updates to my ham radio hobby

My last entry in this blog was right after the 2013 Museum Ships Weekend in early June.  Shortly after that, my family and I moved off the island (Galveston Island) and onto the mainland.  We now live in League City, Texas.  I kept my station, on the island, on the air until the last moment.  My last contact from Galveston Island, NA-143, was on June 27.  K4IMB, Doug was my last contact.  Thank you Doug!  We moved on June 28.

I set my station up, on July 19.  I am still operating with a temporary station at my new qth.  I currently run an IC-7600 into an ALS-600, (currently in the shop) which feeds a Transworld 10-20 meter vertical.  I have to pull the antenna coax and antenna control cable through the window when I wish to get on the air.  HI!  No 40 meters yet.My first contact was with a state side special event station, W2R.  My first dx, July 19, was TR8CA, Alain, in Gabon.  It was not my first time to work Alain.  But, perhaps my most pleasurable.  It was good to know that even with my temporary set up I could work dx!

It has been a transition.  I have never known ham radio without living on the island.  My introduction to vhf and hf was grounded around being on NA-143.  I truly enjoyed putting the island out.

I have permission from the HOA to install my BigIr vertical, if I can get the neighbors permission.  I have 1 of 2 signatures.  I hope to start on the install before years end.  This go round, I will add the 80 meter coil, to the BigIr.  I hope in the next 30 days or so to be QRV 80 - 6 meters.

I will add more updates regarding the contest season and more to this blog in the near future.

I hope to work you on the bands.
73 and good dx
Leslie, ad5wb

a couple of more photos and videos from 2013 MSW

Mark, the Bosun for the Elissa, has a strong interest in ham radio.  His support was invaluable.  We were able to get him on the air on Sunday.

Husband and wife tag team, working the pile up.

Video from Sunday showing operators at work.  You can hear James making a qso.

One of the regular cruise ships.  It came in sometime Saturday night.  All day Sunday we heard chimes, bells, announcements etc until she left that afternoon.

The event was fun.  We added at least three stations to the event this year.  Last year we had on station on hf and one for a local vhf net.  This year we added an additional hf station, we also added a vhf ssb station and a satellite station.

I will come back and try and post a summary soon.

73

Leslie, ad5wb

photos and video from Day 1 2013 Museum Ships Weekend

Here are few photos from Saturday June 1, 2013; day one of Museum ships Weekend.  We operate dockside.  Boy was it hot!  Feeling a little toasty Sunday morning as we prepare to go back out.
The Elissa is operated by the Texas Seaport Museum.  Last night, they held their annual Plankholders event. So we had to vacate around 2200z.
Well, here you go:

Three of our operators straining to hear through the noise.  The Elissa in the background.

The 1877 Tall Ship Elissa.  Notice the missing deck.  they are in the process of redecking the entire ship.

As previously posted one of our operators giving new meaning to the term operating barefoot.

A view of our operating position from onboard the Elissa.

Our operating location.

A short video showing our operating positions

Operating outside at a remote location has it's challenges.  We had a few technical issues that delayed us getting on the air.  they also restricted us band wise for a while.  But, other challenges include the qrm from the "locals".  HI!

I will try to post a few more photos and such from today's operation.

Very 73 and good dx

Leslie, ad5wb

operating barefoot

One of our intrepid operators gives new meaning to the term operating barefoot!  HI!

2013 Museum ships Weekend