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Current Feature Articles   Nov 20 The Amateur Radio Crossword Puzzler   Nov 20 Adventure in the Arctic: VO2A Expedition to Labrador   Nov 20 Surfin': More Radio Piracy on the High Seas   Nov 16 Youth@HamRadio.Fun: Fall Magic   Nov 13 Surfin': The Real Pirate Radio   Nov 06 Surfin': Homebrewing Today   Nov 05 DX the Hard Way   Nov 02 ARRL In Action: What Have We Been Up to Lately?   Nov 01 It Seems to Us: It Doesn't Just Happen   Oct 30 Surfin': Mapping Up ARRL Products: Instructor Support (More) Basic Electronics Course and Kit -- The Basic Electronics Course and Kit is intended for those teachers and instructors that want a ready resource that they can adapt to their instruction of electronic fundamentals. The materials include a PowerPoint presentation and instructor's script. The course is designed around affordable components, prototyping board, and VOM and uses Understanding Basic Electronics as the associated reference (sold separately). The ARRL Instructor's Manual for Technician and General License Courses -- NOW designed for both Technician and General Class. Includes CD-ROM. Parallax USB Oscilloscope -- This portable two-channel digital storage oscilloscope is a handy and affordable tool for both hobbyist and student! The ARRL Instructor's Manual for Technician Class License Courses -- For use with The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual. Includes CD-ROM. Basic Electronic Morse Code Keyer Kit -- Build a Morse code keyer kit and experience the project-building fun!

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Are dissimilar connectors making power interconnections difficult? Then, surf the Web to an elegant solution for connector compatibility.

Kim, KB1GTR, and Steve, KB1DIG, Merrill took advantage of the lull before the holidays to do some experimenting and Amateur Radio-related Web publishing. Their experiments involved Powerpoles, a unique connector for power interconnections. Their Web publishing reflects the findings of their experiments. It was "almost like taking project notes," Steve wrote, "We hope this information on Powerpoles is useful and everyone enjoys it. This is just our way of giving back to the hobby."

The Anderson Powerpole Ideas Web site provides hands-on information about a different kind of power connector.

You will find the findings of Kim's and Steve's Powerpole experiments at their Anderson Powerpole Ideas Web site, which describes the connectors in detail and provides tips on assembling and using the connectors.

For higher power rigs, high-amperage dc power supplies and bus wiring, the Anderson Powerpole is the emerging national ARES/RACES standard. The links on this page include Web sites of some of the ARES groups using these connectors. Be sure to visit those sites for additional useful information regarding Powerpoles.

Also check out these links at the bottom of the Powerpole Ideas page for additional Amateur Radio emergency communications ideas: The Box:Portable Emergency Communications Station Ideas and Go Kit: Daily Emergency Communications Gear Ideas. In fact, poke all around this Web site and you will find lots of amazing and interesting ham radio stuff, some of which we featured back in the February 21 installment of this column.

Until next time, keep on Surfin'

Editor's note: Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU, is not a Powerpole, but he is a Pole, an American Pole, to be exact. All of his grandparents were born in Poland, so you can contact Stash or Stan by sending e-mail to wa1lou@arrl.net.

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