I Want a Big Tower

This song is for my ham radio friends, but especially for those for whom having a tower is not an option, leaving us to put up dipoles and other antennas any way we can, and then struggle with our weak signals. (Non-hams may not understand much of this song.)




Why do I so yearn for a big tower? I took a tally for a few minutes in the 2010 CQWW SSB contest and found I shouted my callsign 77 times in attempts to reach 10 consecutive stations, and only worked 3 of them. That's about 26 shouts per QSO - no wonder I lose my voice in these contests, even using the audio memories in my Orion. 5 Watts and wires is tough, but especially on SSB! I hope to work you in the next contest, though.

Please check out my other videos - have you ever heard a Van Halen song or J.S. Bach performed on solo mandolin? I do that, too.

Best reception and 73 to all - Tim, KT8K

(send me a note if you're interested in a copy of the lyrics - thanks!)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• ham
• radio
• contesting
• amateur
• towers
• antennas
• KT8K
• solo
• acoustic
• mandolin
• CQWW
• CW
• Sweepstakes
• SSB
• maniac

[onewomanandsomesongs]

Just listening to some more of your videos.  You're one helluva songwriter too, Tim. Really enjoyed this one! :) Janet

[themandolinmaniac]

@onewomanandsomesongs Thanks, Janet. This one came straight from the heart.

[themandolinmaniac]

Thanks for all the great comments and hits (viewings), and best reception and 73 (72) to you all de kt8k - Tim

[4o4a]

Tim, wish you were here.

73, Dragan 4O4A (@4O3A, ready for 9ACW contest...)

[themandolinmaniac]

@4o4a Sorry I couldn't make it, Dragan, but you guys were the first station I worked in the 9A CW contest.

Best reception and luck in the new year, and I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season. 73 - Tim, KT8K

[4o4a]

@themandolinmaniac

Tim, all of us were happy when you called us! Every contest has it's own higlight: this time it was KT8K in the log. In 10 years, nobody will remember did we win this contest or not, but I'm sure that QSO with KT8K will be something that we will keep in our memories for a looooong time.

Happy holidays, see you in the air again!

P.S. I hope Santa has YouTube, up there...

[themandolinmaniac]

@4o4a You're very kind, Dragan. It was great to work you, too. I just checked, and I have 4O3A in my log 11 times going back to November 24 of 2007. I look forward to increasing that list in every possible contest, and thanks for listening for my QRP signal. 73 and best of luck in 2011! - Tim

[heck4yd]

Freaking Great, I guess We all Dream about becoming a BIG GUN when We Grow Up. HiHi

The Bigger the Tower , The Louder the noise. LOL

[mbtjr]

Tim,

Good working you in CQWPX CW 2011! I appreciate your lighthearted tune. Every time I hear your call I think of your video,  and ended up viewing it again after your 3830 posting. Hope you had a whole lot of fun sans the aluminum curtain!

The next time I feel like complaining about wires and 100w, I need to remember that you're doing it [well] at 12+ dB down from me!

73, Mike AA8IA

[kaunica300]

I dont understand nothing about radio stuff, but I must confess... You're a great singer! Love your style. *Keep your heart clean and strong*. [XO from BR].

[4o4a]

@themandolinmaniac It would be good to have you in my log, too! I spent last two years in ham radio in QRP, and I completely understand what are you mandolining (I like to "invent" words) about :)

One of greatest non-contest highlights in last year was when Ranko connected one of home brew QRP rigs @4O3A towers, and gave a call to some of US guys, as 4O3A/QRP. Comment from the other side was: "HI HI 4O3A/QRP 599" :))

Take your rig and get your *** here :))