Hmm … Yet another blog … does the world need this?
Probably not but I need a way to organize my thoughts and document my projects in the LF/MF world as well as my adventures in (re)learning CW.
Living at the end of the [repeater] network gives me fewer VHF options for QSOs. There are few hams in the general vicinity and mountains are blocking access to those that are closest.
Since the 1980’s I’ve:
- played with the amateur satellites (ISS, MIR, OSCARs, etc) … timing is everything but being in the north does not help,
- help maintain repeater networks on mountaintops (Yukon, Northern BC) … exciting, but that thrill is fading as I age,
- managed communications on long distance (100+ mile) running races … learned a lot about logistics and being prepared,
- participated in search and rescue exercises and real events … working in military operated searches was really helpful in making me a more professional operator
- made HF contacts around the world … usually 80, 40 and 20 Meters
- contested in my spare time … what spare time?
Some day I may be up for the challenge of EME.
For now I’m trying to step away from the usual world of VHF FM voice/data and move into more exciting territory.
Chasing NDBs and operating on the newer top bands for Canadian amateurs is interesting, technically challenging and less populated thus making contacts more valuable … that sounds like fun to me!
