WICHITA FALLS MAN

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09-10-2023 - Something I never got around to doing back in my skydiving days was a parachute aeronautical mobile operation. I had planned to forego my love of freefall time, opening the parachute high - 10,000 feet - and get as much radio time under the canopy as possible. I was going to use a simple handheld 2-meter radio with earphones, working on 146.520 MHz FM simplex. It never happened. There have been several groups over the years making regular Ham Radio parachute jumps. I don't know if they're still active.

09-10-2023 - It's coffee and Morse code time. I thought I'd start the day listening in on some 20-meter CW while I enjoy my first cup of coffee. I found two stations going at it at 20 words-per-minute, which is perfect for me. I'll probably never be a Morse speed demon, and that's okay.

09-09-2023 - About a decade ago, in a recreation vehicle forum, someone proposed that RVs out on the road monitor Channel 13 and use that channel to connect with other RV'ers. I don't think the idea gained any traction. If I were driving an RV, I'd be on Channel 19 because that's where the action is. I suppose you could put the radio on scan and listen for Channel 13 that way, but I've never been one to scan when out on the road. It's Channel 19, or nothing.

09-09-2023 - Today, I ordered a small QRP antenna tuner for use with my QCX Mini 20-meter CW (Morse code) transceiver. I also ordered a mini QRP 1:1 balun for the dipole antenna I plan to use. I have a tuner and balun, but I wanted these miniature versions to make everything more portable.

09-09-2023 - San Francisco Amateur (ham) Radio operators, how about a Special Event Station commemorating the great Dr. Don Rose and his morning show on radio station KFRC, 610 on the AM dial! Okay, I'm just kidding, but I did enjoy his show while I was stationed at the Presidio from 1975-77.

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09-09-2023 - I'm listening to two people on 462.600 MHz, a shared FRS/GMRS frequency. From their conversation, they might be passing through town on the nearby highway.

09-09-2023 - The OMIK Amateur Radio Association, an association of primarily Black Amateur Radio Operators, conducts a Sunday net on 14.295 MHz at 16:00 - 18:00 UTC. OMIK was founded in 1952 by Black hams from Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky, hence the name OMIK. Members include hams from all walks of life, including a Tuskegee Airman, now a Silent Key. During the week 14.295, also known as the "street corner", is a place where friendly conversations happen.

09-09-2023 - The local Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter in on the air at 159.900 MHz. You can hear the detils of their missions as well as their position reports if they cross one of our small airports and then with Air Traffic Control (approach/departure) of a nearby larger airport.

09-09-2023 - Good morning! It's coffee time as I fire up the scanner, ham rig, and the CB Radio. It's Saturday, and I expect to hear a lot of activity at our local airports. Pilots wanting to keep up with their "recency of experience" might be out doing take-offs and landings. And, since it will be another hot day, they might want to do it early before the air gets bumpy.

09-08-2023 - The local Amateur (ham) Radio Skywarn storm spotters were activated this evening. The storm proved more tame than expected, and the activation was short. Speaking of storm spotters, somewhere in the USA, and I don't remember where, was a spotter group that used CB Radios for spotting. I don't know how long they were in operation, but I don't think they're currently active. The static crashes alone were probably discouraging.