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WX4QZ > ALL 15.12.20 10:06l 230 Lines 7666 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 9352_NS2B
Read: GUEST
Subj: PCL NET SCRIBE DEC 14 2020
Path: IW8PGT<IZ3LSV<IK5FKA<IK5FKA<N3HYM<KE0GB<W8EDU<NS2B
Sent: 201215/0759Z 9352@NS2B.#WNY.NY.USA.NOAM BPQ6.0.20
PCL Net Scribe for Dec. 14, 2020
WX4QZ, Daryl, Arkansas (Net Control And Scribe)
NS2B, Bob, New York (Alternate Net Control)
VA7RBP, Rick, Canada
KF5TVG, Bob, Oklahoma
KF5JRV, Scott, Arkansas
NT5R, Charley, Missouri (Erratic Connection)
**
WX4QZ:
Tonight, Dec. 14, is the last night for The PCL Net
for 2020. We'll be OFF Dec. 21 and 28 for both the
Christmas and New Years Holidays. We'll return on
Monday, Jan. 4, 2021.
Murphy got into the shack big time yesterday. The
computer crashed, and in trying to redo all the
USB connections, I broke the ThumbDV, and thought
I had lost the log for a net I had just finished.
Thankfully, Netlogger had saved the data where I
could recover it, I had a replacement ThumbDV
available, and bought a used one from W5SLG.
I ordered a replacement Train Conductors Outfit,
since I can't get to the storage crate where the
other one is in the garage, and because of hernia
surgery in June, I can't lift heavy things. The
outfit doubles as a nice 3 piece suit.
Last Saturday was the first time I had square danced
since March. We had forehead temperatures taken, and
had to wear masks. Yet I was "stove up stiff" from
not dancing in so long. I looked like I was pregnant
from lack of exercise (more eating than dancing)...and
there is such a thing as pickle flavored ice cream!!
I had to take an Ibuprofen a bit before sunrise this
morning, as I was hurting so bad, that I was having a
hard time sleeping overnight...but it (400 milligrams)
knocked me out. So, I got a very late start this morning.
Weatherwise, winter has returned. Lots of snow in north
Arkansas, especially in the higher elevations, and reports
of numerous wrecks due to icy roads.
I've been using the Zoom utility for ham radio and square
dance related meetings lately, and I now have a monthly
schedule for Zoom meetings. If I can remember the right
dates on them, I'll be fine (hi hi).
My brother didn't like the birthday card I got him (his
birthday is Dec. 23). To me, if you can't laugh at
yourself, you have a lot of problems...I guess he's one
of them (sigh!).
Bob, we've got a surge of COVID-19 cases here in Arkansas
as well. As for the Windows 95 folks, they might as well
be using MS-DOS!! 20 meters was wide open yesterday from
California to New York.
Rick, at least I'm not the only one with computer issues.
It'll be a quiet Christmas for me at home alone as well,
but at least I can eat, sleep, or do ham radio nets at
the computer. FB on the new rig repairs, etc.
Bob, I never was one for Field Day...I don't do well with
outdoor activities due to insects and sunburn. I saw a
deal on the MDARC Zoom Meeting Saturday on the IC-705,
and its carrying case.
Scott, prayers for your boss. I lost an uncle to colon
cancer, and a fellow square dancer was diagnosed with
at least stage 3. Santa heard I was good, and he ruined
his clothes after laughing so hard, so he's not coming
here (hi hi). Jackie has the greenest thumb of anyone
I've ever seen!!
Charley, thanks for being here. I hope your connection
is better next time...technology, phooey!!
**
NS2B:
I hate when computers do that - with me when they blank out,
it's almost always start over time!
No activities have resumed here. Our governor King Cuomo is
trying to shut everything down again. And maybe rightfully so.
We're getting a big surge of Covid cases again.
So, Friday night, our repeater club will have another virtual
Zoom meeting. Those work pretty well for some of the crowd.
But, we do have a faction who hasn't bought a new computer
since the Windows 95 days, so they're a little challenged with
anything like Zoom.
A couple weeks ago, I mentioned swapping the packet node HF
antenna - put up a 20m Zepp. It's either working really well
or conditions are improving because I'm starting to see
European connections!
Prayers for your boss Scott.
73 to all, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!
***
VA7RBP:
It's been a slow couple of weeks. I missed last week, because
I had shack power down for the day, experimenting with a backup
change over switch (DIY) that didn't work because the power
diodes I used had too much voltage drop. Back to the drawing
board...
Talking about computers freezing up, I bumped my USB hub just
before the NOON TIME NET that I call, and it caused the PC to
lock up, Started the net about two minutes late.
Then, around a half hour before this net, I had BPQ32 lock
up on me because it didn't like my RIGCONTROL command...or
something related.
I'm playing around with BPQ32 on my radio PC, just to try
out some robust packet, using WinRPR sound modem. Anyway, it's
not working out, and I have been sidetracked from my other
radio play.
We haven't been up to much at all lately, no more radio club
coffee meetings for the duration.
It looks like it's going to be a very quiet Christmas, just
the two of us at home. Our kids are keeping to themselves as
well, so no Christmas dinner this year.
I've also been puttering around with some radio repair work.
I picked up an FT-2400H for the packet node, and the fellow
I got it from had another FT-2400H that he wanted me to
check out. I fixed a squelch pot problem, and replaced some
backlighting bulbs, from another parts unit, and it's back
to him tomorrow.
Next, I have an old IC-251A all-mode 2M rig to get going,
so I can play SSB on 2M.
Everyone have Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
Stay well!
***
KF5TVG:
First, I have to say I've had pickle flavored popcorn,
but no ice cream!
We had about 6 inches of snow yesterday. Most in 7 years.
Beautiful big wet flakes. Today was sunny and it melted
off most of the roads, but we'll get another inch or two
tomorrow afternoon. Then later in the week it will warm
up, and all gone by the weekend. Just about the right
amount of time!
Have been working on getting ready for winter field day.
Never done the winter one, but have enjoyed the regular
one several times now.
Have a new icom ic-705 qrp rig and 10" monitor with an
RPi strapped on its back, hampi software bundle, 12AHr
Bioenno battery, bluetooth keyboard and mouse, GPS
dongle with software to get accurate time from GPS
when operating remotely and don't have internet connection
(necessary for FT8). All stuffed into the ic-705 companion
backpack. Santa was early and very kind to me this year!
Up to 106 DXCC confirmed on FT8. Been slow getting some of
them confirmed. Have over 120 worked. Heard FT8 is like the
card game solitare, but for radio. Hi Hi.
Prayers for your boss, Scott. Also if I can help you on
your Arudino adventures, send me a note KF5TVG at
cox dot net.
Charley, when the COVID is gone and you're in Tulsa,
let me know and I'll buy you lunch!
Merry Christmas all!
***
KF5JRV:
We had 4 to 5 inches this morning on my car. There were
a lot of wrecks on I-49 in Fayetteville and Rogers area
yesterday. It was a fiasco. My roads stayed pretty clear.
I have been busy playing with Ardunio UNO. I found a
projest that uses an Arduino UNO as a 1200 baud KISS
modem. Pretty interesting. I have little experence with
arduinos but they seem to be easy to work with.
My boss could use prayers. He was diagnosed with
stage 4 colon cancer.
Jackie is busy with her chickens. She got a seed
catalog Saturday, so gardening will soon be here.
Santa has informed me I will "not" be getting a
radio this year.
***
NT5R:
Scott, condolences to your boss.
We got about 2 inches snow around Branson.
Planned trip to Tulsa yesterday, but will wait a few days.
Have a great end of year everyone. Type at you all next year.
***
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