New tablet

I purchased a new Android tablet from eBay. Nothing fancy, an off brand, not a Samsung. But it has a newer version of Android on it and a faster processor than the piece of stone I was using, which is probably almost 7 or 8 years old by now. This one also has a bigger screen, more memory and more storage space. It came with a case and a Bluetooth keyboard, and a wireless mouse. The mouse has a USB-A receiver and the tablet has no USB-A outlet, so that was superfluous. But still, not bad for under $75.

This one will be used primarily for blogging and Amateur Radio purposes. So far I have installed VLS Logger, SpaceWeatherLive, RepeaterBook, HamAlert, ARRL Magazines, and I made icon links for Morsel and the POTA spotter page.

I need to add SOTA Spotter, and one of the DX Cluster apps, either DXPocket or NKCCliuster. and perhaps PoLo, although I kind of like VLS Logger.  The accessory keyboard is the same size as the tablet and seems to be very nice. Maybe this will finally be the "what it takes" to get me to computer log portable ops instead of paper and pencil logging.

The other primary purpose for this tablet will be weather apps, WeaterBug, AWN Net, the Lightning app, RadarNow! and probably Weather Underground.

Of course, it comes with Gmail and Chrome pre-loaded. I will add Facebook and Skype and probably Zoom as most of the radio club meetings that I attend are hybrid, in-person and Zoom.

I wish AC Log by N3JFP had an Android app. The only way I can use AC Log out in the field would be to bring a laptop and IMHO, that's just a pain in the hindquarters. When I use VLS Logger, I have to export an ADIF via e-mail to my laptop so that I can add the contacts to AC Log. Not an end-of -the-world issue, that's for sure - but you get spoiled by convenience.

Last night was the inaugural 40 Meter QRP Fox Hunt and I was debating whether or not to participate. I was really tired and wanted to to hit the hay, but I relented and found and worked John K4BAI rather quickly. I listened for Kevin W9CF for a bit, but he's in Arizona and that's a long haul. I found him and heard him pop out of the noise a couple of times, but not loud enough or long enough for me to work him. Then, when someone decided to start calling CQ at 10 over 9, right on his frequency, I decided to hang it up for the night. Just before heading upstairs, I looked him up on RBN and the single East coast skimmer had him in single digit dB numbers above noise level. Experience tells me that's not good if you want a QSO. But I bet when I eventually see his log, band conditions will have changed and all the other New Jersey Hounds will have nabbed him. Never fails.

72 de Larry W2LJ

QRP - When you care to send the very least.