I have a tower that has an antenna on it that has taken a lot of damage over the years due to weather. The day after tomorrow, I have a friend coming over to remove the damaged antenna and install another in its place. He will be swapping out a 2M quad beam for a 2m/400 vertical. This will go on the top of the tower and should allow me to hit some of the local repeaters. Basically, we live in a hollow which shelters our house from a lot of the worst weather but is not a good location for VHF/UHF communications. The tower will put the antenna around 40 feet above the ground level. I am also having him install some pulleys at the top which will allow me to raise the level of my dipoles and hang an american flag. I am looking forward to the project. I might even post some pics and or video on here. Stay tuned.
#AmateurRadio
CQing for fun and prophet
There is a lot to be said for CW. You listen for a clear frequency and start sending. Usually it is CQ CQ CQ this is (insert callsign here twice) Over. In International Morse Code that would be -.-. –.- -.-. –.- -.-. –.- -.. . followed by call sign then .- .-. In a way it is like fishing. You cast out your call as bait and see who bites. Depending on the band and time of day it could be anybody anywhere. My cats are fascinated with the whole process. They like the tone being sent and enjoy grabbing at my hand while I am sending.
Right now I am on 40M looking for contacts with SKCC club members. SKCC is the Straight Key Century Club which is a club of CW enthusiasts who use straight keys. Sometimes that can get difficult for me as I have a mild form of Carpal Tunnel but I make do. It is relaxing to hear the sound of CW coming over the radio and it is a great way to pass time.
Morse Code was invented ~1837 and went into use ~1844. Untold miles of telegraph wire was strung up and for years it was the main means of high speed communications. When radio came along, Morse Code was the primary means of transmission and even to this day remains popular with amateur radio operators.
Nature, Radio, and Me 