I can’t believe that it’s been six months already since I’ve been a ham.  (And over two months since I’ve updated here). Part of that was preparing for my pursuit of Honolulu Marathon #8 on December 9. (I finished it, in 5 hrs. 5 minutes and 18 seconds.)

Hams help out with the communication needs of the Honolulu Marathon as well as the Great Aloha Run in February. As a runner, I certainly appreciate all the efforts that they put out. This is something where an old passion and a new hobby collide. As much I’d love to help out with the Marathon and for the Great Aloha Run, I can’t exactly volunteer and run the race at the same time. If I had the opportunity to help out as a ham at a race I’m not running, I’d love to do it. Anyway…

I’ve been noticing a lot more activity on our local 146.88 repeater lately as Echolink has been introduced to it on a trial basis. Had a nice QSO today with a ham from Missouri, WA0CFQ, who’s here escaping the winter weather for the holidays and who brought his rig with him.

At the same time, I’ve been trying to look at ways to provide emergency power to my rig. I found, but didn’t buy yet, an emergency battery-operated power supply at Costco. $85 for an 18 amp-hour 400W inverter that also provides 12V DC power. I might consider picking it up later. Any other suggestions for emergency power?