Ham Radio Parts

Ham radio operator recalls first and last NASA shuttle launches

NASA’s space shuttle launch on July 8 was the beginning of NASA’s last space mission, STS-135.

The crew consisted of Space Shuttle Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim. They have been sent to deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module filled with more than 8,000 pounds of supplies and spare parts to sustain space station operations after the shuttles are retired.

Mark Gibson was at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the final launch of Shuttle Atlantis. He was also there for the first launch on April 12, 1981. Gibson is a part-time Richmond County citizen, as his parents live in the county and he visits regularly. He is also involved with the Richmond County Amateur Radio Club. Amateur radio is also known as Ham radio.

Ham radios are used on the International Space Station (ISS), and Gibson has spoken to astronauts on the ISS using his Ham radio. For Gibson, the NASA space shuttle program has been a journey of wonder.

“That was a clear day in April,” he recalled. “It was really neat. The first one was different from the last two. All of them were special. Unfortunately this is our last launch, and last manned launch.”

Gibson said he didn’t expect to actually watch the last launch, although he was present, because the weather was threatening a delay.

“They said it was highly probable the weather would prohibit the shuttle from launching,” he said. “Houston calls the weather. In the end they said go for the launch. We were surprised.”

Gibson was accompanied by his nephew and a friend.

The space enthusiast’s interest began to grow years ago in Rockingham, where he remembers watching the Apollo 8 mission at the age of 13, while at his grandfather’s house for Christmas. That is also where he saw the landing on the moon.

Gibson is sad to see the program end.

“I wish the shuttle would have continued a few more years,” he said. “The end wouldn’t have upset me so much, but we don’t have any other plans.”

Gibson sees much potential for the private sector businesses involved in travel, like Boeing, to emerge onto the space travel scene and move forward with space exploration. He has even heard of travel agents with which you can book flights into the atmosphere for about $80,000.

ParaDynamic Meter Parts? - WorldwideDX Amateur Radio Forums

I have a brand new ParaDynamics 6000 meter (3 Window 5K reading one) it's a couple of years old, that hasn't been used since new, took it out of the box to check it out, the SWR Meter isn't working, the power, modulation windows work fine, I called the number on the paperwork that came with the meter but, this number is no longer in service, any ideas where I can get a replacement SWR meter for it would be appreciated or a number to contact that would have the part I need to fix it, thanks. Widowmaker. I think Astatic now owns ParaDynamics from what I can tell, I'll try to get in touch with them and order another SWR meter section for this thing hopefully, they have replacement parts for this thing, the meter originally went to the right from the "0" reading but, wouldn't come back down, tapped on the face of the meter and leaned the whole thing on it's side to get the needle back to "0" there is sits, shook the meter and no movement fromt he SWR screen, seems stuck to me, adjusted the screw below the meter with no movement either way, I don't have a way to test diodes, I'm not a tech, I guess I'll see if I can get another new SWR meter from them and put it in and see what happens, just have to look up how to contact Astatic, thanks for your input guys, I do appreciate, it's just kind of frustrating this happening to a brand new unused meter, glad I got my Dosy's around here with out any issues, just wanted to try this one out to see if I liked it or not, at this poing NOT! thanks again. Widowmaker The SWR needle goes to the right (top of the scale) when I turn the adjustment knob with the radio dead keyed but, it won't come back down, it just sits there above the top of the scale, took the meter out of the cabinet and checked to see if it was hung up anywhere, all looked good, not dragging on the paper stencil behind the needle, was able to push the needle back to "0" manually, went and re-keyed the radio again the needle did the same thing, put the meter back in the cabinet, I will attempt to find a contact number for Astatic, haven't been lucky finding any contact for them as of yet, I'll send it in for repair if I can reach them and they do repairs, if not, I'll bring out the sledge hammer or use it for target practice LOL!! thanks again.

The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, All You Need to Become an Amateur Radio Operator

Ham radio's technical culture

Ham radio magazine

Popular Mechanics

Hello world, a life in ham radio