Thursday, November 24, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
How to Get Started in Amateur Radio
by John UbeleAmateur radio also known as Ham radio is a powerful wireless communications medium that has been around since 1901. In the decades since the equipment used for amateur radio has developed along with commercial radio hardware. The creation of the transistor in the late 1950s helped lower the cost of Ham radios which allowed them to become more widely available. Other significant advancements include the creation of repeater networks and the integration of microprocessors into radio equipment.
Many Ham operators use their radios in place of cell phones and land based telephone services. This allows them to save a considerable amount of money on their communication costs.
There are three classes of amateur radio licenses; from lowest to highest they are Technician, General and Extra. The higher the license the greater the frequency privileges you receive. Before you can receive the General or Extra class licenses you have to pass the Technician test. The tests have to be passed in order because you can’t skip licenses.
To study for your exam you should get a copy of “Ham Radio License Manual(Technician Class)”. The book is very comprehensive and does an excellent job introducing the basics of Ham radio and all of the FCC regulations that govern it. The book is available through Amazon.com. All of the exam’s questions are located in the back of the book. You can also take practice tests online by clicking here.
The largest national membership organization for Ham operators is the American Radio Relay League(ARRL). The group publishes a monthly magazine for its members titled “QST”. Their website ARRL.org is a wealth of information and it has a list of testing centers throughout the U.S. The site also lists local Ham radio clubs.
Club meetings are a great place to socialize and learn more about Ham radio and the many facets of the hobby. At the meetings you’ll find highly experienced Ham operators who are referred to as “Elmers”, these individuals are a great wealth of knowledge and should be engaged when the opportunity arises.
Ham radios come in a variety of types and styles. There are handhelds, mobile systems for vehicles and base systems like those you would find at someone’s home or at a local Ham club. Two good sources for radios and accessories are universal-radio.com and hamcity.com.
You can also communicate with other Hams using echolink.org. This site uses voice over intent protocol(VoIP) to connect with other Ham users. The echolink system is very easy to use and you don’t need any radio equipment to access it.
Amateur radio has many facets which helps make it a very fun and rewarding hobby. Many young people who become involved with Ham radio go on to make a career for themselves in the electronics field.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
US Troop Body Parts Treated Like Trash
The three workers also stated that the orders were given to them by their supervisors. Their supervisors asked them to keep quite about the matter. Two of the three workers were later fired after giving statements exposing the scandal.
Several recent investigations have shed light on how widespread the mistreatment of troop remains has been.
None of the managers responsible were terminated despite the fact that investigators found a consistent pattern of “gross mismanagement”. The only punishment given was the transfer of two supervisors and the reprimand of a unit commander.
The Other Israel
The Other Israel was compiled after 15 months' filming and editing, this fast-moving, professional documentary will give you a unique education on the inner teachings of Judaism and the Talmud.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Nearly One Third of American Children Are Poor
The U.S. Census Bureau released figures Thursday that the number of poor children in the country rose by 1 million to its highest level ever. This increase has brought the total percentage of poverty stricken children to just over 32%.
The Bureau released the following statement with their report to Reuters:
"Children who live in poverty, especially young children, are more likely than their peers to have cognitive and behavioral difficulties, to complete fewer years of education, and, as they grow up, to experience more years of unemployment”.
The Bureau has said the increase in poor children has been because more families have dropped below the poverty threshold. This threshold is defined as an annual household income of $22,314 for a family of four.
The Census figures are just one more statistic to reinforce that the U.S. is in a full blown depression…
The 5 Dollar Multi Use Personal Space Stove
A friend of mine sent me this video and I thought it would help some of my blog viewers.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
“You’re going to see what a Molotov cocktail can do to Macy’s”
After being driven from Zuccotti Park the Occupy Wall Street demonstrators are planning for what they call “a national day of direct action”. This day of action is set to take place tomorrow(Thursday).
The demonstrators have released a statement through their website saying they are planning three serious actions Thursday beginning with a “shut down” of Wall Street.
The day will begin with a protest in Liberty Square at 7 a.m. to “put an end to Wall Street’s reign of terror.”
After the morning protest the demonstrators will push out into the subway system of the city’s five boroughs. The protestors are calling this action “Occupy the Subway”.
They will gather at numerous subways stations around the city to take their message to the trains…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)