Jimmy,

I've saved this info and will do it soon...

The net won't meet on Nov. 24 (next Monday) for Thanksgiving Week,
or Dec. 22 (Christmas Week) or Dec. 29 for New Years Week. It takes
OFF the weeks of Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.

Right now, my next project 'at home' is hooking up an HF rig!

Now, if the bands will cooperate this winter.

I don't really have room for the longest parts of it, but for
now
I'm going to make an inverted V on my tower and use at least
the
10 meter part... Get my feet wet, so to speak, and if
everything
works okay I'll get another power supply to run it as well for
more power and I'll invest in an antenna I can mount without
taking
up 100' of yard space. :-)

15 Years ago, the no frills HF rig I used on the Arkansas and
Missouri Railroad, was an Icom IC-718. It was designed to "get your
feet wet in HF".

... Insurance guy to Adam & Eve: I see you're not covered...

Their fig leaf policy was terminated early. <G>

Daryl

... The first sperm to reach the egg to start pregnancy is an ova-achiever.
=== MultiMail/Win v0.52
--- SBBSecho 3.32-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

Daryl Stout wrote to jimmy anderson <=-

Jimmy,

I've saved this info and will do it soon...

The net won't meet on Nov. 24 (next Monday) for Thanksgiving Week,
or Dec. 22 (Christmas Week) or Dec. 29 for New Years Week. It takes
OFF the weeks of Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.

Yeah, I saw that - and I DID get my login and just tested it.

Right now, my next project 'at home' is hooking up an HF rig!

Now, if the bands will cooperate this winter.

I don't really have room for the longest parts of it, but for
now
I'm going to make an inverted V on my tower and use at least
the
10 meter part... Get my feet wet, so to speak, and if
everything
works okay I'll get another power supply to run it as well for
more power and I'll invest in an antenna I can mount without
taking
up 100' of yard space. :-)

15 Years ago, the no frills HF rig I used on the Arkansas and
Missouri Railroad, was an Icom IC-718. It was designed to "get your
feet wet in HF".

What kind of antenna did you use?





... As I said before, I never repeat myself
--- MultiMail/Mac v0.52
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Jimmy,

Yeah, I saw that - and I DID get my login and just tested it.

Good deal.

What kind of antenna did you use?

It was the portable HamStick antenna. They have one for different bands.

When I was HF Railroad Mobile in May, 2011, on the Arkansas And Missouri Railroad Troop Train, we had a 20 meter hamstick on the back of the restored 1927 Harlan and Hollingsworth Passenger Car, and we were in the cramped Conductor's Cabin, with an Icom IC 718. We had to make sure that the HamStick wasn't too tall, so that it'd fit into the tunnel at Winslow, on the old
Frisco line.

You can see me at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aEtSbHX7pw

73,

Daryl, N5VLZ

... COFFEE.EXE Missing - Insert Cup and Press Any Key to Continue.
=== MultiMail/Win v0.52
--- SBBSecho 3.32-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

The PCL Packet Net will be "on the air" every Monday evening at
8pm Eastern, 7pm Central, 6pm Mountain, 5pm Pacific.

NOTE: The net will NOT on Monday during the weeks of the following
US holidays: Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.

Sometimes funny... sometimes serious... but always interesting.

Friendly "Hams" from all over gather here every week for a few
chuckles, tips and tricks, and tall tales.

Join us... you'll be glad you did.

Connect to the PCL Packet Net in Penfield, New York...

For HF Radio Users:
Using 14.105 LSB (Network105), connect to NS2B-11.
Be aware this can be a high traffic connection -
Efforts will be made to "slow things down" a bit
to accommodate HF connections.

For AXIP Network Users:
At any AXIP or BPQ32 Packet node, look for and connect
to PACNET.

For Outpost, Winpack and HyperTerminal Users:
(Contact NS2B for Username and Password.)
Using TelNet, connect to ns2b.ddns.net Port 8010.
When connected, enter "PCL"

For Internet users:
(Contact NS2B for Username and Password.)
Using your Internet Browser, connect to:
http://ns2b.ddns.net:8080/Node/Terminal.html?pcl

Via Packet Radio with the Outpost program or the equivalent, if
you can't be here in person, just "REPLY" to this message to the
email addresses below...and we will acknowledge your callsign as
an "early check-in" during the net.

Early checkins can also be accomplished by email to either:

ns2b@arrl.net or ns2b@winlink.org OR
wx4qz@arrl.net or wx4qz@winlink.org

Thanks es 73,
Bob, NS2B (Net Control), and Daryl, WX4QZ (Scribe)
--- SBBSecho 3.32-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

Daryl Stout wrote to jimmy anderson <=-

Jimmy,

Yeah, I saw that - and I DID get my login and just tested it.

Good deal.

What kind of antenna did you use?

It was the portable HamStick antenna. They have one for different
bands.

I looked it up - not a bad price!

I still intend to hang my fan dipole - at least for 10m - but if I
choose to start using HF from home a lot, I'll want something that
will hit other bands too...



... AVOID INTERNET SCAMS! Send $20 to learn how...
--- MultiMail/Mac v0.52
* Origin: Digital Distortion: digitaldistortionbbs.com (1:105/7)

Jimmy,

It was the portable HamStick antenna. They have one for different
bands.

I looked it up - not a bad price!

Hams are frugal cheapskates, after all.

I still intend to hang my fan dipole - at least for 10m - but
if I choose to start using HF from home a lot, I'll want
something that will hit other bands too...

Now, if the bands will just cooperate.

... AVOID INTERNET SCAMS! Send $20 to learn how...

Why stop at $20?? <G>

Daryl

... The cost of feathers has risen. . . Now even DOWN is up!
=== MultiMail/Win v0.52
--- SBBSecho 3.32-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

The PCL Packet Net will be "on the air" every Monday evening at
8pm Eastern, 7pm Central, 6pm Mountain, 5pm Pacific.

NOTE: The net will NOT on Monday during the weeks of the following
US holidays: Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.

Sometimes funny... sometimes serious... but always interesting.

Friendly "Hams" from all over gather here every week for a few
chuckles, tips and tricks, and tall tales.

Join us... you'll be glad you did.

Connect to the PCL Packet Net in Penfield, New York...

For HF Radio Users:
Using 14.105 LSB (Network105), connect to NS2B-11.
Be aware this can be a high traffic connection -
Efforts will be made to "slow things down" a bit
to accommodate HF connections.

For AXIP Network Users:
At any AXIP or BPQ32 Packet node, look for and connect
to PACNET.

For Outpost, Winpack and HyperTerminal Users:
(Contact NS2B for Username and Password.)
Using TelNet, connect to ns2b.ddns.net Port 8010.
When connected, enter "PCL"

For Internet users:
(Contact NS2B for Username and Password.)
Using your Internet Browser, connect to:
http://ns2b.ddns.net:8080/Node/Terminal.html?pcl

Via Packet Radio with the Outpost program or the equivalent, if
you can't be here in person, just "REPLY" to this message to the
email addresses below...and we will acknowledge your callsign as
an "early check-in" during the net.

Early checkins can also be accomplished by email to either:

ns2b@arrl.net or ns2b@winlink.org OR
wx4qz@arrl.net or wx4qz@winlink.org

Thanks es 73,
Bob, NS2B (Net Control), and Daryl, WX4QZ (Scribe)
--- SBBSecho 3.32-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

Daryl Stout wrote to jimmy anderson <=-

Jimmy,

It was the portable HamStick antenna. They have one for different
bands.

I looked it up - not a bad price!

Hams are frugal cheapskates, after all.

I still intend to hang my fan dipole - at least for 10m - but
if I choose to start using HF from home a lot, I'll want
something that will hit other bands too...

Now, if the bands will just cooperate.

True... The radio will do 10m to 160m though...

... AVOID INTERNET SCAMS! Send $20 to learn how...

Why stop at $20?? <G>

Introductary price... ;-) Once you HOOK them... ;-)


... Got my tie caught in the fax... Suddenly I was in L.A.
--- MultiMail/Mac v0.52
* Origin: Digital Distortion: digitaldistortionbbs.com (1:105/7)

Re: Re: The PCL Net
By: jimmy anderson to Daryl Stout on Tue Dec 02 2025 11:15:44

Hams are frugal cheapskates, after all.

Guess it depends on your perspective. Considering the cheapest desktop HF rig I've seen is ~$500 US, and that's bare-bones, you're not exactly starting out in the bargain basement. Wnat an SDR desktop like the IC-7300, then your looking at a grand! Then there's the antennae, possibly a tower and/or amp, and it goes from there.

Great hobby, but not a cheap one. It's no wonder most the hams I've listened to were had professional careers before they retired.
--- SBBSecho 3.31-Linux
* Origin: End Of The Line BBS - endofthelinebbs.com (1:124/5016)

Mortar M. wrote to Daryl Stout <=-

Hams are frugal cheapskates, after all.

Guess it depends on your perspective. Considering the
cheapest desktop HF rig I've seen is ~$500 US, and that's
bare-bones, you're not exactly starting out in the bargain
basement. Wnat an SDR desktop like the IC-7300, then your
looking at a grand! Then there's the antennae, possibly a
tower and/or amp, and it goes from there.

Great hobby, but not a cheap one. It's no wonder most the
hams I've listened to were had professional careers before
they retired.

Makes 2m/440 much cheaper - but more limited of course...



... I'm not afraid of flying, I'm afraid of crashing.
___ MultiMail/Mac v0.52

--- Maximus/2 3.01
* Origin: Sursum Corda! BBS-Huntsville,AL-bbs.sursum-corda.com (1:396/45)

Re: Re: Hams on the Cheap
By: Jimmy Anderson to Mortar M. on Wed Dec 03 2025 22:17:00

Makes 2m/440 much cheaper - but more limited of course...

Sure on both counts. I had an Alinco HT I bought back in the '80s and paid around $200, I think. Course, 2m was a lot more active back then in my area. Today, all I ever hear is the repeater IDs.
--- SBBSecho 3.31-Linux
* Origin: End Of The Line BBS - endofthelinebbs.com (1:124/5016)

Jimmy,

I still intend to hang my fan dipole - at least for 10m - but
if I choose to start using HF from home a lot, I'll want
something that will hit other bands too...

I'm going to use remotehams.com -- as it'd be easier for me. The
only time that I'm on the air is for my nets, or checking into some
selected nets. I *RARELY* get a sked request.

... AVOID INTERNET SCAMS! Send $20 to learn how...

Why stop at $20?? <G>

Introductary price... ;-) Once you HOOK them... ;-)

LOL!!

Daryl, N5VLZ

... Thou shalt have no other Sysop before me (just kidding!)
=== MultiMail/Win v0.52
--- SBBSecho 3.32-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

Great hobby, but not a cheap one. It's no wonder most the hams
I've listened to were had professional careers before they
retired.

There's a meme that notes "if you want your kids to stay away from
bad things (i.e. drugs), get them into ham radio. They'll never have
any money for anything else." <G>

Yet, ANY hobby can "nickel and dime you to death".

73,

Daryl, N5VLZ

... I'm not drunk -- my keyboard is illiterate.
=== MultiMail/Win v0.52
--- SBBSecho 3.32-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

Re: Re: Hams on the Cheap
By: Daryl Stout to Mortar M. on Thu Dec 04 2025 23:08:01

Yet, ANY hobby can "nickel and dime you to death".

Nickel and dimes I can handle. 50s and 100s are another story.
--- SBBSecho 3.31-Linux
* Origin: End Of The Line BBS - endofthelinebbs.com (1:124/5016)

Yet, ANY hobby can "nickel and dime you to death".

Nickel and dimes I can handle. 50s and 100s are another story.

Don't tell me that preacher is non-demoninational!! I saw his eyes
light up with a $50 bill in the offering plate!! <G>

Daryl

... Clevelage: The sight one see when a large repair man bends over.
=== MultiMail/Win v0.52
--- SBBSecho 3.32-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)

Mortar M. wrote to Jimmy Anderson <=-

Re: Re: Hams on the Cheap
By: Jimmy Anderson to Mortar M. on Wed Dec 03 2025 22:17:00

Makes 2m/440 much cheaper - but more limited of course...

Sure on both counts. I had an Alinco HT I bought back in the '80s and paid around $200, I think. Course, 2m was a lot more active back then
in my area. Today, all I ever hear is the repeater IDs. --- SBBSecho

I spoke with someone today on one... :-)



... We'll ignore the prime directive... just this once...
--- MultiMail/Mac v0.52
* Origin: Digital Distortion: digitaldistortionbbs.com (1:105/7)

Daryl Stout wrote to jimmy anderson <=-

I still intend to hang my fan dipole - at least for 10m - but
if I choose to start using HF from home a lot, I'll want
something that will hit other bands too...

I'm going to use remotehams.com -- as it'd be easier for me. The
only time that I'm on the air is for my nets, or checking into some selected nets. I *RARELY* get a sked request.

When I hung it (still have to finish running coax and the lightning
arrestor) I was able to run the 2nd set as well, so should be 10m and
20m for sure.



... Time Marches On. So does Life, Newsweek, National Geographic, etc.
--- MultiMail/Mac v0.52
* Origin: Digital Distortion: digitaldistortionbbs.com (1:105/7)

Daryl Stout wrote to Mortar M. <=-

Great hobby, but not a cheap one. It's no wonder most the hams
I've listened to were had professional careers before they
retired.

There's a meme that notes "if you want your kids to stay away from
bad things (i.e. drugs), get them into ham radio. They'll never have
any money for anything else." <G>

Yet, ANY hobby can "nickel and dime you to death".

Warhammer is one of the most expensive miniature games you
can play. Game stores will sometimes have signs that say --
"Unattended Children Will Be Taught to Play Warhammer"



... As I said before, I never repeat myself
--- MultiMail/Mac v0.52
* Origin: Digital Distortion: digitaldistortionbbs.com (1:105/7)

Jimmy,

When I hung it (still have to finish running coax and the
lightning arrestor) I was able to run the 2nd set as well, so
should be 10m and 20m for sure.

Now, if the bands will just cooperate.

73,

Daryl, N5VLZ

... Do NOT try to cure this HAM -- DE N5VLZ
=== MultiMail/Win v0.52
--- SBBSecho 3.32-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)