WTF?!?!? What is a HAM?

Well, it appears that I've been lax at writing in the ol' Blog. Of course there is always lot's going on, I just haven't had the inclination to sit here and type.
Anyway, the reason for this entry is to share some info (if you're interested). After many years of procrastination I finally made the effort to get my Amateur Radio License. My call sign is KF7HVQ. Of course the basic license gives you just enough taste of the hobby to make you want to go for the other license classes.

So, I've got my license and two new radios, both of the Yaesu variety. My handheld is the FT-60R and what I'll use as a base/mobile unit is the FT-857D. So far both radios have been great, although there is a little bit of a learning curve as you can imagine.
With my limited knowledge and priveledges, I've been able to talk to people from all over the world. Of course that was sort of cheating as HAM radios nowadays can be linked via the Internet. IRLP and Echolink are two examples of this technology. I am waiting right now for my HF antenna to arrive in the mail. This antenna(when properly set up), will allow me to reach out hundreds and even thousands of miles.
So far I am pretty happy that I've invested a little of my time into learning about this hobby. I am currently studying for the General License, and am thinking of learning Morse Code.
Here are a couple of links related to the hobby, as well as some of the manufacturer websites:

http://www.arrl.org
http://www.eham.net
http://www.yaesu.com
http://www.hiqantennas.com
http://www.echolink.org
http://www.irlp.net
http://www.narri.org/reflector_map.html
http://status.irlp.net

Christmas Presents

Well it looks like Santa really brought the cheer (and some cool presents) this year. That kind of rhymed...Anyway, just wanted to share some info on some of the gifts. This year I received three items from the Scottevest catalog. These guys really have some neat clothing. In particular I got their Soft Shell Jacket, Fleece 5.0, and the Microfleece Pullover. If you like being organized, and like to carry your gadgets with you, I encourage you to check out their website: http://www.scottevest.com/index.shtml
http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/Soft-Shell-Jacket.shtml
http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/Fleece_Jacket.shtml
http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/microfleece_pullover.shtml

Not Shiny, buuuutttttt.........

OK,

While I normally post about something of a mechanical/electronic nature, today is going to be different. I just ordered a new motorcycle jacket and pants combo from a company called "Motoport". Having shopped around for the right gear to wear while riding, I was lucky enough to stumble on their fine products. I could go on and on about how well made and how well they perform, but you should be the judge. Please go to their website and have a look around. Be sure to read the article "Save Your Hide", quite the eye opener. Before you buy your next riding jacket or pants, please at least have a look at Motoport, you won't be disappointed.
www.motoport.com

LEDs, Nice!

Check out this awesome implementation of new tech into old tech:
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2009/10/gorgeous_antique_pocketwatch_led_re.html

We did it!

Hi folks,

Well we did it. We bought a 2009 Suzuki DL650 ABS VStrom. Gotta say, I really like this bike so far. It isn't exactly a "scare the crap out of you" fast bike, but it handles really nice, and is comfortable to ride too.
We already ordered a bunch of add-on's such as engine protectors, sliders, Hyper-Lites, protective film, wheel stripes, and even an expansion fuse box for adding electronic gadgets. Here are the places I've purchased from in case you're wondering where to start shopping for those kinds of things:
http://www.easternbeaver.com/
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/
http://www.casporttouring.com/
http://www.hyperlites.com/
http://www.invisiblemask.com
http://www.tapeworks.com/Rimstripes/RimstripesHome.html

Another Motorcycle???

Well it looks like we'll be adding another motorcycle to the garage. Actually, we have a 2007 Honda Rebel we just bought yesterday, but alas, it is too small for our new rider. We are debating all of the different choices out there and have narrowed it down to a few:
http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/usa/2009_SpeedTriple_9869.aspx
http://powersports.honda.com/2009/interceptor.aspx
http://www.kawasakiversys.com/
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/619/0/home.aspx
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/V-Strom%20650/2009/DL650.aspx
http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/us/en/index.html
These are just a few of the many choices out there, it's really a matter of finding one that fits your needs. Not looking for cruisers, dual sport, sport, or hyper-motard types. We are trying to find a decent mid-sized bike that will work both in town and on longer trips. Wish us luck!

MV Agusta

Anyone here ever heard of MV Agusta? No? Well, you should know that they are some of the most beautiful and technologically advanced motorcycles out there. If you get a chance, go here to read about them: http://www.mvagustausa.com/web-mvagusta/community.html
One of these days I'll have one in my garage, preferably one like the image above.