A Month Of Sundaes And Weird Frustrations

August 30, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Howdy kidlets. Another week gone. I had a bit of a frustrating time this afternoon. I was in the middle of logging a contact and my ketboard stopped working. I changed the batteries and nothing. I removed the device and nothing. I ended up re-adding the keyboard and re-booting and, voila, it works! Gotta love it. Now combine that with trying to navigate government websites looking for information, I was really feeling disgruntled. Now I got the stuff straightened out and got the answers I need so I have been regruntled. 🙂

It has been a nice time since my last update. This weekend was pretty mellow. We did some shopping, we got stuff for my mother-in-law and we did a bit of work around the house. Also, I played radio.

Yesterday we took a drive up to the Hemlock Road Overlook in Western Perry County in Tuscarora State Forest US-5479. It is a nice spot to sit and watch the valley and has a good elevation for working radio. The 40 Meter band was not in good shape, though. Lately the bands have been up and down and this weekend was pretty dismal, but I was able to work 11 stations, including 3 park-to-parks. A few cars rolled past us and we had a courteous motorcyclist drive up. He parked next to us, took some pictures and, seeing what we were doing, he pushed his bike away from us before starting it. Kudos for him. 🙂

Now a few words about band conditions. We have past the peak of the 11-year cycle and for the next few years, conditions will be less good than they have been. The higher frequency bands will seem to diminish, and more and more activity will shift to 14 MHz and below. I would suggest making sure you have capabilities on the 40- and 80-Meter bands as they will really start to shine, especially at night. If you do CW or digital modes, 30-meters might be an option as the antennae are shorter than for lower bands (14.1 meters for 10MHz ad opposed to 19.8 meters for 7.18 MHz or 38.3 meters for 3.725 MHz). The other bands will not go away but there will be fewer openings. One band that might surprise you, though, is 6 Meters. It can open at seemingly random times and stay open for various intervals. I have known people in the past who keep a radio tuned to the 6-meter band on frequencies where beacons are, listening for openings. Some of them have, with patience, achieved the “worked all states” award on 6 from the ARRL, which is a real accomplishment.

Well that is all for now, I guess. Namaste kids and keep your stick on the ice.

A couple of ruminants having a snack at an undisclosed location.

True, Goats Imbibe Freely (TGIF)

August 14, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Howdy kids. Before I get into my latest activation, I would like to take a few minutes to discuss SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) which is the ratio between forward and reflected power. The more of a difference in impedance between the final amplifier of your radio and the antenna, the more power is reflected back. Older transmitters commonly used vacuum-tube final amplifiers with adjustable output networks. Those networks could accommodate a fairly wide range of impedances. Modern transceivers generally use transistors/MOSFETs designed around a nominal 50-ohm load. Excessive reflected power can create voltage/current stresses the output stage wasn’t intended to handle. Most modern radios have circuitry that protects the radio from excessive reflected power by reducing the output. Your 100 watt radio might not put out 100 watts if there is a difference in impedance between the rig and the antenna. Basically, you want as much of your power going out over the air as possible, otherwise you are just heating up your equipment and coax. This is a simplified explanation, but I think it serves our purpose here.

I did have a successful activation this afternoon at Little Buffalo StaTE Park US-1376. It was a nice sunny day, and I found a spot in the shade to park. I was able to work 20 stations in about 50 minutes and one thing that I believe helped was using the club callsign, K3SRZ, along with my own. That way people were getting 2 stations instead of 1. In between contacts, I watched people paddling around the lake and fish jumping. A nice view. 🙂 I was able to hear Ospreys, American Goldfinches, Cedar Waxwings and American Crows.

On another note, I believe we misidentified the sex of our youngest cat, Muffin. It appears that he has a pair of furrballs emerging. That is a good thing as the procedure for fixing a male is less expensive than for a female.

Now I am going to sit and relax and enjoy a “Trick or Treat” which is a chocolate pumpkin porter made by Evil Genius Brewing Company from Philly.

Stay balanced and focused, keep your stick on the ice and namaste kids.

A baby bunny I found near the door when going into work the other night

Hubert the gnome and Zarathustra the owl keep me safe at Little Buffalo SP

Where In The World Is Abraham Lincoln?

August 1, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

The beginning of a new month always brings a feeling of promise before the realities of the mundane slap you upside the head. Wow, sounds a bit cynical, doesn’t it? It is actually a nice day, today, 1 August 26. The skies are clouded over with rain being anticipated but the temperature is 31C and rising (87.7 F). We can always use the rain.

Yesterday, SWMBO expressed the desire to take a drive down to Gettysburg as she wanted to do some photography for her webpage. We decided to go down early this morning before the town was crowded and bustling. There are 5 statues of Lincoln in Gettysburg along with a bust in the cemetery. Basically, we went Lincoln hunting.

We got to Gettysburg and stopped at Gettysburg College in front of Stevens Hall for the first statue. It depicts Lincoln seated and writing the Emancipation Proclamation. It is easy to find as it is right on RTE 34 as you come into town from the North. The next one on our itinerary is located on Lincoln Square in the center of town on the West side of the roundabout. Lincoln is standing with a citizen and holding his hat aloft as if to say “Behold! A Bright Future”. From there we continued South a few blocks to the Library where Lincoln is standing holding The Gettysburg Address in his left hand as his right hand is raised to the sky as if he is giving a speech. From there we drove out Baltimore Pike to the Visitor’s Center. The parking lots were empty, so we didn’t have to walk far. Here Lincoln is seated on a bench gazing to the future. Lastly, we went to the Pennsylvania Memorial to the Northwest of Little Roundtop. Lincoln is there to the right of the monument, standing with his hand raised in a pose of benediction.

Since it was still early and there were no crowds around, we decided to do an activation. We went to my favorite activation spot: Culp’s Hill. We started at 11:41 UTC (7:41 EDT) and by 12:12 UTC (8:12 EDT) we had worked 39 stations. The calls were coming at a good rate and then tapered off. We had the hill pretty much to ourselves with the exception of a drone flying overhead. As we were packing up, a car stopped and asked my if the antenna I was holding was a fishing pole and where there would be any fishing around the area. I informed him that it was a radio antenna. He laughed and said he had fishing on his mind.

We heard the following birds in Gettysburg: House Sparrows, Chimney Swifts, Northern Cardinals, House Finches, European Starlings, Tufted Titmouses, American Robins, Mourning Doves, Blue Jays, Gray Catbirds, Northern Mockingbirds and American Goldfinches. A nice assortment for a Summer morning.

Well, that is my update for today. I hope all are well and as always, namaste and keep your stick on the ice.

Abe and I hanging around the visitor center

A few QSOs from Culp’s Hill

Discretely Valorous

July 28, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Sometimes it is too easy or comfortable to focus on success or on positive outcomes. Today I am taking a different path.

SWMBO and I set out to have a picnic style lunch and to activate the Vista at Three Square Hollow. We proceeded to Jaymee Lee’s Quick Stop in Newville, PA. This little store with rustic charm makes the BEST chicken tenders. I can’t say enough good about their chicken, especially the tenders. Hot and fresh and moist with the perfect coating. They are fresh because they are constantly having to make more as they sell out fast. Anyway, we got a couple tenders and some coleslaw and took a drive up to the Vista. As we ate, I watched with trepidation as the clouds lowered and the temperature also dropped. We finished eating and before I could set up my radio and antenna, the thunderstorm hit. Sitting on top of a ridge in a lightning event while using a transmitter is not the best of ideas. We un-assed the area.

As we drove down the gravel mountain road, the rain got more and more intense. We could hear the thunder from within the car. We made it back home, but I had to venture back out into the storm as we had forgotten an important item from our grocery list: toilet paper! After I got back from the store I stood on the porch and recorded the video I am linking to below.

I cannot stress enough the importance of safety in the ham radio hobby, especially in a lightning storm. Aside from the loud static crashes, there is always the possibility of a nearby strike. It is a good idea to disconnect your antennae from your home station and to have surge protection. Lightning can take some surprising paths in its search for ground. Always make sure the grounding on your tower is good (if you have one) and make sure your station is bonded to a single ground point suck as a cold-water pipe or a long ground rod (at least 2 meters pounded into the ground).

Ok, there will be other opportunities for a safe activation, and I foresee at least one coming up in the not-too-distant-future. In my usual fashion, Namaste kids and keep your stick on the ice!

The image features a photo-realistic 2021 Subaru Outback with a ham radio installation as lightning dramatically strikes the vehicle during a powerful storm. Amazing what you can do with AI. 🙂

A still shot of the run-off flowing past.

Busy, Hot, And Worth It: Ending My Days Off with POTA

July 14, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Howdy kidlets and/or others who may be reading this. You may or may not be aware that I work a non-standard schedule. First off, I work a 12 hour night shift and secondly, I work a schedule that varies from 3 days one week (pay period) to 4 days the next. This gives me every other weekend off and some time off during the week. Naturally, we try to get a lot of stuff done on off days. This was my week to have Monday and Tuesday (today) off.

Yesterday, Monday, we did some shopping for us and my mother-in-law. We even took her along to one of the stores to get her out of her apartment and to be active, though she wasn’t fond of the heat. I also did some of the yard work which I refer to as taming Satan’s Putting Green. Notice that I said some. I was almost out of gas for the mower and the weed-wacker was bone dry. While out shopping I did pick up some 2-cycle oil to add to a gas can so I was ready for a fill-up. The heat was pretty much debilitating. When all that was done I played on the radio for a bit though the bands were very iffy. I made some contacts on 40M and 30 M, mostly CW, and then called it quits. I know, I am a boring person. 🙂

Today was non-stop. First thing I had my oil changed and then picked up some gas for the mower and weed-wacker. I completed the domination of Satan’s Putting Green for a week or so and I also checked the condition of my antennae. Mostly I use dipoles here at home except for a dual band 2 meter and 75 cm vertical. I looked the dipoles over and made sure they were still in good condition and still well supported. I keep an eye on them as I have had limbs (tree limbs, not human) fall and break wires or support ropes. I would rather not transmit when my dipole is laying on the ground. In my experience it is good to check them over on a semi-regular basis. I am prepared for most repairs which is why I like dipoles: easy to make and easy to repair. I have even fixed a broken dipole by wrapping a piece of wire across both ends of the break and soldering the whole thing.

As the day progressed, things stayed active. SWMBO was doing laundry stuff whilst I did the yard and then we put most of it away. Since this involves carrying heavy baskets of clothing from the basement to the second floor, we don’t do it all at once. We spread it over a couple of days.

The next item on the agenda was taking Muffin (our youngest) to the vet for a shot and an exam. She was not happy being in the carrier and serenaded us with the lamentations of her people all the way to the vets. It turns out that she is in good health and, despite her small size, is between 10 and 12 weeks old. Now she goes back in 2 to 4 weeks for other shots. She is very active and amusing.

We went to lunch after which SWMBO said she needed to go to a big national chain store (use your imagination) as the one we went to yesterday didn’t have any paper left that hadn’t been mauled by rabid baboons. At least this store (in another town) had a good selection of specialty paper that was in saleable shape.

On the way to said store we went up into the local mountains and went to the 3 Square Hollow Vista (Tuscarora State Foerst US-5479) overlooking Cumberland County, where we did an activation. This being in the early afternoon, the 40 m band wasn’t great, but we got our 10 in about 20 minutes. As I was packing up, I turned on my 2 meter rig and asked on simplex if anyone wanted a POTA contact. Immediately a voice said ” I do! I do”. We got him in the log (my first 2 meter POTA QSO) and went on our way.

After the store we came home and here we are. I am enjoying the AC as it is still 32C outside (86 F) with a heat index of 40C. I guess the next few days will be the same, but I will be working so I won’t be out in the heat as much.

Well, enough for now. Namaste and enjoy your best life.

Kalamity is prepared to accept pats and scritches

Successful Recon And Some Antenna Thoughts

July 9, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Today, 9 July 26, SWMBO and I went on a recon to a new park. We are looking at doing a camping trip later this month and wanted to check out Rocky Gap State Park US-1593 in Maryland. This is a nice park which adjoins a resort and casino. As you drive into the park you pass a very large golf course. The park is easy to find and to access.

We pulled into the parking lot for the park office and it was pretty much deserted. As I was setting up a couple of rangers passed us by in pickups but didn’t stop. I guess they had seen activators before. It only took about 7 minutes to get on the air and I received responses to my CQ calls immediately. It didn’t take long to work 17 stations on 40 Meters and then I closed down as we were only here for a recon and I had found the info I wanted.

Next we drove up to the campground area but could not get in as it was gated. No problem as the maps on the reservation page are detailed and include pictures of the campsites. Tomorrow I will go onto the site and reserve a spot. I am looking forward to it.

Now some antenna thoughts. I could pull into a park and set up a wire antenna (G5RV JR) and I have done that, but my philosophy has changed. I could also set up a tri-pod mounted vertical such as my “Buddi Stick ” which I have done in the past also but I choose not to. I do carry those antennae with me but I keep them as a back up. My “Ham Stick” antennae work fine and allow me to complete activations on a minimal level, not disturbing anything and leaving behind no trace of being there. One of the things that brought me around to this way of thinking is that I am not in a contest; I am not competing with anyone. I am satisfied with a successful activation rather than trying to make or break a record. I do this to relax and to get enjoyment out of the outdoors. Bigger or “better” antennae would probably net me more contacts, but what I have is satisfactory to me. If I want contacts out to about 600 Kilometers or so, I choose 40 Meters. If I want to work European stations I choose 17 meters or 12 meters. I have antennae for all bands from 80 meters to 6 meters but have had the best of luck on 40 or the WARC bands.

You may have noticed that I didn’t mention 20 Meters. I do work it occasionally but due to the crowding on that band, I do not get on often. There are a lot of nets and a lot of other usage on 20 and it is easy to step on someone’s toes (or have your toes trod on). I guess it is an age thing, but I prefer not to make waves.

Anyway, I have prattled on for too long. Namaste, kids and keep your stick on the ice.

Rocky Gap State Park ranger station

Why, Oh Why?

June 7, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Hi kids. Time for another entry in my blog. I hope you are all well and enjoying the late Spring weather.

Why do I do POTA activations, you may ask? Well that is something to answer. I first started doing ham radio as a hobby back in 1998. I saw it as an extension of my electronics degree and discovered how fun it is. The club I belonged to did communications for local dirt bike and bicycle races. The races were held (and still are) in an area that has almost no cell service; also you have to learn the tricks to getting a radio signal out. There are spots where if you roll your car 2 meters (6 feet) forward or back it can go from no signal to a strong (full quieting) signal. Mostly it was on the 2 Meter band and using a repeater but there were places where it was necessary to use relays from check points back to the marshalling area where the net control was set up.

After a while I upgraded my license to where I could use the HF bands. This allowed for longer distance communication from home and from out in the field. I got hooked on using CW (morse code) and QRP (low power) both from home and operating from a remote location. I would drive out to a park or other area such as a ridge and operate portable. This gave me quite a bit of experience with various types of antennae, band conditions and weather. I was ridiculed by the then club president (now a silent key) who would mock me for having a “peanut whistle” signal which no one would hear. I ignored him as hard as I could.

Fast-forward to 2023 when I first started working POTA stations and then finally to activate parks myself. I found it a great way to get outside and to operate away from the house. I enjoy nature and love sitting in the woods and taking it all in. I also enjoy experimenting with different set ups . It is nice to receive the achievement awards available but the main satisfaction I get is from setting up in a park and making a bona fide activation (working at least 10 stations). So, basically, I do it because I can. It also allows me to keep my skills sharp and to learn new things.

Today, Sunday 7 June 2026, I did yet another activation of Big Spring State Park US-4335. The weather was great with partly cloudy skies and a temperature of 33 C (92 F) that became 30.5 C (87 F) under the trees of the park. There was a good amount of traffic in the area, on the main road and also people walking through the park. I even got some curious looks from a trio of men on those skateboard things which have only 1 wheel in the middle of the board. I stayed there and was able to work 12 stations on 40 meters in about an hour. I heard the following birds: red-eyed vireos, american redstarts, acadian flycatchers, eastern wood-pewees, carolina wrens and ovenbirds. A nice assortment and pleasant to listen to.

Well enough for now. Namaste, kidlets and go out in nature!

Ptolomey, Missie and Moxie enjoying a day at the park.

Good Day Mediocre Day

May 5, 2026May 5, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Sitting here and trying to unwind, but I am sure the coffee doesn’t help. lol Yesterday was pretty good and today, in contrast, wasn’t that great, though it has/had some up notes. First off, I will dispense with the ups and downs of today before I delve into yesterday.

Today started out pretty mellow. We went grocery shopping for us and my mother-in-law. That didn’t take long and we then had an early lunch at the Blain Hotel And Family Restaurant. Their special today was patty melts and they were good. After we got home I decided that it was time to tackle Satan’s Putting Green as it was getting a bit long and ragged since the last mowing. As I was mowing, SWMBO made manifest an herculean effort to cut back the bamboo; the same bamboo I mentioned before. She got a good bit of it done and when I finished the mowing I pitched in and we took down some more of that dreaded weed.

Finished with the yard work we decided to head over to Newville to the store for a few random things. Route 233 over Doubling Gap, though the shortest and most direct way, is clogged up with a construction project that has miles of one lane road and long delays. We took another route, 74 over Waggoners Gap and across Bloserville Road and Creek Road. No problems. We arrived and did our shopping. Then the return trip. This was sort of a colossal waste of time. We made it back up to Waggoners gap with no issues and down the other side into Perry County. At the bottom, right before a road we could have taken to detour if it wasn’t blocked, a farm trailer which had been filled with manure was laying on its side on a diagonal blocking the road. Shit! (pun intended). Ok, we turned around, went back over the gap and took 944 towards Sterrets Gap. We got stuck behind a car which varied from 5 to 10 MPH (8 to 16 KPH) below the speed limit. We finally got home after an extra 45 minutes of travel and put our semi-thawed stuff in the freezer.

Now I am relaxing. Sorry about the bitching. lol

Yesterday after a trip into Carlisle for some necessary stuff, I activated PA-088 State Game Land US-8787. I got set up rather quickly and got on the air on 40M. The temperature was a balmy 22.22 C (72F) and I left the doors and hatch open. Aside from traffic roaring by, it was a nice spot to sit. Within 9 minutes I had my 10 contacts to make it a bona fide activation. I ended up working a total of 24 stations in about 32 minutes. I headed home and then we ran some errands. Then last night I tuned to 7.245 MHz and immediately worked the W9IMS special Event Station! I have mentioned this event in previous years but I will summarize here to make it unnecessary to look my posts up. Every year W9IMS runs a 3-part special event starting with the Indianapolis Grand Prix followed by the Indianapolis 500 and finishing with the Brickyard 400. You can receive QSL cards for each individual event or, if you work all 3 you can get a certificate. More information can be found on http://www.qrz.com and look up W9IMS.

Yesterday I was able to hear Red-Eyed Vireos, Black-Throated Green Warblers, Chipping Sparrows. Ovenbirds and Belted Kingfishers.

All in all, yesterday was a better day than today and a good time was had by all. Namaste, kids and keep on keeping on even when things are not perfect. 🙂

Missie, Moxie and Ollie at SGL 088

Beware Of The Bamboo!

April 30, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Sometimes my ideas don’t work out well. About 6 years ago I purchased some bamboo plants to use as a screen for a ditch that runs through my yard. For the past 2 years I have been fighting with the stuff. It is cool looking, but, however, it does take over and grows about 7 meters high. Our view is obscured. I have been thinning it, but the shoots are coming up all over the place. I have pulled up the runners when I can, and I cut the new growth off, but the stuff has a very strong survival drive. Today I used the remains of a can of weed killer on some of the shoots and we will see if that works.

So: Spring advances. Tomorrow is the first day of May which means that in about 50 days it will be Summer. It is a good time to go over your radio equipment/kit to make any needed repairs and any necessary upgrades. Check over your coax visually and then do any tests you feel like doing such as continuity. If you use wire antennae for a portable setup then inspect the wire for frays and burrs. Verify the SWR on the antenna at the appropriate frequencies. Inspect any portable antennae such as base-loaded verticals or Hamsticks. Make sure all your connectors are free from corrosion. Make sure your batteries are in good condition and verify the charge. Take an inventory of your stuff and get any replacements you might need. Do basic maintenance on your toolkit. These things should be completed quarterly and really don’t take up much time. In my experience it is the little things that will cause you the most grief if you forget about them. Ever head out to the field and realize upon arrival that you have left something at home such as your battery or antenna? Just in case, always have an alternative in mind for an antenna. Ok, enough of the OM advice.

Today was a nice day. A comfortable temperature (15.5 C or 60 F) and we went to King’s Gap State Park US-4361. This was my 21st activation there and we both (SWMBO and I) like the place. For the most part it is quiet during the week. We like to park at the trailhead parking lot at the top of the hill away from the mansion. Usually, we don’t encounter people but today we had a couple rangers drive past and wave. I was using a 40M Hamstick (an original Lakewood that I have had for years) and the band was in pretty good shape. We logged 25 contacts in about as many minutes, one contact being KB3PSN, out club president.

The drive up to King’s Gap runs about 6KM uphill through a nice scenic forest. There are a few curves, and it is a bit narrow in places, but it is a pleasant drive. One of the spots you can stop at on the way up (or back down) is a small pond where you can see some of the local amphibians and the aquatic plants. Near the mansion on top is a flower/herb garden maintained by local flora fans. At one end is a small pond with local water plants and lots and lots of frogs which stop singing when you get too close. There are picnic tables available and there is a fantastic view from the porch of the mansion overlooking Cumberland County

The birds we heard were Blue-Grey Gnatcatchers, Oven Birds, Tufted Titmouses (titmice? I am still uncertain which it is), Brown-Headed Cowbirds and Eastern Towhees.

After we made our way back to Carlisle we stopped for a meal at the Dickenson Restaurant. They make really good food. They used to be the Newville Diner but had to move due to water issues in their old building.

Okay, I have rambled on and now am done. I will drink some coffee and try to find some parks on the radio. Namaste, all, and try to sync your reality with what is genuine.

Missy, Moxie and Ollie overseeing our activation

Tax Day And Other Woes!

April 15, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Rather ominous, don’t you think? Today is April 15th, Tax Day. My taxes were filed months ago so it is just another day unless you take into account I am off.

We are being visited by some early season heat. Currently the temperature is 33.5C (about 93F for those who use that system) and it is on the edge of uncomfortable. The sky is sorta hazy, that light blue mixed with off-white clouds that you see on hot and humid day. No animals are stirring and the only bird I heard on my activation was the American Goldfinch, a rather pleasant and unassuming little bird.

I am sitting on my gaming chair which I won in a local fire department raffle. The Landisburg Fire Department garners funds through online raffles. They switched to this when the carnivals went away due to the pandemic a few years back. They seem to do well. I have won things like a generator, a 6-man tent, a set of Yeti mugs and a cooler and now a chair which SWMBO and I were able to assemble with a minimum of profanity and no noted injuries. Now the challenge is keeping the cats off of it.

This afternoon I activated Big Spring State Park US-4355 again. I logged 16 contacts in about 40 minutes. The 40M band was noisy with a lot of static being caused by thunderstorms in the distance. You can hear the crashes from lightening hundreds of miles away on the radio. That is one of the fun things about radio: learning about weather and other scientific things. ( Yea! Science!) Anyway, there were actually a couple of people in the park. They stayed on the other side of the park from where I was located.

When I got home, SWMBO helped me enter my logs into the POTA log upload app. Now I am waiting for the log to be approved. The server may be busy, I don’t know. No hurry, though, it is too hot to be in a hurry. I am even thinking about putting the AC units in, though I will not look forward to the increased electric bill.

There is a relatively new ham who I am mentoring. He is eager to learn and is able to reason his way through issues rather well. I read a post the other day in one of the ham radio groups on Facebook where someone asked for advice on what to make for an antenna to use for activating parks. My protege gave him some good advice on a WRC (Wolf River Coil) and radials. It is good to see knowledge being passed forward. There are too many people who use the anonymity of the social media format to belittle and bully others because they can get away with it. I am happy to say that a lot of people that I know show patience and provide good advice whether the topic is radio or home-brewing related.

Well before I go, I would like to remind you that I do encourage comments on this blog. Input is always welcome. For now, namaste and as always, keep your stick on the ice.