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Tubes, Time, and Testers

Tubes, Time, and Testers

Tubes.  I have no idea how many tubes I have in storage waiting to be tested.  Thousands certainly, maybe 5,000?  6,000?  More?  I really don't know.  However many there are, before I can list them online, each and every one has to be tested.  If you're not familiar with tube testers, the process is pretty straight forward.  Open the tube box, make sure the tube matches the label on the box, change nine or ten settings on the tester to match the tube requirements as shown on the roll chart (or book, or addendum, etc.).  Insert the tube (after making...

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Free Worked All States (WAS) Record Cards

amateur radio free WAS card WAS award

Free Worked All States (WAS) Record Cards

Free WAS cards to help you earn the Worked All States award in ham radio.

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Capitol City Hamfest (Jackson) 2023

2023 AMATEUR amateur radio capitol city hamfest FAT CAT HAM RADIO JACKSON MISSISSIPPI MS radio

Capitol City Hamfest (Jackson) 2023

The 2023 Capitol City Hamfest (aka Jackson Hamfest) was held January 27-28 at the Trade Mart in Jackson, MS.  The room opened for load-in and setup at noon Friday, and opened to the public Friday night 5:00 to 8:00.   The following day, the event started at 8:00 AM and closed shop at 3:00 PM.  Plenty of flea market vendors and a few commercial vendors were present for the event.

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"Parts Only" Category Added

fatcat.parts parts-only

"Parts Only" Category Added

I love vintage gear, especially tube radios.   One of the drawbacks to using vintage gear is that often the manufacturer no longer exists, or if they do exist, they no longer support that product. That can create a real problem when trying to find a repair part. Maybe Fat Cat can help with that.... I just added a new category to the Fat Cat website, and it's not the usual "stuff for sale" type gear.  This is a category of gear that is being sold as is, for parts only.   Most of these is vintage, some are in various stages...

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Papa Jack's Trade Day, Tupelo, MS 2022

2022 hamfest papa jack's trade day tupelo

Papa Jack's Trade Day, Tupelo, MS 2022

On Nov. 5, 2022, the Tupelo ARC hosted  their annual Papa Jack's Trade Day.  It was held downtown under the pavilion at the Farmer's Depot from 8 AM until 12 Noon. No fee for attending, and no fee for tables makes this a highly cost-effective hamfest.  Basically, since they also provide doughnuts and coffee, all you're out for the trip is a little gas money.  Saturday was a little chilly and windy, and there was a steady rain all morning.  But, thanks to the great pavilion, the event was dry and (if you remembered to bring a jacket) very comfy....

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