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Low-cost photography filters from Fotodiox

One of the best additions to a photographer’s toolkit is also one of the least expensive: this kit of three Fotodiox filters (circular polarizar, UV, and soft diffusion) for under $15 is a great deal.

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Lumix FZ1000 bridge camera — superzoom plus

I think I’ve found the perfect camera for me. Big zoom range, stunning images, and 4K video all in a bridge camera sporting a one-inch, 20MP sensor. Check out some samples from the Lumix FZ1000.

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Contesting from the West

Here’s my perspective from the West Coast, looking at what we do that may be different from the tactics of contest stations located further East.

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My CW (Morse code) paddles

Morse code is a joy, and with the right “paddles” it is pure bliss. Here’s an essay on the pursuit of ham radio happiness.

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New website “on the air”

Welcome to the VA7ST.ca website. You’ll find friendly notes about all kinds of things — a radio operator’s notebook that also touches on photography and recommendations about gear that helps get more out of the things many of us love to do.

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CDE rotator scale: refit for North center

Depending on your location, changing your rotator control meter’s scale to a north-centered scale could greatly reduce the turning required to work the most popular areas. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the change on a CDE rotator control — including a printable high-resolution image of the North-centered meter scale.

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Analyzing my terrain for HF gain

Sometimes when my antenna is at 25′, I do quite well into Canada and the U.S — perhaps even better than with the antenna at 45′. Terrain analysis helped end the mystery of height vs. performance at this ridge-top QTH.

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Farewell to a friend, Bob VE6YR

The radiosport world lost a great competitor with the passing of Bob McCarthy VE6YR on December 22, 2009. Bob was an avid radio contester, particularly active in RTTY (radio-teletype) contests.

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FT-2000 — Thoughts and Observations

Observations about owning the Yaesu FT-2000 — with a few tips and tricks for happy owners.

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The Small, Powerful Hex Beam

This is a home-made five-band antenna made from bits of bamboo, some hose clamps, a few wires, and lots of hours of puzzling, building and — at last — huge satisfaction.

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