Gadget17's Christmas Message

So if it’s good enough for the Queen, then should be good enough for me to do a Christmas Message.

But no, I won’t talk about the usual political drivel. No, I will use this to see how my life has been this past 12 months & what the next 12 may bring.

2007 is almost over. Whilst I am getting on OK at my new office (even 18 months it’s still not like I belong), I am hoping it’s merely a stepping stone onto better things. I even got my best performance mark I have (& could get) but still I am not sure how long I will remain.

So Home & Family. This year the last of my sisters moved out. I feel I should point out that I have lived away from home for a number of years, but lack of work drew me home nearly 10 years ago. I plan on moving to the Isle of Wight when finances allow.

Which brings of neatly to Finances. With say rises & bonuses this year I feel a bit more in control of my own money. Even put a few things back no direct-debit.

2008 should be a year of change for me. 10 years in my job, which brings more leave (30 days annual instead of 25). Hopefully can look seriously at moving to next pay level. May also look into driving lessons when debt is gone.

On the radio side hoping to go away in time for the CQ WPX to France to operate. It may even increase my DXCC tally. Well I can hope.

Finally looking at saving for a nice holiday. Started saving with some bonus vouchers from work. May suggest that people get me holiday vouchers instead of presents from now onwards.

Well that’s enough of a waffle for now. Back to watching some for films on my films page.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my readers.

Yaesu FT-60R

Yaesu FT-60RIt’s been a week or so since I got my new radio. As pictured it’s the Yaesu FT-60R. And I am loving it.

There are a few minor things that the Icom IC-E90 I had the edge on, but nothing to do with the radios performance. The Icom had a seperate power switch meaning the volume remained where you left it. Also it could receive FM broadcast bands.

Right now I have that out the way, how am I finding the rig. I have had only a few QSOs so far, but the reports have been good.

It’s also built solidly which is why I went for this radio. I have heard it’s so strong, some shops where you can buy it they have one they throw across the shop to prove it’s strength to customers (but I am not going to try that yet with mine).

Over the Christmas period I shall give it a good use. On Christmas eve it will travel with me to my nans, and will keep it on Christmas Day.

I have also ordered a cable as the radio has 1000 memories, so I don’t intend to program them manually.

Type Amateur VHF/UHF transceiver
Frequency range 144-146 / 430-440 MHz (Europe)
144-148 / 430-450 MHz (USA)
RX 108-520 / 700-999 MHz (cellular blocked in the US)
Mode TX: FM
RX: AM/FM
RF Power output Hi: 5/5 W
Mid: 2/2 W
Lo: 0.5/0.5 W
Sensitivity 0.16 uV (12 dB SINAD – 140-150 MHz)
0.2 uV (12 dB SINAD – 420-470 MHz)
Selectivity 12 KHz (-6 dB), 35 KHz (-60 dB)
Voltage Nominal: 7.2 VDC (battery pack), 6-16 VDC (external)
Current drain RX: 45-125 mA
TX: Max 1.5 A
Impedance 50 ohms, SMA
Dimensions (W*H*D) 58*109*30 mm
Weight 370 gr
Other 1000 memories with alpha-tags.
CTCSS & DCS.
WIRES II.
ARTS.
Emergency Automatic ID (EAI).