AmateurLogic.TV Episode 212 is now available for download.
N5ZNO’ First POTA Activation. 2.5 Gbps Fiber to The Shack. New and Classic Christmas Fails.
The video is a “Christmas edition” of AmateurLogic.TV, featuring hosts George, Tommy, Emile, and Mike discussing various amateur radio-related topics and personal updates.
Here’s a summary of the key segments:
Introductions and Personal Updates (0:26-4:25): The hosts greet viewers for the Christmas episode. Tommy shares he’s on vacation until January 2nd and is enjoying more radio time (1:11-1:40). Emile discusses building his radio shack, including installing a fiberglass mast and planning internet connectivity (2:03-2:34). Mike talks about recent heavy snowfall and preparing for Christmas (2:53-3:22). George mentions being on vacation for the rest of the year (3:55-4:14).
AI’s Impact on Tech Prices (4:27-5:23): Mike shares a CNET article about how AI is driving up the prices of computer components, particularly RAM, reminiscent of past memory price spikes due to factory fires.
Tommy Gun Antenna Launcher (5:39-6:10): The hosts showcase the “Tommy Gun,” an antenna launcher designed to quickly deploy wire dipole or windom antennas using combustible ammunition like black powder or WD40.
N5ZNO’s First POTA Activation (6:18-13:50): Tommy (N5ZNO) recounts his first “Parks on the Air” (POTA) activation. He set up his MFJ 1898 antenna and Icom 705 radio in his truck due to cold weather, making 20 contacts in about 25 minutes. He also explains his paper logging process and how he uploaded his logs to QRZ.com and Parks on the Air (POTA) database (14:37-16:42).
FCC Allocates 60 Meter Worldwide Amateur Band (18:47-20:00): News is shared about the FCC allocating a new amateur radio spectrum in the 60-meter band for worldwide use on a secondary basis, approved at WRC15. This band is available to general class license holders and above, with a maximum bandwidth of 2.8 kHz.
Grandpa Rap (20:02-20:52): The hosts briefly play a “grandpa rap” song related to amateur radio, humorously suggesting they should stick to their day jobs.
2.5 Gbps Fiber to the Shack (21:04-35:10): Emile provides an update on his shack build, detailing his network upgrade to 2.5 Gbps internal LAN speeds with 10 Gbps fiber uplinks using Ubiquiti’s Flex 8 series switches (21:47-26:50). He also shows the internal wiring for power outlets and discusses plans for external lighting, security, and various antenna setups, including a 500ft sky loop antenna and a hitch mount for a 36-foot mast (27:00-34:50).
Christmas Fails Compilation (38:49-41:30): A compilation of humorous Christmas-themed fails.
Tim Tam Cookies (43:08-43:51): A brief mention of Tim Tams cookies, bringing back memories for the hosts.
Christmas Gift Ideas for YLs (43:54-50:00): A humorous segment where Emil suggests various Icom amateur radio equipment as “gifts” for spouses, often with comical misunderstandings of what the spouse might actually want. Mike presents some unique gift ideas.