat which is situated outside of Barnard Castle and he was at the height of 2200 feet and freezing cold.

Well I have finally had a contact on Top Band. I had a contact with Keith M3KWI which was also his first contact on that band. What's really unusual about the contact is I was using a full size G5RV, but Keith was using an half size G5RV with an 80 meter trap on 1 leg. Click here to hear a sound bite of M3KWI on top band.

I have never bothered with top band since becoming a fully licensed operator as I know the G5RV is not the ideal antenna. But my self and Keith decided to experiment on top band whilst having a rag chew on 2 meters, I am glad we did.

I have known for some time that Amateur Radio apparatus have been exempt from import duty. But finding out the commodity codes has been a task all on it's own.

Well now I have found them and here they are. Please note that you still have to pay V.A.T. so take that into consideration before ordering your new toys. The codes can also be used second hand items so eBay USA here I come.

UK Customers will be exempt from paying import duty providing:
The supplier marks the Customs form (and/or invoice) as "Transceiver apparatus for radio-telegraphy" and shows the commodity code as "8525209900".

Please note: if there is ANY doubt, import duty WILL be charged."

Commodity Code No
8525209900 Transceiver apparatus for radio-telephony / radio-telegraphy

85299040000 all accessories for the above apparatus e.g. Band modules, IF-Filters, power supplies, antennas

85179088000 all apparatus to generate Morse, like keys, Morse-keyboards

I decided to add a review on eHam of this great radio. The review is as follows....

I bought my 706MKII new in October 1997 and it has been absolutely faultless. I have fitted the FL-223 SSB filter and the DSP Module.

I will get the negatives out of the way first these are only small negatives though which I have had no problems living with.

I do not like having to power on the radio to get into the main menu. It’s a pain if all you want to do is adjust the display or something like that. Why Icom could not just have the main menu activated by holding the menu button for 3-5 seconds I don’t know.

The other thing I don’t like is the stock microphone audio level is very poor. Luckily this is easily resolved by opening the microphone and removing the rubber insert. There are various other modifications which are easily carried out to improve the audio even more so it’s not really a big issue.

With my QTH being in the UK it would have been nice for UK spec 706’s to cover the 4 meter band. They don’t and never have so I won’t lose sleep over it. Once again a modification can cure that issue.

The SWR meter not functioning on VHF is another pain but one I can live with. I don’t know of any HF – VHF – UHF all in one radio’s that do have an SWR meter that functions through all bands.

During the 7 years I have owned this radio I have also owned and sold several other radios. I rate the 706MKII that highly that it has seen off some stiff competition in the form of a Yaesu FT-900, FT-757GX and FT-707, an Icom IC-910X and a Kenwood TS-2000. And I know should any thing happen to my main radio a Yaesu FT-990 I have a more than capable back up for HF.

The 706MKII is so easy to use and once you have learnt how to navigate around the various menu’s using the 706MKII is as easy as using a knife and fork.

I have never had a bad report on my 706. On the TX side of things the audio reports using stock microphones have been less favourable compared to the FT-990, FT-900, IC-910x and TS-2000 but kicked the butt of the FT-707 and FT-757. But if I connected my Heil Goldline Pro to any of the above and the 706 using a small Behringer mic pre-amp then the reports where every bit as good as FT-990, FT-900, IC-910x and TS-2000.

On receive the audio from the internal speaker isn’t fantastic but it is not too bad either.

On busy HF bands if things start to get a bit too hectic for the little 706 I just hit the filter button and 9 times out of 10 I have no more problems if I do I turn the DSP on and all is great. Incidentally I rarely use the DSP as I think the standard audio is good enough. I must add however that I rarely use the internal speaker. I have Monitor speakers plugged in via the head phone socket on the front panel. The monitor speakers make the world of difference and make my little 706MKII sound like a big home base radio.

I have used my 706MKII both mobile and home base and it always performs extremely well.

Reliability has been 2^nd to none. I have not had a single problem in any way shape or form. What more can you ask from a 7 year old radio.

It has only been since I have been able to transmit on HF that I have really began to appreciate how good this little radio is. As far as I am concerned, out of all the little all in one radios that are now out there, the 706 series is without doubt the best.

Most people that read the RSGB web site regularly will be aware of Ofcoms proposals to change how the Radio Spectrum is managed. Those that have not read what Ofcom have said should do so, just go here.

While we probably have very little to worry about, it seems that Amateur Radio is always under some kind of threat one way or the other. 3+ years ago that threat was due to dwindling numbers coming into the hobby which thankfully due to the efforts of the RA and the RSGB was put right (Although a minority are not happy about it.)

We also have the threat of PLT (Power Line Telecommunications) and the interference it will cause to the HF bands. And now we have the Spectrum Framework Review by Ofcom to contend with. As I have already said this will probably not effect Amateur Radio but what if it does. Lets look at ways it could effect it.

As I have already said, Amateur Radio was dieing with out any doubt and those that think all was well 3+ years ago must have had there heads buried in the sand. So things were put right and now the hobby is booming again with plenty of new and indeed more than capable radio hams on and coming onto the bands. But and it's a big but there are a few people out there who are still moaning about the changes made and there is no way they will accept them. So Ofcom are maybe thinking "Why did we bother? If we can't please them all we will just get rid of them all, lets get rid of the ham bands and give them to commercial company's etc who will pay a hell of a lot more then £15 pound a year for the privilege."

While the above is unlikely to happen and is an extreme example of what may happen, don't count it out yet until we are assured that it won't happen. Other ways the hobby may be effected are that Ofcom may phase out certain bands or portions of bands for other users. We may end up sharing more band space with other users. The possibilities are endless.

So what can you do. Well the Spectrum Framework Review is currently in a consultation period till 15-02-2005 so let Ofcom know your concerns and the earlier you make them known the better. Don't sit back and think all will be ok, because it just might not be.

Well every night since Sunday (28-11-04) I have called people and not had a reply. Nothing to unusual about that as not every one sits and monitors 145.500. How ever what I do find strange is that I have called CQ several times every night also and not had a single reply.

Well that got me thinking, when was the last time I had a CQ call answered on 2 meters? I looked back through my log to find the answer..... Well the last time I had a CQ call answered was almost 2 months ago on 12-10-04 and the one before that was a further 2 months back on 31-07-04. So not getting a reply to a CQ call is also not unusual.

I don't call CQ on 2 meters every day but I will call CQ several times once or twice a week. Looking through my log I can count on one hand the amount of times a CQ call has been answered this year on 2 meters. This for me is sad in 2 ways.

1, No one is on 2 meters or monitoring 145.500 or are people just not answering CQ calls any more.

There could be a third reason. Because I have strong views about Amateur Radio and will let them be known may be people just don't want to talk to me.....

On scanning around the 2 meter band this week I have heard activity every night on 145.375, a group of guys who are always on there every night and who I do speak to now and again. Other than that I have only heard activity on 1 other frequency once and I have not heard a single person put out any form of call while monitoring 145.500.

Now that doesn't mean no one has put out any calls at all, I mean I don't live in my shack and I do have other things to do but I must have spent around 20 hours monitoring or calling on 145.500 this week and not heard any one or had a single reply to any calls made. I am generally in and out of my shack between 6pm and 11pm on week nights while her indoors is watching what ever rubbish it is she likes to watch.

The above result shocked me and has brought me to the conclusion that 2 meters is not worth my time and effort, so as a result I am thinking of not bothering with 2 meters any more. I would like to put more hours into HF but due to work and other commitments this is only possible on some weekends and on evenings so I tend to miss the bands when they are active.

Time to think long and hard about this hobby for me, is it really worth the time and money for such little enjoyment? May be it's time to sit down stairs and enjoy watching the rubbish the TV has to offer.

Have not been doing much Radio wise, I have had other things to do. But tonight I have added more slides to the hand out page (1), Intermediate page (1) and the Advanced Page (10) thanks to the guys at Chelsmford Amateur Radio Society.

Please take time to read the Terms and Conditions and if you don't agree with them, then do not use any info from any of the slides from CARS.

Also if you decide to download any files from my site then please take time to sign my guest book. It's the least you can do when you are getting information for nothing. If you just want to leach then please do so from another web site.

Today I received an email regarding my conversation I had on 2 meters with M3OCE regarding the Elitist attitude of some radio Hams. Well I actually received the email yesterday but did not check my mail till today.

Hello, I was listening on 2 meters today October 31 and heard your comments about M3's etc. I just wanted to wholeheartedly AGREE with you about the APPALLING attitude of some 'SENIOR' operators !

Some of them make me SICK to the stomach with their elitist attitude over M3's. Things have gotten so bad in
the ******** area I have been driven to the point of almost giving up entirely and returning to SWLing .

There is one old B'STARD in ********** that makes me sick. He is not the only one though ...some of them are everything that is BAD about our hobby. I could name at least 6 of these b'stards in ******** alone .
I won't give my call sign ...but I am an M0 that happens to be sick of M3's being put down.

I sat down today and decided to have a read of the November 2004 issue of RadCom and I came across a letter that really annoyed me.

The Letter was by a G0 and I found his attitude to be ignorant as well as hypocritical.

He was complaining about M3's and upgraded class B's. Complaining that in his area the 2 meter band has become more like CB.

I have heard some M3's, 2E's, upgraded class B's and class A licensees all operate with disregard for others and with poor operating procedures.

The M3's and some 2E's can be forgiven. This is because the courses they do and the tests they take do not give or teach enough information about operating practices and procedures. So how do they learn? By the mistakes they make and by old experienced Hams like my self advising them and pointing them in the right direction. This doesn't mean we all have to turn into band police and pull every one up for every mistake, all that has to be done is wait, be patient and give them a call near the end of there QSO and just advise in a courteous and pleasant manner. The majority will take in the information given and will probably thank you for it, 1 or 2 may tell you to mind your own business or worse. Well if they do, don't get annoyed just wait for a week or two and see if things improve. If they don't then take other actions (No don't visit them with a baseball bat) in making sure they conform to the rules and regulations by contacting Ofcom with a few taped examples.

But beware the above must only be done in extreme circumstances IE abusive and bad language, playing music, spoiling other QSO by messing about on the same frequency etc.

I am sorry guys but for upgraded class B's and class A's there are no excuses. The RAE drummed operating practices and procedures in to our head and it should never be forgotten. We must all lead by example but I have heard plenty who don't and operate without regard for others.

In fact the worse people I have heard for poor operating have been Class A's on the 80 meter band. Operating whilst under the AFFLUENCE OF INCOHOL (HIC). Arguing, Swearing, being abusive, making sexual innuendos to female operators. Yes I have heard all that, but thank fully it is not a common thing.

So Come on all you experienced Radio Hams, Lead by example, Correct mistakes made by others in a positive and polite way but most of all contribute to the hobby.

If you do not contribute in some way to try and improve things then really you have nothing to moan about. I by just having this website and all the material contained on it's pages mean I am contributing to this fantastic hobby and helping all Hams in some way shape or form.

I am a big believer in mentoring and promoting this hobby, Shouldn't every one be?

I was glad to see though, in RadCom a response from Peter Kirby the RSGB General Manager which stated that due to the decline in the numbers of people coming into the hobby some thing had to be done if amateur radio was to survive past the end of the decade.

So some thing was done and 9000 new Hams have come in to the hobby and it is now a hobby that will live a lot longer.

Oh and one more point. The G0 who wrote the letter in Radcom and moaned about the 2 meter band becoming like CB had a great CB comment on his QRZ page. That comment was "EYEBALL" Hi Hi. Priceless.

Well later that night I was talking about the letter to M3OCE and I let him know my feelings and he let me know his, we were both in agreement.

Well today saw the start of the CQ World Wide Contest. I didn't take part in a competitive way but I took part purely for fun on a couple of bands that had some good openings. 10 meters and 15 meters where very busy and I had great fun making a few contacts on those two bands. All in all I made 9 contacts, 3 on 10 meters and 5 on 15 meters and 1 on 20 meters.

I didn't work any rare or out of the ordinary contacts but I enjoyed the short contacts I did make and I hope my small contribution helped some one win.

Ofcom and the Radio Society of Great Britain are pleased to announce that all necessary procedures required for early access to the 7.1 to 7.2MHz spectrum for all UK radio amateurs have been finalised and that access is allowed from 0100UTC on Sunday 31 October 2004. Early access is granted on a Secondary (non-interference) basis using a maximum of 26dBW (400 watts) PEP.

Notices of Variation for the Foundation, Intermediate and Full licences have been published on the Ofcom website.

It is recommended that for the time being only voice and Morse code modes are used between 7.1 and 7.2MHz. Band planning issues on 7MHz will be kept under regular review and will be dependent on the number of administrations granting early access to this band prior to full Primary access on 29 March 2009.

The RSGB would like to offer its appreciation to all parties involved in the consultations, in particular the broadcasting industry, the UK Ministry of Defence, the Radiocommunications Agency and its successor Ofcom.

Please note that access to the extra 100kHz is only allowed from 0100UTC, and not midnight UTC, on Sunday morning. Or, put another way, from 2.00am local time, at which time the clocks are put back by one hour. Local time will then be 1.00am, the same as GMT or UTC.

The above article is care of the RSGB Members website
*********************************************

Ofcom hereby gives notice under section 1(4) and section 1E of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 to holders of the Amateur Radio (Full) Licence that, with effect from 0100 on 31 October 2004 , the terms, provisions and limitations of each licence shall be varied as follows:

In this notice the “Booklet” means the Amateur Radio (Full) Licence Terms, Provisions and Limitations Booklet BR68, the terms of which form part of the Licence.
As from 0100 on 31 October 2004 , each licence shall be read and construed as if the reference in the Licence to the Booklet were a reference to the Booklet containing the following changes.
(1) Sub clause 8(4) shall be deleted and replaced by the following words

“For the purposes of sub-section 1(4) of the Act, this Licence may be revoked, or its terms, provisions or limitations varied, by a notice in writing of Ofcom, served on the Licensee, or by a general notice addressed to all holders of an Amateur Radio (Full) Licence published on the Ofcom web site or broadcast nationally by the British Broadcasting Corporation.”

(2) the following extension to the Schedule were inserted after the row 7.000-7.100 MHz (the notes to the Schedule shall remain unchanged).

Spoke to another M3 tonight, M3HQA, pleasure to work you and look forward to working your JOTA station GB4HDS.

Made contact with M3KWI (Keith) and M3PRK (Phil) new calls here in Teesside. Always a pleasure to make contact with new stations. Had a really good chat and was a refreshing change.

Had a contact today with LX/PA6Z. This was the 1st contact on HF for me for around 6 weeks. I have been a bit too busy with work to be bothered playing radio in my spare time.

Well I was hoping to go to the Leicester Rally but on the Friday morning my car wouldn't run, Turned out to be a dead Spark Plug, so decided to go Saturday.

Come Friday night my Sinus's where blocked and I was in agony, so didn't make it on Saturday either.

Really fed up as I was looking forward to going and meeting Bob Heil and getting a few odds and sods.

Well will have to meet Bob another time. Now I am planning on going to the Great Lumley Rally next Sunday.

Also today had some more feed back about how good the site is. This was from a newly licensed Ham, M3KWI. Welcome to the Fraternity and look forward to working you.

Decided to do product reviews on eHam on on here of items I own or have owned. I will start with the Amazing Heil Goldline Pro.

What can I say? I have had nothing but glowing audio reports with this Microphone. I use it on my FT-990AC and have also used it into the Acc socket on my IC-706mkII.

When I 1st purchased the mic I decided that to get the best out of it I needed some outboard audio processing kit. How wrong was I? Well after 3 months I sold the kit because the standard mic audio could not be improved no matter what. The Audio is fantastic for local Rag Chews and will also bust through pile ups.

For me this is the ultimate mic and no serious Radio Ham should be with out one.

Well Done Bob Heil on the fantastic design look forward to meeting you at the Leicester Rally.

At around 10am today I received a phone call from a representative of Martin Lynch (sorry cannot remember who it was, it may have been Martin him self) he said he had just been advised by a customer that I was having a moan about them on my web site.

I replied no I am more than happy, I have bought a few Radio's from you, my 706, 990 and 910 and the service has been great just the delay in the delivery.

I was quite shocked by the call as I had totally forgotten about the delays and having read my comments on the bottom of this page I must apologise to ML&S and all staff for going a little over board, and I did state that these moans where only gripes and that I was probably making a mountain out of a mole hill at the time of typing them.

In my defence, you all know what it's like, having ordered some shiny new equipment the excitement and anticipation builds and the longer you wait the more those feelings are replaced with disappointment and impatience. This is exactly what happened to me.

So to all those that have read my moan, I hope it has not put you off purchasing any equipment from ML&S as I believe they are the best retailer of Amateur Radio equipment around.

Had my 1st report on my Turner Expander 500 Base mic. The report was very good for the mic audio and after some advice from M3OCE regarding my TX audio the mic was set to a volume of 6 and a tone of 4. I can now chat on 2mtrs and be arms length away from the mic and still be loud and clear but with minimal background noise. Thanks to M3OCE for the report and advice.

Took delivery of some fantastic and large maps today, bought these off ebay and they are fantastic. Look out for user name mcrbrry. Highly recommended and extremely fast.

Took delivery today of a Turner Expander 500 base mic which I purchased off ebay for a bargain price. I have bought this to use on my 706 on 2 meters so I don't need to keep unplugging my mic pre-amp and Heil Goldline Pro from my FT-990. These are a fantastic mic, looking forward to wiring it to the 706.

These mics where absolutely fantastic in the old CB days so wonder how they sound on a real radio.

Sold the FT-900AT today to Dave who also bought my FT-707 off me, Met him at the same place and was a pleasure to sell the radio to him as he is a genuine guy who uses his equipment how it is meant to be used (on the air). Thanks again Dave and a pleasure meeting you again.

Had a great contact with C31JM in Andorra. Unfortunately I didn't record it, got a 5-9 report.

Well I have just advertised the FT-900 and with in hours the wolves are emailing me asking what is the least I will take.

"WELL GET THIS, I WILL NOT REDUCE MY KIT. THERE IS A PRICE OR NEAREST OFFER. THIS MEANS IF YOU DON'T WANT TO PAY WHAT I AM ASKING MAKE ME AN OFFER NOT FOR ME TO MAKE YOU AN OFFER.

NOW GET A LIFE. IF YOU WANT SOME THING FOR NOTHING THEN START BEGGING BUT NOT IN MY DIRECTION."

Well the TS-2000 has gone. I did a deal for a Yaesu FT-900 and some cash. Thanks Lee the radio is great and it was great to meet you.

The IC-706MKII did not meet reserve on eBay so it's still here. Got insulted by some one offering £350. MMMM £350 DREAM ON. Would rather keep it than give it away.

As for the FT-900, well I am very impressed, gorgeous RX/TX audio and sounds every bit as good as the 990, in fact on TX I have been told it sounds better. I am not going to keep the FT-900 I will be selling it or trading it on. I already have my dream HF radio in my 990 so don't need another.

Most radio hams want the top kit, but judging by the response to my ads they are very unwilling to pay for it.

Don't get me wrong, I have been offered some great deals with regards to part exchanges, but when it comes to parting with cash well that's a different story. I have been insulted with stupid offers of low prices and I have been treat like an idiot by some who where wanting me to send them the kit and when they received the equipment would send me a cheque (mmmmmm.........). I mean unless you get credit then would Martin Lynch or Waters and Stanton send you a radio without first paying for it?????? No they wouldn't.

The TS2000 and the IC-706MKII have been re-advertised for sale, See For Sale Page.

I finished work at 6pm came home had a quick coffee then set off for Harrogate at about 6.45PM where I had arranged to meet Dave who had purchased my 707. Met Dave we had a chin wag and I got home not long after 9pm. I was glad I took my son along for a ride as it would have been a boring drive with out him chatting away.

Well after the equivalent of 2 sleepless nights in one night I got up for work feeling like I had just got in. Got a coffee checked my emails, and there was more. More for the 990 and some other items.

While at work I had a txt message form a good friend who couldn't believe what he was seeing. I in fact enjoyed it at work because it got my mind off it all.

I get home at 5.30pm and there where more emails about the kit but also a few wanting me not to sell up. One particular one I got was anonymous and cut to the bone (The email is below). I had a call from a friend trying to talk me out of it. And a few more emails also advising me not to give up. I was really beginning to have doubts. Then my 3 year old son walked in my shack and said "Dad I like your radio's." these words made my mind up. And all the remaining kit unsold is to stay that way as I am keeping it.

Thanks to in no special order to M0MJT, M3OCE, M3PAC, G6PJE, 2E0GNP, G6COB who all in there own little way got me to re-think. My XYL for just putting up with the hobby and letting me get on with it. A total stranger for an email you sent. But the thing that really did it was my 3 year old son who came into my room and said, "Dad I like your radio " Priceless.

Well you do not know me, nor am I going to reveal my self to you. This is because I do not want any come back whether it is abuse or thanks.

You have been a massive influence on a lot of people I know via your web site. The way you got into the hobby was similar to many. In fact I to was scared of the RAE. But I took and passed it about the same time as you.

I have told many people I know about your site and on reading you’re about me section they decided to get into the hobby. This is because they all got into radio in very similar ways. And thanks to you have gone on to enjoy the hobby. And before you think no it isn’t it’s because the bands are easier to get on to now, then no it isn’t because 3 of these people took and passed the final RAE.

Now I went to your site this morning and I read all the RED text and I was saddened that you are about to disappear off the bands.

So I took a look through your site and I looked at your shack. And I got a lump in my throat; this happened because I imagined my self in your shack and then imagined all that equipment not there. I know after 9 years I could sell all my equipment but I know the 1^st time I entered my shack and saw it empty I would be devastated.

I have heard you talking once or twice (so now you know I am not far away) and I can tell your passion for this hobby is 2^nd to none in fact I haven’t heard any one so passionate about this hobby as you and at the same time be so genuine and speak to any one with the same tone as you would a close friend. I have never spoken to you as you are a joy to just listen too, so what I am saying to you is this.

Sell all your equipment and you will make the biggest mistake you ever have with regards to this hobby. The bands for me and a few people I know will not be the same, sure we will all move on but it will not be the same for a while.

Keep it and I know you will go on to become one of those famous hams that everyone looks up too and keep in high regard and also love to speak too.

My only hope is that it is not too little too late and that you still have your awesome shack intact and you can tell all the vultures that you have changed your mind and send them there cheques back.

PS. I have just recalled a conversation I have heard you have. A comment you said then was that when you walk into your shack and see your gear you always smile. Well you won’t smile any more when it has gone. Majority of Radio hams will never have a shack set up like you. And you know it will take you years to get it back to half of what it is now. So keep it.

Well I got in from work and listed the rest of my kit on my site. Posted another message on G3CWI's Flea Market and one on Junk Sale. Wow the response was staggering and some of my kit had sold before it had chance to collect dust or cool down. Thanks for all the interest.

While all the mad stuff was happening and emails where being bounced around like no ones business I got a few emails and few friends trying to talk me out of it. The XYL also got involved by saying "You know if you get rid of it all, you will only end getting back into it or wasting the money on another Hobby."

I went to bed with the 707 sold, The TS-2000 and the PSU under a very generous Part Exchange offer to ponder over (sleepless night 1), The 990 under offer and the Heil almost sold.

The 990 offers where the hardest, I had waited 13 years to get a 990 and I was just going to let one go after 6 months of owning one. Sleepless night 2) here I come

Well there I was in my shack listening on HF when out of no where I decided I have had enough of Amateur Radio. Do not ask me why, I was just messing on my PC with my 990 on in the background listening to HF, I turned looked at my kit and said "That's it I have had enough." So I listed some of kit on my site, and posted on G3CWI's Flea Market Site

I checked my mail today and there was an email in my inbox which I nearly deleted as spam. I didn't as the email address looked to be genuine.

"Just like to say how much I enjoyed viewing your website as a new amateur (2E0GNP) Taking the advanced exam in August and following your advice to GET ON AIR but it does get very busy for the newbie. Keep up the good work in developing your site (particularly the Advanced powerpoint stuff for me). You are such an inspiration for the hobby.

Well I was very please to know that I had helped and inspired some one. If this site helpjust one person then I consider it a success.

At least I know all the work I have put into the site isn't for nothing. Wonder how or where you found the site? I am always looking for new content to add but there is a lot of rubbish out there, as you know doubt are aware of. I am thinking of doing a major change to the site, keep the content about the same but change the layout and the general look.

"Hi Andy

Don't change the layout, its very effective.

I found the site simply browsing for info on radio operating procedures etc but its in my bookmarks now for sure.

I use QRZ a lot to get the full info on any contacts and I particularly enjoyed your soundbites.

I teach computing so as you might guess I want to develop the digital side of things.

Keep up the good work in promoting the "sport" and if I can help please let me know but in the meantime I will promote your site whenever the chance arises.

I really enjoyed reading the process by which you became involved in radio. This was very similar to me but I did not really get the opportunity to do the exams at that time. I have now studied some analogue and digital electronics at degree level so I want to put the theory into prcative.

There I was on 3.793MHz calling CQ. The time was 2224 (UTC) and I got a reply from G0FHK (Ray), a quick check on QRZ told me the operator was a white stick operator. So I decided not to QSY and to have a chat with him. After about 1 minute some one started whistling over him. On my over I advised Ray of what was happening only for him to reply that some one was talking over me making comments on my over. This was not needed as there was a lot QRN crashes and pops going on making the QSO difficult enough.

Any way, after a few more overs the IQ ZERO station told us we should check our band plans because we where in the DX window, no call sign was given. Ray immediately replied to the IQ ZERO that due to the state of the band there was no DX to be worked and conditions back into G land where difficult enough. I asked for a call sign and advised the IQ ZERO that if he had used a polite procedure I would not have hesitated in changing frequency. Once again no call sign was given, so my self and Ray then chose not to speak to him as he must be a pirate station as no call sign was given.

After a minute or so more we said our farewells and that was the end of it. This QSO lasted 11 minutes. The majority of the QSO was spoilt by the moron IQ ZERO and his bad attitude and total disregard for procedures and for others. I could under stand his annoyance at a none DX QSO in the DX part of the band but as Ray is a white stick operator I made the decision not to QSY. How ever this does not give some one the right to disrupt a QSO that was not really hurting any one.

The attitude of the station in question is unforgivable, and also the fact that he did not even have any decency to reveal his call sign. Thankfully this is the first time I have experienced this sort of behaviour first hand, although it is not the first time I have heard it happen.

80 Meters is turning into what CB used to be like in the bad old days of 10 - 15 years ago. Many a time I have heard foul and abusive language, ignorance to correct operating procedures and most of this has been carried out by operators with years and indeed decades of experience, basically people who should know better.

This experience left a bitter taste in my mouth, to the point I considered not bothering any more, however I received an email the day after (see above) which made me realise what I am doing is worth while.

So a message to the MORON who is to ashamed of his own attitude to reveal his call sign.

If you want to act like an idiot then expect to be treated like one, if I ever find out who you are I will be knocking at your door to tell you what I think of you. That's a promise.

Well not a lot has happened out side of the hobby except I now have a new Job with GPS and Sat Nav technology.

Inside the hobby lots has happened and continues to happen I have sold a lot of my equipment, including all my Behringer Audio Processing Kit, my Ascom SE550, The IC-910X has also gone and in it's place I now have a Kenwood TS-2000 (see My Equipment) thanks to Mike M0FCG for doing the deal.

More is to go but I hope to get some thing else to replace what has gone. I am planning on a getting a Behringer DEQ2496 to replace my audio rack.

Went to York Rally on 04-07-04 and I have to say it was very very poor. Although I did sell my Altai Signal Generator on the bring and buy and I bought a 23cm's antenna off a stall which I let go with my 910X.

There was one really good thing to come from going to the York rally and that was while I was going to the bank machine for some spending money I bumped into an old friends ex girl friend. Got chatting and told her where I was going, she then said that she still had her ex's radio and I could have it. It originally belonged to me and I sold it to him, he has since gone to pastures new over in the states and is now very well settled there. So tonight I went and got it. It has a lot of memories for me as it was my first ever HF radio. All I did was listen on it but I learnt a lot from those days listening on HF. The radio in question was a Yaesu FT-707. I purchased it while I was studying for the RAE. See My Equipment for pics.

Well I have now been the proud owner of my ICOM IC-910X for one week and here are my likes and dislikes. Unfortunately I can only judge on the 2 meter side of things as I am currently building a 70 and 23cm antenna.

I am first going to go through dislikes because I don't believe in building some thing up just to knock it down, which is what most magazine reviews do. I really hate the fact that you cannot give programmed memories a name. I can do this on my 706. I can understand not having this feature on an HF set but the bands the 910 operates on are channel orientated any way so it would be useful to name what is programmed. Well back to the good old band plan on the wall routine. I get breakthrough from adjacent frequencies when 12.5 KHz away on FM. I find this to be poor because the stations are not even strong, just average signal strength (9). So guys what filters are recommended? Why no DSP module or other filters already fitted. The DSP is really annoying. Nearly every modern radio has DSP as standard. So come on ICOM why leave it out of the 910? I mean all you had to do was fit one on the main band. We would still have to purchase a module for the sub band. Well looks like I am going to take the one out of my 706, I never use it anyway while mobile. (KER-CHING ICOM?) No multifunction meter, SWR/POWER meter once again there is one on the 706. So why not on the 910? Now I have to go through the hassle and expense of buying one or building one. When you are talking 70 and 23cms 1mm can be the difference between good SWR and off the scale SWR. Why oh why do Radio manufacturers continue to make great radios with fantastic build quality only to then put an absolute rubbish cheap and flimsy mic with them? (Icom please answer this one). My last gripe is more a design issue. Why are there no markings on the back of the radio for the sockets? Yes it's on the side but I don't lean over the side of the radio when plugging some thing in. Now for the good points. The 910 is amazing. Build quality is fantastic. On TX I always get great audio reports, and yes that is from Icoms rubbish flimsy standard mic. (Obviously it works well, but is still poor build quality). TX into a dummy load gave me power readings from 4 watts up to 120 watts on 2mtrs. I do not have a power meter that covers 70 and 23cms. The Controls are well spaced out and easy to get too. The radio is a pleasure to use, both in terms of ease of use (maybe being a 706 owner helped, the basics are almost the same.) and the audio quality. I love the dual SQUELCH/RF GAIN control. The TX light for the ALC is another thing I like, I didn't at first but I have got really used to it. The Menu's are a pleasure to navigate through. Well set out and no annoying hold a button while powering on to get into the main menu like on the 706. The SCAN function is great so is the SWP function. The AFC is a nice touch. So I could name almost every feature and say I like it, with exception to the above dislikes. This is a fantastic radio but you really have to be serious about VHF/UHF to spend this sort of money. Especially when you can get a fully loaded Yaesu FT-736R for less. Also take into consideration some of the all band all mode offerings available now. The only thing missing would be 23cms. But for me this radio is worth every penny. Because it is dedicated to VHF/UHF you can bet your life on it out performing any of the all band all mode rigs. I know my 910 on 2 mtrs even at the same power output and same antenna, knocks my good old IC-706MKII into touch. Even the RX is 2S points better.

10-06-04 - Well not done much past few days with the radio, well apart from listen.

Had a contact today with CS2004REP, special event for European Championships 2004 which start on the 12-06-04.

OK over the past few weeks I find my self getting increasingly annoyed at people who have a Amateur Licence and all the kit to use it but they are never active. I cannot see the point in paying a yearly licence fee and the expense of the equipment just so you can brag that your a radio Ham. As far as I am concerned not being active is just a waste and if you are not going to be active then you are not going to contribute in any way to the hobby.

So to all you fake Radio hams out there, sell your kit and don't renew your licence. All you do is make work for others and as you do not contribute to the hobby in any way shape or form then what good are you. Even if you just have a few QSO's a week. What you do by having a few QSO's is keep bands active. Most hams have heard the saying, "Don't use it, lose it!".

07-06-04 - After posting a link of this web site on eHam, I received several negative comments regarding the sites slowness. As I cannot answer any of the comments on eHam I will answer them here

5 comments on the site being too slow. : - Well unfortunately this is more due to the where the site is hosted then any technical problem with the site. I have hosted this site on QSL.NET and recently there have been a lot of server related problems, some times to the point that the site is completely down. I am now moving the site to another domain. However this will once again be a free domain so do not expect miracles.

1 comment on picture sizes being too big, I did post a warning regarding the size of some of the pictures, But I will resize them.

1 comment on "too many scrolling words." The scroller contained 31 words in 2 messages. 1 message regarding D-Day special events, 1 regarding the arrival of my new radio. So I have removed it for the people that don't like them.

1 comment saying the site was a poor design. Well web site design is some thing of a personnel issue, you cant please every one. Sorry

1 Comment saying I should make Ice. Nice and constructive (not). I gather the person who wrote this comment is an Eskimo and due to global warming is worried about all the ice around him and is wanting more. Maybe, I don't really know.

This weekend will see a lot of Special Event stations to mark the 60th anniversary of D-Day. Please show your support by contacting as many as possible. I myself only have today in which to make some contacts as tomorrow 6-6-04 I have an anniversary of my own. It is my sons 3rd birthday.

So good luck to all involved in a special event and lets not forget the significance of what happened 60 years ago.

00:31; Well it was a very disappointing day regarding conditions on HF. The only D-Day Special event stations I heard were very very weak so no contact was even tried to be established with them. I made a contact with an IOTA station DK8OL (see sound bites) and that was it. Was on 2 meters today mainly. 20, 40 and 80 meters are now fairly active but I really can't be bothered calling now.

Radio was delivered @ 10am today. I have not been in long so I am about to set it up and give it a try on 2 meters, I hope there is some one on the band. After I have conducted my initial tests of the radio I will fit the 1200MHz module. So I am off to play. See you soon or hear you sooner. ;)

14:37; Well thanks to M3OCE for the 1st QSO on the new IC-910. Initial report was very good. Tried FM and SSB on 2 meters. Found some things I already love about this radio and found a few things I will have to get used to and may end up not liking. E.G. why no ALC meter on SSB?

16:52; Aren't manuals great. Read them and things start to make sense Hi Hi. Well the ALC isn't as bad as first feared. The 910 does have an ALC in the form of the TX LED. When the ALC is hitting peak levels the TX LED gets brighter. I would have preferred a meter for ALC but I will end up liking this feature. Well I am going to get some more reports.

18:30; Well now I have definitely found some thing I don't like about the new IC-910. On the 910 you are unable to name memory channels. I find this very disappointing. It is so useful to be able to name a memory channel whether these be repeater names, or any thing of use. It is extremely useful when using a new band. All you do is programme the memory channels to match the band plan, give them a name and then, not only is it easier to then navigate through the band but it also teaches you the band layout as well, instead of having to have the band plan in front of you on paper. But if this is going to be my only gripe then it is nothing, I mean I can't give the memory channels on my 990 any names and that doesn't worry me.

20:00; Had some more reports. Every one I have spoken to have said the audio is really nice and clear. A close friend M0MJT said the 910 audio is far superior to my 706MKII. I have also put the 910 through my power meter into a dummy load. Power started a 4 watts and finished at 120 watts on 2 meters.

The bands are almost dead and it is raining, so I can't even play with my homebrew antenna projects.

Added a new link dedicated to any projects that I am planning, or working on (be patient though, this is under construction)...... I am also going to do a latest news page (your on it), this will contain news snippets and any thing I usually place in the scroll bar text on the index page will be put in here......

I am still waiting for delivery of the new radio, "ICOM IC-910X", Martin Lynch & Son is a great place to buy your equipment, however I have one moan, once they have captured a sale they seem to forget that they still have to follow it through with sending the item when they say they will, I mean why say something will be delivered in X amount of days only for it to take Y amount of days. It's a small gripe but the same happened when I purchased my FT-990. With the 990 I paid for next day delivery and even took time off work, only for it to be delivered 4 days later. Same thing is happing again with my IC-910X, got a phone call on Saturday 29-05-04 to say it would be despatched on Tuesday 01-06-04 and should be with me by Wednesday 02-06-04 or Thursday 03-06-04.

Once again I have taken time off to be in for the delivery and once again I am hanging around. So COME ON MARTIN, SORT IT OUT........ I phoned Martin Lynch & Sons regarding delivery of the new toy, I spoke to an advisor who took my contact number and said he would chase it up and see where it was and call me back. Two hours later I received a Phone call from a Martin Lynch & Sons advisor who told me the Icom would be with me tomorrow 04-06-04 (good job I have a great boss) he also then said that I would have to fit the 23cm module myself. Not to happy about that either, I ordered an IC-910X not an IC-910H and optional module. I was told when I ordered the radio that the modules would be fitted as they are in stock.

I do not like to moan about it but having had almost the same thing happen with the FT-990AC I purchased in January I feel I must have a whinge. Well I will see what tomorrow brings. I am going to put my complaint in writing to ML&S, will keep you all posted. It may seem like I am making a mountain out of a mole hill but I have purchased a lot of money's worth of radio via ML&S (IC706MKII, FT990AC and IC910X) and I think looking after the customer until the complete transaction has finished is the 100% the right thing to do. I just got the feeling I was told what people thought I wanted to hear.

If I compare ML&S to what are probably there biggest rival Waters and Stanton then there is no contest. W&S wins as they deliver when they say, EG I ordered Heil Goldline pro, Boom and all Leads including PTT button. I received my order the next day and what made that even more impressive was I actually called my order in after 3pm. So thats what ML&S need to raise too.

Had a fantastic and very informative QSO regarding ATV on 23cms. Would like to thank M3PAC for introducing me to the following, M0DTS, G3ILD, G1LPS. The conversation was fantastic and it has left me chomping at the bit to get on ATV. A big thanks to G3ILD for the URL for the web site with the loop Yagi dimensions. Pleasure also meeting M3DMQ/M on the air for the 1st time.

2004 News Page