On Tue, 6 Jan 2009 18:05:26 UTC, wrote:

Firstly a big thanks to Count Floyd for defending me over my Grayland
gaff. Somehow the Google poster intertwined the posts and it was a
b***up. My ISP discontinued Usenet two years ago, so I am forced to
use complicated Google Groups whether I like it or not..

I have just received a little miracle of modern engineering: a Sony
analogue SRF-39FP Ultralight kindly sent by friends on the US
Westcoast. There is a group where enthusiasts gather and exchange
ideas and logs.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ultralightdx/

I have been giving it a whirl and so far have got seven countries and
a great long distance catch:
1540 kHz @ 0130 ZNS1 from Nassau, Bahamas, 40 Kw and 7,500 miles away.

I was really amazed and gratified when I got a clear Afro-American
spouting hot gospel from Nassau with UAE 1539 right on it's shoulder.
I never would have thought that such a tiny analogue device could
achieve something like this = difficult enough on my big rigs. Pity I
have no way of recording this catch, as it would be very interesting.
Of course, ZNS1 appeared only briefly for a few seconds at a time, as
it was mainly overshadowed by the powerful UAE station. I certainly
have a new respect for the technology they pack into these tiny
radio's these days.

So ultralighting is something you can try for a minimum of bucks and
have lots of fun. My daughter gave me a very generous Christmas
present, so I asked my good friend Guy in Puyallup WA to get me an
Eton E100, which is digital and has shortwave too. They are now off
the market but he located one that had a slight defect that he can
easily repair (at a very good price) so I look forward to receiving it
in six/eight weeks time.

Have fun with your radios and good DX.
Hi John,
I just had to say something, that you are truly one of the few people
who contibute POSITIVE comments to the group and not engage in the
disruptive banter. Your comments on ultralights are very interesting.
It is very interesting how today's technology can pack so much into
so little(thinking about my HQ-145XC boatanchor!).
My, your collection will really be growing with your new Eton and I am
sure that you will enjoy taking that and the ultralight on your next
trip to Seefontien(sic)?
Take care,
Bob Grimes aka Count Floyd
Hobe Sound, FL