Allstar Link Node Build - Part 1

The Digital Age and the Internet of Things

"Plus A Ham Radio Project for the Digital Age"

As I wrote this blog post near the end of 2020, I cannot help but marvel with admiration at the technological achievements that have been made since I ventured into the world of radio and electronics back in the 1970's.

 

I have witnessed the development and progression of electronic devices, such as transistors, integrated circuits and optical devices, such as LEDs and LCD displays.  These electronic wonders helped develop electronic and analogue equipment, such as photocopiers, printers, fax machines, modems, computers and mobile phones, all of which are now part of everyday life.

A Trip Down Memory Lane Pt3

I return with more memories detailing moments and events that were prominent in my evolving journey into the world of radio and electronics.

In part two of my "trip down memory lane" and during 1979 I detailed my discovery of Citizen Band Radio, this introduced me to the world of two way radio communications and brought about a deep fascination in transmitting with a craving to build a transmitter myself.

A Trip Down Memory Lane Pt2

By 1978 I was 14 years of age and in my third year at senior school, I also had my foot on the working ladder, having become gainfully employed on a local farm working part-time.

Working put money in my pocket and burned the proverbial hole in it, as I was always eager to spend it!  My interest in radio and electronics flourished and I was able to buy hobby magazines like Everyday Electronics, Practical Wireless and Shortwave magazines.

A Trip Down Memory Lane Pt1

Before my blog ventures into anything of a technical nature, I thought it would be fun to briefly document how my journey into the world of electronics and radio all began.

In 1972 I was 8 years of age and had a great fascination for batteries and bulbs, I purchased a PIFCO torch from the local TV rental shop, which gave me hours of fun, especially when equipped with a fresh set of batteries on a smog-laden foggy evening. It was a great thrill to shine the torch beam into the depths of "pea soup". I have indifferent childhood memories of the "Big Smoke" a period when everyone had coal fires, polluted the atmosphere and a had a coal storage bunker in the back yard or garden!

British coal miners went on strike in January and February 1972 for 47 days and the UK was declared in a state of emergency. Britain experienced regular and lengthy power cuts during the seventies, which put the nation into darkness. I remember my parents rationing the use of candles in fear that they would not be able to buy more and the PIFCO torch I used as a play thing became a necessity, providing much-needed light in the pitch black of night.

We felt blessed to have a Parkray coal fire, which served not only as a means to keep us warm but as a means to cook beans on toast during the dreaded power cuts when our electric cooking became a mere piece of furniture.

On December 7th 1972, I witnessed the launch of Apollo 17, this was NASA's final Apollo mission and the crew made a historic journey into space for a record 12 days returning to earth on December 19th.

During 1972 I also embarked on a journey myself and one that would catapult me in to a whole new world... Okay, my journey was not as exciting as the Apollo spaceflight but a mere stroll down to the local newsagents but what followed was tinkering bliss. 

A New Era Begins

Well, as the saying goes "if you can't beat them, join them" so here I am with my very first Blog post.

I have been a licensed Radio Ham since 1982 and have always had an interest in electronics and enjoy experimenting and building my own radio equipment.

Hopefully, over time I can document and share some of my dabblings in the wonderful world of ham radio and electronics construction but be prepared, as things do not always go to plan!