Meet Our GROUP 7155
"JAILBIRD" SPONSORS for 2022!

<~-Ms.KFS SDR

GRANDPA AL
(SK)

ROOFING
FILTERS
by Keith, AI 7SI

Start Your Mornings on 7.155

GREETINGS!
Hi Everyone, both New and Long-Term Burnt-Out or Lightly Fried Hams.We want you to know that you are welcome here. Our Group, Group 7155, meets around 7am PT and lasts until about 8:30 or 9:30am PT

We started out as a party of three around 2010 and grew and grew. My how time flies! We start milling around on 7.155 MHz at approximately 1415 UTC 7 days a week and last about 90 minutes, give or take. We welcome everyone to join in. We use Netlogger and 4 very powerful SDR's (Sedona, Utah, Half Moon Bay and Kiwi - see them below). We talk about lots of Topics: antennas, RF, SWR, SDR, new amps, movies, RV maintenance, towers, masts, 64/1 baluns, new and old radios, amplifiers, how to make coffee, how to make tea, movies, but we have a solid rule, no politics, swearing (which politics can cause), off-color jokes, and no religion which is a wonderful thing but not a good topic for ham radio.

---

JUST A WORD OR TWO REGARDING POLITICS AND RELIGION.
Please don't use our Group to fan out political hate mail to our members. We don't want it, we don't need it and it doesn't belong here. We are not political. And quoting John Lenon, "No religion too. Imagine all the hams" living in peace. "You make think" we're all weirdos, but our radios can "live as one."
Thank you John.

THE LEARNING
CHANNEL PRESENTS

And, if you have had an interaction with another member of the Group, please remember, we all care for each other - no, really, we do, but sometimes we don't agree. Solder happens. When that oppositie the positive pole agreement causes a rift, please don't leave because of that - it leaves a spot that we simply can't fill. There will never be another you.

Okay, whew, let me get my broom out and dust things off. It is common sense and it makes it so much nicer to be a part of an easy-going group that you can join in without feeling like an outsider or you need an opinion to belong to Group 7155. Happy, laughing, socialable, creative, jovial, warm ... I could think of a million more.

Think of it like it was in the '50's, when manners were still in style like in Dobie Gillis, the Twilight Zone and Father Knows Best, Happy Days. We are a Happy Group, you will see. We don't point fingers or jump up and down frantically. Please read the "The Amature's Code" in the introductory links above. Scroll up and it is in the second to last blue block. Have pride in your radio achievements and the fast friends, with bright minds, you have met over the years because of this hobby. Now that's something to jump up and down about (but not frantically, unless you own a Henry and it's spark just missed you but centimeters).

Remember, this is one of the finest hobbies in the world that includes a real, honest to goodness FCC license and is the top of the class. That's it, I think you've got it; and we hope to hear from you soon.

THE DREADED EXAM
The most feared exam in the ham universe! And, if you've stumbled in here out of band, don't be embarrasse, read the link, "EXTRA HAM EXAM" that is also above on the right-hand panel -- and come right on back to let us know you passed. You won't be the first to have Stumbled In and then Strolled Back In, Paper in Hand. It makes us very happy for you that you are now full-privileged and can tune up and down all of the bands. Think of it. That's a good feeling, isn't it? Yeahhhhh!

Who do you want to Roundtable with?

Note to self: We are NOT a Net, We are not a Net, We are not a Net - BEETLEGUISE!

Even though we use NetLogger, we are just a bunch of guys yackin' about a hobby they truly love and every-single-thing that goes with it. When the group gets large we invoke a 2 minute rule at the mike so everyone can get a turn. When I first joined in 2013 I learned a lot about how to set up my station and trim my antenna - and then so much more. We have nuclear scientists, rocket scientists, ex-horsemen, ex-ship captains, pilots, RVers, an HRO employee, actors, truck drivers, regular Joes and more. So, start your day here and Join Us! Stop by and see what the buzz is all about. Tell em the Zebra sent you.

Put on some free ears!

SDR IMAGE LINKS (shown below): You will notice they not only take you directly to the SDR, they are already set up for our frequency! Tip: Use Edge, Opera, Safari or Firefox as your browser. If you try using Internet Explorer you will most likely have "no-audio" issues. Now, these SDRs count on donations, so don't forget to make yours to these fine SDR people who work hard so you can hear all the stations in your group.

Here are the SDRs.

.......... ....

IN MOST CASES:

You will need to click a bar labeled

"IOS or Chrome Audio Start"

or something like that when using

any browser to hear what's going on.

And Now! Here is NetLogger:

netLogger: Probably one of the greatest tools for hams yet is netLogger.
We use netLogger to aid in making sure everyone gets to have a turn at the mike. netLogger is a great software program, has chat too. So if you don't have it you should get it, and it is FREE. Makes it so easy to follow the Group. Just click the netLogger logo link below.

 

Need NetLogger? Get the latest release at:

USING NETLOGGER IS PRETTY GARSH-DARN SIMPLE:
In the morning I click on the Netlogger icon and it fires up -- then I see a blank form in front of me -- So what do I do? I click-on the blue/tourquise rectangular button labled SELECT NET right under the UTC clock and a little to the right). Magically a list pops up -- look for Group 7155 in the list -- hightlight it and go to the bottom of that page and hit SELECT NET; then, if we are gathering you will see our Call Signs, Names, etc. Once you are visible to our moderator he will add You to the list. (Note: You cannot add yourself or others, Because that requires a Password. More on this when you have your turn at the mike to intro yourself and ask Qs.

 

One can always use a little wire

 

And Please Consider:

A Letter to a Friend

Toledo, Ohio
I was a student and friend of your grandfather Louis Galambos. He was a great man and he inspired me, as well as so many others into a lifetime in the communications industry, including telecommunications and the space program at Vandenberg AFB, CA. I met Lou first in January 1953 at Macomber High School, Toledo(photo, left), in the Radio and Communications class. I was 14 about 5'0" and 85 pounds, the smallest and youngest of the class. The days in his class started with 5 minutes of Morse code and then into the basics of electronics. In the summer of 1953, we were living on Lewis Avenue, across from Whittier School (Where Danny Thomas went to grade school) and he would pick me up in the mornings and then on to school. Under his coaching, I built and tested a simple 25-Watt radio transmitter.

Macomber High School

1953 & Off to the FCC!

I also learned basics of sheet metal work, components and how to solder correctly etc. What a feeling of ecstasy when it worked and did. I learned a lot!

In the fall of 1953, I practiced Morse code more at home, using makeshift equipment as I could not even afford a telegraph key. I also studied for the Novice written exam. The big day came, and I traveled to Detroit by Greyhound, took and passed the test. In those days traveling from Toledo to Detroit for a 15-year-old was a big deal and I had to be at the FCC office by 8:00 am. Lou was quite proud of me.

Unfortunately, my family moved to the Cincinnati area in April of 1954, so I could not continue at Macomber High. I did not let this stop me and I finally came on $25.00 to buy a used receiver and I was soon up and running. In September 1954, I passed the General class license at Cincinnati and began working part time in a television shop. Ham radio operations included lots of television interference those days.

By fall 1955 we moved back to Toledo and in November I was interviewed and hired by AT&T Long Lines, starting to work in June 1956 for $49.50 a week. Multiplex single sideband long distance transmission systems, microwave relay and early transcontinental network television transmission were right down my alley. Thank God for the running start and inspiration that your grandfather gave me. I am certain there are many more of his students who could tell similar stories.

I finished my career, heavily involved in the space program, on the technical side of the ending of the Cold War. The Soviets could not compete with the US Air Force, Star Wars, The Rail Garrison and the satellite surveillance programs emanating from Vandenberg as well as other locations. Vandenberg is known as the Western Missal Test Range and many persons Civilian and Military participated in the effort. I was lead engineer on many of the communications programs, especially Titan IV, working for a government contractor. There were also government program directors which interfaced closely.

I am aware that Lou served in the Navy in WWII, on the USS Denver, a Light Cruiser. Lou never talked of his battle experience and he probably joined the ships company a bit after Pearl Harbor. The Denver won eleven battle stars and participated in nearly every major battle in the pacific. There were several instances of major battle damage, including kamikaze attack. Being the great man that he was, Lou never spoke of his battle experiences.

I gave up ham radio for many years, as it was too like my work and even let my ham license expire while I was working on communications in Saudi Arabia. I retired quite young from Vandenberg and lived in Baja California Sur Mexico for a time, returning to the live in the US in Southern California.

After about ten years of retirement, I realized that I missed the technical side of life and went back into ham radio in a big way. I obtained the Extra class license in a short time and proceeded with not just operating but teaching and helping others into the Hobby. I moved to Florida several years ago and live in the beautiful area of Rainbow Springs, near Ocala. I have a super high-tech Soft Ware Defined station and communicate around the world on a regular basis. For young people, ham radio is a wonderful gateway into a life of engineering and science.

Today, I contacted another of Lou's students and a friend of mine since the late 1940's. He lives in the general area and we will have lunch next week. We had not spoken in about sixty-five years. I met him in the 4th grade, Wayne Heter is his name, W8PNO. How I located him is a long and very neat story, which I will save for another day.

All of this is a tribute to your Grandad and the great man that he was. He touched our lives and we all miss him. High School teacher, college professor, businessman, husband and family man. They simply don't make that kind anymore!

Phil Hogan,
W8PNZ

more pics to be added in next update

Don't miss your chance for Ham Radio Fun!

THE 7155 STORY HOUR PRESENTS

One Long Ride
by Ken O'Neill, W6BQZ © 2022 sole rights

 

The Old Ford had seen better days,

but the engine, well . . .

it worked just fine.

The back seats had been removed

to make it perfect for transporting

heavy stacks of

new found treasures.

It had been packed in the

dark and intolerable cold

the night before.

Ken turned the page, looked at his bed-ridden son

and said, "Would you like to hear more?"

 

 

One Long Ride

Gil smiled at Rocco as they ceremoniously slammed the aging van's double doors and sprinted to their seats, warming their hands on hot drinks until heat arrived. Rocco chose black tea and Gil's was a large vanilla bean who then passed an orange soda to Chuck who was laying in the back with his body twisted on flowered couch pillows surrounded by rusted coils and push-up poles.

"You guys ready for this? Fasten up," Rocco said. "If we are lucky we'll beat whatever mountain traffic is up here."

"Ready ready." Gil said.

"You're worried about traffic? At this hour? Are you kidding me?" Chuck's sleep deprived voice echoed from the back of the van. "I hope this everything is secured."

"You supervised, Chuck." Gil grinned. "It better be."

Chuck didn't care. Even with his crutches and body jammed in between stacks of boat anchors he was in his glory. After all, his crutches were always at the ready to nudge one of the front seats if "it comes to that" to get their attention. He lost horribly in the game of Upwards the night before to determine "who got shotgun or who got floor," but the outcome was inevitable given his current predicament. He couldn't sit anyway. In truth, he was where he needed to be and they were all set for the ride from Upper Toulomne down through Tioga Pass - "90 minutes, tops."

"I can't wait to get home. I feel like a forest gnome," said Chuck. "Turn on the radio guys."

Through the static the Eagles crooned,

"There are stars in the southern sky

Southward as you go

There is moonlight and moss in the trees

Down the seven bridges road."

 

"That's a great song. I heard Joe Walsh wrote that one," Gil commented.

Rocco replied, "No. Joe wrote several songs, but not that one. A guy named Steve Young wrote it. Great song I must say given that Young was more of a Honky Tonk man."

Off to the South in the meadows an array of birds appeared and darted skywards rolling and crisscrossing in the slate colored dawn.

Gil pointed, "Look at that, so fast and from out of nowhere - and all in perfect unison. I think they must have heard our engine starting."

Rocco said, "Roger that. But look, it's the unison part that makes me ponder. Not a one smashed into each other. It's like they're painting a picture and sending a message. If only life was like that we all would be more careful so as not to splatter on others."

"Here, here." Chuck said. "Fourty is getting atrocious these days. You'd think the FCC was accepting CB licenses."

Rocco added. "It's politics that has no place in radio. Once that door is opened everything goes to hell quickly."

Gil scolded, "Okay guys. Happier thoughts."

Moments later they were trundling down a slushy Highway 120 where they spotted cones ahead and men with flags alerting them that there was road work ahead.

"Hey, what's goin' on. Why we slowin' down? This is Sunday and there isn't supposed to be road work on Sunday." said an annoyed Chuck.

 

~~~~~~

 

"Looks like there's been an avalanche," Gil reported as he walked back to the van. "They told me it happened around 3:30am - and the road is now blocked indefinitely."

"Where is it? Chuck demanded.

Gil replied, "Well they told me . . .

As he spoke the ground moaned a soft rattle, spraying the dawn sky with dust and dirt as it flashed through the trees and blotted out the van's windows.

Gil jumped back in the van and rolled down the driver's window and rubbed his eyes. "Holy ..."

Up to the left a lone boulder nudged slightly. Then rolled and did a drunk walk toward the van. Noses were pressed to the windows.

"Get out! Get out of the van and run!" the pack of cone men yelled as they ran by and disappeared in the rear view mirror.

There was no time. The lone boulder seemed to bounce again and settled against the front driver's side wheel - it's force blowing the back door of the van open with one very large radio careening out of the back, rolling onto it's side and skidding across the pavement. A main tuning knob pops off, rolls and stops under the toe of a boot with its arrow pointing skyward.

Two large wool gloved fingers reach down and pick up the errant knob. Gil turns around to see its owner twirling the knob and staring at the arrow. The new stranger sticks out his other hand and smiles with a toothy grin.

"Hi, "I am Lew. From Rah-moan-ahhhhhhhhhh, California! And you, wellyou have a mess on your hands. Good god. But don't worry, I can help you with that." Walking past the rock as if it didn't exist.

(He tisks)

"Look at that front wheel and this (toe-tapping the fallen radio) ... what is this? Are you guys hunting space aliens?"

"Don't touch that!" Chuck yelled.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

"Of course we have a spare," Chuck was screaming now, standing supported by his crutches. "Open up the back doors and look to the left between the Vikings - and the fallen crap. Geesh-oh, look what that dumbass rock did to us!"

"Easy Chuck. Easy boy," Gil said. "He's only trying to help. Look what could have happened. We are lucky guys - really lucky that didn't do more damage. Just try and calm down a bit."

Gil looked up over his shoulder at the dislodged granite and mused, "Odd. I would have guessed that all those rocks were happy up there. I guess this one just had to come down for a visit. He'll be missed."

Chuck sputtered, "So I guess I should just go up and shake his -or her - hand. Oh wait, he - or she - doesn't have one. So, maybe I can just say to him - or her - 'hey buddy, can you just lean to the left a smidge so I can get this tire iron under your fat behind and let us go on our way?" Chuck started to bang his crutches on the rock face (Gil puts his arms our to protect the rock).

Doing an about face Chuck turns to everyone, "Okay, let's get to work. New guy! What can you do for us today?"

"Don't mind him," Rocco leans into Lew's ear. "He gets like this when he's frustrated. My name is Rocco and that is Gil. What did you say your name was again?"

"I am Lew. From Rah-moan-ahhhhhhhhhh, California!"

 

If you like this story and want to see more, please email Ken O'Neill to Ask For More, he will appreciate it.