[TowerTalk] Remote Ham Radio (and hard work)

[K8RI]

On 8/4/2013 1:48 PM, Cqtestk4xs at aol.com wrote:
> I've busted my butt building several superstations.  Yes, it  is gratifying
> to work that new one with the station I built.  Yes, it's fun  busting the
> pileup on the first call with the station I built.
>
> Let's look at the guys who may not be physically capable or may be  QTH
> challenged.  Don't they deserve a chance to drive an Indy 500  station?  No,
> they didn't build it, but hey...it's fun to drive.
>
> Many top shelf ops guest op at stations because they fall into the  above
> categories... physically unable to build a station and/or QTH challenged  in
> a condo etc.

The physical part fits me.  At 65 I was still climbing towers and still 
doing my own work.  I don't have a lot of land, but make the most of 
what I have.  At 65 I was healthy and strong for my size of 5'7".  Then, 
out-of-nowhere came a stroke.

No warning. I'd been on the phone talking to the airport manager, hung 
up, turned around, and my left loot slipped out from under me like I'd 
stepped on ice.  I caught myself, walked to the couch and sat down. I 
remarked yo my wife "That sure felt funny" and decided to go out in the 
kitchen to talk with her.  Only thing was..My left leg wasn't there. 
Noyhing!  She immediately ran me through the "Grin, reach, and speech" 
which I passed with flying colors.  She no sooner said "Iguess that 
rules out a stroke" than the little finger on my left hand went numb, 
then the next finger and as the next started going numb, I said "I think 
we better call somebody"

" They say" (they = Cardiologist, Neurologist and family DR) they now 
know what caused it and can prevent another.  Unfortunately it took a 
second stroke before they discovered the problem and this one was more 
severe.  However I am getting the use of my arm, hand and leg 
back...slowly It's just taking a lot longer, plus lots of exercise and 
therapy.

So, instead of being able to rapidly make a jumper for the station it 
may take a half hour to cut the coax and install the connector "on one end."

However no one ever claimed life to be fair and I never expected it to 
be. I consider myself lucky when I look at all the "could have beens" 
and very glad I was in good physical shape.  I even managed to get an 
article published on stroke recovery and I am back to driving again. 
However I have hung up my wings and sold the airplanes.

With that project out of there I sure have a lot more room in the shop 
though<:-))  Now I can work on building some amps<:-))

I have to admit however, I find one handed typing to be a ROYAL PITA! <:-))

As far as guest ops, I let a lot of new comers operate this station as 
well as fly the airplane. Flying is easy, landing takes skill.

Building a new base and rebar cage for the LM470 one handed is an 
interesting exercise too.

73

Roger (K8RI)

>
> Bill K4XS/KH7XS
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