On the Air (QRP) from Vietnam

Our friend Jonathan, 7J1AWL, managed to overcome the bureaucratic barriers, and was on the air from some really beautiful locations in Vietnam.
Check out his pictures and videos: XV2OC
I really like the shot of Oscar in the helmet.

NUKE KNACK!

Sure, some of your guys have solar panels and wind-powered generators, but how many of you have NUCLEAR FUSION goin' on in the shack? These guys do. They DEFINITELY have The Knack. Be sure to watch the video in which the guy admits that he has an agreement with his wife to replace the house if he actually blows it up!

Check it out: Wall Street Journal Fusion Article

This all reminds me of a wonderful book I got as a kid: "The Amateur Scientist" by C.L. Strong. "Build a Homemade Atom Smasher" was one of the projects. Homebrew X-Rays were also in there.

Jupiter

This image (by Michael Weasner) is very similar to what we see when we look at Jupiter through our six inch reflector telescope. Billy and I were up on the roof last night, looking at Jupiter and the moons. Sky and Telescope magazine publishes a nice chart showing how the moons will be configured each evening. Arnie Coro, CO2KK, in the most recent edition of Radio Havana Cuba's "DXers Unlimited" program mentions how easy it is to receive radio signals from Jupiter. I haven't tried that yet, but as a Knack victim, I feel the urge to do so.

We also watched OUR moon rise over Rome, and saw a satellite pass overhead. Saw some neat double-stars, and I taught Billy about averted vision.

Carl and Jerry: KNACK VICTIMS!

These guys definitely have The Knack. Check out Jeff, K7JPD's Carl and Jerry web site:
http://www.copperwood.com/carlandjerry.htm

Digital Designers Discover Hands. Wayne Green

Sent in by Mike, kc7IT, here is an interesting article on how software guys are being encouraged to build things with their hands:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/17/technology/17ping.html


Sent in by our musician, Mark "Moj" Johnson, W8MOJ, here is an update on Wayne Green of "73" magazine fame:
http://www.computerworld.com

SolderSmoke #90

http://www.soldersmoke.com

August 17, 2008

August in Rome, Italian beaches, Circeo
Hardrock Cafe, My Sharona, The Knack
The Planet Mechanics
VK6DI on QRSS
Listen to me talking to Jean Shepherd (1976)
SolderSmoke (sort of) in Australia in 1944
Herman Munster is not an appliance op...
Book Review: "The Science of Radio"
August QST: KD1JV's rig, pneumatic switching, QRP WAS
Conrad's Garage, KDKA, K4HU (SK)
Kits and Parts by W8DIZ
Working on 80 meter DSB rig
Computer fixed, counter still dead
MAILBAG:
7J1AWL in Vietnam
Jerry, NR5A, gets a Drake 2A
KB1DRK recommends Spitfish
SM5QU on Apollo Backpack Radios (AM!)
AC7ZN reports WB8LZG has aerielitis
W8NF on Dorkbot (Knack?  or no Knack?)
G0FUW to speak at Basingstoke 1 September
M0JRQ on the meanings of "knackered"

Conrad's Garage -- Birth of KDKA -- K4HU, SK

Harry Mills, K4HU, passed away recently. Harry was 100 years old and was active on the ham bands right up until the end. National Public Radio featured Harry and his ham station in an "All Things Considered" segment about early radio. It came out in 2001. I don't know how I missed this one -- it is really great. Have a listen: NPR program on KDKA, K4HU