XPost: rec.radio.amateur.moderated

Amateur/Ham Radio

///////////////////////////////////////////
New executive order forbids sending US currency to Russia

Posted: 13 Mar 2022 05:27 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/td5we9/new_executive_order_forbids_sending_us_currency/

submitted by /u/MuadDave
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
New car, old radio, some twists for the install process.

Posted: 13 Mar 2022 08:39 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/td9gq0/new_car_old_radio_some_twists_for_the_install/

submitted by /u/JackCrow1959
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
What is this cool zip tied? I got some "new" equipment, but no instructions
and Im still new to this. Help?:) its on the bottom of an 80-10m vertical antenna

Posted: 13 Mar 2022 04:11 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/tdj73y/what_is_this_cool_zip_tied_i_got_some_new/

submitted by /u/landonfvw
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Denial-of-service attack HAM-repeater / unauthorized transmissions over a HAM-repeater, how to prevent?

Posted: 13 Mar 2022 05:16 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/td5qal/denialofservice_attack_hamrepeater_unauthorized/


Some user(s) decided to transmit illegal transmissions over a local
repeater. It is unclear HOW they did this, but transmissions included CW
and voice. Probably scripted or set up to run automatically. Triangulating
not successful - yet.
Any ideas on HOW to perform this? Understanding how is probably key to preventing it.
This site is probably on the right track; https://www.project-ats.com (SFW) Seems like a simple solution to achieve what I am trying to prevent.
submitted by /u/HAM-repeater-deny66
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
10 meters open now

Posted: 13 Mar 2022 12:52 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/tdewi5/10_meters_open_now/


I have my AirSpy HF+ tuned to FT8 on 10 meters and it is open to variety of different areas. Using an outdoor active loop antenna. submitted by /u/cybertosher
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
I think i need to check my antenna for nuts.

Posted: 12 Mar 2022 04:40 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/tcv1wl/i_think_i_need_to_check_my_antenna_for_nuts/

submitted by /u/LinuxIsFree
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Midland 1001z CB receiver is making a strange buzzing sound and not the
static sound it should, I have changed 2 antennas already and its the same
( i bought the radio second hand) and I have been listening for a month now
and no signals coming throu. Should i buy a new radio?

Posted: 13 Mar 2022 08:00 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/td8omi/midland_1001z_cb_receiver_is_making_a_strange/

submitted by /u/JoeMamaIfGay12345
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Audio Spectrum Analyzer Recommendations For Windows?

Posted: 13 Mar 2022 09:38 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/tdapwy/audio_spectrum_analyzer_recommendations_for/


As the title says, anyone have some decent audio spectrum analyzer for
windows recommendations?
Go! submitted by /u/aacmckay
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Setting up my first base radio.

Posted: 13 Mar 2022 04:25 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/tdjh33/setting_up_my_first_base_radio/


I am finally setting up the radio I inherited from my late uncle N6AMG(some
of you who were active in the 80s & 90 may remember him)
The Kenwood TS6906 doesn’t have a built in antenna tuner, so I am looking
for something to use with it. Bonus points if it’s on the cheaper end and will do the job. submitted by /u/Exhausted_phd
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Raspberry Pi Based DDS-VFO for my 1970-era Drake 4-Line Tube Ham Radio

Posted: 12 Mar 2022 11:01 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/td1aym/raspberry_pi_based_ddsvfo_for_my_1970era_drake/

submitted by /u/Angelworks42
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
The Largest Radio Telescope Ever Built Will Search for Alien Life

Posted: 13 Mar 2022 12:11 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/tde0t1/the_largest_radio_telescope_ever_built_will/

submitted by /u/Murse36
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Just got my technician license. Besides an antenna, what else do I need to
get started?

Posted: 12 Mar 2022 07:47 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/tcj3lu/just_got_my_technician_license_besides_an_antenna/

submitted by /u/Scal145
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Decent multiband antenna for portable/parked car operation !

Posted: 12 Mar 2022 09:50 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/td09c7/decent_multiband_antenna_for_portableparked_car/


I was thinking I could obtain something like a SOTAPOLE 10m mast and the drive-on mast mount, but what should I put up there? Im looking ⠀to mainly operate during the afternoon to night, from 80m - 6m or whatever I can get.
I have an ft-891 with the MFJ 939 tuner. submitted by /u/heavygoose747
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
[OC] Introduction to the terms of contesting

Posted: 12 Mar 2022 09:21 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/tcztc9/oc_introduction_to_the_terms_of_contesting/


My first look at contesting was through a Zoom session when a friend shared their screen showing their contest operation. It was overwhelming for sure
and really only because I was not familiar at all with the software used
for both contesting and rig operation.
A quick summary of what I observed was:
- Flex Radio SmartSDR open on two bands.
- Logging Control and QSO Screen.
- Rotator Control
- Antenna Control
So... Stepping right back to basics:
Contest Calendars
Contest Calendars are published on various forums. Contests are hosted by numerous amateur radio organizations around the world. There are many
contest calendars posted which provide time and date in UTC formation when
the contest starts and ends and ideally a link to the rules page of each contest. Certainly picking contests in your geographical area is a great
start. Some of the best competitions are the ARRL, WPX, and various QSO Parties. http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Contest%20Corral/2022/March%202022%20Corral.pdf Rules!
Each competition will have rules and as part of your operation and log submission, you need to be sure you met the rules of the competition. Rules will specify the Bands, Transmit power categories, Modes, type of Station, Assisted (Spotting), number of Transmitters, and Exchange. How you operate
is passed to the contest organizers in the log you submit after the contest
and directly affects your scoring.
In preparing for a competition, you first need to understand the rules and there is considerable strategy involved in this. It may be advantageous for
you to run low power or Single Operator / 2 Radios. using DX Spotting (Assisted) may be allowed but at a lower point score so you may choose not
to. Review the rules weeks ahead of a competiotn to ensure you are well prepared and your station is optimized for how you plan to operate. None of this can be done last minute.
As a side note, many amateur radio expeditions occur around major contest events given the points scored operating from a small island contesting
with the rest of the world are massive. Related, for USA ops, some really enjoyable competitions are the USA State QSO parties where the rest of the world is trying to contact your state. I highly recommend participating in
the QSO parties.
Rookie mistake -> Reviewing rules a hour before the contest starts ;).
Some infö on SO2R: https://www.qsl.net/ct1boh/so2r.htm
The Exchange
The rules will specify the contest exchange and basically you will be exchanging some specific peice of information. Your state, your county,
your grid square and possibly the log number of the QSO. For CW contest
modes "cut" numbers are common such as send 5NN to represent a 599 signal report, and the use of T to represent the number 0. As an example, in CW,
the exchange may be 5NN 1T13 to represent 599 and log number 1013. You will enter the latter into your log. Also for most contests, signal reports are
59 or 599.
Rookie mistake -> CQ TEST or CQ WPX or whatever suffix between CQ and the callsign means this is a contest CQ and if you are not part of the contest, more than likely answering will create chaos and confusion since you will
not know the correct exchange to answer with.
Logging
Use your favorite logging program but as long as it can do two things: 1.
Has the ability to log the exchange required in the contest. 2. The ability
to increment the contest count is a must for many contests. At the end of
the contest, you will need to generate a "Cabrillo" File for contest submission. Pretty much all logging software can generate a Cabrillo file
but just in case, there are some online tools that can help with that... http://www.arrl.org/cabrillo-format-tutorial
Contest Terms
Contest rules basically translate to the contest terms specified in the Cabrillo File which is used to submit your contest log, Here is the
definition of the Cabrillo File header with the contest terms: http://www.contestlogchecker.com/cabrillo-format.html Rules will most cases match 1:1 with the various fields on the Cabrillo file.
I do recommend taking the time to understand what each of the fields mean. Assisted is one to watch out for since some contests do not allow assisted
and if you commonly used say CWSkimmer to help with CW, that technically
would be assisted since CWSkimmer is automatically decoding CW Spots across
the passband.
If there is something you dont understand in the rules, dont hesitate to
reach out to the contest organizers ahead of time.
Operating
Saying, Typing, or sending CW your callsign over gets old very quick and
there are various software and hardware tools to help with automating
sending your CQ. It could be as simple as pressing a button in software or pressing a button on top of a winkeyer, but ideally well before the
contest, you have sorted out automation.
Take the time to understand the band plan in other regions. No use calling
CQ TEST hoping for some DX when the ops most likely to answer you cannot. Rookie Mistake -> Operating out of your band privileges. Since many
contests will have activity across all the band, make sure you are
operating within your regions band limits and your operating privileges. As
an example, some South America stations may be operating phone in the USA
CW band.
https://www.iaru.org/2020/japan-expands-160-and-80-meter-privileges/
N1MM...
If you really want to get serious into competitions, you have to operate
N1MM. This is a Windows only program but it is designed from the ground up
to Contest. It has s steep learning curve with considerable rig
configuration and third party digital program integration but it is
designed for optimal contest operation. Mastering N1MM will make logging
and control during a contest a breeze.
Again like all of the above, you need to spend the time with setup and validation of N1MM well before the context start.
Rookies!
If you are a newly licensed operator, a number of competitions have
a "CATEGORY OVERLAY" for Rookies (licensed less than three years?). I
highly recommend rookies contesting for this reason alone. More prestige
and lots of opportunity to win within your class since not many newly
licensed ops actually contest ;)

So going back to my first Zoom observation of a contest:
- N1MM providing operating and logging running Single Operator 2 Radios
(SO2R).
- The Flex Radio SmartSDR UI providing the waterfall display to hunt for
QSOs across two bands.
- The Antenna Rotator working in conjunction with the SteppIr antenna controller to automatically point to the station when the stations location
was identified. The SteppIr antenna could flip 180° with a switch so the rotation did not need to rotate 360°.
So a really nice contest station and it all makes sense now.
In my own contest endeavors, I have enjoyed SSB, RTTY, and CW contests...
For some reason FT8 not so much. My recommendation is preparation first
ahead of time else initial operating will be a big stumble and likely not enjoyable. Do spend the time learning N1MM. submitted by /u/6-20PM
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Radio setup question - read comments

Posted: 12 Mar 2022 09:47 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/tcmqyd/radio_setup_question_read_comments/

submitted by /u/moxer95
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Where to start with electronics?

Posted: 12 Mar 2022 08:14 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/tcyqi3/where_to_start_with_electronics/


I have a beginner question thats so basic Im having trouble Googling it.
Im studying for my general after getting my technical the other week. Ive learned what I need to know for the tests, but I realize Im missing some foundational information that the tests dont cover. Ive memorized the schematics, yet I dont know what they mean. I write lots of code and can assemble a computer from parts. With that said, I dont know the first thing about anything that involves solder. Im planning to use HTs and SDRs, so
maybe it doesnt matter, but I really dont understand how electronic
components like capacitors relate to ham radio operation. Are people
building their own radios from scratch? How the heck do they do that? It
sounds like alchemy to me.
Are there any good resources for learning the absolute basics about people making their own hardware? submitted by /u/TrueBirch
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Cool Satellite tracking app!

Posted: 12 Mar 2022 06:52 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/tcxdd7/cool_satellite_tracking_app/


Anyone interested in using radio to connect to many satellites especially unique ones different from just the ISS?
I found a great app that lets you track basically all the satellites
called "Look4Sat"!
I like it because it lets you track hundreds of satellites instead of only
the ISS and its free on top of that. You can set it to only show certain satellites depending on their radio link format, like FM, SSTV, CW and
others. There are other apps that let you track multiple satellites but
this is the first one Ive seen thats free. Most free ones only let you
track the ISS and that is all.
Photo below shows some sats I set up to track, I think only FM, and SSTV related here. Theres a lot more than I figured there would be. It took me a little while to figure out how to set it up, but its really not that
difficult.
Check it out on the Google Play android site. Not sure if its in Mac App
Store.

https://preview.redd.it/6dq2sjqod2n81.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bc77ad92aa74d03a3cc1a9467d51dce385148873
submitted
by /u/revelinbones
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Yaesu FT-60 portable with roll up slim jim, Italy booming in to UK via satellite

Posted: 12 Mar 2022 09:18 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/tclbz0/yaesu_ft60_portable_with_roll_up_slim_jim_italy/

submitted by /u/tortured_ai
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Why do people transmit on 40m WSPR continuously with 100 watts?

Posted: 12 Mar 2022 06:39 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/tcx5il/why_do_people_transmit_on_40m_wspr_continuously/


Just blasting my receiver... submitted by /u/bdoter
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Walkie talkie help!!!! Suggestions!

Posted: 13 Mar 2022 03:13 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/tdhzc1/walkie_talkie_help_suggestions/


I need help finding a walkie talkie my friend and I can buy. We’re almost 80000 km away, different countries. Anything works, preferably something
not very expensive. submitted by /u/existinlak
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
kids interfere with emergency radios

Posted: 12 Mar 2022 07:34 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/tcy2yr/kids_interfere_with_emergency_radios/

submitted by /u/mlidikay
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Just went to a hamfest and my antenna I bought doesnt stick, what do I do,
no refunds

Posted: 12 Mar 2022 11:17 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/tcomtx/just_went_to_a_hamfest_and_my_antenna_i_bought/

submitted by /u/evilroots
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
FT-4xr Questions And/Or Hand-held Recommendations

Posted: 13 Mar 2022 08:50 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/td9oxp/ft4xr_questions_andor_handheld_recommendations/


Hey folks hoping to get a little gentle help from the community on some
issues where my knowledge is lacking…. Specifically handheld
recommendations.
Background/disclaimer: I’ve been doing prescribed burning as a cooperator
for a variety of different organizations in my state (Fed/State/NGO). I
bring my own personal gear and have relied on the organization conducting
the burn to provide comms.
In the past, I’ve kept a programmed Baofeng UV-82c with a 16” Nagoya whip in my bag so that I don’t have be concerned if someone has dropped the ball and left me without comms. (We are all, myself included fallable) I’m fully aware of the inherent issues with Baofengs, but considered the radio to be
very cheap insurance against driving a couple hours only to not be able to assist.
Suprisingly ,that radio has worked out pretty well when put into use. Specifically, it hasn’t blown comms or bled over channels that anyone has been aware, and at times been able to open repeaters in mountainous terrain where BK’s/KNG’s were having issues. (That’s a subjective observation on mine and other’s parts, obviously not objective testing). However, I’ve always had durability issues as a concern in the back of my head and
wondered if/when that might become a problem given my use is somewhat
harder that the quality level designed into Baofengs.
A friend of mine recently talked me into “upgrading” to a Yaesu FT-4xr and I agreed based on research and company reputation. Overall, I really like
the form factor and function of the FT-4xr over the UV-82c. In particular,
it disappears very unobtrusively in my pocket when I am not wearing a pack
and “seems” to be of slightly more durable construction.
My challenge is that I didn’t realize in doing research that the FT-4xr appears to be lacking compared to the UV-82c in that it doesn’t seem to
have the hardware/programming to accomplish true dual-channel monitoring. Unless I am missing something, that function on the FT-4xr is more akin to having a primary frequency with a second channel that is scanned every 3-5 seconds. By contrast, and as best as my limited understanding allows, the UV-82c allows for true dual-channel capability.
While that is not a deal breaker, it is really nice on big burns to be able
to maintain communications on the operations channel, while also being able
to listen in to the command and/or air ops frequency.
Point being that I was hoping someone more familiar with Yaesu FT-4xr’s
might be willing to fill me in on something I may have missed about their functionality/programming, or barring that folks might be able to provide suggestions about a handheld that has:
- “True” dual-frequency monitoring capabilities
- Is Chirp compatible
- 5w transmission capabilities
- GMRS/Wider frequency unlock would be nice, but certainly not necessary
- Memory programmable frequency off-set for non-standard repeater off-sets
- Reasonable price point
- Digital is not a requirement for my purposes, it’s going to be a while before everyone switches over in the prescribed fire community submitted
by /u/P_anik
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Ever feel this way on 20M?

Posted: 11 Mar 2022 11:03 PM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/tcas5r/ever_feel_this_way_on_20m/

submitted by /u/HamRadioPrep
[link] [comments]

///////////////////////////////////////////
Calling Dallas/Ft worth hams ASAP!

Posted: 12 Mar 2022 09:24 AM PST https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/tcllw3/calling_dallasft_worth_hams_asap/


My dad passed away last week and we are cleaning out his ham radio stuff. A
lot of it we already have so we have a lot of extra stuff. If your looking
for gear PM me and I’ll send you address.
Free to a good home! Needs to go today!
Edit: gear is gone, thanks all!
Edit2: thank you everyone for reaching out with condolences and support! It
was a bit unexpected when he passed so it’s been hard. He loved the ham
radio community and got us kids into it which I’m grateful for. ❤️ submitted by /u/crossfox98
[link] [comments]

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)