Amateur Radio Station N2AWA

Contents

• Quick Reference Table
• Overview
• Rigs (HF)
• Telegraph Keys
• Rigs (VHF/UHF)
• Antennas (HF)
• Microphone (HF)
• Antennas (FM)
• Batteries / Battery Packs
• Clubs / Vendors
• QSL Cards and Logging
• Echolink
• Tower Project
• Antenna References
• Essential Vintage Radio Books and Literature (separate page)
• Events

Overview

History of N2AWA
I remember hearing about amateur ("HAM") radio when I was a kid back in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It certainly had an element of intrigue, and I had been casually acquainted with one or two amateur radio operators ("HAMs") over the years, but never allocated the time to learn more about it and develop my own interests, until recently.

My own personal exploration of amateur radio began in September 2005 when I visited the Rochester Amateur Radio Association (RARA) web site. I began studying the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Element 2 (Technician Class) manual on Sunday September 4, and was prepared to take the exam September 17, which was the date of the next local Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) testing session. Unfortunately, I was out of town that day (at the Antique Radio Swap Meet in Kutztown, Pennsylvania). So I searched for other VEC sessions via the ARRL web site and conveniently made arrangements (thanks to AK3M) to take the exam with the Lehigh Valley Amateur Radio Club (LVARC) in Allentown, Pennsylvania at 7:30 p.m. Friday night, September 16, 2005. I passed the exam, which was held at the Lehigh Valley Red Cross building, and the F.C.C. issued me the call sign KC2OQG on September 20, 2005. It was great to finally be an amateur radio operator after procrastinating for so many years.

After I got the Technician Class license, a generous former co-worker and local HAM (WB2PAY) loaned me his Kenwood TH-22AT (2 meter VHF - 144 MHz - 148 MHz) hand-held ("HT" a.k.a. "Handie-Talkie") portable transceiver so that I might get a better sense of what was happening, and take part in the conversations on the 2 meter band (144-148 MHz) until I got my own rig. He also loaned me a 2 meter J-Pole antenna (custom made from aluminum tubing) and a nice large tripod, along with 20' of RG-58 coaxial cable. Armed with this modest arsenal, I was able to reach most of the local FM repeaters. When I returned the Kenwood TH-22AT hand-held radio (November 4, 2005), he then loaned me a 1982 Kenwood TS-530S HF transceiver (1.8 MHz - 29.7 MHz) (160 meters - 10 meters) so that I was able to listen to "live" CW (Morse Code) before I took the exam to get my General Class license. We also set up, and tuned a ½ wave 20 meter dipole antenna inside my shack. After I got my General Class ticket (see below), I made quite a few phone (voice) contacts to the southern United States (Florida, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, West Virginia) using the 20 meter ½ wave dipole and running "barefoot" (no external amplifier) with the Kenwood TS-530S.

On September 19, 2005 I joined Rochester Amateur Radio Association (RARA) and enrolled in their 12-week course on General Class (ARRL Element 3) license theory. At the same time, I began studying Morse Code by listening to the ARRL "Your Introduction to Morse Code" cassette tapes. I listened to the tapes in my car every weekday for two months during my 70 minute round-trip commute! I also practiced the code at home with a borrowed copy (thanks to KC2KQT) of the CD-ROM version of the ARRL course, and by using a code synthesizer, which a local HAM (W2SKY) loaned me for the duration. In addition to these methods, I also downloaded Morse Academy on my computer and practiced it that way. I wanted to be absolutely sure I was prepared for that five-word-per-minute ARRL Element 1 exam!

I took both the General Class (ARRL Element 3) and the five-word-per-minute Morse code exams (ARRL Element 1) on Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). So I got my General Class ticket the week of Thanksgiving. Incidentally, I was prepared to take both the ARRL Element 1 and Element 3 exams on Sunday, October 16, but missed the monthly RARA testing session by one day, so I had to wait for the November session to roll around. The extra month of studying worked to my advantage, because I got a perfect score on both exams. Note that fifteen months later, in a historic move, (February 23, 2007) the F.C.C. eliminated Morse Code as a requirement for any/all amateur radio licenses.

I began studying the ARRL "Element 4" (Extra Class) theory on November 26, 2005 and took the exam on Saturday, February 18, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at RIT during the monthly RARA VEC testing session. The F.C.C. issued my Extra Class license on February 23, 2006 and I received the hard copy of the license in the mail on March 1, 2006. I never knew the exact score on that test, but it was a satisfying moment, to be sure.

As of this writing, I have made numerous 2 meter (VHF) and 70 cm (UHF) phone contacts as well as quite a few HF phone contacts on various bands. However, I have not made a lot of CW (Morse Code) contacts. CW requires a lot of focus, dedication and practice. I enjoy the VHF and UHF FM bands because there are usually a lot of HAMs to interact with in my region, but I recognize that the challenge of HF DX (working distant stations, in both phone and CW mode) is what keeps many amateurs hooked on the hobby for many years. Since I got the Extra Class ticket, I have spent time increasing my CW proficiency and experimenting with various antenna configurations.

In 2006, I began sharing Net Control duties with several other local HAMs on the weekly "Monroe County FM Net" (K2RRA / 146.88 MHz), which exists as a forum to buy, sell and trade HAM radio equipment and distribute information which is pertinent to the local HAM community.

Vanity Call - N2AWA
On November 16, 2007, I applied to the F.C.C. for the vanity call sign N2AWA and it was granted on December 4, 2007. This is a nice call for several reasons. First, the CW weight is much "lighter" than KC2OQG, which had a CW weight of 86 (a lot of tapping on the straight key). N2AWA has a CW weight of 54, so it is quicker to send via Morse Code. Secondly, "2" is my QTH state (New York) and third, the "AWA" suffix was meaningful because of my membership in the Antique Wireless Association (AWA).

A Bit More Radio Trivia (non-Amateur)
I became an active Short Wave Listener (SWL) in 1989 when I got a Grundig "Satellit International 400" radio. I used the World Radio and Television Handbook (WRTH) to help identify some of the AM/FM/SW stations picked up from around the country and the globe. I learned that some of the international broadcast stations will send QSL cards and/or printed copies of their broadcast schedules upon request.

I am also interested in European AM/FM/SW radios from the 1955-1970 era. My favorite brands are Grundig, Telefunken and Blaupunkt, but there are many other European "exotics" to choose from. I enjoy maintaining and restoring vacuum tube radios, and I have a workbench and reference library (both ever-evolving) dedicated to the hobby.

Incidentally, the F.C.C. issued my "Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit" (for broadcast radio) on June 12, 1981 because I was hosting a weekly, 2-hour classical music program at WRUR (88.5 FM / University of Rochester). It was a Saturday show (11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.), which began on May 16 and ran for eleven weeks, through August 1, 1981. I also hosted a weekly, 3-hour jazz music program on Sunday nights from 1990 to 1995 at WITR (89.7 FM / Rochester Institute of Technology).

Started working at WYSL (1040 AM / Avon, NY) in April 2009 as a production engineer. On January 15, 2010, WYSL added a 99 watt translator (W221CL) to their arsenal to begin broadcasting on 92.1 FM (in addition to their 20,000 watt AM signal on 1040 kHz).

HF Rigs (160 meters - 10 meters)

Amateur Radio Station - N2AWA / January 20, 2008

On February 25, 2006 I became the third owner of the 1982 Kenwood HF transceiver shown in the photo. The Kenwood components of the set include a TS-530S (100W HF transceiver), SP-180 (remote speaker), VFO-240 (remote VFO for split channel operation), and the hand-held microphone (not shown). I had the TS-530S "on loan" (without the VFO-240 and SP-180) in my shack from November 4, 2005 through February 25, 2006, at which time it became a permanent fixture in the shack. I paid $300 for the Kenwood station including the VFO-240 and SP-180 and the hand-held mic.

The microphone on the left (photo) is a circa 1948 Astatic (Conneaut, Ohio) with a non-amplified "grip to talk" UG8 stand, and a DN-500 head (a.k.a. "bullet" or "cucumber" head).

The "WARC" Bands
The World Administrative Radio Conference met in Geneva, Switzerland in 1979. Among the many topics covered at this meeting was the creation of three new amateur radio bands: 30 meters, 17 meters and 12 meters. Today, these three bands are referred to collectively as the WARC bands by amateur radio operators.

TS-530S Overview
The Kenwood TS-530S follows in the tradition of the successful TS-520S. It is designed for SSB and CW modes in the 160 through 10 meter HAM bands, and additionally includes the 30, 17 and 12 meter WARC bands. Input power is 220W PEP SSB and 180W DC CW. 

The Kenwood TS-530S is a hybrid radio because most of the circuitry is solid-state but the RF stage includes a Type 12BY7A driver tube and the final has a pair of Type 6146B amplifier tubes. This transceiver does not have general coverage receive. Requires 120 VAC 50/60 Hz. Dimensions and weight: 13.3 x 5.3 x 13.37 inches 28.2 lbs. (333 x 133 x 333 mm 12.8 kg).

Kenwood TS-530S Features

• 160-10 meters
• WARC Bands (30, 17, 12 meters)
• VOX
• NB (noise blanker). The "Noise Blanker" circuit screens out certain types of impulse noise. Sometimes useful in automobile-mounted radios, most NBs do little against the bulk of SW interference.
• 25 kHz Marker
• RIT/XIT
• Speech Processor
• IF Shift
• RF Attenuator
• 120 VAC Operation
• Kenwood remote VFO (VFO 240) for split frequency operation.
• Kenwood remote speaker (SP-180)
• Manual: bama.edebris.com/manuals/kenwood/ts530s

On the right side of the photograph is a 1955-1962 E.F. Johnson Viking Valiant AM/CW transmitter and a 1946 Hallicrafters S-40 receiver (sitting on top of the Valiant). The Hallicrafters S-40 receiver came to the shack on September 29, 2007 ($125 at the Elmira Hamfest) and the Viking Valiant transmitter arrived on November 2, 2007 ($325 at the annual RARA auction). Both the S-40 and Valiant were restored by myself. They were put on the air together as a set for the first time on the eve of Thursday, January 10, 2008. Also note the Astatic (Conneaut, Ohio) D-104 microphone with a T-UG8 stand (amplified, but bypassed). The original D-104 microphone came to the shack on January 4, 2008 ($20.00). It had a 2-conductor, shielded cable with an Amphenol Type 80-MC2M 2-pin connector for use with the Viking Valiant. It was missing the base-plate, so I finally found another D-104 (August 2009) that had the base-plate (no amplified base). I think I paid $30 for the "new" D-104 and sold the original one at the Elmira Hamfest on September 26, 2009 for $15.

• View the Viking Valiant Restoration Page
• View the Hallicrafters S-40 Restoration Page

Also in the photo (sitting atop the Kenwood TS-530S) is an MFJ Deluxe Versa Tuner II (MFJ-949E) 300W antenna tuner. More detail on the MFJ tuner can be found elsewhere on this page.

Finally, there is a Yaesu FT-7800R dual band (2m / 70cm) FM "mobile" transceiver on top of the MFJ 949-E tuner, and an ICOM IC-W32A dual band hand-held "HT" FM transceiver to the right of that. Wedged vertically between the MFJ Versa Tuner and the Viking Valiant (behind the stalk of the Astatic DN-500 bullet head) is a Uniden PRO 520XL 40 channel CB radio (11 meter, "Children's Band"!) which I purchased new in 1988. The CB radio has not seen a tremendous amount of use lately, but it works fine, and incredibly, is still in production as of this writing (January 2008) twenty years after I purchased it.

Antennas (HF)

November 2005 - Present:
Tuned, ½ wave, 20 meter dipole antenna inside the shack (tuner position: "coax 1")

December 2005 - October 2006:
For the Kenwood TS-530S HF rig I originally used a 100 foot (30 meter) random wire antenna. Used insulated, #22 AWG wire. Tuned up (with MFJ 949E Deluxe Versa Tuner II) on 80-75, 40, 30, and 20 meters. The wire snapped two times during the summer of 2006. Spliced it, and it kept working fine.

Update 04-oct-2006:
Planned to upgrade the original #22 AWG random wire HF antenna to #14 AWG solid copper enameled wire. Needed about 125 feet. Also needed end insulators, stand-offs and 100 foot roll of 1/8" polyester antenna rope. Ordered most of the ingredients for the project on 06-oct-2006 from Universal Radio. They had the "dog-bone" end insulators on back-order so to complete the order, I got the insulators through AES on 25-oct-2006. They arrived via UPS Friday night 27-oct-2006, so the project was able to move forward on the weekend of October 28-29, 2006.

Preferred Weather (WX) Conditions for Installing a New Antenna

Update 29-oct-2006 (Sunday):
Erected a new "sky hook". This antenna is now history, but the following passage may be useful to others thinking about raising a new long-wire antenna.

Saturday was windy and "mild" (about 43º F [6º C]) and it rained heavily throughout the day. Sunday was a bit drier, but very windy, with clouds and noticeably colder (about 25º F [-3º C]). There were also maybe a couple dozen snow flakes blowing around in all directions. Just enough to make it a memorable experience. It was the season's first blast of winter air and perfect WX to install a new antenna! The long-standing joke (or perhaps truth) is that the best WX to install a new antenna is foul WX. That way, the planning and preparation is all done inside and the out-of-doors work is carried out quickly. This is when one begins to ponder the advantages of indoor hobbies like model railroading.

Another HAM (WB2PAY) helped me install the 113 feet (34 meters) of #14 AWG solid copper enameled wire up about 15 feet (5 meters). Used 1/8 inch polyester antenna rope tied to "dog bone" end insulators secured to two trees. Back in the shack, at the antenna tuner (MFJ-949E) on the "wire" connection jack, I used a spade lug crimped to the center conductor of RG8 coax. The coax was chosen (in theory) to reduce RF in the shack. The RG8 ran about 10 feet through a PVC pipe in the wall, and up to the gutter sill on the outside of the shack. At that point, the RG8 coax was fitted with a PL-259 connector. The PL-259 connector was screwed into an SO-239 connector (chassis mount - with no outer shell) on it. From there, the #14 AWG solid copper wire was soldered to the center pin of the SO-239. It was secured to a three-inch stand-off with two tie wraps. Electrical tape and coax seal was wrapped around the connection to water-proof. From there, the wire heads south about 50 feet (15 meters) out to a White Ash. There was a "dog-bone" end insulator tied to the Ash with the antenna wire passing through the other hole of the insulator. From there, the antenna headed in a southwest direction for the final 75 feet (23 meters) out to an old apple tree. The wire was suspended by a second dog-bone end insulator tied to the apple tree. I got the antenna rope over the top of the apple tree by tying a 10 ounce fishing sinker to the end, and swinging the sinker, windmill-style, to give it the momentum and distance it needed to clear the top of the tree. It took a few attempts to get the correct release angle so the sinker sailed over the tree in the exact right location. The antenna could be lowered by untying the antenna rope at either the White Ash or the apple tree. On Monday October 30, 2006 I took off from work and was able to break the pile-up and work V47NS on Nevis Island in the Caribbean (DX-pedition). Once he heard me, he turned his beam away from Europe and towards New York state. My RST was 59! I also heard Italy and England contacting him, but I did not try to contact them. Later that evening, I was also able to work two stations in Rochester, NY (WB2PAY on 75 meters and WA2GAI on 40 meters). This would not have been possible with the old long wire antenna, because Rochester was in the skip zone.

Update 12-jan-2008:

Purchased 53 m (175') of used Tandy RG8U coaxial cable in three separate sections. Outer jacket was in very good condition. Included PL-259 connectors soldered on each end, and also included two PL-258 "barrel" adapters (SO-239 to SO-239). The PL-258 connectors enable joining all three sections of coax for a single run of coax. This will be used for testing various antenna configurations. Details with current (12-jan-2008) retail prices are presented below.
Item	Retail value (per foot, or per unit)	Total
15 m (50') RG8U coax	$.79/ft	$39.50
15 m (50') RG8U coax	$.79/ft	$39.50
22 m (75') RG8U coax	$.79/ft	$59.25
PL-259 (6)	$2.19	$13.14
PL-258 (2)	$1.99	$3.98
Total retail value		$155.37
Total cost: $15.00 (10% of retail value)

Update 22-jan-2008:
Started to think about designing or purchasing an 80 meter or multi-band dipole. Details here: antennas.txt 

Antenna Feed Line Entry Point To Shack

March 30, 2006:
Ran a section of ½ inch PVC tubing through the wall of the shack to the outside. Used a 45° elbow at the outside to prevent moisture from coming in. Sealed it up with calk and duct sealant (a.k.a. "monkey sh*t"). The ½ inch PVC is capable of passing three RG-8 cables, three RG-58 cables, and three #12 AWG ground wires. It has room to spare for a couple more cables or larger ground wires if needed.

80 meter Dipole Antenna

December, 29 2008:
Ordered a full sized (no coils) Hy-Power 80 meter dipole antenna. The existing end-fed, random long wire antenna was difficult to tune on 3.837 MHz (the AWA AM Net frequency) and I could not fully load the wire with the Viking Valiant without getting some arcing inside the MFJ-949E antenna tuner. That arcing was causing audio distortion. See this link for details. Description of the new 80 meter dipole: Full-sized (no coils), full power dipole. Features #12 AWG UV insulated wire, uses stainless steel electrical hardware, an SO-239 center insulator, and two end insulators. The antenna was completely assembled and ready to install. Just added coaxial cable and nylon rope. Antenna length: 42 meters (138 feet).

January 5, 2009 (Monday):
The Hy-Power® 80 meter dipole antenna arrived.

Update 09-feb-2009:
Erected an 80 meter dipole antenna and took the random long wire down. See details.

Antenna Tuner

MFJ Deluxe Versa Tuner II (MFJ-949E) 300 Watt antenna tuner.
$40.00 / used / Horseheads, NY Winter Hamfest / February 25, 2006 / Sold new (as of fall / winter 2005) for $140-$150. As of December 2008, it listed for $179.

MFJ Product Information
www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-949E

MFJ Deluxe Versa Tuner II (MFJ-949E) 300 Watt Antenna Tuner

The MFJ-949E antenna tuner's SWR/Wattmeter can be illuminated if 12 Vdc is supplied. Reference part number: MFJ-1312C. This is an AC "wall wart" transformer with a 2.5* mm coaxial plug with a positive center pin polarity (according to the MFJ .pdf file). It has been verified by K2RNY that the 2.5 mm plug does not fit.

* The MFJ web site lists a different part number and slightly smaller plug size. It lists p/n: MFJ-1312D, 12 Vdc, 500 mA AC adapter with 2.1 mm jack with positive center pin polarity. This size plug is correct.

The faulty MFJ 949E transmitter tuning capacitor. Notice the off-center spacing between the plates. This was probably a manufacturing defect. A new capacitor was sourced from MFJ (for a fee). 

15-mar-2009:
Discovered the MFJ 949E tuner was arcing when used with the Viking Valiant AM transmitter. The "transmitter" tuning capacitor (the one on the left side) appeared to suffer from a manufacturing defect, as the plates were not centered (see photo). Ordered a replacement from MFJ; part number: 282-2005 ($23.85 + $4.00 shipping). A representative from the technical department later claimed (via email) he would have shipped the part for free.

21-mar-2009:
Replaced the tuning capacitor in the MFJ 949E and the arching problem ceased to exist.

How Antenna Tuners Work

• www.hamuniverse.com/tuner.html

MFJ Deluxe Versa Tuner II (MFJ-949E) settings Kenwood TS-530S transceiver or Viking Valiant transmitter Full-sized (no coils), full power dipole. #12 AWG UV insulated wire Ground system: Two ground rods (4' galvanized and 8' copper) wired to each other directly outside the shack, approximately 70 mm (2.5") apart
"band" (on transceiver or transmitter)	"transmitter" switch (on MFJ-949E tuner)	"inductor" switch (on MFJ-949E tuner) A=least inductance, L=max. inductance	"antenna" switch (on MFJ-949E tuner)
160 m (1800 - 2000 kHz)
80 m (3500 - 3750 kHz) 75 m (3750-5000 kHz)
60 m (5330.5 - 5403.5 kHz)
40 m (7000 - 7300 kHz)
30 m (1010 - 1015 kHz)
20 m (14,000 - 14, 350 kHz)
17 m (18068 - 18168 kHz)
15 m (21,000 - 21,450 kHz)
12 m (24890 - 24990 kHz)
10 m (28000 - 29700 kHz)

Telegraph Keys

R-48 Telegraph Key / Made by Signal Electric Co.

Signal Electric Co. Model R-48 telegraph key. (Menominee, Michigan / circa 1919-1935). Brass construction, shorting lever ("dead man switch"), mounted on wood base with three rubberized feet. Directly under the key lever is a water-soluble decal (red field with black text) which reads, "Signal - Manufacturers of Electrical Products. Manufactured in L_____a by Signal Electric Mfg. Co. Menominee, Mich." This key appears to have the Navy style knob which may not be original to the Model R-48 key.

Comparing this telegraph key to one in an old Signal Electric Co. catalog, it closely resembles the Signal Electric Co. Standard Key - Model R-48. List price when new was $3.65. The catalog description reads, "Well designed and correctly balanced for the operator who wants a good standard key at a moderate price. Very clean design, with polished key lever and lacquered fittings. Equipped with platinor contacts."

$20.00 / Horseheads, NY Winter Hamfest / February 25, 2006.

The history of the Signal manufacturing plant in Menominee, Michigan is detailed on web page referenced below, but the overview is that the plant was founded in 1892 producing various electrical products keeping step with changing technology. It remained open until 2005 when production was moved to Mexico.

References
The source of this material is the Menominee County Historical Society.
Jim Callow (K8IR)
Menominee, Michigan
k8ir.com

J-38 Telegraph Key / Made by Lionel

This WWII military J-38 key was made under government contract by the Lionel Corporation (the model train company). Purchased for $30 at the Antique Wireless Association (AWA) Conference on August 22, 2009. The vendor was Bob Fortman (WE2T). Photo: August 24, 2009.

Microphone (HF)

For SSB work, with the Kenwood TS-530S, I use a 1948 style, Astatic (Conneaut, Ohio) microphone with a non-amplified "grip to talk" UG8 stand and a DN-500 "bullet" head. I found it at the Dayton Hamvention on Friday May 18, 2007 and it was in excellent condition. The original cable had been replaced, but fortunately, the wire colors matched the diagram on the inside of the base. It needed a 4-pin microphone connector so that it would plug into the Kenwood TS-530S transceiver. Price for the microphone was $50.00 and the 4-pin connector was $1.00.

For Reference Only (FRO): The Astatic DN-500 head is similar in style to the Astatic 10-D microphone head. The 10-D is considered to be one of the best microphones ever made by Astatic.

Photo: below, left: Astatic microphone with a non-amplified "grip to talk" UG8 stand and a DN-500 "bullet" head.
Photo: below, right: Schematics and description of how I adapted the Astatic microphone to the Kenwood TS-530S transceiver.

The cable on the Astatic microphone was a 4-conductor with a shield. Black and white (clear) wires ran inside the shield. The red and blue wire were not shielded. There was a schematic pasted to inside of the base of the Astatic microphone. The Kenwood Operator's Manual also included a schematic and verbiage on the microphone circuit with respect to operating with the VOX. 

The final 4-pin microphone connector pin-out was:
Pin 1 = white wire (goes to the microphone circuit). See Note 1, below.
Pin 2 = red wire (P.T.T. switch - normally open).
Pin 3 = blue wire (P.T.T. switch - normally closed).
Pin 4 = shield.

On Friday June 1, 2007 at the Rochester Hamfest, I bought a proper black microphone cable. It was brand new, and came with the 4-pin connector already soldered to the end. However, the wire colors were soldered to the "wrong" pins (if the diagram on the inside of the microphone base was to match the actual pin-out). The cable had one extra conductor (yellow). The other wire colors were the same as noted above, with the exception that the only shielded wire was the white conductor. This was fine, as the Astatic schematic showed the white wire in the shield (along with the black wire). Since the black wire was not used, it did not matter if it was shielded on the new cable or not. So, after replacing the cable, and re-soldering the pins of the connector, the wire colors on the schematic diagram still matched the actual cable colors. Cost of the microphone cable was $5.00.

Notes

1. Per the Kenwood TS-530S Operator's Manual, the microphone needs to have the microphone circuit isolated from the P.T.T. circuit so the VOX feature will work. I determined that I had to disconnect (unsolder) the internal white wire at terminal #8 on the inside base of the microphone so as to isolate the microphone circuit from the P.T.T. circuit.
2. Black wire was not used.

HF AM / CW Transmitter (160 meters - 10 meters)

On Friday, November 2, 2007 I went to the annual Rochester Amateur Radio Association (RARA) auction and bid on this E.F. Johnson Viking Valiant AM transmitter. So now I will be able to add AM to the station. It will be used with a Hallicrafters S-40 receiver. I need to get a Dow Key Relay to toggle the antenna between the transmitter and receiver. I had been considering a Johnson "Viking Ranger", but after doing a little reading and asking other HAMs who are into old heavy old tube radios ("boat anchors"), the extra power of the "Valiant" should be quite useful. Local radio historian, AWA Museum curator and RARA auctioneer, Ed Gable (K2MP) had this to say about the history of the rig, "The set was purchased by the County of Monroe (NY) for RACES in the mid 1960s. The Radio Officer was Chuck Brelsford (K2WW). The Valiant was used as the Net Control Station (NCS) station on the NY Counties 75 meter Civil Defense (CD) Net. It was first used in the Radio room in the basement of the County Hospital at the corner of Westfall Road and East Henrietta Road."

Specification Overview
Modes: AM/CW
Bands: 160 - 10 Meters
Input Power: 200 watts AM / 275 watts CW

View the Viking Valiant Restoration Page

AM / CW Receiver (broadcast, and 160 - 10 meters)

1946 Hallicrafters S-40 Receiver

The Hallicrafters S-40 receiver is used with the Viking Valiant transmitter. The antenna is toggled between the transmitter and receiver by way of a "TR switch" (aka Dow Key relay). To complete the AM station, I use an Astatic D-104 microphone.

Incidentally, the 8" Terrestrial Globe on top of the Hallicrafters "S-40" was manufactured by the Geo. F. Cram Company of Indianapolis, Indiana. It is a Model "80", and includes the country of Italian East Africa which only existed from 1936-1941. It also includes short wave radio stations around the globe and their call signs. The symbol for the short wave stations is a red antenna tower.

Tuning Range
Band 1 (broadcast): 550 - 1700 kHz
Band 2 (short-wave): 1.68 - 5.4 MHz
Band 3 (short-wave): 5.3 - 15.8 MHz
Band 4 (short-wave): 15.3 - 44 MHz

View the Hallicrafters S-40 Restoration Page

VHF and UHF Rigs (144-148 MHz and 430-450 MHz)

ICOM IC-W32A dual band (2m / 70cm) FM "HT" Transceiver

Purchased the ICOM IC-W32A from Universal Radio on November 28, 2005.

ICOM IC-W32A Product Specs: www.universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/0838.html
ICOM IC-W32A Documentation: www.icomamerica.com/products/amateur/w32a
ICOM IC-W32A Owner's Manual: www.icomamerica.com/support/manuals/ic-w32a.pdf
Service Manual:
www.kb7tbt.com/manuals/Icom/IC-W32A-E_Service_manual.pdf

Standard on ICOM IC-W32A:
Flexible BNC antenna "stub".
Belt clip (metal).
Wrist strap.
BP-173 Battery pack (NiCad Battery Pack 9.6V 600 mAh).
BC-110A Battery wall charger. Charger plugs fits into the radio receptacle (3.4 mm O.D x 1.3 mm I.D.). See Radio Shack part numbers, below.

Auxiliary Power:
Battery charger and Aux. power cord receptacle on the ICOM IC-W32A radio:
Radio Shack / Adaptaplug "H" (p/n: 273-1711 / 3.4 mm O.D x 1.3 mm I.D.).
Radio Shack Adaptaplug Socket (p/n: 273-1743).

Options for ICOM IC-W32A:
ICOM LC-128 / Vinyl carrying case.
ICOM BP-170 / Battery case (takes 4 AA cells).
ICOM CP-12L / Cigarette lighter cable with noise filter.
ICOM HM-46 / Compact speaker microphone.
Diamond RH77CA HT antenna. 16", BNC, ¼ wave (2 m), ½wave (70 cm).
Mobile magmount antenna for the ICOM "IC-W32A" HT
ARRL Repeater Directory 2005/2006 edition. Covers 420-450MHz and 144-148 MHz.

Notes on CTCSS (PL tone) from the ICOM website FAQ pages

Background
When accessing the K2RRA 146.88 repeater, I was getting an automated message stating that, "Your PL tone should be 110.9, but is actually 88.5". I had correctly set my Repeater Tone (RT) ("T" in the ICOM IC-W32A display) (encode tone) to 110.9. However; the CT (Tone Squelch - decode tone) was still set to the default setting of 88.5. It was this tone (the CT - Tone Squelch - decode tone) that the automated repeater message was referring to. The solution was to set both tones (encode and decode) to the same frequency. It is not clear why ICOM allows the RT and CT tones (encode and decode) to be set to different frequencies, especially after reading the notes from the ICOM web site, below.

Yaesu FT-7800R dual band (2m / 70cm) FM "mobile" Transceiver

Yaesu FT-7800R dual band (2 meter / 70 centimeter) FM transceiver
Photo: November 18, 2006

ICOM IC-260A VHF (2 meter) FM/SSB/CW Transceiver

FM Antennas (VHF/UHF)

QSL Cards and Logging

QSL cards (generic) www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamacc/1116.html
$4.95 / 100 / ordered: 10-apr-2006 / received: 14-apr-2006.

Log book (generic) www.universal-radio.com/catalog/books/2845.html
$3.95 / 30 pages  / ordered: 10-apr-2006 / received: 14-apr-2006.

My QSL card measures 6" x 4.25". This is the maximum postcard size for basic postal rate ($0.26) as of this writing. It is also slightly larger than the standard QSL card size of 5.5" x 3.5". The larger card enabled me to use a 1:1 copy of the original design. I acquired the postage stamps for the card while visiting Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada on July 26, 2005. I began designing the card in April of 2006 and thought the stamps would make it stand out among the many standard QSL cards I had come across. I affixed the stamps to a piece of construction paper and scanned the results into the computer. I used Adobe Photoshop (v. 6) to place my call sign on the front, and layout the text on the reverse side of the card.

Here is another idea for a QSL card, although this one has yet to be printed. It features the N2AWA call sign with the AWA Museum in the background. I took the photo on August 11, 2007 with my 1966 Mercedes-Benz Type 250S sedan in the driveway. That was the first day I volunteered as a guide at the AWA Museum.

Essential QSL Card Data
You must have the following information for a valid QSL...

Your call sign / other station's call sign / day / month / year / time (UTC) / frequency / R S T / mode (CW, FM, USB, LSB, RTTY, PSK31, ....).

Optional QSL Card Data
Believe it or not, the following QSL information is considered optional...

Your name / address / county / grid square / telephone number / email address / rig / antenna / check-boxes for: QSL (PSE / TNK) / comments or remarks, etc.

QSL Card Design
Leave space on the back for the postal address of the other station. If one side of the card is dedicated to a single image, then it will not be available for any contact data. Typically, QSL cards are 5.5" x 3.5", but can be any size, and on almost anything (even a rock) as long as the "essential data" (see above) is included, which confirms the contact.

QSL Card References

Modern Postcard (postcard sizes, USPS regulations, etc.)
www.modernpostcard.com

LZ1JZ QSL cards. Good quality reported by HAMs
www.lz1jz.com

QSL Man (full size QSL card images front and back)
www.w4mpy.com/cardthum.htm

Star Cards Inc.
Emporia, Kansas
www.star-cards.net
Phil Edwardson
scinfo ]at[ star-cards.net

17-apr-2006: Ordered 1,000 (yes, one thousand!) custom QSL cards from Star Cards Inc. Their standard price for full color cards (6" x 4.25") was $299 (plus $11.50 shipping). Since I prepared the artwork and layout (front and back) myself, I paid the "re-order" price of $269 (plus $11.50 shipping). The 6" x 4.25" dimensions were slightly larger than the standard (5.5" x 3.5") QSL cards. Total: $280.50 ($0.28 per card). I received a .pdf proof before printing. The cards were printed and sent on 04-may-2006. I received them by the middle of the following week (11-may-2006).

Some fun with numbers: For 1,000 units, the cost of each QSL card worked out to be $0.28. The price of a US postcard stamp was then $0.24. Thus, each QSL card would cost a total of $0.52 to send within the USA. So, until the price of postcard stamps changed, 1,000 cards cost a total of $520 (to print and send). If I send one card per week, this supply will last about 20 years (average cost of $26/year). If the number of cards I send increases to three per week, the supply will last about six years (average cost of $86/year). If the QSL card is sent to an international destination, I may need to include an IRC (International Reply Coupon) so that the cost of return postage is covered for the remote station. Most likely, I will use the Incoming and Outgoing Bureau services as a more economical means of QSL-ing to international destinations. For more detail on the Bureau services, see below.

27-dec-2007: Ordered 250 new QSL cards with the N2AWA call sign. Went with Star Cards again. Price this time was $72.80 plus $8.60 freight, so the total charge was $81.40. The cards arrived January 7, 2008. Again, Phil Edwardson was courteous and professional, and I would recommend Star Cards to all my friends out there in QSL land.

QSL Bureau Services
Executive Summary of DX QSL Bureau Services

ARRL:
Outgoing Service (for all USA zones): www.arrl.org/qsl/qslout.html
Incoming Service (select QTH zone): www.arrl.org/qsl/qslin.html

Incoming Service / Zone 2:
NJDXA (North Jersey DX Association)
www.njdxa.org/buro/index.php

International Postage

International Reply Coupons (IRC)
www.n6hb.org/s-a/irc.htm

Universal Postal Union (UPU)
www.upu.int/members/en/members.html

Echolink

13-dec-2008:
Installed Echolink (2.0.908) on my Windows 98/SE home computer. The application worked well with a dial-up connection.

Update: June 2009:
Echolink also worked well with Windows Vista and a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) after the DSL modem was configured to allow remote connections.

Echolink (designed by Jonathan Taylor K1RFD) allows radio amateurs to connect to each another via Voice over IP (VoIP) either directly with their computers or to other nodes (radio repeaters) that are running the software. In Single User mode, all you need is a Technician Class amateur radio license and a computer with speakers, microphone and a dial-up Internet connection. A radio is not needed to talk to other HAMs around the world with Echolink! By using the DTMF keypad on a 2 m / 70 cm (VHF / UHF) radio, such as an HT or mobile rig, Echolink can also be used without a computer!

Echolink References

1. Echolink www.echolink.org
2. Echolink Radio (Yahoo Group) groups.yahoo.com/group/echolink

Tower Project

March 16, 2006:
A generous fellow HAM (N2OPW) gave me a two section, 35 foot,  tubular crank-up tower that he was not using. It looked to be in good condition with the exception of the rust. The lower section is 20' and the center section cranks up another 15'. The tower weighs only 55 lbs. After getting it home, I set it on saw horses, where it stayed for another three months. 

March 16, 2006: top / bottom / center

June 17, 2006: preparation / rusted & sanded / sanded & painted / painted (top of tower)

view details of the tower restoration

Antenna References

General Antenna Reference
www.packetradio.com/ant.htm

Antenna Projects and Technical Information (ARRL)
www.arrl.org/tis/info/antproj.html

Arrow Antennas
arrowantennas.com

Arrow "OSJ 146/440" dual band J-pole page
arrowantennas.com/j-pole.html

Tada Communications, Inc.
202 Ridge Road East
Rochester, NY 14621
585-342-0716
Per Lynn (N2IZX) 22-oct-2006 - This outfit can mount antennas on cars. They do commercial work too (antennas on school busses, trucks, etc.)

Mosley Antennas
www.mosley-electronics.com
Note the TA-33-JR tri-bander

J-pole antennas
Purchased the following two J-pole antennas directly from (AB7ON). This was not directly via an eBay auction, because I wanted 20' of coax and the standard antenna in the eBay auction was 5'. Purchased the two antennas for $50.90 on 28-dec-2005. Male BNC connector (screw-on type BNC connector) to 20' of RG-58U coaxial feed line to a "dual band" (2 m and 70 cm) 300 Ω twin lead J-pole antenna. One is encased in a 3 foot section of PVC pipe, the other is flexible. 27-jun-2006: Measured SWR to be 1.2:1 at 145.11 MHz.

Wireman / Antenna Wire, etc.
thewireman.com/index.shtml

Wire - thewireman.com/antennap.html
Dacron UV resistant rope - thewireman.com/antacc.html

Events (reverse chronological order)

See Non-Amateur Radio Events

• 28-jan-2012: (Saturday) Lockport Hamfest — Lockport, NY. Doors were open from 8 a.m. until Noon. Admission $5.00. South Lockport Fire Hall at intersection of Route 78 (Transit Road) and Ruhlman Road. Lockport, NY - near Buffalo. Traveled with Kevin (WB2QMY). Met at his QTH at 0700 where we took my 2008 Toyota Yaris sedan (with a Garmin "nüvi 2455" GPS). Stopped for breakfast at Peppermint's restaurant in Avon, NY. The hamfest was similar to past years. I found a field strength meter (vendor: Bob, N2PWP) with a nice large µA meter, gain control knob, and telescoping antenna (with BNC connector) for $20. Kevin found a nice, used, Garmin "StreetPilot c330" GPS with the manual, power cord, and USB cable for $34. After the hamfest, We used his new GPS to navigate to Hirsch Radio Supply (a.k.a. Hirsch Radiomart) and finally, to the original Anchor Bar, and it worked out well. We ordered a modest "double" order (20) to split, but the waitress accidentally brought a "bucket" (50 wings) by mistake. In case you have never experienced the Anchor Bar, these wings were presented heaped on a pizza pan with bleu cheese dressing and celery balanced on top of a metal pedestal. Oh well! Also stopped at Fox Farm Antiques on Route 20 (just east of Avon) on the way back. WX was gray and overcast with temperatures in the 30s. It began snowing at about 11:00 a.m. and gradually got worse, but by the time I got back to my QTH, the roads were dry and the sun was out.
• 24-sep-2011 (Saturday): Elmira Hamfest — Horseheads, NY. The event started at 6:00 a.m. and ended at 2:00 p.m. Details at: www.arast.org. Traveled with Roy Wildermuth (W2IT), Jay Golden (K2JSG), and Bob Hobday (N2EVG). Everyone met at my QTH at 6:00 a.m. and Roy drove his wife's four-door Jeep. Stopped for breakfast at Tim Horton's in Canandaigua. Followed Rtes. 5&20 to 14A south — along the west side of Seneca Lake, and made pretty good time on the 83 mile trek, including a quick pit stop in Watkins Glen. Weather started out cool (50s), damp, and misty. Skies remained heavy and dark, but rain-free all morning. Temperatures mever made it out of the 50s. The hamfest was only about 70% of its 2009 size. Attendance was good, but not as many vendors made the trip as in previous years (some also packed up and left early). We left the hamfest at 11:00 a.m., and had lunch at Applebee's. By the time we got back on the road, the sun was out, and it reached a comfortable 65°. I made no purchases other than three wine bottle corks for $1.00.
• 10-sep-2011 (Saturday): Rochester Amateur Radio Association (RARA) Fall Fest & Tailgate Party. Located at the Shriners facility at 979 Bay Road in Webster, NY. Starts at 8:00 a.m. Traveled with Roy (W2IT). Met at my QTH at 0730.
• 30-jul-2011 (Saturday): Batavia Hamfest. Genesee County Fairgrounds (Route 5 in Alexander, NY). Roy (W2IT) arrived at my QTH at 0630 and we took his vehicle (2010 Jeep with rag top) to the Hamfest. Weather was sunny and in the 80s. Purchased "Everybody's Television and Radio Handbook" for one dollar. Roy picked up a nice Collins S-line receiver, transmitter, power supply, microphone and manuals. Admission was $5.00 and I treated Roy. This was the last hamfest at this location sponsored by the current club. The event was to be held the following year, but by a different organization.
• 04-jun-2011 (Saturday): Rochester Hamfest and ARRL Atlantic Division Convention. Sponsored by the Rochester Amateur Radio Association. Fair WX to start out with, overcast with a few drops of rain, which tapered off for a while, but turned into a steady drenching by mid-day. Temperatures were in the 60s. Picked up an Astron "RS-20M" regulated power supply (with Volt/Amp meter) for $65. The vendor was Joe (NW2A), and an ICOM "IC-2100H" 2-meter VHF FM transceiver including the operating manual, "HM-98S" microphone, mounting bracket, and power cords for $80. The vendor was Jerry (KB2QIU). Here is a photo of the Astron RS-20M with the ICOM IC-2100H. Met some friends and had a nice morning. Was back at the QTH by 1100. The power supply and radio worked fine.
• 19-20-21-22-may-2011: Dayton Hamvention / Hara Arena - Trotwood, Ohio. Traveled to Dayton with Lynn (W2BSN) and Jay Golden (K2JSG). Left on Thursday May 19 and returned Sunday May 22. Weather was sunny and warm with highs in the 70s. Not much to report except I found some paper manuals to complete my Grundig "Yacht Boy 400" set.
• 26-feb-2011: (Saturday) 30th Annual Horseheads Winterfest / Horseheads, NY. Details at: www.arast.org. Got my ticket ($5.00) at the February RARA meeting. Rode with Kevin (WB2QMY). Met at his QTH at 0630. WX was cold (about 17°) and overcast. Another 7-10 inches of snow fell Friday, but roads were relatively clear by Saturday morning. Stopped for breakfast at the "Farmer's Kitchen" in Wayland. The hamfest was smaller than in previous years, and the second room of the armory was not open. Saw Tim (WB2PAY) and Tim (WB2KAO). Did not find anything worth buying. We had lunch with Roy (W2IT) and Lynn (W2BSN) at "Ruby Tuesdays" in Elmira.
• June 5, 2010 (Saturday): Rochester Hamfest and ARRL Atlantic Division Convention. Sponsored by the Rochester Amateur Radio Association. Good WX, with a few drops of rain. Temperatures in the 70s. Picked up antenna rope, bungee cords, and a few 1940s magazines.
• 27-feb-2010: (Saturday) 29th Annual Horseheads Winterfest / Horseheads, NY. Details at: www.arast.org. Got my ticket ($5.00) at the February RARA meeting. Planned to travel with Jim (N2VX). A heavy snow storm from the previous two days was tapering off. We left my QTH at 0640. Got as far as I-390 in Rush, and decided the conditions were too treacherous to make the 100+ mile trip. Only one lane was open on I-390.
• 26-sep-2009 (Saturday): Elmira Hamfest. Horseheads, NY. Details at: www.arast.org. Traveled with Tim (WB2PAY) and Jim (N2VX). Gathered at my QTH and left at 0637. Tim drove his 2000 Suburban. We stopped for breakfast in Canandaigua. The weather was partly overcast with breaks of sun early, then overcast and mild (about 65°). It became breezy, and vendors began packing up around 1130 because of the possibility of rain. It remained dry the whole way home. Picked up a German-made pocket volt meter with leather case ($20), a reactance slide rule calculator with original envelope ($6.00) and an Ohmite Ohm's Law slide rule calculator with original envelope and instructions ($3.00). Also snarfed two "international photo technik" [sic] magazines (No. 1 1960 and No. 3 1960) courtesy: Lynn (W2BSN). They included photos of period Mercedes-Benz Type 300 "Adenauer" limousines and a Type 220S Ponton sedan. Also grabbed an old hard shell attaché case courtesy: Tim (WB2PAY).   
• 01-aug-2009 (Saturday): Batavia Hamfest. Genesee County Fairgrounds (Route 5 in Alexander, NY). Lynn (W2BSN) and Roy (W2IT) arrived at my QTH at 0630 and we took my car (1989 Mercedes-Benz 260E) to the Hamfest. Weather was sunny and about 80°. Purchased six back issues of Electric Radio.
• May 30, 2009: (Saturday) Rochester Hamfest (75th Anniversary Edition) and ARRL Atlantic Division Convention. Sponsored by the Rochester Amateur Radio Association. Web Site: www.rochesterham.org. or click here Rochester Hamfest Talk-In: 146.79 (PL 110.9). Contact: Len Crellin, KC2PCD, c/o RARA, PO Box 93333, Rochester, NY 14692. Email: kc2pcd ]at[ rochester.rr.com. The Hamfest is located at the Barnard Carnival Grounds, 380 Maiden Lane, Rochester
• 28-feb-2009: (Saturday) 28th Annual Horseheads Winterfest / Horseheads, NY. Details at: www.arast.org. Traveled with Kevin (WB2QMY) and Frank (WB2PYD). 0700: Met Kevin at his West Bloomfield QTH. We arrived at Frank's QTH (Swain, NY) around 0815. Got to the Hamfest around 0930. The weather started out cold (17°) and overcast. When we got to Swain, it was only 12°, but it was sunny for the rest of the day. Hamfest attendance was good. Saw: Bruce (W2BDR), Herb (K2VH), Lynn (W2BSN) and Tim (WB2PAY). Talked about ARC-5 military transmitters with Bob (N2RIC)*. Bought 100' of double braided (3/32") polyester antenna rope for $10 (Synthetic Textiles, Inc). Made donation ($5.00) for the children of N2HLT/SK. Lunched at Ruby Tuesdays in Elmira with Kevin and Frank($12.00). Arrived back at QTH by ~16:20.
  
  *On April 13, 2010, Bob Hoppe (N2RIC) (from Waverly, NY near Horseheads) became a SK at age 71. I enjoyed talking to him at AWA functions in Rochester and Bloomfield - and hearing him on the air with his ARC-5 transmitter/s on the Sunday afternoon AWA AM Net (3.837 MHz). He seemed too fit and young to pass.
  
  
• 31-jan-2009: (Saturday) Lockport Hamfest / Lockport, NY. Doors open from 8 a.m. until Noon. Admission $5.00. South Lockport Fire Hall, Route 78 & Ruhlman Road. Lockport, NY - near Buffalo. Traveled with Lynn (W2BSN).
• 05-nov-2008: (Friday) RaRa Auction / Henrietta, NY. Small, but well attended. Auction started at 7:30 p.m. Lots of items, bidding was slow at first. Did not purchase anything.
• 27-sep-2008 (Saturday): Elmira Hamfest. Purchased my ticket ($5.00) on Friday September 5 at the RARA meeting. Otherwise, tickets were $6.00 at the gate. Jim (N2VX) picked me up at 0605 and then we picked up John (KG2NI) in Henrietta. We stopped for breakfast in Corning. It rained the whole time. Picked up a circa 1973 Sony AM/FM stereo tuner model "ST-80W" (for $2.00) and a plastic AM transistor novelty radio in the shape of a 1963-1964 Cadillac convertible ($8.00). Also found some black plastic battery holders I had been looking for (holds three AA batteries each) for $1.50 each (purchased two).
• 09-aug-2008: (Saturday) KLARA Hamfest (Keuka Lake Amateur Radio Association). Located on the grounds of the "Howard Community Building" at 7481 Hopkins Road in Howard, NY. Talk-In frequency was 145.190 (no PL) but the station was silent when I called. I discovered the hamlet of Howard is nestled in the middle of a corn field between Hornell and Bath about 60 miles south of Rochester. Drove solo using Mapquest directions. Shot down Rte 64, to Rte 65, to County Road 37, down along the west side of Honeoye Lake (the high road, not the lake road) through Springwater (Route 15) and Italy Valley, and came out in the middle of the boondocks somewhere. Real nice scenery, and I only got lost once or twice. I made the 51 mile drive from my QTH in roughly 60 minutes. The weather was sunny and pleasant (about 73º). The Hamfest was small, but they provided a hearty breakfast. I had the eggs, sausage, coffee and orange juice. Pancakes were optional. All that food for the price of a donation. What was the purpose of the trip again? Oh yes, radios. Right off the bat I found a mint 1967 Hallicrafters model "S-120A" receiver, which I got for $25. This was an unusual Hallicrafters model because it was made in Japan. So, this little treasure made the trip worth my while.
• 19-jul-2008: (Saturday) Batavia Hamfest / Located on Route 98 about ½ mile south of Alexander, NY. Alexander Firemen's Grounds. Sunny, hot (about 90º) and humid. Breakfast started at 07:00 (did not attend), and the fabled chicken bar-b-que commenced at 1100 (too hot to attend this either). The flea market was down considerably from 2006. Purchased a Fasco squirrel-cage dual fan assembly ($7.00), a 12 volt wall-wart ($2.00) for use on the ICOM 260A, and a set of old style headphones with ¼" plug ($2.00). Also bought a small circuit board (1"x1") with a few components on it for $0.10. I offered him $0.05, but he held firm on the price. This item will make a nice Christmas Tree ornament. Traveled to the Hamfest with Lynn (W2BSN). Breakfast at Papa Jack's in Victor, lunch at the American Hotel in Lima.
• 30-31-may-2008: (Friday / Saturday) Rochester Hamfest / Rochester Hamfest / Rochester, NY. Friday was sunny and about 70º. Did not go back on Saturday, but since I was newly elected to the RARA board of directors, went to the dinner banquet on Friday night. Friday in the flea market, I got a vintage (circa 1950s) Olson model "SW-134 Telegraph Key with Buzzer" (powered by 1 D-cell) for $8.00. Included was the original box, in very good condition. Also got a set of old Trimm Featherlight (Libertyville, Illinois) headphones (for another $7.00). The headphones had the correct style connector pins to mate with the vintage buzzer assembly. Found a copy of the book, John Lennon - In His Own Write for $18.00. One never knows what they might find at a hamfest! The original copyright was 1964, by Simon & Schuster. Afterwards, I learned that the going price on eBay was about $8.00, and this particular book was printed by Lennon's estate so, basically, I paid too much. The vendor for said items was, Jerry (KB2QIU). Also got a copy of 200 Meters and Down - The Story of Amateur Radio for $11.00. New condition, soft cover (via a literature vendor inside the Dome Arena). Sold a Realistic DX-150 radio for $35.00 (paid $45 at the 2008 Elmira Winterfest back in February) and also sold a Hallicrafters model "S-38 C" for $20.00 (paid $19 at the AWA Spring Meet Auction on May 3, 2008). Sold the radios from Tim's (WB2PAY) flea market space. 
• 16-17-18-may-2008: Dayton Hamvention / Hara Arena - Trotwood, Ohio. Traveled to Dayton with Lynn (W2BSN) and his brother, Milton "Mick" (ex-KN2HWL). Weather was sunny, breezy and about 65 degrees both days (Friday / Saturday). Items purchased are listed here.
• 19-apr-2008: Newark Hamfest (Drumlins ARC) / 08:00 - until ? Very nice weather. Sunny, about 65 degrees. Lots of activity and familiar faces. Bearcat IV crystal scanner ($5.00), 110 Vac fan with line cord ($10.00), and two BNC-to-SO239 adapters ($1.00 each).
• 23-feb-2008: (Saturday) 27th Annual Horseheads Winterfest / Horseheads, NY. Details at: www.arast.org
• 26-jan-2008: Lockport Hamfest / 0800 - 1200 / $5.00 / Travel with Tim (WB2PAY) and Lynn (W2BSN).
• 02-nov-2007: RaRa Auction / Henrietta, NY. Small, and well attended. Auction started at 7:30 p.m. on a Friday. Lots of items, bidding went slowly. Purchased a 1955-1962 E.F. Johnson "Viking Valiant" AM/CW transmitter.
• 29-sep-2007 (Saturday): Elmira Hamfest. Nice turnout and a lot of vendors. Sunny and warm (60s). Got a NOS EM80 vacuum tube ($3.00) to have on hand as a spare. The Telefunken "Opus 7" uses this "magic eye" tube. Also go an old vacuum tube booklet, "Radio Tube Hints" (Sylvania - 1943) ($1.00), and finally, a Hallicrafters S-40 short-wave receiver (excellent condition) ($125.00).
• 01-02-jun-2007: (Friday / Saturday) Rochester Hamfest / Rochester, NY. Friday, the weather was warm and sunny. Saturday, the weather turned quite warm (84 degrees) and sunny. 
• 18-19-20-may-2007: Dayton Hamvention / Hara Arena - Trotwood, Ohio. Rode to Dayton with WB2PAY on Thursday 17-may-2007 and return on Saturday 19-may-2007. Sunny and warm with temps around 65-70 degrees.
• 24-feb-2007: (Saturday) 26th Annual Horseheads Winterfest / Horseheads, NY. Sunny, but cold (15° F). The event was smaller than last year, but attendance was good. Parking was a problem. Specifically, the lack of spaces, due to inability to park on grass because of deep snow and snow banks along the entrance road. I did not purchase anything. Admission $6.00. Details at: www.arast.org
• 30-sep-2006: (Saturday) 31st Elmira International Hamfest / ARA of the Southern Tier / www.arast.org/hamfest.shtml / 08:00-14:00 / Talk-In: 147.360 (no CTCSS Tone) / Horseheads, NY / Chemung County Fairgrounds. Weather was overcast and cool. Nice turnout.
• 18-sep-2006: Visit and tour W1AW (ARRL Headquarters) / Newington, CT.
• 17-sep-2006: (Sunday) Candlewood Amateur Radio Association Hamfest. www.danbury.org/CARA/index.htm Edmund Town Hall. Route 6, Newtown, Connecticut. 0830-1230. Admission $5.00. Mild and overcast. A small hamfest in a parking lot with some vendors inside the town hall building as well. Refreshments and some lectures (technical radio topics) inside also.
• 29-jul-2006: Batavia Hamfest / Located on Route 98 about ½ mile south of Alexander, NY. Sunny, about 80 degrees, good crowd. The only purchase I made was a 1963 Telefunken "Jubilate de Luxe" (Type 5461 W) AM/FM/SW table-top radio. It was in fine condition.
• 02, 03, 04-jun-2006: Rochester Hamfest / Monroe County Fairgrounds (and Dome Arena) / Rochester, NY. Took Friday off from work (02-jun-2006) and returned on Saturday. Friday was sunny, warm (76 degrees) and dry, but Saturday was dark, cool (65 degrees) and raining. On Friday, I found a vintage (1960-1962) Allvox-Strahler (Telefunken) RS1, RS2, or RS3 hi-fi loudspeaker for $5.00. It features an oval shaped cabinet with teak veneer and a grille cloth that wraps around the entire cabinet. The top and bottom of the speaker cabinet are accented with brass colored trim. The Telefunken logo is at the bottom of the speaker grille. Has 3 brass "button" style feet. Original, European style speaker connector was missing. Drivers feature AlNiCo magnets. The speakers are about 5.5" x 6.5". Also bought a Westcom (designed by Astron / Irvine, California) linear power supply model RS-12A (9A continuous output) / $20.00 from Ed Gable (curator of the world famous AWA museum in Bloomfield, NY). Astron still sells this model, new, for $79. Replaced the power cord and adjusted the output voltage from 15.5 Vac down to 13.8 Vdc. Works like a charm and powers up the ICOM 2100H mobile rig that I am borrowing for the "Tour de Cure."
• 01-apr-2006: Drumlins Hamfest / Newark, NY. (Route 96 to Route 88 north to Newark). Small, but well attended. No snow, cloudy and about 40 degrees.
• 26-feb-2006: Horseheads Winterfest / Horseheads, NY. Medium sized and well attended. No snow, sunny, but cold, about 30 degrees.
• 28-jan-2006: Lockport Winterfest / Lockport, NY. No snow, sunny, but cold, about 30 degrees. A small, but well attended event.
• 04-nov-2005: RaRa Auction / Henrietta, NY. Small, and well attended. Auction started at 7:30 p.m. on a Friday. Lots of items, bidding went slowly. Became too late to stay for the misc. items such as literature, etc.
• Summer 1989: Family friend, Bob Dengler (KC2QS/SK ex-WB2KDW) showed me how to work DX from his mobile rig (from inside his new, air conditioned Lincoln Continental sedan). He worked Europe (France) from Livingston County, NY on what looked like a Kenwood rig. Bob was a great guy with a dry sense of humor.

c o n t a c t / r a d i o  w o r l d

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Amateur Radio Station N2AWA
Established: September 19, 2005
© Black Sparrow Photography / Jeffrey P. Miller (N2AWA)

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