Subj : OK Back to HAM RADIO Talk
To   : Spaceman Spiff
From : Angus Mcleod
Date : Thu Apr 14 2005 12:19 am

  Re: OK Back to HAM RADIO Talk
  By: Spaceman Spiff to All on Wed Apr 13 2005 19:17:00

 > A bout 10 of the local HAMs out here have decided to all buy these little QR
 > kit radios called the Rock Mite.

Interesting little rig.  I don't know the 612 mixer -- I guess it's a 
development of the old 602.  I don't much like the built-in keyer tho, 
becasue I use a straight pump-handle key.  One thing not obvious from the 
makers website:  What about T/R switching?  QSK?

 > The kits cost around $26 plus I think $12 for the  connector hardware. We ju
 > need to mout the kit into a case of some sort. many of the guys are opting f
 > Altoids Mints tins.

Building ham gear into Altoids tins has reached cult proportions.  :-)

 > The rigs are available in several frequencies. We all agreed on the Novice C
 > portion of 80 meters, as several of the HAMs have not achieved General yet a
 > 40 meters Novice 7.100-7.150 can be brutal at night.

Ugh!  I never operated below 40 meters because of the 75 lb. of copper 
wire you have to lug around to make an 80M antenna.  :-/  40M at night is 
pretty tough, what with the BC stations running megawatts...

 > The little Rig is rock bound to one frequency, though I have heard there are
 > mods for it available on the internet. Apparently it has a small following i
 > the HAM community and a YAHOO user group.

You should be able to find a VXO mod fairly easily.

 > At the very least there will 10 other guys in my area I could talk to, :) an
 > brush up on my CW.

You can work the entire world on 500mW.  But it will be a real challenge 
to your operating skill and your knowledge of propagation.  'Specially on 
80.  I like QRP (G-QRP 6941) but I've never operated below one watt.

 > Any kit builders out here?

Alas, my eyesight and dexterity aren't what they used to be.  




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