An update of the ham shack after the lighting strike a couple of months ago. By being frugal I’ve been able to get back on the air for a reasonable investment.
Video Rating: 5 / 5

18 replies
  1. Hogkat
    Hogkat says:

    Hope you get all your rig’s and shack up to date. Love the 520. Had it and got a 820 instead. Need the digital readout because of my eyes. But great rigs

    72
    PA1TAS
    AKA Paul

    Reply
  2. g0vqw
    g0vqw says:

    John,
    Glad you got back so quick and you sure picked up some nice bargains. I used to own a Tentec Century 22 and it was an excellent little rig with DC receiver and fantastic qsk. In fact Tentec are renowned for their qsk..Nice collection of keys too. I have been on the straight key recently and favour the NATO key. It has a superb action and easier to use for extended periods.
    John can you use 15 meters?
    I have a Delta loop working good on that band. Mni us stns worked.
    Email sked?
    Sandy

    Reply
  3. baconsoda
    baconsoda says:

    That’s super. It’s great to see you operational again because the sort of disruption and damage you had can be soul destroying.
    Happy CW-ing
    Brendan.

    Reply
  4. Robertosala1
    Robertosala1 says:

    John, I am sorry that you lost a lot of equipment on the lightning strike but glad to see you are up and running again! Life is composed of moments like this, when you come up out of ashes to be bright and stronger again.
    Rob. (YS1RS)

    Reply
  5. Robertosala1
    Robertosala1 says:

    By the way, nice equipment. I am dying of envy to see the Century 21 you have. It looks like new. Beautiful!
    The MFJ-941E is also very nice. I have one in my shack and will even tune a steel cross bar as antenna (exaggerating here but it is very good).

    Un abrazo (a hug) from El Salvador. Roberto YS1RS

    Reply
  6. johnrob281
    johnrob281 says:

    @Robertosala1

    Roberto,

    Thanks for following along and for your comments. I’ve really enjoyed the Century 21.

    73,
    John/W5CYF

    Reply
  7. johnrob281
    johnrob281 says:

    @Robertosala1

    Rob,

    Tnx for the comments. It is good to get back on air and I’m having a lot of fun with some ‘old school’ equipment.

    73,
    John/W5CYF

    Reply
  8. johnrob281
    johnrob281 says:

    @baconsoda

    Brendan,

    Thanks for the comments; as always it’s good to hear from you. The setback was not a severe as it could have been and I’m thankful for that!

    Life is a lot like your garden, different seasons bring different fruits (along with a few weeds).  Glad the weeds weren’t too much this time.

    Take care,

    John

    Reply
  9. johnrob281
    johnrob281 says:

    @Hogkat

    Pau,

    Thanks for following along with my videos. I like that 520 more each time I use it. It’s simple and to the point. I’m 62 and I had almost forgotten the smell of the tubes in an old radio.

    Somehow, I think my shack smells right now!

    Take care,

    73,
    John/W5CYF

    Reply
  10. NW7US
    NW7US says:

    My first radio was a TS-520S. Fine radio. Wonderful receiver. Someday I will re-own one. You have a FINE station. Hope to work you on the Air (Straight key to Straight key). 73 de SKCC NW7US dit dit

    Reply
  11. EarlRausch
    EarlRausch says:

    Sorry to hear about your loss ! It is funny that us ham’s can understand what your loss means.
    You will have to just start gathering again.
    Best wishes to you and all Hams here on youtube.
    KB7TKU
    Earl

    Reply
  12. johnrob281
    johnrob281 says:

    @K7AGE

    Randy,

    Good to hear from you. The insurance was pretty easy to deal with, adjuster came promptly and we made a fair settlement.

    The only change I am now doing is taking the vertical antenna down when not in use. It’s not ideal but I feel better about it.

    Oh, and the other thing…I enrolled in the ARRL insurance the next day! Once is enough for me.

    Take care,

    73
    John/W5CYF

    Reply
  13. johnrob281
    johnrob281 says:

    @NW7US

    Tnx for your comments. The station is shaping up well. Likewise, I hope to catch you on the air soon.

    73
    John/W5CYF

    Reply

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