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limburger

Last reply Nov 7, 2006 · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Senators reactions to your emails send through www.savemychannels.com or your calls

Since this issue is kinda important to all of us (as we all want to see as many channels as possible) and the elections are coming up, it might be interesting to post the responses we get from our senators/elected officials from all over the states.

Eventhough I don't have any distant channels (I live in a major metro area) through either Dish or DTV, I still send an email to each of my senators and candidates for the senate and I have received a response from Senator Norm Coleman from MN. He's not up for re-election, but is the first one to respond. It took less than 2 hours to get a response from him.

Maybe, if you are undecided about who to vote for, these responses might change your mind.

Here's the response:

Dear Mr. Wetzels :

Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding the Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement (COPE) Act of 2006 (H.R. 5252). As a former mayor, I understand the concerns regarding legislation that would affect local franchising authority.

Given the significant technological and market developments of the past several years, Congress is considering various changes to the Telecommunications Act of 1996. As a member of the Republican Senate High Tech Task Force, I am focused on removing barriers to innovation and competition by updating our telecommunications laws for the 21 st century.

As you may know , the COPE Act was passed by the House on June 8, 2006. This legislation would allow new entrants wishing to offer video service to receive a national franchise authorization from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), while still allowing the option of negotiating with a local franchising authority (LFA). From my reading of the bill, this legislation would allow a LFA to manage its rights-of-way and be compensated for such management, as well as collect an annual franchise fee of up to five percent of the national franchisee's gross revenues. It also allows LFAs to require public, educational and government channels and collect one percent of gross revenues to support such channels. Furthermore, virtually all existing video regulations - including the must-carry provision - would continue to apply to national franchisees.

During the week of May 1, Senator Stevens (R-AK), the chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, issued draft legislation that would reform the current franchising process while still keeping ultimate authority with the LFA. There were two hearings in May on this legislation, and will be a final business meeting to consider this legislation in June.

I will continue to follow this important issue. I value your advice and will take it into consideration should legislation come before the full Senate for a vote.

I appreciate hearing from you and hope you will not hesitate to contact me on any issue of concern to you in the future.

Sincerely,
Norm Coleman
United States Senate

I hope you all post the responses you get, so we can all maybe get an idea about what they are up to in Washington regarding this issue.

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rockymtnhigh

Nov 6, 2006

Here is the response I received from U.S. Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO):

Thank you for contacting me regarding distant television signals received by subscribers to satellite television. I appreciate hearing from you.

Access to major television networks is extremely important for many Coloradans. For the past several years, satellite provider EchoStar has been in a court battle with the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) over providing customers with signals of distant network stations, rather then local affiliates.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently issued an order rejecting the joint settlement agreement between EchoStar and the broadcasters and entered a permanent injunction requiring EchoStar to shut off its distant network channels to all its customers by Dec. 1, 2006.

I have been in regular contact with both parties to try and find an equitable solution for all involved. Please be assured that I will continue to work to ensure that all Coloradans continue to receive television access.

Thank you again for sharing your thoughts.

Sincerely,

Ken Salazar
United States Senator

odbrv

Nov 6, 2006

Thank you for contacting me to express your concern about a
recent court decision affecting satellite subscribers of EchoStar
Communications, which owns and operates Dish Network. I
appreciate knowing your concerns.

As you know, on October 20, 2006, a U.S. District Court Judge in
Florida ordered EchoStar to end distant network station feeds of
ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox programming to all of its subscribers
nationwide.

Like you, I believe this court decision is overreaching. While it
was found that EchoStar was illegally providing distant network
channels to some of its customers, many subscribers were legally
eligible to receive distant network service as defined in the
Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act of
2004, which I supported in Congress.

As a result, this blanket injunction does not allow EchoStar to
continue to provide distant network broadcast channels to eligible
satellite subscribers. Furthermore, this disproportionately impacts
many West Texans, who may not be serviced by other satellite
providers.

At this time, EchoStar is appealing the court decision to the 11th
U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. It is my hope that this blanket
injunction will be limited to those subscribers who are not eligible
for distant network broadcast channel access.

Please know that I will continue to monitor the developments of
this situation, and will certainly keep your views in mind should
Congress address this issue.

Again, thank you for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to
contact me if I may be of service to you in the future. If you would
like to receive updates of my actions in Congress, please visit the
19th District's website at www.randy.house.gov and sign up for
regular e-newsletters.

Sincerely,

Randy Neugebauer

boba

Nov 7, 2006

I Emailed and have received no replies. I called my Senator and left my message at her office, I was never asked for my information. My feeling is Charlie has cried wolf one time too many, Congress is fed up with his tactics and feel he earned the punishment.

RobbW

Nov 7, 2006

I thought this was an interesting response....any thoughts? Buck's in Southern California by the way.

Cheers,

RobbW

Thank you for contacting me regarding the regulation of
distant network channels.

As you may know, the Florida Southern District Court
found EchoStar Communications Corporation (the DISH Network)
guilty of violating the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act of
1999 on October 20th, 2006 and issued an injunction that EchoStar
must stop providing distant network channels to all subscribers as
of December 1, 2006.

Distant network channels are ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox
broadcast channels that originate from a market outside the
community in which a subscriber lives. The ruling does not
involve, and there is no danger, that DISH Network customers will
lose their local ABC, NBC, CBS or Fox network channels, or any
other programming available from EchoStar's DISH Network.

EchoStar has stated that they will continue to do everything
possible to prevent consumers from losing their distant network
channels. They have planned to ask the Congress to clarify the
statutory language, and ask the courts to re-consider their decision.

Currently, I am unaware of any specific legislation that
amends the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act of 1999 to
allow EchoStar customers to keep their distant network channels.
However, should such legislation come before me, you will be
pleased to know that, depending on its details, I would be inclined
to support it.

Again, thank you for contacting me. I look forward to
hearing from you on other matters of interest or concern.

Sincerely,
Buck McKeon
Member of Congress

Scorpion.sting

Nov 7, 2006

Maybe Buck McKeon should sponsor some legislation to change the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and sponsor Act of Reauthorization Act of
2004.

Cheers

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Linus Tech Tips

22 minutes ago · posted in Linus Tech Tips

I Doubled My GPU’s Memory…

Time for another AWESOME video from Linus Tech Tips!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3Cnyj0I62c

Direct YouTube Link - I Doubled My GPU's Memory…
Linus on Facebook
The LTT Store

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osu1991

Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply 25 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

USA Healthcare Costs are Ridiculous

Pissed off at the crappy healthcare costs

My health Insurance renewal for 2027 just came in. Going from $827 a month to $1,187 a month. Deductible going up a $1k to $9,350. Max out of pocket also going up $1k to $11,000. Doctor co-pay of $40. Urgent Care co-pay $50. ER 50% coinsurance after deductible. That's all in network. Out of network is double, should it be needed.

Have to think about this. I'm really tempted to just go without now. I only go to the doctor once or twice a year. I pay out of pocket for Tirzepitide and can do without the Rosuvastatin (crestor) now. Really tired of spending over $10k a year and getting nothing out of it.

After years with Blue Cross I switched last year to Ambetter as my Blue Cross premium was going from $1200 to $1800 for a Silver plan and the Bronze plan was still going to be $1300 at BCBS. Ambetter was $827 for the same coverage with a Bronze plan. Didn't think it would jump this much so soon.

I'm guessing a Silver plan is probably over $2,000 a month for 2027.

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vazhog

Yesterday at 4:05 PM

that cut is only for illegals to get off the rolls and I was being sarcastic before -

meStevo

Yesterday at 4:52 PM

vazhog said:
that cut is only for illegals to get off the rolls and I was being sarcastic before -

Even sarcastically it's wrong. Undocumented immigrants already weren't eligible for federal Medicaid, so there's no one to "get off the rolls." The immigrant-related pieces are a small part of the ~$1 trillion. They cut the federal match for emergency care from 90% to the state's regular rate and end eligibility for some lawful immigrants like refugees. Most of the "savings" come from work requirements, more frequent eligibility checks, and provider tax limits, which hit citizens.

Either way, the cost doesn't disappear. It shifts to states, hospitals, and everyone else's premiums and will only serve to make issues like those raised in this thread worse.

Reactions: primestar31 and osu1991

dishstaller

Yesterday at 5:05 PM

meStevo said:
Undocumented immigrants already weren't eligible for federal Medicaid, so there's no one to "get off the rolls."

That's only part correct. Actually I had to look it up to make sure. There is NO Federal money going to Medicaid for illegals but there ARE some states that use State money to pay for Medicaid for illegals. Here's the list

- California: Covers all income-eligible undocumented adults. [1, 2]
- Colorado: Covers specific adult demographics (with upcoming budget caps in 2027). [1]
- Illinois: Covers specific adult age brackets. [1]
- New York: Covers specific adult demographics. [1]
- Oregon: Covers all income-eligible undocumented adults. [1, 2]
- Washington: Covers specific adult demographics. [1, 2]
- Washington, D.C.: Provides adult coverage through the D.C. Health Care Alliance. [1, 2]

meStevo

Yesterday at 5:55 PM

dishstaller said:
That's only part correct. Actually I had to look it up to make sure. There is NO Federal money going to Medicaid for illegals but there ARE some states that use State money to pay for Medicaid for illegals. Here's the list

California: Covers all income-eligible undocumented adults. [1, 2]

Colorado: Covers specific adult demographics (with upcoming budget caps in 2027). [1]

Illinois: Covers specific adult age brackets. [1]

New York: Covers specific adult demographics. [1]

Oregon: Covers all income-eligible undocumented adults. [1, 2]

Washington: Covers specific adult demographics. [1, 2]

Washington, D.C.: Provides adult coverage through the D.C. Health Care Alliance. [1, 2]

Fair point, but it's consistent with what I said: no federal Medicaid money goes to undocumented immigrants. Those programs are state-funded, so the federal ~$1T cut can't touch them. Whatever states decide to do with their own programs is a separate budget decision.

Reactions: osu1991 and Bobby

vazhog

Yesterday at 8:18 PM

The feds give money to the states for them to use - Cutting the fed funding only means the taxpayer savings will passed onto the states that need to make up the Fed dollars cut -See the list above for those states affected

harshness

Today at 2:37 AM

vazhog said:
that cut is only for illegals to get off the rolls and I was being sarcastic before -

That's not who it is for. The cut is for those who won't work (though you typically had to prove that you couldn't work to get it in the first place).

Reactions: osu1991

Foxbat

Today at 12:33 PM

Why isn't this Political thread over in the Pit? This is why there is a Pit, and why I rarely use the Chit Chat Club. But someone said, "The Pub is Elitist since you have to pay dues to enter, so please post in the Chit Chat forum so more guests can read and participate."

harshness

25 minutes ago

Foxbat said:
Why isn't this Political thread over in the Pit?

Because health care shouldn't be a political issue?

Reactions: osu1991

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Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply 27 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

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....

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long_time_Dish

Yesterday at 9:13 PM

Lakeside Park - Rush

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hwkn

Today at 2:43 AM

Another PARK Another Sunday-The Doobie Brothers

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ClarkGable

Today at 6:33 AM

Another One Bites The Dust - Queen

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Bobby

Today at 11:01 AM

Oh Susanna, Dust off the Old Pianna - Ozzie Nelson & His Orchestra

harshness

27 minutes ago

Garden Party - Ricky Nelson

Reactions: RaiderPower

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dishstaller

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply 40 minutes ago · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Claude's site is still up and running. New link required

I figured some of the guys would be looking here for an answer. You'll need to use this link

DishRetailer

America's Oldest Satellite Forum!

satelliteretailer.com

I'll mention what happened over there. I don't want to cause Scott any issues or put him in a bad spot.

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dishstaller

Yesterday at 5:34 PM

If any of you know some of the guys from the board and you have their contact info, please reach out to them....many failed to update their contact info and some even had starband email addresses.

Reactions: charlesrshell

Scott Greczkowski

Yesterday at 8:29 PM

dishstaller said:
I figured some of the guys would be looking here for an answer. You'll need to use this link

DishRetailer

America's Oldest Satellite Forum!

satelliteretailer.com

I'll mention what happened over there. I don't want to cause Scott any issues or put him in a bad spot.

Now I have to go check out what happened now. Lol!

Reactions: charlesrshell

Scott Greczkowski

Yesterday at 8:31 PM

Went and looked, not too bad...

Just let people know the address is satelliteretailer.com as DishRetailer.COM is not working.

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(((Garyd)))

40 minutes ago

dishstaller said:
If any of you know some of the guys from the board and you have their contact info, please reach out to them....many failed to update their contact info and some even had starband email addresses.

Your old link triggered my Bitdefender today.

Reactions: charlesrshell

ewindowman

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply 43 minutes ago · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Dish Bankruptcy - Business as Usual

Looks like dish is Bankrupt. Filling tomorrow Tuesday June 30th

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Almighty1

Oct 7, 2026

EchoStar fixes some of its mess, but there's much more to mop up

EchoStar's satellite TV and Sling TV services have exited Chapter 11, but clouds still hover above Dish Wireless, which faces a multitude of lawsuits.

www.lightreading.com

Reactions: MikeD-C05 and charlesrshell

Bruce

Today at 7:11 AM

News about the tower's dispute-

Towercos now own Dish's 5G radios – and SpaceX might be a buyer

Tower companies now own Dish's deserted 5G gear, says American Tower CEO Steven Vondran. This could feed into SpaceX's mobile ambitions, analysts say.

www.lightreading.com

Reactions: MikeD-C05 and charlesrshell

comfortably_numb

Today at 9:50 AM

Bruce said:
News about the tower's dispute-

Towercos now own Dish's 5G radios – and SpaceX might be a buyer

Tower companies now own Dish's deserted 5G gear, says American Tower CEO Steven Vondran. This could feed into SpaceX's mobile ambitions, analysts say.

www.lightreading.com

So does this mean the churches and businesses that Dish owes back payments to are going to get paid now?

Reactions: MikeD-C05 and charlesrshell

navychop

Today at 10:53 AM

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nelson61

43 minutes ago

"
They note that the Dish Wireless radios at issue support the 2GHz and 800MHz spectrum SpaceX is acquiring from EchoStar and Grain.

"Buying compatible equipment already installed on towers could give SpaceX a head start on its wireless terrestrial network build and throw a big bucket of cold water on Verizon's four-to-six-year timeline and $300-$500 billion estimate for SpaceX's buildout," said the analysts."

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dfergie

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!

Last reply Today at 12:40 PM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Gas Price Info With National Gas Temperature Map

Stumbled across this ... http://www.gaspricewatch.com/USGas_ZipSearch.asp
I found no local prices, although it did show stations at my location...
Added these to this post...
USA National Gas Temperature Map
State By State Gasoline Taxes
Gas Buddy

Ethanol Free Stations

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harshness

Oct 18, 2026

I wonder if California is getting into the Winter formula.

harshness

Oct 20, 2026

harshness said:
I wonder if California is getting into the Winter formula.

It turns out I was justified in my suspicion.

Gavin Newsom somehow authorized the temporary move of the distribution date of the Winter blend to September 28th.

Foxbat

Oct 20, 2026

harshness said:
It turns out I was justified in my suspicion.

Gavin Newsom somehow authorized the temporary move of the distribution date of the Winter blend to September 28th.

Does that raise, or lower, the overall price? Our State Government has been doing everything it can to minimize the impact of the current situation and put a freeze on the State Taxes on fuel sales at the pump. That's why we're still under $4.00/gal. while across the border in Michigan it's much higher.

Bobby

Oct 21, 2026

Regular$5.839
Premium$6.299
Diesel$7.999
at Costco, Rohnert Park.

harshness

Oct 21, 2026

Foxbat said:
Does that raise, or lower, the overall price?

Winter blend is reportedly 10-30 cents cheaper, but I would point out that prices have dropped as much as 62 cents at RP.

Reactions: Foxbat

Bobby

Today at 11:03 AM

Regular$5.699
Premium$6.199
Diesel$7.999
at Costco, Rohnert Park.

osu1991

Today at 11:26 AM

Was just out running errands and saw $3.69 at most places

dfergie

Today at 12:40 PM

$4.04 most places, Diesel $5.85...

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Van

Last reply Today at 11:26 AM · posted in What's Cooking?

Whats for breakfast?

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.

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TRG

Sunday at 1:40 PM

Breakfast Quesadillas. Grilled flour tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, hash browns, chopped green chile, cheddar & Jack cheese and bacon. Coffee.

Bobby

Wednesday at 1:53 PM

Taco omelette. 3 eggs, taco meat from yesterday, diced green chilis, cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, avocado, black olives, chopped tomato, La Victoria Salsa Brava.

This one was really, really good!

Reactions: TRG and dfergie

dfergie

Wednesday at 3:35 PM

Thought I was getting a Chorizo and egg burrito (marker had rubbed off)but was a roast beef/potato I made up before hunting this morning.
Btw every morning at camp I cooked my homemade Chorizo and scrambled eggs plus sausage side while my brother brought bacon. (they liked both the beef and pork versions)

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TRG

Wednesday at 5:06 PM

dfergie said:
Thought I was getting a Chorizo and egg burrito (marker had rubbed off)but was a roast beef/potato I made up before hunting this morning.
Btw every morning at camp I cooked my homemade Chorizo and scrambled eggs plus sausage side while my brother brought bacon. (they liked both the beef and pork versions)

I had a chorizo and egg burrito for you. With lots of green chile and cheese of course.

Reactions: dfergie

dfergie

Today at 11:26 AM

Mixed one egg, one tablespoon cottage cheese with a small fine grated potato, salt and pepper, made 3 waffles in the small waffle iron... Bacon, sausage and milk. (next time will add grated cheese to mix)

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 9:42 AM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Club TWiT: AI User Group #21 - Superpowers With Jesse Vincent

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDUacUpCR04

Direct YouTube Link - Club TWiT: AI User Group #21 - Superpowers With Jesse Vincent
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

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meStevo

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 3:27 AM · posted in The Sports Section

NFL 2026-2027 Season

Schedule drops tomorrow. Mandatory mini camps in June. Hall of Fame game August 6th.

129 Replies · 2545 views

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rvvaquero

Oct 22, 2026

Jimmy Johnson is a football guy. Jerry Jones is a marketer (hustler).

When I see a football player get a 15 yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (like taunting) in a close game, I often wonder what he was thinking. Was he thinking, I'm doing everything I can to make this a better team and help win a championship? Or, was he saying to himself, I want everyone to notice how great I am?

Johnson inspires one, Jones the other.

Reactions: dfergie, AZ., b4pjoe and 1 other person

meStevo

Oct 22, 2026

View: https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2113438192913588676?s=20

Reactions: dfergie, AZ., Mike0616 and 1 other person

meStevo

Sunday at 8:17 PM

Got to unfurl and hold the flag at Allegiant for the anthem today - amazing experience.

Reactions: dfergie, AZ., RaiderPower and 4 others

HipKat

Tuesday at 6:21 PM

Balls
Bears. Gave the Pats a good beatdown.
Bucs. Got Baker back and absolutely demolished the previously surprising Panthers.
Falcons. Took care of the 49ers and did so convincingly.
Vikings. I hate them. I do. I've never seen such a bad/good team. Know what I mean? I know their D is epic. But their O is insulting. How they remain undefeated is a mystery.
Rams. Finally looked the part. Mind you against the hapless Cards.
Cowboys. Fireworks performance from their O.
Dolphins. Finally logged in a W. There won't be many. Enjoy it, Miami fans.
Browns. Still atop the AFC North.
Giants. Epic OT win with Buffalo's very own Motor Singletary finishing it off.
Seattle. Dominated KC from start to finish.

Goats
Jets. Couldn't beat the winless Dolphins. Aaron Glenn is a dead man walking.
Eagles. Injured beyond repair
Ravens and Lamar. Has he ever played a full season? Honestly, dude is fragile. Of course he's back for the Bills game.
49ers. No longer undefeated.
Colts. A sh*t show. When are they gonna realize that Daniel Jones is ass?
Steelers vs Saints game. Ass, just ass all around. Those poor people in Paris have had enough lately, and on top of that, endure that game.
Chiefs. They looked terrible. Like really bad.
Pack vs. Detroit game refs. Some of the worst refereeing I've seen in a long time. And the sample is pretty large.

meStevo

Today at 3:27 AM

Pretty great story.

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zjrCABzVWzQ?feature=share

Reactions: Mike0616

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Ham Radio 2.0

Today at 3:02 AM · posted in Ham Radio 2.0

Reticulum Off-Grid Comms with @TheTechPrepper

Time for another AWESOME video from Ham Radio 2.0!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GY2iPzOyH6Q

Direct YouTube Link - Reticulum Off-Grid Comms with @TheTechPrepper
Ham Radio 2.0 Website
Ham Radio 2.0 on Facebook