Propagation Primer

Propagation Primer: a simple tutorial on HF (HIGH FREQUENCY or SHORTWAVE) Radio Propagation. Want to brush up on the basics? Forgot what the D Layer is? Wonder why AM broadcast radio stations come in from so far away at night? Confused about the numbers used in space weather reports? This is for YOU. Requires FLASH plugin, which you probably already have.

Find it at http://www.ae4rv.com/tn/propflash.htm

SKC - SIMPLE KEYER CHIP

Here is a simple iambic keyer chip that costs only $2.00. Only a handful of components needed to build a complete keyer.

The SKC is designed to provide basic keyer functions for simple qrp rigs. It is particularly useful in Direct Conversion rigs, as it provides a means of generating side tone. Separate outputs for audio mute and transmitter keying provide sequenced audio muting and oscillator shift, allowing these to happen before and after the transmitter is keyed. This eliminates the need for R/C time constants in the auido mute switch(es) in the rig.

When not active, the keyer is in a low power sleep mode. While "asleep" the chip draws just a few microamps. This not only reduces current comsumption when the keyer is not being used, it keeps the internal oscillator from being heard in the receiver section of the rig its installed into. Sleep mode was added to chips shipped after 6/1/06.

more at http://kd1jv.qrpradio.com/skc/SKC.HTM

TRX-Manager Tour

Control your radio with your computer. This is not a free program. There is a trial version that is good for 30 days. There are other similar programs for free. Do a google search for "ham radio control software" to find them.

Remote Radio Station Control

Run your station remotely through the internet, both transmit and receive.

Ghost Radio Echoes from Space on the "Cutting Edge"

Long delayed echos (LDE) is a way to talk to yourself via ham radio. However, it would be a bit embarrasing if you got an answer. Find out more about his at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdxo5CoAsMM.

Anderson Powerpoles

Here's a nice video about Anderson power poles and how to use them. Jerry and probably most people crimp them. I prefer to solder them. Either way will work.

73, Gene - K8EE

Tail Twister on Steroids

This one from Roger Kaul, K3TM. If your interested in an antenna rotator that will never quit on you, consider a prop pitch motor. They were made for the military during WW2, and became available on the surplus market after the war. To give you an idea of how powerful these things are, the smallest which is just slightly bigger than a Tail Twister, has 15 times the torque. Interested? Check out http://www.k7nv.com/proppitch/

73, Gene - K8EE

WIN System

Get a feel for what it is like to have a bunch of repeaters linked together via the Internet using IRLP. You can find the WIN System WEB site at http://www.winsystem.org/index.html Click on "Streaming Audio" on the left side of the page to hear real time audio from the system. Probably the best time to listen is during drive time. WIN System is in California so they're 3 hrs behind us.

The WIN SYSTEM is a series of linked, or Intertied, UHF (440 MHz, or 70 cm) repeaters that cover a great deal of California and with the IRLP, around the world. The WIN SYSTEM is owned and operated by Shorty, K6JSI, with a lot of help from the WI SYSTEM membership and WINSYSTEM Affiliates.

There are a lot of fine groups out there, and we appreciate your interest in the WINSYSTEM.

The WIN SYSTEM is not a Closed or a Private system, but rather a member supported open repeater system. We encourage all hams to stop in and get acquainted. Membership is open to any licensed amateur radio operator who wants to get involved with a growing, vibrant group, on the leading edge of technology.

History of Radio

This is an odd ball but apparently true history about radio. You'll enjoy it.

How a unit of battery voltage got its name

This from http://home.teleport.com/~n3eg/hamhumor.htm

Little credit in the field of battery research is given to the humble assistant of the famed inventor Alessandro Volta. It is a scarcely known fact that while Volta was partaking in a midday drink, an assistant by the name of Thaddeus Purcell would plunder the waste bins, removing all his discharged batteries and hiding them in his pockets. Upon arriving at his home, Mr. Purcell would connect the batteries in series and proceed to create large sparks, which he utilized to light his pipe. In his honor, a unit of battery voltage was named after him, which is the unit comprised of total battery voltage divided by the number of cells he had pilfered that day, or Volts Purcell.

With AMSAT P5-A to MARS

Background information about Amateur Radio Satellites, their technique, construction, launch and operation. From satellites orbiting earth, to the latest plan for a first private satellite mission to MARS.
http://www.ticket-to-mars.org
http://www.amsat-dl.org

Frequency Modulation

Demonstration of Frequency Modulation
Radio Teacher Project
From HamElmer at http://HamElmer.com

Amplitude Modulation

Demonstration of Amplitude Modulation
Radio Teacher Project
From HamElmer at http://HamElmer.com

W2ICE and Early Ham Transmitters

Bruce Kelly, W2ICE (SK), tours me around the AWA Museum in Bloomfield, NY looking at early ham radio equipment. He also demos several spark transmitters and shows off James Millen's, W1HRX, 1KW AM station. For more information on the AWA visit www.antiquewireless.org. (Original video shot in 1994)

ARRL to Offer Award for 6 Meter Operations

This, from the ARRL.

Attention 6 meter operators -- there's a new award to work toward! The ARRL Board of Directors approved a new award honoring the late Fred Fish, W5FF, the only amateur who worked and confirmed all 488 grid squares in the 48 contiguous United States on 6 meters. The Fred Fish Memorial Award will be granted to any amateur who duplicates Fish's accomplishment. Fish was a mainstay on the VHF+ bands for many years, having achieved Worked All States (WAS) on 6 meters through 432 MHz, as well as DXCC for 6 meters. He is widely regarded as a gentleman operator and one of the finest amateurs in the VHF+ community. ARRL Contest Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X, will oversee this award. Kutzko, an avid VHF+ operator himself, said, "We hope the new award will increase 6 meter activity throughout the US and the world. We also hope it will lead to the activation of rare grid squares in the US by encouraging the native ham population of a rare grid square to give 6 meters a try, as well as through so-called 'Grid DXpeditions.' We actively call on the 6 meter community to help educate VHF+ newcomers to the fun that is available on 6 meters." Complete details on the Fred Fish Memorial Award will be available soon.

Andy Hardy02 (1939)

Andy Hardy (Mickey Rooney) uses a local Ham Operator to send an urgent message to Canada.