An Old Radio, New GPS, and a Solution

Recently I stumbled on IO Gears GBS301 Bluetooth Wireless Adapter for RS232 Equipment. I hope this will enable me to connect an i. Treck M3 Bluetooth GPS to my Kenwood TM-D700A. Currently I use a Magellen 315 over a wired RS232 connection to supply position information to my Kenwood. On road trips I like to run an APRS beacon as a warning we’re coming (:

The other day my father, who gave me the M3, asked why I was still using the Magellen 315. I explained to him I didn’t have a way to transfer data from it to my radio. The M3 works extremely well with my Dell Axim X50v using Street Atlas and is allot of fun to play with in that capacity. I am hoping I can use IO Gears device to connect the GPS to my radio for APRS.

If you have any experience with this product let me know what you thing.

The Biggest Pacifier Ever

In a group there’s always a person who complains so much people give in to what he or she wants. Is it worth it? Does this person really get what they want or has he or she just made a fool of themselves? People who use complaining and badgering, instead of reason and logic, build a bad name. When finally getting their way it becomes a joke among others in the group; the world’s largest pacifier put in place to stop the flow of complaints.

Can you relate?

How You Know You Can Trust a Volunteer

In the past few years I’ve seen volunteers grow into positions and others not. A key question I always wonder when I meet a volunteer is “can I trust this person?” It’s not my nature to assume just because I’ve been introduced to a volunteer at church I can trust them. Here are several things that I look for.

1) Is this person on time?
2) Is this person reliable?
3) Does this person come prepared?
4) What are others recommendations about this person?
5) How does this person conduct himself or herself while working?
6) Does this person make professional decisions?
7) Is this person eager to improve their skills?

All these are discovered over time and involve trusting someone a little more each time. Nine times out of ten this works and I get a good volunteer that is willing to go the extra mile for the ministry.

An Idea I'd Like to See Work

Today Vickie came to talk with me about a video production program WYGN was offering. She was sent to me because I'm a an active volunteer. I also know most of the production resources in the area.

Several years ago WYGN, a local low power 3ABN affiliate, offered camera and editing resources to local producers, free of charge, to create local programing. While running the program only a couple of producers used the resources, and those that did never completed their projects.

Vickie remembered the program and came to see me about an idea for a pilot. As local producers go she had her ideas planned out more than anybody and was ready to get started. I'm wondering what the possibilities of getting the program back are.

Stay tuned for "Random Forming Thoughts."