Post by Ozone Express Radio on Oct 29, 2010 20:16:35 GMT -6
Well it didn't seem funny to me at the moment, but afterward I got a good laugh.
For a couple of years, I've been running a very low power 1 watt transmitter. The very first time I powered up and began to broadcast as I am sure many of you folks have done, I was a little nervous about who might hear me and if there'd be any problems as a result. So, I broadcasted for about an hour or so the first time checking antenna adjustment, sound, etc and then went off-air. About 5 minutes after doing so, sirens began to wail and on the road that runs adjacent to my property, three emergency vehicles screamed by and all sorts of commotion was going on! Of course, that very evening there was a vehicle accident just up the road, but the timing was impeccable. I think I had a small heart attack or at least a panic attack. What are the odds.
Fast forward to a couple nights ago. I've upped the power a bit (25 watts) and the antenna (5/8 Comet about 30 feet up) and with everything in place, powered up and did my initial checks. Wow, was my first reaction to the clarity, SWR, and range after a small drive around in the car listening. My second reaction was even better, had you observed it from afar. About the time I was going to shut down, the ceiling began to vibrate as did everything else. I powered down and dashed outside to find several National Guard helos at very low altitude flopping overhead! They continued on their path only to be followed by some low flying cargo planes. I am in an area where this almost never happens. Again, what are the odds?
Well at least it wasn't the Feds from the other department, but still after I calmed down and got the visions of black helicopters out of my mind, I had a decent laugh.