tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82215436350738136092024-03-18T20:11:06.794-07:00Ham-N-RollWE2F: A Ham Radio Op Living a Rock-N-Roll LifestyleMatt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-75495146669108952402014-09-17T15:42:00.002-07:002014-09-17T15:42:52.317-07:00I Love This Stuff!Nothing of substance from me, just a video I found interesting. Hope you enjoy it.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/iC5RQNSSZH0" width="420"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664095095513320226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-51936422337008835592014-09-13T15:50:00.000-07:002014-09-13T15:50:03.204-07:00Winter DecisionsLast winter, on the East Coast of the USA, was a doozy. We had tremendous amounts of snow and ice. While there is a lot of debate, in more learned circles, about how this winter is shaping up; but I choose to predict the weather by looking around outside. Here's what I'm noticing:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The deer are doubled and tripled up on fawns and the Bucks have already lost their velvet</li>
<li>Squirrels are going ape-crazy collecting acorns and nuts</li>
<li>The leaves are already changing</li>
<li>The air has "that" smell that proceeds fall</li>
</ul>
<div>
The animal signs are the most telling. It's going to be a long cold winter. Might as well get used to that. We're getting the house and yard ready. We have topped off the oil tanks and pellets for the pellet stoves. We are closing the pool tomorrow. So, pretty soon, we'll be all ready for the winter. The shack, however, needs a little TLC.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've got a pretty flimsy pair of doublets up right now and I noticed today that the antenna ropes took a beating between last winter and all the early summer storms, so it's time for a change. This winter, I really want to get more active on 80M and 160M. Since I run barefoot (100W), I need a good solid aerial for the coming freeze.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
This presents a bit of a challenge. For the low-bands, I think a full wave on 160M is the ticket. I have the wire and the space, but it's going to be a ton of work and it's going to take another ham. <i>Hey W2PJM, are you listening?</i> </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
On the other hand, I decided earlier this year that I was going to layout a serious ground plane for a 31' vertical so the wire disappears before next summer's Fourth of July party. I may have enough time to do both, but which one would I RATHER have? Chances are that either installation is going to present unforeseen issues and I don't want to get stuck with second best when the nights are too long and cold to changes things. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Any suggestions, ideas, advice? </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664095095513320226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-70733775729377217622014-08-23T09:26:00.001-07:002014-08-23T09:26:01.789-07:00Learning CW Faster...FasterI've really let my CW slide. I turned on the rig last night for the first time in over a month and realized that I couldn't copy ANYTHING, so I pulled out the trusty iPhone and opened DahDit (my personal favorite Morse app) and restarted the tutorial. About three characters in, on a whim, I dial the speed up from 13wpm to 20wpm. Within three days, I'm at 85+% on 29 characters!<div><br></div><div>I never understood the whole, "Listen to the character, not the dits and dahs," argument. Now, however, it's beginning to make sense. At 20wpm, I can't accurately count the dits and dahs-as evidenced in my deplorable performance distinguishing "2" from "J" in the last few sessions. Which, by the way is even more disturbing because I have a 2 call. :/ </div><div><br></div><div>I always approached CW like math: there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. Now, I'm approaching it like rock-n-roll: feel the beat, let it move you, groove along. As a bass layer, I am so used to hear the subtleties of a good drummer that I should have picked up on the similarity sooner. Decoding, and sending to a free, is a lot like playing a musical instrument. Needless to say, I'm totally geeking out on Ham Radio again, which is the whole point of a hobby...right?</div><div><br></div><div>Once I get back up to speed, or in this case up to speed, I'll finally be able to hang around the 40M watering holes, rather than being limited to the area surrounding 7.110. Maybe I'll be able to hang with the big boys. I can't wait! I also might need to check out a bug, I hear they are even more musical than a paddle or straight key...watch out wallet, here I come again.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-79484859186355834722014-05-29T13:50:00.000-07:002014-05-29T13:50:12.500-07:00We're Hams, We Can't Be This Lame<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitN4oFIeKuXZKeTZbEqIlQ2Mq9K7K1aULC49tEwJ3VlG95nLI17yr8d8VJzLYuYdYL8I3FLGf81DoF5x8MUPbYDxI95_gxplkM_YRGFxsHbtgGsFji9jcABxA5ott4DQDxzAal-WkWM5E/s1600/yg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitN4oFIeKuXZKeTZbEqIlQ2Mq9K7K1aULC49tEwJ3VlG95nLI17yr8d8VJzLYuYdYL8I3FLGf81DoF5x8MUPbYDxI95_gxplkM_YRGFxsHbtgGsFji9jcABxA5ott4DQDxzAal-WkWM5E/s1600/yg.jpg" /></a></div>
<h4>
WARNING! MATT IS STEPPING ONTO HIS SOAPBOX</h4>
<br />
Okay, I apologize. I don't get it. We're Amateur Radio Operators. Right? We spend countless hours and dollars in the hope of communicating with others. Right? Is Yahoo Groups really the only online service we can find to share ideas? At the risk of being dogmatic. Yahoo Groups STINK!<br />
<br />
I just spent twenty minutes. TWENTY MINUTES! trying to connect to a Yahoo Group. Are you kidding me? Then, when I got there, the search function didn't work, the header was the same as every other group I've ever seen, and the threads were so confusingly nested that I ended up tying the noose--I had hoped to use to put myself out of Yahoo Groups misery with--backwards! How, in this day and age, can we possibly stand such pathetic forms of community sharing. There has to be a better way. <br />
<br />
<h4>
WE NOW RETURN TO OUR NORMAL VOLUME.</h4>
<br />
One of the things I love about Hams is our ability to persevere. We will pound out CW on gear built before we were born, we will hold massive structures together with zip-ties and duct-tape, we will rush toward hurricanes and tornadoes to help others.<br />
<br />
One of the things that drives me nuts about Hams, is our ability to persevere. We will use electrical tape instead of shrink wrap, we will install filters to deal with AC hum rather than properly ground our rig, we will insist on communicating through Yahoo Groups when there are a million better/faster/simpler/more effective ways to do so.<br />
<br />
Want to share information? Blog about it. Or start a forum, they're way easier than you think. Want to share files? <a href="https://db.tt/DPEkhtjz" target="_blank">Dropbox</a> and <a href="http://drive.google.com/" target="_blank">Google Drive</a> are WAY better. Want to share photos? Backspace a few words and click those links. The point is: if we want to continue to be relevant, we need to embrace technology that works and especially web technology that works. Newcomers to our hobby will be turned away by our continued clinging to outdated and inefficient virtual hangouts. Youth won't stand for it. They'll find a group that "gets" technology. And who "gets" technology better than Hams? Nobody.<br />
<br />
Sorry for the rant, but...<br />
<br />
73Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-73047409886070260902014-05-22T13:29:00.002-07:002014-05-22T13:29:31.553-07:00Things No One Else Will Tell You About Field Day<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpQ50794CemQ0EYNDbVi4iw7EyaJ4JU3AoHb5zuk1WwP3FrVc1TPRXQntFt-PC83dMUDBIVMN9SD1uZW9bgQlktvJ_vcLSu0QfCFcebkn5VngyTq3w7ZiPaHaT-4V5A-7PQKb2mnuKEA/s1600/2014-FD-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpQ50794CemQ0EYNDbVi4iw7EyaJ4JU3AoHb5zuk1WwP3FrVc1TPRXQntFt-PC83dMUDBIVMN9SD1uZW9bgQlktvJ_vcLSu0QfCFcebkn5VngyTq3w7ZiPaHaT-4V5A-7PQKb2mnuKEA/s1600/2014-FD-Logo.jpg" height="320" width="317" /></a></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I'm nostalgic. I like traditions. I like to camp. I like to stay up all night from time to time. I like to play on the radio--but you knew that already. So, it makes sense that I would like the ARRL's Annual Field Day. In fact, since becoming a ham I haven't missed one yet. Okay, that's not really a major feat, as I've only been licensed during the past four Field Days, but I am on a roll that I hope to keep going. So like many other amateur radio operators, I've marked June 28-29 on the calendar and informed the XYL of my intentions to operate the, "entire weekend this year. " </span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<i>In case you're wondering: she rolled her eyes and gave me her best "whatever" look before informing me that I would have three children as company and that she would be happy to be left alone in the house for, "the entire weekend." She said it very menacingly. </i></div>
</blockquote>
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If you've never partaken of the Field Day festivities, there is plenty of literature available online and in print. The books and website will give you the basics: what the point is, who might be on the air, what you'll be hearing, where to go, what t-shirt to buy, how many commemorative mugs you should consider parting with your dollars for...but there are a few things they don't tell you. For instance:</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<h4>
Field Day IS a contest</h4>
</div>
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<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
They will say it isn't. They will assure you that it's a test. They will tell you there is no winner. They are all liars! Of course it's a contest, but the points are a little tricky to calculate, so here is a handy guide to calculate your score.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 500px;"><colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 9874; mso-width-source: userset; width: 203pt;" width="270"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 14080; mso-width-source: userset; width: 289pt;" width="385"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.75pt;">
<td class="xl65" colspan="2" height="25" style="height: 18.75pt; width: 492pt;" width="655"><h4>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Field Day 2014 Ham-N-Roll Point System</span></span></h4>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Visible Insect Bites</span></span></td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: medium none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">1 Pt./Ea</span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Antenna Rope
Burns</span></span></td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">1Pt./Inch</span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Hair
Physically Torn Out During FD</span></span></td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">10Pts./Square Inch</span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Caffinated
Beverages Consumed</span></span></td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">1 Pt./8 oz.</span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Pens/Pencils
Rendered Useless</span></span></td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">2 Pt./Ea.</span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Sleep</span></span></td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">-25 Pts./Hour</span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Speaking to
Non-Hams about Event</span></span></td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">10 Pts./Minute</span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;">
<td class="xl66" height="20" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">New Friends
Made</span></span></td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Priceless</span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="20" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>Multipliers:</b></span></span></td>
<td class="xl67" style="border-left: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="40" style="height: 30pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="40" style="border-top: medium none; height: 30pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Sunburn</span></span></td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: medium none; border-top: medium none; width: 289pt;" width="385"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Percentage
of body covered expressed as a whole number i.e. 50% of body Sunburned=50 x
total points</span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr height="40" style="height: 30.0pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="40" style="border-top: medium none; height: 30pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Lost Voice</span></span></td>
<td class="xl70" style="border-left: medium none; border-top: medium none; width: 289pt;" width="385"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Multiply
points by db SPL lost from June 28 at 1800 UTC to June 29 at 2059 UTC</span></span></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<h4>
Field Day is a GREAT Weekend for DX</h4>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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Sure the bands will be crowded, sure people will be piled up like I-5 during rush hour moments after an armored truck rolled over spilling it's contents across 8 lanes of asphalt. It also means that just about everyone in the world with na HF rig will be pointing their antenna stateside to witness the madness. If you're anything like me, you'll find those little RF holes in the spectrum and call CQDX a few times, you might be surprised at who answers. Last year, I added 7 new countries. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<h4>
You Don't Need an HF Rig to Enjoy Field Day</h4>
</div>
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There are a few ways around the lack of a HF rig in your shack. You can join a club or group who is participating and use their gear at a GOTA (get on the air) station--find a group <a href="http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator">here</a>. You can find a friend who has an HF rig and beg, borrow, or steal it for the weekend (I do not advise the latter, the fines and jail time will really hamper your chances at DXCC). Or you can take you FM mobile or hand-held out to the highest geographic location within a reasonable distance and score some major fun working simplex. If you decide to go that route, take a few minutes and a few dollars (<$20) to build a tape measure yagi and double your distance. <a href="http://ccars.org/projects/tapeyagi/">Here </a>is a link to some great plans for one.</div>
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Even if You Are Set Up on the Moon Bring Bug Spray</h4>
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Field Day's one draw back is that it is always concurrently scheduled with the annual AMFGNEAH festival. The AMFGNEAH (Annual Mosquito Fly Gnat and Noseeum Eat A Ham) Festival is notorious. Google it. <i>Never mind the robots must be sleeping, there are no results. </i>Seriously though, you would be amazed at how many Field Day points (see the chart above) you'll acquire if you ignore this little tidbit: Bug Spray=Good, Mosquito Coils=Good, Sugar water=No Bueno. </div>
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37% of Field Day Happens at Night</h4>
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Field Day is twenty seven hours long, ten of those hours are in darkness, unless you live in Alaska or you are operating inside a building (which, for the record, is not a Field and therefore cheating...regardless of what the rules say). No one remembered to tell me this the first year, so imagine my surprise when I was trying to test my battery voltage at three in the morning without a flashlight. Luckily the arch of electricity alerted a fellow ham that I needed some light...and an icepack. Make sure you have some means of seeing after dark, I prefer an LED headlamp. It leaves my hands open and reduces shadows where I need to see. Also, it's easier to find after thirty cups of coffee and eight hours of breathing bug spray fumes.</div>
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In Conclusion</h4>
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Field Day is a blast and the stories I have from my first four are some of my favorite Ham moments. If I could only impart one thing, it would be this: enjoy your time. No matter how many or how few contacts you make Field Day is always interesting, challenging, and usually a lot of fun. Take time to work stations having trouble, go out of your way to chat up younger hams. Be ready with a smile and plenty of charm when someone stops by to see what all the racket is about. Field Day is a blast, but only if you make it one.</div>
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Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-64994726165357671102014-05-20T11:34:00.003-07:002014-05-20T11:34:44.020-07:00146.52 Reasons to Monitor VHF Simplex<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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As I'm sure you are aware the Dayton Hamvention was last weekend and I attended it with my father, W2PJM. We had a lot of fun, but I can honestly say that one of the best parts was the ride there. We left NJ early <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">on Thursday morning</a> and monitored 146.52 the whole trip. After a few hours of quiet, some chatter broke through the squelch and we began to hear other Hams moving in the same direction. Before we knew it, we were chatting it up on simplex.</div>
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I make a point of monitoring 146.52 whenever I drive. It's a habit that my first Elmer W6LSW instilled in me. Around home, I almost never hear anyone on simplex. I put out a call occasionally, but I'm rarely met with a response, but I still monitor it with dogmatic fervor. Why? I'm so glad you asked.</div>
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It's an Easy Way to Meet New People and Get Information</h4>
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How many times have you been riding down the highway when a car that resembles an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airborne_early_warning_and_control" target="_blank">AWACS</a> flys by in the fast lane? Don't you want to know how he or she can fit that many antennas on a car. Wouldn't you like to see a picture of the dashboard of such an aerial-laden vehicle? Well, if you were both monitoring 146.52, you'd have the answers to you questions.</div>
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Let's explore another scenario: You are driving through a new or unfamiliar area and you forgot to program your mobile for the local repeaters. You scan and can hear them, but you cannot remember how to use that nifty CTCSS code scan function the salesman convinced you was worth an extra $100. If you jumped on 146.52 and there were other Hams monitoring (or at least scanning it), you could have an answer.</div>
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Like Morse Code, It's a Universal Ham Standard</h4>
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Arguably, the best thing about Morse Code is that it is ubiquitous. Any Ham that learns the code, quickly redoubles his/her reach in the amateur community. It simplicity and consistency lend the code to being a Ham Standard. Even Hams that don't know the code, know what it sounds like and can probably pound out a few letters--even if it's just S.O.S.). The same goes for 146.52. If every Ham in the world (or at least the USA) took the time to monitor and make calls on simplex, there would be a more universal feel to the VHF allocation rather than tiny little cells and haunts or local repeater groups.</div>
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In an Emergency...</h4>
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Except in cases of dramatic tropospheric ducting, VHF signal are regulated to reasonably short-range communication. This is not the case with a repeater. With the advent of linking and internet connectivity, you might ask for help on a repeater and be talking to someone that is at the farthest conceivable geographical point from you or they may even be floating above you in an orbiting space vehicle. </div>
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Generally speaking, if you can work someone on VHF simplex with a mobile rig (35w or so) or HT (5w or less), they are close enough to help you out in a pinch. So, if you happen to run out of gas, get a flat tire, or find yourself navigating the aftermath of a natural disaster, being able to raise a like-minded Ham on 146.52 could prove very helpful.</div>
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The Problem</h4>
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The problem is, most Hams don't monitor VHF simplex anymore. Why? Who knows? The most reasonable argument I have heard is, "No one is ever there." While overstated, it isn't far from the truth. The point is, unless a large chunk of us start to monitor and use the frequency, it will be continue to be silent and worthless. </div>
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The Solution</h4>
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The solution is simple. Tune into 146.52 simplex whenever you can. Announce your call and see if anyone responds. If you hear another, return the call. Program the channel into your scan lists too. You can still spend time working your buddies on the repeater, but why not try and contact them simplex; whether it's on 146.52 or some other frequency. And, if you ever see my little black coupe rolling down the highway, give WE2F a call, I'll be listening. What about you?</div>
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Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-4805329907240834902014-05-19T10:52:00.001-07:002014-05-19T10:52:23.836-07:004 Ways to Maximize Your Next Hamfest<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">The dust has settled and the car has been emptied of coffee cups and ham gear. I've unpacked my bags and begun to organize all the little bits and pieces that followed me home from Dayton. This was a great Hamvention weekend. It was my third year in four and by far the best time yet. On the long drive back to New Jersey, I had some time to ruminate on what made this trip so much better than the last. I've come up with several ideas, but four stick out most. Best of all, they aren't specific to Dayton. So, no matter what Hamfest you might be heading to, here are four way to get more out of the experience:</span><br />
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1.) Go with someone fun</h3>
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People in our lives generally fall into three categories: people we enjoy, people we don't, and people we have to be be around whether we enjoy them or not. When going to the Hamfest, only take the first kind of people. This might sound simple, but don't pass over it too quickly. Consider that Ham radio--and by extension a Ham Fest--is not for everyone, whether you enjoy them or not. So take someone you enjoy, who also enjoys Ham radio and you'll have a great time. Drag along a friend, spouse, or mother-in-law that cannot understand why you, "waste all that time in the garage fiddling with your radio," and you're both in for some serious spurious emissions that may make RF burns the least of your worries.</div>
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2.) Make a Point of Learning Something New</h3>
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The draw of Amateur Radio is complex. There are the Emcomm types, the CW purists, the PSK314787096505 digital modes types, the "Good Buddy this here ham radio sure beats CB" types, and there are people that want to bounce signals off satellites or the Moon or Mars (at least that's what there antennas suggest). The point is, no matter what you've tried in Ham Radio, there is at least one more things you haven't tried. If you're at a Hamfest, chances are someone there knows about it. Go ask questions, sit through a forum,or grab some literature. You never know what you'll discover. For instance, I learned that my Raspberry Pi, is a really good platform for building a repeater controller at the Embedded Linux Forum this year at Dayton. Why did I go to that forum? It was the only one where I could find a seat. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Now I have another avenue to explore in Ham radio.</div>
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3.) Go With a Purpose and Maybe a List</h3>
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It is SO easy to come home from a Hamfest with a trunk full of junk. There is a lot of STUFF at any Hamfest, but chances are, you don't need that much stuff. In fact, you might not need any stuff at all and that's perfectly acceptable. The best way to avoid all the Junk in the Trunk is to avoid carbohydrates (sorry I was trying to hold back, but I couldn't resist). The best way to avoid buying a bunch of stuff you don't need is to go with a plan and maybe a list. You might not find what you're looking for, but that gives you an excuse to go to the next Hamfest (win-win). With a solid plan you will be focused on finding something useful. </div>
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Another thing: don't give up. I went to Dayton with a few small bits and pieces on my list: toroids, connectors, a few semiconductors, but at the very top of the list was an Elecraft K1. I've wanted one for a while, but shelling out the money for a new one has been impossible. For months I've been convincing myself I'd find a used one at a Hamfest. When none showed up, I doubled down on Dayton. Like they say, "If you can't find it at the Dayton flea market..." Well, I couldn't and it bummed me out. I was just about to blow some money of something else to satiate my QRP thirst when I spotted a K1 sitting on a table where it didn't belong. Ten minutes later, I was walking off with it after striking a deal that even my XYL thought was reasonable. The point is, know what you're looking for, don't give up, and keep you eyes open.</div>
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4.) Talk to People, Meet On-Air Contacts, Join a Club or Group</h3>
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Ham Radio is social. So be social. It's one thing to know people's on-air voice, but when you can meet them face-to-face, it makes the on-air meetings more interesting and meaningful. Talking to and meeting new Hams is also a great way to initiate more on-air contacts and it's also a great way to find new friends. If you're shy, join a group or a club and slowly wade in to the social interaction. Before you know it, you 'll have more people to go to Ham Fests with and more people who sympathize and offer alternatives next time your XYL puts her foot down on your plan to run a radial field through her rose garden.</div>
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Hamfests are a blast. So find one nearby or even one not so nearby and make a day of it. With some forethought, a few friends, a willingness to learn, and a purpose for going, you'll be sure to have an amazing time. Just remember, it's easy to spend money at a Hamfest, but it's how you spend your time there that counts.</div>
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73</div>
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Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-59831784940441039522014-05-13T08:20:00.000-07:002014-05-13T09:34:04.539-07:00Packing for Dayton HamventionThe famous <a href="http://www.hamvention.org/" target="_blank">Dayton Hamvention</a> is this coming weekend! I can't wait. This will be my third year at Hara Arena, an oft-discussed...or was it disgusting...venue for all things Ham radio. W2PJM and I will be heading out first thing Thursday morning and I will be live-tweeting the event from the Hara Arena. Be sure to follow me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/rocknrollriter" target="_blank">@rocknrollriter</a> for up to the minute happenings, including a rumored announcement from Ten-Tec. Could more open-source radio be on the docket? It would make sense with this year's "Maker" theme.<br />
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I'll also be posting about the Hamvention here each night. I'd love to have you along for the ride. Also, if you can't make it, but wish you could be there to ask questions...let me know and I'll do my best to ask for you. I plan on spending plenty of time talking up the reps for all things QRP and Homebrew.<br />
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Catch you all in a few. 73<br />
<br />Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-51706225415086266442014-02-05T20:56:00.002-08:002014-02-05T21:01:56.042-08:00Uh Oh, I've Got Some Flowers to BuyOh boy, I may be in trouble again. I was messing around on eBay and another QRP rig jumped into my cart. Seriously, I was just looking around innocently and then *BANG* PayPal receipt. It wasn't my fault. Honestly. The guy priced it way to low. How can I be held accountable for such insanity? Right?<br />
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Think my wife will buy it? I hope so, because a <a href="http://www.fix.net/~jparker/wilderness/nc40a.htm" target="_blank">Norcal 40A</a> seems to have followed me home. I know, I know; ANOTHER radio. I'll get rid of one I promise.<br />
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I have been eying the Norcal 40 for some time. The receiver performance and especially the RX current draw have always peaked my interest. At 15 mA, the 40A will run for days on a 4.5 AHr gel cell. Further more, it's small, I'm talking fanny pack small (not that I carry a fanny pack, but in case I decide to start). Best of all, it is solid state and has a tuning knob. I love my PFR-3, but that knob is really calling my name.<br />
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I should have the new rig in time for the weekend. So after a few honey-do chores, I'll be on the air looking for some QRP love. I've also ordered an <a href="http://steadynet.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=54" target="_blank">Emtech ZM-2</a> tuner to accompany it...wait, no I didn't. What do you mean it says so right there?<br />
Uh oh, better scoot. I've got some flowers to buy. Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-7525115191500605542014-02-05T20:41:00.000-08:002014-02-05T20:41:26.019-08:00Great Video on CW for BeginnersI've been home sick for the past two days. Feeling under the weather, especially when the weather has been so terrible, gave me far too much time to lay about. I reached the end of my book and there was nothing worth watching on TV, so I jumped on YouTube® to watch a few ham videos. I cruised through the usual reviews and QSO's but then stumbled upon this excellent video by K1OIK. Rather than read me describing it, have a watch.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="332" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HPwxgH-BE10" width="590"></iframe>Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-81126859079181349492014-01-16T13:30:00.004-08:002014-01-16T13:30:47.332-08:00D-STAR...Well...Okay...Why Not?<div>
I received an extra and unexpected gift from Santa last night. It was a little late, but who's complaining? I have never really tried to figure out the ICOM D-STAR thing before, but now that I have a shiny new ID-31a, I might have to.
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I've been hesitant to look into D-STAR for two reasons: its inherently "closed" nature--which feels like a slight against the purpose and draw of Amateur Radio--and its prohibitive costs. Let's break these down a little.</div>
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D-STAR audio runs on a closed digital codec (AMBE). This is fine in most consumer electronic products, but as an Amateur Radio operator and VERY Amateur electronics experimenter, it simply isn't attractive. I like to hack. I like to build. I like to tear things apart and see how they work especially when dealing with software, but (as you might imagine) ICOM doesn't make hacking, building, or tearing down D-STAR very easy. So until recently, D-STAR was barley a blip on my radar. <i>However, between the ID-31a and this shiny new <a href="http://hamnroll.blogspot.com/2014/01/raspberry-pi-qrp-station-computer.html" target="_blank">Raspberry Pi</a> I'm beginning to play around with, a DSTAR gateway might be in my future...interesting...Still, I'm disappointed at the proprietary nature of the operating "mode."</i></div>
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To be perfectly honest, the biggest impediment to my involvement in D-STAR was cost. I simply couldn't justify the money on something so one-sided. I'd much rather buy an Elecraft K1 or K2 (I hope you're paying attention Santa), some new test gear, or a tri-bander for the top of that empty tower on top of my hill. But, since Santa dropped one in my lap, I might as well give it a chance; right?</div>
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Luckily (depending on how one defines "luck"), I live in a relatively populated area of the USA with several D-STAR Repeaters within 5w UHF reach, so I should be able to see what the hype is all about. But--and here's another frustrating D-STARism--it's not as simple as programming a few frequencies and hitting the PTT. There is a registration process. It's confusing and there really doesn't seem to be a good place to point the new user, so as I figure it out, I'll report back. In the meantime, I'm off to play with my new unexpected toy.</div>
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Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-44432432890184676212014-01-13T12:15:00.001-08:002014-01-13T12:15:59.868-08:00Raspberry Pi QRP Station Computer<span style="font-size:11pt"><p style="margin-left:0mm; margin-right:0mm; text-indent:0mm; margin-top:0.00mm; margin-bottom:2.81mm;line-height: 108%;"><font color="#010101" face="Calibri">I love to start new things. I love the feeling of learning and stumbling. I’m really good at being a Newb. Following through on projects I began…well, not so much.</font></p></span><div>
</div><p style="margin-left:0mm; margin-right:0mm; text-indent:0mm; margin-top:0.00mm; margin-bottom:2.81mm;line-height: 108%;"><font color="#010101" face="Calibri"><span style="font-size:11pt">I have at least a thousand projects currently under way. So, obviously, I’m ready for a new one. All these feel stale. Do you ever feel that way? I’ve often felt bad about going in so many directions without ever really settling on one, but my sporadic interests have also allowed me some unique opportunities that might not have been available if I wasn’t familiar with so many different things.</span></font></p><div>
</div><p style="margin-left:0mm; margin-right:0mm; text-indent:0mm; margin-top:0.00mm; margin-bottom:2.81mm;line-height: 108%;"><font color="#010101" face="Calibri"><span style="font-size:11pt">If you read around the web or the bookstore, there are a lot of “experts” out there, but no one seems to be selling themselves as a “generalist.” Why is that? Is a lot of knowledge about one thing more valuable than a little knowledge of a lot of things? I’m not sure. But this is the string of thought that I’m using to justify a new purchase and a new project.</span></font> <font color="#010101" face="Wingdings"><span style="font-size:11pt">J</span></font> <font color="#010101" face="Calibri"><span style="font-size:11pt">Enter the Raspberry Pi.</span></font></p><div>
</div><div><font color="#010101" face="Calibri"><span style="font-size:11pt">While this little computer is on order, I am thinking through how I plan on incorporating it into my radio operations. A few ideas I am playing with:</span></font></div><div>
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<li><font color="#010101" face="Calibri"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Logging contacts on portable ops, especially during SOTA or Field Day</span></font></li>
<li><font color="#010101" face="Calibri"><span style="font-size: 15px;">A dedicated Packet and/or digital modes computer</span></font></li>
<li><font color="#010101" face="Calibri"><span style="font-size: 15px;">A mobile web server for ARES activations or club events, especially field day</span></font></li>
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<div><font color="#010101" face="Calibri"><span style="font-size: 15px;">I have read about a lot of hams buying a Pi and not ever using it, but I think they were expecting a lot more from a mini computer. The Pi isn't meant to replace the shack computer, it's meant to perform computing tasks on a more sparse level. It's design and architecture allows a high play to pay ration, which is also appealing. I'm excited to get tinkering with it as I continue my quest for the "perfect" portable QRP Shack.</span></font></div>
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</div><div><font color="#010101" face="Calibri"><span style="font-size: 15px;">I'm also excited about the possibility of interfacing the Pi with my TenTec Rebel 506. The "Rebel Alliance" on the TenTec Rebel 506 Yahoo Group have already developed some great software and hardware hacks for the chipKit(TM) Uno32 (Arduino compatible) platform, but a micro controller like the Uno32 has its limitations. Many of these limitations can be overcome by the processing power of the Pi, without necessitating a full-fledged desktop or laptop powerhouse, or weighing down an already heavy SOTA backpack with more computer than needed.</span></font></div><div>
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</div><div><font color="#010101" face="Calibri"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Here's to a fun new adventure in Ham Radio.</span></font></div>Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-20287478201558369202013-12-17T10:16:00.000-08:002013-12-17T10:21:30.489-08:00Skip the Software for Programming Your Radio<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDr4AnPrBRVtRmcDP3mvJX5FdrOC6bk66AxdqdrFxslUor0cZaK12ddz7NTTaFQKl1YxlHQMO7Z7-OvY2eH25P8XaB6EQZK06EQfJ9-yt7lHMm1vnoEnniMEeKgf3_SGjh_fK67p6XCzY/s640/blogger-image--2146131487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDr4AnPrBRVtRmcDP3mvJX5FdrOC6bk66AxdqdrFxslUor0cZaK12ddz7NTTaFQKl1YxlHQMO7Z7-OvY2eH25P8XaB6EQZK06EQfJ9-yt7lHMm1vnoEnniMEeKgf3_SGjh_fK67p6XCzY/s320/blogger-image--2146131487.jpg" width="240" /></a>I finally made the plunge and dumped my over complicated feature-rich HT and bought a shiny new Yaesu FT60r. The venerable king of dual-band HTs--at least in my mind. I always look for a few key things in a radio: it must be robust, it must run on easy to find and readily available power sources, and it must be relatively easy to program...by hand. The FT60r fits the bill. It is built like a tank, runs on inexpensive battery packs or AA's (at full 5W output no less), and it can be easily programmed without software.
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Last night I spent an hour or two programming in all my local repeaters, simplex frequencies, and public service channels. I did it all with the manual in one hand and the radio in the other. Why program by hand? Because now I know my radio inside out. I can program anything I want on the fly, without the manual or need of a computer. So, when I'm working comms for a bike race and net control decides to use a cross-band repeater or I'm in a strange city and I catch wind of an active net, I can quickly and easily program the channel, even if it is an odd split, has DCS and PL tones, or whatever else. I don't need a computer, I don't need the manual. I KNOW how to do it. I think you should too. </div>
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Sure, software in convenient, until you need it and either don't have it with you or can't get it to work properly. I can't tell you how many times I've run into issues where I needed to make a simple change on my HT and needed to take out a student loan to figure out how to complete the task. So I would wait. I would go home, power up the computer, be forced to go through 27,000 "critical" software updates, try and remember which port my programming cable worked on last time so I could fashion a guess at which one might work this time, find the last file I uploaded, make the changes, send them to the radio, shut everything down, power up the radio and realize that I had nothing programmed now, power everything back on, start over... After a few attempts, I would give up. I have enough frustration in my life to add any to my hobby, so I decided to go simple.</div>
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I imagine that people wonder how to tackle a long hand-programming project, so let me give you a few pointers:</div>
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Plan your Program on Paper (or Computer)</h3>
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I have 152 channels programmed on my FT60r. That's a fair bit to tackle in an evening, but I did it. Print out a spread sheet with all the required information (i.e. RX Frequency, Repeater Offset, PL or DCS tone Frequencies, etc..). Print out two copies, one to cross out as you go and one for reference later. Spend time programing five or six channels at a time and then check your work. I small mix up can be caught quickly that way rather than a hundred channels down the road.</div>
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Plan for Operational Efficiency</h3>
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My first elmer taught me a trick that has stuck with me. When I program a repeater into my radio, I add a channel above and below it. The channel preceding the repeater is set to simplex on the repeater's input frequency. So, if I have a hypothetical repeater on 146.625 MHz with a standard negative offset, I would set the proceeding channel to 146.025 MHz Simplex. Then on the channel after the repeater, I program the repeater's output (in this case 146.625 MHz) also simplex. Then I set the radio to skip the channels before and after the repeater when scanning. Why would I go through all this trouble? I'm glad you asked.</div>
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So, I'm out in the field and talking to my buddy or net control or some random other Ham on the repeater, when I notice that there are a lot of "breaks" happening. Maybe we've been chatting too long. So, on his next transmission I rotate the dial back a click and see if I can hear him on the input or the repeater. I can. So I suggest that we QSY to a nearby simplex frequency and let the repeater cool down. OR. A massive storm is under way and I'm net control for the local SkyWarn team when the repeater goes down. I quickly spin the dial one click forward and keep communicating critical information to the team. </div>
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Because I set the radio to skip the simplex frequencies on either side of the repeater channel. I am assured that I will be on the right channel when my radio is scanning and I hear a friend throw out his call. I can stop the scan and talk away unencumbered.</div>
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If your radio's memory system utilizes memory banks, now is a great time to set your channels up accordingly. I set the channels I use most often into Bank 1, local Emergency and Public Service Channels go into Bank 2, Bank 3 holds other channels I use from time to time, and Bank 4 is everything else. By using the banks, I can weed out unnecessary scanning depending on the intended use of the radio on any given day.</div>
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A radio manual should be dog-eared, highlighted, annotated, and stuffed with post-it notes. Most people will suggest that you carry the manual with the radio. While that is sound advice, it is rarely practical, so a well studied manual, that resides in your mind's eye, is your best bet. When you find those little "ah-hah" snippets in the manual, please highlight them, star them, underline them, and dog-ear the page. Flip through your marked up manual once in a while and you are sure to remember the pink starred post-it-noted line on page 106 that tells you which button to push.</div>
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So that's it. That's why I think you should program your radio by hand, with a good solid plan in hand. That being said, programming software is not evil, in fact it can be quite handy, but not as a substitute for actually learning how to use your gear. Have fun programming.</div>
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Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-50255044102620630932013-12-15T07:52:00.001-08:002013-12-15T07:52:47.350-08:00Winter Wonderland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The QTH is warm and cozy, but everything outside is frozen. It seems like the bands are as well. This AM a few stations were floating in, but most of them were from Europe and about to go QRT by the time I got on the air, so I switched it up.<br />
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I heated up the iron and turned on some old-time Christmas tunes. I soldered away and wound a toroid or two in hopes of getting my new QRPP beacon on the air before the new year. The build is going slowly, but that's because there are so many other things going on this time of year. I don't mind. I love the Christmas season and with three young children, it's a magical time of year, full of plays, shows, rides in the car looking at decorations, and of course...sledding.<br />
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I've been pretty lax on my CW lately. I fear I've forgotten more than I remember, so I guess it's about time to get back into it. I really want to be proficient enough to have a few QSOs before the New Year. I had no idea how difficult it was going to be to learn Morse code. I feel like I've tried everything available to me. CDs, apps, on-line tools have all proved useful, but not complete. I really wish I had someone local to work with, but I've visited two clubs in the area and honestly...I want no part in them. One is run like a prison camp and the other is exactly the opposite. Is it impossible to have a Radio club that is both fun and organized? I'm losing faith.<br />
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Winter has always been a time of rumination and soul-searching for me, so I apologize if this post is a little too much of a downer. Like all things in life, Ham Radio has seasons and maybe winter is for rebuilding and reinventing. If that's the truth: I've got some work to do, but first, I'm taking my kids out back to go sledding.Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-80051857663953104572013-09-16T21:25:00.001-07:002013-09-16T21:27:02.318-07:00Back to WorkLately, I've spent most of my limited radio time playing with a new antenna and tweaking my QRP rigs. It dawned on me this past weekend that I haven't worked on my CW in quite a while.<br />
If you've read anything on this blog before, you'll know that I am new to CW and that I have been trying to learn the code at 13-15 WPM in hopes of getting on the air without the need to immediately re-learn at a faster speed. I knew at the start that this would make the learning slower and more challenging, but I was dedicated to the process...for a while.<br />
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Life has a way of getting between my responsibilities and my hobbies, but things in our house have quieted to a dull roar. The kids are back in school and there is a sense of "normal" again. "Normal" means regular bed times for the kids and an extra hour or two of uninterrupted time for me and the wife. I've been trying to remember to turn off the TV and work on the code. I think it's beginning to pay off.<br />
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I jumped back onto http://www.lcwo.net this morning. It has been over a month since my last login, so it took me a few minutes to remember where I was. I dialed the speed back from 15 WPM to 13 WPM and started over at lesson one. Twenty minutes after beginning, I was back through lesson three with 100% copy and 70% copy on my first attempt at lesson four.<br />
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I plan on spending the next two weeks, "hitting the "books" hard." I really want to be able to work some of the upcoming sprints and contests on CW. Also, with my tower project on financial hiatus, I want to have a better shot of completing my DXCC before the 2014 Dayton Hamvention. Obviously, CW will help greatly in that regard as I am limited to two wires and possibly a home-brew vertical for operation this winter.<br />
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Learning the code is difficult, but I can already feel the glory of knowing it. In fact, I'm becoming so enamored with CW that I find I hardly even pick up the mic anymore in lieu of listening to the slower speed sections of the bands. I'm sure that I will fully embrace the life of a dedicated Morse operator, but I need to focus on really learning to hear over the next two weeks. Wish me luck.Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-73279547381253804722013-09-12T18:49:00.000-07:002013-09-12T18:49:33.932-07:00Ten Tec Rebel 506 Has ArrivedHere is a very quick look and listen to the new Ten Tec Rebel 506. I literally un-boxed it, made a few connections, and shot this video in a hurry. Check back in a few days to see my progress in making this rig sing<br />
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Woo Hoo! I've been waiting for my Ten Tec Rebel 506 since Dayton. I'm so excited to delve into this new experimental QRP rig and see what kind of awesomeness I can pull out of it. I have so much planned already.<br />
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I've been experimenting with an Arduino Uno for the past few months in preparation for this rig, which has a chipKIT Uno 32 (Arduino based but much more powerful) micro-controller as a brain. I've learned a lot about what can be done. There is a LOT that can be done to personalize this rig and make it a QPR Holy Grail.<br />
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I'm planning on getting started as soon as this my new rig arrives. Here is a quick laundry list of add-ons and upgrades I'm considering:<br />
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<li>LCD display (maybe replaced by a touch screen display in the near future)</li>
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<li>Frequency Readout</li>
<li>Power Output</li>
<li>Battery Level</li>
<li>SWR</li>
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<li>CW Memory Keyer with a knob speed control</li>
<li>Morse decoder (Wait for it...)</li>
<li>On board one-button logging, using an internal clock and the decoded Morse (BANG!)</li>
<li>A waterfall display</li>
<li>Built in QRSS </li>
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Anyway, there are a few of my dreams for the winter projects. Hopefully, I'll be rporting on their successes here shortly.</div>
Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-22296335740007909682013-07-10T22:43:00.000-07:002013-07-10T22:43:07.981-07:002 Strikes, Then Out of the Park!I've been working on my Hendricks PFR-3 Build for several weeks now. Admittedly I was nervous to test everything after assemble and put off casing the unit until this past weekend. Before I put it in the case, everything was working great! Then, just after I turned the last screw on the cover...nothing. The receiver was dead. Power output went from 4.5W on 40m to barley readable. from 5W on 20m to 1W. I was pretty bummed out, but I knew that it had to be something silly, so I tore it back out and began poking around.<br />
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That was four days ago. By last night, I had fixed a few solder joints and got 5W or so out on every band. However, for the receiver I was out of ideas. I sent an email off to Steven Weber, KD1JV. By this morning, I had an email waiting for me. He offered a few suggestions that I implemented after work this evening. Still nothing. So I sent him another email begging for help. A response came ten minutes later (now that's what I call customer service). It seems I had my wires crossed, both literally and figuratively. One of the toroids in the RX section was mis-wound and I had crossed the primary and secondary thereby bypassing the tuning capacitor. No wonder the receiver was deaf.<br />
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It's too late to box the whole thing up again tonight, but by tomorrow, I will have officially completed my first kit radio. I am so excited to use this radio out in the field. It's going to be a real charge when some other camper or backpacker asks me what I'm doing. I can't wait to tell them that I'm talking with someone far away on a radio I built in my shack.Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-85329949894120535282013-06-28T09:26:00.000-07:002013-06-28T09:26:06.356-07:00RM11699 is a Well-Intentioned Bad Idea<div class="p1">
I have been an Emergency Communicator. I understand the limitations of what can and cannot be communicated via amateur radio during emergency activation. I also believe that Mr. Rolph AB1PH has the best intentions in his Petition for Rule Making to the FCC (<a href="http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7022424684" target="_blank">RM11699</a>). I still think it's a bad idea to grant amateurs permission to transmit encrypted messages in any form other than remotely controlling equipment.</div>
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There are many things happening in an emergency, many of which SHOULD be encrypted for the protection of those involved. However, messages of this magnitude, should ONLY be handled by professional Emergency Personnel with the ability to act on the encrypted information. Such messages are in NO WAY the responsibility of amateur communicators. </div>
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Amateur Radio has proven itself over and over as a viable and robust emergency communication tool and it should continue to serve the public in times of need by opening communication, "when all else fails." But, the moment amateurs are asked to shoulder the weight of highly sensitive medical and tactical communication, it is no longer amateur communication. In asking the FCC to grant the right to transmit and receive such communications, amateurs would open themselves to the full ramifications of mishandling said communications, which they are not--nor should they be required to be--trained to handle. Amateur Radio is first and foremost a hobby. Albeit a hobby that can serve the public in times of need.</div>
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It is my hope that the ARRL and the FCC consider the weight that this petition asks them to bear and that it is ultimately denied. </div>
Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-60164379483262187162013-06-21T10:51:00.002-07:002013-06-21T10:51:59.761-07:00Quick and Dirty Field Day Doublet<div class="p1">
Last night I got home with a few hours of daylight to spare (thank you very much Summer Solstice) so I decided to throw a quick and dirty doublet together for Field Day. Like most hams, I have a few (unless you ask my XYL, then it's hundreds) boxes of random "junk" laying around that I use from time to time to experiment, so I pulled out a few bits and pieces to put the antenna together. In case you've never built a doublet, here are my reasons for doing so and the theories that I employed.</div>
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There is a lot of confusion surrounding the terms "doublet" and "dipole," so let me wade into the murky waters and explain the difference as I see it. Technically, there is none. They are two names for the same thing. However, the difference, in common parlance, lies in how you feed said antenna and whether the antenna is cut to resonance for a target frequency. </div>
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Typically, a "dipole" is a resonant antenna for a given frequency and is fed with coax. There are many purveyors of 40 meter, 20 meter, 10 meter, etc. dipoles that include a PL259 connection at the center connector to attach your coax. These dipoles are typically resonant near the center of the given bad and give adequate bad with to allow the ham to operate anywhere on the bad without the need for a tuner. Try to load them up on another band then their design frequency however, and noise, smoke, silence, and cursing often occur. </div>
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"But I have a fancy built-in tuner in my rig, so I can load that 40-meter dipole up on 6 through 160, right?" </div>
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Maybe, but the impedances of other bad on a resonant dipole can be amazingly high. So, in short, it's not a good idea to test fate. There are however tuners that will allow you to load up on other bands, but the signal losses of doing so offer drastically diminishing returns. In other words, you might be able to tune that 40-meter dipole up on 160-meters, but it might work as well as loading up a Soup Can. </div>
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A Doublet (again, I'm speaking of "Doublet" as is generally understood. Both "dipole" and "doublet" mean the same thing), is a little different. The basics are the same. You generally cut a doublet antenna to be a half wave long on the lowest frequency you plan to operate. Impedances on other bands will still be amazingly high, but the losses will be much lower and turn our "Soup-Can" into a usable, although compromised, antenna. How? I'm glad you asked.</div>
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By using ladder line or open wire feed-line (two wires separated by spacers) the signal losses are dramatically reduced. The ladder line is then fed into a Balanced Line Tuner (or a 4:1 Balun) and then coax to your rig. A Balanced Line Tuner like the <a href="http://www.cgantenna.be/cg5000.html" target="_blank">CG Antenna Ltd. Remote Auto Tuner</a> is placed where your ladder line meets the ground and powered by a battery (in my case an SLA battery which is charge by a 5W Solar Panel (Pics coming soon) or by a "Bias Tee Power Injector" such as the <a href="http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-4116" target="_blank">MFJ-4116</a>. When the auto tuner senses RF energy it quickly measures the SWR and makes the necessary adjustments to put it back in a usable range. Remote auto tuners like the CG can seamlessly deal with the wild impedance differences between bands and allow you to operate on 6 -meters one minute and 40-meters the next. So now you can pick a Saturday and knock out that DXCC you were thinking about getting someday. Maybe, but there are a few other things to consider.</div>
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Our 40-meter Doublet and subsequent Balanced Line Auto Tuner are doing their job singingly, but it is important to realize exactly what they are doing. Like a 40-meter resonant dipole, our antenna will project the bulk of it's RF energy 90° to the antenna in both directions, in other words, off the sides of the antenna. This is assuming that the antenna is flat-top and at least 1/4 wave (33 feet or so) above the ground. When we move dow to 20-meters, our antenna will still put the bulk of it's energy out at 90°, but as we go higher in frequency (17-meter, 15-Meter, 12-Meter, etc.) our two predictable lobes will start to break up and lose energy. by 15-meters, there will essentially be 4 lobes at 45° each. I wish I had the ability to plot this out for you, but at the moment I don't. Suffice it to say, that you must consider the trade-offs when ever you deploy a multi-band antenna. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBVg8-by8JS6C_aKN24aNIJUE-2sdOC_njlC8s3j-iXDJfLXutHHYpS_ItxBTmCjzx1UzpMPI9D9vlIqezHZASpWCii4CEDkkTqGwfnJKNInv5a-7Z229DN2pkF6_j6hcSItDO3FENIg/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBVg8-by8JS6C_aKN24aNIJUE-2sdOC_njlC8s3j-iXDJfLXutHHYpS_ItxBTmCjzx1UzpMPI9D9vlIqezHZASpWCii4CEDkkTqGwfnJKNInv5a-7Z229DN2pkF6_j6hcSItDO3FENIg/s200/image.jpeg" width="200" /></a>Wow, that was a lot of theory to get to my application. So, I decided to deploy a lightweight 66' (half wave on 40-meter) doublet fed with 300Ω Ladder Line. I built this antenna to use for Field Day 2013, but it will also be used regularly when operating portable with my Hendricks PFR-3. That being the case, I wanted it to be pretty bullet-proof without adding too much weight. Also, I wanted to save the nice 500' spool of antenna wire I have to complete an 80-meter full-wave loop this summer. Luckily, my fellow Ham and father recently unloaded a spool of hefty speaker wire on me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYN0XrgFlFev8udCIra_xnesdoU7X_Xllm9Vox60f6Yw7REXXmizjXmiXjw3vEwzM9_qUHdd-m_gn3-VPn4j_QAWGPQ9gTqO1No_2bvI32__X6HUtLP3SOd6NuxYCfrWqkQkNTbq71Kw/s1600/image+(4).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYN0XrgFlFev8udCIra_xnesdoU7X_Xllm9Vox60f6Yw7REXXmizjXmiXjw3vEwzM9_qUHdd-m_gn3-VPn4j_QAWGPQ9gTqO1No_2bvI32__X6HUtLP3SOd6NuxYCfrWqkQkNTbq71Kw/s200/image+(4).jpeg" width="150" /></a>I found this <a href="http://www.thewireman.com/antacc.html#addons" target="_blank">Wireman 814C</a> in a box and drilled the holes a little wider to accommodate the wire. I soldered everything up, added some shrink-wrap (in case it stays up longer than planed) and put it away for the weekend. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5U_J6vWBrmOgPzF712ubu-TuEsp8bjlCaPXp7BpE_N-E3QNxKHxC70L4Es9EUVwJOo0Af1du-wuAM62DLUdM-hWPXnSc2QzBRoJheo_9PDiNf0DhP_7E9uywRrtVDVMebYXYkuJE9wk/s1600/image+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5U_J6vWBrmOgPzF712ubu-TuEsp8bjlCaPXp7BpE_N-E3QNxKHxC70L4Es9EUVwJOo0Af1du-wuAM62DLUdM-hWPXnSc2QzBRoJheo_9PDiNf0DhP_7E9uywRrtVDVMebYXYkuJE9wk/s200/image+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="150" /></a>As you might notice, I need to buy a heat gun as my lighter really charred the shrink wrap, but at least it's still functional. I'll report back on how the antenna performs, but in the meantime, I hope I've given you some food-for-thought on dipoles vs. doublets.</div>
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Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-33647787117665915732013-06-13T11:08:00.001-07:002013-06-13T11:08:34.094-07:00New Mobile Shack: Nothing Goes as Planned, Right?<a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/06/13/1128.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/06/13/s_1128.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a>With all intentions of following my plan for an install on my new car, I dove in between rain storms over the past two nights to get everything mounted and ready for years of mobile VHF/UHF enjoyment. About ten minutes into the project, it became apparent that things were not going to go exactly as planned.<br />
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The antenna mount I chose (see <a href="http://hamnroll.blogspot.com/2013/06/new-car-new-mobile-shack.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> post for details and links on the gear I used) mounted up in a heart beat. I only moved it once so that the antenna (when the trunk is opened) would not slam the roof of the car, potentially causing damage to one or both. I took a piece of ground strap I had lying around the garage and slipped it under the mount to bond the antenna to the radio and the farm of the vehicle. In hind site, it was a pain to run all the ground strap, but it was also well worth the effort as everything is quiet and appears to function very well. It's always amazing how much a solid ground plane work in your favor.</div>
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With the antenna mounded, it was time to run the feed line and ground strap, which took several attempts. Every time I thought I had found the perfect balance between keeping cable out of the way and being able to close the trunk, I found I was mistaken. After half an hour or so, I got it right. Again, I'm glad that I took the time to do it right. </div>
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Next, I mounted the radio body to the car under the back dash. Unfortunately, I stripped a few screws in the process, which meant re-drilling. Just when I buttoned it up I realized that I hadn't laid the ground strap under the bracket. So off it came again and then back together. By this time, it was nearing midnight, so I wrapped it up.</div>
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The next morning, I re-thought the idea of fabricating an in-cabin mounting bracket. I just didn't have the time to do it well. Luckily, my father (also a ham) has a barn full of random bits and pieces. I called over to say, "hi," and have him rummage through boxes. :) He found just what I needed and dropped the pieces off later that day.</div>
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I mounted everything up quickly and set off to run the power and signal through the cabin and firewall. Oh boy, that was fun. Luckily, I was able to follow the hood release cable through the firewall and with a hour or so of tugging and contorting myself into ungodly under-dash positions, I had power. </div>
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With the install done, I powered up the laptop, loaded a few frequencies, and programmed the radio. I'm happy to report that it is quiet, effective, and seems to work well, in spite of the fact that I still haven't received the planned antenna. In the meantime, I had another dual-band NMO to attach to the mount for testing and such. </div>
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This is the first time I really took the time to do a mobile install correctly and I'm very happy with the results. I think my wife was even impressed that there weren't tangle wires snaking in every direction like my previous installs. The whole thing looks good, is out of the way while easily within reach, and works well. Sometimes the plan has to go out the window to get things right I guess.</div>
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73</div>
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<br />Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-12266425166937329402013-06-11T14:13:00.001-07:002013-06-11T14:13:24.864-07:00Field Day Approaches<div class="p1">
Field Day is NEXT WEEKEND! Wow, that came fast. It feels like yesterday that I was bemoaning the fact that I had to work the entire weekend of FD2012. This year, I don't and I've been preparing my family for my absence long enough now that they roll their eyes when I continue to remind them. So I'm in full planning mode.</div>
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I was hoping to run QRP CW as a 1B station this year, but I've been slacking a little in the learning department and my CW is still way too shaky to commit to an entire weekend of CW only. I will still try to gather a few CW contacts with patient ops, probably in the wee hours of the morning when the pile-ups are few and far between and less people will be listening to my shaky fist. For the most part, I'll be operating SSB. </div>
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I've thought long and hard about where to celebrate this year's festivities, but my equipment is weighing down (literally) my options. Because I will be working SSB, I only have a full size 100W rig available. While I have no problem losing the computer and paper logging (see <a href="http://hamnroll.blogspot.com/2013/05/in-defense-of-paper-logs.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> post), my transceiver alone will draw more power than I can easily carry. Since my house is 100% solar powered during the day, I may operate from the QTH and utilize a bank of AGM batteries I have stashed for just such an occasion. That feels a little boring though. Maybe I'll set up a tent and "camp out" for the weekend. I have 9 acres to spread out in and plenty of trees to test out some quick and dirty antenna deployment options. Who knows?</div>
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It's times like this where I really miss being a part of a club. I still have had zero luck getting in touch with anyone listed on the ARRL club list for <a href="http://www.arrl.org/groups/view/northern-new-jersey" target="_blank">Northern NJ</a>. I'm hoping to wrap up my mobile install tonight, so I can start monitoring the local repeaters and maybe find a few other like-minded hams to steer me in the right direction, or to start a new club with. Until then, I need to get ready for next weekend. </div>
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What are your plans for Field Day?</div>
Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-1438592354589379902013-06-07T09:57:00.001-07:002013-06-07T09:57:21.862-07:00New Car New Mobile "Shack"<div class="p1">
There are so many things to consider when buying a new car, but the whole time I was shopping for my new ride, I was envisioning my next mobile "shack." For the last 7 years, I have been driving a lifted Jeep Rubicon. It has been a great vehicle. I've put nearly 200k miles on it and never had a major issue. It was a radio-lover's dream. There were so many places to put gear, antennas, etc. that it now resembles an AWAC more than a passenger car. My new ride…not so much.</div>
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<span class="s1">I ended up purchasing a <a href="https://www.hyundaiusa.com/vehicles/2013/elantra-coupe/?" target="_blank">2013 Huyndai Elantra Coupe</a>. </span>My decision to buy a this particular car was a mix of priorities: fuel efficiency, warranty, and price. This car will run out of it's factory warranty just before my son gets his driver's license. When he does, it will still have a few years of warranty on the drivetrain, so… While those were major factors in the purchase, I would be lying if I didn't mention that it was the only small commuter type car I looked at that had a reasonable platform for mobile Ham communications.</div>
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I'm not sure how new your vehicle is, but flat surfaces to mount radios are scant on newer cars and trucks. Furthermore, flowing body lines and side curtain airbags make mounting antennas a challenge. So I began looking into ways to mount my radios, antennas, GPS, etc. that were wholly different from what I was used to. The Elantra has a largely flat dashboard. My GPS will live there, rather than semi-stuck to the windshield where it always decides to fall off during complex lane-changes at unfamiliar exits. My radio's go in the trunk.</div>
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This choice was different for me. While I've always had a VHF/UHF Dualbander with a removable faceplate, I've never needed to separate them. On this car, it just makes sense. By mounting the radio under the rear window, I will only need a few feet of feed line to the antenna (more on this in a moment) and I can ground the radio, mount, and antenna all together to the body and frame of the vehicle. I never had to worry about so much paint on my Jeep, so this will allow me to grind some away without alerting the XYL. </div>
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I'll be performing the install in stages to avoid angry calls from creditors and allow me to perfect one or two bands at a time. This weekend, I'll be running power directly from the battery, fused on both positive and negative to the trunk. While I have all the panels pulled to do so, I will also run the seperation cable from my <a href="http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=106&encProdID=2804F70E1A8F3C4B638CB8E0F201158C&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0" target="_blank">FT-7900</a> as well as a CAT5 cable for a future separation of either an FT-857 or Icom IC-7100. One last cable to make the run will be coax, to accommodate another external antenna for my <a href="http://www.uniden.com/scanners/bcd396xt-compact-apco-25-handheld-scanner/invt/bcd396xtg" target="_blank">BC-396XT</a>, which goes just about everywhere with me. For this keeping track, I will not be running any cable for audio. Instead, I will be mounting an external speaker above the trunk in the passenger compartment, just like an old police cruiser. </div>
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Once that is done, I get to the fun part. I'll be breaking out the Miller Passport and welding up a mount that will attach to the front passenger seat bolts. Yes, I know they are available commercially, but mine will be much cooler and manly; trust me. When finished, it will hold the face plate from my FT-7800 with room to mount a second (future) faceplate and give me a location to hang a mic and my BC-396XT. If I'l feeling extra saucy, I may also include an iPhone mount. </div>
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The antenna mounting, will be a whole different game. For the moment, I will be using a <a href="http://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/ncg-comet-sbb-5-1603.html" target="_blank">Comet SBB-5 NMO</a> 1/2 wave on a Diamond <a href="http://www.diamondantenna.net/k400cnmo.html" target="_blank">K400CNMO</a> comet mount. Eventually, I will drill through the trunk lid, but I want to wait for a better idea of what HF antenna I'll need to mount before committing to something permanent. As I mentioned before, the mount will be bonded to the body and farm of the car, hopefully giving me a solid ground plane. </div>
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So that's the plan. I'm curious to hear what other mobile installs Hams have done lately. I'm especially interested in how you have gone about grounding trunk lid antenna mounts. If you have anything to share, please do. Now, where did I put my welding helmet?</div>
Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-8239971405517113232013-06-04T06:02:00.003-07:002013-06-04T06:02:57.021-07:00Not so Common Sense Tips and Tricks for Public Service<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
If you follow me on Twitter (@rocknrollriter), you may have noticed that I got a little bit bent yesterday morning by a thread on <a href="http://eham.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">eham.com</a>. If you don't follow me on Twitter, (please do) then let me explain.</div>
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In the Emcomm thread, (a hotbed of seething, snarling, nastiness anyway) a relatively new ham asked a rather benign and open-ended question. Actually, it wasn't even really a question. He asked what tips and tricks more experienced hams had for someone just getting into emergency communications. He then subsequently got blasted for not using common sense, told to use Google, and was essentially called a moron for not framing his question correctly.</div>
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It made me angry, so I responded in kind. In hindsight, it probably wasn't the best way to deal with the situation, but it is what it is. I called out "the old guard" and said that they shouldn't bemoan the fact that no one with a newer ticket wants to come to meetings, help out at events, or activate rare DX when they are constantly barked at about the old days. I also pointed out that newbies rarely have the frame of reference to ask the "right" questions; whatever that means. Further more, the reason common sense isn't so common anymore is because hams weren't willing to give advice and make it common. Most of all, I told them that it was childish to treat people this way. </div>
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My post was heated, and that wasn't good. Luckily K7RBW was kind enough to offer a constructive response that helped save the discussion from heading down the toilet. I also received a response from K1CJS that was well considered. There is a lot of information, both good and bad, floating around about any given facet of Amateur Radio. One has to narrow it down, or the answers are muddy at best. With that in mind and in the spirit of goodwill, here are the top ten lessons I've learned while using Amateur Radio in Public Service:</div>
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<b>1.) Always have three ways (or more) to get power</b></div>
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Batteries run out, AA cells disappear quickly, the power grid is always spotty in an emergency, generators run out of gas. If you don't have redundant ways to secure power, your operation will suffer. Personally, I carry 5 ways to power an HT and 3 to power my mobile rig.</div>
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For the HT: I carry a fully charged battery in the unit and another in my go-bag, an AA cell holder, a cigarette lighter adapter, a wall-wart charger, and a fully charged 7.5aHr SLA battery with a 10 watt foldable solar panel.</div>
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For the mobile rig: 12v Power supply, a large 50aHr gel-cell marine battery, and two long extension cords, one for a 120v outlet and one with battery clips for the gel-cell or a car battery. </div>
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<b>2.) You NEED an LED headlamp with a spare set (or six) of batteries.</b> </div>
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You will need light, you will need your hands, and you may need your teeth at the same time…trust me on this one.</div>
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<b>3.) Never go ANYWHERE on a deployment without:</b></div>
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<li style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">ID</li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A copy of you Ham License</span></li>
<li style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">A copy of your ARES, RACES, or MARS ID</li>
<li style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">A multi-tool</li>
<li style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Some duct tape (wrap it around an old Hotel card key)</li>
<li style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">A pencil (pens always fail on deployment, a pencil can always be sharpened with that multi-tool</li>
<li style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Paper you can spare</li>
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<b>4.) A small, cheap mag-mount is your friend</b></div>
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Stick it on a car, motorcycle, file cabinet, or cookie sheet and you've just doubled the power of your little rubber duck. When you forget it on said car, motorcycle, file cabinet, or cookie sheet, you haven't lost $130 on a Diamond 5/8 wave base antenna.</div>
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<b>5.) 19" will let you talk pretty far</b></div>
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If you forgot your mag-mount antenna, broke it; or it just drove away on a car, motorcycle, filing cabinet, or cookie sheet, 19" of still wire (even a coat hanger) soldered to the center of a panel mount PL259 connector and one to four 19" radials attached mechanically or soldered through the screw holes make a pretty darn effective antenna. Check <a href="http://www.hamuniverse.com/2metergp.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> out.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 13px;"><b>6.) Get your inner </b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>MacGyver on</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">You would not believe what that guy could do with a paperclip. Look <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09UlB17cgKw" target="_blank">HERE</a>! Likewise, you would not believe what a little can-do attitude and brain-power can do to fix an otherwise dire situation. Hams are a very resourceful bunch. Don't give us a bad name by giving up when all else fails. A small container of random connectors, fuses, paperclips, zip ties, velcro, blah, blah, blah is a godsend in a pinch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>7.) Find every fuse on every piece of gear that you'll bring...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">...now put twenty thousand of each one in your go-bag. Okay, twenty thousand my be excessive but bring way more than you think you'll need. I've always found that I usually blow at least three until I figure out the problem.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>8.) Sometimes being in Emcomm means taking out the trash</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This one goes straight to my heart. You're their to serve the public, so serve them in whatever way is needed, when it is needed, for as long as you are able. If you are looking to play with your radio in a bad situation, stay home. Most of the time emcomm is about communications, but sometimes it's about taking out the trash. If you're not willing to do both, then your thoughtful support from home would be better for everyone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>9.) Be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Much like the last tip, when you are in a public service capacity, help out, with a positive attitude, stay out of the way, keep your nose where it belongs, and bring the gear and knowledge you need to take care of yourself for the duration of your service. The last thing anyone needs is a volunteer who was there to help suddenly needing rescue or a diaper change. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>10.) At minimum, carry three radios</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">You will obviously need your HT and or Mobile rig. In addition, I always carry a FRS/GMRS (make sure you are licensed for one), and a digital trunk-tracking scanner. Also bring the peripherals manuals, power supplies, extra batteries, headphones, etc.. It always seems that someone in the command chain believes that FRS/GMRS and Ham Radio are one and the same. They will need you to relay communications between someone with one to someone with the other. Be a part of the solution and have one of each, so you can accomodate them. A trunk-tracking scanner is also nice to have, especially if you're savvy enough to program it on the fly. You will be able to monitor what is happening, who is coming, where the trouble is, and myriad other things.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>THIS IS IMPORTANT: </b>If you are scanning, do so through headphones. I carry a single surveillance-style ear-piece. Why? Because people will be listening over your shoulder. Chances are they are in the middle of the emergency and stressed out of their minds. They will read all kinds of things into the radio traffic and it will cause them more harm than good. Also, there may be information shared over the scanner that is more personal than during normal radio operations. It is important to let the communications happen without causing secondary issues.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">These are the top-ten tips and tricks that I have learned while serving the public with my amateur radio. Whether you are supporting a run, bike ride, or full-scale city evacuation, I believe that these things will help you out. I hope they do.</span></span><br />
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Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8221543635073813609.post-82097281287730717772013-05-31T11:52:00.001-07:002013-05-31T11:52:34.929-07:00Hoping to Get ClubbedI recently re-joined the <a href="http://www.arrl.org/" target="_blank">ARRL</a>. I let my membership lapse two years ago during a time of financial trouble and a waining interest in anything and everything beyond surviving. Now that I'm on a more even keel financially and emotionally, it felt like it was time to get involved again.<br />
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I was perusing the site last night, looking for a radio club near my home in Western NJ. I was surprised at how many clubs were listed within 25 miles or so of home. I was also surprised by the numbers listed in the membership fields; especially since I cannot seem to find anyone anywhere on any repeater in the area. So I decided to check out a few of the club websites and plan to attend a meeting in the near future. That is when things really got weird.<br />
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I visited seven club websites. Not one…not a single one, had anything remotely recent posted. Some of the sites had not been updated since 2008. So, back to the ARRL list I went. Only one of these clubs seemed defunct. All the others had submitted annual reports in late 2012 or early What is going on?<br />
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I searched around a little more and jumped on QRZ.com to check out the listed officers of the clubs. Most appear to be active. Seriously? Why is there no club love? That got me thinking back to my first/last/only club experience. I joined the <a href="http://www.edcarc.net/" target="_blank">EDCARC</a> (El Dorado Amateur Radio Club) shortly after I received my Tech ticket. I found them on the ARRL list, emailed then President Don Brooks, KJ6YST and received a warm and timely reply. I showed up at the next meeting, was met by Don, introduced to several club members and brought into the fold. At the next meeting I was asked to, "bring some new blood," to the Board. I accepted gladly. <br />
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For the next two years, I was very active with the club. There were weekly nets, monthly board meetings, monthly club meetings, and eventually ARES meetings, trainings, and nets. We had regular outings, field days, and public service events. There were people my age, much younger and much older. We all got along, learned from each other, and had a ton of fun. Then I got a new job and I was able to attend less and less. I missed it…a lot. In fact, I still do. Which is why I wanted to get into a new club ASAP, but apparently things are different here.<br />
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That got me thinking. Maybe I should start my own club. Then I considered how little time I have now and that idea went away. So then I thought about what I WANT in a club. I always find that defining what I want or what I believe should be, is a good way to frame the idea. Here's what I came up with so far:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Meetings should be social events, not a second job. They should be fun to attend</li>
<li>The bulk of the time spent should be on furthering the hobby, not servicing the club</li>
<li>Atmosphere should be fun and inviting</li>
<li>The club should attract people I would want to hang out with otherwise</li>
<li>Information should be redly available and regularly updated</li>
<li>Dues should only offset costs that are REQUIRED: e.g. renting meeting space, upkeep of a repeater system, printing or web-site costs, beer (just seeing if you're paying attention)</li>
</ul>
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I'm not sure there is a club that meets these criteria, but I'm hoping there is. If not, I'm hoping that there are some other hams locally that are looking for similar things in a radio club, because I'm getting pretty bored playing radio all by myself.<br />
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What are you experiences in radio clubs? Have they all been stuffy haunts of rules and regulations? Have they been fun and informative? Do you belong to a club? Why or why not? Am I off the mark in what I hope to get out of a radio club? Am I missing something? Seriously, I'd like to know.Matt Maszczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394953415957317732noreply@blogger.com0