Sunday 9th August 2009 Ham sparks

Yaesu 301 Transceiver

Icom 735 Transceiver

That is one of my toys. No it's not the toy I use on the antenna I wrote about yesterday. This transceiver is an Icom 735. It is HF only. You can read reviews about it here. I have had mine for around 10 years. For the last several years it has sat under my table in its original box. Why? Because other things occupied my time. Then one day I woke up. Changed a few things in my life, did an attitude adjustment and knocked the cob webs out.
I have another HF radio also. It is an IC 718. It's only a couple of years old. Although it is a good rig, along side of the 735, it really doesn't rank.
The first HF rig I ever used was the Yaesu FT 301. I have also included a photo here. And here you can read a review of the rig. All I can say is excellent radio. I got mine in 1989 and it did me for almost 10 years also. It was an old radio when I got it. But it was like a brick. Didn't matter what I did to it, it survived.
Now I do love a good chat. But that is not my main interest. My main interest is antenna construction. In particular, VHF antennas. Which is why I built the Moxon. It is small and powerful.
Enough on radio of the Ham variety. No you can't eat them.

I am always saddened when certain things in my well ordered life go belly up. I admit there are certain things I don't understand. For instance, I could never understand why Mr Bush of the junior ilk could take the coalition of the willing, or is that bullied, into war against Iraq. I got over that. Sort of. I had many an animated discussion with some people about that. Not that it did any good, coz it didn't. I don't understand how God gets any glory out of children suffering. I understand how it happens, but as to those who say God is somehow glorified, please do go get a life and some compassion. I have two girls and I would murder for them, and certainly would not be saying thank You Lord if they were to suffer.
I am also saddened when dear friends of mine part company. You see it is all so unnecessary. And it appears that this is happening right now with two of the nicest people you would have wish to meet. To all intents they appeared to be a loving couple. In fact I remember saying they were running a mutual admiration society. But it seems Satan is having a victory. Who is at fault? Satan. Because he has been able to manipulate one or the other, it appears that they might go their separate ways. Pity. They have 12 kids and one on the way.
And as I said there is a better way. Jesus way. You think that's a pat answer? Wrong. We all go through bad patches. But, and I have proved it to be so, if we are prepared to put on the rose coloured glasses and keep them on two people can not only survive each other, than can grow passionate about each other again.
Two recommended books: The Love Dare. And The Way of Agape. You can look up the details. Oh, and if that is not enough proof. Just take account of the number of times we have kicked Christ in the groin. Did He dump us? No.

Enough.
And as soon as I can get batteries for my camera, I will brag some more about my kids.
And my wife. Now there is an amazing woman. Later. I must behave.