http://www.portneufares.org/vanilla/discussions/feed.rss Sun, 20 May 12 20:36:22 -0600 All Discussions - Portneuf ARES Forum en-CA http://www.portneufares.org/vanilla/discussion/164/aprils-meeting. Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:11:42 -0600 KE7RIP 164@/vanilla/discussions KE7RIP]]> http://www.portneufares.org/vanilla/discussion/165/simplex-repeater Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:23:30 -0600 N7TZK 165@/vanilla/discussions
Just thought I'd check to see if anyone has acquired a simplex repeater yet and if so, which one. If no one has, I think I'll get the ADS-SR1. I think having a simplex repeater might on occasion be a useful tool for our group. Since they sell cables pre-made for my new KG-UV2D, I'll probably start with that configuration.

Dave]]> http://www.portneufares.org/vanilla/discussion/162/fcc-are-asking-about-how-ccrs-restrictive-covenants-may-impede-hams-from-providing-emergency-com Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:36:11 -0600 KE7RIP 162@/vanilla/discussions http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?341032-IMPORTANT-FCC-Issues-Request-for-Comments-on-EMERGENCY-COMMUNICATIONS-BY-AMATEUR-RADI&p=2513351#post2513351

IMPORTANT FCC Issues Request for Comments on EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS BY AMATEUR RADI
FCC has issued a request for comments on EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS BY AMATEURRADIO AND IMPEDIMENTS TO AMATEUR RADIO COMMUNICATIONS.

Specifically, they are asking about how CC&R's (restrictive covenants) may impede hams from providing emergency communications services.

This is our best chance to have FCC set rules that will protect hams' rights against unreasonable restrictions imposed by HOA's.

The Request for Comments (in pdf format) can be found at this link
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_publi...A-12-523A1.pdf

You can submit your comments FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System at
http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs//
Click on Submit a Filing, then enter "12-91" in the "Proceeding Number" field and click Continue for further instruction.
You can also send your comments by mail to the address provided in the Request for Comments release.

You can see comments that were already submitted at
http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs//
Click Search for Filings, enter "12-91" in the "Proceeding Number" field and click Search for Comments

Please, do you part to help hams who live under restricted covenants.

73

S. Bucki
KD8KQH]]> http://www.portneufares.org/vanilla/discussion/130/ft-8x7-users Sun, 18 Sep 2011 13:00:41 -0600 N7TZK 130@/vanilla/discussions http://www.g4hfq.co.uk/download.html). You can try it out for free (with some reduced functionality)... cost is just $15.

It has a spreadsheet type layout for entering in info for each channel such as frequency, mode, split (if any), tone, etc. If you decide later that you want to put something in between ch 14 and 15, you can do so, and channel 15 becomes channel 16, and the following channels similarly "ripple" to the following channel spot. Same for deletions. At least for the FT-857 and FT-897 radios, one of the optional configurations is to break memories up into "groups" of 20 channels each. This software knows how to accomodate that mode, and will intelligently allow you to insert and delete channel info in a particular group without it rippling through to other groups. It also allows you to configure the channel step spacing based upon frequency range and mode.

You can also import and export CSV files (such as from Excel). That is handy if you want to create nicer formatted print outs than the programs' rudimentary report ability. There is one issue you should keep in mind, though it hasn't been a problem for me. Aside from the channel step spacing, the ONLY data you can edit is that associated with memory channels. But... because the software is making use of the radio's "clone" feature to do this, ALL the radio's configuration data is read in and written back to the radio. The non-channel type configuration data is unique to each model radio and the author doesn't have time to make the unique code... so it isn't editable. The consequence is that if, for instance, you make changes to those types of configurations on your radio, and later re-upload the configuration file you have stored on your computer, those non-channel specific changes will get overwritten.

You can get around that by simply reading your radios current configuration, modify the channel info with the software, then write that back tot he radio, thus keeping the other stuff. In my exerience, I don't change the other stuff much anyway... or in some cases I change it enough (like what the meter display represents), that I don't count on it being configured a particular way anyway.

If you want to try out this software and would find it useful, I can give you a copy of my configuration file to use as a starting point. I have the channels divided up in groups... HF Voice, HF Data (two groups), 2m, 70cm, ERC, PVARES, "Favorites", and Misc.

Dave]]> http://www.portneufares.org/vanilla/discussion/163/free-digital-book.-a-digital-communications-guide-for-amateur-radio-operators. Sun, 08 Apr 2012 22:36:02 -0600 KE7RIP 163@/vanilla/discussions http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=106&encProdID=8B1A771611E9963B6AB769C0EC0F6B68&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0

The Dawn of Digital Communications in the Amateur Radio World

Please download and enjoy the PDF copy of the Yaesu discussion of modern Digital Communications - "A Digital Communications Guide for Amateur Radio Operators".

2012 will be a historic year that sees Yaesu lead Amateur Radio into the modern era of Digital Communications.
"

It's free so i thought i would share.
J.]]> http://www.portneufares.org/vanilla/discussion/161/health-dept-fun-run. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 23:57:11 -0600 KE7RIP 161@/vanilla/discussions http://www.portneufares.org/vanilla/discussion/159/60-meter-changes Sun, 11 Mar 2012 16:28:16 -0600 N7TZK 159@/vanilla/discussions
http://www.arrl.org/news/new-60-meter-privileges-now-in-effect

I was also told there was a software update for the Yaesu FT-8x7 family of radios many of us have. I haven't been able to find that... perhaps it hasn't been released yet. If any of you know of a source for that, let us know!

In the process of looking for info on the Yaesu upgrade, I ran across a recent YouTube interview with the Yaesu VP-North America. It is 23 minutes long and covers a number of interesting things... including their plans to soon announce their entry in a big way into digital communications. The only specific thing they are willing to say... is that Yaesu will NOT be doing D-Star. So, I guess that remains exclusively in the ICOM camp for now. In any event, if you are interested in the VP interview: http://www.southgatearc.org/news/march2012/yaesu_digital_radio_interview.htm

Dave]]> http://www.portneufares.org/vanilla/discussion/158/neighbor-issues-and-helpfull-ideas Sat, 03 Mar 2012 02:47:11 -0700 KE7RIP 158@/vanilla/discussions
My neighbor has a thin audio cable hooked up to his flat screen tv and runs it around his room above his door. its about 7 feet off the ground. Multiple extention pieces. 2 possibly.
Issue 1: When i transmit my CQ CQ CQ goes over his tiny PC speakers that the thin cable terminates into.
Issue 2: He and I both have touch lamps. When i use my AT-897 tuner it causes the lamp to flicker on and off while it is tuning.

I've suggested ferite beads on his cables. Grounding his equipment and even gave him a copy of FCC Regs part 97 and offered to help him resove his issues. As well as not using my tuner after 10ish as it causes light flickering and i can tune to 10 meter in the day and leave it there over night for testing. He also has a CB setup next to his PC speakers that he claims not to use. I think he uses it a fair amount at least for listening. He claims that the person he hears is calling CQ DX. I've never called DX. CQ yes. Coincidentally his issues started when i got my antenna setup outside.

Issue 3: It seems that i'm not able to transmit on 10 meters. Nor hear locally. Yet i've picked up stations from SC and MN on 28.4. I've turned on the 147.36's 10 meter link and listened on 28.4 and 29.6 output and have heard nothing. Nor can i be heard. When i first setup my radio and antenna i did hear down in the mud and almost like a cheese grater was being run across my mic, myself on 29.6. I used my HT while sitting infront my the FT-897D. If i typed the 29.6 wrong, reguardless it's the same one that K0IP has listed as output on the Parcs repeater section. Brett and Roland have used 10 meter locally so i've narrowed it down to 2 things.
1, antenna location. It was on a BBQ between 2 manufactured homes. It will be moved higher later on today.
2, something else in my shacks simple setup is wrong.

Anyone is welcome to stop by and inspect and offer suggestions.
208.968.1749 And here is this weeks work schedule.

Day Date Work Sched.
Sat 3 OFF [2:30-10pm apt]
Sun 4 OFF [12:30-4:30 church and apts] Then setup the FT-897D for digital net after ARES net.
Mon 5 4:00PM- 9:30PM
Tues 6 4:00PM- 9:30PM
Wed 7 8:00AM- 1:30PM [Lodge 7:30-9:30]
Thurs 8 OFF [PARC MEETING]
Fri 9 4:00PM- 9:30PM
Sat 10 3:00PM- 8:30PM


Shack Equipment in use.
FT-897D Grounded to metal stand.
AT-897 tuner bolted on FT-897D
Chameleon V1 Antenna Multiband 2-80 meters WITH 9:1 unun, Was mounted to the BBQ w/ground line.
Coax line that is about 1/2 inch. Got it from AD7UI last field day.
CT-62 and a Staples USB to DB9 adapter was added tonight to program all my frequencies. Yes Dave i fixed the DIGI tag, thanks.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
J
KE7RIP 73.]]> http://www.portneufares.org/vanilla/discussion/157/comm-plan-checking Mon, 27 Feb 2012 03:34:44 -0700 KE7RIP 157@/vanilla/discussions
1> Since the other repeaters we have setup on paper have tones why not these?
2> Did i get the 80 meter group correct on my list? #57, #58 on the included photo. I recall that something was switched. Name or mode. I forget.
Thanks.

My HF antenna should be here this week. So i'll be able to practice those digital modes with in limits.]]> http://www.portneufares.org/vanilla/discussion/151/groups-logo. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:20:13 -0700 KE7RIP 151@/vanilla/discussions http://www.portneufares.org/vanilla/discussion/149/remember-the-mini-field-days-and-radio-testing-noise Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:39:44 -0700 KE7RIP 149@/vanilla/discussions http://youtu.be/2QGR5miWcLs Perhaps we were not properly grounding the radios?

I remember Roland saying his noise level was about a 1 while up at the health department i think Mike and i had close to near quiet.
Now the video has me looking around to see what i can ground to. If hes using a screen door, i'm thinking my metal shelves. $9 walmart special a few years ago. Wire line from the back of the radio to a screw on the frame of the shelf. The radio would be on my wooden desk. Not the metal shelf.

But would a proper grounding be running a wire outside into the ground? What about the ground on the wall outlet? Yes i just asked if sticking a wire into a socket was a good thing >:) Asking because i have just started researching it and don't want to smoke up my homes air.

Thoughts on proper grounding?]]> http://www.portneufares.org/vanilla/discussion/155/sunday-mornng-diginet. Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:25:16 -0700 KE7RIP 155@/vanilla/discussions
Reminder from: paNBEMS Yahoo! Group

Title: Sunday 10am ET paNBEMS Directed Net

Date: Sunday February 5, 2012
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Repeats: This event repeats every week.
Location: 3.5835 USB / 1000 Hz center on the watefall
Notes: Net ops on Olivia 8/500, bulletin transmission MT63 1k long (64 bit interleave), testing of FLMSG/WRAP.

Net usually transitions to 40m 7.073 USB, using same modes, at around 11am ET.

All are welcome, with our without traffic.]]> http://www.portneufares.org/vanilla/discussion/154/panbems-fldigi-and-york-county Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:48:30 -0700 KE7RIP 154@/vanilla/discussions Inbox
x


Jkdellol.com via yahoogroups.com
9:20 AM (5 hours ago)

to paNBEMS

Images are not displayed. Display images below - Always display images from Jkdelli@aol.com

In a message dated 2/1/2012 10:29:21 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, hbloomb@gmail.com writes:
On Wed, Feb 1, 2012 at 10:14 AM, DL3 wrote:

FLDIGI AND THE FULTON COUNTY (PA) EOC CERTIFICATION EXERCISE



We did a very similar operations in York County several months ago. Our new County EMA Director had a PEMA Certification Drill and York ARES RACES SKYWARN (YARS) operated digital communications using FLDIGI/FLMSG. We sent and received more that 15 messages (ICS-213) during the drill.

YARS also operates during the annual TMI or Peach Bottom Nuclear Power Plant drills. We have demonstrated NBEMS the last two years. This year we have committed to digital as our primary communications method, with voice as back-up.

The South Central Task Force (SCTF) Amateur Radio Work Group (ARWG) held another training session for new NBEMS operators on Monday night. I think the count was about 12 Hams participating. The SCTF/ARWG region, which includes Franklin, Adams, York, Lancaster, Lebanon, Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry Counties, is getting very active with the use of FLDIGI etc.

Jack KC3JD
York County AEC/ARO-ACS
Past Chair SCTF/ARWG
York Twp EMA staff/RACES ]]> http://www.portneufares.org/vanilla/discussion/153/new-name-for-sdhd Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:53:49 -0700 N7TZK 153@/vanilla/discussions
Dave]]> http://www.portneufares.org/vanilla/discussion/150/radio-interferance Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:44:49 -0700 KE7RIP 150@/vanilla/discussions https://pss.swpc.noaa.gov/SubscriptionCategoriesWebForm.aspx

You'll probably have to create your own account then click on the items on the left to pull up menu items like the below to subscribe to. I thought the search and rescue part would be note worthy.
This is to sign up for email weather alerts that might interfere with planetary signal or radio use.
J



Subscriptions: 19 Notifications: on
Solar Radio Emissions Description
SUMMARY: 245 MHz Radio Emission Daily summary of radio interference which can affect critical search and rescue frequencies.
ALERT: Type II Radio Emission Occur in loose association with major solar flares and are indicative of a shock wave moving through the solar atmosphere.
ALERT: Type IV Radio Emission Associated with some major solar flare events beginning 10 to 20 minutes after the flare maximum, and can last for hours.
SUMMARY: 10 cm Radio Burst Proxy of solar EUV emission, important for satellite drag.]]> http://www.portneufares.org/vanilla/discussion/147/upcoming-meetings. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:14:07 -0700 KE7RIP 147@/vanilla/discussions
Regular Business meeting for Portneuf Valley Amateur Radio Emergency Services.

3rd Thursday of the month. 7 PM.
All persons interested in Radio Emergency Services Welcome!

Location:
Presbyterian Church
202 South 7th Avenue
Pocatello, Idaho]]> http://www.portneufares.org/vanilla/discussion/145/pvares-open-house-in-the-spring Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:03:21 -0700 KE7RIP 145@/vanilla/discussions Newspaper event listing.
Local events listing on the news calendars and
Online news web sites also offer community calendars.]]> http://www.portneufares.org/vanilla/discussion/143/atlantic-crossing-by-amateur-radio-high-altitude-balloon Thu, 15 Dec 2011 03:13:38 -0700 KE7RIP 143@/vanilla/discussions | Atlantic Crossing By Amateur Radio High Altitude Balloon
| from the ever-lengthening-journeys dept.
| posted by Unknown Lamer on Wednesday December 14, @12:22 (Communications)
| with 44 comments
| https://tech.slashdot.org/story/11/12/14/1655245/atlantic-crossing-by-amateur-radio-high-altitude-balloon?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First time submitter StatureOfLiberty writes "The [0]California Near
Space Project launched a high altitude weather balloon from San Jose,
California 4:00 PM local time Sunday afternoon (Dec 11). Over the past 3
days it [1]managed to cross the United States and then the Atlantic
Ocean. The balloon passed the coastline of Spain about 12:40 AM (US
Eastern Standard Time) Wednesday morning (Dec 14). It has since popped
and landed in the Mediterranean Sea. This is a huge accomplishment. The
[2]previous distance record was about 3,300 miles. This one traveled
about 6,200 miles. Enthusiasts tracked the balloon via the web throughout
most of the trip thanks to a ham radio technology called [3]APRS which
received data transmitted by the balloon and [4]logged it to databases on
the internet. Thanks to APRS stations around the world (some of whom
changed their normal listening frequencies to help with the tracking
process) data was available for most of the flight." [full story available, use below links]

Discuss this story at:
https://tech.slashdot.org/story/11/12/14/1655245/atlantic-crossing-by-amateur-radio-high-altitude-balloon?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email#commentlisting

Links:
0. http://californianearspaceproject.com/
1. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/12/14/transatlantic_balloon/
2. http://www.arhab.org/
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_Packet_Reporting_System
4. http://aprs.fi/?call=K6RPT-11]]> http://www.portneufares.org/vanilla/discussion/140/upgrading-to-general.-6th-vs-7th-ed.-book Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:39:08 -0700 KE7RIP 140@/vanilla/discussions http://www.portneufares.org/vanilla/discussion/142/fri.-weather.-severe-alert. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 02:49:17 -0700 KE7RIP 142@/vanilla/discussions http://mw.weather.com/wxalrt/83201?family=webkit . I'll make it clickable when I'm at my desk and not my tablet.
Happy turkey day.
]]>