My Ignite Talk: Not Your Grandfather’s Ham Radio

My Ignite Talk: Not Your Grandfather’s Ham Radio

On Thursday 7th November 2019, I gave an Ignite talk on amateur radio here in Ann Arbor. Ignite talks are unlike any other. Presenters get 20 slides, which automatically advance every 15 seconds. The result is a fast, fun, and possibly harrowing, a presentation that lasts just 5 minutes.

This is the twelfth time that the A2Geeks, a local nonprofit group that is “dedicated to enriching Ann Arbor for creative and innovative people to live, work and play,” has sponsored this series of Ignite talks. In the past, I avoided doing one because it seemed so easy to make a fool of oneself. This time, however, I decided to bite the bullet and just go for it.

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Windfall for Winterfest 2020!

Windfall for Winterfest 2020!

Sometimes things just drop in over the transom. But it’s usually when the transom-owner is effective, organized and the opportunity coming along is looking for such a place to land. In short, those who are effective tend to get unsolicited opportunities. And a true windfall does come along some time. What the recipient does with it depends on their vision.

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Oh, They Should’ve … Here’s Why and Why Not on the QSX

Oh, They Should’ve … Here’s Why and Why Not on the QSX

How often have you seen into the thinking process of the development engineering team for an amateur radio manufacturer? Or an industrial test and measurements manufacturer of devices used frequently by amateur operators? In the latter case, the HP Journal was (and still is for vintage equipment) a key source for their line of equipment and often had an in-depth article from the engineers who designed one of their popular test devices. Less so but often with the Tek Journal, too. I always see if there’s a “design article” for any HP or Tek vintage equipment before I make a purchase. While MFJ Enterprises frequently gives factory tours, even for a single visitor, Martin Jue rarely gives public disclosures of the thought process of a device. At least, not until it’s well into production and sales.

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