XPost: rec.radio.amateur.moderated

Amateur/Ham Radio

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Weekly Information / Mentor / New License Thread

Posted: 21 Feb 2022 06:00 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/sxu6o3/weekly_information_mentor_new_license_thread/


This thread is used for those who just passed their tests to introduce themselves, a place to ask questions that you think dont deserve its own
thread and a place to brag!
Posts will be sorted by new!
Before posting, please make sure to read our FAQs and Wiki Page as your question might have already been answered.
Also make sure to check out our Rules Page
Weekly Nets And Chat Rooms: DMR Net: 0000 UTC Tuesday (Monday night US,
8pm Eastern). No net control. Brandmeister TG 98003. Also linked via
echolink. More info can be found here. HF Net: 01:30 UTC Monday Morning
(Sunday night US). Coordinate via IRC, no net control. Information can be
found here CW Noob Net: 02:30 UTC Saturday Morning (Friday night US). Coordinate via IRC, no net control. Information can be found here Official
IRC Channel - #RedditNet on Geekshed. Link to web-based client is here but
feel free to use whatever client you like. Official Discord Server - /r/amateurradio is on discord. Click here to join Collegiate Ham Radio
Groupme is here Young Amateurs Communications Ham Team EchoLink Net 19:00 Central Saturday Night Redditnet group on the Brandmeister network - TG
98003 - Listen Live - This talkgroup is bridged to AllStarLink node 48224
and Echolink node W5RI-L and on D-Star via XLX216 Module E North American Traffic and Awards Net Nightly at 22:30Z on 7.185. If youd like to join a weekly net for new and returning amateurs, check out the details at http://ftroop.vk6flab.com, the net runs every week on Saturday, from 00:00
to 01:00 UTC on Echolink, IRLP, AllStar Link and 2m FM via various
repeaters. You can also listen via the brandmeister hoseline! Link on
homepage. submitted by /u/AutoModerator
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TIL Hisako Koyama, a female Japanese astronomer who hand drew sunspots
every day for more than 40 years. Her detailed sketches aid researchers in studying solar cycles and the sun's magnetic fields

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 06:09 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/syohyg/til_hisako_koyama_a_female_japanese_astronomer/

submitted by /u/EngineOut
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Did you know its possible to have a favourite tube? At the moment this is
mine! Hytron VT-232 VHF Triode.

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 06:27 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/syow3l/did_you_know_its_possible_to_have_a_favourite/

submitted by /u/aacmckay
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(tr)uSDX is available on Aliexpress

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 05:13 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/synbl8/trusdx_is_available_on_aliexpress/


DL2MAN developed a version of the uSDX known as "(tr)uSDX". Its a compact 5 band multi-mode QRP rig.
Even though Manuel (DL2MAN) isnt selling units, he published everything in
a way where people who are willing can organize group buys.
The organizer (usually a volunteer) would source and purchase all the parts needed and then ship them out to those on the list in kit form. There were
many "group buys" out there. However, there is no consistency due to supply chain issues (mostly with JLCPCB) so some people are getting boards without
all the SMD mounted, some dont have bootloaders preprogrammed and some are without cases (3d printed).
DL2MAN has allowed commercial opportunities and a few companies have
stepped up to produce units. One of the approved vendors is on Aliexpress
and they are selling both kits and assembled units
This seems to be a promising radio. 5 Bands, up to 5W, CAT control (USB),
Multi mode and many other features that can basically fit in the palm of
your hand. The price isnt bad either. Seems to be hovering around $95USD
which I think is very cheap for what youre getting
As of writing this there is 7 fully assembled units ($136USD) w/ case and
165 164 kits ($86USD) without cases. The cases can be 3d printed and the
files are available on DL2MANs website.
Here is a video of DL2MAN showing off the Aliexpress unit
There is an Ebay Seller selling what appears to be assembled units of the
same thing. However, its not from an approved source (not sure if its true, https://forum.dl2man.de/viewtopic.php?t=153). There are approved ebay
retailers but this isnt one. submitted by /u/ItsBail
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Printing a groundplane for my QRP sdr.

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 06:37 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/syp4ed/printing_a_groundplane_for_my_qrp_sdr/

submitted by /u/RefrigeratorLess9786
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7300 or qrp setup ?

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 08:59 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/syse6u/7300_or_qrp_setup/


Ive got 1k more or less to spend on ham goodies. I want to start activating
for POTA. I can not decide if I want to go the 7300 and a screwdriver route
or a battery-powered qrp rig (g90) with a multiband vertical setup. Any suggestions/thoughts? submitted by /u/frankenbeagle
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You've got to step up your antenna game...

Posted: 21 Feb 2022 01:37 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/sy58fm/youve_got_to_step_up_your_antenna_game/

submitted by /u/neededanew1
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Ideas for antenna grounding on a motorcycle?

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 08:22 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/syrimm/ideas_for_antenna_grounding_on_a_motorcycle/


Im looking to use this mount on my motorcycle and Im trying to find a good
way to ground it since there wont be a traditional plane for grounding. Can
I simply run a ground lead to a point on the chassis and be ok on
performance? Would there be an issue grounding directly to the battery
ground strap or otherwise directly to the battery?
E: this will be for a 2m/440 rig submitted by /u/soloxplorer
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Why no activity? Why is it so quiet?

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 08:07 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/syr5w1/why_no_activity_why_is_it_so_quiet/


So after a number of years of inactivity in ham radio Im trying a return to
the hobby, HF and VHF/UHF. Im in the Los Angeles area.
To start-up some conversation with local hams I programmed about 30 local repeaters (VHF and UHF) into my dual-bander and scanned for activity. After about 3 weeks I only hear two repeaters with activity...one was a
pay-to-use network and the other had very bad behavior.
In amongst those 2-3 weeks I repeatedly announced myself on various
repeaters, looking for anyone. Nada, nothing, zilch! Even the pay-to-use
users ignored me. (Even though I was not a member I was hoping to get some information.)
Disappointing. Did I make the right decision of buying a lot of gear,
putting up new antennas, etc??
Ive had better luck on HF, not much better, but better.
I know its not me, Ive always been very sociable and talkative. What the
hell then? submitted by /u/GSD-Odie
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I have 7 or 8 pieces of gear like this no branding, can anyone help?

Posted: 21 Feb 2022 09:15 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/syf8cm/i_have_7_or_8_pieces_of_gear_like_this_no/

submitted by /u/saw-sync
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An old analog hamclock I got for free. Find it pretty cool, so I thought
I'd share it.

Posted: 21 Feb 2022 06:22 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/sxup2s/an_old_analog_hamclock_i_got_for_free_find_it/

submitted by /u/Sarius98
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My Little Setup

Posted: 21 Feb 2022 12:33 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/sy3n7w/my_little_setup/

submitted by /u/SirFluffkin
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MMDVM

Posted: 21 Feb 2022 08:23 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/sye8rx/mmdvm/

submitted by /u/Ajenk19
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LEDs, Amateur Radio, and RFI

Posted: 21 Feb 2022 07:46 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/sydhto/leds_amateur_radio_and_rfi/


A bit off topic but I think relevant to many hams. I’m in the midst of building out my shack. It’s basically a shed where I’m adding electrical, insulation, and wallboard, as my job now has me permanently working from
home, so a nice dedicated place for work and hamming made sense. I’m currently at at the point where I’m trying to choose lighting. Ideally thinking a 4 to 5 bulb LED track light system on a dimmer.
So I’ve been researching LED lighting and RFI and I’m a bit confused as to what radio friendly LED lighting choices are out there. It seems more and
more, the fixtures that are available are all-in-one, in that gone are replaceable bulbs as the entire fixture is a single LED component. These
are all manufacturers led by mostly nameless companies that have little to
no ratings beyond UL certification.
The story on RFI and LEDs also seems mixed. It’s unclear to me how to avoid LEDs, as a CA resident, non-LED options will be diminishing every year. So
my goal is to hopefully deal with the issue up front, rather than hope for
a solution down the line.
My understanding is that the source of the noise are the converters and transformers. However I’ve not really found a good source of bulbs to buy
or avoid. And what does one do about those converters and transformers that
are built into many fixtures? Is a GU10 LED bulb based fixture likely to
create less interference than say these all-in-ones?
Additionally how about dimmers? Dimmers for LED work significantly
differently than simple potentiometer based dimmers for
incandescent/halogen.
Does anyone have any advice on ham friendly LED products? I’ve asked my electrician and he was puzzled by the question. Are there known recommended brands that are know to not be problematic? Any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks! submitted by /u/nsomnac
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Can anyone identify this digital signal on 15 metres?

Posted: 21 Feb 2022 07:27 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/syd3r0/can_anyone_identify_this_digital_signal_on_15/

submitted by /u/stw303
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Power Supply Location

Posted: 21 Feb 2022 05:28 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/syakoy/power_supply_location/


I have an opportunity to get an Astron RS-35M power supply from one of my
local club members, but its a heck of a lot bigger and heavier than the
little Samlex switching one Ive got now.
Id have to figure out where I can put it and not cause problems. I could possibly have it on the corner of my desk, but a speaker would need to go
on top of it which I dont think would work out so well. Alternatively it
could go on the floor, but the space where Id have to put it would require
it being on its side and not right by the radio. It would probably need
about 4-5 of wire to get power to the radio. Would that cause problems?
Or am I better off just sticking with what Ive got for now and worrying
about a better power supply someday down the road when Im somewhere else
and have (hopefully) more room for radio equipment? submitted by
/u/GregP74
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TM-V71A - Xband repeat & Remote Control

Posted: 21 Feb 2022 05:09 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/sya640/tmv71a_xband_repeat_remote_control/


Purchased a used Kenwood TM-V71A (excellent radio, very easy to use and I
love it so far!).
Played with the "remote control" DTMF functions via a FT60, worked
excellent and was very cool.
Are these DTMF functions available in crossband repeat (from my
understanding, required to legally crossband repeat as to have a "control operator") and if so, how would I go about setting up the Kenwood to not re-transmit my DTMF tones?
-KE8OGX submitted by /u/dgansen1
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Which is better, bed rail mount with long(er) antenna or roof with (very)
short antenna for 70cm/2m

Posted: 21 Feb 2022 07:43 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/sydfkg/which_is_better_bed_rail_mount_with_longer/


Hi there, long time reader, first time poster (always wanted to say that). Before I ask my question, I have a few important criteria/caveats that I
need to clarify :)
Firstly, if this has been answered (specifically) before, please point me
there - im all up for self-service, that said ive not been able to get a
clear (enough, for me) answer to my question.
Secondly, the two options im presenting are 100% non-negotiable - I have a
wife that I love even more than this hobby, and while her criteria may seem
to be illogical, this in no way means that its not the constraints I have
to live with. [1]
Thirdly, if it matters ill be using an Anytone 578 UV Tri-Band, im on a technician license and in the San Francisco Bay area and can access a ridiculous number of repeaters on my HT which is where ill spend 90% of my
time - but when I do travel its for many thousands of miles on the open
roads so more coverage is (obviously) better.
Ok, so with all my ridiculous caveats out of the way - my question is, in
my 2015 RAM 1500 do I go with:
a. A breedlove mount and antenna that sticks out 8-10" above the roof, or,

While not my truck this is almost identical to what im thinking, down to
the color and the retrax bed cover :)
b. A very small < 8" antenna that mounts on the 3rd brake light

NMO mount is not in this pic but is above the white lights
I have been licensed for a couple of weeks now and am loving all of this,
so really appreciate all your help, particularly with the constraints that
I have.
73
Adam - W3AWJ
[1] FWIW, my wife is far more logical than me so please dont misinterpret
my jest as anything other than banter between her and I. For her this setup decision is primarily aesthetic (to each their own) and so im looking for
the best performance I can get. submitted by /u/RelevantDragonfly20
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Calling CQ at 9,500' | Mountaineering & SOTA

Posted: 21 Feb 2022 09:37 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/sxzbtc/calling_cq_at_9500_mountaineering_sota/

submitted by /u/tsherrygeo
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Good antenna arrangement for an SWL

Posted: 21 Feb 2022 03:43 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/sy8aix/good_antenna_arrangement_for_an_swl/


Long time ham here, and my dad has recently shown some interest in SWL, so
I bought him a nice Eton Elite radio that should be here in time for his birthday. There’s no way he can setup a big antenna like I have for my
shack so I’m looking for tips from folks on what has worked for you for
just receiving in small houses on downtown property.
We do not have good attic access so an antenna under the roof is out of the question. I’m thinking of just connecting 30-40 feet of speaker wire to a
BNC connector and nailing it along the ceiling of his room.
Any other ideas? submitted by /u/Prima13
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Receiving a weak beacon signal from Sweden

Posted: 21 Feb 2022 11:41 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/sy2dtb/receiving_a_weak_beacon_signal_from_sweden/

submitted by /u/F4VTS
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RIGRunner in a Tacoma

Posted: 21 Feb 2022 02:26 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/sxqdfo/rigrunner_in_a_tacoma/

submitted by /u/rs_kozak
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Will an itty bitty sub-5cm ground plane antenna work on 1.68 GHz?

Posted: 21 Feb 2022 01:18 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/sy4r0l/will_an_itty_bitty_sub5cm_ground_plane_antenna/


I want to try receiving signals from NOAA weather balloons. Research
indicates theyre on 1680 Mhz. I ran a ground plane antenna calculator and
the conductor lengths are about 4.8 centimeters. Thats crazy small. Can I
just solder pieces of wire to a panel mount SMA and expect it to work? Wondering if there are better options for an antenna out there. Of course I could pay big bucks, but for this Id like to keep it to the $10 region in
terms of parts cost. submitted by /u/WaitForItTheMongols
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NOAA Satellite reception help

Posted: 21 Feb 2022 02:22 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/sy6cgo/noaa_satellite_reception_help/


Ive been struggling to get any signal from the NOAA satellites, I made a V-Dipole antenna to receive them but I still cant get much of a signal. Is
it worth my time to make a QFH antenna or maybe should I get the SAWbird+
NOAA Filter? I cant seem to find why its not working, Ive got the antenna pointing north but still I can only pick up a tiny signal thats far too
noisy to decode. Ive even tried sitting up on my roof with my laptop.
Theres no major powerlines too close (Just a small one to the south) and
Ive got a fairly unobstructed view to the sky. Im using a Nooelec SMArtee
Xtr SDR. submitted by /u/mav3rikG
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A Shining Example of Why People Have Mic Fright in this Hobby

Posted: 21 Feb 2022 05:50 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/sxtyor/a_shining_example_of_why_people_have_mic_fright/

submitted by /u/nashosted
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