August 2004
Articles from the
August 2004 issue of CQ posted on our
website include:
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The August issue of CQ starts with a very special article on the 100th anniversary of the "bug," the famous Vibroplex semi-automatic keyer that has been a fixture in the ham shacks of thousands of code enthusiasts since, well, since 1904, when it was introduced primarily for commercial telegraphers. The article, which is full of history and other interesting tidbits, is written by Vibroplex owner Mitch Mitchell, W4OA.
The main focus of the August issue, as it is every year, is our report on the results of last year's SSB weekend of the CQ World Wide DX Contest. It seems that several new world records were set, despite being in the declining years of the sunspot cycle. If you submitted a log for the contest, be sure to check this issue to see how you did, and watch for expanded results here on the CQ website. (Please note: the actual results will not be posted on the web for another year.)
Also in our August issue, we report on the cool new stuff we saw at Dayton, and "What's New" Editor Karl Thurber, W8FX, looks at some other new products as well. "Math's Notes" Editor Irwin Math, WA2NDM, looks at the popular LM555 timer IC and talks about some non-timer uses for it. This month's "Washington Outlook" column, by Fred Maia, W5YI, recaps the FCC presentation at the Dayton Hamvention. Public Service Editor Bob Josuweit, WA3PZO, reports on ham radio's role in several medical evacuations, and discusses a growing controversy over which HF digital mode should be adopted by the ARRL as a recommended standard for emergency communications.
"World of Ideas" editor Dave Ingram, K4TWJ, finishes up his annual series on code keys (one of Dave's most popular topics). Then, Beginner's Editor Wayne Yoshida, KH6WZ, takes us through "a day in the life" of a communications volunteer. Next, K4TWJ is back with his "QRP" column, focusing this time on the "Super Mite" transceiver. Digital Editor Don Rotolo, N2IRZ, offers a tutorial on home computer networking -- something that's pretty important to a growing number of hams -- and Mobiling Editor Jeff Reinhardt, AA6JR, asks the rhetorical question, "Is your next car a Voltswagen?"
"VHF-Plus" editor Joe Lynch, N6CL, looks at the likely peak(s) for the annual Perseids meteor shower, which is very popular among hams active in making contacts via meteor scatter. Joe also provides additional info on Broadband over Power Lines, and how hams can help promote an alternative to BPL known as WiMax. Contesting Editor John Dorr, K1AR, brings us his annual Contest Survey, and DX Editor Carl Smith, N4AA, wonders if U.S. hams in particular are losing their enthusiasm for DX Cluster reports … or whether they're just being rude and relying on others to post information on DX stations. Awards Editor Ted Melinosky, K1BV, looks at "wallpaper" you can earn by contacting stations doing an on-air countdown to the 2004 Summer Olympic Games (this month in Athens), and Propagation Editor Tomas Hood, NW7US, reports on the "dog days" of summer propagation on the HF bands -- but notes that there should still be some great opportunities out there for the patient DXer.
That's a look at the highlights of the August, 2004 issue of CQ, which should be on newsstands and in readers' mailboxes by late July. For information on becoming a CQ subscriber, click the "Subscribe Here" button on our home page.
Phil Krichbaum, N0KE, of Vail, Colorado, guest-operates from the station of Gary Yantis, W0TM, on a ridge 20 miles west of the famed ski resort.