October 2005
Articles from the
October 2005 issue of CQ posted on our
website include:
The October issue of CQ is highlighted by our closeup look at the FCC's proposal to eliminate Morse code testing for amateur radio licenses -- in "Washington Readout" -- along with analysis and commentary in our "Zero Bias" editorial.
We're also featuring two project articles this month -- as well as introducing the new CQ Project Meter, which should tell you at a glance if a particular project is for beginning, experienced or advanced builders. First up is the GRX-1 receiver, by Jim Graves, followed by a "Miniature Portable CW Keyboard" you can build, by Gary Kath, N2OT.
Contributor Dennis Shapiro, W1UF, shares his story of taking a South Seas vacation -- and miniDXpedition -- with his son and packing his entire "Shack in a Box."
Next, we have a CQ Review of a direct digital synthesis (DDS) VFO designed as a "plug and play" replacement for the external VFO for the Drake TR-7 series of transceivers. The RB7500 is made by Misty Hollow Enterprises and it's reviewed by Contributing Editor Gordon West, WB6NOA. Finally, we've got the initial report on the CQ DX Field Award, which has really taken off quickly, and our annual update of the all-time records for the CQ World Wide DX Contest. Remember -- mark your dates for the 2005 CQWW -- SSB on October 29 and 30; CW on November 26 and 27.
Among our columns, "Math's Notes" editor Irwin Math, WA2NDM, offers an important review of electrical safety precautions; "World of Ideas" editor Dave Ingram, K4TWJ, has a follow-up on his column last year about rigs built around the classic 6L6 vacuum tube; and Public Service Editor Bob Josuweit, WA3PZO, writes about the importance of "being prepared.'
Digital Editor Don Rotolo, N2IRZ, tells us how to build a decent RF network, K4TWJ returns in his QRP Editor hat to write about "Milliwatting to the Max," and "Magic in the Sky" editor Jeff Reinhardt, AA6JR, introduces us to using fuel cell technology for portable power. "What's New?" editor Karl Thurber, W8FX, checks out a new FM mobile transceiver, a mobile amplifier and more; DX Editor Carl Smith, N4AA, previews an October DXpedition to Christmas Island and Cocos Keeling; Contesting Editor John Dorr, K1AR, explains the different operating categories you'll find in most major contests, and Beginners' Editor Wayne Yoshida, KH6WZ, talks about the "unwritten rules" of ham radio that newcomers need to learn, beyond what was on the license exam.
Just in time for Halloween, Awards Editor Ted Melinosky, K1BV, checks out the "Haunted Lighthouse" award, among others; "VHF-Plus" editor Joe Lynch, N6CL, describes efforts to hook up two software-defined radios to serve as multimode transponders, and Propagation Editor Tomas Hood, NW7US, looks ahead to expected conditions for the SSB weekend of the CQ World Wide DX Contest on October 29 and 30.
That's a brief look at what's coming up in the October issue of CQ magazine, which should be on newsstands and in subscribers' mailboxes by late September. For information on becoming a CQ subscriber, click the "Click Here to Subscribe" button at the top of this page.
Coming soon: 2005-2006 CQ Calendars!
Watch our webstore for announcements.
A Wrong Turn at the FCC
Portable CW
Keyboard Art
September 2005
Contest Calendar
November 2005 Contest Calendar
Mike Samarco, W1JZ, of Upton, Massachusetts, adjustshis shunt-fed tower’s matching network to 50 ohms.
