100th Anniversary of the MacMillan Arctic Expedition

Today marks the 100th anniversary of the MacMillan Arctic expedition setting sail from Wiscasset, Maine, on the schooner "Bowdoin".  MacMillan named his vessel "Bowdoin," to honor his alma mater.  MacMillan taught school for a few years before being recruited as an assistant by Admiral Robert E. Peary to sail on a 1908 Arctic expedition.

Onboard the Bowdoin was a complete 200-meter amateur station donated by the Zenith Radio corporation and an amateur radio operator, Donald H. Mix (1TS) provided by the ARRL.

Zenith station aboard the Bowdoin. Left to right are Fred Schnell, Donald H. Mix, Kenneth Warner, M. B. West, and Donald MacMillan

As a member of the seven-man crew, Mix transmitted a weekly five hundred word message to the North American newspaper Alliance.  The expedition was in contact with home until its return in September 1924.

“No polar expedition will attempt to go north again without radio equipment,” predicted Captain MacMillan.


Good DX and 73, NJ2X

Minds develop...

"I just believe that the way that young people's minds develop is fascinating. If you are doing something for a grade or salary or a reward, it doesn't have as much meaning as creating something for yourself and your own life." -- Steve Wozniak

Adventure science...

Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure science. — Edwin Powell Hubble

Edwin Powell Hubble

Jean Shepherd (K2ORS) Birthday July 26, 1921

Today we remember the great radio personality, writer, and storyteller Jean Shepherd (K2ORS) who was born on this day July 26, 1921.

Jean Shepherd

Chet Atkins (W4CGP) Birthday June 20, 1924

We remember the great Chet Atkins (W4CGP) born on this day June 20, 1924.  Chet Aktins was a "Certified Guitar Picker", Amerircan guitarist, and record producer.

Robert Moog (K2AMH) Birthday May 23, 1934

Today we celebrate the birthday of Robert Moog (K2AMH) who was born this day May 23, 1934.



K7UGA Barry Goldwater's Birthday January 2, 1909

Today we remember the great Senator Barry M. Goldwater (K7UGA) who was born on this day January 2, 1909.

 


Happy Birthday Joe (WB6ACU)

Joe Walsh (WB6ACU) was born this day November 20, 1947.  Happy Birthday Joe!

David Packard (9DRV) - Birthday September 7, 1912

Today we remember David Packard (9DRV) on his birthday (born September 7, 1912, in Pueblo, Colorado). Packard was the co-founder and a longtime executive officer of Hewlett-Packard Company. Packard was a gifted electrical engineer.  He built his first radio while still in elementary school and earned his amateur radio ticket while in high school.

David Packard

Hiram Percy Maxim's Birthday September 2, 1869

Hiram Percy Maxim was born this day on September 2, 1869.

Guglielmo Marconi's Brithday April 25, 1874

Guglielmo Marconi's was born this day on April 25, 1874 and changed the world forever with his groundbreaking work in radio.

Guglielmo Marconi, 1908

Joe Walsh WB6ACU

We find it interesting to learn about famous hams.  In this post we feature Joe Walsh WB6ACU who has been a ham since 1961 and more famously a member of The Eagles and a prolific recording artist.  Joe holds an FCC Amateur Extra Class license.  As a recording artist, Joe included CW messages in his albums (songs: "Register and Vote", "Register and Vote for Me").

WB6ACU pictured at his station - love that vintage gear!

WB6ACU Station

A short piece on YouTube with Joe talking about ham radio.

Bob Heil's Ham Nation 1: with guest Joe Walsh, WB6ACU 

Ham Nation is an excellent program and highly recommended.  Kudos to Bob Heil (K9EID).