QRZ! Ham Radio 5

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ QRZ! Ham Radio 5 / QRZ Ham Radio Callsign Database - Volume 5.iso / files / arrl / qst / qstdig07.93 < prev next >

Wrap

Text File | 1994-11-20 | 30.6 KB | 689 lines

DIGEST OF ARTICLES -- QST, July, 1993 Following are digests of articles printed in the July, 1993 issue of QST. Such digests are being prepared for each issue of QST, and posted periodically. Subsequent issues will be posted one per week until they "catch up" to the current date in mid-1994, thereafter monthly. It is hoped that other hams will volunteer to post similar digests of the other ham technical publications such as QEX, CQ, 73, COMMUNICATIONS QUARTERLY, RTTY JOURNAL, et al. Especially desirable would be digests of publications in other countries, such as the RSGB RADIO COMMUNICA- TIONS and ham magazines in Europe, Japan, Australia, and other countries around the world. We English speakers would especially enjoy them if they were translated into our language, but they would also be valuable additions to the world's knowledge if they were posted in the language of origin. Who knows? Some bi-lingual ham somewhere might translate them into English and re-post them. Worldwide communications are getting better and better. The time has come to make the world's ham press available to all hams throughout the world! The major value of digests is to give readers sufficient information to decide whether to obtain a copy of the full text. If any U.S. reader wants a copy of an article in QST, please inquire of other hams in your own neighborhood. Many have collections of back issues. Anyone who is unsuccessful in finding a fellow ham with a collection should try every library in the area, especially those at universities and technical colleges. If all else fails, a copy can be obtained from the ARRL Technical Department, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111-1494 USA for a fee of $3.00 per copy. Remember, it is both cheaper and quicker to obtain one locally. Readers in most other countries can obtain copies from their own national ham organizations, sometimes translated into their own languages. -------------------------------CUT HERE--------------------------------- COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Copyright to all the following material from QST Magazine is held by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), effective on the date of issue. Permission is granted for redistribution of the following in its entirety, or in part, provided that this copyright notice is not removed or altered and that proper attribution is made to ARRL as publisher of QST, to the authors of the original articles, and to W. E. "Van" Van Horne, W8UOF, author of this compilation. _________ TABLE OF CONTENTS (line number in parentheses - counting from CUT HERE line) TECHNICAL ARTICLES (TA) TA1:A Synchronous Detector for AM Transmissions (73) TA2:Honey, I Shrunk the Antenna! (127) TA3:IROESON: An Infrared Optoelectronic Keyer (193) TA4:Reverse-Polarity Protection for Your Gear (233) TA5:Ironing Out Your Printed-Circuit Boards (264) PRODUCT REVIEW (PR) PR1:MFJ-9017 18-MHz QRP CW Transceiver (311) PR2:PacComm PSK-1T Satellite Modem and TNC (337) HINTS AND KINKS (HK) HK1:Improving the Heathkit HW-5400 Transceiver (382) HK2:A Garden Hose as Cable Conduit (391) HK3:Relays Make Sure Mobile Radios are Really Off (401) HK4:Re-centering the Ten-Tec Century/22 Audio Filter at 750-Hz (410) HK5:More on Winding Multifilar Toroids (418) HK6:A Replacement Battery-Pack for the Santec ST-142 Hand-Held (426) HK7:A Fix for Wind-Fatigued Wires (435) HK8:Paddle in a Pill-Bottle (447) TECHNICAL CORRESPONDENCE (TC) TC1:An Updated Tandem Match (467) FEEDBACK (FB) FB1:Sporadic-E Causes, QST Apr 93 (485) NEW HAM COMPANION (NHC) NHC1:Two 2-Meter Antennas (501) NHC2:The Doctor is IN (518) NHC3:The Fine Art of QSLing (528) NHC4:Finding My Niche in Ham Radio (535) NHC5:Technical Solutions in the Field (547) RADIO TIPS (RT) RT1:Mobile Grounding (563) RT2:Hooked on Phonetics (570) RT3:What's a Net? (578) GENERAL INTEREST ARTICLES (GI) GI1:10,500 Miles of Mobile CW on a Motorcycle (590) GI2:An "Ocean Hopper" Reunion (608) GI3:Amateur Radio's Most Rewarding Activity (623) GI4:Ham Radio as a Second Language (637) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ TECHNICAL ARTICLES (TA) _________ Title>TA1:A Synchronous Detector for AM Transmissions Author>Vermasvuori, Jukka - OH2GF Source>QST Jul 1993, pp. 28-33 Abstract>A construction article describing a synchronous detector for AM reception. It supplies a locally-generated carrier which eliminates the severe distortion caused by selective fading when the strength of the received carrier drops relative to the sidebands. Digest>People who enjoy listening to foreign "shortwave" broadcasts, as well as others, are frequently annoyed by the severe distortion that occurs in conventional broadcast receivers when fading causes overmodulation distortion due to the carrier strength falling below that of the sidebands. Mr. Vermasvuori has designed and built a synchronous detector using a locally-generated beat-frequency oscillator (BFO), synchronized with the received carrier, which remains at a constant strength. The same BFO is also useful since it allows the reception of CW signals on a broadcast receiver. Synchronous detection provides some other advantages, as well: no signal-to-noise threshold; suppression of adjacent-channel splash; rejection of synthesizer phase noise; low harmonic distortion in audio, independent of signal level; and other desirable effects. The system uses three integrated circuits that were originally designed for use in FM receivers, plus a modest number of discrete components. The author uses it with a Sangean ATS-808 "all-band" receiver, which is also sold as the Radio Shack DX-380. He built it into a long, narrow metal box dimensioned to be attached to the underside of the receiver. Because of the very high gain of the ICs, parts layout is somewhat critical and signal leads are routed around the chassis through small-diameter coax cable. Since it is designed to operate with an i.f. of 450-455 KHz., it can probably be used with almost any receiver that has an i.f. in that range; with modifications it can no doubt be used with any other superheterodyne receiver, as well. The author notes that his synchronous detector requires as little as 3 mV. of i.f., or 30 dB. less gain ahead of the detector than conventional receivers require. Hence, its use could simplify receiver construction. In a side-bar, David Newkirk, WJ1Z, reported success in using the system with a Drake SW-4A receiver and an ICOM IC-729 Transceiver. He states that he got good results whenever he was successful in getting "interference-free i.f. drive". He was not successful using it with a Japan Radio Company JST-135HP transceiver because he was not able to eliminate i.f. interference and could not take the time to analyze where it was coming from. Mr. Vermasvuori reports that his modified Sangean receiver works very well for his purposes, as he demonstrated during a recent visit to the USA. From Massachusetts, he was able to follow Radio Finland's one-hour daily SSB transmission beamed toward Western Europe on 15,330 KHz. "with adequate signal quality". _________ Title>TA2:Honey, I Shrunk the Antenna! Author>Newkirk, Rod - W9BRD Source>QST Jul 1993 Abstract>Report on experiments with small loops for transmitting antennas. Included are loops with up to 4-turns. Digest>The author describes the results of his experiments with small loop antennas used for transmitting. He defines "small loops" as those with 1/8 wavelength of wire, or less. His approach differs from the many other articles published in the last few years about small transmitting loops in that he is using 2-, 3-, and 4-turn loops. He made his loops square with the bottom- and top-sides horizontal. A capacitor is inserted in the center of the lower leg of each turn, all capacitors of equal value except for one, which is variable for tuning. His experiments started with a 40-meter antenna of a single-turn, 3-1/2 feet high and 4-1/2 feet wide, resonated with about 40-pf. capacitance in the lower leg. It was fed at the center of the top leg and showed a resistive input impedance of approximately 5- or 6-ohms. Then he doubled the number of turns by using "zip-cord" for the two conductors, and inserted another 40-pf. capacitor in a symmetrical location in the second loop. Now the input impedance measured approximately resistive 25-ohms. After adding a third turn and capacitor, he found that the impedance had risen to about 50-ohms and was a near-perfect match to 50-ohm coax. The multi-turn loop performed as would be expected with such a high indicated impedance. In contrast to the single-loop antennas reported in the literature, when fed with 100-watts of power at 40-meters, no excessively high r.f. voltages or currents were observed. Midget capacitors designed for receiving use were adequate and the tuning capacitor did not arc-over. The author even reported that the band-width can be made to approximate that of a normal half-wave dipole if the three loops are slightly stagger-tuned. Following such excellent results on 40-meters, he added a fourth turn, with still the same dimensions, and tuned it to 80-meters. Resonance at 3.6 MHz. required approximately 100 pf. in each of the four capacitances. At this frequency, the measured impedance was now about 18-ohms resistive, so the author fed it with a simple gamma-match. Finally, Mr. Newkirk tuned the four-turn loop to 160-meters! At that wavelength, it is only 1/32-wavelength in circumference, although it contains 1/8-wavelength of wire. The capacitance of each of the capacitors was 350 pf. to resonate at about 1.85 MHz. As soon as the antenna was operable on each of the bands, he operated with it and made numbers of QSOs, even though his shack is in his basement and the loop antenna was about half below ground-level! On 80-meter CW, he made contacts on the East Coast and west as far as Arizona, from Chicago. Running 40-watts on 160-meter CW, he had QSOs in the East, South, and Midwest. Finally, he tried the same loop on the higher frequencies. He found that a 2-turn loop works well on the 30- and 20-meter bands with 20 pf. capacitors for 20-meters and somewhat higher for the 30-meter band. Feed impedances in both cases are about 50-ohms. For 17- and 15-meters, he continued to use the 2-turn loop, but split each turn in both the top and bottom legs with 15-pf. capacitors, and fed it in one of the vertical legs. Again, it matched the 50-ohm feedline well. For proper operation on 10-meters, he cut back to a single loop, split top and bottom with 12-pf. capacitors, again fed with 50-ohm cable at the center of one of the side-legs. _________ Title>TA3:IROESON:An Infrared Optoelectronic Keyer Author>Cebik, L. B. - W4RNL Source>QST Jul 1993, pp. 36-39 Abstract>Construction of a keyer utilizing beams of light which are interrupted with the fingers to form Morse code. Digest>This same author wrote an article published in the February, 1992 QST entitled: "IROESK: An Infrared Optoelectronic Straight Key". It described a straight key which was built using an infrared beam between a light source and phototransistor detector; the operator closed the keying contacts by interrupting the light beam with a finger. In the present article, he extends the principal to provide two such light beams which can be interrupted with fingers, one for dots and the other for dashes. In both cases, his intent is to remove most of the physical effort in keying, especially for handicapped people or ones suffering from arthritis. In addition to the optoelectronic "switches", an integrated-circuit (IC) chip and a number of discrete components are assembled on a small printed-circuit board which is mounted, along with some switches and a knob to form a complete keyer. Mr. Cebik built his unit attractively using a combination of wood and Plexiglas(TM). When operated, the user manipulates it by using any two fingers moving in vertical motions. The fingers "tap" on a Plexiglas shelf. He also indicates that other models have been built in a vertical assembly which is keyed with horizontal motions, more similar to a bug or paddle. The article contains complete wiring diagrams, parts lists, and photographs of the horizontal (finger-tapping) model. PC-board templates, digrams, and a schematic of the vertical model are available from ARRL Headquarters for a business-size SASE. Address the request to: Cebik IROESON Keyer PC-board Template, Technical Department Secretary, ARRL, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111. Components, PC-board, and other parts are available from FAR Circuits, 18N640 Field Court, Dundee, IL 60118-9269. _________ Title>TA4:Reverse-Polarity Protection for Your Gear Author>Covington, Michael A. Source>QST Jul 1993, pp. 40-41 Abstract>Circuitry to protect electronic equipment from damage caused by inadvertent reversal of the polarity of supplied power. Digest>Much electronic equipment can be damaged or destroyed if the power supply polarity is reversed. The author shows several simple and inexpensive applications of solid-state components that can provide complete protection. The first, and simplest, is a diode in series with the load. The only drawback to its use is that every silicon diode causes a voltage drop of about 0.6 volts. In most cases, this causes no problem unless the supply voltage is low, in which case the drop is a large percentage of the total. If the series connection diode cannot be used, the next best approach is to put the diode, with inverse polarity, in parallel with the load. This assumes that there is a fuse or circuit-breaker in the power supply. Reverse polarity will "see" the diode as a direct short and instantly "pop" the breaker, assuming that the diode has a higher current rating than the breaker. Care must be taken that the diode is not so small as to "pop" before the breaker does! Next, Mr. Covington shows applications of N-channel MOSFETS acting as switches that will close only if the polarity is correct. Finally, he shows that a low-voltage-drop PNP voltage regulator provides inherent reverse-polarity protection. _________ _________ Title>TA5:Ironing Out Your Printed-Circuit Boards Author>Grebenkemper, John - KI6WX Source>QST Jul 1993, pp. 42-44 Abstract>A description of a simple and inexpensive way to apply patterns onto PC-board material for etching. A mirror-image of the pattern is first printed on paper by a Xerox, or equivalent, printer. It can be transferred onto the copper foil by ironing it with a pressing iron. Then the paper can be removed after soaking it overnight in water containing a small amount of chlorine bleach. Digest>Printed-circuit boards can be made in many different ways. The most satisfactory method is the photographic technique using a light- sensitive coating that is developed like a photograph and etched. But for experimental or one-at-a-time projects, it is expensive and time-consuming. Mr. Grebenkemper shows a method that is quick and inexpensive. He starts with a drawing or photograph of the desired pattern which may be taken from a magazine article, or hand-drawn. A copy is made on a Xerox, or equivalent, machine. The copy must be a "mirror-image", which is conveniently made by copying on a transparency, turning it upside-down, and recopying onto paper. The "ink" that is deposited on the paper is made of particles of black pigment in a binder, or "toner", that melts at elevated temperature. It can be transferred onto the copper foil on the PC-board blank if it is placed face-down and heated from the rear with a home electric-iron. It melts at about 300-degrees F. (149-degrees C.) After it is melted in contact with the copper foil, the paper, image, and PC-board will all be stuck together. The paper can be removed, leaving the image on the copper, if one soaks it overnight in a solution of water and chlorine-bleach. When the paper is removed after soaking, paper-fibers will be left sticking to the toner. Most of them can be removed with a soft brush. Once the paper fibers are gone, the pattern should be inspected carefully with a magnifier. Any gaps or flaws must be repaired with a "resist-pen". Finally, the board is etched in the normal manner. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PRODUCT REVIEW (PR) conductor: James W. Healy, NJ2L Sr. Asst. Technical Editor _________ Title>PR1:MFJ-9017 18-MHz QRP CW Transceiver Author>Hale, Bruce S. - KB1MW Source>QST Jul 1993, pp. 45-46 Abstract>Performance review of the MFJ-9017 transceiver. It was found to perform well. Digest>MFJ Enterprises makes a line of QRP CW transceivers, each built for a single band from 40- through 15-meters. The author reviewed the model built for the 18-MHz. WARC band. The rig is very small, only 2.5 x 6.5 x 7.25 inches (63 x 163 x 181 mm.) and weighs 1.8 pounds (0.8 kg.) Its power output is "more than 4-watts", CW only. Power requirements are 12-15 volts DC at 1 amp max (transmitting), and 50 ma. (receive). The rig is very simple. Its front panel has only 3 knobs: frequency, volume, and RIT. There is also a power switch and 2 LED indicators, for power-on and transmit. Optional extra features are a self-contained keyer and a 700 Hz. bandwidth audio filter. The reviewer states: "This is a well-designed, well-built radio. If you've got an older rig that doesn't cover 18 MHz., this is a great way to try the band (and QRP at the same time). If you're looking for a rig to take on your next vacation, think about one of the MFJ series." _________ Title>PR2:PSK-1T Satellite Modem and TNC Author>Ford, Steve - WB8IMY Source>QST Jul 1993, pp. 46-47 Abstract>Operational review of the PacComm PSK-1T Packet Modem and TNC. It was found to perform well in both satellite and terrestial operations. Digest>The PSK-1T is designed for people who want to operate packet, both on earth and via satellite. Actually, PacComm has combined their models PSK-1 satellite modem with their Tiny-2 TNC into a single package. In fact, they have not rewritten their operating manual; with the unit, they supply two separate manuals, one for each of the two units the package contains. Details of installation depend upon the user's specific equipment; the installation instructions in the manuals are adequate. In satellite operations with the 1200-bit/s packet satellites, Manchester FSK is utilized in their 2-meter FM uplinks and phase-shift keying (PSK) on the 70-cm. downlinks. The PSK-1T software presents a menu on the computer monitor and all controls can be operated through the computer. The reviewer states that the unit performs very well on weak signals so that one can tune the satellite signal as soon as it appears over the horizon, and it usually holds the signal throughout the pass. He was able to connect with OSCAR 20 and communicate with it reliably using an uplink power of only 25-watts and an omnidirectional antenna. After the satellite has passed, one can switch to terrestial packet by a command from the computer, or from a front-panel switch. The PSK-1t functions well on both HF and VHF packet and includes a personal mailbox on which others can leave messages. In summary, the reviewer stated: "The PacComm PSK-1T is a good choice if you want to be active on terrestial and satellite packet, switching between the two in seconds." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ HINTS AND KINKS (HK) conductor: David Newkirk, WJ1Z Sr. Asst. Technical Editor _________ Title>HK1:Improving the Heathkit HW-5400 Transceiver Author>Akimov, Paul - WA2RIA Source>QST Jul 1993, p. 48 Abstract>The writer gives wiring diagrams and detailed, step-by-step instructions to make two modifications to the Heathkit rig. Both are meant to improve the sound quality of the audio. _________ Title>HK2:A Garden Hose as Cable Conduit Author>Iocona, Louis J. - N2PKT Source>QST Jul 1993, p. 49 Abstract>The writer reports that he split an old garden-hose down the middle and inserted several coax-cable lines in it, then fastened the hose under the eaves of his roof. This made a convenient and weather- proof installation. _________ Title>HK3:Relays Make Sure Mobile Radios are Really Off Author>Wells, Bill - K5DMY Source>QST Jul 1993, p. 49 Abstract>Contains a wiring diagram showing the use of 12-volt relays to shut the power off to mobile equipment whenever the ignition of the vehicle is turned off. _________ Title>HK4:Re-centering the Ten-Tec Century/22 Audio Filter at 750-Hz. Author>Garrett, Don - WA9TGT Source>QST Jul 1993, p. 49 Abstract>How to change certain filter-tuning capacitors to change the CW tone. _________ Title>HK5:More on Winding Multifilar Toroids Author>Lau, Zack - KH6CP/1 Source>QST Jul 1993, p. 49 Abstract>A way to wind bifilar transformers without the need for color-coded wire. _________ Title>HK6:A Replacement Battery-Pack for the Santec ST-142 Hand-Held Author>Forster, Bruce A. - N7QMY Source>QST Jul 1993, p. 49 Abstract>The writer identifies a Radio Shack battery pack ENERCELL 9.6 V Ni-Cd Turbo Racing Battery Pack (No. 23-229) as a replacement for the specified rig. _________ Title>HK7:A Fix for Wind-Fatigued Wires Author>Buell, Norman S. - W6SJH Source>QST Jul 1993, p. 49 Abstract>Reinforcing fragile wire connections with plastic rods. Digest>Mr. Buell solved a problem with his antenna. Open-wire feeders were breaking in the wind at the point where they were soldered to a dipole antenna. He solved the problem by reinforcing each feeder wire with a 2-foot length of plastic rod. _________ Title>HK8:Paddle in a Pill-Bottle Author>Kearman, Jim - KR1S Source>QST Jul 1993, p. 49 Abstract>Construction of a tiny, portable paddle for use with an electronic keyer. Digest>The writer wanted a small and light portable paddle for use with his QRP rig. He made one from two "micro" switches mounted in a pill bottle and connected to a length of two-conductor cable with a plug on the end. He can hold it in one hand and actuate one switch with his index finger, and the other with his thumb. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ TECHNICAL CORRESPONDENCE (TC) conductor: Paul Pagel, N1FB Associate Technical Editor _________ Title>TC1:An Updated Tandem Match Author>Grebenkemper, John - KI6WX Source>QST Jul 1993 Abstract>Corrects errors in article in QST Jan 1988 and also the ARRL Antenna Book, 16th Edition. Digest>The Tandem Match directional wattmeter was described by the author in a QST article in the January, 1987 issue. Several corrections appeared in the January, 1988 QST. It was reprinted in the 16th Edition of the ARRL Antenna Book, which also included an error. In the current letter, the author offers some updates to more modern components and also corrects the mistakes from past printings. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ FEEDBACK (FB) Title>FB1:"Sporadic-E Causes", QST Apr 93 Author>Spokes, Neil - AB4YK Source>QST Jul 1993, p. 50 Abstract>In the second paragraph of p. 73, add the words "peaks and" before the word "troughs", so that the sentence becomes: "...over at least a decade and whose peaks and troughs were closely related...." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NEW HAM COMPANION (NHC) The New Ham Companion is a regular section of QST. It features articles of primary interest to newcomers to the hobby. _________ Title>NHC1:Two 2-Meter Antennas Author>Bowles, Chester S. - AA1EX Source>QST Jul 1993, pp. 62-64 Abstract>Simple and inexpensive 2-meter dipoles made from wire and PVC pipe. Digest>The author shows dimensioned drawings and gives detailed instructions for building 2-meter half-wave dipoles using PVC pipe and fittings. One of the antennas is for use at a home station and features stiff, galvanized steel wire for each half of the antenna. The other model is for portable use. It is identical to the former one except that it uses flexible wire inside a piece of half-inch (13 mm. ID) PVC tubing for each half of the dipole so that it can be easily assembled and disassembled. _________ Title>NHC2:The Doctor is IN Author>Various Source>QST Jul 1993, p. 65 Abstract>This is a regular feature in this section of the magazine. It is comprised of questions and answers of interest to newcomers. Questions discussed this month regard: satellite operations, ionosphere propagation, water in coax cables, and SWR/power meters. _________ Title>NHC3:The Fine Art of QSLing Author>Ford, Steve - WB8IMY Source>QST Jul 1993, pp. 66-69 Abstract>QSL cards and the operation of the ARRL QSL Bureaus. _________ Title>NHC4:Finding My Niche in Ham Radio Author>Castaldo, Rick - KD1BR Source>QST Jul 1993, pp. 70-71 Abstract>Experiences of a beginner in amateur radio. Digest>The author relates his trepidations when he first received his General Class license and his experiences as he met other hams, both in person and on-the-air. He describes all of the different activities, operting modes, and sub-specialties of the hobby. _________ Title>NHC5:Technical Solutions in the Field Author>Hurder, Luck - KY1T Source>QST Jul 1993, p. 72 Abstract>A description of the ARRL Field Organization by its deputy manager. He explains the positions of Technical Coordinator and Technical Specialist, what they do and how to contact them. _________ RADIO TIPS (RT) These are short items, scattered among the articles in the NEW HAM COMPANION section. _________ Title>RT1:Mobile Grounding Author>Ford, Steve - WB8IMY Source>QST Jul 1993, p. 64 Abstract>Recommendations for grounding radio gear mounted in vehicles. _________ Title>RT2:Hooked on Phonetics Author>Ford, Steve - WB8IMY Source>QST Jul 1993, p. 69 Abstract>The use of phonetics is explained. A table of the modern, approved list (Alfa, Bravo, Charlie, Delta) is included. _________ Title>RT3:What's a Net? Author>Ford, Steve - WB8IMY Source>QST Jul 1993, p. 71 Abstract>Nets (short for "networks") are explained. The need for a net control station (NCS) to avoid confusion is emphasized. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ GENERAL INTEREST ARTICLES (GI) _________ Title>GI1:10,500 Miles of Mobile CW on a Motorcycle Author>Brogdon, Al - K3KMO Source>QST Jul 1993, pp. 21-25 Abstract>Operating Morse code while driving a motorcycle. Digest>Mr. Brogdon, later to become Managing Editor of QST, relates his experiences during a motorcycle trip when he and his 14-year old son spent 32 days driving to Alaska and back. Mounted between the handlebars was the author's Kenwood TS-140 transceiver and a mobile antenna was on the rear of the 'cycle. There were two micro-switches on a small aluminum plate that was bolted underneath one of the hand-grips of the handlebars. They were used to actuate a keyer as he operated CW almost exclusively during the entire trip. He reports that he routinely drove 60-mph, keying at 30-wpm, while wearing gloves, and also keeping a log, sometimes during rain! _________ Title>GI2:An "Ocean Hopper" Reunion Author>Barthel, Randy W. - KF8TV Source>QST Jul 1993, pp. 54-55 Abstract>Nostalgia. Digest>This article is a series of reminiscences by the author. At age 13, he built a Knight-Kit "Ocean-Hopper" regenerative receiver but did not go on to get a ham-license. 10-years later he again became interested and obtained a novice license. That time he built a transmitter kit, the Ameco AC-1, and operated for a short time, but again drifted away from radio. Recently, 25-years later, he again became interested and is now operating CW on 80- and 40-meters. _________ Title>GI3:Amateur Radio's Most Rewarding Activity Author>Morris, Gary - N6QAF Source>QST Jul 1993, p. 56 Abstract>The joys of helping beginners. Digest>This is a laudatory description of ham "Elmers"; i.e. the people who take the time to help beginners get started in amateur radio. The author emphasizes that it does not take a strong technical background for any ham to help a newcomer. He states that no pleasures of the hobby can match the thrill of watching a youngster grow in understanding and achievement, partially as a result of the Elmer's help. _________ Title>GI4:Ham Radio as a Second Language Author>Huizinga, Pusun, WQ0U Source>QST Jul 1993, p. 57 Abstract>A Korean-American woman relates how ham radio has helped her overcome some of her homesickness and also to improve her English. ------------------------------------------------------------------------