September 2, 2014 AsktheBuilder Newsletter & Tips

It's over.

Summer that is. The unofficial end of summer is profound here in New Hampshire. The lake I live on is now quiet. The summer residents are abandoning the area like rats from a sinking ship.

You know it's going to be winter soon when you see the first dock raised out of the water. I saw it yesterday across from me.

This past Saturday, I attended a fascinating three-hour workshop about the National Traffic System. I know what you're thinking, cars and trucks.

Nope. Traffic is a word used in the radio industry about messages and commercials.

Are you aware that there's a little-known system that's been in use for nearly 100 years that allows YOU to get a message from one person to another when normal communications are down? It's the National Traffic System (NTS) operated by unpaid volunteer ham radio operators.

You can use it to send a congratulations message or any other non-sensitive communication between yourself and a family member or friend. In fact, I BEG you to do this so the system continues to get oiled each week. It's very important that the system gets used and the operators have something to do.

The NTS is in place in case of an emergency. What happens if the big earthquake happens and knocks out all the cell towers and Internet connections out in San Jose, CA where my daughter Meghan now lives? How will she let us know she and her husband are alive? How can we get a message to her? You got it, the NTS.

How do you get a message into the system? Just look up your local ham radio club and contact the president of the group. He'll know what to do. Send a simple message to your son, daughter, or grandchild who lives in a distant town or city. Request they send a Radiogram postcard.

Are you a ham operator or have one in your family?

Can you ask that ham to contact me via email? Thanks!

Tip of the Week - Be VERY Careful about Endorsements

I know you've seen them and you may take them with a grain of salt. Good for you.

But what happens when you see SIX of them all saying they love a particular product? Does that sway you into buying it?

You better read a column I just wrote about Home Improvement Celebrity Endorsements.

New Delta 10-Inch Workshop Table Saw

I received a press release about the new 5000-series Delta table saw. Years ago, I owned a Delta saw and it was a power-horse. It made gorgeous cuts and the cast-iron table was rock solid.

If you're looking to treat yourself to an early Christmas present - it's just over 100 days away! - then take a gander at this bad boy.