February 2007
Articles from the
February 2007 issue of CQ posted on our
website include:
The big news as the February issue of CQ went to press was the FCC's decision to end all Morse code testing for amateur radio license exams and to extend limited HF privileges to all Technicians. We don't know the effective date of the new rules yet, but it's expected to be mid-February, 2007.
Our lead feature article looks at the massive recall of lithium-ion computer batteries in 2006 and the question, "Are Lithium-Ion Batteries Safe?" Battery expert Isidor Buchmann advises us that they are, but offers certain cautions for proper charging.
Next up, we have our annual Market Survey by Contributing Editor Gordon West, WB6NOA. This year, Gordon checks out all of the VHF/UHF FM mobile rigs on the market. The article includes his usual side-by-side comparison chart of features and prices. Next, John Whitt, AI4FR, tells us about his effort to make 10,000 contacts in a single calendar year from his antenna-restricted location, along with one of those "only in ham radio" endings. The story is titled, "Ten-Thouand QSOs (and a little bit of magic)."
The bottom of the sunspot cycle is not a happy place to be if you enjoy DXing on the higher-frequency HF bands, but it's great if you like the lower-frequency ham bands. This month, Carl Leutzelschwab, K9LA, finishes up his two-part article, "160 Meters: A Great Place to be for the Next Couple of Years" (Part 1 ran in the November 2006 issue). Next, Contributing Editor Phil Salas, AD5X, reviews MFJ's model 4726 6-position antenna and transceiver switch. It lets you switch any of six radios to any of six antennas (no, the radios and antennas are not included!), and the 4726RC model includes a remote control box that lets you keep all the feedlines off of your operating table.
Dennis Lazar, W4DNN, tells us next how he earned one of low-power operating's most sought-after awards, the 1000-Miles-Per-Watt Award offered by the QRP Amateur Radio Club International. David Price, WA4ET, reports on some ham ingenuity during last fall's CQ World Wide DX Contest in an article called "The Kludge." And finally among our features this month, another low-band article, called "Just Put Down the Radials, OK?" by Larry Loen, WO0Z.
Our columns start out with "Math's Notes," in which column editor Irwin Math, WA2NDM, shows us some "Unusual Applications of the LTC5507" chip originally used in cell phones. "World of Ideas" editor Dave Ingram, K4TWJ, offers tips on personal emergency preparedness; Contributing Editor Gordon West, WB6NOA, drops in as a guest columnist in this month's Public Service column, reporting on "Public Service on Two Wheels," the Motorcycling Amateur Radio Club; and Mobiling Editor Jeff Reinhardt, AA6JR, has "Days of Whine and Roses," about the difficulties of installing radios in today's cars and the innovative solutions that some hams have found.
Phil Salas, AD5X, returns with his "Weekender" column, in which this month's project is "An In-Line, Low-Current, Ammeter for Under $20." Washington Readout Editor Fred Maia, W5YI, fills us in on a little-known FCC proceeding on station identification rules (he'll have full details on the code test decision in the March issue); "Digital Connection" editor Don Rotolo, N2IRZ, reviews a book on wireless networking as well as a few digital-related accessories; QRP Editor Dave Ingram, K4TWJ, takes a new look at the tiny Elecraft KX-1 transceiver, which now offers new features; and Beginner's Editor Wayne Yoshida, KH6WZ, offers a new ham's guide to the basics of FM and repeaters.
"What's New" editor Karl Thurber, W8FX, looks at modular vertical antennas, a remote antenna tuner and other new goodies; DX Editor Carl Smith, N4AA, discusses the DXpeditions to Lakshadweep (VU7) as well as other operations to keep the bands active; Awards Editor Ted Melinosky, K1BV, answers questions about county-hunting and introduces a series of awards offered by the Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL).
Finally, VHF-Plus Editor Joe Lynch, N6CL, reports on five new ham satellites recently put into orbit; Contesting Editor John Dorr, K1AR, looks into the "gray zone" of contesting conduct that isn't strictly against the rules but is ethically questionable; and Propagation Editor Tomas Hood, NW7US, reports on last fall's solar storms that affected propagation here on Earth.
That's a preview of what will be in February issue of CQ, which should be in readers’ mailboxes and on newsstands in mid-to-late January. Remember - the 2007 running of the CQ DX Marathon is now in full swing. Whether or not you participated in 2006, everybody's score started at zero on January 1. So get on the air and work DX, then file your entry in the 2007 CQ DX Marathon! (PS - We've extended the entry deadline for the 2006 Marathon. See www.dxmarathon.com for details.)
An Ending … and a Beginning
February 2007
Contest Calendar
