[AMRadio] AMRadio Digest, Vol 110, Issue 12

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Mon, Mar 18, 2013 at 8:41 PM, Donald Chester <k4kyv at charter.net> wrote:

> Had a Great visit with Tim.  I don't think a week with that guy would be
>> enough time.  I can't imagine getting an email saying I wouldn't enjoy the
>> meeting of TimTron, but I did.     Seems petty, don't it?
>>
>
>
> I took an excursion up to Tim's last September the week I was on Cape Cod
> visiting with my in-laws. Spent about 24 hours there, and enjoyed the visit
> very much, but it's an experience for which some people would probably need
> an acclimatisation.
>

Tim is an acquired taste, to be sure - but a very interesting fellow who is
well-versed in radio in general and AM specifically. He's helped me many
times over the decades with his experience and advice. Lunch or attending
the AM Dinner with Tim can be an interesting event unto itself.


> Unfortunately, the AM community has its share of small minds, particularly
> a few that hang out on certain message boards and on certain spots on 75m.
>

Boy, you got that right Don. Same frequency every night, ownership issues,
long-winded diatribes that repeat the same things over and over, blah blah.
Break the grease loose on the VFO, grind a crystal, take a breath, etc.

Message boards are fine if used properly. The problem is that any
successful site will eventually attract its share of klingons with nothing
better to do that use the site like it's an AOL chat room, or worse - troll
for trouble with repeated off-topic nonsense posts meant to stir something
up unrelated to the purpose of the board. It's even more disappointing when
you discover one of the worst trolls to be a long time member of the AM
community once seen as a great technical asset. Message boards, like email
lists, should be seen as a tool, not a lifestyle. Balance is the key.
Fortunately the vast majority appear to get it.

But hey - you just learn to separate the wheat from the chaff and sweep the
floors well the get rid of the chaff. As the late K3ZRF was fond of saying
"You're either online or on the air". After 6 months off the air, the big
rig is working again as of yesterday. So I'm back on the air (finally). Of
course, the new arrival in November impacted things a bit, too. Once the
temps improve she'll be joining me in the station on occasion. Need to get
some spark gaps on the mod iron....

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ/4