[AMRadio] "Real" AM'er

[ne1s at securespeed.us]

Hi Pete :-)

> As Warren points out, QSY lower in the band to work lots of AM. We have
> some great QSO's, and we tend to be a lot more friendly, between 3705 and
> 3725. Hanging around 3885 can be an annoying and frustrating experience.
>

Hang out wherever, by all means. But, speaking for myself, I don't find
operating 3875-3885 (the so-called "ghetto") frustrating. I have plenty of
friends there, and low-power stations are always welcome, as long as we
can pull enough through to have any kind of QSO. Often Tim is there, yes,
THAT Tim, and he is always willing to make the effort to copy a low-power
station, or welcome a newcomer to AM. Since I am mostly a daytime
operator, my comments are limited to my experience then. Night-time
conditions may be a different story. I spend by far most of my operating
time with 100W or less, sometimes a LOT less, of carrier, even though I do
have a couple of big rigs capable of more, and it is anything but
frustrating. I'm sorry Jim had a bad experience, but most of us aren't
like that. Please try again.

Those in New England may want to check into the New England PW Net, Sunday
afternoons at 3:00PM on 3880. As the name indicates, it's a low-power net,
emphasizing Viking Ranger-class power or less. But all are welcome,
regardless of power level. I often run my modulated-Hartley "SBE" at 5W
carrier out.

> 10 meters AM was fair today. Managed to work about 8 European stations.
> Most were around the S5 mark with lots of QSB. Heard a station in Sweden
> calling me but he drifted into the noise and never returned.
>
> Since around November 1, AM country count worked is about 40 countries on
> 10 meters AM.
>

I've been having a blast on 10M AM in the mornings. So far I have used two
transmitters, both homebrew: the "Pisweaker," at 10W carrier out, and the
"Old Buzzard Rig," which is presently putting out about 200W carrier on
10. Talked with SM6PEL this morning on the Pisweaker.

73,
-Larry/NE1S