In addition to the sunspot group 1029 that graced us from October 23-30, a new Solar Cycle 24 spot -- 1030 -- just emerged on Thursday. It is currently in a maximally geo-effective position (in other words, in the center longitudinal meridian as viewed from Earth), and may provide some enhancement for the ARRL CW Sweepstakes this weekend. On Thursday, the daily sunspot number was 15. Sunspot numbers for October 29-November 4 were 19, 13, 0, 0, 0, 0 and 0 with a mean of 4.6. The 10.7 cm flux was 76.7, 75.2, 75.1, 72.3, 71.4, 71.5 and 71.4 with a mean of 73.4. The estimated planetary A indices…
Ham Radio
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ARRL Amateur Radio News
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The K7RA Solar Update
6 Nov 2009 | 7:24 am -
Surfin': Homebrewing Today
6 Nov 2009 | 5:00 amThis week, Surfin' takes a look at some state-of-the-art homebrewing. -
ARRL Audio News: Nov 5, 2009; Vol 2009-11-05 Number
5 Nov 2009 | 1:02 pmARRL Audio News--OPEN--In this edition . . .; Ham Radio Operators Assist in Catalina Island Rescue; George E. Smith, AA2EJ, Wins Nobel Prize; ARRL Audio News ID--Satellite Update--BREAK:; Fall Frequency Measuring Test This Month; Look for the December QST in Your Mailbox; MARS Cuts Ribbon on New Pentagon Station; ARRL Audio News--News Briefs--CLOSE -
DX the Hard Way
5 Nov 2009 | 12:49 pmMarch 18, 1945. We could tell the war was going in our favor, but we were still in some danger in the Pacific. My best pal, Franz Butler, and I were stationed aboard a DE, destroyer escort, as radiomen. I was first class. Franz was second class. One night it happened. It’s always in the back of your mind, but when it happens, it takes you by surprise — and then some. -
Idaho School Incorporates ARISS into Curriculum
5 Nov 2009 | 5:34 amWith more than 500 Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contacts conducted, thousands of students have experienced intriguing science and technology lessons -- plus the thrill of speaking with an astronaut who was on the International Space Station (ISS). According to ARRL ARISS Program Manager Rosalie White, K1STO, each school uses the ARISS events in different ways. From school to school, ARISS volunteers see a great range in the types of activities around the event, including integrating the activities into each grade level's curriculum. The lesson in common to all…
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EHAM.NET
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Indonesia To Launch Orari Satellite Next Year:
6 Nov 2009 | 4:40 pmJAKARTA, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The Indonesian Amateur Radio Organisation (Orari) and the Indonesian National Institute of Aeronautic and Space (Lapan) will launch a satellite next year. However, Orari president Sutiyoso did not raveal the satellite's size or the orbit's distance from earth. "The satellite will expand the communication network to remote districts. Communication can't ensure victory at war but victory can't be achieved without communication. -
Radio Enthusiasts Help Red Cross During Games:
6 Nov 2009 | 4:40 pmMost people scream to lift their voices higher than the din of 90,000-plus people gathered at a University of Georgia football game. But some men and women show up just to talk. thought about what happens if someone passes out, falls down the stairs or (hurts themselves at a game)," Kay McMann said. They arrive two hours early, scatter to Red Cross stations throughout Sanford Stadium, wear ear pieces, carry radios and monitor frequencies - as well as people. Don't expect to hear them, though. Unless something is wrong. "Until I did this, I never thought about what happens if someone passes… -
Smugglers Had Illegal Ham Radio:
6 Nov 2009 | 4:40 pmKota Kinabalu: Marine police seized contraband alcohol and a van worth more than RM62,000 at Putatan, early Thursday. Police found an illegal amateur radio used by the culprits. The two men were arrested under the Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 and under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. -
ARNewsline # 1682 -- November 6 2009:
6 Nov 2009 | 11:55 amThe following is a Q-S-T. Georgia hams are given a $165,000 grant to build a D-Star rescue radio network, two hams help save a life on Catalina Iasland, the next Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Conference will take place in Curaco and two pre-teens come up with a cheap solution to the Digital Reception problem in the USA. Find out the details on Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1682 coming your way right now. -
Propagation Forecast Bulletin #45 de K7RA:
6 Nov 2009 | 5:39 amThanks so much to Steve Nichols, G0KYA for writing the Propagation Forecast Bulletin last week. In addition to the sunspot group 1029, which graced us from October 23-30, a new one (1030) just emerged on Thursday. It is currently in a maximally geo-effective position (in other words, in the center longitudinal meridian as viewed from earth), and may provide some enhancement for the ARRL CW Sweepstakes Contest this weekend. On Thursday the daily sunspot number was 15. Of course, this is a new Cycle 24 spot.
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QRZ Forums: Ham Radio News
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Amateur Radio Newsline™ Report 1682 - November 6 2009
6 Nov 2009 | 9:21 amThe following is a Q-S-T. Georgia hams are given a $165,000 grant to build a D-Star rescue radio network, two hams help save a life on Catalina Iasland, the next Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Conference will take place in Curaco and two pre-teens come up with a cheap solution to the Digital Reception problem in the USA. Find out the details on Amateur Radio Newsline™ report number 1682 coming your way right now. ** RESCUE RADIO: GEORGIA HAMS GIVEN $165,000 TO BUILD D-STAR RESCUE RADIO NETWORK Its one of the largest government grants ever given to ham radio emergency… -
A VHF contact beetwen a senegalese college and ISS in Africa.
5 Nov 2009 | 1:57 pmHere you are! This first adventure in Senegal ARISS is complete, and it was a great success. This Friday, October 23, 2009 at 10:20 in College IV Mbour, we were all present, more or less concerned about the proper outcome of this great challenge. With the support of amateur radio club 6W7PCT Saly, students have made under the special call sign 6V7SPACE, a radio contact with astronaut Frank De Winne from the International Space Station: OR4ISS. The most visible activity of ARISS is to organize in VHF radio contact between schools worldwide and the International Space Station (ISS), thus… -
GB3WX 6m/10m crossband repeater gets its NoV
5 Nov 2009 | 1:38 amGB3WX 6m/10m crossband repeater gets its NoV The Wessex Repeater Group are pleased to announce that the UK regulator Ofcom has approved for immediate operation GB3WX, the UK's first 6/10 metre cross-band repeater. It will be co-sited with the 2m voice repeater GB3JB, at Willoughby Hedge, South Wiltshire, IO81VC. The system, when not being used as a repeater, will transmit a Beacon signal enabling those interested in propagation to directly compare signals, between 6M and 10M. Both the 6 and 10 metre systems will transmit with the same ERP, from the same dual-band omni-directional antenna… -
Satellite power-saving by on-board tracking
5 Nov 2009 | 1:34 amSatellite power-saving by on-board tracking A video on YouTube shows how a microcontroller could be used on an Amateur Satellite to conserve power when over certain areas of the world. The YouTube description says This video illustrates how a small satellite or cubesat could employ an on-board micro-controller to track its own location in real time in order to change its mode or transmit power based on the region of the earth over which it is passing. Watch On-board Satellite Mode-switching Through Self-Tracking http://www.southgatearc.org/news/nov...wer_saving.htm -
Pentagon eyes crash analysis on 1,300 satellites
4 Nov 2009 | 3:31 am* Analysis on all satellites seen by year's end * Collision seen as seminal event * Air Force analysis efforts still decades behind By Andrea Shalal-Esa WASHINGTON, Nov 3 (Reuters) - The U.S. military said on Tuesday it is now tracking 800 maneuverable satellites on a daily basis for possible collisions and expects to add 500 more non-maneuvering satellites by year's end. http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssT...51968920091103
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QRZ Forums: Ham Radio Announcements
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Western Samoa 5W prefix should be active Nov 18 - Nov 22
7 Nov 2009 | 5:31 amWB2IQU plans to go to Samoa, and has the paperwork being processed, to be able to be active on the Island while he is there. Here is part of the email I got from Steve, WB2IQU, {5W2IQU} RE: DX-pedition “ Talofa ” Starting Nov 18th for 6 days and nights! Operator is Steve Bozak WB2IQU mostly on 20m. Hey fellow operators, I would love to work as many of you as I can from the Navigator Islands! I will be leaving ALB and head to the Independent island nation of Samoa, in the South Pacific. This DX pedition is called “Talofa” which means “hello” in Samoan Language. There are no other… -
Sweepstakes
6 Nov 2009 | 2:37 amI'm looking forward to seeing you all on c.w. this coming weekend and giving out VT in the SS! GL and 73, Gary - W1ECH -
Puerto Rico Straight Key Party 2009
5 Nov 2009 | 7:42 amThe Puerto Rico Amateur Radio League (PRARL) will conduct it's Sixth Straight Key Party this next Saturday, November 7th from 1700 to 2200 UTC. The will also be commemorating the 150 years of the arrival of the telegraph on the island. KP4ES will again be activated for the event For more info and rules go to: http://www.prarl.org/skp2009.htm -
4L3A Georgia in CQ WW 2009 SSB photos
4 Nov 2009 | 12:18 pmHello to all I am add the photos of trip to Georgia for cq ww ssb 2009 4L3A http://www.ly4a.com/contest-results/...-80hp-results/ Roli LY4A http://www.ly4a.com skype: rolkaxx -
Final Month To Work Scotland's Special Prefix
3 Nov 2009 | 6:24 pmOfcom have enabled licenced amateures In Scotland a variation to there calls - A for Alba to celebrate Homecoming Scotland 2009 untill November 30. This celebrates the 250th aniversary of the birth of Robert Burns who Is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland. We are also celebrating some of Scotlands great contributions to the world like: Golf, Whisky, Great minds & Innovations and Scotland's rich culture and heritage. This may give licenced amateures around the world the chance to obtain special QSL cards from Scottish amateures who are using the call untill the end of the…
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QRZ Forums: Hamfest & Event Calendar
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JCARA Nov. 20th - 21st
5 Nov 2009 | 10:20 amJackson County Amateur Radio Association Hamfest Friday and Saturday Nov. 20th and 21st, Friday the doors open to the public at 5pm till 9pm and Saturday 8am till 2pm. The Gulf Coast's Premiere Amateur Radio Hamfest is again bring you two days of fun, trading and enjoyment. Door prizes all day both days, Icom Cedar City Sales, Satellite Sam's, Hoopers are just a few of the vendors. Mrs. Nicky's baked goods YUMMY! The best chili on the gulf coast is back with the W5WA world famous chili. Raffle style prizes both days with the grand prize an Icom IC-7200 HF rig! St. Martin Community Center… -
JCRAC auction Saturday October 31, 2009
23 Oct 2009 | 2:58 pmThe Johnson County Radio Amateurs club is holding their annual auction at the Ensor Park and Museum, just 5 minutes South of Downtown Olathe, KS. Tours of the farmstead and museum will be from 9 AM until 4 PM. The auction begins at noon and will feature amateur radio items donated to or on consignment to the club including items from silent keys. Here is link to a recent news story about the Ensor museum farmstead and one of the early pioneers of amateur radio. http://sunpublications.com/200910213...-pioneers.html Here is a link to the JCRAC website W0ERH where further information can be… -
KINGMAN,AZ HAMFEST NOV.7,2009
20 Oct 2009 | 8:15 amMohave Amateur Radio Club 2009 Hamfest SATURDAY NOV.7 2009 FALL FEST KINGMAN,AZ CENTENNIAL PARK (WEST SIDE) 7AM-?? GRAND PRIZE--FT-450AT HF RADIO SECOND PRIZE FT-7800R DUAL BAND MOBILE THIRD PRIZE FT-60R DUAL BAND HT Ticket Donations Are : $5.00 For 1 - Ticket $20.00 For 5 - Tickets Winner Does Not Need to Be present To Win! To Purchase Tickets Mail A Money order To : Tammy Smith 3975 E Snavely Ave Kingman, Az 86409 We Will Email You A Receipt And Notify You If You Win OR Call 928-565-1136 For More Info ....TALK IN ..... 146.940- PL-151.4 448.650- PL-151.4 http://www.k7mpr.net/hamfest.htm -
66 Anniverisary Navel Air Station Whiting Field Milton, FL
19 Oct 2009 | 11:41 amSPECIAL EVENT W4VIY Station October 24, 2009 1600Z to 2200Z Milton, FL 66 Anniversary Navel Air Station Whiting Field 7.233 plus or minus 5 and 14.262 plus or minus 5 and Echo Link KA0AGC-R node 424886 Special 66th Anniversary QSL card QSL to W4VIY Milton Amateur Radio Club P. O. Box 4072 Milton, FL 32570-4072 -
JARSFEST 2009 November 15
16 Oct 2009 | 4:11 pmJARSFEST will be held November 15, 2009 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the American Legion Building, in Benson, NC. Talk-in will be on 147.270. For more info please visit: http://www.jars.net/JARSFEST.htm 73, KI4YXO
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Amateur Radio News Online
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AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE™ REPORT 1682
6 Nov 2009 | 2:34 amNews for the week in Amateur Radio for the week ending 6 November, 2009. Visit Amateur Radio Newsline's only official website at http://www.arnewsline.org -
AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE™ REPORT 1681
30 Oct 2009 | 3:09 amNews for the week in Amateur Radio for the week ending 30 October, 2009. Visit Amateur Radio Newsline's only official website at http://www.arnewsline.org -
AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE™ REPORT 1680
23 Oct 2009 | 2:32 amNews for the week in Amateur Radio for the week ending 23 October, 2009. Visit Amateur Radio Newsline's only official website at http://www.arnewsline.org -
AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE(tm) REPORT 1679
16 Oct 2009 | 3:33 amNews for the week in Amateur Radio for the week ending 16 October, 2009. Visit Amateur Radio Newsline's only official website at http://www.arnewsline.org -
AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE(tm) REPORT 1678
9 Oct 2009 | 3:10 amNews for the week in Amateur Radio for the week ending 9 October, 2009 Visit Amateur Radio Newsline's only official website at http://www.arnewsline.org
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This Week in Amateur Radio Podcast
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This Week in Amateur Radio #863 - Week of 10/24/09
24 Oct 2009 | 4:30 pmCelebrating over 16.59 years of service to the amateur radio community. Edition #863 of This Week in Amateur Radio, and This Week in Amateur Radio Headline News, have been released. Both are now posted and available for download at www.twiar.org. Subscribe on our site or: FIND US NOW ON I-TUNES! This Week in Amateur Radio Full Version with special features and all the news, edition runs 104 minutes. This Week in Amateur Radio Headline News version runs 60 minutes with limited special features. This Week in Amateur Radio is available for regular download at our web site in MP3 format. -
This Week in Amateur Radio #861 - Week of 10/10/09
11 Oct 2009 | 1:11 amCelebrating over 16.55 years of service to the amateur radio community. Edition #861 of This Week in Amateur Radio, and This Week in Amateur Radio Headline News, have been released. Both are now posted and available for download at www.twiar.org. Sunscribe on our site or: FIND US NOW ON I-TUNES! This Week in Amateur Radio Full Version with special features and all the news, edition runs 100minutes. This Week in Amateur Radio Headline News version runs 60 minutes with limited special features. This Week in Amateur Radio is available for regular download at our web site in MP3 format. Streaming… -
TWIAR 859/860 not produced, 861 coming 10/10
5 Oct 2009 | 11:57 pmMy apologies for not having TWIAR edition #860 available on the web site. This weekend, my daughter and Bill Barans son Zachary successfully passed their technician exams and should have their call signs this week. This endeavor to have yet another ham in my family has taken up considerable time, which resulted in edition 860 not being available. Please look for a brand new This Week in Amateur Radio and TWIARhn (Edition #861) this coming weekend October 10th. This weeks Edition #245 of TWIARi International is now up and available. 73 George - Execuvtive Producer This Week in Amateur Radio -
This Week in Amateur Radio #858 - Week of 9/19/09 - retry
25 Sep 2009 | 9:00 pmCelebrating over 16.5 years of service to the amateur radio community. Edition #858 of This Week in Amateur Radio, and This Week in Amateur Radio Headline News, have been released, and is now posted on www.twiar.org. FIND US NOW ON I-TUNES! This Week in Amateur Radio Full Version with special features and all the news, edition runs 97 minutes. This Week in Amateur Radio Headline News version runs 54 minutes with limited special features. This Week in Amateur Radio is available for regular download at our web site in MP3 format. Streaming audio is also available, as is RSS/XML subscriptions… -
This Week in Amateur Radio #857 - Week of 9/12/09
13 Sep 2009 | 12:36 amCelebrating over 16.5 years of service to the amateur radio community. Edition #857 of This Week in Amateur Radio, and This Week in Amateur Radio Headline News, have been released, and is now posted on www.twiar.org. FIND US NOW ON I-TUNES! This Week in Amateur Radio Full Version with special features and all the news, edition runs 104 minutes. This Week in Amateur Radio Headline News version runs 59 minutes with limited special features. This Week in Amateur Radio is available for regular download at our web site in MP3 format. Streaming audio is also available, as is RSS/XML subscriptions…
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N5FDL
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WB6NOA, N5GAR, N5FDL File Petition For Rule Making
23 Oct 2009 | 8:52 pmAs promised, I am posting a PDF of the Petition for Rule Making filed with the FCC by the Amateur Radio Policy Committee seeking relief from provisions of 97.113(a) that the FCC has threatened to enforce against paid emergency responders who are also licensed radio amateurs. The petitioners are Gordon West, WB6NOA; Tom Blackwell, N5GAR; and myself. Here is the text of the paragraph we propose be added to 97.111, which describes communications permitted in the Amateur Radio service. Specifically, we are proposing that the following be made permitted communication: (6) Transmissions necessary… -
97.113 Waivers Extremely Limited, Alas
21 Oct 2009 | 11:41 amJust after I posted the last piece, I received a response from the FCC regarding whether ongoing events—scheduled nets, for example—could be granted a waiver from 97.113. Here’s the response: Activities such as the “regular monthly drills” and “two weekly nets” involving hospitals and county agencies you describe are afoul of 97.113(a)(5)…”Communications, on a regular basis, which could reasonably be furnished alternatively through other radio services.” Why don’t you put these communications on Part 90… -
97.113 Waivers Are Not Enough
21 Oct 2009 | 11:12 amI was encouraged to see that the FCC will be considering waiver requests from government organizations (only) that wish to hold events that would otherwise violate 97.113 because of employee participation. This is an improvement in the current mess—or may be—but it depends on the details. For example, the Public Notice (below) seems to describe “one-up” events only. I have requested a decision on whether ongoing events, such as a weekly net, will also be granted waivers. I will report back as soon as I hear for the FCC on this important issue. A cumbersome waiver… -
97.113 Petition Update
3 Oct 2009 | 12:25 pmWe are nearing completion of our Petition for Rule Making to amend 97.113. We are on a fourth or fifth draft of the petition itself. We also now have two different wordings—very different but equivalent in function—for the new paragraph we’d like to add to the rule. It would allow hams who are paid emergency personnel to participate in all emergency-related activities without regard to their employee status. I have sought comment from a few people concerning which of the two wordings will work best. I am not ready to release them at this time, but expect to next week… -
97.113 Update -- No Workarounds
2 Oct 2009 | 10:00 pmI continue to receive some really odd “workarounds” for what we now understand 97.113 to be, namely a barrier to professional emergency responders participating in emergency training with their fellow hams. Some of this would be funny, except that it’s well-meaning hams trying to get past an issue that really shouldn’t be. Here is an example: If the activity provides a service that benefits the community, then it is permissible to use employees and staff. For instance, if the health department is doing an influenza exercise where we are ACTUALLY DISPENSING…
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THE DXZONE GUIDE
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Spectrum Analyzer PC Software
PC software that allow you to run a Spectrum Analyzer in your PC, both for windows and linux. Pay or free to use software tha can convert your PC into a powerful spectrum analyzer. -
Manitoba Swap and Shop
Shopping and Services/Regional/CanadaHam radio swap and shop from Manitoba Repeater Society -
ON6LR web cluster
DX Resources/ClustersAR web cluster from belgium -
T30KI / T30IW
DX Resources/DX PeditionsN1EMC / N1IW DXpedition to Western Kiribati 2009 -
RX antenna for 160/80 meters
Antennas/160MRX Antenna 160m/80m Band Splitter/Switch, a small project that will work along with the K9AY RX antenna
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Southgate Amateur Radio Club
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Validation period for some amateur radio licences extended
Ofcom has decided this time round to automatically extend the validation period of licences issued from November 2006 to August 2007 for a further year - giving 6 years from the issue date -
W1AW Frequency Measuring Test
The W1AW Frequency Measuring Test (FMT) has taken several different formats over the past few years. This year, they return to the 'classic' FMT - measuring the frequency of an unmodulated carrier -
W2RE at 170' from VY2ZM Contest Station
Ray, W2RE has posted this video on YouTube shot from one of VY2ZM's towers on Prince Edward Island, Canada -
Propagation de K7RA
In addition to the sunspot group 1029, which graced us from October 23-30, a new one (1030) just emerged on Thursday -
Team Sea Spray on Burton Island
Team Sea Spray, of the Delmarva Island Hoppers, will embark on a most righteous DXpedition to the island of Burton
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HF Radio Propogation Center
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Solar Report 1340 07 Nov 2009
Solar Flux: 71 | Ap: 0 | Kp 0 (2 nT) at 1200 07 Nov -
Observed Space Weather 1340 07 Nov 2009
No space weather storms were observed for the past 24 hours. -
Forecast Space Weather 1340 07 Nov 2009
No space weather storms are expected for the next 24 hours. -
Flares 1340 07 Nov 2009
6h hi (none) 24h hi (none) -
Sunspots 1340 07 Nov 2009
SSN: 16 (11/06/2009)
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KB6NU's Ham Radio Blog
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Why Capacitor Polarity is Important
6 Nov 2009 | 5:39 amDave Jones’ latest EEVBlog episode is a graphical demonstration of why it’s important to get the polarity of electrolytics and tantalum capacitors right: EEVBlog also has some interesting episodes on test equipment, microcontrollers, and product design. Check it out. -
Slideshow: The History of Radio in Pictures
5 Nov 2009 | 5:56 amFrom the 11/5/09 IEEE Tech Alert: The American Museum of Radio and Electricity, located in Bellingham, Wash., contains a unique collection of interactive galleries and artifacts. The museum shares photographs from their new book, Where Discovery Sparks Imagination: A Pictorial History of Radio and Electricity. View photos of a rare multibulb Geissler tube, a Volta canon, a combination Oudin/Tesla coil, and many more antique electronics. View now The translucent beauty of the ones in the Atwater Kent Number 4333 “Compact” Receiver is so great as to render its functionality almost… -
Understand the Unlicensed Services
4 Nov 2009 | 6:43 amWe share several of our UHF bands with unlicensed services, and from time to time, you’ll encounter those signals on the bands. Another reason to be familiar with them is that there are companies that have their eyes on them. A recent article on this topic, “Understanding regulations when designing a wireless product in the unlicensed frequency bands,” notes: The wireless unlicensed frequency bands—especially the industrial, scientific, medical (ISM) bands—are the most appropriate for many new applications and products. They are part of the frequency spectrum that can be… -
Stuart Gets on the Air
4 Nov 2009 | 5:29 amAfter several months, we finally got Stuart, KD8LWR, on HF from his home. The first hurdle was deciding on what antenna to put up. This choice was complicated by two factors: Stuart’s family lives in a relatively new subdivision carved out from a farm field, with absolutely no trees to hang an antenna from. The homeowner’s association had some antenna restrictions. Jack, Stuart’s father, met with the homeowner’s association and got them to agree to let him put up a trap vertical, and after some back and forth, we decided to put it towards the back of his lot near some… -
Computer Magazine Touts Ham Radio
30 Oct 2009 | 6:12 amComputerworld, a computer trade magazine, is currently running the article, “Want to bone up on wireless tech? Try ham radio,” on its website. It’s saying what I’ve been saying all along that getting a ham radio license is a good thing for computer professionals, especially those involved with networking. Here’s what the article has to say about innovation in ham radio: Reviving innovation Decades ago, amateur radio operators were on the forefront of scores of technological innovations, including television, digital communications, solid-state design and cellular…
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K2DBK ham radio blog
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What is Amateur Radio?
30 Oct 2009 | 8:01 amNot long ago, I added a feature to my Facebook page that automatically posted these blog updates there. While many of my friends know that amateur radio is a hobby for me, I do get asked "so exactly what does that mean?" fairly often. Although there are a number of sites that explain it, Julian, G4ILO, wrote up what I think is a terrific primer on the subject that I hope will help some of you get an answer to that question. Here's a link to his site: http://www.g4ilo.com/ham-radio-faq.html -
Remembering the C6APR team
23 Oct 2009 | 9:30 amIn case you haven't already heard, four of the operators of the C6APR station were tragically killed this week in a plane crash on their way to the station. Ward Silver, N0AX posted the following message to the CQ-CONTEST reflector, which I'm going to reprint here.There have been several suggestions for on-the-air actions to remember the four ops lost on their way to C6APR yesterday. Perhaps a moment of radio silence - at the beginning of the contest or perhaps around the time of their flight. Or look back in your log to find the time of your most recent contact with them and take that moment… -
More DX during the solar minimum
10 Oct 2009 | 10:55 amDespite the poor propagation conditions occurring during the current solar minimum (which I, and practically every other ham has written about ad nauseam), I continue to make some good, and sometimes outstanding DX contacts. A couple of weeks ago, I had a CW contact with Richard, 9M2CNC in West Malaysia on 20m at around 8pm local time. While I'd worked West Malaysia before (in fact with Richard as well, then operating as 9M2/G4ZFE during an RTTY contest), that was the first CW contact that I had with that DXCC entity. I'm happy to say that the contact has been confirmed via Logbook of the… -
Scandinavian Activity Contest
27 Sep 2009 | 12:48 pmAfter an unusually stressful week at work, I thought that I might try to find some time to participate in the CQ WW DX RTTY contest between taking care of some errands and other "weekend things". As it turns out, I didn't do that, but I made around 40 contacts in the Scandinavian Activity Contest. The folks participating in that contest were very friendly, with a few occasionally stopping to briefly chat, inquire about how their signal sounded, and even tell me that I had a good signal. (That's always nice to hear.) Since I hadn't planned on participating in the contest, I looked only briefly… -
Here's why you should use Logbook of The World
9 Sep 2009 | 8:58 amI've been a fan of Logbook of The World (LoTW) since it was announced by the ARRL, and have written about it in previous posts. I've gotten a lot of stations confirmed by the use of this electronic QSL method, but today was, I think, the first time that I've gotten a confirmation for an all-time new entity via LoTW prior to receiving a physical card. By way of explanation, for new entities, I always send out a card to the station that I worked. At this point that's a relatively rare occurrence, so I normally mail my QSL card to the other station pretty quickly. Under the best of…
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9W2BBA Amateur Radio Station Blog
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MARES RAE Preparation Class 2009-2
28 Oct 2009 | 1:28 amClass: MARES RAE Preparation Class 2009-2 Date: Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 Nov 2009 (2 days) Time: Registration: 8:00 AM (Saturday only) Class: 8:30 AM till 5:30 PM (both days) Venue: Auditorium (Ground Floor), Sekolah Kebangsaan Dato’ Onn Jaafar, Kompleks Sekolah Wawasan, Persiaran Kewajipan, USJ 15, 47630 Subang Jaya, Selangor GPS Lat/Lon: 3°2′10.43″N, 101°35′18.71″E (3.036231, 101.588531) Maps: Multimap [...] -
Eye-Ball At D’Tasik Restaurant, UNITEN, Bangi
1 Jun 2009 | 9:47 pmEYE-BALL AT D’TASIK RESTAURANT Come join us to an eye-ball event at D’Tasik Restaurant, UNITEN, Bangi. It is opened to all – radio amateurs, SWL and anybody who wishes to participate and have a good time. Do not miss out the chance to meet old friends and make new ones. Date: Saturday 27 Jun 2009 Time: Dinner time, [...] -
Selamat Datang ke Laman Baru!
1 Jun 2009 | 9:39 pmPasti ada yang menarik disini, jika anda kesana pasti saya dah ada disitu. -
V17 ARDF Open 2009
10 Feb 2009 | 5:32 pmDear all Visitor & Fox Hunters, You are cordially invited to participate in ARDF OPEN 2009 Competition jointly organized by Wilayah V17 groups and Pusat Kokurikulum Kuala Lumpur. The schedule as follows :- Date : 5 APRIL 2009 (revised) Time : 0800-1500 Venue : Pusat Kokurikulum Kuala Lumpur (map) Hunt mode: On foot/pedestrian route. Fees : Fox Hunt only Individual – RM40 Team (2 persons) [...] -
Official Results of the Radio Amateur Examinations 2008-2 (RAE 2008-2)
2 Feb 2009 | 9:23 pmOfficial Results for RAE 2008-2 MCMC has announced the official results of the Radio Amateur Examinations 2008-2 (RAE 2008-2) conducted nationwide on 17 December 2009. The official notifications by postal mail will reach candidates’ address in a few days time. Congratulations to those that passed. To the others, do not become discouraged. There is always another RAE [...]
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W2LJ'S BLOG
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New WGØAT video
6 Nov 2009 | 4:22 pmRather than post a link to Steve WGØAT's newest video, I will embed it here.I ran into Steve on the air last Monday night during the ARS Spartan Sprint and he included me in his video! Cool beans!A ton of kudos to Steve for all the good videos he has on his various Ham Radio and QRP activities. It's great that he's out there posting these on YouTube for the world to see. Not only does it spread the word that QRP and portable Ham Radio are fun; but it also makes it look "cool", at least in my opinion.I think there's a lot of folks out there who still perceive Ham Radio operators as a bunch of… -
Wasted days and wasted nights
5 Nov 2009 | 6:51 pmThis was a wasted night. It's 40 Meter Fox hunt night; and the QRN level for me is ZERO tonight! Perfect, you would think, no?No Foxes! No Hounds! Just a bunch of stations conducting Sweepstakes practice - which is fine with me; but ......No Foxes? No Hounds, even? On a night when the local neighborhood QRN is a zero?What a wasted opportunity!73 de Larry W2LJ -
Zombie Shuffle score
4 Nov 2009 | 7:27 pmI really hadn't planned on sending in my Zombie Shuffle score; I was in it just for the fun. Also, I was celebrating that it was Friday night after a long work week and I was happy just to be home enjoying the hobby that I love the most.However, a post by Paul NA5N appeared on QRP-L yesterday; and it served as an impetus for me to find out just how well I might have done.The post follows:Zombies,I have the Zombie Shuffle results, from the logs received thus far, now posted on the website along with a couple of other goodies. http://www.zianet.com/QRPWhat always amazes me, is no matter how… -
The time change
3 Nov 2009 | 4:19 pmis kicking my butt. The older I get, the more I notice it. What really gets to me is that now, as I get in my car for the drive home from work, the sun is already setting. When I pull up in front of the house, it's advanced darkness. The only bright thought is that in less than two months we will experience the shortest day of the year; and the days will begin getting longer again.Well, maybe that's not the ONLY bright thought. The darkness does mean good night time band conditions on 80 and 40 Meters. And with the cold weather approaching, it's building time in earnest again. And I just… -
Spartan Sprint
2 Nov 2009 | 7:45 pmI participated in the Adventure Radio Society Spartan Sprint tonight. This was the first time in a long time; maybe even the first time since they abandoned their Website for the Wiki page.40 Meters was once again QRN free for me tonight (sure it won't be that way Thursday for the Foxes!); and it was also signal free! Not many stations at all; and the band seemed to be long. I did manage to work Steve WG0AT; but somehow I doubt Rooster and Peanut were close by. The other three stations I worked were in Texas.80 Meters yielded more contacts. I worked Maine, Illinois, Kentucky and Georgia to…
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The KØNR Weblog
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This Spewed Out of the Internet #9
1 Nov 2009 | 10:49 amI have been traveling quite a bit lately for work, so here’s a catch up on a number of things spewing forth from the interwebnet. I’ve recently re-discovered High Frequency Electronics Magazine, edited by Gary Breed, K9AY. This is a top quality trade pub that targets RF design engineers. In Gary’s September editorial, he highlighted the [...] -
Time to Change the FCC Rules for EmComm?
24 Oct 2009 | 2:12 pmThe FCC continues to drive out any ambiguity on how it interprets Part 97.113. (See previous post EmComm Trouble From the FCC. ) On October 20th, the FCC released Public Notice DA-09-2259, which reiterates the principle of no amateur radio communication on behalf of an employer, even if the employer is a government agency such [...] -
2009 Fall TechFest
20 Oct 2009 | 7:18 pmAnnouncing the 2009 Fall TechFest, an all day technical program for the continuing education of ham radio operators Schedule of Workshops (times are tentative) November 7, 2009 Morrison, Colorado Time Topics 9:00 – 9:50 Digital Modes Jim Stitt, KAØNZZ 10:00 – 10:50 Ohm’s and Kirchhoff’s Laws Larry Weinstein, KØNA 11:00 – 11:50 Block Diagrams And Schematics Steve Finch, AIØW 12:00 – 12:50 Lunch (on your own) Question and Answer Session for those [...] -
Pacifico Fake Ham Radio
20 Oct 2009 | 6:47 amI was flipping through the November 2009 issue of National Geographic Adventure magazine and noticed an advertisement with the title “building your own ham radio”. Wow, what’s up with that? It was an ad for Pacifico beer. The text in the ad says: Become the envy of friends and locals as you join the elite club of [...] -
AMSAT Focuses on LEO Cubesat
18 Oct 2009 | 8:01 amAMSAT has recognized that they need to get some new hardware flying in space and is now focused on getting a small LEO satellite developed. AO-51 (originally called ECHO) has been a very popular satellite and one of the few clear successes from AMSAT in recent years. It appears that the AMSAT engineering team has [...]
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WB4GBI
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146.94 is 42 years young!
29 Oct 2009 | 9:23 pm146.94 is 42 YEARS YOUNG!! Hello, everyone! It’s been a while since my last “blog.” I hope everyone is enjoying the new 146.94 antenna. Speaking of .94, I have been on a bit of a mission lately to find out exactly when .94 went on the air. For those of you who are recent additions to our great hobby, you might not know that the 146.94 repeater was the very first two meter repeater in East Tennessee. Its history is that of great and continuous service. I am VERY proud to be carrying on the tradition started by George, K4HXD, who was the creator and founder of this… -
18 Sep 2009 | 1:47 pm
18 Sep 2009 | 1:47 pmSent from my iPod -
ITS ON THE AIR!
27 Aug 2009 | 8:16 pmIT’S ON THE AIR!! This afternoon, shortly after 12 noon, the new 146.94 repeater antenna was installed! Initial reports show a MAJOR improvement in .94’s signal strength and receiving capability! From a mobile in Cleveland to a mobile in Church Hill, all reports indicate that 146.94 is back at full strength. It’s about time, huh? J THANK YOU to all who helped…especially to those who contributed to the WB4GBI repeater fund. Thanks also to those who helped check the coverage this afternoon, and to Kevin, W4KEV, who helped me with checking and retuning… -
IT'S HERE!!!
21 Aug 2009 | 5:35 pmIT’S HERE!!! After almost eight weeks of waiting, the NEW 146.94 antenna is finally here! It arrived at my place of work yesterday. Today, Kevin (W4KEV), Todd (KA4OAK), and I unpacked and inspected it. There are a couple of things that I will do to it to help weatherproof it, but I will be contacting the tower climber that I use for my employer’s work, post haste, and arranging its installation! Hang on…the long wait is almost over! A couple of other things: You may have noticed the 146.73 repeater has been off the air more than it… -
Antenna UPDATE!
30 Jul 2009 | 10:54 amANTENNAUPDATE! As I am sure you already know, I have been (impatiently) waiting for the new .94 antenna to arrive. I made a phone call this morning to the manufacturer and found out it should ship by the end of this week. Now, I am not “holding my breath,” as I have already heard this once before. The antenna has been tested on an actual test range, similar to the way radio and TV broadcast antennas are tested. I do appreciate that, as most land mobile antennas are built en masse, and probably don’t get tested individually. I just wish the process would speed…
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EARC
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PayPal Update
PayPal payments are now being accepted online for your membership fees. -
EARC Mini Field Day
July 19th is the EARC Mini Field Day. Join us at the Hawaii Kai Boat Ramp from 4pm to midnight for our potluck event. Check out our event listing page for more info. -
Club Memorabilia
The online order form for Club Memorabilia is up and working. Use it to place orders for your club polo shirt(s), patch(es), and/or ball cap(s). -
Online Application
The online membership application is now up and working. You can use it to obtain a new membership, renew a previous one, or simply update your information such as address, phone, or email. -
Field Day
Field day is the last full weekend in June. Details coming out soon on the EARC website.
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73s.org's Blogs
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Unofficial Ten-Ten International Net Group on Facebook
6 Nov 2009 | 5:52 pmI created the Unofficial Ten-Ten International Net group on Facebook. It lists upcoming ten-ten events, links that ten meter operators might find interesting, and general comments about radio stuff. I just added a link to http://www.eevblog.com/ (Electonics Engineering Video Blog) which is really a great resource for the homebrewer. If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out. The most current video shows how connecting a capacitor the wrong way can lead to an explosion. -
Spending Christmas alone............
2 Nov 2009 | 6:22 amWell it will be my first Xmas without my now ex-wife. It might take some of the fun out of it, but I will make the best of it. But at least I am still here to spend time with my family. But not buying Xmas gifts for the person you love might be kinda odd. Funny how life goes down roads you never thought it would. My next birthday I will 40, now there is something I never thought much about either. The last year has been rough, but I will still string my lights and play my Xmas music. There will be little for gifts, but Christmas is not about things. Still, it will be hard not to think about… -
See the World
28 Oct 2009 | 11:33 amThe 11 meter dipole has now crossed oceans visiting Hawaii, Guam, and Gallopigos! Have tuner will travel. Matt -
New post at blogspot
28 Oct 2009 | 9:04 amNew post available at http://ki4rex.blogspot.com/2009/10/soapbox-on-getting-new-hams-active.html -
Ode to the hamfest
27 Oct 2009 | 6:18 pmI had the opportunity to partake in a time honoured ham tradition this past weekend…. the ham radio fleamarket. It’s actually been a couple of years since I made a pilgrimage to one of these events, so I was quite enthusiastic to gas up the mobile, fill the travel mug with some java from a favourite coffee emporium, and head to Markham, a suburb of Toronto for a flea market hosted by the York Region Amateur Radio Club. It’s about a two hour drive from HQ, so hitting the road by 7am was essential to get there in time for the 9am opening. Let’s face it, if you can’t get there within…
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HamFeed
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Club/ equipment crossroads?
22 Nov 2009 | 3:50 pmHere is the Letter to the Editor I wrote for the Green Bay Mike and Key Club, (my local club) Keyclicks newsletter in December 2008.The thoughts in this article are that of my own, and do not necessarily represent those of the GBMK. I'll admit to having a digital interest/bias.The Green Bay Mike & Key Club is at an equipment crossroads. The 147.12 and 147.36 are nearing the end of the 30 year life. They both do need upgrading, and I'm sure many doubt this.But it seems there is more to it than that. It's more a question of where will ham radio be in another 10, 20 and 30 years? More… -
A second way to convert an analog repeater to D-Star.
13 Nov 2009 | 3:45 pmUntil just recently if you wanted to make your own d-star repeater at a fraction of the cost, there was one way. That was the Satoshi GMSK node adapter. To build this adapter the cost about $70 as compared (+ your analog radios) to the cost of a Icom RPC-2 Controller plus a RF band module at about $2900.As one can imagine the GMSK node adapter is very popular. There are a number of other revised clone boards out there to feed the need and address small board errors in the original design. The problem being is that there is not always credit due to the base designer and PIC code author… -
FS: Compaq Armada 1550DMT Laptop $75 Shipped
7 Nov 2009 | 12:23 pmThis one looks and works like new. Here are some basic specs: Pentium I 200 MHz, 32 Ram, 1.4 Gig HD, CD, FD, Serial, Parallel, Sound, Speakers,... -
Geloso G-209 Receiver
7 Nov 2009 | 12:10 pmNon working. LO appears to be dead, AF & IF stages ok. 80% of original tubes in radio all tubes tested good. Sig gen tuned to IF can be heard in AF... -
Please add my callsign
7 Nov 2009 | 12:02 pmHello, I'am a new amator, is it possible to add my callsign ? Callsign: F4GET First Name + Initial: Privel Last Name: BRETAUDEAU Address Line...
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Advancing Ham Radio.. different ideas
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Club/ equipment crossroads?
22 Nov 2009 | 1:50 pmHere is the Letter to the Editor I wrote for the Green Bay Mike and Key Club, (my local club) Keyclicks newsletter in December 2008.The thoughts in this article are that of my own, and do not necessarily represent those of the GBMK. I'll admit to having a digital interest/bias.The Green Bay Mike & Key Club is at an equipment crossroads. The 147.12 and 147.36 are nearing the end of the 30 year life. They both do need upgrading, and I'm sure many doubt this.But it seems there is more to it than that. It's more a question of where will ham radio be in another 10, 20 and 30 years? More… -
A second way to convert an analog repeater to D-Star.
13 Nov 2009 | 1:45 pmUntil just recently if you wanted to make your own d-star repeater at a fraction of the cost, there was one way. That was the Satoshi GMSK node adapter. To build this adapter the cost about $70 as compared (+ your analog radios) to the cost of a Icom RPC-2 Controller plus a RF band module at about $2900.As one can imagine the GMSK node adapter is very popular. There are a number of other revised clone boards out there to feed the need and address small board errors in the original design. The problem being is that there is not always credit due to the base designer and PIC code author… -
Are you narrow or wide?
6 Nov 2009 | 2:41 pmRecently our local repeater coordinator began asking your emission designator on the application form. A break-down of emission designators can be found in section 2.201 of the telecommunications part of the code of federal regulations.20K0F3E - FM Voice 20kHz bandwidth - Wide 16K0F3E - FM Voice 16kHz bandwidth - Narrow11K2F3E - FM Voice 11.2kHz bandwidth8K10F1E - P25, phase 1, 12.5kHz Bandwidth5K76G1E - P25, phase 2, 6.25kHz Bandwidth6K00F7W - D-Star, 6kHz bandwidthThe confusion I often see lies weather a system is narrow or wide. 20 KHz bandwidth or 16 KHz. To determine this we must look… -
Will the Digital Revolution Crush Amateur Radio?
1 Nov 2009 | 1:47 pmAmateur radio must seek change - and welcome it when it comes. It is essential to seek change. When change does occur, it often comes with confusion. It amateur radio is to survive, it must not run from change, it must be prepared to run toward it. Change imposed by the digital revolution is an opportunity if amateur radio can solve the problems therein related.From 73 Magazine - March 2000 - Bill Parker W8DMR -
ARRL Approves Study Committee to Research & Develop Plan for Narrowband
19 Oct 2009 | 8:07 pmFrom: http://www.arrl.org/announce/board-0907/ Minutes of the 2009 Second MeetingARRL Board of DirectorsTeleconference July 17-18, 2009 29. On motion of Mr. Sarratt, seconded by Mr. Frenaye, the following resolution was ADOPTED: WHEREAS, there is current substantial amateur radio movement, activity, and innovation in the digital narrowband area; and WHEREAS, the FCC has mandated that by 2013 commercial radio move to narrowband channels and Amateur Radio manufacturers normally follow commercial practices; and WHEREAS, the VHF/UHF Amateur Radio band plan currently uses 15 and 20 kHz FM…
