September 26, 2009 by kb3ljm.

It is sad to see two amateur radio equipment manufacturers going out of business. When was the last time you purchased a new piece of gear? Fortunately, both Icom and Yaesu make aircraft band transceivers; Kenwood makes a lot of commercial walkies. It does not look like any of them they will go out of business soon. But you never can tell. The time to buy a new radio or antenna is NOW! Do it while you still can.
73, Mayer, W3GXK

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July 24, 2009 by kb3ljm.

Another year, another hamfest. Thanks to all who helped make this one a very successful event. It was sad to read about another ham falling off a tower. Obviously, the competition referred to in the newspaper article was Field Day, not the competition to erect a tower. But we understand the message. Be a careful ham, mot a silent key…
73, Mayer, W3GXK

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March 20, 2009 by kb3ljm.

Last month we mentioned the cancellation of the Frederick Hamfest. Hopefully they will find a lower priced venue and come back next year. We have had to cut back on table sales at our hamfest for a number of reasons, making it essentially a tailgating hamest. But we need your help, participation and support, so we too don’t have to cancel in the future….
Call 410-461-1212 and volunteer to help. Now!
Thanks and 73, Mayer, W3GXK

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November 18, 2008 by kb3ljm.

Another year is gone. Another year is coming up. This past year saw another successful hamfest as well as some interesting meetings . We hope you will remember to pay your dues when you receive your renewal notice so we can remain a viable amateur radio club and continue to improve our repeater system as well as our public service capabilities. But we cannot do it alone. We need your help. Join with us in improving what we do so well. And have a happy and healthy holiday season and new year…..
73, Mayer, W3GXK

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October 13, 2008 by kb3ljm.

This month we include at least 3 separate items on books that are available to amateurs. The
ARRL has its new Handbook for Radio Communications. The ARRL also has a book on the golden age of amateur radio technology. The IARU has a booklet that promotes ethics and good operating….It seems to be a very full seasons of good fall reading. Enjoy!
73, Mayer, W3GXK

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July 31, 2008 by kb3ljm.

We would like to thank all of our workers, vendors, general admission people and our tailgaters for making this edition of The Famous BRATS Maryland Hamfest and Computer Fest one of the best yet… Without each of you we could not have done it! Thanks also to our legendary weather committee for their usual fine job! (a little on the hot side, but the rain held off). Thanks
again to all and 73,
Mayer, W3GXK

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April 26, 2008 by kb3ljm.

Yes, it’s that time again! Hamfest time is here.We need your help, not only on July 20, but now! Here’s how you can help: Call the BRATS info-line at 410-461-1212 and leave a message. Say “I want to help with the hamfest”. Let us know when you will be available, on July 19, 20 and 21 as well as now…We will get back to you. We can only pull it off if you help.
Thanks and 73, Mayer, W3GXK

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March 18, 2008 by kb3ljm.

Unfortunately, we had to get the Silent Key logo out again this month. Lew, W2BIE, passed away during March. We will miss him. Lew was a long-time member of The BRATS, keeping up his BRATS membership even though he lived in New York. Many of us remember him as he often got on the repeater during his frequent visits to Baltimore. Many of us recall his visits to our hamfest each year. Distance did not distance Lew from us. We certainly will miss him.
Mayer, W3GXK

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March 6, 2008 by kb3ljm.

Back to our “try a new mode” soapbox. During one of the prior quiet cycles, I tired operating
some CW. I had not been on CW for a number of years, but got on because propagation on SSB was non-existent . I enjoyed it and quickly got my speed up to 25 wpm or more! Look at Page 8 of today’s MW. One record was set on 241 GHz. Another on 500 KHz. Try a new band. Page 5 has some satellite news and notes. Try a new band or a new mode. You will like it!
73, Mayer, W3GXK

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January 3, 2008 by kb3ljm.

This month we add another name, W3RMD, to the all-too-long list of Silent Keys. Last month we noted the obituary for our own W3DID in the BARC Modulator. Thanks, Doug, we appreciate that. We also note the article and picture of Russ, NY3I, fellow BRATS member. It is very interesting, you might want to take a look at it on The BARC home page…. We also noted, a Statement of Philosophy : the Modulator does not print stories you can get elsewhere. We [The Milliwatt] do print stories that you can get elsewhere, so you can get all of your information – Contests, DXpeditions, Satellite News, Hamfests, Meetings, etc. – in one place, right here. Enjoy.
73, Mayer, W3GXK

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