We Interrupt this program for Breaking News

The Original intent of today's post was to cover Prepper Antennas. You will see that in a couple of days.

The Breaking News is about your ARRL (I am not a member, and the following is more evidence of why not.). The Nerds of Newington have come up with a new bent straight from the bowels of the ARRL Lab. It is called the Clean Signal Initiative 

The thrust of this effort is for transmitters (likely require all) to have a "clean" signal output.  I put this effort in the realm of the SAVE Act. The object of that act is not a clean vote but to suppress the vote of the non-MAGA voters. C'mon Donald, all of us are not blind!

And so should you be not blind about the impact of the ARRL Proposal. 

Open your eyes, for any new built ham transmitter to be legally sold in the USA it must be type accepted by the FCC. Kits for now slip under the radar as do homebrew transceivers/transmitters and boat anchors from the past. So why is the ARRL Lab taking on the job of the FCC?

Even the ARRL got a dose of their own medicine when they reissued the Tuna Tin Two project as the original design did not meet today's spectral purity standards.

But the biggest impact is to your wallet! The Far East Radio manufacturers will jump on this like a horny blonde. Their radio offerings will see a sale price increase to comply with the ARRL CSI rating, and you pay for it. 

In truth these manufacturers likely will affix a sticker to the back of the radio stating CSI compliant and do nothing more and the price goes up by $100. Since all the Far East Radio Manufactures will do it, the relative price points do not change except an increase for all of us to bear just like The Trump Tariffs.

We previously mentioned the Apache Labs SDR Radio and they have already been addressing this with their pre-distortion approach. An Apache Labs radio median price = $4500

From Copilot

Apache Labs’ ANAN series is best known for one signature capability: PureSignal adaptive predistortion, a real‑time linearization system that dramatically cleans up your transmitted SSB signal by reducing IMD products by 20–40 dB. If you care about clean transmit audio, driving an external amp, or operating in crowded bands, Apache Labs radios are in a class of their own. Here’s a clear, structured breakdown of what they offer and why they matter.
📡 What “Predistortion” Means in Apache Labs Radios
PureSignal (developed by Warren Pratt, NR0V) is an adaptive predistortion system built into the OpenHPSDR/Thetis ecosystem.
🔍 What it does

• Samples your actual RF output via a sampler or coupler

• Measures distortion products (IMD)

• Applies an inverse polynomial correction in real time

• Produces an extremely linear transmit signal

🧭 Why it matters

• Cleaner SSB, AM, and digital modes

• Dramatically reduced splatter on adjacent frequencies

• Ideal for driving solid‑state amps, which are more IMD‑sensitive

• Makes your signal look “lab‑grade” on panadapters

This is why Apache Labs radios are beloved by operators who care about signal purity, especially in competitive or crowded HF environments.
🏆 Apache Labs Models That Support PureSignal Predistortion
Below are the major models known for PureSignal capability, with notes from the search results.
ANAN‑10E

• Proven PureSignal performer

• Frequently used in demonstrations of predistortion effectiveness

• Example setup: ANAN‑10E + HF Packer Amp + Ameritron AL‑811 using PureSignal sampling

ANAN‑G1 (100W HF/6m SDR)

• Modern successor platform

• 16‑bit ADC, 100+ dB dynamic range

• Thetis‑compatible

• Designed for high‑performance TX/RX with PureSignal support

• Pre‑order model from Apache Labs

ANAN‑G2 / G2‑1K (800–1500W HF/6m SDR)

• Next‑generation architecture with massive FPGA horsepower

• Designed for extreme linearity and high‑power operation

• Ideal for PureSignal with built‑in sampling ports on some amps

• Pre‑order deposit model from ML&S

🧪 How PureSignal Works in Real Stations
A real‑world example from WA6NUT shows:

• ANAN‑10E running PureSignal

• Output sampled via directional coupler

• Amplified chain (HF Packer → AL‑811)

• Before/after panadapter images show dramatic IMD reduction

This is exactly why Apache Labs radios are favored by operators who run external amplifiers—PureSignal keeps the entire chain clean.
🧰 Why Apache Labs + PureSignal Is UniqueApache Labs radios are essentially lab‑grade SDRs with amateur‑radio‑friendly interfaces.

Apache Labs radios reward operators who appreciate:

• Clean transmit audio

• High dynamic range

• Open‑architecture SDR

• Ability to integrate external amps cleanly

• Experimentation with DSP and waveform shaping

Apache Labs has set the standard and now the ARRL wants it to be the standard for all radios. There will be the scope creep, and kits and home grown in time will be affected. Once MAGA fades, hams with Red Hats will join the ranks of the SDR Police to simply carry out the ARRL CSI mandate.

Remember it was the ARRL who instigated the incentive licensing initiative, today's current no class Extra Class and now CSI.  CSI will hit your wallet big time. 

The CSI rating will likely impact home grown rigs and then the ARRL's unstated goal of 100% operating and contests will be achieved. The ARRL argument boils down to a Lab Grade SDR in every ham shack.

Them that know, survive.

73's
Pete N6QW

Prepper #1 ~ Powering your Prepper 20W SSB Transceiver

So, you have in hand the Prepper 20 Watt SSB/CW transceiver and 12V, 10 Amp LiPo battery. Now you need a charging system for the battery. I turned to Copilot and specified a location and typical operation.

When sizing a charging system you have to know stuff. So, before you simply rush in and flash the plastic first flash the brain. Things you have to know include the load (20 Watts PEP with a 50% duty cycle), how much you will operate on a daily basis (1 hour per day) and your location. 

The location is a key factor like Yuma; AZ has 4000 hours of sunlight a year which is more than 10 hours a day every day. Port Townsend in WA, I swore had 4000 hours of rain a year. Location also plays a part in the tilt angle that you set the panels to garner the most energy generation. Solar panels are terribly inefficient like maybe 20% so every bit counts. Panel direction is also paramount. Find your old Cub Scout Compass and face the panels SOUTH.

In a apocalyptic scenario operating times may be limited but you also want the system sized so you get more than 15 minutes per day. You also must figure in the charging of phones and laptops.

Realistically I invoked the Chu Lai standard: MRE's, no lights at night and warm beer. Thus a 10 Amp battery was OK. You might think about building a crystal set as no power is required and you can run that 24/7 without batteries.

In my system I have included a small inverter to intermittently power devices that need 115V AC but no more than 70 watts. The inverter is good for 150 watts and has a single outlet and a USB charging port... get an adapter for USB B to USB C.

The answer was astonishing and the price was less than $50.

Solar Powered Charging System

🌄 Best Specific Model for POTA/SOTA

Topsolar 30W 12V/24V Monocrystalline Solar Panel Kit

Why this is the right choice for portable ham ops:

🏕️ Field‑Ready for POTA/SOTA

• 30W panel is the ideal size for backpack/portable ops — enough to recharge your 12 V 10 Ah LiPo after a day of SSB activity without being bulky.

• Lightweight and compact, easy to strap to a pack or deploy on a summit.

• Weather‑resistant for coastal or mountain environments.

🔋 Perfect Match for Your Load

Your 20 W SSB radio uses:

• 4A peak, 50% duty, 1 hour/day → 2Ah/day (≈24Wh/day)

A 30W panel in SoCal coastal sun produces:

Even derated, that’s 5–6× your daily consumption, giving:

• Fast battery recovery

• Margin for fog, shade, or short winter days

• Ability to operate longer if needed

⚡ Controller Included

• Comes with a charge controller suitable for 12 V LiFePO₄/LiPo systems.

• Protects your pack from overcharge and keeps things simple in the field.

🧰 Practical Advantages

• Works great with Powerpole adapters or ring terminals.

• Easy to mount on a tripod, lean against a rock, or lash to a pack.

• Affordable and widely used by portable operators.

10 Amp Battery and Inverter

For my location I point it South and set the tilt angle to 35 Degrees.

My actual radio is a KX3 @ 15 watts so the system will be loafing along. 

This brings up another key point and that is the radio power output level. The siren's song is the $250 Xiegu or a Usdx. That is like the blonde with fake boobs. Nice looking but still not full bodied. The minimum power is 15 watts with 20 watts a better choice. Likely in the apocalyptic scenario the hex beam didn't survive the negative peak air overpressure, and you have a wire in a stump. You will need a bit more than 5 watts to be heard with a wimp of an antenna.

Them that know... survive.

73's

Pete N6QW

It is time to get into the Prepper Mode!

A story to illustrate a point. In 1980 I left McDonnell Douglas as I had a boss who was simply ignorant. He resisted new ways of thinking and doing things. I had an MBA and some of the organizational problems we had were well studied and had remedies. He simply was risk averse to changing anything and so I left.

Late in 1981, out of the blue, I was contacted by McDonnell Douglas with a job offer to come to work in St Louis. The person making the call apologized and said we should have never let you leave. It was my electronics background, and facilities experience that was key. They wanted me to be the project manager to build a microelectronics fab. Also, key was 10 years at McDonnell Douglas, as I intimately knew the work processes. The bag of money was big enough and in January of 1982 I moved to St. Louis. That meant snow, ice and dangerous driving.

The 1st day on the job I was introduced to a staff assistant whose job was to help me get up to speed. My 1st question was about the weather and driving conditions as I lived in the county some 35 miles from the plant. The staff assistant said don't worry when it is really bad, I will call you and let you know. I didn't think anything more about it and come April, we had a terrible snowstorm. At 3 AM the phone rings and it is the staff assistant, and he says just wanted to let you know... It is really bad.

[The following is hypothetical but does start to respond to the what if scenario. We are a divided nation, the economy sucks, there is a war going on, a major election in 7 months and it is a worldwide issue.] 

So here is your 3 AM call... It is bad. The world situation is tenuous, so this is a good time to get prepared. Call up your favorite AI program and ask about the Trump 2.0 Iran War and what it's doing to stability in the world. It is headed past its 3rd week, and we have already spent Billions on the war.  As it is now, this is not a one and done event. Any plan that existed is now on some new course. As we can see on TV, the Straits of Hormuz does need a big cork to stop the flow of liquid gold. 

 

Some of the things that should be done are easy and involve very simple process changes.

Maybe you might remember the Odd Even gas days of the 1970's. We are so dependent on our autos and so the 1st simple change is to keep your gas tanks full and battery charged. Keep in mind that an EMP can wipe out the use of automobiles and EV's.

Find, build or buy a 20-Watt HF SSB radio so you can communicate when all the cell towers go toes up. A 10 Amp LiPo Battery with a solar charger will keep you on the air and connected for any communications from the government. Xiegu, Elecraft, Yaesu and others have these radios. Get a small inverter (about $15) so you can charge your cell phone from the battery should there still be cell service. 

Collect two changes of clothing including a warm jacket and Boonie Hat. Pack it away for emergency use only. (So, you don't routinely touch it.) Ditch the flip flops and invest in a quality pair of hiking boots. Put a Space Blanket in the pack and purchase a cheap plastic poncho to keep dry.

Name me one person who is not on Meds... Oh, that is right they don't live in the USA. You should always try to have a two-week stash of critical medications. A First Aid Kit is another item.

Cash will be king. Have several hundred dollars in smaller bills and stash these inside your underwear. A check with any lap dancer can tell you the how it is done.

A small bag of tools could be on the critical path. Six in one screw drivers, multi-tools sold by Gerber and others plus add in a solid knife with a 4-inch blade. A WWII Kabar is perfect. (I have one I carried in Vietnam.) Include flashlights and spare batteries. Fire Starters, signal mirrors and flares round out the tools. If you can find some para cord and fishing hooks throw that in the kit. 

Weapons is a big question and when it comes down to it may be more dangerous to have one as not. That said you may want to consider purchasing the AR-7 Survival Rifle for hunting small game and warding off wild animals. This rifle comes apart and the receiver and barrel plus magazines fit inside the waterproof stock. It shoots 22 Cal LR. Henry Arms now makes the AR-7. (About $400. Check Bass Pro Shops / Cabella's)


Critical documents that you will need should be amassed and secured such as passports, birth certificates, naturalization documents, drivers licenses, property ownership and marriage certificates. For veterans, your DD214 is the E Ticket. A waterproof pouch is a must to contain these documents. It might be a good idea to get fingerprinted and have your prints in the pouch. Also prepare a contact list with phone numbers, email addresses etc. Get with your family and have a prearranged contact plan for when there is an emergency there is a communications central. 

 

AR-7 Survival Rifle

Become familiar with your local area (maps, guides, etc.) and locate a safe area that can be accessed on foot. If you are going to run away from home, you better have a place to run to in an emergency.

Last but not least is food. Purchase a stock of 20 MRE's per person (2 meals for 10 days). They are packed with calories and easily cooked in the field. In lieu of extensive water storage, have water purification kits. 

This is a lot to absorb but it is the reality and not a perception. Hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.

This was a hypothetical brain dump, but you might want to find and watch the following three movies: Red Dawn, The Day After and Independence Day. Cheesy, yes but they all have a common theme... it can't happen here. But it did and for the most part they were unprepared. A critical solution in Independence Day was the use of Morse Code. Oh yeah, no longer a ham license requirement.

Them that know... survive. This is your 3 AM wake up call.

73's

Pete N6QW

A Who Done It Mystery

When I am home growing a new rig I like to first "noodle" the expected result. When I use one of the standard FOAM modules (Filter Oscillator Amplifier Mixer), in advance I have a calibration that a properly operating IRF510 RF Final should produce more than 100 milliwatts on 40M. This process works pretty well for non-SDR radios. Throw that out the door when you add a single board computer to the hardware set.

From time to time, I drag out my home grown 20M SDR transceiver. There was such an event yesterday. The main SDR board can be interfaced with a variety of SBC's including an RPi3, 4 and 5 as well as a Windows 11 machine and the ASUS Tinker Board. All of these computers are running QUISK from N2ADR. This is where the mystery starts.

Home Grown SDR

R Pi 5

No contest as the Linux based machines performs much better using QUISK than anything Windows. The only reason I have QUISK on the Windows 11 Machine is that I can now operate the Hermes Lite 2.0 which is 100 feet away from the shop computer with five different software programs including QUISK.

Prior to Python 3, the ASUS boards were better than the R Pi Boards. But I have been unable to update the Tinker Boards with Python 3. The latest versions of QUISK require Python 3. So as a class the R Pi Boards work with Python 3.

Changing nothing with the Analog hardware, the results with the various R Pi's is not predictable and therein lies the mystery. I have always had difficulty with the R Pi 4 to work with QUISK, and my home grown SDR. No problem with the R PI 3 or R PI5. The issue with the R PI 4 is the external USB sound card. Remove that device and it works FB but install it and the spectrum literally bounces all over the screen. 

I thought I might have a faulty R Pi 4 and a 2nd purchase resulted in the same issue. The R Pi 4 and R Pi 5 are running in the 64-Bit Mode. Taking the SD Card out of the R Pi 4 and swapping into an R Pi 5 and it runs without the jumping of the Spectrum. So, the problem must exist with the R Pi 4 system architecture. 

I have two R Pi 5's and swapping the same SD Card between the two results in different performance. The problem du jour is that I see a trace of a recurrent spike on the received spectrum. 

Noise Spikes

Now, I have a desktop machine running Linux Mint 20 and I spotted the same type of spike, even with the machine off. As I found out many of the desktop machines even though off have a Wake on LAN capabilities, so, they are not really off. When I unplugged the Mint 20 machine the spike at that time disappeared as you could hear the spike in an adjacent KWM-2. So, I am suspecting something new in my home is the culprit. I replaced the Mint 20 Computer power supply with a quality low noise unit and that seemed to fix that problem.

[I seem to recall friend N2CQR had a recurrent noise spike issue traced to a new tread mill.]

But using different SD Cards in the R Pi 5 has variability in the presence of the recurrent spike with one SD Card only showing a slight trace and the other is much more apparent. The awful truth just like blondes versus redheads, all SD Cards are not the same. Plus, we all know blondes are "spikey". Likely you really need a premium SD card to exact the best performance overall. It follows there are blondes and there are blondes!

Them that know at times may not know.

73's

Pete N6QW

A Lot Happening in the World Today.

Well, if your son or grandson gets drafted or has to go to war, it is a short distance to who is responsible and it is not Joe Biden.

One surely has to wonder about the decision process to engage in another Mid-east war such as the ongoing one in Iran. I can just visualize a voice in the room that said it will be over in one day and don't worry about the oil supply. It been 17 days and gas prices suck.

Here is what I see as radio with a pedigree for being a top-of-the-line main station radio. This is the first radio for all of those 45 Minute Extra's as nothing differentiates just any old driver from one who drives a Ferrari. I await a You Tube video showing the   YL ham radio newcomer as they unbox this jewel in the crown,

ANAN-G2 Ultra HF & 6M 100W Ultra High Performance SDR

For about $4500 (above) you can have the Apache Labs 100-Watt High Performance SDR that will make you the envy of anyone who can hear you. This radio stands up and barks!

ANAN-G2-1K 1000W+ HF & 6M SDR Transceiver

For those seeking the ne plus ultra meet the Apache Labs ANAN-G2-1K, (above). This is all you will ever need for contests and operating and it can be had for a mere $7500. 

Just think, you can put all that extra cash sitting in your pocket, a gift from Trump 2.0, and finally get a real station. All the money from the booming economy, the tariffs and the dwindling gas supply finally has made you wealthy. Soon AI will give you even more time for contests and operating. 

When you yell CQ POTA you will be heard with one of the world's finest radios. No warmed-over home grown Bitx40 even comes close.

Those of us who know are telling you about the best radio to make you the envy of every ham op worldwide. Order one today! (Yeah right!)

73's

Pete N6QW

    

 

3000 sailors and 6 single women. Chapter 10

This is a final chapter of my Midway adventures, and this ties up some loose ends. I know the blog readership has dropped dramatically and I understand that fact. But this is a historical account, and it was important for me to document my being 21 years old and starting my adult life with an assignment to a small, remote Pacific Island.

I hope to have the last laugh when my adventures result in a movie. I have been encouraged to carry this forward with that as a goal. Maybe its star will be Brad Pitt as an old N6QW and reflects on his Midway adventures.

 

Old BOQ complete with many Gooney Birds.

I wanted to share a few more words about the Gooney Bird abatement project. As you can see the Gooney's are everywhere. The Bird Abatement project involved the extermination of 22,198 birds and this is how it was done.

We took a dump truck and fitted the tail gate with a spring-loaded trap door that opened inwardly. The open top of the truck was covered with two layers of heavy canvas which was secured to the truck, so it was solid. A 2-inch pipe port was fitted to the tail gate, and a hose connected this port to the truck exhaust pipe. In effect a portable gas chamber. 

The pick team developed a process where they used welder's gloves to grab the bill of the Gooney and with the other hand grabbed the wings at the shoulder to immobilize the bird. The next step was insertion into the chamber via the spring-loaded trap door. We had a counter person so that a load of 50 birds was done at one time. We kept precise records. The gas time for an average load of 50 birds was 2 minutes and 17 seconds. After that time, we had a skip loader at the ready and put the dump mechanism in play and the transfer was made. A second truck collected the dead birds and when full went to the garbage scow for subsequent dumping at sea. 

The garbage scow had a full load of 10,000 birds and went out to sea. A storm came up and it didn't quite make it to the dump area but dumped anyway. The next day 10,000 dead birds washed up on the shores of Midway and had to be picked up a second time.

The junior officers invariably get the rotten jobs.

I wanted to share why I had a 13-month tour of duty on Midway where the norm is 12 months. The Civil Engineer Corps Officers frequently are on detached duty as a ROICC. (Resident Officer In Charge of Construction.) Say the Navy has contracted a civilian company to build a ship drydock. Then the CEC Officer is an on-site rep for the Navy during construction. Other billets would be like I had on Midway in Public Works but many of these billets often have a total civilian work force. The third billet was assignment in the Construction Battalions.

Near the end of my regular tour on Midway, (September 1964) it was evident to the Navy War Planners that Seabees would be going to Vietnam. I had a particular skill set since for my year on Midway I was essentially in the Seabees as I worked with and had Seabees report to me. The plan was to find Officers who already had experience with the Seabee enlisted personnel be assigned to the battalions who would be 1st to go to Vietnam. Short story: wrong place at the right time. There was a detachment on Midway of MCB 10 and in effect MCB 10 would be the 1st in country... and we were. So, my 13th month was spent as a part of Detachment Alpha, MCB10.

Shortly after arriving in Vietnam, we got a new CO. This new CO spent a lot of time in DC and was well known to Congress and the Navy. He was also the detailer who put me in MCB-10. After his arrival in Vietnam, he interviewed all of us individually and asked a few probing questions. He was a Naval Academy grad and had a different view of regular versus reserve officers. I happened to be a regular USN officer. At our interview he asked what was a looking for. I simply said a fair shake as I now had two hardship assignments back-to-back and would like some duty stateside. He told me that I was put here because it would be good for my career as a regular officer

He then said do a good job for me and I will see you get assigned stateside. Fair enough. At this time, I was the Admin/Personnel Officer, Battalion Adjutant and my other job was Intelligence Officer. 

Our work relationship started with the CO saying draft me a letter to Senator XXX telling him we need his support for new equipment. Fortunately, I did attend Admin/Personnel school and knew the FDR method for Naval Correspondence. Facts, Discussion, Request or Reply. After one or two letters he signed all following letters as written. Two months after the Battalion returned stateside, I had orders to a stateside billet. 

A final experience with Midway was not so good and it was when I was in MCB 10. In October of 1965 I was chosen as the Officer in Charge of the Advanced Party to arrange for the main body to return home in time for Christmas. 

The night before I was to leave Chu Lai, I was asked to turn in my side arm as we were short of guns. I did that but had a personal .357 magnum. We got attacked that night with VC running through the camp shooting up the place. Go figure, I am going home, no .45 and we are under attack. The raiding party was subdued and three of the dead (women) worked in the camp doing cleaning tasks.

So, all my uniforms are in my B5 Bags and essentially, I am in Seabee Green Fatigues. Our first stop was on Midway for refueling and I couldn't wait to go to the O Club and get a cold beer and a steak. I walk into the O club (it was a Saturday afternoon) and was asked to leave as now they did not allow officers in the club in flight suits or fatigues. I tried to explain this is all I had and less than 24 hours ago was being shot at. No Dice. So, then I went to the general mess and asked if I could get a meal which I would pay for. No problem. I have fond memories of the Midway General Mess. 

In true Navy tradition if you consider Midway and Chu Lai as join the Navy and see the world then I guess I did. In my last duty assignment at Port Hueneme (1966-1967), I did have a great job, a fast car and I met my wife. But I also had to make a short second trip back to Da Nang on TDY.

My Midway Adventures provided me an invaluable life lesson. In true form, there is The Right Way, The Wrong Way, The Navy Way and then there is Midway. It will always be in my mind and heart... 3000 sailors and 6 single women.

It should be required that all future Presidents serve in the military as one of the qualifications to be President. With such a grounding there is a better understanding of any action taken has consequences. Regrettably most recent presidents did not serve, and we can see today why the lack of service... well, you can finish that sentence.

73's

Pete N6QW

3000 sailors and 6 single women. Chapter 9

December 1963, no we are not talking about the Four Seasons song but the real year. [Hang in there only two more chapters and this series is over.]

December 1963

I had been stationed on Midway for about 4 months now and making fewer mistakes as I learned that there is The Right Way, The Wrong Way, The Navy Way, and then there is Midway.

We were still reeling from the JFK assassination and what could have potentially happened beyond that tragic event. It also was the time of my 22nd birthday and kind of a sign of maturity. (I also continued to avoid being dessert.) Christmas was a time for celebration, but this is the 1st time in my life that I wouldn't be spending Christmas with the family.

But the 1st huge problem is just like in the movie Operation Christmas Drop, here was a remote pacific island, no indigenous Christmas trees and so what do you do? Literally hundreds of plastic Christmas trees were shipped into the Navy Exchange. 

Then I looked at the Officer of the Day watch list... I was, the most junior officer on the island, therefore had the watch on Christmas eve. I could have made book on that. Well, it was an eventful watch and a lot happened that evening. I did make my final tour at 11PM and stopped by the General Mess for a final inspection, only this time it was not donuts, but a small bag of Christmas cookies. Nice.

About 2 AM the phone rings and there was a break-in ongoing at the Officers Club. I hustled down to the OOD station picked up the .45 and sped to Officers Club. I arrived just in time to see two male figures in civilian clothes running down the beach with what appeared to be was two cases of beer. I gave chase but they disappeared into the night. The 1st thing I did was contact the O Club Officer to apprise him of the break-in and that he needed to take an inventory of what was missing and we could arrange for some help to secure the facility. Groan, I now had to spend hours creating an after-action report. I didn't get back to bed until after 5 AM for about 1 hour of sleep. Merry Christmas, Pete! 

We not only had an OOD but also had a Command Duty Officer and when I returned the next morning to turn over the watch he was waiting for me and was pissed that someone had the balls to break into the O Club. He further questioned me regarding could I identify them, did I try to have them stop as they were running away, was I armed and did I try shooting at them.

I answered as follows: It was pitch black and I couldn't provide detailed info like clothing, ethnicity plus they were fairly far away when I arrived on scene. Yes, I did yell for them to stop at least four times and yes, I was armed. But I did not discharge my weapon as I would be shooting blind in the dark and there was a high risk of collateral damage. True it was a robbery, but the value of the goods taken would likely not justify discharging my weapon in a situation where there was no visibility. He simply grunted.

Our Departmental XO invited several of us over for Christmas Dinner at 4PM. He was an interesting guy as he was in his early 40's and was on his second marriage to a cutesy blond who was my age. They had a young baby about 2 years old.  He must have had a great pickup line and just scratched my head but did think he was a sly fox. What a great December 1963, yeah right.

Them that know can make things go.

73's

Pete N6QW

BTW I was KM6DD on Midway.