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goaliebob99
Supporting Founder
Last reply · posted in Computers and Gadgets
If your looking to purchase a radio for the first time please read this from the ARRL's website. This will help you make an informed decishion. Buying Your First Radio I would recommend if your looking for a well rounded rig that can do HF and 2 meter (local FM repeaters) I would personally recommend an Icom 746Pro. It includes an antenna tuner built in, to help you match your antenna system to the rig.
10 Replies · 1593 views
TheForce
I am really dating myself, I guess. I was not referring to kits, OM. I was talking about building as in Home Brew.

We used to say there were 3 types of hams. The ones who built their own were like artists, Those who built kits were like paint by the numbers. and those who just bought art to enjoy, like CB'ers with a ham license.

My first receiver was a kit, second receiver was a kit. I did buy a transceiver which was a Clegg 99er for 6 meters and a higher powered transmitter, the Johnson Viking 6N2 back in my tech days. Any of these names ring a bell? These were the only purchased rigs in my shack. Everything else was home brew. We got the parts from military surplus yards and most hams were members of MARS too.
All my HF transmitters were of my own design. jayn_j you mentioned 80 pounds, I think my HF transmitter weighed in at 10 times that. LOL! The choke in the main power supply weighed a hundred pounds. The main plate transformer was a surplus pole transformer I got for scrap copper price from the power company.

I guess it was a different philosophy but my father made me design build my first radios. He never got his ham ticket but was into building radios in the 30's. His uncle was a ham and started the first 2 AM radio stations in Reading PA and was the one who gave me my first Technician test.

Sadly, while I still have much of this stuff it is sitting rusting away and my wife keeps asking when I will get rid of it. She doesn't understand what the stuff means to me.
jayn_j
I didn't do a lot of what you would consider home brew. Mostly kits, but they seldom stayed perfectly stock either. Built a Heath DX-35 for my novice transmitter. At the time, novices were limited to crystal controlled oscillators. You changed frequencies by changing crystals. I hated trying to dig up the correct crystal, so I built a crystal switch for it. Seemed pretty simple, but the long lead lengths affected the frequencies, and on the early design kept them from oscillating at all. Lots of fiddling for a 13 year old.

Later, I built transmitters, accessories, and a Benton Harbor Lunchbox for 6M. Kits came from Heath, Allied and Lafayette. That Lunchbox at the end had almost no original parts left. Converted it to PTT. Then I hated the super regen receiver element, so I did a superhet conversion I read about in 73 magazine. Upped the power a bit (to 50 W) with a tube substitution and rebuilding the output stage. Then I wasn't happy with the stability or the need for crystals, so I designed and built a VFO and radically went with transistors.

I credit a lot of that to why I went into engineering, although it probably is the other way around. My son doesn't have those same opportunities in electronics, but he is still tinkering with stuff and is a senior getting ready to enter college, naturally in engineering. I think the drive is bred into us, the skills come from fiddling.
TheForce
You bring back memories. Weren't the kits from Allied, Knight kits? I recall my first receiver kit was a Knight R55. Ring any bells?

The Lafayette kits I recall were EICO. I built a few from them a 5" osc scope and a DC power supply. Also built a tube tester for my Dad from them.

the Heath kits I built were ham scopes, Modulation monitor and a spectrum analyzer. And the xcvr, the SB102. I loved that xcvr.
jayn_j
My first new rig was a Drake TR4 HF transceiver. I was 16 and I was in love with it and simply had to have it. Gave up all birthday and Christmas presents and then worked for 9 months turning 100 lb sacks of potatoes into 10 lb ones (at $1.10/hour) until I could save up the $575 it cost.

The fruit stand I was working at was just one block away from Amateur Electronic Supply and I swear I wore the paint off the demo unit by fondling it during my lunch hours.
n1wbd
My first rig was a National NCX-500 in 1985 operated exclusively on 10m as a Novice.


My first new rig was a Drake TR4 HF transceiver. I was 16 and I was in love with it and simply had to have it. Gave up all birthday and Christmas presents and then worked for 9 months turning 100 lb sacks of potatoes into 10 lb ones (at $1.10/hour) until I could save up the $575 it cost.

The fruit stand I was working at was just one block away from Amateur Electronic Supply and I swear I wore the paint off the demo unit by fondling it during my lunch hours.
Peter Parker
Supporting Founder Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum
No idea what improvements might be involved.
10 Replies · 520 views
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cpdretired
Two bugs out and three new bugs in.🐞
Almighty1
Updated to H713 on a Hopper 3 from H712 with Hopper Plus a few hours earlier.

It brought a old problem back:

One of the problems I am seeing is that the Available Joey Software section no longer is showing the Android TV versions even after a manual software reset twice and the nightly reboot. Until it does, nether Technician Android TV download and Hopper Plus is able to check, download and update the Android TV software.

This was a major problem with H703.

H710 removed that dependency but it's broken again.

Rick Durham and brittanygarden
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dishstaller
Two bugs out and three new bugs in.🐞
Yep. Just got a call from a customer who said her DVR buttons stopped working. Told her about the new software and had her reboot her H3, problem solved.
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S
Updated to H713 on a Hopper 3 from H712 with Hopper Plus a few hours earlier.

It brought a old problem back:

One of the problems I am seeing is that the Available Joey Software section no longer is showing the Android TV versions even after a manual software reset twice and the nightly reboot. Until it does, nether Technician Android TV download and Hopper Plus is able to check, download and update the Android TV software.

This was a major problem with H703.

H710 removed that dependency but it's broken again.

Rick Durham and brittanygarden
i can still see my joey software version with H713.. i am starting to think it's time to get rid of the hopper plus. i just have 2 joey 4's and the hopper 3 with no issues. it seem like the people that have the hopper plus have issues!!!
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Almighty1
i can still see my joey software version with H713.. i am starting to think it's time to get rid of the hopper plus. i just have 2 joey 4's and the hopper 3 with no issues. it seem like the people that have the hopper plus have issues!!!
Are you talking about the Available Joey Software section which goes something like this:
Available Joey W153 W209 J613 J713 J813 K113 J913
Software
in H713 in diagnostics which is directly below the "Switch" section which is what I am referring to that should have a number starting with P which is needed for the
Hopper Plus, Joey 4 and Wireless Joey 4
or the top area where it shows what the current version of the software is for the Hopper 3?

Seeing what your Joey 4/Wireless Joey 4 software version just tells you what is the current software version already installed, until the P version(s) shows up in "Available Joey Software" section which is different for the Hopper Plus, Joey 4, Wireless Joey 4 and it will only list one for the device(s) that exist in one's own configuration which lists what's the latest available, those devices will not be able to check or update their software as it will say "Failed: No Tgt" while "Download ATV Files" in TECHNICIAN SETTINGS under tools will respond with:
"Download ATV Files 3000
This device is not currently targeted for
Android software"
as both are dependent on the P version being listed in the "Available Joey Software" section. It usually takes a few minutes before it shows up. I know with H710-H712, it was not shown and the Download ATV Files worked except since H710, even if you selected everything shown which for me would be the Hopper Plus, Joey 4 and Wireless Joey 4 versions, the first download will as a end result only download the Hopper Plus's versions even though it shows all three as downloaded based on what Available Joey Software shows which is always two P numbers P153 and P15317. After the first successful download, the next download will actually download all three and Available Joey Software will reflect that. In H708 (H709 was skipped as no one mentioned it on the forums) and earlier, it always downloaded everything selected and would show 6 P versions in the Available Joey Software area. The Available Joey Software section is how I tell if there is a newer software available for the Hopper Plus and when I see that, I do the Download ATV files first which is where I get my information to post in my other thread, "Latest available software version for Android TV devices - Hopper Plus, Joey 4, Wireless Joey 4". The Download ATV files does not do any install or update the Hopper Plus as I still need to manually hit Menu, Settings, Device Preferences, About, Software Update to update the software.

So with any new Hopper 3 software update, the first things I will check is the Notifications in Settings to see if any of the settings were reset. For the "Remote Control Mode Reminder" setting, I would try it with off, exit notifications then hit TV on the side of the remote to make sure it does not show the reminder before going to notifications andputting it back to on, exit to see if it works correctly before going back to notifications for the other settings. Then I would look at Available Joey Software and regardless if the 2 P versions, one appears to be the 3 digit major version number and the other is the full 5 digit number which is the 3 digit major version number with 2 more digits, exists or not. Attempt to do the Download ATV Software for all 3 Android TV devices Hopper Plus, Joey 4 and Wireless Joey 4 until all of them is downloaded and shown in Available Joey Software which should be a total of 6 things added. If Download ATV Software has the no target like since H713, I will wait until I see a P version before I do it.

For reference, it's in the following threads:
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bookworm370
Yep. Just got a call from a customer who said her DVR buttons stopped working. Told her about the new software and had her reboot her H3, problem solved.
Reboot just fixes it for a short time and then it's back to messed up

Try going exclusively to an IR remote and you will see the pain
Almighty1
Updated to H713 on a Hopper 3 from H712 with Hopper Plus a few hours earlier.

It brought a old problem back:

One of the problems I am seeing is that the Available Joey Software section no longer is showing the Android TV versions even after a manual software reset twice and the nightly reboot. Until it does, nether Technician Android TV download and Hopper Plus is able to check, download and update the Android TV software.

This was a major problem with H703.

H710 removed that dependency but it's broken again.

Rick Durham and brittanygarden

Within the last few hours as I did check earlier today when it was still missing, the Available Joey Software line now has added "P154 P15403" which is for the Hopper Plus that I have but my Hopper Plus software is still on P15317, I will do a Download Android TV (ATV) Software for the Hopper Plus, Joey 4 and Wireless Joey which are all Android TV devices and then manually do a check update on the Hopper Plus to update the software shortly.
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BatStang2000
This happened to me. I was outside mowing and my wife came out and said that our nieces and nephews were going to be on the Noon News. She had it on in the bedroom on our Joey3. Since they weren't on yet, I decided to turn it on in the Living Room on our Hopper3. When I selected the channel (through Dish, not OTA) the Joey3 turned itself off. When I went back to the bedroom to turn it back on, the Hopper3 did a reboot. Luckily it all finished before their story came on, but I just found it strange.
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Van
Van
Last reply · posted in What's Cooking?
Who says dinner or lunch has to be the only good meals of the day?

Honey butter grits with scrambled eggs and grilled boneless pork ribs on flakey biscuits washed down with cranberry juice.
6630 Replies · 379374 views
TRG
TRG
Bacon, eggs, hash browns and toast. Coffee.
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TRG
TRG
Wound up at the Waffle House this morning. Got the two egg breakfast with coffee.

1622.webp
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dfergie
Speaking of waffles, I'm going to put my mini waffle iron on stove so I'll remember to make waffles in the morning... Had some last week, been awhile.
dfergie
Dos cackleberrys over easy on top of 2 corned beef hash patties fried in skillet... Chocolate milk.
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TRG
TRG
Cold morning today, only 32 degrees. Fired up the oven and made cinnamon rolls (from a tube) and a pot of coffee.
Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!

So let the game continue!

The last song was added by Bobby who posted...

One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters

CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!

Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game

Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.

Example:

Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow

Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio

Another example:

Ride the Lightning -- Metallica

Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne


Get it?


An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
68511 Replies · 2671603 views
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ClarkGable
Five O'Clock World - The Vogues
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FTA4PA
Six O'Clock News - John Prine
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Bobby
It's Five O'Clock Somewhere - Alan Jackson
harshness
Somewhere - Barbra Streisand
sdfntx
Somewhere in Time - John Barry
meStevo
Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
Continuing the Kilauea thread in the Pub here. Perhaps the Iceland one too next time there's remarkable activity.

Currently there is precursory lava flowing into the crater, leading to the next episode that'll probably start within the next day.

You can see the pace of inflation / deflation here. It serves as the primary predictor for when the expect the eruptions, which coincide w/ inflation turning into significant deflation and last for several hours on average with significant fountaining.



View: https://youtu.be/Uecu2seh4b4


Wife and I like the AfarTV feeds, for the discussion along w/ them, though they're otherwise just mirrors of the official USGS feeds.


View: https://youtu.be/iws3rh5vLAQ
119 Replies · 3234 views
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Foxbat
​
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Foxbat
​
Foxbat
Oooo, quite the show now. All three vents have doming and overflows. The cone that built up around the North vent lost its upper quarter at 02:50 Oct 17 and is now spewing lava at a healthy rate. Don't know if I would say it's a fountain, but it's close.


IMG_1534.webp

edit: The USGS has called the official start of Episode 55 as starting at 03:19 HST Oct 17, 2026:

Alert Level: WATCH, Color Code: ORANGE 2026-10-17 13:43:56 UTC
HVO/USGS Volcanic Activity Notice

Volcano: Kilauea (VNUM #332010)

Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Issued: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 3:43 AM HST
Source: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Notice Number: 2026/H488
Location: N 19 deg 25 min W 155 deg 17 min
Elevation: 4091 ft (1247 m)
Area: Hawaii

Summary: Episode 55 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption began at 3:19 AM HST on October 17, 2026.

Volcanic Activity:
Episode 55 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kīlauea began at 3:19 AM HST on October 17, 2026.

Fountain heights are relatively low at about 100-150 feet (30-45 m), and it is not clear whether this episode will evolve to the same heights as previous episodes. Continuous overflows from the vents began yesterday, October 16, just before 6 a.m. HST and transitioned into episode 55 fountains at 3:19 a.m. HST this morning. The current forecast is for winds are blowing from the north-northeast direction, which suggests that volcanic gas emissions and volcanic material may be distributed to the south-southwest direction from Halemaʻumaʻu.
  • All eruptive vents and lava flows are confined to Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Tephra fall from volcanic ash clouds is greatest within 3 miles (5 km) of the vents, lighter ash and Pele's Hair may stay suspended for large distances from the vents.
Foxbat
Kīlauea seems to be returning to the "normal" eruption script, impressive fountaining from the North Vent. For once, the V2 Cam has the best overall shot:
IMG_1535.webp
The lava flows have covered a good portion of the Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor.
BlackHitachi
Supporting Founder
Last reply · posted in Movie Talk
Since the Reds have there thread we should too!

Last watched Nine inch Nails
Next 3:10 to Yuma
5390 Replies · 510354 views
osu1991

View: https://youtu.be/9j3vxhzM8MY?is=Rs1cY1FQAiRWi87i


Come September (1961)
Rock Hudson and Gina Lollobrigida with Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin
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Y
1791758462355.webp


Simple, charming. Entire premise is quite silly but Cary Grant carries it across the line in good fashion.
T
Last: The Social Reckoning. Spoiler alert, they make Zuck look like a...
Foxbat
Since it was already "paid" for, I spent the two hours of my time watching the John Cena action movie on Apple TV, "Matchbox The Movie" even though the reviews were brutal. It was better than I expected, so I didn't feel like I had wasted an afternoon watching it. But it felt like another "Reacher"/"Neghley"/"Mission: Impossible"/"Fast & Furious" crash and blow stuff up with lots of automatic gunfire mixed in movie featuring covert CIA operatives.

I don't think we'll get a follow-up movie from this. I expect Mattel will have other toy lines to exploit.
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dfergie
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!
Last reply · posted in What's Cooking?
Anyone making their own breakfast sausage? I've recently been trying different recipes, found some I like, some I've modified...
38 Replies · 3565 views
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navychop
Bob Evans Sage.
R
Bob Evans Sage.
I will look, but I don't think I have seen it. Owen's breakfast sausage use to be favorite, but I can't find it anymore. Jimmy Dean's country mild is OK also when I can find it.
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dfergie
Swaggerty's isn't too bad, sausage prices are lower per lb than making my own from pork butts right now so I've been buying JC Potter or Owen lately.
(Swaggerty's at Sam's is pre cut, I usually partially freeze the rolls and cut with my slicer and vacuum seal on parchment paper)
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S
I will look, but I don't think I have seen it. Owen's breakfast sausage use to be favorite, but I can't find it anymore. Jimmy Dean's country mild is OK also when I can find it.
amazon maybe :what
S
I will look, but I don't think I have seen it. Owen's breakfast sausage use to be favorite, but I can't find it anymore. Jimmy Dean's country mild is OK also when I can find it.
owens on amazon is 54.99 for a 4 pk 16 oz a sausage. i feel that's kind of steep!!!
S
Swaggerty's isn't too bad, sausage prices are lower per lb than making my own from pork butts right now so I've been buying JC Potter or Owen lately.
(Swaggerty's at Sam's is pre cut, I usually partially freeze the rolls and cut with my slicer and vacuum seal on parchment paper)
id'e rather make my own vs store bought.
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R
owens on amazon is 54.99 for a 4 pk 16 oz a sausage. i feel that's kind of steep!!!
Especially when I can get a two pound roll of Jimmy Dean from Sam's Club for $7.38.
dfergie
They run Owens at $3.99 for lb and $7.99 a couple times a month at some grocery stores here, I actually was wrong, just checked a pork sirloin roast it was $1.99 a lb. (cooked it yesterday so pack was in trash)
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