Starting Tomorrow.
Tomorrow and through this Friday, I’m going to tell you what my thoughts are about moving into VHF/UHF.
While I pretty much know what direction I want to go as I get back into VHF/UHF, I still will welcome any comments as to the direction I will finally take.
The list will appear starting tomorrow.
The week with KI7UP.
This week I started off recording a story for Amateur Radio Newsline .
Then I decided that I wanted to go through all of the QSTs that I had from 2010. At first I didn’t really have anything to look for other than coming across interesting articles about Amateur Radio. Then I figured out that the monthly review might be a good place to look and find out what the authors thought about different VHF/UHF handhelds and mobiles, as that’s what I plan to purchase next.
I thought that I had decided what I wanted. but after reading again the reviews of several VHF/UHF radios I had not even considered, I’m back to the drawing board.
Yesterday I also went back to PR-101 that is maybe a year and a half old, and went trough it with the goal of completing it and taking the test on line.
Let’s hope I pass.  So far I ‘m doing well with the practice tests as I go through it.
More about the Visit
Earlier in January I sent a letter to the Scottsdale Arizona Fire Chef asking as an individual with a wife who is disabled, what provisions had been made if the Power goes out, the land line phone system was down and the cellular phone system was overloaded with governmental communications or down itself.
John Moede, the Emergency Management Coordinator for Scottsdale paid us a visit Tuesday afternoon.
He told us about what was going on within the City and plans that were underway to add a Amateur Radio set up to the city’s EOC. He also told us that he was interested he obtaining his amateur license.  As he had been approached by a local club who showed him a “small radio” and worked a local repeater.
He brought with him, a number of brochures of the numerous programs for citizens that are up and running. I have made several calls and have opted to be included in programs that will help us in an emergency situation.
Visit!
Received a visit from the Emergency Management Coordinator of the City of Scottsdale, Arizona.
Details upcoming.
Aniversary!
It was there in San Diego 13 years ago that Karen and IÂ got married.
Get’s better with each day!
Made up my mind.
I have decided what I’m going to do about getting into VHF/UHF.
After spending the better part of 2 years, it’s about time I made a move.
I have to kick myself for having sold a handheld I found in my office closet. Even though it was not new, according to the ham I sold it to, a new battery and it was as good as new.
Now you’re just going to have to wait until my new radio gets here and I can include pictures, to find out what I did.
Last Saturday’s Swap Meet.
ATV
This past weekend I sent an email to Bill Munsil who is involved with Local Amateur TV.
To my surprise, I received several emails back and then a phone call. That’s what really surprised me. We talked about what I could do to use a Video Monitor I have from the days when I had a video production company.
Our conversation ended with me deciding that I’m going to bring in from the “cold” of our patio the cable ready 32 inch TV and use it to for now at least be able to view what’s going in with ATV here in Arizona.
I also sent an email to a company that sells Amateur Equipment. That was Saturday, and here it is Wednesday and no reply.
Guess they don’t want my business.
UHF/VHF
In anticipation of purchasing a VHF/UHF radio I went out a month ago and bought the ARRl Repeater Directory 2011 -2012.
When I got it, what should appear but the directory from 1996 – 1997.   I have not spent a lot of time comparing the two to see just where the changes are and what is new. My first glance didn’t find that many. Keep in mind, it’s not that important to me.
Now the problem I still face, regardless of which of the directories I use, what am I going to purchase so that I can go on VHF/UHF? Or should I limit it to VHF or just UHF? And there is the question Handheld or Mobile that I can use in our van or here in the house?
Seems like there are always questions.
Arizona has a Busy Amateur Community.
Amateur Radio is busy here in Arizona with a lot going on.