Courage Center Handiham System

November QST! As usual, I head for the Eclectic Technology column written by Steve Ford, WB8IMY, first thing when my copy of QST arrives. I am always guaranteed to learn something new every time.

Dear Elmer,

After getting some information on repeaters in my area, I find they use 6 meter repeaters also. Is most traffic in that band in a vertical polarization? If so, a vertical center-fed dipole or quarter wave vertical seems to make the most sense. If horizontal, then a center-fed dipole is logical. So which polarization is more predominant?

Signed: Potential 6 meter user

Elmer says:

Dear Elmer,

Can you recommend a website or software that will help me learn Morse code? I know code isn't a requirement anymore, but I'd like to learn it anyway so I can work more DX!

Signed,

More DX

Elmer says:

Dear More DX,

I would like you to try this website, which is the same one we recommend for studying for the written tests:

http://aa9pw.com/morsecode/

Dear Elmer,

How do I get to the text box in EchoLink while using keyboard commands? I use a screen reader and I want to try out the W0EQO-L remote base. I hear you can control the frequency of the TS-480 by putting the number in the text box.

Signed,
Eager Beaver

Dear Eager,

Dear Elmer,

Our VE team and radio club have been trying to help a candidate with short-term memory loss. What can be done to help him succeed? It is hard for him to remember what he has studied.

Signed,
Concerned VE

Dear VE,

Many of our loyal Handiham e-letter subscribers and podcast listeners know me from my occasional comments in those fine publications. Now I have been given my own blog, whatever that might turn out to be, on the Handiham website. I will be able to stand high on my soapbox and pontificate loudly about anything and everything regarding ham radio. Whoopee.