I realize that I missed sending you a message last week.  The truth is that between my real job, the podcast, and the QSO Today Virtual  Ham Expo, there just was no time.  

The summer in Israel is beautiful, but the Covid-19 has killed the tourist industry here.  Hotels are open and used by Israelis who are also not traveling.  The XYL and I are anxious for a vacation, but know that we will be "staycationing" at home after the Expo on August 8th and 9th. It might even be fun to turn on the radio, build a new antenna, or build my Es'Hail earth station with the components I am accumulating over the last few months. 

It is a funny thing that social distancing can create some agoraphobia, preferring to stay away from other people, as the infection rate starts to climb with the loosening of restrictions. I can see it in myself, not wanting to risk infection by not leaving my office.  Forcing myself to go out to the store or to my client's office.   Once there, I am anxious to leave, preferring the cocoon of my home office.  Maybe therapy on Zoom is in order!

We are adding employees to the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo as we move closer to the event itself.  I guess I didn't realize how big this project could be when I started it.  My long time friend, Brad Grob, is handling the publicity for the event. In addition, we now have Emanuela, Rachel, and Colleen.  They are taking tasks off my plate so that I can get to bed at a reasonable hour. 

However, the world is changing, and the need for virtual conferences and conventions will only increase, even after we have the vaccine.  I told one of the Gold Sponsors, in a Zoom call, that I love the Dayton Hamvention, and was glad to have gone and would have gone again this year.  However, it is so big, that it was impossible to see the exhibitors, attend the presentations, and schmooze with the hams I met in the aisles.   I chose mostly to schmooze.  The advantage of the virtual expo is that there are 30 additional days to look at the exhibitor booths and their products and download the presentations.  Maybe in the future, we can add the virtual to the real, so that you can still go back after your leave the live show.  

I got to know Julius Jones, W2IHY, during his interview with me.  His expertise is audio and audio processing.  It is often confusing to most hams how to choose a microphone, especially if you want to upgrade from the microphone supplied by the manufacturer for your rig.  If you really want to sound great on SSB or AM, then you can use an audio processor.  We spend a few minutes on this subject and hope that we answer some audio questions.  Like me, Julius is also an identical twin. 

Thanks for listening. Stay safe and be careful out there. 

73, Eric 4Z1UG