Nice Website for Crypto Geeks

I stumbled upon a website recently that I found extremely intriguing.  It is an online or virtual museum of Cryptographic equipment over the years.  The museum is based in the Netherlands and contains a large number of physical examples of crypto gear.  These are accompanied by in depth explanations of history and use among other things.  I have only had a short time so far to browse the site but there is much to see.  Although the museum is just on the web, they have had exhibits or their collection displayed over the years for the public to see.

Not all crypto gear is radio related, of course, but I know there are many amateur radio enthusiasts who are interested in this sort of thing.  I hope some of you find this site interesting.

http://www.cryptomuseum.com/index.htm

Antenna Project

I often talk about operating in the field again.  I used to do it quite a bit.  I loved setting up in a park at a picnic table whether it be winter or summer.  It was a great way to spend an evening or afternoon.  I also used to go camping and set up an antenna for the weekend operating at will.  It was lots of fun.  Before we know it priorities change, hobbies change and we sometimes find that we can no longer "find" the time to do the fun things we used to do.  One needs to "make" time for these things and stop making excuses.  I spend a lot of time in the summer going to Highland Games or pipe band practice and I really enjoy it but as a result playing radio has taken a back seat.  This summer I vow to operate outdoors even if it's in my own back yard.  It's not like it takes a lot of time out of the day.  An hour on Sunday mornings or in the early evening shouldn't be hard to set aside.

I think what I will do as an operating position is to try the vertical buddipole style of antenna suspended from a rope in a tree.  Two Hamstick-style antennas and the appropriate bracket is all that's required and I can leave it up if I operate on the back patio.  Here is a good page showing the set up and some results achieved by W3ATT.  I will start with one band, say 20M, and perhaps 30M 17 or 12 as I like those very much...maybe 40M.  I can't decide but either way I look forward to trying it as soon as the snow starts to melt.

Cheers es 72 de Scott ve3vvf

Knock Out Season

This winter season I decided to compete in local solo piping competitions called Knock Outs.  There have been two so far and in the 40+ category I have come first place both times...okay, I was the only 40+ competitor.  :o)  The first event which was held in November I had to play a Slow Air followed by a 4-parted 6/8 march.  I chose the tunes "Fair Jean" followed by "George Beley".  I practiced a lot and was nervous playing in front of my peers as well as some pretty advanced players.  luckily I got to go first so I got it over with.  My play went well and I didn't make any note errors.  Technique is the big challenge for beginning pipers as well as timing.  Steady blowing is always a concern at my level as well.  Had there been other 40+ pipers in the event and I had come last it would not have mattered as it's not about the placing so much as it is about the experience and the score sheet you get from the judge afterwards.  The score sheets are very detailed and, from the good judges, very constructive.  When you practice tunes over and over you know what your weak areas are so the score sheets usually don't contain too many surprises but every judge is different and they have different things they notice in any given tune.  I was pleased with my first Knock Out experience.

The second Knock Out for 40+ was held on January 9th and I was to play a 4-parted 2/4 march.  I chose the "Haughs of Cromdale".  I was a bit rusty as I was away on vacation over the Christmas break and had very little opportunity to practice.  I had just 1 week to knock the rust off the tune.  Again, I didn't make any glaring errors but I know I could have played better.  Nerves get to you when playing in front of people.  I finished first again as I was the only 40+ competitor.  It's a bit of a hollow victory but it's all about getting experience playing under pressure.

The finals for the Knock Outs are in March and I have to play a Medley.  I have chosen "Jack's Welcome Home", "Skye Boat Song" and "Lochanside".  I am looking forward to it however the audience will be about 4 times as large at least.  The nerves will be running high that evening but with no other 40+ competitors who have qualified I just need to get through the Medley without being disqualified.  Fingers crossed on that.

Here is a link to the brief write up about the Knock Out on the PPBSO website including a photo of the top 6 B grade pipers from the January Knock Out and myself on the right.