When teaching ham radio license classes, I often get asked whether the FCC enforces the Part 97 rules and regulations. That is, how likely is it that the FCC would come after me if I violate the rules? This same question surfaces concerning the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). This morning, I looked at the FCC Enforcement Actions page, to Continue reading FCC Enforcement Actions→
Curious about what you can hear on shortwave ham radio? This video is a brief survey of the diverse world of communications on the shortwave spectrum. Expand your radio horizons and enhance your emergency communication preparedness by tuning in to the world of shortwave ham radio. If you’ve started delving into radio communications beyond local […]
Hello summer...With another big Summer issue. The July-August 2024 Communicator, digital periodical of Surrey Amateur Radio Communications is now available for viewing or download.Read in over 150 countries, we bring you 120+ pages of Amateur Radi...
Turning back time to virtually witness a critical historic method of shortwave communication using the fundamental mode of continuous wave modulation. This is a film from 1944, teaching the basics of Morse code, for military comms. What is the proper (and most efficient) technique for creating Morse code by hand, using a manual Morse code […]
Hams may have various reasons for disliking FT8, a digital mode of communication in amateur radio. Here are some common concerns and criticisms:
Lack of Personal Interaction
Minimal Communication: FT8 involves short, automated exchanges of information with little to no conversational content, which some hams find impersonal.
Reduced Social Aspect: Traditional modes like SSB, CW, and phone allow for more personal interaction and socializing, which many operators value.
Skill and Challenge
Lower Skill Requirement: FT8 is relatively easy to use and doesn’t require the same level of operating skill or knowledge of radio theory as modes like CW or SSB.
Less Technical Challenge: Some hams enjoy the challenge of optimizing their stations and skills, and FT8’s automated nature can feel less rewarding.
Impact on Bands
Band Congestion: FT8’s popularity can lead to crowded frequencies, making it harder for operators using other modes to find clear spots on the bands.
Dominance of Bands: The widespread use of FT8 can sometimes overshadow other modes, leading to a perceived imbalance in band usage.
Perceived Value
Questionable Accomplishment: Making contacts with FT8 can feel less like an achievement since it relies heavily on automated software and less on operator skill.
Awards and Certificates: Some operators feel that awards earned through FT8 contacts are less meaningful compared to those earned through more traditional modes.
NOTE I RESPECT FT8 AND ENJOY OPERATING IN ROBOT MODE SO I CAN MAKE LOTS OF CONTACTS WHILE SNORING AWAY IN MY SLEEP
JOHN ips
You made 8 contacts Steve on FT8 and I made 32 on SSB during the hour. I got my activation done so catch ya later!
Hams enjoy operating in Parks on the Air (POTA) events for several reasons:
Connection with Nature
Scenic Locations: Operating from beautiful, natural settings adds an element of enjoyment and relaxation.
Outdoor Activity: Combines the hobby of amateur radio with the benefits of being outdoors, promoting physical well-being.
Challenge and Adventure
Portable Operation: Setting up and operating a station in a remote or temporary location presents a fun and rewarding challenge.
Adaptability: Hams must adapt to different environments and overcome obstacles, such as power sources, antenna setups, and varying weather conditions.
Community and Camaraderie
Social Interaction: POTA events often bring together like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
Engagement: Operators enjoy the interaction with other hams worldwide, exchanging QSL cards and earning recognition.
Skill Development
Technical Skills: Provides an opportunity to test and improve technical skills, from setting up portable antennas to optimizing power sources.
Operating Skills: Enhances operating skills under different conditions, improving proficiency in making contacts (QSOs).
Recognition and Awards
Achievements: Many hams enjoy the recognition and awards associated with POTA, such as certificates and endorsements for activating or contacting multiple parks.
Friendly Competition: Participating in POTA events can add an element of friendly competition, motivating operators to improve their performance and achieve more.
Promotion of Amateur Radio
Public Awareness: Operating in public spaces helps raise awareness about amateur radio, potentially attracting new enthusiasts to the hobby.
Community Service: Demonstrates the capabilities of amateur radio in providing communication in remote or emergency situations.
Personal Fulfillment
Sense of Accomplishment: Successfully activating a park and making contacts provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
Relaxation and Enjoyment: Combining a beloved hobby with the tranquility of nature creates a unique and enjoyable experience.
These diverse factors contribute to the appeal of Parks on the Air events, making them a popular activity among amateur radio operators.
Tks Sean
Be ham radio Active and get off the coach and stop watching YouTube videos of hams activating parks. Get out and do your own!!!!
Hams may have various reasons for disliking FT8, a digital mode of communication in amateur radio. Here are some common concerns and criticisms:
Lack of Personal Interaction
Minimal Communication: FT8 involves short, automated exchanges of information with little to no conversational content, which some hams find impersonal.
Reduced Social Aspect: Traditional modes like SSB, CW, and phone allow for more personal interaction and socializing, which many operators value.
Skill and Challenge
Lower Skill Requirement: FT8 is relatively easy to use and doesn’t require the same level of operating skill or knowledge of radio theory as modes like CW or SSB.
Less Technical Challenge: Some hams enjoy the challenge of optimizing their stations and skills, and FT8’s automated nature can feel less rewarding.
Impact on Bands
Band Congestion: FT8’s popularity can lead to crowded frequencies, making it harder for operators using other modes to find clear spots on the bands.
Dominance of Bands: The widespread use of FT8 can sometimes overshadow other modes, leading to a perceived imbalance in band usage.
Perceived Value
Questionable Accomplishment: Making contacts with FT8 can feel less like an achievement since it relies heavily on automated software and less on operator skill.
Awards and Certificates: Some operators feel that awards earned through FT8 contacts are less meaningful compared to those earned through more traditional modes.
NOTE I RESPECT FT8 AND ENJOY OPERATING IN ROBOT MODE SO I CAN MAKE LOTS OF CONTACTS WHILE SNORING AWAY IN MY SLEEP
JOHN ips
You made 8 contacts Steve on FT8 and I made 32 on SSB during the hour. I got my activation done so catch ya later!
After several thousand contacts with the MC-750 I can say that it is still like new. Of course, after a snowfall or rainfall I do wipe the antenna before storage into its excellent case.
I love this antenna because it works with my QRP radios and Ft-891 that do not have a tuner.
Jab spike into grass, extend whip to 14Mhz mark…go operate as SWR is always under 2:1 using its fixed radial length of 10 ft.
4 radials (wait isn’t it counterpoise?) has been proven to be a great performer. I always lay them on the ground and it just works with QRP contacts into Europe on 20m.
I have put all my end feds into a bag as to really work DX you need an efficient antenna without Balun losses and tuners in place (more losses) AND a low angle of radiation. The MC-750 gives you this.
I also tried the antenna on 40m understanding its a bit short so the performance is a bit short (usually an S unit or 2) but the speed of activation and recovery is awesome.
I deployed it this time on the rocks and was rewarded with some good contacts on 40m. The 40m coil is well built and has protection from the elements. I love POTA and my POTA is usually on 40 or 20m.
The Q is very good for the coil and the bandwidth is good so readjustment isn’t really needed when hunting for parks.
JNC is working hard to bring more affordable antenna products to the market place but only are they released after much testing and protyping.
I love the custom case with pockets that contain everything from getting lost. Its stood countless tossing into the truck, rain pour and transport on my bike. This alone is worth $60. The zippers work properly and there is room in the case for coax and even a QRP labs QCX radio. Even a swiss army knife and a energy bar and water flask.
My French River activation and Field day activity included 2 primary antennas (I brought a third for testing) and after the poor results with the end fed long wire with my 9:1 balloon I just kept the MC-750 connected. The band change from 40m to 20m was fast as well. Recover the 40m coil then extend the whip to 14mHz and run back to the cabin to operate.
The team has added some accessories and other items of interest to hams at price points that are affordable and designed and built extremely well. Pride in workmanship is a key company value.
I have had two MFJ telescopic whips fall apart due to poor quality and workmanship but my MC-750 whip although lighter in weight has worked admirably.
Get OUT and operate not sitting on a couch watching YouTube on people activating parks. Operate not watch!
John VE3IPS
Icom 705 at 5 watts with the MAT-705 tuner for the end fed and the Heil headset. QRP works and life is long enough.
My DIY 9:1 hangs off a nail
Working DX on 20m Thanks to the F6 in France using 5 watts SSB.
just some simple macro work cant work DX all day right?
Just stick the ground spike into the crack and go operate. At 17 ft and the base coil its a formidable weapon for 40m activity especially where a dipole cant be put up. I am constantly surprised how well it works on 40m with High Q and great bandwidth.
E-members of AMSAT-UK can now download the July 2024 edition of OSCAR News, issue 244, here.
The paper edition edition will be sent to postal members and should arrive in the next 2-3 weeks.
In this issue:
• From the Secretary’s Keyboard
• Satellite News
• ARISS International Face to Face Meeting 2024 and 40th Celebration of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight by Ciaran Morgan, M0XTD
• QO-100 School contacts by John M5JFS
• FUNcube+ AMSAT-UK’s Next Mission by David Bowman, G0MRF
• Assessing Path Loss Due to Weather in Newfoundland by David Bowman, G0MRF
• VO1/M0XUU Operation from Newfoundland by R. Gopan M0XUU
• The QO-100 Challenge from VO1 by Graham, G3VZV
• VO1NAR Beacon by Graham Dillabough, VO1DZ
In ON245 we will continue with articles on the QO-100 Challenge from the VO100QO
AMSAT-UK FUNcube Mission Patch
Membership of AMSAT-UK is open to anyone who has an interest in amateur radio satellites or space activities, including the International Space Station (ISS).
E-members of AMSAT-UK are able to download the quarterly publication OSCAR News as a convenient PDF that can be read on laptops, tablets or smartphones anytime, anyplace, anywhere. Join as an E-member at Electronic (PDF) E-membership
This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the Real POTA-ble antenna, highlighting its features, deployment tips, and advantages for amateur radio operators on the go.
Radio Waves: Stories Making Waves in the World of Radio Welcome to the SWLing Post’s Radio Waves, a collection of links to interesting stories making waves in the world of radio. Enjoy! Many thanks to SWLing Post contributors Dan Robinson, William Pietschman, NT, and Tracy Wood for the following tips: Walkie talkie made by Chinese firm link […]
The Frankentenna consists of parts from three different antennas to create a 25 foot tall vertical non resonant radiator that when combined with a remote antenna tune results in amazing performance on the bands. Join me at the Plover River State Fishery and Wildlife Area (POTA US-10054) in North Central Wisconsin as I put this park on the air.
As a bonus, patrons can view the full, unedited phone contacts for this Parks on the Air activation. Visit my page on Patreon for details: https://www.patreon.com/kb9vbrantennas
I do return QSL, if you made a contact with me and would like a QSL, please send me one. Return postage not necessary, but always appreciated. As they say, KB9VBR is ‘good in the book.
Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect the price you pay.
I have been playing around with the weak-signal propagation mode WSPR for about a year now. Most of my WSPR initial work was in receiving and reporting Spots from WSPR transmitters. Now I wanted to do some HF antenna testing but it was in a rough RF reception environment. So instead of receiving and reporting WSPR packets, I decided to use a WSPR Transmitter and to analyze resulting Spots reported by monitoring Stations. That allows me to see how other stations are receiving my signal, as I change or modify antennas. I think using a single transmitter on my end, and many receivers is better than the alternative for me anyway. It gives me control of the most important signal factors.
Antenna Testing with WSPR
It seems like WSPR is a natural for HF antenna testing and evaluation/comparison. I have heard some say that it is NOT a good vehicle for antenna testing because of the way HF propagation changes and varies over time. It IS true that you could not perform evaluation of a single antenna over many weeks or months without considering this variable. There are some things to keep in mind when using WSPR for testing of antennas:
HF Propagation changes, so you must run tests over relatively short periods of time and watch for significant events (like Solar Storms) that could change signal propagation on a Band or Bands.
Remember that you do NOT know what is on the receiving end of the link, unless you coordinate with the receiving Station. But there are many stations that are monitoring consistently with fixed antenna configurations.
If running tests over several days, test at the same time of day or as close as possible for each run.
For best results, find some Stations that appear to always be monitoring, and seem to be able to pickup your signals on a daily basis. There are may out there.
If you are using a particular Receive Station and you want to make sure they are using a consistent antenna on some Band, just ask them. Most people using WSPR would be thrilled to hear that you are using their WSPR reports to improve your Station/antennas
Selecting a WSPR Transmitter
You can use most modern HF radios with WSJT-X software as your WSPR transmitter. There are some drawbacks. Many HF Transceivers only go down to 5 watts. While this is acceptable, it is overkill. Most testing on WSPR is done with 10s or hundreds of milliwatts. If you do not use GPS for timing, some other means of time synchronization will be required. For my field testing, I selected a nice portable WSPR Transmitter from Zachtek. There are many transmitters out there to choose from. The one I am using can be found here. A picture is provided below. Help is also readily available on the Zachtek forum, if you run into any trouble.
This unit uses just 5V DC which you can provide from any USB charger. It does REQUIRE GPS and an antenna is provided. GPS is used for both timing ad location calculation, so it is not optional. I have found that placing the included GPS antenna on a ground plane (mine is about 10 X 10 inches) gives me adequate signal, even inside my house with metal-backed roof insulation. The Zachtek Desktop unit can transmit on any HF Band or a combination of Bands. For my current testing, I transmit on 15, 20, and 80 meters during each 10 minute time period.
Observing WSPR reports for your Transmissions
All stations that receive WSPR packets can report their signal reports to a universal database. You can find this database online and have permanent access to all WSPR Spots ever reported. There is also an incredible WSPR front-end by VK7JJ which can be found at WSPR.ROCKS This provides an interface for extracting and sorting of WSPR Spots from the universal database. Here is a screenshot of my WSPR reports after a few hours. I was using 200 mW from the Zachtek Transmitter and the antenna was an 80 meter broadband dipole. Here is a screenshot of the map vies for my transmissions at the WSPR.Rocks Site:
Table-oriented lists are also available at WSPR.ROCKS and they can be easily imported into any spreadsheet or data analysis software.
Initial Results
When I start a WSPR session, I am always shocked at the locations where my low-power WSPR transmissions are being received. This transmitter is well designed for protection even from poorly-matched antennas. Antenna tuners are not really needed unless there is some terribly high-SWR case that is being used.
I have now found several WSPR monitoring stations that can receive my signals on a daily basis. I am just in the process of creating some test scenarios for evaluation. If you like working with HF antennas and you aren’t using WSPR, why not? It takes little of no investment if you already have HF radio equipment. If you give this a try, please let me know how it works out for you. There is much to be learned here!
THE W3FF HOMEBREW BUDDIPOLE A PORTABLE ANTENNA DESIGN FOR AMATEUR RADIO History of the Buddipole
In January of 2000, Budd W3FF began experimenting with a “walking portable” ham station. Since then, thousands of stations have been worked on the amateur radio bands, mostly from 10 Meters through 60 Meters.
The radio of choice here is a Yaesu FT-857ND. The new Lithium Ion Nano-phosphate batteries, the A-123’s are the way to go for power. A two pound A-123 gives me two hours of SSB operating with 100 watts and the ‘857d. (A-123’s and chargers are under accessories at Buddipole.com.)
Instructions are on this website for two homebrew HF antennas that are easy to build and very effective…………the Buddipole and the Buddistick, a vertical antenna that uses PVC with a variety of whip options.
The mast is important. I have several, but in order to get the feedpoint up high, I use either a Buddipole commercial mast ( Buddipole.com ) or a painter’s pole with a Center Tee Adapter. That adapter changes the odd Acme thread to a half inch pipe thread. That’s the thread used on the homebrew and commercial antennas I will describe. My son, Chris W6HFP, suggested we go commercial with the Buddipole, and we did that back in July 2002. You can see the commercial products at Buddipole.com. Chris now runs the company, and I do the technical support and help the homebrewers with any questions.
So somehow I have the original Buddipole back to 2003 to the latest BuddiHex and bits and bobs in between (TRSB is a must) along with several masts and a Mastwerks. Do I have 5 zip cases of various Buddipole antennas and tripods? Yes Sir! Total Fan Boy maniac OCD
Heard them…worked them…logged them…
I have made several thousand contacts from 80 to 2m and have always been happy with the excellenet workmanship and proof of concepts actually prototyped for some time before release to market.
Looking to expand the device capability I stumbled across a really interesting little project that is still in the early stages of development but, is functional and worth trying out.
The TC²-BBS Meshtastic Version is a simple BBS system that runs on a RaspberryPi, Linux PC or virtual machine (VM) and can connect to a Meshtastic device via either serial, USB or TCP/IP. Having my M0AWS-1 Meshtastic node at home connected to Wifi I decided to use a TCP/IP connection to the device from a Linux VM running the Python based TC²-BBS Meshtastic BBS.
Following the instructions on how to deploy the BBS is pretty straight forward and it was up and running in no time at all. With a little editing of the code I soon had the Python based BBS software M0AWS branded and connected to my Meshtastic node-1.
M0AWS Meshtastic BBS Main Menu accessible on M0AWS-1 node.
The BBS system is very reminiscent of the old packet BBS systems of a bygone era but, it is ideal for the Meshtastic world as the simple menus and user interface are easily transmitted in seconds via the Mesh using minimal bandwidth.
The BBS is accessible by opening a Direct Message session with the M0AWS-1 node. Sending the letter H to the node will get you the initial help screen showing the menu above and then from there onwards it’s just a matter of selecting the menu item and following the BBS prompts to use the BBS.
The BBS also works across MQTT. I tested it with Dave, G4PPN and it worked perfectly via the Meshtastic MQTT server.
This simple but, effective BBS for the Meshtastic network will add a new message store/forward capability to the Mesh and could prove to be very important to the development of the Meshtastic mesh in the UK and the rest of the world.
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