Need more room?

One of my first 'do-it yourself' projects as a DX/radio hobbyist was building a basic shelving unit to put on top of my radio shack desk.  I needed more room and thought this would be a fun way to get it.

So I found some plans online, went to my hardware store for the lumber, and started building.  It was my first time building anything with wood, and to be honest, it had a far greater chance of falling over than it did holding up my precious equipment. 

Surprisingly, it did last a while as I hauled that shelf from house to house, to various apartments over the years until it finally could take no more.

Ever since, I have been trying to decide just how I wanted to proceed with replacing my shelving, because I absolutely needed something for the shack.

Another trip to my hardware store yielded my answer:  closet storage!

The folks at ClosetMaid have created the PERFECT radio shack shelving and storage systems in their closet organization shelving.  There are a number of different options available at their Web site, however I have opted to start with the 31" shelving system found at this link here.

I recently made myself a homemade desk using two small $15 bookcases at Wal-Mart that provide me with much needed shelving for logbooks, my assortment of ARRL books, and even some basic tools for splicing, wire work and other random needs that pop up from time to time in the shack.

On top of those bookcases, I put a door I found at the Habitat for Humanity Restore that I bought for $5.  I used another $5 to set vertically on top of the other door, to give me room for corkboard mats to hang things like maps, QSLs and other necessities.

The ClosetMaid shelving unit it the perfect size to fit on my desk top.  I can even get two and still have 15 inches on one side to use for a laptop.

It was easy to build and my scanners, receivers and Ham rigs fit perfectly inside, while still providing room for ventilation.  At $15 each, this is the perfect solution for what i was trying to accomplish.

All told, I am only out $55 for this desk that I built on my own and has exactly what I need for my shack.  I am going to drill some more cable holes with grommets and add probably one more shelf soon.  I hope to put up some pics once it is all done.

So if you are looking for a way to give you more room on your shack desk and want to spend as little as possible (and aren't handy at building with wood) I highly recommend the ClosetMaid products.  They can be found at most larger hardware stores, Wal-Mart, Target and of course, online.

Until next time, 73s and good listening!

Loyd

W4LVH

Premiere Radio Networks - Show Clocks

Hello all!

So, as I have been venturing back to the dials lately in pursuit of some tasty AM DX catches, I have been trying to use the power of the Internet to aid in my chase.

Back before the Internet, I remember shipping letters off to various networks such as CBS, ESPN and others, begging for affiliate lists so that I could use those as DX aids.  Now, you can easily go online to find affiliate lists.  Back then, I had more than my share of letters from affiliate managers questioning my motives for asking for this information.

One tool I remembered about tonight in my DX session, that can help not only DXers, but those interested in listening to station streams as well, are what we used to call 'show clocks' when I was an on-air guy in radio.

Show clocks, like this one from Coast-To-Coast AM, are great DX aids

'Show clocks' are large pie charts that will break down when network and local breaks are scheduled to be triggered by a network's automated system, or even just for that DJ sitting in a booth, so they know when to shut their mouth and play commercials.  From a show clock, like the one pictured with this post, you can see not only when to expect commercials, but also 'liners' and IDs, which are the perfect time to make sure you are listening for those elusive call letters.

I found a great Web site that will show all of the current 'show clocks' for all Premiere Radio Networks shows, including Coast-To-Coast and others.  Anyone sitting there staring at their clock at 1:18 in the morning, wondering when you would finally hear a station ID, your salvation is a few clicks away.

Tonight, I used the C2C show clock to great effect.  I had been listening for a while to 550 AM, which was a clutter of stations with no clear front runner.  THere was, though, a station playing C2C that was the 'easiest' to hear.  I used to clock to identify not only when a local break would come (the BEST time to hear call letters, weather, news, local ads, etc..), but how long it would last (the best times to tune in a local break are beginning and end.).

From the clock, I identified my next window to be between 30-34 minutes into the hour.  I let George Noory do his thing, and came back at :29.  Sure enough, the local break fired, there was some fading so I lost the signal.  But, I was patient, as I knew at :34 after I would have one last shot.  At :33 after, the station faded back up as they were finishing a weather forecast.  Then, I heard it, the 55 KRC ID.  WKRC - Cinncinati isn't a sexy or spectacular catch, but it was new for my location, and I was able to DX smartly, using the aids at my disposal.

How do you use the Internet to help you DX?  Do you use streams to help identify stations?  Share your tips, email me at loyd@globalnetmt.com.  Your tips may just appear in a future GlobalNet column in MT!

73s and good listening!

Loyd
W4LVH

Why, hello again my friends!

Hello all, sorry it has been so long since the last posting.   A lot has happened since last I wrote here.

The biggest thing is that I am now in a new house!  The best part of a new house? I have a new monitoring/DX shack and lots of room for WiFi radios!

Hope to be posting pictures soon.  Actually turning the dials of the old-fashioned AM radio tonight and doing a little of my beloved mediumwave DX.  It has been entirely too long.

Write again soon, until then, 73s!

Loyd
W4LVH