On December 27, I posted a short video by N0TU announcing SKN (Straight Key Night). He has made an update to that video after the fact of SKN. View his excellent video and see what you missed if you did not operate SKN.
I operated for a short while and made two contacts using my old Heathkit SB-102, and an old navy key. It was short but it was a lot of fun!
See you on the air!
John – K7JM
A “Leap Second” was added to our clocks at 12:59:60 on Dec. 31, 2008 (12:59:60 is not a typo). Leap Seconds are added or subtracted every so many years, to keep our clocks in sync with the actual orbit of Earth around the sun. There are several different methods to capture the leap second, and I took the opportunity yesterday to see if I could do the same without fancy or expensive equipment.
HERE is a good web site about the “Leap Second”.
And, HERE is a page about how to watch a “Leap Second”.
This is how I did it. I tuned into WWV on my Ham Radio receiver, and set up a camera to record the time on my GPS. After looking at the Leap Second web site, I should also have connected my computer to my GPS to capture the NMEA output from it. Click on the picture to the left to see my setup. View the video below, and you will see that 12:59:59 lasted for two seconds on the GPS.
John – K7JM
I have recently stumbled across a new podcast that has peaked my interest.
I am a Ham Radio operator, and my computers run on Ubuntu Linux. So, when I came across a new podcast called “Linux in the HAM Shack“, I knew I had to check it out. So far, they have five episodes out, so it is not too late to download them and get caught up easily.
Two Hams, Richard – KB5JBV and Russ – K5TUX, produce “Linux in the HAM Shack“. Check it out and let them know what you think. For now, they are specifically targeting new Hams, or new Linux users who are Hams, or both. It sounds like it is going to be a great netcast (podcast).
John. K7JM
December 31 is SKN or Straight Key Night. It is an opportunity to get out that straight key and make some great contacts with others. Many people fire up their vintage tube equipment and have a blast of the past. Here is a little video from Steve – N0TU, encouraging us to participate in SKN. I hope to get a couple of contacts in, in between family priorities.
John, K7JM
Thanks for visiting my web site. Hidden among the posts and pages, is a page about me, K7JM. My name is John McDougall and I reside in Jefferson City, Montana, a very small community south of the capital city of Helena. I have been licensed since 1973, and love this hobby. Click HERE to see a bit about my history in Ham Radio.
73, John – K7JM
It is very rare that I delete a post after it is published. I made this rare exception yesterday.
The post was about a school teacher that reprimanded a student after he shared Linux disks with his fellow students.
The computers at my house run under Ubuntu Linux, NOT Windows. Many Many people believe that computers only run on Windows or Mac OS/X. These people also believe that all software costs something and if you give it to someone, you are doing an illegal activity. Linux operating systems are almost always FREE, and many times out perform Windows. If you want to see a computer desktop that puts Windows Aero to shame, let me show you Ubuntu Linux with Compiz. WOW! And VERY cool! Most of the applications that run on Linux are free also, and the process of installing the applications is usually a matter of a click or two.
Here is a link to the original article.
You must read this follow up article also to make a fair analysis of the whole deal; and that is why I deleted my post about the whole bit.
In short, it is PERFECTLY LEGAL to copy and share Linux Operating System disks AND ENCOURAGED.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Free42 is a free, open source emulator of the HP42S scientific calculator. The 42S is a nice little RPN, scientific calculator that got me through my engineering education. Well, a sharp programmer by the name of Thomas Okken has written this nice emulator that runs on your PC (as well as Macs, Pocket PCs, Palm Pilots, and the Sharp Zaurus).
Click the link below to find out how to get and install this neat calculator.
Linux HowTos and Gadget Reviews: How To Install Free42 in Ubuntu.
I guess that I have a weird sense of humor! I find this video hilarious! Be sure to watch it to the VERY END! HA! Ubuntu!
Are you using Google GMail? Or, have you sent an e-mail to someone who has Google GMail? Watch this little video, and beware and be aware!
Here is a neat video that I came across about how radio works. It is from 1937 and made by CBS and sponsored by General Motors. I think the animations are great for being made in 1937.
John – K7JM