ToC

QSTs It Seems to Us

Here's another interesting item from May QST. This time, its Dave Sumner's editorial. Dave puts digital modes, like PSK 31, in perspective this month. In fact, it sounds like we're flocking to digital in unprecedented droves! May well be; in any case, the handwriting seems to be on the wall...Only problem is--is it in 1010101010's, dididahdahdidi, or that warbling tone of PSK31? Anyway, Dave brings to light yet another development likely to overtake all of in the not-too-distant future: Digital Voice. And, he includes a link at ARRL for more reading: Technology Task Force. The Technology Task Force report's most interesting and compelling information is presented in Attachments A and B: Attachment A:   [Technology Working Group Report] cites "higher digital speeds and digital voice" as two thrusts amateurs feel they need to make an impact. FCC's Hatfield's June 2000 speech is noted:   Hatfield focused on "software-defined radios (SDRs)" as an area in which amateur radio design should move. Attachment B:   [Digital Voice Working Group Report] describes the League's Digital Voice Committee's inital report -- generally a summary of status quo and where to go from here. Although Technology Working Group Report gets a bit wrapped up in League procedure-ese, several conclusions are worthy of note: "...384 kbit/s is (needed for) full-frame/-motion, digitally-compressed video "...of three digital voice technologies (LPC-10, MELP and AMBE), APCO Project 25 and other systems have selected Digital Voice Systems, Inc. AMBE...." ARRL to encourage a supply of reasonably-priced digital-voice chips for amateur use ARRL to work with US amateur manufacturers and Japanese industrial and amateur associations to encourage interest in digital voice ARRL to Promote digital-voice awareness through QST articles ARRL to develop and test scalable protocol for 2.4 kbit/s at HF; and 4 - 9.6 kbit/s at VHF/UHF Quite frankly, the Digital Voice Working Group Report loses me quite quickly! Now, that may well be time-of-night, or just simply (and more likely) over-my-head syndrome, but... hey! Go read the reports. At least know what's going on, HI! In any event, sure seems like there's lots afoot for the future of advanced amateur technologies to master. Now, lessee... Ie=Kear, right? Well, that's what my ole buddy LeRoy told me, anyways, HI!

ToC

Is your clock right? What about your watch? Check at Atomic Time!

WOW!!! There's sure something here for just about everyone, HI! If you can't find a clock or watch to your liking here, maybe you should go back to the Sundial. Gee, did you know that each second can be calculated by counting "9,192,631,770 vibrations of a cesium-133 atom in a vacuum"? Yep, they say so! And, they have more than 200 timepiece models from which to choose. Have one in your price range? Probably, since their range is $19 to over $2000. Hey...I don't think you can get one from that other company [the one "takes a licking and keeps on ticking"] for $20! But we're not in the advertising business, so enough of that! The site is well-designed, but I was distracted by the flashing animation at the top. I expected to be whisked away to exotic timepieces when I moved my mouse over the image, but was disappointed, although the animation does continue on to display a v e r y rapid sequence of clocks and watches. I'm not sure this feature is all that useful. Atomic Time does feature one clock which they label as specifically marketed to amateur radio Atomic Clock Amateur Radio with Alarm & Temperature. However, I don't see any reference on the linked page to amateur radio! Am I missing something? Now, here's a neat clock: Atomic ZEIT Modern with Temp. and Hygrometer. Caution, though...Be sure to click on the link below the image. Clicking on the image takes you to an intermediate page and you have to search on the page to find the same image. Having temperature and barometric pressure displays is a nice touch. Wonder if you can mount external sensors to get condx outside? One last comment:   The site also supports online ordering, so you can buy right now!

ToC

Restrictive Covenants got you down? Call International Antenna Corporation.

With all the talk lately in QST and other ham pubs, it sure seems that CC&Rs (aka Restrictive Covenants or deed restrictions) are the bane of amateur radio....at least here in the US. Well, then just go out and get yourself a bazooka! No, not the military kind...the antenna kind! Well, obviously, some stealth is in order, so let's look at International Antenna's Stealth Bazooka. The claims are impressive: Covers 20, 17, and 10 meters w/o traps, coils, or tuner rated at 1.5 KW PEP? Extensible range to 15, 12, and 6 meters with use of tuner My ?:   Does the power rating apply only on 20, 17, and 10? Look closely at the way the specs are presented. Power is mentioned immediately after these bands, but not mentioned at all on the Specifications page. May not be a problem, but if you consider this antenna, I'd sure ask, HI! Also, be sure to check the wind rating for the "flag pole" with flag flying. Considerably less than w/o. Again, reasonable; but, better to know ahead of time. Of course, you really shouldn't fly Old Glory in inclement WX anyway! Be sure to check both the Specifications and the SWR pages, too. SWR looks to be impressive, but then the Bazooka is known for being broadband, so that's good. And, Int'l Antennas includes the Installation Instructions right on the website. Now try and misplace those instructions!! Darn good idea!

ToC

The ARRL Letter [Vol. 20, No. 19, May 11, 2001]: Alinco Shifts North American Distribution

Amateur Radio manufacturer Alinco has closed its US branch in Torrance, California, and shifted its North American distribution to an Ohio firm. Alinco product distribution and customer service now are being handled by Atoc Amateur Distributing LLC in Covington, Ohio. The change was effective May 1. A news release posted on the Alinco Web site says that Alinco will continue to be "a very committed, viable player in the Amateur Radio marketplace" and that all Alinco warranties "will remain in force and continue to be honored through their term." Alinco will exhibit at Dayton Hamvention next week and will sponsor the W8BI special event station in the outdoor exhibits area as it has in past years. In addition to dealer distribution, the Atoc facility in Ohio is taking over customer support and out-of-warranty service of Alinco products and sales of Alinco parts. Parts sales have been temporarily suspended during the changeover, and service could be disrupted for a time as well. The announcement said Alinco will concentrate on designing and manufacturing products from its Japan headquarters in Osaka and factory in Toyama. For more information, visit the Alinco Web site, http://www.alinco.com , or contact Atoc Distributing LLC, 23 S High St, Covington, OH 45318; 937-473-2840.

ToC Well, that wraps it up for today. Please, drop me an email and let me know what you think about The Ham Weblog, ok? Also, I'm always open to ideas and suggestions for other content to publish on this site. What do you want to read about? It's easy; just Email K3LBP!

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