It has been relatively quiet around Uretopia Ranch this weekend. The “Christmas Room” (solar addition) was “red-flagged” by Elaine early in the week. She was initially OK with the idea of an attached greenhouse. But, not so cool with the color of Penofin. It goes off to a medium orange/red. Very much like Redwood with … Read More
This being Rum Sunday and all, I’ve done a couple of reports recently on the use of drones in a prepping and survival situation. In these, I have extoled the virtues of drones, even the cheapie $99 sort that I learned to fly on: an internet “deal” which worked out well. With a drone, a … Read More
We will try to be brief because of some AMAZING woo-woo floating around in dream and physical realms. But first, a word (or many) about the market which is due to rally at the open. So hint futures. Philly Fed First Always an interesting bellwether to keep an eye on: “The diffusion index for current … Read More
One of the keys to keeping my kitchen tile job in line was having the right tools. A lot of weekend home-handy-bastards (and ‘ettes) get caught in the Project Trap. Like the “Triangle of Fire” (oxygen, fuel, ignition source). This fire triangle is an easy memory tool for K-12 school children to learn. But, not … Read More
Reader Notes: Because high frequency ham radio antenna design is maybe not your “thing” it’s a good idea to read the Saturday column (Part 1) to grasp some of the underlying technical angles. There is one general shop tool note at the end of this article. If you’re not a ham, that may be more … Read More
Reader Note: This is a grown-up discussion about my years-long pursuit of the Perfect Ham Antenna. It actually relates closely to our usual Sunday ShopTalk format because building a serious ham radio antenna is as much about the execution of construction plans (and parameters) as it is about the underlying electronics. Point being? If you are … Read More
We depart from our usual hand tools and hands-on power tool enjoyment this weekend to begin work on a seminal project: The ultimate ham radio wire antenna system. Long-term readers of this site will remember that we’ve already done one spin on an improved HF antenna. Called Super Antenna iV it offered better performance than … Read More
This being the Fourth weekend, a lot of us – with kids too far away to visit – will be working on projects in the shop, instead. Which begins (as many mornings) with a check of how things are coming on the 3D printer farm here. This first project – snap of it in previous … Read More
Since Field Day is one of the world’s first True Prepping events, we figured a special edition of Urban would be interesting, even to non-ham radio types. Of course, there will be enough “secret sauce tossed in” to make sure Old-Timers (I was first licensed in 1963, lol) learn a few tricks along the way. What’s … Read More
Well-rested, we are fit to tackle the day with the persistently long To-Do list. Still, one of my items on the list got done Saturday and it only took about 20-minutes. A Paint Can Shaker. Patience is not Mr. Ure’s strong suit. Like most on this prison planet, while we’re all milling around for the … Read More
Daylight Time dawns over America. Yet-another example of the Grand National Delusion we’re under. As the Native American sage explained: “White man the only ones who cut a foot off the bottom of their blankets and sew it on the top – and then claim their blanket is longer…” Or, as this once IAM-751 R&E … Read More
I’m trying to write shorter – more useful – columns. Because as Elaine’s mobility has “wound-down” prior to hip surgery, I’m been spending less time “in the chair” than usual. And more time playing lead in the local production of the “Odd Couple”. (Planned for release as “The Bunny and the Geek.”) Masks Work Better … Read More
Signs a Lame “Relief” Bill President Trump last night did the unexpected: he signed the new CV-19/budget and relief bill which – while doing little for CV-19 – manages to be a goldmine for foreign aid and special interests along with keeping government open through September. This is the $600 check version. The House is … Read More