John Beckman - W4BTX HAM RADIO "A PAST TIME FOR A LIFETIME"
Bits and pieces this week. President Trump has had a nominee to replace the hack who now heeds up the FCC for months. The Senate won't vote on tTrump's nominee. Why is-that? The answer is simple politics. The FCC is a political organization when it should only be a body that considers rules and regulations concerning the use of the radio spectrum. The President's nominee is an honest man who would do that. Many of the Senators have shady deals, many with foreign nations, concerning the allocation of air space. They will not replace the current hack because it would reveal their unsavory deals. So don't look for a new and impartial head oft he FCC anytime in the near future.
I used to buy a new ARRL Handbook every other year starting in 1957. (I was licensed in 1953 but I couldn't afford a Handbook at $3.30 until 1957.) I kept up that practice until a couple of years ago when my vision started to fade. But a new one is out. The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications for 2021 -- your complete guide to radio experimentation, discovery, and innovation -- is now available.
The Handbook is written by radio amateurs for everyone who has a desire to advance the pursuit of wireless technology. It's available in three formats: Traditional softcover, a six-volume, shrink-wrapped book set (box not included), and eBook digital editions.The 2021 Handbook features new projects and tools, including an FET-controlled power switch, transmitting tube tester, 432 MHz utility Yagi, off-center-fed dipoles, a loop for 30 and 40 meters, RF sniffer construction, RFI loop antenna, and more.
ARRL Webinars. Here IS an interesting one to put on your calendar. Learn and Have Fun with Morse Code: Howard Bernstein, WB2UZE, and Jim Crites, W6JIM
Morse code or "CW" is a popular ham radio operating mode. Learning CW does not have to be an arduous or lonely experience. Learn, practice, and enjoy CW with the methods used by the Long Island CW Club.
Thursday, December 17, 2020, 5 PM PDT / 8 PM EDT (0000 UTC on Friday, December 18)
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