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Look what arrived today for me... Now, I need to figure out how the gently caress to use it! I see me building a Super J pole antenna or two this weekend.
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Aug 12, 2010 22:18
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Well after some very windy storms down my end of VK land, so my 20m folded dipole was damaged. So I decided to build a better one for 20m (as the old one was a little too short and wasn't quite resonant.)    The dimensions are 10.6 metres, by .6 metres. And the centre frequency is around 14.175 MHz (the middle of the 20 metre band.) So far the SWR is 1.5:1 across almost the entire band. Unfortunately the antenna is just a little too long. But tomorrow I will fix that. I forgot to take into account the velocity factor, so instead of 10.6 metres it should be around 10.06 metres. Which is why the antenna is just a little long. And one more pic of my humble little station  On top is my trusty Icom IC-706 MK II G with a diamond watt/swr meter (behind is the auto tuner an LDG AT-7000.) Below the IC-706 MK II G is my Kenwood R-2000 Communications receiver (covers 500kHz to 30MHz). One thing this has one of the nicest sounding AM filters I've ever heard. There's something really warm about it.) Now under the R-2000 is my 30amp power supply, and power distribution board. In front of these are: MFJ 1Mhz to 3GHz frequency counter. Yaesu VX-7R with a diamond SRH940 antenna (covers 6m, 2m, and 70cm) and finally the battered and well used Yaesu VX-5 with a diamond SRH 771 antenna (covers 2m and 70cm) Not in the pics are the ic-703, and the ic-2200h. And outside of the topic of antennas, I taught another foundation class last weekend, which was fun, and we're soon going to be looking at doing standard and advanced upgrade classes for those inclined (and in the Melbourne area in vkland.) If you're australian, and are near the dandenong ranges in victoria drop me a line if you're interested in doing a foundation class, or upgrade class.
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Aug 13, 2010 13:53
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I picked up a mighty ... strange transmission on the radio today. It's about 6:00PM and I'm tuned to W2NJR in Jersey. All of a sudden I hear this: Sorry for the lovely quality. Recorded on my blackberry. Tried cleaning the audio up a little bit. Has anyone else heard this before? Before the music started someone connected via Echolink, but I don't remember the callsign. And who knows if it was even him. So very strange. Amateur radio never ceases to amaze me. Edit: I am not KC2YQW. Nor am I the extremely muffled voice. I just monitored.
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Aug 13, 2010 23:55
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About two months ago, I've heard someone play random porn soundclips on a repeater I was monitoring.
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Aug 14, 2010 00:08
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tonynaia posted:W2NJR Repeatardation Sounds like the 'Mad Kerchunker' has moved past crashing the repeater by opening his mic when others are speaking and has moved onto playing what appears to be 80's rap. Assuming it's the same dude, he used to frequent the system between noon and 6 loving up everyone's conversations and occasionally would disrupt the 10:00 traffic net. I'm not sure if it's the same dude who harasses Ralph (KC2WAD) when he shows up on the repeater while intoxicated, but I think it is. I miss that repeater system. It's the only thing I miss about Jersey since I've moved.
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Aug 14, 2010 00:27
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Jose Pointero fucked around with this message at 04:32 on Aug 28, 2019 |
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Aug 14, 2010 10:01
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Jose Pointero posted:Does anyone know what the military term for ICOM means? Information and communications?
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Aug 14, 2010 10:51
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I passed BOTH the General and Extra tests today! I'm still in disbelief that I passed the Extra. I ran short on study time, didn't read the book, and only took 2 hours to look over one of the study guides on the internet, hoping just enough might set in for me to pass... plus I did that last night while tired from work, and somewhat intoxicated! I didn't even take a practice test for the Extra. That all being said, I still plan on reading the book, as I'm actually interested in the material, but it's nice to have the licensing out of the way. Time to start learning Morse Code and think of a vanity call sign. Also time to start saving up for an HF radio! Edit: I find it humorous I have the Extra license before I even have yet to make a single transmission. AbsentMindedWelder fucked around with this message at 18:01 on Aug 14, 2010 |
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Aug 14, 2010 17:57
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Sniep posted:Information and communications? Intercepted communications?
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Aug 14, 2010 19:17
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In military use, ICOM usually means Integrated Communications or Integrated Communications Security. However, in military intelligence in centcom, perhaps it means something like "intercepted comms" or "insurgent comms"? Who knows if these documents are all genuine though? When the leaks happened, some of the events described involved units which were not even in the area at the time they were supposed to have happened. Vir fucked around with this message at 21:11 on Aug 14, 2010 |
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Aug 14, 2010 21:09
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Jose Pointero fucked around with this message at 04:34 on Aug 28, 2019 |
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Aug 15, 2010 01:48
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I just put up an experimental 2m J-Pole on my roof. The repeater (W3DRA) hears me... but it'd be nice if someone else was also on the repeater to tell me how I sound. I don't have an analyzer yet, or a SWR meter that works on 2m. The radio (Yaesu VX-6R) is happily outputting full power, so I'm assuming the SWR can't be too high. I would assume this radio would cut back it's output power if it was too high. I tried talking to the WB3JOE repeater, someone heard me, but told me the signal was too scratchy to even make out my call sign. This just means I'll have to build a Super-Super-J-Pole to get some more antenna gain, because that repeater is more active then W3DRA which is closer to me. I did make a few contacts on the local repeater with the new dual band Larsen antenna I installed in my van, however not while it's parked in my driveway, as the city of Wilmington is kind of in the way between me and the repeater, and I think that's just too much concrete and steel for an antenna with a loading coil and a 5 watt radio. I was at a friends house closer to the WB3JOE repeater (about 5.5 mi), and actually managed to make a contact using the rubber duck antenna while grilling food. I was surprised the gentleman was able to understand me that well. That area is less densely populated then DE, so I figure that's why the rubber duck seems to work better there. Speaking of van, I have a beater '96 Ram 2500 work/cargo type van, so it's fun having something I can drill lots of holes in, and not worry about destroying it's value! I have a 3500 watt generator I need to get working, so I have long term plans of turning this into a combined communications/recreational vehicle for mobile operating and camping. I figure I can make a mini telescoping antenna tower to fit in the trailer hitch to erect a temporary HF antenna. Edit: Just talked to a Ham on both the Wilmington and Newark W3DRA repeaters, and he said I was coming through well on both. The experimental J-Pole is a success! AbsentMindedWelder fucked around with this message at 20:53 on Aug 15, 2010 |
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Aug 15, 2010 20:07
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Here's a pic of the antenna from the ground: The J-Pole is sitting on top of a 16 foot 2x4, which sits on top of the flat roof, and is bolted to a vent pipe with U-bolts. The coax is 50 feet long, and before I brought it into the 2nd story, had about 2 feet lying on the ground, so that gives you an idea of height. Once I get a good ladder, I'll take down that TV antenna you see on the chimney, and put up a Super-J pole with multiple co-linear elements. Edit: yes, that is duct tape you see hanging off the coax. AbsentMindedWelder fucked around with this message at 21:45 on Aug 15, 2010 |
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Aug 15, 2010 21:39
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dv6speed posted:Here's a pic of the antenna from the ground:
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Aug 15, 2010 23:14
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I just put an application for my vanity call sign. Did it online and paid with plastic. How long does it typically take to show up in the ULS?nmfree posted:If you haven't read it already, go to https://www.cebik.com (and register if you haven't already) and read his 4-part series on J-Poles; fascinating stuff.
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Aug 16, 2010 02:42
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I am thinking about building my first antenna based on some designs from ARRL (ground plane antenna for my FT-60R; http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/tis/info/pdf/0791033.pdf). I'm not in a position to purchase a more powerful rig at this point, so I'm hoping that if I can build one of these, I can extend my HT's range and get into some marginal repeaters. The design is fairly straightforward, but it looks like I need to get some supplies. It requires a 100w soldering iron. Does anyone have a recommendation? Also, I need to buy some feedline, some connectors, and THHN. Is there a good place to order these online? Any general suggestions are very welcome, too.
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Aug 16, 2010 04:18
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dv6speed posted:I just put an application for my vanity call sign. Did it online and paid with plastic. How long does it typically take to show up in the ULS? Mine took about a month; that was a few months ago.
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Aug 16, 2010 05:04
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Jacob posted:The design is fairly straightforward, but it looks like I need to get some supplies. It requires a 100w soldering iron. Does anyone have a recommendation? Jacob posted:Also, I need to buy some feedline, some connectors, and THHN. Is there a good place to order these online? house wire: Your local Home Depot. Jacob posted:Any general suggestions are very welcome, too.
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Aug 16, 2010 05:44
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KJ4WTI checking in. My Uncle's been a ham for the better part of 40 years now, and I finally got around to getting my license on a whim. As a congratulations, my Uncle gave me an old military surplus Harris Transceiver from the last decade of the cold war, and a multiband vertical antenna. Unfortunately, the self-test reports a stuck relay, so I've got some work to do before I get on the air (nevermind the weird mil-spec mic plug). I have a feeling I'll be wanting to upgrade before too long, since this boat anchor can't do any scanning to speak of, and holding down the frequency control buttons scans at a rapid 10hz/s. What are the ultra cheap options in HF radios? I am not at all opposed to used equipment. What are good choices for cheap VHF/UHF radios as well? My girlfriend got talked into studying for her tech license by one of the old VEs while I was taking my test, so I might end up buying two VHF/UHF HTs.
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Aug 17, 2010 01:20
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It's not a cheap radio, but you should consider getting your girlfriend a Yaesu VX-8R, because of the built in APRS. In any event, I'm having loads of fun with my VX-6R, which you can get for about $250, or a little less. It's really rugged and submersible 3feet for 30 minutes (not that I want to test that out intentionally).
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Aug 17, 2010 01:53
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I've got a Yaesu FT-60R handheld that works pretty good for VHF/UHF. Nice solid little dual bander.
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Aug 17, 2010 02:24
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dv6speed posted:It's not a cheap radio, but you should consider getting your girlfriend a Yaesu VX-8R, because of the built in APRS. Stupid APRS on my stupid VX-8R isn't working at all in stupid Oregon. It worked instantly wherever I had it in southeast PA. It worked anywhere I had it in northern CA a couple months ago. Nowhere I've had it in Oregon works worth a darn though. Can't get it to hit a digipeater anywhere. I've played with every possible setting and even went out and picked up a Diamond SRH940 antenna to replace the factory rubber duck antenna today... no luck. What in the world is going on? Am I in some RF black hole in Portland? Is there some kind of faraday cage over my neighborhood? Is there some regional setting I need to apply to the digi path or something or my packets get rejected or what? I'm really frustrated here.
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Aug 17, 2010 04:20
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What's your path for APRS; are you using the "New-N" recommendations (wide1-1, wide2-1)? If you put the call of the digipeater that you can hear in as the path, does it get repeated?
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Aug 17, 2010 15:45
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fordan posted:What's your path for APRS; are you using the "New-N" recommendations (wide1-1, wide2-1)? If you put the call of the digipeater that you can hear in as the path, does it get repeated? I have tried wide1-1, wide2-1 and also wide1-1, wide2-2. How do I find out the call of the digipeater that I can hear? EDIT: Also tried just wide2-2 alone as the NWAPRS website suggested. No luck. Catastrophe fucked around with this message at 19:04 on Aug 17, 2010 |
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Aug 17, 2010 18:46
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Catastrophe posted:I have tried wide1-1, wide2-1 and also wide1-1, wide2-2. How do I find out the call of the digipeater that I can hear? Are you seeing APRS packets? I don't know how the Yaesu displays APRS, but somewhere in the report should be the station transmitting it for that hop. The FCC kinda likes it when you identify your transmissions, after all. Can you use it as a TNC and set it up to talk to a full-featured APRS client like Xastir? Are you seeing yourself show up on aprs.fi or findu.com?
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Aug 18, 2010 14:38
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Zuph posted:As a congratulations, my Uncle gave me an old military surplus Harris Transceiver from the last decade of the cold war . . . Congrats on getting your license, and congrats on the Harris! That's probably a heck of a radio to start out with though, but don't give up on it. There' a lot of support out there for these radios (incidentally, what's model is it?). There are also many accessories to be gotten that use those "funny military connectors." I happen to have a Rockwell-Collins PRC-515 set here at home. When I want to tune around, I use a separate receiver to do so (in my case a Realistic DX-302 SW radio). So you might want to look at a separate receiver as an alternative to buying another set. If not, I've heard older Kenwoods are cheap and good. As for the ht's, there are many on the cheap. It all depends on whether you want new or used. The cheapest Icom uses AA's and is somewhere around $100. There's a ton of no-name Chinese radios on eBay that are well under $100 too. Just have to weigh your options. BTW, KC8JZO here.
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Aug 20, 2010 04:28
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Did anyone work 40 meters for the North American QSO Party last night? Holy crap it was a madhouse. Also, heads up to any US goons who are working on WAS and need to confirm Hawaii. The Hawaii QSO Party is next weekend (Aug 28-29, plus Ohio and Kansas also have their parties that weekend.)
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Aug 22, 2010 13:03
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I have a Maco Alpha V58 antenna waiting to be installed next weekend. All aluminum 5/8 wave (about 24 feet long) ground plane base antenna for 10 and 11 meters. Still have to sort out a few minor details before the bucket truck comes out. (Yes, there will be pics.) I just have a quick curiosity question. The antenna is being installed for the 11 meter band (yeah, yeah) and will be tuned to a resonant frequency of 27.185 Mhz. I will be getting an antenna tuner tomorrow actually, and plan to try to also use the antenna on the 10 meter band. How much success can I expect with that? Using the antenna tuner, are there any other bands it may work (well) on in addition to 10 meter? Also, in other news, if it can get fixed, I'll be getting an old Yaesu FT-747GX to start playing on HF with. Time to start learning CW. Catastrophe, Hows your APRS issue coming along? I can't add any useful info, but I'm curious about your success/failure with that.
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Aug 22, 2010 16:05
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I am going to take my general exam next month, and was wondering if anyone could recommend a good HF rig for camping trips? I will be using it outside of a vehicle on battery and the antenna has to be relatively easy to erect.
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Aug 22, 2010 16:31
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The Yaesu 817ND could not be more intended for exactly this. Also, it's a decent and compact radio. As for the antenna, you could look into any of the portable standards, like the chameleon, hamstick, and so forth.
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Aug 22, 2010 17:12
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grellgraxer posted:I am going to take my general exam next month, and was wondering if anyone could recommend a good HF rig for camping trips? I will be using it outside of a vehicle on battery and the antenna has to be relatively easy to erect. Just tie the cord to the weight and chuck it over a tree limb to erect the center insulator. Then do the same for the end insulators. You'll get out better than you would by using hamsticks or buddistick, especially since it sounds like you would be QRP. It would probably take you 10 minutes to get everything up. Something like a Buddistick is another alternative, but those cost like $150, and you would spend an hour screwing with the counterpoise and tuning coil. With a hamstick you would need a tuner and it would have to remain attached to your vehicle since it needs a ground plane.
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Aug 22, 2010 18:24
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grellgraxer posted:I am going to take my general exam next month, and was wondering if anyone could recommend a good HF rig for camping trips? I will be using it outside of a vehicle on battery and the antenna has to be relatively easy to erect. Dijkstra posted:Something like a Buddistick is another alternative, but those cost like $150, and you would spend an hour screwing with the counterpoise and tuning coil. With a hamstick you would need a tuner and it would have to remain attached to your vehicle since it needs a ground plane.
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Aug 22, 2010 22:26
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dv6speed posted:Catastrophe, I visited my brother up in Bellevue this weekend and tried working with it up there. I couldn't get it to repeat back to me for ages and then, suddenly, it must have stuck and it finally hit a digipeater. It only showed up once that entire night and I couldn't repeat that success though. Here in Portland, zero success. It refuses to work.
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Aug 23, 2010 02:36
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Catastrophe posted:I visited my brother up in Bellevue this weekend and tried working with it up there. I couldn't get it to repeat back to me for ages and then, suddenly, it must have stuck and it finally hit a digipeater. It only showed up once that entire night and I couldn't repeat that success though. There's only one solution then: Set up your own digipeater.
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Aug 23, 2010 08:25
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Jose Pointero fucked around with this message at 04:42 on Aug 28, 2019 |
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Aug 23, 2010 09:06
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The Elecraft T1 tuner is popular with Yaesu 817 owners, as is the LDG Z-817. Using those you can just use a long wire antenna, or even tune a dipole or vertical for a different band. They only use the battery when doing the initial tuning, by the way, and with the remote lead you can recall the tuning setting as quick as you change the band on the radio. When I get my license, I plan to get one of these tuners and an 817.
Vir fucked around with this message at 10:16 on Aug 23, 2010 |
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Aug 23, 2010 10:13
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Jose Pointero posted:Dude claimed he was running a stock Galaxy CB with "a very, very long and high antenna".
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Aug 23, 2010 11:22
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Jose Pointero posted:can't even remember the last time I QSO'd with anyone on 146.52. 
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Aug 23, 2010 13:09
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Vir posted:The Elecraft T1 tuner is popular with Yaesu 817 owners, as is the LDG Z-817. Using those you can just use a long wire antenna, or even tune a dipole or vertical for a different band. They only use the battery when doing the initial tuning, by the way, and with the remote lead you can recall the tuning setting as quick as you change the band on the radio. When I get my license, I plan to get one of these tuners and an 817. I use a Z-817 with my FT-817ND. It seems to work great. I've had huge success with it simply connected to a 66ft dipole. For the price of an FT-817ND and that tuner, you could pick up an Icon IC-703+ though.
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Aug 23, 2010 15:17
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Jose Pointero fucked around with this message at 04:42 on Aug 28, 2019 |
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Aug 23, 2010 17:47
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