Northeast Louisiana Simulated Emergency Test (S.E.T.) 2010

Saturday morning, Oct. 4, 2010, Northeast Louisiana ARES will conduct a communications drill in conjunction with the ARRL. This drill is known as SET or Simulated Emergency Test.

 The S.E.T. will actively involve members of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES), the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), the ARRL National Traffic System (NTS) and many other related groups that prepare for and respond to emergencies. Public service and emergency response agencies and organizations in our community, ARRL Section Leaders and/or local and state officials are also be invited to participate.

Our S.E.T. is in conjunction with the ARRL S.E.T. nationwide.  Click here for more information on S.E.T. from ARRL.

The Daily Beck- Watch The Glenn Beck Show- September 24, 2010: Mixing Big Government and Religion

The Daily Beck- Watch The Glenn Beck Show- September 24, 2010: Mixing Big Government and Religion

Traveling Vietnam Memorial wall Special Event Station

The Traveling Vietnam memorial wall will be visiting the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe, Louisiana the first weekend of  November, 2010.

The Twin City Ham Club is marking this occasion with a special event station from the museum grounds on November 6.

Frequencies have not been released yet, but the callsign will probably be WA5WX.

Check back for times, frequencies and conformation of the call sign. I imagine we’ll be working 10, 20 and 40 meters.

If you would like to visit the museum yourself, and would like to get talked in, use the repeater frequency 146.850 (no tone) and someone will help you.  Even if it's not the 6th and a ham isn't on site, that repeater is very active and just about every ham in the area knows how to get to the museum.

Ever think about going Bicycle Mobile? Pictures and Video Below

Operating bicycle mobile is a way for me to enjoy two of my favorite activities:  Amateur Radio and bike riding.

What are some practicle applications for Bicycle Mobile Stations?  I think, following severe weather,  that bicycle mobiles might be useful for identifying neighborhood  storm damage.

An advantage of bicycle mobile is the bike can be a platform for a bigger and better antenna than a rubber-duckie.

This is what I did.  In the pictures below you can see my 5/8 wave antenna with a Larson coil.  This enabled my FT-209R to access the repeater.

If you have any ideas on novel applications for bicycle mobiles, leave it in a comment, or sign my guestbook.

Pictures Below:

This is a little video of my bike set u:

Can Ham Radio Prevent Dementia?

Dementia, simply put, is a decline of mental ability, usually associated with age. Folks with dementia typically have problems functioning and performing activities of daily living.

Well, a Study in Sweden suggests that mentally and socially stimulated people reduce their risk of this diagnosis.

Data from the 1987–1996 Kungsholmen Project, a longitudinal population-based study suggests that "stimulating activity, either mentally or socially oriented, may protect against dementia, indicating that both social interaction and intellectual stimulation may be relevant to preserving mental functioning in the elderly."

Wouldn't you agree that we Amateur Radio operators are mentally and socially stimulated? I know I am. Both on and off the air, we hams have plenty to do, and plenty of fine folks to do it with.

Some examples of the many activities hams can engage in are antenna building, kit building repeaters, ARES nets, hamfests and echolink. There is a plethora of wonderful activities keeping hams mentally stimulated all over the world.

That said, my point that we hams are also socially stimulated should be self evident. Isn't the whole point of ham radio talking to other people?

In a side note: Ham radio ruined one of my previous "activities". Now I'd rather have a great time interacting on a roundtable than a boring time passivly watching some mindless TV show!

The study itself didn't expressly mention
Amateur Radio, I'm claiming this based on the study's conclusion.

I think on some level most hams feel the importance of their role, and would look at this reduced-dementia-risk-benefit as a fringe benefit of a hobby that is rewarding in so many other cherished ways.

Video - Me showing what PSK-31 Looks like - Take a Look!

I made this crappy video... I say crappy, but I think I do a good job showing what PSK-31 looks like.  I think you should see this.  I've made a couple QSO's with it and had a blast doing it.  I think you would to!

Sign my Guestbook, tell me what you think.

Save Analogue Radio campaign

I received theis e-mail from KF5CCN. After seeing what happened with analog TV, don't hesitate to think for a second that analog broadcast radio is safe.

A National Campaign to maintain essential traditional analogue broadcast radio for everyday listening and for use in times of national emergencies.
The pressure is on to replace traditional analogue radio broadcasting with Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radio.

Indeed, the UK Government has provisionally set 2015 as the date when the world wide standard frequency modulation (f.m.) services are to disappear from the Band II 87.5 to 108MHz (v.h.f. f.m. band), to be replaced with DAB radio transmissions.

Eventually, the analogue services on long waves (198kHz) and medium waves (500kHz to 1.6MHz) will also be replaced by digital transmissions.

Obsolete radio receivers:

Several million non-DAB equipped radio receivers could be made obsolete, if the Band II plans are implemented – requiring people of all income groups to purchase new receivers. The 'digital effect' is already apparent as very few manufacturers now produce analogue-only receivers.

Practical considerations and technical difficulties:

Unfortunately, the Government's plans don't take into account the large number of practical considerations and technical difficulties involved with the present forms of digital transmissions – particularly when radio broadcasting is involved because of the 'digital delay' effect (known as Latency). The problems are likely to be difficult to overcome because most listeners use portable receivers, utilising simple antennas (aerials).

So, in response to the Government's proposals I am planning to organise a national campaign urging the Government to retain analogue broadcasting on Band II v.h.f. f.m. and on long and medium waves, while maintaing the DAB radio services on Band III.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need further information on the complex problems that are in store for the radio listener in the UK – if the Government's seemingly ill-considered plans proceed.

Thank you.

Rob Mannion, G3XFD
Dr. R. B. Mannion G3XFD
Editor Practical Wireless magazine

Click here to support the Save Analogue Radio Campaign

Example of Actual Traffic Handling - Audio

This traffic was passed on the 5th Region Traffic Net on 9/18/2010. Carolyn, KC5OZT in TX passes a message to WA5FWD, Bill in OK. Bill's job is to either deliver the message to the recipient himself, or send it on to a station better able to fufill that task. 

This post is in conjuction with my previous post that attempts to explain the National Traffic System (NTS) message format.  By posting this, I'm trying to show how easy traffic handling actually is. 

Hopefully this will encourage more operators to get involved in this facet of the Amateur radio hobby.

(Side note- Isn't Carolyn's accent great?)

Amateur Radio Message Format - NTS Format Explained

Anyone can participate in traffic nets. Just keep in mind the reason for holding traffic nets is to facilitate the transfers of information over the airwaves.

Although there are several modes for traffic nets, the one I’m familiar with are SSB phone, or FM VHF phone. Here is a sample piece of traffic:

I’ll number the lines and explain each entry in the order shown.

After looking this over, LISTEN TO ACTUAL NTS TRAFFIC BEING PASSED BY CLICKING HERE.
.

1. NR 44 R KE5UTN 21 WEST MONROE LA SEP-14
2. KJ2V
3. BT
4. RN5 TUE SEP-14 CYC-2 CKINS-13
TFC-5/5 TIME-10min KE5UTN/NCS
AA5J/AR/CYC-4 KE5UTN/LA/NCS KA5JNL/LA KN5GRK/LA N7INO/LA W5MLO/MS/1-MS K5BBA/MS/1-RN2/1-OR W5OXA/MS KC5OZT/NTX N5OUJ/STX KE5YLY/STX N5ZAS/STX/1-EAST KM5VM/WTX
5. BT
6. DAN KE5UTN/NCS

Line 1. Msg number, precedence (R for Routine in this example), originating station, check count (number of words in msg body), location of originating station, date of message.
Line 2: This is the "To" line; who the msg is for. Usually you’ll see name, callsign, address and phone number.
Line 3. BT=’Break’ seperates header and msg body
Line 4: Message body
Line 5. Break seperates body and signature.
Line 6: "Signature" line; who originated the message (who wrote it)

It should be noted that in line 1, between precedence and originating station you’ll usually see an entry called handling instructions. The entries are usually HXC or HXG which have to do with weather a receipt of message is requested by originating station. There are several different handling instructions you can ask more experienced traffic handlers about. They will be happy to clear them all up.

The ARRL actually has a standard form that helps in writing these messages.  That said, I have found it easier for me to simply remember what each line item is and simply typing the message on the computer.  Usually, the way you'll receive your first traffic is over the air anyway, so it'll come to you in that format.   All you'll have to do, when you know the format, is start typing.

Hopefully this will give you some sense of what traffic handling looks like.

In an up coming post, I’ll actually upload a recording of a message being sent.

As always, leave a comment or sign my guestbook. Let me know what you think of this topic or any other you see here. Thanks and 73’s.

5 Principles of Repeater Operation

This is not the end-all of repeater usage. This is just my understanding of repeater operations.
1. There are always people listening. Any inappropriate words or statements will come back to you.

2. Keeping the repeater tied up for extended periods of time is unfair to fellow hams that might need to use it. After a few minutes of talking, ask if anyone else needs to use the repeater.

3. If you do get into a long discussion with someone who is within simplex range, move to a clear frequency to continue your conversation in simplex mode.

4. Someone owns and maintains repeaters which costs money. Therefore, respect the owners and show your appreciation by avoiding needless repeater “kerchunking”.

5. When checked in on Storm Warn nets, listen to the net instructions. Usually the NCS is only interested in SEVERE weather. Keying up the repeater to simply say something like, “It’s raining at my house”, could prevent a more important report from getting through. I personally know of a few times when this happened.

Remember, using repeaters is a privilege not to be abused. If we all operate them courteously, we’ll all be better able to enjoy our ham hobby using them.

Tips for Dealing with Interference on the Amateur Radio HF Bands

There are all kinds of interference out there. From atmospheric to intentional all will be experienced by amateurs at one time or another.

1. Atmospheric: Sometimes, there is nothing you can do except fight through it. Try adjusting your attenuator and noise blanker settings. If you have a Digital signal processor, try adjusting for least noise or highest quality desired signals.

2 Interference from nearby electrical activity. Your interference may be buzzing, whining, whirring or intermittent regularly spaced shushes. These all indicate something man-made. Power/phone lines, vehicles, nearby blow driers and other nearby devices such as computer/monitors, fans, air conditioners, or other communication equipment could be the culprit.

Try your noise blanker, attenuators and digital processors again to help. If unsuccessful, try turning things off and unplugging them while listening to the interference. If you cut power to something and the noise stops, you found the trouble.

I experienced interference by a nearby CB enthusiast. He had power way outside the legal limit, and he was causing interference through the entire HF spectrum in my shack. I found the frequency the guy was on and let him know what he was doing. I let him know continued interference by his CB operations would result in my notifying the FCC. As predicted, he ceased his high power operation.

3. Intentional interference: This might be some knuckle head purposely leaning on his cw key or making some other noise disrupting the regular flow of traffic. In most cases, the worst thing you could do is let the jammer know you are annoyed.

Jammers seek a reaction which will reinforce those ignorant actions. That said, sometimes it’s effective for everyone to simply stop transmitting for a few minutes. Nets I have been on have done this and the interference ceased.

Another strategy I’ve been a part of is while the guy is keyed up (jamming), someone said, “Let’s go to ___ MHz. A net I was on did this and successfully continued with the net on another frequency.

This article is by no means the end-all of countering interference. Just be aware that we, as ham radio operators, are not helpless when it comes to interference. From modern radios with attenuators and digital filtering capabilities to strategies for dealing with manmade interference, amateur radio operators can work to minimize disruptions.

Identifying Sources of Radio Frequency Interference Around the Home

I found this interesting article and want to share it. The writer takes a spectrum analyzer and checks out sources of RFI in his home. His results might surprise you. I posted the first few paragraphs then link to the remainder of the article. The writer has illustrated the spectrum of each interfering item.
_________________________
Identifying Sources of Radio Frequency Interference Around the Home

Most people associate radio frequency interference (RFI) with electricity that is arcing through the air, as when a power connector is corroded or has become loose. But in recent years, many consumer devices have become widely available that contain circuits that are intrinsically noisy.

These devices contain Class D amplifiers and power supplies that use silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs). Digital circuits in computers and computer networking equipment are also intrinsically noisy, because of the rapid acceleration and deceleration of electrons at high processing speeds.

This page describes the results of some tests with a portable spectrum analyzer in my attempts to identify the sources of RFI around the house. Radio interference was found in a number of unexpected places. Each type of interference has a characteristic signature that can aid in finding the source. In some cases, the RFI can be easily eliminated. In others, the only sure way to eliminate the interference is with the repeated application of small-arms fire. (in other words, by shooting them).

Click here to go to the complete article.

5 Tips for Reducing Club In-fighting - Clubs and Egos don't Mix

I have recently become aware of 3 Amateur Radio Clubs (ARC) that have experienced in-fighting. Let me ask those of you who can’t get out of the way of your egos, what is the point of being a ham if rather than bringing your community together, your involvement fractures your ham radio community? Bickering over duties, ideas, plans, and other activities is pointless, and can be hermful. 

So, here are 5 tips that'll help avoid or cut down on bickering.

1. Go back to what you agree on. This will often reset the discussion enabling some headway to occur.
2. Speak to others the way you want to be spoken to. This is a take on “the Golden Rule”. If you expect a measure of respect, then make sure you’re giving it.

3. Realize that new ideas are not assaults on old traditions. Club members shouldn’t view changes as a personal attack.

4. Clubs should encourage concerns be brought out into the open and discussed rationally.

5. Hams with concerns/complaints should be listened to objectively. Clubs shouldn’t decide if a concern is important or not based on who has the concern. Every member is important, and no one member makes your amateur radio group a club.

Hopefully those of you in an ARC will consider these ideas and avoid serious difficulties in your organization. Remember, ham radio is supposed to be a fun hobby, not an exercise in politics. Keep your egos out of the equation and you’ll find problems much easier to overcome.

ARRL Introduces First Challenge Coin

09/07/2010 From ARRl.org

This month, the ARRL and the Amateur Radio community celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service®, or ARES®. To help commemorate this milestone, the ARRL has introduced an anniversary Challenge Coin. The die-struck, 1.5 inch brass coin depicts the ARES 75th anniversary logo in gold with red, white and blue color fill, while the reverse shows the ARRL diamond logo against a hemisphere of the world.

Around the perimeter of the ARES® logo are the words Ready, Resilient and Responsive. “These words represent the critical need that ARES® activities have provided, and will continue to provide into the future,” said ARRL Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager Mike Corey, W5MPC. “The Challenge Coin honors the service of ARES® volunteers and all Amateur Radio operators who respond to the call of public service. We hope ARES® volunteers will enjoy the honor of having the first Challenge Coin issued by the ARRL.”

While there are many stories about the origin and history of challenge coins, these medals have been popular with organizations and leagues for decades. “Challenge Coins are probably most common among the military and civil service organizations,” explained ARRL Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R. “These mementos are often used to commemorate a special occasion or to show loyalty among individuals that share pride and affinity for a particular service or agency. The coins are even popular among police, fire and EMS officials.”

The new ARRL Challenge Coin is struck with the year-of-issue, which in this case is 2010. Five diamond shapes on the coin’s head signify the five ARRL pillars: Public Service, Advocacy, Education, Technology and Membership. “We hope this is the first of a series of Challenge Coins for the ARRL,” said Inderbitzen. The ARES® 75th Anniversary Challenge Coin -- as well as commemorative T shirts and mugs -- are available directly from ARRL.

Should Operators be more Professional on ARES and Traffic Nets?

Following instructions of traffic net controls is very important both during a crisis and during training. It seems to me that all NTS traffic nets are training nets. If you think about it, who is better trained to handle traffic during a crisis? I’ll tell you, the people who have been practicing regularly.

That said, there are weekly ARES nets where formal traffic is never passed except in the event of an emergency. So, this is a time when it is even more important for the checked in operators to follow the instructions of the net control operator.

Some people might dismiss net control instructions as being needless formalities, but many of the instructions are given for a reason.
Here are some common Net Control instructions and their purposes:

1. Please follow the instructions of the net control station- This rule clears up who is coordinating the net communications

2. When checking in, Please give your call sign phonetically- This ensures efficient copying of the call signs and cuts down on the need for fills.

3. Stations relaying, Please say “relay” and give your call sign only - This cuts down on confusion. If several stations suddenly keyed up saying “I have a relay, did you get …” a lot of time is wasted sorting through the confusion. It may not seem like much time is wasted, but shouldn’t we strive to be better operators?

An incident occurred this evening when I corrected an operator for not following a net instruction. I tried being cool about it, but I think that in trying so hard I did just the opposite.

That wasn’t the only incident this evening though. I asked for calls phonetically so I’d have time to write them. What happened though? A I got a few calls phonetically, then a long string of them, one right after the other really fast, non-phonetically

This is why I’m writing this now. Maybe I’m too much of a hardass, but I don’t think it’s wrong to expect the net instructions to be followed. Somebody tell me, am I expecting too much professionalism from amateurs?

4 Topic Ideas for Rag-Chew & Round-Table Nets

Ham operators don’t ever seem to run out of things to talk about when checked into rag –chew and round-table nets. That said, there may be times when the cat gets the better of your tongue because you suddenly don’t know what to say. Here are some conversation Ideas if this ever happens to you.

The first thing that comes to mind is cars. You can bring up your favorite car of all time, or maybe even your first car. This never fails to draw people in.

Something else I find pretty easy for hams to talk about is a first camera. Mine was a Kodak 110 that came in a kit. This was back in the mid ‘70s.

A third conversation idea is guns. Talk about an old shotgun that you or your dad once owned. This topic is also popular with many hams.

One last topic idea for you is something all hams love. That would be food! Think about it, what ham that you know, doesn’t like food? Talk about your favorite, or a recipe you like to use. Believe it or not, many hams not only like to eat, they like to talk about food too.

There you go, some topic ideas for those occasions when you can’t think of any thing to say.

Good luck on the bands, and maybe I’ll catch you down the log.

3 Reasons for using Standard ITU Phonetics

When I was a signal soldier in the Army, we only used standard ITU phonetics. Standardized phonetics served some important purposes.

1. They reduced reception errors
2. They increased reception and overall traffic speed
3. They reminded us that formal traffic handling was serious business

I’m not saying hams should never use ‘more interesting’ phonetics with their call signs. I’m not saying that at all. Many times I can be heard signing with “King Edward’s 5 Ugly Toe Nails” for KE5UTN.

You won’t, however, hear me identify with this on any ARES net, or Traffic net. Those nets are not the place for anything other than standard ITU phonetics.

I understand it is easier to sometimes say calls by switching phonetic sounds, but those substitutions (if made enough) will become a bad habit, and here is why:

There have been times when my reception of traffic ‘hiccupped’ because someone threw a phonetic at me that my mind wasn’t ready to process. I thought, was that a letter or a word? Then I had to get a fill on the message stalling out the entire net.

You see, slow operators like me can be thrown off by non-standard phonetics. It’s similar to rearranging all the letters on a typists’ keyboard and expecting no change in typing speed.

I say have fun with your nonstandard phonetics, but please save them for rag-chews and round-tables.

Here are the Standard ITU phonetics. Please use them in traffic and ARES nets.
A-ALPHA
B-BRAVO
C-CHARLIE
D-DELTA
E-ECHO
F-FOXTROT
G-GOLF
H-HOTEL
I-INDIA
J-JULIET
K-KILO
L-LIMA
M-MIKE
N-NOVEMBER
O-OSCAR
P-PAPA
Q-QUÉBEC
R-ROMEO
S-SIERRA
T-TANGO
U-UNIFORM
V-VICTOR
W-WHISKY
X-X-RAY
Y-YANKEE
Z-ZULU