Here are three recent items of note on /r/amateurradio, the sub-reddit for radio amateurs:
- Just passed my Advanced (Extra) Exam so…
That’s pretty hardcore, if you ask me. There are comments from others with electronics-related tats. - Waterproofing Coax question
Lots of good answers, but the one I liked best was a link to a DX Engineering Tech Tip, Weatherproofing Coaxial Cable Connections. - K7UGA Will Get the Ham Vote (1964). This post contains a link to a 1964 New York Times report on Barry Goldwater, the 1964 Republican candidate for president. Spoiler: Despite support from hams, he didn’t win.
I’ve seen the same waterproofing instructions several places, but the DX Engineering version is very easy to follow. I peeled all that stuff off a balun connection after a year or so and it was all shiny underneath. With bits of black gunk.
I thought it was interesting that they specified Scotch Super 33+ (7 mil) instead of Scotch Super 88 (8.5 mil). I guess they want it to stretch and be more conforming.
I take one more precaution, though. I use Type N connectors outside, since those are waterproof by design.
Amateur radio should really ditch UHF connectors for N connectors everywhere.
I have a WA7UGA QSL card, from Barry Goldwater’s club station. It was called the Bash-ha-ne-al club, Navajo for “metal that talks”. Very colorful card.