Posted on

CalFire 2016


“i should have taken more pictures”

From calFIRE2016. Posted by Cal Merritt on 10/25/2016 (11 items)

campin’ kenny palace
bobs RV
N9BK early arrival
N0XFU luv shack


first run of a new turbo 55
BS everywhere


power transfer
camping kenny had to be rescued by a F O R D
planning starts for next year


Generated by Facebook Photo Fetcher 2


Posted on

NMLRA Championship September 2016


“watch for updates”

From NMLRA Championship September 2016. Posted by Cal Merritt on 9/08/2016 (85 items)

Base Camp 1
in 48 hours this will be packed, if you are not here, you are in the wrong place this…
Flintlocks INC is ready already
A large selection of horns is available


Mike Eder is open for business
Jewlery is on display
check it out, a nice store open in vendors row on wednesday night before the shoot st…
Tip Curtis is here and set up, many fine rifles


MIMS knives is here and set up
here is a picture of mike yazel’s booth just after he referred to me as a "cheat…
a thursday picture of mike yazel’s booth. it is the one in the middle here. apparen…
CHECK IT OUT !! mike yazel finally shows up….and it starts to rain of course….


the rain up north of friendship has arrived here
anyone want to shoot the rapids
ummmmmm
almost to the top of the yard stick


gettuing a little water in the yard
it does appeaer to be just about maxed out and all the rain today is Waaaaay up north…
this was a very large tree
right at the 8′ yard stick today, went a little higher later


the shuttle
on the way to town
chicken…..
down in town the lower level of the flea market got hit hard


well, the kids are having a good time
this is a hard core vender
pirates cove is not beach front property
i may have to move yet…..


THAT’s why the satellite signal is so poor !!
all the wimps moved…..i had ankle deep water at the bottom of my stairs but otherwi…
opening ceremony today (saturday)
alan starting up the shoot


competitors on the porch of the clubhouse
offhand getting ready
so it begins
this has dropped two feet in a few hours, it was over the 8′ top last night


the creek i think came up to about here…….
gary had a small problem with his awning……a few others got damaged. nothing majo…
the first camp fire
sunset from 6 acre camping beach front property


the barn dance, no flash
the barn dance
barn dance, no flash
looking back at the range, a little left of center is flintlocks inc


the barn dance
no flash, caused some "ghost kids" on the move
the band was rather good, we need more attendance
i am in search of the ultimate pistol box, this looks interesting


this one is also very interesting
the world famous E T Harrison
vendors row after dark
interesting outfit


a big selection of patch knives on vendor night
a lot of honey Honey
mike miller gun builder on vendor night
brass…..a lot of brass


more interesting stuff
some very intense detail on this rifle
another booth on vendor night
another BP magazine


vendor night activity
some locks
activity went on late into the night
vendor night


miller behing gun makers hall working on a nice flint lock
gun makers hall display
the inletting on millers project


dick miller doing some of the detail work he is famous for
vendor night winding down
the shoot is winding down
this is the longest range…..500 meters or 530 yards. there is a youtube video wher…


some of those interesting bench guns
some BIG bench guns
the pistol shack has gone high tech on the scoreboard
winding down


to be replaced soon, the playground
pistol dudes calling it a day
this is one bad ass trap machine
this soldier has thrown a few clay "brids" in it’s day


the shoot off, tie breakers
tie breakker
sniffffff
The End


the Memphis Mafia has left town, the september event is over


Generated by Facebook Photo Fetcher 2


Posted on

NMLRA 2016 Youth Shoot


“watch for updates”

From NMLRA 2016 youth shoot. Posted by Cal Merritt on 7/08/2016 (20 items)

the trap machines will be in place tomorrow
this area will get very busy starting tomorrow, friday
this came up fast right after the rain, but not enough to get in even the low spots i…
it is already going down as i type this


set up on offhand for the young kids, a bench and a rest for the rifles
wow, that came up fast. BUT the rest of the event will have fantastic weather
opening ceremony saturday


for the recent tragedy in texas
scott giving the opening statements
a really nice well behaved visitor. animals are not allowed during a national shoot….
4 years old, no problem


or 5 or 6 years old, no problem
he didn’t have a high score but had a great time
i had a break so i went to check out the archery range
my last pictures


the kids are having a great time
working the off hand line i had very little time to take pictures


Generated by Facebook Photo Fetcher 2


Posted on

NMLRA June 2016 National Championship


“Watch for updates daily”

From NMLRA June 2016 National Championship. Posted by Cal Merritt on 6/09/2016 (70 items)

Base Camp One at K-14
the camp shack, not busy yet but that will soon change
Flintlocks INC is set up and open for business now
these look nice


mike in person
he has some very unusual rifles in this rack
setting up or sold out ?? i can’t tell
new expanded and remodeled booth


many rifles for sale here this week
powder horns
powder horn art
glass art


verity booth
stuff….a lot of stuff
Tip Curtis is set up and selling now
art


and custom engraving
if you can’t find that rifle you are looking for here at friendship you might as well…
nice brass mounted rifle
detailed bead art


almost kit parts
all the big players are here
at Dixie Gun Works
Dixie Gun Works chemicals


the target room where everything happens starting in two days
my thoughts exactly
i like this arrangement
BOOM


getting a little practice in
state flags….and some international. I see a Canadian flag EH ?? That is like a w…
got LED lights in the trees……heh heh
the rain just stopped at 10 AM and the rest looks good o the RADAR. and the rest of …


on 6 acre
horns !!
more honrs
horns for flint flash pans


for filling horns
primitive tenting
primitive
more primitive


it is getting hot BTW
there are ample food sources
the mafia is here……
there are a lot of flags this year


night activity at gun makers hall
rifle blanks
a very nice display this year inside the gunmakers hall
that reminds me, i need to get some tickets


black ops arrival
gary morgans camper table
this stuff actually works
signs


signs….everywhere signs
blockig out the scenery…..breaking my mind….
mim’s made it again this june
E T Harrison selling the special stock finish


opening show saturday
mostly board members
the crowd watching the opening show
it is time to rock and roll at the range


the pirates cove repair bench
barn dance
the young kids had a great time
the band was good


the taxie to town
carb and intake system of the right motor
backup left motor
back of gun makers hall


craftsmen at work
rifiling machine


Generated by Facebook Photo Fetcher 2


Posted on

Dayton Hamvention 2016


“we got there wednesday afternoon”

From Dayton Hamfest 2016. Posted by Cal Merritt on 5/20/2016 (66 items)

first we need POWER
wired to code as usual
got firewood
hamvention base camp 1


dave has been holding out on his tractor collection
a sad super H farmall
i am bailing out at this point
W8QHV


the cool super cat mouse hunter
poor redneck trailer park
dave has stuff to sell
pat doing minor repairs


this stuff is going to the tractor show up north, not the hamfest
set up day inside
this will soon look a lot different
more set up


tomorrow this will be packed
some heathgkit gear
W8CQ in person
there is a verity of items in the flea market


a new guy set up in our old spaces
excellent hamfest food. smells like burned hair actually
no winners in our group yet
uh…..service dog ?


the main arena is busy now
radio tower for sale
crowd picture
keys


a main hallway
flex radios
pieces parts
MARS


the room is full now, see shot from setup day
crowd picture
odd outfit, Scottish ??
brass CW keys


see set up day shot, a busy area today
i never did see what this guy was selling
mark from RSGB
he is having a good day


RSGB has all the good antenna books
these guys always have the best looking booth
more keys
the salvation army booth


even MORE keys
steam punk art ??
the kenmore display
a killer attack dog


i need a hat antenna
he was a good guy
yaesu vintage radio display
i owned most of this stuff at one time or another


these guys always have the best display
a main arena shot
interesting display
some HV parts


crop dusting at big daves free ham radio operator camping facility
coming back around
low
REALLY LOW


drawing for prizes starting
N0XFU
on the way home, accident on east bound I-70
a bad accident


a fatality, apparently a reckless and speeding truck caused it
someone taking their hamfest purchase home


Generated by Facebook Photo Fetcher 2


Posted on

NMLRA Volunteer Project 2016


“here for the april fix up”

From NMLRA volunteer project 2016. Posted by Cal Merritt on 4/15/2016 (44 items)

for once i had the camper ready
night view fromm the poe barn, ready for launch
base camp #1 in 6 acre
looks like a meeting at the office


base camp #1 from the back
ahhhh…i am heading over there
I HEAR GUNFIRE !!!
one of the new power poes


there has been a lot of work done
oh deer
it is always the same old guys doing the work
new paint !!


nice
yep, same old guys doing all the work…..
pieces parts
the river is up a little, not real bad


Rand house, worth a look on your next visit
the truex attack dog
yehhhh
nice display, that is a rifling machine


from the porch, through the lead glass window
just inside to the right
painting everywhere
the new observer benchs


a very interesting design
slacker alert, he ain’t movin’
some precision adjustments
on the move


the stargate to 1840
a little tree issue
dissassembly starts
looks like a union break to me


the work continues
i think ming is right……those cap lock rifles will never catch on
can’t argue with that
uh oh…..where is the union rep


the brain trust having a formal meeting
hahahahaha….old guys…..
some work at the main gate
there is a safety officer to the left…..really


nearing the end of this remodel job….
the cafe wall looks great
till tomorrow
how many days till june ??


Generated by Facebook Photo Fetcher 2


Posted on

Brownsburg Hamfest 2016


“first hamfest of the year and indoors”

From Brownsburg Hamfest 2016. Posted by Cal Merritt on 2/13/2016 (17 items)

crowd shit, are you there ??
tables of junk….uh…hamfest treasures
long view from the stage
some newer decent radios


there was chow also, and a BAR
tag’em and bag’em
long view of goodies for sale
greetings people of earth, we come in peace


some real vintage collins gear
smarts for sale
antennas for sale
socialism explained


some of the young people with the beginnings of a battle bot
a very nice display
you can see who is really in charge here
turn out was good


some odd items


Generated by Facebook Photo Fetcher 2


Posted on

CalFire 2015


“has officially started with early arrivals”

From CALfire2015. Posted by Cal Merritt on 10/09/2015 (30 items)

today there was some traffic control issues out by the new poe barn
cal FIRE really starts here, power to the campground
as usual for these events, wired to code……
campin’ kennys rolling palace


Gary showing off his new trailer
HEY…..you can’t park that thing there
wade found a real deal on a john boat at the bridge festival
the traffic jam continuse. about 12 loads of concrete were needed


the marshmellow canopy set up
he will need suspenders in a few years….
horse radish
my special recipe charcoal trimmed ribs…..


we had the "disco" LED display on
SURVIVORman’s jeep / tent combo
and yard grill
the marshmellow is the perfect mini-camper


back view of the Ohio contengent
old fat guys
KB9GIE, the one non-ham i have been pestering since 1976 to get a license, KB9MID
the Ohio mafia hitting the road


out to the old national road
SURVIVORman is packed up
Mad Dog Watts busts a move
a view of SURVIVORman base camp (blue) from above


Gary O and the campin’ kenny mobile palace
the shooting range in the center and brock farms off in the distance
rising hall across US 40
that is one big ass rotor


one of the antenna pully constructs. this is where the 160 meter bazooka is now
the antenna stack above the thrust bearing


Generated by Facebook Photo Fetcher 2


Posted on

The New 145.29 Repeater Hardware


“The Yaesu DR-1X”

From The new 145.29 repeater hardware. Posted by Cal Merritt on 9/24/2015 (6 items)

out of the box
the usual cords, etc
on the shelf and powered up in about 5 minutes
the transmit cavities


cords and coax hooked up
i should have timed it, but i think the whole job of disconnecting the old stuff and …


Generated by Facebook Photo Fetcher 2


Posted on

AB9D Tower!

These are my awesome tower pictures. You have all been waiting to see them.


“free standing 120 foot Pirod, steel, free standing”

From Tower construction 2014. Posted by Cal Merritt on 12/22/2015 (81 items)

every journey starts with the first shovel full of dirt
12 x 12 x 4 foot more or less
the clay digs well
mike loves to play in the mud


there was one death during the project
rebar cage
this was total commercial overkill on the base
concrete


one two truck pour
mike doing the finish work
setting up for the base section
crane


another view of the boom truck
the X-7 beam ready to install
mike going to work
working at the top


setting up the 2 meter beam on the antenna test stand
checking out the 6 meter beam
this is what a X-7 beam looks like when you take it out of the box
the 145.29 repeater RX and TX antennas


another view of the assembled X-7
hauling up steel
the base
this is the front row seating


nice view of the boom truck
lowering the all important base section in place
i did some of the moving of steel with the Boomer 8N tractor
more steel going up


steel work
custom cut and designed top plate and rotor plate
N0XFU clowning around
travis could not control his excitement


the capstone
mike gets a lot of exercise
close up on the installed top plate
looking down from the top working position


the Cox property to the west, Wayne’s World
a view of Brock farms
mike, the tower guy
dweeb


6 meter beam going up
top repeater receiver antenna on a side mount i made out of angle iron
the "bonus" tower, more pix on this later
looking up from the base


Brock’s new grain elevator which is exactly the same hight
looking down on the X-7 which went up later, took a bigger boom truck
AB9D
Sue and Sadie going for a walk out by the garden.


close up of the side arm mounts
the repeater side arms i made hold the RX and TX antennas for the 145.29
longer view
surge supressors in a sealed metal box


all LMR400 out the bottom
to the trench
rather than fill this in i put a 2 x 4 on the open trench in case i later wanted to a…
up and into the militia command and comm center


120 feet to the rotor plate
tower project this time is to replace some poor quality rope with the best stuff
going up, N0XFU
one thing to remember is to make one run up and down for a wire antenna is 250 feet o…


the stuff unrolled well
don’t look down
i got a great antenna ideal for this rope
getting it done


i was hoping for one trip up but some minor problems made it 1 and 2/3’s trips up
the main antenna systems
ground wire bonding to the tower legs, there are three of these
that is an 8′ copper plated ground rod


the transient absorber enclosure inside the steel work
the interior of the metal box
entry gaskets
a longer view


all cables are buried into the militia compound command and communications center
the long view
at the top of the 145.29 transmit antenna
at the base of the 145.29 receiver antenna


the final push
hooking up
repairs were later successful
it is all downhill from here


never ever EVER stand directly under a tower and never EVER look up if you are standi…


Generated by Facebook Photo Fetcher 2