This is the 12th annual Wireless Set Number 19 event for VE1NU.
Here is the log page for this year’s special ops. Was not sure just how
things were going to go, as it has been awhile since November 11th fell on a
weekend.
Always a poor time to operate a vintage radio, as the bands are much more
crowded then. Of course, my prime operating frequency happens to be a very
active one, for QRP and for RTTY. Oh well, Bob Cooke, VE3BDB, did warn me about
all the RTTY that would be on the air.
Anyway, I was very pleasantly surprised to fire up the old gal (later
than planned) and found VA3ORP with no trouble as a first contact.
Time GMT
Call
His
Mine
Vintage
M. Band
1229 - 1236
VA3ORP 5
7 9
4 5 9
40
1247 - 1252
VE2EDB
5 9 9
5 9 9
40
1304 - 1311
VE3CBK
5 7 9 c
5 7 9 c
19 set
40
1319 - 1328
VA3WSN 4
5 9
3 5 9
19 set
40
1340 - 1346
VE9MA
5 9 9
4 5 9
40
1352 - 1358
VE3BDB 5
7 9
5 5 9
40
1400 - 1406
W1NU
5 7 9 c
5 7 9c
19 set
40
1419 - 1425
VE1AIR
5 9 9
5 7 9
40
1538 - 1542
VE1XW
5 9 9
5 9 9
40
1543 - 1546
VE1RG
5 9 9
5 9 9
40
1614 - 1620
VE3BDN 5
9 9
4 5 9c
40
1622 - 1626
VE2EDK 5
7 9 c
5 6 7
19 set
40
1926 - 1931
VE1YZ
5 9 9
5 9 9c
80
2057 - 2102
VE1AKT 5
9 9
5 9 9
80
2102 - 2106
VE9MSC 5
9 9
5 9 9
80
Had lots of equipment problems this year. Started off part way through the day and the headphone audio would suddenly cut out. Made for an interesting time as it turned out to be the snatch connector. It developed an intermittent connection. Turned out that if I twisted it just a little in one direction, it worked fine.
The headset cable is rather stiff, and difficult to keep the mic out of
the way when wearing the headgear. Keeping the cable twisted the right amount,
while trying to write and keep an earphone up to my ear, would have looked
rather funny if there had been anyone around to see me.
Sometime during the day I did hear a VE4 calling, also using a 19 set.
Trouble is, between some strong locals, RTTY, trying to keep an eye on a
5-year-old and a 3-year-old, and the darned intermittent audio at my end (before
I found a quick cure), I was not able to work him.
Then, after working locals station VE9MSC, my receiver quit. The IF valve
went west but I didn't get it fixed until the following day.
When it quit, I suspended ops.
I must admit that, of my four 19 sets, only one has ever required a valve
replacement. They all still have their original parts and valves and only the
power supplies have ever needed a capacitor replacement. Certainly says
something about the quality of the parts used back in the early 1940's. Wish I
could say the same about my modern rigs.
Thanks to all those who made my day a memorable one again this year. To
those who tried to work me, I must apologize for not being able to do it.
Maybe next year.
73 to all, VE1NU.
If you like freedom, thank a Vet.
Thanks to all of you Vets.
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