Eric 4Z1UG has a really good interview with Mike Bryce, WB8VGE.
Listen here:
https://www.qsotoday.com/podcasts/WB8VGE
I've been a big fan of Mike's for many years. I've talked to him on the air a couple of times. I liked his QRP column in 73 magazine. I share his enthusiasm for Boatanchor rigs. He is a fellow member of the QRP Hall of Fame (who, like Pete and me, at times seems to be pushing the QRO envelope). I like his approach to solar power. He too has been bothered by appliance ops who complain that his boatanchor rigs are 150 hertz "too low."
His attitude toward contesting is similar to mine -- I may be more opposed than he is. I think contesting encourages a kind of harshness and competitiveness that runs contrary to the spirit of the Radio Amateur's code.
I got a chuckle about Mike's claim that he almost Worked All States in RECEIVED Official Observer reports. And that he at one point owned THIRTY 104s.
Mike's observations on the dumbing down of ham radio and on the social (psychological?) problems of 75 meters ("net starting in 5 minutes!" "QRP not allowed on 75") are sadly on the mark.
Mike's hint about using a white-out pen to spruce up the front panel of an old Drake radio adds a new household/office material to our rig-fixing arsenal.
Eric's comment on the Lafayette Catalog resonated with me. I used to read it too.
I hope Mike decides to get on the air more frequently. Just avoid 75 meters and 7.200 MHz Mike.
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Another great guest - thank you, Eric!
ReplyDeleteI'm still chuckling over his contempt for the term "Elmer". No offense to the original Elmer, but we do need to change that for the reasons Mike mentioned.