XPost: rec.radio.amateur.moderated

Amateur/Ham Radio

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20m lid with poor etiquette went on rant calling me a bozo

Posted: 04 Jun 2022 11:04 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4ucj0/20m_lid_with_poor_etiquette_went_on_rant_calling/


I was working museum ship stations and I heard W2NQ giving a very long
drawn out string of his call multiple times. It was so long hed double with
the museum station and everyone in the pileup had to wait for him to
finish. I brushed it off but I ran into him another 3 more times doing the
same thing. His string was "W7 Oregon. Oregon. Whiskey 2 November Quebec
stroke 7 Whiskey 2 November Queen portable 7 in Oregon". Finally I just
said "Just give your call once please oregon station" and he flipped out calling me a bozo and other names. The museum ship actually refused to work
him after that toxic behavior.
I managed to record the end of his rant. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qKlS_pNWoGjLm2D2ZZyQOmRoXRNqOmsw/view

Apparently has had a bad reputation for a very long time:

https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/ckq8se/whoever_the_bozo_is_on_14204/
http://www.k6sgh.com/w2nq.htm

http://lists.contesting.com/pipermail/cq-contest/1997-October/011871.html submitted by /u/slothsbite
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MSRPs don't mean much on older gear.

Posted: 03 Jun 2022 11:47 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4j6c8/msrps_dont_mean_much_on_older_gear/

submitted by /u/thehotshotpilot
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A truly portable HF antenna

Posted: 04 Jun 2022 09:57 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4t0g4/a_truly_portable_hf_antenna/

submitted by /u/Bjoern_Kerman
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Museum Ships Weekend at Nazario Sauro (S 518) in Genoa, Italy.

Posted: 04 Jun 2022 05:47 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4o6dh/museum_ships_weekend_at_nazario_sauro_s_518_in/

submitted by /u/Issey_ita
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PSA: those of you jumping to 6m on FT8

Posted: 04 Jun 2022 08:14 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4qxp9/psa_those_of_you_jumping_to_6m_on_ft8/


please enable the VHF features in your software
for WSJT-X
https://i.imgur.com/BEtcpQ6.png
and for the contest next weekend please turn on the Special Operating Activity and select NA VHF
https://i.imgur.com/jhSJRqr.png
makes the exchanges go so much smoother!
see you on the band!
edit:
to try to cover the questions so far
the VHF features makes sure to send the grid (I am a bit fuzzy on that)
and the contest mode skips the signal report and just gives the grid
contest mode also enables a Cabrillo log of the event submitted by /u/semiwadcutter
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Just put it up

Posted: 04 Jun 2022 08:54 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4rq6g/just_put_it_up/


I finally pulled the trigger and got an HF rig (FT-891). I couldnt decide
what to do for an antenna, one problem being I was already over budget on
radio and misc supplies. I had a simple 10 meter dipole that worked. I went
to the hardware store and bought some 14 gauge insulated wire for about $20 bucks. I had some old temporary fence posts (those green triangular ones) 6 feet high. So I added the wire to the dipole and created a 20/10 fan
dipole. I cut pieces of PVC pipe to use as insulators. The 20 meter portion
is not ideal at all, it comes of at two wonky angles and is way too low.
But I made contacts almost immediately.
Just put that antenna up. It just might work. submitted by
/u/beardedpeteusa
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Need solution to visualize signals from up to 100 transmitters at once

Posted: 04 Jun 2022 09:39 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4sn7y/need_solution_to_visualize_signals_from_up_to_100/


I am an aerial survey pilot tasked with locating 40 collared birds each day
by flying around and listening to them on a handheld receiver connected to three antenna pointed left, right and center. Our current method is to set
the receiver to scan which pauses on each frequency for 3 seconds. If I
hear the bird collar transmitter (1 beep per second), I mark the bird’s location based on which antenna signal is the loudest then remove it from
the scan list. I fly for 3-6 hours per day, listening to a lot of garbled static to pick out the signal. I am very interested in creating a visual output. The collars are from 150-151 MHz on 0.01 MHz spacing. submitted
by /u/Cholleytrolley
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Military Collapsible Antenna

Posted: 04 Jun 2022 12:20 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4w06k/military_collapsible_antenna/


I picked up a military collapsible antenna at a local hamfest and was
thinking or hoping I could use it. I know that’s a bit of loaded question.
I would like to use that to make something like the Chameleon CHA MPAS
(Modular Portable Antenna System) 2.0. Ideally, I would just buy that but where’s the fun in that and also more importantly it’s not in the budget anytime soon.
Here is all I know about the antenna Fully extended it’s a little over 8ft Metal (maybe brass) Manufacturer is CARC ? “80063 ASSY A3256529-1” “MFR.. 05211” The inside is hollow/empty (open end by the threads/connection) Don’t know what the connection is, but I should be able to find out what threads it uses or close
I have not hooked it up to an analyzer yet, one of the guys at the local
club if fairly confident we can hook it up to their analyzer. An adventure
for another day.
Anyone have any ideas or info? Ill take all the help I could get with
this. submitted by /u/janre75
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Building a station from ground up - help me with the order of operations.

Posted: 04 Jun 2022 12:19 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4vzpq/building_a_station_from_ground_up_help_me_with/


Hi all,
I’m going to describe my station I’m building, and the various elements I know I’ll have. Question is, I want to get moving - but where to start, and in what sequence?
First, the station: I will have a non -resonant horizontal sky loop,
somewhere around 200 ft circumference, up in the trees in the yard.
Feedline will be ladderline into a home brewed manual T-network tuner in
the shack (but either ‘permanent temporary,’ disconnected and far outside when not in use, or otherwise grounded and lightning safe - a separate
question coming to this sub soon). I am designing the tuner with help from
the fantastic hams at Blue Ridge ARC, and will buy component from them.
Tuner to choke balun to rig. Undecided on the rig; building the tuner for
max power and plan to operate 80-10m, leaving out 160 for practical reasons. But therein lies the challenge: I have a NanoVNA, and will use SimSmith to model and figure out the specs on the tuner. First, need to learn a ton - I really have no experience in any of this yet; building is also going to be
my rapid education in antennas and tuning.
So - where do i start? Do I put up the antenna, feed into the house, and
then model and measure and design the tuner? All advice welcome. 73s.
submitted by /u/Nink
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psk31 under the worst circumstances

Posted: 04 Jun 2022 02:10 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4y6qf/psk31_under_the_worst_circumstances/


hi o/
anyone of you have some experience with psk31 with indoor antennas on 10m /
15m ?
I really want to dive into this... but I am a real noob.. so I am greatful
for any knowledge you want to share submitted by /u/HamRadioGoth
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Picked a good spot for my tent

Posted: 03 Jun 2022 03:04 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4a9b7/picked_a_good_spot_for_my_tent/

submitted by /u/Beerwithme
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Dielectric use on outside connectors

Posted: 04 Jun 2022 09:53 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4sx6x/dielectric_use_on_outside_connectors/


Installing my YAGI and would like to have public opinion on using the
(stuf) dielectric in the pl259 plug when connecting outside. I also plan to wrap the connection with stretch tape ? Will appreciate comments. thanks submitted by /u/norbie52
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HT stubby antenna?

Posted: 04 Jun 2022 09:40 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4snyp/ht_stubby_antenna/


Is there such a thing as a decent stubby HT antenna? Ive seen quite a few people using them. The compact size would be nice in certain situations,
like when Im riding dirt bikes and exploring the desert with my buddy, but
I also want something that works better than the stock rubber ducky. I
think they look cool, but I dont want to spend money on one if it performs worse or the same as the stock antenna.
Edit: just to clarify, I already have several longer (13"+) antennas, and
Im happy with them; just curious if there are short options better than the stock antenna. submitted by /u/Shewcrafter
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I'm getting back on the air. I've been using an ft65r HT for everything
with rollup jpole. Now I have an alinco dr635T. I'm running crossband
repeat now so I chat anywhere in the house with my ht. I live too far out
of town for reliable simplex with a rubber duck.

Posted: 03 Jun 2022 09:32 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4h6gv/im_getting_back_on_the_air_ive_been_using_an/

submitted by /u/thehotshotpilot
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Time to hit the books .. Giving the K4VRC study guide a try instead of the
ARRL manual

Posted: 03 Jun 2022 09:42 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4hc3h/time_to_hit_the_books_giving_the_k4vrc_study/

submitted by /u/bladepen
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Buying my First Transceiver

Posted: 04 Jun 2022 09:04 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4rxrx/buying_my_first_transceiver/


Looking at purchasing my first transceiver and like the idea of a multimode transceiver. Im thinking about the Yaesu 991 A. It appears to be out of
stock right now from many places in the U.S.
Does it have a built in antenna tuner or would I have to buy one and what FM/VHF/UHF and HF antennas would you recommend?
Any other multimode transceiver suggestions? submitted by
/u/Matthewlawson3
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Odd interference issue while mobile.

Posted: 04 Jun 2022 10:16 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4tdyo/odd_interference_issue_while_mobile/


When Im out and about I keep an HT (Either a Baofeng UV-5R or, more often,
a Yaesu FT-60) connected to a dual band mag-mount antenna.
My local repeater is on 146.79 - and there is always interference. I did
all the normal checks, unplugged chargers in the car, ran from battery
instead of lighter plug, car on and car off, made sure all the cabin lights were turned off. Even tried a couple of different antennas. Same results, a constant stream of interference.
The other day I decided to try something I hadnt done before. I did a
frequency scan with the Yaesu. 2m and 70cm. The scan, naturally, stopped on 146.79 but it had also stopped at each .05 step between 146.78 and 146.80.
The rest of the 2m band was fine and there were no stops whatsoever on 70cm.
I am completely at a loss. I know that, logically, it has to be something
to do with my vehicle as I dont have the same problem when operating at
home, no matter which antenna I use or even which radio (Baofeng, Yaesu, IC-706, Yaesu FT-2200, and Alinco PCS-7000H [yes, all my equipment is old,
it was all my dads that I recieved when he died]).
So I leave it to the Elmers, anybody got an idea? submitted by
/u/NyteKeller
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Does the frequency of oscillator crystals degrade over time?

Posted: 04 Jun 2022 06:51 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4pb1y/does_the_frequency_of_oscillator_crystals_degrade/


Hello everyone.
I recently got some ancient Icom two-way radios (IC-H6) and I am trying to reprogram them. The way those old radios are programmed is by placing or removing diodes from a matrix board. A special function is used to
determine how many diodes you will need and where to place them on the
board ,based on the frequency you want to program and the local oscillator frequency (the local one must first be determined). So I tried to determine
my local oscillator frequency by applying the necessary function ,but the frequency that I found was a bit lower than the manufacturers specified
ones. Icom states that the lowest LO-frequency for this model is 145.005
MHz but in my case I fount the frequency to be closer to 132.000 MHz. Also
my radios as they are programmed right now transmit at 138.350 which is
also much lower than their manufacturers stated range (150.000 - 155.000) .
So either my calculations are wrong ,or their local oscillator crystals
have degraded.
So can something like this happen to very old radios/crystals? submitted
by /u/kotseman
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6m also open right now! Using a ZS6BKW from outside Atlanta

Posted: 03 Jun 2022 04:19 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4bqpa/6m_also_open_right_now_using_a_zs6bkw_from/

submitted by /u/AE5NE
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11m is rocking right now - which means we should light up 10m! Try calling
on 28.400, 28.405, 28.410

Posted: 03 Jun 2022 03:21 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4altq/11m_is_rocking_right_now_which_means_we_should/

submitted by /u/AE5NE
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My vhf airband radio can't contact the tower, do I have other options?

Posted: 04 Jun 2022 09:52 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4swh9/my_vhf_airband_radio_cant_contact_the_tower_do_i/


After talking with tower operations I purchased the 5W vhf yeasu FTA-750L airband transceiver to talk with them before I take off and while in the
air. Tower frequency is 128.4. Im exactly 5 miles from the tower and about
85% of that distance is across water. There are trees between us. I can
receive the tower and other aircraft fine, but neither the tower or unicom responds to a radio check. Ive tried from the roof and around the
neighborhood. Ill be keeping the yeasu because Im paramotoring and the
small form factor is important and Im assuming it will work from the air,
but my question is: is there another radio option that will let me contact
the tower from the ground? Note: I have no licenses, but Im not opposed to getting one. If anyone has any ideas, Id be very greatful to learn.
submitted by /u/UnicodeDecodeErro01A
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[OC] Can you build an all HF band concurrent WSPR transmitter?

Posted: 03 Jun 2022 06:00 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4dkjf/oc_can_you_build_an_all_hf_band_concurrent_wspr/


It is in my nature to ask questions. Its been hammered into me from an
early age and it often brings me new friends, new ideas and new projects.
After spending quite some time mulling over my understanding of radio, I
came up with this question: "It it possible to build a single radio
transmitter that is capable of emitting a WSPR signal at the same time on
all the HF bands?"
Before we look at the hardware, lets contemplate for a moment what this transmission might look like.
Imagine a WSPR transmission as a normal audio signal. It sounds like a
couple of warbling tones for two minutes. Unpacking it, the audio signal is about 6 Hz wide and sits somewhere between 1400 and 1600 Hz. If you were to draw a power chart of this, displaying the frequencies horizontally and
power vertically, youd see a completely flat chart with a little spike, 6
Hz wide, somewhere between 1400 and 1600 Hz.
Using an analogue radio, you can play this sound into the microphone or
audio port and the radio takes care of transmitting it on the 10m band as a
28 MHz beacon. Tune the radio to 40m and it appears as a 7 MHz transmission. The two takeaways are that the WSPR signal itself doesnt change between
bands or transmissions and the radio does the heavy lifting to make your
WSPR transmission come out at the right frequency.
Your radio is moving the audio frequencies to the correct amateur band. The electronics in your radio achieve this move by mixing the audio and the
tuning frequencies together.
If you imagine a 28 MHz WSPR signal coming from your transmitter as a power chart, its essentially silence, except for a little WSPR peak somewhere
just off to the right of 28 MHz.
From a mathematical perspective, the frequency mixer in your radio is performing a multiplication and best of all, you dont need a radio to do
this. You could use software to multiply frequencies instead and end up
with something that represented their product. If you were to create a
power chart of this equivalent multiplication, youd see a completely flat
chart with a little spike near 28.1261 MHz.
Sound familiar?
It gets better.
You can store the result of this calculation in a file as a 28 MHz WSPR
signal and you could do this as many times as you want. You could create a
file with a 3.5 MHz WSPR signal, one with a 7 MHz one and so-on.
Since were talking about shuffling numbers only, you could combine all
these calculations, and end up with a single file that had several WSPR
signals inside it.
The chart picture is again mostly silence, just with little WSPR peaks at frequencies suitable for say transmission on the 80, 40, 15 and 10m bands.
Now all you need is to find a device thats capable of transmitting it.
Turns out that we have such a device. A PlutoSDR, a software defined radio which Ive spoken about before. Its capable of transmitting a 56 MHz wide signal, more than ample for what were doing. We dont need to use the
PlutoSDR to calculate the combined signal either, since we can do all that
in advance, because as I said, a WSPR signal doesnt change.
So essentially, all wed need to do is generate a file that has all the WSPR signal information at the right frequencies and send it to the PlutoSDR to transmit.
There are a couple of hurdles to overcome.
When you multiply two frequencies, you end up with two peaks, one at the
sum of both frequencies, and one at the difference between them. One you
need, the other you dont, so were going to need to filter this out,
something that your analogue radio circuit also does.
Another challenge is around sampling rates. The PlutoSDR needs a specific sampling rate and bit depth, so were going to have to generate our file
just so. Im going to skip past complex numbers and move on to power output, since all the power from the transmitter will be spread across all of the combined WSPR signals were attempting to transmit, so were likely going to
need amplification.
Theres also the matter of testing before we actually connect this
contraption to an antenna and Ive glossed over one minor but essential
point, the PlutoSDR doesnt do HF.
So, where does this leave us?
We can build a proof of concept using 2m and 70cm. Both those bands are
native to the PlutoSDR. Im currently working on generating the actual WSPR signal file to start the transformation process. A friend has some testing
gear that could allow us to see whats coming out of the transmitter without polluting the airwaves and of course, at this point this is all
still "What-if". Ive not actually made this work, but its keeping me entertained and thats half the fun.
It gets even better. The Pluto has an FPGA on board, so theoretically at
least, we might be able to generate this actual file inside the Pluto in real-time, which opens up a whole other avenue of exploration, but well
start with crawling before running.
If you have thoughts on this, or any other aspect of the hobby, please get
in touch. You can send email to [email protected] or you can find me on
Twitter and Reddit with my callsign.
In the meantime, you know the drill. Get on air and make some noise.
Im Onno VK6FLAB
TL;DR This is the transcript of the weekly Foundations of Amateur Radio
podcast - for other episodes, see http://vk6flab.com/ submitted by
/u/vk6flab
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RepeaterBook help. Anytone 878

Posted: 04 Jun 2022 03:29 AM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4m4qq/repeaterbook_help_anytone_878/


I have been trying to import a BM talk group list and import to counties
worth of repeater’s ( both DMR and analog). But I import the talk groups
and I get an import error, I import one county it goes in no problem but
when I try to import the 2nd county it erases the 1st county completely.
Now I watched the RepeaterBook YouTube video and I follow it. I am running
the 1.22 cps like it shows. The only thing don’t have is excel. Would not having excel make a difference. It’s still a .csv file. So annoying.
Thanks Bryan 73’s submitted by /u/Lumpyoverwatch
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Trying to identify a 70cm signal

Posted: 03 Jun 2022 06:26 PM PDT https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/v4e1zn/trying_to_identify_a_70cm_signal/

submitted by /u/jephthai
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