LHS Episode #051: Careless WSPR

A short while ago, Canonical released the latest version of Ubuntu:  the fabled Maverick Meerkat, 10.10. This is the latest in Ubuntu's normal release cycle and is not LTS. I had occasion to upgrade a couple of my personal computers running Ubuntu to the wily Meerkat. Find out what's new in 10.10, and what's old, in the first segment of LHS #049.

After that, Richard and I tackle the WSPR protocol for ham radio again. When it was discussed the first time around, neither of us had much of an idea what it was or how it worked. Armed with a broader understanding and a lot more experience, we talk about what works and what doesn't work with WSPR, how to get it up and running on your system and what we like and don't like about it.

Following that it's on to witty banter, a passel of badgers, some hijinks, censorship, feedback and more entertainment than you can shake a wet hedgehog at. Thanks for tuning in. We love you all.

73 de The LHS Guys

LHS Show Notes #050

Announcements:

  • Please sign up for the LHS mailing list. Visit the Bluecows List server and click the lhspodcast link to subscribe. It's very low volume, so don't hesitate to sign up.
  • The Mid-America GNU/Linux Networkers Conference (MAGNetcon) will be May 6-7, 2011 at the St. Louis Union Station Marriott. If you know anyone that might be a sponsor, exhibitor, or speaker, please let us know. Application forms are available on the web site. Registration will begin December 1, 2010. There will be a live music concert and cocktail hour at the close.
  • LHS merchandise is available at the SHOP! link on Web site. Check out the Badgerwear or buy one of the other LHS-branded items at PrintFection.com/lhs or Cafe Press. Thanks!
  • Promote the LHS podcast by adding a link to the show in your email signature. Paul, M0TZO is doing his best. Thank you!
  • The Ohio Linux Fest 2010 LHS raffle winners are:
    • Third Prize: LHS Baseball Cap - Dave S., AA8AA
    • Second Prize: LHS T-shirt - Klaatu of the GNU World Order podcast
    • First Prize: Hacked ZipIt Instant Messenger device with RootNexus userland (a derivative of Debian) and 2GB MiniSD - Rain C.
    • Congratulations to all.

Donations:

  • We received a donation from Torsten H. Thank you!
  • If you'd like to help the podcast, please consider making a donation. It's easy! Just a click on the Donate button on the web site. Every dollar helps.

Topic:

  • This week, Russ, Richard and guest Bill, KA9WKA, have a round-table discussion of an article Russ read on the internet. Jeff, KE9V, posted the article "Ham Radio's Lost Future" and raises a number of valid points, but also some controversal ones. Our hosts discuss this at length.
  • What do you think? Is ham radio still relevant? Are amateur radio operators still innovating? Or is ham radio regressing into its past? Please send us your comments.

Contact Info:

  • Contact Richard at kb5jbv@gmail.com, Russ at k5tux@lhspodcast.info, or both at the same time at info@lhspodcast.info. Contact Bill at ka9wka@lhspodcast.info.
  • Listen to the live stream every other Tuesday at 8:00pm Central time. Check the LHS web site for dates.
  • Leave us a voice mail at 888-455-0305 or 417-200-4811, or record an introduction to the podcast.
  • Sign up for the LHS mailing list.
  • Thanks to Dave from Gamma Leonis for the theme music.

Music:

LHS Episode #050: Ham Radio is Dead

As I was roaming around the Intertubes, I came across an article at AmateurRadio.com written by Jeff, KE9V. I had been an avid listener of Jeff's "Cornbread Road" podcast while he was publishing it as a podcast. The format was different enough to keep me interested. When it went away, I was highly disappointed.

As it turns out, his recent article disappointed me quite a bit as well. I don't want to give much away, but suffice it to say the outlook Jeff paints is fairly bleak. At the same time, some of the points are valid and overall the essay was fairly thought provoking. Because of that, Richard, Bill (KA9WKA) and myself decided to discuss Jeff's recent article. We also have our usual assortment of announcements, banter, gripes and response to feedback. So settle in for an interesting episode. We all had a good time. We hope you do, too.

73 de The LHS Guys (and Bill)