Thursday, November 12, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Thursday, 12 November 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.

In this edition: 
  • Well, this is different! 
  • A dip in the General Class pool.
  • This week's remote HF report: W0EQO is ready to move, and W0ZSW has a new antenna tuning procedure.
  • Check into our nets!

Wednesday, November 04, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 04 November 2015



Welcome to Handiham World.

In this edition:  

·         A dip in the Extra Class pool.
·         This week's remote HF report: W0EQO is ready to move, and we trim trees at W0ZSW.  Will the wire antenna survive?
·         Check into our nets!
·         New DAISY download: KB5ELV "Eyes-Free Guide to the Baofeng UV5R".

·         ...And more!

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 28 October 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.
In this edition: 
  • A special event for you this weekend - W0JH will be on the air!
  • Operating tips
  • This week's remote HF report: W0ZSW and W0EQO back on the air via Remotehams.
  • Check into our nets!
  • Dip in the Pool returns with a question about waveforms from the Extra Class pool.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 21 October 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.
In this edition: 
  • The joy of a simple station.
  • CQ WWDX SSB this weekend.
  • Request feedback - W0ZSW and W0EQO back on the air via Remotehams. We have some "Gotchas".
  • Check into our nets!
  • Dip in the Pool returns with a question about logic from the Extra Class pool.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 14 October 2015

In this edition: 
  • ARRL President's Award.
  • Civil behavior revisited.
  • Request feedback and problems - W0ZSW and W0EQO back on the air via Remotehams.
  • Current list of RCForb stuff to fix.
  • Check into our nets - also a new blog for you to check out.
  • Dip in the Pool returns with a question about inductors from the NEW General Class pool.
  • Awful HF conditions continue.

Wednesday, October 07, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 07 October 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.
In this edition: 
  • Check coax with your multimeter.
  • W0ZSW and W0EQO back on the air via Remotehams.
  • Update! Looking for an easy way to get a practice exam?
  • Check into our nets.
  • Dip in the Pool returns with a question about SWR from the NEW General Class pool.
  • Awful HF conditions today.

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 30 September 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.
In this edition: 
  • Whoa!  It's getting dark.  But the 75 meter band is lighting up.
  • W0ZSW goes back on the air via Remotehams.
  • Looking for an easy way to get a practice exam?
  • Check into our nets!
  • Dip in the Pool returns with a question from the NEW General Class pool.
  • Be ready for updates! 
  • Take a trip back in time with Fred's Head. 
  • X-class solar flare in the offing (maybe.) 

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 23 September 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.
In this edition: 
  • A digital dilemma.
  • Special Report part 2: Focus on accessibility.
  • W0EQO goes back on the air via Remotehams.
  • SARA General course continues this month.
  • Check into our nets!
  • Dip in the Pool returns with a question from the NEW General Class pool about Volunteer Examiners.

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 16 September 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.
In this edition: 
  • Special Report: Focus on accessibility.
  • W0EQO refurb runs into a computer snag.
  • SARA General course starts this month.
  • Check into our nets!
  • Dip in the Pool returns with a question from the Extra Class pool about polar coordinates.
  • New audio is available.

Wednesday, September 02, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 02 September 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.
In this edition: 
  • September marks the new ham radio season!
  • Forget about those FCC ULS callsign lookups for the next week.
  • W0EQO refurb begins.
  • SARA General course starts this month.
  • Check into our nets!
  • Try something new: QRP.
  • This week's website features a way for blind computer users to install Windows.
  • Dip in the Pool returns with a question from the Extra Class pool about the meaning of "ideal".
  • New audio is available.
  • Remembering a great teacher.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 26 August 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.
In this edition: 
  • 2015 Radio Camp winds down.
  • W0ZSW hangs on - for now.
  • Radios in the Park – August 27th.
  • Check into our nets!
  • This week's website features a talking charger.
  • Dip in the Pool returns with a question from the Technician Class pool about unit conversion.
  • New audio is available.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 12 August 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.
In this edition: 
  • Radio Camp begins next week!
  • Windows 10 headaches surface with upgrades.
  • Check into our nets!  Listen for Radio Camp.
  • This week's website features the Blind-Hams Mailing List.
  • Dip in the Pool returns with a question from the Technician Class pool about checking voltages.
  • August audio is available.

Wednesday, August 05, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 05 August 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.
In this edition: 
  • We say goodbye to W0EQO and W0ZSW - for now.
  • Check into our nets!
  • This week's website features Windows 10 info.
  • Dip in the Pool returns with a question from the Extra Class pool about rectangular coordinates.
  • August audio is available.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 29 July 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.
In this edition: 
  • Used radio delusions.
  • Check into our nets!
  • This week's website features Windows 10.
  • Dip in the Pool returns with a question from the Extra Class pool about who's responsible when running automated stations.
  • The Remote Base HF report:  W0EQO will be decommissioned next month.
  • August audio is in production.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 22 July 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.
In this edition: 
  • If your club doesn't do this, it may be doomed.
  • Check out this no fly zone! 
  • ...and then check into our nets!
  • This week's website features free flood prediction software.
  • Dip in the Pool returns with a question from the Extra Class pool that explains the benefits (and disadvantages) of top-loading vertical antennas.
  • The Remote Base HF report:  W0ZSW is back on the air after minor storm damage.
  • July audio is ready.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 15 July 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.
In this edition: 
  • Your elevator pitch
  • Novice license manual price revealed.
  • Check into our nets!
  • This week's websites feature The Amateur Radio Parity Act and cleaning the ham shack.
  • Dip in the Pool returns with a question from the Extra Class pool that ponders antennas and harmonic radiation.
  • The Remote Base HF report:  W0ZSW goes part-time.
  • July audio is ready.

Wednesday, July 08, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 08 July 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.
In this edition: 
  • Musing about the good old days, part 4
  • Does anyone have an old Novice license manual?
  • Check into our nets!
  • This week's websites feature Elmering and a new way to use the NVDA screenreader.
  • Dip in the Pool returns with a question from the Extra Class pool that considers a trade-off in antenna design.
  • The Remote Base HF report:  W0ZSW needs a new home.
  • July audio is ready.
  • ...And more!

Wednesday, July 01, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 01 July 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.
In this edition: 
  • Musing about the good old days, part 3
  • Firing up a linear.
  • Check into our nets!
  • This week's website features an old DX-40 and Hallicrafters receiver.
  • Dip in the Pool returns with a question from the General Class pool that is in effect starting today.
  • The Remote Base HF report:  Why we are considering new software, and how your help is needed!
  • July audio is ready.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 24 June 2015

In this edition: 
  • Musing about the good old days, part 2
  • Accessible Field Day 2015
  • Check into our nets!
  • This week's website features a Morse Code training video.
  • Dip in the Pool returns with a question from the Extra Class pool.
  • The Remote Base HF report:  Why we are considering new software, and how your help is needed!
  • July audio is in production.
  • ...And more!

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 17 June 2015

In this edition: 
  • Musing about the good old days.
  • A call for public service and Field Day 2015 stories.
  • We check out an on the air event.
  • The FCC reconsiders closing its Field Offices.
  • This week's website features a blind accessible way to look up repeaters.
  • Dip in the Pool returns.
  • The Remote Base HF report:  Considering new software.
  • June audio production is complete and NLS cartridges are mailed.
  • ...And more!

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 10 June 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.
Microphone, headphones, and eyeglasses 
In this edition: 
  • Your attention, please!
  • A call for public service stories.
  • A special event station near the Canadian border opens up a rare grid square.
  • The FCC honors accessibility innovators.
  • This week's website serves up phonetics.
  • Dip in the Pool returns.
  • The Remote Base HF report:  A bad connection gets fixed.
  • June audio production continues as another magazine is added.

Wednesday, June 03, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 03 June 2015

In this edition: 
  • It's June - Prime 6 meter band month.  Here's how to get started on the Magic Band.
  • A new way to use remote radios via the internet. 
  • Check out the YL System net.
  • The FCC has a news blog page.
  • This week's website is QRZ.com.
  • Dip in the Pool returns.
  • The Remote Base HF report:  More RFI woes as ports get messed up.
  • June audio production continues.
  • ...And more!

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 27 May 2015

In this edition: 
  • Troubleshooting coax issues with a continuity checker.
  • Some updated net information, including four HF nets for you to check out. 
  • National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program to be made permanent.
  • This week's go-to website features a maker project.
  • Amateur Radio NEWSLINE calls for help.
  • The Remote Base HF report:  Help needed with instructions.
  • June audio production continues.
  • ...And more!


    Listen or read the entire edition here. 

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 20 May 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.

In this edition:  

·         Back from Dayton.
·         Check into our daily nets. 
·         Handiham office closed for holiday next week.
·         This week's go-to website.
·         The Remote Base HF report:  Foiling Murphy.
·         June audio production begins!
·         ...And more!

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 13 May 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.
In this edition: 
  • Heading to Dayton!
  • Check into our daily nets. 
  • A radio museum has a garage sale.
  • The Remote Base HF report:  RF is getting into the host computer!
  • May audio is completed and NLS cartridges mailed this week. 
  • ...And more!

Read or listen to the entire newsletter/podcast here.

Wednesday, May 06, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 06 May 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.
In this edition: 
  • Blind-friendly radios? Wheelchair ramps? What do you need to make a ham radio venue accessible?
  • The week's question:  Are you going to be at Dayton this month?
  • Check into our daily nets. 
  • The Remote Base HF report:  W0ZSW scheduling and summer storms. A Skype glitch on the TS-590S host, too.
  • May audio is in production and NLS cartridges mail this week.  (We hope!)
  • There is a website checking tool available from Google, and your radio club may want to use it.
  • ...And more!

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 29 April 2015



Welcome to Handiham World.
In this edition:  

·         Of all the stuff to worry about... Tigers?

·         The week's question answered: How does your summer operating change?

·         Do you know braille and live in the Twin Cities?

·         Check into our daily nets.

·         The Remote Base HF report:  W0ZSW scheduling begins.

·         May audio is in production and April audio is on line.

·         There are some summer tips.  (Like how not to wash your HT.)

·         ...And more!

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 22 April 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.
In this edition: 
  • Daylight changes the bands.  Is that good or bad?
  • The week's question answered: Do you take an HT along with you regularly?
  • Check into our daily nets. 
  • Take a dip in the pool: We look at statistics.
  • The Remote Base HF report:  W0ZSW scheduling comes up.
  • May audio is in production and April audio is on line.
  • There's some stuff on our radar screen this week, including a privacy issue the FCC is asking about.  
  • ...And more!

But first, we are really starting to notice the longer hours of daylight here in North America.  How does that affect our on the air activity?
Cartoon sun
It seems like just yesterday it was dark when I woke up in the morning and dark right after our evening meal.  Believe me, I pay attention to this because I have two dogs to walk.  Anyone who has a dog knows that they need to go out when they wake up in the morning, throughout the day at strategically planned times, and finally for an evening stroll.  You tend to notice when it is dark outside because you may need to take a light to see and be seen while walking along the park paths or in the street.  During the winter, when the nights are really long and there are few hours of daylight, you have no choice but to hitch up the dogs and head out into the dark.  Doggies cannot wait extra hours for daylight. 
Anyway, that pretty much assures that I know that there is more than enough night to go around all winter long.  Nights in the winter are primo for great, reliable skywave communication on bands like 160, 80, and 40 meters.  

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 15 April 2015


Welcome to Handiham World.
In this edition: 
  • Fasten your seat belt - change is coming!

  • The week's question answered: Checking VoIP audio quality.

  • Check into our daily nets. 

  • Take a dip in the pool: A question for rookies.

  • The Remote Base HF report:  W0ZSW network gets a reboot.

  • April audio is on line.

  • We get an Icom IC-7200 for Radio Camp!

  • ...And more!


But first, are you ready - mentally - to accept change?
circuit board
I was browsing through my digital copy of the recently-released May QST, and one of my first stops was the Eclectic Technology column by Steve Ford, WB8IMY.  Steve's topic is "State-of-the-Art Homebrewing", and he covers a circuit simulation program, which allows designers to test a circuit in a software simulation rather than by building a physical circuit.  Simulators have been around a long time for pilot and driver training, but for electronic circuits?  This sure wasn't on my radar screen, but when I think about it, circuit simulation is as revolutionary a development as there is for homebrewers - or "makers", as they are called today.  I think I'd like to retire the term "homebrewer" for ham radio parlance and leave it for use by hobbyists who brew their own craft beers.
Another one of Steve's topics is home circuit board production, but not with chemical etching.  Oh, no - this is way different.  It's about a $1,500 circuit board printer that "prints" two-layered printed circuit boards to the specs you set forth in your circuit design software. 
Yikes!
You can already get circuit board design software for free, and one point five kilobucks isn't that much, either.  You can bet that in a year or two the technology will be even more capable and cheaper.  3D printing is now a thing, and the ham radio maker community is on board.  Look for replacement parts and original designs to start gracing the ham shack in short order.  As if all this isn't enough change to pack into a single column, Steve polishes off the page with news about new very rapid charging lithium-ion batteries using titanium dioxide nanotube technology that can survive 10,000 charging cycles!  

Wednesday, April 08, 2015

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, 08 April 2015

Welcome to Handiham World.

In this edition: 
  • W0ZSW has begun TS-590S testing.  We consider HF competency!
  • The week's question answered: A great idea for an indoor loop antenna.
  • Check into our daily nets. 
  • Take a dip in the pool: Two questions about operating near band edges.
  • The Remote Base HF report:  Thunderstorm season begins!
  • April audio is on line.
  • NLS cartridges should go out Thursday if all goes well.
  • ...And more!