MARA 08-21-2013 - Cool Tricks

A dedicated headphone/earphone for your radio can be very expensive and some of them are also not very reliable.  Also, when they fail you will find that the repair cost is about 70 to 90 % of the cost of a brand new set.  (Voice of experience here).

The solution?  Build an interface that allows you to use an inexpensive computer headset.  You can read about it HERE with pictures.  It is an easy project.  When the headset fails, spend another $10 and get a new computer headset, not another $65 to replace the dedicated Ham Radio model.
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While we are on the subject of Do-It-Yourself, here are some more Ham Radio kit sources.

http://www.foxdelta.com/

http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/

http://www.ac6v.com/kits.htm

http://www.w1wc.com/kits/  <=This one is an AMAZING Resource.

http://www.hamkitt.com/

http://www.nikkemedia.fi/juma/

http://www.eio.com/p-37565-velleman-mk189-12v-car-battery-monitor.aspx
(Other kits also on this site, go to general listing).

Did you know you can work the world with a 1.5 Volt AA battery and a QRP kit that fits in the palm of your hand?
http://www.buycheapr.com/us/result.jsp?ga=us73&q=qrp+ham+radio+kits
Lots of kits here, including QRP Kits.

http://fivedash.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1

http://www.cqc.org/kits.htm
This last one includes keyers and beacons - LOTS of kits.

There are TONS of kits out there and they are inexpensive, educational, and USEFUL.  Originally almost all ham radio was in kit form.  In the sixties and early seventies, HeathKit was the king of the hill.

Try a kit - you WILL have lots of FUN!
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Additions to your Grab And Go kits.
Utah expects most of its disasters to be due to earthquakes or very strong wind events.  In either case, there will be lots of strange and harmful pieces of particulate material floating around in the air.  People usually get cuts during a disaster or during the recovery.  Open cuts and airborne germs - a disastrous combination.  Many of the pathogens in the air after a disaster are also harmful if breathed in.

Does your grab and go kit include simple over the counter disenfectants and topical antibiotics?  These can be lifesavers after a disaster and we are not  talking about a lot of money.  You can add these items to all the grab and go kits in your entire family for a few dollars.  

If you do not already have the needed supplies - there is no time like the present to get started.

N7OZH