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K3UL

6/16/2017

1 Comment

 

Episode 150 - Bob Garrett - K3UL

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One of the major players in the “top band” , or 160 meters is Bob Garrett, K3UL, who as a blind ham has never let his visual impairment get in the way of his ham radio hobby.  I first learned about Bob from an article where he was described as working on his own towers and antennas to build a first class HF ham station.  Bob is a friend and mentor to many hams, with an open door policy.  Just knock.  K3UL is my QSO Today
Show Notes
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This episode of the QSO Today Podcast brought to you by: 
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Elmers:
  • Hank, K3RYD
  • Bob’s Uncle, WA2NGJ
  • Sid, K3SX

First License: 1966 Novice, Age 14 WN3EUL, upgraded to General Class one year later.

Overbrook School for the Blind, Philadelphia, PA - Club Station, K3ZJU

Sideband Engineering SBE34 Transceiver

First Rig:
  • Heathkit DX20 Transmitter
  • Heathkit DX40 Transmitter
  • BC348 receiver
  • Inverted V Antenna
First contact:  WN3EPG, Tom

Biggest Challenge:  lived in a Phildelphia  row house

Favorite operating mode: CW

Thiel College, Greenville, PA, BA Sociology
1999 article , in topband@contesting.com where you were interviewed by Jeff K1ZM

W9INN slopers antennas

Shunt fed tower 160 Meters

A “One ringer” for spotting DX is described in this article

RTR (receive/transmit) Switch from DX Engineering

KD9SV - Beverage Antenna on the ground

Common Mode Chokes how they work
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Bob's Other Call Sign: ZF2UL

Current Rig: 
  • Yaesu FTDX5000 HF transceiver
  • Acom 2000 Amplifer
  • Acom 1500 on Six meters

Frankford Radio Club

Favorite Contest:  CQ Worldwide DX Contest - CW.

Hampod - now supports a number of manufacturers including Elecraft.  

Mikrokeyer II

How the Blind Are Re-Inventing the iPhone, from Atlantic Magazine

North Central Sight Services, Inc. , where Bob is President and CEO.  

Two-wire beverage antennas

Excited most by: Digital Modes

Advice to:
  • Returning hams: keep your mind open regarding new modes and technology
  • New hams: try it all.

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Heathkit DX-60 Novice Transmitter
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BC348 Receiver
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Yaesu FTDX5000 Transceiver
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Hampod Accessibility Device
1 Comment
Joe
6/19/2017 03:47:42 pm

Amazing work and history - Bob's an inspiration.
Re; Top Band and Digital modes; Bobs comments about increased noise was not missed. I am amazed more is not done by Ham orginaizations and broadcasters regrading harmful interference from digital equipment and switch mode power supplies.

Both public and legislative education about the unnessessary destruction of the radio spectrum may be the only thing that will save ham radio. Digital modes may help the noise combat but many new and long time Hams I know have given up due to band wide S-10 noise and hash.

Such a simple solution (proper filtering) is still unseen-in fact torroids are no longer put on SMPS cords for the latest devices I purchased.
I'd love to work Top Band, but the loss of 80 to 6m ito RFI is even more distressing.

Bob may be right-digitial modes like WSPR and JT xx could be the ONLY future for most hams.

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