The Wiccan Rede


THE WICCAN REDE
Bide the Wiccan Laws we must In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Live and let live. Fairly take and fairly give. Cast the Circle thrice about To keep the evil spirits out. To bind the spell every time Let the spell be spake in rhyme. Soft of eye and light of touch, Speak little, listen much. Deosil go by the waxing moon, Chanting out the Witches' Rune. Widdershins go by the waning moon, Chanting out the baneful rune. When the Lady's moon is new, Kiss the hand to her, times two. When the moon rides at her peak, Then your heart's desire seek, Heed the North wind's mighty gale, Lock the door and drop the sail. When the wind comes from the South, Love will kiss thee on the mouth. When the wind blows from the West, Departed souls will have no rest. When the wind blows from the East, Expect the new and set the feast. Nine woods in the cauldron go, Burn them fast and burn them slow. Elder be the Lady's tree, Burn it not or cursed you'll be. When the Wheel begins to turn, Let the Beltane fires burn. When the Wheel has turned to Yule, Light the log and the Horned One rules. Heed ye Flower, Bush and Tree, By the Lady, blessed be. Where the rippling waters go, Cast a stone and truth you'll know. When ye have a true need, Hearken not to others' greed. With a fool no season spend, Lest ye be counted as his friend. Merry meet and merry part, Bright the cheeks and warm the heart. Mind the Threefold Law you should, Three times bad and three times good. When misfortune is enow, Wear the blue star on thy brow. True in Love ever be, Lest thy lover's false to thee. Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill: An ye harm none, do what ye will.
- Blessed Be -
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Legal Statement: My selection of, and comments on, products in my Blogs are neither an endorsement, nor a disapproval of a particular product or products. It is just my choice and my opinion on products I selected of many products available. I have no association with any company mentioned. I provide links to various companies so that you may easily obtain information, if desired, about products or references. Just a side note I can view You Tube videos faster and better if I link to them outside of You Tube. The connection, video and audio do not lag any when I view them this way. In doing so I no way claim any part of the videos, just the pure enjoyment of sharing them through my blog. A note about Comments: To date I have deleted or removed over 70 comments that were posted on my blog. If you can read my blog then you understand "English", I Speak, Read, and Write in English only. So if you have comments you wish to share with me about my blogs please be sure they are in "English". Of those 70 some comments that I translated in the past - they were not suitable for most people or for children to read. If you can not leave me a comment in English I will have to delete it - assuming that it is something you really do not want me to see since it is not in English. As much as I desire comments they must be in English, Thank you. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License. PRIVACY NOTICE: Warning - any person and/or institution and/or Agent and/or Agency of any governmental structure including but not limited to the United States Federal Government also using or monitoring/using this website or any of its associated websites, you do NOT have my permission to utilize any of my profile information nor any of the content contained herein including, but not limited to my photos, and/or the comments made about my photos or any other "picture" art posted on my profile. You are hereby notified that you are strictly prohibited from disclosing, copying, distributing, disseminating, or taking any other action against me with regard to this profile and the contents herein. The foregoing prohibitions also apply to your employee , agent , student or any personnel under your direction or control. The contents of this profile are private and legally privileged and confidential information, and the violation of my personal privacy is punishable by law. UCC 1-103 1-308 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WITHOUT PREJUDICE

Friday, June 26, 2009

Wilderness Outfitters

Part of the day and most of the night I have spent viewing close to 200 plus videos Covering Wilderness Survival Techniques and Products. Certainly worth your time to stop by and visit. Great stuff! Reminds of when I was big into this when I was in High School. I certainly was born in the wrong century. I wanted to order their CD but I could not afford the 8 dollar shipping charges. When I come into some money I certainly will be giving them more that a friend plug. Check out the videos. Thanks Dave. Wilderness Outfitters.  Tags: Self Reliance, Primitive Skills, Woodsmanship,Bushcraft,
Historical Woodslore, Modern Tactical Applications for Changing Times.

6 mi. Ride Today.

With my not eating and sleeping much these days. It was a pretty intense ride. Working on 2 months since I have seen my Sharon, this is taking toll on me more than any thing else. When I am without her I feel like a fish out of water, slowing dying without the very thing that makes life exist – Love. Just looking into her eyes gives living a whole new meaning. So I am hoping this ride will change something in me so I may sleep and eat right.  Blessed Be.

Have you taken my Poll?

With four (4) days left in this poll it looks like the Yaesu FT-857 is in the lead. Question is can it keep the lead. With Yaesu denying any rumors of the FT817ND being replaced, and no follow up radio planned to take it’s place. This should make a lot of folks quite happy about the choice they made and the and those sitting on the fence more eager to purchase the FT817.  Voice your opinion.  

Thursday, June 25, 2009

FT-817 rumors…

Kelly K7SU  said I just emailed Yaesu to ask them about the rumor. Got a reply from Jerry Darby, N6UME at Yaesu....he said he has not heard anything of the sort from the upstairs people and also he hasn't heard of any replacement radio for the FT-817ND. So, you can take that for what it's worth.....According to Darby, that rumor is unfounded.
73
Kelly K7SU

Thanks Kelly!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

More on Portable Ham Radios

Don has some great ideas for me on portable ham radios.

Andy,
You might also consider a QRP radio like the Yaesu 817 (5W SSB @ 9.6 V) or the Icom 703+ (10W SSB @ 12V) which are lighter and draw less current than the 100W radios, even when power is reduced on the big boys. Then you could mount a small amp like the 50W packer amp and the bigger battery permanently on your trike (at least you can make it harder to steal by bolting it to the frame) and take the more expensive rig with you in a backpack when you hoof it.

Advantages to the 817:
Smaller, lighter, includes 2 meters and 440 MHz.
Includes small internal battery.

Advantages of the 703+:
Detachable/remotable control face.
Internal antenna tuner
Hotter receiver
Low amp draw on 9.6V (5W out) equiv. to 817, 10W boost @ 12V.
Also, ICOM has available a custom-designed nylon backpack, LC-156, for the 703 (fits 706 also) that could be just what you need. Will hold the 703, a small gel cell or ni-cad/mh pack, accessories, and mount an antenna. Plus side pockets for accessories, a separate faceplate case, and bungee cords four your jacket or a coil of coax. Yaesu 817 comes with a shoulder strap leather case. Here is a link to the e-ham reviews on the LC-156:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/4273
73,
Don
W0DER

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

How a does the battery hold up when a FT857 requires 22A to operate

At times get some great information through my email. It feels so compelling that I have to pass it on because I feel the information so valuable, not only to me but to others traveling this path. Thanks Joe / N5USR.

Andy wrote:

In BMHA@yahoogroups.com, "Joe Martine, N5USR" <n5usr@...> replied to Andy KF4SWS
How does the Battery hold up when the FT857 requires 22A to operate (I think that's right)... I have a Catrike recumbent tadpole trike, so the weight of a battery pack is not that important. So what kinda battery pack would allow best performance and for how long. Do you use a solar charger? I understand the ATAS120 works 2-160M  does that mean you plug into both antenna ports on the back of the FT857? Do you use Twitter? See my Blog ajelliottjr.blogspot.com you may email directly if you will.  Thanks. Andy KF4SWS

I've never tried full power on the little battery, 20W is about as far as I go.  The rig doesn't quite get to 22A, mine pulls 18.5A on 6 meters at 100W FM.  At 20W, in FM mode it pulls about 9A.  Running on SSB, the average draw will be significantly lower.
The best size of battery is mostly dependent on how long you want to operate.  I'm not a big talker, especially when pedaling, so the receive current predominantly sets my runtime.  At 600mA or so, I'll pull the 12AH battery down to 50% discharge (the lowest I want to take a lead-acid) in 10 hours.  At 20W FM the rig pulls 9A, so absolute worst-case is maybe 15-20 minutes of transmit time.  Since SSB is usually around 30% of that number on average, I can probably get close to an hour of TX time.
That assumes the battery can handle the current draw and keep the voltage from dropping too much.  I've found the 857 isn't too happy with low voltage!
If I wanted to be able to run 100W, I'd want something considerably larger, so it could handle the current spikes.  I have a 100AH AGM that's about the same dimensions as a car battery.  It would be okay, but it is VERY heavy!  Runtime to 50% DOD with it would be on the order of 83 hours (!!!) receive-only, and a bit over 2.5 hours continuous TX time at 100% duty cycle.  On SSB, maybe 4-5 hours TX time.  Not too bad, if you can carry the weight!
The ATAS is only good for 40M thru 6M, and "works - sorta" on VHF/UHF.  I'm not at all impressed with the V/UHF performance, but it's better than nothing.  If I take the 857 with me, I generally just plan on being on HF (my normal "bike radio" is an FTM-10R) but I do have the diplexer to combine the antenna ports if I want.  I also have a 6M/2M/440 tri-band vertical that I can use if I want better V/UHF and have 6 meters as well.
I do use solar, but I don't carry panels with me.  I have two arrays on the house.  I recharge my smaller AGMs with a set of Harbor Freight panels (have a nicer charge controller than the one they provide though) and have 540W in panels connected to a 660AH battery bank that runs my ham shack.  If needed, I can charge other batteries off that system as well.
So far I haven't planned for any really long rides, when I go on those I am usually with a group so the radio doesn't go along.  When I'm by myself and taking the ham rig it's usually just a shorter ride of at most a couple of hours or so.
Joe / N5USR

Is FT-1802M a replacement for dead HT??

1802lrg

The ruggedly built Yaesu FT-1802M brings you Yaesu's legendary mechanical toughness in a low-cost, high-performance, 2-meter FM transceiver. The FT-1802M is somewhat smaller than the FT-7800R dual bander and features outstanding audio on both transmit and receive. It has strong receiver performance, covering 136 to 174 MHz. It has illuminated front panel keys and boasts 221 memories. There is also a 10 channel NOAA weather bank. You get CTCSS and DCS Encoder and Decoder circuits. The FT-1802M even has a unique a CW trainer to practice Morse Code. Keyboard entry of frequencies directly from microphone is supported. It also supports one-touch access to Yaesu's renowned WiRES-II Internet Linking System. There is a security password to help prevent unauthorized use. The FT-1802M has a rugged die-cast chassis and the rear panel has an external speaker jack. 5.6 x 1.6 x 5.8 inches.  The supplied MH-48A6J DTMF hand mic includes four programmable keys. Also comes with the MMB-36 mounting bracket, DC cord and spare fuses. (The FT-1802M does not include base feet).

50 WATTS OF POWER OUTPUT
Four selectable power output levels are provided: 50/25/10/5 Watts. The power selection may be stored into memory, allowing you to conserve power while using strong local repeaters.
   EXTENDED RECEIVE: 136 – 174 MHz
Providing coverage of the 2-meter Amateur band, plus a number of business, marine, government, and military frequencies, the FT-1802M/E’s wide receiver coverage keeps you in touch with the communications action in your area!
   KEYBOARD FREQUENCY ENTRY FROM MICROPHONE
Direct entry of operating frequencies from the supplied MH-48A6J Microphone provides the ultimate in operating ease. The microphone may also be used for direct memory channel access, and for generation of DTMF tones for autopatch or Internet link access. And the [A]/[B]/[C]/[D] keys may be used to replicate the functions of the front panel keys, as well.
   FOUR USER-PROGRAMMABLE "SOFT" KEYS ON MICROPHONE
The [P1]/[P2]/[P3]/[P4] keys on the microphone may be programmed by the user for easy remote access to often-used commands or Menu items.
   ILLUMINATED FRONT PANEL KEYS FOR NIGHTTIME USE
The translucent command keys, and large, high-resolution LCD display, yield a front panel that is easy to use day and night. What’s more, the microphone’s keys also are illuminated, eliminating guesswork during nighttime operation.
   221 MEMORY CHANNELS WITH ALPHA-NUMERIC LABELING
The FT-1802M provides a total of 221 memory channels, including 200 "regular" memories, ten pairs of band-limit memories, and an instant recall "Home" channel that you may dedicate to a frequently-used repeater or simplex frequency. Memories can store repeater shift information, CTCSS/DCS data, power output level, scanning status ("Skip"), and 6-character Alpha-Numeric Labels.
   EIGHT MEMORY BANKS FOR ORGANIZING MEMORY CHANNELS
The FT-1802M’s memories may be separated into as many as eight memory banks, for efficient organizing and scanning of your radio’s memory channels. Each memory bank may be labeled, and a particular channel may be stored in multiple banks, if desired.
   WX CHANNELS WITH "SEVERE WEATHER" ALERT (USA only)
A special 10-channel Weather Band memory bank is provided in the U.S. version, allowing quick access to NOAA weather broadcasts. When the 1050-Hz "Severe Weather" alert tone is transmitted, the FT-1802M may be configured to emit an alarm tone to get your attention quickly. And with the "Weather Alert" feature enabled, the FT-1802M
will scan the ten Weather memories periodically, stopping only if the 1050-Hz tone is received.
   ADJUSTABLE MIC GAIN, AND WIDE/NARROW DEVIATION & RX BANDWIDTH
For operation in crowded channel environments (12.5/15 kHz channel spacing), the "Narrow" deviation setting will reduce the transmitter deviation, thus reducing interference potential to other users. And the microphone gain is adjustable allowing you to interface after-market microphones or Packet TNCs with ease.
   BUILT-IN CTCSS AND DCS ENCODER/ DECODER CIRCUITS
For easy repeater access, or silent monitoring of busy channels, both CTCSS and DCS (Digital Code Squelch) Encoder/Decoder circuits are built in. CTCSS and DCS data may be independently stored on each memory channel. And a "Split" tone mode allows operation on systems where CTCSS and DCS are used separately on the repeater uplink/downlink.
   ENHANCED PAGING AND CODE SQUELCH SYSTEM (EPCS)
The FT-1802M includes an Enhanced CTCSS tone encoder/decoder and a dedicated microprocessor providing paging and selective calling features. This allows you to place a call to a specific station (Paging), and to receive calls of your choice directed only to you (Code Squelch). A Bell Alarm may also be engaged during EPCS operating, if desired.
   CW TRAINER: PRACTICE MORSE CODE BETWEEN QSOs!
The FT-1802M provides a CW Training feature, which sends random Morse Code via the side tone (heard in the speaker), so you can improve your CW proficiency. You may select letters, numbers, or mixed five-character code groups, with variable speed and instant feedback of correct copy on the FT-1802M/E’s display!
   SECURITY PASSWORD HELPS PREVENT UNAUTHORIZED USE
The FT-1802M provides a password feature which can minimize the chance that your transceiver could be used by an unauthorized party. When the password feature is activated, the radio will ask for the four-digit password to be entered
when the radio is first turned on. If the wrong password is entered, the microprocessor will shut down the radio automatically.
   ONE-TOUCH ACCESS TO WiRES-II“ VoIP INTERNET LINKING!
The FT-1802M includes a conveniently-located "Internet" key, for quick access to Internet-linked repeater systems such as the renowned WiRES-II™ system developed by Vertex Standard! For more information on WiRES-II, please visit our Web site (www.vxstd.com).
   AND MUCH, MUCH MORE. . .
•Big Three Watts of Audio Output •Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS) •Automatic Power-Off (APO) •Busy Channel Lock Out (BCLO) •Dual Watch •Multi-level Display Dimmer •RF-level Squelch •Advanced Track Tuning (ATT) for
excellent intermod rejection •Time-Out Timer (TOT) •ARTS™ (Auto-Range Transponder System) •DTMF Auto-dialer •Smart Search™ Automatic Memory Loading •Versatile VFO and Memory Scanning

Priced at $129.00 thru 8/31/2009 at Universal Radio Inc. Don’t forget this book. Now to find the money!

Monday, June 22, 2009

Help, My Icom W32a – No power.

My power is supplied by a CBE-173 battery eliminator. It is working fine after replacing fuse. The Icom W32a will not power up when pushing the power button.  Guess I broke it’s heart looking at these other Rigs.  Is there a simple fix? Please Advise or redirect me to some help.  Oh I did get a BNC to PL-259 adapter, then it dies on me.  Good thing I have a short to-do list.

 

Things_To_Do_Today

A Poll on the FT-817ND or FT-857D

Please take a moment a cast your vote. When it comes to these two radio’s there are strong feeling for both.0813  OR  y857main 

Show your support.  Feel free to comment and explain your vote.

In July we will have another hot topic to poll on.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Questions about Onyx and my HT.

I have an Icom W32A HT and  I have a harness it for and can wear it while riding “Onyx”. I have been Ill and recovering from my work related shoulder injury. I am just missing and need 2 items for the rig, an BNC to PL-259 cable for the HT and a 12v battery to power my HT. You might say that is simple, but I lost my job due to my injury, lost the workmen’s comp due to my Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), (Thanks Alabama) and on a very long wait for Social Security Benefits. I have not an income since July of ‘08 or a job since December of ‘07. Makes having a life difficult.  I have a bed and I get to eat. I have access to the internet, I now have “Onyx” to get around in. And most of all I still have my Sharon.

I am wanting to get my HT back up and running. I hate that I can not make use of my Amateur Radio Ticket, Where I am located I need a power amp for the HT.  At current prices a 2 meter rig cost as much as a power amp for the HT. Even if I found a good price on a 2 meter rig, I am still waiting on my benefits. I believe the trees are currently blocking my 2 meter antenna by the house. This make hitting the local repeaters almost impossible.  I need an local “Elmer” to look in on me and help a bit. I have been trying to reach local radio clubs but with no success as of yet.  I have recently found out about echo link, just need a usb headset and mic to get on the air that way… Still boils down to money…  Well I am still alive, and kicking, things will work out.  More later Guys.  73 de KF4SWS and Onyx.

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