May 2008
Articles from the
May 2008
issue
of CQ posted on our
website include:
The May issue of CQ is highlighted by the results of the 2007 CQ World Wide RTTY (radioteletype) DX Contest, in which yet another record number of logs were received, the largest number of logs ever submitted for any RTTY contest. While we're in competition mode, we also have results of the 2007 CQ World Wide Foxhunting Weekend, along with the rules for the 2008 event, which will coincide this year for the first time with the USA ARDF (Amateur Radio Direction Finding) Championships, to be held in Texas. This is a more "laid-back" event than our other contests, with very flexible rules, since each competition is local and self-contained.
The May issue also includes a review of Ten-Tec's new Omni-VII HF/6m transceiver, which - in addition to the many features on the radio itself - includes an Ethernet jack for remote control from your computer, either via a home network or over the internet.
We don't normally highlight reader letters here, but this one's an exception: If you enjoyed K2RIW's March article on airplane reflections, be sure to check out our letters page, in which Nobel laureate and VHF weak-signal software pioneer Joe Taylor, K1JT, adds his comments and experience to the mix.
Among our columns this month, we start with "Washington Readout," in which column editor Fred Maia, W5YI, guides you through the process of getting the vanity callsign of your choice. "Math's Notes" is next, this month looking at wireless power transmission; followed by a look at some of the first activations of MARS in its new role by Public Service Editor Bob Josuweit, WA3PZO. Next, Mobiling Editor Jeff Reinhardt, AA6JR, dips into the mailbag, and "World of Ideas" editor Dave Ingram, K4TWJ, takes us bicycle mobiling. "Weekender" editor Phil Salas, AD5X, shows us how to build our own air-wound coils, and Antennas Editor Kent Britain, WA5VJB, shows us how not to assemble a Yagi. He also looks at "phased-array" radar systems, and why the Air Force's PAVE PAWS system on 70 centimeters (a phased array system) is having interference problems from ham repeaters.
This month's "Beginner's Corner" features a look at printed and electronic resources for new hams; "How it Works" editor Dave Ingram, K4TWJ, takes us "under the hood" of a switching power supply, and "What's New" editor Anthony Luscre, K8ZT, focuses on two linear amplifiers and a dual-band handheld, among other new products. VHF Editor Joe Lynch, N6CL, details preparations for the upcoming launch of "Suitsat 2," another surplus Russian spacesuit scheduled to be jettisoned from the International Space Station -- crammed with all sorts of (expendable) ham gear; Awards Editor Ted Melinosky, K1BV, looks at the annual MARAC (Mobile Amateur Radio Awards Club) QSO Party, as well as a short-term award from Switzerland and the various awards offered by the Croation Amateur Radio Association. DX Editor Carl Smith, N4AA, reports on the OH2BU DXpedition Honor Roll, DXpedition news and more; Contesing Editor John Dorr, K1AR, digs into the realities of competing during the solar minimum ("It's bad for everyone," he says), and Propagation Editor Tomas Hood, NW7US, takes an up-close look at Sporadic-E propagation, now that we're getting into the annual summer E-skip season.
That's a look at the highlights of the May, 2008, issue of CQ, which should be on newsstands and in subscribers' mailboxes by late April. If you're coming to Dayton, be sure to look for "the CQ Gang" at our regular spot in the main arena, and please see the note on our news page about (worse-than-usual) traffic problems. Remember, the CQ World Wide Foxhunting Weekend is May 10-11, and the CW Weekend of the 2007 CQ World Wide WPX Contest is May 24-25.
Into the Impossible" - Remembering
Arthur C. Clarke
On The Cover
Russ Miller, WA3FRP, of West
Chester, Pennsylvania, with his vintage radioteletype (RTTY) station.