The Ham WeblogTM

January 23, 2001

Spent some time earlier checking out the ARRL Advertisers' List. Thought I'd share some of those with you today. And, of course, we'll still check out the Propagation page.

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Well, right off the top, I gotta apologize! Seems I created an incomplete link to ADI Radio.
"Did the link leave you just a wee bit confused?" I'd say so!!! Sorry about that. Well, at least the rest of the links to ADI Radio's site work.

Let's check out 3 of the pages -- those most applicable to ham radio:

  • Amateur Radio
  • Antennas
  • Battery Packs
The Amateur Radio page contains links to Be sure to check out each page's link to "Current Monthly Cupons"!

There's also a link to Family Radio PLUS, but why go there??? Also, I guess it is an era where you've got to differentiate between monoband and multi-band HTs. Hadn't given that a thought, HI!

Checking out Antennas, I was a bit disappointed. I guess I expected a full range of skyhooks; nope, the page is limited to HT antennas.
On to Battery Packs:   Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) packs and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Packs. There also are links to a replacement batteries for mobiles page, Land Mobile Battery Page, which didn't work when I clicked on it, and a page for replacement batteries for amateur gear, On-Line Store, which did work.

Gotta admit, this last jump did confuse me. I thought the entire site was an on-line store! And, once you get to "On-Line Store," you're not really there yet. Now you have to open that door, HI! And, if you THOUGHT you were confused before, forget it. NOW you're REALLY CONFUSED!!! A click on the ENTER button takes you totally of-site...to www.hitbox.com/. Why? Beats me, HI! Well, you really should click on one of the two links above ENTER:   Frames, or No Frames.

Now you can click on Battery Packs to finally get to all those goodies. Honestly, guys, I think this part of the site needs some design work!!!

One final comment on the ADI site:   Most pages also give you the opportunity to download product catalogs.

Morse

AEA Wireless deserves a look-see.
Four products are high-lighted:

There is, however, a navigation bar to the left, and you can click on Products.

At Products, we're treated to 5 "new" links (ok, there are 8, but the last 3 are the ones listed on the previous page. I guess this is "drill-down" day at the QTH, but...gee, fellas...is it me, or are we getting a wee bit too organized? I mean, hey, let's get to the good stuff already!!

Like.............. [Whoa! Is it me, or does your browser display the first 5 links as unvisited? Really only the first 2 haven't.... VHF-UHF, Cablemate, and Director are the same as above!]

There's some neat stuff here, and, I guess if I were just visiting...not reviewing...I probably wouldn't encounter a "confusion index." Sorry. I'll try to behave!

Morse

Yep...let's check WWV Propagation. Go ahead. we'll all wait until you get back, HI!

Morse

Here's an outfit that's been around awhild:   AUTEK RESEARCH.
I gather that the site is new (they're asking everybody to add a link). Site design is clean, and appears quite functional. Four products are shown:

If you need an RF analyzer, be sure to add Autek to your survey.

Morse

Considering a beam and/or tower? Check the Force 12, Inc. site.
This site's about equally divided between product spec. links and application links. Gotta admit, I found the Low Profile Towers page very attractive! Great for a FD or other temporary application.

I was interested in the Pacific Coast Salty Dog 75 Mtr Antenna Test page, but, unless it's my eyesight, or my monitor's all screwed up, all I see is a field overlooking a really neat ocean view. Nada for any antenna! Actually, a ways down the page (I counted 7 scrolls on my mouse wheel), there is a photo that shows the verticals. Hey, Force 12! Put this pix at the top. There is some interesting stuff on this page, but you've got to scroll for it.

Also available on the page is 2000 Brochure (2001 avail. end Jan.). Be aware, though. It's 3.5 MB (and covers are separate).
The Force 12 Antenna Specifications is a complete, if rather lengthy, description of how Force 12 calculates antenna parameters. If you're considering any beam, I'd read this as an educational resource.
Finally, the site contains links to another 6 antennas:

Morse

Ever visit Antique Wireless Association?
If you're into antique radios, or enjoy looking back at gear from yesteryear, you'll love this site!

The Antique Wireless site is meant to compliment the organization's print magazine. If you've been to Dayton, you've probably passed their booth...maybe even picked up sample issues.

There's a lot to see at this site:

Well, let's at least check the Amateur Radio Activities page, since we've come this far.

No, they're not Collins or Yaesu, that's for sure! But, vintage 1929 reproduction ham rigs they are. You know, I got a friend, K3DZ, who does this sort of stuff. Pretty snazzy alright, huh, Frank, HI! By the way, gang: Frank tells me that these rigs are really on the air, too. Now that's neat.

Oh, what the hey! Let's check the Museum & Organization Links page, too. Now, this is a really neat page...all graphics as links:   22 of'em! Including IEEE, Tesla, de Forest, Radio Club of America (RCA), Armstrong, Hallicrafters, Eddystone, and......Collins. Yep, I skipped quite a few. Go take a look for yourself.

Morse

Here's one I'm not familiar with:   Dunestar Systems
Now here's gear we all can use: Remote Switching and Bandpass Filters.

Boy, if they only made a remote switch for open-wire! Then I'd be all set for that Special Antenna project......... Hmmmmmm, maybe they'll read this and jump to the drafting...er... CAD screen and design one???? I hope I Hope...I HOPE!....

I see they also have an Other Products page.

Morse

Well, that wraps it up for today. Please, drop me an email and let me know what you think about The Ham Weblog, ok? It's easy; just Email K3LBP!


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73 for this time, de K3LBP


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