Hello everyone!

I'm trying to come up with a way to get a permanent/semi permanent antenna up.

I live in your classic dense Midwestern suburb. Think the Winslow home from Family Matters. So there's a TON of power lines in the back yard and the front yard has no trees.

I'm currently musing the idea of a 19ft random wire on the old unused TV antenna mount from the 60s.

What if I did a longer random wire attached to the side of the house going up and along the spine? Is the house going to just murder that idea?

I'm looking for someone way smarter than me to guide my experimentation before I start screwing into the house and climbing roofs.

What utilities do you all use to startup the different pieces of software on your computer?
Edit: Forgot to mention this is on Windows. But cross-platform tips are welcome!

I've tried DXLabs Commander and it works. But since I'm moving away from the DXLabs suite I'm looking to use something else, preferably more generic and not tied to a particular ham software. I'm sure there are several options out there but they were harder than expected to find. Open source is preferred.

It would be great to be able to define different "desktops". I.e. define one set of programs to be launched when I'm doing ssb/phone and another set of programs to launch when doing digimodes.

Hi there, I read that breadboard is not good for building fm radios at due to high frequencies and breadboard rails being to close together

So I was thinking, what about if I wirewrap a frontend (tunning capacitor, antena, 180khz ceramic filter (Murata SFE10.7MS3-A), downconvert this 96khz then feed this to my demodulator circuit, which would demodulate, and get me MPX Signal to feed to the speaker direcly or feed later to Stereo decoder (maybe add some deamphisis), RDS decoder, etc)

Would this work?

The problem is that all the FM radio schematics I found (like this): https://www.electroschematics.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/small-fm-radio.jpg

Or this: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/f8/c4/43/f8c4434cc237a29fe3d95a0ae9f169a1.jpg

I dont know where the frontend and demodulator sections are, I am also not sure where would I insert my Murata SFE10.7MS3-A 180khz filter (to filter desired signal)

Why wirewrap? Well because wirewrapping feals closer to breadboard (u can always unwrap the wire to change something, just like breadboard), and if PDP11 was wirewrapped, surly a radio (which is much simpler device then a computer) could also be

I only see UHF version. Are they available in VHF?

https://preview.redd.it/bhlnm5wzm2yd1.png?width=1471&format=png&auto=webp&s=35dce56bbdc723e3cde09a2fd7c6ca3960ecd01a

So I live in eastern PA and just got on 160 meters using a relatively older rig. I do not have an enviable setup. I literally saw some super cheap 33 AWG wire (1000 ft.) on sale for Prime Day for under $20 and said 'why not'. I had been curious if a 160m dipole could work and basically strung the wire up along the picket fence behind myself and my two adjoining neighbors (with their permission of course). I kept thinking "this is such a POS setup".

First night I was able to get on FT8 and made some regional contacts from NY down to MD. I heard some SSB conversations--band seems relatively sparse though maybe it's my setup or they are all on AM. Didn't jump in any since it was all contesting or people who seemed like they knew each other.

This morning though I kicked out some FT8 signals for fun and got some crazy responses as far out as Minnesota and Atlanta. I heard stations as far as Jacksonville. I thought 160 meters was solely a tight local/regional band. This would not have shocked me for 80 meters but is this normal in the early morning on 160? I know 160 meter prop isn't as well understood.

Heya friends. I'm trying to get more into weather decoding, and was referred to fldigi. I seem to be stonewalled however, since my computer simply won't let me install it, saying it's putting me at risk. Can someone verify that it's LEGIT and isn't actually a virus? :)

I have looked far and wide for the answers and I have not been able to find any.

1. I'm in the process of studying to upgrade my license.

The supervision component has been covered in numerous posts, however this is a slightly different question. If I have an Icom 7610 for example connected to the internet, can I allow a friend to remotely operate the radio if I'm physically sitting in front of the radio?
It's much easier for me to block the user if something starts to go pear shape than sitting beside them, so I'm in control of the radio, however no where near the 'operator'?

2. What is the correct procedure for transmitting as in the the way they present themselves on air (e.g. this John under supervision from <Supervisors Call Sign> then the conversation begins)

a) An exisiting license holder with a lower privileged license?

b) An unlicensed operator?

They look about the same to me, but I'm curious which would work better? I have used the 701 a lot but I kinda prefer the stiffness of the stock.

Thanks!

As my radio collection slowly grows, I can see charging is going to be a challenge. Between multiple cradle chargers, tablets, phones and miscellaneous other rechargeable batteries my desk is a disaster. Have you built or bought something that has helped?

I just bought a 300W solar powered generator (basically a 280Wh lithium battery bank) with a set of 60W solar panels for charging the batteries. It has 120VAC x2 and a cigarette lighter plug and some other 12v ports for running DC. My question is, is it even worth running my G90 off of it? Or should I just use it to charge my smartphones, laptop and LiFePo battery and stick to running my rig with the LiFePo battery? From what I've been reading on here, the solar powered generators have a tendency to blast the RFI enough to shut down the entire HF spectrum. I basically just bought it as a small power source for camping and in case of power outage to run small appliances like a cable modem, router for WiFi and or a TV. I have a bigger generator for our refrigerator freezer. But I also figured it might work on POTA activations but after reading a bunch of comments on Reddit it seems maybe not. TIA 73 KE8WYU

Are there any websites like PSKReporter that will let you do more filtering? PSKReporter makes a server request every time you change the filter, so it's pretty easy to hit your limit if you're changing the filters a lot. I'd like to be able to get a map that lets you select multiple digital modes. I'm pretty much looking for PSKReporter without markers for FT8/JS8 and similar popular modes so I can see the other active digital modes.

Are there any distributors that sell NMO ends using RG-174?

For some context, I'm planning a scanner install in my truck and I'd rather use a thinner gauge wire since the opening in my hood where I plan to place the antenna is a bit small.

After going through Helene in Western NC, our area was devastated. We had no cell networks up, no access to large equipment and spent days digging ourselves out of the neighborhood with shovels as landslides had cut off roads and even knocked one house completely down..
Immediately after I realized how vulnerable we were with cell as our only form of communication in an area that's already spotty at best in places. I started learning..
Picked up some GMRS radios for the family after purchasing that license and found that we had a repeater nearby. I started studying amateur radio and passed the technician exam 12 days ago. Today I passed the general!
Now I'm learning everything that I can and looking forward to a club meetup in a couple of weeks to meet others.
Started with the notion that I simply needed some form of emergency communication lines opened and found myself immersed in a whole world of possibilities and things to learn!

Yes!!!

Hi everyone !
A friend of mine lent me a Cushcraft R7 antenna, but there are some parts missing; namely the counterpoise brackets..
Does anyone know where I could buy those brackets (ideally from EU vendors) ?
Part number 202296 and 203119
73's !

https://preview.redd.it/tt6r4wq55zxd1.png?width=1424&format=png&auto=webp&s=3ea3ff03397f85b479e6308c8c164a5c0831e719

Hello,

I would like to install an “NVIS antenna configuration” on my pickup (Rival HD front bumper).

I always wanted a Codan 9350 / 9300 (similar to ICOM AH-740 with AH-5NV) but they are sold second-hand for about 1000 eur, in the past it was only a few 100 eur. it is also very large.

I thought to myself that there must be another way. With a remote antenna tuner built into the bumper and then quasi “random wire” or a whip and extension.

My idea to get something cheaper:

e.g. the icom AH-2B antenna (2.5m) or Chameleon V2L (I have) on a unun like the Chameleon Hybrid (Mini).

tuner: Icom AH-730, mAT-50, Yaesu FC-40 on the bumper

What are your experiences with such a setup? (I call myself more of a “layman”, not a full professional or communications engineer ;-) )

I'm a runner and looking for an iOS app to help me learn morse code while getting my miles in. Something that will play a random number of specific characters (using lcwo.net now) with Farnsworth speed, and then speak back what it sent. Similar to the Morse Code Ninja audio files, but driven by the app.

hello,

like redneckerson_1951 describes here ( https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/14tycar/is_there_a_mobile_hf_antenna_that_you_can_use/ )

I have already heard from many OMs and it also makes physical sense to me that NVIS cannot actually work with a few meters of antenna on the car.

ONLY, I ask myself - and now you - what are all the NGOs, but also the military and the HF networks in Austria doing? It seems to work after all, and with only 20-40 watts.

Codan 9300 antenna with NVIS kit, are at most 5-7 meters and no 40m wire at high altitude...

What do they do differently?

I'm incredibly grateful for the incredible range and variety of free websites and programs that are available for me to use, as a ham, without the need to pay for any of them.

If you use a website or program and you want to see it improved or continue to operate, try to find if they accept donations and consider financially supporting them. Many sites or programs have a "donate" button or QR code. Check the Help - About menu as that might tell you where you can donate.

Here are some of the sites and programs I regularly use and I can do so for free:

SOTA

POTA

WWFF

QRZ

eQSL

WSPRnet

wspr.rocks

VK Parks n Peaks

Reverse Beacon Network

PSK Reporter

WA7BNM Contest Calendar

VK Contest Logger

FLDigi

WSJT-X

GridTracker

JS8Call

flrig

EchoLink

DroidStar

Robot36

SSTV Encoder

Morse Mentor

Morse Expert

Morse Mania

NCDXF Beacon Network

Call Sign Trainer

Ditto CW

Morse Ninja

eHam.net

The list is probably incomplete and this doesn't include all the various YouTube content creators, bloggers and forum members that have helped with advice and problem solving. Even here on Reddit, there are thousands of hams that have freely provided advice and have given away their time and knowledge for no reward in return.

I have a truSDX and it would have been impossible to own this without the huge input from a couple of very talented hams, as well as the community that provides ongoing support for it.

I haven't even mentioned the 1000's of amateur radio clubs that provide a physical community at no profit to the managing committees.

Make your own list, then take all these away and imagine how different our hobby would be? Ask yourself, do you think you would be capable of creating even one of these sites or programs? And not just make it then walk away - you have to maintain it, improve it and pay to keep the lights on for many more years. None of this is paying the bills and every second someone spends on these takes them away from friends, family, paid work and being on-air.

Next time you're using something ham-related that is provided for free, consider if you can do something to assist, improve or support it. Don't sit back and throw stones and say "this sucks". Get out there and do something active and constructive to improve it.

Until today I just listened and played on the 2m and 70cm bands with antennas that were inside my office (an insulated, climate controlled shed that serves as office, ham shack, refuge from kids/wife, etc.). I just took possession of a FT-891, so now I need to be able to get a decent antenna outside.

I do not intend to keep antennas up all the time, so being able to connect up and disconnect will be important. I'm guessing I want antenna connections both interior and exterior, or some type of insulated pass-through to limit connections.

Three of the 4 shed walls are unfinished and the siding is wood, so I have a clean slate to do whatever is best. I'm open to suggestions and hoping to see some examples of what people have done.

Thanks!

This is a FYI post as it took me days finding out the proper chirp model for Baofeng UV-10.

As of 2024/10/30, you must use Radioditty GA-510 model in chirp to program UV-10.

Credit: Comment under https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcJ6GSwGr0I

Can I use Windows XP for programming my Motorola GP900?

EDIT: Most of y'all are recommending using voice for net control, after reflection I concur, this would certainly make the net run smoother.

Hi folks,

I'm looking to start an SSTV net. I love SSTV and want to do more, and I'm hoping such a net would encourage people to give it a try. I also like the idea of sending memes via radio.

Has anyone ever run such a net? I'm working on a net protocol that would be something like this:

• at the net start time, net control sends an SSTV image calling for check-ins, this would also have a short URL to a website that shows the net protocol

• operators wishing to join would send an image with just their callsign and optional RST, using a low-res, short timeframe mode to try to keep operators stepping on each other

• once check-ins are finished, net control sends a short timeframe image with the next operator's callsign. That operator then sends their image using longer modes (possibly limited to modes less than 2 minutes to keep things rolling). An alternative would be to use phone modes to call for the next operator

• net control sends a quick RST and 73. This either would include the next operator's callsign, or the first operator sends a short image back with a 73 (probably go with the former to save time)

• there could be 2 or more rounds if people want to send additional images

• net control saves all images and sends them out via email/puts them on a website gallery once the net is finished

Thoughts? No idea if this would work or not but keen to give it a try. At worst, no one will join in which is not much different than most of my SSTV transmissions.

Also keen to hear of anyone has any experience running something like this.

73's

Hey Everyone,

My name is Rebecca KO4KVG, and I’m the Communications Manager at ARDC.

For those not familiar, ARDC is a nonprofit foundation whose mission is to support, promote, and enhance amateur radio and digital communications science and technology. In serving our mission, we award grants and projects that promote and support amateur radio and advance the start of the art in digital communications. We also manage 44Net (or AMPRNet), a block of IPv4 addresses allocated for amateur radio experimentation.

The volunteers that serve on our four Advisory Committees are integral in the advancement of our mission. Their tasks range from reviewing grant applications to working on 44Net-related projects. I’m reaching out to you today, as we are currently recruiting volunteers to serve on these Advisory Committees for 2025:

• Grants Advisory Committee (GAC): https://www.ardc.net/about/committee-volunteer-positions-at-ardc/grants-advisory-committee/  
• Technical Advisory Committee (TAC): https://www.ardc.net/about/committee-volunteer-positions-at-ardc/technical-advisory-committee/  
• Grants Evaluation Team (GET): https://www.ardc.net/about/committee-volunteer-positions-at-ardc/grants-evaluation-team/  
• Conduct Review Committee (CRC): https://www.ardc.net/about/committee-volunteer-positions-at-ardc/conduct-review-committee/  

If you are interested in serving on one of our committees, please send a resume and a brief cover letter to hr@ardc.net by Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Please attach your documents as individual .pdf files and use the following naming convention: firstname-lastname-resume.pdf.

For more information on how to apply, time commitments, qualifications, etc., please check out our related blog post: https://www.ardc.net/ardc-committee-recruitment-2025/. 

Finally, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, and we look forward to receiving your application!

73,

Rebecca KO4KVG 

Frequency Hopping Signal Spectrum i know sends different frequencies for the same information to help reduce interference and jamming. It also reduces the signal to noise ratio for eavesdroppers making it hard to interpret . But how exactly would would it reduce the ability to have the transmitter's location compromised?