Built a J-Pole and got it up outside...

Finally built my Dual Band J-Pole out of 1/2" copper pipe and got it up above the rooftop. It is being fed with 50' of RG-58...I will post pics later.

73 & 88

Changed Antennas on the Baofeng

The stock antenna has lousy reception on anything but the closest repeaters, so I went with a Nagoya NA-701.  Later I may get the NA-771, which is a little longer and has more gain.
Been enjoying the local traffic nets and chatting with folks on the local repeaters here in Syracuse, NY.

Nagoya NA-701


Nagoya NA-771


73 & 88,

Got my new toy...

The Baofeng UV-5RA dual band (2M/70cM) HT came in the mail today. For $40, I cannot complain. It does a pretty good job of hitting all the local repeaters, and I am sure that if I build myself a dual band copper J-Pole, that even without an amp, I can hit more distant repeaters with it up 35 feet off the deck.

73 & 88,

Welcome!

Welcome all, to the blog!
I have been a Ham since 1991 when I passed my tech+ license exam (YES...Back then you still had to know the Morse Code at 5WPM). I am now a General, and just getting back into the hobby. Thank God they dropped the code requirement, as I hit that 10WPM wall with CW and just could not pass the 13WPM test HIHI...I am currently studying for my Extra ticket...
You can find me on the 2 Meter and 70cM bands currently. I hope to be on HF at least 10, 20 and 6 Meters in the near future.
This blog will contain information and talk about Amateur (HAM) Radio in Central New York.
Please keep comments on topic, and I will NOT tolerate Flame Wars here.
Enjoy the site & 73s & 88s...

Robert - N2OMK