WrightwoodCalif.com Forum
Public Forums => Radio Talk => Topic started by: Wrightwood on Mar 06, 05, 05:50:28 AM
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Welcome to the new forum setup for radio talk.
Only people studying to be a ham, have a ham license or are invited radio enthusiasts can view this forum!
John
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Different people respond differently to different Morse code teaching techniques. I personally have found tapes and the computer based tutors don't work well for me. But the MFJ company makes a great little electronic gizmo (that's a technical HAM radio term) called the pocket morse tutor, that is REALLY cool. You can set the speed, farnsworth rate, groups, etc. any way you want. I know several people who tried for years to pass element 1, and nver could until this came along.
http://www.mfjenterprises.com/products.php?rodid=MFJ-418
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Clint,
That's one of those weird links that don't get you what you want when you click on it.
Try this link:
http://www.mfjenterprises.com/products.php?catid=19&subcat=tutor
Then pick the MFJ-418
(If that's the one Clint's talking about)
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I'll let you know how it works. It just ordered one as well as the Gordon West audio tapes. I never could get it before and figure both methods will have merit.
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Clint,
you'll need to have people join the forum and let me know who they are before they can view this private area.
So far Cindy, Clint, Susan, RobertW, Larry, Jim (Wildman), Mike (SJ), Matt and Jack have access.
Add my dad to the list edaziz and RobertW's brother, dmorgan.
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Yes, the 418 is the correct model.
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Another great class today. There is so much information to absorb I feel like Clint just touches the surface--although he does a fine job imparting a great deal of information--we have much studying to do.
Next class, there will be a lot to cover. I recommend reading ahead, as chapter 7 has some intricate concepts for us non-electronic types.
88,
Artology
(Susan)
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I've been going to the www.qrz.com site and doing the computer generated tests. Sometimes I'll get as high as an 88....the last two were in the 60's. Depends on the draw of the questions and how many of the electronic ones are thrown in. It is very reassuring to know there is hope at the end of the tunnel.
I also enjoy having Clint to bring light to some very obtuse topics. It's been fun to hear some of his opinions on "sacred cows". I will definately be hitting the chapters and especially the Gordon West book.
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I have checked one more time, and MFJ-418 is the correct model number for the morse pocket tutor with display. There is one ebay closing in two days. It's $20.00 right now with three bids.
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...four bids... :2thumbsup:
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Welcome BostonBob to the Radio Talk Forum.
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Well, there you go. My work here is done. Study study study, cram, cram, cram. One week until the test.
I am very proud of you all. You've done a great job. I will post any test details here this week.
Clint
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Thanks again for the welcome to this topic. And let me just say kudos to you Clint for your excellent presentation today. You made what seemed like some pretty dry information into something that was actually entertaining and the time seemed to fly by. Great job and good luck to everyone next Saturday on passing the test, I'm sure you will all do fine.
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Welcome to the Radio Talk Forum bob. Hopefully, you will be interested in joining the next class that Clint teaches. With his easy style of teaching the material and awsome power point presentations, learning is not difficult.
73 to you.
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Clint,
You did an awsome job with our Technician Class study group. I am sure that all of us will pass with no problems. Thank you for a job well done!
73
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Clint, just a reminder, you were going to post a list of your suggestions for the equipment you recommend.
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And then he said he'd buy it for us.
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Let me see if I can second-guess Clints recommendations...
Vertex VX-150 2m HT, with a spare extendable antenna, and battery back (for use with AA batteries), possibly also a mic.
Alinco 220Mhz HT, also with extendable antenna, battery back (as above), and possibly also a mic.
Reason for the extendable antennas is better signal gain over the standard "rubber duckie" antenna. The external mic is a good idea, so you don't have to hold the HT up to your mouth all the time.
Oh, and Clint just LOVES Ham Radio Outlet (HRO).
Just kidding, actually I think he prefers AES in Las Vegas. More informative catalog as well. I purchased my VX-150 from HRO in Sunnyvale (Northern California), and wasn't real impressed with them. AES seems to be much more friendly, and I bought the Alinco 220, and some other accessories from them.
73s
Matt/KG6ZET
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Thanks Matt,
Right on the money!
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Can't wait to pass that test!
(http://images.dancingmokey.com/humor_SFW/foil_hat.jpg)
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KI6CXC
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I think you mean KI 6CXC not K1
Congrats!
Now lets get that 220 handheld as the first radio, Alinco DJ-296
For a 2 meter there are great deals right now on the Yaseu/Vertex VX-150
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KI6CXI
Boy, I don't think I could have timed that any better, my radio gear will be here this afternoon.
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KI6CXC Smith, Kathleen V Individual Active 2006-03-08
KI6CXD Conner, Steven S Individual Active 2006-03-08
KI6CXE Vondra, Melissa S Individual Active 2006-03-08
KI6CXF Nelson, Charles W Individual Active 2006-03-08
KI6CXG Harrison, Joyce Individual Active 2006-03-08
KI6CXH Vondra, Phillip T Individual Active 2006-03-08
KI6CXI Fino, Robert M Individual Active 2006-03-08
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I heard the grub grabbers thismorning..
I was running very late... anyway I tried to check in as a visitor and couldn't.
I have since fixed this problem and can now access the repeater.
I found a ADI AT-201 for $65 on sale at FRY'S this weekend so I bought it, later found out it was priced wrong, but they honored the price.
it has issues, but for the price I figured I couldn't go wrong.
not a bad first radio, so now I am looking for my 220 handheld.
Spellbinder
KI6CXD
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The new AES Spring/Summer 2006 Ham Radio Catalog is here!
The new AES Spring/Summer 2006 Ham Radio Catalog is here!
Anyone need a copy? They sent me two.
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I would like to have one.
If Wrightwood Ambulance ever pays me the reimbursement they owe me from Chris's ambulance ride last year, I would like to buy a radio.
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Can't you just charge the radio to the County ? ;)
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There is quite a bit of confusion and debate about which bands are good or bad. So here is the first of some cold hard facts that can help in selecting radios.
Which bands have more open repeaters, better propogation, and more paths of communication out of the Swarthout Valley?
Using the JPL Radio club repeater directory as a resource, here's a comparison of open vs. closed repeaters. Remember only OPEN repeaters are open to use by anyone, for free, without joing a club. Many 440 systems are hundreds of dollars per year to join.
Looking at the four major counties that surround us, LA - San Bernardino - Riverside - Orange here is how it breaks down between frequencies and open vs. closed machines.
2 Meters 130 total repeaters 94 are open That's 72%
220 has 97 total repeaters 63 are open That's 65% pretty similar
440 has...ready 320 repeaters only 44 are open That's only 13%
There is one reason I don't, and won't, own a 440 radio.
Those percentages don't stray too far even if we look at just San Bernardino County.
2 meters 25 machines, 21 open, 84%
220 13 machines, 7 open, 53%
440 52 machines, 8 open, 15%
But what about propogation? The lower the frequency the better the propogation in mountain environments. Here are two real world examples from public service radio.
When I was with the Sierra Madre Search and rescue team, we had Rescue Team Radios in 155.16 Mhz (pretty close to 2 meters right?) and also used Los Angeles County Sheriffs Dept. radios on around 39 Mhz. When we could'nt get a call through on our VHF radio team radios, we usually could on the old 39 Mhz units. Then the LASO "upgraded" their system and went to 470Mhz (close to ham 420-450) radios. And guess what. They would hardly work in the mountains at all, and many of the Sheriffs Rescue units insisted on keeping the old 39 Mhz radios. Lower is better in the mountains!
If you listen to a scanner, ever wonder why Fire Station 101 in Wrightwood is not heard on the County 800Mhz system. Desert comm still uses the 154 Mhz VHF band to talk to 101 because the 800Mhz radio does not work well in the mountains!
Simply stated UHF is a bad band for trees, and ridges and canyons!
Now about repeaters that will work to communicate from the Swarthout Valley to the outside world. On a hand held radio, heck even on some base radios, there are only two repeater sites you can hit reliably from almost all of our village. One is on Table Mountain the other on the Blue Ridge at the Frost repeater site above Mt. High. From some parts of town you can hit Quartzite Pk. out above Adelanto.
Table Mt. has a 2 meter repeater that hits some of the LA Basin just the far south areas, but the 220 repeater can be linked (it's available to anybody) to JPL in La Canada and can reach the whole LA basin. Oh and there is an open 440 there but you can't link it unless you work for JPL.
There is a 220 repeater on Blue Ridge that works in the entire LA basin and Orange County. No 2 meter or 440 though.
And if you can hit Quartzite, pretty much only the east end of town can, you can access the Condor Connection, again only on 220, and talk half way up the state and into Arizona and Las Vegas.
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SB County 800 MHz Re-Banding Project
http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/sbcounty/800MHzRe_bandingProject.pdf
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Lots of dead spots...especially up in the canyons like Acorn. You can't hit Frost peak from there and have to use Angeles frequency to get out.
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I recently purchased a 2 meter ht at
fry's... now aes has it for even less than i payed.
look on: www.aesham.com and type in adi at-201
it is selling for $44.99 with a coupon....dont know where to get the coupon, but you could call i guess.
this little hand held really connects, i can talk to the sunset ridge repeater ( above cucamonga ) from parts of chatsworth and woodland hills.
well worth the price. :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup:
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Scott,
I hope you have good luck with the radio, but ADI/PRYME is a brand I always stringently advise against. I have owned them. And sold them within weeks or months. I know other hams who have doen the same thing. Hitting a distant repeater is not a true test of a radio. Any radio will do that. The test is in signal reorts and durability after a year. There is a reason those radios are $50. instead of $150.
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Hmm, interesting report. Apparently San Bernardino county has mastered time travel.
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Hey John, I never saw any of the pictures you took inside the radio shack. I know Rick said the location was "sensitive" and confidential, but didn't he indicate that a picture was fine to post? A picture would sure show the complexity of the system. ;D
In later communications he asked me to not make the photos public ;)
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In later communications he asked me to please not make the photos public ;)
I certainly can understand why.
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Just got my renewal for another ten years (expires 6-29-16). I found my radio - now just need to find the charger!!!
ChattyCathy
KF6EVA
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Wooo hoo....time goes by doesn't it ::) mine is coming up soon too.
Cathy....stop by sometime and meet my wife Kerin....she's a ham too.
I hope your batteries will take a charge. If not let me know, there's a possibility your batteries could be replaced with after market in the event your OEM batteries are not available any more.
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this morning i'm going to the peak of mt. baden powel. i'm gonna try to make some contacts on 146.520 simplex. listen for me, between 9-10 am.
kf6ezz
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no contact.
over!
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You mean to say no one was on the 2mtr. simplex calling frq. ???
Kinda odd, that's usually busy and from there you should have made some Q's.
HF mobile running around WW is kinda fun. I had a nice Q with a guy in Florida on 17mtrs. driving back to the house from up on the Blue Ridge FS road last weekend. Kinda like having 8K foot tower. ;D
WB6K
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Mike,
Blue Ridge, Guffy and Table Mt. campgrounds are all popular Field Day sites. The Southern California QRP society sets up at Table Mt. on the Zuni Loop with dipoles and long wires in trees, and runs QRP rigs in tents all weekend. It's a very cool field day site to visit to see what QRP can do in the hands of experts.
And of course as you mentioned the 8000' tower of Blue Ridge is also popular.
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When looking up call signs on the ARRL website. Here's a couple of questions:
Why do many of the recent hams have two listings?
The 2nd listing shows: New Systematic Call Sign Assigned
What does "License TIN Added" represent?
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What does "License TIN Added" represent?
"Tax Identification Number"
I'm trying to recall the year....I think it was between 2000 and 2002 the FCC included the social security number of the applicant on the 610 license form.
Which reminds me....I just received a renewal nofication I need to get returned. How time fly's ::)
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I assumed that it was radio related, no wonder the TIN looked familiar ::)
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On a completely separate topic...
While down at Mtn Hardware on Saturday, I was speaking with "Pat" (don't know her last name) at the Disaster Preparedness table, and she took my name for the next set of CERT classes. She also mentioned that there was going to be a meeting of the local HAMs at the Museum sometime in early January.
I haven't found any mention of this on the forum, or maybe I'm looking in the wrong places. Does anyone have any info on this?
Thanks!
Matt/KG6ZET
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News to me!
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I have a feeling someone misinterpreted what the disaster group had in mind.
In January the WDPT board is meeting with the head radio tech from the county to discuss how the county and the WDPT and Hams would communicate in the event of a major disaster. I'm not aware that this was intended as a meeting of local Hams but I will inquire.
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WDPT board member Kim Floyd responded that Pat Bittenbender was incorrect in what she told Matt.
The meeting is for the WDPT Board and SB County EOS personnel to discuss how communications might be setup during a major incident in this area.
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And, Pat just called me here at home, to let me know the same information as was posted by John earlier today.
That's why I asked the question here, instead of the general Disaster Awareness topic section of the forum.
This is probably a good idea for sometime in the near future, to gather as many interested HAMs as we can, but perhaps a bit premature at this time.
Peace all!
Matt
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Uh... yeah!
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From ARRL (Who sometimes represent the amateur radio operators)
It's Official! Morse Code Requirement Ends Friday, February 23 (Jan 24, 2007) -- Circle Friday, February 23, on your calendar. That's when the current 5 WPM Morse code requirement will officially disappear from the Amateur Radio Service Part 97 rules. On or after that date, applicants for a General or Amateur Extra class Amateur Radio license no longer will have to demonstrate proficiency in Morse code. They'll just have to pass the applicable written examination. The appearance in today's Federal Register of the FCC's Report and Order (R&O) in the "Morse code proceeding," WT Docket 05-235, starts a 30-day countdown for the new rules to become effective. Deletion of the Morse requirement -- still a matter of controversy within the amateur community -- is a landmark in Amateur Radio history.
For more info go to ARRL.ORG.
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I also would like to add, If you're even remotely thinking of upgrading to General or Extra.....now is the time to get those elements done. It woun't be long until the new elements become upgraded. The new elements will be more in depth, much like the Advance test was. When they dropped the code to a measily 5wpm. the Advanced and Extra where combined. In this case the Advanced and General will be combined. This isn't established yet, but is being considered and it won't be long before it is reality and tougher exams.
good luck,
WB6K
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Tell me again why going beyond the Technician class is a good thing. For a person like me who is just interested in the 2 meter, 220 and 70cm bands, is it worth the bother? I don't want to hear, just because you can and it's easy.
Boy, I'm sure I should know better than open that can of worms... ;D
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I heard the other day that the new question pool will be out in June or July.
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Tell me again why going beyond the Technician class is a good thing. For a person like me who is just interested in the 2 meter, 220 and 70cm bands, is it worth the bother? I don't want to hear, just because you can and it's easy.
Boy, I'm sure I should know better than open that can of worms... ;D
Bob...that's a legitimate question....but I'm gonna beat on you to upgrade every chance I get. ;D
For a lot of people, having operating privileges only on 50MHz-1.2 gig is all they want or need, which is what a no code tech is. If your only going to use it as I think you are, then you need not upgrade. But remember when or if a EOC station gets put together you will not be able to operate the HF station without a higher grade of licensed operator present.
Operators such as myself, enjoy having the higher class license to operate in the HF low band region. That was why I got into Ham radio to begin with, so I could talk to Hams all over the world. I messed around with the satellite operation for awhile, but it got boring. My big fun is making that contact to another country you haven't worked yet. Much by studying the sunspot activity and figuring out when an opening into Africa or Europe will occur. Japan, Russia, Australia, their always on air but certain times of the day.
I spent a the better part of the year taking all the tests and getting my code speed up to at least 25-30 wpm so I could pass the 20wpm test. Not having an electronic back ground it took just under a year to earn my Extra license. At the time there where three code tests to pass and four written tests. Now there's just three written and your done....pretty cool and much easier to obtain nowdays.
With the popularity of IRLP growing, many Hams are making out of state ans country contacts. To me, that's not what a DX contact is all about, and it's just another chat.
There's nothing wrong with holding the license you choose to obtain if that's all you need.
So get out there...take that test.......make us proud... ;D
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Sounds like I need to grab the General book, and start studying. With the next class starting soon, then the testing here in town, it would be a great opportunity to upgrade.
Now, if I can just find the box that I shipped the 2M and 220 HTs back home in, I'd be OK..
Matt
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This is a link to the ARRL website on emergency communications.
http://www.emergency-radio.org/