Here is a solution when going from a computer with DVI port to a monitor, HDTV, or projector with HDMI port, or from a computer, Blu-ray player, TV box, or game console with HDMI port to a monitor with DVI port.
Here is the product as described: Cable Matters® (2 Pack) Gold-Plated DVI to HDMI (Male to Female) Adapter
This fix may cover the video but not the audio. It shouldn’t be a problem, since separate audio cables can be used anyway.
My aim was to build a 20 meter vertical out of copper, since copper is normally a very good conductor. Recently I bought a couple sections of copper pipe and clamped them together. The sections were 10 feet in length.
I may later put up some elevated radials, but for now I am experimenting with a type of fence for the counterpoise. It is described as the following: Feedlot Panel, Cattle, 16 ft. L x 50 in. H.
After a few hours of putting it all together, I turned on my HF radio and tried to find resonance. The low portion of the 20 meter band seemed to be the sweet spot.
The band was in pretty good shape that particular day and I received a 5 by 9 signal out of Croatia. Actually it was ten over nine. I knew my 20 meter vertical was a keeper, especially when there was no trouble in getting a very low SWR reading.
The copper 20 meter vertical played well on the 17 meter band.
I would like to suggest another purpose for the cattle feedlot panel. I used it as a reflector for my home brew HDTV antenna, with stunning success I might add.
With this device you can connect multiple monitors to your computer: Plugable USB-VGA-165 USB to VGA Adapter for Multiple Displays up to 1920×1080 / 1600×1200 Each (DisplayLink DL-165 Chip)
Why the need of multiple monitors? Obviously, this application can be used for multitasking. One can employ multiple screens for communication, office work, data, etc. No more switching between windows and losing your place.
Scenario: Connect three or more monitors to your laptop or desktop PC (one adapter required per monitor, up to 6 total monitors on Windows PCs.
The Plugable unit is not currently supported on Linux, but another adapter is available: Sabrent USB 2.0 to HDMI Adpter for Multiple Monitors with HDMI/DVI Adapter up to 1920×1080/1600×1200 Each (DisplayLink DL-165 Chipset) USB-HDMI
Some of us have that one irritating HDTV channel that is transmitted via a VHF frequency. All other channels are in the UHF range. I’ve had little success in combining the two into one antenna, mainly because I am on the fringe of reception. Instead, I have opted to build the VHF HDTV antenna as a mono bander yagi. After several tries I found a winning solution.
With the assumption that you already know How To Build An HDTV Bowtie, there will be a modification to this antenna. We will not use coat hangers (I never use them anyhow). I used the elements from an old discarded TV antenna.
There will be four sets of elements, commonly called a 4-bay antenna.
VHF HDTV Measurement Of Elements
Note: This is looking at the top end of the antenna.
1) 2 feet 1 inch
2) 1 foot
3) 2 feet
4) 1 foot 1 inch
Height Of Antenna From Ground
The antenna is resting on top of a picnic table, about 6 feet from ground level. I am using a plastic garden hose reel as a prop.
Analysis
These measurements are for one element on each side. I took a drill and drilled a small hole at the end of each element, as the screws will go through the holes.
Then, I tightened the screws down, using two lock washers per element. No soldering was necessary. And of course there is a balun in the middle of the apparatus.
Conclusion
It is important to have a metal reflector or backstop behind this antenna. Remember, in order to have this antenna working properly so low to the ground, it will require a metal reflector. This is the key to function. I have some aluminum sheets on the side of my porch. A metal fence would probably work.
My target VHF station is 50+ miles away, so I am quite pleased with a 5 bar (out of 10) reception. I’ll definitely take it. As an added unexpected bonus, I get a 3 bar on a local PBS station. Nice, because the PBS station is UHF and my antenna was designed for VHF only. I do have a separate antenna for UHF only.
I have two separate antennas with two coaxial cables running into the house. Joining two different HDTV antennas requires a Coaxial A/B Switch
Note: The 2X4 board and copper pipe are there as a weight to steady the antenna. They serve no other function. I forgot to remove them while snapping the photo.
As an amateur radio operator, are you interested in digital voice for HF radio? What if you could go digital for just a couple hundred dollars? Thanks to new open source technology, this has become a reality. This is innovative and something to keep an eye out for. Digital technology for VHF radio is coming soon. All open source of course.
FreeDV
Why use FreeDV?
Amateur Radio is transitioning from analog to digital, much as it transitioned from AM to SSB in the 1950′s and 1960′s. How would you feel if one or two companies owned the patents for SSB, then forced you to use their technology, made it illegal to experiment with or even understand the technology, and insisted you stay locked to it for the next 100 years? That’s exactly what was happening with digital voice. But now, hams are in control of their technology again!
FreeDV is unique as it uses 100% Open Source Software, including the audio codec. No secrets, nothing proprietary! FreeDV represents a path for 21st century Amateur Radio where Hams are free to experiment and innovate, rather than a future locked into a single manufacturers closed technology.
Video Recommended
HRN 193: Digital Voice is Exploding (maybe) on HamRadioNow
More:
1. Rowetel — open telephony software and hardware
The Joy Of Owning A Tablet Computer
The iPad Air 2 began arriving in stores in October of 2014. My little package arrived in the mail the other day, which is February of 2015. Yes, my iPad Air 2 finally made it and I was very happy to receive it! The bitter winter weather had temporarily broken my stride, until now that is. I’ve only had the iPad Air 2 for a few days. Here is a quick review on it.
The speed is tremendous on this tablet. The processor is top notch. Air 2 comes with the iOS 8.1 operating system preinstalled. No complaints on the technical end at all. The iPad performs flawlessly.
Winner: The Apple iPad Air 2 Plus Google Chromecast
I’m heavy on YouTube videos and what I thought might be a deficit, turned out to be a strong point for the tablet. The Apple iPad Air 2 plus Google Chromecast is a winning combination. I’m very much enjoying this mode of enlightenment.
How To Connect The iPad To HDTV With HDMI Adapter
With the addition of the Lightning Digital AV Adapter
iPad Air 2 and iPad Air Comparison
“The iPad Air 2 is thinner and faster than its predecessor, the iPad Air, and features Touch ID although the design, height and screen size are the same as iPad Air.” There were a few improvements, however, nothing substantial.
What will the Apple tablet do?
It’s an information center, communication gadget, entertainment center, music player, library, and a weather station wrapped into one awesome package. And the nice thing, it is completely mobile.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Maybe it’s time for a vacation with the Clintons…
All the world’s a stage and all the men and women (reporters) merely players (liars). “Objectivity is a central philosophical concept, related to reality and truth, which has been variously defined by sources.” This is the quick Wiki definition. Basically this is the truth, reality, with verifiable sources. So what’s all the the fuss about the Brian Williams helicopter episode? It’s journalism as you like it.
Lights. Camera. Action. Choppers.
Seriously, a laugh can be shared. A New York Times piece informs us that NBC should investigate this chopper issue. And this poses the obvious question. Don’t all reporters lie at some point in their career? Maybe just a little white lie?
Potentially there’s motivation behind this crude allegation. Just maybe Brian is paving the way for Hillary. Just maybe Brian is trying to say that a little sniper fire controversy is good for ratings. Maybe this is good for show biz.
That’s the signpost up ahead – your next stop, the Twilight Zone! — Sponsored by NBC Playhouse
You can visualize it now. Brian begins to cry for fear of losing his job and Hillary comes to his rescue. She confesses that she too had once been caught up in a sniper fire controversy, while she sports a Hillary for prez sticker displayed on her forehead. Both exchange their sympathies and the audience is emotionally connected.
As an added token, they could bring Bill out on stage. With the left hand clinched in all his posterity and a prez sticker proudly displayed on his forehead, Bill could resort to playing saxophony. Maybe someone could insert a fake cannabis stick behind his ear and address the admission of not inhaling. Bill could wipe the tears off Brian’s face for theatrical gesture.
While we’re at it we could have Sarah from Alaska straightening a picture in Brian’s office. She’s not choosy and she has no problem being a reporter or running for president. You see the weather is not so great in Alaska.
Not to offer any advice to anyone, but some may feel that Brian is qualified for president, or at least vice president. He’s comfortable in a suit, he has gone through the sniper fire campaign, and he’s comfortable in front of the camera.
Warning. The risk of reporters or politicians stretching the truth is great. You have been forewarned.
On a more sober note, one wonders why Brian is under attack while more relevant news is being ignored. It would seem as yet another distraction, and by now viewers are getting used to these tactics. Why the diversion this time?
Could it be a ratings problem? Who will be the permanent replacement for Brian?
After playing with the fifth-generation iPad tablet computer for a short time, I must say that I’m impressed. On a scale from 1 to 10, I would give the iPad Air at least an 8, and possibly a 9. This tablet is expensive but it is sweet.
Battery charging is excellent on this unit. What is the longevity after a good charge? I believe it’s about 10 hours.
The feel, look, and speed of the iPad Air is fantastic. There is no stumbling while browsing online. I don’t see how anyone could have a problem with the functionality of this tablet. It looks professional and feels the same way.
I tend to agree with Woz’s comment pertaining with Apple’s obsession on decreasing the size and weight, rather than increasing storage space. For me personally, weight isn’t that big of an issue, but I do understand that size and weight is important. A larger screen would be an improvement.
Not necessarily an issue at all, but the speakers are wimpish, and this is normal for these type of gadgets. After experimenting with the iPad and studying it, I now realize that the design is to work with stand alone speaker systems.
A tablet isn’t terribly important to me, yet after browsing on the iPad Air for some time, I can understand how the user gets spoiled. It is quite convenient to check the weather, click on my favorite apps, and just enjoy the afternoon browsing the internet.
For bookworms seeking a gadget for reading, this is the ticket. The text on the screen can be enlarged in a New York minute, and this is important for those that like to read (like myself).
For the music buffs, the Ipad is like having a library with you. Once you understand the beauty and the simplicity of this product, you begin to appreciate what it can do.
Performance is outstanding with the iPad Air and I highly recommend it for casual use. And this is coming from someone who is not exactly an Apple fan boy nor a huge fan of the tablet. Seriously folks, it is nice. The iPad Air adds an elegant touch to the shack for sure. I think I can get used to it.
You get those annoying telemarketers calling you night and day. Survey this, donate that, and please vote for me lingo. The call waiting feature is big bonus, along with an answering machine. Is there a way to stop those annoying robot calls? Have you heard of call blocker?
The call blocker
Take the CPR Call Blocker V202 
Details: “Block unwanted callers at the touch of a button with the large “Block Now” button.”
Sounds interesting doesn’t it?
The 40 Acres: The Lost Studio Backlot
Stardate 5928.5 as we time travel to year 2015. Conventionally speaking of The Original Series as known to fans, the original voyage has ended, or at least has been suspended. Let’s pretend that post original Star Trek terminology doesn’t exist. An apology owed to the fans of Picard. No offense intended. Okay Captain, let’s beam down to the Back Forty and see what the inhabitants are doing. It’s commonly known as the 40 Acres, which is approximately 29 acres.
The Back Forty or RKO Forty Acres takes us to a “film studio backlot owned by RKO Pictures and later Desilu Productions, located in Culver City, California.”
In Season 1, Episode #28, titled The City on the Edge of Forever, McCoy accidentally injects himself with an overdose of Cordrazine: A powerful stimulant used to revive patients in an emergency, such as cardiac arrest. 25 ml is usually a lethal dose to humanoids, causing hallucinations, madness and death.
This is where Kirk & Spock emerge. They have just entered through a gateway of time. As we see time in the present, they see time through a different passage. Their mission is to find Dr. McCoy, because McCoy accidentally stepped through time unknowingly, due to his unstable mental condition. The year in their time was somewhere in the 2260′s.
The doorway through time takes Kirk and Spock back in time, during the 1930′s Great Depression. They land in in what looks like New York City. They do find McCoy and safely return to the Starship Enterprise eventually.
Another anomaly has taken place. They arrive at the year 1967, and a strange phenomenon occurs. Earthlings are filming a strange television program called Star Trek. The crew have filmed episodes 8, 21, and 28 at this strange location (Season 1). Also, Season 2 Episode 17 was filmed here.
Kirk, Spock, and McCoy are stunned. Actors who look just like them are pretending to be them. It seems illogical.
We discover a triangular parcel of land that measures 28 1/2 acres, speaking in geographical lingo. It’s now referred to as Culver Studios.
Back in the day it was owned and ran by the famous actress named Lucille Ball. “Desilu Productions was an American television production company co-owned by husband and wife Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball, best known for shows such as I Love Lucy, Star Trek, and The Untouchables.” I’m not sure but I think the name of the company was shared by Lucille and husband Desi—Desilu. The company later sold to Paramount Television and winds up in the hands of CBS Television Studios.
Several facts are intriguing to Trek fans. The Original Series almost didn’t make it and was probably saved by none other than Lucille Ball herself. The series was just too cerebral for the mainstream, or so they say. We will try to forgive them if we must. Live long and prosper dear friends.
Okay enough of Star Trek for now. Let’s get back to Pathé 40 Acre Ranch. “For nearly fifty years it was known for its outdoor full-scale sets such as Western Street and Atlanta Street or Main Street and was used in films like King Kong (1933) and Gone with the Wind (1939), and television shows like Bonanza and Star Trek.” Who hasn’t heard of the other famous television programs and movies? Additional to other is The Andy Griffith Show, which maybe you’ve heard of by now. Interesting stuff I tell you.
I won’t bore you with an endless list of famous television series and movies that were filmed on said location. However, the list is quite impressive if you read it.
There were core structures (Gone with the Wind, the antebellum Town of Atlanta) that remained from 1939 until 1976, Other were torched. “The two main arteries that traversed the Atlanta/Mayberry set were Atlanta or Main Street, which ran east/west and opened at one point onto a town square, and North Street, a cross street that bisected it at the four corners just west of the square.”
Live long and prosper dear friends.
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