Episode 27 Watt Elmer? Show Notes Song: 00:00 Intro: 00:54 Feedback: 01:23 Regarding episode 25 Thomas, WC5B, says he has changed his mind about what he recommends to new hams for a first radio, based on Richards comments. Ray, KO4RB, also talks about episode 25 and his thoughts on a handy-talk as a first radio. Jerry, KD0BIK, of The Practical Amateur Radio Podcast disagreed with some of Richard's comments about media coverage of hurricane damage (Ike and Gustav) along the gulf coast. Richard's comments were meant to be specific to his local media. Ray, KO4RB, also writes to thank Richard for the podcast, and extols their virtues as a tool for elmering new hams. He's also exploring Linux for use in his shack, experiments with digital modes, DStar, and more. He also made a donation! Rich, AB6TY, says he listens as he works in the welding shop, and enjoys the information and music. He loves CW and encourages others to give it a try, and recommends FISTS and SKCC. He reminds Richard that new hams should be aware of split-frequency operations while chasing DX. He asks "What is a 'lid'?" A lid is a bad operator. www.fists.orgwww.skccgroup.com Donations: 17:25 Rich AB6TY, Ray KO4RB made donations, which allowed the purchase of a microphone, and a new machine to record the podcast. Consider a dollar per episode. Every dollar helps. Remember, we have to pay for the hosting service. shop at Amazon through the link at the website. Thanks! 19:55 Russ K5TUX and Richard released the first episode of Linux in the Ham Shack. Give it a listen Song: 22:07 "Night Time is the Right Time" by Elvin Bishop, featuring John Nemeth & Angela Strehli, from the album "The Blues Rolls On" Buzzword: 23:19 SWR and Watt MetersMeasures power out in watts and the SWR (standing wave ratio). Higher SWR is bad, as most modern radios will reduce their output if the SWR is too high, so it's a good idea to monitor the SWR. They can also be used to tune your wire or mobile antennas. Song: 31:58 "What Is That You Got" by Magic Slim & the Teardrops from the album "Midnight Blues" Topic: 34:17 How can you be a better Elmer? Elmer is the amateur radio term for a mentor. Anyone can be an Elmer. It just takes the desire to share what you know with someone else. It does take patience. Talk up the hobby with other folks. Teach a class. Get involved with one of the scouting organizations. Wear a shirt that proclaims your interest in the hobby. Be available at a special event station to answer questions. Song: 57:17 "Sleep" by Albert Cummings from the album "Feel So Good: Albert Cummings" Closing theme:65:04