Christmas Week 2009

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Learning Morse

I said I will learn Morse code in 2010 and intend to do so. I have a number of computer programs, CD's and the internet however I find this type of learning better in a class/group. However without a Trainer / Elmer I will start on my own.

I Started with LCWO (Learn CW Online) and find it better to write the letters on a pad and then type into the computer for checking. While this is longer it is far easier to do. I also have some CD's from the ARRL however you tend to know what’s coming next after you have used them once or twice.

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Christmas week


23rd of December

I finished work for the holiday break. We recorded the end of year special in the evening with Darren M0PRV, James M0BOV, Derek M0RFY and Colin M6BOY. An enjoyable evening spent recording this episode with friends. I hope you all enjoy this episode as much as we did making it.

25th of December

Christmas Day 10:30 to 11:30 Sutton and Cheam net controller. Good fun as always and passed seasonal greeting to some of my friends.

Christmas Lunch with Lee, Miranda, Isabella and Mum. Wendy My Daughter Wendy joined us later. We made a Skype video call to Ireland to Speak to Colin, Sandra, Conor and Holly. The children got to show us their new presents.

It has been a very busy day, but very enjoyable.

26th December


Carole (the station manager) had to go to work, so I decided to go and play radio with Denis M0NDJ. We spent some time setting up military dipoles for various bands and testing some of the radios Denis had with him. I had a short time to operate on 17 metres and worked Greece, Romania and Bulgaria all on 5 watts with a Yaesu FT817. Not bad for 30 minutes.

27th December

I did some more work on my Softrock RX TX V6.2 kit. It’s almost working on receive. I also did the tune up mod for my MKARS80 which worked well.

Colin released the Christmas special of our ICQPODCAST.

ICQ Podcast Series Two Episode Twenty-Seven (27 December 2009) - 2009 Roundtable Review
27 December 2009 21:13

Martin (M1MRB) and Colin (M6BOY) are joined by James Ridout (M0BOV), Darren Parvin (M0PRV) and Derek Murray M0RFY to discuss Amateur Radio in 2009, and plans for 2010.

That’s 41 episodes, not bad at all for 18 months work. I am now looking forward to the New Year to see what it brings.

The ICQPOCAST can be downloaded from http://www.icqpodcast.com

Its Sunday evening, Colin talked me into doing this blog. Am I talking to myself?

We released a new podcast today, which makes 40 in total.

icqpodcast's Amateur / Ham Radio Podcast

ICQ Podcast, the premier Amateur Radio / Ham Radio Podcast. News, Views, Features, upcoming events and Amateur / Ham radio training. A podcast for you and including you.
ICQ Podcast Series Two Episode Twenty-Six (20 December 2009) - A Weekend in Radio

20 December 2009

Series Two Episode Twenty-Six of the ICQ Amateur / Ham Radio Podcast. News Stories include:-

• Spectrum Defence Fund announced
• Logbook of the World Reaches New Milestones
• National Amateur Radio Centre construction
• AO51 magnetic 'flip' experiment successful
• Scott Robbins, W4PA, to purchase Vibroplex
• Experienced CW op for rare IOTA DXpedition
• SDR-Radio.com
• Ofcom - Release of the 59 - 64 GHz band
• 500kHz 1mW QRP gets to Norway
• Website for amateur satellite XW-1
• Indian amateurs get new frequencies
• Amateurs in Bahrain gain new frequencies

Your feedback, upcoming events, Hints, Tips and Tricks and Martin, M1MRB discusses a Weekend in Radio

The podcast can be downloaded from http://www.icqpodcast.com

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I came across these very interesting websites which will be of interest to anyone who wishes to learn electronics. The first website is called “All About Circuits” and its URL is:


http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/

Another good electronics website is “The Electronics Club”, its URL is:

http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/

Both websites are worth a look if you are interested in electronics.

Enjoy Martin

Recording a new episode of the ICQPODCAST

Hi tonight Colin and I are recording the ICQPodcast Series Two Episode Twenty-Six. This will be released on Sunday 20th of December.

I'm Now Blogging

M1MRB now has a blog