HF in Europe

Like the bramble and the rose, computers have become entwined with the hamshack equipment.  Some applications are off-line (not connected to the internet) such as Ham Radio Deluxe, where the computer is used to control the station equipment.  Other applications use software to send and receive various digital modes such as PSK-31 and RTTY.  There are multiple passive applications such as DX atlas, used for locating stations by callsign and providing beam headings.  Beacon mapping assists the operator locate various HF beacons around the world.

Interactive applications are also very popular with some operators.  Programs such as Echolink/IRLP depend on the internet to function.  D-Star radio requires an internet connection to be part of the international system.

There are still quite a few operators who shun any systems that require an internet connection, most feeling that it isn't "real radio".  Whether you share this sentiment or not, you have to admit there are some pretty interesting things happening on Amateur Radio that involve interconnection to the internet.  One such application is a remote Software Defined Radio (SDR) that you, using your web browser can control and listen to signals on 40 and 80 meters.

These are actual signals in real time, less a slight amount of latency.  Right now I'm listening to a DX pileup on 40 meter phone, lower sideband on 7047 kHz.  The DX operator and those calling him are all using English so the traffic is very easy to understand but many of the other signals are in French and German.

This radio is located in the Netherlands, at the University of Twente in the University's club station.  The trustee of the station is PA3FWM.

If you want to try it, your computer must have Java and JavaScript enabled for it to work properly.  If you don't know if your computer is equipped, try it anyway.  Go to http://websdr.ewi.utwente.nl:8901/ and sign in.  Just put your callsign in the box and it will be added to the other operators world-wide who are also listening.  You can jump between 40 and 80 meters with a click of the mouse, or change frequencies by sliding the bandpass symbol on the waterfall.  This is one of the coolest applications I've seen in a long time.  Keep in mind that the time in Enschede, Netherlands is 8 hours later than California so band conditions will be very different.  The best conditions are just about twilight, Noon our time.  Thanks K6IA for sending it along!

Humor

From the pen of Steven Pinker

Sniglets have been around a long time.  They're new words for things that previously had no words.  For example:

Elbonics: n.  The actions of two people maneuvering for one armrest in a movie theater.

Peppier n.  The waiter at a fancy restaurant whose sole purpose seems to be walking around asking diners if they want ground pepper.

Furbling v.  Having to wander through a maze of ropes at an airport or bank even when you're the only person in line.

Phonesia n.  The affliction of dialing a phone number and forgetting whom you were calling just as they answer. (that's me)

***

Saying something to one of your children and realizing you sound just like one of your own parents:

mamamorphosis, mnemomic, patterfamilias, vox pop, nagativism, or Parentriloquism.

The dicey moment when you should introduce two people but can't remember one of their names:

Whomnesia, Persona non Data, nomenclutcher, notworking, mumbleduction (my favorite) and Introducking.

The realization of the perfect riposte three hours after the argument:

Hindser, stairwit, retrotort, and Afterism.

The confusion experienced by everyone in the vicinity when a cell phone rings and no one is sure if it is his/hers or not: (David is excused from this one)

Conphonesion,  Phonundrum, ringchronicity, ringxiety, fauxcellarm, pandephonium

Links from previous newsletters:

Photocredits: KE6O "Yountville Mustard"