It takes years to become a real star
Not much occasion to make stuff (electronically) these days. After all, you can buy most things, already assembled. However, I indulged myself last evening and this morning, and I now have a small QRP antenna tuner. The choice was based on my usual research, and after reading the reviews on eHam.net, I chose to go with the kitted version of the Emtech ZM-2 ATU.
As kits go, nothing too hard. A couple of toroids to wind. Some planning; there is no circuit board, so I had to remember how things were back when you went point-to-point. Took my time, corrected one bad solder joint and hurrah! We have variable noise. Next up, cutting some long wire antennas with requisite counterpoise, and then I’ll be back to trying to work the world with flea power.
On other platforms, I’ve been watching the “Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremonies” from earlier this year. There are a lot of musicians out there, but only a select number have the staying power to get called up for a trophy night. In this batch, the Red Hot Chili Peppers along with Guns N’ Roses.
Let’s face it. Thirty-five years of close contact between characters with a certain artistic spirit will lead to drama. Most of it, the rest of us never notice (unless things derail completely). These two groups are NOT exceptional. The proof of the musicianship comes at the end of the evening when the groups can shed their shirts and let loose.
Time for me to revisit the early catalogue of the winners, to see if I can witness how they went from kids in the basement to centre stage in world class arenas. And then apply the lessons to my own effort.
