Last Wednesday I added to my collection of computers by purchasing a Samsung N210 netbook - a small, low-power, long-life laptop computer.

My primary reason for purchasing such a machine was for a forthcoming holiday, allowing me to backup photographs, video footage, write a journal and connect to the internet. A standard laptop wouldn't fit the bill - the one available to me was just to big and heavy. My smartphone didn't have the connectivity or storage to allow me to get pictures off from SD cards.

So the netbook option seemed to be the logical choice, and after a lot of searching (it's a crowded marketplace), I settled on the Samsung.

This particular model has a white case, a 10.1" 1024x600 matt screen, 250GB hard drive, 1GB DDR2 RAM (expandable to 2GB), Bluetooth, wifi 802.11b/g/n, built-in webcam, SD card reader and 3x USB sockets. The processor is one of the newer Atom N450 1.66GHz models which features an Intel GMA350 graphics chip as well. This processor, compared to the older Atom N270, features significant power reduction meaning battery life is significantly better than the earlier model.

I had to spend a lot of time seriously considering my requirements and trawling through reviews. Quite early on, I settled for a machine with the N450 processor which fortunately narrowed my search. From here though, machines are very similar with little to tell between them.

What settled it for me was that this model had strong reviews and featured the newest WiFi standard. Although I don't operate a 802.11n network just yet, I'm planning an upgrade in the not-to-distant future and it made sense to future proof the machine as far as possible.

As for my impressions now that I'm using the netbook, I'm very happy. The machine is slightly heavier than I anticipated but compared to an inexpensive laptop, it's certainly small and light. It fits in my backpack easily and I think it'll just fit in to my camera bag. The reduced resolution on the screen is noticeable - particularly in the vertical, but small tricks such as auto-hiding the taskbar and running a web browser full-screen offsets that limitation somewhat. Battery life is impressive and I estimate achieving anything between 5 - 7 hours of uptime depending of course on what it's used for. Admittedly this is short of the advertised 11 hours battery life, but still very good.

There's no doubt that the processor is limited, but day-to-day browsing feels sufficiently fast. Standard definition video files play okay from the hard-drive but I did struggle to use BBC iPlayer through Firefox on the supplied Windows 7 Starter. Video playback stuttered and full-screen use was out of the question.

I've configured my machine to dual-boot Windows 7 with Ubuntu Netbook Remix 10.04. I've divided the disk into multiple partitions to accommodate the two operating systems, the restore partition and a shared data partition. I find myself booting more and more into Ubuntu. It feels snappy and iPlayer here is much more successful although full-screen playback is still a struggle.

There are a few niggles with the open source system - after installation there is no wireless connectivity until an update is done via wired ethernet, and some additional software needs to be installed to make some special keys e.g., brightness work. I've also noticed the wireless does not always resume when waking the machine from a sleep state although this is intermittent and a reboot easily fixes it. I also needed to enable multiple desktops using gconf-editor which I think is essential on a limited resolution screen. Now it's configured though, I think it's a very usable and snappy system.

The Windows installation needed some work too. As seems to be the case with bought computer systems, a lot of extra - unnecessary - software was pre-installed. It took some time to install this as part of the initial setup and then more time again to remove it. I'm talking about Microsoft Office 2007 (trial), Microsoft Works, various non-standard games, McAfee virus scanner - all applications that hog disk space and have the potential to slow down the machine. Fortunately once I'd cleared all this I was able to take a snapshot of the system with one of the useful pieces of software - Samsung Recovery Solution 4.

So all-in-all, I think this was a sound choice and I'm looking forward to putting it through it's paces. As well as the uses I mentioned earlier, I will also see how it performs next to my radio equipment - I wonder if it emits a large amount of RF? As it has a large battery life I'm considering how useful it could be for operating a portable PSK amateur radio station. I suspect that it will be like other laptops I've used - on battery it'll be fine. It'll be the mains adaptor that pollutes the spectrum.

At the time of writing, the Samsung N210 was available at Amazon UK for £278 (white model) or £333 (black model).

0 comments | Related Entries: 0 | Related Links: 3 | Attachments:

Tags: computers, reviews, gadgets, amateur radio

Today seems to be a day of negative digital radio news - and not necessarily entirely accurate news at that. Be warned, I'm going to ramble on for a bit. If you can't be bothered to read it all, I sum up my point at the end.

An Open Letter to Rt. Hon. Ed Vaizey MP

First I read an open letter from Rob Mannion, the editor of Practical Wireless Magazine, which was sent to the Telegraph newspaper aimed for the attention of Mr Ed Vaizey MP and reproduced here:

Dear Sirs: With the right Hon.Ed Vaisey about to make a statement regarding the imposition of DAB radio on Band II v.h.f. radio services, to replace the practical f.m. broadcasts, it is to be hoped that the new coalition government have listened clearly to all the criticisms regarding the impractical technology and the difficulties of receiving DAB radio services on portable equipment using simple antenna systems (a service the public has been used to for many years).

With the much mentioned huge spending cuts announced by the government, it will be unfortunate indeed if pensioners and those out of work should face the prospect of buying new equipment - all made in Far East - that would most likely provide inferior reception.

I implore Mr Vaisey to take the opportunity to repeal the legislation that will force listeners to buy equipment that's not necessary, and at the same time will also send money overseas to support another country's economy. Keep the money that would be spent in the UK, keep the service that works so well on simple portable receivers and enable as many people to carry on enjoying the essential broadcast radio services as before with simple to use receivers that don't require large amounts of power to operate them and work efficiently. With DAB radio on Band II that's certainly not possible.

Please Sir - Dump the DAB on Band II.

Rob Mannion

Editor Practical Wireless magazine
Broadstone
Dorset BH18 8PW

Whilst the theme of the letter may be sound, I find the arguments put forward here to be quite surprising particularly the mention of the source of DAB products - the Far East. I fail to see the issue with electronics being made in foreign countries. It is indeed the case that a significant majority of our products are manufactured outside of the UK and I daresay this is true for analogue radio products. Yes it would be nice for the UK to have a thriving manufacturing industry, but at the moment it simply is not the case. The sale of digital radio products will still occur on these shores however and that will generate revenue for the UK economy.

I also take issue with the inference to expensive digital radio sets. Prices are falling all the time, and a DAB radio receiver can now be had for £20.00. It wasn't so long ago that the lower price was £50.00 and when I first obtained a DAB receiver, it was £100.00. Switchover isn't happening this year or next - it's pencilled in for 2015. That's five years for prices to fall further and for people to gradually replace sets. I'm sure also that as technology improves, so will the power consumption.

It also may be the case that people may choose not to replace some sets. With many digital radio stations broadcasting via digital television some may find that all the radio they need is already available to them in a post TV switchover country. Let's also not discount online radio.

Lastly in respect of this letter, if you're going to emplore a minister to listen to your viewpoint and in an open letter at that, it's probably worth at least spelling his name correctly!

The Daily Mail Jumps On The Bandwagon

The second source of negative reporting comes from that bastion of quality news(!) The Daily Mail.

The news report itself is linked to via Related Links on this entry, but the key points are thus:

• Motorists face a bill of £300 to install digital radios,

• the government is pushing ahead with plans to switch of AM and FM broadcasting,

• 100 million analogue radios will be redundant following switchoff in 2015

• New car head units cost £300; conversion kits cost £100

• Most ordinary homes have 2 or 3 radios

In typical sensationalist journalism, the body of the story contradicts the headline as can be seen in the points above. The headline that motorists will have to pay £300 to replace their radios simply is not true. Let's do some research:

I conducted a quick search through Google UK found a JVC DAB head unit for £148.99 - half the price quoted by the paper. Unfortunately, for a quick search, that was about the only result but one result at half the price is still not £300.00 in my book.

The Mail does mention conversion kits and acknowledges that these are cheaper than head units (there's the contradiction). More research again:

A search for the Pure Highway DAB receiver, which mounts on the windscreen and re-broadcasts a digital station on an FM frequency that any plain old car radio from the last 20 years can receiver, resulted in a number of hits. The cheapest source for this product (from a major known retailer) was Amazon UK at £68.00 - a whole 32% less than the cost of a conversion kit quoted by the Mail.

So we can clearly see that The Daily Mail is simply wrong with it's figures. It's also wrong stating that a switch-off of the analogue bands will happen in 2015 but this is more forgiveable. Major national and local stations are intended to be moved from FM to DAB by 2015. The resulting space on the FM band is earmarked for community stations. A similar prospect is on the cards for AM, but there is an intention to close this by moving community stations found here to FM.

As can be seen from the above paragraph, with FM being used for community stations it does not mean that all analogue radios will become redundant although it's true that the requirement for them will be reduced. There's no reason to fear that these will end up simply trashed though - old radios could be recycled and sent abroad to countries where digital radio has not become established.

So let's take a final look at costs. The article states that most homes have two or three radios (although a later quote mentions four or five, we'll go with the Mail for the purpose of this bit of maths). Let's say that all of these radios are replaced with digital sets. At the cheapest cost of £20.00, that's a replacement cost of £60.00. Adding on a new car head unit at £148.00 results in a total replacement cost of £208.00. Okay, it's still not cheap but that's every radio replaced for less than the cost stated for motorists only.

Going back to my earlier point about other sources of digital radio, we could perhaps assume that only two radios will be needed - one for the kitchen and one for the bedroom with the living room being served by digital television. Take £20.00 off the above total, that's £188.00.

There's five years remaining to replace these radios, so no immediate rush. The cheaper sets could be replaced over the next two years - easy enough by saving £1.70 per month. Then there's a further three years to save for that more expensive car head unit - £4.11 per month assuming prices don't fall.

What's My Point?

Digital radio is here and it's going to stay. I don't think there's any two ways about it, and at the moment 2015 is earmarked as the date when we should be using some form of digital radio as our primary method of receiving radio broadcasts.

DAB has its problems. At the moment, coverage is less than FM and there are issues around audio quality. Yes, receivers currently use more power than FM and yes, they do cost more.

All I ask for though is some perspective. There's five years for problems to be ironed out. Coverage can be improved, power consumption can be improved. Audio quality is subjective but there are solutions to that too (increased bitrates, codec changes), and a good quality DAB signal does provide generally better audio than a poor quality FM signal.

Whilst DAB is digital radio, digital radio is not just DAB. Satellite, cable and online services all provide digital radio and in many cases the audio quality is excellent.

It also occurs to me that perhaps there is some hate for DAB simply because it's not analogue.

I know I'm asking to much of our press, but let's look at the both the pro's and con's of digital radio compared with analogue radio and have a balanced report written in light of the situation we're in now - not as though switch-over is taking place next week and we're all being conned out of our hard earned cash.

0 comments | Related Entries: 0 | Related Links: 2 | Attachments:

Tags: broadcasting, radio, dab, amateur radio

Following last weeks reports that BBC 6 Music had been given a stay of execution whilst further reviews are carried out; the BBC Trust announced its findings following the strategic review today.

The news is good:

"The Trust does not think a convincing case has been made, as presented, for the closure of 6 Music. The Trust does not agree that there is a consistent strategic rationale for closure on grounds either of promoting digital development or market impact" -- (BBC Strategy Review email 2010-07-05, 17:13).

The announcement that the station would be saved from the axe came at just before mid-day and spread like wildfire, with me becoming alerted to it mid-afternoon following a post by 6 Music on Facebook. The #save6music and #6music hashtags on Twitter have been buzzing and internet message boards have been alive with discussion.

There can be little doubt that the show of support from station staff, listeners, musicians and industry officials had an impact and it's good to see the Trust listen to those which it serves. But whilst 6 Music will not be closing, it's worth noting the following paragraph:

"the proposal has been helpful in highlighting the need for a further review of the BBC's digital strategy. If, as part of that review, the Executive wants to put together a different proposal for the overall shape of its music radio stations that they think could further increase the distinctiveness of the output, we would consider it." -- (BBC Strategy Review email 2010-07-05, 17:13).

This appears to mean that whilst the BBC has failed to put forward a convincing argument for closing 6 Music on this occasion, it does not mean that a new plan cannot be put forward, providing the distinctive output of BBC Radio is maintained.

Bearing that in mind however, today is excellent news for everyone who appreciates what 6 Music does. It's important that we all continue to listen to the station and to show that we do need it. Likewise it's important that 6 Music doesn't stand still and continues to ensure that it fulfils the remit for which we've all argued.

To round-up, I thought that a few quotes from 6 Music presenters would be appropriate. I've also compiled a small number of interesting websites which I've linked to this post.

I have just one thing left to say: Hooray for 6 Music and it's staff, hooray for the BBC Trust and a very BIG HOORAY for the station's supporters!

"A big heartfelt thank-you to all who got behind #save6music. Great day & all down to listener support. In the words of the band Yes: "Yes!" " -- Jon Holmes (@jonholmes1) via Twitter

"Trust report is great initial news received with tentative cheers. A huge thanks to all of you who expressed your love, we send it back x" -- Shaun Keaveny (@Shaun6music) via Twitter

"Just want to say thanks again for all your loveliness. Sort of gone a bit wobbly and overwhelmed here in the studio. X" -- Lauren Laverne (@laverneshow) via Twitter

"I didnt believe it would happen but the BBC has listened to its financiers! The British Public! You 'lot' (1 mil +) have been immense! Ta!" -- Marc Riley (@marcrileydj) via Twitter

"Its Official 6Music is saved. Top work everyone!!! #love6music -- Steve Lamacq (@lamacqshow) via Twitter

"We should do a toast and raise a glass to 6 Music and all who worked so hard to save her! #love6music #save6music #6music - To 6 Music! x" -- @Inside6music (Twitter)

0 comments | Related Entries: 3 | Related Links: 11 | Attachments:

Tags: broadcasting, radio, 6music

It looks as though the BBC Trust are granting 6 Music a 'stay of execution' whilst further reviews of the service are undertaken.

This is good news. It means that the Trust are not simply going to rubber-stamp Thompson's proposal to close the station which, since the closure was announced, has gained over 1 million listeners and has heard protests from all corners - presenters, musicians, industry officials and listeners.

It doesn't mean it's safe though. This just means that a firm closure announcement is not imminent, but the station could still be at risk. It's important therefore for those who appreciate what the station does, to remain vocal in support and to continue listening. If the figures continue to grow, then the argument for keeping the station is stronger.

Of course, billboards like that in the picture found here: http://twitpic.com/1zj870 are a great idea. Can anyone get any more shown?

0 comments | Related Entries: 3 | Related Links: 2 | Attachments:

Tags: broadcasting, radio, 6music

Media Guardian reports today that digital radio station NME Radio will close in it's existing form on all platforms; Sky, Virgin Media, Freesat and DAB. The brand will continue solely as an online music stream.

This is bad news for UK radio and DAB in particular. NME was probably the nearest commercial alternative to BBC 6 Music and distinctively different to its rivals. I had this station earmarked as my replacement should the BBC Trust decide to close the threatened network.

What this does show is that commercial radio cannot provide a station even remotely similar to the offerings given by 6 Music. It's a shame that the decision to close NME Radio didn't come a couple of weeks earlier when this could have been used as evidence in the Strategy Review.

Hopefully the BBC Trust will still look at this latest development and see 6 Music for what it is - a station that truly provides what commercial radio cannot; an eclectic mix of alternative, live and archive music from knowledgeable and respected presenters.

0 comments | Related Entries: 2 | Related Links: 1 | Attachments:

Tags: broadcasting, radio

Law In Action, broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday 8 June 2010 at 4pm, was quite interesting for both amateur and professional photographers.

The issue of taking pictures in a public space - be that of people or buildings - is raised in terms of the Data Protection Act 1998 and Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000. Other issues such as the use of CCTV and surveillance imaging are also raised.

The first half of the programme has the most relevance to photographers and you can listen online here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00sm6ct

It's worth mentioning that photographers do not need permission to photograph buildings or people assuming the photograph is taken from a public space and no other laws are being violated e.g., deformation of character.

For some reason, there seems to be a fear of photographers with security staff, members of the public and (in some cases) PCSOs and police officers simply making up laws (whether they believe them or not) to prevent images being captured. This attitude needs to change. Taking photographs is important not just for holiday-makers taking snapshots or professionals earning a living. It is important in order to create a historical account of our world and society. These false beliefs threaten this form of recording to the detriment of future generations.

I implore everyone to listen to this 30 minute programme and to gain a proper understanding of the law.

0 comments | Related Entries: 0 | Related Links: 1 | Attachments:

Tags: photography

Almost every single seat has now been declared. Just two are outstanding, one of which doesn't go to the polls until 27 May, so the makeup of the House of Commons is effectively known.

Throughout the afternoon, all leaders have made statements to the cameras and the theme of these statements is the same - what deals can be done to create the required stable government?

Nick Clegg was the first to speak, indicating his willingness to work with the Conservatives as the largest party in terms of both seats and percentage vote. He had said previously that he believed that the largest party should have the first opportunity to create a government and he was true to his word.

Gordon Brown spoke outside Number 10 trying to distance himself from his role as leader of the Labour Party and saying that he spoke as Prime Minister in the national interest. He made very clear that the government is still functional noting that Mr Darling would be involved in European talks regarding the recent financial crisis. The message to the Liberal Democrats was clear - that he would be happy to look at ways to work together where there is a common interest between the two parties. He acknowledged that Clegg had indicated that the Conservatives had first choice and said they should take all the time that they need.

Finally David Cameron spoke of impressive party gains in terms of the number of seats and the share of the vote. He applauded and welcomed new Conservative MPs and highlighted that these are part of the new breed of Conservatives. He then went on to say to the Lib Dems that he would make them a comprehensive offer. He said they could work together on common areas between manifestos - education, ID cards, tax reforms and the low carbon economy. Defence, Europe and debt reduction were not areas for compromise however.

A key part of the Liberal Democrat manifesto is electoral reform. David Cameron touched on this subject too by saying he would support an inquiry into political and electoral reform. He stopped short of supporting a referendum on the electoral system however.

There has been some negativity in the Tory ranks regarding these offers made by Cameron, but from my point of view this does seem sensible. Where parties share common ground it makes sense to work together even if it does mean some compromises. An inquiry into electoral reform does not necessarily lead to a proposal to change the voting system but can include Conservative pledges such as giving constituents the right to recall their MP. Given the situation, it is either accept some compromises and team up with another party or accept defeat.

We're now in a situation where discussions are going to take place. It's reported the the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats will enter such discussions this evening, but it could be some time though before a resolution to this hung parliament is found - assuming one is found of course.

0 comments | Related Entries: 2 | Related Links: 1 | Attachments:

Tags: politics

There are still some seats left to declare, but it is certain now that we have the first hung parliament since 1974.

The polls closed at 10pm last night and immediately the results and analysis coverage started on the BBC and other channels. I have been awake all night taking in the results as they happened; following the television coverage, forum discussion on DigitalSpy and glancing at Twitter comments on the #ge2010 hashtag.

Before any results were announced, the obligatory Exit Poll commissioned for the BBC, Sky and ITV was released giving the Conservatives 307 seats, Labour 255, Lib Dems 59 and other parties 29. The poll was treated with some skepticism by many as the Liberal Democrats performance was expected to be much better following the positive results for Nick Clegg in the three leaders debates.

The first results were announced before 11pm in Sunderland where the staff their were racing against the clock to get the first result announced as soon as possible. Aside from their speed, the interesting early result was the degree of swing to the Conservatives - an average of 9.9% over the first two results - despite these seats being safe Labour constituencies.

As can be expected, initial declarations were few and far between but by 1am the pace did start to pick up, and the estimated swing to the Conservatives dropped to 5.1% leading to seat predictions in line with the Exit Poll. The poll was further supported by repeated Liberal failures including the dramatic loss of Montgomeryshire for which the member of parliament was Lembit Opik - the MP who famously had a relationship with one of the Cheeky Girls.

It became clear quite soon that the Labour Party was not going to win this election. Their woes were compounded by the loss of high profile MPs Jacquie Smith and Charles Clarke. Good news did come for them though when Ed Balls managed to win his seat in the Morley and Outwood constituency.

By 4:15am, over half of the available seats had been declared. 161 seats had been won by the Conservatives, 126 by Labour, 24 to the Lib Dems and 25 to others. At this point, only 1 seat had been lost by the Conservatives. By 7.30am, only a further 2 seats had been lost.

The announcement of results slowed down dramatically come 8am when 51 seats were still undeclared. Now, at 9:41 there are still 36 seats remaining. What has changed now though is the certainty over a hung parliament. It is now impossible for any party to obtain a majority with the Conservatives at 290, Labour 246, Lib Dems 51 and others 27. The target for a majority is 326 and the most the Conservatives can now gain is 325.

Aside from the statistics and on a personal note, I have quite mixed feelings on this result. I've never experienced a hung parliament so from that point of view it is interesting but I am disappointed that my chosen party did not obtain an outright win. I do hope though that the Conservative Party see this is a very positive election for them. The party has obtained a huge number of seats - 91 at the time of writing - and that is a superb achievement.

What happens now is up in the air. Will Gordon Brown try to hang on to power? Will a coalition be formed and if so, who with? Will the Conservatives come to power with a minority government?

Aside from a couple of short naps yesterday afternoon, I've been awake since 7am yesterday - I estimate in total just under 24 hours. I don't want to miss any announcements about what may happen so it looks like for the time being at least, I'll be hitting that caffeine and staying awake for a number of hours more.

0 comments | Related Entries: 2 | Related Links: 3 | Attachments:

Tags: politics, opinion

Today is polling day for what is being described as a historic general election.

For the last month, the media has been dominated by campaign events, opinion polls, talk of a hung parliament and - for the first time ever - televised debates between the leaders.

I love all this. I genuinely find politics fascinating and interesting and I like knowing that I have paid close attention and feel that I will be using my vote wisely. The debates have been an interesting addition to the campaigns giving us the viewers a chance to see what our prospective leaders are like when put on the spot, allowing us to find out more about what they stand for and (importantly) to see how they treat the opposing parties.

As always, there have been rehearsed lines and soundbites planned by PR people behind the scenes. This is the one thing that turns me off campaign events. Nick Clegg has been particularly bad with this trying to position his party as better than the other two. That his party is new politics and they are old. If I'm being picky, the Liberal party has roots going back far further than than Labour so I don't really understand where he is coming from.

That's not to say that the other parties haven't been guilty of soundbites. The buzzword this time seems to be 'fairness'. 'Change' crops up often as well particularly from the Conservatives. I understand where parties are coming from - they need short succinct words to grab the attention of the electorate and it was fine for the first week, perhaps two. Now I'm sick of hearing them and almost want someone to say 'screw fairness and change'. I don't really believe that though. Of course our country should be fair and I want something new.

I made my decision about who would get my vote a long time ago and make no secret of it. In the 2005 election, the Liberal Democrats were my party of choice. Now I've moved to the Conservatives. Their policies on a smaller government, greater individual responsibility, giving communities more power and plans to reduce wasteful spending in the public sector all resonate.

What I'm not going to do is preach to others to do the same. The party campaign machine does enough of that, and the internet is awash with blogs, microblogs and forum posts telling readers who to vote for. Of course I hope my choice is successful and wins enough seats to form a government but if that is not the will of the majority then so be it.

What I think is important is that people vote. Whether it be Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Labour or Monster Raving Loony; this is our chance to have our say on the way the country is run. We should all grab that opportunity and place our mark wisely at the Polling Booth.

And why is this election historic? Well for the first time in years nobody is able to predict the outcome. Opinion polls have been consistently close and if they are accurate then we could have a hung parliament for the first time in over 35 years. Thanks to the televised debates, the Liberal Democrats appear to have support equaling that of Labour (depending on which poll you look at). The result truly is up in the air and it will only start to come down when the winners start being announced overnight tonight.

0 comments | Related Entries: 3 | Related Links: 2 | Attachments:

Tags: politics, opinion

I've made some slight changes to my magnetic loop aerial. Nothing major, but useful none-the-less.

The original design, as copied from G4ILO, featured a T shaped mast with hooks on the left and right of the top bar to support a loop of RG-213 coax. The biggest problem I found with this was establishing the correct loop shape to create a good match. It was easy to squash or expand the loop which could destroy a previously good match.

To overcome this, I've redesigned the mast to a + shape. The same coax is used for the loop but it is now much more rigid than before meaning if I collapse the aerial and re-assemble it later, I am more likely to maintain a good SWR reading.

Other than that, I've now got a large run of RG58 coax to connect the rig to the aerial meaning positioning is much easier. I've also obtained a better fitting knob for the tuning capacitor. The one I was using was too big for the shaft making it off-centre, wobbly and more difficult to tune.

So what do I have still to do? Well G4ILO's design features an inbuilt SWR indicator which I might incorporate although it's not essential for me at the moment.

I'm still thinking about remote motorised control as well although gears seem to be more complicated than I thought. It is only the gears which are the problem though. The capacitor housing is large enough for a motor which will be connected to a long cable run (as long as the RG58) terminating in a small control box which can set next to the radio. All it needs to incorporate is a momentary push button control to activate the motor and perhaps a variable resistor to control the motor speed.

0 comments | Related Entries: 2 | Related Links: 1 | Attachments:

Tags: amateur radio, magnetic loop aerial