New member...Javelin Jim (Issued)

Hi,
Javelin Jim here.
I’ve just registered on the forum.
I live down in deepest Kent in Ashford.
I have just retired from the railway as a train driver.
I used to be very interested in listening to HF back in the 80s and early 90s, especially tracking planes accords the Atlantic.
When scanners became available I got into those as well. The greatest time was when mobile phone transmissions were analog....! Ooooh, things you could hear would make your hair curl!
Back in the 80s/90s I was also into CB just as the cept channels were added. However none of my friends were interested.
I was interested in AM and SSB listening.
I got hold of an illegal AM US President rig with the 40 channels and sideband. That wasn’t successful as everybody was using FM in the cept channels.
Any way, I ended up just giving all my kit away except the President, and concentrated on HF listening keeping logs.
About 10 years ago I bought an Intek hand held H520 plus. I rigged my car to use it as a mobile with a mag mount.
But it wasn’t that successful as the FM channels are very quiet here.
I recently found it again, no gear in the car anymore so I’m just using it with a larger antenna as a hand held. It’s not a vey good set up at all..!
It does have RX/TX on the RU bands, which have the 555 nicely placed.
I am really pleased now AM and SSB are in common use now, just what I dreamt of 30 years ago.
I cannot find my President...really annoyed about that. That would’ve got me going on the EU band using AM and SSB.
I’m going to try and set up a proper antenna but may be some time now with this lockdown.
My main issue is at my current location I have interference on the HF bands, it’s a regular fast pulsating low tone, a 50Hz type tone but sounds like data, I’ve tried cutting the power to the house and got my neighbours too aswell..!
It’s something in the area and can’t find it. Sometimes it can be S4-6 on 8Mhz.
As you can see I can waffle..!
I would like to apply for a callsign, it’ll give me a challenge to get some kit and look for a suitable transceiver.

Cheers,
Jim

Hi Jim, welcome to the CTDX group
73s
Steve.

Thanks StevieG

Hello Jim, welcome to the forum.

I am delighted to allocate you 26-CT-3427 may you have good luck with it.

73's Gary.

C.T. Admin.

Hello and welcome, Jim.

Nice intro.

73s John.

Hi Jim.

I have just joined and am a little embarrassed about my explanation of past CB usage. I read with interest the different equipment you tried and the fun you must have had in those far off days.

I look forward to more of your posts as you describe you new ventures... and the equipment you buy... well when you can...


Cheers and beers Jim


Nick.

Hi Froghop,
I’m currently running around the house and garden trying to locate some serious QRM. S6 sometimes, and that’s with a handheld.
What’s worrying me is if I take the plunge and get some serious kit, it’ll be almost unusable in house.
My thoughts are a mobile rig like the President McKinley and have it converted to export, so I can use it in the car. But really I wanted to be able to operate from home mostly.
In the late 80s all you had to worry about was your neighbours old tv causing QRM but now, the HF bands are difficult to use in my area. I’ve cut the power to the house and garage with no effect.
I could take the plunge and instal an antenna in the garden but it might just amplify the QRM.
Anyway, I’ll keep scratching my head. I might just end up mobile, the North downs are near me so DXing to the continent should be good.

Cheers,
Jim