#304

[@thomaslanghans5479]

Small world! When I was a kid, my grandmother’s sister and her husband owned a vacation house in Beach Haven, that we would visit all the time; we all lived close together in Pennsylvania. Wonderful place. So sad about the Lucy Evelyn. Have lived in California for the past 45 years, never gotten back. Thanks for bring back some very old memories. I have been to all of the locations you talk about. You have helped me buy some Tektronix oscilloscopes, etc., really enjoy using them and repeating some of the things you demonstrate. Purchased what looks like a really nice 2465A CT, should arrive next week. Thanks, great channel.

[@w2aew]

We would love to own a house on LBI - but most properties are over $1M now!

[@johnyang799]

I only discovered this channel a few days ago. And I am really impressed with the stuff here.

[@tomd1696]

My family vacationed all summer (June, July and August) on Second street in Beach Haven back in the 1950’s till 1970; that bridge was made of wood back in the early days of my childhood. Many wonderful memories. 73 KB2ENO

[@w2aew]

Nice! I would love to be able to take the whole summer on LBI! But, the most I can manage is 2 weeks - then back to work!

[@tommycheshire5508]

Just what I needed. I am on vacation at the coast and I think I can rig all of that.you showed just the setup necessary. Thanks for your time.

[@kevmscott]

I did a double take when I saw your video. I grew up about two doors east of the home you are showing in this video. I know that cove well and actually remember when the land your house is on was still water. Spent many a fine summer day crabing on the island in the middle of that cove. Thanks for the memories! Nice setup by the way, I bet your rig really gets out that close to the water. Best of luck and 73.

[@w2aew]

That's an amazing coincidence! We love that place - too bad we can only afford to be there once a year. Going back again in August! I wonder if the house you grew up in is still there, or if it has been replaced by one of the newer McMansions.

[@kevmscott]

w2aew , with a single exception, I haven’t been back on the Island for the past 45 years. Most of us that grew up there, left long ago which is a shame. But growing up there was a unique experience and one that I look back on fondly. It’s a great place! Post when your back and trying for QSO’s. Best if luck!

[@w2aew]

Let me know your call, or send me a quick email with your callsign so that I can reach out when we're in Surf City again with the QRP setup. My email is in QRZ...

[@andrey7530]

beautiful sky

[@PapasDino]

Camouflage net support poles...not so much fun in the Army...glad they're now of such utility to us hams! Hope you have a wonderful vacation! 73 - Dino KL0S

[@ydonl]

You've got a sort of a Bruce Willis thing going on there, I think... Maybe it's just me. :) Hope you're doing well. Me, still trying to wrap my head around active loads on differential pairs... getting more and more intrigued by ham radio... and picked up a BEAUTIFUL ex-DOE nearly-unused 485. It's glorious! What a nifty scope. Thanks for contributing so much to my life.

[@paul-c7541]

Alan hoping you're enjoying your vacation , I know Americans don't get as much time off as we do in the UK from personal experience, so make the most of it. 73, Paul M0BSW

[@tommycheshire5508]

Pardon me again, but I looked at some of your videos, and you sir, are way over my head in your accomplishments. Thanks for stooping down for some of us. Your information was much appreciated.

[@w2aew]

To me, "giving back" is a big part of the ham radio experience.

[@surenot-ky6sy]

Thanks for sharing your antenna setup and vacation morning 😀

[@robertcalkjr.8325]

Thanks Alan! Have fun!

[@Radiowild]

I used to vacation in Ship Bottom. I'd get up early and go crabbing. Looks like you got a nice spot with an awesome ground reflector!

[@thormusique]

Sweet setup, thanks for sharing!

[@SIXSTRING63]

Nice place Alan. Looks very relaxing.

[@HamRadioDX]

Nice little neat setup Alan. I used to have a IC-706MKIIG, great radio for such a long time before I upgraded. 73, Hayden VK7HH

[@mosiotv]

Thanks for sharing this with us on your vacation! Have fun!

[@ZenithClarity]

I noticed how well the squeeze clamps were touching all surfaces immediately before you even mentioned it. Yes, that was very fortunate! Nice place you have there!

[@w2aew]

I wish it was our place! We just rent it for our vacation.

[@ZenithClarity]

@@w2aew Oh well, i misunderstood. Still nice place to use once in a while. Some great views.

[@onesupremelife]

Enjoy your vacation my friend!!

[@eduardojacome9783]

Bonita vista y disfrute sus vacaciones con su Icom HF

[@vincei4252]

Enjoy your vacation!

[@UndernetSystems]

That's a nice antenna brother

[@skypilot0077]

Nice place on the island, love LBI !

[@eclecticneophyte2581]

Way out west (PNW), I'm just getting setup to do some hill-top QRP on HF and 6M. I like the antenna and support system you're using. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

[@CT1JRZ]

Nice place to relax and make some DX! Enjoy

[@TheRadioShop]

Enjoy your vacation Alan. I will do that some day. Nice setup to have a bit of fun with.

[@gsansoucie]

That ReMarkable tablet looks cool, this is the first I’ve heard of it and had to pause to go google it. I am using a Rocketbook reusable notebook, it is a sort of Mylar paper notebook that you write with a special pen. I take photos of the pages with an app on my iPhone that converts thee images to a multi page pdf and uploads it to my folder for Rocketbook logs. I need to find out more about the tablet option though.

[@w2aew]

I got a Rocketbook for Christmas - I like it too. The nice thing about the Remarkable tablet is the ability to edit easily - this is something I use a lot when creating my video notes. But, as you've likely seen, the remarkable table is very $$$.

[@KX4UL]

Nice set-up and location. It would have been even nicer to see you operate and make a few contacts. Maybe next time? 73!

[@w2aew]

Yeah, maybe next time. I do have a few videos of my portable Field Day setup, using the same radio and antenna, making some contacts.

[@dixielandfarm]

Very cool! I wish I was better at CW... probably is I cant get in daily practice, so I slog it out around 10wpm.

[@tveasy5172]

The idea how to make old telecopic fishing rod useful).

[@kennethezell3267]

I should imagine the Icom 703 has an onboard tuner to work with the far electronics antenna?

[@w2aew]

yes it does, very well.

[@TXLorenzo]

Try some of those rubberized metal cable ties to secure your antenna pole. It's easier than trying wiggle wood clamps in position.

[@w2aew]

Good tip, I’ll have to look for those!

[@johnkershaw9575]

Hi Alan, great video and I just subscribed. Good idea on the bar clamps. Also good is a couple of Velcro straps. Take care. N6NRO

[@byd3k157]

Old Barney Amateur Radio Club is the local club named after the LBI lighthouse. Did you get a chance to walk to the top? 73's kb2icn

[@w2aew]

I have in past years.

[@SomeGuyInSandy]

I noticed your reMarkable digital paper tablet in videos you did quite a while ago, and came here to post a comment / question to see if you still used it, and how it held up. And viola there it is! If it isn't too much trouble, a few words about your experience with it would be valuable to me as I am considering buying one, but have heard a bit of negative feedback about them in my research. Thank you in advance!

[@w2aew]

I like it still. It is pricey though, for what it does. For me, it is the flexibility it offers for altering/editing my page content (without throwing away a lot of paper), and being able to export PDF files without having to go to the scanner. Pretty handy for CW copy as well. Biggest downside is the cost.

[@SomeGuyInSandy]

@@w2aew - Thank you. I appreciate the feedback. I like what they are doing, but I hear a new model may be released soon. I think I'll wait. Your videos rock, by the way!

[@SomeGuyInSandy]

@@w2aew - Thought I'd get back to you. I was able to contact reMarkable tech support. Apparently the rumor is just that, so I went ahead and ordered one. Thanks for the help!

[@thomasw6169]

Now thats a short haircut 👍

[@fullwaverecked]

Nice video, and what a beautiful area. Would a 1954 NC-300 w/2 meter plug in be usable today as a Ham Receiver?

[@w2aew]

Sure, and it would probably be more "fun" to operate than a modern receiver.

[@fullwaverecked]

@@w2aew it seems to work, but my antenna is just a piece of coax hanging out of my third floor apt window. But I did hear a voice, hopefully human... But I can't believe it works at all! 66 year old caps.. Makes me nervous.

[@electronic7979]

👍👍👍

[@kotaprolucharan4032]

Actually I have a doubt why do waveforms move in an oscilloscope when trigger level is higher than signal amplitude and why do they stop when trigger level is on the signal is there something going on related to characteristic impedance(some reflected signal is making the signal move)

[@vladshmit]

A Short video about short-wave radio!

[@wadepatton2433]

I think the 11 naysayers are upset by the lack of any CW in the background audio. Hope you had a good time, and worked 'em all. 73

[@HansVanIngelgom]

Do you by chance have any home brew transceivers that you still use or enjoyed building? Just looking for something to solder :).

[@w2aew]

The BITXs are always fun

[@cwguy8960]

Looks like a great setup - especially over the water. Did you make some contacts?

[@w2aew]

Yes, quite a few, even with poor band condx.

[@BenGras]

I'm curious how much you like your Remarkable tablet? How is the writing, and (if you do any), PDF reading?

[@w2aew]

The writing experience is really good. I love the ability to edit (erase, move, resize, etc.). Automatic PDF generation is very good. I haven't used it for reading PDFs though.

[@BenGras]

@@w2aew THanks for the fast reply! I love your videos.

[@1903A3shooter]

I have a bunch of those surplus poles myself. My Army Ranger buddy, [retired] told me they were called a "Pop and Flop" A what I said, yea you Pop up the poles and cover with camouflage netting, then you Flop down and take a Nap.!!! W4GSM

[@ka2cqj]

That’s what I call roughing it.

[@vk3hau]

G'day from AustraliaI, nice setup, l have the 706MK11G, they are a nice HF set..., de VK3HAU

[@wwdaugherty]

just curious about the tablet ? can you provide specifics ? 73 - K4WWD

[@w2aew]

The tablet is from www.remarkable.com

[@tegra5971]

Great idea, except a review calls it “a bit of a luxury item”. (More than an iPad)

[@w2aew]

@@tegra5971 It is a luxury item because of its cost - it is $-pricey-$!! Gives a real good paper-pencil feel. I really like the ability to easily edit, scale, re-arrange, etc. - saves me a lot of paper. The notes you see on my videos (and available PDF files) are usually the product of many, many revisions and wasted paper. The ultimate final result had to be manually scanned to PDF. The tablet is small, lightweight and exports directly to pdf. It can also read pdf files and you can mark them up, but I haven't used this feature.

[@T2D.SteveArcs]

Hi Allan love your vids mate you are so cool.... its said that the QRP record is over 1600 miles on 1 micro watt on 10m I really find this had to believe... is this really possible and what is your personal record... Thanks

[@w2aew]

My best was 9200 miles on 100mW

[@T2D.SteveArcs]

@@w2aew Hi Allan sorry just realised I did not reply how rude sorry... Wow that is totally amazing that such a small amount of energy propagation can can be pick out of the Aether amongst the whole torrent of EM waves, it really speaks volumes for the outstanding design of the radios and the efforts and skill of the operator in knowing their gear and being able to setup for max performance by taking in to consideration all the variables Time , time of year, location, atmospherics and so on, ham truly is an art and its really nice that folk like yourself take the time to share so others can get some insight into a truly fascinating hobby.. Thanks Allan

[@T2D.SteveArcs]

Its funny when you are a kid your all POWER POWER then as you get older you slowly realise its much nicer to refine your setup and use as little power as possible ha when I was about 15 (1995) I delved into radio uniden or sybernet boards were the cheap rig order of the day if I remember correctly anyway as most do I bought I rig and antenna from someone I knew, turned out it didn't work, I took it apart and repaired it it had a reverse polarity diode across the power in which was short so clipped it out and was in business and in in no time at all I had radio gear coming out of my ears I was hooked, I was inside them replacing output trani's, turning up the power output they had a couple of small inductors with movable ferrite slugs inside, turning up the deviation to make the mod louder didnt really know what I was doing but it was great fun, Any way long story I went bigger better B300p B550p then I got a vacuum tube unit that was capable of over a KW, I had no idea about interference (after all my TV was fine) or the people charged with hunting down the idiot causing it (the DTI) the UKs version of the FCC and yes it was just a matter of time until the inevitable knock on the door and the subsequent confiscation off my gear :( should have seen it coming when keying up turned on every sensor light in the street lol turned out that I should have checked that I wasn't causing mayhem (who knew) and fit an inline filter for anyone suffering interference.. A radio baptism of fire..... lol

[@EngineeringVignettes]

I would like to get a (Canadian) HAM license. I'm not able to setup any antennas though... in a strata. Cheers,

[@tdumnxy]

... in a strata. ? Is that a flat/apartment? Maybe try a magnetic loop antenna on a balcony or by a window.

[@MrDannyisr]

I remember your previous vacation setup :) what kind of screen protector this iPad has ?

[@w2aew]

That’s not an iPad. It is a remarkable.com tablet.

[@seyedmarashi1122]

no need any special license N.J?

[@w2aew]

A US amateur radio license is valid anywhere in the country and US possessions (even in NJ).

[@vijayakrishnankuttinath820]

Nice set up there 👍.Does ur end- fed antenna have a counter poise? I had my swr fluctuating wildly with the coax as counterpoise.

[@w2aew]

Just the coax, but the autotuner in the 703 easily takes care of SWR variations

[@vijayakrishnankuttinath820]

@@w2aew I'm my case, I had impedance changing every next second. I am living in an apartment, this could be due to noise sources. I attached a piece of 5 foot wire to the ground and rolled up the excess feed cable near the feedpoint to form a balun. This seems to have prevented the feed cable picking up noise. Now things are good.

[@SuburbanDon]

Any good contacts ?

[@JohnVK5JAK]

What battery run time do you get on the Remarkable tablet?

[@w2aew]

Several hours of continuous use.

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Alan, How do you like that key? Been eyeing that one now that I have an SKCC number. :-) 73 WB3BJU

[@w2aew]

It’s ok, but not fantastic.

[@terry5089]

@@compass504 Close. Straight Key Century Club. You can join for free and get a number. Then work other club members to advance in rank. Work 100 members and you get your Centurion Status. I goes on from there. They have several operating events each month. Mostly slow speed CW, 5 -15 WPM. Everyone has been very friendly and welcoming in the few months that I have been a member. Oh, besides straight keys you can use your bug or cootie key. Electronic keyers are frowned upon except in special circumstances. www.skccgroup.com/

[@NexxuSix]

Hello Alan! Do you have a link for the tablet? Thanks & 73!

[@w2aew]

Www.remarkable.com

[@nurahmedomar]

What tablet are you using? can you please share. Thanks

[@w2aew]

remarkable.com

[@leonsalisbury]

Is this your place, or a rental/time share type thing ? Either way can't ask for a much better location for both vacation and hamming. (unless the neighbors are noisy)

[@w2aew]

I wish it were ours, but it’s just a rental.

[@RadioHamGuy]

Great QRP set up, enjoyed the video! 73..wd0akx

[@K6TJO]

How is your rf ground configured?

[@w2aew]

I don't really have one, per se. The end-fed wire has a high-impedance input, so the RF counterpoise requirements are minimal.

[@K6TJO]

w2aew so you just plug into the wall and that is it? What length wire are you using and transformer ratio? 49:1??

[@w2aew]

I was running off of a battery. The antenna has an LC tuned matching network (sealed box, so I don’t know the exact configuration). Likely a typical EFHW matching network.

[@mirsalisawood4762]

What does QRP stands for?

[@w2aew]

In amateur radio, there are "Q-signals" that are used as a form of shorthand. QRP is the code for operating at low power, typically

[@teekay989]

What battery are you using to power your transceiver?

[@w2aew]

www.bioennopower.com/collections/12v-series-lifepo4-batteries/products/12v-9ah-lfp-battery-abs-sealed-green-case-1

[@EdwinNoorlander]

Hi, what kind of e-reader are you using?

[@w2aew]

It is from www.remarkable.com

[@danrobinson495]

Job b.

[@danrobinson495]

Job b. Job b. Job b. Job b.

[@kd7bwb12]

This video was in my KZbin recommended page... Uh... I am also a HAM, and I am watching a HAM with a house or houseboat, with shore power, operating a 10-watt shortwave radio on a battery. I am unimpressed. If this setup pleases you, I am happy. But I would not operate this way, under these conditions. I would pull out (in your case) my IC-706, and run it on a power supply, using a terminated-folded dipole, which would need no antenna tuner, and go about my business. But that is just me...

[@w2aew]

...sometimes the fun of it is sense of accomplishment when making successful contacts with less than ideal operating conditions.

[@kd7bwb12]

w2aew For some people, that is the point. Not for me. I can make driving my car more fun, by running it on the car battery and starter motor alone. Let’s increase the level of difficulty, to magnificent levels, because it is fun. The idea of Ham radio, is to make proper contact as smoothly and as often as possible, with least power usage needed (FCC rules, remember). But uh... no, you want to run equipment that forces you to operate with both arms tied behind your back. Have fun with that. As I said, if that pleases you, be my guest, I’m happy for you. But don’t try to kid a kidder.

[@w2aew]

It’s all in the spirit of ham radio. An efficient antenna, over salt water, helps both tx and rx. 10W output results is less than a 2 s-unit reduction vs a 100W rig. And certainly keeping in the theme of minimum power to get the job done. Yeah, running a car on the starter doesn’t sound like fun to me either. I’ll take my flat six and 6spd any day!

[@kd7bwb12]

w2aew Better... much better!