Rob,

Understand that. I coined the term "Baofeng Tech" -- originally defamatory -- mainly because there were a number of guys on a local SoCal repeater system who occupied commute time talking on their Baofengs from their cars with an INSIDE duck resulting in those annoyingly weak signals. Add to the fact that a large percentages spewed inanities and basically babbled on and on. Some/most continued for years without matriculating to other aspects of the hobby. I since left the system to avoid further frustration.

In our day, Rob, we'd call them "lids".

The term as used in this context is much more noble. It seems that some folks are getting into amateur radio and actually developing a keen interest in things like HF and *gasp* even learning CW! Many are receptive to QRP. Its these hams I endeavor to assist.

We found a couple of them last year -- Ed, KM6TNT and Matt, KM6TOA -- who came out for the Zuni Loop FD effort and did a masterful job fro so-called Baofeng hams. Both will be back this year and will be eager to work CW. They are among the finest I have met and, I am sure, will rocket past me in op capability.

Anyway, off to try out some of the suggestions offered in this thread.

Happy Christmas and New Year to all!
--
William, k6whp
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"Cheer up, things could get worse. So I cheered up and things got worse."