The Ham Weblog

The Ham Weblog^TM
December 6, 2000

Ok, I've brought you here, so you have every right to ask WHY? And, I'll tell you. You're a test-case, the proverbial guinea pig! I know, that's not all that flattering, but.....well, there you have it.

So, what's this all about? Well, I got this hare-brained idea that if I could somehow capture an audience with dazzling [or, at least passable] content, that down the road, there may be a couple of copper coins in it, HI, HI!

One of the things most hams can not get enough of is information on the latest news in the hobby. I mean the LATEST news, not something that's been in the production phase of QST or CQ for the last 2 - 3 months. Like, RIGHT NOW info, just hot off the manufacturer's desk, er...website!

That's what this is all about; oh, and don't worry--I'm not asking YOU for any of those copper coins! If this test proves successful, I'll be asking the sources of the information for the coin.

**Well, anyway, here we go! First stop this time is ICOM.**
Icom has a PowerPoint presentation of its IC756PRO XCVR on its website. Now, it's not a working demo, just a "slide show" of the rig, but you still might want to take a look-see. If you don't have PowerPoint on your computer, that's ok; Icom has provided a link to Microsoft where you can download a PowerPoint viewer.
Also on the site is ARCP software for your Icom rigs. You can even register to receive emails of Icom news [hey, I'd rather you check here, but...]. Finally, you can download PDF's of U.S. Amateur Radio Band Charts and a U.S. Grid Square Map. This site is definitely worth a check: IC756PRO

Moving on to Yaesu...
Well, of course you've got what you'd expect: The normal Product, Accessories, Support, Dealers, etc. And, each is it's own separate link on Yaesu website.

But, Yaesu's gone two steps farther: A News link News and A Monthly Newsletter, authored by Chip Margelli -- K7JA/8P9EX YAESU'S DX WORLD

**Moving on to Yaesu...**
Well, of course you've got what you'd expect: The normal Product, Accessories, Support, Dealers, etc. And, each is it's own separate link on Yaesu website.
But, Yaesu's gone two steps farther: A News link News and A Monthly Newsletter, authored by Chip Margelli -- K7JA/8P9EX YAESU'S DX WORLD

Whadda Ya Say we jump away from the big boys now and check out some of the smaller fish in our sea?

Ameritron
Well, I checked out this site, but was a little disappointed. The site is straight-forward, but doesn't seem to offer any News! Maybe they'd be a "target" for the The Ham Weblog; sort of get 'em motivated??

**Ameritron**
Well, I checked out this site, but was a little disappointed. The site is straight-forward, but doesn't seem to offer any News! Maybe they'd be a "target" for the The Ham Weblog; sort of get 'em motivated??

hy-gain
At this site, perhaps the most notable information is located on its FAQ page. There I found such useful tidbits as:

How do I check my traps?
Should I use conductive grease?
How do I check a balun?
How far apart should I stack beams?
Should elements of antennas in a stack be parallel or at 90 degrees?
How do I keep bolts from seizing?
Do I really need radials on my vertical antenna?

Now I call that useful!! Check out the hy-gain FAQ's

**hy-gain**
At this site, perhaps the most notable information is located on its FAQ page. There I found such useful tidbits as: How do I check my traps? Should I use conductive grease? How do I check a balun? How far apart should I stack beams? Should elements of antennas in a stack be parallel or at 90 degrees? How do I keep bolts from seizing? Do I really need radials on my vertical antenna?
Now I call that useful!! Check out the hy-gain FAQ's

Are you getting tired yet? I need to know how much is enough, ok?

Now for some of the really smaller fry!
Took a little side-surf to check out Champion Radio Products. These guys make the Trylon Titan Radio Tower. In addition to radio towers, this site offers other products, such as:

Publications
Rigging Gear
Safety Equipment
Grounding
Waterproofing
Software

It's worth checking out the Champion What's New page, too.

**Now for some of the **really** smaller fry!**
Took a little side-surf to check out Champion Radio Products. These guys make the Trylon Titan Radio Tower. In addition to radio towers, this site offers other products, such as: Publications Rigging Gear Safety Equipment Grounding Waterproofing Software
It's worth checking out the Champion What's New page, too.

While out here in cyberspace, I also stopped by The QSL MAN.
Wayne -- W4MPY, has a pretty neat site, complete with rotating beam! He also offers some specials that you might want to check out: Eyeball Cards, and a special on these little goodies if you've recently opted for a vanity call.

This site is complete with samples, and online ordering. Definitely worth investigating!

**While out here in cyberspace, I also stopped by The QSL MAN.**
Wayne -- W4MPY, has a pretty neat site, complete with rotating beam! He also offers some specials that you might want to check out: Eyeball Cards, and a special on these little goodies if you've recently opted for a vanity call.
This site is complete with samples, and online ordering. Definitely worth investigating!

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

73 for this time, de K3LBP

The Ham WeblogTM

The Ham Weblog^TM