Goodbye XP !

Yes its that time to say goodbye to Windows XP. Microsoft officially stops support for most XP operating systems. Its been in My mind the best Windows operating system and the easiest to use. I have two PC's currently using XP and even Win2000 on one. We also use Apple products and eventually hope to be all Macintosh but for now Windows is working just fine--its also cheaper because of access to PC parts and the fact I've been able to cobble together My shack PC's.
I'm writing this in response to a message on My shack laptop running XP-- Microsoft Security Essentials will also be a causualty of the XP end of life. I hadn't thought about it but it does make sense however sad that is. So i downloaded another free Virus program to replace security essentials. It was a fine program but I do need the updated protection of a supported Virus program!
Not much new to report on the "radio" side of My blog. Sorry-- been way too busy with other endeavours! no contests-minimal radio net time and not much DX chasing. Quite a difference from previous winters. Speaking of winters--please let this one end.good grief- more snow predicted! Already at 104" for the season and climbing plus one of the coldest on record! Uncle--I cry Uncle! :((
73---Tim

Happy Daylight Savings Time !

Happy DST-or not! I always find it tuff to adjust to the hour change. Maybe if My alarm clock didn't wake Me up My adjustment period wouldn't be so bad. Retirement might ease this some.:) Until then work beckons!
I haven't been in the shack much this Winter so I've not had many topics to blog about. Its been one of the coldest Winters in recent memory so logic would suggest more time inside thus more shack time.This was not the case this Year.I really don't know what kept Me so busy other than lots of Family time and Work. Both are essential so I guess its been a very good year!
Temperatures have been in the low 30s and 40 F so the snow is starting a slow retreat. I'm really looking forward to Spring. Until then--
73---Tim

No FT5ZM for you!

I haven't even tried chasing the FT5ZM Dxexpedition till this weekend. Saturday morning I heard them on 14.185 listening up at 14.245 ? What's up with that?? Anyway couldn't break the pileup with my measly 100w into my ground mounted vertical and as the morning wore on they faded away. They ran some RTTY on several bands but I was busy with chores and just couldn't take the time then. I figured I would have later and even Sunday to try again. I was wrong since the bands tanked in the far north and I only was hearing whispers on any band so FT5ZM is not going to happen for me. Sad face but a bright spot- the last time a Dxexpedition was in that part of the world I never even heard a whisper! My antennas are definitely better. A little power might do the trick or just more time to chase- I guess they are QRT sometime tomorrow!
73-Tim

A hiatus

I didn't intend to be a non blogger for this long but that's the way it has worked out. I haven't hardly been in the shack and actually don't seem to miss operating. Work has been nuts and my family has kept me busy.missed the recent Minnesota QSO party for the first time in about 6 years but always next year. I've had a few comments on my various posts I've moderated and even several I maybe shouldn't have commented on:).
73 for now- Tim

ARRL RTTY RU 2014

Class: Single Op LP
QTH: Minnesota
Operating Time (hrs):

Summary:
Band QSOs
------------
80: 14
40: 40
20: 72
15: 74
10: 57
------------
Total: 257 State/Prov = 45 Countries = 14 Total Score = 15,163

Club: Minnesota Wireless Assn

Comments:

Ft-950, 50w 10m yagi,265' dipole and butternut vertical
Rotor froze on sunday pointed south. Lots of domestic-few DX.Nice way to spend
an afternoon when its below zero!
Thanks for the Q's-- 73--Tim

This is what I submitted for the contest.
73--Tim