Always more often I think that radios in shack are like human beings: if you leave them alone for a long time, they can feel that, and get sick. I wouldn’t ever confront them to such a risk, and that’s why – when possible, when the opportunity is given – I try to increase especially the “portable patrol” on the shelf. Last entry is a Motorola GP68, UHF version (the VHF is out there too). I have to admit that after some picks Read more →

Sunday 27th november saw the Ham rally in Turin, held in the “Pozzo Strada” compound, where the local “A.R.I.” club is. Being the closest hamvention to my town (slightly more than one hour drive), I always gladly attend. For the second time (first was this summer), I enjoyed the extremely “affordable” dimension of this market. Not a lot of stalls, but that way you can check them deeply. Most of all, being Read more →

Everyone who played intelligently with a radio knows that, as low as you move on the frequency side, you need an horizontally polarized antenna to be heard well at a distance. That’s what I learnt as an SWL, and that’s what my “Fishing rod” proved me, with not the best performance on 80 meters. So, I decided to fill – at least on the listening side – this gap, and, since my space allows, I stretched a wire from Read more →

It happened me to hear WPX or CQ WW, in the past, but this was the first time I had the chance to launch myself in the struggle, being licensed since three months. First decision I took was to avoid any extra equipment: on oct 29th and 30th I wouldn’t have had all the time needed to devote myself completely to the contest. So, I decided I would go – as we say in Italian – in “what comes will be taken” mode. Expectations Read more →

Guys, even before someone between you will speak, I’ll recognize you’re right. I’m chronically late in updating this blog, and I’ve a lot of things to talk you about, including my first ever CQ WW contest, as well as some 10 meters always more incredible openings (enough to tell I worked D2AM last week-end!). Time will come for all these stories, believe me. However, today, there is something coming first, as Read more →